As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 17, 2010
31, 2012

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DCD.C. 20549

FORM 20-F

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

or

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

For the year ended August 31, 2010

2012

or

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

For the transition period fromor

             to             

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

Date of event requiring this shell company report

Commission file number: 000-30354

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

(Exact nameName of registrantRegistrant as Specified in its Charter)

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region,

The People’s Republic of China

(Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)

Level 39, Tower 1, Metroplaza

13th Floor, Trans Asia Centre

No. 223 Hing Fong Road
18 Kin Hong Street

Kwai Chung, New Territories

Hong Kong

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

Mr.

Ms. Wong Nga Lai, Ni Quiaque
12thAlice

13th Floor, Trans Asia Centre

No.18 Kin Hong Street

Kwai Chung, New Territories

Hong Kong

Telephone : (852) 3145 6068
6888

Facsimile : (852) 2199 8445
8354

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

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Name Of Each
Exchange On Which

Title Of Each Class

 

Name Of Each Exchange On Which Registered

American Depositary Shares, each representing

20 Ordinary Shares, par value HK$0.10 per share

 The Nasdaq Stock
Market LLC
Ordinary Shares, par value HK$0.10 per share* The Nasdaq Stock
Market LLC*

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:

None

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as atof the close of the period covered by the annual report:764,997,344 809,016,643 Ordinary Shares, par value HK$0.10 per share

.

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

Yeso¨    Noþx

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Yeso¨    Noþx

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yesþx    Noo¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

¨Yeso¨  Noo

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated fileroAccelerated filerþNon-accelerated filero

Large accelerated filer¨            Accelerated filerx            Non-accelerated filer  ¨

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

U.S. GAAP  ¨                International Financial Reporting Standards as issued  x                Other  ¨

          by the International Accounting Standards Board

US GAAPo

International Financial Reporting Standards as issuedþOthero
by the International Accounting Standards Board
If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has selected to follow.
Item 17o¨    Item 18o¨

If this report is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yeso¨    Noþx
*      Not for trading, but only in connection with the registration of the American Depositary Shares

*Not for trading, but only in connection with the registration of the American Depositary Shares


CONTENTS

Contents

PART I

   
13  
 

ITEM 1

2

   3  

ITEM 2 OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE

   3  

PART IITEM 3 KEY INFORMATION

   3  

A.

Item 1 Identity of directors, senior management and advisersSelected financial data

   43  

B.

Item 2 Offer statisticsCapitalization and expected timetableindebtedness

   45  

C.

Item 3 Key informationReasons for the offer and use of proceeds

   4-185  

D.

Item 4 Information on the CompanyRisk factors

   18-335  

Item 5 Operating and financial review and prospectsITEM 4 INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

   33-4310  

A.

Item 6 Directors, senior managementHistory and employeesdevelopment of the Company

   43-5210  

B.

Item 7 Major shareholders and related party transactionsBusiness overview

   52-5311  

C.

Item 8 Financial informationRegulatory framework

   53-5413  

D.

Item 9 The offer and listingOrganizational structure

   54-5616  

E.

Item 10 Additional informationProperty, plant and equipment

   56-6416  

Item 11 Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market riskITEM 5 OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

   6416  

A.

Item 12 Description of securities other than equity securitiesOperating results

   6417  

B.

Liquidity and capital resources

   21  

C.

PART IIResearch and development, patents and licences

   23  

D.

Item 13 Defaults, dividend arrearages and delinquenciesTrend information

   6423  

E.

Item 14 Material modifications to the rights of security holders and use of proceedsOff-balance sheet arrangements

   6423  

F.

Item 15 Controls and proceduresTabular disclosure of contractual obligations

   64-6524  

G.

Safe Harbor

24

ITEM 6 DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

25

A.

Directors and senior management

25

B.

Compensation

26

C.

Board practices

27

D.

Employees

29

E.

Share ownership

29

ITEM 7 MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTION

32

A.

Major shareholders

32

B.

Related party transactions

33

C.

Interests of experts and counsel

33

ITEM 8 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

33

A.

Consolidated statements and other financial information

33

B.

Significant changes

34

ITEM 9 THE OFFER AND LISTING

34

A.

Offer and listing details

34

B.

Plan of distribution

36

C.

Markets

36

D.

Selling shareholders

36

E.

Dilution

36

F.

Expenses of the issue

36

ITEM 10 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

37

A.

Share capital

37

B.

Memorandum and Articles of Association

37

C.

Material contracts

40

D.

Exchange controls

40

E.

Taxation

41

F.

Dividends and paying agents

46

G.

Statement by experts

46

H.

Documents on display

46

I.

Subsidiary information

46

ITEM 11 QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

46

ITEM 12 DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES

46

A.

Debt securities

46

B.

Warrants and rights

46

C.

Other securities

46

D.

American depositary shares

47

i


PART II

47

ITEM 13 DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES

47

ITEM 14 MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS

47

ITEM 15 CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

48

A.

Disclosure controls and procedures

48

B.

Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting

48

C.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   48  

D.

ItemChanges in internal control over financial reporting

49

ITEM 16A Audit committee financial expert

   6549  

ItemITEM 16B Code of ethics

   6549  

ItemITEM 16C Principal accountant fees and services

   6649  

ItemITEM 16D Exemptions from the listing standards for audit committees

   6650  

ItemITEM 16E Purchase of equity securities by the issuer and affiliated purchasers

   6650  

ItemITEM 16F Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant

   6650  

ItemITEM 16G Corporate Governance

   66-6750  

PART III

   51  

PART IIIITEM 17 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

   51  

Item 17 Financial statementsITEM 18 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

   6851  

Item 18 Financial statementsITEM 19 EXHIBITS

   6851  
68
EX-12.1
EX-12.2
EX-13

 

ii


USE OF DEFINED AND TECHNICAL TERMS

Use of defined and technical terms
Except as otherwise indicated by the context, references in this annual report to:
“Hong Kong Companies Ordinance” are to Chapter 32 of the laws of Hong Kong;
“City Telecom” or the “Company” are to City Telecom (H.K.) Limited;
“fiscal year” or “fiscal” are to the Company’s fiscal year ended August 31 for the year referenced;
“FTNS business” are to our business segment in which we provide fixed telecommunications network services, including dial up and broadband Internet access services, local VoIP services, IP-TV services and corporate data services;
“FTNS Licenses” are to the licenses issued by the Hong Kong regulatory authorities for fixed telecommunications network services;
“GPON” are to Gigabit Passive Optical Network;
“Group” are to the Company and its subsidiaries;
“HKBN” are to Hong Kong Broadband Network Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company;
“HKFRSs” are to Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards issued by the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants;
“IDD business” are to our business segment in which we provide international telecommunications services, including international long distance call services;
“IFRSs” are to International Financial Reporting Standards, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board;
“IP-TV services” are to pay-television services through Internet Protocol;
“PNETS Licenses” are to licenses issued by the Hong Kong regulatory authorities for the public non-exclusive telecommunications services;
“UC License” are to the Unified Carrier License issued by the Hong Kong regulatory authorities for fixed and mobile telecommunication services; and
“VoIP” are to Voice over Internet Protocol.
Currency translation

“Articles” are to the Company’s existing Memorandum and Articles;

“Centre” is to the Television and Multimedia Production Centre under construction in Tseung Kwan O Industrial Estate in Hong Kong;

“City Telecom” or the “Company” are to City Telecom (H.K.) Limited;

“Distribution Business” are to our sale and distribution of Cantonese television drama series, news programmes and other television programmes;

“fiscal year” or “fiscal” are to the Company’s fiscal year ended August 31 for the year referenced;

“FTNS business” are to our former business segment in which we provided fixed telecommunications network services, including dial up and broadband Internet access services, local VoIP services, IP-TV services and corporate data services;

“Group” are to the Company and its subsidiaries;

“Guangzhou Agreement” are to the sale and purchase agreement dated April 19, 2012 entered into by the Company and Metropolitan Light (HK) Company Limited, a company incorporated in Hong Kong and a wholly owned subsidiary of Metropolitan Light Company Limited;

“Hong Kong Companies Ordinance” are to Chapter 32 of the laws of Hong Kong;

“HKBA” or the “Hong Kong Broadcasting Authority” are to an independent statutory body established by the Hong Kong government for the regulation of the broadcasting industry in Hong Kong;

“HKCA” or the “Office of the Communications Authority” are to a unified regulatory body for the broadcasting and the telecommunication sectors, which has taken over the functions and responsibilities of the HKBA and the Hong Kong Telecommunications Authority since April 1, 2012;

“HKBN” are to Hong Kong Broadband Network Limited, a former wholly owned subsidiary of the Company;

“HKMA” or “Hong Kong Monetary Authority” are to the government authority in Hong Kong responsible for maintaining monetary and banking stability in Hong Kong;

“HKSE” are to The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited;

“HKSE Listing Rules” are to Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on the HKSE;

“IDD business” are to our former business segment in which we provided international direct dialing telecommunications services, including international long distance call services;

“IFRSs” are to International Financial Reporting Standards, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board;

“Multimedia Production Business” are to our business segment in which we produce, sell and distribute Cantonese television drama series, news programmes and other television programmes and offer free television programming services in Hong Kong;

“Talents” are to all individuals employed by our Group including the directors of our Company;

“Telecom Group Agreement” are to the sale and purchase agreement dated March 31, 2012 entered into between the Company and Metropolitan Light Company Limited in relation to the disposal of 100% of the issued share capital of City Telecom International Limited, Credibility Holdings Limited and Automedia Holdings Limited; and

“Telecom Business” are to the disposed businesses, which include the FTNS business and IDD business.

CURRENCY TRANSLATION

We publish our consolidated financial statements in Hong Kong dollars. In this annual report, references to “Hong Kong dollars” or “HK$” are to the currency of Hong Kong, and references to “U.S. dollars” or “US$” are to the currency of the United States. This annual report contains translations of Hong Kong dollar amounts into U.S. dollar amounts, solely for your convenience. Unless otherwise indicated, the translations have been made at US$1.00 = HK$7.7781,7.7560, which was the exchange rate set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board on August 31, 2010.2012. On December 10, 201014, 2012 the exchange rate was US$1.00 = HK$7.7737.7.7496. You should not construe these translations as representations that the Hong Kong dollar amounts actually represent such U.S. dollar amounts or could have been or could be converted into U.S. dollars at the rates indicated or at any other rates.

1


NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Note regarding forward-looking statements
This annual report contains forward-looking statements that are, by their nature, subject to significant risks and uncertainties. These include statements with respect to City Telecom and our plans, strategies and beliefs and other statements that are not historical facts. These statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “estimate”, “continue”, “plan”, “predict”, “project” or other similar words. The statements are based on management’s assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to us.

These assumptions involve risks and uncertainties which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Potential risks and uncertainties include, without limitation:

grant of domestic free television programme service licence by the government;

technological changes;
changes in our regulatory environment, including changes in rules and policies promulgated by regulatory agencies from time to time;
increasing competition in the telecommunications, Internet access, local VoIP, pay-television and corporate data markets;
the benefits we expect to derive from our Next Generation Network, which utilize Metro Ethernet and GPON technologies, in which we have been making significant capital investments;
our ability to maintain growth and successfully introduce new services;
the continued development and stability of our technological infrastructure, a platform through which our local and international telecommunications, Internet access, local VoIP, IP-TV and corporate data services are offered; and
changes in the local and global economic environment.

changes in our regulatory environment, including changes in rules and policies promulgated by regulatory agencies from time to time;

increasing competition in the multimedia market, including the domestic free television market in Hong Kong and the international content licensing and distribution market;

viewer preferences on self-produced and purchased contents;

the benefits we expect to derive from the Television and Multimedia Production Centre under construction in Tseung Kwan O Industrial Estate in Hong Kong which is expected to be in full operational in 2014;

our ability to successfully introduce new services and the popularity of our new services to the market;

changes in the our ability to successfully introduce new services and the popularity of our new services to the market;

the continued development and stability of certain capacity of the telecommunications network of the Telecom Business which is under a 20 years indefeasible right of use granted to the Company and will be used as the main channel of distribution in Hong Kong for the domestic free television programming services to be offered by the Company subject to the licence grant;

contrary to the Telecom Business with 20 years operational track record before its disposal, our business development into multimedia production and free television subject to licence grant, is a new line of business for us, for which we have limited direct experience, thereby making forecasting much more difficult;

changes in technology; and

changes in the local and global economic environment.

When considering such forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the factors described in Item 3 “Key information - risk factors” and other cautionary statements appearing in Item 5 “Operating and financial review and prospects” of this annual report. Such risk factors and statements describe circumstances that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement.

2


Special note on our financial information presented in this annual report
     Our consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended August 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 included in this annual report on Form 20-F have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, or the IASB. Pursuant to the requirement under IFRS 1: First-Time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards, or IFRS 1, the date of our transition to IFRS was September 1, 2007, which is the beginning of the earliest period for which we have presented full comparative information in our consolidated financial statements in our annual report for the year ended August 31, 2009. With due regard to our accounting policies in previous periods and the requirements of IFRS 1, we have concluded that no adjustments were required to the amounts reported under HKFRSs as at September 1, 2007 or in respect of the year ended August 31, 2008.
     In accordance with rule amendments adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, which became effective on March 4, 2008, we are not required to provide a reconciliation to generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, or U.S. GAAP.

3


PART I

ITEM 1 IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS

Not applicable.

ITEM 2 OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE

Not applicable.

ITEM 3 KEY INFORMATION
A. Selected financial data

A.Selected financial data

City Telecom’s historical financial information

The following table presents the selected consolidatedhistorical financial data and operating data of City Telecomour Company as of and for each of the years in the five-year period ended August 31, 2012. Except for amounts presented in U.S. dollars, the selected historical consolidated income statement data and other financial data for the years ended August 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 and the selected historical consolidated balance sheet data as of August 31, 2011 and 2012 set forth below are derived from, should be read in conjunction with, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, our audited consolidated financial statements, including the related notes, included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 20-F. The selected historical consolidated balance sheet data as of August 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 set forth below are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements that are not included in this annual report on Form 20-F. The selected historical consolidated income statement data for the years ended August 31, 2008 and 2009 and 2010. The selected financial data should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to,are presented on the same basis as our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in thisthe annual report on Form 20-F to show the accompanying notes thereto and Item 5 “Operating and financial review and prospects”. As disclosed above under “Special note on our financial information presented in this annual report”, ourresults of the disposed Telecom Business as discontinued operations. Our consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended August 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 have been prepared and presented in accordance with IFRSs.

International Financial Reporting Standards, or IFRSs, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

Selected consolidated income statement of operations data:

                 
  For the year ended August 31, 
  2008  2009  2010  2010 
  HK$  HK$  HK$  US$ 
  (Amounts in thousands except per share data and number of ordinary shares) 
Revenue:                
- FTNS business  1,011,038   1,230,880   1,356,098   174,348 
- IDD business  291,943   247,359   218,589   28,103 
             
                 
Total operating revenue  1,302,981   1,478,239   1,574,687   202,451 
             
                 
Network costs:                
- FTNS business  (103,524)  (107,670)  (144,347)  (18,558)
- IDD business  (74,843)  (67,459)  (50,945)  (6,550)
             
                 
Total network costs  (178,367)  (175,129)  (195,292)  (25,108)
             
                 
Other operating expenses  (966,094)  (1,037,964)  (1,105,604)  (142,143)
                 
Interest expense, net  (59,541)  (50,258)  (10,863)  (1,397)
Other income/(expense), net  9,393   36,671   (3,383)  (434)
Income taxes benefit/(expense)  16,818   (38,730)  (42,679)  (5,487)
             
                 
Net income  125,190   212,829   216,866   27,882 
             
                 
Basic earnings per share (cents)  19.7   32.4   30.7   3.9 
Diluted earnings per share (cents) (note 1)  19.0   31.8   29.4   3.8 
Dividends per share attributable to the year (cents)  6.0   19.0   20.0   2.6 
Weighted average number of ordinary shares  634,015   657,201   706,605   706,605 
Diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares (note 2)  657,997   668,384   736,616   736,616 

4


   For the year ended August 31, 
   2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  2012 
   HK$  HK$  HK$  HK$  HK$  US$ 
   (in thousands, except per share data) 

Continuing operations:

       

Revenue

   —      —      —      —      3,762    485  

Cost of sales

   —      —      —      —      (6,006  (774

Valuation gains on investment properties

   —      —      —      —      18,200    2,347  

Other operating expenses

   (18,402  (20,071  (21,932  (23,481  (104,960  (13,533

Other income/(loss), net

   19,500    37,049    (7,696  3,456    19,920    2,568  

Finance costs, net

   (71,701  (54,241  (21,289  (7,303  (2,455  (317
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Loss before taxation

   (70,603  (37,263  (50,917  (27,328  (71,539  (9,224

Income tax benefit/(expenses)

   1,906    321    (5,611  (4,782  (2,281  (294
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Loss from continuing operations

   (68,697  (36,942  (56,528  (32,110  (73,820  (9,518
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Discontinued operations:

       

Profit from discontinued operation (net of tax)

   193,887    249,771    273,394    346,025    3,771,694    486,294  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Profit for the year

   125,190    212,829    216,866    313,915    3,697,874    476,776  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Attributable to:

       

Equity shareholders of the Company

       

-Continuing operations

   (68,697  (36,942  (56,528  (32,110  (71,406  (9,207

-Discontinued operations

   193,887    249,771    273,394    346,025    3,771,694    486,294  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   125,190    212,829    216,866    313,915    3,700,288    477,087  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Non-controlling interest

       

-Continuing operations

   —      —      —      —      (2,414  (311

-Discontinued operations

   —      —      —      —      —      —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   —      —      —      —      (2,414  (311
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Profit for the year

   125,190    212,829    216,866    313,915    3,697,874    476,776  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

   For the year ended August 31, 
   2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  2012 
   HK$  HK$  HK$  HK$  HK$  US$ 
   (in thousands, except per share data) 

Basic (loss)/earnings per share (cents)

       

-Continuing and discontinued operations

   19.7    32.4    30.7    40.8    471.9    60.8  

-Continuing operations

   (10.8  (5.6  (8.0  (4.1  (9.0  (1.2

-Discontinued operations

   30.5    38.0    38.7    44.9    480.9    62.0  

Diluted (loss)/earnings per share (cents)(1)

       

-Continuing and discontinued operations

   19.0    31.8    29.4    39.6    465.1    60.0  

-Continuing operations

   (10.8  (5.6  (8.0  (4.1  (9.0  (1.2

-Discontinued operations

   29.5    37.3    37.1    43.7    474.1    61.1  

Selected consolidated balance sheet data:
                 
  As of August 31, 
  2008  2009  2010  2010 
  HK$  HK$  HK$  US$ 
  (Amounts in thousands) 
Total assets  2,093,410   1,790,408   2,251,549   289,473 
                 
Long-term debt and other liabilities  (683,242)  (162,586)  (134,860)  (17,338)
Finance lease obligations  (376)  (732)  (605)  (78)
Other liabilities  (377,185)  (398,563)  (427,545)  (54,969)
             
                 
Total liabilities  (1,060,803)  (561,881)  (563,010)  (72,385)
             
                 
Net assets  1,032,607   1,228,527   1,688,539   217,088 
             
                 
Share capital  65,062   66,418   76,500   9,835 
Share premium  670,717   681,208   1,074,997   138,208 
Reserves  296,828   480,901   537,042   69,045 
             
                 
Total shareholders’ equity  1,032,607   1,228,527   1,688,539   217,088 
             

   As of August 31, 
   2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  2012 
   HK$  HK$  HK$  HK$  HK$  US$ 
   (in thousands) 

Total assets

   2,093,410    1,790,408    2,251,549    2,264,462    3,537,356    456,080  

10-year senior notes due 2015

   (683,242  (162,586  —      —      —      —    

Long-term bank loan – unsecured

   —      —      (123,567  —      —      —    

Finance lease obligations – non-current portion

   (255  (530  (393  (288  (160  (21

Derivative financial instrument

   —      —      (11,293  (11,564  (9,663  (1,246

Finance lease obligations – current portion

   (121  (202  (212  (105  (85  (11

Other liabilities

   (377,185  (398,563  (427,545  (455,124  (44,055  (5,680
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   (1,060,803  (561,881  (563,010  (467,081  (53,963  (6,958
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net assets

   1,032,607    1,228,527    1,688,539    1,797,381    3,483,393    449,122  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Share capital

   65,062    66,418    76,500    77,191    80,902    10,431  

Share premium

   670,717    681,208    1,074,997    1,083,495    1,188,005    153,172  

Reserves

   296,828    480,901    537,042    636,695    2,214,486    285,519  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

   1,032,607    1,228,527    1,688,539    1,797,381    3,483,393    449,122  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other financial data:

                 
  For the year ended August 31, 
  2008  2009  2010  2010 
  HK$  HK$  HK$  US$ 
  (Amounts in thousands) 
EBITDA (note 3)  377,964   508,058   469,437   60,354 
Net cash inflow from operating activities  381,991   536,771   485,340   62,398 
Net cash outflow from investing activities  (147,750)  (176,488)  (306,254)  (39,374)
Net cash outflow from financing activities  (345,978)  (561,292)  178,307   22,924 
Capital expenditures (note 4)  211,684   286,734   344,844   44,335 
     As a measure of our operating performance or liquidity, we believe that the most directly comparable measure to EBITDA is net cash provided by operating activities. The following table reconciles our net cash inflow from operating activities, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with IFRSs, to our definition of EBITDA on a consolidated basis for the years ended 2008, 2009 and 2010.
                 
  For the year ended August 31, 
  2008  2009  2010  2010 
  HK$  HK$  HK$  US$ 
  (Amounts in thousands) 
EBITDA  377,964   508,058   469,437   60,354 
Depreciation and amortization  (210,051)  (206,241)  (199,029)  (25,588)
Interest expense, net  (59,541)  (50,258)  (10,863)  (1,397)
Income taxes benefit/(expense)  16,818   (38,730)  (42,679)  (5,487)
             
                 
Net income  125,190   212,829   216,866   27,882 
Depreciation and amortization  210,051   206,241   199,029   25,588 
Amortization of deferred expenditure  33,777   53,160   48,621   6,251 
Income taxes (benefit)/expense  (16,818)  38,730   42,679   5,487 
Interest income  (15,596)  (4,869)  (11,372)  (1,462)
Interest element of finance lease  34   27   42   5 
Interest, amortization and exchange difference on senior notes  72,640   49,214   6,069   780 
Interest on other borrowings  3,428   885   3,260   419 
Amortization of upfront cost on bank loan        192   25 
Interest expense on bank loan        1,379   177 
Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments        11,293   1,452 
Realized gain on long term bank deposit  (1,185)         

5


   For the year ended August 31, 
   2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  2012 
   HK$  HK$  HK$  HK$  HK$  US$ 
   (in thousands) 

Net cash inflow from operating activities

   381,991    536,771    485,340    585,899    181,924    23,456  

Net cash (outflow)/inflow from investing activities

   (147,750  (176,488  (306,254  (414,189  3,681,791    474,702  

Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financing activities

   (345,978  (561,292  178,307    (343,112  (2,191,749  (282,588

Capital expenditures(2)

       

-Continuing operations

   —      —      —      51,255    178,750    23,047  

-Discontinued operations

   211,684    286,734    344,844    397,941    283,643    36,571  

Notes:

                 
  For the year ended August 31, 
  2008  2009  2010  2010 
  HK$  HK$  HK$  US$ 
  (Amounts in thousands) 
Loss/(gain) on disposal of fixed assets  1,431   1,016   (1,375)  (177)
Equity settled share-based transaction  4,204   4,768   5,347   687 
Realized loss on derivatives financial instruments  1,039          
Realized and unrealized gain on other financial assets  (3,284)  (189)      
(Gain)/loss on extinguishment of senior notes  (2,582)  (31,371)  9,650   1,241 
Taxation paid  (4,250)  (1,732)  (3,013)  (387)
Change in long term receivable and prepayments  1,346   (505)  917   118 
Change in working capital, net  (27,434)  8,567   (44,244)  (5,688)
             
                 
Net cash inflow from operating activities  381,991   536,771   485,340   62,398 
             
Operating data:
             
  As of and for the year ended August 31, 
  2008  2009  2010 
FTNS subscriptions:            
- Broadband Internet access  316,000   391,000   526,000 
- Local VoIP  329,000   382,000   431,000 
- IP-TV  156,000   170,000   153,000 
Total  801,000   943,000   1,110,000 
Registered international telecommunications accounts (note 5)  2,336,000   2,383,000   2,445,000 
IDD outgoing minutes (in thousands)  574,000   487,000   464,000 

Notes:
(1)Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing the net income by the diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares duringat the end of the year.
(2)For the years ended August 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, the diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares was the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the respective years, plus the weighted average number of additional ordinary shares which would have been outstanding assuming all the outstanding share options have been exercised at the beginning of the respective years or on the date of issue, whichever is earlier.
(3)EBITDA for any period means, without duplication, net income for such period, plus the following to the extent deducted in calculating such net income: interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization expense (excluding any such non-cash charge to the extent it represents an accrual of or reserve for cash charges in any future period or amortization of a prepaid cash expense that was paid in a prior period not included in the calculation), less interest income. EBITDA is not a measure of performance under IFRSs. We believe that EBITDA is an additional measure utilized by investors in determining a borrower’s ability to meet debt service requirements. However, EBITDA does not represent, and should not be used as a substitute for, net earnings or cash flows from operations as determined in accordance with IFRSs, and EBITDA is not necessarily an indication of whether cash flow will be sufficient to fund our cash requirements. In addition, our definition of EBITDA may differ from that of other companies.
(4)Capital expenditures represent additions to fixed assets and include non-cash transactions.
(5)Registered accounts refer to international telecommunications customers that have a valid account. Account holders may or may not be active users of our services.

6


Selected Consolidated Statement of Operations Data:
         
  For the year ended August 31, 
  2006 (note 6)  2007 
  HK$  HK$ 
  (Amounts in thousands except per share data) 
HKFRS
        
         
Revenues:        
Fixed telecommunications network services  716,600   816,800 
International telecommunications services  418,276   324,470 
       
         
Total operating revenue  1,134,876   1,141,270 
       
         
Network Costs:        
Fixed telecommunications network services  (125,639)  (103,795)
International telecommunications services  (174,954)  (110,796)
       
         
Total network costs  (300,593)  (214,591)
Other operating expenses  (919,795)  (834,104)
       
         
(Loss)/income from operations  (85,512)  92,575 
Interest (expense)/income, net  (68,259)  (64,833)
Other income, net  4,465   3,149 
Income taxes credit/(expense)  7,244   (2,026)
       
         
Net (loss)/income  (142,062)  28,865 
Basic (loss)/earnings per share (cents)  (23.1)  4.7 
Diluted (loss)/earnings per share (cents) (note 1)  (23.1)  4.6 
Dividends declared per share (cents)     8.0 
Weighted average number of shares  614,134   614,840 
Diluted weighted average number of shares (note 2)  614,134   631,319 
         
  For the year ended August 31, 
  2006  2007 
  HK$  HK$ 
  (Amounts in thousands except per share data) 
U.S. GAAP
        
Total operating revenue  1,134,876   1,141,270 
Total operating expenses  (1,220,388)  (1,048,695)
Net (loss)/income  (142,062)  28,865 
Basic (loss)/earnings per share (cents)  (23.1)  4.7 
Diluted (loss)/earnings per share (cents) (note 1)  (23.1)  4.6 
Dividends declared per share (cents)     8.0 
Weighted average number of shares  614,134   614,840 
Diluted weighted average number of shares (note 2)  614,134   631,319 

7


Selected Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:
         
  As of August 31, 
  2006  2007 
  HK$  HK$ 
  (Amounts in thousands) 
HKFRS
        
Total assets  2,124,215   2,161,133 
Debt  (948,027)  (952,593)
Finance lease obligation  (2,373)  (1,210)
Other liabilities  (282,161)  (303,448)
       
         
Total liabilities  (1,232,561)  (1,257,251)
       
         
Net assets employed  891,654   903,882 
       
         
Share capital  61,417   61,650 
Share premium  620,298   622,433 
Reserves  209,939   219,799 
       
         
Total shareholders’ equity  891,654   903,882 
       
         
  As of August 31, 
  2006  2007 
  HK$  HK$ 
  (Amounts in thousands) 
U.S. GAAP
        
Total assets  2,154,305   2,189,086 
Total liabilities  (1,257,034)  (1,279,587)
Net shareholders’ equity  897,271   909,499 
Other Financial Data:
         
  For the year ended August 31, 
  2006 (note 6)  2007 
  HK$  HK$ 
  (Amounts in thousands) 
HKFRS
        
EBITDA (note 3)  195,417   353,827 
Net cash provided by operating activities  184,151   383,999 
Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities  (492,742)  114,053 
Net cash used in financing activities  (86,432)  (109,504)
Capital expenditures (note 4)  322,935   132,250 

8


     As a measure of our operating performance or liquidity, we believe that the most directly comparable measure to EBITDA is net cash provided by operating activities. The following table reconciles our net cash provided by operating activities under HKFRS to our definition of EBITDA on a consolidated basis for each of fiscal 2006 and 2007.
         
  For the year ended August 31 
  2006  2007 
  HK$  HK$ 
  (Amounts in thousands) 
EBITDA (note 3)
  195,417   353,827 
Depreciation and amortization  (276,464)  (258,103)
Interest expense, net  (68,259)  (64,833)
Income taxes credit/(expense)  7,244   (2,026)
       
         
Net (loss)/income
  (142,062)  28,865 
Depreciation and amortization  276,464   258,103 
Impairment loss on investment property  1,131    
Amortization of deferred expenditure  13,973   15,580 
Income taxes (credit)/expense  (7,244)  2,026 
Interest income  (20,378)  (22,671)
Interest, amortization and exchange difference on senior notes  86,664   89,879 
Other borrowing costs  1,919   (739)
Loss on disposal of fixed assets  9,621   1,714 
Equity settled share-based transaction  6,823   5,727 
Realized and unrealized loss on derivatives financial instruments  125   806 
Unrealized gain on other investments  (668)  (1,887)
Taxation paid  (2,532)  (2,171)
Change in long term receivable  567   5,600 
Change in working capital, net  (40,252)  3,167 
       
         
Net cash flow provided by operating activities  184,151   383,999 
       
Operating Data:
         
  As of and for the year ended August 31, 
  2006  2007 
FTNS Subscriptions:        
Broadband Internet Access  220,000   247,000 
Local VoIP  281,000   308,000 
IP-TV  116,000   128,000 
       
         
Total  617,000   683,000 
       
         
Registered international telecommunications accounts (note 5)  2,201,963   2,331,000 
IDD outgoing minutes (in thousands)  788,000   659,000 

9


Notes:
(1)Diluted (loss)/earnings per share is computed by dividing the net (loss)/income by the diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares during the year.
(2)For fiscal 2007, the diluted weighted average number of shares was the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year, plus the weighted average number of additional ordinary shares which would have been outstanding assuming all the outstanding share options and share warrants (if any) have been exercised at the beginning of the respective years or on the date of issue, whichever is earlier. For fiscal 2006, the diluted weighted average number of shares was equal to the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the respective years because the incremental effect of share options and share warrants was anti-dilutive in a loss-making year.
(3)EBITDA for any period means, without duplication, net income/(loss) for such period, plus the following to the extent deducted in calculating such net income/(loss): interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization expense (excluding any such non cash charge to the extent it represents an accrual of or reserve for cash charges in any future period or amortization of a prepaid cash expense that was paid in a prior period not included in the calculation), less interest income. EBITDA is not a measure of performance under HKFRS or U.S. GAAP. We believe that EBITDA is an additional measure utilized by investors in determining a borrower’s ability to meet debt service requirements. However, EBITDA does not represent, and should not be used as a substitute for, net earnings or cash flows from operations as determined in accordance with HKFRS or U.S. GAAP, and EBITDA is not necessarily an indication of whether cash flow will be sufficient to fund our cash requirements. In addition, our definition of EBITDA may differ from that of other companies.
(4)Capital expenditures represent additions to fixed assets and include non-cash transactions.
(5)Registered accounts refer to international telecommunications customers that have a valid account. Account holders may or may not be active users of our services.
(6)Due to additional evidence and information received with respect to the collectability of the mobile interconnection charges on January 30, 2006, we were required to reassess the conditions on which the estimates on bad debt provision for mobile interconnection charges receivables were based. Such assessment were made after the publication of our Hong Kong statutory financial statements for fiscal 2005 but prior to the filing of our annual report on Form 20-F for fiscal 2005. The effect of the reassessment was reflected in our annual report on Form 20-F for fiscal 2005 and in our Hong Kong statutory financial statements for fiscal 2006.
Our reassessment had the following effects on our consolidated statement of operations for fiscal 2005 and 2006:
                 
          As previously    
          reported in    
  As previously      2006 Hong Kong    
  reported in 2005 Hong  As reported  statutory  As reported 
  Kong statutory  in 2005 Form  financial  in 2006 
  financial statements  20-F  statements  Form 20-F 
  HK$  HK$  HK$  HK$ 
  (Amounts in thousands except per share data) 
Total operating revenue  1,137,356   1,162,059   1,159,579   1,134,876 
Provision for doubtful debts  (60,563)  (35,445)  7,668   (17,450)
Net loss after tax  (206,352)  (156,531)  (92,241)  (142,062)
Loss per share — basic and diluted (33.6) cents (25.5) cents (15.0) cents (23.1) cents

10


Exchange rate information

The Hong Kong dollar is freely convertible into other currencies (including the U.S. dollar). Since 1983, the Hong Kong dollar has been officially linked to the U.S. dollar and the current rate is US$1.00 to HK$7.80. Despite the efforts of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, or HKMA, to keep the official exchange rate stable, the market exchange rate of the Hong Kong dollar against the U.S. dollar continues to be influenced by the forces of supply and demand in the foreign exchange markets. Furthermore, the official exchange rate is itself subject to fluctuations and can be reset in circumstances where the secondary foreign exchange markets move beyond the HKMA’s ability to back the official rate with foreign reserves.

Exchange rates between the Hong Kong dollar and other currencies are influenced by the rate between the U.S. dollar and the Hong Kong dollar.

The following table sets forth the average, high, low and period-end exchange rate between the Hong Kong dollar and the U.S. dollar (in Hong Kong dollars per U.S. dollar) for the fiscal periods indicated:

                 
  Average  High  Low  Period-end 
  (note)          
  HK$  HK$  HK$  HK$ 
Fiscal 2006  7.7601   7.7796   7.7506   7.7767 
Fiscal 2007  7.8029   7.8289   7.7665   7.7968 
Fiscal 2008  7.7915   7.8159   7.7497   7.8036 
Fiscal 2009  7.7550   7.8094   7.7495   7.7505 
Fiscal 2010  7.7646   7.8040   7.7495   7.7781 
June 2010  7.7880   7.8040   7.7690   7.7865 
July 2010  7.7753   7.7962   7.7651   7.7672 
August 2010  7.7702   7.7788   7.7605   7.7781 
September 2010  7.7643   7.7738   7.7561   7.7599 
October 2010  7.7580   7.7642   7.7513   7.7513 
November 2010  7.7547   7.7656   7.7506   7.7649 
December 2010 (through December 10, 2010)  7.7666   7.7737   7.7612   7.7737 

   Average(1)   High   Low   Period-end 
   HK$   HK$   HK$   HK$ 

Fiscal 2008

   7.7915     7.8159     7.7497     7.8036  

Fiscal 2009

   7.7550     7.8094     7.7495     7.7505  

Fiscal 2010

   7.7646     7.8040     7.7495     7.7781  

Fiscal 2011

   7.7776     7.8087     7.7506     7.7876  

Fiscal 2012

   7.7670     7.8040     7.7532     7.7560  

June 2012

   7.7590     7.7610     7.7572     7.7572  

July 2012

   7.7561     7.7586     7.7538     7.7538  

August 2012

   7.7562     7.7574     7.7543     7.7560  

September 2012

   7.7540     7.7569     7.7510     7.7540  

October 2012

   7.7515     7.7549     7.7494     7.7494  

November 2012

   7.7505     7.7518     7.7493     7.7501  

December 2012 (through December 14, 2012)

   7.7497     7.7500     7.7493     7.7496  

Note:

Note:(1)The average rates on the last business day of each month during the relevant fiscal year period or the average rates for each business day during the relevant monthly period.
Source:

Source: For all periods prior to January 1, 2009, the exchange rate refers to noon buying rate as reported by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. For periods beginning on or after January 1, 2009, the exchange rate refers to the exchange rate as set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board.

B.Capitalization and indebtedness
B. Capitalization and indebtedness

Not applicable.

C. Reasons for the offer and use of proceeds

C.Reasons for the offer and use of proceeds

Not applicable

11


D.Risk factors

D. Risk factors
You should carefully consider the risks described below and other information contained in this annual report before making an investment decision. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us, or that we currently deem immaterial, may also impair our business operations. We cannot assure you that any of the events discussed in the risk factors below will not occur. If they do, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
affect us.

Risks relating to our business and operations

In light of the intense competitionWe have a limited operating history in our target markets,Multimedia Production Business, which makes it difficult to evaluate our business.

We have a limited operating history in the Multimedia Production Business for you to evaluate our business, financial performance and prospects. Our historical results, which are based largely on the Telecom Business that we cannot assure you that our revenues and net profit will continue to grow.

     We derive our total revenues from our FTNS business and our IDD business. Our FTNS business primarily consistsdisposed of broadband Internet access, local VoIP, IP-TV and corporate data services, while our IDD business primarily consists of direct dial, international calling cards and mobile call forwarding services. Our total revenues increased by 6.5% to HK$1,574.7 million in fiscal 2010 from HK$1,478.2 million in fiscal 2009, and our net profit increased by 1.9% to HK$216.9 million in fiscal 2010 from HK$212.8 million in fiscal 2009. The increase in net profit in fiscal 2010 was primarily due to increased contribution from our FTNS business and finance cost savings of HK$32.9 million as a result of repurchase and redemptionMay 2012, are not indicative of our outstanding 10-year senior notes.
     Although revenue fromfuture performance. To date, we have not achieved profitability in our FTNS business increased by 10.2% in fiscal 2010,Multimedia Production Business and, going forward, we cannot assure you that we willmay not be able to maintain suchgenerate revenue or achieve profitability on annual basis.

We may not be able to implement our business plans and profit growth. Theexpansion strategies successfully.

We intend to increase in revenuethe production volume of our FTNStelevision content significantly in 2013 and 2014. We also plan to distribute our television content to Internet portals and overseas markets. Our business was primarily dueplans and strategies have been formulated based on a number of assumptions including successful cooperation with our business partners. We might not be able to an increase inimplement our broadband subscription base of 34.5%, driven bybusiness plans and expansion strategies successfully.

Our expansion strategies are expected to place substantial demands on our marketing program between November 2009 to August 2010, which lowered by approximately 50.0% our symmetric 100Mbps service to HK$99 per month, including a Member-Get-Member promotion at this price for both the refereemanagerial, operational, financial and referrer. Effective from September 1, 2010, we terminated such marketing program and increased the priceother resources. The success of our residential broadband service plan from HK$99 per month to HK$169 per month. We cannot assure you whether our revenuesbusiness plans and net profit will continue to grow as a result of such price increase due to intense competition in our industry. The growth of our subscription base willexpansion strategies depend on our ability to:

build our infrastructure on schedule and within budget;

manage to continueproduce good quality contents within budget which is appealing to expand our network coverage and operate in a highly competitive market.customers;

     Further,

able to generate revenue from the good quality contents through advertising and content licensing and distribution

develop effective marketing channels in Hong Kong and international markets;

control operational costs and maintain effective quality controls; and

obtain the domestic free television programme service licence for broadcasting in Hong Kong.

The failure to achieve any of the above could increase our IDD business decreased by 11.6% in fiscal 2010.costs of operation and investments. The decrease was primarily dueexecution of our growth strategies will also incur substantial costs and require substantial resources. We may not be able to a decrease in the total number of airtime minutes by 4.7% and a decreasemanage our operations efficiently to compete successfully in our tariff rateexisting markets or new markets that we are able to charge our customers. On our IDD service, our strategy is to focus on cash flow rather than market share. Due to increasing competition, we expect our IDD business will continue to experience pressure on tariff rates and to contribute to a smaller portion of our revenue and net profit over time.

     Our ability to continue to grow our total revenues and net profit in the rapidly evolving telecommunications industry depends on many factors, including our ability to accurately identify and respond to demand for new services, success in developing new services on a timely basis, quality and cost competitiveness of our services, effectiveness of our sales and marketing efforts, and the number and nature of competitors in a given market segment. The global economic uncertainty has resulted in decreased consumer confidence and overall slower economic activity,may enter, which may dampen the demand for broadband services ormaterially and adversely affect our customers’ abilityfinancial condition and results of operations.

We may not be granted a domestic free television programme service licence.

On December 31, 2009, we submitted an application for the domestic free television programme service licence in Hong Kong to continue with existing services. We cannot assure you that we can maintain the current level of revenue growth and profitability.

Given the pace of changeHKBA. If granted, this licence will allow us to provide free television programme services in the telecommunications industry and the characteristics of our target markets, we cannot assure you that our FTNS business will continue to be profitable.
     The main target market for our FTNS business is Hong Kong. The grant of the licence is still pending. If the Chief Executive in Council rejects our application or if there is a prolonged delay in granting the licence, we will not be able to operate domestic free television programme services in Hong Kong telecommunications industryin the short term or at all. As domestic free television programme services is highly competitive. The intense competition could resultexpected to be one of the major distribution channels of our self-produced television content and the primary source of advertising revenue, this will mean that the Group will need to explore other distribution channels which involves large uncertainties, this may in price reductions, reduced gross margins or loss of market share, any of which couldturn adversely affect our future growthfinancial condition and profitability. We expect competition to continue to increase for the following reasons:
Increasing liberalization of the telecommunications industry in Hong Kong may continue to attract new local and foreign entrants and broaden the variety of telecommunications services available in the market, thereby increasing the overall level of competition in our industry.
The Hong Kong government may continue to issue new wireless and wire-line FTNS Licenses. For instance, 291 PNETS Licenses had been issued in Hong Kong as of October 31, 2010 for the provision of “external telecommunications services” (as defined in the Telecommunications Authority’s Determination as of December 30, 1998). Some of these licenses are held by subsidiaries of major foreign telecommunications providers, which have competitive advantages over us due to their global presence and size.
Around December 31, 2007, Television Broadcasts Limited and Asia Television Limited, commonly known as TVB and ATV, respectively, the only two licensed domestic free television programme broadcasters in Hong Kong, launched their digital terrestrial television services and have since broadened such services to cover an increasingly large percentage of the viewing public in Hong Kong. As of December 14, 2010, their services offered a total of 11 free channels in both standard and high definition. This improvement in the quality of free television may result in a reduction in the number of subscribers for pay-television services.

12


     As someresults of our main competitors have longer operating historiesoperations, and others are subsidiaries of large business conglomerates, theywe may have greater financial, technical, marketing and other resources; a more sophisticated infrastructure; better brand recognition; and a larger subscription base and maynot be able to devote more human and financial resources to research and development, network improvement and marketing thangenerate revenue in the short term or become profitable in the long term.

Moreover, if there is a prolonged delay in obtaining the domestic free television programme service licence, we can. Our competitive position varies significantly by service type because each service is characterized by a different market. If we cannot compete effectively in a major market, our business, operating results and financial condition could be adversely affected.

Our services may become obsolete if we cannot address the changing needs of our customers.
     The telecommunications industry is characterized by rapidly changing technology and industry standards, evolving subscriber needs and the changing nature of services with increasingly short life cycles. We cannot assure you that we willnot be able to respond successfullyeffectively manage our financial resources, given that the operation of domestic free television programme service is expected to technological advancesincur a substantial amount of capital and stay aheadoperating expenditure, and while awaiting the grant of the evolvinglicence, we would not be able to optimally utilize our financial resources in longer term investments.

Our new business in the provision of domestic free television programme services may not become profitable in the long term.

If the domestic free television programme service licence is granted, we will incur additional expenditure for programme production before we can generate revenue. In addition, given that the Multimedia Production Business is a new business venture and the industry standards, forincumbent, Television Broadcasts Limited has dominated the following reasons:viewership on domestic free television programme services by a large margin, we may not be able to become profitable in the long term.

The construction and development of a Television and Multimedia Production Centre is subject to a number of risks beyond our control.

Since February 2012, we have started building a Television and Multimedia Production Centre on land granted by Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation at Tseung Kwan O Industrial Estate. Construction of the Television and Multimedia Production Centre is expected to cost at least HK$800.0 million.

The construction and development of this Centre are subject to a number of risks which are beyond our control, including:

the possibility of construction delay or costs over run due to inclement weather, labor or material shortages, work stoppages market inflation and delayed regulatory approvals;

To compete successfully, we must constantly increase the diversity and sophistication of the services we offer and upgrade our telecommunications technologies. We may be required to make substantial capital expenditures and may not be successful in modifying our network infrastructure in a timely and cost-effective manner in response to these changes.
New technology, such as the possible development of 4G wireless data networks as a substitute for fiber-based services, or other trends in the telecommunications industry, could have an

the possibility of discovering previously undetected defects or problems; and

natural disasters, social disorder and other extraordinary events.

The occurrence of any of these events could delay the construction and development of the Television and Multimedia Production Centre or increase our costs, which may in turn have a material adverse effect on the services we currently offer. For example, traditional fixed line home telephones are being replaced by mobile telephones and/or VoIP services. Technology substitution from global VoIP providers, some of which offer free PC-to-PC based international calls, is also becoming more prevalent. Increased adoption of such competing technology may lead to a decline in our revenues.

Changing our services in response to market demand may require the adoption of new technologies that could render many of the technologies that we are currently implementing less competitive or obsolete. We may also need to gain access to related or enabling technologies in order to integrate the new technology with our existing technology. Our new services may contain design flaws or other defects when first introduced to the market.
     If we cannot offer the new services demanded by our customers in a timely manner, our business, operating results or financial condition could be adversely affected.
and results of operations.

The development of our Next Generation NetworkMultimedia Production Business and Distribution Business requires significant capital expenditures, which may not be available on terms satisfactory to us or may impose a burden on our other business activities.

     Our business is capital intensive. We need to continue to devote substantial resources in infrastructure construction and upgrade to provide consistent and high quality services. In particular, because we deliver our fixed telecommunications network services through our self-owned Next Generation Network, we have made, and will continue to make, capital investments in the expansion and upgrade of this network and the development of various telecommunications services. We incurred total capital expenditures of approximately HK$344.8 million in fiscal 2010.

We expect to incur capital expenditures ranging fromof approximately HK$320 million to HK$350700.0 million in 2011, a large2013, majority of which will be spent onfor the continued expansionbuilding of the Television and upgrade of our network.Multimedia Production Centre. While we intend to fund such expenditures by using our currently available cash, as well as cash flow from operations,unutilized banking facilities, we may not have adequate capital to fund our projected capital expenditures. Our ability to fund operating and capital expenditures depends significantly on our ability to generate cash from operations. In fiscal 2010, we generated cash from operating activities of HK$485.3 million. However, we cannot assure you that we will be able to sustain our operations in order to generate sufficient cash flows to meet our future requirements. Our ability to generate cash from operationsif there is subject to general economic, financial, industry, legal and other factors and conditions, many ofany event which are outside our control. In particular, our operations are subject to price and demand volatilitycould cause prolonged delay in the telecommunications industry.

launch of our domestic free television programme service, prolonged delay in the construction and development of the Television and Multimedia Production Centre or an increase in the construction costs. If we cannot finance our operations and capital expenditure using existing available cash and cash generated from operations, if any, we may be required to, among other things, incur additional debt, reduce capital expenditures, sell assets, or raise equity. The global economic uncertainty has caused a general tightening in the credit markets, lower levels of liquidity, increases in the rates of default and bankruptcy, and volatility in the capital markets. Although we have sufficient cash to meet our anticipated cash needs for at least the next 12 months, the current marketMarket conditions may affectimpair our ability to obtain further financing to support our networkcapital expansion in the future. Any failure to do so will negatively impact our business and slow down our network deployment, in that we may not be able to continue expanding our network infrastructure to cover substantial area of the Hong Kong territory.plans. Additional debt or equity financing may not be available, and debt financing, if available, may involve restrictions on our investing, financing and operating activities.

If any ofwe fail to capture viewer preferences, our new services are not successful, our operating resultsbusiness prospects and reputation could be materially and adversely affected.

     New telecommunications services are introduced

The success of our self-produced television content primarily depends on our ability to capture viewer preferences, which vary in different demographic groups and regions and could change rapidly. In general, the popularity of television content among viewers is mainly determined by the producer’s ability to originate and source viewer-engaging content, create high-quality scripts and characters that appeal to a broad range of viewers, and cast popular talents and directors. If the viewers’ reaction to our competitorstelevision content is largely different from timeour predicted viewer preferences, the success and popularity of the television content will be at risk. If our television content fails to time. If we do not anticipate these changes and rapidly adopt new and innovative services in response,perform as expected, we may not be able to fully captureestablish a strong reputation in television content production business and our business prospects could be materially and adversely affected.

Our business could be materially and adversely affected by claims of infringement of intellectual property rights.

Monitoring and preventing the opportunitiesunauthorized use of the Group’s intellectual property rights may be difficult, costly and time-consuming. If we are unable to adequately protect our copyrights and other intellectual property rights, these rights may be infringed, our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may be materially and adversely affected.

Moreover, third parties may claim that our self-produced television content misappropriates or infringes their intellectual property rights, including those with respect to their previous productions, scripts and characters. Any litigation regarding intellectual property rights could be costly and time-consuming and could divert the attention of our management and key personnel from our business operations. If we are unsuccessful in the market. Developmentdefending any such assertions or claims, our business, financial condition, results of new services, however, exposes us to the following risks:

Developing new telecommunications services canoperations and reputation may be complex. We may not be able to adapt the new services effectively, promptlymaterially and economically to meet customer demand.

13

adversely affected.


In developing new services, we are required to continue to make significant investments in our network infrastructure in order to support these services. If we exceed our budgeted capital expenditure and cannot meet the additional capital requirements in time through operating cash flows and planned financings, we may have to delay the project.
Any of our new services may not be commercially successful. The failure of any of our services to achieve commercial acceptance could result in additional capital expenditures or, to the extent that we are required under the applicable accounting standards to recognize a charge for the impairment of assets. Any impairment charges could materially adversely affect our financial condition and the results of our operations.
     Specifically, we cannot assure you that any services enabled by upgrading and expanding our Next Generation Network will provide us with an acceptable rate of return. This would dependOur success depends on our ability to accurately identifyattract and respondretain high-quality production crew and talent artistes in a highly competitive market.

The Multimedia Production Business requires the collaboration of many different work streams and people with different expertise, and hence our ability to emerging consumer trendsattract and demand. We cannot assure you thatretain high-quality production crew and popular talent artistes is a key factor for our success. Loss of producers, other members of our production team or talent artistes could adversely affect our production volume and quality and, as a result, we can generate satisfactory investment returns on any new service.

could be materially and adversely affected.

In addition, we face competition for high-quality production crew and popular talent artistes from other television content production companies and other organizations. Competition for these individuals could require us to offer higher compensation and other benefits in order to attract and retain them, which would increase our operating expenses.

We may needlose investor confidence in the reliability of our financial statements if we fail to improve ourachieve and maintain effective internal controlscontrol over financial reporting, which in turn could harm our business and adversely affect the trading prices of our independent auditors may not be able to attest to their effectiveness.ADRs.

     The United States Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, as required by Section 404(a) of

Under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act, adopted rules requiring every public company tomust include a management report on such company’sits internal controls over financial reporting in its annual report, which contains management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the company’s internal controls over financial reporting. Effective from September 21, 2010, the SEC adopted amendments to its rules and forms to conform them to Section 404(c) ofUnder the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, as added by Section 989G of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”). Section 404(c) provides that Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act shall not apply with respect to any audit report prepared for an issuer that is neither an accelerated filer nor a large accelerated filer. During fiscal 2010, we became an accelerated filer. Therefore, we are also required to have an independent registered public accounting firm to attest to and report on the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting starting from fiscal 2010.

reporting.

We have evaluated our internal controls surrounding the financial reporting process for the current fiscal period so that management can attest to the effectiveness of these controls, as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. We have implemented appropriate steps to strengthen the internal controls. However, we may identify conditions that could result in significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in the future.weaknesses. As a result, we could experience a negative reaction in the financial markets and incur additional costs in improving the condition of our internal controls. For a detailed discussion of controls and procedures, see Item 15 “Controls and procedures.”

Notwithstanding our efforts, our management may subsequentlycould conclude that our internal controlscontrol over financial reporting areis not effective. Further, even if our management concludes that our internal controls over financial reporting are effective, our independent registered public accounting firm may conclude that our internal control over financial reporting is not effective. If we do not successfully design and implement changes to our internal controls and management systems, or if we fail to maintain the adequacy of these controls as such standards are modified or amended from time to time, we may not be able to comply with Section 404(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. This could subject us to regulatory scrutiny and penalties that may result in a loss of public confidence in our management, which could, among other things, adversely affect our customer and vendor confidence, stock price and our ability to raise additional capital and operate our business as projected.

If we cannot manage the growth in our FTNS business, the quality of our services and our operating results could be adversely affected.
     We have been pursuing an aggressive strategy in growing our FTNS business. As part of this strategy, we intend to continue to expand and invest in our Next Generation Network infrastructure to support our range of broadband Internet access, local VoIP, IP-TV and corporate data services. The deployment of these projects has resulted and will result in significant demands on our systems and controls and may impact our administrative, operational and financial resources. These projects will also place significant demands on us to maintain the quality of our services to ensure that our brand does not suffer as a result of any deviations, whether actual or perceived, in the quality of our services.
     Our ability to manage the growth in our FTNS business will depend upon our ability to:
improve our existing operational, administrative and technological systems and our financial and management controls;
enhance our infrastructure to support the expansion;
develop effective marketing plans;
control operational costs and maintain effective quality controls; and
offer competitive prices to customers for our services.

14


     Our failure to achieve any of the above in an efficient manner and at a pace consistent with the growth of our FTNS business could have an adverse effect on the quality of our services and increase our costs of operation.
We depend on certain key personnel, and our business and growth prospects may be disrupted by the loss of their services.

Our future success is dependentdepends upon the continued service of our key executives and Talents (All individuals employed by the Group, including directors of the Company are defined as “Talents” hereafter). While we have employment agreements with members of our senior management, we cannot assure you that we will be able to retain these senior management.Talents. If one or moreany of our key personnel were unable or unwilling to continue in their present positions or if they joined a competitor or formed a competing company, or if they shifted their focus away from Hong Kong operations, we may not be able to replace them easily, our business may be significantly disrupted and our financial condition and results of operations may be materially adversely affected.disrupted. Furthermore, as our industry is characterized by high demand and increased competition for Talents, we may need to offer higher compensation and other benefits in order to attract and retain key personnel in the future.personnel. We cannot assure you that we willmight not be able to attract and retain the key personnel that we will need to achieve our business objectives.

Our ability to further expand the coverage of our Next Generation Network may be limited by the physical limitations or our ability to obtain access rights in certain buildings.
     Our Next Generation Network has the capability of providing value-added broadband services and content that combine voice, data and images with increased efficiency and flexibility. As part of our strategy to grow our FTNS business, we plan to increase the coverage of our Next Generation Network from the current number of 1.77 million residential homes pass as of August 31, 2010 to our target of 2.0 million residential homes pass by the end of 2011. To connect our Next Generation Network to a new physical site, we need to install fibre-to-the-home or fibre-to-the-building with Category-5e copper wiring, which we refer to as “in-building wiring”. Our expansion plan may be hindered because the installation of in-building wiring is subject to the following constraints:
Because at least one of our competitors has already installed in-building wiring in virtually all buildings and many buildings have limited physical space for additional in-building wiring, other FTNS providers, including us, may encounter a bottleneck when installing our own in-building wiring;
Some single-owner commercial buildings may grant rights of access to our competitors while barring us from installing our own in-building wiring; and
Certain developers may have affiliations with our competitors and may attempt to delay or inhibit our wiring installations.
     We may be unable to capitalize on any economy of scale benefits if we fail to expand our network coverage at our projected rate. Our growth opportunities will also be limited as a result.
Internet security concerns could adversely affect our Internet access services.
     To remain competitive, we must continue to upgrade our broadband Internet access, local VoIP, IP-TV and corporate data services. Computer viruses, break-ins and other inappropriate or unauthorized uses of our Next Generation Network could affect the provision of our full suite of Internet Protocol services and have the following effects on our FTNS business:
interruption, delays or cessation in services to our customers;
a threat to the security of confidential information stored in the computer system of our customers; and
illegal viewing or download of our contents.
     To protect our business from computer viruses and other harmful attacks, we may need to incur significant costs to protect us against the threat of security breaches or to alleviate problems caused by such breaches. We intend to continue to strengthen our network security to alleviate these problems. Our efforts, however, may cause interruptions, delays or cessations of our services, and our customers may stop using our service or assert claims against us as a result.

15


We may be unable to further expand the scope of our Internet access services unless we obtain additional network capacity.
     Our ability to transition from time to time to more advanced technologies for faster Internet access is critical to our sustainable competitiveness. Because our Next Generation Network has limited capacity, our ability to expand the network bandwidth on a timely basis is subject to the following factors:
the expansion and development of our own international telecommunications facilities;
the availability of leased capacity from third party carriers at favorable rates; and
the possible termination or cancellation of our existing contracts.
     If we fail to increase the capacity of our international bandwidth, our ability to increase our market share and revenue in the Internet access market segment will be limited.
Natural disasters and other disruptive regional events could damage our network and adversely affect our business and operating results.
     Our network is vulnerable to damage or cessation of operations from fire, earthquakes, severe storms, heavy rainfall, power loss, telecommunications failures, network software flaws, vandalism, transmission cable cuts and other catastrophic events. We may experience failures or shut downs relating to individual points of presence or even catastrophic failure of our entire network. Any sustained failure of our network, our servers, or any link in the delivery chain, whether from operational disruption, natural disaster or otherwise, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The loss of key suppliers or their failure to deliver equipment on a timely basis could negatively impact our business.
     We rely on third parties for the supply of network equipment. Further, because an IP set-top-box must be installed in order to access our IP-TV services, we must have an adequate supply of such installation equipment on hand for delivery to our customers in a timely manner.
     We purchase all of our IP set-top boxes and other equipment from our suppliers on a purchase order basis and have no long-term contracts. If our suppliers are unable to supply us with these products in a timely manner or the costs of these products increase due to unforeseen causes, this could negatively impact our operating results, especially if we are unable to spread the costs over a larger subscription base or effectively pass the additional costs on to our subscribers.
Because we rely on third parties in delivering services through our Next Generation Network, our operating results could be adversely affected if their services are not timely or do not meet our standards.
     We depend on third parties for the ongoing maintenance and repair of our Next Generation Network. Further, although our Next Generation Network is operated essentially as an independent network, a small portion of it is connected to the network of other providers under interconnection agreements. We are also dependent on certain Hong Kong rail transport providers to maintain and provide us with access to their infrastructure to support the proper functioning of our equipment and fiber-based backbone. If these third parties fail to respond or are untimely in their response to our maintenance and repair needs, our customers may experience interruptions or variations in the quality of our fixed telecommunications network services. Any service interruptions or variations could adversely affect our operating results and our ability to retain or add new customers.
Risks relating to the regulatory, political and economic environment
Regulatory reforms and currently contemplated regulatory initiatives in the telecommunications industry may adversely affect us.
     The Hong Kong telecommunications industry is undergoing continuous regulatory reform. Our business and results of operations may be adversely affected by changes in the telecommunications regulations, especially in the following areas:
In July 2004, a new provision of the Telecommunications Ordinance came into force. This anti-competition provision specifically regulates the conduct of all carrier licensees (in particular merger and acquisition transactions) in the Hong Kong telecommunications industry by giving the Telecommunications Authority the power to review the conducts and transactions concerning carrier licensees and to take appropriate actions if it determines that the transaction would, or is likely to, prevent or substantially lessen competition in a telecommunications market. The Telecommunications Authority has the power under this provision to conduct an investigation into any questionable transaction. It might consent to the transaction (unconditionally or subject to any conditions it deems appropriate) or reject the transaction outright. The decision of the Telecommunications Authority will take into account whether the transaction will adversely affect the public interest and benefit. This provision may have an adverse effect on our ability to grow our business through mergers and acquisitions.
We offer local VoIP services through our Next Generation Network under HKBN’s FTNS License. Following the conclusion of a public consultation on the regulation of Internet Protocol Telephony Services, the Telecommunications Authority issued a statement on June 20, 2005, setting out its views and decisions on the regulatory and licensing framework for the provision of VoIP services, including the creation of a licensing framework, conformance to the existing system of assigning telephone numbers, imposition of interconnection charges and establishing guidelines with respect to the quality of services.

16


We offer fixed but not mobile telecommunications network services. The Telecommunications Authority has implemented a new fixed-mobile convergence licensing practice by way of the UC License. The UC License regime, which began on August 1, 2008, seeks to replace the existing four classes of carrier licenses for the provision of fixed and mobile services with a simple license. Going forward the UC License will be the only carrier license to be issued for the provision of fixed, mobile and/or converged services. Existing carrier licenses will remain effective until their expiry date. Licensees can choose to apply to convert their existing licenses to UC Licenses before then or apply for a UC License upon expiry. This regulatory change, together with the development of new technologies, may further accelerate the convergence of fixed and mobile telecommunications services, resulting in more structural competition between fixed-line and mobile telecommunications operators. As we do not have a mobile license, and are not currently authorized to provide mobile services, our ability to compete may be hindered by our inability to offer such services independently.
We provide our IP-TV services over our Next Generation Network under HKBN’s FTNS License. The Hong Kong government has indicated that because our IP-TV services are carried over the Internet, we are exempted under the Broadcasting Ordinance from the requirement to obtain a domestic pay-television programme service license. However, the government’s Communications and Technology Branch has informed us that the government is considering a review of the broadcasting regulatory regime and may introduce changes to the existing regulatory framework, including the existing exemption in the Broadcasting Ordinance. However, we cannot predict whether the government may require us to obtain a pay-television programme service license in the future.
We require licenses from the Telecommunications Authority to provide our services. If one of these licenses is revoked or not renewed or there are substantial changes in its terms and conditions, we may be unable to deliver the services authorized by that license.
     We require licenses from the Telecommunications Authority to provide our fixed telecommunications network and international telecommunications services. Our business operations therefore are susceptible to the following changes in the regulatory environment in particular:
Our ability to adjust the tariffs for different services are governed by the terms and conditions of the relevant licenses. The licenses, however, are issued under different regulatory frameworks. The differences in regulatory structure for these licenses may constrain our flexibility to respond to market conditions, competition or cost structure.
We have been granted a waiver by the Telecommunications Authority to comply with the tariff restrictions contained in HKBN’s FTNS License. If the waiver is revoked, our ability to adjust the tariffs for our fixed telecommunication network services, including our offer of discounts to subscribers from time to time, will be restricted.
Our PNETS License is subject to the Telecommunications Authority’s annual renewal. On October 19, 2009, the Telecommunications Authority announced the replacement of the PNETS License by a new class of Services-Based Operator License, Class 3 Modified Services-Based Operator License. On November 10, 2009, the PNETS License of City Telecom was replaced by a Class 3 Modified Services-Based Operator License. It is noted that the PNETS License of HKBN would also be replaced by a Class 3 Modified Services-Based Operator License on December 7, 2009 through the renewal procedure. HKBN’s FTNS License was initially granted in 2000 for a term of 15 years and may be renewed for such further period not exceeding 15 years at the discretion of the Telecommunications Authority.
The Telecommunications Authority’s failure to renew or its revocation of any of these licenses or its amendment of any of the terms and conditions contained in such licenses for any reason would prohibit us from continuing to offer the services authorized by those licenses, which would have a significant adverse impact on our revenues and profitability. In addition, there may be future changes in Hong Kong’s telecommunications regulations or policies that would require us to obtain additional licenses, which could have an adverse impact on our operations.
Our international telecommunications revenues may be adversely affected by increases in carrier charges in China.
     In China, tariffs for all domestic and international long distance services offered through public switched telephone networks, leased lines and data services are jointly set by the Ministry of Information Industry of the PRC and the State Development Planning Commission. Certain tariffs payable by us to our carrier partners are based, among other things, on the tariffs set by these agencies with respect to the calls our subscribers make to persons in China. In fiscal 2010, approximately 79% of our international call traffic volume was to China. We cannot predict the timing, likelihood or magnitude of any tariff adjustments that may be imposed by the Ministry of Information Industry of the PRC and the State Development Planning Commission, nor can we predict the extent or potential impact upon our business of any future tariff increases. Such increases may lead to a decrease in traffic, reduce our revenues and adversely affect our business and results of operations. In addition, if we are unable to effectively manage the increased network costs, the profit margins of our IDD business could be adversely affected.
As approximately 50% of our Talents are located in Guangzhou, China, changes in Chinese labor or business laws may significantly affect our operations and our ability to serve our Hong Kong based customers.
     Our call center in Guangzhou employs over 1,600 Talents and is an important resource to us. We are therefore significantly affected by the laws and regulations governing foreign companies with operations in China. As the Chinese legal system develops, changes in such laws and regulations, their interpretation or their enforcement may lead to restrictions on our ability to hire and retain our Talents in China, which could impact our ability to provide services to our Hong Kong-based customers.

