6-K 1 d6k.htm FORM 6-K Form 6-K
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FORM 6-K

 

 

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

 

Report of Foreign Private Issuer

Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of

the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

 

 

 

 

For the month of September 2005

 

 

 

CLP Holdings Limited

(Registrant’s name in English)

 

147 Argyle Street

Kowloon, Hong Kong

(Address of Registrant’s principal executive office)

 

 

 

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

 

 

Form 20-F    X      Form 40-F          

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant by furnishing this information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

 

Yes              No    X  

 

 

If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the Registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82-            


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Registrant hereby incorporates by reference in the report on Form 6-K the following Exhibit:

 

 

 

Exhibit

 

The Interim Report 2005 which was despatched to shareholders on 13 September 2005.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

 

 

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

    For and on behalf of
   

CLP HOLDINGS LIMITED

 

 

By:

 

            / s / April Chan


Name:

 

April Chan

Title:

 

Company Secretary

 

Date: 17 October 2005

 

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CONTENTS

 


 

01      Performance Highlights
03      Chairman’s Statement
       Management’s Discussion and Analysis
06         Business Overview
09         Operational Performance and Outlook
17         Financial Performance
27      Condensed Consolidated Profit and Loss Account
28      Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
30      Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
31      Condensed Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
32      Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Accounts
56      Scheme of Control Statement
57      Independent Review Report
58      Corporate Governance
65      Information for our Investors

 


 

HIGHLIGHTS

 

  Electricity sales in Hong Kong grew 3.1% to 13,193GWh; total sales (which include sales to the Chinese mainland) rose 10.5% to 15,338GWh.
  Consolidated revenue rose 13.8% to HK$16,626 million; revenue from our electricity business in Hong Kong recorded a 8.6% growth to HK$13,638 million.
  Earnings from our electricity business in Hong Kong increased by 5.2% to HK$3,510 million; earnings from other activities grew by 27.7% to HK$1,010 million.
  Total earnings up 10.6% to HK$4,577 million; operating earnings (which exclude Hok Un redevelopment profit) up 9.7% to HK$4,403 million.
  Second interim dividend of HK$0.48 per share.

 



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Performance Highlights

 

     6 months ended 30 June     Increase/
(Decrease)
 
 
                  2005

 

 

  2004

 

 

  %

 

 

Per share                   

Earnings per share, HK$

                  

Including Hok Un redevelopment profit

   1.90     1.72     10.6  

Excluding Hok Un redevelopment profit

   1.83     1.67     9.7  

Dividends per share, HK$

                  

First interim

   0.48     0.45        

Second interim

   0.48     0.45        
    

 

     

Total interim dividends

   0.96     0.90     6.7  
    

 

     
                    
For the period                   

Revenue, HK$M

                  

Hong Kong (HK) electricity business

   13,638     12,563     8.6  

Total

 

   16,626

 

 

  14,615

 

 

  13.8

 

 

Earnings, HK$M

                  

Electricity business in HK

   3,510     3,337     5.2  

Other investments / activities

                  
                    

Sales to Chinese mainland from HK

   63     30        

Generating facilities in Chinese mainland serving HK 1

   431     380        

Other power projects in Chinese mainland

   95     43        

Energy businesses in Asia-Pacific region

   425     404        

Group non-energy activities

   (4 )   (66 )      
     1,010

 

 

  791

 

 

  27.7

 

 

Unallocated net finance costs

   (43 )   (39 )      

Unallocated Group expenses

   (74 )   (75 )      
    

 

     

Total operating earnings

   4,403     4,014     9.7  

Hok Un redevelopment profit

   174     124        
    

 

     

Total earnings

   4,577     4,138     10.6  
    

 

     

Electricity sales (CLP Power HK), millions of kWh

                  

Residential

   3,114     2,875     8.3  

Commercial

   5,259     5,093     3.3  

Infrastructure & Public Services

   3,529     3,497     0.9  

Manufacturing

   1,291     1,333     (3.2 )
    

 

     

Total local sales

   13,193     12,798     3.1  

Export sales

   2,145     1,085     97.7  
    

 

     

Total electricity sales

   15,338     13,883     10.5  
    

 

     

Interest cover 2 , times

   10     9        
As at the balance sheet date    30 June     31 December     Increase  
     2005     2004     %  
                    

Total assets, HK$M

   98,738     80,799     22.2  

Total borrowings, HK$M

   32,502     18,774     73.1  

Shareholders’ funds, HK$M

   46,257     44,199     4.7  

Total debt to total capital 3, %

   41.3     29.8        

 

1 This represents earnings contribution from our investments in Guangdong Nuclear Power Joint Venture Company, Limited and Hong Kong Pumped Storage Development Company, Limited, whose generating facilities serve Hong Kong

 

2 Interest cover = Profit before taxation and interest / (interest charges + capitalised interest)

 

3 Total debt to total capital = debt / (shareholders’ funds + debt + minority interest)

 

 


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LOGO

 

LOGO

 

LOGO


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Chairman’s Statement

 

Dear Shareholders,

 

I am pleased to present our Interim Report for the half year ended 30 June 2005 and to record a strong performance by the CLP Group over this period.

 

Financial Results for the Six-month Period

 

Total operating earnings for the six months ended 30 June 2005 increased by 9.7% to HK$4,403 million, as compared with the corresponding period in 2004.

 

This growth in earnings came from across all our investments in the energy sector, whether these be our electricity business in Hong Kong or our interests in the electricity sector in the Mainland and elsewhere in the Asia-Pacific Region.

 

Further details of the Group’s financial performance are set out in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis which forms part of this Interim Report. In this Chairman’s Statement, I wish to focus on three aspects of our activities which have been of particular significance during the first half of 2005. These are:

 

  The Hong Kong Government’s public consultation on the development of the electricity market in Hong Kong after 2008;
  The progress made by the Group in continuing to make good on its commitment to manage responsibly the environmental aspects of our activities; and
  The completion of CLP’s acquisition of Singapore Power’s merchant energy business in Australia.

 

Hong Kong Electricity Business

 

Stage I of the Hong Kong Government’s public consultation on the development of the electricity market in Hong Kong after 2008 concluded at the end of April. I wrote to shareholders in May to advise that, as promised, CLP has been an active, informed and authoritative participant in the public discussion todate. Our response to Stage I of the consultation, “A Balanced Deal - A Bright Future”, was submitted to Government on 26 April. In this, we emphasised that the keys to the excellence of Hong Kong’s electricity supply were found in a regulatory system which delivers practicality, service excellence, a fair deal for investors and clear accountability and responsibility.

 

In June, Government published its summary of the views received in response to Stage I of its consultation. These included 766 written submissions from many sectors of our community - ranging from businesses to individuals, from trade organisations to environmental groups, as well as 175 messages through the discussion forums on Government’s website. We welcome this wide participation in the debate on the future of our industry.


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It has been noticeable that the majority of those who participated in the consultation consider reliability and the safety of electricity supply to be the most important objectives of the future regulation of Hong Kong’s electricity sectors - in line with the views which CLP itself has already expressed. We are also encouraged that most respondents consider our tariff to be reasonable and affordable.

 

Opinions were expressed that the post-2008 regulatory regime should provide for lowered returns for investors, and for that regime to be subject to a shortened review period. In these respects, CLP’s position is clear - returns must not be judged in isolation, nor should they be reset at unduly frequent intervals. The reliability of Hong Kong’s electricity supply has not happened by chance. It has stemmed from timely and adequate investment in Hong Kong’s electricity infrastructure. This, in turn, depends on a clear and stable regulatory system which offers reasonable returns to investors to facilitate such investment. After all, no other private industry in Hong Kong requires such continuous, large-scale and long-term investment as does the electricity sector.

 

We understand that Government is now taking into consideration the views collected during its Stage I consultation, so as to map out its proposals for the broad framework of development of the post-2008 electricity market, and that Stage II of the consultation will be launched later this year. CLP will continue its vigorous participation in this debate, and we will continue to report to shareholders on developments in this key issue for CLP’s future.

 

Environment

 

A number of respondents to the public consultation on Hong Kong’s electricity sector highlighted the importance of managing the environmental impact of electricity generation and of developing renewable energy sources.

 

I am pleased to report that CLP continues to move ahead on both these issues - in Hong Kong and elsewhere.

 

In Hong Kong, our proposals to retrofit flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) equipment at Castle Peak Power Station have now been approved by Government as part of the 2005-8 Financial Plan for our Hong Kong electricity business. This is a major project, and a challenging one - requiring substantial engineering works to be undertaken at the power station, whilst maintaining the availability of its essential generating capacity. Design and planning work is already underway.

 

The first half of 2005 also saw a significant step forward in our plans to develop the infrastructure needed to assure the availability of natural gas in Hong Kong for our electricity generation, with the start of the environmental review and approval procedures needed for site selection of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) receiving terminal which we will need in order to bring our LNG supply on stream early next decade.

 

As those shareholders who live in Hong Kong will know, local climatic, geographical and physical characteristics place significant constraints on the extent to which renewable energy can be developed in Hong Kong with existing technology. However, CLP remains keen to increase its participation in renewable energy projects - wherever these are economically, technically and environmentally feasible. In recent months, we have increased our investment in renewable energy projects in the Mainland, both wind and hydro. In addition, we are exploring new opportunities elsewhere, notably in Australia and India, where suitable natural resources are available. We aim to report further progress in this area by the end of 2005.

 

 


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Australia

 

In April, a circular to shareholders advised you of the details of the proposed acquisition by CLP of Singapore Power’s merchant energy business in Australia.

 

This acquisition was completed, as targeted, on 31 May 2005. When coupled with CLP’s existing Yallourn Power Station, CLP is well on the way towards building a diversified and integrated energy business in Australia, focusing on electricity and gas retail, with a portfolio of physical assets in support of that retail business.

 

This business, which was rebranded as “TRUenergy” in June, constitutes the fifth largest energy retailer in Australia. The acquisition of the merchant energy business has also brought into the CLP Group a 1,280MW gas-fired power station at Torrens Island in South Australia - meaning that we have moved forward from reliance only on coal-fired generation at Yallourn. We believe that this diversified fuel mix promotes a better balance in our electricity generation activities in Australia, including from an environmental perspective.

 

Given that the acquisition of the merchant energy business was completed only at the end of May, considerable work is underway to integrate that business both with our existing investment at Yallourn and with the standards of operational excellence, financial control and corporate values of the CLP Group as a whole. I will report more fully to shareholders on the progress being made in this regard in our next Annual Report.

 

As in previous years, this Interim Report explains the wider environmental and social aspects of our activities, in addition to our financial and operational performance. 2005 has started well at the CLP Group - we are determined to carry this performance forward through the remainder of this year and beyond.

 

/ s / The Hon. Sir Michael Kadoorie


The Hon. Sir Michael Kadoorie

Hong Kong, 23 August 2005


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Management’s Discussion And Analysis

 

This section describes CLP’s major activities in Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland and elsewhere in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as the Group’s financial results, funding and obligations during the first half of 2005.

 

Business Overview

 

CLP follows a clear, consistent and focused strategy to realise our vision of being a leading investor-operator in the Asia-Pacific electricity power sector. We aim continuously to enhance our core Hong Kong electricity business and to develop a portfolio of electricity businesses in the Chinese mainland and the Asia-Pacific region. An outline of our investments is set out below:

 

Hong Kong

 

Investments   

Equity

Interest

  Description

CLP Power Hong Kong Limited

(CLP Power Hong Kong)

   100%  

CLP Power Hong Kong owns and operates the transmission and distribution system, covering a supply area of approximately 1,000 sq. km and which includes:

•      554 km of 400kV lines;

•      1,156 km of 132kV lines;

•      296 km of 33kV lines;

•      10,151 km of 11kV lines;

•      55,631 MVA transformers;

•      206 primary substations in operation; and

•      12,327 secondary substations in operation.

 

Castle Peak Power Company

Limited (CAPCO), 6,283

megawatts (MW) of installed

generating capacity

   40%  

CAPCO owns:

Black Point Power Station (2,500MW, when completed)

•      Gas-fired power station (with distillate as back-up) comprising eight combined cycle turbines of 312.5MW each.

•      Units 1 to 6 in operation, Unit 7 commenced operation in August 2005 and Unit 8 to be commissioned in 2006.

 

Castle Peak Power Station (4,108MW)

•      Commissioned between 1982 and 1990.

•      One of the world’s largest coal-fired power station complexes, comprising eight units ranging from 350MW to 677MW.

•      Two of the 677MW units are capable of burning gas as backup fuel. All units can burn oil as a backup fuel.

 

Penny’s Bay Power Station (300MW)

•      Three diesel oil-fired units of 100MW each, commissioned in 1992.

 

 

Note: CLP Power Hong Kong operates CAPCO’s power stations and purchases its power from CAPCO and Guangdong Daya Bay Nuclear Power Station. These sources of power, together with CLP’s right to use 50% of the capacity of Phase 1 of the Guangzhou Pumped Storage Power Station, amount to a total installed capacity of 8,263MW.


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Chinese Mainland

 

Investments

Gross/Equity MW

   Equity
Interest
  Description

Guangdong Nuclear Power Joint

Venture Company, Limited

(GNPJVC)

1,968/492MW

   25%  

GNPJVC was established in 1985 to construct and operate Guangdong Daya Bay Nuclear Power Station (GNPS) at Daya Bay LOGO. GNPS is equipped with two 984MW Pressurised Water Reactors for which the majority of the equipment was imported from France and the United Kingdom. 70% of electricity generated is supplied to Hong Kong, with the remaining 30% sold to Guangdong.

 

Hong Kong Pumped Storage

Development Company, Limited

(PSDC)

1,200/600MW

 

   49%   CLP has the right to use half of the 1,200MW pumped storage capacity of Phase I of the Guangzhou Pumped Storage Power Station until 2034.

CLP Guohua Power Company

Limited (CLP Guohua)

2,100/630MW

 

   49%   CLP Guohua holds interests in three coal-fired power stations, namely Beijing Yire in Beijing LOGO, Panshan in Tianjin LOGO, and Sanhe in Hebei LOGO, with a combined installed capacity of 2,100MW.

CLP Guohua Shenmu Power

Company Limited (Shenmu)

200/98MW

 

   49%   Shenmu Power Station, in Shaanxi LOGO, has two 100MW coal-fired units.

Guizhou CLP Power Company

Limited (Guizhou CLP Power)

600/420MW

 

   70%   Guizhou CLP Power owns and operates two 300MW coal-fired generating units which supply the Guizhou LOGO power grid and, indirectly, Guangdong Province LOGO.

Shandong Zhonghua Power

Company, Ltd. (SZPC)

3,000/882MW

 

   29.4%   SZPC owns four coal-fired power stations, Shiheng I and II (totalling 1,200MW), Liaocheng (1,200MW) and Heze II (600MW), in Shandong Province LOGO.

Huaiji Power Project (Huaiji)

98/49MW

 

   50%   Eight small hydro power stations in Huaiji County LOGO, Guangdong Province are in operation, with one under construction, amounting to a total of 98MW.

HNEEP-CLP Changdao Wind

Power Co., Ltd.

(Changdao Wind Power)

27/12MW

 

   45%   Changdao Wind Power was established in 2004 to develop a 27MW wind power project on Changdao Island LOGO to supply power to Shandong Province.

CLP Guangxi Fangchenggang

Power Company Limited

(Fangchenggang)

1,200/840MW

 

   70%   Construction of a new power station with two 600MW coal-fired units at Fangchenggang LOGO, Guangxi LOGO is in progress and the project will be commissioned by end of 2007.


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Asia-Pacific Region

 

Investments

Gross/Equity MW

   Equity
Interest
  Description

Gujarat Paguthan Energy

Corporation Private Limited

(GPEC), India

655MW

 

   100%   GPEC owns and operates a 655MW gas-fired combined cycle power station in Gujarat, India.

Ho-Ping Power Company (Ho-Ping),

Taiwan

1,320/528MW

 

   40%   Ho-Ping owns a 1,320MW coal-fired power station at Ho-Ping, Taiwan, which started operations in 2002. Operation is by a separate joint venture, with the same shareholdings as Ho-Ping, but with CLP management leadership.

Electricity Generating Public

Company Limited (EGCO),

Thailand

5,575/768MW

 

   22.4%   EGCO owns and operates two gas-fired combined cycle power stations in Thailand (2,056MW). It has also invested in a number of small power projects operating in Thailand and the Philippines, totalling 958MW, and in 2,561MW of projects under construction in Thailand and Laos.

BLCP Power Limited (BLCP),

Thailand

1,434/717MW

 

   50%   BLCP is the developer of a 1,434MW coal-fired power station now under construction at Map Ta Phut, Thailand. CLP is responsible for construction management and is the major shareholder in the operating company.

