Form 6-K
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

Form 6-K

 

 

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16

UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE MONTH OF April 2019

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 333-04906

 

 

SK Telecom Co., Ltd.

(Translation of registrant’s name into English)

 

 

Euljiro65(Euljiro2-ga), Jung-gu

Seoul 100-999, Korea

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

 

(Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.)

Form 20-F  ☒                  Form 40-F  ☐

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):  ☐

Note: Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1) only permits the submission in paper of a Form 6-K if submitted solely to provide an attached annual report to security holders.

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):  ☐

Note: Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7) only permits the submission in paper of a Form 6-K if submission to furnish a report or other document that the registration foreign private issuer must furnish and make public under the laws of the jurisdiction in which the registrant is incorporated, domiciled or legally organized (the registrant’s “home country”), or under the rules of the home country exchange on which the registrant’s securities are traded, as long as the report or other document is not a press release, is not required to be and has not been distributed to the registrant’s security holders, and if discussing a material event, has already been the subject of a Form 6-K submission or other Commission filing on EDGAR.

Indicate by check mark whether by furnishing the information contained in this Form, the registrant is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.    Yes  ☐    No  ☒

If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the Registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82-                

 

 

 


Table of Contents

ANNUAL BUSINESS REPORT

(From January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018)

THIS IS A SUMMARY OF THE ANNUAL BUSINESS REPORT ORIGINALLY PREPARED IN KOREAN WHICH IS IN SUCH FORM AS REQUIRED BY THE KOREAN FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMISSION.

IN THE TRANSLATION PROCESS, SOME PARTS OF THE REPORT WERE REFORMATTED, REARRANGED OR SUMMARIZED FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF READERS.

ALL REFERENCES TO THE “COMPANY” SHALL MEAN SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND, UNLESS THE CONTEXT OTHERWISE REQUIRES, ITS CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES. REFERENCES TO “SK TELECOM” SHALL MEAN SK TELECOM CO., LTD., BUT SHALL NOT INCLUDE ITS CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES.

UNLESS EXPRESSLY STATED OTHERWISE, ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS PRESENTED ON A CONSOLIDATED BASIS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARDS ADOPTED FOR USE IN KOREA (“K-IFRS”) WHICH DIFFER IN CERTAIN RESPECTS FROM GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES IN CERTAIN OTHER COUNTRIES, INCLUDING THE UNITED STATES. WE HAVE MADE NO ATTEMPT TO IDENTIFY OR QUANTIFY THE IMPACT OF THESE DIFFERENCES.


Table of Contents
I.

COMPANY OVERVIEW

1. Company Overview

The Company’s annual business report for the year ended December 31, 2018 includes the following consolidated subsidiaries:

 

Name

   Date of
Establishment
  

Principal Business

   Total Assets as
of Dec. 31, 2018
(millions of Won)
     Material
Subsidiary*

SK Telink Co., Ltd.

   Apr. 9, 1998    Telecommunication services and satellite broadcasting services      493,849      Material

SK M&Service Co., Ltd.

   Feb. 10, 2000    Online information services      96,524      Material

SK Communications Co., Ltd.

   Sept. 19, 1996    Internet portal and other Internet information services      79,646      Material

SK Broadband Co., Ltd.

   Sept. 5, 1997    Fixed-line telecommunication services, multimedia and IPTV services      4,353,132      Material

Home & Service Co., Ltd.

   June 5, 2017    Information and telecommunication network maintenance      89,275      Material

SK Stoa Co., Ltd.

   Dec. 1, 2017    Data broadcasting and commercial retail platform services      41,305     

K-net Culture and Contents Venture Fund

   Nov. 24, 2008    Investment partnership      147,691      Material

PS&Marketing Co., Ltd.

   Apr. 3, 2009    Sale of telecommunication devices      432,699      Material

Service Ace Co., Ltd.

   Jul. 1, 2010    Customer center management services      76,770      Material

Service Top Co., Ltd.

   Jul. 1, 2010    Customer center management services      74,360     

Network O&S Co., Ltd.

   Jul. 1, 2010    Network maintenance services      81,773      Material

SK Planet Co., Ltd.

   Oct. 1, 2011    Telecommunication and platform services      753,630      Material

Iriver Ltd.

   Jul. 12, 2000    Audio device manufacturing      200,063      Material

Iriver Enterprise Ltd.

   Jan. 14, 2014    Management of Chinese subsidiary      37,835     

Iriver Inc.

   Feb. 15, 2007    North America marketing and sales      2,191     

Iriver China Co., Ltd.

   Jun. 24, 2004    Electronic device manufacturing      2,907     

DongGuan Iriver Electronics Co., Ltd.

   Jul. 6, 2006    Electronic device manufacturing      117     

groovers Japan Co., Ltd.

   Feb. 25, 2015    Contents and information distribution      1,086     

Life Design Company Japan Inc.

   June 25, 2008    Japanese merchandise business      7,670     

groovers Inc.

   Feb. 25, 2000    Contents distribution      —       

SK Telecom China Holdings Co., Ltd.

   Jul. 12, 2007    Investment (holding company)      47,879     

SK Global Healthcare Business Group, Ltd.

   Sept. 14, 2012    Investment (SPC)      25,610     

SK Planet Japan, K. K.

   Mar. 14, 2012    Digital contents sourcing services      21,072     

SKP GLOBAL HOLDINGS PTE, LTD.

   Aug. 10, 2012    Investment (holding company)          329     

 

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Table of Contents

Name

   Date of
Establishment
  

Principal Business

   Total Assets as
of Dec. 31, 2018
(millions of Won)
     Material
Subsidiary*

SKT Americas, Inc.

   Dec. 29, 1995    Information collection and management consulting services      31,392     

SKP America LLC

   Jan. 27, 2012    Digital contents sourcing services      343     

YTK Investment Ltd.

   Jul. 1, 2010    Investment      3,307     

Atlas Investment

   Jun. 24, 2011    Investment      87,447      Material

SK Telecom Innovation Fund, L.P.

   Jan. 15, 2016    Investment      47,879     

SK Telecom China Fund I L.P.

   Sept. 14, 2011    Investment      19,896     

Onestore Co., Ltd.

   Mar. 1, 2016    Contents distribution      116,716      Material

Shopkick Management Company, Inc.

   Oct. 9, 2014    Investment      332     

Shopkick, Inc.

   Jun. 1, 2009    Mileage based e-commerce application development      33     

SK Telecom Japan Inc.

   Mar. 1, 2018    Information collection and management consulting services      —       

id Quantique Ltd.

   Oct. 29, 2001    QRNG technology development      —       

Eleven Street Co., Ltd.

   Sept. 1, 2018    E-commerce and Internet-related services      —       

SK TELINK VIETNAM Co., Ltd.

   Aug. 30, 2018    Sale of telecommunication devices      —       

Quantum Innovation Fund I

   Dec. 3, 2018    Investment      —       

Life & Security Holdings Co., Ltd.

   Mar. 21, 2014    Holding company      —       

ADT CAPS Co., Ltd.

   Jan. 22, 1971    Unmanned security      —       

CAPSTEC Co., Ltd.

   Jan. 1, 2005    Manned security      —       

ADT SECURITY Co., Ltd.

   Nov. 28, 2001    Sales and trade of anti-theft devices and surveillance devices      —       

SK Infosec Co., Ltd.

   Jun. 26, 2000    Information security service      —       

Id Quantique LLC

   Jul. 27, 2018    Quantum information and communications service      —       

 

*

Material Subsidiary means a subsidiary with total assets of Won 75 billion or more as of the end of the latest fiscal year.

Total assets as of December 31, 2018 are not provided for subsidiaries established or newly consolidated during the reporting period.

S.M. Life Design Company Japan Inc. changed its name to Life Design Company Japan Inc.

On March 28, 2019, Iriver Ltd. changed its name to Dreamus Company at its general meeting of shareholders.

 

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Table of Contents

Changes in subsidiaries during the year ended December 31, 2018 are set forth below.

 

Change

  

Name

    

Remarks

Additions    SK Telecom Japan Inc.      Newly established by the Company
   groovers Inc.      Iriver Ltd. acquired control by acquiring additional equity interest
   id Quantique Ltd.      Newly acquired by the Company
   Eleven Street Co., Ltd.      Spun-off from SK Planet Co., Ltd.
   SK TELINK VIETNAM Co., Ltd.      Newly established by SK Telink Co., Ltd.
   Quantum Innovation Fund I      Newly acquired by the Company
   Life & Security Holdings Co., Ltd.      Newly acquired by the Company
   ADT CAPS Co., Ltd.      Subsidiary of Life & Security Holdings Co., Ltd.
   CAPSTEC Co., Ltd.      Subsidiary of Life & Security Holdings Co., Ltd.
   ADT SECURITY Co., Ltd.      Subsidiary of Life & Security Holdings Co., Ltd.
   SK Infosec Co., Ltd.      Newly acquired by the Company
   Id Quantique LLC      Newly established by id Quantique SA
Exclusions    11street (Thailand) Co., Ltd.      Disposed of equity investment through sale to Thailand’s PM Group (not a related party)
   Hello Nature Co., Ltd.      Lost control due to a capital increase through a third-party allotment
   SK TechX Co., Ltd.      Merged into SK Planet Co., Ltd.
   SK Planet Global PTE. Ltd.      Liquidated
   S.M. Mobile Communications JAPAN Inc.      Merged into groovers Japan Co., Ltd.
   NSOK Co., Ltd.      Merged into ADT CAPS Co., Ltd.
   SKT Vietnam PTE. Ltd.      Liquidated

 

A.

Corporate Legal Business Name: SK Telecom Co., Ltd.

 

B.

Date of Incorporation: March 29, 1984

 

C.

Location of Headquarters

 

(1)

Address: 65 Euljiro, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea

 

(2)

Phone: +82-2-6100-2114

 

(3)

Website: http://www.sktelecom.com

 

D.

Major Businesses

 

(1)

Wireless business

The Company provides wireless telecommunications services, characterized by its competitive strengths in handheld devices, affordable pricing, network coverage and an extensive contents library. The Company continues to maintain its reputation as the unparalleled premium network operator in the 2G, 3G and LTE markets on the basis of its technological leadership and network management technology. In addition, the Company is leading the process of global technology standardization with the aim of being the world’s first to commercialize 5G technology.

 

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Table of Contents

In order to strengthen its sales channels, the Company has been offering a variety of fixed-line and wireless telecommunication convergence products through its subsidiary, PS&Marketing Co., Ltd. (“PS&Marketing”). PS&Marketing provides differentiated service to customers through the establishment of new sales channels and product development. Through its subsidiaries Service Ace Co., Ltd. and Service Top Co., Ltd., the Company operates customer service centers in Seoul and provides telemarketing services. Additionally, Network O&S Co., Ltd., the Company’s subsidiary responsible for the operation of the Company’s 2G to 4G networks, as well as its 5G network, provides customers with quality network services and provides the Company with technological know-how in network operations.

The Company plans to increase its profitability by strengthening its retention policy, which is the fundamental basis of competitiveness for telecommunication companies in this data-intensive era. The Company will lead the information and communication technology (“ICT”) trend by providing products through which customers can have a distinctive experience and by providing innovative services to transition to service-based competition.

In addition to the mobile network operator (“MNO”) business, the Company is building next-generation growth businesses in Internet of Things (“IoT”) solutions, artificial intelligence (“AI”) and mobility. In July 2016, the Company deployed the world’s first low-cost Low Power Wide Area Network designed to support IoT devices based on LoRa technology. In September 2016, the Company launched NUGU, the first intelligent virtual assistant service launched in Korea with Korean language capabilities based on advanced voice recognition technologies. The Company plans to further utilize its big data analysis capabilities to achieve growth in new business areas such as AI.

 

(2)

Fixed-line business

SK Broadband Co., Ltd. (“SK Broadband”) is engaged in providing telecommunications, broadcasting and new media services and various other services that are permitted to be carried out by SK Broadband under relevant regulations, as well as business activities that are directly or indirectly related to providing those services. In 1999, SK Broadband launched its high-speed Internet service in Seoul, Busan, Incheon and Ulsan and currently provides such services nationwide. SK Broadband also commercialized its TV-Portal service in July 2006 and its IPTV service in January 2009 upon receipt of permit in September 2008.

 

(3)

Other businesses

The Company is a leading player in the Korean e-commerce industry with 11st, an e-commerce platform service that connects various sellers and purchasers through its online and mobile platforms. In addition, the Company continues to expand its e-commerce businesses by providing differentiated shopping-related services covering shopping information, product search and purchases, relying on the strength of the Company’s core principles of innovation supported by its advanced technological capabilities, including AI-based commerce search technology and customized recommendations based on big data analysis. The Company seeks to continue evolving as a commerce portal by strengthening its high-margin product categories, such as fashion and beauty.

In the online-to-offline (“O2O”) area, the Company is a leading player and continues to expand its market power with OK Cashbag, Korea’s largest loyalty mileage program, SyrupWallet, which offers smart shopping services utilizing its network of business partners and information technology such as big data, and other Syrup-related services such as gifticon and 11Pay. The Company focuses on the mobile platform to connect various on- and offline commerce service platforms that provide various benefits and information at the right place and the right time to give consumers a pleasant and convenient shopping experience and retailers an integrated marketing solution to reach their target audience. The Company intends to continue its efforts to secure the market leading position in these markets.

In the location-based services business area, the Company provides real time traffic information and various local information through its T-Map Navigation service. In the digital contents business area, the Company provides high-quality digital contents in its leading mobile contents marketplace, Onestore.

The Company is also engaged in display advertising and search engine-based advertising and provides contents and other services. Display advertising provides exposure to the advertiser’s brand in the form of flash media, images or videos. Search engine-based advertising provides exposure through the search results of specific keywords entered in the NATE search engine, and is utilized mostly by small and medium-sized advertisers. The Company also derives revenue by providing contents and other services.

See “II.1. Business Overview” for more information.

 

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Table of Contents
E.

Credit Ratings

 

(1)

Corporate bonds

 

                                                   

Credit rating date

   Subject of rating    Credit rating    Credit rating entity
(Credit rating range)
   Rating classification

February 19, 2016

   Corporate bond    AAA (Stable)    Korea Ratings    Current rating

February 19, 2016

   Corporate bond    AAA (Stable)    Korea Investors Service, Inc.    Current rating

February 19, 2016

   Corporate bond    AAA (Stable)    NICE Investors Service, Co., Ltd.    Current rating

April 27, 2016

   Corporate bond    AAA (Stable)    Korea Ratings    Regular rating

May 11, 2016

   Corporate bond    AAA (Stable)    Korea Investors Service, Inc.    Regular rating

May 12, 2016

   Corporate bond    AAA (Stable)    NICE Investors Service, Co., Ltd.    Regular rating

May 19, 2016

   Corporate bond    AAA (Stable)    Korea Ratings    Current rating

May 20, 2016

   Corporate bond    AAA (Stable)    Korea Investors Service, Inc.    Current rating

May 20, 2016

   Corporate bond    AAA (Stable)    NICE Investors Service, Co., Ltd.    Current rating

April 12, 2017

   Corporate bond    AAA (Stable)    Korea Ratings    Regular rating

April 12, 2017

   Corporate bond    AAA (Stable)    Korea Investors Service, Inc.    Regular rating

April 12, 2017

   Corporate bond    AAA (Stable)    NICE Investors Service, Co., Ltd.    Regular rating

April 12, 2017

   Corporate bond    AAA (Stable)    Korea Ratings    Current rating

April 12, 2017

   Corporate bond    AAA (Stable)    Korea Investors Service, Inc.    Current rating

April 12, 2017

   Corporate bond    AAA (Stable)    NICE Investors Service, Co., Ltd.    Current rating

October 30, 2017

   Corporate bond    AAA (Stable)    Korea Ratings    Current rating

October 30, 2017

   Corporate bond    AAA (Stable)    Korea Investors Service, Inc.    Current rating

October 30, 2017

   Corporate bond    AAA (Stable)    NICE Investors Service, Co., Ltd.    Current rating

February 5, 2018

   Corporate bond    AAA (Stable)    Korea Ratings    Current rating

February 5, 2018

   Corporate bond    AAA (Stable)    NICE Investors Service, Co., Ltd.    Current rating

February 6, 2018

   Corporate bond    AAA (Stable)    Korea Investors Service, Inc.    Current rating

April 10, 2018

   Corporate bond    AAA (Stable)    Korea Investors Service, Inc.    Regular rating

April 11, 2018

   Corporate bond    AAA (Stable)    Korea Ratings    Regular rating

April 16, 2018

   Corporate bond    AAA (Stable)    NICE Investors Service, Co., Ltd.    Regular rating

May 29, 2018

   Hybrid securities    AA+ (Stable)    Korea Ratings    Current rating

August 31, 2018

   Corporate bond    AAA (Stable)    Korea Ratings    Current rating

August 31, 2018

   Corporate bond    AAA (Stable)    Korea Investors Service, Inc.    Current rating

August 31, 2018

   Corporate bond    AAA (Stable)    NICE Investors Service, Co., Ltd.    Current rating

 

*

Rating definition: “AAA” – The certainty of principal and interest payment is at the highest level with extremely low investment risk and is stable such that it will not be influenced by reasonably foreseeable changes in external factors.

*

Rating definition: “AA” – The certainty of principal and interest payment is extremely high with very low investment risk, but has slightly inferior factors compared to “AAA” rating.

 

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Table of Contents
(2)

Commercial paper (“CP”)

 

                                                                                                   

Credit rating date

   Subject of rating    Credit rating    Credit rating entity
(Credit rating range)
   Rating classification

January 19, 2016

   Short-term bond    A1    Korea Ratings    Current rating

January 19, 2016

   Short-term bond    A1    Korea Investors Service, Inc.    Current rating

January 19, 2016

   Short-term bond    A1    NICE Investors Service Co., Ltd.    Current rating

April 27, 2016

   CP    A1    Korea Ratings    Current rating

April 27, 2016

   Short-term bond    A1    Korea Ratings    Current rating

May 11, 2016

   CP    A1    Korea Investors Service, Inc.    Current rating

May 11, 2016

   Short-term bond    A1    Korea Investors Service, Inc.    Current rating

May 12, 2016

   CP    A1    NICE Investors Service Co., Ltd.    Current rating

May 12, 2016

   Short-term bond    A1    NICE Investors Service Co., Ltd.    Current rating

October 26, 2016

   CP    A1    Korea Ratings    Regular rating

October 26, 2016

   Short-term bond    A1    NICE Investors Service Co., Ltd.    Regular rating

October 26, 2016

   CP    A1    NICE Investors Service Co., Ltd.    Regular rating

October 26, 2016

   Short-term bond    A1    Korea Ratings    Regular rating

November 3, 2016

   CP    A1    Korea Investors Service, Inc.    Regular rating

November 3, 2016

   Short-term bond    A1    Korea Investors Service, Inc.    Regular rating

April 12, 2017

   CP    A1    Korea Ratings    Current rating

April 12, 2017

   CP    A1    Korea Investors Service, Inc.    Current rating

April 12, 2017

   CP    A1    NICE Investors Service Co., Ltd.    Current rating

April 12, 2017

   Short-term bond    A1    Korea Ratings    Current rating

April 12, 2017

   Short-term bond    A1    Korea Investors Service, Inc.    Current rating

April 12, 2017

   Short-term bond    A1    NICE Investors Service Co., Ltd.    Current rating

October 30, 2017

   CP    A1    Korea Ratings    Regular rating

October 30, 2017

   CP    A1    Korea Investors Service, Inc.    Regular rating

October 30, 2017

   CP    A1    NICE Investors Service Co., Ltd.    Regular rating

October 30, 2017

   Short-term bond    A1    Korea Ratings    Regular rating

October 30, 2017

   Short-term bond    A1    Korea Investors Service, Inc.    Regular rating

October 30, 2017

   Short-term bond    A1    NICE Investors Service Co., Ltd.    Regular rating

April 10, 2018

   CP    A1    Korea Investors Service, Inc.    Current rating

April 10, 2018

   Short-term bond    A1    Korea Investors Service, Inc.    Current rating

April 11, 2018

   CP    A1    Korea Ratings    Current rating

April 11, 2018

   Short-term bond    A1    Korea Ratings    Current rating

April 16, 2018

   CP    A1    NICE Investors Service Co., Ltd.    Current rating

April 16, 2018

   Short-term bond    A1    NICE Investors Service Co., Ltd.    Current rating

August 31, 2018

   CP    A1    Korea Ratings    Regular rating

August 31, 2018

   CP    A1    Korea Investors Service, Inc.    Regular rating

August 31, 2018

   CP    A1    NICE Investors Service Co., Ltd.    Regular rating

August 31, 2018

   Short-term bond    A1    Korea Ratings    Regular rating

August 31, 2018

   Short-term bond    A1    Korea Investors Service, Inc.    Regular rating

August 31, 2018

   Short-term bond    A1    NICE Investors Service Co., Ltd.    Regular rating

 

*

Rating definition: “A1” – Timely repayment capability is at the highest level with extremely low investment risk and is stable such that it will not be influenced by reasonably foreseeable changes in external factors.

 

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Table of Contents
(3)

International credit ratings

 

Date of credit rating

  

Subject of rating

  

Credit rating of
securities

  

Credit rating agency

  

Rating type

March 30, 2016

   Bonds denominated in foreign currency    A- (Stable)    S&P Global Ratings    Regular rating

July 20, 2016    

   Bonds denominated in foreign currency    A- (Stable)    S&P Global Ratings    Regular rating

October 24, 2016

   Bonds denominated in foreign currency    A- (Stable)    Fitch Ratings    Regular rating

October 23, 2017

   Bonds denominated in foreign currency    A- (Stable)    Fitch Ratings    Regular rating

April 8, 2018

   Bonds denominated in foreign currency    A- (Stable)    S&P Global Ratings    Current rating

April 9, 2018

   Bonds denominated in foreign currency    A3 (Stable)    Moody’s Investors Service    Current rating

May 8, 2018

   Bonds denominated in foreign currency    A- (Stable)    S&P Global Ratings    Regular rating

May 10, 2018

   Bonds denominated in foreign currency    A3 (Negative)    Moody’s Investors Service    Regular rating

October 15, 2018

   Bonds denominated in foreign currency    A- (Negative)    Fitch Ratings    Regular rating

 

(4)

Listing (registration or designation) of Company’s shares and special listing status

 

Listing (registration or designation) of stock

   Date of listing (registration or
designation)
   Special listing    Special listing and applicable
regulations

KOSPI Market of Korea Exchange

   November 7, 1989    Not applicable    Not applicable

2. Company History

June 2015: Comprehensive exchange of shares of SK Broadband

April 2016: The spin-off and merger of the location-based services business and the mobile phone verification services business of SK Planet Co., Ltd. (“SK Planet”)

December 2017: Comprehensive exchange of shares of SK Telink Co., Ltd. (“SK Telink”)

December 2018: Comprehensive exchange of shares of SK Infosec Co., Ltd. (“SK Infosec”)

 

A.

Location of Headquarters

 

   

22 Dohwa-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul (July 11, 1988)

 

   

16-49 Hangang-ro 3-ga, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (November 19, 1991)

 

   

267 Namdaemun-ro 5-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul (June 14, 1995)

 

   

99 Seorin-dong, Jongro-gu, Seoul (December 20, 1999)

 

   

65 Euljiro, Jung-gu, Seoul (December 13, 2004)

 

B.

Significant Changes in Management

At the 30th General Meeting of Shareholders held on March 21, 2014, Jae Hoon Lee was elected as an independent director and Jae Hyeon Ahn was elected as an independent director and member of the audit committee of the Company’s board of directors. At the 31st General Meeting of Shareholders held on March 20, 2015, Dong Hyun Jang was elected as an inside director. At the 32nd General Meeting of Shareholders held on March 18, 2016, Dae Sik Cho was re-elected as an inside director and Dae Shick Oh was re-elected as an independent director and member of the audit committee of the Company’s board of directors. At the 33rd General Meeting of Shareholders held on March 24, 2017, Jung Ho Park was elected as an inside director and Dae Sik Cho was elected as a non-executive director. Jae Hoon Lee and Jae Hyeon Ahn were re-elected as independent directors and members of the audit committee and Jung Ho Ahn was elected as an independent director. At the 34th General Meeting of Shareholders held on March 21, 2018, Young Sang Ryu was elected as an inside director and Youngmin Yoon was elected as an independent director and member of the audit committee of the Company’s board of directors. At the 35th General Meeting of Shareholders held on March 26, 2019, Seok-Dong Kim was elected as an independent director and member of the audit committee of the Company’s board of directors.

 

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C.

Change in Company Name

On March 23, 2012, SK hynix Inc., which became a subsidiary in February 2012, changed its name to SK hynix Inc. from Hynix Semiconductor Inc. in accordance with a resolution at its general meeting of shareholders.

On January 2, 2017, SK M&Service Co., Ltd., one of the Company’s subsidiaries, changed its name to SK M&Service Co., Ltd. from M&Service Co., Ltd. in accordance with a resolution at its general meeting of shareholders on December 26, 2016.

On March 23, 2017, Neosnetworks Co., Ltd., one of the Company’s subsidiaries, changed its name to NSOK Co., Ltd., from Neosnetworks Co., Ltd., in accordance with a resolution at its general meeting of shareholders.

On March 28, 2019, Iriver Ltd., one of the Company’s subsidiaries, changed its name to Dreamus Company in accordance with a resolution at its general meeting of shareholders.

 

D.

Mergers, Acquisitions and Restructuring

 

(1)

Acquisition of shares of PS&Marketing

On February 20, 2014, the board of directors of the Company resolved to invest an additional Won 100 billion (20 million common shares) into PS&Marketing, an affiliated company, in order to increase its mid- to long-term competitiveness in distribution. The date of investment was April 2, 2014, and the cumulative investment amount totaled Won 330 billion.

 

(2)

Disposition of shares of iHQ Inc.

On March 10, 2014, the Company disposed of 3,790,000 shares (its 9.4% equity share) of iHQ Inc. to rebalance its investment portfolio.

 

(3)

Acquisition of shares of NSOK Co., Ltd. (“NSOK”) (formerly, Neosnetworks Co., Ltd.)

In order to acquire a new growth engine, the Company acquired a controlling stake in NSOK, a building security company, with the purchase of 31,310 shares (a 66.7% equity interest) of NSOK on April 2, 2014. The Company acquired an additional 50,377 shares in NSOK in April 2015 through a rights offering, resulting in an increase of its ownership to 83.9%.

 

(4)

Acquisition of shares of Iriver

On August 13, 2014, the Company purchased 10,241,722 shares (a 39.3% equity interest) of Iriver Ltd. (“Iriver”) from Vogo-Rio Investment Holdings Co., Ltd. and KGF-Rio Limited in order to foster application development and smartphone accessories as part of the Company’s growth engines. The Company holds a 48.9% equity interest of Iriver by acquiring additional shares in its rights offering. The Company does not hold a majority of the voting rights of Iriver but the Company has concluded that it has effective control, as it holds significantly more voting rights than any other shareholder or any organized group of shareholders.

 

(5)

Acquisition of shares of Shopkick, Inc. (“Shopkick”)

On October 10 2014, SK Planet America LLC, a subsidiary of the Company, acquired (through its 95.2%-owned subsidiary Shopkick Management Company, Inc.) a 100.0% ownership interest in Shopkick, a developer of a shopping app for mobile devices that provides benefits to customers for visiting stores, in order to penetrate the mobile commerce market in the United States. In the first half of 2016, SK Planet America LLC acquired all remaining shares of Shopkick Management Company, Inc.

 

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(6)

Disposition of Shenzen E-Eye shares

In 2014, the Company entered into an agreement to dispose of its equity interest in Shenzen E-eye in order to focus its business portfolio on high-growth business areas in the Chinese ICT market. The sale was completed on March 23, 2015.

 

(7)

Disposition of a portion of KEB Hana Card shares

On April 3, 2015, the Company sold 27,725,264 shares (10.4% out of the 25.4% equity interest the Company held prior to the sale) of KEB Hana Card Co., Ltd. to Hana Financial Group in cash. With the proceeds of such sale (Won 180 billion), the Company acquired equity interests in Hana Financial Group on April 17, 2015 through participation in a rights offering by Hana Financial Group. The Company plans to maintain its strategic alliance and pursue opportunities to create synergies with, Hana Financial Group.

 

(8)

Comprehensive share exchange of SK Broadband

On March 20, 2015, the Company’s board of directors resolved to approve a share exchange transaction through which the Company acquired all of the shares of SK Broadband that it did not otherwise own in exchange for its treasury shares such that SK Broadband became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.

 

   

Share exchange ratio: Shareholders of one common share of SK Broadband were allotted 0.0168936 common shares of SK Telecom

 

   

Shares exchanged: 2,471,883 registered common shares of SK Telecom

 

   

Date of share exchange agreement: March 23, 2015

 

   

Record date: April 6, 2015

 

   

Announcement date for the proceeding of the share exchange as a small-scale share swap: April 6, 2015

 

   

Meeting of board of directors for approval of the share exchange: May 6, 2015

 

   

Date of the share exchange: June 9, 2015

 

(9)

Establishment of Entrix Co., Ltd.

In July 2015, SK Planet spun off its cloud streaming division and established Entrix Co., Ltd. The Company exchanged 1,300,000 shares of SK Planet for 1,300,000 shares of Entrix at the time of the spin-off and later acquired an additional 2,857,000 shares by participating in the recapitalization.

 

(10)

Additional capital raise by NanoEnTek Inc.

In 2015, the Company acquired 1,090,155 shares through the additional capital raise by NanoEnTek.

 

(11)

Reclassification of Packet One Networks’ accounts

In 2015, the Company reclassified its investments in Packet One from investments in associates and joint ventures to assets classified as held for sale as the Company no longer had significant control over Packet One. The difference between the book value and the fair value of Won 37.4 billion at the time of reclassification was recognized as impairment loss.

 

(12)

Acquisition of shares of SK Communications Co., Ltd. (“SK Communications”)

On October 1, 2015, the Company became the largest shareholder of SK Communications with a 64.54% equity interest through dividends in kind from SK Planet of 26,523,815 shares and the purchase of 1,506,130 shares over-the-counter.

 

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(13)

Acquisition of shares of CJ HelloVision Co., Ltd. (“CJ HelloVision”)

On November 2, 2015, the Company’s board of directors resolved to approve the acquisition of CJ HelloVision’s shares from CJ O Shopping Co., Ltd. (“CJ O Shopping”) and on the same day, entered into a share purchase agreement with CJ O Shopping. In addition, on November 2, 2015, SK Broadband’s board of directors resolved to approve the merger of SK Broadband with CJ HelloVision and on the same day, entered into a merger agreement with CJ HelloVision and the closing of the merger was conditioned upon receipt of regulatory approval from relevant authorities. On July 25, 2016, the Company notified CJ O Shopping of the termination of the share purchase agreement and SK Broadband notified CJ HelloVision of the termination of the merger agreement, as the Korea Fair Trade Commission on July 18, 2016 denied approval of the proposed merger, which was a closing condition to the consummation of the merger.

 

(14)

Tender offer of shares of CJ HelloVision

From November 2, 2015 to November 23, 2015, the Company purchased 6,671,933 shares of CJ HelloVision in a tender offer for up to 10,000,000 shares, paying Won 12,000 per share. Through this tender offer, the Company acquired an 8.61% equity interest in CJ HelloVision.

 

(15)

Establishment of SK TechX Co., Ltd. and Onestore

In March 2016, SK Planet spun off its platform business and T Store business and established SK TechX Co., Ltd. (“SK TechX”) and Onestore. The Company exchanged 12,323,905 shares of SK Planet for 6,323,905 shares of SK TechX and 6,000,000 shares of Onestore at the time of the spin-off. The Company later acquired an additional 4,409,600 shares of Onestore at a purchase price of Won 22 billion by participating in the follow-on rights offering. The Company did not participate in the subsequent follow-on rights offering and as of December 31, 2018, the Company had a 65.5% interest in Onestore.

 

(16)

Spin-off and merger of SK Planet’s location-based services business and mobile phone verification services business

Through the merger of SK Planet’s location-based services business and mobile phone verification services business into SK Telecom, the Company seeks to provide a solid base for continued growth, especially in the next generation platform business, and SK Planet plans to further concentrate its resources on its commerce business. The spin-off and merger was effective as of April 5, 2016 and was registered as of April 7, 2016. SK Planet is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and as the Company did not issue any new shares in connection with the merger, there was no change in the share ownership of the Company.

 

(17)

Establishment of Hana-SK Fintech Corporation

In order to provide an everyday finance platform, the Company entered into a joint venture agreement with Hana Financial Group, in accordance with the resolution of the Company’s board of directors on July 28, 2016. Combining the Company’s leading mobile technology and big data analysis capabilities with Hana Financial Group’s financial service, Hana-SK Fintech Corporation plans to provide innovative mobile financial services such as mobile asset management, easy payment and overseas wire transfer services. SK Telecom holds a 49% equity stake in the joint venture, and Hana Financial Group holds the remaining 51%. Service of the everyday finance platform Finnq officially launched in the third quarter of 2017.

 

(18)

Capital contribution of shares of NSOK for new shares of SK Telink

On October 25, 2016, the Company made a capital contribution of all shares of NSOK owned by the Company to SK Telink in exchange for 219,967 newly issued shares of SK Telink, which resulted in an increase of the Company’s equity interest in SK Telink to 85.86%.

 

(19)

Acquisition of shares of SM Mobile Communications

In October 2016, the Company transferred the media platform businesses Hotzil and 5Ducks to SM Mobile Communications in exchange for 1,200,000 shares of SM Mobile Communications. As a result, the Company owned a 46.2% equity interest in SM Mobile Communications as of December 31, 2018.

 

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(20)

Exchange of shares of SK Communications

On November 24, 2016, the Company’s board of directors resolved to approve the payment of cash consideration in lieu of the issuance of shares of the Company in a comprehensive exchange of shares of SK Communications. The amount of cash consideration was based on a share exchange ratio of one common share of the Company to 0.0125970 common share of SK Communications. In February 2017, SK Communications became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.

 

(21)

Acquisition of shares of Iriver

The Company acquired 4,699,248 shares of Iriver at a purchase price of Won 5,320 in connection with a capital contribution. The Company’s equity interest in Iriver following the acquisition is 45.9%. See “Report on Important Business Matters (Decision on Capital Increase)” filed on July 17, 2017 by Iriver for more information.

 

(22)

Acquisition of newly issued shares of SK China Company Limited (“SK China”)

On July 28, 2017, the Company acquired newly issued shares of SK China to find investment opportunities in ICT and other promising areas of growth in China. In exchange for newly issued shares of SK China, the Company contributed its full equity interest in each of SKY Property Management Limited (“SKY”) and SK Industrial Development China Co., Ltd. (“SK IDC”) as well as cash, equal to the following amounts: 1) SKY stock: USD 276,443,440.64, 2) SK IDC stock: USD 108,072,007.67 and 3) Cash: USD 100,000,000.00. As a result of the acquisition, the Company holds 10,928,921 shares and a 27.27% of equity interest in SK China. See “Report on Decision on Acquisition of SK China Shares” filed by the Company on July 28, 2017 for more information about this transaction.

 

(23)

Exchange of shares of SK Telink

On September 28, 2017, the Company disclosed a resolution approving the payment of cash consideration in lieu of the issuance of shares of SK Telecom in an exchange of shares of SK Telink. The amount of cash consideration was based on a share exchange ratio of 1:1.0687714. The exchange was completed on December 14, 2017, upon which exchange SK Telink became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.

 

(24)

Acquisition of shares of FSK L&S Co., Ltd.

On February 6, 2016, the Company acquired 2,415,750 shares of FSK L&S Co., Ltd. at a purchase price of Won 17.8 billion from SK Holdings to utilize its logistics sharing infrastructure with its counterparties and pursue new business opportunities. As a result of the acquisition, the Company had a 60% equity interest in FSK L&S Co., Ltd.

 

(25)

Acquisition of shares of id Quantique SA

In order to increase the value of the Company by enhancing its position as the top MNO through utilizing quantum cryptography and by generating returns from its global business, the Company acquired an additional 41,157,506 shares of id Quantique SA on April 30, 2018. As a result, the Company owns a total of 58.1% of the issued and outstanding shares (44,157,506 shares), and has acquired control, of id Quantique SA.

 

(26)

Acquisition of shares of Siren Holdings Korea Co., Ltd.

The Company acquired shares of Siren Holdings Korea Co., Ltd. (“SHK”), which wholly owns ADT CAPS Co., Ltd. (“ADT CAPS”), in order to strengthen its security business and expand its residential customer base. See “Report on Decision on Acquisition of Shares of Siren Holdings Korea Co., Ltd.” filed on May 8, 2018 for more information.

 

*

Siren Investments Korea Co., Ltd. merged with and into SHK with SHK as the surviving entity, following which CAPSTEC Co., Ltd. and ADT Security Co., Ltd., which were subsidiaries of ADT CAPS, became subsidiaries of SHK.

*

SHK changed its name to Life & Security Holdings Co., Ltd. in accordance with a resolution at its extraordinary meeting of shareholders on October 23, 2018.

 

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(27)

Capital increase of Iriver

On July 26, 2018, the board of directors of Iriver, a subsidiary of the Company, resolved to approve a capital increase of Won 70,000 million through third-party allotment and subsequently issued 7,990,867 common shares. The Company participated in the capital increase and paid Won 65,000 million to subscribe 7,420,091 common shares of Iriver on August 10, 2018, resulting in an increase of the Company’s ownership interest from 45.9% to 53.7%.

 

(28)

Exchange of shares of SK Infosec

On October 26, 2018, the Company announced the decision of its board of directors to approve the comprehensive exchange of shares of SK Infosec for shares of the Company. The share exchange ratio was one common share of the Company to 0.0997678 common share of SK Infosec. The share exchange was completed on December 27, 2018, upon which SK Infosec became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.

[SK Broadband]

 

(1)

Share Exchange

On March 20, 2015, the board of directors of SK Broadband resolved to approve the comprehensive exchange of shares of SK Broadband for shares of the Company. The share exchange was approved at the extraordinary meeting of shareholders held on May 6, 2015. Subsequent to the share exchange, the Company became the parent company of SK Broadband with 100% ownership and remained a listed corporation on the KRX KOSPI Market, and SK Broadband became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company and was delisted from the KRX KOSDAQ Market. There was no change in the share ownership interest of the Company’s existing shareholders or the Company’s management in connection with the Share Exchange.

 

(2)

Merger among Subsidiaries and Affiliates

On July 29, 2015, the board of directors of SK Broadband approved the acquisition of SK Planet’s Hoppin business through a spin-off and subsequent merger transaction pursuant to Article 530-2 of the Korean Commercial Code, with both SK Broadband and SK Planet remaining as existing companies. The spin-off and subsequent merger were effective as of September 1, 2015, and on the same day, SK Broadband issued 2,501,125 new common shares resulting from the merger, allotting 0.0349186 common shares of SK Broadband per one common share of SK Planet to SK Telecom, SK Planet’s sole shareholder.

 

(3)

Merger with CJ HelloVision

On November 2, 2015, SK Broadband’s board of directors resolved to approve the merger of SK Broadband with CJ HelloVision such that CJ HelloVision would be the surviving entity and SK Broadband would be the non-surviving entity. The largest shareholder of the merged entity would be SK Telecom with an equity interest of 78.35%. On February 26, 2016, the entry into the merger agreement was resolved as proposed by SK Broadband’s shareholders.

On July 25, 2016, SK Broadband notified CJ HelloVision of the termination of the merger agreement, as the Korea Fair Trade Commission on July 18, 2016 denied approval of the proposed merger, which was a closing condition to the consummation of the merger. On July 27, 2016, SK Broadband’s board of directors resolved to terminate the merger agreement as proposed. Subsequently, the merger agreement is no longer effective and all procedures related to the merger, including the issuance of new shares, were terminated.

 

(4)

Establishment of a subsidiary

On May 23, 2017, SK Broadband’s board of directors resolved to approve the establishment of a subsidiary. On June 5, 2017, SK Broadband established Home & Service Co., Ltd. (“Home & Service”), a subsidiary responsible for the management of customer service operations, in order to enhance SK Broadband’s competitiveness by strengthening its customer service and strategically developing its home Value Delivery channel and to create quality jobs. Home & Service was incorporated by SK Broadband under the Korean Commercial Code. The subsidiary was capitalized at Won 46 billion (9,200,000 shares with par value of Won 5,000 per share), and SK Broadband holds a 100% equity interest. The Korea Fair Trade Commission approved the subsidiary’s incorporation as an SK affiliate on July 1, 2017, from which arises a duty to report to the Fair Trade Commission.

 

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(5)

Spin-off

On August 16, 2017, SK Broadband’s board of directors resolved to approve the spin-off of its T-commerce subsidiary to enhance the competitiveness and managerial efficiency of its T-commerce business (data broadcasting and commercial retail platform service through TV home shopping channels) through a spin-off and subsequent establishment of a subsidiary pursuant to Article 530-2 and 530-12 of the Korean Commercial Code, with both companies from the simple vertical spin-off remaining as existing companies. The spin-off was effective as of December 1, 2017, and the subsidiary was capitalized at Won 15 billion (3,000,000 shares with par value of Won 5,000 per share), with SK Broadband holding a 100% equity interest. The Korea Fair Trade Commission approved the subsidiary’s incorporation as an SK affiliate on January 1, 2018, from which arises a duty to report to the Fair Trade Commission.

[SK Planet]

On May 29, 2015, the board of directors of SK Planet resolved to spin off its cloud streaming division on July 1, 2015 in order to strengthen its business capabilities and expand overseas. The spin-off ratio was 0.9821740 for the surviving company to 0.0178260 for the newly-established company, and the capital reduction ratio was 1.7825968%.

On July 29, 2015, the board of directors of SK Planet resolved to spin off its Hoppin business, which was merged into SK Broadband on September 1, 2015, in order to unify capabilities within the business and maximize synergies to improve its competitive power in the Korean and international mobile media market. SK Planet issued 2,501,125 new common shares in connection with this transaction, and the merger ratio between SK Planet and SK Broadband was 0.0349186:1.

On December 29, 2015, the board of directors of SK Planet resolved to merge Commerce Planet Co., Ltd., its wholly-owned subsidiary, into SK Planet to generate synergies by uniting capabilities to promote its commerce business. The merger was effective as of February 1, 2016, and SK Planet did not issue any new shares in connection with the merger.

Effective as of March 1, 2016, SK Planet spun off its platform business and T Store business in order to enhance the competitiveness of each business for future growth.

Effective as of April 5, 2016, SK Planet spun off its location-based services business and mobile phone verification services business and merged them into the Company in order to further concentrate its resources on its commerce business.

On May 29, 2017, the board of directors of SK Planet resolved to transfer the operations and assets related to its BENEPIA business for Won 7.5 billion to SK M&Service Co., Ltd. as of July 1, 2017.

On July 17, 2017, the board of directors of SK Planet resolved to (1) spin-off SK Planet’s advertising agency business as a newly established company, SM Contents & Communications, in order to strengthen the competitiveness of the business for future growth, which spin-off was effective as of October 1, 2017 and (2) sell 100% of its shares of SM Contents & Communications to SM Culture & Contents Co., Ltd. to further concentrate business capabilities and efficiently allocate management resources. The closing date of the sale transaction was October 24, 2017.

On June 19, 2018, the board of directors of SK Planet resolved to spin off its 11st business (including Scinic, Gifticon and 11pay) into a newly established company, effective as of September 1, 2018, in order to enhance the level of specialization and competitiveness of its businesses by strengthening their core competencies and obtain further growth potential of the businesses. See the “Report on Decision on Spin-off of SK Planet’s 11st Business” filed on June 19, 2018 for more information.

On June 19, 2018, the board of directors of SK Planet resolved to merge SK TechX with and into SK Planet, effective as of September 1, 2018, with a merger ratio between SK Planet and SK TechX of 1:3.0504171, in order to enhance management efficiency and create synergies. See the “Report on Decision on Merger of SK TechX into SK Planet” filed on June 19, 2018 for more information.

 

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[SK Telink]

 

(1)

Acquisition of shares of NSOK

In accordance with the resolution of its board of directors on September 22, 2016, SK Telink received a capital contribution of 408,435 shares (an 83.9% equity interest) of NSOK owned by SK Telecom. On October 25, 2016, SK Telink acquired the remaining 78,200 outstanding shares (a 16.1% equity interest) of NSOK, pursuant to which NSOK became a wholly-owned subsidiary of SK Telink.

In accordance with the resolution of its board of directors on April 12, 2017, SK Telink acquired 525,824 additional shares of NSOK pursuant to a rights offering for an aggregate amount of Won 40.0 billion (or Won 76,071 per share), resulting in SK Telink’s ownership of 1,012,459 shares (a 100% equity interest) of NSOK.

 

(2)

Comprehensive exchange of shares

On September 28, 2017, SK Telink’s board of directors approved a comprehensive exchange of shares with SK Telecom, pursuant to which SK Telecom would acquire SK Telink’s remaining outstanding shares for cash consideration in lieu of issuance of shares of SK Telecom. The share exchange agreement was subsequently approved at the extraordinary general meeting of shareholders held on November 9, 2017.

Following the exchange, there were no changes to SK Telecom’s share ownership interest level or to management structure, and SK Telecom and SK Telink will remain as corporate entities. SK Telink became a wholly-owned subsidiary of SK Telecom and remains as an unlisted corporation, while SK Telecom remains as a listed corporation. See “Report on Cash Consideration for Shares of SK Telink Co., Ltd.” filed on September 29, 2017 for more information about this transaction.

 

(3)

Disposal of NSOK shares

Pursuant to the resolution of its board of directors on October 8, 2018, SK Telink entered into an agreement to sell 1,012,459 shares of NSOK (representing a 100.00% equity interest) to Life & Security Holdings Co., Ltd. The date of sale was October 10, 2018, and the sale consideration amount was Won 100 billion. See “Report on Disposal of Shares of Related Party” filed on October 8, 2018 by SK Telink for more information about this transaction.

[NSOK]

 

(1)

On March 31, 2015, NSOK acquired the unmanned electronic security business of Joeun Safe to expand its unmanned security business The acquisition cost, which had been reported on January 5, 2015 as Won 19.4 billion, was subject to adjustment depending on the customer transfer rate. The final acquisition cost was determined to be Won 16.9 billion.

 

(2)

NSOK decided to merge itself into ADT CAPS to create synergies and achieve management efficiency through the combination of assets, technology and management resources. The effective date of the merger was December 1, 2018, and the merger ratio was 1:0. See “Report on Decision to Merge NSOK” filed on October 10, 2018 for more information about this transaction.

[SK Communications]

 

(1)

Disposition of the Cyworld service

Pursuant to the resolution of its board of directors on March 6, 2014, SK Communications sold its Cyworld service and certain related assets to Cyworld Co., Ltd. for Won 2.8 billion on April 8, 2014.

 

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(2)

Change in the largest shareholder

On September 24, 2015, SK Telecom and SK Planet entered into a share transfer agreement to transfer all of the shares of SK Communications held by SK Planet to SK Telecom. The agreement became effective on October 1, 2015, making SK Telecom the largest shareholder of SK Communications.

 

(3)

Comprehensive share exchange

Pursuant to the resolution of its board of directors on November 24, 2016, SK Communications entered into a comprehensive share exchange agreement with SK Telecom on November 25, 2016. Upon the consummation of the share exchange on February 7, 2017, SK Communications became a wholly-owned subsidiary of SK Telecom.

[PS&Marketing]

On February 20, 2014, the board of directors of PS&Marketing resolved to acquire the retail distribution business, including related assets, liabilities, contracts and human capital of the information technology and mobile wing of SK Networks. On the same day, the board of directors of PS&Marketing also resolved to acquire retail stores, including their assets and liabilities, of LCNC Co., Ltd (“LCNC”). The acquisitions were completed on April 30, 2014 at a purchase price of Won 124.5 billion for the assets acquired from SK Networks and a purchase price of Won 10 billion for the assets acquired from LCNC.

[Iriver]

 

(1)

Merger of Iriver CS Co., Ltd. (“Iriver CS”)

Pursuant to the resolution of its board of directors on November 18, 2014, Iriver decided to merge with Iriver CS, its wholly-owned subsidiary, with Iriver as the surviving entity. The merger was completed based on the merger ratio of 1:0 with no capital increase. The merger and merger registration were completed on January 31, 2015 and February 2, 2015, respectively.

 

(2)

Acquisition of shares of S.M. Life Design Company Japan Inc.

Pursuant to the resolution of its board of directors on July 17, 2017, Iriver approved a contract to acquire a total of 1,000,000 shares of S.M. Life Design Company Japan Inc. (a 100% equity interest) from S.M. Entertainment Japan Co., Ltd. with the purposes of entering foreign markets and maximizing business synergy. Iriver acquired control of S.M. Life Design Company Japan Inc. upon its completion of payment for the shares on September 1, 2017.

 

(3)

Merger of S.M. Mobile Communications JAPAN Inc.

Pursuant to the resolution of its board of directors on July 17, 2017, Iriver decided to merge with S.M. Mobile Communications JAPAN Inc., a contents and information distribution company, with the purpose of reinforcing its contents based device business and enhancing managerial efficiency. As of October 1, 2017, Iriver merged S.M. Mobile Communications JAPAN Inc. into it with a merger ratio of 1:1.6041745, based on which Iriver issued 4,170,852 new common shares.

 

(4)

Acquisition of shares of groovers Inc.

On February 23, 2018, the Company acquired 414,000 additional shares (a 55.8% equity interest) of groovers Inc. (“Groovers”), which provides high quality sound services such as FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec), MQS (Mastering Quality Sound) and DSD (Direct Stream Digital) from NHN Bugs Corp. and individuals. As a result, the Company acquired control of Groovers as its equity interest therein increased from 44.2% to 100%.

 

(5)

Acquisition of important assets (Supply and distribution rights for music and digital contents)

On February 28, 2018, the Company entered into an agreement with S.M. Entertainment Co., Ltd. to acquire supply and distribution rights for music and digital contents of S.M. Entertainment Co., Ltd., JYP Entertainment Corporation and Big Hit Entertainment. Through this arrangement, the Company plans to increase sales by entering the music and sound recording industries and to create synergies through strategic alliances.

 

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(6)

Merger between subsidiaries

In order to achieve management efficiency and maximize organizational operation synergies, groovers Japan Co., Ltd. and SM Mobile Communications Japan Inc., each of which is a Japanese subsidiary of the Company, completed their merger with groovers Japan Co., Ltd. as the surviving entity, effective as of July 1, 2018.

 

(7)

Investment in Groovers

On July 26, 2018, the board of directors of the Company resolved to make an equity investment of Won 11,000 million (2,200,000 common shares) in Groovers for the purposes of providing operating funds to improve its financial structure and pursue new businesses. Payment was completed on July 27, 2018, and the Company’s ownership interest after such equity investment is 100%.

 

(8)

Transfer of Music Mate business between Groovers and SK TechX

On August 31, 2018, pursuant to the resolutions of its board of directors and the extraordinary meeting of shareholders, each of which was held on June 28, 2018, Groovers acquired all properties, assets and rights related to the Music Mate streaming service from SK TechX for Won 3,570 million.

[SK M&Service]

 

(1)

Acquisition of SK Planet’s BENEPIA business

Pursuant to the resolutions of its board of directors and its extraordinary shareholders meeting held on May 29, 2017, SK M&Service decided to acquire SK Planet’s BENEPIA business (including agency service for the Flexible Benefit Plan and related tangible and intangible assets, goodwill, systems, etc.) for Won 7.5 billion on July 1, 2017.

 

E.

Other Important Matters related to Management Activities

[SK Telecom]

 

(1)

Issuance of bonds

On May 14, 2014, the Company issued four tranches of fixed-rate unsecured bonds in the principal amounts of Won 50 billion (with an annual interest rate of 3.301% and a maturity date of May 14, 2019), Won 150 billion (with an annual interest rate of 3.637% and a maturity date of May 14, 2024), Won 50 billion (with embedded options, an annual interest rate of 4.725% and a maturity date of May 14, 2029), and Won 50 billion (with embedded options, an annual interest rate of 4.72% and a maturity date of May 14, 2029).

On October 28, 2014, the Company issued three tranches of fixed-rate unsecured bonds in the principal amounts of Won 160 billion (with an annual interest rate of 2.53% and a maturity date of October 28, 2019), Won 150 billion (with an annual interest rate of 2.66% and a maturity date of October 28, 2021), and Won 190 billion (with an annual interest rate of 2.82% and a maturity date of October 28, 2024).

On February 26, 2015, the Company issued three tranches of fixed-rate unsecured bonds in the principal amounts of Won 100 billion (with an annual interest rate of 2.40% and a maturity date of February 26, 2022, Won 150 billion (with an annual interest rate of 2.49% and a maturity date of February 26, 2025), and Won 50 billion (with an annual interest rate of 2.61% and a maturity date of February 26, 2030).

On July 17, 2015, the Company issued four tranches of fixed-rate unsecured bonds in the principal amounts of Won 90 billion (with an annual interest rate of 1.89% and a maturity date of July 17, 2018), Won 70 billion (with an annual interest rate of 2.66% and a maturity date of July 17, 2025), Won 90 billion (with an annual interest rate of 2.82% and a maturity date of July 17, 2030), and Won 50 billion (with an annual interest rate of 3.40% and a maturity date of July 17, 2030).

 

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On November 30, 2015, the Company issued four tranches of fixed-rate unsecured bonds in the principal amounts of Won 80 billion (with an annual interest rate of 2.073% and a maturity date of November 30, 2018), Won 100 billion (with an annual interest rate of 2.550% and a maturity date of November 30, 2025), Won 70 billion (with an annual interest rate of 2.749% and a maturity date of November 30, 2035), and Won 50 billion (with embedded options, an annual interest rate of 3.100% and a maturity date of November 30, 2030).

On March 4, 2016, the Company issued four tranches of fixed-rate unsecured bonds in the principal amounts of Won 70 billion (with an annual interest rate of 1.651% and a maturity date of March 4, 2019), Won 100 billion (with an annual interest rate of 1.802% and a maturity date of March 4, 2021), Won 90 billion (with an annual interest rate of 2.077% and a maturity date of March 4, 2026), and Won 80 billion (with an annual interest rate of 2.243% and a maturity date of March 4, 2036).

On June 3, 2016, the Company issued four tranches of fixed-rate unsecured bonds in the principal amounts of Won 50 billion (with an annual interest rate of 1.621% and a maturity date of June 3, 2019), Won 50 billion (with an annual interest rate of 1.709% and a maturity date of June 3, 2021), Won 120 billion (with an annual interest rate of 1.973% and a maturity date of June 3, 2026), and Won 50 billion (with an annual interest rate of 2.172% and a maturity date of June 3, 2031).

On April 25, 2017, the Company issued four tranches of fixed-rate unsecured bonds in the principal amounts of Won 60 billion (with an annual interest rate of 1.925% and a maturity date of April 25, 2020), Won 120 billion (with an annual interest rate of 2.168% and a maturity date of April 25, 2022), Won 100 billion (with an annual interest rate of 2.552% and a maturity date of April 25, 2027), and Won 90 billion (with an annual interest rate of 2.649% and a maturity date of April 25, 2032).

On November 10, 2017, the Company issued three tranches of fixed-rate unsecured bonds in the principal amounts of Won 100 billion (with an annual interest rate of 2.388% and a maturity date of November 10, 2020), Won 80 billion (with an annual interest rate of 2.634% and a maturity date of November 10, 2022), and Won 100 billion (with an annual interest rate of 2.840% and a maturity date of November 10, 2027).

On February 20, 2018, the Company issued four tranches of fixed-rate unsecured bonds in the principal amounts of Won 110 billion (with an annual interest rate of 2.572% and a maturity date of February 20, 2021), Won 100 billion (with an annual interest rate of 2.806% and a maturity date of February 20, 2023), Won 200 billion (with an annual interest rate of 3.004% and a maturity date of February 20, 2028) and Won 90 billion (with an annual interest rate of 3.016% and a maturity date of February 20, 2038).

On April 16, 2018, the Company issued fixed-rate U.S. dollar-denominated bonds in the principal amount of US$500 million (with an annual interest rate of 3.75% and a maturity date of April 16, 2023).

On September 17, 2018, the Company issued three tranches of fixed-rate unsecured bonds in the principal amounts of Won 100 billion (with an annual interest rate of 2.098% and a maturity date of September 17, 2021), Won 150 billion (with an annual interest rate of 2.330% and a maturity date of September 17, 2023) and Won 50 billion (with an annual interest rate of 2.436% and a maturity date of September 17, 2038).

 

(2)

Issuance of hybrid securities

In 2018, the Company issued an aggregate of Won 400 billion principal amount of hybrid securities in the form of two series of unguaranteed subordinated bonds, Won 300 billion of which have an annual interest rate of 3.704% and Won 100 billion of which have an annual interest rate of 3.654%. Both of such interest rates are based on the five-year Korean government bond yield plus a spread. For both series of the hybrid securities, an additional spread of 0.25% is payable beginning ten years from the date of issuance and an additional spread of 0.75% is payable after 25 years from the date of issuance. The maturity date of the hybrid securities is June 7, 2078, which can be extended by the Company without any notice or announcement.

 

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[SK Broadband]

SK Broadband acquired subscribership of regional cable and other service providers on several different occasions. Such acquisitions were intended to secure a stable subscriber base for its broadband Internet service and, at the same time, increase the service coverage area. Because such acquisitions were conducted on a relatively small scale and involved the purchase of subscribership, SK Broadband did not believe that such acquisitions rose to the level of purchasing an entire business line from another company or were likely to have a material impact on its business, and therefore decided that such acquisitions did not require resolutions of its shareholders.

3. Total Number of Shares

 

A.

Total Number of Shares

 

(As of December 31, 2018)      (Unit: in shares)  

Classification

   Share type      Remarks  
   Common shares      Preferred
shares
     Total  

I. Total number of authorized shares

     220,000,000        —          220,000,000        —    

II. Total number of shares issued to date

     89,278,946        —          89,278,946        —    

III. Total number of shares retired to date

     8,533,235        —          8,533,235        —    

a. reduction of capital

     —          —          —          —    

b. retirement with profit

     8,533,235        —          8,533,235        —    

c. redemption of redeemable shares

     —          —          —          —    

d. others

     —          —          —          —    

IV. Total number of shares (II-III)

     80,745,711        —          80,745,711        —    

V. Number of treasury shares

     8,875,883        —          8,875,883        —    

VI. Number of shares outstanding (IV-V)

     71,869,828        —          71,869,828        —    

 

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B.

Treasury Shares

 

(1)

Acquisitions and dispositions of treasury shares

 

(As of December 31, 2018)    (Unit: in shares)
              

Type of shares

  

At the
beginning of

period

  

Changes

  

At the end of

period

Acquisition methods

            

Acquired
(+)

  

Disposed
(-)

  

Retired
(-)

 

 

Acquisition pursuant to the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act of Korea (“FSCMA”)

  

Direct

acquisition

   Direct acquisition from market   

 

Common shares

  

 

10,136,551

   —     

 

1,260,668

  

 

—  

  

 

8,875,883

   Preferred shares    —      —      —      —      —  
  

 

Direct over-the-

counter acquisition

  

 

Common shares

  

 

—  

  

 

—  

  

 

—  

  

 

—  

  

 

—  

   Preferred shares    —      —      —      —      —  
  

 

Tender offer

  

 

Common shares

  

 

—  

  

 

—  

  

 

—  

  

 

—  

  

 

—  

   Preferred shares    —      —      —      —      —  
  

 

Sub-total

  

 

Common shares

  

 

10,136,551

  

 

—  

  

 

1,260,668

  

 

—  

  

 

8,875,883

   Preferred shares    —      —      —      —      —  
   Acquisition through trust and other agreements   

 

Held by trustee

  

 

Common shares

  

 

—  

  

 

—  

  

 

—  

  

 

—  

  

 

—  

   Preferred shares    —      —      —      —      —  
  

 

Held in actual stock

  

 

Common shares

  

 

—  

  

 

—  

  

 

—  

  

 

—  

  

 

—  

   Preferred shares    —      —      —      —      —  
  

 

Sub-total

  

 

Common shares

  

 

—  

  

 

—  

  

 

—  

  

 

—  

  

 

—  

   Preferred shares    —      —      —      —      —  

Other acquisition

  

 

Common shares

  

 

—  

  

 

—  

  

 

—  

  

 

—  

  

 

—  

   Preferred shares    —      —      —      —      —  

Total

  

 

Common shares

  

 

10,136,551

  

 

—  

  

 

1,260,668

  

 

—  

  

 

8,875,883

   Preferred shares    —      —      —      —      —  

4. Status of Voting Rights

 

(As of December 31, 2018)         (Unit: in shares

Classification

        Number of
shares
     Remarks  

Total shares (A)

   Common share      80,745,711        —    
   Preferred share      —          —    

Number of shares without voting rights (B)

   Common share      8,875,883        Treasury shares  
   Preferred share      —          —    

Shares without voting rights pursuant to the Company’s articles of incorporation (the “Articles of Incorporation”) (C)

   Common share      —          —    
   Preferred share      —          —    

Shares with restricted voting rights pursuant to Korean law (D)

   Common share      —          —    
   Preferred share      —          —    

Shares with reestablished voting rights (E)

   Common share      —          —    
   Preferred share      —          —    

The number of shares with exercisable voting right s (F = A - B - C - D + E)

   Common share      71,869,828        —    
   Preferred share      —          —    

 

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Table of Contents

5. Dividends and Others

 

A.

Dividends

 

(1)

Distribution of cash dividends was approved during the 32nd General Meeting of Shareholders held on March 18, 2016.

 

   

Distribution of cash dividends per share of Won 9,000 (exclusive of an interim dividend of Won 1,000) was approved.

 

(2)

Distribution of interim dividends of Won 1,000 was approved during the 393rd Board of Directors’ Meeting on July 28, 2016.

 

(3)

Distribution of cash dividends was approved during the 33rd General Meeting of Shareholders held on March 24, 2017.

 

   

Distribution of cash dividends per share of Won 9,000 (exclusive of an interim dividend of Won 1,000) was approved.

 

(4)

Distribution of interim dividends of Won 1,000 was approved during the 404th Board of Directors’ Meeting on July 28, 2017.

 

(5)

Distribution of cash dividends was approved during the 34th General Meeting of Shareholders held on March 21, 2018.

 

   

Distribution of cash dividends per share of Won 9,000 (exclusive of an interim dividend of Won 1,000) was approved.

 

(6)

Distribution of interim dividends of Won 1,000 was approved during the 416th Board of Directors’ Meeting on July 26, 2018.

 

(7)

Distribution of cash dividends was approved during the 35th General Meeting of Shareholders held on March 26, 2019.

 

   

Distribution of cash dividends per share of Won 9,000 (exclusive of an interim dividend of Won 1,000) was approved.

 

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B.

Dividends for the Last Three Fiscal Years

 

(Unit: in millions of Won, except per share values and percentages)

 

Classification

     As of and for
the year ended
December 31,
2018
     As of and for
the year ended
December 31,
2017
     As of and for
the year ended
December 31,
2016
 

Par value per share (Won)

 

     500        500        500  

(Consolidated) Net income

 

     3,127,887        2,599,829        1,675,967  

Net income per share (Won)

 

     44,066        36,582        23,497  

Total cash dividend

 

     718,698        706,091        706,091  

Total stock dividends

 

     —          —          —    

(Consolidated)

Percentage of cash dividend to available income (%)

 

 

     23.0        27.2        42.1  

Cash dividend yield ratio (%)

     —          3.7        3.6        4.3  
     —          —          —          —    

Stock dividend yield ratio (%)

     —          —          —          —    
     —          —          —          —    

Cash dividend per share (Won)

     —          10,000        10,000        10,000  
     —          —          —          —    

Stock dividend per share (share)

     —          —          —          —    
     —          —          —          —    

 

*

Net income per share means basic net income per share. The cash dividend per share amounts include the respective interim cash dividend per share amounts.

 

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Table of Contents
II.

BUSINESS

1. Business Overview

Each company in the consolidated entity is a separate legal entity providing independent services and products. The business is primarily separated into (1) the wireless business consisting of cellular voice, wireless data and wireless Internet services, (2) the fixed-line business consisting of fixed-line telephone, high speed Internet, data and network lease services, among others, and (3) other businesses consisting of platform services and Internet portal services, among others.

Set forth below is a summary business description of material consolidated subsidiaries.

 

Classification

  

Company name

  

Description of business

Wireless   

SK Telecom Co., Ltd.

 

  

Wireless voice and data telecommunications services via digital wireless networks

 

  

PS&Marketing Co., Ltd.

 

  

Sale of fixed-line and wireless telecommunications products through wholesale, retail and online distribution channels

 

  

Network O&S Co., Ltd.

 

  

Maintenance of switching stations

 

   Service Ace Co., Ltd    Management and operation of customer centers
Fixed-line    SK Broadband Co., Ltd.   

High-speed Internet, TV, telephone, commercial data and other fixed-line services and management of the transmission system for online digital contents

 

Various media-related services, such as channel management, including video on demand, and mobile IPTV services

 

   SK Telink Co., Ltd.   

International wireless direct-dial “00700” services, voice services using Internet protocol and Mobile Virtual Network Operator (“MVNO”) business

 

   Home & Service Co., Ltd.    System maintenance of high-speed Internet, IPTV and fixed-line services
Other business    SK Planet Co., Ltd.   

Information telecommunications business and development and supply of software

 

   Onestore Co., Ltd.   

Operate app store

 

  

SK Communications Co., Ltd.

 

  

Integrated portal services through NATE and instant messaging services through NATE-ON

 

  

Iriver Ltd.

 

  

Audio and video device manufacturing

 

  

SK M&Service Co., Ltd.

 

  

System software development, distribution, technical support services and other online information services

 

   Atlas Investment    Investments

[Wireless Business]

 

A.

Industry Characteristics

The telecommunications services market can be categorized into telecommunications services (such as fixed-line, wireless, leased line and value-added services) and broadcasting and telecommunications convergence services. Pursuant to the Telecommunications Business Act, the telecommunications services market can be further classified into basic telecommunications (fixed-line and wireless telecommunications), special category telecommunications (resale of telecommunications equipment, facilities and services) and value-added telecommunications (Internet connection and management, media contents and others). The size of the domestic telecommunications services market is determined based on various factors specific to Korea, including size of population that uses telecommunication services and telecommunications expenditures per capita. While it is possible for Korean telecommunication service providers to provide services abroad through acquisitions or otherwise, foreign telecommunication services markets have their own characteristics depending, among others, on the regulatory environment and demand for telecommunication services.

 

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Table of Contents

The Korean mobile communication market is considered to have reached its maturation stage with more than a 100% penetration rate. However, the Korean mobile communications market continues to improve in the quality of services with the help of advances in network-related technology and the development of highly advanced LTE-A, LTE and 3G smartphones which enable the provision of convergence services for multimedia contents, mobile commerce, telematics, new media and other related services. In addition, through the commercialization of LTE network in July 2011 and LTE-A network in June 2013, business-to-business (“B2B”) businesses, such as the corporate “connected workforce” business which can directly contribute to an enhancement in productivity, are expected to grow rapidly.

In the first half of 2014, wideband LTE-A service was commercialized and on December 29, 2014, tri-band LTE-A service with a maximum speed of 300 Mbps was also commercialized. Since June 2017, through the commercialization of 5band CA technology, which is considered the final stage of LTE development, the Company has provided 4.5G service at the speed of 700Mbps to 900Mbps. Since early 2018, the Company was the first to start providing LTE services with a speed of up to 1 Gbps. Such achievements were the building blocks towards the Company’s LTE penetration reaching 80.3% as of December 31, 2018.

 

B.

Growth Potential

 

 

     (Unit: in 1,000 persons)  

Classification

   As of December 31,  
   2018      2017      2016  

Number of subscribers

   SK Telecom      27,382        26,753        26,428  
   Others (KT, LGU+)      29,989        28,375        27,018  
   MVNO      7,989        7,523        6,841  
   Total      65,360        62,651        60,287  

 

*

Source: Wireless subscriber data from the Ministry of Science and ICT (“MSIT”) as of December 31, 2018.

 

C.

Domestic and Overseas Market Conditions

The Korean mobile communication market includes the entire population of Korea with mobile communication service needs, and almost every Korean is considered a potential user. Sales revenue related to data services has been growing due to the increasing popularity of smartphones and high-speed wireless networks. There is also a growing importance to the B2B segment, which creates added value by selling and developing various solutions. The telecommunications industry is a regulated industry requiring license and approval from the MSIT.

In the wireless business, industry players compete on the basis of the following three main competitive elements:

(i) brand competitiveness, which refers to the overall sense of recognition and loyalty experienced by customers with respect to services and values provided by a company, including the images created by a company’s comprehensive activities and communications on top of the actual services rendered;

(ii) product and service competitiveness, which refers to the fundamental criteria for wireless telecommunications services, including voice quality, service coverage, broad ranges of rate plans, diversified mobile Internet services, price and quality of devices and customer service quality, as well as the ability to develop new services that meet customer needs in a market environment defined by convergence; and

(iii) sales competitiveness, which refers to novel and diversified marketing methods and the strength of the distribution network.

Set forth below is the historical market share of the Company.

 

     (Unit: in percentages)  

Classification

   As of December 31,  
   2018      2017      2016      2015  

Mobile communication services

     47.3        48.2        49.1        49.4  

 

*

Source: Wireless subscriber data from the MSIT as of December 31, 2018.

 

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Table of Contents
D.

Business Overview and Competitive Strengths

The Company is seeking to transform itself from a telecommunications service provider into a comprehensive ICT service provider. It has continued to innovate the scope of its services and achieved strong growth in subscribers amid fierce competition and rate cuts.

As a result of a series of customer value innovation projects that the Company pursued in 2018, such as no-contract plans, safe roaming and the T Plan, its wireless subscribers continued to grow every quarter, achieving an annual net increase of approximately 185,000 subscribers to a total of 30.88 million subscribers (including MVNO subscribers) as of December 31, 2018. The annual churn rate has stabilized at a record low of 1.22%. In 2018, the Company recorded revenue of Won 16,874.0 billion and an operating profit of Won 1,201.8 billion on a consolidated basis, and revenue of Won 11,705.6 billion and an operating profit of Won 1,307.5 billion on a separate basis.

In the telecommunications technology domain, following the launch of commercial LTE services in July 2011, the Company became the first telecommunications service provider in the world to launch commercial wideband LTE-A services in June 2014. The Company launched tri-band LTE-A services in December 2014 and 5band 4.5G services in June 2017. In the first quarter of 2018, the Company commenced providing LTE services of up to 1 Gbps by utilizing five-band carrier aggregation technology and 4T4R technology. By launching various high quality services utilizing the LTE-A and wideband LTE networks such as group video conference call services and full high definition mobile IPTV streaming services, the Company has innovated its customers’ data usage experience. In June 2018, the Company secured frequency bandwidths that are optimal for the commercialization of 5G services at a reasonable bid price. In the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company began to build its 5G networks, focusing on Seoul and other metropolitan areas. The Company began its first 5G transmission in December 2018 and is leading the way for the establishment of 5G networks with enhanced stability and security through the application of quantum cryptography communication and AI networks.

The Company has proved that it has superior network quality compared to its competitors according to the Korea Communications Commission quality evaluations. The Company has also maintained its status as the company that has been ranked as number one for the longest consecutive period by all three of the customer satisfaction surveys conducted by Korea Management Association, Korea Productivity Center and Korea Standards Association. The Company received the highest level of evaluation in 2017 by the Korea Commission for Corporate Partnership for the sixth consecutive year and was selected for the commission’s Honored Corporation Award, demonstrating the Company’s efforts to be fair and law-abiding in its path towards creating a New ICT ecosystem.

SK Telink, a consolidated subsidiary of the Company, expanded its operations to the MVNO business based on its technical expertise and know-how obtained in its international telecommunications business and launched its MVNO service, ‘SK 7Mobile,’ which is offered at reasonable rates and provides excellent quality. SK Telink is increasing its efforts to develop low-cost distribution channels and create niche markets through targeted marketing towards customers including foreign workers, middle-aged adults and students. An MVNO leases the networks of an MNO and provides wireless telecommunication services under its own brand and fee structure, without owning telecommunication networks or frequencies.

Network O&S, a subsidiary of the Company responsible for the operation of the Company’s base stations and related transmission and power facilities, offers quality fixed-line and wireless network services to customers, including mobile office products to business customers.

PS&Marketing, a subsidiary of the Company, provides a sales platform for products of the Company and SK Broadband including fixed-line and wireless telecommunication products that address customers’ needs for various convergence products. PS&Marketing provides differentiated service to clients through the establishment of new sales channels and product development.

 

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Table of Contents

[Fixed-line Business]

 

A.

Industry Characteristics

The Korean fixed-line services industry is marked by a relatively low level of economic sensitivity and high level of market concentration, as the government is highly selective in granting telecommunications business licenses. The competitive landscape of the fixed-line and wireless services markets is dominated by its three leading operators, the Company (including SK Broadband), KT and LG U+. Growing competition within the industry has promoted rapid technological evolution, including the convergence of fixed-line and wireless services, as well as broadcasting and telecommunications. In general, the fixed-line and wireless services markets have been characterized by relatively high profitability, cash flows and financial stability.

The high-speed Internet segment operates in a highly mature market. While the number of new subscribers has been decreasing, the segment has shown growth in specialized markets such as one-person households and SOHO (Small Office Home Office), as well as continued growth centered around the premium Giga-Internet services. In the case of IPTV services, the conversion rate to digital television in the overall paid broadcasting market has been increasing, and the proportion of IPTV subscribers among high-speed Internet users has been expanding. Although the total number of new subscribers in the segment has been decreasing, the segment is experiencing rapid growth in the consumption of paid contents due to changes in customer viewing patterns and the diversification of contents, and the platform business such as media advertising also continues to expand. In order to satisfy the diversifying needs of customers and the trend of combining or fusing services, industry players are providing differentiated contents and incorporating AI and big data technologies, resulting in increased competition in the industry. Such competition will present new growth opportunities in the home platform area in connection with the fourth industrial revolution in the future. For business customers, the Company is introducing new technologies and strengthening its competitiveness to secure a stable source of revenue, while expanding its efforts to secure competitiveness in new growth areas such as platform and solution businesses.

 

B.

Growth Potential

 

(Unit: in 1,000 persons)  
          As of December 31,  

Classification

        2018      2017      2016  

Fixed-line Subscribers

   High-speed Internet      21,286        20,989        20,349  
   Fixed-line telephone      14,334        15,039        15,746  
   IPTV (real-time)      14,717        13,314        11,850  

 

*

Source: MSIT website.

*

The number of IPTV subscribers is based on the relevant report released by the MSIT on November 21, 2018 and the number of subscribers as of December 31, 2018 was calculated based on the average number of subscribers in the first six months of 2018.

*

The number of high-speed Internet subscribers as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 has been revised retroactively through consultation with the MSIT in order to reflect corrections in subscriber data collected by the Company.

 

C.

Cyclical Nature and Seasonality

High-speed Internet, fixed-line telephone and IPTV services are mature markets that are comparatively less sensitive to cyclical economic changes as such services have become more of a necessity and the market has matured. The telecommunications services market overall is not expected to be particularly affected by economic downturns due to the low income elasticity of demand for telecommunication services.