17


Currency fluctuations of the Hong Kong dollar, our functional currency, may increase our operating costs and long term liability.

We are exposed to a certain amount of foreign exchange risk because our revenues areexpected revenue will be predominantly denominated in Hong Kong dollars, while a majorcertain portion of our operating costs are expected to be denominated in U.S. dollars, Renminbi or other foreign currencies. Our foreign currency-denominated expenses primarily consist of the following:

A major portion of our operating costs of interconnection charges payable to overseas carriers for the delivery of our international calls. Substantially all of these interconnection charges are denominated in U.S. dollars or other foreign currencies.
The equipment and hardware we purchase for the expansion of our Next Generation Network constitutes a large portion of our capital expenditures and is also denominated in U.S. dollars.
Expenses incurred for the operation of our call center located in Guangzhou, China are denominated exclusively in Renminbi, the official currency of the People’s Republic of China. These include salaries paid to our personnel as well as various operating expenses that we incur to maintain our operations.
     Since October 17, 1983,

Although the Hong Kong dollar has been linked to the U.S. dollar since 1983 at the rate of HK$7.80 per US$1.00. We, however, cannot assure you the link will1.00, it may not continue to be maintained in the future.linked. Any depreciation of the Hong Kong dollar against the U.S. dollar, Renminbi or other currencies would increase our operating costs, including our debt servicing costs, make our capital expenditure plans more expensive and adversely affect our profitability.

     The Renminbi is presently pegged to a basket of currencies, and there remains significant international pressure on the PRC government to further liberalize its currency policy. This could result in a further and more significant appreciation in the value of the Renminbi against the Hong Kong dollar, which would increase the cost of operating our call center.

Our Chairman and Vice Chairman have significant ownership interest in the company. We cannot assure you that our Chairman and Vice Chairman will notThey could engage in any transactions that lead to conflicts of interest resulting from their ownership interestsinterests..

Our Chairman and Vice Chairman each have an indirect ownership interest in theour Company through Top Group International Limited, (“Top Group”), which, as of December 14, 2010,18, 2012, held approximately 44.22%42.00% of the Company’s shares, of which 42.12% and 27.06% was owned by our Chairman and Vice Chairman, respectively. Top Group International Limited is a special purpose vehicle incorporated in the British Virgin Islands. Its board of directors consists of Mr. Wong and Mr. Cheung. Mr. Wong and Mr. Cheung have entered into a voting agreement pursuant to which they agreed to vote the 339,814,284 shares held by Top Group International Limited, the 7,145,28915,236,893 shares held by Mr. Wong individually, and the 42,286,15950,377,763 shares held by Mr. Cheung individually, collectively as a group. We cannot make assurances that ourOur Chairman orand Vice Chairman will notcould take actions that may not be in the best interests of our other shareholders.

Item 4 InformationWe may be classified as a passive foreign investment company, which could result in adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. Holders of our American depository shares or ordinary shares.

Based on the Company

A. Historymarket price of our American depository shares, the value of our assets, and developmentthe composition of our income and assets, though not without doubt, we do not believe we were a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, for U.S. federal income tax purposes for our taxable year ended August 31, 2012. However, the application of the CompanyPFIC rules is subject to uncertainty in several respects, and we cannot assure you the U.S. Internal Revenue Service will not take a contrary position. A non-U.S. corporation will be a PFIC for any taxable year if either (1) at least 75% of its gross income for such year is passive income or (2) at least 50% of the value of its assets (based on an average of the quarterly values of the assets) during such year is attributable to assets that produce passive income or are held for the production of passive income. A separate determination must be made after the close of each taxable year as to whether we were a PFIC for that year. Because the value of our assets for purposes of the PFIC test will generally be determined by reference to the market price of our American depository shares and ordinary shares, fluctuations in the market price of our American depository shares and ordinary shares may cause us to become a PFIC. In addition, changes in the composition of our income or assets may cause us to become a PFIC. Furthermore, unless our share value increases and/or we invest a substantial amount of our cash, we may be a PFIC for our current taxable year ending August 31, 2013. If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder (as defined in “Item 10. Additional Information—E. Taxation—United States Federal Income Taxation”) holds an American depository share or an ordinary share, certain adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences could apply to such U.S. Holder. See “Item 10. Additional Information—E. Taxation—United States Federal Income Taxation—Passive Foreign Investment Company.”

Risks relating to our ADSs.

As a foreign private issuer, we are not subject to U.S. proxy rules and are subject to Exchange Act reporting obligations that, to some extent, are more lenient than those of a U.S. issuer.

As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from certain provisions of the Exchange Act that are applicable to U.S. domestic issuers, including (i) the sections of the Exchange Act regulating the solicitation of proxies, consents or authorizations in respect of a security registered under the Exchange Act, (ii) the sections of the Exchange Act requiring insiders to file public reports of their stock ownership and trading activities and liability for insiders who profit from trades made in a short period of time, and (iii) the rules under the Exchange Act requiring the filing with the SEC of quarterly reports on Form 10-Q containing unaudited financial and other specified information, or current reports on Form 8-K, upon the occurrence of specified significant events. In addition, the executive compensation disclosure requirements to which we are subject under Form 20-F are be less rigorous than those required of U.S. issuers under Form 10-K. Furthermore, foreign private issuers are not required to file their annual report on Form 20-F until 120 days after the end of each fiscal year, while U.S. domestic issuers that are not large accelerated filers or accelerated filers are required to file their annual report on Form 10-K within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year. Foreign private issuers are also exempt from the Regulation FD, aimed at preventing issuers from making selective disclosures of material information.

Holders of ADSs must act through the depositary to exercise their rights as shareholders of our company.

Holders of our ADSs do not have the same rights of our shareholders and may only exercise the voting rights with respect to the underlying ordinary shares in accordance with the provisions of the deposit agreement for the ADSs. When a general meeting is convened, you may not receive sufficient notice to permit you to withdraw your ordinary shares to allow you to cast your vote with respect to any specific matter. In addition, the depositary and its agents may not be able to send voting instructions to you or carry out your voting instructions in a timely manner. We will make all reasonable efforts to cause the depositary to extend voting rights to you in a timely manner, but you might not receive the voting materials in time to ensure that you can instruct the depositary to vote your ADSs. Furthermore, the depositary and its agents will not be responsible for any failure to carry out any instructions to vote, for the manner in which any vote is cast or for the effect of any such vote. As a result, you may not be able to exercise your right to vote and you may lack recourse if your ADSs are not voted as you requested. In addition, in your capacity as an ADS holder, you will not be able to call a shareholders’ meeting.

The depositary for our ADSs will give us a discretionary proxy to vote our ordinary shares underlying your ADSs if you do not vote at shareholders’ meetings, except in limited circumstances, which could adversely affect your interests. Holders of our ordinary shares are not subject to this discretionary proxy.

You may be subject to limitations on transfers of your ADSs.

Your ADSs are transferable on the books of the depositary. However, the depositary may close its transfer books at any time or from time to time when it deems expedient in connection with the performance of its duties. In addition, the depositary may refuse to deliver, transfer or register transfers of ADSs generally when our books or the books of the depositary are closed, or at any time if we or the depositary deems it advisable to do so because of any requirement of law or of any government or governmental body, or under any provision of the deposit agreement, or for any other reason.

Your right to participate in any future rights offerings may be limited, which may cause dilution to your holdings and you may not receive cash dividends or other distributions if it is impractical to make them available to you.

We may from time to time distribute rights to our shareholders, including rights to acquire our securities. However, we cannot make rights available to you in the United States unless we register the rights and the securities to which the rights relate under the Securities Act or an exemption from the registration requirements is available. Also, under the deposit agreement, the depositary will not make rights available to you unless either both the rights and any related securities are registered under the Securities Act, or the distribution of them to ADS holders is exempted from registration under the Securities Act. We are under no obligation to file a registration statement with respect to any such rights or securities or to endeavor to cause such a registration statement to be declared effective. Moreover, we may not be able to establish an exemption from registration under the Securities Act. Accordingly, you may be unable to participate in our rights offerings and may experience dilution in your holdings.

ITEM 4 INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

A.History and development of the Company

The legal and commercial name of theour Company is City Telecom (H.K.) Limited. The Company wasWe were incorporated on May 19, 1992 under the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance and is a limited liability company. Our registered office is located at Level 39, Tower 1, Metroplaza, No. 223 Hing Fong Road,13th Floor, Trans Asia Centre, No.18 Kin Hong Street, Kwai Chung, New Territories, Hong Kong, telephone (852) 3145-6888. Our agent for U.S. federal securities laws purposes is CT Corporation System, 111 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10011.

We began offering international telecommunications services in September 1992. In our early stage of development, we focused on increasing our subscription base1992 and amount of international traffic, and on building the CTI brand name as a low cost provider of international telecommunications services. In addition to our operations in Hong Kong, we also provide international telecommunications and Internet access services in Canada through two telecommunications companies in Canada, City Telecom Inc. and City Telecom (B.C.) Inc. We acquired our interests in these companies in December 1998 as part of our efforts to increase our market share of the telecommunications traffic between Canada and Hong Kong.

     In January 1999, we became the first company in Hong Kong to obtain the firsta PNETS License. The licenseLicence. This licence gives us the right to offer international telecommunications services using international simple resaleISR method and has had a significant positive impact on our international telecommunications revenues. We incorporated HKBN in Hong Kong in August 1999 and launched our broadband Internet access services in March 2000. In addition, we began providing local VoIP services in April 2002, IP-TV services in August 2003, and corporate data services in July 2004 using our Next Generation Network.

In December 2009, we submitted an application to the HKBA to obtain a domestic free television programme service licence in Hong Kong, which is still subject to be granted.

In August 2011, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation granted us a parcel of land in Tseung Kwan O Industrial Estate, New Territories to build a Television and Multimedia Production Centre. Expected to be completed in 2014, the Centre will possess a gross floor area of approximately 500,000 square feet and consist of 12 studios, including an 18,000 square feet studio, which is expected to be the largest in Hong Kong and smaller studios of 3,000 square feet each. The networkCentre will become our headquarter.

In March and April 2012, we entered into the Telecom Group Agreement and the Guangzhou Agreement, respectively, and in May 2012, we completed the very substantial disposal transaction of both the FTNS business and the IDD business. Since then, the Multimedia Production Business has become the capability of providing value-added broadband services and content that combine voice, data and images with increased efficiency and flexibility.

     We believe that oneprincipal focus of the cornerstonesGroup, which includes the production, sales and distribution of Cantonese television drama series, news programmes and other television programmes. It will also include the offering of free television programming services in Hong Kong, subject to the grant of the domestic free television programme service licence by the Chief Executive in Council.

Since mid-2011, we embarked a large scale recruitment process in the multimedia industry. From creative directors to post-production professionals, we now have a professional team of more than 500 talents together with about 220 artistes. In April 2012, we started our success has beenproduction, and so far, we have completed shooting for four television drama series with four others in progress (ranging from 10–30 hours per series). Our infotainment and variety programmes cover a spectrum of programmes with no boundary on subjects and locations, ranging from world class productions, such as “Challenge” to execute impossible missions including chasing a hurricane in the United States, climbing into a live volcano in Vanuatu, etc., to programmes introducing domestic local culture, such as “Secret of Food.”

Upon the disposal of the Telecom Business, the news production operation unit remained with the Company and will continue to provide news content to the Telecom Business for their bbTV broadcasting use under a licensing arrangement. Once our abilitybroadcasting start, our news production operation unit will fully support the news programme production.

Apart from the above self-produced programmes, we also purchased popular and high quality contents from Japan, Korea and Mainland China including television drama series and cartoons. To adapt to quickly expandlocal audiences, we maintain a professional dubbing team for the post production process, including dubbing to local language and subtitling. As of August 31, 2012, we had more than 850 episodes of purchased content in our service offerings when changes in regulation or technology have provided us with an opportunity to do so. library.

Some of the key events in our history and development include the following:

In October 2006, our Liu Xiang “Be Ahead of Yourself” marketing campaign won the “Certificate of Excellence” of HKMA/TVB Awards for Marketing Excellence 2006.
In February 2007, we launched our “bb50 and bb200” symmetric residential broadband service supported by “SDU” personalized customer care service.

In October 2006, our Liu Xiang “Be Ahead of Yourself” marketing campaign won the “Certificate of Excellence” of HKMA/TVB Awards for Marketing Excellence 2006.

18

In February 2007, we launched our “bb50 and bb200” symmetric residential broadband service supported by our special duty unit (“SDU”), personalized customer care service.

In June 2007, we were awarded “Best Retention Strategies” at the Hong Kong HRM Awards 2007.

In July 2007, we were awarded “Integrated Support Team” of the year at the Asia Pacific Customer Service Consortium Customer Relationship Excellence Awards.

In September 2007, we launched “Fibre-To-The-Home” residential broadband service, “FibreHome100”, “FibreHome200” and “FibreHome1000.” At the same time, we upgraded our entry level service broadband Internet access from 10 Mbps to 25 Mbps.

In January 2008, we began to offer our “Dual Mode High Definition Terrestrial TV Receiver and IPTV Set-Top Box” to all of our customers in Hong Kong.


In February 2008, we were awarded contract for the provision of payphone service at the Hong Kong International Airport.

In September 2008, we launched the National Geographic Channel’s first ever interactive channel.

In June 2009, we launched the first online broadband service registration platform in Hong Kong.

In November 2009, we accepted the Innovation in Recruitment award and Champion of HR award at the Hong Kong HRM Awards 2009.

In December 2009, we shattered the one-million mark for fixed telecommunications network services subscriptions.

In December 2009, we submitted an application to the HKBA to obtain a domestic free television programme service licence in Hong Kong.

In March 2010, we launched our “bb100” symmetric broadband and WiFi services at Hong Kong International Airport.

In April 2010, we launched our 1Gbps symmetric residential broadband service at HK$199 per month.

In December 2010, we launched “Music One”, a high definition online music portal.

In February 2012, we commenced construction of the Television and Multimedia Production Centre.

In May 2012, we disposed of our FTNS Business and IDD Business.

On December 5, 2012, we circulated a notice to our shareholders that the proposed change of our name from “City Telecom (H.K.) Limited” to “Hong Kong Television Network Limited” will be considered at our extraordinary general meeting to be held on December 31, 2012.

B.In June 2007, we were awarded “Best Retention Strategies” at the Hong Kong HR Awards 2007.
In July 2007, we were awarded “Integrated Support Team” of the year at the Asia Pacific Customer Service Consortium Customer Relationship Excellence Awards.
In September 2007, we launched “Fibre-To-The-Home” residential broadband service, “FibreHome100”, “FibreHome200” and “FibreHome1000”. As the same time, we upgraded our entry level service broadband Internet access from 10 Mbps to 25 Mbps.
In January 2008, we began to offer our “Dual Mode High Definition Terrestrial TV Receiver and IPTV Set-Top Box” to all of our customers in Hong Kong.
In February 2008, we were awarded contract for the provision of payphone service at the Hong Kong International Airport.
In September 2008, we launched the National Geographic Channel’s first ever Interactive Channel.
In June 2009, we launched the first Online Broadband Service Registration Platform in Hong Kong.
In November 2009, we accepted the Innovation in Recruitment award and Champion of HR award at the Hong Kong HRM Awards 2009.
In December 2009, we shattered the one-million mark for Fixed Telecommunications Network Services subscriptions.
In March 2010, we launched our “bb100” symmetric broadband and WiFi services at Hong Kong International Airport.
In April 2010, we launched our 1Gbps symmetric residential broadband service at HK$199 per month.Business overview
B. Business overview

Principal Activities

     We are a Hong Kong-based provider of

Prior to May 2012, we principally engaged in providing residential and corporate fixed telecommunications network and international telecommunications services. We specialize in the residential mass market and small-to-medium corporate and enterprise market segments. The majority of our revenues are derived from business conductedservices in Hong Kong.

Kong and in Canada. We derivederived our revenuesrevenue from two business segments:segments, the FTNS Business and IDD. A breakdownthe IDD Business. In March and April 2012, we entered into the Telecom Group Agreement and Guangzhou Agreement, and in May 2012 we disposed of the entire FTNS Business and IDD Business. Since then, the Multimedia Production Business has become our revenues is as follows:
             
  For the year ended August 31, 
  2008  2009  2010 
  HK$  HK$  HK$ 
  (Amounts in thousands) 
Revenue
            
FTNS business  1,011,038   1,230,880   1,356,098 
IDD business  291,943   247,359   218,589 
          
             
Total operating revenue  1,302,981   1,478,239   1,574,687 
          
FTNS business.Our FTNS business involvesprincipal focus. The Multimedia Production Business includes the provisionproduction, sales and distribution of fixed telecommunications network services through our self-owned Next Generation Network. Such servicesCantonese television drama series, news programmes and other television programmes. It will also include the following:
high-speed broadband Internet access services at symmetric upstream and downstream access speeds of 25 Mbps to 1000 Mbps;
fixed line local telephony services using VoIP technology;
pay television services consisting of more than 110 channels, including self-produced news, children’s program, international drama, movies and documentary and local interest programming, using our IP platform; and
corporate data services, including the provision of dedicated bandwidth to corporate customers.

19

offering of domestic free television programming services in Hong Kong, subject to the grant of the domestic free television programme service licence by the Chief Executive in Council.


Based on our current plan, the Multimedia Production Business is expected to generate revenue during 2013 which will comprise advertising fees and licensing fees, assuming the Multimedia Production Business is able to start broadcasting over its free television channels or through alternative means. The Multimedia Production Business generated HK$3.8 million of revenue in fiscal 2012, which mainly represented the licensing fee received from the Telecom Business to broadcast the news content produced by the news production operation unit and the income received from our artiste management functions.

As of August 31, 2010, we had a total of approximately 1,110,000 subscriptions for our fixed telecommunications network services, consisting of 526,000 broadband Internet access, 431,000 local VoIP and 153,000 IP-TV services subscriptions.
IDD business.Our IDD business involves the provision of international telecommunications services. Such services include direct dial services, international calling cards and mobile call forwarding services in Hong Kong and Canada. As of August 31, 2010, the customer base for our total international telecommunications services consisted of approximately 2.4 million registered accounts.
Strategy and Competitive Strengths

Our strategyvision is to market multiple fixed telecommunications network services by capitalizing onunleash the new in-building blockwiring we have done on a mass scale for our Next Generation Networkcreative potential of drama production in Hong Kong and will focus on growing our market share, increasing our network coverage and introducing new services through our IP platform. to support the nurture of large numbers of writers in the coming years, so as to bring Hong Kong back to the position of Asian drama production hub.

We believe that our success in the Multimedia Production Business will continue to depend on our ability to capitalize on our focus on the residential mass and small-to-medium corporate and enterprise market segments, our leading-edge Next Generation Network, and our first mover advantage in the fixed line telecommunications market, which has a high entry barrier.

     We believe that our demonstrated success is primarily due to our ability to capitalize on the following key strengths:

Recruitment of top-tier talents in the multimedia industry. Since mid-2011, we have embarked on a large scale recruiting process to acquire top-tier talents in the multimedia industry. From creative directors to post-production professionals, we now have a professional team of more than 500 talents together with about 220 artistes. At present, we have completed shooting for four television drama series and have four other series in progress. These series range from 10 to 30 hours in duration. Our talents are also engaged in the production of news programmes and a wide spectrum of infotainment and variety programmes.

Focus on the Residential Mass and Small-To-Medium Corporate and Enterprise Market Segments.We focus on offering high-bandwidth services to the residential mass and small-to-medium enterprise markets in Hong Kong, which we believe have significant growth potential. We price our services attractively on a value-for-bandwidth basis and at the same time offer bandwidth advantages over comparable service offerings by our competitors. Our IP-TV services focus on the residential mass market by providing Chinese-language content that targets the Chinese-speaking population of Hong Kong. We have also strengthened our English language contents over the past year to increase our competitiveness by adding Disney Channels, Discovery Channels, National Geographic, AXN, Bloomberg and other channels. Our focus on the residential mass and small-to-medium corporate and enterprise markets has enabled us to quickly grow our subscription base, and we believe this will help us to up-sell our services.
Leading-Edge Next Generation Network.We believe our self-owned Next Generation Network, a fiber-based backbone, gives us an inherent cost and performance advantage over our competitors. The high capacity of this network has enabled us to offer a suite of services on a single IP network platform. This IP platform is highly scalable, enabling us to offer broadband Internet access, local VoIP, IP-TV and corporate data services over a single network. It is also capable of providing up to 1000 Mbps symmetric broadband Internet access. Whereas our competitors are on a linear improvement path, we can upgrade our fiber based services logarithmically from 100Mbps to 1000Mbps on our existing passive fiber infrastructure which existing technology cannot accomplish using legacy telephone lines.
First Mover Advantage and High Barriers to Entry.Despite the intense competition in the Hong Kong telecommunications industry, the inherent characteristics of the fixed line telecommunications market create a high entry barrier. Accordingly, we believe that our Next Generation Network’s current coverage of 1.77 million residential homes pass, substantially all in densely populated areas, gives us a first mover advantage over our competitors. Competitors who want to replicate our business model to provide a full coverage network that includes remote and difficult-to-reach areas of Hong Kong may encounter technological difficulties. Attempting to deploy Metro Ethernet technology in such locations would significantly increase costs and completion time of such a network. While other telecommunications operators may lay their own fiber-to-the-building, we believe some would encounter significant in-building bottlenecks when attempting to complete an end-to-end network. This is because a majority of Hong Kong’s residential properties have limited space for in-building wiring leading to subscribers’ residences, making it difficult for new entrants to replicate our end-to-end network build.

Creative driven production. To encourage variety and quality in our content production, we intend to extend the creative period for television drama series from approximately three months to approximately six months to enable a much larger room for greater creativity and more possibilities.

First-class production facilities. We are committed to investing resources in first-class production facilities. After our groundbreaking ceremony in February 2012, the construction of the Centre reached a milestone in October 2012 when we completed the foundation work. We are now in the tendering stage on superstructural work. Once completed, the Centre will possess gross floor area of approximately 500,000 square feet and consist of 12 studios, including an 18,000 square feet studio which is expected to be the largest in Hong Kong and smaller studios of 3,000 square feet each. Construction work is expected to be completed in 2014. The Centre will be our headquarter. In addition to the Centre, we also invest Hollywood movie grade production equipment. We believe we are the first in the free television platform to use Hollywood grade ARRI cameras for television drama series production in Hong Kong. We also intend to have post-production facilities and technology compatible with 3D, 4k or even 8k super-high standards.

Procurement of high-quality television contents. In addition to programmes produced in-house, we also purchased popular and high quality contents from Japan, Korea and Mainland China, including television drama series and cartoons. To cater to local audience, we maintain a professional team for language dubbing and subtitling post-production. As of August 31, 2012, we had more than 850 episodes of purchased contents in our library. With the assumption that we can start broadcasting in the second half of 2013, we intend to double our 2012 production output on television drama series, infotainment and variety programmes in 2013.

Recent Development

Developments

On December 31, 2009, we submitted an application for the domestic free television programme service licenselicence in Hong Kong to the Broadcasting Authority.HKBA. If granted, such licenselicence would allow us to provide free television programme services in Hong Kong. We expectThe HKBA completed the cumulative investment amount to be approximately HK$210 million before we are able to generate positive cash flow from such services. We completed a public offeringassessment of our American depositary shares, or ADSs,application for the domestic free television programme service licence in April 2010accordance with the Broadcasting Ordinance and expectestablished procedures, and submitted its recommendation for the grant of licence to usethe Chief Executive in Council on July 13, 2011. The Chief Executive in Council is still processing the recommendation. As of December 18, 2012, the grant of such licence was still pending.

Aiming to expand its foothold in domestic free television programme services and the Multimedia Production Business, City Telecom is establishing a portionworld-class Television and Multimedia Production Centre on the land granted by Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation at Tseung Kwan O Industrial Estate. It will produce drama series and a variety of television contents, in order to support the development of the net proceedsGroup’s domestic free television programme services and Multimedia Production Business and the demand and development of this offeringthe Group’s business partners.

The Television and Multimedia Production Centre will have a total estimated gross floor area of approximately 500,000 square feet which will take City Telecom an investment of at least HK$800.0 million. It is expected to fund such services.

Our Services
Fixed telecommunications network services
operate in full gear in 2014.

We offer our fixed telecommunications network services through our Next Generation Network.commenced construction of the Television and Multimedia Production Centre in February 2012 and in October 2012, we have completed the foundation works for the Centre and has obtained approval from the Buildings Department in Hong Kong. The high capacityconstruction is under the tender process for the superstructural works.

In May 2012, we disposed of our fiber-based backbone has enabled us to offer a suite of services on a single IP network platform. These services include our broadband Internet access, local VoIP, IP-TVFTNS Business and corporate data services. Our strategy is to leverage our broadband subscription base to up-sell our other fixed telecommunications network servicesIDD Business.

Sales and marketing

We hold public events such as local VoIPpress conferences, road shows and IP-TV.

20

other celebration ceremonies to promote our new television series. These events feature discussion of the plot of the television series and other behind-the-scene footages and are attended by our celebrity artistes to attract media coverage. Apart from these traditional marketing events, we also make use of certain popular social networking platforms, such as Facebook and YouTube, to expose our new television series to a wider group of audience.


     The table below showsTo ensure our corporate image aligns with our new focus on the profile the subscriptionsMultimedia Production Business, we have proposed a change of our fixed telecommunications network services overname from “City Telecom (H.K.) Limited” to “Hong Kong Television Network Limited.” We have also designed a new logo to accompany the past three years:
             
  As of August 31, 
  2008  2009  2010 
Broadband Internet access  316,000   391,000   526,000 
Local VoIP  329,000   382,000   431,000 
IP-TV  156,000   170,000   153,000 
          
             
Total FTNS subscriptions  801,000   943,000   1,110,000 
          
Broadband Internet Access
Scope of service.Our broadband Internet access services in Hong Kong are offered through HKBN. We currently offer our residential and corporate customers broadband Internet access speeds of up to 1000 Mbps, but the majority of our customers currently have access speeds of 100 Mbps. We also offer Fiber-to-the-Home, or FTTH, broadband service for 100 Mbps, 200 Mbps and 1000 Mbps. Rather than using Category-5e copper wiring for the last mile, optical fiber is used in FTTH broadband service. Currently, all of our broadband Internet access packages include free e-mail and for additional charges, offer customers for a variety of value added services, such as “bbWatch,” a full-screen IP-TV service that is viewed with a desktop or laptop computer; “bbWi-Fi”, a service in which subscribers can have wireless Internet access through more than 2,000 hotspots; and “Game.hkbn.net”, a game point portal that sells various game providers’ cards and merchandises. We frequently alter our promotions in response to changing market conditions or as a way of attracting additional subscribers.
Pricing.We currently offer broadband service for bb100 and FibreHome1000 at monthly fees ranging from HK$169 to HK$199 for unlimited service access. On August 19, 2010, we announced to the public that effective from September 1, 2010, we ended the promotional rate at HK$99 per month. By paying HK$199 per month, customers can choose 100 Mbps triple play service or HK$199 per month for 1000Mbps broadband Internet access service. Our strategy is to change from subscriber growth to revenue growth with a reasonable and acceptable pricing to our customers.
In addition to the residential packages described above, we have also developed broadband and Metronet private network service plans that target corporate customers. We offer prepackaged plans that provide access at speeds of up to 1000 Mbps. Corporate customers that subscribe to prepackaged plans pay fixed monthly subscription fees ranging from HK$128 to HK$200,000 depending on bandwidth or solution selected. Our prepackaged plans include on-site training, on-site maintenance support, high capacity data transfer and e-mail services.
Competition.There have been many new entrants to the Internet access business, but our main competitors are PCCW-HKT, i-Cable and HGC. PCCW-HKT has been offering broadband Internet access services since May 1998 and mainly uses asymmetric digital subscriber line technology, or ADSL, over its telephone network to provide asymmetric Internet access at speeds up to 6 Mbps/8 Mbps downstream and 640 Kbps/800 Kbps upstream. In November 2007, PCCW-HKT announced the provision of 100 Mbps and 1000 Mbps fiber direct broadband Internet access service to two-thirds of Hong Kong’s households. i-Cable began providing broadband Internet access services in March 2000 using its hybrid fiber coaxial network that provides symmetric typical access speeds up to 8 Mbps shared by a cluster of buildings. HGC predominantly uses VDSL technology and typically provides access speeds up to 100 Mbps.
Our main competitors have been in operation longer and may have greater market presence, brand recognition and more financial, technical and personnel resources. In addition, they may have greater network coverage in terms of number of homes pass.
Market share.We had approximately 526,000 broadband Internet access subscriptions as at August 31, 2010, which represented a market share of approximately 25% with respect to the total number of broadband Internet access subscribers in Hong Kong.
Local VoIP
Scope of service.We offer our on-network local VoIP services in Hong Kong by installing IP-based voice switching equipment in locations covered by our Next Generation Network. Voice signals are transmitted through our Ethernet network by the VoIP switches installed in the subscriber’s building. The quality of our local VoIP service is comparable to traditional fixed line local telephony services, and customers are able to use their existing telephone equipment. In addition, with portability of fixed line numbers, fixed line telephony subscribers switching to our local VoIP services are able to retain their existing local telephone number.

21


We also offer hardware-based off-network local VoIP services, or “Broadband Phone” services, via the broadband network of other operators. In October 2005, we launched our global software-based VoIP services under the brand “2b”. This service is primarily targeted at the overseas Chinese community, which we believe will enable us to access a wider addressable market with higher tariff compared to the Hong Kong market. For HK$98 per month, “2b” provides broadband users around the world with a standard Hong Kong 8-digit fixed line number to make and receive unlimited calls to/from Hong Kong. Moreover, we offer a full range of value added services, including call waiting, voice mail and conference call features.
Pricing.We currently charge from HK$68 to HK$118 per month, on standalone basis, for our on-network local VoIP services depending on the service plan, and we offer a full range of value added services, including call waiting, caller display and conference call services. The majority of our new local VoIP is included in our triple play service offered at HK$199 per month for voice, IP-TV and broadband.
Competition.PCCW-HKT is the incumbent and largest fixed telecommunications network operator in Hong Kong. Based on public information, PCCW-HKT had a market share of approximately 70% with respect to local telephony services as of June 30, 2010. The remainder of the market is shared among ourselves and three other alternative carriers: HGC, New World and Wharf T&T. The principal basis of competition for local telephony is price and brand name recognition. PCCW-HKT has the highest brand name recognition, but we and the other operators are contending by offering competitively priced local telephony services that provide comparable quality to PCCW-HKT.
Market share.As of August 31, 2010, we had 431,000 local VoIP subscriptions. Our market share with respect to local residential and business telephony services was approximately 10% as of August 31, 2010.
IP-TV
Scope of service.Our IP-TV services began in August 2003 and include the provision of standard definition and high definition video via our Next Generation Network to an IP set-top-box connected to the subscriber’s television set. In May 2007, we renamed our IP-TV services as “bbTV”. “bbTV” currently consists of more than 110 channels, including a self-produced 24-hour news channel and kids education and development channels and turnaround channels from various international content providers. Since the launch of our IP-TV services in August 2003, we have progressively adjusted our content offerings and valued added components of the services. We consider our IP-TV to be an incremental component of our broadband and VoIP service offerings, rather than a large standalone business.
Pricing.We currently charge our IP-TV service together with our broadband and VoIP services at HK$199 per month for this subscription-based pay television service. Because of the scalability of our Next Generation Network infrastructure, the current cost of adding IP-TV services to an existing broadband Internet access or local VoIP subscriber is small.
Competition.Our two main competitors in the pay-television business are i-Cable and PCCW-HKT. The pay-television services of i-Cable and PCCW-HKT include a significant amount of exclusive contents, such as Barclays Premier League Football until June 2013, HBO, Cinemax, ESPN and others. We target a different market than these competitors by offering a wide spectrum of content line-up and attractive pricing, both of which we consider critical for successful penetration in the residential mass market. We have also strengthened our English language contents over the past year to increase our competitiveness by adding Disney Channels, Discovery Channels, National Geographic, AXN, Bloomberg and other channels.
TVB and ATV are indirect competitors of our pay-TV services. TVB and ATV account for a substantial proportion of Hong Kong’s television viewership and we market our services as supplemental to theirs. Because TVB and ATV offer primarily subscription-free television services supported by advertising revenues, we expect that their programming is designed to attract the widest possible audience. In contrast, we and the other pay-TV operators rely on monthly subscription fees for most of our revenues. Other competitors include satellite TV operators, such as Star TV, as well as potential competition from direct-to-home broadcasters and broadcasters using digital terrestrial delivery methods.
Market share. As of August 31, 2010, we had 153,000 IP-TV subscriptions, representing approximately 7% of the total pay-television subscription base in Hong Kong.
International telecommunications services
Scope of services.We began providing international telecommunications services in 1992 and were among the first companies to be granted a PNETS License. Our international telecommunications services are offered to our FTNS business customers via our Next Generation Network and to other carriers’ customers via indirect access. Indirect access allows any pre-registered telecom user in Hong Kong to access our services via our two primary access codes “1666” and “0030”. By dialing our access code, our registered customers can access any destination in the world through our network, by paying us a usage charge.

22


We have greatly expanded our range of services over the years to include a variety of international direct dial services at competitive rates. We believe that our ability to deliver a range of calling plans with varying features that cater to different customer needs has been one of the key factors of our success. We market our international telecommunications services under the IDD 1666 and IDD 0030 brand names. These two brands provide us with flexibility in our marketing strategies. The primary international telecommunications services that we currently offer our customers are the following:
ServiceDescription
IDD 1666Provides subscribers with international direct dial using the access code 1666 in Hong Kong.
IDD 0030Provides subscribers with international direct dial using the access code 0030 in Hong Kong.
Mobile call forwarding servicesAllows call forwarding of Hong Kong mobile numbers to any overseas telephone number so that subscribers can receive calls while in overseas.
Pricing.We charge our IDD 1666 and IDD 0030 users a per minute tariff rate that varies according to the destination of the call and the calling prefix, with discounts depending on the time of day or day of the week when the call is placed as well as monthly plans. To maintain our market share in a market segment with increasingly intense competition, we have significantly reduced some of our international telecommunications rates and introduce new marketing and promotional offers from time to time. To offset the effects of these price reductions, we have taken steps to reduce our cost base, such as using our relatively large traffic volume to negotiate lower prices from our international partners, establishing a call center in Guangzhou to provide customer service and back office support services, and developing our own international telecommunications infrastructure. Our employment of two separate brand names, IDD 1666 and IDD 0030, also provide us with flexibility in our marketing strategies.
Competition.PCCW-HKT, HGC, New World, and Wharf T&T are our main competitors in the international telecommunications business. As in previous years, we experienced fierce price competition in Hong Kong during fiscal 2010. This competition drove down the average tariff rates per minute and we expect this price competition to continue in fiscal 2011.
Further, technology substitution from global VoIP providers such as Skype, which offers free PC-to-PC based international calls, is becoming more prevalent.
Market share.We experienced a reduction in total traffic volume of 15.2% to 487 million minutes in fiscal 2009 and a further reduction of 4.7% to 464 million minutes in fiscal 2010. The continuing reduction in traffic volume was mainly due to intense competition as some of our integrated competitors offered free or very low cost international direct dial minutes as a customer incentive to gain local fixed line and mobile market share.
Our network infrastructure
Fixed telecommunications network
     Our fixed telecommunications network services are delivered over our self-owned Next Generation Network,proposed name change. The new logo, visualizing a brain, carries the meaning that the Company represents a different mentality, a different way of thinking and different voices. The new logo does not have a definite color tone, which allows us to deliver multiple services, includingsymbolizes the triple play service of voice, broadband and IP-TV. The coverage of our Next Generation Network is concentrated in Hong Kong’s most densely populated areas, characterized by high-rise apartment buildings with multiple apartments on each floor. The network currently covers approximately 1.77 million residential homes pass, representing approximately 80% of Hong Kong’s total households and also 1,430 commercial buildings. We plan to extend the coverage of our Next Generation Network to 2.0 million residential homes pass, representing approximately 90% of Hong Kong’s population, and to 1,800 commercial buildings by the end of 2011. As“why not” spirit whereby we expand the reach and coverage of our Next Generation Network, we plan to continue introducing new services.
     Our Next Generation Network is deployed using Metro Ethernet technology. Metro Ethernet technology is highly cost-effective when access is to be provided to a large number of users in a single building or cluster of buildings and is typically used in commercial buildings in metropolitan areas in other geographical markets. Our Ethernet infrastructure is a system of Category-5e copper wiring that connects our subscribers’ premises to our local area network, or LAN, switches within a residential or commercial building. By keeping our Category-5e copper distance to less than 100 meters we are able to deliver bandwidth of up to 1000Mbps to our subscribers.
     The first step in expanding the reach of our fixed telecommunications network infrastructure is to select buildings that we believe will provide sufficient economic returns to justify our investment based on several factors, including population density, proximity of the building to our existing fiber loop and our projected ability to sell services. We then perform a site visit to analyze the feasibility of installing our Ethernet technology. Once we are satisfied with the prospects of a particular building, we must obtain access rights from the building’s management, which may take several weeks or months. After receiving the required access rights, we employ a combination of our full-time Talents and contractors to begin installation of our in-building Ethernet. The length of time required for the installation process depends on the size and structural features of the building and can be completed in as little as three weeks or take several months. As we install our in-building Ethernet infrastructure we simultaneously connect the building to our fiber-based backbone.

23


     Unlike many of our competitors, which use multiple platforms to provide comparable services, all of our fixed telecommunications network services are offered through a single IP platform. In addition, unlike many new entrantsdo not adhere to the industry, we operate an “end-to-end” network that extends from our IP network hub sitesprevailing norm.

Research and our switching centers in Hong Kong to our subscribers’ premises. All the buildings covered by us are served by our self-owned infrastructure.

     In November 2007, we have been collaborating with one of the largest network solution providers for the deployment of our Next Generation Network using GPON technology. As the reach of GPON is considerably more than 100 meters, it can be a more cost effective solution to expand our Next Generation Network than our Ethernet setup for lower density deployments.
     We incurred capital expenditures of approximately HK$286.7 million in fiscal 2009 and HK$344.8 million in fiscal 2010, substantially all of which were made in connection with the construction and upgrade of our infrastructure for the provision of fixed telecommunications network services. In fiscal 2011, we plan to further incur total capital expenditures about HK$320 million to HK$350 million per year.
International telecommunications network
     Our international telecommunications network consists of a system of switches, self-owned and leased backbone capacity, interconnection arrangements and undersea cables for the transmission of long distance calls.
Undersea cables. In March 2002, we received our license to provide undersea cable-based FTNS. This license allows us to purchase and operate our own undersea cables. In 2000, we entered into contracts with two large consortia of international telecommunications companies to acquire undersea cable capacity. Pursuant to the first contract, we completed the construction of a Japan-U.S. undersea cable in August 2001. Pursuant to the second contract, we agreed to jointly construct and maintain the Asia-Pacific Cable Network 2 undersea cable as an international transmission facility. Construction of the cable was completed in May 2002, and commercial operation began immediately thereafter. We spent a total of HK$120 million on these two projects. We believe the utilization of these undersea cables provides capacity for significant future growth of our international and fixed-network telecommunications services.
Having our own undersea cables and our fiber-based backbone have enabled us to better control international transmission quality, reduce the costs associated with international transmission and reduce our reliance on third party infrastructure. Our international telecommunications network currently has a monthly handling capacity of approximately 130 million minutes. We believe that the continuing improvement of our international telecommunications network is important in supporting the growth of our subscription base and the expansion of our range of services.
Interconnection arrangements.We have entered into interconnection arrangements with other local fixed network operators in Hong Kong and overseas carriers to transmit calls between Hong Kong and overseas destinations for our customers. We take into account a number of factors in choosing the local fixed network operators and overseas carriers with whom we cooperate, including the level of termination charges and transmission efficiency and quality. We evaluate the performance of parties with whom we have interconnection arrangements periodically. We believe that we will not have difficulty in finding alternative overseas carriers if performance standards are not being met or a change is otherwise necessary. We have not experienced any disruption in the provision of our services as a result of a change of arrangements with overseas carriers or local fixed network operators.
We pay a fixed monthly fee to local fixed network operators for connection between our switches and their networks and a variable access fee payable on a per-minute basis when accessing their network. For customers using our own network, no interconnection fee is charged. We negotiate the termination charges we pay with the overseas carriers, and the termination charges vary from one overseas carrier to another. All of the interconnection and termination charges we pay to local fixed network operators and overseas carriers, respectively, are made on an open account basis with credit terms ranging from 10 to 30 days. The interconnection charges we pay to local fixed network operators are denominated in Hong Kong dollars and substantially all the interconnection charges we pay to overseas carriers are denominated in U.S. dollars.
International telecommunications switching systems.We own five international telecommunications switching systems: three in Hong Kong and two in Canada, one in Vancouver and one in Toronto.
Our three international telecommunications switching systems in Hong Kong handle telephone calls originating or terminating in Hong Kong as well as transit traffic. Our telecommunications network mainly consists of switching equipment by Nortel Networks Limited and compression units supplied by Cisco Systems, Inc. and ECI Telecom Ltd. These systems are programed to automatically choose the optimal routing for each transmission. Optimal routing is a function of a variety of factors, such as country or territory of origination and destination, communication quality, efficiency and costs, and the capacity of the various communication methods available.
Because our three international telecommunications switching systems in Hong Kong operate independently of each other, if one system breaks down, all transmissions are immediately diverted to another switching system. We have never experienced a period where all systems experienced a failure at the same time since we commenced operations in 1992.

24

development activities


Sales and marketing
     We advertise our products and services through our “Fibre Shops”, “on-the-street” marketing kiosks, telemarketing and direct mailing, as well as through Chinese language television, radio, print media and on the Internet.
As of August 31, 2010, we had 20 “Fibre Shops” and a customer service center. We have planned to open more shops in2012, after the future. We believe these shops can offer our customers convenient access to our wide range of services.
     We have an extensive sales network in Hong Kong. Our senior marketing personnel closely oversee our sales network to ensure that a consistent image is presented by all of our sales representatives in promoting City Telecom and HKBN. We provide commission based incentives to our residential sales force for our fixed telecommunications network services and international telecommunications services.
     We have a sales division responsible for coordinating our corporate marketing and sales efforts. We believe our dedicated corporate and small-to-medium enterprise sales force is onedisposal of the largest sales forces targeted at corporate users of telecommunications and Internet services in Hong Kong. In addition, our dedicated corporate Talents designs marketing and sales promotions specifically tailored to address the concerns of business users. This division also organizes seminars for current and prospective customers to promote new products and services and to raise the public awareness of our various corporate offerings.
Maintenance and monitoring
     To ensure reliability of our fixed telecommunications network, we continue to maintain our monitoring system, which involves:
two separate network operation centers in two different locations that operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, network operation center providing real-time service monitoring and maintenance services and supported by about 133 operational and field Talents;
individual self-reporting mechanisms and centralized performance monitoring systems for our switches and equipment;
an emergency self-reporting system that automatically contacts designated personnel; and
back-up systems for our switches, critical software and hardware components.
     Once a network fault is detected by our control room, we will either rectify the problem remotely or dispatch field Talents to that location should physical interaction be required. After the problem has been resolved, we will continue to monitor network performance as well as track customer service feedback until we are assured of the fault being fully rectified.
Research and development activities
     As of August 31, 2010,Telecom Business, our research and development departmentteam in Hong Kong consisted of approximately 2117 Talents experienced in systems design, engineering, telecommunicationsmobile technology, and computer programming. Our research and development departmentteam is primarily responsible for assessing and adapting the technology that we employexpect to deploy in upgradingour domestic free television programme services and expanding our Next Generation Network.content distribution, such as through Internet. To identify and develop new market opportunities and product advancement, our research and development departmentteam evaluates new services offered by telecommunications and Internet companiestechnology under development in the United States and elsewhere and works closely with our production team and marketing department for product development. Our research and development expenditures were approximately HK$9.6 million, HK$10.8 million and HK$11.2 million for fiscal 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively.
Customer service
     We believe that excellent customer service and support is essential to our building and retaining of a large and loyal subscription base. We therefore have committed considerable personnel and financial resources to establishing a reliable and accessible customer service system.
     Our customer service department provides integrated support to subscribers of FTNS business and IDD business. We provide a hotline to handle complaints, subscription applications and queries relating to account balances, pricing, billing, service and technical information. Complaints and in-depth queries from subscribers that cannot be immediately remedied or answered are forwarded to a customer care team, which is responsible for answering such complaints and queries. We also have a dedicated customer service team to provide service to our corporate subscribers, which includes access to a highly skilled technical team that may go to the customer site for trouble shooting and repairs.
     Our centralized customer service call center is located in Guangzhou, which provides our customer service and back office support services at that location. This enables us to lower our operating costs while continuing to increase our customer service capabilities. As of August 31, 2010, our Guangzhou customer service facility had 1,620 Talents.
Billing and collection
     Our credit and collection team is responsible for securing prompt payment from subscribers. Invoices are issued on a monthly or quarterly basis with a specified payment due date. A variety of payment methods are made available to our subscribers, including cash, check, credit card,

25


Seasonality

payment by telephone service, automatic transfer from subscribers’ bank accounts or through Internet banking. Our bad debts expense represented approximately 1.1%, 0.8% and 0.9% of our revenue for each of fiscal 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively.
     We maintain tight collection procedures, including periodic reminder notices, and impose a charge of HK$10 or a fee of 1.5% to 2.5% per month on outstanding overdue amount for late payment. We have the right to charge the outstanding overdue amount to the subscriber’s pre-registered credit card account for any amount overdue or if applicable, deduct such amount from the subscriber’s application deposit. Moreover, we generally suspend an account when amount overdue is not settled within our prescribed period. If payment is still not settled after we suspend the account, further recovery actions including court proceedings and/or the use of collection agencies will be taken.
Seasonality
Our operations are not expected to subject to significant seasonal fluctuations generally. Our IDD business typically experiences a slight decrease in revenue during the second quarter of each fiscal year (i.e. December through February) in connection with the Christmas holiday and Chinese New Year holiday. We do not believe that seasonality has had a material effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Environmental matters

Since our date of incorporation, we have not violated any environmental laws, ordinances or regulations, and believe that all of our operations comply fully with applicable environmental laws.

Intellectual property rights

We have registered our trademarks with the Trademarks Registry of the Intellectual Property Department in Hong Kong. We have no other material intellectual property.

C. Regulatory framework
maintained copyright of the self-produced television programmes.

C.Regulatory framework

The following is a brief summary of the Hong Kong laws and regulations that currently materially affect our business. This section does not purport to be a comprehensive summary of all present and proposed regulations and legislation relating to the industries in which we operate.

     As a provider

Prior to April 1, 2012, the Hong Kong broadcasting industry was regulated by the HKBA. In view of broadband Internet access, local VoIP, IP-TVthe blurring boundaries between telecommunications and internationalbroadcasting industries and following the global trend in converging the two markets, on April 1, 2012, the Communications Authority Ordinance (Cap. 616) came into operation and the HKCA was set up as the unified regulatory body servicing the telecommunications servicesand broadcasting sectors in Hong Kong. The HKBA was dissolved after the transfer of its statutory powers and functions to the HKCA.

We submitted our application for the domestic free television programme service licence in Hong Kong to the HKBA on December 31, 2009 and the application is being processed. Once such licence has been granted, we will be regulated by the HKCA through its executive arm, the Office of the Communications Authority, and our broadcasting operations arewill be subject to the TelecommunicationsBroadcasting Ordinance (Cap. 562), the Broadcasting (Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance (Cap. 391) and the Broadcasting Ordinance and their respectiverelated subsidiary legislation, regulations, directions, orders, determinations and codes of practice. The Telecommunications Ordinance providespractice issued by the legislativeHKCA and regulatory framework for the provision of telecommunications services and facilities in Hong Kong.licence conditions. The Broadcasting Ordinance governs the content and scope of television programming and the licensing of television broadcasters.

     Our primary regulator is the Telecommunications Authority, whose responsibility and functions include regulating and licensing telecommunications network services and regulating the telecommunications markets in Hong Kong, including the issuance of non-exclusive licenses; the determination of terms of interconnection; promotion of fair competition in the telecommunications sector; management of the frequency spectrum; development of technical standards and customer equipment testing; protection of consumer interests; and the control and administration of the Hong Kong numbering plans (including allocation of numbers or codes). The Telecommunications Authority is also responsible for the administration of the Telecommunications Ordinance. We are also regulated by the Broadcasting Authority, which administers the Broadcasting Ordinance and makes recommendations to the Chief Executive-in-Council on applications for broadcasting licenses, as well as on the renewal, suspension and revocation of licenses.
Telecommunications industry
Licensing
     It is unlawful to establish or maintain any means of telecommunications, or possess, use or deal with telecommunications apparatus in Hong Kong without a license. The Telecommunications Authority has the authority to grant licenses for all means of telecommunications services and facilities in Hong Kong, including the provision of fixed wireline, public mobile telephone, Internet and satellite services. Furthermore, the Telecommunications Authority has the authority to require a licensee to comply with the terms of its license and any applicable legislation or regulations or codes of practice, and to suspend or revoke licenses to enforce the Telecommunications Ordinance or other rules or regulations or codes of practice to protect the public interest.
     Prior to August 1, 2008 the operation of fixed and mobile services were regulated separately under four types of carrier license. Further, a number of other types of licenses permitted a licensee to establish facilities or services of a similar kind.
     However, in recognition of the convergence of fixed and mobile services enabling voice, data and multimedia applications to be provided over common core networks, delivered through a range of wireline and wireless customer access networks and which will be accessible from common end-user devices irrespective of whether the users are at fixed locations or on the move with the result that is becoming more difficult to classify a service as a “fixed” or “mobile”, amendment legislation has been passed to create a single UC License encompassing both fixed and mobile carrier services. The UC License regime came into operation on August 1, 2008. After that date the Telecommunications Authority

26


will not issue any further fixed or mobile carrier licenses (save for a Mobile Carrier License which the Telecommunications Authority had already committed to grant to the successful bidder of the spectrum in the 850 MHz band to provide CDMA2000 service). Instead the UC License is the only carrier license to be issued for the provision of fixed, mobile and/or converged services. In the meantime, existing fixed and mobile licenses continue to be effective until their expiry date. License holders may convert existing fixed or mobile licenses into UC Licenses before their expiry on a voluntary basis or apply for UC Licenses upon the expiry of existing fixed or mobile licenses.
General Licensing Requirements
     Generally, a licensee is required to be a company incorporated in Hong Kong (which can be wholly owned by a foreign company) or a foreign company registered in Hong Kong. Currently, there is no foreign ownership restriction on the holder of a telecommunications license under the current regulatory regime.
     Non-compliance with the Telecommunications Ordinance, any subsidiary legislation made pursuant to it, any of the license conditions or any direction issued by the Telecommunications Authority by a telecommunications licensee, could result in the revocation or suspension of the relevant license. The Telecommunications Ordinance contains a set of provisions setting forth the procedural steps which the Telecommunications Authority must adhere to prior to revoking or suspending any telecommunications licenses. In addition, the Chief Executive in Council has the authority, at the recommendation of the Telecommunications Authority, to revoke a telecommunications license at any time if it is in the public interest to do so.
Public Non-Exclusive Telecommunications Services License
     A PNETS License is used by the Telecommunications Authority to cover the provision of a number of different telecommunications services where the service provider provides the service to the public using the network of a licensed carrier or by establishing or maintaining transmission facilities within the boundary of a building or property. In practice, the PNETS License is also used as a “sweep-up” license category, where a license is required by virtue of the Telecommunications Ordinance but none of the existing categories are applicable to the means of telecommunications or telecommunications service for which the license is required. With effect from November 30, 2009, the Telecommunications Authority no longer issue PNETS License to service-based providers using the network of a licensed carrier. As a replacement, all PNETS License will be gradually replaced by the modified Services-Based Operator License, i.e. Class 3 Services-Based Operator License. Holder of Class 1 & 2 Services-Based Operator License is allowed to provide Internet Protocol based telephony services making use of Hong Kong telephone numbers, while Class 3 Services-Based Operator is not allowed. Existing PNETS License will remain in force until their next anniversary date when they would be replaced by the Class 3 Services-Based Operator License.
     A Class 3 Services-Based Operator License has a validity period of 12 months and is renewable at the discretion of the Telecommunications Authority on an annual basis upon the payment of a prescribed annual fee, which is currently set at HK$750. Where radio communications apparatus is used, there is an additional variable component calculated by reference to the number of base stations and mobile stations involved.
     Since the expiry of PNETS License in December 2009, the Telecommunications Authority granted us a Class 3 Services-Based operator License. The Class 3 Services-Based Operator License presently gives us the right to provide calling card services, international simple resale services for facsimile and data services, virtual private network services and external telecommunications services over the external telecommunications facilities of other licensed external facilities providers, the scope of service under the Class 3 Services-Based operator License is similar to the PNETS License previously granted to us by the Telecommunications Authority. HKBN also holds a PNETS IVANS License, which was issued to us in December 1993. This PNETS IVANS License allows us to act as an Internet Service Provider.
     Under the terms of the Class 3 Services-Based Operator License, PNETS ETS and PNETS IVANS Licenses, we and IDD1600 Company Limited, or IDD1600, our wholly owned subsidiary, are required to comply with certain license conditions relating to technical and reporting matters.
FTNS License
     A FTNS License authorizes the licensee, among other things:
to provide a public fixed telecommunications network service, covering internal services or external services, or both; and
to establish and maintain a fixed telecommunications network, which may be wireline-based or wireless-based (Wi-Fi spectrum included), or a combination of both.
     A FTNS License is valid for a period of 15 years and is renewable for a further period of not exceeding 15 years at the Telecommunications Authority’s discretion. The amount of license fee payable by a holder of a FTNS License comprises (i) a fixed annual amount of HK$1.0 million; (ii) a variable amount calculated on the basis of the number of customer connections (which is currently set at HK$700 for each 100 customer connections); and (iii) a variable fee calculated by reference to the radio spectrum assigned and used by the license holder.
     HKBN currently holds a FTNS License, which was issued to it in February 2000 initially for the operation of a local fixed wireless network. This FTNS License has been subsequently amended three times and presently, HKBN is authorized to operate both local fixed telecommunications networks (wireline and wireless based) and external telecommunications facilities.

27


Interconnection
     The Telecommunications Authority divides interconnection into two main types. The first type is “Type I Interconnection”, which is interconnection between network gateways, such as tandem exchanges, local exchanges or dedicated interconnection gateways, which allow end users on different networks to “communicate” with each other. The second type is “Type II Interconnection”, which is a connection to a fixed carrier’s network at points of the customer access network level (more often referred to as local access or local loop unbundling) allowing the end customer requesting the interconnection to use the customer access network of the fixed carrier to obtain FTNS. The Telecommunications Authority introduced the Type II interconnection policy in 1995 that the fixed carriers have obligation to provide Type II interconnection at regulated terms and conditions.
     On July 6, 2004 the Hong Kong Government announced that the mandatory Type II Interconnection policy applicable to telephone exchanges for individual buildings covered by such exchanges, would be gradually withdrawn on a building-by-building basis, applying to buildings already connected to at least two self-built customer access networks, such withdrawal to be fully implemented by a final sunset date of June 30, 2008. After that time, mandatory Type II Interconnection will be maintained only in buildings for which it is technically not feasible or economically not viable for an operator to roll out its customer access network.
     On July 3, 2008, the Telecommunications Authority issued a statement to confirm that the mandatory Type II Interconnection policy has been successfully withdrawn as from July 1, 2008 as well as to set out the issues to be followed up after its withdrawal. After this date, interconnection terms including charges will be determined by commercial negotiation between carriers.
     On April 27, 2009, the Telecommunications Authority issued a statement on “Carrier-to-Carrier Charging Principles (For Fixed Carrier Interconnections) providing guidance on carrier-to-carrier charging principles for fixed carrier interconnections that the Telecommunication Authority will rely on when making determination for interconnection between fixed telecommunications networks in Hong Kong.
Competition provisions
Regulation of anti-competitive conduct
     Although Hong Kong has never had a general competition code, historically, holders of FTNS Licenses are prohibited from engaging in anti-competitive conduct, abusing its dominant position in a telecommunications market, or engaging in any discriminatory conduct by certain competition-related license conditions contained in the FTNS Licenses issued by the Telecommunications Authority. In June 2000, the competition provisions of the Telecommunications Ordinance became operational and, as from that time, anti-competitive conduct was prohibited by legislation as well as under the relevant license conditions.
     The Telecommunications Ordinance provides an appeal mechanism by the establishment of a Telecommunications (Competition Provisions) Appeal Board. A person or a licensee aggrieved by a decision made by the Telecommunications Authority relating to the competition provisions may appeal to the Board. Additionally, a third party suffering loss or damage from breach of such competition provisions may bring an action for damages or seek other appropriate remedies against the offending licensee.
Control on mergers and acquisitions
     If the Telecommunications Authority determines that the relevant merger and acquisition activity has, or is likely to have, the effect of preventing or substantially lessening competition in a telecommunications market, the Telecommunications Authority is empowered to direct a carrier licensee to take such actions, such as the complete or partial divestiture of the relevant parties’ interests in the merged entity, as the Telecommunications Authority considers necessary, to eliminate or avoid any anti-competitive effect. However, the Telecommunications Authority may not issue such a direction if it takes the view that the public benefit of the merger and acquisition outweighs any detriment caused by a reduction in competition. Any decision made or direction issued by the Telecommunications Authority under the merger and acquisition provision is subject to appeal to the Telecommunications (Competition Provisions) Appeal Board.
     The regulatory regime on mergers and acquisitions only applies to carrier licensees, which includes HKBN as a holder of a FTNS License, which is regarded as a carrier license for the purpose of the Telecommunications Ordinance.
Consumer protection
     The Telecommunications Ordinance also contains a statutory provision that is primarily aimed at protecting consumers. This provision prohibits a licensee from engaging in any misleading or deceptive conduct.
     The Telecommunications Authority has taken an active role in enforcing this prohibition and has developed voluntary codes to assist in this respect. For instance, in February 2010, the Telecommunications Authority issued a “Code of Practice for Communications Service Contracts” (the “Code”) which supersedes the “Code of Practice for the Service Contracts for the Provision of Public Telecommunications Services” issued in November 2004. The Code is a voluntary scheme intended to heighten customer satisfaction levels by improving the provisions used in communications customer contracts The Code sets out guidelines on, among other things, the style, format and structure of written contracts, the expiry of term contract, termination of contract etc. Besides, the Code requires that the contracts to provide a cooling-off period of not less than seven days during which the customers my cancel the contract without incurring any payment liability or any other obligation whatsoever. The Code is applicable to all providers of communications service which include the supply of telecommunications and ancillary services and customer equipment, as well as the supply of content services delivered through telecommunications. Service providers pledging compliance with the Code shall publish on their respective website their pledges to the Code and report about their compliance status

28


on annual or bi-annual basis as they may decide. In the meantime, the Telecommunications Authority and providers of communications service are reviewing the Code, and the majority of providers, including HKBN, is not pledging compliance with the Code.
     Apart from the Telecommunications Ordinance, like any company carrying on business in Hong Kong, telecommunications operators are required to comply with applicable Hong Kong consumer protection laws, for example, the Sale of Goods Ordinance (Cap 26), Control of Exemption Ordinance (Cap 71), Supply of Services (Implied Terms) Ordinance (Cap 457), the Unconscionable Contracts Ordinance (Cap 458) , Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (Cap 486), and the Unsolicited Electronic Messages Ordinance (Cap 593).
Regulation of pricing
     Currently, the pricing of both FTNS and public non-exclusive external telecommunications services in Hong Kong is regulated by license conditions. However, the regulatory frameworks of each type of services are different.
     All Services-Based Operator License and PNETS Licenses contain license conditions requiring the licensees to publish their tariffs and to charge no more than the published tariffs.
     Similarly, holders of FTNS Licenses are prohibited by license conditions from charging more than their published tariffs for their services. The FTNS License conditions prohibit licensees from offering discounts to their published tariffs and require the licensees to seek approval from the Telecommunications Authority in connection with (i) any revision of published tariffs, (ii) tariffs for any new services or products or (iii) tariffs for any trial services. However, the Telecommunications Authority may grant a waiver of the application of any or all of these restrictions in relation to a relevant telecommunications market if, in the opinion of the Telecommunications Authority, the licensee is not “dominant” in such market. This is known as an ex ante regime.
     HKBN has been granted a waiver from all the tariff revision prohibitions contained in its FTNS License and is able to provide discounts and revise its tariffs in all the FTNS markets.
Universal service contribution and local access charge
     Under the current regulatory regime, PCCW-HKT has a universal service obligation to provide good, efficient and continuous basic telecommunications services at reasonable cost on a non-discriminatory basis to all persons in Hong Kong. To compensate PCCW-HKT for the expenses of this obligation, certain licensees are required to contribute to such cost, which is referred to as the universal service contribution.
     On June 8, 2007, the Telecommunications Authority issued a Statement entitled “Review of the Regulatory Framework for Universal Service Arrangement”, which announced the new universal service contribution arrangement for funding the cost of Universal Service Obligation. Commencing from May 1, 2009, the USC sharing arrangement based on external traffic volume has been migrated to that based on the number of all telephone numbers allocated which may be assigned to customer for voice services, non-voice services or both voice and non-voice services. Under the new arrangement, local fixed carrier license, local fixed telecommunications network service licensee, mobile carrier licensee, unified carrier licensee authorized to provide local fixed or mobile services, mobile virtual network operator licensee and services-based operator licensee authorized to provide Class 1 or 2 services are the USC contributing parties. In respect of the above, HKBN as a local fixed telecommunications network service licensee is classified as a USC contributing party and is required to pay USC under the new regime.
     The level of USC is determined by the Telecommunications Authority and is reviewed periodically based on actual cost and revenue and on a customer-by-customer basis. The average rate has declined over the past several years. In accordance with a statement dated April 27, 2010 issued by the Telecommunications Authority, the level for the period from July 1, 2008 to April 30, 2009 is confirmed to be zero cent per minute and the Telecommunications Authority decided that USC contributing parties are not required to pay provisional USC from May 1, 2009 onward until a further review of the USC.
     Additionally, providers of external telecommunications services, such as holders of Class 3 Services-Based Operator License and PNETS ETS Licenses, including ourselves and IDD1600, are required to pay a local access charge, or LAC, to the local network operators whose network facilities holders of PNETS ETS Licenses use to transmit calls to and from their customers’ sites. The level of the LAC is calculated on a per-minute basis and its arrangement is based on the statement dated November 25, 1998 issued by the Telecommunications Authority. Recently, based on the conclusion from the statement dated April 27, 2007 issued by the Telecommunications Authority, the Telecommunications Authority will not, for the time being, proceed with the complete deregulation of the LAC.
Fixed mobile interconnection charge

29


     In June 2007, the Telecommunications Authority determined the FMIC rates for HKBN, which is a Fixed Network Operator, with one of its Mobile Network Operators, China Resources Peoples Telephone Company Limited, or Peoples, at a rate of HK4.8 cents per occupancy minute for interconnection from April 1, 2002 to August 31, 2002, HK4.22 cents per occupancy minute for interconnection from September 1, 2002 to August 31, 2003 and HK2.89 cents per occupancy minute for interconnection from September 1, 2004 to August 31, 2004. In February 2008, HKBN requested Telecommunication Authority to make a new determination with four Mobile Network Operators on the rate of FMIC payable by these Mobile Network Operators for mobile interconnection service. In September 2008 the Telecommunications Authority indicated that it accepted HKBN’s request for determination. On May 28, 2010, the Telecommunications Authority issued its decision on the determination which set out the rates of mobile interconnection charges payable by the mobile operators under dispute. Based on this determination, the Group adjusted its revenue related to mobile interconnection charges and interest income during the year ended August 31, 2010. For details, please refer to note 2 (b) of our consolidated financial statements.
     Fixed Mobile Interconnection Charge, or FMIC, is an interconnection charge for circuit-switched traffic between a Fixed Network Operator and a Mobile Network Operator. The Telecommunications Authority has indicated in its statement published on April 27, 2007, that it will de-regulate the existing FMIC arrangement with effect from April 27, 2009. When this occurs the Fixed and Mobile Network Operators would have to adopt a more market driven approach in that parties are expected bilaterally to negotiate a commercially agreed FMIC without the Telecommunications Authority’s intervention.
     Since the deregulation of FMIC arrangement on April 27, 2009, HKBN reached agreements with some of the mobile operators on the settlement arrangements of FMIC. As of December 14, 2010, the discussion with remaining mobile operators on FMIC is still in progress.
Television broadcasting industry

At present, Hong Kong has two licensed domestic free television programme broadcasters, TVBTelevision Broadcasts Limited and ATV,Asia Television Limited, providing free-to-air broadcasting services. In addition, there are also three licensed domestic pay-TV broadcasters, namely Hong Kong Cable Television Limited, PCCW Media Limited and TVB Pay Vision Limited (formerly known as Galaxy Satellite Broadcasting Limited). HKBN provides TV services overCurrently, the Internet underChief Executive in Council is processing applications for domestic free television programme service licence from Fantastic Television Limited, HK Television and Entertainment Company Limited and us. As of December 18, 2012, the Chief Executive in Council had not yet announced its FTNS License, while Star TV continues to provide its services through satellite means under its satellite television uplink and downlink license.

decision for the aforesaid applications.