TRUenergy, Australia

3,726MW

   100%  

TRUenergy comprises the ownership and operation of a number of electricity and gas assets in Victoria and South Australia. These include:

from 1 June 2005

•      1,480MW coal-fired Yallourn Power Station and mine

•      1,280MW gas-fired Torrens Island Power Station

•      966MW Ecogen long-term hedge agreement

•      Iona Gas Storage facility

•      Various long-term gas supply contracts

•      Over 1.1 million retail electricity and gas customer accounts

from 29 August 2005

•      33% interest in SEAGas

 


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Operational Performance and Outlook

 

Electricity Business in Hong Kong

 

Following a strong rebound in 2004, the momentum for economic growth slowed slightly but was still sustained at a moderately high pace in the first half of 2005. Electricity sales to local customers in the first half of 2005 rose by 3.1% compared to the corresponding period last year, mainly due to increase in sales to Residential and Commercial sectors.

 

A steady increase in the number of residential customers and high temperatures in May helped sales to the Residential Sector. The Commercial Sector was supported by favourable business conditions and further improvement in the tourist industry. Growth in the Infrastructure & Public Services Sector was offset by the impact of energy conservation programmes within the Government. Sales to the Manufacturing Sector followed the past declining trend due to the reduction of production in Hong Kong.

 

A breakdown of the local sales growth by sector during the period is as follows:

 

     Increase/(Decrease)   Total Local Sales

Residential

   8.3%   23.6%

Commercial

   3.3%   39.9%

Infrastructure & Public Services

   0.9%   26.8%

Manufacturing

   (3.2%)     9.7%

 

Sales to the Chinese mainland recorded strong year-on-year growth of 97.7%. Demand from Shekou remained steady with a slight growth of 0.3%. With the contract with Guangdong Power Grid Corporation (GPG) renewed and continued shortage of electricity supply in Guangdong, significant growth in GPG sales was achieved.

 

Total unit sales, including both local sales and sales to the Chinese mainland, rose 10.5% in the first half of the year over the same period in 2004.

 

A new local maximum demand of 6,475MW was recorded in the evening on 18 July. This represented a growth of 2.3% over last year (6,329MW) and reduces our generation reserve margin to 27.6%.

 

CLP’s efforts towards improving productivity and keeping operating costs to a minimum have led to customers benefiting from an average net tariff that remains the lowest in Hong Kong. During 2004, we announced that tariffs would be frozen in 2005. There has now been no increase in tariff level since 1998.

 

To enhance supply quality and reliability, as well as provide for demand created by new towns and infrastructure development projects in our supply area, CLP incurred HK$1.8 billion of capital expenditure in the transmission and distribution networks during the period. Major projects included establishment of Mai Po, San Shek Wan, On Shum Street and Wan Po Road Substations. In addition, CLP also invested HK$0.7 billion in generation, customer services and other supporting facilities.


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These investments will continue. In June 2005, the Executive Council approved the Financial Plan of our Hong Kong electricity business for the period from January 2005 to September 2008, submitted pursuant to the Scheme of Control Agreement. The approved Financial Plan provides for an estimated capital expenditure of HK$23.8 billion, the majority of which will be used to enhance the transmission and distribution systems.

 

We continue to strive to provide quality services to our customers, and to maintain a high level of satisfaction across all customer segments. Our 15 Customer Service Centres continue to be one of the popular service channels for the general public, visited by more and more customers. CLP’s commitment to quality customer service is reinforced by the Performance Pledges published annually.

 

Our performance in customer service is well recognised in the local industry. We won five awards at the Hong Kong Association for Customer Service Excellence Award 2004 in service counter, hotline and internal support services.

 

As an advocate of safe and efficient use of energy, CLP launched a series of promotional campaigns on electrical applications and appliances for business and residential customers. Electric cooking in particular has gained popularity. In a recent market survey, 58% of respondents are aware of induction cookers and 50% can easily recall the benefits.

 

To ensure ongoing improvements in business productivity, CLP continues to invest in information technology. Key projects include the Trouble Call and Outage Management System for supply reliability enhancement, a new field work handheld device system for improvement of customer service jobs, and a Plant Maintenance Optimisation System in order to better manage the generation assets.

 

CLP adopts innovative approaches with the aim of ongoing improvement in our work processes and environment. In March 2005, we won the Grand Award in the Green Innovative Practice Award for the Hong Kong Eco-Business Award 2004, based on our project on “Insulating Oil Regeneration Plant for Power Transformers” with an annual saving of HK$4 million.

 

Electricity Investments in the Chinese Mainland

 

The Guangdong Daya Bay Nuclear Power Station, in which CLP holds a 25% share, operated at a high capacity factor in the first six months. The station was awarded first places in Nuclear Safety, Industrial Safety and Radiation Protection in the 2004 Safety Challenge Competition, which included all the nuclear power stations in France and South Africa. Daya Bay also obtained its ISO 14001 re-accreditation, a recognition that Daya Bay has held since 1999.

 

Coal supply and tariff management for our joint ventures SZPC, CLP Guohua, Shenmu and Guizhou CLP Power continued to be a primary focus in 2005.

 

Despite the coal supply situation remaining tight, operation of the power stations has not been affected, except for Anshun II Power Station in Guizhou which experienced temporary restrictions in generation in February 2005 due to coal shortage.


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The surge in coal prices which commenced in 2004 has not shown signs of abatement, and high coal prices are likely to prevail throughout 2005. To alleviate the financial pressure on power stations, the PRC authorities approved new tariffs which became effective in mid-2005. Most of the power stations under our joint ventures benefited from the increased tariffs. However, the increases are in general not sufficient to fully compensate for the significant rises in coal costs, resulting in various degrees of impact on profits of our joint ventures. The CLP Guohua and Shenmu power stations were least affected because of higher than projected operating hours. The impact on the Anshun II has been moderate, while that on the Shandong joint venture was substantial.

 

As regards new projects, satisfactory progress has been made on the 2 x 600MW greenfield project at Fangchenggang in Guangxi in which CLP has a 70% interest. Following the approval of the project by the National Development and Reform Commission and Ministry of Commerce, the joint venture was formally established in May 2005. Procurement of the major plant and auxiliary equipment was also completed. Construction has commenced and it is expected that the project will be commissioned by the end of 2007.

 

Electricity Investments in the Asia-Pacific Region

 

CLP acquired the TXU Merchant Energy Business (MEB) from Singapore Power on 31 May 2005. The acquisition was partly financed by CLP Group’s internal funds, with a new corporate finance facility used to finance the balance of the acquisition and re-finance existing facilities of Yallourn Energy Pty Limited (Yallourn Energy). An investment grade credit rating of “A-” was obtained from Standard & Poor’s.

 

Yallourn Energy and the MEB were combined to form TRUenergy which is the fifth largest energy retailer in Australia and sells gas and electricity to over 1.1 million customers across the eastern Australian states of Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland. TRUenergy provides horizontal integration in generation and vertical integration into retail, and access to gas supply. Besides providing significant mitigation to electricity market risks, the integrated business with an investment grade credit rating also provides a strong platform for CLP’s future expansion in the Australian energy retail and generation sectors, including renewable energy.

 

Following obtaining all the necessary third party consents, CLP’s acquisition of Singapore Power’s 33% interest in SEAGas was completed on 29 August 2005.

 

Our wholly-owned power station GPEC, in India, continued to maintain high standards of reliability and safety. Following satisfactory implementation of the amended Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the Gujarat Electricity Board (GEB), there was significant improvement in overdue payments in 2004. Although some new challenges to the PPA terms in relation to matters such as incentive payments received when GPEC was available on naphtha fuel but not dispatched and calculations of interest on working capital re-emerged in early 2005, CLP has discussed these with GEB and Gujarat state authorities and is confident that these will be resolved amicably. Work on the 1,095MW expansion at the GPEC site has also been progressing, with tenders for the Engineering, Procurement and Construction contracts having been received and being evaluated. Discussions on power off-take and gas supply are also underway.


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In Thailand, construction of the BLCP project has been progressing satisfactorily. The two 717MW coal-fired generating units are expected to commence commercial operation in 2006/07 as planned. Mobilisation of Operations and Maintenance (“O&M”) activities by an O&M company with CLP leadership also commenced. The current activities are focused on recruitment, installation of information technology systems, preparation of procedures and establishment of a comprehensive training program.

 

Details of the plans for the reform of the Thai electricity industry, privatisation of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand and the solicitation for new generation capacity are still being developed. In light of these developments, we continue to review our position in EGCO as well as our obligation under a Joint Development Agreement to divest half of our share in BLCP to EGCO.

 

In the first half of 2005, Ho-Ping Power Station in Taiwan continued to show significant improvements in operations, with high reliability recorded. However, on 18 July two of the three coal storage domes were damaged during the passage of Typhoon Haitang. The third dome had been damaged last year. Production and coal unloading were interrupted but resumed after a few days. In the meantime, claims under insurance policies and equipment warranties for the three domes are being pursued.

 

Favourable adjustment in the energy charge rate at Ho-Ping has also been awarded in accordance with the mechanism under the PPA with Taiwan Power Company. This mitigated to a large extent previous increases in coal and transportation costs. Ho-Ping has obtained “twA+” long-term and “twA-2” short-term corporate credit ratings, with a stable long-term outlook, from Taiwan Ratings Corporation. This would assist Ho-Ping’s potential refinancing of its existing loans by the issue of an unsecured bond to reduce interest costs and interest rate exposure.

 

Electricity-Related Businesses

 

Property Business

 

CLP redevelops sites in Hong Kong which are no longer required for electricity purposes.

 

In recent years, our major project has been the residential redevelopment of the former power station at Hok Un, Kowloon. This 50/50 joint venture project, known as Laguna Verde, led by CLP and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cheung Kong (Holdings) Ltd., comprises 4,735 flats, 1,692 parking spaces and 270,000 sq.ft. of commercial space. Over 99% of the residential units had been sold by the end of June 2005.

 

Following the completion of the Hok Un redevelopment and the sale of the site at 305 Castle Peak Road, as reported in our Annual Report 2004, we do not currently consider that there are other surplus sites in Hong Kong which would be made available for redevelopment on any significant scale.

 

Public Lighting and Engineering Services

 

CLP continues to offer contracting and consultancy services in power engineering, communications, building services, road lighting, facility management and energy services for customers in Hong Kong and neighbouring areas. Our energy services include energy audit, fuel switching, power quality improvement and chiller enhancement works. We also maintain electrical systems in the Passenger Terminal Building, the sea water pumping stations, fixed ground power installation and road lighting for the Airport Authority.


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Human Resources

 

On 30 June 2005, the Group employed 5,672 staff (2004: 4,678), of whom 3,829 (2004: 3,897) were employed in the electricity business in Hong Kong and 1,536 (2004: 479) by CLP Power Asia, TRUenergy and GPEC. Total remuneration for the six months ended 30 June 2005 was HK$1,223 million (2004: HK$1,246 million), including retirement benefit costs of HK$91 million for Hong Kong-based employees. The reason for the reduction in total remuneration is that, in the comparable period in 2004, special provision was made by the electricity business in Hong Kong to buyout certain work related allowances and bonuses in order to facilitate the transition to a new incentive based remuneration system.

 

During the first half of 2005, we have undertaken a number of key human resources initiatives.

 

Group-wide, the 2005 Management Development and Succession Planning process was initiated. In addition to ensuring that we have successors in place for identified key positions and Senior Management, this annual process is designed to identify new talent systematically.

 

As a continued effort to develop talent, we nominate high potential staff to attend Leadership Development Programs organised by reputable business schools. In 2005, nine staff have completed the Leadership Development Program organised with the Richard Ivey School of Business.

 

We have also continued with the CLP Internship Programme which encourages students to join CLP during summer or for a 12-month placement. Each student is assigned a specific project and a CLP manager as mentor. The programme has an excellent reputation with local universities. There are 49 students participating in this year’s programme.

 

With the growth of our business in the Asia-Pacific region, we have been encouraging more staff mobility across the region in order to leverage our core skills and experience, and also provide development opportunities to staff.

 

Safety

 

LOGO

 

 


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Two disabling injury incidents occurred in our Hong Kong electricity business in the first half of 2005, resulting in a disabling injury incidence rate of 0.09. On a rolling twelve months basis, the disabling injury incidence rate for the period to 30 June 2005 was 0.11, which compared favourably with that achieved for the calendar year 2004 (0.14).

 

During the period, significant efforts were placed on a number of safety enhancement and cultural improvement processes with the purpose of encouraging safer behaviour at work. We also continued the implementation of a Safety Incentive Scheme and a Behavior Safety Observation Scheme.

 

Environment

 

In the CLP Group’s “Manifesto on Air Quality and Climate Change” (the Manifesto) issued in December 2004, we committed to a series of initiatives in three key areas of responsible environmental management: climate change, air quality and energy conservation. We report below on our progress in each of these areas.

 

Climate Change

 

CLP undertook in the Manifesto to increase renewable energy sources to approximately 5% of the Group’s total generating capacity by 2010. In line with this commitment, CLP is investigating and investing in renewable energy projects outside of Hong Kong, focusing on wind farms and hydro schemes and with an immediate emphasis on China, Australia and India.

 

In June 2005, we increased our interest in the Huaiji hydro project in Guangdong, China, to 50%. A restructuring scheme is being implemented to resolve the issue of overdue electricity payment, to raise capital to complete a hydro plant being constructed and to improve the financing arrangements for the project. The scheme should put the project on a better financial standing and enable CLP to increase its ownership and exercise greater control over the project.

 

We have widened our partnership with a subsidiary of the China Huaneng Group on wind farm projects in China. Following our 45% investment in the 27MW wind farm at Changdao in Shandong Province, which is currently under construction, we have concluded commercial arrangements for taking a 45% interest in the 19.5MW greenfield wind project at Weihai in Shandong. Wind monitoring at various sites in Guangdong and Hainan Island is also being conducted. We are also reviewing wind farm opportunities in Australia and small hydro schemes in India.

 

In July 2004, CLP launched a commercial scale wind turbine pilot demonstration to investigate the economic, environmental and technical feasibility and practicality of wind energy applications in Hong Kong. This pilot study will take a commercial scale wind turbine through the full site selection and regulatory process to educate the industry and the community about wind energy applications in Hong Kong.

 

Through a structured site selection exercise and engagement of various stakeholders including the Government, green groups and community groups, two potential sites, namely Kau Sai Chau and Hei Ling Chau, were identified. A preferred site will be selected based on the results of the on-site wind resource measurement, engineering design and preliminary impact assessment to be conducted on both potential sites in the coming months.


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The CLP-sponsored wind resource assessment for Hong Kong is nearing conclusion. This year CLP provided additional sponsorship to the same team at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology for an assessment of the adjacent province of Guangdong.

 

Air Quality

 

We are committed to improving the environmental performance of our electricity generation activities in Hong Kong. A major environmental initiative we are planning to undertake is an Emissions Control Project at the Castle Peak B Power Station, which involves the retrofit of FGD equipment.

 

We have been proceeding with the necessary front-end engineering works. Technology option selection is nearing completion and we are preparing to undertake an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). A retrofit project such as this will involve a large amount of demolition, plant re-location, and construction works to be undertaken on an operating site. It is imperative that power generation is not disrupted throughout the project period. We are developing a project execution plan to ensure smooth and timely implementation of the project, while maintaining a reliable supply of electricity to our customers.

 

CLP is developing the infrastructure needed to assure the availability of LNG in Hong Kong. Preliminary site selection studies for the LNG receiving and storage terminal identified two sites which appear suitable, South Soko Island and adjacent to CAPCO’s Black Point Power Station. EIAs are underway for both sites, with anticipated completion in mid 2006.

 

Leading up to the EIA submission, an active public communication campaign has helped inform the public and various other stakeholders of the benefits of LNG, as well as the need for a receiving terminal and storage facility in Hong Kong. This campaign has included briefings with various stakeholders including green groups, community groups, and various government departments, advertisements, and a website. For more details, we invite you to visit our project website at www.clpgroup.com/environment/lng or phone our enquiry hotline at (852) 2678-8189.

 

CLP was the first company to sign the Clean Air Charter. This charter is led by the Business Coalition on the Environment, and aims to engage the business community in voluntary emissions reductions to clean up the air in Hong Kong and elsewhere in the Pearl River Delta.

 

Energy Conservation

 

In June 2005, we received our first certificate in the Hong Kong Energy Efficiency Registration Scheme for Buildings for our newly commissioned Sham Mong Road Substation. This will be adopted as the latest design standard for our future substations in Hong Kong.

 

CLP continued its effort in enhancing public awareness on energy savings through our school and community PowerWise outreach programmes. The PowerWise website, which passes on practical tips on wise use of energy in a fun and interactive way, has attracted about 60,000 visits from internet users.

