UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 


FORM 20-F

 


 

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

or

 

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

For the fiscal year ended August 31, 20062007

or

 

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

For the transition period from            or            

or

 

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

Commission file number: 333-11012

 


City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

(Exact name of registrant 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, No. 223 Hing Fong Road

Kwai Chung, New Territories

Hong Kong

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 


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

N/A

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

American Depositary Shares, representing 20 Ordinary Shares, par value HK$0.10 per share

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

N/A

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital

common stock as of August 31, 2006: 614,175,4042007: 616,503,404

 


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

Yes  ¨    No  x

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.

Yes  ¨    No  x

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).

Yes  ¨    No  x

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.

Yes  x    No  ¨

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 or large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Circle one):

Large accelerated filer  ¨        Accelerated Filer  ¨        Non-accelerated filer  x

Indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has selected to follow.

Item 17  ¨    Item 18  x

 



CONTENTS

 

CURRENCY TRANSLATION

  41

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

  41

PART I

  41
 

ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS

  41
 

ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE

  41
 

ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION

  41
 

ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

  1713
 

ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

  3329
 

ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

  4644
 

ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

  5451
 

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

52

ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING

53

ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  55
 ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING56
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION58

ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

  6763
 

ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES

  6864

PART II

  6964
 

ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES

  6964
 

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

  6964
 

ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

  6964
 

ITEM 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

  6965
 

ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICS

  7065
 

ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

  7065
 

ITEM 16D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES

  7166
 

ITEM 16E. PURCHASE OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS

  7166

PART III

  7266
 

ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  7266
 

ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  7266
 

ITEM 19. EXHIBITS

  7266


CURRENCY TRANSLATION

We publish our 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$7.7767,7.7968, which was the noon buying rate in The City of New York for cable transfers in Hong Kong dollars as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on August 31, 2006.2007. On January 23, 20072008 the noon buying rate was US$1.00=HK$7.7998.7.8075. 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.

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 (H.K.) Limited (“City Telecom” or the “Company”) 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:

 

technology changes;

 

changes in the regulatory environment in which we operate, or changes in the rules and policies that government regulators apply to our businesses;

 

increased competition in the local or international telecommunications, Internet access, local VOIP or pay-television (“pay-TV”) markets;

 

the benefits we expect to receive from our continuing capital expenditure on our Next Generation Network (refer to our Metro Ethernet network;Network and our newly deployed Gigabit Passive Optical Network (“GPON”));

 

our ability to maintain growth and successfully introduce new products and services; and

 

the continued development and stability of the technological infrastructure we use to provide our telecommunications, Internet access, local VOIP and pay-TV using Internet Protocol, which we refer to as IP-TV, services.

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.

***********

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

City Telecom’s Historical Financial Information

The following table presents the selected consolidated financial information and operating information of City Telecom as of and for the years ended August 31, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2006.2007. The selected financial information should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, the financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report, the accompanying notes thereto and Item 5 “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”.

  As of and for the year ended August 31,   As of and for the year ended August 31, 
  2002 2003 

2004

(restated) (8)

 

2005

(restated) (8)(10)

 2006(10) 2006(10)   2003 2004 2005(8) 2006(8) 2007 2007 
  HK$ HK$ HK$ HK$ HK$ US$   HK$ HK$ HK$ HK$ HK$ US$ 
  (Amounts in thousands except per share data)   (Amounts in thousands except per share data) 

Consolidated Statement of Income Data:

       

Hong Kong GAAP

       

Consolidated Statement of Operations Data:

       

Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards (“HKFRSs”)

       

Revenues:

              

Fixed telecommunications network services

  241,219  423,107  541,902  629,464  716,600  92,147   423,107  541,902  629,464  716,600  816,800  104,761 

International telecommunications

  908,981  875,802  627,978  532,595  418,276  53,786   875,802  627,978  532,595  418,276  324,470  41,616 
                                      

Total Operating Revenue

  1,150,200  1,298,909  1,169,880  1,162,059  1,134,876  145,933   1,298,909  1,169,880  1,162,059  1,134,876  1,141,270  146,377 
                                      

Network Costs:

              

Fixed telecommunications network services

  (50,808) (76,845) (122,476) (118,383) (125,639) (16,156)  (76,845) (122,476) (118,383) (125,639) (103,795) (13,313)

International telecommunications

  (407,155) (245,908) (208,932) (221,019) (174,954) (22,497)  (245,908) (208,932) (221,019) (174,954) (110,796) (14,210)
                                      

Total Network Costs

  (457,963) (322,753) (331,408) (339,402) (300,593) (38,653)  (322,753) (331,408) (339,402) (300,593) (214,591) (27,523)

Other Operating Expenses

  (602,644) (704,796) (793,212) (958,031) (919,795) (118,276)  (704,796) (793,212) (958,031) (919,795) (834,104) (106,981)

Income/(loss) from operations

  89,593  271,360  45,260  (135,374) (85,512) (10,996)  271,360  45,260  (135,374) (85,512) 92,575  11,873 

Interest income/(expense), net

  7,366  2,562  3,578  (40,884) (68,259) (8,777)  2,562  3,578  (40,884) (68,259) (64,833) (8,315)

Other income, net

  502  1,678  2,668  6,037  4,465  574   1,678  2,668  6,037  4,465  3,149  404 

Income taxes (expense)/credit

  (15,190) (17,857) (2,043) 6,725  7,244  932   (17,857) (2,043) 6,725  7,244  (2,026) (260)

Income/(loss) after taxation

  82,271  257,743  49,463  (163,496) (142,062) (18,267)  257,743  49,463  (163,496) (142,062) 28,865  3,702 

Minority interest

  8,234  —    —    —    —    —     —    —    —    —    —    —   

Net income/(loss)

  90,505  257,743  49,463  (163,496) (142,062) (18,267)  257,743  49,463  (163,496) (142,062) 28,865  3,702 

Net income/(loss) per share (cents)

  18.3  46.6  8.1  (26.6) (23.1) (3.0)  46.6  8.1  (26.6) (23.1) 4.7  0.6 

Diluted net income/(loss) per share (cents)(1)

  16.0  41.9  8.1  (26.6) (23.1) (3.0)  41.9  8.1  (26.6) (23.1) 4.6  0.6 

Dividends declared per share (cents)

  —    5.0  9.0  —    —    —     5.0  9.0  —    —    8.0  1.0 

Weighted average number of shares

  552,600  610,095  613,525  614,134  614,840  614,840 

Diluted weighted average number of shares(2)

  565,889  615,102  614,365  613,525  614,134  614,134   615,102  614,365  613,525  614,134  631,319  631,319 

Weighted average number of shares

  495,181  552,600  610,095  613,525  614,134  614,134 

 

  As of and for the year ended August 31,   As of and for the year ended August 31, 
  2002 2003 

2004

 

2005

 2006 2006   2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2007 
  HK$ HK$ HK$ HK$ HK$ US$   HK$ HK$ HK$ HK$ HK$ US$ 
  (Amounts in thousands except per share data)   (Amounts in thousands except per share data) 

U.S. GAAP

              

Total operating revenue

  1,141,814  1,291,119  1,169,880  1,162,059  1,134,876  145,933   1,291,119  1,169,880  1,162,059  1,134,876  1,141,270  146,377 

Total operating expenses

  (1,073,283) (1,015,900) (1,123,198) (1,289,014) (1,220,388) (156,929)  (1,015,900) (1,123,198) (1,289,014) (1,220,388) (1,048,695) (134,504)

Net income/(loss) from continuing operations

  69,317  264,151  51,565  (149,148) (142,062) (18,267)  264,151  51,565  (149,148) (142,062) 28,865  3,702 

Net income/(loss) from continuing operations per share (cents)

  14.0  47.8  8.5  (24.3) (23.1) (3.0)  47.8  8.5  (24.3) (23.1) 4.7  0.6 

Net income/(loss) from discontinued operations

  (352) 83  —    —    —    —   

Net income from discontinued operations

  83  —    —    —    —    —   

Loss arising from disposal of discontinued operations

  —    (2,695) —    —    —    —     (2,695) —    —    —    —    —   

Net loss from discontinued operations per share (cents)

  (0.1) (0.5) —    —    —    —     (0.5) —    —    —    —    —   

Diluted net income/(loss) from continuing operations per share (cents)(3)

  12.3  42.9  8.4  (24.3) (23.1) (3.0)  42.9  8.4  (24.3) (23.1) 4.6  0.6 

Diluted net loss from discontinued operations per share (cents)(4)

  (0.1) (0.4) —    —    —    —     (0.4) —    —    —    —    —   

Dividends declared per share (cents)

  —    5.0  9.0  —    —    —     5.0  9.0  —    —    8.0  1.0 

Weighted average number of shares

  495,181  552,600  610,095  613,525  614,134  614,134   552,600  610,095  613,525  614,134  614,840  614,840 

Diluted weighted average number of shares(2)

  565,889  615,102  614,365  613,525  614,134  614,134   615,102  614,365  613,525  614,134  631,319  631,319 

  As of and for the year ended August 31,   As of and for the year ended August 31, 
  2002 2003 

2004

 

2005

 2006(10) 2006(10)   2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2007 
  HK$ HK$ HK$ HK$ HK$ US$   HK$ HK$ HK$ HK$ HK$ US$ 
  (Amounts in thousands)   (Amounts in thousands) 

Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:

              

Hong Kong GAAP

       

HKFRSs

       

Total assets

  1,327,285  1,548,534  1,683,408  2,347,428  2,124,215  273,151   1,548,534  1,683,408  2,347,428  2,124,215  2,161,133  277,182 

Debt

  —    (18,174) (119,170) (945,348) (948,027) (121,906)  (18,174) (119,170) (945,348) (948,027) (952,593) (122,177)

Finance lease obligation

  (2,949) —    —    (3,135) (2,373) (305)  —    —    (3,135) (2,373) (1,210) (155)

Other liabilities

  (419,348) (351,185) (388,540) (378,491) (282,161) (36,283)  (351,185) (388,540) (378,491) (282,161) (303,448) (38,920)
                                      

Total liabilities

  (422,297) (369,359) (507,710) (1,326,974) (1,232,561) (158,494)  (369,359) (507,710) (1,326,974) (1,232,561) (1,257,251) (161,252)
                                      

Net assets

  904,988  1,179,175  1,175,698  1,020,454  891,654  114,657   1,179,175  1,175,698  1,020,454  891,654  903,882  115,930 

Minority interest

  —    —    —    —    —    —     —    —    —    —    —    —   
                                      

Net assets employed

  904,988  1,179,175  1,175,698  1,020,454  891,654  114,657   1,179,175  1,175,698  1,020,454  891,654  903,882  115,930 
                                      

Share capital

  50,086  60,496  61,057  61,412  61,417  7,898   60,496  61,057  61,412  61,417  61,650  7,907 

Share premium

  572,656  615,886  617,986  619,408  620,298  79,764   615,886  617,986  619,408  620,298  622,433  79,832 

Reserves

  282,246  502,793  496,655  339,634  209,939  26,995   502,793  496,655  339,634  209,939  219,799  28,191 
                                      

Total shareholders’ equity

  904,988  1,179,175  1,175,698  1,020,454  891,654  114,657   1,179,175  1,175,698  1,020,454  891,654  903,882  115,930 
                                      

 

  As of and for the year ended August 31,   As of and for the year ended August 31, 
  2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2006   2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2007 
  HK$ HK$ HK$ HK$ HK$ US$   HK$ HK$ HK$ HK$ HK$ US$ 
  (Amounts in thousands)   (Amounts in thousands) 

U.S. GAAP

              

Total assets

  1,329,707  1,552,021  1,688,640  2,385,556  2,154,305  277,020   1,552,021  1,688,640  2,385,556  2,154,305  2,189,086  280,767 

Total liabilities

  (422,297) (369,359) (507,710) (1,352,876) (1,257,034) (161,641)  (369,359) (507,710) (1,352,876) (1,257,034) (1,279,587) (164,117)

Total shareholders’ equity

  907,410  1,182,662  1,180,930  1,032,680  897,271  115,379   1,182,662  1,180,930  1,032,680  897,271  909,499  116,650 

 

  As of and for the year ended August 31,   As of and for the year ended August 31, 
  2002 2003 

2004

(restated) (8)

 

2005

(restated) (8)(10)

 2006(10) 2006(10)   2003 2004 2005(8) 2006(8) 2007 2007 
  HK$ HK$ HK$ HK$ HK$ US$   HK$ HK$ HK$ HK$ HK$ US$ 
  (Amounts in thousands)   (Amounts in thousands) 

Other Financial Data:

              

EBITDA(5)

  227,684  449,058  244,945  108,377  195,417  25,129   449,058  244,945  108,377  195,417  353,827  45,381 

Net cash provided by operating activities(9)

  288,444  414,500  203,763  77,383  184,151  23,680   414,500  203,763  77,383  184,151  383,999  49,251 

Net cash used in investing activities(9)

  (475,212) (309,634) (406,244) (557,440) (492,742) (63,361)

Net cash (used in) / generated from investing activities

  (309,634) (406,244) (557,440) (492,742) 114,053  14,628 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

  9,109  (10,274) 47,221  792,216  (86,432) (11,114)  (10,274) 47,221  792,216  (86,432) (109,504) (14,045)

Capital expenditures(7)(6)

  579,066  250,209  410,046  419,126  322,935  41,526   250,209  410,046  419,126  322,935  132,250  16,962 

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 (used in) operating activities under Hong Kong GAAPHKFRSs to our definition of EBITDA on a consolidated basis for each of fiscal 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2006.2007.

  As of and for the year ended August 31, 
  2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2006   As of and for the year ended August 31, 
   (restated) (8) (restated) (8)   2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2007 
  HK$ HK$ HK$ HK$ HK$ US$   HK$ HK$ HK$ HK$ HK$ US$ 
  (Amounts in thousands)   (Amounts in thousands) 

EBITDA

  227,684  449,058  244,945  108,377  195,417  25,129   449,058  244,945  108,377  195,417  353,827  45,381 

Depreciation and amortization

  (129,355) (176,020) (197,017) (237,714) (276,464) (35,551)  (176,020) (197,017) (237,714) (276,464) (258,103) (33,104)

Interest income/(expense), net

  7,366  2,562  3,578  (40,884) (68,259) (8,777)  2,562  3,578  (40,884) (68,259) (64,833) (8,315)

Income taxes (expense)/credit

  (15,190) (17,857) (2,043) 6,725  7,244  932   (17,857) (2,043) 6,725  7,244  (2,026) (260)
                                      

Net income/(loss)

  90,505  257,743  49,463  (163,496) (142,062) (18,267)  257,743  49,463  (163,496) (142,062) 28,865  3,702 

Depreciation and amortization

  129,355  176,020  197,017  237,714  276,464  35,550   176,020  197,017  237,714  276,464  258,103  33,104 

Impairment loss on investment property

  —    —    —    —    1,131  145   —    —    —    1,131  —    —   

Amortization of deferred expenditure

  —    —    1,828  12,927  13,973  1,797   —    1,828  12,927  13,973  15,580  1,998 

Income taxes (expense)/credit

  15,190  17,857  2,043  (6,725) (7,244) (932)

Income taxes expense/(credit)

  17,857  2,043  (6,725) (7,244) 2,026  260 

Interest income

  (10,870) (3,163) (3,753) (13,578) (20,378) (2,620)  (3,163) (3,753) (13,578) (20,378) (22,671) (2,908)

Interest on 10-year senior notes

  —    —    —    52,372  85,235  10,961 

Amortization of debt issuance costs

  —    —    —    1,693  1,429  184 

Interest, amortization and exchange difference on senior notes

  —    —    54,065  86,664  89,879  11,528 

Other borrowing costs

  —    —    —    —    1,919  247   —    —    —    1,919  (739) (95)

Minority interest

  (8,234) —    —    —    —    —     —    —    —    —    —    —   

Loss/(gain) on disposal of fixed assets

  2,414  427  (34) (134) 9,621  1,237 

Gain / loss on disposal of fixed assets

  427  (34) (134) 9,621  1,714  220 

Equity settled share-based transaction

  —    —    87  6,965  6,823  877   —    87  6,965  6,823  5,727  735 

Realized and unrealized loss on derivatives financial instruments

  —    —    —    —    125  16   —    —    —    125  806  103 

Unrealized losses/(gain) on other investments

  —    —    1,696  (300) (668) (86)  —    1,696  (300) (668) (1,887) (242)

Loss on disposal of a subsidiary

  —    2,695  —    —    —    —     2,695  —    —    —    —    —   

Taxation paid

  (4,452) (19,861) (24,819) (1,393) (2,532) (326)  (19,861) (24,819) (1,393) (2,532) (2,171) (278)

Change in long term receivable

  —    —    (6,206) (6,893) 567  73   —    (6,206) (6,893) 567  5,600  718 

Change in working capital, net

  74,536  (17,218) (13,559) (41,769) (40,252) (5,176)  (17,218) (13,559) (41,769) (40,252) 3,167  406 
                                      

Net cash flow provided by operating activities(9)

  288,444  414,500  203,763  77,383  184,151  23,680 

Net cash flow provided by operating activities

  414,500  203,763  77,383  184,151  383,999  49,251 
                                      

 

  As of and for the year ended August 31,  As of and for the year ended August 31,
  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007

Operating Data:

                    

Fixed Telecommunications Network Services Subscriptions:

                    

Broadband Internet Access

  130,000  172,000  197,000  229,000  220,000  172,000  197,000  229,000  220,000  247,000

Local VOIP

  21,000  140,000  237,000  293,000  281,000  140,000  237,000  293,000  281,000  308,000

IP-TV

  —    —    31,000  109,000  116,000  —    31,000  109,000  116,000  128,000
                              

Total

  151,000  312,000  465,000  631,000  617,000  312,000  465,000  631,000  617,000  683,000
                              

Registered International Telecommunications Accounts(6)(7)

  1,147,689  1,589,188  1,916,235  2,054,036  2,201,963  1,589,188  1,916,235  2,054,036  2,201,963  2,331,000

IDD Outgoing Minutes (in thousands)

  916,000  888,000  1,007,000  947,100  788,000  888,000  1,007,000  947,100  788,000  659,000


(1)

Diluted net income/(loss) per share is computed by dividing the net income/(loss) by the diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares during the year.

(2)

For fiscal 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2004,2007, the diluted weighted average number of 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 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 2005 and 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)

Diluted net income/(loss) from continuing operations per share is computed by dividing the net income/(loss) from continuing operations by the diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares during the year.

(4)

Diluted net loss from discontinued operations per share is computed by dividing the net loss from discontinued operations by the diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares during the year.

(5)

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 Hong Kong GAAPHKFRSs 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 Hong Kong GAAPHKFRSs 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.

((6)

Capital expenditures represent additions to fixed assets and include non-cash transactions.

6(7))

Registered accounts refer to international telecommunications customers that have a valid account. Account holders may or may not be active users of our services.

((8)7)

Capital expenditures represent additions to fixed assets and include non-cash transactions.
(8)The Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants, or HKICPA, has issued a number of new and revised Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards, or HKFRSs, that became effective or have been available for early adoption for accounting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2005. Information on the changes in accounting policies resulting from initial application of these new and revised HKFRSs is provided in note 3 to our consolidated financial statements. Figures for fiscal 2004 and fiscal 2005 have been adjusted for these new and revised HKFRSs that were adopted on September 1, 2005 in accordance with the transitional provisions and as disclosed in note 3(a) to our consolidated financial statements. Earlier years have only been restated to the extent that the new accounting policies are adopted retrospectively as disclosed in note 3(a) to our consolidated financial statements.
(9)As described more fully in note 3(e) to our consolidated financial statements, the amount reported for cash flows generated from operating and investing activities for the year ended August 31, 2005 have been revised. The impact of the revision was an increase in the amount reported for cash flows generated from operating activities of HK$92.9 million and a decrease in the amount reported for cash flows from investing activities of HK$92.9 million.
(10)

Due to additional evidence and information received with respect to the collectibility of the mobile interconnection charges prior to the filing of the Company’sour annual report on Form 20-F for fiscal 2005 whichon January 30, 2006, we were required us to reassess the conditions on which the estimates on bad debt provision for mobile interconnection charges receivables were based,based. As a result, our Hong Kong statutory financial statements for the year ended August 31, August 2005 differ from the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements reported in 2005our annual report on Form 20-F.20-F for fiscal 2005. The effect of the reassessment was reflected in our consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended August 31, 2005 included in our annual report on Form 20-F filed on January 30, 2006, whereas the effect of such reassessment was reflectedfor fiscal 2005 and in our Hong Kong statutory financial statements as of and for the year ended August 31, 2006.

Our reassessment had the following effects on our consolidated statement of operations for the years ended August 31, 2005 and 2006:

 

   As previously
reported in 2005 Hong
Kong statutory
financial statements
  As reported
in 2005 Form
20-F
  As previously
reported in
2006 Hong Kong
statutory
financial
statements
  As reported
in 2006
Form 20-F
 
   HK$  HK$  HK$  HK$ 
   (Amounts in thousands except per share data) 

Revenue from provision of telecommunication and other services, net

  1,137,356  1,162,059  1,159,579  1,134,876 

Provision for doubtful accounts receivable

  (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 

    As previously
reported in 2005 Hong
Kong statutory
financial statements
  As reported
in 2005 Form
20-F
  As previously
reported in
2006 Hong Kong
statutory
financial
statements
  As reported
in 2006
Form 20-F
 
   HK$  HK$  HK$  HK$ 
   (Amounts in thousands except per share data) 

Revenue from provision of telecommunications and other services, net

  1,137,356  1,162,059  1,159,579  1,134,876 

Provision for doubtful accounts

  (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 

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. However, even with this official exchange rate, and despite the efforts of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s (“HKMA”) currency board to keep such 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 noon buying rate between the Hong Kong dollar and the U.S. dollar (in Hong Kong dollars per U.S. dollar) for the periods indicated:

 

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

2001

  7.7996  7.8004  7.7970  7.7980

2002

  7.7996  7.8095  7.7970  7.7988

2003

  7.7864  7.8001  7.7085  7.7640

2004

  7.7891  7.8010  7.7632  7.7723

2005

  7.7775  7.7999  7.7514  7.7718

2006

  7.7681  7.7928  7.7506  7.7767

August 2006

  7.7762  7.7796  7.7723  7.7767

September 2006

  7.7825  7.7913  7.7767  7.7913

October 2006

  7.7849  7.7928  7.7746  7.7780

November 2006

  7.7816  7.7875  7.7751  7.7779

December 2006

  7.7733  7.7787  7.7665  7.7771

January 2007 (through January 23, 2007)

  7.7968  7.8100  7.7797  7.7998
    Average(1)  High  Low  Period-End
   HK$  HK$  HK$  HK$

2002

  7.7996  7.8095  7.7970  7.7988

2003

  7.7864  7.8001  7.7085  7.7640

2004

  7.7891  7.8010  7.7632  7.7723

2005

  7.7775  7.7999  7.7514  7.7718

2006

  7.7681  7.7928  7.7506  7.7767

2007

  7.8019  7.8289  7.7497  7.7975

July 2007

  7.8197  7.8264  7.8129  7.8264

August 2007

  7.8155  7.8289  7.7968  7.7968

September 2007

  7.7816  7.7947  7.7591  7.7689

October 2007

  7.7544  7.7694  7.7497  7.7502

November 2007

  7.7773  7.7890  7.7573  7.7874

December 2007

  7.7983  7.8073  7.7879  7.7984

January 2008 (through January 23, 2008)

  7.8043  7.8107  7.7989  7.8075


(1)The average of the noon buying rates on the last business day of each month during the relevant annual period or the average noon buying rates for each business day during the relevant monthly period.

Source: Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

B. Capitalization and indebtedness

notNot applicable

C. Reasons for the offer and use of proceeds

notNot applicable

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.

Risks Relating to Our Business and Operations

We cannot assure you that we will be able to preventmaintain an increase in total revenues and operating results from continuing to decline.

In fiscal 2006 ,2007, our total revenues decreasedincreased to HK$1,141.3 million from HK$1,134.9 million from HK$1,162.1 million in fiscal 2005,2006, and we experiencedrecorded a net profit of HK$28.9 million versus a net loss of HK$142.1 million versus net loss of HK$163.5 million in fiscal 2005.2006. The lossprofit in fiscal 20062007 was mainly due to a declineour focus on increasing the average revenue per user from our fixed telecommunications network business and also from enhancing operating efficiency over the last 18 months. Moreover, the shift in contributionsthe revenue composition from our international telecommunications services and continued losses fromto our fixed telecommunications network business. Webusiness also represents a transition to a higher margin business model. However, we cannot assure you that we will be able to turn around this lossmaintain the profits and business decline.growth.

OurRevenues from our international telecommunications revenues declinedbusiness decreased by 21.5%22.4% primarily due to a decrease in the total number of minutes carried by 16.8%.16.4% and the intentional drop out of low profit margin subscribers. With the drop in average tariff rates and a reduced operating scale, we expect that the profit margins infrom our international telecommunications services will continue to be under pressure and lowerless revenue will be generated in future.

OurRevenues from our fixed telecommunications network services revenuesbusiness increased by 13.8%14.0% in fiscal 20062007, primarily due to an increase in our average revenue per user the effects of which was partially offset by a decreaseand an increase in our subscription base of 2.2%10.7%. The decrease in our subscription baseThis increase was due to assertive promotionsmainly driven by our competitors, especially the incumbent carrier. We, however, incurred operating losses of approximately HK$106.7 million in fiscal 2006 from such service operations. We expectgrowing demand for high bandwidth broadband Internet access service. However, we cannot assure you that our fixed telecommunications network service business will continue to incur operating lossesbe profitable as we expendwill continue to expand substantial resources onin developing and marketing broadband Internet access, local VOIP, IP-TV and corporate data services. We cannot assure you that we will achieve and sustain profitability in our fixed telecommunications network operations.

We have substantially less financial and human resources to apply to the development of our business than some of our main competitors.

The telecommunications and pay-TV markets in Hong Kong are highly competitive. Some of our main competitors for Internet access, local telephony, pay-TV and international telecommunications services have longer operating histories and others are subsidiaries of large business conglomerates. Consequently, our competitors may have resource advantages over us including as follows:

 

greater financial, technical, marketing and other resources;

greater existing infrastructure;

 

greater existing infrastructure;

greater name recognition; and

 

larger customer bases.

In addition, certain areas of the fixed telecommunications network services business are very capital intensive. Our competitors may be able to devote more human and financial resources to research and development, network improvement and marketing than we can.

Our growth and profitability could be affected by an increasing number of local and foreign entrants in the international and local telecommunications, and Internet access and television broadcasting markets.

The Hong Kong government continues to liberalize access into the telecommunications industry in Hong Kong, including issuing new wireless and wire-line fixed telecommunications network services licenses, which we refer to as FTNS Licenses. We expect the Hong Kong government to continue to open the telecommunications market in the next several years. Some of these changes may impact our company. Company:

As of DecemberJanuary 4, 2006, 2472008, 253 public non-exclusive telecommunications service licenses, which we refer to as PNETS Licenses, for the provision of external telecommunications services had been issued in Hong Kong. Some of these licenses are held by subsidiaries of major foreign telecommunications providers, which have competitive advantage due to their global presence and size.

On December 31, 2007, TVB and ATV launched digital terrestrial television, which will expand the public’s access to 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. If the number of subscribers to our pay-television service declines, it could adversely affect our results of operations.

Increasing liberalization of the telecommunications market in Hong Kong may continue to attract new local and foreign entrants to the market, which may broaden the variety of telecommunications services supplied by existing service providers, thereby heightening the overall level of competition in our industry. Increased competition could result in price reductions, reduced gross margins or loss of market share, any of which could adversely affect our future growth and profitability.

The development of our Metro Ethernet networkNext Generation Network requires significant capital expenditures. These capital expenditures may vary materially from those currently planned and may impose a burden on our financing and operating activities.

Our business is capital intensive, and our capital expenditures may not have the positive effect on our business and revenues that we expect. We have made, and will continue to make, capital investments in the expansion and upgrade of our Metro Ethernet networkself-owned Next Generation Network, and the development of our telecommunications services. We incurred total capital expenditures of approximately HK$322.9132.3 million in fiscal 2006.2007. For the three fiscal 2007,years ending August 31, 2010, we expect to incur a total capital expendituresexpenditure of approximately HK$125 million to HK$150850 million, the large majority of which will be spent on the continued expansion and upgrade of our Metro Ethernet network.

While we intend to fund such expenditures by using our currently available cash as well as cash flow from operations, and the net proceeds from our January 2005 offering of 8.75% senior notes due 2015, which we refer to in this annual report as the 8.75% notes or 10-year senior notes, we may not have adequate capital to fund our projected capital expenditures. Future, additional debt or equity financing may not be available, and debt financing, if available, may involve restrictions on our investing, financing and operating activities.

We may not realize the commercial benefits we expect from our investments, which may adversely impact our business.

We have made significant investments in our network infrastructure to provide the services we offer. The launch of new and commercially viable products and services is important to compete in our business. Commercial acceptance by consumers of the new services we offer may not occur at the rate or level expected, and we may not be able to successfully adapt the new services effectively and economically to meet consumers’ demand, which could limit the return from our investments. Specifically, we cannot assure you that services enabled by upgrading and expanding our Metro Ethernet networkNext Generation Network will be accepted by the public to the extent required to generate an acceptable rate of return. Furthermore, we cannot assure you that our estimate of the necessary capital expenditure to offer such services will not be exceeded. The failure of any of our services to achieve commercial acceptance could result in additional capital expenditures or a reduction in profitability to the extent that we are required under the applicable accounting standards to recognize a charge for the impairment of assets. Any such charge could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and the results of our operations.

As most of the servicesAlthough we provide throughhave expressed our Metro Ethernet network are still at an early stage of implementation, evaluation of our business and our prospects is difficult.

Due to the short operating history of most of our fixed telecommunications network services, especially our IP-TV services, our historical financial data may not provide a meaningful basis for you to evaluate us and our prospects. These services are still at an early stage of implementation, and the revenue, potential income and cash flows from these new businesses are unproven. Accordingly, evaluation of our businesses and our prospects is difficult, andinterest in Singapore’s Next Generation National Broadband Network project, we cannot giveassure you any assurance that we will continuebe capable of participating in the project and, if we will, that this project will be successful.

We are exploring the possibility of bidding for Singapore’s Next Generation National Broadband Network project. See “Business Overview—Developments in Fiscal Year 2007”. To participate in this project, we may be required to succeedstructure the transactions to comply with certain restrictive covenants under the 8.75% notes that we issued in these businesses.

January 2005. No assurance can be given that we will be able to successfully structure the transactions. We may also require financing, which might include the issuance of equity securities and issuance of debt instruments, among other alternatives. Raising additional funds by issuing common stock or other types of equity securities would dilute our existing stockholders.

If we elect to submit a bid for the project, we cannot assure you that our bid will be accepted or, if accepted, that the awarded contract will generate sufficient revenues to result in profitability. Because the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (“IDA”) requires a bid on this project in advance of the completion of the relevant design, we are subject to the risks of unforeseen software development or other technological difficulties and/or cost overruns.

We are in the process of instituting changes to our internal controls and management systems in order to satisfy the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002. Our failure to timely and successfully institute these changes and to maintain the adequacy of our internal controls could subject us to regulatory actions and may adversely affect our stock price and our ability to raise additional capital.

The United States Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, adopted rules requiring every public company to include a management report on such company’s 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. In addition, an independent registered public accounting firm must attest to and report on management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the company’s internal controls over financial reporting. As a non-accelerated filer, we are required to file management’s first report on internal controls over financial reporting for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2008 and our first auditor’s attestation report on management’s assessmentthe effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2009.

We are in the process of instituting changes to our internal controls and management systems to comply with the requirements. Among others, we are designing procedures to document various controls and relevant testing procedures under requirements stipulated by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in the United States. We have assigned an internal audit manager to oversee this compliance process, who reports to both our audit committeeAudit Committee, Chairman and other senior management on a periodic basis. In addition, we had hired external consultants to perform a high-level internal control gap analysis.analysis and we would hire external consultants for advisory services whenever necessary.

Notwithstanding our efforts, our management may conclude that our internal controls over our financial reporting are not effective. Moreover, even if our management concludes that our internal controls over financial reporting are effective, our independent registered public accounting firm may still decline to attest toconclude that our management’s assessment or may issue a report that is qualified if itinternal control over financial reporting is not satisfied with our controls or the level at which our controls are documented, designed, operated or reviewed, or if it interprets the relevant requirements differently from us.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 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002. 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, our ability to raise additional capital and operate our business as projected.

Our growth and expansion may impact our ability to manage our operations, increase our costs of operation and adversely affect the quality of our services.

We have pursued and continue to pursue a strategy of aggressive growth in our fixed telecommunications network services business. As part of this strategy, we continue to expand and invest in the Metro Ethernet networkNext Generation Network infrastructure we use to deliver 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. Our ability to manage our future growth will depend upon our ability to:

 

simultaneously manage implementation of our infrastructure development and marketing plans;

 

effectively monitor our operations so as to contain costs and maintain effective quality controls; and

 

continue to offer competitive prices to customers for our services.

Our failure to achieve any of the above in an efficient manner and at a pace consistent with the growth of our fixed telecommunications network services 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 dependent upon the continued service of our key executives and employees. We rely extensively on the services of our executive officers, including Wong Wai Kay, Ricky, our Chairman, and Cheung Chi Kin, Paul, our Chief FinancialExecutive Officer. While we have employment agreements with members of our senior management staff, we cannot assure you that we will be able to retain these executives and employees. If one or more 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 and adversely affected. Furthermore, as our industry is characterized by high demand and increased competition for talent, we may need to offer higher compensation and other benefits in order to attract and retain key personnel in the future. We cannot assure you that we will be able to attract and retain the key personnel that we will need to achieve our business objectives.

Expansion of our Metro Ethernet networkNext Generation Network into certain buildings and residences may be limited by physical limitations or our ability to obtain access permits.

Expanding our Metro Ethernet networkNext Generation Network coverage requires us to install fiber-to-the-home, or fiber-to-the-building, as well as install Category 5e copper wiring within residential and commercial buildings to reach the subscriber’s premises, which we refer to as in-building-wiring. One of our competitors has already installed in-building-wiring in virtually all buildings, and we along with other fixed telecommunications network service providers may encounter a bottleneck when installing our own in-building-wiring because many buildings have limited physical space for additional in-building wiring. In addition, owners of certain single-owner commercial buildings may grant rights of access to our competitors while barring us from installing our own in-building-wiring. Furthermore, certain developers may have affiliations with our competitors and may attempt to delay our wiring installations. These constraints may hinder the expansion of our Metro Ethernet networkNext Generation Network from current 1.31.4 million home passpasses coverage to our long termthree-year target of 1.82.0 million home passes. Failure to growexpand our network coverage will limit our growth opportunities and reduce our ability to benefit from economics of scale.

Internet security concerns could limit our ability to develop revenues from Internet access services.

We intend to continue developing our broadband Internet access, local VOIP, IP-TV and corporate data services. Computer viruses, break-ins and other inappropriate or unauthorized uses of our Metro Ethernet networkNext Generation Network could affect the provision of our full suite of Internet Protocol, or IP, services. Computer viruses, break-ins or other problems could have the following effects on our fixed telecommunications network services business:

 

result in interruption, delays or cessation in services to our customers;

 

jeopardize the security of confidential information stored in the computer system of our customers; and

 

allow for illegal viewing or download of our content.

We may incur significant costs to protect us against the threat of security breaches or to alleviate problems caused by such breaches. In addition, alleviating these problems may cause interruptions, delays or cessation in service to our users, which could cause them to stop using our service or assert claims against us. While we continue to strengthen our network security, there is no assurancesassurance that computer viruses and other harmful attacks could not affect our business.

Risks Relating to Our Technological Infrastructure

We will be limited in our ability to continue to expand our internet access business unless we obtain additional network capacity.

Our internet access network has limited capacity. Our ability to continue to increase internet service depends on our ability to expand the network bandwidth on a timely basis, which in turn is subject to:

 

the expansion and development of our own international telecommunications facilities;
��

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 internet access business market share and revenues will be limited.

We are vulnerable to natural disasters, and other disruptive regional events, which could cause damage to our network and result in lost revenue and perhaps lost customers.

Our network is vulnerable to damage or cessation of operations from fire, earthquakes, severe storms, power loss, telecommunications failures, network software flaws, vandalism, transmission cable cuts and other catastrophic events. We may

experience failures or shutdowns relating to individual points of presence or even catastrophic failure of our entire network. Hong Kong’s weather patterns often result in heavy rainfall during certain periods of the year. Any sustained failure of our network, our servers, or any link in the delivery chain, whether from operational disruption, natural disaster or otherwise, resulting in an interruption in our operations, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The earthquake in Taiwan on December 26, 2006 interrupted international capacity access to the carriers in Hong Kong. By redirecting our tariff under our contingency plan, we were able to minimize the impact of such interruption to our business by restoring basic international services within two days of the disaster. We, however, cannot assure that our contingency plan will be sufficient to overcome natural disasters and other disruptive regional events in the future.

The loss of key suppliers or their failure to deliver equipment on a timely basis could negatively impact our business prospects.

We rely on our key suppliers Cisco Systems Inc., Nortel Networks Limited and other suppliers to provide equipment, underground cables and other necessary components in building our Metro Ethernet networkNext Generation Network infrastructure, and for our VOIP equipment. In order for new subscribers to access our IP-TV services, we must install an 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. In addition, if Cisco Systems, Inc. or Nortel is unable or is delayed in providing us with the hardware required for building our fiber-based backbone infrastructure or VOIP equipment, this could negatively impact our operating results.

Our reliance on third parties to provide maintenance and repairs for our Metro Ethernet networkNext Generation Network could adversely affect our operating results if their services are not timely or do not meet our standards.

We depend on Cisco Systems, Inc. and other third parties for ongoing support and assistance with respect to maintenance and repairs. 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 provide us the equipment we require, or 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, which may adversely affect our operating results and our ability to retain or add new customers.

If we are unable to stay ahead of technology trends and evolving industry standards, our services may become obsolete.

Telecommunications businesses are characterized by rapidly changing technology and industry standards, evolving subscriber needs and the introduction of new services. The continuously changing nature of these services, and their increasingly shorter life cycles require us to continually improve our performance, services and network in order to compete successfully with the services offered by our competitors. Further, new technology or trends in the telecommunications industry could have an adverse effect on the services we currently offer. For example, the replacement of traditional fixed line home telephones with mobile telephones and/or VOIP services may lead to a decline in our international telecommunications services revenues. Further, technology substitution from global VOIP providers, some of which offer free PC-to-PC based international calls, is also becoming more prevalent. 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. In addition, our new products and services may contain design flaws or other defects that could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results or financial condition. To respond successfully to technological advances and emerging industry standards, we may require substantial capital expenditure and access to related or enabling technologies in order to integrate the new technology with our existing technology. We may not be successful in modifying our network infrastructure in a timely and cost-effective manner in response to these changes, which will affect our ability to continue to offer the products and services demanded by our 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 activitiestransactions) in the Hong Kong telecommunications industry by giving the Telecommunications Authority the power to review mergersthe conduct and acquisitionstransactions concerning carrier licensees and to take appropriate actions whenif it determines that the transaction would, or is likely to, prevent or substantially lessen competition in a telecommunications market without any outweighing public benefits.market. The Telecommunications Authority also has the rightpower under this provision to imposeconduct an investigation into any questionable transaction. It might consent to the transaction (unconditionally or subject to any conditions uponit deems appropriate) or oppose or unwind mergersreject the transaction outright. The decision of the Telecommunications Authority will take account of whether the transaction will adversely affect the public interest and acquisitions.benefit. This regulationprovision may have an adverse effect on our ability to grow our business through mergers and acquisitions.

 

We offer local VOIP services through our Metro Ethernet network.Next Generation Network. 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. The proposed regulatory framework, if adopted, will subject us to further regulations that may affect our operations and increase our compliance costs.

 

We offer fixed telecommunications network services. The Telecommunications Authority is currently in the process of developing a new Fixed-Mobile Convergence, or FMC, licensing practice which may supersede the existing distinctions between fixed-line and mobile operator licensing. This effectively means that the existing four classes of carrier licenses are proposed to be replaced by a single Unified Carrier License, or UCL. 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 wireless license, our ability to compete maybemay be hindered by our inability to offer such services independently.

 

We provide our IP-TV services over our Metro Ethernet networkNext 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 exempt under the Broadcasting Ordinance from the requirement to obtain a domestic pay-television program 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 program 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, we would be unable to deliver the services authorized by that license.

We require licenses from the Telecommunications Authority to provide our international telecommunications and fixed telecommunications network services. Our PNETS License is subject to the Telecommunications Authority’s annual renewal and HKBN’s FTNS License awarded in 2000 is initially granted for a term of 15 years, which 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 for any reason would prohibit us from continuing to offer the services authorized by that license, which would have a significant adverse impact on our revenues and profitability. In addition, future changes in Hong Kong’s telecommunications regulations or policies that would require us to obtain additional licenses could have an adverse impact on our operations.

Our revenues may be adversely affected by increases in tariffs in China.

In China, the Ministry of Information Industry, or the MII, and the State Development Planning Commission jointly set tariffs for all domestic and international long distance services in China using public switched telephone networks, leased lines and data services. 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 2006,2007, approximately 75% 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

MII 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, it would have an adverse effect on our profit margins for international telecommunications services.

We have approximately 50%47% of our staff located in Guangzhou, China and changes in Chinese labor or business laws may significantly affect our operations and our ability to service our Hong Kong based customers.

Our call center in Guangzhou employs over 1,200 persons and is an important resource for us. We are therefore subject, to a significant degree, to the laws and regulations that govern foreign companies with operations in China. As Thethe 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 employees in China which could impact our ability to provide service to our Hong Kong based customers.

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

A major portion of our operating costs is interconnection charges paid to overseas carriers for the delivery of our international calls. Substantially all of these interconnection charges are denominated in U.S. dollars or other currencies other than Hong Kong dollars. In addition, the equipment and hardware we purchase for the expansion of our Metro Ethernet networkNext Generation Network constitutes a large portion of our capital expenditure and is also denominated in U.S. dollars. Finally, payment of interest, principal and any other amounts due under the 8.75% notes issued in January 2005 are made in U.S. dollars. However, our revenues are predominantly denominated in Hong Kong dollars. Since October 17, 1983, the Hong Kong dollar has been linked to the U.S. dollar at the rate of HK$7.80 per US$1.00. We cannot assure you the link will be maintained.

In addition, the expenses that we incur in relation to our call center located in Guangzhou, China are denominated exclusively in Renminbi, the official currency of the People’s Republic of China. These include the salaries that we pay to our personnel as well as various operating expenses that we incur to maintain our operations. As a result, we are exposed to a certain amount of foreign exchange risk based on fluctuations between the Hong Kong dollar and the Renminbi. 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.

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.

Risks Relating to our Securities

We incurred a netcannot assure you that we will be able to generate sufficient cash outflow before financing activities in each of fiscal years 2005 and 2006.from operations to fund our operations.

Our ability to fund operating and capital expenditures and to service debt will depend significantly on our ability to generate cash from operations. In fiscal 2005 and 2006,2007, we incurred netwere able to generate cash outflow before financing activitiesfrom operations of HK$480.1 million and HK$308.6 million, respectively. We384.0 million. However, we cannot assure you that we will needbe able to turn aroundsustain our operations in order to generate sufficient cash flows to meet our future debt service requirements. However, we cannot assure you that we will be able to do so.

Our ability to generate cash from operations is subject to general economic, financial, industry, legal and other factors and conditions, many of which are outside our control. In particular, our operations are subject to price and demand volatility in the telecommunications industry. If we cannot finance our operations and capital expenditure using cash generated from operations, we may be required to (among other things) incur additional debt, reduce capital expenditures, sell assets, or raise equity. We may not be successful in taking these actions. In particular, Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s Investors Services downgraded our credit rating during 2005, from ‘BB-’ to ‘B’ and from ‘Ba3’to B2’, respectively. These downgrades may limit our ability to obtain future financing or make such financing more costly. Further, our ability to take many of these steps may be subject to approval by future creditors in addition to holders of the 8.75% notes issued in January 2005.

The 8.75% notes that we issued in January 2005 contain covenants that limit our financial and operating flexibility.

Covenants under the 8.75% notes that we issued in January 2005 restrict our ability to, among other things:

 

pay dividends, make distributions, redeem capital stock and make certain other restricted payments or investments;

 

incur additional indebtedness or issue certain equity interests;

 

merge, consolidate or sell all or substantially all of our assets;

 

issue or sell capital stock of some of our subsidiaries;

sell or exchange assets or enter into new businesses;

 

create any restrictions on the payment of dividends, the making of distributions, the making of loans and the transfer of assets;

 

create liens on assets;

 

enter into sale and lease back transactions; and

 

enter into certain transactions with affiliates or related persons.

All of these limitations are subject to exceptions and qualifications specified in the indenture governing the 8.75% notes. These restrictive covenants could limit our ability to pursue our growth plan, restrict our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and industry and increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions.

ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

A. History and Development of the Company

 

The legal and commercial name of the Company is City Telecom (H.K.) Ltd.Limited.

 

The Company was incorporated in Hong Kong.

 

The Company was incorporated on May 19, 1992 under the Companies Ordinance (Chapter 32 of the laws of Hong Kong) (the “Companies Ordinance”). Our registered office is located at Level 39, Tower 1, Metroplaza, No. 223 Hing Fong Road, 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.

 

Important events in the development of our business are as follows:

We began offering international telecommunications services in September 1992. From that date, we focused on increasing our subscription base and amount of international traffic, and on building the CTI brand name as a low cost provider of international telecommunications services. In January 1999, we became the first Hong Kong company to obtain a public non-exclusive telecommunications services license, which we refer to in this annual report as a PNETS License, covering the provision of international telecommunications services using international simple resale, which had a significant positive impact on our international telecommunications revenues. We incorporated HKBNHong Kong Broadband Network Limited (“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 Metro Ethernet network.Next Generation Network.

We believe that one of the cornerstones of our success has been our ability to quickly expand our service offerings when changes in regulation or technology have provided us with an opportunity to do so. Some of the key events in our history and development include:

 

In January 2008, HKBN launched “Dual Mode High Definition Terrestrial TV Receiver and IPTV Set-Top Box” to all customers in Hong Kong.

In September 2007, HKBN launched “Fiber-To-The-Home” residential broadband service, “FiberHome100”, “FiberHome200” and “FiberHome1000”. As the same time, we upgraded our entry level service broadband Internet access from 10 Mbps to 25 Mbps.

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

In June 2007, CTI Group was awarded “Best Retention Strategies” at the Hong Kong HR Awards 2007

In February 2007, HKBN launched bb50 and bb200 symmetric residential broadband service supported by “SDU” personalized customer care service.

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

In July 2006, HKBN was conferred “Call Center of the Year” & “Customer Service Center of the Year” awards at the Customer Relationship Excellence Awards 2005.

In March 2006, HKBN launched our “bb25” Internet access service with symmetric 25 Mbps access for the residential mass market. This supplemented our existing bb10, bb100 and bb1000 service offerings.

In November 2005, we announced cooperation with China Telecom Hong Kong Limited to provide Pan-China Internet Protocol Virtual Private Network services to corporate customers.

 

In October 2005, HKBN became the first service provider in the world to achieve the Cisco Powered Network Metro Ethernet QoS Certified status.

 

In October 2005, HKBN launched our “2b” Broadband Phone Service, providing VOIP services to local and overseas users via a software-based broadband phone.

 

In September 2005, HKBN was conferred as the winner of the Global Entrepolis@Singapore Award 2005, which was presented by the Asian Wall Street Journal in association the Economic Development Board of Singapore. This award recognizes innovation in the application of technology to a strong business model with commercial potential to be an industry or market leader.

B. Business Overview

Principal Activities

We are a provider of residential and corporate fixed telecommunications network and international telecommunications services in Hong Kong. Using our self-owned Metro Ethernet network,Next Generation Network, we deliver fixed telecommunications network services to the residential mass market and small-to-medium corporate and enterprise market segments, at competitive prices while simultaneously offering a larger bandwidth over comparable offerings by our competitors. Our integrated suite of services includes the following:

 

high-speed broadband Internet access services that provide our customers with symmetric upstream and downstream access speeds with options for 1025 Mbps, 2550 Mbps, 100 Mbps, 200 Mbps and 1,000 Mbps;

 

fixed line local telephony through our voice-over-Internet-Protocol technology;

 

pay television, where we deliver more than 7983 channels including self-produced news, children’s programming, international drama and movies and local interest programming using our IP platform; and

 

corporate data services, which includes provision of dedicated bandwidth to corporate customers.

As of August 31, 2006,2007, we had a total of approximately 617,000683,000 fixed telecommunications network services subscriptions, consisting of 220,000247,000 broadband Internet access, 281,000308,000 local VOIP and 116,000128,000 IP-TV services subscriptions.

In addition to providing fixed telecommunications network services, we also offer international telecommunications services in Hong Kong and Canada. We offer a variety of international telecommunications services and products including direct dial services, international calling cards and mobile call forwarding services. Our total international telecommunications services customer database comprises approximately 2.22.3 million registered accounts. Our international telecommunications business contributed 36.9%28.4% to our total revenues in fiscal 20062007 as compared to 45.8%36.9% in fiscal 2005.2006.

Recent Developments

On February 9, 2007, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding with MobileOne Limited to work together to participate in Singapore’s Next Generation National Broadband Network project (“NGN”). The Project relates to the provision of ultra-high speed national connectivity in Singapore at competitive prices by 2015.

Since then we have submitted our indication of interest in response to an invitation by the IDA to participate in the Pre-Qualification Exercise and Competitve Dialogue for the NGN project.

On December 11, 2007, the IDA released the terms of Request-For-Proposal (“RFP”) for the Network Company. Under this RFP, a company will be selected to design, build and operate the passive infrastructure layer of the project. The deployment of active electronics will be done by an operating company which will also be the entity that offers wholesale broadband access to downstream retail service providers.

Under the terms of the RFP, the Singapore Government is prepared to provide a grant of up to Singapore dollar 750 million for the project and will evaluate proposals based on four key criteria:

1.Attractiveness of business plan to industry
2.Quality of network infrastructure
3.Level of Government grant
4.Financial proposition and strength of bidder

It is expect that the IDA will award the winning bid in the third quarter of 2008.

We are now exploring the viability of this project and are in the process of assessing if we will submit the bid. For uncertainties relating to our participation in this project, see “Risks Relating to Our Business and Operations – “Although we have expressed our interest in Singapore’s Next Generation National Broadband Network project, we cannot assure you that we will be capable of participating in the project, and, if we will, that the project will be successful.””

Revenues

A significant majority of our revenues are derived from business conducted in Hong Kong. A breakdown of revenues by category of activity is as follows:

 

  Year ended August 31,  Year ended August 31,

Revenue

  2004  2005  2006  2005  2006  2007
  HK$  HK$  HK$  HK$  HK$  HK$
  (Amounts in thousands)  (Amounts in thousands)

Fixed telecommunications network services(1)

  541,902  629,464  716,600  629,464  716,600  816,800

International telecommunications services

  627,978  532,595  418,276  532,595  418,276  324,470
                  

Total operating revenue

  1,169,880  1,162,059  1,134,876  1,162,059  1,134,876  1,141,270
                  

(1)

Includes Internet access, local telephony services, and pay-TV services since August 2003.and corporate data services.

We will continue our business strategy to grow market share, increase our network coverage and introduce new services through our IP platform. We believe that our success 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 Metro EthernetNext Generation Network, and our first mover advantage in an industry with high barriers to entry.

Seasonality

Our operations are not generally subject to significant seasonal fluctuations. Our international telecommunications business typically experience a slight decrease in revenue during the second fiscal quarter of each year (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.

Network infrastructure

Our self-owned network is one of the world’s largest Metro Ethernet networksNext Generation Networks and is cited as a global reference case by our two primary vendors, Cisco Systems, Inc. and Nortel Networks Limited. Our Metro Ethernet networkNext Generation Network conforms to the industry standards for 10/100/1000 Mbps Internet access speeds, and covers 1.31.4 million home passes, which represents coverage of approximately 60% of Hong Kong’s population. The coverage of our network is concentrated in Hong Kong’s most densely populated areas.