Licensing

It is unlawful to offer any “television programme service” in Hong Kong without a license.an appropriate licence. “Television programme service” is broadly defined to mean the provision of television programmes for transmission by telecommunications that are readily accessible to the general public in or outside Hong Kong or to persons in 2two or more specified premises simultaneously or on demand, whether on a point-to-point or a point-to-multipoint basis.basis (or any combination thereof), having equipment appropriate for receiving that service. The Broadcasting Ordinance exempts certain categories of television programme services from the current licensing regime, including television programme services provided on the service commonly known as the “Internet”. The Broadcasting Ordinance itself, however, does not contain a definition of “Internet”.

     The Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology has indicated that on the condition that HKBN continues to provide its service on the platform currently deployed by HKBN, the Government does not dispute that HKBN’s service is provided on the “Internet” and is thus exempt. On this basis, HKBN does not require to obtain a pay-television broadcasting license and provides IP-TV services under its FTNS License.
“Internet.”

Cross media ownership restrictions

As with other television regulatory regimes, there are detailed cross-media ownership restrictions in the Broadcasting Ordinance. The restrictions are only applicable to domestic free and domestic pay television programme service licenses.

licences.

The Broadcasting Ordinance essentially provides that a company which is either a “disqualified person” or has a “disqualified person” exercising control over it will not be eligible to be granted a broadcasting licensedomestic free and domestic pay television programme service licence unless it discloseswith the disqualificationprior approval of the Chief Executive in its license application.Council. “Disqualified person” includes, for example, a company which is an existing domestic free or domestic pay television programme licensee; an advertising agent; a sound broadcasting licensee; or a proprietor of newspaper printed or produced in Hong Kong.

Generally, a disqualified person who has complied with the disclosure requirementdisclosed its disqualification in its licence application may apply for a broadcasting license.licence. The Broadcasting Ordinance provides that the Chief Executive in Council may grant a broadcasting licenselicence to a company, including a disqualified person or to a company which has a disqualified person exercising control over it, or to a disqualified person in which another disqualified person exercises control subject to such conditions as the Chief Executive in Council sees fit.

Foreign ownership restrictions

In addition to the cross-media ownership restrictions outlined above, the Broadcasting Ordinance also imposes restrictions on foreign ownership of a holder of a domestic free television programme service license.licence. The restrictions do not prohibit the ownership of any voting shares in a domestic free television programme service licensee but rather take the form of prohibiting the exercise of any voting rights attached to such voting shares.

Upon receiving a domestic free television programme service licence, an unqualified voting controller of our Company will be subject to the voting restrictions as set out in Part 3 of Schedule 1 to the Broadcasting Ordinance. An “unqualified voting controller” under the Broadcasting Ordinance refers to a voting controller who is not a qualified voting controller, and a qualified voting controller refers to a voting controller who satisfies the ordinary resident requirement and who, in the case of an individual, has resided in Hong Kong for a period of no less than seven years or in the case of corporation, whose directors satisfy the Hong Kong residency requirement. According to paragraph 20(1) of Schedule 1 to the Broadcasting Ordinance, no unqualified voting controller may hold, acquire, or exercise or cause or permit to be exercised 2% to 6% or 6% to 10% or more than 10% of the total voting control of a domestic free television programme service licensee without the prior approval of the HKCA. If an unqualified voting controller holds more than 10%, in the aggregate, of the total voting control of a licensee without the prior approval in writing of the HKCA, notwithstanding anything contained in the memorandum or articles of association of the licensee or any provision of the laws of Hong Kong apart from this section, he shall not exercise or cause or permit to be exercised, in relation to any question or matter arising at a general meeting of the licensee, voting rights exceeding, in the aggregate, 10% of the total voting control of the licensee. Paragraph 20(3) of Schedule 1 to the Broadcasting Ordinance provides that the HKCA may, in respect of any unqualified voting controller who is in contravention of such voting restriction, direct such unqualified voting controller in question to cease any such contravening act. If and when the licence is granted to our Company, an unqualified voting controller may need to seek the requisite approval of the HKCA for exercising its voting power in our Company. Our Company shall be required to notify the HKCA of the unqualified voting controller pursuant to the directions of the HKCA and paragraphs 22 and 30 of Schedule 1 to the Broadcasting Ordinance

Competition provisions

     The

Currently, competition provisions governing the broadcasting sector in Hong Kong are set out in the Broadcasting Ordinance, also contains competition provisions, which are aimed at prohibiting a licensee from engaging in “anti-competitive conduct” and a licensee who is in a dominant position from abusing its position. “Anti-competitive conduct” is defined as conduct that has the purpose or effect of preventing, distorting or substantially restricting competition in a television programme service market.

The Broadcasting Ordinance provides that a breach of any of the competition statutory provisions may lead to the relevant contractual provisions in an agreement being regarded as void.

     Unlike the regulatory regime for the telecommunications industry, there

There is no equivalent of a specialized competition appeal board for the television broadcasting industry. A licensee aggrieved by a decision made by the Broadcasting Authority,HKCA, may appeal by way of petition to the Chief Executive in Council.

Hong Kong’s first cross sector competition legislation, the Competition Ordinance, was enacted on June 14, 2012 and will be implemented in phases commencing on January 18, 2013. The Competition Ordinance spans various industries and sectors and, once it comes into full operation, will amend or repeal (as applicable) the competition provisions currently in force in the industry-specific legislation. As at the date hereof, the effective dates of the provisions of the Competition Ordinance that affect the Broadcasting Ordinance have not been gazetted.

Part 8 of Schedule 8 of the Competition Ordinance sets out the detailed amendments to the competition provisions in the Broadcasting Ordinance. Under such amendments, the relevant competition provisions (sections 13 to 16) in the Broadcasting Ordinance are to be repealed and replaced by the conduct rules under Part 2 of the Competition Ordinance.

According to Part 11 of the Competition Ordinance, both the HKCA and the Competition Commission are competent regulators and have concurrent jurisdiction on competition matters relating to telecommunications and broadcasting. The Competition Ordinance also provides a mechanism whereby such telecommunications and broadcasting related competition matters may be transferred between the HKCA and the Competition Commission. It is envisaged that in addition to the various codes and guidelines on competition related matters issued by the HKCA (and formerly the HKBA), new guidelines will be issued by the Competition Commission on the interpretation of the conduct rules. The HKCA and the Competition Commission will enter into a Memorandum of Understanding to provide more clarity on the operation of the competition regime in telecommunications and broadcasting sectors.

Fair Trading

On July 17, 2012, the Trade Descriptions (Unfair Trade Practices) (Amendment) Ordinance 2012 (“Amendment Ordinance”) was enacted to amend the Trade Descriptions Ordinance by prohibiting specified unfair trade practices that may be deployed against customers and strengthen the enforcement mechanism. The Customs and Excise Department is the principal enforcement agency under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance. Under the Amendment Ordinance, the HKCA was conferred with concurrent jurisdiction to enforce the new fair trading sections in relation to the commercial practices of licensees under the Telecommunications Ordinance and the Broadcasting Ordinance that are directly connected with the provision of telecommunications and broadcasting services. The Amendment Ordinance is expected to come into effect by the second quarter of 2013.

The key amendments introduced in the Amendment Ordinance include:

the expansion of the definition of trade descriptions in relation to goods, as well as the extension of the scope to cover services;

30

the creation of new criminal offences on unfair trade practices, namely misleading omissions, aggressive commercial practices, bait advertising, bait-and-switch and wrongly accepting payment;

the introduction of a compliance-based mechanism under which civil enforcement options, namely the acceptance of undertaking from traders and the seeking of injunction from the court where necessary, can be drawn on to promote compliance with the new fair trading sections introduced by the Amendment Ordinance; and

the creation of a new private right of action for damages to facilitate consumer redress.

The Amendment Ordinance also confers the Customs and Excise Department and the HKCA, as enforcement agencies, powers to issue guidelines on relevant fair trading matters. On December 7, 2012, the Customs and Excise Department and the HKCA launched a public consultation on the draft enforcement guidelines “Compliance and Enforcement Policy Statement” and “General Guidelines” (collectively the “Enforcement Guidelines”) concerning the Amendment Ordinance. The draft Enforcement Guidelines set out the manner in which the two enforcement agencies will exercise their powers under the new fair trading sections of the Amendment Ordinance and providing guidance on the operation of the provisions for compliance by traders. The consultation will last for six weeks till January 17, 2013.


ProgramProgramme standards, advertising standards and advertisingtechnical standards
     A broadcasting

In addition to the Broadcasting Ordinance, the Broadcasting (Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance and the related subsidiary legislation, regulations, directions, orders and determinations, a television programme service licensee is required to comply with the programterms and conditions of their licence and the codes of practice issued by the HKCA, which set out generic standards with respect to programme, advertising and technical standards applicable to the licensee. The Generic Codes of Practice for Television currently comprises of three sets of standards, i.e. the programme standards, the advertising standards and the advertising standards published bytechnical standards. These codes are reviewed in consultation with the Broadcasting Authority.licensees and the general public. The latest programprogramme standards and the advertising standards were both issued on December 12, 2008.

D. Organizational structure
in April 2012 and the latest technical standards were issued in October 2012.

Non-compliance by licensee

Non-compliance by a licensee with the Broadcasting Ordinance, any subsidiary legislation made pursuant to it, any of the licence conditions or any direction issued by HKCA or any of the code of practice, could result in the revocation or suspension of the relevant licence. The Broadcasting Ordinance contains a set of provisions setting forth the procedural steps which HKCA and the Chief Executive in Council must adhere to prior to revoking or suspending any broadcasting licences.

D.Organizational structure

The following chart sets forth our principal subsidiaries as of December 14, 2010:

(ORGNIZATION CHART)
Notes:
(1)The other immediate subsidiaries of City Telecom (H.K.) Limited are SGBN Singapore Broadband Network Pte. Limited and Golden Trinity Holdings Limited. The immediate subsidiaries of Golden Trinity Holdings Limited are Warwick Gold Enterprises Limited and Attitude Holdings Limited.
(2)The Company has only registered its Chinese name. The English name is an unregistered translation.
(3)The other immediate subsidiaries of Automedia Holdings Limited are Global Courier Company Limited, CTI International Limited, BBTV Company Limited, City Telecom (U.S.A.) Inc., City Telecom (Vancouver) Inc. and City Telecom (Toronto) Inc.
(4)The immediate subsidiaries of Hong Kong Broadband Network Limited are Excel Billion Profits Limited, Hong Kong Television Network Limited, Hong Kong Broadband Television Company Limited, Hong Kong Broadband Phone Limited and Hong Kong Broadband Digital TV Limited.

31

18, 2012:


LOGO

The jurisdiction of incorporation and our ownership percentage of each these subsidiaries as of December 14, 201018, 2012 were as follows:

Name

  Jurisdiction of
incorporation
  Percentage of interest
held by City Telecom
 
    Percentage of interest
Direct  held by City TelecomIndirect 
Jurisdiction ofDirectIndirect
Nameincorporation%%
963673 Ontario LimitedCanada100

Attitude Holdings Limited

  British Virgin Islands       100% 
Automedia Holdings

Best Intellect Limited

  British Virgin Islands   100%     
BBTV Company

Cosmo True Limited

Hong Kong100
City Telecom (B.C.) Inc.Canada100
City Telecom (Canada) Inc.Canada100
City Telecom (Toronto) Inc.Canada100
City Telecom (U.S.A.) Inc.United States of America100
City Telecom (Vancouver) Inc.Canada100
City Telecom Inc.Canada100
City Telecom International Limited

  British Virgin Islands   100%     
Credibility

Excel Billion Profits Limited

Hong Kong—  100

Golden Trinity Holdings Limited

  British Virgin Islands   100%     
CTI Guangzhou Customer Services Co. Ltd. (note)People’s Republic of China100
CTI International

Hong Kong Broadband Digital TV Limited

  Hong Kong       100% 
CTI Marketing

Hong Kong Broadband Television Company Limited

  Hong Kong       100% 
Excel Billion Profits

Hong Kong Media Production Company Limited

  Hong Kong       100% 
Global Courier Company

Hong Kong Television Network Limited

  Hong Kong       100% 
Golden Trinity Holdings

Leader Artiste Management Company Limited

Hong Kong—  100

Multi Talent Enterprise Limited

  British Virgin Islands   100%   
Hong Kong Broadband Digital TV LimitedHong Kong100
Hong Kong Broadband Network LimitedHong Kong100
Hong Kong Broadband Phone LimitedHong Kong100
Hong Kong Broadband Television Company LimitedHong Kong100
Hong Kong Television Network LimitedHong Kong100
IDD1600 Company LimitedHong Kong100
SGBN Singapore Broadband Network Pte. LimitedSingapore100
Warwick Gold Enterprises LimitedHong Kong100  

E.
Note: The Company has only registered its Chinese name. The English name is an unregistered translation.Property, plant and equipment
E. Property, plant and equipment
     For the provision of fixed telecommunication network services, we own, or control through long-term leases, equipment consisting of switching, transmission and power equipment and connecting lines comprised of in-building wiring, fiber-based backbone, wireless and leased wire-line backbone and other support structures, conduits and similar items that comprise our Next Generation Network. The majority of the fiber-based backbone connecting our services are under public road, highways and streets. In Hong Kong, we owned an aggregate of 161,000 square feet predominately for self use as

As of August 31, 2010.

     For the provision2012, we owned premises with an aggregate area of international telecommunications services, we own three switching systems in Hong Kong and two in Canada (one in Vancouver and the other in Toronto). We have invested and have rights to dedicated capacity in two undersea cables, the Japan-U.S. cable and the APCN 2 cable, for use as international transmission facilities, both51,000 square feet, all of which were completed and have been operational since May 2002.
     In addition, we have leased properties in Hong Kong, for 20 retail shops and for a 3,500our own use. We also had an aggregate of 126,000 square feet customer service centerof investment properties for rental income or capital appreciation. In addition, we leased office and warehouse properties in Mongkok, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
     We rely on suppliers to provide

To produce high quality drama, we had invested in production equipment underground cablesincluding Hollywood movie grade camera and other necessary components for the constructionpost-production facilities and upgradetechnology. As of our Next Generation Network, and for our VoIP equipment. In order for new subscribers to be able to access our IP-TV services,August 31, 2012, we must install an

32

had production equipment at a net book value of HK$51.0 million.


ITEM 5 OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

IP set-top-box in their homes. We must have an adequate supply of such installation equipment on hand to respond to new customer subscriptions in a timely manner. We purchase all of our IP set-top boxes and other equipment from our suppliers on a purchase order basis and have no long-term contracts. If our suppliers are unable to supply us with these products in a timely manner or the costs of these products increase due to unforeseen causes, this could negatively impact our operating results, especially if we are unable to acquire new subscribers or effectively appropriate our costs on to our customers.
Item 5 Operating and financial review and prospects
You should read the following discussion together with the rest of this annual report, including the consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this annual report. The results discussed below are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected in any future periods.

A.Operating results

Overview

     We are a provider of

Prior to May 2012, we principally engaged in providing residential and corporate fixed telecommunications network services in Hong Kong. We offer our customers an integrated suite of broadband Internet access, local VoIP, IP-TVservice and corporate datainternational telecommunications services through our self-owned Next Generation Network. Our network covered 1.77 million residential homes pass as of August 31, 2010, representing approximately 80% of the total households in Hong Kong and is concentrated in Hong Kong’s most densely populated areas, which reducesCanada. We derived our costrevenue from two business segments, the FTNS Business and the IDD Business. In March and April 2012, we entered into the Telecom Group Agreement and the Guangzhou Agreement and in May 2012, we disposed of network deployment per home pass. Asthe entire FTNS Business and IDD Business. Since then, the Multimedia Production Business has become our principal focus. The Multimedia Production Business includes the production, sales and distribution of August 31, 2010, our FTNS business had a subscription baseCantonese television drama series, news programmes and other television programmes. It will also include the offering of approximately 1,110,000 subscriptions. In addition, we offer a variety of international telecommunications services, including direct dial services, international calling cards and mobile call forwardingtelevision programming services in Hong Kong. AsKong, subject to the grant of August 31, 2010,the domestic free television programme service licence by the Chief Executive in Council. The operating results of the disposed Telecom Business and the Multimedia Production Business have been presented, as discontinued operations and continuing operations, respectively, in our IDD business had a subscription base of approximately 2.4 million registered accounts.

A. consolidated financial statements.

Factors affecting our results of continuing operations

Our revenues

     Our revenues are derived

Based on our current plan, the Multimedia Production Business is expected to generate revenue during 2013 which will mainly comprise advertising fees and licensing fees, assuming the Multimedia Production Business is able to start broadcasting over its free television channels or through alternative means. In fiscal 2012, our revenue represented the licence fee received from two business segments: our FTNS businessthe Telecom Business for providing news content produced by the news production operation unit and our IDD business. Our FTNS business primarily consists of broadband Internet access, local VoIP, IP-TV and corporate data services, while our IDD business primarily consists of direct dial services, international calling cards and mobile call forwarding services.

FTNS business.Revenuesthe income received from our FTNS business primarily consist of monthly service charges payable by our subscribers and interconnection charges payable by other telecommunications operators.
Monthly service charges.We charge our subscribers a monthly service charge, which generally varies by the number and nature of the fixed telecommunications network services subscribed. Our strategy is to market additional services to our subscribers by leveraging our broadband Internet access subscription base of 526,000 as of August 31, 2010 and the scalability of our Next Generation Network.
Interconnection charges.We offer fixed telecommunications network services through our self-owned Next Generation Network. Under the terms of HKBN’s fixed telecommunications network services license, we are required to provide interconnection services to other network operators, including mobile network operators.
IDD business.Substantially all of revenues from our IDD business consists of tariffs, which generally varies by the destination of the call and the calling prefix, with discounts depending on the time of the day or day of the week when the call is placed.
artiste management functions.

Our operating expenses

Our operating expenses consist of networkcost of sales and other operating expenses.

Cost of sales. Cost of sales refers to talent costs and other production costs which are directly attributable to the revenue generated from licensing of programme rights and provision of artiste management services.

Other operating expenses.

Network costs. Network costs vary according to either our network capacity or our traffic volume. Such costs mainly include leased line rentals, program fees and production costs for our IP-TV services and interconnection charges payable to other local fixed network operators and international bandwidth providers. Network costs do not include depreciation charge, which is included in other operating expenses.
Other operating expenses. Other operating expenses mainly consist of salaries and related costs for Talents which are not capitalized as programme costs and for corporate functions, depreciation of fixed assets, amortisation of intangible assets, bank charges and operating lease charges in respect of land and buildings.

.Other operating expenses mainly consist of Talent costs, advertising and marketing expenses, depreciation of owned fixed assets.

Talent costs. Salaries and related costs incurred for services rendered by Talents.
Advertising and marketing expenses.Due to our efforts in promoting our FTNS services, our advertising and marketing expenses incurred in connection with subscription acquisition activities have been relatively high. We expect that we will be required to continue to invest significant financial and human resources in our sales and marketing efforts as we strive to build our subscription base and to enhance our brand value.

33


Depreciation.Depreciation is calculated to write off the cost of fixed assets less their estimated residual value, if any, using straight line method over their estimated useful lives. We expect that we will continue to invest in our Next Generation Network to expand our network coverage. In addition, any technological advancement or obsolescence might affect the estimated useful lives of our fixed assets.
Critical accounting policies

The following discussion and analysis is based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010. Our significant accounting policies are more fully described in note 1 to our consolidated financial statements.statements included elsewhere in the annual report.

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRSs requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We continually evaluate our estimates and judgments including those related to fixed assets, provision for doubtful accounts,intangible assets, programme cost and deferred taxes, USC charges and certain revenue items.taxes. We base our estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. This forms the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates as facts, circumstances and conditions change. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Changes to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimate is changed if the change affects only that period or in the period of the change and future periods if the change affects both current and future periods.

     Our accounting policies have been developed over many years as the telecommunications industry and generally accepted accounting principles have evolved.

As our financial statements are prepared under IFRSs, our accounting policies are necessarily compliant with all aspects of IFRSs. IFRSs are based on a “substance over form” conceptual framework that requires us to look through the legal interpretation of an arrangement or transaction to its underlying purpose and to reflect it in our consolidated financial statements on that basis.

The following are the most significant accounting estimates and judgments we apply in producingpreparing our consolidated financial statements.

Revenue recognition
     Revenue for the provision of telecommunications services is recognized when an arrangement exists, service is rendered, fee is fixed or determinable and collectability is probable. Revenue received in advance is deferred and recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the stated period of time in the subscriber agreement.
     A portion of revenue from our FTNS business is derived from network interconnection charges. Network interconnection charges are recorded as revenue based on usage of our fixed telecommunications network by mobile and other fixed telecommunications network operators. The determination of the rates on mobile interconnection charges at which revenue is recognized involved significant estimates by management. Significant changes in management estimates may result in material revenue adjustments.
     Prior to April 27, 2009, mobile network operators were obliged to pay interconnection charges to us in accordance with the charging principles promulgated by the Telecommunications Authority. Because certain local mobile network operators disagreed with the level of charges computed by us, certain amount of the mobile interconnection charges billed by us had not been collected as of December 14, 2010. We recognize revenue related to mobile interconnection charges at amounts we believe to be realizable after consideration of the uncertainty regarding the timing and amount of the ultimate collection of amounts due. Specifically:
The amount recognized for fiscal 2004 and before was determined using the available rates under the then-existing calculation model (fully distributed cost model) for interconnection service between fixed and mobile operators, which are based on historical cost data of PCCW-HKT Telephone Limited. In May 2004, the Telecommunications Authority confirmed that mobile network operators are obliged to pay interconnection charges to us in accordance with the charging principles promulgated by the Telecommunications Authority. A number of mobile network operators, however, disputed the basis of our calculation. In August 2004, we requested the Telecommunications Authority to make a determination (the “2004 Determination”) on the level of mobile interconnection charges payable by one of the mobile network operators to us and the effective date of the determined mobile interconnection charges.
The amount recognized in fiscal 2005 reflected a discount from the amounts billed which was determined based on our assessment of the range of likely outcomes of the 2004 Determination. In November 2005, we entered into contractual agreements with one of the mobile network operators who agreed to pay interim mobile interconnection charges at a rate based on PCCW-HKT’s published fully distributed cost model of HK$0.0436 per occupancy minute until the Telecommunications Authority issued its final ruling.
The amount recognized in fiscal 2006 was based on the preliminary rates published by the Telecommunications Authority in March 2006 as we awaited a final ruling by the Telecommunications Authority on the 2004 Determination.

34


The amount recognized in fiscal 2007 was based on the 2004 Determination issued by the Telecommunications Authority in June 2007, which set out the rates of mobile interconnection charge payable by the mobile operator under dispute for interconnection services provided by us for the period from April 1, 2002 to August 31, 2004.
The amount recognized in fiscal 2008 was based also on the 2004 Determination issued by the Telecommunications Authority in June 2007. In February 2008, we requested the Telecommunications Authority to make a new determination with four mobile operators on the rates of mobile interconnection charge and interest thereon. We subsequently entered into contractual agreements with some of these mobile operators, which agreed to pay mobile interconnection charges based on the 2004 Determination for the period from April 1, 2002 to August 31, 2004 and with respect to the period after August 31, 2004 at the interim rates stated in the agreements, which will be adjusted based on further determination to be issued by the Telecommunications Authority.
The amount recognized in fiscal 2009 and before was based on the 2004 Determination issued by the Telecommunications Authority in June 2007 which set out the rates of mobile interconnection charge payable by the mobile operators under dispute for interconnection services provided by us for the period from April 1, 2002 to August 31, 2004. In September 2008, the Telecommunications Authority indicated that it accepted our request for determination on the rate of mobile interconnection charge for the period from April 1, 2002 to April 26, 2009 payable by the mobile operators that have not reached contractual agreements with us, and the rate for period from September 1, 2004 to April 26, 2009 payable by those mobile operators that have reached contractual agreements with us and the interest thereon (the “2008 Determination”). On November 25, 2009, the Telecommunications Authority issued a Preliminary Analysis in relation to the 2008 Determination for the parties’ comments.
In May 2010, the Telecommunications Authority issued its decision on the 2008 Determination, which set out the rates of mobile interconnection charges payable by the mobile operators involved in the dispute. Based on such decision on the 2008 Determination, we reversed approximately HK$19.7 million revenue related to mobile interconnection charges and recognized approximately HK$10.1 million interest income in fiscal 2010.
     For a discussion of our revenue recognition of mobile interconnection charges, please refer to note 2(b) to our consolidated financial statements. Actual amounts realized could be different from our estimate.
Useful lives of fixed assets

We estimate the useful lives of fixed assets in order to determine the amount of depreciation expense to be recorded. The useful life of an asset is estimated at the time the asset is acquired based on historical experience, the expected usage, wear and tear of the asset, as well as technical obsolescence arising from changes in the market demands or service output of the asset. Changes in technology or industry conditions may cause the estimated period of use or the value of these assets to change. We perform periodic reviews to confirm the appropriateness of estimated economic useful lives for each class of fixed assets. For the three years ended August 31, 2010,2012, there were no changes in the useful lives of our fixed assets.

Intangible assets

Upon the completion of the disposal of the Telecom Business and as part of the consideration received from the disposal, we were granted the indefeasible right of use of telecommunications capacity of the Telecom Business for a term of 20 years and right to use of the telecommunications services from the Telecom Business for a term of 10 years.

The fair value of these intangible assets as at the completion date of the disposal was determined with reference to comparable market transactions.

Intangible assets acquired by us are stated at cost less accumulated amortization (where the estimated useful life is finite) and impairment losses.

Amortization of intangible assets with finite useful lives is charged to profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the assets’ estimated useful lives.

Both the period and method of amortization are reviewed annually.

Impairment of fixed assets

Under IFRSs, if a triggering event occurs indicating that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable, a new assessment of the carrying amount of that asset is required. Triggering events include significant adverse changes in the market value of an asset, changes in the business or regulatory environment, or certain legal events. The interpretation of such events requires judgment from the management with respect to whether such an event has occurred and whether management feelsconsiders that reassessment of the carrying value of the asset is required. If an event occurs that could affect the carrying value of the asset and management does not identify it as a triggering event and identify the asset as impaired, future operations could be adversely affected if this asset is subsequently written off or sold for less than its carrying value due to sudden downturns in the business environment.

Upon the occurrence of triggering events, the carrying amounts of fixed assets are reviewed to assess whether their recoverable amounts have declined below their carrying amounts. Under IFRSs, the recoverable amount is the greater of its net selling pricefair value less costs of sales and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of time value of money and the risks specific to the assets. Where the asset does not generate cash inflows largely independent of those from other assets, the recoverable amount is determined for the smallest group of assets that generates cash inflows independently (i.e. cash-generating-unit). Where the recoverable amount of fixed and other long-lived assets is less than their carrying value, an impairment loss is recognized to write down the assets to their recoverable amount, which is based on the fair value less costs to sell or value in use.

35


Estimation of cash flows arising from future use of the asset requires careful analysis regarding what we expect to recover from its future use. This includes consideration of our target market share and subscription base,viewership, market competition, future changes to our cost structure and technological change. In addition, the residual value of the asset on disposal requires judgment, as the estimated fair value of the asset at the time of disposal could change in response to market conditions and changes in expected use of the asset prior to disposal. Changes in the estimate of cash flows arising from expected future use of the asset or its residual value on disposal - based on changes in market conditions, changes in the use of assets, management plan, and foreseeable technological changes or otherwise - could significantly change the calculation of the fair value or recoverable amount of the asset and the resulting impairment loss. This in turn could significantly affect the results of our operations.

For the three years ended August 31, 2010,2012, no impairment of fixed assets havehas been recognized.

Accounts receivableProgramme costs

     Under IFRSs,

Programme costs are stated at cost less amounts expensed and any provision is made against accounts receivableconsidered necessary by management. Programme costs are charged to the extent they are considered to be doubtful. This provision requires judgment regardingprofit or loss over the collectability of certain receivables both as they are incurred and as they age. We assess bad debt provision by type of customers, namely residential, corporate and carrier, based on past experience of recovery of old receivables, the agingshowing or licensing period of the accounts receivable balance and historical write-off experience. Certain receivables may be initially identified as collectible, yet subsequently become uncollectible and result in a subsequent write-off of the related receivableprogramme, with reference to the consolidated statementprojected revenue.

- Self-produced Programmes

Self-produced programmes consist primarily of operations. Changes indrama, infotainment and variety programmes. Cost of self-produced programmes comprises direct production cost and an appropriate proportion of production overheads.

- Purchased Programmes

Purchased programmes consist film rights acquired for showing on the collectabilityGroup’s television channel. Cost of accounts receivable for which provisions are not made could affect our future resultspurchased programme comprises cost of operations.

     Included in the accounts receivable balance (netpurchase, cost of allowance for doubtful debts) were receivables for mobile interconnection chargesconversion and an appropriate proportion of HK$64.4 million, HK$68.8 million and HK$39.8 million as of August 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively. The balance represented mobile interconnection charges we billed to the local mobile network operators, and some of these charges had not been collected.
     Changes in the allowance for doubtful debts consist of:
             
  For the year ended August 31, 
  2008  2009  2010 
  HK$  HK$  HK$ 
  (Amounts in thousands) 
Balance at beginning of the year  22,392   11,944   3,160 
Additions charged to expense  14,293   12,103   14,742 
Write-off  (24,741)  (20,887)  (12,079)
          
             
Balance at the end of the year  11,944   3,160   5,823 
          
production overheads.

Deferred taxation

We recognized deferred tax assets for all deductible temporary differences and operating loss carry forwards to the extent it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the asset can be utilized. In assessing whether a deferred tax asset is expected to be utilized in the foreseeable future, our management considers all available evidence, including projected future taxable profit by taking into consideration of the effect of our capital expenditures and other plans, such as the existing network capacity, technological changes, future market trends and projected fixed network coverage.

The recognition of deferred tax assets requires judgment regarding the results of future operations, including the assumption that there will be sufficient future operations to allow us to utilize the related deferred tax asset.assets. Our management projects future taxable income by considering all available information, including projected future taxable profit by taking into consideration of the effect of our capital expenditures and other plans (such as the technological changes and future market trends), tax planning strategies, historical taxable incomes, and the expiration period of the unused tax losses carry forwards of each of theour Company and its subsidiaries. During the year ended

As of August 31, 2008, taking into consideration of the current results of operations, our management assessed that it was probable that sufficient future taxable profits would be generated to utilize the unused tax losses of HK$159.6 million, which resulted in the recognition of deferred tax assets of HK$26.3 million. As at August 31, 2008, 20092011 and 2010,2012, we had not recognized deferred tax assets in respect of unused tax losses of HK$9.5 million, HK$8.28.1 million and HK$8.259.8 million respectively, because it was not probable that future taxable profits could be generated to utilize the tax losses. All tax losses are subject to agreement with local tax authorities. Any changes in the estimate of future operations could change the recognition of our deferred tax assets, which could significantly affect our results of operations.

USC charges
     Our management makes their best estimates for the universal service contribution charges, or USC, payable to PCCW-HKT in order to fund the network development costs incurred by PCCW-HKT in remote areas in Hong Kong. Such estimated costs are included as part of our costs of rendering services. The estimate is made based on the provisional rates announced by the Telecommunications Authority and is effective up to the date of the release of our consolidated financial statements. The Telecommunications Authority periodically reviews the actual costs incurred by PCCW-HKT in the development and adjusts the amounts owed to PCCW-HKT, or to be refunded by it, to the respective USC contributing parties, including us. Accordingly, the estimate made by our management for a financial year is subject to changes based on the

36


revisions published by the Telecommunications Authority up to the date prior to the release of our consolidated financial statements. We adjust such differences as an addition to, or reduction of, the corresponding costs of services in that particular reporting period.
     Any sum received in advance from PCCW-HKT as an estimated refund of USC on a provisional basis, which is subject to the final confirmation and determination of the Telecommunications Authority, is recorded in other payables and accrued charges in our balance sheet.
Operating Results

The following table sets forth, for the years indicated, a summary of our results of operations.

                 
  For the year ended August 31, 
  2008  2009  2010  2010 
  HK$  HK$  HK$  US$ 
  (Amounts in thousands) 
Revenue                
FTNS business  1,011,038   1,230,880   1,356,098   174,348 
IDD business  291,943   247,359   218,589   28,103 
             
                 
   1,302,981   1,478,239   1,574,687   202,451 
             
                 
Network costs  (178,367)  (175,129)  (195,292)  (25,108)
                 
Other operating expenses  (966,094)  (1,037,964)  (1,105,604)  (142,143)
                 
Other income, net  24,989   41,540   7,989   1,028 
                 
Finance costs  (75,137)  (55,127)  (22,235)  (2,859)
             
                 
Profit before taxation  108,372   251,559   259,545   33,369 
Income taxes benefit/(expense)  16,818   (38,730)  (42,679)  (5,487)
             
                 
Net income  125,190   212,829   216,866   27,882 
             

   For the year ended August 31, 
   2010  2011  2012  2012 
   HK$  HK$  HK$  US$ 
   (in thousands) 

Continuing operations(1)

     

Revenue

   —      —      3,762    485  

Cost of sales

   —      —      (6,006  (774

Valuation gains on investment properties

   —      —      18,200    2,347  

Other operating expenses

   (21,932  (23,481  (104,960  (13,533

Other income/(loss), net

   (7,696  3,456    19,920    2,568  

Finance costs, net

   (21,289  (7,303  (2,455  (317
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Loss before taxation

   (50,917  (27,328  (71,539  (9,224

Income tax expenses

   (5,611  (4,782  (2,281  (294
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Loss from continuing operations

   (56,528  (32,110  (73,820  (9,518
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Discontinued operations

     

Profit from discontinued operations

   273,394    346,025    3,771,694    486,294  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Profit for the year

   216,866    313,915    3,697,874    476,776  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Note:

(1)Following the disposal of our Telecom Business in May 2012, the Telecom Business was reclassified as discontinued operations for fiscal 2012 and the comparative figures for fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010 were retrospectively reclassified as discontinued operations.

Fiscal 20102012 Compared to Fiscal 20092011

Revenues.RevenueRevenues increased by 6.5% to. We commenced our Multimedia Production Business and disposed of our Telecom Business in fiscal 2012. Our revenue from the Multimedia Production Business primarily consists of licensing fees and artiste management fee. We recorded revenue of HK$1,574.73.8 million in fiscal 20102012, primarily reflecting the licensing fee received from the Telecom Business to broadcast the news content produced by the news production operation unit and the income received from our artiste management functions. We had no revenue for fiscal 2011 for the continuing operations relating to our Multimedia Production Business.

Cost of sales. Cost of sales in fiscal 2012 were HK$1,478.26.0 million, primarily consisting of talent costs and other production costs which are directly attributable to the revenue generated from licensing of programme rights and provision of artiste management services. There were no cost of sales in fiscal 2011 for the continuing operations.

Valuation gains on investment properties. Valuation gains on investment properties were HK$18.2 million, consisting of the change in fair value of the investment properties held by us.

Other operating expenses. Our other operating expenses increased to HK$105.0 million in fiscal 2009, reflecting an increase in revenue2012 from our FTNS business, the effects of which were partially offset by a decrease in revenue from our IDD business and the change in the regulatory regime of mobile interconnection charges summarized below. Revenue contribution from our FTNS business increased to 86.1% in fiscal 2010 from 83.3% in fiscal 2009.

FTNS business.Revenues from our FTNS business increased by 10.2% to HK$1,356.1 million in fiscal 2010 from HK$1,230.9 million in fiscal 2009. The increase was primarily caused by an increase of 17.7% of our FTNS subscription base to 1,110,000 as of August 31, 2010 from 943,000 as of August 31, 2009.
Broadband Internet access.The subscription base for our Internet access services increased by 34.5%, to 526,000 as of August 31, 2010 from 391,000 as of August 31, 2009. During fiscal 2010, we are able to have a record growth of 135,000 net additions through our “Member-Get-Member” marketing campaigns which reduced the price of our symmetric 100Mbps broadband services by half to HK$99 per month if a customer introduces a new customer at HK$99 per month. Such marketing campaigns essentially allowed us to increase our revenues by converting one subscriber at HK$182 per month to two subscribers at a minimum rate of HK$99 per month.
Local VoIP.The subscription base for our local VoIP services increased by 12.8%, to 431,000 as of August 31, 2010 from 382,000 as of August 31, 2009, mainly due to improved branding that allowed us to increase sales of our VoIP services to subscribers of our Internet access services.
IP-TV.The subscription base for our IP-TV services decreased by 10.0% to 153,000 subscriptions as of August 31, 2010 from 170,000 as of August 31, 2009 because we proactively churned off free or low paying IP-TV subscribers and redeployed the set-top-boxes to higher yielding customers. We continued to enhance our channel variety so as to increase the content value to our customers. We currently offer more than 110 channels to our customers.

37


As a result of the Telecommunications Authority’s decision on the 2008 Determination in May 2010 as stated above, revenue of HK$19.7 million related to mobile interconnection charges was reversed in fiscal 2010. In addition, prior to April 26, 2009, the mobile network operators were required to pay interconnection charges for all calls originating to and from the mobile users. After April 26, 2009, the chargeability of interconnection charges is subject to commercial negotiation. With the withdrawal of regulatory guidance on FMIC in favor of mobile network operators on April 27, 2009, only an insignificant amount of revenue related to mobile interconnection charges was recognized.
IDD business.Revenues from our IDD business decreased by 11.6% to HK$218.6 million in fiscal 2010 from HK$247.4 million in fiscal 2009. The decrease was primarily due to the reduction in IDD traffic volume and the decrease in the tariff rate we charged to our customers. Competition during fiscal 2010 intensified as some of our competitors offered international direct dial minutes for free or at significantly lower rates as a marketing incentive to gain local fixed line and mobile market shares. Further, technology from global VoIP providers such as Skype, which offer free PC-to-PC based international calls, was becoming more prevalent.
Network costs.Network costs increased by 11.5% to HK$195.323.5 million in fiscal 2010 from HK$175.1 million in fiscal 20092011. The increase is mainly due to theincreased talent costs and other operating expenses. The increase in talent costs is mainly attributable to uncapitalized expenses from the cost of purchasing international bandwidth as a result ofMultimedia Production Business, which represented talent costs expensed to profits and losses before the combined effect ofresources are fully deployed to production during the record growth in broadband subscriptionyear and the increasing demandmaintenance of bandwidth from customers as well asfull corporate functions after the disposal of Telecom Business. The increase in program fees for IP-TV services to enhance the value of content to customers.
Other operating expenses.Otherother operating expenses increased by 6.5% to HK$1,105.6 millionmainly includes bank charges, operating lease charges in fiscal 2010 from HK$1,038.0 million in fiscal 2009 mainly due to the following:
respect of land and buildings, legal and professional fee and amortization of intangible assets.

Set forth below is a table summarizing the details of our other operating expenses in fiscal 20092011 and 2010:

             
  For the year ended August 31, 
  2009  2010  2010 
  HK$  HK$  US$ 
  (Amounts in thousands) 
Talent costs  (302,279)  (301,760)  (38,796)
Advertising and marketing expenses  (299,794)  (372,727)  (47,920)
Depreciation  (206,241)  (199,029)  (25,588)
Others  (229,650)  (232,088)  (29,839)
          
             
Other operating expenses  (1,037,964)  (1,105,604)  (142,143)
          
             
Talent costs.Talent costs decreased by 0.2% to HK$301.8 million in fiscal 2010 from HK$302.3 million in fiscal 2009.
Advertising and marketing expenses.Advertising and marketing expenses increased by 24.3% to HK$372.7 million in fiscal 2010 from HK$299.8 million in fiscal 2009. Our salaries and commissions for our sales and marketing Talents increased by HK$28.5 million due to our growth in broadband subscription base. Moreover, our marketing campaigns resulted in an increase in mass media advertising costs of HK$21.6 million and other advertising costs of HK$14.9 million. In addition, the expansion of our sales channels through opening new shops resulted in an increase of advertising and marketing related expenses of HK$7.9 million.
Depreciation.Depreciation decreased by 3.5% to HK$199.0 million in fiscal 2010 from HK$206.2 million in fiscal 2009. Notwithstanding our purchase of additional fixed assets for our network infrastructure as we increased the scale of operations in our FTNS business, a portion of our owned fixed assets were fully depreciated. As a result, we incurred lower depreciation expenses.
2012:

   For the year ended August 31, 
   2011   2012   2012 
   HK$   HK$   US$ 
   (in thousands) 

Talent costs

   6,837     55,971     7,216  

Advertising and marketing expenses

   —       214     28  

Depreciation

   1,585     4,636     598  

Others

   15,059     44,139     5,691  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other operating expenses

   23,481     104,960     13,533  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other income, net.net. Other income, net increased to HK$19.9 million in fiscal 2012 from HK$3.5 million in fiscal 2011 mainly due to the increase in interest income from banks arising from term deposits placed with banks after receiving the final consideration from the sale of the Telecom Business.

Finance costs, net. Finance costs, net decreased to HK$8.02.5 million in fiscal 20102012 from HK$41.57.3 million in fiscal 2009.2011. The decrease was mainly contributed byis primarily due to the loss on extinguishmentrepayment of our 10-year senior notes of HK$9.7 millionlong-term bank loans in fiscal 2010 compared to2011. As a result of the gainrepayment, items recorded in 2011, such as interest expenses, amortization of upfront costs on extinguishmentbank borrowings and write-off of our 10-year senior notes of HK$31.4 millionupfront costs on bank borrowings, became nil in fiscal 2009. The effect of which was partially offset by an increase in interest income of HK$10.1 million recognized in relation to mobile interconnection charges in fiscal 2010.

Finance costs.Finance costs decreased by 59.7% to HK$22.2 million in fiscal 2010 from HK$55.1 million in fiscal 2009. The decrease was mainly due to finance cost savings through repurchase and redemption of our 10-year senior notes and interest bearing bank borrowings at

38

2012.


a lower interest rate. The effect of which was partially offset by the change in fair value of derivative financial instrument that we did not have in fiscal 2009.
Income tax benefit/(expense).expenses. We recorded an income tax expenseexpenses of HK$42.72.3 million, which included a non-cash deferred tax expenses of HK$40.11.3 million, in fiscal 2010,2012, compared to an income tax expenseexpenses of HK$38.74.8 million in fiscal 2009,2011, which included arepresented non-cash deferred tax expenses of HK$37.1 million.
expenses.

Net income.lossFor the foregoing reasons, net income. Net loss increased to HK$216.973.8 million in fiscal 20102012 from HK$212.832.1 million in fiscal 2009. Net margin decreased2011, primarily because we incurred start-up costs while no material revenue was generated by the Multimedia Production Business and other operating expenses had increased as mentioned above.

Discontinued operations. The disposal of Telecom Business was completed on May 30, 2012. The operating results of the disposed Telecom Business up to 13.8% in fiscal 2010 from 14.4% in fiscal 2009. The slight decrease in net margin was primarily duethe disposal date have been presented as discontinued operations on this Form 20-F. For a detailed discussion of discontinued operations, see Item 18: Financial Statements—Notes to a higher cost in acquiring new customers.

Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 2.

Fiscal 20092011 Compared to Fiscal 20082010

Revenues.Revenues increased by 13.4% to HK$1,478.2 million

Following the disposal of our Telecom Business in May 2012, the Telecom business was retrospectively reclassified as discontinued operations for fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010. Since all revenue, cost of sales and valuation gains on investment properties for fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010 were from the Telecom Business, the reclassification had rendered these items nil for our continuing operations in fiscal 2009 from HK$1,303.0 million in2011 and fiscal 2008, reflecting an increase in revenue from our FTNS business, the effects of which were partially offset by a decrease in revenue from our IDD business. Revenue contribution from our FTNS business increased to 83.3% in fiscal 2009 from 77.6% in fiscal 2008.

FTNS business.Revenues from our FTNS business increased by 21.8% to HK$1,230.9 million in fiscal 2009 from HK$1,011.0 million in fiscal 2008. The increase was primarily caused by an increase of 17.7% of our FTNS subscription base to 943,000 as of August 31, 2009 from 801,000 as of August 31, 2008 and, to a lesser extent, an increase in the average revenue per user for our Internet access services. We believe that there was growing market acceptance of premium pricing in fiscal 2009.
Broadband Internet access.The subscription base for our Internet access services increased by 23.7%, to 391,000 as of August 31, 2009 from 316,000 as of August 31, 2008. During fiscal 2009, partly as a result of our success in differentiating our services by emphasizing our ultra high Internet access speed, we were able to acquire and retain customers who are willing to enter into subscription contracts with a long service period. Revenues from our Internet access services increased as a result.
Local VoIP.The subscription base for our local VoIP services rose by 16.1%, to 382,000 as of August 31, 2009 from 329,000 as of August 31, 2008, mainly due to improved branding and our greater success in cross selling our VoIP services to subscribers of our Internet access services.
IP-TV.The subscription base for our IP-TV services increased by 9.0% to 170,000 subscriptions, with the majority of the new subscriptions coming from existing subscribers of our Internet access and local VoIP services.
Also as included in revenue from our FTNS business were mobile interconnection charges of HK$20.6 million in fiscal 2009. The mobile interconnection charges in fiscal 2009 decreased by 30.5% compared to fiscal 2008 due to the withdrawal of regulatory guidance on FMIC in favor of Mobile Party’s Network Pay on April 26, 2009. Prior to April 26, 2009, the mobile network operators were required to pay interconnection charges for all calls originating to and from the mobile users. After April 26, 2009, the chargeability of interconnection charges is subject to commercial negotiation.
IDD business.Revenues from our IDD business decreased by 15.3% to HK$247.4 million in fiscal 2009 from HK$292.0 million in fiscal 2008. The decrease was primarily due to the reduction in IDD traffic volume. Competition during the fiscal year was intense as some of our integrated competitors offered international direct dial minutes for free or at very low cost as a marketing incentive to gain local fixed line and mobile market shares. Further, technology from global VoIP providers such as Skype, which offer free PC-to-PC based international calls, was also becoming more prevalent.
Network costs.Network costs decreased by 1.8% to HK$175.1 million in fiscal 2009 from HK$178.4 million in fiscal 2008 mainly due to a reduction in carrier costs as IDD traffic decreased. The effects of the foregoing, however, were partially offset by the recovery of HK$7.6 million universal services contribution charges from PCCW-HK in fiscal 2008 pursuant to the TA Statement issued by the Telecommunications Authority on December 28, 2007. No similar recovery was recorded in fiscal 2009.
2010.

Other operating expenses.expenses. Other operating expenses increased by 7.4%7.1% to HK$1,038.023.5 million in fiscal 20092011 from HK$966.121.9 million in fiscal 2008 mainly due to the following:

39

2010.


Set forth below is a table summarizing the details of our other operating expenses in fiscal 20082010 and 2009:
             
  For the year ended August 31, 
  2008  2009  2009 
  HK$  HK$  US$ 
      (Amounts in thousands)     
Talent costs  (247,460)  (302,279)  (39,001)
Advertising and marketing expenses  (307,743)  (299,794)  (38,681)
Depreciation  (210,051)  (206,241)  (26,610)
Others  (200,840)  (229,650)  (29,630)
          
             
Other operating expenses  (966,094)  (1,037,964)  (133,922)
          
2011:

   For the year ended
August 31,
 
   2010  2011 
   HK$  HK$ 
   (in thousands) 

Talent costs

   (7,221  (6,837

Depreciation

   (1,650  (1,585

Others

   (13,061  (15,059
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other operating expenses

   (21,932  (23,481
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

Talent costs.costs. Talent costs increaseddecreased by 22.1%5.3% to HK$302.36.8 million in fiscal 20092011 from HK$247.57.2 million in fiscal 2008. We increased our total work force by 4.0% to 3,173 Talents as of August 31, 2009 from 3,051 Talents as of August 31, 2008, primarily due to the increased scale of operations in our FTNS business and the increasing scope in investing and developing our Talents through Talents education partnership and Talent infinity program.2010.

  

Advertising and marketing expenses.DepreciationAdvertising and marketing expenses. Depreciation decreased by 2.6%3.9% to HK$299.81.6 million in fiscal 20092011 from HK$307.71.7 million in fiscal 2008. Our salaries and commissions for2010 because some of our sales and marketing Talentsfixed assets were increased by HK$19.5 million duefully depreciated prior to an increase in total contract sum due to substantial growth in subscription base. Moreover, our opening of additional new shops caused shop related operating costs to increase by HK$11.4 million. The effects of the foregoing, however, were partially offset by a decrease in mass media advertising costs of HK$34.4 million.fiscal 2011.

  

Depreciation.OthersDepreciation decreased by 1.9%. Others increased 15.3% to HK$206.215.1 million in fiscal 2009. Notwithstanding our purchase of additional fixed assets for our network infrastructure as we increased the scale of operations2011 from HK$13.1 million in our FTNS business, a portion of our owned fixed assets were fully depreciatedfiscal 2010. The increase in other expenses mainly included donation, legal and a lower depreciationprofessional fee, overseas trip expenses was incurred as a result.and recruitment expenses.

Other income/loss, net. We recorded other net income net.Other income, net increased toof HK$41.53.5 million in fiscal 2009 from2011, compared to other net loss of HK$25.07.7 million in fiscal 2008.2010. The increaseother net loss was mainly contributed bydue to the gainloss on extinguishment of our 10-year senior notes of HK$31.4 million, the effects of which were partially offset by a decrease in interest income from HK$15.69.7 million in fiscal 2008 to HK$4.8 million in fiscal 2009 as a result of the decrease in our average cash balance in fiscal 2009 mainly due to senior notes buyback actions.

2010.

Finance costs.costs. Finance costs decreased by 26.6%65.7% to HK$55.17.3 million in fiscal 20092011 from HK$75.121.3 million in fiscal 2008 as a result2010. The decrease was mainly due to full year impact of the redemptionfinance cost savings through repurchase and cancellation of an aggregate principal amount of US$68.0 millionredemption of our 10-year senior notes from the market in fiscal 2009.

2010.

Income tax benefit/(expense).expense. We recorded an income tax expense of HK$38.84.8 million in fiscal 2009,2011, compared to an income tax benefit of HK$16.85.6 million in fiscal 2008. Included in the2010. Our income tax benefit in fiscal 2008 was a tax credit of HK$26.3 million related to theexpense represented non-cash deferred tax assets recognizedexpenses in respect of the tax loss carryforwards of our major operating subsidiary as at August 31, 2008. Based on the results of operations of our major operating subsidiary in recent yearsboth fiscal 2011 and our forecast for future years, we concluded it was probable that the subsidiary would generate sufficient taxable income to utilize the tax loss carryforwards. If such effect was excluded, the income tax expenses increase by HK$29.3 million, which was primarily caused by the increase of our income before taxation.

2010.

Net income.loss. For the foregoing reasons, net income increasedloss decreased to HK$212.832.1 million in fiscal 20092011 from HK$125.256.5 million in fiscal 2008. Net margin increased to 14.4% in fiscal 2009 from 9.6% in fiscal 2008. The increase in net margin was primarily due to higher revenue contribution from our FTNS business and the better margin achieved in our IDD business as a result of the phasing out of lower margin customers.

2010.

Recent accounting pronouncements

     Recent

Recently issued and adoptedbut not yet effective accounting pronouncements under IFRSs have been included in note 3231 to our consolidated financial statements.

B. Liquidity and capital resources

B.Liquidity and capital resources

We expect cash flow from operating activities to continuecontinued to be in a strong financial position for the year under review, in particular after receiving the final consideration of HK$4,873.6 million from the sale of Telecom Business during the year, which provided us with a net cash inflow of HK$4,655.4 million after netting transaction costs of HK$183.4 million and disposal of cash and cash equivalents of HK$34.8 million. A special dividend of HK$2,022.5 million (i.e. at HK$2.5 per ordinary share) was distributed on June 29, 2012. The remaining cash will be used to fund the continuing development and expansion of our principal sourceMultimedia Production Business. Pending such use of liquidity. the funds, consistent with the overall treasury objectives and policy, the Group will undertake treasury management activities with respect to its surplus cash assets. As and when cash is expected to be required to fund the continuing development and expansion of the Multimedia Production Business, the investments will be realized as appropriate.

As of August 31, 2010,2012, we had total cash at bank and bank balancein hand and term deposits amounting to HK$2,627.1 million, compared to HK$409.0 million as of August 31, 2011, and outstanding borrowings of HK$588.7 million. Our day-to-day operations are also supported by3.3 million, compared to HK$353.81.2 million as of August 31, 2011. This led to an increase of our net cash position to HK$2,623.8 million as of August 31, 2012 from HK$407.8 million as of August 31, 2011. As of August 31, 2012, we had utilized HK$2.0 million banking facilities and revolving loan facility,mainly to provide bank guarantees to utility vendors in lieu of which onlyutility deposits, compared to HK$133.36.9 million was utilized as atof August 31, 2010.

2011, leaving HK$21.3 million available for future utilization.

We believe that our current cash and cash equivalents and cash flow from operationsterm deposits on hand will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash needs, including working capital requirements, capital expenditures, repayment of our indebtedness when fall due and various contractual obligations, for at least the next 12 months. Our cash flows from operations, however, may decrease due to lower customer demand resulting from rapid

40


technological changes, increasing competition resulting from new local and foreign entrants into the market, or our failure to obtain or renew the necessary telecommunication licenses. A decrease in our operating cash flow could adversely affect our ability to make planned capital expenditures, to comply with our obligations under various operating and capital leases and to repay amounts due under banking facilities.
Cash flow

The following table summarizes our cash flows for each of fiscal 2008, 20092010, 2011 and 2010:

                 
  For the year ended August 31, 
  2008  2009  2010  2010 
  HK$  HK$  HK$  US$ 
      (Amounts in thousands)     
Net cash inflow from operating activities  381,991   536,771   485,340   62,398 
Net cash outflow from investing activities  (147,750)  (176,488)  (306,254)  (39,374)
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financing activities  (345,978)  (561,292)  178,307   22,924 
             
                 
(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents  (111,737)  (201,009)  357,393   45,948 
Cash and cash equivalents, at the beginning of year  532,894   421,610   221,052   28,420 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash  453   451   (270)  (35)
             
                 
Cash and cash equivalents, at the end of the year  421,610   221,052   578,175   74,333 
             
                 
Analysis of the balances of cash and cash equivalents                
Cash at bank and in hand  434,604   226,416   588,665   75,682 
Bank overdrafts — unsecured  (12,994)  (5,364)  (10,490)  (1,349)
             
                 
   421,610   221,052   578,175   74,333 
             
2012:

   For the year ended August 31, 
   2010  2011  2012  2012 
   HK$  HK$  HK$  US$ 
   (in thousands) 

Net cash inflow from operating activities

   485,340    585,899    181,924    23,456  

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities

   (306,254  (414,189  3,681,791    474,703  

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing activities

   178,307    (343,112  (2,191,749  (282,588

Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   357,393    (171,402  1,671,966    215,571  

Cash and cash equivalents, at the beginning of year

   221,052    578,175    408,131    52,621  

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash

   (270  1,358    (44  (6

Cash and cash equivalents, at the end of the year

   578,175    408,131    2,080,053    268,186  

Analysis of the balances of cash and cash equivalents

     

Cash at bank and in hand

   588,665    408,976    2,083,079    268,576  

Bank overdrafts – unsecured

   (10,490  (845  (3,026  (390
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   578,175    408,131    2,080,053    268,186  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating activities

     Our

Prior to the disposal of the Telecom Business, our principal source of cash was cash generated from our FTNS and IDD business. Net cash inflow from operating activities increased 40.5%20.7% from HK$382.0485.3 million in fiscal 20082010 to HK$536.8585.9 million in fiscal 2009,2011, primarily reflecting the increase in our profit before taxation resulting from the continued expansion of our subscription base. Net cash inflow from operating activities decreased by 9.6%69.0% from HK$536.8585.9 million in fiscal 20092011 to HK$485.3181.9 million in fiscal 2010, which was a reflection of a slight increase2012, primarily reflecting the decrease in our profit before taxation offsetting by our rather higher customer acquisitionas we only recorded nine months of operating results from the discontinued operations resulting from the disposal of Telecom Business and the start up costs for Multimedia Production Business.

Investing activities

Net cash inflow from investing activities in fiscal 2010.

Investing2012 was HK$3,681.8 million, mainly representing the proceeds from the disposal of the Telecom Business (net of cash disposed of), net of increase in term deposits of HK$554.0 million and purchase of fixed assets of HK$467.8 million.

Net cash outflow from investing activities

in fiscal 2011 was HK$414.2 million. The net cash outflow was mainly due to the purchase of fixed assets of HK$397.9 million for the development of our Next Generation Network and the purchase of land premium of HK$48.0 million for constructing a Television and Multimedia Production Centre.

Net cash outflow from investing activities in fiscal 2010 was HK$306.3 million. The net cash outflow was mainly due to our purchase of fixed assets in the amount of HK$349.1 million.

Financing activities

Net cash outflow from investingfinancing activities in fiscal 20092012 was HK$176.52,191.7 million. The net cash outflow was mainly attributable to the payment of cash dividends of HK$2,257.8 million.

Net cash outflow from financing activities in fiscal 2011 was HK$343.1 million. The net cash outflow was mainly due to our purchaserepayment of fixed assetsour bank loan of HK$289.9 million, the effect of which were partially offset by an decrease in pledged bank deposits of HK$72.3125 million and net proceeds from maturitypayment of investment in debt securitiescash dividends of HK$28.1219.3 million.

     Net cash outflow from investing activities in fiscal 2008 was HK$147.8 million. The net cash outflow was mainly due to the purchase of fixed assets of HK$189.9 million for the development of our Next Generation Network.
Financing activities

Net cash inflow from financing activities in fiscal 2010 was HK$178.3 million. The net cash inflow was mainly due to the proceeds from the offering of new ordinary shares in the amount of HK$396.4 million and the proceeds from new bank loans of HK$163.4 million, which were partially offset by the repurchase and redemption of our 10-year senior notes of HK$172.4 million and dividend paid of HK$158.4 million.

     Net cash outflow from financing activities in fiscal 2009 was HK$561.3 million. The net cash outflow was mainly due to our repurchase of 10-year senior notes for an aggregate consideration of HK$485.8 million (including transaction cost), payment of interest on the 10-year senior notes of HK$52.7 million and payment of cash dividends of HK$23.0 million.

41


     Net cash outflow from financing activities in fiscal 2008 was HK$346.0 million. The net cash outflow was mainly due to our repurchase of 10-year senior notes for an aggregate consideration of HK$269.4 million, payment of interest on the 10-year senior notes of HK$70.0 million and payment of cash dividends of HK$17.3 million.
Indebtedness

As of August 31, 2010,2012, we had an outstanding debt of HK$134.7 million, most of which consisted of our bank loans in the amount of HK$123.6 million stated at amortized cost and were classified as non-current debt.

3.3 million.

10-year senior notesBanking facilities

     On January 20, 2005 we issued unsecured 10-year senior fixed rate notes in the aggregate principle amount of US$125 million at par value and received net proceeds in the amount of US$121.0 million after deduction of expenses and commissions. The 10-year senior notes were rated BB- (stable) by Standard & Poor’s Rating Services and Ba3 (stable) by Moody’s Investors Services. A significant portion of the net proceeds were used to repay in full an existing bank loan in the outstanding amount of HK$196.7 million and to finance capital expenditures, including costs incurred in expanding and upgrading our Next Generation Network.

As of August 31, 2009, the 10-year senior notes were stated at the amortized cost of US$21.0 million (HK$162.6 million), compared with the amortized costs of US$87.5 million (HK$683.2 million) as of August 31, 2008.

     The notes mature on February 1, 2015 and bear interest at the fixed rate of 8.75% per annum. Interest on the notes are payable semi-annually in arrears on February 1 and August 1 of each year. The notes are irrevocably and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior unsecured basis by all of our existing and future subsidiaries (other than, as of the issue date of the notes, CTI Guangzhou and, subsequently, any other subsidiary prohibited by applicable law, regulation or order from issuing a guarantee of the notes).
     On June 17, 2009, as a result of our tender offer and consent for amendments to the indenture, substantially all of the restrictive covenants in the indenture have been eliminated. Consequently, certain events that would have constituted a violation of such covenants in the past will no longer constitute event of default. We also repurchased an aggregate principal amount of US$68.0 million of the 10-year senior notes from the market for an aggregate consideration (including transaction cost and accrued interest) of US$65.1 million.
     On December 4, 2009, we repurchased a portion of the 10-year senior notes with a cumulative principal amount of HK$11.6 million (US$1.5 million) from the open market. We paid a total consideration, including accrued interest, of approximately HK$12.1 million (US$1.6 million). On February 1, 2010, we redeemed the then outstanding 10-year senior notes with a cumulative principal amount of HK$153.9 million (US$19.9 million) at the redemption price equal to 104.375% of the principal amount. We paid a total consideration, including accrued interest, of approximately HK$167.6 million (US$21.6 million). As of August 31, 2010, all the 10-year senior notes has been repurchased and redeemed.
Banking facilities
     As of August 31, 2010,2012, we had available banking facilities and revolving loan facility of HK$353.823.3 million, of which HK$133.32.0 million was utilized.

Capital expenditures

In order to further develop our Next Generation Network and continue to increase the scale of operations of our FTNS business,fiscal 2012, we plan to make a totalspent HK$462.4 million on capital expenditure ranging from approximatelyversus HK$320 million to HK$350449.2 million in fiscal 20112011. Within the amount incurred in fiscal 2012, HK$178.8 million was incurred for the Multimedia Production Business mainly for the construction of the Television and Multimedia Production Centre and for the set-up of production facilities for television drama series and infotainment and variety programmes. The remaining HK$283.6 million was for the disposed Telecom Business.

For the construction of the Centre and the expansion into the Multimedia Production Business pending the grant of licence, our capital expenditure outlook for fiscal 2013 is expected to increasebe about HK$700.0 million, which is expected to be funded by internal resources retained from the coverageconsideration received from the disposal of our Next Generation Network. Our plan is to reach 2.0 million residential homes passthe Telecom Business and 1,800 commercial buildings bybanking facilities within the end of 2011. We expect to finance our budgeted capital expenditures with cash from operating activities, bank loans and capital market transactions.