 

During the first half of the year, more than 1,600 advisory services including energy audits were provided to our customers to help reduce their energy costs.


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Shareholder value

 

During the first half of 2005, CLP’s share price was down 0.22%, whereas the Hang Seng Index (HSI) decreased by 0.20%.

 

LOGO

 

The final dividends for 2004, comprising HK$0.73 per share by way of ordinary dividend and HK$0.15 per share as special dividend, were paid to Shareholders on 29 April 2005. The first interim dividend for 2005 of HK$0.48 per share was paid on 15 June 2005 and the second interim dividend of HK$0.48 per share will be paid on 15 September 2005.


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Financial Performance

 

The financial results for the six months ended 30 June 2005, which are unaudited but have been reviewed by the Audit Committee and our external Auditors, incorporate the following two significant changes from the corresponding period in 2004 and from the financial year ended 31 December 2004:

 

1. The adoption of a number of new and revised Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards (HKFRSs) and Hong Kong Accounting Standards (HKASs) issued by the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants which become effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2005; and

 

2. The consolidation of the MEB in Australia following completion of the acquisition on 31 May 2005.

 

The adoption of the new accounting standards does not have material impact on earnings, but requires changes to the presentation of the profit and loss account (refer to page 27 of this Interim Report). HKAS 1 “Presentation of Financial Statements” prohibits presentation of any items of income and expense as extraordinary items and hence, the following reclassifications have been made:

 

(a) Profit from Hok Un redevelopment, previously shown as a separate line on the profit and loss account, has been grouped as part of the share of results from jointly controlled entities;

 

(b) The transfers under the Scheme of Control (SoC) arrangement have been reclassified, namely (i) transfers from or to the Development Fund reclassified as revenue and (ii) the transfer to Rate Reduction Reserve (i.e. 8% interest on the average Development Fund balance) reclassified as finance costs.

 

For the balance sheet (refer to page 28 of this Report), the major changes are:

 

(a) Leasehold land is now shown separately from fixed assets;

 

(b) Negative goodwill of HK$1,046 million recognised to 2004 has been credited to the opening balance of retained profits;

 

(c) Mark-to-market value of all derivative and energy trading instruments, which previously were not allowed for recognition, are now recognised; and

 

(d) GPEC’s discounted bills with recourse, which were previously treated as contingent liabilities, have been accounted for as a collateralised borrowing starting 2005. The Group has no material contingent liabilities as at 30 June 2005.

 

As the acquisition of the MEB was only completed on 31 May 2005, the one-month post-acquisition profit of HK$6 million, which was affected by seasonal factors in Australia and non-recurring expenses associated with the acquisition and re-branding exercise, did not make a significant contribution to earnings. However, the consolidation of the MEB’s net assets did have a significant impact on the consolidated balance sheet. These are described in more details under the “Group’s Financial Position” section.


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Consolidated Financial Results

 

Revenue

 

During the six-month period to 30 June 2005, our revenue registered a 13.8% increase to HK$16,626 million (2004: HK$14,615 million). Our businesses in Hong Kong and Australia contributed to this growth.

 

Revenue from our electricity business in Hong Kong recorded a 8.6% growth to HK$13,638 million (2004: HK$12,563 million). The increase was mainly due to higher unit sales and increased fuel clause revenue. The transfer from the Development Fund, which is an adjustment under the SoC, has now been reclassified as revenue which amounted to HK$338 million (2004: HK$693 million, including HK$96 million transferred from the special provision account).

 

Revenue from our energy businesses outside Hong Kong amounted to HK$2,922 million (2004: HK$1,966 million), with the increase mainly resulting from the incorporation of the MEB’s revenue of HK$935 million for the one-month post-acquisition period.

 

Group Earnings

 

Total operating earnings were HK$4,403 million, which was HK$389 million higher than the corresponding period last year, representing an increase of 9.7%. Total earnings, which include Hok Un redevelopment profit, increased by 10.6% to HK$4,577 million.

 

Our electricity business in Hong Kong continues to provide stable earnings growth, with earnings increasing by 5.2% to HK$3,510 million. This resulted from the combined effect of ongoing investments in fixed assets to meet new customer demands and to improve quality of services.

 

Earnings from other energy businesses and investments rose 27.7% to HK$1,010 million, reflecting improved contributions from our overseas businesses and investments in the energy sector and reduction in losses from non-energy activities particularly after the withdrawal from telecommunication business in 2004.

 

Earnings from investments in GNPJVC and PSDC increased from HK$380 million to HK$431 million due to increased generation from continuous high performance of the nuclear plant. Earnings from other investments in the Chinese mainland continued to be adversely affected by high coal costs, and were lower than last year when the write-off of financing charges related to the Shandong project loans was excluded.

 

Our energy businesses in the Asia-Pacific region recorded an earnings growth of 5.2% to HK$425 million, with contributions mainly coming from GPEC, India. Contributions from our Australian business during the six-month period to 30 June 2005 had been affected by the one-off swap breakage cost associated with the refinancing of Yallourn Energy’s loans. With the progressive integration of Yallourn Energy and MEB, we expect to have a meaningful contribution from this segment in the second half of the year.


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The contribution of each major activity to the Group earnings is analysed as follows:

 

     6 months ended 30 June      
     2005     2004     Increase
     HK$M     HK$M     HK$M     HK$M     %

Earnings from electricity business in Hong Kong

         3,510           3,337     5.2

Electricity sales to Chinese mainland from Hong Kong

   63           30            

Generating facilities in Chinese mainland serving Hong Kong (GNPJVC & PSDC)

   431           380            

Other power projects in Chinese mainland

   95           43            

Energy businesses in Asia-Pacific region

   425           404            

Group non-energy activities

   (4 )         (66 )          
    

       

         

Earnings from other investments / activities

         1,010           791     27.7

Unallocated net finance costs

         (43 )         (39 )    

Unallocated Group expenses

         (74 )         (75 )    
          

       

   

Total operating earnings

         4,403           4,014     9.7

Hok Un redevelopment profit

         174           124      
          

       

   

Group earnings attributable to shareholders

         4,577           4,138     10.6
          

       

   

Weighted average number of shares in issue, million shares

         2,408.25           2,408.25      

Earnings per share, HK$

                            

Including Hok Un redevelopment profit

         1.90           1.72     10.6

Excluding Hok Un redevelopment profit

         1.83           1.67     9.7

 

Earnings per share increased by 10.6% when compared to the corresponding period in 2004. Excluding the Hok Un redevelopment profit, earnings per share increased by 9.7%.

 

Group’s Financial Position

 

The Group has a strong balance sheet, with total assets as at 30 June 2005 amounting to HK$98,738 million (December 2004: HK$80,799 million). The increase of HK$17,939 million was mainly due to the consolidation of the newly acquired MEB. The acquisition gave rise to a significant increase on items such as fixed assets, derivative instruments, and trade and other receivables and reduction of deferred tax assets after offsetting by the assumed deferred tax liabilities. Goodwill and other intangible assets arising from this acquisition totalled HK$6,974 million. As the acquisition was completed only one month prior to the balance sheet date, the fair values assigned to the identifiable assets and liabilities are provisional only. Further work will be carried out in the coming months before the end of 2005 to refine the fair value allocation and therefore may result in a corresponding adjustment to goodwill.


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Our total assets, which comprise primarily fixed and intangible assets as well as investments in jointly controlled entities and associated companies, analysed by principal activities, are as follows:

 

     30 June 2005    31 December 2004
    

HK$M

 

  

%

 

  

HK$M

 

  

%

 

Energy businesses / investments in

                   

Hong Kong

   53,057    53    50,710    63

Asia-Pacific region

   38,251    39    22,468    28

Chinese mainland

   6,722    7    6,858    8
    
  
     98,030    99    80,036    99

Property and other businesses

   708    1    763    1
    
  
     98,738    100    80,799    100
    
  

 

Total bank loans and other borrowings, which excluded the obligations under finance leases, increased from HK$18,774 million to HK$30,967 million. Details of the Group’s borrowings are provided in the “Financing” section.

 

Business Acquisitions and Developments

 

On 31 May 2005, we completed the acquisition of the MEB (except for the interest on SEAGas partnership) in Australia for a purchase consideration of HK$11,916 million. The acquisition was funded from internal resources as well as new financing facilities which are discussed further in the “Financing” section. With respect to the acquisition of Singapore Power’s interest in SEAGas partnership, all necessary third party consents were obtained and the acquisition was completed on 29 August 2005. The consideration for this acquisition was A$195 million, of which a deposit of A$75 million (approximately HK$448 million) was paid prior to 30 June 2005.

 

Pursuant to the Equity Contribution Agreement and its amendment agreement relating to the BLCP power project of Thailand, we are required to make further equity contributions of US$148 million by 2007.

 

For our investments in the Chinese mainland, we made capital contributions of RMB27 million (approximately HK$25 million) to a wind power project in Changdao and advances of RMB131 million (approximately HK$123 million) to a coal-fired power project in Fangchenggang during the first half of 2005. Further equity contributions of RMB18 million and RMB966 million are expected to be made by the end of this year for the Changdao project and by 2007 for the Fangchenggang project respectively. We also entered into a joint venture to develop another wind project in Weihai and are required to make an equity contribution of RMB30 million by 2006. We increased our shareholding in the hydro power stations in Huaiji, Guangdong, through an acquisition of the interest held by Sun Hung Kai China Development Fund Limited. The acquisition, at a consideration of HK$53 million, was completed on 30 June 2005.


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Fixed Assets and Capital Expenditure

 

Fixed assets and leasehold land of the Group totalled HK$63,976 million as at 30 June 2005, comprising mainly the investments in the transmission and distribution network for our core Hong Kong electricity business of HK$43,296 million (December 2004: HK$42,415 million) and in the generating facilities of overseas subsidiaries of HK$20,502 million (December 2004: HK$15,147 million). During the six-month period, we invested HK$2,179 million (2004: HK$2,637 million), of which HK$1,911 million (2004: HK$2,313 million) was made by CLP Power Hong Kong, in various fixed assets (including payments for lease premium for land). Capital expenditure by CAPCO for the six months was HK$619 million (2004: HK$829 million).

 

Capital expenditure contracted, but not provided for in the accounts, as at 30 June 2005 amounted to HK$2,300 million (December 2004: HK$2,207 million). Other than HK$377 million (December 2004: HK$240 million) which was for our overseas subsidiaries, these contracted amounts are primarily for enhancing our transmission and distribution systems in Hong Kong.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

As at 30 June 2005, we had liquid funds of HK$1,932 million (December 2004: HK$2,520 million), of which 94% was denominated in foreign currency mainly held by overseas subsidiaries in India and Australia. The remainder was in Hong Kong dollars.

 

We strive to maintain an appropriate mix of committed and uncommitted facilities and solicit our facilities from a pool of financial institutions with strong credit standing. As at 30 June 2005, financing facilities totalling HK$40.2 billion were available to the Group, including HK$15.6 billion for overseas subsidiaries. Of the available facilities, HK$31.0 billion had been drawn down, of which HK$13.2 billion was by overseas subsidiaries. Facilities totalling HK$9.5 billion were available to CAPCO, of which HK$9.0 billion had been drawn down. The debts of overseas subsidiaries are without recourse to CLP Holdings. Of these borrowings, HK$716 million as at 30 June 2005 are secured by fixed and floating charges over the assets of GPEC.

 

Our total debt to total capital as at 30 June 2005 was 41.3% and interest cover for the six months ended 30 June 2005 was 10 times.

 

Financing

 

The Group engaged in new financing activities in the first half of 2005 to support the continuous expansion of electricity business in Hong Kong and acquisition of the MEB in Australia. We continue to adopt a prudent approach to all our financial arrangements, while at the same time aiming to achieve cost effective funding.

 

In April 2005, CLP Holdings completed a HK$6 billion self-arranged medium term loan facility with 15 international banks. CLP Holdings increased the limit of this loan arrangement to HK$6 billion from the original target of HK$4 billion upon favourable responses from the financial market, and utilised a HK$2 billion commitment amount to replace a higher-priced tranche of its existing loan facility. A portion of the financing was also used to fund part of the equity contribution related to the acquisition of the MEB. The new loan facility should provide CLP Holdings with ample liquidity to meet its investment needs over the next few years.


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CLP Australia Finance Pty Ltd. (CLP Australia Finance), a wholly-owned subsidiary in Australia, completed a A$2.2 billion unsecured corporate loan facility and a A$250 million working capital facility in May 2005. The facilities were used to fund the balance of the purchase consideration payable upon the acquisition of the MEB, refinance the existing Yallourn Energy’s project finance facilities, and fund the working capital requirements for our business in Australia. The loans are non-recourse to CLP Holdings and Standard & Poor’s (S&P) has assigned its “A-” credit rating to the A$2.2 billion unsecured debt facilities with stable outlook.

 

In January and June 2005, CLP Power Hong Kong issued two tranches of fixed rate notes due 2015 of HK$500 million each, with coupon rates at 4.35% and 4.15% respectively, through its wholly-owned subsidiary CLP Power Hong Kong Financing Limited. These issues were made under the Medium Term Note (MTN) Programme set up by CLP Power Hong Kong Financing Limited in 2002. Under the MTN Programme, notes in an aggregate amount of up to US$1.5 billion may be issued and will be unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed by CLP Power Hong Kong. As at 30 June 2005, nominal value of about HK$5,340 million notes have been issued under the MTN Programme.

 

LOGO

 

 


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Credit Rating

 

In May 2005, S&P lowered the foreign currency and local currency corporate credit rating of CLP Holdings to “A” from “A+”. S&P’s downgrade of CLP Holdings’ rating reflects its view of CLP Holdings’ increasing business risk as a result of our international diversification efforts over the past few years and the increased level of debt following the acquisition of the MEB in Australia. At the same time, S&P affirmed its “A+” foreign currency and local currency credit rating on CLP Power Hong Kong. S&P noted that although the SoC was likely to be renegotiated with a potential lower rate of return, it expected that CLP Power Hong Kong’s market position and financial performance would remain strong.

 

In addition to CLP Holdings and CLP Power Hong Kong, S&P also assigned its “A-” long-term credit rating to two of our Australian subsidiaries, namely CLP Australia Holdings Pty Ltd. and TRUenergy Pty Ltd. in May 2005. The outlook for all ratings is stable.

 

Moody’s re-affirmed the foreign currency rating of CLP Holdings and CLP Power Hong Kong unchanged at “A1” in May 2005 and at the same time revised downward the local currency issuer rating of CLP Holdings and CLP Power Hong Kong to “A1” and “Aa3” from “Aa2” and “Aa1” respectively. This puts CLP Power Hong Kong on par with the HKSAR’s local currency rating of “Aa3”. The outlook for the ratings is stable. Moody’s downgrade reflected its view of the increased overall business risk profile and financial leverage of CLP Holdings after the acquisition of the Australian MEB. At the same time, Moody’s continued to recognise the key credit strengths of strong and highly predictable cash flow generated from CLP Power Hong Kong, management’s gradual approach to overseas expansion, and CLP Group’s strong access to bank and capital markets. Both Moody’s and S&P consider CLP Power Hong Kong to be an integral part of CLP Holdings with both ratings closely linked.

 

In July 2005, Moody’s upgraded the foreign currency bond rating of CLP Power Hong Kong to “Aa3” from “A1” based on the view that foreign currency bonds subject to international law are less likely to be subject to a debt moratorium than foreign currency obligations subject to local law and hence the differential in the ratings on foreign currency bond and foreign currency issuer ratings.

 

Separately, Fitch affirmed its self-initiated foreign currency and local currency ratings of CLP Holdings and CLP Power Hong Kong at “A+” with stable outlook in March 2005.

 

The credit ratings of major companies within the Group as at 30 June 2005 are summarised below. All ratings remain at investment grade which can facilitate and enhance our position in local and overseas business activities, including fund raising, investment and new business opportunities.

 

     CLP Holdings    CLP Power Hong Kong    CLP Australia
Holdings
   HKSAR Government 1
    

S&P

 

  

Moody’s

 

  

S&P

 

  

Moody’s

 

  

S&P

 

  

S&P

 

  

Moody’s

 

Long-term Rating                                   

Foreign Currency

   A    A1    A+    A1    A-    AA-    A1

Outlook

   Stable    Stable    Stable    Stable    Stable    Stable    Stable

Local Currency

   A    A1    A+    Aa3    A-    AA-    Aa3

Outlook

   Stable    Stable    Stable    Stable    Stable    Stable    Stable
Short-term Rating                                   

Foreign Currency

   A-1    P-1    A-1    P-1        —    A-1+    P-1

Local Currency

   A-1       A-1           —    A-1+   

 

1 rating updated as at 20 July 2005


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Risk Management

 

The Group’s investments and operations have resulted in exposures to foreign currency risks, interest rate risks, credit risks and price risks associated with the sales and purchases of electricity in Australia. We actively manage such risks by using different derivative instruments with an objective to minimise the impact of exchange rate, interest rate and electricity price fluctuations on earnings, reserves and tariff charges to customers and monitor our risk exposures with the assistance of “Value-at-Risk” (VaR) methodology. VaR is a risk measurement that probabilistically calculates the market risk of a portfolio using historical volatility over a defined holding period. Other than certain electricity trading activities engaged by our Australian business, all derivative instruments are employed solely for hedging purposes.