In most other markets, Metro Ethernet technology is primarily used in commercial buildings in metropolitan areas, as the technology is most cost effective in dense user populations where a provider can service a large number of users in a single building or cluster of buildings. We have deployed Metro Ethernet technology in densely populated residential areas in Hong Kong, where most of our customers live in high-rise apartment buildings with multiple apartments on each floor. Our strategy is to sell multiple fixed telecommunications network services using our Metro Ethernet network.Next Generation Network. All of our fixed telecommunications network services are offered through our single IP platform, unlike our competitors who use multiple platforms to provide comparable services. In addition, unlike most other new entrants, we operate an “end-to-end” network that extends from our IP network hub sites and our switching centers in Hong Kong to our subscribers’ premises.

In November 2007, we have collaborated with one of the largest network solution providers for the deployment of the GPON in Hong Kong to deliver advanced triple play services to our subscribers and enlarge our FTTH network coverage in Hong Kong.

Our Competitive Strengths

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

 

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, which we believe have significant growth potential. We price our services attractively 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, which we believe to be largely under served. 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 Metro EthernetNext Generation Network. Our network deploys Ethernet technology provided by Cisco Systems, Inc. We believe our Metro Ethernet networkNext Generation Network gives us an inherent cost and performance advantage over our competitors. Our IP platform is highly scalable, enabling us to offer broadband Internet access, local VOIP, IP-TV and corporate data services over a single network while still leaving us with capacity to offer more services in the future. It is also capable of providing up to 1,000 Mbps symmetric broadband Internet access. During fiscal 2007, we launched our “Fiber-To-The-Home” (“FTTH”) residential broadband service providing 100 Mbps, 200Mbps and 1000 Mbps service. Our promotions during fiscal 2006 and 2007 highlighted the bandwidth advantage of our Metro Ethernet networkNext Generation Network over xDSL or cable modem services. Ethernet technology is “off-the-shelf” and has long been deployed for large enterprises, but we believe we are one of the first to deploy this technology for the residential market on a mass scale.

 

First Mover Advantage and High Barriers to Entry. Our first mover advantage and the inherent characteristics of the Hong Kong telecommunications infrastructure, which present a natural barrier to entry, make it difficult for our competitors to replicate our business model. Metro Ethernet technology is not appropriate for our competitors who intend to offer a full coverage network that includes remote and difficult to reach areas of Hong Kong. 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 they would encounter significant in-building bottlenecks when attempting to complete an end-to-end network. This is because the 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.

significant in-building bottlenecks when attempting to complete an end-to-end network. This is because the 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.

Fixed Telecommunications Network Services

Metro EthernetNext Generation Network Infrastructure

Our Metro Ethernet networkNext Generation Network is formed by using our own fiber-based backbone, wireless technology or leased wireline-based backbone to connect our in-building Ethernet infrastructures to our IP hub sites and switching centers in Hong Kong. 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.

The high capacity 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-TV and corporate data services. We incurred capital expenditures for our fixed telecommunications network infrastructure of approximately HK$407.5 million in fiscal 2005 and HK$309.1 million in fiscal 2006.2006 and HK$132.3 million in fiscal 2007. In fiscal 2007,2008 to fiscal 2010, we plan to further incur total capital expenditures of HK$125 million to HK$150850.0 million to continue increasing the capacity of our existing network coverage and extending the reach of our Metro Ethernet network.Next Generation Network. The service area of our Metro Ethernet networkNext Generation Network currently includes approximately 1.31.4 million home passes, representing approximately 60% of Hong Kong’s population. We plan to extend our Metro Ethernet networkNext Generation Network coverage, over the next severalthree years, to 1.82.0 million home passes, covering approximately 80%90% of Hong Kong’s population. As we expand the reach and coverage of our Metro Ethernet network,Next Generation Network, we plan to continue introducing new services.

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 access rights, we employ a combination of our full-time staff 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 we simultaneously connect the building to our fiber-based backbone. All the buildings that we reach through our expansion efforts will be served by our self-owned infrastructure.

The following table shows the profile of our fixed telecommunications network subscriptions over the past three years:

 

   As of August 31,
   2004  2005  2006

Fixed Telecommunications Network Services Subscriptions:

      

Broadband Internet Access

  197,000  229,000  220,000

Local VOIP(1)

  237,000  293,000  281,000

IP-TV

  31,000  109,000  116,000
         

Total

  465,000  631,000  617,000
         

(1)Includes Hong Kong based subscriptions only.
   As of August 31,
   2005  2006  2007

Fixed Telecommunications Network Services Subscriptions:

      

Broadband Internet Access

  229,000  220,000  247,000

Local VOIP

  293,000  281,000  308,000

IP-TV

  109,000  116,000  128,000
         

Total

  631,000  617,000  683,000
         

Internet Access

HKBN offers our broadband Internet access services in Hong Kong using wireless technologies such as local multi-point distribution systems.over our Next Generation Network. We use our broadband subscription base to up-sell our other fixed telecommunications network services such as local VOIP and IP-TV. In addition to broadband Internet access services, we also currently providemaintain on a limited scale for the 56k dial-up Internet access and limited corporate Internet access via resale of another carrier’s service. However, we are focusing exclusively on growing our subscription base for our high bandwidth broadband Internet access services and are making no further investments in dial-up or resale services.

We currently offer broadband Internet access to our residential and corporate customers at access speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps, but the majority of our customers currently have access speeds of between 1025 Mbps and 100 Mbps. We currently offer broadband service for bb10, bb25, bb50, bb100, bb200 and bb100bb1000 at monthly fees ranging from HK$158208 to HK$2381,688 for unlimited service. Moreover, we also offer FTTH broadband service for 100 Mbps, 200 Mbps and 1000 Mbps at monthly fees ranging from HK$378 to HK$1,688 for unlimited service. Currently, all of our broadband Internet access packages offer a free e-mail service and a variety of value added services, such as “bbDrive,” an on-line virtual hard drive with up to 10Gb of storage, “bbGuard,” an anti-spam and anti-virus package, and “bbWatch,” a full-screen IP-TV service that is viewed on a personal computer. We frequently change our promotions in response to market conditions or as a way of attracting additional subscribers.

In addition to the residential packages described above, we have also developed broadband promotions that target corporate customers. We offer prepackaged plans that provide access at speeds up to 1,000 Mbps, which include on-site training, on-site maintenance support, high capacity data transfer and e-mail services. Corporate customers that subscribe to prepackaged plans pay fixed monthly subscription fees that range from HK$230150 to HK$12,000.17,000.

Competition

There have been many new entrants to the Internet access business, but our main competitors are PCCW-HKT (through its current subsidiary PCCW-IMS Limited), i-Cable and HGC. PCCW-HKT has been offering broadband Internet access services since May 1998 and uses asymmetric digital subscriber line technology, or ADSL, over its telephone network to provide asymmetric Internet access typically at speeds up to 6 Mbps downstream and 640 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 symmetric access speeds up to 10 Mbps.

Our basic broadband Internet access service provides symmetric access speeds up to 1,000 Mbps. We believe that there is no other fixed telecommunications network service provider in Hong Kong with an existing infrastructure that could offer broadband Internet access at speeds comparable to our high-speed offerings to the residential mass market at cost-effective prices. However, our largestmain 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 homes passed.

We had approximately 220,000247,000 broadband Internet access subscriptions as of August 31, 2006,2007, which represented a market share of approximately 12%13% with respect to the total number of broadband Internet access subscribers in Hong Kong.

Local VOIP

We offer our on-network local VOIP services in Hong Kong. To provide local telephony service, we install IP-based voice switching equipment in locations already covered by our Metro Ethernet network.Next Generation Network. Voice signals are transmitted by the VOIP switches into the Ethernet network installed in the subscriber’s building. The capital cost of installing VOIP switches is small

because the scalability of our Metro Ethernet networkNext Generation Network allows us to provide new services over existing infrastructure with only minimal additional equipment. In addition, we now install such voice switching equipment together with our new installations of broadband equipment in some buildings.

The quality of our local VOIP service is indistinguishable from traditional fixed line local telephony services and customers are able to use their existing telephone equipment. In addition, fixed line telephony subscribers switching to our local VOIP services are able to retain their existing local telephone number via fixed line number portability.

We currently charge from HK$58 to HK$99 per month for our 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.

We also began offeringoffer hardware-based off-network local VOIP services, which we refer to as “bb Phone” services. “bb Phone” allows subscribers to use our local VOIP services via the broadband network of other operators. In October 2005, we launched our global software-based VOIP services branded as “2b”, which provides a global Hong Kong-telephone number service. This service is primarily targeted at the overseas Chinese community, which we believe will enable us to access a wider addressable market compared to the Hong Kong market for international telecommunications services. For HK$48168 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 within Hong Kong and to other “2b” users around the world. Moreover, we offer a full range of value added services, including call waiting, voice mail and conference call features.

Competition

PCCW-HKT, the incumbent and largest fixed telecommunications network operator in Hong Kong, announced that it had a market share of approximately 68%67% with respect to local telephony services as of June 30, 2006.2007. As the incumbent operator,

PCCW-HKT is required to allow interconnection to its fixed telecommunications network to other licensed fixed telecommunications network operators. 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. As of August 31, 2006,2007, we had 281,000308,000 local VOIP subscriptions. Our market share with respect to local residential telephony services amounts to approximately 13%14% as of August 31, 2006.2007.

IP-TV

In August 2003 we introduced our IP-TV service that provides DVD quality video delivered via our Metro Ethernet networkNext Generation Network to an IP set-top-box connected to the subscriber’s television set. In May 2007, we renamed our IP-TV service as “bbTV”. This monthly subscription-based pay television service offers 7983 channels consisting of a self-produced 24-hour news channel and education and recreation channels (including children’s programming), and channels whose content is obtained from other content-providers. Our news production team consists of a staff of 9078 employees and produces an average of 70-80 news stories per day for our 24-hour news cycle.

Because of the scalability of our Metro Ethernet networkNext Generation Network infrastructure, the current cost of adding IP-TV services to an existing broadband Internet access or local VOIP subscriber is small. 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. As of August 31, 2006,2007, we had 116,000128,000 subscriptions representing approximately 8% of the total Pay-TV subscription base in Hong Kong.

Competition

Our two main competitors in the pay-TV business are i-Cable and PCCW-HKT. The pay-TV services of i-Cable and PCCW-HKT include a significant amount of English language content such as English Premier League Football, HBO, Cinemax, ESPN and others. PCCW-HKT, in particular, has signed long-term exclusive content contracts with English Premier League Football, HBO, ESPN, and Star among others. We target a different market than these competitors by offering predominantly Chinese language content, and pricing our IP-TV service attractively to the residential mass market.

Television Broadcasts Limited and Asia Television Limited, commonly known as TVB and ATV, respectively, are indirect competitors to our pay-TV services in the Hong Kong television market. TVB and ATV account for a substantial proportion of Hong Kong’s television viewership and we market our services as supplemental to theirs. TVB and ATV are supported by advertising revenues and, therefore, must design their programming 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.

On December 31, 2007, TVB and ATV launched digital terrestrial television (“DTT”) to bring viewers a wide array of free programme choices, better reception and to open up new creativity platforms for television production. New free channels on standard definition television and high definition television were launched on December 31, 2007. TVB and ATV have pledged to speed up the construction of the six transmission stations to advance the target of providing coverage to 75% of the population of Hong Kong by August 2008. As DTT signals are broadcasted on new frequency channels, building management offices of each building may need to upgrade their communal aerial broadcast distribution systems for reception and distribution of DTT programmes. Viewers are also required to maintain a digital set-top-box, or buy an integrated digital television set with a built-in decoder for receiving DTT programmes. The launch of DTT by TVB and ATV may decrease the demand for pay television service.

International Telecommunications Services

We were among the first companies to be granted a PNETS License by the Telecommunications Authority to provide international calling card services in Hong Kong. Since we first began providing international telecommunications services in 1992, we have greatly expanded the range of services that we offer. We now offer a variety of international direct dial services to our customers at competitive rates and are one of the largest providers of international direct dial services in Hong Kong. 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.

The primary international telecommunications services that we currently offer our customers are the following:

 

Service

  

Description

IDD 1666

  Provides subscribers with international direct dial using the access
number 1666 in Hong Kong.

IDD 0030

  Provides subscribers with international direct dial using the access
number 0030 in Hong Kong.

Mobile Call Forwarding Services

  Allows call forwarding of Hong Kong mobile numbers so
that subscribers can receive calls while overseas.

We offer our international telecommunications service under the IDD 1666 and IDD 0030 brand names. These two brands provide us with flexibility in our marketing strategies. We charge our IDD 1666 and IDD 0030 users a per minute tariff rate that varies according to the destination of the call and calling prefixes, while IDD 0030 users of services are also provided discounts depending on the time of day or day of the week when the call is placed.

We actively promote our international telecommunications services to build our brand name awareness as one of Hong Kong’s leading telecommunications companies. In fiscal 2004 and 2005, in order to maintain our market share, we made the decision to price our international telecommunications services at competitive levels with other market players to compete with their aggressive pricing strategies.

During fiscal 2006, we experienced a reduction in total traffic volume of 16.8% to 788 million minutes and in fiscal 2006. Competition during the year2007, a further reduction in total traffic volume of 16.4% to 659 million minutes. 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. Further, technology substitution from global VOIP providers such as Skype, which offers free PC-to-PC based international calls, is also becoming more prevalent. We are proactively migrating our legacy international telecommunications services to our “2b” services, which we believe will enable us to achieve higher margins and access a wider addressable market.

International Telecommunications Network

Our international telecommunications network infrastructure is a system of switches, self-owned and leased backbone capacity, interconnection arrangements and undersea cables that connect the subscriber’s telephone call to its destination.

In March 2002, we received our license to provide undersea cable-based fixed telecommunications network services. 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. Through the first contract, we invested in the Japan-U.S. undersea cable, which was completed 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 APCN 2 cable was completed, and commercial operation began, in May 2002. 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 telecommunicationtelecommunications services.

Having our own undersea cables and our fiber-based backbone has enabled us to better control international transmission quality, reduced the costs associated with international transmission and reduced our reliance on third party infrastructure. Our international telecommunications network currently has a monthly handling capacity of approximately 150 million minutes. We believe that the continuing improvement of our international telecommunications network is important in supporting the growth in 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 off-network customers. In choosing the local fixed network operators and overseas carriers with whom we cooperate, we take into account a number of factors 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 15 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 three international telecommunications switching systems in Hong Kong and two in Canada, comprising one in each of Vancouver and Toronto.

Our three international telecommunications switching systems in Hong Kong handle telephone calls originating andor terminating in Hong Kong. Our telecommunications network mainly consists of Nortel Networks Limited switching equipment and compression units supplied by Cisco Systems, Inc. and ECI Telecom Ltd. These systems are programmed 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.

Furthermore, since 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.

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 2006.2007. This competition drove down the average tariff rates per minute and we expect this price competition to continue in fiscal 2007.2008. In order to maintain our market share and high traffic volume, we have significantly reduced some of our international telecommunications rates and introduce new marketing and promotional offers from time to time. We also employ two brand names, IDD 1666 and IDD 0030, to provide us with flexibility in our marketing strategies. However, to offset 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.

Sales and Marketing

We advertise our products and services through our “on-the-street” marketing force, door-to-door marketing team,kiosks, telemarketing and direct mailing, as well as through Chinese language television, radio, print media and on the Internet.

We have developed 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 the sales representatives we use to promote City Telecom and HKBN. We provide commission based incentives to our residential sales force that sell our international and fixed telecommunications network services.

We have sales division responsible for coordinating our corporate marketing and sales efforts. We believe our dedicated corporate and small-to-medium enterprise sales force is one of the largest sales forces targeted at corporate users of telecommunications and Internet services in Hong Kong. In addition, our dedicated corporate staff 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 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:

 

a year round, 24-hour, 7 days a week network operation center for real-time service monitoring and maintenance that is supported by over 90about 120 operational and field staff;

 

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 remotely rectify the situation or dispatch field staff to that location should physical interaction be required. After the situation 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

We commit considerable resources to our research and development department in order to continuously improve our services and improve our market position. As of August 31, 2006,2007, our research and development department in Hong Kong consisted of 50approximately 30 staff members experienced in systems design, engineering, telecommunications and computer programming. Our research and development department is primarily responsible for assessing and adapting the technology that we employ in upgrading and expanding our Metro Ethernet network.Next Generation Network. To identify and develop new market opportunities, the research and development department assesses new services offered by telecommunications and Internet companies in the United States and elsewhere and works closely with our marketing department. Our research and development expenditures were approximately HK$6.011.0 million, HK$11.09.6 million and HK$9.65.0 million for fiscal 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2006,2007, respectively.

Customer Service

We believe that providing excellent customer service and support is essential to building and retaining a large and loyal subscriber 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 our international and fixed telecommunications network services subscribers. 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.

In February 2007, to further enhance customer experiences, we established a “Special Duty Unit” (“SDU”) customer care system whereby residential broadband customers are assigned a designated personal customer care executive for service account matters.

Our centralized customer service call center is located in Guangzhou which provides our customer service functions 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, 2006,2007, our Guangzhou customer service facility had 1,2261,264 employees.

We were awarded as the winner of “Call Center of the Year” and “Customer Service Center of the Year” under Customer Relationship Excellence Awards 2005” by Asia Pacific Customer Service Consortium in July 2006 and the Bronze medal for “Contact Center of the Year (over 100 seats)” by the Hong Kong Call Center Association in October 2006.

Billing and Collection

Our credit and control team is responsible for securing prompt payment from subscribers. Invoices are issued on a monthly or quarterly basis with a specified payment due date. Variety of payment methods are used for payment collection including cash, check, credit card, payment by telephone service, automatic transfer from subscribers’ bank accounts or through Internet banking. Our bad

debts expense represented approximately 1.0%, 3.1%,1.5% and 1.5%0.6% of our revenue for each of fiscal 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2006,2007, respectively. Bad debts expense for fiscal 2005 was higher compared to fiscal 20042006 and 20062007 due to the recognition of a provision of HK$19.5 million for mobile interconnection charges in 2005. The lower bad debt expenses in fiscal 2007 was due to the reversal of HK$9.4 million of a previously recognized provision for doubtful accounts as a result of the issuance of the Final Determination for the mobile interconnection charges. For more information regarding our provision for mobile interconnection charges, see “Our Revenues – Fixed Telecommunications Network Services” above in this annual report.

We maintain tight collection procedures including periodic reminder notices, late payment fee of 1.5% per month on outstanding overdue outstanding amount, right to charge the outstanding overdue amount to the subscriber’s pre-registered credit card account or, if applicable, deduct the outstanding overdue amount from the subscriber’s application deposit. Moreover, we generally suspend an account if the outstanding overdue amount is not settled within our prescribed period. If payment is still not settled after we suspend the account, we determine whatfurther recovery actions to take, which may includeincluding court proceedings and/or the use of collection agencies.agencies will be taken.

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.

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.

C. Regulatory Framework

As a provider of broadband internetInternet access, local VoIP, IP-TV and international telecommunications services in Hong Kong, our operations are subject to the provisions of the Telecommunications Ordinance and the Broadcasting Ordinance.Ordinance and their respective subsidiary legislation, regulations and codes of practice. The Telecommunications Ordinance provides the legislative and regulatory framework for the provision of telecommunications services and facilities in Hong Kong. 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 issuing 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. The Hong Kong Government has publicly announced that it is considering combining the Telecommunications Authority and the Broadcasting Authority into a Communications Authority which will likely occur in 2007 or 2008.

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, Internetinternet 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.

Currently, there are threefour Class Licenses within the telecommunications regulatory framework, one relating to the operation of in-building telecommunications systems, the second relating to the provision of public wireless local area network services, and the third relating to the operation of Citizen Band Radio by the public for recreational and other communications purposes.purposes and the fourth relating to the provision of telecommunications services to the general public without establishment, operation or maintenance of telecommunications equipment.

The Telecommunications Authority recognizes that fixed and mobile services will converge 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. As it will become more difficult to classify a service as a “fixed” or “mobile”, the Telecommunications Authority is now examining whetherproposing to abolish the existing separate licensing frameworks fordistinction between fixed and mobile services remains sustainablecarrier licenses and whetherestablishing a single Unified Carrier License, or UCL which would encompass both fixed and mobile carrier services. The Telecommunications Authority has jointly with the licensing framework oughtCommerce and Economic Department Bureau issued a consultation paper inviting public submissions on this issue. The Telecommunications Authority is currently expected to operate on a converged basis under a Unified License.make its decision after the consultations close in February 2008.

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 telecommunicationtelecommunications 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 TelecommunicationTelecommunications Ordinance but none of the existing categories are applicable to the means of telecommunications or telecommunications service for which the license is required.

A PNETS 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.

We currently hold a PNETS ETS License, which was issued to us in November 1998. This PNETS ETS License has been subsequently amended twice and 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. We also hold 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 PNETS ETS and PNETS IVANS Licenses, we and IDD 1600 Company Limited, or IDD 1600, our wholly owned subsidiary, are required to comply with certain license conditions relating to technical and reporting matters.

Fixed Telecommunications Network Services License

AnA FTNS License authorizes the licensee, among other things:

 

to provide a public fixed telecommunicationtelecommunications 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.

AnA FTNS License is valid for a period of 15 years and is renewable for a further period not exceeding 15 yearyears 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, our wholly-owned subsidiary, currently holds ana 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 twicethree times and presently, HKBN is authorized to operate both local fixed telecommunications networks (wireline and wireless based) and external telecommunications facilities.

International Telecommunications Facilities and Services

CTI International Limited, our wholly owned subsidiary, currently holds a satellite-based fixed carrier license, which was issued to it in May 2001.

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 allows 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 fixed telecommunications services. The Telecommunications Authority is empoweredintroduced the Type II interconnection policy in 1995 that the fixed carriers have obligation to determine theprovide Type II interconnection at regulated terms and conditions of both types of interconnections (includingconditions. But, in July 2004, the applicable charges) and a set of guidelines was issued in 1995 (and amended in 2001) setting forthGovernment decided the procedures thatpolicy at the Telecommunications Authority will follow in making such a determination.telephone exchange level to be withdrawn before June 30, 2008.

Competition Provisions

Regulation of Anti-Competitive Conduct

Although Hong Kong has never had a general competition code, historically, holders of FTNS Licenses were 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 licence 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 he 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 mergers 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 November 2004, the Telecommunications Authority issued a “Code of Practice for the Service Contracts for the Provision of Public Telecommunications Services” which sets out guidelines on the preparation of service contracts. The code states that important terms of a service contract (e.g. a compensation clause for early termination by the customer) should be presented in a prominent place and should be highlighted in the contract. The code is applicable to all service providers (except mobile network operators which are subject to a separate code of practice) including holders of FTNS Licenses, such as HKBN, and holders of PNETS ETS Licenses and IVANS Licenses, such as ourselves and IDD 1600. Although the guidelines are voluntary in

nature, the Telecommunications Authority has indicated that the extent of a licensee’s compliance with the guidelines will be taken into account in assessing if a licensee has complied with the statutory provision mentioned above.

Apart from the Telecommunications Ordinance, like any companies 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), and 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 fixed telecommunications network services 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 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 fixed telecommunications network services 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 telephone servicetelecommunications services at reasonable cost on a non-discriminatory basis to any individual or entity that requests it.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 or USC.(“USC”). Holders of FTNS Licenses and PNETS ETS Licenses, including ourselves, HKBN, and IDD 1600IDD1600 are required to pay USC.

The level of USC is determined by the Telecommunications Authority and is adjusted periodically.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. TheIn accordance with a statement dated December 28, 2007 issued by the Telecommunications Authority, published a statement on November 11, 2005 confirming that the level of provisional USC on or after July 1, 2005 for traffic over Category A Routes is approximately HK$0.3 cents per minute after a USC adjustment of HK$1.3 cents per minute. The confirmed USC for the period from January 1, 20032005 to December 31, 2003 for Category A Routes,June 30, 2007 is HK$confirmed to be zero cent per minute. In the circumstances, PCCW-HKT must refund to all USC contributing parties HK 0.3 centscent per minute after a revised USCalready paid before and there will not be any interest payment for the adjustment of HK$1.3 cents per minute. For routes that arethose USC. The level of USC from July 1, 2007 onwards is to be provided through Reach Networks Hong Kong Limited’s international gateways/facilities (Category B Routes), the actual use is HK$1.6 cents per minute for July 1, 2003 to December 31, 2003. However, after August 2003, all routes have been classified as Category A Routes and as such, it is no longer necessary fordetermined by the Telecommunications Authority to set a provisional USC for Category B Routes. However, with the implementation of the new IP Telephony regulatory framework it is expected that the current USC regime will be reviewed.Authority.

Additionally, providers of external telecommunications services, such as holders of PNETS ETS Licenses, including ourselves and IDD 1600, are required to pay a local access charge or LAC,(“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. Although theoreticallybasis and its arrangement is based on the operators holding PNETS ETS Licenses may negotiatestatement dated November 25, 1998 issued by the level of LACTelecommunications 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 relevant network operator (whose LACcomplete deregulation of LAC.

Fixed Mobile Interconnection Charge

Fixed Mobile Interconnection Charge, or FMIC, is not regulated), as at the datean interconnection charge for circuit-switched traffic between a Fixed Network Operator and a Mobile Network Operator. The rate of this annual report the bench-mark used by operatorsFMIC is the LACcurrently set by the Telecommunications Authority for PCCW-HKT, whose LACAuthority. The current level of FMIC charged by the incumbent Fixed Network Operator, PCCW Limited is HK$4.36 cents per occupancy minute, as determined by the Telecommunications Authority.Authority in November 2004. In June 2007, the Telecommunications Authority determined the FMIC rates for Hong Kong Broadband Network Limited, or HKBN, our wholly owned subsidiary 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 HK$4.8 cents per occupancy minute from April 1, 2002 to August 31, 2002, HK$4.22 cents per occupancy minute from September 1, 2002 to August 31, 2003 and HK$2.89 cents per occupancy minute from September 1, 2004 to August 31, 2004. However, in its statement published on April 27, 2007, the Telecommunications Authority has indicated 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.

Television Broadcasting Industry

At present, Hong Kong has two licensed domestic terrestrial broadcasters, TVB and ATV, providing free-to-air broadcasting services. In addition, there are also three licensed domestic pay-TV broadcasters, namely HKCTV, PCCW-VODPCCW Media Limited and Galaxy Satellite Broadcasting Limited. HKBN provides TV services over the Internet under its FTNS License, while Star TV continues to provide its services through satellite means under its satellite television uplink and downlink license.

Licensing

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

The validity period of a broadcasting license varies and will be determined by the Chief Executive in Council but it is unlikely that a license with a validity period exceeding 12 years would be approved. The license fee comprises a number of components, which include a fixed annual amount (e.g. for a domestic pay television program service license, the amount is currently set at around HK$1.4 million) and a variable component (e.g. for a domestic pay television program service license, HK$4 for each subscriber).

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 has not obtained a pay-television broadcasting license and provides IP-TV services under its FTNS License. Nevertheless, we applied for a domestic pay-TV program service license in October 2005 to enable us to have the flexibility of providing pay-TV services via means other than our Metro Ethernet network, such as via satellite.

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 program service licenses.

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 license unless it discloses the disqualification in its license application. “Disqualified person” includes, for example, a company which is an existing domestic free or domestic pay television program 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 requirement may apply for a broadcasting license. The Broadcasting Ordinance provides that the Chief Executive in Council may grant a broadcasting license 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 program service license. The restrictions do not prohibit the ownership of any voting shares in a domestic free television program service licensee but rather take the form of prohibiting the exercise of any voting rights attached to such voting shares.

Competition Provisions

The Broadcasting Ordinance also containcontains 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 program service market.

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

Unlike the regulatory regime for the telecommunications industry, 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 however may lodge an appeal to the Chief Executive in Council.

Program Standards and Advertising Standards

A broadcasting licensee is required to comply with the program standards and the advertising standards published by the Broadcasting Authority. The latest program standards and the advertising standards were revised recently in June 2003 and August 2004, respectively.both issued on May 4, 2007.

C.D. Organizational Structure

The following chart sets forth our principal subsidiaries as of January 17, 2007:21, 2008:

LOGO

LOGO


(1)

The other immediate subsidiary of City Telecom (H.K.) Limited is Golden Trinity Holdings Limited, which has Warwick Gold Enterprises Limited and Attitude Holdings Limited as its immediate subsidiaries.

(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, (formerly known as iStore.com Limited), CTI International Limited, BBTV Company Limited, City Telecom (U.S.A.) Inc., City Telecom (Vancouver) Inc. and City Telecom (Toronto) Inc.

(4)

The other subsidiary of City Telecom (Canada) Inc. is 963673 Ontario Ltd.

(5)

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 and Hong Kong Broadband Phone Limited and Hong Kong Broadband Digital TV Limited (formerly known as TeachOnNet.com Limited).Limited.

The jurisdiction of incorporation and our ownership percentage of each these subsidiaries as of January 17, 200721, 2008 were as follows:

 

      Percentage of interest
held by City Telecom
(%)

Name

  Jurisdiction of Incorporation  Direct  Indirect

963673 Ontario Limited

  Canada    100

Attitude Holdings Limited

  British Virgin Islands    100

Automedia Holdings Limited

  British Virgin Islands  100  

BBTV Company Limited

  Hong Kong    100

City Telecom (B.C.) Inc.

  Canada    100

City Telecom (Canada) Inc.

  Canada    100

City Telecom (Toronto) Inc.

  Canada    100

City Telecom (U.S.A.) Inc.

  The United States of America    100

City Telecom (Vancouver) Inc.

  Canada    100

City Telecom Inc.

  Canada    100

City Telecom International Limited

  British Virgin Islands  100  

Credibility Holdings Limited

  British Virgin Islands  100  

CTI Guangzhou Customer Services Co. Limited(1)

  China  100  

CTI International Limited

  Hong Kong    100

CTI Marketing Company Limited

  Hong Kong    100

Excel Billion Profits Limited

  Hong Kong    100

Global Courier Company Limited

Hong Kong100

Golden Trinity Holdings Limited

  British Virgin Islands  100  

Global Courier Company Limited (formerly known as iStore.com Limited)

Hong Kong100

Hong Kong Broadband Digital TV Limited (formerly known as TeachOnNet.com Limited)

  Hong Kong    100

Hong Kong Broadband Network Limited

  Hong Kong    100

Hong Kong Broadband Phone Limited

  Hong Kong    100

Hong Kong Broadband Television Company Limited

  Hong Kong    100

Hong Kong Television Network Limited

  Hong Kong    100

IDD1600 Company Limited

  Hong Kong    100

SGBN Singapore Broadband Network Pte. Limited

Singapore100

Warwick Gold Enterprises Limited

  Hong Kong    100

(1)

The company has only registered its Chinese name. The English name is an unregistered translation.

D.E. Property, Plants and Equipment

For the provision of fixed telecommunications 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 Metro Ethernet network.Next Generation Network. The majority of the fiber-based backbone connecting our services are under public road, highways and streets. HKBN, our wholly owned subsidiary, owns two offices with an aggregate of 147,000 square feet and two switching centers comprised of six switching systems in Hong Kong.

For the provision of international telecommunications services, we own three switching systems in Hong Kong and two in Canada (one each in Vancouver and 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, both of which were completed and have been operational since May 2002.

In addition, we lease property in Hong Kong for fourtwo retail shops and for a 3,500 square foot customer service center in Mongkok.

We rely on key supplier Cisco Systems Inc., Nortel Networks Limited and other suppliers to provide equipment, underground cables and other necessary components in building our Metro Ethernet networkNext Generation Network infrastructure, and for our VOIP equipment. In order for new subscribers to be able to access our IP-TV services, we must install an 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.

We depend on Cisco Systems, Inc. and other third parties for ongoing support and assistance with respect to maintenance and repairs. 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.

ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

You should read the following discussion together with the rest of this annual report, including the 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.

Overview

We are a provider of residential and corporate fixed telecommunications network services in Hong Kong. We offer our customers an integrated suite of broadband Internet access, local VOIP, IP-TV and corporate data services through our self-owned Metro Ethernet network.Next Generation Network. As of August 31, 20062007 we had a total of approximately 617,000683,000 fixed telecommunications network services subscriptions. In addition to providing fixed telecommunications network services, we are a provider of international telecommunications services in Hong Kong. We offer a variety of international telecommunications services and products including direct dial services, international calling cards and mobile call forwarding services. Our total international telecommunications services customer database comprises approximately 2.22.3 million registered accounts.

Our self-owned network is one of the world’s largest Metro Ethernet networksNext Generation Networks and is cited as a global reference case by our primary vendors, Cisco Systems, Inc. and Nortel Networks Limited. Our Metro Ethernet networkNext Generation Network has a current coverage of 1.31.4 million home passes, which represents approximately 60% of Hong Kong’s population. The coverage of our network is concentrated in Hong Kong’s most densely populated areas, which reduces our cost of network deployment per home pass. In most other markets, Metro Ethernet is primarily used in commercial buildings in metropolitan areas, as the technology is most cost effective in dense user populations where a provider can service a large number of users in a single building or cluster of buildings. We have applied this technology to densely populated residential areas in Hong Kong where most of our customers live in high-rise apartment buildings with multiple apartments per floor. Our Metro Ethernet network conforms to industry standards for 10/100/1,000 Mbps Internet access speeds. All of our fixed telecommunications network services are based on the single Internet Protocol, or IP, platform of our Metro Ethernet network, unlike our competitors who use multiple platforms to provide their services. In addition, unlike

Unlike other new entrant operators, we operate an “end-to-end” network that transmits data between our subscribers’ premises, our IP network hub sites and our switching centers in Hong Kong.

We also offer international telecommunications services to our FTNS customers 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, allowing us to generate a usage charge.

Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations

Operation of Metro Ethernet network

The wireless-based FTNS License that HKBN obtained from the Telecommunications Authority in February 2000 provided HKBN with the authority to begin installation of the wireless network that we use to provide broadband Internet access services. To enable HKBN to provide fixed telecommunications network services using wire-line technology in addition to wireless technology, our FTNS License was amended in April 2002 to include provision of local fixed wireline network services. This amendment allowed us to develop our own fiber-based backbone to replace our existing wireless and leased wireline-based backbone. To maximize our return on investment, we have focused on building our Metro Ethernet network in Hong Kong’s most densely populated areas to achieve cost savings and provide additional bandwidth capacity for further growth. After our initial capital expenditure, our operating costs have declined and our service quality has improved because we rely less on backbone transmission facilities owned by third parties and thereby decrease the leasing fees that we pay.

Having our own fiber-based backbone allows us to offer broadband Internet access, local VOIP, IP-TV and corporate data services over a single IP platform without being subject to network limitations of other fixed telecommunications network operators. During fiscal 2006, we devoted considerable resources to marketing our broadband Internet access, local VOIP and IP-TV services. As a result, our revenues from fixed telecommunications network services grew by 13.8% to HK$716.6 million in fiscal 2006.

Competition from other international telecommunications service providers.

Our total international telecommunications services customer database comprises approximately 2.2 million registered accounts. During fiscal 2006, we experienced a reduction in total traffic volume of 16.8% to 788 million minutes. Competition during the year was intense 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. Further, technology substitution from global VOIP providers such as Skype, which offer free PC-to-PC based international calls, is also becoming more prevalent. As a consequence of reduced minutes and lower revenues per minute, our total international telecommunications revenues decreased by 21.5% to HK$418.3 million in fiscal 2006.

Our Revenues

Fixed Telecommunications Network Services. We charge our customers a monthly service charge for each of the fixed telecommunications network services that we provide, and the scalability of our network allows us to sell additional services to our existing customers, for example adding local VOIP or IP-TV services to our current broadband Internet subscribers, with minimal additional network and operating costs. As a result, each new service we add to our existing subscription base contributes significantly to our profitability. We have not generally sold our fixed telecommunications network services bundled together at discounted rates. Instead, we have focused on increasing our subscription base by offering a single service to new subscribers at an attractive entry price. After the customer has begun to use our service, we then try to up-sell additional services to the customer.

In addition to the monthly service charges generated by our fixed telecommunications network business, we also receive interconnection charges from other telecommunications operators in Hong Kong that use our network to deliver their customers’ telecommunications traffic.

As a Fixed Telecommunications Network Services, or FTNS, licensee, HKBN, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, is obliged to provide interconnection services to enable delivery of telecommunications service to customers of different operators, including mobile network operators. Unless an agreement cannot be reached, the rate of such interconnection charges are subject to commercial agreement between interconnecting parties. Since the issuance of its FTNS license, HKBN has been charging mobile network operators for its interconnection services using the available rates under the existing calculation model (fully distributed cost model) for interconnection services between fixed and mobile operators, which are based on historical cost data of PCCW-HKT, the incumbent FTNS operator. We have recognized all such mobile interconnection charges as revenue. As of August 31, 2006,2007, the majority of the mobile interconnection charges billed to mobile network operators had not been collected.

In May 2004, the Telecommunications Authority confirmed that mobile network operators are obliged to pay interconnection charges to HKBN in accordance with the charging principles promulgated by the Telecommunications Authority. Certain mobile network operators, however, disputed the basis of our calculation. In August 2004, to resolve our dispute with one mobile network operator, we asked the Telecommunications Authority to make a determination on the level of interconnection charges payable by such mobile network operator to HKBN and the effective date of the determined interconnection charges.

In November 2005, HKBN entered into contractual agreements with two other mobile network operators, who agreed to pay to HKBN on 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

In March 2006, the Telecommunications Authority, or TA, made a confidential preliminary rulinganalysis (the “2006 PA”) on the Determination with respect to the rates of mobile interconnection charges payable by mobile operators under dispute and the timing of the Determination. The final level of mobile interconnection charges was then subject to the Determination to be issued by TA. As a result of the foregoing, in Marchfiscal 2006, but haswe recognized mobile interconnection charges of HK$46.7 million, which included mobile interconnection charges for fiscal 2005 previously not announced its final ruling.recognized due to the uncertainties existing at that time and charges for fiscal 2006, both of which were measured based on the 2006 PA.

In fiscal 2005 andMarch 2007, the TA issued a revised confidential preliminary analysis (the “2007 PA”) which superseded the 2006 PA. The 2007 PA set out the rates of mobile interconnection charges, which are different from those rates stated in the 2006 PA. In June 2007, the TA issued a final determination (the “Final Determination”) which set out the rates of mobile interconnection charges payable by the mobile operator under dispute, which approximate the rates stated in the 2007 PA.

Based on the Final Determination, we recorded mobile interconnection charges of HK$24.740.9 million in fiscal 2007 which include charges for the current fiscal year and HK$22.0 million respectively. As of August 31,additional charges for fiscal 2005 and 2006 our mobile interconnection charges receivable, netpreviously measured based on the 2006 PA. We have also reversed a portion of the provision for doubtful accounts were HK$49.8 million and HK$62.1 million respectively. For the year ended August 31, 2006, due to the uncertainty of the final ruling, we recognizedfor mobile interconnection charges receivables of HK$22.09.4 million based on the preliminary rates from the Telecommunications Authority

For further discussion of our revenue recognition of mobile interconnection charges, please referamount we expected to the note 26(c) of the consolidated financial statements.collect for billings outstanding through August 31, 2007.

International telecommunications.

Our total international telecommunications services customer database comprises approximately 2.3 million registered accounts. During fiscal 2007, we experienced a reduction in total traffic volume of 16.4% to 659 million minutes. Competition during the year was intense 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. Further, technology substitution from global VOIP providers such as Skype, which offer free PC-to-PC based international calls, is also becoming more prevalent. As a consequence of reduced minutes and lower revenues per minute, our total international telecommunications revenues decreased by 22.4% to HK$324.5 million in fiscal 2007.

Substantially all of our international telecommunicationtelecommunications revenues are generated by the per minute feestariff rate that we charge our IDD customers. For each of our 1666 and 0030 calling plans, these charges vary according to the destination of the call. For our 0030 calling plan,call and we also provide certain discounts that depend on the time of day or day of the week at which the call is placed.

Our 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 the IP-TV service and costs of inventories sold, local interconnection charges payable to other local fixed network operators and interconnection charges payable to international bandwidth providers and do not include depreciation charge which is included in general and administration expenses.

Other Operating Expenses.We have incurred significant operating costs related to our efforts to promote our broadband Internet access, local VOIP, IP-TV and corporate data services. As a result, our sales and marketing costs in 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, particularly as we work towards enhancing our brand value.

Other operating expenses include salaries and related costs, office, general and administrative costs and depreciation and amortization. Salaries and related costs include those employees working on our various service offerings and on the upgrademaintaining and expansion ofoperating our Metro Ethernet network.Next Generation Network.

Critical Accounting Policies

Introduction

Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Hong Kong GAAP.HKFRSs. Accounting principles generally accepted in Hong Kong differ in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), details of which are set out in note 3029 to our consolidated financial statements. Our significant accounting policies are more fully described in note 2 to our consolidated financial statements. The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with Hong Kong GAAPHKFRSs 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, receivable, deferred taxes, USC charges and certain revenue items. 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. 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.

Our accounting policies have been developed over many years as the telecommunications industry and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, or GAAP,generally accepted accounting principles have evolved. As our financial statements are prepared under Hong Kong GAAP,HKFRSs, our accounting policies are necessarily compliant with all aspects of Hong Kong GAAP. Hong Kong GAAPHKFRSs. HKFRSs is 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 financial statements on that basis.

In developing accounting policies, in addition to Hong Kong GAAPHKFRSs requirements, we also consider telecommunications industry practice in other countries. Where there is no conflict with Hong Kong GAAPHKFRSs we also align our accounting policies with U.S. GAAP. In all material respects our accounting policies are applied consistently across City Telecom. The critical accounting policies discussed below generally apply to all segments of City Telecom.

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

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 lives are estimated at the time the asset is acquired based on historical experience, the expected usage, wear and tear of the assets, as well as technical obsolescence arising from changes in the market demands or service output of the assets. 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 confirmstarted providing broadband Internet access service in 2000 and substantially completed the appropriatenessconstruction of the fibre backbone network in fiscal 2005. With only a short history of operating the broadband business, we assessed the estimated economic useful lives for each classof our network assets based on our knowledge and expected usage at that time. As we have gained more experience and knowledge of the broadband business, our expected usage of the assets and the impact of certain new telecommunication technologies indicated that we should re-evaluate the estimated useful lives of our network assets.

During the second half of fiscal 2007, we reviewed the estimated useful lives of fixed assets. For the three years ended August 31, 2006, no changesassets based on technology considerations, actual business experience, consultation with internal experts and external valuation firm and industry benchmarks. Based on such review, certain classes of network assets are expected to operate beyond their original estimated useful lives and as such the estimated useful lives of the fibre network and related peripherals have occurred.been revised from 4-15 years to 6-20 years effective from June 1, 2007.

The change in the estimated useful lives is a change in accounting estimate that is accounted for prospectively from June 1, 2007. As a result of such change, the depreciation expense decreased by HK$15.9 million, and both income before taxation and net income after taxation increased by HK$15.9 million for fiscal 2007. The increase in net income resulted in a HK$2.6 cents increase in both basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share. This change also increased each of total assets, retained profits and total shareholders’ equity for fiscal 2007 by HK$15.9 million.

Impairment of fixed assets

Under Hong Kong GAAPHKFRSs and U.S. GAAP, 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 the management feels 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 the 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 HKGAAP,HKFRSs, the recoverable amount is the present value of estimated net future cash flows which we expect to recover from the future use of the asset, plus the asset’s residual value on disposal, discounted at the financial asset’s original effective interest rate. 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 or discounted estimated cash flows.

Under U.S. GAAP, recoverability of assets is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset which is the amount the asset can be bought and sold in a current transaction between willing parties.

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 customer base, 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, 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 fiscal years ended August 31, 2006,2007, except for investment property, no impairment loss was recognized based on the estimated recoverable amount of our long-lived assets. The Company has assessed the open market value of the investment property and based on such assessment, the carrying amount has been written down by HK$1,131,000.1.1 million for the year ended August 31, 2006. There was no difference between Hong Kong GAAPHKFRSs and U.S. GAAP in the accounting for the impairment in our investment property because the investment property represents the lowest level at which cash flows can be identified that are largely independent of the cash flows of other asset groups and its carrying value before the recognition of an impairment loss was higher than its recoverable amount.

Accounts Receivable

Under Hong Kong GAAPHKFRSs and U.S. GAAP, provision is made against accounts receivable to the extent they are considered to be doubtful. This provision requires judgment regarding the collectibility of certain receivables both as they are incurred and as they age. We determine bad debt provisions based on past experience of recovery of old receivables, the aging 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 receivable to the consolidated statement of operations. Changes in the collectibility of accounts receivable for which provisions are not made could affect our future results of operations.

Included in the accounts receivable balance (net of provision for doubtful debts)accounts) are receivables for mobile interconnection charges of HK$49.8 million, HK$62.1 million and H$62.1HK$103.8 million as of August 31, 2005, 2006 and 2006,2007, respectively. The balance represented mobile interconnection charges we billed to the local mobile network operators and the majority of which, however, had not been collected. As discussed in more detailed under “Our Revenues—Fixed Telecommunications Network Services”, we are currently awaiting a final ruling by the Telecommunications Authority on the level of charges payable by one of the mobile network operators. Our assessment on the collectibility of these receivables therefore has also taken into consideration of the uncertainty of the final ruling from the Telecommunications Authority.

Changes in the provision for doubtful debtsaccounts consist of:

 

  Year ended August 31,   Year ended August 31, 
  2004 2005 2006   2005 2006 2007 
  (Thousands of HK$)   (Thousands of HK$) 

Balance at beginning of the year

  22,916  22,959  48,316   22,959  48,316  55,745 

Additions charged to expense(1)(2)

  11,502  35,445  17,450   35,445  17,450  15,973 

Write-off

  (11,459) (10,088) (10,021)

Revesals

  —    —    (9,404)

Write-off(2)

  (10,088) (10,021) (39,922)
                    

Balance at the end of the year

  22,959  48,316  55,745   48,316  55,745  22,392 
                    

(1)Provision for doubtful debtsaccounts as at August 31, 2005 and 2006 includes provision for mobile interconnection charges receivables of HK$19.5 million and 20.8 million respectively (For more information regarding our provision for mobile interconnection charges, see “Our Revenues—Fixed Telecommunications Network Services” above in this annual report.).
(2)Following the TA’s Final Determination issued in June 2007, the Company has reversed HK$9.4 million of the provision for doubtful accounts previously recognized for mobile interconnection charges to the consolidated statement of operations and has written off the remaining balance of the provision of HK$11.4 million against the accounts receivable relating to mobile interconnection charges.

Deferred Taxation

Under Hong Kong GAAP,HKFRSs, 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, we consider 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.

Under U.S. GAAP, a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets is recorded if we determine it is more likely than not that we will not be able to utilize such benefits in the future.

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. Any changes in the estimate of future operations could change the recognition of such assets, which could significantly affect the results of our operations.

A change in judgment regarding the likelihood of the generation of future taxable income necessary to realize deferred tax assets could result in a change in the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets which would impact our results under both Hong Kong GAAPHKFRSs and U.S. GAAP.

USC charges

Our management makes their best estimates for charges of the USC payable to PCCW-HKT in order to fund the costs of network development incurred by PCCW-HKT in remote areas in Hong Kong (the “Development”). 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 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 our company (the “Rate Revisions”). Accordingly, the estimate made by our management is subject to changes based on the Rate Revisions identified during a financial year and up to the date prior to the release of our 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.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue for the provision of telecommunications services is recognized when an arrangement exists, service is rendered, fee is fixed or determinable and collectibility 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. Network interconnection charges are recorded as revenue based on usage of the fixed telecommunications network of the Company 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.

Mobile network operators are obliged to pay interconnection charges to HKBN 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 HKBN, the majority of the mobile interconnection charges billed by HKBN had not been collected as of August 31, 2006.2007. 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. The amount recognized for the fiscal 2004 or before was determined using the available rates under the 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. The amount recognized for thein fiscal year 2005 reflects a discount from the amount billed which is determined based on our assessment of the range of likely outcomes from the determination process. The amount recognized forin fiscal year 2006 is based on the preliminary rates from the Telecommunications Authority. We are awaitingAuthority as we await a final ruling by the Telecommunications Authority on the level of charges payable by one of the operators. The rulingamount recognized in fiscal year 2007 is expected to affectbased on the amounts offinal determination which set out the rates payable by a mobile interconnection charges that we may realize from other operators.operator under dispute. For a discussion of our revenue recognition of mobile interconnection charges, please refer to “Our Revenues-Fixed Telecommunications Network Services” above in this Item 5 of this annual report and notes 26(c)25(c) to our consolidated financial statements. Actual amounts realized could be different from our estimate.

Fair value of share options

In assessing the value of the share options granted, 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 and the assumptions used in the Black-Scholes Model include expected life of the options, risk-free interest rate, expected volatility, expected dividend yield and the market value of the ordinary shares of the Company.

The Black-Scholes Model, applied for determination of the estimated fair value of the share options granted under the Company’s share option scheme was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options that are fully transferable and have no vesting restrictions. Such an option pricing model requires input of subjective assumptions, including the expected stock volatility, and expected dividend.dividend yield. As the Company’s share options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, changes in subjective inputs may materially affect the estimateddetermination of fair value of the options granted.granted is sensitive to certain assumptions used in the valuation model, in particular the expected volatility.

Legal contingencies

We are currently involved in certain legal proceedings. The assessment of the ultimate outcome of those proceedings is derived from consultation with outside counsel, as well as an assessment of litigation and settlement strategies. A future event or change in the facts and circumstances may require us to make accruals which would be charged to our income statement in the future.

A. Operating Results

In addition to our operations in Hong Kong, we also provide international telecommunications and Internet access services in Canada. We own all of the share capital of two telecommunications companies in Canada, City Telecom Inc. and City Telecom (B.C.) Inc., through a wholly owned subsidiary. 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.

Our consolidated financial statements reflect the consolidated results of operations and financial position of these subsidiary companies from the date of their acquisition by us. However, as of August 31, 2006,2007, none of these subsidiary companies located outside of Hong Kong has made a material contribution to our revenues or results of operations, and in fiscal 2006,2007, they contributed approximately 1.8% to our revenues.

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

   Year Ended August 31, 
   2005  2006  2007  2007 
   HK$  HK$  HK$  US$ 
   (In thousands) 

HKFRSs

     

Revenues

     

Fixed telecommunications network services

  629,464  716,600  816,800  104,761 

International telecommunications

  532,595  418,276  324,470  41,616 
             
  1,162,059  1,134,876  1,141,270  146,377 
             

Operating Expenses:

     

Network costs

  (339,402) (300,593) (214,591) (27,523)

Other operating expenses

     

Salaries and related costs

  (259,392) (256,721) (221,102) (28,358)

Sales and marketing expenses

  (267,983) (204,952) (219,253) (28,121)

Office, general and administrative expenses

  (157,497) (164,208) (129,077) (16,555)

Depreciation and amortization

  (237,714) (276,464) (258,103) (33,104)

Provision for doubtful accounts

  (35,445) (17,450) (6,569) (843)
             

Total other operating expenses

  (958,031) (919,795) (834,104) (106,981)
             

Total Operating Expenses

  (1,297,433) (1,220,388) (1,048,695) (134,504)
             

Income/(loss) from operations

  (135,374) (85,512) 92,575  11,873 

Interest income

  13,578  20,378  22,671  2,908 

Interest expense

  (54,462) (88,637) (87,504) (11,223)

Other income, net

  6,037  4,465  3,149  404 
             

Income/(loss) before taxation

  (170,221) (149,306) 30,891  3,962 

Income taxes (expense)/credit

  6,725  7,244  (2,026) (260)
             

Net income/(loss)

  (163,496) (142,062) 28,865  3,702 
             

Year Ended August 31, 2007 Compared to Year Ended August 31, 2006

   Year Ended August 31, 
   

2004

(restated)(1)

  

2005

(restated)(1)

  2006  2006 
   HK$  HK$  HK$  US$ 
   (In thousands) 

Hong Kong GAAP

  

Revenues

  

Fixed telecommunications network services

  541,902  629,464  716,600  92,147 

International telecommunications

  627,978  532,595  418,276  53,786 
             
  1,169,880  1,162,059  1,134,876  145,933 
             

Operating Expenses:

     

Network costs

  (331,408) (339,402) (300,593) (38,653)

Other operating expenses

     

Salaries and related costs

  (226,737) (259,392) (256,721) (33,012)

Sales and marketing expenses

  (228,169) (267,983) (204,952) (26,355)

Office, general and administrative expenses

  (129,787) (157,497) (164,208) (21,115)

Depreciation and amortization

  (197,017) (237,714) (276,464) (35,550)

Provision for doubtful accounts receivable

  (11,502) (35,445) (17,450) (2,244)
             

Total other operating expenses

  (793,212) (958,031) (919,795) (118,276)
             

Total Operating Expenses

  (1,124,620) (1,297,433) (1,220,388) (156,929)
             

Income/(loss) from operations

  45,260  (135,374) (85,512) (10,996)

Interest income

  3,753  13,578  20,378  2,620 

Interest expense

  (175) (54,462) (88,637) (11,397)

Other income, net

  2,668  6,037  4,465  574 
             

Income/(loss) before taxation

  51,506  (170,221) (149,306) (19,199)

Income taxes (expense)/credit

  (2,043) 6,725  7,244  932 
             

Net income/(loss)

  49,463  (163,496) (142,062) (18,267)
             


(1)Please see note 3 to our consolidated financial statements for more information on the restatements.
Revenues. Our total revenues increased by 0.6% to HK$1,141.3 million in fiscal 2007. The 22.4% decline in our international telecommunications services revenues to HK$324.5 million in fiscal 2007 offset our 14.0% increase in FTNS revenues to HK$816.8 million in fiscal 2007.

