e20vf
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 20-F
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REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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OR
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þ
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ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
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For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009
OR
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
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OR
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SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF
1934
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Commission file number 1-14542
ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE
CORPORATION LIMITED
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Bermuda
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
7/Fl. B, No. 132, Sec. 3
Min-Sheng East Road
Taipei, 105, Taiwan
Republic of China
(Address of principal executive offices)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.
None
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.
None
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.
Common Shares
(Title of Class)
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuers classes of capital or common
stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.
13,830,769 Common Shares
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule
405 of the Securities Act.
Yes
o
No
þ
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is
not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934. Yes
o
No
þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed
by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or
for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes
þ
No
o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its
corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted
pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months
(or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes
o
No
o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated
filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of accelerated filer and large accelerated
filer in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
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Large accelerated Filer
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Accelerated filer
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Non-accelerated filer
þ
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Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the
financial statements included in this
filing: U.S. GAAP
þ
International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International
Accounting Standards Board
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Other
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If Other has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which
financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow. Item 17
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Item 18
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If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company
(as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes
o
No
þ
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Our disclosure and analysis in this Annual Report on Form 20-F contain some forward-looking
statements. Forward-looking statements give our current beliefs or expectations or forecasts of
future events. You can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to
historical or current facts. Such statements may include words such as anticipate, estimate,
expect, intend, plan, believe and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection
with any discussion of future operating or financial performance.
Such statements are not promises or guarantees and are subject to a number of known and
unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause our future results, performance or achievements to
differ significantly from the results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such
forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause or contribute to such differences
include our ability to maintain and develop market share for our products; global, regional or
national economic and financial conditions, including events such as the financial crisis that
commenced in 2008 and the consequent economic recession, and their individual or collective impact
on demand for our products and services; the introduction of competing products or technologies;
our inability to successfully identify, consummate and integrate acquisitions; our potential
exposure to liability claims; the uncertainty and volatility of the markets in which we operate;
the availability and price of copper, our principal raw material; our ability to negotiate
extensions of labor agreements on acceptable terms and to successfully deal with any labor
disputes; our ability to service, and meet all requirements under, our debt, and to maintain
adequate credit facilities and credit lines; our ability to make payments of interest and principal
under our existing and future indebtedness; our ability to increase manufacturing capacity and
productivity; the fact that we have operations outside the United States that may be materially and
adversely affected by acts of terrorism, war and political and social unrest, or major hostilities;
increased exposure to political and economic developments, crises, instability, terrorism, civil
strife, expropriation and other risks of doing business in foreign markets; economic consequences
arising from natural disasters and other similar catastrophes, such as floods, earthquakes,
hurricanes and tsunamis; price competition and other competitive pressures; the impact of climate
change on our business and operations and on or customers; our ability to avoid limitations on
utilization of net losses for income tax purposes; fluctuations in currency, exchange and interest
rates, operating results and the impact of technological changes and other factors that are
discussed in this report and in our other filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the SEC or the Commission).
In particular, these statements include, among other things, statements relating to:
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our business strategy;
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our prospects for future revenues and profits in the markets in which we operate;
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the possibility that our Common Shares will again be listed on a national exchange;
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our dependence on a limited number of suppliers for our raw materials and our
vulnerability to fluctuations in the cost of our raw materials; and
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our liquidity.
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We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements or other information
contained in this Annual Report, whether as a result of new information, future events or
otherwise, except as required by law. You are advised, however, to consult any additional
disclosures we make in our filings with the
1
SEC. Also note that we provide a cautionary discussion of risks and uncertainties under the
Risk Factors section of this Annual Report. These are factors that we think could cause our
actual results to differ materially from expected results. Other factors besides those listed
there could also adversely affect us.
This discussion is permitted by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
OTHER CONVENTIONS
Unless otherwise specified, all references in this Annual Report to Thailand are to the
Kingdom of Thailand, all references to Singapore are to The Republic of Singapore, all references
to Taiwan are to Taiwan, The Republic of China, all references to China and to the PRC are to
The Peoples Republic of China, all references to Australia are to the Commonwealth of Australia
and all references to the U.S. are to the United States of America.
Most measurements in this Annual Report are given according to the metric system. Standard
abbreviations of metric units (e.g., mm for millimeter) have been employed without definitions.
All references in this Annual Report to tons are to metric tons, which are equivalent in weight
to 2,204.6 pounds.
With respect to measurements relating to the manufacture of wire and cable products,
references to pkm are to kilometers of twisted pairs of copper wire.
2
Item 1: Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers
(Not applicable)
Item 2: Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable
(Not applicable)
3.1 Selected Consolidated Financial Data
The following selected consolidated financial data is derived from the consolidated financial
statements of Asia Pacific Wire & Cable Corporation Limited (the Company) for the years ended
December 31, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009, prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
The selected data set forth below should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its
entirety by, the discussion in Item 5: Operating and Financial Review and Prospects and the
consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in Item 18: Financial
Statements.
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For the Year Ended December 31,
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2005
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2006
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2007
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2008
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2009
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(in thousands, except per share amounts)
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Income Statement Data:
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Net sales
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$
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337,262
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$
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468,117
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$
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510,841
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$
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500,798
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$
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362,231
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Cost of sales
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(300,656
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(410,823
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(465,165
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(488,048
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(315,840
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Gross profit
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36,606
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57,294
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45,676
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12,750
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46,391
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Operating expenses
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(26,553
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(27,612
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(29,451
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(29,044
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(27,855
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Impairment loss
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(3,223
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(86
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(95
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(77
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Operating profit/(loss)
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6,830
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29,596
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16,130
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(16,294
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18,459
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Exchange gain/(loss)
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(3,137
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5,464
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864
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(1,712
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528
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Net interest (expense)
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(2,747
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(5,181
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(6,063
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(4,779
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(2,139
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Share of net income/(loss) of equity
investees
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170
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73
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124
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(142
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(40
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Gain on liquidation of subsidiary
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1,801
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568
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(Loss)/gain on sale of investment
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(259
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(729
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35
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Others
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829
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1,536
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2,070
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2,859
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2,196
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Income/(loss) before income taxes and
minority interests
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1,686
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32,560
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13,160
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(20,068
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19,572
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Income taxes
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(3,860
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(10,257
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(6,298
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(2,132
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(5,344
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Non-controlling interests
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(2,783
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(9,330
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(2,029
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8,551
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(4,139
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Net income/(loss) attributable to APWC
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$
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(4,957
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$
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12,973
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$
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4,833
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$
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(13,649
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$
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10,089
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Earnings/(loss) per share
(1)
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$
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(0.36
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$
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0.94
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$
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0.35
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$
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(0.99
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$
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0.73
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(1)
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The calculation of the earnings/(loss) per share is based on 13,830,769 Common
Shares issued and outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and
2009.
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3
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As of December 31,
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2005
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2006
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2007
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2008
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2009
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(in thousands)
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Balance Sheet Data:
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Cash and cash equivalents
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$
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20,748
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$
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24,664
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$
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29,127
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$
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37,510
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$
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41,534
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Working capital
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80,350
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108,084
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132,409
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100,428
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127,139
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Total assets
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262,938
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364,565
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396,116
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309,798
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296,052
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Total debt
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58,438
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100,195
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104,146
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59,694
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38,917
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Total shareholders equity
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97,622
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118,765
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136,783
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114,129
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127,392
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3.2 Exchange Rates
Unless otherwise specified, all references in this Annual Report to $, U.S. dollars or
US$ are to United States dollars; all references to Bt, Thai Baht or Baht are to Baht, the
legal tender currency of Thailand; all references to S$ are to Singapore dollars, the legal
tender currency of Singapore; all references to A$ are to Australian dollars, the legal tender
currency of Australia; and all references to RMB are to Chinese Renminbi, the legal tender
currency of China.
Unless otherwise noted, for the convenience of the reader, translations of amounts from Baht,
Singapore dollars, Renminbi and Australian dollars to U.S. dollars have been made at the respective
noon buying rates in New York City for cable transfers in those currencies as certified for customs
purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (the Noon Buying Rate) on December 31, 2009.
The respective Noon Buying Rates on December 31, 2009 were US$1.00 = Bt 33.33; S$1.404; RMB 6.826;
and A$1.11. The respective Noon Buying Rates on May 5, 2010, the latest practicable date before
publication of this Annual Report, were US$1.00 = Bt 32.35; S$1.392; RMB 6.826 and A$1.10. No
representation is made that the foreign currency amounts could have been or could be converted into
U.S. dollars on these dates at these rates or at any other rates.
Thailand
The Thai Baht is convertible into foreign currencies and is subject to a managed float against
a basket of foreign currencies, the most significant of which is the U.S. dollar. The composition
of the basket for determining the value of the Baht is not made public by the Bank of Thailand.
The following tables set forth, for the periods indicated, certain information concerning the Noon
Buying Rate of the Thai Baht. No representation is made that the Baht or U.S. dollar amounts
referred to herein could have been or could be converted into U.S. dollars or Baht, as the case may
be, at any particular rate or at all.
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Year Ended December 31,
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At Period End
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Average
(1)
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High
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Low
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(Bt per $1.00)
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2005
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40.99
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40.34
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42.08
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38.21
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2006
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36.10
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37.68
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40.76
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35.19
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2007
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29.50
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32.02
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35.96
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29.28
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2008
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34.72
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33.13
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35.72
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29.36
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2009
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33.33
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34.30
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36.25
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33.10
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(1)
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Average means the average of the Noon Buying Rates on the last day of each month
during a year.
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4
The high and low exchange rates for the six months preceding the date of this Annual Report
were:
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Month
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High
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Low
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November 2009
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33.46
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33.11
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December 2009
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33.37
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33.10
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January 2010
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33.18
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32.85
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February 2010
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33.18
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33.00
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March 2010
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32.84
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32.28
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April 2010
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32.38
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32.16
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Sources: Federal Reserve Bulletin, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Federal
Reserve Statistical Release H.10(512), from the website of the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System at http://www.federalreserve.gov.
Singapore
The Singapore dollar is convertible into foreign currencies and floats against a
trade-weighted basket of foreign currencies, the composition of which is not made public by
Singapores central bank, the Monetary Authority of Singapore, but of which the U.S. dollar is a
component. The following tables set forth, for the periods indicated, certain information
concerning the Noon Buying Rate of the Singapore dollar. No representation is made that the
Singapore dollar or U.S. dollar amounts referred to herein could have been or could be converted
into U.S. dollars or Singapore dollars, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all.
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At
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Period
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Year Ended December 31,
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End
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Average
(1)
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High
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Low
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(S$ per $1.00)
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2005
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1.663
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1.665
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1.706
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1.618
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2006
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1.534
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1.580
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1.652
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1.534
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2007
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1.436
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1.501
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1.543
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1.436
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2008
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1.438
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1.410
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1.529
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1.347
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2009
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1.404
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1.452
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1.557
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1.380
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(1)
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Average means the average of the Noon Buying Rates on the last day of each month
during a year.
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The high and low exchange rates for the six months preceding the date of this Annual Report
were:
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Month
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High
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Low
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November 2009
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1.402
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1.380
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December 2009
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1.408
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1.380
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January 2010
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1.406
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1.388
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February 2010
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1.423
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1.405
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March 2010
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1.406
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1.393
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April 2010
|
|
|
1.399
|
|
|
|
1.368
|
|
5
Sources: Federal Reserve Bulletin, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Federal
Reserve Statistical Release H.10(512), from the website of the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System at http://www.federalreserve.gov.
China
The PRC government imposes control over its foreign currency reserves in part through direct
regulation of the conversion of Renminbi into foreign currencies and through restrictions on
foreign trade. The following tables set forth, for the periods indicated, certain information
concerning the Noon Buying Rate of the Renminbi. No representation is made that the Renminbi or
U.S. dollar amounts referred to herein could have been or could be converted into U.S. dollars or
Renmimbi, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
At Period
End
|
|
Average
(1)
|
|
High
|
|
Low
|
|
|
|
(Rmb per $1.00)
|
|
2005
|
|
|
8.070
|
|
|
|
8.183
|
|
|
|
8.277
|
|
|
|
8.070
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
7.804
|
|
|
|
7.958
|
|
|
|
8.070
|
|
|
|
7.804
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
7.295
|
|
|
|
7.581
|
|
|
|
7.813
|
|
|
|
7.295
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
6.823
|
|
|
|
6.919
|
|
|
|
7.295
|
|
|
|
6.780
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
6.826
|
|
|
|
6.830
|
|
|
|
6.847
|
|
|
|
6.818
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
Average means the average of the Noon Buying Rates on the last day of each month
during a year.
|
The high and low exchange rates for the six months preceding the date of this Annual Report
were:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Month
|
|
High
|
|
Low
|
|
November 2009
|
|
|
6.830
|
|
|
|
6.826
|
|
|
December 2009
|
|
|
6.830
|
|
|
|
6.824
|
|
|
January 2010
|
|
|
6.830
|
|
|
|
6.826
|
|
|
February 2010
|
|
|
6.833
|
|
|
|
6.826
|
|
|
March 2010
|
|
|
6.827
|
|
|
|
6.825
|
|
|
April 2010
|
|
|
6.828
|
|
|
|
6.823
|
|
Sources: Federal Reserve Bulletin, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Federal
Reserve Statistical Release H.10(512), from the website of the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System at http://www.federalreserve.gov.
Australia
The following tables set forth, for the periods indicated, certain information concerning the
Noon Buying Rate of the Australian dollar. No representation is made that the Australian dollar or
U.S. dollar amounts referred to herein could have been or could be converted into U.S. dollars or
Australian dollars, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
At Period
End
|
|
Average
(1)
|
|
High
|
|
Low
|
|
|
|
(A$ per $1.00)
|
|
2005
|
|
|
1.362
|
|
|
|
1.312
|
|
|
|
1.377
|
|
|
|
1.254
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
1.268
|
|
|
|
1.319
|
|
|
|
1.417
|
|
|
|
1.264
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
1.139
|
|
|
|
1.184
|
|
|
|
1.295
|
|
|
|
1.067
|
|
6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
At Period
End
|
|
Average
(1)
|
|
High
|
|
Low
|
|
|
|
(A$ per $1.00)
|
|
2008
|
|
|
1.141
|
|
|
|
1.177
|
|
|
|
1.647
|
|
|
|
1.021
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
1.114
|
|
|
|
1.252
|
|
|
|
1.587
|
|
|
|
1.067
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
Average means the average of the Noon Buying Rates on the last day of each month
during a year.
|
The high and low exchange rates for the six months preceding the date of this Annual Report
were:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Month
|
|
High
|
|
Low
|
|
November 2009
|
|
|
1.113
|
|
|
|
1.067
|
|
|
December 2009
|
|
|
1.139
|
|
|
|
1.079
|
|
|
January 2010
|
|
|
1.127
|
|
|
|
1.075
|
|
|
February 2010
|
|
|
1.160
|
|
|
|
1.112
|
|
|
March 2010
|
|
|
1.111
|
|
|
|
1.084
|
|
|
April 2010
|
|
|
1.091
|
|
|
|
1.069
|
|
Sources: Federal Reserve Bulletin, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Federal
Reserve Statistical Release H.10(512), from the website of the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System at http://www.federalreserve.gov.
3.3 Risk Factors
3.3.1 Risks Related to the Global Economic and Financial Crisis
Commencing in early 2008, numerous cataclysmic economic and financial events roiled global and
national financial markets and the international business community, including the sudden collapse
of certain leading financial institutions, widespread default on various credit instruments, the
collapse of the U.S. and other housing markets, a dramatic de-leveraging of capital investment and
other business activities and a marked reduction in the availability of credit for businesses.
These events unfolded quite quickly and unexpectedly and are widely considered to be key factors in
the deep economic recession that adversely impacted the global economy generally and the Company in
particular.
Dramatic declines in the U.S. housing market in 2008, continuing into 2009, with falling home
prices and increasing foreclosures and unemployment, have resulted in significant write-downs of
asset values by financial institutions, including government-sponsored entities as well as major
commercial and investment banks. These write-downs, initially of mortgage-backed securities but
spreading to credit default swaps and other derivative securities, in turn have caused many
financial institutions to seek additional capital, to merge with larger and stronger institutions
and, in some cases, to fail. Reflecting concern about the stability of the financial markets
generally and the strength of counterparties, many lenders and institutional investors have ceased
to provide, or severely curtailed, funding to even the most credit-worthy borrowers or to other
financial institutions. The continuing shortage of available credit and lack of confidence in the
financial markets has
materially and adversely affected the trading price of the Companys Common Shares and could
materially and adversely impact its access to capital and its financial condition.
Continued turbulence in the U.S. and international markets and economy may adversely affect
the Companys liquidity, its ability to access the capital markets, its financial condition and the
willingness or ability of certain counterparties to do business with the Company.
7
While the Company does not engage in trade or business within the United States, its
customers and suppliers, and the markets in which the Company engages in its business, are
materially affected by the health of the U.S. economy, which in general has global consequences.
The financial crisis that started in the United States spread to the economies of other
industrialized and developed nations and emerging markets as well. The result was a global
downturn in economic activity and a liquidity crisis for many financial institutions and their
customers. Credit availability in the markets in which the Company conducts its business was
materially reduced.
Actual and Possible Impacts on the Company
The deterioration of economic conditions resulting from the current global financial and
credit crisis and economic downturn has and may well continue to adversely affect each of the
markets in which the Company sells and distributes its products and provide services. In certain
markets, sales have stagnated or even decreased as there has been a reduction in infrastructure
development by governmental entities in certain instances and in capital expenditures and
construction by private companies in anticipation of the fall in demand in the residential and
commercial building markets. Many customers have also delayed their construction projects in the
current weak market environment. The reduction in the manufacture of electronic products for
export or local consumption has also reduced our sales of enameled wire. Copper prices on the
London Metal Exchange (LME) fell from an average monthly high of $8,685 per metric ton in April
2008 to only $3,072 per metric ton in December 2008. In addition, sales towards the end of 2008 and
into 2009 decreased due to worldwide economic downturn, thereby increasing our inventory levels at
year end. Nevertheless, subsequently as a result of the commodity markets dynamic nature, the
copper prices on the LME have bounced back to $6,648 average in 2009, resulting in a better
turnover for the second half of the year. With the fall in copper and commodity prices in the
past, customers have sometimes been withholding orders in the expectation that prices may drop
further.
The Company experienced the impact of the economic crisis beginning in the second half of 2008
and into first half of 2009, which included lower sales and lower gross margins as compared to the
first half of 2008 and the second half of 2007. The lower results in 2009 were primarily due to
reduced order flow from customers However, with the re-bound of copper price in 2009, the customers
were willing to accept a higher sales price from APWC in the beginning. Revenue for 2009 was
$362.2 million, representing a 27.7% decline from 2008. Gross margin in the second half of 2009
decreased slightly by 1.2% as compared to the first half of 2009, primarily due to some
pre-determined supply contracts to the customers in the first half. However, sales in the second
half of 2009 increased by $60.8 million or 40% as compared to the first half of 2009.
The Company is unable to determine the precise impact of the global economic crisis on its
operations and cash flow since results are also affected by factors that are or may be unrelated to
the economic crisis, such as the completion of routine purchase cycles by customers and the
completion, suspension or termination of large infrastructure projects. However, the Company has
concluded that current economic uncertainty has affected and will likely continue to have a
significant impact on the Companys operations and cash flow. Specifically, the operating
subsidiaries may encounter greater difficulty in raising new banking facilities and loans to
support their working capital requirements in the current environment where banks are less willing
to offer new facilities. Governments in certain countries, such as China, Thailand and Singapore,
have pledged to increase infrastructure and construction spending to boost or maintain economic
growth. Assuming those pledges are acted upon, those developments will likely have a favorable
impact on our sales of manufactured products. However, the Companys results for the first half of
2009 indicate that actual or planned governmental increases in allocations for expenditures on
infrastructure development have not yielded any sustainable increase in sales of the Companys
products, particularly when the governments focus was on additional housing and mass public
transportation projects such as, among other things, cross-island passage ways. In addition, the re-bound in the
trading prices of many public companies and the increases in major indices on a number of national
exchanges since the lows of March 2009 have not translated into a material increase in customer
behaviors with either private or government sponsored projects. The Company believes that any
efforts to forecast likely future performance with any degree of specificity would be fraught with
uncertainty due to the suddenness and severity of the financial crisis. In addition, the apparent
recent stabilization of the
8
global capital markets and increase in economic activity cannot be taken as certain indicators
that the global recession is over and that sustained economic growth is assured. Accordingly, the
Company cautions against placing reliance on any efforts to identify trends for the foreseeable
future.
The governments in the countries in which we operate have otherwise predicted slower economic
growth for the fiscal year 2010. For purposes of planning and prudent management, the Company is
presently anticipating that the extremely challenging and difficult economic conditions that faced
the global economy throughout 2009 will ease off to a lesser degree and the internal budget
prepared by management as a planning tool for 2010 indicates a moderate increase in sales.
In view of the continuing market challenges facing the Company, and its customers and the
markets in which they operate, the Company has taken and continues to implement a number of
measures in order to maintain efficient operations. Specifically, the Company has focused
increased efforts on collecting its receivables on a timely basis. It is anticipated that some
customers will take a longer time to settle their outstanding debts with the Company as they face
tightening credit and lower sales themselves, however the Company will actively work with all of
its significant customers to reduce collection times and minimize write offs. The Company has
also reduced its inventory levels through planned lower raw material purchases while negotiating
with suppliers to reduce costs of raw materials and supplies. The Company has focused also on
reducing operating costs where practicable, including headcount restraint. In several of the
Companys subsidiaries, headcount increase has been frozen or even reduced and contract staff have
been laid off as deemed necessary. Total headcount number for the entire group was reduced by 97
people from a year ago. The Company has hedged copper in Thailand through copper futures contracts
in several instances in order to reduce the effect of the current volatility in copper prices on
its operations. The Company is also negotiating and close to finalizing with banks for additional
loans and credit facilities.
We believe that the successful implementation of these actions has had a positive effect on
our cash resources, and we intend to continue these measures in order to preserve our liquidity
during this economically challenging period. The Company is seeking to maintain a strong cash
position. While none of the Companys material lines of credit have been terminated, the Companys
subsidiaries may encounter greater difficulty in raising new banking facilities and loans to
support their working capital in the current environment where banks are less willing to offer new
facilities. As of December 31, 2009, the Company had available and unused lines of credits from
suppliers, banks and other lenders totaling, in the aggregate, approximately $211.2 million. We
believe that available and unused amount of credit is sufficient to support our current working
capital needs.
The macroeconomic events and those specific to the Company may have a material adverse impact
on the Companys business operations until such time as the global financial crisis has
substantially abated and financial and economic conditions have materially improved. The Company
notes, however, that the foregoing is subject to a number of unknown variables, including the
impact of actions taken or that may be taken in the future by governmental entities to address the
capital needs of banks and other financial institutions and to increase the flow of credit to
businesses.
3.3.2 Risks Related to the Common Shares and Corporate Governance
Consolidation of Charoong Thai Group Accounts
As of December 31, 2009, the Company effectively owned 50.93% of the issued and outstanding
shares of Charoong Thai Wire and Cable Public Company Limited (Charoong Thai). That percentage
ownership constitutes a decrease from the Companys initial ownership percentage and is
attributable to the exercise of warrants or conversion of convertible securities by third parties.
The Companys present intention is to maintain majority ownership of the voting securities of
Charoong Thai. However, there may be circumstances under which the Company cannot maintain
majority ownership of Charoong Thai. In the event Charoong Thai determined to make a further
offering of voting securities, or securities convertible into or exchangeable for
9
voting securities, and the Company was not in a position to fund or finance its participation
in the offering, the ownership interest of the Company in Charoong Thai could fall below 50%. If
the Companys holding in Charoong Thai were to fall below 50%, the accounts of the Charoong Thai
group, which includes all of the Companys Thailand operations, will not be consolidated but
instead will be equity accounted. In such an event, the Companys accounts will show a decrease in
revenue and most categories of assets and liabilities, which events could have a material adverse
effect on the value of the Common Shares.
Potential Illiquidity of Common Shares
Approximately 75.4% of our Common Shares are either unregistered securities or registered
securities held by affiliates, which are subject to restrictions on trading. Accordingly,
approximately three quarters of our Common Shares are not fully liquid investments. In the recent
past, the volume of trading in our Common Shares has not been substantial. This illiquidity may
negatively impact the value of the Common Shares.
Control of the Company Rests with Majority Shareholder; Controlled Company Exemption; Risks
Related to PEWC
As the majority shareholder, Pacific Electric Wire & Cable Co., Ltd. (PEWC) has sufficient
votes to control the outcome of any matters presented for a shareholder vote, including the
election of the members of the Board of Directors. PEWC may vote its shares in the Company in the
manner that it sees fit. In addition, subject to compliance with applicable securities laws, PEWC
may sell, convey or encumber all or a portion of its ownership interest in the Company without
regard to the best interests of the other shareholders of the Company except to the extent it may
be required to comply with the terms of the Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement dated
March 27, 2009 among the Company, PEWC and SOF Investments, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership
which owns beneficially 9.8% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares, and except that it may
not engage in conduct oppressive to minority interests under applicable law.
The Companys plans include seeking a listing on a national securities exchange, such as
Nasdaq or NYSE Amex Equities (formerly known as the American Stock Exchange), as and when the
Company meets the listing criteria for one of those exchanges. In the event of a listing on a
national securities exchange, the Company intends to rely upon the controlled company exemption
which will exempt the Company from a requirement to have a board of directors that has a majority
of independent directors. The Company may also rely upon Nasdaq Rule 4350(a) or AMEX Company Guide
Section 110, each of which would permit the Company to rely in certain instances upon the rules of
its home country, Bermuda, which do not require that the board of directors be comprised of a
majority of independent directors. Accordingly, even assuming a listing on a national securities
exchange, a majority of the Companys Board may not be comprised of directors independent from any
affiliation with the majority shareholder, PEWC.
PEWC, the majority shareholder, is a Taiwanese company engaged in the manufacture and
distribution of wire and cable products in the Taiwan markets. In November 2004, certain former
officers and directors of PEWC (the Former Executives) were indicted by the Taipei District
Prosecutors Office for their breach of trust, embezzlement of corporate funds, making of false
accounting records and financial statements, and violation of various Taiwan securities laws. The
most serious allegations of corporate theft and misappropriation were directed at Mr. Hu, the
former chief financial officer of PEWC. As early as 1992, the Former Executives had incorporated a
complex network of companies for the purpose of transferring PEWC funds out of Taiwan and of
acquiring overseas investments for their personal benefit. In addition, they borrowed loans from
banks for their personal benefit and made PEWC a guarantor for such borrowings, which were
eventually repaid by PEWC. In an elaborate concealment scheme, the books of PEWC were balanced by
way of fictitious bank deposits with certain banks incorporated in Vanuatu and other remote
jurisdictions. The fraudulent actions of the Former Executives were uncovered in 2001 and 2002,
when PEWC incurred losses attributable to the scheme equal to approximately $160 million and $669
million, respectively. To the best knowledge of the Company, proceedings against the Former
Executives are continuing in the Taipei District Court. However, the Company is not a party to, or
otherwise involved in, those proceedings.
10
In May 2003, the Taipei Stock Exchange (the TSE) and the Taiwan Securities and Futures
Commission (TSFC) ordered PEWC to restate its 1998-2000 financial statements to reflect the
losses attributable to the fraudulent activities of the Former Executives. Thereafter, the TSE
suspended the trading of the shares of PEWC. In 2004, the shares of PEWC were delisted from the
TSE. At the present time, the shares of PEWC are not traded on a recognized public exchange and
there is no public market for the common stock of PEWC. To the Companys knowledge, the criminal
prosecution of at least several of the Former Executives is ongoing and PEWC is pursuing actions in
several jurisdictions to recover misappropriated assets.
A consortium of bank creditors (referred to as the PEWC Banking Group) has certain veto
rights with respect to material acquisitions or expenditures by PEWC. Unresolved issues regarding
PEWC raise a degree of uncertainty regarding its capacity in the future to continue to provide
support to the Company as it has in the past with regard to inter-company loans, and with regard to
research and development and other services under the Composite Services Agreement (discussed
below), in each case on terms more favorable than those that might be available from unaffiliated
providers.
PEWC has provided credit support to the Company and its subsidiaries through the provision of
direct loans, credit terms in inter-company trade balances between PEWC and the operating
subsidiaries and corporate guarantees for trade and credit facilities from banks and financial
institutions for the purposes of financing working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and
expansion programs. There can be no assurance that PEWC will provide support in the future.
Limited Trading Volume on the OTC BB
Our Common Shares are traded on the over-the-counter bulletin board (the OTC BB). Trading
in our Common Shares has been limited and there may not exist from time to time an active trading
market for our Common Shares. As a consequence, shareholders may find their ability to sell their
Common Shares quickly or in substantial amounts is adversely affected by the limited public trading
market. Thinly-traded equity can be more volatile than equity securities traded in an active
trading market. The high and low price for our Common Shares during the past 24 months has been
$6.45 and $0.50, respectively. In the future, our Common Shares may experience significant price
fluctuations which could adversely affect the value of the Common Shares.
Disclosure Controls and Procedures and Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The Company focused on improving its disclosure controls and procedures and its internal
control over financial reporting and remediating all material weaknesses, and as a result, both
disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting were classified as
effective as of December 31, 2008, but ineffective as of December 31, 2009 due to the development
of material weaknesses. While the Company is taking steps to remediate the material weakness
identified as of December 31, 2009, the Company cannot provide any assurances that other material
weaknesses will not be identified upon further investigation, such that either disclosure controls
and procedures or internal control over financial reporting may be rendered ineffective for a
period of time.
Delinquency in Reporting Obligations; Reporting of Financial Results
As a foreign private issuer, the Company is currently required to file its annual report on
Form 20-F with the SEC within six months following the close of its fiscal year. The Company was
not in a position to make the filing of its 2004 annual report on a timely basis. After the
expiration of an automatic grace period, on August 29, 2005 the OTC BB delisted the Company for
failure to remain current in the filing of its periodic reports. On November 9, 2007, the Company
filed its 2004 annual report. On March 17, 2008, the Company filed its combined 2005 and 2006
annual report. The Company then relisted on the OTC BB in April 2008 under the symbol AWRCF. On
June 28, 2008 and June 26, 2009, the Company filed its 2007 and 2008 annual report, respectively,
on a timely basis.
11
The Company is currently compliant with its reporting obligations under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), and believes that it has addressed the
corporate governance obstacles that led to its delinquency in filing its 2004, 2005 and 2006 annual
reports. However, the Company cannot provide assurances that it will continue to be compliant in
its reporting obligations under the Exchange Act. As a foreign private issuer, the Company is not
required to provide financial results on a quarterly or semi-annual basis. In addition, Bermuda
law does not require the Company to provide interim financial information to its shareholders,
whether on a quarterly or semi-annual basis. As such, investors may not have the same access to
financial information of the Company as they customarily receive in the case of a domestic issuer
disclosing quarterly results on a Form 10-Q.
Potential Conflict of Certain Officers and Directors
The Company appointed two independent directors on September 28, 2007. Other than those two
independent directors, all of the members of the Board of Directors are also directors or officers
or otherwise affiliated with PEWC, the majority shareholder. Certain of our officers are also
affiliated with PEWC. In each case, they may be subject to potential conflicts of interest. In
addition, certain of our officers and directors who are also officers and/or directors of PEWC may
be subject to conflicts of interest in connection with, for example, pursuing corporate
opportunities in which we and PEWC or one of its affiliates have competing interests, and the
performance by us and PEWC of our respective obligations under existing agreements, including the
Composite Services Agreement and the Indemnification Agreement (discussed below). In addition,
some of these persons will devote time to the business and affairs of PEWC and its affiliates as is
appropriate under the circumstances, which could reduce the amount of time available for overseeing
or managing our business and affairs. Notwithstanding any such potential conflicts, however, such
individuals, in their capacities as our directors and officers, are subject to fiduciary duties to
our shareholders.
The Bermuda Companies Act 1981, as amended (the Companies Act), subjects our officers and
directors to certain fiduciary standards in the exercise of their executive and management duties
on behalf of the Company. Under the Companies Act, an officer of ours (which term includes our
directors) is subject to a duty of care requiring him to act honestly, in good faith and in the
best interests of the Company in the discharge of his duties and to, among other things, give
notice to the Board of Directors at the first opportunity of any interest he has in any material
contract or proposed material contract with us or any of our subsidiaries. The Companies Act also
prohibits us, subject to certain exceptions, from making loans to any directors without first
obtaining the consent of shareholders holding in the aggregate not less than nine-tenths of the
total voting rights of all the shareholders having the right to vote at any shareholders meeting.
We do not make any loans to our directors or executive officers in accordance with the provisions
of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Obligations under the Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement
On June 28, 2007, SOF Investments, L.P. (SOF), a Delaware limited partnership, acquired
2,766,154 Common Shares, representing 20% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares (the SOF
Shares), from Sino-JP Fund Ltd (Sino-JP). Following that sale, Sino-JP ceased to have any
ownership interest in the Company and its three designees on the Board of Directors and the Company
officers selected by it each resigned with immediate effect. On that same date, the Company
entered into the Shareholders Agreement with PEWC and SOF, pursuant to which the Company granted to
SOF certain rights and protections. Under the Shareholders Agreement, the Company agreed to
indemnify SOF and its partners and certain of its affiliates (the SOF Indemnified Persons), for
any additional taxes, interest, penalties and other costs that might be imposed upon or incurred by
the SOF Indemnified Persons in the event that the Company is determined by the Internal Revenue
Service (the IRS) to be a controlled foreign corporation (a CFC) or a passive foreign
investment company (a PFIC), as such terms are interpreted and defined under IRS rules and
regulations. The Company does not believe that it is now or is likely to become a CFC or a PFIC;
however, the Company cannot provide any assurances that it will not become a CFC or a PFIC in the
future.
In addition, the Company granted certain registration rights to SOF with respect to the SOF
Shares (the Registrable Securities) in the Shareholders Agreement. In particular, the Company
agreed to use its
12
reasonable best efforts to prepare and file, and cause to go effective, as soon as
practicable, a shelf registration statement covering the resale of the Registrable Securities on a
delayed or continuous basis. The Company also agreed to use its reasonable best efforts to keep
its shelf registration statement effective until all Registrable Securities have been sold or until
all Registrable Securities may be sold without restriction pursuant to Rule 144 promulgated
pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. In addition, the Company granted to SOF two
demand registration rights for underwritten offerings and customary piggyback registration rights
with regard to the Registrable Securities. Moreover, the Company agreed to use its reasonable best
efforts to cause the Common Shares to be listed on a national Securities Market, which means any
of the Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. (Global Market or Global Select Market), the American Stock
Exchange LLC (now known as NYSE Amex Equities) or the New York Stock Exchange LLC, not later than
January 31, 2009, subject to notice and a sixty (60) day cure period. All of the costs and
expenses of the Company in connection with the fulfillment of its obligations under the
Shareholders Agreement were to be paid by the Company, other than underwriting fees, discounts and
commissions attributable to the sale of Common Shares held by SOF.
Under the terms of the Shareholders Agreement, if the Company failed to fulfill its
obligations thereunder, SOF may have a claim for damages against the Company. No such claim has
been made. In addition, if the Company fulfilled its reasonable best efforts undertakings but
failed to meet one or more of the stated goals, SOF may have a put right of their Common Shares to
PEWC. In accordance with those terms, on February 2, 2009, SOF delivered to PEWC notice of its
exercise of the put right under the Shareholders Agreement due to the fact that the Common Shares
were not listed on a national Securities Market as of January 31, 2009. On March 27, 2009, SOF
sold 51% of its Common Shares to PEWC pursuant to the terms of a share purchase agreement between
those parties. Upon the consummation of that share purchase agreement, SOF held 1,355,415
registered Common Shares of the Company and PEWC held 1,410,739 registered Common Shares,
respectively, representing 9.8% and 10.2% of the outstanding Common Shares, with PEWC holding an
additional 7,664,615 unregistered Common Shares, giving it an aggregate of 65.6% of the total
issued and outstanding Common Shares. In connection with this transaction, the Company, PEWC and
SOF entered into an Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement, which among other things, granted
to the Company an extension for listing the Common Shares on a national Securities Market until
February 2011 and maintains for SOF the right to sell its remaining Common Shares to PEWC in the
event the Company does not list its Common Shares on a national Securities Market by February 2011.
The Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement also provides for those registration and
indemnification rights set forth above in the description of the Shareholders Agreement. While the
sale of Common Shares by SOF to PEWC resulted in PEWC holding a higher concentration of Common
Shares which may impact liquidity for the other shareholders, the Company does not believe that any
definitive impact can be forecasted or determined.
In addition, sales of Common Shares held by SOF and registered under the shelf registration
statement, or any registration statement that goes effective following an exercise of demand
registration rights, will increase the number of Common Shares available for purchase in the public
market and may adversely affect the value of the Common Shares held by other shareholders. Even
without substantial sales by SOF or PEWC of their respective Registrable Securities, the
possibility of such sales may create a market overhang that has the effect of depressing the
trading price of the Common Shares.
The Company has also granted to SOF preemptive rights in the event of any issuance of
additional equity securities (or securities convertible into or exchangeable for equity securities)
by the Company, such that SOF may subscribe for additional securities in order to maintain its then
percentage ownership interest in the issued and outstanding equity securities of the Company.
Risks Relating to the Settlement Agreement
Following the acquisition by Sino-JP in 2004 of Common Shares of the Company, a number of
disputes arose between PEWC and Sino-JP regarding the governance of the Company and other matters.
Specifically, the Board was unable to reach a consensus on the proper treatment of certain doubtful
accounts receivable. In addition, the then current Chief Financial Officer of the Company
questioned the then current auditors of the
13
Company regarding the thoroughness of their review of these accounts receivable during the
course of their 2004 audit of the Companys financial statements, which led to the cessation of the
2004 audit by the auditors at that time. The initial narrow dispute between Board members
designated by Sino-JP and other Board members regarding the accounting treatment for doubtful
accounts receivable grew in scope, such that it became very difficult to achieve a consensus on a
number of strategic and operational matters, due to the effective veto right held by the Sino-JP
Board designees. On June 28, 2007, the date of the purchase by SOF of the SOF Shares from Sino-JP
and the date of the Shareholders Agreement among the Company, PEWC and SOF, the Company and Sino-JP
also entered into a comprehensive settlement and release agreement (the Settlement Agreement),
which dismissed and released all claims between the parties and which put an end to all related
litigation. Separately, PEWC also entered into a settlement and release agreement that terminated
all disputes and litigation between those parties. Upon the closing of the purchase agreement for
the SOF Shares and the Settlement Agreement, all of the directors and officers of the Company
designated by Sino-JP submitted their resignations and Sino-JP ceased to have any interest in the
Company. As part of the Settlement Agreement, the Company agreed to indemnify all of those Sino-JP
designated directors and officers (the Sino-JP Indemnified Persons) for all acts or omissions
taken in their capacity as a director or officer to the maximum extent permitted under the
memorandum of association and the Bye-laws of the Company and the Companies Act. While the Company
does not have any knowledge of any claims having been, or threatened to be, asserted against any of
the Sino-JP Indemnified Persons, the Company could incur significant costs in the event any claims
are asserted or actions commenced against any of the Sino-JP Indemnified Persons for matters within
the scope of the indemnification provisions of the Settlement Agreement.
Holding Company Structure; Potential Restrictions on the Payment of Dividends
We have no direct business operations other than our ownership of the capital stock of our
subsidiaries and joint venture holdings. While we have no present intention to pay dividends,
should we decide in the future to do so, as a holding company, our ability to pay dividends and
meet our other obligations will depend upon the amount of distributions, if any, received from our
operating subsidiaries and other holdings and investments. Our operating subsidiaries and other
holdings and investments, from time to time, may be subject to restrictions on their ability to
make distributions to us, including as a result of restrictive covenants contained in loan
agreements, restrictions on the conversion of local currency earnings into U.S. dollars or other
hard currency and other regulatory restrictions. For example, PRC legal restrictions permit
payments of dividends by our business entities in the PRC only out of their retained earnings, if
any, determined in accordance with relevant PRC accounting standards and regulations. Under PRC
law, such entities are also required to set aside a portion of their net income each year to fund
certain reserve funds. These reserves are not distributable as cash dividends. The foregoing
restrictions may also affect our ability to fund operations of one subsidiary with dividends and
other payments received from another subsidiary.
Requirement to Maintain Effectiveness of the Registration Statement and to List on a National
Securities Exchange; Effect of the Put of the SOF Shares to PEWC
Under the Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement, SOF has retained the right to sell its
remaining Common Shares (the SOF Shares) to PEWC if the Company does not achieve a listing on a
national Securities Market within the time frame provided in the agreement. In addition, the
Company has agreed to maintain the effectiveness of the registration statement on Form F-1, for the
benefit of SOF, and if the Company fails to do so for any period of thirty (30) consecutive trading
days or an aggregate of sixty (60) trading days during any twelve month period, then SOF may,
subject to compliance with notice and other procedural requirements, exercise a right to sell its
remaining Common Shares to PEWC. At all times, the Company must exercise its reasonable best
efforts to comply with its covenants under the Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement.
Otherwise, the Company could be subject to a damages claim by SOF. The Company is using its
diligent efforts to bring and maintain current the financial disclosure in the registration
statement on Form F-1 covering the SOF Shares and the registered Common Shares held by PEWC.
14
On February 2, 2009, SOF delivered notice of its exercise of the put right under the
Shareholders Agreement to PEWC due to the fact that the Common Shares were not listed on a national
Securities Market as of January 31, 2009, which date was agreed to by the Company prior to the
extension granted under the Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement. On March 27, 2009, PEWC
and SOF completed a share purchase transaction pursuant to which PEWC acquired 1,410,739 Common
Shares from SOF. As of the closing of that transaction, PEWC held 9,075,354 Common Shares and SOF
held 1,355,415 Common Shares, representing 65.6% and 9.8% of the issued and outstanding Common
Shares, respectively. The Company does not believe that any definitive impact of the increase in
PEWCs ownership can be forecasted or determined.
Corporate Matters; Limited Recourse; Limited Enforceability
We are incorporated in and organized pursuant to the laws of Bermuda. In addition, all of our
directors and officers reside outside the United States and our material assets are located outside
the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for investors to effect service of process
within the United States upon such persons or to realize against them in courts of the United
States upon judgments predicated upon civil liabilities under the United States federal securities
laws. Even if investors are successful in realizing against such persons in courts of the United
States, the laws of Taiwan may render such investors unable to enforce the judgment against the
Companys assets or the assets of its officers and directors. Also, investors may have difficulty
in bringing an original action based upon the United States federal securities law against such
persons in the Taiwan courts. Additionally, we have been advised by our legal counsel in Bermuda,
Appleby, that there is doubt as to the enforcement in Bermuda, in original actions or in actions
for enforcement of judgments of United States courts, of liabilities predicated upon U.S. federal
securities laws, although Bermuda Courts will enforce foreign judgments for liquidated amounts in
civil matters subject to certain conditions and exceptions. As a result, shareholders may
encounter more difficulties in enforcing their rights and protecting their interests in the face of
actions taken by management, the Board of Directors or controlling shareholders than they would if
the Company were organized under the laws of the United States or one of the states therein, or if
the Company had material assets located within the United States or some of the directors and
officers were resident within the United States. See Enforceability of Certain Civil Liabilities
for additional information.
3.3.3 Risks Relating to Our Business
Risks Relating to Copper
Copper is the principal raw material we use, accounting for a majority of the cost of sales.
We purchase copper at prices based on the average prevailing international spot market prices on
the London Metal Exchange (the LME) for copper for the one month prior to purchase. The price of
copper is affected by numerous factors beyond our control, including international economic and
political conditions, supply and demand, inventory levels maintained by suppliers, actions of
participants in the commodities markets and currency exchange rates. As with other costs of
production, changes in the price of copper may affect the Companys cost of sales. Whether this
has a material impact on our operating margins and financial results depends primarily on the
Companys ability to adjust selling prices to its customers, such that increases and decreases in
the price of copper are fully reflected in those selling prices. Most of our sales of manufactured
products reflect the cost of copper used to manufacture those products at the time the products are
ordered. In the ordinary course of business we maintain inventories of raw materials and finished
products reasonably necessary for the conduct of our business. These inventories typically reflect
the cost of copper prevailing in the market at the time of purchase. A long-term decrease in the
price of copper would require the Company to revalue its inventory at periodic intervals to the
then net realizable value, which could be below cost. Copper prices have been subject to
considerable volatility and it is not always possible to manage our copper purchases and inventory
so as to neutralize the impact of copper price volatility. Accordingly, significant volatility in
copper prices could have an adverse effect on our operations. No assurance can be given that such
volatility will not recur.
Risks related to our Customer Base and our Geographic Markets
15
Our sales of manufactured and distributed products are made primarily to customers that use
our products as components in their own products or in construction or infrastructure projects in
which they participate. The volume of our sales is dependent largely on general economic
conditions in the markets in which we compete, including how much our customers invest in their own
product manufacturing or project development. Decreases in economic activity and investment in the
markets where we operate generally will result in lower sales volume and lower net income for the
Company.
Risks Relating to China
We conduct substantial business operations in China. Accordingly, our results of operations
and prospects are likely to be materially impacted by economic, legal and other developments in
China.
Economic Reform Measures in the PRC May Adversely Affect the Companys Operations or
Financial Condition
In recent years, the PRC government has implemented economic reform measures emphasizing
decentralization, utilization of market forces in the development of the economy and a high level
of management autonomy. While such economic reform measures are generally viewed as a positive
development for foreign businesses investing or establishing operations in China, the reforms are
at an early stage and there is not sufficient administrative or judicial precedent to permit the
Company to determine with any degree of certainty how the reforms will impact our business in
China.
PRC Civil Law System May Limit the Companys Remedies
The Chinese legal system is a civil law system based on written statutes. Prior court
decisions may be cited for reference but have limited precedential value. Since 1979, the central
government has promulgated laws and regulations dealing with economic matters such as foreign
investment, corporate organization and governance, commerce, taxation and trade. In particular,
legislation over the past decades has significantly enhanced the protections afforded to various
forms of foreign investment in China. As foreign investment laws and regulations in China are
relatively new and because of the limited volume of published decisions and their non-binding
nature, the interpretations of many laws, regulations and rules are not always uniform and
enforcement of these laws, regulations and rules involves uncertainties, which may limit the
remedies available to us in the event of any claims or disputes with third parties. In addition,
any litigation in China may be protracted and could result in substantial costs and diversion of
resources and management attention.