 

Foreign Currency Risks

 

The Group’s foreign currency exposures primarily arise from CLP Power Hong Kong’s significant foreign currency obligations related to its U.S. dollar-denominated debt, nuclear power purchase off-take commitments, fuel and other purchase-related payments and CLP Power Asia’s investments abroad.

 

In order to mitigate the potential impact of foreign currency movement on electricity tariff in Hong Kong, CLP Power Hong Kong continues to hedge a significant portion of its U.S. dollar obligations, provided that the hedging can be accomplished at rates below the Government’s target peg rate of 7.80. We will review this policy periodically in light of changing market conditions to optimise benefits.

 

For investments overseas, we do not hedge translation exposure arising from consolidation of the Group’s net assets outside Hong Kong because the investments are long-term and effective hedging instruments are either limited or costly. The translation gains or losses do not affect the Group’s cash flow or earnings until an investment is sold. Our primary foreign exchange risk is at the individual project company level where non-functional currency exposures, if not managed properly, can lead to significant financial distress. Therefore, our primary risk mitigation is to ensure that project-level debt financings are implemented on a local currency basis to the maximum extent possible. Certain investments have incorporated direct and indirect indexation in their project agreements to reduce earnings impact from foreign exchange fluctuation.

 

Interest Rate Risks

 

The Group utilises fixed rate borrowings and interest rate swaps to mitigate the impact of interest rate volatility on current and future corporate profitability.

 

CLP Power Hong Kong conducts annual reviews to determine a preferred fixed/floating interest rate mix appropriate for its business profile. For the Group’s overseas investments, each project company has developed its own hedging program taking into consideration project debt service sensitivities to interest rate movements, lender requirements, tax and accounting implications.

 

In May 2005, Yallourn Energy closed out all its interest rate swaps upon completion of its project debt refinancing by new credit facilities at CLP Australia Finance. To mitigate its interest rate exposure arising from the new borrowings, CLP Australia Finance entered into interest rate swaps with notional amount totalled A$1.2 billion to convert part of its floating interest rate obligations into fixed rate.


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Credit Risks

 

All finance-related hedging transactions and deposits of CLP Holdings and its principal subsidiaries are made with counter-parties with acceptable credit rating to minimise credit exposure. The Group assigns limits to its counter-parties and monitors potential exposures to each counter-party utilising the VaR methodology. All derivative transactions are entered into at the sole credit of the respective subsidiaries and affiliates and the counter-parties have no recourse to CLP Holdings for any change in the market value of derivatives.

 

Electricity Sales and Purchases Risks

 

There are risks in the Australian energy sector resulting from price volatility and the possibility of continuing low pool prices in Australia’s National Electricity Market (NEM). Our operating companies in Australia have entered into energy contracts, including forward electricity pricing contracts, swaps and options contracts to help reduce the impact on earnings of the volatility of NEM pool prices. They have engaged in energy trading activities and all trading and marketing activities are conducted within a clear and appropriate risk management framework.

 

The successful acquisition of the MEB in May 2005 takes the Group from ownership of a single electricity generating asset towards a broader-based vertically integrated Australian energy business with significant access to the retail gas and electricity market. The resulting combination of generation and retail should provide a natural hedge that can significantly reduce the potential impacts of volatile and cyclical wholesale pool prices.

 

Derivative Instruments

 

As at 30 June 2005, the Group had gross outstanding derivative instruments amounting to HK$71.6 billion. The fair value of these derivative instruments was at a net surplus of HK$90 million, which represents the net amount we would receive if these contracts were closed out on 30 June 2005. The significant change in fair value from net deficit of HK$1,199 million as at 31 December 2004 is primarily attributed to the strengthening of U.S. dollar in the forward currency markets in the first half of 2005.

 

The breakdown by type and maturity profile of the Group’s derivative instruments are shown below:

 

Type

           
     Notional Amount    Fair Value Gain/(Loss) 1  
     30 June
2005
  31 December
2004
   30 June
2005
 
 
  31 December
2004
 
 
     HK$M   HK$M    HK$M     HK$M  

CLP Group

                     

Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts

   42,593   44,961    (231 )   (1,192 )

Interest Rate Swaps

   9,509   16,295    (105 )   (358 )

Currency Swaps & Collars

   4,681   4,680    187     255  

Energy Hedging & Trading Options

   1,131   48    (2 )    

Energy Hedging & Trading Swap Contracts

   13,669   2,330    241     96  
    
  

     71,583   68,314    90     (1,199 )

CAPCO

                     

Interest Rate Swaps

   4,293   4,378    (85 )   (253 )
    
  

Total

   75,876   72,692    5     (1,452 )
    
  

 

1 2004 comparative figures are not provided in the condensed consolidated interim accounts as HKAS 39 “Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement” prescribes the recognition of derivatives at fair value in the balance sheet to take effect prospectively from 1 January 2005.


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Page 26

 

Maturity Profile

 

LOGO

 

With the adoption of HKAS 39 “Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement” in 2005, all derivatives are required to be recognised in the balance sheet at their fair value. The fair value of derivatives as at 31 December 2004 had been recognised as assets or liabilities on 1 January 2005. Subsequent changes in fair value of the derivatives will have no impact on the Group’s cash flow until settlement as these are non-cash items.


Table of Contents

Page 27

 

Condensed Consolidated Profit And Loss Account

 

            (Unaudited)
6 months ended 30 June
 
 
     Note      2005
HK$M
 
 
     2004
HK$M
 
 
                     (Restated)  

Revenue

   5,6      16,626        14,615  
           

    

Expenses

                      

Purchases of electricity and gas

   27      8,613        7,630  

Staff expenses

          665        648  

Fuel and other operating costs

          1,976        1,493  

Depreciation and amortisation

          1,359        1,219  
           

    

            12,613        10,990  
           

    

           

    

Operating profit

   6,7      4,013        3,625  

Finance costs

   8      (725 )      (595 )

Finance income

   8      63        23  

Share of results, net of tax

                      

jointly controlled entities

   9, 16      1,614        1,541  

associated companies

   9, 17      79        116  
           

    

Profit before taxation

          5,044        4,710  

Taxation

   10      (467 )      (572 )
           

    

Earnings attributable to shareholders

   11      4,577        4,138  
           

    

Dividends

   12                  

First interim paid

          1,156        1,084  

Second interim proposed

          1,156        1,084  
           

    

            2,312        2,168  
           

    

Earnings per share

   13      HK$1.90        HK$1.72  


Table of Contents

Page 28

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

 

            (Unaudited)
30 June
2005
 
 
 
     (Restated)
31 December
2004
 
 
 
     Note      HK$M        HK$M  

Non-current assets

                      

Fixed assets

   14      61,758        55,508  

Leasehold land

   14      2,218        2,240  

Goodwill and other intangible assets

   15      6,961        (1,022 )

Investments in jointly controlled entities

   16      14,886        14,998  

Investments in associated companies

   17      1,596        1,640  

Deferred tax assets

          368        1,043  

Derivative instruments

   18      472         

Other non-current assets

          459        9  
           

    

            88,718        74,416  
           

    

Current assets

                      

Inventories – stores and fuel

          659        299  

Trade and other receivables

   19      6,559        3,564  

Derivative instruments

   18      870         

Bank balances, cash and other liquid funds

   20      1,932        2,520  
           

    

            10,020        6,383  

Current liabilities

                      

Customers’ deposits

          (3,223 )      (3,119 )

Fuel clause account

          (460 )      (762 )

Trade and other payables

   21      (4,915 )      (4,216 )

Taxation payable

          (662 )      (403 )

Short-term loans and current portion of long-term borrowings

   22      (7,023 )      (1,178 )

Derivative instruments

   18      (586 )       
           

    

            (16,869 )      (9,678 )

Net current liabilities

          (6,849 )      (3,295 )
           

    

           

    

Total assets less current liabilities

          81,869        71,121  
           

    


Table of Contents

Page 29

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (continued)

 

            (Unaudited)
30 June
2005
     (Restated)
31 December
2004
     Note      HK$M      HK$M

Financed by:

                  

Equity

                  

Share capital

   23      12,041      12,041

Share premium

          1,164      1,164

Reserves

                  

Proposed dividends

          1,156      2,119

Others

          31,896      28,875
           
    

Shareholders’ funds

          46,257      44,199
           
    

Non-current liabilities

                  

Long-term borrowings

   22      25,479      17,596

Deferred tax liabilities

          5,115      5,084

Derivative instruments

   18      666     

Scheme of Control (SoC) reserve accounts

   24      3,338      3,720

Other non-current liabilities

          1,014      522
           
    
            35,612      26,922
           
    
           
    

Equity and non-current liabilities

          81,869      71,121
           
    

 

/s/ W. E. Mocatta


  

/s/ Andrew Brandler


 

/s/ Peter P. W. Tse


W. E. Mocatta

Vice Chairman

  

Andrew Brandler

Group Managing Director &

Chief Executive Officer

 

Peter P. W. Tse

Group Executive Director &

Chief Financial Officer

Hong Kong, 23 August 2005         


Table of Contents

Page 30

 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

 

(Unaudited)

   Share
Capital
   Share
Premium
   Capital
Redemption
Reserve
   Other
Reserves
 
 
  Retained
Profits
 
 
  Total  
     HK$M    HK$M    HK$M    HK$M     HK$M     HK$M  
                                   

Balance as at 1 January 2005, as previously reported

   12,041    1,164    2,482    830     27,682     44,199  

Adjustments for adoption of new HKFRSs

                                 

Negative goodwill (HKFRS 3) (Notes 3,15)

                1,046     1,046  

Derivative instruments (HKAS 39) (Note 3)

            (99 )   83     (16 )
    
  
  
  

 

 

Balance as at 1 January 2005, as restated

   12,041    1,164    2,482    731     28,811     45,229  

Exchange differences on translation of:

                                 

subsidiaries

            (200 )       (200 )

jointly controlled entities

            (6 )       (6 )

associated companies

            (98 )       (98 )

designated hedges

            (6 )       (6 )

Net losses not recognised in the profit and loss account

            (310 )       (310 )

Cash flow hedges, net of tax

            65         65  

Earnings for the period

                4,577     4,577  

Dividends paid

                                 

2004 finals

                (2,119 )   (2,119 )

2005 interim

                (1,156 )   (1,156 )

Capital redemption by a subsidiary

            417     (417 )    

Share of movements in reserves of

                                 

jointly controlled entities

            (9 )   (14 )   (23 )

associated company

            (6 )       (6 )
    
  
  
  

 

 

Balance as at 30 June 2005

   12,041    1,164    2,482    888     29,682 (a)   46,257  
    
  
  
  

 

 

Company and subsidiaries

   12,041    1,164    2,482    846     25,821     42,354  

Jointly controlled entities

            35     3,233     3,268  

Associated companies

            7     628     635  
    
  
  
  

 

 

Balance as at 30 June 2005

   12,041    1,164    2,482    888     29,682     46,257  
    
  
  
  

 

 

Balance as at 1 January 2004

   12,041    1,164    2,482    387     24,167     40,241  

Exchange differences on translation of:

                                 

subsidiaries

            (341 )       (341 )

jointly controlled entities

            49         49  

associated company

            (49 )       (49 )

designated hedges

            279         279  

Net losses not recognised in the profit and loss account

            (62 )       (62 )
                                   

Earnings for the period

                4,138     4,138  

Dividends paid

                                 

2003 finals

                (1,806 )   (1,806 )

2004 interim

                (1,084 )   (1,084 )
Share of movements in reserves of                                  

jointly controlled entities

            20     (19 )   1  

associated company

            (25 )       (25 )
    
  
  
  

 

 

Balance as at 30 June 2004

   12,041    1,164    2,482    320     25,396 (b)   41,403  
    
  
  
  

 

 

Company and subsidiaries

   12,041    1,164    2,482    238     21,943     37,868  

Jointly controlled entities

            62     2,956     3,018  

Associated company

            20     497     517  
    
  
  
  

 

 

Balance as at 30 June 2004

   12,041    1,164    2,482    320     25,396     41,403  
    
  
  
  

 

 

 

Notes:

 

(a) The proposed interim dividend as at 30 June 2005 and balance of retained profits after the proposed interim dividend were HK$1,156 million and HK$28,526 million respectively.

 

(b) The proposed interim dividend as at 30 June 2004 and balance of retained profits after the proposed interim dividend were HK$1,084 million and HK$24,312 million respectively.


Table of Contents

Page 31

 

Condensed Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

 

         

(Unaudited)

6 months ended 30 June

 
          2005     2004  
     Note    HK$M     HK$M     HK$M     HK$M  

Operating activities

                             

Net cash inflow from operations

   25    3,933           3,826        

Operating interest paid

        (408 )         (405 )      

Interest received

        64           19        

Profits tax paid

        (170 )         (139 )      
         

       

     

Net cash inflow from operating activities

              3,419           3,301  

Investing activities

                             

Capital expenditure

        (2,617 )         (2,825 )      

Capitalised interest paid

        (143 )         (150 )      

Proceeds from disposal of fixed assets

        4           10        

Proceeds from disposal of other investments

                  31        

Net cash outflow for acquisition of a subsidiary

        (11,318 )                

Acquisition of remaining interest in a subsidiary

                  (376 )      

Net cash inflow on settlement of forward contracts for investment hedging

                  86        

Investments in and advances to jointly controlled entities

        (42 )         (220 )      

Dividends received from investments

                             

- jointly controlled entities

        1,639           1,855        

- associated company

        31           30        
         

       

     

Net cash outflow from investing activities

              (12,446 )         (1,559 )
               

       

Net cash (outflow)/inflow before financing activities

              (9,027 )         1,742  

Financing activities

                             

Proceeds from long-term borrowings

        14,181           2,200        

Repayment of long-term borrowings

        (6,103 )         (1,692 )      

Increase in short-term borrowings

        3,644           1,127        

Dividends paid

        (3,275 )         (2,890 )      
         

       

     

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing activities

              8,447           (1,255 )
               

       

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

              (580 )         487  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

              2,520           787  

Effect of exchange rate changes

              (8 )         (9 )
               

       

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

              1,932           1,265  
               

       

Analysis of balances of cash and cash equivalents

                             

Short-term investments

              69           46  

Deposits with banks

              1,728           742  

Cash at banks and on hand

              135           477  
               

       

                1,932           1,265  
               

       


Table of Contents

Page 32

 

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Accounts

 

1. General Information

 

The Company, CLP Holdings Limited, and its subsidiaries are collectively referred to as the Group in the condensed consolidated interim accounts. The principal activity of the Company is investment holding whilst the principal activities of the subsidiaries are the generation and supply of electricity in Hong Kong, Australia and India, and investment holding of power projects in the Chinese mainland and other countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

 

The financial operations of the Company’s major subsidiary, CLP Power Hong Kong Limited (CLP Power Hong Kong), and its jointly controlled entity, Castle Peak Power Company Limited (CAPCO), are governed by a Scheme of Control (SoC) Agreement entered into with the Hong Kong Government. Our electricity business in Hong Kong is therefore also referred to as SoC business.

 

The condensed consolidated interim accounts have been approved for issue by the Board of Directors on 23 August 2005.

 

2. Basis of Preparation and Accounting Policies

 

The unaudited condensed consolidated interim accounts have been prepared in accordance with Hong Kong Accounting Standard (HKAS) 34 “Interim Financial Reporting” issued by the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

 

The accounting policies used in the preparation of this condensed consolidated interim accounts are consistent with those set out in the Annual Report 2004, except that the Group has changed certain of its accounting policies following its adoption of new / revised Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards (HKFRSs) and HKASs (collectively referred to as new HKFRSs) which are effective for accounting periods commencing on or after 1 January 2005.

 

Changes to the Group’s accounting policies and the effect of adopting these new policies are set out in Note 3 below.


Table of Contents

Page 33

 

3. Changes in Accounting Policies

 

In 2005, the Group adopted the new HKFRSs below, which are relevant to its operations. All changes in the accounting policies have been made in accordance with the transition provisions in the respective standards, with the 2004 comparatives amended in accordance with the relevant requirements.

