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FORM 20-F
[ ] REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b)
OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
OR
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM ___________________ TO ________________
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 1-14564
APT SATELLITE HOLDINGS LIMITED
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
BERMUDA
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
ROOM 3111-3112, 31/F, ONE PACIFIC PLACE, 88 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG
(Address of principal executive offices)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.
Title of each Name of each exchange
class on which registered
Ordinary Shares No U.S. exchange
American Depositary Shares New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.
None
----------------
(Title of Class)
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d)
of the Act.
None
----------------
(Title of Class)
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer's
classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the
annual report.
420,000,000 Ordinary Shares, of which 99,112,296 are held as American Depositary
Shares as of June 15, 1998 with a ratio of eight Ordinary Shares per American
Depositary Share
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes X No______
Indicated by check mark which financial statement item the registrant
has elected to follow.
Item 17 ______ Item 18 X
(APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PAST
FIVE YEARS)
Indicated by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents
and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13, or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan
confirmed by a court.
Yes_______ No_______
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ITEM 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS.
GENERAL
APT Satellite Holdings Limited (the "Company" or "APT Holdings") is a Bermuda
company incorporated on October 17, 1996. APT Satellite Company Limited
(including its subsidiaries, "APT") is a Hong Kong company and a wholly-owned
indirect subsidiary of the Company. References herein to the "Company" include
APT and its subsidiaries, except where the context otherwise requires.
The Company, through its subsidiary, APT, is a leading provider of high
quality satellite services throughout the PRC and elsewhere in the Asia-Pacific
region. The Company's customers include many prominent international
broadcasters (including Disney, ESPN, HBO, Sony Pictures Entertainment, TCI,
Turner and Viacom), as well as prominent PRC, Taiwan and Hong Kong broadcasters
(including CCTV, China Entertainment, Koting, One Leader and Po Hsin). The
Company's strategy is to serve as a preferred operator for these and other
international and PRC, Taiwanese and Hong Kong broadcasters. The Company also
provides telecommunications services to, among others, the Ministry of Posts and
Telecommunications of the PRC ("MPT") and United Communication Corporation
("Unicom"), the only two PSTN operators currently operating in the PRC. In
addition to its current services, the Company's strategy includes pursuing high
growth opportunities, such as providing DBS services in the PRC and southeast
Asia.
APT's first satellite, APSTAR I, was launched in July 1994 and, since
February 1995, effectively all of its available transponder capacity was leased.
As a result of migrating part of its transponder leases to the Company's second
satellite, APSTAR IA, which was successfully launched in July 1996, its
leased-out rate became 86.5% as of December 31, 1997. APSTAR IA commenced
commercial service on September 1, 1996 and, as of December 31, 1997 ,
approximately 80.1% of its transponder capacity was leased. The Company
successfully launched a third satellite, APSTAR IIR, on October 17, 1997 in
response to the forecast demand which the Company believes exists for high
quality, high power transponder capacity in the Asia-Pacific region. As of
December 31, 1997 the Company had signed or had commitments for long-term leases
with prominent international broadcasters for 7.5 transponders on APSTAR IIR.
The Company expects that APSTAR IIR will provide increased coverage and a
substantial gain in power, compared to APSTAR I and APSTAR IA. Together, APSTAR
I, APSTAR IA and APSTAR IIR will constitute an integrated satellite system, the
APSTAR System. While the APSTAR System is principally focused on serving the PRC
market and other parts of the Asia-Pacific region, after the launch of APSTAR
IIR it will cover more than 100 countries from Japan to South Africa and from
Germany to Australia, encompassing over four billion people, or approximately
75% of the world's population.
In order to take advantage of the demand in the PRC for varied
television programming with superior picture and sound quality, the Company is
in discussions with the Ministry of Radio, Film and Television of the PRC. The
National People's Congress of the PRC held in March 1998 approved, among the
others, a ministerial restructuring scheme that some ministries or commissions
under the State Council of PRC including MRFT would merge into a new integrated
and consolidated ministry known as the Ministry of Information Industry which
will still be under the State Council. The Company expects that, subject to
receipt of the necessary governmental approvals, the DBS Project will include
one in-orbit satellite, APSTAR IIID, and a ground spare satellite, APSTAR IVD.
In addition, the Company plans to launch another satellite, APSTAR V, by the end
of 2001, to satisfy demand in both Asia and Europe for transponder capacity and
to further expand the APSTAR System as APSTAR I approaches the end of its
expected operational life.
As of December 31, 1997 , the Company had signed or had commitments
(excluding reservations) for long-term leases with 31 different customers for
47.5 transponders on the APSTAR System, currently providing for future aggregate
minimum rental payments to the Company of approximately US$ 294.8 million. Three
of the Principal Shareholders or their affiliates had entered into agreements
for 12 transponders. The Company has focused its marketing efforts on developing
a customer base of international and PRC broadcasters and telecommunications
providers. The Company has established close relationships with its existing
customers and believes that it is well-positioned to continue to lease capacity
on future satellites to its existing customers as well as to expand its customer
base to include other prominent broadcasting and telecommunications customers.
In this regard, APT acts as the
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overseas agent for CITV, and in this capacity assists CITV by introducing
international programmers who wish to access the PRC market.
The Company's broadcasting customers generated approximately 78.0%,
76.9% and 77.1% of the Company's total revenues for the years ended December 31,
1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively, with the remaining revenues in those periods
having been derived from its telecommunications customers. In the years ended
December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997, approximately 28.4%, 40.2% and 52.7%,
respectively, of the Company's revenues were derived from customers in the PRC.
INDUSTRY AND MARKET OVERVIEW
SATELLITES
The global communications market for video, data and voice
transmissions is served primarily through terrestrial and submarine optical
fiber and coaxial cable, microwave systems and satellites.
Optical fiber and coaxial cables are well suited for relaying large
amounts of bulk traffic, such as long-distance telephone calls between major
geographic locations, for example, from New York to London. Bulk traffic
transmitted by cable is then passed on, usually by cable, to its final
destination. Ground-based microwave systems disseminate signals in the form of
radio waves from an antenna on top of a building or a transmission tower.
Microwave systems are well suited for use by local television stations and
cellular telephone systems because the reach of the transmission signal
typically is limited to one discrete area. Microwave systems are not suitable
for long distance communication or broadcasting, however, since transmission
over long distances requires the construction of a number of microwave relay
stations to relay a signal, and repeated transmission can distort a signal.
Satellite systems require only two stations to cover long distances, one uplink
station and one downlink station. Most importantly, satellites can provide point
to multipoint transmissions while simultaneously transmitting signals over the
entire region covered within the satellite's footprint.
Satellite systems can operate in three types of orbits -- low-earth
orbit ("LEO"), mid-earth orbit ("MEO") and geostationary orbit ("GEO"). LEO and
MEO systems operate in orbits at distances of up to 1,500 miles and 18,000 miles
from earth, respectively. Satellites in these systems are not geostationary,
that is, they do not constantly overlook the same area on earth. The inability
to cover the same area on earth continuously makes these systems impractical for
broadcasting and traditional telecommunications usage. In general, LEO and MEO
systems comprise of a series of satellites that are used commercially primarily
for mobile satellite services. By contrast, GEO satellites, such as APSTAR I,
APSTAR IA and APSTAR IIR, are located in orbit approximately 22,300 miles above
earth and can blanket large geographic areas with signal coverage.
GEO satellites can be accessed through an uplink station virtually
anywhere within the satellite's footprint. With broad coverage capability, GEO
satellites have commonly been used for (i) television broadcasting, principally
to cable operators for redistribution and also to households equipped with
direct reception antennae as well as for supplementary terrestrial transmission
networks in remote areas, (ii) international and domestic trunk telephony
complementing optical fiber and coaxial cable and microwave backbone networks
and (iii) business services, principally for voice, data and video transmissions
to private networks such as VSAT networks and program exchanges between
television broadcasters, including satellite news gathering.
Communications satellites typically are evaluated on (i) their coverage
area, (ii) the quality of the signal transmitted to the coverage area and (iii)
the availability of the transponders. Footprint is a measurement of the breadth
of a satellite's coverage. A key measurement of signal quality is the intensity
of transmission power in the coverage area. Higher power signal enables a
customer to use smaller, lower-cost antennae on the ground. Availability is
determined by considering a satellite's operational "lifetime" as well as the
number of transponders capable of providing service. The Company considers all
three factors in determining whether a particular satellite is appropriate for
its needs.