PRC Control over the Convertibility of Currency May Restrict the Payment of Dividends
The PRC government imposes controls on the convertibility of the Renminbi into foreign
currencies and, in certain cases, the remittance of currency out of China. Under existing PRC
foreign exchange regulations, payments of current account items, including profit distributions,
interest payments and expenditures from trade related transactions, can be made in foreign
currencies without prior approval from the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) by
complying with certain procedural requirements. However, approval from SAFE or its local branch is
required where Renminbi is to be converted into foreign currency and remitted out of China to pay
capital expenses such as the repayment of loans denominated in foreign currencies. The PRC
government may also at its discretion restrict access in the future to foreign currencies for
current account transactions. Shortages in the availability of foreign currency may restrict the
ability of our subsidiaries in the PRC to remit sufficient foreign currency to pay dividends or
other payments to us, or otherwise satisfy their foreign currency-denominated obligations.
16
PRC Regulation of Telecommunications Industry May Adversely Affect the Companys
Operations or Financial Condition
In addition, the PRC government has considerable control over the structure and overall
development of the telecommunications industry in the PRC. Purchasers of our telecommunications
cable in China are subject to extensive regulation by and under the supervision of the primary
telecommunications industry regulator in China, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology
(the MIIT), which was created by the State Council of the PRC in March 2008 to assume, among
other things, the duties of the former Ministry of Information Industry. The MIIT is responsible
for formulating policies and regulations for the telecommunications industry, granting
telecommunications licenses, allocating frequency spectrum and numbers, formulating interconnection
and settlement arrangements between telecommunications operators, and enforcing industry
regulations. Other PRC governmental authorities also regulate tariff policies, capital investment
and foreign investment in the telecommunications industry. As a result of its accession to the
World Trade Organization (WTO) and the adoption of the Regulations on the Administration of
Foreign-Invested Telecommunications Enterprises in January 2002, which implement its commitments to
the WTO, the Chinese government has agreed to gradually liberalize the various segments and regions
of the telecommunications market to foreign telecommunications operators. Currently, however, the
MIIT has only granted licenses to operate fixed-line telecommunications networks (which use our
telecommunications cables) to certain domestic entities. As a result, the business of our
companies in China may be more dependent on the political stability of the country and continuity
of government policy than if there were more consumers of telecommunications cable and if the
government-related entities were not so closely involved in the telecommunications industry.
Future changes to the regulations and policies governing the telecommunications industry in China,
including possible future industry restructurings, may have a material adverse effect on our
business.
Political or Social Instability in the PRC May Adversely Affect the Companys Operations
or Financial Condition
Political or social instability in China could also adversely affect our business operations
or financial condition. In particular, adverse public health epidemics or pandemics in China could
not only interfere with our ability to operate our PRC subsidiaries, but could also affect the
countrys overall economic growth, which could in turn affect the sales of our products in China.
In addition, as our corporate headquarters are located in Taipei, any escalation in political
tensions between the PRC and the government of Taiwan could impact adversely our ability to manage
our Chinese operations efficiently or without third party interference.
Inflation in the PRC May Adversely Affect the Companys Operations or Financial Condition
The rapid growth of the PRC economy has historically resulted in high levels of inflation. If
the government tries to control inflation, it may have an adverse effect on the business climate
and growth of private enterprise in the PRC. An economic slowdown may increase our costs. If
inflation is significant, our costs would likely increase, and there can be no assurance that we
would be able to increase our prices to an extent that would offset the increase in our expenses.
PRC Power Shortages and Lack of Insurance May Adversely Affect the Companys Operations or
Financial Condition
We consume substantial amounts of electricity in our manufacturing processes at our production
facilities in China. Certain parts of China have been subject to power shortages in recent years.
We have experienced a number of power shortages at our production facilities in China to date. We
are sometimes given advance notice of power shortages and in relation to this we currently have a
backup power system at certain of our production facilities in China. However, there can be no
assurance that in the future our backup power system will be completely effective in the event of a
power shortage, particularly if that power shortage is over a sustained period of time and/or we
are not given advance notice thereof. Any power shortage, brownout or
17
blackout for a significant period of time may disrupt our manufacturing, and as a result, may
have an adverse impact on our business.
The insurance industry in China is still at an early stage of development. In particular, PRC
insurance companies do not offer extensive business insurance products. As a result, we do not
have any business liability or disruption insurance coverage for our operations in China. Any
business disruption, litigation or natural disaster might result in our incurring substantial costs
and the diversion of resources.
We note that we consume substantial amounts of electricity in our manufacturing processes at
our production facilities in China. Certain parts of China have been subject to power shortages in
recent years. We have experienced a number of power shortages at our production facilities in
China to date. We are sometimes given advance notice of power shortages and we currently have a
backup power system at certain of our production facilities in China.
PRC Tax Treatments May Adversely Affect the Companys Operations or Financial Condition
Certain of our PRC companies enjoy preferential tax treatments, in the form of reduced tax
rates or tax holidays, provided by the PRC government or its local agencies or bureaus. On March
16, 2007, the National Peoples Congress of the PRC, or NPC, passed the new PRC Enterprise Income
Tax Law (the New EIT Law). Under the New EIT Law, effective January 1, 2008, China adopted a
uniform tax rate of 25% for all enterprises (including foreign-invested enterprises) and revoked
the then current tax exemption, reduction and preferential treatments applicable to
foreign-invested enterprises. However, there is a transition period for enterprises, whether
foreign-invested or domestic, that were receiving preferential tax treatments granted by relevant
tax authorities at the time the New EIT Law became effective. Enterprises that are subject to an
enterprise income tax, or EIT, rate lower than 25% may continue to enjoy the lower rate and
gradually transition to the new tax rate within five years after the effective date of the New EIT
Law. Enterprises that are currently entitled to exemptions or reductions from the standard income
tax rate for a fixed term may continue to enjoy such treatment until the fixed term expires.
Preferential tax treatments will continue to be granted to industries and projects that are
strongly supported and encouraged by the state, and enterprises otherwise classified as such
encouraged high-tech enterprises will be entitled to a 15% EIT rate. On April 14, 2008, the
Measures for the Recognition and Administration of New and High-tech Enterprises (the Measures),
were promulgated jointly by the Ministry of Science and Technology of the PRC, the Ministry of
Finance of the PRC and the State Administration of Taxation of the PRC and became retroactively
effective from January 1, 2008. Under the Measures, the term high-tech enterprise is defined as
a resident enterprise that has been registered in the PRC (excluding Hong Kong, Macao or Taiwan)
for more than one year, conducts business in the new and high-tech fields encouraged by government
as listed in an appendix to the Measures, continuously undertakes research and development and
technology conversion, and relies on self-owned intellectual property rights as the basis of its
business operation. Such new and high-tech enterprises may apply for tax incentives. Pacific
Electric Wire & Cable (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. (PEWS) is the only subsidiary of the Company in the
PRC that qualifies for these tax incentives provided under the Measures. The income tax rate of
PEWS under the revised tax incentive regulations was 20% in 2009, and is scheduled to be 22% in
2010, 24% in 2011 and 25% in 2012.
The New EIT Law and any other changes to our effective tax rate could have a material and
adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We cannot assure
you that we will continue to enjoy these preferential tax treatments in the future. The
discontinuation or reduction of these preferential tax treatments or government financial
incentives could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of
operations.
Recent Labor Law Legislation in the PRC May Adversely Affect the Companys Operations or
Financial Condition
In June 2007, the National Peoples Congress of the PRC enacted new labor law legislation
called the Labor Contract Law, which became effective on January 1, 2008. It formalizes workers
rights concerning
18
overtime hours, pensions, layoffs, employment contracts and the role of trade unions.
Considered one of the strictest labor laws in the world, among other things, this new law requires
an employer to conclude an open-ended employment contract with any employee who either has worked
for the employer for ten years or more or has had two consecutive fixed-term contracts. An
open-ended employment contract is in effect a lifetime, permanent contract, which is terminable
only in specified circumstances, such as a material breach of the employers rules and regulations,
or for a serious dereliction of duty. Such employment contracts with qualifying workers would not
be terminable if, for example, the Company determined to downsize its workforce in the event of an
economic downturn. Under the new law, downsizing by 20% or more may occur only under specified
circumstances, such as a restructuring undertaken pursuant Chinas Enterprise Bankruptcy Law, or
where a company suffers serious difficulties in production and/or business operations. Any of the
Companys staff employed to work exclusively within the PRC are covered by the new law and thus,
the Companys ability to adjust the size of its operations when necessary in periods of recession
or less severe economic downturns has been curtailed. Accordingly, if the Company faces future
periods of decline in business activity generally or adverse economic periods specific to the
Companys business, this new law can be expected to exacerbate the adverse effect of the economic
environment on the Companys results of operations and financial condition. Additionally, this new
labor law has affected labor costs of our customers which may result in a decrease in such
customers production and a corresponding decrease in their purchase of our products.
Exposure to Foreign Exchange Risks
Changes in exchange rates influence our results of operations. Our principal operations are
located in Thailand, Singapore and China, and a substantial portion of our revenues is denominated
in Baht, Singapore dollars or Renminbi. Nearly all of the raw materials for these operations are
imported and paid for in U.S. dollars and a substantial portion of our future capital expenditures
are expected to be in U.S. dollars. We require a significant amount of U.S. dollars for our
ongoing equipment upgrade and maintenance programs. Any devaluation of the Baht, the Singapore
dollar or Renminbi against the U.S. dollar would increase the effective cost of foreign
manufacturing equipment and the amount of foreign currency denominated expenses and liabilities and
would have an adverse impact on our operations. Forward foreign exchange contracts are used on a
selective basis to hedge foreign exchange risk, but they do not provide any assurance that we will
not incur substantial losses in the event of a devaluation of the Baht, Singapore dollar or
Renminbi against the U.S. dollar.
Although our reporting currency is U.S. dollars, the functional currency of our Thai
operations, which accounted for 32.6% of our sales in 2009, is the Baht, the functional currency of
our Chinese operations (except for PEWS and CCH HK which are in US$ and account for 17.8%), which
accounted for 13.6% of our sales in 2009, is the Renminbi, and the functional currency of our
Singapore operations, which accounted for 26.6% of Company sales (including sales of Distributed
Products and revenues from SDI project engineering) in 2009, is the Singapore dollar. The
functional currency for Australian operation is in Australian dollar and account for 9.4% of total
Company sales in 2009. Accordingly, the functional currency accounts of these operations are all
translated into U.S. dollars utilizing, for the year, the balance sheet exchange rate for balance
sheet accounts, and an average exchange rate for the year for the income statement accounts. Such
translation of the functional currency accounts is recognized as a separate component of
shareholders equity. Any devaluation of the Baht, Singapore dollar or Renminbi against the U.S.
dollar would adversely affect our financial performance measured in U.S. dollars.
Substantially all of the revenues of our operations in China are denominated in Renminbi (with
the exception of PEWS and CCH HK). The value of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar and other
foreign currencies fluctuates and is subject to changes in Chinese and international political and
economic conditions. On July 21, 2005, the PRC government introduced a managed floating exchange
rate system to allow the value of the Renminbi to fluctuate within a regulated band based on market
supply and demand and by reference to a basket of currencies. The PRC government has since made
and in the future may make further adjustments to the exchange rate system. The net effect of
these adjustments has been to increase the value of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar. However,
the Chinese government is under continuing pressure from the governments
19
of its major trading partners to further increase the value of the Renminbi against the U.S.
dollar and other global currencies or to allow the global currency markets to determine the
comparative value of the Renminbi against freely-traded global currencies. Fluctuations in
exchange rates may adversely affect the value, translated or converted into U.S. dollars, of our
net assets, earnings and any declared dividends payable by our operating subsidiaries and joint
ventures in China. We cannot assure you that any future movements in the exchange rate of the
Renminbi against the U.S. dollar or other foreign currencies will not adversely affect our results
of operations and financial condition.
Competition
The wire and cable industry in the Asia Pacific region is highly competitive. Our competitors
include a large number of independent domestic and foreign suppliers. Certain competitors in each
of our markets have substantially greater manufacturing, sales, research and financial resources
than we do. We and other wire and cable producers increasingly compete on the basis of product
quality and performance, reliability of supply, customer service and price. To the extent that one
or more of our competitors is more successful with respect to the primary competitive factors, our
business could be adversely affected.
Risks associated with Required Productivity Increases
Our business strategy includes a focus on increasing profitability through increased
efficiency and productivity. In the event we are not able to implement measures to increase
efficiencies and productivity, we may be limited in achieving increased profitability or may become
less profitable. Moreover, productivity increases are linked to capacity utilization rates. A
drop in the utilization rate of our manufacturing capacity would adversely impact productivity.
Indebtedness
As of December 31, 2009, the Company had a total of $279.8 million credit line available to
itself, spreading over 22 banks aggregated for all the regions/territories in which we operate.
Out of $279.8 million in available credit, $211.2 million was unused. The Company, collectively and on individual
basis, is not highly leveraged and it is not likely to become highly leveraged just because it has
over 75% of the credit facilities unutilized. Weighted average borrowing rate, for all the
outstanding loans combined, would sum up to be 2.6%, which runs slightly lower than like-kind
borrowing rates in the marketplace, i.e., three month LIBOR of 0.33% plus 2.5%. None of the loan
agreements would prohibit the companies from making acquisitions or paying dividends.
Composite Services Agreement with PEWC
We engage in transactions in the ordinary course of business with PEWC, including the purchase
of certain raw materials and the distribution of PEWC products in various countries in the Asia
Pacific region. We and PEWC have entered into a composite services agreement dated November 7,
1996, as amended and supplemented (the Composite Services Agreement), which contains provisions
that define our relationship and the conduct of our respective businesses and confers certain
preferential benefits on us. The Composite Services Agreement is renewable at our option and is
currently in force. However, we are unable to predict whether PEWC would, at some future date,
seek to limit, or be unable to perform in whole or in part, the business it conducts with the
Company pursuant to the terms of the Composite Services Agreement.
Risks Relating to Thailand
A substantial portion of our Thai operations, which accounted for approximately 32.9% of our
net sales in 2009, consists of the manufacture of telecommunications and power cable and sales of
those products for use in large-scale telecommunications projects and various construction projects
in Thailand. As a result, our future performance will depend in part on the political situation in
Thailand and the general state of the Thai
20
economy. Recent political upheaval in Thailand has resulted, and may continue to result, in a
reduced volume, or cancellation or suspension, of contracts with the Thai government, a significant
customer of the Company. The Companys Thai operations are increasingly vulnerable to
uncertainties with regard to payment for current sales and the award of future contracts in view of
the ongoing political crisis in Thailand. Additionally, in recent years the Thai economy has been
highly cyclical and volatile, depending for economic growth in substantial part on a number of
government initiatives for economic expansion. However, the Baht remains volatile and subject to
significant fluctuations in relation to the U.S. dollar. Such fluctuations in the value of the
Baht may negatively impact our performance.
Environmental Liabilities
We are subject to certain environmental protection laws and regulations governing our
operations and the use, handling, disposal and remediation of hazardous substances used by us. A
risk of environmental liability could arise from our manufacturing activities in the event of a
release or discharge by us of a hazardous substance. Under certain environmental laws, we could be
held responsible for the remediation of any hazardous substance contamination at our facilities and
at third party waste disposal sites and could also be held liable for any consequences arising out
of human exposure to such substances or other environmental damage. There can be no assurance that
the costs of complying with environmental, health and safety laws and requirements in our current
operations or the liabilities arising from past releases of, or exposure to, hazardous substances,
will not result in future expenditures by us that could materially and adversely affect our
financial results, cash flows or financial condition.
Alternative Transmission Technologies
Our fiber optic and copper-based telecommunications business is subject to competition from
other transmission technologies, principally wireless-based technologies. Fiber optic cable is
presently being used in telecommunications trunks and feeder cable businesses and minimally in the
access cable business. In the Asia Pacific markets where we compete, wireless telecommunications
businesses have sometimes made substantial inroads in early emerging markets where sufficient
funding may not then be available to install the infrastructure necessary for market-wide fixed
line telecommunications. In addition, the ease of use of wireless telecommunications may make that
medium an attractive alternative in circumstances where access to fixed line telecommunications is
limited. While these technologies do present significant competition in the markets in which we
conduct or plan to conduct business, the Company believes that demand for its fixed wire products
will remain strong. However, no assurance can be given that the future development and use of such
alternative technologies will not adversely affect our results of operations.
International Business Risks
We are subject to risks specific to our international business operations, including: the
risk of supply disruption, production disruption or other disruption arising from the outbreak of
highly infectious or communicable diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, swine
influenza or pandemics of a similar nature; the risk of potential conflict and further instability
in the relationship between Taiwan and the PRC; risks related to national and international
political instability, such as disruptions to business activities and investment arising out of the
political unrest and turmoil currently occurring in Thailand; risks related to the recent global
economic turbulence and adverse economic developments in a number of Asian markets; unpredictable
consequences on the economic conditions in the U.S. and the rest of the world arising from
terrorist attacks, such as the attacks of September 11, 2001 in the U.S. and other military or
security operations; unexpected changes in regulatory requirements or legal uncertainties regarding
tax regimes; tariffs and other trade barriers, including current and future import and export
restrictions; difficulties in staffing and managing international operations in countries such as
Singapore, the PRC, Thailand and Taiwan; risks that changes in foreign currency exchange rates will
make our products comparatively more expensive; limited ability to enforce agreements and other
rights in foreign countries; changes in labor conditions; longer payment cycles and greater
difficulty in collecting accounts receivable; burdens and costs of compliance with a variety of
foreign laws; limitation on imports or exports and the possible expropriation of private
enterprises; and
21
reversal of the current policies (including favorable tax and lending policies) encouraging
foreign investment or foreign trade by our host countries. Although we have not experienced any
serious harm in connection with our international operations, we cannot assure you that such
problems will not arise in the future.
Item 4: Information on the Company
4.1 History and Development of the Company
General
Asia Pacific Wire & Cable Corporation Limited was formed on September 19, 1996 as a Bermuda
exempted limited liability company under the Companies Act. The address of the Companys
principal place of business is 7/Fl. B, No. 132, Sec. 3, Min-Sheng East Road, Taipei, 105, Taiwan,
Republic of China, and its telephone number is (886) 2-2712-2558. Puglisi & Associates, located at
850 Library Avenue, Suite 204, Newark, Delaware 19711, is the Companys agent for service of
process in the United States.
The Company is principally engaged in the manufacture and distribution of telecommunications
(copper and fiber optic) and power cable and enameled wire products in the Asia Pacific region,
primarily in Thailand, China, Singapore and Australia. The Company manufactures and distributes
its own wire and cable products and also distributes wire and cable products (Distributed
Products) manufactured by its principal shareholder, Pacific Electric Wire & Cable Company, a
Taiwanese company (PEWC). The Company also provides project engineering services in the supply,
delivery and installation (SDI) of power cables to certain of its customers.
Principal Capital Expenditures and Divestitures
Total purchases of property, plant and equipment amounted to $2.7 million in 2007, $3.4
million in 2008 and $3.3 million in 2009. Those purchases related mainly to the capacity expansion
of certain subsidiaries in Thailand and China, particularly Charoong Thai, and to the replacement
of old equipment at various operating facilities.
4.2 Certain Recent Events
As of October 22, 2009, Mr. Frank Tseng was announced by the Board of Directors to the
position of Chief Financial Officer of the Company, replacing Mr. Samuel See who had served as
interim chief financial officer. Mr. Tseng was previously the Deputy CFO for ABB Taiwan.
Effective as of February 1, 2010, Mr. Ling Y. Wu resigned as the Companys Non-Resident
Company Secretary. Mr. Tseng replaced Mr. Wu effective as of that date.
On September 29, 2009, the Company held its annual general meeting of shareholders. At such
meeting, each of the directors of the Company was re-elected and Ernst & Young was appointed as
independent auditors of the Company for the 2009 fiscal year.
Until March 27, 2009, SOF Capital, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (SOF), owned twenty
percent (20%) of the issued and outstanding Common Shares. On that date, SOF sold 51% of the
Common Shares of the Company held by it to PEWC, pursuant to the exercise of certain sale rights
under a shareholders agreement dated as of June 28, 2007 (the Original Shareholders Agreement) by
and among PEWC, SOF and the. In connection with such transaction, the Company, PEWC and SOF
entered into an Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement, pursuant to which, among other things,
the Company was granted an extension until February 2011 for it to achieve a listing on a national
Securities Market and SOF maintained its right to sell its remaining Common Shares to PEWC if the
Company does not achieve that listing.
22
On March 11, 2009, the SEC declared effective the Companys shelf registration statement on
Form F-1, which registered the Common Shares of the Company held by SOF (which included the Common
Shares sold by SOF to PEWC in the March 27, 2009 transaction). The Company is working diligently
to render current the financial disclosure contained in the prospectus that is part of the shelf
registration statement on Form F-1 covering the Common Shares held by SOF and certain Common Shares
held by PEWC. Actions to be taken by the Company in that regard will include the filing of a
post-effective amendment containing the Companys audited financial statements for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 2009.
On October 22, 2009 the Board passed a resolution whereby in connection with the restructuring
plan, Crown Century Holdings Limited (CCH HK), a
wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, planned to acquire 51% of the shares Asia
Pacific Electric Cable, Pty, Ltd., an Australian company owned 13.79% by APWC and 86.21% by Sigma
Cable Co. (Pte) Limited (Sigma Cable). The plan would call for a transfer of shares from Sigma
Cable for a consideration of $9,958,917, in order to offset the loans being extended by CCH HK to
Sigma Cable. This transaction was completed on March 3, 2010.
4.3 Business Overview
The Company is a holding company that operates its business through operating subsidiaries and
joint ventures, principally located in Thailand, China, Singapore and Australia.
The following chart shows the organizational structure of the Company and its principal
operating subsidiaries, including joint venture ownerships, and the percentage of ownership
interest and voting power in each case. The location of the headquarters of each company is
indicated in parentheses under the companys name (S for Singapore, T for Thailand, A for
Australia and C for China or Hong Kong).
23
Thailand
The Companys Thai operations are conducted through Charoong Thai Wire and Cable Public
Company Limited (Charoong Thai), Siam Pacific Electric Wire & Cable Company Limited (Siam
Pacific) and Pacific-Thai Electric Wire & Cable Co. Ltd. (Pacific Thai). Although a majority of
the board members must be Thai nationals, APWC is the one in control as 4 out of 6 shareholder
companies are related or indirectly owned by APWC.
Charoong Thai is a publicly-traded Thai corporation, the shares of which are listed on the
Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET). It manufactures aluminum and copper electric wire, medium and
high voltage power cable and telecommunications cable. It has subsidiaries and affiliates in the
businesses of optic fiber cable manufacturing and telecommunication and network services. Charoong
Thai was established in Thailand in 1967 as a limited public company. As of December 31, 2009, the
Company effectively owned 50.93% of the issued and outstanding shares of Charoong Thai. The
Companys present intention is to maintain majority ownership of the voting securities of Charoong
Thai. The board of directors of Charoong Thai may authorize the issuance of additional shares of
common stock of Charoong Thai. The Company has preemptive rights to purchase an amount of
additional shares equal to its pro rata share of the additional authorized shares, less amounts
reserved for directors, officers and employees. In the event the board of Charoong Thai decides to
cause it to issue those additional shares, the Company may decide not to exercise its preemptive
right, in which case the Companys interest may be diluted.
Siam Pacific was established in 1988 as a joint venture between PEWC and Ital-Thai, which at
the time was the largest diversified construction company in Thailand, principally engaged in the
design, engineering, construction and project management of large-scale civil engineering and
telecommunications projects in Thailand. Capitalizing on PEWCs wire and cable manufacturing
expertise and Ital-Thais significant presence in the local market, Siam Pacific was able to establish its presence in this market
and gain knowledge of business opportunities in Thailand. Siam-Pacific is now a 100%-owned
subsidiary of Charoong Thai and it
24
focuses on the manufacture of telecommunications cable, power
cable and enameled wire for the domestic Thai market.
Pacific Thai was established in 1989 and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Siam Pacific.
Pacific Thai produces enameled wire for export only and has a special tax status which exempts it
from import duties on raw materials used in export manufacturing. This special tax status must be
renewed each year.
Based on information published by the Thai Ministry of Commerce on sales by dollar value, the
Company believes that Siam Pacific and Charoong Thai are two of leading telecommunications and
power cable and wire manufacturers in Thailand and are a few of the government-approved suppliers
of telecommunications cable for major public telecommunications projects.
In a restructuring exercise, the Company has merged its Thai operations, which has generated
cost savings while improving overall efficiency. The Company believes the synergistic effect of
merging these operations will continue to produce significant savings in overhead cost as it
facilitates the centralization of decision making and resource allocation for the Thai operations.
The management merger of Pacific Thai and Siam Pacific into CTW group would bring synergy and
expertise to share among themselves. For example, Siam Pacifics own concentration on producing
enameled wire, together with CTW producing the same product, may bring market integration in the
local market and export business overseas. For now, APWC still owns 50.93% of CTW shareholder
structure without dilution concern, and SP and PT continue to report their results separately to
APWC headquarters.
China
The Companys China operations are conducted through six business entities. The operating
entities include Shanghai Yayang Electric Co., Ltd. (Shanghai Yayang), formerly known as Shanghai
Pacific Electric Co., Ltd., a joint venture in Shanghai incorporated in June 1998 to manufacture
enameled wire. The Companys effective holding in Shanghai Yayang is 54.41%. Shanghai Yayang is
also partly held by Pacific Thai. Shanghai Yayang manufactures enameled wire with a diameter
between 0.05mm and 2.5mm for sale and distribution in the eastern part of China, including local
and Taiwanese based manufacturers. Sitting in the board are six directors either came from Shanghai
Yayang expatriated from Taiwan or Thai representatives, also expatriated from APWC or PEWC.
The Company owns Crown Century Holdings Limited (CCH HK), a Hong Kong registered company,
and its wholly-owned subsidiary company, Pacific Electric Wire & Cable (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. (PEWS
or PEWSC). PEWS manufactures enameled wire for electronic, video and audio products for export
and with little portion sold domestically. CCH HK is the trading arm of PEWS. The contributions of
CCH HK/PEWS to the Companys annual operating results traditionally have been substantial. The
Company believes that CCH HK/PEWS is one of the leading manufacturers and distributors of enameled
wire products in the south China market.
Shangdong Pacific Fiber Optics Cable Co., Ltd. (SPFO) is a joint venture company in Yanggu
County, Shandong Province, China. SPFO was established to manufacture fiber optic cables for the
China market. The Company owns a 51.0% interest in SPFO, with the remaining interest owned by the
joint venture partner, Shandong Yanggu Cable Company (Shandong Yanggu), an established cable
manufacturer in Shandong Province that produces a wide range of cable products and is considered
one of the leading cable producers in China.
The Company holds a 25.0% interest in Shandong Pacific Rubber Cable Company, Ltd. (SPRC),
which manufactures rubber cable for the China market. The remaining 75% is owned by Shandong
Yanggu.
The Company also holds a 49% interest in a joint venture called Shandong Huayu Pacific Fiber
Optics Communication Co., Ltd. (SHP), which engages in the manufacture of optic fibers. The
remaining 51% of SHP is owned by Hebei Huayu Co. Ltd. (as the successor in interest to Shandong
Yanggu). Due to a severe
25
downturn in the market for fiber optic cable after the SHP joint venture
was established, the plant intended to be constructed for manufacturing fiber optic cable has yet
to be completed and a production date for commencing operations has not been determined. The
actual commencement of operations, if it occurs at all, will depend on our ongoing assessment of
market conditions. The carrying value of the Companys investment in SHP was $1.537 million as of
December 31, 2009. In the event that the commencement of operations continues to be delayed
indefinitely or the joint venture determines to forego planned operations, due to continued
depressed conditions in the fiber optic cable market, or other factors are determined to have a
direct impact on the assessed value of SHP, the Company will recognize impairment losses in the
foreseeable future that could result in the full write-off of its investment in SHP. SHP is
currently seeking out potential buyers to take over the business.
Until 2006, the Companys China operations included Ningbo Pacific Cable Co. Ltd. (NPC), a
telecommunications cable manufacturing joint venture located in Ningbo Yin County, Zhejiang
Province in eastern China, in which the Company owns a 94.31% interest. The other owner of NPC is
China Ningbo City Yin County Yinjiang Town Industrial Corporation (CIC). NPC used to manufacture
a range of telecommunications cable and local area network (LAN) electronic cables for sale and
distribution in the Chinese domestic market and export market. Since 1997 the operation was below
Companys expectations due primarily to a lack of market penetration in China. In addition, the
performance of certain managers at NPC, who were later terminated, did not comply with the
Companys standards for good business practices. In 2006, the Company determined to cease
operations at NPC, as it concluded that the prospects for reversing the losses and achieving
profitability were too remote. Thereafter, the Company liquidated certain machinery and equipment
through sales to third parties. The land, building and some remaining machinery and equipment are
still held by NPC. In December 2009, the Company started a series discussions with a bank in Hong
Kong on a possible loan encompassing cash infusion and a trade line facility, all aimed at
re-building NPC to be a viable operation focusing on producing electronic wiring, a new product
never before manufactured by APWC. But with experience and technology from our parent company,
PEWC, the discussion is close to its final stage and the loan arrangement with bank should be
closed in the near future.
Singapore
The Companys Singapore operations are principally conducted through its 98.3%-owned
subsidiary, Sigma Cable Company (Private) Limited (Sigma Cable). Based on information on sales
by dollar value provided by the Cable Association in Singapore, the Company believes that Sigma
Cable is the largest or second largest supplier of power cable products in Singapore. Sigma Cable
manufactures and sells a range of low voltage power cable products, used mainly in infrastructure
projects and commercial and residential developments. Sigma Cable is also the exclusive
distributor in Singapore of medium and high voltage wire and cable products manufactured by PEWC.
Sigma Cable also has project engineering operations in Singapore to supply, deliver and
install (SDI) primarily medium and high voltage cable to power transmission projects. While the
Company currently obtains its supply of medium and high voltage power cable for its SDI operations
from PEWC, other suppliers are also available if necessary. The Company anticipates that there
will be increasing demand for medium and high voltage power cable and related turnkey installation
projects in Singapore and the Company is seeking to increase its business volume in its project
engineering business segment.
The Company also holds a 100% interest in Sigma-Epan International Pte. Ltd. (Sigma-Epan), a
group of companies with limited operations in Singapore and Malaysia. Sigma-Epan group has its
headquarters in Singapore. Prior to ceasing manufacturing operations in May of 2007, Sigma-Epan
manufactured specialty cables and assembled cable harnesses for the electronics, computer, building
automation, audio and communication industries. Sigma-Epan continues to trade specialty electronic
and other types of cables.
26
Australia
The Company holds a 98.53% effective interest in Australia Pacific Electric Cables Pty Limited
(APEC), a subsidiary of Sigma Cable, located near Brisbane, Australia as of December 31, 2009.
APEC is one of three major wire and cable manufacturers in Australia. The company produces a range
of power cables, supplemented by imports from overseas sister companies. APEC possesses a
substantial marketing and distribution infrastructure with a network of sales offices and
warehouses in the major capital cities of Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. On October 22,
2009 the Board passed a resolution whereby in connection with restructuring plan, Crown Century
Holdings Limited (CCH HK), CCH HK planned to acquire 51% of APEC shares from Sigma Cable Co.
(Pte) Limited (Sigma Cable) for a consideration of USD9,958,917, in order to offset the loans
being extended by CCH HK to Sigma Cable. This transaction was completed on March 3, 2010.
Malaysia
Elecain Industry Sdn Bhd (Elecain), an operating subsidiary of the Company located in
Malaysia, ceased operations in 2007. The boards intention was to liquidate the company but due to
some irreconcilable accounting reasons on inter-company balance the company still exists. Elecain
was not significant to the business of the Company.
4.3.1 Products and Services
The Company engages in three principal business lines consisting of the manufacture of wire
and cable products, the distribution of its own manufactured products and of certain wire and cable
products manufactured by PEWC, and the provision of project engineering services to certain of its
customers. The Company manufactures and sells a wide variety of wire and cable products primarily
in four general categories: telecommunications cable, power transmission cable, enameled wire and,
until May 2007, electronic cables, which the Company ceased to manufacture as of that date. The
Companys telecommunications and power cables are used in a range of infrastructure projects and in
commercial and residential developments. The Companys enameled wire is used in the manufacturing
of components and sub-components of household appliances and small machinery. The electronic
cables, which include cable harnesses, are used in the electronics, computer, building automation,
audio and communication industries. In addition, the Company acts as the Singapore distributor of
wire and cable products manufactured by PEWC. The Company also offers SDI project engineering
services of medium and high voltage cable for power transmission projects in Singapore.
Distribution
Sales of Distributed Products
The Company has a sales and marketing force for the distribution of its manufactured products
in the markets where it has manufacturing facilities and in certain other Asian markets. In
addition, the Company is a distributor of wire and cable products manufactured by PEWC. The
leading PEWC products sold by the Company are medium and high voltage power cable (with capacities
ranging from 3.3 kilovolts to 69 kilovolts), with the vast majority of such sales made in Singapore. The PEWC products sold by
the Company do not compete with the Companys manufactured products.
Services
SDI Project Engineering Services
Based on trends of government and private sector expansion and upgrading of residential and
commercial buildings and infrastructure projects in Singapore, the Company anticipates demand for
medium and high
27
voltage power and for value added services in the power supply industry. To take
advantage of these opportunities, the Company has developed its SDI project engineering capability.
The SDI project engineering operations supply, deliver and install primarily medium and high
voltage cable to power transmission projects in Singapore. After entering into a contract to
supply, deliver and install cable for a power transmission project, the Company delivers medium and
high voltage cables and enters into subcontracting agreements with local companies to install the
cable as required by the project. Because of these changes, the company in Singapore was able to
be awarded two significant contracts.
4.3.2 Manufacturing
Copper rod is the base component for most of the Companys products. The manufacturing
processes for these products require that the rod be drawn and insulated. In the drawing
process, copper rod is drawn through a series of dies to reduce the copper to a specific diameter.
For certain applications, the drawn copper conductor is then plated with tin. Copper used in cable
is covered with various insulating materials that are applied in an extrusion process. The
insulated wires are then combined, or cabled to produce the desired electrical properties and
transmission capabilities. Then, depending upon the cable, some form of protective cover is placed
over the cabled wires. A summary of the manufacturing process used for the Companys primary wire
and cable products is set forth below.
Telecommunications Cable
The Company produces a wide range of bundled telecommunications cable for telephone and data
transmissions with different capacities and insulations designed for use in various internal and
external environments principally as access cable to connect buildings and residents to trunk
cables. Telecommunications cables produced by the Company include copper-based and fiber optic
cables.
Production of copper-based telecommunications cable begins by drawing a copper rod until it
has reached the desired diameter, after which the drawn wires are subjected to a process called
annealing in which the wires are heated in order to make the wires softer and more pliable.
Utilizing an extrusion process, which involves the feeding, melting and pumping of a compound
through a die to shape it in final form as it is applied to insulate the wire, the wires are then
covered by a polyethylene (PE) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) compound and foam skin, suitable for
different installations and environmental conditions. In order to reduce the cross-talk between
pairs of communication wires, the insulated wires are then twinned or twisted so that two
insulated single wires are combined to create a color-coded twisted pair. The twisted pairs of
wire are then cabled or stranded into units of 25 twisted pairs for combination with other 25
pair units to form cable of various widths and capacities. The appropriate number of units are
cabled together after stranding to form a round cable core. Depending upon the planned
environment, a petroleum jelly compound may then be added to fill the cable core to seal out
moisture and water vapor. Aluminum or copper tape is used to shield the cable and, finally, the
shielded cable core is covered by plastic outer sheathing. The Company manufactures
telecommunications cable with capacities and sizes ranging from 25 to 3,000 pairs of 0.4
mm-diameter wire to 10 to 600 pairs of 0.9 mm-diameter wire.
Power Cable
The Company produces a range of armored and unarmored low voltage power transmission cable.
Low voltage power cable, generally considered to be cable with a capacity of 1 to 3.3 kilovolts, is
typically used to transmit electricity to and within commercial and residential buildings, as well
as to outdoor installations such as street lights, traffic signals and other signs. Armored
low-voltage power cable is usually used for public lighting and power transmission running to
buildings and installed either above or below ground. Unarmored low voltage cable is mainly used
as lighting and power supply cable inside and outside of buildings. The voltage capacity of the
Companys power cables range from 300 volts to one kilovolt.
28
Production of unarmored cable begins by drawing and annealing of copper rods. The drawn
copper wires are then stranded or bunched into round or sector-shaped conductors in sizes ranging
from 1.5 square millimeter to 1000 square millimeters. The copper conductors are then covered in
an extrusion process with a plastic insulator such as a PVC, after which 2-5 conductors are twisted
into a circular cable core in a cabling process and covered by a plastic outer cover.
Unarmored cable is composed of one or more cores of copper wire, insulated by substances such
as PVC. Armored cable is produced in the same manner and the same range of configurations as
unarmored cable, but with the addition of an outer layer of galvanized steel or iron wires to
protect the cable from damage.
Enameled Wire
The Company also produces several varieties of enameled wire. Enameled wire is copper wire
varnished, in an enameling process, by insulating materials. The enameling process makes the wire
more resistant to oil, heat, friction and fusion, and therefore suitable for use in machinery and
components and sub-components of manufactured goods. The Company manufactures enameled wire in
sizes that range from 0.02 mm to 4.00 mm in diameter, varnished by various types of petroleum
insulation materials including polyvinyl formal, polyurethane wire and polyester, among others.
Enameled wire products are used in the assembly of a wide range of electrical products, including
oil-filled transformers, refrigerator motors, telephones, radios, televisions, fan motors, air
conditioner compressors and other electric appliances.
Electronic Cables
Since Sigma-Epan ceased manufacturing operations, the Company no longer manufactures various
cables but continues to trade specialty electronic and other types of cables, some imported from
PEWC while the others are produced by Sigma cable. Epan is also taking on the responsibility of
becoming the trading company for PEWSC, replacing CCH HK. The whole process is anticipated to be transferred and by the end of May 2010, Epan would have its own distributed product plus a very large portion of
trading, collection, and inventory management for PEWSC and its manufactured goods.
4.3.3 Raw Materials
Copper is the principal raw material used by the Company, accounting for approximately 70% of
the total 2009 cost of sales of copper-based products. The Company purchases copper at prices
based on the average prevailing international spot market prices on the London Metal Exchange (the
LME) for copper for the one month prior to purchase. The price of copper is influenced heavily
by global supply and demand as well as speculative trading. As with other costs of production,
changes in the price of copper may affect the Companys cost of sales. Whether this has a material
impact on the Companys operating margins and financial results depends primarily on the Companys
ability to adjust selling prices to its customers, such that increases and decreases in the price
of copper are fully reflected in those selling prices. Most sales of Company manufactured products
reflect copper prices prevailing at the time the products are ordered. A long-term decrease in the price of copper would require the Company to revalue the value of its
inventory at periodic intervals to the then net realizable value, which could be below cost.
The Company purchases copper in the form of rods and cathodes. Copper cathodes are thin
sheets of copper purified from copper ore. Copper purchased by the Company in the form of cathodes
must be sent to subcontractors to be melted and cast into the copper rods necessary for the
manufacturing processes, for a processing fee equal to approximately 3.5% of the copper cathode
purchase price. The Company presently relies on the services of Thai Metal Processing Co., Ltd. to
process its copper cathodes into copper rods in Thailand, although the Company has a variety of
processing companies from which to obtain these services. Construction of such a processing
facility could also be an additional source of revenues and profit, to the extent that sales are
made to unaffiliated parties. Copper rods are drawn into copper wire for the production of
telecommunications cable, power cable and enameled wire.
29
The Company has historically purchased a substantial portion of its copper rods from PEWC.
Under the Composite Services Agreement between the Company and PEWC, PEWC agreed to supply to the
Company on a priority basis its copper rod requirements at prices at least as favorable as prices
charged to other purchasers in the same markets purchasing similar quantities. PEWC continues to
be the principal supplier of copper rods to the Companys operations. Under the Companys copper
rod supply arrangements, orders will be placed between eight to ten weeks before the desired
delivery date, with prices pegged to the average spot price of copper on the LME for the one
month prior to delivery plus a premium.
The Company purchases copper cathodes, which are subject to a 1.0% import tariff, for use at
its Thailand operations in order to avoid the higher import tariff of 5.0% on copper rods. The
Company obtains copper cathodes from three major suppliers which import cathodes into the Thai
market. These suppliers are Mitsubishi Corporation, Mitsui & Co (Thailand) and Marubeni
Corporation. The Company has regularly signed one-year contracts with each of its copper cathode
suppliers pursuant to which the Company agrees to purchase a set quantity of copper cathodes each
month. Under the terms of such contracts, the price of copper cathodes is usually pegged to the
average of the spot price of copper on the LME for the delivery month plus a premium. The Company
believes its relationships with its three copper cathode suppliers will allow access to alternative
supplies in the event one or more of such suppliers was unable or unwilling to renew a supply
contract on terms satisfactory to the Company, although the Company does not anticipate any change
in relations in the near term.
The Company attempts to maintain approximately a three to five week supply of copper rods and
cathodes for its Thai operations and approximately a two to four week supply in Singapore. In
PEWS, the Company was able to maintain one to two weeks of supply of copper rods and cathodes. The
Company has never experienced a material supply interruption or difficulty obtaining sufficient
supply of copper rod or cathode.
Other raw materials used by the Company include aluminum used as a conductor in power cable
and petroleum-based insulation materials such as PE, PVC and jelly compounds for insulating covers
on cables and varnishes on enameled wire; aluminum foils for sheathing of communication cable; and
galvanized steel wire for the production of armored wire. The Company has not had any difficulty
in maintaining adequate supplies of these raw materials and expects to continue to be able to
purchase such raw materials at prevailing market prices.
Other than import tariffs in Thailand, the Company does not face any restriction or control on
the purchase or import of its raw materials. The Company may freely choose its suppliers and
negotiate the price and quantity of material with its suppliers. The Company formulates
consumption plans for raw materials regularly and continually monitors market conditions in respect
of the supply, price and quality of raw materials.
Inflation would increase the cost of raw materials and operating expenses for the Company.
The Company would try to maintain its gross margins by increasing the prices of its products.
4.3.4 Quality Control
The Company places a significant emphasis on product quality. The Company has implemented a
range of quality control procedures with stringent quality standards under the supervision of a
dedicated quality control staff. Quality control procedures are implemented from the raw material
to the finished product stages at each of the Companys major production facilities. Raw materials
are inspected to ensure they meet the necessary level of quality before production begins. During
the manufacturing process, quality control procedures are performed at several stages of
production. Upon completion, finished goods are brought to quality control centers set up in the
factory for inspection and testing of different electrical and physical properties.
30
Depending on the requirements of its customers, the Company has the capability to manufacture
its products to meet a variety of different quality and production standards. These include local
standards and certifications, such as the Singapore Institute of Standards and Industrial Research
Quality Mark and the Thailand Industrial Standard, as well as other standards including the
National Electrical Manufacturers Association Standard, the British Standard, the Japan Industrial
Standard and Underwriters Laboratories Inc. Standard, as applicable.
All the major companies in the group have attained International Standards Organization
(ISO) 9002 certification for quality management and assurance standards in the manufacture of
electric wire and cable and have maintained that certification for at least the last ten years.
The certifications mean that the companies have in place quality assurance systems and the
capability to consistently manufacture products of quality.
4.3.5 Sales and Marketing
The Companys telecommunications cable and power cable products are primarily sold in the
domestic markets of the countries where they are manufactured, whereas most of the enameled wire
manufactured by the Company is exported to take advantage of Pacific Thais tax status exempting it
from paying import duties on raw materials used in the manufacture of export product. The
following table sets forth the Companys sales revenues for the periods indicated among its three
segments and, within the manufactured products segment, by geographic market, together with their
respective percentage share of total sales revenue for such periods:
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Year ended December 31,
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Manufactured Products:
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thailand
|
|
|
249,337
|
|
|
|
48.9
|
|
|
|
149,544
|
|
|
|
43.1
|
|
|
|
117,954
|
|
|
|
32.6
|
|
|
Singapore
|
|
|
31,762
|
|
|
|
6.2
|
|
|
|
35,318
|
|
|
|
7.1
|
|
|
|
34,583
|
|
|
|
9.5
|
|
|
Australia
|
|
|
55,789
|
|
|
|
10.9
|
|
|
|
61,167
|
|
|
|
12.2
|
|
|
|
33,935
|
|
|
|
9.4
|
|
|
China
|
|
|
157,917
|
|
|
|
30.9
|
|
|
|
134,999
|
|
|
|
27.0
|
|
|
|
113,649
|
|
|
|
31.4
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
494,805
|
|
|
|
96.8
|
|
|
|
447,848
|
|
|
|
89.4
|
|
|
|
300,121
|
|
|
|
82.9
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distributed Products
(1)
|
|
|
10,783
|
|
|
|
2.1
|
|
|
|
32,415
|
|
|
|
6.5
|
|
|
|
28,102
|
|
|
|
7.7
|
|
|
SDI Project Engineering
(2)
|
|
|
5,253
|
|
|
|
1.0
|
|
|
|
20,535
|
|
|
|
4.1
|
|
|
|
34,008
|
|
|
|
9.4
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total net sales
|
|
|
510,841
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
|
|
|
500,798
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
|
|
|
362,231
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
Distributed Products are sold primarily in Singapore.
|
|
|
|
(2)
|
|
At present, all SDI Project Engineering is supplied in Singapore.
|
Sales within Thailand and Singapore are made directly by the sales department of the Companys
local subsidiaries in accordance with terms and pricing set by the local subsidiaries. The local
subsidiaries are also responsible for sales planning, marketing strategy and customer liaison. The
Companys sales staff is knowledgeable about the Companys products and frequently must render
technical assistance, consulting services and repair and maintenance services to the Companys
customers. In order to ensure quality service and maintain sensitivity to market conditions, the
Company does not conduct sales through independent sales agents on a commission basis but uses its
own sales employees located at the operating subsidiaries.
As copper constitutes the costliest component of the Companys wire and cable products, the
price of the Companys products depends primarily upon the price of copper. In order to minimize
the impact of copper
31
price fluctuations, the Company attempts to determine the prices of its
products based on the prevailing market price of copper. However, the Company may be affected, to
a degree, in the short term by significant fluctuations in the price of copper.
Payment methods for the Companys products vary with markets and customers. The majority of
sales by the Company of its manufactured products require payment within 90 days, but may vary
depending on the customer and payment record. Sales pursuant to a successful project tender or
sales to governmental or public utilities are conducted in accordance with the tender or other
applicable regulations. In connection with the distribution of medium and high voltage power cable
manufactured by PEWC, the Company is required to pay PEWC 90% of the cost of the products either
within 30 days of receipt of the product or, in the case of SDI products, upon installation, with
the remaining 10% to be paid within one year. In connection with the purchase of copper rod, the
Company is required to pay PEWC the cost of the copper rod within 30 days from obtaining the
products from PEWC. For the export market, payment is usually made by prior delivery of an
irrevocable letter of credit. Neither the Company nor its local subsidiaries offer financing for
purchases of the Companys products. The Company sells its products in the local currency of the
country of sale. Company employees engaged in sales and marketing are paid a salary and may also
receive a bonus based on performance.