Our fixed telecommunications network services continued to record significant revenue growth and increased their contribution to our total revenues, accounting for 71.6% of total revenues in fiscal 2007, compared to 63.1% and 54.2% in fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005, respectively. During fiscal 2007, our FTNS subscription base increased 10.7% to 683,000. This return to growth is an indicator that the market has now accepted a premium pricing positioning.

With respect to voice services, our VOIP subscription base rose by 9.6%, to 308,000 subscriptions due to improved branding and crossing selling from our broadband customers.

With respect to broadband services, our subscription base rose by 12.3%, to 247,000 subscriptions. During fiscal 2007, we focused on differentiating our services by emphasizing our ultra high Internet access speeds, which allow us to increase our average revenue per user. By providing stable and high speed broadband services and reliable customer service, we aim to acquire and retain customers with longer subscription period at higher price. This has significantly increased our revenue from our fixed telecommunications network services.

With respect to IP-TV services, our subscription base increased by 10.3% to 128,000 subscriptions, with the majority of the new subscriptions coming from existing broadband and voice customers.

Our international telecommunications business revenues decreased by 22.4% to HK$324.5 million in fiscal 2007 due to the combined effects of lower volumes and lower revenue per minute. Competition during the 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 share. Further, technology from global VOIP providers such as Skype, which offer free PC-to-PC based international calls, is also becoming more prevalent.

Network costs. Network costs decreased by 28.6% to HK$214.6 million in fiscal 2007 mainly due to a reduction in international tariff volume and less reliance on third parties backhaul for our FTNS business.

Other operating expenses. Our other operating expenses, excluding network costs, decreased by 9.3% to HK$834.1 million in fiscal 2007.

Salaries and related costs. Salaries and related costs decreased by 16.1% to HK221.1 million in fiscal 2007. During fiscal 2007, we increased our total work force by 4.9% to 2,692 employees due to the expansion of operations in fixed telecommunications network services. The reduction in salaries and related costs was mainly due to the flow over benefits from streamlining the work force in fiscal 2006.

Sales and marketing expenses.Our sales and marketing expenses increased by 6.9% to HK$219.2 million in fiscal 2007 as we increased our sales and marketing efforts in brand building through mass media advertising. We started a strategy of promoting the brand to a wider audience. A series of 1 minute mini programs were shown to educate viewers on the merits of HKBN’s high bandwidth Next Generation Network.

Office, general and administrative expenses. Office, general and administrative expenses decreased by 21.4% to HK$129.1 million in fiscal 2007 mainly as a result of last year’s operational efficiency plan and cost savings due to the decentralization of authority to department heads.

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expenses decreased by 6.7% to HK$258.1 million in fiscal 2007 mainly due to changes in the estimated useful lives of certain assets amounting to HK$15.9 million.

During the second half of fiscal 2007, we reviewed the estimated useful lives of fixed assets based on technology considerations, actual business experience, consultation with external valuation firm and industry benchmark. Based on the review, the estimated useful lives of certain classes of network assets have been extended from 4-15 years to 6-20 years effective from June 1, 2007.

The change in the estimated useful lives is a change in accounting estimate that is accounted for prospectively from June 1, 2007. As a result of such change, depreciation expense decreased by HK$15.9 million for the year ended August 31, 2007. Earning per share is also increased by 2.6 cents. This change does not have any effect on the total depreciation charges of those assets during their remaining useful lives.

Provision for doubtful accounts. Overall, our provision for doubtful accounts decreased to HK$6.6 million in fiscal 2007 mainly due to the reversal of previously recognized provisions for mobile interconnection charges receivable. In fiscal 2006, we recorded a provision of HK$20.8 million for mobile interconnection charges receivable accumulated from previous years following our assessment of the collectibility of these charges. In fiscal 2007, we have reversed a portion of this provision by HK$9.4 million based on the rates set by the TA in the final determination issued in June 2007. Our provision for other trade receivables recorded in fiscal 2007 was HK$16.0 million compared to the HK$17.5 million in fiscal 2006. For more information regarding our provisions for mobile interconnection charges, see “Our Revenues—Fixed Telecommunications Network Services” above in this annual report.

Income from operations. We recorded an income from operations of HK$92.6 million in fiscal 2007, compared to a loss from operations of HK$85.5 million in fiscal 2006. The income from operations is due to higher revenue contribution from fixed telecommunications network services and the increase in margin from our international business services as a result of the drop off of low margin customers.

Interest income and expense. Our interest income was HK$22.7 million in fiscal 2007 compared to HK$20.4 million in fiscal 2006. The increase in interest income was due to a strong net cash inflow from our operations and a favorable interest rate environment. We derive interest income from our deposit of surplus capital in interest-bearing accounts at commercial banks. Our interest expense in fiscal 2007 was HK$87.5 million which is comparable to HK$88.6 million in fiscal 2006. Such interest expense was predominantly due to the interest expense of our 8.75% notes issued in January 2005.

Other income, net. Our other income, net consists of the roaming charges we receive from overseas carriers that deliver traffic over our network, exchange gains and losses and management and other fees we received in the ordinary course of our business. Other income, net of expenses was HK$3.1 million in fiscal 2007 compared to HK$4.5 million in fiscal 2006. The other income, net in fiscal 2007 mainly includes and net realized and unrealized gains on investment securities and derivative financial instruments of HK$1.8 million.

Income tax (expense)/credit. We recognized income tax expense of HK$2.0 million for fiscal 2007 compared to an income tax credit of HK$7.2 million in fiscal 2006. Our income tax expense in fiscal 2007 was mainly due to the tax paid by one of our subsidiaries in Guangzhou. Our income tax credits in fiscal 2006 were mainly related to the recognition of deferred tax assets in respect of the tax losses from our fixed telecommunications network services business offset by the income tax expense associated with the profit generated from our international telecommunications services.

Net income. For the foregoing reasons, we had a net income of HK$28.9 million in fiscal 2007 compared to a net loss of HK$142.1 million in fiscal 2006.

Year Ended August 31, 2006 Compared to Year Ended August 31, 2005

Revenues. Our total revenues decreased by 2.3% to HK$1,134.9 million in fiscal 2006 due to a significant decrease in revenues from our international telecommunications services. The 21.5% decline in our international telecommunications services revenues to HK$418.3 million in fiscal 2006 offset our 13.8% increase in FTNS revenues to HK$716.6 million in fiscal 2006.

Our fixed telecommunications network services continued to record significant revenue growth and increased their contribution to our total revenues, accounting for 63.1% of total revenues in fiscal 2006, compared to 54.2% and 46.3% in fiscal 2005 and fiscal 2004, respectively. During fiscal 2006, our FTNS subscription base declined 2.2% to 617,000 as of August 31, 2006 as we placed a priority on revenue yields by increasing revenue per user over subscription growth.

With respect to voice services, our VOIP subscription base fell by 4.1% year-on-year, to 281,000 subscriptions due to intensive competition.

With respect to broadband services, our subscription base fell by 3.9% year-on-year, to 220,000 subscriptions. During fiscal 2006, we focused on differentiating our services by emphasizing our high internet access speeds, which allow us to increase our revenue per user. By providing stable and high speed broadband services and good quality of customer service, we are able to acquire and retain customers with longer subscription period at higher price. This has significantly increased our revenue in fixed telecommunications network services despite a decrease in our subscription base.

With respect to IP-TV services, we grew our subscription base by 6.4% to 116,000 subscriptions, with the majority of the new subscriptions being an upsell to existing broadband and voice customers.

Our international telecommunications business revenues decreased by 21.5% to HK$418.3 million in fiscal 2006 due to the combined effects of lower volumes and lower revenues per minute. Competition during the year was intense as some of our integrated competitors offered international direct dial minutes free or at very low cost as a marketing incentive to gain local fixed line and

mobile market share. Further, technology substitution from global VOIP providers such as Skype, which offer free PC-to-PC based international calls, is also becoming more prevalent. As a result, we expect that our international telecommunications business continues to decline in future.

Network costs. Network costs decreased 11.4% to HK$300.6 million in fiscal 2006 mainly due to a reduction in international tariff volume.

Other operating expenses. Our other operating expenses, excluding network costs, decreased by 4.0% to HK$919.8 in fiscal 2006.

Salaries and related costs. Salaries and related costs decreased by 1.0% to HK256.7 million in fiscal 2006. During fiscal 2006, we reduced our total work force by 34.2% to 2,565 employees with the majority of the reductions occurring towards the end of the fiscal year. The reduction in our work force was a result of our efforts to eliminate duplication of operational procedures and to enhance efficiency and improve quality of our work flows. The aggregate amount of severance payments made was not significant, as most of the terminations of employment were voluntary.

Sales and marketing expenses.Our sales and marketing expenses decreased by 23.5% to HK$205.0 million in fiscal 2006 as we switched our sales and marketing efforts from costlier mass media advertising to word-of-mouth efforts. Word-of-mouth results from existing customers sharing their positive service experience with their associates, thereby enhancing our brand value without the need for direct advertising expenditure.

Office, general and administrative expenses. Office, general and administrative expenses increased by 4.3% to HK$164.2 million in fiscal 2006 mainly due to increase in rental expenses as a result of inflationary pressures.

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expenses increased by 16.3% to HK$276.5 million in fiscal 2006 mainly due to expansion of our Metro Ethernet network.Next Generation Network.

Provision for doubtful accounts receivable.accounts. Overall, our provision for doubtful accounts receivable decreased by 50.8% to HK$17.4 million in fiscal 2006 mainly due to the decrease in provision for mobile interconnection charges receivable. In fiscal 2005, we recorded a provision of HK$19.5 million for mobile interconnection charges receivable accumulated from previous years following our assessment of the collectibility of these charges. In fiscal 2006, we increased such provision by HK$1.3 million to HK$20.8 million based on the preliminary rates from the Telecommunications Authority. Provision for other trade receivables recorded in fiscal 2006 was HK$16.1 million which is comparable to the HK$15.9 million in fiscal 2005. For more information regarding our provision for mobile interconnection charges, see “Our Revenues—Fixed Telecommunications Network Services” above in this annual report.

Loss from operations. We suffered loss from operations of HK$85.5 million in fiscal 2006, compared to loss from operations of HK$135.4 million in fiscal 2005. The loss from operations is due to reduced profitability of our international telecommunications business as a result of intense competition from local telecommunicationtelecommunications services companies and global VOIP providers and losses from our FTNS business.

Interest income and expense. Our interest income was HK$20.4 million in fiscal 2006 compared to HK$13.6 million in fiscal 2005. The increase in interest income was due to the full year impact of investment return on proceeds from our 8.75% notes issued in January 2005 and a higher overall interest rate environment. We derive interest income from our deposit of surplus capital in interest-bearing accounts at commercial banks. Our interest expense increased to HK$88.6 million in fiscal 2006 compared to HK$54.5 million in fiscal 2005, predominantly due to the full year impact of interest expense of our 8.75% notes issued in January 2005.

Other income, net. Our other income, net consists of the roaming charges we receive from overseas carriers that deliver traffic over our network, exchange gains and losses, small penalties we have received from time to time from contractors that we employ, and management and other fees we receive from other fixed line operators in the ordinary course of our business. Other income, net of expenses was HK$4.5 million in fiscal 2006 compared to HK$6.0 million in fiscal 2005. The other income, net in 2006 mainly includes net exchange gains of HK$1.1 million, net realized and unrealized gains on investment securities and derivative financial instruments of HK$0.6 million and penalty received from contractors of HK$0.3 million.

Income tax( expense)/credit. We recognized income tax credit of HK$7.2 million for fiscal 2006 compared to income tax credit of HK$6.7 million in fiscal 2005. Our income tax credits in fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005 were mainly related to the recognition of deferred tax assets in respect of the tax losses from our fixed telecommunications network services business offset by the income tax expense associated with the profit generated from our international telecommunications services.

Net loss. For the foregoing reasons, we incurred a net loss of HK$142.1 million in fiscal 2006 compared to a net loss of HK$163.5 million in fiscal 2005.

Year Ended August 31, 2005 Compared to Year Ended August 31, 2004

Revenues. Our total revenues decreased by 0.7% from HK$1,169.9 million in fiscal 2004 to HK$1,162.1 million in fiscal 2005, due to a significant decrease in revenues from our international telecommunications services. The 15.2% decline in our international telecommunications services revenues from HK$628.0 million in fiscal 2004 to HK$532.6 million in fiscal 2005 offset our 16.2% increase in FTNS revenues from HK$541.9 million in fiscal 2004 to HK$629.5 million in fiscal 2005.

Our fixed telecommunications network services continued to record significant revenue growth and increased contribution to our total revenues. Revenue from FTNS accounted for 54.2% of our total revenues in fiscal 2005, compared to 46.3% and 32.6% in fiscal 2004 and fiscal 2003, respectively. Revenues increased from HK$541.9 million in fiscal 2004 to HK$629.5 million in fiscal 2005, representing 16.2% growth. During the year we grew our FTNS subscription base by 166,000, or 35.7% year-on-year, to 631,000 as of August 31, 2005.

With respect to voice services, we grew our VOIP subscription base by 56,000, or 23.6% year-on-year, to 293,000 subscriptions.

With respect to broadband services, we grew our subscription base by 32,000, or 16.2% year-on-year, to 229,000 subscriptions. During fiscal 2005, we focused on differentiating our services by emphasizing our high bandwidth with the commercial launch of our “bb100” and “bb1000” supported by the Liu Xiang advertising campaign. Furthermore, we introduced value-added services such as “bbDrive” (an on-line virtual hard drive with up to 10 Gbps storage), “bbGuard” (an anti-spam and anti-virus package) and “bbWatch” (a full screen IP-TV experience via the PC).

With respect to IP-TV services, we grew our subscription base by 78,000, or 251.6% year-on-year, to 109,000 subscriptions, although the majority of the new subscriptions were from our free trial promotions for periods of six to twelve months.

Our international telecommunications business revenues decreased by 15.2% from HK$628.0 million in fiscal 2004 to HK$532.6 million in fiscal 2005 due to the combined effects of lower volumes and lower revenues per minute. Competition during the year was intense as some of our integrated competitors offered international direct dial minutes free or at very low cost as a marketing incentive to gain local fixed line and mobile market share. Further, technology substitution from global VOIP providers such as Skype, which offer free PC-to-PC based international calls, is also becoming more prevalent.

Network costs. Network costs increased by 2.4% from HK$331.4 million in fiscal 2004 to HK$339.4 million in fiscal 2005. Our fixed telecommunications network costs declined by 3.3% from HK$122.5 million in fiscal 2004 to HK$118.4 million in fiscal 2005. The decline was mainly due to reduction in our backbone expenses as our network became more self-reliant as we continue to roll out self-owned fiber based backbone. International telecommunications network costs increased by 5.8% from HK$208.9 million in fiscal 2004 to HK$221.0 million in fiscal 2005, which was principally due to an increase in sales volume for products offered through CTImall and INCmall.

Other operating expenses. Our other operating expenses, excluding network costs, increased by 20.8% from HK$793.2 million during fiscal 2004 to HK$958.0 million during fiscal 2005.

Salaries and related costs. Salaries and related costs increased by 14.4% from HK$226.7 million during fiscal 2004 to HK$259.4 million during fiscal 2005. Our total number of permanent full time employees increased from 3,583 as of August 31, 2004 to 3,896 as of August 31 2005.

Sales and marketing expenses. Our sales and marketing expenses increased by 17.4% from HK$228.2 million during fiscal 2004 to HK$268.0 million during fiscal 2005. Sales and marketing increased due to several marketing programs that we utilized to grow our FTNS subscription base. We also increased the number of sales and marketing personnel in marketing and servicing our various service offerings and launched a large scale branding campaign for our broadband Internet access and IP-TV services. This investment in sales and marketing was important to the continued expansion of our customer base for fixed telecommunications network services, which we believe will increase our revenues in the future. Additionally, during fiscal 2005 we introduced our “Liu Xiang” series of television, radio and print branding promotions. Liu Xiang is the first Chinese man to win an Olympic gold medal in a track and field event, having secured this honor in the 110 meter hurdles at the 2004 Olympic Games.

Office, general and administrative expenses. Office, general and administrative expenses increased by 21.4% from HK$129.8 million in fiscal 2004 to HK$157.5 million in fiscal 2005 due mainly to our expanded office and warehouse space and higher equipment maintenance costs.

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expenses increased by 20.7% from HK$197.0 million in fiscal 2004 to HK$237.7 million in fiscal 2005 due to the increased capital expenditures that we incurred for the upgrade and expansion of our Metro EthernetNext Generation Network.

Provision for doubtful accounts receivable.accounts. Our provision for doubtful accounts receivable increased by 208.2% from HK$11.5 million in fiscal 2004 to HK$35.4 million in fiscal 2005, which included a provision of HK$19.5 million for mobile interconnection charge receivables. We recorded a provision of HK$19.5 million for mobile interconnection charges receivable in fiscal 2005 given the uncertainty regarding the timing and amount of the ultimate collection of amounts due. For more information regarding our provision for mobile interconnection charges, see “Our Revenues—Fixed Telecommunications Network Services” above in this annual report. Provision for other trade receivables recorded in fiscal 2005 was HK$15.9 million compared to HK$11.5 million in fiscal 2004. The provision as a percentage of revenue was approximately 1% of our revenue for both years.

Loss from operations. We suffered loss from operations of HK$135.4 million in fiscal 2005, compared to profit from operations of HK$45.3 million in fiscal 2004. The loss from operations is due to reduced profitability of our international telecommunications business, provisions for mobile interconnection charges, increased acquisition and marketing costs for new fixed telecommunications network services subscriptions and early-stage operations of IP-TV services.

Interest income and expense. Our interest income was HK$13.6 million in fiscal 2005 compared to HK$3.8 million in fiscal 2004. We derive interest income from our deposit of surplus capital in interest-bearing accounts at commercial banks. The substantial increase in fiscal 2005 interest income is due to the temporary surplus cash from our US$125 million 8.75% senior notes issued in January 2005. Our interest expense increased to HK$54.5 million in fiscal 2005 compared to HK$0.2 million in fiscal 2004, predominantly due to the interest expense of our 8.75% notes issued in January 2005. We also capitalized our borrowing costs of HK$2.0 million of the funding for our network rollout.

Other income, net. Our other income, net consists of the roaming charges we receive from overseas carriers that deliver traffic over our network, exchange gains and losses, small penalties we have received from time to time from contractors that we employ, and management and other fees we receive from other fixed line operators in the ordinary course of our business. Other income, net of expenses was HK$6.0 million in fiscal 2005 compared to HK$2.7 million in fiscal 2004.

Income tax (expense)/credit. We recorded income tax credit of HK$6.7 million for fiscal 2005 compared to income tax expense of HK$2.0 million during fiscal 2004. Income tax is calculated based on our estimated assessable profit during each period, and our income tax credit in fiscal 2005 was mainly related to the recognition of deferred tax assets on current year’s unrecognized tax losses from our fixed telecommunications network services business that offset by the income tax expense associated with profit generated from our international telecommunications services in fiscal 2005.

Net loss. For the foregoing reasons, we incurred a net loss of HK$163.5 million in fiscal 2005 compared to a net income of HK$49.5 million in fiscal 2004.

U.S. GAAP Reconciliation

Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with Hong Kong GAAP,HKFRSs, which differs in certain materialsignificant respects from U.S. GAAP. The following tables provide a comparison of our net income/(loss) and shareholders’ equity in accordance with Hong Kong GAAPHKFRSs and U.S. GAAP

 

  As of and for the Year Ended August 31,   As of and for the Year Ended August 31,
  

2004

(restated)

  

2005

(restated)

 2006 2006   

2005

(restated)

 2006 2007  2007
  HK$  HK$ HK$ US$   HK$ HK$ HK$  US$
  (in thousands)   (in thousands)

Net income/(loss) in accordance with:

            

Hong Kong GAAP

  49,463  (163,496) (142,062) (18,267)

HKFRSs

  (163,496) (142,062) 28,865  3,702

Net income/(loss) under U.S. GAAP

  51,565  (149,148) (142,062) (18,267)  (149,148) (142,062) 28,865  3,702

Shareholders’ Equity

            

Hong Kong GAAP

  1,175,698  1,020,454  891,654  114,657 

HKFRSs

  1,020,454  891,654  903,882  115,930

Total shareholders’ equity under U.S. GAAP

  1,180,930  1,032,680  897,271  115,379   1,032,680  897,271  909,499  116,650

Differences between Hong Kong GAAPHKFRSs and U.S. GAAP for the periods presented relate primarily to:

 

lShare-based compensation cost;

Share-based compensation cost;

 

lGoodwill; and

Goodwill; and

 

l

Financial instruments

Disclosure relating to those differences can be found in note 30 to our consolidated financial statements. In addition, our condensed consolidated statement of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity and comprehensive (loss)/ income have been included in note 3029 to our consolidated financial statements to reflect the impact of the significant differences between Hong Kong GAAPHKFRSs and U.S. GAAP.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recently issued and adopted accounting pronouncements under Hong Kong GAAPHKFRSs and U.S. GAAP have been included in notes 3 and 29note 28 to our consolidated financial statements.

B. Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of August 31, 2006,2007, we had a total cash position of HK$483.0634.5 million and outstanding borrowings of HK$950.4953.8 million. Our long term liability consists mainly of our 8.75% senior notes due 2015, which amounted to HK$948.0952.6 million. Our total cash position of HK$483.0634.5 million consisted of HK$144.9532.9 million in cash and bank balances, HK$237.5 million in term deposits, HK$87.087.2 million in pledged bank deposits and HK$13.614.4 million in long term bank deposits.

AWe expect cash flows generated from operations will continue to be our principal source of our liquidity will be internally generated cash flow from operations and the remaining net proceeds from the US$125 million 8.75% senior notes due 2015 offering in January 2005.liquidity.

Cash Flow

The following table summarizes our cash flows for each of fiscal 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2006:2007:

 

   Year Ended August 31, 
   

2004

  2005
(restated) (1)
  2006  2006 
   HK$  HK$  HK$  US$ 
   (In thousands) 

Net cash flow from operating activities

  203,763  77,383  184,151  23,680 

Net cash used in investing activities

  (406,244) (557,440) (492,742) (63,361)

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

  47,221  792,216  (86,432) (11,114)
             

(Decrease)/increase in cash and bank balances

  (155,260) 312,159  (395,023) (50,795)

Cash and bank balances, at the beginning of year

  383,860  228,347  539,591  69,385 

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes

  (253) (915) 349  45 
             

Cash and bank balances, at the end of the year

  228,347  539,591  144,917  18,635 
             

(1)See note 3(e) to consolidated financial statements.
   Year Ended August 31, 
   2005  2006  2007  2007 
   HK$  HK$  HK$  US$ 
   (In thousands) 

Net cash flow from operating activities

  77,383  184,151  383,999  49,251 

Net cash (used in) / generated from investing activities

  (557,440) (492,742) 114,053  14,628 

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

  792,216  (86,432) (109,504) (14,045)
             

(Decrease)/increase in cash and bank balances

  312,159  (395,023) 388,548  49,834 

Cash and bank balances, at the beginning of year

  228,347  539,591  144,917  18,587 

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes

  (915) 349  (571) (73)
             

Cash and bank balances, at the end of the year

  539,591  144,917  532,894  68,348 
             

Operating Activities

Our net cash flow from operating activities for fiscal 2007, 2006 2005 and 20042005 was an inflow of HK$184.2384.0 million, HK$77.4184.2 million and HK$203.877.4 million, respectively. The principal source of cash flow from operating activities in each of these fiscal years was the cash flow we generate from our fixed telecommunications network services and international telecommunications businesses.

In fiscal 2007, we generated a net cash inflow from our operating activities that amounted to HK$384.0 million. The increase in operating cash flow was mainly due to increased revenue from our fixed telecommunications network services and lower network costs as a result of the decrease in our international telecommunications services. Moreover, leveraging on last year’s operating efficiency plan and decentralizating of authority to individual department heads helped to increase our operating cash flow.

In fiscal 2006, we generated a net cash inflow from our operating activities that amounted to HK$184.2 million. The increase in operating cash flow was mainly due to lower network costs as a result of the completion of our fiber backbone network, which reduced our network costs paid to third party network operators. Moreover, by leveraging on last year’sthe large scale sales and marketing activities for enhancingin fiscal 2005 which has enhanced brand image and improvingimproved customer experience, less sales and marketing expenses were incurred this year,in fiscal 2006, which also helped to increase the operating cash flow.

In fiscal 2005, we generated a net cash inflow in our operating activities that amounted to HK$77.4 million. The reduced operating cash flow when compared with fiscal 2004 was principally due to the significant cash we spent in sales and marketing expenses in offering incentives to acquire new subscriptions and retain our growing subscription base. Since such expenses were incurred before cash receipts from customers, it significantly reduced our operating cash flow. Moreover, increases in staff costs due to the expansion of our fixed telecommunications network services operations and increases in home equipment installation necessitated by the growth of our customer base also reduced our cash flow from operations. Cash from operating activities also decreased due to increased spending for early stage operations of our IP-TV service.

Net cash provided by operating activities amounted to HK$203.8 million during fiscal 2004, which represented a substantial decrease compared with fiscal 2003, principally as a result of the significant cash we continued to invest in our Metro Ethernet network. Cash from operating activities also decreased due to increased costs we incurred in promoting our new services, as well as decreased profitability of our international telecommunications business. In fiscal 2004, we recorded an increase in trade and other payables of HK$31.0 million that comprised amounts owed to our supplier of household appliances that we offered to new subscribers under our free appliance program. We also recorded an increase in deferred service income of HK$29.3 million in fiscal 2004 associated with our free appliance program, as we billed new subscribers’ credit cards a fee equivalent to 18 months of service charges upon their signing a 24 to 36 month contract with us. Net cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 2004 was offset by an increase in trade and other receivables of HK$50.4 million. The principal component of this receivable consisted of an increase in income of HK$38.7 million in connection with mobile interconnection charges that we believe are due to us by Hong Kong mobile telecommunications operators based on their use of our Metro Ethernet network to transmit mobile telecommunications traffic. We also recorded an increase in prepayments of HK$8.3 million in fiscal 2004 in connection with our use of the fiber ring owned and operated by the KCRC. Finally, our cash flows from operations were reduced by Hong Kong profits taxes paid of HK$24.0 million.

Investing Activities

NetIn fiscal 2007, net cash generated from investing activities was HK$114.1 million, whereas in fiscal 2006 and 2005, net cash used in investing activities was HK$492.7 million and HK$557.4 million respectively. In 2006 and HK$406.2 million during fiscal 2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively. Throughout each of the three fiscal years, investing activities consisted primarily of purchases of fixed assets for the development of our Metro Ethernet networkNext Generation Network and upgrading of our international telecommunications facilities. In fiscal 2006facilities of HK$382.2 and 2005, anHK$415.4 respectively. An increase in term deposits of HK$144.6 million and HK$92.9 million respectively alsofurther increased the cash outflow for investing activities accordingly.in 2006 and 2005 respectively. In fiscal 2007, the net cash generated was mainly due to the receipt in term deposits of HK$237.5 million and lower level in purchase of fixed assets of HK$149.3 million.

Financing Activities

Net cash provided byused in financing activities was an outflowHK$109.5 million in fiscal 2007 consisting mainly of interest paid on our 8.75% senior notes of HK$85.3 million and interim dividend of HK$24.6 million.

Net cash used in financing activities was HK$86.4 million in fiscal 2006 which mainly consisted of interest paid on our 8.75% senior notes of HK$85.2 million.

Net cash provided by financing activities was an inflow of HK$792.2 million in fiscal 2005, which mainly consisted of our net proceeds of US$121.0 million from our 8.75% notes issued in the amount of HK$943.7 million and a bank loan of HK$100.0 million. The cash inflow was offset by our repayment of a bank loan in the amount of HK$200.0 million and interest payments for the 8.75% notes in the aggregate amount of HK$52.4 million.

Net cash provided by financing activities was HK$47.2 million in fiscal 2004, which consisted of our draw down of HK$100.0 million on our loan facility with HSBC, offset by our payment of HK$54.9 million in dividends during fiscal 2004.

Indebtedness

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. 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. 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).

We may redeem all but not less than all of the 8.75% notes in the event we have to pay additional amounts as a result of certain changes in taxation. We may redeem the notes, in whole or in part, on or after February 1, 2010, at the redemption prices set forth in the indenture governing the notes. In addition, prior to February 1, 2008, we may redeem up to a maximum of 35% of the original aggregate principal amount of the notes with the proceeds from one or more specified public or private offerings of our common stock at a redemption price equal to 108.75% of the principal amount of the notes. In all cases of optional redemption, we will pay principal at the redemption price specified plus accrued and unpaid interest, additional amounts, if any, thereon to, but not including, the date of redemption.

The indenture governing the 8.75% notes contains covenants that limit, among other things, our ability and the ability of certain of our existing and future subsidiaries to:

 

Ÿpay dividends, make distributions, redeem capital stock and make certain other restricted payments or investments;

pay dividends, make distributions, redeem capital stock and make certain other restricted payments or investments;

 

Ÿ

incur additional indebtedness or issue certain equity interests;

Ÿmerge, consolidate or sell all or substantially all of our assets;

 

Ÿissue or sell capital stock of some of our subsidiaries;

merge, consolidate or sell all or substantially all of our assets;

 

Ÿsell or exchange assets or enter into new businesses;

issue or sell capital stock of some of our subsidiaries;

 

Ÿcreate any restrictions on the payment of dividends, the making of distributions, the making of loans and the transfer of assets;

sell or exchange assets or enter into new businesses;

 

Ÿcreate liens on assets;

create any restrictions on the payment of dividends, the making of distributions, the making of loans and the transfer of assets;

 

Ÿenter into certain transactions with affiliates or related persons; and

create liens on assets;

 

Ÿenter into sale and lease back transactions.

enter into certain transactions with affiliates or related persons; and

enter into sale and lease back transactions.

The net proceeds of the 8.75% notes were approximately US$121.0 million after deduction of expenses and commissions. We used the net proceeds, in part, to repay in full an existing bank loan in the outstanding amount of HK$196.7 million. The remaining net proceeds has been and will continue to be used for capital expenditures, including costs incurred in expanding and upgrading our Metro Ethernet networkNext Generation Network in Hong Kong, and for additional working capital and general corporate purposes.

As of August 31, 2006,2007, the 8.75% notes were stated at the amortized cost of US$121,854,000122.1 million (HK$948,027,000)952.6 million), compared with the amortized costs of US$121,660,000121.9 million (HK$945,348,000)948.0 million) as of August 31, 2005.2006.

As of August 31, 2006,2007, we had available banking facilities of HK$80.080.2 million of which HK$78.078.6 million was unutilized.

During December 2007 and January 2008, we have bought back cumulative principal value of 8.75% notes of US$21.9 million by way of market acquisition. The total consideration (including accrued interest) paid was US$22.1 million. The principal value of 8.75% notes remaining in issue after the buy-back is US$103.2 million. The 8.75% notes bought back have been cancelled subsequently in December 2007 and January 2008.

Capital expenditures

In order to continue the development offurther develop our Metro Ethernet networkNext Generation Network and maintain the operations of our international telecommunications business, we plan to make total capital expenditures of approximately HK$125850 million over the next three years to increase our home pass from 1.4 million to HK$1501.8 million in fiscal 2007.and to increase our fiber-connected commercial buildings from 600 to 1,800. Our required capital expenditures other than with respect to our network expansion, will be influenced to a significant degreefinanced by the rate of growthcompany’s free cash flow in the subscription base for our services, the expansion of our network coverage and any changes to our business plan.respective year.

Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

As of August 31, 2006,2007, we had capital commitments contracted but not provided for relating to the purchase of telecommunications, computer and office equipment of HK$80.254.2 million. In addition, we had commitments under non-cancelable operating leases relating to land, buildings, telecommunications facilities and computer equipment of HK$61.483.6 million, of which HK$40.143.6 million is due in fiscal 2007.2008. We also had commitments on program fees of HK$12.514.0 million, of which HK$7.610.3 million is due in fiscal 2007.2008. As of August 31, 20062007 we utilized HK$2.01.6 million of the HK$80 million available banking facilities.

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, 2006.2007.

 

  Payments due by period  Payments due by period

Contractual Obligations

  Total  

Within

1 year

  More than 1
year but
within 3
years
  

More than
3 years but

within 5
years

  

More
than

5 years

  Total  

Within

1 year

  More than 1
year but
within 3
years
  

More than
3 years but

within 5
years

  

More

than

5 years

  (Thousands of HK$)  (Thousands of HK$)

Capital expenditure items

  80,240  80,240  —    —    —    54,165  54,165  —    —    —  

Operating leases

  61,438  40,093  12,776  2,169  6,400  83,600  43,566  13,758  9,892  16,384

Short-term and long-term debt (principal and interest payments)

  1,655,028  86,409  171,244  170,115  1,227,260  1,615,464  86,146  170,839  170,685  1,187,794

Programming fees (IP-TV)

  12,526  7,638  4,888  —    —    13,981  10,345  3,636  —    —  
                              

Total

  1,809,232  214,380  188,908  172,284  1,233,660  1,767,210  194,222  188,233  180,577  1,204,178
                              

During December 2007 and January 2008, we have bought back and cancelled cumulative principal value of the 8.75% notes of US$21.9 million (equivalent to HK$170.7 million) by way of market acquisition. As a result of the buy-back of the 8.75% notes, our contractual obligations in respect of the short-term and long-term debt (principal and interest payments) has decreased by US$36.3 million (equivalent to HK$283.0 million).

Our working capital as of August 31, 20062007 was HK$416.5563.9 million, which we believe is sufficient for our current requirements. Further, we believe that our current cash and cash equivalents and cash flow from operations will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash needs, including for working capital, capital expenditure, repayment of our indebtedness and various contractual obligations, for at least the next 12 months. However, if our customer demand changes significantly due to rapid technological changes, if we are not able to successfully compete with local and foreign entrants into the market, or if we fail to maintain or obtain the necessary license renewals from the Telecommunications Authority, this could have a significant adverse impact on our cash flows from operations, which could effect our ability to make planned capital expenditures as well as meet scheduled payments on the 8.75% notes, our various operating and capital leases commitments and amounts due under banking facilities.

C. Research and development, patents and licenses

We commit considerable resources to our research and development department in order to continuously improve our services and improve our market position. As of August 31, 2006,2007, our research and development team consisted of 50approximately 30 staff members experienced in systems design, engineering, telecommunications and computer programming. Our research and development department is primarily responsible for assessing and adapting the technology that we employ in upgrading and expanding our Metro Ethernet network.Next Generation Network. To identify and develop new market opportunities, the research and development team assesses new services offered by telecommunications and internet companies in the United States and elsewhere and works closely with our marketing department. Our research and development expenditures were approximately HK$6.011.0 million, HK$11.09.6 million and HK$9.65.0 million for fiscal 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2006,2007, respectively.

D. Trend information

During fiscal 2006,2007, our international telecommunications business experienced a 16.8%16.4% decline in volume to 788.0659.0 million minutes, which combined with the lower revenue per minute, resulted in a 21.5%22.4% reduction in our international telecommunications revenues to HK$418.3324.5 million in fiscal 2006.2007. The principal reason for this decline was the intense competition, as our key competitors introduced highly aggressive price cuts. We expect that such decline will continue in future. Rather than directly competing on price, our strategy is to proactively migrate our international telecommunications customers to our FTNS global “2b” VOIP service which we believe will enable us to obtain higher margins and provide us with access to a wider addressable market.

Our revenues from our fixed telecommunications network services grew by 13.8%14.0% to HK$716.6816.8 million in fiscal 2006 despite2007 due to a fallrise in the subscription base of our fixed telecommunications network services of 2.2%10.7% to 617,000683,000 subscriptions as of August 31, 2006.2007. The revenue growth was attributable to our success in raising revenue yields per subscription.

E Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Other than as described above in “— Critical Accounting Policies” and note 2827 to our Consolidated Financial Statements, we have not entered into any off-balance-sheet arrangements with any entities or individuals.

F. Tabular disclosure of contractual obligations.

See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” above in this Item 5.

ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

A. Directors and Senior Management

Our board of directors consists of seven directors, three of whom are independent non-executive directors and one of whom is a non-executive director. Three are executive directors, namely, Mr. Wong Wai Kay, Ricky, Mr. Cheung Chi Kin, Paul, and Mr. Lai Ni Quiaque. The non-executive director is Mr. Cheng Mo Chi, Moses. The three independent non-executive directors are Mr. Lee Hon Ying, John, Dr. Chan Kin Man and Mr. Peh Jefferson Tun Lu.

The following table sets forth certain information concerning our directors and senior management as of January 17, 2007.

21, 2008.

Name

  Age  

Position

  Date
Joined City
Telecom
  Age  

Position

  Date
Joined City
Telecom

Board of Directors:

            

WONG Wai Kay, Ricky

  45  Chairman  1992  46  Chairman  1992

CHEUNG Chi Kin, Paul

  49  Chief Executive Officer  1992  50  Chief Executive Officer  1992

LAI Ni Quiaque

  37  Chief Financial Officer  2004  38  Chief Financial Officer & Company Secretary  2004

CHENG Mo Chi, Moses

  56  Non-Executive Director  1997  57  Non-Executive Director  1997

CHAN Kin Man

  48  Independent Non-Executive Director  1997

LEE Hon Ying, John

  60  Independent Non-Executive Director  1997  61  Independent Non-Executive Director  1997

CHAN Kin Man

  47  Independent Non-Executive Director  1997

PEH Tun Lu, Jefferson

  47  Independent Non-Executive Director  2004  48  Independent Non-Executive Director  2004

Senior Management:

            

CHANG Wing Fu, Stephen

  44  Chief Technology Officer  2006

CHONG Kin Chun, John

  44  Director, Corporate Division  1996  45  Director, Corporate Division  1996

LO Sui Lun

  42  Director, Network Development  1998  43  Director, Singapore NGNBN  1998

TO Wai Bing

  45  Managing Director, Business Development  2007

YEUNG Chu Kwong, William

  46  Chief Operating Officer  2005  47  Chief Operating Officer  2005

CHANG, Stephen

  43  Chief Technology Officer  2006

HARE Kai Tamara

  48  General Counsel  2007

Executive Directors

Mr. WONG Wai Kay, Ricky, aged 45,46, is the co-founder and chairmanChairman of City Telecom. He is responsible for our overall strategic planning and management. Mr. Wong holds a bachelor’s degree in science from The Chinese University of Hong Kong and has over 20 years’ experience in the telecommunications and computer industries. Mr. Wong hashad worked at a major U.S.-listedUS-listed computer company as a marketing representative and was responsible for the marketing and the 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 the import and distribution of computer systems in Canada prior to co-founding of City Telecom. Mr. Wong is a first cousin of Mr. Cheung Chi Kin, Paul, our chief executive officer.

Chief Executive Officer. Currently, he is a member of Commission on Youth, a member of the Zhejiang Committee, Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, an independent non-executive director of Bossini International Holdings Limited and a member of the Board of Trustees, United College, The Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Mr. CHEUNG Chi Kin, Paul, aged 49,50, is the co-founder and chief executive officerChief Executive Officer of City Telecom. He is responsible for our day-to-day operations and technological research, development and support activities. Mr. Cheung graduated with a diploma of advanced programming and system concepts design from Herzing Institute, Canada. He has more than 2526 years’ experience in the telecommunications and computer industries. Mr. Cheung hashad worked in companies engaged in application software development and computer consultancy prior to co-founding of City Telecom. Mr. Cheung is a first cousin of Mr. Wong Wai Kay, Ricky, our chairman.Chairman.

Mr. LAI Ni Quiaque, aged 37,38, is our chief financial officer.Chief Financial Officer, Company Secretary and Head of Staff Engagement. Mr. Lai joined City Telecom in May 2004 and is responsible for our financial and human resources functions.2004. Mr. Lai has 14 years’extensive experience in telecommunications industry research and finance.finance, being highly rated in this field. Prior to joining City Telecom, Mr. Lai was the Director and Head of Asia Telecom Research for Credit Suisse First Boston,, having spent eight8 years with the firm. During his tenure with Credit Suisse, he 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. Lai holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Western Australia, and is a qualifiedfellow member of CPA Australia and a member of Hong Kong Institute of Directors. Mr. Lai has been accepted into the Australian Society of CPAs.Kellogg-HKUST EMBA program commencing in January 2008.

Non-executiveNon-Executive Director

Mr. CHENG Mo Chi, Moses, aged 56,57, was re-designated as a non-executive director of City Telecom with effect from September 30, 2004. He was appointed as an independent non-executive director of the Company since June 17, 1997 and a member of the Audit Committee since its establishment on March 22, 1999.1997. He is the senior partner of P.C. Woo & Co., a firm of solicitors and notaries in Hong Kong, the Founder Chairman of the Hong Kong Institute of Directors of which he is now the Honorary President and Chairman Emeritus and the Chairman of the Council and Court of the Hong Kong Baptist University and the Football Betting and Lotteries Commission. Mr. Cheng was appointed as a member of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong from 1991 to 1995.

Independent Non-executiveNon-Executive Directors

Dr. CHAN Kin Man, aged 48, is an associate professor in the Department of Sociology of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, specializing in state-society relations in Mainland China and 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 City Telecom since June 1997.

Mr. LEE Hon Ying, John, aged 60,61, 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 & Wireless HKT and Hong Kong Telecom. He is a chartered engineer and a member of each of the Institution of ElectronicEngineering and Radio Engineers,Technology, the United Kingdom and the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers and the Hong Kong Computer Society. He received a master’s degree in information systems from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 1992. In addition, he is the Territory Vice-President of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Asia and Oceania, which is an international charity body. He is the ChairpersonCommission member of the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong Diocesan for Hospital Pastoral Care. Mr. Lee has been a director of City Telecom since June 1997.

Dr. CHAN Kin Man, aged 47, is an associate professor of the Department of Sociology of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, specializing in the state-society relations in China and 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 City Telecom since June 1997.

Mr. PEH Tun Lu, Jefferson, aged 47,48, 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’smaster’s degree in business from the University of Technology, Sydney. He has over 2425 years of experience in finance, accounting and management withfrom listed and private companies in Hong Kong and Australia. Mr. Peh has been a director of City Telecom since September 2004.

Senior Management

Mr. CHANG Wing Fu, Stephen, aged 44, is our Chief Technology Officer. Mr Chang joined the Company in July 2006 as Chief Information Officer and has also been the Company’s Chief Technology Officer since December 2006. He provides advice and assistance to the Company, to ensure that information and communications technologies are acquired and managed in a manner that is aligned with business strategy, supporting the goals and objectives of the Company and its various business units. Mr Chang graduated from Australia and holds a Masters in Information Systems degree and a Bachelor of Science degree from Monash University. Mr Chang has 19 years of experience in Systems Development, Project Management, Consulting and Information Technology Management. Prior to joining the Company, Mr Chang was the Asia Pacific/Japan Vice-President of Worldwide Support for a U.S. software company. Before that he was the General Manager of Information Technology at SmarTone-Vodafone.

Mr. CHONG Kin Chun, John, aged 44,45, is the director of ourthe corporate division. He is responsible for sales, marketing and servicing development of ourthe Company’s international telecommunications services and fixed telecommunications network services for our business and corporate customers. Mr. Chong joined City Telecom in February 1996 and was appointed as an executive director in June 1997. He holds a bachelor’s degree in arts from theThe 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 42,43, is thea director of network development.Hong Kong Broadband Network Limited (HKBN). He is responsiblenow in charge of the Company’s participation in the Next Generation National Broadband Network (NGNBN) project in Singapore. That project is to develop a FTTH network for the engineeringwhole country. Before that, Mr. Lo was in charge of regulatory, carrier business, international business, network operation and network development of our fixed telecommunications network.for HKBN. He joined City Telecom in September 1998 and was promoted to the title of director in 1999.1998. Prior to joining City Telecom,that, Mr. Lo worked for PCCW-HKTPCCW (formerly known as “Cable & Wireless HKT”“Hong Kong Telecom”) for nine9 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 Administrationbusiness administration from the University of Strathclyde, UK.

Ms. TO Wai Bing, aged 45, is our managing director of business development. Ms. To is a member of the management committee of the Company and in charge of the International Business Department and the Carrier Business Department. She is responsible for the control of cost of services, carrier relations, sales of carrier business, exploring and securing business partnerships to strengthen the Company’s business operations and development. Before joining the Company, Ms. To had worked for the Hong Kong Telecom Company for 16 years after graduating from Hong Kong Polytechnic University with a Diploma in Electronic Engineering and subsequently a Higher Certificate in Electronic Engineering. Ms. To rejoined the Company in May 2007 after her previous services with the Company from September 1998 to July 2006.

Mr. YEUNG Chu Kwong, William, aged 46,47, is our chief operating officer.Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Yeung joined City Telecom in October 2005 and is responsible for headingto head our customer engagement departmentCustomer Engagement Department to oversee customer relationship management. Mr. Yeung is also responsible to head Network Development Department. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hong Kong Baptist University, a Master of Business Administration degree from University of Strathclyde, UK and a Master of Science degreeDegree in electronic commerceElectronic Commerce and Internet computeringComputing from The University of Hong Kong. Mr. Yeung has more than 1415 years’ experience in the telecommunicationstelecom industry. Prior to joining City Telecom, Mr. Yeung was the Director of Customers Division at Smartone-Vodafone,in SmarTone-Vodafone, the General Manager of Personal Communications and Retail Division at Tricom Telecom Limited, and has beenwas also an Inspector of Police in the Hong Kong Police Force.

Mr CHANG Wing Fu, Stephen, aged 43, is our chief technology officer. Mr Chang joined the group in July 2006 as Chief Information Officer and has taken up the role as the Group’s Chief Technology Officer since December 2006. He’s responsible to provide advice and assistance to the Group, to ensure that information technology is acquired and information resources are managed in a manner that is aligned with business strategy, supporting the goals and objectives of the Group and its various business units. He also overseas the Group’s Technology Development. Mr Chang graduated from Australia and holds a Masters in Information Systems Degree and a Bachelor of Science Degree from Monash University. Mr Chang has 18 years of experience in Systems Development, Project Management, Consulting and I.T.Management. Prior to joining the Group, Mr Chang was the Asia Pacific/Japan VP of Worldwide Support for a U.S. software company. Before that he was the General Manager of I.T. at SmarTone-Vodafone.

Ms. HARE Kai Tamara, aged 48, is the General Counsel –Head of Legal Department & Corporate Secretary Office. Ms. Hare has over 25 years of legal and senior management experience. For the past 6 years, she was Chief Executive Officer for a venture backed risk management software company in San Francisco. She has served several times as General Counsel and held other senior management positions for multinational companies with business focus in Asia and Western Europe. Additionally, she has extensive private legal practice work with emphasis on corporate finance and intellectual property. She was associated with well known international U.S. based law firms after receiving her Juris Doctor in 1985 from Georgetown University Law Center and Bachelors of Arts from U.C. Berkeley in 1982. Ms. Hare is a frequent lecturer and writer on the topics of cyber security and commercial practice. She is duly admitted to practice in the States of New York and California and to appear before the Southern District Court of New York.

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.

The aggregate amount of salaries or other compensation, housing allowances, discretionary bonuses, share-based payment, other allowances and benefits in kind paid by us to our directors (not including our non-executive directors) during fiscal 20062007 was approximately HK$19.719.4 million. We paid approximately HK$1.4 million as our contribution to the pension schemes of the directors in the year ended August 31, 2006.during fiscal 2007. In addition we paid our fiscal non-executive directors fees in the aggregate amount of approximately HK$605,000 during fiscal 2006.2007.

Each executive director is entitled to receive an annual discretionary bonus of such amount as shall be determined by the board of directors upon recommendation and approval by the Remuneration Committee (as defined below). Additionally, our senior management and employees are entitled to receive an annual discretionary bonus based on their individual performance and our financial performance during the year in question.

The total number of ordinary shares representing outstanding options granted under the 2002 Scheme (as defined under “Share Option Schemes” below) asAs of January 17, 2006 was 36,520,000. On October 21, 2004, we2008, the Company granted share options to ourvarious directors and members of our senior managers under our 2002 Scheme optionsmanagement. For details, please refer to subscribe for 14,670,000 ordinary shares. On October 21, 2004, the board of directors also proposed to grant options to subscribe for 8,000,000 ordinary shares to each of Mr. Wong Wai Kay, Ricky and Mr. Cheung Chi Kin, Paul. The proposed grants of option were approved by shareholders at our annual general meeting held on December 29, 2004. On October 3, 2005, the board of directors granted options to subscribe for 1,000,000 ordinary shares to Mr. Yeung Chu Kwong, William. The total number of ordinary shares representing outstanding options under the 1997 Scheme (as defined under “Share Option Schemes” below) as of January 17, 2006 was 528,000.Item 6EShare Ownership herein.

Except as discussed herein, no other payments have been paid or are payable, in respect of fiscal 2006,2007, by us or any of our subsidiaries to our directors and senior management.

The aggregate amount of salaries or other compensation, housing allowances, other allowances and benefits in kind paid by us to our senior management during the fiscal 20062007 was approximately HK$7.613.4 million.

For fiscal 2006,2007, the aggregate amount accrued by us to provide pension retirement or similar benefits for our directors, senior management and other employees was approximately HK$28.023.9 million. (please refer to the second paragraph of this section)

C. Board Practices

Service Contracts

We have entered into service contractsagreements with two of our three executive directors, Wong Wai Kay, Ricky, and Cheung Chi Kin, Paul. The service agreements with Mr. WongPaul and Mr. Cheung had an initial term that ended on June 30, 2000.Lai Ni Quiaque respectively. These service agreements are automatically renewed annually after the initial term until termination with prior notice. After the initial term, the agreements with Mr. Wong and Mr. Cheung can be terminated by either party with six months’ notice. We will also enter into a service contract with Mr. Lai Ni Quiaque as the Chief Financial Officer upon approval by the Remuneration Committee. These service contracts include non-competition clauses under which our executive directors agree not to compete with us in accordance with the terms and conditions therein.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.

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 Tun Lu, Jefferson. 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 our audit committee charter, which was adopted by our board of directors at a meeting held in August 2004. It is responsible for overseeing the accounting and financial reporting process of the GroupCompany and the audits of the Group’sCompany’s financial statements on behalf of the Board of Directors.

Additionally, the Audit Committee is directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the work of City Telecom ‘sTelecom’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 City Telecom.

TheAs provided in our audit committee charter, the Audit Committee shall meet in person or telephonically at least twice a year. The Audit Committeeyear and shall have 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 three times in fiscal 2007. The major works performed by the Committee from September 1, 2006 to August 31, 2007 included:

a.Reviewed the Company’s financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2006 and for the six months ended February 28, 2007;

b.Reviewed the internal audit progress, especially on the compliance of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act;

c.Reviewed the external auditor’s report on the review of the Company’s interim financial report for the six months ended February 28, 2007 and the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2006; and

d.Pre-approved the audit and non-audit services provided by KPMG, external auditor of the Company.