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Commercial telecommunications and broadcast satellites typically
transmit signals using either C-band or Ku-band. C-band is used worldwide for
satellite communications to transmit signals with minimum interference from
atmospheric conditions. C-band frequencies are also used by ground-based
microwave systems. In certain parts of the world, C-band satellite transmission
antennae must be located far from centers of population to avoid interference
with ground-based systems. Since there are fewer Ku-band systems in existence
than C-band systems, more powerful Ku-band transponders can be used in urban
areas without similar interference concerns. Because of higher available
transmission power, Ku-band frequencies can be used in conjunction with antennae
that are smaller than antennae that are used in conjunction with C-band
frequencies. Ku-band is generally used for the same purposes as C-band as well
as for satellite news-gathering (transportable antennae) and in some VSAT
applications. The combination of high power transmitters and small antennae also
makes Ku-band suitable for direct-to-home television.
Direct-to-home television did not become commercially viable until
recently because available satellite technology did not have the power to
transmit to small receivers and digital compression technology had not been
adequately developed. Today, DBS provides an efficient point-to-multipoint
delivery of video and audio transmissions. The advent of high-powered satellites
allows for dishes as small as 18 inches and digital compression technology
permits the broadcast of up to 10 channels of programming per transponder. In
the United States, Europe and Japan, DBS operators have had success in
penetrating their respective markets.
Satellite operators such as APT provide satellite transponder capacity.
Some other satellite operators also provide the services necessary to establish
a satellite communications network. For television programming distribution,
these services may consist of arranging satellite capacity and providing
teleport transmission facilities and other value-added services. Services for
other broadcasting applications, such as live news and sports reporting, may
include the arrangement of satellite capacity, the provision of trucks equipped
for live news and sports broadcasts, transmission scheduling and signal
monitoring. Services for business communications networks are generally more
extensive and may include arranging satellite capacity, procurement and
installation of on-site antennae and network design, integration, management,
operation and maintenance. Satellite operators either provide these services or
provide satellite capacity to other companies which provide these services. The
Company has chosen to focus on the provision of satellite transponder capacity,
through the establishment of the APSTAR System, in order to maximize the
efficient use of its resources so as to provide the highest quality service.
BROADCASTING AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS MARKETS IN ASIA
INCREASED DISTRIBUTION OF TELEVISION PROGRAMMING
The television market in Asia is experiencing significant growth, both
in terms of the number of broadcasters creating programming and the number of
channels available to viewers. In particular, the number of television broadcast
networks has grown substantially since 1991. Disney, ESPN, HBO, TCI (Encore),
Turner (CNN International) and Viacom (MTV) as well as other major US
programmers are seeking to provide entertainment in Asia. Satellites are ideally
suited for broadcasting to international, regional and national audiences and
for delivering television programming to cable operators or microwave
transmission stations for local redistribution.
The television market in Asia is not uniform, and among the nations of
Asia there are numerous regional differences in language, culture and ideology
as well as in income levels and income distribution. Programmers who wish to
take full advantage of the entire Asian television market must tailor their
programming to be responsive to these regional differences. Access to satellite
transponder capacity from satellite operators provides opportunities to
television broadcasters to tailor programming for particular audiences. The
Company believes that this will stimulate demand for transponder capacity on its
satellites.
LIBERALIZATION OF THE TELEVISION AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRIES
Liberalization of the television industry in a number of countries in
Asia has increased the portion of programming on satellites that is broadcast by
private television networks and programmers which complement or
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compete with state-owned or state-sponsored broadcasters. For example, in
Taiwan, liberalization of the television industry has led to a large increase of
available channels, from three in the early 1990s to approximately 50 at the end
of 1996.
Many countries in Asia (such as Thailand and Indonesia) are
liberalizing their telecommunications markets in order to permit private service
providers, in addition to the traditional state-sponsored telephone monopolies,
to provide facilities and services. The PRC has also begun to liberalize its
telecommunications markets by permitting a second company, Unicom, to offer PSTN
service. New telecommunications service providers stimulate demand for satellite
capacity such as that offered by the Company.
CONTINUING TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The Company believes that technological advances will increase
information carrying capacity and reduce transmission and equipment costs which
may, in turn, stimulate demand for satellite communications services.
Such advances include the following:
High-powered Satellites. The latest generation of satellites, such as
APSTAR IIR, generally has more power than satellites launched in the 1980s.
These new satellites can deliver improved quality signals to antennae that are
generally smaller and less expensive (and are therefore more convenient for
private and commercial use) and can cover a larger area than those used with
earlier-generation satellites. The increasing use of these small, less expensive
antennae is expanding the markets for public and private communications networks
and video distribution services.
Digital Communications. Analog telephone systems carry relatively low
volumes of information. Globally, telephone companies are rebuilding their
infrastructure to carry high-speed digital communications, which permit new and
enhanced business communications and consumer services. Examples include video
phones, video conferencing, video-on-demand, wide-area networks, telecommuting
and interactive TV. Many of these services use satellite transponder capacity
within their transmission circuits and, because of their high transmission
rates, will require significant transponder capacity. Furthermore, developments
in digital technology for VSATs, which reduce terminal size and increase
transmission throughput, are encouraging the development of new, cost-effective
business and rural communications applications.
Compressed Digital Video. Digital video compression technology is
designed to compress multiple high-quality video channels into the same
transponder capacity that previously carried one analog channel. This technology
facilitates a significant increase in the number of available video channels
with improved transmission quality and allows satellite operators to provide
satellite transmission services using less bandwidth. Digital video compression
technology is expected to lower the costs of delivering programming via
satellite and cable television systems, thereby permitting more programming
options to be provided to niche markets. Digital video compression technology
may also permit broadcasters, by lowering per channel costs, to offer local
broadcasting platforms including programming designed for particular national
audiences and particular cultures and languages. The Company believes that
digital video compression technology may facilitate the efforts of broadcasters
to distribute their programming regionally to multiple audiences.
Digital video compression technology may also in the future facilitate
the introduction of HDTV Digital video compression technology is expected to
permit HDTV signal with superior picture quality, which in analog form typically
consumes large amounts of bandwidth, to use an amount of bandwidth comparable to
that used by a current analog channel with a far inferior image.
INCREASED SPENDING ON TELECOMMUNICATIONS PROJECTS
Many countries in Asia lack basic telephone services as well as the
sophisticated optical fiber and digital switching infrastructure required for
large bandwidth, high speed data applications for businesses. The governments of
many of the developing countries in Asia have recognized the effect of shortages
of telecommunications services in their countries and are responding by setting
goals aimed at significantly increasing teledensity (measured in
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main telephone lines per 100 inhabitants) in their countries. For example,
national telecommunication development plans for the PRC call for capacity of
100 million PSTN lines by the year 2000, increasing teledensity to 8.0 lines per
100 inhabitants from approximately 2.3 lines per 100 inhabitants in 1994.
National telecommunication development plans for India call for capacity of 30
million PSTN lines by the year 2000, increasing teledensity to approximately 2.3
lines per 100 inhabitants from approximately 1.1 lines per 100 inhabitants in
1994. The Company believes that government organizations in such countries and
other less developed regions in Asia will depend significantly on wireless
communications, including satellites, to serve their communications needs
because the development of land-based infrastructure is more costly and
time-consuming.
GROWTH OF INFORMATION SERVICES MARKETS
The Company believes that the market in Asia for information services
has the potential to grow, both in terms of the numbers of providers and users
of such services and the types of services available. Satellite distribution is
ideally suited for the provision of information services supplied by global
service providers.
CUSTOMERS AND SERVICES
For the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997, the Company's
transponder leasing revenues were derived from the following businesses:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
---------------------------------------
1995 1996 1997
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Broadcasting......................................... 78.0% 76.9% 77.1%
Telecommunications................................... 22.0% 23.1% 22.9%
</TABLE>
Revenues from the Company's five largest customers for the years ended
December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997 were HK$ 157.3 million, HK$ 192.1 million and
HK$ 280.1 million (US$ 36.1 million), respectively, which represented 55.2%,
52.2% and 53.6% , respectively, of total revenues. Revenues from the Company's
largest customer, ChinaSat, represented 28.4%, 26.6% and 24.4% , respectively,
of total revenues during such periods.
Since February 1995, transponder capacity on APSTAR I was effectively
fully leased. As of December 31, 1997, of the 24 available transponders, 20.8
transponders were leased to 19 separate customers because a few of customers who
were originally in APSTAR I were migrated to APSTAR IA after its commencement of
operation. As of December 31, 1997, of the 24 available transponders on APSTAR
IA, 19.2 were leased to nine separate customers. As of December 31, 1997, 7.5 of
the 28 C-band transponders on APSTAR IIR had been committed (including three
transponders which were committed by the Company under options exercisable at
the discretion of the relevant customers). The Company does not have any
exclusivity arrangements with any customer.