Products are marketed under the respective names of each company. For instance, products
manufactured by Siam Pacific are marketed under the Siam Pacific and PTEWC brands, both
registered trademarks in Thailand; products manufactured by Sigma Cable are sold under the Sigma
Cable brand.
Thailand
The Company produces and sells telecommunications cable, enameled wire and power cable in
Thailand. Sales of telecommunications cables, the Companys leading product in Thailand, are
conducted either by tender for participation in large scale telecommunications projects of the TOT
Corporation Ple. (TOT), or directly to subcontractors of TT&T and True Corporation Ple., the two
private telephone line contractors which would be licensed by TOT with regard to particular
projects. Power cable (and a limited quantity of telecommunications cable) is generally sold to
construction firms or contractors for use in infrastructure, commercial and residential
construction projects. The Company generally sells enameled wire directly to manufacturers of
electric motors for use in various consumer appliances. Enameled wire purchasers tend to be
smaller businesses than those that purchase telecommunications and power cable. A small quantity
of power and telecommunications cable and enameled wire is sold to general electrical products
supply companies which then resell to end users.
Singapore
The Company produces and sells low voltage power cable in Singapore. In addition, the Company
sells a wide range of wire and cable products produced by PEWC. Power cables manufactured by the
Company and PEWC are primarily sold to SP Powerassets, a quasi-public entity responsible for power
delivery in Singapore, and to a large number of private contractors and construction firms. The
Company also offers project engineering services for the SDI of medium and high voltage power cable
to power transmission projects in Singapore.
In Singapore alone, sales of manufactured products in 2009 accounted for 36.5% of the net sales in Singapore; sales of Distributed Products in 2009 accounted for 28.9% with
the remaining 34.6% comprised of SDI project engineering services. In 2009, sales to SP
Powerassets alone accounted for approximately 71.42% of the Companys total sales in Singapore and
18.1% of the Companys total aggregate sales. While the Company is seeking to increase the volume
of business in its SDI business segment, in 2009 sales of SDI project engineering services to SP
Powerassets accounted for 100% of the Companys SDI sales. Approximately 34.5% of the sales to SP
Powerassets in 2009 were sales of Distributed Products, which sales have a low profit margin. Such
sales are not made under a continuing contract, but pursuant to purchase orders
32
placed from time to
time with the Company by SP Powerassets. Sales of copper wire and cable products purchased from
PEWC since 2007 are as follows (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
(figures are in thousands of US$)
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
2008
|
|
2009
|
|
Manufactured Product:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Power Cable
|
|
|
7,109
|
|
|
|
6,435
|
|
|
|
11,519
|
|
|
Electronic Wire
|
|
|
3,493
|
|
|
|
194
|
|
|
|
692
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
10,602
|
|
|
|
6,629
|
|
|
|
12,211
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Although SP Powerassets is an important customer of the Company, neither the loss of
Distributed Product sales to SP Powerassets, nor the loss of manufactured product sales to SP
Powerassets, which the Company expects would be replaced by sales to other customers, would likely
have a material adverse effect on the Companys results of operations. Although the Company does
not believe that it could easily replace its SDI sales to SP Powerassets by sales to other
customers, the Company believes its customer relationship with SP Powerassets is satisfactory and is viewed by both parties as a long-term relationship.
China
The Company produces and sells copper-based telecommunication cable, fiber optic cables and
enameled wire in China. The Companys China operations are conducted through six business
entities. Copper-based telecommunication cables and fiber optic cables are generally sold to the
national, provincial or local offices of the fixed-line and mobile telecommunications network
operators or sub-contactors of such agencies. The Company generally sells enameled wire directly
to manufacturers of electric motors for use in various consumer appliances.
Exports
The Companys main export markets are Hong Kong, Vietnam, India, China, Malaysia and
Indonesia. Export sales are conducted by local agents or distributors of the Company in accordance
with terms and prices negotiated between the local agent and the Company at the time of sale. In
Thailand, the Companys principal export is enameled wire. In Singapore, the Companys principal
export is power cable. The Company does not actively pursue an export business in Singapore, but
benefits from Singapores position as a trading center
and makes export sales in response to buyer inquiries and solicitations. Total export sales
accounted for 9.1% of aggregated net sales in 2009
4.3.6 Competition
The wire and cable industry in the Asia Pacific region is highly competitive. The Companys
competitors include a large number of independent domestic and foreign suppliers. Certain
competitors in each of the Companys markets have substantially greater manufacturing, sales,
research and financial resources than the Company. The Company and other wire and cable producers
increasingly compete on the basis of product quality and performance, reliability of supply,
customer service and price. To the extent that one or more of the Companys competitors is more
successful with respect to the primary competitive factors, the Companys business could be
adversely affected.
Thailand
The wire and cable industry in Thailand is highly competitive. In its various product lines,
the Company competes with a total of approximately thirty local wire and cable manufacturers and,
to a lesser extent, with foreign producers for sales in Thailand of telecommunications cable, power
cable and enameled wire. Based on information published by the Thai Ministry of Commerce on sales
by dollar value, the Company believes
33
that Siam Pacific and Charoong Thai are two of the five
largest wire and cable producers in Thailand and their principal competitors are the three other
largest producers in Thailand. These five largest producers are the only producers of
telecommunications cable approved by the Thai Industrial Standards Institute and, therefore, the
only cable producers whose products may be used in government-commissioned projects. Stringent
governmental approval processes, tariffs and other import restrictions have limited competition in
the Thailand market from foreign wire and cable producers. The Company also experiences
significant competition from a number of smaller producers with regard to sales of enameled wire
products.
Singapore
Based on information provided by the Cable Association in Singapore, the Company principally
competes with four other major wire and cable manufacturers in Singapore. Although the Company
believes it is the largest or second largest supplier of power cable in Singapore based on
information on sales by dollar value provided by the Cable Association in Singapore, it experiences
significant competition from other local producers.
There is no tariff or other barriers against foreign competition in the local Singapore market
and potential competitors are free to enter the industry. However, because of high capital costs,
the Company believes it is unlikely that there will be new domestic entrants to the wire and cable
industry in Singapore in the near future.
Australia
Currently, besides APEC, there are two major wire and cable producers in Australia: Olex
Cables (owned by Nexans) and Prysmian Cables, with factories in the states of Victoria and New
South Wales, respectively. Also, Advance Cable, a cable producer with a factory in Victoria, has
recently obtained a bigger market share. In addition, a significant portion of the Australian
market is serviced by two importers: (i) General Cables Australia, which imports cables from its
parent company General Cables, which manufactures cables in New Zealand and (ii) Electra Cables,
which imports cables from factories in China. These companies are APECs principal competitors.
During fiscal year 2009, APEC was the only power cable producer in Queensland and therefore sought
to take advantage of its comparative proximity to customers in contrast to competitors that were
required to transport their products into Queensland from other states in Australia. APEC has also
opened sales offices with warehousing facilities in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth in order to attract
and service the customers in those regions. Foreign competition barriers exist with import duties and the
more stringent Australian cable specifications standards. Free Trade Agreements are in effect with
Singapore and Thailand.
China
PEWS manufactures enameled wire in the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone in Guangdong Province
for electronic, video and audio products for the South China market and for export. CCH HK is the
trading arm of PEWS. Based on information provided by customers and suppliers, the Company
believes that, based on production capacity, PEWS is one of the largest enameled wire manufacturers
amongst the six manufacturers in Shenzhen. It supplies mainly to transformer, motor and coil
manufacturers in and around Shenzhen. It faces competition principally from overseas imports and
local manufacturers.
Shanghai Yayang is the only major enameled wire producer in Shanghai and it supplies mainly to
transformer, motor and coil manufacturers in Shanghai. It faces competition principally from
overseas imports and manufacturers from other provinces.
According to the Optical Cables Trade Association, SPFO is one of the largest manufacturers of
fiber optic cables in Shandong Province based on sales by dollar value. It supplies mainly to
government controlled and licensed telecommunications network operators such as China Netcom, China
Telecom, China Mobile, China Railcom, China Unicom and China Powercom. It faces competition
principally from a number of the larger domestic fiber optic cable manufacturers.
34
4.3.7 Regional Considerations
Prior to the onset of the 2008 recession, the principal Asian markets in which we do business
displayed exceptional overall economic growth in recent years compared to the United States and a
number of other more developed markets, subject to occasional episodes of economic and currency
exchange volatility attributable to various factors including the increased risks of emerging
market investment, actual or potential political instability and pandemics such as the SARS health
crisis several years ago. In some countries, the IMF exerts considerable influence over economic
policy and provides support to stabilize the domestic economy. In general, the Asian markets in
which we do business have been export-driven in recent years and have in the case of China and
Singapore, for example, accumulated considerable capital reserves, which contributes to a more
stable business environment.
Thailand
According to the November 2009 East Asia and Pacific Update published by the World Bank, the
GDP growth projection in Thailand for 2009 would remain at the -2.7 percent level that it had
predicted in April. Still, this years contraction would be Thailands first since 1998. The World
Bank currently forecasts that Thai GDP growth will be approximately 3.5% in 2010.
A substantial portion of the Companys Thai operations, which accounted for approximately
32.9% of the Companys net sales in 2009, consists of the manufacture of telecommunications and
power cable and sales of those products for use in large-scale telecommunications projects and
various construction projects in Thailand. The volume of sales of these products tends to
correlate with the general level of economic activity in Thailand. As a result, the performance of
the Companys Thai operations depends in significant part on the general state of the Thai economy.
Infrastructure development and related construction projects in Thailand depend significantly upon
government sponsored initiatives. In recent years, the level of government involvement in
infrastructure development has tended to track increases or contractions in Thailands gross
domestic product (GDP). Overall, the construction industry and infrastructure projects have
slowed considerably, thereby affecting local sales, placing competitive pressure on prices and
prompting the Company to rationalize Thai operations and actively seek overseas export markets.
Telecommunications
Sales of the Companys telecommunication products in Thailand have depended to a significant
degree on the substantial investment in and development of the telecommunications sector by the
Thai government. In particular, the Companys sales of manufactured products are affected by the
dollar value of contracts awarded by the government for telecommunications and other infrastructure
projects.
Historically, control of the telecommunications sector in Thailand, including the right to
grant concessions for the installation and operation of telecommunications services, has rested
with state owned enterprises. There are currently three public agencies responsible for
communications in Thailand: TOT, which controls domestic telephone service, the CAT Telecom Plc.
(CAT), which handles postal and international telephone service, and the Thailand Post Co., Ltd.
(a state enterprise), which controls and regulates the use of frequencies for radio communication
stations and satellite communication networks. Telecommunications services in Thailand have
traditionally been developed and expanded through grants by TOT and CAT of concessions to private
operators to install and operate telecom projects on a build-transfer-operate basis, where the
government enterprise involved would maintain control over the award of the concession and receive
a profit share from the operations of the project.
Power
In Thailand the prevailing historical trend has been that economic growth would stimulate
rapid growth in the demand for electric power, and annual rates of growth in electricity demand
would outpace annual economic growth rates. Despite the rapid growth in electricity demand,
electricity consumption in Thailand
35
remains low by international standards. The Company believes
that, in the medium to longer term, there will be an increased demand for power supply which will
lead to increased demand for the Companys power cable products from both developers of power
production facilities and contractors installing power supply lines.
Singapore
The Singapore government reported that the economy grew by 4.63% in 2009, as compared to the
1.1% growth recorded in 2008. The Singapore government has projected its gross domestic product
from -2.8% in December 2009 to 13.1% in 2010 (first quarter data) due to worldwide economic
conditions.
The Companys distribution and project engineering business segments are concentrated in the
Singapore market. SDI projects, on one hand, are blessed with Singapore sponsored Casino phrase I
with substantial revenue of $32.8 million coming in, while the distributed business, suffered lack
of projects or lost price competition to Korean based companies, down by more than $4 million in
2009.
The Singapore government has established targets to increase the population from 4.6 million
in 2007 to approximately 6 million by the end of 2020. This planned growth in population is
expected to result in an increase in demand for residential property and construction.
China
The economy of China differs from that of most developed free-market economies in a number of
respects, including structure, degree of government involvement, level of development, growth rate,
capital reinvestment, allocation of resources, rate of inflation and balance of payments position.
In recent years, the PRC government has implemented economic reform measures which emphasize decentralization,
utilization of market forces and the development of foreign investment projects, of which SPFO and
Shanghai Yayang are examples.
According to the November 2009 East Asia and Pacific Update published by the World Bank, the
Chinese GDP growth projection was 8.7% in 2009 as compared to 9.0% in 2008. According to that
update, the World Bank has forecasted China GDP growth in 2010 to be approximately 9.5%.
4.4 Property, Plants and Equipment
The Companys manufactured products are produced at facilities located on premises owned or
leased by Siam Pacific, Pacific Thai, Charoong Thai, Sigma Cable, APEC, Shanghai Yayang, SPFO and
PEWS. The following is a summary of the Companys material facilities and operations as of December 31,
2009.
Siam Pacific owns a 7.45 acre production facility near Bangkok, Thailand, located on a 26.79
acre site that it also owns. Telecommunications cable and enameled wire are manufactured here.
The production facility constitutes a portion of certain property and assets which are part of a
mortgage to Bangkok Bank as security for a $242,000 line of credit. Pacific Thai operates a
separate 92,800 square meter enameled wire production facility located at the same site, which it
leases from Siam Pacific.
Charoong Thai owns a 24.7 acre production facility in Chachoengsao province, near Bangkok,
Thailand, where telecommunications cable and power cable are manufactured. The production facility
is located on a 57.9 acre site which Charoong Thai also owns. Neither the production facility nor
the land is mortgaged.
Sigma Cable produces power cable on a 19,373 square meter site in Singapore leased from the
Jurong Town Corporation (JTC) for 30 years from September 16, 2000 to September 16, 2030. JTC is
a government-linked corporation and is Singapores largest industrial landlord.
36
APEC owns a 6,735 square meter power cable manufacturing facility on a 39,000 square
meter land parcel in Brisbane, Australia, which is mortgaged to Westpac Banking Corporation of
Australia as security for a bank facility of approximately A$10 million.
Shanghai Yayang operates a factory that produces enameled wire, located in an area of
approximately 27,839 square meters of state-owned land in an industrial district in Fengxian,
Shanghai. The entire factory is mortgaged to the Agricultural Bank of China for a bank credit line
of $6.6 million.
SPFO manufactures fiber optic cable in a purpose-built factory building of approximately 8,100
square meters on a leasehold of 63,332 square meters of state-owned land in Yanggu, Shandong
Province, China, which land is shared equally with Shandong Huayu Pacific Fiber Optics
Communication Co., Ltd.
PEWS manufactures enameled wire in a facility on 36,000 square meters of state-owned land with
a built-up area of 20,367 square meters in Long Gang, Shenzhen, China. A leasehold right of
industrial land use for the land has been granted for 49 years. The facility is mortgaged to
Agricultural Bank of China as security for a RMB 50 million bank loan granted in 2003 and extended
through 2009.
Sigma-Epan leases an office space from Sigma Cable in Singapore where it employs nine
individuals in its trading operations.
NPC manufactured telecommunications cable on 10.9 acres of state-owned land in Ningbo,
Yinjiang, Zhejian Province, China, with a factory area of 3.3 acres. A leasehold right of
industrial land use for the land was granted for 50 years. Manufacturing operations at NPC were
terminated in 2006. NPC continues to hold the leasehold right of the land and maintains ten
employees. The company, thru previously mentioned bank loan opportunity, is expecting to revitalize NPCs
production facilities and is planning to introduce a brand new product category. The management has undergone a series of
discussion meetings and the entire program is set to go once the loan agreement is signed in the
near future.
All of the Companys facilities in Thailand, Singapore, Australia and China use production
processes and equipment of international standard imported from Europe, the United States, Taiwan,
and Japan.
The production capacity and extent of utilization of the Companys facilities varies from time
to time and such information is considered to be commercially sensitive and proprietary
information.
Other than NPC, there are no major expansion plans going on at any other manufacturing sites
at the moment.
4.5 Insurance
The Company maintains insurance policies covering certain buildings, machinery and equipment
against specified amounts of damage or loss caused by fire, flooding, other natural disasters and
burglary and theft. The Company does not carry insurance for consequential loss arising from
business interruptions or political disturbances and does not carry product liability insurance.
The Company believes that it maintains insurance coverage commensurate with the nature of and risks
associated with its business.
4.6 Environmental Matters
The Company is subject to a variety of laws and regulations covering the storage, handling,
emission and discharge of materials into the environment. The Company believes that all of its
operations are in compliance with, and in certain circumstances exceed, all applicable
environmental laws and regulations. The Company has not been subject to any legal, regulatory or other action alleging violations or breaches
of environmental standards. While it is difficult to estimate future environmental compliance
costs and potential liabilities, if
37
any, accurately, the Company does not currently anticipate any
material adverse effect on its consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows
as a result of compliance with these laws.
Item 5: Operating and Financial Review and Prospects
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial
statements and the notes thereto incorporated by reference herein. Because around 83% of the
Companys revenues are derived from its manufactured products segment, the following discussion is
not presented on a segment basis.
5.1 Disclosures of Critical Accounting Policies
Managements discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations
discusses the Companys consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these
financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the
date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates and judgments.
Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors
that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for
making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent
from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or
conditions.
Management believes the following critical accounting policies, among others, affect its more
significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of its consolidated financial
statements.
Inventory
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market value. Cost is determined using the
first-in, first-out or weighted average method.
If the expected sales price less completion costs and costs to execute sales (net realizable
value) is lower than the carrying amount, a write-down is charged to expenses in cost of sales for
the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds its net realizable value. When the finished goods
that were previously written down to net realizable value are subsequently sold at above net
realizable value, a recovery is credited to cost of sales. See Note 9 Valuation and Qualifying
Accounts.
Income Taxes
In 2007, the Company adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB)
Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes-an interpretation of
FASB Statement No. 109. (codified within FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 740, Income
Taxes). FASB ASC 740 contains a two-step approach to recognizing and measuring uncertain tax
positions. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the
weight of available evidence indicates it is more likely than not that the position will be
sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The
second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount, which is more than 50% likely of
being realized upon ultimate settlement. The Company considers many factors when evaluating and
estimating its tax positions and tax benefits, which may require periodic adjustments and which may
not accurately anticipate actual outcomes. Our policy is to recognize interest expense and
penalties related to income tax matters as a component of income tax expense.
Current income tax expense is the amount of income taxes expected to be payable for the
current year. Deferred income tax balances reflect the effects of temporary differences between the
carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax basis and are stated at enacted tax rates
expected to be in effect when taxes
38
are actually paid or recovered. FASB ASC 740, requires that
deferred tax assets be evaluated for future realization and reduced by a valuation allowance to the
extent the Company believes a portion will not be realized. The Company considers many factors
when assessing the likelihood of future realization of its deferred tax assets, including our recent cumulative earnings experience and expectations of future taxable income by taxing
jurisdiction, the carry-forward periods available to the Company for tax reporting purposes, and
other relevant factors. Deferred income tax expense (benefit) is the net change during the year in
the deferred income tax asset or liability.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less depreciation and any impairment losses.
Asset leases qualifying as capital leases are also included in property, plant and equipment. Major
renewals and improvements are capitalized and minor replacements, maintenance, and repair expenses
are charged to current operations as incurred. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line
method over the estimated useful lives of the assets or the respective lease term, whichever is
shorter, as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Land
|
|
Nil
|
|
Land Use Rights
|
|
15-50 years
|
|
Buildings
|
|
5-30 years
|
|
Machinery and Equipment
|
|
5-10 years
|
|
Motor Vehicles
|
|
3-10 years
|
|
Office Equipment
|
|
3-10 years
|
Depreciation for 2007, 2008 and 2009 amounted to $9,079, $7646 and $8,941, respectively. No
depreciation expense is charged for construction in progress and machinery and equipment under
installation.
Capitalized interest on construction in progress is added to the cost of the underlying asset
and is depreciated over the estimated useful life of the asset in the same manner as the underlying
asset. No interest is capitalized in 2008 and 2009.
When property and equipment are retired, sold or otherwise disposed of, the assets carrying
amount and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is
included in operations.
In 2006, the Company terminated the NPC joint venture and liquidated its major equipment at
the NPC facility. In October 2009, the Company made a resolution to acquire an additional 5.42%
shareholding of NPC from the Republic of China (PRC) joint venture partner. The Company plans to
resume manufacturing operations with new constructed facilities at the NPC site. The acquisition of the additional shareholding is expected to be completed in July 2010.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of purchased business over the fair value of the
underlying net assets. Goodwill, including goodwill associated with equity method investments, is
not amortized, but tested for impairment at least annually or more frequently if circumstances
indicate that impairment may exist. The Company identifies potential goodwill impairment by
comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. The
Company determines fair value using a discounted cash flow approach. If the fair value of a
reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is not considered
impaired. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the amount of
goodwill impairment loss, if any, must be measured. The Company measures the amount of goodwill
impairment loss by comparing the implied fair value of goodwill with the carrying amount of that
goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of
goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized as an operating expense.
39
Goodwill primarily resulted from a business combination. The Company adopted ASC 350,
Intangibles-Goodwill and Other, effective January 1, 2002. Under ASC 350, goodwill is no longer
amortized but is subject to periodic impairment tests. ASC 350 defines a reporting unit as an
operating segment or one level below an operating segment (referred to as a component). A component
of an operating segment is a reporting unit if the component constitutes a business for which
discrete financial information is available and segment management regularly reviews the operating
results of that component. Upon adoption of ASC 350, the Company allocated the entire amount of
goodwill to the manufactured products segment.
In accordance with ASC 350, the Company reviews goodwill for impairment on an annual basis
(December 31) or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the carrying values may
not be recoverable. Based on the Companys assessment conducted as of December 31, 2007, 2008 and
2009, no impairment was indicated. Total goodwill was $8,801, $8,801 and $8,801 as of December 31,
2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively.
Investments
Management determines the appropriate classification of its investment at the time of purchase
and re-evaluates such designation as of each balance sheet date.
The Company accounts for its long-term investments that represent less than 20 percent
ownership using ASC 320, Investments Debt and Equity Securities (ASC 320). Equity securities
are classified as available-for-sale, as the Company does not trade in these securities, but rather
they are held as longer term investments due to business relationships with the entities.
Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value, with the unrealized gains and losses, net
of tax, reported in a separate component of shareholders equity. Realized gains and losses and
declines in values judged to be other-than-temporary on available-for-sale securities are included
in investment income. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method.
Interest and dividends on securities classified as available-for-sale are included in investment
income.
Investments in which the Company does not have a controlling interest or an ownership voting
interest to exert significant influence, and which are not publicly traded are accounted for at
cost.
A judgmental aspect of accounting for investments (including investments in equity investees)
involves determining whether an other-than-temporary decline in value of the investment has been
sustained. If it has been determined that an investment has sustained an other-than-temporary
decline in its value, the investment is written down to its fair value, by a charge to earnings.
Such evaluation is dependent on the specific facts and circumstances. Factors that are considered
by the Company in determining whether an other-than-temporary decline in value has occurred
include: the market value of the security in relation to its cost basis; the financial condition of
the investee; and the intent and ability to retain the investment for a sufficient period of time
to allow for recovery in the market value of the investment.
In 2007, 2008 and 2009, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $117, $nil and $nil,
respectively, related to investment in certain equity investees.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company accounts for impairment of long-lived assets in accordance with ASC 360,
Property, Plant and Equipment. Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or
changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In
such instances, the Company estimates the undiscounted future cash flows that result from the use
of the asset and its ultimate disposition. If the sum of the undiscounted cash flows is less than
the carrying value, the Company recognizes an impairment loss, measured as the amount by which the
carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset, determined principally using discounted cash
flows.
40
In 2009, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $77 related to the impairment of factory
in Thailand (included in the manufactured products segment) that is not being used for operation.
The impairment charge was recorded to reduce the carrying value of the identified assets to fair
values. Fair values were derived using a variety of methodologies, including cash flow analysis,
estimates of sales proceeds and independent appraisals. Where cash flow analyses were used to
estimate fair values, key assumptions employed, included estimates of future growth, estimates of
gross margins and estimates of the impact of inflation. The charges were primarily the result of
managements revised outlook due to the prolonged unfavorable market conditions.
Trade Account Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Trade accounts receivable are stated at face value less any allowances for doubtful accounts.
The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the
inability of its customers to make required payments. Management considers the following factors
when determining the collectability of specific customer accounts: customer credit-worthiness,
customer financial condition, past transaction history with the customer, current economic industry
trends, and changes in customer payment terms.
Revenue Recognition
Sales represents the invoiced value of goods sold, net of value added tax and returns,
commission income earned on distribution activities, and service fee income on installation
activities. Revenue is recognized to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits
will flow to the Company and the revenue can be reliably measured. The following specific
recognition criteria must also be met before revenue is recognized.
Sales of goods and distribution activities
The Company recognizes revenue from the sale of goods and distribution activities upon passage
of title to the customer that coincides with their delivery and acceptance. This method of revenue
recognition is in accordance with ASC 650-15, Revenue Recognition-Products.
The
Company classifies shipping and handling costs incurred in cost of sales.
Installation activities
The Company recognizes revenue from installation activities using the percentage-of-completion
method, based on the customer certification of the distance of cable laid with respect to the
estimated total contract revenue, and in accordance with ASC 650-35, Revenue
Recognition-Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts.
When elements such as installation and sale of cables are contained in a single arrangement,
or in related arrangements with the same customer, the Company allocates revenue to each element
based on its relative fair value in accordance with ASC 605-25, Revenue
Recognition-Multiple-Element Arrangements. The allocation of the fair value to the delivered
elements is limited to the amount that is not contingent on future delivery of services or subject
to customer-specified return or refund privileges.
Product Warranties
41
The Company provides for the estimated cost of product warranties based on the warranty policy
and historical experience, and accrues for specific items at the time their existence is known and
the amounts are determinable. Historical warranty liability and related costs have not been
significant to the Companys operations.
Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions
The functional currency of the Companys international subsidiaries is generally the local
currency or U.S. Dollars. For these subsidiaries, the Company translates the assets and
liabilities at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and income and expense accounts
at average exchange rates during the year. Resulting currency translation adjustments are recorded
directly to accumulated other comprehensive income within stockholders equity. Gains and losses
resulting from transactions in non-functional currencies are recorded in the consolidated statement
of operations.
Foreign currency transactions are recorded at the applicable rates of exchange in effect at
the transaction dates. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the
balance sheet date are translated at the applicable rates of exchange in effect at that date.
Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are recorded in the consolidated statement of
operations.
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
The Companys subsidiaries use forward foreign exchange contracts to reduce their exposure to
foreign currency risk for liabilities denominated in foreign currency. A forward foreign exchange
contract obligates the Company to exchange predetermined amounts of specified foreign currencies at
specified exchange rates on specified dates or to make an equivalent U.S. dollar payment equal to
the value of such exchange. Realized
and unrealized gains and losses on foreign exchange contracts are included as foreign exchange
gains or losses in the consolidated statement of operations.
The Company recognizes derivative financial instruments in the consolidated financial
statements at fair value regardless of the purposes or intent for holding the instrument. Changes
in the fair value of derivative financial instruments are either recognized periodically in income
or in shareholders equity as a component of comprehensive income depending on whether the
derivative financial instruments qualify for hedge accounting, and if so, whether they qualify as a
fair value or cash flow hedge.
Generally, changes in fair values of derivatives accounted for as fair value hedges are
recorded in income along with the portions of the changes in the fair value of the hedged items
that relate to the hedged risks. Changes in fair value of derivatives accounted for as cash flow
hedges, to the extent they are effective as hedges, are recorded in other comprehensive income net
of deferred taxes. Changes in fair value of derivatives used as hedges of the net investment in
foreign operations are reported in other comprehensive income as part of the cumulative translation
adjustment. Changes in fair values of derivatives not qualifying as hedges are reported in income.
As of December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009, the Company has entered into forward exchange sale contracts
with notional values of $12,674, $3,500 and $nil, respectively. As of December 31, 2008, the Company has
entered into forward exchange purchase contracts with a notional value of $15,458. The forward exchange
contracts matured in January, February, March and May 2009. There were no outstanding foreign forward
exchange contracts as of December 31, 2009. The Company records these contracts at fair value with the
related gains and losses in its statement of operations.
Earnings (Loss) Per Share
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share are calculated in accordance with ASC 260,
Earnings Per Share. There are no dilutive equity instruments.
42
Fair Value Measurements
Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted the provisions of ASC 820, Fair Value
Measurements and Disclosures for financial assets and liabilities. Under ASC 820, fair value is
defined as the price that would have been received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability
(i.e., the exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement
date.
In determining fair value, the Company uses various valuation approaches. ASC 820 establishes
a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and
minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when
available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or
liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company.
Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the Companys assumptions about the assumptions market
participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information
available in the circumstances. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the
observability of inputs as follows:
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Level 1 Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets that
the Company has the ability to access. Valuation adjustments and block discounts are not applied to
Level 1 instruments. Since valuations are based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly
available in an active market, valuation of these products does not entail a significant degree of
judgment.
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Level 2 Valuations based on one or more quoted prices in markets that are not active or
for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly.
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Level 3 Valuations based on unobservable inputs which are supported by little or no
market activity and significant to the overall fair value measurement.
|
The availability of observable inputs can vary from investment to investment and is affected
by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of investment, the liquidity of
markets and other characteristics particular to the transaction. To the extent that valuation is
based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination
of fair value requires more judgment and the investments are categorizes as Level 3.
The carrying amounts of financial instruments carried at cost, including cash and cash
equivalents, bank deposits, trade receivables, other current assets, trade payables, related party
balances and other liabilities approximate their fair value due to the short-term maturities of
such instruments.
Recent Pronouncements
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Accounting Standards Codification
(ASC) effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after
September 15, 2009. The ASC is an aggregation of previously issued authoritative U.S. generally
accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in one comprehensive set of guidance organized by subject
area. In accordance with the ASC, references to previously issued accounting standards have been
replaced by ASC references. Subsequent revisions to GAAP will be incorporated into the ASC through
Accounting Standards Updates (ASU).
In December 2007, FASB issued ASC 805, Business Combinations, which expands on the required
disclosures better defines the acquirer and the acquisition date in a business combination, and
establishes principles for recognizing and measuring the assets acquired (including goodwill), the
liabilities assumed and any non-controlling interests in the acquired business. FASB ASC 805 also
requires an acquirer to record an adjustment to income tax expense for changes in valuation
allowances or uncertain tax positions related to acquired businesses. FASB ASC 805 is effective for
all business combinations with an acquisition date in the
43
first annual period following December
15, 2008; early adoption is not permitted. The Company adopted this statement as of January 1, 2009
and the adoption has had no impact to the consolidated financial statements.
In December 2007, the FASB amended ASC 810, Consolidation. This amendment establishes
accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the
deconsolidation of a subsidiary. It clarifies that a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary is an
ownership interest in the consolidated entity that should be reported as equity in the consolidated
financial statements. This amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December
15, 2008. The adoption of this amendment did not have a material impact on the Companys
consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
In February 2008, the FASB amended ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, which
deferred the effective date of ASC 820 for one year for certain non-financial assets and
non-financial liabilities. The Company adopted this statement as of January 1, 2009 and the
adoption has had no impact on the Companys financial position and results of operations.
In March 2008, the FASB amended ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, which requires additional
disclosures about the objectives of the derivative instruments and hedging activities, the method
of accounting for such instruments under ASC 815 and its related interpretations, and a tabular
disclosure of the effects of such instruments and related hedged items on our financial position,
financial performance, and cash flows. This amendment will be effective for the Company in fiscal year 2010. The Company is currently
assessing the potential impact that adoption of this amendment may have on its financial
statements.
In April 2008, the FASB amended ASC 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other, , the factors that
should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful
life of a recognized intangible asset under ASC 350. The intent of this amendment is to improve
the consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under ASC 350 and the
period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset under ASC 805, Business
Combinations, and other U.S. GAAP. This amendment will be effective for the Company for fiscal
years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early
adoption is prohibited. The adoption of this amendment did not have a material impact on the
Companys consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
In September 2008, the FASB amended ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, which requires
disclosures by sellers of credit derivatives, including credit derivatives embedded in a hybrid
instrument. This amendment requires an additional disclosure about the current status of the
payment/performance risk of a guarantee. This amendment applies to credit derivatives within the
scope of ASC 815, hybrid instruments that have embedded credit derivatives, and guarantees within
the scope of ASC 460, Guarantees. This amendment also pertains to hybrid instruments that have
embedded credit derivatives (for example, credit-linked notes). The
provisions of this amendment are effective for reporting periods (annual or interim) ending after November 15, 2008. This amendment
encourages early adoption to facilitate comparisons at initial adoption. In periods after initial
adoption, this amendment requires comparative disclosures only for periods ending subsequent to
initial adoption. The adoption of this amendment did not have a material impact on the Companys
consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
In October 2008, the FASB amended ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, which
clarifies the application of ASC 820in a market that is not active and provides an example to
illustrate key considerations in determining the fair value of a financial asset when the market
for that asset is not active. This amendment applies to financial assets within the scope of
accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements in accordance with ASC
820. The amendment is effective upon issuance, including prior periods for which financial
statements have not been issued. Revisions resulting from a change in the valuation technique or
its application shall be accounted for as a change in accounting estimate in accordance with ASC
250, Accounting Changes and Errors Correction. The disclosure provisions of ASC 250 for a
change in accounting estimate are not required for revisions resulting from a change in valuation
technique or its application. The application of this amendment did not have a material effect on
the Companys consolidated financial statements.
44
In November 2008, the FASB amended ASC 323, Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures ,
to clarify the accounting for certain transactions and impairment considerations involving equity
method investments. The FASB and the IASB concluded a joint effort in converging the accounting for
business combinations as well as the accounting and reporting for non-controlling interests
culminating in the issuance of certain provision of ASC 805. The objective of that joint effort was
not to reconsider the accounting for equity method investments; however, the application of the
equity method is affected by the accounting for business combinations and the accounting for
consolidated subsidiaries, which were affected by the issuance of certain provisions of ASC 805.
The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008, and interim
periods within those fiscal years, consistent with the effective dates of certain provision of ASC
805. This amendment shall be applied prospectively. Earlier application by an entity that has
previously adopted an alternative accounting policy is not permitted. The adoption of this
amendment did not have a material effect on the Companys consolidated financial statements.
In April 2009, the FASB amended ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, in which,
if an entity determines that the level of activity for an asset or liability has significantly
decreased and that a transaction is not orderly, further analysis of transactions or quoted prices is needed, and a
significant adjustment to the transaction or quoted prices may be necessary to estimate fair value
in accordance with FASB ASC 820. The Company adopted this amendment and there was no material
impact on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In May 2009, the FASB issued ASC 855, Subsequent Events. This Standard sets forth: 1) the
period after the balance sheet date during which management of a reporting entity should evaluate
events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial
statements; 2) the circumstances under which an entity should recognize events or transactions
occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements; and 3) the disclosures that an
entity should make about events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date. This
Statement is effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009. The Company
adopted this statement and there was no impact on the financial position, results of operations or
cash flows.
In June 2009, the FASB issued the Update No. 2009-01-Topic 105-Generally Accepted Accounting
Principles-amendments based on-Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 168-The FASB
Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
The FASB Accounting Standards Codification will become the source of authoritative U.S. generally
accepted accounting principles (GAAP) recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental
entities. Rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under
authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. On
the effective date of this Statement, the Codification will supersede all then-existing non-SEC
accounting and reporting standards. All other non-grandfathered non-SEC accounting literature not
included in the Codification will become non-authoritative. This Statement is effective for
financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. The
Company has adopted and updated the accounting standards reference started in Form 20-F for the
year ended December 31, 2009.
In August 2009, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2009-05, Measuring
Liabilities at Fair Value (ASU 2009-05) (codified within ASC 820 Fair Value Measurements and
Disclosures). ASU 2009-05 amends the fair value and measurement topic to provide guidance on the
fair value measurement of liabilities. ASU 2009-05 is effective for interim and annual periods
beginning after August 26, 2009. The adoption of the amendments to the FASB Accounting Standards
Codification resulting from ASU 2009-05 did not have a material impact on the Companys
consolidated financial statements.
In October 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-13, Multiple Deliverable Revenue Arrangements -
a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force (ASU 2009-13) (codified within ASC Topic 605
Revenue Recognition). ASU 2009-13 addresses the accounting for multiple-deliverable arrangements
to enable vendors to account for products or services (deliverables) separately rather than as a
combined unit. ASU 2009-13 is effective prospectively for revenue arrangements entered into or
materially modified in fiscal
45
years beginning on or after June 15, 2010, with early adoption
permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of the amendments to
the FASB Accounting Standards Codification resulting from ASU 2009-13 may have on the Companys
consolidated financial statements.
In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-06, Improving Disclosures about Fair Value
Measurements (ASU 2010-06) (codified within ASC 820 Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures).
ASU 2010-06 improves disclosures originally required under ASC 820. ASU 2010-06 is effective for
interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the disclosures about
purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in the roll forward of activity in Level 3 fair value
measurements. Those disclosures are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010,
and for interim periods within those years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the
adoption of the amendments to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification resulting from ASU 2010-06 may have on the Companys consolidated
financial statements.
In June 2009, the FASB issued the Update No. 2009-01-Topic 105-Generally Accepted Accounting
Principles-amendments based on-Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 168-The FASB
Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
The FASB Accounting Standards Codification will become the source of authoritative U.S. generally
accepted accounting principles (GAAP) recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental
entities. Rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under
authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. On
the effective date of this Statement, the Codification will supersede all then-existing non-SEC
accounting and reporting standards. All other non-grandfathered non-SEC accounting literature not
included in the Codification will become non-authoritative. This Statement is effective for
financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. The
Company has adopted and updated the accounting standards reference started in Form 20-F for the
year ended December 31, 2009.
In August 2009, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2009-05, Measuring
Liabilities at Fair Value (ASU 2009-05) (codified within ASC 820 Fair Value Measurements and
Disclosures). ASU 2009-05 amends the fair value and measurement topic to provide guidance on the
fair value measurement of liabilities. ASU 2009-05 is effective for interim and annual periods
beginning after August 26, 2009. The adoption of the amendments to the FASB Accounting Standards
Codification resulting from ASU 2009-05 did not have a material impact on the Companys
consolidated financial statements.
In October 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-13, Multiple Deliverable Revenue Arrangements -
a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force (ASU 2009-13) (codified within ASC Topic 605
Revenue Recognition). ASU 2009-13 addresses the accounting for multiple-deliverable arrangements
to enable vendors to account for products or services (deliverables) separately rather than as a
combined unit. ASU 2009-13 is effective prospectively for revenue arrangements entered into or
materially modified in fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010, with early adoption
permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of the amendments to
the FASB Accounting Standards Codification resulting from ASU 2009-13 may have on the Companys
consolidated financial statements.
In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-06, Improving Disclosures about Fair Value
Measurements (ASU 2010-06) (codified within ASC 820 Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures).
ASU 2010-06 improves disclosures originally required under ASC 820. ASU 2010-06 is effective for
interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the disclosures about
purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in the roll forward of activity in Level 3 fair value
measurements. Those disclosures are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010,
and for interim periods within those years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the
adoption of the amendments to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification resulting from ASU 2010-06
may have on the Companys consolidated financial statements.
46
5.2 Selected Gross Margin Data
This discussion should be read in conjunction with the information contained in our audited
consolidated financial statements and notes thereto (the Financial Statements) presented in Item
18 of this Annual Report.
Results are analyzed and reported along the lines of our three principal business segments,
consisting of manufactured products, project engineering and distribution. The operating data that
senior management collects and analyzes from our operating subsidiaries include, in certain cases,
certain limited information regarding results along product lines within our manufactured products
segment. For the benefit of our
shareholders, included in the summary table below are certain results for product lines within
our manufactured products segment with regard to net sales, gross profit and gross profit margin
for the periods covered. The following table sets forth selected summary data for the periods
indicated (dollar ($) amounts in thousands of US$):
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2007
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2008
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2009
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Net Sales:
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|
|
|
|
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Manufactured products:
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Telecommunications wire and cable
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|
$
|
46,444
|
|
|
$
|
46,955
|
|
|
$
|
62,004
|
|
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Power cable
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|
|
188,818
|
|
|
|
179,794
|
|
|
|
102,972
|
|
|
Enameled wire
|
|
|
258,470
|
|
|
|
221,099
|
|
|
|
135,145
|
|
|
Electronic cable
|
|
|
1,073
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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Total manufactured products
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494,805
|
|
|
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447,848
|
|
|
|
300,121
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SDI project engineering
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|
|
5,253
|
|
|
|
20,535
|
|
|
|
34,008
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|
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Distributed Products
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|
|
10,783
|
|
|
|
32,415
|
|
|
|
28,102
|
|
|
|
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|
|
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|
|
|
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Total net sales
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510,841
|
|
|
|
500,798
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|
|
|
362,231
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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Gross profit:
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|
|
|
|
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Manufactured products:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Telecommunications wire and cable
|
|
|
7,712
|
|
|
|
5,120
|
|
|
|
9,341
|
|
|
Power cable
|
|
|
33,916
|
|
|
|
29,369
|
|
|
|
8,602
|
|
|
Enameled wire
|
|
|
2,995
|
|
|
|
2,778
|
|
|
|
2,093
|
|
|
Electronic cable
|
|
|
48
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Total manufactured products
|
|
|
44,671
|
|
|
|
37,267
|
|
|
|
20,036
|
|
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SDI project engineering
|
|
|
(347
|
)
|
|
|
(956
|
)
|
|
|
889
|
|
|
Distributed Products
|
|
|
80
|
|
|
|
1,584
|
|
|
|
1,517
|
|
|
Recovery (allowance) for inventory reserve
|
|
|
1,272
|
|
|
|
(25,145
|
)
|
|
|
23,949
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total gross profit
|
|
|
45,676
|
|
|
|
12,750
|
|
|
|
46,391
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit margin:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Manufactured products:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telecommunications wire and cable
|
|
|
16.6
|
%
|
|
|
10.9
|
%
|
|
|
15.1
|
%
|
|
Power cable
|
|
|
18.0
|
%
|
|
|
16.2
|
%
|
|
|
8.4
|
%
|
|
Enameled wire
|
|
|
1.2
|
%
|
|
|
1.3
|
%
|
|
|
1.5
|
%
|
|
Electronic cable
|
|
|
4.5
|
%
|
|
|
0.0
|
%
|
|
|
0.0
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total manufactured products
|
|
|
9.0
|
%
|
|
|
8.3
|
%
|
|
|
6.7
|
%
|
|
SDI Project engineering
|
|
|
(6.6
|
)%
|
|
|
(4.7
|
)%
|
|
|
2.6
|
%
|
|
Distributed Products
|
|
|
0.7
|
%
|
|
|
4.9
|
%
|
|
|
5.4
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total gross margin
|
|
|
8.9
|
%
|
|
|
2.5
|
%
|
|
|
12.8
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note that gross profit margin by manufactured products excludes recovery or allowance for
inventory reserve, but that recovery or allowance for inventory reserve is included in total gross
margin.
47
5.3 Operating Results
The Company is 65.6% owned and controlled by PEWC, a Taiwanese company. An additional 9.8% of
the Common Shares are owned and controlled by a U.S.-based private equity fund. The remaining
24.6% of the outstanding Common Shares are publicly-traded in the United States on the OTC BB.
Based upon a review of Schedule 13D and 13G filings made with the Commission by shareholders, and a
review of the share register maintained by the Companys transfer agents in Bermuda and the U.S.,
the Company is not aware that it has any shareholders resident in the jurisdictions where the
Company has business operations. While the Companys operations and results are impacted by
economic, fiscal, monetary and political policies of the
respective governments in the countries where the Company operates, that impact is not a
function of the shareholder base of the Company.
5.3.1 Year Ended December 31, 2009 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2008
General
Results of operations are determined primarily by market demand and government infrastructure
projects, market selling prices of our products, our ability to manufacture high quality products
efficiently in quantities sufficient to meet demand and to control production and operating costs.
Our results are also influenced by a number of factors, including currency stability in the
countries in which our operations are located, competition and the cost of raw materials,
especially copper, which accounted for approximately 70% of the cost of sales in 2009.
In order to minimize the impact of copper price fluctuations, we attempt to peg the prices
of our products to the prevailing market price of copper and pass changes in the cost of copper
through to customers as much as possible. In certain circumstances, however, we remain affected by
fluctuations in the price of copper. For example, the price of telecommunications cable sold for
use in public projects in Thailand is determined semi-annually and is based upon the average spot
market price of copper on the LME during the six-month period commencing on January 1 and July 1
prior to the month of order. Thus, a recent rise or decline in copper prices may not be fully
reflected under this pricing scheme for several months.
Average copper prices per metric ton have decreased by 25.9% from $6,956 in 2008 to $5,150 in
2009 (four quarters average). Gross profit margins for manufactured products in 2009 were on
average at 12.8% compared to 2.5% in 2008.
Copper prices indicated in this report are quoted from the London Metals Exchange (LME) index.
The 2009 and 2008 copper prices are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
2008
|
|
Average LME copper price ($/Ton)
|
|
|
1Q
|
|
|
|
3,428
|
|
|
|
7,796
|
|
|
|
|
|
2Q
|
|
|
|
4,663
|
|
|
|
8,443
|
|
|
|
|
|
3Q
|
|
|
|
5,859
|
|
|
|
7,680
|
|
|
|
|
|
4Q
|
|
|
|
6,648
|
|
|
|
3,905
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year
|
|
|
5,150
|
|
|
|
6,956
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The average copper price in April 2010 on the LME was $7,745 per ton.
According to the April 2009 East Asia and Pacific Update published by the World Bank, the
rates of year 2009 GDP growth for Thailand, Singapore and China were 0.3%, -0.9%, and 8.4%,
respectively, while the rates of year 2008 GDP growth for Thailand, Singapore and China were 2.6%,
1.1% and 9.0%, respectively. Our performance is largely influenced by the level of growth in the
telecommunication and power infrastructure, construction and electronic goods manufacturing
sectors.
48
Net Sales
Sales of manufactured product decreased by $147.7 million, or 33.0%, from $447.8 million in
2008 to $300.0 million in 2009. Sales in power cable decreased by $76.8 million in 2009, or 42.7%,
due to a decrease in sales in Thailand as a result of reduced government and private construction
contracts, coupled with decreases in Australia due to a much lower market price. On the contrary,
in Singapore pricing increased marginally. Sales in enameled wire decreased by 38.9% to $135.1
million. In Thailand, enameled wire sales decreased by $55 million due to much less demand
locally. Elsewhere enameled wire sales in CCH HK encountered a similar problem where its export business fell by $26 million during 2009.
Shanghai Yayang, on the other hand, was tied up with shortage of operating funds to keep the steam
going, and because of that, it did not reach its full capacity of producing at 600 tons per month.