 

D.

Domestic and Overseas Market Conditions

Set forth below is the historical market share of the Company.

 

     (Unit: in percentages)  
     As of December 31,  

Classification

   2018      2017      2016  

High-speed Internet (including resales)

     25.4        24.9        24.6  

Fixed-line telephone (including Voice over Internet Protocol (“VoIP”)

     16.8        16.9        16.9  

IPTV

     30.3        30.6        30.7  

 

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Table of Contents
*

Source: MSIT website.

*

With respect to Internet telephone, the market share was calculated based on market shares among the Company, KT and LG U+ and is based on the number of IP phone subscribers.

*

The market share of IPTV subscribers is based on the relevant report released by the MSIT on November 21, 2018 and the market share as of December 31, 2018 was calculated based on the average number of subscribers in the first six months of 2018.

*

The market share of high-speed Internet subscribers as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 has been revised retroactively through consultation with the MSIT in order to reflect corrections in subscriber data collected by the Company.

In each of its principal business areas, SK Broadband principally competes on the basis of price, service quality and speed. In the IPTV business, the ability to offer complex services and differentiated contents are becoming increasingly important. General telecommunications businesses operate in a licensed industry with a high barrier of entry, which is dominated by SK Broadband, KT and LG U+.

 

E.

Business Overview and Competitive Strengths

For the year ended December 31, 2018, SK Broadband recorded Won 3,253.8 billion in revenue, Won 175.6 billion in operating profit and Won 136.7 billion in profit for the year on a consolidated basis. SK Broadband’s revenue growth was primarily driven by increases in the number of IPTV subscribers and revenue from paid contents, and its non-operating profit increased due to the disposal of tangible assets pursuant to the sale of the Seocho IDC. The number of subscribers to each of its high-speed Internet, residential fixed-line telephones, VoIP services and IPTV services was 5.40 million, 2.25 million, 1.68 million and 4.73 million, respectively (resulting in the total number of telephone subscribers being 3.93 million subscribers). In addition, SK Broadband maintained its domestic and overseas credit ratings at the same level as the previous year and improved the stability of its financial structure by strengthening the foundation for growth through an improvement in profitability during 2018.

In the case of high-speed Internet, SK Broadband has continued to increase the proportion of subscribers of premium services, including its Giga Internet service, to approximately 34% and thereby enhanced the composition of its customers, by strengthening its marketing efforts based on quality and customer value improvements. With the launch of its Giga Premium Internet service in the first half of 2018 and the launch of the 10 Giga Internet service in the second half of 2018, SK Broadband has laid the foundation for an Internet service environment that can heighten the satisfaction of and value to its customers. SK Broadband will continue to expand the foundation for enhancing customer value and respond swiftly to changes in customers’ needs and the market, thereby strengthening its competitiveness in the premium high-speed Internet market.

With continued increase in the number of subscribers and growth in revenue from paid contents, SK Broadband’s IPTV service business continued its steady growth, with revenue in 2018 increasing by more than 20% compared to 2017. SK Broadband continued to offer differentiated services, such as the launch of “B tv X NUGU,” an AI-based set-top box with a voice search function, and the introduction of a new user interface with improved content access and search functions, in order to expand the subscribers’ usage. In addition, SK Broadband strengthened the competitiveness of its contents by launching “Living Fairy Tales,” a service for children based on AR technology, and content recommendation solutions, as well as by diversifying product packaging. In the future, SK Broadband will continue to enhance the competitiveness of its services and customer satisfaction level by offering services that are tailored to various customer needs.

The number of oksusu subscribers and users has continued to increase due to marketing centered on sports programs, such as professional baseball and the Asian Games, and the competitiveness of its content offerings was improved through the production of differentiated original content. In addition, oksusu continued to enhance its services for increased customer satisfaction, such as providing individualized menus and improving video quality and transmission methods with the implementation of new technologies.

In the case of its corporate business, SK Broadband expanded the coverage of its B2B services through investments in connection with the commercialization of 5G services, and the proportion of revenues from both the core business, which primarily focuses on fixed-line services, and the growth businesses, has expanded. The corporate business will improve its competitiveness with enhanced services based on the development of new technologies and continue its expansion in the ICT sector, such as IDC/CDN and convergence security, in order to overcome the stagnant growth of its existing services and secure a foundation for continued growth.

 

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Table of Contents

SK Telink, a provider of international telecommunications service, has been able to establish itself as a market leader as a result of its affordable pricing, proactive marketing and the quality of its services. It launched a mobile phone-based international calling service under the brand name “00700” in 1998, creating a new niche market within the long-distance telephony market that was otherwise dominated by existing service providers. In 2003, SK Telink was designated a common carrier for international calling services, which allowed the Company to expand its international calling services to fixed-line international calling services. In 2005, SK Telink obtained a license to operate VoIP services and local calling value-added services to develop into a versatile fixed-line telecommunications service provider. SK Telink plans to strategically target the convergence of wireless and fixed-line telecommunications and strengthen its existing business as a comprehensive ICT service provider, including international satellite calling services (Internet, wireless and fixed-line calling services on ships, aircraft and in polar regions), and video conference call services while aiming to satisfy the diverse needs of customers by providing quality solutions at reasonable prices.

[Other Business]

 

A.

Industry Characteristics

As the number of smartphones distributed in Korea exceeds 40 million, the growth in various mobile devices has spurred the rise of the service provider with a strong platform business as the leader in the ICT market. It is becoming increasingly important to enhance competitiveness by building a platform with large data capacity to handle the increase in data transmission.

A platform business acts as an intermediary by promoting interactions among various customer groups, thereby generating new values. It is important for a platform business to continually attract subscribers and users and to create an ecosystem with certain lock-in effects. A platform can exist in various forms, including as a technological standard (iOS, Android OS), a subscriber-based service platform (Facebook, Twitter) or a marketplace (Amazon, Onestore). Platform businesses are evolving and expanding globally.

A platform business has strong growth potential due to its connectivity with related services and ease of global expansion. Apple became a world-leading smartphone producer based on its innovative design and the competitive strength of its App Store platform. Google has created a new ecosystem of long-tail advertising by attracting millions of third parties to its advertising platform, as well as showing strong growth in mobile markets with its competitive platform based on Android OS. It is becoming increasingly important to enhance competitiveness through a database that can register and analyze purchase patterns of customers across all areas and a platform with large data capacity with which to utilize this database and provide differentiated services to customers.

 

B.

Growth Potential

The scope and value generated by the platform business, including application and content marketplaces and N-screen services, continue to increase as smartphones and tablet computers become more popular and the bandwidth and speed of network infrastructure improve. As the wireless network evolves to LTE, business opportunities for the platform business exist, including multimedia streaming, N-screen service based on cloud technology and high-definition location-based services. Since the platform business realizes profit by connecting with advertisements or commerce sites after building a critical mass of subscribers and traffic, the recent growth in the advertising and commerce markets is expected to present an opportunity for platform businesses. The importance of building a platform with large data capacity that is connected to various digital contents and commerce is expected to increase in the future.

 

C.

Domestic and Overseas Market Conditions

 

(1)

Commerce markets

The Company expects that mobile-centered online commerce markets will continue to grow due to the growth potential of the Internet shopping population, the strengthening of online business models by off-line operators, and the continued rapid rise of mobile commerce. As various lifestyle services beyond goods are expanding as a new field in the commerce market industry, new business models continue to emerge and spread.

 

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(2)

Digital contents

The growth of application marketplaces, which started with Apple’s App Store, provides the platform business with new opportunities for revenue generation. The competitive paradigm is shifting from a competition among platform operators toward a competition among eco-systems that include application developers as well as platform operators.

 

D.

Business Overview and Competitive Strengths

The Company plans to expand its platform ecosystem in operating its commerce business which includes marketplace and O2O businesses, such as 11st, Syrup and OK Cashbag, thereby ultimately increasing its enterprise value.

 

(2)

Commerce business

11st, an online marketplace, has continued its growth through effective marketing and customer satisfaction. Despite its later entry into the online commerce market (launched in 2008) which was already divided between Auction and G-Market, it is leading the domestic e-commerce market. Furthermore, 11st has established itself as the domestic market leader in mobile commerce, following its successful entry into and rapid growth in this market.

OK Cashbag is a point-based loyalty marketing program which has grown to become a global top-tier loyalty marketing program since its inception in 1999. Customers have access to increased benefits through accumulation of loyalty reward points and partner companies use OK Cashbag as a marketing resource. As Korea’s largest loyalty mileage program, OK Cashbag maintains a leading position in the industry. The Company is continuing to develop its service in light of market conditions and customers’ needs to enhance its customers’ perception of point value and is reviewing and pursuing various plans to develop OK Cashbag into a service that goes beyond a mileage program that leverages the key competitiveness of OK Cashbag such as its platform and partnership network.

Syrup is a consumer-oriented commerce service with the goal of minimizing its customers’ time and efforts while maximizing the economic benefits by providing information about coupons and events based on time, place and occasion. To achieve this goal, Syrup combines location-based services, such as geo-fencing, a virtual perimeter technology using a global positioning system (or, GPS) and Bluetooth Low Energy (or, BLE), with big data analysis of consumption patterns. Syrup’s business partners can benefit from cost-effective marketing through Syrup by utilizing statistics and analysis regarding consumers’ frequency of visits, preferred products, and consumption patterns.

 

(3)

Location-based services

T-Map Navigation provides map, local information, real-time traffic information and navigation services. T-Map Navigation is one of the leading location-based service platforms in Korea. By entering the Online to Offline service area with T map Taxi, T map Public Transportation and others, the Company is expanding its mobile platform foundation that connects day to day life. In September 2016, the Company launched T-Map x NUGU, which provides a new form of intelligent car infotainment service in collaboration with the Company’s AI service, NUGU. The Company has continued to secure subscribers by differentiating its product T-map x NUGU as a unique “AI driving assistant.” The Company has also focused on providing effective “info-tainment” platforms to commercial vehicle businesses as well as providing localized content, including region-specific information and advertisements. The Company plans to further develop the T-Map Navigation platform by initiating open application programming interface-based services, providing services to more diverse types of devices and providing local area-based services.

 

(4)

Social networking services (“SNS”) and Internet portal services

The Company’s instant messenger service, “Nate-On,” had a market share of 10.9% in the instant messenger market in Korea with 2.0 million net users during the month of December 2018. “Nate,” the Company’s Internet search portal service, realized a page-view market share of 3.8% as of December 31, 2018. (Source: Korean Click, based on fixed-line access)

 

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2. Updates on Major Products and Services

 

(Unit: in millions of Won and percentages)

Business

  

Major Companies

  

Item

  

Major Trademarks

  

Consolidated

Sales Amount

(ratio)

Wireless

  

SK Telecom Co., Ltd.,

PS&Marketing Co., Ltd.,

Network O&S Co., Ltd.

  

Mobile communication service,

wireless data service,

ICT service

   T, Band Data and others    12,378,897 (73%)

Fixed-line

  

SK Broadband Co., Ltd.,

SK Telink Co., Ltd.

  

Fixed-line phone,

high speed Internet,

data and network lease service

  

B tv , 00700

international call,

SK 7mobile and others

   2,932,598 (17%)

Other

  

Eleven Street Co., Ltd.

SK Planet Co., Ltd.,

Onestore Co., Ltd.,

SK Communications Co., Ltd.,

SK M&Service Co., Ltd.,

ADT CAPS Co., Ltd.

SK Infosec Co., Ltd.

   Information telecommunication, electronic finance, advertising, Internet portal service, personnel and system security, information security and others    11st, OK Cashbag, NATE, CAPS and others    1,562,465 (10%)

Total

            16,873,960 (100%)

[Wireless Business]

As of December 31, 2018, based on the Company’s standard monthly subscription plan, the basic service fee was Won 12,100 and the usage fee was Won 1.98 per second.

[Fixed-line Business]

SK Broadband provides broadband Internet access service, telephony, TV, corporate business services and other services for both individual and corporate customers. As of December 31, 2018, SK Broadband’s revenue (on a consolidated basis) comprised of 24.9% broadband Internet, 2.0% home telephony services, 31.0% corporate business services, 39.1% TV services and 3.0% other telecommunications services. Price fluctuations in the different services provided by SK Broadband are due to discounts provided for long term contracts, changes in equipment costs and competition between companies.

[Other Business]

Set forth below are major products and services of the Company’s material consolidated subsidiaries.

 

Business

  

Item

  

Major Trademarks

Platform

  

ICT services, new media services,

advertisement services, telecommunications sales,

e-commerce and others

  

Syrup, Onestore, 11st,

OK Cashbag and others

Advertisement (Display, Search)

   Online advertisement services    Nate, Nate-On and others

Contents and others

   Pay content sales and other services, security and others    Nate, Nate-On and CAPS

 

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3. Investment Status

[Wireless Business]

 

A.

Investment in Progress

 

(Unit: in 100 millions of Won)  

Business

   Classification      Investment
period
     Subject of
investment
     Investment effect      Expected
investment
amount
    Amount
already
invested
     Future
investment
 

Network/Common

    

Upgrade/

New installation

 

 

    

Year ended
December 31,
2018
 
 
 
    

Network,
systems and
others
 
 
 
    

Capacity increase and
quality improvement;
systems improvement
 
 
 
     21,000       21,279        —    

Total

                 21,000     21,279        —    

 

*

On February 5, 2018, the Company disclosed its 2018 capital expenditure budget.

 

B.

Future Investment Plan

 

(Unit: in 100 millions of Won)  

Business

   Expected investment amount    Expected investment for each year    Investment effect  
   Asset type    Amount    2019    2020    2021

Network/Common

   Network,
systems and
others
   To be
determined
   To be
determined
   To be
determined
   To be
determined
    

Upgrades to the existing services and
expanded provision of network
services including 5G
 
 
 

Total

   To be
determined
   To be
determined
   To be
determined
   To be
determined
  

[Fixed-line Business]

 

A.

Investment in Progress

In 2018, SK Broadband spent Won 776.8 billion in capital expenditures. In 2019, the Company plans to make a similar level of capital expenditures to expand network coverage and upgrade its media platform compared to 2018, but does not expect such expenditures to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial structure through improvements in investment efficiency.

 

(Unit: in 100 millions of Won)  

Business

   Classification      Investment
period
     Subject of
investment
     Investment effect      Amount
already
invested
     Future
investment
 

High-speed Internet

    

Upgrade/
New
installation

 
 
    

Year ended
December 31,
2018
 
 
 
    



Backbone
and
subscriber
network/
others
 
 
 
 
 
    
Expand subscriber networks and
facilities
 
 
     2,973        To be determined  

Fixed-line telephone

     145  

IPTV

     1,839  

Corporate Business

    
Increase leased-line and
integrated information system
 
 
     1,255  

Backbone network

    
Additional backbone equipment
and lines
 
 
     738  

IT infrastructure

             

Upgrade IT infrastructure and

network management system

 

 

     467     

Others

             
Increase network equipment and
NW security
 
 
     351     

Total

                 7,768     

 

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4. Revenues

 

       (Unit: in millions of Won)  

Business

   Sales type      Item    For the year ended December 31,  
                        2018      2017      2016  

Wireless

     Services       
Mobile
communication
 
 
   Export      50,959        20,507        17,393  
   Domestic      12,327,938        13,241,628        12,987,516  
   Subtotal      12,378,897        13,262,135        13,004,909  

Fixed-line

     Services       


Fixed-line,
B2B data,
high-speed
Internet, TV


 
 
   Export      104,592        84,395        92,630  
   Domestic      2,828,006        2,639,756        2,558,563  
   Subtotal      2,932,598        2,724,151        2,651,193  

Other

     Services       


Display and
search ad.,
content,
commerce

 
 
 
   Export      62,545        41,233        42,205  
   Domestic      1,499,920        1,492,494        1,393,509  
   Subtotal      1,562,465        1,533,727        1,435,714  

Total

         Export      218,096        146,135        152,228  
   Domestic      16,655,864        17,373,878        16,939,588  
   Total      16,873,960        17,520,013        17,091,816  

 

*

Revenues for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were recorded based on previously applicable accounting standards of K-IFRS 1018 and K-IFRS 1039.

 

(Unit: in millions of Won)  

For the year ended December 31, 2018

   Wireless      Fixed      Other     Sub total      Internal
transaction
    After
consolidation
 

Total sales

     13,961,762        3,973,533        1,873,224       19,808,519        (2,934,559     16,873,960  

Internal sales

     1,582,865        1,040,935        310,759       2,934,559        (2,934,559     —    

External sales

     12,378,897        2,932,598        1,562,465       16,873,960        —         16,873,960  

Operating profit (loss)

     1,299,869        228,225        (326,334     1,201,760        —         1,201,760  

Profit (loss) for the year

     3,131,988               

Total assets

     29,513,625        4,977,684        2,804,147       37,295,456        5,073,655       42,369,111  

Total liabilities

     12,313,954        2,961,493        1,232,765       16,508,212        3,511,649       20,019,861  

 

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Table of Contents

5. Derivative Transactions

 

A.

Current Swap Contract Applying Cash Flow Risk Hedge Accounting

Currency and interest rate swap contracts under cash flow hedge accounting as of December 31, 2018 are as follows:

 

Borrowing date

 

Hedged item

  Hedged risk   Contract type   Financial
institution
  Duration of contract

Jul. 20, 2007

  Fixed-to-fixed cross currency swap (U.S. dollar denominated bonds face value of US$400,000,000)   Foreign currency
risk
  Cross currency
swap
  Morgan Stanley
and four other
banks
  Jul. 20, 2007 – Jul. 20,
2027

Mar. 7, 2013

  Floating-to-fixed cross currency interest rate swap (U.S. dollar denominated bonds face value of US$300,000,000)   Foreign currency
risk and interest rate
risk
  Cross currency
interest rate swap
  DBS Bank   Mar. 7, 2013 – Mar. 7,
2020

Dec. 16, 2013

  Fixed-to-fixed cross currency swap (U.S. dollar denominated loan face value of US$40,253,000)   Foreign currency
risk
  Cross currency
swap
  Deutsche Bank   Dec. 16, 2013 – Apr. 29,
2022

Dec. 20, 2016

  Floating-to-fixed interest rate swap (Korean Won denominated loan face value of KRW 36,750 million)   Interest rate risk   Interest rate
swap
  Korea
Development
Bank
  Dec. 20, 2016 – Dec. 20,
2021

Jan. 30, 2017

  Floating-to-fixed interest rate swap (Korean Won denominated loan face value of KRW 12,250 million)   Interest rate risk   Interest rate
swap
  Korea
Development
Bank
  Nov. 10, 2016 – Jul. 30,
2019

Dec. 21, 2017

  Floating-to-fixed interest rate swap (Korean Won denominated loan face value of KRW 50,000 million)   Interest rate risk   Interest rate
swap
  Korea
Development
Bank
  Dec. 21, 2017 – Dec. 21,
2022

Apr. 16, 2018

  Fixed-to-fixed cross currency swap (U.S. dollar denominated bonds face value of US$500,000,000)   Foreign currency
risk
  Cross currency
swap
  The Export-
Import Bank of
Korea and three
other banks
  Apr. 16, 2018 – Apr. 16,
2023

Aug. 13, 2018

  Fixed-to-fixed cross currency swap (U.S. dollar denominated bonds face value of US$300,000,000)   Foreign currency
risk
  Cross currency
swap
  Citibank   Aug. 13, 2018 – Aug. 13,
2023

 

B.

Treatment of Derivative Instruments on the Balance Sheet

As of December 31, 2018, fair values of the above derivatives recorded in assets or liabilities and details of derivative instruments were as follows:

 

(Unit: in millions of Won; in thousands of foreign currencies)  

Hedged item

   Fair value  
   Cash flow hedge     Trading purposes      Total  

Current assets:

       

Floating-to-fixed interest rate swap (Korean Won denominated loan face value of KRW 12,250 million)

     13       —          13  

Non-current assets:

       

Structured bond (face value of Won 50,000 million)

     —         10,947        10,947  

Fixed-to-fixed cross currency swap (Korean Won denominated bonds face value of US$400,000,000)

     9,335       —          9,335  

Floating-to-fixed cross currency swap (U.S. dollar denominated bonds face value of US$300,000,000)

     6,499       —          6,499  

Fixed-to-fixed cross currency swap (U.S. dollar denominated bonds face value of US$500,000,000)

     24,024       —          24,024  

Others

     —         4,639        4,639  

Total assets:

          55,457  

Non-current liabilities:

       

Fixed-to-fixed interest rate swap (U.S. dollar denominated loan face value of US$40,253,000)

     (1,107     —          (1,107

Fixed-to-fixed cross currency swap (U.S. dollar denominated bonds face value of US$300,000,000)

     (2,874     —          (2,874

Floating-to-fixed interest rate swap (Korean Won denominated loan face value of KRW 86,750 million)

     (203     —          (203

Total liabilities:

          (4,184

 

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Table of Contents

6. Major Contracts

[SK Telecom]

Not applicable.

[SK Broadband]

Due to the nature of the telecommunication service business, SK Broadband has entered into agreements related to the joint usage of telecommunication facilities for interconnection among telecommunication lines conduits and telecommunication service providers. Below are the major contracts of SK Broadband. In addition to the below, SK Broadband has also entered into various real estate rental agreements.

 

Counterparty

  

Contract Contents

  

Contract Period

  

Note

Telecommunication service

providers

   Interconnection among telecommunication service providers    —      -Automatically renewed for two years at a time unless specific amendments are requested

KEPCO

   Provision of electric facilities    From Nov. 2018 to Nov. 2019   

-Use of electricity poles (entered on Nov. 7, 2014)

-Unless special reasons arise, the usage period will be automatically renewed annually

Busan Transportation

Corporation

   Use of telecommunication line conduits    From Aug. 2017 to Jul. 2019    -Use of railway telecommunication conduit (Serviced areas to expand)

Seoul Metro

   Use of telecommunication line conduits    From Jan. 2018 to Dec. 2020    -Use of railway telecommunication conduit (Serviced areas to expand)

Seoul Metro

   Use of telecommunication line conduits    From May 2016 to May 2019   

-Use of railway telecommunication conduit (Serviced areas to expand)

-Unless special reasons arise, the usage period will be automatically renewed every three years until 2019

-Expected to enter into a new contract in 2019 after re-negotiation of usage fees

[SK Communications]

 

Counterparty

  

Purpose

  

Contract Period

  

Contract Amount

Kakao Corp.

  

Cost-per-click Internet

search advertisement

   —      Amount determined based on the number of clicks

 

*

SK Communications and Kakao Corp. have agreed not to publicly disclose the contract period with respect to the contract with Kakao Corp.

 

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Table of Contents

7. R&D Investments

Set forth below are the Company’s R&D expenditures.

 

(Unit: in millions of Won except percentages)

 

Category

  For the year ended
December 31, 2018
    For the year ended
December 31, 2017
    For the year ended
December 31, 2016
    Remarks  

Raw material

    760       1,261       659       —    

Labor

    131,792       139,845       116,108       —    

Depreciation

    155,093       144,301       125,827       —    

Commissioned service

    78,323       76,042       54,714       —    

Others

    47,511       53,112       53,785       —    

Total R&D costs

    413,480       414,562       351,093       —    

Accounting

   Sales and administrative
expenses
    387,675       395,276       344,787       —    
   Development expenses
(Intangible assets)
    25,805       19,285       6,306       —    

R&D cost / sales amount ratio (Total R&D costs / Current sales amount×100)

    2.45     2.37     2.05     —    

8. Other information relating to investment decisions

 

A.

Trademark Policies

The Company manages its corporate brand and other product brands in a comprehensive way to protect and increase their value. The Company operates an intranet system called “Comm.ON” in order to implement consistent communication with consumers across various areas including branding, design, marketing and public relations, and systematically manages the development, registration and licensing of brands through such system.

 

B.

Business-related Intellectual Property

[SK Telecom]

As of December 31, 2018, the Company held 4,672 Korean-registered patents and 1,453 foreign-registered patents. The Company holds 717 Korean-registered trademarks and owns intellectual property rights to its proprietary graphic design of the alphabet “T” representing its brand. The designed alphabet “T” is registered in all business categories for trademarks (total of 45). The number of registered patents and trademarks is subject to constant change due to the acquisition of new rights, expiration of terms, abandonments and dispositions.

[SK Broadband]

As of December 31, 2018, SK Broadband held 347 Korean-registered patents and 151 foreign-registered patents (including those held jointly with other companies). It also holds 296 Korean-registered trademarks and owns intellectual property rights to its proprietary graphic design of the alphabet “B” representing its brand. The designed alphabet “B” is registered in all business categories for trademarks (total of 45). The number of registered patents and trademarks is subject to continual change due to the acquisition of new rights, expiration of terms, abandonments and dispositions.

[SK Planet]

As of December 31, 2018, SK Planet held 1,525 registered patents, 95 registered design marks, 1,048 registered trademarks and 4 copyrights (in each case including those held jointly with other companies) in Korea. It also holds various other intellectual property rights in other countries, including 210 U.S.-registered patents, 120 Chinese-registered patents, 80 Japanese-registered patents, 86 E.U.-registered patents (in each case including those held jointly with other companies) and 284 foreign registered trademarks.

 

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Table of Contents

[Eleven Street]

As of December 31, 2018, Eleven Street Co., Ltd. (“Eleven Street”) held 98 registered patents, 12 registered design marks, 563 registered trademarks and 5 copyrights (in each case including those held jointly with other companies) in Korea. It also holds various other intellectual property rights in other countries, including 22 U.S.-registered patents (including those held jointly with other companies).

[SK Communications]

As of December 31, 2018, SK Communications held 93 registered patents, 26 registered design rights and 506 registered trademarks in Korea.

 

C.

Business-related Pollutants and Environmental Protection

[SK Telecom]

The Company does not directly engage in any manufacturing and therefore does not undertake any industrial processes that emit pollutants into the air or industrial processes in which hazardous materials are used.

[SK Broadband]

SK Broadband does not directly engage in any manufacturing processes that emit environmental pollutants, and more than 99% of its greenhouse gas emissions is indirect emissions from its use of external electricity. SK Broadband was selected as a business subject to allocation of emission permits as part of Korea’s greenhouse gas emissions trading scheme that commenced in 2015, and it actively fulfills its obligations and consistently achieves the targets set by the government. In addition, SK Broadband continues to invest in environment-friendly facilities for its data centers and improve the stability and efficiency of its services.

 

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Table of Contents
III.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

1. Summary Financial Information (Consolidated and Separate)

 

A.

Summary Financial Information (Consolidated)

Below is the summary consolidated financial information of the Company as of and for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016. The Company’s audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, which are prepared in accordance with K-IFRS, are attached hereto.

 

     (Unit: in millions of Won except number of companies)  
     As of
December 31,
2018
     As of
December 31,
2017
     As of
December 31,
2016
 

Assets

        

Current Assets

     7,958,839        6,201,799        5,996,628  

•   Cash and Cash Equivalents

     1,506,699        1,457,735        1,505,242  

•   Accounts Receivable – Trade, net

     2,008,640        2,126,007        2,240,926  

•   Accounts Receivable – Other, net

     937,837        1,260,835        1,121,444  

•   Others

     3,505,663        1,357,222        1,129,016  

Non-Current Assets

     34,410,272        27,226,870        25,301,035  

•   Long-Term Investment Securities

     664,726        887,007        828,521  

•   Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures

     12,811,771        9,538,438        7,404,323  

•   Property and Equipment, net

     10,718,354        10,144,882        10,374,212  

•   Intangible Assets, net

     5,513,510        3,586,965        3,776,354  

•   Goodwill

     2,938,563        1,915,017        1,932,452  

•   Others

     1,763,348        1,154,561        985,173  

Total Assets

     42,369,111        33,428,669        31,297,663  

Liabilities

        

Current Liabilities

     6,847,557        7,109,123        6,444,099  

Non-Current Liabilities

     13,172,304        8,290,351        8,737,134  

Total Liabilities

     20,019,861        15,399,474        15,181,233  

Equity

        

Equity Attributable to Owners of the Parent Company

     22,470,822        17,842,139        15,971,399  

Share Capital

     44,639        44,639        44,639  

Capital Surplus (Deficit) and Other Capital Adjustments

     655,084        196,281        199,779  

Retained Earnings

     22,144,541        17,835,946        15,953,164  

Reserves

     (373,442      (234,727      (226,183

Non-controlling Interests

     (121,572      187,056        145,031  

Total Equity

     22,349,250        18,029,195        16,116,430  

Total Liabilities and Equity

     42,369,111        33,428,669        31,297,663  

Number of Companies Consolidated

     44        39        38  

 

(Unit: in millions of Won except per share data)  
     For the year ended
December 31, 2018
     For the year ended
December 31, 2017
     For the year ended
December 31, 2016
 

Operating Revenue

     16,873,960        17,520,013        17,091,816  

Operating Profit

     1,201,760        1,536,626        1,535,744  

Profit Before Income Tax

     3,975,966        3,403,249        2,096,139  

Profit for the Year

     3,131,988        2,657,595        1,660,101  

Profit for the Year Attributable to Owners of the Parent Company

     3,127,887        2,599,829        1,675,967  

Profit for the Year Attributable to Non-controlling Interests

     4,101        57,766        (15,866

Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Won)

     44,066        36,582        23,497  

 

*

Financial information as of and for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 was recorded based on previously applicable accounting standards of K-IFRS 1018 and K-IFRS 1039.

 

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B.

Summary Financial Information (Separate)

Below is the summary separate financial information of the Company as of and for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016. The Company’s audited separate financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, which are prepared in accordance with K-IFRS, are attached hereto.

 

     (Unit: in millions of Won)  
     As of
December 31,
2018
     As of
December 31,
2017
     As of
December 31,
2016
 

Assets

        

Current Assets

     4,679,378        3,768,098        3,661,115  

•   Cash and Cash Equivalents

     877,823        880,583        874,350  

•   Accounts Receivable – Trade, net

     1,354,260        1,520,209        1,594,504  

•   Accounts Receivable – Other, net

     518,451        1,003,509        772,570  

•   Others

     1,928,844        363,797        419,691  

Non-Current Assets

     24,168,645        21,789,424        21,787,459  

•   Long-Term Investment Securities

     410,672        724,603        560,966  

•   Investments in Subsidiaries and Associates

     10,188,914        9,152,321        8,726,538  

•   Property and Equipment, net

     6,943,490        6,923,133        7,298,539  

•   Intangible Assets, net

     4,010,864        3,089,545        3,275,663  

•   Goodwill

     1,306,236        1,306,236        1,306,236  

•   Others

     1,308,469        593,586        619,517  

Total Assets

     28,848,023        25,557,522        25,448,574  

Liabilities

        

Current Liabilities

     4,178,068        4,767,401        4,464,160  

Non-Current Liabilities

     7,782,468        5,782,730        6,727,460  

Total Liabilities

     11,960,536        10,550,131        11,191,620  

Equity

        

Share Capital

     44,639        44,639        44,639  

Capital Surplus and Other Capital Adjustments

     415,324        371,895        371,481  

Retained Earnings

     16,467,789        14,512,556        13,902,627  

Reserves

     (40,265      78,301        (61,793

Total Equity

     16,887,487        15,007,391        14,256,954  

Total Liabilities and Equity

     28,848,023        25,557,522        25,448,574  

 

(Unit: in millions of Won except per share data)  
     For the year
ended
December 31,
2018
     For the year
ended
December 31,
2017
     For the year
ended
December 31,
2016
 

Operating Revenue

     11,705,639        12,468,035        12,350,479  

Operating Profit

     1,307,494        1,697,709        1,782,172  

Profit Before Income Tax

     1,221,244        1,603,808        1,562,782  

Profit for the Year

     933,902        1,331,114        1,217,274  

Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Won)

     13,000        18,613        17,001  

 

*

Financial information as of and for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 was recorded based on previously applicable accounting standards of K-IFRS 1018 and K-IFRS 1039.

2. Other Matters Related to Financial Information

 

A.

Restatement of the Financial Statements

Not applicable.

 

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Table of Contents
B.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

 

(1)

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts of Trade and Other Receivables

 

     (Unit: in millions of Won)  
     For the year ended December 31, 2018  
     Gross amount      Allowance for Doubtful
Accounts
     Percentage  

Accounts receivable – trade

     2,280,090        260,157        11

Loans

     135,503        47,375        35

Accounts receivable – other

     1,280,236        68,346        5

Accrued income

     6,232        166        3

Guarantee deposits

     315,854        —          0

Total

     4,017,915        376,045        9

 

    
(Unit: in millions of Won)
 
     For the year ended December 31, 2017  
   Gross amount      Allowance for Doubtful
Accounts
     Percentage  

Accounts receivable – trade

     2,378,203        239,448        10

Loans

     161,015        47,311        29

Accounts receivable – other

     1,623,295        75,412        5

Accrued income

     3,979        —          0

Guarantee deposits

     296,517        —          0

Total

     4,463,009        362,171        8

 

     (Unit: in millions of Won)  
     For the year ended December 31, 2016  
   Gross amount      Allowance for Doubtful
Accounts
     Percentage  

Accounts receivable – trade

     2,503,139        241,828        10

Loans

     172,982        48,527        28

Accounts receivable – other

     1,350,090        78,977        6

Accrued income

     2,780        —          0

Guarantee deposits

     302,901        —          0

Total

     4,331,892        369,332        9

 

(2)

Movements in Allowance for Doubtful Accounts of Trade and Other Receivables

 

            (Unit: in millions of Won)  
     For the year ended
December 31, 2018
     For the year ended
December 31, 2017
     For the year ended
December 31, 2016
 

Beginning balance

     362,171        369,332        344,016  

Effect of change in accounting policy

     13,049        —          —    

Increase of allowance for doubtful accounts

     45,051        40,377        78,132  

Reversal of allowance for doubtful accounts

     —          —          —    

Write-offs

     (65,762      (70,802      (79,891

Other

     21,536        23,264        27,075  

Ending balance

     376,045        362,171        369,332  

 

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Table of Contents
(3)

Policies for Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The Company establishes allowances for doubtful accounts based on the likelihood of recoverability of trade and other receivables based on their aging at the end of the period and past customer default experience for the past two years. With respect to trade receivables relating to wireless telecommunications services, the Company considers the likelihood of recovery based on past customer default experience and the length of default in connection with the type of default (e.g., whether the customer’s service has been terminated or is continued). For such trade receivables that have been overdue for more than two years after the customer’s service has been terminated, the Company records an allowance of 100% of such receivables. For such trade receivables that have been overdue for less than two years after the customer’s service has been terminated or relates to a customer that is continuing his service, the Company records an allowance of a certain percentage of such receivable. Consistent with customary practice, the Company writes off trade and other receivables for which the prescription period has passed or that are determined to be impossible or economically too costly to collect, including receivables that are less than Won 200,000 and more than six months overdue and receivables that have been determined to be the subject of identity theft.

 

(4)

Aging of Accounts Receivable

 

     (Unit: in millions of Won)  
     As of December 31, 2018  
   Six months or
less
    From six
months to one
year
    From one year
to three years
    More than
three years
    Total  

Accounts receivable – general

     1,979,347       69,721       142,789       88,233       2,280,090  

Percentage

     87     3     6     4     100

 

C.

Inventories

 

(1)

Detailed Categories of Inventories

 

     (Unit: in millions of Won)  

Account Category

   For the year ended
December 31, 2018
    For the year ended
December 31, 2017
    For the year ended
December 31, 2016
 

Merchandise

     259,524       243,975       225,958  

Goods in transit

     —         —         —    

Other inventories

     28,529       28,428       33,888  

Total

     288,053       272,403       259,846  

Percentage of inventories to total assets [ Inventories / Total assets ]

     0.68     0.81     0.83

Inventory turnover [ Cost of sales / { ( Beginning balance of inventories + Ending balance of inventories ) / 2} ]

     6.41       7.09       6.89  

 

(2)

Reporting of Inventories

The Company holds handsets, ICT equipment for offline sales, etc. in inventory. The Company conducts physical due diligence of its inventories with its auditors at the end of each year.

 

D.

Fair Value Measurement

See note 2 of the notes to the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 for more information.

 

E.

Key Terms of Debt Securities

[SK Telecom]

The following are key terms and conditions of bonds issued by the Company.

 

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Table of Contents

Name

   Issue Date    Maturity
Date
   Principal
Amount
     Date of Fiscal
Agency Agreement
   Fiscal Agent

Unsecured Bond – Series 61-2

   Dec. 27, 2011    Dec. 27, 2021      190,000      Dec. 19, 2011    Hana Financial Investment
Co., Ltd.

 

Maintenance of Financial Ratio    Key Term    Debt ratio no greater than 300%
   Compliance Status    Compliant

Restriction on Liens

   Key Term   

The total amount of secured debt not to exceed 50% of

share capital as of the end of the previous fiscal year

   Compliance Status    Compliant
Restriction on Disposition of Assets    Key Term    Disposal of assets per fiscal year not to exceed 2 trillion won
   Compliance Status    Compliant
Submission of Compliance Certificate    Compliance Status    Submitted on September 12, 2018

 

Name

   Issue Date    Maturity
Date
   Principal
Amount
     Date of Fiscal
Agency Agreement
   Fiscal Agent

Unsecured Bond – Series 62-1

   Aug. 28, 2012    Aug. 28, 2019      170,000      Aug. 22, 2012    Meritz Securities Co.,
Ltd.

Unsecured Bond – Series 62-2

   Aug. 28, 2012    Aug. 28, 2022      140,000      Aug. 22, 2012    Meritz Securities Co.,
Ltd.

Unsecured Bond – Series 62-3

   Aug. 28, 2012    Aug. 28, 2032      90,000      Aug. 22, 2012    Meritz Securities Co.,
Ltd.

 

Maintenance of Financial Ratio    Key Term    Debt ratio no greater than 300%
   Compliance Status    Compliant
Restriction on Liens    Key Term    The total amount of secured debt not to exceed 100% of share capital as of the end of the previous fiscal year
   Compliance Status    Compliant
Restriction on Disposition of Assets    Key Term    Disposal of assets per fiscal year not to exceed 2 trillion won
   Compliance Status    Compliant
Submission of Compliance Certificate    Compliance Status    Submitted on September 12, 2018

 

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Table of Contents

Name

   Issue Date    Maturity
Date
     Principal
Amount
     Date of Fiscal
Agency Agreement
     Fiscal Agent

Unsecured Bond – Series 63-1

   April 23, 2013      April 23, 2023        230,000        April 17, 2013      Korea Securities
Finance Corp.

Unsecured Bond – Series 63-2

   April 23, 2013      April 23, 2033        130,000        April 17, 2013      Korea Securities
Finance Corp.

Unsecured Bond – Series 64-1

   May 14, 2014      May 14, 2019        50,000        April 29, 2014      Korea Securities
Finance Corp.

Unsecured Bond – Series 64-2

   May 14, 2014      May 14, 2024        150,000        April 29, 2014      Korea Securities
Finance Corp.

Unsecured Bond – Series 64-4

   May 14, 2014      May 14, 2029        50,000        April 29, 2014      Korea Securities
Finance Corp.

Unsecured Bond – Series 65-1

   Oct. 28, 2014      Oct. 28, 2019        160,000        Oct. 16, 2014      Korea Securities
Finance Corp.

Unsecured Bond – Series 65-2

   Oct. 28, 2014      Oct. 28, 2021        150,000        Oct. 16, 2014      Korea Securities
Finance Corp.

Unsecured Bond – Series 65-3

   Oct. 28, 2014      Oct. 28, 2024        190,000        Oct. 16, 2014      Korea Securities
Finance Corp.

Unsecured Bond – Series 66-1

   Feb. 26, 2015      Feb. 26, 2022        100,000        Feb. 11, 2015      Korea Securities
Finance Corp.

Unsecured Bond – Series 66-2

   Feb. 26, 2015      Feb. 26, 2025        150,000        Feb. 11, 2015      Korea Securities
Finance Corp.

Unsecured Bond – Series 66-3

   Feb. 26, 2015      Feb. 26, 2030        50,000        Feb. 11, 2015      Korea Securities
Finance Corp.

Unsecured Bond – Series 67-1

   July 17, 2015      July 17, 2018        90,000        July 9, 2015      Korea Securities
Finance Corp.

Unsecured Bond – Series 67-2

   July 17, 2015      July 17, 2025        70,000        July 9, 2015      Korea Securities
Finance Corp.

Unsecured Bond – Series 67-3

   July 17, 2015      July 17, 2030        90,000        July 9, 2015      Korea Securities
Finance Corp.

Unsecured Bond – Series 68-1

   Nov. 30, 2015      Nov. 30, 2018        80,000        Nov. 18, 2015      Korea Securities
Finance Corp.

Unsecured Bond – Series 68-2

   Nov. 30, 2015      Nov. 30, 2025        100,000        Nov. 18, 2015      Korea Securities
Finance Corp.

Unsecured Bond – Series 68-3

   Nov. 30, 2015      Nov. 30, 2035        70,000        Nov. 18, 2015      Korea Securities
Finance Corp.

Unsecured Bond – Series 69-1

   March 4, 2016      March 4, 2019        70,000        Feb. 22, 2016      Korea Securities
Finance Corp.

Unsecured Bond – Series 69-2

   March 4, 2016      March 4, 2021        100,000        Feb. 22, 2016      Korea Securities
Finance Corp.

Unsecured Bond – Series 69-3

   March 4, 2016      March 4, 2026        90,000        Feb. 22, 2016      Korea Securities
Finance Corp.

Unsecured Bond – Series 69-4

   March 4, 2016      March 4, 2036        80,000        Feb. 22, 2016      Korea Securities
Finance Corp.

 

Maintenance of Financial Ratio    Key Term    Debt ratio no greater than 300%
   Compliance Status    Compliant
Restriction on Liens    Key Term   

The total amount of secured debt not to exceed 100% of

share capital as of the end of the previous fiscal year

   Compliance Status    Compliant
Restriction on Disposition of Assets    Key Term    Disposal of assets per fiscal year not to exceed 2 trillion won
   Compliance Status    Compliant
Submission of Compliance Certificate    Compliance Status    Submitted on September 12, 2018

 

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Table of Contents

Name

   Issue Date      Maturity
Date
     Principal
Amount
     Date of Fiscal
Agency Agreement
     Fiscal Agent

Unsecured Bond – Series 70-1

     June 3, 2016        June 3, 2019        50,000        May 24, 2016      Korea Securities
Finance Corp.

Unsecured Bond – Series 70-2

     June 3, 2016        June 3, 2021        50,000        May 24, 2016      Korea Securities
Finance Corp.

Unsecured Bond – Series 70-3

     June 3, 2016        June 3, 2026        120,000        May 24, 2016      Korea Securities
Finance Corp.

Unsecured Bond – Series 70-4

     June 3, 2016        June 3, 2031        50,000        May 24, 2016      Korea Securities
Finance Corp.

Unsecured Bond – Series 71-1

     April 25, 2017        April 25, 2020        60,000        April 13, 2017      Korea Securities
Finance Corp.

Unsecured Bond – Series 71-2

     April 25, 2017        April 25, 2022        120,000        April 13, 2017      Korea Securities
Finance Corp.

Unsecured Bond – Series 71-3

     April 25, 2017        April 25, 2027        100,000        April 13, 2017      Korea Securities
Finance Corp.

Unsecured Bond – Series 71-4

     April 25, 2017        April 25, 2032        90,000        April 13, 2017      Korea Securities
Finance Corp.

 

Maintenance of Financial Ratio    Key Term    Debt ratio no greater than 300%
   Compliance Status    Compliant
Restriction on Liens    Key Term    The total amount of secured debt not to exceed 150% of share capital as of the end of the previous fiscal year
   Compliance Status    Compliant
Restriction on Disposition of Assets    Key Term    Disposal of assets per fiscal year not to exceed 5 trillion won
   Compliance Status    Compliant
Submission of Compliance Certificate    Compliance Status    Submitted on September 12, 2018

 

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Table of Contents

Name

   Issue Date    Maturity
Date
   Principal
Amount
     Date of Fiscal
Agency Agreement
   Fiscal Agent

Unsecured Bond – Series 72-1

   Nov. 10, 2017    Nov. 10, 2020      100,000      Oct. 31, 2017    Korea Securities
Finance Corp.

Unsecured Bond – Series 72-2

   Nov. 10, 2017    Nov. 10, 2022      80,000      Oct. 31, 2017    Korea Securities
Finance Corp.

Unsecured Bond – Series 72-3

   Nov. 10, 2017    Nov. 10, 2027      100,000      Oct. 31, 2017    Korea Securities
Finance Corp.

Unsecured Bond – Series 73-1

   Feb. 20, 2018    Feb. 20, 2021      110,000      Feb. 6. 2018    Korea Securities
Finance Corp.

Unsecured Bond – Series 73-2

   Feb. 20, 2018    Feb. 20, 2023      100,000      Feb. 6. 2018    Korea Securities
Finance Corp.

Unsecured Bond – Series 73-3

   Feb. 20, 2018    Feb. 20, 2028      200,000      Feb. 6. 2018    Korea Securities
Finance Corp.

Unsecured Bond – Series 73-4

   Feb. 20, 2018    Feb. 20, 2038      90,000      Feb. 6. 2018    Korea Securities
Finance Corp.

 

Maintenance of Financial Ratio    Key Term    Debt ratio no greater than 300%
   Compliance Status    Compliant
Restriction on Liens    Key Term   

The total amount of secured debt not to exceed 150% of

share capital as of the end of the previous fiscal year

   Compliance Status    Compliant
Restriction on Disposition of Assets    Key Term    Disposal of assets per fiscal year not to exceed 50% of total assets
   Compliance Status    Compliant
Restriction on Changes of Management Structure    Key Term   

Restriction of cross-shareholding

Exclusion from corporate group

   Compliance Status    Compliant
Submission of Compliance Certificate    Compliance Status    Submitted on September 12, 2018

 

Name

   Issue Date      Maturity
Date
     Principal
Amount
     Date of Fiscal
Agency Agreement
     Fiscal Agent

Unsecured Bond – Series 74-1

     Sept. 17, 2018        Sept. 17, 2021        100,000        Sept. 5, 2018      Korea Securities
Finance Corp.

Unsecured Bond – Series 74-2

     Sept. 17, 2018        Sept. 17, 2023        150,000        Sept. 5, 2018      Korea Securities
Finance Corp.

Unsecured Bond – Series 74-3

     Sept. 17, 2018        Sept. 17, 2038        50,000        Sept. 5, 2018      Korea Securities
Finance Corp.

 

Maintenance of Financial Ratio    Key Term    Debt ratio no greater than 300%
   Compliance Status    Compliant
Restriction on Liens    Key Term   

The total amount of secured debt not to exceed 150% of

share capital as of the end of the previous fiscal year

   Compliance Status    Compliant
Restriction on Disposition of Assets    Key Term    Disposal of assets per fiscal year not to exceed 50% of total assets
   Compliance Status    Compliant
Restriction on Changes of Management Structure    Key Term   

Restriction of cross-shareholding

Exclusion from corporate group

   Compliance Status    Compliant
Submission of Compliance Certificate    Compliance Status    To be submitted after the release of the 2018 annual report

 

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Table of Contents

[SK Broadband]

The following are key terms and conditions of bonds issued by SK Broadband.

 

Name

   Issue Date    Maturity
Date
   Principal
Amount
     Date of Fiscal
Agency Agreement
   Fiscal Agent

Unsecured Bond – Series 38-2

   April 2, 2014    April 2, 2019      210,000      March 21, 2014    Korea Securities
Finance Corp.

Unsecured Bond – Series 39

   Sept. 29, 2014    Sept. 29, 2019      130,000      Sept. 17, 2014    Korea Securities
Finance Corp.

Unsecured Bond – Series 40-2

   Jan. 14, 2015    Jan. 14, 2020      160,000      Jan. 2, 2014    Korea Securities
Finance Corp.

Unsecured Bond – Series 41

   July 15, 2015    July 15, 2020      140,000      July 3, 2015    Korea Securities
Finance Corp.

Unsecured Bond – Series 42

   Oct. 6, 2015    Oct. 6, 2020      130,000      Sept. 22, 2015    Korea Securities
Finance Corp.

Unsecured Bond – Series 43-1

   Oct. 5, 2016    Oct. 5, 2019      50,000      Sept. 22, 2016    Korea Securities
Finance Corp.

Unsecured Bond – Series 43-2

   Oct. 5, 2016    Oct. 5, 2021      120,000      Sept. 22, 2016    Korea Securities
Finance Corp.

Unsecured Bond – Series 44

   Feb. 3, 2017    Feb. 3, 2022      150,000      Jan. 20, 2017    Korea Securities
Finance Corp.

 

Maintenance of Financial Ratio    Key Term    Debt ratio no greater than 400%
   Compliance Status    Compliant
Restriction on Liens    Key Term   

The total amount of secured debt not to exceed 200% of

share capital as of the end of the previous fiscal year

   Compliance Status    Compliant
Restriction on Disposition of Assets    Key Term    Disposal of assets per fiscal year not to exceed 2 trillion won
   Compliance Status    Compliant
Submission of Compliance Certificate    Compliance Status    Submitted on August 31, 2018

 

Name

   Issue Date    Maturity
Date
   Principal
Amount
     Date of Fiscal
Agency Agreement
   Fiscal Agent

Unsecured Bond – Series 45-1

   Oct. 11, 2017    Oct. 11, 2020      30,000      Sept. 20, 2017    Korea Securities
Finance Corp.

Unsecured Bond – Series 45-2

   Oct. 11, 2017    Oct. 11, 2022      140,000      Sept. 20, 2017    Korea Securities
Finance Corp.

 

Maintenance of Financial Ratio    Key Term    Debt ratio no greater than 400%
   Compliance Status    Compliant
Restriction on Liens    Key Term   

The total amount of secured debt not to exceed 200% of

share capital as of the end of the previous fiscal year

   Compliance Status    Compliant
Restriction on Disposition of Assets    Key Term    Disposal of assets per fiscal year not to exceed 70% of total assets
   Compliance Status    Compliant
Submission of Compliance Certificate    Compliance Status    Submitted on August 31, 2018

 

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Name

   Issue Date    Maturity
Date
   Principal
Amount
     Date of Fiscal
Agency Agreement
   Fiscal Agent

Unsecured Bond – Series 46-1

   Feb. 1, 2018    Feb. 1, 2021      70,000      Jan. 19, 2018    Korea Securities
Finance Corp.

Unsecured Bond – Series 46-2

   Feb. 1, 2018    Feb. 1, 20213      80,000      Jan. 19, 2018    Korea Securities
Finance Corp.

 

Maintenance of Financial Ratio    Key Term    Debt ratio no greater than 400%
   Compliance Status    Compliant
Restriction on Liens    Key Term   

The total amount of secured debt not to exceed 200% of

share capital as of the end of the previous fiscal year

   Compliance Status    Compliant
Restriction on Disposition of Assets    Key Term   

Disposal of assets per fiscal year not to exceed 70%

of total assets

   Compliance Status    Compliant
Restriction on Changes of Management Structure    Key Term    Restriction on changes of management structure
   Compliance Status    Compliant
Submission of Compliance Certificate    Compliance Status    Submitted on August 31, 2018

 

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Table of Contents
IV.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

1.

Forward-Looking Statements

This section contains forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of the Company and plans and objectives of the management of the Company. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results or performance of the Company to be materially different from any future results or performance expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

The Company does not make any representation or warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this section, and nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied upon as, a promise or representation, whether as to the past or the future. Such forward-looking statements were based on current plans, estimates and projections of the Company and the political and economic environment in which the Company will operate in the future, and therefore you should not place undue reliance on them.

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly any of them in light of new information or future events.

 

2.

Overview

In 2018, the Company strived to eliminate negative customer experiences and provide substantial benefits to its customers in response to the decrease in revenue from its wireless business. In addition, the Company built a solid foundation for improving its corporate value as a new ICT company that encompasses areas such as media, security and commerce, by acquiring ADT CAPS and establishing Eleven Street as a separate entity.

With respect to its MNO business, which operates under stabilizing market conditions, the Company has the honor of maintaining the top position for the longest consecutive period according to the top three customer survey agencies, including the number one position in the mobile phone industry for 21 consecutive years according to the Korean Customer Satisfaction Index, as a result of active marketing efforts to attract mobile subscribers who will provide future sources of revenue and the implementation of eight customer value innovation programs. Despite the inevitable decline in revenue due to rate cuts, the Company was able to decrease annual marketing expenses and continued to prioritize the retention of existing subscribers, achieving a record-low annual churn rate of 1.2% in 2018.

With respect to its digital network technology, in June 2018, the Company secured frequency bandwidths that are optimal for the commercialization of 5G services at a reasonable bid price. In the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company began to build its 5G networks, focusing on Seoul and other metropolitan areas. The Company began its first 5G transmission in December 2018, and is leading the way for the construction of 5G networks with enhanced stability and security through the application of quantum cryptography communication and AI networks.

The Company’s media business achieved record annual revenue due to the increases in the number of IPTV subscribers and consumption of paid contents, and its mobile over-the-top (“OTT”) service oksusu is awaiting the launch of a new combined entity. With respect to its security business, the Company completed preparations to become a convergence security service provider by acquiring ADT CAPS and SK Infosec and completing the merger of NSOK. The 11st business accelerated the improvement in its profitability by providing differentiated services based on AI and data in a highly competitive environment.

In 2019, the Company plans to build on its positive reputation that has been earned through customer value innovation programs and grow as a new ICT company at the same time. With respect to its MNO business, the Company will closely integrate its assets related to security, commerce, data and AI in order to provide differentiated services to its customers. The new combined mobile OTT service of the Company will seek to transform the landscape of the content industry in Korea and become a leader in the new media business environment in the 5G era. In addition, the Company will continue to strengthen its competitiveness in the pay TV market through appropriate responses to the changes in the market environment, such as through the memorandum of understanding that the Company entered into in February 2019 to pursue the acquisition of Tbroad Co., Ltd. (“Tbroad”), the second largest cable TV operator in Korea.

 

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The Company’s operating revenue, on a consolidated basis, was Won 16,874.0 billion for the year ended December 31, 2018, a decrease of 3.7% compared to 2017 primarily due to a decrease in rates reflecting the effects of the increase in the discount rates applicable to subscribers who elect to receive discounted rates in lieu of handset subsidies starting in September 2017. Although the decrease in total revenue was inevitable due to the decline in revenue from the wireless business, the Company has mitigated the impact of such decrease with the expansion of its new ICT businesses, such as media and security. The Company’s operating profit, on a consolidated basis, decreased by 22% to Won 1,201.8 billion compared to the previous year due to the decrease in revenue and the recognition of costs associated with the reorganization of the business of its subsidiaries. The Company’s profit for the year increased by 18% to Won 3,132.0 billion for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to 2017, primarily due to gains related to its equity investment in SK hynix Inc.

In 2018, the Company’s capital expenditures, on a separate basis, were Won 2.13 trillion, which was consistent with the guidance at the beginning of the year. Cash dividends for 2018 were Won 10,000 per common share, which include interim dividends of Won 1,000 per common share paid during the year.

 

3.

Analysis of Consolidated Financial Position

 

(Unit: in billions of Won, except percentages)  
     As of
December 31,
2018
    As of
December 31,
2017
    Change from
2017 to 2018
    Percentage
Change from
2017 to 2018
 

Total Assets

     42,369       33,428       8,941       26.7

Current Assets

     7,959       6,201       1,758       28.4

•  Cash and Marketable Securities(1)

     1,507       1,458       49       3.4

Non-Current Assets

     34,410       27,227       7,183       26.4

•  Property and Equipment and Investment Property

     10,718       10,145       573       5.6

•  Intangible Assets and Goodwill

     5,514       3,587       1,927       53.7

•  Long-term Financial Instruments, Long-term Investment Securities and Investment in Associates

     860       1,031       (171     (16.6 )% 

Total Liabilities

     20,020       15,399       4,621       30.0

Current Liabilities

     6,848       7,109       (261     (3.7 )% 

•  Short-term Borrowings

     80       130       (50     (38.5 )% 

•  Current Portion of Long-term Debt

     1,408       1,834       (426     (23.2 )% 

Non-Current Liabilities

     13,172       8,290       4,882       58.9

•  Debentures and Long-term Borrowings, Excluding Current Portion

     8,588       5,808       2,780       47.9

Total Equity

     22,349       18,029       4,320       24.0

Interest-bearing Financial Debt(2)

     9,652       7,467       2,185       29.3

Debt-to-Equity Ratio(3)

     43.2     41.4       (1.8 )%p 

 

(1)

Cash & marketable securities includes cash & cash equivalents, marketable securities and short-term financial instruments.

(2)

Interest-bearing financial debt: Total of short-term borrowings, current portion of long-term debt and debentures and long-term borrowings

(3)

Debt-to-equity ratio: Interest-bearing financial debt / Total Equity

 

A.

Assets

As of December 31, 2018, SK Telecom’s assets comprised 68% of the Company’s assets, on a consolidated basis.

The Company’s current assets as of December 31, 2018 increased by 28% from the end of the previous year, primarily due to the capitalization of incremental costs of obtaining contracts in accordance with K-IFRS 1115. Non-current assets increased by 26% from the end of the previous year, primarily due to the acquisition of 5G frequency usage rights and equity interests in Life & Security Holdings Co., Ltd., SK Infosec and id Quantique SA.

 

B.

Liabilities

As of December 31, 2018, SK Telecom’s liabilities comprised 60% of the Company’s liabilities, on a consolidated basis.

 

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The Company’s current liabilities as of December 31, 2018 decreased by 4% from the end of the previous year, primarily due to the repayment of short-term borrowings. Non-current liabilities as of December 31, 2018 increased by 59% from the end of the previous year mainly due to the issuance of bonds by SK Telecom and the increase in long-term payables related to the acquisition of frequency licenses.

 

4.

Analysis of Consolidated Financial Information

 

(Unit: in billions of Won, except percentages)  
     For the year
ended
December 31,
2018
    For the year
ended
December 31,
2017
    Change from
2017 to 2018
    Percentage
Change from
2017 to 2018
 

Operating Revenue

     16,874       17,520       (646     (3.7 )% 

Operating Expense

     15,672       15,983       (311     (1.9 )% 

Operating Profit

     1,202       1,537       (335     (21.8 )% 

Operating Margin

     7.12     8.77       (1.65 )%p 

Net Other Income (Loss)

     2,774       1,867       907       48.6

Profit Before Income Tax

     3,976       3,403       573       16.8

Profit for the Year

     3,132       2,658       474       17.8

Net Margin

     18.56     15.17       3.39 %p 

Profit for the Year Attributable to Owners of the Parent Company

     3,128       2,600       528       20.3

Profit for the Year Attributable to Non-controlling Interests

     4       58       (54     (93.1 )% 

EBITDA(1)

     4,486       4,784       (298     (6.2 )% 

EBITDA Margin

     26.59     27.30       (0.71 )%p 

 

(1)

EBITDA: Sum of operating profit and depreciation and amortization expenses (including depreciation and amortization expenses related to research and development)

 

A.

Operating Revenue

The Company’s operating revenue, on a consolidated basis, for the year ended December 31, 2018 decreased by 3.7% from the previous year, primarily due to a decrease in revenue from its wireless business, which was partially offset by efforts to minimize such decrease through increases in revenue from new ICT businesses such as media and security.

SK Telecom’s operating revenue for the year ended December 31, 2018 decreased by 6.1% from the previous year, while the operating revenue of SK Broadband increased by 6.6% from the previous year primarily due to the qualitative growth of its IPTV business, including increases in the consumption of contents and the proportion of UHD subscribers.

In 2019, the Company expects its revenue to grow compared to 2018 as a result of an increase in revenue from the wireless business following the commercialization of 5G, as well as revenue growth of its ICT-related businesses such as media, commerce and security.

 

B.

Operating Profit

Despite the decrease in SK Telecom’s marketing expenses and the improvement of the profitability of Eleven Street, the operating profit of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2018 decreased by 22% from the previous year, primarily due to the decrease in profit from the wireless business and the recognition of expenses related to the reorganization of SK Planet’s business portfolio.

 

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C.

Operating Expense

 

(Unit: in billions of Won, except percentages)  
     For the year
ended
December 31,
2018
     For the year
ended
December 31,
2017
     Change from
2017 to 2018
     Percentage
Change from
2017 to 2018
 

Labor Cost

     2,289        1,966        323        16.4

Commissions Paid

     5,003        5,486        (483      (8.8 )% 

Advertising

     469        523        (54      (10.3 )% 

Depreciation and Amortization(1)

     3,284        3,247        37        1.1

Network Interconnection

     808        875        (67      (7.7 )% 

Leased Line Fees and Frequency License Fees

     310        192        (118      (38.1 )% 

Cost of Products that have been Resold

     1,796        1,887        (91      (4.8 )% 

Others

     1,713        1,657        56        3.4

Total Operating Expense

     15,672        15,983        (311      (1.9 )% 

 

(1)

Includes depreciation and amortization expenses related to research and development.

Labor cost for the year ended December 31, 2018 increased by 16.4% from the previous year primarily due to an increase in the number of professional employees hired in connection with the expansion of the Company’s new businesses and technologies, such as AI and service platforms.

Commissions paid for the year ended December 31, 2018 decreased by 8.8% from the previous year primarily due to the overall decrease in marketing expenses in connection with the maturing of the wireless business market, including an increase in the proportion of subscribers who upgrade handsets.

Depreciation and amortization expenses for the year ended December 31, 2018 increased by 1.1% from the previous year due to an increase in the depreciation and amortization expenses for SK Broadband’s fixed-line business, despite a slight decrease in SK Telecom’s depreciation and amortization expenses partially due to the completion of depreciation of certain assets.

 

5.

Analysis of Separate Operating Information

[SK Telecom]

 

A.

Number of Subscribers

 

(Unit: in 1,000 persons, except percentages)  
     For the year
ended
December 31,
2018
    For the year
ended
December 31,
2017
    Change from
2017 to 2018
     Percentage
Change from
2017 to 2018
 

Subscribers

     30,882       30,195       687        2.3

Net Increase

     690       600       90        15.0

Activations

     5,176       5,821       (645      (11.1 )% 

Deactivations

     4,486       5,221       (735      (14.1 )% 

Monthly Churn Rate (%)

     1.2     1.5        (0.3 )%p 

Average Subscribers

     30,589       29,975       614        2.0

Smartphone Subscribers

     23,964       22,985       979        4.3

LTE Subscribers

     24,796       22,865       1,931        8.4

The number of LTE subscribers continued to increase to 24.80 million as of December 31, 2018. The Company achieved a record low annual churn rate of 1.2% as a result of the stabilization of the market and the Company’s efforts to prevent the loss of existing subscribers through its customer innovation programs.

The number of smartphone subscribers continued to increase to 23.96 million as of December 31, 2018 (which represented a net increase of 690,000 subscribers during the year), representing 78% of the total number of SK Telecom’s subscribers.

 

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B.

Average Monthly Revenue per Subscriber

 

     For the year
ended
December 31,
2018
     For the year
ended
December 31,
2017
     Change from
2017 to 2018
    Percentage
Change from
2017 to 2018
 

Billing Average Monthly Revenue per Subscriber (Won)

     32,243        34,901        (2,658     (7.6 )% 

 

*

The billing average monthly revenue per subscriber (“ARPU”) is derived by dividing total SK Telecom revenues from voice service and data service (but excluding revenue from MVNO subscribers) for the period by the monthly average number of subscribers that are not MVNO subscribers for the period, then dividing that number by the number of months in the period. Although the definition of ARPU may vary by company, it is a measure that is widely used in the telecommunications industry for revenue comparison purposes.

In 2018, despite the continued increase in average customer data usage, average revenue per subscriber decreased to Won 32,243, a 7.6% decrease compared to the previous year, primarily due to increases in the number of subscribers who elected to receive discounted rates in lieu of handset subsidies.

 

C.

Capital Expenditures

 

(Unit: in billions of Won, except percentages)

New investments and expansions

   For the year
ended
December 31,
2018
     For the year
ended
December 31,
2017
     Change from
2017 to 2018
     Method of
financing

Network investment

     1,735.6        1,597.0        138.6      Self-
procurement

Other investment

     392.3        386.9        5.4  

Total

     2,127.9        1,983.9        144.0  

[SK Broadband]

 

(Unit: in billions of Won, except percentages)  

Operating revenue

   For the year ended
December 31, 2018
     For the year ended
December 31, 2017
     Percentage Change
from 2017 to 2018
 

High-speed Internet

     809.2        845.3        (4.3 )% 

Residential fixed-line telephone

     64.2        78.5        (18.2 )% 

Corporate business

     1,007.6        989.2        1.9

Television

     1,274.3        1,025.8        24.2

Others

     98.5        113.8        (13.4 )% 

Total

     3,253.8        3,052.6        6.6

 

*

(1) Operating revenue determined in accordance with K-IFRS.

*

(2) The business category is based on the nature of the goods or services that account for operating revenue or the characteristics of the network assets to provide telecommunications service, considering the consolidated entity as a single reporting entity.

 

 

High-speed Internet

In 2018, revenue from high-speed Internet services decreased by 4.3% compared to 2017 to Won 809.2 billion, primarily due to the adoption of the newly applicable accounting standard IFRS 15. Although the decrease in revenue from value-added services had a negative effect on ARPU, ARPU increased overall compared to the previous year as a result of an increase in the proportion of Giga internet users to 34%. In addition, the Company continued to secure additional subscribers despite market price competition, recording an annual increase of approximately 170,000 subscribers. In 2019, although the growth rate of the residential market is expected to fall due to intensified competition and a decrease in demand, SK Broadband plans to continue to strengthen its distribution capabilities by upgrading its data-based marketing system.

 

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IPTV

In 2018, SK Broadband’s IPTV business increased its revenue by 24.2% compared to 2017 to Won 1,274.3 billion and strengthened its position as a media platform. APRU of IPTV services improved as a result of an increase of revenue from media platform businesses such as paid contents, media advertising and home shopping transmission fees and the increase in the proportion of UHD subscribers to approximately 54%. In addition, the IPTV business added approximately 350,000 new subscribers during the year, contributing to the continued increase in revenue despite the effects of the adoption of IFRS 15. Although the costs related to contents increased compared to 2017 in connection with the associated revenue growth, the proportion of such costs as compared to revenue decreased, contributing to the continued improvement of the IPTV business’ profitability. In 2019, competition among the platform providers in the IPTV market is expected to intensify due to efforts to differentiate their services. SK Broadband will continue to deliver differentiated value to its customers through its customer-oriented business and services.

 

 

Corporate Business

In 2018, revenue from SK Broadband’s corporate business increased by 1.9% compared to 2017 to Won 1,007.6 billion. The corporate business continued its revenue growth by securing large-scale customer contracts in its core business based on fixed-line services, which constitutes SK Broadband’s primary strength as a fixed-line telecommunications operator. In the case of its growth businesses, which are the growth engines for the corporate business, convergence security services such as cloud cameras and managed services were the main sources of revenue growth. As a result, the proportion of revenue from both the core and growth businesses increased compared to 2017. In 2019, SK Broadband will continue to develop its core and growth businesses by actively exploring new markets and opportunities.

 

6.

Guidance for Fiscal Year 2019

The Company announced the following guidance for fiscal year 2019 during its earnings release conference call on January 31, 2019.

 

  1.

Operating revenue (consolidated): Won 18.0 trillion

The Company expects its consolidated operating revenue to reach approximately Won 18.0 trillion in 2019. While the Company expects the decrease in revenue from its wireless business to continue due to the effect of rate cuts, such as those offered to subscribers who elect to receive rate discounts in lieu of handset subsidies, it expects a turnaround in revenue in the second half of 2019 by offering reasonable rate plans based on increasing user data usage and increasing the number of new subscribers. The Company plans to minimize the impact of the increase in expenses related to the commercialization of 5G services through efficient management of costs, such as reducing marketing expenses. SK Broadband is expected to heighten its level of contribution to the Company’s consolidated revenue increase by maintaining steady growth in the IPTV and T-commerce businesses, and it also expects returns from new media businesses such as its mobile OTT service. Eleven Street plans to expand its product categories by strengthening various external partnerships in high-margin sectors such as fashion, groceries and beauty. The Company also plans to improve Eleven Street’s profitability by developing it into a commerce portal utilizing synergies with ICT-related affiliates and reach break-even for the year. Due to the factors described above and the consolidation of the new security business subsidiaries such as ADT CAPS and SK Infosec, the Company expects an increase in annual revenue by more than approximately Won 1 trillion compared to 2018.

 

  2.

Capital expenditures

For the Company’s capital expenditures in 2019, it plans to respond flexibly to various factors affecting the commercialization of 5G technology, such as services, rate plans and the availability of handsets. The Company plans to make investments based on a careful examination of customer demand in order to ensure its position as the leader in the commercialization of and market for 5G services. The Company will determine the amount of capital expenditures once the variables that are important to future investments become clear.

 

  3.

Cash dividends: The Company will decide on the level of cash dividends taking into consideration various factors such as the overall business environment and the Company’s financial condition.

 

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7.

Corporate Reorganization

On December 21, 2018, SK Telecom undertook a corporate reorganization in order to innovate and grow as a leading new ICT company. SK Telecom reorganized its businesses into four main business divisions comprising the Company’s new ICT business portfolio: MNO, media, security and commerce. All organizations within the Company will be reorganized with a focus on 5G technology, with the most important of these organizations, including the four main business divisions, each establishing a body in charge of 5G technology and focusing on the commercialization of, and market initiatives for, 5G services. In order to strengthen the Company’s key capabilities as a ICT company in AI and data-related technologies, the AI Center will serve as the core brain for 5G technology and strengthen its role in supporting all of the Company’s businesses in connection with AI technologies, while the DT Center will take the lead on the data integration system for all ICT-related companies through the Data Governance Group. The Company will strengthen its system of synergies in pursuing “Virtually One Company” among all of its ICT-related entities. In addition, the Company plans to strengthen the role of the relevant departments to develop new business models for its music and mobile OTT services, which will become the key contents for the new ICT sector in the 5G era.

 

8.

Liquidity

As of December 31, 2018, the Company’s debt-to-equity ratio (as calculated based on the interest-bearing financial debt) was 43.2%, compared to 41.4% as of December 31, 2017 and 45.7% as of December 31, 2016. The net debt-to-equity ratio (as calculated based on the interest-bearing financial debt minus cash and marketable securities) was 30.9%, 29.1% and 33.1% at the end of 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Interest coverage ratio (EBITDA / interest expense) was 14.6, 16.0 and 15.8 at the end of each of 2018, 2017 and 2016. The Company continues to have sufficient liquidity.

 

9.

Financing

As of December 31, 2018, the Company’s aggregate interest bearing debt amounted to Won 9,652 billion, comprising long-term and short-term borrowings, debentures and current portion of long-term borrowings, compared to Won 7,467 billion as of December 31, 2017 and Won 7,370 billion as of December 31, 2016, showing increases for three consecutive years.

 

10.

Investments

The Company did not make any significant investments in 2018.

 

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  V.

AUDITOR’S OPINION

 

  1.

Independent Auditors and Audit Opinions

 

A.

Independent Auditor and Audit Opinion (Consolidated)

 

Period

  

Independent auditor

   Audit opinion    Issues
noted

Year ended December 31, 2018

   KPMG Samjong Accounting Corp.    Unqualified    N/A

Year ended December 31, 2017

   KPMG Samjong Accounting Corp.    Unqualified    N/A

Year ended December 31, 2016

   KPMG Samjong Accounting Corp.    Unqualified    N/A

 

B.

Audit Services Contracts with Independent Auditors

 

(Unit: in millions of Won except number of hours)  

Period

  

Auditors

  

Contents

   Fee      Total number of
hours accumulated
for the fiscal year
 

Year ended December 31, 2018

   KPMG Samjong Accounting Corp.    Quarterly review      1,700        22,058  
   Separate financial statements audit
   Consolidated financial statements audit
   English financial statements review and other audit task

Year ended December 31, 2017

   KPMG Samjong Accounting Corp.    Semi-annual review      1,470        21,098  
   Quarterly review
   Separate financial statements audit
   Consolidated financial statements audit
   English financial statements review and other audit task

Year ended December 31, 2016

   KPMG Samjong Accounting Corp.    Semi-annual review      1,350        19,412  
   Quarterly review
   Separate financial statements audit
   Consolidated financial statements audit
   English financial statements review and other audit task

 

C.

Non-Audit Services Contracts with Independent Auditors

 

(Unit: in millions of Won)  

Period

   Contract date    Service provided    Service duration    Fee  

Year ended December 31, 2018

   September 20, 2018    Confirmation of financial information    September 20, 2018 – September 21, 2018      2  
   March 5, 2018    Issuance of comfort letters    March 5, 2018 – April 26, 2018      110  

Year ended December 31, 2017

   March 10, 2017    Issuance of comfort letters    March 10, 2017 – March 30, 3017      30  
   April 28, 2017    Consulting services    April 28, 2017 – May 12, 2017      300  

Year ended December 31, 2016

   May 10, 2016    Confirmation of financial information    May 10, 2016 – May 12, 2016      2  

 

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2. Change of Independent Auditors

Not applicable.

 

IV.

CORPORATE ORGANIZATION INCLUDING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

1. Board of Directors

 

A.

Overview of the Composition of the Board of Directors

The Company’s board of directors (the “Board of Directors”) is composed of eight members: five independent directors, two inside directors and one non-executive director. Within the Board, there are five committees: Independent Director Nomination Committee, Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, CapEx Review Committee and Corporate Citizenship Committee.

 

(As of December 31, 2018)
Total number of
persons
   Inside directors      Non-executive
director
    

Independent directors

8     

Jung Ho Park,

Young Sang Ryu


 

     Dae Sik Cho      Jae Hoon Lee, Dae Shick Oh, Jae Hyeon Ahn, Jung Ho Ahn, Youngmin Yoon

At the 34th General Meeting of Shareholders held on March 21, 2018, Young Sang Ryu was newly elected as an inside director and Youngmin Yoon was newly elected as an independent director and a member of the audit committee.

 

B.

