CHT vs. KT: A Head-to-Head Stock Comparison
Updated onHere’s a clear look at CHT and KT, comparing key factors like historical performance, profitability, financial strength, growth, dividend, and valuation.
Company Profile
Both CHT and KT are American Depositary Receipts (ADRs). This provides U.S. investors with straightforward access to investing in these foreign-listed companies.
| Symbol | CHT | KT |
|---|---|---|
| Company Name | Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd. | KT Corporation |
| Country | Taiwan | South Korea |
| GICS Sector | Communication Services | Communication Services |
| GICS Industry | Diversified Telecommunication Services | Diversified Telecommunication Services |
| Market Capitalization | 33.81 billion USD | 9.48 billion USD |
| Exchange | NYSE | NYSE |
| Listing Date | July 18, 2003 | May 26, 1999 |
| Security Type | ADR | ADR |
Historical Performance
This chart compares the performance of CHT and KT by tracking the growth of an initial $10,000 investment in each. Use the tabs to select the desired time period. Data is adjusted for dividends and splits.
Historical Performance at a Glance
| Symbol | CHT | KT |
|---|---|---|
| 5-Day Price Return | -1.12% | 0.20% |
| 13-Week Price Return | 1.92% | -9.38% |
| 26-Week Price Return | 3.50% | 2.71% |
| 52-Week Price Return | 8.26% | -10.58% |
| Month-to-Date Return | -0.37% | 1.39% |
| Year-to-Date Return | 7.69% | 16.76% |
| 10-Day Avg. Volume | 6.61M | 0.27M |
| 3-Month Avg. Volume | 9.61M | 0.33M |
| 3-Month Volatility | 11.16% | 20.07% |
| Beta | -0.11 | 0.08 |
Profitability
Return on Equity (TTM)
CHT
9.99%
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 34.76%
- Q3
- 16.39%
- Median
- 9.92%
- Q1
- 1.36%
- Min
- -10.54%
CHT’s Return on Equity of 9.99% is on par with the norm for the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry, indicating its profitability relative to shareholder equity is typical for the sector.
KT
5.53%
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 34.76%
- Q3
- 16.39%
- Median
- 9.92%
- Q1
- 1.36%
- Min
- -10.54%
KT’s Return on Equity of 5.53% is on par with the norm for the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry, indicating its profitability relative to shareholder equity is typical for the sector.
Net Profit Margin (TTM)
CHT
16.27%
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 28.40%
- Q3
- 13.17%
- Median
- 7.18%
- Q1
- 1.75%
- Min
- -14.73%
A Net Profit Margin of 16.27% places CHT in the upper quartile for the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry, signifying strong profitability and more effective cost management than most of its peers.
KT
3.38%
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 28.40%
- Q3
- 13.17%
- Median
- 7.18%
- Q1
- 1.75%
- Min
- -14.73%
KT’s Net Profit Margin of 3.38% is aligned with the median group of its peers in the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry. This indicates its ability to convert revenue into profit is typical for the sector.
Operating Profit Margin (TTM)
CHT
20.60%
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 37.46%
- Q3
- 22.24%
- Median
- 14.86%
- Q1
- 9.46%
- Min
- -9.42%
CHT’s Operating Profit Margin of 20.60% is around the midpoint for the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry, indicating that its efficiency in managing core business operations is typical for the sector.
KT
5.11%
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 37.46%
- Q3
- 22.24%
- Median
- 14.86%
- Q1
- 9.46%
- Min
- -9.42%
KT’s Operating Profit Margin of 5.11% is in the lower quartile for the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry. This indicates weaker profitability from core operations, which may stem from inefficiencies or competitive pressures on pricing.
Profitability at a Glance
| Symbol | CHT | KT |
|---|---|---|
| Return on Equity (TTM) | 9.99% | 5.53% |
| Return on Assets (TTM) | 7.15% | 2.20% |
| Net Profit Margin (TTM) | 16.27% | 3.38% |
| Operating Profit Margin (TTM) | 20.60% | 5.11% |
| Gross Profit Margin (TTM) | 36.60% | 65.13% |
Financial Strength
Current Ratio (MRQ)
CHT
1.15
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 1.53
- Q3
- 1.09
- Median
- 0.91
- Q1
- 0.70
- Min
- 0.18
CHT’s Current Ratio of 1.15 is in the upper quartile for the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry. This signifies a strong liquidity position, suggesting the company is well-equipped to cover its immediate liabilities compared to its peers.
KT
1.19
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 1.53
- Q3
- 1.09
- Median
- 0.91
- Q1
- 0.70
- Min
- 0.18
KT’s Current Ratio of 1.19 is in the upper quartile for the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry. This signifies a strong liquidity position, suggesting the company is well-equipped to cover its immediate liabilities compared to its peers.
Debt-to-Equity Ratio (MRQ)
CHT
0.12
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 3.82
- Q3
- 2.13
- Median
- 1.40
- Q1
- 0.71
- Min
- 0.00
Falling into the lower quartile for the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry, CHT’s Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 0.12 points to a conservative financing strategy. This results in lower financial risk but potentially limits strategic investments compared to more leveraged competitors.