Although the Company had ample unused credit lines elsewhere in other subsidiaries, they were no
use to SYE as Chinese Foreign exchange policies and bank regulations at other operating sites would
prevent SYE from utilizing or borrowing additional funds within the group. Sales of
telecommunication cable, on the contrary, showed signs of a strong recovery after two years of
stalled business. SPFO increased sales to $36 million, a material increase from $16.6 million a
year ago due to a significant demand for telecommunication infrastructure certain markets in
eastern China. These are all government related projects where SPFO supplies fiber optic cables to
the contractors. Other markets such as Thailand still showed a sluggish business where the sales
decreased by $4.3 million.
Revenue from SDI project engineering in Singapore increased in 2009 by $12.3 million, or 59.8%
due to the build out of government sponsored casino projects. Such business will likely be
concluded in May 2010 and the projected turnover in 2010 for Sigma Cable has been revised down
because of the anticipated completion of those projects.
Revenue from Distributed Products suffered a setback as demand related to Singapore
government-related housing projects has been delayed in part or suspended because of the financial
downturn. Sales decreased by $4.3 million to $28.1 million from sales a year ago of $32.4 million.
The following table shows the percentage share and dollar value (in thousands) of net sales of
the respective operations with respect to our total sales in 2009:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Manufactured
|
|
All products
|
|
|
|
products only
|
|
and services
|
|
Thailand
|
|
|
39.3
|
%
|
|
$
|
117,954
|
|
|
|
32.9
|
%
|
|
$
|
119,225
|
|
|
Singapore
|
|
|
11.5
|
%
|
|
$
|
34,583
|
|
|
|
26.2
|
%
|
|
$
|
94,782
|
|
|
Australia
|
|
|
11.3
|
%
|
|
$
|
33,935
|
|
|
|
9.6
|
%
|
|
$
|
34,574
|
|
|
China
|
|
|
37.9
|
%
|
|
$
|
113,649
|
|
|
|
31.4
|
%
|
|
$
|
113,650
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
$
|
300,121
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
$
|
362,231
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross Profit
Gross profit for 2009 was $46.4 million, representing an increase of $33.6 million, or 362.5%
compared to $12.8 million for 2008. The increase was primarily attributable to the recovery of
allowance for inventory reserve provided for in 2008 of $25.1 million due to the significant fall
in copper prices towards the end of 2008. LME copper prices increased from an average of $3,428
per metric ton in the first quarter of 2009 to $6,648 per metric ton in the fourth quarter of 2009,
representing an increase of 93.9%. The upward adjustment of copper prices was in line with the
general increase over the course of 2009 in commodity prices.
Aside from recovery of copper price adjustment, gross profit contributed by sales of
manufactured products was $20.0 million in 2009 compared to $37.3 million in 2008,a decrease of
46.4%. The decrease in gross profit from sale of manufactured products is due to the lower sales
volume for power cable and enameled
49
cable across the various markets in which the Company operates.
The relative contribution to gross profit from manufactured products for 2008 and 2009 is as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
2009
|
|
Manufactured Products:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telecommunication cable
|
|
|
13.7
|
%
|
|
|
46.62
|
%
|
|
Power cable
|
|
|
78.8
|
%
|
|
|
42.93
|
%
|
|
Enameled wire
|
|
|
7.5
|
%
|
|
|
10.45
|
%
|
|
Electronic cable
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The contribution to gross profit from each segment line for 2008 and 2009 is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
2009
|
|
Manufactured Products:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telecommunication cable
|
|
|
40.2
|
%
|
|
|
20.1
|
%
|
|
Power cable
|
|
|
230.3
|
%
|
|
|
18.6
|
%
|
|
Enameled wire
|
|
|
21.8
|
%
|
|
|
4.5
|
%
|
|
Electronic cable
|
|
|
0.0
|
%
|
|
|
0.0
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
292.3
|
%
|
|
|
43.2
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SDI Project Engineering Services
|
|
|
(7.5
|
)%
|
|
|
1.9
|
%
|
|
Distributed Products
|
|
|
12.4
|
%
|
|
|
3.3
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recovery (allowance) for inventory reserve
|
|
|
(197.2
|
)%
|
|
|
51.6
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Overall gross profit margins increased from 2.5% in 2008 to 12.8% in 2009. Gross
profit margins for manufactured products decreased slightly from 8.3% in 2008 to 6.7% in 2009.
Increased margins for telecommunication cables, was offset largely by decreases in margins for
power and enameled cables. Gross profit margin for power cable in Singapore increased by 0.43% due
to slightly elevated sales prices in that market. CCH HK and PEWS, however, experienced an
increase in enameled wire gross margin by a significant 2.43% , due to tightened inventory and shop
floor control. Gross profit margins for telecommunications cables increased in both Shangdong and
in Thailands Siam Fiber Optics, (SFO), due largely to the significant incremental demand for
telecommunication cables as governments attention to building up telecom infrastructure
intensified. SPFO in Shangdong increased by 1.24% while SFO experienced another 4.49% increase in
gross profits, although the sales dropped by $4.3 million.
Operating Profit
In addition to estimating an allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical sales and
collection data, we perform a detailed review of our outstanding receivables, and make adjustments
to our estimate to reflect significant delinquent accounts receivable. The Company is not aware of
any significant delinquent accounts receivable that have not already been adequately reserved. In
addition, our periodic allowance for doubtful accounts will continue to not have a material impact
on our liquidity.
Other than allowance for bad debt, overall SG&A expenses decreased by $0.3 million, or 1.1%,
which is attributable to managements efforts in cutting expenses and tightening control on
non-production related expenditures. The headcount number went down by 90 people from a year ago.
Bad debt allowance recovered (reduced) by $0.9 million including a reversal of $0.3 million by our
Australian operations which were over-accrued in the past, and Signvale Pte. Ltd., a company
organized under APWC General Holdings, reversed its accrual of $0.6 million as the debt is to be
transferred into Sigma Epan International as capital contribution.
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, increased by $5.8 million from
$96 million as of December 31, 2008 to $101.8 million as of December 31, 2009. The increase was
attributable principally
50
to the fact that during the financial downturn, more and more customers are facing cash and
liquidity issues. Days of sales outstanding were 70 days for 2008 and 99 days for 2009.
Exchange Gain/Loss
The exchange rates at end of December 31, 2009 and 2008 are listed below, based on the Noon
Buying Rate. However, they do not actually reflect the ongoing rates during the year when
transactions actually took place.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
2008
|
|
Foreign currency to US$1:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thai Baht
|
|
|
33.33
|
|
|
|
34.72
|
|
|
Singapore $
|
|
|
1.40
|
|
|
|
1.44
|
|
|
Australian $
|
|
|
1.11
|
|
|
|
1.41
|
|
|
Chinese RMB
|
|
|
6.83
|
|
|
|
6.82
|
|
Based on the above rates, the revaluation of assets and liabilities denominated in U.S.
dollars or other foreign currencies in the Company resulted in unrealized and realized foreign
exchange gains of $0.6 million in 2009. The exchange gains were realized across various of the
operating companies, where each contributed some gain.
Gain on Sale of Investment
The gain on sale of investment in 2009 was primarily attributable to a disposal of long-aged
accounts payable held by Sigma Epan. The individual companies that have gone into liquidation
process and the associated accounts payable amounts were: Epan (Thailand) Company of $0.3 million,
Sigma-Epan Cable of $0.3 million, and Data Testing Lab of $7,700.
Other Income
Other income in 2009 increased by $1.1 million, compared with 2008, to $4.9 million. The
increase in 2009 largely consists of much less interest expenses paid as the loans were reduced,
gains on Forex rose to $0.5 million, as opposed to a Forex loss a year ago by $1.7 million. Gains
on sales of copper scraps and increases in tax refund for reinvestment and reversal of accounts
payable in China also contributed.
Income Taxes
In 2009 the overall effective tax rate for the group was at 27.3%. In 2008, the Company
recorded income tax of $2.1 million despite recording a consolidated loss of $20.1 million due
primarily to income tax recorded for profitable subsidiaries such as APEC.
The Company files income taxes in each jurisdiction where such a filing is required based on
its revenues. The provision for income taxes differs based on the taxes incurred by the operating
subsidiaries in their respective jurisdictions. Effective tax rates differ from the statutory rate
due to, among other things, whether certain expenses are deductible or not deductible for tax
purposes and changes in valuation allowances.
As of December 31, 2009, the Companys operating subsidiaries in China had net operating loss
(NOL) carry forwards of approximately $19.4 million which expire on various dates between 2010
and 2014. Based on their history of losses, management believes it is likely that the net
operating loss carry forwards will not be fully utilized by those subsidiaries, accordingly, the
Company has not recognized the NOL carry-forwards as deferred tax assets.
51
A significant portion of the deferred tax assets recognized by the Company relates to
net operating loss carry forwards of APEC of $1.4 million and reserves not yet deductible for tax
purposes. Because the Company operates in multiple jurisdictions, it considers the need for a
valuation allowance on a country-by-country basis, taking into account the effect of local tax
laws. Management believes, but cannot assure, that the Company will utilize the APEC loss
carry-forwards in the future due to APECs profitability and continued generation of taxable
income.
Reserves not yet deductible for tax purposes affect temporary differences. Tax consequences
of most events recognized in the financial statements for a year are included in determining income
taxes currently payable. However, tax laws often differ from the recognition and measurement
requirements of financial accounting standards. These differences are referred to as temporary
differences. Temporary differences ordinarily become taxable or deductible when the related asset
is recovered or the related liability is settled. The major temporary differences that gave rise
to deferred tax assets and liabilities in 2008 and 2009 were allowance for inventories, allowance
for doubtful accounts and the allowance for impairment in investment.
Additional details regarding tax laws and income taxes of the Company including deferred tax
liabilities and assets in 2008 and 2009 are disclosed in Note 10 of Item 18: Financial
Statements.
5.3.2 Year Ended December 31, 2008 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2007
General
Results of operations are determined primarily by market demand and government infrastructure
projects, market selling prices of our products, our ability to manufacture high quality products
efficiently in quantities sufficient to meet demand and to control production and operating costs.
Our results are also influenced by a number of factors, including currency stability in the
countries in which our operations are located, competition and the cost of raw materials,
especially copper, which accounted for approximately 70% of the cost of sales in 2008.
In order to minimize the impact of copper price fluctuations, we attempt to peg the prices
of our products to the prevailing market price of copper and pass changes in the cost of copper
through to customers as much as possible. In certain circumstances, however, we remain affected by
fluctuations in the price of copper. For example, the price of telecommunications cable sold for
use in public projects in Thailand is determined semi-annually and is based upon the average spot
market price of copper on the LME during the six-month period commencing on January 1 and July 1
prior to the month of order. Thus, a recent rise or decline in copper prices may not be fully
reflected under this pricing scheme for several months.
Average copper prices per metric ton decreased by 2.3% from $7,119 in 2007 to $6,956 in 2008.
Gross profit margins for manufactured products in 2008 were on average at 2.3% compared to 9.0% in
2007.
Copper prices indicated in this report are quoted from the London Metal Exchange (LME) index.
The average copper prices in 2008 and 2007 for each of the following periods are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
2007
|
|
Average LME copper price ($/Ton)
|
|
|
1Q
|
|
|
|
7,796
|
|
|
|
5,933
|
|
|
|
|
|
2Q
|
|
|
|
8,443
|
|
|
|
7,642
|
|
|
|
|
|
3Q
|
|
|
|
7,680
|
|
|
|
7,712
|
|
|
|
|
|
4Q
|
|
|
|
3,905
|
|
|
|
7,188
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year
|
|
|
6,956
|
|
|
|
7,119
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
According to the April 2009 East Asia and Pacific Update published by the World Bank, (i) the
rates of year 2008 GDP growth for Thailand, Singapore and China were 2.6%, 1.1% and 9.0%
respectively and (ii) the 2007 GDP growth rates for Thailand, Singapore and China were 4.9%, 7.8%
and 13.0% respectively. Our
52
performance is largely influenced by the level of growth in the
telecommunication and power infrastructure, construction and electronic goods manufacturing
sectors.
Net Sales
Sales of manufactured product decreased by $47 million, or 9.5%, from $495 million in 2007 to
$448 million in 2008, contributing to an overall sales decrease of $10 million, or 1.9%. Sales in
power cable decreased by $9.0 million, or 4.8%, due to a decrease in sales in Thailand as a result
of reduced government and private construction contracts, offset by an increase in sales in
Singapore and Australia. Sales in enameled wire decreased by $37.4 million, or 14.4%, due to the
worldwide demand of electronic manufactured products. Sales of telecommunication cable showed a
marginal decrease of $9.0 million, or 4.8%, due to decreased sales in Thailand, offset by higher
sales in Shandong, China. Revenue from SDI project engineering in Singapore and sales of
Distributed Products increased in 2008 by $15.3 million, or 290.9%, and $21.6 million, or 200.6%,
respectively, due primarily to increases in awarded tenders and purchases from SP Powerassets in
Singapore.
The following table shows the percentage share and dollar value (in thousands) of net sales of
the respective operations with respect to our total sales in 2008:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Manufactured
|
|
|
All products
|
|
|
|
|
products only
|
|
|
and services
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thailand
|
|
|
48.3
|
%
|
|
$
|
216,364
|
|
|
|
43.2
|
%
|
|
$
|
216,364
|
|
|
Singapore
|
|
|
7.9
|
%
|
|
$
|
35,318
|
|
|
|
17.3
|
%
|
|
$
|
86,625
|
|
|
Australia
|
|
|
13.7
|
%
|
|
$
|
61,167
|
|
|
|
12.5
|
%
|
|
$
|
62,810
|
|
|
China
|
|
|
30.1
|
%
|
|
$
|
134,999
|
|
|
|
27.0
|
%
|
|
$
|
134,999
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
$
|
447,848
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
$
|
500,798
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross Profit
Gross profit for 2008 was $12.8 million, representing a decrease of $32.9 million, or 72.0%,
compared to $45.7 million for 2007. The decrease was primarily attributable to the allowance for
inventory reserve provided for in 2008 of $25.1 million due to the significant fall in copper
prices towards the end of 2008. LME copper prices fell from an average of $7,680 per metric ton in
the third quarter of 2008 to $3,905 per metric ton in the fourth quarter of 2008, representing a
decrease of 50.8%. The fall in copper prices was in line with the fall in commodity prices,
including oil prices, worldwide.
Gross profit contributed by sales of manufactured products was $37.3 million in 2008 compared
to $44.7 million in 2007, representing a decrease of 16.6%. The decrease in gross profit from sale
of manufactured products attributable primarily to the lower sales quantum and lower gross profit
margins for telecommunication wire and cables and power cables. The relative contribution to gross
profit from manufactured products for 2007 and 2008 is as follows:
53
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
2008
|
|
Manufactured Products:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telecommunication cable
|
|
|
17.3
|
%
|
|
|
13.7
|
%
|
|
Power cable
|
|
|
75.9
|
%
|
|
|
78.8
|
%
|
|
Enameled wire
|
|
|
6.7
|
%
|
|
|
7.5
|
%
|
|
Electronic cable
|
|
|
0.1
|
%
|
|
|
0.0
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The contribution to gross profit from each segment line for 2007 and 2008 is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
2008
|
|
Manufactured Products:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telecommunication cable
|
|
|
16.9
|
%
|
|
|
40.2
|
%
|
|
Power cable
|
|
|
74.2
|
%
|
|
|
230.3
|
%
|
|
Enameled wire
|
|
|
6.6
|
%
|
|
|
21.8
|
%
|
|
Electronic cable
|
|
|
0.1
|
%
|
|
|
0.0
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
97.8
|
%
|
|
|
292.3
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SDI Project Engineering Services
|
|
|
(0.8
|
)%
|
|
|
(7.5
|
)%
|
|
Distributed Products
|
|
|
0.2
|
%
|
|
|
12.4
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recovery (allowance) for inventory reserve
|
|
|
2.8
|
%
|
|
|
(197.2
|
)%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Overall gross profit margins decreased from 8.9% in 2007 to 2.5% in 2008. Gross profit
margins for manufactured products decreased slightly from 9.0% in 2007 to 8.3% in 2008 due to
increased margins for enameled wire, offset by decreases in margins for telecommunication and power
cables. Gross profit margin of enameled wire products increased from 1.2% in 2007 to 1.3% in 2008
due to better profit margins in Thailand, offset by lower profit margins in Shenzhen, China. Gross
profit margins of telecommunications cable decreased from 16.6% in 2007 to 10.9% in 2008 due to
lower profit margins in Thailand, offset by higher profit margins in Shandong, China. Gross profit
margins for power cables decreased from 18.0% in 2007 to 16.2% in 2008.
Operating Profit
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by $0.4 million, or 1.4%, in 2008, due
to lower levels of allowance for doubtful accounts in 2008, offset by higher operating expenses
incurred in Australia and Shandong, China.
In addition to estimating an allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical sales and
collection data, we perform a detailed review of our outstanding receivables, and make adjustments
to our estimate to reflect significant delinquent accounts receivable. We are not aware of any
significant delinquent accounts receivable that have not already been adequately reserved. In
addition, our periodic allowance for doubtful accounts will continue to not have a significant
impact on our liquidity.
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, decreased by $50 million from
$146 million as of December 31, 2007 to $96 million as of December 31, 2008. The decrease was
attributable to lower sales recorded in the last quarter of 2008 and continued efforts by the
Company to monitor and collect outstanding debts. Days sales outstanding were 104 days for 2007
and 70 days for 2008.
Exchange Gain/Loss
In 2008, the U.S. dollar generally strengthened against the Asian currencies of the countries
in which we operate when compared to 2007. The exchange differences in the income statements arose
largely as a result
54
of movement in the Thai Baht exchange rate and, to a lesser extent, the
movements in the other operating currencies.
The exchange rates as of December 31, 2007 and 2008, based on the Noon Buying Rate, were as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
2007
|
|
Foreign currency to US$1:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thai Baht
|
|
|
34.72
|
|
|
|
29.50
|
|
|
Singapore $
|
|
|
1.44
|
|
|
|
1.44
|
|
|
Australian $
|
|
|
1.43
|
|
|
|
1.14
|
|
|
Chinese RMB
|
|
|
6.82
|
|
|
|
7.30
|
|
Based on the above rates, the revaluation of assets and liabilities denominated in U.S.
dollars or other foreign currencies in the Company resulted in a $1.7 million exchange loss in
2008. The exchange loss in 2008 was largely attributable to the exchange loss recorded in our Thai
subsidiaries arising from realized and unrealized exchange losses resulting from the translation of
assets and liabilities denominated in U.S. dollars or other foreign currencies during that period.
Gain/Loss from Investees
In 2008, losses from investees were largely related to Shandong Pacific Rubber Cable Co., Ltd
(SPRC).
Impairment of Investments
In 2007, the Company recorded an impairment of $0.1 million in SHP due to an oversupply of
products in the market at Shandong and the suspension of construction of the SHP production line.
There was no impairment of investments recorded in 2008.
Gain on Sale of Investment
The gain on sale of investment in 2007 was primarily attributable to a $35,000 realized gain
on sale by Sigma Cable Company (Private) Limited (Sigma Cable) of 80,000 shares of Hong Fok
Corporation Ltd., a public company listed on the Singapore Exchange (SGX). The Company accounted
for this investment in accordance with SFAS 115 Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and
Equity Securities. The investment was classified as held for sale and the Company recognized
approximately $13,000 of unrealized gain in shareholders equity and other comprehensive income
prior to the sale of the securities. There was no gain or loss on sale of investment recorded in
2008.
Other Income
Other income largely consists of gains on sales of raw materials and scraps, a tax refund for
re-investment in China, a reversal of accounts payable and gains on disposal of fixed assets. The
increase in other income in 2008 is primarily due to increases in tax refund for reinvestment and
reversal of accounts payable in China, offset by lower gain of disposal of fixed assets in 2008.
Income Taxes
Our effective tax rate was at 47.9% in 2007. In 2008, the Company recorded income tax of $2.1
million despite recording a consolidated loss of $20.1 million due primarily to income tax recorded
for profitable subsidiaries such as APEC.
55
The Company files income taxes in each jurisdiction where such a filing is required based on
its revenues. The provision for income taxes differs based on the taxes incurred by the operating
subsidiaries in their respective jurisdictions. Effective tax rates differ from the statutory rate
due to, among other things, whether certain expenses are deductible or not deductible for tax
purposes and changes in valuation allowances.
As of December 31, 2008, the Companys operating subsidiaries in China had net operating loss
carry forwards of approximately $6 million which expired or will expire on various dates between
2008 and 2011. Based on their history of losses, management believes it is likely that the net
operating loss carry forwards will not be fully utilized by those subsidiaries before expiration.
Accordingly, the Company has not recognized the $6 million as deferred tax assets.
A significant portion of the deferred tax assets recognized by the Company relates to net
operating loss carry forwards of APEC and reserves not yet deductible for tax purposes. Because
the Company operates in multiple jurisdictions, it considers the need for a valuation allowance on
a country-by-country basis, taking into account the effect of local tax laws. Where a valuation
allowance was not recorded, the Company believes that there was sufficient evidence to support its
conclusion not to record it. Management believes, but cannot assure, that the Company will utilize
the APEC loss carry-forwards in the future due to APECs profitability and continued generation of
taxable income.
Reserves not yet deductible for tax purposes affect temporary differences. Tax consequences
of most events recognized in the financial statements for a year are included in determining income
taxes currently payable. However, tax laws often differ from the recognition and measurement
requirements of financial accounting standards. These differences are referred to as temporary
differences. Temporary differences ordinarily become taxable or deductible when the related asset
is recovered or the related liability is settled. The major temporary differences that gave rise
to deferred tax assets and liabilities in 2007 and 2008 were allowance for inventories, allowance
for doubtful accounts and the allowance for impairment in investment.
Additional details regarding tax laws and income taxes of the Company including deferred tax
liabilities and assets in 2007 and 2008 are disclosed in Note 12 of Item 18: Financial
Statements.
5.4 Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of December 31, 2009 we had $41.5 million in cash and cash equivalents, primarily in money
market accounts, and none of which was unrestricted short-term bank deposits. Our current sources
of cash are our cash on hand, cash generated by our operations and our credit facilities. Our
primary financing need will continue to be to fund the growth in our operations, the purchase of
property, plant and equipment and future acquisitions.
We have no direct business operations other than our ownership of the capital stock of our
subsidiaries and joint venture holdings. Consequently, our subsidiaries have been and will
continue to be the primary source of funds generated by operations. Corporate needs are funded
primarily through distributions from our subsidiaries. Although we have no current intention to
pay dividends, we would rely upon distributions of dividends from our subsidiaries in order to do
so. As noted in our risk factors, our operating subsidiaries and other holdings and investments,
from time to time, may be subject to restrictions on their ability to make distributions to us.
Such restrictions could result from restrictive covenants contained in our loan agreements,
restrictions on the conversion of local currency earnings into U.S. dollars or other hard currency
and other regulatory restrictions. For example, PRC legal restrictions permit payments of
dividends by our business entities in the PRC only out of their retained earnings, if any,
determined in accordance with relevant PRC
accounting standards and regulations. Under PRC law, such entities are also required to set
aside a portion of their net income each year to fund certain reserve funds. These reserves are
not distributable as cash dividends. The foregoing restrictions may also affect our ability to
fund operations of one subsidiary with dividends and other payments received from another
subsidiary. We are not aware of any other restrictions in other countries in which we do business
other than those discussed in the Risk Factors section. Distributions may also be restricted as
the result of objections by minority shareholders of our subsidiaries and current cash
56
requirements
by the operating subsidiaries. Consequently, we periodically need to manage our corporate cash
needs with the timing of distributions.
We maintain several working capital and overdraft credit facilities with various commercial
bank groups and financial institutions. Under our line of credit arrangements for short-term debt
with our banks, we may borrow up to approximately $279.8 million, including letters of credit for
commodity purchases, on such terms as we and the banks mutually agree upon. These arrangements do
not have termination dates but are reviewed annually for renewal. As of December 31, 2009, the
unused portion of the credit lines was approximately $211.2 million. That total borrowing amount
includes $172.1 million in amounts available for trust receipts and issuances of letters of credit,
of which $141.2 million was unused and available as of December 31, 2009. Letters of credit are
issued on our behalf in the ordinary course of business by our banks as required by certain
supplier contracts. As of December 31, 2009, the Company had open letters of credit totaling $30.8
million. Liabilities relating to the letters of credit are included in current liabilities. There
is no seasonality to the companys borrowing, nor is there any restriction on the use of such
borrowing.
Net cash generated from operating activities in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 was
$18.4 million, as compared to $60 million of net cash generated from operating activities in the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2008. Our net cash from operations continues to be impacted
significantly by our sales and raw material purchases, which have a direct impact on changes in our
accounts receivable, inventories and accounts payable. Days sales outstanding (DSO) is a measure
of the average collection period of accounts receivable, and although the calculation is influenced
by the period used and the timing of sales within that period, it can provide insight into the
variances in collections from period to period. Our days of sales outstanding as December 31, 2009
were 99 days, as compared to 70 days as of December 31, 2008. The deterioration in DSOs as of
December 31, 2009 is due to the continued impact of the global economic recession on the businesses
of our customers. Also contributing to the net cash provided by operations in 2009 was a $30.1
million decrease in our inventories, as compared to 2008. The decrease was a result of managements
efforts to reduce inventory levels in anticipation of lower sales as a result of weakening market
conditions. Our accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities increased by $8.8
million in 2009 which was attributable to lower annual sales volume and demands of suppliers for
quicker cash payment in light of the risks associated with the financial crisis.
We increased our liabilities to related parties by $3.0 million in 2009 as compared to the
$4.3 million reduction of liabilities to related parties in 2008, mainly due to purchases of power
cables and raw materials and settlements thereof.
Net cash provided by investing activities was a positive $8.0 million in 2009, as compared to
approximately $5.1 million used in 2008. Investing activities are comprised primarily of the
purchases of property, plant and equipment, as well as changes in our restricted and unrestricted
short-term deposits. As our major capital expenditures were made in 2008, hence the diminished
need for capital expenditures in 2009. The net result is an increase in investing cash.
Included in investment activity are changes to our restricted short-term bank deposits. Restricted short-term deposits represent amounts pledged by our subsidiaries to secure various credit facilities, examples of
which include performance bonds, bankers acceptances, letters of credit and revolving lines of credit. In
general, the balance in restricted short-term deposits changes in the normal course of business and as the result
of specific liquidity requirements of the operating subsidiaries. The funds on deposit are maintained in money
market accounts and have earned interest in 2009 at annual rates ranging from 1% to 1.5%. The decrease in
restricted short-term deposits of $1.9 million in 2009, down from 2008 at $15.0 million, was a sign that our
bank borrowing was getting less. We also maintain unrestricted short-term bank deposits in the form of fixed
bank deposits where surplus cash was deposited for the purpose of earning interest. These fixed deposits
earned interest at annual rates ranging from to 1% to 1.5% with maturities of less than a year. Unrestricted
short-term deposits decreased by $7.8 million to zero dollars, which means more cash was freed up and at the
Companys disposal. Net cash used in financing activities decreased by $22.7 million in 2009, to $21.7
million, as compared to $44.5 million used in financing activities in 2008. Our financing activities are
primarily comprised of borrowings from and repayments on our credit facilities with our banks. Our bank
loans were reduced by $20.8 million. During the financial crisis in 2009, these loans were reduced as spending
on copper and manufacturing supplies were reduced.
57
We engage in transactions in the ordinary course of business with PEWC, including the purchase
of certain raw materials and the distribution of PEWC products in various countries in the Asia
Pacific region. The Composite Services Agreement contains provisions that define our relationship
and the conduct of our respective businesses and confers certain preferential benefits on us.
Under the Composite Services Agreement, the material terms of which are summarized in the Material
Contracts section, there are no obligations binding on the Company in favor of PEWC, nor are there
any pre-established purchase commitments for copper. As such, the Composite Service Agreement
should not impact cash flows or liquidity until such time as actual purchases are made in the
ordinary course of business such as for the purchase of raw materials. The Composite Service
Agreement may, however, impact operations to the extent that PEWC is not able to fulfill its
obligations, such as supplying copper, and copper is not otherwise readily available on comparable
terms from other market sources. Cash generated by operations and borrowings, when needed, from
our credit facilities have been the primary sources of funding purchases under the Composite
Service Agreement, and we believe these sources will continue to provide sufficient funds for
future purchases under this agreement.
To date, the Company has invested an aggregate of $2.8 million in Shangdong Pacific Fiber
Optics Cable Co., Ltd. (SPFO), in which the Company possesses a 51.0% shareholders interest.
The Companys joint venture partner, Shandong Yanggu, possesses the remaining 49% shareholders
interest in SPFO. Investments in SPFO have been directed at capacity expansion and the joint
venture has shown increased sales and improved results for the first time in 2009. The Company has
also contributed $0.2 million to Shandong Huayu Pacific Fiber Optics Communication Co., Ltd.
(SHP).
We believe funds generated by our operating activities, our cash on hand and amounts available
to us under our credit facilities will provide adequate cash to fund our requirements through at
least the next twelve months. We continue to have sufficient liquidity to meet our anticipated
working capital, capital expenditures, general corporate requirements, and other short-term and
long-term obligations as they come due. We may further enhance our liquidity in the future, as
needs arise, by establishing additional lines of credit, with the support of one or more of our
principal shareholders if necessary and available. We currently anticipate that we will retain all
of our earnings to fund our operations and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the
foreseeable future.
5.5 Research and Development
The Company does not currently engage in its own research and development. Under the
Composite Services Agreement with PEWC described herein, the Company benefits from research and
development conducted by PEWC at little or no cost to the Company. Accordingly, the Company has
not made material expenditures on or commitments to research and development since formation.
5.6 Trend Information
We are not aware of any trend, commitment, event or uncertainty that can reasonably be
expected to have a material effect on our current or future business other than the following, each
of which has materially impacted our financial results in the past and may do so in the future:
|
|
|
|
The deterioration of economic conditions resulting from the global financial and
credit crisis and economic downturn.
The global financial and economic crisis has
affected and is likely to continue to affect adversely each of the markets in which we
sell and distribute our products and provide services. There is a reasonable
likelihood that sales will stagnate or decrease if there is a reduction in
infrastructure development by governmental entities and in capital expenditures by
private companies. Please see the risk factor entitled Current Economic Risks.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Uncertainty arising from the volatility in the cost of copper, our principal raw
material.
Recent increases in commodity prices, including those of copper, have
caused the Company to write-back the carrying cost of its inventory in 2009. Although
copper prices have generally increased
|
58
|
|
|
|
in the first few months of 2010, there is no
assurance that we will not see volatility in the near future due to the current
uncertain economic climate.
|
|
|
|
|
Fluctuations in the demand for our products in the markets in which we do business
,
based upon variations in the level of governmental and private commitments to
communications, power and industrial projects and programs that utilize our products.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Political instability or uncertainty resulting in fewer or suspended government
contracts, such as in Thailand.
The current political unrest in Thailand presents
increased risks for foreign investors and may result in a reduced government focus on
infrastructure development (which often utilizes the Companys manufactured products).
|
See Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
5.7 Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not consider the Company to have any material off-balance sheet arrangements that have
or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on the Companys financial condition,
changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital
expenditures or capital resources that would be material to investors.
5.8 Contractual Obligations
The following table sets forth our obligations and commitments to make future payments under
contracts and other commitments as of December 31, 2009:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments due by period
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
More
|
|
|
Contractual obligations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
than 1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
than 5
|
|
|
(In thousands of US$)
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
year
|
|
|
|
1-3 years
|
|
|
|
3-5 years
|
|
|
|
years
|
|
|
Capital lease obligations
(principal amount only)
|
|
|
$
|
338
|
|
|
|
$
|
154
|
|
|
|
$
|
181
|
|
|
|
$
|
3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Finance charges on capital lease
obligations
|
|
|
|
35
|
|
|
|
|
19
|
|
|
|
|
16
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating lease obligations
|
|
|
|
5,290
|
|
|
|
|
654
|
|
|
|
|
1,734
|
|
|
|
|
370
|
|
|
|
|
2,532
|
|
|
Purchase obligations for copper
cathodes
|
|
|
|
195,173
|
|
|
|
|
195,173
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
200,836
|
|
|
|
$
|
196,000
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,931
|
|
|
|
$
|
373
|
|
|
|
$
|
2,532
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For more details on financial commitments and contingencies, please refer to our audited
consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto in
Item 18: Financial Statements.
Item 6: Directors, Senior Management and Employees
6.1 Directors and Senior Management
At present, there is only one class of directorships and no one or more directors possesses
any veto power over matters presented to the Board or any other special or enhanced voting rights.
Until September 7, 2007, the Bye-laws provided for a classified Board consisting of up to three
Class A Directors and up to seven Class B Directors. At an annual meeting of shareholders (AGM)
held on September 7, 2007, the shareholders
59
passed a resolution amending the Bye-laws to eliminate
the classified Board. In addition, the Bye-laws were amended to provide that a quorum consists of
a majority of the directors then in office. As of December 31, 2009, there were a total of ten
directors on the Board, including two independent directors, Mr. Anson Chan and Dr. Yichin Lee.
Each director is entitled to one vote, and approval of any matter requires a simple majority
assuming a quorum is present.
The following table sets forth certain information concerning the current directors and
certain other officers of the Company. All directors are subject to annual election by the
shareholders of the Company. Each of the directors was reelected at the Companys annual general
meeting of the shareholders held on September 29, 2009. Officers generally hold office for such
period and upon such terms as the Board may determine.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Date of Birth
|
|
Position
|
|
Appleby Management
|
|
N/A
|
|
Resident Representative and Assistant Resident Secretary
|
|
(Bermuda) Ltd.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anson Chan
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|
November 3, 1963
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|
Independent director, Audit Committee Chairman
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Andy C.C. Cheng
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|
April 29, 1958
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Director and Non-Executive Chairman of the Board
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Fang Hsiung Cheng
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May 31, 1942
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Director
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Alex Erskine
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September 7, 1963
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Resident Secretary in Bermuda
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|
Daphne Hsu
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|
August 12, 1962
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Financial Controller
|
|
Gai Poo Lee
|
|
February 28, 1957
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|
Director
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|
Michael C. Lee
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|
September 28, 1951
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|
Director
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|
Yichin Lee
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|
January 4, 1961
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|
Independent director, Audit Committee Member
|
|
Ching Rong Shue
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March 4, 1950
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|
Director
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|
David Sun
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|
December 22, 1953
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Director
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Jack Sun
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|
August 27, 1949
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Director
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Yuan Chun Tang
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|
November 26, 1960
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|
Director, Chief Executive Officer
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Carson Tien
|
|
May 16, 1945
|
|
Chief Operating Officer
|
|
Frank Tseng
|
|
March 17, 1957
|
|
Chief Financial Officer; Non-Resident Secretary
|
Certain officers and directors of the Company are or were also officers and directors of PEWC
and/or PEWC affiliates, as described below. A brief professional summary for each member of the
Board of Directors and senior management is as follows:
Mr. Anson Chan has been an independent member of the Companys Board of Directors and a member
and Chairman of the Audit Committee since 2007. Mr. Chan is also a Managing Director of the Bonds
Group of Companies and was a Senior Advisor to Elliott Associates from 2005 to 2008.
Mr. Andy C.C. Cheng was a member of the Companys Board of Directors from 2004 to 2005 and was
re-elected in 2007. Mr. Cheng was appointed as Chairman of the
Board in 2009. From 1987 to 2003,
Mr. Cheng
served as Vice President in charge of procurement at PEWC. Mr. Cheng has been an Executive
Vice President at PEWC since 2004 and Chairman of each of the investment divisions of PEWC, Tai Ho
Investment Co., Ltd. and You Chi Investment Co., Ltd., since June 2008. Mr. Andy C.C. Cheng is not
related to Mr. Fang Hsiung Cheng.
Mr. Fang Hsiung Cheng has been a member of the Companys Board of Directors since 2006. He
also serves as Assistant Vice President of PEWC. Mr. Fang Hsiung Cheng is not related to Mr. Andy
C.C. Cheng.
Mr. Alex Erskine was appointed as resident Secretary in Bermuda in October 2008. Mr. Erskine
is a partner in the Bermuda law firm of Appleby, where he is the local team leader of the funds and
investment services practice group, which group he joined in 1999. From March 2007 until October
2008, Mr. Erskine was the managing partner of the British Virgin Islands office of Appleby. Prior
to joining Appleby, Mr. Erskine was Deputy Legal and Compliance Director of the Asset Management
Division of UBS AG.
60
Ms. Daphne Hsu has been Financial Controller of the Company since March 2005, prior to which
she served as Financial Controller for ten years in Taiwan and China at a Thomson SA joint venture.
Mr. Gai Poo Lee has been a member of the Companys Board of Directors since 2006. He also
served as a Vice President of PEWC until April 2008. Mr. Gai Poo Lee is not related to Mr. Michael
C. Lee or Dr. Yichin Lee.
Mr. Michael C. Lee has been a member of the Companys Board of Directors since 2004 and is
also Chief Executive Officer of PEWC and Chairman of Pacific USA Holdings, Ltd. Mr. Michael C. Lee
is not related to Mr. Gai Poo Lee or Dr. Yichin Lee.
Dr. Yichin Lee has been an independent member of the Companys Board of Directors and served
on the Audit Committee since 2007. Dr. Lee is also the Managing Director of Giant Management
Consulting LLC and an independent director of Giga Media Limited. Dr. Yichin Lee holds a doctorate
degree in resource planning and management from Stanford University. Dr. Yichin Lee is not related
to Mr. Michael C. Lee or Mr. Gai Poo Lee.
Mr. Ching Rong Shue has been a member of the Companys Board of Directors since 2006. He also
serves as Vice President of PEWC.
Mr. David Sun has been a member of the Companys Board of Directors since 2007. He also
serves as President of PEWC and Managing Director of Charoong Thai Wire and Cable Public Company
Limited. Mr. David Sun is the younger brother of Mr. Jack Sun.
Mr. Jack Sun has been a member of the Companys Board of Directors since 2007. Mr. Sun is
also Vice Chairman of PEWC. Mr. Sun served as Chairman of Taiwan Aerospace Corp. from 1994 to
2006, Chairman of Taiwan Mobile Co., Ltd. from 1997 to 2003, Chairman of Taiwan Fixed Network Co.,
Ltd. from 2000 to 2003 and Director of Taiwan High Speed Rail Corp. from 1998 to 2007. Mr. Jack
Sun is the older brother of Mr. David Sun.
Mr. Yuan Chun Tang has been a member of the Companys Board of Directors since 2004 and Chief
Executive Officer since 2005. Mr. Yuan served as the Companys Chairman from 2005 to 2009. He has also
served as Chairman of PEWC since 2004 and has been the Director of Pacific Construction Corp. Ltd since
2002. Mr. Yuan served as the Director of Taiwan Co-generation Corp from 2005 to 2008. Mr. Yuan has also
been the Chairman of Taiwan Electric Wire & Cable Industries Association since 2004. He has served as the
Supervisor to Taipei Importers/Exporters Association as well as the Director of Chinese National Federation of
Industries in Taiwan since 1998 and 2004, respectively.
Mr. Carson Tien has been with PEWC or one of its affiliates such as APWC for his entire
career. He started out as engineer in PEWCs Tao Yuan, Taiwan plant in 1969 and later was promoted
to plant manager in 1977. In 1990 Carson again was promoted to Assistant VP responsible for
Engineering and Manufacturing in PEWC. He then in 1996 was transferred from PEWC to APWC to head
the Shenzhen, China plant as President of PEWSC. In 2005, he was appointed as Chief Operating
Officer at APWC headquarters.
Mr. Frank Tseng was appointed as Chief Financial Officer and Non-Resident Company Secretary
effective October 22, 2009. Mr. Tseng previously served as the Deputy CFO for ABB Taiwan. Prior
to that, he served as the Financial Controller of the Asia Pacific region of Phoenix Technologies
Co., a Nasdaq-listed California Silicon Valley-based high-tech company.
Notwithstanding any relationship with PEWC or with any of its affiliates, the above named
individuals, in their capacities as directors and officers of the Company, are subject to fiduciary
duties to the Company.
61
Actions may be taken by a quorum of directors (which consists of a majority of the directors
then in office) present at a Board meeting. The Bye-Laws of the Company provide that any one
director may call a Board meeting.
As the Company is not currently listed on any national exchanges, the Company is not required
to have a Board of Directors that is composed of a majority of independent directors. In the event
that the Company seeks to list its Common Shares on a national exchange, the Company may choose to
rely upon the controlled company exemption that is available to issuers on a number of national
exchanges. In effect, the controlled company exemption provides that an issuer listing on a
national exchange that recognizes the exemption is not required to have its Board of Directors
consist of a majority of independent directors if a shareholder, or two or more shareholders who
constitute a group, have beneficial ownership of more than 50% of the issued and outstanding voting
securities of the issuer.
No service contract exists between any director and the Company or any of its subsidiaries
providing for benefits upon termination of employment.
The Company has no arrangements or understandings with any major shareholders, customers,
suppliers or others, pursuant to which any person referred to above was selected as a director or
member of senior management.
6.2 Audit Committee
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors primarily functions to assist the Board in its
oversight of: (i) the reliability and integrity of accounting policies and financial reporting and
disclosure practices and (ii) the establishment and maintenance of processes to ensure that there
is compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and company policy and an adequate system of
internal control, management of business risks and safeguard of assets.
On September 28, 2007, the Company filled two casual vacancies on the Board by appointing Mr.
Anson Chan and Dr. Yichin Lee to be independent directors of the Company and to constitute the
Audit Committee of the Board. Mr. Chan and Dr. Lee were reelected to the Board at the annual
general meeting of the shareholders held on September 29, 2009. The Audit Committee is currently
composed of Mr. Chan and Dr. Lee, with Mr. Chan serving as the committees chairman.
As the Common Shares are traded on the OTC BB, the Company is not required to have an audit
committee that meets the requirements of Regulation 10A-3 of the Exchange Act. In the absence of
an audit committee, the full Board of Directors may fulfill the functions of an audit committee
pursuant to Section
3(a)(58) of the Exchange Act. Until the appointment of Mr. Chan and Dr. Lee to the Audit
Committee on September 28, 2007, the full Board of Directors fulfilled the functions of an audit
committee.
6.3 Compensation Committee
On June 13, 2008, the Board authorized the formation of a Compensation Committee to assist the
Company in determining the compensation to be paid to the executive directors of the Company.
According to the terms of reference under which it operates, the Compensation Committee is
authorized to: (i) review and recommend to the Board, or determine, the annual salary, bonus,
stock options, and other benefits, direct and indirect, of the senior management of the Company and
its principal operating subsidiaries; (ii) review new executive compensation programs, review on a
periodic basis the operation of the Companys executive compensation programs to determine whether
they are properly coordinated, establish and periodically review policies for the administration of
executive compensation programs, and take steps to modify any executive compensation programs that
yield payments and benefits that are not reasonably related to executive performance; (iii) engage
outside auditors and consultants to advise on market compensation; and (iv) establish and
periodically review policies in the area of management perquisites.
62
The Compensation Committee is comprised of one independent director, Mr. Anson Chan, and three
additional directors, Mr. Yuan Chun Tang (acting as committee chairman), Mr. David T. Sun, and Mr.
Michael C. Lee. At a meeting of the Board on July 30, 2008, the Board appointed Mr. Andy Cheng to
serve as an additional member on the Compensation Committee.
6.4 Compensation
The aggregate amount of compensation paid by the Company to all of the Companys directors and
executive officers, as a group, for services in all capacities during 2009 was approximately $1.26
million. As of March 31, 2009, our directors and executive officers beneficially owned
approximately 50,000 Common Shares representing approximately 0.4% of the issued and outstanding
Common Shares. The Company is not required to disclose the annual compensation of its executive
officers and directors on an individual basis under the laws of Bermuda or Taiwan.
The fee payable to independent directors is $20,000 per year and the fee payable to directors
who are executive officers of the Company or PEWC is $10,000 per year, together with, in each case,
reimbursement of reasonable travel expenses for attendance of meetings of the Board of Directors.
No funds or provisions have been set aside to directors or management except for government
mandated programs. The aggregate number of shares held by directors and executive officers is
50,000 shares.
6.5 Employees
The Company employed a total of 1,615 employees as of December 31, 2009, of which about 17%
were administrative and management personnel. Approximately 52% of employees were located in
Thailand, 30% in China, 9% in Singapore and 4% in Australia. Production workers are usually
organized into two 12-hour shifts or three 8-hour shifts to allow continuous factory operation.
The Company offers a range of employee benefits, which it believes are comparable to industry
practice in its local markets. Such benefits include performance-based pay incentives, medical
benefits, vacation, pension, housing for a small number of workers in Singapore and in Thailand,
and a small housing supplement to other workers. The Company also provides training programs for
its personnel designed to improve worker productivity and occupational safety.
Presently, there is no group bonus, profit-sharing or stock option plan. However, some of the
Companys subsidiaries have bonus or profit-sharing plans based on individual performance and the
profitability of the particular subsidiary for the fiscal year, which plans are generally in
accordance with the industry practice and market conditions in the respective countries.
The Company has several defined
benefit and defined contribution plans covering its employees in Thailand, Australia, the PRC and Singapore. Contributions to the
plans are made on an annual basis and totaled $0.7 million in 2009. Additionally, the Company
has several defined benefit plans in accordance with Thailand labor law. In Thai subsidiaries the companies must pay a
retiring employee from one to ten times such employees salary rate during his or her final month,
depending on the length of service. During 2009, the Companys total expenses under this labor law
were $0.5 million. These plans are not funded and the amount is recognized and included in Other Current
Liabilities in the Companys balance sheet. The Company settles it obligations as and when
employees retire. The accumulated benefit obligations under this plan amounted to $2.0 million as at
December 31, 2009.
Approximately 60% of the employees of Sigma Cable are members of the United Workers of
Electronics & Electrical Industries, an employees union in Singapore. Under the terms of a
collective agreement signed in June 2003, the Company is required to negotiate salary and wage
increases yearly. All other worker benefits and employment terms are included in the collective
agreement. The Company believes that
63
approximately 100% and 97% of the employees of PEWS and
Shanghai Yayang, respectively, are members of their respective Company Workers Unions. These
unions generally operate in accordance with related labor regulations in China. Approximately 18%
of the employees of APEC are members of the Australian Workers Union. None of the employees of
the other operating subsidiaries of the Company are members of a union.
The Company has never experienced a strike or other disruption due to labor disputes. The
Company considers its employee relations to be satisfactory and has not experienced difficulties
attracting and retaining qualified employees. In Singapore, employee turnover is approximately
30.4% of total employees annually. In Thailand, employee turnover is approximately 8.7% of total
employees annually.
