Far EasTone Reports Record Q3 Revenue and EBITDA

Highlights

Far EasTone Telecommunications (遠傳, 4904-TW) reported record third-quarter revenue and EBITDA for the same period in its history, while after-tax net profit reached a 21-year high for the period. Growth was supported by 5G upgrades, digital lifestyle services, handset sales, and delivery of enterprise smart ICT projects. Third-quarter revenue was NT$29.761 billion, and EBITDA was NT$10.09 billion; both exceeded the company’s forecasts. In the first three quarters, all major financial indicators also surpassed forecasts. A 5G penetration rate above 50% among monthly-plan users and the September crossover between 4G and 5G users marked a notable shift in the company’s mobile business.

Sentiment Analysis

• Overall tone: Positive. The account emphasizes record third-quarter revenue and EBITDA, a 21-year comparative high in after-tax profit, and financial results that exceeded forecasts.
• Business performance: The tone is favorable across mobile, digital lifestyle, and enterprise ICT operations. The article describes growth in service revenue, customer adoption, project deliveries, and new contract value.
• Evidence and balance: Numerous financial and operating figures support the positive assessment. The report also notes quarter-over-quarter declines in EBITDA and net profit, offering relevant context alongside year-over-year growth.
• Forward-looking view: The outlook remains constructive but is presented as a plan rather than a guaranteed result. The company intends to expand digital services and AI project delivery while maintaining growth in mobile services.
• Sentiment intensity: Strongly positive, based on the record results and broad-based growth described, tempered by the need to execute future projects.

Article Text

Far EasTone Telecommunications (遠傳, 4904-TW) held an investor conference and announced its financial results on the 5th. The company attributed its third-quarter performance to several sources of demand: customers upgrading to 5G, digital lifestyle services, brisk handset sales, and the steady delivery of smart information and communications technology (ICT) projects for enterprise customers. Its principal financial indicators exceeded forecasts. Revenue and EBITDA reached records for a third quarter, while after-tax net profit was the highest for the same period in 21 years.

Third-quarter revenue totaled NT$29.761 billion, up 3.83% quarter over quarter and 12.77% year over year. EBITDA was NT$10.09 billion, down 0.66% from the preceding quarter but up 7.42% from a year earlier. After-tax net profit reached NT$3.674 billion, a decrease of 8.36% quarter over quarter and an increase of 6.68% year over year. Earnings per share (EPS) were NT$1.02, and the company reported that it achieved 105% of its forecast.

For the first three quarters of the year, Far EasTone recorded revenue of NT$86.23 billion, an 11.04% year-over-year increase. EBITDA rose 7.28% to NT$30.318 billion, and after-tax net profit increased 13.24% to NT$11.392 billion. EPS for the period was NT$3.16. The company said every major financial indicator exceeded its forecast for the first three quarters, with after-tax net profit and EPS each reaching 110% of forecast.

Mobile services remained a steady contributor. In the third quarter, 5G penetration among monthly-plan subscribers exceeded 50%. Far EasTone said 4G and 5G subscriber numbers reached a crossover point in September. It also reported a new historical low in customer churn, alongside mobile service revenue of NT$15.98 billion, a record high and a 3% year-over-year increase. The company associated these results with continued mobile-service demand and customer retention.

Far EasTone also cited its differentiated pricing plans as a way to serve distinct customer groups. New sign-ups for the “Elegant Active Living” service grew 85% from the previous quarter. The “Youth Together” plan recorded a 44% increase in new sign-ups in September compared with the previous month. The company said these offerings were helping it expand its subscriber base and customer value.

Digital lifestyle services supplied another source of growth. During the first three quarters, digital entertainment revenue rose 26% year over year, anti-fraud service revenue increased 48%, and insurance agency service revenue grew 12%. The user base of Far EasTone’s friDay Video service was up 14% year over year. Its incoming-call risk alert service covered 8 million users and issued more than 4 million alerts during its first month. The Far EasTone friDay Life app generated more than 10 million shopping referral visits, an increase of 34% year over year.

Enterprise smart ICT projects continued to contribute to growth, supported by local smart infrastructure development, expansion of cloud and AI projects, and demand for telecom systems integration. Project delivery revenue increased 21% year over year in the first three quarters, while the value of new contracts grew 71%. Cloud service revenue rose 37%, and smart city and Internet of Things revenue grew 41%.

Healthcare technology was another area of enterprise activity. Far EasTone said its remote consultation service held a share of nearly 40% at medical centers. Its cloud-based hospital information system, Cloud HIS, had been adopted by more than 200 clinics. These figures reflect the company’s ongoing expansion in smart healthcare alongside its cloud, AI, and smart infrastructure work.

For the fourth quarter, Far EasTone said it would work to accelerate digital lifestyle service growth and expand its digital ecosystem, while delivering smart ICT projects on schedule. It also plans to increase the scale and capabilities of AI project delivery. The company expects steady mobile service growth, combined with contributions from enterprise smart ICT and digital lifestyle services, to support its full-year operations. The outlook rests on continuing to convert demand for connectivity and digital solutions into service growth and timely project execution.

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