C. Research and development, patents and licenses
Group. Overall, the Group’s financial position remains sound for continuous business expansion.

C.Research and development, patents and licences

We commit considerable resources to our research and development departmentteam in order to continuously improve our services and improve our market position.to better position ourselves in the multimedia market. As of August 31, 2010,2012, after the disposal of the Telecom Business, our research and development teamdepartment in Hong Kong consisted of approximately 2117 Talents experienced in systems design, engineering, telecommunicationsmobile technology, and computer programming. Our research and development departmentteam is primarily responsible for assessing and adapting the technology that we employexpect to deploy in upgradingour domestic free television programme services and expanding our Next Generation Network.content distribution, such as through Internet. To identify and develop new market opportunities theand product advancement, our research and development team assessesevaluates new services offered by telecommunications and Internet companiestechnology under development in the United States and elsewhere and works closely with our production department and marketing department. Our research and development expenditures were approximately HK$9.6 million, HK$10.8 million and HK$11.2 milliondepartment for fiscal 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively.

D. Trend information
     Revenue from our IDD business decreased by 11.6% to HK$218.6 million in fiscal 2010 from HK$247.4 million in fiscal 2009. The principal reason for this decrease was the intense competition, as our key competitors introduced highly aggressive price cuts. Partly as a result,

42

product development.


D.Trend information

the traffic volume of our IDD business decreased by 4.7% to 464.0 million minutes in fiscal 2010 from 487.0 million minutes in fiscal 2009. We expect competition will continue to increase in the future, creating further pressure on our volume and pricing.
     Revenue from our FTNS business grew by 10.2% to HK$1,356.1 million in fiscal 2010 from HK$1,230.9 million in fiscal 2009. The principal reason for this increase was due to the broadband subscription growth of 34.5% to 526,000 subscription accounts as of August 31, 2010 from 391,000 subscription accounts as of August 31, 2009, which was partially offset by a decrease in the average revenue per subscription account as part of our marketing campaigns to increase our subscriber base.
     The global economic downturn has had a dampening effect on consumer sentiment and business activities across the globe in late 2008 and 2009 and the global economy continues to experience continued market volatility. The impact of the downturn on our operations has been limited because our FTNS and IDD services are regarded as “semi-utility” services. However, if the global economic downturn continues to experience significant volatility, demand for our services may be adversely affected.
E. Off-balance sheet arrangements
Other than as describeddisclosed elsewhere in note 28this annual report, we are not aware of any trends, uncertainties, demands, commitments or events for the period from September 1, 2011 to August 31, 2012 that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements, we havenet revenues, income, profitability, liquidity or capital resources, or that would cause the disclosed financial information to be not enterednecessarily indicative of future operating results or financial conditions.

E.Off-balance sheet arrangements

We did not enter into any off-balance-sheet arrangements with any entities or individuals.

F. Tabular disclosure of contractual obligations
individuals during fiscal 2012.

F.Tabular disclosure of contractual obligations

The following table sets forth information regarding our aggregate payment obligations in future years of the contractual obligations and commercial commitments that we had as of August 31, 2010.

                     
  Payments due by period 
          More than  More than    
          1 year  3 years    
      Within  but within  but within  More than 
  Total  1 year  3 years  5 years  5 years 
Contractual obligations HK$  HK$  HK$  HK$  HK$ 
  (Amounts in thousands) 
Capital expenditure items  132,340   132,340          
Operating leases  124,287   88,821   26,555   4,062   4,849 
Long-term bank loan  133,996   1,829   4,326   127,841    
Obligation under finance leases  677   242   243   192    
Other current liabilities  264,904   264,904          
Programming fees (IP-TV)  73,626   25,539   41,506   6,581    
                
                     
Total  729,830   513,675   72,630   138,676   4,849 
                
2012.

Contractual obligations

  Total
HK$
   Within
1 year
HK$
   More than
1 year
but within
3 years
HK$
   More than
3 years
but within
5 years
HK$
 
   (in thousands) 

Capital expenditure items

   46,617     46,617     —       —    

Operating leases

   7,667     5,373     2,294     —    

Obligation under finance leases

   261     95     166     —    

Other current liabilities(1)

   42,709     42,709     —       —    

Programme fee

   203,282     96,613     103,229     3,440  

Total

   300,536     191,407     105,689     3,440  

Note:

Note:(1)The other current liabilities of HK$264.942.7 million iswas comprised of bank overdrafts — overdrafts—unsecured liabilities of HK$10.53.0 million, accounts payable of HK$35.15.4 million, other payables and accrued charges of HK$195.931.1 million, deposits received of HK$21.82.3 million and tax payable of HK$1.50.9 million. A detailed explanation of the nature of accounts payable and other payables and accrued charges is contained in Note 1719 to the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements included in this Form 20-F.
G. Safe Harbor

G.Safe Harbor

See “Note regarding forward-looking statements”.

statements.”

ItemITEM 6 Directors, senior management and employeesDIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
A. Directors and senior management

A.Directors and senior management

Our board of directors consists of eight directors, three of whom, Mr. Lee Hon Ying, John, Dr. Chan Kin Man and Mr. Peh Jefferson Tun Lu, are independent non-executive directors and one of whom, Dr. Cheng Mo Chi, Moses, is a non-executive director. The remaining four, Mr. Wong Wai Kay, Ricky, Mr. Cheung Chi Kin, Paul, Mr. Yeung Chu Kwong, WilliamMs. To Wai Bing and Mr.Ms. Wong Nga Lai, Ni Quiaque,Alice, are executive directors.

43


The following table sets forth certain information concerning our directors and senior management as of December 14, 2010.
          
        Date
        joined
        City
Name Age Position Telecom
Board of directors:
         
          
WONG Wai Kay, Ricky  49  Executive Director and Chairman  1992
          
CHEUNG Chi Kin, Paul  53  Executive Director and Vice Chairman  1992
          
YEUNG Chu Kwong, William  50  Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer  2005
          
LAI Ni Quiaque  41  Executive Director, Chief Financial Officer, Company Secretary and Head of Talent Engagement  2004
          
CHENG Mo Chi, Moses  60  Non-Executive Director  1997
          
LEE Hon Ying, John  64  Independent Non-Executive Director  1997
          
CHAN Kin Man  51  Independent Non-Executive Director  1997
          
PEH Jefferson Tun Lu  51  Independent Non-Executive Director  2004
          
Senior management:
         
 ��        
CHONG Kin Chun, John  48  Managing Director of Corporate Division  1996
          
LO Sui Lun  46  Director of Corporate Affairs Department  1998
          
TAM Ming Chit  45  Chief Technology Officer  2008
          
TO Wai Bing  48  Managing Director of Business Development  2007
18, 2012.

Name

  Age   

Position

  Date joined City
Telecom
 

Board of directors:

      

WONG Wai Kay, Ricky

   51    Executive Director and Chairman   1992  

CHEUNG Chi Kin, Paul

   55    Executive Director and Vice Chairman   1992  

TO Wai Bing

   50    Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer   2007  

WONG Nga Lai, Alice

   38    Executive Director, Chief Financial Officer, Company Secretary   2003  

CHENG Mo Chi, Moses

   62    Non-Executive Director   1997  

LEE Hon Ying, John

   66    Independent Non-Executive Director   1997  

CHAN Kin Man

   53    Independent Non-Executive Director   1997  

PEH Jefferson Tun Lu

   53    Independent Non-Executive Director   2004  

Executive directors

Mr. WONG Wai Kay, Ricky, aged 49,51, is the co-founder and Chairman of the Group and is also a director of various subsidiaries of the Group. HeMr. Wong is responsible for our overall strategic planning and management. Mr. Wong has over 2527 years’ experience in the telecommunications and computer industries.industries and has substantial experience in corporate management. He had worked at a major US-listed computer company as a marketing representative and was responsible for marketing and distribution of computer products in Hong Kong from 1985 to 1989. He was also a co-founder and director of a company principally engaged in import and distribution of computer systems in Canada prior to co-founding of the Group. Mr. Wong holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Science and a Master of Business Administration Degree (Executive MBA Program) from The Chinese University of Hong Kong. He is a first cousin of Mr. Cheung Chi Kin, Paul, the Vice Chairman of the Group. Currently, Mr. Wong is a member of Zhejiang Committee, Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and a member of the Board of Trustees, United College, The Chinese University of Hong Kong and a member of the executive committee of the Digital Solidarity Fund of Hong Kong Council of Social Service.

Kong.

Mr. CHEUNG Chi Kin, Paul, aged 53,55, is the co-founder and Vice Chairman of the Group and is also a director of various subsidiaries of the Group. Mr. Cheung is responsible for overall strategic planning and management of the Group. Prior to that, Mr. Cheung was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer and was responsible for our day-to-day operations and technological research, development and support activities. Mr. Cheung has more than 2931 years’ experience in the telecommunications and computer industries.industries and has substantial experience in corporate management. He had worked in several companies engaged in application software development and computer consultancy prior to co-founding of the Group. Mr. Cheung graduated with a Diploma of Advanced Programming and System Concepts Design from Herzing Institute, Canada. Mr. Cheung is a first cousin of Mr. Wong Wai Kay, Ricky, the Chairman of the Group.

     Mr. YEUNG Chu Kwong, William,

Ms. TO Wai Bing, aged 50, was appointed as ourthe Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer in November 2008 withof the responsibilitiesGroup on May 30, 2012. Ms. To is also the Chief Operating Officer of Hong Kong Media Production Company Limited, the Chief Executive Officer of Leader Artiste Management Company Limited, as well as a director of abovementioned subsidiaries. Ms. To is responsible for developing corporate strategies and overseeing the operationsMultimedia Production Business of the Group. Before that, Mr. Yeung joined the Group as Chief Operating Officer in October 2005. He was in charge of the Customer Engagement Department overseeing customer relationship management and was also in charge of the Network Development Department. Mr. Yeung has more than 19 years’ experience in the telecommunications industry. Prior to joining the Group, Mr. Yeungthat, Ms. To was the Managing Director of Customers Division in Smartone-Vodafone, the General Manager of Personal Communications and Retail Division in Tricom Telecom Limited, and was also an Inspector of Police in the Hong Kong Police Force. Mr. Yeung holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Hong Kong Baptist University, a Master of Business Administration Degree from University of Strathclyde, U.K. and a Master of Science Degree in Electronic Commerce and Internet Computing

44


from The University of Hong Kong. Mr. Yeung is also a graduate of the Senior Executive Program of the Columbia University Graduate School of Business in New York.
     Mr. LAI Ni Quiaque, aged 41, is the Chief Financial Officer, Company Secretary and Head of Talent EngagementDevelopment of the Group. Mr. Lai joinedMs. To has a Diploma in Electronic Engineering and a Higher Certificate in Electronic Engineering from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Ms. To re-joined the Group in May 2004. Mr. Lai has extensive experience in telecommunications industry, research and finance, being highly rated in this field. Prior2007 after her previous service with the Group from September 1998 to July 2006. Before joining the Group, Mr.Ms. To had worked at Hong Kong Telecom International Limited for 16 years.

Ms. WONG Nga Lai, Alice, aged 38, was appointed as the Executive Director, Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary of the Group on May 30, 2012 and is also a Directordirector of various subsidiaries of the Group. Ms. Wong has over 15 years of experience in financial management and Headaccounting. She is mainly responsible for the Group’s overall finance functions, procurement function as well as investor engagement. Prior to that, Ms. Wong was the Financial Controller of Asia Telecom Research for Credit Suisse and was involved in global fund raisings for a wide range of Asian Telecom carriers such as China Mobile, China Telecom, China Unicom, China Netcom, SK Telecom, PCCW, Telekom Malaysia, etc. Before that, Mr. Lai held positions with Hongkong Telecom and Kleinwort Benson Securities (Asia). Mr. Laithe Group. Ms. Wong holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Western Australia and an ExecutiveQueensland, a Master of Business Administration Degreedegree from Kellogg-HKUST. Mr. Laithe Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and a Postgraduate Diploma in Corporate Governance. She is a Fellowqualified member of HKICPA and CPA Australia and is a Member of the Hong Kong Institute of Directors. Mr. LaiCertified Public Accountants (HKICPA) and Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). She has also been appointed as a member of the Remuneration CommitteeStudent Affairs Sub-committee of ACCA Hong Kong since 2010. Before joining the Company.

Group, Ms. Wong had worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers in Hong Kong primarily focusing on the technology, info-communications and entertainment sectors.

Non-executive director

Dr. CHENG Mo Chi, Moses, aged 60,62, was appointed as thean Independent Non-executive Director of the Group since June 17, June 1997 and has been re-designatedre- designated as a Non-executive Director of the Group with effect from September 30, September 2004. Dr. Cheng hasis also been appointed as a member of the Remuneration Committee of the Company.Company and was appointed as a member of the Nomination Committee of the Company on February 27, 2012. Dr. Cheng is a practicingpractising solicitor and the senior partner of Messrs. P.C. Woo & Co. andDr. Cheng was a member of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong. He is the Founder Chairman of the Hong Kong Institute of Directors of which he is now the Honorary President and Chairman Emeritus and the President of International Association of Practicing Lawyers.Emeritus. Dr. Cheng currently holds directorships in K. Wah International Holdings Limited, China COSCO Holdings Company Limited, China Mobile Limited, China Resources Enterprise, Limited, Towngas China Company Limited, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, Kader Holdings Company Limited, Liu Chong Hing Investment Limited, Guangdong Investment Limited and Tian An China Investments Company Limited, all being public listed companies in Hong Kong. Dr. Cheng is also an independent non-executive director of ARA Asset Management Limited, a company whose shares are listed on the Singapore Exchange Limited.Stock Exchange. His other directorships in public listed companies in the last 3 years include Beijing Capital International AirportHong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited and China COSCO Holdings Company Limited, Galaxy Entertainment Group Limited and Shui On Construction and Materials Limited, allboth being public listed companies in Hong Kong, and ARA Asset Management (Fortune) Limited (formerly known as ARA Asset Management (Singapore) Limited), as the manager ofwhich manages Fortune Real Estate Investment Trust, a real estate investment trust listed on both the Singapore Stock Exchange Limited.

and the HKSE.

Independent non-executive directors

Mr. LEE Hon Ying, John, aged 64,66, is the managing director of Cyber Networks Consultants Company in Hong Kong. He was the Regional Director, Asia Pacific of Northrop Grumman-Canada, Ltd. He was previously the director of network services of Digital Equipment (HK) Limited and prior to that, worked for Cable and Wireless (HK) Limited and Hong Kong Telecom. He is a chartered engineer and a member of Institution of Engineering and Technology, the United Kingdom, the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers and the Hong Kong Computer Society. He received a Master’s Degree in Information System from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 1992. In addition, he is the Vice President and Board Member of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Council General, which is an international charity body with its head office in Paris, France. He is the Commission member of Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong Diocesan for Hospital Pastoral Care. Mr. Lee has been a Director of the Group since June 1997. Mr. Lee ishas also been appointed as the chairman of the Audit Committee and Remuneration Committee of the Company.

Mr. Lee has been appointed as a member of the Nomination Committee of the Company on February 27, 2012.

Dr. CHAN Kin Man, aged 51,53, is Director of the Centre for Civil Society Studies, Associate Director of Center for Entrepreneurship and Associate Professor of the Department of Sociology of The Chinese University of Hong Kong. He received a Bachelor of Social Science Degree from The Chinese University of Hong Kong in 1983 and a Doctor of Philosophy Degree from Yale University in the U.S. in 1995. Dr. Chan has been a Director of the Group since June 1997. Dr. Chan has also been appointed as a member of the Audit Committee and Remuneration Committee of the Company.

Dr. Chan has been appointed as the member of the Nomination Committee of the Company on February 27, 2012.

Mr. PEH Jefferson Tun Lu, aged 51,53, is a Certified Public Accountant of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants and a Certified Practicing Accountant of CPA Australia. Mr. Peh holds a Master Degree in Business from the University of Technology, Sydney. He has over 2830 years of experience in finance, accounting and management from listed and private companies in Hong Kong and Australia. Mr. Peh has been a Director of the Group since September 2004. Mr. Peh has also been appointed as a member of the Audit Committee and Remuneration Committee of the Company.

45


Senior management
Mr. CHONG Kin Chun, John, aged 48, isPeh has been appointed as the Managing Director of Corporate DivisionChairman of the Group. He is responsible for sales, servicing and network expansion developmentNomination Committee of the Group’s international telecommunications services and fixed telecommunications network services for business and corporate customers. Mr. Chong joined the Group inCompany on February 1996 and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts from 27, 2012.

Senior management

The University of Hong Kong. Mr. Chong worked as a general manager overseeing product management and the sales force of a listed telecommunications products company in Hong Kong from 1987 to 1996.

          Mr. LO Sui Lun, aged 46, is the Director of Corporate Affairs DepartmentExecutive Directors of the Group. He is primarily responsible for regulatory and carrier relations mattersCompany are also members of senior management of the Group. In addition, Mr. Lo is also responsible for overseeing the legal and company secretarial functions of the Group. Before taking up his current position, Mr. Lo was in charge of regulatory, carrier business, international business, network operation and network development for Hong Kong Broadband Network Limited, the wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Mr. Lo joined the Group in September 1998. Prior to that, Mr. Lo worked for PCCW (formerly known as “Hong Kong Telecom”) for 9 years, gaining experience in network planning and undersea cable investment. Mr. Lo holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sciences in Electronics from The Chinese University of Hong Kong and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Strathclyde, U.K.
          Dr. TAM Ming Chit, aged 45, is the Chief Technology Officer of the Group. He is responsible for the Group’s network, information system development and operations including broadband networking, IPTV, wireless applications, as well as VoIP networks. Prior to joining the Group in 2008, Dr. Tam held various technical positions in various institutions in Hong Kong and overseas, such as Alcatel-Lucent, Citibank and SRA. He has over 17 years of operational experience in the information technologies and telecommunications industries. Dr. Tam holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Computer Science from Imperial College, University of London, U.K. and a Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science from the University of Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
          Ms. TO Wai Bing, aged 48, is the Managing Director of Business Development of the Group. Ms. To is also in charge of International Business Department, Carrier Business Department and Pay TV Department. She is responsible for the control of cost of services, sales of carrier business, development of Pay TV business, explore and secure business partnerships to strengthen the Group’s business operations and development. Before joining the Group, Ms. To had worked in the Hong Kong Telecom Group for 16 years after graduating from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University with a Diploma in Electronic Engineering and subsequently a Higher Certificate in Electronic Engineering. Ms. To rejoined the Group in May 2007 after her previous service with the Group from September 1998 to July 2006.
B. Compensation

B.Compensation

Directors’ and senior management’s compensation

Our directors and senior management receive compensation in the form of salaries, housing allowances, discretionary bonuses, other allowances and benefits in kind, including our contribution to the pension schemes for such individuals. We also granted share options to various directors and members of our senior management. For more information regarding share options granted to directors and members of our senior management, see Item 6 “Directors, senior management and employees — employees—Share ownership” below in this annual report.

Our senior management and Talents are entitled to receive an annual discretionary bonus based on their individual performance and our financial performance during the year in question.

under review.

The aggregate amount of salaries or other compensation, housing allowances, other allowances and benefits in kind paid by us to our directors and senior management was approximately HK$46.1186.4 million for fiscal 2010,2012, compared with HK$38.840.6 million for fiscal 2009.2011. The aggregate amount of contribution that we made to the retirement or similar benefits for our directors and members of our senior management was HK$2.72.5 million for fiscal 2010,2012, compared with HK$2.6 million for fiscal 2009.

2011.

Except as discussed herein, no other payments have been paid or are payable, in respect of fiscal 2010,2012, by us or any of our subsidiaries to our directors and senior management.

C. Board practices

C.Board practices

Service contracts

We entered into service agreements with our four executive directors, Messrs.Mr. Wong Wai Kay, Ricky, Mr. Cheung Chi Kin, Paul, Yeung Chu Kwong, WilliamMs. To Wai Bing and Ms. Wong Nga Lai, Ni Quiaque,Alice, respectively. These service agreements include non-competition clauses under which our executive directors agree not to compete with us in accordance with the terms and conditions therein and shall continue to be effective unless and until terminated by either party of the respective service agreements. None of the agreements provide for any benefits or compensation upon termination of employment.

46


“Controlled company” exemption

We are a “controlled company” within the meaning of Nasdaq Listing Rule 5615(c) and IM-5615-5. More than 50.0% of the voting power for the election of our directors is held by a group consisting of Top Group International Limited, Mr. Wong Wai Kay, Ricky and Mr. Cheung Chi Kin, Paul. Mr. Wong and Mr. Cheung are the controlling shareholders of Top Group International Limited and have entered into a voting agreement pursuant to which they agreed to vote all of the shares held by Top Group International Limited, representing 44.22%43.98% of the voting power, all of the shares held by Mr. Wong individually, representing 0.93%1.88% of the voting power, and all of the shares held by Mr. Cheung individually, representing 5.50%6.23% of the voting power, collectively as a group.

We have elected to rely on the exemption from the majority independent board requirement, as set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5615(b), except for the requirements of subsection (b)(2), which pertain to executive sessions of independent directors, and from the requirement for independent director oversight of executive officer compensation and director nominations, as set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rules 5605(d) and 5605(e).

In accordance with the laws of Hong Kong, the nomination and remuneration of our directors are governed by our Articles of Association. Pursuant to our Articles, of Association, our directors are appointed by our shareholders in the annual general meeting, and our directors’ fees are recommended by the remuneration committee of our board of directors and determined by our shareholders at the annual general meeting.

Audit committee

Our board of directors established an audit committee in March 1999 to ensure the impartial supervision of our accounting and business operations. The audit committee is comprised of three independent non-executive directors, namely, Mr. Lee Hon Ying, John (the Chairman of the audit committee), Dr. Chan Kin Man and Mr. Peh Jefferson Tun Lu. Mr. Peh was appointed to the audit committee on September 1, 2004 and is a “financial expert” within the meaning of, and as required by the U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

The audit committee is governed by an audit committee charter, which was adopted by our board of directors at a meeting held in August 2004.2004 and updated in February 2012. It is responsible for the following:

overseeing the accounting and financial reporting process of the Company and the audits of the Company’s consolidated financial statements on behalf of the board of directors; and

overseeing the accounting and financial reporting process of the Company and the audits of the Company’s consolidated financial statements on behalf of the board of directors; and
the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the work of the Company’s independent auditors (including resolution of disagreements between management and the auditors regarding financial reporting) for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or performing other audit, review or attest services for the Company.

the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the work of the Company’s independent auditors (including resolution of disagreements between management and the auditors regarding financial reporting) for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or performing other audit, review or attest services for the Company.

As provided in our audit committee charter, the audit committee is required to meet in person or telephonically at least twice a year and has the resources and authority appropriate to discharge its responsibilities as required by law, including the authority to engage independent counsel and other advisors as the audit committee deems necessary to carry out its duties.

The audit committee met four times in fiscal 2010.2012. The major works performed by the committee from September 1, 20092011 to August 31, 20102012 included the following:

Reviewed our consolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2011 and for the six months ended February 29, 2012;

Reviewed our consolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2009 and for the six months ended February 28, 2010;
Reviewed the internal audit progress, including procedures required for compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act;
Reviewed the external auditor’s report on the review of our interim financial report for the six months ended February 28, 2010 and our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2009; and
Pre-approved the audit and non-audit services provided by KPMG, our external auditor.

Reviewed the internal audit progress, including procedures required for compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act;

Reviewed the external auditor’s report on the review of our interim financial report for the six months ended February 29, 2012 and our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2011; and

Pre-approved the audit and non-audit services provided by KPMG, our external auditor.

Remuneration committee

Our board of directors established a remuneration committee in August 2001 to oversee the Company’s remuneration packages for executive directors. Among others, each of our executive directors is entitled to receive an annual discretionary bonus of such amount as determined by the board of directors upon recommendation and approval by the remuneration committee. Mr. Lai Ni Quiaque resigned as the member of the remuneration committee with effect from May 30, 2012. The remuneration committee is comprised of sixfive members with three independent non-executive directors, Mr. Lee Hon Ying, John, Dr. Chan Kin Man and Mr. Peh Jefferson Tun Lu,Lu; the non-executive director, Dr. Cheng Mo Chi, Moses Mr. Lai Ni Quiaque, the executive director, Chief Financial Officer, Company Secretary and HeadMs. Choy Mei Yuk, Mimi, Director of Talent Engagement and our directorManagement. Mr. Lee Hon Ying, John is the chairman of Talent Management.the remuneration committee. The remuneration committee’s objectives are set out as follows:

Establish formal, fair and transparent procedures for developing policy and structure of all remuneration of directors and senior management.

management;

47

Review and consider the Company’s policy for remuneration of directors and senior management;


Determine the remuneration packages of executive directors and senior management; and

Review and consider the Company’s policy for remuneration of directors and senior management.
Recommend the remuneration packages of non-executive directors (including independent non-executive directors).
Recommend the remuneration packages of non-executive directors (including independent non-executive directors).

The remuneration committee held one meetingtwo meetings during fiscal 2010.2012. The major works performed by the committee from September 1, 20092011 to August 31, 20102012 included the following:

Reviewed and approved the discretionary performance bonus for the senior management; and

Reviewed and approved the remuneration packages for the directors and senior management.

Nomination committee

Our board of directors established a nomination committee in February 2012. The nomination committee comprises four members, namely, Mr. Lee Hon Ying, John, Dr. Chan Kin Man, Mr. Peh Jefferson Tun Lu and Dr. Cheng Mo Chi, Moses. Mr. Peh Jefferson Tun Lu is the chairman of the nomination committee. The nomination committee’s objectives are as follows:

Review the structure, size and composition of the Board and make recommendations on any proposed changes to the Board to implement our corporate strategy;

Identify qualified individuals to become members of the Board and select or make recommendations to the Board on the selection of individuals nominated for directorship;

Assess the independence of independent non-executive Directors; and

Make recommendations to the Board on the appointment or re-appointment of Directors and succession planning for Directors, in particular the Chairman and chief executive.

During the year ended August 31 2012, decisions to consider the appointment of two executive Directors were taken by way of circulated resolutions. In November 2012, the nomination committee held a meeting to discuss and review the re-election of all the retiring Directors at the coming 2012 annual general meeting.

D.Reviewed and approved the discretionary performance bonus for the management committee members;
Reviewed and approved the remuneration packages for management committee members; and
Reviewed and approved the remuneration packages for the directors.Employees

D. Employees

The following table sets forth the number of our Talents by functional area as of August 31, 2010.

Talents
Information technology and engineering363
Sales and marketing, customer service and “Special Duty Unit”, or SDU2,499
General administration and others370
Total3,232
2011 and 2012.

   As of August 31, 
   2011   2012 

Talents

    

Information technology and engineering

   357     43  

Sales and marketing, customer service and special duty unit (SDU)

   2,365     4  

General administration and others

   358     99  

Creative and production

   —       391  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   3,080     537  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following table sets forth the number of our Talents by geographical region as of August 31, 2010.

Talents
Hong Kong1,593
Guangzhou1,620
Canada19
Total3,232
2011 and 2012.

   As of August 31, 
   2011   2012 

Talents

    

Hong Kong

   1,529     537  

Guangzhou

   1,532     —    

Canada

   19     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   3,080     537  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

As of August 31, 2008, 20092011 and 2010,2012, we had 3,051, 3,1733,080 and 3,232537 Talents, respectively. The increase in our total number of Talents in fiscal 2010 was mainly due to the expansion in our FTNS business.

E.

E.Share ownership

Share ownership

Share ownership

The following table sets forth the share ownership of our directors and senior management as of December 14, 2010.

                 
      Number  Percentage    
      of shares  of shares    
      beneficially  beneficially  Outstanding 
  Identity of person  owned  owned(note 3)  share 
Title of class or Group  (note 4)  %  options 
Ordinary shares Wong Wai Kay, Ricky 389,245,732
(note 1)
   50.66   8,091,604 
                 
Ordinary shares Cheung Chi Kin, Paul 389,245,732
(note 1)
   50.66   8,091,604 
                 
Ordinary shares Yeung Chu Kwong, William  2,306,000  Less than 1.0   11,542,956 
                 
Ordinary shares Lai Ni Quiaque  12,415,405   1.62   6,044,791 

48

18, 2012.


Title of class

  

Identity of person or Group

  Number of shares
beneficially
owned(3)
  Percentage of
shares beneficially
owned(2)
  Outstanding
share options
 

Ordinary shares

  

Wong Wai Kay, Ricky

   405,428,940(1)   50.11  0  

Ordinary shares

  

Cheung Chi Kin, Paul

   405,428,940(1)   50.11  0  

Ordinary shares

  

To Wai Bing

   95,239    Less than 1.0  0  

Ordinary shares

  

Wong Nga Lai, Alice

   50,000    Less than 1.0  0  

Notes:

                 
      Number  Percentage    
      of shares  of shares    
      beneficially  beneficially  Outstanding 
  Identity of person  owned  owned(note 3)  share 
Title of class or Group  (note 4)  %  options 
Ordinary shares Chong Kin Chun, John   2,777,089  Less than 1.0   2,022,900 
                 
Ordinary shares Lo Sui Lun  Nil  Nil   1,638,901 
                 
Ordinary shares Tam Ming Chit  Nil  Nil   629,665 
                 
Ordinary shares To Wai Bing  Nil  Nil   302,239 

Notes:
(1)The 389,245,732405,428,940 shares are held by a group consisting of Top Group International Limited, Mr. Wong Wai Kay, Ricky, our chairman, and Mr. Cheung Chi Kin, Paul, our vice chairman,chairman. Top Group International Limited is a special purpose vehicle incorporated in the British Virgin Islands. Its board of directors consists of Mr. Wong and Mr. Cheung. Mr. Wong and Mr. Cheung have entered into a voting agreement pursuant to which they agreed to vote the 339,814,284 shares held by Top Group International Limited, the 7,145,28915,236,893 shares held by Mr. Wong individually, and the 42,286,15950,377,763 shares held by Mr. Cheung individually, collectively as a group. The registered address of Top Group International Limited is Akara Bldg, 24 De Castro Street, Wickhams Cay I, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. Top Group International Limited has four shareholders: Mr. Wong, Mr. Cheung, Mr. Leung Ka Pak, and Mr. Yau Ming Yan, Andrew, and their equity interests are 42.12%, 27.06%, 21.00% and 9.82%, respectively.
(2)Percentage ownership is based on 768,410,429809,016,643 shares issued as of December 14, 2010.18, 2012.
(3)Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC.

49


Item 6 Directors, senior management and employees (continued)
Share ownership (continued)
The following table sets forth the share options for the details of the share options held by the directors and senior management of the Company as atof December 14, 2010:
                                 
              Options      Options  Options    
          Balance  granted      exercised  cancelled/  Balance 
      Exercise  as at  during      during  lapsed  as at 
  Date of  price  December 15,  the  Exercise the  during  December 14, 
Directors grant  HK$  2009  period  period period  the period  2010 
Mr. Wong Wai Kay, Ricky January 5, 2005  1.5224   8,091,604     January 5, 2005 to October 20, 2014        8,091,604 
Mr. Cheung Chi Kin, Paul January 5, 2005  1.5224   8,091,604     January 5, 2005 to October 20, 2014        8,091,604 
Mr. Yeung Chu Kwong, William May 22, 2006  0.6523   1,018,165     May 22, 2007 to May 21, 2016  1,018,000      165 
  February 6, 2008  1.7568   6,044,791     (note 1)  502,000      5,542,791 
  February 5, 2010  4.2400      6,000,000  (note 2)        6,000,000 
Mr. Lai Ni Quiaque May 22, 2006  0.6523   2,022,899     May 22, 2007 to May 21, 2016  2,022,899       
  February 11, 2008  1.8660   6,044,791     (note 3)        6,044,791 
Senior management
                                
Mr. Chong Kin Chun, John October 21, 2004  1.5224   2,022,900     January 1, 2005 to October 20, 2014        2,022,900 
Mr. Lo Sui Lun October 21, 2004  1.5224   505,726     January 1, 2005 to October 20, 2014        505,726 
  May 22, 2006  0.6523   1,517,175     May 22, 2007 to May 21, 2016  384,000      1,133,175 
Dr. Tam Ming Chit May 2, 2008  1.7866   1,007,465     (note 4)  377,800      629,665 
Ms. To Wai Bing February 15, 2008  1.7568   1,007,465     (note 4)  705,226      302,239 
18, 2012:

Directors

 

Date of grant

 Exercise
price
HK$
  Balance as of
December 13,
2011
  Options
granted
during
the
period
  

Exercise period

 Options
exercised
during the
period
  Options
cancelled/
lapsed
during
the period
  Balance as of
December 18,
2012
 

Mr. Wong Wai Kay, Ricky

 

January 5, 2005

  1.5224    8,091,604    —     

January 5, 2005 to October 20, 2014

  (8,091,604  —      —    

Mr. Cheung Chi Kin, Paul

 

January 5, 2005

  1.5224    6,091,604    —     

January 5, 2005 to October 20, 2014

  (6,091,604  —      —    

Ms. To Wai Bing

 

February 15, 2008

  1.7568    302,239    

Note (1)

  (302,239  —      —    

Ms. Wong Nga Lai, Alice

 

October 21, 2004

  1.5224    202,289    —     

January 1, 2005 to October 20, 2014

  (202,289  —      —    
 

May 22, 2006

  0.6523    102,291    —     

May 22, 2007 to May 21, 2016

  (102,291  —      —    

Note:

Notes:
(1)The exercise of the Options is subject to certain conditions that must be achieved by the grantee. During the year ended August 31, 2010, one of the clauses in the option agreement has been modified. The Options shall be exercised not later than December 23, 2012.
(2)The exercise of the Options is subject to certain conditions that must be achieved by the grantee. The Options shall be exercised not later than February 4, 2020.
(3)The exercise of the Options is subject to the performance of the Company’s share and certain conditions that must be achieved by the grantee. During the year ended August 31, 2010, one of the clauses in the option agreement has been modified. The Options shall be exercised not later than December 23, 2012.

50


(4)The exercise of the Optionsoptions is subject to certain conditions that must be advanced by the grantees. The Options shallgrantees, including such options must be exercised not later than December 23, 2012.

All shareholders own ordinary shares and enjoy the same voting rights with respect to each share.

The 2002 Share Option Schemes

We adopted a second share option scheme, which we refer to as the 2002 Share Option Scheme, on December 23, 2002 and terminated the share option scheme adopted on July 12, 1997, which we refer to as the 1997 Share Option Scheme. Upon termination of the 1997 Share Option Scheme, no further options can be granted under the 1997 Share Option Scheme. Options granted under the 1997 Share Option Scheme that are not exercised lapsed automatically on July 12, 2007. Under the terms of the 2002 Share Option Scheme, our board of directors may, in its discretion from time to time, and subject to such conditions as the board may determine, within ten10 years beginning on December 23, 2002, grant any Talent or executive or officer of the Company or any of its subsidiaries (including executive, non-executive and independent non-executive directors of each of the abovementioned companies) and any suppliers or professional advisers who will or have provided services to the Company and/or its subsidiaries to subscribe for our ordinary shares.

The maximum number of ordinary shares which may be issued upon exercise of all options to be granted under our 2002 Share Option Scheme and any of our other share option scheme(s) must not exceed 10% of the ordinary shares in issue as of the date of approval or adoption of the scheme by the shareholders on December 23, 2002. Ordinary shares which would have been issuable pursuant to options which have lapsed in accordance with the terms of such share option schemes will not be counted for the purpose of the 10% limit. Such limit may be refreshed upon approval by shareholders and compliance with all requirements under the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, which we refer to as theHKSE Listing Rules. Pursuant thereto, such limit was refreshed with the approval of our shareholders in our annual general meetingmeetings held on December 29, 2004 and December 24, 2007 respectively up to a maximum limit equal to 10% of our total number of issued shares as at December 24, 2007.of the date of the said general meetings. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the number of ordinary shares which may be issued upon exercise of all outstanding options granted and yet to be exercised under our 2002 Share Option Scheme and any of our other share option scheme(s) at any time shall not exceed 30% of the total number of ordinary shares in issue from time to time.

The total number of ordinary shares issued and which may be issued upon exercise in full of the options granted under our 2002 Share Option Scheme and any of our other share option scheme(s) (including exercised, cancelled and outstanding options) to each eligible participant in any 12-month period up to and including the date of grant shall not exceed 1% of the outstanding ordinary shares as atof the date of grant. Any further grant of options in excess of this 1% limit must be approved by shareholders.

The subscription price for an ordinary share payable by a participant upon the exercise of any option granted under the 2002 Share Option Scheme will be determined by the Boardour board of directors in its absolute discretion, except that such price will not be less than the highest of (a) the closing price of the ordinary shares as stated in The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited’sthe HKSE’s daily quotations sheet on the date of grant, which must be a business day; (b) the average of the closing prices of the ordinary shares as stated in The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited’sthe HKSE’s daily quotations sheets for the 5five business days immediately preceding the date of grant; and (c) the nominal value of an ordinary share.

Any grant of options to any of our directors, chief executives or substantial shareholders or any of their respective associates (as defined in the HKSE Listing Rules) is required to be approved by our non-grantee independent non-executive directors. If we propose to grant options to a substantial shareholder or any of its independent non-executive directors, or their respective associates, which will result in the number of ordinary shares issued and to be issued upon exercise of options granted and to be granted under our 2002 Share Option Scheme and any of our other share option scheme(s) (including options exercised, cancelled and outstanding) to such person in the 12-month period up to and including the date of such grant (a) representing in aggregate over 0.1% of the outstanding ordinary shares; and (b) having an aggregate value in excess of HK$5 million, based on the closing price of the ordinary shares at the date of each grant, such further grant of options will be subject to approval by shareholders and all requirements under the HKSE Listing Rules.

A grant of options may not be made after a price sensitive event has occurred or a price sensitive matter has been the subject of a decision until such price sensitive information, including annual and interim results, has been made public.

The period during which an option may be exercised will be determined by our board of directors in its absolute discretion, except that no option may be exercised later than ten10 years from the date of grant. No option may be granted more than ten10 years after December 23, 2002. Subject to our earlier termination, the 2002 Share Option Scheme shall be valid and effective for a period of ten10 years after the date of adoption, that is, until December 23, 2012. In addition and to the extent not already exercised, an option will automatically lapse and not be exercisable upon the occurrence of any of the following events:

(a)(a)the expiry date relevant to that option;

 
(b)one month following the date a grantee ceases to be an eligible participant for any reason other than death or termination of his relationship with us (or the relevant subsidiary, as the case may be) on any of the grounds specified in (g) below;

51


(c)(c)12 months, or such longer period as the Boardour board of directors may determine, following the death of a grantee whose relationship with us (or the relevant subsidiary, as the case may be) would not have been terminated on any of the grounds specified in (g) below;

 
(d)21 days following the date an effective resolution is passed for our voluntary winding-up;

 
(e)subject to (d) above, the date of commencement of such winding-up;

 
(f)the date on which any compromise or arrangement between us and our members or creditors in connection with a scheme for our reconstruction or our amalgamation with any other company or companies becomes effective;

 
(g)the date on which the grantee ceases to be an eligible participant by reason of the termination of his or her relationship with us or the relevant subsidiary on any one or more of the grounds of serious misconduct or breach, bankruptcy, insolvency, composition with his or her creditors or conviction of any criminal offence involving his or her integrity or honesty or, in the case of a grantee-Talent and if so determined by the Board,our board of directors, on any other common law, statutory or contractual ground on which an employer would be entitled to terminate such grantee’s employment;

 
(h)14 days following the date a general offer (which has been made to shareholders by way of take-over offer, share repurchase offer or scheme of arrangement or otherwise in like manner) becomes, or is declared unconstitutional; and

 
(i)the date on which we cancel the options by reason that the grantee in any way sells, transfers, charges, mortgages, encumbers or creates any interest in favor of any third party over or in relation to any of his or her options or attempt to do so.

As of December 14, 2010, a total number of 96,247,85718, 2012, no options were granted, 41,108,73237,104,790 options were exercised, 13,902,353893 options were lapsed and 41,236,772no options remain outstanding and unexercised. Total

The 2012 Share Option Scheme

On December 5, 2012, we circulated a notice to our shareholders that the extraordinary general meeting of the Company to be held on December 31, 2012 will consider the adoption of the 2012 Share Option Scheme, the proposed terms of which are set out below.

Under the rules of the 2012 Share Option Scheme, there is no general requirement of any minimum period for which an option must be held before it can be exercised although the Board will be empowered under the 2012 Share Option Scheme to impose at its discretion any such minimum period at the time of grant of any particular option. In addition, the Board will be empowered to determine the exercise price of a Share in respect of any particular option granted under the 2012 Share Option Scheme so that the selected participants are attracted to subscribe the Shares pursuant to the options granted by the Company as incentives and rewards for their contribution or potential contribution to the Group and will further contribute towards the profitability and success of the Group. There is also no general requirement under the 2012 Share Option Scheme for any performance target which a grantee has to achieve before any option can be exercised under the 2012 Share Option Scheme although the Board has the discretion, in order to encourage any grantee to further the interests and objectives of the Company, to require a grantee to achieve certain performance targets specified at the time of grant before any option granted under the 2012 Share Option Scheme can be exercised.

The Company is not required to appoint any trustee for the purpose of administering the 2012 Share Option Scheme. The 2012 Share Option Scheme will be subject to administration of the Board. None of the Directors is or will be a trustee of the 2012 Share Option Scheme or have a direct or indirect interest in any such trustee.

To the best knowledge of the Directors, as at November 30, 2012, the latest practicable date prior to the printing of the notice dated December 5, 2012 (the “Latest Practicable Date”), no Shareholders have a material interest in the 2012 Share Option Scheme different to that of any other Shareholders and accordingly, no Shareholders will have to abstain from voting at the extraordinary general meeting on the resolution approving the adoption of the 2012 Share Option Scheme.

Adoption of the 2012 Share Option Scheme is conditional upon (i) the passing of an ordinary resolution by the Shareholders at the extraordinary general meeting approving the adoption of the 2012 Share Option Scheme; and (ii) the Listing Committee of the HKSE granting the approval for the listing of, and permission to deal in, the Shares or any part thereof falling to be issued and allotted upon exercise of the Options granted under the 2012 Share Option Scheme.

Application will be made to the Listing Committee of the HKSE for the approval of the listing of, and permission to deal in, the Shares representing ten (10) per cent. of the issued share capital of the Company as at the date of the extraordinary general meeting which may fall to be allotted and issued upon the exercise of options to be granted under the 2012 Share Option Scheme.

The Directors consider that it is not appropriate to state the value of all options that can be granted pursuant to the 2012 Share Option Scheme as if they had been granted at the Latest Practicable Date prior to the approval of the 2012 Share Option Scheme given that the variables such as the exercise price, exercise period, interest rate, expected volatility and other relevant variables cannot be available for calculating the value of the options. The Directors believe that any calculation of the value of the options as at the Latest Practicable Date based on a great number of 44,619,336speculative assumptions would not be meaningful and the results thereof may be misleading to the Shareholders in the circumstances.

Subject to the obtaining of the Shareholders’ approval with respect to the adoption of the 2012 Share Option Scheme, pursuant to the HKSE Listing Rules, the total number of Shares which may be issued upon the exercise of all Options to be granted under the 2012 Share Option Scheme and any other share option schemes of the Company must not, in aggregate, exceed ten (10) per cent. of the issued share capital of the Company as at the date of approval of the 2012 Share Option Scheme. The Board shall not grant any Options which would result in the maximum aggregate number of Shares which may be issued upon exercise of all outstanding options are availablegranted but yet to be exercised under the 2012 Share Option Scheme and any other share option schemes adopted by the Company which provide for the grant of options to acquire or subscribe for Shares exceeding, in aggregate, thirty (30) per cent. of the issued share capital of the Company from time to time.

Based on 809,016,643 Shares in issue as at Latest Practicable Date and assuming that there is no change in the issued share capital of December 14, 2010.

the Company between the Latest Practicable Date to the extraordinary general meeting (i.e. the Adoption Date), the maximum number of Shares that may be issued upon the exercise of Options that may be granted pursuant to the 2012 Share Option Scheme and any other share option schemes (i.e. the 2002 Share Option Scheme) will be 80,901,664 Shares, representing ten (10) per cent. of the issued share capital of the Company in issue as at Latest Practicable Date.

ItemITEM 7 Major shareholders and related party transactionMAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTION
A. Major shareholders

A.Major shareholders

The following table sets forth certain information regarding ownership of our ordinary shares as of December 14, 201018, 2012 by all persons who are known to us to own beneficially 5% or more of our ordinary shares.

Percentages
of shares
Beneficially
beneficiallyowned
Identity of personowned(note 1)
Title of classor Group(note 4)%
Ordinary sharesWong Wai Kay, Ricky389,245,732 (note 2)50.66
Ordinary sharesCheung Chi Kin, Paul389,245,732 (note 2)50.66
Ordinary sharesTop Group International Limited389,245,732 (note 2)50.66
Ordinary sharesLeung Ka Pak339,814,284 (note 3)44.22
Ordinary sharesYau Ming Yan, Andrew339,814,284 (note 3)44.22
Notes:

Title of class

Identity of person or Group

beneficially owned(3)  
Percentages
of shares
Beneficially
owned(1)
 
(1)

Ordinary shares

  

Wong Wai Kay, Ricky

405,428,940(2)50.11

Ordinary shares

Cheung Chi Kin, Paul

405,428,940(2)50.11

Ordinary shares

Top Group International Limited

405,428,940(2)50.11

Ordinary shares

Leung Ka Pak

339,814,284(3)42.00

Ordinary shares

Yau Ming Yan, Andrew

339,814,284(3)42.00

Notes:

(1)Percentage ownership is based on 768,410,429809,016,643 shares issued as of December 14, 2010.18, 2012.
(2)The 389,245,732405,428,940 shares are held by a group consisting of Top Group International Limited, Mr. Wong Wai

52


Kay, Ricky, our chairman, and Mr. Cheung Chi Kin, Paul, our vice chairman, Top Group International Limited is a special purpose vehicle incorporated in the British Virgin Islands, and its board of directors consists of Mr. Wong and Mr. Cheung. Mr. Wong and Mr. Cheung have entered into a voting agreement pursuant to which they agreed to vote the 339,814,284 shares held by Top Group International Limited, the 7,145,28915,236,893 shares held by Mr. Wong individually, and the 42,286,15950,377,763 shares held by Mr. Cheung individually, collectively as a group. The registered address of Top Group International Limited is Akara Bldg, 24 De Castro Street, Wickhams Cay I, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. Top Group International Limited has four shareholders: Mr. Wong, Mr. Cheung, Mr. Leung Ka Pak, and Mr. Yau Ming Yan, Andrew (SeeAndrew(See Note (3) below), and their equity interests are 42.12%, 27.06%, 21.00% and 9.82%, respectively.

(3)Mr. Leung Ka Pak and Mr. Yau Ming Yan, Andrew may be deemed to have beneficial ownership in the 339,814,284 shares held by Top Group International Limited. Each of them expressly disclaims any beneficial ownership in such shares except to the extent of their respective pecuniary interest therein. Mr. Leung was a director and the president of all of our subsidiaries in Canada (other than City Telecom (Canada) Inc.) and resigned as a director and president in October 2005. After Mr. Leung’s resignation, Mr. Yau became a director and the president of all of our subsidiaries in Canada (other than City Telecom (Canada) Inc.). He resigned as a director and president in July 2006.
(4)Beneficial ownership calculation is based solely on a review of Form 2 filing made with the HKSE on June 13, 2011.
(5)Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC.

As of December 14, 2010,18, 2012, there were 1422 registered holders of 11,046,4406,906,271 American Depositary Shares in the United States, consisting of 28.75%17.07% of our outstanding shares.

All shareholders own ordinary shares and enjoy the same voting rights with respect to each share.

Except as disclosed above, we are not directly or indirectly owned or controlled by any other person, corporation or foreign government.

We are not aware of any arrangement the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change of control of City Telecom.

B. Related party transactions

B.Related party transactions

For the period since the beginning of our preceding three financial years up to the date of this document, we were a party to the following related party transactions.

Contracts with our directors and senior management

All of our directors and senior management have employment service agreements with us. Certain of our directors and senior management receive housing allowances, pensions, bonuses and commissions. In addition, some of our directors are also senior management of City Telecom and these persons may also have the ability to make significant business decisions effecting our operations. See Item 6 “Directors and senior management” above of this annual report for details concerning these arrangements.

C. Interests of experts and counsel

C.Interests of experts and counsel

Not applicable.

ItemITEM 8 Financial informationFINANCIAL INFORMATION
A. Consolidated statements and other financial information

A.Consolidated statements and other financial information

Financial statements

See pages F-1 — F-64to F-51 following Item 19.

Legal and regulatory proceedings

     We are currently involved in a material

As of August 31, 2012, there were no legal or regulatory proceeding relatingarbitration proceedings that have had in the recent past, or to Fixed Mobile Interconnection Charges,our knowledge, may have, significant effects on our financial position or FMIC, as described below:

     In February 2008, our wholly owned subsidiary, HKBN, requested the Telecommunications Authority to make a determination, pursuant to section 36A of the Telecommunications Ordinance (Cap 106), in respect of the level of fixed-mobile interconnection charge, or FMIC, to be paid by four mobile operators including China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited, CSL Limited, Hutchison Telephone Company Limited, and SmarTone Mobile Communications Limited on the rate of FMIC and the interest thereon. This FMIC is paid by a mobile network operator to the interconnecting fixed network operator for telephony traffic both from a fixed line to a mobile phone and from a mobile phone to a fixed line. In September 2008, the Telecommunications Authority indicated that it accepted HKBN’s request for determination and on November 25, 2009 issued its Preliminary Analysis for the parties’ comments. In May 2010, the Telecommunications Authority issued its decision on the 2008 Determination which set out the rates of mobile interconnection charges payable by the mobile operators under dispute. Based on the

53

profitability.


Dividends

2008 Determination, we reversed approximately HK$19.7 million revenue related to mobile interconnection charges and recognized approximately HK$10.1 million interest income during the year ended August 31, 2010.
Dividends
Unless the relevant provisions of the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance require otherwise, we may by ordinary resolution (being a resolution passed by a majority of our shareholders who attend and vote at a meeting of shareholders) from time to time declare dividends, but no dividend shall exceed the amount recommended by our board of directors. Our Articles contain provisions on apportioning dividends where shares are not or were not fully paid for during the period covered by the dividend.

Unless the relevant provisions of the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance require otherwise, our board of directors may pay such interim dividends as appears to them to be justified by our financial position and pay any dividend payable at a fixed rate at intervals decided upon by our board of directors, whatever our financial position, if the board of directors feels that this payment is justified.

Any dividend not claimed by a shareholder after a period of six years from the date when it was first due to be paid shall be forfeited and shall revert to us. The payment by our board of directors of any unclaimed dividend, interest or other sum payable on or in respect of a share into a separate account shall not make us responsible as a trustee for such sums.

For fiscal 2010,2012, an interim dividend was declared at HK6.5 centsHK$0.15 per ordinary share. The total amount of HK$49,724,827.45119,674,000 was paid as cash dividend on July 25, 2010.

May 31, 2012. A special dividend was declared at HK$2.50 per ordinary shares. The total amount of HK$2,022,542,000 was paid as cash dividend on June 29, 2012.

A final dividend of HK13.5 centsHK$0.15 per ordinary share was proposed on November 9, 2010,21, 2012, which will be approvedvoted for approval by shareholders in the annual general meeting to be held on December 21, 2010.31, 2012. The 20102012 final dividend will be paid on or about January 5, 2011.

24, 2013.

B.Significant changes

None.

B. Significant changes

None.
ItemITEM 9 The offer and listingTHE OFFER AND LISTING
A. Offer and listing details

A.Offer and listing details

Our ordinary shares have been listed under the number “1137” on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, or the HKSE since August 4, 1997. Our American depositary shares, each representing 20 ordinary shares, have been listed under the symbol “CTEL” on Nasdaq since November 3, 1999. Our 10-year senior notes were listed under the ISIN codes of US178677AA87 and USY16599AA30 on the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited, or SGX-ST, on January 24, 2005. The 10-year senior notes were subsequently exchanged for registered notes with ISIN code US178677AB60 pursuant to a registration statement under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 on June 24, 2005.

On December 4, 2009, we repurchased a portion of the 10-year senior notes with a cumulative principal amount of HK$11.6 million (US$1.5 million) from the open market. We paid a total consideration, including accrued interest, of approximately HK$12.1 million (US$1.6 million). On February 1, 2010, we redeemed the then outstanding 10-year senior notes with a cumulative principal amount of HK$153.9 million (US$19.9 million) at the redemption price equal to 104.375% of the principal amount. We paid a total consideration, including accrued interest, of approximately HK$167.6 million (US$21.6 million). As of August 31, 2010, all the 10-year senior notes hashad been repurchased and redeemed.

In April 2010, we offered an aggregate of 4,025,000 ADSs representing 80,500,000 ordinary shares at the offer price of US$13.00 per ADS. The proceeds we received, after deduction of underwriters’ discount but before deduction of offering expenses, amounted to US$49.8 million.

The price of our ordinary shares on the HKSE as of its close of trading on December 14, 201018, 2012 was HK$5.782.390 per share. The table below shows the high and low closing prices of the shares on the HKSE since listing.

         
  Price 
  High  Low 
  (In HK$) 
Annual Date
        
2005  1.530   0.550 
2006  0.830   0.570 
2007  3.670   0.830 
2008  2.170   0.750 
2009  3.950   2.500 

54


   Price 
   High   Low 
   (in HK$) 

Annual Date

    

2007

   3.670     0.830  

2008

   2.170     0.750  

2009

   3.950     0.840  

2010

   6.770     3.690  

2011

   6.200     3.520  

Quarterly Data

    

2010

    

January to March

   6.210     3.800  

April to June

   6.770     4.420  

July to September

   5.200     3.690  

October to December

   6.200     4.800  

2011

    

January to March

   6.200     5.350  

April to June

   6.080     4.410  

July to September

   4.850     3.520  

October to December

   4.340     3.520  

2012

    

January to March

   5.120     3.950  

April to June

   5.240     1.370  

July to September

   2.140     1.420  

October to December (through December 18, 2012)

   2.440     1.600  

Monthly Data

    

2012

    

June

   4.370     1.370  

July

   1.760     1.420  

August

   1.840     1.700  

September

   2.140     1.820  

October

   1.920     1.600  

November

   1.970     1.720  

December (through December 18, 2012)

   2.440     1.900  

         
  Price 
  High  Low 
  (In HK$) 
Quarterly Data
        
2008
        
         
January to March  2.170   1.620 
April to June  2.090   1.670 
July to September  1.950   1.340 
October to December  1.360   0.750 
         
2009
        
         
January to March  1.140   0.840 
April to June  1.780   1.100 
July to September  2.630   1.630 
October to December  3.950   2.500 
         
2010
        
         
January to March  6.210   3.800 
April to June  6.770   4.420 
July to September  5.200   3.690 
October to December (through December 14, 2010)  6.200   4.800 
         
Monthly Data
        
2010
        
         
June  5.280   4.420 
July  4.560   3.690 
August  4.570   4.010 
September  5.200   4.720 
October  5.270   4.800 
November  6.200   5.000 
December (through December 14, 2010)  5.960   5.740 
The price of our American depositary shares on Nasdaq as of its close of trading on December 14, 201018, 2012 was US$14.4806.060 per American depositary share. The table below shows the high and low closing prices of the American depositary shares on Nasdaq since listing.
         
  Price 
  High  Low 
  (In US$) 
Annual Date
        
2005  3.980   1.370 
2006  2.009   1.380 
2007  10.750   2.010 
2008  5.750   1.915 
2009  10.300   2.000 
         
Quarterly Data
        
2008
        
         
January to March  5.580   4.250 
April to June  5.750   4.370 
July to September  4.910   2.950 
October to December  3.380   1.915 

55


   Price 
   High   Low 
   (in US$) 

Annual Date

    

2007

   10.750     2.010  

2008

   5.750     1.915  

2009

   10.300     2.000  

2010

   17.330     9.670  

2011

   15.780     9.080  

Quarterly Data

    

2010

    

January to March

   16.180     10.150  

April to June

   17.330     11.340  

July to September

   13.500     9.670  

October to December

   15.980     12.500  

2011

    

January to March

   15.780     13.730  

April to June

   15.300     11.360  

July to September

   12.040     9.220  

October to December

   11.170     9.080  

2012

    

January to March

   13.480     10.100  

April to June

   13.340     9.740  

July to September

   9.960     3.910  

October to December (through December 18, 2012)

   6.250     3.970  

Monthly Data

    

2012

    

June

   11.190     9.740  

July

   9.960     3.910  

August

   5.050     4.430  

September

   5.540     4.610  

October

   4.680     3.970  

November

   4.990     4.220  

December (through December 18, 2012)

   6.250     4.790  

B.Plan of distribution

         
  Price 
  High  Low 
  (In US$) 
2009
        
 
January to March  2.870   2.000 
April to June  4.650   2.870 
July to September  7.023   4.050 
October to December  10.300   6.610 
         
2010
        
         
January to March  16.180   10.150 
April to June  17.330   11.340 
July to September  13.500   9.670 
October to December(through December 14, 2010)  15.980   12.500 
         
Monthly Data
        
2010
        
         
June  13.460   11.340 
July  11.850   9.6700 
August  11.980   10.200 
September  13.500   12.450 
October  13.620   12.500 
November  15.980   12.770 
December (through December 14, 2010)  15.650   14.480 
B. Plan of distribution
Not applicable.
C. Markets

C.Markets

See Item 9A above.

D. Selling shareholders

D.Selling shareholders

Not applicable.

E. Dilution

E.Dilution

Not applicable.

F. Expenses of the issue

F.Expenses of the issue

Not applicable.

ItemITEM 10 Additional informationADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A. Share capital

A.Share capital

Not applicable.

B. Memorandum and Articles of Association

B.Memorandum and Articles of Association

Described below is a summary of certain provisions of our existing Memorandum and Articles of Association (the “Articles”) and, where relevant, the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance. As this is a summary, it does not contain all the information that may be important to you. You should therefore read our complete Articles if you would like additional information, which were filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit 1 to the annual report on Form 20-F for fiscal 2005 and is incorporated by reference herein.

56


General

General
City Telecom was incorporated in Hong Kong on May 19, 1992 under the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance. Clause 3 of the Memorandum of Association states that the Company’s objects are to carry on the business of telecommunications services in addition to various other related and unrelated business activities.

Directors’ interests

A director shall not vote on, or be counted in the quorum in relation to, any resolution of our board of directors in respect of any contract in which the director or any of his associate(s) (within the meaning of the HKSE Listing Rules) has a material interest. This prohibition shall not apply to the following:

(a)(a)the giving of any security or indemnity to him or his associates(s) in respect of money lent or obligations incurred or undertaken by him or any of them at the request of or for the benefit of the Company or any of its subsidiaries;

 
(b)the giving of any security or indemnity to a third party in respect of a debt or obligation of the Company or any of its subsidiaries for which he or his associate(s) has himself/themselves assumed responsibility in whole or in part and whether alone or jointly under a guarantee or indemnity or by the giving of security;

 
(c)any proposal concerning an offer of shares, debentures or other securities of or by the Company or any other company which the Company may promote or be interested in for subscription or purchase in which offer he or his associate(s) is/are or is/are to be interested as a participant in the underwriting or sub-underwriting thereof;

 
(d)any proposal concerning any other company in which he or his associate(s) is/are interested only, whether directly or indirectly, as an officer, executive or shareholder or in which he or his associate(s) is/are beneficially interested in shares of that Company, provided that he and any of his associate(s) are not in aggregate beneficially interested in five per cent or more of the issued shares of any class of such Company (or of any third company through which his interest or that of his associate(s) is derived) or of the voting rights;

 
(e)any proposal or arrangement concerning the benefit of Talents of the Company or its subsidiaries, including the adoption, modification or operation of any Talents’ share scheme or any share incentive or share option scheme under which the director or his associate(s) may benefit;

 
(f)any proposal or arrangement concerning the benefit of Talents of the Company or its subsidiaries, including the adoption, modification or operation of a pension fund or retirement, death or disability benefits scheme which relates both to directors (or his associate(s)) and Talents of the Company or any of its subsidiaries and does not provide in respect of any director or his associate(s), as such any privilege or advantage not generally accorded to the class of persons to which such scheme or fund relates; and

 
(g)any contract or arrangement in which he or his associate(s) is/are interested in the same manner as other holders of shares or debentures or other securities of the Company by virtue only of his/their interest in shares or debentures or other securities of the Company.

Additionally, there is no shareholding qualification required to be a director.

Dividends

In accordance with our Articles, we may by ordinary resolution (being a resolution passed by a majority of those votes cast by the shareholders who attend and vote at a general meeting) from time to time declare dividends, but no dividend shall exceed the amount recommended by our board of directors. Our Articles contain provisions on apportioning dividends according to the amounts paid up on the shares in respect of which dividend is paid under pro rata basis during the period covered by the dividend.

In accordance with our Articles, our board of directors may pay such interim dividends that appear to be justified by our financial position and may also pay any dividend payable at a fixed rate at intervals decided upon by our board of directors, whenever our financial position, in the opinion of our board of directors, justifies the payment.

In respect of any dividend proposed to be paid or declared, our board of directors may further propose and announce prior to or at the same time as the payment or declaration of such dividend either that:

(a)(a)such dividend be satisfied in whole or in part in the form of an allotment of shares to the shareholders, credited as being fully paid up, provided that all the shareholders entitled to receive the dividend will also be entitled to choose to receive the dividend (or a part of it) in cash; or

 
(b)the shareholders entitled to such dividend are entitled to elect to receive an allotment of shares credited as fully paid up instead of the whole or part of the cash dividend our board of directors may decide upon.

Any general meeting declaring a dividend may, upon the recommendation of our board of directors, by ordinary resolution, direct that the dividend shall be met, wholly or partly, by the distribution of our assets.

57


Any dividend not claimed by a shareholder after a period of six years from the date when it was first due to be paid shall be forfeited and shall revert to us. The payment by our board of directors of any unclaimed dividend, interest or other sum payable on or in respect of a share into a separate account shall not create any trustee relationship in respect of such sums.

Liquidation

Subject to the requirements under the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance, in the event of a members’ winding up, the liquidator may, with the sanction of a special resolution of the Company:

(a)(a)divide among the shareholders the whole or any part of the assets of the Company and set such value as the liquidator deems fair upon any property to be divided and determine how the division shall be carried out between the shareholders; or

 
(b)vest the whole or any part of such assets in trustees upon such trusts for the benefit of the contributories as the liquidator shall think fit, but no shareholder shall be compelled to accept any shares or other assets upon which there is any liability.

Annual and extraordinary general meeting of shareholders

The Hong Kong Companies Ordinance requires our board of directors to hold an annual general meeting of our shareholders once every year and not more than 15 months after our previous annual general meeting. The annual general meeting and any other general meeting of our shareholder held for the passing of a special resolution (being a resolution passed by not less than 75% of those votes cast by the shareholders who attend and vote at a general meeting) should be convened by not less than 21 clear days’ notice in writing. The notice shall specify the place, date and time of meeting and the general nature of the business to be transacted. An annual general meeting may be called by not less than 20 clear business days’ notice if it is agreed by all shareholders entitled to attend and vote at the meeting. The business of the annual general meeting will include:

(a)(a)the declaration and sanctioning of dividends;

 
(b)the consideration and adoption of the accounts, balance sheet and reports of the directors and auditors and other documents required to be attached to the financial statements;

 
(c)the appointment of directors in place of those retiring (by rotation or otherwise);

 
(d)the appointment of auditors; and

 
(e)the fixing of, or the determining of the method of fixing, the remuneration of the directors and of the auditors.

Our board of directors may convene an extraordinary general meeting (which is any general meeting of the shareholders other than the annual general meeting) whenever it thinks fit and must do so upon the request in writing of shareholders holding not less than one-twentieth of our paid-up capital carrying the right to vote at a general meeting. All extraordinary general meetings (other than those convened for the passing of a special resolution referred to above) should be convened by at not less than 10 clear business days’ notice in writing. Extraordinary general meetings may be called by less than 10 clear business days’ notice by a majority in number of the shareholders having the right to attend and vote at the meeting, being a majority together holding not less than 95% in nominal value of the shares giving that right.