Remuneration Committee

Our board of directors established a remuneration committeeRemuneration Committee in August 2001 to ensure the supervisionmanage our offer of the remuneration packages we pay to our executive directors. The remuneration committeeRemuneration Committee is comprised of 6six members with three independent non-executive directors,

Mr. Lee Hon Ying, John, Mr. Peh Tun Lu, Jefferson and Dr. Chan Kin Man, the non-executive director, Mr. Cheng Mo Chi, Moses, Mr. Lai Ni Quiaque, our finance directorChief Financial Officer, Company Secretary and Head of Staff Engagement and our director of human resources.Talent Management. The remuneration committee’sRemuneration Committee’s main duties are set out as follows:-

 

 (a)to make recommendations to the Board on City Telecom’s policy and structure for all remuneration of directors and senior management and on the establishment of a formal and transparent procedure for development policy on such remuneration;

 

 (b)to have the delegated responsibility to determine the specific remuneration packages of all executive directors and senior management, including benefits in kind, pension rights, short and long term incentives and compensation payments, including any compensation payable for loss or termination of their office or appointment, and make recommendations to the Board of the remuneration of Non-executive Directors;non-executive directors (whether independent or otherwise);

 

 (c)to review and approve performance-based remuneration by reference to corporate goals and objectives resolved by the Board from time to time;

 

 (d)to review and approve the compensation payable to executive directors and senior management in connection with any loss or termination of their office or appointment to ensure that such compensation is determined in accordance with relevant contractual terms and that such compensation is otherwise fair and not excessive for City Telecom;

 

 (e)to review and approve compensation arrangements relating to dismissal or removal of directors for misconduct to ensure that such arrangements are determined in accordance with relevant contractual terms and that any compensation payment is otherwise reasonable and appropriate; and

 

 (f)to ensure that no director or any of his associates is involved in deciding his own remuneration.remuneration

(g)to consider other issues as may be assigned from time to time by the Board; and

(h)to advise shareholders on how to vote with respect to any service contracts of directors that require shareholders’ approval under the Listing Rules.

D. Employees

The following chart sets forth the number of our employees by functional area as of August 31, 2006.2007.

 

   Employees

Information technology and engineering

  731479

Sales and marketing, customer service and “Special Duty Unit” (“SDU”)

  918

Customer service

5791,897

General administration and others

  337316
   

Total

  2,5652,692
   

The following chart sets forth the number of our employees by geographical region as of August 31, 2006.2007.

 

   Employees

Hong Kong

  1,3091,401

Guangzhou

  1,2261,264

Canada

  3027
   

Total

  2,5652,692
   

As of August 31, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2006,2007, we had 3,583, 3,896, 2,565 and 2,5652,692 employees, respectively. In connection with the transfer of our calling center operations to Guangzhou, China, we have hired over 1,200 customer service representatives and back office employees to staff that facility. OurThe slight increase in our total number of employees decreased in fiscal 2006. The reduction2007 was mainly due to the expansion in staff was achieved on a planned basis with re-engineering of processes to ensure service continuation. Multiple operational processes were reviewed and consolidated to enhance efficiency and improve quality. We have also outsourced some of our operations, which helped to reduce non-essential staff functions. We have not experienced any work slowdowns or stoppages and we consider our relations with our employees to be good.fixed telecommunications network business.

E. Share Ownership

Share Ownership

The following chart sets forth the share ownership of our directors and senior management as of January 17, 2007.21, 2008.

 

Title of Class

  

Identity of Person or Group

  

Number of Shares

Beneficially

Owned(13)

 

Percentage of

Shares Beneficially

Owned (%)(3)

  Share
Options
   

Identity of Person or Group

  

Number of Shares

Beneficially

Owned(11)

 

Percentage of

Shares Beneficially

Owned (%)(3)

  

Outstanding

Share
Options

 

Ordinary Shares

  Wong Wai Kay, Ricky  318671261(1) 51.89  14,000,000(4)  Wong Wai Kay, Ricky  318,771,261(1) 50.82  14,000,000(4)

Ordinary Shares

  Cheung Chi Kin, Paul  34,275,738(2) 5.6  14,000,000(5)  Cheung Chi Kin, Paul  352,792,737(2) 56.25  14,000,000(5)

Ordinary Shares

  Lai Ni Quiaque  8,560,000  1.39  9,000,000(6)  Lai Ni Quiaque  9,670,000  1.54  2,000,000(6)

Ordinary Shares

  Chong Kin Chun, John  1,574,000  Less than 1.0  3,500,000(7)  Chang Wing Fu, Stephen  Nil  Nil  700,000(10)

Ordinary Shares

  Lo Sui Lun  700,000  Less than 1.0  2,000,000(8)  Chong Kin Chun, John  1,124,000  Less than 1.0  3,000,000(7)

Ordinary Shares

  Yeung Chu Kwong, William  Nil  Nil  4,000,000(9)  Lo Sui Lun  628,000  Less than 1.0  2,000,000(8)

Ordinary Shares

  Chang Wing Fu Stephen  Nil  Nil  1,000,000(10)  Yeung Chu Kwong, William  2,000,000  Less than 1.0  2,000,000(9)

(1)

Of the 318,671,261318,771,261 shares, 318,516,999 shares are beneficially owned through Mr. Wong’s approximately 35%42.12 % interest in Top Group International Limited,Ltd., or Top Group, and 154,262254,262 shares are owned personallydirectly by him.Mr. Wong.

(2)

Of the 34,275,738352,792,737 shares, 10,508,000318,516,999 shares are personallybeneficially owned through Mr. Cheung’s 27.062% interest in Top Group,10,508,000 shares are owned directly by Mr. Cheung and 23,767,738 shares are beneficially owned through Mr. Cheung’s 50% interest in Worship LimitedLimited.

(3)

Percentage ownership is based on 614,175,404627,218,404 shares issued and outstanding as of January 9, 2007.21, 2008.

(4)

Options to subscribe for 8,000,000 shares were granted to Mr. Wong for a purchase price of HK$1.0,1.00, at an exercise price of HK$1.54 per share and exercisable on or before October 20, 2014 in the following manner: (i) 4,000,000 on or after January 5, 2005, (ii) 2,000,000 on or after January 1, 2006 and (iii) 2,000,000 on or after January 1, 2007. The grant of optionoptions was proposed on October 21, 2004 and approved by shareholders at our annual general meeting held on December 29, 2004. Options to subscribe for 6,000,000 shares were granted to Mr. Wong on May 22, 2006 for a purchase price of HK$1.00, at an exercise price of HK$0.66 per share and exercisable on or before May 21, 2016 in the following manner: (i) 2,000,000 on or after May 22, May 2007, (ii) 2,000,000 on or after May 22, May 2008; and (iii) 2,000,000 on or after May 22, May 2009.

(5)

Options to subscribe for 8,000,000 shares were granted to Mr. Cheung for a purchase price of HK$1.0,1.00, at an exercise price of HK$1.54 per share and exercisable on or before October 20, 2014 in the following manner: (i) 4,000,000 on or after January 5, 2005, (ii) 2,000,000 on or after January 1, 2006 and (iii) 2,000,000 on or after January 1, 2007. The grant of optionoptions was proposed on October 21, 2004 and approved by shareholders at our annual general meeting held on December 29, 2004. Options to subscribe for 6,000,000 shares were granted to Mr. Cheung on May 22, May 2006 for a purchase price of HK$1.00, at an exercise price of HK$0.66 per share and exercisable on or before May 21, 2016 in the following manner: (i) 2,000,000 on or after May 22, May 2007, , (ii) 2,000,000 on or after May 22, May 2008; and (iii) 2,000,000 on or after May 22, May 2009.

(6)

Options to subscribe for 6,000,000 shares were granted to Mr. Lai on June 3, 2004 for a purchase price of HK$1.0,1.00, at an exercise price of HK$1.47 per share and exercisable on or before June 2, 2014 in the following manner: (i) 5,000,000 on or after May 1, 2005, and (ii) 1,000,000 on or after May 1, 2006. Options to subscribe for 3,000,000 shares were granted to Mr. Lai on May 22, May 2006 for a purchase price of HK$1.00, at an exercise price of HK$0.66 per share and exercisable on or before May 21, 2016 in the following manner: (i) 1,000,000 on or after May 22, May 2007, , (ii) 1,000,000 on or after May 22, May 2008; and (iii) 1,000,000 on or after May 22, May 2009. On October 17, 2007, Mr. Lai exercised options to acquire 7,000,000 shares for a total amount of consideration of HK$9,480,000.

(7)

Options to subscribe for 2,000,000 shares were granted to Mr. Chong on October 21, 2004 for a purchase price of HK$1.0,1.00, at an exercise price of HK$1.54 per share and exercisable on or before October 20, 2014 in the following manner: (i) 1,000,000 on or after January 1, 2005, (ii) 500,000 on or after January 1, 2006, and (iii) 500,000 on or after January 1, 2007. Options to subscribe for 1,500,000 shares were granted to Mr. Chong on May 22, May 2006 for a purchase price of HK$1.00, at an exercise price of HK$0.66 per share and exercisable on or before May 21, 2016 in the following manner: (i) 500,000 on or after May 22, May 2007, (ii) 500,000 on or after May 22, May 2008; and (iii) 500,000 on or after 22 May 2009. On December 13, 2007, Mr. Chong exercised options to acquire 500,000 shares for a total amount of consideration of HK$330,000.

((8)8)

Options to subscribe for 500,000 shares were granted to Mr. Lo on October 21, 2004 for a purchase price of HK$1.0,1.00, at an exercise price of HK$1.54 per share and exercisable on or before October 20, 2014 in the following manner: (i) 200,000 on or after January 1, 2005, (ii) 200,000 on or after January 1, 2006, and (iii) 100,000 on or after January 1, 2007. Options to subscribe for 1,500,000 shares were granted to Mr. Lo on May 22, May 2006 for a purchase price of HK$1.00, at an exercise price of HK$0.66 per share and exercisable on or before May 21, 2016 in the following manner: (i) 500,000 on or after May 22, May 2007, (ii) 500,000 on or after May 22, May 2008; and (iii) 500,000 on or after May 22, May 2009.

((9)9)

Options to subscribe for 1,000,000 shares were granted to Mr. Yeung on October 3, 2005 for a purchase price of HK$1.0,1.00, at an exercise price of HK$0.81 per share and exercisable on or afterfrom October 1, 2006 but before October 2,to September 30, 2015. Options to subscribe for 3,000,000 shares were granted to Mr. Yeung on May 22, May 2006 for a purchase price of HK$1.00, at an exercise price of

HK$0.66 per share and exercisable on or before May 21, 2016 in the following manner: (i) 1,000,000 on or after May 22, May 2007, (ii) 1,000,000 on or after May 22, May 2008; and (iii) 1,000,000 on or after May 22, May 2009. On November 22, 2007, Mr. Yeung exercised options to acquire 2,000,000 shares for a total amount of consideration of HK$1,470,000.

(10)

Options to subscribe for 1,000,000 shares were granted to Mr. Chang on July 3, July 2006 for a purchase price of HK$1.00, at an exercise price of HK$0.68 per share and exercisable on or before July 2, 2016 in the following manner: (i) 300,000 on or after July 3, July 2007, (ii) 300,000 on or after July 3, July 2008; and (iii) 400,000 on or after July 3, 2009. On July 2009.9, 2007, Mr. Chang exercised options to acquire 300,000 shares for a total amount of consideration of HK$204,000.

((11)11)

Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC.

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

Share Option Schemes

We adopted a second share option scheme, which we refer to as the 2002 Scheme, on December 23, 2002 and terminated the share option scheme adopted and in effect since July 12, 1997, which we refer to as the 1997 Scheme. The provisionsUpon termination of the 1997 Scheme, remain in force to the extent necessary to give effect to the exercise of any optionno further options can be granted pursuant tounder the 1997 Scheme. Such options continue to be valid and exercisable in accordance withOptions granted under the 1997 Scheme.Scheme that are not exercised have lapsed automatically on July 12, 2007. Under the terms of the 2002 Scheme, our board of directors or the Board, may, in its discretion from time to time, and subject to such conditions as the Board may determine, within ten years beginning on December 23, 2002, grant employees, includingany employee or executive or officer of the Company or any of its subsidiaries (including executive, non-executive and independent non-executive directors of City Telecom or anyeach of its subsidiariesthe abovementioned companies) and any suppliers andor professional advisers of City Telecomwho will or any ofhave provided services to the Company and/or its subsidiaries options 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 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 which was December 23, 2002 for the 2002 Scheme. 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 the Listing Rules. Pursuant thereto, such limit was refreshed with the approval of our shareholders in our annual general meeting held on December 29, 200424, 2007 up to a maximum limit equal to 10% of our total number of issued shares as at December 29, 2004.24, 2007. 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 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 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 at 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 Scheme will be determined by the Board 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’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’s daily quotations sheets for the five5 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 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 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 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 the Board in its absolute discretion, except that no option may be exercised later than ten years from the date of grant. No option may be granted more than ten years after December 23, 2002. Subject to our earlier termination, the 2002 Scheme shall be valid and effective for a period of ten 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:

 

 (i)the expiry date relevant to that option;

 

 (ii)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 (vii) below;

 

 (iii)12 months, or such longer period as the Board 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 (vii) below;

 

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

 

 (v)subject to (iv) above, the date of commencement of such winding-up;

 

 (vi)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;

 

 (vii)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 offenseoffence involving his or her integrity or honesty or, in the case of a grantee-employee and if so determined by the Board, on any other common law, statutory or contractual ground on which an employer would be entitled to terminate such grantee’s employment;

 

 (viii)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

 

 (ix)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.

ThroughAs of January 17, 2007, the Board had adopted four resolutions pursuant to the 2002 Scheme. The21, 2008, a total number of 72,280,000 options were granted, in12,625,000 options were exercised, 8,020,000 options were lapsed and 51,635,000 options remain outstanding and unexercised. In our annual general meeting held on December 24, 2007, our shareholders approved the resolutions pursuant torefreshment of the 2002 Scheme limit, i.e. 62,704,840 shares representing 10% of the issued share capital of the Company as at December 24, 2007. A total number of 62,704,840 options is available for issue as of January 17, 2007 is 33,760,000, of which 710,000 have been exercised, 32,590,000 are outstanding and 460,000 have lapsed, been forfeited or cancelled.21, 2008.

ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

A. Major Shareholders

The following table sets forth certain information regarding ownership of our ordinary shares as of January 17, 200721, 2008 by all persons who are known to us to own beneficially 5% or more of our ordinary shares.

 

Title of Class

  

Identity of Person or Group

  Beneficially
Owned(6)
 

Percentages of Shares

Beneficially Owned
(%)(1)

  

Identity of Person or Group

  Beneficially
Owned(6)
 

Percentages of Shares

Beneficially Owned
(%)(1)

Ordinary Shares

  Wong Wai Kay, Ricky  318,671,261(2) 51.89  Wong Wai Kay, Ricky  318,771,261(2) 50.82

Ordinary Shares

  Cheung Chi Kin, Paul  34,275,738(3) 5.6  Cheung Chi Kin, Paul  352,792,737(3) 56.25

Ordinary Shares

  Top Group International Limited  318,516,999  51.86  Top Group International Ltd.  318,516,999  50.78

Ordinary Shares

  Leung Ka Pak  318,516,999(4) 51.86  Leung Ka Pak  318,516,999(4) 50.78

Ordinary Shares

  Yau Ming Yan, Andrew  318,516,999(4) 51.86  Yau Ming Yan, Andrew  318,516,999(4) 50.78

Ordinary Shares

  EK Investment Management Limited  67,900,000(5) 11.06  EK Investment Management Limited  55,542,000(5) 8.86

(1)

Percentage ownership is based on 614,175,404627,218,404 shares issued as of January 9, 2007.21, 2008.

(2)

Of the 318,671,261318,771,261 shares, 318,516,999 shares are beneficially owned through Mr. Wong’s approximately 35%42.12 % interest in Top Group International Limited, or Top Group and 154,262254,262 shares are owned personallydirectly by him.

(3)

Of the 34,275,738352,792,737 shares, 318,516,999 shares are beneficially owned through Mr. Cheung’s 27.062% interest in Top Group, 10,508,000 shares are personally owned directly by Mr. Cheung and 23,767,738 shares are beneficially owned through Mr. Cheung’s 50% interest in Worship Limited. The shareholdings of Mr. Cheung were reduced from 329,024,999 to 34,275,738.

(4)

The 318,516,999 shares are beneficially owned through Mr. Leung’s 21% and Mr. Yau’s 9.8% interest in Top Group International Limited.Group.

(5)(5)

The 67,900,00055,542,000 shares owned by EK Investment Management Limited is the number of shares as notified to us by EK Investment Management Limited as of August 15, 2005.December 18, 2007.

(6)(6)

Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC.

As of December 2006,January 21, 2008, there were fifteen11 registered holders of 1,666,712 of our2,586,127 American depositary sharesDepositary Shares in the United States, consisting of approximately 5.43%8.25 % of our outstanding shares.

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

Top Group International LimitedLtd. is a holding company incorporated in British Virgin Islands with no active operations. Top Group has two directors, Mr. Wong Wai Kay, Ricky and Mr. Cheung Chi Kin, Paul, who are our chairman and chief executive officer.officer respectively. They are two of shareholders of Top Group. Mr. Leung Ka Pak and Mr. Yau Ming Yan, Andrew are the two other shareholders of Top Group.

Mr. Leung Ka Pak was an executivea director and the president of all subsidiaries in Canada other than City Telecom (Canada) Inc.. He resigned as a director and president in October 2005. After Mr. Leung resigned, Mr. Yau Ming Yan, Andrew was a director and the president of all our subsidiaries in Canada other than City Telecom (Canada) Inc. until October 2005 when he resigned. Mr. Yau Ming Yan, Andrew, is an executiveInc.. He resigned as a director and the president of our subsidiaries in Canada other than City Telecom (Canada) Inc.July 2006.

EK Investment Management Limited is not affiliated with us or our officers or directors.

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

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.

Sale of City Telecom (Japan) Co., Ltd.

On July 15, 2003, Automedia Holdings Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a conditional agreement with Takua Corporation, or Takua, for the sale of the entire issued share capital of City Telecom (Japan) Co., Ltd., or City Telecom Japan, for an aggregate price of JPY30.0 million (approximately HK$2.0 million), which is to be paid by Takua in thirty monthly installments. Prior to the entering into the Agreement, City Telecom Japan was our wholly-owned subsidiary. Takua is wholly-owned by Mr. Masaaki Asai, who is a brother of Mr. Tatsushi Asai, a director of City Telecom Japan. Mr. Tatsushi Asai also acts as a guarantor for the due and punctual performance of Takua’s obligations under this agreement for no additional consideration.

As of August 31, 2006, we had received approximately HK$0.3 million from Takua.

The transaction has been completed as at August 31, 2006 and there was no outstanding amount due from Takua.

Contracts with Our Directors and Senior Management

All of our directors and senior management have employment service agreements with us except for our recently appointed Chief Financial Officer who will enter into an employment service contract after approval from the Remuneration Committee.us. Certain of our directors and senior management receive housing allowances, pensions and bonuses. 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” of this annual report for details concerning these arrangements.

C. Interests of Experts and Counsel

Not applicable.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

Financial Statements

See pages F-1 – F-59F-90 following Item 19.

Legal and Regulatory Proceedings

We are currently involved in fourtwo material legal or regulatory proceedings. They are described below:

People’s Telecom. In March 2004, we askedour wholly owned subsidiary, Hong Kong Broadband Network Limited (“HKBN”) requested the Telecommunications Authority to make a determination, onpursuant to section 36A of the Telecommunications Ordinance (Cap 106), in respect of the level of chargesfixed-mobile interconnection charge (“FMIC”) to be paid by China Resources Peoples Telephone Company Limited or People’s Telecom, for direct interconnection between its mobile network and our Metro Ethernet network(“Peoples”) and the effective date of such charges undercharges. This FMIC is paid by a mobile network operator to the Telecommunications Ordinance.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 May 2004, the Telecommunications Authority confirmed to People’s TelecomPeoples and HKBN that mobile operators (in this case Peoples) should pay interconnection charges to fixed network operators including ourselves,(in this case HKBN) in accordance with the existing charging principles providedstated clearly in the relevant Statements issued by the Telecommunications Authority.Authority, particular in Statements No. 5 & 7. In August 2004, the Telecommunications Authority agreed to makecommence a determination regarding the level and effective date of interconnection chargesFMIC payable to usHKBN by People’s Telecom.Peoples. In March 2006, the Telecommunications Authority issued a preliminary analysis and requested comments from HKBN. HKBN submitted its response to the Telecommunications Authority in July 2006 and September 2006 respectively. These proceedings are stillFinally, in progress andJune 2007, the Telecommunications Authority is consideringmade a determination on the submissions, information and comments submittedlevel of FMIC payable by both parties. The Telecommunications Authority has not yet reached any conclusion.Peoples to HKBN for the period from April 2002 to August 2004.

Jade ComPCCW case. Jade Com DevelopmentOn December 24, 2007, PCCW IMS Limited or Jade Com,filed a Hong Kong company, alleged in a claim filed in April 13, 1999 inWrit together with an Endorsement of Claim with the High Court of Hong Kong, that we, asalleging a principalclaim against the Company in respect of onean advertisement published by the Company on December 19, 2007, seeking damages of our wholly owned subsidiaries, wrongfully terminated

a telecommunications service agreement entered into on November 26, 1997. Jade Com claimed damages for breach of contractno less than HK$1,000,000 and misrepresentation, but did not state the specific amount of its claim. If the agreement had not been terminated, we would have had a remaining commitment of approximately US$3.6 million under the agreement. We filed a defense in May 24, 1999 asserting that we were not the principalan injunction preventing further publication of the wholly owned subsidiary which entered the agreementadvertisement, based on defamation and alternatively, Jade Com had breached a condition of the agreement that they possess all the legal approvals and licenses necessarymalicious falsehood. The Company is now waiting for the provisiondetailed Statement of their services. Specifically, our defense asserts that Jade Com did not have certain regulatory approvals required for the provision of the international telecommunications services that formed the basis of the agreement. As such, we asserted in our defense that our wholly owned subsidiary was entitledClaim to terminate the agreement. In February 2001, the parties consented to adjourn the case indefinitely with liberty to restore. Accordingly, we have not made any reserve forbe filed by PCCW IMS Limited and shall contest this litigation.claim accordingly.

Dividends

Unless the relevant provisions of the 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 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.

No dividends wereFor fiscal 2007, an interim dividend was declared and paid of HK4 cents per ordinary share totaling of HK$24,635,000. A final dividend of HK4 cents per ordinary share together with a script alternative was proposed on November 22, 2007, which was subsequently approved by shareholders in fiscal 2005 and 2006.the annual general meeting held on December 24, 2007.

B. Significant Changes

None

ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING

A. Offer and Listing Details

Our ordinary shares were listed under the number “1137” on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the “SEHK”) on August 4, 1997. Our American depositary shares, each representing 20 ordinary shares, were listed under the symbol “CTEL” on the Nasdaq on November 3, 1999. Our 8.75% notes were listed under the ISIN codes of US178677AA87 and USY16599AA30 on the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (“SGX-ST”) on January 24, 2005. The 8.75% 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.

The price of our ordinary shares on the SEHK as of its close of trading on January 17, 200721, 2008 was HK$0.601.92 per share. The table below shows the high and low closing prices of the shares on the SEHK since listing.

 

   Price
   High  Low
   (In HK$)

2001

  0.890  0.420

2002

  1.690  0.740

2003

  3.375  1.320

2004

  2.975  1.310

2005

  1.530  0.550

2004

    

January to March

  2.975  2.400

April to June

  2.525  1.310

July to September

  1.930  1.390

October to December

  1.690  1.460

  Price
  High  Low
  (In HK$)

2003

  3.375  1.320

2004

  2.975  1.310

2005

      1.530  0.550

2006

  0.830  0.570

2007

  3.670  0.830

2006

    

January to March

  1.530  1.300  0.770  0.570

April to June

  1.280  0.790  0.820  0.600

July to September

  0.930  0.780  0.710  0.630

October to December

  0.920  0.550  0.830  0.600

2005

    

July

  0.930  0.850

2007

    

January to March

  1.560  0.830

April to June

  2.200  1.250

July to September

  2.120  1.780

October to December

  3.670  1.930

2007

    

August

  0.900  0.820  2.000  1.780

September

  0.860  0.780  2.020  1.900

October

  0.920  0.760  3.670  1.960

November

  0.870  0.640  3.140  1.930

December

  0.700  0.550  2.450  2.060

2006

    

January

  0.670  0.560

February

  0.730  0.590

March

  0.780  0.610

April

  0.830  0.650

May

  0.750  0.580

June

  0.720  0.600

July

  0.730  0.650

August

  0.720  0.670

September

  0.700  0.630

October

  0.680  0.600

November

  0.770  0.590

December

  0.850  0.720

2007

    

January (through January 23, 2007)

  1.650  0.800

2008

    

January (through January 21, 2008)

  2.170  2.100

The price of our American depositary shares on Nasdaq as of its close of trading on January 17, 200718, 2008 was US$1.594.70 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$)

2000

  20.500  1.125

2001

  2.400  1.030

2002

  4.350  2.600

  Price  Price
  High  Low  High  Low
  (In US$)  (In HK$)

2003

  9.550  3.080  9.550  3.100

2004

  7.720  3.320  7.720  3.320

2005

  3.980  1.370  3.980  1.370

2006

  2.009  1.380

2007

  10.750  2.010

2004

    

2006

    

January to March

  7.720  5.900  1.900  1.440

April to June

  6.570  3.320  1.970  1.380

July to September

  4.960  3.410  1.760  1.540

October to December

  4.600  3.710  2.009  1.400

2005

    

2007

    

January to March

  3.980  3.190  4.350  2.010

April to June

  3.160  1.970  5.830  3.100

July to September

  2.320  1.900  5.600  4.050

October to December

  2.440  1.370  10.750  4.830

2007

    

August

  5.020  4.050

September

  5.140  4.750

October

  10.750  4.830

November

  7.530  4.950

December

  6.470  5.240

2008

    

January (through January 18, 2008)

  5.580  4.690

2005

    

July

  2.300  2.100

August

  2.320  2.060

September

  2.140  1.900

October

  2.440  1.910

November

  2.080  1.640

December

  1.700  1.370

2006

    

January

  1.590  1.440

February

  1.890  1.460

March

  1.970  1.670

April

  2.010  1.750

May

  1.880  1.350

June

  2.610  1.400

July

  1.790  1.510

August

  1.800  1.570

September

  1.780  1.510

October

  1.700  1.270

November

  1.850  1.400

December

  2.500  1.510

2007

    

January through (January 23, 2007)

  7.100  1.900

B. Plan of distribution

Not applicable

C. Markets

Our ordinary shares of common stock were listed under the number “1137” on the SEHK on August 4, 1997. Our American depositary shares, each representing 20 ordinary shares, were listed under the symbol “CTEL” on the Nasdaq on November 3, 1999. Our 8.75% notes were listed under the ISIN codes of US178677AA87 and USY16599AA30 on the SGX-ST on January 24, 2005. The 8.75% 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.

D. Selling shareholders

Not applicable

E. Dilution

Not applicable

F. Expenses of the issue

Not applicable

ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A. Share Capital

Not applicable

B. Memorandum and Articles of Association

Described below is a summary of certain provisions of our existing Memorandum and Articles of Association (the “Articles”), as amended on December 29, 2004 and December 29, 2005 and currently in effect, and, where relevant, the Companies Ordinance (Chapter 32 of the laws of Hong Kong) (the “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.

General

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

Director’sDirectors’ Interests

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

 

 (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 employees of the Company or its subsidiaries, including the adoption, modification or operation of any employees’ 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 employees 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 employees 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

Unless the relevant provisions of the 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 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, whateverwhenever our financial position, if the board of directors feels that this payment is justified.

In respect of any dividend proposed to be paid or declared by our board of directors or by us in a general meeting, 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)such dividend be made in whole or in part in the form of an allotment of shares to the shareholders, credited as being fully paid.paid up. However, all the shareholders entitled to receive these new shares will also be entitled to choose to receive the dividend (or a part of it) in cash and not shares;; 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 that part of the cash dividend as the 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.

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.

Liquidation

If City Telecomthe Company commences liquidation, the liquidator may, with the sanction of a special resolution of City Telecomthe Company and any other sanction required by the Companies Ordinance:

 

 (a)divide among the shareholders the whole or any part of the assets of City Telecomthe 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 Companies Ordinance requires our board of directors to hold an annual general meeting of our shareholders once every calendar year and not more than 15 months after our previous annual general meeting. The annual general meeting and any other general meeting of our shareholders held for the passing of a special resolution (being a resolution passed by a majority of not less than 75% of those shareholders who attend and vote at a meeting of shareholders) 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 less than 21 clear days’ notice if it is agreed to by all shareholders entitled to attend and vote at the meeting. The business of the annual general meeting will include:

 

 (a)the declaration and sanctioning of dividends;

 

 (b)the consideration and adoption of the financial statementsaccounts and balance sheet and the report of the directors 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 yearly 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 the general meeting. All extraordinary general meetings (other than those convened for the passing of a special resolution referred to above) should be convened by not less than 14 clear days’ notice in writing. Extraordinary general meetings may be called by less than 14 clear 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. No business shall be transacted at any general meeting unless a quorum is present when the meeting proceeds to business, but 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.

Nasdaq’sThe Nasdaq marketplace rules which apply to all companies listed onalso provide that a foreign private issuer such as the Nasdaq Stock Market, state in Rule 4350(f) that the minimum quorum for any meeting of holders of a company’s common stock is 33 1/3% of the outstanding shares. Consistent with practice of companies incorporated in Hong Kong, our articles of association only require a quorum of two “Members” (as such term is defined our articles of association) for any general meeting of our shareholders. As a result, we requested, and NasdaqCompany may be granted to us, an exemption from compliance withsuch requirements if it follows the Rule 4350(f) requirement.practice of its home country.

Restrictions on Ownership of Shares

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.

Voting Rights

Under the Companies Ordinance, any actionAny business to be takentransacted by the shareholders in a general meeting requires the passing of either an ordinary or a special resolution at such meeting. Generally, resolutions of the shareholders are passed by ordinary resolution. However, the Companies Ordinance and our Articles provide that certain matters may only be passed as special resolutions.

Unless any shares have special terms as to voting, on a show of hands every membershareholder who is present in person at a general meeting, shall have one vote and on a poll every shareholder member 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.

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.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 in a general meeting. Any such approval given in a general meeting shall continue in force until the earlier of: (1) the conclusion of the next year’s 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. If such approval is given, subject to the Listing Rules, our unissued shares shall 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.

Unless specifically restricted by 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 transfer 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 signed 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 shall prevent 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)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 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 to be registered in more than one name (i.e. there are joint 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 purchaserbuyer notice of the refusal.

Shareholders

In accordance with the Companies Ordinance and 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, but the register shall not be closed in any year for more than 30 days (excluding Sundays and public holidays).

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”, 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

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 Government 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

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 three factors are present:

 

 (i)such gain is derived from or arising in Hong Kong;

 

 (ii)such gain is 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 was not a capital asset of that trade, profession or business.

Taxable gains will be subject to Hong Kong profits tax which is currently imposed on corporations at the rate of 17.5% and on unincorporated businessbusinesses or individuals.individuals at the rate of 16%.

Gains from sales of our shares, which are effected on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, will be considered to be derived from or arising in Hong Kong. Liability to Hong Kong profits tax in respect of such gains would arise if the Sharesshares were not held as capital assets and the gains are attributable to a business, trade or profession carried out in Hong Kong.

Gains from 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 negotiated and concludedeffected in Hong Kong, and such gains will be subject to Hong Kong profits tax in the case of those persons dealing or trading in the American depositary shares as part of their trade, profession or business being carried out in Hong Kong. In any case of an exchange of any American depositary receipts evidencing American depositary shares for certificates representing shares, any gain 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

A sale or purchase of shares is subject to Hong Kong stamp duty which is payable by each of the seller and the purchaser in equal shares at the rate of HK$1.00 per HK$1,000 or part thereof by reference to the value of the consideration paid or the market value of the shares on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange or otherwise on the date the contract note for the sale or purchase is executed, whichever is greater. If, in the case of a sale or purchase of the shares by a person who is not resident in Hong Kong, the stamp duty on either or both of the contract notes is not paid, the transferee will be liable to pay stamp duty on the instrument of transfer in an amount equal to the unpaid duty. If the stamp duty is not paid on or before the due date, a penalty of up to ten 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.

UponIn addition to the exchangedepositary’s charges, if any, the withdrawal of anythe shares upon the surrender of American depositary receipts evidencing American depositary shares, for certificates representing shares, or exchangeand the issuance of shares for American depositary receipts evidencing American depositary shares upon the deposit of the shares, will be subject to Hong Kong stamp duty aggregating HK$1.00 per HK$1,000at the rate described above for sale and purchase transactions, unless the withdrawal or part thereof is payabledeposit does not result in addition tochange in the depositary’s charges, if any.beneficial ownership of the shares under Hong Kong law. 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

The following is a summary of certain United States federal income tax considerations that are anticipated to be material to the purchase, ownership, and disposition of our shares or American depositary shares by U.S. Holders, as defined below. This summary is based on the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), its legislative history, existing and proposed U.S. Treasury regulations, published rulings and court decisions, all as in effect on the date hereof. These laws are all subject to change or different interpretation, possibly on a retroactive basis. This summary does not discuss all aspects of United States federal income taxation which may be important to particular investors in light of their individual investment circumstances, such as investors subject to special tax rules including: partnerships, financial institutions, insurance companies, broker-dealers, tax-exempt organizations, and, except as described below, non-U.S. Holders, or to persons that will hold our shares or American depositary shares as part of a

straddle, hedge, conversion, or constructive sale transaction for United States federal income tax purposes or that have a functional currency other than 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 United States Internal Revenue Code.

Each prospective investor is urged to consult its own tax advisor regarding the United States federal, state, local, and foreign income and other tax considerations of the purchase, ownership, and disposition of our shares or American depositary shares.

For purposes of this summary, a U.S. Holder is 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, created 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.

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 its assets are passive for any year. Based on our current and projected income, assets, and activities, we presently believe that we are not a PFIC in the current year and do not anticipate becoming a PFIC in the future. This is, however, a factual determination made on an annual basis. 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 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” and “U.S. Holders-Sale or Other Disposition of Shares or American depositary 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 be treated as the owner of the proportionate interest of the shares held by the depositary that is represented by an American depositary share and evidenced by such

American depositary share. Accordingly, no gain or loss will be recognized upon the exchange of an American depositary share for the holders’ proportionate interest in the shares. A U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the withdrawn shares will be the same as the tax basis in the American depositary share surrendered therefore, and the holding period in the withdrawn 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 principles, will be subject to tax as ordinary dividend income and will be includible in the gross income of a U.S. Holder upon actual or constructive receipt. Cash distributions paid by us in excess of our earnings and profits will be treated first as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in our shares or American depositary shares, and thereafter as gain from the sale or exchange of a capital asset. Dividends paid in Hong Kong dollars will be includible in income in a United States dollar amount based on the United States dollar to Hong Kong dollar exchange rate prevailing at the time of receipt of such dividends by the depositary, in the case of American depositary shares, or by the U.S. Holder, in the case of shares held directly by such U.S. Holder. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the United States federal income tax treatment 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 after December 31, 2002 and before January 1, 20092011 is subject to United States federal income tax rates lower than those applicable to ordinary income. The top federal income tax rate on such qualifying dividends received by an individual is 15%, or 5% for those individuals whose incomes fall in the 10- or 15- percent brackets. Based upon our existing and anticipated future operations and current assets, 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 on shares or American depositary shares generally will be treated, for United States federal income tax purposes, as income from non-U.S. sources. Such non-U.S. source income generally will be “passive income” or “financial services income” for taxable years beginning on or before December 31, 2006, and as “passive category income”, or in certain cases “general category income”, for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2006, which is treated separately from other types of income for purposes of computing the foreign tax credit. A U.S. Holder may be eligible, subject to a number of complex limitations, to claim a foreign tax credit in respect of any foreign withholding taxes imposed on dividends received on shares or American depositary shares. U.S. Holders who do not elect to claim a foreign tax credit for federal 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 foreign tax credits by the holders of American depositary shares. Accordingly, 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 of Shares or American depositary shares. A U.S. Holder will recognize capital gain or loss upon the sale or other disposition of shares or American depositary shares in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized upon the disposition and the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in such shares or American depositary shares, as each is determined in U.S. dollars. Any such capital gain or loss will be long-term if the shares or American depositary shares have been held for more than one year and will generally be United States source gain or loss. The claim of a deduction in respect of a capital loss, for United States federal income tax purposes, 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 own 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.

Pursuant to recently-enacted legislation, a penalty in the amount of $10,000 in the case of a natural person and $50,000 in any other case is imposed on any taxpayer that fails to timely disclose its participation in a “reportable transaction” (as defined in Section 6011 of the Code). A taxpayer that has participated in a “reportable transaction” during the tax year must attach a disclosure statement to its United States federal income tax return. A “reportable transaction” includes a transaction generating a loss under Code Section 165 in excess of certain specified amounts (which amounts vary depending on several factors, including the status of the taxpayer as an individual, trust, partnership or corporation). Investment in shares and American depositary shares could be treated as a “reportable transaction” that must be disclosed on a U.S. Holder’s United States federal income tax return if the investment results in the taxpayer claiming a foreign currency loss on such tax return equal to or greater than the specified amount (e.g., $50,000 in the case of a taxpayer that is an individual or trust). U.S. Holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the circumstances in which an investment in shares or American depositary shares may result in a “reportable transaction” that is required to be disclosed.

PFIC Considerations

If we were to be classified as 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 that a U.S. Holder could derive from investing in a foreign company that does not distribute all of its earnings on a current basis. In such event, a U.S. Holder of the shares or American depositary shares may be subject 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 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 investors are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the potential tax consequences 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

An investment in shares or American depositary 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 the 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 on the sale, exchange or redemption of shares or American depositary shares paid within the United States (and, in certain cases, outside the United States) to U.S. Holders other than certain exempt recipients, such as corporations, and backup withholding tax at the rate of 28% 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.

Backup withholding is not an additional income tax, and the amount of any backup withholding from a payment to a U.S. Holder will be allowed as credit against the U.S. Holder’s United States Federal income tax liability provided that the appropriate returns 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 payor, under penalties of perjury, on IRS Form W-8BEN.

F. Dividends and paying agents

Not applicable

G. Statement by experts

Not applicable

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.

I. Subsidiary Information

Not applicable

ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Our functional currency is the Hong Kong dollar, the currency in which the majority of our revenue and related accounts receivable and expenses are denominated. Certain of the expenses of our telecommunications business are payable in other currencies, primarily the U.S. dollar. Since the exchange rate between the Hong Kong and the U.S. dollar is pegged, our operations have not been significantly affected by exchange rate fluctuations. Therefore, we do not use derivative financial instruments to manage our exchange rate exposures.

In the normal course of business, we also face other risks such as country risk, credit risk and legal risk and we do not use derivative financial instruments to hedge such risks.

We are exposed to market risk from changes in currency exchange rates and interest rates.

Foreign Currency Risk

The functional currency of our operations, and our financial statement reporting currency, is the Hong Kong dollar. Our monetary assets and liabilities are primarily denominated in Hong Kong dollars, substantially all our net sales are denominated and received in Hong Kong dollars, and our labor and administrative costs are incurred primarily in Hong Kong dollars. However, we have certain current and long-term bank deposits, other investments and short-term bank loans which are primarily denominated in U.S. dollars.

As of August 31, 2006,2007, we had the following significant foreign currencies denominated account balances:

 

   As of August 31, 20062007
   (Thousands of HK$)

Cash and bank balances:

  

Denominated in U.S. dollars

  153,178165,226

Denominated in Chinese renminbi

  78,3579,136

Denominated in Canadian dollars

  3,2205,981

Long-term bank deposits:

  

Denominated in U.S. dollars

  13,64114,415

Other investments:

  

Denominated in U.S. dollars

  26,63328,577

Further, our principal long-term debt obligations are the US$125.0 million 8.75% senior notes issued in January 2005, which are denominated in U.S. dollars.

As the exchange rate of the Hong Kong dollar to the U.S. dollar has remained close to the current pegged rate of HK$7.80=$1.00 since 1983, we have not experienced significant foreign exchange gains or losses associated with that currency. The Hong Kong government could, however, change the pegged rate or abandon the peg altogether. Depreciation of the Hong Kong dollar against the U.S. dollar would generally increase our U.S. dollar expenses, and increase the amount of Hong Kong dollar revenue that we would be required to earn to meet our payment obligations under the 8.75% notes.

We also incur expenses denominated in Renminbi, the official currency of the People’s Republic of China, in connection with our Guangzhou call centre. These include the salaries that we pay to our personnel as various operating expenses that we incur to maintain our operations. As a result, we are exposed to a certain amount of foreign exchange risk based on fluctuations between the Hong Kong dollar and the Renminbi. If the Renminbi appreciates against the Hong Kong dollar, the amount of Hong Kong dollars we would be required to spend to maintain our call center would increase. Therefore, in order to limit our foreign currency risk exposure on the Renminbi, we have entered into certain forward foreign exchange contracts during fiscal 2006 which matured as at August 31, 2006. In prior years, no recognition of such instrument is required under Hong Kong GAAP. However, with effect from September 1, 2005, under Hong Kong GAAP reporting, such instrument are also required to be recorded at fair value. Under U.S. GAAP reporting, all forward foreign exchange contracts are and have been recorded at fair value.maintain Renminbi cash balance that approximates three months’ operating cash flow.

Interest Rate Risk

Prior to our repayment in full of our floating interest rate loan facility with HSBC, we were exposed to interest rate risks. In connection with this facility, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement to hedge the impact of fluctuations in interest rates, under which we make a monthly interest payment at a fixed rate of 2.675% per annum on a notional amount of HK$100.0 million (which is reduced by the principal repayment schedule during the loan period), and will receive monthly interest payments calculated at HIBOR during the period from March 2004 to December 2009 or until the facility is repaid and we terminate the swap agreement.

In prior years, no recognition of such instrument is required under Hong Kong GAAP.HKFRS. However, with effect from September 1, 2005, such interest rate swap instrument must be recorded at fair value, which we determined to be approximately HK$2,570,0001.8 million as of August 31, 20052006 and HK$1,845,0001.0 million as of August 31, 2006.2007. Under U.S. GAAP reporting, such interest rate swap instrument is and has been recorded at fair value. TheAs of August 31, 2007, the interest rate swap agreement remains outstanding following the full repayment of our loan facility with HSBC. On January 24, 2008, the interest rate swap agreement has been unwound.

ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES

None

PART II

ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES

None.

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

None.

ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

We maintain a set of disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by City Telecom in reports that we file or submit under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. With the passing of the U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, we have adopted additional measures to strengthen the internal controls within City Telecom, including the following:

 

  

Education.We asked our legal advisor to prepare a comprehensive memorandum explaining the requirements of Sarbanes Oxley and the Nasdaq Corporate Governance requirements and a memorandum discussing disclosure controls and procedures in public companies. The memoranda were circulated to members of our management. Our legal advisor also gave the following presentations: (a) a presentation to our board of directors discussing Sarbanes Oxley and the requirements placed on City Telecom as a public company in the Sarbanes Oxley era; (b) a presentation to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and other senior officers discussing the “Section 302” and “Section 906” certifications and other more technical aspects of Sarbanes Oxley compliance; and (c) a presentation to our Audit Committee to discuss the unique responsibilities placed on the Audit Committee by the Sarbanes Oxley Act.

 

  

Disclosure Controls and Procedures. We asked our legal advisor to enhance the system of disclosure controls and procedures within City Telecom. To accomplish this goal, our legal advisor worked with selected executives to educate them on the requirements of Form 6-K and Form 20-F and the obligations to disclose to investors and the SEC material developments that may have an impact on City Telecom or its share capital and engaged in similar discussions about these requirements with our directors and executive officers. As a result, a new process for information management has been established so that any information required to be disclosed will be recorded, processed, summarized and reported in a timely fashion and that the information will be accumulated and communicated to our management to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Under the new process, the General Counsel’s officeLegal Department will take responsibility for identifying these material developments and determining whether to involve our legal advisor.

 

  

Board Committees. We adopted amendments to our Audit Committee Charter Nominationsand Terms of Reference of Remuneration Committee, Charter, Compensation Committee Charter and Governance Committee Charter to provide more detailed operational, financial and management control procedures and guidelines.

Within the 90-day period prior to the filing of this report, 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. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.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.

ITEM 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 Tun Lu Jefferson. 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.

ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICS

All of our employees, officers and directors are bound by our code of business ethics and conduct. We adopted our code of ethics in 1995 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 www.ctigroup.com.hk and free of charge upon request made to our corporatecompany 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 employee of our company or any of our subsidiaries.

ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

With effect from May 13, 2005, PricewaterhouseCoopers, or PwC, tendered its resignation. KPMG was appointed as our independent auditor to fill the casual vacancy caused by the resignation of PwC until the conclusion of the annual general meeting held on December 29, 2005. A resolution was passed in the annual general meeting to reappoint KPMG as our auditor. The fees for the professional services rendered by PwC and KPMG in fiscal 2005, and by KPMG in fiscal 2006 and in fiscal 2007, are set forth in the table below.

For KPMG

 

Nature of the service

  2005  2006
   (HK$ million)  (HK$ million)

Audit fees

  1.3  1.8

Audit-related fees

  0.2  0.3

Tax fees

  —    —  

All other fees

  0.1  0.7
      

Total

  1.6  2.8
      

For PwC

Nature of the service

2005
(HK$ million)

Audit fees

0.3

Audit-related fees

0.2

Tax fees

0.1

All other fees

—  

Total

0.6

Nature of the service

  2006  2007
   (HK$ million)  (HK$ million)

Audit fees

  1.8  2.2

Audit-related fees

  0.3  0.4

All other fees

  0.7  —  
      

Total

  2.8  2.6
      

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 are the aggregate fees billed by our independent auditors for accounting and advisory services fees and generally include support for the interpretation and implementation of new accounting and reporting standards and acquisition accounting. It also includes the review of the Statement on Details of Contribution of the Occupational Retirement Scheme, and the audit and review of reports for compliance with telecommunications regulations and debt obligations.

Tax Fees

Tax Fees are the aggregate fees billed by our independent auditors for tax compliance, tax planning and tax consultation services on domestic and international taxation matters.

All Other Fees

All other fees are the aggregate fees for agreed upon procedures performed in respect of our internal control procedures over financial reporting.

Pre-approval Polices

The engagement of PwC and 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 PwC and KPMG.

ITEM 16D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES

None.

ITEM 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. In fiscal 2006,2007, no shares were purchased under the mandate then in force.

PART III

ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

City Telecom has selected to provide the financial statements and related information specified in Item 18 in lieu of Item 17.

ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

See pages F-1 to F-59F-88 following Item 19.

ITEM 19. EXHIBITS

 

 (a)See pages F-1 to F-59 following this item.Exhibit 12.1 – Section 302 Certifications of the Chairman.

 (b)Exhibit 1212.2 – Section 302 Certifications of each of the Chairman and Chief Financial Officer.

 (c)Exhibit 13 – Section 906 Certification of Chairman and Chief Financial Officer.

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSIndex to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Audited Consolidated Financial Statements

  Pages

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

F-1

ReportsConsolidated Statements of Independent Registered Public Accounting FirmOperations

  F-2 3

Consolidated Statements of OperationsBalance Sheets

  F-4F-3, 4

Consolidated Balance SheetsStatements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

  F-5

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

F-6

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

  F-7,F-6, 7, 8

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

  F-9


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRMReport of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of City Telecom (H.K.) Limited and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the “Company”“Group”) as of August 31, 20052006 and 2006,2007, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years then ended.in the three-year period ended August 31, 2007. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’sGroup’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our auditaudits 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, 20052006 and 2006,2007, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended August 31, 2005 and 2006,2007, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in Hong Kong.

As further described in note 3 (a)-(c), in order to comply with the new and revised Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards (“HKFRSs”) issued by the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Company changed its accounting polices for goodwill, share-based payment and financial instruments. Consequently certain amounts previously reported for the years ended August 31, 2004 and 2005 have been restated in order to comply with these new HKFRSs. Also, as further described in note 3(e) to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has restated amounts previously reported for net cash flows from operating activities and net cash flows from investing activities for the year ended August 31, 2005 to present cash outflows for term bank deposits as investing activities instead of operating activities.Standards.

Accounting principles generally accepted in Hong Kong vary in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Since prior period consolidated financial statements have been restated, the significant differences between HK GAAP and US GAAP are restated accordingly. Information relating to the nature and effect of such differences is presented in note 30 to the consolidated financial statements.

/s/ KPMG

HONG KONG, CHINA

January 26, 2007

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

We have audited the consolidated statement of operations, of cash flows and of changes in shareholders’ equity of City Telecom (H.K.) Limited and its subsidiaries (hereafter collectively referred to as the “Company”) for the year ended August 31, 2004, all expressed in Hong Kong Dollars. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements 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 the financial statements are free from 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 audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements audited by us present fairly, in all material respects, the results of the Company’s operations and cash flows for the year ended August 31, 2004, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in Hong Kong.

As discussed in note 3 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted a number of new or revised Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards effective September 1, 2005 which resulted in significant changes in the accounting policies of the Company as set out in note 3 to the consolidated financial statements.