 

HKAS 1    Presentation of Financial Statements
HKAS 2   

Inventories

HKAS 7   

Cash Flow Statements

HKAS 8   

Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors

HKAS 10   

Events after the Balance Sheet Date

HKAS 12   

Income Taxes

HKAS 14   

Segment Reporting

HKAS 16   

Property, Plant and Equipment

HKAS 17   

Leases

HKAS 18   

Revenue

HKAS 19   

Employee Benefits

HKAS 21   

The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates

HKAS 23   

Borrowing Costs

HKAS 24   

Related Party Disclosures

HKAS 27   

Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements

HKAS 28   

Investments in Associates

HKAS 31   

Investments in Joint Ventures

HKAS 32   

Financial Instruments: Disclosure and Presentation

HKAS 33   

Earnings Per Share

HKAS 34   

Interim Financial Reporting

HKAS 36   

Impairment of Assets

HKAS 37   

Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets

HKAS 38   

Intangible Assets

HKAS 39   

Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement

HKFRS 2   

Share-based Payment

HKFRS 3   

Business Combinations

 

The adoption of above new HKFRSs has the following impact on the Group’s accounting policies:

 

  (A) The adoption of HKASs 2, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 23, 24, 27, 28, 31, 33, 34, 37, 38 and HKFRS 2 do not result in substantial changes to the Group’s accounting policies. In summary:

 

  - HKASs 2, 7, 10, 12, 14, 18, 19, 21, 23, 27, 28, 34, 37, 38 and HKFRS 2 have no material effect on the Group’s policies; and
  - HKASs 8, 16, 24, 31 and 33 have affected certain disclosure in the accounts.


Table of Contents

Page 34

 

3. Changes in Accounting Policies (continued)

 

  (B) HKAS 1 “Presentation of Financial Statements”

 

HKAS 1 has affected certain presentation and disclosure in the accounts. Major changes relate to the presentation of (a) share of profits from Hok Un joint venture and transfers under the SoC arrangement, which had been shown separately on the profit and loss account and (b) share of results of affiliated companies which represented the Group’s share of affiliated companies’ profits or losses before taxation.

 

Pursuant to the provision of HKAS 1 which prohibits presentation of any items of income and expense as extraordinary items, the Group has reclassified (a) the share of profits from Hok Un as part of the share of results from jointly controlled entities, (b) the transfers from/(to) Development Fund and special provision account as adjustments to revenue (Note 5) and (c) the transfer to Rate Reduction Reserve as part of the finance costs (Note 8). The Group’s share of results of the affiliated companies has also been presented on an after taxation basis, as prescribed under HKAS 1. These changes have no effect on earnings.

 

  (C) HKAS 17 “Leases”

 

The adoption of HKAS 17 has resulted in a change in the accounting policy relating to leasehold land. In prior years, the leasehold land was accounted for as fixed assets and carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. HKAS 17, however, prescribes leasehold land to be accounted for as an operating lease if title is not expected to pass to the lessee by the end of the lease term. Pursuant to the requirements, the lease premium for land is initially stated at cost and amortised over the period of the lease.

 

The retrospective application of HKAS 17 has resulted in a reclassification of unamortised lease premium for land from Fixed Assets to Leasehold Land, with a decrease in fixed assets and a corresponding increase in leasehold land of HK$2,218 million at 30 June 2005 (December 2004: HK$2,240 million). There was no impact on the profit and loss account.

 

  (D) HKAS 32 “Financial Instruments: Disclosure and Presentation” and HKAS 39 “Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement”

 

The adoption of HKAS 32 and HKAS 39 has resulted in a change in the accounting policy for recognition, measurement, derecognition and disclosure of financial instruments. Apart from the accounting for derivative instruments which are described below, HKAS 39 requires that where an entity sells a portfolio of receivables with recourse, that portfolio should be accounted for as a collateralised borrowing, since it does not qualify for derecognition. In the past, the Group followed the principles under the replaced accounting standard SSAP 28 “Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets” and disclosed such type of transaction as contingent liabilities.

 

Prior to 1 January 2005, derivative instruments of the Group were not recorded on the balance sheet based on the then prevailing accounting standards. In accordance with the provisions of HKAS 39, however, a derivative or embedded derivative is initially recognised at fair value on the date a derivative contract or hybrid contract is entered into and is subsequently re-measured at its fair value. The method of recognising the resulting gain or loss depends on whether the derivative is designated as a hedging instrument, and if so, the nature of the item being hedged. The Group designates certain derivatives as either hedges of the fair value of recognised assets or liabilities (fair value hedges) or hedges of highly probable forecast transactions (cash flow hedges).


Table of Contents

Page 35

 

3. Changes in Accounting Policies (continued)

 

  (D) HKAS 32 “Financial Instruments: Disclosure and Presentation” and HKAS 39 “Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement” (continued)

 

Changes in fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges are recorded in the profit and loss account, together with any changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk. For derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of changes in fair value of derivatives is recognised in equity while the gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognised immediately in the profit and loss account. Amounts accumulated in the equity are transferred to the profit and loss account or reclassified as part of the initial cost or carrying amount of an asset or liability in the period when the hedged item affects earnings or the asset or liability is recognised.

 

The Group has adopted HKAS 32 and HKAS 39 prospectively. For receivables sold with recourse, the change in the accounting policy has resulted in an increase in receivables and a corresponding increase in borrowings of HK$653 million on 1 January 2005 (June 2005: HK$277 million). The Group also identified derivatives embedded in contracts. Recognition of such embedded derivatives has resulted in an increase in receivables and a corresponding increase in the balance of the retained profits as at 1 January 2005 of HK$157 million (June 2005: HK$140 million).

 

The Group further recognised financial and energy derivatives at fair value in the balance sheet on 1 January 2005 which amounted to a net liability of HK$1,199 million. The corresponding adjustments were to (a) decrease the Group’s share of net assets of affiliated companies by HK$110 million, (b) increase the carrying amount of hedged borrowings by HK$249 million, (c) increase the deferred tax assets and liabilities by HK$29 million and HK$7 million respectively, (d) increase the other assets and liabilities by HK$1,368 million and HK$5 million respectively, and (e) decrease the reserves by HK$173 million. Adjustments to the balance sheet as at 30 June 2005 as a result of recognising these types of derivative instruments were to (a) increase in derivative instruments (net assets) by HK$90 million, (b) decrease the Group’s share of net assets of affiliated companies by HK$127 million, (c) increase the carrying amount of hedged borrowings by HK$176 million, (d) decrease the deferred tax assets and goodwill by HK$56 million and HK$130 million respectively, (e) increase the other assets by HK$269 million and (f) decrease the reserves by HK$130 million.

 

The Group has re-assessed the classification of the SoC reserves as a liability on the balance sheet under HKAS 32 and continues to consider that they meet the definition of a liability. Consequently, no adjustment to, or reclassification of, these balances is required as a result of the introduction of HKAS 32.

 

  (E) HKFRS 3 “Business Combinations” and HKAS 36 “Impairment of Assets”

 

Until 31 December 2004, goodwill was amortised on a straight-line basis over its estimated useful life and assessed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicated that its carrying amount might not be recoverable. The adoption of HKFRS 3 and HKAS 36 has resulted in a change in the accounting policy for goodwill. In accordance with the provisions of HKFRS 3, the Group ceased amortisation of goodwill from 1 January 2005 and now tests for impairment annually and when there are indications of impairment. Pursuant to its transitional provisions, the Group also (a) eliminated the accumulated amortisation of goodwill of HK$5 million as at 31 December 2004 with a corresponding decrease in the cost of goodwill and (b) derecognised the unamortised negative goodwill of HK$1,046 million, with a corresponding adjustment to the balance of retained profits on 1 January 2005. No impairment loss has been recognised during the first half of 2005.


Table of Contents

Page 36

 

4. Acquisition of Merchant Energy Business in Australia

 

On 31 May 2005, the Group completed the acquisition of the merchant energy business division (MEB) of SPI Australia Group, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Singapore Power Limited (Singapore Power). The MEB is the fifth largest energy retailer in Australia and sells gas and electricity to over 1.1 million customers across Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland. In addition, it owns a 1,280MW gas-fired power station at Torrens Island, South Australia, an interest in a long-term hedge contract for up to 966MW, and a gas storage facility.

 

The acquisition involved separation of the MEB from SPI Australia Group’s other businesses in Australia. As it was completed only one month prior to the balance sheet date, the fair values assigned to the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities, if any, are provisional. It is also considered that, given the time constraints, it is not practicable to reasonably estimate and disclose the revenue and profit or loss of this newly acquired business for the six-month period as though the acquisition took place on 1 January 2005.

 

Details of the net assets acquired and goodwill and other intangible assets are as follows:

 

  (A) Assets and liabilities arising from the acquisition:

 

       Fair Value         Carrying
Amount
 
     HK$M     HK$M  

Fixed assets (Note 14)

   5,724     6,192  

Derivative instruments, net

   186     186  

Trade receivables

   1,503     1,503  

Bank balances, cash and other liquid funds

   598     598  

Trade payables

   (754 )   (754 )

Total borrowings

   (1,550 )   (1,550 )

Other net (liabilities)/assets

   (765 )   2,443 (a)
    

 

Fair value of net assets acquired

   4,942     8,618  
    

 

 

  Note (a): The carrying amount included goodwill of HK$2,636 million arising from restructuring of the MEB by SPI Australia Group prior to the acquisition by the CLP Group.

 

  (B) Goodwill and other intangible assets arising from the acquisition:

 

             HK$M  

Purchase consideration:

      

- cash paid

   11,876  

- direct costs relating to the acquisition

   40  
    

Total purchase consideration

   11,916  

Fair value of net assets acquired (as shown above)

   (4,942 )
    

Goodwill and other intangible assets (Note 15)

   6,974  
    

 

The MEB, when combined with the Group’s existing Yallourn Energy, has created a diversified energy business across retail and generation. The above goodwill and other intangible assets are primarily attributable to the customer base of the retail business and significant synergies expected to arise after the acquisition. To the extent that the fair values of assets and liabilities acquired may be revised, there will be a corresponding impact on goodwill.

 

The acquired business contributed revenue of HK$935 million and earnings of HK$6 million to the Group for the period from 1 June 2005 to 30 June 2005.


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Page 37

 

4. Acquisition of Merchant Energy Business in Australia (continued)

 

The acquisition of the MEB also included the acquisition of Singapore Power’s 33.3% interest in SEAGas partnership, which is subject to the consents from other partners of SEAGas and is targeted for completion in the third quarter of 2005 (Note 26).

 

5. Revenue

 

An analysis of the Group’s revenue for the period is as follows:

 

     6 months ended 30 June
    

2005

HK$M

   2004
HK$M

Sales of electricity

   15,842    13,783

Sales of gas

   313   

Other revenue

   133    139
    
  
     16,288    13,922

Transfer from Development Fund (A)

   338    597

Transfer from special provision account

      96
    
  
     16,626    14,615
    
  

 

  (A) Pursuant to the SoC Agreement, if the gross tariff revenue in Hong Kong in any year exceeds or is less than the total of the operating costs, permitted return and taxation charges, such excess shall be added to, or such deficiency shall be deducted from, the Development Fund (Note 24).


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Page 38

 

6. Segment Information

 

The Group operates, through its subsidiaries, jointly controlled entities and associated companies, in three major geographical regions - Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland and the Asia-Pacific region. Information about the Group’s operations by geographical regions is as follows:

 

     Hong Kong    Chinese
Mainland
    Asia-Pacific
Region
   Unallocated
Items
    Total  
     HK$M    HK$M     HK$M    HK$M     HK$M  

6 months ended 30 June 2005

                            

Revenue

   13,704        2,922        16,626  
    
  

 
  

 

Segment results

   3,575    (37 )   549    (74 )   4,013  

Share of results, net of tax

                            

jointly controlled entities

   930    563  (a)   121        1,614  

associated companies

          79        79  
    
  

 
  

 

Profit/(Loss) before financing and taxation

   4,505    526     749    (74 )   5,706  

Finance costs

                         (725 )

Finance income

                         63  

Taxation

                         (467 )
                          

Earnings for the period

                         4,577  
                          

Capital additions

   1,912        267        2,179  

Depreciation and amortisation

   986    1     371    1     1,359  

As at 30 June 2005

                            

Segment assets

   46,611    153     34,952    172     81,888  

Investments in

                            

jointly controlled entities

   6,982    6,569     1,335        14,886  

associated companies

          1,596        1,596  

Tax assets

          368        368  
    
  

 
  

 

Consolidated total assets

   53,593    6,722     38,251    172     98,738  
    
  

 
  

 

Segment liabilities

   10,125    44     3,973    60     14,202  

Total borrowings

          14,757    17,745     32,502  

Tax liabilities

   5,479        298        5,777  
    
  

 
  

 

Consolidated total liabilities

   15,604    44     19,028    17,805     52,481  
    
  

 
  

 

 

  Note (a): Out of the HK$563 million, HK$431 million was attributed to investments in Guangdong Nuclear Power Joint Venture Company, Limited (GNPJVC) and Hong Kong Pumped Storage Development Company, Limited (PSDC), whose generating facilities serve Hong Kong.


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Page 39

 

6. Segment Information (continued)

 

         Hong Kong     Chinese
        Mainland
 
 
      Asia-Pacific
Region
       Unallocated
Items
 
 
  Total  
     HK$M     HK$M     HK$M    HK$M               HK$M  

6 months ended 30 June 2004

                             

Revenue

   12,649         1,966        14,615  
    

 

 
  

 

Segment results

   3,174     (98 )   624    (75 )   3,625  

Share of results, net of tax

                             

jointly controlled entities

   925     521 (a)   95        1,541  

associated companies

   (2 )       118        116  
    

 

 
  

 

Profit/(Loss) before financing and taxation

   4,097     423     837    (75 )   5,282  

Finance costs

                          (595 )

Finance income

                          23  

Taxation

                          (572 )
                           

Earnings for the period

                          4,138  
                           

Capital additions

   2,315     1     321        2,637  

Depreciation and amortisation

   922     1     295    1     1,219  

As at 31 December 2004

                             

Segment assets

   44,374     215     18,324    205     63,118  

Investments in

                             

jointly controlled entities

   6,894     6,643     1,461        14,998  

associated company

           1,640        1,640  

Tax assets

           1,043        1,043  
    

 

 
  

 

Consolidated total assets

   51,268     6,858     22,468    205     80,799  
    

 

 
  

 

Segment liabilities

   10,731     60     1,482    66     12,339  

Total borrowings

           7,503    11,271     18,774  

Tax liabilities

   5,067         420        5,487  
    

 

 
  

 

Consolidated total liabilities

   15,798     60     9,405    11,337     36,600  
    

 

 
  

 

 

  Note (a): Out of the HK$521 million, HK$380 million was attributed to investments in GNPJVC and PSDC, whose generating facilities serve Hong Kong.

 

No business analysis is shown as substantially all the principal activities of the Group are for the generation and supply of electricity. The SoC business accounted for approximately 100% of the Group’s revenue and segment results in Hong Kong for the period ended 30 June 2005.


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Page 40

 

7. Operating Profit

 

Operating profit is stated after charging/(crediting) the following:

 

     6 months ended 30 June  
     2005     2004  
     HK$M     HK$M  

Charging

            

Staff costs (A)

            

Salaries and other costs

   800     777  

Retirement benefits costs

   68     69  

Net loss on disposal of fixed assets

   25     83  

Other net exchange losses / (gains)

   24     (10 )

Unrealised loss on other investments

       33  

Crediting

            

Other net fair value gains on derivative instruments

            

Cash flow hedges, transfer from equity

   (68 )    

Transactions not qualifying as hedges

   (7 )    

Net rental income from properties

   (7 )   (7 )

 

  (A) Staff costs include amounts recharged to jointly controlled entities for services provided.

 

8. Finance Costs and Income

 

     6 months ended 30 June  
     2005     2004  
     HK$M     HK$M  

Finance costs:

            

Interest expenses on

            

bank loans and overdrafts

   341     373  

other borrowings

            

- wholly repayable within five years

   82     82  

- not wholly repayable within five years

   100     73  

Development Fund and special provision account (A)

   120     112  

customers’ deposits and others

   43     20  

Finance charges

   20     14  

Fair value loss on financial instruments

            

Cash flow hedges, transfer from equity

   174      

Hedging costs and exchange gains/losses

   (2 )   62  
    

 

     878     736  

Less: amount capitalised

   (153 )   (141 )
    

 

     725     595  
    

 

Finance income:

            

Interest income on

            

short-term investments and bank deposits

   62     23  

advance to a jointly controlled entity

   1     —    
    

 

     63     23  
    

 

 

  (A) In accordance with the provisions of the SoC Agreement, CLP Power Hong Kong is required to credit, to a Rate Reduction Reserve in its accounts, a charge of 8% per annum on the sum of the average balances of the Development Fund and special provision account (Note 24).