Item 7: Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions
7.1 Major Shareholders
From September 15, 2005 until June 28, 2007, Sino-JP Fund Ltd, a company incorporated under
the laws of the Cayman Islands, held 2,766,154 Common Shares, representing 20% of the issued and
outstanding Common Shares of the Company. On June 28, 2007, Sino-JP sold all of its Common Shares
to SOF Investments, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (SOF). From September 15, 2005 until
March 27, 2009, PEWC held 7,664,615 Common Shares, representing 55.4% of the issued and outstanding
Common Shares of the Company. On March 27, 2009, SOF sold 1,410,739, or 51%, of its Common Shares
to PEWC. Since that sale, PEWC and SOF have held 65.6% and 9.8% of the issued and outstanding
Common Shares of the Company, respectively. The remaining 24.6% of the issues and outstanding
Common Shares are publicly traded in the U.S. on the over-the-counter bulletin board (the OTC
BB).
The following table sets forth certain information regarding beneficial ownership of the
Companys capital stock as of March 31, 2010 by (i) all persons who are known to the Company to own
beneficially more than five percent of the Common Shares of the Company and (ii) the officers and
directors of the Company as a group. The information set forth in the following table is derived
from public filings made by holders and information obtained from directors and officers. The
voting rights attaching to the Common Shares below are the same as those attaching to all other
Common Shares.
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of
|
|
|
|
Identity of Person or Group
|
|
Shares
|
|
Percent of Class
|
|
Pacific Electric Wire & Cable Co., Ltd.
(1)
|
|
|
9,075,354
|
|
|
|
65.600
|
%
|
|
SOF Investments, L.P.
(2)
|
|
|
1,355,415
|
|
|
|
9.800
|
%
|
|
Directors and Officers of the Company
|
|
|
50,000
|
|
|
|
0.362
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
PEWC owns 1,410,739 shares directly and owns its remaining shares indirectly, as a
result of PEWCs control of its direct wholly-owned subsidiary, Moon View Ventures Limited, a
British Virgin Islands company, which beneficially owns 7,307,948 Common Shares, and as a result of
PEWCs control of its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, Pacific Holdings Group, a Nevada
corporation, which beneficially owns 356,667 Common Shares.
|
|
|
|
(2)
|
|
MSD Capital, L.P. (MSD Capital) is the general partner of SOF and may be deemed to have
or share voting and/or investment power over, and beneficially own, securities owned by SOF. MSD
Capital Management LLC is the general partner of MSD Capital and may be deemed to have or share
voting and/or investment power over, and beneficially own, securities owned by MSD Capital. Each
of Glenn R. Fuhrman, John C. Phelan and Marc R. Lisker is a manager of MSD Capital Management and
may be deemed to have or share voting and/or investment power over, and beneficially own,
securities owned by MSD Capital Management. Each of Messrs. Fuhrman, Phelan and Lisker disclaim
beneficial ownership of such securities, except to the extent of the pecuniary interest of such
person in such securities.
|
The Company has 6,166,154 Common Shares that are registered securities, of which
3,400,000 Common Shares are publicly-traded on the OTC BB, which represents 24.6% of the issued and
outstanding Common Shares. The remaining registered securities, 2,766,154 Common Shares, are held
by PEWC and SOF, and are subject to trading restrictions under Rule 144 promulgated under the
Securities Act. Other than the approximately 50,000 Common Shares held by directors or officers
who are not resident in the United States
64
and the 1,410,739 registered securities held indirectly
by PEWC, the Company believes that substantially all of its registered securities are held by U.S
residents. The Company has no means to definitively confirm that belief, however, which is based
upon a review of the share registers maintained by the Companys Bermuda
transfer agent and U.S.
transfer agent and the addresses provided by the record holders. Based upon a review of the
records of the Companys U.S. transfer agent, including a list of non-objecting beneficial holders
(NOBOs), the Company believes there are between 400 and 600 beneficial holders that are resident in
the United States, although that range constitutes only the Companys best estimate of the number
of U.S. beneficial holders.
7.2 Related Party Transactions
On September 2004, certain accounts payable to PEWC in the amount of $9.7 million from Sigma
Cable Company (Private) Limited (Sigma Cable), a subsidiary in Singapore, were converted into a
loan from PEWC. Such loan is repayable in quarterly installments and bears interest at the
Singapore Interbank Offered Rate plus 1.52%. As of December 31, 2009 and the latest practicable
date, the principal amount of the loan was completely paid off by Sigma Cable. Sigma Cable
continues to incur ordinary course trade payables with PEWC in connection with copper purchases and
the sale of distributed products on behalf of PEWC.
As of December 31, 2009 and the latest practicable date, the Company, including its
subsidiaries, had a principal balance outstanding of $1.7 million borrowed from subsidiaries of
PEWC, including Moon View Venture Limited (Moon View). This short-term indebtedness is payable
on a demand basis and does not accrue interest.
The Company used the proceeds from each of the related party loans described above for working
capital and purchases of capital equipment.
The Company was a party to a shareholders agreement dated June 28, 2007, together with PEWC
and SOF (the Shareholders Agreement), pursuant to which the Company granted to SOF certain rights
and protections. Under the Shareholders Agreement, the Company agreed to indemnify SOF, and its
partners and
certain of its affiliates (the SOF Indemnified Persons), for any additional taxes, interest,
penalties and other costs that might be imposed upon or incurred by the SOF Indemnified Persons in
the event that the Company is determined by the Internal Revenue Service (the IRS) to be a
controlled foreign corporation (a CFC) or a passive foreign investment company (a PFIC) as
such terms are interpreted and defined under IRS rules or regulations. In addition, under the
Shareholders Agreement, the Company granted to SOF certain registration rights with respect to its
Common Shares, including the undertaking by the Company to prepare and file a shelf registration
statement, and the further right of SOF to exercise two demand registration rights with regard to
the Common Shares owned by it and to further exercise certain piggyback registration rights in
connection with its Common Shares. Moreover, the Company agreed to use its reasonable best efforts
to cause the Common Shares to be listed on a national Securities Market, which means any of the
Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. (Global Market or Global Select Market), the American Stock Exchange LLC
(now known as NYSE Amex Equities) or the New York Stock Exchange LLC, not later than January 31,
2009, subject to notice and a sixty (60) day cure period. All of the costs and expenses of the
Company in connection with the fulfillment of its obligations under the Shareholders Agreement were
to be paid by the Company, other than underwriting fees, discounts and commissions attributable to
the sale of Common Shares held by SOF.
On February 2, 2009, SOF delivered notice of its exercise of the put right under the
Shareholders Agreement to PEWC due to fact that the Common Shares were not listed on a national
Securities Market as of January 31, 2009. On March 27, 2009, SOF sold 51% of the Common Shares
held by it to PEWC. In connection with the sale, the Company, PEWC and SOF amended and restated
the Shareholders Agreement (the Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement), which among other
things, grants to the Company an extension for listing its Common Shares on a national exchange
until February 2011 and maintains for SOF the right to sell its remaining Common Shares to PEWC in
the event the Company is not able to list its Common Shares on a national Securtities Market by February
2011. The Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement contains the same registration and
indemnification obligations set forth in the Shareholders Agreement.
65
Other than the Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement, the Company is not a party to any
agreements, and has not engaged in any other transactions, with SOF, or to the Companys knowledge,
its owners. For a more detailed description of the Companys obligations under the Amended and
Restated Shareholders Agreement, see the risk factor entitled Obligations under Shareholders
Agreement.
Under the terms of the Composite Services Agreement, APWC pays a management fee to PEWC in
connection with the secondment, or temporary assignment and relocation, of certain PEWC managers to
APWC facilities in Shenzhen and Thailand. The assigned managers assist APWC in implementing the
results of certain research and development conducted by PEWC and made available by PEWC to the
Company under the terms of the Composite Services Agreement. The assigned managers also assist
APWC in the procurement of raw materials, primarily copper, which is also provided for under the
Composite Services Agreement. The amount of such annual management fee was $183,000 as of December
31, 2009.
Additional details regarding related party balances as of December 31, 2009 and related party
transactions, including copper purchases from PEWC, are disclosed in Note 15 of our audited
consolidated financial statements in Item 18: Financial Statements.
There have been no other related party transactions or contracts entered into between PEWC and
APWC in 2009.
Item 8: Financial Information
8.1 Legal Proceedings
There are currently no material proceedings in which any director, senior manager, or
affiliate is adverse to the Company or has an adverse material interest. The following is a
summary of recent legal proceedings of the Company which may have, or have had in the recent past,
significant effects on the Companys financial position or profitability.
The Companys Singapore operations are principally conducted through its 98.3%-owned
subsidiary, Sigma Cable Company (Private) Limited (Sigma Cable). Sigma Cable manufactures low
voltage power cable for sale and distribution in Singapore and countries in the Asia Pacific
region. In June 2005, Highness Electrical Engineering Pte Ltd (Highness Electrical) commenced an
action in the High Court of Singapore (the High Court) against Sigma Cable claiming damages
arising from an alleged breach of a contract. The parties entered into a contract on December 17,
2003 for the supply by Sigma Cable to Highness Electrical of various types of electrical cables
from December 2003 to December 31, 2005. By early February 2005, Sigma had not delivered goods
that had been on order for several months. As a result, on February 3, 2005, Highness Electrical
claimed Sigma Cable repudiated the contract. On March 30, 2005, Sigma Cable agreed to supply
electrical cables at the prices originally agreed to. However, in June 2005, Highness Electrical
instituted an action to recover damages for the loss it claimed that it had suffered as a result of
having to pay higher prices for the electrical cable. In June 2006, the High Court ruled that
Sigma Cable had repudiated the contract and ordered that the assessment of damages be done by Sigma
Cable. Sigma Cable appealed the High Courts verdict, but the determination that Sigma Cable was
liable for damages has been upheld on appeal. In February 2008, the Supreme Court assessed damages
of approximately $886,000. This amount was paid to Highness Electrical in 2008. Sigma Cable is
currently considering the merits of appealing this determination of damages.
66
8.2 Dividend Policy
To date, the Company, a Bermuda company formed in 1996, has not paid any dividends. While the
Company has no present intention to pay dividends, should it decide in the future to do so, as a
holding company the Companys ability to pay dividends, as well as to meet its other obligations,
will depend upon the amount of distributions, if any, received from the Companys operating
subsidiaries and other holdings and investments. The Companys operating subsidiaries and other
holdings and investments, from time to time, may be subject to restrictions on their ability to
make distributions to the Company, including as a result of restrictive covenants contained in loan
agreements, restrictions on the conversion of local currency earnings into U.S. dollars or other
hard currency and other regulatory restrictions. The foregoing restrictions may also affect the
Companys ability to fund operations of one subsidiary with dividends and other payments received
from another subsidiary.
8.3 Significant Changes
There have been no material or significant changes in the Companys affairs since the end of
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 that have not been described herein.
Item 9: The Offer and Listing
9.1 Historical Trading Information
The high and low market prices for Common Shares on the over-the-counter bulletin board (the
OTC BB) (until August 2005), on the Pink Sheets (from August 2005 until April 2008), and again on
the OTC BB (since April 2008) for each period specified are as follows:
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Price per Share
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|
|
|
($)
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|
|
|
High
|
|
Low
|
|
Five most recent full financial years:
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
4.75
|
|
|
|
1.20
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
3.20
|
|
|
|
0.80
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
7.19
|
|
|
|
2.50
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
6.45
|
|
|
|
0.80
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
3.39
|
|
|
|
0.50
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Two most recent full financial years:
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Quarter
|
|
|
6.10
|
|
|
|
4.55
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|
|
Second Quarter
|
|
|
6.45
|
|
|
|
5.50
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|
|
Third Quarter
|
|
|
5.50
|
|
|
|
2.65
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|
|
Fourth Quarter
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|
|
5.10
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|
|
|
0.80
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|
|
2009
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|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
First Quarter
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|
|
1.50
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|
|
|
0.50
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|
|
Second Quarter
|
|
|
1.98
|
|
|
|
0.90
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|
|
Third Quarter
|
|
|
2.90
|
|
|
|
1.45
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|
|
Fourth Quarter
|
|
|
3.39
|
|
|
|
2.15
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|
|
2010
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Quarter
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|
|
3.00
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|
|
|
2.25
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
Most recent six months:
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|
|
|
|
|
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|
November 2009
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|
|
3.00
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2.65
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December 2009
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2.95
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2.15
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January 2010
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2.99
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2.25
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Price per Share
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($)
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High
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Low
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February 2010
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2.85
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2.50
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March 2010
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3.00
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2.55
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April 2010
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3.00
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2.55
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9.2 Markets
The Company has been listed on the OTC BB since April 2008 under the symbol AWRCF,
immediately prior to which the Common Shares were traded on the Pink Sheets. See the risk factor
entitled Potential Illiquidity of Common Shares. The Common Shares are not listed on any other
exchanges or otherwise publicly traded within or outside the United States. The Company intends to
apply for a listing on either the Nasdaq or NYSE Amex Equities (formerly known as the American
Stock Exchange), as and when the Company meets the listing criteria for one of those exchanges.
Item 10: Additional Information
10.1 Share Capital
On September 8, 2008, our shareholders approved an increase to our authorized share capital
from 20,000,000 Common Shares, par value $0.01 per share, to 50,000,000 Common Shares, par value
$0.01 per share. As of December 31, 2008 and as of the date of the filing of this Annual Report,
there were and are 13,830,769 Common Shares issued and outstanding. No capital of the Company is
under option or agreed conditionally or unconditionally to be put under option. The stock option
plan established by the Company in 1996 prior to its initial public offering was terminated by the
Board of Directors in 2006. No options were ever exercised and no Common Shares were ever issued
under that terminated stock option plan.
10.2 Memorandum of Association and Bye-laws
10.2.1 General
For a detailed description of the Companys principal activities, see Section 4.1: History
and Development of the Business. On September 7, 2007, the Companys Bye-Laws were amended to
delete provisions providing for a classified Board of Directors and to allow the shareholders to
set the number of directors. At the annual general meeting held on September 7, 2007, the
shareholders provided that the Board shall consist of up to ten (10) directors of a single class.
Pursuant to the Companys Bye-laws, each director has one vote on all matters put to the Board, and
a quorum shall consist of a majority of the members of the Board of Directors then in office. The
Companys Bye-laws, as so amended, were filed with the annual report of the Company on Form 20-F
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004. The Companys Bye-Laws were further amended on
September 8, 2008 to increase the authorized share capital. The Companys Bye-laws, as so further
amended, were filed on February 18, 2009 as Exhibit 3.2 to Amendment No. 4 to the Companys
registration statement on Form F-1 filed on February 18, 2009.
10.2.2 Description of Shareholder Rights Attaching to Our Common Shares
The Company was incorporated in Bermuda on September 19, 1996 under the Companies Act. The
rights of our shareholders are governed by Bermuda law and our memorandum of association and
Bye-laws.
The following discussion of our Common Shares and the laws governing the rights of our
shareholders is based upon the advice of Appleby, our Bermuda counsel.
Our authorized share capital as of December 31, 2009 was $500,000 consisting of 50,000,000
Common Shares, par value $0.01 per share, of which, as of December 31, 2009 and as of the date of
the filing of this Annual Report, there were and are 13,830,769 Common Shares issued and
outstanding.
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Holders of the Common Shares have no preemptive, redemption, conversion or sinking
fund rights.
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Holders of the Common Shares are entitled to one vote per share on all matters
submitted to a poll vote of holders of Common Shares and do not have any cumulative voting
rights.
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In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding-up and subject to any
alternative resolution that may be pursued by our shareholders, the holders of Common
Shares are entitled to share ratably in our assets, if any, remaining after the payment of
all our debts and liabilities.
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Our outstanding Common Shares are fully paid and nonassessable.
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Additional authorized but unissued Common Shares may be issued by the Board without
the approval of the shareholders.
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The holders of Common Shares will receive such dividends, if any, as may be declared by the
Board of Directors out of funds legally available for such purposes. We may not declare or pay a
dividend, or make a distribution out of contributed surplus, if there are reasonable grounds for
believing that:
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we are, or after the payment would be, unable to pay our liabilities as they become
due; or
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the realizable value of our assets after such payment or distribution would be less
than the aggregate amount of our liabilities and our issued share capital and share
premium accounts.
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The following is a summary of provisions of Bermuda law and our organizational documents,
including our memorandum of association and Bye-laws. We refer you to our memorandum of
association and Bye-laws, copies of which have been filed with the SEC. You are urged to read
these documents in their entirety for a complete understanding of the terms thereof.
10.2.3 Share Capital
Our authorized capital consists of one class of Common Shares. Under our Bye-laws, our Board
of Directors has the power to issue any authorized and unissued shares on such terms and conditions
as it may determine. Any shares or class of shares may be issued with such preferred, deferred,
qualified or other special rights or any restrictions with regard to such matters, whether in
regard to dividend, voting, return of capital or otherwise, as we may from time to time by
resolution of the shareholders prescribe, or in the absence of such shareholder direction, as the
Board of Directors may determine. This provision in the Bye-laws could be used to prevent a
takeover attempt, or to make a takeover attempt prohibitively expensive, and thereby preclude
shareholders from realizing a potential premium over the market value of their shares.
10.2.4 Voting Rights
Generally, under Bermuda law and our Bye-laws, questions brought before a general meeting are
decided by a simple majority vote of shareholders present or represented by proxy, with no
provision for cumulative voting. Matters will be decided by way of votes cast by way of show of
hands unless a poll is demanded.
If a poll is demanded, each shareholder who is entitled to vote and who is present in person
or by proxy has one vote for each Common Share entitled to vote on such question. A poll may only
be demanded under the Bye-laws by:
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the chairman of the meeting;
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at least three shareholders present in person or represented by proxy;
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any shareholder or shareholders present in person or represented by proxy and holding
between them not less than one-tenth of the total voting rights of all shareholders having
voting rights; or
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a shareholder or shareholders present in person or represented by proxy holding
Common Shares conferring the right to vote on which an aggregate sum has been paid up
equal to not less than one-tenth of the total sum paid up on all Common Shares.
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Unless the Board of Directors otherwise determines, no shareholder shall be entitled to vote
at any general meeting unless all calls or other sums presently payable by that shareholder in
respect of all shares held by such shareholder have been paid.
10.2.5 Dividend Rights
Under Bermuda law, a company may declare and pay dividends unless there are reasonable grounds
for believing that the company is, or would, after the payment, be unable to pay its liabilities as
they become due or that the realizable value of the companys assets would thereby be less than the
aggregate of its liabilities and issued share capital and share premium accounts.
Under
our Bye-laws, the Board may from time to time declare dividends or
distributions out of
contributed surplus to be paid to the shareholders according to their rights and interests. With
the sanction of a shareholders resolution, the Board of Directors may determine that any dividend
may be paid in cash or by distribution of specific assets, including paid-up shares or debentures
of any other company. The Board of Directors may also pay any fixed cash dividend which is payable
on any of our Common Shares half-yearly or on other dates, whenever our position, in the opinion of
the Board of Directors, justifies such payment.
Dividends, if any, on our Common Shares will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors,
and will depend on our future operations and earnings, capital requirements, surplus and general
financial condition as our Board of Directors may deem relevant.
10.2.6 Purchases by the Company of its own Common Shares
Under Bermuda law and as authorized by the Companys memorandum of association, we may
purchase our own Common Shares out of the capital paid up on the Common Shares in question or out
of funds that would otherwise be available for dividend or distribution or out of the proceeds of a
fresh issue of Common Shares made for the purposes of the purchase. We may not purchase our shares
if, on the date on which the purchase is to be effected, there are reasonable grounds for believing that the Company is, or
after the purchase would be, unable to pay its liabilities as they become due.
However, to the extent that any premium is payable on the purchase, the premium must be
provided out of the funds of the Company that would otherwise be available for dividend or
distribution or out of the Companys share premium account. Any Common Shares purchased by the
Company are treated as cancelled and the amount of the Companys issued capital is diminished by
the nominal value of the shares accordingly but shall not be taken as reducing the amount of the
Companys authorized share capital.
10.2.7 Preemptive Rights
Our Bye-laws generally do not provide the holders of our Common Shares preemptive rights in
relation to any issues of Common Shares by us or any transfer of our shares.
However, the Company has in the Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement granted to SOF
preemptive rights in the event of any issuance of additional equity securities (or securities
convertible into or exchangeable for equity securities) by the Company, such that SOF may subscribe
for additional securities in
70
order to maintain its then percentage ownership interest in the issued
and outstanding equity securities of the Company. See the risk factor entitled Obligations under
Shareholders Agreement.
10.2.8 Variation of Rights
We may issue more than one class of shares and more than one series of shares in each class.
The rights attached to any class of shares may be altered or abrogated either:
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with the consent in writing of the holders of more than fifty percent of the issued
shares of that class; or
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pursuant to a resolution of the holders of such shares.
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The Bye-laws provide that the necessary quorum shall be two or more persons present in person
or by proxy holding shares of the relevant class. The Bye-laws specify that the creation or
issuance of shares ranking pari passu with existing shares will not, subject to any statement to
the contrary in the terms of issuance of those shares or rights attached to those shares, vary the
special rights attached to existing shares.
10.2.9 Transfer of Common Shares
Subject to the Transfer Restrictions section below, a shareholder may transfer title to all
or any of his shares by completing an instrument of transfer in the usual common form or in such
other form as the Board of Directors may approve. The form of transfer is required to be signed by
or on behalf of the transferor and also the transferee where any share is not fully paid. The
transferor shall be deemed to remain the holder of the shares until the name of the transferee is
entered in the Register of Members.
10.2.10 Transfer Restrictions
The Board of Directors may, in its absolute discretion and without assigning any reason
therefor, decline to register any transfer of any share which is not a fully paid share. The Board
of Directors may also refuse to register an instrument of transfer of a share unless the instrument
of transfer:
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is duly stamped, if required by law, and lodged with us;
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is accompanied by the relevant share certificate and such other evidence of the
transferors right to make the transfer as the Board of Directors shall reasonably
require;
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is in respect of one class of shares; and
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has obtained, where applicable, permission of the Bermuda Monetary Authority.
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Our Common Shares are no longer listed on an appointed stock exchange and, therefore, do not
qualify for a blanket authorization for free transferability from the Bermuda Monetary Authority
for all transfers of our Common Shares between persons who are not resident in Bermuda for exchange
control purposes. The Bermuda Monetary Authority has informed us that it has no objection to the
continued free transferability of our Common Shares on the same basis as when the Company was
listed on the NYSE, except that the Bermuda Monetary Authority has requested it be informed of any
shareholders holding five percent or more of the Common Shares in issue or any proposals to
transfer five percent or more of the issued and outstanding Common Shares.
The Company, together with PEWC and SOF Investments, L.P., entered into a shareholders
agreement dated as of June 28, 2007 (the Shareholders Agreement) which provides, among other
things, for certain transfer restrictions, notice requirements and tag-along rights in the event
PEWC wishes to transfer any of its
71
Common Shares in certain types of transactions. The
Shareholders Agreement was amended and restated on March 27, 2009 (the Amended and Restated
Shareholders Agreement) in connection with the sale by SOF to PEWC of 51% of the Common Shares
held by SOF. The Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement is binding only upon the three
parties to that agreement. Under the Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement, the Company has
been granted an extension until February 2011 to achieve a listing of the Common Shares on a
national Securities Market and SOF has maintained its right to sell its remaining Common Shares to
PEWC in the event the Company is not able to achieve that national listing. See Section 4.3:
Certain Recent Events.
10.2.11 Transmission of Shares
In the event of the death of a shareholder, the survivor or survivors, where the deceased
shareholder was a joint holder, and the estate representative, where the deceased shareholder was
sole holder, shall be the only persons recognized by us as having any title to the shares of the
deceased. Estate representative means the person to whom probate or letters of administration
has or have been granted in Bermuda, or failing any such person, such other person as the Board of
Directors may in its absolute discretion determine to be the person recognized by us for this
purpose.
10.2.12 Disclosure of Interests
Under the Companies Act, a director who has an interest in a material contract or a proposed
material contract, or a 10% or more interest (directly or indirectly) in an entity that is
interested in a contract or proposed contract or arrangement with us, is obligated to declare the
nature of such interest at the first opportunity at a meeting of the Board of Directors, or by
writing to the Board of Directors. If the director has complied with the relevant sections of the
Companies Act and the Bye-laws with respect to the disclosure of his interest, the director may
vote at a meeting of the Board of Directors or a committee thereof on a contract, transaction or
arrangement in which that director is interested, in which case his vote shall be counted and he
shall be taken into account in ascertaining whether a quorum is present.
10.2.13 Rights in Liquidation
Under Bermuda law, in the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of a company, after
satisfaction in full of all claims of creditors and subject to the preferential rights accorded to
any series of preferred stock, the proceeds of such liquidation, dissolution or winding-up are
distributed among the holders of shares in accordance with a companys bye-laws.
Under our Bye-laws, if we are wound up, the liquidator may, pursuant to a resolution of the
shareholders and any approval required by the Companies Act, divide among the shareholders in cash
or other assets the whole or part of our assets, whether such assets shall consist of property of
the same kind or not, and may for such purposes set such values as such liquidator deems fair upon
any property to be divided and may determine how such division shall be carried out as between the
shareholders.
10.2.14 Meetings of Shareholders
Under Bermuda law, a company is required to convene at least one general meeting per calendar
year. The directors of a company, notwithstanding anything in such companys bye-laws, shall, on
the requisition of the shareholders holding at the date of the deposit of the requisition not less
than one-tenth of the paid-up capital of the company carrying the right of vote, duly convene a
special general meeting. Our Bye-laws provide that the Board of Directors may, whenever it thinks
fit, convene a special general meeting.
Bermuda law requires that shareholders be given at least five days notice of a meeting of the
Company. Our Bye-laws extend this period to provide that not less than 20 days written notice of
a general meeting must
72
be given to those shareholders entitled to receive such notice. The
accidental omission to give notice to or nonreceipt of a notice of a meeting by any person does not
invalidate the proceedings of a meeting.
Our Bye-laws state that no business can be transacted at a general meeting unless a quorum of
at least two shareholders representing a majority of the issued shares of the Company are present
in person or by proxy and entitled to vote.
Under our Bye-laws, notice to any shareholders may be delivered either personally or by
sending it through the post, by airmail where applicable, in a pre-paid letter addressed to the
shareholder at his address as appearing in the share register or by delivering it to, or leaving it
at, such registered address. Any notice sent by post shall be deemed to have been served seven (7)
days after dispatch. A notice of a general meeting is deemed to be duly given to the shareholder
if it is sent to him by cable, telex or telecopier or other mode of representing or reproducing
words in a legible and non-transitory form and such notice shall be deemed to have been served
twenty-four (24) hours after its dispatch.
10.2.15 Access to Books and Records and Dissemination of Information
Under Bermuda law, members of the general public have the right to inspect the public
documents of a company available at the office of the Bermuda Registrar of Companies. These
documents include the memorandum of association and any amendment to the memorandum of association.
Under Bermuda law, the minutes of shareholder meetings will be open for inspection by any
shareholder or director without charge for not less than two hours during business hours each day,
subject to any reasonable restrictions that we may impose. The shareholders shall be entitled to
receive a copy of every balance sheet and statement of income and expenditure before a general
meeting as required under the Bye-laws.
Under our Bye-laws, the register of shareholders of the Company is required to be open for
inspection between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon each working day without charge to members of the
general public. A company is required to maintain its share register in Bermuda but may, subject
to the provisions of the Companies Act, establish a branch register outside of Bermuda. We have
established a branch register with our transfer agent, Computershare Limited, which is based in
Jersey City, New Jersey.
Under Bermuda law, a company is required to keep at its registered office a register of its
directors and officers that is open for inspection for not less than two hours in each day by
members of the public without charge. Under our Bye-laws, the register of directors and officers
is available for inspection by the public between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon every working day.
Bermuda law does not provide a general right for shareholders to inspect or obtain copies of
any other corporate records, except for the Bye-laws of the Company.
10.2.16 Election or Removal of Directors
The Bye-laws provide that the number of directors will be such number, not less than two, as
our shareholders by resolution may from time to time determine. A director will serve until
re-elected or his successor is appointed at the next annual general meeting or his prior removal in
the manner provided by the Companies Act or the Bye-laws. There is no requirement under Bermuda
law, the Companys memorandum of association or its Bye-laws that a majority of the Companys
directors be independent.
At the annual general meeting held on September 7, 2007, the Company further amended its
Bye-laws to delete the provisions establishing a classified Board. The amendment to the Bye-laws
established that the number of directors would be set by the shareholders, with each director
having one vote on all matters submitted to the Board. At that meeting, eight members of the Board
of Directors were elected, with two seats
73
then reserved as casual vacancies and subsequently filled
by the Board. At the annual general meeting held on September 29, 2009, the ten directors were
re-elected.
The shareholders may by resolution determine that one or more vacancies in the Board of
Directors shall be deemed casual vacancies for the purposes of the Bye-laws. The Board, so long as
a quorum of directors remains in office, shall have the power at any time and from time to time to
appoint any individual to be a director so as to fill a casual vacancy. The shareholders may
approve the appointment of alternate directors or may authorize the Board to appoint them.
Directors may also appoint and remove their own alternates.
We may, in a special general meeting called for this purpose, remove a director, provided
notice of such meeting is served upon the director concerned not less than fourteen days before the
meeting and he shall be entitled to be heard at that meeting.
The office of a director will be vacated in the event of any of the following:
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if he resigns his office by notice in writing to be delivered to our registered
office or tendered at a meeting of the Board of Directors;
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if he becomes of unsound mind or a patient for any purpose under any statute or
applicable law relating to mental health and the Board of Directors resolves that his
office is vacated;
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if he becomes bankrupt or enters into a general settlement with his creditors;
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if he is prohibited by law from being a director; or
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if he ceases to be a director by virtue of the Companies Act or is removed from
office pursuant to the Bye-laws.
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10.2.17 Amendment of Memorandum of Association and Bye-Laws
Bermuda law provides that the memorandum of association of a company may be amended by
resolution passed at a general meeting of which due notice has been given. An amendment to a
memorandum of association does not require the consent of the Minister of Finance save for specific
circumstances, for example, the adopting of any authority to carry on restricted business
activities.
Under Bermuda law, the holders of:
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an aggregate of not less than twenty percent in par value of a companys issued share
capital or any class thereof; or
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not less in the aggregate than twenty percent of the
companys debentures entitled to object to amendments to its memorandum of association,
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have the right to apply
to the Supreme Court of Bermuda for an annulment of any amendment of the memorandum of association.
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Where such an application is made, the amendment becomes effective only to the extent that it is
confirmed by the Bermuda Supreme Court. An application for an annulment of an amendment of the
memorandum of association must be made within twenty-one days after the date on which the
resolution amending the memorandum of association is passed and may be made on behalf of the
persons entitled to make the application by one or more of their number as they may appoint in
writing for the purpose.
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Our Bye-laws may be amended in the manner provided for in the Companies Act, which provides
that the directors may amend the Bye-laws, provided that any such amendment shall be effective only
to the extent approved by the shareholders.
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10.2.18 Merger or Consolidation (Amalgamation)
The Companies Act provides that, subject to the terms of a companys bye-laws, the merger or
consolidation of a Bermuda company with another company (referred to as an amalgamation under
Bermuda law) requires an amalgamation agreement which must be approved by the board of
directors and at a meeting of the shareholders by seventy-five percent of the shareholders present
and entitled to vote at such meeting in respect of which the quorum shall be two persons holding or
representing by proxy more than one-third of the issued shares of the company. These provisions do
not apply where a holding company is amalgamating
with one or more of its wholly-owned subsidiaries or where two or more wholly-owned companies
of the same holding company are amalgamating.
Under
Bermuda law, in the event of an amalgamation of a Bermuda company, a
shareholder who did not vote in favor of the transaction and who is not satisfied that fair value
has been offered for the shares, may apply to a Bermuda court within one month of notice of the
meeting of shareholders to appraise the fair value of those shares.
10.2.19 Class Actions and Derivative Actions
Class actions, as they are commonly understood in the United States, are not available to
shareholders under Bermuda law. Derivative actions are generally only available to shareholders
under Bermuda law in very limited circumstances. A shareholder may commence an action in the name
of a company to remedy a wrong done to the company where the wrongdoers are in control of the
company and the act complained of is of a fraudulent character, oppressive, beyond the corporate
power of the company, illegal or would have required the approval of a greater percentage of the
companys shareholders than those that actually approved it. A shareholder may not commence such
an action where the wrong complained of is capable of ratification by the company in a general
meeting by ordinary resolution.
When one or more shareholders believes the affairs of a company are being conducted in a
manner which is oppressive or prejudicial to the interest of some of the shareholders, a Bermuda
court, upon petition, may make such order as it sees fit, including an order regulating the conduct
of the companys affairs in the future or ordering the purchase of the shares of any shareholders
by other shareholders or by the company, and in the case of a purchase of the shares by the
company, for the reduction accordingly of the companys capital or otherwise.
10.2.20 Personal Liability of Directors and Indemnity
The Companies Act requires every officer, including directors, of a company in exercising
powers and discharging duties, to act honestly in good faith with a view to the best interests of
the company, and to exercise the care, diligence and skill that a reasonably prudent person would
exercise in comparable circumstances. The Companies Act further provides that any provision,
whether in the bye-laws of a company or in any contract between the company and any officer or any
person employed by the company as auditor, exempting such officer or person from liability, or
indemnifying him against any liability which by virtue of any rule of law would otherwise attach to
him, in respect of any fraud or dishonesty of which he may be guilty in relation to the company,
shall be void.
Every director, officer and committee member shall be indemnified out of our funds against all
civil liabilities, loss, damage or expense including liabilities under contract, tort and statute
or any applicable foreign law or regulation and all reasonable legal and other costs and expenses
properly payable, incurred or suffered by him as director, officer or committee member; provided
that the indemnity contained in the Bye-laws will not extend to any matter which would render it
void under the Companies Act as discussed above.
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10.2.21 Exchange Controls
We have been designated by the Bermuda Monetary Authority as a non-resident under the Exchange
Control Act of 1972 (the Exchange Control Act). This designation allows us to engage in
transactions in currencies other than the Bermuda dollar.
The transfer of Common Shares between persons regarded as resident outside Bermuda for
exchange control purposes and the issue of Common Shares to such persons may be effected without
specific consent under the Exchange Control Act and regulations thereunder, provided that the Bermuda Monetary
Authority is promptly notified of all instances in which the Company becomes aware that a new
shareholder has obtained five percent or more of the Companys shares.
Notwithstanding the recording of any special capacity, we are not bound to investigate or
incur any responsibility in respect of the proper administration of any estate or trust.
We will take no notice of any trust applicable to any of our Common Shares whether or not we
had notice of such trust.
As an exempted company, we are exempt from Bermuda laws which restrict the percentage of
share capital that may be held by non-Bermudians. However, as an exempted company we may not
participate in certain designated business transactions, which we do not consider relevant to our
present or planned business activities.
10.3 Material Contracts
Composite Services Agreement (CSA)
The Company engages in transactions in the ordinary course of business with PEWC, including
the purchase of certain raw materials and the distribution of PEWC products in various countries in
the Asia Pacific region. In 2009 there have been no material changes to the CSA between APWC and
PEWC. The Company and PEWC are parties to a composite services agreement dated November 7, 1996
(the Composite Services Agreement), which the Company has renewed annually, at its option. The
Composite Services Agreement contains provisions that define the relationship and the conduct of
the respective businesses of the Company and PEWC and confers certain preferential benefits on the
Company. Pursuant to the Composite Services Agreement:
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PEWC agrees to (a) sell copper rod to the Company, upon the Companys request, (i) at
a price consisting of the spot price of copper on the LME plus an agreed upon premium and
(ii) at prices and on terms at least as favorable as PEWC provides copper rod to other
purchasers of similar amounts of copper rod in the same markets, and (b) give priority in
the supply of copper rod to the Company over other purchasers of copper rod from PEWC.
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The Company has the right to distribute any wire or cable product manufactured by
PEWC in all markets in which the Company presently distributes or develops the capability
to distribute in the future such products on such terms as have historically been in
effect or on terms at least as favorable as PEWC grants to third parties that distribute
such products in such markets. However, PEWC is not required to grant to the Company the
right to distribute products manufactured by PEWC in the future in markets where the
Company does not currently have the capability to distribute unless and until PEWC has no
pre-existing contractual rights which would conflict with the grant of such right to the
Company.
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Each of PEWC and the Company will notify the other party prior to entering into any
negotiations with a third party concerning the establishment of any facility or similar
venture to manufacture or
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distribute any wire or cable product outside of the markets
where the Company currently manufactures or distributes, or intends to develop the
capability to manufacture or distribute, any wire or cable product. Unless the Company
and PEWC mutually agree otherwise, the Company has the right of first refusal to enter
into any definitive agreement with such third party. If, however, such third party would
not agree to the substitution of the Company for PEWC or such substitution
would prevent the successful completion of the facility or venture, PEWC has agreed to
arrange for the Company to participate to the extent possible.
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PEWC agrees to make available to the Company, upon the Companys request and on terms
to be mutually agreed between PEWC and the Company from time to time, certain services
with respect to the design and manufacture of wire and cable products, computerization,
inventory control, purchasing, internal auditing, quality control, emergency back-up
services, and recruitment and training of personnel; such services may include the
training of the Companys employees and managers at PEWC facilities and the secondment of
PEWC employees and managers to the Company.
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Without the consent of the Company, PEWC will not compete with respect to the
manufacture or distribution of wire and cable products in any market in which the Company
is manufacturing or has taken significant steps to commence manufacturing.
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For purposes of the Composite Services Agreement, each province in China is
considered the equivalent of a country.
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To the extent that transactions occur in the future between the Company and PEWC or affiliates
of PEWC other than under the Composite Services Agreement, such transactions will be entered into
on an arms length basis on terms no less favorable than those available from unaffiliated third
parties.
Indemnification Agreement
The Company and PEWC are parties to an indemnification agreement dated November 6, 1996 (the
Indemnification Agreement), pursuant to which PEWC agreed to indemnify the Company (including the
Companys directors, officers, employees and agents) against any cost, expense, loss, liability or
damage arising out of any claim asserted or threatened to be asserted by any third party as a
result of certain actions taken or failed to be taken by PEWC or its subsidiaries (other than the
Company) prior to March 1997 with respect to Sigma Cable, Sino-Sin Trading Co. Ltd., APEC, Siam
Pacific, Siam Pacific Holding Company, Pacific Thai, Charoong Thai and NPC, following the exercise
by the Company of its option to purchase, directly or indirectly, each of them (collectively, the
Transferred Businesses). PEWC has a duty to indemnify the Company if such cost, expense, loss,
liability or damage arises out of claims resulting from the actions or inactions of PEWC or its
subsidiaries, with respect to the Transferred Businesses, to the extent such action or failure to
act was not in compliance with applicable laws and regulations or obligations to third parties and,
with respect to Charoong Thai, is limited to situations of which PEWC had knowledge.
Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement
In connection with the acquisition by SOF of all of the Common Shares previously held by
Sino-JP, the Company, PEWC and SOF entered into a shareholders agreement dated as of June 28, 2007
(the Shareholders Agreement), pursuant to which the Company granted to SOF certain rights and
protections. Under the Shareholders Agreement, the Company agreed to indemnify SOF, and its
partners and certain of its affiliates (the SOF Indemnified Persons), for any additional taxes,
interest, penalties and other costs that might be imposed upon or incurred by the SOF Indemnified
Persons in the event that the Company is determined by the Internal Revenue Service (the IRS) to
be a controlled foreign corporation (a CFC) or a passive foreign investment company (a
PFIC) as such terms are interpreted and defined under IRS rules or regulations. In addition,
under the Shareholders Agreement, the Company granted to SOF certain registration rights with
respect to the Common Shares owned by it, including the undertaking by the Company to prepare and
file a
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shelf registration statement, and the further right of SOF to exercise two demand
registration rights with regard to its Common Shares and to further exercise certain piggyback
registration rights in connection with its
Common Shares. The Shareholders Agreement was amended and restated on March 27, 2009 (the
Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement) in connection with the sale by SOF to PEWC of 51% of
the Common Shares held by SOF. See Item 7: Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions.
10.4 Taxation
The following is a summary of the material tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and
disposition of Common Shares based on the tax laws of the United States and Bermuda, subject to the
assumptions, qualifications and limitations in our discussion below. Such summary is subject to
changes in United States and Bermuda law, including changes that could have retroactive effect.
The following summary does not take into account the individual circumstances of an investor, nor
does it purport to be a complete technical analysis or examination of all potential tax effects
relevant to a decision to purchase Common Shares, including without limitation, the tax laws of the
various states within the United States.
10.4.1 United States Taxation
The following is a summary of the material United States federal income tax consequences of
the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Common Shares by a U.S. Holder (as defined below) and
a Non-U.S. Holder (as defined below), in each case, subject to the assumptions, qualifications and
limitations in our discussion below. Such summary is subject to changes in United States law,
including changes that could have retroactive effect. The summary does not purport to be a
comprehensive description of all possible tax considerations that may be relevant to a decision to
purchase Common Shares. This summary is based upon the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the Code), regulations promulgated under the Code by the U.S. Treasury Department (the
Treasury) (including proposed and temporary regulations), rulings, current administrative
interpretations and official pronouncements of the IRS, and judicial decisions, all as currently in
effect and all of which are subject to differing interpretations or to change, possibly with
retroactive effect. Such change could materially and adversely affect the tax consequences
described below. No assurance can be given that the IRS would not assert, or that a court would
not sustain, a position contrary to any of the tax consequences described below. Further, this
summary does not discuss any foreign, state or local tax consequences.
In particular, this summary deals only with Common Shares held as capital assets and does not
address the United States tax treatment of U.S. Holders and Non-U.S. Holders that are subject to
special treatment under the Code, such as dealers in stocks, securities, or currencies, traders in
securities that elect to use a mark-to-market method of accounting for their securities holdings,
financial institutions, insurance companies, tax-exempt entities, real estate investment trusts,
regulated investment companies, qualified retirement plans, individual retirement accounts, and
other tax deferred accounts, expatriates of the United States, persons subject to the alternative
minimum tax, persons holding shares as part of a hedging or conversion transaction or a straddle,
or other integrated transaction, persons who acquired Common Shares pursuant to the exercise of any
employee stock option or otherwise as compensation for services, or persons whose functional
currency is not the United States dollar or who own (directly, indirectly or by attribution) 10% or
more of the stock of the Company. Consequently, prospective purchasers who are U.S. Holders or
Non-U.S. Holders are advised to satisfy themselves as to the overall United States federal, state,
local and foreign tax consequences of their acquisition, ownership and disposition of Common Shares
by consulting their own tax advisors.
As used herein, the term U.S. Holder means a beneficial owner of Common Shares that is (i) a
citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation (including any entity treated as a
corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized in the United States or
under the laws of the United States or any
state (or the District of Columbia), (iii) an estate, the income of which is subject to United
States federal
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income tax regardless of its source, or (iv) a trust, if a court within the United
States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more
United States persons (as defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code) has the authority to
control all substantial decisions of the trust.
The term Non-U.S. Holder means a beneficial owner of Common Shares that is not a U.S.
Holder. As described in Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders below, the consequences to a Non-U.S.
Holder may differ substantially from the tax consequences to a U.S. Holder.
If a partnership (including for this purpose any entity treated as a partnership for U.S.
federal income tax purposes) is a beneficial owner of Common Shares, the U.S. federal income tax
consequences to a partner in the partnership will generally depend on the status of the partner and
the activities of the partnership. A holder of Common Shares that is a partnership and the
partners in such partnership should consult their own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal
income tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of Common Shares.
Taxation of U.S. Holders
The discussion in Taxation of Dividends and Taxation of Capital Gains below assumes that
the Company will not be treated as a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. For a discussion
of the rules that apply if the Company is treated as a PFIC, see the discussion in Passive Foreign
Investment Company below.
Taxation of Dividends
We have never declared or paid any cash dividends and do not presently anticipate paying
dividends in 2010. A U.S. Holder receiving a distribution with respect to Common Shares
generally will be required to include such distribution in gross income (as ordinary income subject
to regular, and not reduced, tax rates) on the day received as foreign-source dividend income to
the extent such distribution is paid from the Companys current or accumulated earnings and profits
(as determined under United States federal income tax principles). Such dividends will not be
eligible for the dividends received deduction (generally allowed to certain United States
corporations in respect of dividends received from United States corporations). U.S. Holders that
are corporations and directly own 10% or more of the voting stock of the Company may be entitled to
claim a foreign tax credit for United States federal income tax purposes in respect of foreign
taxes paid by the Company and certain subsidiaries.
Under U.S. federal income tax laws, for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011, a
dividend paid to an individual U.S. shareholder from either a domestic corporation or a qualified
foreign corporation is subject to tax at the reduced rates applicable to certain capital gains. A
qualified foreign corporation includes certain foreign corporations that are eligible for benefits
of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States which the Secretary of the Treasury
determines is satisfactory for purposes of this provision and which includes an exchange of
information program. In addition, a foreign corporation not otherwise treated as a qualified
foreign corporation is so treated with respect to any dividend it pays if the stock with respect to
which it pays such dividend is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United
States.
In the absence of a comprehensive income tax treaty between the United States and Bermuda, the
Company will not be treated as a qualified foreign corporation under the treaty test. So long as
the Company is not a PFIC (as discussed below), dividends paid by the Company to individual
shareholders would qualify for these reduced rates if its stock was treated as readily tradable on
an established securities market in the United States.
In Notice 2003-71, 2003-2 C.B. 922, the IRS determined that common or ordinary stock, or an
American depositary receipt in respect of such stock, is considered readily tradable on an
established securities market in the United States if it is listed on a national securities
exchange that is registered under Section 6 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78f)
or on the Nasdaq Stock Market. As stated in the SECs
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Annual Report for 2002, registered national
exchanges as of September 30, 2002 include the American Stock Exchange (now known as NYSE Amex
Equities), the Boston Stock Exchange, the Cincinnati Stock Exchange, the Chicago Stock Exchange,
the NYSE, the Philadelphia Stock Exchange, and the Pacific Exchange, Inc.
The notice further provided, however, that the Treasury and the IRS were continuing to
consider, for subsequent years, the treatment of dividends with respect to stock listed only in a
manner that did not meet this definition, such as on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board (the OTC
BB) or on the electronic Pink Sheets. In particular, the notice indicated that the Treasury and
the IRS were considering whether or to what extent treatment of stock that was listed only in such
manner as readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States should be
conditioned on the satisfaction of parameters regarding minimum trading volume, minimum number of
market makers, maintenance and publication of historical trade or quotation data, issuer reporting
requirements under SEC or exchange rules, or issuer disclosure or determinations regarding PFIC
status. The IRS has not yet provided further guidance on whether or in what circumstances, a
company like the Company, which is traded on the OTC BB, will be treated as a qualified foreign
corporation. Should the Company be relisted on a registered national exchange, any dividends paid
by the Company should qualify for the reduced rates referred to above.
To the extent any distribution exceeds the current and accumulated earnings and profits of the
Company for a taxable year, the distribution will be treated as a non-taxable return of capital to
the extent of the U.S. Holders adjusted tax basis in the Common Shares with respect to which the
distribution is made, causing a reduction in the adjusted basis of the Common Shares (thereby
increasing the amount of gain, or decreasing the amount of loss, to be recognized by the U.S.