BROADCASTING
Local, national and international broadcasters use satellite
transponder capacity for (i) television programming distribution, (ii)
contribution or "backhaul" operations (the transmission of video feeds from one
location to another) and (iii) ad hoc or "spot" services such as the
transmission of special events and live news reports from the scene of the
event. At present, most of APT's broadcasting customers lease transponder
capacity for distributing programming to television stations, local cable
operators and master antenna systems.
Television Programming Distribution. The Company's strategy is to
position the APSTAR System as a preferred provider of satellite capacity
covering the PRC and the Asia-Pacific region. This strategy has been implemented
by targeting both international and domestic broadcasters as customers for
services on APSTAR I, APSTAR IA and APSTAR IIR.
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Local cable television operators and over-the-air local broadcasters
install and position their downlink antennae to receive programming from
programmers using a satellite in the APSTAR System. Once such antennae have been
installed and positioned to receive signals from a particular programming
provider on the relevant APSTAR System satellite, cable operators and local
broadcasters can receive programming using the same antenna from other providers
using such satellite. As a result, new programmers may seek to lease transponder
capacity on a satellite with an established audience rather than leasing
transponder capacity on a satellite with a less-established audience.
For domestic Asian broadcasters, the APSTAR System offers the ability
to create national networks where, due to difficult terrain and the high costs
of building the required infrastructure, none was possible before. For example,
the MRFT uses capacity on APSTAR IA to distribute a variety of CCTV channels,
its national television network, to audiences throughout the PRC, including
remote areas.
The APSTAR System also offers a number of other benefits for domestic
broadcasters. By using one of the satellites in the APSTAR System, domestic
broadcasters may, for example, purchase certain segments of an international
programmer's feed (e.g., a sports event from ESPN or a news show from CNN) using
the same satellite for broadcast as part of their own programming, without
incurring the cost of adding a separate earth station to receive the
international programmer's segments. In addition, domestic broadcasters can sell
their own programming (e.g., a local sports event) regionally or internationally
because the APSTAR System allows them to use the same transmission antennae to
relay their programming internationally as well as domestically to others using
the same satellite. Local cable and television station operators also benefit
from using the APSTAR System for television programming distribution because
they need only one earth station pointed at an APSTAR satellite to receive
programming from both domestic and regional broadcasters using the same
satellite.
The following chart lists APT's typical broadcasting customers and the
nature of their programming:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CUSTOMER PROGRAMMING
- - - - -------- -----------
<S> <C>
China Educational Television(1) Educational television in the PRC (CETV)
China Entertainment Television Broadcast Ltd. General entertainment in Mandarin
("China Entertainment")
Walt Disney Television International--Asia Pacific Animated classics, original series, entertainment
("Disney") specials and movies (The Disney Channel)
ESPN Asia Ltd. ("ESPN") Sports programming
HBO Pacific Partners, C.V. ("HBO") Movies and special events
Koting International Ltd. ("Koting") General entertainment in Taiwan
MRFT (2) National and provincial television in the PRC,
including CCTV-I and CCTV-2
One Leader Communication Inc. ("One Leader") Financial news, general entertainment in Taiwan
Po Hsin Multimedia, Inc. ("Po Hsin") News, general entertainment in Taiwan
Reuters Asia Limited ("Reuters") News and data distribution and backhaul
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE Asia Ltd.) ("Sony General entertainment
Pictures Entertainment")
Telesat--Satellite Communications Ltd. News, general entertainment in Macau
("Telesat")(3)
Transpacific Broadcast Group International, Inc. Sports programming
("Transpacific")
</TABLE>
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CUSTOMER PROGRAMMING
- - - - -------- -----------
<S> <C>
Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. ("Turner") News (CNN International), cartoons (The Cartoon
Network)
Viacom International Inc. ("Viacom") Music videos and entertainment (MTV)
Western Tele-Communications, Inc. ("TCI") General entertainment (Encore)
</TABLE>
(1) Capacity is leased by ChinaSat.
(2) Capacity is leased by China Broadcast Film Television Satellite Co.,
Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of MRFT.
(3) Capacity is leased by an affiliate of CLTC.
Backhaul Services. Broadcasters can use satellite capacity for
"backhaul" operations, such as transporting programming from a broadcaster's
foreign news bureau to its broadcast center for simultaneous or later
transmission. Reuters utilizes a transponder on APSTAR I for backhaul
operations, among other applications.
Ad Hoc Services. Broadcasters can also use satellites to transmit
coverage of live scheduled special events to programmers on a short-term ad hoc
basis as well as to relay live news coverage, short duration video feeds and
syndicated programming for broadcasters on a scheduled or ad hoc basis. At
present, none of the APSTAR System's transponder capacity is leased by customers
for the provision of ad hoc services.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
The Company's telecommunications services include the provision of
transponder capacity for private communications networks for data and voice
communications and the provision of PSTN carrier services to telephone companies
and other communications service providers in Asia.
Private Networks. Many businesses and organizations utilize satellites
rather than ground-based transmission media for a variety of reasons, including
(i) cost savings for large, geographically dispersed networks, (ii) independence
from telephone companies, (iii) predictability of costs over a long period, (iv)
flexibility in changing and adding remote locations to a network, (v) integrated
network management and control of remote locations and (vi) increased network
availability and lower transmission error rates.
For example, retail chains use satellite business communications
networks for rapid credit card authorization and inventory control. Banks use
satellite networks to connect automatic teller machines to processing computers.
News agencies use satellite networks to distribute information to numerous
locations and paging operators use satellite networks to distribute paging
information from a central switch to multiple remote transmitters for
retransmission to pagers. The Company believes that there will continue to be
opportunities in Asia to market transponder capacity to certain end users which,
due to inadequate telecommunications infrastructure or high costs of local
public networks, desire to operate their own private networks for data and voice
transmission.
The Company offers satellite services for private business
communications networks, including VSAT networks. VSAT networks consist of small
rooftop antennae and are utilized by customers that need to send short bursts of
data over a network for relatively short periods of time. Through the use of
VSAT technology and sophisticated software, these networks can be served with a
relatively small amount of satellite capacity. Networks using VSATs have been
growing rapidly to meet the specialized data requirements of particular
industries.
The PRC represents one of the world's largest potential markets for
satellite communications. There are currently 58 private communications networks
in the PRC , as compared to two in 1989. The MPT uses APSTAR I to support many
network applications on behalf of other organizations, including the Shenzhen
Stock Exchange and Civil Aviation Telecommunication Corporation of the PRC.
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Carrier services. A portion of the Company's revenues in the
telecommunications market is derived from the provision of satellite capacity to
domestic and regional communications carriers in Asia, including telephone
companies in the PRC that use the capacity as part of their communications
network on a national or international basis.
The MPT, through ChinaSat, currently leases transponders on APSTAR I
and APSTAR IA to provide carrier services in the PRC. In addition, Unicom leases
one transponder to provide carrier services in the PRC.
TRANSPONDER LEASE AGREEMENTS
The Company's typical transponder lease agreement for APSTAR I and
APSTAR IA has a term of five years, with a service fee which increases during
the agreement term according to an agreed escalation schedule, and usually an
option to renew after the first five-year term. All of APT's transponder lease
agreements require payment of all amounts due in United States dollars.
Generally, upon a fixed number of months' notice, a customer can terminate its
transponder lease agreement without cause. However, the customer is obligated to
pay to APT specified liquidated damages based on the terms of the transponder
lease agreement. In addition, the transponder lease agreements, in general,
provide for a specified reduction in the service fees if transponder service is
interrupted for reasons not caused by the customer or beyond the control of APT
(such as mechanical transponder failure). If such service interruptions continue
without correction (usually 30 days) and APT is unable to provide a suitable
alternative capacity after an agreed period thereafter, the customer is entitled
to terminate the transponder lease agreement, without further obligation to APT.
Under the terms of the transponder lease agreements, APT is not liable for the
lost profits or other indirect or consequential damages of any customers.
APT has also entered into three transponder lease agreements under
which the customers have obtained the right to use transponder capacity for two
transponders on APSTAR I and one transponder on APSTAR IA for the life of the
transponders. The terms of such transponder lease agreements are substantially
the same as those found in the typical five-year transponder lease agreements,
except that payment for the entire period of use is to be completed by the end
of the second year of the term of the agreement and APT provides a limited
warranty for a period of 60 months commencing on the date the transponder is
made available for the customer's use.