Except as otherwise provided by our Articles, two shareholders present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote shall be a quorum for all purposes. Whilst no business shall be transacted at any general meeting unless a quorum is present when the meeting proceeds to business, the absence of a quorum shall not preclude the choice or appointment of a chairman which shall not be treated as part of the business of the meeting.

The Nasdaq marketplace rules also provide that a foreign private issuer such as ourselvesus may be granted an exemption from such requirements if it follows the practice of its home country.

Restrictions on ownership of shares

There are no restrictions, either pursuant to our Articles or to the laws of Hong Kong, on the rights of non-residents of Hong Kong or foreign persons to hold or exercise voting rights with respect to our ordinary shares.

Voting rights

Any decisions that are made by the shareholders in a general meeting require the passing of either an ordinary or a special resolution at such meeting. The type of resolution required to be passed depends upon the provisions of the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance and our Articles as certain matters may only be decided by the passing of a special resolutions.

58


Unless any shares have special terms as to voting, on a show of hands every shareholder who is present in person at a general meeting, shall have one vote irrespective of the number of shares he holds and on a poll every shareholder who is present in person or by proxy shall have one vote for every share of which he is the holder. Our Articles set out the circumstances in which a poll can be demanded.

Pursuant to Rule 13.39(4) of the HKSE Listing Rules which became effective on January 1, 2009, any votes of the Shareholders at a general meeting must be taken by poll.

Any shareholder that is a recognized clearing house within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance of Hong Kong may authorize such person or persons as it thinks fit to act as its representative (or representatives) at any general meeting or at any separate meeting of any class of shareholders (if relevant). However, if more than one person is authorized, the authorization must specify the number and class of shares in respect of which each person is in fact authorized. The authorized person will be entitled to exercise the same power on behalf of the recognized clearing house as that clearing house (or its nominees) could exercise if it were an individual shareholder of the Company.

Issue of shares

Under the Companies Ordinance, our board of directors may, without the prior approval of the shareholders, offer to issue new shares to existing shareholders in proportion to their current shareholdings. Our board of directors may not issue new shares in any other way without the prior approval of the shareholders. Any such approval given in a general meeting shall continue in force until the earlier of: (1) the conclusion of the next annual general meeting; or (2) the expiration of the period within which the next annual general meeting is required by law to be held; or (3) when revoked or varied by an ordinary resolution of the shareholders in a general meeting. Where such shareholders’ approval is given, subject to the HKSE Listing Rules and any conditions attached to such approval, our unissued shares may be at the disposal of our board of directors, which may offer, allot, grant options over or otherwise dispose of them to such persons, at such times and for such consideration and upon such terms and conditions as the directors may decide.

Subject to the provisions of our Articles, any shareholder may transfer all or any of his shares by an instrument of transfer in the usual or common form or in such other form as our board of directors may accept and may approve. Such instrument may be signed by hand or, if the buyer or seller is a clearing house or its nominee(s), signed by hand or by a machine imprinted signature or by such other manner as our board of directors may approve from time to time.

The instrument of transfer of a share shall be executed by or on behalf of both the buyer and the seller of that share provided that our board of directors may dispense with the signing of the instrument of transfer by the buyer in any case which it thinks fit in its discretion to do so. Except as provided in the paragraph above, our board of directors may also decide, either generally or in any particular case, upon request by either the buyer or seller of shares to accept mechanically signed transfers. The seller shall be deemed to remain the holder of the share until the name of the buyer is entered into our register in respect of that share. All instruments of transfer, when registered, may be retained by us. Nothing in our Articles prevents our board of directors from recognizing a renunciation of the allotment or provisional allotment of any share by the person to whom the shares were to be allotted in favor of some other person.

Our board of directors may in its absolute discretion and without giving any reason, decline to register any transfer of any share which is not a fully paid share.

Our board of directors may also decline to register any transfer unless:

(a)(a)the instrument of transfer, duly stamped, is lodged with us accompanied by the certificate for the shares to which it relates and such other evidence as our board of directors may reasonably require to show the right of the seller to make the transfer;

 
(b)such fee, not more than the maximum amount allowed by The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limitedthe HKSE from time to time, as our board of directors may from time to time require is paid to us in respect of it;

 
(c)the instrument of transfer is in respect of only one class of share;

 
(d)in the case of a transfer of a share jointly held by two or more holders, the number of joint holders to whom the share is to be transferred does not exceed four; and

 
(e)the shares concerned are free of any lien in favor of us.

If our board of directors declines to register a transfer of any share, it shall, within two months after the date on which the instrument of transfer was lodged, send to the buyer notice of the refusal.

Shareholders

In accordance with our Articles, only persons who are registered in our register of members are recognized by us as shareholders and absolute owners of the shares. The register of members may be closed by our board of directors at such times and for such periods as it may from time to time decide by giving notice by advertisement in a newspaper circulating generally in Hong Kong,accordance with the HKSE Listing Rules, but the register shall be closed in any year for not more than 30 days (excluding Sundays and public holidays) unless extended by ordinary resolution.

59


Variations of Rights of Shares

Subject to the Companies Ordinance, all or any of the rights for the time being attached to any class of shares for the time being issued may from time to time (whether or not the Company is being wound up) be varied with the consent in writing of the holders of not less than three-fourths in nominal value of the issued shares of that class or with the sanction of a special resolution passed at a separate general meeting of the holders of such shares.

C. Material contracts

C.Material contracts

Other than such contracts as are described in our disclosure in Item 7 “Major shareholders and related party transactions — related party transactions”4 “Information on the Company”, we have not entered into any material contracts outside the ordinary course of our business within the two years preceding the date of this annual report.

D. Exchange controls

D.Exchange controls

The Basic Law of Hong Kong provides that the Hong Kong dollar will remain the legal tender in Hong Kong after July 1, 1997. The Basic Law also provides that no foreign exchange control policies will be applied in Hong Kong and that the Hong Kong dollar will be freely convertible. During the Asia regional economic crisis in 1998, however, the Hong Kong Governmentgovernment intervened on several occasions in the foreign exchange market by purchasing the Hong Kong dollar and selling the U.S. dollar to support the value of the Hong Kong dollar.

There are no restrictions, either pursuant to our Articles, or pursuant to the laws of Hong Kong, on the rights of non-residents of Hong Kong or foreign persons to hold or exercise voting rights with respect to our ordinary shares, or export or import capital.

E. Taxation

E.Taxation

The following provides a general outline of the material tax considerations that may be relevant to a decision to own or dispose of our American depositary shares or shares but does not purport to deal with the tax consequences applicable to all categories of investors. Prospective investors should consult their own professional advisers on the Hong Kong, United States and overall tax implications of investing, holding or disposing the American depositary shares or shares under the laws of the countries in which they are liable to taxation. The discussion below is applicable to both U.S. and non-U.S. citizens as an investor.

Hong Kong Taxation

Tax on dividends

No tax is payable in Hong Kong by withholding or otherwise in respect of dividends paid by City Telecom.

Profits tax

No tax is imposed in Hong Kong in respect of gains from the sale of our shares and American depositary shares, unless all the following factors are present:

(i)(i)such profits are derived from or arise in Hong Kong;

 
(ii)such profits are attributable to a trade, profession or business carried on in Hong Kong; and

 
(iii)the property in question, such as shares and American depositary shares, are not capital assets of that trade, profession or business.

Taxable profits are subject to Hong Kong profits tax on corporations at the rate of 16.5% and on unincorporated businesses or individuals at the rate of 15%.

Profits from the sales of our shares, which are effected on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange,HKSE, will be considered to be derived from or arising in Hong Kong. Such profits are taxable if the shares are not held as capital assets and the profits are attributable to a business, trade or profession carried out in Hong Kong.

Profits from the sales of our American depositary shares will be considered to be derived from or arising in Hong Kong if the relevant purchase or sales contracts are effected in Hong Kong. In the event that those persons dealing or trading in the American depositary shares are doing so as part of their trade, profession or business that is being carried out in Hong Kong and the shares are not capital assets of such trade of business, then such profits will be subject to Hong Kong profits tax. In any case of an exchange of any American depositary receipts evidencing American depositary shares for certificates representing shares, any profit gained on subsequent disposition of such shares will be the difference between the initial price of American depositary shares and the market value of such shares at the date of disposition.

Stamp duty

The sale and purchase of shares is subject to Hong Kong stamp duty which is payable by both the seller and purchase.the purchaser. Both seller and purchaser must pay stamp duty at a rate of 0.1% each, totaling 0.2%, of the total value of the greater of (i) the consideration paid or (ii) the market value of the shares on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange,HKSE, or otherwise, on the date the contract note for the sale or purchase is executed. If, inWhere one of the caseparties to a transfer of a sale or purchase ofthe shares effected by a person who is not resident in Hong Kong and the stamp duty on either or both of the contract notes is not paid, the transfereeduty not paid will be liable to stampassessed on the instrument of transfer (if any) and pay stamp duty onwill be payable by the instrument in an amount equal to the unpaid duty.transferee. If the instrument is not stamped before or within the time for stamping such instrument, a penalty of up to ten10 times the duty payable may be imposed. In addition, a fixed duty of HK$5.00 is currently payable on any instrument of transfer of shares.

60


In addition to the depositary’s charges, if any, the withdrawal of the shares upon the surrender of American depositary receipts evidencing American depositary shares, and the issuance of American depositary receipts evidencing American depositary shares upon the deposit of the shares, will be subject to Hong Kong stamp duty at the rate described above for sale and purchase transactions. In the event the withdrawal or deposit does not result in a change in the beneficial ownership of the shares under Hong Kong law, only the nominal fixed duty of HK$5.00 will be payable. Investors are not liable for stamp duty on the issuance of the American depositary shares upon the initial deposit of shares issued directly to the depositary or for the account of the depositary. No Hong Kong stamp duty is payable upon the transfer of American depositary receipts evidencing our American depositary shares if such American depositary receipts are not maintained on a register in Hong Kong.

Tax treaty

There is currently no reciprocal tax treaty between Hong Kong and the U.S. regarding withholding.

United States Taxation

Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations
Taxation

The following is a summary ofdiscussion describes certain United StatesU.S. federal income tax considerations that are anticipatedconsequences to be material to the purchase, ownership, and dispositionU.S. Holders (as defined below) under present law of an investment in our American depository shares or American depositary shares byordinary shares. This discussion applies only to U.S. Holders that hold the American depository shares or ordinary shares as defined below.capital assets (generally, property held for investment) and that have the U.S. dollar as their functional currency. This summarydiscussion is based on the U.S. Internal Revenue Codetax laws of 1986,the United States as amended (the “Code”), its legislative history, existingof the date of this annual report and proposedon U.S. Treasury regulations published rulings and court decisions, all as in effect onor, in some cases, proposed as of the date hereof. These lawsof this annual report, as well as judicial and administrative interpretations thereof available on or before such date. All of the foregoing authorities are all subject to change, or different interpretation, possibly on a retroactive basis. This summary does not discusswhich change could apply retroactively and could affect the tax consequences described below.

The following discussion neither deals with the tax consequences to any particular investor nor describes all aspects of United States federal income taxation which may be importantthe tax consequences applicable to particular investorspersons in light of their individual investment circumstances, such as investors subject to special tax rules including: partnerships,situations such as:

banks;

certain financial institutions, institutions;

insurance companies, companies;

regulated investment companies, companies;

real estate investment trusts, broker-dealers, trusts;

broker-dealers;

traders that elect to mark to market;

U.S. expatriates;

tax-exempt organizations, and, except as described below, non-U.S. Holders,entities;

persons liable for alternative minimum tax;

persons holding an American depository share or to persons that will hold our shares or American depositary sharesordinary share as part of a straddle, hedge,hedging, conversion or constructive sale transaction for United Statesintegrated transaction;

persons that actually or constructively own 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of our voting stock;

persons who acquired American depository shares or ordinary shares pursuant to the exercise of any employee share option or otherwise as compensation; or

���

partnerships or pass-through entities, or persons holding American depository shares or ordinary shares through such entities.

INVESTORS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS ABOUT THE APPLICATION OF THE U.S. FEDERAL TAX RULES TO THEIR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES AS WELL AS THE STATE, LOCAL, NON-U.S. AND OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF AMERICAN DEPOSITORY SHARES OR ORDINARY SHARES.

The discussion below of the U.S. federal income tax purposesconsequences to “U.S. Holders” will apply to you if you are the beneficial owner of our American depository shares or that haveordinary shares and you are, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

an individual who is a functional currencycitizen or resident of the United States;

a corporation (or other thanentity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized in the United States dollar, all of whom may be subject to tax rules that differ significantly from those summarized below. In addition, this summary does not discuss any foreign, state, or local tax considerations. This summary assumes that investors will hold our shares or American depositary shares as “capital assets” (generally, property held for investment) under the Code.

     Each prospective investor is urged to consult its own tax advisor regardinglaws of the United States, any State thereof or the District of Columbia;

an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal state, local,income taxation regardless of its source; or

a trust that (1) is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States and foreign income and other tax considerationsthe control of the purchase, ownership, and disposition of our sharesone or American depositary shares.

     For purposes of this summary,more U.S. persons for all substantial decisions or (2) has a valid election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. Holder isperson.

If you are a beneficial owner of shares or American depositary shares that is for United States federal income tax purposes:

an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States;
a corporation, or other entity that is taxable as a corporation, createdpartner in or organized under the laws of the United States or any State or political subdivision thereof;
an estate the income of which is includible in gross income for United States federal income tax purposes regardless of its source;
a trust the administration of which is subject to the primary supervision of a United States court and which has one or more United States persons who have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust; or
a trust that was in existence on August 20, 1996, was treated as a United States person, for United States federal income tax purposes, on the previous day, and elected to continue to be so treated.
     If a partnership or other entity or arrangement treatedtaxable as a partnership for United States federal income tax purposesthat holds ourAmerican depository shares or American depositary receipts, theordinary shares, your tax treatment of a partner will generally depend upon theon your status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. A U.S. Holder that isIf you are a partner in such a partnership, holding our shares or American depositary receipts is urged toyou should consult its ownyour tax advisor concerning the United States federal income tax consequences of purchasing, owning and disposing of our shares or American depositary receipts by the partnership.
     A beneficial owner of our shares or American depositary shares that is not a U.S. Holder is referred to herein as a “Non-U.S. Holder.”
     A foreign corporation will be treated as a “passive foreign investment company” or “PFIC”, for United States federal income tax purposes, if 75% or more of its gross income consists of certain types of “passive” income or 50% or more of the fair market value of its assets are “passive” for any taxable year. Based on our current and projected income, assets, and activities, we presently believe that we are not a PFIC in the current taxable year and do not anticipate becoming a PFIC in the future. The PFIC status of a foreign corporation for any taxable year, however, will not be determinable until after the end of that taxable year. Because the classification of certain of our assets for United States federal income tax purposes is uncertain, the PFIC rules are subject to administrative interpretation, and the relevant facts may change in the

61

advisor.


future, however, no assurance can be given that we are not or will not be treated as a PFIC. The discussion below under “U.S. Holders-Dividends”assumes the representations contained in the deposit agreement are true and “U.S. Holders-Sale or Other Disposition of Shares orthe obligations in the deposit agreement and any related agreement have been and will be complied with in accordance with their terms. If you own American depositarydepository shares,” assumes that we will not be subject to treatment as a PFIC for United States federal income tax purposes. If we were currently or were to become a PFIC, U.S. Holders would be subject to special rules and a variety of potentially adverse tax consequences under the Code. See “PFIC Considerations” below.
U.S. Holders
     For United States federal income tax purposes, a U.S. Holder of an American depositary share will you should be treated as the owner of the proportionate interest of theunderlying ordinary shares held by the depositary that is represented by anthose American depositary share and evidenced by such American depositary share. Accordingly, no gain or loss will be recognized upondepository shares for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

The U.S. Treasury has expressed concerns that intermediaries in the exchangechain of ownership between the holder of an American depositarydepository share and the issuer of the security underlying the American depository share may be taking actions that are inconsistent with the beneficial ownership of the underlying security (for example, pre-releasing American depository shares to persons that do not have the beneficial ownership of the securities underlying the American depository shares). Accordingly, the creditability of any foreign taxes and the availability of the reduced tax rate for the holders’ proportionate interestany dividends received by certain non-corporate U.S. Holders, including individual U.S. Holders (as discussed below), could be affected by actions taken by intermediaries in the shares. A U.S. Holder’s tax basis inchain of ownership between the withdrawnholders of American depository shares will beand our company if as a result of such actions the sameholders of American depository shares are not properly treated as the tax basis inbeneficial owners of underlying ordinary shares.

Dividends and Other Distributions on the American depositary share surrendered therefore, andDepository Shares or Ordinary Shares

Subject to the holding period inPFIC rules discussed below, the withdrawngross amount of any distributions we make to you with respect to our American depository shares will include the period during which the holder held the surrendered American depositary share.

Dividends.Any cash distributions paid by us out of our earnings and profits, as determined under United States federal income tax rules, will be subject to tax asor ordinary dividend income andshares generally will be includible in theyour gross income as dividend income on the date of a U.S. Holder upon actualreceipt by the depositary, in the case of American depository shares, or constructive receipt. Cash distributionsby you, in the case of ordinary shares, but only to the extent the distribution is paid by us in excessout of our current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles). Any such dividends will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction allowed to corporations in respect of dividends received from other U.S. corporations. To the extent the amount of the distribution exceeds our current and accumulated earnings and profits (as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles), such excess amount will be treated first as a tax-free return of capitalyour tax basis in your American depository shares or ordinary shares, and then, to the extent of the U.S. Holder’s adjustedsuch excess amount exceeds your tax basis in ouryour American depository shares or ordinary shares, as capital gain. We currently do not, and we do not intend to, calculate our earnings and profits under U.S. federal income tax principles. Therefore, a U.S. Holder should expect that a distribution will generally be reported as a dividend even if that distribution would otherwise be treated as a non-taxable return of capital or as capital gain under the rules described above.

With respect to certain non-corporate U.S. Holders, including individual U.S. Holders, for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2013, any dividends may be taxed at the lower capital gains rate applicable to “qualified dividend income,” provided (1) the American depositarydepository shares and thereafter as gain from the sale or exchange of a capital asset. Dividends paidordinary shares are readily tradable on an established securities market in Hong Kong dollars will be includible in income in a United States dollar amount based on the United States, dollar(2) we are neither a PFIC nor treated as such with respect to Hong Kong dollar “spot” exchange rate prevailing atyou (as discussed below) for the timetaxable year in which the dividend was paid and the preceding taxable year, and (3) certain holding period requirements are met. Under U.S. Internal Revenue Service authority, American depository shares are considered for purposes of receipt of such dividends by the depositary,clause (1) above to be readily tradable on an established securities market in the case ofUnited States if they are listed on Nasdaq, as are our American depositarydepository shares. However, based on existing guidance, it is not entirely clear whether dividends you receive with respect to the ordinary shares or bywill be taxed as qualified dividend income, because the ordinary shares are not themselves listed on a U.S. Holder, in the case of shares held directly by such U.S. Holder. U.S. Holdersexchange. You should consult their ownyour tax advisors regarding the United States federal income tax treatmentavailability of any foreign currency gain or loss recognized on the subsequent conversion of Hong Kong dollars received as dividends to United States dollars. Dividends received on shares or American depositary shares will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction allowed to corporations.

     Under current law, “qualified dividend income” received by an individual prior to January 1, 2011 is subject to United States federal income tax rates lower than thosecapital gains rate applicable to ordinary income. The maximum federalqualified dividend income tax rate on such qualifyingfor any dividends received by an individual is 15% or 5% for those individuals whose incomes fall in the 10% or 15% tax brackets. Based upon our existing and anticipated future operations and current assets, and the anticipation that our American depository shares are and will be listed on the NASDAQ, we believe that we are a “qualified foreign corporation” and that our dividends paid to U.S. Holders who are individuals will be eligible to be treated as “qualified dividend income”, provided that such Holders satisfy applicable holding period requirements with respect to the American depositary shares and other application requirements. Dividends paid by foreign corporations that are classified as PFICs are not “qualified dividend income”. See “PFIC Considerations” below.
     Dividends received ondepository shares or American depositary shares generallyordinary shares.

Any dividends will be treated, for United States federal income tax purposes, as income from non-U.S. sources. Such non-U.S.constitute foreign source income generally will be “passive category income”for foreign tax credit limitation purposes. If the dividends are taxed as qualified dividend income (as discussed above), or in certain cases “general category income”, which is treated separately from other typesthe amount of incomethe dividend taken into account for purposes of computingcalculating the U.S. foreign tax credit. A U.S. Holder may be eligible, subject to a number of complex limitations, to claim a foreign tax credit limitation will in general be limited to the gross amount of the dividend, multiplied by the reduced tax rate applicable to qualified dividend income and divided by the highest tax rate normally applicable to dividends. The limitation on foreign taxes eligible for credit is calculated separately with respect to specific classes of any foreign withholding taxes imposed onincome. For this purpose, dividends received ondistributed by us with respect to our American depository shares or American depositary shares.ordinary shares will generally constitute “passive category income” but could, in the case of certain U.S. Holders, who do not elect to claim a U.S. foreign tax credit for foreign income tax withheld may instead claim a deduction, for United States federal income tax purposes, in respect of such withholdings, but only for a year in which the U.S. Holder elects to do so for all creditable foreign income taxes.

     In addition, the United States Treasury has expressed concerns that parties to whom depositary shares are pre-released may be taking actions that are inconsistent with the claiming of U.S. foreign tax credits by the holdersconstitute “general category income.”

Disposition of American depositary shares. The analysis of the creditability of foreign withholding taxes could be affected by future actions that may be taken by the United States Treasury.

     Sale or Other Disposition ofDepository Shares or American depositary shares. A U.S. HolderOrdinary Shares

Subject to the PFIC rules discussed below, you will recognize capitaltaxable gain or loss upon theon any sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of sharesan American depository share or American depositary shares in an amountordinary share equal to the difference between the amount realized uponfor the dispositionAmerican depository share or ordinary share and the U.S. Holder’s adjustedyour tax basis in such sharesthe American depository share or American depositary shares, as each is determined in U.S. dollars. Any suchordinary share. The gain or loss generally will be capital gain or loss will be long-term ifloss. If you are a non-corporate U.S. Holder, including an individual U.S. Holder, that has held the sharesAmerican depository share or American depositary shares have been heldordinary share for more than one year, andyou may be eligible for reduced tax rates. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations. Any gain or loss you recognize on a disposition of American depository shares or ordinary shares will generally be United Statestreated as U.S. source gainincome or loss. Certain non-corporate U.S. Holders (including individuals) may qualify for preferential rates of United States federal income taxation in respect of long-term capital gains for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011. The claim of a deduction in respect of a capital loss for United Statesforeign tax credit limitation purposes.

Passive Foreign Investment Company

Based on the market price of our American depository shares, the value of our assets, and the composition of our income and assets, though not without doubt, we do not believe we were a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes for our taxable year ended August 31, 2012. However, the application of the PFIC rules is subject to uncertainty in several respects, and we cannot assure you that the U.S. Internal Revenue Service will not take a contrary position. A non-U.S. corporation will be a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes for any taxable year if either:

at least 75% of its gross income for such year is passive income, or

at least 50% of the value of its assets (based on an average of the quarterly values of the assets) during such year is attributable to assets that produce passive income or are held for the production of passive income.

For this purpose, we will be treated as owning our proportionate share of the assets and earning our proportionate share of the income of any other corporation in which we own, directly or indirectly, at least 25% (by value) of the stock.

A separate determination must be made after the close of each taxable year as to whether we were a PFIC for that year. Because the value of our assets for purposes of the PFIC test will generally be determined by reference to the market price of our American depository shares and ordinary shares, fluctuations in the market price of our American depository shares and ordinary shares may cause us to become a PFIC. In addition, changes in the composition of our income or assets may cause us to become a PFIC. Furthermore, unless our share value increases and/or we invest a substantial amount of our cash, we may be a PFIC for our current taxable year ending August 31, 2013. If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which you hold American depository shares or ordinary shares, we generally will continue to be treated as a PFIC with respect to you for all succeeding years during which you hold American depository shares or ordinary shares, unless we cease to be a PFIC and you make a “deemed sale” election with respect to the American depository shares or ordinary shares. If such election is made, you will be deemed to have sold American depository shares or ordinary shares you hold at their fair market value on the last day of the last taxable year in which we qualified as a PFIC, and any gain from such deemed sale would be subject to the consequences described in the following two paragraphs. After the deemed sale election, your American depository shares or ordinary shares with respect to which the deemed sale election was made will not be treated as shares in a PFIC unless we subsequently become a PFIC.

For each taxable year that we are treated as a PFIC with respect to you, you will be subject to special tax rules with respect to any “excess distribution” you receive and any gain you recognize from a sale or other disposition (including a pledge) of the American depository shares or ordinary shares, unless you make a “mark-to-market” election as discussed below. Distributions you receive in a taxable year that are greater than 125% of the average annual distributions you received during the shorter of the three preceding taxable years or your holding period for the American depository shares or ordinary shares will be treated as an excess distribution. Under these special tax rules:

the excess distribution or recognized gain will be allocated ratably over your holding period for the American depository shares or ordinary shares,

the amount allocated to the current taxable year, and any taxable years in your holding period prior to the first taxable year in which we were a PFIC, will be treated as ordinary income, and

the amount allocated to each other taxable year will be subject to the highest tax rate in effect for individuals or corporations, as applicable, for each such year, and the interest charge generally applicable to underpayments of tax will be imposed on the resulting tax attributable to each such year.

The tax liability for amounts allocated to taxable years prior to the year of disposition or excess distribution cannot be offset by any net operating losses for such years, and gains (but not losses) realized on the sale or other disposition of our American depository shares or ordinary shares cannot be treated as capital, even if you hold the American depository shares or ordinary shares as capital assets.

If we are treated as a PFIC with respect to you for any taxable year, to the extent any of our subsidiaries are also PFICs or we make direct or indirect equity investments in other entities that are PFICs, you may be deemed to own shares in such lower-tier PFICs that are directly or indirectly owned by us in that proportion which the value of the American depository shares or ordinary shares you own bears to the value of all of our American depository shares and ordinary shares, and you may be subject to limitations. If a U.S. Holder receives Hong Kong dollars for any such disposition, such U.S. Holder should consult its ownthe adverse tax advisor regarding the United States federal income tax treatment of any foreign currency gain or loss recognized on the subsequent conversion of the Hong Kong dollars to United States dollars.

Medicare Tax
     For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012, a United States person that is an individual or estate, or a trust that does not fall into a special class of trusts that is exempt from such tax, is subject to a 3.8% tax on the lesser of (1) the United States person’s “net investment income” for the relevant taxable year and (2) the excess of the United States person’s modified adjusted gross income for the taxable year over a certain threshold (whichconsequences described in the casepreceding two paragraphs with respect to the shares of individuals willsuch lower-tier PFICs that you would be between US$125,000 and US$250,000, depending on the individual’s circumstances). A holder’s net investment income will generally include its gross dividend income and its net gains from the disposition of ADSs, unless such dividends or net gains are derived in the ordinary course of the conduct of a trade or business (other than a trade or business that consists of certain passive or trading activities). If you are a United States person that is an individual, estate or trust, you are urgeddeemed to own. You should consult your tax advisors regarding the applicabilityapplication of the Medicare taxPFIC rules to any of our subsidiaries.

A U.S. Holder of “marketable stock” (as defined below) in a PFIC may make a mark-to-market election for such stock to elect out of the PFIC rules described above regarding excess distributions and recognized gains. If you make a mark-to-market election for our American depository shares or ordinary shares, you will include in income for each year we are a PFIC an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the American depository shares or ordinary shares as of the close of your taxable year over your adjusted basis in such American depository shares or ordinary shares. You will be allowed a deduction for the excess, if any, of the adjusted basis of the American depository shares or ordinary shares over their fair market value as of the close of the taxable year. However, deductions will be allowable only to the extent of any net mark-to-market gains on the American depository shares or ordinary shares included in your income andfor prior taxable years. Amounts included in your income under a mark-to-market election, as well as gain on the actual sale or other disposition of the American depository shares or ordinary shares, will be treated as ordinary income. Ordinary loss treatment will also apply to the deductible portion of any mark-to-market loss on the American depository shares or ordinary shares, as well as to any loss realized on the actual sale or other disposition of the American depository shares or ordinary shares, to the extent the amount of such loss does not exceed the net mark-to-market gains in respect of your investmentpreviously included for such American depository shares or ordinary shares. Your basis in the ADSs.

PFIC considerations
American depository shares or ordinary shares will be adjusted to reflect any such income or loss amounts. If you make a mark-to-market election, any distributions we make would generally be subject to the rules discussed above under “—Dividends and Other Distributions on the American Depository Shares or Ordinary Shares,” except the lower rate applicable to qualified dividend income would not apply.

The mark-to-market election is available only for “marketable stock,” which is stock that is regularly traded on a qualified exchange or other market, as defined in applicable U.S. Treasury regulations. Our American depository shares are listed on the Nasdaq, which is a qualified exchange or other market for these purposes. Consequently, if the American depository shares continue to be listed on the Nasdaq and are regularly traded, and you are a holder of American depository shares, we expect the mark-to-market election would be available to you if we were to become a PFIC. Because a mark-to-market election cannot be classifiedmade for equity interests in any lower-tier PFICs that we own, a U.S. Holder may continue to be subject to the PFIC rules with respect to its indirect interest in any investments held by us that are treated as an equity interest in a PFIC for any taxable year, a U.S. Holder would be subject to special rules generally intended to reduce or eliminate any benefits from the deferral of United States federal income tax purposes. You should consult your tax advisors as to the availability and desirability of a mark-to-market election, as well as the impact of such election on interests in any lower-tier PFICs.

Alternatively, if a non-U.S. corporation is a PFIC, a holder of shares in that corporation may avoid taxation under the PFIC rules described above regarding excess distributions and recognized gains by making a U.S. Holder could derive from investing“qualified electing fund” election to include in a foreign company that does not distribute allincome its share of its earningsthe corporation’s income on a current basis. InHowever, you may make a qualified electing fund election with respect to your American depository shares or ordinary shares only if we agree to furnish you annually with certain tax information, and we currently do not intend to prepare or provide such event, ainformation.

Unless otherwise provided by the U.S. Treasury, each U.S. Holder of a PFIC is required to file an annual report containing such information as the sharesU.S. Treasury may require. If we are or American depositary sharesbecome a PFIC, you should consult your tax advisor regarding any reporting requirements that may be subjectapply to tax at ordinary income tax rates on (i) any gain recognized on the sales of the shares or American depositary shares and (ii) any “excess distribution” paid on the shares or American depositary shares (generally, a distribution in excess of 125% of the average

62

you.


annual distributions paid by us in the three preceding taxable years). In addition, a U.S. Holder may be subject to an interest charge on such gain or excess distribution. Prospective investorsYou are strongly urged to consult their ownyour tax advisorsadvisor regarding the potential tax consequencesapplication of the PFIC rules to them if we are or do become a PFIC, as well as certain elections that may be available to them to mitigate such consequences.
Non-U.S. Holders
     Anyour investment in American depository shares or ordinary shares.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

Any dividend payments with respect to American depositarydepository shares by a Non-U.S. Holder will not give rise to any United States federal income tax consequences unless:

the dividends received or gain recognized on the sale of theor ordinary shares or American depositary shares by such person is treated as effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business by such person in the United States as determined under United States federal income tax law, and the dividends are attributable to a permanent establishment (or in the case of an individual, a fixed place of business) that you maintain in the United States if that is required by an applicable income tax treaty as a condition for subjecting you to U.S. taxation on a net income basis. In such cases you generally will be taxed in the same manner as a U.S. holder. If you are a corporate non-U.S. Holder, “effectively connected” dividends may, under certain circumstances, be subject to an additional “branch profits tax” at a 30% rate or a lower rate if you are eligible for the benefits of an income tax treaty that provides for a lower rate, or
in the case of gains recognized on a sale of shares or American depositary shares by an individual, such individual is present in the United States for 183 days or more and certain other conditions are met. The non-U.S. Holder will be subject to United States federal income tax at a rate of 30% on the amount by which the U.S. — source capital gains exceed non-U.S. — source capital losses.
Backup withholding and information reporting
     In general, information reporting requirements will apply to dividends on or the proceeds received onfrom the sale, exchange or redemption of American depository shares or American depositaryordinary shares paid withinmay be subject to information reporting to the United States (and, in certain cases, outside the United States)U.S. Internal Revenue Service and possible U.S. backup withholding. Backup withholding will not apply, however, to a U.S. Holder that furnishes a correct taxpayer identification number and makes any other required certification or that is otherwise exempt from backup withholding. U.S. Holders other than certainthat are required to establish their exempt recipients,status generally must provide such as corporations,certification on U.S. Internal Revenue Service Form W-9. U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisor regarding the application of the U.S. information reporting and backup withholding tax may apply to such amounts if the U.S. Holder fails to provide an accurate taxpayer identification number (or otherwise establishes, in the manner provided by law, an exemption from backup withholding) or to report dividends required to be shown on the U.S. Holder’s United States federal income tax returns.
rules.

Backup withholding is not an additional income tax, and the amount of anytax. Amounts withheld as backup withholding from a payment to amay be credited against your U.S. Holder will be allowed as credit against the U.S. Holder’s United States federal income tax liability, provided thatand you may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules by filing the appropriate returnsclaim for refund with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and furnishing any required information in a timely manner.

Additional Reporting Requirements

Certain U.S. Holders who are filed.

     A non-U.S. Holder generally may eliminate the requirement for information reporting and backup withholding by providing certification of its foreign status to the payer, under penalties of perjury, on IRS Form W-8BEN.
Information with Respect to Foreign Financial Assets
     Under recently enacted legislation, individuals that own “specified foreign financial assets” with an aggregate value in excess of US$50,000 in taxable years beginning after March 18, 2010 will generally beare required to filereport information relating to an information report with respectinterest in our American depository shares or ordinary shares, subject to such assets with their tax returns. “Specified foreign financial assets” include any financial accounts maintained by foreign financial institutions, as well as any of the following, but only if they are notcertain exceptions (including an exception for American depository shares or ordinary shares held in accounts maintained by certain financial institutions: (i) stocks and securities issued by non-U.S. persons, (ii) financial instruments and contracts held for investment that have non-U.S. issuers or counterparties and (iii) interests in foreign entities.institutions). U.S. holders that are individuals are urged toHolders should consult their tax advisors regarding the applicationeffect, if any, of this legislation tothese rules on their ownership and disposition of ADSs.
     THE ABOVE DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY, DOES NOT PURPORT TO BE A COMPLETE DESCRIPTION OF THE POTENTIAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS RELATING TO OUR SHARES OR AMERICAN DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE CONSTRUED AS TAX ADVICE. ACCORDINGLY, PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS AS TO THE PARTICULAR TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF PURCHASING, OWNING AND DISPOSING OF OUR SHARES OR AMERICAN DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS, INCLUDING THE APPLICABILITY AND EFFECT OF ANY UNITED STATES FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL OR NON-UNITED STATES TAX LAWS, AND OF ANY PROPOSED CHANGES IN APPLICABLE LAW.
F. Dividendsthe American depository shares and paying agents
ordinary shares.

F.Dividends and paying agents

Not applicable.

G. Statement by experts

G.Statement by experts

Not applicable.

H. Documents on display

H.Documents on display

We filed with Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington, D.C. a registration statement on Form F-1 (Registration No. 333-11012) under the Securities Act in connection with our global offering of American depositary shares in November 1999. The registration statement contains exhibits and schedules. For further information with respect to City Telecom and the American depositary shares, please refer to the registration statement and to the exhibits and schedules filed with the registration statement. In addition, whenever a reference is made in this annual report to a contract or other document of City Telecom, you should be aware that such reference is not necessarily complete and that you should refer to the exhibits and schedules that are a part of the registration statement for a copy of the contract or other document.

The Company’s registration statements may be inspected and copied, including exhibits and schedules, and the reports and other information as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 at the public reference facilities maintained by the Securities and Exchange Commission at 100F Street NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. Copies of such material may also be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the Securities and Exchange Commission at 100F Street NE, Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. Information may be obtained regarding the Washington D.C. Public Reference Room by calling the Securities

63


and Exchange Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330 or by contacting the Securities and Exchange Commission over the Internet at its website at http://www.sec.gov/.
I. Subsidiary information

I.Subsidiary information

Not applicable.

ItemITEM 11 Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market riskQUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk have been included in note 2426 to our consolidated financial statements.

ItemITEM 12 Description of securities other than equity securitiesDESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES

A.Debt securities

Not applicable.

B.Warrants and rights

Not applicable.

C.Other securities

Not applicable.

D.American depositary shares

Fees and Expenses

Persons depositing ordinary shares or ADR holders must pay:

For:

US$5.00 (or less) per 100 ADSs (or portion of 100 ADSs)Issuance of ADSs, including issuances resulting from a distribution of shares or rights or other property
US$5.00 (or less) per 100 ADSs (or portion of 100 ADSs)

•       Cancellation of ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal, including if the deposit agreement terminates

US$0.02 (or less) per ADS

•       Any cash distribution to our ADR holders

A fee equivalent to the fee that would be payable if securities distributed to our ADR holders had been ordinary shares and the ordinary shares had been deposited for issuance of ADSs

•       Distribution of securities distributed to holders of deposited securities which are distributed by the depositary to ADR holders

Registration or transfer fees

•       Transfer and registration of ordinary shares on our ordinary share register to or from the name of the depositary or its agent when our ADR holders deposit or withdraw ordinary shares

Expenses of the depositary in converting foreign currency to U.S. dollars

•       Whenever the depositary or the custodian receives foreign currency, by way of dividends or other distributions or the net proceeds from the sale of securities, property or rights, and if at the time of the receipt thereof the foreign currency so received can in the judgment of the depositary be converted on a reasonable basis into U.S. dollars and the resulting U.S. dollars transferred to the United States

Expenses of the depositary

•       Cable, telex and facsimile transmissions (when expressly provided in the deposit agreement)

Taxes and other governmental charges the depositary or the custodian have to pay on any ADR or ordinary share underlying an ADR, for example, stock transfer taxes, stamp duty or withholding taxesAs necessary
Any charges incurred by the depositary or its agents for servicing the deposited securitiesAs necessary

Payment of Taxes

The ADR holder is required to pay all taxes and other governmental charges that may be payable in respect of any their ADSs, or the shares or other securities underlying their ADSs. The depositary may refuse to effect a transfer of any ADRs or refuse to effect the withdrawal of any securities underlying the ADRs while any such taxes and charges are outstanding. The depositary may deduct the amount of any taxes owed from any payments to our ADR holders. It may also sell deposited securities, by public or private sale, to pay any taxes owed. Our ADR holders will remain liable if the proceeds of the sale are not enough to pay the taxes. If the depositary sells deposited securities, it will, if appropriate, reduce the number of ADSs to reflect the sale and pay to our ADR holders any proceeds, or send to our ADR holders any property, remaining after it has paid the taxes.

Fees and Payments from the Depositary to Us

In fiscal year 2012, the Company did not receive any payment from the depositary.

PART II

ItemITEM 13 Defaults, dividend arrearages and delinquenciesDEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES

None.

ItemITEM 14 Material modifications to the rights of security holders and use of proceedsMATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None.

ItemITEM 15 Controls and proceduresCONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
A. Disclosure controls and procedures

A.Disclosure controls and procedures

An evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. As of the end of the period covered by this annual report, based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures arewere effective to provide reasonable assurance that information the Company iswas required to disclose in reports that the Company filesfiled or submitssubmitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 iswas recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms, and that such information iswas accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. In addition, the design of disclosure controls and procedures must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and that management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs. Subsequent to the date of their evaluation, there have been no significant changes in our internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls.

B. Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting

B.Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company, as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of consolidated financial statements for external purpose in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Under Section 404(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, our management is required to include its assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control procedures over financial reporting in our annual report on Form 20-F beginning in the fiscal year ended August 31, 2009. With the assistance of Company’s internal audit department and external consultants, our management organized and conducted a comprehensive assessment of internal control over financial reporting based on the control criteria in COSO framework. Based on this assessment, the Directors believe that, as atof August 31, 2010,2012, the internal control over financial reporting iswas effective.

C. Changes in internal control over financial reporting
     During fiscal 2010, the period covered by this annual report, no change has occurred in our internal controls over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.
D. Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

C.Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of City Telecom (H.K.) Limited:

64


We have audited City Telecom (H.K.) Limited and its subsidiaries’Limited’s internal control over financial reporting as of August 31, 2010,2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO)”(“COSO”). The management of City Telecom (H.K.) Limited and its subsidiaries is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the City Telecom (H.K.) Limited and its subsidiaries’Limited’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed 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. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting 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.

In our opinion, City Telecom (H.K.) Limited and its subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of August 31, 2010,2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of City Telecom (H.K.) Limited and its subsidiaries as of August 31, 20092012 and 2010,2011, and the related consolidated income statements, consolidated statements of comprehensive income, consolidated statements of changes in equity, and consolidated cash flow statements for each of the years in the three-year period ended August 31, 2010,2012, and our report dated November 9, 2010December 31, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

/s/ KPMG

Hong Kong, China

December 31, 2012

D.
/s/ KPMG  
Hong Kong, China 
November 9, 2010 Changes in internal control over financial reporting

Upon the completion of the disposal of the Telecom Business, we are principally engaged in the Multimedia Production Business. Except for the changes to our internal controls over financial reporting as a result of the change in our business operations, there were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this annual report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

ItemITEM 16A Audit committee financial expert

Our board of directors established an audit committee to ensure the impartial supervision of our accounting and business operations. The audit committee is comprised of three independent non-executive directors, namely, Mr. Lee Hon Ying, John, Dr. Chan Kin Man and Mr. Peh Jefferson Tun Lu. Mr. Peh was appointed to the audit committee on September 1, 2004 and is a “financial expert” within the meaning of, and as required by, the U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

ItemITEM 16B Code of ethics

All of our Talents, officers and directors are bound by our code of business ethics and conduct. We adopted our code of ethics and modified it following the passage of, and to comply with, the U.S. Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002. Copies of our code of ethics are available for viewing on our website at http://www.ctigroup.com.hk and free of charge upon request made to our company secretary. We have not made any amendment to our code of ethics since our most recently completed fiscal year. We have never granted a waiver for non-compliance with the policies and procedures set forth in the code of ethics for any Talent of our Company or any of our subsidiaries.

65


ItemITEM 16C Principal accountant fees and services

The following table sets forth the remuneration that we paid to KPMG, our independent auditor in each of our previous two fiscal years.

         
  2010  2009 
Nature of the service HK$
million
  HK$
million
 
Audit fees  2.3   2.6 
Audit-related fees  0.2   0.4 
Non-audit services fees  0.3    
       
         
Total  2.8   3.0 
       

   2011   2012 
   (in millions) 
Nature of the service  HK$   HK$ 

Audit fees

   2.3     1.4  

Audit-related fees

   0.2     1.1  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   2.5     2.5  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Audit fees

Audit fees are the aggregate fees billed by our independent auditors for the annual financial statement audit, subsidiary audits and other procedures required to be performed for the auditors to form an opinion on our consolidated financial statements.

Audit-related fees

Audit-related fees in fiscal 2012 are the aggregate fees billed by our independent auditors for the review of our interim financial statements and the services provided in connection with the disposal of the Telecom Business in May 2012.

Audit-related fees in fiscal 2011 are the aggregate fees billed by our independent auditors for the review of our interim financial statements and review of reports for compliance with telecommunications regulations and debt obligations.

Non-audit services fees
     Non-audit services fees are the aggregate fees billed by our independent auditors for the services provided for the ADS offering in April 2010.

Pre-approval polices

The engagement of KPMG and the services provided pursuant to such engagement were approved by our audit committee in accordance with paragraph (c)(7)(i) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X. The fees for all such services have been pre-approved by our audit committee. Our audit committee has satisfied itself that the provision of the above-stated non-audit services has not impaired the independence of KPMG.

ItemITEM 16D Exemptions from the listing standards for audit committees

Not applicable.

ItemITEM 16E Purchase of equity securities by the issuer and affiliated purchasers

By way of a general mandate granted to our directors, the maximum aggregate nominal amount of shares that may be purchased pursuant to a mandate corresponds to 10% of the aggregate nominal amount of our issued share capital at the date the mandate was granted. During the year ended August 31, 2010,2012, we had not repurchased any of the ordinary shares on the HKSE.

Item 16F Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant

ITEM 16FChange in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant

Not applicable.

ItemITEM 16G Corporate Governance

As our ordinary shares are listed on the HKSE and American depositary shares representing our ordinary shares are listed on the Nasdaq Global Market, we are subject to applicable Hong Kong laws and regulations, including the HKSE Listing Rules, and the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance, as well as applicable U.S. federal securities laws, including the Exchange Act and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. In addition, we are subject to the corporate governance requirements imposed by Nasdaq to the extent they apply to foreign private issuers. Under Nasdaq Stock Market Rule 5615(a)(3), a foreign private issuer such as us may follow its home country corporate governance practices in lieu of certain of the Nasdaq Stock Market Rules corporate governance requirements. Our current corporate governance practices differ from Nasdaq corporate governance requirements for U.S. companies in certain respects, as summarized below:

Nasdaq Stock Market Rule 5605(b)(1) requires a Nasdaq listed company to have a board of directors consisting of a majority of independent members, In this regard we have elected to adopt the practices of our home country, As a listed company in Hong Kong, we are subject to the requirement under the HKSE Listing Rules that at least three members of our board of directors be independent as determined under the HKSE Listing Rules. In compliance with our home country practices, we currently have three independent

directors out of a total of eight directors. The standards for establishing independence under the HKSE Listing Rules also differ from those set forth in the Nasdaq Stock Market Rules.

66

Nasdaq Stock Market Rule 5605(b)(2) requires a Nasdaq listed company to schedule regular executive sessions in which non-management directors meet without management participation. In this regard we have elected to adopt the practices of our home country. Under the applicable Hong Kong law, our board of directors is required to meet regularly and at least four times a year and we are required to ensure that there is active participation by a majority of the directors and afford all directors an opportunity to include matters on the agenda. In addition, when a board meeting considers a matter in which a substantial shareholder or a director has a conflict of interest, the independent directors with no material interest in such matter must be present. In compliance with our home country practices, we do not organize exclusive meetings for our independent non-executive directors on a regular basis.

Nasdaq Stock Market Rule 5605(d)(1) requires a Nasdaq listed company to have the compensation of the chief executive officer and the other executive officers be determined, or recommended to the its board of directors for determination, by a compensation committee comprised solely of independent directors. In this regard we have elected to adopt the practices of our home country. Under the HKSE Listing Rules, listed companies are required to establish a remuneration committee with a majority of independent non-executive directors. The compensation of our executive officers is determined by a remuneration committee consisting of six directors, three of whom are independent non-executive directors.


Nasdaq Stock Market Rule 5605(e)(1) requires a Nasdaq listed company to have a nominations committee consisting solely of independent directors to select or recommend for selection director nominees. In this regard we have elected to adopt the practices of our home country and do not have a nominations committee consisting solely of independent directors. Under the HKSE Listing Rules, listed companies are recommended but not required to establish a nomination committee consisting of the independent non-executive directors with majority vote. Our director nominees are selected by or recommended for selection by our board of directors. Our current practice is not inconsistent with our home country practices.

directors out of a total of eight directors. The standards for establishing independence under the HKSE Listing Rules also differ from those set forth in the Nasdaq Stock Market Rules.
Nasdaq Stock Market Rule 5605(b)(2) requires a Nasdaq listed company to schedule regular executive sessions in which non-management directors meet without management participation. In this regard we have elected to adopt the practices of our home country. Under the applicable Hong Kong law, our board of directors is required to meet regularly and at least four times a year and we are required to ensure that there is active participation by a majority of the directors and afford all directors an opportunity to include matters on the agenda. In addition, when a board meeting considers a matter in which a substantial shareholder or a director has a conflict of interest, the independent directors with no material interest in such matter must be present. In compliance with our home country practices, we do not organize exclusive meetings for our independent non-executive directors on a regular basis.
Nasdaq Stock Market Rule 5605(d)(1) requires a Nasdaq listed company to have the compensation of the chief executive officer and the other executive officers be determined, or recommended to the Board for determination, by a compensation committee comprised solely of independent directors. In this regard we have elected to adopt the practices of our home country. Under the HKSE Listing Rules, listed companies are required to establish a remuneration committee with a majority of independent non-executive directors. The compensation of our executive officers is determined by a remuneration committee consisting of six directors, three of whom are independent non-executive directors.
Nasdaq Stock Market Rule 5605(e)(1) requires a Nasdaq listed company to have a nominations committee consisting solely of independent directors to select or recommend for selection director nominees. In this regard we have elected to adopt the practices of our home country and do not have a nominations committee consisting solely of independent directors. Under the HKSE Listing Rules, listed companies are recommended but not required to establish a nomination committee consisting of the independent non-executive directors with majority vote. Our director nominees are selected by or recommended for selection by the Board. Our current practice is not inconsistent with our home country practices.
Other than the above, we have followed and intend to continue to follow the applicable Nasdaq corporate governance standards.

67


PART III

ItemITEM 17 Financial statementsFINANCIAL STATEMENTS

We have selectedelected to provide the financial statements and related information specified inpursuant to Item 18.

ITEM 18 in lieu of Item 17.

Item 18 Financial statementsFINANCIAL STATEMENTS

See pages F-1 to F-64F-51 following Item 19.

ItemITEM 19 ExhibitsEXHIBITS

(a) (a)Exhibit 12.1 — 12.1—Section 302 Certifications of the Chief Executive Officer.

 
(b)Exhibit 12.2 — 12.2—Section 302 Certifications of the Chief Financial Officer.

 
(c)Exhibit 13 — 13—Section 906 Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.

68



Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial positionbalance sheets of City Telecom (H.K.) Limited and its subsidiaries (the “Group”) as of August 31, 20092012 and 2010,2011, and the related consolidated income statements, consolidated statements of comprehensive income, consolidated statements of changes in equity and the consolidated cash flow statements for the each of the years in the three-year period ended August 31, 2010.2012. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Group’sCity Telecom (H.K.) Limited’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of City Telecom (H.K.) Limited and its subsidiaries as of August 31, 20092012 and 2010,2011, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended August 31, 2010,2012, in conformity with the International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the City Telecom (H.K.) Limited and its subsidiaries’Limited’s internal control over financial reporting as of August 31, 2010,2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated November 9, 2010December 31, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting of City Telecom (H.K.) Limited and its subsidiaries.

/s/ KPMG
Hong Kong, China
November 9, 2010

F-1


KPMG
Hong Kong, China
December 31, 2012

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited and its subsidiaries

Consolidated income statements

(Expressed in Hong Kong dollars)

                 
      For the year ended August 31, 
      2010  2009  2008 
  Note  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK $’000 
Revenue
  2   1,574,687   1,478,239   1,302,981 
Network costs  3   (195,292)  (175,129)  (178,367)
Other operating expenses  4(a)  (1,105,604)  (1,037,964)  (966,094)
Other income, net  4(b)  7,989   41,540   24,989 
Finance costs  4(c)  (22,235)  (55,127)  (75,137)
              
                 
Profit before taxation
  4   259,545   251,559   108,372 
Income tax (expense)/benefit  5   (42,679)  (38,730)  16,818 
              
                 
Profit attributable to shareholders
      216,866   212,829   125,190 
              
                 
Basic earnings per share
  7  HK30.7 cents  HK32.4 cents  HK19.7 cents
              
                 
Diluted earnings per share
  7  HK29.4 cents  HK31.8 cents  HK19.0 cents 
              

      For the year ended August 31, 
      2012  2011  2010 
   Note  HK$’000  

HK$’000

(restated)

  

HK$’000

(restated)

 

Continuing operations

      

Turnover

  3   3,762    —      —    

Cost of sales

  4   (6,006  —      —    

Valuation gains on investment properties

     18,200    —      —    

Other operating expenses

  5(a)   (104,960  (23,481  (21,932

Other income/(loss), net

  5(b)   19,920    3,456    (7,696

Finance costs, net

  5(c)   (2,455  (7,303  (21,289
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Loss before taxation

  5   (71,539  (27,328  (50,917

Income tax expense

  6   (2,281  (4,782  (5,611
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Loss from continuing operations

     (73,820  (32,110  (56,528
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Discontinued operations

      

Profit from discontinued operations (net of tax)

  2   3,771,694    346,025    273,394  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Profit for the year

     3,697,874    313,915    216,866  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Attributable to:

      

Equity shareholders of the Company

      

- Continuing operations

     (71,406  (32,110  (56,528

- Discontinued operations

     3,771,694    346,025    273,394  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
     3,700,288    313,915    216,866  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Non-controlling interest

      

- Continuing operations

     (2,414  —      —    

- Discontinued operations

     —      —      —    
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
     (2,414  —      —    
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Profit for the year

     3,697,874    313,915    216,866  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Basis (loss)/earnings per share

  8    

- Continuing and discontinued operations

     HK471.9 cents    HK40.8 cents    HK30.7 cents  

- Continuing operations

     HK(9.0) cents    HK(4.1) cents    HK(8.0) cents  

- Discontinued operations

     HK480.9 cents    HK44.9 cents    HK38.7 cents  

Diluted (loss)/earnings per share

  8    

- Continuing and discontinued operations

     HK465.1 cents    HK39.6 cents    HK29.4 cents  

- Continuing operations

     HK(9.0) cents    HK(4.1) cents    HK(8.0) cents  

- Discontinued operations

     HK474.1 cents    HK43.7 cents    HK37.1 cents  

The accompany notes are integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-2


City Telecom (H.K.) Limited and its subsidiaries

Consolidated statementstatements of comprehensive income

(Expressed in Hong Kong dollars)

             
  For the year ended August 31, 
  2010  2009  2008 
  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Profit for the year
  216,866   212,829   125,190 
             
Other comprehensive income
            
Exchange differences on translation of financial statements of overseas subsidiaries  (97)  70   1,619 
          
             
Total comprehensive income for the year
  216,769   212,899   126,809 
          

   For the year ended August 31, 
   2012  2011   2010 
   HK$’000  HK$’000   HK$’000 

Profit for the year

   3,697,874    313,915     216,866  

Other comprehensive income

     

Exchange differences on translation of financial statements of subsidiaries outside Hong Kong

   (265  2,383     (97

Exchange reserve realized upon disposal of Telecom Business

   (4,881  —       —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income for the year

   3,692,728    316,298     216,769  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Attributable to:

     

Equity shareholders of the Company

   3,695,142    316,298     216,769  

Non-controlling interest

   (2,414  —       —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   3,692,728    316,298     216,769  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompany notes are integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-3


City Telecom (H.K.) Limited and its subsidiaries

Consolidated balance sheets

(Expressed in Hong Kong dollars)

             
      As at August 31, 
      2010  2009 
  Note  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Non-current assets
            
             
Goodwill  11   1,066   1,066 
Fixed assets  12   1,431,813   1,302,380 
Long term receivable and prepayment      5,174   6,091 
Deferred expenditure  14   6,626   12,786 
           
             
       1,444,679   1,322,323 
           
             
Current assets
            
             
Accounts receivable  15   99,729   120,192 
Other receivables, deposits and prepayments  15   89,490   69,765 
Deferred expenditure  14   28,986   36,674 
Pledged bank deposits  27      15,038 
Cash at bank and in hand  16   588,665   226,416 
           
             
       806,870   468,085 
           
             
Current liabilities
            
             
Bank overdrafts — unsecured      10,490   5,364 
Accounts payable  17   35,128   37,555 
Other payables and accrued charges  17   195,931   206,487 
Deposits received      21,822   16,385 
Deferred service revenue  18   106,798   115,070 
Tax payable      1,533   1,993 
Current portion — obligations under finance leases  22   212   202 
           
             
       371,914   383,056 
           
             
Net current assets
      434,956   85,029 
           
             
Total assets less current liabilities
      1,879,635   1,407,352 
           
             
Non-current liabilities
            
             
Deferred tax liabilities  20   55,843   15,709 
Derivative financial instrument  21   11,293    
Long-term debt and other liabilities  22   123,960   163,116 
           
             
       191,096   178,825 
           
             
Net assets
      1,688,539   1,228,527 
           
             
Capital and reserves
            
             
Share capital  19   76,500   66,418 
Reserves  19   1,612,039   1,162,109 
           
             
Total equity attributable to equity shareholders of the Company
      1,688,539   1,228,527 
           

   As at August 31, 
      2012   2011 
   Note  HK$’000   HK$’000 

Non-current assets

      

Goodwill

  12   —       1,066  

Fixed assets

  13   477,141     1,642,701  

Intangible assets

  14   311,726     —    

Long term receivable and prepayment

     284     4,101  

Deferred expenditure

  16   —       15,323  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
     789,151     1,663,191  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current assets

      

Accounts receivable

  17   1,311     71,999  

Other receivables, deposits and prepayments

  17   31,581     90,984  

Programme costs

     87,617     —    

Inventories

     577     —    

Deferred expenditure

  16   —       29,312  

Term deposits

  18(a)   544,040     —    

Cash at bank and in hand

  18(b)   2,083,079     408,976  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
     2,748,205     601,271  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current liabilities

      

Bank overdrafts - unsecured

     3,026     845  

Accounts payable

  19   5,371     17,419  

Other payables and accrued charges

  19   31,118     209,585  

Deposits received

     2,259     26,969  

Current portion - deferred services revenue

  20   —       85,895  

Tax payable

     935     2,281  

Current portion - obligations under finance leases

  24   85     105  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
     42,794     343,099  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net current assets

     2,705,411     258,172  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets less current liabilities

     3,494,562     1,921,363  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-current liabilities

      

Deferred tax liabilities

  22   1,346     111,138  

Long-term deferred services revenue

  20   —       992  

Derivative financial instrument

  23   9,663     11,564  

Obligations under finance leases

  24   160     288  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
     11,169     123,982  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net assets

     3,483,393     1,797,381  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Capital and reserves

  21    

Share capital

     80,902     77,191  

Reserves

     3,402,491     1,720,190  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total equity

     3,483,393     1,797,381  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompany notes are integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-4


City Telecom (H.K.) Limited and its subsidiaries

Consolidated statements of changes in equity

(Expressed in Hong Kong dollars)

                             
              Capital          
  Share  Share  Capital  redemption  Retained  Exchange    
  capital  premium  reserve  reserve  profits  reserve  Total 
  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 
At September 1, 2009  66,418   681,208   23,232   7   454,802   2,860   1,228,527 
Total comprehensive income for the year              216,866   (97)  216,769 
Dividend paid in respect of previous year              (108,735)     (108,735)
Dividend paid in respect of current year              (49,725)     (49,725)
Shares issued upon exercise of share option  2,032   22,227   (7,515)           16,744 
Equity settled share-based transactions        5,347            5,347 
Shares issued upon placement  8,050   371,562               379,612 
                      
                             
At August 31, 2010  76,500   1,074,997   21,064   7   513,208   2,763   1,688,539 
                      
                             
              Capital          
  Share  Share  Capital  redemption  Retained  Exchange    
  capital  premium  reserve  reserve  profits  reserve  Total 
  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 
At September 1, 2008  65,062   670,717   19,013      275,025   2,790   1,032,607 
Total comprehensive income for the year              212,829   70   212,899 
Dividend paid in respect of previous year              (3,108)     (3,108)
Shares issued in respect of scrip dividend of previous year  1,221   8,685         (9,906)      
Dividend paid in respect of current year              (19,904)     (19,904)
Shares issued upon exercise of share option  142   1,806   (549)           1,399 
Equity settled share-based transactions        4,768            4,768 
Repurchase and cancellation of ordinary shares  (7)        7   (134)     (134)
                      
                             
At August 31, 2009  66,418   681,208   23,232   7   454,802   2,860   1,228,527 
                      

F-5


  Note 

Share

capital

HK$’000

  

Share

premium

HK$’000

  

Capital

reserve

HK$’000

  

Capital

redemption

reserve

HK$’000

  

Retained

profits

HK$’000

  

Exchange

reserve

HK$’000

  

Revaluation
reserve

HK$’000

  

Other
reserve

HK$’000

  

Total

HK$’000

  

Non-controlling
interest

HK$’000

  

Total

equity

HK$’000

 

At September 1, 2011

   77,191    1,083,495    23,759    7    607,783    5,146    —      —      1,797,381    —      1,797,381  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Profit for the year

   —      —      —      —      3,700,288    —      —      —      3,700,288    (2,414  3,697,874  

Other comprehensive income

   —      —      —      —      —      (5,146  —      —      (5,146  —      (5,146
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income for the year

   —      —      —      —      3,700,288    (5,146  —      —      3,695,142    (2,414  3,692,728  

Final dividend paid in respect of previous year

 7(b)  —      —      —      —      (115,901  —      —      —      (115,901  —      (115,901

Special dividend paid in respect of current year

 7(a)  —      —      —      —      (2,022,542  —      —      —      (2,022,542  —      (2,022,542

Interim dividend paid in respect of current year

 7(a)  —      —      —      —      (119,674  —      —      —      (119,674  —      (119,674

Shares issued upon exercise of share option

 21(a)(i)  3,711    104,510    (33,044  —      —      —      —      —      75,177    —      75,177  

Equity settled share-based transactions

 5(d)  —      —      10,480    —      —      —      —      —      10,480    —      10,480  

Share options lapsed

   —      —      (1,195  —      1,195    —      —      —      —      —      —    

Revaluation of investment properties

 13  —      —      —      —      —      —      165,156    —      165,156    —      165,156  

Contributions from non-controlling interest

   —      —      —      —      —      —      —      —      —      2,450    2,450  

Acquisition of non-controlling interest

   —      —      —      —      —      —      —      (1,826  (1,826  (36  (1,862
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

At August 31, 2012

   80,902    1,188,005    —      7    2,051,149    —      165,156    (1,826  3,483,393    —      3,483,393  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

At September 1, 2010

   76,500    1,074,997    21,064    7    513,208    2,763    —      —      1,688,539    —      1,688,539  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Profit for the year

   —      —      —      —      313,915    —      —      —      313,915    —      313,915  

Other comprehensive income

   —      —      —      —      —      2,383    —      —      2,383    —      2,383  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income for the year

   —      —      —      —      313,915    2,383    —      —      316,298    —      316,298  

Final dividend paid in respect of previous year

 7(b)  —      —      —      —      (103,735  —      —      —      (103,735  —      (103,735

Interim dividend paid in respect of current year

 7(a)  —      —      —      —      (115,605  —      —      —      (115,605  —      (115,605

Shares issued upon exercise of share option

 21(a)(i)  691    8,498    (1,957  —      —      —      —      —      7,232    —      7,232  

Equity settled share-based transactions

 5(d)  —      —      4,652    —      —      —      —      —      4,652    —      4,652  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

At August 31, 2011

   77,191    1,083,495    23,759    7    607,783    5,146    —      —      1,797,381    —      1,797,381  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited and its subsidiaries

Consolidated statements of changes in equity (continued)
(Continued)

(Expressed in Hong Kong dollars)

                         
  Share  Share  Capital  Retained  Exchange    
  capital  premium  reserve  profits  reserve  Total 
  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 
At September 1, 2007  61,650   622,433   18,109   200,519   1,171   903,882 
Total comprehensive income for the year           125,190   1,619   126,809 
Dividend paid in respect of previous year           (5,915)     (5,915)
Shares issued in respect of scrip dividend of previous year  1,123   18,044      (19,167)      
Dividend paid in respect of current year           (11,371)     (11,371)
Shares issued in respect of scrip dividend of current year  884   13,347      (14,231)      
Shares issued upon exercise of share option  1,405   16,893   (3,300)        14,998 
Equity settled share-based transactions        4,204         4,204 
                   
                         
At August 31, 2008  65,062   670,717   19,013   275,025   2,790   1,032,607 
                   

  Note 

Share

capital

HK$’000

  

Share

premium

HK$’000

  

Capital

reserve

HK$’000

  

Capital

redemption

reserve

HK$’000

  

Retained

profits

HK$’000

  

Exchange

reserve

HK$’000

  

Revaluation
reserve

HK$’000

  

Other
reserve

HK$’000

  

Total

HK$’000

  

Non-controlling
interest

HK$’000

  

Total

equity

HK$’000

 

At September 1, 2009

   66,418    681,208    23,232    7    454,802    2,860    —      —      1,228,527    —      1,228,527  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Profit for the year

   —      —      —      —      216,866    —      —      —      216,866    —      216,866  

Other comprehensive income

   —      —      —      —      —      (97  —      —      (97  —      (97
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income for the year

   —      —      —      —      216,866    (97  —      —      216,769    —      216,769  

Final dividend paid in respect of previous year

 7(b)  —      —      —      —      (108,735  —      —      —      (108,735  —      (108,735

Interim dividend paid in respect of current year

 7(a)  —      —      —      —      (49,725  —      —      —      (49,725  —      (49,725

Shares issued upon exercise of share option

   2,032    22,227    (7,515  —      —      —      —      —      16,744    —      16,744  

Equity settled share-based transactions

 5(d)  —      —      5,347    —      —      —      —      —      5,347    —      5,347  

Shares issued upon

placement

   8,050    371,562    —      —      —      —      —      —      379,612    —      379,612  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

At August 31, 2010

   76,500    1,074,997    21,064    7    513,208    2,763    —      —      1,688,539    —      1,688,539  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

The accompany notes are integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-6


City Telecom (H.K.) Limited and its subsidiaries

Consolidated cash flow statements

(Expressed in Hong Kong dollars)

                 
       For the year ended August 31, 
      2010  2009  2008 
  Note  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Net cash inflow from operations
  23(a)  488,353   538,503   386,241 
                 
Hong Kong profits tax (paid)/recovered      (456)     42 
Overseas tax paid      (2,557)  (1,732)  (4,292)
              
                 
Net cash inflow from operating activities
      485,340   536,771   381,991 
              
                 
Investing activities
                
                 
Increase in pledged bank deposits      15,038   72,281    
Interest received      11,372   4,869   15,596 
Purchases of fixed assets      (349,076)  (289,938)  (189,903)
Net proceeds from maturity of investment in debt securities         28,051   3,900 
Net proceeds from redemption of long-term bank deposit            15,600 
Proceeds from disposal of fixed assets      16,412   8,249   7,057 
              
                 
Net cash outflow from investing activities
      (306,254)  (176,488)  (147,750)
              
                 
Net cash inflow before financing activities
      179,086   360,283   234,241 
              
                 
Financing activities
                
                 
Repurchase of ordinary shares         (134)   
Proceeds from issuance of new shares  23(b)  396,356   1,399   14,998 
Proceeds from new bank loans      163,375       
Repayment of bank loan      (40,000)      
Repayment of capital element of finance leases  23(b)  (217)  (138)  (834)
Interest element of finance leases      (42)  (27)  (34)
Interest paid on bank loans      (1,166)      
Other borrowing costs paid      (3,260)  (885)  (3,428)
Interest paid on 10-year senior notes      (5,881)  (52,670)  (70,010)
Repurchase of 10-year senior notes  23(b)  (172,423)  (485,829)  (269,399)
Dividends paid      (158,435)  (23,008)  (17,271)
              
                 
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing activities
      178,307   (561,292)  (345,978)
              
                 
Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalent
      357,393   (201,009)  (111,737)
                 
Cash and cash equivalent at September 1
      221,052   421,610   532,894 
                 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes
      (270)  451   453 
              
                 
Cash and cash equivalent at August 31
      578,175   221,052   421,610 
              
                 
Analysis of the balances of cash and cash equivalents
                
Cash at bank and in hand      588,665   226,416   434,604 
Bank overdrafts — unsecured      (10,490)  (5,364)  (12,994)
              
                 
       578,175   221,052   421,610 
              

      For the year ended August 31, 
      2012  2011  2010 
   Note  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 

Net cash inflow from operations

  25(a)   184,927    588,911    488,353  

Hong Kong profits tax paid

     —      —      (456

Overseas tax paid

     (3,003  (3,012  (2,557
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash inflow from operating activities

     181,924    585,899    485,340  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Investing activities

      

Increase in term deposits

     (544,040  —      —    

Decrease in pledged bank deposits

     —      —      15,038  

Interest received

     14,282    3,059    11,372  

Proceeds from disposal of Telecom Business (net of cash disposed of)

  2(d)   4,655,367    —      —    

Purchases of fixed assets

     (467,840  (437,477  (349,076

Proceeds from disposal of fixed assets

     24,022    20,229    16,412  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities

     3,681,791    (414,189  (306,254
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash inflow before financing activities

     3,863,715    171,710    179,086  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Financing activities

      

Proceeds from issuance of new shares

  25(b)   75,177    7,232    396,356  

Proceeds from new bank loans

     —      —      163,375  

Repayment of bank loan

     —      (125,000  (40,000

Repayment of capital element of finance leases

  25(b)   (99  (212  (217

Interest element of finance leases

     (19  (30  (42

Interest paid on bank loans

     —      (1,152  (1,166

Other borrowing costs paid

     (7,134  (4,638  (3,260

Interest paid on 10-year senior notes

     —      —      (5,881

Repurchase of 10-year senior notes

  25(b)   —      —      (172,423

Acquisition of non-controlling interest

     (1,862  —      —    

Dividends paid

     (2,257,812  (219,312  (158,435
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financing activities

     (2,191,749  (343,112  178,307  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalent

     1,671,966    (171,402  357,393  

Cash and cash equivalent at September 1

     408,131    578,175    221,052  

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes

     (44  1,358    (270
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalent at August 31

     2,080,053    408,131    578,175  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Analysis of the balances of cash and cash equivalents

      

Cash at bank and in hand

  18(b)   2,083,079    408,976    588,665  

Bank overdrafts - unsecured

     (3,026  (845  (10,490
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
     2,080,053    408,131    578,175  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

The accompany notes are integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-7


1Significant accounting policies

(a)Statement of compliance
City Telecom (H.K.) Limited (the “Company”) was incorporated in Hong Kong on May 19, 1992 under the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance. City Telecom (H.K.) Limited and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the “Group”) are engaged in the provision of international telecommunications services and fixed telecommunications network services to customers in Hong Kong and Canada.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with all applicable International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRSs”) issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”), which collective term includes all applicable individual International Financial Reporting Standards, International Accounting Standards (“IASs”) and Interpretations issued by the IASB.
The IASB has issued a number a new or revised IFRSs that are first effective or available for early adoption for the current accounting period of the Group and the Company. The equivalent new or revised HKFRSs consequently issued by HKICPA as a result of these developments have the same effective date as those issued by the IASB and are in all material respects identical to the pronouncements issued by the IASB. Of these, the following developments are relevant to the Group’s financial statements:

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited (the “Company”) was incorporated in Hong Kong on May 19, 1992 under the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance. City Telecom (H.K.) Limited and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the “Group”) are engaged in the provision of production and distribution and other multimedia related activities.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with all applicable International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRSs”) issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”), which collective term includes all applicable individual International Financial Reporting Standards, International Accounting Standards (“IASs”) and Interpretations issued by the IASB.