Significant Activities of the Board of Directors

 

Meeting

  

Date

  

Agenda

  

Approval

409th

(the 1st meeting of 2018)

 

 

  

 

 

 

February 2, 2018

  

- Business Plan for 2018

- Financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017

- Annual business report as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017

- Delegation of funding through long-term borrowings in 2018

- Lease contract with SK Broadband

- Approval of IT SM transactions in 2018

- Report on welfare fund for 2018

- Share acquisition of FSK L&S

- Establishment of SK Telecom Japan

- Report of internal accounting management

- Donation to community in 2017

- Report for the period after the fourth quarter of 2017

  

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

 

410th

(the 2nd meeting of 2018)

  

 

February 20, 2018

  

- Adoption of electronic voting system

- Establishment of corporate governance charter

- Grant of stock options

- Plan for the 34th General Meeting of Shareholders

- Donation to the Korean Fencing Association

- Results on internal accounting management

  

Approved as proposed
Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed
Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

 

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Meeting

  

Date

  

Agenda

  

Approval

411th

(the 3rd meeting of 2018)

   March 31, 2018   

- Election of the chairman of the Board of Directors

- Election of committee members

- Reappointment of compliance officer

- Transactions with SK Holdings in the second quarter of 2018

- Transactions related to corporate bonds with SK Securities

- Transactions related to fund management with SK Securities

- Donation to Korea Foundation of Advance Studies for 2018

- Donation to SK Happiness Foundation for 2018

  

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

412nd

(the 4th meeting of 2018)

   April 26, 2018   

- Allocation of operating costs of SK Academy

- Payment of operating costs in 2018 for SUPEX Council

- Report for the period after the first quarter of 2018

  

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

413rd

(the 5th meeting of 2018)

   May 8, 2018    - Acquisition of shares of Siren Holdings Korea Co., Ltd.    Approved as proposed

414th

(the 6th meeting of 2018)

   May 24, 2018   

- Plan for the procurement of 5G frequency

- Settlement of expenses between related parties in connection with contemplated joint R&D

- Equity investment plan for the Guam/Saipan MNO

  

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

415th

(the 7th meeting of 2018)

   June 28, 2018   

- Transactions with SK Holdings in the third quarter of 2018

- Transactions related to corporate bonds with SK Securities

- Transactions related to fund management with SK Securities

- Changes to joint management contract of airplane for business purposes

  

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

416th

(the 8th meeting of 2018)

   July 26, 2018   

- Participation in Iriver’s capital increase

- Payment of interim dividends

- Report on the statement of accounts for the first half year of 2018

- Establishment of investment company in Southeast Asia and equity investment plan

- Report for the period after the second quarter of 2018

  

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

—  

—  

—  

417th

(the 9th meeting of 2018)

   September 20, 2018   

- Transactions with SK Holdings in the fourth quarter of 2018

- Increase of donation to the Korean Fencing Federation in 2018

- Donation for flood damage relief in Laos

  

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

418th

(the 10th meeting of 2018)

   October 25, 2018   

- Payment for acquisition of new 5G frequency bandwidths

- Investment in 5G facilities in 2018

- Comprehensive share exchange with SK Infosec

- Disposal of treasury shares

- Report for the period after the third quarter of 2018

  

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

—  

419th

(the 11th meeting of 2018)

   November 26, 2018   

- Changes to fixed-line and wireless infrastructure construction in 2018

- Joint management contract of aircraft for business purposes for 2019

- Approval of comprehensive share exchange agreement with SK Infosec

- Report on compliance and effectiveness evaluation

  

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

—  

 

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Meeting

  

Date

  

Agenda

  

Approval

420th

(the 12th meeting of 2018)

  

December 26, 2018

 

 

 

  

- Business management plan for 2019

- Transactions with SK Holdings in the first quarter of 2019

- Provision of funds for management of the 2018 SUPEX meeting

- Renewal of IT SM contract

- Lease contract for SUPEX Center in 2019

- Contract with SK Forest for landscape and facility management service in 2019

 

- Allocation of operating expenses of SK Academy in 2019

- Construction of fixed-line and wireless infrastructure for 2019

- Resale of fixed-line products with SK Broadband for 2019

- Approval of the issuance limit for asset-backed short-term bonds

- Purchase of PS&M handset installment receivables for 2019

- Disposal of Happynarae shares

- Establishment of SK Telecom New York investment company

- Customer contact channel operation for 2019

- Cell site maintenance contract for 2019

  

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

 

 

 

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

 

*

The line items that do not show approval are for reporting purposes only.

 

C.

Committees within Board of Directors

 

(1)

Committee structure (as of December 31, 2018)

 

  (a)

Compensation Review Committee

 

Total number

of persons

   Members   

Task

   Inside Directors     

Independent Directors

3

     —        Jae Hoon Lee, Dae Shick Oh, Jung Ho Ahn    Review CEO remuneration system and amount

 

*

The Compensation Review Committee is a committee established by the resolution of the Board of Directors.

 

  (b)

Capex Review Committee

 

Total number

of persons

   Members   

Task

   Inside Directors     

Independent Directors

6

     Young Sang Ryu      Jae Hoon Lee, Dae Shick Oh, Jae Hyeon Ahn, Jung Ho Ahn, Youngmin Yoon    Review major investment plans and changes thereto

 

*

The Capex Review Committee is a committee established by the resolution of the Board of Directors.

 

  (c)

Corporate Citizenship Committee

 

Total number

of persons

   Members   

Task

   Inside Directors     

Independent Directors

3

     —        Jae Hoon Lee, Jae Hyeon Ahn, Jung Ho Ahn    Review guidelines on corporate social responsibility (“CSR”) programs, etc.

 

*

The Corporate Citizenship Committee is a committee established by the resolution of the Board of Directors.

 

  (d)

Independent Director Nomination Committee

 

Total number

of persons

   Members   

Task

   Inside Directors     

Independent Directors

3

     Jung Ho Park      Jae Hoon Lee, Jae Hyeon Ahn    Nomination of independent directors

 

*

Under the Korean Commercial Code, a majority of the members of the Independent Director Nomination Committee should be independent directors.

 

  (e)

Audit Committee

 

Total number

of persons

   Members   

Task

   Inside Directors     

Independent Directors

4

     —        Jae Hoon Lee, Dae Shick Oh, Jae Hyeon Ahn, Youngmin Yoon    Review financial statements and supervise independent audit process, etc.

 

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*

The Audit Committee is a committee established under the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation and the Korean Commercial Code.

2. Audit System

The Company’s Audit Committee consists of four independent directors, Dae Shick Oh, Jae Hoon Lee, Jae Hyeon Ahn and Youngmin Yoon.

Major activities of the Audit Committee as of December 31, 2018 are set forth below.

 

Meeting

 

Date

 

Agenda

 

Approval

The 1st

meeting of 2018

  February 1, 2018  

- Evaluation of internal accounting management system operation

- Review of business and audit results for the second half of 2017 and business and audit plans for 2018

- Evaluation of internal monitoring controls based on the opinion of the members of the Audit Committee

- Appointment of external auditor for the period of 2018 to 2020

 

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

The 2nd

meeting of 2018

  February 19, 2018  

- Report on the IFRS audit of fiscal year 2017

- Report on review of 2017 internal accounting management system

- Evaluation of internal accounting management system operation

- Agenda and document review for the 34th General Meeting of Shareholders

- Auditor’s report for fiscal year 2017

- Report on contract for customer appreciation gifts to fixed-line telephone customers for 2018

 

Approved as proposed Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

The 3rd

meeting of 2018

  March 20, 2018  

- Contract for maintenance services of optical cables in 2018

- Contract for maintenance services of transmission equipment in 2018

- Consulting contract to undertake a global project

 

Approved as proposed Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

The 4th meeting of 2018

  April 25, 2018  

- Election of the chairman of the Audit Committee

- Remuneration for external auditor for fiscal year 2018

- Approval of external auditor services for fiscal year 2018

- Audit plan for fiscal year 2018

 

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

—  

The 5th meeting of 2018

  May 23, 2018   - Product/service transactions with SK Broadband for fiscal year 2018   Approved as proposed

The 6th meeting of 2018

  July 25, 2018   - Report on the external audit for the first half of fiscal year 2018   —  

The 7th meeting of 2018

  October 24, 2018   - Contract with SK E&C for construction of SK memorial hall   Approved as proposed

The 8th meeting of 2018

  November 21, 2018   - Contract for business corporation with Onestore for 2019   Approved as proposed

The 9th meeting of 2018

  December 10, 2018  

- Contract for maintenance services of transmission equipment in 2019

- Telecommunications equipment lease contract for 2019

- Commission to collect on accounts receivable for 2019

- Transactions with SK Broadband for oksusu basic monthly rate plan

- Transactions with SK Infosec for 2019

- Service transactions with SK Planet for 2019

- Product/service transactions with ADT CAPS for 2019

- Product/service transactions with Groovers for 2019

- Service transactions with SK Wyverns for 2019

- Purchase of expendable supplies from Happynarae for 2019

- Remuneration for external auditor for fiscal year 2019

- Audit plan for fiscal year 2019

 

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

Approved as proposed

—  

 

*

The line items that do not show approval are for reporting purposes only.

 

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3. Shareholders’ Exercise of Voting Rights

 

A.

Voting System and Exercise of Minority Shareholders’ Rights

Pursuant to the Articles of Incorporation as shown below, the cumulative voting system was first introduced in the general meeting of shareholders held in 2003.

 

Articles of Incorporation

  

Description

Article 32(3) (Election of Directors)

   Cumulative voting under Article 382-2 of the Korean Commercial Code will not be applied for the election of directors.

Article 4 of the 12th Supplement to the Articles of Incorporation (Interim Regulation)

   Article 32(3) of the Articles of Incorporation shall remain effective until the day immediately preceding the date of the general meeting of shareholders held in 2003.

During the 34th general meeting of shareholders held on March 21, 2018, the Company adopted the electronic voting method. Pursuant to Article 368-4 of the Korean Commercial Code, the Company entrusted the Korea Securities Depository with the role of administering the electronic voting system, allowing shareholders to exercise their voting rights through electronic voting without attending the general meeting of shareholders.

Written voting system is not applicable. Minority shareholder rights were not exercised during the relevant period.

 

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V.

SHAREHOLDERS

1. Shareholdings of the Largest Shareholder and Related Persons

 

A.

Shareholdings of the Largest Shareholder and Related Persons

 

(As of December 31, 2018)      (Unit: in shares and percentages)  

Name

   Relationship    Type of share    Number of shares owned and ownership ratio  
   Beginning of Period      End of Period  
   Number of
shares
     Ownership
ratio
     Number of
shares
     Ownership
ratio
 

SK Holdings Co., Ltd.

   Largest Shareholder    Common share      20,363,452        25.22        21,624,120        26.78  

Tae Won Chey

   Officer of affiliated company    Common share      100        0.00        100        0.00  

Dong Hyun Jang

   Officer of affiliated company    Common share      251        0.00        251        0.00  

Jung Ho Park

   Officer of the Company    Common share      1,000        0.00        1,000        0.00  

Total

      Common share      20,364,803        25.22        21,625,471        26.78  

 

B.

Overview of the Largest Shareholder

As of December 31, 2018 the Company’s largest shareholder was SK Holdings Co., Ltd. (“SK Holdings”). SK Holdings was established on April 13, 1991 and was made public on the securities market on November 11, 2009 under the identification code “034730.” SK Holdings is located at 26, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea. SK Holdings’ telephone number is +82-2-2121-5114 and its website is www.sk.co.kr.

 

C.

Changes in Shareholdings of the Largest Shareholder

Changes in shareholdings of the largest shareholder are as follows:

 

(As of December 31, 2018)      (Unit: in shares and percentages)

Largest
Shareholder

   Date of the change in the
largest shareholder/
Date of change in
shareholding
   Shares Held      Holding
Ratio
    

Remarks

SK Holdings

   January 2, 2014      20,367,290        25.22      Shin Won Chey, SKC’s Chairman, purchased 1,000 shares
   March 24, 2014      20,368,290        25.23      Shin Won Chey, SKC’s Chairman, purchased 1,000 shares
   January 2, 2015      20,364,290        25.22      Shin Won Chey, SKC’s Chairman, disposed of 4,000 shares
   March 20, 2015      20,363,803        25.22      Appointment of CEO Dong Hyun Jang (ownership of 251 shares of the Company), Retirement of Sung Min Ha
   June 9, 2015      20,365,006        25.22      Purchase through the Share Exchange between SK Broadband and SK Telecom (Shin Won Chey, SKC’s Chairman, purchased 1,067 shares, and Myung Hyun Cho, SK Broadband’s independent director, purchased 136 shares)
   August 3, 2015      20,364,930        25.22      Myung Hyun Cho, SK Broadband’s independent director, disposed of 76 shares
   March 24, 2017      20,364,870        25.22      Retirement of Myung Hyun Cho, SK Broadband’s independent director (ownership of 60 shares of the Company)

 

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Table of Contents
(As of December 31, 2018)      (Unit: in shares and percentages)

Largest
Shareholder

   Date of the change in the
largest shareholder/
Date of change in
shareholding
   Shares Held      Holding
Ratio
    

Remarks

   March 28, 2017      20,365,370        25.22      Jung Ho Park, CEO of the Company, purchased 500 shares.
   March 30, 2017      20,365,870        25.22      Jung Ho Park, CEO of the Company, purchased 500 additional shares.
   July 7, 2017      20,364,803        25.22      Shin Won Chey, SKC’s Chairman, disposed of 1,067 shares.
   December 27, 2018      21,625,471      26.78      Exchange of shares of SK Infosec with the Company in exchange for 1,260,668 shares of the Company

 

*

Shares held are the sum of shares held by SK Holdings and its related parties.

2. Distribution of Shares

 

A.

Shareholders with ownership of 5% or more and others

 

(As of December 31, 2018)    (Unit: in shares and percentages)  

Name (title)

   Common share  
   Number of
shares
     Ownership
ratio
    Remarks  

SK Holdings

     21,624,120        26.78     —    

Citibank ADR

     8,179,260        10.13     —    

SK Telecom

     8,875,883        10.99     Treasury shares  

National Pension Service

     7,879,982        9.76     —    

Shareholdings under the Employee Stock Ownership Program

     —          —         —    

 

B.

Shareholder Distribution

 

(As of December 31, 2018)     (Unit: in shares and percentages)  

Classification

   Number of
shareholders
     Ratio
(%)
    Number of
shares
     Ratio
(%)
    Remarks  

Total minority shareholders*

     52,896        99.9     33,196,466        41.11     —    

 

*

Defined as shareholders whose shareholding is less than a hundredth of the total issued and outstanding shares.

 

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3. Share Price and Trading Volume in the Last Six Months

 

A.

Domestic Securities Market

 

Types

   December 2018      November 2018      October 2018      September 2018      August 2018      July 2018  

Common stock

   Highest      287,500        289,500        286,000        282,000        264,500        250,500  
   Lowest      266,000        257,500        268,000        256,500        247,000        227,500  
   Average      277,214        273,682        276,239        270,075        258,239        236,773  

Daily transaction volume

   Highest      292,632        301,613        366,619        281,368        330,055        253,252  
   Lowest      120,473        79,464        86,030        81,581        95,808        58,474  

Monthly transaction volume

        3,781,880        3,818,659        4,203,920        3,311,054        3,567,245        2,843,944  

 

B.

Foreign Securities Market (New York Stock Exchange)

 

Types

     December 2018      November 2018      October 2018      September 2018      August 2018      July 2018  

Depositary receipt

     Highest        28.10        28.37        27.73        27.88        26.17        24.79  
     Lowest        26.61        25.60        25.91        25.76        24.67        22.85  
     Average        27.28        26.81        26.93        26.80        25.54        23.52  

Daily transaction volume

     Highest        1,624,917        1,105,522        1,328,133        1,089,987        760,091        655,966  
     Lowest        306,393        280,308        206,848        231,579        289,470        162,840  

Monthly transaction volume

        12,394,114        13,596,197        12,706,252        9,270,228        10,911,314        7,395,548  

 

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VI.

EMPLOYEES AND DIRECTORS

1. Officers and Employees

 

A.

Employees

 

(As of December 31, 2018)      (Unit: in persons and millions of Won)  

Business segment

   Gender    Number of employees      Average
service
year
     Aggregate
wage for
the year of
2018
     Average
wage per
person
 
   Employees without
a fixed term of
employment
     Employees with a
fixed term of
employment
     Total  
   Total      Part-time
employees
     Total      Part-time
employees
 

   Male      4,043        —          67        —          4,110        12.3        505,781        123  

   Female      742        —          93        —          835        8.3        62,811        80  

Total

     4,785        —          160        —          4,945        11.7        568,593        116  

 

B.

Compensation of Unregistered Officers

 

(As of December 31, 2018)      (Unit: in persons and millions of Won)  

Number of Unregistered Officers

   Aggregate wage for the year of 2018      Average wage per person  

86

     38,291        445  

2. Compensation of Directors

 

A.

Amount Approved at the Shareholders’ Meeting

 

(As of December 31, 2018)    (Unit: in millions of Won)

Classification

   Number of Directors    Aggregate Amount Approved

Directors

   8    12,000

 

B.

Amount Paid

1. Total Amount

 

(As of December 31, 2018)    (Unit: in millions of Won)  

Number of Directors

   Aggregate Amount Paid    Average Amount Paid Per Director    Remarks  

8

   4,489    561      —    

2. Amount by Classification

 

(As of December 31, 2018)    (Unit: in millions of Won)  

Classification

   Number of Directors    Aggregate Amount Paid    Average Amount Paid Per Director    Remarks  

Inside Directors

   3    4,085    1,362      —    

Independent Directors

   1    82    82      —    

Audit Committee Members

   4    322    81      —    

Auditor

   —      —      —        —    

 

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3. Individual Compensation of Directors and Officers

 

A.

Remuneration for Individual Directors

 

(As of December 31, 2018)    (Unit: in millions of Won)

Name

  

Position

   Total remuneration     

Payment not included in total remuneration

Jung Ho Park

   Representative Director and President      3,506      Stock options*

Young Sang Ryu

   Head of Center      579      Stock options*

 

*

See “VI.4. Stock Options Granted to Directors and Auditors” below for details on the number of stock options, execise price and exercise period.

Composition of Total Remuneration

 

Name

  

Composition

Jung Ho Park   

Total remuneration: Won 3,506 million

 

•  Salary: Won 1,150 million in salary

 

•  Bonus Won 2,350 million in bonus and

 

•  Other earned income: Won 6 million

 

Young Sang Ryu   

Total remuneration: Won 569 million

 

•  Salary: Won 269 million in salary

 

•  Bonus: Won 300 million

 

•  Other earned income: Won 10 million

 

B.

Remuneration for the Five Highest-Paid Officers (among those Paid over W500 Million per Year)

 

                 (Unit: in millions of Won)

Name

   Position    Total remuneration      Payment not included in total remuneration

Sung Won Suh

   Head of Business Department      4,110      —  

Jung Ho Park

   President      3,506      Stock options*

Ho Cheol Yeo

   Head of Office      1,777      —  

Byeong Hyeok Chun

   Head of Group      1,675      —  

Ho Soo Lee

   Executive Officer      1,200      —  

 

*

See “VI.4. Stock Options Granted to Directors and Auditors” below for details on the number of stock options, execise price and exercise period.

Composition of Total Remuneration

 

Name

  

Composition

Sung Won Suh

  

Total remuneration: Won 4,110 million

 

•  Salary: Won 700 million

 

•  Other earned income: Won 13 million

 

•  Retirement pay: Won 3,397 million

 

Jung Ho Park

  

See “VIII.3.A. Remuneration for Individual Directors” above.

 

Ho Cheol Yeo

  

Total remuneration: Won 1,777 million

 

•  Salary: Won 83 million

 

•  Bonus: Won 254 million

 

•  Other earned income: Won 606 milion

 

•  Retiremen pay: Won 834 million

 

Byeong Hyeok Chun

  

Total remuneration: Won 1,675 million

 

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•  Salary: Won 363 million

 

•  Bonus: Won 344 million

 

•  Retirement pay: Won 968 million

 

Ho Soo Lee

  

Total remuneration: Won 1,200 million

 

•  Salary: Won 410 million

 

•  Bonus: Won 226 million

 

•  Retirement pay: Won 564 million

4. Stock Options Granted and Exercised

 

A.

Stock Options Granted to Directors and Auditors

 

(As of December 31, 2018)      (Unit: in millions of Won)  

Classification

   Number of Directors      Fair Value of Stock Options      Remarks  

Inside Directors

     3        593        —    

Independent Directors

     1        —          —    

Audit Committee Members

     4        —          —    

Total

     8        593        —    

 

*

See note 22 of the notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements attached hereto for more information regarding the calculation method for the fair value of stock options.

The fair value of stock options is based on the cost associated with stock options as set forth in the Company’s statement of comprehensive income for the relevant period.

 

B.

Stock Options Granted and Exercised

 

(As of December 31, 2018)      (Unit: in Won and shares)  

Grantee

   Relationship with the
Company
   Date of Grant      Method of Grant    Changes      Unexercised Number
of Shares
     Exercise Period    Exercise
Price
 
   Granted      Exercised      Canceled  

Jung Ho Park

   Inside Director      March 24, 2017      Treasury stock      22,168        —          —          22,168      March 25, 2019 –
March 24, 2022
     246,750  

Jung Ho Park

   Inside Director      March 24, 2017      Treasury stock      22,168        —          —          22,168      March 25, 2020 –

March 24, 2023

     266,490  

Jung Ho Park

   Inside Director      March 24, 2017      Treasury stock      22,168        —          —          22,168      Mach 25, 2021 –
March 24, 2024
     287,810  

Young Sang

Ryu

   Inside Director     
February 20,
2018
 
 
   Treasury stock      1,358        —          —          1,358      February 21, 2020 –

February 20, 2023

     254,120  

 

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VII.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

1. Line of Credit Extended to the Largest Shareholder and Related Parties

 

(As of December 31, 2018)      (Unit: in millions of Won)  

Name (Corporate name)

   Relationship      Account category    Change details      Accrued
interest
     Remarks  
   Beginning      Increase      Decrease      Ending  

SK Wyverns

     Affiliate      Long-term and

short-term loans

     611        —          204        407        —          —    

2. Transfer of Assets to/from the Largest Shareholder and Related Parties and Other Transactions

Purchase and Dispositions of Investments

 

(As of December 31, 2018)                            (Unit: in millions of Won)

Name (Corporate name)

   Relationship    Details      Remarks
   Type of
investment
   Change  
   Beginning      Increase      Decrease      Ending  

SK Telecom Japan Inc.

   Affiliate    Equity      —          10,316        —          10,316      Newly Established

Atlas

   Affiliate    Equity      84,495        9,833        —          94,328      Capital increase

id Quantique Ltd.

   Affiliate    Equity      2,329        56,885        —          59,214      Capital increase

Iriver Ltd.

   Affiliate    Equity      91,642        65,000        —          156,642      Capital increase

SE ASIA INVESTMENT PTE. LTD.

   Affiliate    Equity      —          111,000        —          111,000      Newly Established

Purchase and Disposition of Securities

 

(As of December 31, 2018)                   (Unit: in millions of Won)

Name

(Corporate name)

   Relationship    Type of Transaction    Transaction Date    Object of Transaction    Transaction Amount     Valuation Method

SK Holdings

   Affiliate    Purchase of equity interest    February 6, 2018    FSK L&S Co., Ltd.      17,757   Third party appraisal

 

*

The transaction amount has been adjusted from the transaction amount disclosed in the first quarter of 2018 to reflect the final adjusted amount.

Transfer of Assets

None.

 

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3. Transactions with the Largest Shareholder and Related Parties

 

(As of December 31, 2018)              (Unit: in millions of Won)  

Name

(Corporate name)

   Relationship    Type of Transaction    Transaction Period    Transaction Details    Transaction Amount  

PS&Marketing

   Affiliate    Purchase and Sale    Jan. 1, 2018 – Dec. 31, 2018    Marketing commissions      1,516,116  

4. Related Party Transactions

See note 38 of the notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements attached hereto for more information regarding related party transactions.

5. Other Related Party Transactions (excluding Transactions with the Largest Shareholder and Related Parties listed above)

 

A.

Provisional Payment and Loans (including loans on marketable securities)

 

(As of December 31, 2018)      (Unit: in millions of Won)  

Name (Corporate name)

   Relationship    Account category    Change details      Accrued
interest
     Remarks  
   Beginning      Increase      Decrease      Ending  

Baekmajang and others

   Agency    Long-term and

short-term loans

     61,930        212,764        212,907        61,787        —          —    

Daehan Kanggun BCN Inc.

   Investee    Long-term loans      22,147        —          —          22,147        —          —    

 

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VIII.

OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE PROTECTION OF INVESTORS

1. Developments in the Items Mentioned in Prior Reports on Important Business Matters

 

A.

Summary Minutes of the General Meeting of Shareholders

 

Date

  

Agenda

  

Resolution

33rd Fiscal Year Meeting of Shareholders

(March 24, 2017)

  

1.  Approval of the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016

 

2.  Amendments to Articles of Incorporation

 

3.  Election of directors

 

•  Election of an inside director

 

•  Election of a non-executive director

 

•  Election of an independent director

 

•  Election of an independent director

 

•  Election of an independent director

 

4.  Election of an independent director as Audit Committee member

 

•  Election of an independent director as Audit Committee member

 

•  Election of an independent director as Audit Committee member

 

5.  Approval of remuneration limit for directors

 

6.  Award of stock options

 

  

Approved (Cash dividend, Won 9,000 per share)

 

Approved

 

 

Approved (Jung Ho Park)

 

Approved (Dae Sik Cho)

 

Approved (Jae Hoon Lee)

 

Approved (Jae Hyeon Ahn)

 

Approved (Jung Ho Ahn)

 

 

Approved (Jae Hoon Lee)

 

Approved (Jae Hyeon Ahn)

 

Approved (Won 12 billion)

Approved

34th Fiscal Year Meeting of Shareholders

(March 21, 2018)

  

1.  Approval of the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017

 

2.  Award of stock options

 

3.  Election of directors

 

•  Election of an inside director

 

•  Election of an independent director

 

4.  Election of an independent director as Audit Committee member

 

5.  Approval of remuneration limit for directors

 

  

Approved (Cash dividend, Won 9,000 per share)

 

Approved

 

Approved (Young Sang Ryu)

 

Approved (Youngmin Yoon)

 

Approved (Youngmin Yoon)

 

Approved (Won 12 billion)

35th Fiscal Year Meeting of Shareholders

(March 26, 2019)

  

1.  Approval of the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018

 

2.  Amendments to Articles of Incorporation

 

3.  Approval of award of stock options

 

4.  Award of stock options

 

5.  Election of an independent director

 

6.  Election of an independent director as Audit Committee member

 

7.  Approval of remuneration limit for directors

 

  

Approved (Cash dividend, Won 9,000 per share)

 

Approved

 

Approved

 

Approved

 

Approved (Seok-Dong Kim)

 

Approved (Seok-Dong Kim)

 

Approved (Won 12 billion)

 

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2. Contingent Liabilities

[SK Telecom]

 

A.

Material Legal Proceedings

None.

 

B.

Other Contingent Liabilities

None.

[SK Broadband]

 

A.

Material Legal Proceedings

 

(1)

SK Broadband as the plaintiff

 

(Unit: in thousands of Won)  

Description of Proceedings

   Date of Commencement
of Proceedings
     Amount of
Claim
     Status  

Claim for damages

     November 2018        1,870,445        Pending before district court  

Others

     —          1,189,296     

Total

 

     3,059,741     

 

(2)

SK Broadband as the defendant

 

(Unit: in thousands of Won)  

Description of Proceedings

   Date of
Commencement
of Proceedings
     Amount of
Claim
     Status  

Claim for damages

     July 2017        3,236,252        Pending before district court  

Others

     —          2,499,038     

Total

 

     5,735,290     

The Company does not believe that the outcome of any of the proceedings above will have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

 

B.

Other Contingent Liabilities

 

(1)

Pledged assets and covenants

SK Broadband has entered into revolving credit facilities with a limit of Won 139 billion with four financial institutions including Shinhan Bank in relation to its loans.

In connection with public offerings of notes, SK Broadband is subject to certain restrictions with respect to its debt ratio, third party payment guarantees and other limitations on liens.

SK Broadband, upon approval by its board of directors, has provided guarantees for financial instruments amounting to Won 11 million to support employees’ funding for the Employee Stock Ownership Program.

Additionally, SK Broadband has provided “geun” mortgage amounting to Won 3,868 million to others, including Ilsan Guksa, on a part of its buildings in connection with the leasing of the buildings.

SK Broadband has entered into a leased line contract and a resale contract for fixed-line telecommunication services with SK Telecom.

Seoul Guarantee Insurance Company has provided a performance guarantee of Won 28,834 million to SK Broadband in connection with the performance of certain contracts and the repair of any defects.

KB Kookmin Bank has provided a payment guarantee of Won 100 million to SK Broadband in connection with its e-commerce business.

[SK M&Service]

SK M&Service has entered into a transaction performance agreement with SK Energy Co., Ltd. and issued a blank note to SK Energy Co., Ltd. as collateral in connection with the agreement.

 

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[SK Infosec]

SK Infosec has issued a blank note to SK Holdings as collateral in connection with a contract performance guarantee.

3. Status of Sanctions, etc.

[SK Telecom]

On January 14, 2016, the Korea Communications Commission imposed on the Company a fine of Won 15 million and issued a correctional order for failure to comply with the retention period for its subscribers’ personal information. The Company paid the fine and reported to the Korea Communications Commission on the implementation of actions pursuant to the correctional order.

On December 6, 2016, the Korea Communications Commission imposed on the Company a fine of Won 1,280 million and issued a correctional order for violating the rights of subscribers in relation to its high-speed Internet and bundled services. The Company paid the fine and reported to the Korea Communications Commission on the implementation of actions pursuant to the correctional order.

On December 21, 2016, the Korea Communications Commission imposed on the Company a fine of Won 30 million and issued a correctional order for violation of its obligations to protect personal location-based information. The Company paid the fine and reported to the Korea Communications Commission on the implementation of actions pursuant to the correctional order.

On March 21, 2017, the Korea Communications Commission imposed on the Company a fine of Won 794 million and issued a correctional order for violating the Mobile Device Distribution Improvement Act with respect to the Company’s promotions targeting foreigners. The Company paid the fine and reported to the Korea Communications Commission regarding the implementation of actions pursuant to the correctional order.

On December 6, 2017, the Korea Communications Commission issued a correctional order for violating the rights of subscribers in relation to its high-speed Internet and bundled services. The Company reported to the Korea Communications Commission on the implementation of actions pursuant to the correctional order.

On January 24, 2018, the Korea Communications Commission imposed on the Company a fine of Won 21.1 billion and issued a correctional order for violating the Mobile Device Distribution Improvement Act with respect to its dealers. The Company paid the fine and reported to the Korea Communications Commission regarding the implementation of actions pursuant to the correctional order.

On January 24, 2018, the Korea Communications Commission imposed on the Company a fine of Won 223 million and issued a correctional order for violating the Mobile Device Distribution Improvement Act with respect to its corporate business. The Company paid the fine and reported to the Korea Communications Commission regarding the implementation of actions pursuant to the correctional order.

On January 24, 2018, the Korea Communications Commission imposed on the Company a fine of Won 27 million and issued a correctional order for violating the Mobile Device Distribution Improvement Act with respect to its large retail dealers. The Company paid the fine and reported to the Korea Communications Commission regarding the implementation of actions pursuant to the correctional order.

 

*

Important matters that occurred after December 31, 2018

On January 3, 2019, the Company entered into a memorandum of understanding with Content Alliance Platform Inc., a joint venture among three major terrestrial broadcasters in Korea (KBS, MBC and SBS), to pursue the combination of oksusu with POOQ, in order to secure competitiveness in the rapidly changing media industry.

 

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On February 21, 2019, in order to strengthen the competitiveness of its media business, the Company entered into a memorandum of understanding with Taekwang Industrial Co., Ltd., the largest shareholder of Tbroad, to pursue a merger between SK Broadband and Tbroad.

[SK Broadband]

 

(1)

Violation of the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, etc.

 

   

Date: August 2, 2016

 

   

Sanction: SK Broadband was imposed a fine of Won 3.8 million for breaching of restrictions on transmission of advertising information for profit.

 

   

Reason and the Relevant Law: Violated Articles 50-2, 50-4, 50-6 and 76 of the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, etc. and Article 74 of its Enforcement Decree by transmitting advertising information for profits to users who express their intention to refuse to receive the information.

 

   

Status of Implementation: Implemented improvements to spam related activity and paid the fine.

 

   

Company’s Measures: Implement procedures to prevent recurrence of spam.

 

(2)

Violation of the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, etc.

 

   

Date: September 2, 2016

 

   

Sanction: SK Broadband was imposed a fine of Won 3 million for breaching of restrictions on rendering information transmission services.

 

   

Reason and the Relevant Law: Violated Articles 50-4 and 76 of the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, etc. and Article 74 of its Enforcement Decree by lacking of management and supervision standards in merchants involved in spamming and by not putting any sanctions on them.

 

   

Status of Implementation: Implemented improvements to spam related activity and paid the fine.

 

   

Company’s Measures: Implement procedures to prevent recurrence of spam.

 

(3)

Violation of the Telecommunications Business Act

 

   

Date: September 27, 2016

 

   

Sanction: SK Broadband was imposed a fine of Won 6.4 million.

 

   

Reason and the Relevant Law: Violated Article 84-2 Paragraph 1, 104-2 Paragraph 5 of the Telecommunications Business Act and Article 66 of its Enforcement Decree by not having performed technological measures to prevent caller ID manipulations.

 

   

Status of Implementation: Paid the fine (September 27, 2016).

 

   

Company’s Measures: Implement technological measures to prevent caller ID manipulations through institutional improvement.

 

(4)

Violation of the Telecommunications Business Act

 

   

Date: December 6, 2016

 

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Sanction: SK Broadband received a correctional order (corrective measures for damaging users’ interests in relation to bundled high-speed Internet products).

 

   

Reason and the Relevant Law: Violated Article 50-1 Paragraph 5 of the Telecommunications Business Act and Article 42-1 of its Enforcement Decree by providing telecommunications services in a manner different from the terms and conditions of use.

 

   

Status of Implementation: Made an official announcement about having received the correctional order and paid the fine.

 

   

Company’s Measures: Implement the correctional order and pay the fine.

 

(5)

Violation of the Internet Multimedia Broadcast Services Act

 

   

Date: December 21, 2016

 

   

Sanction: SK Broadband received a correctional order (corrective measures for violating prohibited acts under the Internet Multimedia Broadcast Services Act).

 

   

Reason and the Relevant Law: Violated Article 17-1 Paragraph 2 of the Internet Multimedia Broadcast Services Act and Article 15 of its Enforcement Decree by performing prohibited acts which undermine or are likely to undermine the fair competition of service providers or the interests of users.

 

   

Status of Implementation: Ceased the prohibited practice and paid the fine (Plan to make an official announcement about having received the correctional order and improve operating procedures).

 

   

Company’s Measures: Improve operation procedures in relation to the violation of prohibited acts.

 

(6)

Violation of the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, etc.

 

   

Date: July 13, 2017

 

   

Sanction: SK Broadband was imposed a fine of Won 12 million for breach of restrictions on transmission of advertising information for profit.

 

   

Reason and the Relevant Law: Violated Articles 50-1, 50-4 and 76 of the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, etc. and Article 74 of its Enforcement Decree for electronic transmission of advertisements without prior consent of the recipient.

 

   

Status of Implementation: Implemented improvements to advertisement transmission related activity and paid the fine in July 2017.

 

   

Company’s Measures: Implement improvements to advertisement transmission related activity.

 

(7)

Violation of the Telecommunications Business Act

 

   

Date: December 6, 2017

 

   

Sanction: SK Broadband received a correctional order (corrective measures for damaging users’ interests in relation to high speed Internet products and gifts).

 

   

Reason and the Relevant Law: Violated Article 50-1 Paragraph 5 of the Telecommunications Business Act and Article 42-1 of its Enforcement Decree by providing telecommunications services in a manner different from the terms and conditions of use.

 

   

Status of Implementation: Made an official announcement about having received the correctional order and paid the fine.

 

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Company’s Measures: Implement the correctional order and pay the fine.

 

(8)

Violation of the Telecommunications Business Act

 

   

Date: October 12, 2018

 

   

Sanction: SK Broadband received a correctional order (corrective measures for violation of the Telecommunications Business Act related to representative phone number card payment services).

 

   

Reason and the Relevant Law: Violated Article 50-1 Paragraph 5(2) of the Telecommunications Business Act and Article 42-1 of its Enforcement Decree by failing to explain or disclose or misrepresenting important matters to users such as rates, contract conditions or rate discounts.

 

   

Status of Implementation: Made an official announcement about having received the correctional order and paid the fine.

 

   

Company’s Measures: Implement the correctional order and pay the fine.

 

(9)

Violation of the Telecommunications Business Act

 

   

Date: February 25, 2019

 

   

Sanction: SK Broadband received a correctional order and was imposed a fine of Won 2.8 million (for violation of the Telecommunications Business Act related to a misrepresentation of statistics).

 

   

Reason and Relevant Law: Violated Article 88-1, Article 92-1 and Article 104-5(17) of the Telecommunications Business Act by failing to accurately report the number of high-speed Internet subscribers.

 

   

Status of Implementation: Submitted plans for implementation of correctional order, including improvement of relevant business procedures.

 

   

Company’s Measures: Implement the correctional order and pay the fine.

[Home & Service]

 

(1)

Violation of the Employment Insurance Act

 

   

Date: January 19, 2018

 

   

Sanction: Home & Service received a fine of Won 504,000.

 

   

Reason and the Relevant Law: Violated Article 15 of the Employment Insurance Act by delaying the reporting of matters related to changes in employees’ insurance eligibility.

 

   

Status of Implementation: Paid the fine.

 

   

Company’s Measures: Implement measures to improve reporting procedures.

 

(2)

Violation of Industrial Safety and Health Act

 

   

Date: March 12, 2018

 

   

Sanction: Home & Service received a fine of Won 5.04 million.

 

   

Reason and the Relevant Law: Violated Article 10-2 of the Industrial Safety and Health Act by delaying the reporting of details of industrial accidents.

 

   

Status of Implementation: Paid the fine.

 

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Company’s Measures: Improve management of industrial accidents.

 

(3)

Violation of Industrial Safety and Health Act

 

   

Date: April 30, 2018

 

   

Sanction: Home & Service received a correctional order for failing to establish an industrial safety and health committee and providing training related to employee safety and health.

 

   

Reason and the Relevant Law: Violated Articles 19-1 and 31-1 of the Industrial Safety and Health Act for failing to establish an industrial safety and health committee and provide training related to employee safety and health in the first quarter of 2018.

 

   

Status of Implementation: Paid the fine, resolved to establish an industrial safety and health committee on May 16, 2018 and conducted additional offline and online training programs.

 

   

Company’s Measures: Implement the correctional order.

[SK Planet]

 

(1)

Violation of the Electronic Financial Transactions Act

 

   

Date: May 4, 2016

 

   

Sanction: SK Planet received a fine of Won 25 million.

 

   

Reason and the Relevant Law: Violated Article 21 (Duty to Ensure Safety) of the Electronic Financial Transactions Act.

 

   

Status of Implementation: Paid the fine.

 

   

Company’s Measures: Implemented procedures to prevent recurrence such as setting up various detailed test scenarios, enhancing quality assurance, organizing real-time notification processes upon detection of abnormal transactions and refining a continuous monitoring and reporting system

 

(2)

Violation of the Act on Consumer Protection in Electronic Commerce

 

   

Date: August 19, 2016 (Fined); September 12, 2016 (Warned)

 

   

Sanction: SK Planet received a fine of Won 5 million.

 

   

Reason and the Relevant Law: Violated Article 21 (Prohibited Acts) of the Act on Consumer Protection in Electronic Commerce.

 

   

Status of Implementation: Admitted to the violation in connection with the warning but submitted a statement of objection on August 26, 2016 regarding the fine.

 

   

Company’s Measures: Executed a seminar regarding the Act on Consumer Protection in Electronic Commerce to prevent recurrence, reviewed the advertisement/display approval process and implemented a continuous monitoring system.

 

(3)

Violation of the Framework Act on Logistics Policies

 

   

Date: November 10, 2016

 

   

Sanction: SK Planet received a fine of Won 156 thousand for failing to register a modification of the international logistics brokerage business on time (Within 60 days from the date of modification).

 

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Reason and the Relevant Law: Violated Article 43 of the Framework Act on Logistics Policies (Registration of international logistics brokerage business).

 

   

Company’s Measures: Implemented a continuous monitoring system to prevent its recurrence in registration of a modification.

 

(4)

Violation of the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, etc.

 

   

Date: April 10, 2017

 

   

Sanction: SK Planet received and paid a fine of Won 10 million for breaching of protective measures for personal information rule by not conducting additional measures for security apart from requesting ID and password with a merchant management system under IMPAY service, which was disclosed during a survey on personal information protection carried out by the Korea Communications Commission in August 2016.

 

   

Reason and the Relevant Law: Violated Article 28 of the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, etc. (Protective Measures for Personal Information).

 

   

Company’s Measures: Implemented an additional authentication procedure (OTP authentication) to the merchant management system / implemented additional internal training and improved management to prevent its recurrence.

 

(5)

Violation of the Foreign Exchange Transactions Act

 

   

Date: April 27, 2018

 

   

Sanction: SK Planet paid a fine of Won 10 million for failing to pre-register its Payment Gateway business, as required by a change in applicable law.

 

   

Reason and the Relevant Law: Violated Article 8-1 of the Foreign Exchange Transactions Act.

 

   

Company’s Measures: Engage in close monitoring to avoid future recurrences of violation.

[Eleven Street]

 

(1)

Violation of the Electronic Financial Transactions Act

 

   

Date: May 4, 2016

 

   

Sanction: Financial Services Commission imposed a fine of Won 25 million on Eleven Street.

 

   

Reason and the Relevant Law: Violated Article 21 (Duty to Ensure Safety) of the Electronic Financial Transactions Act.

 

   

Status of Implementation: Paid the fine.

 

   

Company’s Measures: Implemented procedures to prevent recurrence such as establishing various detailed test scenarios, enhancing quality assurance, organizing real-time notification processes upon detection of abnormal transactions and refining a continuous monitoring and reporting system.

 

(2)

Violation of the Act on Consumer Protection in Electronic Commerce

 

   

Date: August 19, 2016 (fine); September 12, 2016 (warning)

 

   

Sanction: Eleven Street received a fine of Won 5 million and a warning.

 

   

Reason and the Relevant Law: Violated Article 21 (Prohibited Acts) of the Act on Consumer Protection in Electronic Commerce.

 

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Status of Implementation: Admitted to the violation in connection with the warning; submitted a statement of objection on August 26, 2016 regarding the fine but did not challenge further upon the court’s decision to reaffirm the fine amount.

 

   

Company’s Measures: Conducted training on the Act on Consumer Protection in Electronic Commerce to prevent recurrence, reviewed the display/advertisement pre-inspection process and implemented a continuous monitoring system.

 

(3)

Violation of the Framework Act on Logistics Policies

 

   

Date: November 10, 2016

 

   

Sanction: Eleven Street received a fine of Won 156,000 for failing to report a change to the registration license for its international logistics brokerage business as a result of a change in the company’s share capital on time (within 60 days of the date of change).

 

   

Reason and the Relevant Law: Violated Article 43 of the Framework Act on Logistics Policies (Registration of international logistics brokerage business).

 

   

Company’s Measures: Implement a continuous monitoring system to avoid future recurrences of violation.

 

(4)

Violation of the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, etc.

 

   

Date: April 10, 2017

 

   

Sanction: Eleven Street received and paid a fine of Won 10 million for breaching rules related to the protection of personal information pursuant to the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, etc. by failing to implement additional authentication measures other than ID and password for the merchant management system of the company’s IMPAY mobile payment service, which was discovered during the Korea Communications Commission’s inspection of personal information protection in August 2016.

 

   

Reason and the Relevant Law: Violated Article 28 of the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, etc. (Protective Measures for Personal Information).

 

   

Company’s Measures: Implemented an additional authentication procedure (OTP authentication) to the merchant management system, implemented additional internal training and improved management to prevent its recurrence.

[SK Telink]

 

(1)

Violation of the Telecommunications Business Act

 

   

Date: February 4, 2016

 

   

Sanction: SK Telink received a correctional order and a fine of Won 49 million.

 

   

Reason and the Relevant Law: Violated Article 50-1, Paragraph 5 of the Telecommunications Business Act and Article 42-1 of the related Enforcement Decree by transferring account names of cell phone lines without subscribers’ consent, changing phone numbers upon such transfer of account names, subscribing users to cell phone lines that exceed the maximum number of cell phone lines determined in the user agreement, opening accounts using a third party’s name and transferring ownership of and reselling the account, changing account names with fabricated names of foreigners and changing accounts of cell phone lines owned by foreigners whose residency period in Korea has expired.

 

   

Status of Implementation: Ceased the prohibited practice, disclosed having received the correctional order in the press (May 2016) and paid the fine (May 2016).

 

   

Company’s Measures: Improve operating procedures to prevent its recurrence.

 

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(2)

Violation of the Telecommunications Business Act

 

   

Date: October 12, 2018

 

   

Sanction: SK Telink received a correctional order and a fine of Won 55.4 million.

 

   

Reason and the Relevant Law: Violated Article 50-1, Paragraph 5 of the Telecommunications Business Act and Article 42-1 of the related Enforcement Decree by failing to explain or notify of the availability of a similar service that is relatively cheaper before entering into “representative number service” (a fixed-line telephone credit card payment service) contracts with VAN operators after October 2012.

 

   

Status of Implementation: Ceased the prohibited practice, disclosed the receipt of the correctional order in the press (December 2018) and paid the fine (December 2018).

 

   

Company’s Measures: Improve operating procedures to prevent its recurrence.

4. Use of Direct Financing

 

A.

Use of Proceeds from Public Offerings

Not applicable.

 

B.

Use of Proceeds from Private Offerings

Not applicable.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

SK Telecom Co., Ltd.

 

(Registrant)

By: /s/ Jeong Hwan Choi

(Signature)

Name:   Jeong Hwan Choi

Title:     Senior Vice President

Date: April 26, 2019

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Separate Financial Statements

December 31, 2018 and 2017

(With Independent Auditors’ Report Thereon)

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Contents

 

     Page  

Independent Auditors’ Report

     82  

Separate Statements of Financial Position

     86  

Separate Statements of Income

     88  

Separate Statements of Comprehensive Income

     89  

Separate Statements of Changes in Equity

     90  

Separate Statements of Cash Flows

     91  

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

     93  

Independent Accountant’s Review Report on Internal Accounting Control System (“IACS”)

     182  

Report on the Operation of Internal Accounting Control System (“IACS”)

     183  

 

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Independent Auditors’ Report

Based on a report originally issued in Korean

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of

SK Telecom Co., Ltd.:

Opinion

We have audited the accompanying separate financial statements of SK Telecom Co., Ltd. (the “Company”) which comprise the separate statements of financial position as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the separate statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for the years then ended, and notes to the separate financial statements, comprising significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.

In our opinion, the accompanying separate financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the separate financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and its separate financial performance and its separate cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with Korean International Financial Reporting Standards (“K-IFRS”).

Basis for Opinion

We conducted our audits in accordance with Korean Standards on Auditing. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors’ Responsibilities for the Audit of the Separate Financial Statements section of our report. We are independent of the Company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the separate financial statements in the Republic of Korea, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Key Audit Matters

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our audit of the separate financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the separate financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.

 

1.

Accuracy of Revenue

As described in notes 3 and 4 of the separate financial statements, the Company has initially adopted K-IFRS No.1115, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“K-IFRS No. 1115”), from January 1, 2018 and the Company has taken an exemption not to restate the separate financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017, presented for comparative purposes, in accordance with transition requirements of the standards. The financial impacts of adopting K-IFRS No. 1115 are discussed in note 3.

The Company’s revenue recognition is based on data from complex information technology systems as the Company provides a variety of telecommunications services at various rate plans to numerous subscribers which involves high volume of transactions with subscribers. Therefore, we have identified the accuracy of revenue recognition in the Company’s cellular telecommunications service as a key audit matter due to the complexity of IT systems involved and management judgments involved in the application of the new revenue recognition standard.

 

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The primary procedures we performed to address this key audit matter included:

 

   

Testing certain internal controls relating to the Company’s revenue recognition process, including evaluation of the environment of the IT systems supporting the accounting for revenue, including data records, rating and invoicing systems.

 

   

Testing the reconciliation of the Company’s revenue among rating system, billing system and the general ledger.

 

   

Inspecting a sample of contracts with subscribers to assess the Company’s revenue recognition policies upon initial adoption of K-IFRS No. 1115 based on the terms and conditions as set out in the contracts, with reference to the requirements of the relevant accounting standards.

 

2.

Recognition of Incremental Costs of Obtaining a Contract

As described in notes 3 and 7 of the separate financial statements, the Company incurs costs, such as commissions to retails stores and authorized dealers based on the number of subscribers retained and newly obtained. Costs that would not have been paid if there had been no binding new or renewed contracts with subscribers are capitalized and amortized over the estimated service periods. As of December 31, 2018, capitalized costs to obtain contracts amount to W2,298,542 million.

Determination of whether certain costs of obtaining a contract could be capitalized as well as the amortization period involves a number of key judgments made by the Company and the incremental costs of obtaining contracts are significant in the Company’s separate financial statements. Therefore we have identified the recognition of incremental costs of obtaining contracts as a key audit matter.

The primary procedures we performed to address this key audit matter included:

 

   

Testing certain controls relating to the Company’s process to account for incremental costs of obtaining a contracts.

 

   

Obtaining an understanding of the marketing programs communicated to retail stores and authorized dealers and assessing the Company’s determination of whether the costs should be capitalized with reference to the requirements of the relevant accounting standards. In addition, on a sample basis, we also compared the capitalized costs with payments to retail stores and authorized dealers.

 

   

Testing the mathematical accuracy of the cumulative effect of initially applying K-IFRS No. 1115 in relation to the incremental costs of obtaining contracts as of January 1, 2018 by performing recalculation.

 

   

Assessing the estimated service periods that are used in amortizing the capitalized incremental costs of obtaining contracts by testing the completeness and accuracy of data used in the analysis, and by comparing the data used in estimating the estimated service periods with the Company’s historical subscriber churn rates and publicly available statistical data.

Responsibilities of Management and Those Charged with Governance for the Separate Financial Statements

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these separate financial statements in accordance with K-IFRS, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of separate financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the separate financial statements, management is responsible for assessing the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless management either intends to liquidate the Company or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so.

Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the Company’s financial reporting process.

 

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Auditors’ Responsibilities for the Audit of the Separate Financial Statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the separate financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditors’ report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with Korean Standards on Auditing will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these separate financial statements.

As part of an audit in accordance with Korean Standards on Auditing, we exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit. We also:

 

   

Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the separate financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.

 

   

Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control.

 

   

Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by management.

 

   

Conclude on the appropriateness of management’s use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditors’ report to the related disclosures in the separate financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditors’ report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Company to cease to continue as a going concern.

 

   

Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the separate financial statements, including the disclosures, and whether the separate financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.

We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.

We also provide those charged with governance with a statement that we have complied with relevant ethical requirements regarding independence, and communicate with them all relationships and other matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, and where applicable, related safeguards.

 

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From the matters communicated with those charged with governance, we determine those matters that were of most significance in the audit of the separate financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018 and are therefore the key audit matters. We describe these matters in our auditors’ report unless law or regulation precludes public disclosure about the matter or when, in extremely rare circumstances, we determine that a matter should not be communicated in our report because the adverse consequences of doing so would reasonably be expected to outweigh the public interest benefits of such communication.

The engagement partner on the audit resulting in this independent auditors’ report is Sang Hyun Han.

Other Matter

The procedures and practices utilized in the Republic of Korea to audit such separate financial statements may differ from those generally accepted and applied in other countries.

KPMG Samjong Accounting Corp.

Seoul, Korea

February 28, 2019

 

This report is effective as of February 28, 2019, the audit report date. Certain subsequent events or circumstances, which may occur between the audit report date and the time of reading this report, could have a material impact on the accompanying separate financial statements and notes thereto. Accordingly, the readers of the audit report should understand that the above audit report has not been updated to reflect the impact of such subsequent events or circumstances, if any.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Separate Statements of Financial Position

As of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017

 

(In millions of won)    Note      December 31,
2018
     December 31,
2017
 

Assets

        

Current Assets:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

     3,33,34      W 877,823        880,583  

Short-term financial instruments

     3,5,33,34        99,000        94,000  

Short-term investment securities

     3,9,33,34        47,849        47,383  

Accounts receivable—trade, net

     3,6,33,34,35        1,354,260        1,520,209  

Short-term loans, net

     3,6,33,34,35        54,336        54,403  

Accounts receivable—other, net

     3,6,33,34,35,37        518,451        1,003,509  

Contract assets

     3,8        1,689        —    

Prepaid expenses

     3,7        1,688,234        121,121  

Inventories, net

        22,079        29,837  

Advanced payments and others

     3,6,33,34        15,657        17,053  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 
        4,679,378        3,768,098  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Non-Current Assets:

        

Long-term financial instruments

     3,5,33,34        382        382  

Long-term investment securities

     3,9,33,34        410,672        724,603  

Investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures

     10        10,188,914        9,152,321  

Property and equipment, net

     11,35        6,943,490        6,923,133  

Goodwill

     12        1,306,236        1,306,236  

Intangible assets, net

     13        4,010,864        3,089,545  

Long-term loans, net

     3,6,33,34,35        7,236        7,512  

Long-term accounts receivable—other

     3,6,33,34,37        274,053        285,118  

Long-term contract assets

     3,8        5,842        —    

Long-term prepaid expenses

     3,7        753,181        25,169  

Guarantee deposits

     3,6,33,34,35        184,887        173,513  

Long-term derivative financial assets

     3,18,33,34        50,805        30,608  

Deferred tax assets

     3,30        —          30,953  

Defined benefit assets

     17        31,834        40,082  

Other non-current assets

        249        249  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 
        24,168,645        21,789,424  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 
      W 28,848,023        25,557,522  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the separate financial statements.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Separate Statements of Financial Position, Continued

As of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017

 

(In millions of won)    Note      December 31,
2018
    December 31,
2017
 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

       

Current Liabilities:

       

Accounts payable—other

     33,34,35      W 1,622,744       1,664,054  

Receipts in advance

     3        —         76,126  

Contract liabilities

     3,8        46,075       —    

Withholdings

     3,33,34        696,790       517,991  

Accrued expenses

     33,34        664,286       790,368  

Income tax payable

     30        162,609       206,060  

Unearned revenue

     3        —         3,705  

Derivative financial liabilities

     18,33,34        —         27,791  

Provisions

     16        49,303       48,508  

Current installments of long-term debt, net

     14,33,34        512,377       1,131,047  

Current installments of long-term payables—other

     15,33,34        423,884       301,751  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 
        4,178,068       4,767,401  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-Current Liabilities:

       

Debentures, excluding current installments, net

     14,33,34        5,222,865       4,334,848  

Long-term borrowings, excluding current installments, net

     14,33,34        31,764       42,486  

Long-term payables—other

     15,33,34        1,939,082       1,328,630  

Long-term contract liabilities

     3,8        8,358       —    

Long-term unearned revenue

     3        —         7,033  

Long-term derivative financial liabilities

     18,33,34        1,107       10,719  

Long-term provisions

     16        12,483       16,178  

Deferred tax liabilities

     3,30        523,732       —    

Other non-current liabilities

     33,34        43,077       42,836  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 
        7,782,468       5,782,730  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

        11,960,536       10,550,131  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shareholders’ Equity:

       

Share capital

     1,19        44,639       44,639  

Capital surplus and others

     19,20,21,22        415,324       371,895  

Retained earnings

     23,24        16,467,789       14,512,556  

Reserves

     25        (40,265     78,301  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Shareholders’ Equity

        16,887,487       15,007,391  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 
      W 28,848,023       25,557,522  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the separate financial statements.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Separate Statements of Income

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

(In millions of won)    Note      2018     2017  

Operating revenue:

     3,26,35       

Revenue

      W 11,705,639       12,468,035  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

     35       

Labor

        684,777       624,900  

Commissions

     3,7        4,454,763       4,864,463  

Depreciation and amortization

        2,324,509       2,370,192  

Network interconnection

        606,452       628,610  

Leased lines

        276,699       290,324  

Advertising

        169,003       150,361  

Rent

        445,122       435,170  

Cost of goods sold

        500,119       515,013  

Others

     27        936,701       891,293  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 
        10,398,145       10,770,326  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating profit

        1,307,494       1,697,709  

Finance income

     29        279,059       188,025  

Finance costs

     29        (255,455     (274,098

Other non-operating income

     28        41,265       18,471  

Other non-operating expenses

     28        (149,817     (165,783

Profit (loss) on investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures, net

     10        (1,302     139,484  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Profit before income tax

        1,221,244       1,603,808  

Income tax expense

     30        287,342       272,694  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Profit for the year

      W 933,902       1,331,114  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings per share:

     31       

Basic and diluted earnings per share (in won)

      W 13,000       18,613  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the separate financial statements.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Separate Statements of Comprehensive Income

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

(In millions of won)    Note      2018     2017  

Profit for the year

      W 933,902       1,331,114  

Other comprehensive income (loss):

       

Items that will never be reclassified to profit or loss, net of taxes:

       

Remeasurement of defined benefit liabilities

     17        (16,354     1,746  

Valuation loss on financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income

     25,29        (102,454     —    

Items that are or may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss, net of taxes:

       

Net change in unrealized fair value of available-for-sale financial assets

     25,29        —         119,910  

Net change in unrealized fair value of derivatives

     18,25        28,260       20,184  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss) for the year, net of taxes

 

     (90,548     141,840  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income

      W 843,354       1,472,954  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the separate financial statements.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Separate Statements of Changes in Equity

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

(In millions of won)                                                                  
    Note     Share
capital
    Capital surplus and others     Retained
earnings
    Reserves        
    Paid-in
surplus
    Treasury
shares
    Hybrid
bonds
    Share
options
    Other     Sub-total     Total
equity
 

Balance, January 1, 2017

    W 44,639       2,915,887       (2,260,626     398,518       —         (682,298     371,481       13,902,627       (61,793     14,256,954  

Total comprehensive income:

                     

Profit for the year

      —         —         —         —         —         —         —         1,331,114       —         1,331,114  

Other comprehensive income

    17,18,25,29       —         —         —         —         —         —         —         1,746       140,094       141,840  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
      —         —         —         —         —         —         —         1,332,860       140,094       1,472,954  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Transactions with owners:

                     

Annual dividends

    32       —         —         —         —         —         —         —         (635,482     —         (635,482

Interim dividends

    32       —         —         —         —         —         —         —         (70,609     —         (70,609

Share option

    22       —         —         —         —         414       —         414       —         —         414  

Interest on hybrid bonds

      —         —         —         —         —         —         —         (16,840     —         (16,840
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
      —         —         —         —         414       —         414       (722,931     —         (722,517
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2017

    W 44,639       2,915,887       (2,260,626     398,518       414       (682,298     371,895       14,512,556       78,301       15,007,391  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2017

    W 44,639       2,915,887       (2,260,626     398,518       414       (682,298     371,895       14,512,556       78,301       15,007,391  

Impact of adopting K-IFRS No. 1115

    3       —         —         —         —         —         —         —         1,723,985       —         1,723,985  

Impact of adopting K-IFRS No. 1109

    3       —         —         —         —         —         —         —         49,611       (58,389     (8,778
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, January 1, 2018

    W 44,639       2,915,887       (2,260,626     398,518       414       (682,298     371,895       16,286,152       19,912       16,722,598  

Total comprehensive income:

                     

Profit for the year

      —         —         —         —         —         —         —         933,902       —         933,902  

Other comprehensive loss

    17,18,25,29       —         —         —         —         —         —         —         (30,371     (60,177     (90,548
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
      —         —         —         —         —         —         —         903,531       (60,177     843,354  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Transactions with owners:

                     

Annual dividends

    32       —         —         —         —         —         —         —         (635,482     —         (635,482

Interim dividends

    32       —         —         —         —         —         —         —         (70,609     —         (70,609

Share option

    22       —         —         —         —         593       —         593       —         —         593  

Repayments of hybrid bonds

    21       —         —         —         (398,518     —         (1,482     (400,000     —         —         (400,000

Proceeds from issuance of

hybrid bonds

    21       —         —         —         398,759       —         —         398,759       —         —         398,759  

Interest on hybrid bonds

      —         —         —         —         —         —         —         (15,803     —         (15,803

Business combination under

common control

    10       —         —         281,151       —         —         (237,074     44,077       —         —         44,077  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
      —         —         281,151       241       593       (238,556     43,429       (721,894     —         (678,465
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2018

    W 44,639       2,915,887       (1,979,475     398,759       1,007       (920,854     415,324       16,467,789       (40,265     16,887,487  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the separate financial statements.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Separate Statements of Cash Flows

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

(In millions of won)    Note      2018     2017  

Cash flows from operating activities:

       

Cash generated from operating activities:

       

Profit for the year

      W 933,902       1,331,114  

Adjustments for income and expenses

     38        2,863,632       2,804,239  

Changes in assets and liabilities related to

operating activities

     38        510,379       (293,836
     

 

 

   

 

 

 
        4,307,913       3,841,517  

Interest received

        35,456       46,774  

Dividends received

        177,490       101,256  

Interest paid

        (183,023     (183,939

Income tax paid

        (372,808     (548,138
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

        3,965,028       3,257,470  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

       

Cash inflows from investing activities:

       

Decrease in short-term investment securities, net

        —         50,000  

Decrease in short-term financial instruments, net

        —         1,000  

Collection of short-term loans

        110,261       206,932  

Proceeds from disposals of long-term investment securities

        189,083       15,276  

Proceeds from disposal of investments in

subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures

        78,548       —    

Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment

        10,848       19,667  

Proceeds from disposal of intangible assets

        916       3,811  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Sub-total

        389,656       296,686  

Cash outflows for investing activities:

       

Increase in short-term investment securities, net

        (5,000     —    

Increase in short-term loans

        (109,915     (203,511

Acquisition of long-term investment securities

        (990     (12,863

Acquisition of investments in subsidiaries

and associates

        (1,045,713     (286,298

Acquisition of property and equipment

        (1,893,284     (1,870,634

Acquisition of intangible assets

        (444,038     (75,298
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Sub-total

        (3,498,940     (2,448,604
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

      W (3,109,284     (2,151,918
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the separate financial statements.

 

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Separate Statements of Cash Flows, Continued

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

(In millions of won)    Note      2018     2017  

Cash flows from financing activities:

       

Cash inflows from financing activities:

       

Proceeds from issuance of debentures

      W 1,326,346       647,328  

Cash inflows from settlement of derivatives

        116       188  

Proceeds from issuance of hybrid bonds

        398,759       —    
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Sub-total

        1,725,221       647,516  

Cash outflows for financing activities:

       

Repayments of long-term borrowings

        (12,770     (13,002

Repayments of hybrid bonds

        (400,000     —    

Repayments of long-term payables—other

        (302,867     (302,867

Repayments of debentures

        (1,116,550     (602,733

Payments of cash dividends

        (706,091     (706,091

Payments of interest on hybrid bonds

        (15,803     (16,840

Cash outflows for settlement of derivatives

        (29,213     (105,269
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Sub-total

        (2,583,294     (1,746,802
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

        (858,073     (1,099,286
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

        (2,329     6,266  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year

        880,583       874,350  

Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

        (431     (33
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year

      W 877,823       880,583  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the separate financial statements.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

1.

Reporting Entity

SK Telecom Co., Ltd. (“the Company”) was incorporated in March 1984 under the laws of the Republic of Korea (“Korea”) to provide cellular telephone communication services in Korea. The Company mainly provides wireless telecommunications services in Korea. The head office of the Company is located at 65, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea.

The Company’s common shares and depositary receipts (DRs) are listed on the Stock Market of Korea Exchange, the New York Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange. As of December 31, 2018, the Company’s total issued shares are held by the following shareholders:

 

     Number of shares      Percentage of
total shares
issued (%)
 

SK Holdings Co., Ltd.

     21,624,120        26.78  

National Pension Service

     7,879,982        9.76  

Institutional investors and other shareholders

     42,365,726        52.47  

Treasury shares

     8,875,883        10.99  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     80,745,711        100.00  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

2.

Basis of Preparation

These separate financial statements were prepared in accordance with Korean International Financial Reporting Standards (“K-IFRS”), as prescribed in the Act on External Audits of Stock Companies in the Republic of Korea.

These financial statements are separate financial statements prepared in accordance with K-IFRS No.1027, Separate Financial Statements, presented by a parent or an investor with joint control of or significant influence over an investee, in which the investments are accounted for at cost.

The separate financial statements were authorized for issuance by the Board of Directors on January 30, 2019, which will be submitted for approval at the shareholders’ meeting to be held on March 26, 2019.

 

(1)

Basis of measurement

The separate financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, except for the following material items in the separate statement of financial position:

 

   

derivative financial instruments measured at fair value;

 

   

financial instruments measured at fair value through profit or loss;

 

   

financial instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income;

 

   

assets for defined benefit plans recognized at the net of the fair value of plan assets less the total present value of defined benefit obligations.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

2.

Basis of Preparation, Continued

 

(2)

Functional and presentation currency

These separate financial statements are presented in Korean won, which is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the Company operates.

 

(3)

Use of estimates and judgments

The preparation of the separate financial statements in conformity with K-IFRS requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period prospectively.

 

  1)

Critical judgments

Information about critical judgments in applying accounting policies that have most significant effects on the amounts recognized in the separate financial statements is included in note 4 for classification of lease and notes 3 (1), 7 for determination of amortization period of incremental cost of obtaining a contract.

 

  2)

Assumptions and estimation uncertainties

Information about assumptions and estimation uncertainties that have a significant risk of resulting in a material adjustment within the next financial year are included in the following notes: loss allowance (notes 6 and 34), estimated useful lives of costs to obtain a contract (notes 3 (1), and 7), property and equipment and intangible assets (notes 4 (8), (10), 11 and 13), impairment of goodwill (notes 4 (12) and 12), recognition of provision (notes 4 (17) and 16), measurement of defined benefit liabilities (notes 4 (16) and 17), and recognition of deferred tax assets (liabilities) (notes 4 (25) and 30).

 

  3)

Fair value measurement

A number of the Company’s accounting policies and disclosures require the measurement of fair values, for both financial and non-financial assets and liabilities. The Company has an established policies and processes with respect to the measurement of fair values including Level 3 fair values, and the measurement of fair value is reviewed is directly reported to the finance executives.

The Company regularly reviews significant unobservable inputs and valuation adjustments. If third party information, such as broker quotes or pricing services, are used to measure fair values, then the Company assesses the evidence obtained from the third parties to support the conclusion that such valuations meet the requirements of K-IFRS, including the level in the fair value hierarchy in which such valuations should be classified.

When measuring the fair value of an asset or a liability, the Company uses market observable data as far as possible. Fair values are categorized into different levels in a fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used in the valuation techniques as follows:

 

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Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

2.

Basis of Preparation, Continued

 

(3)

Use of estimates and judgments, Continued

 

  3)

Fair value measurement, Continued

 

   

Level 1: quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

 

   

Level 2: inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices); and

 

   

Level 3: inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).

If the inputs used to measure the fair value of an asset or a liability fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, then the fair value measurement is categorized in its entirety in the same level of the fair value hierarchy as the lowest level input that is significant to the entire measurement. The Company recognizes transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy at the end of the reporting period during which the change has occurred.

Information about assumptions used for fair value measurements are included in Note 34.

 

3.

Changes in accounting policies

The significant accounting policies applied by the Company in these separate financial statements are the same as those applied by the Company in its separate financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017, except for the changes in accounting policies described below.

 

(1)

K-IFRS No. 1115, Revenue from Contracts with Customers

K-IFRS No. 1115, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, establishes a comprehensive framework for determining whether, how much and when revenue is recognized. K-IFRS No. 1115 replaced the revenue recognition guidance, including K-IFRS No. 1018, Revenue, K-IFRS No. 1011, Construction Contracts, K-IFRS No. 2031, Revenue: Barter Transactions Involving Advertising Services, K-IFRS No. 2113, Customer Loyalty Programs, K-IFRS No. 2115, Agreements for the Construction of Real Estate, and K-IFRS No. 2118, Transfers of Assets from Customers.

The Company has initially applied K-IFRS No. 1115 from January 1, 2018 using the cumulative effect method with the effect of initially applying this standard as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings as at January 1, 2018. The Company applied K-IFRS No. 1115 only to contracts that were not completed at the date of initial application, which is January 1, 2018 using the practical expedient permitted by K-IFRS No.1115.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

3.

Changes in accounting policies, Continued

 

(1)

K-IFRS No. 1115, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, Continued

 

  1)

Identification of performance obligations in the contract

A substantial portion of the Company’s revenue is generated from providing wireless telecommunications services. K-IFRS No. 1115 requires the Company to evaluate goods or services promised to customers to determine if there are performance obligations other than wireless telecommunications service that should be accounted for separately. In the case of providing both a wireless telecommunications service and selling a handset together to one customer, the Company allocates considerations from the customer between handset sales revenue and wireless telecommunications service revenue. The handset sales revenue is recognized when handset is delivered and the wireless telecommunications service revenue is recognized over the period of the contract term as stated in the subscription contract. The Company has no amount to be adjusted with respect to identification of performance obligations as at the date of initial application.

 

  2)

Allocation of the transaction price to each performance obligations

In accordance with K-IFRS No. 1115, the Company allocates the transaction price of a contract to each performance obligation identified on a relative stand-alone selling price basis. The Company uses “adjusted market assessment approach” method for estimating the stand-alone selling price of a good or service. In the case of providing both a wireless telecommunications service and a handset together to one customer, the Company allocates the transaction price based on relative stand-alone selling prices. The Company has no amount to be adjusted with respect to allocation of the transaction price as at the date of initial application.

 

  3)

Incremental costs to acquire a contract

The Company pays commissions to its retail stores and authorized dealers in connection with acquiring service contracts. The commissions paid to these parties were expensed as incurred and recognized as operating expenses. These commissions would not have been paid if there have been no binding contracts with subscribers. K-IFRS No. 1115 requires the Company to capitalize certain costs associated with commissions paid to obtain new customer contracts and amortize them over the expected contract periods with customers that were calculated based on the Company’s historical subscriber churn rate. As a result of applying K-IFRS No. 1115, the Company recognized W1,711,387 million of prepaid expenses and W644,749 million of long-term prepaid expenses as at the date of initial application, January 1, 2018.

 

  4)

Presentation of contract liability

Under K-IFRS No. 1115, the Company reclassified the receipts in advance and unearned revenue amounting to W44,045 million that are related to prepaid rate plans and customer loyalty program, respectively, to contract liabilities as at the date of initial application, January 1, 2018.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

3.

Changes in accounting policies, Continued

 

(1)

K-IFRS No. 1115, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, Continued

 

  5)

Impact of adopting K-IFRS No. 1115 on the separate financial statements

If the previous standards were applied to the Company’s separate statement of financial position as of December 31, 2018, prepaid expenses and long-term prepaid expenses would have been decreased by W1,574,309 million and W724,233 million, respectively, and contract assets and long-term contract assets would have been decreased by W1,689 million and W5,842 million, respectively, while deferred tax assets would have been increased by W97,640 million. As a result, total assets would have been decreased by W2,208,433 million. In addition, contract liabilities, long-term contract liabilities and deferred tax liabilities would have been decreased by W46,075 million, W8,358 million and W523,732 million, respectively, while other liabilities such as receipts in advance and unearned revenue would have been increased by W54,433 million. As a result, total liabilities would have been decreased by W523,732 million. In relation to these changes in assets and liabilities, retained earnings would have been decreased by W1,684,701 million.

If the previous standards were applied to the Company’s separate statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2018, revenues would have been increased by W10,394 million, while commission expenses would have been decreased by W39,668 million. Operating profit and profit before income tax would have been increased by W50,062 million. As a result, profit for the year would have been increased by W39,284 million with increase in income tax expense of W10,778 million.

The adoption of K-IFRS No. 1115 did not have a material impact on the Company’s separate statement of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2018.

 

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Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

3.

Changes in accounting policies, Continued

 

(2)

K-IFRS No. 1109, Financial Instruments

K-IFRS No. 1109 sets out requirements for recognizing and measuring financial assets, financial liabilities and some contracts to buy or sell non-financial items. This standard replaces K-IFRS No. 1039, Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement. The Company adopted K-IFRS No. 1109, Financial Instruments, from January 1, 2018, and the Company has taken an exemption not to restate the separate financial statements for prior years with respects to transition requirements.

The following table explains the impact of transition to K-IFRS No. 1109 on the opening balance of reserves and retained earnings as at January 1, 2018.

 

(In millions of won)              
     Reserves      Retained earnings  

Reclassification of available-for-sale financial assets to financial assets at fair value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”)

   W 106        (4,495

Reclassification of available-for-sale financial assets to financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income (“FVOCI”)

     (79,908      85,349  

Recognition of loss allowances on accounts receivable—trade and others

     —          (13,049

Related income tax

     21,413        (18,194
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W (58,389      49,611  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  1)

Classification of financial assets and financial liabilities

K-IFRS No. 1109 largely retains the existing requirements in K-IFRS No. 1039 for the classification and measurement of financial liabilities. However, it eliminates the previous K-IFRS No. 1039 categories for financial assets of held to maturity, available for sale, and loans and receivables.

Under K-IFRS No. 1109, on initial recognition, a financial asset is classified as measured at: amortized cost; FVOCI-debt investment; FVOCI-equity investment; or FVTPL. The classification of financial assets under K-IFRS No. 1109 is generally based on the business model in which a financial asset is managed and its contractual cash flow characteristics. If a contract contains embedded derivatives and the host is an asset within the scope of K-IFRS No. 1109, then such embedded derivatives are not separated.

A financial asset is measured at amortized cost if it meets both of the following conditions and is not designated as at FVTPL:

 

   

it is held within a business model whose objective is to hold assets to collect contractual cash flow; and

 

   

its contractual terms give rise to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding on specified dates.

 

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Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

3.

Changes in accounting policies, Continued

 

(2)

K-IFRS No. 1109, Financial Instruments, Continued

 

  1)

Classification of financial assets and financial liabilities, Continued

 

A debt investment is measured at FVOCI if it meets both of the following conditions and is not designated as at FVTPL:

 

   

it is held within a business model whose objective is achieved by both collecting contractual cash flows and selling financial assets; and

 

   

its contractual terms give rise to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding on specified dates.

On initial recognition of an equity investment that is not held for trading, the Company may irrevocably elect to present subsequent changes in the investment’s fair value in other comprehensive income (“OCI”). This election is made on an investment-by-investment basis.

All financial assets not classified as measured at amortized cost or FVOCI as described above are measured at FVTPL. These include all derivative financial assets. On initial recognition, the Company may irrevocably designate a financial asset that otherwise meets the requirements to be measured at amortized cost or FVOCI as at FVTPL if doing so eliminates or significantly reduces an accounting mismatch that would otherwise arise.

A financial asset (unless it is an account receivable – trade without a significant financing component that is initially measured at the transaction price) is initially measured at fair value plus, for an item not at FVTPL, transaction costs that are directly attributable to its acquisition.

The following accounting polices apply to the subsequent measurement of financial assets.

 

Financial assets at FVTPL    These assets are subsequently measured at fair value. Net gains and losses, including any interest or dividend income, are recognized in profit or loss.
Financial assets at amortized cost    These assets are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. The amortized cost is reduced by impairment losses. Interest income, foreign exchange gains and losses and impairment are recognized in profit or loss. Any gain or loss on derecognition is recognized in profit or loss.
Debt investments at FVOCI    These assets are subsequently measured at fair value. Interest income calculated using the effective interest method, foreign exchange gains and losses and impairment are recognized in profit or loss. Other net gains and losses are recognized in OCI. On derecognition, gains and losses accumulated in OCI are reclassified to profit or loss.
Equity investments at FVOCI    These assets are subsequently measured at fair value. Dividends are recognized as income in profit or loss unless the dividend clearly represents a recovery of the cost of the investment. Other net gains and losses are recognized in OCI and are never reclassified to profit or loss.

 

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Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

3.

