Page 208 - TSMC 2020 Annual Report

The authorized shares include 500,000 thousand shares allocated for the exercise of employee stock options.
As of December 31, 2020, 1,064,364 thousand ADSs of TSMC were traded on the NYSE. The number of common shares represented by the ADSs was 5,321,819 thousand shares (one ADS represents five common shares).
b. Capital surplus
Additional paid-in capital
From merger
From convertible bonds
From share of changes in equities of subsidiaries
From share of changes in equities of associates
Donations 40,578
$ 56,347,243
December 31, 2020
December 31, 2019
$ 24,184,939 22,804,510 8,892,847 121,843 302,234 33,336
$ 56,339,709
$
24,184,939 22,804,510 8,892,847 121,843 302,526
Under the relevant laws, the capital surplus generated from donations and the excess of the issuance price over the par value of capital stock (including the stock issued for new capital, mergers and convertible bonds) may be used to offset a deficit; in addition, when the Company has no deficit, such capital surplus may be distributed as cash dividends or stock dividends up to a certain percentage of TSMC’s paid-in capital. The capital surplus from share of changes in equities of subsidiaries and associates and dividend of a claim extinguished by a prescription may be used to offset a deficit; however, when generated from issuance of restricted shares for employees, such capital surplus may not be used for any purpose.
c. Retained earnings and dividend policy
The amendments to TSMC’s Articles of Incorporation had been approved by TSMC’s shareholders in its meeting held on June 5, 2019, which stipulate that earnings distribution may be made on a quarterly basis after the close of each quarter. Distribution of earnings by way of cash dividends should be approved by TSMC’s Board of Directors and reported to TSMC’s shareholders in its meeting.
TSMC’s amended Articles of Incorporation provide that, when allocating earnings, TSMC shall first estimate and reserve the taxes to be paid, offset its losses, set aside a legal capital reserve at 10% of the remaining earnings (until the accumulated legal capital reserve equals TSMC’s paid-in capital), then set aside a special capital reserve in accordance with relevant laws or regulations or as requested by the authorities in charge. Any balance left over shall be allocated according to relevant laws and the TSMC’s Articles of Incorporation.
TSMC’s Articles of Incorporation also provide that profits of TSMC may be distributed by way of cash dividend and/or stock dividend. However, distribution of earnings shall be made preferably by way of cash dividend. Distribution of earnings may also be made by way of stock dividend, provided that the ratio for stock dividend shall not exceed 50% of the total distribution.
The reserve may be used to offset a deficit, or be distributed as dividends in cash or stocks for the portion in excess of 25% of the paid-in capital if the Company incurs no loss.
Pursuant to existing regulations, the Company is required to set aside additional special capital reserve equivalent to the net debit balance of the other components of stockholders’ equity, such as the accumulated balance of foreign currency translation reserve, unrealized valuation gain or loss from fair value through other comprehensive income financial assets, gain or loss from changes in fair value of hedging instruments in cash flow hedges, etc. For the subsequent decrease in the deduction amount to
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