The IASB has issued certain new and revised IFRSs that are first effective or available for early adoption for the current accounting period of the Group.

Note 1(c) provides information on any changes in accounting policies resulting from initial application of those developments to the extent that they are relevant to the Group for the current and prior accounting periods reflected in these financial statements.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements were authorized for issue by the Board of Directors on December 31, 2012.

IFRS/HKFRS 8,Operating segments
IAS/HKAS1 (revised 2007),Presentation of financial statements
Amendments to IFRS/HKFRS 7,Financial instruments: disclosure — improving disclosures about financial instruments
The impact of these developments is as follows:
IFRS/HKFRS 8 requires segment disclosure to be based on the way that the Group’s chief operating decision-maker regards and manages the Group, with the amounts reported for each reportable segment being the measures reported to the Group’s chief operating decision-marker for the purposes of assessing segment performance and making decisions about operating matters. The new requirement under IFRS/HKFRS 8 is consistent with the Group’s segment information presented in prior years. The adoption of HKFRS 8 had no material impact on the reportable segments being identified and disclosed.
As a results of the adoption of IAS/HKAS 1 (revised 2007), details of changes in equity during the period arising from transactions with equity shareholders in their capacity as such have been presented separately from all other income and expenses in a revised consolidated statement of changes in equity. All other items of income an expense are presented in the consolidated income statement, if they are recognized as part of profit or loss for the period, or otherwise in a new primary statement, the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. Corresponding amounts have been restated to conform to the new presentation. The change in presentation has no effect on reported profit or loss, total income and expense or net assets for any period presented.
As a result of the adoption of the amendments to IFRS/HKFRS 7, the financial statements include expanded disclosure in note 24(e)(i) about the fair value measurement of the Group’s financial instruments, categorizing these fair value measurements into a three-level fair value hierarchy accordingly to the extent to which they are based on observable market data.
The Group has taken advantage of the transitional provisions set out in the amendments to IFRS/HKFRS 7, under which comparative information for the newly required disclosures about the fair value measurements of financial instruments has not been provided.

F-8


1Significant accounting policies (continued)
(a)Statement of compliance (continued)
The Group has not applied any new standard or interpretation that is not yet effective for the current accounting period (see note 32).
The consolidated financial statements were authorized for issue by the Board of Directors on November 9, 2010.
(b)Basis of preparation of the financial statements

The measurement basis used in the preparation of the financial statements is the historical cost basis except that investment properties and certain financial assets are stated at their fair values or amortized costs as explained in the accounting policies set out below (see notes 1(g), 1(l), 1(o), 1(t) and 1(u)).

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRSs requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis of making the judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

Judgments made by management in the application of IFRSs that have significant effect on the financial statements and major sources of estimation uncertainty are discussed in note 30.

(c)Change in accounting policies

The IASB has issued a number of amendments to IFRSs and one new interpretation that are first effective for the current accounting period of the Group. Of these, the following developments are relevant to the Group’s financial statements:

 The measurement basis used in the preparation of the financial statements is the historical cost basis except that certain financial assets are stated at their fair values or amortized costs as explained in the accounting policies set out below (see notes 1(j), 1(l) and 1(r)).
 The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRSs requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis of making the judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

IAS 24 (revised 2009),Related party disclosures

Improvements to IFRSs (2010)

The above developments relate primarily to clarification of certain disclosure requirements applicable to the Group’s financial statements. These developments have no material impact on the contents of the Group’s financial statements for the current or comparative periods.

The Group has early adopted the amendments to IAS 12,Income taxes, in respect of the recognition of deferred tax on investment properties carried at fair value under IAS 40,Investment properties. The amendments are effective for annual period beginning on or after January 1, 2012, but as permitted by the amendments, the Group have adopted the amendments for the year ended August 31, 2012.

Other than the early adoption of amendments to IAS 12, the Group has not applied any new standard, amendment or interpretation that is not yet effective for the current accounting period.

Amendments to IAS 12,Income taxes

Under IAS 12 deferred tax is required to be measured with reference to the tax consequences that would follow from the manner in which the entity expects to recover the carrying amount of the asset(s) in question. In this regard, the amendments to IAS 12 introduced a rebuttable presumption that the carrying amount of investment property carried at fair value under IAS 40,Investment property, will be recovered through sale. This presumption is rebutted on a property-by-property basis if the in question is depreciable and is held within a business model whose objective is to consume substantially all of the economic benefits embodied in the investment property over time, rather than through sale.

As a result of adopting the amendments to IAS 12, the Group reviewed its investment property portfolio and concluded that the presumption in the amended IAS 12 that the carrying value of the property will be recovered through sale should be adopted in respect of each of the investment properties located in Hong Kong. Therefore, the deferred tax relating to these properties has been measured on the basis of recovering their carrying amounts entirely through sale. This change in policy has no impact on the financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2011.

Change of accounting policy - Investment properties

Effective from September 1, 2011, the Group has changed its accounting policy with respect to investment properties from the cost model to the fair value model. Any gain or loss arising from a change in fair value or from the retirement or disposal of an investment property is recognized in profit or loss. The Group considers that measurement using the fair value model provides more relevant information about the financial performance of these investment properties given of their increased significance in the Group’s balance sheet.

The financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2011 have not been retrospectively restated due to the immaterial effect resulting from the change in accounting policy.

(d)The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.
Judgments made by management in the application of IFRSs that have significant effect on the financial statements and estimates with a significant risk of material adjustment in the next year are discussed in note 31.
(c)Subsidiaries and controlled entities

Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Group. Control exists when the Group has the power to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. In assessing control, potential voting rights that presently are exercisable are taken into account.

(e)Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Group. Control exists when the Group has the power to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. In assessing control, potential voting rights that presently are exercisable are taken into account.
(d)Group accounting

(i)Consolidation
An investment in a subsidiary is consolidated into the consolidated financial statements from the date that control commences until the date that control ceases.
Intra-group balances and transactions and any unrealized profits arising from intra-group transactions are eliminated in full in preparing the consolidated financial statements. Unrealized losses resulting from intra-group transactions are eliminated in the same way as unrealized gains but only to the extent that there is no evidence of impairment.

An investment in a subsidiary is consolidated into the consolidated financial statements from the date that control commences until the date that control ceases.

Intra-group balances and transactions and any unrealized profits arising from intra-group transactions are eliminated in full in preparing the consolidated financial statements. Unrealized losses resulting from intra-group transactions are eliminated in the same way as unrealized gains but only to the extent that there is no evidence of impairment.

Non-controlling interests represent the equity in a subsidiary not attributable directly or indirectly to the Company, and in respect of which the Group has not agreed any additional terms with the holders of those interests which would result in the Group as a whole having a contractual obligation in respect of those interests that meets the definition of a financial liability.

Non-controlling interests are presented in the consolidated balance sheets within equity, separately from equity attributable to the equity shareholders of the Company. Non-controlling interests in the results of the Group are presented on the face of the consolidated income statement and the consolidated statement of comprehensive income as an allocation of the total profit or loss and total comprehensive income for the year between non-controlling interests and the equity shareholders of the Company.

Changes in the Group’s interests in a subsidiary that do not result in a loss of control are accounted for as equity transactions, whereby adjustments are made to the amounts of controlling and non-controlling interests within consolidated equity to reflect the change in relative interests and no gain or loss is recognized.

When the Group loses control of a subsidiary, it is accounted for as a disposal of the entire interest in that subsidiary, with a resulting gain or loss being recognized in profit or loss. Any interest retained in that former subsidiary at the date when control is lost is recognized at fair value and this amount is regarded as the fair value on initial recognition of a financial asset or, when appropriate, the cost on initial recognized of an investment in an associate or jointly controlled entity.

In the Company’s balance sheet, an investment in a subsidiary is stated at cost less impairment losses (see note 1(k)), unless the investment is classified as held for sale or included in a disposal group that is classified as held for sale.

(ii)Translation of foreign currencies

Transactions in foreign currencies are translated at exchange rates ruling at the transaction dates. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at exchange rates ruling at the balance sheet date. Exchange differences arising in these cases are dealt with in profit or loss.

For consolidation purposes, the balance sheets of subsidiaries denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date whilst the income statement is translated at an average rate for the year. Exchange differences are dealt with as a movement in reserves.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements are presented in Hong Kong Dollars, which is the Group’s functional currency. All financial information have been rounded to the nearest thousand.

(f)Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of

 (i)Transactions in foreign currencies are translated at exchange rates ruling at the transaction dates. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at exchange rates ruling ataggregate of the balance sheet date. Exchange differences arising in these cases are dealt with in profit or loss.fair value of the consideration transferred; over

 (ii)For consolidation purposes, the balance sheets of foreign subsidiaries denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date whilst the income statement is translated at an average rate for the year. Exchange differences are dealt with as a movement in reserves.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements are presented in Hong Kong Dollars, which is the Group’s functional currency. All financial information have been rounded to the nearest thousand.

F-9


1Significant accounting policies (continued)
(e)Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of a business combination or an investment in an associate or a jointly controlled entity over the Group’s interest in the net fair value of the acquiree’s identifiable assets and liabilities and contingent liabilities.measured as at the acquisition date.

When (ii) is greater than (i), then this excess is recognized immediately in profit or loss as a gain on a bargain purchase.

Goodwill is stated at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill arising on a business combination is allocated to each cash-generating unit, or groups of cash-generating units, that is expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination and is tested annually for impairment (see note 1(k)).

On disposal of a cash-generating unit during the year, any attributable amount of purchased goodwill is included in the calculation of the profit or loss on disposal.

(g)Goodwill is stated at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units and is tested annually for impairment (see note 1(i)). In respect of associates or jointly controlled entities, the carrying amount of goodwill is included in the carrying amount of the interest in the associate or jointly controlled entity.
Any excess of the Group’s interest in the net fair value of the acquiree’s identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities over the cost of a business combination or an investment in an associate or a jointly controlled entity is recognized immediately in profit or loss.
On disposal of a cash generating unit, an associate or a jointly controlled entity during the year, any attributable amount of goodwill is included in the calculation of the profit or loss on disposal.
(f)Investment property

Investment properties are land and/or buildings which are owned and held to earn rental income and/or for capital appreciation.

Investment properties are stated at fair value, unless they are still in the course of construction or development at the balance sheet date and their fair value cannot be reliably determined at that time. Any gain or loss arising from a change in fair value or from the retirement or disposal of an investment property is recognized in profit or loss. Rental income from investment properties is accounted for as described in note 1(v)(vi).

(h)Investment properties are land and/or buildings which are owned and held to earn rental income and/or for capital appreciation.
Investment properties are stated in the balance sheet at cost less accumulated depreciation (see note 1(g)) and impairment losses (see note 1(i)) if any. Any gain or loss arising from the retirement or disposal of an investment property is recognized in the income statement. Rental income from investment property is accounted for in accordance with the accounting policy as set out in note 1(s)(v).
(g)Fixed assets

 (i)Fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses.Construction in progress

Construction in progress was carried at cost, which includes development and construction expenditure incurred and interest and direct costs attributable to the development less any accumulated impairment loss (note 1(k)) as considered necessary by the directors. No depreciation is provided for construction in progress. On completion, the associated costs are transferred to leasehold land and buildings.

 (ii)Depreciation is calculated to write off the cost of items of property, plant and equipment, less their estimated residual value, if any, using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives as follows:Other fixed assets

Other fixed assets, comprising buildings, leasehold improvements, broadcasting and production equipment network, computer and office equipment, furniture, fixtures and fittings and motor vehicles, are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses (note 1(k)).

Depreciation is calculated to write off the cost of items of fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, if any, using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives as follows:

Buildings situated on leasehold land are depreciated over the shorter of the unexpired term of lease and their estimated useful lives of 50 years

Furniture, fixtures and fittings

 4 years

•     Broadcasting and production equipment

   2 - 10 years    
    Telecommunications,

•     Telecommunications/network, computer and office equipment

4 years — 20 years

   4 - 20 years    
    

•     Motor vehicles

 4 years

Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the unexpired term of the leases and their estimated useful lives

Leasehold land classified as held under finance leases is depreciated over the unexpired term of leases

Where the parts of an item of fixed assets have different useful lives, the cost of the item is allocated on a reasonable basis between the parts and each part is depreciated separately. Both the useful life of an asset and its residual value, if any, are reviewed annually.

Major costs incurred in restoring fixed assets to their normal working condition are charged to profit or loss. Major improvements are capitalized and depreciated over their expected useful lives to the Group.

The gain or loss on disposal of a fixed asset is the difference between the net sales proceeds and the carrying amount of the relevant asset, and is recognized in profit or loss on the date of disposal.

(i)Intangible assets

Intangible assets that are acquired by the Group are stated at cost less accumulated amortization (where the estimated useful life is finite) and impairment losses (see note 1(k)).

Amortization of intangible assets with finite useful lives is charged to profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the assets’ estimated useful lives.

The following intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized from the date they are available for use and their estimated useful lives are as follows:

-

Indefeasible right of use (“IRU”) of telecommunications capacity

   Where the parts of an item of property, plant and equipment have different useful lives, the cost of the item is allocated on a reasonable basis between the parts and each part is depreciated separately. Both the useful life of an asset and its residual value, if any, are reviewed annually.20 years
    Major costs incurred in restoring fixed assets to their normal working condition are charged to profit or loss. Major improvements are capitalized and depreciated over their expected useful lives to the Group.

-

Right to use of telecommunications services

   The gain or loss on disposal of a fixed asset is the difference between the net sales proceeds and the carrying amount of the relevant asset, and is recognized in profit or loss on the date of disposal.10 years

F-10

Both the period and method of amortization are reviewed annually.


1(j)Significant accounting policies (continued)
(h)Assets held under leases
An arrangement, comprising a transaction or a series of transactions, is or contains a lease if the Group determines that the arrangement conveys a right to use a specific asset or assets for an agreed period of time in return for a payment or a series of payments. Such a determination is made based on an evaluation of the substance of the arrangement and is regardless of whether the arrangement takes the legal form of a lease.

An arrangement, comprising a transaction or a series of transactions, is or contains a lease if the Group determines that the arrangement conveys a right to use a specific asset or assets for an agreed period of time in return for a payment or a series of payments. Such a determination is made based on an evaluation of the substance of the arrangement and is regardless of whether the arrangement takes the legal form of a lease.

(i)Classification of assets leased to the Group
Assets that are held by Group under leases which transfer to the Group substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as being held under finance leases. Leases which do not transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the Group are classified as operating leases.
Land held for own use under an operating lease for which its fair value cannot be measured separately from the fair value of a building situated thereon at the inception of the lease, is accounted for as being held under a finance lease, unless the building is also clearly held under an operating lease (see note 1(h)(iii)).

Assets that are held by Group under leases which transfer to the Group substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as being held under finance leases. Leases which do not transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the Group are classified as operating leases.

Land held for own use under an operating lease for which its fair value cannot be measured separately from the fair value of a building situated thereon at the inception of the lease, is accounted for as being held under a finance lease, unless the building is also clearly held under an operating lease (see note 1(j)(iii)).

(ii)Finance leases
Where the Group acquired the use of assets under finance leases, the amounts representing the fair value of the leased asset or, if lower, the present value of the minimum lease payments of such assets, are included in fixed assets with the corresponding liabilities, net of finance charges, recorded as obligations under finance leases. Depreciation and impairment losses are accounted for in accordance with the accounting policy as set out in note 1(g) and note 1(i). Finance charges implicit in the lease payments are charged to profit or loss over the period of the leases so as to produce an approximately constant periodic rate of charge on the remaining balance of the obligations for each accounting period.

Where the Group acquires the use of assets under finance leases, the amounts representing the fair value of the leased asset or, if lower, the present value of the minimum lease payments of such assets, are included in fixed assets with the corresponding liabilities, net of finance charges, recorded as obligations under finance leases. Depreciation and impairment losses are accounted for in accordance with the accounting policy as set out in note 1(h) and note 1(k). Finance charges implicit in the lease payments are charged to profit or loss over the period of the leases so as to produce an approximately constant periodic rate of charge on the remaining balance of the obligations for each accounting period.

(iii)Operating leases

Leases where substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of assets remain with the lessor are accounted for as operating leases. Receipts and payments made under operating leases net of any incentives received by/from the lessor are credited/charged to profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the lease periods.

(k)Leases where substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of assets remain with the lessor are accounted for as operating leases. Receipts and payments made under operating leases net of any incentives received by/from the lessor are credited/charged to profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the lease periods.
(i)Impairment of assets

(i)Impairment of investments in debt and equity securities and accounts and other receivables
Investments in debt and equity securities and other current and non-current receivables that are stated at cost or amortized cost or are classified as available-for-sale securities are reviewed at each balance sheet date to determine whether there is objective evidence of impairment. Objective evidence of impairment includes observable data that comes to the attention of the Group about one or more of the following loss events:

Investments in debt and equity securities and other current and non-current receivables that are stated at cost or amortized cost or are classified as available-for-sale securities are reviewed at the end of each balance sheet date to determine whether there is objective evidence of impairment. Objective evidence of impairment includes observable data that comes to the attention of the Group about one or more of the following loss events:

significant financial difficulty of the debtor;

a breach of contract, such as a default or delinquency in interest or principal payments;

it becoming probable that the debtor will enter bankruptcy or other financial reorganization;

significant changes in the technological, market, economic or legal environment that have an adverse effect on the debtor; and

a significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of an investment in an equity instrument below its cost.

If any such evidence exists, any impairment loss is determined and recognized as follows:

For investments in subsidiaries, the impairment loss is measured by comparing the recoverable amount of the investment with its carrying amount in accordance with note 1(k)(ii). The impairment loss is reversed if there has been a favourable change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount in accordance with note 1(k)(ii).

For trade and other current receivables and other financial assets carried at amortized cost, the impairment loss is measured as the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the financial asset’s original effective interest rate (i.e. the effective interest rate computed at initial recognition of these assets where the effect of discounting is material). This assessment is made collectively where financial assets carried at amortized cost share similar risk characteristics, such as similar past due status, and have not been individually assessed as impaired. Future cash flows for financial assets which are assessed for impairment collectively are based on historical loss experience for assets with credit risk characteristics similar to the collective group.

If in a subsequent period the amount of an impairment loss decreases and the decrease can be linked objectively to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognized, the impairment loss is reversed through profit or loss. A reversal of an impairment loss shall not result in the asset’s carrying amount exceeding that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognized in prior years.

For available-for-sale securities, the cumulative loss that has been recognized in the fair value reserve is classified to profit or loss. The amount of the cumulative loss that is recognized in profit or loss is the difference between the acquisition cost (net of any principal repayment and amortization) and current fair value, less any impairment loss on that asset previously recognized in profit or loss.

Impairment losses recognized in profit or loss in respect of available-for-sale equity securities are not reversed through profit or loss. Any subsequent increase in the fair value of such assets is recognized directly in other comprehensive income.

Impairment losses in respect of available-for-sale debt securities are reversed if the subsequent increase in fair value can be objectively related to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognized. Reversals of impairment losses in such circumstances are recognized in profit and loss.

Impairment losses are written off against the corresponding assets directly, except for impairment losses recognized in respect of accounts receivable, whose recovery is considered doubtful but not remote. In this case, the impairment losses for doubtful debts are recorded using an allowance account. When the Group is satisfied that recovery is remote, the amount considered irrecoverable is written off against trade debtors and any amounts held in the allowance account relating to that debt are reversed. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously charged to the allowance account are reversed against the allowance account. Other changes in the allowance account and subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off directly are recognized in profit or loss.

significant financial difficulty of the debtor;
a breach of contract, such as a default or delinquency in interest or principal payments;
it becoming probable that a debtor will enter bankruptcy or other financial reorganization; and
a significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of an investment in an equity instrument below its cost.

F-11


1Significant accounting policies (continued)
(i)Impairment of assets (continued)
(i)Impairment of investments in debt and equity securities and accounts and other receivables (continued)
If any such evidence exists, any impairment loss is determined and recognized as follows:
For trade and other current receivables and other financial assets carried at amortized cost, the impairment loss is measured as the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the financial asset’s original effective interest rate (i.e. the effective interest rate computed at initial recognition of these assets). This assessment is made collectively where financial assets carried at amortized cost share similar risk characteristics, such as similar past due status, and have not been individually assessed as impaired. Future cash flows for financial assets which are assessed for impairment collectively are based on historical loss experience for assets with credit risk characteristics similar to the collective group.
If in a subsequent period the amount of an impairment loss decreases and the decrease can be linked objectively to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognized, the impairment loss is reversed through profit or loss. A reversal of an impairment loss shall not result in the asset’s carrying amount exceeding that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognized in prior years.
For available-for-sale securities, the cumulative loss that has been recognized directly in equity is removed from equity and is recognized in profit or loss. The amount of the cumulative loss that is recognized in profit or loss is the difference between the acquisition cost (net of any principal repayment and amortization) and current fair value, less any impairment loss on that asset previously recognized in profit or loss.
Impairment losses recognized in profit or loss in respect of available-for-sale equity securities are not reversed through profit or loss. Any subsequent increase in the fair value of such assets is recognized directly in equity.
Impairment losses in respect of available-for-sale debt securities are reversed if the subsequent increase in fair value can be objectively related to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognized. Reversals of impairment losses in such circumstances are recognized in profit and loss.
Impairment losses are written off against the corresponding assets directly, except for impairment losses recognized in respect of accounts receivable, whose recovery is considered doubtful but not remote. In this case, the impairment losses for doubtful debts are recorded using an allowance account. When the Group is satisfied that recovery is remote, the amount considered irrecoverable is written off against accounts receivable and any amounts held in the allowance account relating to that debt are reversed. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously charged to the allowance account are reversed against the allowance account. Other changes in the allowance account and subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off directly are recognized in profit or loss.
(ii)Impairment of other assets

Internal and external sources of information are reviewed at the end of each balance sheet date to identify indications that the following assets may be impaired or, except in the case of goodwill, an impairment loss previously recognized no longer exists or may have decreased:

fixed assets;

intangible assets; and

goodwill.

If any such indication exists, the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated. In addition, for goodwill, the recoverable amount is estimated annually whether or not there is any indication of impairment.

Calculation of recoverable amount

The recoverable amount of an asset is the greater of its fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. Where an asset does not generate cash inflows largely independent of those from other assets, the recoverable amount is determined for the smallest group of assets that generates cash inflows independently (i.e. a cash-generating unit).

Recognition of impairment losses

An impairment loss is recognized in profit or loss whenever the carrying amount of an asset, or the cash-generating unit to which it belongs, exceeds its recoverable amount. Impairment losses recognized in respect of cash-generating units are allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the cash-generating unit (or group of units) and then, to reduce the carrying amount of the other assets in the unit (or group of units) on a pro rata basis, except that the carrying value of an asset will not be reduced below its individual fair value less costs to sell, or value in use, if determinable.

Reversals of impairment losses

In respect of assets other than goodwill, an impairment loss is reversed if there has been a favorable change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount. An impairment loss in respect of goodwill is not reversed.

A reversal of an impairment loss is limited to the asset’s carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognized in prior years. Reversals of impairment losses are credited to profit or loss in the year in which the reversals are recognized.

(iii)Interim financial reporting and impairment

Under the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, the Group is required to prepare an interim financial report in compliance with IAS 34,Interim financial reporting, in respect of the first six months of the financial year. At the end of the interim period, the Group applies the same impairment testing, recognition and reversal criteria as it would at the end of the financial year (see note 1(k)(i) and 1(k)(ii)).

Impairment losses recognized in an interim period in respect of goodwill, available-for-sale equity securities and unquoted equity securities carried at costs are not reversed in a subsequent period. This is the case even if no loss, or a smaller loss, would have been recognized had the impairment been assessed only at the end of the financial year to which the interim period relates. Consequently, if the fair value of an available-for-sale equity security increases in the remainder of the annual period, or in any other period subsequently, the increase is recognized in other comprehensive income and not profit or losses.

(l)fixed assets;
investment property; and
goodwill.

F-12


1Significant accounting policies (continued)
(i)Impairment of assets (continued)
(ii)Impairment of other assets (continued)
If any such indication exists, the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated. In addition, for goodwill, the recoverable amount is estimated annually whether or not there is any indication of impairment.
Calculation of recoverable amount
The recoverable amount of an asset is the greater of its net selling price and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. Where an asset does not generate cash inflows largely independent of those from other assets, the recoverable amount is determined for the smallest group of assets that generates cash inflows independently (i.e. a cash-generating unit).
Recognition of impairment losses
An impairment loss is recognized in profit or loss whenever the carrying amount of an asset, or the cash-generating unit to which it belongs, exceeds its recoverable amount. Impairment losses recognized in respect of cash-generating units are allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the cash-generating unit (or group of units) and then, to reduce the carrying amount of the other assets in the unit (or group of units) on a pro rata basis, except that the carrying value of an asset will not be reduced below its individual fair value less costs to sell, or value in use, if determinable.
Reversals of impairment losses
In respect of assets other than goodwill, an impairment loss is reversed if there has been a favorable change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount. An impairment loss in respect of goodwill is not reversed.
A reversal of an impairment loss is limited to the asset’s carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognized in prior years. Reversals of impairment losses are credited to profit or loss in the year in which the reversals are recognized.
(j)Derivative financial instruments

Derivative financial instruments are recognized initially at fair value. At each balance sheet date, the fair value is remeasured. The gain or loss on remeasurement to fair value is recognized immediately in profit or loss, except where the derivatives qualify for cash flow hedge accounting or hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation, in which case recognition of any resultant gain or loss depends on the nature of the item being hedged. For the years presented in the consolidated financial statements, none of the Group’s derivative financial instruments qualify as hedges or hedge accounting.

(m)Programme costs

Programme costs are stated at cost less amounts expensed and any provision considered necessary by management. Programme costs are charged to the profit or loss over the showing or licensing period of the programme, with reference to the projected revenue.

Self-produced Programmes

Self-produced programmes consist primarily of drama, infotainment and variety programmes. Cost of self-produced programmes comprises direct production cost and an appropriate proportion of production overheads.

Purchased Programmes

Purchased programmes consist film rights acquired for showing on the Group’s television channel. Cost of purchased programme comprises cost of purchase, cost of conversion and an appropriate proportion of production overheads.

(n)Derivative financial instruments are recognized initially at fair value. At each balance sheet date, the fair value is remeasured. The gain or loss on remeasurement to fair value is recognized immediately in profit or loss, except where the derivatives qualify for cash flow hedge accounting or hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation, in which case recognition of any resultant gain or loss depends on the nature of the item being hedged. For the years presented in the consolidated financial statements, none of the Group’s derivative financial instruments qualify as hedges or hedge accounting.
(k)Deferred expenditure
Deferred expenditure represents customer acquisition costs incurred for successful acquisition or origination of a service subscription agreement with a customer. Such costs are deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis over the period of the underlying service subscription agreements.

F-13

Deferred expenditure represents customer acquisition costs incurred for successful acquisition or origination of a service subscription agreement with a customer. Such costs are deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis over the period of the underlying service subscription agreements.


1(o)Significant accounting policies (continued)
(l)Accounts receivablereceivables

Trade and other receivables are initially recognized at fair value and thereafter stated at amortized cost less allowance for impairment of doubtful debts (see note 1(k)(i)), except where the receivables are interest-free loans made to related parties without any fixed repayment terms or the effect of discounting would be immaterial. In such cases, the receivables are stated at cost less impairment of doubtful debts (see note 1(k)(i)).

(p)Trade and other receivables are initially recognized at fair value and thereafter stated at amortized cost less allowance for impairment of doubtful debts (see note 1(i)(i)), except where the receivables are interest-free loans made to related parties without any fixed repayment terms or the effect of discounting would be immaterial. In such cases, the receivables are stated at cost less impairment of doubtful debts (see note 1(i)(i)).
(m)Cash bank balances and pledged bank depositscash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank and on hand, demand deposits with banks and other financial institutions, and short-term, highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value, having been within three months of maturity at acquisition. Bank overdrafts that are repayable on demand and form an integral part of the Group’s cash management are also included as a component of cash and cash equivalents for the purpose of the consolidated cash flow statement.

(q)Cash and bank balances consist of cash on hand, cash in bank accounts and interest-bearing savings accounts. Cash that is restricted for use or pledged as security is disclosed separately on the face of the balance sheet, and is not included in the cash and bank balances total in the consolidated statements of cash flows. The pledged bank deposits represent cash maintained at a bank as security for bank facility and bank guarantees issued by the bank to third party suppliers and utility vendors (see note 27).
(n)Financial guarantees issued, provisions and contingent liabilities

(i)Financial guarantees issued
Financial guarantees are contracts that require the issuer (i.e. the guarantor) to make specified payments to reimburse the beneficiary of the guarantee (the “holder”) for a loss the holder incurs because a specified debtor fails to make payment when due in accordance with the terms of a debt instrument.
Where the Group issues a financial guarantee, the fair value of the guarantee (being the transaction price, unless the fair value can otherwise be reliably estimated) is initially recognized as deferred income within trade and other payables. Where consideration is received or receivable for the issuance of the guarantee, the consideration is recognized in accordance with the Group’s policies applicable to that category of asset. Where no such consideration is received or receivable, an immediate expense is recognized in profit or loss on initial recognition of any deferred income.
The amount of the guarantee initially recognized as deferred income is amortized in profit or loss over the term of the guarantee as income from financial guarantees issued. In addition, provisions are recognized in accordance with note 1(n)(ii) if and when (i) it becomes probable that the holder of the guarantee will call upon the Group under the guarantee, and (ii) the amount of that claim on the Group is expected to exceed the amount currently carried in trade and other payables in respect of that guarantee i.e. the amount initially recognized, less accumulated amortization.

Financial guarantees are contracts that require the issuer (i.e. the guarantor) to make specified payments to reimburse the beneficiary of the guarantee (the “holder”) for a loss the holder incurs because a specified debtor fails to make payment when due in accordance with the terms of a debt instrument.

Where the Group issues a financial guarantee, the fair value of the guarantee (being the transaction price, unless the fair value can otherwise be reliably estimated) is initially recognized as deferred income within trade and other payables. Where consideration is received or receivable for the issuance of the guarantee, the consideration is recognized in accordance with the Group’s policies applicable to that category of asset. Where no such consideration is received or receivable, an immediate expense is recognized in profit or loss on initial recognition of any deferred income. The amount of the guarantee initially recognized as deferred income is amortized in profit or loss over the term of the guarantee as income from financial guarantees issued. In addition, provisions are recognized in accordance with note 1(q)(ii) if and when (i) it becomes probable that the holder of the guarantee will call upon the Group under the guarantee, and (ii) the amount of that claim on the Group is expected to exceed the amount currently carried in trade and other payables in respect of that guarantee i.e. the amount initially recognized, less accumulated amortization.

(ii)Other provisions and contingent liabilities
Provisions are recognized for other liabilities of uncertain timing or amount when the Group has a legal or constructive obligation arising as a result of a past event, it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made. Where the time value of money is material, provisions are stated at the present value of the expenditure expected to settle the obligation.
Where it is not probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required, or the amount cannot be estimated reliably, the obligation is disclosed as a contingent liability, unless the probability of outflow of economic benefits is remote. Possible obligations, whose existence will only be confirmed by the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more future events are also disclosed as contingent liabilities unless the probability of outflow of economic benefits is remote.

F-14Provisions are recognized for other liabilities of uncertain timing or amount when the Group has a legal or constructive obligation arising as a result of a past event, it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made. Where the time value of money is material, provisions are stated at the present value of the expenditure expected to settle the obligation.


Where it is not probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required, or the amount cannot be estimated reliably, the obligation is disclosed as a contingent liability, unless the probability of outflow of economic benefits is remote. Possible obligations, whose existence will only be confirmed by the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more future events are also disclosed as contingent liabilities unless the probability of outflow of economic benefits is remote.

1(r)Significant accounting policies (continued)
(o)Talent benefits

(i)Leave entitlements
Entitlements to annual leave and long service leave are recognized when they accrue to individuals employed by the Group hereinafter (referred to as “Talents”), including directors of the Company. A provision is made for the estimated liability for annual leave and long-service leave as a result of services rendered by Talents up to the balance sheet date.
Entitlements to sick leave and maternity or paternity leave are not recognized until the time of leave.

Entitlements to annual leave and long service leave are recognized when they accrue to individuals employed by the Group hereinafter (referred to as “Talents”), including directors of the Company. A provision is made for the estimated liability for annual leave and long-service leave as a result of services rendered by Talents up to the balance sheet date. Entitlements to sick leave and maternity or paternity leave are not recognized until the time of leave.

(ii)Profit sharing and bonus plans
Provisions for profit sharing and bonus plans are recognized when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of services rendered by Talents and a reliable estimate of the obligation can be made.

Provisions for profit sharing and bonus plans are recognized when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of services rendered by Talents and a reliable estimate of the obligation can be made.

(iii)Retirement benefit costs
The Group contributes to defined contribution retirement schemes which are available to certain Talents. Contributions to the schemes by the Group are calculated as a percentage of Talents’ basic salaries and charged to profit or loss. The Group’s contributions are reduced by contributions forfeited by those Talents who leave the scheme prior to vesting fully in the contributions.
The assets of the scheme are held in an independently administered fund that is separated from the Group’s assets.

The Group contributes to defined contribution retirement schemes which are available to certain Talents. Contributions to the schemes by the Group are calculated as a percentage of Talents’ basic salaries and charged to profit or loss. The Group’s contributions are reduced by contributions forfeited by those Talents who leave the scheme prior to vesting fully in the contributions.

The assets of the scheme are held in an independently administered fund that is separated from the Group’s assets.

(iv)Share-based payments

The fair value of share options granted to Talents or Directors is recognized as Talent cost with a corresponding increase in capital reserve within equity. The fair value is measured at grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model or Monte Carlo model, taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the options were granted. Where the Talents have to meet vesting conditions before becoming unconditionally entitled to the share options, the total estimated fair value of the share options is spread over the vesting period, taking into account the probability that the options will vest.

During the vesting period, the number of share options that is expected to vest is reviewed. Any adjustment to the cumulative fair value recognized in prior years is charged/credited to profit or loss, with a corresponding adjustment to the capital reserve. On vesting date, the amount recognized as an expense is adjusted to reflect the actual number of share options that vest (with a corresponding adjustment to the capital reserve) except where forfeiture is only due to not achieving vesting conditions that relate to the market price of the Company’s shares. The amount related to share options expense is recorded in the capital reserve until either the option is exercised or the option expires.

(s)The fair value of share options granted to Talents is recognized as an Talent cost with a corresponding increase in capital reserve within equity. The fair value is measured at grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model or Monte Carlo model, taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the options were granted. Where the Talents have to meet vesting conditions before becoming unconditionally entitled to the share options, the total estimated fair value of the share options is spread over the vesting period, taking into account the probability that the options will vest.
During the vesting period, the number of share options that is expected to vest is reviewed. Any adjustment to the cumulative fair value recognized in prior years is charged/credited to profit or loss, unless the original Talent expenses qualify for recognition as an asset, with a corresponding adjustment to the capital reserve. On vesting date, the amount recognized as an expense is adjusted to reflect the actual number of share options that vest (with a corresponding adjustment to the capital reserve) except where forfeiture is only due to not achieving vesting conditions that relate to the market price of the Company’s shares. The amount related to share options expense is recorded in the capital reserve until either the option is exercised or the option expires.
(p)Income taxDeferred taxation
Deferred taxation is provided, using the balance sheet liability method, on temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the financial statements. Deferred tax assets also arise from unused tax losses. Taxation rates enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date are used to measure deferred tax assets and liabilities.
Deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the temporary differences can be utilized.

Income tax for the year comprises current tax and movements in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Current tax and movements in deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized in profit or loss except to the extent that they relate to business combinations, or items recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, in which case the relevant amounts of tax are recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, respectively.

Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities arise from deductible and taxable temporary differences respectively, being the differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and their tax bases. Deferred tax assets also arise from unused tax losses and unused tax credits.

Apart from certain limited exceptions, all deferred tax liabilities, and all deferred tax assets to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the asset can be utilized, are recognized. Future taxable profits that may support the recognition of deferred tax assets arising from deductible temporary differences include those that will arise from the reversal of existing taxable temporary differences, provided those differences relate to the same taxation authority and the same taxable entity, and are expected to reverse either in the same period as the expected reversal of the deductible temporary difference or in periods into which a tax loss arising from the deferred tax asset can be carried back or forward. The same criteria are adopted when determining whether existing taxable temporary differences support the recognition of deferred tax assets arising from unused tax losses and credits, that is, those differences are taken into account if they relate to the same taxation authority and the same taxable entity, and are expected to reverse in a period, or periods, in which the tax loss or credit can be utilized.

The limited exceptions to recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities are those temporary differences arising from goodwill not deductible for tax purposes, the initial recognition of assets or liabilities that affect neither accounting nor taxable profit (provided they are not part of a business combination), and temporary differences relating to investments in subsidiaries to the extent that, in the case of taxable differences, the Group controls the timing of the reversal and it is probable that the differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future, or in the case of deductible differences, unless it is probable that they will reverse in the future.

Where investment properties are carried at their fair value in accordance with the accounting policy set out in note 1(g), the amount of deferred tax recognized is measured using the tax rates that would apply on sale of those assets at their carrying value at the balance sheet date unless the property is depreciable and is held within a business model whose objective is to consume substantially all of the economic benefits embodied in the property over time, rather than through sale. In all other cases, the amount of deferred tax recognized is measured based on the expected manner of realization or settlement of the carrying amount of the assets and liabilities, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are not discounted.

The carrying amount of a deferred tax asset is reviewed at each balance sheet date and is reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow the related tax benefit to be utilized. Any such reduction is reversed to the extent that it becomes probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available.

Current tax balances and deferred tax balances, and movements therein, are presented separately from each other and are not offset. Current tax assets are offset against current tax liabilities, and deferred tax assets against deferred tax liabilities, if the Group has the legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities and the following additional conditions are met:

in the case of current tax assets and liabilities, the Group intends either to settle on a net basis, or to realize the asset and settle the liability simultaneously; or

F-15

in the case of deferred tax assets and liabilities, if they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority on either:


the same taxable entity; or

different taxable entities, which, in each future period in which significant amounts of deferred tax liabilities or assets are expected to be settled or recovered, intend to realize the current tax assets and settle the current tax liabilities on a net basis or realize and settle simultaneously.

1(t)Significant accounting policies (continued)
(p)Deferred taxation (continued)
The following temporary differences, of which deferred taxes are not provided for: initial recognition of goodwill, the initial recognition of assets or liabilities that affect neither accounting nor taxable profit (provided they are not part of a business combination), and temporary differences relating to investments in subsidiaries to the extent that, in the case of taxable differences, the Group controls the timing of the reversal and it is probable that the temporary differences will not be reversed in the foreseeable future, or in the case of deductible differences, unless it is probable that they will reverse in the future.
Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities and when the deferred tax assets and the deferred tax liabilities relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority on the same taxable entity.
(q)Interest-bearing borrowings

Interest-bearing borrowings are recognized initially at fair value less attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, the interest-bearing borrowings are stated at amortized cost with the difference between amortized cost and redemption value recognized in profit or loss over the period of borrowings using the effective interest method.

(u)Interest-bearing borrowings are recognized initially at fair value less attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, the interest-bearing borrowings are stated at amortized cost with the difference between amortized cost and redemption value recognized in profit or loss over the period of borrowings using the effective interest method.
(r)Trade and other payables

Trade and other payables are initially recognized at fair value. Except for financial guarantee liabilities measured in accordance with note 1(q), trade and other payables are subsequently stated at amortized cost unless the effect of discounting would be immaterial, in which case they are stated at cost.

(v)Trade and other payables are initially recognized at fair value. Except for financial guarantee liabilities measured in accordance with note 1(n), trade and other payables are subsequently stated at amortized cost unless the effect of discounting would be immaterial, in which case they are stated at cost.
(s)Revenue recognition

(i)Revenue for the provision of international telecommunications and fixed telecommunications network services is recognized, when an arrangement exists, service is rendered, the fee is fixed or determinable, and collectibility is probable.

(ii)Tariff-free period granted to subscribers of fixed telecommunications network services are recognized in profit or loss rateablyratably over the term of the service subscription agreement. Unbilled revenue represents revenue recognized in accordance with the requirement in note 1(s)(i) that has not been billed to the subscriber.

(iii)Amount received in advance for the provision of fixed telecommunications network services is deferred and included under deferred service revenue, and subsequently recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the related service period.

(iv)Revenue for licensing of programme rights is recognized over the contract period or upon delivery of the programmes concerned in accordance with the terms of the contracts.

(v)Interest income is recognized as it accrues using the effective interest method.

(v)(vi)Rental income receivable under operating leases is recognized in profit or loss in equal installments over the periods covered by the lease term.term except where an alternative basis is more representative of the platform of benefits to be derived from the leased assets. Lease incentives granted are recognized in profit or loss as an integral part of the aggregate net lease payments receivable.

(vii)Artiste management fee income is recognized when the services are rendered.

(t)(w)Borrowing costs
Borrowing costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of an asset that necessarily takes a substantial period of time to get ready for its intended use or sale are capitalized as part of the cost of that asset.
All other borrowing costs are charged to profit or loss in the year in which they are incurred.

F-16

Borrowing costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of an asset that necessarily takes a substantial period of time to get ready for its intended use or sale are capitalized as part of the cost of that asset.


All other borrowing costs are charged to profit or loss in the year in which they are incurred.

1(x)Discontinued operations

A discontinued operation is a component of the Group’s business, the operations and cash flows of which can be clearly distinguished from the rest of the Group and which represents a separate major line of business. Classification as a discontinued operation occurs upon disposal.

Where an operation is classified as discontinued, a single amount is presented on the face of the income statement, which comprises:

the post-tax profit or loss of the discontinued operation; and

the post-tax gain or loss recognized on the disposal of the assets or disposal group constituting the discontinued operation.

(y)Significant accounting policies (continued)
(u)Segment reporting

Operating segments, and the amounts of each segment item reported in the financial statements, are identified from the financial information provided regularly to the Group’s most senior executive management for the purposes of allocating resources to, and assessing the performance of, the Group’s lines of business.

Geographical information is not presented as the majority of the Group’s revenue is attributed to customers in Hong Kong and the majority of the assets are located in Hong Kong.

(z)Operating segments, and the amounts of each segment item reported in the financial statements, are identified from the financial information provided regularly to the Group’s most senior executive management for the purposes of allocating resources to, and assessing the performance of, the group’s two lines of business.
Geographical information is not presented as the majority of the Group’s revenue is attributed to customers in Hong Kong and the majority of the assets are located in Hong Kong.
(v)Accounting for barter transactions
When goods or services are exchanged for goods or services which are of a similar nature and value, the exchange is not regarded as a revenue generating transaction.
When goods are sold or services are rendered in exchange for dissimilar goods or services, the exchange is regarded as a transaction which generates revenue. The revenue is measured at the fair value of the goods or services received, adjusted by the amount of any cash or cash equivalents transferred. When the fair value of the goods or services received cannot be measured reliably, the revenue is measured at the fair value of the goods or services rendered, adjusted by the amount of any cash or cash equivalents transferred.
(w)Related parties

 (a)For the purposesA person, or a close member of these financial statements, a partythat person’s family, is considered to be related to the Group if:if that person:

 (i)the party has the ability, directlycontrol or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, to control the Group or exercise significant influence over the Group in making financial and operating policy decisions, or has joint control over the Group;

 (ii)has significant influence over the Group and the party are subject to common control;Group; or

 (iii)the party is an associate of the Group or a joint venture in which the Group is a venturer;
(iv)the party is a member of the key management personnel of the Group or the Group’s parent.

(b)An entity is related to the Group if any of the following conditions applies:

(i)The entity and the Group are members of the same group (which means that each parent, subsidiary and fellow subsidiary is related to the others).

(ii)One entity is an associate or joint venture of the other entity (or an associate or joint venture of a close family member of such an individual, ora group of which the other entity is a member).

(iii)Both entities are joint ventures of the same third party.

(iv)One entity is a joint venture of a third entity and the other entity is an entity underassociate of the control, joint control or significant influence of such individuals;third entity.

 (v)the party is a close family member of a party referred to in (i) or is anThe entity under the control, joint control or significant influence of such individuals; or
(vi)the party is a post-employment benefit plan which is for the benefit of Talentsemployees of either the Group or of anyan entity that is a related party ofto the Group.

 (vi)Close family members of an individual are those family members who may be expected to influence,The entity is controlled or be influencedjointly controlled by that individuala person identified in their dealings with the entity.(a).

F-17


2Turnover and segment information
 (vii)A person identified in (a)(i) has significant influence over the entity or is a member of the key management personnel of the entity (or of a parent of the entity).

Close members of the family of a person are those family members who may be expected to influence, or be influenced by, that person in their dealings with the entity.

2Discontinued operations

On March 31, 2012, the Group entered into a Sales and Purchase Agreement with a third party (the “Purchaser”) to dispose of the Group’s International Telecommunications Services and Fixed Telecommunications Network Service businesses (the “Telecom Business”) (the “Disposal”). The consideration for the Disposal comprised of cash consideration of HK$4,873,649,000 on a cash-free, debt-free basis. As part and parcel of the Disposal, the Telecom Business grant an intangible asset, including indefeasible right of use (“IRU”) of the telecommunications capacity and right to use of telecommunications services to the Group upon the completion of Disposal. The Disposal was completed on May 30, 2012. The operating results of the disposed Telecom Business up to the disposal date have been presented as discontinued operations in this report.

The presentation of comparative information in respect of the year ended August 31, 2011 and 2010 has been restated to show the discontinued operations separately from continuing operations.

(a)The Group is principally engagedresults of the discontinued operations included in the provision of international telecommunications servicesconsolidated financial statements for the current and fixed telecommunications network services to customers in Hong Kong and Canada. Revenues recognized during the yearprior years are as follows:
             
  2010  2009  2008 
  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Turnover
            
             
International telecommunications services  218,589   247,359   291,943 
Fixed telecommunications network services (note 2(b))  1,356,098   1,230,880   1,011,038 
          
             
   1,574,687   1,478,239   1,302,981 
          

     Telecom Business 
     2012  2011  2010 
   Note HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 

Turnover

  3  1,433,775    1,681,458    1,574,687  

Network costs and cost of sales

  4  (277,028  (212,315  (195,292

Other operating expenses

  5(a)  (860,946  (1,073,683  (1,083,672

Other income, net

  5(b)  3,638    3,793    15,685  

Finance costs, net

  5(c)  574    944    (946
   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Profit before taxation

    300,013    400,197    310,462  

Income tax expense

  6  (48,407  (54,172  (37,068
   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Profit after taxation

    251,606    346,025    273,394  

Gain on sale of discontinued operations

  2(c)  3,520,088    —      —    
   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Profit for the year

    3,771,694    346,025    273,394  
   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(a)(b)Primary reporting format — business segmentsThe cash flows of the discontinued operations for the current and prior years are as follows:
The Group is organized on a worldwide basis into two business segments:

   Telecom Business 
   2012  2011  2010 
   HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 

Net cash from operating activities

   414,695    747,982    550,116  

Net cash from/(used in) investing activities

   4,336,661    (363,124  (322,256

Net cash used in financing activities

   (211,887  (379,843  (180,645
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash inflow from discontinued operations

   4,539,469    5,015    47,215  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(c)Effect of Disposal on the financial position of the Group:

   Note HK$’000 

Net assets disposed of:

   

Goodwill

  12  1,066  

Fixed assets

  13  1,601,528  

Long term receivable and prepayment

    4,533  

Deferred expenditure

  16  36,978  

Accounts receivable

    75,481  

Other receivables, deposits and prepayments

    165,161  

Cash at bank and in hand

    42,357  

Bank overdrafts - unsecured

    (7,529

Accounts payable

    (19,221

Other payables and accrued charges

    (147,364

Deposits received

    (20,946

Tax payable

    (1,721

Deferred tax liabilities

  22(a)  (157,102

Deferred services revenue

    (81,241

Obligations under finance leases

    (49
   

 

 

 
    1,491,931  
   

 

 

 

Satisfied by:

   

Cash consideration

    (4,873,649

Grant of intangible assets including IRU of the telecommunications capacity and right to use of telecommunications services

    (316,943

Exchange reserve realized upon disposal of Telecom Business

    (4,881

Transaction costs

    183,454  
   

 

 

 

Gain on sale of discontinued operations

    (3,520,088
   

 

 

 

No provision for Hong Kong Profits Tax has been made for the gain on sale of discontinued operations.

(d)Analysis of the net cash inflow in respect of the Disposal:

   HK$’000

Cash consideration

4,873,649

Transaction costs

(183,454

Cash and cash equivalents disposed of

(34,828

Net cash inflow

4,655,367

3Turnover and segment information

Turnover

The Group is principally engaged in the provision of multimedia production and contents distribution business, including but not limited to the offer of free TV programming, multimedia and drama productions, contents distribution and other related services (“Multimedia Business”).

Prior to the Disposal, the Group was also engaged in the provision of international telecommunications services and fixed telecommunications network services to customers in Hong Kong and Canada which have been classified as discontinued operations.

The amount of each significant category of revenue recognized in turnover during the year is as follows:

   2012   2011   2010 
   HK$’000   HK$’000   HK$’000 

Continuing operations:

      

- Licensing of programme rights and provision of artiste management services

   3,762     —       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Discontinued operations:

      

- International telecommunications services

   134,645     197,134     218,589  

- Fixed telecommunication network services

   1,299,130     1,484,324     1,356,098  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   1,433,775     1,681,458     1,574,687  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   1,437,537     1,681,458     1,574,687  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segmental Information

For the years ended August 31, 2011 and 2010, the Group had two reportable business segments - international telecommunications services and fixed telecommunications network services. As a result of the Disposal, the Group now has one reportable business segment - multimedia services and others. The previously reported segment information for the years ended August 31, 2011 and 2010 have been restated to reflect the changes in the composition of the Group’s business segments.

Continuing operations:
-Multimedia services and others:provision of multimedia production and distribution and other multimedia related activities
Discontinued operations:
- International telecommunications  :  provision of international long distance calls services
- Fixed telecommunications network  :  provision of dial up and broadband Internet access services, , local voice-over-IP (VoIP) services, IP-TV services and corporate data services

The Group’s inter-segment transactions mainly consist of provision of leased lines services and licensing of programme right. These transactions were entered into on similar terms as those contracted with third parties.

   2012 
   Continuing
operations
  Discontinued operations        
   

Multimedia
services
and others

HK$’000

  

International

telecommunications

services

HK$’000

   

Fixed

telecommunications

network services

HK$’000

   

Elimination

HK$’000

  

Group

HK$’000

 

Turnover

        

- External sales

   3,762    134,645     1,299,130     —      1,437,537  

- Inter-segment sales

   1,100    698     10,530     (12,328  —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 
   4,862    135,343     1,309,660     (12,328  1,437,537  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Segment results

   (107,204  32,555     263,246      188,597  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

    

Other net income, excluding interest income

         6,317  

Valuation gains on investment properties

         18,200  

Gain on sale of discontinued operations

         3,520,088  

Interest income

         17,241  

Finance costs, net

         (1,881
        

 

 

 

Profit before taxation

         3,748,562  

Income tax expense

         (50,688
        

 

 

 

Net profit

         3,697,874  
        

 

 

 

   2011 (restated) 
   Continuing
operations
  Discontinued operations        
   

Multimedia
services
and others

HK$’000

  

International

telecommunications

services

HK$’000

   

Fixed

telecommunications

network services

HK$’000

   

Elimination

HK$’000

  

Group

HK$’000

 

Turnover

        

- External sales

   —      197,134     1,484,324     —      1,681,458  

- Inter-segment sales

   —      3,814     14,837     (18,651  —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 
   —      200,948     1,499,161     (18,651  1,681,458  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Segment results

   (23,481  89,313     306,147      371,979  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

    

Other net income, excluding interest income

         3,883  

Interest income

         3,366  

Finance costs, net

         (6,359
        

 

 

 

Profit before taxation

         372,869  

Income tax expense

         (58,954
        

 

 

 

Net profit

         313,915  
        

 

 

 
   2010 (restated) 
   Continuing
operations
  Discontinued operations        
   

Multimedia
services
and others

HK$’000

  

International

telecommunications

services

HK$’000

   

Fixed

telecommunications

network services

HK$’000

   

Elimination

HK$’000

  

Group

HK$’000

 

Turnover

        

- External sales

   —      218,589     1,356,098     —      1,574,687  

- Inter-segment sales

   —      5,673     16,673     (22,346  —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 
   —      224,262     1,372,771     (22,346  1,574,687  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Segment results

   (21,932  76,105     219,618      273,791  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

    

Other net income, excluding interest income

         (3,383

Interest income

         11,372  

Finance costs, net

         (22,235
        

 

 

 

Profit before taxation

         259,545  

Income tax expense

         (42,679
        

 

 

 

Net profit

         216,866  
        

 

 

 

   2012 
   Continuing
operations
   Discontinued operations     
   

Multimedia
services and
others

HK$’000

   

International

telecommunications

services

HK$’000

   

Fixed

telecommunications

network services

HK$’000

   

Group

HK$’000

 

Segment assets

   2,755,116     —       —       2,755,116  

Term deposits

         544,040  

Investment properties

         238,200  
        

 

 

 
         3,537,356  
        

 

 

 

Segment liabilities

   51,682     —       —       51,682  

Tax payable

         935  

Deferred tax liabilities

         1,346  
        

 

 

 

Total liabilities

         53,963  
        

 

 

 

Capital expenditure incurred during the year

   178,750     3,665     279,978     462,393  

Depreciation for the year

   4,636     7,021     174,248     185,905  
   2011 (restated) 
   Continuing
operations
   Discontinued operations     
   

Multimedia
services and
others

HK$’000

   

International

telecommunications

services

HK$’000

   

Fixed

telecommunications

network services

HK$’000

   

Group

HK$’000

 

Segment assets

   380,736     53,509     1,830,217     2,264,462  
        

 

 

 

Segment liabilities

   30,764     48,695     274,203     353,662  

Tax payable

         2,281  

Deferred tax liabilities

         111,138  
        

 

 

 

Total liabilities

         467,081  
        

 

 

 

Capital expenditure incurred during the year

   51,255     1,631     396,310     449,196  

Depreciation for the year

   1,585     9,914     206,698     218,197  

4The Group’s inter-segment transactions mainly consist of provision of leased lines services. These transactions were entered into on similar terms as those contracted with third parties.

                 
  2010 
  International  Fixed       
  tele-  tele-       
  communications  communications       
  services  network services  Elimination  Group 
  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Turnover                
- External sales  218,589   1,356,098      1,574,687 
- Inter-segment sales  5,673   16,673   (22,346)   
             
                 
   224,262   1,372,771   (22,346)  1,574,687 
             
                 
Segment results  54,173   219,618       273,791 
               
                 
Other income, net              7,989 
Finance costs              (22,235)
                
                 
Profit before taxation              259,545 
Income tax expense              (42,679)
                
                 
Net profit              216,866 
                

F-18


2Revenue and segment information (continued)
(a)Primary reporting format — business segments (continued)
                 
  2009 
  International  Fixed       
  tele-  tele-       
  communications  communications       
  services  network services  Elimination  Group 
  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Turnover                
- External sales  247,359   1,230,880      1,478,239 
- Inter-segment sales  5,669   19,784   (25,453)   
             
                 
   253,028   1,250,664   (25,453)  1,478,239 
             
                 
Segment results  61,631   203,515       265,146 
               
                 
Other income, net              41,540 
Finance costs              (55,127)
                
                 
Profit before taxation              251,559 
Income tax expense              (38,730)
                
                 
Net profit              212,829 
                
                 
  2008 
  International  Fixed       
  tele-  tele-       
  communications  communications       
  services  network services  Elimination  Group 
  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Turnover                
- External sales  291,943   1,011,038      1,302,981 
- Inter-segment sales  5,692   22,680   (28,372)   
             
                 
   297,635   1,033,718   (28,372)  1,302,981 
             
                 
Segment results  63,225   95,295       158,520 
               
                 
Other income, net              24,989 
Finance costs              (75,137)
                
                 
Profit before taxation              108,372 
Income tax benefit              16,818 
                
                 
Net profit              125,190 
                

F-19


2Revenue and segment information (continued)
(a)Primary reporting format — business segments (continued)
             
  2010 
  International  Fixed    
  tele-  tele-    
  communications  communications    
  services  network services  Group 
  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Segment assets  590,888   1,660,661   2,551,549 
            
             
Segment liabilities  92,982   289,085   382,067 
Unallocated liabilities          180,943 
            
             
Total liabilities          563,010 
            
             
Capital expenditure incurred during the year  5,223   339,621   344,844 
Depreciation for the year  12,637   186,392   199,029 
             
  2009 
  International  Fixed    
  tele-  tele-    
  communications  communications    
  services  network services  Group 
  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Segment assets  298,412   1,491,996   1,790,408 
            
             
Segment liabilities  82,090   299,503   381,593 
Unallocated liabilities          180,288 
            
             
Total liabilities          561,881 
            
             
Capital expenditure incurred during the year  1,820   284,914   286,734 
Depreciation for the year  15,154   191,087   206,241 

F-20


2Revenue and segment information (continued)
(b)Hong Kong Broadband Network Limited (“HKBN”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, is a Fixed Telecommunications Network Services (“FTNS”) licensee and provides interconnection services to enable delivery of telecommunications service to customers of different operators. Since the FTNS license was granted by the Telecommunication Authority (“TA”) and interconnection services have been provided, HKBN has been billing mobile operators for the interconnection services provided to them and recognizing revenue (“mobile interconnection charges”) based on management’s best estimate of the amounts to be collected. In prior years, majority of the mobile operators rejected HKBN’s demand for payment of the mobile interconnection charges. As a result of non-payment by certain mobile operators, in 2004, the Group requested the TA to make a determination (the “2004 Determination”) on the level of mobile interconnection charges payable by one of the mobile operators (“mobile operator under dispute”) to HKBN; and the effective date of the determined mobile interconnection charges.
In June 2007, TA issued the 2004 Determination which set out the rates of mobile interconnection charge payable by the mobile operator under dispute for interconnection services provided by HKBN for the period from April 1, 2002 to August 31, 2004 and the mobile operator under dispute paid mobile interconnection charge for the relevant period accordingly.
Subsequent to June 2007, HKBN entered into contractual agreements with several mobile operators which agreed to pay mobile interconnection charges based on the 2004 Determination for the period from April 1, 2002 to August 31, 2004 and with respect to the period after August 31, 2004 at the interim rate stated in the contractual agreements. The interim rate is subject to adjustment based on further determination to be issued by the TA.
In February 2008, since certain mobile operators had still not yet settled their mobile interconnection charges for interconnection services provided by HKBN, HKBN requested TA to make a new determination on the rate of mobile interconnection charge and interest thereon with the four mobile operators.
In September 2008, TA accepted HKBN’s request for determination on the rate of mobile interconnection charges for the period from April 1, 2002 to April 26, 2009 payable by the mobile operators that have not reached contractual agreements with HKBN, and the rate for the period from September 1, 2004 to April 26, 2009 payable by those mobile operators that have reached contractual agreements with HKBN, and the interest rate thereon (the “2008 Determination”).
In May 2010, TA issued its decision on the 2008 Determination which set out the rates of mobile interconnection charges payable by the mobile operators under dispute.
Based on the 2008 determination, the Group reversed approximately HK$19,706,000 revenue related to mobile interconnection charges and recognized approximately HK$10,053,000 interest income during the year ended August 31, 2010.
Included in the accounts receivable balance as at August 31, 2010 were receivable relating to mobile interconnection charges of HK$39,763,000 (August 31, 2009: HK$68,802,000) representing the amount of mobile interconnection charges management expects to collect.