Changes in accounting policies, Continued

 

(2)

K-IFRS No. 1109, Financial Instruments, Continued

 

  1)

Classification of financial assets and financial liabilities, Continued

 

The following table explains the original measurement categories under K-IFRS No. 1039 and the changes in measurement categories under K-IFRS No. 1109 for each class of the Company’s financial assets as at the date of initial application, January 1, 2018.

 

(In millions of won)   

Original classification under
K-IFRS No. 1039

   New classification under K-IFRS
No. 1109
     Original carrying
amount under
K-IFRS
No. 1039
     New carrying
amount under
K-IFRS No. 1109
     Difference  

Short-term financial assets:

 

Cash and cash equivalents

   Amortized cost      Amortized cost      W 880,583        880,583        —    

Short-term financial instruments

   Amortized cost      Amortized cost        94,000        94,000        —    

Short-term investment securities(*1)

   Available-for-sale      FVTPL        47,383        47,383        —    

Accounts receivable—trade

   Amortized cost      Amortized cost        1,520,209        1,507,259        (12,950

Short-term loans

   Amortized cost      Amortized cost        54,403        54,403        —    

Accounts receivable—other(*3)

   Amortized cost      FVTPL        759,720        759,720        —    

Accounts receivable—other

   Amortized cost      Amortized cost        243,789        243,690        (99

Other financial assets

   Amortized cost      Amortized cost        659        659        —    
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
           3,600,746        3,587,697        (13,049
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Long-term financial assets:

 

Long-term financial instruments

   Amortized cost      Amortized cost        382        382        —    

Long-term investment securities(*1)

   Available-for-sale      FVTPL        75,527        71,138        (4,389

Long-term investment securities(*2)

   Available-for-sale      FVOCI        649,076        654,517        5,441  

Long-term loans

   Amortized cost      Amortized cost        7,512        7,512        —    

Long-term accounts receivable—other(*3)

   Amortized cost      FVTPL        243,742        243,742        —    

Long-term accounts receivable—other

   Amortized cost      Amortized cost        41,376        41,376        —    

Guarantee deposits

   Amortized cost      Amortized cost        173,513        173,513        —    

Derivative financial assets

  

Derivatives hedging

instrument

     Derivatives hedging instrument        21,554        21,554        —    

Derivative financial assets

   Designated as at FVTPL      FVTPL        9,054        9,054        —    
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
           1,221,736        1,222,788        1,052  
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
         W 4,822,482        4,810,485        (11,997
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

3.

Changes in accounting policies, Continued

 

(2)

K-IFRS No. 1109, Financial Instruments, Continued

 

  1)

Classification of financial assets and financial liabilities, Continued

 

The following table explains the original measurement categories under K-IFRS No. 1039 and the changes in measurement categories under K-IFRS No. 1109 for each class of the Company’s financial assets as at the date of initial application, January 1, 2018, Continued.

 

  (*1)

As of January 1, 2018, available-for-sale financial assets such as beneficiary certificates and equity investments amounting to W122,910 million were reclassified to financial assets measured at FVTPL which were not qualified to be designated as financial assets measured at amortized cost as the contractual terms of these assets do not give rise to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding on specified dates. As a result of this reclassification, as at January 1, 2018, accumulated OCI of W (-)106 million was reclassified to retained earnings, and due to its reclassification to financial assets measured at FVTPL, retained earnings was decreased by W4,389 million in relation to fair value measurement. In addition, change in the fair value of these financial assets of W12,188 million was recognized in profit before income tax during the year ended December 31, 2018.

 

  (*2)

As of January 1, 2018, available-for-sale financial assets such as marketable equity instruments amounting to W649,076 million were reclassified to equity investments at FVOCI. As a result of this reclassification, as at January 1, 2018, OCI of W85,349 million was reclassified to retained earnings and OCI was increased by W5,441 million due to the changes in the fair value of these financial assets which were stated at cost under K-IFRS No. 1039. The Company designated equity instruments that are not held for trading as FVOCI on initial application of K-IFRS No. 1109 with no subsequent recycling of amounts from OCI to profit and loss.

 

  (*3)

As of January 1, 2018, accounts receivable – other of W1,003,462 million were reclassified to financial assets at FVTPL. Upon the initial application of K-IFRS No. 1109, the Company reclassified the debt instruments to financial assets at FVTPL whose objectives of the business model are not achieved both by collecting contractual cash flows and selling financial assets. There was no material impact on retained earnings as at January 1, 2018 as the fair values of these debt instruments were not significantly different from the carrying amounts as of December 31, 2017.

 

  2)

Impairment of financial assets

K-IFRS No. 1109 sets out the ‘expected credit loss’ (ECL) impairment model which replaces the ‘incurred loss’ model under K-IFRS No. 1039 for recognizing and measuring impairment. The new impairment model applies to financial assets measured at amortized cost, contract assets and debt investments at FVOCI, but not to investments in equity instruments. Under K-IFRS No. 1109, credit losses are recognized earlier than under K-IFRS No. 1039.

ECL is a probability-weighted estimate of credit losses. Credit losses are measured as the present value of all expected cash shortfalls (i.e. the difference between the cash flows due to the entity in accordance with the contract and the cash flows that the Company expects to receive).

 

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Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

3.

Changes in accounting policies, Continued

 

(2)

K-IFRS No. 1109, Financial Instruments, Continued

 

  2)

Impairment of financial assets, Continued

 

At each reporting date, the Company assesses whether financial assets carried at amortized cost and debt securities at FVOCI are credit-impaired. A financial asset is ‘credit-impaired’ when one or more events that have a detrimental impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset have occurred.

Loss allowance on financial assets measured at amortized cost is deducted from the carrying amount of the respective assets, while loss allowance on debt instruments at FVOCI is recognized in OCI, instead of reducing the carrying amount of the assets.

 

  3)

Hedge accounting

Upon initial application of K-IFRS No. 1109, the Company elected to apply hedge accounting requirements under K-IFRS No. 1109. The Company designates derivatives such as currency swaps as hedging instruments to hedge the risk of variability in cash flows associated with the foreign currency debentures and borrowings. As the Company’s hedging instruments as of January 1, 2018 satisfy the hedge requirements of retrospective testing (80~125%) under K-IFRS No. 1039, there is no material effect of applying K-IFRS No. 1109.

 

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Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

3.

Changes in accounting policies, Continued

 

(3) The following table explains the impacts of adopting K-IFRS Nos. 1115 and 1109 on the Company’s statement of financial position as of January 1, 2018.

 

(In millions of won)                     
     December 31,
2017
     Adjustments      January 1,
2018
 
   As reported      K-IFRS
1115
     K-IFRS
1109
     Restated  

Current Assets:

   W 3,768,098        1,711,387        (13,049      5,466,436  

Accounts receivable—trade, net

     1,520,209        —          (12,950      1,507,259  

Accounts receivable—other, net

     1,003,509        —          (99      1,003,410  

Prepaid expenses

     121,121        1,711,387        —          1,832,508  

Others

     1,123,259        —          —          1,123,259  

Non-Current Assets:

     21,789,424        613,796        1,052        22,404,272  

Long-term investment

securities

     724,603        —          1,052        725,655  

Long-term prepaid expenses

     25,169        644,749        —          669,918  

Deferred tax assets

     30,953        (30,953      —          —    

Others

     21,008,699        —          —          21,008,699  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Assets

   W 25,557,522        2,325,183        (11,997      27,870,708  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Current Liabilities:

     4,767,401        —          —          4,767,401  

Contract liabilities

     —          37,012        —          37,012  

Receipts in advance

     76,126        (76,126      —          —    

Unearned revenue

     3,705        (3,705      —          —    

Withholdings

     517,991        42,819        —          560,810  

Others

     4,169,579        —          —          4,169,579  

Non-Current Liabilities:

     5,782,730        601,198        (3,219      6,380,709  

Long-term contract liabilities

     —          7,033        —          7,033  

Long-term unearned revenue

     7,033        (7,033      —          —    

Deferred tax liabilities

     —          601,198        (3,219      597,979  

Others

     5,775,697        —          —          5,775,697  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

   W 10,550,131        601,198        (3,219      11,148,110  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Share capital

     44,639        —          —          44,639  

Capital surplus and others

     371,895        —          —          371,895  

Retained earnings

     14,512,556        1,723,985        49,611        16,286,152  

Reserves

     78,301        —          (58,389      19,912  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Shareholders’ Equity

   W 15,007,391        1,723,985        (8,778      16,722,598  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

   W 25,557,522        2,325,183        (11,997      27,870,708  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

4.

Significant Accounting Policies

The significant accounting policies applied by the Company in the preparation of its separate financial statements in accordance with K-IFRSs are included below. The significant accounting policies applied by the Company in these separate financial statements are the same as those applied by the Company in its separate financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017, except for the changes in accounting policies described in note 3.

 

(1)

Operating segments

The Company presents disclosures relating to operating segments on its consolidated financial statements in accordance with K-IFRS No. 1108, Operating Segments, and such disclosures are not separately disclosed on these separate financial statements.

 

(2)

Investments in subsidiaries, associates, and joint ventures

These separate financial statements are prepared and presented in accordance with K-IFRS No. 1027, Separate Financial Statements. The Company applies the cost method to investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures in accordance with K-IFRS No. 1027. Dividends from subsidiaries, associates, and joint ventures are recognized in profit or loss when the right to receive the dividends is established.

The assets and liabilities acquired under business combination under common control are recognized at the carrying amounts in the ultimate controlling shareholder’s consolidated financial statements. The difference between consideration and carrying amount of net assets acquired is added to or subtracted from capital surplus and others.

 

(3)

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances, call deposits, and investment securities with maturities of three months or less from the acquisition date that are easily convertible to cash and subject to an insignificant risk of changes in their fair value.

 

(4)

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the acquisition cost using the average method. During the period, a perpetual inventory system is used to track inventory quantities, which is adjusted to the physical inventory counts performed at the period end. When the net realizable value of inventories is less than the acquisition cost, the carrying amount is reduced to the net realizable value, and any difference is charged to current operations as operating expenses.

 

(5)

Financial assets – Policies applicable from January 1, 2018

 

  1)

Classification

The Company classifies its financial assets into one of the following categories:

 

   

financial assets at fair value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”)

 

   

financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income (“FVOCI”), and

 

   

financial assets measured at amortized cost

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

4.

Significant Accounting Policies, Continued

 

(5)

Financial assets – Policies applicable from January 1, 2018, Continued

 

  1)

Classification, Continued

 

Financial assets are classified based on the business model in which a financial asset is managed and its contractual cash flow characteristics. The Company reclassifies a debt instrument when, and only when, the business model for managing the financial asset is changed.

 

  2)

Measurement

A financial asset is initially measured at fair value plus, for an item not at FVTPL, transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition. Transaction costs for a financial asset at FVTPL are recognized in profit or loss.

A hybrid financial instrument with embedded derivatives in the contract is considered as a whole when assessing whether contractual cash flows are solely payments of principal and interest.

 

  (i)

Debt investments

A financial asset is subsequently measured based on its contractual cash flow characteristics and the business model in which a financial asset is managed. The Company classifies debt investments into one of the following categories:

 

 

Financial assets measured at amortized cost

A financial asset is measured at amortized cost if it is held within a business model whose objective is to collect contractual cash flows, and the contractual cash flows are solely payments of principal and interest. A gain or loss on a financial asset that is measured at amortized cost and is not part of a hedging relationship is recognized in profit or loss when the financial asset is derecognized or impaired. Interest calculated using the effective interest method is included in finance income.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

4.

Significant Accounting Policies, Continued

 

(5)

Financial assets – Policies applicable from January 1, 2018, Continued

 

  2)

Measurement, Continued

 

  (i)

Debt investments, Continued

 

 

 

Financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income (“FVOCI”)

A financial asset is classified as FVOCI when it is held within a business model whose objective is achieved by both collecting contractual cash flows and selling financial assets, and the contractual cash flows are solely payments of principal and interest. Changes in fair value other than impairment losses and reversals of impairment losses, interest income and foreign exchange gains and losses are recognized in other comprehensive income. The amounts accumulated in other comprehensive income are recycled to profit or loss when the financial assets is derecognized. Interest income calculated using the effective interest method is included in finance income. Foreign exchange gains and losses are presented as finance income or finance costs, impairment losses are presented as other expenses.

 

 

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss(“FVTPL”)

Debt investments that are not classified as amortized cost or FVOCI are classified as FVTPL. A gain or loss on debt investments that are not part of a hedging relationship is recognized in profit or loss and is presented in finance income or costs in the statement of income for the period.

 

  (ii)

Equity investments

The Company subsequently measures all of its equity investments at fair value. The Company elected to recognize the changes in fair value of the equity investments that are held for long-term or strategic purposes in other comprehensive income. The amounts accumulated in other comprehensive income are not reclassified into profit or loss upon derecognition. Dividends from these equity investments are recognized as finance income when the right to receive the dividends is established.

Changes in the value of equity investments measured at FVTPL are presented in finance income or costs in the statement of income for the period.

 

  3)

Impairment

The Company estimates the expected credit losses (ECL) for the debt instruments that are measured at amortized cost and FVOCI based on the forward-looking data. The impairment approach is decided based on the assessment of significant increase in credit risk. However, the Company applies a practical expedient and recognizes impairment losses equal to lifetime ECLs for Accounts receivables – trade and lease receivables from the initial recognition.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

4.

Significant Accounting Policies, Continued

 

(5)

Financial assets – Policies applicable from January 1, 2018, Continued

 

  4)

Recognition and derecognition

A regular way purchase or sale of financial assets is recognized and derecognized using trade date accounting. A financial assets is derecognized when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial assets expire or when the Company transfers substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset.

If the Company retains substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of a transferred asset due to a non-recourse features or others, the Company continues to recognize the transferred asset in its entirety and recognizes a financial liability for the consideration received.

 

  5)

Offsetting

A financial asset and a financial liability is offset only when the right of set-off is not contingent on future event and legally enforceable even on the event of default, insolvency or bankruptcy.

 

(6)

Financial assets – Policies applied before January 1, 2018

The Company recognizes and measures non-derivative financial assets by the following four categories: financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, held-to-maturity investments, loans and receivables, and available-for-sale financial assets. The Company recognizes financial assets in the separate statement of financial position when the Company becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Upon initial recognition, non-derivative financial assets not at fair value through profit or loss are measured at their fair value plus transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition.

 

  1)

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

A financial asset is classified as a financial asset at fair value through profit or loss if it is held for trading or is designated as such upon initial recognition. Upon initial recognition, transaction costs are recognized in profit or loss when incurred. Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are measured at fair value, and changes therein are recognized in profit or loss.

 

  2)

Held-to-maturity investments

A non-derivative financial asset with a fixed or determinable payment and fixed maturity, for which the Company has the positive intention and ability to hold to maturity, is classified as held-to-maturity investment. Subsequent to initial recognition, held-to-maturity investments are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

4.

Significant Accounting Policies, Continued

 

(6)

Financial assets – Policies applied before January 1, 2018, Continued

 

  3)

Loans and receivables

Loans and receivables are financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. Subsequent to initial recognition, loans and receivables are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method except for loans and receivables of which the effect of discounting is immaterial.

 

  4)

Available-for-sale financial assets

Available-for-sale financial assets are those non-derivative financial assets that are designated as available-for-sale or are not classified as financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, held-to-maturity investments or loans and receivables. Subsequent to initial recognition, they are measured at fair value, with changes in fair value, net of any tax effect, recorded in other comprehensive income (OCI) in equity. Investments in equity instruments that do not have a quoted market price in an active market and whose fair value cannot be reliably measured are measured at cost.

 

  5)

Impairment of financial assets

A financial asset not carried at fair value through profit or loss is assessed at each reporting date to determine whether there is objective evidence that it is impaired. A financial asset is impaired if objective evidence indicates that a loss event has occurred after the initial recognition of the asset, and that the loss event had a negative effect on the estimated future cash flows of the asset that can be reliably estimated. However, losses expected as a result of future events, regardless of likelihood, are not recognized.

Objective evidence that a financial asset is impaired includes following loss events:

 

   

significant financial difficulty of the issuer or obligor;

 

   

a breach of contract, such as default or delinquency in interest or principal payments;

 

   

the lender, for economic or legal reasons relating to the borrower’s financial difficulty, granting to the borrower a concession that the lender would not otherwise consider;

 

   

it becoming probable that the borrower will enter bankruptcy or other financial reorganization;

 

   

the disappearance of an active market for that financial asset because of financial difficulties; or

 

   

observable data indicating that there is a measurable decrease in the estimated future cash flows from a group of financial assets since the initial recognition of those assets, although the decrease cannot yet be identified with the individual financial assets in the group.

In addition, for an investment in an equity security classified as available-for-sale financial asset, a significant or prolonged decline in its fair value below its cost is objective evidence of impairment.

If financial assets have objective evidence that they are impaired, impairment losses are measured and recognized.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

4.

Significant Accounting Policies, Continued

 

(6)

Financial assets – Policies applied before January 1, 2018, Continued

 

  5)

Impairment of financial assets, Continued

 

  (i)

Financial assets measured at amortized cost

An impairment loss in respect of a financial asset measured at amortized cost is calculated as the difference between its carrying amount and the present value of its estimated future cash flows discounted at the asset’s original effective interest rate. The Company can recognize impairment losses directly or by establishing an allowance account. If, in a subsequent period, the amount of the impairment loss decreases and the decrease can be objectively related to an event occurring after the impairment was recognized (such as an improvement in the debtor’s credit rating), the previously recognized impairment loss is reversed either directly or by adjusting an allowance account.

 

  (ii)

Financial assets carried at cost

If there is objective evidence that an impairment loss has occurred on an unquoted equity instrument that is not carried at fair value because its fair value cannot be reliably measured, or on a derivative asset that is linked to and must be settled by delivery of such an unquoted equity instrument, the amount of the impairment loss is measured as the difference between the carrying amount of the financial asset and the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the current market rate of return for a similar financial asset. Such impairment losses are not reversed.

 

  (iii)

Available-for-sale financial assets

When a decline in the fair value of an available-for-sale financial asset has been recognized in other comprehensive income and there is objective evidence that the asset is impaired, the cumulative loss that had been recognized in other comprehensive income is reclassified to profit or loss as a reclassification adjustment even though the financial asset has not been derecognized. Impairment losses recognized in profit or loss for an investment in an equity instrument classified as available-for-sale is not reversed through profit or loss subsequently. If, in a subsequent period, the fair value of a debt instrument classified as available-for-sale increases and the increase can be objectively related to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognized in profit or loss, the impairment loss is reversed to the amount of amortized cost that would otherwise have been recognized as of the recovery date.

 

  6)

De-recognition of financial assets

The Company derecognizes a financial asset when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire or the Company transfers the rights to receive the cash flows on the financial asset in a transaction in which substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset are transferred. Any interest in transferred financial assets that is created or retained by the Company is recognized as a separate asset or liability. If the Company retains substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the transferred financial assets, the Company continues to recognize the transferred financial assets and recognizes financial liabilities for the consideration received.

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

4.

Significant Accounting Policies, Continued

 

(6)

Financial assets – Policies applied before January 1, 2018, Continued

 

  7)

Offsetting between financial assets and financial liabilities

Financial assets and liabilities are offset and presented in net in the statement of financial position when, and only when, the Company currently has a legally enforceable right to offset the recognized amounts and intends either to settle on a net basis or to realize the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

 

(7)

Derivative financial instruments, including hedge accounting

Derivatives are initially recognized at fair value. Subsequent to initial recognition, derivatives are measured at fair value at the end of each reporting period, and changes therein are accounted for as described below.

 

  1)

Hedge accounting

The Company holds forward exchange contracts, interest rate swaps, currency swaps and other derivative contracts to manage interest rate risk and foreign exchange risk. The Company designates derivatives as hedging instruments to hedge the foreign currency risk of highly probable forecasted transactions or firm commitments (a cash flow hedge).

On initial designation of the hedge, the Company formally documents the relationship between the hedging instrument(s) and hedged item(s), including the risk management objectives and strategy in undertaking the hedge transaction, together with the methods that will be used to assess the effectiveness of the hedging relationship.

Cash flow hedge

When a derivative is designated to hedge the variability in cash flows attributable to a particular risk associated with a recognized asset or liability or a highly probable forecasted transaction that could affect profit or loss, the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of tax, and presented in the hedging reserve in equity. Any ineffective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative is recognized immediately in profit or loss. If the hedging instrument no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, expires or is sold, terminated, exercised, or the designation is revoked, then hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively. The cumulative gain or loss on the hedging instrument that has been recognized in other comprehensive income is reclassified to profit or loss in the periods during which the forecasted transaction occurs. If the forecasted transaction is no longer expected to occur, then the balance in other comprehensive income is recognized immediately in profit or loss.

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

4.

Significant Accounting Policies, Continued

 

(7)

Derivative financial instruments, including hedge accounting, Continued

 

  2)

Other derivative financial instruments

Other derivative financial instrument not designated as a hedging instrument are measured at fair value, and the changes in fair value of the derivative financial instrument is recognized immediately in profit or loss.

 

(8)

Property and equipment

Property and equipment are initially measured at cost. The cost of property and equipment includes expenditures arising directly from the construction or acquisition of the asset, any costs directly attributable to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management, and the initial estimate of the costs of dismantling and removing the item and restoring the site on which it is located.

Property and equipment, subsequently, are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses.

Subsequent costs are recognized in the carrying amount of property and equipment at cost or, if appropriate, as a separate item if it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Company and the cost of the item can be reliably measured. The carrying amount of the replaced part is derecognized. The costs of the day-to-day servicing are recognized in profit or loss as incurred.

Property and equipment, except for land, are depreciated on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives that appropriately reflect the pattern in which the asset’s future economic benefits are expected to be consumed. A component that is significant compared to the total cost of property and equipment is depreciated over its separate useful life.

Gains and losses on disposal of an item of property and equipment are determined by comparing the proceeds from disposal with the carrying amount of property and equipment and are recognized as other non-operating income (loss).

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

4.

Significant Accounting Policies, Continued

 

(8)

Property and equipment, Continued

 

The estimated useful lives of the Company’s property and equipment are as follows:

 

     Useful lives (years)

Buildings and structures

   15, 30

Machinery

   3 ~ 6

Other property and equipment

   4 ~10

Depreciation methods, useful lives, and residual values are reviewed at the end of each reporting date and adjusted, if appropriate. The change is accounted for as a change in an accounting estimate.

 

(9)

Borrowing costs

The Company capitalizes borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset as part of the cost of that asset. Other borrowing costs are recognized in expense as incurred. A qualifying asset is an asset that requires a substantial period of time to get ready for its intended use or sale. Financial assets are not qualifying assets, and assets that are ready for their intended use or sale when acquired are not qualifying assets either.

To the extent that the Company borrows funds specifically for the purpose of obtaining a qualifying asset, the Company determines the amount of borrowing costs eligible for capitalization as the actual borrowing costs incurred on that borrowing during the period less any investment income on the temporary investment of those borrowings. To the extent that the Company borrows funds generally and uses them for the purpose of obtaining a qualifying asset, the Company determines the amount of borrowing costs eligible for capitalization by applying a capitalization rate to the expenditures on that asset. The capitalization rate is the weighted average of the borrowing costs applicable to the borrowings of the Company that are outstanding during the period other than borrowings made specifically for the purpose of obtaining a qualifying asset. The amount of borrowing costs that the Company capitalizes during a period do not exceed the amount of borrowing costs incurred during that period.

 

(10)

Intangible assets

Intangible assets are measured initially at cost and, subsequently, are carried at cost less accumulated amortization and accumulated impairment losses.

Amortization of intangible assets except for goodwill is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of intangible assets from the date that they are available for use. The residual value of intangible assets is zero. However, club memberships are expected to be available for use as there are no foreseeable limits to the periods. These intangible assets are determined as having indefinite useful lives and not amortized.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

4.

Significant Accounting Policies, Continued

 

(10)

Intangible assets, Continued

 

The estimated useful lives of the Company’s intangible assets are as follows:

 

     Useful lives (years)

Frequency usage rights

   5 ~ 13

Land usage rights

   5

Industrial rights

   5, 10

Development costs

   5

Facility usage rights

   10, 20

Other

   3 ~ 20

Amortization periods and the amortization methods for intangible assets with finite useful lives are reviewed at the end of each reporting period. The useful lives of intangible assets that are not being amortized are reviewed at the end of each reporting period to determine whether events and circumstances continue to support indefinite useful life assessments for those assets. Changes, if appropriate, are accounted for as changes in accounting estimates.

Expenditures on research activities are recognized in profit or loss as incurred. Development expenditures are capitalized only if development costs can be reliably measured, the product or process is technically and commercially feasible, future economic benefits are probable, and the Company intends to and has sufficient resources to complete development and to use or sell the asset. Other development expenditures are recognized in profit or loss as incurred.

Subsequent expenditures are capitalized only when they increase the future economic benefits embodied in the specific asset to which it relates. All other expenditures, including expenditures on internally generated goodwill and brands, are recognized in profit or loss as incurred.

 

(11)

Government grants

Government grants are not recognized unless there is reasonable assurance that the Company will comply with the grant’s conditions and that the grant will be received.

 

  1)

Grants related to assets

Government grants whose primary condition is that the Company purchases, constructs or otherwise acquires a long-term asset are deducted in calculating the carrying amount of the asset. The grant is recognized in profit or loss over the life of a depreciable asset as a reduction to depreciation expense.

 

  2)

Grants related to income

Government grants which are intended to compensate the Company for expenses incurred are deducted from the related expenses.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

4.

Significant Accounting Policies, Continued

 

(12)

Impairment of non-financial assets

The carrying amounts of the Company’s non-financial assets other than assets arising from employee benefits, inventories, deferred tax assets, and non-current assets held for sale are reviewed at the end of the reporting period to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If any such indication exists, then the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated. Goodwill and intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives or that are not yet available for use, irrespective of whether there is any indication of impairment, are tested for impairment annually by comparing their recoverable amounts to their carrying amounts.

The Company estimates the recoverable amount of an individual asset, and if it is impossible to measure the individual recoverable amount of an asset, the Company estimates the recoverable amount of cash-generating unit (“CGU”). A CGU is the smallest identifiable group of assets that generates cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets. The recoverable amount of an asset or CGU is the greater of its value in use and its fair value less costs to sell. The value in use is estimated by applying a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset or CGU, for which estimated future cash flows have not been adjusted, to the estimated future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset or CGU.

An impairment loss is recognized in profit or loss to the extent the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its recoverable amount.

Goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated to each CGU that is expected to benefit from the synergy arising from the business acquired. Any impairment identified at the CGU level will first reduce the carrying value of goodwill and then be used to reduce the carrying amount of the other assets in the CGU on a pro rata basis. Except for impairment losses in respect of goodwill which are never reversed, an impairment loss is reversed if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount. An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortization, if no impairment loss had been recognized.

 

(13)

Leases

The Company classifies and accounts for leases as either a finance or operating lease, depending on the terms. Leases where the Company assumes substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as finance leases. All other leases are classified as operating leases.

 

  1)

Finance leases

At the commencement of the lease term, the Company recognizes as finance assets and finance liabilities in its separate statement of financial position, the lower amount of the fair value of the leased property and the present value of the minimum lease payments, each determined at the inception of the lease. Any initial direct costs are added to the amount recognized as an asset.

Minimum lease payments are apportioned between the finance charge and the reduction of the outstanding liability. The finance charge is allocated to each period during the lease term so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability. Contingent rents are charged as expenses in the periods in which they are incurred.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

4.

Significant Accounting Policies, Continued

 

(13)

Leases, Continued

 

  1)

Finance leases, Continued

 

The depreciable amount of a leased asset is allocated to each accounting period during the period of expected use on a systematic basis consistent with the depreciation policy the Company adopts for depreciable assets that are owned. If there is no reasonable certainty that the Company will obtain ownership by the end of the lease term, the asset is fully depreciated over the shorter of the lease term and its useful life. The Company reviews to determine whether the leased assets are impaired at the reporting date.

 

  2)

Operating leases

Leases where the lessor retains a significant portion of the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as operating leases. Payments made under operating leases (net of any incentives received from the lessor) are recognized in profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

 

  3)

Determining whether an arrangement contains a lease

Determining whether an arrangement is, or contains, a lease is based on the substance of the arrangement and requires an assessment of whether fulfillment of the arrangement is dependent on the use of a specific asset and the arrangement conveys a right to use the asset.

At inception or reassessment of the arrangement, the Company separates payments and other consideration required by such an arrangement into those for the lease and those for other elements on the basis of their relative fair values. If the Company concludes for a financial lease that it is impracticable to separate the payments reliably, the Company recognizes an asset and a liability at an amount equal to the fair value of the underlying asset that was identified as the subject of the lease. Subsequently, the liability is reduced as payments are made and an imputed finance charge on the liability is recognized using the Company’s incremental borrowing rate of interest.

 

(14)

Non-current assets held for sale

Non-current assets, or disposal groups comprising assets and liabilities, that are expected to be recovered primarily through sales rather than through continuing use, are classified as held for sale. In order to be classified as held for sale, the assets (or disposal groups) must be available for immediate sale in their present condition and their sale must be highly probable. The assets or disposal groups that are classified as non-current assets held for sale are measured at the lower of their carrying amounts and fair value less cost to sell. The Company recognizes an impairment loss for any initial or subsequent write-down of assets (or disposal groups) to fair value less costs to sell and a gain for any subsequent increase in fair value less costs to sell up to the cumulative impairment loss previously recognized in accordance with K-IFRS No. 1036, Impairment of Assets.

A non-current asset that is classified as held for sale or part of a disposal group classified as held for sale is not depreciated (or amortized).

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

4.

Significant Accounting Policies, Continued

 

(15)

Non-derivative financial liabilities

The Company classifies non-derivative financial liabilities into financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss or other financial liabilities in accordance with the substance of the contractual arrangement. The Company recognizes financial liabilities in the separate statement of financial position when the Company becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the financial liability.

 

  1)

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss include financial liabilities held for trading or designated as such upon initial recognition. Subsequent to initial recognition, these liabilities are measured at fair value, and changes therein are recognized in profit or loss. Upon initial recognition, transaction costs that are directly attributable to the issue of the financial liability are recognized in profit or loss as incurred.

 

  2)

Other financial liabilities

Non-derivative financial liabilities other than financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are classified as other financial liabilities. At the date of initial recognition, other financial liabilities are measured at fair value minus transaction costs that are directly attributable to the issue of the financial liabilities. Subsequent to initial recognition, other financial liabilities are measured at amortized cost and the interest expenses are recognized using the effective interest method.

 

  3)

Derecognition of financial liability

The Company extinguishes a financial liability only when the contractual obligation is fulfilled, canceled or expires. The Company recognizes new financial liabilities at fair value based on new contracts and eliminates existing liabilities when the contractual terms of the financial liabilities change and the cash flows change substantially.

When a financial liability is derecognized, the difference between the carrying amount and the consideration paid(including any transferred non-cash assets or liabilities assumed) is recognized in profit or loss.

 

(16)

Employee benefits

 

  1)

Short-term employee benefits

Short-term employee benefits are employee benefits that are due to be settled within 12 months after the end of the period in which the employees render related services. When an employee has rendered a service to the Company during an accounting period, the Company recognizes the undiscounted amount of short-term employee benefits expected to be paid in exchange for that service.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

4.

Significant Accounting Policies, Continued

 

(16)

Employee benefits, Continued

 

  2)

Other long-term employee benefits

Other long-term employee benefits include employee benefits that are settled beyond 12 months after the end of the period in which the employees render related services. The Company’s net obligation in respect of long-term employee benefits is the amount of future benefit that employees have earned in return for their service in the current and prior periods. That benefit is discounted to determine its present value. Remeasurements are recognized in profit or loss in the period in which they arise.

 

  3)

Retirement benefits: defined contribution plans

When an employee has rendered a service to the Company during a period, the Company recognizes the contribution payable to a defined contribution plan in exchange for that service as a liability (accrued expense), after deducting any contribution already paid. If the contribution already paid exceeds the contribution due for service before the end of the reporting period, the Company recognizes that excess as an asset (prepaid expense) to the extent that the prepayment will lead to a reduction in future payments or a cash refund.

 

  4)

Retirement benefits: defined benefit plans

At the end of reporting period, defined benefits liabilities relating to defined benefit plans are recognized at present value of defined benefit obligations net of fair value of plan assets.

The calculation is performed annually by an independent actuary using the projected unit credit method. When the fair value of plan assets exceeds the present value of the defined benefit obligation, the Company recognizes an asset, to the extent of the present value of any economic benefits available in the form of refunds from the plan or reduction in the future contributions to the plan.

Remeasurements of the net defined benefit liability, which comprise actuarial gains and losses, the return on plan assets (excluding interest) and the effect of the asset ceiling (if any, excluding interest), are recognized immediately in other comprehensive income. The Company determines net interests on net defined benefit liability (asset) by multiplying discount rate determined at the beginning of the annual reporting period and considers changes in net defined benefit liability (asset) from contributions and benefit payments. Net interest costs and other costs relating to the defined benefit plan are recognized through profit or loss.

When the plan amendment or curtailment occurs, gains or losses on amendment or curtailment in benefits for the past service provided are recognized through profit or loss. The Company recognizes a gain or loss on a settlement when the settlement of defined benefit plan occurs.

 

  5)

Termination benefits

The Company recognizes a liability and expense for termination benefits at the earlier of the period when the Company can no longer withdraw the offer of those benefits and the period when the Company recognizes costs for a restructuring that involves the payment of termination benefits. If benefits are payable more than 12 months after the reporting period, they are discounted to their present value.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

4.

Significant Accounting Policies, Continued

 

(17)

Provisions

Provisions are recognized when the Company has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event, it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.

The risks and uncertainties that inevitably surround many events and circumstances are taken into account in reaching the best estimate of a provision. If the effect of the time value of money is material, provisions are determined at the present value of the expected future cash flows.

If some or all of the expenditures required to settle a provision are expected to be reimbursed by another party, the reimbursement is recognized when, and only when, it is virtually certain that reimbursement will be received if the entity settles the obligation. The reimbursement is treated as a separate asset.

Provisions are reviewed at the end of each reporting period and adjusted to reflect the current best estimates. If it is no longer probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation, the provision is reversed.

A provision is used only for expenditures for which the provision was originally recognized.

 

(18)

Transactions in foreign currencies

Transactions in foreign currencies are translated to the functional currency of the Company at exchange rates at the dates of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated to the functional currency using the exchange rate at the reporting date. Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies that are measured at fair value are retranslated to the functional currency at the exchange rate at the date that the fair value was determined.

Foreign currency differences arising on retranslation are recognized in profit or loss, except for differences arising on the retranslation of available-for-sale equity instruments.

 

(19)

Share capital

Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issuance of ordinary shares and share options are recognized as a deduction from equity, net of any tax effects.

When the Company repurchases its own shares, the amount of the consideration paid is recognized as a deduction from equity and classified as treasury shares. The gains or losses from the purchase, disposal, reissue, or retirement of treasury shares are directly recognized in equity being as transaction with owners.

 

(20)

Hybrid bond

The Company recognizes a financial instrument issued by the Company as an equity instrument if it does not include contractual obligation to deliver financial assets including cash to the counter party.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

4.

Significant Accounting Policies, Continued

 

(21)

Share-based Payment

For equity-settled share-based payment transaction, if the fair value of the goods or services received cannot be reliably estimated, the Company measures the value indirectly by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments granted. The related expense with a corresponding increase in capital surplus and others is recognized over the vesting period of the awards. The amount recognized as an expense is adjusted to reflect the number of awards for which the related service and non-market performance conditions are expected to be met, such that the amount ultimately recognized is based on the number of awards that meet the related service and non-market performance conditions at the vesting date.

 

(22)

Revenue - Policies applicable from January 1, 2018

The Company has initially adopted K-IFRS No. 1115, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, from January 1, 2018. See note 3 (1) for additional information.

 

  1)

Identification of performance obligations in contracts with customers

The Company identifies the distinct services or goods as performance obligations in contracts with customers such as (1) wireless telecommunications services and (2) selling other goods and services. In the case of providing both wireless telecommunications service and selling a handset together to one customer, the Company allocates considerations from the customer between the separate performance obligations for handset sale and wireless telecommunications service. The handset sale revenue is recognized when handset is delivered and the wireless telecommunications service revenue is recognized over the period of the contract term as stated in the subscription contract.

 

  2)

Allocation of the transaction price to each performance obligation

In accordance with K-IFRS No. 1115, the Company allocates the transaction price of a contract to each performance obligation identified on a relative stand-alone selling price basis. The Company uses “adjusted market assessment approach” for estimating the stand-alone selling price of a good or service. In the case of providing both a wireless telecommunications service and a handset together to one customer, the Company allocates the transaction price based on relative stand-alone selling prices.

 

  3)

Customer loyalty programs

The Company provides customer loyalty points to customers based on the usage of the service to which the Company allocates a portion of consideration received as a performance obligation distinct from wireless telecommunications services. The amount allocated to the loyalty program is deferred and is recognized as revenue when loyalty points are redeemed. The deferred revenue is included in contract liabilities.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

4.

Significant Accounting Policies, Continued

 

(23)

Revenue - Policies applied before January 1, 2018

Revenue from the sale of goods, rendering of services or use of assets is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable. Returns, trade discounts and volume rebates are recognized as a reduction of revenue.

When two or more revenue generating activities or deliverables are sold under a single arrangement, each deliverable that is considered to be a separate unit of account is accounted for separately. The allocation of consideration from a revenue arrangement to its separate units of account is based on the relative fair values of each unit.

 

  1)

Services rendered

Revenue from cellular services consists of revenue from basic charges, voice charges, data charges, data-roaming services and interconnection charges. Such revenues are recognized as services are performed.

Revenue from other services rendered is recognized in profit or loss in proportion to the stage of completion of the transaction at the reporting date. The stage of completion is assessed by reference to surveys of work performed.

 

  2)

Goods sold

Revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence exists, usually in the form of an executed sales agreement, that the significant risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to the buyer, recovery of the consideration is probable, the associated costs and possible return of goods can be estimated reliably, there is no continuing management involvement with the goods, and the amount of revenue can be measured reliably.

 

  3)

Customer loyalty programs

For customer loyalty programs, the fair value of the consideration received or receivable in respect of the initial sale is allocated between the award credits and the other components of the sale. The amount allocated to the award credits is estimated by reference to the fair value of the services to be provided with respect to the redeemable award credits. The fair value of the services to be provided with respect to the redeemable portion of the award credits granted to the customers in accordance with customer loyalty programs is estimated taking into account the expected redemption rate and timing of the expected redemption. Considerations allocated to the award credits are deferred and revenue is recognized when the award credits are recovered and the Company performs its obligation to provide the service. The amount of revenue recognized is based on the relative size of the total award credits that are expected to be redeemed and the redeemed award credits in exchange for services.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

4.

Significant Accounting Policies, Continued

 

(24)

Finance income and finance costs

Finance income comprises interest income on funds invested (including financial assets measured at fair value), dividend income, gains on disposal of financial assets at FVTPL, changes in fair value of financial instruments at FVTPL, and gains on hedging instruments that are recognized in profit or loss. Interest income is recognized as it accrues in profit or loss by using the effective interest rate method. Dividend income is recognized in profit or loss when the right to receive the dividend is established.

Finance costs comprise interest expense on borrowings, changes in fair value of financial instruments at FVTPL, and losses on hedging instruments that are recognized in profit or loss. Interest expense on borrowings and debentures are recognized as it accrues in profit or loss using the effective interest rate method.

 

(25)

Income taxes

Income tax expense comprises current and deferred tax. Current tax and deferred tax are recognized in profit or loss except for transactions or events directly recognized in other comprehensive income or equity.

The Company prepares consolidated income tax returns under the tax-consolidation system and its economically unified wholly owned subsidiaries.

 

  1)

Current tax

In accordance with the tax-consolidation system, the Company calculates current taxes on the consolidated taxable income for the Company and its wholly owned domestic subsidiaries and recognizes the income tax payable as current tax liabilities of the Company.

Current tax is the expected tax payable or receivable on the taxable profit or loss for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the end of the reporting period, and includes interests and fines related to income taxes paid or payable. The taxable profit is different from the accounting profit for the period since the taxable profit is calculated excluding the temporary differences, which will be taxable or deductible in determining taxable profit (tax loss) of future periods, and non-taxable or non-deductible items from the accounting profit.

 

  2)

Deferred tax

Deferred tax is recognized by using the asset-liability method in respect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. The Company recognizes a deferred tax liability for all taxable temporary differences, except for the difference associated with investments in subsidiaries and associates that the Company is able to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future. The Company recognizes a deferred tax asset for all deductible temporary differences, to the extent that it is probable that the temporary difference will reverse in the foreseeable future and taxable profit will be available against which the temporary difference can be utilized.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

4.

Significant Accounting Policies, Continued

 

(25)

Income taxes, Continued

 

  2)

Deferred tax, Continued

 

A deferred tax asset is recognized for the carryforward of unused tax losses and unused tax credits to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the unused tax losses and unused tax credits can be utilized. Future taxable profit is dependent on the reversal of taxable temporary differences. If there are insufficient taxable temporary differences to recognize the deferred tax asset, the business plan of the Company and the reversal of existing temporary differences are considered in determining the future taxable profit.

The Company reviews the carrying amount of a deferred tax asset at the end of each reporting period and reduces the carrying amount to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow the benefit of part or all of that deferred tax asset to be utilized.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, 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 deferred tax 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.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset only if the Company has a legally enforceable right to offset the amount recognized and intends to settle the current tax liabilities and assets on a net basis. Income tax expense in relation to dividend payments is recognized when liabilities relating to the dividend payments are recognized.

 

(26)

Earnings per share

The Company presents basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) data for its ordinary shares. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing the profit or loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period, adjusted for own shares held. Diluted EPS is determined by adjusting the profit or loss attributable to ordinary shareholders and the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding, adjusted for own shares held, for the effects of all dilutive potential ordinary shares, which comprise share options granted to employees, if any.

 

(27)

Standards issued but not yet effective

The following new standards are effective for annual periods beginning after January 1, 2018 and earlier application is permitted; however, the Company has not adopted the following new standards early in preparing the accompanying separate financial statements.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

4.

Significant Accounting Policies, Continued

 

(27)

Standards issued but not yet effective, Continued

 

K-IFRS No. 1116 Leases

K-IFRS No. 1116, published on May 22, 2017 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. K-IFRS No. 1116, replaces existing leases guidance including K-IFRS No. 1017, Leases, K-IFRS No. 2104, Determining whether an Arrangement contains a Lease, K-IFRS No. 2015, Operating Leases - Incentives and K-IFRS No. 2027, Evaluating the Substance of Transactions Involving the Legal Form of a Lease.

The Company will assess at inception of a contract whether that contract is, or contains, a lease. A contract is, or contains, a lease if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. However, the Company can apply a practical expedient to grandfather their previous assessment of whether existing contracts are, or contain, leases.

A lessee recognizes a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying assets and a lease liability representing its obligation to make lease payments. There are recognition exemptions for short-term leases (lease term ends within 12 months at the commencement date of the lease) or leases of low-value items (assets with a value of KRW 6 million or less). As a practical expedient, a lessee can elect, by class of underlying asset, not to separate lease components from any associated non-lease components. A lessee that takes this election accounts for the lease component and the associated non-lease components as a single lease component.

A lessor’s accounting remains similar to current requirements, K-IFRS No. 1017 Leases.

 

  1)

A lessee’s accounting - application and financial impacts

A lessee is permitted to adopt the standard retrospectively according to K-IFRS No. 1008, Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors, (‘Full retrospective approach’) or to follow a modified retrospective approach in which the lessee recognizes the cumulative effect of initial application of the standard as an adjustment to equity at the date of initial application. (‘Modified retrospective approach’)

The Company plans to apply K-IFRS No.1116 initially on January 1, 2019 by using the modified retrospective approach. Therefore, the cumulative effect of adopting K-IFRS No.1116 will be recognized as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings at January 1, 2019 with no restatement of comparative information.

The Company is assessing the financial impact of the adoption of K-IFRS No. 1116 on its saperate financial statement. It is impractical to provide a reasonable estimate of the financial impact until the Company completes this analysis.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

4.

Significant Accounting Policies, Continued

 

(27) Standards issued but not yet effective, Continued

 

K-IFRS No. 1116 Leases, Continued

 

  1)

A lessee’s accounting - application and financial impacts, Continued

 

The Company plans to account for the lease component and the associated non-lease components as a single lease component applying the practical expedient. In addition, the Company plans to account for leases for which the lease term ends within 12 months of the date of initial application as short-term leases.

According to the Company’s preliminary analysis of application of the K-IFRS 1116, right-of-use assets and lease liabilities are expected to increase as of January 1, 2019. Based on the preliminary assessment, the Company expects lease expenses to decrease and depreciation expenses of the right-of-use assets and interest expenses of lease liabilities to increase.

 

  2)

A lessor’s accounting - application and financial impacts

The Company expects that financial impact of the lessor accounting is not significant to the separate financial statements due to the lessor’s accounting remaining similar to current requirements, K-IFRS No. 1017, Leases.

 

5.

Restricted Deposits

Deposits which are restricted in use as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are summarized as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     December 31,
2018
     December 31,
2017
 

Short-term financial instruments(*)

   W 79,000        89,000  

Long-term financial instruments(*)

     382        382  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 79,382        89,382  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*)

Financial instruments include charitable trust fund established by the Company where profits from the fund are donated to charitable institutions. As of December 31, 2018 the funds cannot be withdrawn before maturity.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

6.

Trade and Other Receivables

 

(1)

Details of trade and other receivables as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)    December 31, 2018  
     Gross amount      Loss allowance      Carrying
amount
 

Current assets:

        

Accounts receivable – trade

   W 1,474,102        (119,842      1,354,260  

Short-term loans

     54,885        (549      54,336  

Accounts receivable – other(*)

     568,878        (50,427      518,451  

Accrued income

     410        —          410  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     2,098,275        (170,818      1,927,457  

Non-current assets:

        

Long-term loans

     48,344        (41,108      7,236  

Long-term accounts receivable – other(*)

     274,053        —          274,053  

Guarantee deposits

     184,887        —          184,887  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     507,284        (41,108      466,176  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 2,605,559        (211,926      2,393,633  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*)

Gross and carrying amounts of accounts receivable – other as of December 31, 2018 include W485,325 million of financial instruments classified as FVTPL.

 

(In millions of won)    December 31, 2017  
     Gross amount      Loss allowance      Carrying
amount
 

Current assets:

        

Accounts receivable – trade

   W 1,628,036        (107,827      1,520,209  

Short-term loans

     54,953        (550      54,403  

Accounts receivable – other

     1,059,395        (55,886      1,003,509  

Accrued income

     659        —          659  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     2,743,043        (164,263      2,578,780  

Non-current assets:

        

Long-term loans

     48,623        (41,111      7,512  

Long-term accounts receivable – other

     285,118        —          285,118  

Guarantee deposits

     173,513        —          173,513  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     507,254        (41,111      466,143  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 3,250,297        (205,374      3,044,923  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(2)

Changes in the loss allowance on accounts receivable – trade measured at amortized costs during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)                                         
     Beginning balance      Impact of adopting
K-IFRS No. 1109
     Impairment      Write-offs (*)     Collection of
receivables
previously
written-off
     Ending
Balance
 

2018

   W 107,827        12,950        18,082        (29,397     10,380        119,842  

2017

     119,027        —          15,049        (38,695     12,446        107,827  

 

(*)

The Company writes off the trade and other receivables when contractual payments are more than 5 years past due, or for reasons such as termination of operations or liquidation.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

6.

Trade and Other Receivables, Continued

 

(3)

The Company applies the practical expedient that allows the Company to estimate the loss allowance for accounts receivables - trade at an amount equal to the lifetime expected credit losses. The expected credit losses include the forward-looking information. To make the assessment, the Company uses its historical credit loss experience over the past three years and classified the accounts receivable - trade by their credit risk characteristics and days overdue. Details of loss allowance on accounts receivable – trade as of December 31, 2018 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)                            
     Less than 6
months
     6 months ~
1 year
     1 year ~
3 years
     More than 3
years
 

Telecommunications service revenue

   Expected credit loss rate    W 2.42      38.51      64.96      83.08
   Gross amount      943,281        23,698        51,111        28,027  
   Loss allowance      22,862        9,125        33,204        23,286  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other revenue

   Expected credit loss rate      1.04      1.07      8.24      52.46
   Gross amount      351,267        4,400        23,264        49,054  
   Loss allowance      3,666        47        1,916        25,736  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

As the Company is a wireless telecommunications service provider, the Company’s financial assets measured at amortized cost consist primarily of receivables from numerous individual customers, and, therefore, no significant credit concentration risk arises.

Receivables related to other revenue mainly consist of receivables from corporate customers. The Company trades only with corporate customers with credit ratings that are considered to be low at credit risk. In addition, the Company was not exposed to significant credit concentration risk as the Company regularly assesses their credit risk by monitoring their credit rating. While the contract assets are under the impairment requirements, no significant credit risk has been identified.

 

7.

Prepaid expenses

As discussed in note 3, the Company adopted K-IFRS No. 1115, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, during the year beginning January 1, 2018. The Company pays commissions to its retail stores and authorized dealers for new and retained customer contracts. The Company capitalized certain costs associated with commissions paid to retail stores and authorized dealers to obtain new and retained customer contracts as prepaid expenses, which the Company previously expensed. These prepaid expenses are amortized on a straight-line basis over the periods that the Company expects to maintain its customers based on the Company’s historical subscriber churn rate.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

7.

Prepaid expenses, Continued

 

(1)

Details of prepaid expenses as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     December 31,
2018
     December 31,
2017
 

Current assets:

     

Incremental costs of obtaining contracts

   W 1,574,309        —    

Others

     113,925        121,121  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 1,688,234        121,121  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Non-current assets:

     

Incremental costs of obtaining contracts

   W 724,233        —    

Others

     28,948        25,169  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 753,181        25,169  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(2)

Incremental costs of obtaining contracts

Incremental costs of obtaining contracts that are capitalized as assets as of December 31, 2018 and the related amortization recognized as commissions during the year ended December 31, 2018 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)    2018  

Amortization recognized as commissions

   W 2,040,089  

 

8.

Contract assets and liabilities

As discussed in note 3, the Company adopted K-IFRS No. 1115, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, during the year beginning January 1, 2018. In case of providing both wireless telecommunication services and sales of mobile devices, the Company allocated the consideration based on relative stand-alone selling prices and recognizes uninvoiced receivables from handset sales as contract assets. The Company recognized receipts in advance for prepaid telecommunications services and unearned revenue for the customer loyalty program as contract liabilities.

Details of contract assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2018 and January 1, 2018 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     December 31, 2018      January 1, 2018  

Contract assets:

     

Allocation of consideration between performance obligations

   W 7,531        —    

Contract liabilities:

     

Wireless service contracts

     18,425        16,577  

Customer loyalty programs

     17,113        10,739  

Others

     18,895        16,729  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 54,433        44,045  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

8.

Contract assets and liabilities, Continued

 

The amount of revenue recognized during the year ended December 31, 2018 related to the contract liabilities carried forward from the prior period and the performance obligations satisfied in the prior reporting period is W33,766 million.

 

9.

Investment Securities

 

(1)

Details of short-term investment securities as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
    

Category

   December 31, 2018      December 31, 2017  

Beneficiary certificates

  

Available-for-sale financial assets

   W —          47,383  
  

FVTPL

     47,849        —    
     

 

 

    

 

 

 
      W 47,849        47,383  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(2)

Details of long-term investment securities as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
    

Category

   December 31, 2018      December 31,
2017
 

Equity instruments

   Available-for-sale financial assets    W —          723,703  
  

FVOCI(*)

     333,161        —    
     

 

 

    

 

 

 
        333,161        723,703  

Debt instruments

   Available-for-sale financial assets      —          900  
   FVTPL      77,511        —    
     

 

 

    

 

 

 
        77,511        900  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 
      W 410,672        724,603  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*)

The Company designated W333,161 million of investments in equity instruments that are not held for trading as financial assets at FVOCI. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company disposed of 3,520,964 common shares issued by KB Financial Group Inc. in exchange for W179,569 million in cash.

 

10.

Investments in Subsidiaries, Associates and Joint Ventures

(1) Investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     December 31,
2018
     December 31,
2017
 

Investments in subsidiaries

   W 5,286,601        4,391,693  

Investments in associates and joint ventures

     4,902,313        4,760,628  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 10,188,914        9,152,321  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

10.

Investments in Subsidiaries, Associates and Joint ventures, Continued

 

(2)

Details of investments in subsidiaries as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won, except for share data)    December 31, 2018      December 31,
2017
 
     Number of
shares
     Ownership
(%)
     Carrying
amount
     Carrying
amount
 

SK Telink Co., Ltd.

     1,432,627        100.0      W 243,988        243,988  

SK Broadband Co., Ltd.

     298,460,212        100.0        1,870,582        1,870,582  

SK Communications Co., Ltd.

     43,427,530        100.0        69,668        69,668  

PS&Marketing Corporation

     66,000,000        100.0        313,934        313,934  

SERVICE ACE Co., Ltd.

     4,385,400        100.0        21,927        21,927  

SK Planet Co., Ltd. (*1,2)

     69,593,562        98.7        404,833        1,298,237  

Eleven Street Co., Ltd. (*1)

     8,224,709        80.3        1,049,403        —    

IRIVER LIMITED (*3)

     29,246,387        52.6        156,642        91,642  

SK Telecom China Holdings Co., Ltd.

     —          100.0        48,096        38,652  

Life & Security Holdings Co., Ltd. (*4)

     740,895        55.0        703,736        —    

SKT Americas, Inc.

     122        100.0        45,701        45,701  

Atlas Investment (*5)

     —          100.0        99,874        84,495  

SK Global Healthcare Business Group., Ltd. (*6)

     —          100.0        1,929        39,649  

SK techx Co., Ltd. (*2)

     —          —          —          155,999  

One Store Co., Ltd.

     10,409,600        65.5        82,186        82,186  

id Quantique SA (*7)

     60,824,172        65.6        81,902        —    

SK Infosec Co., Ltd. (*8)

     12,636,024        100.0        44,410        —    

Network O&S Co., Ltd., etc

     —          —          47,790        35,033  
        

 

 

    

 

 

 
         W 5,286,601        4,391,693  
        

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*1)

During the year ended December 31, 2018, SK Planet Co., Ltd. spun off the business unit of 11st (E-commerce and Internet-related business) and incorporated Eleven Street Co., Ltd. in order to enhance the industry specialization, competitiveness and growth potential by strengthening core competencies of the businesses.

(*2)

During the year ended December 31, 2018, SK Planet Co., Ltd. merged SK techx Co., Ltd., a subsidiary owned by the Company.

(*3)

The Company acquired additional 7,420,091 shares of IRIVER LIMITED at a consideration of W65,000 million in cash through a non-proportional paid-in capital during the year ended December 31, 2018.

(*4)

The Company obtained the control over Life & Security Holdings Co., Ltd. by acquiring 740,895 shares for W703,736 million during the year ended December 31, 2018 in order to enhance the security business and expand residential customer base.

(*5)

The Company contributed W15,379 million in cash during the year ended December 31, 2018.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

10.

Investments in Subsidiaries, Associates and Joint ventures, Continued

 

(2)

Details of investments in subsidiaries as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows, Continued:

 

(*6)

During the year ended December 31, 2018, the carrying amount of SK Global Healthcare Business Group Ltd. decreased due to the return of the invested funds.

(*7)

The Company acquired additional 41,157,506 shares of both common and preferred stocks, in aggregate, for W55,249 million in cash during the year ended as of December 31, 2018 and reclassified the existing equity instruments at FVOCI to subsidiaries. Due to the reclassification, W1,636 million of valuation gain on the equity instruments at FVOCI is reclassified to retained earnings. In addition, the Company acquired 16,666,666 shares by contributing W5,672 million of assets, and the shares were measured at fair value. As a result of the transaction, the Company recognized W10,997 million of gain on disposal of property and equipment and W 6,019 million of gain on disposal of intangible assets.

(*8)

During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company acquired entire shares of SK Infosec Co., Ltd. through a comprehensive stock exchange transaction by transferring 1,260,668 of treasury shares to SK Holdings Co., Ltd., the ultimate controlling entity. As the transaction occurred under common control, the Company recognized the acquisition cost of the shares at the carrying amount in the consolidated financial statements of SK Holdings Co., Ltd. The difference between the value of issued treasury shares and the acquisition cost of the shares of SK Infosec Co., Ltd. was recognized in capital surplus and others.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

10.

Investments in Subsidiaries, Associates and Joint ventures, Continued

 

(3)

Details of investments in associates and joint ventures as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won, except for share data)              
     December 31, 2018      December 31,
2017
 
     Number of
shares
     Ownership
(%)
     Carrying
amount
     Carrying
amount
 

Investments in associates:

           

SK China Company Ltd.

     10,928,921        27.3      W 601,192        601,192  

HappyNarae Co., Ltd.(*1)

     —          —          —          12,939  

Korea IT Fund(*2)

     190        63.3        220,957        220,957  

Wave City Development Co., Ltd.(*3)

     393,460        19.1        1,532        1,532  

KEB HanaCard Co., Ltd.(*3)

     39,902,323        15.0        253,739        253,739  

Daehan Kanggun BcN Co., Ltd.

     1,675,124        29.0        353        353  

NanoEnTek, Inc.(*4)

     7,600,649        28.9        51,138        47,958  

SK Technology Innovation Company

     14,700        49.0        45,864        45,864  

SK hynix Inc.

     146,100,000        20.1        3,374,725        3,374,725  

SK MENA Investment B.V.

     9,772,686        32.1        14,485        14,485  

SK Latin America Investment S.A.

     9,448,937        32.1        14,243        14,243  

S.M.Culture & Contents Co., Ltd.

     22,033,898        23.4        65,341        65,341  

12CM Japan, Inc.(*5)

     3,925        28.2        7,697        —    

MAKEUS Corp.(*3,5)

     2,153        8.9        9,773        —    

SK South East Asia Investment Pte. Ltd.(*5)

     100,000,000        20.0        111,000        —    

Pacific Telecom Inc.(*3,5)

     1,734,109        15.0        36,487        —    

HealthConnect Co., Ltd. and others(*6)

     —          —          69,207        71,824  
        

 

 

    

 

 

 
         W 4,877,733        4,725,152  
        

 

 

    

 

 

 

Investment in joint ventures:

           

Finnq Co., Ltd.(*7)

     4,900,000        49.0      W 24,580        24,580  

12CM GLOBAL PTE. LTD.(*8)

     —          —          —          10,896  
        

 

 

    

 

 

 
           24,580        35,476  
        

 

 

    

 

 

 
         W 4,902,313        4,760,628  
        

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

10.

Investments in Subsidiaries, Associates and Joint ventures, Continued

 

(3)

Details of investments in associates and joint ventures as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows, Continued:

 

(*1)

During the year ended December 31, 2018, the entire investments were disposed to SK hynix Inc. Gain on disposal of investments amounting to W15,477 million was recognized from the transaction.

(*2)

Investment in Korea IT Fund was classified as investment in associates as the Company does not have control over the investee under the contractual agreement.

(*3)

These investments were classified as investments in associates as the Company can exercise significant influence through its right to appoint the members of board of directors even though the Company has less than 20% of equity interest.

(*4)

The Company acquired convertible bond issued by NanoEnTek, Inc. for W3,180 million and exercised the conversion right during the year ended December 31, 2018, which resulted in the change in ownership of the investee.

(*5)

These investments were newly acquired during the year ended December 31, 2018.

(*6)

Impairment loss amounting to W12,511 million was recognized in relation to its investment in HealthConnect Co., Ltd. during the year ended December 31, 2018.

(*7)

These investments were classified as investment in joint ventures as the Company has joint control pursuant to the agreement with the other shareholders.

(*8)

During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company disposed of the entire shares.

(4) The market value of investments in listed subsidiaries as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won, except for share data)  
     December 31, 2018      December 31, 2017  
   Market
price per
share

(in won)
     Number of
shares
     Market
value
     Market
price per
share

(in won)
     Number of
shares
     Market value  

IRIVER LIMITED

   W 6,760        29,246,387        197,706        5,580        21,826,296        121,790  

 

(5)

The market value of investments in listed associates as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won, except for share data)  
     December 31, 2018      December 31, 2017  
   Market
price per
share

(in won)
     Number of
shares
     Market value      Market
price per
share

(in won)
     Number of
shares
     Market value  

NanoEnTek, Inc.

   W 4,235        7,600,649        32,189        5,950        6,960,445        41,415  

SK hynix Inc.

     60,500        146,100,000        8,839,050        76,500        146,100,000        11,176,650  

S.M.Culture & Contents Co., Ltd.

     2,020        22,033,898        44,508        2,700        22,033,898        59,492  

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

11.

Property and Equipment

 

(1)

Property and equipment as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)                            
     December 31, 2018  
     Acquisition cost      Accumulated
depreciation
     Accumulated
Impairment
     Carrying
amount
 

Land

   W 544,419        —          —          544,419  

Buildings

     1,143,315        (606,315      —          537,000  

Structures

     879,774        (524,035      —          355,739  

Machinery

     23,479,250        (19,069,611      (27,264      4,382,375  

Other

     1,598,988        (981,151      —          617,837  

Construction in progress

     506,120        —          —          506,120  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 28,151,866        (21,181,112      (27,264      6,943,490  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(In millions of won)       
     December 31, 2017  
     Acquisition cost      Accumulated
depreciation
     Carrying
amount
 

Land

   W 525,572        —          525,572  

Buildings

     1,117,686        (570,814      546,872  

Structures

     864,776        (488,021      376,755  

Machinery

     22,636,857        (17,988,526      4,648,331  

Other

     1,439,163        (990,960      448,203  

Construction in progress

     377,400        —          377,400  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 26,961,454        (20,038,321      6,923,133  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(2)

Details of the changes in property and equipment for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)       
     2018  
     Beginning
balance
     Acquisition      Disposal     Transfer     Depreciation     Impairment(*)     Ending
balance
 

Land

   W 525,572        4,360        (29     14,516       —         —         544,419  

Buildings

     546,872        3,636        (1,457     25,216       (37,267     —         537,000  

Structures

     376,755        9,188        (36     5,859       (36,027     —         355,739  

Machinery

     4,648,331        222,564        (52,881     1,192,243       (1,600,618     (27,264     4,382,375  

Other

     448,203        841,425        (5,330     (565,720     (100,741     —         617,837  

Construction in progress

     377,400        948,966        (4,622     (815,624     —         —         506,120  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   W 6,923,133        2,030,139        (64,355     (143,510     (1,774,653     (27,264     6,943,490  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(*)

The Company recognized impairment losses for obsolete assets during the year ended December 31, 2018.

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

11.

Property and Equipment, Continued

 

(2)

Details of the changes in property and equipment for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows, Continued:

 

(In millions of won)  
     2017  
     Beginning
balance
     Acquisition      Disposal     Transfer     Depreciation     Ending
balance
 

Land

   W 506,786        4,927        (4,449     18,308       —         525,572  

Buildings

     557,021        2,138        (477     24,927       (36,737     546,872  

Structures

     357,065        46,614        (74     8,387       (35,237     376,755  

Machinery

     4,781,985        213,975        (24,180     1,330,226       (1,653,675     4,648,331  

Other

     492,410        685,159        (5,853     (614,933     (108,580     448,203  

Construction in progress

     603,272        936,669        (4,088     (1,158,453     —         377,400  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   W 7,298,539        1,889,482        (39,121     (391,538     (1,834,229     6,923,133  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

12.

Goodwill

Goodwill as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     December 31,
2018
     December 31,
2017
 

Goodwill related to acquisition of Shinsegi Telecom, Inc.

   W 1,306,236        1,306,236  

The recoverable amount of the CGU is based on its value in use calculated by applying the annual discount rate of 6.1%(6.6% in prior year) to the estimated future cash flows based on financial budgets for the next five years. An annual growth rate of (-)0.4% was applied for the cash flows expected to be incurred after five years and is not expected to exceed the Company’s long-term wireless telecommunication business growth rate. Management of the Company does not expect the total carrying amount of the CGU will exceed the total recoverable amount due to reasonably possible changes from the major assumptions used to estimate the recoverable amount.

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

13.

Intangible Assets

(1) Intangible assets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)                            
     December 31, 2018  
     Acquisition
cost
     Accumulated
amortization
     Accumulated
impairment
     Carrying
amount
 

Frequency usage rights

   W 6,210,882        (3,070,904      —          3,139,978  

Land usage rights

     47,123        (40,625      —          6,498  

Industrial rights

     47,584        (32,284      —          15,300  

Development costs

     —          —          —          —    

Facility usage rights

     54,344        (38,336      —          16,008  

Club memberships(*1)

     77,767        —          (30,356      47,411  

Other(*2)

     3,079,376        (2,293,707      —          785,669  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 9,517,076        (5,475,856      (30,356      4,010,864  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
(In millions of won)                            
     December 31, 2017  
     Acquisition
cost
     Accumulated
amortization
     Accumulated
impairment
     Carrying
amount
 

Frequency usage rights

   W 4,843,955        (2,667,015      —          2,176,940  

Land usage rights

     46,407        (38,549      —          7,858  

Industrial rights

     51,978        (39,079      —          12,899  

Development costs

     95,958        (95,958      —          —    

Facility usage rights

     52,312        (35,856      —          16,456  

Club memberships(*1)

     75,546        —          (30,703      44,843  

Other(*2)

     2,854,375        (2,023,826      —          830,549  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 8,020,531        (4,900,283      (30,703      3,089,545  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*1)

Club memberships are classified as intangible assets with indefinite useful life and are not amortized.

(*2)

Other intangible assets primarily consist of computer software and usage rights to a research facility which the Company built and donated, and the Company is given rights-to-use for a definite number of years in return.

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

13.

Intangible Assets, Continued

 

(2)

Details of the changes in intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)  
     2018  
     Beginning
balance
     Acquisition      Disposal     Transfer      Amortization     Ending
balance
 

Frequency usage rights

   W 2,176,940        1,366,926        —         —          (403,888     3,139,978  

Land usage rights

     7,858        2,134        (72     406        (3,828     6,498  

Industrial rights

     12,899        6,617        (716     263        (3,763     15,300  

Facility usage rights

     16,456        2,223        (39     101        (2,733     16,008  

Club memberships

     44,843        3,219        (651     —          —         47,411  

Other

     830,549        73,395        (3,408     169,757        (284,624     785,669  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
   W 3,089,545        1,454,514        (4,886     170,527        (698,836     4,010,864  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
(In millions of won)  
     2017  
     Beginning
balance
     Acquisition      Disposal     Transfer      Amortization     Ending
balance
 

Frequency usage rights

   W 2,580,828        —          —         —          (403,888     2,176,940  

Land usage rights

     8,359        3,247        (201     200        (3,747     7,858  

Industrial rights

     13,692        2,437        (19     —          (3,211     12,899  

Facility usage rights

     16,259        2,806        (36     129        (2,702     16,456  

Club memberships

     43,984        2,969        (2,197     87        —         44,843  

Other

     612,541        63,839        (4,642     414,560        (255,749     830,549  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
   W 3,275,663        75,298        (7,095     414,976        (669,297     3,089,545  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

13.

Intangible Assets, Continued

 

(3)

Research and development expenditures recognized as expense for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     2018      2017  

Research and development costs expensed as incurred

   W 319,931        302,656  

 

(4)

Details of frequency usage rights as of December 31, 2018 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)  
     Amount     

Description

   Commencement
of amortization
     Completion of
amortization
 

800MHz license

   W 101,969      CDMA and LTE service      Jul. 2011        Jun. 2021  

1.8GHz license

     376,860      LTE service      Sept. 2013        Dec. 2021  

2.6GHz license

     971,350      LTE service      Sept. 2016        Dec. 2026  

2.1GHz license

     322,873      W-CDMA and LTE service      Dec. 2016        Dec. 2021  

3.5GHz license(*)

     1,164,243      5G service      —          Nov. 2028  

28GHz license(*)

     202,683      5G service      —          Nov. 2023  
  

 

 

          
   W 3,139,978           
  

 

 

          

 

(*)

The Company participated in the frequency license allocation auction hosted by Ministry of Science and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and was assigned the 3.5GHz and 28GHz band of frequency licenses during the year ended December 31, 2018. The considerations payable for the bands of frequency are W1,218,500 million and W207,300 million, respectively. These bands of frequency were assigned in December 2018 to the Company and the annual payments in installment of the remaining balances will be made for the next ten and five years, respectively. The Company recognized these frequency licenses as intangible assets at the date of initial lump sum payment and starts amortization when the bands of frequency are in the condition necessary for them to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management.

 

14.

Borrowings and Debentures

 

(1)

Long-term borrowings as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won and thousands of U.S. dollars)  

Lender

   Annual interest
rate (%)
     Maturity      December 31,
2018
     December 31,
2017
 

Export Kreditnamnden(*)

     1.70        Apr. 29, 2022      W

 

45,007

(USD 40,253

 

    

55,471

(USD 51,775

 

        

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less present value discount

 

     (613      (954
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     44,394        54,517  

Less current installments

 

     (12,630      (12,031
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 31,764        42,486  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*)

The long-term borrowings are to be repaid by installments on an annual basis from 2014 to 2022.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

14.

Borrowings and Debentures, Continued

 

(2) Debentures as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won and thousands of U.S. dollars)  
    

Purpose

   Maturity    Annual interest
rate (%)
   December 31,
2018
     December 31,
2017
 

Unsecured corporate bonds

   Other fund    2018    5.00    W —          200,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   Operating fund    2021    4.22      190,000        190,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   Operating and refinancing fund    2019    3.24      170,000        170,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   2022    3.30      140,000        140,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   2032    3.45      90,000        90,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   Operating fund    2023    3.03      230,000        230,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   2033    3.22      130,000        130,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   2019    3.30      50,000        50,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   2024    3.64      150,000        150,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds(*1)

   2029    4.72      61,813        60,278  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   Refinancing fund    2019    2.53      160,000        160,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   2021    2.66      150,000        150,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   2024    2.82      190,000        190,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   Operating and refinancing fund    2022    2.40      100,000        100,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   2025    2.49      150,000        150,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   2030    2.61      50,000        50,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   Operating fund    2018    1.89      —          90,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   2025    2.66      70,000        70,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   2030    2.82      90,000        90,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   Operating and refinancing fund    2018    2.07      —          80,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   2025    2.55      100,000        100,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   2035    2.75      70,000        70,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   Operating fund    2019    1.65      70,000        70,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   2021    1.80      100,000        100,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   2026    2.08      90,000        90,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   2036    2.24      80,000        80,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   2019    1.62      50,000        50,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   2021    1.71      50,000        50,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   2026    1.97      120,000        120,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   2031    2.17      50,000        50,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   Refinancing fund    2020    1.93      60,000        60,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   2022    2.17      120,000        120,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   2027    2.55      100,000        100,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   Operating and refinancing fund    2032    2.65      90,000        90,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   Refinancing fund    2020    2.39      100,000        100,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   Operating and refinancing fund    2022    2.63      80,000        80,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   Refinancing fund    2027    2.84      100,000        100,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   2021    2.57      110,000        —    

Unsecured corporate bonds

   2023    2.81      100,000        —    

Unsecured corporate bonds

   2028    3.00      200,000        —    

Unsecured corporate bonds

   2038    3.02      90,000        —    

Unsecured corporate bonds

   Operating and refinancing fund    2021    2.10      100,000        —    

Unsecured corporate bonds

   2023    2.33      150,000        —    

Unsecured corporate bonds

   2038    2.44      50,000        —    

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

14.

Borrowings and Debentures, Continued

 

(2)

Debentures as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows, Continued:

 

(In millions of won and thousands of U.S. dollars)  
     Purpose      Maturity    Annual
interest rate
(%)
   December 31,
2018
    December 31,
2017
 

Unsecured global bonds

     Operating fund      2027    6.63     

447,240

(USD 400,000

 

   

428,560

(USD 400,000

 

Unsecured global bonds

      2018    2.13      —        

749,980

(USD 700,000

 

Unsecured global bonds

      2023    3.75     

559,050

(USD 500,000

 

    —    

Floating rate notes (*2)

      2020    3M LIBOR

+0.88

    

335,430

(USD 300,000

 

   

321,420

(USD 300,000

 

           

 

 

   

 

 

 
     5,743,533       5,470,238  

Less discounts on bonds

     (20,921     (16,374
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     5,722,612       5,453,864  

Less current installments of bonds

     (499,747     (1,119,016
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   W 5,222,865       4,334,848  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(*1)

The Company eliminated measurement inconsistency of accounting profit or loss between the bonds and related derivatives by designating the structured bonds as financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss. The carrying amount of financial liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss exceeds the principal amount required to pay at maturity by W11,813 million as of December 31, 2018.

(*2)

As of December 31, 2018, 3M LIBOR rate is 2.80%.

 

15.

Long-term Payables — other

 

(1)

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, details of long-term payables – other related to the acquisition of frequency usage rights are as follows (See note 13):

 

(In millions of won)  
     December 31,
2018
     December 31,
2017
 

Long-term payables – other

   W 2,476,738        1,710,255  

Present value discount on long-term payables – other

     (113,772      (79,874

Current installments of long-term payables – other

     (423,884      (301,751
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Carrying amount at December 31

   W 1,939,082        1,328,630  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(2)

The repayment schedule of the principal amount of long-term payables—other as of December 31, 2018 is as follows:

 

(In millions of won)       
     Amount  

Less than 1 year

   W 425,349  

1~3 years

     850,699  

3~5 years

     444,480  

More than 5 years

     756,210  
  

 

 

 
   W 2,476,738  
  

 

 

 

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

16.

Provisions

Changes in provisions for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     For the year ended December 31, 2018      As of
December 31, 2018
 
     Beginning
balance
     Increase      Utilization     Reversal     Ending
balance
     Current      Non-
current
 

Provision for installment of handset subsidy

   W 3,874        —          (1,075     (2,799     —          —          —    

Provision for restoration

     56,162        4,745        (824     (535     59,548        47,065        12,483  

Emission allowance

     4,650        2,228        (1,334     (3,306     2,238        2,238        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 64,686        6,973        (3,233     (6,640     61,786        49,303        12,483  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
(In millions of won)              
     For the year ended December 31, 2017      As of
December 31, 2017
 
     Beginning
balance
     Increase      Utilization     Reversal     Ending
balance
     Current      Non-
current
 

Provision for installment of handset subsidy

   W 24,710        2        (8,898     (11,940     3,874        3,874        —    

Provision for restoration

     53,022        4,378        (817     (421     56,162        39,984        16,178  

Emission allowance

     2,788        4,663        (518     (2,283     4,650        4,650        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 80,520        9,043        (10,233     (14,644     64,686        48,508        16,178  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

17.