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Page 41

 

9. Share of Results of Affiliated Companies

 

Affiliated companies include the Group’s jointly controlled entities and associated companies. The share of results of affiliated companies is determined based upon the management accounts of the respective affiliated companies, after making adjustments to conform with the Group’s significant accounting policies, for the period ended 30 June.

 

10. Taxation

 

Taxation in the condensed consolidated profit and loss account represents the taxation of the Company and subsidiaries and is analysed below:

 

     6 months ended 30 June
     2005     2004
     HK$M     HK$M

Current income tax

          

Hong Kong

   418     333

Outside Hong Kong

   14     15
    

 
     432     348
    

 

Deferred income tax

          

Hong Kong

   126     165

Outside Hong Kong

   (91 )   59
    

 
     35     224
    

 
    

 
     467     572
    

 

 

Hong Kong profits tax has been provided at the rate of 17.5% (2004: 17.5%) on the estimated assessable profits for the period. Taxation on profits assessable outside Hong Kong has been provided at the rates prevailing in the respective jurisdictions.

 

11. Earnings Attributable to Shareholders

 

     6 months ended 30 June  
     2005     2004  
     HK$M     HK$M     HK$M     HK$M  

Earnings from electricity business in Hong Kong (page 56)

         3,510           3,337  

Electricity sales to Chinese mainland from Hong Kong

   63           30        

Generating facilities in Chinese mainland serving Hong Kong (GNPJVC and PSDC)

   431           380        

Other power projects in Chinese mainland

   95           43        

Energy businesses in Asia-Pacific region

   425           404        

Group non-energy activities

   (4 )         (66 )      
    

       

     

Earnings from other investments/activities

         1,010           791  

Unallocated net finance costs

         (43 )         (39 )

Unallocated Group expenses

         (74 )         (75 )
          

       

Total operating earnings

         4,403           4,014  

Hok Un redevelopment profit

         174           124  
          

       

Total earnings

         4,577           4,138  
          

       


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Page 42

 

12. Dividends

 

     6 months ended 30 June
     2005    2004
     HK$ per share    HK$M    HK$ per share    HK$M

First interim dividend paid

   0.48    1,156    0.45    1,084

Second interim dividend proposed

   0.48    1,156    0.45    1,084
    
  
  
  
     0.96    2,312    0.90    2,168
    
  
  
  

 

At the Board meeting held on 23 August 2005, the Directors declared the second interim dividend of HK$0.48 per share. The second interim dividend is not reflected as a dividend payable in the accounts, but as a separate component of the shareholders’ funds for the period ended 30 June 2005.

 

13. Earnings per Share

 

The prescribed earnings per share includes Hok Un redevelopment profit and is computed as follows:

 

     6 months ended 30 June
     2005    2004

Earnings for the period (HK$M)

   4,577    4,138
    
  

Weighted average number of shares in issue (thousand shares)

   2,408,246    2,408,246
    
  

Earnings per share (HK$)

   1.90    1.72
    
  

 

To enable investors to understand better the Group’s results, an additional earnings per share figure, excluding the Hok Un redevelopment profit, is provided below:

 

     6 months ended 30 June  
     2005     2004  
     HK$M     HK$M  

Earnings for the period

   4,577     4,138  

Less: Hok Un redevelopment profit

   (174 )   (124 )
    

 

Earnings excluding Hok Un redevelopment profit

   4,403     4,014  
    

 

Earnings per share excluding Hok Un redevelopment profit (HK$)

   1.83     1.67  
    

 

 

Fully diluted earnings per share is not included as the Company did not have any diluting equity instruments as at 30 June 2005 (2004: nil).


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Page 43

 

14. Fixed Assets and Leasehold Land

 

Fixed assets and leasehold land totalled HK$63,976 million (December 2004: HK$57,748 million). When employed for the SoC business, they are collectively referred to as SoC fixed assets and amounted to HK$43,296 million as at 30 June 2005 (December 2004: HK$42,415 million). Fixed assets and leasehold land that were attributed to overseas subsidiaries in Australia and India totalled HK$20,502 million (December 2004: HK$15,147 million). Movements in the accounts are as follows:

 

  (A) Fixed Assets:

 

     Freehold Land
and Buildings
 
 
  Plant, Machinery
and Equipment(a)
 
 
  Total  
     30 June
2005
 
 
  31 December
2004
 
 
  30 June
2005
 
 
  31 December
2004
 
 
  30 June
2005
 
 
  31 December
2004
 
 
     HK$M     HK$M     HK$M     HK$M     HK$M     HK$M  

Net book value, at beginning of period/year

                                    

- as previously reported

   8,242     7,756     49,506     46,401     57,748     54,157  

- reclassification of leasehold land (Note 3)

   (2,240 )   (2,229 )           (2,240 )   (2,229 )
    

 

 

 

 

 

- as restated

   6,002     5,527     49,506     46,401     55,508     51,928  

Acquisition of a subsidiary (Note 4)

   29         5,695         5,724      

Additions

   223     703     1,955     5,059     2,178     5,762  

Transfers and disposals

   (1 )   (74 )   (50 )   (228 )   (51 )   (302 )

Depreciation charge

   (88 )   (170 )   (1,248 )   (2,309 )   (1,336 )   (2,479 )

Exchange differences

   (4 )   16     (261 )   583     (265 )   599  
    

 

 

 

 

 

Net book value, at end of period/year

   6,161     6,002     55,597     49,506     61,758     55,508  
    

 

 

 

 

 

Cost

   7,984     7,739     80,134     71,901     88,118     79,640  

Accumulated depreciation

   (1,823 )   (1,737 )   (24,537 )   (22,395 )   (26,360 )   (24,132 )
    

 

 

 

 

 

Net book value, at end of period/year

   6,161     6,002     55,597     49,506     61,758     55,508  
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note (a):   Plant, machinery and equipment included leased generating plants for our electricity business in Australia held under agreements which are treated as finance leases. The net book value of these leased assets as at 30 June 2005 was HK$4,681 million.


Table of Contents

Page 44

 

14. Fixed Assets and Leasehold Land (continued)

 

  (B) Leasehold Land:

 

             30 June
2005
 
 
  31 December
2004
 
 
     HK$M     HK$M  

Net book value, at beginning of period/year

            

- as previously reported

        

- reclassification of leasehold land (Note 3)

   2,240     2,229  
    

 

- as restated

   2,240     2,229  

Additions

   1     61  

Amortisation charge

   (23 )   (50 )
    

 

Net book value, at end of period/year

   2,218     2,240  
    

 

Cost

   2,291     2,290  

Accumulated amortisation

   (73 )   (50 )
    

 

Net book value, at end of period/year

   2,218     2,240  
    

 

 

Leasehold land is mainly held under medium to long term leases (i.e. over 10 years) in Hong Kong. The SoC Agreement considers leasehold land as one type of fixed assets on which permitted return is earned.

 

Capital expenditure on fixed assets and leasehold land incurred during the period for the SoC business was HK$1,911 million (2004: HK$2,313 million).


Table of Contents

Page 45

 

15. Goodwill and other Intangible Assets

 

     Goodwill
and other
Intangible Assets
HK$M
 
 
 
 
  Negative
Goodwill
HK$M
 
 
 
  Net
Balance
HK$M
 
 
 

As at 30 June 2005

                  

Net carrying value, at beginning of period

                  

- as previously reported

   24     (1,046 )   (1,022 )

- derecognition of negative goodwill (Note 3)

       1,046     1,046  
    

 

 

- as restated

   24         24  

Acquisition of a subsidiary (Note 4)

   6,974         6,974  

Exchange differences

   (37 )       (37 )
    

 

 

Net carrying value

   6,961         6,961  
    

 

 

Cost

   6,961         6,961  
    

 

 

As at 31 December 2004

                  

Net carrying value, at beginning of year

   25     (1,042 )   (1,017 )

Acquisition of remaining interest in a subsidiary

       (21 )   (21 )

Fair value adjustments

       11     11  

Amortisation (charge) / credit

   (2 )   46     44  

Exchange differences

   1     (40 )   (39 )
    

 

 

Net carrying value, at end of year

   24     (1,046 )   (1,022 )
    

 

 

Cost

   29     (1,164 )   (1,135 )

Accumulated amortisation

   (5 )   118     113  
    

 

 

Net carrying value

   24     (1,046 )   (1,022 )
    

 

 

 

The above goodwill and other intangible assets of HK$6,974 million arose from the acquisition of the MEB at the end of May 2005. The fair value of net assets acquired could only be determined provisionally at the balance sheet date and the Group is still in the process of identifying any intangible assets that can be recognised separately from goodwill. The allocation between goodwill and intangible assets is expected to be finalised by the end of 2005.


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Page 46

 

16. Investments in Jointly Controlled Entities

 

             30 June
2005
   31 December
2004
     HK$M    HK$M

Castle Peak Power Company Limited

   6,399    6,296

Guangdong Nuclear Power Joint Venture Company, Limited

   2,786    3,050

Ho-Ping Power Company

   1,311    1,326

CLP Guohua Power Company Limited

   1,315    1,222

Shandong Zhonghua Power Company, Ltd.

   1,063    1,132

Guizhou CLP Power Company Limited

   423    466

Hok Un joint venture

   439    343

Hong Kong Pumped Storage Development Company, Limited

   326    324

Others

   824    839
    
  
     14,886    14,998
    
  

 

The above amount includes the loan and advances made to the following jointly controlled entities:

 

             30 June
2005
   31 December
2004
     HK$M    HK$M

Castle Peak Power Company Limited

   6,073    6,115

Hong Kong Pumped Storage Development Company, Limited

   308    313

Others

   266    253
    
  
     6,647    6,681
    
  

 

The Group’s share of results of the jointly controlled entities is as follows:

 

     6 months ended 30 June  
     2005     2004  
                 HK$M                 HK$M  

Revenue

   5,935     5,026  

Expenses

   (4,062 )   (3,292 )
    

 

Share of profit before taxation

   1,873     1,734  

Taxation

   (259 )   (193 )
    

 

Share of profit after taxation

   1,614     1,541  
    

 


Table of Contents

Page 47

 

16. Investments in Jointly Controlled Entities (continued)

 

The following amounts represent the Group’s share of net assets, capital commitment and contingent liabilities of the jointly controlled entities:

 

             30 June
2005
 
 
  31 December
2004
 
 
     HK$M     HK$M  

Non-current assets

   28,785     29,190  

Current assets

   4,544     4,034  

Current liabilities

   (4,263 )   (3,835 )

Non-current liabilities

   (20,827 )   (21,072 )
    

 

Net assets at end of period/year

   8,239     8,317  
    

 

Capital commitments at end of period/year

   4,890     3,902  
    

 

Contingent liabilities at end of period/year

   613     625  
    

 

 

The Group’s capital commitment in relation to its interest in the jointly controlled entities is disclosed in Note 26. There are no contingent liabilities relating to the Group’s interest in these entities.

 

17. Investments in Associated Companies

 

             30 June
2005
   31 December
2004
     HK$M    HK$M

Electricity Generating Public Company Limited
(market value: HK$1,787 million, 2004: HK$1,769 million)

   1,591    1,640

Gascor Pty Ltd

   5   
    
  
     1,596    1,640
    
  

 

The Group, through its acquisition of the MEB in Australia, indirectly holds 1/3 interest in Gascor Pty Ltd, a company incorporated in Australia whose principal activity is to manage the gas sales agreement between Victoria’s main gas wholesaler and retailers.

 

The Group’s share of results of the associated companies is as follows:

 

     6 months ended 30 June  
     2005     2004  
               HK$M               HK$M  

Share of profit before taxation

   103     143  

Taxation

   (24 )   (27 )
    

 

Share of profit after taxation

   79     116  
    

 

 

The Group did not have any loan or advances made to associated companies. In addition, there are no contingent liabilities relating to the Group’s interest in these companies.


Table of Contents

Page 48

 

18. Derivative Instruments

 

     30 June 2005     31 December 2004
     Assets
      HK$M
 
 
  Liabilities
HK$M
 
 
        Assets
HK$M
   Liabilities
HK$M

Cash flow hedges

                     

Forward foreign exchange contracts

   55     274       

Interest rate swaps / cross currency & interest rate swaps

   36     81       

Energy contracts

   331     251       

Fair value hedge

                     

Cross currency & interest rate swap

   165           

Held for trading or not qualifying as hedges

                     

Forward foreign exchange contracts

   7     19       

Interest rate swaps

       38       

Energy contracts

   748     589       
    

 

 
  
     1,342     1,252       

Less: current portion

   (870 )   (586 )     
    

 

 
  

Non-current portion of derivative instruments

   472     666       
    

 

 
  

 

Derivative instruments qualify as cash flow hedges as at 30 June 2005 have a maturity of between 1 month to 7 years from

the balance sheet date.

 

2004 comparative figures are not provided as HKAS 39 “Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement” prescribes

the recognition of derivatives at fair value in the balance sheet to take effect prospectively from 1 January 2005.

 

19. Trade and Other Receivables

 

             30 June
2005
   31 December
2004
     HK$M    HK$M

Trade receivables (aging analysis is shown below)

   5,047    2,376

Deposits and prepayments

   1,330    986

Dividend receivable from jointly controlled entities

   170    196

Current accounts with jointly controlled entities

   12    6
    
  
     6,559    3,564
    
  

 

Trade and other receivables attributed to overseas subsidiaries amounted to HK$3,799 million (December 2004: HK$1,610 million).

 

The Group has established credit policies for customers in each of its core businesses. The credit term for trade receivables ranges from 15 to 60 days.

 

The aging analysis of the trade receivables, after provisions, is as follows:

 

             30 June
2005
   31 December
2004
     HK$M    HK$M

Below 30 days (including amount not yet due)

   4,568    2,332

31-60 days

   216    15

61-90 days

   53    7

Over 90 days

   210    22
    
  
     5,047    2,376
    
  


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Page 49

 

20. Bank Balances, Cash and Other Liquid Funds

 

             30 June
2005
   31 December
2004
     HK$M    HK$M

Trust fund for unclaimed dividends

   13    16

Trust accounts under TRAA (A)

   541    549

Short-term investments and bank deposits

   1,258    1,857

Bank balances and cash

   120    98
    
  
     1,932    2,520
    
  

 

  (A) Pursuant to a Trust and Retention Account Agreement (TRAA) between GPEC and its lenders, GPEC allocates monthly receipts from its off-taker, Gujarat Electricity Board, to various trust accounts for fuel, operating and major maintenance expenses and debt service payments. These amounts are placed by GPEC on short-term deposits or investments prior to being applied for the designated purposes.

 

21. Trade and Other Payables

 

             30 June
2005
   31 December
2004
     HK$M    HK$M

Trade payables (aging analysis is shown below)

   2,453    2,064

Other payables and accruals

   1,310    1,053

Current accounts with jointly controlled entities (A)

   1,152    1,099
    
  
     4,915    4,216
    
  

 

  (A) Of the amount due to the jointly controlled entities, HK$956 million (December 2004: HK$914 million) was due to CAPCO.

 

The aging analysis of the trade payables is as follows:

 

             30 June
2005
   31 December
2004
     HK$M    HK$M

Below 30 days (including amount not yet due)

   2,437    2,043

31-60 days

   1    2

61-90 days

   3    4

Over 90 days

   12    15
    
  
     2,453    2,064
    
  


Table of Contents

Page 50

 

22. Borrowings and Obligations under Finance Leases

 

Total borrowings in the condensed consolidated balance sheet are analysed as follows:

 

     Current    Non-Current    Total
     30 June
2005
   31 December
2004
   30 June
2005
   31 December
2004
   30 June
2005
  

31 December

2004

    

HK$M

 

  

HK$M

 

  

HK$M

 

  

HK$M

 

  

HK$M

 

  

HK$M

 

Short-term loans

   4,343    422          4,343    422

Long-term bank loans

   284    756    18,494    10,916    18,778    11,672

Other long-term borrowings

   2,340       5,506    6,680    7,846    6,680
    
  
  
  
  
  

Bank loans and other borrowings (A)

   6,967    1,178    24,000    17,596    30,967    18,774

Obligations under finance leases (B)

   56       1,479       1,535   
    
  
  
  
  
  
     7,023    1,178    25,479    17,596    32,502    18,774
    
  
  
  
  
  

 

  (A) Bank Loans and Other Borrowings

 

During the six months ended 30 June 2005, the Group arranged an AUD2,450 million and a HK$6,000 million unsecured loan facilities and used part of the facilities to fund the acquisition of the MEB and working capital requirements for our business in Australia and to refinance the existing facilities of Yallourn Energy. The Group also issued HK$1,000 million fixed rate notes under the Medium Term Note Programme to support the capital requirements of the electricity business in Hong Kong. The Group’s bank loans and other borrowings were repayable as follows:

 

     Bank Loans    Other Borrowings    Total
     30 June
2005
   31 December
2004
   30 June
2005
   31 December
2004
   30 June
2005
  

31 December

2004

    

HK$M

 

  

HK$M

 

  

HK$M

 

  

HK$M

 

  

HK$M

 

  

HK$M

 

within one year

   4,627    1,178    2,340       6,967    1,178

between one and two years

   2,788    2,973       2,340    2,788    5,313

between two and five years

   15,610    6,027          15,610    6,027

after five years

   96    1,916    5,506    4,340    5,602    6,256
    
  
  
  
  
  
     23,121    12,094    7,846    6,680    30,967    18,774
    
  
  
  
  
  

 

Bank loans totalling HK$13,222 million (December 2004: HK$7,503 million) were attributed to overseas subsidiaries.