DIRECT BROADCAST SATELLITES
DBS service allows for the transmission of television programming
directly to homes through the use by the consumer of relatively inexpensive
18-inch dishes. DBS services can provide more varied television programming with
picture and sound quality superior to that of current analog cable or
terrestrial television services. The Company has conducted a preliminary
feasibility study and is currently in discussions with the MRFT to provide DBS
services. APT expects that the DBS Project will include one in-orbit satellite,
APSTAR IIID, and a ground spare satellite, APSTAR IVD.
DBS services are not currently available in the PRC and the private
ownership of dishes is currently prohibited by the PRC government, although
certain hotels and other entities are permitted to operate dishes upon
application to the relevant authorities. Since television is a highly regulated
industry in the PRC, the provision of DBS services by the Company will require
various regulatory approvals. There can be no assurance that the approvals
necessary for the Company to provide DBS services in the PRC will be obtained.
AGENCY ARRANGEMENTS
The Company currently acts as the overseas agent for CITV, a company
affiliated with the. International programmers who wish to distribute scrambled
programming signals into the PRC can be introduced to CITV through the Company.
Although the Company does not derive, nor is it expected to derive, any revenues
in its capacity as agent for CITV, the Company believes that by serving as the
overseas agent, it is well-positioned to identify potential new customers who
wish to access the PRC market. The terms of the agreement governing the
Company's agency for CITV expires in December 1997. The Company is in the
process of renewing the agreement
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that it will be able to extend this relationship beyond that date. The Company's
agreement with CITV is non-exclusive.
SALES AND MARKETING
Marketing activities include customer visits, trade advertising and
presentations at industry conferences. APT's current sales and marketing efforts
are focused on obtaining customers for unused or underutilized transponder
capacity on APSTAR IA and developing its customer base for APSTAR IIR before its
October 17, 1997 launch. Although the typical terms of APT's transponder lease
agreements for APSTAR I and APSTAR IA are five years and for APSTAR IIR are, and
are expected to continue to be, 10 years, APT's sales and marketing staff
maintain regular contact with customers even after they have decided to lease
transponder capacity in order to ensure continuing customer satisfaction.
OPERATION OF THE APSTAR SYSTEM
The APSTAR System is an integrated satellite system that will
ultimately cover more than 100 countries from Japan to South Africa and from
Germany to Australia, encompassing over four billion people, or approximately
75% of the world's population.
The APSTAR System is the product of an extensive strategic planning
process. This planning has been both internal to APT, such as the analysis and
evaluation of satellite make-up, platform choice and launch vehicle choice, and
also external, in the sense of designing the APSTAR System to meet the practical
and strategic needs of its customers.
The APSTAR System offers its customers the ability to relocate from one
satellite to another for strategic reasons of their own (e.g., from APSTAR IA to
APSTAR IIR). Compatibility of the satellites in the APSTAR System also permits
APT to move customers' programming from one transponder to another,
intra-satellite, or from one satellite to another, for technical reasons or to
ensure continuity of service in the event of any difficulties.
The APSTAR System is structured to provide flexibility for customers, a
benefit which the Company believes makes APT attractive to customers.
Inter-satellite back-up capacity is manifested by the pre-emptible transponders
located on APSTAR IA and to be included on APSTAR IIR. These transponders are
intended , in the ordinary course, to be leased to customers on a pre-emptible
basis (at reduced cost), under the understanding that the customers' use will be
pre-empted if the transponder is needed by another customer as a result of a
technical problem.
Additional back-up capacity will also be available to APSTAR System
customers on an inter-satellite basis. Pre-emptible transponder capacity on
APSTAR IA and APSTAR IIR will enable customers on each satellite, and also on
APSTAR I, to be "re-routed" on an as-needed basis to another satellite. Similar
back-up capacity is available not only from satellite to satellite, but also
from use to use (e.g., APSTAR IIR's Ku-band transponders are capable of
providing contingent back-up capacity, in certain regions of the PRC, for DBS
customers on any future DBS satellite).
The Company's TT&C facility, which enables the Company to monitor the
status of its satellites and respond to the technical demands of its customers,
is an important part of the APSTAR System. See "--Satellite Control Center."
APSTAR SATELLITES
APSTAR I
APSTAR I, a Hughes HS-376 model, was launched in July 1994 by a Long
March 3 launch vehicle from Xichang. APSTAR I was placed into a geostationary
orbit at 138 degrees East and has a footprint that covers the PRC, Japan and
Southeast Asia, reaching as far south as Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. The
total cost for the
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construction and launch of APSTAR I, including launch insurance, ground
facilities, related expenses and capitalized interest, was approximately US$
132.4 million which was financed through a combination of shareholders' loans
and a syndicated term loan.
APSTAR I started commercial operations on September 15, 1994. It has an
expected service lifetime of at least 10 years. APSTAR I has not experienced any
anomalies that have affected its operation.
APSTAR I carries 24 C-band transponders, 20 of which have a bandwidth
of 36MHz (suitable for television broadcasting and telecommunications purposes)
and four of which have a bandwidth of 72MHz (suitable for telecommunications
purposes). The transponders have a maximum EIRP value of 38.5dBW.
As of December 31, 1997, of the 24 available transponders, 20.8 were
leased to 19 separate customers. The Company's broadcasting customers on APSTAR
I include China Entertainment, ChinaSat, Disney, ESPN, HBO, Koting, One Leader,
Po Hsin, Reuters, TCI, Turner and Viacom. The Company's telecommunications
customers include ChinaSat and Hutchison Telecommunications Technology (BVI)
Ltd.
APSTAR IA
APSTAR IA, also a Hughes HS-376 satellite, was launched in July 1996 on
a Long March 3 launch vehicle from Xichang into a geostationary orbit at 134
degrees East. The cost for the construction and launch of APSTAR IA, including
launch insurance, ground facilities, related expenses and capitalized interest,
was approximately US$ 128.6 million, which was financed through a combination of
shareholders' loans, a syndicated term loan and internally generated funds.
APSTAR IA started commercial operations on September 1, 1996. Like
APSTAR I, it has an expected service lifetime of at least 10 years. APSTAR IA
has not experienced any anomalies that had affected its operation.
The specifications of APSTAR IA are virtually identical to those of
APSTAR I, except that APSTAR IA provides enhanced coverage of India. As with
APSTAR I, APSTAR IA carries 24 C-band transponders with a maximum EIRP value of
39dBW.
As of December 31, 1997 , of the 24 available transponders on APSTAR
IA, 19.22 were leased to seven separate customers. The Company's broadcasting
customers on APSTAR IA include the MRFT (which has leased ten transponders),
Sony Pictures Entertainment, CLTC and Transpacific. The Company's
telecommunications customers include ChinaSat (which has leased four
transponders on APSTAR IA in addition to the five on APSTAR I), China Zhonghua
Communication Development Corporation and an affiliate of Unicom.
APSTAR IIR
APSTAR IIR, an SS/Loral FS-1300 satellite, was successfully launched
into the designated orbit on October 17, 1997. All the pay-load of the satellite
has been confirmed to be under normal working condition after the in-orbit test.
APSTAR IIR commenced commercial operation on January 1, 1998 after in-orbit
testing. The total cost for construction and launch of APSTAR IIR, including
launch insurance, ground facilities, related expenses and capitalized interest,
was approximately US$232.9 million. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Liquidity and Capital Resources."
APT has obtained a priority position in the ITU filing process for the
use of the orbital slot located at 76.5 degrees East and is in the process of
completing frequency coordination for this slot. The Company has filed to the
ITU to upgrade its status from the coordination stage to final stage and is
still awaiting the final result.
The C-band footprint of APSTAR IIR will stretch from Japan to South
Africa and from Germany to Australia with the addition of two Ku-band beams
focused on the PRC, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau. APSTAR IIR will provide
high-powered service to the growing market areas in the Asia-Pacific region.
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APSTAR IIR has been designed to have multiple beam coverage and to be
equipped with 28 C-band transponders, having a maximum EIRP value of 39dBW, and
16 Ku-band transponders, having a maximum EIRP value of 56dBW. APSTAR IIR is
designed to have transponder power output of 60W for C-band and 110W for
Ku-band. The satellite is expected to have an operational life of 16 years. The
Ku-band EIRP value will be higher in the southeast region of the PRC in order to
account for rain fade, which may occur with greater likelihood in the
southeastern part of the PRC, and due to relatively greater population density
and economic development in the southeast region than in the northwest region of
the PRC. As a result, smaller antennae will be able to be used in these areas.