Defined Benefit Assets

 

(1)

Details of defined benefit assets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

                                     
(In millions of won)              
     December 31,
2018
     December 31,
2017
 

Present value of defined benefit obligations

   W 332,044        278,778  

Fair value of plan assets

     (363,878      (318,860
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W (31,834      (40,082
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(2)

Principal actuarial assumptions as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

                                     
     December 31,
2018
    December 31,
2017
 

Discount rate for defined benefit obligations

     2.61     3.06

Expected rate of salary increase

     3.88     3.72

Discount rate for defined benefit obligation is determined based on market yields of high-quality corporate bonds with similar maturities for estimated payment term of defined benefit obligation. Expected rate of salary increase is determined based on the Company’s historical promotion index, inflation rate and salary increase ratio.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

17.

Defined Benefit Assets, Continued

 

(3)

Changes in defined benefit obligations for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)    For the year ended
December 31
 
     2018      2017  

Beginning balance

   W 278,778        240,289  

Current service cost

     41,525        39,351  

Interest cost

     8,956        6,715  

Remeasurement

     

- Financial assumption

     10,794        (8,366

- Adjustment based on experience

     7,941        6,178  

Benefit paid

     (23,601      (18,783

Others (*)

     7,651        13,394  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ending balance

   W 332,044        278,778  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*)

Others for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 include the changes in liabilities due to transfers of executives among affiliates.

 

(4)

Changes in plan assets for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)    For the year ended
December 31
 
     2018      2017  

Beginning balance

   W 318,860        265,076  

Interest income

     9,582        6,807  

Remeasurement

     (3,747      (1,922

Contributions

     47,000        68,500  

Benefit paid

     (12,473      (26,279

Others

     4,656        6,678  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ending balance

   W 363,878        318,860  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Company expects to make a contribution of W67,393 million to the defined benefit plans in 2019.

 

(5)

Total cost of benefit plan, which is recognized in profit and loss (included in labor in the statement of income) and capitalized into construction-in-progress for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)    For the year ended
December 31
 
     2018      2017  

Current service cost

   W 41,525        39,351  

Net interest income

     (626      (92
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 40,899        39,259  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The above costs are recognized in labor, research and development, or capitalized into construction-in-progress.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

17.

Defined Benefit Assets, Continued

 

(6)

Details of plan assets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)    For the year ended
December 31
 
     2018      2017  

Equity instruments

   W 1,867        9,819  

Debt instruments

     70,670        87,930  

Short-term financial instruments, etc.

     291,341        221,111  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 363,878        318,860  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(7)

As of December 31, 2018, effects on defined benefit obligations if each of significant actuarial assumptions changes within expectable and reasonable range are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     0.5% Increase      0.5% Decrease  

Discount rate

   W (11,269      11,984  

Expected salary increase rate

     12,066        (11,449

The sensitivity analysis does not consider dispersion of all cash flows that are expected from the plan and provides approximate values of sensitivity for the assumptions used.

A weighted average duration of defined benefit obligations as of December 31, 2018 is 7.51 years.

 

18.

Derivative Instruments

 

(1)

Currency and interest rate swap contracts under cash flow hedge accounting as of December 31, 2018 are as follows:

 

(In thousands of foreign currencies)

Borrowing date

  

Hedging Instrument (Hedged item)

  

Hedged risk

  

Financial institution

  

Duration of contract

Jul. 20, 2007

   Fixed-to-fixed cross currency swap (U.S. dollar denominated bonds face value of USD 400,000)    Foreign currency risk    Morgan Stanley and four other banks    Jul. 20, 2007 ~ Jul. 20, 2027

Mar. 7, 2013

   Floating-to-fixed cross currency interest rate swap (U.S. dollar denominated bonds face value of USD 300,000)    Foreign currency risk and interest rate risk    DBS bank    Mar. 7, 2013 ~ Mar. 7, 2020

Dec. 16, 2013

   Fixed-to-fixed cross currency (U.S. dollar borrowing amounting to USD 40,253)    Foreign currency risk    Deutsche bank    Dec.16, 2013 ~ Apr. 29, 2022

Apr. 16, 2018

   Fixed-to-fixed cross currency swap (U.S. dollar denominated bonds face value of USD 500,000)    Foreign currency risk    The Export-Import Bank of Korea and three other banks    Apr. 16, 2018~ Apr. 16, 2023

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

18.

Derivative Instruments, Continued

 

(2)

As of December 31, 2018, details of fair values of the above derivatives recorded in assets or liabilities are as follows:

 

(In millions of won and thousands of foreign currencies)  

Hedging instrument (Hedged item)

   Cash flow
hedge
     Held for
trading
     Fair value  

Non-current assets:

        

Structured bond (face value of KRW 50,000)

   W —          10,947        10,947  

Fixed-to-fixed cross currency swap (U.S. dollar denominated bonds face value of USD 400,000)

     9,335        —          9,335  

Floating-to-fixed cross currency interest rate swap (U.S. dollar denominated bonds face value of USD 300,000)

     6,499        —          6,499  

Fixed-to-fixed cross currency swap (U.S. dollar denominated bonds face value of USD 500,000)

     24,024        —          24,024  
        

 

 

 
   W           50,805  
        

 

 

 

Non-current liabilities:

        

Fixed-to-fixed long-term borrowings (U.S. dollar borrowing amounting to USD 40,253)

   W (1,107      —          (1,107

 

19.

Share Capital and Capital Surplus and Others

The Company’s outstanding share capital consists entirely of common shares with a par value of W500. The number of authorized, issued and outstanding common stocks and the details of capital surplus and others as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won, except for share data)              
     December 31, 2018      December 31, 2017  

Number of authorized shares

     220,000,000        220,000,000  

Number of issued shares (*)

     80,745,711        80,745,711  

Share capital:

     

Common share

   W 44,639        44,639  

Capital surplus and others:

     

Paid-in surplus

     2,915,887        2,915,887  

Treasury shares (Note 20)

     (1,979,475      (2,260,626

Hybrid bonds (Note 21)

     398,759        398,518  

Share option (Note 22)

     1,007        414  

Others

     (920,854      (682,298
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 415,324        371,895  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*)

In 2002 and 2003, the Company retired treasury shares with reduction of its retained earnings before appropriation. As a result, the Company’s outstanding shares have decreased without change in share capital.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

19.

Share Capital and Capital Surplus and Others, Continued

 

There were no changes in share capital during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 and details of shares outstanding as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In shares)    2018      2017  
     Issued
shares
     Treasury
shares
     Outstanding
shares
     Issued
shares
     Treasury
shares
     Outstanding
shares
 

Shares outstanding

     80,745,711        8,875,883        71,869,828        80,745,711        10,136,551        70,609,160  

 

20.

Treasury Shares

The Company acquired treasury shares to provide share dividends, merge with Shinsegi Telecom, Inc. and SK IMT Co, Ltd., increase shareholder value and stabilize its share prices.

 

Treasury

shares as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won, except for share data)              
     December 31, 2018      December 31, 2017  

Number of shares (*)

     8,875,883        10,136,551  

Acquisition cost

   W 1,979,475        2,260,626  

 

(*)

The number of treasury shares have decreased by 1,260,668 due to the comprehensive stock exchange transaction with SK Holdings Co., Ltd. (See note 10)

 

21.

Hybrid Bonds

The Company repaid Series 1 hybrid bonds during the year ended December 31, 2018 and issued the Series 2 hybrid bonds. Hybrid bonds classified as equity as of December 31, 2018 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)                                   
     Type      Issuance date      Maturity(*1)      Annual interest
rate(%)(*2)
     Amount  

Series 2-1 hybrid bonds

     Unsecured subordinated bearer bond        June 7, 2018        June 7, 2078        3.70      W 300,000  

Series 2-2 hybrid bonds

     Unsecured subordinated bearer bond        June 7, 2018        June 7, 2078        3.65        100,000  

Issuance costs

                 (1,241
              

 

 

 
               W 398,759  
              

 

 

 

As there is no contractual obligation to deliver financial assets to the holders of hybrid bonds, the Company classified the hybrid bonds as equity. When in liquidation or bankruptcy, these hybrid bonds are senior only to common stocks.

 

(*1)

The Company has a right to extend the maturity without any notice or announcement.

(*2)

Annual interest rate is determined as yield rate of 5 year national bond plus premium. According to the step-up clause, additional premium of 0.25% and 0.75%, respectively, after 10 years and 25 years from the issuance date are applied.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

22.

Share option

 

(1)

The terms and conditions related to the grants of the share options under the share option program are as follows:

 

     Series
     1-1    1-2    1-3    2(*)

Grant date

   March 24, 2017    Feburuary 20, 2018

Types of shares to be issued

   Registered common shares

Grant method

   Reissue of treasury shares

Number of shares (in shares)

   22,168    22,168    22,168    1,358

Exercise price (in won)

   246,750    266,490    287,810    254,120

Exercise period

   Mar. 25, 2019 ~
Mar. 24, 2022
   Mar. 25, 2020 ~
Mar. 24, 2023
   Mar. 25, 2021 ~
Mar. 24, 2024
   Feb. 21, 2020~

Feb. 20, 2023

Vesting conditions

   2 years’ service
from the grant
date
   3 years’ service
from the grant
date
   4 years’ service
from the grant
date
   2 years’ service
from the grant

date

 

(*)

Parts of the grant that have not met the vesting conditions have been forfeited during the year ended December 31, 2018.

(2)

Share compensation expense recognized during the year ended December 31, 2018 and the remaining share compensation expense to be recognized in subsequent periods are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)    Share
compensation expense
 

During the year ended December 31, 2017

   W 414  

During the year ended December 31, 2018

     593  

In subsequent periods

     416  
  

 

 

 
   W 1,423  
  

 

 

 

 

(3)

The Company used binomial option pricing model in the measurement of the fair value of the share options at grant date and the inputs used in the model are as follows:

 

     1-1     1-2     1-3     2  

Risk-free interest rate

     1.86     1.95     2.07     2.63

Estimated option’s life

     5 years       6 years       7 years       5 years  

Share price (Closing price on the preceding day in won)

     262,500       262,500       262,500       243,500  

Expected volatility

     13.38     13.38     13.38     16.45

Expected dividends

     3.80     3.80     3.80     3.70

Exercise price (in won)

     246,750       266,490       287,810       254,120  

Per share fair value of the option (in won)

     27,015       20,240       15,480       23,988  

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

23.

Retained Earnings

 

(1)

Retained earnings as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)    December 31,
2018
     December 31,
2017
 

Appropriated:

     

Legal reserve

   W 22,320        22,320  

Reserve for business expansion

     10,531,138        10,171,138  

Reserve for technology development

     3,321,300        3,071,300  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     13,874,758        13,264,758  

Unappropriated

     2,593,031        1,247,798  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 16,467,789        14,512,556  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(2)

Legal reserve

The Korean Commercial Act requires the Company to appropriate as a legal reserve at least 10% of cash dividends paid for each accounting period until the reserve equals 50% of outstanding share capital. The legal reserve may not be utilized for cash dividends, but may only be used to offset a future deficit, if any, or may be transferred to share capital.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

24.

Statements of Appropriation of Retained Earnings

 

Details

of statements of appropriation of retained earnings for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

Date of appropriation for 2018: March 26, 2019

Date of appropriation for 2017: March 21, 2018

 

(In millions of won)             
     2018     2017  

Unappropriated retained earnings:

    

Unappropriated retained earnings

   W 2,316       2,387  

Changes in accounting policies

     1,773,596       —    

Remeasurement of defined benefit liabilities

     (16,354     1,746  

Reclassification of valuation gain on FVOCI

     (14,017     —    

Interim dividends:

    

2018: W1,000 per share,

    

          200% on par value

    

2017: W1,000 per share,

    

          200% on par value

     (70,609     (70,609

Interest on hybrid bonds

     (15,803     (16,840

Profit for the year

     933,902       1,331,114  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     2,593,031       1,247,798  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Appropriation of retained earnings:

    

Reserve for business expansion

     1,000,000       360,000  

Reserve for technology development

     944,000       250,000  

Cash dividends:

    

2018: W 9,000 per share,

    

          1,800% on par value

    

2017: W 9,000 per share,

    

          1,800% on par value

     646,828       635,482  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     2,590,828       1,245,482  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Unappropriated retained earnings to be carried over to subsequent year

   W 2,203       2,316  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

26.

Reserves

 

(1)

Details of reserves, net of taxes, as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     December 31, 2018      December 31, 2017  

Valuation gain on FVOCI

   W 2,047        —    

Valuation gain on  available-for-sale financial assets

     —          148,873  

Valuation loss on derivatives

     (42,312      (70,572
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W (40,265      78,301  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(2)

Changes in reserves for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)  
     Valuation gain
(loss) on
financial assets
at FVOCI
     Valuation gain
(loss) on
available-for-sale
financial assets
     Valuation gain
(loss) on
derivatives
     Total  

Balance at January 1, 2017

   W —          28,963        (90,756      (61,793

Changes, net of taxes

     —          119,910        20,184        140,094  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2017

     —          148,873        (70,572      78,301  

Impact of adopting K-IFRS No.1109

     90,484        (148,873      —          (58,389

Balance at January 1, 2018

     90,484        —          (70,572      19,912  

Changes, net of taxes

     (88,437      —          28,260        (60,177
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2018

   W 2,047        —          (42,312      (40,265
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(3)

Changes in valuation gain on financial assets at FVOCI and available-for-sale financial assets for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     2018      2017  

Balance at January 1

   W 90,484        28,963  

Amount recognized as other comprehensive income during the year, net of taxes

     (102,454      121,773  

Amount reclassified to profit or loss, net of taxes

     —          (1,863

Amount reclassified to retained earnings, net of taxes

     14,017        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at December 31

   W 2,047        148,873  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(4)

Changes in valuation loss on derivatives for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     2018      2017  

Balance at January 1

   W (70,572      (90,756

Amount recognized as other comprehensive income (loss) during the year, net of taxes

     (11,658      15,559  

Amount reclassified to profit or loss, net of taxes

     39,918        4,625  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at December 31

   W (42,312      (70,572
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

26.

Operating revenue

Disaggregation of operating revenues considering the economic factors that affect the amounts, timing and uncertainty of the Company’s revenue and future cash flows is as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     2018      2017  

Products transferred at a point in time:

     

Product sales

   W 134,290        160,571  

Services transferred over time:

     

Wireless service revenue(*1)

     9,999,778        10,768,777  

Cellular interconnection revenue

     565,314        624,299  

Others(*2)

     1,006,257        914,388  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     11,571,349        12,307,464  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 11,705,639        12,468,035  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*1)

Wireless service revenue includes revenue from wireless voice and data transmission services principally derived through usage charges collected from the wireless subscribers.

(*2)

Other revenue includes revenue from billing and collection services as well as other miscellaneous services.

Most of the Company’s transactions are occurring in Korea as it principally operates its businesses in Korea.

27. Other Operating Expenses

 

Details

of other operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     2018      2017  

Communication

   W 28,374        24,835  

Utilities

     229,508        232,757  

Taxes and dues

     21,630        20,318  

Repair

     247,095        229,724  

Research and development

     319,931        302,656  

Training

     26,482        23,968  

Bad debt for accounts receivable—trade

     18,082        15,049  

Other

     45,599        41,986  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 936,701        891,293  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

28.

Other Non-operating Income and Expenses

 

Details

of other non-operating income and expenses for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     2018      2017  

Other Non-operating Income:

     

Gain on disposal of property and equipment and intangible assets

   W 19,906        8,146  

Others

     21,359        10,325  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 41,265        18,471  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other Non-operating Expenses:

     

Loss on disposal of property and equipment and intangible assets

   W 54,695        30,884  

Donations

     58,354        93,950  

Bad debt for accounts receivable – other

     3,008        5,288  

Others

     33,760        35,661  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 149,817        165,783  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

29.

Finance Income and Costs

 

(1)

Details of finance income and costs for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)    2018      2017  

Finance Income:

     

Interest income

   W 42,301        53,721  

Gain on sale of accounts receivable – other

     25,476        18,548  

Dividends

     177,490        101,256  

Gain on foreign currency transactions

     14,666        9,275  

Gain on foreign currency translations

     568        7  

Gain relating to financial assets at FVTPL

     16,665        142  

Gain on disposal of long-term investment securities

     —          3,390  

Gain on valuation of derivatives

     1,893        1,686  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 279,059        188,025  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
(In millions of won)    2018      2017  

Finance Costs:

     

Interest expenses

   W 225,224        246,327  

Loss on foreign currency transactions

     14,932        13,817  

Loss on foreign currency translations

     650        521  

Loss on disposal of long-term investment securities

     —          694  

Loss on settlement of derivatives

     12,489        10,031  

Loss relating to financial assets at FVTPL

     625        —    

Loss relating to financial liabilities at FVTPL

     1,535        678  

Others

     —          2,030  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 255,455        274,098  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(2)

Details of interest income included in finance income for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     2018      2017  

Interest income on cash equivalents and short-term financial instruments

   W 16,220        14,747  

Interest income on loans and others

     26,081        38,974  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 42,301        53,721  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

29.

Finance Income and Costs, Continued

 

(3)

Details of interest expenses included in finance costs for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     2018      2017  

Interest expense on borrowings

   W 3,970        6,799  

Interest expense on debentures

     171,580        182,038  

Others

     49,674        57,490  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 225,224        246,327  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(4)

Finance income and costs by category of financial instruments for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows. Bad debt expense (reversal of loss allowance) for accounts receivable – trade, loans and receivables are presented and explained separately in notes 6 and 34.

 

  1)

Finance income and costs

 

(In millions of won)       
     2018  
     Finance
income(*)
     Finance
costs
 

Financial Assets:

     

Financial assets at FVTPL

   W 44,246        625  

Financial assets at FVOCI

     17,585        —    

Financial assets at amortized cost

     57,240        15,574  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     119,071        16,199  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financial Liabilities:

     

Financial liabilities at FVTPL

     —          1,535  

Financial liabilities measured at amortized cost

     83        225,232  

Derivatives designated as hedging instrument

     —          12,489  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     83        239,256  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 119,154        255,455  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*)

Finance income does not include W159,905 million of dividends received from subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures for the year ended December 31, 2018.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

29.

Finance Income and Costs, Continued

 

(4)

Finance income and costs by category of financial instruments for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows. Bad debt expense (reversal of loss allowance) for accounts receivable – trade, loans and receivables are presented and explained separately in notes 6 and 34, Continued.

 

  1)

Finance income and costs, Continued

 

(In millions of won)       
     2017  
     Finance
income(*)
     Finance
costs
 

Financial Assets:

     

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

   W 1,827        —    

Available-for-sale financial assets

     15,586        2,724  

Loans and receivables

     72,089        14,338  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     89,502        17,062  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financial Liabilities:

     

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

     —          678  

Financial liabilities measured at amortized cost

     9,251        246,327  

Derivatives designated as hedging instrument

     —          10,031  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     9,251        257,036  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 98,753        274,098  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*)

Finance income does not include W89,275 million of dividends received from subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures for the year ended December 31, 2017.

 

  2)

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

(In millions of won)              
     2018      2017  

Financial Assets:

     

Financial assets at FVOCI

   W (102,454      —    

Available-for-sale financial assets

     —          119,910  

Derivatives designated as hedging instrument

     17,694        7,302  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     (84,760      127,212  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financial Liabilities:

     

Derivatives designated as hedging instrument

     10,566        12,882  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W (74,194      140,094  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

29.

Finance Income and Costs, Continued

 

(5)

Details of impairment losses for financial assets for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     2018      2017  

Accounts receivable - trade

   W 18,082        15,049  

Other receivables

     3,008        5,288  

Available-for-sale financial assets

     —          2,030  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 21,090        22,367  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

30.

Income Tax Expense

 

(1)

Income tax expenses for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 consist of the following:

 

(In millions of won)              
     2018      2017  

Current tax expense:

     

Current year

   W 340,177        404,613  

Current tax of prior years

     (10,638      (112,423
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     329,539        292,190  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred tax expense:

     

Changes in net deferred tax assets

     (42,197      (19,496
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income tax expense

   W 287,342        272,694  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(2)

The difference between income taxes computed using the statutory corporate income tax rates and the recorded income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 is attributable to the following:

 

(In millions of won)              
   2018      2017  

Income taxes at statutory income tax rate

   W 325,480        387,660  

Non-taxable income

     (16,912      (40,381

Non-deductible expenses

     9,807        29,124  

Tax credit and tax reduction

     (14,037      (34,300

Changes in unrecognized deferred taxes

     4,777        42,896  

Income tax refund

     1,392        (99,331

Changes in tax rate etc.

     (23,165      (12,974
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income tax expense

   W 287,342        272,694  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(3)

Deferred taxes directly charged to (credited from) equity for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     2018      2017  

Valuation loss on financial assets at FVOCI

     36,187        —    

Valuation loss on available-for-sale financial assets

   W —          (45,331

Valuation gain (loss) on derivatives

     (10,266      (3,103

Remeasurement of defined benefit liabilities

     6,128        1,481  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 32,049        (46,953
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

30.

Income Tax Expense, Continued

 

(4)

Details of the changes in deferred tax assets (liabilities) for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)    2018  
   Beginning     Changes in
Accounting
Policies
    Deferred tax
expense
(income)
    Directly charged
to (credited
from) equity
    Ending  

Deferred tax assets (liabilities) related to temporary differences:

          

Loss allowance

   W 58,004       3,501       1,430       —         62,935  

Accrued interest income

     (177     —         66       —         (111

Financial assets measured at fair value(*)

     37,000       (282     (7,335     36,187       65,570  

Investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures

     65,948       —         (50,043     —         15,905  

Property and equipment

     (212,146     —         65,756       —         (146,390

Provisions

     1,039       —         (1,039     —         —    

Retirement benefit obligation

     6,917       —         1,666       6,128       14,711  

Valuation gain on derivatives

     25,872       —         14,681       (10,266     30,287  

Gain or loss on foreign currency translation

     21,922       —         16       —         21,938  

Incremental costs to acquire a contract

     —         (632,150     10,778       —         (621,372

Others

     26,574       —         6,221       —         32,795  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   W 30,953       (628,931     42,197       32,049       (523,732
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(*)

Financial assets measured at fair value was classified as available-for-sale financial assets before adopting K-IFRS No. 1109, Financial Instruments.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

30.

Income Tax Expense, Continued

 

(4)

Details of the changes in deferred tax assets (liabilities) for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows, Continued:

 

(In millions of won)    2017  
   Beginning     Deferred tax
expense
(income)
    Directly charged
to (credited
from) equity
    Ending  

Deferred tax assets (liabilities) related to temporary differences:

        

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   W 52,550       5,454       —         58,004  

Accrued interest income

     (111     (66     —         (177

Available-for-sale financial assets

     74,162       8,169       (45,331     37,000  

Investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures

     57,399       8,549       —         65,948  

Property and equipment (depreciation)

     (228,718     16,572       —         (212,146

Provisions

     5,980       (4,941     —         1,039  

Retirement benefit obligation

     7,759       (2,323     1,481       6,917  

Valuation gain on derivatives

     28,975       —         (3,103     25,872  

Gain or loss on foreign currency translation

     19,360       2,562       —         21,922  

Others

     41,054       (14,480     —         26,574  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   W 58,410       19,496       (46,953     30,953  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(5)

Details of temporary differences not recognized as deferred tax assets in the statements of financial position as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     December 31,
2018
     December 31,
2017
 

Loss allowance

   W 77,405        77,405  

Investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures

     1,537,141        1,211,650  

Other temporary differences

     51,150        83,150  

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

31.

Earnings per Share

 

(1)

Basic earnings per share

 

  1)

Basic earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are calculated as follows:

 

(In millions of won, except for share data)              
     2018      2017  

Profit for the year

   W 933,902        1,331,114  

Interest on hybrid bonds

     (15,803      (16,840
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Profit for the year on common shares

     918,099        1,314,274  

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding

     70,622,976        70,609,160  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share (in won)

   W 13,000        18,613  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  2)

The weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are calculated as follows:

 

(In shares)    2018  
     Issued shares      Treasury shares     Number of common
shares outstanding at
December 31
     Weights      Weighted average
number of common
shares
 

Issued shares at January 1

     80,745,711        (10,136,551     70,609,160        365/365        70,609,160  

Disposal of treasury shares

     —          1,260,668       1,260,668        4/365        13,816  
             

 

 

 
                70,622,976  
             

 

 

 

 

(In shares)    2017  
     Number of common shares      Weighted average number of
common shares
 

Issued shares at January 1

     80,745,711        80,745,711  

Treasury shares at January 1

     (10,136,551      (10,136,551
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     70,609,160        70,609,160  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(2)

Diluted earnings per share

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, diluted earnings per share are the same as basic earnings per share as there are no dilutive potential common shares.

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

32.

Dividends

 

(1)

Details of dividends declared

Details of dividend declared for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won, except for face value and share data)  

Year

  

Dividend type

   Number of shares
outstanding
     Face value
(in won)
     Dividend
ratio
     Dividends  
2018    Cash dividends (interim)      70,609,160        500        200    W 70,609  
   Cash dividends (year-end)      71,869,828        500        1,800      646,828  
              

 

 

 
               W 717,437  
              

 

 

 
2017    Cash dividends (interim)      70,609,160        500        200    W 70,609  
   Cash dividends (year-end)      70,609,160        500        1,800      635,482  
              

 

 

 
               W 706,091  
              

 

 

 

 

(2)

Dividends yield ratio

Dividends yield ratios for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In won)         

Year

  

Dividend type

   Dividend per
share
     Closing price
at year-end
     Dividend yield
ratio
 
2018    Cash dividends      10,000        269,500        3.71
2017    Cash dividends      10,000        267,000        3.75

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

33.

Categories of Financial Instruments

 

(1)

Financial assets by category as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)  
     December 31, 2018  
     Financial
assets at

FVTPL
     Equity
instruments
at

FVOCI
     Financial
assets at
amortized
cost
     Derivatives-
hedging
instrument
     Total  

Cash and cash equivalents

   W —          —          877,823        —          877,823  

Financial instruments

     —          —          99,382        —          99,382  

Short-term investment securities

     47,849        —          —          —          47,849  

Long-term investment securities(*)

     77,511        333,161        —          —          410,672  

Accounts receivable - trade

     —          —          1,354,260        —          1,354,260  

Loans and other receivables

     485,325        —          554,048        —          1,039,373  

Derivative financial assets

     10,947        —          —          39,858        50,805  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 621,632        333,161        2,885,513        39,858        3,880,164  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*)

The Company designated W333,161 million of equity instruments that are not held for trading as financial assets at FVOCI.

 

(In millions of won)  
     December 31, 2017  
     Financial
assets at

fair value
through
profit or loss
     Available-for-sale
financial assets
     Loans and
receivables
     Derivatives-
hedging
instrument
     Total  

Cash and cash equivalents

   W —          —          880,583        —          880,583  

Financial instruments

     —          —          94,382        —          94,382  

Short-term investment securities

     —          47,383        —          —          47,383  

Long-term investment securities

     —          724,603        —          —          724,603  

Accounts receivable - trade

     —          —          1,520,209        —          1,520,209  

Loans and other receivables

     —          —          1,524,714        —          1,524,714  

Derivative financial assets

     9,054        —          —          21,554        30,608  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 9,054        771,986        4,019,888        21,554        4,822,482  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

33.

Categories of Financial Instruments, Continued

 

(2)

Financial liabilities by category as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)       
     December 31, 2018  
     Financial
liabilities
at FVTPL
     Financial
liabilities at
amortized
cost
     Derivatives-
hedging
instrument
     Total  

Derivative financial liabilities

   W —          —          1,107        1,107  

Borrowings

     —          44,394        —          44,394  

Debentures (*)

     61,813        5,660,799        —          5,722,612  

Accounts payable – other and others

     —          5,181,029        —          5,181,029  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 61,813        10,886,222        1,107        10,949,142  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*)

Debentures classified as financial liabilities at FVTPL as of December 31, 2018 are structured bonds, and they were designated as financial liabilities at FVTPL in order to eliminate a measurement inconsistency with the related derivatives.

 

(In millions of won)       
     December 31, 2017  
     Financial
liabilities at fair
value through
profit or loss
     Financial
liabilities
measured at
amortized cost
     Derivatives-
hedging
instrument
     Total  

Derivative financial liabilities

   W —          —          38,510        38,510  

Borrowings

     —          54,517        —          54,517  

Debentures(*)

     60,278        5,393,586        —          5,453,864  

Accounts payable – other and others

     —          4,116,758        —          4,116,758  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 60,278        9,564,861        38,510        9,663,649  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*)

Debentures classified as financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss as of December 31, 2017 are structured bonds, and they were designated as financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss in order to eliminate a measurement inconsistency with the related derivatives.

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

34.

Financial Risk Management

 

(1)

Financial risk management

The Company is exposed to credit risk, liquidity risk and market risk. Market risk is the risk related to the changes in market prices, such as foreign exchange rates and interest rates. The Company implements a risk management system to monitor and manage these specific risks.

The Company’s financial assets consist of cash and cash equivalents, financial instruments, investment securities, and accounts receivable - trade and other. Financial liabilities consist of accounts payable – other and others, borrowings, and debentures.

 

  1)

Market risk

(i) Currency risk

The Company is exposed to currency risk mainly on exchange fluctuations on forecasted transactions and recognized assets and liabilities which are denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the Company.

Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies as of December 31, 2018 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won, thousands of foreign currencies)  
     Assets      Liabilities  
     Foreign
currencies
     Won
equivalent
     Foreign
currencies
     Won
equivalent
 

USD

     81,164      W 90,750        1,231,610      W 1,377,063  

EUR

     14,499        18,547        60        77  

JPY

     14,428        146        158        2  

Others

     —          155        —          15  
     

 

 

       

 

 

 
      W 109,598         W 1,377,157  
     

 

 

       

 

 

 

In addition, the Company has entered into cross currency swaps to hedge against currency risk related to foreign currency borrowings and debentures. (See note 18)

As of December 31, 2018, a hypothetical change in exchange rates by 10% would have increased (reduced) the Company’s income before income taxes as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     If increased by 10%      If decreased by 10%  

USD

   W 8,966        (8,966

EUR

     1,847        (1,847

JPY

     14        (14

Others

     14        (14
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 10,841        (10,841
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

34.

Financial Risk Management, Continued

 

(1)

Financial risk management, Continued

 

  1)

Market risk, Continued

 

(ii) Interest rate risk

The interest rate risk of the Company arises from borrowings, debentures, and long-term payables-other. Since the Company’s interest-bearing assets are mostly fixed-interest bearing assets, the Company’s revenue and operating cash flows from the interest-bearing assets are not influenced by the changes in market interest rates.

The Company performs various analysis of interest rate risk to reduce interest rate risk and to optimize its financing. To minimize risks arising from changes in interest rates, the Company takes various measures such as refinancing, renewal, alternative financing and hedging.

As of December 31, 2018, floating-rate debentures amount to W335,430 million, and the Company has entered into interest rate swaps to hedge interest rate risk related to floating-rate debentures as described in note 18. Therefore, income before income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2018 would not have been affected by the changes in interest rates of floating-rate borrowings and debentures.

As of December 31, 2018, the floating-rate long-term payables – other are W2,476,738 million. If the interest rate increases (decreases) 1% with all other variables held constant, income before income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2018 would change by W 24,767 million in relation to floating-rate long-term payables—other that are exposed to interest rate risk.

 

  2)

Credit risk

The maximum credit exposure as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     December 31,
2018
     December 31,
2017
 

Cash and cash equivalents

   W 877,781        880,541  

Financial instruments

     99,382        94,382  

Investment securities

     900        900  

Accounts receivable – trade

     1,354,260        1,520,209  

Loans and other receivables

     1,039,373        1,524,714  

Derivative financial assets

     50,805        30,608  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 3,422,501        4,051,354  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Company if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations. To manage credit risk, the Company evaluates the credit worthiness of each customer or counterparty considering the party’s financial information, its own trading records and other factors. Based on such information, the Company establishes credit limits for each customer or counterparty.

 

162


Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

34.

Financial Risk Management, Continued

 

(1)

Financial risk management, Continued

 

  2)

Credit risk, Continued

 

(i) Account receivable – trade and contract assets

The Company establishes a loss allowance in respect of account receivable – trade and contract assets. The main components of this allowance are a specific loss component that relates to individually significant exposures and a collective loss component established for groups of similar assets in respect of losses that are expected to occur. The collective loss allowance is determined based on historical data of collection statistics for similar financial assets. Details of changes in loss allowance during the year ended December 31, 2018 are included in note 6.

(ii) Debt investments

The credit risk arises from debt investments included in W 99,382 million of financial instruments, W 900 million of investment securities, and W1,039,373 million of loans and other receivables. To limit the exposure to this risk, the Company transacts only with financial institutions with credit ratings that are considered to be low credit risk.

Most of the Company’s debt investments are considered to have a low risk of default and the borrower has a strong capacity to meet its contractual cash flow obligations in the near term. Thus the Company measured the loss allowance for the debt investments at an amount equal to 12-month expected credit losses.

Meanwhile, the Company monitors changes in credit risk at each reporting date. The Company recognized the loss allowance at an amount equal to lifetime expected credit losses when the credit risk on the debt investments is assumed to have increased significantly if it is more than 30 days past due.

The Company’s maximum exposure to credit risk is equal to each financial asset’s carrying amount. The gross carrying amounts of each financial asset except for the accounts receivable – trade and derivative financial assets as of December 31, 2018 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)  
            At amortized cost  
     Financial assets at
FVTPL
     12-month
ECL
     Lifetime ECL – not
credit impaired
     Lifetime ECL –
credit impaired
 

Gross carrying amount

   W 486,225        633,760        32,093        79,663  

Loss allowance

     —          (3,305      (9,116      (79,663
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Carrying amount

   W 486,225        630,455        22,977        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

163


Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

34.

Financial Risk Management, Continued

 

(1)

Financial risk management, Continued

 

  2)

Credit risk, Continued

 

(ii) Debt investments, Continued

 

Changes in the loss allowance for the debt investments during the year ended December 31, 2018 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)  
     12-month
ECL
     Lifetime ECL –
not credit impaired
     Lifetime ECL – credit
impaired
     Total  

December 31, 2017

   W              97,547  

Changes in accounting policy

              99  

January 1, 2018

     2,997        11,905        82,744        97,646  

Remeasurement of loss allowance, net

     716        2,834        (542      3,008  

Transfer to lifetime ECL – not credit impaired

     (408      408        —          —    

Transfer to lifetime ECL – credit impaired

     —          (6,031      6,031        —    

Amounts written off

     —          —          (13,089      (13,089

Recovery of amounts written off

     —          —          4,519        4,519  

December 31, 2018

   W 3,305        9,116        79,663        92,084  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

(iii) Cash and cash equivalents

The Company has W 877,781 million as of December 31, 2018 (W 880,541 million as of December 31, 2017) cash and cash equivalents with banks and financial institutions above specific credit ratings.

Impairment on cash and cash equivalents has been measured on a 12-month expected loss basis and reflects the short maturities of the exposures. The Company considered that its cash and cash equivalents have low credit risk based on the credit ratings of the counterparties assigned by external credit rating agencies.

 

164


Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

34.

Financial Risk Management, Continued

 

(1)

Financial risk management, Continued

 

  3)

Liquidity risk

The Company’s approach to managing liquidity is to ensure that it will always maintain sufficient cash and cash equivalents balances and have enough liquidity through various committed credit lines. The Company maintains enough liquidity within credit lines through active operating activities.

Contractual maturities of financial liabilities as of December 31, 2018 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)  
     Carrying
amount
     Contractual
cash flows
     Less than 1
year
     1 – 5 years      More than 5
years
 

Borrowings(*)

   W 44,394        46,948        13,714        33,234        —    

Debentures(*)

     5,722,612        6,900,330        677,605        3,212,136        3,010,589  

Accounts payable – other and others(*)

     5,181,029        5,409,888        3,238,459        1,395,373        776,056  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 10,948,035        12,357,166        3,929,778        4,640,743        3,786,645  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (*)

Includes interest payables.

The Company does not expect that the cash flows included in the maturity analysis could occur significantly earlier or at different amounts.

As of December 31, 2018, periods in which cash flows from cash flow hedge derivatives are expected to occur are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)  
     Carrying
amount
    Contractual
cash flows
    Less than 1
year
    1 –5 years     More than 5
years
 

Assets

   W 39,858       36,965       19,774       50,223       (33,032

Liabilities

     (1,107     (1,150     (132     (1,018     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   W 38,751       35,815       19,642       49,205       (33,032
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

165


Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

34.

Financial Risk Management, Continued

 

(2)

Capital management

The Company manages its capital to ensure that it will be able to continue as a business while maximizing the return to shareholders through the optimization of its debt and equity structure. The overall strategy of the Company is the same as that of the Company as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017.

The Company monitors its debt-equity ratio as a capital management indicator. This ratio is calculated as total liabilities divided by total equity; both are from the financial statements.

Debt-equity ratio as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)             
     December 31,
2018
    December 31,
2017
 

Total liabilities

   W 11,960,536       10,550,131  

Total equity

     16,887,487       15,007,391  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Debt-equity ratios

     70.82     70.30
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(3)

Fair value

 

  1)

Fair value and carrying amount of financial assets and liabilities including fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2018 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)    December 31, 2018  
     Carrying
amount
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Financial assets that are measured at fair value:

              

FVTPL

   W 621,632        —          544,121        77,511        621,632  

Derivatives hedging instrument

     39,858        —          39,858        —          39,858  

FVOCI

     333,161        292,399        —          40,762        333,161  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 994,651        292,399        583,979        118,273        994,651  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financial liabilities that are measured at fair value:

              

FVTPL

   W 61,813        —          61,813        —          61,813  

Derivative financial liabilities

     1,107        —          1,107        —          1,107  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 62,920        —          62,920        —          62,920  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financial liabilities that are not measured at fair value:

              

Borrowings

   W 44,394        —          45,229        —          45,229  

Debentures

     5,660,799        —          6,033,601        —          6,033,601  

Long-term payables – other

     2,362,966        —          2,439,593        —          2,439,593  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 8,068,159        —          8,518,423        —          8,518,423  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

166


Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

34.

Financial Risk Management, Continued

 

(3)

Fair value, Continued

 

  2)

Fair value and carrying amount of financial assets and liabilities including fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)    December 31, 2017  
     Carrying
amount
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Financial assets that are measured at fair value:

              

FVTPL

   W 9,054        —          9,054        —          9,054  

Derivatives-hedging instrument

     21,554        —          21,554        —          21,554  

Available-for-sale financial assets

     636,642        586,713        47,383        2,546        636,642  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 667,250        586,713        77,991        2,546        667,250  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financial liabilities that are measured at fair value:

              

FVTPL

   W 60,278        —          60,278        —          60,278  

Derivative financial liabilities

     38,510        —          38,510        —          38,510  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 98,788        —          98,788        —          98,788  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financial liabilities that are not measured at fair value:

              

Borrowings

   W 54,517        —          55,131        —          55,131  

Debentures

     5,393,586        —          5,647,638        —          5,647,638  

Long-term payables - other

     1,630,381        —          1,749,132        —          1,749,132  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 7,078,484        —          7,451,901        —          7,451,901  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The above information does not include fair values of financial assets and liabilities of which fair values have not been measured as carrying amounts are reasonable approximation of fair values.

Available-for-sale financial assets amounting to W135,344 million as of December 31, 2017 are measured at cost in accordance with K-IFRS No. 1039 since they are equity instruments which do not have quoted price in an active market for the identical instruments and for which fair value cannot be reliably measured using other valuation methods.

Fair value of the financial instruments that are traded in an active market (financial assets at FVOCI) is measured based on the bid price at the end of the reporting date.

The Company uses various valuation methods for determination of fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market. Derivative financial contracts and long-term liabilities are measured using the discounted present value methods. Other financial assets are determined using the methods such as discounted cash flow and market approach. Inputs used to such valuation methods include swap rate, interest rate, and risk premium, and the Company performs valuation using the inputs which are consistent with natures of assets and liabilities measured.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

34.

Financial Risk Management, Continued

 

(3)

Fair value, Continued

 

  2)

Fair value and carrying amount of financial assets and liabilities including fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2017 are as follows, Continued:

 

Interest rates used by the Company for the fair value measurement as of December 31, 2018 are as follows:

 

     Interest rate

Derivative instruments

   1.63% ~ 3.12%

Borrowings and debentures

   2.17% ~ 2.21%

Long-term payables - other

   2.07% ~ 2.28%

 

  3)

There have been no transfers between Level 2 and Level 1 for year ended December 31, 2018. The changes of financial assets classified as Level 3 for the year ended December 31, 2018 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)                                       
     Balance at
January 1, 2018
     Impact of adopting
K-IFRS No. 1109
    Valuation     Acquisition      Disposal     Balance at
December 31, 2018
 

Available-for-sale financial assets

   W 2,546        (2,546     —         —          —         —    

FVTPL

            71,139       11,945       90        (5,663     77,511  

FVOCI

            67,804       (25,613     900        (2,329     40,762  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
   W 2,546        136,397       (13,668     990        (7,992     118,273  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(4)

Enforceable master netting agreement or similar agreement

Carrying amount of financial instruments recognized of which offset agreements are applicable as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)    December 31, 2018  
     Gross financial
instruments
recognized
     Amount
offset
    Net financial
instruments
presented on the
statement of
financial position
     Relevant financial
instruments not offset
    Net
amount
 

Financial assets:

            

Derivatives(*)

   W 1,867        —         1,867        (1,107     760  

Accounts receivable – trade and others

     92,000        (92,000     —          —         —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
   W 93,867        (92,000     1,867        (1,107     760  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financial liabilities:

            

Derivatives(*)

   W 1,107        —         1,107        (1,107     —    

Accounts payable – other and others

     92,324        (92,000     324        —         324  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
   W 93,431        (92,000     1,431        (1,107     324  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

34.

Financial Risk Management, Continued

 

(4)

Enforceable master netting agreement or similar agreement, Continued

 

Carrying amount of financial instruments recognized of which offset agreements are applicable as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows, Continued:

 

 

 

 

(In millions of won)    December 31, 2017  
     Gross financial
instruments
recognized
     Amount
offset
    Net financial
instruments
presented on the
statement of
financial
position
     Relevant financial
instruments not
offset
    Net
amount
 

Financial assets:

            

Derivatives(*)

   W 26,297        —         26,297        (19,781     6,516  

Accounts receivable – trade and others

     88,901        (88,301     600        —         600  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
   W 115,198        (88,301     26,897        (19,781     7,116  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financial liabilities:

            

Derivatives(*)

   W 19,781        —         19,781        (19,781     —    

Accounts payable – other and others

     88,301        (88,301     —          —         —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
   W 108,082        (88,301     19,781        (19,781     —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(*)

The balance represents the net amount under the standard terms and conditions of International Swap and Derivatives Association.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

35.

Transactions with Related Parties

 

(1)

List of related parties

 

Relationship

  

Company

Ultimate Controlling Entity

   SK Holdings Co., Ltd.

Subsidiaries

   SK Planet Co., Ltd. and 43 others(*)

Joint ventures

   Dogus Planet, Inc. and 2 others

Associates

   SK Hynix Inc. and 41 others

Others

   The Ultimate Controlling Entity’s other subsidiaries and associates, etc.

 

(*)

As of December 31, 2018, subsidiaries of the Company are as follows:

 

Company

  Ownership
percentage(%)(*1)
   

Types of business

Subsidiaries owned by the Company

  SK Telink Co., Ltd.     100.0    

Telecommunication and Mobile Virtual Network Operator service

  SK Communications Co., Ltd.     100.0     Internet website services
  SK Broadband Co., Ltd.     100.0     Telecommunication services
  PS&Marketing Corporation     100.0     Communications device retail business
  SERVICE ACE Co., Ltd.     100.0     Customer center management service
  SERVICE TOP Co., Ltd.     100.0     Customer center management service
  Network O&S Co., Ltd.     100.0     Base station maintenance service
  SK Telecom China Holdings Co., Ltd.     100.0     Investment(Holdings company)
  SK Global Healthcare Business Group., Ltd.     100.0     Investment
  YTK Investment Ltd.     100.0     Investment
  Atlas Investment     100.0     Investment
  SKT Americas, Inc.     100.0     Information gathering and consulting
  One Store Co., Ltd.     65.5     Telecommunication services
  SK Planet Co., Ltd.(*2,3)     98.7     Telecommunication services
  Eleven Street Co., Ltd.(*2)     80.3     Telecommunication services
  IRIVER LIMITED     52.6     Manufacturing of media and audio equipment
  SK Infosec Co., Ltd. (*8)     100.0     System software development and supply
 

Life & Security Holdings Co., Ltd.(*8)

    55.0     Investment(Holdings company)
  Quantum Innovation Fund I(*8)     59.9     Investment
  SK Telecom Japan Inc.(*4)     100.0     Investment
  id Quantique SA(*5)     65.6     Quantum information and communications service

Subsidiaries owned by SK Planet Co., Ltd.

 

SK m&service Co.,Ltd.

    100.0     Database and internet website service
  SK Planet Japan, K. K.     79.5     Digital contents sourcing service
  SKP GLOBAL HOLDINGS PTE. LTD.     100.0     Investment(Holdings company)
  SKP America LLC.     100.0     Digital contents sourcing service
  shopkick Management Company, Inc.     100.0     Investment
  shopkick, Inc.     100.0     Reward points-based in-store shopping application development
  K-net Culture and Contents Venture Fund     59.0    

Capital investing in startups

Subsidiaries owned by IRIVER LIMITED

  iriver Enterprise Ltd.     100.0    

Management of Chinese subsidiaries

  iriver Inc.     100.0     Sales and marketing in North America
  iriver China Co., Ltd.     100.0     Sales and manufacturing of MP3 and 4 in China
  Dongguan iriver Electronics Co., Ltd.     100.0     Sales and Manufacturing of e-book devices in China
  groovers Japan Co., Ltd.     100.0     Digital music contents sourcing and distribution service
 

LIFE DESIGN COMPANY Inc.

(formerly, S.M. LIFE DESIGN COMPANY JAPAN INC.)

    100.0     Selling of goods in Japan
  groovers Inc.(*6)     100.0     Selling of contents and mastering quality sound album

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

35.

Transactions with Related Parties, Continued

 

(1)

List of related parties, Continued

 

Company

  Ownership
percentage(%)(*1)
   

Types of business

Subsidiaries owned by Life & Security Holdings Co., Ltd.

  ADT CAPS Co., Ltd.(*9)     100.0    

Security system service

  CAPSTEC Co., Ltd.     100.0    

Security service

  ADT SECURITY Co., Ltd.     100.0    

Sales and trade of anti-theft devices and surveillance devices

Subsidiaries owned by SK Telink Co., Ltd.

  SK TELINK VIETNAM Co., Ltd.(*7)     100.0    

Communications device retail business

Subsidiaries owned by SK Broadband Co., Ltd.

  Home & Service Co., Ltd.     100.0    

Operation of information and communication facility

  SK stoa Co., Ltd.     100.0    

Other telecommunication retail business

Subsidiaries owned by id Quantique SA

  Id Quantique LLC     100.0    

Quantum information and

communications service

Others(*10)

  SK Telecom Innovation Fund, L.P     100.0    

Investment

  SK Telecom China Fund I L.P.     100.0    

Investment

 

(*1)

The ownership interest represents direct ownership interest in subsidiaries either by the Company or subsidiaries of the Company.

(*2)

Eleven Street Co., Ltd. was spun off from SK Planet Co., Ltd. during the year ended December 31, 2018.

(*3)

SK techx Co., Ltd. was merged into SK Planet Co., Ltd. during the year ended December 31, 2018.

(*4)

SK Telecom Japan Inc. was established during the year ended December 31, 2018.

(*5)

The Company additionally acquired shares of id Quantique SA during the year ended December 31, 2018 and reclassified the investee from equity investment measured at fair value to investment in subsidiaries.

(*6)

groovers Inc. became one of the subsidiaries of IRIVER LIMITED as a result of the acquisition of additional ownership interests during the year ended December 31, 2018.

(*7)

SK TELINK VIETNAM Co., Ltd. was established by SK Telink Co., Ltd. during the year ended December 31, 2018.

(*8)

SK Infosec Co., Ltd., Life & Security Holdings Co., Ltd., and Quantum Innovation Fund I were newly acquired during the year ended December 31, 2018.

(*9)

NSOK Co., Ltd. was merged into ADT CAPS Co., Ltd. during the year ended December 31, 2018.

(*10)

Others are owned by Atlas Investment and another subsidiary of the Company.

As of December 31, 2018, the Company is included in SK Group, a conglomerate as defined in the Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act. All of the other entities included in SK Group are considered related parties of the Company.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

35.

Transactions with Related Parties, Continued

 

(2)

Compensation for the key management

The Company considers registered directors (3 executive and 5 non-executive directors) who have substantial role and responsibility in planning, operations, and relevant controls of the business as key management. The compensation given to such key management for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     2018      2017  

Salaries

   W 4,488        2,169  

Defined benefits plan expenses

     920        258  

Share option

     548        414  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 5,956        2,841  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Compensation for the key management includes salaries, non-monetary salaries, and retirement benefits made in relation to the pension plan and compensation expenses related to share options granted.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

35.

Transactions with Related Parties, Continued

 

(3)

Transactions with related parties for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)         2018  

Scope

  

Company

   Operating
revenue and
others
     Operating
expense
and others
     Acquisition
of property
and
equipment
     Collection
of loans
 

Ultimate Controlling Entity

   SK Holdings Co., Ltd.(*1)    W 10,396        509,349        72,756        —    
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Subsidiaries

   SK Broadband Co., Ltd.      120,312        561,672        58,157        —    
   PS&Marketing Corporation(*2)      11,701        1,503,532        883        —    
   Network O&S Co., Ltd.      4,331        216,305        48,643        —    
   SK Planet Co., Ltd.      20,750        48,622        18,646        —    
   SK Telink Co., Ltd.      55,490        22,875        —          —    
   SERVICE ACE Co., Ltd.      7,739        130,313        —          —    
   SERVICE TOP Co., Ltd.      8,359        155,577        —          —    
   Eleven Street Co., Ltd.      8,246        6,870        —          —    
   SK techx Co., Ltd. (*3)      3,373        96,258        11,064        —    
   Others (*4)      76,878        80,992        24,761        —    
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
        317,179        2,823,016        162,154        —    
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Associates

   F&U Credit information Co., Ltd.      1,589        46,300        —          —    
   HappyNarae Co., Ltd. (*5)      106        14,465        78,267        —    
   SK hynix Inc.(*6)      175,029        313        —          —    
   KEB HanaCard Co., Ltd.      15,046        15,387        —          —    
   Others(*7)      4,910        30,844        1,202        204  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
        196,680        107,309        79,469        204  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other

   SK Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd.      3,167        224        8,700        —    
   SK Innovation Co., Ltd.      8,995        996        —          —    
   SK Networks Co., Ltd.      14,069        15,020        435        —    
   SK Networks service Co., Ltd.      650        48,618        3,948        —    
   SK Telesys Co., Ltd.      181        885        72,942        —    
   SK TNS Co., Ltd.      100        13,280        359,837        —    
   SK energy Co., Ltd.      2,814        227        —          —    
   SKC Infra Service Co., Ltd.      44        9,869        3,648        —    
   SK ENS Co., Ltd.      1,604        121        —          —    
   Others      10,289        5,356        —          —    
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
        41,913        94,596        449,510        —    
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
      W 566,168        3,534,270        763,889        204  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

35.

Transactions with Related Parties, Continued

 

(3)

Transactions with related parties for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows, Continued:

 

(*1)

Operating expenses and others include W203,635 million of dividends paid by the Company.

(*2)

Operating expenses and others include W889,352 million paid to PS&Marketing Corporation relating to purchase of accounts receivables resulting from sale of handsets.

(*3)

Transactions with SK techx Co., Ltd occurred before merger with SK Planet Co., Ltd.

(*4)

Operating revenue and others include W10,090 million of dividends received from SK Global Healthcare Business Group Ltd. and W39,679 million of investment return.

(*5)

Transactions with HappyNarae Co., Ltd. occured before disposal.

(*6)

Operating revenue and others include W146,100 million of dividends received.

(*7)

Operating revenue and others include W3,715 million of dividends received from Korea IT Fund and UniSK.

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

35.

Transactions with Related Parties, Continued

 

(3)

Transactions with related parties for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows, Continued:

 

(In millions of won)         2017  

Scope

  

Company

   Operating
revenue and
others
     Operating
expense
and others
     Acquisition
of property
and
equipment
     Collection
of loans
 

Ultimate Controlling Entity

   SK Holdings Co., Ltd.(*1)    W 12,075        498,815        126,996        —    
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Subsidiaries

   SK Broadband Co., Ltd.      116,763        543,626        92,860        —    
   PS&Marketing Corporation(*2)      12,947        1,614,910        945        —    
   Network O&S Co., Ltd.      5,184        203,475        52,347        —    
   SK Planet Co., Ltd.      28,879        34,182        255        —    
   SK Telink Co., Ltd.      61,963        19,384        27        —    
   SERVICE ACE Co., Ltd.      7,947        130,202        —          —    
   SERVICE TOP Co., Ltd.      8,446        141,170        —          —    
   SK techx Co., Ltd.      6,102        183,437        6,250        —    
   Others      27,873        44,810        3,302        —    
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
        276,104        2,915,196        155,986        —    
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Associates

   F&U Credit information Co., Ltd.      2,301        43,189        153        —    
   HappyNarae Co., Ltd.      55        14,028        60,014        —    
   SK hynix Inc.(*3)      119,080        251        —          —    
   KEB HanaCard Co., Ltd.      17,873        15,045        —          —    
   Others(*4)      4,330        31,606        151        204  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
        143,639        104,119        60,318        204  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other

   SK Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd.      4,370        204        —          —    
   SK Innovation Co., Ltd.      6,700        950        —          —    
   SK Networks Co., Ltd.      15,843        15,934        671        —    
   SK Networks service Co., Ltd.      344        50,658        4,686        —    
   SK Telesys Co., Ltd.      238        1,455        83,407        —    
   SK TNS Co., Ltd.      98        33,204        373,176        —    
   Others      17,754        48,845        10,891        —    
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
        45,347        151,250        472,831        —    
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

      W 477,165        3,669,380        816,131        204  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*1)

Operating expenses and others include W203,635 million of dividends paid by the Company.

(*2)

Operating expenses and others include W922,068 million paid to PS&Marketing Corporation relating to purchase of accounts receivables resulting from sale of handsets.

(*3)

Operating revenue and others include W87,660 million of dividends received.

(*4)

Operating revenue and others include W1,403 million of dividends received from Korea IT Fund.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

35.

Transactions with Related Parties, Continue

 

(4)

Account balances with related parties as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)         December 31, 2018  
          Receivables      Payables  

Scope

  

Company

   Loans      Accounts
receivable-
trade, etc.
     Accounts
payable – other,
etc.
 

Ultimate Controlling Entity

   SK Holdings Co., Ltd.    W —          2,119        88,103  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Subsidiaries

   SK Broadband Co., Ltd.      —          7,637        69,069  
   PS&Marketing Corporation      —          250        82,034  
   Network O&S Co., Ltd.      —          35        42,683  
   SK Planet Co., Ltd.      —          1,003        45,268  
   SK Telink Co., Ltd.      —          8,353        4,629  
   SERVICE ACE Co., Ltd.      —          123        24,629  
   SERVICE TOP Co., Ltd.      —          138        30,771  
   Eleven Street Co., Ltd.      —          2,086        3,141  
   One Store Co., Ltd.      —          1,178        27,164  
   SK m&service Co., Ltd.      —          3,366        5,894  
   Others      —          401        28,776  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
        —          24,570        364,058  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Associates

   F&U Credit information Co., Ltd.      —          92        5,725  
   SK hynix Inc.      —          12,840        89  
   Wave City Development Co., Ltd.      —          37,263        —    
   Daehan Kanggun BcN Co., Ltd.(*)      22,147        —          —    
   KEB HanaCard Co., Ltd.      —          541        11,311  
   Others      407        111        1,762  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
        22,554        50,847        18,887  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other

   SK Engineering and Construction Co., Ltd.      —          441        760  
   SK Innovation Co., Ltd.      —          2,297        798  
   SK Networks Co., Ltd.      —          1,226        327  
   SK Networks Services Co., Ltd.      —          11        7,849  
   SK Telesys Co., Ltd.      —          19        4,163  
   SK TNS Co., Ltd.      —          —          78,421  
   SK Energy Co., Ltd      —          790        102  
   Others      —          1,732        4,591  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
        —          6,516        97,011  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

      W 22,554        84,052        568,059  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*)

As of December 31, 2018, the Company recognized the entire balance of loans to Daehan Kanggun BcN Co., Ltd. as loss allowances.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

35.

Transactions with Related Parties, Continue

 

(4)

Account balances with related parties as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows, Continued:

 

 

(In millions of won)         December 31, 2017  
          Receivables      Payables  

Scope

  

Company

   Loans      Accounts receivable-
trade, etc.
     Accounts payable –
other, etc.
 

Ultimate Controlling Entity

   SK Holdings Co., Ltd.    W —          1,819        82,456  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Subsidiaries

   SK Broadband Co., Ltd.      —          12,458        117,262  
   PS&Marketing Corporation      —          335        116,333  
   Network O&S Co., Ltd.      —          611        52,507  
   SK Planet Co., Ltd.      —          4,232        14,487  
   SK Telink Co., Ltd.      —          8,626        4,119  
   SERVICE ACE Co., Ltd.      —          252        24,432  
   SERVICE TOP Co., Ltd.      —          136        26,625  
   SK techx Co., Ltd.      —          1,273        22,722  
   One Store Co., Ltd.      —          226        23,210  
   SK m&service Co.,Ltd.      —          5,967        6,096  
   Others      —          2,059        17,860  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
        —          36,175        425,653  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Associates

   HappyNarae Co., Ltd.      —          8        1,305  
   SK hynix Inc.      —          2,803        94  
   Wave City Development Co., Ltd.      —          38,412        —    
   Daehan Kanggun BcN Co., Ltd.(*)      22,147        —          —    
   KEB HanaCard Co., Ltd.      —          1,427        11,080  
   S.M. Culture & Contents Co.,Ltd.      —          77        4,559  
   Others      611        1,928        2,443  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
        22,758        44,655        19,481  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other

   SK Engineering and Construction Co., Ltd.      —          1,413        69  
   SK Networks Co., Ltd.      —          2,279        1,469  
   SK Networks Services Co., Ltd.      —          14        8,646  
   SK Telesys Co., Ltd.      —          26        397  
   SK Innovation Co., Ltd.      —          2,530        564  
   SK TNS Co., Ltd.      —          —          133,220  
   Others      —          1,884        14,016  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
        —          8,146        158,381  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

      W 22,758        90,795        685,971  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*)

The Company has recognized loss allowance on the entire balance of loans to Daehan Kanggun BcN Co., Ltd as of December 31, 2017.

 

(5)

There were additional investments and disposal transactions in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 as presented in note 10.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

36.     Sale and Leaseback

For the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company disposed a portion of its property and equipment and investment property, and entered into lease agreements with respect to those assets. These sale and leaseback transactions were accounted as operating leases.

The Company recognized lease payment of W15,340 million and W15,087 million, respectively, in relation to the operating lease agreements and lease revenue of W10,189 million and W10,183 million, respectively, in relation to sublease agreements for the year ended December 31, 2018 and 2017. Future lease payments and revenue from the operating lease agreements and sublease agreements are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)    Minimum lease payments      Revenue  

Less than 1 year

   W 16,159        10,202  

1~5 years

     40,733        21,943  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 56,892        32,145  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

37.

Commitments and Contingencies

 

(1)

Accounts receivables from sale of handsets

The sales agents of the Company sell handsets to the Company’s subscribers on an installment basis. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company entered into comprehensive agreements to purchase accounts receivables from handset sales with retail stores and authorized dealers, and to transfer the accounts receivables from handset sales to special purpose companies which were established with the purpose of liquidating receivables, respectively.

The accounts receivables from sale of handsets amounting to W612,779 million as of December 31, 2018 which the Company purchased according to the relevant comprehensive agreement are recognized as accounts receivable – other and long-term accounts receivable – other.

 

(2)

Legal claims and litigations

As of December 31, 2018, the Company is involved in various legal claims and litigation. Provision recognized in relation to these claims and litigation is immaterial. In connection with those legal claims and litigation for which no provision was recognized, management does not believe the Company has a present obligation, nor is it expected any of these claims or litigation will have a significant impact on the Company’s financial position or operating results in the event an outflow of resources is ultimately necessary.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

38.

Statements of Cash Flows

 

(1)

Adjustments for income and expenses from operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)    2018      2017  

Gain on foreign currency translations

   W (568      (7

Interest income

     (42,301      (53,721

Dividends

     (177,490      (101,256

Gain relating to financial assets at FVTPL

     (16,665      (142

Gain on disposal of long-term investment securities

     —          (3,390

Gain on disposal of property and equipment and intangible assets

     (19,906      (8,146

Gain on valuation of derivatives

     (1,893      (1,686

Gain on sale of accounts receivable - other

     (25,476      (18,548

Loss on foreign currency translations

     650        521  

Bad debt for accounts receivable - trade

     18,082        15,049  

Bad debt for accounts receivable - other

     3,008        5,288  

Loss on disposal of long-term investment securities

     —          694  

Loss relating to financial assets at FVTPL

     625        —    

Other finance costs

     —          2,030  

Depreciation and amortization

     2,473,489        2,503,526  

Loss on disposal of property and equipment and intangible assets

     54,695        30,884  

Impairment loss on property and equipment and intangible assets

     27,264        —    

Interest expenses

     225,224        246,327  

Loss relating to financial liabilities at FVTPL

     1,535        678  

Loss on settlement of derivatives

     12,489        10,031  

Gain (loss) relating to investments in subsidiaries and associates

     1,302        (139,484

Retirement benefit expenses

     40,899        39,259  

Share option

     593        414  

Income tax expense

     287,342        272,694  

Other expenses

     734        3,224  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 2,863,632        2,804,239  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

38.

Statements of Cash Flows, Continued

 

(2)

Changes in assets and liabilities from operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)    2018      2017  

Accounts receivable – trade

   W 135,190        59,143  

Accounts receivable – other

     508,904        (217,390

Advance payments

     7,167        12,781  

Prepaid expenses

     144,274        (13,132

Inventories

     6,961        1,202  

Long-term accounts receivable – other

     11,065        (137,979

Long-term prepaid expenses

     (83,263      2,749  

Guarantee deposits

     (5,692      5,534  

Contract assets

     (1,689      —    

Long-term contract assets

     (5,842      —    

Accounts payable – other

     (178,384      98,925  

Advanced receipts

     —          4,695  

Withholdings

     132,487        (124,591

Deposits received

     116        (5,536

Accrued expenses

     (109,331      87,224  

Unearned revenue

     —          6,990  

Provisions

     (3,874      (16,066

Long-term provisions

     —          (1,244

Plan assets

     (34,527      (42,221

Retirement benefit payment

     (23,601      (18,783

Contract liabilities

     9,063        —    

Long-term contract liabilities

     1,325        —    

Others

     30        3,863  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 510,379        (293,836
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(3)

Significant non-cash transactions for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)    2018 2017     

 

 

Increase in accounts payable – other relating to the acquisition of property and equipment and intangible assets

   W 1,147,331        18,848  

Investment in subsidiary from comprehensive stock exchange

     44,077        —    

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

Notes to the Separate Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

38.

Statements of Cash Flows, Continued

 

(4) Reconciliation of liabilities arising from financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)    2018  
     January
1, 2018
    Cash flows     Non-cash transactions     December 31,
2018
 
    Exchange rate
changes
    Fair value
changes
    Other
changes
 

Total liabilities from financing activities:

            

Long-term borrowings

   W 54,517       (12,770     2,281       —         366       44,394  

Debentures

     5,453,864       209,796       52,880       1,535       4,537       5,722,612  

Long-term payables – other

     1,630,381       (302,867     —         —         1,035,452       2,362,966  

Derivative financial liabilities

     38,510       (27,097     13,595       (9,612     (14,289     1,107  

Derivative financial assets

     (30,608     (2,000     2,000       (20,197     —         (50,805
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   W 7,146,664       (134,938     70,756       (28,274     1,026,066       8,080,274  

Other cash flows from financing activities:

            

Payments of cash dividends

   W       (706,091        

Issuance of hybrid bonds

       398,759          

Repayment of hybrid bonds

       (400,000        

Payments of interest on hybrid bonds

       (15,803        
    

 

 

         
       (723,135        
    

 

 

         
   W       (858,073        
    

 

 

         
(In millions of won)    2017  
     January
1, 2017
    Cash flows     Non-cash transactions     December 31,
2017
 
    Exchange rate
changes
    Fair value
changes
    Other
changes
 

Total liabilities from financing activities:

            

Long-term borrowings

   W 74,907       (13,002     (7,898     —         510       54,517  

Debentures

     5,606,444       44,595       (204,424     —         7,249       5,453,864  

Long-term payables – other

     1,904,716       (302,867     —         —         28,532       1,630,381  

Derivative financial liabilities

     86,950       (105,269     13,281       38,510       5,038       38,510  

Derivative financial assets

     (176,465     188       922       144,065       682       (30,608
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   W 7,496,552       (376,355     (198,119     182,575       42,011       7,146,664  

Other cash flows from financing activities:

            

Payments of cash dividends

   W       (706,091        

Payments of interest on hybrid bonds

       (16,840        
    

 

 

         
       (722,931        
    

 

 

         
   W       (1,099,286        
    

 

 

         

 

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Independent Accountants’ Review Report on Internal Accounting Control System

English translation of a Report Originally Issued in Korean

To the Representative Director of

SK Telecom Co., Ltd.

We have reviewed the accompanying Report on the Operations of Internal Accounting Control System (“IACS”) of SK Telecom Co., Ltd. (the “Company”) As of December 31, 2018. The Company’s management is responsible for designing and maintaining effective IACS and for its assessment of the effectiveness of IACS. Our responsibility is to review management’s assessment and issue a report based on our review. In the accompanying report of management’s assessment of IACS, the Company’s management stated: “Based on the assessment on the operations of the IACS, the Company’s IACS has been effectively designed and is operating as of December 31, 2018, in all material respects, in accordance with the IACS Framework issued by the Internal Accounting Control System Operation Committee.”

We conducted our review in accordance with IACS Review Standards, issued by the Korean Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Those Standards require that we plan and perform the review to obtain assurance of a level less than that of an audit as to whether Report on the Operations of Internal Accounting Control System is free of material misstatement. Our review consists principally of obtaining an understanding of the Company’s IACS, inquiries of company personnel about the details of the report, and tracing to related documents we considered necessary in the circumstances. We have not performed an audit and, accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

A company’s IACS is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Because of its inherent limitations, however, IACS 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.

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that Report on the Operations of Internal Accounting Control System as of December 31, 2018 is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with IACS Framework issued by the Internal Accounting Control System Operation Committee.

This report applies to the Company’s IACS in existence as of December 31, 2018. We did not review the Company’s IACS subsequent to December 31, 2018. This report has been prepared for Korean regulatory purposes, pursuant to the External Audit Law, and may not be appropriate for other purposes or for other users.

February 28, 2019

 

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Report on the Operation of Internal Accounting Control System (“IACS”)

English translation of a Report Originally Issued in Korean

To Shareholders, the Board of Directors and Audit Committee of

SK Telecom Co., Ltd.

We, as the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Internal Accounting Control Officer (“IACO”) of SK Telecom Co., Ltd. (“the Company”), assessed the status of the design and operation of the Company’s IACS as of December 31, 2018.

The Company’s management including the CEO and IACO is responsible for designing and operating IACS. We, as the CEO and IACO, assessed whether the IACS has been appropriately designed and is effectively operating to prevent and detect error or fraud which may cause material misstatement of the financial statements, for the purpose of preparing and disclosing reliable financial statements reporting.

We, as the CEO and IACO, applied the IACS Framework established by the Korea Listed Companies Association for the assessment of design and operation of the IACS.

Based on the assessment of the CEO and IACS, the Company’s IACS has been appropriately designed and is operating effectively as of December 31, 2018, in all material respects, in accordance with the IACS Framework issued by the Internal Accounting Control System Operation Committee.

We hereby confirm that (1) this report is not falsely made; (2) this report includes all information that should be presented; (3) The contents of this report do not include any matters that might cause serious misunderstanding and (4) we have reviewed the contents of this report with sufficient caution.

January 29, 2019

/s/ Internal Accounting Control Officer

/s/ Chief Executive Officer

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2018 and 2017

(With Independent Auditors’ Report Thereon)

 

 

 

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Contents

 

     Page  

Independent Auditors’ Report

     186  

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position

     191  

Consolidated Statements of Income

     193  

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

     194  

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity

     195  

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

     196  

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

     198  

 

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Table of Contents

Independent Auditors’ Report

Based on a report originally issued in Korean

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of

SK Telecom Co., Ltd.:

Opinion

We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of SK Telecom Co., Ltd. and its subsidiaries (the “Group”) which comprise the consolidated statements of financial position as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for the years then ended, and notes to the financial statements, comprising significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Group as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and its consolidated financial performance and its consolidated cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with Korean International Financial Reporting Standards (“K-IFRS”).

Basis for Opinion

We conducted our audits in accordance with Korean Standards on Auditing. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors’ Responsibilities for the Audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements section of our report. We are independent of the Group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the consolidated financial statements in the Republic of Korea, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Key Audit Matters

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our audit of the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the consolidated financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.

1. Accuracy of Revenue

As described in notes 3 and 4 of the consolidated financial statements, the Group has initially adopted K-IFRS No.1115, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“K-IFRS No. 1115”), from January 1, 2018 and the Group has taken an exemption not to restate the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017, presented for comparative purposes, in accordance with transition requirements of the standards. The financial impacts of adopting K-IFRS No. 1115 are discussed in note 3. The Group’s consolidated revenue is primarily related to the Group’s cellular and fixed-line telecommunications segments.

The Group’s revenue recognition is based on data from complex information technology systems as the Group provides a variety of telecommunications services at various rate plans to numerous subscribers which involves high volume of transactions with subscribers. In addition, the effect of changes in accounting policies upon the adoption of K-IFRS No. 1115 is significant to the consolidated financial statements. Such changes include the changes in the amount of revenue recognition related to the allocation of considerations for each performance obligation when the Group provides wireless telecommunications services and sells wireless handset to a same subscriber. The determination of stand-alone selling prices involving complex judgments applied by management. Therefore, we have identified the accuracy of revenue recognition in the Group’s cellular and fixed-line telecommunications segments as a key audit matter due to the complexity of IT systems involved and management judgments involved in the application of the new revenue recognition standard.

 

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Table of Contents

The primary procedures we performed to address this key audit matter included:

 

   

Testing certain internal controls relating to the Group’s revenue recognition process, including evaluation of the environment of the IT systems supporting the accounting for revenue, including data records, rating and invoicing systems.

 

   

Testing the reconciliation of the Group’s revenue among rating system, billing system and the general ledger.

 

   

Inspecting a sample of contracts with subscribers to assess the Group’s revenue recognition policies upon initial adoption of K-IFRS No. 1115 based on the terms and conditions as set out in the contracts, with reference to the requirements of the relevant accounting standards.

 

   

Assessing whether the Group’s determination of accounting treatments for bundled transactions for wireless telecommunication services and sales of wireless handsets are made in accordance with relevant accounting standards.

 

   

Testing the accuracy of the stand-alone selling price by comparing to the published rates for each wireless handset and wireless telecommunications services on a sample basis.

 

   

Testing the accuracy of the allocation of considerations to revenues from the Group’s wireless telecommunications services and sale of wireless handsets by performing recalculation.

 

   

Testing the mathematical accuracy of the cumulative effect of initially applying K-IFRS No. 1115 in relation to multiple performance obligations as of January 1, 2018 by performing recalculation.

2. Recognition of Incremental Costs of Obtaining a Contract

As described in notes 3 and 8 of the consolidated financial statements, the Group incurs costs, such as commissions to retails stores and authorized dealers based on the number of subscribers retained and newly obtained. Costs that would not have been paid if there had been no binding new or renewed contracts with subscribers are capitalized and amortized over the estimated service periods. As of December 31, 2018, capitalized costs to obtain contracts amount to W2,377,599 million.

Determination of whether certain costs of obtaining a contract could be capitalized as well as the amortization period involves a number of key judgments made by the Group and the incremental costs of obtaining contracts are significant in the Group’s consolidated financial statements. Therefore we have identified the recognition of incremental costs of obtaining contracts as a key audit matter.

The primary procedures we performed to address this key audit matter included:

 

   

Testing certain controls relating to the Group’s process to account for incremental costs of obtaining contracts.

 

   

Obtaining an understanding of the marketing programs communicated to retail stores and authorized dealers and assessing the Group’s determination of whether the costs should be capitalized with reference to the requirements of the relevant accounting standards. In addition, on a sample basis, we also compared the capitalized costs with payments to retail stores and authorized dealers.

 

   

Testing the mathematical accuracy of the cumulative effect of initially applying K-IFRS No. 1115 in relation to the incremental costs of obtaining contracts as of January 1, 2018 by performing recalculation.

 

   

Assessing the estimated service periods that are used in amortizing the capitalized incremental costs of obtaining contracts by testing the completeness and accuracy of data used in the analysis, and by comparing the data used in estimating the estimated service periods with the Group’s historical subscriber churn rates and publicly available statistical data.

 

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3. Assessment of Goodwill Impairment

As described in note 4 of the consolidated financial statements, the Group performs impairment test for goodwill at least annually by comparing the recoverable amount and the carrying amount of a cash generating unit (“CGU”) to which goodwill is allocated. The amount of goodwill that is allocated to the CGUs in cellular and fixed-line segments is W1,664,679 million as of December 31, 2018.

In carrying out the impairment assessment of goodwill, management determined the recoverable amount based on the value-in-use (“VIU”). Determining the VIU of the above CGUs involves significant judgments in estimating the expected future cash flows including the estimates of revenue, operating expense, perpetual growth rate, and discount rate for each CGU. Considering the significant degree of the judgment in estimating the VIU of the cellular and fixed-line telecommunication CGUs and the potential impact of the impairment on the Group’s consolidated financial statements, we identified the assessment of goodwill impairment as a key audit matter.

The primary procedures we performed to address this key audit matter included:

 

   

Testing certain internal controls over the Group’s process to estimate value-in-use.

 

   

Engaging our internal valuation specialists to assist us in evaluating the key assumptions used to determine the VIU for each CGU which included the estimated revenue, operating expenses and perpetual growth rate by comparison with the financial budgets approved by the management, historical performance and industry reports and in assessing the appropriateness of discount rate used by comparison with our expectation based on market data.

 

   

Performing sensitivity analysis for both the discount rates and perpetual growth rates applied the discounted cash flow forecasts to assess the impact of changes in these key assumptions on the conclusion reached in management’s impairment assessment.

 

   

Comparing the cash flow forecasts prepared in prior year with the actual results to assess the Group’s ability to accurately forecast.

4. Acquisition of Life & Security Holdings Co., Ltd.

As described in note 12 to the consolidated financial statements, during 2018, the Group obtained control of Life & Security Holdings Co., Ltd. (“LSH”) for W696,665 million in cash. In connection with the acquisition of LSH, the fair value of identifiable intangible assets recognized amounted to W1,019,503 million.