Part of the loans (HK$716 million at June 2005 and HK$512 million at December 2004 for GPEC and HK$6,106 million at December 2004 for Yallourn Energy) are secured by fixed and floating charges over their respective assets.

 

The carrying amounts of loans and borrowings approximate their fair value. The fair value of long-term borrowings is determined using the expected future payments discounted at market interest rates prevailing at the period end.


Table of Contents

Page 51

 

22. Borrowings and Obligations under Finance Leases (continued)

 

  (A) Bank Loans and Other Borrowings (continued)

 

Loans and borrowings of the Group are predominantly in HK$ or AUD. The effective interest rates at the balance sheet date were as follows:

     30 June 2005   31 December 2004
    

HK$

 

 

AUD

 

 

HK$

 

 

AUD

 

Fixed rate loans and loans swapped to fixed rates

   4.2% - 7.1%   6.2% - 7.3%   4.3% - 7.1%   7.5% - 8.6%

Variable rate loans and loans swapped from fixed rates

   2.8% - 3.8%   6.2% - 6.6%   0.5% - 1.0%   5.6% - 7.2%

 

As at 30 June 2005, the Group has undrawn bank loan and overdraft facilities of HK$9,216 million (December 2004: HK$8,384 million).

 

  (B) Obligations under Finance Leases

 

Following the acquisition of the MEB on 31 May 2005, the Group had obligations under finance leases repayable as follows:

 

             30 June
2005
    31 December
2004
     HK$M     HK$M

Minimum lease payments

          

not later than one year

   208    

later than one year and not later than five years

   836    

later than five years

   1,858    
    

 
     2,902    

Future interest expenses on finance leases

   (1,367 )  
    

 

Present value of minimum lease payments

   1,535    
    

 

Present value of minimum lease payments

          

not later than one year

   56    

later than one year and not later than five years

   284    

later than five years

   1,195    
    

 
     1,535    
    

 

 

23. Share Capital

 

     30 June 2005    31 December 2004
     Number of
Shares of
HK$5 Each
   Amount
HK$M
   Number of
Shares of
HK$5 Each
  

Amount

HK$M

Authorised

                   

At end of period/year

   3,000,000,000    15,000    3,000,000,000    15,000
    
  
  
  

Issued and fully-paid

                   

At end of period/year

   2,408,245,900    12,041    2,408,245,900    12,041
    
  
  
  

 

There was no movement in the share capital of the Company during the period (year 2004: nil).


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Page 52

 

24. SoC Reserve Accounts

 

The Development Fund, special provision account and Rate Reduction Reserve of the Group’s major subsidiary, CLP Power Hong Kong, are collectively referred to as SoC reserve accounts in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. The respective balances at the end of the period/year are:

 

             30 June
2005
   31 December
2004
    

HK$M

 

  

HK$M

 

SoC reserve accounts

         

Development Fund (A)

   2,820    3,171

Special provision account (B)

     

Rate Reduction Reserve (C)

   518    549
    
  
     3,338    3,720
    
  

 

Movements in the SoC reserve accounts are as follows:

 

             30 June
2005
    31 December
2004
 
    

HK$M

 

   

HK$M

 

 

(A)   Development Fund

            

At beginning of period/year

   3,171     2,960  

Transfer (to)/from profit and loss account (Note 5)

   (338 )   219  

One-off rebates

   (13 )   8  

Business relief rebate

       (1 )

Special rebate to customers

       (15 )
    

 

At end of period/year

   2,820     3,171  
    

 

(B)   Special provision account

            

At beginning of period/year

       176  

Transfer to profit and loss account

       (176 )
    

 

At end of period/year

        
    

 

(C)   Rate Reduction Reserve

            

At beginning of period/year

   549     471  

Interest expense charged to profit and loss account (Note 8)

   120     253  

One-off rebates

       2  

Rebate to customers (note a)

   (151 )   (177 )
    

 

At end of period/year

   518     549  
    

 

 

  Note (a): A rebate of HK¢1.1 per unit (2004: HK¢0.6 per unit) was made to customers during the period.


Table of Contents

Page 53

 

25. Notes to the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

 

Reconciliation of profit before taxation to net cash inflow from operations:

 

     6 months ended 30 June  
    

2005
HK$M

 

   

2004

HK$M

 

 

Profit before taxation

   5,044     4,710  

Adjustments for:

            

Operating interest

   536     521  

Finance income

   (63 )   (23 )

Share of results, net of tax

            

jointly controlled entities

   (1,614 )   (1,541 )

associated companies

   (79 )   (116 )

Depreciation and amortisation

   1,359     1,219  

Net loss on disposal of fixed assets

   25     83  

Net loss on other investments

       38  

Hedging costs and exchange gains/losses

       61  

Fair value (gains)/losses on derivative instruments

            

Cash flow hedges, transfer from equity

   106      

Transactions not qualifying as hedges

   (7 )    

SoC items

            

Increase in customers’ deposits

   104     115  

Decrease in fuel clause account

   (318 )   (149 )

One-off rebates

   (13 )   (479 )

Rebate to customers under SoC

   (151 )   (80 )

Business relief rebate

       (1 )

Special rebate

       (15 )
              
     (378 )   (609 )

Transfers from Development Fund and special provision account

   (338 )   (693 )
    

 

Cash flow before working capital changes

   4,591     3,650  

(Increase)/Decrease in debtors and prepayments

   (1,020 )   457  

Increase/(Decrease) in creditors and other liabilities

   289     (303 )

Decrease in dividend receivable from jointly controlled entities

   26      

Increase in current accounts due to jointly controlled entities

   47     22  
    

 

Net cash inflow from operations

   3,933     3,826  
    

 


Table of Contents

Page 54

 

26. Commitments

 

  (A) Capital expenditure on fixed assets and leasehold land authorised but not brought into the accounts is as follows:

 

             30 June
2005
   31 December
2004
    

HK$M

 

  

HK$M

 

Contracted but not provided for

   2,300    2,207

Authorised but not contracted for

   10,034    9,670
    
  
     12,334    11,877
    
  

 

  (B) The Group has entered into a number of joint venture arrangements to develop power projects in Thailand and the Chinese mainland. Equity contributions required and made by the Group under each project are summarised below:

 

Project Name   

Total Equity

Contributions

Required

  

Amount

Fulfilled as at

30 June 2005

  

Remaining

Balance to be

Contributed

  

Expected

Year for Last

Contribution

BLCP power project

    (Thailand)

  

US$165 million

  

US$17 million

(HK$132 million)

  

US$148 million

(HK$1,150 million)

  

2007

Changdao wind power project

    (Chinese mainland)

  

RMB45 million

  

RMB27 million

(HK$25 million)

  

RMB18 million

(HK$17 million)

  

end 2005

Weihai wind power project

    (Chinese mainland)

  

RMB30 million

  

nil

  

RMB30 million

(HK$28 million)

  

2006

Fangchenggang power project

    (Chinese mainland)

  

RMB966 million

  

nil

  

RMB966 million

(HK$907 million)

  

2007

 

  (C) Part of the acquisition of the MEB is the acquisition of Singapore Power’s 33.3% interest in the SEAGas partnership, which owns and operates a 685 kilometre natural gas transmission pipeline between Victoria and South Australia (Note 4). The Group’s acquisition of this interest was subject to consent from the other SEAGas partners and consent from the financiers to SEAGas. All necessary consents have been obtained and completion of the acquisition is targeted for the third quarter of 2005. Consideration for the acquisition is AUD195 million, of which a deposit of AUD75 million (approximately HK$448 million) was paid prior to 30 June 2005.

 

  (D) Pursuant to the previous loan agreements of Yallourn Energy, the Group had to provide the senior lenders with contingent equity support depending on certain minimum requirements regarding the availability of cash flows for debt services. This contingent equity support is no longer required upon repayment of the debts in May 2005.


Table of Contents

Page 55

 

27. Related Party Transactions

 

Below are the more significant transactions with related parties during the period ended 30 June:

 

  (A) Purchases of electricity from jointly controlled entities

 

Of the purchases of electricity and gas totalled HK$8,613 million (2004: HK$7,630 million), HK$8,278 million (2004: HK$7,630 million) was related to purchases of electricity from jointly controlled entities for the electricity business in Hong Kong. Details are shown below:

 

     6 months ended 30 June
     2005    2004
     HK$M    HK$M

Purchases of electricity from CAPCO

   5,652    5,398

Purchases of nuclear electricity

   2,447    2,046

Pumped storage service fee

   179    186
    
  
     8,278    7,630
    
  

 

Amounts due to the related parties as at 30 June 2005 are disclosed in Note 21.

 

  (B) Rendering of services to jointly controlled entities

 

Pursuant to the CAPCO Operating Service Agreement, the charges from CLP Power Hong Kong to CAPCO for the services rendered during the period amounted to HK$529 million (2004: HK$541 million).

 

Amounts due from the related parties as at 30 June 2005 are disclosed in Note 19. No provisions have been made for doubtful debts in respect of the amounts owed by the related parties.

 

  (C) Loan and advances to affiliated companies are discussed under Notes 16 and 17. As at 30 June 2005, the Group did not have any guarantees given to or received from these parties.

 

  (D) Total remuneration of Non-executive Directors and Senior Management (which includes four Executive Directors of the Company and Managing Directors of the two major subsidiaries, CLP Power Hong Kong and CLP Power Asia) is as follows:

 

     6 months ended 30 June
     2005    2004
     HK$M    HK$M

Fees

   2    1

Base compensation, allowances and benefits in kind

   12    12

Performance bonus

         

Annual incentive

   15    12

Long-term incentive (note a)

   8    2

Provident fund contributions

   1    1
    
  
     38    28
    
  

 

  Note (a): The amount of long-term incentive for 2005 was paid to five individuals, while that of 2004 was paid to one individual.


Table of Contents

Page 56

 

Scheme of Control Statement

 

The electricity-related operations of CLP Power Hong Kong and CAPCO (the SoC Companies) have been governed by the SoC Agreement with the Hong Kong Government. A summary of which was disclosed on page 166 in the Annual Report 2004. The calculations shown below are in accordance with the SoC and the agreements between the SoC Companies. The calculations are extracted from the management accounts of CLP Power Hong Kong for the six months ended 30 June 2005.

 

     (Unaudited)
6 months ended 30 June
     2005     2004
     HK$M     HK$M

SoC Revenue

   13,300     11,870
    

 

Expenses

          

Operating costs

   1,454     1,434

Fuel

   1,977     1,749

Purchases of nuclear electricity

   2,447     2,046

Depreciation

   1,825     1,681

Deferral premium

       96

Operating interest

   220     195

Taxation

   920     800
    

 
     8,843     8,001
    

 
    

 

Profit after taxation

   4,457     3,869

Interest on increase in customers’ deposits

   2    

Interest on long-term financing

   362     340

Adjustments required under the SoC

          

(including share of profit on sale of electricity to Chinese mainland attributable to the SoC Companies)

   (98 )   49
    

 

Profit for SoC

   4,723     4,258

Transfer from Development Fund

   338     597
    

 

Permitted return

   5,061     4,855
    

 

Deduct interest

          

On increase in customers’ deposits

   2    

On long-term financing as above

   362     340

On Development Fund and special provision account transferred to Rate Reduction Reserve

   120     112
    

 
     484     452
    

 
    

 

Net return

   4,577     4,403
    

 

Divisible as follows:

          

CLP Power Hong Kong

   2,795     2,624

CAPCO

   1,782     1,779
    

 
     4,577     4,403
    

 

CLP Power Hong Kong’s share of net return

          

CLP Power Hong Kong

   2,795     2,624

Interest in CAPCO

   715     713
    

 
     3,510     3,337
    

 


Table of Contents

Page 57

 

Independent Review Report

 

To the Board of Directors of CLP Holdings Limited (the Company)

(Incorporated in Hong Kong with limited liability)

 

We have been instructed by the Company to review the condensed consolidated interim accounts set out on pages 27 to 55.

 

Respective responsibilities of Directors and Auditors

 

The Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited require the preparation of condensed consolidated interim accounts to be in compliance with HKAS No. 34 “Interim Financial Reporting” issued by the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants. The condensed consolidated interim accounts are the responsibility of, and have been approved by, the directors.

 

It is our responsibility to form an independent conclusion, based on our review, on the condensed consolidated interim accounts and to report our conclusion solely to you, as a body, in accordance with our agreed terms of engagement and for no other purpose. We do not assume responsibility towards or accept liability to any other person for the contents of this report.

 

Review work performed

 

We conducted our review in accordance with SAS 700 “Engagements to review interim financial reports” issued by the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants. A review consists principally of making enquiries of group management and applying analytical procedures to the condensed consolidated interim accounts and, based thereon, assessing whether the accounting policies and presentation have been consistently applied unless otherwise disclosed. A review excludes audit procedures such as tests of controls and verification of assets, liabilities and transactions. It is substantially less in scope than an audit and therefore provides a lower level of assurance than an audit. Accordingly we do not express an audit opinion on the condensed consolidated interim accounts.

 

Review conclusion

 

On the basis of our review, which does not constitute an audit, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the condensed consolidated interim accounts for the six months ended 30 June 2005.

 

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers

 

PricewaterhouseCoopers

Certified Public Accountants

Hong Kong, 23 August 2005


Table of Contents

Page 58

 

Corporate Governance

 

Corporate Governance Practices

 

In the Corporate Governance Report dated 28 February 2005 which was published in our Annual Report 2004, we reported that the Company had adopted its own Code on Corporate Governance (CLP Code) which incorporated all of the Code Provisions and Recommended Best Practices in the “Code on Corporate Governance Practices and Corporate Governance Report” issued by the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (the Stock Exchange Code), save for the few exceptions specified and explained therein.

 

In the Corporate Governance Report we also described the structure of CLP Corporate Governance Framework and how the various key players are involved in ensuring the application of good governance practices and policies within the CLP Group.

 

In this Interim Report, we give a brief update on our corporate governance practices, notably the progress on bringing into compliance the two deviations from the Recommended Best Practices of the Stock Exchange Code which we reported in the Corporate Governance Report.

 

The first of these related to the Recommended Best Practice that Independent Non-executive Directors represent at least one-third of the Board.

 

At our Annual General Meeting held on 28 April 2005, we announced the appointment of Professor Judy Tsui as an Independent Non-executive Director of the Company to take effect on 10 May 2005. Professor Tsui’s appointment has brought the number of Independent Non-executive Directors of the Company to six. This represents one-third of the Board (18 Directors as at 30 June 2005), and brings CLP into compliance with this Recommended Best Practice.

 

CLP’s second deviation from Recommended Best Practices of the Stock Exchange Code relating to the recommendation that an issuer should announce and publish quarterly financial results remains as a deviation of the CLP Code and our actual practices from the Stock Exchange Code. CLP issues quarterly statements which include turnover, interim dividends and progress in major business activities over the quarter. However, CLP does not issue quarterly financial results. The reason is a judgment that quarterly reporting does not bring significant benefits to shareholders. The considered reasons for this deviation were stated in the Corporate Governance Report on page 95 of the Company’s Annual Report 2004.

 

As at 30 June 2005 the composition of the Board of CLP Holdings was as follows:

 

Non-executive Directors

 

  

Independent

Non-executive Directors

 

  

Executive Directors

 

Dr. The Hon. Sir Michael Kadoorie

  

The Hon. Sir S. Y. Chung

  

Mr. Andrew Brandler

Mr. W. E. Mocatta

  

Dr. William K. Fung

  

Mr. Peter P. W. Tse

Mr. J. S. Dickson Leach

  

Mr. V. F. Moore

  

Mr. Peter W. Greenwood

Mr. R. J. McAulay

  

Mr. Hansen C. H. Loh

        (resigned on 27 August 2005)

Mr. J. A. H. Leigh

  

Mr. Paul M. L. Kan

  

Dr. Y. B. Lee

Mr. R. Bischof

  

Professor Judy Tsui

    

Mr. I. D. Boyce

         

Mr. P. C. Tan

         


Table of Contents

Page 59

 

The composition of Board Committees remains the same as set out in the Corporate Governance Report of the Annual Report 2004, save that Mr. Paul M. L. Kan resigned from, and Professor Judy Tsui joined, the Audit Committee both with effect from 1 June 2005.