The APSTAR IIR Ku-band transponders will also be capable of
transmitting direct-to-home television in the southeast region of the PRC. As a
result, APSTAR IIR will be capable of providing contingent backup to any future
DBS satellite in certain regions of the PRC. See "--Future Satellites."
Furthermore, in advance of the launch of a DBS satellite, APT will be able to
use APSTAR IIR to test any uplink or downlink hardware or software necessary to
provide DBS services. The Company believes that using APSTAR IIR for such
testing could accelerate the start-up of any future DBS services.
As of December 31, 1997, 7.5 of the 28 C-band transponders on APSTAR
IIR were committed (including three transponders which were committed by the
Company under options exercisable at the discretion of the relevant customers).
In addition, four Ku-band transponders were reserved by an existing customer of
the Company.
FUTURE SATELLITES
The Company has conducted a preliminary feasibility study and is
currently in discussions with the MRFT to provide DBS services. Preliminary
plans call for a DBS satellite, APSTAR IIID, utilizing high-powered Ku-band
transponders to serve the PRC and southeast Asia with a ground spare Satellite,
APSTAR IVD, which will be constructed at the same time as the operating
satellite in order to minimize the long lead-times required for satellite
construction. The Company has commenced preliminary discussions with several
manufacturers concerning the construction of the satellites; however, until
discussions with the MRFT have been concluded and the necessary PRC governmental
approvals have been received, the Company will not enter into any contracts for
the construction or launch of any DBS satellite. The Company anticipates that it
will finance the cost of any DBS satellites principally through bank borrowings.
Preliminary plans also call for the Company to build an uplink facility
in Hong Kong in connection with the project to provide DBS services. The Company
will be required to obtain a license from the Hong Kong government to operate
such a facility. The Company will also expand its existing TT&C facilities at
its Tai Po satellite control center in order to monitor and control its DBS
satellites. In August 1993, the Company leased an approximately 40,000 square
feet of property adjacent to its Tai Po satellite control center site, which
could be used for the installation of additional antennae and related equipment
to monitor and control DBS satellites, as well as for the construction of the
uplink facility.
The Company intends to launch another satellite, APSTAR V, in 2001 to
provide a satellite distribution link between Europe and Asia, and in part as a
replacement for APSTAR I, the projected operational life of which will end in
September 2004. The Company expects , however, that such satellite will be a
high power satellite having C-band and Ku-band coverage and power substantially
similar to APSTAR IIR. The Company also expects that before the launch of this
satellite, it will have to further expand its existing TT&C facilities in Tai
Po. The Company has not commenced the process of selecting a manufacturer or a
launch service provider for this satellite, and the development of this project
is in a very early stage. Accordingly, the Company's plans for the construction,
launch and operation of this future satellite is subject to substantial
contingencies and risks of delay.
LAUNCH ARRANGEMENTS
China Great Wall Industry Corporation, a PRC state-owned enterprise
under the supervision and control of China Aerospace ("Great Wall"), has
launched each of the satellites in the APSTAR System. APSTAR I, APSTAR
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IA and APSTAR IIR were successfully put into a geostationary orbit on Long March
3 (APSTAR I and APSTAR IA) and Long March 3B (APSTAR IIR) launch vehicles. The
launch of APSTAR II on a Long March 2E launch vehicle was unsuccessful. Great
Wall has been engaged in the manufacture of launch vehicles and other space
equipment since the 1960s and the Long March series of launch vehicles has been
available in the international satellite launch vehicle market since 1985.
EXISTING ORBITAL SLOTS
APSTAR I is utilizing certain designated C-band and extended C-band
frequencies in the orbital slot at 138 degrees East and APSTAR IA is utilizing
certain designated C-band frequencies in the orbital slot at 134 degrees East.
The right to use these frequencies at such orbital slots has been licensed to
the Company by the Kingdom of Tonga ("Tonga"), through TongaSat, which has
responsibility for the ITU coordination process with respect to such orbital
slots and the frequencies covered by the Company's license. APSTAR I was
initially intended to be placed in an orbital slot at 131 degrees East. In
conjunction with the coordination of that orbital slot, the Company reached
agreement with Tonga whereby it was authorized to use C-band frequencies at an
orbital location of 138 degrees East. The agreement covers a period of 10 years
(approximately coterminous with the expected operational life of the satellite),
after which Tonga has agreed for an additional period of 20 years not to offer
the use of the C-band frequencies at 138 degrees East to a third party without
first offering such use to the Company on the same terms and conditions as are
offered by the third party. The agreement in which the license is granted
contains, among other things, representations by the licensor relating to the
lack of encumbrances affecting the 138 degrees East orbital slot and an
indemnity by the licensor protecting the Company's use of the frequencies
covered by the license.
After the loss of APSTAR II, which was intended to be located at 76.5
degrees East, the Company determined to launch a replacement satellite, APSTAR
IA, as promptly as reasonably practicable in order to retain customers which had
committed to lease transponder capacity on APSTAR II. In order to reserve the
slot at 76.5 degrees East for APSTAR IIR, the Company decided to place APSTAR IA
at the 134 degrees East orbital slot. The Company ultimately licensed the C-band
frequencies of the 134 degrees East orbital slot from Tonga. The license covers
a period of 10 years (approximately coterminous with the expected operational
life of the satellite), after which Tonga has agreed for an additional period of
20 years not to offer the use of the C-band frequencies to a third party without
first offering such use to the Company on the same terms and conditions as are
offered by the third party. The agreement in which the license is granted
contains, among other things, representations by the licensor relating to the
lack of encumbrances affecting the 134 degrees East orbital slot and an
indemnity by the licensor protecting the Company's use of the frequencies
covered by the license.
The process for coordination of orbital slots is complex and has in the
past given rise to disputes and disagreements with respect to the use of orbital
slots. Another country has made filings with the ITU with respect to the orbital
slot at 134 degrees East and a party transmitted signals which have resulted in
limited interference with APSTAR IA in November 1996. Tonga has filed for and
coordinated the frequencies currently used by APSTAR IA in the orbital slot at
134 degrees East (as well as the frequencies currently used by APSTAR I in the
orbital slot at 138 degrees East). Tonga has also confirmed to the Company that
it has not granted rights to any third party that would affect the Company's
license for 134 degrees East or the Company's entitlement to use the frequencies
at such orbital slot covered by the license. Accordingly, the Company believes
it has full legal right to use the frequencies at the orbital slot at 134
degrees East covered by the Company's license. APTSTAR IA has been operating
normally and no further interference has occurred on APSTAR IA since November
1996.
INSURANCE
APT maintains launch and initial in-orbit insurance for APSTAR IIR and
in-orbit insurance for APSTAR I and APSTAR IA. The Company is not aware of any
reason why it will not be able to (i) renew existing insurance for APSTAR I and
APSTAR IA or (ii) obtain in-orbit insurance for APSTAR IIR upon expiration of
the launch insurance, on normal commercial terms. The Company's insurance
policies have standard provisions and customary exclusions. For the years ended
December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997 , the Company spent HK$ 5.1 million, HK$ 14.3
million and HK$ 25.6 million (US$ 3.3 million), respectively, on in-orbit and
third-party liability insurance.
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Launch and Initial In-orbit Insurance. APT's launch and initial
in-orbit insurance for APSTAR IIR expired on October 1, 1999. The launch and
initial in-orbit insurance policyprovides coverage for (i) the partial loss of
the satellite's communications capacity and (ii) the total loss, destruction or
failure of the satellite. Total loss is defined as loss of more than 50% of the
satellite's communications capacity. The APSTAR IIR launch and initial in-orbit
insurance policy provides coverage for claims arising from occurrences up to 181
days after the launch of the satellite. This amount is being capitalized and
amortized over the operational life of the satellite.
In-orbit Insurance. Subsequent satellite in-orbit insurance is
purchased on an annual basis. Satellite in-orbit insurance premiums for APSTAR I
and APSTAR IA are less than 2% of the satellite's current book value. Such
insurance provides protection only against the total loss, destruction or
failure of the satellite. Total loss is defined as the loss of more than 50% of
the satellite's communications capacity. In-orbit insurance only covers the book
value of the satellite, rather than the replacement cost. The Company renewed
its annual in-orbit insurance from October 15, 1997 and January 1, 1997 for
APSTAR I and APSTAR IA for premium equal to percentages of book values of the
respective satellites marginally lower than that in the prior year.