F-21


3Network costs
Network costs mainly include interconnection charges paid to local and overseas carriers, leased line rentals, program fees, and production costs for the IP-TV service, and do not include depreciation charge which is included in other operating expenses.
The Group estimates the Universal Services Contributions (“USC”) payable to PCCW-HKT to fund the costscost of network development in remote areas in Hong Kong and includes such estimated costs as part of the network costs. TA periodically reviews the actual costs of such developments and revises the amounts owed to PCCW-HKT or to be refunded by PCCW-HKT to the USC contributing parties.
On December 28, 2007, TA issued a statement (the “2007 TA Statement”) on the USC and confirmed the actual contribution level for the period from January 1, 2005 to June 30, 2007. Based on the 2007 TA Statement, HK$7,617,000 was recorded as a reduction against the network costs of the Group for the year ended August 31, 2008.
On April 8, 2009, TA issued a statement (the “2009 TA Statement”) on the USC and confirmed the actual contribution level for the period from July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008. Based on the 2009 TA Statement, no additional payment or refund of USC from PCCW-HKT was required.
On April 27, 2010, TA issued a statement (the “2010 TA Statement”) on the USC and confirmed the actual contribution level for the period from July 1, 2008 to April 30, 2009. Based on the 2010 TA Statement, no additional payment or refund of USC from PCCW-HKKT was required
Based on the 2010 TA Statement, TA decided that USC contributing parties are not required to pay provisional USC from May 1, 2009 onwards until a further review of the USC.sales

F-22

Continuing operations:


Cost of sales mainly include talent costs and other production costs which are directly attributable to the revenue generated from licensing of programme rights and provision of artiste management services.

Discontinued operations:

Network costs and cost of sales mainly include interconnection charges paid to local and overseas carriers, leased line rentals, programme fees, and production costs for the IP-TV service, and do not include depreciation charge which is included in other operating expenses.

45Profit(Loss)/profit before taxation
Profit before taxation is arrived at after charging/(crediting) the following:

(Loss)/profit before taxation is arrived at after charging/(crediting) the following:

 (a)Other operating expenses
             
  2010  2009  2008 
  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Advertising and marketing expenses  372,727   299,794   307,743 
Amortization of deferred expenditure (note 14)  48,621   53,160   33,777 
Auditors’ remuneration  2,910   3,455   3,687 
Depreciation of owned fixed assets  198,323   205,624   209,464 
Depreciation of fixed assets held under finance lease  706   617   587 
Operating lease charges in respect of land and buildings  22,669   17,010   13,296 
Operating lease charges in respect of equipment  39   42   50 
Provision for doubtful debts (note 15(b))  14,742   12,103   14,293 
(Gain)/loss on disposal of fixed assets  (1,375)  1,016   1,431 
Talent costs (note 4(d))  301,760   302,279   247,460 
Others  144,482   142,864   134,306 
          
             
   1,105,604   1,037,964   966,094 
          

   

2012

HK$’000

  

2011

HK$’000

   

2010

HK$’000

 
      (restated)   (restated) 

Continuing operations

     

Advertising and marketing expenses

   214    —       —    

Auditors’ remuneration

   1,630    1,392     1,392  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Depreciation:

     

- Owned fixed assets

   6,144    1,452     1,404  

- Held under finance lease

   124    133     246  

Less: Depreciation capitalized as programme costs

   (1,632  —       —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   4,636    1,585     1,650  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating lease charges in respect of land and buildings

   2,827    —       —    

Loss/(gain) on disposal of fixed assets

   675    382     (18

Talent costs (note 5(d))

   55,971    6,837     7,221  

Amortization of intangible assets (note 14)

   5,217    —       —    

Others

   33,790    13,285     11,687  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   104,960    23,481     21,932  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Discontinued operations

     

Advertising and marketing expenses

   271,532    344,136     372,727  

Auditors’ remuneration

   1,071    1,385     1,518  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Depreciation:

     

- Owned fixed assets

   181,252    216,338     196,919  

- Held under finance lease

   17    274     460  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   181,269    216,612     197,379  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating lease charges in respect of land and buildings

   26,910    28,426     22,669  

(Gain)/loss on disposal of fixed assets

   (2,674  626     (1,357

Talent costs (note 5(d))

   233,814    304,518     294,539  

Amortization of deferred expenditure (note 16)

   29,902    37,873     48,621  

Others

   119,122    140,107     147,576  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   860,946    1,073,683     1,083,672  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   965,906    1,097,164     1,105,604  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 (b)Other income,income/(loss), net

             
  2010  2009  2008 
  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Interest income  (11,372)  (4,869)  (15,596)
Loss/(gain) on extinguishment of 10-year senior notes (note 22(a))  9,650   (31,371)  (2,582)
Net exchange gain  (324)  (3,038)  (1,923)
Others  (5,943)  (2,262)  (4,888)
          
             
   (7,989)  (41,540)  (24,989)
          

   

2012

HK$’000

  

2011

HK$’000

  

2010

HK$’000

 
      (restated)  (restated) 

Continuing operations

    

Bank interest income

   (16,167  (2,039  (1,054

Loss on extinguishment of 10-year senior notes

   —      —      9,650  

Rentals from investment properties

   (3,388  —      —    

Net exchange gain

   (229  (1,234  (598

Others

   (136  (183  (302
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   (19,920  (3,456  7,696  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Discontinued operations

    

Interest income

   (1,074  (1,327  (10,318

Net exchange (gain)/loss

   (408  239    274  

Others

   (2,156  (2,705  (5,641
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   (3,638  (3,793  (15,685
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   (23,558  (7,249  (7,989
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 (c)Finance costs, net
             
  2010  2009  2008 
  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Interest element of finance leases  42   27   34 
Interest on 10-year senior notes  5,881   52,670   70,010 
Amortization of incidental issuance costs  188   1,545   1,665 
Interest on bank borrowings  1,379       
Amortization of upfront costs on bank borrowings  192       
Change in fair value of derivative financial instrument  11,293       
Other borrowing costs  3,260   885   3,428 
          
             
   22,235   55,127   75,137 
          

F-23

   

2012

HK$’000

  

2011

HK$’000

  

2010

HK$’000

 
      (restated)  (restated) 

Continuing operations

    

Interest element of finance leases

   15    22    34  

Interest on 10-year senior notes

   —      —      5,881  

Amortization of incidental issuance costs

   —      —      188  

Interest on bank borrowings

   —      1,152    1,379  

Amortization of upfront costs on long-term bank loan

   —      182    192  

Change in fair value of derivative financial instrument

   (1,901  271    11,293  

Write-off of upfront costs upon settlement of long-term bank loan

   —      1,251    —    

Other borrowing costs

   4,341    4,425    2,322  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   2,455    7,303    21,289  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Discontinued operations

    

Interest element of finance leases

   4    8    8  

Others

   (578  (952  938  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   (574  (944  946  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   1,881    6,359    22,235  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 


4 Profit before taxation (continued)
 (d)Talent costs
             
  2010  2009  2008 
  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Wages and salaries  277,883   278,905   226,097 
Provision for annual leave  561   613   2,642 
Equity settled share-based transaction  5,347   4,768   4,114 
Retirement benefit costs — defined contribution plans (note 8)  38,820   34,614   29,738 
Less: Talent costs capitalized as fixed assets  (20,851)  (16,621)  (15,131)
          
             
   301,760   302,279   247,460 
          
Talent costs include directors’ emoluments and research and development cost of HK$11,169,000 (2009: HK$10,824,000, 2008: HK$9,593,000) but exclude Talent costs of HK$11,098,000 (2009: HK$13,461,000, 2008: HK$14,482,000) recorded in network costs and HK$229,399,000 (2009: HK$214,272,000, 2008:HK$194,724,000) recorded in advertising and marketing expenses.

     

2012

HK$’000

  

2011

HK$’000

  

2010

HK$’000

 
        (restated)  (restated) 

Continuing operations

    

Wages and salaries

   101,483    6,404    6,772  

Provision for annual leave

   2,928    48    69  

Retirement benefit costs - defined contribution plans (note 9)

   3,993    385    380  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   108,404    6,837    7,221  

Less:

 

Talent costs capitalized as programme costs

   (47,140  —      —    
 

Talent costs included in cost of sales

   (5,293  —      —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Talent costs included in other operating expenses

   55,971    6,837    7,221  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Discontinued operations

  

  

Wages and salaries

   396,008    511,205    511,608  

Provision for annual leave

   —      564    492  

Equity settled share-based transaction

   10,480    4,652    5,347  

Retirement benefit costs - defined contribution plans (note 9)

   38,074    43,487    38,440  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   444,562    559,908    555,887  

Less:

 

Talent costs capitalized as fixed assets

   (17,671  (22,206  (20,851
 

Talent costs included in network costs and cost of sales

   (6,247  (10,843  (11,098
 

Talent costs included in advertising and marketing expenses

   (186,830  (222,341  (229,399
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Talent costs included in other operating expenses

   233,814    304,518    294,539  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
    289,785    311,355    301,760  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Talent costs include all compensation and benefits paid to and accrued for all individuals employed by the Group, including directors.

6(e)Other itemsIncome tax expense

             
  2010  2009  2008 
  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Realized loss on derivative financial instruments        1,039 
Realized gain on long-term bank deposit        (1,185)
Realized and unrealized gain on other financial assets     (189)  (3,284)
          
5 Income tax (expense)/benefit

Hong Kong profitsProfits Tax rate is 16.5%. The statutory income tax has been providedrate in the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”) is 25%. CTI Guangzhou Customer Services Co., Ltd., a former wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, being a recognized Advanced Technology Service Enterprise, is subject to income tax at thea reduced rate of 16.5% (2009 and 2008: 16.5%) on15% from calendar years 2010 to 2012. Non-Hong Kong current taxation is mainly related to the estimated assessable profit for the year. Taxation on other jurisdictions has been calculated on the estimated assessable profit for the year at thePRC income tax rates prevailing in the other jurisdictions in which the Group operates.

tax.

The amount of income tax (expense)/benefitexpense in the consolidated income statement represents:

             
  2010  2009  2008 
  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Current taxation:            
             
Hong Kong            
- Provision for the year        (391)
- Over-provision in prior years  40       
Non-Hong Kong            
- Provision for the year  (2,585)  (1,622)  (1,929)
- Under-provision in prior years        (2,552)
             
Deferred taxation:            
             
- Origination and reversal of temporary differences (note 20)  (40,134)  (37,108)  (4,645)
- Recognition of previously unrecognized tax losses (note 20)        26,335 
          
             
Income tax (expense)/benefit  (42,679)  (38,730)  16,818 
          

F-24


   

2012

HK$’000

  

2011

HK$’000

  

2010

HK$’000

 
      (restated)  (restated) 

Continuing operations

    

Current taxation

    

Hong Kong

    

- Provision for the year

   (935  —      —    

Deferred taxation

    

Origination and reversal of temporary differences

   (1,346  (4,782  (5,611
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   (2,281  (4,782  (5,611
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Discontinued operations

    

Current taxation

    

Hong Kong

    

- Over-provision in prior years

   —      —      40  

Non-Hong Kong

    

- Provision for the year

   (2,443  (3,524  (2,585

- Under-provision in respect of prior years

   —      (135  —    

Deferred taxation

    

Origination and reversal of temporary differences

   (45,964  (50,513  (34,523
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   (48,407  (54,172  (37,068
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   (50,688  (58,954  (42,679
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

5 Income tax (expense)/benefit (continued)
The Group’s income tax (expense)/benefitexpense differs from the theoretical amount that would arise using the profits before taxation at applicable tax rates as follows:
             
  2010  2009  2008 
  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Profit before taxation  259,545   251,559   108,372 
          
             
Notional tax on profit before taxation, calculated at the prevailing tax rates applicable to profit in the jurisdictions concerned  (43,781)  (42,240)  (18,927)
Effect of non-taxable income  4,692   1,466   3,452 
Effect of (loss)/gain on extinguishment of 10-year senior notes not subject to taxation  (1,592)  5,176   426 
Effect of non-deductible expenses  (2,367)  (3,648)  (6,353)
Effect of recognition of prior year unrecognized tax losses (note)        26,335 
Over/(under)-provision in prior years  40      (2,552)
Effect of utilization of prior year unrecognized tax losses        12,013 
Effect of share based payment        2,324 
Effect of tax losses not recognized        (74)
Others  329   516   174 
          
             
Income tax (expense)/benefit  (42,679)  (38,730)  16,818 
          

   

2012

HK$’000

  

2011

HK$’000

  

2010

HK$’000

 
      (restated)  (restated) 

Profit before taxation

   3,748,562    372,869    259,545  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Notional tax on profit before taxation, calculated at the prevailing tax rates applicable to profit in the jurisdiction concerned

   (619,401  (63,606  (43,781

Effect of non-taxable income

   4,662    535    4,692  

Effect of (loss)/gain on extinguishment of 10-year senior notes not subject to taxation

   —      —      (1,592

Effect of non-deductible expenses

   (3,627  (4,975  (2,367

(Under)/over-provision in prior years

   —      (135  40  

Utilization of tax loss related to prior years

   —      6,872    —    

Effect of unused tax losses not recognized

   (9,693  —      —    

Effect of disposal of Telecom Business

   577,383    —      —    

PRC income tax concession

   —      2,406    —    

Others

   (12  (51  329  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income tax expense

   (50,688  (58,954  (42,679
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Representing by

    

- Continuing operations

   (2,281  (4,782  (5,611

- Discontinued operations

   (48,407  (54,172  (37,068
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   (50,688  (58,954  (42,679
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

7
Note:Management projects future taxable income by considering all available information, including tax planning strategies, historical taxable income, and the expiration period of the unused tax losses carry forwards of each of the Company and its subsidiaries. During the year ended August 31, 2008, taking into consideration of the results of operations, management assessed that it is probable that sufficient future taxable profits will be generated to utilize the unused tax losses of HK$159,606,000 which resulted in the recognition of deferred tax assets of HK$26,335,000.Dividends

F-25


6Dividends
(a)Dividends payable to equity shareholders of the Company attributable to the year
             
  2010  2009  2008 
  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Interim dividend declared and paid of HK6.5 cents per ordinary share (2009: HK3 cents per ordinary share, 2008: HK4 cents per ordinary share)  49,725   19,904   25,602 
Final dividend proposed after the balance sheet date, of HK13.5 cents per ordinary share (2009: HK16 cents per ordinary share, 2008: HK2 cents per ordinary share)  103,275   106,269   13,012 
          
             
   153,000   126,173   38,614 
          

   

2012

HK$’000

   

2011

HK$’000

   

2010

HK$’000

 

Special dividend declared and paid of HK$2.5 per ordinary share (2011/2010: HK$Nil)

   2,022,542     —       —    

Interim dividend declared and paid of HK15 cents per ordinary share (2011: HK15 cents per ordinary share, 2010: HK6.5 cents per ordinary share)

   119,674     115,605     49,725  

Final dividend proposed after the balance sheet date, of HK15 cents per ordinary share (2011: HK15 cents per ordinary share, 2010: HK13.5 cents per ordinary share)

   121,352     115,787     103,275  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   2,263,568     231,392     153,000  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The final dividend proposed after the balance sheet date has not been recognized as a liability at the balance sheet date.

(b)Dividends attributable to the previous financial year, approved and paid during the year:
             
  2010  2009  2008 
  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Final dividend in respect of the financial year ended August 31, 2009, approved and paid of HK16 cents per ordinary share (2009: HK2 cents per ordinary share in respect of financial year ended August 31, 2008, 2008:            
HK4 cents per ordinary share in respect of financial year ended August 31, 2007)  108,735   13,014   25,082 
          
During the year ended August 31, 2009, a scrip dividend option was offered to all shareholders

   

2012

HK$’000

   

2011

HK$’000

   

2010

HK$’000

 

Final dividend in respect of the financial year ended August 31, 2011, approved and paid of HK15 cents per ordinary share (2011: HK13.5 cents per ordinary share in respect of financial year ended August 31, 2010, 2010: HK16 cents per ordinary share in respect of financial year ended August 31, 2009)

   115,901     103,735     108,735  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

In respect of the Company, excluding shareholders with registered addresses outside Hong Kong, who were entitled to the final dividend in respect offor the financial year ended August 31, 2008. 12,212,142 shares were issued2011, there is a difference of HK$114,000 (2010:HK$460,000) between the final dividend disclosed in the last annual financial statements and the amounts approved and paid during the year ended August 31, 2009which represents dividends attributable to new shares issued upon the shareholdersexercise of share options before the closing date of the Company who had elected to receive all or partregister of their entitlement to dividends in the formmembers.

8Earnings per share

   

2012

HK$’000

   

2011

HK$’000

   

2010

HK$’000

 

Profit attributable to equity shareholders

   3,700,288     313,915     216,866  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average number of scrip.

F-26

ordinary shares


   

2012

Number

of shares

’000

   

2011

Number

of shares

’000

   

2010

Number

of shares

’000

 

Issued ordinary shares at the beginning of the year

   771,912     764,997     664,180  

Effect of share options exercised

   12,164     3,810     14,856  

Effect of placement

   —       —       27,569  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares at the end of the year (basic)

   784,076     768,807     706,605  

Incremental shares from assumed exercise of share options

   11,511     23,992     30,011  

Weighted average number of ordinary shares at the end of the year (diluted)

   795,587     792,799     736,616  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share

  HK471.9 cents    HK40.8 cents    HK30.7 cents  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share

  HK465.1 cents    HK39.6 cents    HK29.4 cents  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

9Retirement benefit costs

7 Earnings per share
             
  2010  2009  2008 
  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Profit attributable to shareholders  216,866   212,829   125,190 
          
 
     Weighted average number of ordinary shares 
             
  2010  2009  2008 
  Number  Number  Number 
  of shares  of shares  of shares 
  ’000  ’000  ’000 
Issued ordinary shares at the beginning of the year  664,180   650,622   616,503 
Effect of scrip dividend issued     6,256   7,353 
Effect of share options exercised  14,856   329   10,159 
Effect of placement  27,569       
Effect of shares repurchased and cancelled     (6)   
          
             
Weighted average number of ordinary shares at the end of the year (basic)  706,605   657,201   634,015 
Incremental shares from assumed exercise of share options  30,011   11,183   23,982 
             
Weighted average number of ordinary shares at the end of the year (diluted)  736,616   668,384   657,997 
          
             
Basic earnings per share HK30.7 cents HK32.4 cents HK19.7 cents
          
             
Diluted earnings per share HK29.4 cents HK31.8 cents HK19.0 cents
          

F-27


8 Retirement benefit costs
The Group contributes to an Occupational Retirement Scheme (the “ORSO Scheme”), a defined contribution retirement scheme, which is available to some of its Talents in Hong Kong. Under the ORSO Scheme, the Talents are required to contribute 5% of their monthly salaries, while the Group’s contributions are calculated at 10% and 5% of the monthly salaries of senior management Talents and all other Talents respectively. The Talents are entitled to 100% of the employer’s contributions after 10 years of completed service, or at a reduced scale after completion of 3 to 9 years’ service. Contributions to the ORSO Scheme are reduced by contributions forfeited by those Talents who leave the ORSO Scheme prior to vesting fully in the Group’s contributions.

A mandatory provident fund scheme (the “MPF Scheme”) has been established under the Hong Kong Mandatory Provident Fund Scheme Ordinance in December 2000. The then existing Talents of the Group in Hong Kong could elect to join the MPF Scheme, while all new Talents joining the Group in Hong Kong from then onwards are required to join the MPF Scheme. Both the Group and the Talents are required to contribute 5% of each individual’s relevant income with a maximum amount of HK$1,000 per month before June 1, 2012, and commenced from June 1, 2012, the maximum amount has been increased to HK$1,250, as a mandatory contribution. Employer’s mandatory contributions are 100% vested in the Talents as soon as they are paid to the MPF Scheme. Senior Talents may also elect to join a Mutual Voluntary Plan (the “Mutual Plan”) in which both the Group and the Talent, on top of the MPF Scheme mandatory contributions, make a voluntary contribution to the extent of contributions that would have been made under the ORSO Scheme.

Pursuant to the relevant regulations in People’s Republic of China (the “PRC”),the PRC, the Group contributes to a defined contribution retirement scheme organized by the local social security bureau for each Talent of the subsidiary in the PRC at the rate of 20% of a standard salary base as determined by the local social security bureau. The Group has no other obligation to make payments in respect of retirement benefits of these Talents.

The retirement schemes for Talents of the Group in other countries follow the local statutory requirements of the respective countries.

The aggregate employer’s contributions, net of forfeited contributions, which have been dealt with in the consolidated income statement during the year are as follows:

             
  2010  2009  2008 
  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Gross contributions  38,820   34,614   29,738 
          

   

2012

HK$’000

   

2011

HK$’000

   

2010

HK$’000

 

Gross contributions

      

- Continuing operations

   3,993     385     380  

- Discontinued operations

   38,074     43,487     38,440  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   42,067     43,872     38,820  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

At August 31, 2010,2012, there was no forfeited contribution available to offset future contributions by the Group to the ORSO Scheme (2009(2011 and 2008: 2010: HK$Nil).

9 Directors’ and senior management’s emoluments

10Directors’ and senior management’s emoluments

(a)Directors’ remuneration

The remuneration of each director for the year ended August 31, 20102012 is set out below:

                         
                  Employer's    
                  contribution    
                  to defined    
      Discretionary  Share-based  contribution    
  Fee  Salary  bonuses  payment  scheme  Total 
Name of director HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Wong Wai Kay, Ricky     6,707   1,800      670   9,177 
Cheung Chi Kin, Paul     6,709   1,800      670   9,179 
Yeung Chu Kwong, William     8,264   2,400   2,526   456   13,646 
Lai Ni Quiaque     2,642   750   2,455   264   6,111 
Cheng Mo Chi, Moses  168               168 
Lee Hon Ying, John  185               185 
Chan Kin Man  174               174 
Peh Jefferson Tun Lu  174               174 
                   
                         
Total  701   24,322   6,750   4,981   2,060   38,814 
                   

F-28


Name of director  

Fee

HK$’000

   

Salary

HK$’000

   

Discretionary

bonuses

HK$’000

   

Share-
based

payment

HK$’000

   

Employer’s

contribution

to defined

contribution

scheme

HK$’000

   

Total

HK$’000

 

Wong Wai Kay, Ricky

   —       6,707     1,050     —       670     8,427  

Cheung Chi Kin, Paul

   —       6,707     1,050     —       670     8,427  

Yeung Chu Kwong, William (note (a))

   —       7,477     66,163     8,901     342     82,883  

Lai Ni Quiaque (note (a))

   —       2,070     59,915     120     207     62,312  

To Wai Bing (note (b))

   —       6,199     4,200     —       192     10,591  

Wong Nga Lai, Alice (note b))

   —       1,659     1,839     —       166     3,664  

Cheng Mo Chi, Moses

   183     —       —       —       —       183  

Lee Hon Ying, John

   202     —       —       —       —       202  

Chan Kin Man

   190     —       —       —       —       190  

Peh Jefferson Tun Lu

   190     —       —       —       —       190  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   765     30,819     134,217     9,021     2,247     177,069  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Notes:

9 Directors’ and senior management’s emoluments (continued)
(a)Directors’ remuneration (continued)Mr. Yeung Chu Kwong, William and Mr. Lai Ni Quiaque resigned as Executive Directors with effect from May 30, 2012.
(b)Ms. To Wai Bing and Ms. Wong Nga Lai, Alice were appointed as Executive Directors with effect from May 30, 2012.

The remuneration of each director for the year ended August 31, 20092011 is set out below:

                         
                  Employer’s    
                  contribution    
                  to defined    
      Discretionary  Share-based  contribution    
  Fee  Salary  bonuses  payment  scheme  Total 
Name of director HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Wong Wai Kay, Ricky     6,712   1,500   193   670   9,075 
Cheung Chi Kin, Paul     6,714   1,500   193   670   9,077 
Yeung Chu Kwong, William     7,049   1,000   1,764   456   10,269 
Lai Ni Quiaque     2,403   550   1,141   240   4,334 
Cheng Mo Chi, Moses  160               160 
Lee Hon Ying, John  176               176 
Chan Kin Man  165               165 
Peh Jefferson Tun Lu  165               165 
                   
 
Total  666   22,878   4,550   3,291   2,036   33,421 
                   

Name of director  

Fee

HK$’000

   

Salary

HK$’000

   

Discretionary

bonuses

HK$’000

   

Share-
based

payment

HK$’000

   

Employer’s

contribution

to defined

contribution

scheme

HK$’000

   

Total

HK$’000

 

Wong Wai Kay, Ricky

   —       6,704     1,000     —       670     8,374  

Cheung Chi Kin, Paul

   —       6,706     1,000     —       670     8,376  

Yeung Chu Kwong, William

   —       9,733     1,310     3,006     456     14,505  

Lai Ni Quiaque

   —       2,762     635     1,906     276     5,579  

Cheng Mo Chi, Moses

   176     —       —       —       —       176  

Lee Hon Ying, John

   195     —       —       —       —       195  

Chan Kin Man

   182     —       —       —       —       182  

Peh Jefferson Tun Lu

   182     —       —       —       —       182  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   735     25,905     3,945     4,912     2,072     37,569  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

No directorDirector waived any emoluments in respect of the years ended August 31, 20092011 and 2010.

2012.

The share-based payment represents the expenses determined based on the fair value of share options granted to certain directors under the Company’s share option scheme. Fair value of share options is estimated in accordance with the Group’s significant accounting policies in note 1. The details of the share-based payment are disclosed in note 10.

11.

(b)Five highest paid individuals

The five individuals whose emoluments were the highest in the Group for the year include four (2009:five (2011: four) directors whose emoluments are reflected in the analysis presented above. TheIn 2011, the emoluments payable to the remaining one (2009: one) individual during the year are as follows:

         
  2010  2009 
  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Basic salaries, other allowances and benefits in kind  2,492   2,515 
Discretionary bonuses  300   150 
Share-based payments     332 
Retirement benefit costs — defined contribution plans  181   106 
       
         
   2,973   3,103 
       

2011

HK$’000

Basic salaries, other allowances and benefits in kind

2,523

Discretionary bonuses

300

Retirement benefit costs - defined contribution plans

181

3,004

The emoluments fell within the following band:

   

2011

Number of individual

 
20102009
HK$2,500,001 — HK$3,000,0001

HK$3,000,001 - HK$3,500,000

   1  

F-29

11Equity settled share-based transactions


10 Equity settled share-based transactions
The Company operates a share option scheme (the “2002 Share Option Scheme”) which was adopted by shareholders of the Company on December 23, 2002 whereby the directors may, at their discretion, invite eligible participants to receive options to subscribe for shares subject to the terms and conditions stipulated therein.

Under the 2002 Share Option Scheme, the Company may grant options to Talents (including executive, non-executive and independent non-executive directors), suppliers and professional advisers to subscribe for shares of the Company. The maximum number of options authorized under the 2002 Share Option Scheme may not, when aggregated with any shares subject to any other executive and Talent share option scheme, exceed 10% of the Company’s issued share capital on the date of adoption. The exercise price of the option is determined by the Company’s board of directors at a price not less than the highest of (a) the par value of a share; (b) the average closing price of the Company’s shares for five trading days preceding the grant date; and (c) the closing price of the Company’s shares on the date of grant. The 2002 Share Option Scheme is valid and effective for a ten year period up to December 22, 2012 subject to earlier termination by the Company by resolution in general meeting or by the board of directors. The period during which the option may be exercised will be determined by the board of directors at its discretion, save that no option may be exercised after more than ten years from the date of grant.

(a)The terms and conditions of the options

Options that existed during the year ended August 31, 20102012 are as follows, whereby all options are settled by physical delivery of shares:

   

Number

of option

   

Vesting

conditions

  

Exercisable

period

2002 Share Option Scheme

Options granted to directors:

-October 21, 2004

202,289Condition 1

On or prior to

October 20, 2014


-January 5, 2005

14,183,208Condition 1

On or prior to

October 20, 2014


-May 22, 2006

102,456Condition 1

On or prior to

May 21, 2016


-February 6, 2008

5,542,791Condition 3 /6 /7

On or prior to

February 5, 2018


-February 11, 2008

6,044,791Condition 2 /6 /7

On or prior to

February 10, 2018


-February 15, 2008

302,239Condition 5

On or prior to

December 23, 2012


-February 5, 2010

6,000,000Condition 4 /7

On or prior to

February 4, 2020


Options granted to Talents excluding Directors:

-October 21, 2004

3,605,682Condition 1

On or prior to

October 20, 2014


-May 22, 2006

1,122,227Condition 1

On or prior to

May 21, 2016


Total share options

37,105,683

Options that existed during the year ended August 31, 2011 are as follows, whereby all options are settled by physical delivery of shares:

   

Number

of option

   

Vesting

conditions

  

Exercisable

period

2002 Share Option Scheme

      

Options granted to directors:

      

-January 5, 2005

   16,183,208    Condition 1  

On or prior to

October 20, 2014


-May 22, 2006

   15,178,4662,023,064    Condition 1  

On or prior to

May 21, 2016


-February 6, 2008

   6,044,7915,542,791    Condition 3 /6  

On or prior to December 23, 2012

February 5, 2018


-February 11, 2008

   6,044,791    Condition 2 /6  

On or prior to December 23, 2012

February 10, 2018


-February 5, 2010

   6,000,000    Condition 4  

On or prior to

February 4, 2020


Options granted to Talents excluding Directors:

-October 21, 2004

   
Options granted to Talents:
-October 21, 20046,909,5274,158,680    Condition 1  

On or prior to

October 20, 2014


-May 22, 2006

   6,414,4333,160,379    Condition 1  

On or prior to

May 21, 2016


-August 3, 2006

-February 15, 2008

   40,540Condition 1On or prior to August 2, 2016
-November 22, 2006136,545Condition 1On or prior to November 14, 2016
-February 15, 20081,007,465604,479    Condition 5  

On or prior to

December 23, 2012


-May 2, 2008

   1,007,465932,465    Condition 5 /6  

On or prior to December 23, 2012

May 1, 2018


   

Total share options

   
44,649,857    

     
Total share options
64,967,231

F-30

The vesting conditions of the respective share option grant are as follows:


Condition 1

Options granted are vested in one year or evenly vested over a period of two to three years. Options are awarded without performance conditions and are exercisable provided the participants have remained employed by the end of respective vesting periods.

Condition 2

Vesting of the options is conditional upon the performance of the Company’s shares over the period from the close of trading in Hong Kong on November 22, 2007 to November 21, 2010.

Upon fulfillment of the market conditions, certain options granted vest immediately, while other options affected by the same market conditions vest evenly over a period of three years.

During the year ended August 31, 2010, one of the market conditions in the option agreement has been replaced and the vesting of certain options became conditional upon the Company reaching a non-market performance condition. Upon fulfillment of this non-market performance condition, a portion of the options affected by this condition vest immediately, while other options affected by this condition vest evenly over a period of three years.

Condition 3

Vesting of the options is conditional upon the performance of the participants. Options granted are vested over a period of three to four years from the date of fulfillment of certain key performance indicators.

During the year ended August 31, 2010, one of the performance conditions has been modified.

Condition 4

Vesting of the options is conditional upon the performance of the participants. Options granted are vested immediately from the date of fulfillment of the certain key performance indicators.

Condition 5

Vesting of the options is conditional upon the performance of the participants. Options granted are vested over a period of three to four years from the date of fulfillment of certain key performance indicators.

Condition 6

During the year ended August 31, 2011, one of the clauses in the option agreement has been modified. As a result of this modification, the expiry period of the share option has been extended to 10 years from the grant date of share options. The Group has accounted for the modification in accordance with IFRS 2 “Share-based payment” by measuring the incremental fair value which is the difference between the fair value of the modified share options and that of the original share options, both estimated as at the date of the modification, and recognizing the incremental fair value over the period from the modification date until the date when the modified share options vest. If the modification occurs after vesting date, the incremental fair value granted is recognized immediately. The balance of the original grant-date fair value as at the date of modification continues to be recognized over the remaining original vesting period. The total incremental fair value arisen from this modification amounts to HK$276,000.

Condition 7

During the year ended August 31, 2012 and in connection with the Disposal, certain conditions imposed on the share options were waived and all unvested outstanding share options become vested and exercisable immediately. The unamortized original grant date fair value was fully recognized to profit or loss as share-based payment expenses at the date of modification amounting to HK$8,328,000.

10Equity settled share-based transactions (continued)
(a)The terms and conditions of the options (continued)
Options that existed during the year ended August 31, 2009 are as follows, whereby all options are settled by physical delivery of shares:
NumberVestingExercisable
of optionconditionsperiod
2002 Share Option Scheme
Options granted to directors:
-January 5, 200516,183,208Condition 1On or prior to October 20, 2014
-May 22, 200615,178,466Condition 1On or prior to May 21, 2016
-February 6, 20086,044,791Condition 3On or prior to December 23, 2012
-February 11, 20086,044,791Condition 2On or prior to December 23, 2012
Options granted to Talents:
-October 21, 20047,606,712Condition 1On or prior to October 20, 2014
-May 22, 20067,314,455Condition 1On or prior to May 21, 2016
-August 3, 200640,540Condition 1On or prior to August 2, 2016
-November 22, 2006136,545Condition 1On or prior to November 14, 2016
-February 15, 20081,007,465Condition 5On or prior to December 23, 2012
-March 11, 2008302,240Condition 1On or prior to December 23, 2012
-May 2, 20081,007,465Condition 5On or prior to December 23, 2012
Total share options
60,866,678
The vesting conditions of the respective share option grant are as follows:
Condition 1
Options granted will be vested in one year or evenly vested over a period of two to three years. Options are awarded without performance conditions and are exercisable provided the participants have remained employed by the end of respective vesting periods.
Condition 2
Vesting of the options is conditional upon the performance of the Company’s shares over the period from the close of trading in Hong Kong on November 22, 2007 to November 21, 2010.
Upon fulfillment of the market conditions, certain options granted vest immediately, while other options affected by the same market conditions vest evenly over a period of three years.
During the year ended August 31, 2010, one of the clauses in the option agreement has been modified. As a result of this modification, vesting of certain options is now conditional upon the Company reaching a non-market performance condition. Upon fulfillment of this non-market performance condition, a portion of the options affected by this condition vest immediately, while other options affected by this condition vest evenly over a period of three years.
The Group has accounted for the modification in accordance with IFRS/HKFRS 2 “Share-based payment” by measuring the incremental fair value which is the difference between the fair value of the modified share options and that of the original share options, both estimated as at the date of the modification, and recognizing the incremental fair value over the period from the modification date until the date when the modified share options vest. The balance of the original grant-date fair value as at the date of modification continues to be recognized over remaining original vesting period. For the year ended August 31, 2010, the amount of incremental fair value recognized in respect of the modification was HK$1,977,000.

F-31


10Equity settled share-based transactions (continued)
(a)The terms and conditions of the options (continued)
The vesting conditions of the respective share option grant are as follows: (continued)
Condition 3
Vesting of the options is conditional upon the performance of the participants. Options granted are vested over a period of three to four years from the date of fulfillment of certain key performance indicators.
During the year ended August 31, 2010, one of the performance conditions has been modified. Such modification does not result in any incremental fair value, and therefore, there is no financial impact in the financial statements.
Condition 4
Vesting of the options is conditional upon the performance of the participants. Options granted are vested immediately from the date of fulfillment of the certain key performance indicators.
Condition 5
Vesting of the options is conditional upon the performance of the participants. Options granted are vested over a period of three to four years from the date of fulfillment of certain key performance indicators.
(b)The number and weighted average exercise prices of share options are as follows:
                 
  2010  2009 
  Weighted      Weighted    
  average      average    
  exercise      exercise    
  price  Number of  price  Number of 
  HK$  options  HK$  options 
2002 Share Option Scheme
                
                 
Outstanding at the beginning of the year  1.27   58,967,231   1.27   60,581,214 
Adjustment to number of options for 2008 Final Dividend (note)        1.27   285,464 
Granted during the year  4.24   6,000,000       
Exercised during the year  0.82   (20,317,374)  0.99   (1,416,005)
Lapsed during the year        1.65   (483,442)
             
                 
Outstanding at the end of the year  1.87   44,649,857   1.27   58,967,231 
             
                 
Exercisable at the end of the year  1.35   25,603,183   1.12   45,849,756 
             

   2012  2011 
   

Weighted

average

exercise

price

HK$

   

Number of

options

  

Weighted

average

exercise

price

HK$

   

Number of

options

 

2002 Share Option Scheme

       

Outstanding at the beginning of the year

   2.03     37,105,683    1.87     44,649,857  

Exercised during the year

   2.03     (37,104,790  1.05     (6,914,509

Lapsed/ forfeited during the year

   0.65     (893  1.79     (629,665
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Outstanding at the end of the year

   —       —      2.03     37,105,683  
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Exercisable at the end of the year

   —       —      1.47     19,217,594  
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The weighted average share price at the date of exercise for the share options exercised during the year was HK$4.42 (2011: HK$5.63).

There is no options outstanding at August 31, 2012. The options outstanding at August 31, 2011 had a weighted average exercise price of HK$2.03 and a weighted average remaining contractual life of 3 years.

12The weighted average share price at the date of exercise for the share options exercised during the year was HK$3.85 (2009: HK$1.82).
The options outstanding at August 31, 2010 had a weighted exercise price of HK$1.87 (2009: HK$1.27) and a weighted average remaining contractual life of 4 years (2009: 5 years).Goodwill
Note:

   

2012

HK$’000

  

2011

HK$’000

 

Balance as at the beginning of the year

   1,066    1,066  

Disposal of Telecom Business

   (1,066  —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance as at the end of the year

   —      1,066  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

13As a result of allotment of 12,212,142 new shares to shareholders who elected to receive the 2008 Final Dividend in shares on February 25, 2009, the exercise price of and the number of share subject to the 60,299,426 share options outstanding on December 19, 2008 (being the Record Date for determining the entitlement of 2008 Final Dividend) were adjusted pursuant to the 2002 Share Option Scheme with effect from February 25, 2009. The closing price per ordinary share immediately before the date of the grant of the options was HK$0.88.Fixed assets

F-32

  

Construction

in progress

  

Investment

properties

  

Leasehold

land and

buildings

  

Leasehold

improvements

  

Furniture,

fixtures

and fittings

  

Telecommunications,
network,

computer

and office

equipment

  

Motor

vehicles

  Broadcasting
and
production
equipment
  Total 
  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 

Cost:

         

At September 1, 2011

  51,111    —      97,684    121,598    21,836    3,466,362    12,219    —      3,770,810  

Additions

  83,686    —      2,911    31,790    2,295    283,911    4,796    53,004    462,393  

Disposals

  —      —      (16,343  (8,092  (8,836  (321,549  (6,951  (2,877  (364,648

Disposal of Telecom Business

  —      —      (16,425  (125,516  (11,378  (3,378,790  (4,907  —      (3,537,016

Fair value adjustment

  —      18,200    —      —      —      —      —      —      18,200  

Exchange adjustments

  —      —      —      (118  (68  (1,774  —      —      (1,960

Reclassification

  —      —      —      —      —      (3,306  —      3,306    —    

Transfer to investment properties (note 13(b))

  —      220,000    (57,361  —      —      —      —      —      162,639  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

At August 31, 2012

  134,797    238,200    10,466    19,662    3,849    44,854    5,157    53,433    510,418  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Representing:

         

Cost

  134,797    —      10,466    19,662    3,849    44,854    5,157    53,433    272,218  

Valuation

  —      238,200    —      —      —      —      —      —      238,200  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  134,797    238,200    10,466    19,662    3,849    44,854    5,157    53,433    510,418  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Accumulated depreciation:

         

At September 1, 2011

  —      —      18,651    91,937    19,661    1,987,610    10,250    —      2,128,109  

Charge for the year

  —      —      1,352    10,896    991    170,419    1,403    2,476    187,537  

Disposals

  —      —      (16,343  (7,784  (8,640  (300,564  (6,424  (2,870  (342,625

Disposal of Telecom Business

  —      —      (955  (91,764  (9,791  (1,829,916  (3,062  —      (1,935,488

Exchange adjustments

  —      —      —      (119  (59  (1,561  —      —      (1,739

Reclassification

  —      —      —      —      —      (2,870  —      2,870    —    

Transfer to investment properties (note (13(b))

  —      —      (2,517  —      —      —      —      —      (2,517
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

At August 31, 2012

  —      —      188    3,166    2,162    23,118    2,167    2,476    33,277  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net book value:

         

At August 31, 2012

  134,797    238,200    10,278    16,496    1,687    21,736    2,990    50,957    477,141  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cost:

         

At September 1, 2010

  —      5,197    90,911    113,286    21,191    3,130,209    12,948    —      3,373,742  

Additions

  51,111    —      1,576    6,851    203    388,828    627    —      449,196  

Disposals

  —      —      —      —      (42  (57,268  (1,356  —      (58,666

Exchange adjustments

  —      —      —      1,461    484    4,593    —      —      6,538  

Transfer of investment property

  —      (5,197  5,197    —      —      —      —      —      —    
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

At August 31, 2011

  51,111    —      97,684    121,598    21,836    3,466,362    12,219    —      3,770,810  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

�� 

 

 

 

Accumulated depreciation:

         

At September 1, 2010

  —      2,413    14,284    80,316    18,132    1,816,942    9,842    —      1,941,929  

Charge for the year

  —      104    1,850    10,349    1,121    203,009    1,764    —      218,197  

Disposals

  —      —      —      —      (42  (36,098  (1,356  —      (37,496

Exchange adjustments

  —      —      —      1,272    450    3,757    —      —      5,479  

Transfer of investment property

  —      (2,517  2,517    —      —      —      —      —      —    
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

At August 31, 2011

  —      —      18,651    91,937    19,661    1,987,610    10,250    —      2,128,109  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net book value:

         

At August 31, 2011

  51,111    —      79,033    29,661    2,175    1,478,752    1,969    —      1,642,701  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 


10Equity settled share-based transactions (continued)
(c)Fair value of share options and assumptions
In determining the value of the share options granted during the year ended August 31, 2010, the Black-Scholes option pricing model (the “Black-Scholes Model”) has been used. The Black-Scholes Model is one of the most generally accepted methodologies used to calculate the value of options. The variables of the Black-Scholes Model includes expected life of the options, risk-free interest rate, expected volatility and expected dividend yield of the shares of the Company.
In determining the value of the share options granted during the year, the following variables have been applied to the Black-Scholes Model:
Measurement dateFebruary 5, 2010
Variables
-Expected life8 years
-Risk-free rate2.33%
-Expected volatility61.49%
-Expected dividend yield2.99%
The above variables were determined as follows:
(i)The expected life is estimated to be 8 years from the date of grant (the “Measurement date”).
(ii)The risk-fee rate represents the yield of the Hong Kong Exchange Fund Notes corresponding to the expected life of the options as at the Measurement date.
(iii)The expected volatility represents the annualized standard deviation of the return on the daily share price of the Company over the period commensurate to the expected life of the options (taking into account the remaining contractual life of the option and the effect of the expected early exercise of the option).
(iv)The expected dividend yield is based on the historical dividend yield over the last eight years.
The fair value of the options granted during the year is estimated as below:
Date of grantFebruary 5, 2010
Fair value per share optionHK$1.94
The Group recognizes the fair value of share options as an expense in the income statement over the vesting period, or as an asset, if the cost qualifies for recognition as an asset. The fair value of the share options is measured at the date of grant.
The Black-Scholes Model applied for the determination of the estimated value of the options granted under 2002 Share Option Scheme require input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected stock volatility. As the Company’s share options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, changes in subjective inputs may materially affect the estimated fair value of the options granted.

F-33


11Goodwill
HK$’000
Cost and carrying amount:
At August 31, 2010/20091,066
Impairment tests for cash-generating units containing goodwill
Goodwill is allocated to the Group’s cash-generating units (“CGU”) identified according to country of operation and business segment as follows:
         
  2010  2009 
  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Fixed telecommunications network service segment  1,066   1,066 
       
The recoverable amount of the CGU is determined based on value-in-use calculations. These calculations use cash flow projections based on financial budgets approved by management covering a five-year period. Cash flows for the five-year period are estimated based on average growth rates of 15% and a pre-tax discount rate of 16%. Cash flows beyond the five year period are assumed to remain constant. The estimated growth rates used are comparable to the growth rate for the industry.
The key assumption used in the value-in-use calculation is the annual growth of the turnover of the fixed telecommunications network services, which is determined based on the past performance and management’s expectation for market development. The discount rate used is pre-tax and reflects specific risks relating to the fixed telecommunications services segment.
Any adverse change in the key assumption could reduce the recoverable amount below carrying amount.

F-34


12Fixed assets
                             
                  Telecom-       
                  munications,       
      Leasehold      Furniture,  computer       
  Investment  land and  Leasehold  fixtures  and office  Motor    
  property  buildings  improvements  and fittings  equipment  vehicles  Total 
  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Cost:
                            
                             
At September 1, 2009  5,197   90,911   100,447   19,885   2,850,444   12,773   3,079,657 
Additions        12,885   1,343   330,441   175   344,844 
Disposals        (212)  (109)  (51,906)     (52,227)
Exchange adjustments        166   72   1,230      1,468 
                      
                             
At August 31, 2010  5,197   90,911   113,286   21,191   3,130,209   12,948   3,373,742 
                      
                             
Accumulated depreciation:
                            
                             
At September 1, 2009  2,309   12,466   69,102   17,017   1,668,160   8,223   1,777,277 
Charge for the year  104   1,818   11,270   1,166   183,052   1,619   199,029 
Disposals        (212)  (109)  (35,344)     (35,665)
Exchange adjustments        156   58   1,074      1,288 
��                     
                             
At August 31, 2010  2,413   14,284   80,316   18,132   1,816,942   9,842   1,941,929 
                      
                             
Net book value:
                            
                             
At August 31, 2010  2,784   76,627   32,970   3,059   1,313,267   3,106   1,431,813 
                      
                             
Cost:
                            
                             
At September 1, 2008  5,197   84,244   84,577   19,575   2,644,281   12,624   2,850,498 
Additions     6,667   16,663   416   262,796   192   286,734 
Disposals        (630)  (30)  (55,118)  (43)  (55,821)
Exchange adjustments        (163)  (76)  (1,515)     (1,754)
                      
                             
At August 31, 2009  5,197   90,911   100,447   19,885   2,850,444   12,773   3,079,657 
                      
                             
Accumulated depreciation:
                            
                             
At September 1, 2008  2,205   10,727   61,269   15,596   1,522,739   6,563   1,619,099 
Charge for the year  104   1,739   8,286   1,508   192,925   1,679   206,241 
Disposals        (294)  (29)  (46,214)  (19)  (46,556)
Exchange adjustments        (159)  (58)  (1,290)     (1,507)
                      
                             
At August 31, 2009  2,309   12,466   69,102   17,017   1,668,160   8,223   1,777,277 
                      
                             
Net book value:
                            
                             
At August 31, 2009  2,888   78,445   31,345   2,868   1,182,284   4,550   1,302,380 
                      

F-35


12Fixed assets (continued)
(a)The Group’s total future aggregate lease income receivable under non-cancellable operating lease are as follows:
         
  2010  2009 
  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Leases in respect of investment property which are receivable:        
- Within 1 year  108   258 
- After 1 year but within 5 years      
       
         
   108   258 
       
         
Leases in respect of telecommunications facilities and computer equipment which are receivable:        
- Within 1 year  2,335   1,566 
- After 1 year but within 5 years  607   1,071 
       
         
   2,942   2,637 
       
         
   3,050   2,895 
       

   

2012

HK$’000

   

2011

HK$’000

 

Continuing operations:

    

Leases in respect of investment properties which are receivable:

    

- Within 1 year

   13,659     —    

- After 1 year but within 5 years

   51,219     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   64,878     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Discontinued operations:

    

Leases in respect of telecommunications facilities and computer equipment which are receivable:

    

- Within 1 year

   —       3,604  

- After 1 year but within 5 years

   —       2,653  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   —       6,257  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   64,878     6,257  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

(b)AtDuring the year ended August 31, 2010,2012, upon the completion of Disposal, certain properties were leased to the Telecom Business and resulted in a change in use from self use to leasing for rental income. Upon this change in use, the Group transferred these properties from leasehold land and buildings to investment properties. These investment properties are stated at their fair values in accordance with the accounting policy set out in note 1(g) and the appreciation in value of HK$165,156,000, representing the difference between their fair value and net book value at the date of the investment property is HK$5,300,000. Management estimated the fair value of the investment property based on its open market value.transfer, was credited to revaluation reserve.

During the year ended August 31, 2011, the lease of the investment property to a third party expired and the property has then been leased to a group entity for self-use. Upon this change in use, the Group transferred the investment property into leasehold land and buildings.

(c)All investment properties of the Group were revalued as at August 31, 2012 on an open market value basis calculated by reference to net rental income allowing for reversionary income potential. The valuations were carried out by an independent firm of surveyors, RHL Appraisal Limited, who have among their staff Fellows of the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors with recent experience in the location and category of property being valued.

(d)The net book value of interests in leasehold land and buildings and investment propertyproperties situated in Hong Kong are analyzed as follows:
         
  2010  2009 
  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Leases of between 10 to 50 years  79,411   81,333 
       
         
Representing:        
         
Leasehold land and building carried at cost  76,627   78,445 
Investment property carried at cost less impairment loss  2,784   2,888 
       
         
   79,411   81,333 
       

   

2012

HK$’000

   

2011

HK$’000

 

Leases of between 10 to 50 years

   383,275     130,144  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Representing:

    

Construction in progress carried at cost

   134,797     51,111  

Leasehold land and buildings carried at cost

   10,278     79,033  

Investment properties stated at fair value

   238,200     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   383,275     130,144  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

(d)(e)In addition to the leasehold land and buildings classified as being held under a finance lease, the Group leases telecommunications,telecommunications/network, computer and office equipment under finance leases expiring from one to five years. At the end of the lease term the Group has the option to purchase the equipment at a price deemed to be a bargain purchase option. None of the leases included contingent rental.

At August 31, 2012, the net book value of telecommunications/network, computer and office equipment under finance lease held by the Group amounted to HK$92,000 (2011: HK$267,000).

(f)The cost of construction in progress comprises premium paid for the land registered in Hong Kong with a lease term of about 36 years and expenditure incurred on the development of buildings not yet completed at the year-end.

(g)Further particulars of the Group’s properties interest at August 31, 2012 are as follows:

LocationUseLease termAttributable interest
of the Group
 

Office 1, 2 and 3 on 7th Floor,
Mongkok Harbour Centre,
No. 638 Shanghai Street, Kowloon

  At August 31, 2010, the net book value of telecommunications, computer and office equipment under finance lease held by the Group amounted to HK$674,000 (2009: HK$1,289,000).

F-36


13Leasing for rental income  Principal subsidiaries
The following is a list of the principal subsidiaries which principally affected the results, assets or liabilities of the Group at August 31, 2010:
Medium term lease   100

12/F,14/F-16/F & Roof on 17/F,
Trans Asia Centre,
No. 18 Kin Hong Street, Kwai Chung,
New Territories

Leasing for rental incomeMedium term lease   100

13/F, Trans Asia Centre,
No. 18 Kin Hong Street, Kwai Chung,
New Territories

Self-useMedium term lease   100

The whole of 14/F and Lorry Parking Space
No. L13 on 1/F, Mita Centre,
Nos.552-566 Castle Peak Road,
Kwai Chung, New Territories

  
Leasing for rental income  Medium term lease   100

14Intangible assets

   

IRU of the tele-
communications
capacity

HK$’000

   

Right to use of
tele-communications
services

HK$’000

   

Others

HK$’000

  

Total

HK$’000

 

Cost:

       

At September 1, 2011

   —       —       —      —    

Additions

   226,700     90,243     2,450    319,393  

Written off

   —       —       (2,450  (2,450
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

At August 31, 2012

   226,700     90,243     —      316,943  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Accumulated amortization:

       

At September 1, 2011

   —       —       —      —    

Amortization for the year

   2,905     2,312     —      5,217  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

At August 31, 2012

   2,905     2,312     —      5,217  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net book value:

       

At August 31, 2012

   223,795     87,931     —      311,726  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Upon the completion of Disposal and as part of the consideration received from the Disposal, the Group was granted the IRU to use certain capacity of the telecommunications network of the Telecom Business for a term of 20 years and right to use of the telecommunications services from the Telecom Business for a term of 10 years.

The fair value of IRU of telecommunications capacity and right to use of telecommunications services as at the completion date of the Disposal was determined by the Group with reference to comparable market transactions.

15Principal subsidiaries

The following is a list of the principal subsidiaries which principally affected the results, assets or liabilities of the Group:

PrincipalName  

Place of

incorporation

  

Principal

activities

and place of

operations

Particulars

of issued

share capital

Percentage

of interest
held as at
August 31,
2012

 
activitiesParticulars
Place ofand place ofof issuedPercentage of
Nameincorporationoperationsshare capitalinterest held

Attitude Holdings Limited#

  British Virgin
Islands
  Inactive  Ordinary
US$1
   100  
Automedia Holdings

Best Intellect Limited

  British Virgin
Islands
  Investment holding in Hong Kong  Ordinary
US$1
   *100  

Cosmo True Limited

British Virgin
Islands
Property investment in Hong KongOrdinary US$1   *100  
City Telecom (B.C.) Inc.#

Excel Billion Profits Limited

  CanadaHong Kong  Provision of international telecommunications and dial-up internet access services in CanadaInactive  Common Canadian dollar (“CAD”) 501,000Ordinary HK$10,000   100  
City Telecom (Canada) Inc.#CanadaLeasing and maintenance of switching equipment and provision of operational services in CanadaCommon
CAD100
100
City Telecom Inc.#CanadaProvision of international telecommunications and dial-up internet access services in CanadaCommon
CAD1,000
100
City Telecom International

Golden Trinity Holdings Limited#

  British Virgin
Islands
  Investment holding in Hong Kong  Ordinary
US$5,2941
   *100  

Hong Kong Broadband Digital TV Limited

Hong KongInactiveOrdinary HK$10,000   100

Hong Kong Broadband Television Company Limited

Hong KongInactiveOrdinary HK$2   100

Hong Kong Media Production Company Limited

Hong KongProvision of multimedia production and distribution servicesOrdinary HK$10,000   100  
Credibility Holdings

Hong Kong Television Network Limited

Hong KongInactiveOrdinary HK$2100

Leader Artiste Management Company Limited

Hong KongProvision of management and agency services to artistesOrdinary HK$100100

Multi Talent Enterprise Limited

  British Virgin
Islands
  Investment holding in Hong Kong  Ordinary
US$1
   *100

F-37


13Principal subsidiaries (continued)
The following is a list of the principal subsidiaries which principally affected the results, assets or liabilities of the Group at August 31, 2010: (continued)
  
Principal
activitiesParticulars
Place ofand place ofof issuedPercentage of
Nameincorporationoperationsshare capitalinterest held

CTI Guangzhou Customer Services Co. Ltd. (translated from the registered name in Chinese)# ^

  PRC  Provision of administrative support services in the PRC  Paid in capital of
HK$8,000,000
   * 100—    
CTI Marketing
Company Limited

Hong Kong

InactiveOrdinary
HK$10,000
100
Golden Trinity
Holdings Limited
British Virgin
Islands
Investment holding in
Hong Kong
Ordinary
US$1
* 100
Hong Kong
Broadband
Network Limited (“HKBN”) ^

  Hong Kong  Provision of international telecommunications and fixed telecommunications network services in Hong Kong  Ordinary
HK$383,049
   100
IDD1600 Company
Limited
Hong KongProvision of international telecommunications services in Hong KongOrdinary
HK$2
100
SGBN Singapore Broadband Network Pte. LimitedSingaporeInactiveOrdinary
Singapore
dollar (“SG$”) 1
* 100—    

*Shares held directly by the Company.
#Subsidiaries not audited by KPMGKPMG.
14 Deferred expenditure
         
  2010  2009 
  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Balance as at the beginning of the year  49,460   56,095 
Additions during the year  34,773   46,525 
Less: amortization charge for the year (note 4(a))  (48,621)  (53,160)
       
         
   35,612   49,460 
Current portion  (28,986)  (36,674)
       
         
Balance as at the end of the year  6,626   12,786 
       
^Deferred expenditure represents costs incurred to acquire subscribersSubsidiaries disposed of the services offered by the Group, which is treated as customer acquisition costs and are amortized over the period of the underlying service subscription agreements.

F-38


15 Accounts receivable, other receivables, deposits and prepayments
         
  2010  2009 
  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Accounts receivable  105,552   123,352 
Less: Allowance for doubtful debts  (5,823)  (3,160)
       
         
   99,729   120,192 
Other receivables, deposits and prepayments  89,490   69,765 
       
         
   189,219   189,957 
       
(a)Aging analysis
The aging analysis of accounts receivable is as follows:
         
  2010  2009 
  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Current — 30 days  41,244   32,427 
31 — 60 days  9,024   13,663 
61 — 90 days  5,245   3,953 
Over 90 days  50,039   73,309 
       
         
   105,552   123,352 
       
The majority of the Group’s accounts receivable are due within 30 days from the date of billings. Subscribers with receivable that are more than 3 months overdue are requested to settle all outstanding balance before further credit is granted.
(b)Impairment of accounts receivable
Impairment losses in respect of accounts receivable are recorded using an allowance account unless the Group is satisfied that recovery of the amount is remote, in which case the impairment loss is written off against accounts receivable directly (see note 1(i)(i)).
The movement in the allowance for doubtful debts during the year including both specific and collective loss components is as follows:year.
             
  2010  2009  2008 
  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Balance as at the beginning of the year  3,160   11,944   22,392 
Impairment loss recognized  14,742   12,103   14,293 
Uncollectible amounts written off  (12,079)  (20,887)  (24,741)
          
             
Balance as at the end of the year  5,823   3,160   11,944 
          

F-39


1516Deferred expenditure

   

2012

HK$’000

  

2011

HK$’000

 

Balance as at the beginning of the year

   44,635    35,612  

Additions during the year

   22,245    46,896  

Less: amortization charge for the year

   (29,902  (37,873
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   36,978    44,635  

Disposal of Telecom Business

   (36,978  —    

Current portion

   —      (29,312
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance as at the end of the year

   —      15,323  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Deferred expenditure represents costs incurred by the Telecom Business to acquire subscribers of the services offered by the Telecom Business, which are treated as customer acquisition costs and are amortized over the period of the underlying service subscription agreements.

17Accounts receivable, other receivables, deposits and prepayments (continued)

   2012
HK$’000
   2011
HK$’000
 

Accounts receivable

   1,311     78,529  

Less: Allowance for doubtful debts

   —       (6,530
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   1,311     71,999  

Other receivables, deposits and prepayments

   31,581     90,984  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   32,892     162,983  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

(a)Aging analysis

The aging analysis of accounts receivable, before recognition of impairment losses, is as follows:

   2012
HK$’000
   2011
HK$’000
 

Current - 30 days

   573     44,949  

31 - 60 days

   565     16,417  

61 - 90 days

   94     6,861  

Over 90 days

   79     10,302  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   1,311     78,529  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The majority of the Group’s accounts receivable are due within 30 days from the date of billings. Customers with receivable that are more than 3 months overdue are requested to settle all outstanding balance before further credit is granted.

(b)Impairment of accounts receivable

Impairment losses in respect of accounts receivable are recorded using an allowance account unless the Group is satisfied that recovery of the amount is remote, in which case the impairment loss is written off against accounts receivable directly (see note 1(k)(i)).

The movement in the allowance for doubtful debts during the year including both specific and collective loss components is as follows:

   2012
HK$’000
  2011
HK$’000
  2010
HK$’000
 

Balance as at the beginning of the year

   6,530    5,823    3,160  

Impairment loss recognized

   9,707    13,636    14,742  

Uncollectible amounts written off

   (11,707  (12,929  (12,079

Disposal of Telecom Business

   (4,530  —      —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance as at the end of the year

   —      6,530    5,823  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(c)Accounts receivable that are not impaired
The aging analysis of accounts receivable that are neither individually nor collectively considered to be impaired are as follows:

         
  2010  2009 
  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Neither past due nor impaired  41,244   32,427 
0 — 30 past due  9,024   13,663 
31 — 60 past due  5,245   3,953 
Over 60 past due  44,216   70,149 
       
         
   99,729   120,192 
       

The aging analysis of accounts receivable that are neither individually nor collectively considered to be impaired are as follows:

   2012   2011 
   HK$’000   HK$’000 

Neither past due nor impaired

   573     44,949  

0 - 30 past due

   565     16,417  

31 - 60 past due

   94     6,861  

Over 60 past due

   79     3,772  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   1,311     71,999  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Receivables that were neither past due nor impaired relate to a wide range of customers for whom there was no recent history of default.

Other accounts receivable that were past due but not impaired relate to a number of independent customers that have a good track record of payment. Based on past experience, management believes that no impairment allowance is necessary in respect of these balances as there has not been a significant change in credit quality and the balances are still considered fully recoverable. The Group does not hold collateral over these balances.

Receivables that were neither past due nor impaired relate to a wide range of customers for whom there was no recent history of default.
The amounts over 60 days past due for the Group included receivable relating to mobile interconnection charges of HK$39,763,000 as at August 31, 2010 (August 31, 2009: HK$68,802,000) (see note 2(b)).
Other accounts receivable that were past due but not impaired relate to a number of independent customers that have a good track record of payment. Based on past experience, management believes that no impairment allowance is necessary in respect of these balances as there has not been a significant change in credit quality and the balances are still considered fully recoverable. The Group does not hold collateral over these balances.
(d)Other receivables, deposits and prepayments

Other receivables, deposits and prepayments consist of deposits for purchase of fixed assets, rental deposit, interest receivable, unbilled revenue, prepayment and other receivables. All of the other receivables, except rental deposits and others amounting to HK$1,392,000 (2011: HK$9,026,000), are expected to be recovered within one year.