 

Following shareholders’ approval at the Company’s Annual General Meeting held on 28 April 2005 of the resolution to fix a specific term of appointment for all Non-executive Directors, a formal letter of appointment which is modelled on the letter of appointment in the “Higgs Report” in the UK on the “Review of the Role and Effectiveness of Non-executive Directors” was issued to each of the Non-executive Directors of the Company.

 

During the six months ended 30 June 2005 the Company met the Code Provisions set out in the Code on Corporate Governance Practices contained in Appendix 14 of the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (Listing Rules).

 

The Audit Committee has reviewed the accounting principles and practices adopted by the Group and the unaudited condensed accounts for the six months ended 30 June 2005. All of the Audit Committee members are appointed from the Independent Non-executive Directors, with the Chairman and a member having appropriate professional qualifications and experience in financial matters.

 

Interests of Directors and Substantial Shareholders

 

Since 1989, the Company has adopted its own Code for Securities Transactions by Directors (CLP Securities Code), which is largely based on the Model Code set out in Appendix 10 of the Listing Rules. The CLP Securities Code also applies to Senior Management (comprising the four Executive Directors and the Managing Directors of CLP Power Hong Kong and CLP Power Asia) and other “Specified Individuals” such as senior managers in the CLP Group. The CLP Securities Code has been updated from time to time to reflect new regulatory requirements as well as CLP Holdings’ strengthened regime of disclosure of interests in its securities.

 

The current CLP Securities Code is on terms no less exacting than the required standard set out in the Model Code.

 

All Directors have confirmed, following specific enquiry by the Company, that they have complied with the required standard set out in the Model Code and CLP Securities Code throughout the period from 1 January to 30 June 2005.

 

Save for the shareholdings disclosed below by the four Executive Directors, Senior Management did not have any interests in CLP Holdings’ securities as at 30 June 2005.

 

Interests of Directors and Chief Executive Officer

 

The interests/short positions of each of the Directors and Chief Executive Officer in the shares, underlying shares and debentures of the Company or any of the Company’s associated corporations (within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance) as at 30 June 2005, as recorded in the register required to be kept under Section 352 of Part XV of the Securities and Futures Ordinance, are set out below:

 

1. Aggregate long position in the shares, underlying shares and debentures of the Company and its associated corporations

 

The interests of Directors and Chief Executive Officer in the shares of the Company (other than pursuant to equity derivatives such as share options, warrants to subscribe or convertible bonds) as at 30 June 2005 were as follows:


Table of Contents

Page 60

 

Directors

   Capacity    Total Interests
in Number of
Ordinary
Shares of the
Company
   % of the Issued
Share Capital
of the
Company

Dr. The Hon. Sir Michael Kadoorie

   Note (a)    475,381,026    19.7397

Mr. W. E. Mocatta

   Founder of a discretionary trust    250,000    0.0104

Mr. J. S. Dickson Leach

   Beneficial owner    3,436    0.0001

Mr. R. J. McAulay

   Note (b)    439,800,565    18.2623

The Hon. Sir S. Y. Chung

   Beneficial owner    393,789    0.0164

Dr. William K. Fung

   Beneficial owner    120,000    0.0050

Mr. J. A. H. Leigh

   Beneficial owner    22,000    0.0009

Mr. R. Bischof

   Beneficial owner    50,000    0.0021

Mr. P. C. Tan

   Interests held jointly with spouse    5,000    0.0002

Mr. Andrew Brandler
(Chief Executive Officer)

   Note (c)    10,600    0.0004

Mr. Peter P. W. Tse

   Note (d)    20,600    0.0009

Mr. Peter W. Greenwood

   Beneficial owner    5,600    0.0002

Dr. Y. B. Lee

   Note (e)    15,806    0.0007

 

Notes:

 

  (a) The Hon. Sir Michael Kadoorie was deemed (by virtue of the Securities and Futures Ordinance) to be interested in 475,381,026 shares in the Company. These shares were held in the following capacity:

 

  i) 1,243 shares were an interest of his spouse.

 

  ii) 236,335,571 shares were held by discretionary trusts, of which The Hon. Sir Michael Kadoorie is one of the discretionary objects.

 

  iii) 239,044,212 shares were held by a discretionary trust, of which The Hon. Sir Michael Kadoorie is one of the discretionary objects and the founder.

 

For the purpose of the Securities and Futures Ordinance, the spouse of The Hon. Sir Michael Kadoorie was taken to have a discloseable duty in Hong Kong in relation to the 239,044,212 shares referred to in (iii) above. The spouse of The Hon. Sir Michael Kadoorie was therefore deemed to be interested in 239,045,455 shares in the Company, of which 1,243 shares were held by her as beneficial owner and 239,044,212 shares were attributed to her pursuant to the Securities and Futures Ordinance for disclosure purposes. Nevertheless, she has no interest, legal or beneficial, in these 239,044,212 shares attributed to her for disclosure purposes.


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  (b) Mr. R. J. McAulay was deemed (by virtue of the Securities and Futures Ordinance) to be interested in 439,800,565 shares in the Company. These shares were held in the following capacity:

 

  i) 13,141 shares were held in a personal capacity.

 

  ii) 236,335,571 shares were held by discretionary trusts, of which Mr. R. J. McAulay is one of the discretionary objects.

 

  iii) 203,451,853 shares were held by a discretionary trust, of which Muriel, Lady Kadoorie, mother-in-law of Mr. R. J. McAulay, is the founder and a beneficiary and Mr. R. J. McAulay, his wife and members of his family are discretionary objects.

 

  (c) 600 shares were held in a personal capacity and 10,000 shares were held in a beneficial owner capacity.

 

  (d) 600 shares were held in a personal capacity and 20,000 shares were held in a beneficial owner capacity.

 

  (e) 600 shares were held in a personal capacity and 15,206 shares were held jointly with spouse.

 

Messrs. I. D. Boyce, V. F. Moore, Hansen C. H. Loh and Paul M. L. Kan and Professor Judy Tsui who are Directors of the Company, and Mr. Bradley W. Corson who is an Alternate Director have each confirmed that they had no interests in the shares of the Company or any of its associated corporations as at 30 June 2005.

 

None of the Directors or the Chief Executive Officer had interests in debentures, under equity derivatives or in underlying shares of the Company and its associated corporations as at 30 June 2005.

 

2. Aggregate short position in the shares, underlying shares and debentures of the Company and its associated corporations

 

None of the Directors or the Chief Executive Officer had short positions in respect of shares, debentures, under equity derivatives or interests in underlying shares of the Company and its associated corporations as at 30 June 2005.

 

At no time during the period was the Company, its subsidiaries or its associated companies a party to any arrangement to enable the Directors and the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (including their spouse and children under 18 years of age) to acquire benefits by an acquisition of shares or underlying shares in, or debentures of, the Company or its associated corporations.

 

Interests of Substantial Shareholders

 

The interests/short positions of substantial shareholders in the shares and underlying shares of the Company as at 30 June 2005, as recorded in the register required to be kept under Section 336 of Part XV of the Securities and Futures Ordinance, are set out below:

 

1. Aggregate long position in the shares and underlying shares of the Company

 

The Company had been notified of the following substantial shareholders’ interests in the shares (other than pursuant to equity derivatives such as share options, warrants to subscribe or convertible bonds) as at 30 June 2005.


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Substantial

Shareholders

   Capacity    Total Interests in
Number of
Ordinary Shares
of the Company
   % of the Issued
Share Capital
of the Company

Acorn Holdings Corporation

  

Beneficiary

   196,468,538
Note (a)
   8.16

Bermuda Trust Company Limited

  

Trustee / Interests of controlled corporations

   682,978,836
Note (a)
   28.36

Bermuda Trust (Cayman) Limited

  

Trustee

   203,451,853
Note (b)
   8.45

Esko Limited

  

Interest of controlled corporation / Beneficiary of trusts

   236,335,571
Note (a)
   9.81

Hesko Limited

  

Interest of controlled corporation / Beneficiary of trusts

   236,335,571
Note (a)
   9.81

HWR Trustees Limited

  

Trustee / Interest of controlled corporation

   240,482,771
Note (a)
   9.99

Lakshmi Company Limited

  

Beneficiary

   196,468,538
Note (a)
   8.16

Lawrencium Corporation

  

Beneficiary

   196,468,538
Note (a)
   8.16

Merlin Investments Limited

  

Beneficiary

   196,468,538
Note (a)
   8.16

Mikado Holding Inc.

  

Trustee

   239,044,212
Note (a)
   9.93

Mikado Investments Limited

  

Interest of controlled corporation / Beneficiary of trusts

   239,044,212
Note (a)
   9.93

Muriel, Lady Kadoorie

  

Founder and Beneficiary

   203,451,853
Note (b)
   8.45

New Boron Holding Corporation

  

Trustee

   196,468,538
Note(a)
   8.16

Oak CLP Limited

  

Beneficiary

   203,451,853
Note (b)
   8.45

Oak (Unit Trust) Holdings Limited

  

Trustee

   203,451,853
Notes (a) & (b)
   8.45

Mr. R. Parsons

  

Trustee

   196,554,172
Note (c)
   8.16

Sir Sidney Gordon

  

Trustee

   205,525,453
Note (c)
   8.53

Dr. The Hon. Sir Michael Kadoorie

  

Note (d)

   475,381,026
Note (d)
   19.74

Mr. R. J. McAulay

  

Note (e)

   439,800,565
Note (e)
   18.26

Guardian Limited

  

Beneficiary / Interests in controlled corporation

   196,554,172
Note (c)
   8.16


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Notes:

 

  (a) The interests of Bermuda Trust Company Limited in the shares of the Company include the interests in the Company held by Esko Limited, Hesko Limited, Acorn Holdings Corporation, Lawrencium Corporation, Mikado Holding Inc, Mikado Investments Limited, Oak (Unit Trust) Holdings Limited and New Boron Holding Corporation.

 

The interests of Bermuda Trust Company Limited in the shares of the Company also include the shares held by discretionary trusts of which The Hon. Sir Michael Kadoorie and/or Mr. R. J. McAulay are among the discretionary objects as disclosed in “Interests of Directors and Chief Executive Officer”.

 

Bermuda Trust Company Limited was deemed to be interested in the shares in which Esko Limited, Hesko Limited, Mikado Holding Inc, Mikado Investments Limited and Oak (Unit Trust) Holdings Limited are interested, either in the capacity as trustee or by virtue of having direct or indirect control over such companies.

 

HWR Trustees Limited was deemed to be interested in the shares in which New Boron Holding Corporation was interested by virtue of having direct control over New Boron Holding Corporation. HWR Trustees Limited was also deemed to be interested in 4,147,200 shares in its capacity as trustee of certain trusts.

 

Lakshmi Company Limited and Merlin Investments Limited were deemed to be interested in the shares in which New Boron Holding Corporation was interested.

 

Esko Limited and Hesko Limited together controlled Acorn Holdings Corporation and Lawrencium Corporation which together in turn controlled New Boron Holding Corporation and were therefore deemed to be interested in the shares in which such company was deemed interested.

 

  (b) The interests of Bermuda Trust (Cayman) Limited in the shares of the Company include the interests in the Company in which Oak CLP Limited, Oak (Unit Trust) Holdings Limited and Muriel, Lady Kadoorie were deemed to be interested.

 

The interests of Muriel, Lady Kadoorie in 203,451,853 shares of the Company include shares in which Mr. R. J. McAulay, Mr. R. Parsons and Sir Sidney Gordon were deemed to be interested.

 

Bermuda Trust (Cayman) Limited was interested in the 203,451,853 shares by virtue of its capacity as trustee of a trust of which Muriel, Lady Kadoorie is the founder and a beneficiary and Mr. R. J. McAulay is one of the discretionary objects. Bermuda Trust (Cayman) Limited, in its capacity as trustee of a discretionary trust, controlled Oak CLP Limited and was therefore deemed to be interested in the shares in which Oak CLP Limited was interested.

 

  (c) Mr. R. Parsons and Sir Sidney Gordon, in their capacities as trustees of certain trusts, jointly controlled Guardian Limited and therefore were deemed to be interested in the shares in which Guardian Limited was deemed to be interested. Accordingly, the 196,554,172 shares in which Guardian Limited was interested is duplicated within the interests attributed to each of Sir Sidney Gordon and Mr. R. Parsons.

 

Sir Sidney Gordon was also deemed to be interested in 2,073,600 shares in his capacity as trustee of certain trusts.

 

  (d) The aggregate long position in the shares of the Company of The Hon. Sir Michael Kadoorie is listed below:

 

Interests in the Ordinary Shares of the Company

 

Number      Capacity

1,243

239,044,212

475,379,783

    

Interest of spouse

Founder of a discretionary trust

Discretionary object of various discretionary trusts


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The interests of The Hon. Sir Michael Kadoorie as a founder of a discretionary trust and a discretionary object of various discretionary trusts are duplicated between each other. His interests, apart from the interest of his spouse, are also duplicated by the interests in the Company held by Bermuda Trust Company Limited and certain discretionary trusts of which Mr. R. J. McAulay is one of the discretionary objects as disclosed in Note (e) below.

 

For the purpose of the Securities and Futures Ordinance, the spouse of The Hon. Sir Michael Kadoorie was taken to have a discloseable duty in Hong Kong in relation to the 239,044,212 shares referred to above. The spouse of The Hon. Sir Michael Kadoorie was therefore deemed to be interested in 239,045,455 shares in the Company, of which 1,243 shares were held by her as beneficial owner and 239,044,212 shares were attributed to her pursuant to the Securities and Futures Ordinance for disclosure purposes. Nevertheless, she has no interest, legal or beneficial, in these 239,044,212 shares attributed to her for disclosure purposes.

 

  (e) See Note (b) under “Interests of Directors and Chief Executive Officer”.

 

2. Aggregate short position in the shares and underlying shares of the Company

 

As at 30 June 2005, the Company had not been notified of any short positions being held by any substantial shareholder in the shares or underlying shares of the Company.

 

Interests of Any Other Persons

 

As at 30 June 2005, the Company had not been notified of any persons other than the substantial shareholders who had interests or short positions in the shares or underlying shares of the Company, which are required to be recorded in the register required to be kept under Section 336 of Part XV of the Securities and Futures Ordinance.

 

Purchase, Sale or Redemption of the Company’s Listed Shares

 

There was no purchase, sale or redemption of the Company’s listed shares by the Company or any of its subsidiaries during the six months ended 30 June 2005.


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Information for our Investors

 

Financial Diary          

Announcement of interim results

   23 August 2005             

Interim report posted to shareholders

   13 September 2005             

Last day to register for second interim dividend

   6 September 2005             

Book close day

   7 September 2005             

Payment of second interim dividend

   15 September 2005             

Financial year end

   31 December 2005             

 

Interim Report

 

Printed in English and Chinese language, available on our website at www.clpgroup.com on 6 September 2005 and posted to Shareholders on 13 September 2005.

 

Those Shareholders who (a) received our Interim Report 2005 electronically and would like to receive a printed copy or vice versa; or (b) received our Interim Report 2005 in either English or Chinese language version only and would like to receive a printed copy of the other language version or to receive printed copies of both language versions in future, are requested to write to the Company Secretary or the Company’s Registrars.

 

Shareholders may at any time change their choice of the language or means of receipt of the Company’s corporate communications free of charge by notice in writing to the Company Secretary or the Company’s Registrars.

 

Company’s Registrars

 

Computershare Hong Kong Investor Services Limited

 

Address :    46/F., Hopewell Centre, 183 Queen’s Road East, Hong Kong
Telephone :    (852) 2862 8628
Facsimile :    (852) 2865 0990
E-mail :    hkinfo@computershare.com.hk

 

Share Listing

 

CLP Holdings shares are listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong and are traded over the counter in the United States in the form of American Depositary Receipts.

 

Our Stock Code

 

The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong :    002
Bloomberg :    2 HK
Reuters :    0002.HK
Ticker Symbol for ADR Code :    CLPHY
CUSIP Reference Number :    18946Q101

 

Our Contact Details

 

Address :    147 Argyle Street, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Telephone :    (852) 2678 8228 (Shareholders’ hotline)
     (852) 2678 8322 (Investor Relations Manager)
Facsimile :    (852) 2678 8390 (Company Secretary)
     (852) 2678 8530 (Investor Relations Manager)
E-mail :    cosec@clp.com.hk (Company Secretary)
     IR_Dept@clp.com.hk (Investor Relations Manager)