Third-Party Liability Insurance. APT also maintains third-party
liability insurance for all three satellites. Third-party liability insurance
offers protection against liability to third parties for damage arising out of a
particular launch and the operation of the satellite. APT has obtained satellite
in-orbit third-party liability insurance for APSTAR I, APSTAR IA and APSTAR IIR
in the amount of pound sterling 100.0 million, pound sterling 100.0 million and
US$ 150 million respectively.
SATELLITE CONTROL CENTER
APT operates a 19,600 square foot satellite control center on a 45,000
square foot property at the Tai Po Industrial Estate, Tai Po, Hong Kong. APT
employs approximately 38 experienced satellite and communications specialists
and engineers to control and monitor continuously APT's satellites in a
geostationary orbit. TT&C operations with the APT satellites are carried out at
the satellite control center.
Once a satellite is placed at its orbital location, it is controlled by
the TT&C facility until the end of its in-orbit life. The Company's engineers at
the satellite control center periodically correct each satellite's attitude and
conduct east-west and north-south stationkeeping maneuvers, thus ensuring that
the Company's satellites maintain their proper orientation and orbital position.
In addition, commands from the satellite control center can switch transponders
in and out of service, control the charging and discharging of the batteries,
activate back-up equipment and engage other control functions.
The satellite control center currently operates seven antennae and nine
transmission facilities as well as associated equipment and facilities, such as
radio frequency equipment, baseband units, ground monitoring systems, data
processing systems and communication traffic monitoring systems. Each antenna is
capable of controlling any of the Company's satellites and is designed to
withstand winds of up to 150 miles per hour. The satellite control center
maintains its own power generator to provide a continuous supply of electricity
in the case of a power outage, and its air conditioning and ventilation systems
back up each other.
APT has leased one ISDN line and two data lines in order to provide a
direct data and voice communications link between the satellite control center
and the Hughes mission control center in Los Angeles. If required, Hughes can
quickly review and analyze the status of both APSTAR I and APSTAR IA in real
time and assist APT personnel in taking corrective steps to control the
satellites, including adjusting the geostationary orbit of both satellites.
Similar measures have also been taken for APSTAR IIR that one ISDN line has been
established between APT's Satellite Control Centre and SS/Loral's mission
control center in USA.
The satellite control center currently has the capability to control
and monitor three satellites. As additional satellites are brought into the
APSTAR System, the Company will be required to expand its TT&C operations. In
this regard, the Company has leased an approximately 40,000 square feet of
property adjacent to the satellite control center which can be used for the
installation of additional antennae and related equipment or the construction of
other types of TT&C facilities as the need arises.
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CUSTOMER TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS AND SUPPORT
Before uplink communication with a satellite is permitted, the Company
ensures each customer can meet the Company's strict performance and operations
specifications so that the customer's equipment does not interfere with other
customers on the same satellite or users of neighboring satellites. The
Company's engineers advise customers on the adjustments required to be made to
the customer's equipment in order to minimize interference. As of December 31,
1997, APT had qualified 62 main television uplinks, hub stations and
telecommunications networks for uplink to APT satellites.
The Company provides extensive technical support to its customers. It
helps customers determine and evaluate their equipment configuration, carrier
modulation, bandwidth and power requirements, design their networks and
calculate link budgets.
ADDITIONAL ORBITAL SLOTS
The PRC government, on behalf of APT, has applied for a number of
additional orbital slots. Under ITU regulations, a slot can be reserved for six
years (extendable to nine years) from the date of advance publication. In
addition to the orbital slot located at 76.5 degrees East, in which APSTAR IIR
is placed, the Company has applications outstanding for orbital slots at 131
degrees East, 93 degrees East, 85.5 degrees East and 89.5 degrees East.
Satellites must occupy 131 degrees East and 93 degrees East no later than May
10, 2002 and 85.5 degrees East and 89.5 degrees East no later than September 5,
2003 (in each case, assuming the three-year extension is granted), or the
priorities will lapse. See "Regulation." Other than with respect to 76.5 degrees
East, the Company, has not earmarked any specific satellite to occupy any of
these slots in the near future. The Company is in discussions with PRC
authorities concerning the positioning of a DBS satellite in one of the PRC's
three orbital slots (92 degrees East, 80 degrees East and 62 degrees East)
designated for DBS services by the ITU.
EMPLOYEES
Including the executive directors and senior management of the Company,
as of December 31, 1997 , the Company had 72 full-time employees, of which seven
employees were in management, 38 were in engineering and operations and the
remainder in marketing, accounting and administration. The Company believes that
its relations with its employees are good. A majority of APT's technical and
engineering staff employed at the satellite control center in Tai Po were
originally seconded from affiliates of CLTC, the MPT and China Aerospace and
became the Company's staff before the Global Offering of the Company in December
1996 .
APT emphasizes the training of its technical personnel. All of its
engineers have received training at either Hughes or SS/Loral in the United
States for periods ranging from two weeks to a year or have received on-site
training from Hughes or SS/Loral in Hong Kong. APT has also developed an
in-house training program to train new personnel. In order to provide training
opportunities for satellite controllers, APT purchased a Hughes HS-376 dynamic
satellite simulator which simulates the in-orbit flight status of APSTAR I and
APSTAR IA and has ordered an SS/Loral dynamic satellite simulator for APSTAR
IIR.
The Company has maintained a defined contribution retirement scheme
(the "Scheme") for its employees since May 1, 1996. The Scheme is operated under
an insurance policy with an authorized insurer. The Company and each employee
are required to contribute an amount equal to 5% of the employee's monthly
salary to the Scheme. Benefits are payable to an employee on retirement,
termination of employment, death or retirement on health grounds, and are
subject to vesting provisions in the case of employees who leave employment
(other than because of retirement, death or ill-health) with less than 10 years'
service. The terms of the Scheme permit forfeitures and unvested benefits to be
used to reduce the level of the Company's contributions.
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COMPETITION
APT currently serves the satellite communications market in Asia. A
number of international and domestic satellite operators also compete in this
market. The Company's primary focus is Asian intra-regional broadcasting and
telecommunications, with special emphasis on the PRC. The Company has not
attempted to enter the international PSTN trunk route market, which is dominated
by the International Telecommunications Satellite Organisation ("Intelsat").
In providing satellite capacity, the Company competes with major
established companies and organizations. The Company's competitors include
government-owned and privately-owned international, regional and domestic
satellite companies. Many of these competitors have long-standing customer
relationships and are substantially larger and have financial resources that are
substantially greater than those of the Company. The Company believes that its
ability to compete with these organizations depends on its existing customer
relationships and the quality of its customer service, its reputation as a
reliable operator of commercial satellites and the technical advantages of its
satellites.
The Company faces competition in all its markets from one or more
satellite systems. Other than domestic satellite companies, the Company is
currently aware of four other international or regional satellite companies with
coverage of the PRC: Intelsat, Asia Satellite Telecommunications Holdings
Limited ("AsiaSat"), PanAmSat Corporation ("PanAmSat") and Satelindo-PT Satelit
Palapa Indonesia ("Palapa"). The Company expects that several new satellites
will be launched covering all or part of the Asia-Pacific region by the end of
1998, assuming announced plans for such launches are successfully implemented on
schedule. If such launches are implemented on schedule, there would be a
significant increase of transponder capacity serving the region. As a result of
the economic slowdown and financial crisis in some of the Asian countries and
the satellite launching failure in the region, several satellite projects which
were scheduled for 1997 or 1998 have been postponed or suspended indefinitely.
Though the supply of transponder units would have been pared down significantly,
the digital video compression technology could still have the effect of
increasing the overall supply of transponder capacity in the satellite industry
because such technology permits programmers to use less transponder capacity
than is currently required to transmit the same amount of programming. At
present, however, digital integrated receivers-decoders which are necessary to
unscramble digitally compressed transmissions are only now becoming available in
the more developed markets, and the Company believes that it may be some time
before they are commonplace in the developing markets of Asia. Currently, the
lack of transponder capacity in Asia may have the effect of preventing potential
customers from pursuing the use of satellites for various broadcasting and
telecommunications applications because they do not believe they will be able to
secure reliable transponder capacity. In addition, the Company believes there
has been a lack of sufficient satellite capacity in Asia to satisfy customers'
needs for redundancy. Customers who make significant financial commitments to
the use of satellites for broadcasting and telecommunications applications often
seek to secure back-up transponder capacity in order to protect their
investment. The Company believes that potential customers in Asia may, at some
future point, prefer to use those satellites that can provide backup capacity to
help reduce customer risk.