KT
0.69
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 3.82
- Q3
- 2.13
- Median
- 1.40
- Q1
- 0.71
- Min
- 0.00
Falling into the lower quartile for the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry, KT’s Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 0.69 points to a conservative financing strategy. This results in lower financial risk but potentially limits strategic investments compared to more leveraged competitors.
Interest Coverage Ratio (TTM)
CHT
166.33
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 16.05
- Q3
- 8.06
- Median
- 3.53
- Q1
- 1.36
- Min
- -2.60
With an Interest Coverage Ratio of 166.33, CHT demonstrates a superior capacity to service its debt, placing it well above the typical range for the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry. This stems from either robust earnings or a conservative debt load.
KT
12.43
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 16.05
- Q3
- 8.06
- Median
- 3.53
- Q1
- 1.36
- Min
- -2.60
KT’s Interest Coverage Ratio of 12.43 is in the upper quartile for the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry, signifying a strong and healthy capacity to meet its interest payments from operating profits.
Financial Strength at a Glance
| Symbol | CHT | KT |
|---|---|---|
| Current Ratio (MRQ) | 1.15 | 1.19 |
| Quick Ratio (MRQ) | 0.99 | 1.15 |
| Debt-to-Equity Ratio (MRQ) | 0.12 | 0.69 |
| Interest Coverage Ratio (TTM) | 166.33 | 12.43 |
Growth
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
Dividend
Dividend Yield (TTM)
CHT
3.58%
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 10.69%
- Q3
- 5.66%
- Median
- 4.23%
- Q1
- 1.76%
- Min
- 0.00%
CHT’s Dividend Yield of 3.58% is consistent with its peers in the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry, providing a dividend return that is standard for its sector.
KT
4.33%
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 10.69%
- Q3
- 5.66%
- Median
- 4.23%
- Q1
- 1.76%
- Min
- 0.00%
KT’s Dividend Yield of 4.33% is consistent with its peers in the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry, providing a dividend return that is standard for its sector.
Dividend Payout Ratio (TTM)
CHT
409.88%
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 273.77%
- Q3
- 134.61%
- Median
- 76.89%
- Q1
- 41.79%
- Min
- 0.00%
At 409.88%, CHT’s Dividend Payout Ratio is exceptionally high, exceeding the typical range for the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry. While this provides a significant return to shareholders, it may limit funds for reinvestment and could be difficult to sustain.
KT
39.35%
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 273.77%
- Q3
- 134.61%
- Median
- 76.89%
- Q1
- 41.79%
- Min
- 0.00%
KT’s Dividend Payout Ratio of 39.35% is in the lower quartile for the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry. This suggests a conservative dividend policy, with a strategic focus on reinvesting profits for future growth.
Dividend at a Glance
| Symbol | CHT | KT |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend Yield (TTM) | 3.58% | 4.33% |
| Dividend Payout Ratio (TTM) | 409.88% | 39.35% |
Valuation
Price-to-Earnings Ratio (TTM)
CHT
27.17
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 42.43
- Q3
- 27.51
- Median
- 18.10
- Q1
- 13.52
- Min
- 4.10
CHT’s P/E Ratio of 27.17 is within the middle range for the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry. This suggests its valuation is in line with the sector average, representing neither a significant premium nor a discount compared to its peers.
KT
13.28
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 42.43
- Q3
- 27.51
- Median
- 18.10
- Q1
- 13.52
- Min
- 4.10
In the lower quartile for the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry, KT’s P/E Ratio of 13.28 suggests the stock may be undervalued compared to its peers, potentially presenting an attractive entry point for investors.
Price-to-Sales Ratio (TTM)
CHT
4.42
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 4.55
- Q3
- 2.45
- Median
- 1.74
- Q1
- 0.98
- Min
- 0.36
CHT’s P/S Ratio of 4.42 is in the upper echelon for the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry. This means the company is valued richly on its revenue stream compared to its peers, suggesting the stock is priced for a high level of future performance.
KT
0.45
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 4.55
- Q3
- 2.45
- Median
- 1.74
- Q1
- 0.98
- Min
- 0.36
In the lower quartile for the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry, KT’s P/S Ratio of 0.45 indicates its revenue is valued more conservatively than most of its peers. This could present a compelling opportunity if the market has overlooked its sales-generating capabilities.
Price-to-Book Ratio (MRQ)
CHT
2.86
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 7.27
- Q3
- 3.97
- Median
- 2.45
- Q1
- 1.25
- Min
- 0.27
CHT’s P/B Ratio of 2.86 is within the conventional range for the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry. This shows a balanced market view, where the stock’s price is neither at a significant premium nor a discount to the book value of its peers.
KT
0.82
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 7.27
- Q3
- 3.97
- Median
- 2.45
- Q1
- 1.25
- Min
- 0.27
KT’s P/B Ratio of 0.82 is in the lower quartile for the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry. From a value investing perspective, this is favorable, as it suggests the stock is trading at a discount to its net asset value and may offer a greater margin of safety.
Valuation at a Glance
| Symbol | CHT | KT |
|---|---|---|
| Price-to-Earnings Ratio (TTM) | 27.17 | 13.28 |
| Price-to-Sales Ratio (TTM) | 4.42 | 0.45 |
| Price-to-Book Ratio (MRQ) | 2.86 | 0.82 |
| Price-to-Free Cash Flow Ratio (TTM) | 21.01 | 7.49 |