18Bank deposits and prepayments consist of deposits for purchase of fixed assets, rental deposit, interest receivable, unbilled revenue, prepayment and other receivables. All of the other receivables, except rental deposits are expected to be recovered within one year.cash

F-40


16 Cash at bank and in hand
         
  2010  2009 
  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Time deposits with banks and other financial institutions  262,280   77,500 
Cash at bank and in hand  326,385   148,916 
       
         
Cash at bank and in hand in the balance sheet  588,665   226,416 
       
17 Accounts payable, other payables and accrued charges
         
  2010  2009 
  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Accounts payable  35,128   37,555 
Other payables and accrued charges  195,931   206,487 
       
         
   231,059   244,042 
       
(a)Term deposits

Term deposits are time deposits with banks with maturity over three months at acquisition.

(b)Cash at bank and in hand

   2012   2011 
   HK$’000   HK$’000 

Time deposits with banks within three months of original maturity

   —       263,270  

Cash at bank and in hand

   2,083,079     145,706  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash at bank and in hand in the balance sheet

   2,083,079     408,976  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

19Accounts payable, other payables and accrued charges

   2012   2011 
   HK$’000   HK$’000 

Accounts payable

   5,371     17,419  

Other payables and accrued charges

   31,118     209,585  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   36,489     227,004  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

(a)The aging analysis of the accounts payable wasis as follows:
         
  2010  2009 
  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Current — 30 days  6,838   12,621 
31 — 60 days  1,982   1,778 
61 — 90 days  1,647   189 
Over 90 days  24,661   22,967 
       
         
   35,128   37,555 
       

   2012   2011 
   HK$’000   HK$’000 

Current - 30 days

   2,920     11,719  

31 - 60 days

   315     245  

61 - 90 days

   84     733  

Over 90 days

   2,052     4,722  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   5,371     17,419  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

(b)Other payables and accrued charges
Other payables and accrued charges primarily consist of accrual for Talents salaries and bonus, carrier fees and charges, payable for purchase of fixed assets, advertising and promotional expenses as well as interest payable.

Other payables primarily consist of accrual for Talent salaries and bonus, carrier fees and charges, payable for purchase of fixed assets, advertising and promotional expenses as well as interest payable.

1820Deferred serviceservices revenue

Deferred services revenue primarily includes service fees received from customers in advance for the Group’s fixed telecommunications network services and international telecommunications services. Service fees received in advance is deferred and recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the related contract period. The deferred services revenue was disposed as part of the Telecom Business on May 30, 2012.

21Deferred service revenue primarily includes service fees received from customers in advance for the Group’s fixed telecommunications network services. Service fees received in advance is deferred and recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the related contract period.

F-41


19Capital and reserves

(a)Share capital
                 
  2010      2009    
  No. of  Amount  No. of  Amount 
  Shares  HK$’000  shares  HK$’000 
Authorized:
                
Ordinary shares of HK$0.10 each  2,000,000,000   200,000   2,000,000,000   200,000 
             
                 
Issued and fully paid:
                
Ordinary shares of HK$0.10 each                
At the beginning of the year  664,179,970   66,418   650,621,823   65,062 
Shares issued in respect of scrip dividend of the previous year (note (i))        12,212,142   1,221 
Shares issued upon exercise of share options (note (ii))  20,317,374   2,032   1,416,005   142 
Shares issued upon placement (note (iii))  80,500,000   8,050       
Repurchase and cancellation of ordinary shares        (70,000)  (7)
             
                 
At the end of the year  764,997,344   76,500   664,179,970   66,418 
             

   2012   2011 
   

No. of

Shares

   

Amount

HK$’000

   

No. of

shares

   

Amount

HK$’000

 

Authorized:

        

Ordinary shares of HK$0.10 each

   2,000,000,000     200,000     2,000,000,000     200,000  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Issued and fully paid:

        

Ordinary shares of HK$0.10 each

        

At the beginning of the year

   771,911,853     77,191     764,997,344     76,500  

Shares issued upon exercise of share options (note (i))

   37,104,790     3,711     6,914,509     691  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

At the end of the year

   809,016,643     80,902     771,911,853     77,191  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The holders of ordinary shares are entitled to receive dividends as declared from time to time and are entitled to one vote per ordinary share at meetings of the Company. All ordinary shares rank equally with regard to the Company’s residual assets.

Notes:

Notes:
(i)On February 25, 2009, the Company issued and allotted 12,212,142 ordinary shares to shareholders who elected to receive the 2008 final dividend in shares pursuant to the scrip dividend scheme announced by the Company on January 9, 2009. These shares rank pari passu with the existing shares of the Company in all respects.
(ii)During the year ended August 31, 2010, 20,317,3742012, 37,104,790 ordinary shares (2009: 1,416,005(2011: 6,914,509 ordinary shares) were issued at a weighted average exercise price of HK$0.822.03 per ordinary share (2009:(2011: HK$0.991.05 per ordinary share) to share option holders who had exercised their options.options with an aggregate consideration of HK$75,177,000 (2011: HK$7,232,000) of which HK$3,711,000 (2011: HK$691,000) was credited to share capital and the balance of HK$71,466,000 (2011: HK$6,541,000) was credited to the share premium account. HK$33,044,000 (2011: HK$1,957,000) has been transferred from the capital reserve to the share premium account in accordance with the accounting policy set out in note 1(r)(iv). These shares so issued rank pari passu with the then existing ordinary shares in issue.
(iii)On April 28, 2010, the Company completed its public offering of 4,025,000 American Depositary Shares (ADSs). An aggregate of 80,500,000 ordinary shares (4,025,000 ADSs) were issued at a price of HK$5.0455 per ordinary share (US$13.00 per ADS) to independent professional, institutional and private investors. The Company raised net proceeds of approximately HK$379,612,000 from the ADS offering.

F-42


19Capital and reserves (continued)
(a) Share capital (continued)
      Notes: (continued)
(iv)(ii)The movement of outstanding share options during the year was as follows:
                         
      Number of              Number of 
      share options              share options 
  Exercise  outstanding at              outstanding 
  price  September 1,              at August 31, 
Date of grant per share  2009  Granted  Exercised  Lapsed  2010 
October 21, 2004 HK$1.5224   6,909,527      2,750,847      4,158,680 
January 5, 2005 HK$1.5224   16,183,208            16,183,208 
May 22, 2006 HK$0.6523   21,592,899      16,409,456      5,183,443 
August 3, 2006 HK$0.7018   40,540      40,540       
November 22, 2006 HK$0.7216   136,545      136,545       
February 6, 2008 HK$1.7568   6,044,791      502,000      5,542,791 
February 11, 2008 HK$1.8660   6,044,791            6,044,791 
February 15, 2008 HK$1.7568   1,007,465      402,986      604,479 
May 2, 2008 HK$1.7866   1,007,465      75,000      932,465 
February 5, 2010 HK$4.2400      6,000,000         6,000,000 
                   
                         
       58,967,231   6,000,000   20,317,374      44,649,857 
                   

Date of grant  

Exercise

price

per share

   

Number of

share options

outstanding at

September 1,

2011

   Granted   Exercised  Forfeited  

Number of

share
options

outstanding

at
August 31,

2012

 

October 21, 2004

  HK$1.5224     3,807,971     —       (3,807,971  —      —    

January 5, 2005

  HK$1.5224     14,183,208     —       (14,183,208  —      —    

May 22, 2006

  HK$0.6523     1,224,683     —       (1,223,792  (891  —    

February 6, 2008

  HK$1.7568     5,542,791     —       (5,542,790  (1  —    

February 11, 2008

  HK$1.8660     6,044,791     —       (6,044,790  (1  —    

February 15, 2008

  HK$1.7568     302,239     —       (302,239  —      —    

February 5, 2010

  HK$4.2400     6,000,000     —       (6,000,000  —      —    
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
     37,105,683     —       (37,104,790  (893  —    
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Each option entitles the holder to subscribe for one ordinary share of HK$0.10 each in the Company at a predetermined exercise price.

(b)During the year ended August 31, 2010, options were granted under the 2002 Share Option Scheme to eligible participant for the subscription of 6,000,000 shares of the Company at an exercise price of HK$4.24 each.
Each option entitles the holder to subscribe for one share of HK$0.10 each in the Company at a predetermined exercise price.

(b)Nature and purpose of reserves

(i)Share premium
The application of the share premium account is governed by Sections 48B of the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance.

The application of the share premium account is governed by Sections 48B of the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance.

(ii)Capital reserve
The capital reserve comprises the fair value of the actual or estimated number of unexercised share options granted to Talents of the Group that was recognized in accordance with the accounting policy adopted for share based payment in note 1(o).

The capital reserve comprises the portion of the grant date fair value of unexercised share options granted to Talents of the Group that was recognized in accordance with the accounting policy adopted for share based payment in note 1(r)(iv).

(iii)PRC statutory reserve
In accordance with Accounting Regulations for Business Enterprises, foreign investment enterprises in the PRC are required to transfer at least 10% of their profit after taxation, as determined under accounting principles generally accepted in the PRC (“PRC GAAP”) to the general reserve until the balance of the general reserve is equal to 50% of their registered capital.
For the year ended August 31, 2010, CTI Guangzhou Customer Services Co Ltd (“CTIGZ”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Group, made appropriation to the statutory reserve of RMB597,000 (2009: RMB510,000). The accumulated balance of the statutory reserve maintained at the CTIGZ as at August 31, 2010 was RMB2,012,000 (2009: RMB1,415,000). The statutory reserve can be used to reduce previous years’ losses and to increase the capital of the subsidiary.
(iv)Exchange reserve
The exchange reserve comprises all foreign exchange differences arising from the translation of the financial statements of foreign operations. The reserve is dealt with in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1(d)

The exchange reserve comprises all foreign exchange differences arising from the translation of the financial statements of operations outside Hong Kong. The reserve is dealt with in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1(e)(ii).

F-43


19Capital and reserves (continued)
(c)Capital management

The Group’s primary objectives when managing capital are to maintain a reasonable capital structure, safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern, and to provide returns for shareholders.

The Group manages the amount of capital in proportion to risk, and makes adjustments to its capital structure through the amount of dividend payment to shareholders, issuance of scrip and new shares, taking into account its future financial obligations and commitments.

The Group undertakes treasury management activities with respect to its surplus cash assets and monitors its capital structure to maintain sufficient cash for providing adequate funding for the development of the Group’s Multimedia Business.

Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries are currently subject to externally imposed capital requirements.

22Deferred taxation

(a)Deferred tax assets and liabilities recognized

(i)The Group’s primary objectives when managing capital are to maintain a reasonable capital structure, safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern, and to provide returns for shareholders.
The Group manages the amountcomponents of capital in proportion to risk, and makes adjustments to its capital structure through the amount of dividend payment to shareholders, issuance of scrip and new shares, and managing its debt portfolio in conjunction with cash flow requirements, taking into account its future financial obligations and commitments.
The Group monitors its capital structure by reviewing its net debt to net asset gearing ratio. For this purpose, the Group defines net debt as total loans less cash at bank and in hand and long-term bank deposits.
The net debt to net asset gearing ratio as at August 31, 2010 and 2009 are as follows:
         
  2010  2009 
  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Unsecured        
- 10-year senior notes     162,586 
- Long-term bank loan  123,567    
- Obligations under finance leases  605   732 
       
         
Total loans  124,172   163,318 
Less: Cash at bank and in hand  (588,665)  (226,416)
Add: Bank overdrafts — unsecured  10,490   5,364 
       
         
Net cash  (454,003)  (57,734)
Net asset  1,688,539   1,228,527 
       
         
Net debt to net asset gearing ratio      
       
Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries are currently subject to externally imposed capital requirements.
20Deferred taxation
The movements of net deferred tax (liabilities)/assets recognized in the balance sheet are as follows:
             
  2010  2009  2008 
  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Balance as at the beginning of the year  (15,709)  21,398   (291)
Exchange differences     1   (1)
Deferred taxation (charged)/credited to income statement            
- relating to the origination and reversal of temporary differences  (40,134)  (37,108)  (4,645)
- relating to the recognition of unrecognized tax losses in prior years        26,335 
          
             
Balance as at the end of the year  (55,843)  (15,709)  21,398 
          

F-44


20Deferred taxation (continued)
As at August 31, 2010, the Group has not recognized deferred tax assets in respect of unused tax losses of HK$8,242,000 (2009: HK$8,154,000) because it is not probable that future taxable profits can be generated to utilize the tax losses.
         
  2010  2009 
  HK$’000  HK$’000 
After 5 years  2,553   2,455 
No expiry date  5,689   5,699 
       
         
   8,242   8,154 
       
According to the Corporate Income Tax (“CIT”) law and its relevant regulations, PRC-resident enterprises are levied withholding tax at 10% on dividends to their non-PRC-resident corporate investors for earnings accumulated beginning on January 1, 2008, and undistributed earnings generated prior to January 1, 2008 are exempt from such withholding tax. In addition, under theArrangement between the Mainland of China and Hong Kong Special Administration Region for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasionand its related regulations, a qualified Hong Kong Company will be liable for withholding tax at the rate of 5% for the dividend income derived from the PRC, if the Hong Kong company is the “beneficial owner” and holds 25% of equity interest or more of the PRC company directly. At August 31, 2010, the Group has not recognized deferred tax liabilities in respect of temporary differences relating to the undistributed earnings of its PRC subsidiary approximately amounting HK$12,283,000 (2009: HK$5,393,000) as the Group controls the dividend policy of the subsidiary and it does not consider that it is probable that profits will not be distributed in the foreseeable future.
The components in deferred tax assets and liabilities recognized in theconsolidated balance sheet and the related movementsmovement during the year are as follows:
             
  Accelerated depreciation allowance 
  2010  2009  2008 
  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Deferred tax liabilities
            
 
At the beginning of the year  (131,766)  (126,447)  (134,910)
Charged to consolidated income statement  (15,027)  (5,326)  8,463 
Exchange differences  (6)  7    
          
 
At the end of the year  (146,799)  (131,766)  (126,447)
          
             
     Tax losses    
  2010  2009  2008 
  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Deferred tax assets
            
 
At the beginning of the year  116,057   147,845   134,619 
Charged to consolidated income statement  (25,107)  (31,782)  13,227 
Exchange differences  6   (6)  (1)
          
 
At the end of the year  90,956   116,057   147,845 
          

   

Depreciation

allowances

in excess of

the related

depreciation

  

Tax losses

carried

forward

  Total 
Deferred tax arising from:  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 

At September 1, 2009

   (131,766  116,057    (15,709

Charged to consolidated income statement

   (15,027  (25,107  (40,134

Exchange differences

   (6  6    —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

At August 31, 2010

   (146,799  90,956    (55,843
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

At September 1, 2010

   (146,799  90,956    (55,843

Charged to consolidated income statement

   (21,185  (34,110  (55,295

Exchange differences

   (7  7    —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

At August 31, 2011

   (167,991  56,853    (111,138
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

At September 1, 2011

   (167,991  56,853    (111,138

Charged to consolidated income statement

   (25,849  (21,461  (47,310

Disposal of Telecom Business

   181,737    (24,635  157,102  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

At August 31, 2012

   (12,103  10,757    (1,346
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(ii)The following amounts, determined after appropriate offsetting, are shown inReconciliation to the consolidated balance sheet:sheet

         
  2010  2009 
  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Deferred tax assets      
Deferred tax liabilities  (55,843)  (15,709)
       
   (55,843)  (15,709)
       

F-45

   The Group 
   2012  2011 
   HK$’000  HK$’000 

Net deferred tax asset recognized in the balance sheet

   —      —    

Net deferred tax liabilities recognized in the balance sheet

   (1,346  (111,138
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   (1,346  (111,138
  

 

 

  

 

 

 


21(b)Deferred tax assets not recognized

As at August 31, 2012, the Group did not recognize deferred tax assets in respect of unused tax losses of HK$59,787,000 (2011: HK$8,087,000) as it was not probable that future taxable profits against which the losses could be utilized would be available in the relevant tax jurisdictions.

   The Group 
   2012   2011 
   HK$’000   HK$’000 

Expiry in 15-20 years

   —       2,412  

No expiry date

   59,787     5,675  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   59,787     8,087  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

(c)Deferred tax liabilities not recognized

As at August 31, 2011, the Group has not recognized deferred tax liabilities in respect of the 10% (or 5% if tax treaty relief is available) PRC dividend withholding tax on temporary differences relating to the undistributed profits of its PRC subsidiary amounted to HK$31,550,000, as the Group controls the dividend policy of the subsidiary and it has been determined that it is probable that profits will not be distributed in the foreseeable future.

23Derivative financial instrument

   2012   2011 
   HK$’000   HK$’000 

Non-current liability

    

Interest rate swap, at fair value through profit or loss

   9,663     11,564  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

As at August 31, 2012 and August 31, 2011, the Group has a 5-year interest rate swap contract with a HK$175,000,000 notional amount to hedge against interest rate risk. Under this arrangement, the Group will pay a fixed rate interest on the notional amount on a quarterly basis, and receive a floating interest rate at HIBOR rate. The contract is recognized initially at fair value and is remeasured at each balance sheet date.

The Interest rate swap does not quality for hedge accounting under IAS 39,Financial instruments: Recognition and measurement , and therefore changes in its fair value is recognized immediately in profit or loss.

24
20102009
HK$’000HK$’000
Non-current liability
Interest rate swap, at fair value through profit or loss11,293
Obligations under finance leases

   2012  2011 
   HK$’000  HK$’000 

Obligations under finance leases (note (a))

   245    393  

Current portion of - obligations under finance leases

   (85  (105
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   160    288  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

At August 31, 2012, the Group’s long-term debt and other liabilities were repayable as follows:

   2012  2011 
   HK$’000  HK$’000 

Obligations under finance leases

   

- Within 1 year

   85    105  

- After 1 year but within 2 years

   90    105  

- After 2 years but within 5 years

   70    183  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   245    393  

Less: Current portion of obligations under finance leases

   (85  (105
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   160    288  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Notes:

During the year ended August 31, 2010, the Group entered into a 5-year interest rate swap contract with a HK$175,000,000 notional amount to hedge against interest rate risk. Under this arrangement, the Group will pay a fixed rate interest on the notional amount on a quarterly basis, and receive a floating interest rate at HIBOR rate. The contract is recognized initially at fair value and is remeasured at each balance sheet date.
The Interest rate swap does not quality for hedge accounting under IAS/HKAS 39,Financial instruments: Recognition and measurement, and therefore changes in its fair value is recognized immediately in profit or loss.
22Long-term debt and other liabilities
         
  2010  2009 
  HK$’000  HK$’000 
10-year senior notes (note (a))     162,586 
Long-term bank loan — unsecured (note (b))  123,567    
Obligations under finance leases (note (c))  605   732 
       
         
   124,172   163,318 
         
Current portion of — obligations under finance leases  (212)  (202)
       
         
   123,960   163,116 
       
(a)At August 31, 2010, the Group’s long-term debt and other liabilities were repayable as follows:
         
  2010  2009 
  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Long-term debt        
- after 2 years but within 5 years  123,567    
- after 5 years     162,586 
       
         
Obligations under finance leases        
- Within 1 year  212   202 
- After 1 year but within 2 years  105   197 
- After 2 years but within 5 years  288   263 
- After 5 years     70 
       
         
   605   732 
         
Less: Current portion of obligations under finance leases  (212)  (202)
       
         
   393   530 
       
         
   123,960   163,116 
       

F-46


22Long-term debt and other liabilities (continued)
Notes:
(a)On January 20, 2005, the Company issued unsecured 10-year senior fixed rates notes (the “10-year senior notes”) with a principle amount of US$125 million at an issue price equal to 100 per cent of the principal amount. The 10-year senior notes have a maturity date on February 1, 2015 and bear interest at the fixed rate of 8.75% per annum payable semi-annually on February 1 and August 1 of each year, commencing August 1, 2005.
The 10-year senior notes are unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed on a joint and several basis by the Company’s subsidiaries (other than CTI Guangzhou Customer Services Co. Ltd.) as subsidiary guarantors.
On December 4, 2009, the Group repurchased a portion of the 10-year senior notes with a cumulative principal value of US$1,500,000 (equivalent to HK$11,625,000) in the open market. The total consideration paid including accrued interest was approximately US$1,562,000 (equivalent to HK$12,103,000). The loss on extinguishment of the senior notes was US$41,000 (equivalent to HK$318,000) which has been recorded in other income, net.
On February 1, 2010, the Company redeemed the then outstanding 10-year senior notes with principal value of US$19,863,000 (equivalent to HK$153,948,000) with the redemption price equal to 104.375% of the principal amount. The total consideration paid including accrued interest was approximately US$21,601,000 (equivalent to HK$167,624,000). The loss on extinguishment of the 10-year senior notes was US$1,203,000 (equivalent to HK$9,332,000) which has been recorded in other income, net.
(b)As at August 31, 2010, HK$125,000,000 was drawn which bears floating interest rate and is repayable on December 23, 2014. The borrowing is subject to the fulfillment of covenants relating to certain of the Group’s balance sheet ratios, as are commonly found in lending arrangements with financial institutions. If the Group were to breach the covenants the drawn down facilities would become payable on demand. The Group regularly monitors its compliance with these covenants. As at August 31, 2010, none of the covenants relating to drawn down facilities had been breached.
(c)At August 31, 2010,2012, the Group had obligations under finance leases repayable as follows:
                         
  2010  2009 
  Present          Present       
  value  Interest      value  Interest    
  of the  expense  Total  of the  expense  Total 
  minimum  relating to  minimum  minimum  relating to  minimum 
  lease  future  lease  lease  future  lease 
  payments  periods  payments  payments  periods  payments 
  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Within 1 year  212   30   242   202   35   237 
                   
                         
After 1 year but within 2 years  105   20   125   197   22   219 
After 2 years but within 5 years  288   22   310   263   30   293 
After 5 years           70   1   71 
                   
                         
   393   42   435   530   53   583 
                   
                         
   605   72   677   732   88   820 
                   

F-47

   2012   2011 
   

Present

value

of the

minimum

lease

payments

   

Interest

expense

relating to

future

periods

   

Total

minimum

lease

payments

   

Present

value

of the

minimum

lease

payments

   

Interest

expense

relating to

future

periods

   

Total

minimum

lease

payments

 
   HK$’000   HK$’000   HK$’000   HK$’000   HK$’000   HK$’000 

Within 1 year

   85     10     95     105     20     125  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

After 1 year but within 2 years

   90     5     95     105     14     119  

After 2 years but within 5 years

   70     1     71     183     8     191  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   160     6     166     288     22     310  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   245     16     261     393     42     435  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 


2325Notes to the consolidated cash flow statement

(a)Reconciliation of profit before taxation to net cash inflow generated from operations
             
  2010  2009  2008 
  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Profit before taxation  259,545   251,559   108,372 
Depreciation of owned fixed assets  198,323   205,624   209,464 
Depreciation of fixed assets held under finance lease  706   617   587 
Amortization of deferred expenditure  48,621   53,160   33,777 
Interest income  (11,372)  (4,869)  (15,596)
Interest element of finance lease  42   27   34 
(Gain)/loss on disposal of fixed assets  (1,375)  1,016   1,431 
Realized and unrealized gain on other financial assets     (189)  (3,284)
Realized gain on long term bank deposit        (1,185)
Realized loss on derivative financial instrument        1,039 
Equity settled share-based transactions  5,347   4,768   4,204 
Loss/(gain) on extinguishment of 10-year senior notes  9,650   (31,371)  (2,582)
Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments  11,293       
Interest, amortization and exchange difference on 10-year senior notes  6,069   49,214   72,640 
Interest on other borrowings  3,260   885   3,428 
Amortization of upfront cost on bank loans  192       
Interest expenses on bank loans  1,379       
          
             
Net cash inflow before working capital changes  531,680   530,441   412,329 
Decrease/(increase) in long-term receivable and prepayment  917   (505)  1,346 
Decrease in accounts receivable, other receivables, deposits and prepayments  738   33,052   6,914 
Decrease in inventories        477 
Increase in deferred expenditure  (34,773)  (46,525)  (68,505)
(Decrease)/increase in accounts payable, other payables, accrued charges and deposits received  (1,937)  17,419   (12,567)
(Decrease)/increase in deferred service revenue  (8,272)  4,621   46,247 
          
             
Net cash inflow generated from operations  488,353   538,503   386,241 
          

F-48

   

2012

HK$’000

  

2011

HK$’000

  

2010

HK$’000

 

Profit before taxation

   3,748,562    372,869    259,545  

Depreciation of owned fixed assets

   187,396    217,790    198,323  

Depreciation of fixed assets held under finance lease

   141    407    706  

Depreciation capitalized as programme costs

   (1,632  —      —    

Amortization of deferred expenditure

   29,902    37,873    48,621  

Intangible assets written off

   2,450    —      —    

Interest income

   (17,241  (3,366  (11,372

Interest element of finance lease

   19    30    42  

(Gain)/loss on disposal of fixed assets

   (1,999  1,008    (1,375

Equity settled share-based transactions

   10,480    4,652    5,347  

Valuation gains on investment property

   (18,200  —      —    

Gain on sale of discontinued operations

   (3,520,088  —      —    

Amortization of intangible assets

   5,217    —      —    

Loss on extinguishment of 10-year senior notes

   —      —      9,650  

Change in fair value of derivative financial instrument

   (1,901  271    11,293  

Interest, amortization and exchange difference on 10-year senior notes

   —      —      6,069  

Other borrowings costs

   3,763    3,473    3,260  

Amortization of upfront cost on long-term bank loan

   —      182    192  

Interest expenses on bank borrowings

   —      1,152    1,379  

Write-off of upfront costs upon settlement of long-term bank loan

   —      1,251    —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash inflow before working capital changes

   426,869    637,592    531,680  

(Increase)/decrease in long-term receivable and prepayment

   (716  1,073    917  

(Increase)/decrease in accounts receivable, other receivables, deposits and prepayments

   (108,169  26,543    738  

Increase in programme costs

   (85,985  —      —    

Increase in deferred expenditure

   (22,245  (46,896  (34,773

Decrease in accounts payable, other payables, accrued charges and deposits received

   (19,181  (9,490  (1,937

Decrease in deferred service revenue

   (5,646  (19,911  (8,272
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash inflow generated from operations

   184,927    588,911    488,353  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 


23Notes to the consolidated cash flow statement (continued)
(b)Analysis of changes in financing activities during the year
             
  Share capital       
  (including share  Obligations    
  premium and  under finance  10-year 
  capital reserve)  leases  senior notes 
  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Balance at September 1, 2007  702,192   1,210   952,593 
Share issued upon exercise of share options  14,998       
Share issued in respect of scrip dividend  33,398       
Repayment of capital element of finance lease     (834)   
Repurchase of 10-year senior notes        (269,399)
Gain on extinguishment of 10-year senior notes        (2,582)
Amortization of incidental issuance costs        1,665 
Equity settled share-based transactions  4,204       
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes        965 
          
             
Balance at August 31, 2008  754,792   376   683,242 
          
             
Balance at September 1, 2008  754,792   376   683,242 
Share issued upon exercise of share options  1,399       
Repurchase and cancellation of ordinary shares  (7)      
Share issued in respect of scrip dividend  9,906       
Purchase of fixed assets under finance lease     494    
Repayment of capital element of finance lease     (138)   
Repurchase of 10-year senior notes        (485,829)
Gain on extinguishment of 10-year senior notes        (31,371)
Amortization of incidental issuance costs        1,545 
Equity settled share-based transactions  4,768       
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes        (5,001)
          
             
Balance at August 31, 2009  770,858   732   162,586 
          
             
Balance at September 1, 2009  770,858   732   162,586 
Share issued upon exercise of share options  16,744       
Shares issued upon placement  379,612       
Purchase of fixed assets under finance lease     90    
Repayment of capital element of finance lease     (217)   
Repurchase and redemption of 10-year senior notes        (172,423)
Loss on extinguishment of 10-year senior notes        9,650 
Amortization of incidental issuance costs        188 
Equity settled share-based transactions  5,347       
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes        (1)
          
             
Balance at August 31, 2010  1,172,561   605    
          

F-49

   

Share capital

(including share

premium and

capital reserve)

HK$’000

  

Obligations

under finance

leases

HK$’000

  

10-year

senior notes

HK$’000

  

Long-term

bank loan

HK$’000

 

Balance at September 1, 2009

   770,858    732    162,586    —    

Share issued upon exercise of share options

   16,744    —      —      —    

Share issued upon placement

   379,612    —      —      —    

Purchase of fixed assets under finance lease

   —      90    —      —    

Repayment of capital element of finance lease

   —      (217  —      —    

Repurchase and redemption of 10-year senior notes

   —      —      (172,423  —    

Loss on extinguishment of 10-year senior notes

   —      —      9,650    —    

Amortization of incidental issuance costs

   —      —      188    —    

Net proceeds from new bank loan

   —      —      —      123,375  

Amortization of upfront costs on long-term bank loan

   —      —      —      192  

Equity settled share-based transactions

   5,347    —      —      —    

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes

   —      —      (1  —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at August 31, 2010

   1,172,561    605    —      123,567  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at September 1, 2010

   1,172,561    605    —      123,567  

Share issued upon exercise of share options

   7,232    —      —      —    

Repayment of capital element of finance lease

   —      (212  —      —    

Repayment of long-term bank loan

   —      —      —      (125,000

Write-off of upfront costs upon settlement of long-term bank loan

   —      —      —      1,251  

Amortization of upfront cost of bank loan

   —      —      —      182  

Equity settled share-based transactions

   4,652    —      —      —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at August 31, 2011

   1,184,445    393    —      —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at September 1, 2011

   1,184,445    393    —      —    

Share issued upon exercise of share options

   75,177    —      —      —    

Repayment of capital element of finance lease

   —      (99  —      —    

Disposal of Telecom Business

   —      (49  —      —    

Equity settled share-based transactions

   10,480    —      —      —    

Share options lapsed

   (1,195  —      —      —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at August 31, 2012

   1,268,907    245    —      —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 


2426Financial instruments

Exposure to credit, liquidity and interest rate risks arises in the normal course of the Group’s business. These risks are limited by the Group’s financial management policies and practices described below.

Exposure to credit, liquidity, interest rate and currency risks arises in the normal course of the Group’s business. These risks are limited by the Group’s financial management policies and practices described below.
(a)Credit risk
The Group’s credit risk is primarily attributable to accounts receivable and other receivables. Management has a credit policy in place and the exposure to the credit risk is monitored on an ongoing basis.
In respect of accounts receivable and other receivables, credit evaluations are performed on all customers requiring credit over a certain amount. These evaluations focus on the customer’s past history of making payments when due and current ability to pay, and take into account information specific to the customer as well as pertaining to the economic environment in which the customer locates. These receivables are due within 30 days from the date of billing. Subscribers with receivables that are more than 3 months overdue are requested to settle all outstanding balances before any further credit is granted. The Group generally does not obtain collateral from customers.
The Group’s exposure to credit risk is influenced mainly by individual characteristics of each customer. The default risk of the country in which customer locates also has an influence on credit risk but to a lesser extent. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable are limited due to the Group’s customer base being large and unrelated. As such, management does not expect any significant losses of accounts receivable that have not been provided for by way of allowances as disclosed in note 15.
The maximum exposure to credit risk is represented by the carrying amount of each financial asset after deducting any impairment allowance, in the balance sheet. Except for the financial guarantee given by the Group as disclosed in note 25, the Group does not provide any other guarantees which expose the Group to credit risk. The maximum exposure to credit risk in respect of these financial guarantees at the balance sheet date is disclosed in note 25.
Further quantitative disclosures in respect of the Group’s exposure to credit risk arising from accounts receivable are set out in note 15.

F-50

The Group’s credit risk is primarily attributable to trade and other receivables. Management has a credit policy in place and the exposure to the credit risk is monitored on an ongoing basis.


In respect of trade and other receivables, credit evaluations are performed on all customers requiring credit over a certain amount. These evaluations focus on the customer’s past history of making payments when due and current ability to pay, and take into account information specific to the customer as well as pertaining to the economic environment in which the customer locates. These receivables are due within 30 days from the date of billing. Customers with receivables that are more than 3 months overdue are requested to settle all outstanding balances before any further credit is granted. The Group generally does not obtain collateral from customers.

The Group’s exposure to credit risk is influenced mainly by individual characteristics of each customer. The default risk of the country in which customer locates also has an influence on credit risk but to a lesser extent. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable are limited due to the Group’s customer base being large and unrelated. As such, management does not expect any significant losses of accounts receivable that have not been provided for by way of allowances as disclosed in note 17.

The maximum exposure to credit risk is represented by the carrying amount of each financial asset after deducting any impairment allowance, in the balance sheet. Except for the financial guarantee given by the Group as disclosed in note 27, the Group does not provide any other guarantees which expose the Group to credit risk. The maximum exposure to credit risk in respect of these financial guarantees at the balance sheet date is disclosed in note 27.

Further quantitative disclosures in respect of the Group’s exposure to credit risk arising from accounts receivable are set out in note 17.

24Financial instruments (continued)
(b)Liquidity risk
The Group has a cash management policy, which includes the short term investment of cash surpluses and the raising of loans and other borrowings to cover expected cash demands. The Group’s policy is to regularly monitor current and expected liquidity requirements and its compliance with lending covenants, to ensure that it maintains sufficient cash and readily realizable marketable securities and adequate amount of committed credit facilities from major financial institutions to meet its liquidity requirements in the short and long term. Due to the dynamic nature of the underlying business, the Group aims to maintain flexibility in funding by maintaining committed credit lines available.
The following table details the remaining contractual maturities at the balance sheet date of the Group’s financial liabilities, which are based on undiscounted cash flows (including interest) and the earliest date the Group are required to pay.
                                                 
  2010  2009 
      Total      More than  More than          Total      More than  More than    
      contractual  Within  1 year but  2 years but          contractual  Within  1 year but  2 years but    
  Carrying  undiscounted  1 year or  less than  less than  More than  Carrying  undiscounted  1 year or  less than  Less than  More than 
  amount  cash flow  on demand  2 years  5 years  5 years  amount  cash flow  on demand  2 years  5 years  5 years 
  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Current liabilities
                                                
                                                 
Bank overdrafts - unsecured  10,490   10,490   10,490            5,364   5,364   5,364          
Accounts payable  35,128   35,128   35,128            37,555   37,555   37,555          
Other payables and accrued charges  195,931   195,931   195,931            206,487   206,487   206,487          
Deposits received  21,822   21,822   21,822            16,385   16,385   16,385          
Obligations under finance leases  212   242   242            202   237   237          
Tax payable  1,533   1,533   1,533            1,993   1,993   1,993          
                                                 
Non-current liabilities
                                                
                                                 
Long-term bank loan  123,567   133,996   1,829   2,166   130,001                      
Derivative financial instrument  11,293   11,435   4,580   3,441   3,414                      
10-year senior notes                    162,586   244,117   14,489   14,489   43,467   171,672 
Obligations under finance leases  393   435      125   310      530   583      219   293   71 
                                     
                                                 
   400,369   411,012   271,555   5,732   133,725      431,102   512,721   282,510   14,708   43,760   171,743 
                                     

F-51

Prudent liquidity risk management implies maintaining sufficient cash and marketable securities, the availability of funding through an adequate amount of credit facilities and the ability to close out market positions. To cope with the funding requirement of future business expansion and development, the Group aims to maintain flexibility in funding by keeping adequate free cash and credit lines available.


The Group determines that there is no significant liquidity risk in view of our adequate funds and unutilized banking facilities.

The following table details the remaining contractual maturities at the balance sheet date of the Group’s financial liabilities, which are based on undiscounted cash flows (including interest) and the earliest date the Group can be required to pay.

  2012  2011 
  

Carrying

amount

HK$’000

  

Total

contractual

undiscounted

cash flow

HK$’000

  

Within

1 year or

on demand

HK$’000

  

More than

1 year but

less than

2 years

HK$’000

  

More than

2 years but

less than

5 years

HK$’000

  

Carrying

amount

HK$’000

  

Total

contractual

undiscounted

cash flow

HK$’000

  

Within

1 year or

on demand

HK$’000

  

More than

1 year but

less than

2 years

HK$’000

  

More than

2 years but

Less than

5 years

HK$’000

 

Current liabilities

          

Bank overdrafts - unsecured

  3,026    3,026    3,026    —      —      845    845    845    —      —    

Accounts payable

  5,371    5,371    5,371    —      —      17,419    17,419    17,419    —      —    

Other payables and accrued charges

  31,118    31,118    31,118    —      —      209,585    209,585    209,585    —      —    

Deposits received

  2,259    2,259    2,259    —      —      26,969    26,969    26,969    —      —    

Obligations under finance leases

  85    95    95    —      —      105    125    125    —      —    

Non-current liabilities

          

Derivative financial instrument

  9,663    10,060    4,619    4,174    1,267    11,564    12,590    4,716    4,000    3,874  

Obligations under finance leases

  160    166    —      95    71    288    310    —      119    191  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  51,682    52,095    46,488    4,269    1,338    266,775    267,843    259,659    4,119    4,065  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

24Financial instruments (continued)
(c)Interest rate risk
The Group’s interest-rate risk arises mainly from the HK$125,000,000 bank loan which bears floating interest rate. Bank loans at variable rates expose the Group to cash flow interest rate risk.
(i)Interest rate profile
The following table details the interest rate profile of the Group’s borrowings at the balance sheet date.
                 
  2010  2009 
  Effective      Effective    
  interest      interest    
  rate      rate    
  %  HK$’000  %  HK$’000 
Fixed rate borrowings:
                
                 
10-year senior notes        9.2   162,586 
Obligations under finance leases  5.6   605   5.6   732 
               
                 
       605       163,318 
               
                 
Floating rate borrowings:
                
                 
Bank overdrafts — unsecured  5.3   10,490   5.3   5,364 
Long-term bank loan  1.7   123,567       
               

The Group’s interest-rate risk arose mainly from the 5-year interest rate swap contract with a HK$175,000,000 notional amount as at August 31, 2012 and 2011. The Group will pay a fixed rate interest on the notional amount on a quarterly basis, and receive a floating interest rate at HIBOR rate.

Sensitivity analysis

The Group’s profit attributable to shareholders would increase by approximately HK$1,750,000 (2011: HK$1,750,000) in response to a 100 basis-points increase in market interest rates applicable as at August 31, 2012, with all other variables held constant. The analysis performed including the effect of the Group’s interest rate swap contract as disclosed in note 23 to the financial statements.

(ii)Sensitivity analysis
The Group’s profit attributable to shareholders would decrease by approximately HK$1,250,000 in response to a 100 basis-points increase in market interest rates applicable as at August 31, 2010, with all other variables held constant.

F-52


24Financial instruments (continued)
(d)Foreign currency risk
All the Group’s monetary assets and liabilities are primarily denominated in either Hong Kong dollars or United States dollars. Given the exchange rate of the Hong Kong dollar to the U.S. dollar has remained close to the current pegged rate of HKD7.80 = USD1.00 since 1983, management does not expect significant foreign exchange gains or losses between the two currencies.
The Group is also exposed to a certain amount of foreign exchange risk based on fluctuations between the Hong Kong dollars and the Renminbi arising from its operations in the PRC. In order to limit this foreign currency risk exposure, the Group maintained Renminbi cash balance that approximate two to three months’ of operating cash flows.
(i)Exposure to currency risk
The following table details the Group’s exposure at the balance sheet date to currency risk arising from recognized assets or liabilities denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the entity to which they relate.
                         
  2010  2009 
  United          United       
  States  Japanese  Canadian  States  Japanese  Canadian 
  Dollars  Yen  Dollars  Dollars  Yen  Dollars 
  ‘000  ‘000  ‘000  ‘000  ‘000  ‘000 
Cash at bank and in hand and pledged bank deposits  30,443   591   435   11,599   696   282 
Bank overdrafts — unsecured  (294)        (161)      
Accounts payable  (1,350)        (3,183)      
Other payables and accrued charges  (1,075)        (390)      
10-year senior notes           (20,979)      
                   
                         
Overall net exposure  27,724   591   435   (13,114)  696   282 
                   

All the Group’s monetary assets and liabilities are primarily denominated in either Hong Kong dollars or United States dollars. Given the exchange rate of the Hong Kong dollar to the U.S. dollar has remained close to the current pegged rate of HKD7.80 = USD1.00 since 1983, management does not expect significant foreign exchange gains or losses between the two currencies. The Group did not have significant foreign currency risk at the balance sheet date.

(ii)Sensitivity analysis
Management determines that the Group’s exposure of foreign currency risk was not significant and hence no sensitivity analysis is prepared.

F-53


24Financial instruments (continued)
(e)Fair values
(i)Financial instrument carried at fair value
The following table presents the carrying value of financial instrument measured at fair value at the balance sheet date across the three levels of the fair value hierarchy defined in IFRS/HKFRS 7,Financial Instruments: Disclosures, with the fair value of each financial instrument categorized in its entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to that fair value measurement. The levels are defined as follows:

Financial instrument carried at fair value

The following table presents the carrying value of financial instrument measured at fair value at the balance sheet date across the three levels of the fair value hierarchy defined in IFRS 7,Financial Instruments: Disclosures , with the fair value of each financial instrument categorized in its entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to that fair value measurement. The levels are defined as follows:

Level 1 (highest level): fair values measured using quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical financial instruments

Level 2: fair values measured using quoted prices in active markets for similar financial instruments, or using valuation techniques in which all significant inputs are directly or indirectly based on observable market data

Level 3 (lowest level): fair values measured using valuation techniques in which any significant input is not based on observable market data

2012

   

Level 1

HK$’000

   

Level 2

HK$’000

   

Level 3

HK$’000

   

Total

HK$’000

 

Liability

        

Derivative financial instrument:

        

- Interest rate swap

   —       9,663     —       9,663  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

2011

   

Level 1

HK$’000

   

Level 2

HK$’000

   

Level 3

HK$’000

   

Total

HK$’000

 

Liability

        

Derivative financial instrument:

        

- Interest rate swap

   —       11,564     —       11,564  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Level 1 (highest level): fair values measured using quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical financial instruments
Level 2: fair values measured using quoted prices in active markets for similar financial instruments, or using valuation techniques in which all significant inputs are directly or indirectly based on observable market data
Level 3 (lowest level): fair values measured using valuation techniques in which any significant input is not based on observable market data
2010
                 
  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Liability
                
                 
Derivative financial instrument:                
- Interest rate swap     11,293      11,293 
             
The carrying amounts of the Group’s financial instruments carried at cost or amortized cost are not materially different from their fair values as at August 31, 2010 and 2009 except as follows:
                 
  2010  2009 
  Carrying      Carrying    
  amount  Fair value  amount  Fair value 
  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 
The Group                
                 
10-year senior notes        162,586   157,285 
             
(f)Estimation of fair values
Fair value of financial instruments is estimated as follows:

Fair value of financial instruments is estimated as follows:

 (i)The fair value of the 10-year senior notes was determined based on quoted market price.
(ii)Trade receivables less impairment provision and account payables are assumed to approximate their fair values.

 (iii)The fair value of the long-term bank loan is estimated as the present value of future cash flows, discounted at current market interest rate for similar financial instruments.
(iv)(ii)The fair value of the interest rate swap is determined based on the discounted cash flow technique which takes into account estimated amount that the Group would receive or pay to terminate the swap at the balance sheet date, taking into account current interest rates and the current creditworthiness of the swap counterparties. Where discounted cash flow techniques are used, estimated future cash flows are based on management’s best estimates and the discount rate is a market related rate for a similar instrument at the balance sheet date.

F-54


2527Contingent liabilities
         
  2010  2009 
  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Bank guarantees provided to suppliers (notes 27(i) and (ii))  2,770   2,490 
Bank guarantee in lieu of payment of utility deposits (note 27(iii))  5,572   5,272 
       
         
   8,342   7,762 
       

   

2012

HK$’000

   

2011

HK$’000

 

Bank guarantees provided to suppliers

   —       1,330  

Bank guarantee in lieu of payment of utility deposits

   1,950     5,572  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   1,950     6,902  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

At August 31, 2012, HK$1,950,000 (2011: HK$6,902,000) of the HK$23,260,000 (2011: HK$38,900,000) total banking facility was utilized by the Company and the subsidiaries.

28At August 31, 2010, HK$133,342,000 (2009: HK$7,762,000) of the HK$353,840,000 (2009: HK$205,038,000) total banking facility and revolving loan facility was utilized by the Company and its subsidiary.Commitments

26Commitments
(a)Capital commitments
         
  2010  2009 
  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Purchase of telecommunications, computer and office equipment - - contracted but not provided for  132,340   150,099 
       

   

2012

HK$’000

   

2011

HK$’000

 

Purchase of telecommunications, computer and office equipment

    

- contracted but not provided for

   4,958     141,432  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Construction of multimedia production and distribution center

    

- authorized but not contracted for

   827,401     600,000  

- contracted but not provided for

   41,659     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Others

    

- contracted but not provided for

   —       5,000  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

(b)Commitments under operating leases
At August 31, 2010 and 2009, the Group has future aggregate minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases as follows:
         
  2010  2009 
  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Leases in respect of land and buildings which are payable:        
- Within 1 year  24,873   21,387 
- After 1 year but within 5 years  16,417   13,802 
       
         
   41,290   35,189 
       
         
Leases in respect of telecommunications facilities and computer equipment which are payable        
- Within 1 year  63,948   45,321 
- After 1 year but within 5 years  14,200   9,600 
- After 5 years  4,849   6,271 
       
         
   82,997   61,192 
       
         
   124,287   96,381 
       

At August 31, 2012 and 2011, the Group has future aggregate minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases as follows:

   

2012

HK$’000

   

2011

HK$’000

 

Leases in respect of land and buildings which are payable:

    

- Within 1 year

   5,373     27,679  

- After 1 year but within 5 years

   2,294     20,642  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   7,667     48,321  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Leases in respect of telecommunications facilities and computer equipment which are payable

    

- Within 1 year

   —       63,300  

- After 1 year but within 5 years

   —       17,103  

- After 5 years

   —       3,211  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   —       83,614  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   7,667     131,935  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

(c)ProgramProgramme fee commitments
The Group entered into several long-term agreements with program content providers for the rights to use certain program contents in the Group’s IP-TV services. Minimum amounts of program fees to be paid by the Group are as follows:
         
  2010  2009 
  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Program fee in respect of program rights which are payable:        
- Within 1 year  25,539   9,094 
- After 1 year but within 5 years  48,087   6,238 
       
         
   73,626   15,332 
       

F-55

The Group entered into several long-term agreements with programme content providers for the rights to use certain programme contents and with certain production-related Talents for future production in the Group’s multimedia production business and IP-TV. Minimum amounts of programme fees and other production-related costs to be paid by the Group are analyzed as follows:


   

2012

HK$’000

   

2011

HK$’000

 

Programme fee in respect of programme rights which are payable:

    

- Within 1 year

   96,613     25,777  

- After 1 year but within 5 years

   106,669     27,197  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   203,282     52,974  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

2729Pledge of assets
As at August 31, 2010, the Group has no pledged bank deposits.
As at August 31, 2009, the Group has pledged bank deposits of US$650,000 (equivalent to HK$5,038,000) and HK$10,000,000 as security for the following significant banking facilities:
(i)bank facility of US$650,000 (equivalent to HK$5,038,000) granted by a bank for issuance of bank guarantees to third party suppliers, letters of credit, short-term loan, overdraft, foreign exchange and interest rate hedging arrangements. As of August 31, 2009, bank guarantees of HK$500,000 were issued against this bank facility;
(ii)bank guarantees of HK$1,990,000 issued by the bank to third party suppliers of the Company and one of its subsidiaries for payment of certain products and services procured by the Group from these third party suppliers; and
(iii)bank guarantees of HK$5,272,000 issued by the bank to certain utility vendors of the Group in lieu of payment of utility deposits.
28Barter transaction
During the year ended August 31, 2010, HKBN entered into an agreement with a third party (the “Contract Party”). Pursuant to the agreement, HKBN would provide network capacity to the Contract Party for a service term of 10 years commencing on May 1, 2010 or after the respective activation of the relevant network capacity, and in exchange, the Contract Party would provide HKBN the right to use telecommunications facilities for a term of 10 years commencing on May 1, 2010 or after the respective activation of the relevant network capacity. The transaction has been entered into on a barter basis at no consideration being exchange. The agreement expires on April 30, 2020.
The Directors of the Company made an assessment and determined that since the arrangement above involves exchange of services of a similar nature and value, the exchange is not regarded as a transaction which generates revenue. Accordingly, the network capacity of the Contract Party under the arrangement have not been recognized as an asset and no revenue or deferred revenue have been recognized in the financial statements of the Group since inception of the arrangement.
29Material related party transactions

In addition to the transactions and balances disclosed elsewhere in these financial statements, the Group entered into the following material related party transactions.

Key management personnel remuneration

Remuneration for key management personnel, including amounts paid to the Company’s Directors as disclosed in note 10(a) and certain of the highest paid Talents as disclosed in note 10(b), is as follows:

   

2012

HK$’000

   

2011

HK$’000

   

2010

HK$’000

 

Short-term Talent benefits

   176,852     35,979     40,716  

Post-employment benefits

   2,488     2,616     2,725  

Equity compensation benefits

   9,546     4,652     5,347  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   188,886     43,247     48,788  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

30In addition to the transactions and balances disclosed elsewhere in these financial statements, the Group entered into the following material related party transactions.
Key management personnel remuneration
Remuneration for key management personnel, including amounts paid to the Company’s directors as disclosed in note 9(a) and certain of the highest paid Talents as disclosed in note 9(b), is as follows:
         
  2010  2009 
  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Short-term Talent benefits  40,716   34,687 
Post-employment benefits  2,725   2,614 
Equity compensation benefits  5,347   4,071 
       
         
   48,788   41,372 
       
30Comparative figure
During the year, management performed a review of the presentation of the Group’s cash at bank and in hand balance. As a result of the review, the Group’s “bank overdrafts — unsecured” balances amounted to HK$5,364,000 and HK$12,994,000 which previously included in the cash at bank and in hand balance at August 31, 2009 and August 31, 2008 respectively have been reclassified as a current liability to conform to the current year’s presentation. This change in presentation had no effect on the reported results of the prior year.

F-56


31Accounting estimates and judgments

Key sources of estimation uncertainty

Note 11, 13 and 26 contain information about the assumptions and risk factors relating to fair value of share options, investment property and financial instruments. Other key sources of estimation uncertainty are as follows:

(a)Key sources of estimation uncertaintyProvision for programme cost
Notes 10 and 24 contain information about the assumptions and risk factors relating to fair value of share options and financial instruments. Other key sources of estimation uncertainty are as follows:

If circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of programmes cost may not be fully recovered, provision for programme cost to write down the amount to net realizable values is recognized as an expense in the period the write down occurs.

(b)Impairment loss for doubtful accountsof assets
The Group maintains impairment loss for doubtful accounts based upon evaluation of the recoverability of the accounts receivable and other receivables which takes into account the historical write-off experience and recovery rates. If the financial condition of the customers were to deteriorate, additional impairment may be required.
(c)Depreciation
Depreciation is calculated to write off the cost of items of property, plant and equipment, less their estimated residual value, if any, using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. The Group reviews the estimated useful lives of the assets annually in order to determine the amount of depreciation expense to be recorded during any reporting period. The useful lives are based on the Group’s historical experience with similar assets and takes into account anticipated technological changes. The depreciation expense for future periods is adjusted if there are significant changes from previous estimates.
(d)Income taxes
Determining income tax provisions involves judgment on the future tax treatment of certain transactions and interpretation of tax rules. The Group carefully evaluates tax implications of transactions and tax provisions are set up accordingly. The tax treatment of such transactions is reconsidered periodically to take into account all changes in tax legislation and practices.
Deferred tax assets are recognized for certain unused tax losses as set out in note 20. In assessing the recognition of deferred tax assets, management considers all available evidence, including available taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies, historical taxable income, and the expiration periods of the tax losses. For certain subsidiaries, deferred tax assets can only be recognized to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which they can be utilized. Management’s judgment is thus required to assess the probability of future taxable profits and this assessment is constantly reviewed and additional deferred tax assets are recognized if it becomes probable that future taxable profits will allow the deferred tax assets to be recovered.

F-57If circumstances indicate that the carrying value of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets may not be fully recoverable, these assets may be considered impaired, and an impairment loss may be recognized in accordance with IAS 36,Impairment of assets. In assessing whether there is any indication that an asset may be impaired, the Group considers all readily available information from both internal and external source. When there is adverse change in circumstance, additional impairment may be required.


3231Possible impact of amendments, new standards and interpretations issued but not yet effective for the year ended August 31, 20102012

Up to the date of issue of these financial statements, the IASB has issued a number of amendments, new standards and interpretations which are not yet effective for the year ended August 31, 2012 and which have not been adopted in these financial statements.

Up to the date of issue of these financial statements, the IASB/HKICPA has issued a number of amendments, new standards and interpretations which are not yet effective for the year ended August 31, 2010 and which have not been adopted in these financial statements.
      

Effective for

accounting periods

beginning on or after

Amendment to IFRS/HKFRS 2Share-based payment — Group cash-settledJanuary 1, 2010
  share-based payment transactions

 

Amendments to IAS 1

  

Presentation of financial statements -Presentation of items of other comprehensive income

  
IFRSs/HKFRSs (Amendments)Improvements to IFRSs (2009)January 1, 2010
Amendment to IAS/HKAS 32Financial instruments: Presentation —February 1, 2010
  Classification of rights issues
IFRIC/HK (IFRIC) — Int 19Extinguishing financial liabilities with equity July 1, 2010
  instruments2012  

IFRS 10

  
IFRSs/HKFRSs (Amendments)Improvement to IFRSs/HKFRSs (2010)July 1, 2010 or

Consolidated financial statement

   January 1, 2011
2013  
Amendments to

IFRS 12

  IAS/HKAS 19 — The limitation on a defined

Disclosure of interest in other entities

  January 1, 2011
  IFRIC/HK (IFRIC) — Int 14  benefit asset, minimum funding requirements and
  their interaction — Prepayments of a minimum
  funding requirement
IAS/HKAS 24 (Revised)Related party disclosuresJanuary 1, 2011
Amendments to IFRS/HKFRS 7Financial instruments: Disclosures — Transfer ofJuly 1, 2011
  financial assets
IFRS/HKFRS 9Financial instruments January 1, 2013
The Group is in the process of making an assessment of what the impact of these amendments, new standards and new interpretations is expected to be in the period of initial application. So far the Group is not yet in a position to state whether they would have a significant impact on the Group’s results of operations and financial position.

F-58


33Supplemental guarantors consolidated financial information
The 10-year senior notes mentioned above in note 22 are fully, irrevocably and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior unsecured basis by all of the subsidiaries of City Telecom (H.K.) Limited (collectively defined as “Guarantor Subsidiaries”), except CTI Guangzhou Customer Services Co. Ltd. in the PRC (“Non-guarantor Subsidiary”).
  
The condensed consolidated financial information is presented below and should be read in connection with the consolidated financial statements of City Telecom (H.K.) Limited prepared under IFRSs. Separate financial statements of the Guarantor Subsidiaries are not presented because the Guarantor Subsidiaries are wholly-owned and have fully and unconditionally guaranteed the Notes on a joint and several basis.
On February 1, 2010, we redeemed all the outstanding 10-year senior notes with a cumulative principal amount of HK$153.9 million (US$19.9 million) at the redemption price equal to 104.375% of the principal amount.
Since as of August 31, 2010, all the outstanding 10-year senior notes has been fully redeemed, the following condensed consolidated financial information is limited to the years ended August 31, 2009 and 2008.
The following condensed consolidated financial information presents the consolidated balance sheets as of August 31, 2008 and 2009 and the related consolidated income statements and cash flow statements for the years ended August 31, 2008 and 2009 of (a) City Telecom (H.K.) Limited, the parent; (b) the Guarantor Subsidiaries on a combined basis; (c) the Non-guarantor Subsidiary; (d) eliminating entries; and (e) the total consolidated amounts.

F-59


33 Supplemental guarantors consolidated financial information (continued)
Consolidated balance sheet as of August 31, 2009
                     
  City              
  Telecom      Non-       
  (H.K.)  Guarantor  guarantor  Eliminating  Consolidated 
  Limited  subsidiaries  subsidiary  entries  total 
  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Non-current assets
                    
                     
Investments in subsidiaries (note)  1,258,726   228,875      (1,487,601)   
Goodwill           1,066   1,066 
Fixed assets  74,688   1,221,172   6,520       1,302,380 
Long term receivable and prepayment     16,573      (10,482)  6,091 
Deferred expenditure     12,786          12,786 
                 
                     
   1,333,414   1,479,406   6,520       1,322,323 
                 
                     
Current assets
                    
                     
Accounts receivable  9,220   110,972          120,192 
Other receivables, deposits and prepayments  3,393   67,584   2,492   (3,704)  69,765 
Deferred expenditure     36,674          36,674 
Pledged bank deposits  15,038             15,038 
Cash at bank and in hand  120,315   78,665   27,436       226,416 
                 
                     
   147,966   293,895   29,928       468,085 
                 
                     
Current liabilities
                    
                     
Bank overdrafts — unsecured  896   4,468          5,364 
Amounts due to subsidiaries/ fellow subsidiaries  10,830   905,460   4,427   (920,717)   
Accounts payable  20,484   17,071          37,555 
Other payables and accrued charges  23,530   172,676   10,281       206,487 
Deposits received  7,886   8,499          16,385 
Deferred service revenue  10,848   107,904      (3,682)  115,070 
Tax payable  356   496   1,141       1,993 
Current portion — obligation under finance leases  193   9          202 
                 
                     
   75,023   1,216,583   15,849       383,056 
                 
                     
Net current assets/(liabilities)
  72,943   (922,688)  14,079       85,029 
                 

F-60


33 Supplemental guarantors consolidated financial information (continued)
Consolidated balance sheet as of August 31, 2009 (continued)
                     
  City              
  Telecom      Non-       
  (H.K.)  Guarantor  guarantor  Eliminating  Consolidated 
  Limited  subsidiaries  subsidiary  entries  total 
  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Total assets less current liabilities
  1,406,357   556,718   20,599       1,407,352 
                 
                     
Non-current liabilities
                    
Deferred tax liabilities  7,047   8,662          15,709 
Long-term deferred service revenue  10,535         (10,535)   
Long-term debt and other liabilities  163,108   8          163,116 
                 
                     
   180,690   8,670          178,825 
                 
                     
Net assets
  1,225,667   548,048   20,599       1,228,527 
                 
                     
Capital and reserves
                    
                     
Share capital  66,418   15,485   8,131   (23,616)  66,418 
Reserves  1,159,249   532,563   12,468   (542,171)  1,162,109 
                 
                     
Total equity attributable to equity shareholders of the Company  1,225,667   548,048   20,599       1,228,527 
                 
Note:

IFRS 13

  The amounts of investment in subsidiaries and retained profits at City Telecom (H.K.) Limited level have included the share of net assets of its subsidiaries using the equity method of accounting.

Fair value measurement

F-61


   Consolidated income statement for the year ended August 31, 2009January 1, 2013
                     
  City              
  Telecom      Non-       
  (H.K.)  Guarantor  guarantor  Eliminating  Consolidated 
  Limited  subsidiaries  subsidiary  entries  Total 
  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Revenue  95,386   1,390,697   142,603   (150,447)  1,478,239 
Network costs  (29,973)  (177,655)     32,499   (175,129)
Other operating expenses  (90,557)  (959,960)  (136,750)  149,303   (1,037,964)
Other income, net  108,933   31,684   576   (99,653)  41,540 
Finance costs  (54,241)  (69,017)     68,131   (55,127)
Share of net profit from subsidiaries (note)  185,391         (185,391)   
                 
                     
Profit before taxation  214,939   215,749   6,429       251,559 
Income tax expense  (2,110)  (34,998)  (1,622)      (38,730)
                 
                     
Net profit  212,829   180,751   4,807       212,829 
                 
Note:

IAS 27

  The net profit amounts at City Telecom (H.K.) Limited level have included the share of net profit of its subsidiaries using the equity method of accounting.

Separate financial statements (2011)

   Consolidated income statement for the year ended August 31, 2008January 1,2013
                     
  City              
  Telecom      Non-       
  (H.K.)  Guarantor  guarantor  Eliminating  Consolidated 
  Limited  subsidiaries  subsidiary  entries  Total 
  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Revenue  116,130   1,283,296   135,374   (231,819)  1,302,981 
Network costs  (28,398)  (184,851)     34,882   (178,367)
Other operating expenses  (87,551)  (978,990)  (130,481)  230,928   (966,094)
Other income, net  93,494   37,752   1,336   (107,593)  24,989 
Finance costs  (71,702)  (71,753)     68,318   (75,137)
Share of net profit from subsidiaries (note)  108,154         (108,154)   
                 
                     
Profit before taxation  130,127   85,454   6,229       108,372 
Income tax (expense)/benefit  (4,937)  26,306   (4,551)      16,818 
                 
                     
Net profit  125,190   111,760   1,678       125,190 
                 
Note:

Amendments to IFRS 7

  The net profit amounts at City Telecom (H.K.) Limited level have included the share of net profit of its subsidiaries using the equity method of accounting.

Financial instruments:Disclosures -Offsetting financial assets and financial liabilities

F-62


33 Supplemental guarantors consolidated financial information (continued)
   Condensed consolidated cash flow statement for the year ended August 31, 2009July 1, 2013
                     
  City              
  Telecom      Non-       
  (H.K.)  Guarantor  guarantor  Eliminating  Consolidated 
  Limited  subsidiaries  subsidiary  entries  total 
  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities  487,691   88,243   (38,930)  (233)  536,771 
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities  101,605   (276,843)  (1,250)      (176,488)
Net cash outflow from financing activities  (560,397)  (895)         (561,292)
                 
                     
Increase/(decrease) in cash at bank and in hand  28,899   (189,495)  (40,180)      (201,009)
Cash at bank in hand at September 1, 2008  90,386   263,386   67,838       421,610 
Effects of foreign exchange rates changes  134   306   (222)  233   451 
                 
                     
Cash at bank and in hand at August 31, 2009  119,419   74,197   27,436       221,052 
                 
                     
Analysis of the balances of cash and cash equivalent:                    
                     
Cash at bank and in hand  120,315   78,665   27,436       226,416 
Bank overdrafts — unsecured  (896)  (4,468)         (5,364)
                 
                     
   119,419   74,197   27,436       221,052 
                 

F-63


33 Supplemental guarantors consolidated financial information (continued)

Amendments to IAS 32

Financial instruments:Presentation-Offsetting financial assets and financial liabilities

   Condensed consolidated cash flow statement for the year ended August 31, 2008January 1, 2014

IFRS 9

Financial instruments

January 1, 2015
                     
  City              
  Telecom      Non-       
  (H.K.)  Guarantor  guarantor  Eliminating  Consolidated 
  Limited  subsidiaries  subsidiary  entries  total 
  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 
Net cash inflow from operating activities  193,028   128,939   59,866   158   381,991 
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities  18,775   (164,222)  (2,303)      (147,750)
Net cash outflow from financing activities  (341,813)  (4,165)         (345,978)
                 
                     
(Decrease)/increase in cash at bank and in hand  (130,010)  (39,448)  57,563       (111,737)
Cash at bank and in hand at September 1, 2007  220,531   303,227   9,136       532,894 
Effects of foreign exchange rates changes  (135)  (393)  1,139   (158)  453 
                 
                     
Cash at bank and in hand at August 31, 2008  90,386   263,386   67,838       421,610 
                 
                     
Analysis of the balances of cash and cash equivalent:                    
                     
Cash at bank and in hand  91,764   275,002   67,838       434,604 
Bank overdrafts — unsecured  (1,378)  (11,616)         (12,994)
                 
                     
   90,386   263,386   67,838       421,610 
                 

F-64The Group is in the process of making an assessment of what the impact of these amendments, new standards and new interpretations is expected to be in the period of initial application. So far the Group is not yet in a position to state whether they would have a significant impact on the Group’s results of operations and financial position.


SIGNATURE

SIGNATURE
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.

CITY TELECOM (H.K.) LIMITED
By: 
By:  

/s/ Yeung Chu Kwong, William  

To Wai Bing

 Name:Yeung Chu Kwong, William  To Wai Bing
 Title: Chief Executive Officer
By: 

/s/ Wong Nga Lai, Alice

By:  /s/ Lai Ni Quiaque  
 Name:Lai Ni Quiaque  Wong Nga Lai, Alice
 Title: Chief Financial Officer

Date: December 17, 2010

31, 2012