K-IFRS No. 1103 requires the Group, the acquirer, to recognize the acquiree’s identifiable assets, including intangible assets not previously recognized, and liabilities assumed at their fair value as of the acquisition date. Determining the fair value of the identifiable intangible assets requires management’s significant judgments in determining the valuation methodologies and estimating the expected future cash flows including the estimates of revenue, attrition rate, royalty rate, operating expense, perpetual growth rate, and discount rate. Considering the significant degree of the judgment in measuring the fair value of identifiable net assets, we identified the identification of intangible assets and measurement of their fair value for intangible assets recognized in the acquisition of LSH as a key audit matter.

The primary procedures we performed to address this key audit matter included:

 

   

Engaging our internal valuation specialists to assist us in assessing the valuation methodologies adopted by the Group with reference to industry standards and the requirements of the relevant accounting standards.

 

   

Engaging our internal valuation specialists to evaluate the discount rate applied by comparison with our expectation based on market data and the key assumptions used in estimating future cash flows, which included the estimated revenue, operating expenses, and perpetual growth rate by comparing with the financial budgets approved by the acquiree’s management, historical performance and industry reports.

 

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Responsibilities of Management and Those Charged with Governance for the Consolidated Financial Statements

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with K-IFRS, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is responsible for assessing the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless management either intends to liquidate the Group or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so.

Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the Group’s financial reporting process.

Auditors’ Responsibilities for the Audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditors’ report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with Korean Standards on Auditing will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these consolidated financial statements.

As part of an audit in accordance with Korean Standards on Auditing, we exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit. We also:

 

   

Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.

 

   

Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Group’s internal control.

 

   

Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by management.

 

   

Conclude on the appropriateness of management’s use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditors’ report to the related disclosures in the consolidated financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditors’ report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Group to cease to continue as a going concern.

 

   

Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the consolidated financial statements, including the disclosures, and whether the consolidated financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.

 

   

Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities or business activities within the Group to express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements. We are responsible for the direction, supervision and performance of the group audit. We remain solely responsible for our audit opinion.

 

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We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.

We also provide those charged with governance with a statement that we have complied with relevant ethical requirements regarding independence, and communicate with them all relationships and other matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, and where applicable, related safeguards.

From the matters communicated with those charged with governance, we determine those matters that were of most significance in the audit of the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018 and are therefore the key audit matters. We describe these matters in our auditors’ report unless law or regulation precludes public disclosure about the matter or when, in extremely rare circumstances, we determine that a matter should not be communicated in our report because the adverse consequences of doing so would reasonably be expected to outweigh the public interest benefits of such communication.

The engagement partner on the audit resulting in this independent auditors’ report is Sang Hyun Han.

Other Matter

The procedures and practices utilized in the Republic of Korea to audit such consolidated financial statements may differ from those generally accepted and applied in other countries.

KPMG Samjong Accounting Corp.

Seoul, Korea

February 28, 2019

 

This report is effective as of February 28, 2019, the audit report date. Certain subsequent events or circumstances, which may occur between the audit report date and the time of reading this report, could have a material impact on the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. Accordingly, the readers of the audit report should understand that the above audit report has not been updated to reflect the impact of such subsequent events or circumstances, if any.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

(In millions of won)    Note      December 31,
2018
     December 31,
2017
 

Assets

        

Current Assets:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

     3,36,37      W 1,506,699        1,457,735  

Short-term financial instruments

     3,6,36,37,39        1,045,676        616,780  

Short-term investment securities

     3,11,36,37        195,080        144,386  

Accounts receivable – trade, net

     3,7,36,37,38        2,008,640        2,126,007  

Short-term loans, net

     3,7,36,37,38        59,094        62,830  

Accounts receivable – other, net

     3,7,36,37,38,39        937,837        1,260,835  

Prepaid expenses

     3,8        1,769,559        197,046  

Contract assets

     3,9        90,072        —    

Inventories, net

     10        288,053        272,403  

Derivative financial assets

     3,22,36,37        13        —    

Advance payments and other

     3,7,36,37,38        58,116        63,777  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 
            7,958,839      6,201,799  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Non-Current Assets:

        

Long-term financial instruments

     3,6,36,37        1,221        1,222  

Long-term investment securities

     3,11,36,37        664,726        887,007  

Investments in associates and joint ventures

     13        12,811,771        9,538,438  

Property and equipment, net

     14,38,39        10,718,354        10,144,882  

Goodwill

     12,15        2,938,563        1,915,017  

Intangible assets, net

     16        5,513,510        3,586,965  

Long-term contract assets

     3,9        43,821        —    

Long-term loans, net

     3,7,36,37,38        29,034        50,874  

Long-term accounts receivable - other

     3,7,36,37,38,39        274,053        287,048  

Long-term prepaid expenses

     3,8        895,272        90,834  

Guarantee deposits

     3,7,36,37,38        313,140        292,590  

Long-term derivative financial assets

     3,22,36,37        55,444        253,213  

Deferred tax assets

     3,33        92,465        88,132  

Defined benefit assets

     21        31,926        45,952  

Other non-current assets

     7,36,37        26,972        44,696  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 
        34,410,272        27,226,870  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 
      W 42,369,111        33,428,669  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, Continued

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

(In millions of won)    Note      December 31,
2018
    December 31,
2017
 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

 

    

Current Liabilities:

       

Short-term borrowings

     17,36,37      W 80,000       130,000  

Current installments of long-term debt, net

     17,36,37        984,272       1,530,948  

Current installments of long-term payables – other

     18,36,37        424,243       302,703  

Accounts payable – trade

     36,37,38        381,302       351,711  

Accounts payable – other

     36,37,38        1,913,813       1,867,074  

Receipts in advance

     3        —         161,266  

Contract liabilities

     3,9        140,711       —    

Withholdings

     3,36,37,38        1,353,663       961,501  

Accrued expenses

     36,37,38        1,299,217       1,327,906  

Income tax payable

     33        182,343       219,791  

Unearned revenue

     3        —         175,732  

Derivative financial liabilities

     22,36,37        —         28,406  

Provisions

     3,19,39        87,993       52,057  

Other current liabilities

        —         28  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 
            6,847,557     7,109,123  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-Current Liabilities:

       

Debentures, excluding current installments, net

     17,36,37        6,572,211       5,596,570  

Long-term borrowings, excluding current installments, net

     17,36,37,39        2,015,365       211,486  

Long-term payables – other

     18,36,37        1,968,784       1,346,763  

Long-term unearned revenue

     3        —         7,052  

Long-term contract liabilities

     3,9        43,102       —    

Defined benefit liabilities

     21        141,529       61,960  

Long-term derivative financial liabilities

     22,36,37        4,184       11,064  

Long-term provisions

     19,39        99,215       32,669  

Deferred tax liabilities

     3,33        2,269,792       978,693  

Other non-current liabilities

     3,36,37        58,122       44,094  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 
            13,172,304     8,290,351  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

        20,019,861       15,399,474  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shareholders’ Equity

       

Share capital

     1,23        44,639       44,639  

Capital surplus and others

     12,23,24,25,26        655,084       196,281  

Retained earnings

     3,27        22,144,541       17,835,946  

Reserves

     3,28        (373,442     (234,727
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Equity attributable to owners of the Parent Company

        22,470,822       17,842,139  

Non-controlling interests

        (121,572     187,056  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Shareholders’ Equity

        22,349,250       18,029,195  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 
      W 42,369,111       33,428,669  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Income

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

(In millions of won)    Note      2018     2017  

Operating revenue:

     3,5,38       

Revenue

      W 16,873,960       17,520,013  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

     3,38       

Labor

        2,288,655       1,966,156  

Commissions

        5,002,598       5,486,263  

Depreciation and amortization

     5        3,126,118       3,097,466  

Network interconnection

        808,403       875,045  

Leased lines

        309,773       342,240  

Advertising

        468,509       522,753  

Rent

        529,453       520,244  

Cost of goods sold

        1,796,146       1,886,524  

Others

     30        1,342,545       1,286,696  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 
        15,672,200       15,983,387  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating profit

     5        1,201,760       1,536,626  

Finance income

     5,32        256,435       366,561  

Finance costs

     5,32        (385,232     (433,616

Gain relating to investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures, net

     5, 13        3,270,912       2,245,732  

Other non-operating income

     5, 31        71,253       31,818  

Other non-operating expenses

     5, 31        (439,162     (343,872
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Profit before income tax

     5        3,975,966       3,403,249  

Income tax expense

     33        843,978       745,654  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Profit for the year

        3,131,988       2,657,595  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Attributable to:

       

Owners of the Parent Company

      W 3,127,887       2,599,829  

Non-controlling interests

        4,101       57,766  

Earnings per share

     34       

Basic and diluted earnings per share (in won)

      W 44,066       36,582  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

(In millions of won)   

Note

   2018      2017  

Profit for the year

      W 3,131,988        2,657,595  

Other comprehensive income (loss):

     

Items that will never be reclassified to profit or loss, net of taxes:

        

Remeasurement of defined benefit liabilities

   21      (41,490      5,921  

Valuation loss on financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income

   28,32      (130,035      —    

Items that are or may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss, net of taxes:

        

Net change in unrealized fair value of available-for-sale financial assets

   28,32      —          158,440  

Net change in other comprehensive income of investments in associates and joint ventures

   13,28,32      (14,577      (141,008

Net change in unrealized fair value of derivatives

   22,28,32      32,227        22,586  

Foreign currency translation differences for foreign operations

   28      12,291        (46,952
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other comprehensive loss for the year, net of taxes

     (141,584      (1,013
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income

      W 2,990,404        2,656,582  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to:

     

Owners of the Parent Company

      W 3,000,503        2,597,160  

Non-controlling interests

        (10,099      59,422  

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

            Controlling Interest              
(In millions of won)    Note      Share
capital
     Capital surplus and
others
    Retained
earnings
    Reserves     Sub-total     Non-
controlling
interests
    Total
equity
 

Balance, January 1, 2017

      W 44,639        199,779       15,953,164       (226,183     15,971,399       145,031       16,116,430  

Total comprehensive income:

                  

Profit for the year

        —          —         2,599,829       —         2,599,829       57,766       2,657,595  

Other comprehensive income (loss)

     13,21,22,28,32        —          —         5,875       (8,544     (2,669     1,656       (1,013
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
        —          —         2,605,704       (8,544     2,597,160       59,422       2,656,582  
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Transactions with owners:

                  

Annual dividends

     35        —          —         (635,482     —         (635,482     (281     (635,763

Interim dividends

     35        —          —         (70,609     —         (70,609     —         (70,609

Interest on hybrid bonds

        —          —         (16,840     —         (16,840     —         (16,840

Share option

     26        —          414       —         —         414       —         414  

Changes in ownership in subsidiaries

        —          (3,912     9       —         (3,903     (17,116     (21,019
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
        —          (3,498     (722,922     —         (726,420     (17,397     (743,817
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2017

      W 44,639        196,281       17,835,946       (234,727     17,842,139       187,056       18,029,195  
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2017

      W 44,639        196,281       17,835,946       (234,727     17,842,139       187,056       18,029,195  

Impact of adopting K-IFRS No. 1115

     3        —          —         1,900,049       —         1,900,049       —         1,900,049  

Impact of adopting K-IFRS No. 1109

     3        —          —         60,026       (68,804     (8,778     —         (8,778
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, January 1, 2018

      W 44,639        196,281       19,796,021       (303,531     19,733,410       187,056       19,920,466  

Total comprehensive income:

                  

Profit for the year

        —          —         3,127,887       —         3,127,887       4,101       3,131,988  

Other comprehensive income (loss)

     13,21,22,28,32        —          —         (57,473     (69,911     (127,384     (14,200     (141,584
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
        —          —         3,070,414       (69,911     3,000,503       (10,099     2,990,404  
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Transactions with owners:

                  

Annual dividends

     35        —          —         (635,482     —         (635,482     —         (635,482

Interim dividends

     35        —          —         (70,609     —         (70,609     —         (70,609

Share option

     26        —          593       —         —         593       196       789  

Interest on hybrid bonds

        —          —         (15,803     —         (15,803     —         (15,803

Repayments of hybrid bonds

     25        —          (400,000     —         —         (400,000     —         (400,000

Proceeds from issuance of hybrid bonds

     25        —          398,759       —         —         398,759       —         398,759  

Comprehensive stock exchange

     12        —          129,595       —         —         129,595       —         129,595  

Changes in ownership in subsidiaries

        —          329,856       —         —         329,856       (298,725     31,131  
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
        —          458,803       (721,894     —         (263,091     (298,529     (561,620
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2018

      W 44,639        655,084       22,144,541       (373,442     22,470,822       (121,572     22,349,250  
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

(In millions of won)    Note      2018      2017  

Cash flows from operating activities:

        

Cash generated from operating activities:

        

Profit for the year

      W 3,131,988        2,657,595  

Adjustments for income and expenses

     40        1,568,919        2,096,764  

Changes in assets and liabilities related to operating activities

     40        25,949        (261,468
     

 

 

    

 

 

 
        4,726,856        4,492,891  

Interest received

        59,065        66,713  

Dividends received

        195,671        106,674  

Interest paid

        (255,189      (234,127

Income tax paid

        (393,823      (576,331
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

        4,332,580        3,855,820  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

        

Cash inflows from investing activities:

        

Collection of short-term loans

        117,610        216,700  

Decrease in long-term financial instruments

 

     5        27  

Proceeds from disposals of long-term investment securities

 

     371,816        129,726  

Proceeds from disposals of investments in associates and joint ventures

 

     74,880        5,925  

Proceeds from disposals of property and equipment

 

     58,256        29,368  

Proceeds from disposals of intangible assets

        5,851        8,848  

Collection of long-term loans

        10,075        6,205  

Decrease in deposits

        7,490        24,550  

Proceeds from disposals of other non-current assets

 

     1,186        1,185  

Proceeds from disposals of subsidiaries

        —          30,132  

Cash inflow from business combinations

        38,925        4,112  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 
        686,094        456,778  

Cash outflows for investing activities:

        

Increase in short-term financial instruments, net

        (373,450      (156,012

Increase in short-term investment securities, net

        (49,791      (28,975

Increase in short-term loans

        (112,319      (205,878

Increase in long-term loans

        (6,057      (5,869

Increase in long-term financial instruments

        (2      (2,034

Acquisitions of long-term investment securities

        (19,114      (19,328

Acquisitions of investments in associates and joint ventures

 

     (206,340      (193,100

Acquisitions of property and equipment

        (2,792,390      (2,715,859

Acquisitions of intangible assets

        (503,229      (145,740

Increase in deposits

        (8,591      (26,377

Increase in other non-current assets

        (5,927      (47

Cash outflow for business combinations

        (654,685      (26,566

Cash outflow for disposal and liquidation of subsidiaries

        (1,924      (1,600
     

 

 

    

 

 

 
        (4,733,819      (3,527,385
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

      W (4,047,725      (3,070,607
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, Continued

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

 

(In millions of won)    Note      2018      2017  

Cash flows from financing activities:

        

Cash inflows from financing activities:

        

Proceeds from short-term borrowings, net

      W —          127,386  

Proceeds from issuance of debentures

        1,809,641        973,291  

Proceeds from long-term borrowings

        1,920,114        120,000  

Proceeds from issuance of hybrid bonds

        398,759        —    

Cash inflows from settlement of derivatives

        23,247        188  

Transactions with non-controlling shareholders

     1        499,926        40,938  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 
        4,651,687        1,261,803  

Cash outflows for financing activities:

        

Decrease in short-term borrowings, net

        (87,701      —    

Repayments of long-term payables – other

        (305,644      (305,476

Repayments of debentures

        (1,487,970      (842,733

Repayments of long-term borrowings

        (1,780,708      (32,701

Repayments of hybrid bonds

        (400,000      —    

Cash outflows for settlement of derivatives

        (29,278      (105,269

Payments of dividends

        (706,091      (706,091

Payments of interest on hybrid bonds

        (15,803      (16,840

Transactions with non-controlling shareholders

 

     (76,805      (79,311
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
        (4,890,000      (2,088,421
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

        (238,313      (826,618
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

        46,542        (41,405

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year

        1,457,735        1,505,242  

Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

        2,422        (6,102
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year

      W 1,506,699        1,457,735  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

1.

Reporting Entity

SK Telecom Co., Ltd. (“the Parent Company”) was incorporated in March 1984 under the laws of the Republic of Korea (“Korea”) to provide cellular telephone communication services in Korea. The Parent Company mainly provides wireless telecommunications services in Korea. The head office of the Parent Company is located at 65, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea.

The Parent Company’s common shares and depositary receipts (DRs) are listed on the Stock Market of Korea Exchange, the New York Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange. As of December 31, 2018, the Parent Company’s total issued shares are held by the following shareholders:

 

     Number of
shares
     Percentage of
total shares
issued (%)
 

SK Holdings Co., Ltd.

     21,624,120        26.78  

National Pension Service

     7,879,982        9.76  

Institutional investors and other shareholders

     42,365,726        52.47  

Treasury shares

     8,875,883        10.99  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     80,745,711        100.00  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

These consolidated financial statements comprise the Parent Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the “Group” and individually as “Group entities”). SK Holdings Co., Ltd. is the ultimate controlling entity of the Parent Company.

 

(2)

List of subsidiaries

The list of subsidiaries as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 is as follows:

 

               Ownership (%)(*1)  
    

Subsidiary

  

Location

  

Primary business

   Dec. 31,
2018
     Dec. 31,
2017
 

Subsidiaries owned by the Parent Company

   SK Telink Co., Ltd.    Korea    Telecommunication and Mobile Virtual Network Operator service      100.0        100.0  
   SK Communications Co., Ltd.    Korea    Internet website services      100.0        100.0  
   SK Broadband Co., Ltd.    Korea    Telecommunication services      100.0        100.0  
   PS&Marketing Corporation    Korea    Communications device retail business      100.0        100.0  
   SERVICEACE Co., Ltd.    Korea    Call center management service      100.0        100.0  
   SERVICE TOP Co., Ltd.    Korea    Call center management service      100.0        100.0  
   Network O&S Co., Ltd.    Korea    Base station maintenance service      100.0        100.0  
   SK Planet Co., Ltd.(*2)    Korea    Telecommunication service      98.7        98.1  
   Eleven Street Co., Ltd.(*2,4)    Korea    E-commerce      81.8        —    
   IRIVER LIMITED (*3)    Korea    Manufacturing digital audio players and other portable media devices      52.6        45.9  
   SK Telecom China Holdings Co., Ltd.    China    Investment      100.0        100.0  
   SK Global Healthcare Business Group, Ltd.    Hong Kong    Investment      100.0        100.0  
   SKT Vietnam PTE. Ltd.(*4)    Singapore    Used device distribution business      —          73.3  
   SKT Americas, Inc.    USA    Information gathering and consulting      100.0        100.0  
   YTK Investment Ltd.    Cayman Islands    Investment association      100.0        100.0  
   Atlas Investment    Cayman Islands    Investment association      100.0        100.0  
   SK techx Co., Ltd.(*4)    Korea    System software development and supply      —          100.0  
   One Store Co., Ltd.    Korea    Telecommunication services      65.5        65.5  
   SK Telecom Japan Inc.(*4)    Japan    Information gathering and consulting      100.0        —    
   id Quantique SA(*4)    Switzerland    Quantum information and communications service      65.6        4.6  
   Quantum Innovation Fund I(*4)    Korea    Investment (holdings company)      59.9        —    
   Life & Security Holdings Co., Ltd.(*4)    Korea    Investment(holdings company)      55.0        —    
   SK Infosec Co., Ltd.(*4)    Korea    Information security service      100.0        —    

 

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

1.

Reporting Entity, Continued

 

(2)

List of subsidiaries, Continued

 

The list of subsidiaries as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 is as follows, Continued:

 

               Ownership (%)(*1)  
    

Subsidiary

  

Location

  

Primary business

   Dec. 31,
2018
     Dec. 31,
2017
 

Subsidiaries

owned by SK Planet Co., Ltd.

   SK m&service Co.,Ltd.    Korea    Data base and internet website service      100.0        100.0  
   SK Planet Japan, K. K.    Japan    Digital contents sourcing service      79.5        79.5  
   SK Planet Global PTE. Ltd.(*4)    Singapore    Digital contents sourcing service      —          100.0  
   SKP GLOBAL HOLDINGS PTE. LTD.    Singapore    Investment      100.0        100.0  
   SKP America LLC.    USA    Digital contents sourcing service      100.0        100.0  
   shopkick Management Company, Inc.    USA    Investment      100.0        100.0  
   shopkick, Inc.    USA    Reward points-based in-store shopping application development      100.0        100.0  
   11street (Thailand) Co., Ltd.(*4)    Thailand    Electronic commerce      —          100.0  
   K-net Culture and Contents Venture Fund    Korea    Capital investing in startups      59.0        59.0  
   Hello Nature Ltd.(*4)    Korea    Retail of agro-fisheries and livestock      49.9        100.0  

Subsidiaries

owned by IRIVER LIMITED

   iriver Enterprise Ltd.    Hong Kong    Management of Chinese subsidiaries      100.0        100.0  
   iriver Inc.    USA    Marketing and sales in North America      100.0        100.0  
   iriver China Co., Ltd.    China    Sales of and manufacturing MP3 and 4      100.0        100.0  
   Dongguan iriver Electronics Co., Ltd.    China    Sales of and manufacturing e-book      100.0        100.0  
   groovers Japan Co., Ltd.    Japan    Digital music contents sourcing and distribution service      100.0        100.0  
  

LIFE DESIGN COMPANY Inc.

(formerly, S.M. LIFE DESIGN COMPANY JAPAN INC.)

   Japan    Sale of goods in Japan      100.0        100.0  
   S.M. Mobile Communications JAPAN Inc.(*4)    Japan    Digital contents service      —          100.0  
   groovers Inc.(*4)    Korea    Sale of contents and Mastering Quality Sound album      100.0        44.2  

Subsidiaries

owned by SK Telink Co., Ltd.

   NSOK Co., Ltd.(*4)    Korea    Security and maintenance services      —          100.0  
   SK TELINK VIETNAM Co., Ltd.(*4)    Vietnam    Communications device retail business      100.0        —    

Subsidiaries

owned by Life & Security Holdings Co., Ltd.

   ADT CAPS Co., Ltd.(*4)    Korea    Unmanned security      100.0        —    
   CAPSTEC Co., Ltd.(*4)    Korea    Manned security      100.0        —    
   ADT SECURITY Co., Ltd.(*4)    Korea    Sales and trade of anti-theft devices and surveillance devices      100.0       
—  
 

Subsidiary

Owned by id Quantique SA

   Id Quantique LLC(*4)    Korea   

Quantum information and

communications service

     100.0        —    

Subsidiaries

owned by SK Broadband Co., Ltd.

   Home & Service Co., Ltd.    Korea    Operation of information and communications facility      100.0        100.0  
   SK stoa Co., Ltd.    Korea    Other telecommunication retail business      100.0        100.0  

Others(*5)

   SK Telecom Innovation Fund, L.P    USA    Investment      100.0        100.0  
   SK Telecom China Fund I L.P.    Cayman Islands    Investment      100.0        100.0  

 

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

1.

Reporting Entity, Continued

 

(2)

List of subsidiaries, Continued

 

The list of subsidiaries as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 is as follows, Continued:

 

 

(*1)

The ownership interest represents direct ownership interest in subsidiaries either by the Parent Company or subsidiaries of the Parent Company.

 

(*2)

SK Planet Co., Ltd. spun off the business unit of 11st (E-commerce and Internet-related business) and incorporated Eleven Street Co., Ltd. on August 31, 2018. 80.3% of the shares issued by Eleven Street Co., Ltd. are owned by the Parent Company and 1.5% are held by SK Planet Co., Ltd. H&Q Korea Partners, LLC acquired 1,863,093 shares of redeemable convertible preferred stocks for W 500,000 million in cash and owns 18.2% of the shares issued by Eleven Street Co., Ltd. The Parent Company is obliged to guarantee at least 1% of dividend per annum of the preferred stock’s issue price to the investor by the date on which Eleven Street Co., Ltd. is publicly listed or the date the qualifying listing period is completed, whichever occurs first (see note 29). The present value of obligatory dividends amounting to W23,191 million are recognized as financial liabilities as of December 31, 2018.

 

(*3)

The Parent Company participated in a third party allotment offering to itself and to SM Entertainment Co., Ltd., and acquired 7,420,091 shares out of 7,990,867 new shares that were issued by the subsidiary. As a result, the ownership interest has changed from 45.9% to 52.6%.

 

(*4)

Details of changes in the consolidation scope for the year ended December 31, 2018 are presented and explained separately in Note 1-(4).

 

(*5)

Others are owned together by Atlas Investment and another subsidiary of the Parent Company.

 

(3)

Condensed financial information of subsidiaries

Condensed financial information of significant subsidiaries as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018 is as follows:

 

(In millions of won)  
     As of December 31, 2018      2018  

Subsidiary

   Total assets      Total
liabilities
     Total
equity
     Revenue      Profit
(loss)
 

SK Telink Co., Ltd.(*1)

   W 493,972        107,565        386,407        373,019        39,962  

Eleven Street Co., Ltd. (*2)

     1,045,946        495,907        550,039        228,000        (9,507

SK m&service Co., Ltd.

     97,924        48,182        49,742        208,936        (119

SK Communications Co., Ltd.

     79,646        28,458        51,188        41,604        (10,323

SK Broadband Co., Ltd.

     4,266,458        2,682,236        1,584,222        3,158,877        154,999  

K-net Culture and Contents Venture Fund

     147,691        20,873        126,818        —          58,584  

PS&Marketing Corporation

     432,699        216,624        216,075        1,587,203        76  

SERVICEACE Co., Ltd.

     76,770        45,229        31,541        198,164        4,217  

SERVICE TOP Co., Ltd.

     74,452        49,400        25,052        205,574        5,276  

Network O&S Co., Ltd.

     81,773        42,257        39,516        265,183        1,089  

SK Planet Co., Ltd.

     753,630        436,501        317,129        672,648        (436,106

IRIVER LIMITED(*3)

     204,479        44,620        159,859        137,849        (21,314

SKP America LLC.

     383,697        —          383,697        —          (370

Life & Security Holdings Co., Ltd.(*4)

     2,595,251        2,261,456        333,795        197,487        6,038  

SK Infosec Co., Ltd. (*5)

     183,896        54,301        129,595        —          —    

One Store Co., Ltd.

     116,716        65,890        50,826        110,284        (13,903

Home & Service Co., Ltd.

     87,159        45,341        41,818        325,177        (1,264

SK stoa Co., Ltd.

     41,305        37,560        3,745        116,459        (16,987

 

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

1.

Reporting Entity, Continued

 

(3)

Condensed financial information of subsidiaries, Continued

 

Condensed financial information of significant subsidiaries as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018 is as follows, Continued:

 

 

(*1)

The condensed financial information of SK Telink Co., Ltd. is consolidated financial information including SK TELINK VIETNAM Co., Ltd.

 

(*2)

The condensed financial information of Eleven Street Co., Ltd. includes four months of revenue and profit and loss since the spin-off on August 31, 2018.

 

(*3)

The condensed financial information of IRIVER LIMITED is consolidated financial information including iriver Enterprise Ltd. and six other subsidiaries of IRIVER LIMITED.

 

(*4)

The condensed financial information of Life & Security Holdings Co., Ltd. is consolidated financial information including ADT CAPS Co., Ltd. and two other subsidiaries, including 3 months of revenue and profit and loss since Life & Security Holdings Co., Ltd. acquired by the Parent Company on October 1, 2018.

 

(*5)

SK Infosec Co., Ltd. was acquired by the Parent Company and newly included in consolidation as of December 27, 2018.

Condensed financial information of significant subsidiaries as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017 is as follows:

 

(In millions of won)  
     As of December 31, 2017      2017  

Subsidiary

   Total assets      Total
liabilities
     Total
equity
     Revenue      Profit
(loss)
 

SK Telink Co., Ltd.

   W 455,685        104,727        350,958        389,944        32,728  

SK m&service Co., Ltd.

     113,515        62,795        50,720        193,256        1,249  

SK Communications Co., Ltd.

     90,923        28,410        62,513        47,546        (35,454

SK Broadband Co., Ltd.

     3,802,349        2,616,317        1,186,032        3,050,083        32,030  

K-net Culture and Contents Venture Fund

     250,747        35,900        214,847        —          196,250  

PS&Marketing Corporation

     506,883        288,881        218,002        1,766,142        391  

SERVICEACE Co., Ltd.

     77,681        45,501        32,180        197,408        2,599  

SERVICE TOP Co., Ltd.

     65,406        41,860        23,546        186,117        3,309  

Network O&S Co., Ltd.

     87,000        45,248        41,752        255,841        6,283  

SK Planet Co., Ltd.

     1,534,866        920,677        614,189        1,082,685        (513,667

IRIVER LIMITED(*)

     130,878        17,204        113,674        69,452        (14,092

SKP America LLC.

     412,251        —          412,251        —          (57

SK techx Co., Ltd.

     237,700        41,561        196,139        195,948        26,827  

One Store Co., Ltd.

     104,891        39,874        65,017        115,596        (27,254

Home & Service Co., Ltd.

     83,698        38,350        45,348        141,739        11  

 

(*)

The condensed financial information of IRIVER LIMITED is consolidated financial information including iriver Enterprise Ltd. and six other subsidiaries of IRIVER LIMITED. Information for the other subsidiaries in the above summary is based on their separate financial statements.

 

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

1.

Reporting Entity, Continued

 

(4)

Changes in subsidiaries

The list of subsidiaries that were newly included in consolidation during the year ended December 31, 2018 is as follows:

 

Subsidiary

  

Reason

Eleven street Co., Ltd.

   Spun-off from SK Planet Co., Ltd.

id Quantique SA

   Acquired additional ownership interests by the Parent Company

SK Telecom Japan Inc.

   Established by the Parent Company

groovers Inc.

   Acquired additional ownership interests by IRIVER LIMITED

SK TELINK VIETNAM Co., Ltd.

   Established by SK Telink Co., Ltd.

Quantum Innovation private equity I

   Acquired by the Parent Company

Life & Security Holdings Co., Ltd.

   Acquired by the Parent Company

ADT CAPS Co., Ltd.

   Subsidiary of Life & Security Holdings Co., Ltd.

CAPSTEC Co., Ltd.

   Subsidiary of Life & Security Holdings Co., Ltd.

ADT SECURITY Co., Ltd.

   Subsidiary of Life & Security Holdings Co., Ltd.

SK Infosec Co., Ltd.

   Acquired by the Parent Company

Id Quantique LLC

   Established by id Quantique SA

The list of subsidiaries that were excluded from consolidation during the year ended December 31, 2018 is as follows:

 

Subsidiary

  

Reason

11street (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

   Disposed by SK Planet Co., Ltd.

Hello Nature Ltd.

   Loss of control due to third parties’ investments

SK techx Co., Ltd.

   Merged into SK Planet Co., Ltd.

S.M. Mobile Communications JAPAN Inc.

   Merged into groovers Japan Co., Ltd.

SK Planet Global PTE. Ltd.

   Liquidated

NSOK Co., Ltd.

   Merged into ADT CAPS Co., Ltd.

SKT Vietnam PTE. Ltd.

   Liquidated

 

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

1.

Reporting Entity, Continued

 

(5)

The financial information of significant non-controlling interests as of and for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)  
     K-net Culture
and Contents
Venture Fund
    IRIVER
LIMITED
    One Store
Co., Ltd.
    Eleven Street
Co., Ltd.
    Life & Security
Holdings

Co., Ltd. (*)
 

Ownership of non-controlling interests (%)

     41.00       47.36       34.46       18.19       45.00  
     As of December 31, 2018  

Current assets

   W 118       150,199       92,844       923,153       124,091  

Non-current assets

     147,573       54,465       23,872       122,793       2,487,747  

Current liabilities

     (20,873     (42,142     (63,440     (486,391     (243,064

Non-current liabilities

     —         (2,663     (2,450     (9,516     (2,018,392

Net assets

     126,818       159,859       50,826       550,039       350,382  

Fair value adjustment and others

     —         —         —         (23,191     (1,216,347

Net assets on the consolidated financial statements

     126,818       159,859       50,826       526,848       (865,965

Carrying amount of non- controlling interests

     51,995       76,204       17,711       95,811       (389,684
     2018  

Revenue

   W —         137,849       110,284       228,000       197,487  

Profit (Loss) for the year

     58,584       (21,314     (13,903     (9,507     6,038  

Depreciation of the fair value adjustment and others

     —         —         —         (161     (2,954

Profit(Loss) for the year on the consolidated financial statements

     58,584       (21,314     (13,903     (9,668     3,084  

Total comprehensive income (loss)

     27,773       (21,125     (14,386     (8,897     (991

Profit (Loss) attributable to non-controlling interests

     24,019       (10,094     (4,791     (1,758     1,387  

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

   W 115,566       13,635       7,181       (69,347     (23,451

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     600       (10,169     (11,482     (470,211     (139,430

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     (116,150     69,267       5       494,923       124,076  

Net increase(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     16       72,733       (4,296     (44,635     (38,805

Dividend paid to non- controlling interests

during the year ended December 31, 2018

   W 36,178       —         —         —         —    

 

(*)

The financial information of Life & Security Holdings Co., Ltd. are related to the period subsequent to the acquisition by the Parent Company on October 1, 2018 and includes fair value adjustments due to business combination.

 

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

1.

Reporting Entity, Continued

 

(5)

The financial information of significant non-controlling interests of the Group as of and for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows, Continued:

 

 

(In millions of won)              
     K-net Culture
and Contents
Venture Fund
     IRIVER
LIMITED
     One Store
Co., Ltd.
 

Ownership of non-controlling interests (%)

     41.00        54.10        34.46  
     As of December 31, 2017  

Current assets

   W 625        74,873        76,810  

Non-current assets

     250,122        56,005        28,081  

Current liabilities

     (35,900      (9,563      (38,547

Non-current liabilities

     —          (7,641      (1,327

Net assets

     214,847        113,674        65,017  

Carrying amount of non-controlling interests

     88,087        63,382        22,405  
     2017  

Revenue

   W —          69,452        115,596  

Profit (loss) for the year

     196,250        (14,092      (27,254

Total comprehensive profit (loss)

     201,693        (14,278      (27,452

Profit (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests

     80,463        (7,438      (9,392

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

   W (7      (7,553      13,912  

Net cash used in investing activities

     (600      (45,002      (2,000

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     —          64,571        (7

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     (607      12,016        11,905  

 

2.

Basis of Preparation

These consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with Korean International Financial Reporting Standards (“K-IFRS”), as prescribed in the Act on External Audits of Stock Companies in the Republic of Korea.

The consolidated financial statements for the year ended as of December 31, 2018 comprise the Group and the Group’s investments in associates and joint ventures.

The consolidated financial statements were authorized for issuance by the Board of Directors on January 30, 2019, which will be submitted for approval at the shareholders’ meeting to be held on March 26, 2019.

 

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

2.

Basis of Preparation, Continued

 

(1)

Basis of measurement

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, except for the following material items in the consolidated statement of financial position:

 

   

derivative financial instruments measured at fair value;

 

   

financial instruments measured at fair value through profit or loss;

 

   

financial instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income;

 

   

assets for defined benefit plans recognized at the net of the fair value of plan assets less the total present value of defined benefit obligations.

 

(2)

Functional and presentation currency

Financial statements of Group entities within the Group are prepared in functional currency of each group entity, which is the currency of the primary economic environment in which each entity operates. Consolidated financial statements of the Group are presented in Korean won, which is the Parent Company’s functional and presentation currency.

 

(3)

Use of estimates and judgments

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with K-IFRS requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period prospectively.

 

  1)

Critical judgments

Information about critical judgments in applying accounting policies that have the most significant effects on the amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements is included in notes for the following areas: consolidation (whether the Group has de facto control over an investee), determination of amortization period of incremental costs of obtaining a contract, determination of stand-alone selling prices and classification of lease.

 

  2)

Assumptions and estimation uncertainties

Information about assumptions and estimation uncertainties that have a significant risk of resulting in a material adjustment within the next financial year are included in the following notes: loss allowance (notes 7 and 37), estimated useful lives of costs to obtain a contract (notes 3 (1) and 8), property and equipment and intangible assets (notes 4 (8), (10), 14 and 16), impairment of goodwill (notes 4 (13) and 15), recognition of provision (notes 4 (18) and 19), measurement of defined benefit liabilities (notes 4 (17) and 21), and recognition of deferred tax assets (liabilities) (notes 4 (26) and 19).

 

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

2.

Basis of Preparation, Continued

 

(3)

Use of estimates and judgments, Continued

 

  3)

Fair value measurement

 

A number of the Group’s accounting policies and disclosures require the measurement of fair values, for both financial and non-financial assets and liabilities. The Group has an established policies and processes with respect to the measurement of fair values including Level 3 fair values, and the measurement of fair values is reviewed and is directly reported to the finance executives.

The Group regularly reviews significant unobservable inputs and valuation adjustments. If third party information, such as broker quotes or pricing services, is used to measure fair values, then the Group assesses the evidence obtained from the third parties to support the conclusion that such valuations meet the requirements of K-IFRS, including the level in the fair value hierarchy in which such valuations should be classified.

When measuring the fair value of an asset or a liability, the Group uses market observable data as far as possible. Fair values are categorized into different levels in a fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used in the valuation techniques as follows.

 

   

Level 1: quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

 

   

Level 2: inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices); and

 

   

Level 3: inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).

If the inputs used to measure the fair value of an asset or a liability fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, then the fair value measurement is categorized in its entirety in the same level of the fair value hierarchy as the lowest level input that is significant to the entire measurement.

The Group recognizes transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy at the end of the reporting period during which the change has occurred.

Information about assumptions used for fair value measurements are included in Note 37.

 

3.

Changes in accounting policies

The significant accounting policies applied by the Group in these consolidated financial statements are the same as those applied by the Group in its consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017, except for the changes in accounting policies described below.

 

(1)

K-IFRS No. 1115, Revenue from Contracts with Customers

K-IFRS No. 1115, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, establishes a comprehensive framework for determining whether, how much and when revenue is recognized. K-IFRS No. 1115 replaced the revenue recognition guidance, including K-IFRS No. 1018, Revenue, K-IFRS No. 1011, Construction Contracts, K-IFRS No. 2031, Revenue: Barter Transactions Involving Advertising Services, K-IFRS No. 2113, Customer Loyalty Programs, K-IFRS No. 2115, Agreements for the Construction of Real Estate, and K-IFRS No. 2118, Transfers of Assets from Customers.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

3.

Changes in accounting policies, Continued

 

(1)

K-IFRS No. 1115, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, Continued

 

The Group has initially applied K-IFRS No. 1115 from January 1, 2018 using the cumulative effect method with the effect of initially applying this standard as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings as at January 1, 2018. The Group applied K-IFRS No. 1115 only to contracts that were not completed at the date of initial application, which is January 1, 2018, using the practical expedient permitted by K-IFRS No.1115.

 

  1)

Identification of performance obligations in the contract

A substantial portion of the Group’s revenue is generated from providing wireless telecommunications services. K-IFRS No. 1115 requires the Group to evaluate goods or services promised to customers to determine if there are performance obligations other than wireless telecommunications service that should be accounted for separately. In the case of providing a wireless telecommunications service and selling a handset together to one customer, the Group allocates considerations from the customer between handset sales revenue and wireless telecommunications service revenue. The handset sales revenue is recognized when handset is delivered and the wireless telecommunications service revenue is recognized as revenue over the period of the contract term as stated in the subscription contract.

The Group also determined that pursuant to K-IFRS No. 1115, the installation service provided with the fixed-line telecommunication services is not distinct from the related fixed-line telecommunication services such as high speed broadband Internet or Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) services. Therefore, the Group concluded that the installation service and related fixed-line telecommunication service together represents one performance obligation. Therefore, installation fee is recognized as revenue over the contract term in which the Group has to provide fixed-line telecommunication services. The Group recognized W 23,063 million as contract liability on the consolidated statement of financial position as of January 1, 2018 due to such change in the accounting policies.

 

  2)

Allocation of the transaction price to each performance obligations

In accordance with K-IFRS No. 1115, the Group allocates the transaction price of a contract to each performance obligation on a relative stand-alone selling price basis. The Group uses “adjusted market assessment approach” method for estimating the stand-alone selling price of a good or service. However, in some circumstances, the Group uses ‘expected cost plus a margin’ approach.

In the case of providing a wireless telecommunications service and selling a handset together to one customer, the Group allocates the transaction price based on relative stand-alone selling prices. As a result of applying K-IFRS No. 1115, the Group recognized W112,690 million and W30,363 million of considerations allocated to handset sales revenue as contract assets and long-term contract assets, respectively, at January 1, 2018.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

3.

Changes in accounting policies, Continued

 

(1)

K-IFRS No. 1115, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, Continued

 

  3)

Incremental costs to acquire a contract

The Group pays commissions to its retail stores and authorized dealers in connection with acquiring service contracts. The commissions paid to these parties historically were expensed as incurred and recognized as operating expenses. These commissions would not have been paid if there have been no binding contracts with subscribers. K-IFRS No. 1115 requires the Group to capitalize certain costs associated with commissions paid to obtain new customer contracts and amortize them over the expected contract periods with customers that were calculated based on the Group’s historical subscriber churn rate. As a result of applying K-IFRS No. 1115, the Group recognized W1,695,704 and W693,393 million of prepaid expenses and long-term prepaid expenses respectively as at the date of initial application, January 1, 2018.

 

  4)

Presentation of contract liability

Under K-IFRS No. 1115, the Group reclassified the receipts in advance and unearned revenue amounting to W109,555 million that are related to prepaid rate plans and customer loyalty program to contract liabilities as at the date of initial application, January 1, 2018.

 

  5)

Impact of adopting K-IFRS No. 1115 on the consolidated financial statements

If the previous standards were applied to the Group’s consolidated statement of financial position as of December 31, 2018, prepaid expenses and long-term prepaid expenses would have been decreased by W1,577,992 million and W799,607 million, respectively, and contract assets and long-term contract assets would have been decreased by W90,072 million and W43,821 million. As a result, total assets would have been decreased by W,2,503,025 million with W8,467 million increase in deferred tax assets. In addition, contract liabilities, long-term contract liabilities and deferred tax liabilities would have been decreased by W140,711 million, W43,102 million and W664,240 million, respectively, while other liabilities such as receipts in advance and unearned revenue would have been increased by W156,880 million. As a result, total liabilities would have been decreased by W691,173 million. In relation to these changes in assets and liabilities, retained earnings and capital surplus and others would have been decreased by W1,811,780 million, W4,596 million respectively. Non-controlling interests would have been increased by W4,524 million.

If the previous standards were applied to the Group’s consolidated statement of income for year ended December 31, 2018, revenues, advertising expenses and commission expenses would have been increased by W85,801 million, W51,204 million and W12,714 million respectively, for which the total operating expenses would have been increased by W66,137 million resulting in operating profit and profit before income tax to be increased by W19,664 million. As a result, profit for the year would have been increased by W88,197 million with decrease in income tax expense of W68,533 million.

The adoption of K-IFRS No. 1115 did not have a material impact on the Group’s consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2018.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

3.

Changes in accounting policies, Continued

 

(2)

K-IFRS No. 1109, Financial Instruments

K-IFRS No. 1109 sets out requirements for recognizing and measuring financial assets, financial liabilities and some contracts to buy or sell non-financial items. This standard replaces K-IFRS No. 1039, Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement. The Group adopted K-IFRS No. 1109, Financial Instruments, from January 1, 2018, and the Group has taken an exemption not to restate the consolidated financial statements for prior years with respects to transition requirements.

The following table explains the impact of transition to K-IFRS No. 1109 on the opening balance of reserves and retained earnings as at January 1, 2018.

 

(In millions of won)              
     Reserves      Retained earnings  

Reclassification of available-for-sale financial assets to financial assets at fair value through profit or loss(“FVTPL”)

   W (5,336      947  

Reclassification of available-for-sale financial assets to financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income (“FVOCI”)

     (84,881      90,322  

Recognition of loss allowances on accounts receivable – trade and others

     —          (13,049

Related income tax

     21,413        (18,194
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W (68,804      60,026  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

3.

Changes in accounting policies, Continued

 

(2)

K-IFRS No. 1109, Financial Instruments, Continued

 

  1)

Classification of financial assets and financial liabilities

K-IFRS No. 1109 largely retains the existing requirements in K-IFRS No. 1039 for the classification and measurement of financial liabilities. However, it eliminates the previous K-IFRS No. 1039 categories for financial assets of held-to-maturity, available-for-sale, and loans and receivables.

Under K-IFRS No. 1109, on initial recognition, a financial asset is classified as measured at: amortized cost; FVOCI-debt investment; FVOCI-equity investment; or FVTPL. The classification of financial assets under K-IFRS No. 1109 is generally based on the business model in which a financial asset is managed and its contractual cash flow characteristics. If a contract contains embedded derivatives and the host is an asset within the scope of K-IFRS No. 1109, then such embedded derivatives are not separated.

A financial asset is measured at amortized cost if it meets both of the following conditions and is not designated as at FVTPL:

 

   

it is held within a business model whose objective is to hold assets to collect contractual cash flow; and

 

   

its contractual terms give rise to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding on specified dates.

A debt investment is measured at FVOCI if it meets both of the following conditions and is not designated as at FVTPL:

 

   

it is held within a business model whose objective is achieved by both collecting contractual cash flows and selling financial assets; and

 

   

its contractual terms give rise to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding on specified dates.

On initial recognition of an equity investment that is not held for trading, the Group may irrevocably elect to present subsequent changes in the investment’s fair value in other comprehensive income (“OCI”). This election is made on an investment-by-investment basis.

All financial assets not classified as measured at amortized cost or FVOCI as described above are measured at FVTPL. These include all derivative financial assets. On initial recognition, the Group may irrevocably designate a financial asset that otherwise meets the requirements to be measured at amortized cost or FVOCI as at FVTPL if doing so eliminates or significantly reduces an accounting mismatch that would otherwise arise.

A financial asset (unless it is an account receivable—trade without a significant financing component that is initially measured at the transaction price) is initially measured at fair value plus, for an item not at FVTPL, transaction costs that are directly attributable to its acquisition.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

3.

Changes in accounting policies, Continued

 

(2)

K-IFRS No. 1109, Financial Instruments, Continued

 

  1)

Classification of financial assets and financial liabilities, Continued

 

The following accounting polices apply to the subsequent measurement of financial assets.

 

Financial assets at FVTPL    These assets are subsequently measured at fair value. Net gains and losses, including any interest or dividend income, are recognized in profit or loss.
Financial assets at amortized cost    These assets are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. The amortized cost is reduced by impairment losses. Interest income, foreign exchange gains and losses and impairment are recognized in profit or loss. Any gain or loss on derecognition is recognized in profit or loss.
Debt investments at FVOCI    These assets are subsequently measured at fair value. Interest income calculated using the effective interest method, foreign exchange gains and losses and impairment are recognized in profit or loss. Other net gains and losses are recognized in OCI. On derecognition, gains and losses accumulated in OCI are reclassified to profit or loss.
Equity investments at FVOCI    These assets are subsequently measured at fair value. Dividends are recognized as income in profit or loss unless the dividend clearly represents a recovery of the cost of the investment. Other net gains and losses are recognized in OCI and are never reclassified to profit or loss.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

3.

Changes in accounting policies, Continued

 

(2)

K-IFRS No. 1109, Financial Instruments, Continued

 

  1)

Classification of financial assets and financial liabilities, Continued

 

The following table explains the original measurement categories under K-IFRS No. 1039 and the changes in measurement categories under K-IFRS No. 1109 for each class of the Group’s financial assets as at the date of initial application January 1, 2018:

 

(In millions of won)    Original
classification
under K-IFRS
No. 1039
     New
classification
under K-IFRS No.
1109
     Original carrying
amount under
K-IFRS No. 1039
     New carrying
amount under
K-IFRS No. 1109
     Difference  

Short-term financial assets:

 

Cash and cash
equivalents

     Amortized cost        Amortized cost      W 1,457,735        1,457,735        —    

Short-term financial
instruments

     Amortized cost        Amortized cost        616,780        616,780        —    

Short-term investment
securities(*1)

    
Available-for-
sale
 
 
     FVTPL        47,383        47,383        —    

Short-term investment
securities

    
Designated as at
FVTPL
 
 
     FVTPL        97,003        97,003        —    

Accounts receivable -
trade

     Amortized cost        Amortized cost        2,126,007        2,113,057        (12,950

Short-term loans

     Amortized cost        Amortized cost        62,830        62,830        —    

Accounts receivable -
other(*3)

     Amortized cost        FVTPL        830,321        830,321        —    

Accounts receivable -
other

     Amortized cost        Amortized cost        430,514        430,415        (99

Accrued revenue

     Amortized cost        Amortized cost        3,979        3,979        —    

Guarantee deposits

     Amortized cost        Amortized cost        3,927        3,927        —    
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
           5,676,479        5,663,430        (13,049
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Long-term financial assets:

 

Long-term financial
instruments

     Amortized cost        Amortized cost        1,222        1,222        —    

Long-term investment
securities(*1)

    
Available-for-
sale
 
 
     FVTPL        173,394        169,005        (4,389

Long-term investment
securities(*2)

    
Available-for-
sale
 
 
     FVOCI        713,613        719,054        5,441  

Long-term accounts
receivable - trade

     Amortized cost        Amortized cost        12,748        12,748        —    

Long-term loans

     Amortized cost        Amortized cost        50,874        50,874        —    

Long-term accounts
receivable - other(*3)

     Amortized cost        FVTPL        243,742        243,742        —    

Long-term accounts
receivable - other

     Amortized cost        Amortized cost        43,306        43,306        —    

Guarantee deposits

     Amortized cost        Amortized cost        292,590        292,590        —    

Derivative financial assets

    

Derivatives
hedging
instrument
 
 
 
    

Derivatives
hedging
instrument
 
 
 
     21,902        21,902        —    

Derivative financial
assets(*1)

    
Designated as at
FVTPL
 
 
     FVTPL        231,311        9,054        (222,257

Long-term investment
securities(*1)

    
Designated as at
FVTPL
 
 
     FVTPL        —          222,257        222,257  
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
           1,784,702        1,785,754        1,052  
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
         W 7,461,181        7,449,184        (11,997
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

3.

Changes in accounting policies, Continued

 

(2)

K-IFRS No. 1109, Financial Instruments, Continued

 

  1)

Classification of financial assets and financial liabilities, Continued

The following table explains the original measurement categories under K-IFRS No. 1039 and the changes in measurement categories under K-IFRS No. 1109 for each class of the Group’s financial assets as at the date of initial application, January 1 2018, Continued:

 

  (*1)

As of January 1, 2018, available-for-sale financial assets such as beneficiary certificates and equity investments amounting to W205,435 million were reclassified to financial assets measured at FVTPL. In addition, as derivatives embedded in contracts where the host is a financial asset in the scope of K-IFRS No. 1109 are never separated, the available-for-sale financial assets related to the redeemable convertible preferred shares of W15,342 million and the related derivative financial assets of W222,257 million were reclassified to financial assets measured at FVTPL which were not designated as financial assets measured at amortized cost as the contractual terms of these assets do not give rise to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding on specified dates. As a result of this reclassification, as at January 1, 2018, accumulated OCI of W5,336 million was reclassified to retained earnings, and due to its reclassification to financial assets measured at FVTPL, retained earnings was decreased by W4,389 million in relation to fair value measurement. In addition, change in the fair value of these financial assets of W1,984 million was recognized in profit before income tax during the year ended December 31, 2018.

 

  (*2)

As of January 1, 2018, available-for-sale financial assets such as marketable equity instruments amounting to W713,613 million were reclassified to equity investments at FVOCI and debt instrument at FVOCI of W713,399 million and W214 million, respectively. As a result of this reclassification, as at January 1, 2018, retained earnings of W (-)90,322 million was reclassified to accumulated OCI and accumulated OCI was increased by W5,441 million due to the fair value measurement of financial assets which were stated at cost under K-IFRS No. 1039. The Group designated equity instruments that are not held for trading as FVOCI on initial application of K-IFRS No. 1109 with no subsequent recycling of amounts from OCI to profit and loss.

 

  (*3)

As of January 1, 2018, accounts receivable – other of W1,074,063 million were reclassified to financial assets at FVTPL. Upon the initial application of K-IFRS No. 1109, the Group reclassified the debt instruments to financial assets at FVTPL whose objectives of the business model are not achieved both by collecting contractual cash flows and selling financial assets. There was no material impact on retained earnings as at January 1, 2018 as the fair values of these debt instruments were not significantly different from the carrying amounts as of December 31, 2017.

 

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

3.

Changes in accounting policies, Continued

 

(2)

K-IFRS No. 1109, Financial Instruments, Continued

 

  2)

Impairment of financial assets

K-IFRS No. 1109 sets out the ‘expected credit loss’ (ECL) impairment model which replaces the ‘incurred loss’ model under K-IFRS No. 1039 for recognizing and measuring impairment. The new impairment model applies to financial assets measured at amortized cost, contract assets and debt investments at FVOCI, but not to investments in equity instruments. Under K-IFRS No. 1109, credit losses are recognized earlier than under K-IFRS No. 1039.

ECL is a probability-weighted estimate of credit losses. Credit losses are measured as the present value of all expected cash shortfalls (i.e. the difference between the cash flows due to the entity in accordance with the contract and the cash flows that the Group expects to receive).

At each reporting date, the Group assesses whether financial assets carried at amortized cost and debt securities at FVOCI are credit-impaired. A financial asset is ‘credit-impaired’ when one or more events that have a detrimental impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset have occurred.

Loss allowance on financial assets measured at amortized cost is deducted from the carrying amount of the respective assets, while loss allowance on debt instruments at FVOCI is recognized in OCI, instead of reducing the carrying amount of the assets.

 

  3)

Hedge accounting

Upon initial application of K-IFRS No. 1109, the Group elected to apply hedge accounting requirements under K-IFRS No. 1109. The Group designates derivatives such as currency swaps as hedging instruments to hedge the risk of variability in cash flows associated with the foreign currency debentures and borrowings. As the Group’s hedging instruments as of January 1, 2018 satisfy the hedge requirements of retrospective testing (80~125%) under K-IFRS No. 1039, there is no material effect of applying K-IFRS No. 1109.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

3.

Changes in accounting policies, Continued

 

(3)

The following table explains the impacts of adopting K-IFRS No. 1115 and 1109 on the Group’s statement of financial position as of January 1, 2018.

 

(In millions of won)                            
     December 31,
2017
     Adjustments      January 1, 2018  
   As reported      K-IFRS 1115      K-IFRS 1109      Restated  

Current Assets:

   W 6,201,799        1,804,080        (13,049      7,992,830  

Accounts receivable - trade, net

     2,126,007        (4,314      (12,950      2,108,743  

Accounts receivable - other, net

     1,260,835        —          (99      1,260,736  

Prepaid expenses

     197,046        1,695,704        —          1,892,750  

Contract assets

     —          112,690        —          112,690  

Others

     2,617,911        —          —          2,617,911  

Non-Current Assets:

     27,226,870        718,898        1,052        27,946,820  

Long-term investment securities

     887,007        —          223,309        1,110,316  

Long-term prepaid expenses

     90,834        693,393        —          784,227  

Long-term contract assets

     —          30,363        —          30,363  

Deferred tax assets

     88,132        (4,858      —          83,274  

Others

     26,160,897        —          (222,257      25,938,640  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Assets

   W 33,428,669        2,522,978        (11,997      35,939,650  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Current Liabilities:

     7,109,123        12,485        —          7,121,608  

Provisions

     52,057        (215      —          51,842  

Contract liabilities

     —          114,284        —          114,284  

Receipts in advance

     161,266        (161,266      —          —    

Unearned revenue

     175,732        (175,732      —          —    

Withholdings

     961,501        235,414        —          1,196,915  

Others

     5,758,567        —          —          5,758,567  

Non-Current Liabilities:

     8,290,351        610,444        (3,219      8,897,576  

Long-term contract liabilities

     —          19,100        —          19,100  

Long-term unearned revenue

     7,052        (7,052      —          —    

Other non-current liabilities

     44,094        (919      —          43,175  

Deferred tax liabilities

     978,693        599,315        (3,219      1,574,789  

Others

     7,260,512        —          —          7,260,512  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

   W 15,399,474        622,929        (3,219      16,019,184  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Share capital

     44,639        —          —          44,639  

Capital surplus and others

     196,281        —          —          196,281  

Retained earnings

     17,835,946        1,900,049        60,026        19,796,021  

Reserves

     (234,727      —          (68,804      (303,531

Non-controlling interests

     187,056        —          —          187,056  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Shareholders’ Equity:

   W 18,029,195        1,900,049        (8,778      19,920,466  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

   W 33,428,669        2,522,978        (11,997      35,939,650  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

4.

Significant Accounting Policies

The significant accounting policies applied by the Group in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements in accordance with K-IFRSs are included below. The significant accounting policies applied by the Group in these consolidated financial statements are the same as those applied by the Group in its consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017, except for the changes in accounting policies described in Note 3.

 

(1)

Operating segments

An operating segment is a component of the Group that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses, including revenues and expenses that relate to transactions with any of the Group’s other components. The Group’s operating segments have been determined to be each business unit, for which the Group generates separately identifiable financial information that is regularly reported to the chief operating decision maker for the purpose of resource allocation and assessment of segment performance. The Group has four reportable segments as described in Note 5. Segment results that are reported to the chief operating decision maker include items directly attributable to a segment as well as those that can be allocated on a reasonable basis.

(2) Basis of consolidation

 

  1)

Business combination

A business combination is accounted for by applying the acquisition method, unless it is a combination involving entities or businesses under common control.

Consideration transferred is generally measured at fair value, identical to the measurement of identifiable net assets acquired at fair value. The difference between the acquired company’s fair value and the consideration transferred is accounted for goodwill. Any goodwill that arises is tested annually for impairment. Any gain on a bargain purchase is recognized in profit or loss immediately. Acquisition-related costs are expensed in the periods in which the costs are incurred and the services are received excluding costs to issue debt or equity securities recognized based on K-IFRS No. 1032 and 1109.

Consideration transferred does not include the amount settled in relation to the pre-existing relationship and the amount settled in relation to the pre-existing relationship is generally recognized through profit or loss.

Contingent consideration is measured at fair value at the acquisition date. Contingent consideration classified as equity is not remeasured and its subsequent settlement is accounted for within equity. If contingent consideration is not classified as equity, the Group subsequently recognizes changes in fair value of contingent consideration through profit or loss.

 

  2)

Non-controlling interests

Non-controlling interests are measured at their proportionate share of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets at the date of acquisition.

Changes in a Controlling Company’s ownership interest in a subsidiary that do not result in the Controlling Company losing control of the subsidiary are accounted for as equity transactions.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

4.

Significant Accounting Policies, Continued

 

(2)

Basis of consolidation, Continued

 

  3)

Subsidiaries

Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Group. The Group controls an investee when it is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the investee. Consolidation of an investee begins from the date the Group obtains control of the investee and cease when the Group loses control of the investee.

 

  4)

Loss of control

If the Group loses control of a subsidiary, the Group derecognizes the assets and liabilities of the former subsidiary from the consolidated statement of financial position and recognizes gain or loss associated with the loss of control attributable to the former controlling interest. Any investment retained in the former subsidiary is recognized at its fair value when control is lost.

 

  5)

Interest in investees accounted for using the equity method

Interest in investees accounted for using the equity method composed of interest in associates and joint ventures. An associate is an entity in which the Group has significant influence, but not control, over the entity’s financial and operating policies. A joint venture is a joint arrangement whereby the Group that has joint control of the arrangement has rights to the net assets of the arrangement.

The investment in an associate and a joint venture is initially recognized at cost including transaction costs and the carrying amount is increased or decreased to recognize the Group’s share of the profit or loss and changes in equity of the associate or the joint venture after the date of acquisition.

 

  6)

Intra-group transactions

Intra-group balances and transactions, and any unrealized income and expenses arising from intra-group transactions, are eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements. The Group’s share of unrealized gain incurred from transactions with investees accounted for using the equity method are eliminated and unrealized loss are eliminated using the same basis if there are no evidence of asset impairments.

 

  7)

Business combinations under common control

SK Holdings Co., Ltd. is the ultimate controlling entity of the Group. The assets and liabilities acquired under business combination under common control are recognized at the carrying amounts in the ultimate controlling shareholder’s consolidated financial statements. The difference between consideration and carrying amount of net assets acquired is added to or subtracted from capital surplus and others.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

4.

Significant Accounting Policies, Continued

 

(3)

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances, call deposits and investment securities with maturities of three months or less from the acquisition date that are easily convertible to cash and subject to an insignificant risk of changes in their fair value.

 

(4)

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the acquisition cost using the average method. During the period, a perpetual inventory system is used to track inventory quantities, which is adjusted to the physical inventory counts performed at the period end. When the net realizable value of inventories is less than the acquisition cost, the carrying amount is reduced to the net realizable value, and any difference is charged to current operations as operating expenses.

 

(5)

Financial assets – Policies applicable from January 1, 2018

 

  1)

Classification

The Group classifies its financial assets into one of the following categories:

 

   

financial assets at fair value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”)

 

   

financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income (“FVOCI”), and

 

   

financial assets measured at amortized cost

Financial assets are classified based on the business model in which a financial asset is managed and its contractual cash flow characteristics. The Group reclassifies a debt instrument when, and only when, the business model for managing the financial asset is changed.

 

  2)

Measurement

A financial asset is initially measured at fair value plus, for an item not at FVTPL, transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition. Transaction costs for a financial asset at FVTPL are recognized in profit or loss.

A hybrid financial instrument with embedded derivatives in the contract is considered as a whole when assessing whether contractual cash flows are solely payments of principal and interest.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

4.

Significant Accounting Policies, Continued

 

(5)

Financial assets – Policies applicable from January 1, 2018, Continued

 

  2)

Measurement, Continued

 

  (i)

Debt investments

A financial asset is subsequently measured based on its contractual cash flow characteristics and the business model in which a financial asset is managed. The Group classifies debt investments into one of the following categories:

 

 

Financial assets at amortized cost

A financial asset is measured at amortized cost if it is held within a business model whose objective is to collect contractual cash flows, and the contractual cash flows are solely payments of principal and interest. A gain or loss on a financial asset that is measured at amortized cost and is not part of a hedging relationship is recognized in profit or loss when the financial asset is derecognized or impaired. Interest calculated using the effective interest method is included in finance income.

 

 

Financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income (“FVOCI”)

A financial asset is classified as FVOCI when it is held within a business model whose objective is achieved by both collecting contractual cash flows and selling financial assets, and the contractual cash flows are solely payments of principal and interest. Changes in fair value other than impairment losses and reversal of impairment losses, interest income and foreign exchange gains and losses are recognized in other comprehensive income. The amounts accumulated in other comprehensive income are recycled to profit or loss when the financial assets is derecognized. Interest income calculated using the effective interest method is included in finance income. Foreign exchange gains and losses are presented as finance income or finance costs, impairment losses are presented as other expenses.

 

 

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss(“FVTPL”)

Debt investments that are not classified at amortized cost or FVOCI are classified as FVTPL. A gain or loss on debt investments that are not part of a hedging relationship is recognized in profit or loss and is presented in finance income or costs in the statement of income for the period.

 

  (ii)

Equity investments

The Group subsequently measures all of its equity investments at fair value. The Group elected to recognize the changes in fair value of the equity investments that are held for long-term or strategic purposes in other comprehensive income. The amounts accumulated in other comprehensive income are not reclassified into profit or loss upon derecognition. Dividends from these equity investments are recognized as finance income when the right to receive the dividends is established.

Changes in the value of equity investments measured at FVTPL are presented in finance income or costs in the statement of income for the period.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

4.

Significant Accounting Policies, Continued

 

(5)

Financial assets – Policies applicable from January 1, 2018, Continued

 

  3)

Impairment

The Group estimates the expected credit losses (ECL) for the debt instruments that are measured at amortized cost and FVOCI based on the forward-looking data. The impairment approach is decided based on the assessment of significant increase in credit risk. However, the Group applies a practical expedient and recognizes impairment losses equal to lifetime ECLs for Accounts receivables – trade and lease receivables from the initial recognition.

 

  4)

Recognition and derecognition

A regular way purchase or sale of financial assets is recognized and derecognized using trade date accounting. A financial asset is derecognized when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial asset expire or when the Group transfers substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset.

If the Group retains substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of a transferred asset due to a non-recourse features or others, the Group continues to recognize the transferred asset in its entirety and recognizes a financial liability for the consideration received.

 

  5)

Offsetting

A financial asset and a financial liability is offset only when the right of set-off is not contingent on future event and legally enforceable even on the event of default, insolvency or bankruptcy.

 

(6)

Financial assets – Policies applied before January 1, 2018

The Group recognizes and measures non-derivative financial assets by the following four categories: financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, held-to-maturity investments, loans and receivables and available-for-sale financial assets. The Group recognizes financial assets in the consolidated statement of financial position when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Upon initial recognition, non-derivative financial assets not at fair value through profit or loss are measured at their fair value plus transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition of asset.

 

  1)

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

A financial asset is classified as financial asset at fair value through profit or loss if it is held for trading or is designated as such upon initial recognition. Upon initial recognition, transaction costs are recognized in profit or loss when incurred. Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are measured at fair value, and changes therein are recognized in profit or loss.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

4.

Significant Accounting Policies, Continued

 

(6)

Financial assets – Policies applied before January 1, 2018, Continued

 

  2)

Held-to-maturity investments

A non-derivative financial asset with a fixed or determinable payment and fixed maturity, for which the Group has the positive intention and ability to hold to maturity, is classified as held-to-maturity investment. Subsequent to initial recognition, held-to-maturity investments are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method.

 

  3)

Loans and receivables

Loans and receivables are financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. Subsequent to initial recognition, loans and receivables are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method except for loans and receivables of which the effect of discounting is immaterial.

 

  4)

Available-for-sale financial assets

Available-for-sale financial assets are those non-derivative financial assets that are designated as available-for-sale or are not classified as financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, held-to-maturity investments or loans and receivables. Subsequent to initial recognition, they are measured at fair value, with changes in fair value, net of any tax effect, recorded in other comprehensive income (OCI) in equity. Investments in equity instruments that do not have a quoted market price in an active market and whose fair value cannot be reliably measured are measured at cost.

 

  5)

Impairment of financial assets

A financial asset not carried at fair value through profit or loss is assessed at each reporting date to determine whether there is objective evidence that it is impaired. A financial asset is impaired if objective evidence indicates that a loss event has occurred after the initial recognition of the asset, and that the loss event had a negative effect on the estimated future cash flows of the asset that can be reliably estimated. However, losses expected as a result of future events, regardless of likelihood, are not recognized.

Objective evidence that a financial asset is impaired includes following loss events:

 

   

significant financial difficulty of the issuer or obligor;

 

   

a breach of contract, such as default or delinquency in interest or principal payments;

 

   

the lender, for economic or legal reasons relating to the borrower’s financial difficulty, granting to the borrower a concession that the lender would not otherwise consider;

 

   

it becoming probable that the borrower will enter bankruptcy or other financial reorganization;

 

   

the disappearance of an active market for that financial asset because of financial difficulties; or

 

   

observable data indicating that there is a measurable decrease in the estimated future cash flows from a group of financial assets since the initial recognition of those assets, although the decrease cannot yet be identified with the individual financial assets in the group.

In addition, for an investment in an equity security classified as available-for-sale financial asset, a significant or prolonged decline in its fair value below its cost is objective evidence of impairment.

If financial assets have objective evidence that they are impaired, impairment losses are measured and recognized.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

4.

Significant Accounting Policies, Continued

 

(6)

Financial assets – Policies applied before January 1, 2018, Continued

 

  5)

Impairment of financial assets, Continued

 

  (i)

Financial assets measured at amortized cost

An impairment loss in respect of a financial asset measured at amortized cost is calculated as the difference between its carrying amount and the present value of its estimated future cash flows discounted at the asset’s original effective interest rate. The Group can recognize impairment losses directly or by establishing an allowance account. If, in a subsequent period, the amount of the impairment loss decreases and the decrease can be objectively related to an event occurring after the impairment was recognized (such as an improvement in the debtor’s credit rating), the previously recognized impairment loss is reversed either directly or by adjusting an allowance account.

 

  (ii)

Financial assets carried at cost

If there is objective evidence that an impairment loss has occurred on an unquoted equity instrument that is not carried at fair value because its fair value cannot be reliably measured, or on a derivative asset that is linked to and must be settled by delivery of such an unquoted equity instrument, the amount of the impairment loss is measured as the difference between the carrying amount of the financial asset and the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the current market rate of return for a similar financial asset. Such impairment losses are not reversed.

 

  (iii)

Available-for-sale financial assets

When a decline in the fair value of an available-for-sale financial asset has been recognized in other comprehensive income and there is objective evidence that the asset is impaired, the cumulative loss that had been recognized in other comprehensive income is reclassified to profit or loss as a reclassification adjustment even though the financial asset has not been derecognized. Impairment losses recognized in profit or loss for an investment in an equity instrument classified as available-for-sale is not reversed through profit or loss subsequently. If, in a subsequent period, the fair value of a debt instrument classified as available-for-sale increases and the increase can be objectively related to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognized in profit or loss, the impairment loss is reversed to the amount of amortized cost that would otherwise have been recognized as of the recovery date.

 

  6)

De-recognition of financial assets

The Group derecognizes a financial asset when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire or the Group transfers the rights to receive the cash flows on the financial asset in a transaction in which substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset are transferred. Any interest in transferred financial assets that is created or retained by the Group is recognized as a separate asset or liability. If the Group retains substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the transferred financial assets, the Group continues to recognize the transferred financial assets and recognizes financial liabilities for the consideration received.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

4.

Significant Accounting Policies, Continued

 

(6)

Financial assets – Policies applied before January 1, 2018, Continued

 

  7)

Offsetting between financial assets and financial liabilities

Financial assets and liabilities are offset and presented in net in the statement of financial position when, and only when, the Group currently has a legally enforceable right to offset the recognized amounts and intends either to settle on a net basis or to realize the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

 

(7)

Derivative financial instruments, including hedge accounting

Derivatives are initially recognized at fair value. Subsequent to initial recognition, derivatives are measured at fair value at the end of each reporting period, and changes therein are accounted for as described below.

 

  1)

Hedge accounting

The Group holds forward exchange contracts, interest rate swaps, currency swaps and other derivative contracts to manage interest rate risk and foreign exchange risk. The Group designates derivatives as hedging instruments to hedge the foreign currency risk of highly probable forecasted transactions or firm commitments (a cash flow hedge).

On initial designation of the hedge, the Group formally documents the relationship between the hedging instrument(s) and hedged item(s), including the risk management objectives and strategy in undertaking the hedge transaction, together with the methods that will be used to assess the effectiveness of the hedging relationship.

Cash flow hedge

When a derivative is designated to hedge the variability in cash flows attributable to a particular risk associated with a recognized asset or liability or a highly probable forecasted transaction that could affect profit or loss, the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of tax, and presented in the hedging reserve in equity. Any ineffective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative is recognized immediately in profit or loss. If the hedging instrument no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, expires or is sold, terminated, exercised, or the designation is revoked, then hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively. The cumulative gain or loss on the hedging instrument that has been recognized in other comprehensive income is reclassified to profit or loss in the periods during which the forecasted transaction occurs. If the forecasted transaction is no longer expected to occur, then the balance in other comprehensive income is recognized immediately in profit or loss.

 

  2)

Other derivative financial instruments

Other derivative financial instrument not designated as a hedging instrument are measured at fair value, and the changes in fair value of the derivative financial instrument is recognized immediately in profit or loss.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

4.

Significant Accounting Policies, Continued

 

(8)

Property and equipment

Property and equipment are initially measured at cost. The cost of property and equipment includes expenditures arising directly from the construction or acquisition of the asset, any costs directly attributable to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management and the initial estimate of the costs of dismantling and removing the item and restoring the site on which it is located.

Property and equipment, subsequently, are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses.

Subsequent costs are recognized in the carrying amount of property and equipment at cost or, if appropriate, as a separate item if it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Group and the cost of the item can be reliably measured. The carrying amount of the replaced part is derecognized. The costs of the day-to-day servicing are recognized in profit or loss as incurred.

Property and equipment, except for land, are depreciated on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives that appropriately reflect the pattern in which the asset’s future economic benefits are expected to be consumed. A component that is significant compared to the total cost of property and equipment is depreciated over its separate useful life.

Gains and losses on disposal of an item of property and equipment are determined by comparing the proceeds from disposal with the carrying amount of property and equipment and are recognized as other non-operating income (loss).

The estimated useful lives of the Group’s property and equipment are as follows:

 

     Useful lives (years)

Buildings and structures

   15 ~ 40

Machinery

   3 ~ 15

Other property and equipment

   2 ~10

Depreciation methods, useful lives, and residual values are reviewed at the end of each reporting date and adjusted, if appropriate. The change is accounted for as a change in an accounting estimate.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

4.

Significant Accounting Policies, Continued

 

(9)

Borrowing costs

The Group capitalizes borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset as part of the cost of that asset. Other borrowing costs are recognized in expense as incurred. A qualifying asset is an asset that requires a substantial period of time to get ready for its intended use or sale. Financial assets are not qualifying assets, and assets that are ready for their intended use or sale when acquired are not qualifying assets either.

To the extent that the Group borrows funds specifically for the purpose of obtaining a qualifying asset, the Group determines the amount of borrowing costs eligible for capitalization as the actual borrowing costs incurred on that borrowing during the period less any investment income on the temporary investment of those borrowings. To the extent that the Group borrows funds generally and uses them for the purpose of obtaining a qualifying asset, the Group determines the amount of borrowing costs eligible for capitalization by applying a capitalization rate to the expenditures on that asset. The capitalization rate is the weighted average of the borrowing costs applicable to the borrowings of the Group that are outstanding during the period other than borrowings made specifically for the purpose of obtaining a qualifying asset. The amount of borrowing costs that the Group capitalizes during a period do not exceed the amount of borrowing costs incurred during that period.

 

(10)

Intangible assets

Intangible assets are measured initially at cost and, subsequently, are carried at cost less accumulated amortization and accumulated impairment losses.

Amortization of intangible assets except for goodwill is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of intangible assets from the date that they are available for use. The residual value of intangible assets is zero. However, club memberships are expected to be available for use as there are no foreseeable limits to the periods. These intangible assets including brand are determined as having indefinite useful lives

and not amortized.

The estimated useful lives of the Group’s intangible assets are as follows:

 

     Useful lives (years)

Frequency usage rights

   5 ~ 13

Land usage rights

   5

Industrial rights

   5, 10

Development costs

   3 ~ 5

Facility usage rights

   10, 20

Customer relations

   3 ~ 20

Other

   3 ~ 20

Amortization periods and the amortization methods for intangible assets with finite useful lives are reviewed at the end of each reporting period. The useful lives of intangible assets that are not being amortized are reviewed at the end of each reporting period to determine whether events and circumstances continue to support indefinite useful life assessments for those assets. Changes, if appropriate, are accounted for as changes in accounting estimates.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

4.