Accounting principles generally accepted in Hong Kong vary in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Information relating to the nature and effect of such differences is presented in Note 30note 29 to the consolidated financial statements.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopersKPMG

HONG KONG, CHINAHong Kong, China

November 23, 2004,22, 2007, except for Note 31, as to note 30 which the date is as of January 20, 2005, and except for Note 3, as to which the date is January 26, 200722, 2008

CITY TELECOMCity Telecom (H.K.) LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIESLimited

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONSConsolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2007

 

      Year ended August 31, 
   Note  

2004

(restated)

  

2005

(restated)

  2006 
      HK$  HK$  HK$ 
      (Amounts in thousands except per share data) 

Revenue from provision of telecommunication and related services

    1,169,880  1,162,059  1,134,876 

Operating expenses

      

Network costs

  4  (331,408) (339,402) (300,593)

Salaries and related costs

    (226,737) (259,392) (256,721)

Sales and marketing expenses

    (228,169) (267,983) (204,952)

General and administrative expenses

    (326,804) (395,211) (440,672)

Provision for doubtful accounts receivable

    (11,502) (35,445) (17,450)
            

Income/(loss) from operations

    45,260  (135,374) (85,512)

Interest income

    3,753  13,578  20,378 

Interest expense

    (175) (54,462) (88,637)

Other income, net

    2,668  6,037  4,465 
            

Income/(loss) before taxation

  5  51,506  (170,221) (149,306)

Income tax credit/(expense)

  6  (2,043) 6,725  7,244 
            

Net income/(loss)

    49,463  (163,496) (142,062)
            

Earnings/(loss) per share

      

Basic

  7  8.1 cents  (26.6) cents  (23.1) cents 
            

Diluted

  7  8.1 cents  (26.6) cents  (23.1) cents 
            

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

Consolidated statements of operations

(Amounts in thousands except per share data)

      Year ended August 31, 
   Note  2005  2006  2007 
      HK$  HK$  HK$ 

Revenue

    1,162,059  1,134,876  1,141,270 

Operating expenses

      

Network costs

  3  (339,402) (300,593) (214,591)

Salaries and related costs

    (259,392) (256,721) (221,102)

Sales and marketing expenses

    (267,983) (204,952) (203,673)

General and administrative expenses

    (395,211) (440,672) (402,760)

Provision for doubtful accounts

    (35,445) (17,450) (6,569)
            

(Loss)/income from operations

    (135,374) (85,512) 92,575 

Interest income

    13,578  20,378  22,671 

Interest expense

  4  (54,462) (88,637) (87,504)

Other income, net

  4  6,037  4,465  3,149 
            

(Loss)/income before taxation

  4  (170,221) (149,306) 30,891 

Income tax credit/(expense)

  5  6,725  7,244  (2,026)
            

Net (loss)/income

    (163,496) (142,062) 28,865 
            

(Loss)/Earnings per share

      

Basic

  6  (26.6) cents  (23.1) cents  4.7 cents 
            

Diluted

  6  (26.6)cents  (23.1)cents  4.6 cents 
            

The accompanyingaccompany notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

CITY TELECOMCity Telecom (H.K.) LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIESLimited

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETSConsolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2007

 

      August 31,
   Note  

2005

(restated)

  2006
      HK$  HK$
      (Amounts in thousands
except number of shares
and per share amounts)

ASSETS

      

Current assets

      

Cash and bank balances

  20  539,591  144,917

Term bank deposits

  20  92,850  237,496

Pledged bank deposits

  16  90,447  87,022

Trade receivables, net

  8(a)  130,010  140,598

Other receivables, deposits and prepayments

  8(b)  78,758  77,583

Inventories

    1,957  856

Deferred expenditure

  13  12,960  10,808

Income tax receivable

    535  347
        

Total current assets

    947,108  699,627

Goodwill

  9  1,066  1,066

Fixed assets, net

  10  1,336,543  1,367,234

Investment securities

  17  41,441  40,274

Derivative financial instruments

  18  —    1,845

Long term receivables and prepayment

  28  13,099  12,532

Deferred expenditure

  13  8,171  1,637
        

Total assets

    2,347,428  2,124,215
        

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

      

Current liabilities

      

Trade payables

    90,762  86,385

Deposits received

    15,510  16,230

Current portion of deferred services income

    36,744  33,743

Other payables and accrued expenses

  11  223,208  143,486

Income taxes payable

    1,728  1,964

Current portion of obligation under finance lease

  14  1,194  1,297
        

Total current liabilities

    369,146  283,105

Long-term liabilities

      

Deferred taxation

  12  10,539  353

Long-term debt and other liabilities

  14  947,289  949,103
        

Total liabilities

    1,326,974  1,232,561

Commitments and contingencies

  15    

Shareholders’ equity

      

Ordinary shares, par value $0.10 per share

— 2,000,000,000 shares authorized

— 614,125,404 shares issued and outstanding at August 31, 2005, 614,175,404 shares issued and outstanding at August 31, 2006

  19  61,412  61,417

Share premium

    619,408  620,298

Retained profits

    331,742  196,289

Capital reserve

    7,052  12,993

Translation reserve

    840  657
        

Total shareholders’ equity

    1,020,454  891,654
        

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

    2,347,428  2,124,215
        

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

Consolidated balance sheets

(Amounts in thousands except number of shares and per share amounts)

     August 31,
   Note 2006  2007
     HK$  HK$

ASSETS

     

Current assets

     

Cash and bank balances

  19 144,917  532,894

Term bank deposits

  19 237,496  —  

Pledged bank deposits

  15 87,022  87,220

Investment securities

   —    3,779

Trade receivables, net

  7(a) 140,598  170,551

Other receivables, deposits and prepayments

  7(b) 77,583  59,372

Inventories

   856  477

Deferred expenditure

  12 10,808  13,584

Income tax receivable

   347  —  
       

Total current assets

   699,627  867,877

Goodwill

  8 1,066  1,066

Fixed assets, net

  9 1,367,234  1,237,223

Investment securities

  16 40,274  39,213

Derivative financial instrument

  17 1,845  1,039

Long term receivables and prepayment

   12,532  6,932

Deferred expenditure

  12 1,637  7,783
       

Total assets

   2,124,215  2,161,133
       

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

     

Current liabilities

     

Trade payables

   86,385  76,019

Deposits received

   16,230  16,188

Current portion of deferred services income

   33,743  64,202

Other payables and accrued charges

  10 143,486  145,267

Income tax payable

   1,964  1,481

Current portion of obligations under finance leases

  13 1,297  835
       

Total current liabilities

   283,105  303,992

Long-term liabilities

     

Deferred taxation

  11 353  291

Long-term debt and other liabilities

  13 949,103  952,968
       

Total liabilities

   1,232,561  1,257,251

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2007

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

Consolidated balance sheets (continued)

(Amounts in thousands except number of shares and per share amounts)

      August 31,
   Note  2006  2007
      HK$  HK$

Commitments and contingencies

  14    

Shareholders’ equity

      

Ordinary shares, par value HK$0.10 per share

      

- 2,000,000,000 shares authorised

      

- 614,175,404 and 616,503,404 shares issued and outstanding at August 31, 2006 and 2007, respectively

  18  61,417  61,650

Share premium

    620,298  622,433

Retained profits

    196,289  200,519

Capital reserve

    12,993  18,109

Translation reserve

    657  1,171
        

Total shareholders’ equity

    891,654  903,882
        

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

    2,124,215  2,161,133
        

The accompanyingaccompany notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

CITY TELECOMCity Telecom (H.K.) LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIESLimited

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITYConsolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2007

 

      Year ended August 31,
   Note  

2004

(restated)

  

2005

(restated)

  2006
      HK$  HK$  HK$

Total equity as at beginning of the year

        

- as previously reported

    1,179,175  1,175,698  1,020,454

- adjustment arising from adoption of HKAS 39 (Financial instruments)

  3(c)  —    —    6,609
           

As restated

    1,179,175  1,175,698  1,027,063

Net loss recognized directly in equity:

        

Exchange adjustments on translation of the financial statements of subsidiaries

    (248)  (143)  (183)

Profit/(loss) attributable to shareholders

        

- as previously reported

    49,550  (156,531)  

- prior year adjustments arising from adoption of HKFRS 2 (Share-based payment)

  3(a)  (87)  (6,965)  
          

Net profit/(loss) for the year (2005 and 2004:as restated)

    49,463  (163,496)  (142,062)

2003 final dividends declared and paid

    (45,789)  —    —  

2004 interim dividends declared and paid

    (9,158)  —    —  

Movements in equity arising from capital transactions:

        

Equity settled share-based transaction

  3(a)  87  6,965  6,823

Shares issued upon exercise of options and warrants

    2,168  1,430  13
           

Total equity as at the end of the year

  19  1,175,698  1,020,454  891,654
           

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

Consolidated statements of changes in shareholders’ equity

(Amounts in thousands)

      Year ended August 31, 
   Note  2005  2006  2007 
      HK$  HK$  HK$ 

Total equity as at beginning of the year

      

As previously reported

    1,175,698  1,020,454  891,654 

Adjustment arising from adoption of HKAS 39

  18(a)  —    6,609  —   
            

After opening balance adjustment

    1,175,698  1,027,063  891,654 

Net (loss)/gain recognized directly in equity:

      

Foreign currency translation adjustment

    (143) (183) 514 

(Loss)/profit attributable to shareholders

    (163,496) (142,062) 28,865 

2007 interim dividends declared and paid

    —    —    (24,635)

Movements in equity arising fromcapital transactions:

      

Equity settled share-based compensation

    6,965  6,823  5,727 

Shares issued upon exercise of options and warrant

    1,430  13  1,757 
            

Total equity as at the end of the year

  18  1,020,454  891,654  903,882 
            

The accompanyingaccompany notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

CITY TELECOMCity Telecom (H.K.) LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIESLimited

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

   Year ended August 31, 
   

2004

(restated)

  

2005

(restated)

  2006 
   HK$  HK$  HK$ 
   (Amounts in thousands) 

Cash flows from operating activities

    

Income/(loss) before taxation

  51,506  (170,221) (149,306)

Adjustments to reconcile

    

Income/(loss) before taxation to net cash inflow from operating activities:

    

Amortization of goodwill

  1,065  1,065  —   

Depreciation of purchased fixed assets

  195,952  236,269  275,538 

Depreciation of fixed assets held under finance leases

  —    380  926 

Impairment loss on investment property

  —    —    1,131 

Amortization of deferred expenditure

  1,828  12,927  13,973 

Interest income

  (3,753) (13,578) (20,378)

Interest expense

  175  374  —   

Interest element of finance leases

  —    23  54 

(Gain)/loss on disposal of fixed assets

  (34) (134) 9,621 

Unrealized losses/(gain) on other investments

  1,696  (300) (668)

Amortization of incidental issuance cost

  —    1,693  1,429 

Interest on 10-year senior notes

  —    52,372  85,235 

Other borrowing costs

  —    —    1,919 

Equity settled share-based transaction

  87  6,965  6,823 

Realised and unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments

  —    —    125 

(Decrease)/increase in long term receivable and prepayment

  (6,206) (6,893) 567 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

    

Increase in trade receivables, other receivables, deposits and prepayments

  (50,382) (29,890) (9,413)

(Increase)/decrease in inventories

  —    (1,957) 1,101 

Increase in deferred expenditure

  (23,391) (12,495) (5,287)

Increase/(decrease) in trade payables, other payables, accrued charges, deposits received

  30,957  5,258  (23,652)

Increase/(decrease) in deferred service income

  29,257  (2,685) (3,001)
          

Net cash inflow generated from operations

  228,757  79,173  186,737 
          

Interest paid

  (175) (374) —   

Interest element of finance leases

  —    (23) (54)

Hong Kong profits tax paid

  (24,011) (805) (961)

Overseas tax paid

  (808) (588) (1,571)
          

Net cash inflow from operating activities

  203,763  77,383  184,151 
          

Investing activities

    

Decrease/(increase) in pledged bank deposits

  2,803  (63,642) 3,425 

Increase in term bank deposits

  —    (92,850) (144,646)

Purchases of fixed assets

  (410,046) (415,494) (382,214)

Interest received

  3,753  13,578  20,378 

Purchase of other investments

  (3,900) —    —   

Proceeds from disposal of fixed assets

  1,146  968  5,676 

Net proceeds from maturity of derivative financial instruments (note a)

  —    —    4,639 
          

Net cash outflow from investing activities

  (406,244) (557,440) (492,742)
          

Net cash outflow before financing activities

  (202,481) (480,057) (308,591)
          

(Continued)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidatedConsolidated financial statements.

   Year ended August 31, 
   

2004

(restated)

  

2005

(restated)

  2006 
   HK$  HK$  HK$ 
   (Amounts in thousands) 

Financing activities

    

Proceeds from exercise of share options and warrants

  2,168  1,430  13 

Net proceeds from issuance of senior notes

  —    943,655  —   

Interest paid on senior notes

  —    (52,372) (85,235)

Proceeds from bank loan drawn

  100,000  100,000  —   

Repayment of bank loan

  —    (200,000) —   

Repayment of capital element of finance leases

  —    (497) (1,210)

Dividend paid

  (54,947) —    —   
          

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing activities

  47,221  792,216  (86,432)
          

(Decrease)/increase in cash and bank balances

  (155,260) 312,159  (395,023)

Cash and bank balances at the beginning of year

  383,860  228,347  539,591 

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and bank balances

  (253) (915) 349 
          

Cash and bank balances at the end of year (note 20)

  228,347  539,591  144,917 
          


Note (a)

The amount relates to proceeds received upon maturity of the foreign exchange forward contracts duringstatements for the year ended August 31, 2007

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

Consolidated statements of cash flows

(Amounts in thousands)

      Year ended August 31, 
   Note  2005  2006  2007 
      HK$  HK$  HK$ 

Cash flows from operating activities

      

(Loss)/income before taxation

    (170,221) (149,306) 30,891 

Adjustments to reconcile

      

(Loss)/income before taxation to net cash inflow from operating activities:

      

-Amortization of goodwill

    1,065  —    —   

-Depreciation of purchased fixed assets

    236,269  275,538  257,052 

-Depreciation of fixed assets held under finance leases

    380  926  1,051 

-Impairment loss on investment property

    —    1,131  —   

-Amortization of deferred expenditure

    12,927  13,973  15,580 

-Interest income

    (13,578) (20,378) (22,671)

-Interest expense

    374  —    —   

-Interest element of finance leases

    23  54  62 

-(Gain)/loss on disposal of fixed assets

    (134) 9,621  1,714 

-Unrealized loss on investment securities

    (300) (668) (1,887)

-Interest, amortisation and exchange difference on senior notes

    54,065  86,664  89,879 

-Other borrowing costs

    —    1,919  (739)

-Equity settled share-based compensation

    6,965  6,823  5,727 

-Realized and unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments

    —    125  806 

-(Increase)/decrease in long-term receivable and prepayment

    (6,893) 567  5,600 

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year ended August 2006.31, 2007

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

Consolidated statements of cash flows (continued)

(Amounts in thousands)

      Year ended August 31, 
   Note  2005  2006  2007 
      HK$  HK$  HK$ 

Cash flows from operating activities(continued)

      

Adjustments to reconcile (continued)

      

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

      

- Increase in trade receivables, other receivables, deposits and prepayments

    (29,890) (9,413) (11,742)

- (Increase)/decrease in inventories

    (1,957) 1,101  379 

- Increase in deferred expenditure

    (12,495) (5,287) (24,502)

- Increase/(decrease) in trade payables, other payables, accrued charges, and deposits received

    5,258  (23,652) 8,573 

- (Decrease)/increase in deferred service income

    (2,685) (3,001) 30,459 
            

Net cash inflow generated from operations

    79,173  186,737  386,232 
            

Interest paid

    (374) —    —   

Interest element of finance leases

    (23) (54) (62)

Hong Kong profits tax paid

    (805) (961) (263)

Overseas tax paid

    (588) (1,571) (1,908)
            

Net cash inflow from operating activities

    77,383  184,151  383,999 
            

Investing activities

      

(Increase)/decrease in pledged bank deposits

    (63,642) 3,425  (198)

(Increase)/decrease in term bank deposits

    (92,850) (144,646) 237,496 

Purchases of fixed assets

    (415,494) (382,214) (149,300)

Interest received

    13,578  20,378  22,671 

Proceeds from disposal of fixed assets

    968  5,676  3,384 

Net proceeds from maturity of derivative financial instruments

    —    4,639  —   
            

Net cash (outflow)/inflow from investing activities

    (557,440) (492,742) 114,053 
            

Net cash (outflow)/inflow before financing activities

    (480,057) (308,591) 498,052 
            

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2007

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

Consolidated statements of cash flows (continued)

(Amounts in thousands)

      Year ended August 31, 
   Note  2005  2006  2007 
      HK$  HK$  HK$ 

Financing activities

      

Proceeds from exercise of share options and warrants

    1,430  13  1,757 

Net proceeds from issuance of senior notes

    943,655  —    —   

Interest paid on senior notes

    (52,372) (85,235) (85,313)

Proceeds from bank loan

    100,000  —    —   

Repayment of bank loan

    (200,000) —    —   

Repayment of capital element of finance Leases

    (497) (1,210) (1,321)

Dividends paid

    —    —    (24,627)
            

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing Activities

    792,216  (86,432) (109,504)
            

Increase/(decrease) in cash and bankbalances

    312,159  (395,023) 388,548 

Cash and bank balances at thebeginning of year

    228,347  539,591  144,917 

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and bank balances

    (915) 349  (571)
            

Cash and bank balances at the endof year

  19  539,591  144,917  532,894 
            

The accompanyingaccompany notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

1 Description of business and basis of presentationCity Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2007

1Description of business and basis of presentation

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited (the “Company”) was incorporated in Hong Kong on May 19, 1992 under the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance. The CompanyCity Telecom (H.K.) Limited and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the “Company”“Group”) are engaged in the provision of international telecommunications services and fixed telecommunications network services to customers in Hong Kong and Canada.

AsThe following is a list of principal subsidiaries which principally affect the results, assets or liabilities of the Group as at August 31, 2006 the Company had the following principal direct and indirect subsidiaries:2007:

 

         

Percentage
holding

holding

   

Name

  

Place and date of


establishment/operation

  

Issued capital

  DirectDirectly  IndirectIndirectly  

Nature of

business

963673 Ontario Limited

  

Canada

November 12, 1991

  

Common CAD502,000

Canadian dollar (“CAD”) 502,000
  —    100  

Investment holding
in Canada

Attitude Holdings Limited

  

British Virgin Islands November 3, 1997

  

Ordinary US$1

  —    100  

Inactive

Automedia Holdings Limited

  

British Virgin Islands

January 23, 2001

  

Ordinary US$1

  100  —    

Investment holding
in Hong Kong

City Telecom (B.C.) Inc.

  

Canada

February 25, 1992

  

Common CAD501,000

  —    100  

Provision of
international
telecommunications
and dial-up internet Internet
access services in
Canada

City Telecom (Canada) Inc.

  

Canada

October 6, 1997

  

Common CAD100

  —    100  

Leasing and
maintenance of
switching
equipment and
provision of
operational services
in Canada

City Telecom Inc.

Canada September 19, 1991

Common CAD1,000

—  100

Provision of international telecommunications and dial-up internet access services in Canada

City Telecom International Limited

British Virgin Islands May 8, 1997

Ordinary US$5,294

100—  

Investment holding in Hong Kong

City Telecom (USA) Inc.

USA May 5, 1997

Common US$1

—  100

Inactive

Credibility Holdings Limited

British Virgin Islands December 18, 1998

Ordinary US$1

100—  

Investment holding in Hong Kong

CTI Guangzhou Customer Service Co. Ltd. (translated from the registered name in Chinese)

The People’s Republic of China (“the PRC”) April 29, 2002

Paid in capital of HK$8,000,000

100—  

Provision of administrative support services in the PRC

CTI International Limited

Hong Kong August 23, 1999

Ordinary HK$10,000,000

—  100

Inactive

CTI Marketing Company Limited

Hong Kong August 23, 1999

Ordinary HK$10,000

—  100

Provision of media marketing services in Hong Kong

Golden Trinity Holdings Limited

British Virgin Islands June 11, 1997

Ordinary US$1

100—  

Investment holding in Hong Kong

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2007

1Description of business and basis of presentation (continued)

   

Place and

date of establishment/
operation

     

Percentage
holding

Nameholding

  

Place and dateNature of

business

Name

Issued capitalDirectlyIndirectly

City Telecom Inc.

Canada September 19, 1991Common

CAD1,000

—  100Provision of
international
telecommunications
and dial-up Internet
access services in
Canada

City Telecom International Limited

British Virgin Islands

May 8, 1997

Ordinary

US$5,294

100—  Investment holding
in Hong Kong

City Telecom (U.S.A.) Inc.

USA May 5, 1997Common

US$1

—  100Inactive

Credibility Holdings Limited

British Virgin Islands December 18, 1998Ordinary

US$1

100—  Investment holding
in Hong Kong

CTI Guangzhou Customer Service Co. Ltd (translated from the registered name in Chinese)

The People’s Republic of

China (“the

PRC”)

April 29, 2002

Paid in capital of
HK$8,000,000
100—  
Provision of
administrative
support services in
the PRC

CTI International Limited

Hong Kong August 23, 1999Ordinary

HK$10,000,000

—  100Inactive

CTI Marketing Company Limited

Hong Kong August 23, 1999Ordinary

HK$10,000

—  100Provision of media
marketing services
in Hong Kong

Golden Trinity Holdings Limited

British Virgin

Islands

June 11, 1997

Ordinary

US$1

100—  Investment holding
in Hong Kong

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2007

1Description of business and basis of presentation (continued)

Place and

date of establishment/
operation

Percentage

holding

  

Nature of

business

Name

Issued capital

  DirectDirectly  IndirectIndirectly  

Nature of business

Hong Kong Broadband Network Limited

  

Hong Kong August 23, 1999

  

Ordinary

HK$383,049

  —    100  

Provision of international telecommunications and fixed telecommunications network services in Hong Kong

IDD1600IDD 1600 Company Limited

  

Hong Kong November 4, 1998

  

Ordinary

HK$2

  —    100  

Provision of international telecommunications services in Hong Kong

Global Courier Company Limited (formerly known as iStore.com Limited)

  

Hong Kong September 17, 1999

  

Ordinary HK$10,000

  —    100  Inactive

SGBN Singapore Broadband Network Pte. Limited

Singapore

March 29, 2007

Ordinary Singapore dollar 1100—  Inactive

2. Basis of preparation and principal accounting policies

2Basis of preparation and principal accounting policies

(a) Statement of compliance

(a)Statement of compliance

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with all applicable Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards (“HKFRSs”) which collective term includes all applicable individual Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards, Hong Kong Accounting Standards (“HKASs”) and Interpretations issued by the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (“HKICPA”), as well as accounting principles generally accepted in Hong Kong and the requirements of the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance. Accounting principles generally accepted in Hong KongHKFRSs differ in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), details of which are set out in note 30.29.

The HKICPA has issued certain new and revised HKFRSs that are effective or available for early adoption for accounting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2005. Information on the changes in accounting policies resulting from initial application of these new and revised HKFRSs

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the current and prior accounting periods reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements is provided in Note 3.year ended August 31, 2007

(b) Basis of preparation

2Basis of preparation and principal accounting policies (continued)

(b)Basis of preparation

The consolidated financial statements consist of the balance sheets of the Company and all its subsidiaries as of August 31, 2005 and 2006, and 2007 and the related statements of operations, cash flows and changes in shareholders’ equity for the years ended August 31, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2006.2007.

The measurement basis used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements is the historical cost basis except that certain investment securities and derivative financial instrumentsassets are stated at their fair value or amortized cost as describedexplained in the accounting policies set out below (see Notenotes 2(j) and 2(k)).

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with HKFRSs requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. The estimates and underlyingassociated 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 judgements 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.

All amounts are expressed in Hong Kong Dollars, the functional currency of City Telecom (H.K.) Limited. Unless indicated otherwise, amounts in Hong Kong Dollars have been rounded to the nearest thousand.

(c)Subsidiaries and controlled entities

(c) Subsidiaries and controlled entities

A subsidiary, in accordance with the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance, is a company in which the City Telecom (H.K.) Limited, directly or indirectly, holds more than half of the issued share capital or controls more than half the voting power or controls the composition of the board of directors. Subsidiaries are considered to beentities controlled ifby the Company. Control exists when the Company has the power directly or indirectly, to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from theirits activities. In assessing control, potential voting rights that presently exercisable are taken into account.

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

(d) Group accountingConsolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2007

(i) Consolidation

2Basis of preparation and principal accounting policies (continued)

(d)Group accounting

(i)Consolidation

A controlled subsidiary is consolidated into the consolidated financial statements from the date that control commences until the date that control ceases.

Intercompany balances and transactions and any unrealized profits arising from intercompany transactions are eliminated in full in preparing the consolidated financial statements. Unrealized losses resulting from intercompany transactions are eliminated in the same way as unrealized gains but only to the extent that there is no evidence of impairment.

(ii) Translation of foreign currencies

(ii)Translation of foreign currencies

Transactions in foreign currencies are translated at exchange rates ruling at the transaction dates. Monetary assets and liabilities expressed in foreign currencies at the balance sheet date are translated at rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Exchange differences arising from these translationstransactions are dealt with in the consolidated statement of operations.

For consolidation purposes, the balance sheets of subsidiaries with functional currencies other than Hong Kong Dollars the functional currency of City Telecom (H.K.) Limited, are translated at the ratesrate of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date whilst the statement of operations isdate. Revenues and expenses are translated at anthe average rate forprevailing during the year. SuchThe resulting exchange differences are dealt with in the consolidated statement of shareholders’ equity as translation reserves.

(e) Goodwill

(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, liabilities and contingent liabilities at the acquisition date. Any excess of the Company’sGroup’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 of a jointly controlled entitiyentity is recognized immediately in profit or loss.the consolidated statement of operations.

Goodwill is stated at cost less accumulated impairment losses, if any. Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units and is tested annually for impairment (see Notenote 2(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.

On disposal of a cash generating unit, an associate or a jointly controlled entity during the year, any attributable amount of purchased goodwill is included in the calculation of the profit or loss on disposal.

(f) Investment propertyCity Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2007

2Basis of preparation and principal accounting policies (continued)

(f)Investment property

Investment properties are land and/or buildings held to earn rental income and/or for capital appreciation.

Investment properties are stated in the balance sheet at cost less accumulated depreciation (see Notenote 2(g)) and impairment losses (see Notenote 2(i)), if any. Any gain or loss arising from the retirement or disposal of an investment property is recognized in the consolidated statement of operations. Rental income from investment property is accounted for as described in Note 2(u)note 2(t)(vi).

(g) Fixed assets

(g)Fixed assets

Fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses.

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:

 

-        Buildings and investment property situated on leasehold land

  

over the shorter of the unexpired

term of lease and their estimated

useful lives of 50 years

– Furniture, fixtures and fittings4 years
– Telecommunications, computer and office equipment4-15 years
– Motor vehicles4 years
– Leasehold improvements

over the shorter of the unexpired

term of the leases and their expected

estimated useful lives of 50 years

-        Furniture, fixtures and fittings

4 years

-        Telecommunications, computer and office equipment

4 - 20 years

-        Motor vehicles

4 years

-        Leasehold improvements

over the shorter of the unexpired term of the leases and their estimated useful lives

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.

Major costs incurred in restoring fixed assets to their normal working condition are charged to the consolidated statement of operations. Major improvements are capitalized and depreciated over theirthe expected useful lives.lives of the related asset.

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2007

2Basis of preparation and principal accounting policies (continued)

(g)Fixed assets (continued)

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 the consolidated statement of operations.operations on the date of disposal.

During the year ended August 31, 2007, the Group changed the estimated useful lives of certain telecommunications equipment. The effect of such change is set out in note 9(d).

Under certain circumstances, the companyGroup may have obligation to dismantle part of its network upon request by concerned parties. Owing to the absence of such history, no reliable estimate can be reasonably made in respect of such potential obligation.

(h)

(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.

(i)Classification of leased assets

Assets held under leases

(i) Classification of assets leased to the Company

Assets that are held by the Company under leases which transfer to the CompanyGroup 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 CompanyGroup are classified as operating leases.

Land held for own use under an operating lease wherewhich 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 Notenote 2(h)(iii)).

(ii) Finance leases

(ii)Finance leases

Where the CompanyGroup acquired the use of assets under finance leases, the amountamounts representing the lower of the fair value of the leased asset, or the present value of the minimum lease payments is recorded in fixed assets with the corresponding liability, net of finance charges, recorded as obligations under finance leases. Depreciation and impairment losses are accounted for in accordance with the accounting policy in Notenote 2(g) and Notenote 2(i). Finance charges implicit in the lease payments are charged to profit or lossthe consolidated statement of operations over the period of the leases so as to produce an approximatelyapproximate constant periodic rate of charge on the remaining balance of the obligationsobligations.

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for each accounting period.the year ended August 31, 2007

(iii) Operating leases

2Basis of preparation and principal accounting policies (continued)

(h)Assets held under leases (continued)

(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 the consolidated statement of operations on a straight-line basis over the lease periods.

(i) Impairment of assets

 

(i)Impairment of assets

(i)Impairment of investment securities and other receivables

InvestmentInvestments securities that are stated at amortized cost and other current and non-current receivables that are stated at cost or amortized cost are reviewed at each balance sheet date to determine whether there is objective evidence of impairment. If any such evidence exists, any impairment loss is determined and recognized as follows:

 

For investment securities 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).
-For investment securities carried at amortized cost, the impairment loss is measured as the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the 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 the asset).

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.the consolidated statement of operations. A reversal of an impairment loss shall not result in the asset’s carrying amount exceeding that which would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognized in prior years.

 

For current and non-current receivables that are carried at cost, the impairment loss is measured as the difference between the carrying amount and the estimated future cash flows, discounted at the current market rate of return for a similar financial asset where the effect of discounting is material. Impairment losses for receivables are reversed if in a subsequent period the amount of the impairment loss decreases.
-For receivables that are carried at cost, the impairment loss is measured as the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the estimated future cash flows, discounted at the current market rate of return for a similar financial asset where the effect of discounting is material. Impairment losses for receivables are reversed if in a subsequent period the amount of the impairment loss decreases.

 

(ii)Impairment of other assets

Internal and external sources of information are reviewed at 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 decrease:

 

fixed assets;
-fixed assets;

 

investment property; and
-investment property; and

 

goodwill.
-goodwill.

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2007

2Basis of preparation and principal 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
-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
-Recognition of impairment losses

An impairment loss is recognized in profit or lossconsolidated statement of operations whenever the carrying amount of an asset, or the cash generatingcash-generating unit to which it belongs, exceeds its recoverable amount. Impairment losses recognized in respect of cash generatingcash-generating units are allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the cash generatingcash-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
-Reversals of impairment losses

Except in the case of goodwill, an impairment loss is reversed if there has been a favorable change in the estimatesestimate 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 lossconsolidated statement of operations in the year in which the reversals are recognized.

(j) Investment securitiesCity Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2007

2Basis of preparation and principal accounting policies (continued)

(j)Investment securities

The Company’s policiesGroup’s accounting policy for investments in debt and equity securities areis as follows:

Investments in securitiesFinancial assets at fair value through profit or loss comprise of financial assets held for trading and those designated as at fair value through profit or loss at inception. They are initially stated at fair value and are classified as current assets, andif they are initially stated at fair value.expected to be realized within 12 months. At each balance sheet date the fair value is remeasured, with any resultant gain or loss being recognized in profitthe consolidated statement of operations. The net gain or loss.loss recognized in the consolidated statement of operations does not include any interest earned on these investments as these are recognized in accordance with the policies set out in notes 2(t)(v).

DatedHeld-to-maturity securities are dated debt securities that the CompanyGroup has the positive ability and intention to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity securities. Held-to-maturity securitiesmaturity. They are initially recognized in the balance sheet at fair value plus transaction costs. Subsequently, the securitiesthey are stated in the balance sheet at amortized cost less impairment losses (see Notenote 2(i)(i)).

Other investments inInvestment securities that are not classified as held for trading, financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, or held-to-maturity securities, are classified as available-for-sale securities. Available-for sale securities and are initially recognized at fair value plus transaction costs. At each balance sheet date the fair value is remeasured, with any resultant gain or loss being recognized directly in equity, except for impairment losses (see note 2(i)(i)) and, in the case of monetary items such as debt securities, foreign exchange gains and losses whichthat are recognized directly in profit or loss.the consolidated statement of operations. Where these investments are interest-bearing, interest bearing, interest is calculated using the effective interest method andis recognized in profit or loss.the consolidated statement of operations. When these investments are derecognized, the cumulative gain or loss previously recognized directly in equity is recognized in profit or loss.the consolidated statement of operations.

Investments are recognized on the date the CompanyGroup commits to purchase the investments. Investments are derecognized when:

 

 (i)the contractual rights to the cash flows from the investment securities expire; or

 

 (ii)the CompanyGroup transfers the contractual rights to receive the cash flows of the investment securitiessecurities.

(k) Derivative financial instruments

(k)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 charged immediately to profit or loss,the consolidated statement of operations, except where the derivativesderivative qualify for cash flow hedge accounting or hedge the 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.

(l) Deferred expenditureCity Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2007

(l)Deferred expenditure

Deferred expenditure represents customer acquisition costs incurred for successful acquisition or origination of a long-term service agreements.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 executed withagreement.

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the customers. All other related advertising and marketing costs are charged to the statement of operations as incurred.year ended August 31, 2007

(m) Accounts receivables

2Basis of preparation and principal accounting policies (continued)

(m)Accounts receivables

Trade and other receivables are initially recognized at fair value and thereafter stated at amortized cost less impairment losses for bad and doubtful debts (see Notenote 2(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 losses for bad and doubtful debts (see Note 2(i)(i)).debts.

(n) Inventories

(n)Inventories

Inventories are carried at the lower of cost andor net realizable value.

Cost is determined using the first in, first out method and comprises all costs of purchase.

Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less the estimated costs of completion and the estimated costs necessary to make the sale.

When inventories are sold, the carrying amount of those inventoriesthe inventory is recognized as an expense in the period in which the related revenue is recognized. The amount of any write-down of inventories to net realizable value and all losses of inventories areis recognized as an expense in the period the write-down or loss occurs. The amount of any reversal of any write-down of inventories, arising from an increase in net realizable value, is recognized as a reduction in the amount of inventories recognized as an expense in the period in which the reversal occurs.

For the years ended August 31, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2006,2007, there was no write-down or provision made againstof inventories.

(o)

(o)Cash, bank balances and pledged bank deposits

Cash and pledged bank deposits

Cash consistsbalances 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 consolidated 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 16)note 15).

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

(p) ProvisionsConsolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2007

2Basis of preparation and principal accounting policies (continued)

(p)Provisions and contingent liabilities

Provisions are recognized for other liabilities of uncertain timing or amount when the CompanyGroup has a present legal or constructive obligation arising as a result of a past events,event, it is probable that an outflow of resourceseconomic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate of the amount 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.

(q) Employee benefitsCity Telecom (H.K.) Limited

(i) Employee leave entitlementsConsolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2007

2Basis of preparation and principal accounting policies (continued)

(q)Employee benefits

(i)Employee leave entitlements

Employee entitlements to annual leave and long service leave are recognized when they accrue to employees. A provision is made for the estimated liability for annual leave and long-service leave as a result of services are rendered by employees up to the balance sheet date.employees. Employee entitlements to sick leave and maternity or paternity leave are not recognized until the time of leave.

(ii) Profit sharing and bonus plans

(ii)Profit sharing and bonus plans

Provisions for profit sharing and bonus plans are recognized when the CompanyGroup has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of services rendered by employees and a reliable estimate of the obligation can be made.

(iii) Retirement benefit costs

(iii)Retirement benefit costs

The CompanyGroup contributes to defined contribution retirement schemes which are available to certain employees. Contributions to the schemes by the Company and employeesGroup are calculated as a percentage of employees’ basic salaries. The retirement benefit scheme costsalaries and charged to the consolidated statement of operations represents contributions payable by the Company to the fund.operations. The Company’sGroup’s contributions are reduced by contributions forfeited by those employees who leave the scheme prior to vestingbeing fully vested in the Group’s contributions.

The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Company in an independently administered fund.fund that is separated from the Group’s assets.

(iv) Share-based payments

(iv)Share-based payments

The fair value of share options granted to employees is recognized as an employee cost with a corresponding increase in a capital reserve within equity. The fair value is measured at grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the options were granted. Where the employees 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 the profit or lossconsolidated statement of operations in the year of the review, unless the original employee expenses qualifycost qualified 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 equity amount relating to share options expense is recognizedrecorded in the capital reserve until either the option is exercised or the option expires.

(r) Deferred taxationCity Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2007

2Basis of preparation and principal accounting policies (continued)

(r)Deferred taxation

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.

Deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the temporary differences can be utilized.

Deferred taxation is provided on temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries except where the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference can be controlled and it is probable that the temporary difference will not be reversed in the foreseeable future.

(s)

(s)Senior notes

Senior notes

Long-term debt, representing senior notes, is are recognized initially at fair value less direct and incremental issuance costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, the senior notes are stated at amortized cost with anycost. The difference between costthe original issuance price and redemption value beingprice of the notes is recognized in profit or lossthe consolidated statement of operations over the period of the notes using the effective interest method.

In the event that the senior notes are redeemed prior to the maturity date, the unamortized notes issuance costs are charged immediately to the consolidated statement of operations.

(t) Contingent liabilities and assets

A contingent liability is a possible obligation that arises from past events and whose existence will only be confirmed by the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain future events not within the control of the Company. It can also be a present obligation arising from past events that is not recognized because it is not probable that an outflow of economic resources will be required or the amount of obligation cannot be measured reliably.

A contingent liability is not recognized but is disclosed in the notes to the financial statements unless the probability of outflow of economic benefits is remote. When a change in the probability of an outflow occurs so that outflow is probable and the amount of obligation can be measured reliably, the amount is recognized as a liability.

(u) Revenue recognition

(t)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 isare recognized in the consolidated statement of operations ratablyrateably over the term of the binding service subscription agreement. Unbilled revenue represents revenue recognized in accordance with the requirements in 2(u)2(t)(i) that has not been billed to the subscriber.

(ii)Amount received in advance for the provision of international telecommunications services using calling cards is deferred and included under deferred services revenue and subsequently recognized as revenue when the calling cards are used by customers or when the calling cards have expired.

 

(iii)Amount received in advance for the provision of fixed telecommunications network services is deferred and included under deferred services revenue,income, and subsequently recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the agreed period of time stipulated in the terms of the subscription agreement.

 

(iv)Revenue from the sales of products is recognized upon the transfer of risks and rewards of ownership to the customer, which generally coincides with the time when the goods are delivered to customersthe customer and title has passed.

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2007

2Basis of preparation and principal accounting policies (continued)

(t)Revenue recognition (continued)

 

(v)Interest income is recognized on a time proportion basis, taking into accountas it accrues using the principal amounts outstanding and theeffective interest rates applicable.method.

(vi)Rental income receivable under operating leases is recognized in the consolidated statement of operations in equal installmentsinstalments over the periods covered by the lease term. Lease incentives granted are recognized in the consolidated statement of operations as an integral part of the aggregate net lease payments receivable.

(v) Borrowing costs

(u)Borrowing costs

Borrowing costs are expensed in profit or lossthe consolidated statement of operations in the period in which they are incurred, except to the extent that they are capitalized as being directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of an asset which necessarily takes a substantial period of time to get ready for its intended use or sale.asset.

The capitalization of borrowing costs as part of the cost of a qualifying asset commences when expenditure for the asset is being incurred, borrowing costs are being incurred and activities that are necessary to prepare the asset for its intended use or sale are in progress. Capitalization of borrowing costs is suspended or ceases when substantially all the activities necessary to prepare the qualifying asset for its intended use or sale are interrupted or complete.

No borrowingBorrowing costs of $2,047,000, nil and nil was capitalized for the yearyears ended August 31, 2005, 2006 (2005: HK$2,047,000 and 2004: HK$3,053,000).2007, respectively.

(w) Segment reporting

(v)Segment reporting

In accordance with the Company’sGroup’s internal financial reporting, the CompanyGroup has determined that business segment is the primary reporting format and geographical is the secondary reporting format.

Segment assets consist primarily of goodwill, fixed assets, trade and other receivables and cash and bank deposits. Segment liabilities comprise operating liabilities and exclude items such as taxation and senior notes. Capital expenditure comprises purchases of fixed assets.

In respect of geographical segment reporting, sales are reported based on the country in which the customer is located. Total assets and capital expenditure are reported based on where the assets are located.

(x) AccountingCity Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for barter transactionsthe year ended August 31, 2007

2Basis of preparation and principal accounting policies (continued)

(w)Accounting for barter transactions

When goods or services are exchanged or swapped 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 goodsconsideration received or services rendered,receivable 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 given up,provided, adjusted by the amount of any cash or cash equivalents transferred.

(y) Related parties

(x)Related parties

For the purposes of these financial statements, parties area party is considered to be related to the Company if the Company has the ability, directly or indirectly, to control the party or exercise significant influence over the party in making financial and operating decisions, or vice versa, or where the CompanyGroup if:

(i)the party has the ability, directly 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)the Group and the party are subject to common control;

(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 key management personnel of the Group or the Group’s parent, or a close family member of such an individual, or is an entity under the control, joint control or significant influence of such individuals;

(v)the party is a close family member of a party referred to in (i) or is an 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 employees of the Group or of any entity that is a related party of the Group.

Close family members of an individual are subject to common control or common significant influence. Related partiesthose family members who may be individuals (being members of key management personnel, significant shareholders and/expected to influence, or be influenced by, that individual in their close family members) or other entities and include entities which are underdealings with the significant influence of related parties of the Company where those parties are individuals, and post-employment benefit plans which are for the benefit of employees of the Company or of any entity that is a related party of the Company.entity.

3. Changes in accounting policies and prior period adjustmentsCity Telecom (H.K.) Limited

The HKICPA has issued a number of new and revised HKFRSs that are effective for accounting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2005. The Company has not applied any new standard or interpretation that is not yet effective for the current accounting period (see Note 29).

The accounting policies of the Company that are described in note 2 reflect the adoption of these new and revised HKFRSs. The following sets out information on the significant changes in accounting policies for the current and prior accounting periods reflected in theseConsolidated financial statements.

(a) Employee share option scheme (HKFRS 2, Share-based payment)

In prior years, no amounts were recognized when employees (which term included directors) were granted share options of the Company. Upon the exercise of the options, the nominal amounts of share capital and share premium were credited by an amount equal to the option’s exercise price.

With effect from September 1, 2005, in order to comply with HKFRS 2, the Company recognizes the fair value of such share options as an expense in the statement of operations, or as an asset, if the cost qualifies for recognition as an asset with a corresponding amount credited to capital reserve within equity. The fair value of the share options is measured at the date of grant.

Where the employees are required to meet vesting conditions before they become entitled to the options, the Company recognizes the fair value of the options granted over the vesting period. Otherwise, the Company recognizes the fair value in the period in which the options are granted.

Upon exercise of the options, the related capital reserve is transferred to share capital and share premium. If the options lapse, the related capital reserve is transferred to share premium.

This new accounting standard has been applied retrospectively with comparatives restated in accordance with HKFRS 2, except that the Company has taken advantage of the transitional provisions set out in paragraph 53 of HKFRS 2 under which the new recognition and measurement policies have not been applied to the following options:

(i) all options granted to employees on or before November 7, 2002; and

(ii) all options granted to employees after November 7, 2002 but which had vested before September 1, 2005.

As a result of the adoption of HKFRS 2, operating expensesstatements for the year ended August 31, 2006 increased by HK$6,823,000 with the corresponding amount credited to capital reserve and HK$882,000 was transferred from capital reserve to share premium for vested share options that lapsed during the year.

The retrospective adoption of this accounting policy resulted in amounts previously reported to be restated as follows: (a) an increase in other operating expenses of HK$87,000 for the year ended August 31, 2004 and a corresponding increase in capital reserve; (b) a decrease of HK$87,000 in the opening balance of the retained profits at September 1, 2004 and a corresponding increase in capital reserve; (c) an increase in other operating expenses of HK$6,965,000 for the year ended August 31, 2005 and a corresponding increase in capital reserve and; (d) a decrease of HK$7,052,000 of the opening balance of the retained profits at September 1, 2005 and a corresponding increase in capital reserve. See note 7 for impact on previously reported earnings (loss) per share.

Details of the employee share option scheme can be found in note 25 to the consolidated financial statements.

(b) Accounting for goodwill (HKFRS 3, Business combinations and HKAS 36, Impairment of assets)2007

Prior to September 1, 2005,

positive or negative goodwill which arose prior to September 1, 2001 was taken directly to reserves at the time it arose, and was not recognized in the statement of operations until disposal or impairment of the acquired business;

positive goodwill which arose on or after September 1, 2001 was amortized on a straight-line basis over its estimated useful life and was subject to impairment testing when there were indications of impairment; and

negative goodwill which arose on or after September 1, 2001 was amortized over the weighted average useful life of the depreciable/amortizable non-monetary assets acquired, except to the extent it related to identified expected future losses as at the date of acquisition. In such cases it was recognized in the consolidated statement of operations as those expected losses were incurred.

With effect from September 1, 2005, in accordance with HKFRS 3 and HKAS 36, the Company no longer amortizes positive goodwill. Such goodwill is tested annually for impairment, as well as when there are indications of impairment. Impairment losses are recognized when the carrying amount of the cash generating unit to which the goodwill has been allocated exceeds its recoverable amount.

Also with effect from September 1, 2005 and in accordance with HKFRS 3, if the fair value of the net assets acquired in a business combination exceeds the consideration paid (i.e. an amount arises which would have been known as negative goodwill), (a) the acquirer shall reassess the identification and fair value measurement of the acquiree’s identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities and the measurement of the cost of the business combination and (b) recognize immediately in profit and loss any excess remaining after the reassessment. Further, in accordance with the transitional arrangements under HKFRS 3, goodwill which had previously been taken directly to reserves (i.e. goodwill which arose before September 1, 2001) will not be recognized in the statement of operations on disposal or impairment of the acquired business, or under any other circumstances. The Company did not have any goodwill that arose before September 1, 2001 that was taken directly to reserves.

The new policy in respect of the amortization of positive goodwill has been applied prospectively in accordance with the transitional arrangements under HKFRS 3. As a result, comparative amounts have not been restated, the cumulative amount of amortization as at September 1, 2005 has been offset against the cost of the goodwill and, no amortization charge for goodwill has been recognized in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended August 31, 2006. Goodwill amortization recognized in the consolidated statement of operations for each of the years ended August 31, 2005 and 2004 was HK$1,065,000. The change in policy relating to negative goodwill had no effect on the financial statements as no negative goodwill existed as at August 31, 2005.

(c) Financial instruments (HKAS 32, Financial instruments: Disclosure and presentation and HKAS 39, Financial instruments: Recognition and measurement)

With effect from September 1, 2005, in order to comply with HKAS 32 and HKAS 39, the Company has changed its accounting policies relating to financial instruments. Further details of the changes are as follows.

(i) Debt securities

The Company’s investments in debt securities consisting of mutual funds (included in investment securities) have been carried at fair value since inception. At each balance sheet date, the net unrealized gains or losses arising from the change in fair value of debt securities are recognized in statement of operations. Profits or losses on disposal of these investments, representing the difference between the net sales proceeds and the carrying amounts, are recognized in the statement of operations.

With effect from September 1, 2005, and in accordance with HKAS 39, these investments are carried at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in statement of operations. No adjustment arose from the adoption of the new policies for these securities because they have been carried at fair value prior to the adoption.

(ii) Loans and receivable

The Company’s long-term bank deposit (included in investment securities) has been carried at amortized cost since inception.

With effect from September 1, 2005, and in accordance with HKAS 39, loans and receivables that are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments, and that are not quoted in an active market are included in current assets, except for maturities greater than 12 months after the balance sheet date. Financial assets classified under loans and receivables are carried at amortized cost. The Company’s long-term bank deposit is classified as loans and receivables and is included in investment securities. No adjustment arose from the adoption of the new policies for the long-term bank deposit because it has been carried at amortized cost prior to the adoption.

(iii) Derivative financial instruments

Prior to September 1, 2005, derivative financial instruments entered into by the Company to hedge the interest rate risk of a recognized asset or liability or the foreign currency risk of a committed future transaction were recognized on an accrual basis with reference to the timing of recognition of the hedged transaction.

With effect from September 1, 2005, and in accordance with HKAS 39, all derivative financial instruments entered into by the Company are stated at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives held as hedging instruments in a cash flow hedge are recognized in equity to the extent that the hedge is effective and until the hedged transaction occurs. Any changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments which do not qualify as cash flow hedges are recognized in profit or loss.

The adoption of this accounting policy resulted in recognition of derivative financial instruments as assets of HK$6,609,000 on September 1, 2005 and a corresponding increase in the opening balance of retained profits at September 1, 2005. In addition, the adoption resulted in a loss from change in fair value of derivative financial instruments of HK$725,000 for the year ended August 31, 2006 with a corresponding reduction in derivative financial instruments at August 31, 2006.

(iv) Financial liabilities

Prior to September 1, 2005, the Company’s 10-year senior notes payable (included in long-term debt and other liabilities) was initially measured at fair value (which is equivalent to the issuance price) less direct incremental issuance costs. After initial recognition, the senior notes were stated at amortized cost.

With effect from September 1, 2005, and in accordance with HKAS 39, financial liabilities, other than those held for trading purposes, are measured initially at fair value with transaction costs included in the initial measurement. Subsequent to initial recognition, financial liabilities are measured at amortized cost except for those liabilities (a) measured at fair value through profit or loss and (b) that arise when a transfer of a financial asset does not qualify for derecognition and therefore is accounted for using the continuing involvement approach. The adoption of this new accounting policy for the 10-year senior notes did not result in any adjustments because the notes have been carried at amortized cost prior to the adoption.

(d) Definition of related parties (HKAS 24, Related party disclosures)

As a result of the adoption of HKAS 24, Related party disclosures, the definition of related parties as disclosed in Note 2(y) has been expanded to include entities that are under the significant influence of a related party that is an individual (i.e. key management personnel, significant shareholders and/or their close family members) and post employment benefit plans which are for the benefit of employees of the Company or of any entity that is a related party of the Company. The expansion of the definition of related parties has not resulted in any material changes to the previously reported disclosures of related party transactions nor has it had any material effect on the disclosures made in the current period.

(e) Cash outflows for term bank deposits

For the year ended August 31, 2005, the Company made an adjustment to its consolidated statement of cash flows to classify the cash outflows for term bank deposits as investing activities instead of operating activities. The impact of this adjustment on the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended August 31, 2005 was as follows:

 

3
HK$’000

Net cash outflow from operating activities, as previously reported

(13,677)

Adjustment for term bank deposits

92,850

Net cash inflow from operating activities, as revised

79,173

Net cash outflow from investing activities, as previously reported

(464,590)

Adjustment for term bank deposits

(92,850)

Net cash outflow from investing activities, as revised

(557,440)
Network costs

4 Network costs

Network costs mainly include interconnection charges paid to local and overseas carriers, leased line rentals, program fees, production costs for the IP-TVpay-TV using Internet Protocol service and costs of inventories sold, and do not includeexclude depreciation charge which is included in general and administration expenses.

The Company estimatesHong Kong Broadband Network Limited (“HKBN”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Group, as a Fixed Telecommunications Network Services (“FTNS”) licensee, is obligated to contribute Universal Services Contributions (“USC”) payableas compensation to PCCW-HKT Telephone Limited (“PCCW-HKT”) to fundfor the costscost of network development in remote areas in Hong Kong and includes such estimated costs as part of its network costs.Kong.

Management of the Company makes its bestThe Group estimates for charges of the USC payable to PCCW-HKT. The estimate is madePCCW-HKT based on the provisional rates announced by the Telecommunications Authority (“TA”) which is effective up to the date of the release of the consolidated financial statements of the Company.TA. The TA periodically reviews the actual costs incurred by PCCW-HKT in the network development and revises the amounts owed to, or to be refunded by, PCCW-HKT to the respective USC contributing parties, including the CompanyHKBN (“the Rate Revisions”). Accordingly, the estimate made by the Company’sHKBN’s management is subject to changeschange based on the Rate Revisions identified during a financial year and up to the date prior to the release of the financial statements of the Company.Group. The CompanyGroup adjusts such differences as an addition 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 the USC on a provisional basis, which is subject to the final confirmation and determination of TA, is recorded in other payables and accrued expenses in the Company’sGroup’s consolidated balance sheet.

On November 19, 2004, the TA issued a statement on the USC that confirmed the actual contribution level for calendar year 2002. In aggregate, an amount of HK$31,689,000 was recorded as a reduction against the network costs of the Company for the year ended August 31, 2004.

On November 11, 2005, the TA issued a statement on the USC and confirmed the actual contribution level for calendar year 2003. In aggregate, an amount of HK$6,448,000$6,448,000 was recorded as a reduction against the network cost of the CompanyGroup for the year ended August 31, 2005.

On November 13, 2006, TA issued a statement (the “2006 TA”) on the USC and confirmed the actual contribution level for calendar year 2004. In aggregate, an amount of HK$1,365,088$1,365,088 was recorded as a reduction against the network costs of the CompanyGroup for the year ended August 31, 2006.

The actual contribution level for calendar year 2005, 2006 and 20062007 had not yet been confirmed by the TA as of the date of issuance of the Group’s financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2007 for Hong Kong statutory purposes. For the year ended August 31, 2007, the Group recorded USC charges based on the provisional rates set out in the 2006 TA.

See note 30 for discussion of Rate Revisions issued by TA subsequent to the date of issuance of the Group’s financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2007 for Hong Kong statutory purposes.