Holder on a subsequent disposition of the Common Shares). To the extent such distribution exceeds
the U.S. Holders adjusted tax basis in the Common Shares, such excess will be treated as capital
gain.
Taxation of Capital Gains
A U.S. Holder will recognize taxable gain or loss on any sale, exchange or other disposition
of Common Shares (including a liquidation, dissolution or as a result of a non-pro rata redemption
of Common Shares that qualified for treatment as a sale or exchange for United States federal
income tax purposes) in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized for the
Common Shares and the U.S. Holders adjusted tax basis in the Common Shares. Such gain or loss
generally will be treated as capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the
Common Shares have been held for more than one year on the date of the sale, exchange or other
disposition thereof, and will be short-term capital gain or loss if the Common Shares have been
held for one year or less on the date of the sale or exchange thereof. Any gain recognized by a
U.S. Holder generally will be treated as United States source income. In general, an individuals
short-term capital gains are taxable as ordinary income and an individuals long-term capital gains
are subject to U.S. federal income tax at preferential rates.
Long-term capital gains of corporations generally are subject to the U.S. federal income tax
at a current maximum marginal rate of 35%. Short-term capital gain generally is taxable at
ordinary income rates. Although capital gains of corporations currently are taxed at the same
rates as ordinary income, the distinction between capital gain and ordinary income or loss is
relevant for purposes of, among other things, limitations on the deductibility of capital losses.
Corporations may deduct capital losses only to the extent of capital gains and generally may carry
back capital losses to each of the preceding three years and carry forward capital losses to each
of the succeeding five years. Individuals may deduct capital losses to the extent of capital gains
plus up to $3,000 ($1,500 for married individuals filing separate returns) and may carry
forward capital losses indefinitely.
Backup Withholding
In general, information reporting requirements may be applicable to dividend payments (or
other taxable distributions) made in respect of Common Shares to non-corporate U.S. Holders, and
backup withholding at the rate of 28% (which rate is scheduled to increase to 31% after 2010)
will apply to such payments (i) if the
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holder or beneficial owner fails to provide a taxpayer
identification number in the manner required by U.S. law and applicable regulations, (ii) if the
IRS notifies the payor that the taxpayer identification number furnished by the holder or
beneficial owner is incorrect, (iii) if there has been notification from the IRS of a failure by
the holder or beneficial owner to report all interest or dividends required to be shown on its
United States federal income tax returns or (iv) in certain circumstances, if the holder or
beneficial owner fails to comply with applicable certification requirements. In general, payment
of the proceeds from a sale of Common Shares to or through a United States office of a broker is
subject to both United States backup withholding and information reporting unless the holder or
beneficial owner establishes an exemption. U.S. Holders who are required to establish their exempt
status generally must provide such certification on IRS Form W-9. Amounts withheld under the
backup withholding rules may be credited against a holders tax liability, and a holder may obtain
a refund of any excess amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules by timely filing the
appropriate claim for refund with the IRS. Payment of the proceeds from the sale of Common Shares
effected outside the United States by a foreign office of certain United States connected brokers
will not be subject to backup withholding tax but will be subject to information reporting
requirements unless the broker has documentary evidence in its records that the beneficial owner is
a non-U.S. Holder and has no actual knowledge to the contrary, or the beneficial owner otherwise
establishes an exemption.
Passive Foreign Investment Company
In general, the Company will be treated as a PFIC for United States federal income tax
purposes for any taxable year if either (i) at least 75% of the gross income of the Company is
passive income or (ii) at least 50% of the value (determined on the basis of a quarterly average)
of the Companys assets is attributable to assets that produce or are held for the production of
passive income. The Company believes, based on its current operations and assets, that it is not a
PFIC and does not expect to become a PFIC in the future. This conclusion is a factual
determination based on, among other things, a valuation of the Companys assets, which will likely
change from time to time.
If the Company were a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder held Common Shares,
the U.S. Holder would be subject to special tax rules with respect to (i) any excess distribution
by the Company to the U.S. Holder (generally any distribution received by the U.S. Holder in a
taxable year that is greater than 125% of the average annual distribution received by the U.S.
Holder in the three preceding taxable years, or the U.S. Holders holding period for the Common
Shares, if shorter) and (ii) any gain realized on the sale or other disposition (including a
pledge) of Common Shares.
Under these special tax rules, (i) the excess distribution or gain would be allocated ratably
over the U.S. Holders holding period for the Common Shares, (ii) the amount allocated to the U.S.
Holders current taxable year and to any period prior to the first taxable year in which the
Company was a PFIC would be includible as ordinary income in the U.S. Holders current taxable year
and (iii) the amount allocated to a prior year during which the Company was a PFIC would be subject
to tax at the highest tax rate in effect for that year, and an interest charge would also be
imposed with respect to the resulting tax attributable to each such prior year. The interest
charge is computed using the applicable rates imposed on underpayments of United States federal
income tax for the relevant periods.
The above rules will not apply if a mark-to-market election is available and a U.S. Holder
validly makes such an election by filing a properly completed IRS Form 8621. If such election were
made, a U.S. Holder generally would be required to take into account the difference, if any,
between the fair market value and its adjusted tax basis in the Common Shares at the end of each
taxable year as ordinary income or ordinary loss (to the extent of any net mark-to-market gains
previously included in income). A U.S. Holders tax basis in the Common Shares would be adjusted
to reflect any such income or loss amount. In addition, any gain from a sale, exchange or other
disposition of the Common Shares would be treated as ordinary income, and any loss would be treated
as ordinary loss (to the extent of any net mark-to-market gains previously included in income). A
mark-to-market election is available to a U.S. Holder only if the Common Shares are considered
marketable stock for these purposes. Generally, shares of a PFIC will be considered marketable
stock if they are regularly traded on a qualified exchange within the meaning of applicable
U.S. Treasury regulations.
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A class of shares is regularly traded during any calendar year during
which such class of shares is traded, other than in de minimis quantities, on at least 15 days
during each calendar quarter. A qualified exchange is defined to include a national securities
exchange registered with the SEC or certain foreign exchanges. The Common Shares are not currently
traded on a national securities exchange or a qualifying foreign exchange. Accordingly, the
mark-to-market election under these rules will not currently be available.
The special tax rules described above will also not apply to a U.S. Holder if the U.S. Holder
elects to have the Company treated as a qualified electing fund (a QEF election) and the
Company provides certain information to U.S. Holders. If the Company is treated as a PFIC, it will
notify the U.S. Holders and provide such holders with the information necessary to make an
effective QEF election, including information as to the procedures for making such an election.
The QEF election is made on a shareholder-by-shareholder basis and can ordinarily be revoked only
with the consent of the IRS.
A U.S. Holder that makes a valid QEF election will be currently taxable on its pro rata share
of the Companys ordinary earnings and net capital gain (at ordinary income and capital gains
rates, respectively) for each taxable year that the Company is classified as a PFIC, regardless of
whether distributions are received. Thus, the U.S. Holder may recognize taxable income without
receiving any cash to pay its tax liability with respect to such income. The U.S. Holders basis
in the Common Shares will be increased to reflect taxed but undistributed income. Distributions of
income that have been previously taxed will result in a corresponding reduction of basis in the
Common Shares and will not be taxed again as a distribution to the U.S. Holder.
A U.S. Holder owning Common Shares during any year that the Company is a PFIC must file IRS
Form 8621. U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors concerning the United States federal
income tax consequences of holding Common Shares and of making a mark-to-market or QEF election if
the Company is treated as a PFIC in the future.
Controlled Foreign Corporation
A non-U.S. corporation generally will be a CFC for U.S. tax purposes if United States
shareholders collectively own more than 50 percent of the total combined voting power or total
value of the corporations stock on any day during any taxable year. For this purpose, United
States shareholders are limited to those U.S. persons who own, directly, indirectly or
constructively, 10 percent or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of
the non-U.S. corporation. In general, if a corporation is a CFC, then, for each tax year, its
United States shareholders will be required to recognize on a current basis their respective shares
of the CFCs subpart F income and income from investments in certain types of U.S. property
(limited, however, to their respective shares of the CFCs earnings and profits, as computed for
U.S. tax purposes, for such tax year) even if the income has not been distributed to the
shareholders in the form of dividends or otherwise. Subpart F income consists of certain specified
categories of income including, among others, dividends, interest, rents, royalties, net gains from
the sale of property giving rise to such income and income from certain types of transactions
involving related persons as defined for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Income from investments in certain types of U.S. property to be included by United States
shareholders on a current basis includes, among others, income from tangible property physically
located in the U.S., income from stock of U.S. domestic corporations, and income from any right to
use a patent or copyright in the U.S.
Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders
Taxation of Dividends
Subject to the discussion in Backup Withholding below, Non-U.S. Holders generally will not
be subject to U.S. federal income tax, including withholding tax, on distributions received on
Common Shares, unless the distributions are effectively connected with a trade or business
conducted in the United States (and, if an applicable income tax treaty so requires, attributable
to a permanent establishment maintained in the United States).
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If distributions are effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business (and, if applicable,
attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment), Non-U.S. Holders generally will be subject to tax
on such distributions in the same manner as U.S. Holders, as described in Taxation of U.S. Holders
Taxation of Dividends above. In addition, any such distributions received by a corporate
Non-U.S. Holder may also, under certain circumstances, be subject to an additional branch profits
tax at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty.
Taxation of Capital Gains
Subject to the discussion in Backup Withholding below, Non-U.S. Holders generally will not
be subject to U.S. federal income tax, including withholding tax, on any gain recognized on a sale
or other taxable disposition of Common Shares, unless (i) the gain is effectively connected with a
trade or business conducted in the United States (and, if an applicable income tax treaty so
requires, attributable to a permanent establishment maintained in the United States), or (ii) a
Non-U.S. Holder is an individual and is present in the United States for at least 183 days in the
taxable year of the disposition, and certain other conditions are present.
If a Non-U.S. Holder meets the test in clause (i) above, such Non-U.S. Holder generally will
be subject to tax on any gain that is effectively connected with his conduct of a trade or business
in the United States in the same manner as a U.S. Holder, as described in Taxation of U.S. Holders
Taxation of Capital Gains above. Effectively connected gain realized by a corporate Non-U.S.
Holder may also, under certain circumstances, be subject to an additional branch profits tax at a
30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty.
If a Non-U.S. Holder meets the test in clause (ii) above, such Non-U.S. Holder generally will
be subject to tax at a 30% rate on the amount by which his U.S. source capital gain exceeds his
U.S. source capital loss.
Backup Withholding
Payments to Non-U.S. Holders of distributions on, or proceeds from the disposition of, Common
Shares are generally exempt from information reporting and backup withholding. However, a Non-U.S.
Holder may be required to establish that exemption by providing certification of non-U.S. status on
an appropriate IRS Form W-8.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Amounts withheld as backup withholding from a
payment to a Non-U.S. Holder may be credited against his U.S. federal income tax liability and a
Non-U.S. Holder may
obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by filing the appropriate claim for refund with
the IRS and furnishing any required information in a timely manner.
10.4.2 Bermuda Taxation
In the opinion of Appleby, the following discussion correctly describes the material tax
consequences of the ownership of Common Shares under Bermuda law, subject to the assumptions,
qualifications and limitations in the discussion below. Such summary is subject to changes in
Bermuda law, including changes that could have retroactive effect.
Under current Bermuda law, there are no taxes on profits, income or dividends nor is there any
capital gains tax. Furthermore, the Company has received from the Minister of Finance of Bermuda
under the Exempted Undertakings Tax Protection Act of 1966, as amended, an undertaking that, in the
event that Bermuda enacts any legislation imposing tax computed on profits or income, or computed
on any capital asset, gain or appreciation, or any tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance
tax, then the imposition of any such tax shall not be applicable to the Company or to any of its
operations, or the shares, debentures or other obligations of the Company, until March 28, 2016.
This undertaking does not, however, prevent the
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imposition of any such tax or duty on such persons
as are ordinarily resident in Bermuda and holding such shares, debentures or obligations of the
Company or of property taxes on Company-owned real property or leasehold interests in Bermuda.
As an exempted company, the Company must pay to the Bermuda government an annual registration
fee calculated on a sliding-scale basis by reference to its assessable capital, that is, its
authorized share capital plus any share premium.
There is no stamp duty or other transfer tax payable upon the transfer of shares in the
Company by shareholders.
The United States does not have a comprehensive income tax treaty with Bermuda.
10.5 Documents on Display
We are required to comply with the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), applicable to a foreign private issuer. We are currently
required to file annually a Form 20-F no later than six months after the close of our fiscal year,
which is December 31. Any time the Company is delinquent in filing timely any periodic reports,
including an Annual Report on Form 20-F, with the SEC, that delinquency may adversely affect the
Companys status on any exchange or quotation service on which its shares are listed or quoted and
the Company may not be entitled to use certain abbreviated registration statements with the SEC in
connection with the registration of any of its securities. We have previously been delinquent in
filing our annual reports. As a result, the Company was delisted from the OTC BB and traded on the
Pink Sheets. On April 9, 2008, trading in the Common Shares of the Company was restored to the OTC
BB under the trading symbol AWRCF.
As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from the rules under the Exchange Act prescribing
the furnishing and content of proxy statements, and our officers, directors and principal
shareholders are exempt from the reporting and short-swing profit recovery provisions contained in
Section 16 of the Exchange Act.
Our reports and other information, when so filed, may be inspected and copied (at prescribed
rates) at the public reference facilities maintained by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
SEC) at Judiciary Plaza, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at
1-800-SEC-0330 for further information. In addition, the SEC maintains a web site that contains
information filed electronically with the SEC, which can be accessed over the Internet at http://www.sec.gov. We have filed all our
reports electronically since November 4, 2002. Such reports can be accessed over the Internet at
http://www.sec.gov.
In addition, we post certain information regarding the Company and its operations on our
website located at www.apwcc.com. Summary information regarding the Company posted on our website
should not be considered to be a substitute for, or a restatement of, the more complete information
regarding the Company, its results of operations and financial condition set forth in this Annual
Report or other documents or information which we may file with the SEC.
Item 11: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks
The Company has exposure to several quantitative market risks, including fluctuations in
interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and the pricing of commodities, principally copper,
the Companys main raw material. Risk management measures undertaken by the Company include
entering into derivative agreements covering interest rates, foreign exchange rates and copper
pricing, as well as copper forward pricing agreements. The Company does not purchase or sell
derivative instruments for trading purposes. The Company does not engage in trading activities
involving copper contracts for which a lack of marketplace quotations would necessitate the use of
fair value estimation techniques.
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11.1 Interest Rate Risk
The company has not entered nor used any derivative instruments to manage interest rate
exposure. As in our line of business, derivative instrument would normally apply to hedging
commodity, i.e., copper, and not the interest rate hedging as we have seen in other practice.
11.2 Foreign Currency Risk
The Company has exposure to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The Companys revenues
are generated primarily in the local currency in its principal operating jurisdictions; namely
Thailand, China, Singapore and Australia. However, nearly all of the costs associated with the
purchase of the Companys raw materials, including copper, and its capital expenditures, including
ongoing equipment upgrade and maintenance programs, are in U.S. dollars. In order to limit the
risks that would otherwise result from changes in currency exchange rates, the Company enters into
derivative financial instruments on a selective basis from time to time which are forward exchange
contracts that are cash flow hedges intended to hedge the currency fluctuations relating to sales
revenues generated in the local markets of our operating subsidiaries. The fair value of foreign
currency contracts represents the amount required to enter into offsetting contracts with similar
remaining maturities based upon quoted market prices. The company as a whole did not enter into
any forward contract in 2009. At December 31 2008, the net unrealized loss on the net foreign
currency contracts was $133,000. In general, significant volatility in foreign currency exchanges
rates will increase the risks to the Companys results, which we attempt to mitigate through cash
flow hedging with forward exchange contracts.
As the Companys operating subsidiaries incur operating costs in the local currency where they
operate, the Company believes it is prudent that those operating subsidiaries incur indebtedness in
the local currency when debt financing is necessary. The amount of indebtedness incurred by our
operating subsidiaries from time to time is a function of our business strategy, the attractiveness
of borrowing as opposed to other methods of financing operations and tax implications, among other
considerations. The Company has exposure to currency exchange risk when the results of its
operating subsidiaries are translated from the local currency into the U.S. dollar. At December
31, 2009 and 2008, the cumulative other comprehensive gain (loss) account included in the total
equity section of the consolidated balance sheet included a cumulative gain (loss) of $3.1 m and
($9.0 million), respectively. This sensitivity analysis is inherently limited in that it assumes
that multiple foreign currencies will always move in the same direction and to the same degree
relative to the U.S. dollar.
In 2008 we entered into derivative financial instruments on a selective basis throughout the
year to mitigate foreign currency fluctuation risks arising from operating activities. The
application of these instruments was primarily for currency hedging purposes and not for trading
purposes. The Company uses Thai Baht forward foreign exchange contracts to reduce its exposure to
foreign currency risk for liabilities denominated in foreign currency. A forward foreign exchange
contract obligates the Company to exchange predetermined amounts of specified foreign currencies at
specified exchange rates on specified dates or to make an equivalent U.S. dollar payment equal to
the value of such exchange. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on foreign exchange contracts
are included in income as foreign exchange gains or losses. The Company entered into forward
exchange contracts with a notional value of approximately $12 million that matured in January,
February, March, May and June 2008 and $19 million that matured in January, February, March and May
2009. The Company did not enter into any foreign currency forward contracts in 2009.
11.3 Market Risks Relating to Copper
Copper is the principal raw material we use, accounting for approximately 70% of the cost of
sales in 2009. We purchase copper at prices based on the average prevailing international spot
market prices on the London Metal Exchange (the LME) for copper for the one month prior to
purchase. The price of copper is
influenced heavily by global supply and demand as well as speculative trading. As with other
costs of production, changes in the price of copper may affect our cost of sales. Whether this has
a material impact on our operating margins and financial results depends primarily on our ability
to adjust our selling prices to our
85
customers, such that increases and decreases in the price of
copper are fully reflected in those selling prices. The purchase price of our products is based in
part on the cost of copper used to manufacture those products. In addition, in the ordinary course
of business we maintain inventories of raw materials and finished products reasonably necessary for
the conduct of our business. These inventories typically reflect the cost of copper prevailing in
the market at the time we purchase. Most of our sales of manufactured products reflect copper
prices prevailing at the time the products are ordered. A long-term decrease in the price of
copper would require the Company to revalue the value of its inventory at periodic intervals to the
then net realizable value, which could be below cost. Copper prices have been subject to
considerable volatility and it is not always possible to manage our copper purchases and inventory
so as to neutralize the impact of copper price volatility. Accordingly, significant volatility in
copper prices could have an adverse effect on our operations. No assurance can be given that such
volatility will not recur.
In an effort to mitigate the market risks associated with volatility in copper pricing, from
time to time the Company enters into copper forward pricing contracts in order to minimize
fluctuations of its cost of copper. These instruments permit the Company to hedge its cost of
copper for periods from 10 months to 12 months. These forward contracts were entered into with the
purpose of securing the source of the copper. The Company did not enter into forwarding contracts
with any copper suppliers in 2009.
11.4 Fair Value of Designated Market-Sensitive Derivative Contracts
The company does not record unrealized gains and losses on the designated cash flow hedge
instruments in Other Comprehensive Income (loss), rather the income or loss flows thru statement of
operations. Moreover, since the company did not transact any hedge instrument in 2009, hence the
issue does not exist.
Item 12: Description of Securities Other Than Equity Securities
(Not applicable)
86
Item 13: Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies
The Company has experienced no material default in the payment of principal, interest, a
sinking or purchase fund installment, or any other material default not cured within 30 days
relating to the Companys or any of its consolidated subsidiaries indebtedness.
Item 14: Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds
(Not applicable)
Item 15: Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
An evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the effectiveness of our
disclosure controls and procedures in accordance with the provisions of Rule 13a-15 promulgated
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Based upon that evaluation, the CEO and the
CFO concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were ineffective as of December 31, 2009.
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The Companys management, including our CEO and CFO, is responsible for establishing and
maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. We do not expect that our internal
control will prevent all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and
operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control
system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are
resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. The
design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the
likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in
achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions; over time, a control may become
inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or
procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control
system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.
The Companys management, including its CEO and CFO, has assessed the effectiveness of our
internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009 (the Assessment Date). In
making its assessment, management used the criteria set forth in Internal Control Integrated
Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) of the Treadway Commission.
These criteria include the control environment, risk assessment, control activities, information
and communication and monitoring of each of the above criteria. Based on this assessment, the
Companys management, including its CEO and CFO, concluded that the Companys internal control over
financial reporting was ineffective as of the Assessment Date.
Based on the Companys evaluation under the COSO framework, management concluded that a
material weakness, existed in the Companys internal control over financial reporting as of the
Assessment Date.
In making its assessment, management identified a material weakness in the financial statement closing
process which resulted in audit adjustments at year end. Deficiencies were noted in our controls over non-routine aspects of our financial statement closing process, including the accounting for foreign currency
transactions and translation whereby foreign currency translation amounts were improperly recorded in other
comprehensive income instead of the statement of operations, the calculation and recording of individual
income tax liability, allowance for deferred tax assets, fixed asset residual value, and recurring consolidation
entries. These deficiencies were attributable to our decentralized reporting structure, our complex
consolidation process and inadequate reviews over account balances at the reporting date. In making our
assessment, we evaluated that the aggregate effect of these deficiencies represents a material weakness.
87
We will continue to train our financial accounting reporting staff with respect to the appropriate
considerations and review procedures relating to judgmental and non-recurring transactions and balances, and
the CFO, who was newly appointed since October 2009, will perform a thorough review of critical estimates
and account balances at each reporting date.
Management is committed to remediate this material weakness as timely as possible and has subsequently
implemented the following additional control procedures during the first half of 2010:
|
|
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Trained all levels of finance and accounting staff, both at the subsidiary level and at headquarters level, on US GAAP and recent accounting and reporting developments.
|
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|
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Accounting entries at each subsidiary must be reviewed by their supervisor or finance manager, then
signed off by the respective CFO (or, in the absence of CFOs, the finance manager takes charge).
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Regular monthly finance meetings are conducted to discuss problems and verify account balances.
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Development of a more standardized group reporting package.
|
We will continue to monitor and to test our internal controls to insure this material weakness has been remediated.
This annual report does not include an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm regarding
internal control over financial reporting. Our managements report was not subject to attestation by our
registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that
permit us to provide only managements report in this annual
report.
Changes in internal control over financial reporting
Except as indicated in managements report on internal control over financial reporting, there
were no other changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our
last fiscal year that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our
internal control over financial reporting
Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert
As the Common Shares are traded on the OTC BB, the Company is not required to have an audit
committee that meets the requirements of, nor is it required to have an audit committee financial
expert as contemplated by, Regulation 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. During those periods of time
when the Company did not have any independent directors, our full Board of Directors fulfilled the
functions of an audit committee pursuant to Section 3(a)(58)(B) of the Exchange Act. On September
28, 2007, our Board appointed Mr. Anson Chan and Dr. Yichin Lee as independent directors to fill
the two casual vacancies on the Board, and to constitute the members of the Audit Committee, with
Mr. Chan serving as the Audit Committees chairman.
On April 26, 2005, the Company adopted a code of ethics applicable to its Chief Executive
Officer and senior financial officers. A copy of the Companys code of ethics for senior
executives is on file with the SEC.
Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Audit Fees
88
The aggregate fees billed for fiscal years 2009 and 2008 for professional services rendered by
the principal accountant for the audit of the Companys annual financial statements or services
normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or
engagements totaled $0.8 million and $0.5 million, respectively.
Audit-Related Fees
No fees were billed for fiscal year 2009 or 2008 for assurance and audit-related services by
the principal accountant other than as included in the figures provided in the preceding paragraph.
Tax Fees
The aggregate fees billed for fiscal years 2009 and 2008 for professional services rendered by
the principal accountant for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning totaled approximately
$19,000 and $94,000, respectively.
All Other Fees
There were no other fees billed for fiscal year 2009 or 2008 for products and services
provided by the principal accountant, other than those services described in the preceding
paragraphs of this Item 16C.
Audit Committee Approval
The engagement of the accountant to render audit, audit-related and non-audit services is
entered into pursuant to pre-approval policies and procedures established in the Charter of the
Audit Committee of the Company. Each of the services described in this Item 16C were approved by
the Audit Committee.
Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for the Audit Committees
The Company does not have a class of securities listed on a national securities exchange or
with a national securities association.
Item 16E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
During 2009, there were no purchases of equity securities made by or on behalf of the Company
or any affiliated purchaser for the purposes of this Item 16E.
Item 16F. Change in Registrants Certifying Accountant
The Companys independent accountant for fiscal years 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, Mazars
(Mazars) resigned and did not stand for re-election by shareholders after the completion of the
2008 audit. None of Mazars reports on the financial statements of the Company contained an
adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, or was qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit
scope, or accounting principles. The decision to change accountants was put forth and approved by
the Audit Committee.
During the 2008 and 2009 fiscal years, there were no disagreements with Mazars on any matter
of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or
procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of Mazars, would have caused it
to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in connection with its report.
During the 2008 and 2009 fiscal years, no reportable events occurred in the course of the
performance by Mazars of audit services for the Company.
89
At the annual general meeting of the shareholders held on September 29, 2009, the Companys
shareholders authorized the engagement of Ernst & Young (EY) as the Companys principal
independent accountant to audit the Companys financial statements for fiscal year 2009.
Item 16G. Corporate Governance
The Common Shares currently are not listed on a national securities exchange.
90
Item 17: Financial Statements
The Company has elected to provide the financial statements and related information specified
in Item 18 in lieu of Item 17.
Item 18: Financial Statements
See
pages F-1 F-49.
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19.1
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|
Index to Audited Financial Statements
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|
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|
|
Reports of independent registered accounting firms
|
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|
|
|
|
Consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2008 and 2009
|
|
|
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|
|
Consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009
|
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|
Consolidated statements of shareholders equity for the years ended December 31, 2007,
2008 and 2009
|
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|
|
|
|
Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes to consolidated financial statements
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19.2
|
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Index to Exhibits
|
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1.1
|
|
Memorandum of Association of Asia Pacific Wire & Cable Corporation Limited (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 1.1 of the Companys annual report on Form 20-F filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on June 21, 2001).
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1.2
|
|
Second Amended and Restated Bye-Laws of Asia Pacific Wire & Cable Corporation Limited
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Companys Amendment No. 4 to Form F-1
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 18, 2009).
|
|
|
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2.1
|
|
Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement dated March 27, 2009 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 3.4 of the Companys Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form F-1
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 2, 2009).
|
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4.1
|
|
Composite Services Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Companys
Form F-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 1996).
|
|
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|
4.2
|
|
Indemnification Agreement dated November 6, 1996 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.2 of the Companys Form F-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
November 13, 1996).
|
|
|
|
4.3
|
|
Agreement for the Sale and Purchase of (i) Shares in Crown Century Holdings Limited and
(ii) Shareholders Loan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 5.1 of the Companys annual
report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 1, 2002).
|
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4.4
|
|
Settlement Agreement between Asia Pacific Wire & Cable Corporation, Ltd. and Sino-JP Fund
Co., Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 of the Companys annual report on
Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 9, 2007).
|
|
|
|
4.5
|
|
Summaries of Joint Venture Agreements (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of the
Companys Amendment No. 1 to Form F-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on November 26, 2008).
|
91
|
8
|
|
List of significant subsidiaries (see Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements).
|
|
|
|
11
|
|
Code of Ethics (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 11 of the Companys annual report on
Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 9, 2007).
|
|
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|
12.1
|
|
Certification of Chief Executive Officer of the Company, pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
|
|
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|
12.2
|
|
Certification of Chief Financial Officer of the Company, pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
|
|
|
|
13.1
|
|
Certification by Chief Executive Officer of periodic financial report pursuant to 18
U.S.C. Section 1350, as mandated by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
|
|
|
|
13.2
|
|
Certification by Chief Financial Officer of periodic financial report pursuant to 18
U.S.C. Section 1350, as mandated by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
|
|
|
|
15(a)
|
|
Audit Committee Charter (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 15(a) of the Companys
annual report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November
9, 2007).
|
|
|
|
16(f)
|
|
Letter provided by Mazars LLP in Response to Item 16F(a).
|
92
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and has duly
caused this Annual Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
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ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE
CORPORATION LIMITED
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Date: May 14, 2010
|
/s/ Yuan Chun Tang
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Yuan Chun Tang
|
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Chief Executive Officer
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93
Audited Financial Statements
Asia Pacific Wire & Cable Corporation Limited
As of December 31, 2008 and 2009
Years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONTENTS
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Page
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F-2
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F-4
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F-6
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F-7
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F-8
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F-9
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F-1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Asia Pacific Wire & Cable Corporation Limited:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Asia Pacific Wire & Cable
Corporation Limited and subsidiaries (the Company or APWC) as of December 31, 2009, and the
related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders equity, and cash flows for the year
then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight
Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. We
were not engaged to perform an audit of the Companys internal control over financial reporting.
Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for
designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of
expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial
reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of Asia Pacific Wire & Cable Corporation Limited and
subsidiaries as of December 31, 2009, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the
year then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Ernst & Young
Hong Kong SAR
May 14, 2010
F-2
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Asia Pacific Wire & Cable
Corporation Limited and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2008, and the related
consolidated statements of operations, shareholders equity, and cash flows for each of the two
years in the period ended December 31, 2008. These financial statements are the responsibility of
the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements
based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting
Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the
Companys internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal
control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in
the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the
Companys internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An
audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made
by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that
our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of Asia Pacific Wire & Cable Corporation Limited and
subsidiaries as of December 31, 2008, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for
each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2008, in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Mazars LLP
Certified Public Accountants
(On
January 3, 2009, Mazars
Moores Rowland LLP changed
its name to Mazars LLP.)
Singapore
June 29, 2009
F-3
ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
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|
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|
|
As of December 31
|
|
|
(In thousands of US Dollars, except share data)
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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|
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|
|
Current assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
37,510
|
|
|
$
|
41,534
|
|
|
Unrestricted short-term bank deposits (note 5)
|
|
|
7,756
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted short-term bank deposits (note 5)
|
|
|
15,033
|
|
|
|
13,145
|
|
|
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful
accounts of $9,644 and $8,694 at December 31, 2008 and
2009, respectively (note 9)
|
|
|
95,901
|
|
|
|
101,849
|
|
|
Amounts due from related parties (note 15)
|
|
|
6,922
|
|
|
|
5,664
|
|
|
Inventories, net of allowance for inventories of $26,715
and $3,995 at December 31, 2008 and 2009, respectively
(note 9)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distributed products
|
|
|
8,227
|
|
|
|
5,295
|
|
|
Finished products
|
|
|
24,060
|
|
|
|
31,949
|
|
|
Products in process
|
|
|
14,563
|
|
|
|
17,318
|
|
|
Raw materials and supplies
|
|
|
25,712
|
|
|
|
14,485
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
72,562
|
|
|
|
69,047
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Available-for-sale investments (note 6)
|
|
|
68
|
|
|
|
106
|
|
|
Deferred tax assets (note 10)
|
|
|
3,064
|
|
|
|
2,595
|
|
|
Prepaid expenses
|
|
|
4,942
|
|
|
|
3,928
|
|
|
Other current assets
|
|
|
2,515
|
|
|
|
1,180
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
246,273
|
|
|
|
239,048
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property, plant and equipment:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Land
|
|
|
4,381
|
|
|
|
5,470
|
|
|
Land use rights
|
|
|
3,778
|
|
|
|
2,936
|
|
|
Buildings
|
|
|
42,406
|
|
|
|
45,130
|
|
|
Machinery and equipment
|
|
|
103,266
|
|
|
|
108,711
|
|
|
Motor vehicles
|
|
|
3,303
|
|
|
|
3,724
|
|
|
Office equipment
|
|
|
10,060
|
|
|
|
10,280
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
167,194
|
|
|
|
176,251
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
(118,568
|
)
|
|
|
(132,611
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
48,626
|
|
|
|
43,640
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Available-for-sale investments (note 6)
|
|
|
544
|
|
|
|
580
|
|
|
Investment in equity investees (note 18)
|
|
|
4,103
|
|
|
|
3,263
|
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
8,801
|
|
|
|
8,801
|
|
|
Other assets
|
|
|
269
|
|
|
|
107
|
|
|
Deferred tax assets (note 10)
|
|
|
1,182
|
|
|
|
613
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,899
|
|
|
|
13,364
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$
|
309,798
|
|
|
$
|
296,052
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-4
ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
(In thousands of US Dollars, except share data)
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bank loans and overdrafts (note 7)
|
|
$
|
57,962
|
|
|
$
|
37,185
|
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
46,367
|
|
|
|
33,706
|
|
|
Accrued expenses
|
|
|
4,550
|
|
|
|
9,244
|
|
|
Amounts due to related parties (note 15)
|
|
|
25,811
|
|
|
|
17,487
|
|
|
Short-term loans from the immediate holding(note 15)
|
|
|
1,732
|
|
|
|
1,732
|
|
|
Income tax liabilities (note 10)
|
|
|
5,710
|
|
|
|
7,059
|
|
|
Deferred tax liabilities (note 10)
|
|
|
65
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other current liabilities
|
|
|
3,648
|
|
|
|
5,496
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
145,845
|
|
|
|
111,909
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other liabilities
|
|
|
464
|
|
|
|
546
|
|
|
Deferred tax liabilities (note 10)
|
|
|
782
|
|
|
|
1,005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities
|
|
|
147,091
|
|
|
|
113,460
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commitments and contingencies (notes 12 and 14)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
APWC shareholders equity (note 8):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock, $0.01 par value:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Authorized shares of 50,000,000 shares was effective on December 31, 2008
and 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issued and outstanding shares 13,830,769 shares
|
|
|
138
|
|
|
|
138
|
|
|
Additional paid-in capital
|
|
|
111,541
|
|
|
|
111,541
|
|
|
Retained earnings
|
|
|
15,819
|
|
|
|
25,908
|
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (note 11)
|
|
|
(13,369
|
)
|
|
|
(10,195
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total APWC shareholders equity
|
|
|
114,129
|
|
|
|
127,392
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-controlling interests
|
|
|
48,578
|
|
|
|
55,200
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total shareholders equity
|
|
|
162,707
|
|
|
|
182,592
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and shareholders equity
|
|
$
|
309,798
|
|
|
$
|
296,052
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-5
ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31,
|
|
|
(In thousands of US Dollars, except share data)
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
Net sales
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Manufactured products (sales to related parties amounted to
$9,110 in 2007, $5,855 in 2008 and $4,144 in 2009 (note 15))
|
|
$
|
494,805
|
|
|
$
|
447,848
|
|
|
$
|
300,121
|
|
|
Distributed products
|
|
|
10,783
|
|
|
|
32,415
|
|
|
|
28,102
|
|
|
Sales, delivery and installation of wires and cables
|
|
|
5,253
|
|
|
|
20,535
|
|
|
|
34,008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
510,841
|
|
|
|
500,798
|
|
|
|
362,231
|
|
|
Costs of sales (purchases from related parties amounted to
$69,240 in 2007, $57,401 in 2008 and $59,785 in 2009)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Manufactured products
|
|
|
(450,134
|
)
|
|
|
(410,581
|
)
|
|
|
(280,085
|
)
|
|
Distributed products
|
|
|
(10,703
|
)
|
|
|
(30,831
|
)
|
|
|
(26,585
|
)
|
|
Sales, delivery and installation of wires and cables
|
|
|
(5,600
|
)
|
|
|
(21,491
|
)
|
|
|
(33,119
|
)
|
|
Recovery (allowance) for inventory reserve
|
|
|
1,272
|
|
|
|
(25,145
|
)
|
|
|
23,949
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(465,165
|
)
|
|
|
(488,048
|
)
|
|
|
(315,840
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit
|
|
|
45,676
|
|
|
|
12,750
|
|
|
|
46,391
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses
|
|
|
(26,156
|
)
|
|
|
(29,032
|
)
|
|
|
(28,715
|
)
|
|
Recovery (allowance) for doubtful accounts
|
|
|
(3,295
|
)
|
|
|
(12
|
)
|
|
|
860
|
|
|
Impairment of long-lived assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(77
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) from operations
|
|
|
16,225
|
|
|
|
(16,294
|
)
|
|
|
18,459
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exchange gain (loss), net
|
|
|
864
|
|
|
|
(1,712
|
)
|
|
|
528
|
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
1,517
|
|
|
|
990
|
|
|
|
458
|
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
(7,580
|
)
|
|
|
(5,769
|
)
|
|
|
(2,597
|
)
|
|
Share of net (loss) gain of equity investees
|
|
|
124
|
|
|
|
(142
|
)
|
|
|
(40
|
)
|
|
Impairment of investments
|
|
|
(95
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gain on sale of investments
|
|
|
35
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gain on liquidation of subsidiaries
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
568
|
|
|
Other income, net
|
|
|
2,070
|
|
|
|
2,859
|
|
|
|
2,196
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) before income taxes
|
|
|
13,160
|
|
|
|
(20,068
|
)
|
|
|
19,572
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income taxes (note 10)
|
|
|
(6,298
|
)
|
|
|
(2,132
|
)
|
|
|
(5,344
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
|
|
6,862
|
|
|
|
(22,200
|
)
|
|
|
14,228
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less: Net (loss) income attributable to non-controlling
interests
|
|
|
(2,029
|
)
|
|
|
8,551
|
|
|
|
(4,139
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) attributable to APWC
|
|
$
|
4,833
|
|
|
$
|
(13,649
|
)
|
|
$
|
10,089
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic and diluted income (loss) per share
|
|
$
|
0.35
|
|
|
$
|
(0.99
|
)
|
|
$
|
0.73
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
|
|
|
13,830,769
|
|
|
|
13,830,769
|
|
|
|
13,830,769
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-6
ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common
|
|
|
Additional
|
|
|
Retained
|
|
|
comprehensive
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In thousands of US Dollars, except share data)
|
|
Stock
|
|
|
paid-in capital
|
|
|
earnings
|
|
|
income (loss)
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Balance at January 1, 2007
|
|
$
|
138
|
|
|
$
|
111,541
|
|
|
$
|
26,524
|
|
|
$
|
(19,438
|
)
|
|
$
|
118,765
|
|
|
Comprehensive income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,833
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,833
|
|
|
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Currency translation adjustment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,179
|
|
|
|
15,179
|
|
|
Pension liability adjustments (note 16)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(71
|
)
|
|
|
(71
|
)
|
|
Gain realized on sale of
available-for sale securities net of
income tax of $6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(28
|
)
|
|
|
(28
|
)
|
|
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale
securities net of income tax of $6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6
|
)
|
|
|
(6
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,074
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19,907
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adoption of FASB Interpretation No. 48
effective as of January 1, 2007
(codified within ASC 740, Income
Taxes) (note 10)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,889
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,889
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2007
|
|
|
138
|
|
|
|
111,541
|
|
|
|
29,468
|
|
|
|
(4,364
|
)
|
|
|
136,783
|
|
|
Comprehensive loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(13,649
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(13,649
|
)
|
|
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Currency translation adjustment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(8,994
|
)
|
|
|
(8,994
|
)
|
|
Pension liability adjustments (note 16)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7
|
|
|
|
7
|
|
|
Unrealized loss on sale of available-
for-sale securities net of income
tax of $27
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(18
|
)
|
|
|
(18
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(9,005
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(22,654
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2008
|
|
|
138
|
|
|
|
111,541
|
|
|
|
15,819
|
|
|
|
(13,369
|
)
|
|
|
114,129
|
|
|
Comprehensive income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,089
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,089
|
|
|
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Currency translation adjustment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,177
|
|
|
|
3,177
|
|
|
Pension liability adjustments (note 16)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4
|
)
|
|
|
(4
|
)
|
|
Unrealized loss on sale of
available-for- sale securities net
of income tax of $-18
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,174
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,263
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2009
|
|
$
|
138
|
|
|
$
|
111,541
|
|
|
$
|
25,908
|
|
|
$
|
(10,195
|
)
|
|
$
|
127,392
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-7
ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31,
|
|
|
(In thousands of U.S. Dollars, except share data)
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
Operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
|
$
|
4,833
|
|
|
$
|
(13,649
|
)
|
|
$
|
10,089
|
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net
cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss (gain) on disposal of property, plant and equipment
|
|
|
(802
|
)
|
|
|
(4
|
)
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
Depreciation
|
|
|
9,079
|
|
|
|
7,646
|
|
|
|
8,941
|
|
|
Deferred income taxes
|
|
|
(1,969
|
)
|
|
|
(145
|
)
|
|
|
1,196
|
|
|
(Recovery) allowance for doubtful accounts
|
|
|
3,295
|
|
|
|
12
|
|
|
|
(860
|
)
|
|
(Recovery) allowance for inventory reserve
|
|
|
(1,272
|
)
|
|
|
25,145
|
|
|
|
(23,949
|
)
|
|
Share of net loss (gain) of equity investees
|
|
|
(124
|
)
|
|
|
142
|
|
|
|
40
|
|
|
Impairment of long-lived assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
77
|
|
|
Impairment of investments
|
|
|
95
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gain on sale of investments
|
|
|
(35
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gain on liquidation of subsidiaries
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(568
|
)
|
|
Pension liability adjustments
|
|
|
(71
|
)
|
|
|
7
|
|
|
|
(4
|
)
|
|
Adoption of FASB Interpretation No. 48 (codified within ASC
740) as of January 1, 2007
|
|
|
(1,889
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-controlling interests
|
|
|
2,029
|
|
|
|
(8,551
|
)
|
|
|
4,139
|
|
|
Foreign currency translation adjustment
|
|
|
(7,662
|
)
|
|
|
2,889
|
|
|
|
623
|
|
|
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
net of acquisitions of business:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
|
|
(13,613
|
)
|
|
|
36,193
|
|
|
|
(552
|
)
|
|
Inventories
|
|
|
4,854
|
|
|
|
7,724
|
|
|
|
30,069
|
|
|
Other current assets
|
|
|
2,372
|
|
|
|
406
|
|
|
|
2,470
|
|
|
Amounts due to related parties
|
|
|
(1,609
|
)
|
|
|
(4,274
|
)
|
|
|
(7,303
|
)
|
|
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
|
|
|
4,395
|
|
|
|
6,506
|
|
|
|
(6,007
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities
|
|
|
1,906
|
|
|
|
60,047
|
|
|
|
18,407
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investing activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Decrease (increase) in restricted short-term bank deposits
|
|
|
(3,156
|
)
|
|
|
1,941
|
|
|
|
2,428
|
|
|
Increase (decrease) in unrestricted short-term bank deposits
|
|
|
518
|
|
|
|
(5,906
|
)
|
|
|
7,756
|
|
|
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
|
|
|
(2,650
|
)
|
|
|
(3,383
|
)
|
|
|
(3,260
|
)
|
|
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment
|
|
|
1,414
|
|
|
|
416
|
|
|
|
153
|
|
|
Decrease in investment in equity investee
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
800
|
|
|
Proceeds from disposal of investments
|
|
|
65
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from disposal of other assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,368
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchases of other assets
|
|
|
(239
|
)
|
|
|
(592
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
|
|
|
(4,048
|
)
|
|
|
(5,156
|
)
|
|
|
7,877
|
|
|
Financing activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Repayments of long-term debt
|
|
|
(2,237
|
)
|
|
|
(240
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Repayments of bank loans
|
|
|
(21,671
|
)
|
|
|
(54,643
|
)
|
|
|
(30,733
|
)
|
|
Proceeds from bank loans
|
|
|
28,275
|
|
|
|
10,431
|
|
|
|
9,023
|
|
|
Net decrease in overdrafts
|
|
|
(416
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
|
|
|
3,951
|
|
|
|
(44,452
|
)
|
|
|
(21,710
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
2,654
|
|
|
|
(2,056
|
)
|
|
|
(550
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
4,463
|
|
|
|
8,383
|
|
|
|
4,024
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
|
|
|
24,664
|
|
|
|
29,127
|
|
|
|
37,510
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
|
|
$
|
29,127
|
|
|
$
|
37,510
|
|
|
$
|
41,534
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid for interest
|
|
$
|
7,187
|
|
|
$
|
6,037
|
|
|
$
|
2,918
|
|
|
Cash paid for income taxes
|
|
|
10,772
|
|
|
|
5,177
|
|
|
|
1,900
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-8
ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of U.S. Dollars, except share data)
1. ORGANIZATION AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES
Asia Pacific Wire & Cable Corporation Limited (APWC or the Company), which is a
subsidiary of Pacific Electric Wire & Cable Co., Ltd. (PEWC), a Taiwanese company, was
incorporated as an exempted company in Bermuda on September 19, 1996 under the Companies Act
1981 of Bermuda (as amended) for the purpose of acting as a holding company. The Company is
principally engaged in owning operating companies engaged in the power cable,
telecommunication cable, enameled wire and electronic cable industry.
The Companys operating subsidiaries (the Operating Subsidiaries) are engaged in the
manufacturing and distribution of telecommunications, power cable and enameled wire products
in Singapore, Thailand, Australia, the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) and other markets
in the Asia Pacific region. Major customers of the Operating Subsidiaries include government
organizations, electric contracting firms, electrical dealers, and wire and cable factories.
The Companys operating subsidiaries engage also in the distribution of certain wire and
cable products manufactured by PEWC. In certain markets, the Company also provides project
engineering services to customers through its SDI (Supply Distribution and Installation)
business segment.
On June 28, 2007, SOF Investment, L.P. (SOF), a Delaware limited partnership controlled by
MSD Capital, L.P. acquired the Sino-JP and entered into a shareholders agreement with the
Company and PEWC. The shares acquired constituted 20% of the issued and outstanding shares
of the Company. On March 30, 2009, SOF sold 10.2% of the issued and outstanding shares of
the Company to PEWC. The sale results in PEWC holding 65.6% of the equity of the Company and
SOF holding 9.8%.
Share Capital
On September 8, 2008, the Companys shareholders approved an increase to the authorized shares capital from 20,000,000 Common Shares, par value $0.01 per share, to 50,000,000
Common Shares, par value $0.01 per share.
The subsidiaries of the Company are set out below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage of
|
|
|
|
|
Equity interest
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
Place of incorporation and operations
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
The British Virgin Islands
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Asia Pacific Wire & Cable General Holdings Ltd
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PRC (APWC) Holding Ltd.
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Samray Inc.
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Siam (APWC) Holdings Ltd.
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Moon View Ltd.
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trigent Investment Holdings Limited
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Crown Century Holdings Ltd.
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
F-9
ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of U.S. Dollars, except share data)
1. ORGANIZATION AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES
(continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage of
|
|
|
|
|
Equity interest
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
Place of incorporation and operations
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
Singapore
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sigma Cable Company (Private) Limited (Sigma Cable)
|
|
|
98.3
|
%
|
|
|
98.3
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sino-Sin Trading Pte. Ltd. (Sino-Sin) **
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
|
0
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sigma-Epan International Pte Ltd. (Sigma-Epan)
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Epan Industries Pte Ltd.