INTERNATIONAL SATELLITES
The market for international satellite communications capacity has been
dominated by Intelsat for 30 years, and Intelsat can be expected to continue to
dominate it for the foreseeable future. Intelsat, established by international
treaty in 1964, owns and operates the largest fleet of commercial geosynchronous
satellites in the world (26 satellites), and now comprises a consortium of 143
countries. Intelsat has been operating communications satellites in the
Asia-Pacific region since the 1960s. Although the number varies depending upon
the exact criteria used to define Asia-Pacific, Intelsat has several satellites
in the region. At present, however, Intelsat primarily uses beams which have a
much lower EIRP than the Company's satellites and therefore require larger
diameter antennae to be received. Intelsat is traditionally seen as a
"long-haul" carrier for PSTNs. A proposed restructuring of Intelsat has been
publicly reported. The television distribution and VSAT operations of Intelsat
could potentially compete directly with the Company.
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PanAmSat was started in the 1980s to compete with the Intelsat
monopoly. It currently operates four satellites providing coverage over the
Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans and is one of the Company's principal
competitors in the Asia-Pacific region. PanAmSat's PAS-4 has some features in
common with APT's satellites. including coverage of certain of the same
geographic areas. PanAmSat has announced that it intends to launch additional
satellites to provide further global coverage. The Galaxy Satellites Services
Division, an affiliate of Hughes, the manufacturer of APSTAR I and APSTAR IA,
merged with the former PanAmSat Corporation forming a new PanAmSat in May 1997.
The Company is unable to determine, as of December 31, 1997 , the impact, if
any, of the announced acquisition on its business.
REGIONAL SATELLITES
Coverage, service and target customers of AsiaSat are very similar to
those of APT. AsiaSat 1's service area is very similar to that of both APSTAR I
and APSTAR IA. AsiaSat 2's footprint is smaller than that planned for APSTAR
IIR, but AsiaSat 3, now in construction, will have a footprint very similar to
that planned for APSTAR IIR. The Company believes AsiaSat is and will continue
to be a major competitor of APT in the Asia-Pacific market, including the PRC
market. Currently, the majority of AsiaSat's transponder capacity was committed,
as of June 13, 1996, to a single (non-PRC) customer under an exclusive
arrangement. However, the Company is not aware of any exclusivity arrangements
in respect of AsiaSat 3.
Satelindo's Palapa system began operations in the mid-to-late 1970s to
support communications in Indonesia and southeast Asia. Satelindo is currently
implementing its third generation of communications satellites. Palapa has been
successful in attracting international broadcasters to its satellites and is
planning to increase the coverage of its satellites to cover the entire
Asia-Pacific region and to compete with Intelsat across the Pacific Ocean.
Palapa is already servicing a number of international broadcasting companies,
and it is a major competitor of APT outside the PRC market.
The ST-I satellite system, which is partly owned and operated by
Singapore Telecom, is expected to be launched in September 1998. Its C-band
coverage will stretch from the Middle East to Japan and southeast Asia. Its
Ku-band coverage is expected to focus on the Indian subcontinent and southeast
Asia. Due to the satellite design and coverage area, the ST-1 satellite system
only has the ability to compete with the Company in C-band segment of the
Asia-Pacific market.
DOMESTIC SATELLITES
A number of companies located in various countries in the region have
launched or are planning to launch domestic satellites. These include ChinaSat
(which is also a Principal Shareholder), Chinastar and SinoSat of the PRC, INSAT
of India, JSAT and NSTAR of Japan, Koreasat of Korea, Measat of Malaysia, Optus
of Australia, Thaicom of Thailand and Mabuhay of the Philippines. Although these
satellites may be focused on their respective domestic markets, such companies
may have the ability, due to satellite design and coverage areas, to compete
with the Company in segments of the Asia-Pacific market. In certain of these
countries, domestic television broadcasters and domestic satellite
telecommunication operators providing services in their home countries are
generally required to use a state-owned or locally-owned satellite system to the
extent capacity is available and therefore may not use APT's satellites. In
addition, many of the domestic systems are planning to add at least some
regional transponders with substantial beam coverage to their next generation of
satellites, and therefore may in the future become competitors of APT in the
regional market.
OTHER SATELLITES
Other existing and proposed organizations have considered or might
consider competing in the Asian regional market. These include Russian systems,
TongaSat, Orion Network Systems, Rimsat and others. Some of the existing
potential competitors offer low-cost, low-performance transponders, which do not
compete directly with the Company's high-performance transponders. New
organizations face significant competitive barriers including scarcity of
orbital slots and high costs of entry.
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<PAGE> 19
OPTICAL FIBER SYSTEMS
Optical fiber systems have been widely installed within the region for
point-to-point Trans-oceanic communications. In addition, point-to-point optical
fiber connections between major cities in Asia are common. Optical fiber is
being used in more developed markets for cable TV networks, and can also be used
for telephony services. In the short term, these systems do not compete in most
of the Company's markets, but, as optical fiber coverage increases, the
competitive advantage of satellites for point-to-point communications will
diminish.
REGULATION
The international telecommunications industry is highly regulated.
Satellite services are subject to international space law, and the principal
body of international law relating to the use of outer space is the Outer Space
Treaty. Countries which are party to the Outer Space Treaty or to other treaties
or conventions regulating outer space activities are responsible for fulfilling
their own obligations under such treaties or conventions. This often results in
the adoption by such member countries of domestic laws to regulate the
activities of their own subjects in order to enable the country concerned to
comply with its international obligations.
As an operator of privately-owned satellites in Hong Kong, APT is
subject to the regulatory authority of APT's principal regulator, OFTA. From
July 1, 1997, Hong Kong has been an SAR. According to the Article 2 of Chapter I
of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (the "HKSAR") of
the People's Republic of China ("China"), the China's National People's Congress
authorises the HKSAR to exercise a high degree of autonomy and enjoy executive,
legislative and independent judicial power. Pursuant to the Basic Law, the
Central People's Government of China shall be responsible for the foreign affair
relating to and the defence of the HKSAR. The business prospects of the Company
have not been adversely affected.
Many of the Company's existing and potential customers who may wish to
use the APSTAR System to broadcast into or provide telecommunications services
for countries in Asia are subject to government licensing. The applicable
regulatory schemes in these countries vary considerably. While the Company does
not believe these regulatory schemes will prevent it from pursuing its business,
there can be no assurance that its customers' licenses and approvals are or will
remain sufficient in the view of foreign regulatory authorities and that these
authorities will not discourage or prevent existing or potential customers from
utilizing transponders on the APSTAR System.
Many of APT's customers must have authorization from the countries in
which they are located in order to uplink to and communicate by means of APT's
satellites. While obtaining such authorizations on behalf of its customers is
not the Company's responsibility, the Company's success may depend on the
ability of its customers to obtain required authorizations.
INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION UNION
Member nations are required by treaty to give notice of, coordinate and
register radio frequency assignments and any associated orbital locations in the
geosynchronous satellite orbit with the ITU's Radiocommunication Bureau. The
purpose of such notice, coordination and registration is to eliminate harmful
interference between earth and space-based stations of different countries, to
improve the use of the radio frequency spectrum and the geosynchronous satellite
orbit and to accommodate, to the extent possible, a country's needs. Pursuant to
the ITU's Radio Regulations, after a country gives notice to the
Radiocommunication Bureau of its intent to use given frequencies in connection
with given orbital locations and for a particular type of service, the "advance
publication" stage commences during which other countries are afforded the
opportunity to apprise the Radiocommunication Bureau of any conflicts with any
existing or intended satellite systems. When a present or potential conflict is
noted, countries are then obligated to negotiate (during the "coordination"
process) in an effort to coordinate the proposed uses and resolve any
interference concerns.
An orbital slot is a function of intended use, orbital location and
frequency band. As international coordinations vary in complexity, the time for
their completion is uncertain and depends on the number of countries involved
and the extent to which there are competing uses for the frequency bands that
are the subject of the
17
<PAGE> 20
coordination. The coordination process may result in modification of proposed
coverage areas or satellite design to eliminate or minimize interference with
other potential users.
When coordination is completed and conflicts are resolved, the proposed
users achieve "notification" status with the Radiocommunication Bureau. The
frequency assignments are then recorded in the Master Registry, and such users
are thereafter entitled under international law to protection from interference
from subsequent or nonconforming uses from other countries. The failure to use
an orbital slot within six years of advance publication (extendable for a
further three years) could result in loss of priority in the coordination
process.
Under the Radio Regulations, during the coordination process, a country
may request the Radiocommunication Bureau to assist it in resolving disputes in
connection with existing or proposed uses of frequencies and orbital locations.