5 Income/(loss) before taxationCity Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2007

 

   Year ended August 31,
   2004
(restated)
  2005
(restated)
  2006
   HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000

Income/(loss) before taxation is arrived at after charging:

    

Goodwill amortization charges

  1,065  1,065  —  

Amortization of deferred expenditure

  1,828  12,927  13,973

Depreciation of purchased fixed assets

  195,952  236,269  275,538

Depreciation of fixed assets held under finance leases

  —    380  926

Impairment loss – investment property

  —    —    1,131

Operating lease charges in respect of:

    

— Land and buildings

  8,084  13,081  17,556

— Computer equipment

  31  914  840

Research and development costs

  5,962  11,023  9,605

Retirement benefit costs — defined contribution plans (note 24)

  26,287  27,437  27,956

Interest expense comprises:

    

Interest element of finance leases

  —    23  54

Interest on 10-year senior notes

  —    52,372  85,235

Interest on bank overdrafts

  3,228  2,421  —  

Amortization of debt issuance cost

  —    1,693  1,429

Other borrowing costs

  —    —    1,919
         
  3,228  56,509  88,637

Less: amount capitalized as fixed assets

    

Interest capitalized

  (2,553) (2,047) —  

Other incidental borrowing cost

  (500) —    —  
         

Total borrowing cost capitalized

  (3,053) (2,047) —  
         

Total interest expense

  175  54,462  88,637
         

Other income comprises: —

    

Exchange gains, net

  131  3,300  1,044

Others

  2,537  2,737  3,421
         
  2,668  6,037  4,465
         
4(Loss)/income before taxation

   Year ended August 31, 
   2005  2006  2007 
   HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 

(Loss)/income before taxation isarrived at after charging:

     

Goodwill amortization

  1,065  —    —   

Amortization of deferred expenditure

  12,927  13,973  15,580 

Depreciation of purchased fixed assets

  236,269  275,538  257,052 

Depreciation of fixed assets held under finance leases

  380  926  1,051 

Impairment loss - investment property

  —    1,131  —   

Operating lease charges in respect of:

     

- Land and buildings

  13,081  17,556  13,879 

- Computer equipment

  914  840  32 

Research and development costs

  11,023  9,605  4,977 

Retirement benefit costs - defined contribution plans (note 23)

  27,437  27,956  23,933 

Interest expense comprises:

     

Interest element of finance leases

  23  54  62 

Interest on senior notes

  52,372  85,235  85,313 

Interest on bank overdrafts

  2,421  —    —   

Amortization of debt issuance cost

  1,693  1,429  2,129 

Other borrowing costs

  —    1,919  —   
          
  56,509  88,637  87,504 

Less: Amount capitalized as fixed assets - Interest capitalized

  (2,047) —    —   
          

Total interest expense

  54,462  88,637  87,504 
          

Other income net, comprises:

     

Net exchange gain/(loss)

  3,300  1,044  (114)

Others

  2,737  3,421  3,263 
          
  6,037  4,465  3,149 
          

6 Income tax credit/(expense)City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Income/(loss)Consolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2007

5Income tax credit/(expense)

(Loss)/income before taxation by geographical location is as follows:

 

   Year ended August 31, 
   2004  2005  2006 
   (restated)  (restated)    
   HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 

Hong Kong income/(loss)

  53,113  (167,416) (150,624)

Overseas (loss)/income

  (1,607) (2,805) 1,318 
          

Income/(loss) before taxation

  51,506  (170,221) (149,306)
          
   Year ended August 31,
   2005  2006  2007
   HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000

Hong Kong (loss)/income

  (167,416) (150,624) 24,574

Overseas (loss)/income

  (2,805) 1,318  6,317
��        

(Loss)/income before taxation

  (170,221) (149,306) 30,891
         

Income tax credit/(expense) consist of the following:

 

   Year ended August 31, 
   2004  2005  2006 
   HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 

Hong Kong income tax

    

current (note (a))

  (1,537) (147) (24)

under provision of current tax in prior years

  (1,221) (333) (552)

deferred (note 12)

  1,412  8,325  10,046 

Overseas taxation

    

current (note (b))

  (596) (919) (2,367)

deferred (note 12)

  (101) (201) 141 
          
  (2,043) 6,725  7,244 
          

   Year ended August 31, 
   2005  2006  2007 
   HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 

Hong Kong income tax

    

- current (note (a))

  (147) (24) (121)

- under-provision of current tax in prior years

  (333) (552) —   

- deferred (note 11)

  8,325  10,046  47 

Overseas taxation

    

- current (note (b))

  (919) (2,367) (1,964)

- deferred (note 11)

  (201) 141  12 
          
  6,725  7,244  (2,026)
          

Notes:

(a)The Company isand its subsidiaries operating in Hong Kong are subject to tax on an entity basis on income arising in or derived from Hong Kong. The rate of taxation of subsidiaries operating in Hong Kong for the years ended August 31, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 20062007 was 17.5%.

(b)Taxation on overseas profits has been calculated on the estimated assessable profit for the year at the ratesrate of taxation prevailing in the countries in which the foreign subsidiaries operate.

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2007

5Income tax credit/(expense) (continued)

The income taxes attributable to incometax credit/ (expense) for the years ended August 31, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 20062007 differs from the amount of income taxesamounts determined by applying the applicable income taxstatutory rate prevailing in the countries in which the subsidiaries operateHong Kong of 17.5% to pre-tax incomeincome/ (loss) before taxation as a result of the following differences:

 

  Year ended August 31,   Year ended August 31, 
  2004 2005 2006   2005 2006 2007 
  (restated) (restated)   HK$’000 HK$’000 HK$’000 
  HK$’000 HK$’000 HK$’000 

Income tax (expense)/credit calculated at the prevailing taxation rate of respective countries

  (9,681) 29,652  25,670 

Computed “expected” income tax credit/(expense)

  29,789  26,129  (5,406)

Difference in statutory tax rates of foreign subsidiaries

  (137) (459) (1,006)

Effect of expenses not deductible for income taxes

  (730) (1,788) (883)  (1,788) (883) (772)

Effect of income not subject to income taxes

  825  3,963  3,492 

Under-provision of Hong Kong current income tax in prior years

  (1,221) (333) (552)

Recognition of deferred tax assets in respect of tax losses of prior years, net of other temporary difference

  9,066  4,981  2,416 

Effect of bank interest income not subject to income taxes

  2,262  2,944  3,533 

Effect of other income not subject to income taxes

  1,701  548  686 

Under-provision for Hong Kong current income tax in prior years

  (333) (552) —   

Effect of prior year tax losses utilized

  4,981  2,416  6,678 

Effect of tax loss not recognized

  (27) (28,464) (20,597)  (28,464) (20,597) (4,539)

Effect of share based payment not recognized

  (15) (1,219) (2,305)  (1,219) (2,305) (1,125)

Others

  (260) (67) 3   (67) 3  (75)
                    

Income tax credit/(expense)

  (2,043) 6,725  7,244   6,725  7,244  (2,026)
                    

7 Earnings/(loss) per shareCity Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2007

 

   Year ended August 31, 
   2004  2005  2006 
   HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 

Net income/(loss), as previously reported

  49,550  (156,531) 

Prior year adjustment arising from adoption of HKFRS 2 (Share-based payment) (note 3(a))

  (87) (6,965) 
        

Net income/(loss) (2004 and 2005: as restated)

  49,463  (163,496)��(142,062)
          

Number of shares in thousands:

    

Weighted average number of shares in issue

  610,095  613,525  614,134 

Incremental shares from assumed exercise of share options

  604  —    —   

Incremental shares from assumed exercise of warrants

  3,666  —    —   
          

Diluted weighted average number of shares

  614,365  613,525  614,134 
          

Basic earnings/(loss) per share, as previously reported

  HK8.1 cents  HK(25.5) cents 

Diluted earnings/(loss) per share, as previously reported

  HK8.1 cents  HK(25.5) cents 

Basic earnings/(loss) per share (2004 and 2005: as restated)

  HK8.1 cents  HK(26.6) cents HK(23.1) cents

Diluted earnings/(loss) per share (2004 and 2005: as restated)

  HK8.1 cents  HK(26.6) cents HK(23.1) cents
6(Loss)/earnings per share

   Year ended August 31,
   2005  2006  2007
   HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000

Net (loss)/income

  (163,496)  (142,062)  28,865
         
   Number of shares in thousands

Weighted average number of shares in issue

  613,525  614,134  614,840

Incremental shares from assumed exercise of share options

  —    —    16,479
         

Diluted weighted average number of shares

  613,525  614,134  631,319
         

Basic (loss)/earnings per share

  HK(26.6) cents  HK(23.1) cents  HK4.7 cents
         

Diluted (loss)/earnings per share

  HK(26.6) cents  HK(23.1) cents  HK4.6 cents
         

Basic earnings/(loss) per share is calculated based on the weighted average number of issued ordinary shares and the related income/(loss) amount. Diluted earnings/earning/(loss) per share is calculated based on the weighted average number of issued ordinary shares and the number of incremental shares from assumed exercise of share options and warrants has been determined using the treasury stock method.method and the related income/(loss) amount.

For the yearyears ended August 31, 2005 and 2006, the number of shares used in the calculation of diluted loss per share was equal to the number of shares used to calculate basic loss per share as the incremental effect of share options and warrants was anti-dilutive in a loss-making year.

8 ReceivablesCity Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2007

7Receivables

(a)(a) Trade receivables, net

   August 31, 
   2006  2007 
   HK$’000  HK$’000 

Trade receivables (note (i))

  196,343  192,943 

Less: Provision for doubtful accounts (note (ii))

  (55,745) (22,392)
       
  140,598  170,551 
       

Notes:

 

   August 31, 
   2005  2006 
   HK$’000  HK$’000 

Trade receivables (note (a))

  178,326  196,343 

Less: provision for doubtful debts (note (b))

  (48,316) (55,745)
       
  130,010  140,598 
       

Note

(a)(i)Trade receivables include receivable relating to mobile interconnection charges of HK$82,864,000$103,847,000 for the year ended August 31, 2006 (August 31, 2005: HK$69,320,000)2007 (2006: $82,864,000). See note 26(c)25(c) for detailed discussion of mobile interconnection charges.

(b)(ii)Provision for doubtful debtsaccounts as at August 31, 2006 includes provision for mobile interconnection charges receivables of HK$20,809,000 (August 31, 2005: HK$19,499,000). See note 26(c)$20,809,000. Following TA’s Final Determination issued in June 2007 (note 25(c)), the Group has reversed $9,404,000 of the provision for detailed discussion of mobile interconnection charges.charges to the consolidated statement of operations (note 25(c)) and has written off the remaining balance of the provision of $11,405,000 against the related accounts receivable.

Changes in the provision for doubtful debtsaccounts consist of:

 

  Year ended August 31,   Year ended August 31, 
  2004 2005 2006   2005 2006 2007 
  HK$’000 HK$’000 HK$’000   HK$’000 HK$’000 HK$’000 

Balance at beginning of the year

  22,916  22,959  48,316   22,959  48,316  55,745 

Additions charged to expense

  11,502  35,445  17,450   35,445  17,450  15,973 

Reversals

  —    —    (9,404)

Write-off

  (11,459) (10,088) (10,021)  (10,088) (10,021) (39,922)
                    

Balance at the end of the year

  22,959  48,316  55,745   48,316  55,745  22,392 
                    

(b) Other receivables, deposits and prepaymentsCity Telecom (H.K.) Limited

   August 31,
   2005  2006
   HK$’000  HK$’000

Deposits for purchase of fixed assets

  20,275  8,636

Deposits for lease of land and building

  5,081  9,237

Interest receivables

  1,266  1,503

Prepayments

  20,929  17,207

Receivables from disposal of a subsidiary

  279  —  

USC refund receivable

  6,448  1,364

Unbilled revenue

  16,193  35,700

Others

  8,287  3,936
      
  78,758  77,583
      

9 Goodwill

   August 31, 
   2005  2006 
   HK$’000  HK$’000 

Cost

    

At the beginning of the year

  5,326  5,326 

Opening balance adjustment to eliminate accumulated amortization

  —    (4,260)
       

At the end of the year

  5,326  1,066 
       

Accumulated amortization

    

At the beginning of the year

  3,195  4,260 

Charge for the year

  1,065  —   

Eliminated against cost at the beginning of the year

  —    (4,260)
       

At the end of the year

  4,260  —   
       

Net book value

    

At the end of the year

  1,066  1,066 
       

For the year ended August 31, 2005 goodwill was amortized on a straight-line basis over five years. The amortization of goodwillConsolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2005 was included in “general and administrative expenses” in2007

7Receivables (continued)

(b)Other receivables, deposits and prepayments

   August 31,
   2006  2007
   HK$’000  HK$’000

Deposits for purchase of fixed assets

  8,636  6,007

Deposits for lease of land and building

  9,237  7,256

Interest receivable

  1,503  1,344

Prepayments

  17,207  19,895

USC refund receivable

  1,364  —  

Unbilled revenue

  35,700  15,572

Others

  3,936  9,298
      
  77,583  59,372
      

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the consolidated statement of operations.year ended August 31, 2007

As described in note 3(b), with

8Goodwill

   August 31,
   2006  2007
   HK$’000  HK$’000

Cost:

   

Beginning of the year

  5,326  1,066

Opening balance adjustment to eliminate accumulated amortization

  (4,260) —  
      

At the end of the year

  1,066  1,066
      

Accumulated amortization:

   

Beginning of the year

  4,260  —  

Eliminated against cost at the beginning of the year

  (4,260) —  
      

At the end of the year

  —    —  
      

Net book value:

   

At the end of the year

  1,066  1,066
      

With effect from September 1, 2005, goodwill is no longer amortized in accordance with the transitional provisions set out in HKFRS 3 but tested for impairment on an annual basisbasis. The amount of accumulated amortization as follows.at September 1, 2005 has been offset against the cost of goodwill.

Goodwill has been allocated to the Company’sGroup’s fixed telecommunications network services segment or cash-generating unit (GCU)(“CGU”) for purposes of the goodwill impairment test.

Based on the management’s goodwill impairment test, the carrying amount of the fixed telecommunications network services segmentCGU was lower than its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount was determined based on the value-in-use methodology. This methodology useuses cash flow projections based on financial budgets approved by management covering a three-year period. Cash flows for the three-year period were estimated based on growth rates between 10% to 17%16% and a pre-tax discount rate of 18%14%. Cash flows beyond the three year period were assumed to remain constant. The estimated growth rates used were comparable to the growth

rate for the industry. The key assumption used in the value-in-use methodology was the annual growth of the turnoverrevenue of the fixed telecommunications network services segmentCGU which is determined based on the past performance and management’s expectation for market development.future performance. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects the current market assessmentsassessment of the time value of money and the risks specific to the fixed telecommunicationtelecommunications services segment.CGU. Any adverse change in the key assumption could reduce the recoverable amount below carrying amount.

10 Fixed assets, netCity Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2007

 

   

Investment
property

(note (c))

  Leasehold
land and
buildings
  Leasehold
improvements
  Furniture,
fixtures
and fittings
  Telecommunications
computers and
office equipment
  Motor
vehicles
  Total 
   HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 

Cost

         

At September 1, 2004

  —    83,708  64,699  13,238  1,660,799  7,773  1,830,217 

Exchange adjustments

  —    —    244  133  2,497  —    2,874 

Additions

  —    462  3,701  2,122  411,550  1,291  419,126 

Adjustment (note (b))

  —    —    —    —    (4,825) —    (4,825)

Disposals

  —    —    (26) (1) (2,875) (692) (3,594)
                      

At August 31, 2005

  —    84,170  68,618  15,492  2,067,146  8,372  2,243,798 
                      

At September 1, 2005

  —    84,170  68,618  15,492  2,067,146  8,372  2,243,798 

Exchange adjustments

  —    —    281  126  2,180  —    2,587 

Additions

  —    625  9,342  2,880  309,744  344  322,935 

Disposals

  —    —    —    (728) (26,817) (1,760) (29,305)

Transfer to investment property

  5,197  (5,197) —    —    —    —    —   
                      

At August 31, 2006

  5,197  79,598  78,241  17,770  2,352,253  6,956  2,540,015 
                      

Accumulated depreciation:

         

At September 1, 2004

  —    5,024  21,603  9,052  630,027  5,636  671,342 

Exchange adjustments

  —    —    188  68  1,768  —    2,024 

Charge for the year

  —    1,678  8,445  1,390  224,444  1,346  237,303 

Adjustment (note (b))

  —    —    —    —    (654) —    (654)

Disposals

  —    —    (11) (1) (2,260) (488) (2,760)
                      

At August 31, 2005

  —    6,702  30,225  10,509  853,325  6,494  907,255 
                      

At September 1, 2005

  —    6,702  30,225  10,509  853,325  6,494  907,255 

Exchange adjustments

  —    —    223  74  1,642  —    1,939 

Charge for the year

  —    1,695  9,980  2,190  261,819  780  276,464 

Disposals

  —    —    —    (326) (11,922) (1,760) (14,008)

Transfer to investment property

  866  (866) —    —    —    —    —   

Impairment loss (note (a))

  1,131  —    —    —    —    —    1,131 
                      

At August 31, 2006

  1,997  7,531  40,428  12,447  1,104,864  5,514  1,172,781 
                      

Net book value:

         

At August 31, 2006

  3,200  72,067  37,813  5,323  1,247,389  1,442  1,367,234 
                      

At August 31, 2005

  —    77,468  38,393  4,983  1,213,821  1,878  1,336,543 
                      


(a)9In 2006, a property which had been held for own use was leased to a third party to earn rental income. Under HKAS 40, Investment Property, the Company has adopted the cost model and recorded the property at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses, if any. Based on the Company’s assessment of the open market value of the property, the Company wrote down the carrying amount of the property by HK$1,131,000 (included in “general and administrative expenses”). The estimate of open market value was made by reference to net rental income allowing for reversionary income potential.Fixed assets

 

(b)The adjustment of the cost and the accumulated depreciation for the year ended August 31, 2005 amounting to HK$4,825,000 and HK$654,000 represented an adjustment to the actual acquisition cost of the submarine cable that was previously estimated in prior years.
   Investment
property
  Leasehold
land and
buildings
  Leasehold
improvements
  Furniture,
fixtures
and
fittings
  Tele-
communications,
computer and
office equipment
  Motor
vehicles
  Total 
   HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 
   (Note (a))  (Note (a))                

Cost:

         

At September 1, 2005

  —    84,170  68,618  15,492  2,067,146  8,372  2,243,798 

Exchange adjustments

  —    —    281  126  2,180  —    2,587 

Additions

  —    625  9,342  2,880  309,744  344  322,935 

Disposals

  —    —    —    (728) (26,817) (1,760) (29,305)

Transfer to investment property

  5,197  (5,197) —    —    —    —    —   
                      

At August 31, 2006

  5,197  79,598  78,241  17,770  2,352,253  6,956  2,540,015 
                      

At September 1, 2006

  5,197  79,598  78,241  17,770  2,352,253  6,956  2,540,015 

Exchange adjustments

  —    —    773  253  2,560  —    3,586 

Additions

  —    —    1,627  496  129,950  177  132,250 

Disposals

  —    —    (3) (1,100) (8,988) (315) (10,406)
                      

At August 31, 2007

  5,197  79,598  80,638  17,419  2,475,775  6,818  2,665,445 
                      

Accumulated depreciation:

         

At September 1, 2005

  —    6,702  30,225  10,509  853,325  6,494  907,255 

Exchange adjustments

  —    —    223  74  1,642  —    1,939 

Charge for the year

  —    1,695  9,980  2,190  261,819  780  276,464 

Disposals

  —    —    —    (326) (11,922) (1,760) (14,008)

Transfer to investment property

  866  (866) —    —    —    —    —   

Impairment loss (note (a))

  1,131  —    —    —    —    —    1,131 
                      

At August 31, 2006

  1,997  7,531  40,428  12,447  1,104,864  5,514  1,172,781 
                      

At September 1, 2006

  1,997  7,531  40,428  12,447  1,104,864  5,514  1,172,781 

Exchange adjustments

  —    —    612  160  1,874  —    2,646 

Charge for the year

  104  1,592  9,269  2,028  244,581  529  258,103 

Disposals

  —    —    —    (683) (4,465) (160) (5,308)
                      

At August 31, 2007

  2,101  9,123  50,309  13,952  1,346,854  5,883  1,428,222 
                      

Net book value:

         

At August 31, 2007

  3,096  70,475  30,329  3,467  1,128,921  935  1,237,223 
                      

At August 31, 2006

  3,200  72,067  37,813  5,323  1,247,389  1,442  1,367,234 
                      

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2007

 

(c)9The Company’s future aggregate lease income receivable under non-cancelable operating lease of the investment property is as follows:Fixed assets (continued)

Notes:

   August 31,
   2005  2006
   HK$’000  HK$’000

Within 1 year

  —    228

In the second year

  —    228
      
  —    456
      

 

(d)(a)The interests in leasehold land and buildings and investment property situated in Hong Kong at their net book values are analyzed as follows:

 

   August 31,
   2005  2006
   HK$’000  HK$’000

Leases of between 10 to 50 years

  77,468  75,267
      
   August 31,
   2006  2007
   HK$’000  HK$’000

Leases of between 10 to 50 years

  75,267  73,571
      

Representing:

 

  August 31,  August 31,
  2005  2006  2006  2007
  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000

Leasehold land and building carried at cost

  77,468  72,067  72,067  70,475

Investment property at cost less impairment loss

  —    3,200

Investment property at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment loss

  3,200  3,096
            
  77,468  75,267  75,267  73,571
            

During the year ended August 31, 2006, a property which had been held for own use was leased to a third party to earn rental income. Upon adoption of HKAS 40, the Group assessed the open market value of the property and based on such assessment, wrote down the carrying amount of the property by $1,131,000 (included in “other operating expenses”). The estimate of open market value was made by reference to net rental income allowing for reversionary income potential.

The estimated fair value of the investment property held by the Group as of August 31, 2006 and 2007 amounted to HK$3,200,000 and HK$3,096,000, respectively.

 

(e)(b)The CompanyGroup’s future aggregate lease income receivable under non-cancellable operating lease of the investment property is as follows:

   August 31,
   2006  2007
   HK$’000  HK$’000

Within 1 year

  228  228

In the second year

  228  —  
      
  456  228
      

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2007

9Fixed assets (continued)

Notes: (continued)

(c)The Group leases telecommunications, computer and office equipment under finance leases expiringfor terms ranging from one to five years. At the end of the lease term the CompanyGroup has the option to purchase the equipment at a price deemed to be a bargain purchase option.option and accordingly the lease arrangements have been classified as finance leases. None of the leases included contingent rental. The total cost of these assets and the related accumulated depreciation as of the end of each of the relevant years are as follows:

 

  August 31,  August 31,
  2005  2006  2006  2007
  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000

Cost

  3,631  4,079  4,079  4,236

Accumulated depreciation

  380  1,307  1,307  2,238
            
  3,251  2,772  2,772  1,998
            

(d)Management reviews the estimated useful lives of fixed assets annually and, if there has been a significant change in the expected pattern of consumption of the future economic benefits embodied in the asset, the estimate is changed to reflect the changed pattern. The depreciation expense for future period is adjusted if there are significant changes from previous estimates. Management determines the useful life of the Group’s fixed assets based on its historical experience with similar assets, expected usage of the assets and anticipated technological changes with respect to those assets. Estimates and assumptions used in setting depreciable lives require both judgement and estimation.

During the second half of fiscal 2007, taking into consideration of the current conditions and expected usage of existing telecommunications equipment, management engaged an external valuation firm to assist with its assessment of the estimated useful lives of such asset. As a result of this assessment, management revised the estimated useful lives of the fibre network and related peripherals from 4-15 years to 6-20 years.

The change in the estimated useful lives is a change in accounting estimate that is accounted for prospectively from June 1, 2007. As a result of such change, depreciation expense decreased by HK$15,930,000, and both income before taxation and net income after taxation decreased by HK$15,930,000 for the year ended August 31, 2007. The increase in net income resulted in a HK2.6 cents increase in both the basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share. Such change also increased each of total assets, retained profits and total shareholders’ equity at August 31, 2007 by HK$15,930,000.

11 Other payables and accrued chargesCity Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year August 31, 2007

 

   August 31,
   2005  2006
   HK$’000  HK$’000

Accrual for staff salaries and bonus

  36,034  27,747

Accrual for customer reward program

  1,752  2,636

Accrual for carrier fees and charges

  10,391  10,705

Accrual for international call forwarding service charges

  3,622  4,793

Payable for purchase of fixed assets

  116,201  51,862

Payable for advertising and promotional expenses

  16,241  11,966

Payable for USC

  428  —  

Interest payable on 10-year senior notes

  7,109  7,109

Others accrual (note)

  31,430  26,668
      
  223,208  143,486
      

10Other payables and accrued charges

Note :

   August 31,
   2006  2007
   HK$’000  HK$’000

Accrual for staff salaries and bonus

  27,747  33,833

Accrual for customer reward program

  2,636  6,567

Accrual for carrier fees and charges

  10,705  11,264

Accrual for international call forwarding service charges

  4,793  5,784

Payable for purchase of fixed assets

  51,862  34,749

Payable for advertising and promotional expenses

  11,966  15,972

Interest payable on senior notes

  7,109  7,164

Others accrual (note)

  26,668  29,934
      
  143,486  145,267
      

Note: Amount of other accruals consisted of primarily accruals for utilities, rent and other carrieradministrative charges.

12 Deferred taxation

11Deferred taxation

Deferred taxation is calculated in full on temporary differences under the liability method using the taxation rates prevailing in respective countries in which the subsidiaries operate. The movement of the deferred tax liabilities account is as follows:

 

  August 31,   August 31, 
  2005 2006   2006 2007 
  HK$’000 HK$’000   HK$’000 HK$’000 

At the beginning of the year

  18,662  10,539   10,539  353 

Exchange differences

  1  1   1  (3)

Deferred taxation credited to statements of operations — relating to the origination and reversal of temporary differences

  (8,124) (10,187)

Deferred taxation credited to consolidated statement of operations

  (10,187) (59)
              

At the end of the year

  10,539  353   353  291 
              

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year August 31, 2007

11Deferred taxation (continued)

As of August 31, 2006 and 2007, the CompanyGroup had accumulated tax losses amounting to HK$1,159,787,000 (2005:and HK$1,011,475,000)1,037,141,000, respectively that can be carried forward and applied to reduce future taxable income derived in Hong Kong, Canada and the United States, as applicable. TheAs of August 31, 2006 and 2007, the tax effect of the accumulated tax losses amounted to HK$204,300,000 (2005:and HK$177,827,000).182,739,000, respectively. These tax losses will expire in the following fiscal periods ending August 31:periods:

 

  August 31,  August 31,
  2005  2006  2006  2007
  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000

Within one year

  1,089    —    737

In the second year

  1,405  1,512  1,512  395

In the third year

  368  396  396  —  

in the fourth year

  —    —  

In the fourth year

  —    —  

After five years

  1,132  4,344  4,344  4,313

No expiry date

  1,007,481  1,153,535  1,153,535  1,031,696
            
  1,011,475  1,159,787  1,159,787  1,037,141
            

The tax losses of the Company and its Hong Kong subsidiaries can be carried forward indefinitely while tax losses of subsidiaries in the mainland China and CanadianCanada and the United States expire within periods ranging from 2 to 20 years.

Deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that realization of the related tax benefit is probable. The CompanyGroup has unrecognized tax losses carried forward from prior years of HK$279,199,000 and HK$268,004,000 at August 31, 2006 (2005: HK$165,861,000)and 2007 respectively which can offset against future taxable income and unrecognized deferred tax assets in respect of equity settled share-based payment expenses of HK$13,171,000 at August 31, 2006.income. Accumulated tax losses for which deferred tax assets were not recognized will expire in the following fiscal periods ending August 31:periods:

 

  August 31,  August 31,
  2005  2006  2006  2007
  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000

Within one year

  1,089  1,513  1,513  737

In the second year

  1,405  396  396  395

In the third year

  368  —    —    —  

In the fourth year

  —    —    —    —  

After five years

  934  4,130  4,130  4,313

No expiry date

  162,065  286,331  273,160  262,559
            
  165,861  292,370  279,199  268,004
            

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year August 31, 2007

11Deferred taxation (continued)

The movementmovements in deferred tax assets and liabilities (prior to offsetting of balances within the same taxation jurisdiction) during the year isyears ended August 31, 2006 and 2007, are as follows:

 

  Accelerated
depreciation
allowances
 Others Total   Accelerated
depreciation allowances
 Others  Total 

Deferred tax liabilities

  2005  2006 2005  2006 2005  2006 
  HK$’000  HK$’000 HK$’000  HK$’000 HK$’000  HK$’000   2006 2007 2006 2007  2006 2007 
  HK$’000 HK$’000 HK$’000 HK$’000  HK$’000 HK$’000 

Deferred tax liabilities:

        

At the beginning of the year

  140,202  158,477  49  85  140,251  158,562   158,477  154,678  85  —    158,562  154,678 

(Credited)/charged to statements of operations

  18,267  (3,805) 35  (86) 18,302  (3,891)

Credited to consolidated statement of operations

  (3,805) (19,772) (86) —    (3,891) (19,772)

Exchange differences

  8  6  1  1  9  7   6  4  1  —    7  4 
                                      

At the end of the year

  158,477  154,678  85  —    158,562  154,678   154,678  134,910  —    —    154,678  134,910 
                                      

 

  Share-based payment Tax losses Total   Share-based payment Tax losses Total 

Deferred tax assets

  2005  2006 2005 2006 2005 2006 
  HK$’000  HK$’000 HK$’000 HK$’000 HK$’000 HK$’000   2006 2007 2006 2007 2006 2007 
  HK$’000 HK$’000 HK$’000 HK$’000 HK$’000 HK$’000 

Deferred tax assets:

       

At the beginning of the year

  —    —    (121,589) (148,023) (121,589) (148,023)  —    (123) (148,023) (154,202) (148,023) (154,325)

Credited to statements of operations

  —    (123) (26,426) (6,173) (26,426) (6,296)

Charged/ (credited) to consolidated statement of operations

  (123) 123  (6,173) 19,590  (6,296) 19,713 

Exchange differences

  —    —    (8) (6) (8) (6)  —    —    (6) (7) (6) (7)
                                      

At the end of the year

  —    (123) (148,023) (154,202) (148,023) (154,325)  (123) —    (154,202) (134,619) (154,325) (134,619)
                                      

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable rightrights to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities and when the deferred income taxestax assets and liabilities relate to the same fiscal authority. The following amounts, determined after appropriate offsetting, are reported in the consolidated balance sheet:

 

  August 31,  August 31,
  2005  2006  2006  2007
  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000

Deferred tax assets

  —    —    —    —  

Deferred tax liabilities

  10,539  353  353  291
            
  10,539  353  353  291
            

13 Deferred expenditureCity Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year August 31, 2007

 

   August 31, 
   2005  2006 
   HK$’000  HK$’000 

Balance at the beginning of the year

  21,563  21,131 

Additions during the year

  12,495  5,287 

Less: Amortization charge for the year (note 5)

  (12,927) (13,973)
       

Balance at the end of the year

  21,131  12,445 

Current portion

  (12,960) (10,808)
       
  8,171  1,637 
       
12Deferred expenditure

Deferred expenditure represents costs incurred to acquire subscribers and are amortized over the period of the underlying service subscription agreements.

   August 31, 
   2006  2007 
   HK$’000  HK$’000 

Balance at the beginning of the year

  21,131  12,445 

Additions during the year

  5,287  24,502 

Less: Amortization charge for the year (note 4)

  (13,973) (15,580)
       

Balance at the end of the year

  12,445  21,367 

Current portion

  (10,808) (13,584)
       
  1,637  7,783 
       

14 Long-term debt and other liabilities

13Long-term debt and other liabilities

The Company’sGroup’s long-term debt and other liabilities were repayable as follows:

 

   August 31, 
   2005  2006 
   HK$’000  HK$’000 

8.75% senior notes due 2015

  945,348  948,027 
       

Obligation under finance leases

   

Within one year

  1,194  1,297 

In the second year

  1,218  806 

In the third year

  723  270 
       
  3,135  2,373 

Less: Current portion of obligations under finance leases

  (1,194) (1,297)
       
  1,941  1,076 
       
�� 947,289  949,103 
       
   August 31, 
   2006  2007 
   HK$’000  HK$’000 

8.75% senior notes due 2015

  948,027  952,593 
       

Obligation under finance leases

   

- Within one year

  1,297  835 

- In the second year

  806  121 

- In the third year

  270  254 
       
  2,373  1,210 

Less: Current portion of obligation under finance leases

  (1,297) (835)
       
  1,076  375 
       
  949,103  952,968 
       

(a)

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year August 31, 2007

13Long-term debt and other liabilities (continued)

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 par value. The 10-year senior notes mature on February 1, 2015 and bear interest at the fixed rate of 8.75% per annum and is payable semi-annually on February 1 and August 1 of each year, commencing August 1, 2005.

The 10-year senior notes are fully, irrevocably and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and irrevocably guaranteedseverally, on a joint and several basessenior unsecured basis by all of the Company’s subsidiaries (other thanof City Telecom (H.K.) Limited (collectively defined as “Guarantor Subsidiaries”), except CTI Guangzhou Customer Services Co. Limited)Ltd. in the PRC (“Non-guarantor Subsidiary”).

The net proceeds of 10-year senior notes were approximately US$121 million after deduction of expensesissuance costs and commissions.commission. The CompanyGroup used the net proceeds, in part, to repay in full an existing bank loan in the outstanding amount of HK$196.7 million. The remaining net proceeds is to be used for capital expenditures, including expanding and upgrading the Company’sGroup’s Metro Ethernet network in Hong Kong, and for additional working capital and general corporate purposes.

The Company may redeem the 10-year senior notes, in whole or in part, on or after February 1, 2010, at the redemption pricesprice set forth in the indenture governing the 10-year senior notes. In addition, prior to February 1, 2008, using the proceeds from one or more specified public or private offerings of the Company’s common stock, the Company may redeem up to a maximum of 35% of the original aggregate principal amount of the 10-year senior notes with the proceeds from one or more specified public or private offerings of the Company’s common stock at a redemption price equal to 108.75% of the principal amount of the 10-year senior notes. In all cases of optional redemption, the Company will pay principal at the redemption price specified plus accrued and unpaid interest additional amounts, if any, thereon to, but not including,through the date of redemption.

The indenture governing the 10-years10-year senior notes contains covenants that limit, among other things, the Company’sGroup’s ability and the ability of certain of its existing and future subsidiaries to:

 

 (i)pay dividends, make distributions, redeem capital stock and make certain other restricted payments or investments;

 (ii)incur additional indebtedness or issue certain equity interests;

 

 (iii)merge, consolidate or sell all or substantially all of our assets;

 

 (iv)issue or sell capital stock of some of ourcertain subsidiaries;

 

 (v)sell or exchange assets or enter into new businesses;

 

 (vi)create any restrictions on the payment of dividends, the making of distributions, the making of loans and the transfer of assets;

 

 (vii)create liens on assets;

 

 (viii)enter into certain transactions with affiliates or relatedrelates persons; and

 

 (ix)enter into sale and lease back transactions.

At August 31, 20052006 and 2006,2007, the 10-year senior notes were stated at the amortized costscost of US$121,660,000 (equivalent to HK$945,348,000) and US$121,854,000 (equivalent to HK$948,027,000) and US$122,127,000 (equivalent to HK$952,593,000), respectively.

15 Commitments and contingenciesCity Telecom (H.K.) Limited

(a) Capital commitmentsConsolidated financial statements for the year August 31, 2007

 

   August 31,
   2005  2006
   HK$’000  HK$’000

Purchases of telecommunications, computer and office equipment contracted but not provided for

  178,793  80,240
      
14Commitments and contingencies

(a)Capital commitments

    August 31,
   2006  2007
   HK$’000  HK$’000

Purchases of telecommunications, computer and office equipment contracted but not provided for

  80,240  54,165
      

(b)(b) Commitments under operating leases

(i)As of August 31, 2006 and 2007, the Group had future aggregate lease income receivable under non-cancellable operating leases as follows:

    August 31,
   2006  2007
   HK$’000  HK$’000

Leases in respect of telecommunications and computer equipment:

    

- within one year

  1,980  1,065

- in the second year

  798  214
      
  2,778  1,279
      

(ii)As of August 31, 2006 and 2007, the Group had future aggregate minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases as follows:

    August 31,
   2006  2007
   HK$’000  HK$’000

Leases in respect of land and buildings:

    

- within one year

  15,212  12,562

- in the second year

  8,041  2,484

- in the third year

  760  —  

- in the fourth year

  431  —  

- in the fifth year

  138  —  
      
  24,582  15,046
      

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

(i) AtConsolidated financial statements for the year August 31, 2005 and 2006, the Company had future aggregate lease income receivable under non-cancelable operating leases as follows:2007

 

   August 31,
   2005  2006
   HK$’000  HK$’000

Leases in respect of telecommunications facilities and computer equipment which are receivable:

    

within one year

  934  1,980

in the second year

  583  798
      
  1,517  2,778
      

(ii) At August 31, 2006 and 2005, the Company had future aggregate minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases as follows:

14Commitments and contingencies (continued)

 

   August 31,
   2005  2006
   HK$’000  HK$’000

Leases in respect of land and buildings which are payable:

    

within one year

  17,759  15,212

in the second year

  14,977  8,041

in the third year

  7,348  760

in the fourth year

  298  431

in the fifth year

  —    138
      
  40,382  24,582
      

Leases in respect of telecommunications facilities and computer equipment which are payable:

    

within one year

  25,895  24,881

in the second year

  4,727  3,100

in the third year

  800  875

in the fourth year

  800  800

in the fifth year

  800  800

within sixth year to twelve years

  7,111  6,400
      
  40,133  36,856
      
  80,515  61,438
      
(b)Commitments under operating leases (continued)

(ii)At August 31, 2006 and 2007, the Group had future aggregate minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases as follows: (continued)

    August 31,
   2006  2007
   HK$’000  HK$’000

Leases in respect of telecommunications and computer equipment:

    

- within one year

  24,881  31,004

- in the second year

  3,100  6,258

- in the third year

  875  5,016

- in the fourth year

  800  4,946

- in the fifth year

  800  4,946

- within sixth year to twelve years

  6,400  16,384
      
  36,856  68,554
      
  61,438  83,600
      

(c) Program fee commitments

(c)Program fee commitments

The CompanyGroup entered into several long-term agreements with program content providers with respect to the Company’sGroup’s IP-TV services. Minimum amountsThe amount of program fees to be paidpayable by the Company areGroup is as follows:

 

   August 31,
   2005  2006
   HK$’000  HK$’000

Program fee payable:

    

within one year

  13,055  7,638

in the second year

  5,682  4,340

in the third year

  577  548
      
  19,314  12,526
      
    August 31,
   2006  2007
   HK$’000  HK$’000

Program fee payable:

    

- within one year

  7,638  10,345

- in the second year

  4,340  3,633

- in the third year

  548  3
      
  12,526  13,981
      

(d) Contingent liabilitiesCity Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year August 31, 2007

 

   August 31,
   2005  2006
   HK$’000  HK$’000

Bank guarantees provided to suppliers (note 16(a)(i) and (ii))

  6,200  6,303

Bank guarantee in lieu of payment of utility deposits (note 16(a)(iii))

  3,772  5,272
      
  9,972  11,575
      
14Commitments and contingencies (continued)

16 Pledge of assets

(d)Contingent liabilities

(a) As at August 31, 2006, the Company had pledged bank deposits of US$9,900,000 (equivalent to HK$77,022,000) and HK$10,000,000 as security of the following banking facilities:

    August 31,
   2006  2007
   HK$’000  HK$’000

Bank guarantees provided to suppliers (note 15(i) and (ii))

  6,303  5,903

Bank guarantee in lieu of payment of utility deposits (note 15(iii))

  5,272  5,272
      
  11,575  11,175
      

(i) bank facility of US$9,000,000 (equivalent to HK$70,020,000) 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.

15Pledge of assets

As of August 31, 2006, bank guarantee of HK$2,003,000 were issued against this bank facility (August 31, 2005: bank guarantees of HK$1,900,0002007 and letters of credit of HK$11,350,000 were issued against this bank facility);

(ii) bank guarantees of HK$4,300,000 (August 31, 2005: HK$4,300,000) issued by a bank to third party suppliers of the Company and one of its subsidiaries for payment of certain products and services procured by the Company from these third party suppliers;

(iii) bank guarantees of HK$5,272,000 (August 31, 2005: HK$3,772,000) issued by a bank to certain utility vendors of the Company in lieu of payment of utility deposits; and

(iv) Forward foreign exchange contract of Nil (2005: RMB155,632,000).

As at August 31, 2005,2006, the Group had pledged bank deposits of US$9,900,000 (equivalent to HK$76,923,000), RMB4,705,000 (equivalent to HK$4,524,000)77,220,000 and HK$9,000,00077,022,000, respectively) and HK$10,000,000 as security for the abovefollowing banking facilities and forward foreign exchange contract.facilities:

(b) On October 9, 2002, the Company entered into a HK$200,000,000 long-term loan facility (the “2002 facility”) with The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (“HSBC”) to provide funding for further development of the fixed telecommunications network of a subsidiary of the Company. According to the agreement, all amounts under the 2002 facility were required to be drawn by December 31, 2004 and to be repaid in 60 equal monthly installments beginning in January 2005. On January 3, 2005, approximately HK$3.3 million of the 2002 facility was repaid. As disclosed in note 14, on January 20, 2005, the Group completed a US$125 million notes offering of 8.75% senior notes due 2015, and received net proceeds of approximately US$121 million after deduction of expenses and commissions. The Group used the net proceeds, in part, to repay in full the outstanding bank loan in the amount of HK$196.7 million on January 24, 2005.

(i)bank facility of US$9,000,000 (equivalent to HK$70,200,000) granted by the 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, 2007 and 2006, bank guarantees of HK$1,603,000 and HK$2,003,000, respectively were issued against this bank facility;

(ii)bank guarantees of HK$4,300,000 issued by a bank to third party suppliers of the Company and one of its subsidiaries as of August 31, 2007 and 2006 for payment of certain products and services procured by the Company from these third party suppliers; and

(iii)bank guarantees of HK$5,272,000 issued by a bank to certain utility vendors of the Company as of August 31, 2007 and 2006 in lieu of payment of utility deposits.

On July 27, 2004, the Company entered into an additional HK$200,000,000 long-term loan facility (the “2004 facility”City Telecom (H.K.) with HSBC to provide fundingLimited

Consolidated financial statements for the same purpose. All amounts under the facility were required to be drawn by December 31, 2006 and to be repaid in 60 equal monthly installments beginning in January 2007. The Company had not drawn any amount under this facility during the years endedyear August 31, 2005 and 2006.

In January 2005, both the 2002 and 2004 facilities were cancelled upon the request of the Company, which was approved by HSBC and the fixed and floating charges covering all assets of the Company were released.

17 Investment securities2007

 

   August 31,
   2005  2006
   HK$’000  HK$’000

Debt securities, at fair value and unlisted outside

    

Hong Kong (note a)

  25,901  26,633

Long term bank deposit, at amortized cost (note b)

  15,540  13,641
      
  41,441  40,274
      

16Investment securities

Note:

    August 31, 
   2006  2007 
   HK$’000  HK$’000 

Debt securities, at fair value and unlisted outside Hong Kong (note (a))

  26,633  28,577 

Long term bank deposit, at amortized cost (note (b))

  13,641  14,415 
       
  40,274  42,992 

Less: Current portion

  —    (3,779)
       
  40,274  39,213 
       

Notes:

(a)The CompanyGroup maintained an investment portfolio of HK$25,901,00026,633,000 and HK$26,633,00028,577,000 as atof August 31, 20052007 and 2006, respectively, which primarily consisted of money market funds.equity-linked mutual fund securities.

For the years ended August 31, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 20062007 the net unrealized investment gains/(losses) were (HK$1,696,000), HK$300,000, HK$698,000 and HK$698,0001,887,000 respectively. No realized investment gains or losses were recognized during the yearyears ended August 31, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2006.2007.

(b)The balance isRepresents a ten-year US$2 million (August 31, 2005: US$2 million) (equivalent to HK$15,560,000)15,600,000 at August 31, 2007) deposit placed with a bank for which the CompanyGroup receives a floating rate deposit interest. The deposit has a 10-year term maturing on August 22, 2013. An interest rate of 10% per annum has been guaranteed for the first year from the inception date on August 22, 2003. The deposit will terminate or mature once the cumulative interest reaches the predetermined accrued interest cap at 13% of the principal amount or an aggregate sum of US$260,000 (equivalent to HK$2,022,800)2,028,000 at August 31, 2007).

18 Derivative Financial Instrument

 

17August 31,Derivative financial instrument
2005
note (c)
2006
HK$’000HK$’000

Non-current assets

Interest rate swap, at fair value through profit or loss (note (a))

—  1,845

Current assets

Forward foreign exchange contracts, at fair value through profit or loss (note(b))

—  —  

(a)Interest rate swap

    August 31,
   2006  2007
   HK$’000  HK$’000

Non-current assets

    

Interest rate swap, at fair value through profit or loss (note 26(e))

  1,845  1,039
      

As atof August 31, 2007 and 2006, the CompanyGroup has an outstanding interest rate swap contract with notional principleprincipal amount of HK$46,666,667 and HK$66,666,667, (2005: HK$86,666,667).respectively. Under this arrangement, the CompanyGroup pays a fixed rate interest of 2.675% per annum on the notional amount on a monthly basis, and receives a floating interest rate based on HIBOR rate. The maturity date of the contract is December 1, 2009.

(b)Forward foreign exchange contracts

As atCity Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year August 31, 2005, the Company had outstanding forward foreign exchange contracts of RMB155,632,000 and US$13,421,000 that matured during the year ended August 31, 2006. The purpose of arrangement was to manage the Company’s exposure to foreign currencies fluctuations. The Company had no outstanding forward foreign exchange contracts as at August 31, 2006.2007

 

(c)18Fair valuesCapital and reserves

      Ordinary shares                
   Number of
shares
outstanding
  Amount
outstanding
  Share
premium
  Capital
reserve
  Warrant
reserve
  Translation
reserve
  Retained
profits
  Total
shareholders’
equity
 
      HK$  HK$  HK$  HK$  HK$  HK$  HK$ 
      (Amounts in thousands, except number of shares) 

Balance at September 1, 2004

  610,573,361  61,057  617,986  87  365  983  495,220  1,175,698 

Release of warrant reserve upon warrant expiration

  —    —    —    —    (18) —    18  —   

Shares issued upon exercise of warrants

  3,500,043  350  1,397  —    (347) —    —    1,400 

Shares issued upon exercise of share options

  52,000  5  25  —    —    —    —    30 

Equity settled share-based compensation

  —    —    —    6,965  —    —    —    6,965 

Net loss

  —    —    —    —    —    —    (163,496) (163,496)

Foreign currency translation adjustment

  —    —    —    —    —    (143) —    (143)
                         

Balance at August 31, 2005

  614,125,404  61,412  619,408  7,052  —    840  331,742  1,020,454 

Changes in accounting policy - opening balance adjustment arising from adoption of HKAS 32 and HKAS 39 (note (a))

  —    —    —    —    —    —    6,609  6,609 
                         

Balance at September 1, 2005

  614,125,404  61,412  619,408  7,052  —    840  338,351  1,027,063 

Shares issued upon exercise of share options

  50,000  5  8  —    —    —    —    13 

Equity settled share-based compensation

  —    —    882  5,941  —    —    —    6,823 

Net loss

  —    —    —    —    —    —    (142,062) (142,062)

Foreign currency translation adjustment

  —    —    —    —    —    (183) —    (183)
                         

Balance at August 31, 2006

  614,175,404  61,417  620,298  12,993  —    657  196,289  891,654 

2007 interim dividends declared and paid

  —    —    —    —    —    —    (24,635) (24,635)

Shares issued upon exercise of share options

  2,328,000  233  2,135  (611) —    —    —    1,757 

Equity settled share-based compensation

  —    —    —    5,727  —    —    —    5,727 

Net income

  —    —    —    —    —    —    28,865  28,865 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

  —    —    —    —    —    514  —    514 
                         

Balance at August 31, 2007

  616,503,404  61,650  622,433  18,109  —    1,171  200,519  903,882 
                         

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year August 31, 2007

18Capital and reserves (continued)

   

Authorized ordinary shares

of HK$0.10 each

   

No. of

Shares

  Amount
      HK$’000

At August 31, 2006 and August 31, 2007

  2,000,000,000  200,000
      

   

Issued and fully paid (ordinary shares of HK$0.10 each)

   August 31, 2005  August 31, 2006  August 31, 2007
   

No. of

shares

  

Amount

  

No. of

shares

  Amount  

No. of

shares

  Amount
      HK$’000     HK$’000     HK$’000

At the beginning of the year

  610,573,361  61,057  614,125,404  61,412  614,175,404  61,417

Exercise of share options (note (b))

  52,000  5  50,000  5  2,328,000  233

Exercise of warrants (note (c))

  3,500,043  350  —    —    —    —  
                  

At the end of the year

  614,125,404  61,412  614,175,404  61,417  616,503,404  61,650
                  

Notes:

(a)With effect from September 1, 2005, the Group adopted HKAS 32 “Financial instruments: Disclosure and presentation” and HKAS 39 “Financial instruments: Recognition and measurement”. The adoption of the interest rate swapHKAS 32 and forward foreign exchange contractsHKAS 39 resulted in recognition of derivative financial instruments as assets of HK$6,609,000 and a corresponding increase in opening balance of retained profits at September 1, 2005.

(b)During the years ended August 31, 2005, are disclosed in note 27(e).

19 Capital and reserves

   Ordinary shares                
   Number of
shares
outstanding
  Amount
Outstanding
  Share
premium
  Capital
reserve
  Warrant
reserve
  Translation
reserve
  

Retained
profits

(restated)

  Total
shareholders’
equity
 
      HK$  HK$  HK$  HK$  HK$  HK$  HK$ 
   (Amount in thousands, except number of shares) 

Balance at August 31, 2003

  604,959,787  60,496  615,886  —    858  1,231  500,704  1,179,175 

2003 final dividends declared and paid

  —    —    —    —    —    —    (45,789) (45,789)

2004 interim dividends declared and paid

  —    —    —    —    —    —    (9,158) (9,158)

Shares issued upon exercise of warrants

  4,973,574  497  1,985  —    (493) —    —    1,989 

Shares issued upon exercise of share options

  640,000  64  115  —    —    —    —    179 

Equity settled share-based transactions

  —    —    —    87  —    —    —    87 

Net income

  —    —    —    —    —    —    49,463  49,463 

Exchange adjustment on translation of the accounts of overseas subsidiaries

  —    —    —    —    —    (248) —    (248)
                         

Balance at August 31, 2004

  610,573,361  61,057  617,986  87  365  983  495,220  1,175,698 

Realization of outstanding warrant reserve upon warrant expiration

  —    —    —    —    (18) —    18  —   

Shares issued upon exercise of warrants

  3,500,043  350  1,397  —    (347) —    —    1,400 

Shares issued upon exercise of share options

  52,000  5  25  —    —    —    —    30 

Equity settled share-based transactions

  —    —    —    6,965  —    —    —    6,965 

Net loss, as restated

  —    —    —    —    —    —    (163,496) (163,496)

Exchange adjustment on translation of the accounts of overseas subsidiaries

  —    —    —    —    —    (143) —    (143)
                         

Balance at August 31, 2005, as restated

  614,125,404  61,412  619,408  7,052  —    840  331,742  1,020,454 

Changes in accounting policy

             

— opening balance adjustment arising from adoption of HKAS32 and HKAS 39

  —    —    —    —    —    —    6,609  6,609 
                         

Balance at September 1, 2005

  614,125,404  61,412  619,408  7,052  —    840  338,351  1,027,063 

Shares issued upon exercise of share options

  50,000  5  8  —    —    —    —    13 

Equity settled share-based transactions

  —    —    882  5,941  —    —    —    6,823 

Net loss

  —    —    —    —    —    —    (142,062) (142,062)

Exchange adjustment on translation of the accounts of overseas subsidiaries

  —    —    —    —    —    (183) —    (183)
                         

Balance at August 31, 2006

  614,175,404  61,417  620,298  12,993  —    657  196,289  891,654 

   

Authorized Ordinary shares of

HK$0.10 each

   No. of shares  HK$’000

At August 31, 2005 and August 31, 2006

  2,000,000,000  200,000
      

   Issued and fully paid (Ordinary shares of HK$0.10 each)
   August 31, 2005  August 31, 2006
   No. of shares  HK$’000  No. of shares  HK$’000

At the beginning of the year

  610,573,361  61,057  614,125,404  61,412

Exercise of share options (note (a))

  52,000  5  50,000  5

Exercise of warrants (note (b))

  3,500,043  350  —    —  
            

At the end of the year

  614,125,404  61,412  614,175,404  61,417
            


(a)During the year ended August 31, 2006 and 2007, 52,000, 50,000 and 2,328,000 ordinary shares (2005: 52,000 ordinary shares) were issued at a weighted average price of HK$0.58 per share, HK$0.26 per share (2005:and HK$0.580.75 per share),share respectively, to share option holders who had exercised their subscription rights. TheThese shares issued rank pari passu with the then existing ordinary shares in issue.