Significant Accounting Policies, Continued

 

(10)

Intangible assets, Continued

 

Expenditures on research activities are recognized in profit or loss as incurred. Development expenditures are capitalized only if development costs can be reliably measured, the product or process is technically and commercially feasible, future economic benefits are probable, and the Group intends to and has sufficient resources to complete development and to use or sell the asset. Other development expenditures are recognized in profit or loss as incurred.

Subsequent expenditures are capitalized only when they increase the future economic benefits embodied in the specific asset to which it relates. All other expenditures, including expenditures on internally generated goodwill and brands, are recognized in profit or loss as incurred.

 

(11)

Government grants

Government grants are not recognized unless there is reasonable assurance that the Group will comply with the grant’s conditions and that the grant will be received.

 

  1)

Grants related to assets

Government grants whose primary condition is that the Group purchases, constructs, or otherwise acquires a long-term asset are deducted in calculating the carrying amount of the asset. The grant is recognized in profit or loss over the life of a depreciable asset as a reduction to depreciation expense.

 

  2)

Grants related to income

Government grants which are intended to compensate the Group for expenses incurred are deducted from the related expenses.

 

(12)

Investment property

Property held for the purpose of earning rentals or benefiting from capital appreciation is classified as investment property. Investment property is initially measured at its cost. Transaction costs are included in the initial measurement. Subsequently, investment property is carried at depreciated cost less any accumulated impairment loss.

Subsequent costs are recognized in the carrying amount of investment property at cost or, if appropriate, as a separate item if it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Group and the cost of the item can be reliably measured. The carrying amount of the replaced part is derecognized. The costs of the day-to-day servicing are recognized in profit or loss as incurred.

Investment properties, except for land, are depreciated on a straight-line basis over 15~40 years as estimated useful lives.

Depreciation methods, useful lives, and residual values are reviewed at the end of each reporting date and adjusted, if appropriate. The change is accounted for as a change in an accounting estimate.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

4.

Significant Accounting Policies, Continued

 

(13)

Impairment of non-financial assets

The carrying amounts of the Group’s non-financial assets other than assets arising from employee benefits, inventories, deferred tax assets, and non-current assets held for sale are reviewed at the end of the reporting period to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If any such indication exists, then the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated. Goodwill and intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives or that are not yet available for use, irrespective of whether there is any indication of impairment, are tested for impairment annually by comparing their recoverable amounts to their carrying amounts.

The Group estimates the recoverable amount of an individual asset, and if it is impossible to measure the individual recoverable amount of an asset, the Group estimates the recoverable amount of cash-generating unit (“CGU”). A CGU is the smallest identifiable group of assets that generates cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets. The recoverable amount of an asset or CGU is the greater of its value in use and its fair value less costs to sell. The value in use is estimated by applying a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset or CGU for which estimated future cash flows have not been adjusted, to the estimated future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset or CGU.

An impairment loss is recognized in profit or loss to the extent the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its recoverable amount.

Goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated to each CGU that is expected to benefit from the synergy arising from the business acquired. Any impairment identified at the CGU level will first reduce the carrying value of goodwill and then be used to reduce the carrying amount of the other assets in the CGU on a pro rata basis. Except for impairment losses in respect of goodwill which are never reversed, an impairment loss is reversed if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount. An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortization, if no impairment loss had been recognized.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

4.

Significant Accounting Policies, Continued

 

(14)

Leases

The Group classifies and accounts for leases as either a finance or operating lease, depending on the terms. Leases where the Group assumes substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as finance leases. All other leases are classified as operating leases.

 

  1)

Finance leases

At the commencement of the lease term, the Group recognizes as finance assets and finance liabilities in its consolidated statement of financial position, the lower amount of the fair value of the leased property and the present value of the minimum lease payments, each determined at the inception of the lease. Any initial direct costs are added to the amount recognized as an asset.

Minimum lease payments are apportioned between the finance charge and the reduction of the outstanding liability. The finance charge is allocated to each period during the lease term so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability. Contingent rents are charged as expenses in the periods in which they are incurred.

The depreciable amount of a leased asset is allocated to each accounting period during the period of expected use on a systematic basis consistent with the depreciation policy the Group adopts for depreciable assets that are owned. If there is no reasonable certainty that the Group will obtain ownership by the end of the lease term, the asset is fully depreciated over the shorter of the lease term and its useful life. The Group reviews to determine whether the leased assets are impaired at the reporting date.

 

  2)

Operating leases

Leases where the lessor retains a significant portion of the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as operating leases. Payments made under operating leases (net of any incentives received from the lessor) are recognized in profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

 

  3)

Determining whether an arrangement contains a lease

Determining whether an arrangement is, or contains, a lease is based on the substance of the arrangement and requires an assessment of whether fulfillment of the arrangement is dependent on the use of a specific asset and the arrangement conveys a right to use the asset.

At inception or reassessment of the arrangement, the Group separates payments and other consideration required by such an arrangement into those for the lease and those for other elements on the basis of their relative fair values. If the Group concludes for a financial lease that it is impracticable to separate the payments reliably, the Group recognizes an asset and a liability at an amount equal to the fair value of the underlying asset that was identified as the subject of the lease. Subsequently, the liability is reduced as payments are made and an imputed finance charge on the liability is recognized using the Group’s incremental borrowing rate of interest.

 

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

4.

Significant Accounting Policies, Continued

 

(15)

Non-current assets held for sale

Non-current assets, or disposal groups comprising assets and liabilities, that are expected to be recovered primarily through sales rather than through continuing use, are classified as held for sale. In order to be classified as held for sale, the assets (or disposal groups) must be available for immediate sale in their present condition and their sale must be highly probable. The assets or disposal groups that are classified as non-current assets held for sale are measured at the lower of their carrying amounts and fair value less cost to sell. The Group recognizes an impairment loss for any initial or subsequent write-down of assets (or disposal groups) to fair value less costs to sell and a gain for any subsequent increase in fair value less costs to sell up to the cumulative impairment loss previously recognized in accordance with K-IFRS No. 1036, Impairment of Assets.

A non-current asset that is classified as held for sale or part of a disposal group classified as held for sale is not depreciated (or amortized).

 

(16)

Non-derivative financial liabilities

The Group classifies non-derivative financial liabilities into financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss or other financial liabilities in accordance with the substance of the contractual arrangement. The Group recognizes financial liabilities in the consolidated statement of financial position when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the financial liability.

 

  1)

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss include financial liabilities held for trading or designated as such upon initial recognition. Subsequent to initial recognition, these liabilities are measured at fair value, and changes therein are recognized in profit or loss. Upon initial recognition, transaction costs that are directly attributable to the issue of the financial liability are recognized in profit or loss as incurred.

 

  2)

Other financial liabilities

Non-derivative financial liabilities other than financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are classified as other financial liabilities. At the date of initial recognition, other financial liabilities are measured at fair value minus transaction costs that are directly attributable to the issue of the financial liability. Subsequent to initial recognition, other financial liabilities are measured at amortized cost and the interest expenses are recognized using the effective interest method.

 

  3)

Derecognition of financial liability

The Group extinguishes a financial liability only when the contractual obligation is fulfilled, canceled or expires. The Group recognizes new financial liabilities at fair value based on new contracts and eliminates existing liabilities when the contractual terms of the financial liabilities change and the cash flows change substantially.

When a financial liability is derecognized, the difference between the carrying amount and the consideration paid (including any transferred non-cash assets or liabilities assumed) is recognized in profit or loss.

 

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

4.

Significant Accounting Policies, Continued

 

(17)

Employee benefits

 

  1)

Short-term employee benefits

Short-term employee benefits are employee benefits that are due to be settled within 12 months after the end of the period in which the employees render related services. When an employee has rendered a service to the Group during an accounting period, the Group recognizes the undiscounted amount of short-term employee benefits expected to be paid in exchange for that service.

 

  2)

Other long-term employee benefits

Other long-term employee benefits include employee benefits that are settled beyond 12 months after the end of the period in which the employees render related services. The Group’s net obligation in respect of long-term employee benefits is the amount of future benefit that employees have earned in return for their service in the current and prior periods. That benefit is discounted to determine its present value. Remeasurements are recognized in profit or loss in the period in which they arise.

 

  3)

Retirement benefits: defined contribution plans

When an employee has rendered a service to the Group during a period, the Group recognizes the contribution payable to a defined contribution plan in exchange for that service as a liability (accrued expense), after deducting any contribution already paid. If the contribution already paid exceeds the contribution due for service before the end of the reporting period, the Group recognizes that excess as an asset (prepaid expense) to the extent that the prepayment will lead to a reduction in future payments or a cash refund.

 

  4)

Retirement benefits: defined benefit plans

At of the end of reporting period, defined benefits liabilities relating to defined benefit plans are recognized at present value of defined benefit obligations net of fair value of plan assets.

The calculation is performed annually by an independent actuary using the projected unit credit method. When the fair value of plan assets exceeds the present value of the defined benefit obligation, the Group recognizes an asset, to the extent of the present value of any economic benefits available in the form of refunds from the plan or reduction in the future contributions to the plan.

Remeasurements of the net defined benefit liability, which comprise actuarial gains and losses, the return on plan assets (excluding interest) and the effect of the asset ceiling (if any, excluding interest), are recognized immediately in other comprehensive income. The Group determines net interests on net defined benefit liability (asset) by multiplying discount rate determined at the beginning of the annual reporting period and considers changes in net defined benefit liability (asset) from contributions and benefit payments. Net interest costs and other costs relating to the defined benefit plan are recognized through profit or loss.

When the plan amendment or curtailment occurs, gains or losses on amendment or curtailment in benefits for the past service provided are recognized through profit or loss. The Group recognizes a gain or loss on a settlement when the settlement of defined benefit plan occurs.

 

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

4.

Significant Accounting Policies, Continued

 

(17)

Employee benefits, Continued

 

  5)

Termination benefits

The Group recognizes a liability and expense for termination benefits at the earlier of the period when the Group can no longer withdraw the offer of those benefits and the period when the Group recognizes costs for a restructuring that involves the payment of termination benefits. If benefits are payable more than 12 months after the reporting period, they are discounted to their present value.

 

(18)

Provisions

Provisions are recognized when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event, it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.

The risks and uncertainties that inevitably surround many events and circumstances are taken into account in reaching the best estimate of a provision. If the effect of the time value of money is material, provisions are determined at the present value of the expected future cash flows.

If some or all of the expenditures required to settle a provision are expected to be reimbursed by another party, the reimbursement is recognized when, and only when, it is virtually certain that reimbursement will be received if the entity settles the obligation. The reimbursement is treated as a separate asset.

Provisions are reviewed at the end of each reporting period and adjusted to reflect the current best estimates. If it is no longer probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation, the provision is reversed.

A provision is used only for expenditures for which the provision was originally recognized.

 

(19)

Transactions in foreign currencies

 

  1)

Foreign currency transactions

Transactions in foreign currencies are translated to the functional currency of Group at exchange rates at the dates of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated to the functional currency using the exchange rate at the reporting date. Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies that are measured at fair value are retranslated to the functional currency at the exchange rate at the date that the fair value was determined.

Foreign currency differences arising on retranslation are recognized in profit or loss, except for differences arising on the retranslation of available-for-sale equity instruments.

 

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

4.

Significant Accounting Policies, Continued

 

(19)

Transactions in foreign currencies, Continued

 

  2)

Foreign operations

If the presentation currency of the Group is different from a foreign operation’s functional currency, the financial statements of the foreign operation are translated into the presentation currency using the following methods:

The assets and liabilities of foreign operations, whose functional currency is not the currency of a hyperinflationary economy, are translated to presentation currency at exchange rates at the reporting date. The income and expenses of foreign operations are translated to functional currency at exchange rates at the dates of the transactions. Foreign currency differences are recognized in other comprehensive income.

Any goodwill arising on the acquisition of a foreign operation and any fair value adjustments to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities arising on the acquisition of that foreign operation is treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign operation. Thus, they are expressed in the functional currency of the foreign operation and translated at the closing rate at the reporting date.

When a foreign operation is disposed, the relevant amount in the translation is transferred to profit or loss as part of the profit or loss on disposal. On the partial disposal of a subsidiary that includes a foreign operation, the relevant proportion of such cumulative amount is reattributed to non-controlling interest. In any other partial disposal of a foreign operation, the relevant proportion is reclassified to profit or loss.

 

(20)

Share capital

Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issuance of ordinary shares and share options are recognized as a deduction from equity, net of any tax effects.

When the Group repurchases its own shares, the amount of the consideration paid is recognized as a deduction from equity and classified as treasury shares. The gains or losses from the purchase, disposal, reissue, or retirement of treasury shares are directly recognized in equity being as transaction with owners

 

(21)

Hybrid bond

The Group recognizes a financial instrument issued by the Group as an equity instrument if it does not include contractual obligation to deliver financial assets including cash to the counter party.

 

(22)

Share-based Payment

For equity-settled share-based payment transaction, if the fair value of the goods or services received cannot be reliably estimated, the Group measures the value indirectly by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments granted. The related expense with a corresponding increase in capital surplus and others is recognized over the vesting period of the awards. The amount recognized as an expense is adjusted to reflect the number of awards for which the related service and non-market performance conditions are expected to be met, such that the amount ultimately recognized is based on the number of awards that meet the related service and non-market performance conditions at the vesting date.

 

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

4.

Significant Accounting Policies, Continued

 

(23)

Revenue - Policies applicable from January 1, 2018

The Group has initially adopted K-IFRS No. 1115, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, from January 1, 2018. See note 3 (1) for additional information.

 

  1)

Identification of performance obligations in contracts with customers

The Group identifies the distinct services or goods as performance obligations in contracts with customers such as (1) wireless telecommunications services and (2) selling other goods and services. In the case of providing both wireless telecommunications service and selling a handset together to one customer, the Group allocates considerations from the customer between the separate performance obligations for handset sale and wireless telecommunications service. The handset sale revenue is recognized when handset is delivered and the wireless telecommunications service revenue is recognized over the period of the contract term as stated in the subscription contract.

 

  2)

Allocation of the transaction price to each performance obligation

In accordance with K-IFRS No. 1115, the Group allocates the transaction price of a contract to each performance obligation identified on a relative stand-alone selling price basis. The Group uses “adjusted market assessment approach” for estimating the stand-alone selling price of a good or service. As an exception, the Group uses “Expected cost plus a margin approach” for insignificant transactions.

 

  3)

Customer loyalty programs

The Group provides customer loyalty points to customers based on the usage of the service to which the Group allocates a portion of consideration received as a performance obligation distinct from wireless telecommunications services. The amount allocated to the loyalty program is deferred and is recognized as revenue when loyalty points are redeemed. The deferred revenue is included in contract liabilities.

 

(24)

Revenue - Policies applied before January 1, 2018

Revenue from the sale of goods, rendering of services or use of assets is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable. Returns, trade discounts and volume rebates are recognized as a reduction of revenue.

When two or more revenue generating activities or deliverables are sold under a single arrangement, each deliverable that is considered to be a separate unit of account is accounted for separately. The allocation of consideration from a revenue arrangement to its separate units of account is based on the relative fair values of each unit.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

4.

Significant Accounting Policies, Continued

 

(24)

Revenue - Policies applied before January 1, 2018, Continued

 

  1)

Services rendered

Revenue from cellular services consists of revenue from basic charges, voice charges, data charges, data-roaming services and interconnection charges. Such revenues are recognized as services are performed.

Revenue from fixed-line services includes domestic and long-distance call charges, international phone connection charges, installation service and broadband internet services. Such revenues are recognized as the related services are performed.

Revenue from other services rendered is recognized in profit or loss in proportion to the stage of completion of the transaction at the reporting date. The stage of completion is assessed by reference to surveys of work performed.

 

  2)

Goods sold

Revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence exists, usually in the form of an executed sales agreement, that the significant risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to the buyer, recovery of the consideration is probable, the associated costs and possible return of goods can be estimated reliably, there is no continuing management involvement with the goods, and the amount of revenue can be measured reliably.

 

  3)

Commission revenue

In connection with the commission revenue from e-commerce services, the Group has determined that it is acting as an agent due to the followings:

 

   

The Group does not bear inventory risk or have responsibility for the delivery goods;

 

   

All of the credit risks are borne by suppliers of goods though the Group collects the proceeds from end customers on behalf of the suppliers; and

 

   

The Group has no latitude in establishing prices regarding goods sold in e-commerce.

 

  4)

Customer loyalty programs

For customer loyalty programs, the fair value of the consideration received or receivable in respect of the initial sale is allocated between the award credits and the other components of the sale. The amount allocated to the award credits is estimated by reference to the fair value of the services to be provided with respect to the redeemable award credits. The fair value of the services to be provided with respect to the redeemable portion of the award credits granted to the customers in accordance with customer loyalty programs is estimated taking into account the expected redemption rate and timing of the expected redemption. Considerations allocated to the award credits are deferred and revenue is recognized when the award credits are recovered and the Group performs its obligation to provide the service. The amount of revenue recognized is based on the relative size of the total award credits that are expected to be redeemed and the redeemed award credits in exchange for services.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

4.

Significant Accounting Policies, Continued

 

(25)

Finance income and finance costs     

Finance income comprises interest income on funds invested (including financial assets measured at fair value), dividend income, gains on disposal of financial assets at FVTPL, changes in fair value of financial instruments at FVTPL, and gains on hedging instruments that are recognized in profit or loss. Interest income is recognized as it accrues in profit or loss, using the effective interest rate method. Dividend income is recognized in profit or loss when the right to receive the dividend is established.

Finance costs comprise interest expense on borrowings, changes in fair value of financial instruments at FVTPL, and losses on hedging instruments that are recognized in profit or loss. Interest expense on borrowings and debentures are recognized as it accrues in profit or loss using the effective interest rate method.

 

(26)

Income taxes

Income tax expense comprises current and deferred tax. Current tax and deferred tax are recognized in profit or loss except for transactions or events directly recognized in other comprehensive income or equity.

The Group pays income tax in accordance with the tax-consolidation system when the parent company and its subsidiaries are economically unified.

 

  1)

Current tax

In accordance with the tax-consolidation system, the Parent Company calculates current taxes for the Parent Company and its wholly owned domestic subsidiaries and recognizes the income tax payable as current tax liabilities of the Parent Company.

Current tax is the expected tax payable or receivable on the taxable profit or loss for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the end of the reporting period, and includes interests and fines related to income taxes paid or payable. The taxable profit is different from the accounting profit for the period since the taxable profit is calculated excluding the temporary differences, which will be taxable or deductible in determining taxable profit (tax loss) of future periods, and non-taxable or non-deductible items from the accounting profit.

 

  2)

Deferred tax

Deferred tax is recognized using the asset-liability method in respect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. The Group recognizes a deferred tax liability for all taxable temporary differences, except for the difference associated with investments in subsidiaries and associates that the Group is able to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future. The Group recognizes a deferred tax asset for all deductible temporary differences to the extent that it is probable that the temporary difference will reverse in the foreseeable future and taxable profit will be available against which the temporary difference can be utilized.

 

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

4.

Significant Accounting Policies, Continued

 

(26)

Income taxes, Continued

 

  2)

Deferred tax, Continued

 

A deferred tax asset is recognized for the carryforward of unused tax losses and unused tax credits to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the unused tax losses and unused tax credits can be utilized. Future taxable profit is dependent on the reversal of taxable temporary differences. If there are insufficient taxable temporary differences to recognize the deferred tax asset, the business plan of the Group and the reversal of existing temporary differences are considered in determining the future taxable profit.

The Group reviews the carrying amount of a deferred tax asset at the end of each reporting period and reduces the carrying amount to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow the benefit of part or all of that deferred tax asset to be utilized.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when the asset is realized or the liability is settled 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 deferred tax assets reflects the tax consequences that would follow from the manner in which the Group expects, at the end of the reporting period, to recover or settle the carrying amount of its assets and liabilities.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset only if the Group has a legally enforceable right to offset the amount recognized and intends to settle the current tax liabilities and assets on a net basis. Income tax expense in relation to dividend payments is recognized when liabilities relating to the dividend payments are recognized.

 

(27)

Earnings per share

The Group presents basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) data for its ordinary shares. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing the profit or loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Parent Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period, adjusted for own shares held. Diluted EPS is determined by adjusting the profit or loss attributable to ordinary shareholders and the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding, adjusted for own shares held, for the effects of all dilutive potential ordinary shares, which comprise share options granted to employees, if any.

 

(28)

Standards issued but not yet effective

The following new standards are effective for annual periods beginning after January 1, 2018 and earlier application is permitted; however, the Group has not adopted the following new standards early in preparing the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

4.

Significant Accounting Policies, Continued

 

(28)

Standards issued but not yet effective, Continued

 

K-IFRS No. 1116 Leases

K-IFRS No. 1116, published on May 22, 2017 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. K-IFRS No. 1116, replaces existing leases guidance including K-IFRS No. 1017, Leases, K-IFRS No. 2104, Determining whether an Arrangement contains a Lease, K-IFRS No.2015, Operating Leases - Incentives and K-IFRS No. 2027, Evaluating the Substance of Transactions Involving the Legal Form of a Lease.

The Group will assess at inception of a contract whether that contract is, or contains, a lease. A contract is, or contains, a lease if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. However, the Group can apply a practical expedient to grandfather their previous assessment of whether existing contracts are, or contain, leases.

A lessee recognizes a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying assets and a lease liability representing its obligation to make lease payments. There are recognition exemptions for short-term leases (lease term ends within 12 months at the commencement date of the lease) or leases of low-value items (assets with a value of KRW 6 million or less). As a practical expedient, a lessee can elect, by class of underlying asset, not to separate lease components from any associated non-lease components. A lessee that takes this election accounts for the lease component and the associated non-lease components as a single lease component.

A lessor’s accounting remains similar to current requirements, K-IFRS No. 1017 Leases.

 

  1)

A lessee’s accounting - application and financial impacts

A lessee is permitted to adopt the standard retrospectively according to K-IFRS No. 1008, Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors, (‘Full retrospective approach’) or to follow a modified retrospective approach in which the lessee recognizes the cumulative effect of initial application of the standard as an adjustment to equity at the date of initial application. (‘Modified retrospective approach’)

The Group plans to apply K-IFRS No.1116 initially on January 1, 2019 by using the modified retrospective approach. Therefore, the cumulative effect of adopting K-IFRS No.1116 will be recognized as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings at January 1, 2019 with no restatement of comparative information.

The Group is assessing the financial impact of the adoption of K-IFRS No. 1116 on its consolidated financial statements. It is impractical to provide a reasonable estimate of the financial impact until the Group completes this analysis.

The Group plans to account for the lease component and the associated non-lease components as a single lease component applying the practical expedient. In addition, the Group plans to account for leases for which the lease term ends within 12 months of the date of initial application as short-term leases.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

4.

Significant Accounting Policies, Continued

 

(28)

Standards issued but not yet effective Continued

 

    

K-IFRS No. 1116 Leases, Continued

 

  1)

A lessee’s accounting—application and financial impacts, Continued

 

According to the Group’s preliminary analysis of application of the K-IFRS 1116, right-of-use assets and lease liabilities are expected to increase as of January 1, 2019. Based on the preliminary assessment, the Group expects lease expenses to decrease and depreciation expenses of the right-of-use assets and interest expenses of lease liabilities to increase.

 

  2)

A lessor’s accounting—application and financial impacts

The Group expects that financial impact of the lessor accounting is not significant to the consolidated financial statements due to the lessor’s accounting remaining similar to current requirements, K-IFRS No. 1017, Leases.

 

5.

Operating Segments

The Group’s operating segments have been identified to be each business unit, by which the Group provides independent services and merchandise. The Group’s reportable segments are cellular services, which include cellular voice service, wireless data service and wireless internet services; fixed-line telecommunication services, which include telephone services, internet services, and leased line services; e-commerce services, which from 2018 include the Eleven Street Co., Ltd., the open marketplace platform; and all other businesses, which include the Group’s internet portal services and other immaterial operations, each of which does not meet the quantitative threshold to be considered as a reportable segment and are presented collectively as others.

 

(1)

Segment information for the year ended December 31, 2018 is as follows:

 

(In millions of won)    2018  
     Cellular
Services
     Fixed-line
telecommu-
nication

services
     E-commerce
Services
    Others     Sub-total      Adjustments     Total  

Total revenue

   W 13,961,762        3,973,533        674,359       1,198,865       19,808,519        (2,934,559     16,873,960  

Inter-segment revenue

     1,582,865        1,040,935        56,280       254,479       2,934,559        (2,934,559     —    

External revenue

     12,378,897        2,932,598        618,079       944,386       16,873,960        —         16,873,960  

Depreciation and amortization

     2,341,862        643,941        16,446       123,869       3,126,118        —         3,126,118  

Operating profit (loss)

     1,299,869        228,225        (67,757     (258,577     1,201,760        —         1,201,760  

Finance income and costs, net

 

    (128,797

Gain relating to investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures, net

 

    3,270,912  

Other non-operating income and expense, net

 

    (367,909

Profit before income tax

 

    3,975,966  

 

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

5.

Operating Segments, Continued

 

(2)

Segment information for the year ended December 31, 2017 is as follows:

 

(In millions of won)                                              
     2017  
   Cellular
Services
     Fixed-line
telecommu-
nication

services
     E-commerce
Services(*)
    Others(*)     Sub-total      Adjustments     Total  

Total revenue

   W 14,873,543        3,586,887        684,762       1,195,977       20,341,169        (2,821,156     17,520,013  

Inter-segment revenue

     1,611,408        862,736        37,662       309,350       2,821,156        (2,821,156     —    

External revenue

     13,262,135        2,724,151        647,100       886,627       17,520,013        —         17,520,013  

Depreciation and amortization

     2,390,016        592,877        15,221       99,352       3,097,466        —         3,097,466  

Operating profit (loss)

     1,714,078        167,515        (153,946     (191,021     1,536,626        —         1,536,626  

Finance income and costs, net

 

    (67,055

Gain relating to investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures, net

 

    2,245,732  

Other non-operating income and expense, net

 

    (312,054

Profit before income tax

 

    3,403,249  

 

(*)

Segment information for the year ended December 31, 2017 was restated as Eleven Street Co., Ltd. was spun off from SK Planet Co., Ltd., and newly established during the year ended December 31, 2018, and is only included in the E-Commerce Services segment.

Since there are no intersegment sales of inventory or depreciable assets, there is no unrealized intersegment profit to be eliminated on consolidation. The Group principally operates its businesses in Korea and the revenue amounts earned outside of Korea are immaterial. Therefore, no entity-wide geographical information is presented.

No single customer contributed 10% or more to the Group’s total revenue for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

5.     Operating Segments, Continued

 

(3)

Disaggregation of operating revenues considering the economic factors that affect the amounts, timing and uncertainty of the Group’s revenue and future cash flows is as follows:

 

(In millions of won)                   
          2018      2017  

Products transferred at a point in time:

        

Cellular revenue

  

Goods (*1)

   W 1,215,886        1,213,314  

Fixed-line telecommunication

revenue

  

Goods

     119,599        74,065  

Other revenue

  

Goods

     112,859        93,109  
  

Products

     31,974        25,068  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 
        1,480,318        1,405,556  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Services transferred over time:

        

Cellular revenue

  

Wireless service(*2)

     9,770,423        10,638,961  
  

Cellular interconnection

     532,156        592,755  
  

Other(*3)

     860,432        817,105  

Fixed-line telecommunication revenue

  

Wireless service

     291,028        308,051  
  

Cellular interconnection

     95,742        116,069  
  

Internet Protocol Television(*4)

     1,140,327        1,010,159  
  

International calls

     80,415        89,412  
  

Internet service and miscellaneous(*5)

     1,205,487        1,126,395  

E-commerce services revenue

  

E-commerce service

     618,079        647,100  

Other revenue

  

Miscellaneous(*6)

     799,553        768,450  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 
        15,393,642        16,114,457  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 
      W 16,873,960        17,520,013  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*1)

Cellular revenue includes revenue from sales of handsets and other electronic accessories.

 

(*2)

Wireless service includes revenue from wireless voice and data transmission services principally derived from usage charges to wireless subscribers.

 

(*3)

Other revenue includes revenue from billing and collection services as well as other miscellaneous services.

 

(*4)

IPTV service revenue includes revenue from IPTV services principally derived from usage charges to IPTV subscribers.

 

(*5)

Internet service includes revenue from the high speed broadband internet service principally derived from usage charges to subscribers as well as other miscellaneous services.

 

(*6)

Miscellaneous other revenue includes revenue from considerations received for the development and maintenance of system software, and digital contents platform services.

 

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

6.

Restricted Deposits

Deposits which are restricted in use as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are summarized as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     December 31, 2018      December 31, 2017  

Short-term financial instruments(*)

   W 79,511        89,850  

Long-term financial instruments(*)

     1,218        1,222  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 80,729        91,072  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*)

Financial instruments include charitable trust fund established by the Group where profits from the fund are donated to charitable institutions. As of December 31, 2018, the funds cannot be withdrawn before maturity.

 

7.

Trade and Other Receivables

 

(1)

Details of trade and other receivables as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)    December 31, 2018  
     Gross
amount
     Loss
allowance
     Carrying
amount
 

Current assets:

        

Accounts receivable – trade

   W 2,268,680        (260,040      2,008,640  

Short-term loans

     59,643        (549      59,094  

Accounts receivable – other(*)

     1,006,183        (68,346      937,837  

Accrued income

     6,232        (166      6,066  

Guarantee deposits

(Other current assets)

     2,714        —          2,714  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     3,343,452        (329,101      3,014,351  

Non-current assets:

        

Long-term loans

     75,860        (46,826      29,034  

Long-term accounts receivable – other(*)

     274,053        —          274,053  

Guarantee deposits

     313,140        —          313,140  

Long-term accounts receivable – trade

(Other non-current assets)

     11,410        (117      11,293  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     674,463        (46,943      627,520  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 4,017,915        (376,044      3,641,871  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*)

Gross and carrying amounts of accounts receivable - other as of December 31, 2018 include W 489,617 million of financial instruments classified as FVTPL.

 

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

7.

Trade and Other Receivables, Continued

 

  (1)

Details of trade and other receivables as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows, Continued:

 

(In millions of won)    December 31, 2017  
     Gross
amount
     Loss
allowance
     Carrying
amount
 

Current assets:

        

Accounts receivable – trade

   W 2,365,270        (239,263      2,126,007  

Short-term loans

     63,380        (550      62,830  

Accounts receivable – other

     1,336,247        (75,412      1,260,835  

Accrued income

     3,979        —          3,979  

Guarantee deposits (Other current assets)

     3,927        —          3,927  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     3,772,803        (315,225      3,457,578  

Non-current assets:

        

Long-term loans

     97,635        (46,761      50,874  

Long-term accounts receivable – other

     287,048        —          287,048  

Guarantee deposits

     292,590        —          292,590  

Long-term accounts receivable – trade (Other non-current assets)

     12,933        (185      12,748  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     690,206        (46,946      643,260  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 4,463,009        (362,171      4,100,838  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(2)

Changes in the loss allowance on accounts receivable – trade measured at amortized costs during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)                                           
     Beginning
balance
     Impact of
adopting

K-IFRS No. 1109
     Impairment      Write-offs (*)     Collection of
receivables
previously
written-off
     Business
combination
and others
     Ending
Balance
 

2018

   W 239,448        12,950        38,211        (46,616     13,455        2,709        260,157  

2017

     241,828        —          34,584        (52,897     15,933        —          239,448  

 

(*)

The Group writes off the trade and other receivables when contractual payments are more than 5 years past due, or for reasons such as termination of operations or liquidation.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

7.

Trade and Other Receivables, Continued

 

(3)

The Group applies the practical expedient that allows the Group to estimate the loss allowance for accounts receivables—trade at an amount equal to the lifetime expected credit losses. The expected credit losses include the forward-looking information. To make the assessment, the Group uses its historical credit loss experience over the past three years and classified the accounts receivable—trade by their credit risk characteristics and days overdue. Details of loss allowance on accounts receivable – trade as of December 31, 2018 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)                         
     Less than 6
months
    6 months ~
1 year
    1 year ~
3 years
    More than 3
years
 

Telecommunications service revenue

  

Expected credit loss rate

   W 2.70     58.20     74.10     86.36
  

Gross amount

     1,135,441       48,796       125,181       31,547  
  

Loss allowance

     30,628       28,401       92,753       27,244  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other revenue

  

Expected credit loss rate

     1.18     35.47     40.03     68.44
  

Gross amount

     817,201       9,126       31,345       81,453  
  

Loss allowance

     9,603       3,237       12,546       55,745  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

As the Group is a wireless and fixed-line telecommunications service provider, the Group’s financial assets measured at amortized cost consist primarily of receivables from numerous individual customers, and, therefore, no significant credit concentration risk arises.

Receivables related to other revenue mainly consist of receivables from corporate customers. The Group transacts only with corporate customers with credit ratings that are considered to be low at credit risk. In addition, the Group was not exposed to significant credit concentration risk as the Group regularly assesses their credit risk by monitoring their credit rating. While the contract assets are under the impairment requirements, no significant credit risk has been identified.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

8.

Prepaid expenses

As discussed in note 3, the Group adopted K-IFRS No. 1115, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, during the year beginning January 1, 2018. The Group pays commissions to its retail stores and authorized dealers for wireless and fixed-line telecommunications services and for each service contract and installation contract secured. The Group capitalized certain costs associated with commissions paid to retail stores and authorized dealers to obtain new and retained customer contracts as prepaid expenses, which the Group previously expensed. These prepaid expenses are amortized on a straight-line basis over the periods that the Group expects to maintain its customers based on the Group’s historical subscriber churn rate.

 

(1)

Details of prepaid expenses as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     December 31, 2018      December 31, 2017  

Current assets:

 

Incremental costs of obtaining contracts

   W 1,577,992        —    

Others

     191,567        197,046  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     1,769,559        197,046  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Non-current assets:

 

Incremental costs of obtaining contracts

     799,607        —    

Others

     95,665        90,834  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 895,272        90,834  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(2)

Incremental costs of obtaining contracts

Incremental costs of obtaining contracts that are capitalized as assets as of December 31, 2018 and the related amortization recognized as commissions during the year ended December 31, 2018 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)       
     2018  

Amortization recognized as commissions

   W 2,002,460  

 

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

9.

Contract assets and liabilities

As discussed in note 3, the Group adopted K-IFRS No. 1115, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, during the year beginning January 1, 2018. In case of providing both wireless telecommunication services and sales of mobile devices, the Group allocated the consideration based on relative stand-alone selling prices and recognizes uninvoiced receivables from handset sales as contract assets. The Group recognized contract liabilities for receipts in advance for telecommunications service and for unearned revenue for customer loyalty program.

Details of contract assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2018 and January 1, 2018 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     December 31, 2018      January 1, 2018  

Contract assets:

     

Allocation of consideration between performance obligations

   W 133,893        143,053  

Contract liabilities:

     

Wireless service contracts

     18,425        16,624  

Customer loyalty programs

     17,113        10,739  

Fixed-line service contracts

     57,327        47,125  

Commerce services

     10        10  

Security services (note 12)

     38,109        —    

Others

     52,829        58,886  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 183,813        133,384  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The amount of revenue recognized during the year ended December 31, 2018 related to the contract liabilities carried forward from the prior period and the performance obligations satisfied in the prior reporting period is W52,746 million.

 

10.

Inventories

 

(1)

Details of inventories as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)                                        
     December 31, 2018      December 31, 2017  
   Acquisition
cost
     Write-
down
    Carrying
amount
     Acquisition
cost
     Write-
down
    Carrying
amount
 

Merchandise

   W 268,366        (8,842     259,524        251,463        (7,488     243,975  

Finished goods

     1,260        (251     1,009        1,889        (557     1,332  

Work in process

     3,985        (338     3,647        1,906        (956     950  

Raw materials

     11,729        (2,706     9,023        10,426        (3,249     7,177  

Supplies

     14,850        —         14,850        18,969        —         18,969  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
   W 300,190        (12,137     288,053        284,653        (12,250     272,403  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(2)

Inventories recognized as operating expenses during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are W1,411,986 million and W1,498,087 million, respectively, which are included in the cost of products that have been resold. In addition, valuation loss on inventories amounts to W110 million during the year ended December 31, 2018. Write-downs included in other operating expenses during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are W778 million and W433 million, respectively.

 

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

11.

Investment Securities

 

(1)

Details of short-term investment securities as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)       
    

Category

   December 31, 2018      December 31, 2017  

Beneficiary certificates

   Available-for-sale financial assets    W —          144,386  
   FVTPL      195,080        —    
     

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 195,080        144,386  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(2)

Details of long-term investment securities as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)       
    

Category

   December 31, 2018      December 31,
2017
 

Equity instruments

   Available-for-sale financial assets    W —          867,079  
   FVOCI(*1,2)      542,496        —    
     

 

 

    

 

 

 
        542,496        867,079  

Debt instruments

   Available-for-sale financial assets      —          19,928  
   FVOCI      2,147        —    
   FVTPL(*2)      120,083        —    
     

 

 

    

 

 

 
        122,230        19,928  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 
      W 664,726        887,007  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*1)

The Group designated W542,496 million of investments in equity instruments that are not held for trading as financial assets at FVOCI. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Group disposed of 3,520,964 common shares issued by KB Financial Group Inc. in exchange for W179,569 million in cash.

(*2)

During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Group disposed 200,000 shares of the redeemable convertible preference shares issued by KRAFTON Co., Ltd. (formerly, Bluehole Inc.) in exchange for W130,000 million in cash, and recognized W58,000 million of gain on disposal. In addition, the Group acquired 460,000 of common shares by exercising the conversion right and recognized W138,000 million of financial asset at FVOCI.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

12.

Business Combinations

 

(1)

2018

 

  1)

Acquisition of id Quantique SA by the Parent Company

As of April 30, 2018, the Parent Company acquired additional 41,157,506 shares in exchange of W55,249 million in cash, which resulted in the Parent Company obtaining control over id Quantique SA with 44,157,506 shares and 58.1% ownership of the outstanding shares, in aggregate. Taking control of id Quantique SA will enable the Parent Company to increase its corporate value as the leading mobile telecommunication operator in Korea and to generate profit in overseas markets by utilizing quantum cryptographic technologies.

In addition, the Parent Company acquired additional 16,666,666 shares in exchange for assets amounting to W5,672 million resulting in the increase of the ownership to 65.6%.

id Quantique SA has recognized W9,935 million in revenue and W5,220 million in net losses since the Group obtained control.

 

  (i)

Summary of the acquiree

 

    

Information of Acquiree

Corporate name

   id Quantique SA

Location

   3, CHEMIN DE LA MARBRERIE, 1227 CAROUGE, SWITZERLAND

CEO

   Gregoire Ribordy

Industry

   Quantum information and communications industry

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

12.

Business Combinations, Continued

 

(1)

2018, Continued

 

  1)

Acquisition of id Quantique SA by the Parent Company, Continued

 

  (ii)

Considerations transferred, identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)  
     Amount  

I. Considerations transferred:

  

Cash and cash equivalents

   W 55,249  

Existing shares(financial assets at FVOCI) at fair value

     3,965  
  

 

 

 
     59,214  

II. Fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed:

 

Cash and cash equivalent

     1,538  

Trade and other receivables

     13,609  

Inventories

     2,003  

Property and equipment

     415  

Intangible assets

     7,566  

Other assets

     447  

Trade and other payables

     (1,569

Other liabilities

     (2,880
  

 

 

 
     21,129  

III. Non-controlling interests:

     9,290  
  

 

 

 

IV. Goodwill(I - II+III)

   W 47,375  
  

 

 

 

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

12.

Business Combinations, Continued

 

(1)

2018, Continued

 

  2)

Acquisition of Life & Security Holdings Co., Ltd. by the Parent Company

As of October 1, 2018, the Parent Company obtained control by acquiring 55% ownership of Life & Security Holdings Co., Ltd which owns 100% ownership of ADT CAPS Co., Ltd. in order to strengthen the security business and expand residential customer base. The consideration for the business combination was W696,665 million in cash, and the difference between the fair value of net assets acquired and the consideration paid amounting to W1,155,037 million was recognized as goodwill. Subsequent to the acquisition, Life & Security Holdings Co., Ltd. recognized revenue of W197,487 million, and net profit of W6,038 million. In addition, assuming that the business combination occurred at the beginning of the reporting period, the Group would have additionally recognized revenue of W763,375 million, and net loss of W19,548 million.

 

  (i)

Summary of the acquiree

 

    

Information of Acquiree

Corporate name

   Life & Security Holdings Co., Ltd.

Location

   323, Incheon tower-daero, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, Korea

CEO

   Yoo, Yeongsang

Industry

   Holding company of subsidiaries where security business as their primary business

 

  (ii)

Considerations transferred, identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)  
     Amount  

I. Considerations transferred:

  

Cash and cash equivalents

   W 696,665  

II. Fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed:

 

Cash and cash equivalent

     101,896  

Trade and other receivables

     40,241  

Inventories

     2,440  

Property and equipment

     427,752  

Intangible assets

     1,019,503  

Other assets

     3,956  

Trade and other payables

     (296,660

Borrowings

     (1,744,839

Deferred tax liabilities

     (229,207

Other liabilities

     (158,042
  

 

 

 
     (832,960

III. Non-controlling interests:

     (374,588
  

 

 

 

IV. Goodwill(I - II+III)

   W 1,155,037  
  

 

 

 

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

12.

Business Combinations, Continued

 

  (1)

2018, Continued

 

  3)

Business combination under common control: Acquisition of SK Infosec Co., Ltd.

The Group acquired 100% ownership of SK Infosec Co., Ltd. from SK Holdings Co., Ltd., the ultimate controlling entity of the Parent Company, in order to create synergy in the security business and increase corporate value. As this transaction is a business combination under common control, the acquired assets and liabilities were recognized at the carrying amounts in the ultimate controlling entity’s consolidated financial statements. Considerations paid and assets and liabilities recognized at the acquisition date are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)  
     Amount  

I. Considerations paid:

  

Treasury shares of the Parent Company(*)

   W 281,151  

II. Assets and liabilities acquired:

  

Cash and cash equivalent

     30,762  

Trade and other receivables

     62,448  

Inventories

     1,293  

Property and equipment

     8,047  

Intangible assets

     5,528  

Other assets

     79,951  

Trade and other payables

     (38,431

Other liabilities

     (20,003
  

 

 

 
     129,595  
  

 

 

 

III. Deduction of capital surplus and others (I - II)

   W 151,556  
  

 

 

 

 

(*)

The Parent Company provided 1,260,668 shares of its treasury shares as considerations, and the fair value of the considerations was W335,338 million at the transfer date.

In addition, assuming that the business combination occurred at the beginning of the reporting period, the Group would have additionally recognized revenue of W172,905 million, and net profit of W19,512 million.

 

  4)

Business combination under common control: Acquisition of Device business unit by SK Telink Co., Ltd.

During the year ended December 31, 2018, SK Telink Co., Ltd., the subsidiary owned by the Parent Company, acquired a device business in exchange of W4,450 million in cash from SK Holdings Co., Ltd., the ultimate controlling entity of the Parent Company. As this transaction is a business combination under common control, the difference between the consideration and carrying amount of net assets amounting to W1,018 million was recognized as capital surplus and others.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

12.

Business Combinations, Continued

 

(2)

2017

 

  1)

Acquisition of S.M. LIFE DESIGN COMPANY JAPAN INC. by IRIVER LIMITED

On September 1, 2017, IRIVER LIMITED, a subsidiary of the Parent Company, acquired all of the S.M. LIFE DESIGN COMPANY JAPAN INC.’s shares from S.M. ENTERTAINMENT JAPAN, Inc. in order to enter overseas business and enhance its competitiveness. The consideration was W30,000 in cash, and the difference between the fair value of net assets acquired and the consideration paid amounting to W21,748 million was recognized as goodwill. Subsequent to the acquisition, S.M. LIFE DESIGN COMPANY JAPAN INC. recognized revenue of W6,365 million, which resulted in the net profit of W1,244 million in 2017.

 

  2)

Merger of SM mobile communications Co., Ltd. by IRIVER LIMITED

On October 1, 2017, IRIVER LIMITED merged SM mobile communications Co., Ltd. in order to enter contents business and enhance competitiveness of its device business. As a result of merger, IRIVER LIMITED obtained controls over S.M. Mobile Communications JAPAN Inc. which was wholly owned by SM mobile communications Co., Ltd. The consideration transferred was measured at the fair value of the shares transferred based on the merger ratio set on October 1, 2017. The Group recognized the difference between the fair value of net assets acquired and the consideration paid amounting to W13,473 million as goodwill. Subsequent to the consummation of the merger, S.M. Mobile Communications JAPAN Inc. recognized no revenue with W103 million of net loss in 2017.

 

  3)

Considerations transferred, identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     S.M. LIFE DESIGN
COMPANY JAPAN INC.
     S.M. Mobile
Communications JAPAN Inc.
 

Considerations paid:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   W 30,000        —    

Shares of IRIVER LIMITED

     —          24,650  

Assets and liabilities acquired:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   W 3,434        4,112  

Trade and other receivables

     1,471        237  

Inventories

     1,879        —    

Property and equipment

     4        311  

Intangible assets

     6,677        7,445  

Other assets

     —          41  

Trade and other payables

     (2,563      (815

Deferred tax liabilities

     (2,324      —    

Other liabilities

     (326      (154
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net assets

   W 8,252        11,177  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

13.

Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures

 

(1)

Investments in associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)                                 
          December 31, 2018      December 31, 2017  
   Country    Ownership
(%)
     Carrying
amount
     Ownership
(%)
     Carrying
amount
 

Investments in associates:

              

SK China Company Ltd.

   China      27.3      W 551,548        27.3      W 526,099  

Korea IT Fund(*1)

   Korea      63.3        281,684        63.3        257,003  

KEB HanaCard Co., Ltd.(*2)

   Korea      15.0        288,457        15.0        280,988  

NanoEnTek, Inc.

   Korea      28.9        40,974        28.5        38,718  

SK Technology Innovation Company

   Cayman Islands      49.0        42,469        49.0        42,511  

HappyNarae Co., Ltd. (*3)

   Korea      —          —          45.0        21,873  

SK hynix Inc.

   Korea      20.1        11,208,315        20.1        8,130,000  

SK MENA Investment B.V.

   Netherlands      32.1        14,420        32.1        13,853  

S.M. Culture & Contents Co., Ltd.

   Korea      23.4        63,801        23.4        64,966  

Xian Tianlong Science and Technology Co., Ltd.(*3)

   China      —          —          49.0        25,891  

Hello Nature Ltd.(*4)

   Korea      49.9        28,549        —          —    

12CM Japan, Inc.(*5)

   Japan      28.2        7,734        —          —    

MAKEUS Corp.(*2,5)

   Korea      8.9        9,193        —          —    

SK South East Asia Investment Pte. Ltd.(*5)

   Singapore      20.0        111,000        —          —    

Pacific Telecom Inc.(*2,5)

   USA      15.0        37,075        —          —    

Health Connect Co., Ltd. and others

   —        —          106,394        —          96,479  
        

 

 

       

 

 

 

Sub-total

           12,791,613           9,498,381  
        

 

 

       

 

 

 

Investments in joint ventures:

              

Dogus Planet, Inc.(*6)

   Turkey      50.0        12,487        50.0        13,991  

Finnq Co. Ltd.(*6)

   Korea      49.0        7,671        49.0        16,474  

12CM GLOBAL PTE. LTD. (*3)

   Singapore      —          —          62.7        9,592  

Celcom Planet(*6,7)

   Malaysia      44.7        —          49.5        —    
        

 

 

       

 

 

 

Sub-total

           20,158           40,057  
        

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total

         W 12,811,771         W 9,538,438  
        

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

13.

Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures, Continued

 

(1)

Investments in associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows, Continued:

 

(*1)

Investment in Korea IT Fund was classified as investment in associates as the Group does not have control over the investee under the contractual agreement.

(*2)

These investments were classified as investments in associates as the Group can exercise significant influence through its right to appoint the members of board of directors even though the Group has less than 20% of equity interests.

(*3)

During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Group disposed of the entire shares.

(*4)

During the year ended December 31, 2018, Hello Nature Ltd. increased capital by allocation to third parties, which decreased the Parent Company’s ownership to 49.9% and was reclassified into the associate from the subsidiary due to the loss of the control. In addition, the Group has obligation for additional investments up to W20,000 million according to the agreement with the shareholders.

(*5)

These investments are newly acquired during the year ended December 31, 2018.

(*6)

These investments were classified as investment in joint ventures as the Group has a joint control pursuant to the agreement with the other shareholders.

(*7)

During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Group invested W12,932 million by purchasing newly issued stocks, and the entire amount of this investment was recognized as equity losses.

 

(2)

The market value of investments in listed associates as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won, except for share data)  
     December 31, 2018      December 31, 2017  
   Market
price per
share

(in won)
     Number of
shares
     Market
value
     Market
price per
share

(in won)
     Number of
shares
     Market
value
 

NanoEnTek, Inc.

   W 4,235        7,600,649        32,189        5,950        6,960,445        41,415  

SK hynix Inc.

     60,500        146,100,000        8,839,050        76,500        146,100,000        11,176,650  

S.M.Culture & Contents Co.,Ltd.

     2,020        22,033,898        44,508        2,700        22,033,898        59,492  

 

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

13.

Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures, Continued

 

(3)

The condensed financial information of significant associates as of and for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)       
     SK hynix Inc.      KEB
HanaCard
Co., Ltd.
     Korea IT
Fund
     SK China
Company
Ltd.
 
     As of December 31, 2018  

Current assets

   W 19,894,146        7,781,888        118,024        677,686  

Non-current assets

     43,764,189        202,251        326,740        1,221,736  

Current liabilities

     13,031,852        1,122,538        —          71,396  

Non-current liabilities

     3,774,152        5,286,179        —          117,094  
     2018  

Revenue

     40,445,066        1,642,133        57,430        117,132  

Profit for the year

     15,539,984        106,675        45,110        30,274  

Other comprehensive loss

     (67,219      (4,344      (13,422      (16,149

Total comprehensive income

     15,472,765        102,331        31,688        14,125  
(In millions of won)       
     SK hynix
Inc.
     KEB
HanaCard
Co., Ltd.
     Korea IT
Fund
     SK China
Company
Ltd.
 
     As of December 31, 2017  

Current assets

   W 17,310,444        7,339,492        144,874        729,872  

Non-current assets

     28,108,020        220,258        260,920        1,031,647  

Current liabilities

     8,116,133        1,181,746        —          81,161  

Non-current liabilities

     3,481,412        4,861,842        —          64,717  
     2017  

Revenue

     30,109,434        1,519,607        11,743        69,420  

Profit for the year

     10,642,219        106,352        1,916        11,492  

Other comprehensive income (loss)

     (422,042      (984      4,108        27,190  

Total comprehensive income

     10,220,177        105,368        6,024        38,682  

 

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

13.

Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures, Continued

 

(4) The condensed financial information of joint ventures as of and for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     Dogus Planet, Inc.      Finnq Co., Ltd.  
     As of December 31, 2018  

Current assets

   W 43,127        11,985  

Cash and cash equivalents

     42,416        10,434  

Non-current assets

     20,239        15,435  

Current liabilities

     37,105        5,070  

Accounts payable, other payables and provision

     28,432        87  

Non-current liabilities

     1,287        7,579  
     2018  

Revenue

     99,770        232  

Depreciation and amortization

     (5,427      (3,490

Interest income

     1,635        5  

Interest expense

     —          (301

Profit (Loss) for the year

     642        (17,995

Total comprehensive income (loss)

     642        (18,166
(In millions of won)              
     Dogus Planet, Inc.      Finnq Co., Ltd.  
     As of December 31, 2017  

Current assets

   W 39,656        32,232  

Cash and cash equivalents

     25,818        4,590  

Non-current assets

     21,159        15,610  

Current liabilities

     32,622        5,685  

Accounts payable, other payables and provision

     2,743        2,290  

Non-current liabilities

     212        13,862  
     2017  

Revenue

     82,791        —    

Depreciation and amortization

     (6,152      (1,077

Interest income

     781        532  

Interest expense

     (4      (276

Loss for the year

     (4,535      (15,699

Total comprehensive loss

     (4,535      (15,699

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

13.

Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures, Continued

 

(5)

Reconciliations of financial information of significant associates to carrying amounts of investments in associates in the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)       
     December 31, 2018  
     Net assets      Ownership
interests
(%)
     Net assets
attributable
to the
ownership
interests
     Cost-book
value
differentials
     Carrying
amount
 

Associates:

              

SK hynix Inc.(*1,2)

   W 46,843,742        20.1        10,005,624        1,202,691        11,208,315  

KEB HanaCard Co., Ltd.

     1,575,422        15.0        236,313        52,144        288,457  

Korea IT Fund

     444,764        63.3        281,684        —          281,684  

SK China Company Ltd.(*1)

     1,708,612        27.3        465,959        85,589        551,548  
(In millions of won)              
     December 31, 2017  
     Net assets      Ownership
interests
(%)
     Net assets
attributable
to the
ownership
interests
     Cost-book
value
differentials
     Carrying
amount
 

Associates:

              

SK hynix Inc.(*1,2)

   W 33,814,467        20.1        6,997,560        1,132,440        8,130,000  

KEB HanaCard Co., Ltd.

     1,516,162        15.0        227,424        53,564        280,988  

Korea IT Fund

     405,794        63.3        257,003        —          257,003  

SK China Company Ltd.(*1)

     1,612,899        27.3        439,857        86,242        526,099  

 

(*1)

Net assets of these entities represent net assets excluding those attributable to their non-controlling interests.

(*2)

The ownership interest is based on the number of shares owned by the Parent Company as divided by the total shares issued by the investee company. The Group applied the equity method using the effective ownership interest which is based on the number of shares owned by the Parent Company and the investee’s total shares outstanding. The effective ownership interest changed from 20.69% to 21.36% due to the investee company’s acquisition of treasury shares.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

13.

Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures, Continued

 

(6)

Details of the changes in investments in associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)    2018  
     Beginning
balance
     Acquisition
and
Disposal
    Share of
profits
(losses)
    Other
comprehensive
income (loss)
    Other
increase
(decrease)
    Ending
balance
 

Investments in associates:

             

SK China Company Ltd.

   W 526,099        —         7,618       17,831       —         551,548  

Korea IT Fund (*)

     257,003        —         38,099       (9,919     (3,499     281,684  

KEB HanaCard Co., Ltd.

     280,988        —         14,581       (7,112     —         288,457  

NanoEnTek, Inc.

     38,718        3,180       (116     (808     —         40,974  

SK Technology Innovation Company

     42,511        —         (1,880     1,838       —         42,469  

HappyNarae Co., Ltd.

     21,873        (29,325     7,479       (27     —         —    

SK hynix Inc.(*)

     8,130,000        —         3,238,054       (13,639     (146,100     11,208,315  

SK MENA Investment B.V.

     13,853        —         (24     591       —         14,420  

S.M.Culture & Contents Co., Ltd.

     64,966        —         (909     (256     —         63,801  

Xian Tianlong Science and Technology Co., Ltd.

     25,891        (25,553     (338     —         —         —    

Hello Nature Ltd.

     —          —         (959     —         29,508       28,549  

12CM Japan, Inc.

     —          7,697       (43     80       —         7,734  

MAKEUS Corp.

     —          9,773       (574     —         (6     9,193  

SK South East Asia

Investment Pte. Ltd.

     —          111,000       —         —         —         111,000  

Pacific Telecom Inc.

     —          36,487       473       115       —         37,075  

Health Connect Co., Ltd. and others (*)

     96,479        22,902       (6,474     197       (6,710     106,394  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Sub-total

     9,498,381        136,161       3,294,987       (11,109     (126,807     12,791,613  

Investments in joint ventures:

 

Dogus Planet, Inc.

     13,991        1,537       563       (3,604     —         12,487  

Finnq Co., Ltd.

     16,474        —         (8,728     (75     —         7,671  

12CM GLOBAL PTE. LTD.

     9,592        (9,631     42       (3     —         —    

Celcom Planet

     —          12,932       (12,932     —         —         —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Sub-total

     40,057        4,838       (21,055     (3,682     —         20,158  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   W 9,538,438        140,999       3,273,932       (14,791     (126,807     12,811,771  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(*)

Dividends received from the associates are deducted from the carrying amount during the year ended December 31, 2018.

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

13.

Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures, Continued

 

(6)

Details of the changes in investments in associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows, Continued:

 

(In millions of won)    2017  
     Beginning
balance
     Acquisition
and
disposition
    Share of
profit
(loss)
    Other
comprehensive
income (loss)
    Impairment
loss
    Other
increase
(decrease)
    Ending
balance
 

Investments in associates

               

SK China Company Ltd.(*1)

   W 46,354        113,803       2,707       (36,783     —         400,018       526,099  

Korea IT Fund(*2)

     263,850        —         (8,815     3,371       —         (1,403     257,003  

KEB HanaCard Co., Ltd.

     265,798        —         15,494       (304     —         —         280,988  

NanoEnTek, Inc.

     39,514        —         (733     (63     —         —         38,718  

SK Industrial Development China Co., Ltd.(*1)

     74,717        —         5,154       (1,092     —         (78,779     —    

SK Technology Innovation Company

     47,488        —         433       (5,410     —         —         42,511  

HappyNarae Co., Ltd.

     17,236        688       3,929       20       —         —         21,873  

SK hynix Inc.(*2)

     6,132,122        —         2,175,887       (90,349     —         (87,660     8,130,000  

SK MENA Investment B.V.

     15,451        —         131       (1,729     —         —         13,853  

SKY Property Mgmt. Ltd. (*1)

     263,225        —         2,362       1,141       —         (266,728     —    

S.M. Culture & Contents Co.,

Ltd.

     —          65,341       (375     —         —         —         64,966  

Xian Tianlong Science and

Technology Co., Ltd.

     25,880        —         11       —         —         —         25,891  

Health Connect Co., Ltd.

and others (*2)

     115,181        (1,306     (6,924     (2,723     (1,311     (6,438     96,479  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Sub-total

     7,306,816        178,526       2,189,261       (133,921     (1,311     (40,990     9,498,381  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investments in joint ventures

 

Dogus Planet, Inc.

     20,081        2,162       (2,267     (5,985     —         —         13,991  

PT XL Planet Digital(*3)

     27,512        (18,864     (8,648     —         —         —         —    

Finnq Co., Ltd

     24,174        —         (7,691     (9     —         —         16,474  

Celcom Planet and others

     25,740        —         (6,228     (833     —         (9,087     9,592  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Sub-total

     97,507        (16,702     (24,834     (6,827     —         (9,087     40,057  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   W 7,404,323        161,824       2,164,427       (140,748     (1,311     (50,077     9,538,438  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(*1)

Other increase (decrease) is due to merger of SK China Company Ltd., SK Industrial Development China Co., Ltd. and SKY Property Mgmt. Ltd.

(*2)

Dividends received from the associates are deducted from the carrying amount during the year ended December 31, 2017.

(*3)

During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Group disposed the shares of PT XL Planet Digital and recognized loss on disposal of W27,900 million.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

13.

Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures, Continued

 

(7)

The Group discontinued the application of equity method to the following investees due to their carrying amounts being reduced to zero. The details of cumulative unrecognized equity method losses as of December 31, 2018 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)    Unrecognized loss      Unrecognized change in equity  
     2018      Cumulative
loss
     2018      Cumulative
loss
 

Wave City Development Co., Ltd.

   W 4,434        6,534        —          —    

Daehan Kanggun BcN Co., Ltd. and others

     10,094        15,410        —          365  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 14,528        21,944        —          365  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

14.

Property and Equipment

 

(1)

Property and equipment as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)                            
     December 31, 2018  
     Acquisition cost      Accumulated
depreciation
     Accumulated
impairment loss
     Carrying
amount
 

Land

   W 938,344        —          —          938,344  

Buildings

     1,670,486        (807,192      —          863,294  

Structures

     883,032        (525,537      (1,456      356,039  

Machinery

     32,096,543        (24,922,091      (27,728      7,146,724  

Other

     2,182,960        (1,331,971      (2,393      848,596  

Construction in progress

     565,357        —          —          565,357  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 38,336,722        (27,586,791      (31,577      10,718,354  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
(In millions of won)                            
     December 31, 2017  
     Acquisition cost      Accumulated
depreciation
     Accumulated
impairment loss
     Carrying
amount
 

Land

   W 862,861        —          —          862,861  

Buildings

     1,638,749        (756,099      —          882,650  

Structures

     866,909        (488,334      —          378,575  

Machinery

     30,343,739        (23,262,762      (1,179      7,079,798  

Other

     1,722,441        (1,188,893      (2,491      531,057  

Construction in progress

     409,941        —          —          409,941  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 35,844,640        (25,696,088      (3,670      10,144,882  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

14.

Property and Equipment, Continued

 

(2)

Changes in property and equipment for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)      
    2018  
    Beginning
balance
    Acquisition     Disposal     Transfer     Depreciation     Impairment(*1)     Business
Combinations(*2)
    Disposal of
subsidiaries
    Ending
balance
 

Land

  W 862,861       4,734       (7,151     15,062       —         —         62,838       —         938,344  

Buildings

    882,650       5,858       (4,313     25,249       (52,153     —         6,003       —         863,294  

Structures

    378,575       9,188       (36     5,859       (36,091     (1,456     —         —         356,039  

Machinery

    7,079,798       806,520       (74,465     1,347,320       (2,214,957     (27,264     229,772       —         7,146,724  

Other

    531,057       892,103       (7,408     (539,068     (148,223     —         123,214       (3,079     848,596  

Construction in progress

    409,941       1,223,410       (3,906     (1,078,539     —         —         14,451       —         565,357  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  W 10,144,882       2,941,813       (97,279     (224,117     (2,451,424     (28,720     436,278       (3,079     10,718,354  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(*1)

The Group recognized impairment losses for obsolete assets during the year ended December 31, 2018.

(*2)

Includes assets from the acquisitions of id Quantique SA, Life & Security Holdings Co., Ltd. and SK Infosec Co., Ltd.

 

(In millions of won)      
    2017  
    Beginning
balance
    Acquisition     Disposal     Transfer     Depreciation     Impairment     Business
Combination
    Other     Ending
balance
 

Land

  W 835,909       13,093       (4,449     18,308       —         —         —         —         862,861  

Buildings

    899,972       5,098       (477     29,614       (51,557     —         —         —         882,650  

Structures

    358,955       46,614       (74     8,386       (35,306     —         —         —         378,575  

Machinery

    7,036,050       656,731       (41,692     1,644,045       (2,214,524     (778     —         (34     7,079,798  

Other

    563,034       720,431       (9,252     (597,404     (143,261     (2,234     315       (572     531,057  

Construction in progress

    680,292       1,317,389       (4,172     (1,583,560     —         —         —         (8     409,941  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  W 10,374,212       2,759,356       (60,116     (480,611     (2,444,648     (3,012     315       (614     10,144,882  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

15.

Goodwill

 

(1)

Goodwill as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     December 31,
2018
     December 31,
2017
 

Goodwill related to acquisition of Shinsegi Telecom, Inc.

   W 1,306,236        1,306,236  

Goodwill related to acquisition of SK Broadband Co., Ltd.

     358,443        358,443  

Goodwill related to acquisition of Life & Security Holdings Co., Ltd.

     1,155,037        —    

Other goodwill

     118,847        250,338  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 2,938,563        1,915,017  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(2)

Details of the impairment testing of Goodwill as of December 31, 2018 is as follows:

Goodwill is allocated to the following CGUs for the purpose of impairment testing.

 

 

goodwill related to Shinsegi Telecom, Inc.(*1): Cellular services;

 

goodwill related to SK Broadband Co., Ltd.(*2): Fixed-line telecommunication services;

 

goodwill related to Life & Security Holdings Co., Ltd.: Security services; and

 

other goodwill: e-commerce, Security services, and other.

 

(*1)

Goodwill related to acquisition of Shinsegi Telecom, Inc.

The recoverable amount of the CGU is based on its value in use calculated by applying the annual discount rate of 6.1% (6.6% in prior year) to the estimated future cash flows based on financial budgets for the next five years. An annual growth rate of (-)0.4% was applied for the cash flows expected to be incurred after five years and is not expected to exceed the Group’s long-term wireless telecommunication business growth rate. Management of the Group does not expect the total carrying amount of the CGU will exceed the total recoverable amount due to reasonably possible changes from the major assumptions used to estimate the recoverable amount.

 

(*2)

Goodwill related to acquisition of SK Broadband Co., Ltd.

The recoverable amount of the CGU is based on its value in use calculated by applying the annual discount rate of 6.2% (5.1% in prior year) to the estimated future cash flows based on financial budgets for the next five years. An annual growth rate of 1.0% was applied for the cash flows expected to be incurred after five years and is not expected to exceed the Group’s long-term wireless telecommunication business growth rate. Management of the Group does not expect the total carrying amount of the CGU will exceed the total recoverable amount due to reasonably possible changes from the major assumptions used to estimate the recoverable amount.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

15.

Goodwill, Continued

 

(3)

Details of the changes in goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)       
     2018      2017  

Beginning balance

   W 1,915,017        1,932,452  

Acquisition

     1,206,702        35,221  

Disposal

     (807      —    

Impairment loss (*1,2)

     (166,838      (33,441

Other

     (15,511      (19,215
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 2,938,563        1,915,017  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*1)

The Group classified shopkick, Inc. as a single CGU and determined the recoverable amount based on fair value less cost of disposal which is estimated based on a third party’s asking price. This fair value is classified as level 3 in the fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used in the valuation techniques. The Group recognized W153,367 million and W52,373 million of impairment losses for goodwill and intangible assets, respectively.

(*2)

Digital contents service related goodwill of IRIVER LIMITED

The recoverable amount of the CGU was measured based on the value estimated on the present value of the future cash flows for the next five years discounted by 14.4% per annum. The cash flows expected to occur in the period exceeding five years were assumed to increase by 0.0% based on the characteristics of the business unit and of the industry it belongs to. As a result of the impairment test, the carrying value of the CGU exceeds the recoverable amount, thus the Group recognized W13,471 million of impairment loss.

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, accumulated impairment losses are W217,548 million and W50,710 million, respectively.

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

16.

Intangible Assets

 

(1)

Intangible assets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)    December 31, 2018  
     Acquisition
cost
     Accumulated
amortization
     Accumulated
impairment
     Carrying
amount
 

Frequency usage rights

   W 6,210,882        (3,070,904      —          3,139,978  

Land usage rights

     65,974        (55,463      —          10,511  

Industrial rights

     163,983        (50,640      (29,716      83,627  

Development costs

     54,941        (44,304      (1,647      8,990  

Facility usage rights

     155,470        (124,443      —          31,027  

Customer relations

     643,421        (18,330      —          625,091  

Club memberships(*1)

     114,650        —          (34,175      80,475  

Other(*2)

     4,630,473        (3,058,022      (38,640      1,533,811  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 12,039,794        (6,422,106      (104,178      5,513,510  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
(In millions of won)    December 31, 2017  
     Acquisition
cost
     Accumulated
amortization
     Accumulated
impairment
     Carrying
amount
 

Frequency usage rights

   W 4,843,955        (2,667,015      —          2,176,940  

Land usage rights

     65,841        (50,091      —          15,750  

Industrial rights

     166,082        (54,735      —          111,347  

Development costs

     140,460        (134,828      (1,529      4,103  

Facility usage rights

     153,438        (116,987      —          36,451  

Customer relations

     20,796        (16,761      —          4,035  

Club memberships(*1)

     108,382        —          (34,768      73,614  

Other(*2)

     3,911,749        (2,733,485      (13,539      1,164,725  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 9,410,703        (5,773,902      (49,836      3,586,965  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (*1)

Club memberships are classified as intangible assets with indefinite useful life and are not amortized.

  (*2)

Other intangible assets primarily consist of computer software and usage rights to a research facility which the Group built and donated, and the Group is given rights-to-use for a definite number of years in return.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

16.

Intangible Assets, Continued

 

(2)

Details of the changes in intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)       
     2018  
     Beginning
balance
     Acquisition      Disposal     Transfer     Amortization     Impairment
(*1)
    Business
combinations

(*2)
     Ending
balance
 

Frequency usage rights

   W 2,176,940        1,366,926        —         —         (403,888     —         —          3,139,978  

Land usage rights

     15,750        2,918        (1,142     406       (7,421     —         —          10,511  

Industrial rights

     111,347        6,694        (1,598     5,254       (7,418     (30,748     96        83,627  

Development costs

     4,103        4,250        —         (6     (1,866     (118     2,627        8,990  

Facility usage rights

     36,451        2,223        (39     101       (7,709     —         —          31,027  

Customer relations

     4,035        213        —         149       (9,541     —         630,235        625,091  

Club memberships

     73,614        6,719        (2,950     (7     —         (173     3,272        80,475  

Other

     1,164,725        126,164        (9,181     277,504       (395,072     (29,242     398,913        1,533,811  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 3,586,965        1,516,107        (14,910     283,401       (832,915     (60,281     1,035,143        5,513,510  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*1)

The Group recognized the difference between recoverable amount and the carrying amount of intangible assets amounting to W60,281 million as impairment loss for the year ended December 31, 2018.

(*2)

Includes assets from the Parent Company’s acquisitions of id Quantique SA, Life & Security Holdings Co., Ltd. and SK Infosec Co., Ltd. and W374,096 million of brand determined to have indefinite useful lives acquired from the acquisition of Life & Security Holdings is included in other.

 

(In millions of won)       
     2017  
     Beginning
balance
     Acquisition      Disposal     Transfer     Amortiza
-tion
    Impair
-ment
(*1)
    Business
combina-
tions(*2)
     Others     Ending
balance
 

Frequency usage rights

   W 2,580,828        —          —         —         (403,888     —         —          —         2,176,940  

Land usage rights

     20,834        3,689        (972     200       (8,001     —         —          —         15,750  

Industrial rights

     121,200        2,677        (28     (5,635     (6,870     —         4        (1     111,347  

Development costs

     4,871        3,813        (9     (793     (2,660     (1,119     —          —         4,103  

Facility usage rights

     41,788        2,805        (36     129       (8,235     —         —          —         36,451  

Customer relations

     6,652        1,054        —         —         (3,671     —         —          —         4,035  

Club memberships

     74,039        5,023        (3,452     122       —         (769     —          (1,349     73,614  

Other

     926,142        127,396        (19,698     503,277       (369,546     (16,605     14,118        (359     1,164,725  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
   W 3,776,354        146,457        (24,195     497,300       (802,871     (18,493     14,122        (1,709     3,586,965  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(*1)

The Group recognized the difference between recoverable amount and the carrying amount of intangible assets amounting to W18,493 million as impairment loss for the year ended December 31, 2017.

(*2)

Includes intangible assets acquired as a result of IRIVER LIMINTED’s purchase and merge of S.M. LIFE DESIGN COMPANY INC. and SM mobile communications Co., Ltd. during the year ended December 31, 2017.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

16.

Intangible Assets, Continued

 

(3)

Research and development expenditures recognized as expense for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     2018      2017  

Research and development costs expensed as incurred

   W 387,675        395,276  

 

(4)

Details of frequency usage rights as of December 31, 2018 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)  
     Amount     

Description

   Commencement
of amortization
     Completion of
amortization
 

800MHz license

   W 101,969      CDMA and LTE service      Jul. 2011        Jun. 2021  

1.8GHz license

     376,860      LTE service      Sept. 2013        Dec. 2021  

2.6GHz license

     971,350      LTE service      Sept. 2016        Dec. 2026  

2.1GHz license

     322,873      W-CDMA and LTE service      Dec. 2016        Dec. 2021  

3.5GHz license(*)

     1,164,243      5G service      —          Nov. 2028  

28GHz license(*)

     202,683      5G service      —          Nov. 2023  
  

 

 

          
   W 3,139,978           
  

 

 

          

 

(*)

The Group participated in the frequency license allocation auction hosted by Ministry of Science and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and was assigned the 3.5GHz and 28GHz bands of frequency licenses during the year ended December 31, 2018. The considerations payable for the bands of frequency are W1,218,500 million and W207,300 million, respectively. These bands of frequency were assigned in December 2018 and the annual payments in installment of the remaining balances will be made for the next ten and five years, respectively. The Group recognized these frequency licenses as intangible assets at the date of initial lump sum payment and starts amortization when the bands of frequency are in the condition necessary for them to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management.

 

17.

Borrowings and Debentures

 

(1)

Short-term borrowings as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)                     
    

Lender

   Annual
interest
rate (%)
     December 31,
2018
     December 31,
2017
 

Short-term borrowings

  

Shinhan Bank

     3.19      W 30,000        30,000  
  

Shinhan Bank

     2.27        30,000        —    
  

Shinhan Bank

     3.75        15,000        —    
  

KEB Hana Bank

     3.95        5,000        —    
Commercial paper   

KEB Hana Bank

     1.67        —          50,000  
Bank overdraft   

KEB Hana Bank

     3.17        —          30,000  
  

Shinhan Bank

     3.38        —          20,000  
        

 

 

    

 

 

 
         W 80,000        130,000  
        

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

17.

Borrowings and Debentures, Continued

 

(2)

Long-term borrowings as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won and thousands of U.S. dollars)                     

Lender

   Annual
interest rate
(%)
    

Maturity

   December 31,
2018
     December 31,
2017
 

Korea Development Bank

     3.20      Mar. 31, 2020    W —          30,000  

KEB Hana Bank

     3.51      Feb. 28, 2019      40,000        40,000  

Kookmin Bank

     1.95      Mar. 15, 2018      —          717  

Korea Development Bank

     2.20      Jul. 30, 2019      9,750        22,750  

Korea Development Bank

     2.20      Jul. 30, 2019      2,500        5,833  

Korea Development Bank

     2.32      Dec. 20, 2021      36,750        49,000  

Korea Development Bank

     2.78      Dec. 21, 2022      50,000        50,000  

Credit Agricole CIB

     2.72      Dec. 14, 2023      50,000        —    

Export Kreditnamnden(*)

     1.70      Apr. 29, 2022     

45,007

(USD 40,253

 

    

55,471

(USD 51,775

 

Shinhan Bank and others

     4.21      Sept. 30, 2023      1,750,000        —    

Shinhan Bank and others

     7.20      Sept. 30, 2023      150,000        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Sub-total

     2,134,007        253,771  

Less present value discount

     (29,011      (954
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     2,104,996        252,817  

Less current installments

     (89,631      (41,331
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 2,015,365        211,486  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*)

The long-term borrowings are to be repaid by installments on an annual basis until 2022.

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

17.