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Epan Data-Comm System Pte Ltd
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Singvale Pte Ltd (Singvale)
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Malaysia
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Elecain Industry Sdn. Bhd.
|
|
|
92.6
|
%
|
|
|
92.6
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sigma-Epan Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Peoples Republic of China
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ningbo Pacific Cable Co., Ltd. (Ningbo Pacific)
|
|
|
94.31
|
%
|
|
|
94.31
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shanghai Yayang Electric Co., Ltd. (Shanghai Yayang)
|
|
|
54.41
|
%
|
|
|
54.41
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shandong Pacific Fiber Optics Co.Ltd (SPFO)
|
|
|
51
|
%
|
|
|
51
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pacific Electric Wire & Cable (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd (PEWS)
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hong Kong
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Crown Century Holdings Limited (CCH HK)
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Australia
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Australia Pacific Electric Cable Pty Limited (APEC)
|
|
|
98.53
|
%
|
|
|
98.53
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thailand
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Charoong Thai Wire and Cable Public Company Limited (Charoong Thai)*
|
|
|
50.93
|
%
|
|
|
50.93
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Siam Pacific Electric Wire & Cable Company Limited
(Siam-Pacific)
|
|
|
50.93
|
%
|
|
|
50.93
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pacific-Thai Electric Wire & Cable Company Limited (Pacific-Thai)
|
|
|
50.93
|
%
|
|
|
50.93
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hard Lek Limited (Hard Lek)
|
|
|
73.98
|
%
|
|
|
73.98
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
APWC (Thailand) Co., Ltd
|
|
|
99.48
|
%
|
|
|
99.48
|
%
|
F-10
ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of U.S. Dollars, except share data)
1. ORGANIZATION AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES
(continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage of
|
|
|
|
|
Equity interest
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
Place of incorporation and operations
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
Thailand
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PEWC (Thailand) Co., Ltd
|
|
|
99.48
|
%
|
|
|
99.48
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CTW Beta Co. Ltd.
|
|
|
50.89
|
%
|
|
|
50.89
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Siam Fiber Optics Co. Ltd
|
|
|
30.56
|
%
|
|
|
30.56
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Myanmar
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Myanmar Sigma Cable Co., Ltd. (Not active)
|
|
|
78.59
|
%
|
|
|
78.59
|
%
|
ii) The equity investees of the Company are set out below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage of
|
|
|
|
|
Equity interest
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
Place of incorporation and operations
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
The Peoples Republic of China
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shandong Huayu Pacific Fibre Optics
Communications Co., Ltd. (Shandong Huayu)
|
|
|
48.73
|
%
|
|
|
48.73
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shandong Pacific Rubber Cable Co., Ltd. (SPRC)
|
|
|
25.00
|
%
|
|
|
25.00
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thailand
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Siam Pacific Holding Company Limited (SPHC)
|
|
|
49.00
|
%
|
|
|
49.00
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loxley Pacific Co., Ltd. (Lox Pac)
|
|
|
21.39
|
%
|
|
|
21.39
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
Charoong Thai is listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand and is
engaged in the manufacturing of wire and cable products for the power and
telecommunications industries in Thailand.
|
|
|
|
**
|
|
Sino-Sin commenced its liquidation process on November 20, 2008 and the
liquidation was completed in July 2009.
|
F-11
ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of U.S. Dollars, except share data)
1. ORGANIZATION AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES
(continued)
Acquisitions accounted for as purchases and disposals undertaken by the Company during the
years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009 included the following:
In 2002, three wholly owned subsidiaries of Sigma-Epan were placed into liquidation. In
April 2009, the liquidator received the clearance letters from government authorities of
Singapore relating to the dissolution of three subsidiaries of Sigma-Epan. On May 22, 2009,
Sigma-Epan conducted a final meeting to dissolve the subsidiaries. As at the previous
balance sheet date, the Companys balance sheet includes liabilities of US$568 resulting
from these subsidiaries which is recognized as gain on liquidation of subsidiaries in
current year profit or loss.
The Company was listed on the New York Stock Exchange in March 1997. On December 24, 2001,
the staff of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) announced that it had determined that the
trading of the common stock of APWC should be suspended prior to December 31, 2001. The
decision was reached in view of the fact that the Company had fallen below NYSEs continued
listing standards regarding: average global market capitalization over a consecutive 30
trading-day period of not less than $15 million; and average closing price of a security of
not less than one (1) dollar over a consecutive 30 trading-day period. Following the
delisting of the Companys common stock on the NYSE, the Companys common stock was traded
under the ticker AWRCF, on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board (OTC BB), operated by the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (NASD). After the Company failed to
timely file its annual report on Form 20-F for the 2004 fiscal year, the Company was
delisted from the OTC BB in August 2005 and since that time its shares of common
stock have been quoted on the pink sheets market by Pink Sheets LLC, a privately owned company that
provides pricing and financial information for over-the-counter securities. On April 9,
2008, the Company listed and began trading its common shares on the OTC BB after completing
all reporting requirements and filing all outstanding financial reports with the SEC. The
Company is subject to the reporting requirements under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Put Right and Option
Under the terms of the Amended Shareholders Agreement, SOF has the right and option (but
not the obligation) to sell to PEWC upon the occurrence of a Put Event (defined below), and
PEWC agreed to purchase from SOF upon the occurrence of a Put Event, all Registrable
Securities then owned by SOF (the Put Shares ), for an amount equal to the Put Price
(defined below) together with interest (calculated on the basis of a 360 day year) on the
Put Price, computed (x) from June 28, 2007 through May 31, 2010 at a rate per annum that
shall be equal to the Libor Rate plus fifty (50) basis points (compounded annually), and (y)
from June 1, 2010 until the Put Closing (defined below) at a rate per annum that shall be
equal to the Libor Rate plus one hundred and fifty (150) basis points (compounded annually)
(the Put Right ). If the Put Event terminates prior to the closing of such Put Right, the
exercise of the Put Right is deemed rescinded and the transaction relating to the Put Right
is deemed cancelled, but this will not terminate the existence of a future Put Right upon
the triggering of a future Put Event.
A Put Event means any date (i) after March 11, 2009 whereby an Event has occurred and
continues to occur, or (ii) after February 1, 2011 whereby the shares are not listed on a US
Securities Market, which means any of the NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. (Global Market or Global
Select Market), the NYSE Alternext U.S. (f/k/a the American Stock Exchange LLC), the New
York Stock Exchange LLC or one or more of the principal or secondary exchanges for the
public trading of equity securities in any of Hong Kong, Tokyo or Singapore. The Put Price
means for (i) shares purchased pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, an aggregate amount equal
to the product of (a) the number of shares being sold and (b) US$4.35 and (ii) Shares purchased under preemptive right
provisions of the Amended Shareholders Agreement, and aggregate amount equal to the
purchase price thereof.
The Shareholders Agreement does not contain any provisions that impose any purchase,
reimbursement or financing obligations on the Company in the event that SOF exercises the
Put Right. The Put Right is an obligation solely of PEWC and not of the Company. However,
for the avoidance of doubt and as a re-affirmation that the financial and other obligation
to SOF in the event
F-12
ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of U.S. Dollars, except share data)
2. ORGANIZATION AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES
(continued)
of an exercise of the Put Right rest exclusively with PEWC, the Company has, on March 27,
2009, entered into a Non-Recourse Confirmation Agreement with PEWC whereby PEWC (i)
covenants that it has no put right against the Company relating to the Put Shares and that
PEWCs obligations to SOF are without recourse to the Company, (ii) waives any such right
should it arise in the future, and (iii) agrees that it shall not cause the Company,
directly or indirectly, to incur any costs associated with the exercise of the Put Right.
The Shareholders Agreement provides, and the Non-recourse Confirmation Agreement confirms,
that the Put Right is solely the obligation of PEWC. The Company has no purchase,
reimbursement or financing obligations in the event that SOF exercises the Put Right. As
such, the Company has classified the Put Shares as equity in the accompanying financial
statements.
2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America (US GAAP). The basis of accounting
differs from that used in the statutory financial statements of the Companys subsidiaries
and equity investee companies, which are prepared in accordance with the accounting
principles generally accepted in their respective countries of incorporation. In the
opinion of management, the consolidated financial statements have reflected all costs
incurred by the Company and its subsidiaries in operating the business.
All dollar amounts in the financial statements and in the notes herein are U.S. Dollars
(US$) unless otherwise designated.
3. CHANGES IN PRESENTATION OF COMPARATIVE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
To conform with the current years presentation, the assets held for use of $3,501
previously presented in the 2008 financial statement have been reclassified to the
respective property, plant, and equipment asset categories. Also, the land not being used
for operation of $540 previously presented in the 2008 financial statements has been
reclassified to the land category. The reclassifications had no effect on financial
condition, gross profit, income (loss) from operations or net income (loss).
F-13
ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of U.S. Dollars, except share data)
4. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated
financial
statements include
the accounts of the
Company and its
subsidiaries. All
intercompany
accounts and
transactions have
been eliminated on
consolidation. The
Companys
investments for
which its ownership
exceeds 20%, but
which are not
majority-owned or
controlled, are
accounted for using
the equity method
if the Company has
the ability to
exercise
significant
influence over the
companies
operating and
financial policies. When the Companys carrying value in an equity method investee company is reduced to zero, no further
losses are recorded in the Companys consolidated financial statements unless the Company guaranteed obligations of the investee company or has committed
additional funding. When the Investee company subsequently reports income, the Company will not record its share of such income until it equals the
amount of its share of losses not previously recognized.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles accepted in the United States requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the
consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ
from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three
months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market value. Cost is determined using the
first-in, first-out or weighted average method.
If the expected sales price less completion costs and costs to execute sales (net
realizable value) is lower than the carrying amount, a write-down is charged to
expenses in cost of sales for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds its net
realizable value. When the finished goods that were previously written down to net
realizable value are subsequently sold at above net realizable value, a recovery is
credited to cost of sales. See Note 9 Valuation and Qualifying Accounts.
Income Taxes
In 2007, the Company adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB)
Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes-an
interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109. (codified within FASB Accounting Standards
Codification (ASC) 740, Income Taxes). FASB ASC 740 contains a two-step approach to
recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions. The first step is to evaluate the tax
position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates it is
more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of
related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step is to measure the tax
benefit as the largest amount, which is more than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate
settlement. The Company considers many factors when evaluating and estimating its tax
positions and tax benefits, which may require periodic adjustments and which may not
accurately anticipate actual outcomes. The Companys policy is to recognize interest expense
and penalties related to income tax matters as a component of income tax expense.
Current income tax expense is the amount of income taxes expected to be payable for the current
year. Deferred income tax balances reflect the effects of temporary differences between the
carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax basis and are stated at enacted tax rates
expected to be in effect when taxes are actually paid or recovered. FASB ASC 740
,
requires that
deferred tax assets be evaluated for future realization and reduced by a valuation allowance to the
extent the Company believes a portion will not be realized. The Company considers many factors
when assessing the likelihood of future realization of its deferred tax assets, including its
recent cumulative
F-14
ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of U.S. Dollars, except share data)
4. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
Income Taxes (contd)
earnings experience and expectations of future taxable income by taxing jurisdiction, the
carry-forward periods available to the Company for tax reporting purposes, and other
relevant factors. Deferred income tax expense (benefit) is the net change during the year in
the deferred income tax asset or liability.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less depreciation and any impairment
losses. Asset leases qualifying as capital leases are also included in property, plant and
equipment. Major renewals and improvements are capitalized and minor replacements,
maintenance, and repair expenses are charged to current operations as incurred. Depreciation
is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets or
the respective lease term, whichever is shorter, as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Land
|
|
Nil
|
|
Land use rights
|
|
15 50 years
|
|
Buildings
|
|
5 30 years
|
|
Machinery and equipment
|
|
5 10 years
|
|
Motor vehicles
|
|
3 10 years
|
|
Office equipment
|
|
3 10 years
|
Depreciation for 2007, 2008 and 2009 amounted to $9,079, $7646 and $8,941, respectively. No
depreciation expense is charged for construction in progress and machinery and
equipment under installation.
Capitalized interest on construction in progress is added to the cost of the underlying
asset and is depreciated over the estimated useful life of the asset in the same manner
as the underlying asset. No interest is capitalized in 2008 and 2009.
When property and equipment are retired, sold or otherwise disposed of, the assets
carrying amount and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and
any gain or loss is included in operations.
In 2006, the Company terminated the Ningbo Pacific joint venture and liquidated its major
equipment at the Ningbo Pacific facility. In October 2009, the Company has made a resolution
to acquire additional 5.42% shareholding of Ningbo Pacific from the Republic of China
(PRC) joint venture partner. The Company plans to resume manufacturing operation with new
constructed facilities at the Ningbo Pacific site. The acquisition of additional
shareholding is expected to be completed in July 2010.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of purchased business over the fair value of the
underlying net assets.
Goodwill, including goodwill associated with equity method investments, is not amortized,
but tested for impairment at least annually or more frequently if circumstances indicate
that impairment may exist. The Company identifies potential goodwill impairment by
comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill.
The Company determines fair value using a discounted cash flow approach. If the fair value
of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is not considered impaired. If the carrying amount
of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the amount of goodwill impairment loss, if any,
must be measured. The Company measures the amount of goodwill impairment loss by comparing
the implied fair value of goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the
carrying amount of the reporting unit goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of goodwill,
an impairment loss is recognized as an operating expense.
F-15
ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of U.S. Dollars, except share data)
4. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(continued)
Goodwill (contd)
Goodwill primarily resulted from a business combination. The Company adopted ASC 350,
"
Intangibles-Goodwill and Other, effective January 1, 2002. Under ASC 350, goodwill is no
longer amortized but is subject to periodic impairment tests. ASC 350 defines a reporting
unit as an operating segment or one level below an operating segment (referred to as a
component). A component of an operating segment is a reporting unit if the component
constitutes a business for which discrete financial information is available and segment
management regularly reviews the operating results of that component. Upon adoption of ASC
350, the Company allocated the entire amount of goodwill to the manufactured products
segment.
In accordance with ASC 350, the Company reviews goodwill for impairment on an annual basis
(December 31) or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the carrying
values may not be recoverable. Based on the Companys assessment conducted as of December
31, 2007, 2008 and 2009, no impairment was indicated. Total goodwill was $8,801, $8,801 and
$8,801 as of December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively.
Investments
Management determines the appropriate classification of its investment at the time of
purchase and re-evaluates such designation as of each balance sheet date.
The Company accounts for its long-term investments that represent less than 20 percent
ownership using ASC 320, Investments Debt and Equity Securities (ASC 320). Equity
securities are classified as available-for-sale, as the Company does not trade in these
securities, but rather they are held as longer term investments due to business
relationships with the entities. Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value,
with the unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported in a separate component of
shareholders equity. Realized gains and losses and declines in values judged to be
other-than-temporary on available-for-sale securities are included in investment income.
The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method. Interest and
dividends on securities classified as available-for-sale are included in investment income.
Investments in which the Company does not have a controlling interest or an ownership voting
interest to exert significant influence, and which are not publicly traded are accounted for
at cost.
A judgmental aspect of accounting for investments (including investments in equity
investees) involves determining whether an other-than-temporary decline in value of the
investment has been sustained. If it has been determined that an investment has sustained
an other-than-temporary decline in its value, the investment is written down to its fair
value, by a charge to earnings. Such evaluation is dependent on the specific facts and
circumstances. Factors that are considered by the Company in determining whether an
other-than-temporary decline in value has occurred include: the market value of the security
in relation to its cost basis; the financial condition of the investee; and the intent and
ability to retain the investment for a sufficient period of time to allow for recovery in
the market value of the investment.
In 2007, 2008 and 2009, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $117, $nil and $nil,
respectively, related to investment in certain equity investees.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company accounts for impairment of long-lived assets in accordance with ASC 360,
Property, Plant and Equipment. Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever
events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be
recoverable. In such instances, the Company estimates the undiscounted future cash flows
that result from the use of the asset and its ultimate disposition. If the sum of the
undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying value, the Company recognizes an
impairment loss, measured as the amount by which the
F-16
ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of U.S. Dollars, except share data)
4. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(continued)
carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset, determined principally using discounted
cash flows.
In 2009, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $77 related to the
impairment of factory in Thailand (included in the manufactured products segment) that
is not being used for operation. The impairment charge was recorded to reduce the
carrying value of the identified assets to fair values. Fair values were derived using
a variety of methodologies, including cash flow analysis, estimates of sales proceeds
and independent appraisals. Where cash flow analyses were used to estimate fair values,
key assumptions employed, included estimates of future growth, estimates of gross
margins and estimates of the impact of inflation. The charges were primarily the result
of managements revised outlook due to the prolonged unfavorable market conditions.
Trade Account Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Trade accounts receivable are stated at face value less any allowances for doubtful
accounts. The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses
resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. Management
considers the following factors when determining the collectability of specific customer
accounts: customer credit-worthiness, customer financial condition, past transaction history
with the customer, current economic industry trends, and changes in customer payment terms.
Revenue Recognition
Sales represents the invoiced value of goods sold, net of value added tax and returns,
commission income earned on distribution activities, and service fee income on installation
activities. Revenue is recognized to the extent that it is probable that the economic
benefits will flow to the Company and the revenue can be reliably measured. The following
specific recognition criteria must also be met before revenue is recognized.
Sales of goods and distribution activities
The Company recognizes revenue from the sale of goods and distribution activities upon
passage of title to the customer that coincides with their delivery and acceptance. This
method of revenue recognition is in accordance with ASC 605-15, Revenue
Recognition-Products.
The Company classifies shipping and handling costs incurred within cost of sales.
Installation activities
The Company recognizes revenue from installation activities using the
percentage-of-completion method, based on the customer certification of the distance of
cable laid with respect to the estimated total contract revenue, and in accordance with ASC
605-35, Revenue Recognition-Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts.
When elements such as installation and sale of cables are contained in a single arrangement,
or in related arrangements with the same customer, the Company allocates revenue to each
element based on its relative fair value in accordance with ASC 605-25, Revenue
Recognition-Multiple-Element Arrangements. The allocation of the fair value to the
delivered elements is limited to the amount that is not contingent on future delivery of
services or subject to customer-specified return or refund privileges.
F-17
ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of U.S. Dollars, except share data)
4. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(continued)
Product Warranties
The Company provides for the estimated cost of product warranties based on the warranty
policy and historical experience, and accrues for specific items at the time their existence
is known and the amounts are determinable. Historical warranty liability and related costs
have not been significant to the Companys operations.
Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions
The functional currency of the Companys international subsidiaries is generally
the local currency or U.S. Dollars. For these subsidiaries, the Company translates the
assets and liabilities at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and income
and expense accounts at average exchange rates during the year. Resulting currency
translation adjustments are recorded directly to accumulated other comprehensive income
within stockholders equity. Gains and losses resulting from transactions in
non-functional currencies are recorded in the consolidated statement of operations.
Foreign currency transactions are recorded at the applicable rates of exchange in effect at
the transaction dates. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign
currencies at the balance sheet date are translated at the applicable rates of exchange
in effect at that date. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are
recorded in the consolidated statement of operations.
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
The Companys subsidiaries use forward foreign exchange contracts to reduce their exposure
to foreign currency risk for liabilities denominated in foreign currency. A forward foreign
exchange contract obligates the Company to exchange predetermined amounts of specified
foreign currencies at specified exchange rates on specified dates or to make an equivalent
U.S. dollar payment equal to the value of such exchange. Realized and unrealized gains and
losses on foreign exchange contracts are included as foreign exchange gains or losses in the
consolidated statement of operations.
The Company recognizes derivative financial instruments in the consolidated financial
statements at fair value regardless of the purposes or intent for holding the instrument.
Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments are either recognized
periodically in income or in shareholders equity as a component of comprehensive income
depending on whether the derivative financial instruments qualify for hedge accounting, and if so, whether they qualify as a fair value or
cash flow hedge.
Generally, changes in fair values of derivatives accounted for as fair value hedges are
recorded in income along with the portions of the changes in the fair value of the
hedged items that relate to the hedged risks. Changes in fair value of derivatives
accounted for as cash flow hedges, to the extent they are effective as hedges, are
recorded in other comprehensive income net of deferred taxes. Changes in fair value of
derivatives used as hedges of the net investment in foreign operations are reported in
other comprehensive income as part of the cumulative translation adjustment. Changes in
fair values of derivatives not qualifying as hedges are reported in income.
As of December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009, the Company has entered into forward exchange sale
contracts with notional values of $12,674, $3,500 and $nil, respectively. As of December 31,
2008, the Company has entered into forward exchange purchase contracts of $15,458. The
forward exchange contracts matured in January, February, March and May 2009. There were no
outstanding foreign forward exchange contracts as of December 31, 2009. The Company records
these contracts at fair value with the related gains and losses in statement of operations.
F-18
ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of U.S. Dollars, except share data)
4. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(continued)
Earnings (Loss) Per Share
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share are calculated in accordance with ASC 260,
Earnings Per Share. There are no dilutive equity instruments.
Fair Value Measurements
Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted the provisions of ASC 820, Fair Value
Measurements and Disclosures for financial assets and liabilities. Under ASC 820,
fair value is defined as the price that would have been received to sell an asset or
paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the exit price) in an orderly transaction between
market participants at the measurement date.
In determining fair value, the Company uses various valuation approaches. ASC 820
establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use
of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the
most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market
participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data
obtained from sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs are inputs that
reflect the Companys assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use
in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in
the circumstances. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the
observability of inputs as follows:
|
|
|
|
Level 1 Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical
assets that the Company has the ability to access. Valuation adjustments and block
discounts are not applied to Level 1 instruments. Since valuations are based on quoted
prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market, valuation of these
products does not entail a significant degree of judgment.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Level 2 Valuations based on one or more quoted prices in markets that are
not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or
indirectly.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Level 3 Valuations based on unobservable inputs which are supported by
little or no market activity and significant to the overall fair value measurement.
|
Fair Value Measurements (contd)
The availability of observable inputs can vary from investment to investment and is
affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of investment,
the liquidity of markets and other characteristics particular to the transaction. To
the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or
unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment and
the investments are categorizes as Level 3.
The carrying amounts of financial instruments carried at cost, including cash and
cash equivalents, bank deposits, trade receivables, other current assets, trade
payables, related party balances and other liabilities approximate their fair value due
to the short-term maturities of such instruments.
F-19
ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of U.S. Dollars, except share data)
4. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(continued)
Recent Pronouncements
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Accounting Standards
Codification (ASC) effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods
ending after September 15, 2009. The ASC is an aggregation of previously issued
authoritative U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in one comprehensive set
of guidance organized by subject area. In accordance with the ASC, references to previously
issued accounting standards have been replaced by ASC references. Subsequent revisions to
GAAP will be incorporated into the ASC through Accounting Standards Updates (ASU).
In December 2007, FASB issued ASC 805, Business Combinations, which expands on the
required disclosures better defines the acquirer and the acquisition date in a business
combination, and establishes principles for recognizing and measuring the assets acquired
(including goodwill), the liabilities assumed and any non-controlling interests in the
acquired business. FASB ASC 805 also requires an acquirer to record an adjustment to income
tax expense for changes in valuation allowances or uncertain tax positions related to
acquired businesses. FASB ASC 805 is effective for all business combinations with an
acquisition date in the first annual period following December 15, 2008; early adoption is
not permitted. The Company adopted this statement as of January 1, 2009 and the adoption has
had no impact to the consolidated financial statements.
In December 2007, the FASB amended ASC 810, Consolidation. This amendment establishes
accounting and reporting standards for the non-controlling interest in a subsidiary and for
the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. It clarifies that a non-controlling interest in a
subsidiary is an ownership interest in the consolidated entity that should be reported as
equity in the consolidated financial statements. This amendment is effective for fiscal
years beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The adoption of this amendment did not have a
material impact on the Companys consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
In February 2008, the FASB amended ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, which
deferred the effective date of ASC 820 for one year for certain non-financial assets and
non-financial liabilities. The Company adopted this statement as of January 1, 2009 and the
adoption has had no impact on the Companys financial position and results of operations.
In March 2008, the FASB amended ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, which requires
additional disclosures about the objectives of the derivative instruments and hedging
activities, the method of accounting for such instruments under ASC 815 and its related
interpretations, and a tabular disclosure of the effects of such instruments and related
hedged items on our financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. This
amendment will be effective for the Company in fiscal year 2010. The Company is currently assessing the potential impact that adoption of this
amendment may have on its financial statements.
In April 2008, the FASB amended ASC 350,
Intangibles-Goodwill and Other, , the factors
that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine
the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under ASC 350. The intent of this
amendment is to improve the consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible
asset under ASC 350 and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of
the asset under ASC 805, Business Combinations, and other U.S. GAAP. This amendment will
be effective for the Company for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim
periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is prohibited. The adoption of this
amendment did not have a material impact on the Companys consolidated results of operations
and financial condition.
F-20
ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of U.S. Dollars, except share data)
4. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(continued)
Recent Pronouncements (contd)
In September 2008, the FASB amended ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, which
requires disclosures by sellers of credit derivatives, including credit derivatives
embedded in a hybrid instrument. This amendment requires an additional disclosure about
the current status of the payment/performance risk of a guarantee. This amendment
applies to credit derivatives within the scope of ASC 815, hybrid instruments that have
embedded credit derivatives, and guarantees within the scope of ASC 460, Guarantees.
This amendment also pertains to hybrid instruments that have embedded credit
derivatives (for example, credit-linked notes). The provisions of this amendment is
effective for reporting periods (annual or interim) ending after November 15, 2008.
This amendment encourages early adoption to facilitate comparisons at initial adoption.
In periods after initial adoption, this amendment requires comparative disclosures only
for periods ending subsequent to initial adoption. The adoption of this amendment did
not have a material impact on the Companys consolidated results of operations and
financial condition.
In October 2008, the FASB amended ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and
Disclosures, which clarifies the application of ASC 820in a market that is not active
and provides an example to illustrate key considerations in determining the fair value
of a financial asset when the market for that asset is not active. This amendment
applies to financial assets within the scope of accounting pronouncements that require
or permit fair value measurements in accordance with ASC 820. The amendment is
effective upon issuance, including prior periods for which financial statements have
not been issued. Revisions resulting from a change in the valuation technique or its
application shall be accounted for as a change in accounting estimate in accordance
with ASC 250, Accounting Changes and Errors Correction. The disclosure provisions
of ASC 250 for a change in accounting estimate are not required for revisions resulting
from a change in valuation technique or its application. The application of this
amendment did not have a material effect on the Companys consolidated financial
statements.
In November 2008, the FASB amended ASC 323, Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures ,
to clarify the accounting for certain transactions and impairment considerations involving
equity method investments. The FASB and the IASB concluded a joint effort in converging the
accounting for business combinations as well as the accounting and reporting for
non-controlling interests culminating in the issuance of certain provision of ASC 805. The
objective of that joint effort was not to reconsider the accounting for equity method
investments; however, the application of the equity method is affected by the accounting for
business combinations and the accounting for consolidated subsidiaries, which were affected
by the issuance of certain provisions of ASC 805. The amendment is effective for fiscal
years beginning on or after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal
years, consistent with the effective dates of certain provision of ASC 805. This amendment
shall be applied prospectively. Earlier application by an entity that has previously
adopted an alternative accounting policy is not permitted. The adoption of this amendment
did not have a material effect on the Companys consolidated financial statements.
In April 2009, the FASB amended ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, in
which, if an entity determines that the level of activity for an asset or liability has
significantly decreased and that a transaction is not orderly, further analysis of
transactions or quoted prices is needed, and a significant adjustment to the transaction or
quoted prices may be necessary to estimate fair value in accordance with FASB ASC 820. The
Company adopted this amendment and there was no material impact on the financial position,
results of operations or cash flows.
In May 2009, the FASB issued ASC 855, Subsequent Events. This Standard sets forth:
1) the period after the balance sheet date during which management of a reporting entity
should evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or
disclosure in the financial statements; 2) the circumstances under which an entity should
recognize events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial
statements; and 3) the disclosures that an entity should make about events or transactions
that occurred after the balance sheet date. This Statement is effective for interim and
annual periods ending after June 15, 2009. The Company adopted this statement and there was
no impact on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
F-21
ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of U.S. Dollars, except share data)
4. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(continued)
Recent Pronouncements (contd)
In June 2009, the FASB issued the Update No. 2009-01-Topic 105-Generally Accepted Accounting
Principles-amendments based on-Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 168-The FASB
Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting
Principles. The FASB Accounting Standards Codification will become the source of
authoritative U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) recognized by the FASB to
be applied by nongovernmental entities. Rules and interpretive releases of the Securities
and Exchange Commission (SEC) under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of
authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. On the effective date of this Statement, the
Codification will supersede all then-existing non-SEC accounting and reporting standards.
All other non-grandfathered non-SEC accounting literature not included in the Codification
will become non-authoritative. This Statement is effective for financial statements issued
for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. The Company has adopted and
updated the accounting standards reference started in Form 20-F for the year ended December
31, 2009.
In August 2009, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2009-05, Measuring
Liabilities at Fair Value (ASU 2009-05) (codified within ASC 820 Fair Value Measurements
and Disclosures). ASU 2009-05 amends the fair value and measurement topic to provide
guidance on the fair value measurement of liabilities. ASU 2009-05 is effective for interim
and annual periods beginning after August 26, 2009. The adoption of the amendments to the
FASB Accounting Standards Codification resulting from ASU 2009-05 did not have a material
impact on the Companys consolidated financial statements.
In October 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-13, Multiple Deliverable Revenue Arrangements
a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force (ASU 2009-13) (codified within ASC
Topic 605 Revenue Recognition). ASU 2009-13 addresses the accounting for
multiple-deliverable arrangements to enable vendors to account for products or services
(deliverables) separately rather than as a combined unit. ASU 2009-13 is effective
prospectively for revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified in fiscal years
beginning on or after June 15, 2010, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently
evaluating the impact that the adoption of the amendments to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification resulting from ASU 2009-13 may have on the
Companys consolidated financial statements.
In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-06, Improving Disclosures about Fair Value
Measurements (ASU 2010-06) (codified within ASC 820 Fair Value Measurements and
Disclosures). ASU 2010-06 improves disclosures originally required under ASC 820. ASU
2010-06 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2009,
except for the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in the roll
forward of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements. Those disclosures are effective for
fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010, and for interim periods within those years.
The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of the amendments to the
FASB Accounting Standards Codification resulting from ASU 2010-06 may have on the Companys
consolidated financial statements.
F-22
ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of U.S. Dollars, except share data)
5. SHORT-TERM BANK DEPOSITS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31
|
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
Unrestricted short-term bank deposits
|
|
$
|
7,756
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
Restricted short-term bank deposits
|
|
|
15,033
|
|
|
|
13,145
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
22,789
|
|
|
$
|
13,145
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrestricted short-term bank deposits represent bank deposits which do not qualify as cash
equivalents. Restricted short-term bank deposits represent the amounts of cash pledged
by four subsidiaries to secure credit facilities granted by financial institutions.
These bank deposits bear interest rates ranging from 0.325% to 4.6% and 0.15% to
1.98% per annum for the year 2008 and 2009, respectively.
6. INVESTMENTS
As at December 31, 2008 and 2009, the Company held available-for-sale securities issued by a
minority shareholder of two of the Operating Subsidiaries.
The following is a summary of these available-for-sale securities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Available-for-sale securities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross
|
|
|
Gross
|
|
|
Estimated
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized
|
|
|
Unrealized
|
|
|
Fair
|
|
|
|
|
Cost
|
|
|
Gains
|
|
|
Losses
|
|
|
Value
|
|
|
December 31, 2008
Quoted equity securities
|
|
$
|
392
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
(324
|
)
|
|
$
|
68
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2009
Quoted equity securities
|
|
$
|
413
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
(307
|
)
|
|
$
|
106
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The security above represents investment in TT&T Public Company Limited (TT&T), which has
been in a continuous unrealized loss position for more than 12 months. TT&T is listed on
the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Its principal activity is the operation of a provincial
telephone network throughout Thailand and services include, fixed line telephone, pay
phone, data communication and distribution of telephone equipment.
F-23
ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of U.S. Dollars, except share data)
6. INVESTMENTS
(continued)
A summary of the carrying values and balance sheet classification of all
investments in equity securities and available-for-sale securities disclosed above was
as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31
|
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
Available-for-sale securities
|
|
$
|
68
|
|
|
$
|
106
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Short-term investments
|
|
|
68
|
|
|
|
106
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity securities in privately-held companies and
other investments
|
|
|
544
|
|
|
|
580
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term investments
|
|
|
544
|
|
|
|
580
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total investments
|
|
$
|
612
|
|
|
$
|
686
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There were realized gains of $28, $nil and $nil on disposal of available-for-sale
securities in 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively. The disposal of available-for-sale
securities was for a consideration of $65, $14 and $nil in 2007, 2008 and 2009,
respectively. The net adjustment to unrealized holding losses on available-for-sale
securities included as a separate component of shareholders equity, net of income tax
(expense) benefit of $(6), $(46) and $15 in 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively.
The long-term investments in non-marketable securities are valued at cost net of allowance for
impairment (if any). The long-term investment consists of the investment in a privately owned
Thai company which is engaged in the fabrication of copper rods. There is no impairment
recognized in 2008 and 2009 because there is no event or change in circumstances that may have
had a significant adverse effect on the fair value of the investment. See Note 13 Financial
Instruments.
7. BANK LOANS AND OVERDRAFTS
Under line of credit arrangements for short-term debt with the Companys bankers, the
Company may borrow up to approximately $279,863 (2008: $248,749) on such terms as the
Company and the banks may mutually agree upon. These arrangements do not have termination
dates but are reviewed annually for renewal. As of December 31, 2009, the unused portion of
the credit lines was approximately $211,244 (2008: $140,756), which included unused letters
of credit amounting to $141,235 (2008: $93,499). Letters of credit are issued by the Company
in the ordinary course of business through major financial institutions as required by
certain vendor contracts. As of December 31, 2009, the Company had open letters of credit
totaling $30,870 (2008: $57,976). Liabilities relating to the letters of credit are included
in current liabilities.
The credit lines of the Company were collateralized by:
|
|
(i)
|
|
Mortgage of the Companys land, buildings, machinery and equipment with a total
carrying amount of $24,913 at December 31, 2009 (2008: $40,246);
|
F-24
ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of U.S. Dollars, except share data)
7. BANK LOANS AND OVERDRAFTS
(continued)
|
|
(ii)
|
|
Pledge of short-term deposits of $13,145 at December 31, 2009 (2008: $15,033);
|
|
|
|
|
(iii)
|
|
Joint and several personal guarantees from certain directors of a subsidiary
of the Company; and
|
|
|
|
|
(vi)
|
|
Corporate guarantees issued by the Company, a subsidiary of the Company and the
holding company.
|
The weighted average interest rates on bank loans and overdrafts as of December 31, 2007,
2008 and 2009 were 6.1%, 5.3% and 4.4% per annum, respectively.
8. DISTRIBUTION OF EARNINGS
The Companys ability to pay dividends is primarily dependent on the Company receiving
distributions from the Operating Subsidiaries and the equity investee companies.
As described in Note 2 Basis of Presentation, the earnings reflected in the financial
statements prepared in accordance with US GAAP differ from those reflected in the statutory
financial statements of the Companys subsidiaries and equity investee companies. In
accordance with the relevant laws and regulations applicable to the Companys subsidiaries and
equity investee companies, the earnings available for distribution are based on their
respective statutory financial statements. At December 31, 2008, the amount of the Companys
retained earnings available for distribution was approximately $14,709 and the consolidated
retained earnings of the Company investee companies, which included $(3,084), $(734), $586 and
$(175) of the accumulated (losses) profits of Lox Pac, SPHC, SPRC and Shandong Huayu,
respectively. At December 31, 2009, the amount of the Companys retained earnings available
for distribution was approximately $24,814 and the consolidated retained earnings included
$(3,084), $(734), $571 and $(200) of the accumulated (losses) profits of Lox Pac, SPHC, SPRC
and Shandong Huayu, respectively.
F-25
ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of U.S. Dollars, except share data)
9. VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at
|
|
|
Net charge (credit)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Currency translation
|
|
|
Balance at end of
|
|
|
Description
|
|
beginning of year
|
|
|
to income
|
|
|
Deduction
|
|
|
adjustment
|
|
|
year
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, 2007:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allowance for doubtful accounts
|
|
$
|
9,290
|
|
|
$
|
3,295
|
|
|
$
|
(2,172
|
)
|
|
$
|
1,072
|
|
|
$
|
11,485
|
|
|
Allowance for inventories
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Net realizable value
|
|
|
3,508
|
|
|
|
(363
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
102
|
|
|
|
3,247
|
|
|
- Obsolescence
|
|
|
2,484
|
|
|
|
(909
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
200
|
|
|
|
1,775
|
|
|
Allowance for deferred tax assets
|
|
|
4,341
|
|
|
|
(3,158
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
302
|
|
|
|
1,485
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
19,623
|
|
|
$
|
(1,135
|
)
|
|
$
|
(2,172
|
)
|
|
$
|
1,676
|
|
|
$
|
17,992
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, 2008:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allowance for doubtful accounts
|
|
$
|
11,485
|
|
|
$
|
12
|
|
|
$
|
(1,031
|
)
|
|
$
|
(822
|
)
|
|
$
|
9,644
|
|
|
Allowance for inventories
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Net realizable value
|
|
|
3,247
|
|
|
|
25,144
|
|
|
|
(142
|
)
|
|
|
(1,967
|
)
|
|
|
26,282
|
|
|
- Obsolescence
|
|
|
1,775
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
(1,164
|
)
|
|
|
(179
|
)
|
|
|
433
|
|
|
Allowance for deferred tax assets
|
|
|
1,485
|
|
|
|
5,227
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(29
|
)
|
|
|
6,683
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
17,992
|
|
|
$
|
30,384
|
|
|
$
|
(2,337
|
)
|
|
$
|
(2,997
|
)
|
|
$
|
43,042
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, 2009:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allowance for doubtful accounts
|
|
$
|
9,644
|
|
|
$
|
(860
|
)
|
|
$
|
(326
|
)
|
|
$
|
236
|
|
|
$
|
8,694
|
|
|
Allowance for inventories
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Net realizable value
|
|
|
26,282
|
|
|
|
(24,268
|
)
|
|
|
42
|
|
|
|
1,158
|
|
|
|
3,214
|
|
|
- Obsolescence
|
|
|
433
|
|
|
|
319
|
|
|
|
(6
|
)
|
|
|
35
|
|
|
|
781
|
|
|
Allowance for deferred tax assets
|
|
|
6,683
|
|
|
|
(4,781
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
587
|
|
|
|
2,489
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
43,042
|
|
|
$
|
(29,590
|
)
|
|
$
|
(290
|
)
|
|
$
|
2,016
|
|
|
$
|
15,178
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
During 2008, the decreases in commodity prices, including that of copper, resulted in a
write-down of the carrying cost of the Companys inventory as of December 31, 2008. Copper
prices on the London Metal Exchange (the LME) fell from an average monthly high of
$8,685 per metric ton in April 2008 to only $3,072 per metric ton in December 2008. In
addition, sales towards the end of 2008 decreased due to the worldwide economic slowdown,
which resulted in a higher inventory level at year end. The decline in commodity prices and
our high inventory levels at December 31, 2008 resulted in an allowance of $25,144 for
inventory write-down to net realizable value, which was included in the cost of sales in 2008.
The allowance for inventory write-down to net realizable value is based on the Companys best
estimates of product sales prices and customer demands. During 2009, the copper prices on the
LME have gradually risen from $3,220 in January 2009 to $6,981 in December 2009.
F-26
ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of U.S. Dollars, except share data)
10. INCOME TAXES
Under current Bermuda law, the Company is not subject to tax on income
or capital gains, nor is withholding tax of Bermuda imposed upon payments
of dividends by the Company to its shareholders.
The Companys investments in the Operating Subsidiaries are held through subsidiaries
incorporated in the British Virgin Islands (BVI). Under current BVI law, dividends from the
BVI subsidiaries investments are not subject to income taxes and no withholding tax is
imposed on payments of dividends by the BVI subsidiaries to the Company.
The Operating Subsidiaries and equity investees are governed by the income tax laws of
Singapore, Thailand, Australia, the Peoples Republic of China and Myanmar. The corporate
income tax rate in Singapore was 18%, 18% and 17% for 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively, and
there is no withholding tax on dividends applicable to the Company. For Thailand, the
corporate income tax rate was 30% for each of the three years ended December 31, 2009 and a
withholding tax of 10% is levied on dividends received by the Company. In Australia, the
corporate income tax rate was 30% for 2007/2008, 2008/2009 and 2009/2010 tax years. The
applicable corporate income tax rate for the subsidiaries in the Peoples Republic of China
was 33% for 2007, and 25% for 2008 and 2009. The corporate income tax rate for Myanmar was 30%
for 2007/2008, 2008/2009 and 2009/2010 tax years.
Pursuant to the Corporate Income Tax Law (the CIT Law) of the PRC that came into effect on
January 1, 2008, all the enterprises generally are subject to corporate income tax at an
effective rate of 25% on income as reported in their statutory accounts (2007: 33%). An
enterprise located in specially-designated regions or cities and eligible for the
preferential policy in the form of a reduced tax rate shall have five years from the time
when the CIT Law takes effect to transition progressively to the legally prescribed tax
rate. During this period, an enterprise that enjoyed the 15% corporate income tax rate shall
be subject to the 18% tax rate for the year 2008, 20% for the year 2009, 22% for the year
2010, 24% for the year 2011, and 25% for the year 2012.
PEWS is located in Shenzhen, which is a region where preferential tax rates apply and
currently qualifies for a reduced rate of taxation of 15%, 18%, and 20% for the years 2007,
2008, and 2009, respectively. PEWS qualified for a further reduced rate of 10% if export
revenues exceed 70% of its total revenues for 2007. PEWS is the only subsidiary of the
Company in the PRC that qualifies for the preferential tax rates under the CIT Law.
F-27
ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of U.S. Dollars, except share data)
10. INCOME TAXES
(continued)
Pre-tax income (loss) from continuing operations was taxed in the following jurisdictions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
Thailand
|
|
$
|
7,973
|
|
|
$
|
(14,453
|
)
|
|
$
|
10,921
|
|
|
Singapore
|
|
|
1,230
|
|
|
|
(712
|
)
|
|
|
3,149
|
|
|
Australia
|
|
|
6,255
|
|
|
|
2,731
|
|
|
|
3,020
|
|
|
The Peoples Republic of China
|
|
|
2,723
|
|
|
|
(5,293
|
)
|
|
|
4,840
|
|
|
Others
|
|
|
(5,145
|
)
|
|
|
(2,199
|
)
|
|
|
(2,318
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,036
|
|
|
|
(19,926
|
)
|
|
|
19,612
|
|
|
Equity investees
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thailand
|
|
|
(6
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Peoples Republic of China
|
|
|
130
|
|
|
|
(142
|
)
|
|
|
(40
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
124
|
|
|
|
(142
|
)
|
|
|
(40
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
13,160
|
|
|
$
|
(20,068
|
)
|
|
$
|
19,572
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Significant components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
Allocated to net income (loss)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thailand
|
|
$
|
5,701
|
|
|
$
|
1,514
|
|
|
$
|
813
|
|
|
Singapore
|
|
|
194
|
|
|
|
132
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Peoples Republic of China
|
|
|
662
|
|
|
|
(679
|
)
|
|
|
1,511
|
|
|
Australia
|
|
|
1,710
|
|
|
|
1,310
|
|
|
|
680
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current
|
|
|
8,267
|
|
|
|
2,277
|
|
|
|
3,004
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thailand
|
|
|
(2,128
|
)
|
|
|
(865
|
)
|
|
|
1,723
|
|
|
Singapore
|
|
|
(3
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
100
|
|
|
The Peoples Republic of China
|
|
|
(56
|
)
|
|
|
1,135
|
|
|
|
389
|
|
|
Australia
|
|
|
218
|
|
|
|
(415
|
)
|
|
|
128
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total deferred
|
|
|
(1,969
|
)
|
|
|
(145
|
)
|
|
|
2,340
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
6,298
|
|
|
$
|
2,132
|
|
|
$
|
5,344
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allocated to other comprehensive loss
|
|
$
|
(6
|
)
|
|
$
|
(27
|
)
|
|
$
|
18
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-28
ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of U.S. Dollars, except share data)
10. INCOME TAXES
(continued)
At December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009, the Operating Subsidiaries had net operating
loss carry forwards of approximately $5,970, $16,643 and $34,750, respectively. The
remaining net operating losses can be carried forward, subject to any condition to be
met under the relevant tax laws of the respective jurisdictions. The utilization of
these net operating loss carry forwards is subject to agreement by the income tax
authorities in the respective jurisdictions.