(b)(c)The Company effected a warrant issue at a price of HK$0.11 per warrant to certain qualifying shareholders (shareholders domiciled in Hong Kong) for cash during the year ended August 31, 2002. One warrant was offered for every five existing ordinary shares held on the date of record. The warrants entitled the holders to subscribe for ordinary shares of the Company (on a one to one basis) at a price of HK$0.40 per share (subject to adjustment), totalling HK$39,325,920 in cash at any time on or before November 1, 2004. If the warrants were fully exercised, the Company would be required to issue 98,314,800 additional ordinary shares. During the year ended August 31, 2005, 3,500,043 warrants were exercised for an equivalent number of ordinary shares at a price of HK$0.40 per share. The shares issued rank pari passu with the then existing ordinary shares in issue. The remaining outstanding warrants of 135,396 expired on November 1, 2004.

(c)(d)Details of the share option scheme of the Company,Group, the share options granted by the CompanyGroup during the relevant years and the options outstanding at August 31, 20042005, 2006 and 20052007 are set out in note 25.24.

1920 Cash and bank balances

   August 31,
   2006  2007
   HK$’000  HK$’000

Cash at bank and in hand

  44,717  50,164

Time deposits with banks and other financial institution (note (a))

  100,200  482,730
      
  144,917  532,894
      

Term deposits with banks and other financial institution (note (b))

  237,496  —  
      

Notes:

 

   August 31,
   2005  2006
   HK$’000  HK$’000

Cash at bank and in hand

  100,903  44,717

Time deposits with banks and other financial institution (note (a))

  438,688  100,200
      
  539,591  144,917
      

Term deposits with banks and other financial institution (note(b))

  92,850  237,496
      

(a)Amounts represented time deposits with original maturities of less than three months.

(b)Amounts represented term deposits with original maturities of more than three months.

21 DividendsCity Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year August 31, 2007

 

   Year ended August 31,
   2004  2005  2006
   HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000

Interim, declared and paid, of HK$Nil (2005:HK$Nil, 2004: HK$0.015) per ordinary share

  9,158  —    —  

Final, dividend paid, of HK$Nil (2005: HK$Nil, 2004: HK$Nil) per ordinary share

  45,789  —    —  
         
  54,947  —    —  
         
20Dividends

22 Banking facilities

The Company’s banking facilities as of each
Year ended August 31,
200520062007
HK$’000HK$’000HK$’000

Interim dividend, declared and paid, of HK4 cents (2006: HK$Nil, 2005: HK$Nil) per ordinary share

—  —  24,635

Final dividend proposed after the balance sheet date of HK4 cents (2006: HK$Nil, 2005: HK$Nil) per ordinary shares

—  —  24,660
—  —  49,295

21Banking facilities

The Group’s banking facilities were denominated in Hong Kong dollars and Japanese Yen, as follows:

 

   Amount available  Amount utilized   
   August 31,  August 31,  Terms of facilities as of August 31, 2006
   2005  2006  2005  2006  Interest rate
   HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000   

Bank overdrafts/ bank loans

  78,930  80,020  13,250  2,003  HIBOR or Cost of
Funds + 0.8% per annum
              
   

Amount available

August 31,

  

Amount utilized

August 31,

  Terms of facilities as
at August 31, 2007
Interest rate
   2006  2007  2006  2007   
   HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000   

Bank overdrafts/ bank loans

  80,020  80,200  2,003  1,603  HIBOR or cost of
Funds + 0.8% per
annum
              
          

The amounts utilized as of AugAugust 31, 20052006 and 20062007 represented bank guarantees and letter of credit issued against the banking facilities (see note 16).15) which the Group has not drawn upon. The utilized banking facilities as of August 31, 20052006 and 20062007 were denominated in Hong Kong Dollar.dollar.

23 Related party transactions

22Related party transactions

In addition to the transactions and balances disclosed elsewhere in these financial statements, the CompanyGroup entered into the following material related party transactions.

Key management personnel remuneration

Remuneration for key management personnel, including amounts paid to the Company’sGroup’s directors and certain of the highest paid employees, is as follows:

 

  August 31,  Year ended August 31,
  2005  2006  2006  2007
  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000

Short-term employee benefits

  21,505  21,443  21,443  26,791

Post-employment benefits

  1,754  1,916  1,916  2,197

Equity compensation benefits

  4,937  4,571  4,571  4,388
            
  28,196  27,930  27,930  33,376
            

24 Retirement schemesCity Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year August 31, 2007

23Retirement schemes

The CompanyGroup contributes to,the Occupational Retirement Scheme (“the ORSO Scheme”), a defined contribution retirement scheme, which is available to certain employees. Under the ORSO Scheme, the employees are required to contribute 5% of their monthly salaries, while the Company’sGroup’s contributions are calculated at 10% and 5% of the monthly salaries of senior management staff and all other staff, respectively. The employees 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 of service. Contributions to the ORSO Scheme are reduced by contributionsamounts forfeited by those employees who leave the ORSO Scheme prior to vesting fully in the Company’sGroup’s contributions.

In December 2000, the CompanyGroup established anothera defined contribution retirement scheme, Mandatory Provident Fund Scheme (“the MPF Scheme”), under the Hong Kong Mandatory Provident Fund Scheme Ordinance where the then existing employees of the CompanyGroup in Hong Kong could elect to join the MPF Scheme. All new employees who join the CompanyGroup in Hong Kong after December 2000 are required to join the MPF Scheme. Both the CompanyGroup and the employees are required to contribute 5% of each individual’s relevant income withsubject to a maximum amount of contribution of HK$1,000 per month as a mandatory contribution.month. The Company’s mandatory contributions are 100%employee is fully vested in the employees as soon as they are paid to the MPF Scheme.Group’s mandatory contributions. Senior employees who are under MPF Scheme may also elect to join a Mutual Voluntary Plan (“the Mutual Plan”) in whichwhereby both the CompanyGroup and the employee, on top of the MPF mandatoryemployees make additional voluntary contributions, make a voluntary contribution so that the total amount of contribution bycontributions made under the CompanyMPF Scheme and the employeeMutual Plan is similar to the contribution made under the ORSO Scheme.

The CompanyGroup also contributes to defined contribution pension schemes for staff in overseas countries as required by the respective local statutory requirements.

The aggregate employer’s contributions, net of forfeited contributions, which have been dealt with in the consolidated statementsstatement of operations during the year are as follows:

 

   Year Ended August 31, 
   2004  2005  2006 
   HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 

Gross contributions

  26,922  27,789  28,912 

Less: forfeited contributions utilized to offset the Company’s contributions during the year

  (635) (352) (956)
          

Net contributions charged to the consolidated statements of operations

  26,287  27,437  27,956 
          
   Year ended August 31, 
   2005  2006  2007 
   HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 

Gross contributions

  27,789  28,912  24,545 

Less: Forfeited contributions utilized to offset the Group’s contributions during the year

  (352) (956) (612)
          

Net contributions charged to the consolidated statement of operations

  27,437  27,956  23,933 
          

At August 31, 2006,2007, there is no forfeited contribution available to offset future contributions by the CompanyGroup to the schemes (2005: HK$Nil, 2004: HK$12,000).ORSO scheme and the Mutual Plan.

25 Equity settled share-based transactionsCity Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year August 31, 2007

24Equity settled share-based transactions

2002 Share Option Scheme

The Company operates a share option scheme (the “2002 Share Option Scheme”) which was adopted by the shareholders of the Company on December 23, 2002 and where the directors may, at their discretion, invite eligible participants to take up 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 employees (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 employee share option scheme, exceed 10% of the Company’s issued share capital on the date of adoption. The exercise price of the option will beis 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. During the year ended August 31, 2006,2007, options were granted under the 2002 Share Option Scheme to eligible participants for the subscription of 300,000 shares (2006: 34,310,000 sharesshares) of the Company at a weighted average exercise price of HK$0.671.16 (2006: HK$0.67) each.

1997 Share Option Scheme

The Company also had a previous share option scheme (the “1997 Share Option Scheme”) adopted by shareholders on July 12, 1997 which was terminated on December 23, 2002 upon the adoption of the 2002 Share Option Scheme. Upon termination, no furtherUnexercised options can be granted under the 1997 Share Option Scheme but the provisions of such scheme in all other respects remain in force and all options granted prior to termination continue to be valid and exercisable.lapsed automatically on 12 July 2007.

Each option issued under the 2002 Share Option Scheme or the 1997 Share Option Scheme entitles the holder to subscribe for one ordinary share in the Company at a predetermined exercise price.

Prior to September 1, 2005, under Hong Kong GAAP, no compensation cost was required to be recognized in respect of the grant of share options. ProceedsAt the time of exercise of the options, proceeds from issue of shares upon the exercise of share options were credited to share capital and share premium account respectively ataccount.

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the time of exercise of the options.year August 31, 2007

24Equity settled share-based transactions (continued)

1997 Share Option Scheme (continued)

Effective from September 1, 2005, upon the adoption of HKFRS 2 Share-based payment,“Share-based payment”, the CompanyGroup recognizes the fair value of share options granted under 2002 Share Option Scheme over the vesting period, or as an asset, if the cost qualifies for recognition as an asset. The fair value of share option is measured at the date of grant. The CompanyGroup has taken advantage of the transitional provisions set out in paragraph 53 of HKFRS 2 under which the new recognition and measurement policies have not been applied to the following options:

(i) share options granted under the 1997 Share Option Scheme since all options were granted to employees before November 7, 2002; and

(i)share options granted under the 1997 Share Option Scheme since all options were granted to employees before November 7, 2002; and

(ii) share options granted under the 2002 Share Option Scheme and vested before September 1, 2005.

(ii)share options granted under the 2002 Share Option Scheme and vested before September 1, 2005.

Details of Share Optionsshare options granted pursuant to the 2002 Share Option Scheme and 1997 Share Option Scheme that were outstanding at August 31, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2006,2007, are as follows:

1997 Share Option Scheme

 

Date of grant

  September 3,
1998
 September 10,
1999
 October 20,
2000
   September 3,
1998
 September 10,
1999
 October 20,
2000
 

Exercise price per Share (HK$)

  0.26  2.10  0.58 

Exercise price per share (HK$)

  0.26  2.10  0.58 
                    

Market price per Share (HK$) at date of Grant

  0.26  2.10  0.58 

Market price per share (HK$) at date of grant

  0.26  2.10  0.58 
                    

Outstanding at August 31, 2003

  790,000  60,000  390,000 

Exercised

  (600,000) —    (40,000)
          

Outstanding at August 31, 2004

  190,000  60,000  350,000 

Outstanding at September 1, 2004

  190,000  60,000  350,000 

Exercised

  —    —    (52,000)  —    —    (52,000)
                    

Outstanding at August 31, 2005

  190,000  60,000  298,000   190,000  60,000  298,000 

Exercised

  (50,000) —    —     (50,000) —    —   

Lapsed upon resignation of employees

  —    (20,000) (20,000)  —    (20,000) (20,000)
                    

Outstanding at August 31, 2006

  140,000  40,000  278,000   140,000  40,000  278,000 

Exercised

  (140,000) —    (278,000)

Lapsed upon expiry of the options

  —    (40,000) —   
                    

Outstanding at August 31, 2007

  —    —    —   
          

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year August 31, 2007

24Equity settled share-based transactions (continued)

2002 Share Option Scheme

 

Date of grant

  June 3, 2004
(note a)
  October 21,
2004 (note b)
  January 5,
2005 (note c)
  October 3, 2005
(note d)
  May 22, 2006,
(note e)
  July 3, 2006
(note f)
  August 3, 2006
(note g)

Exercise price per Share (HK$)

  1.47  1.54  1.54  0.81  0.66  0.68  0.71
                     

Market price per Share (HK$) at date of Grant

  1.47  1.49  1.48  0.81  0.64  0.68  0.71
                     

Outstanding at August 31, 2003

  —    —    —    —    —    —    —  

Granted

  6,000,000  —    —    —    —    —    —  

Exercised

  —    —    —    —    —    —    —  
                     

Outstanding at August 31, 2004

  6,000,000  —    —    —    —    —    —  

Granted

  —    14,670,000  16,000,000  —    —    —    —  

Exercised

  —    —    —    —    —    —    —  
                     

Outstanding at August 31, 2005

  6,000,000  14,670,000  16,000,000  —    —    —    —  

Granted

  —    —    —    1,000,000  32,210,000  1,000,000  100,000

Lapsed upon resignation of employees

  —    (5,220,000) —    —    —    —    —  
                     

Outstanding at August 31, 2006

  6,000,000  9,450,000  16,000,000  1,000,000  32,210,000  1,000,000  100,000
                     

Date of grant

 June 3,
2004
 October 21,
2004
  January 5,
2005
 

October 3,
2005

 

May 22,

2006

  July 3,
2006
  August 3,
2006
  November 22,
2006
 May 23,
2007
  (note (a)) (note (b))  (note (c)) (note (d)) (note (e))  (note (f))  (note(g))  (note(h)) (note(i))

Exercise price per share (HK$)

 1.47 1.54  1.54 0.81 0.66  0.68  0.71  0.73 2.03
                      

Market price per share (HK$) at date of grant

 1.47 1.49  1.48 0.81 0.64  0.68  0.71  0.73 2.10
                      

Outstanding at September 1, 2004

 6,000,000 —    —   —   —    —    —    —   —  

Granted

 —   14,670,000  16,000,000 —   —    —    —    —   —  

Exercised

 —   —    —   —   —    —    —    —   —  
                      

Outstanding at August 31, 2005

 6,000,000 14,670,000  16,000,000 —   —    —    —    —   —  

Granted

 —   —    —   1,000,000 32,210,000  1,000,000  100,000  —   —  

Lapsed upon resignation of employees

 —   (5,220,000) —   —   —    —    —    —   —  
                      

Outstanding at August 31, 2006

 6,000,000 9,450,000  16,000,000 1,000,000 32,210,000  1,000,000  100,000  —   —  

Granted

 —   —    —   —   —    —    —    200,000 100,000

Exercised

 —   (330,000) —   —   (1,250,000) (300,000) (30,000) —   —  

Lapsed upon resignation of employees

 —   (780,000) —   —   (2,020,000) —    —    —   —  
                      

Outstanding at August 31, 2007

 6,000,000 8,340,000  16,000,000 1,000,000 28,940,000  700,000  70,000  200,000 100,000
                      

Notes:

(a)On June 3, 2004, an employee was granted options to subscribe for 6,000,000 shares at a price of HK$1.47 per share. The vesting period for the options is May 1, 2005June 3, 2004 to May 1,April 30, 2006.

(b)On October 21, 2004, employees, including executive directors, were granted options to subscribe for 14,670,000 shares at a price of HK$1.54 per share. The vesting period for the options is October 21, 2004 to December 31, 2005.2006.

(c)On January 5, 2005, executive directors were granted options to subscribe for 16,000,000 shares at a price of HK$1.54 per share. The vesting period for the options is January 5, 2005 to December 31, 2006.

(d)On October 3, 2005, an employee was granted options to subscribe for 1,000,000 shares at a price of HK$0.81 per share. The vesting period for the options is October 3, 2005 to September 30, 2006.

(e)On May 22, 2006, employees, including executive directors, were granted options to subscribe for 32,210,000 shares at a price of HK$0.66 per share. The vesting period for the options is May 22, 2006 to May 21, 2009.

(f)On July 3, 2006, an employee was granted options to subscribe for 1,000,000 shares at a price of HK$0.68 per share. The vesting period for the options is July 3, 2006 to July 2, 2009.

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year August 31, 2007

24Equity settled share-based transactions (continued)

2002 Share Option Scheme (continued)

Notes: (continued)

(g)On August 3, 2006, an employee was granted options to subscribe for 100,000 shares at a price of HK$0.71 per share. The vesting period of the option is August 3, 2006 to August 2, 2009.

(h)On November 22, 2006, an employee was granted options to subscribe for 200,000 shares at a price of HK$0.73 per share. The vesting period of the option is November 22, 2006 to November 14, 2009.

(i)On May 23, 2007, an employee was granted options to subscribe for 100,000 shares at a price of HK$2.03 per share. The vesting period of the option is May 23, 2007 to June 11, 2010.

(j)The share options outstanding in respect of the 1997 Share Option Scheme and 2002 Share Options Scheme as of August 31, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 20062007 is summarized as follows:

 

  Number of
Share
Options
Outstanding
 Average
exercise
price per
Share
  Weighted
average market
price at the
date of grant
  Number of
share
options
outstanding
 Weighted
average
exercise
prices per
share
  Weighted
average
market price
at the date
of grant
  (Thousands) HK$’000  HK$’000  (thousands) HK$’000  HK$’000

Balance at August 31, 2003

  1,240  0.45  0.45

Granted during the year

  6,000  1.47  1.43

Exercised during the year

  (640) 0.28  N/A
       

Balance at August 31, 2004

  6,600  1.39  1.36

Balance at September 1, 2004

  6,600  1.39  1.36

Granted during the year

  30,670  1.54  1.48  30,670  1.54  1.48

Exercised during the year

  (52) 0.58  N/A  (52) 0.58  N/A
              

Balance at August 31, 2005

  37,218  1.51  1.46  37,218  1.51  1.46

Granted during the year

  34,310  0.67  0.74  34,310  0.67  0.74

Exercised during the year

  (50) 0.26  N/A  (50) 0.26  N/A

Lapased upon resignation of employees during the year

  (5,260) 1.54  N/A

Lapsed during the year

  (5,260) 1.54  N/A
              

Balance at August 31, 2006

  66,218  1.08  N/A  66,218  1.08  1.04

Granted during the year

  300  1.16  1.19

Exercised during the year

  (2,328) 0.76  0.74

Lapsed during the year

  (2,840) 0.93  0.89
               

Balance at August 31, 2007

  61,350  1.09  1.06
        

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year August 31, 2007

 

(i)24Equity settled share-based transactions (continued)

2002 Share Option Scheme (continued)

Notes: (continued)

(k)The following table summarizes the information about share options outstanding at August 31, 2006:2007:

 

Date of grant

  Exercise price
at August 31,
2005
  Number
outstanding at
August 31, 2006
  Remaining
life
  Exercisable
options at
August 31, 2006
  Exercise
price at
August 31,
2007
  Number of
outstanding
at August 31,
2007
  Remaining
life
  Exercisable
options at
August 31,
2007
     (Thousands)  (Years)  (Thousands)     (thousands)  (months)  (thousands)

September 3, 1998

  0.26  140  1.0  140

September 10, 1999

  2.10  40  1.0  40

October 20, 2000

  0.58  278  1.0  278

June 3, 2004

  1.47  6,000  8.0  6,000  1.47  6,000  81  6,000

October 21, 2004

  1.54  9,450  9.0  7,670  1.54  8,340  86  8,340

January 5, 2005

  1.54  16,000  9.0  12,000  1.54  16,000  86  16,000

October 3, 2005

  0.81  1,000  9.0  —    0.81  1,000  97  1,000

May 3, 2006

  0.66  32,210  10.0  —  

May 22, 2006

  0.66  28,940  105  9,120

July 3, 2006

  0.68  1,000  10.0  —    0.68  700  106  —  

August 3, 2006

  0.71  100  10.0  —    0.71  70  107  —  

November 22, 2006

  0.73  200  110  —  

May 23, 2007

  2.03  100  117  —  
                    
    66,218    26,128    61,350    40,460
                    

 

(j)(l)Fair value of share options and assumptions:

In assessingdetermining the fair value of the share options granted, during the year ended 31 August 2006, 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 and is one of the recommended option pricing models as set out in Chapter 17 of the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited. The variables of the Black-Scholes Model include expected life of the options, risk-free interest rate, expected volatility and expected dividend yield of the shares of the Company.

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year August 31, 2007

24Equity settled share-based transactions (continued)

2002 Share Option Scheme (continued)

Notes: (continued)

(l)Fair value of share options and assumptions: (continued)

In assessingdetermining the fair value of the share options granted during the year, the following variables have been applied to the Black-Scholes Model:

 

Measurement date

  

June 3,

2004

  October 21,
2004
  January 5,
2005
  October 3,
2005
  May 22,
2006
  July 3,
2006
  August 3,
2006
 

Variables

        

- Expected life (i)

  5 years  5 years  5 years  5 years  5 years  5 years  5 years 

- Risk-free rate (ii)

  3.78% 2.65% 2.75% 4.41% 4.63% 4.45% 4.06%

- Expected volatility (iii)

  59.04% 72.06% 69.37% 58.29% 55.04% 53.56% 52.71%

- Expected dividend yield (iv)

  1% 1% 1% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Measurement date

  June 3,
2004
  October 21,
2004
  January 5,
2005
  October 3,
2005
  May 22,
2006
  July 3,
2006
  August 3,
2006
  November 22,
2006
  May 23,
2007
 

Variables

          

- Expected life (i)

  5 years  5 years  5 years  5 years  5 years  5 years  5 years  5 years  5 years 

- Risk-free rate (ii)

  3.78% 2.65% 2.75% 4.41% 4.63% 4.45% 4.06% 3.76% 4.45%

- Expected volatility (iii)

  59.04% 72.06% 69.37% 58.29% 55.04% 53.56% 52.71% 51.02% 56.01%

- Expected dividend yield (iv)

  1% 1% 1% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

The above variables were determined as follows:

Theabove variables were determined as follows:
(i)The expected life is estimated to be 5 years from the date of grant (the “Measurement Date”).

(ii)The risk-free 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 annualisedannualized standard deviation of the continuously compounded rates of return on the shares of the most recent period from the Measurement Date that is generally commensurate with the expected term of option (taking into account the remaining contractual life of the option and the effect of the expected early exercise of the option).

(iv)A dividendDividend yield of 0% has been assumed.assumed as 1% for options granted in fiscal years 2004 and 2005 and 0% for fiscal years 2006 and 2007.

Using the Black-Scholes Model, in assessing the value of share options granted during the year, the fair value is estimated as below:

Date of grant

  June 3,
2004
  October 21.
2004
  January 5,
2005
  October 3,
2005
  May 22,
2006
  July 3,
2006
  August 3,
2006

Fair value per share option

  HK$0.70  HK$0.84  HK$0.80  HK$0.44  HK$0.33  HK$0.35  HK$0.36

The Black-Scholes Model, applied for determination of the estimated fair value of theper share options granted under the 2002 Share Option Scheme,option is as follows:

Date of grant

  June 3,
2004
  October 21,
2004
  January 5,
2005
  October 3,
2005
  May 22,
2006
  July 3,
2006
  August 3
2006
  November 22,
2006
  May 23,
2007
   HK$  HK$  HK$  HK$  HK$  HK$  HK$  HK$  HK$

Fair value per share option

  0.70  0.84  0.80  0.44  0.33  0.35  0.36  0.35  1.13

The Black-Scholes Model, was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options that are fully transferable and have no vesting restrictions. Such an option pricing model requires 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.

26 Revenues and segmental informationCity Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year August 31, 2007

25Revenues and segmental information

Revenue recognized during the year is as follows:

   Year ended August 31,
   2005  2006  2007
   HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000

Revenue

      

International telecommunications services

  532,595  418,276  324,470

Fixed telecommunications network services (note (c))

  629,464  716,600  816,800
         
  1,162,059  1,134,876  1,141,270
         

Other income

      

Interest income

  13,578  20,378  22,671

Other income

  6,037  4,465  3,149
         
  19,615  24,843  25,820
         

(a)Primary reporting format - business segments

The Company’sGroup is organized on a worldwide basis into two business segments:

-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 services and IP-TV services.

The Group’s reportable segments are strategic business units that offer different type of telecommunicationtelecommunications services. Each of these business units are operated and managed separately.

Revenue recognized during the year is as follows:

   Year ended August 31,
   2004  2005  2006
   HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000

Revenue

      

International telecommunications services

  627,978  532,595  418,276

Fixed telecommunications network services (note (c))

  541,902  629,464  716,600
         
  1,169,880  1,162,059  1,134,876
         

Other income

      

Interest income

  3,753  13,578  20,378

Other income

  2,668  6,037  4,465
         
  6,421  19,615  24,843
         

(a) Primary reporting format — business segments

The Company is organized on a worldwide basis into two business segments:

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 services and IP-TV services.

The Company’sGroup’s inter-segment transactions mainly consist of provision of leased lines services.

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year August 31, 2007

25Revenues and segmental information (continued)

(a)Primary reporting format - business segments (continued)

Segment results are income / income/(loss) from operations excluding interest expense and interest income, but includes other income, net. All segment measures are based on accounting policies that are consistent with those used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.

 

  Year ended August 31, 2004 (restated)   Year ended August 31, 2005 
  International
telecommunications
services
  Fixed
telecommunications
network services
 Elimination Company   International
tele-
communications
services
  

Fixed tele-
communications
network

services

 Elimination Group 
  HK$’000  HK$’000 HK$’000 HK$’000   HK$’000  HK$’000 HK$’000 HK$’000 

Revenue (note (c))

            

External sales

  627,978  541,902  —    1,169,880 

Inter-segment sales

  5,682  30,183  (35,865) —   

- External sales

  532,595  629,464  —    1,162,059 

- Inter-segment sales

  4,108  33,188  (37,296) —   
                          
  633,660  572,085  (35,865) 1,169,880   536,703  662,652  (37,296) 1,162,059 
                          

Segment results

  157,742  (109,814)  47,928   89,835  (219,172)  (129,337)
                  

Interest income

  3,634  119  —    3,753   13,240  338  —    13,578 

Interest expense

      (175)      (54,462)
                

Income before taxation

      51,506 

Loss before taxation

      (170,221)
                

Segment assets

  532,161  1,151,018  —    1,683,179   942,304  1,404,589  —    2,346,893 

Unallocated assets

      229       535 
                

Total assets

      1,683,408       2,347,428 
                

Segment liabilities

  128,304  340,172  —    468,476   130,011  721,748  —    851,759 

Unallocated liabilities

      39,234       475,215 
                

Total liabilities

      507,710       1,326,974 
                

Capital expenditure

  17,164  392,882  —    410,046   11,582  407,544  —    419,126 

Depreciation

  29,023  166,929  —    195,952   24,928  211,721  —    236,649 

Goodwill amortization charge

  —    1,065  —    1,065 

Goodwill amortization

  —    1,065  —    1,065 

   Year ended August 31, 2005 (restated) 
   International
telecommunications
services
  Fixed
telecommunications
network services
  Elimination  Company 
   HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 

Revenue (note (c))

      

External sales

  532,595  629,464  —    1,162,059 

Inter-segment sales

  4,108  33,188  (37,296) —   
             
  536,703  662,652  (37,296) 1,162,059 
             

Segment results

  89,835  (219,172)  (129,337)
         

Interest income

  13,240  338  —    13,578 

Interest expense

      (54,462)
        

Loss before taxation

      (170,221)
        

Segment assets

  942,304  1,404,589  —    2,346,893 

Unallocated assets

      535 
        

Total assets

      2,347,428 
        

Segment liabilities

  130,011  721,748  —    851,759 

Unallocated liabilities

      475,215 
        

Total liabilities

      1,326,974 
        

Capital expenditure

  11,582  407,544  —    419,126 

Depreciation

  24,928  211,721  —    236,649 

Goodwill amortization charge

  —    1,065  —    1,065 

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year August 31, 2007

 

   Year ended August 31, 2006 
   International
telecommunications
services
  Fixed
telecommunications
network services
  Elimination  Company 
   HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 

Revenue (note (c))

      

External sales

  418,276  716,600  —    1,134,876 

Inter-segment sales

  5,670  31,275  (36,945) —   
             
  423,946  747,875  (36,945) 1,134,876 
             

Segment results

  25,677  (106,724)  (81,047)
         

Interest income

  17,728  2,650  —    20,378 

Interest expense

      (88,637)
        

Income before taxation

      (149,306)
        

Segment assets

  626,480  1,497,388  —    2,123,868 

Unallocated assets

  —    —    —    347 
        

Total assets

      2,124,215 
        

Segment liabilities

  114,847  921,230  —    1,036,077 

Unallocated liabilities

     —    196,484 
        

Total liabilities

      1,232,561 
        

Capital expenditure

  13,838  309,097  —    322,935 

Depreciation

  23,598  252,866  —    276,464 
25Revenues and segmental information (continued)

(b) Geographical segments

(a)Primary reporting format - business segments (continued)

   Year ended August 31, 2006 
   International
tele-
communications
services
  

Fixed tele-
communications
network

services

  Elimination  Group 
   HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 

Revenue (note (c))

      

- External sales

  418,276  716,600  —    1,134,876 

- Inter-segment sales

  5,670  31,275  (36,945) —   
             
  423,946  747,875  (36,945) 1,134,876 
             

Segment results

  25,677  (106,724)  (81,047)
         

Interest income

  17,728  2,650  —    20,378 

Interest expense

      (88,637)
        

Loss before taxation

      (149,306)
        

Segment assets

  626,480  1,497,388  —    2,123,868 

Unallocated assets

  —    —    —    347 
        

Total assets

      2,124,215 
        

Segment liabilities

  114,847  921,230  —    1,036,077 

Unallocated liabilities

      196,484 
        

Total liabilities

      1,232,561 
        

Capital expenditure

  13,838  309,097  —    322,935 

Depreciation

  23,598  252,866  —    276,464 

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year August 31, 2007

25Revenues and segmental information (continued)

(a)Primary reporting format - business segments (continued)

   Year ended August 31, 2007 
   

International

tele-

communications

services

  

Fixed tele-

communications

network

services

  Elimination  Group 
   HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 

Revenue (note (c))

       

- External sales

  324,470  816,800  —    1,141,270 

- Inter-segment sales

  5,699  27,633  (33,332) —   
             
  330,169  844,433  (33,332) 1,141,270 
             

Segment results

  53,673  42,051   95,724 
         

Interest income

  15,032  7,639  —    22,671 

Interest expense

       (87,504)
         

Profit before taxation

       30,891 
         

Segment assets

  541,502  1,619,631  —    2,161,133 

Unallocated assets

       —   
         

Total assets

       2,161,133 
         

Segment liabilities

  101,148  955,598  —    1,056,746 

Unallocated liabilities

       200,505 
         

Total liabilities

       1,257,251 
         

Capital expenditure

  4,060  128,190  —    132,250 

Depreciation

  21,707  236,396  —    258,103 

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year August 31, 2007

25Revenues and segmental information (continued)

(b)Geographical segments

Although the Company’sGroup’s two business segments are managed on a worldwide basis, they operate in two main geographical areas:

 

Hong Kong — international telecommunications and fixed telecommunications network services.
-Hong Kong

Canada — international telecommunications and fixed telecommunications network services.
-Canada

In presenting information on the basis of geographical segments, revenue and segment results are based on the geographical location of customers. Total assets and capital expenditure are based on the geographical location of the assets.

There were no sales between the geographical segments.

 

  August 31, 2005
  Revenue
2004
  Total assets
2004
  Capital
expenditure
2004
  Fixed
assets, net
2004
  Revenue  

Total

assets

  

Capital

expenditure

  

Fixed

assets, net

  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000

Hong Kong

  1,145,102  1,675,546  409,866  1,154,036  1,138,821  2,337,793  418,981  1,332,172

Canada

  24,778  7,633  180  4,839  23,238  9,100  145  4,371
                        
  1,169,880  1,683,179  410,046  1,158,875  1,162,059  2,346,893  419,126  1,336,543
                      

Unallocated assets

    229        535    
                  
    1,683,408        2,347,428    
                  
  August 31, 2006
  Revenue  

Total

assets

  

Capital

expenditure

  

Fixed

assets, net

  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000

Hong Kong

  1,114,452  2,114,018  321,708  1,362,359

Canada

  20,424  9,850  1,227  4,875
            
  1,134,876  2,123,868  322,935  1,367,234
           

Unallocated assets

    347    
         
    2,124,215    
         

   Revenue
2005
  Total assets
2005
  Capital
expenditure
2005
  Fixed
assets, net
2005
   HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000

Hong Kong

  1,138,821  2,337,793  418,981  1,332,172

Canada

  23,238  9,100  145  4,371
            
  1,162,059  2,346,893  419,126  1,336,543
           

Unallocated assets

    535    
         
    2,347,428    
         

   Revenue
2006
  Total assets
2006
  Capital
expenditure
2006
  Fixed
assets, net
2006
   HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000

Hong Kong

  1,114,452  2,114,018  321,708  1,362,359

Canada

  20,424  9,850  1,227  4,875
            
  1,134,876  2,123,868  322,935  1,367,234
           

Unallocated assets

    347    
         
    2,124,215    
         

Hong Kong Broadband Network Limited (“HKBN”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Group, as a FTNS licensee, 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”City Telecom (H.K.) and interconnection services have been provided, HKBN has been billing mobile operatorsLimited

Consolidated financial statements for the interconnection services provided to them and recognizing the amounts billed as revenue (“mobile interconnection charges”). A majority of the mobile operators, however, rejected HKBN’s demand for payment. As a result of non-payment by the mobile operators, in 2004, the Company asked the TA to make a determination (the “Determination”) on the level of mobile and fixed interconnection charges payable by one of the mobile operators to HKBN; and the effective date of the determined interconnection charges.year August 31, 2007

25Revenues and segmental information (continued)

(b)Geographical segments (continued)

   August 31, 2007
   Revenue  

Total

assets

  

Capital

expenditure

  

Fixed

assets, net

   HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000

Hong Kong

  1,120,538  2,149,728  132,031  1,233,100

Canada

  20,732  11,405  219  4,123
            
  1,141,270  2,161,133  132,250  1,237,223
           

Unallocated assets

    —      
         
    2,161,133    
         

(c)Hong Kong Broadband Network Limited (“HKBN”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Group, as a FTNS licensee, provides interconnection services to enable delivery of telecommunications service to customers of different operators. Since interconnection services have been provided in accordance with the FTNS license granted by the Telecommunications Authority (the “TA”), 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 it expected to collect. A majority of the mobile operators, however, rejected HKBN’s demand for payment. As a result of non-payment by certain mobile operators, in 2004, the Group asked the TA to make a determination (the “Determination”) on the level of mobile and fixed interconnection charges payable by one of the mobile operators to HKBN; and the effective date of the determined interconnection charges.

In November 2005, HKBN entered into a contractual agreement with one of the mobile operators, which agreed to pay mobile interconnection charges at an interim rate. The final rate to be paid by this mobile operator will be adjustedwas subject to adjustment based on the Determination to be issued by the TA.

In March 2006, the TA issued a preliminary analysis (the “2006 PA”) on the Determination with respect to the rates of mobile interconnection charges (“preliminary rates”) payable by the mobile operator under dispute and the timing of the Determination. The final level of mobile interconnection charges iswas still subject to the Determination to be issued by TA and the expected timing of the Determination was not knownTA as of the year end.August 31, 2006.

For the yearsyear ended August 31, 2004 and 2005, the CompanyGroup recognized revenue for mobile interconnection charges of HK$38,676,000 and HK$24,703,000, respectively, based on the Company’sGroup’s best estimate of the amountsamount it expected to collect. For the year ended August 31, 2006, the CompanyGroup recognized mobile interconnection charges of HK$22,037,000 based on the preliminary rates from TA.2006 PA.

27 Financial instrumentsCity Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year August 31, 2007

25Revenues and segmental information (continued)

(c)(continued)

In March 2007, TA issued a revised preliminary analysis (the “2007 PA”) which superseded the 2006 PA. The 2007 PA set out the rates of mobile interconnection charges, which are different from those rates stated in the 2006 PA.

In June 2007, TA issued a final determination (the “Final Determination”) which set out the rates of mobile interconnection charges payable by the mobile operator under dispute, which approximate the rates stated in the 2007 PA.

For the year ended August 31, 2007, the Group recognized revenue for mobile interconnection charges of HK$40,877,000 based on the rates set forth in the Final Determination. The amount recognized includes charges for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2007 and additional charges for the years ended August 31, 2005 and 2006 in excess of amounts previously recognized based on the 2006 PA. As a result of the Final Determination, the Group has also reversed a portion of a previously recognized bad debt provision for mobile interconnection charges receivables of HK$9,404,000 to the consolidated statement of operations (note 7(a)(ii)) based on the amount it expected to collect for billings outstanding through that date.

26Financial instruments

Exposure to credit, liquidity, interest rate and currency risks arises in the normal course of the Company’sGroup’s business. These risks are limited by the Company’sGroup’s financial management policies and practices described below.

(a) Credit risk

(a)Credit risk

The Company’sGroup’s credit risk is primarily attributable to trade and other receivables, investments in debt securities, , derivative financial instruments and term bank deposits. Management has a credit policy in place and the exposuresexposure to these credit risks arerisk is monitored on an ongoing basis. The maximum exposure to credit risk is represented by the carrying amount of each financial asset, including derivative financial instruments, in the balance sheet.instruments. Except for the financial guarantee givenissued by the CompanyGroup as disclosed in note 15(d)14(d), the CompanyGroup does not provide any other guarantees which expose the CompanyGroup to credit risk.

In respect of trade receivables, credit evaluations are performed on all customers requiring credit over a certain amount. Trade receivables are generally 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 CompanyGroup generally does not obtain collateral from customers.

Cash deposits and transactions involving derivative financial instruments with counterparties are placed or limited to high credit-quality financial institutions. The CompanyGroup has policies that limit the amount of credit exposure to any financial institution. Given the high credit ratings of these financial institutions, management does not expect any of the financial institutions not to fail in meetingmeet their obligations.

(b) Liquidity riskCity Telecom (H.K.) Limited

The CompanyConsolidated financial statements for the year August 31, 2007

26Financial instruments (continued)

(b)Liquidity risk

Management is responsible for the cash management of the Group, including the short term investment of cash surplusessurplus and the raising of funds to cover expected cash demands. The CompanyManagement regularly monitors current and expected liquidity requirements and compliance with lending covenants to ensure itthe Group maintains sufficient cash, readily realizable marketable securities and has adequate amount of committed credit facilities to meet the Company’sGroup’s liquidity requirements in the short and long term.

(c) Interest rate risk

(c)Interest rate risk

The Company’sGroup’s interest-rate risk arises mainly from its 10-year senior notes which bear interest at the fixed rate of 8.75% per annum. Details of the 10-year senior notenotes are disclosed in note 14.13.

d) Foreign currency risk

(d)Foreign currency risk

All of the Company’sGroup’s monetary assets and liabilities are primarily denominated in either Hong Kong dollars or United States dollars. Given the exchange rate of Hong Kong dollar to the U.S. dollar has remained close tobeen pegged at the current pegged rate of HK$7.8 = US$1.00 since 1983, management does not expect significant foreign exchange gains or losses between the Hong Kong dollar and the United States dollar.

The CompanyGroup is also exposed to a certain amount of foreign exchange risk in relation to 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 CompanyGroup maintains Renminbi cash balance that approximates sixthree months’ operating cash flows.

e) Fair values

(e)Fair values

TradeThe carrying amount of trade receivables less impairment provisionloss for doubtful debts and account payables approximate their fair values. The fair value of financial liabilities for disclosure purposes is estimated by discounting the future contractual cash flows at the current market interest rate that is available to the Company for similar financial instruments. The carrying value and the fair value of the Company’sGroup’s investment securities, derivative financial instruments and the 8.75% senior notes as at August 31, 2006 and 20052007 are as follows:

   Note  2006  2007 
     

Carrying

amount

  Fair value  

Carrying

amount

  Fair value 
      HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 

Long-term bank deposit

  (a)  13,641  13,459  14,415  14,277 

Debt securities

  (b)  26,633  26,633  28,577  28,577 

Interest rate swap

  (c)  1,845  1,845  1,039  1,039 

8.75% senior notes

  (b)  (948,027) (722,081) (952,593) (970,125)
               

     

2005

Carrying amount

  Fair Value  

2006

Carrying amount

  Fair Value
     HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000

Long-term bank deposit

 

(a)

  15,540  15,193  13,641  13,459

Debt securities

 

(b)

  25,901  25,901  26.633  26,633

Interest rate swap

 

(c)

  —    2,570  1,845  1,845

Foreign currency forward contract

 

(d)

  —    4,039  —    —  

8.75% senior notes

 

(b)

  (945,348) (888,694) (948,027) 722,081


City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year August 31, 2007

26Financial instruments (continued)

(e)Fair values (continued)

Notes:

(a)The fair value of the long term bank deposit is based on issuer’s quoted market price.

(b)The fair value of debt securities and the 8.75% senior notes is based on quoted market prices at the balance sheet date.

(c)The fair value of the interest rate swap is the estimated amount that the CompanyGroup would receive or pay to terminate the swap at the balance sheet, taking into account current interest rates and the current creditworthiness of the counterparties.
(d)The fair value of the foreign currency forward contract is based on listed market prices.
(e)The fair value of equity share-based payment is estimated at the date of grant using Black-Scholes Option Valuation model. For details, please refer to note 30(a).

28 Barter transaction

 

(a)27Barter transaction

(a)During the year ended August 31, 2004, Hong Kong Broadband Network Limited (“HKBN”), a subsidiary of the Company entered into two agreements with a third party (the “Contract Party 1”). Pursuant to first agreement (“First Agreement”), the Contract Party 1 agreed to sell to HKBN an telecommunications facility (the “Facility”) for cash consideration of approximately HK$42.4 million (the “Facility Consideration”), which was paid by HKBN during the year ended August 31, 2004. In conjunction with the First Agreement, HKBN also entered into an operations and maintenance agreement with the Contract Party 1 for the provision of ongoing operations and maintenance services for the Facility at a fee of approximately HK$1 million per annum, commencing September 1, 2007 onwards.

A second agreement (“Second Agreement”) was entered into on the same date by both parties whereby HKBN agree to provide certain telecommunicationtelecommunications services to the Contract Party 1 (the “Services”) for an amount equal to the unit service charges specified in the Second Agreement. The Contract Party 1 is required to pay to HKBN a guarantee minimum service fee of approximately HK$42.4 million over a period of three years, commencing September 1, 2004. A prepayment of the service charges of HK$36.5 million (the “Prepaid Charges”) was paid by the Contract Party 1 to HKBN during the year ended August 31, 2004.

The directors of the CompanyGroup made an assessment of the fair values of the goods and services exchanged and concluded that no fair values could be assigned to them. Accordingly, the Facility was not recognized as an asset and no revenue or deferred revenue was recognized in the consolidated financial statements of the Company as at and for any of the year ended August 31, 2005 and 2006.periods presented. The difference between the amounts paid for the Facility Consideration and the Prepaid Charges, received, amounting to approximately $5.9HK$5.9 million, was recorded as aincluded in long-term receivable balance, in the balance sheetand other receivables, deposits and prepayments as at August 31, 20052006 and 2006. The balance will be paid by2007 respectively. In accordance with the terms of agreement, the unpaid portion of the HK$42.2 million guarantee minimum service fee, amounting to approximately HK$5.9 million has been billed to the Contract Party 1 prior toupon the end of service period on September 1, 2007.

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year August 31, 2007

 

(b)27Barter transaction (continued)

(b)During the year ended August 31, 2005, HKBN entered into two agreementsan agreement with a third party (the “Contract(“the Contract Party 2”). Pursuant to the agreements:agreement:

 

 (i)HKBN and the Contract Party 2 agreed to make available certain telecommunications services (the “Services Component”) to each other on a barter basis atfor no consideration for a period of ten years, commencing January 1,2005.1, 2005.

 

 (ii)HKBN agreed to provide network capacity to the Contract Party 2 for a service term of fifteen years from the respective activation of the relevant network capacity, and, in exchange, the Contract Party 2 agreed to provide HKBN the right to use telecommunications facilities (the “Capacity Component”) for a term of fifteen years from the respective activation of the relevant facilities. The transaction was entered into on a barter basis with no consideration being exchanged.

The Directors of the CompanyGroup made an assessment and concluded that since the ServiceServices Component for (i) above and Capacity Component for (ii) above involve an exchange of services of a similar nature and value, the exchange is not regarded as a transaction which generates revenue. Accordingly, both components werehave not been recognized as an asset or expense and no revenue or deferred revenue was recognized in the financial statements of the Company as at and forGroup since inception of the year ended August 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006.

agreement.

28New effective standards/recent accounting pronouncements

29 New effective standards/recent accounting pronouncements

(i) Hong Kong GAAP

(a)HKFRSs

Up to the date of issueissuance of thesethe accompanying consolidated financial statements, the HKICPA has issued the followinga number of amendments, new standards and interpretations which are not yet effective for the accounting periodyear ended August 31, 20062007 and which have not been adopted in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

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 it has concluded that the adoption of the following developments may result in new or amended disclosure in its consolidated financial statements:

 

HK(IFRIC) 4  Determining whether an arrangement contains a lease  January 1, 2006Effective for
accounting periods
beginning on or after
Amendments to HKAS 391  Financial instruments:
Recognition and measurement:
– Cash flow hedge accounting

Presentation of forecast intragroup transactionsfinancial statements:
capital disclosures

  January 1, 20062007
– The fair value optionJanuary 1, 2006
– Financial guarantee contractsJanuary 1, 2006

Amendments, as a consequence

of the Hong Kong Companies

(Amendment) Ordinance 2005, to:

– HKAS 1

Presentation of financial statementsJanuary 1, 2006

– HKAS 27

Consolidated and separate financial statementsJanuary 1, 2006

– HKFRS 3

Business combinationsJanuary 1, 2006
HKFRS 7  Financial instruments: disclosures  January 1, 2007
Amendments to HKAS 1
HKFRS 8  Presentation of financial statements:Operating segments
  January 1, 2007
capital disclosures2009

In addition, the Hong Kong Companies (Amendment) Ordinance 2005 came into effect on December 1, 2005 that would apply to the Company’s financial statements for the period beginning September 1, 2006.

The Company is in the processrespect of making an assessment of the impact of theseother amendments, new standards and new Interpretations described above and so far it has concluded thatinterpretations, the adoption of these amendments, standards and interpretationsGroup is unlikelynot yet in a position to state whether they would have a significant impact on the Company’sGroup’s results of operations and financial position.

(ii) U.S. GAAPCity Telecom (H.K.) Limited

The following are accounting standards recently issued inConsolidated financial statements for the United States which will be effective in the Company’s annual reporting period endingyear August 31, 2007:2007

28New effective standards/recent accounting pronouncements (continued)

(b)U.S. GAAP

FASB Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN 48”)

In June 2006, the FASB issued FIN 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an Interpretation of FASB Statements No. 109, which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in tax positions. This interpretation requires that the CompanyGroup recognizes in the consolidated financial statements the impact of a tax position, if that position is more likely than not of being sustained upon examination, based on the technical merits of the position. FIN 48 will be effective for the accounting period from September 1, 2007. Management does not expect the adoption of this interpretation to have a material effect on the Company’sGroup’s consolidated financial statements.

EITF Issue No. 04-13 (“EITF 04-13”)

In September 2005, the Emerging Issue Task Force issued EITF Issue No. 04-13 Accounting for Purchases and Sales of Inventory with the Same Counterparty. EITF 04-13 provides guidance as to when purchases and sales of inventory with the same counterparty should be accounted for as a single exchange transaction. EITF 04-13 also provides guidance as to when a nonmonetary exchange of inventory should be accounted for at fair value.

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 (“FASSFAS 157”)

In September 2006, the FASB issued FASSFAS 157, Fair“Fair Value Measurements. This StatementMeasurements”, which defines fair value, establishesprovides a framework for measuring the fair value, in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands the disclosures aboutrequired for fair value measurements. This Statement applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements, the FASB having previously concluded in those accounting pronouncements that fair value is the relevant measurement attribute. Accordingly, this StatementSFAS 157 does not require any new fair value measurements. However, for some entities, the application of this Statement will change current practice. This Statementmeasurement. SFAS 157 is effective for the accounting period from September 1, 2008.fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The CompanyGroup is in the process of evaluating the impact of this standard.

StaffStatement of Financial Accounting BulletinStandards No. 108159 (“SAB No. 108”FAS 159”)

In September 2006,February 2007, the SecuritiesFASB issued SFAS 159, “Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Exchange Commission released SAB No. 108 regardingFinancial Liabilities”. SFAS 159 permits companies to measure certain financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The standard requires that unrealized gains or losses on items for which the effects of prior year misstatementsfair value option has been elected be reported in considering current year misstatementsearnings. SFAS 159 is effective for the purpose of a materiality assessment.Company on 1 September 2008. The opinion in SAB 108Group is that in the caseprocess of an error that has occurred and been immaterial in a number of previous years,evaluating the cumulative effect should be considered in assessing the materiality of the error in the current year. If the cumulative effect of the error is material, then the current year statements, as well as prior year statements should be restated. In the case of restated prior year statements, previously filed reports do not need to be amended, if the error was considered immaterial to previous year’s financial statements. However the statements should be amended the next time they are filed. The effectsimpact of this guidance should be applied cumulatively to fiscal years endingstandard.

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year August 31, 2007. Additional disclosure should be made regarding any cumulative adjustments made in the current year financial statements. The Company does not believe the adoption of this SAB will have significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

EITF 04-13 will be applied to new arrangements entered into, and modifications or renewals of existing arrangements occurring after September 1, 2006. The application of EITF 04-13 is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

30 Summary of significant differences between Hong Kong GAAP and U.S. GAAP2007

29Summary of significant differences between HKFRSs and U.S. GAAP

The Company’sGroup’s consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applicable in Hong Kong (“HK GAAP”),HKFRSs, which differ in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”).GAAP. The following are significant differences between HK GAAPHKFRSs and U.S. GAAP which pertain to the Company.Group:

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year August 31, 2007

29Summary of significant differences between HKFRSs and U.S. GAAP (continued)

Net income/(loss)

 

      Year ended August 31, 
   Note  2004  2005  2006 
      HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 

Net income/(loss)

As stated under Hong Kong GAAP (2004 and 2005: as restated)(note 3)

   49,463  (163,496) (142,062)

U.S. GAAP adjustments: —

      

Share-based compensation under intrinsic value method

  (a) 270  389  —   

Reversal of retrospective HK GAAP adjustment in respect of share-based compensation

  (a) 87  6,965  —   

Reversal of amortization of goodwill (acquired after June 30, 2001)

  (b) 1,065  1,065  —   

Fair value of interest rate swap

  (c) 680  1,890  —   

Fair value of foreign forward exchange contracts

  (c) —    4,039  —   

Tax effects of U.S. GAAP adjustments

  (d) —    —    —   
           

Net income/(loss) under U.S. GAAP

   51,565  (149,148) (142,062)
           

Basic weighted average common shares issued and outstanding (in 000’s)

   610,095  613,525  614,134 

Incremental shares from assumed exercise of share options (in 000’s)

   604  —    —   

Incremental shares from assumed exercise of warrants (in 000’s)

   3,666  —    —   
           

Diluted weighted average common and potential shares issued and outstanding (in 000’s)

   614,365  613,525  614,134 
           

Earnings/(loss) per share under U.S. GAAP (note A)

      

Basic

   HK8.5 cents  HK(24.3) cents  HK(23.1) cents 
           

Diluted

   HK8.4 cents  HK(24.3) cents  HK(23.1) cents 
           

      Year ended 31 August,
   Note  2005  2006  2007
      HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000

As reported under HKFRSs

    (163,496) (142,062) 28,865

U.S. GAAP adjustments:

      

- Share-based compensation under intrinsic Value method

  (a)  389  —    —  

- Reversal of retrospective HK GAAP adjustment in respect of share-based compensation

  (a)  6,965  —    —  

- Reversal of amortization of goodwill (acquired after June 30, 2001)

  (b)  1,065  —    —  

- Fair value of interest rate swap

  (c)  1,890  —    —  

- Fair value of foreign forward exchange contracts

  (c)  4,039  —    —  

- Tax effect of U.S. GAAP adjustments

  (d)  —    —    —  
           

Net income/(loss) under U.S. GAAP

    (149,148) (142,062) 28,865
           

Basic weighted average common shares issued and outstanding (in 000’s)

    613,525  614,134  614,840

Incremental shares from assumed exercise of share options (in 000’s)

    —    —    16,479
           

Diluted weighted average common and potential shares issued and outstanding (in 000’s)

  ‘’  613,525  614,134  631,319
           

Earnings/(loss) per share under U.S. GAAP (note)

      

- Basic

    (24.3) cents  (23.1) cents  4.7 cents
           

- Diluted

    (24.3) cents  (23.1) cents  4.6 cents
           

(A)Note:    The number of incremental shares from assumed exercise of stock options and warrants is determined using the treasury stock method. At August 31, 2004, 60,000 options to purchase shares of the Company, were outstanding but have not been included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share as the effect of exercise would have been anti-dilutive. At August 31, 2005 and 2006, the number of shares used in the calculation of diluted loss per share is equal to the basic weighted average common shares issued and outstanding as the incremental effect of outstanding share options would be anti-dilutive in a loss making year.