Borrowings and Debentures, Continued

 

(3)

Debentures as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won and thousands of U.S. dollars)  
    

Purpose

   Maturity    Annual interest
rate (%)
   December 31,
2018
     December 31,
2017
 

Unsecured corporate bonds

   Other fund    2018    5.00    W —          200,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   Operating fund    2021    4.22      190,000        190,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   Operating and refinancing fund    2019    3.24      170,000        170,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2022    3.30      140,000        140,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2032    3.45      90,000        90,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   Operating fund    2023    3.03      230,000        230,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2033    3.22      130,000        130,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2019    3.30      50,000        50,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2024    3.64      150,000        150,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds(*1)

      2029    4.72      61,813        60,278  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   Refinancing fund    2019    2.53      160,000        160,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2021    2.66      150,000        150,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2024    2.82      190,000        190,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   Operating and refinancing fund    2022    2.40      100,000        100,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2025    2.49      150,000        150,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2030    2.61      50,000        50,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   Operating fund    2018    1.89      —          90,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2025    2.66      70,000        70,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2030    2.82      90,000        90,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   Operating and refinancing fund    2018    2.07      —          80,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2025    2.55      100,000        100,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2035    2.75      70,000        70,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   Operating fund    2019    1.65      70,000        70,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2021    1.80      100,000        100,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2026    2.08      90,000        90,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2036    2.24      80,000        80,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2019    1.62      50,000        50,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2021    1.71      50,000        50,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2026    1.97      120,000        120,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2031    2.17      50,000        50,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   Refinancing fund    2020    1.93      60,000        60,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2022    2.17      120,000        120,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2027    2.55      100,000        100,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   Operating and refinancing fund    2032    2.65      90,000        90,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   Refinancing fund    2020    2.39      100,000        100,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   Operating and refinancing fund    2022    2.63      80,000        80,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   Refinancing fund    2027    2.84      100,000        100,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2021    2.57      110,000        —    

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2023    2.81      100,000        —    

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2028    3.00      200,000        —    

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2038    3.02      90,000        —    

Unsecured corporate bonds

   Operating and refinancing fund    2021    2.10      100,000        —    

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2023    2.33      150,000        —    

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2038    2.44      50,000        —    

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

17.

Borrowings and Debentures, Continued

 

(3)

Debentures as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows, Continued:

 

(In millions of won and thousands of U.S. dollars)  
    

Purpose

   Maturity      Annual interest
rate (%)
     December 31,
2018
     December 31,
2017
 

Unsecured corporate bonds(*2)

   Operating fund      2019        3.49      W 210,000        210,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds(*2)

        2019        2.76        130,000        130,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds(*2)

        2018        2.23        —          50,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds(*2)

        2020        2.49        160,000        160,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds(*2)

        2020        2.43        140,000        140,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds(*2)

        2020        2.18        130,000        130,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds(*2)

        2019        1.58        50,000        50,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds(*2)

   Operating and refinancing fund      2021        1.77        120,000        120,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds(*2)

   Operating fund      2022        2.26        150,000        150,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds(*2)

   Refinance fund      2022        2.34        30,000        30,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds(*2)

  

Operating and

refinancing fund

     2022        2.70        140,000        140,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds(*2)

        2021        2.59        70,000        —    

Unsecured corporate bonds(*2)

        2023        2.93        80,000        —    

Convertible bonds(*3)

   Operating fund      2019        1.00        5,479        5,558  

Unsecured global bonds

   Operating fund      2027        6.63        447,240        428,560  
              (USD 400,000      (USD 400,000

Unsecured global bonds

        2018        2.13        —          749,980  
                 (USD 700,000

Unsecured global bonds

        2023        3.75        559,050        —    
              (USD 500,000   

Unsecured global bonds(*2)

   Refinancing fund      2023        3.88        335,430        —    
              (USD 300,000   

Unsecured global bonds(*2)

   Operating fund      2018        2.88        —          321,420  
                
(USD
300,000
 

Floating rate notes(*4)

   Operating fund      2020       
3M LIBOR
+ 0.88

 
    

335,430

(USD 300,000

 

    


321,420

(USD
300,000

 

 

           

 

 

    

 

 

 

Sub-total

              7,494,442        7,107,216  

Less discounts on bonds

              (27,590      (21,029
           

 

 

    

 

 

 
              7,466,852        7,086,187  

Less current installments of bonds

              (894,641      (1,489,617
           

 

 

    

 

 

 
            W 6,572,211        5,596,570  
           

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*1)

The Group eliminated measurement inconsistency of accounting profit or loss between the bonds and related derivatives by designating the structured bonds as financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss. The carrying amount of financial liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss exceeds the principal amount required to pay at maturity by W11,813 million as of December 31, 2018.

(*2)

Unsecured corporate bonds were issued by SK Broadband Co., Ltd.

(*3)

Convertible bonds were issued by IRIVER LIMITED.

(*4) As of December 31, 2018, 3M LIBOR rate is 2.80%.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

18.

Long-term Payables – other

 

(1)

Long-term payables – other as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     December 31,
2018
     December 31,
2017
 

Payables related to acquisition of frequency usage rights

   W 1,939,082        1,328,630  

Other(*)

     29,702        18,133  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 1,968,784        1,346,763  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*)

Other includes other long-term employee compensation liabilities.

 

(2)

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, details of long-term payables – other which consist of payables related to the acquisition of frequency usage rights are as follows (See Note 16):

 

(In millions of won)              
     December 31,
2018
     December 31,
2017
 

Long-term payables – other

   W 2,476,738        1,710,255  

Present value discount on long-term payables – other

     (113,772      (79,874

Current installments of long-term payables – other

     (423,884      (301,751

Carrying amount at December 31

   W 1,939,082        1,328,630  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(3)

The repayment schedule of the principal amount of long-term payables – other related to acquisition of frequency usage rights as of December 31, 2018 is as follows:

 

(In millions of won)       
     Amount  

Less than 1 year

   W 425,349  

1~3 years

     850,699  

3~5 years

     444,480  

More than 5 years

     756,210  
  

 

 

 
   W 2,476,738  
  

 

 

 

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

19.

Provisions

Changes in provisions for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)                                                                   
     2018      As of December 31, 2018  
     Beginning
balance
     Impact of
adopting

K-IFRS
No. 1115
    Increase      Utilization     Reversal     Other      Business
Combination
     Ending
balance
     Current      Non-current  

Provision for installment of handset subsidy

   W 3,874        —         —          (1,075     (2,799     —          —          —          —          —    

Provision for restoration

     73,267        —         6,684        (1,788     (765     2        341        77,741        47,293        30,448  

Emission allowance

     4,650        —         2,228        (1,334     (3,306     —          —          2,238        2,238        —    

Other provisions (*)

     2,935        (215     110,628        (15,176     (272     —          9,329        107,229        38,462        68,767  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 84,726        (215     119,540        (19,373     (7,142     2        9,670        187,208        87,993        99,215  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*)

W36,844 million of current provisions and W57,310 million of non-current provisions are included in the other provisions relating to SK Planet Co., Ltd.’s onerous contracts. (See note 39)

 

(In millions of won)                                                      
     2017      As of December 31, 2017  
     Beginning
balance
     Increase      Utilization     Reversal     Other      Ending
balance
     Current      Non-current  

Provision for installment of handset subsidy

   W 24,710        2        (8,898     (11,940     —          3,874        3,874        —    

Provision for restoration

     64,679        12,066        (2,517     (1,006     45        73,267        40,598        32,669  

Emission allowance

     2,788        4,663        (518     (2,283     —          4,650        4,650        —    

Other provisions

     5,740        952        (3,757     —         —          2,935        2,935        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 97,917        17,683        (15,690     (15,229     45        84,726        52,057        32,669  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

20.

Leases

In 2012, the Group disposed a portion of its property and equipment and investment property, and entered into lease agreements with respect to those assets. These sale and leaseback transactions were accounted for as operating leases. The Group entered into operating lease agreements and sublease agreements in relation to rented office space and the expected future lease payments as of December 31, 2018 and revenue in subsequent years are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     Minimum lease payments      Revenues  

Less than 1 year

   W 59,082        2,674  

1~5 years

     102,819        702  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 161,901        3,376  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

21.

Defined Benefit Liabilities (Assets)

 

(1)

Details of defined benefit liabilities (assets) as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     December 31, 2018      December 31, 2017  

Present value of defined benefit obligations

   W 926,302        679,625  

Fair value of plan assets

     (816,699      (663,617
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Defined benefit assets(*)

     (31,926      (45,952
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Defined benefit liabilities

     141,529        61,960  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*)

Since the Group entities neither have legally enforceable right nor intention to settle the defined benefit obligations of Group entities with defined benefit assets of other Group entities, defined benefit assets of Group entities have been separately presented from defined benefit liabilities.

 

(2)

Principal actuarial assumptions as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

     December 31, 2018    December 31, 2017

Discount rate for defined benefit obligations

   2.24~3.07%    2.58%~4.03%

Expected rate of salary increase

   3.42~5.61%    3.08%~5.93%

Discount rate for defined benefit obligation is determined based on market yields of high-quality corporate bonds with similar maturities for estimated payment term of defined benefit obligation. Expected rate of salary increase is determined based on the Group’s historical promotion index, inflation rate and salary increase ratio.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

21.

Defined Benefit Liabilities (Assets), Continued

 

(3)

Changes in defined benefit obligations for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     For the year ended
December 31
 
     2018      2017  

Beginning balance

   W 679,625        595,667  

Current service cost

     143,725        125,526  

Interest cost

     23,131        15,991  

Remeasurement

     

- Demographic assumption

     (1,929      (287

- Financial assumption

     30,519        (20,731

- Adjustment based on experience

     16,085        11,561  

Benefit paid

     (63,957      (60,883

Business combinations

     104,251        —    

Others(*)

     (5,148      12,781  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ending balance

   W 926,302        679,625  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*)

Others include changes of liabilities due to employee’s transfers among affiliates for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.

 

(4)

Changes in plan assets for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     For the year ended
December 31
 
     2018      2017  

Beginning balance

   W 663,617        555,175  

Interest income

     19,134        13,821  

Remeasurement

     (7,659      (5,540

Contributions

     166,624        155,834  

Benefit paid

     (43,549      (60,006

Business combinations

     21,417        —    

Others

     (2,885      4,333  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ending balance

   W 816,699        663,617  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Group expects to make a contribution of W185,121 million to the defined benefit plans in 2019.

 

(5)

Total cost of benefit plan, which is recognized in profit and loss (included in labor in the statement of income) and capitalized into construction-in-progress, for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     For the year ended
December 31
 
     2018      2017  

Current service cost

   W 143,725        125,526  

Net interest cost

     3,997        2,170  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 147,722        127,696  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Costs related to the defined benefit expect for the amounts transferred to construction in progress are included labor expenses and Research and development expenses.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

21.

Defined Benefit Liabilities (Assets), Continued

 

(6)

Details of plan assets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     December 31, 2018      December 31, 2017  

Equity instruments

   W 60,828        15,567  

Debt instruments

     144,272        134,710  

Short-term financial instruments, etc.

     611,599        513,340  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 816,699        663,617  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(7)

As of December 31, 2018, effects on defined benefit obligations if each of significant actuarial assumptions changes within expectable and reasonable range are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     0.5% Increase      0.5% Decrease  

Discount rate

   W (40,495      43,918  

Expected salary increase rate

     43,905        (41,110

The sensitivity analysis does not consider dispersion of all cash flows that are expected from the plan and provides approximate values of sensitivity for the assumptions used.

A weighted average duration of defined benefit obligations as of December 31, 2018 is 8.36 years.

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

22.

Derivative Instruments

 

(1)

Currency and interest rate swap contracts under cash flow hedge accounting as of December 31, 2018 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won and thousands of U.S. dollars)

Borrowing date

  

Hedging Instrument (Hedged item)

  

Hedged risk

  

Financial institution

  

Duration of contract

Jul. 20, 2007

  

Fixed-to-fixed cross currency swap (U.S. dollar denominated bonds

face value of USD 400,000)

   Foreign currency risk    Morgan Stanley and four other banks    Jul. 20, 2007 ~ Jul. 20, 2027

Mar. 7, 2013

  

Floating-to-fixed cross currency interest rate swap

(U.S. dollar denominated bonds face value of USD 300,000)

   Foreign currency risk and interest rate risk    DBS bank    Mar. 7, 2013 ~ Mar. 7, 2020

Dec. 16, 2013

  

Fixed-to-fixed cross currency

(U.S. dollar borrowing amounting to USD 40,253)

   Foreign currency risk    Deutsche bank    Dec.16, 2013 ~ Apr. 29, 2022

Apr. 16, 2018

  

Fixed-to-fixed cross currency swap

(U.S. dollar denominated bonds face

value of USD 500,000)

   Foreign currency risk    The Export-Import Bank of Korea and three other banks    Apr. 16, 2018~ Apr. 16, 2023

Aug. 13, 2018

  

Fixed-to-fixed cross currency swap

(U.S. dollar denominated bonds face

value of USD 300,000)

   Foreign currency risk    Citibank    Aug.13, 2018 ~ Aug. 13, 2023

Dec. 20, 2016

  

Floating-to-fixed interest rate swap

(Korean won borrowing amounting to KRW 36,750)

   Interest rate risk    Korea Development Bank   

Dec. 20, 2016 ~

Dec. 20, 2021

Jan. 30, 2017

  

Floating-to-fixed interest rate swap

(Korean won borrowing amounting to KRW 12,250)

   Interest rate risk    Korea Development Bank   

Nov. 10, 2016~

Jul. 30, 2019

Dec. 21, 2017

  

Floating-to-fixed interest rate swap

(Korean won borrowing amounting to KRW 50,000)

   Interest rate risk    Korea Development Bank   

Dec. 21, 2017-

Dec. 21, 2022

 

(2)

SK Broadband Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the Parent Company, entered into a leasing contract with GL Gasan Metro Co., Ltd., which develops and leases real estate, for the building and operations of Internet Data Center in 2017. With respect to financing the development of the property, GL Gasan Metro Co., Ltd. has issued subordinated bonds to IGIS Professional Investment Type Private Real Estate Investment Trust No. 156, which financed the purchase of bonds by issuing beneficiary certificates to Sbsen Co., Ltd. and Msgadi Co., Ltd. In connection with these arrangements, SK Broadband Co., Ltd., Sbsen Co., Ltd. and Msgadi Co., Ltd. entered into a Total Return Swap (TRS) contract amounting to W70,000 million with beneficiary certificates as underlying assets during the previous year and an additional W200,000 million Total Return Swap (TRS) contract during the year ended December 31, 2018. These two contracts expire in November 2022. SK Broadband Co., Ltd. has an obligation to guarantee fixed rate of returns to Sbsen Co., Ltd. and Msgadi Co., Ltd.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

22.

Derivative Instruments, Continued

 

(3) As of December 31, 2018, details of fair values of the above derivatives recorded in assets or liabilities are as follows:

 

(In millions of won and thousands of U.S. dollars)                    

Hedging instrument (Hedged item)

   Cash flow
hedge
    Held for
trading
     Fair value  

Current assets:

       

Floating-to-fixed interest rate swap (Korean won borrowing amounting to KRW 12,250)

   W 13       —          13  

Non-current assets:

       

Structured bond (face value of KRW 50,000)

   W —         10,947        10,947  

Fixed-to-fixed cross currency swap (U.S. dollar denominated bonds face value of USD 400,000)

     9,335       —          9,335  

Floating-to-fixed cross currency interest rate swap (U.S. dollar denominated bonds face value of USD 300,000)

     6,499       —          6,499  

Fixed-to-fixed cross currency swap (U.S. dollar denominated bonds face value of USD 500,000)

     24,024       —          24,024  

Settlement contract:

       

Others

     —         4,639        4,639  
       

 

 

 
        W 55,457  
       

 

 

 

Non-current liabilities:

       

Fixed-to-fixed long-term borrowings (U.S. dollar borrowing amounting to USD 40,253)

   W (1,107     —          (1,107

Fixed-to-fixed long-term bonds (U.S. dollar borrowing amounting to USD 300,000)

     (2,874     —          (2,874

Floating-to-fixed interest rate swap (Korean won borrowing amounting to KRW 86,750) to KRW 30,000)

     (203     —          (203
       

 

 

 
        W (4,184
       

 

 

 

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

23.

Share Capital and Capital Surplus and Others

The Parent Company’s outstanding share capital consists entirely of common shares with a par value of W500. The number of authorized, issued and outstanding common shares and the details of capital surplus and others as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won, except for share data)              
     December 31, 2018      December 31, 2017  

Number of authorized shares

     220,000,000        220,000,000  

Number of issued shares(*1)

     80,745,711        80,745,711  

Share capital:

     

Common share

   W 44,639        44,639  

Capital surplus and others:

     

Paid-in surplus

     2,915,887        2,915,887  

Treasury shares(Note 24)

     (1,979,475      (2,260,626

Hybrid bonds(Note 25)

     398,759        398,518  

Share option(Note 26)

     1,007        414  

Others(*2)

     (681,094      (857,912
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 655,084        196,281  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*1)

In 2002 and 2003, the Parent Company retired treasury shares with reduction of retained earnings before appropriation. As a result, the Parent Company’s outstanding shares have decreased without change in share capital.

(*2)

Others primarily consist of the excess of the consideration paid by the Group over the carrying values of net assets acquired from entities under common control.

There were no changes in share capital during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 and details of shares outstanding as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In shares)    2018      2017  
     Issued
shares
     Treasury
shares
     Outstanding
shares
     Issued
shares
     Treasury
shares
     Outstanding
shares
 

Shares outstanding

     80,745,711        8,875,883        71,869,828        80,745,711        10,136,551        70,609,160  

 

24.

Treasury Shares

The Parent Company acquired treasury shares to provide share dividends, merge with Shinsegi Telecom, Inc. and SK IMT Co, Ltd., increase shareholder value and stabilize its share prices.

Treasury shares as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won, except for share data)              
     December 31, 2018      December 31, 2017  

Number of shares(*)

     8,875,883        10,136,551  

Acquisition cost

   W 1,979,475        2,260,626  

 

(*)

The number of treasury shares have decreased by 1,260,668 due to the comprehensive stock exchange transaction with SK Holdings Co., Ltd. (See note 12)

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

25.

Hybrid Bonds

The Parent Company repaid Series 1 hybrid bonds during the year ended December 31, 2018 and issued the Series 2 hybrid bonds. Hybrid bonds classified as equity as of December 31, 2018 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)  
     Type      Issuance date      Maturity(*1)      Annual interest
rate(%)(*2)
     Amount  

Series 2-1 hybrid bonds

     Unsecured subordinated bearer bond        June 7, 2018        June 7, 2078        3.70      W 300,000  

Series 2-2 hybrid bonds

     Unsecured subordinated bearer bond        June 7, 2018        June 7, 2078        3.65        100,000  

Issuance costs

                 (1,241
              

 

 

 
               W 398,759  
              

 

 

 

Hybrid bonds issued by the Parent Company are classified as equity as there is no contractual obligation for delivery of financial assets to the bond holders. These are subordinated bonds which rank before common shares in the event of a liquidation or reorganization of the Parent Company.

 

(*1)

The Parent Company has a right to extend the maturity without any notice or announcement.

(*2)

Annual interest rate is determined as yield rate of 5 year national bond plus premium. According to the step-up clause, additional premium of 0.25% and 0.75%, respectively, after 10 years and 25 years from the issuance date are applied.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

26.

Share option

 

(1)

The terms and conditions related to the grants of the share options under the share option program are as follows:

 

     Parent Company
     Series
     1-1    1-2    1-3    2(*)

Grant date

      March 24, 2017       Feburuary 20,
2018

Types of shares to be issued

      Registered common shares   

Grant method

      Reissue of treasury shares   

Number of shares

(in shares)

   22,168    22,168    22,168    1,358

Exercise price (in won)

   246,750    266,490    287,810    254,120

Exercise period

   Mar. 25, 2019 ~
Mar. 24, 2022
   Mar. 25, 2020 ~
Mar. 24, 2023
   Mar. 25, 2021 ~
Mar. 24, 2024
   Feb. 21, 2020~

Feb. 20, 2023

Vesting conditions

   2 years’ service
from the grant
date
   3 years’ service
from the grant
date
   4 years’ service
from the grant
date
   2 years’
service from
the grant date

 

(*)

Parts of the grant that have not met the vesting conditions have been forfeited during the year ended December 31, 2018.

 

     One Store Co., Ltd.

Grant date

   April 27, 2018

Types of shares to be issued

   Common shares of One Store Co., Ltd.

Grant method

   Issuance of new shares

Number of shares (in shares)

   1,032,000

Exercise price (in won)

   5,390

Exercise period

   Apr. 28, 2020~

Apr. 27, 2024

Vesting conditions

   2 years’ service from the grant date

 

(2)

Share compensation expense recognized during the year ended December 31, 2018 and the remaining share compensation expense to be recognized in subsequent periods are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)    Share
compensation expense
 

During the year ended December 31, 2017

   W 414  

During the year ended December 31, 2018

     789  

In subsequent periods

     804  
  

 

 

 
   W 2,007  
  

 

 

 

 

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

26.

Share option, Continued

 

(3)

The Group used binomial option pricing model in the measurement of the fair value of the share options at grant date and the inputs used in the model are as follows:

 

     Parent Company     One Store
Co., Ltd.
 
     1-1     1-2     1-3     2  

Risk-free interest rate

     1.86     1.95     2.07     2.63     2.61

Estimated option’s life

     5 years       6 years       7 years       5 years       6 years  

Share price(*) (Closing price on the preceding day in won)

     262,500       262,500       262,500       243,500       4,925  

Expected volatility

     13.38     13.38     13.38     16.45     9.40

Expected dividends

     3.80     3.80     3.80     3.70     0.00

Exercise price (in won)

     246,750       266,490       287,810       254,120       5,390  

Per share fair value of the option (in won)

     27,015       20,240       15,480       23,988       566  

 

(*)

One Store Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the Parent Company, is an unlisted stock, and the share price is calculated using the discounted cash flow model.

 

27.

Retained Earnings

 

(1)

Retained earnings as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)    December 31,
2018
     December 31,
2017
 

Appropriated:

     

Legal reserve

   W 22,320        22,320  

Reserve for business expansion

     10,531,138        10,171,138  

Reserve for technology development

     3,321,300        3,071,300  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     13,874,758        13,264,758  

Unappropriated

     8,269,783        4,571,188  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 22,144,541        17,835,946  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(2)

Legal reserve

The Korean Commercial Act requires the Parent Company to appropriate as a legal reserve at least 10% of cash dividends paid for each accounting period until the reserve equals 50% of outstanding share capital. The legal reserve may not be utilized for cash dividends, but may only be used to offset a future deficit, if any, or may be transferred to share capital.

 

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

28.

Reserves

 

(1)

Details of reserves, net of taxes, as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)    December 31,
2018
     December 31,
2017
 

Valuation gain on FVOCI

   W (124      —    

Valuation gain on available-for-sale financial assets

     —          168,211  

Other comprehensive loss of investments in associates

     (334,637      (320,060

Valuation loss on derivatives

     (41,601      (73,828

Foreign currency translation differences for foreign operations

     2,920        (9,050
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W (373,442      (234,727
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(2)

Changes in reserves for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

     2018  
(In millions of won)    Valuation
gain (loss)
on financial
assets at
FVOCI
    Valuation gain
(loss) on
available-for-sale
financial assets
    Other compre-
hensive loss of
investments in
associates
    Valuation
loss on
derivatives
    Foreign
currency
translation
differences
for foreign
operations
    Total  

Balance at January 1, 2017

   W —         12,534       (179,167     (96,418     36,868       (226,183

Changes, net of taxes

     —         155,677       (140,893     22,590       (45,918     (8,544
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2017

   W —         168,211       (320,060     (73,828     (9,050     (234,727
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Impact of adopting K-IFRS No.1109

   W 99,407       (168,211     —         —         —         (68,804

Balance at January 1, 2018

     99,407       —         (320,060     (73,828     (9,050     (303,531

Changes, net of taxes

     (99,531     —         (14,577     32,227       11,970       (69,911
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2018

   W (124     —         (334,637     (41,601     2,920       (373,442
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(3)

Changes in valuation gain on financial assets at FVOCI and available-for-sale financial assets for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)    2018      2017  

Balance at January 1

   W 99,407        12,534  

Amount recognized as other comprehensive income during the year, net of taxes

     (117,514      132,586  

Amount reclassified to profit or loss, net of taxes

     —          23,091  

Amount reclassified to retained earnings, net of taxes

     17,983        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at December 31

   W (124      168,211  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

28.

Reserves, Continued

 

(4)

Changes in valuation loss on derivatives for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)    2018      2017  

Balance at January 1

   W (73,828      (96,418

Amount recognized as other comprehensive loss during the year, net of taxes

     (11,301      17,965  

Amount reclassified to profit or loss, net of taxes

     43,528        4,625  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at December 31

   W (41,601      (73,828
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

29.

Redeemable convertible preferred stocks

Eleven street Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the Parent Company, issued redeemable convertible preferred stocks on September 7, 2018 according to the board of directors’ resolution. The details of the issuance are as follows:

 

    

Information of redeemable convertible preferred stocks

Issuer    Eleven Street Co., Ltd.
Number of shares issued    1,863,093
Issue price    W268,371 per share
Voting rights    1 voting right per 1 share
Dividend rate(*)   

6% of the issue price per annum (cumulative, non-participating)

The obligatory dividend rate of the Parent Company is 1% of the issue price per annum

Conversion period    From 6 months after the date of issue to 1 business day before the expiration date of the redemption period
Conversion ratio    [Issue price ÷ Conversion price at the date of conversion] per share
Conversion price    W268,371 per share
Refixing clauses   

•  In the case when spin-off, merger, split merger of the company, comprehensive stock exchange or transfer and decrease in capital, (“merger and others”), conversion price is subject to refixing to guarantee the value that the holder could earn the day right before the circumstances arise.

•  In the case when this preferred share is split or merged, the conversion prices is subject to refixing to correspond with the split or merge ratio.

Redemption period    Two months from September 30, 2023 to December 31, 2047 at the choice of the issuer.
Redemption party    Eleven Street Co., Ltd.
Redemption price    Amounts realizing the internal rate of return to be 3.5% at the date of actual redemption
Claim to the residue    Preferential to the common shares

 

(*)

The present value of obligatory dividends amounting to W23,191 million payable to non-controlling interests based on the shareholders agreement are recognized as financial liabilities as of December 31, 2018.

 

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

30.

Other Operating Expenses

Details of other operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)    2018      2017  

Other Operating Expenses:

     

Communication

   W 35,507        27,973  

Utilities

     297,049        299,825  

Taxes and dues

     37,290        27,819  

Repair

     353,321        333,101  

Research and development

     387,675        395,276  

Training

     35,574        32,853  

Bad debt for accounts receivable – trade

     38,211        34,584  

Travel

     27,910        24,095  

Supplies and other

     130,008        111,170  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 1,342,545        1,286,696  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

31.

Other Non-operating Income and Expenses

Details of other non-operating income and expenses for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)    2018      2017  

Other Non-operating Income:

     

Gain on disposal of property and equipment and intangible assets

   W 38,933        13,991  

Others

     32,320        17,827  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 71,253        31,818  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other Non-operating Expenses:

     

Impairment loss on property and equipment and intangible assets

   W 255,839        54,946  

Loss on disposal of property and equipment and intangible assets

     87,257        60,086  

Donations

     59,012        112,634  

Bad debt for accounts receivable – other

     7,718        5,793  

Loss on impairment of investment assets

     3,157        9,003  

Others

     26,179        101,410  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 439,162        343,872  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

32.

Finance Income and Costs

 

(1)

Details of finance income and costs for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)    2018      2017  

Finance Income:

     

Interest income

   W 69,936        76,045  

Gain on sale of accounts receivable—other

     20,023        18,548  

Dividends

     35,143        12,416  

Gain on foreign currency transactions

     17,990        13,676  

Gain on foreign currency translations

     2,776        7,110  

Gain on disposal of long-term investment securities

     —          4,890  

Gain on valuation of derivatives

     6,532        223,943  

Gain on settlement of derivatives

     20,399        —    

Gain relating to financial assets at FVTPL(*)

     83,636        33  

Reversal of impairment loss on available-for-sale financial assets

     —          9,900  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 256,435        366,561  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(In millions of won)    2018      2017  

Finance Costs:

     

Interest expense

   W 307,319        299,100  

Loss on sale of accounts receivable—other

     —          9,682  

Loss on foreign currency transactions

     38,920        19,263  

Loss on foreign currency translations

     2,397        8,419  

Loss on disposal of long-term investment securities

     —          36,024  

Loss on settlement of derivatives

     12,554        10,031  

Loss relating to financial liabilities at FVTPL

     1,535        678  

Loss relating to financial assets at FVTPL

     22,507        —    

Other finance costs

     —          35,900  

Impairment loss on long-term investment securities

     —          14,519  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 385,232        433,616  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*)

Includes gains on disposal of 200,000 shares of convertible redeemable bonds issued by KRAFTON Co., Ltd. (formerly, Bluehole Inc.) amounting to W58,000 million.

 

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

32.

Finance Income and Costs, Continued

 

(2)

Details of interest income included in finance income for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     2018      2017  

Interest income on cash equivalents and short-term financial instruments

   W 33,808        28,130  

Interest income on loans and others

     36,128        47,915  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 69,936        76,045  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(3)

Details of interest expenses included in finance costs for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     2018      2017  

Interest expense on borrowings

   W 10,796        11,774  

Interest expense on debentures

     222,195        228,568  

Others

     74,328        58,758  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 307,319        299,100  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

32.

Finance Income and Costs, Continued

 

(4)

Finance income and costs by category of financial instruments for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows. Bad debt expense (reversal of loss allowance) for accounts receivable – trade, loans and receivables are presented and explained separately in notes 7 and 37.

 

  1)

Finance income and costs

 

(In millions of won)              
     2018  
     Finance
income
     Finance
costs
 

Financial Assets:

     

Financial assets at FVTPL

   W 134,841        22,507  

Financial assets at FVOCI

     35,143        —    

Financial assets at amortized cost

     86,032        20,018  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     256,016        42,525  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financial Liabilities:

     

Financial liabilities at FVTPL

     —          1,535  

Financial liabilities measured at amortized cost

     419        328,618  

Derivatives designated as hedging instrument

     —          12,554  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     419        342,707  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 256,435        385,232  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
(In millions of won)              
     2017  
     Finance
income
     Finance
costs
 

Financial Assets:

     

Financial assets at FVTPL

   W 223,976        —    

Available-for-sale financial assets

     30,598        86,445  

Loans and receivables

     111,677        37,040  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     366,251        123,485  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financial Liabilities:

     

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

     —          678  

Financial liabilities measured at amortized cost

     310        299,422  

Derivatives designated as hedging instrument

     —          10,031  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     310        310,131  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 366,561        433,616  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

32.

Finance Income and Costs, Continued

 

(4)

Finance income and costs by category of financial instruments for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows. Bad debt expense (reversal of loss allowance) for accounts receivable – trade, loans and receivables are presented and explained separately in notes 7 and 37, Continued.

 

  2)

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

(In millions of won)    2018      2017  

Financial Assets:

     

Financial assets at FVOCI

   W (130,035      —    

Available-for-sale financial assets

     —          158,440  

Derivatives designated as hedging instrument

     17,180        1,554  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     (112,855      159,994  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financial Liabilities:

     

Derivatives designated as hedging instrument

     15,047        21,032  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W (97,808      181,026  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(5)

Details of impairment losses for financial assets for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)    2018      2017  

Available-for-sale financial assets

   W —          14,519  

Accounts receivable – trade

     38,211        34,584  

Other receivables

     7,718        5,793  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 45,929        54,896  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

33.

Income Tax Expense

 

(1)

Income tax expenses for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 consist of the following:

 

(In millions of won)    2018      2017  

Current tax expense:

     

Current year

   W 362,265        424,773  

Current tax of prior years(*)

     (22,575      (105,158
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     339,690        319,615  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred tax expense:

     

Changes in net deferred tax assets

     504,288        426,039  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income tax expense

   W 843,978        745,654  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*)

Current tax of prior years are mainly composed of the income tax refund due to a change in the interpretation of the tax authority in relation to the income tax previously recognized by the Group.

 

(2)

The difference between income taxes computed using the statutory corporate income tax rates and the recorded income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 is attributable to the following:

 

(In millions of won)    2018      2017  

Income taxes at statutory income tax rate

   W 1,083,029        823,124  

Non-taxable income

     (19,450      (40,080

Non-deductible expenses

     26,724        31,285  

Tax credit and tax reduction

     (17,580      (34,300

Changes in unrecognized deferred taxes

     (177,902      31,857  

Changes in tax rate

     (3,983      43,977  

Income tax refund etc.

     (46,860      (110,209
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income tax expense

   W 843,978        745,654  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(3)

Deferred taxes directly charged to (credited from) equity for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     2018      2017  

Valuation gain (loss) on financial assets measured at fair value

   W 41,461        —    

Valuation gain (loss) on available-for-sale financial assets

     —          (55,883

Share of other comprehensive income of associates

     278        (260

Valuation gain (loss) on derivatives

     (9,223      (3,019

Remeasurement of defined benefit liabilities

     10,843        1,618  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 43,359        (57,544
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

33.

Income Tax Expense, Continued

 

(4)

Details of the changes in deferred tax assets (liabilities) for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)    2018  
     Beginning     Changes in
Accounting
Policies
    Deferred tax
expense
(income)
    Directly charged
to (credited
from) equity
    Business
combinations
    Ending  

Deferred tax assets (liabilities) related to temporary differences:

            

Loss allowance

   W 67,002       3,501       26,547       —         5,226       102,276  

Accrued interest income

     (2,467     —         (218     —         (28     (2,713

Financial assets measured at fair value

     53,781       (282     (15,203     41,461       —         79,757  

Investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures

     (937,629     —         (642,736     278       —         (1,580,087

Property and equipment and intangible assets

     (235,343     —         71,912       —         (256,630     (420,061

Provisions

     2,312       —         (6     —         188       2,494  

Retirement benefit obligation

     38,360       —         12,888       10,843       21,943       84,034  

Valuation gain on derivatives

     25,956       —         14,682       (9,223     —         31,415  

Gain or loss on foreign currency translation

     21,931       —         17       —         —         21,948  

Reserve for research and manpower development

     (2,387     —         2,387       —         —         —    

Incremental costs to acquire a contract

     —         (566,633     (74,207     —         —         (640,840

Contract assets and liabilities

     —         (37,540     11,082       —         —         (26,458

Others

     5,506       —         22,627       —         4,418       32,551  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (9,622,978     (600,954     (570,228     43,359       (224,883     (2,315,684
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred tax assets related to unused tax loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards:

            

Tax loss carryforwards

     72,417       —         50,482       —         —         122,899  

Tax credit

     —         —         15,458       —         —         15,458  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     72,417       —         65,940       —         —         138,357  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   W (890,561     (600,954     (504,288     43,359       (224,883     (2,177,327
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

33.

Income Tax Expense, Continued

 

(4)

Details of the changes in deferred tax assets (liabilities) for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows, Continued:

 

(In millions of won)    2017  
     Beginning     Deferred tax
expense
(income)
    Directly charged
to (credited
from) equity
    Others     Ending  

Deferred tax assets (liabilities) related to temporary differences:

          

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   W 61,911       5,091       —         —         67,002  

Accrued interest income

     (616     (1,851     —         —         (2,467

Available-for-sale financial assets

     101,472       8,192       (55,883     —         53,781  

Investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures

     (476,098     (461,271     (260     —         (937,629

Property and equipment and intangible assets

     (253,323     17,980       —         —         (235,343

Provisions

     7,448       (5,136     —         —         2,312  

Retirement benefit obligation

     35,505       1,237       1,618       —         38,360  

Valuation gain on derivatives

     28,975       —         (3,019     —         25,956  

Gain or loss on foreign currency translation

     19,369       2,562       —         —         21,931  

Reserve for research and manpower development

     (4,775     2,388       —         —         (2,387

Others

     38,016       (30,186     —         (2,324     5,506  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (442,116     (460,994     (57,544     (2,324     (962,978
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred tax assets related to unused tax loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards:

          

Tax loss carryforwards

     37,462       34,955       —         —         72,417  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   W (404,654     (426,039     (57,544     (2,324     (890,561
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

33.

Income Tax Expense, Continued

 

(5)

Details of temporary differences, unused tax loss carryforwards and unused tax credits carryforwards which are not recognized as deferred tax assets, in the consolidated statements of financial position as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)             
     December 31, 2018     December 31, 2017  

Loss allowance

   W 98,205       88,521  

Investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures

     (233,234     168,268  

Other temporary differences

     189,604       425,653  

Unused tax loss carryforwards

     849,850       921,309  

Unused tax credit carryforwards

     3,705       4,092  

 

(6)

The amount of unused tax loss carryforwards and unused tax credit carryforwards which are not recognized as deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2018 are expiring within:

 

(In millions of won)              
     Unused tax loss carryforwards      Unused tax credit carryforwards  

Less than 1 year

   W 83,287        1,529  

1 ~ 2 years

     129,905        828  

2 ~ 3 years

     66,624        977  

More than 3 years

     570,034        371  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 849,850        3,705  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

34.

Earnings per Share

 

(1)

Basic earnings per share

 

  1)

Basic earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are calculated as follows:

 

(In millions of won, except for share data)             
     2018     2017  

Basic earnings per share attributable to owners of the Parent Company:

    

Profit attributable to owners of the Parent Company

   W 3,127,887       2,599,829  

Interest on hybrid bonds

     (15,803     (16,840
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Profit attributable to owners of the Parent Company on common shares

     3,112,084       2,582,989  

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding

     70,622,976       70,609,160  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share (in won)

   W 44,066       36,582  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

34.

Earnings per Share, Continued

 

2)

The weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are calculated as follows:

 

(In shares)    2018  
     Issued
shares
     Treasury
shares
    Number of common
shares outstanding
at December 31
     Weights      Weighted average
number of common
shares
 

Issued shares at January 1

     80,745,711        (10,136,551     70,609,160        365/365        70,609,160  

Disposal of treasury shares

     —          1,260,668       1,260,668        4/365        13,816  
             

 

 

 
                70,622,976  
             

 

 

 

 

(In shares)    2017  
     Number of common shares      Weighted average number of
common shares
 

Issued shares at January 1

     80,745,711        80,745,711  

Treasury shares at January 1

     (10,136,551      (10,136,551
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     70,609,160        70,609,160  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(2)

Diluted earnings per share

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, diluted earnings per share are the same as basic earnings per share as there are no dilutive potential common shares.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

35.

Dividends

 

(1)

Details of dividends declared

Details of dividend declared for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won, except for face value and share data)  

Year

  

Dividend type

   Number of shares
outstanding
     Face value
(in won)
     Dividend
ratio
     Dividends  
2018    Cash dividends (interim)      70,609,160        500        200    W 70,609  
   Cash dividends (year-end)      71,869,828        500        1,800      646,828  
              

 

 

 
               W 717,437  
              

 

 

 
2017    Cash dividends (interim)      70,609,160        500        200    W 70,609  
   Cash dividends (year-end)      70,609,160        500        1,800      635,482  
              

 

 

 
               W 706,091  
              

 

 

 

 

(2)

Dividends yield ratio

Dividends yield ratios for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

(In won)

Year

  

Dividend type

   Dividend per
share
     Closing price at
year-end
     Dividend yield
ratio
 
2018    Cash dividends      10,000        269,500        3.71
2017    Cash dividends      10,000        267,000        3.75

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

36.

Categories of Financial Instruments

 

(1)

Financial assets by category as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)                                          
     December 31, 2018  
     Financial
assets at

FVTPL
     Equity
instruments
at FVOCI
     Debt
instruments
at FVOCI
     Financial
assets at
amortized
cost
     Derivatives
hedging
instrument
     Total  

Cash and cash equivalents

   W —          —          —          1,506,699        —          1,506,699  

Financial instruments

     —          —          —          1,046,897        —          1,046,897  

Short-term investment securities

     195,080        —          —          —          —          195,080  

Long-term investment securities(*)

     120,083        542,496        2,147        —          —          664,726  

Accounts receivable – trade

     —          —          —          2,019,933        —          2,019,933  

Loans and other receivables

     489,617        —          —          1,132,321        —          1,621,938  

Derivative financial assets

     15,586        —          —          —          39,871        55,457  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 820,366        542,496        2,147        5,705,850        39,871        7,110,730  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*)

The Group designated W 542,496 million of equity instruments that are not held for trading as financial assets at FVOCI.

 

(In millions of won)                                   
     December 31, 2017  
     Financial
assets at fair
value through
profit or loss
     Available-for-sale
financial assets
     Loans and
receivables
     Derivatives
hedging
instrument
     Total  

Cash and cash equivalents

   W —          —          1,457,735        —          1,457,735  

Financial instruments

     —          —          618,002        —          618,002  

Short-term investment securities

     97,003        47,383        —          —          144,386  

Long-term investment securities

     —          887,007        —          —          887,007  

Accounts receivable – trade

     —          —          2,138,755        —          2,138,755  

Loans and other receivables

     —          —          1,962,083        —          1,962,083  

Derivative financial assets

     231,311        —          —          21,902        253,213  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 328,314        934,390        6,176,575        21,902        7,461,181  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(2)

Financial liabilities by category as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)    December 31, 2018  
     Financial
liabilities at FVTPL
     Financial
liabilities at
amortized cost
     Derivatives hedging
instrument
     Total  

Accounts payable – trade

   W —          381,302        —          381,302  

Derivative financial liabilities

     —          —          4,184        4,184  

Borrowings

     —          2,184,996        —          2,184,996  

Debentures(*)

     61,813        7,405,039        —          7,466,852  

Accounts payable – other and others

     —          6,762,782        —          6,762,782  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 61,813        16,734,119        4,184        16,800,116  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*)

Debentures classified as financial liabilities at FVTPL as of December 31, 2018 are structured bonds and they were designated as financial liabilities at FVTPL in order to eliminate a measurement inconsistency with the related derivatives.

 

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

36.

Categories of Financial Instruments, Continued

 

(2)

Financial liabilities by category as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows, Continued:

 

 

(In millions of won)    December 31, 2017  
     Financial
liabilities at fair
value through
profit or loss
     Financial
liabilities at
amortized cost
     Derivatives hedging
instrument
     Total  

Accounts payable – trade

   W —          351,711        —          351,711  

Derivative financial liabilities

     —          —          39,470        39,470  

Borrowings

     —          382,817        —          382,817  

Debentures(*)

     60,278        7,025,909        —          7,086,187  

Accounts payable – other and others

     —          4,865,519        —          4,865,519  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 60,278        12,625,956        39,470        12,725,704  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*)

Debentures classified as financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss as of December 31, 2017 are structured bonds and they were designated as financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss in order to eliminate a measurement inconsistency with the related derivatives.

 

37.

Financial Risk Management

 

(1)

Financial risk management

The Group is exposed to credit risk, liquidity risk and market risk. Market risk is the risk related to the changes in market prices, such as foreign exchange rates and interest rates. The Group implements a risk management system to monitor and manage these specific risks.

The Group’s financial assets consist of cash and cash equivalents, financial instruments, investment securities and accounts receivable – trade and other. Financial liabilities consist of accounts payable – trade and other, borrowings, and debentures.

 

  1)

Market risk

 

  (i)

Currency risk

The Group incurs exchange position due to revenue and expenses from its global operations. Major foreign currencies where the currency risk occur are USD, JPY and EUR. The Group determines the currency risk management policy after considering the nature of business and the presence of methods that mitigate the currency risk for each Group entities. Currency risk occurs on forecasted transactions and recognized assets and liabilities which are denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of each Group entity. The Group manages currency risk arising from business transactions by using currency forwards, etc.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

37.

Financial Risk Management, Continued

 

(1)

Financial risk management, Continued

 

  1)

Market risk, Continued

 

  (i)

Currency risk, Continued

 

Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies as of December 31, 2018 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won, thousands of foreign currencies)  
     Assets      Liabilities  
     Foreign
currencies
     Won
equivalent
     Foreign
currencies
     Won
equivalent
 

USD

     173,560      W 194,058        1,588,522      W 1,776,126  

EUR

     14,575        18,645        69        89  

JPY

     813,676        8,244        315,756        3,200  

Others

     —          3,484        —          18  
     

 

 

       

 

 

 
      W 224,431         W 1,779,433  
     

 

 

       

 

 

 

In addition, the Group has entered into cross currency swaps to hedge against currency risk related to foreign currency borrowings and debentures. (See note 22)

As of December 31, 2018, a hypothetical change in exchange rates by 10% would have increase (reduce) the Group’s income before income tax as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     If increased by 10%      If decreased by 10%  

USD

   W 12,593        (12,593

EUR

     1,856        (1,856

JPY

     504        (504

Others

     347        (347
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 15,300        (15,300
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (ii)

Interest rate risk

The interest rate risk of the Group arises from borrowings, debenture and long-term payables—other. Since the Group’s interest bearing assets are mostly fixed-interest bearing assets, the Group’s revenue and operating cash flows from the interest-bearing assets are not influenced by the changes in market interest rates.

Accordingly, the Group performs various analysis to reduce interest rate risk and to optimize its financing. To minimize risks arising from changes in interest rates, the Group takes various measures such as refinancing, renewal, alternative financing and hedging.

As of December 31, 2018, the floating-rate borrowings and bonds of the Group are W239,000 million and W335,430 million, respectively, and the Group has entered into interest rate swap agreements, as described in note 22, for all floating-rate borrowings and debentures to hedge interest rate risk. If the interest rate increases (decreases) 1% with all other variables held constant, income before income taxes for the next year would change by W1,400 million in relation to floating-rate borrowings that are exposed to interest rate risk.

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

37.

Financial Risk Management, Continued

 

(1)

Financial risk management, Continued

 

  1)

Market risk, Continued

 

  (ii)

Interest rate risk, Continued

 

As of December 31, 2018, the floating-rate long-term payables – other are W2,476,738 million. If the interest rate increases (decreases) 1% with all other variables held constant, income before income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2018 would change by W 24,767 million in relation to floating-rate long-term payables—other that are exposed to interest rate risk.

 

  2)

Credit risk

The maximum credit exposure as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     December 31, 2018      December 31, 2017  

Cash and cash equivalents

   W 1,506,432        1,457,416  

Financial instruments

     1,046,897        618,002  

Investment securities

     11,672        19,928  

Accounts receivable – trade

     2,019,933        2,138,755  

Loans and other receivables

     1,621,938        1,962,083  

Derivative financial assets

     55,457        30,956  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 6,262,329        6,227,140  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Group if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations. To manage credit risk, the Group evaluates the credit worthiness of each customer or counterparty considering the party’s financial information, its own trading records and other factors. Based on such information, the Group establishes credit limits for each customer or counterparty.

 

296


Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

37.

Financial Risk Management, Continued

 

(1)

Financial risk management, Continued

 

  2)

Credit risk, Continued

 

  (i)

Account receivable – trade and contract assets

The Group establishes a loss allowance in respect of account receivable – trade and contract assets. The main components of this allowance are a specific loss component that relates to individually significant exposures and a collective loss component established for groups of similar assets in respect of losses that are expected to occur. The collective loss allowance is determined based on historical data of collection statistics for similar financial assets. Details of changes in loss allowance during the year ended December 31, 2018 are included in note 7.

 

  (ii)

Debt investments

The credit risk arises from debt investments included in W 1,046,897 million of financial instruments, W 11,672 million of investment securities and W1,621,938 million of loans and other receivables. To limit the exposure to this risk, the Group transacts only with financial institutions with credit ratings that are considered to be low credit risk.

Most of the Group’s debt investments are considered to have a low risk of default and the borrower has a strong capacity to meet its contractual cash flow obligations in the near term. Thus the Group measured the loss allowance for the debt investments at an amount equal to 12-month expected credit losses.

Meanwhile, the Group monitors changes in credit risk at each reporting date. The Group recognized the loss allowance at an amount equal to lifetime expected credit losses when the credit risk on the debt investments is assumed to have increased significantly if it is more than 30 days past due.

The Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk is equal to each financial asset’s carrying amount. The gross carrying amounts of each financial asset except for the accounts receivable – trade and derivative financial assets as of December 31, 2018 are as follows.

 

(In millions of won)  
     Financial assets at
FVTPL
     Financial
assets at
FVOCI
     At amortized cost  
     12-month ECL     Lifetime ECL – not
credit impaired
    Lifetime ECL –
credit impaired
 

Gross amount

   W 500,154        1,135        2,153,513       36,687       104,906  

Loss allowance

     —          —          (3,305     (10,760     (101,823
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Carrying amount

   W 500,154        1,135        2,150,208       25,927       3,083  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

37.

Financial Risk Management, Continued

 

  (1)

Financial risk management, Continued

 

  2)

Credit risk, Continued

 

  (ii)

Debt investments, Continued

 

Changes in the loss allowance for the debt investments during the year ended December 31, 2018 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)                            
     12-month ECL      Lifetime ECL –
not credit impaired
     Lifetime ECL – credit
impaired
     Total  

December 31, 2017

   W              122,723  

Changes in accounting policy

              99  

January 1, 2018

     2,997        16,551        103,274        122,822  

Remeasurement of loss allowance, net

     716        2,961        3,163        6,840  

Transfer to lifetime ECL – not credit impaired

     (408      408        —          —    

Transfer to lifetime ECL – credit impaired

     —          (6,137      6,137        —    

Amounts written off

     —          (3,746      (15,400      (19,146

Recovery of amounts written off

     —          145        4,649        4,794  

Business combinations

     —          578        —          578  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

December 31, 2018

   W 3,305        10,760        101,823        115,888  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (iii)

Cash and cash equivalents

The Group has W 1,506,432 million as of December 31, 2018. (W 1,457,416 million as of December 31, 2017) cash and cash equivalents with banks and financial institutions above specific credit ratings.

Impairment on cash and cash equivalents has been measured on a 12-month expected loss basis and reflects the short maturities of the exposures. The Group considered that its cash and cash equivalents have low credit risk based on the credit ratings of the counterparties assigned by external credit rating agencies.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

37.

Financial Risk Management, Continued

 

(1)

Financial risk management, Continued

 

  3)

Liquidity risk

The Group’s approach to managing liquidity is to ensure that it will always maintain sufficient cash and cash equivalents balances and have enough liquidity through various committed credit lines. The Group maintains enough liquidity within credit lines through active operating activities.

Contractual maturities of financial liabilities as of December 31, 2018 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)  
     Carrying
amount
     Contractual
cash flows
     Less than 1
year
     1 – 5 years      More than
5 years
 

Accounts payable - trade

   W 381,302        381,302        381,302        —          —    

Borrowings(*)

     2,184,996        2,599,377        259,631        2,339,746        —    

Debentures (*)

     7,466,852        8,762,045        1,113,075        4,638,381        3,010,589  

Accounts payable – other and others (*)

     6,762,782        6,991,641        4,792,370        1,416,725        782,546  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 16,795,932        18,734,365        6,546,378        8,394,852        3,793,135  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

(*) Includes interest payables.

The Group does not expect that the cash flows included in the maturity analysis could occur significantly earlier or at different amounts.

As of December 31, 2018, periods in which cash flows from cash flow hedge derivatives are expected to occur are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)  
     Carrying
amount
    Contractual
cash flows
    Less than
1 year
    1 – 5 years     More than
5 years
 

Assets

   W 39,871       36,978       19,787       50,223       (33,032

Liabilities

     (4,184     (4,227     (132     (4,095     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   W 35,687       32,751       19,655       46,128       (33,032
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

37.

Financial Risk Management, Continued

 

(2)

Capital management

The Group manages its capital to ensure that it will be able to continue as a business while maximizing the return to shareholders through the optimization of its debt and equity structure. The overall strategy of the Group is the same as that of the Group as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017.

The Group monitors its debt-equity ratio as a capital management indicator. This ratio is calculated as total liabilities divided by total equity; both are from the financial statements.

Debt-equity ratio as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)             
     December 31,
2018
    December 31,
2017
 

Total liabilities

   W 20,019,861       15,399,474  

Total equity

     22,349,250       18,029,195  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Debt-equity ratios

     89.58     85.41
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(3)

Fair value

 

  1)

Fair value and carrying amount of financial assets and liabilities including fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2018 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)    December 31, 2018  
     Carrying
amount
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Financial assets that are measured at fair value:

              

FVTPL

   W 820,366        —          695,992        124,374        820,366  

Derivatives hedging instruments

     39,871        —          39,871        —          39,871  

FVOCI

     544,643        293,925        —          250,718        544,643  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 1,404,880        293,925        735,863        375,092        1,404,880  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financial liabilities that are measured at fair value:

              

FVTPL

   W 61,813        —          61,813        —          61,813  

Derivative financial liabilities

     4,184        —          4,184        —          4,184  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 65,997        —          65,997        —          65,997  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financial liabilities that are not measured at fair value:

              

Borrowings

   W 2,184,996        —          2,378,843        —          2,378,843  

Debentures

     7,405,039        —          7,868,472        —          7,868,472  

Long-term payables – other

     2,393,027        —          2,469,653        —          2,469,653  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 11,983,062        —          12,716,968        —          12,716,968  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

37.

Financial Risk Management, Continued

 

(3)

Fair value, Continued

 

  2)

Fair value and carrying amount of financial assets and liabilities including fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)    December 31, 2017  
     Carrying
amount
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Financial assets that are measured at fair value:

              

FVTPL

   W 328,314        —          106,057        222,257        328,314  

Derivatives hedging instruments

     21,902        —          21,902        —          21,902  

Available-for-sale financial assets

     734,487        589,202        47,383        97,902        734,487  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 1,084,703        589,202        175,342        320,159        1,084,703  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financial liabilities that are measured at fair value:

              

FVTPL

   W 60,278        —          60,278        —          60,278  

Derivative financial liabilities

     39,470        —          39,470        —          39,470  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 99,748        —          99,748        —          99,748  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financial liabilities that are not measured at fair value:

              

Borrowings

   W 382,817        —          383,748        —          383,748  

Debentures

     7,025,909        —          7,325,370        —          7,325,370  

Long-term payables – other

     1,649,466        —          1,766,451        —          1,766,451  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 9,058,192        —          9,475,569        —          9,475,569  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The above information does not include fair values of financial assets and liabilities of which fair values have not been measured as carrying amounts are reasonable approximation of fair values.

Available-for-sale financial assets amounting to W199,903 million as of December 31, 2017 is measured at cost in accordance with K-IFRS No. 1039 since they are equity instruments which do not have quoted price in an active market for the identical instruments and for which fair value cannot be reliably measured using other valuation methods.

Fair value of the financial instruments that are traded in an active market (financial assets at FVOCI) is measured based on the bid price at the end of the reporting date.

The Group uses various valuation methods for determination of fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market. Derivative financial contracts and long-term liabilities are measured using the discounted present value methods. Other financial assets are determined using the methods such as discounted cash flow and market approach. Inputs used to such valuation methods include swap rate, interest rate, and risk premium, and the Group performs valuation using the inputs which are consistent with natures of assets and liabilities measured.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

37.

Financial Risk Management, Continued

 

(3)

Fair value, Continued

 

  2)

Fair value and carrying amount of financial assets and liabilities including fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2017 are as follows, Continued:

 

Interest rates used by the Group for the fair value measurement as of December 31, 2018 are as follows:

 

     Interest rate  

Derivative instruments

     1.63% ~ 3.12%  

Borrowings and debentures

     2.17% ~ 2.28%  

Long-term payables – other

     2.07% ~ 2.28%  

 

  3)

There have been no transfers between Level 2 and Level 1 for year ended December 31, 2018. The changes of financial assets classified as Level 3 for the year ended December 31, 2018 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)  
     Balance at
January 1,
2018
     Impact of
adopting

K-IFRS No. 1109
    Gain for the
period
     OCI     Acquisition      Disposal     Reclassification     Balance at
December 31,
2018
 

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

   W 222,257        (222,257     —          —         —          —         —         —    

Available-for-sale financial assets

     97,902        (97,902     —          —         —          —         —         —    

FVTPL(*)

     —          391,515       7,708        732       18,732        (128,713     (165,600     124,374  

FVOCI(*)

     —          129,455       —          (52,475     15,310        (7,172     165,600       250,718  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   W 320,159        200,811       7,708        (51,743     34,042        (135,885     —         375,092  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(*)

During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Group acquired 460,000 of common shares of KRAFTON Co., Ltd. (formerly, Bluehole Inc.) by exercising the conversion right. The fair value of the common share is W300,000 per share based on the income approach from K-IFRS No. 1113 Fair Value Measurement. The Group reclassified existing financial assets at FVTPL amounting to W165,600 million to financial assets at FVOCI and recognized W27,600 million of valuation losses on financial assets at FVOCI. Significant inputs for the fair value measurement and the inter-relationship between the inputs and the fair value measured are as follows.

 

Valuation Techniques

  

Significant non-observable inputs

  

Correlations between inputs

and fair value measurement

Discounted cash flows

   Expected cash flows   

If the expected cash flows increase (decrease),

Fair value will increase (decrease)

  

Perpetual growth rate

(-1%~1%)

  

If the perpetual growth rate is higher (lower),

Fair value will increase (decrease)

  

Weighted average cost of capital: 11.5%

(Risk free rate: 2.4%, Market risk premium: 10.4%, Proxy beta: 0.88)

  

If the weighted average cost of capital is higher (lower)

Fair value will decrease (increase)

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

37.

Financial Risk Management, Continued

 

(4) Enforceable master netting agreement or similar agreement

Carrying amount of financial instruments recognized of which offset agreements are applicable as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)    December 31, 2018  
     Gross financial
instruments
recognized
     Amount offset     Net financial
instruments
presented on the
statements of
financial  position
     Relevant financial
instruments not offset
    Net amount  
 

Financial assets:

            

Derivatives(*)

   W 1,867        —         1,867        (1,107     760  

Accounts receivable – trade and others

     95,990        (95,920     70        —         70  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
   W 97,857        (95,920     1,937        (1,107     830  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financial liabilities:

            

Derivatives(*)

   W 1,107        —         1,107        (1,107     —    

Accounts payable – other and others

     95,920        (95,920     —          —         —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
   W 97,027        (95,920     1,107        (1,107     —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(In millions of won)    December 31, 2017  
     Gross financial
instruments
recognized
     Amount offset     Net financial
instruments
presented on the
statements of
financial  position
     Relevant financial
instruments not offset
    Net amount  
 

Financial assets:

            

Derivatives(*)

   W 26,645        —         26,645        (19,875     6,770  

Accounts receivable – trade and others

     93,146        (92,409     737        —         737  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
   W 119,791        (92,409     27,382        (19,875     7,507  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financial liabilities:

            

Derivatives(*)

   W 19,875        —         19,875        (19,875     —    

Accounts payable – other and others

     92,409        (92,409     —          —         —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
   W 112,284        (92,409     19,875        (19,875     —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(*)

The balance represents the net amount under the standard terms and conditions of International Swap and Derivatives Association.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

38. Transactions with Related Parties

 

(1)

List of related parties

 

Relationship

  

Company

Ultimate Controlling Entity

   SK Holdings Co., Ltd.

Joint ventures

   Dogus Planet, Inc. and 2 others

Associates

   SK hynix Inc. and 41 others

Others

   The Ultimate Controlling Entity’s subsidiaries and associates, etc.

For the periods presented, the Group belongs to SK Group, a conglomerate as defined in the Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act of the Republic of Korea. All of the other entities included in SK Group are considered related parties of the Group.

 

(2)

Compensation for the key management

The Parent Company considers registered directors (3 executive and 5 non-executive directors) who have substantial role and responsibility in planning, operations, and relevant controls of the business as key management. The compensation given to such key management for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     2018      2017  

Salaries

   W 4,488        2,169  

Defined benefits plan expenses

     920        258  

Share option

     548        414  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 5,956        2,841  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Compensation for the key management includes salaries, non-monetary salaries, and retirement benefits made in relation to the pension plan and compensation expenses related to share options granted.

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

38.

Transactions with Related Parties, Continued

 

(3) Transactions with related parties for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)         2018  

Scope

  

Company

   Operating
revenue and
others
     Operating
expense and
others
     Acquisition of
property and
equipment
     Collection
of loans
 

Ultimate Controlling Entity

   SK Holdings Co., Ltd.(*1)    W 20,050        601,176        151,502        —    
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Associates

   F&U Credit information Co., Ltd.      2,777        54,857        —          —    
   HappyNarae Co., Ltd.(*2)      1,002        20,286        88,327        —    
   SK hynix Inc(*3)      179,708        313        —          —    
   KEB HanaCard Co., Ltd.      15,046        15,387        —          —    
   Others(*4)      5,924        35,296        1,202        204  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
        204,457        126,139        89,529        204  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Others

   SK Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd.      4,662        1,122        8,700        —    
   SK Innovation Co., Ltd.(*5)      44,010        996        —          —    
   SK Networks Co., Ltd.(*6)      23,078        1,189,404        460        —    
   SK Networks Services Co., Ltd.      774        90,723        5,478        —    
   SK Telesys Co., Ltd.      362        10,945        127,840        —    
   SK TNS Co., Ltd.      140        31,220        493,793        —    
   SK Energy Co., Ltd.(*5)      15,134        897        —          —    
   SK Gas Co., Ltd.      7,653        2        —          —    
   SKC Infra Service Co., Ltd.      57        50,829        24,761        —    
   Others(*5)      55,224        19,323        —          —    
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
        151,094        1,395,461        661,032        —    
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
      W 375,601        2,122,776        902,063        204  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*1)

Operating expense and others include W203,636 million of dividends paid by the Parent Company.

(*2)

Transactions with HappyNarae Co., Ltd. occurred before disposal.

(*3)

Operating revenue and others include W146,100 million of dividends received from SK hynix Inc. which was deducted from the investment in associates.

(*4)

Operating revenue and others include W4,587 million of dividends received from Korea IT Fund, KIF-Stonebridge IT Investment Fund and UniSK which were deducted from the investment in associates.

(*5)

Operating revenue and others include W68,500 million received from disposal of the real estate investment fund to SK Innovation Co., Ltd., SK Energy Co., Ltd., SK Lubricants Co., Ltd., SK Trading International Co., Ltd. and SK Global Chemical Co., Ltd

(*6)

Operating expenses and others include costs for handset purchases amounting to W1,100,370 million.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

38.

Transactions with Related Parties, Continued

 

(3)

Transactions with related parties for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows, Continued:

 

(In millions of won)         2017  

Scope

  

Company

   Operating
revenue and
others
     Operating
expense and
others
     Acquisition of
property and
equipment
     Collection
of loans
 

Ultimate Controlling Entity

   SK Holdings Co., Ltd.(*1)    W 25,049        600,600        283,556        —    
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Associates

   F&U Credit information Co., Ltd.      3,431        52,150        153        —    
   HappyNarae Co., Ltd.      3,025        29,276        68,472        —    
   SK hynix Inc(*2)      123,873        251        —          —    
   KEB HanaCard Co., Ltd.      17,873        15,045        —          —    
   Others(*3)      10,720        33,389        940        204  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
        158,922        130,111        69,565        204  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Others

   SK Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd.      5,865        1,077        —          —    
   SK Networks Co., Ltd.      21,694        1,220,251        671        —    
   SK Networks Services Co., Ltd.      510        96,949        6,346        —    
   SK Telesys Co., Ltd.      417        51,394        152,659        —    
   SK TNS Co., Ltd.      137        37,051        494,621        —    
   SK Energy Co., Ltd.      8,505        779        —          —    
   SK Gas Co., Ltd.      2,727        4        —          —    
   SK Innovation Co., Ltd.      7,639        950        —          —    
   SK Shipping Co., Ltd.      3,183        35        —          —    
   Ko-one energy service Co., Ltd      5,164        44        —          —    
   SK Infosec Co., Ltd.      1,185        52,634        15,648        —    
   SKC Infra Service Co., Ltd.      19        46,900        47,163        —    
   Others      18,233        28,209        17        —    
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
        75,278        1,536,277        717,125        —    
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

      W 259,249        2,266,988        1,070,246        204  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*1)

Operating expense and others include W203,635 million of dividends paid by the Parent Company.

(*2)

Operating revenue and others include W87,660 million of dividends declared by SK hynix Inc. which was deducted from the investment in associates.

(*3)

Operating revenue and others include W6,597 million of dividends received from the Korea IT Fund and others.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

38.

Transactions with Related Parties, Continued

 

(4)

Account balances with related parties as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)         December 31, 2018  
          Receivables      Payables  

Scope

  

Company

   Loans      Accounts receivable -
trade, etc
     Accounts payable -
other, etc
 

Ultimate Controlling Entity

   SK Holdings Co., Ltd.    W —          5,987        139,260  
   F&U Credit information Co., Ltd.      —          98        5,801  
   SK hynix Inc.      —          14,766        89  
   Wave City Development Co., Ltd.      —          37,263        —    
   Daehan Kanggun BcN Co., Ltd.(*)      22,147        —          —    
   KEB HanaCard Co., Ltd.      —          541        11,311  
   Others      407        130        1,764  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
        22,554        52,798        18,965  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other

   SK Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd.      —          1,561        760  
   SK Networks. Co., Ltd.      —          2,647        167,433  
   SK Networks Services Co., Ltd.      —          54        8,946  
   SK Telesys Co., Ltd.      —          154        39,188  
   SK TNS Co., Ltd.      —          —          89,017  
   SK Innovation Co., Ltd.      —          4,696        1,019  
   SK Energy Co., Ltd.      —          5,511        887  
   SK Gas Co., Ltd.      —          2,225        60  
   SK hystec Co., Ltd.      —          2,661        75  
   Others      —          8,958        8,066  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
        —          28,467        315,451  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
      W 22,554        87,252        473,676  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*)

As of December 31, 2018, the Parent Company recognized the entire balance of loans to Daehan Kanggun BcN Co., Ltd. as loss allowances.

 

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

38.

Transactions with Related Parties, Continued

 

(4)

Account balances with related parties as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows, Continued:

 

 

 

(In millions of won)         December 31, 2017  
          Receivables      Payables  

Scope

  

Company

   Loans      Accounts receivable -
Trade, etc
     Accounts payable -
other, etc
 

Ultimate Controlling Entity

   SK Holdings Co., Ltd.    W —          2,068        148,066  

Associates

   HappyNarae Co., Ltd.      —          15        6,865  
   F&U Credit information Co., Ltd.      —          21        1,612  
   SK hynix Inc.      —          2,803        94  
   Wave City Development Co., Ltd.      —          38,412        —    
   Daehan Kanggun BcN Co., Ltd.(*)      22,147        —          —    
   KEB HanaCard Co., Ltd.      —          1,427        11,099  
   S.M. Culture & Contents Co., Ltd.      —          448        8,963  
   Xian Tianlong Science and Technology Co., Ltd.      7,032        —          —    
   Others      611        2,272        1,164  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
        29,790        45,398        29,797  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other

   SK Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd.      —          2,033        69  
   SK Networks. Co., Ltd.      —          3,050        267,297  
   SK Networks Services Co., Ltd.      —          15        9,522  
   SK Telesys Co., Ltd.      —          36        58,346  
   SK TNS Co., Ltd.      —          3        140,311  
   SK Innovation Co., Ltd.      —          4,112        599  
   SK Energy Co., Ltd.      —          2,965        582  
   SK Gas Co., Ltd.      —          1,941        9  
   Others      —          2,998        27,318  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
        —          17,153        504,053  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

      W 29,790        64,619        681,916  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*)

As of December 31, 2017, the Parent Company recognized the entire balance of loans to Daehan Kanggun BcN Co., Ltd. as loss allowances.

 

(5)

SK m&service Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the Parent Company, has entered into a performance agreement with SK Energy Co., Ltd. and provided a blank note to SK Energy Co., Ltd. with regard to this transaction. In addition, SK Infosec Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the Parent Company, also provided a blank note to SK Holdings Co., Ltd. with regard to performance guarantee.

 

(6)

There were additional investments and disposal transactions in associates and joint ventures during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 as presented in note 13.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

39.

Commitments and Contingencies

 

(1)

Collateral assets and commitments

SK Broadband Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the Parent Company, has pledged its properties as collateral for leases on buildings in the amount of W3,868 million as of December 31, 2018.

SK Broadband Co., Ltd., has guaranteed for employees’ borrowings relating to employee stock ownership program and provided short-term financial instruments amounting to W11 million as collateral as of December 31, 2018.

In addition, Life & Security Holdings Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the Parent Company, has pledged its shares of ADT CAPS Co., Ltd., CAPSTEC Co., Ltd., and ADT SECURITY Co., Ltd. for the long-term borrowings with a face value of W1,900,000 million as of December 31, 2018.

 

(2)

Legal claims and litigations

As of December 31, 2018 the Group is involved in various legal claims and litigation. Provision recognized in relation to these claims and litigation is immaterial. In connection with those legal claims and litigation for which no provision was recognized, management does not believe the Group has a present obligation, nor is it expected any of these claims or litigation will have a significant impact on the Group’s financial position or operating results in the event an outflow of resources is ultimately necessary.

Meanwhile, the pending litigation over the validity of partnership contract that the Group was involved as the defendant (Plaintiff: Nonghyup Bank) was settled by the agreement between the parties during the year ended December 31, 2018. As a result of the settlement, the credit card business partnership between the Group and Nonghyup Bank will be maintained until April 2021, and the Group is obligated to pay the commission fees based on the customers’ credit card usage until September 2021, the expiration date of the credit cards. The Group determined that the contract and the subsidiary agreements meet the definition of an onerous contract according to K-IFRS No. 1037, for which the Group recognized provisions with the best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the present obligation at the end of the reporting period. In this regard, W36,844 million and W57,310 million are recognized as current provisions and non-current provisions, respectively as of December 31, 2018.

 

(3)

Accounts receivables from sale of handsets

The sales agents of the Group sell handsets to the Group’s subscribers on an installment basis. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Group entered into comprehensive agreements to purchase accounts receivables from handset sales with retail stores and authorized dealers, and to transfer the accounts receivables from handset sales to special purpose companies which were established with the purpose of liquidating receivables, respectively.

The accounts receivables from sale of handsets amounting to W612,779 million as of December 31, 2018 which the Group purchased according to the relevant comprehensive agreement are recognized as accounts receivable – other and long-term accounts receivable – other.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

40.

Statements of Cash Flows

 

(1)

Adjustments for income and expenses from operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     2018      2017  

Interest income

   W (69,936      (76,045

Dividend

     (35,143      (12,416

Gain on foreign currency translation

     (2,776      (7,110

Gain on disposal of long-term investment securities

     —          (4,890

Gain on valuation of derivatives

     (6,532      (223,943

Gain on settlement of derivatives

     (20,399      —    

Gain on sale of accounts receivable – other

     (20,023      (18,548

Gain relating to investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures, net

     (3,270,912      (2,245,732

Gain on disposal of property and equipment and intangible assets

     (38,933      (13,991

Gain relating to financial assets at FVTPL

     (83,636      (33

Reversal of loss on impairment of available-for-sale financial assets

     —          (9,900

Other income

     (952      (1,129

Interest expenses

     307,319        299,100  

Loss on foreign currency translation

     2,397        8,419  

Loss on disposal of long-term investment securities

     —          36,024  

Loss on impairment of long-term investment securities

     —          14,519  

Loss on settlement of derivatives

     12,554        10,031  

Loss on sale of accounts receivable – other

     —          9,682  

Income tax expense

     843,978        745,654  

Expense related to defined benefit plan

     147,722        127,696  

Share option

     789        414  

Depreciation and amortization

     3,284,339        3,247,519  

Bad debt expense

     38,211        34,584  

Loss on disposal of property and equipment and intangible assets

     87,257        60,086  

Loss on impairment of property and equipment and intangible assets

     255,839        54,946  

Loss relating to financial liabilities at FVTPL

     1,535        678  

Loss relating to financial assets at FVTPL

     22,507        —    

Bad debt for accounts receivable – other

     7,718        5,793  

Loss on disposal of investment assets

     3        —    

Loss on impairment of investment assets

     3,157        9,003  

Other expenses

     102,836        46,353  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 1,568,919        2,096,764  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

40.

Statements of Cash Flows, Continued

 

(2)

Changes in assets and liabilities from operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)    2018      2017  

Accounts receivable – trade

   W 175,841        46,144  

Accounts receivable – other

     319,913        (159,960

Accrued income

     —          14  

Advance payments

     13,393        (1,269

Prepaid expenses

     (3,597      (28,362

Value-Added Tax refundable

     (3,318      (3,080

Inventories

     (13,429      (17,958

Long-term accounts receivable – other

     11,064        (137,979

Guarantee deposits

     (258      14,696  

Contract assets

     9,161        —    

Accounts payable – trade

     (58,487      (26,151

Accounts payable – other

     (271,128      134,542  

Advanced receipts

     —          (13,470

Contract liabilities

     11,328        —    

Withholdings

     129,492        (13,041

Deposits received

     (333      (4,916

Accrued expenses

     (102,246      116,065  

Value-Added Tax payable

     3,102        7,505  

Unearned revenue

     —          (339

Provisions

     (4,298      (20,488

Long-term provisions

     1,193        (2,449

Plan assets

     (123,075      (95,828

Retirement benefit payment

     (63,957      (60,883

Others

     (4,412      5,739  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 25,949        (261,468
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(3)

Significant non-cash transactions for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)    2018      2017  

Increase in accounts payable – other relating to the acquisition of property and equipment and intangible assets

   W 1,162,301        44,214  

Investment in subsidiary from comprehensive stock exchange

     129,595        —    

 

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

40.

Statements of Cash Flows, Continued

 

(4)

Reconciliation of liabilities arising from financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)        
     January 1,
2018
    Cash
flows
    Non-cash transactions     December 31,
2018
 
  Exchange rate
changes
     Fair value
changes
    Business
Combinations
     Other
changes
 

Total liabilities from financing
activities:

 

Short-term borrowings

   W 130,000       (87,701     —          —         36,201        1,500       80,000  

Long-term borrowings

     252,817       139,406       2,281        —         1,708,638        1,854       2,104,996  

Debentures

     7,086,187       321,671       55,523        1,911       —          1,560       7,466,852  

Long-term payables – other

     1,641,081       (305,644     —          —         —          1,057,590       2,393,027  

Derivative financial liabilities

     39,470       (4,031     13,595        (7,163     —          (37,687     4,184  

Derivative financial assets

     (253,213     (2,000     2,000        (19,849     —          217,605       (55,457
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
   W 8,896,342       61,701       73,399        (25,101     1,744,839        1,242,422       11,993,602  

Other cash flows from financing
activities:

 

Payments of cash dividends

     W (706,091            

Issuance of hybrid bonds

       398,759              

Repayment of hybrid bonds

       (400,000            

Payments of interest on hybrid bonds

       (15,803            

Capital increase by subsidiaries and others

       499,926              

Transactions with the non-controlling shareholders

       (76,805            
       (300,014            
    

 

 

             
     W (238,313            
    

 

 

             

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

(In millions of won)    January 1,
2017
     Cash
flows
     Non-cash transactions      December 31,
2017
 
     Exchange rate
changes
     Fair value
changes
     Other
changes
 

Total liabilities from financing
activities

 

Short-term borrowings

   W 2,614        127,386        —          —          —          130,000  

Long-term borrowings

     172,906        87,299        (7,898      —          510        252,817  

Debentures

     7,194,207        130,558        (245,456      —          6,878        7,086,187  

Long-term payables – other

     1,918,024        (305,476      —          —          28,533        1,641,081  

Derivative financial liabilities

     87,153        (105,269      13,281        39,267        5,038        39,470  

Derivative financial assets

     (214,770      188        922        (40,235      682        (253,213
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 9,160,134        (65,314      (239,151      (968      41,641        8,896,342  

Other cash flows from financing
activities

 

Payments of cash dividends

      W (706,091            

Payments of interest on hybrid bond

        (16,840            

Cash received from transfer of interests in subsidiaries to

non-controlling interests

        (38,373            
     

 

 

             
        (761,304            
     

 

 

             

Total

      W (826,618            
     

 

 

             

 

313