The parent companys tax is filed in Bermuda, which does not have a statutory tax
rate. Therefore the provision for income taxes differs based on the taxes incurred by
the Operating Subsidiaries, in their respective jurisdiction. The principal reasons for
the differences are listed in the following table:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
Income tax (benefit) at statutory tax rate in:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thailand
|
|
$
|
1,966
|
|
|
$
|
(3,887
|
)
|
|
$
|
3,238
|
|
|
Singapore
|
|
|
634
|
|
|
|
(128
|
)
|
|
|
562
|
|
|
Australia
|
|
|
1,899
|
|
|
|
830
|
|
|
|
915
|
|
|
Peoples Republic of China
|
|
|
305
|
|
|
|
(763
|
)
|
|
|
1,520
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,804
|
|
|
|
(3,948
|
)
|
|
|
6,235
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes
|
|
|
4,163
|
|
|
|
894
|
|
|
|
2,385
|
|
|
Changes in valuation allowance
|
|
|
(2,856
|
)
|
|
|
5,198
|
|
|
|
(4,194
|
)
|
|
Deferred tax liability arising from
undistributed earnings under APB 23
(codified in ASC 740)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
402
|
|
|
Others
|
|
|
187
|
|
|
|
(12
|
)
|
|
|
516
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total charge for the year
|
|
$
|
6,298
|
|
|
$
|
2,132
|
|
|
$
|
5,344
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax liabilities and assets comprised the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31
|
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
Deferred tax liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax over book depreciation
|
|
$
|
(275
|
)
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
Book over tax basis in subsidiaries
|
|
|
(1,022
|
)
|
|
|
(1,007
|
)
|
|
Undistributed earnings under APB 23 (codified in ASC 740)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(402
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total deferred tax liabilities
|
|
|
(1,297
|
)
|
|
|
(1,409
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unused tax losses and unused tax credits
|
|
|
837
|
|
|
|
2,024
|
|
|
Allowance for doubtful accounts
|
|
|
2,540
|
|
|
|
2,353
|
|
|
Allowance for inventories
|
|
|
7,365
|
|
|
|
1,109
|
|
|
Allowance for impairment in investment
|
|
|
540
|
|
|
|
523
|
|
|
Others
|
|
|
97
|
|
|
|
92
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total deferred tax assets
|
|
|
11,379
|
|
|
|
6,101
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets (note 9)
|
|
|
(6,683
|
)
|
|
|
(2,489
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total deferred tax assets
|
|
|
4,696
|
|
|
|
3,612
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net deferred tax assets
|
|
$
|
3,399
|
|
|
$
|
2,203
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-29
ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of U.S. Dollars, except share data)
10. INCOME TAXES
(continued)
The amount of deferred tax liabilities and assets at December 31, 2008 and 2009 were as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
Gross current deferred tax liabilities
|
|
$
|
(72
|
)
|
|
$
|
(57
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross current deferred tax assets
|
|
|
10,092
|
|
|
|
3,720
|
|
|
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets
|
|
|
(7,028
|
)
|
|
|
(1,068
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,063
|
|
|
|
2,652
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net current deferred tax assets
|
|
|
2,991
|
|
|
|
2,595
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross non-current deferred tax liabilities
|
|
|
(1,225
|
)
|
|
|
(1,352
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross non-current deferred tax assets
|
|
|
1,633
|
|
|
|
2,381
|
|
|
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,421
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,632
|
|
|
|
960
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net non-current deferred tax assets
|
|
|
408
|
|
|
|
(392
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net deferred tax assets
|
|
$
|
3,399
|
|
|
$
|
2,203
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The deferred tax liabilities and assets are presented in the accompanying consolidated
balance sheets as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
Current
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax assets
|
|
$
|
3,064
|
|
|
$
|
2,595
|
|
|
Deferred tax liabilities
|
|
|
(65
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current
|
|
|
2,999
|
|
|
|
2,595
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-current
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax assets
|
|
|
1,182
|
|
|
|
613
|
|
|
Deferred tax liabilities
|
|
|
(782
|
)
|
|
|
(1,005
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total non-current
|
|
|
400
|
|
|
|
(392
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net deferred tax assets
|
|
$
|
3,399
|
|
|
$
|
2,203
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Undistributed earnings of the Companys foreign subsidiaries included in the Companys
retained earnings amounted to approximately $31,839, $18,337 and $28,468 as of December 31,
2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively. Upon distribution of those earnings in the form of
dividends or otherwise, the Company would be subject to withholding taxes payable to the
respective foreign countries. Except for earnings relating to the subsidiaries in Thailand
and China, the Company has no intention of distributing the earnings that are subject to
withholding taxes. Withholding taxes of approximately $304 and corporate income tax
approximately $98 would be payable upon remittance
of all previously unremitted earnings of the two subsidiaries, to the extent allowed by the
subsidiarys articles of association, as of December 31, 2009.
F-30
ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of U.S. Dollars, except share data)
10. INCOME TAXES
(continued)
The management estimated and accrued a tax provision in the amount of $nil and $71 during
2008 and 2009 as the Company determined that it is more-likely-than-not that income derived
from certain activities may be subject to taxes in offshore locations that have a higher tax
rate. The accrued tax provisions were recorded in income tax liabilities.
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the
carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts
used for income tax purposes. The Company had deferred tax assets totaling approximately
$11,379 and $6,101 at December 31, 2008 and 2009, respectively. However, realization of all
of these deferred assets is not reasonably assured; therefore, they were reserved by a
valuation allowance of $6,683 and $2,489 at December 31, 2008 and 2009, respectively.
The net change in valuation allowance for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009
was an increase (decrease) of approximately $(2,856), $5,198 and $(4,194) respectively,
resulting primarily from net operating (gains) losses generated during the respective years.
In 2007, the Company adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB)
Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes-an
interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109. (codified within FASB Accounting Standards
Codification 740, Income Taxes). These provisions contain a two-step approach to
recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions. The first step is to evaluate the tax
position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates it is
more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of
related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step is to measure the tax
benefit as the largest amount, which is more than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate
settlement. The Company considers many factors when evaluating and estimating its tax
positions and tax benefits, which may require periodic adjustments and which may not
accurately anticipate actual outcomes.
The Company adopted these provisions on January 1, 2007. The total amount of unrecognized tax
benefits as of the date of adoption was $220. This amount does not include the unrecognized tax benefits of CCH (HK) as it has been
accounted for in the CCH (HK)s accounts and thus already included in the Companys
consolidated financial statements.
The Companys practice is to recognize interest
and/or penalties related to income tax matters as a component of income tax expenses. Upon
adoption these provisions on January 1, 2007, the Company recognized $1,774 of interest and
penalties. As a result of the implementation of these provisions on January 1, 2007, the
Company recognized a reduction to retained earnings of $1,889. As a result of the
implementation of these provisions, the Company recognized a $105 decrease in deferred tax
assets and a corresponding decrease in the valuation allowance. As of January 1, 2007, the
amount of unrecognized tax benefits included in the balance sheet that would, if recognized,
affect the effective tax rate is $115.
As of December 31, 2008 and 2009, the Company is subject to taxation in The Peoples Republic
of China, Hong Kong, Australia, Thailand, and Singapore. The Companys tax years for 1999 and
forward are subject to examination by the tax authorities in the jurisdictions where the
Company is subject to taxation.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits is as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
Change in Uncertain Tax Positions
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
Balance at January 1
|
|
$
|
475
|
|
|
$
|
422
|
|
|
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additions for tax positions of prior years
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Settlements
|
|
|
(58
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31
|
|
$
|
422
|
|
|
$
|
422
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-31
ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of U.S. Dollars, except share data)
10. INCOME TAXES
(continued)
The balance of unrecognized tax benefits, the amount of related interest and penalties the
Company have provided in the next 12 months, were:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
Unrecognized tax benefits
|
|
$
|
422
|
|
|
$
|
422
|
|
|
Less: valuation allowance
|
|
|
(346
|
)
|
|
|
(346
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
If recognized, affect the effective tax rate
|
|
$
|
76
|
|
|
$
|
76
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued interest on unrecognized tax benefits
|
|
$
|
1,661
|
|
|
$
|
1,806
|
|
|
Accrued penalties on unrecognized tax benefits
|
|
|
879
|
|
|
|
1,299
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized
tax benefits
|
|
$
|
2,540
|
|
|
$
|
3,105
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2008 and 2009, the amount of unrecognized tax benefits included in the
balance sheet that would, if recognized, affect the effective tax rate is $76 and $76, respectively.
The Company recognized $391 and $565 in interest and penalties during 2008 and 2009. As of
December 31, 2008 and 2009, the Company recognized $2,540 and $3,105, respectively of
interest and penalties.
11. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
gains
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(losses) on
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Currency
|
|
|
available-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
translation
|
|
|
for- sale
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
adjustments
|
|
|
securities
|
|
|
Others
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Balance at January 1, 2007
|
|
$
|
(19,563
|
)
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
(19,438
|
)
|
|
|
|
Other comprehensive income (loss)
|
|
|
15,179
|
|
|
|
(34
|
)
|
|
|
(71
|
)
|
|
|
15,074
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2007
|
|
|
(4,384
|
)
|
|
|
91
|
|
|
|
(71
|
)
|
|
|
(4,364
|
)
|
|
|
|
Other comprehensive income
(loss)
|
|
|
(8,994
|
)
|
|
|
(18
|
)
|
|
|
7
|
|
|
|
(9,005
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2008
|
|
|
(13,378
|
)
|
|
|
73
|
|
|
|
(64
|
)
|
|
|
(13,369
|
)
|
|
|
|
Other comprehensive income
(loss)
|
|
|
3,177
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
(4
|
)
|
|
|
3,174
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2009
|
|
$
|
(10,201
|
)
|
|
$
|
74
|
|
|
$
|
(68
|
)
|
|
$
|
(10,195
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
F-32
ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of U.S. Dollars, except share data)
12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
(a) Leases
The Company leases certain machinery and equipment under capital leases for 2008 and
2009.
The Company leases a piece of land in Singapore and certain buildings under
non-cancellable operating lease arrangements for terms from 5 to 30 years.
Future minimum payments under capital leases and non-cancellable operating leases
with initial terms of one year or more consisted of the following as of December 31,
2009:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital Leases
|
|
|
Operating Leases
|
|
|
2010
|
|
$
|
173
|
|
|
$
|
654
|
|
|
2011
|
|
|
83
|
|
|
|
604
|
|
|
2012
|
|
|
60
|
|
|
|
589
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
54
|
|
|
|
540
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
|
370
|
|
|
Thereafter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,532
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total minimum lease payments
|
|
$
|
373
|
|
|
$
|
5,289
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts representing interest
|
|
|
(35
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Present value of net minimum lease payments
|
|
$
|
338
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rental expense consisted of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
Rentals under operating lease
|
|
$
|
766
|
|
|
$
|
658
|
|
|
$
|
1,013
|
|
The current and non-current portion of the capital lease liabilities of $154 and $184
as of December 31, 2009 are included in other current liabilities and other
liabilities, respectively. The capital lease liabilities are secured by the leased
machinery and equipment at cost of $407 and $316 as of December 31, 2008 and 2009,
respectively. The accumulated depreciation of these leased assets as of December 31,
2008 and 2009 amounted to $219 and $191, respectively.
The average discount interest rate implicit in the lease is 9.25% and
9.34% for 2008 and 2009, respectively.
F-33
ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of U.S. Dollars, except share data)
12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
(continued)
|
|
(b)
|
|
As of December 31, 2009, there were outstanding bank guarantees of $14,688
(2008: $20,962) issued by the banks on behalf of Charoong Thai and its subsidiaries in
respect of certain performance bonds as required in the normal course of business of
the companies. These guarantees generally expire within 1 year.
|
|
|
|
|
(c)
|
|
As of December 31, 2009, Charoong Thai and its subsidiaries had given
continuing corporate guarantee of $73,333 (2008: $79,891) in respect of banking
facilities extended to two Operating Subsidiaries.
|
|
|
|
|
(d)
|
|
As of December 31, 2009, Charoong Thai has contract commitments to purchase raw
materials totaling $78,698 to $96,686 (2008: $2,051 to $4,657), from third parties at
the prices stipulated in the contracts. APEC, Sigma Cable, CCH and Shanghai Yayang have
contract commitments to purchase raw materials totaling $98,487 from third parties at
the prices stipulated in the contracts.
|
|
|
|
|
(e)
|
|
As of December 31, 2009, Sigma Cable has committed to sell/deliver copper
cables at a predetermined price totaling $12.6 million throughout 2009. As of December
31, 2009 the estimated fair value loss not recognized in the financial statements
relating to this commitment is approximately $1.2 million.
|
|
|
|
|
(f)
|
|
Sigma Cable has agreed to provide continuing financial support to APEC to
enable APEC to meet its liabilities as and when they fall due. The letter of awareness
from Sigma Cable with an ownership covenant requires Sigma Cable to maintain a minimum
of 85% of interest in APEC.
|
|
|
|
|
(g)
|
|
The Company provided a corporate guarantee not exceeding the sum of $2,761
(AU$4 million) to a third party for the procurement of copper by a subsidiary company.
The guarantee period is for one year. The latest renewal was made on January 16, 2008
and the guarantee expired on February 28, 2009. The guarantee is no longer effective,
no any form of guarantee will provide for the supplier of copper.
|
|
|
|
|
(h)
|
|
The Company provided a corporate guarantee not exceeding the sum of $7 million
for bank credit line of one Thailand subsidiary, the guarantee was discharged on
February 26, 2010. APWC no longer has any obligation with the bank.
|
The Company provided a corporate guarantee not exceeding the sum of $7.5 million
(SG$10.6 million) for the bond facility of Sigma Cable.
|
|
(i)
|
|
A customer of Sigma Cable has claimed for damages relating to the termination
of Sigma Cables purchase agreement with the customer. On November 30, 2009, a
settlement agreement was entered into between Sigma Cable and the customer to provide
for the full and final settlement and discharge of all claims and/or disputes for which
the parties may have against each other arising out of or in connection with the
Purchase Agreement. No gain or loss was resulted from the settlement.
|
|
|
|
|
(j)
|
|
As of December 31, 2009, one of China subsidiaries sold its account receivables
of $3.3 million (RMB$22.67 million) for a recourse factoring agreement at the total of
$2.9 million (RMB$20 million).
|
|
|
|
|
(k)
|
|
As disclosed in Note 1, on June 28, 2007 SOF acquired the Sino-JP shares
pursuant to a share purchase agreement (the Purchase Agreement), and entered into a
shareholders agreement with the Company and PEWC (the Shareholders/ Agreement). On
March 27, 2009, SOF sold 10.2% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company to
PEWC and entered into an Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement with the Company and
PEWC (the Amended Shareholders Agreement). Among other things, the Amended
|
F-34
ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of U.S. Dollars, except share data)
12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
(continued)
Shareholders
Agreement grants to the Company an extension for listing its common shares on a national exchange until February 2011 and provides for the following:
Indemnification
The Company must certify to SOF whether or not it is considered a Controlled Foreign
Corporation or a Passive Foreign Investment Company as of each fiscal year end.
Should this certification be challenged by the taxing authorities and found to be
incorrect, the Company must indemnify SOF and its shareholders against interest and
penalties that may be imposed and reasonable attorneys fees incurred.
It is managements opinion that this indemnification will not result in any adverse
material financial consequence to the Company.
Controlled Foreign Corporation (CFC) is any foreign corporation of which more than
50 percent of either -
(1) The total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the corporation
entitled to vote; or
(2) The total value of the stock of the corporation, is owned by United States
shareholders on any day during the taxable year of such foreign corporation.
Passive Foreign Investment Company (PFIC) has one of the following attributes:
(1) At least 75% of the corporations income is considered passive, which is based
on investments rather than standard operating business.
(2) At least 50% of the companys assets are investments that produce interest,
dividends and/or capital gains.
PFICs include foreign-based mutual funds, partnerships and other pooled investment
vehicles that have at least one U.S. shareholder.
Registration Rights
The Company has prepared and filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form F-1
covering the resale of the Registrable Securities for an offering to be made on a
continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 of the Securities Act of 1933, which
registration statement was declared effective under the Securities Act by the SEC on
March 11, 2009
,
but requires the filing of a post-effective amendment to
include the most recent annual audited financial statements, and, from time to time,
unaudited financial statements for the six month period then ended. Registrable
Securities includes the shares beneficially owned by SOF.
Subject to the Amended Shareholders Agreement, the Company must use its reasonable
best efforts to keep such registration statement continuously effective until (i) all
Registrable Securities either have been sold or may be sold without volume
restrictions pursuant to Rule 144 of the Securities Act of 1933 and (ii) SOF receives
freely transferable shares from the Companys transfer agent.
If any such registration statement ceases to remain continuously effective for any
reason after the effectiveness date and during any time when the registration
statement is required to be effective, or SOF is otherwise not permitted to utilize
the prospectus therein to resell such Registrable Securities, in either case, for
more than thirty (30) consecutive trading days or more than an aggregate of sixty
(60) trading days during any twelve month period (an Event ), then the Put Right
(defined below) will become immediately exercisable and will continue until such
event has been cured.
F-35
ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of U.S. Dollars, except share data)
13. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
(a) Concentrations of credit risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant
concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, bank
deposits, investments, investment securities and trade accounts receivable.
The Company maintains cash and cash equivalents with various financial institutions.
These financial institutions are located in Singapore, Thailand, Australia, Hong Kong
and the Peoples Republic of China. The Companys policy is designed to limit its
exposure to any one institution. The Company performs periodic evaluations of the
relative credit standing of those financial institutions that are considered in the
Companys investment strategy.
Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivable are limited
due to the large number of entities comprising the Companys customer base. The
Company carefully assesses the financial strength of its customers and generally does
not require any collateral. At December 31, 2009, one Thailand subsidiarys customer
accounted for 10.5% of the Companys accounts receivable.
The Company is exposed to credit loss in the event of non-performance
by counter parties on foreign exchange contracts, but the Company does not
anticipate non-performance by any counter parties.
(b) Fair Value Disclosures
The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating its
fair value disclosures for financial instruments:
Cash and cash equivalents
: The carrying amount reported in the balance sheet
for cash and cash equivalents approximates its fair value because of the short-term
maturity of these instruments.
Bank deposits
: The carrying amount reported in the balance sheet for bank
deposits approximates its fair value because of the short-term maturity of these
instruments.
Accounts receivable and accounts payable
: The carrying amounts reported in
the balance sheet for accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate their fair
values because of the short-term maturity of these instruments.
Related party balances
: The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet
for related party balances approximate their fair values because of the short-term
maturity of these instruments.
Long-term and short-term debt
: The carrying amounts of the Companys borrowings
under its short-term revolving credit arrangements approximate their fair values. The
fair values of the Companys long-term debt are estimated using discounted cash flow
analyses, based on the Companys current incremental borrowing rates for similar types
of borrowing arrangements. As of December 31, 2009, the Company had no non-interest
bearing long-term debt outstanding with a related party. The fair value of the
non-interest bearing short-term debt from related parties is not determinable because
of the related party nature of the debt and the fact that they have no stated due
dates.
F-36
ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of U.S. Dollars, except share data)
13. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)
Investment securities
: The fair values of marketable equity securities are
based on quoted market prices, details of which are set out in Note 7. In
accordance with ASC 820, the marketable securities are classified within Level 1
of fair value hierarchy. The fair values for debt securities and equity
securities in privately-held companies are based on discounted cash flow
analysis using current interest rates for instruments with similar maturities.
It is not practicable to estimate the fair values of the equity investments that
do not have a quoted market price, without incurring excessive costs. In
accordance with ASC 820, the such instruments are classified in the Level 3 of
fair value hierarchy.
Forward exchange contracts
: The fair values of forward exchange contracts are
estimated by reference to market quotations for forward contracts with similar terms,
adjusted where necessary for maturity differences. The foreign currency forward
contracts are classified within Level 2 as the valuation inputs are based on quoted
prices and market observable data of similar instruments.
There are no significant differences between the carrying amounts and fair values of
the Companys financial instruments as of December 31, 2008 and 2009.
The following table presents the Companys assets and liabilities
measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2008 and 2009, using
quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1); significant
other observable inputs (Level 2); and significant unobservable inputs (Level
3).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2009
|
|
Level 1
|
|
|
Level 2
|
|
|
Level 3
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Available-for-sale investment (listed
securities)
|
|
$
|
106
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
106
|
|
|
Available-for-sale investments (equity
securities in privately-held
companies)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
580
|
|
|
|
580
|
|
|
Investment in equity investee companies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,263
|
|
|
|
3,263
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
106
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
3,843
|
|
|
$
|
3,949
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2008
|
|
Level 1
|
|
|
Level 2
|
|
|
Level 3
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Available-for-sale
investment (listed
securities)
|
|
$
|
68
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
68
|
|
|
Available-for-sale
investments (equity
securities in privately-held
companies)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
544
|
|
|
|
544
|
|
|
Investment
in equity investee companies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,103
|
|
|
|
4,103
|
|
|
Foreign currency forward
contracts net payable
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(107
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
68
|
|
|
$
|
(107
|
)
|
|
$
|
4,647
|
|
|
$
|
4,608
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-37
ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of U.S. Dollars, except share data)
13. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)
The following table presents the changes in Level 3 instruments
measured on a recurring basis for the year ended December 31, 2009. The
Companys Level 3 instrument consists of available-for-sale investment in equity
securities in privately-held companies and investment in equity investee
companies:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Available-for-sale
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
investments (equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
securities in
|
|
|
Investment in
|
|
|
|
|
privately-held
|
|
|
equity investee
|
|
|
|
|
companies)
|
|
|
companies
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2008
|
|
$
|
544
|
|
|
$
|
4,103
|
|
|
Realized loss included in earnings
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(40
|
)
|
|
Decrease in investment in equity
investees
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(800
|
)
|
|
Currency translation adjustments
|
|
|
36
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2009
|
|
$
|
580
|
|
|
$
|
3,263
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The realized loss of $40 included in earnings for the year ended December 31, 2009,
is included in the share of net loss of equity investees.
The following table presents the changes in Level 3 instruments
measured on a recurring basis for the year ended December 31, 2008. The
Companys Level 3 instrument consists of available-for-sale investments in
equity securities in privately-held companies and investment in equity investee
companies:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Available-for-dales
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(equity securities
|
|
|
Investment in
|
|
|
|
|
in privately-held
|
|
|
equity investee
|
|
|
|
|
companies)
|
|
|
companies
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2007
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
Transfer to Level 3
|
|
|
544
|
|
|
|
4,245
|
|
|
Realized loss included in earnings
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(142
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, at December 31, 2008
|
|
$
|
544
|
|
|
$
|
4,103
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The realized loss of $142 included in earnings for the year ended December 31,
2008, was included in share of net loss of equity investees.
14. CURRENT VULNERABILITY DUE TO CERTAIN CONCENTRATIONS
Copper is the principal raw material used by the Company. The Company purchases copper at
prices closely related to the prevailing international spot market prices on the London
Metal Exchange for copper. The price of copper is influenced heavily by global supply and
demand as well as speculative trading. Consequently, a change in the price of copper will
have a direct effect on the Companys cost of sales.
Changes in exchange rates influence the Companys results of operations. The Companys
principal operations are located in Thailand, the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) and
Singapore and a substantial portion of its revenues are denominated in Thai Baht, U.S.
Dollars or Singapore Dollars, whereas a substantial portion of the Companys cost of sales
are denominated in U.S. Dollars. Any devaluation of the Thai Baht or Singapore dollar against the US dollar would have an adverse
impact on the operations of the Company.
F-38
ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of U.S. Dollars, except share data)
14. CURRENT VULNERABILITY DUE TO CERTAIN CONCENTRATIONS
(continued)
The Company conducts substantial business operations in the PRC. The results of
operations and prospects are likely to be materially impacted by economic, legal and
other developments in the PRC.
The PRC government imposes controls on the convertibility of the Renminbi into
foreign currencies and in certain cases, the remittance of currency out of China. Under
existing PRC foreign exchange regulations, payments of current account items, including
profit distributions, interest payments and expenditures from trade related transactions, can be made in foreign currencies without
prior approval from the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) by complying
with certain procedural requirements. However, approval from SAFE or its local branch
is required where foreign currency is remitted out of China to pay capital expenses
such as the repayment of loans denominated in foreign currencies. The PRC government
may also at its discretion puts restriction access in the future to foreign currencies
for current account transactions.
15. RELATED PARTY BALANCES AND TRANSACTIONS
The related parties are defined as affiliates of the Company; entities for which
investments are accounted for by the equity method by the Company; the principal owners of
the Company; its management; members of the immediate families of the principal owners of
the Company and its management.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
Due from:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PEWC
|
|
$
|
639
|
|
|
$
|
755
|
|
|
PEWC, Singapore Branch
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
|
996
|
|
|
Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited
(Italian-Thai) and its affiliates
|
|
|
3,176
|
|
|
|
1,934
|
|
|
SPHC
|
|
|
1,390
|
|
|
|
1,469
|
|
|
A director of Siam Pacific
|
|
|
12
|
|
|
|
12
|
|
|
Shandong Yanggu Wire & Cable Corp Ltd (Shandong
Yanggu)
|
|
|
699
|
|
|
|
441
|
|
|
Others
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
|
57
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
6,922
|
|
|
$
|
5,664
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Due to:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PEWC
|
|
$
|
19,140
|
|
|
$
|
12,131
|
|
|
PEWC, Singapore Branch
|
|
|
890
|
|
|
|
891
|
|
|
PEWC Singapore Co. (Pte) Ltd.
|
|
|
1,230
|
|
|
|
1,249
|
|
|
Shandong Yanggu
|
|
|
383
|
|
|
|
4
|
|
|
Fujikura Limited
|
|
|
292
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thai Metal Processing Co., Ltd.
|
|
|
27
|
|
|
|
109
|
|
|
SPHC
|
|
|
2,642
|
|
|
|
2,713
|
|
|
Shandong Huayu
|
|
|
1,170
|
|
|
|
385
|
|
|
Shandong Rubber Cable
|
|
|
14
|
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
Others
|
|
|
23
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
25,811
|
|
|
$
|
17,487
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Short-term loans from:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Moon View Ventures Limited (Moon View)
|
|
$
|
1,732
|
|
|
$
|
1,732
|
|
|
Pacific Overseas Investment Management Ltd
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,732
|
|
|
$
|
1,732
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The interest rates on the above balances with related parties are ranging from
1.28% 2.70% and are repayable upon demand. All balances with related parties are
unsecured.
F-39
ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of U.S. Dollars, except share data)
15. RELATED PARTY BALANCES AND TRANSACTIONS
(continued)
Moon View, PEWC, Singapore Branch and PEWC Singapore Co. (Pte) Ltd are controlled by
PEWC. Moon View is the immediate holding company of the Company. Italian-Thai is the
minority shareholder of one of the Companys Operating Subsidiaries in Thailand.
Shandong Yanggu is the shareholder of one of the Companys Operating Subsidiaries in
China. SPHC is one of the Companys equity investees.
The long term loans from PEWC Singapore Co. (Pte) Ltd have a term of three years and were
due in March 2007 and are uncollateralized. Partial repayment was made in 2007 and the
remaining balance of $240 was repaid in 2008.
The transactions undertaken with related parties are summarized as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
2008
|
|
2009
|
|
Purchases of copper from PEWC
|
|
$
|
55,360
|
|
|
$
|
46,882
|
|
|
$
|
33,426
|
|
|
Purchases of power cables from PEWC
|
|
|
11,442
|
|
|
|
6,631
|
|
|
|
12,211
|
|
|
Sales to Ital-Thai and its affiliates
|
|
|
8,538
|
|
|
|
5,427
|
|
|
|
4,144
|
|
|
Sales to Shandong Yanggu
|
|
|
572
|
|
|
|
428
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchases of raw materials from Thai Metal Processing Co. Ltd
|
|
|
1,222
|
|
|
|
1,456
|
|
|
|
955
|
|
|
Purchases of goods from Fujikura
Limited
|
|
|
766
|
|
|
|
1,133
|
|
|
|
1,946
|
|
|
Interest expense paid to PEWC
|
|
|
472
|
|
|
|
275
|
|
|
|
135
|
|
|
Interest expense paid to PEWC Singapore Co. (Pte) Ltd
|
|
|
64
|
|
|
|
47
|
|
|
|
19
|
|
|
Interest income from Italian Thai Development Public Co Ltd
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
75
|
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
Management fee paid to PEWC
|
|
|
98
|
|
|
|
189
|
|
|
|
183
|
|
|
Management fee received from PEWC, Singapore Branch
|
|
|
12
|
|
|
|
13
|
|
|
|
13
|
|
|
Management fee received from Italian Thai Development Public Co., Ltd
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
63
|
|
|
Purchases of goods from PEWC
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
713
|
|
|
|
11,247
|
|
|
Purchases of goods from Shandong Yanggu
|
|
|
450
|
|
|
|
586
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividend income from Thai Metal Processing Co. Ltd.
|
|
|
104
|
|
|
|
130
|
|
|
|
65
|
|
F-40
ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of U.S. Dollars, except share data)
15. RELATED PARTY BALANCES AND TRANSACTIONS
(continued)
Copper is the major raw material of the Companys wire and cable products. The Company
purchases copper in the form of copper rods and copper cathode. Copper cathode is purchased
by Siam Pacific to avoid the high import tariff levied on copper rods. Copper cathode needs
to be processed into copper rods prior to the manufacturing of wire and cable products.
Substantially all of the Companys copper rods are supplied by PEWC while copper cathodes
are supplied by unrelated third parties. The price of copper rods purchased from PEWC is
determined by reference to the quoted copper prices on the London Metal Exchange (the LME)
plus a certain premium.
In addition to copper rods, the Company purchases high voltage power cable from PEWC for
distribution purposes. The purchase price of power cable from PEWC is determined by
reference to the quoted copper prices on the LME. No sales commission was received from PEWC
during the years 2007, 2008 and 2009.
Pursuant to the composite services agreement:
|
|
(a)
|
|
PEWC will sell copper rod to the Company, upon the Companys request, (i) at a
price consisting of the average spot price of copper on the LME for the one month prior
to purchase plus an agreed upon premium, (ii) at prices and on terms at least as
favorable as it provides copper rod to other purchasers of similar amounts of copper
rod in the same markets as PEWC and (iii) will give priority in the supply of copper
rod to the Company over other purchasers of copper rod from PEWC.
|
|
|
|
|
(b)
|
|
PEWC grants to the Company the right to distribute any wire or cable product
manufactured by PEWC in all markets in which the Company presently distributes or
develops the capability to distribute in the future, such products on such terms as
have historically been in effect or on terms at least as favorable as PEWC grants to
third parties that distribute such products in such markets. However, PEWC shall not
be required to grant to the Company the right to distribute products manufactured by
PEWC in the future in markets where the Company does not currently have the capability
to distribute unless and until PEWC has no pre-existing contractual rights which would
conflict with the grant of such right to the Company.
|
|
|
|
|
(c)
|
|
PEWC will make available to the Company, upon the Companys request and on
terms to be mutually agreed between PEWC and the Company from time to time, access to
certain of PEWCs technology (and PEWC personnel necessary to use such technology) with
respect to the design and manufacture of wire and cable products, including, without
limitation, certain fiber optic technology.
|
|
|
|
|
(d)
|
|
PEWC will make available to the Company, upon the Companys request and on
terms to be mutually agreed between PEWC and the Company from time to time, certain
services with respect to the design and manufacture of wire and cable products,
computerization, inventory control, purchasing, internal auditing, quality control,
emergency back-up services, and recruitment and training of personnel; such services
may include the training of the Companys employees and managers at PEWC facilities and
the secondment of PEWC employees and managers to the Company.
|
|
|
|
|
(e)
|
|
Each of PEWC and the Company will offer the other party the right to
participate in any negotiations with a third party concerning the establishment of any
facility or similar venture to manufacture or distribute any wire or cable product
outside of the markets where the Company currently manufactures or distributes, or
intends to develop the capability to manufacture or distribute, any wire or cable
product. Unless the Company and PEWC mutually agree otherwise, the Company shall have
the right of first refusal to enter into any definitive agreement with such third
party. If, however, such third party would not agree to the substitution of the
Company for PEWC or such substitution would prevent the
|
F-41
ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of U.S. Dollars, except share data)
15. RELATED PARTY BALANCES AND TRANSACTIONS
(continued)
|
|
|
|
successful completion of the facility or venture, PEWC will arrange for the Company
to participate to the extent possible.
|
|
|
|
|
(f)
|
|
Without the consent of the Company, PEWC will not compete with respect to the
manufacture of wire and cable products in any market in which the Company is
manufacturing or has taken significant steps to commence manufacturing.
|
|
|
|
|
(g)
|
|
For purposes of the composite services agreement, each province in China is
considered the equivalent of a market.
|
|
|
|
|
(h)
|
|
The composite services agreement dated November 7, 1996 has a three-year term.
The Agreement originally expired on November 7, 1999. The Company gave a notice to
extend the Agreement by successive one-year periods commencing on April 20, 2001. The
notice is treated as a standing notice for successive one-year period renewals until
further written notice from the Company.
|
To the extent that transactions occur in the future between the Company and PEWC or
affiliates of PEWC other than under the Composite Service Agreement, such transactions will
be entered into on an arms length basis on terms no less favorable than those available
from unaffiliated third parties.
16. DEFINED CONTRIBUTION AND BENEFIT PLANS
The Company adopted the recognition and disclosure provisions of ASC 715-30, Defined
Benefit Plans-Pension, effective December 31, 2006, which changed the manner in which the
funded status of the Companys defined benefit plans is reported in the consolidated balance
sheet. Under ASC 715-30, actuarial gains and losses and prior service costs continue to be
deferred and recognized in expense ratably over appropriate future periods, but the
overfunded or underfunded status of the defined benefit plans is now measured as the
difference between the fair value of plan assets and the projected benefit obligation
(PBO). This difference is recorded as an asset (if overfunded) or a liability (if
underfunded), with a corresponding adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive loss, net
of tax. To reflect the funded status of its plans in the consolidated balance sheet upon
adopting ASC 715-30, the Company recorded an adjustment to increase its liability for
pension and other postretirement benefits by $71. Following adoption, as the net
unrecognized actuarial loss and unrecognized prior service costs are recognized in net
periodic benefit cost in the consolidated statements of operations, those amounts are
reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss.
ASC 715-30 will also require companies to measure the funded status of their defined benefit
plans as of the balance sheet date, beginning in fiscal years ending after December 15,
2008. The Company currently measures the funded status of its plan as of the balance sheet
date.
The Company has several defined contribution plans covering its employees in Australia, the
Peoples Republic of China (PRC) and Singapore. Contributions to the plan are made
annually. Total charges for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009 were $785,
$795, and $692 respectively.
In accordance with the Thailand labor law, Charoong Thai is obliged to make payment to
retiring employees, at rates of 1 to 10 times of their final months salary rate, depending
on the length of service. During the financial year 2009, the Companys total expense
included $451 (2008: $191; 2007: $193). The plan is not funded and the amount is recognized
in Other Current Liabilities in the balance sheet. The Company pays to settle the
obligations as and when employees retire.
F-42
ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of U.S. Dollars, except share data)
16. DEFINED CONTRIBUTION AND BENEFIT PLANS
(continued)
In conformity with ASC 715-30, the following table sets forth the Plans funded status
and pension amounts recognized as at December 31, 2008 and 2009 based on the latest
actuarial valuation:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
2009
|
|
|
|
Change in benefit obligation:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
|
|
$
|
1,868
|
|
|
$
|
1,773
|
|
|
Foreign currency translation adjustments
|
|
|
(279
|
)
|
|
|
61
|
|
|
Service cost
|
|
|
107
|
|
|
|
374
|
|
|
Interest cost
|
|
|
88
|
|
|
|
85
|
|
|
Benefits paid
|
|
|
(11
|
)
|
|
|
(281
|
)
|
|
Actuarial loss (gain)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plan amendments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefit obligation at end of year
|
|
$
|
1,773
|
|
|
$
|
2,012
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in plan assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
Employers contribution
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Funded status
|
|
$
|
(1,773
|
)
|
|
$
|
(2,012
|
)
|
|
Unrealized net transition obligation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrecognized net actuarial loss (gain)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued benefit cost
|
|
$
|
(1,773
|
)
|
|
$
|
(2,012
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Service cost
|
|
$
|
107
|
|
|
$
|
374
|
|
|
Interest cost
|
|
|
88
|
|
|
|
85
|
|
|
Amortizations of:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrecognized net prior service cost (credit)
|
|
|
(6
|
)
|
|
|
(8
|
)
|
|
Unrecognized actuarial loss
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
|
Net periodic benefit cost
|
|
$
|
191
|
|
|
$
|
451
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss
consist of the following: (recognized under ASC 715-30)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Actuarial loss
|
|
$
|
163
|
|
|
$
|
68
|
|
|
Prior service cost (credit)
|
|
|
(99
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total recognized in other comprehensive loss
|
|
$
|
64
|
|
|
$
|
68
|
|
|
|
The accumulated benefit obligations amounted to $1,773 and $2,012 as at December 31,
2008 and 2009, respectively.
The estimated net loss and prior service cost (credit) for the defined benefit plans that
will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into net periodic
benefit cost over the next fiscal year are $19 and $(6), respectively.
F-43
ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of U.S. Dollars, except share data)
16. DEFINED CONTRIBUTION AND BENEFIT PLANS
(continued)
The significant assumptions used in determining the actuarial present value of the projected
benefit obligations as at December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
2009
|
|
Discount Rate
|
|
|
5.5
|
%
|
|
|
5.5
|
%
|
|
Rate of Increase in Compensation Levels
|
|
|
5.0
|
%
|
|
|
5.0
|
%
|
|
Employee turnover rates:-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prior to age 35
|
|
|
2.0% - 10.0
|
%
|
|
|
4.0% - 15.0
|
%
|
|
Age 35 to 50
|
|
|
2.0% - 5.0
|
%
|
|
|
2.0% - 7.0
|
%
|
|
Age 51 to 60
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The following pension benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as
appropriate, are expected to be paid:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31
|
|
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
255
|
|
|
2011
|
|
|
69
|
|
|
2012
|
|
|
38
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
49
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
212
|
|
|
2015 - 2019
|
|
|
1,157
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,780
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17. SEGMENT FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Description of Products by Segment
The Company currently operates in three operating segments: (1) manufacturing of wire and
cable products (Manufactured products), (2) distribution of copper and cable products
manufactured by PEWC (Distributed products) and (3) sales, delivery and installation of
wires and cables.
Measurement of Segment Profit or Loss and Segment Assets
The Company evaluates performance and allocates resources based on profit or loss from
operations before interest, gains and losses on the Companys investment portfolio, and
income taxes. The accounting policies of the reportable segments, including transactions
entered between reportable segments, are the same as those described in the summary of
significant accounting polices.
F-44
ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of U.S. Dollars, except share data)
17. SEGMENT FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues from external customers:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Manufactured products
|
|
$
|
494,805
|
|
|
$
|
447,848
|
|
|
$
|
300,121
|
|
|
Distributed products
|
|
|
10,783
|
|
|
|
32,415
|
|
|
|
28,102
|
|
|
Sales, delivery and installation of wires and cables
|
|
|
5,253
|
|
|
|
20,535
|
|
|
|
34,008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues from external customers
|
|
$
|
510,841
|
|
|
$
|
500,798
|
|
|
$
|
362,231
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Intersegment revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Manufactured products
|
|
$
|
2,648
|
|
|
$
|
348
|
|
|
$
|
12,235
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total segment revenues
|
|
$
|
513,489
|
|
|
$
|
501,146
|
|
|
$
|
374,466
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reconciling item
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Elimination of intersegment revenues
|
|
|
(2,648
|
)
|
|
|
(348
|
)
|
|
|
(12,235
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues
|
|
$
|
510,841
|
|
|
$
|
500,798
|
|
|
$
|
362,231
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-45
ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of U.S. Dollars, except share data)
17. SEGMENT FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
Segment profit (loss)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Manufactured products
|
|
$
|
44,671
|
|
|
$
|
37,267
|
|
|
$
|
20,036
|
|
|
Distributed products
|
|
|
80
|
|
|
|
1,584
|
|
|
|
1,517
|
|
|
Sales, delivery and installation of wires and cables
|
|
|
(347
|
)
|
|
|
(956
|
)
|
|
|
899
|
|
|
Recovery (allowance) for inventory reserve
|
|
|
1,272
|
|
|
|
(25,145
|
)
|
|
|
23,949
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total segment profit
|
|
$
|
45,676
|
|
|
$
|
12,750
|
|
|
$
|
46,391
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reconciling items
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corporate and other expenses
|
|
|
(29,511
|
)
|
|
|
(29,044
|
)
|
|
|
(27,932
|
)
|
|
Exchange gain (loss)
|
|
|
864
|
|
|
|
(1,712
|
)
|
|
|
528
|
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
1,517
|
|
|
|
990
|
|
|
|
458
|
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
(7,580
|
)
|
|
|
(5,769
|
)
|
|
|
(2,597
|
)
|
|
Share of net (loss) gain of equity investees
|
|
|
124
|
|
|
|
(142
|
)
|
|
|
(40
|
)
|
|
Gain on liquidation of subsidiary
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
568
|
|
|
Other income
|
|
|
2,070
|
|
|
|
2,859
|
|
|
|
2,196
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total income (loss) before income taxes
|
|
$
|
13,160
|
|
|
$
|
(20,068
|
)
|
|
$
|
19,572
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segment assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Manufactured products
|
|
$
|
373,057
|
|
|
$
|
283,528
|
|
|
$
|
280,179
|
|
|
Distributed products
|
|
|
5,117
|
|
|
|
10,499
|
|
|
|
6,363
|
|
|
Sales, delivery and installation of wires and cables
|
|
|
1,649
|
|
|
|
416
|
|
|
|
864
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total segment assets
|
|
$
|
379,823
|
|
|
$
|
294,443
|
|
|
$
|
287,406
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reconciling items
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corporate and other assets
|
|
|
12,047
|
|
|
|
11,252
|
|
|
|
5,383
|
|
|
Investment in equity investee companies
|
|
|
4,246
|
|
|
|
4,103
|
|
|
|
3,263
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$
|
396,116
|
|
|
$
|
309,798
|
|
|
$
|
296,052
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expenditures for additions to long-lived assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Manufactured products
|
|
$
|
2,650
|
|
|
$
|
3,383
|
|
|
$
|
3,261
|
|
|
Distributed products
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales, delivery and installation of wires and cables
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corporate
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total expenditure for additions to long-lived assets
|
|
$
|
2,650
|
|
|
$
|
3,383
|
|
|
$
|
3,261
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-46
ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of U.S. Dollars, except share data)
17. SEGMENT FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
Depreciation expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Manufactured products
|
|
$
|
(9,050
|
)
|
|
$
|
(7,645
|
)
|
|
$
|
(8,927
|
)
|
|
Distributed products
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales, delivery and installation of wires and cables
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corporate
|
|
|
(29
|
)
|
|
|
(1
|
)
|
|
|
(14
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total depreciation expenses
|
|
$
|
(9,079
|
)
|
|
$
|
(7,646
|
)
|
|
$
|
(8,941
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Impairment loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Manufactured products
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
Distributed products
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales, delivery and installation of wires and cables
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corporate
|
|
$
|
(95
|
)
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
(77
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total impairment expense
|
|
$
|
(95
|
)
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
(77
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Manufactured products
|
|
$
|
1,406
|
|
|
$
|
803
|
|
|
$
|
408
|
|
|
Distributed products
|
|
|
66
|
|
|
|
107
|
|
|
|
21
|
|
|
Sales, delivery and installation of wires and cables
|
|
|
45
|
|
|
|
75
|
|
|
|
29
|
|
|
Corporate
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total interest income
|
|
$
|
1,517
|
|
|
$
|
990
|
|
|
$
|
458
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Manufactured products
|
|
$
|
(7,184
|
)
|
|
$
|
(5,368
|
)
|
|
$
|
(2,414
|
)
|
|
Distributed products
|
|
|
(250
|
)
|
|
|
(273
|
)
|
|
|
(59
|
)
|
|
Sales, delivery and installation of wires and cables
|
|
|
(62
|
)
|
|
|
(128
|
)
|
|
|
(87
|
)
|
|
Corporate
|
|
|
(84
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(37
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total interest expense
|
|
$
|
(7,580
|
)
|
|
$
|
(5,769
|
)
|
|
$
|
(2,597
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share of net (loss) gain of equity investees
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Manufactured products
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
Distributed products
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales, delivery and installation of wires and cables
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corporate
|
|
$
|
124
|
|
|
$
|
(142
|
)
|
|
$
|
(40
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total share of net (loss) gain of equity investees
|
|
$
|
124
|
|
|
$
|
(142
|
)
|
|
$
|
(40
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-47
ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of U.S. Dollars, except share data)
17. SEGMENT FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(continued)
Significant sales of 10% or more of the total revenue for any of the financial year are
to a customer, SP Powerassets, which include sales of manufactured products, distributed
products, and sales, delivery and installation of wires and cables, which can be
summarized as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
Manufactured products
|
|
$
|
7,114
|
|
|
$
|
11,973
|
|
|
$
|
10,398
|
|
|
Distributed products
|
|
|
6,710
|
|
|
|
27,162
|
|
|
|
22,746
|
|
|
Sales, delivery and installation of wires and cables
|
|
|
5,064
|
|
|
|
20,535
|
|
|
|
32,806
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
18,888
|
|
|
$
|
59,670
|
|
|
$
|
65,950
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Geographic Area Data
Revenue from external customers is attributed to individual countries based on the
customers country of domicile and is summarized as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
Revenues from external customers
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thailand
|
|
$
|
249,337
|
|
|
$
|
216,364
|
|
|
$
|
119,225
|
|
|
Singapore
|
|
|
47,798
|
|
|
|
86,625
|
|
|
|
94,782
|
|
|
Australia
|
|
|
55,789
|
|
|
|
62,810
|
|
|
|
34,574
|
|
|
The Peoples Republic of China
|
|
|
157,917
|
|
|
|
134,999
|
|
|
|
113,650
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues from external customers
|
|
$
|
510,841
|
|
|
$
|
500,798
|
|
|
$
|
362,231
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-lived assets by area:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thailand
|
|
$
|
37,037
|
|
|
$
|
29,027
|
|
|
$
|
28,002
|
|
|
Singapore
|
|
|
8,485
|
|
|
|
8,090
|
|
|
|
8,069
|
|
|
Australia
|
|
|
3,965
|
|
|
|
2,841
|
|
|
|
3,515
|
|
|
The Peoples Republic of China
|
|
|
16,800
|
|
|
|
16,819
|
|
|
|
12,837
|
|
|
Others
|
|
|
32
|
|
|
|
30
|
|
|
|
18
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total long-lived assets
|
|
$
|
66,319
|
|
|
$
|
56,807
|
|
|
$
|
52,441
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-48
ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of U.S. Dollars, except share data)
18. SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF EQUITY INVESTEES
The following tables present summarized financial information of the Companys
principal equity investees, Lox Pac, SPHC, Shandong Huayu and SPRC.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As o of December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
|
|
Unaudited
|
|
|
Unaudited
|
|
|
Current assets
|
|
$
|
31,760
|
|
|
$
|
36,591
|
|
|
Non-current assets
|
|
|
18,804
|
|
|
|
22,467
|
|
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
(21,271
|
)
|
|
|
(29,441
|
)
|
|
Non-current liabilities
|
|
|
(1,731
|
)
|
|
|
(1,824
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total shareholders equity
|
|
$
|
27,562
|
|
|
$
|
27,793
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
|
|
Unaudited
|
|
|
Unaudited
|
|
|
Unaudited
|
|
|
Net sales
|
|
$
|
24,332
|
|
|
$
|
34,771
|
|
|
$
|
28,090
|
|
|
Sales less cost of sales
|
|
|
6,469
|
|
|
|
9,470
|
|
|
|
6,582
|
|
|
Net income/ (loss)
|
|
|
127
|
|
|
|
(1,271
|
)
|
|
|
(629
|
)
|
At December 31, 2009, the Companys share of the underlying net assets of certain
equity investees was higher than its value of the investment in these equity investee
companies, therefore no impairment charge was recorded in 2009. At December 31, 2007,
the Companys share of the underlying net assets of certain equity investees was lower
than its value of the investment in these equity investee companies. Accordingly, the
Company recorded an impairment charge in value of its investment in these equity
investee companies amounting to $117.
19. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
The Board of Directors of the Company approved a restructuring plan of a wholly owned
subsidiary in Hong Kong, Crown Century Holding Limited (CCH (HK)). In connection with the
restructuring plan, CCH (HK) planned to acquire 51% of Australia Pacific Electric Cable Pty
Limited (APEC) shares from Sigma Cable Company (Private) Limited (Sigma Cable) for a
consideration of US$9,959, in order to settle the loans being extended by CCH (HK) to Sigma
Cable. APEC and Sigma Cable are the majority owned subsidiaries of the Company.
The share transfer was completed on March 3, 2010, The Companys interest in APEC increased
by 0.87% to 99.40% after the share transfer from Sigma Cable to CCH (HK).
F-49