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year August 31, 2007

29Summary of significant differences between HKFRSs and U.S. GAAP (continued)

Total shareholders’ equity

 

      August 31, 
   Note  2004  2005  2006 
      HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 

Total shareholders’ equity

     

As stated under Hong Kong GAAP(2004 and 2005: as restated)(note 3)

   1,175,698  1,020,454  891,654 

U.S. GAAP adjustments:

     

Goodwill

  (b) 5,092  5,092  5,092 

Accumulated amortization of goodwill

  (b) (3,735) (3,735) (3,735)

Reversal of amortization of goodwill

  (b) 3,195  4,260  4,260 

Fair value of interest rate swap

  (c) 680  2,570  —   

Fair value of forward foreign exchange contracts

  (c) —    4,039  —   

Tax effects of U.S. GAAP adjustments

  (d) —    —    —   
           

Total shareholders’ equity under U.S. GAAP

   1,180,930  1,032,680  897,271 
           
       Year ended August 31, 
   Note  2005  2006  2007 
      HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 

Total shareholders’ equity

      

As reported under HKFRSs

    1,020,454  891,654  903,882 

U.S. GAAP adjustments:

      

- Goodwill

  (b)  5,092  5,092  5,092 

- Accumulated amortization of goodwill

  (b)  (3,735) (3,735) (3,735)

- Reversal of amortization of goodwill

  (b)  4,260  4,260  4,260 

- Fair value of interest rate swap

  (c)  2,570  —    —   

- Fair value of forward foreign exchange contracts

  (c)  4,039   

- Tax effect of U.S. GAAP adjustments

  (d)  —    —    —   
            

Total shareholders’ equity under U.S. GAAP

    1,032,680  897,271  909,499 
            

Condensed consolidated statements of incomeoperations

 

  Year ended August 31,   Year ended August 31, 
  2004 2005 2006   2005 2006 2007 
  HK$’000 HK$’000 HK$’000   HK$’000 HK$’000 HK$’000 

Revenue, net

  1,169,880  1,162,059  1,134,876   1,162,059  1,134,876  1,141,270 
    ��               

Operating expenses:

        

Network costs

  (499,519) (550,029) (554,136)

Sales and marketing expenses

  (228,169) (267,423) (204,952)

General and administrative expenses

  (384,008) (436,117) (443,850)

Bad debt expense

  (11,502) (35,445) (17,450)

- Network costs

  (550,029) (554,136) (451,080)

- Sales and marketing expenses

  (267,423) (204,952) (203,673)

- General and administrative expenses

  (436,117) (443,850) (387,373)

- Provision for doubtful accounts

  (35,445) (17,450) (6,569)
                    

Income/(loss) from operations

  46,682  (126,955) (85,512)  (126,955) (85,512) 92,575 

Interest income

  3,753  13,578  20,378   13,578  20,378  22,671 

Interest expense

  (175) (54,462) (88,637)  (54,462) (88,637) (87,504)

Other income, net

  3,348  11,966  4,465   11,966  4,465  3,149 
                    

Income/(loss) before income taxes

  53,608  (155,873) (149,306)  (155,873) (149,306) 30,891 

Income tax (expense)/credit

  (2,043) 6,725  7,244   6,725  7,244  (2,026)
                    

Net income/(loss)

  51,565  (149,148) (142,062)  (149,148) (142,062) 28,865 
                    

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year August 31, 2007

29Summary of significant differences between HKFRSs and U.S. GAAP (continued)

Statement of changes in shareholders’ equity

 

  Ordinary shares  Additional paid-in
capital
   Ordinary shares  Additional paid-in capital 
  Number of
shares
outstanding
  Amount
outstanding
  Share
premium
  Warrant
reserve
 Cumulative
foreign
currency
translation
adjustment
 Capital
reserve
 Retained
profits
 Total
shareholders’
equity
   Number of
shares
outstanding
  Amount
outstanding
  

Share

premium

  Warrant
reserve
 

Cumulative

foreign
currency
translation
reserve

 Capital
reserve
 

Retained

profits

 Total
shareholders’
equity
 
     HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 HK$’000 HK$’000 HK$’000 HK$’000      HK$  HK$  HK$ HK$ HK$ HK$ HK$ 

Balance at August 31, 2003

  604,959,787  60,496  615,886  858  1,231  28,474  475,717  1,182,662 

Shares issued upon exercise of share options

  640,000  64  115  —    —    —    —    179 

Compensation cost for share options

  —    —    —    —    —    (270) —    (270)

Shares issued upon exercise of warrants

  4,973,574  497  1,985  (493) —    —    —    1,989 

2003 final dividend declared and paid (note 21)

  —    —    —    —    —    —    (45,789) (45,789)

2004 interim dividend declared and paid (note 21)

  —    —    —    —    —    —    (9,158) (9,158)

Net income

  —    —    —    —    —    —    51,565  51,565 

Foreign currency translation adjustments

  —    —    —    —    (248) —    —    (248)
                              (Amounts in thousands, except number of shares) 

Balance at August 31, 2004

  610,573,361  61,057  617,986  365  983  28,204  472,335  1,180,930   610,573,361  61,057  617,986  365  983  28,204  472,335  1,180,930 

Shares issued upon exercise of share options

  52,000  5  25  —    —    —    —    30   52,000  5  25  —    —    —    —    30 

Compensation cost for outstanding share options

  —    —    —    —    —    (389) —    (389)

Realization of outstanding warrant reserve upon warrant expiration

  —    —    —    (18) —    —    18  —   

Compensation cost for share options

  —    —    —    —    —    (389) —    (389)

Release of warrant reserve upon warrant expiration

  —    —    —    (18) —    —    18  —   

Shares issued upon exercise of warrants

  3,500,043  350  1,397  (347) —    —    —    1,400   3,500,043  350  1,397  (347) —    —    —    1,400 

Net loss

  —    —    —    —    —    —    (149,148) (149,148)  —    —    —    —    —    —    (149,148) (149,148)

Foreign currency translation adjustments

  —    —    —    —    (143) —    —    (143)

Foreign currency translation adjustment

  —    —    —    —    (143) —    —    (143)
                                                  

Balance at August 31, 2005

  614,125,404  61,412  619,408  —    840  27,815  323,205  1,032,680   614,125,404  61,412  619,408  —    840  27,815  323,205  1,032,680 

Shares issued upon exercise of share options

  50,000  5  8  —    —    —    —    13   5,000  5  8  —    —    —    —    13 

Compensation cost for outstanding share options

  —    —    251  —    —    6,572  —    6,823 

Compensation cost for share options

  —    —    251  —    —    6,572  —    6,823 

Net loss

  —    —    —    —    —    —    (142,062) (142,062)  —    —    —    —    —    —    (142,062) (142,062)

Foreign currency translation adjustments

  —    —    —    —    (183) —    —    (183)

Foreign currency translation adjustment

  —    —    —    —    (183) —    —    (183)
                                                  

Balance at August 31,2006

  614,175,404  61,417  619,667  —    657  34,387  181,143  897,271 

Balance at August 31, 2006

  614,175,404  61,417  619,667  —    657  34,387  181,143  897,271 

Shares issued upon exercise of share options

  2,328,000  233  2,135  —    —    (611) —    1,757 

Compensation cost for share options

  —    —    —    —    —    5,727  —    5,727 

Net income

  —    —    —    —    —    —    28,865  28,865 

2007 interim dividend declared and paid

  —    —    —    —    —    —    (24,635) (24,635)

Foreign currency translation adjustment

  —    —    —    —    514  —    —    514 
                                                  

Balance at August 31, 2007

  616,503,404  61,650  621,802  —    1,171  39,503  185,373  909,499 
                         

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year August 31, 2007

29Summary of significant differences between HKFRSs and U.S. GAAP (continued)

Comprehensive (loss)/income

The comprehensive income/(loss)/income of the Company,Group, determined in accordance with SFASStatement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 130 “Reporting Comprehensive Income”, is set out as follows:

 

   Year ended August 31, 
   2004  2005  2006 
   HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 

Net income/ (loss) under U.S. GAAP

  51,565  (149,148) (142,062)

Foreign currency translation adjustments

  (248) (143) (183)
          

Comprehensive income/ (loss)

  51,317  (149,291) (142,245)
          

No deferred tax assets were recognized because the Company expects that the reported amount of the investment in subsidiaries can be recovered tax-free under HK tax laws.

   Year ended August 31,
   2005  2006  2007
   HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000

(Loss)/Net income under U.S. GAAP

  (149,148) (142,062) 28,865

Foreign currency translation adjustment

  (143) (183) 514
         

Comprehensive (loss)/income

  (149,291) (142,245) 29,379
         

Condensed consolidated statementsstatement of cash flows

Under Hong Kong GAAP,HKFRSs, in adopting HKAS 7, three categories of activities are reported: operating activities; investing activities and financing activities, which is similar to U.S. GAAP. However, under HK GAAP,HKFRSs, the difference is that cash flows from interest income would be included in investing activities whereas under U.S. GAAP it would be included in operating activities.

Summary cash flow information under USU.S. GAAP is as follows:

 

   Year ended August 31, 
   2004  2005  2006 
   HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 

Net cash provided by operating activities

  207,516  90,984  204,583 

Net cash used in investing activities

  (409,997) (571,018) (513,120)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

  48,217  773,023  (86,486)
          

(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

  (154,264) 292,989  (395,023)

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of year

  402,034  247,517  539,591 

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes

  (253) (915) 349 
          

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of year

  247,517  539,591  144,917 
          
   Year ended August 31, 
   2005  2006  2007 
   HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 

Net cash provided by operating activities

  90,984  204,583  406,732 

Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities

  (571,018) (513,120) 91,382 

Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities

  773,023  (86,486) (109,566)
          

Increase/(decrease) in cash and bank balances

  292,989  (395,023) 388,548 

Cash and bank balances at the beginning of year

  247,517  539,591  144,917 

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes

  (915) 349  (571)
          

Cash and bank balances at the end of year

  539,591  144,917  532,894 
          

(a) Share-based compensationCity Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Under HKGAAP, priorConsolidated financial statements for the year August 31, 2007

29Summary of significant differences between HKFRSs and U.S. GAAP (continued)

(a)Share-based compensation

Prior to HKFRS 2 “Share-based payment” becamebecoming effective for the financialfiscal year beginning on September 1, 2005, no staff compensation cost was required to be recognized in respect of the grant of share options. Proceeds from issuethe issuance of shares upon the exercise of share options were credited to share capital and share premium accounts respectively at the time of exercise of the options.accounts. With effect from September 1, 2005, in order to comply with HKFRS 2, the CompanyGroup recognizes the fair value of share options which is measured at the date of grant, as compensation expense, in profit or loss, or an asset, if the cost qualifies for recognition as an asset. Aasset with the corresponding increase is recognized into capital reserve within equity.reserve. The new accounting policy has been applied retrospectively with comparatives restated in accordance with HKFRS 2. The impact of the restatement for the yearsyear ended August 31, 2004 and 2005 was HK$87,000 and HK$6,965,000 respectively. Any expense recognized based on fair value of share options under HK GAAP for the years ended on or prior to August 31, 2005 iswhich was reversed under U.S. GAAP.

Under U.S. GAAP, for periods ended on or prior to August 31, 2005, the CompanyGroup applied the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (“APB 25”) and related interpretations to account for share options. Under APB 25, share-based compensation was recorded on the date of grant only if the then market price of the underlying stock exceeded the exercise price.price of the share options.

For the yearsyear ended August 31, 2004 and 2005, under U.S. GAAP, the CompanyGroup recognized share-based compensation expenses of HK$270,000 and HK$389,000 respectively, because options were granted wherewhen the then market price of the

underlying ordinary share exceeded the exercise price of the share options as described in the following. On June 3, 2004, the Company issued 6,000,000 options to an employee at an exercise price of at HK$1.47. The market value of the ordinary shares on June 3, 2004 was HK$1.51. The difference of HK$0.04 per share between the exercise price and the market value of the ordinary shares was recognized in the statements of operations over the vesting period. On October 21, 2004, the Company issued 14,670,000 share options to employees at an exercise price of HK$1.54 each. Theeach when the market value of the ordinary shares on October 21, 2004that date was HK$1.49. The difference of HK$0.05 between the exercise price and the market value of the ordinary shares was recognized in the statementsconsolidated statement of earningsoperations over the vesting period. On January 4, 2005, the Company issued 16,000,000 share options to certain directors of the CompanyGroup at an exercise price of HK$1.54 each. Theeach when the market value of the ordinary shares of the Company was HK$1.48. The difference of HK$0.06 between the exercise price and the market value of the ordinary shares was recognized in the statementsconsolidated statement of earningsoperations over the vesting period.

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year August 31, 2007

29Summary of differences between HKFRSs and U.S. GAAP (continued)

(a)Share-based compensation (continued)

On September 1, 2005, the CompanyGroup adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”)SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004) (“SFAS No. 123(R)”). SFAS No. 123(R) replaces SFAS No. 123No.123 “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” and supersedes APB 25. Under SFAS No. 123(R), the CompanyGroup is required to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award and to recognize the cost over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award. In applying the transition provisions of SFAS No. 123,No.123(R), the CompanyGroup used the modified prospective method in which the grant-date fair values of unvested awards that are outstanding on the date of adoption are charged to expense over their remaining vesting periods.

As a result of the adoption of HKFRS 2 and SFAS No. 123(R) on September 1, 2005, there was no difference arising from the recognition of share-based compensation because there was no difference in the results of applying the transitional provisions under HK GAAPHKFRSs and U.S. GAAP and the methods used to determined the share-based compensation were the same under HK GAAPHKFRSs and U.S. GAAP.

The following table illustrates the pro forma effect on net income as if the fair-value-based method under SFAS No.123No. 123 had been applied to all outstanding and unvested share options for the yearsyear ended August 31, 2004 and 2005:2005.

 

   Year ended August 31 
    2004  2005 
   HK$’000  HK$’000 
Net income/(loss)       

As reported

  51,565  (149,148)

Less: total share-based compensation expense determined under intrinsic value method for all awards

  (270) (389)

Less: total share-based compensation expense determined under fair value method for all awards, net of tax

  (1,904) (20,547)
       
  49,391  (170,084)
       

Basic earnings/(loss) per share

   

As reported

  HK8.5 cents  HK(24.3) cents 

Pro forma

  HK8.1 cents  HK(27.7) cents 

Diluted earnings/(loss) per share

As reported

  HK8.4 cents  HK(24.3) cents 

Pro forma

  HK8.0 cents  HK(27.7) cents 
Year ended
August 31, 2005
HK$’000

Net loss

As reported

(149,148)

Less: Total share-based compensation expense determined under intrinsic value method for all awards

(389)

Less: Total share-based compensation expense determined under fair value method for all awards, net of tax

(20,547)
(170,084)

Basic loss per share

As reported

HK(24.3) cents

Pro forma

HK(27.7) cents

Diluted loss per share

As reported

HK(24.3) cents

Pro forma

HK(27.7) cents

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year August 31, 2007

29Summary of differences between HKFRSs and U.S. GAAP (continued)

(a)Share-based compensation (continued)

The weighted average fair value of share options at the date of grant were HK$0.7 andwas HK$0.82 per option for the yearsyear ended August 31, 2004 and 2005, respectively.2005. The values werevalue was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

 

   Year ended August 31, 

Weighted average

  2004  2005 

Risk-free interest rates

  3.78% 2.7%

Dividend yield

  1.02% 1.01%

Volatility factor of the expected market price of the Company’s shares

  59.04% 70.66%

Expected life of the options

  5 years  5 years 
Year ended
August 31, 2005
HK$’000

Weighted average

Risk-free interest rates

2.7%

Dividend yield

1%

Volatility factor of the expected market price of the Company’s shares

70.66%

Expected life of the options

5 years

(b)Goodwill

(b) Goodwill

Under HKGAAP, priorPrior to September 1, 2001, goodwill arising on acquisition offrom a business which represents the excess of the cost of investment over the fair value ascribed to the identifiable net underlying assets acquired iscombination was charged against available reserves. In January 2001, HKICPA issued the Statement of Standard Accounting Practice (“SSAP”) No. 30 “Business Combinations” which appliesapplied to intangible assets acquired in business combinations for which the agreement date is on or after September 1, 2001. As a result of the adoption of this standardSSAP in the fiscal year ended August 31, 2002 and up to September 1, 2005, goodwill on acquisitions occurring on or after September 1, 2001 was shown separately on the consolidated balance sheet and amortized using the straight-line method over its estimated useful life. (see note 1(c) of the notes to the consolidated financial statements). Where an indication of impairment exists, the carrying amount of goodwill, including goodwill previously written off against reserves, is assessed and written down immediately to its recoverable amount with the charges being recorded in the Company’s statement of operations.

On September 1, 2005, the CompanyGroup adopted HKFRS 3 “Business Combinations” under which. Under HKFRS 3, goodwill is recorded at cost less any accumulated impairment losses and goodwill is no longer amortized butamortized. Goodwill is subject to an annual impairment test for impairment, including in the year of its initial recognition, as well asand when there are indicationsis an indication of impairment. Impairment losses areAn impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount of the cash generating unit to which the goodwill has been allocated exceeds its recoverable amounts. In accordance with the transitional arrangements under HKFRS 3, goodwill which had previously been taken directly to reserves (i.e. goodwill which arose before September 1, 2001) is not recognized in the consolidated statement of operations on disposal or impairment of the acquired business, or under any other circumstances. The adoption of HKFRS 3 did not result in any restatement in the consolidated financial statements of prior years and therefore had no impact on U.S. GAAP adjustments of prior years.

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year August 31, 2007

29Summary of differences between HKFRSs and U.S. GAAP (continued)

(b)Goodwill (continued)

Under U S.U.S. GAAP, goodwill arising from a business combinationscombination is not amortized and is instead required to be tested annually for impairment in accordance with SFAS No. 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”.

As a result of the adoption of HKFRS 3, there were no U.S. GAAP adjustments to the net loss of the Company pertaining to goodwill for the yearyears ended August 31, 2006.2006 and 2007.

(c) Derivative Instruments

(c)Derivative instruments

Under HKGAAP, priorPrior to September 1, 2005, derivative financial instruments entered into by the CompanyGroup to hedge the interest rate risk of a recognized asset or liability or the foreign currency risk of a committed future transaction were recognized on an accrual basis with reference to the timing of the recognition of the hedged transaction.

With effect from September 1, 2005, and in accordance with HKAS 39, all derivative financial instruments entered into by the CompanyGroup are stated at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives heldthat are designated and qualified as hedging instruments in a cash flow hedge are recognized in equity to the extent that the hedge is effective and until the hedged transaction occurs. Any changes in fair value of derivative financial instruments which do not qualify as cash flow hedges are recognized in the consolidated statement of operations. The adoption of HKAS 39 did not result in any restatement in the consolidated financial statements of prior years and therefore had no impact on U.S. GAAP adjustments of prior years.

Under U.S. GAAP, the CompanyGroup follows SFAS No. 133 “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedge Activities”, as amended by SFAS No. 138 “Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities”, which requires all derivative instruments be recognized on the balance sheet at fair value. The accounting for changes in fair value depends on whether the derivative instrument qualifies as a hedge. Gains or lossesloss on a derivative instrument designated and qualifying as a fair value hedge as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk shall be recognized currently in the consolidated statement of operations. The effective portion of the gain or loss on a derivative instrument designated and qualifying as a cash flow hedging instrument shall be reported as a component of other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged forecasted transaction impacts earnings. The ineffective portion of gain or loss on the derivative instrument, if any, shall be recognized currently in earnings. For derivative that does not qualify as a hedge, the gain or loss reflecting changes in fair value is recognized in earnings. As of the periods presented, none of the financial derivatives of the CompanyGroup qualified as hedges.

As a result of the adoption of HKAS 39, there were no reconciling differences as ofpertaining to derivative instruments for the years ended August 31, 2006 and 2007.

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2006.

(d) Deferred taxes2007

29Summary of differences between HKFRSs and U.S. GAAP (continued)

(d)Deferred taxes

Under HK GAAP,HKFRSs, deferred taxes are provided in full, using the liability method, on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the financial statements.

Deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the temporary differences can be utilized.utilised.

Under U.S. GAAP, the CompanyGroup is required to recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of all events that have been included in the account or tax returns. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Future tax benefits in respect of tax losses carry forward are also required to be recognized in full. A valuation allowance is required to be established for such assets if it is more likely than not that the CompanyGroup will not be able to utilize such benefits in the future.

There waswere no differences in the amount of deferred tax assets recognizedrecognised under HK GAAPHKFRSs and U.S. GAAP. For the years ended August 31, 20042005, 2006 and 2005,2007, no adjustment was made for tax effects of U.S. GAAP adjustments because the U.S. GAAP adjustments in those years had no tax consequences under Hong Kong tax laws.

The following additional financial statementstatements disclosures are required under U.S. GAAP and are presented on a U.S. GAAP basis.

 

  Year ended August 31, 
  2005 2006   August 31, 
  (restated)   2006 2007 
  HK$’000 HK$’000   HK$’000 HK$’000 

Deferred tax assets:

      

Tax losses

  177,827  204,300   204,300  182,739 

Share-based payment

  —    2,429   2,429  —   
              

Total gross deferred tax assets

  177,827  206,729   206,729  182,739 

Valuation allowance

  (29,804) (52,404)  (52,404) (48,120)
              

Net deferred tax assets

  148,023  154,325   154,325  134,619 
              

Deferred tax liabilities:

   

Deferred tax liabilities

   

Accelerated depreciation allowance

  (158,477) (154,678)  (154,678) (134,910)

Others

  (85) —   
              

Total gross deferred tax liabilities

  (158,562) (154,678)  (154,678) (134,910)
              

Net deferred tax liabilities

  (10,539) (353)  (353) (291)
              

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year August 31, 2007

29Summary of differences between HKFRSs and U.S. GAAP (continued)

(d)Deferred taxes (continued)

The tax effect on the accumulated tax losses amounted to HK$204,300,000 (2005:182,739,000 (2006: HK$177,827,000)204,300,000). Realization of deferred tax assets associated with tax loss carrycarrying forwards is dependent upon generating sufficient taxable income. As of August 31, 2006,2007, a valuation allowance of HK$52,404,000 (2005:48,120,000 (2006: HK$29,804,000)52,404,000) has been provided for against the remaining deferred tax assets since management believes it is more likely than not the CompanyGroup will not be able to utilizeutilise such benefits in the foreseeable future.

Changes in the valuation allowance consist of:

 

  Year ended August 31,  Year ended August 31, 
  2004 2005  2006  2005  2006  2007 
  HK$’000 HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 

Balance at beginning of the year

  15,171  7,633  29,804  7,633  29,804  52,404 

(Reduction)/additions to income tax expense

  (7,538) 22,171  22,600

Addition/(reduction) to income tax expense

  22,171  22,600  (1,979)

Valuation allowance written off

  —    —    (2,305)
                   

Balance at end of the year

  7,633  29,804  52,404  29,804  52,404  48,120 
                   

(e) Investment securities

(e)Investment securities

The Company’sGroup’s investment securities consist of debtequity-indexed mutual fund securities and long-term bank deposit.deposits.

Under HK GAAP, prior to September 1, 2005,HKFRSs, the debtequity-linked mutual fund securities hadhave been carrieddesignated as financial asset at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in profit or loss. On September 1, 2005, upon adoption of HKAS 39, the Company designated the debt securities as a financial asset carried at fair value with changes in fair value charged to the profit or loss. Since the debt securities continue to be carried at fair value with changes in fair changes charged tothrough profit or loss there was no change in the accounting of the debt securitiesas permitted under HK GAAP. The adoption of HKAS 39 did not result in any restatement in the consolidated financial statements of prior years“Financial Instruments: Recognition and therefore had no impact on U.S. GAAP adjustments of prior years.Measurement”.

Under U.S. GAAP, investmentthe Group follows SFAS No. 133 “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” which requires the embedded derivative in the equity-linked mutual fund securities shouldto be separated and accounted for as a derivative instrument, and the host contract to be accounted for based on generally accepted accounting principles applicable to the instruments of that type that do not contain derivative instruments. Accordingly, the host contracts of the equity-linked mutual fund securities are classified in one of three categories: trading, available-for-sale, oras held-to-maturity securities under SFAS No. 115 Accounting“Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities. GivenSecurities” and measured at amortized cost while the Company has positive intent and the ability to hold the securities to maturity, the debt securities have beenembedded derivatives are accounted for as held-to-maturity securities under U.S. GAAPin accordance with SFAS No. 133 and are recordedmeasured at amortized cost. fair value.

For the periods presented, there were notno differences between i) the fair value of the equity-indexed debt securities; and ii) the aggregate of the amortized cost of the debt securities.host contracts and the fair value of the embedded derivative instruments.

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

(f) DepositsConsolidated financial statements for purchase of fixed assets and lease of land and buildingthe year August 31, 2007

29Summary of differences between HKFRSs and U.S. GAAP (continued)

(f)Deposits for purchase of fixed assets and lease of land and building

Under HK GAAP,HKFRSs, deposits for purchase of fixed assets and lease of land and buildings are classified as current assets if the amounts are expected to be realized within twelve months after the balance sheet date. Under U.S. GAAP, such deposits are classified as non-current assets. As at August 31, 20052006 and 2006, the2007, deposits for purchase of fixed assets and lease of land and building totalingwere HK$25,356,00017,873,000 and HK$17,873,000,13,263,000, respectively.

(g) Debt issue costs

(g)Debt issue costs

Under HK GAAP,HKFRSs, debt issue costs are shownreported as a reduction inagainst the associated capitalrelated debt proceeds and amortized over the life of the related debt using effective interest method. Under U.S. GAAP, thesesuch costs are disclosed separately as non-current asset and are similarly amortized. As at August 31, 20052006 and 2006,2007, the unamortized debt issue costs were HK$25,902,00024,473,000 and HK$24,473,000,22,336,000, respectively.

30Subsequent events

(a)Network cost

On December 28, 2007, subsequent to the issuance of the Group’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, Supplemental Guarantors 2007 for Hong Kong statutory purposes, the TA issued a statement (“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 TA statement, management estimated that there will be a refund of previously contributed USC of HK$7,617,000, which is expected to be recorded as a reduction against the Group’s network costs for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2008.

(b)Senior notes

Between September 1, 2007 and January 22, 2008, the Group repurchased the 8.75% senior notes with a cumulative principal value of US$21,850,000 (equivalent to HK$170,430,000) in the open market. The total consideration paid including accrued interest was approximately US$22,057,000 (equivalent to HK$172,044,600). The gain on extinguishment was approximately US$46,000 (equivalent to HK$359,000) which is expected to be recorded in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ending August 31, 2008. The principal value of the 8.75% notes remaining in issue after the repurchases is US$103,150,000 (equivalent to HK$804,570,000).

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated Financial Informationfinancial statements for the year August 31, 2007

31Supplemental guarantors consolidated financial information

The senior notes mentioned above in note 14(b)13 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 HK GAAP.HKFRSs. Separate financial statements of the Guarantor Subsidiaries are not presented because the Guarantor Subsidiaries are wholly-owned and willhave fully and unconditionally guarantee toguaranteed the Notes on a joint and several basis. Reconciliations to U.S. GAAP are not presented because the majority of the reconciling items relate to City Telecom (H.K.) Limited and Guarantor Subsidiaries and such reconciling items are already disclosed and explained in Note 30.29.

The following condensed consolidated financial information presents the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of August 31, 2006 and 20052007 and the related condensed consolidated statements of operations and statements of cash flows for the years ended August 31, 2005, 2006 2005 and 20042007 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.

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year August 31, 2007

31Supplemental guarantors consolidated financial information (continued)

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheetconsolidated balance sheet as of August 31, 20062007

 

  

City

Telecom

(H.K.)
Limited

  

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

  

Non-Guarantor

Subsidiary

 

Eliminating

Entries

 

Consolidated

Total

  

City

Telecom

(H.K.)

Limited

  

Guarantor

subsidiaries

  

Non-

guarantor

subsidiary

 

Eliminating

entries

 

Consolidated

total

  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 HK$’000 HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 HK$’000 HK$’000

Current assets

                

Cash and bank balances

  86,670  31,349  26,898   144,917  220,531  303,227  9,136   532,894

Term deposits

  121,037  65,000  51,459   237,496

Pledged bank deposits

  87,022  —    —     87,022  87,220  —    —     87,220

Trade receivables, net

  12,506  128,092  —     140,598  12,105  158,446  —     170,551

Other receivables, deposits and prepayments

  5,210  73,785  2,292  (3,704) 77,583  4,579  56,290  2,207  (3,704) 59,372

Inventories

  812  44  —     856  477  —    —     477

Deferred expenditures

  —    10,808  —     10,808

Tax recoverable

  —    347  —     347

Investment securities

  —    3,779  —     3,779

Deferred expenditure

  —    13,584  —     13,584
                          

Total current assets

  313,257  309,425  80,649   699,627  324,912  535,326  11,343   867,877

Fixed assets, net

  115,014  1,236,269  15,951   1,367,234  100,201  1,126,870  10,152   1,237,223

Investments in subsidiaries(1)

  1,502,480  245,819  —    (1,748,299) —  

Investments in subsidiaries (note)

  1,495,935  274,449  —    (1,770,384) —  

Investment securities

  36,645  3,629  —     40,274  39,213  —    —     39,213

Other long-term assets

  —    37,609  —    (20,529) 17,080  —    33,645  —    (16,825) 16,820
                          

Total assets

  1,967,396  1,832,751  96,600   2,124,215  1,960,261  1,970,290  21,495   2,161,133
                          

Current liabilities

                

Amounts due to subsidiaries/fellow subsidiaries

  10,830  1,428,297  75,315  (1,514,442) —  

Amounts due to subsidiaries/ fellow subsidiaries

  10,830  1,490,567  (4,771) (1,496,626) —  

Trade payables

  59,143  27,242  —     86,385  37,477  38,542  —     76,019

Deposits received

  8,283  7,947  —     16,230  7,876  8,312  —     16,188

Current portion of deferred service income

  8,157  29,282  —    (3,696) 33,743  11,380  56,532  —    (3,710) 64,202

Other payables and accrued charges

  19,116  117,734  6,636   143,486  18,694  119,642  6,931   145,267

Income tax payable

  908  18  1,038   1,964  356  62  1,063   1,481

Current portion of obligations under finance leases

  71  1,226  —     1,297

Current portion of obligation under finance leases

  104  731  —     835
                          

Total current liabilities

  106,508  1,611,746  82,989   283,105  86,717  1,714,388  3,223   303,992

Long-term liabilities

  969,891  1,166  (56) (21,545) 949,456  970,833  386  (70) (17,890) 953,259
                          

Total liabilities

  1,076,399  1,612,912  82,933   1,232,561  1,057,550  1,714,774  3,153   1,257,251
             

Commitments and contingencies

        

Shareholders’ equity

        

Ordinary shares, par value $0.1 per share

        

— 2,000,000,000 shares authorized at August 31, 2006

        

— 614,175,404 shares issued and outstanding at August 31, 2006

  61,417  15,485  8,131  (23,616) 61,417

Share premium

  620,298  470,836  —    (470,836) 620,298

Retained profits/(accumulated losses)

  196,289  (266,477) 5,217  261,261  196,289

Other reserves

  12,993  (5) 319  343  13,650
             

Total shareholders’ equity

  890,997  219,839  13,667   891,654
             

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

  1,967,396  1,832,751  96,600   2,124,215
             


City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year August 31, 2007

(1)31Supplemental guarantors consolidated financial information (continued)

Condensed consolidated balance sheet as of August 31, 2007 (continued)

   

City

Telecom

(H.K.)

Limited

  

Guarantor

subsidiaries

  

Non-

guarantor

subsidiary

  

Eliminating

entries

  

Consolidated

total

   HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000

Commitments andcontingencies

        

Shareholders’ equity

        

- Ordinary shares, par value

        

HK$0.1 per share

        

- 2,000,000,000 shares authorized

        

- 616,503,404 shares issued and outstanding at August 31, 2007

  61,650  15,485  8,131  (23,616) 61,650

Share premium

  622,433  470,836  —    (470,836) 622,433

Retained profits/(accumulated losses)

  200,519  (230,666) 9,033  221,633  200,519

Other reserves

  18,109  (139) 1,178  132  19,280
             

Total shareholders’ equity

  902,711  255,516  18,342   903,882
             

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

  1,960,261  1,970,290  21,495   2,161,133
             

Note:The amounts of investment in subsidiaries at City Telecom (H.K.) Limited level have included the share of net assets of its subsidiaries using the equity method of accounting.

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year August 31, 2007

31Supplemental guarantors consolidated financial information (continued)

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheetconsolidated balance sheet as of August 31, 20052006

 

   City
Telecom
(H.K.)
Limited
  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-Guarantor
Subsidiary
  Eliminating
Entries
  Consolidated
Total
   HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000

Current assets

        

Cash and bank balances

  461,001  55,309  23,281   539,591

Term deposit

  92,850  —    —     92,850

Pledged bank deposits

  85,923  4,524  —     90,447

Trade receivables, net

  15,253  114,757  —     130,010

Other receivables, deposits and prepayments

  8,395  67,171  6,896  (3,704) 78,758

Inventories

  1,581  385  —    (9) 1,957

Deferred expenditures

  —    12,960  —     12,960

Tax recoverable

  —    535  —     535
             

Total current assets

  665,003  255,641  30,177   947,108

Fixed assets, net

  133,328  1,185,970  17,245   1,336,543

Investments in subsidiaries(1)

  1,277,479  250,113  —    (1,527,592) —  

Investment securities

  37,855  3,586  —     41,441

Other long-term assets

  —    46,569  —    (24,233) 22,336
             

Total assets

  2,113,665  1,741,879  47,422   2,347,428
             

Current liabilities

        

Amounts due to subsidiaries/fellow subsidiaries

  10,830  1,151,379  23,662  (1,185,871) —  

Trade payables

  58,728  32,034  —     90,762

Deposits received

  8,770  6,740  —     15,510

Current portion of deferred service income

  11,254  29,195  —    (3,705) 36,744

Other payables and accrued charges

  22,343  185,678  14,992  195  223,208

Income tax payable

  1,481  17  230   1,728

Current portion of obligation under finance leases

  —    1,194  —     1,194
             

Total current liabilities

  113,406  1,406,237  38,884   369,146

Long-term liabilities

  980,645  2,404  84  (25,305) 957,828
             

Total liabilities

  1,094,051  1,408,641  38,968   1,326,974

Commitments and contingencies

        

Shareholders’ equity

        

Ordinary shares, par value $0.1 per share

        

— 2,000,000,000 shares authorized at August 31, 2005

        

— 614,125,404 shares issued and outstanding at August 31, 2005

  61,412  15,485  8,131  (23,616) 61,412

Share premium

  619,408  470,836  —    (470,836) 619,408

Retained profits/(accumulated losses)

  331,742  (153,183) 226  152,957  331,742

Other reserves

  7,052  100  97  643  7,892
             

Total shareholders’ equity

  1,019,614  333,238  8,454   1,020,454
             

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

  2,113,665  1,741,879  47,422   2,347,428
             

   

City

Telecom

(H.K.)

Limited

  

Guarantor

subsidiaries

  

Non-

guarantor

subsidiary

  

Eliminating

entries

  

Consolidated

total

   HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000

Current assets

        

Cash and bank balances

  86,670  31,349  26,898   144,917

Term deposit

  121,037  65,000  51,459   237,496

Pledged bank deposits

  87,022  —    —     87,022

Trade receivables, net

  12,506  128,092  —     140,598

Other receivables, deposits and prepayments

  5,210  73,785  2,292  (3,704) 77,583

Inventories

  812  44  —     856

Deferred expenditure

  —    10,808  —     10,808

Tax recoverable

  —    347  —     347
             

Total current assets

  313,257  309,425  80,649   699,627

Fixed assets, net

  115,014  1,236,269  15,951   1,367,234

Investments in subsidiaries (note)

  1,502,480  245,819  —    (1,748,299) —  

Investment securities

  36,645  3,629  —     40,274

Other long-term assets

  —    37,609  —    (20,529) 17,080
             

Total assets

  1,967,396  1,832,751  96,600   2,124,215
             

Current liabilities

        

Amounts due to subsidiaries/ fellow subsidiaries

  10,830  1,428,297  75,315  (1,514,442) —  

Trade payables

  59,143  27,242  —     86,385

Deposits received

  8,283  7,947  —     16,230

Current portion of deferred service income

  8,157  29,282  —    (3,696) 33,743

Other payables and accrued charges

  19,116  117,734  6,636   143,486

Income tax payable

  908  18  1,038   1,964

Current portion of obligation under finance leases

  71  1,226  —     1,297
             

Total current liabilities

  106,508  1,611,746  82,989   283,105

Long-term liabilities

  969,891  1,166  (56) (21,545) 949,456
             

Total liabilities

  1,076,399  1,612,912  82,933   1,232,561
             

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year August 31, 2007

(1)31Supplemental guarantors consolidated financial information (continued)

Condensed consolidated balance sheet as of August 31, 2006 (continued)

   

City

Telecom

(H.K.)

Limited

  

Guarantor

subsidiaries

  

Non-

guarantor

subsidiary

  

Eliminating

entries

  

Consolidated

total

   HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000

Commitments andcontingencies

        

Shareholders’ equity

        

- Ordinary shares, par value

        

HK$0.1 per share

        

- 2,000,000,000 shares authorised

        

- 614,175,404 shares issued and outstanding at August 31, 2006

  61,417  15,485  8,131  (23,616) 61,417

Share premium

  620,298  470,836  —    (470,836) 620,298

Retained profits/(accumulated losses)

  196,289  (266,477) 5,217  261,260  196,289

Other reserves

  12,993  (5) 319  343  13,650
             

Total shareholders’ equity

  890,997  219,839  13,667   891,654
             

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

  1,967,396  1,832,751  96,600   2,124,215
             

Note:The amounts of investment in subsidiaries at City Telecom (H.K.) Limited level have included the share of net assets of its subsidiaries using the equity method of accounting.

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year August 31, 2007

31Supplemental guarantors consolidated financial information (continued)

Condensed Consolidated Statementsconsolidated statement of operations for the year ended August 31, 20062007

 

   City
Telecom
(H.K.)
Limited
  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-Guarantor
Subsidiary
  Eliminating
Entries
  Consolidated
Total
 
   HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 

Revenue from provision of telecommunication and related services, net

  174,113  1,110,256  116,355  (265,848) 1,134,876 

Network costs

  (87,849) (254,740) —    41,996  (300,593)

Operating expenses:

      

Salaries and related costs

  (44,254) (233,105) (81,887) 102,525  (256,721)

Sales and marketing expenses

  (20,567) (336,985) —    152,600  (204,952)

General and administrative expenses

  (56,366) (366,635) (30,353) 12,682  (440,672)

Provision for doubtful accounts receivable

  (1,090) (16,360) —     (17,450)
              

(Loss)/income from operations

  (36,013) (97,569) 4,115   (85,512)

Interest income

  16,594  2,946  838   20,378 

Interest expenses

  (88,584) (60,454) —    60,401  (88,637)

Other income, net

  67,672  39,201  2,245  (104,653) 4,465 

Share of net losses from subsidiaries(2)

  (111,171) —     111,171  —   
              

(Loss)/income before taxation

  (151,502) (115,876) 7,198   (149,306)

Income tax expense/(credit)

  9,440  11  (2,207)  7,244 
              

Net (loss)/income

  (142,062) (115,865) 4,991   (142,062)
              

    

City

Telecom
(H.K.)

Limited

  Guarantor
subsidiaries
  Non-
guarantor
subsidiary
  Eliminating
entries
  Consolidated
Total
 
   HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 

Revenue

  124,017  1,186,356  108,692  (277,795) 1,141,270 

Network costs

  (50,522) (203,506) —    39,437  (214,591)

Operating expenses:

      

- Salaries and related costs

  (30,475) (209,065) (77,594) 96,032  (221,102)

- Sales and marketing expenses

  (12,601) (362,975) —    171,903  (203,673)

- General and administrative expenses

  (43,149) (344,162) (26,050) 10,601  (402,760)

- Provision for doubtful accounts

  (796) (5,773) —     (6,569)
              

Income/(loss) from operations

  (13,526) 60,875  5,048   92,575 

Interest income

  13,390  8,606  675   22,671 

Interest expense

  (87,474) (68,161) —    68,131  (87,504)

Other income, net

  50,031  59,200  43  (106,125) 3,149 

Share of net losses from subsidiaries (note)

  66,444  —    —    (66,444) —   
              

Income before taxation

  28,865  60,520  5,766   30,891 

Income tax credit

  —    (75) (1,951)  (2,026)
              

Net income

  28,865  60,445  3,815   28,865 
              

(2)Note:The net (loss)/income amounts at City Telecom (H.K.) Limited level have included the share of net (losses)/income of its subsidiaries using the equity method of accounting.

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year August 31, 2007

31Supplemental guarantors consolidated financial information (continued)

Condensed Consolidated Statementsconsolidated statement of operations for the year ended August 31, 20052006

 

   City
Telecom
(H.K.)
Limited
  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-Guarantor
Subsidiary
  Eliminating
Entries
  Consolidated
Total
 
   HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 
   (restated)  (restated)        (restated) 

Revenue from provision of telecommunication and related services, net

  227,045  1,104,389  122,054  (291,429) 1,162,059 

Network costs

  (111,836) (271,203) —    43,637  (339,402)

Operating expenses:

      

Salaries and related costs

  (50,705) (224,799) (94,120) 110,232  (259,392)

Sales and marketing expenses

  (25,506) (416,728) —    174,251  (267,983)

General and administrative expenses

  (65,552) (316,284) (26,132) 12,757  (395,211)

Provision for doubtful accounts receivable

  (1,814) (33,631)   (35,445)
              

(Loss)/income from operations

  (28,368) (158,256) 1,802   (135,374)

Interest income

  13,061  403  114   13,578 

Interest expenses

  (54,167) (17,354) —    17,059  (54,462)

Other income, net

  25,617  43,515  99  (63,194) 6,037 

Share of net losses from subsidiaries(2)

  (128,156) —     128,156  —   
              

(Loss)/income before taxation

  (172,013) (131,692) 2,015   (170,221)

Income tax expense/(credit)

  8,517  (854) (938)  6,725 
              

Net (loss)/income

  (163,496) (132,546) 1,077   (163,496)
              

    

City

Telecom

(H.K.)

Limited

  Guarantor
subsidiaries
  Non-
guarantor
subsidiary
  Eliminating
entries
  Consolidated
total
 
   HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 

Revenue

  174,113  1,110,256  116,355  (265,848) 1,134,876 

Network costs

  (87,849) (254,740) —    41,996  (300,593)

Operating expenses:

      

- Salaries and related costs

  (44,254) (233,105) (81,887) 102,525  (256,721)

- Sales and marketing expenses

  (20,567) (336,985) —    152,600  (204,952)

- General and administrative expenses

  (56,366) (366,635) (30,353) 12,682  (440,672)

- Provision for doubtful accounts

  (1,090) (16,360) —     (17,450)
              

(Loss)/income from operations

  (36,013) (97,569) 4,115   (85,512)

Interest income

  16,594  2,946  838   20,378 

Interest expense

  (88,584) (60,454) —    60,401  (88,637)

Other income, net

  67,672  39,201  2,245  (104,653) 4,465 

Share of net losses from subsidiaries (note)

  (111,171) —    —    111,171  —   
              

(Loss)/income before taxation

  (151,502) (115,876) 7,198   (149,306)

Income tax expense/(credit)

  9,440  11  (2,207)  7,244 
              

Net (loss)/income

  (142,062) (115,865) 4,991   (142,062)
              

(2)Note:The net (loss)/income amounts at City Telecom (H.K.) Limited level have included the share of net (losses)/income of its subsidiaries using the equity method of accounting.

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year August 31, 2007

31Supplemental guarantors consolidated financial information (continued)

Condensed Consolidated Statementsconsolidated statement of operations for the year ended August 31, 20042005

 

   City Telecom
(H.K.) Limited
  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-Guarantor
Subsidiary
  Eliminating
Entries
  Consolidated
Total
 
   HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 
   (restated)  (restated)        (restated) 

Revenue from provision of telecommunication and related services, net

  260,675  1,081,591  113,953  (286,339) 1,169,880 

Network costs

  (90,520) (282,282) —    41,394  (331,408)

Operating expenses

      

Salaries and related costs

  (49,454) (191,751) (86,544) 101,012  (226,737)

Sales and marketing expenses

  (53,251) (351,518) —    176,600  (228,169)

General and administrative expenses

  (71,124) (240,874) (23,342) 8,536  (326,804)

Provision for doubtful accounts receivable

  (1,683) (9,819) —     (11,502)
              

(Loss)/income from operations

  (5,357) 5,347  4,067   45,260 

Interest income

  3,580  135  38   3,753 

Interest expenses

  (175) —    —     (175)

Other income, net

  3,516  41,038  17  (41,903) 2,668 

Share of income from subsidiaries(2)

  49,309  —    —    (49,309) —   
              

Income before taxation

  50,873  46,520  4,122   51,506 

Income tax expense

  (1,410) (464) (169)  (2,043)
              

Net income

  49,463  46,056  3,953   49,463 
              

    City
Telecom
(H.K.)
Limited
  Guarantor
subsidiaries
  Non-
guarantor
subsidiary
  Eliminating
entries
  Consolidated
total
 
   HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 

Revenue

  227,045  1,104,389  122,054  (291,429) 1,162,059 

Network costs

  (111,836) (271,203) —    43,637  (339,402)

Operating expenses:

      

- Salaries and related costs

  (50,705) (224,799) (94,120) 110,232  (259,392)

- Sales and marketing expenses

  (25,506) (416,728) —    174,251  (267,983)

- General and administrative expenses

  (65,552) (316,284) (26,132) 12,757  (395,211)

- Provision for doubtful accounts

  (1,814) (33,631) —     (35,445)
              

(Loss)/income from operations

  (28,368) (158,256) 1,802   (135,374)

Interest income

  13,061  403  114   13,578 

Interest expense

  (54,167) (17,354) —    17,059  (54,462)

Other income, net

  25,617  43,515  99  (63,194) 6,037 

Share of net losses from subsidiaries (note)

  (128,156) —    —    128,156  —   
              

(Loss)/income before taxation

  (172,013) (131,692) 2,015   (170,221)

Income tax expense/(credit)

  8,517  (854) (938)  6,725 
              

Net (loss)/income

  (163,496) (130,546) 1,077   (163,496)
              

(2)Note:The net incomeloss amounts at City Telecom (H.K.) Limited level have included the share of net income/(losses) of its subsidiaries using the equity method of accounting.

Condensed City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flowfinancial statements for the Year Endedyear August 31, 20062007

 

   City Telecom
(H.K.) Limited
  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminating
Entries
  Consolidated
Total
 
   HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 

Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities

  (278,174) 403,086  58,994  245  184,151 

Net cash used in investing activities

  (12,087) (425,348) (55,307)  (492,742)

Net cash provided by financing activities

  (85,238) (1,248) —    54  (86,432)
              

Net (decrease)/ increase in cash and cash equivalents

  (375,499) (23,510) 3,687   (395,023)

Cash and bank balances at beginning of year

  461,001  55,309  23,281   539,591 

Effects of foreign exchange rates changes

  1,168  (450) (70) (299) 349 
              

Cash and bank balances at end of years

  86,670  31,349  26,898   144,917 
              
31Supplemental guarantors consolidated financial information (continued)

Condensed Consolidated Statementconsolidated statement of Cash Flowcash flows for the Year Endedyear ended August 31, 20052007

 

   City Telecom
(H.K.) Limited
  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminating
Entries
  Consolidated
Total
 
   HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 
   (restated)  (restated)        (restated) 

Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities(3)

  (75,334) 135,503  23,094  (5,880) 77,383 

Net cash used in investing activities(3)

  (536,911) (497,143) (5,786) 482,400  (557,440)

Net cash provided by financing activities

  892,713  381,903  —    (482,400) 792,216 
              

Net increase in cash and bank balances

  280,468  20,263  17,308   312,159 

Cash and bank balances at beginning of year

  180,473  41,691  6,183   228,347 
Effects of foreign exchange rates changes  60  (405) (210) (360) (915)
              
Cash and cash equivalents at end of years  461,001  61,549  23,281   539,591 
              

(3)The net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities and the net cash used in investing activities for the year ended August 31, 2005 have been revised. The effect of the revision has been described in note 3(e) to the consolidated financial statements.

    

City

Telecom

(H.K.)

Limited

  Guarantor
subsidiaries
  Non-
guarantor
subsidiary
  Eliminating
entries
  Consolidated
total
 
   HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 

Net cash provided/(used in) by operating activities

  110,190  342,627  (69,035) 217  383,999 

Net cash generated from/ (used in) investing activities

  132,039  (69,197) 51,211   114,053 

Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities

  (108,277) (1,227) —     (109,504)
              

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and bank balances

  133,952  272,203  (17,824)  388,548 

Cash and bank balances at beginning of year

  86,670  31,349  26,898   144,917 

Effects of foreign exchange rates changes

  (91) (325) 62  (217) (571)
              

Cash and bank balances at end of year

  220,531  303,227  9,136   532,894 
              

Condensed Consolidated Statementconsolidated statement of Cash Flowcash flows for the Year Endedyear ended August 31, 20042006

 

   City Telecom
(H.K.) Limited
  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-Guarantor
Subsidiary
  Eliminating
Entries
  Consolidated
Total
 
   HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 
   (restated)  (restated)        (restated) 

Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities

  (47,586) 237,247  13,476  626  203,763 

Net cash used in investing activities

  (71,625) (374,577) (9,622) 49,580  (406,244)

Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities

  (52,779) 150,000  —    (50,000) 47,221 
              

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

  (171,990) 12,670  3,854   (155,260)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

  352,512  29,317  2,031   383,860 

Effects of foreign exchange rates changes

  (49) (296) 298  (206) (253)
              

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

  180,473  41,691  6,183   228,347 
              
    City
Telecom
(H.K.)
Limited
  Guarantor
subsidiaries
  Non-
guarantor
subsidiary
  Eliminating
entries
  Consolidated
total
 
   HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 

Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities

  (278,174) 403,086  58,994  245  184,151 

Net cash used in investing activities

  (12,087) (425,348) (55,307)  (492,742)

Net cash provided by financing activities

  (85,238) (1,248) —    54  (86,432)
              

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and bank balances

  (375,499) (23,510) 3,687   (395,023)

Cash and bank balances at beginning of year

  461,001  55,309  23,281   539,591 

Effects of foreign exchange rates changes

  1,168  (450) (70) (299) 349 
              

Cash and bank balances at end of year

  86,670  31,349  26,898   144,917 
              

City Telecom (H.K.) Limited

Consolidated financial statements for the year August 31, 2007

31Supplemental guarantors consolidated financial information (continued)

Condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended August 31, 2005

    City
Telecom
(H.K.)
Limited
  Guarantor
subsidiaries
  Non-
guarantor
subsidiary
  Eliminating
entries
  Consolidated
total
 
   HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000  HK$’000 
            (Note (a))    

Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities

  (75,334) 129,263  23,094  360  77,383 

Net cash used in investing activities

  (536,911) (497,143) (5,786) 482,400  (557,440)

Net cash provided by financing activities

  892,713  381,903  —    (482,400) 792,216 
              

Net increase in cash and bank balances

  280,468  14,023  17,308   312,159 

Cash and bank balances at beginning of year

  180,473  41,691  6,183   228,347 

Effects of foreign exchange rates changes

  60  (405) (210) (360) (915)
              

Cash and bank balances at end of year

  461,001  55,309  23,281   539,591 
              

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: 

/s/ Lai Ni Quiaque

Name: Lai Ni Quiaque
Title: Chief Financial Officer

Date: January 26, 200728, 2008