However, should any such disputes remain unresolved, and the coordination
process therefore not be successfully completed, there is no formal dispute
resolution mechanism and any country that nonetheless places a satellite or any
earth station into operation may not be entitled to seek the assistance of the
Radiocommunication Bureau to resolve complaints relating to interference.
The Company has requested the Radio Regulatory Department to file and
coordinate applications by APT for orbital slots with the Radiocommunication
Bureau and to resolve interference concerns. The Radio Regulatory Department has
notified the Radiocommunication Bureau of the proposed use of six orbital slots.
See "--Operation of the APSTAR System--Additional Orbital Slots." The
applications provide for "registered lifetimes" of satellites of 20 years.
Coordination of APSTAR IIR's orbital slot of 76.5 degrees East commenced on May
11, 1993 and the Company does not foresee any significant difficulties in
coordinating that orbital slot. There can be no assurance, however, that it will
be possible to complete the filing and coordination process for APSTAR IIR or
any future APSTAR System satellites. In respect of four remaining applications ,
two of which are still in the advance publication stage, no assurance can be
given as to whether substantial modifications to satellite coverage or design
may be required, whether the coordination process will be successfully completed
or whether the Company will have any priority for such orbital slots. The
Company is in discussions with PRC authorities concerning the positioning of a
DBS satellite in one of the PRC's three orbital slots (92 degrees East, 80
degrees East and 62 degrees East) designated for DBS services by the ITU.
EXPORT REGULATION
The United States Department of Commerce has imposed certain
restrictions on technology transfers to the PRC and certain other countries,
such as Russia. The launch site for APSTAR IIR was located in the PRC and the
launch provider was an entity licensed by the PRC government. The launch sites
for other satellites that the Company may launch in the future may also be
located in the PRC or such other countries. Special export licenses are required
to be obtained by SS/Loral, the manufacturer of APSTAR IIR, and manufacturers of
other satellites that the Company may launch in the future in connection with
launches in any country subject to restrictions on technology transfers.
SS/Loral has represented to the Company that it obtained a technical data
exchange license from the United States Department of Commerce permitting the
exchange between SS/Loral and Great Wall of certain technical data necessary to
launch APSTAR IIR on a Long March 3B launch vehicle. In addition, the export of
US-origin commercial communications satellites requires a Presidential waiver of
the restrictions contained in the US Foreign Relations Authorization Act
relating to such exports to the PRC. SS/Loral has represented to the Company
that it obtained hardware export licenses from the Department of Commerce for
the transport to the PRC of APSTAR IIR for launch.
18
<PAGE> 21
HONG KONG REGULATION
The Company's satellite operations are principally regulated by the
Outer Space Order which extended the United Kingdom Outer Space Act 1986 to all
Hong Kong nationals and bodies corporate incorporated under the law of Hong
Kong, including APT. The Outer Space Order prohibits any person from launching
or procuring the launch of a satellite, or operating a satellite, without
obtaining an appropriate license. The Outer Space Order further stipulates that
any such license shall describe the activities authorized by it and also
provides that licenses may be granted subject to conditions specified therein.
The conditions may include basic orbital parameters and requirements to avoid
interference with the activities of other users of outer space. Breach of any
such conditions can give rise to a right of revocation of the relevant license.
The ultimate authority to grant licenses and otherwise to administer
the Outer Space Order is vested in the Chief Executive in council. In practice,
all relevant matters are dealt with on a regular basis by OFTA. With effect from
July 1, 1997, the regulation of satellite launch and operation by Hong Kong
companies remain under the authority of OFTA.APT has the benefit of existing
licenses granted under the Outer Space Order by the Chief Executive in council
covering current and future operation of each of APSTAR I and APSTAR IA, subject
to the conditions of the respective licenses. Each of these licenses requires
the approval of the Hong Kong government for any transfer of a beneficial
interest in the satellite, such as that which will arise in connection with the
consummation of the Global Offering. The Company has applied to obtain these
approvals. The license application process for APSTAR IIR was approved on
October 3, 1997.
The Company's earth station operations involve the operation and use of
telecommunications apparatus at and from its earth station at Tai Po, Hong Kong.
Establishment, possession and use of such telecommunication apparatus in Hong
Kong is regulated by the Telecommunication Ordinance and the orders and
regulations thereunder. APT has the benefit of licenses granted under the
Telecommunication Ordinance for each of APSTAR I and APSTAR IA covering all its
TT&C operations, as well as monitoring and testing functions, subject to the
terms and conditions of the respective licenses. Such licenses have terms of 20
years, commencing July 19, 1994 and June 11, 1996, respectively. The licenses
require APT (among other things) to avoid harmful interference with other
telecommunication apparatus operating within or outside Hong Kong and to ensure
compliance with all relevant requirements of the International Telecommunication
Convention, a complementary document to the ITU's constitution document, and any
other international telecommunication agreements which may from time to time be
acceded to by or on behalf of, or applied to Hong Kong. These licenses were
formally granted with the grant of the licenses under the Outer Space Order
referred to above and the Company expects to obtain an appropriate license for
APSTAR IIR at the relevant time and on a similar basis.
The Telecommunication Ordinance also contains provisions for (i) the
taking of possession by the Hong Kong government of telecommunications stations
where the Chief Executive in council is of the opinion that an emergency has
arisen in which it is expedient for the public service that the Hong Kong
government should have control over telecommunications stations and (ii) the
payment of compensation should such taking of possession occur.
OVERSEAS NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITIES
The laws and regulatory requirements regulating access to satellite
systems vary from country to country. Some countries have substantially
deregulated satellite communications, making customer access to the Company's
satellites a relatively simple procedure, while other countries have maintained
strict monopoly regimes. The application procedure for access to satellite
systems can be time-consuming and costly, and the terms of the licenses vary
among different countries.
Direct reception of satellite television is currently illegal in a
number of countries in Asia and the Middle East, and is subject to stringent
restrictions in certain other countries in those regions. Private ownership of
dishes is currently prohibited in the PRC, although certain hotels and other
entities are permitted to operate dishes upon application to the relevant
authorities. The Company is in discussions with the MRFT to jointly develop the
DBS business. However, there can be no assurance that the approvals necessary
for the DBS Project will be obtained. In
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<PAGE> 22
addition, regulations regarding content of advertisements and advertising vary
from country to country, making it difficult for broadcasters to address
advertisements to Asia and the Middle East as a whole.
THE YEAR 2000 PROBLEM
The Company is also concerned about the possibility of the Year 2000
problem (the "Problem") affecting the computer-based systems of the Company. The
professional staff concerned have conducted a comprehensive impact analysis (the
"Analysis") of the areas which may possibly be affected by the Problem. The
Analysis included three main areas: (a) Satellites; (b) Satellite Control Centre
(the "Centre"); and (c) Office Automation.
(a) Satellite
Since all the important operation parameters of APSTAR I, APSTAR IA and
APSTAR IIR are not related to or based on absolute calendar years, the Problem
will not likely have any material impact on the APSTAR System.
(b) Satellite Control Centre
The important computer software currently used in the Centre such as
the software for the Telemetry, Tracking and Control of the APSTAR System and
the related data processing are also not related to or based on absolute
calendar years. The Company believes that other minor or discrete application
software which may be affected by the Problem will be either rectified by the
Group's staff or the vendors concerned by the end of 1998.
(c) Office Automation
There is no important or critical data processing of computer files in
any department or operation function of the Company which is related to or based
on absolute calendar years. The Company believes that other minor or discrete
application software which may be affected by the Problem will be either
rectified by the Company's staff or the vendors concerned by the end of 1998.
The Company believes that the Problem will therefore have no material adverse
effect on the Company's daily operations or result in any material expenditures
to address the Problem.
The Company will, from time to time, monitor closely any possible
impact or incompliance arising from the Problem over the coming few years.
GLOSSARY OF CERTAIN TERMS
In this Form 20-F, unless the context otherwise requires, the following
expressions have the following meanings:
ADS An American Depositary Share representing ownership of
eight shares of the Company's Ordinary Shares, evidenced
by American Depositary Receipts.
analog A method of storing, processing or transmitting
information through a continuous varied (rather than
pulsed) signal.
APT BVI APT Satellite Investment Company Limited, a company
incorporated in the British Virgin Islands with limited
liability and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.
APT International APT Satellite International Company Limited, a company
incorporated in the British Virgin Islands with limited
liability and a shareholder of the Company.
bandwidth A range of frequencies occupied by a modulated carrier or
the range of frequencies which can be transmitted through
a communications system.
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<PAGE> 23
Bandwidth is one measure of the information carrying
capacity of a transponder. The wider the bandwidth, the
more information which can be transmitted.
Basic Law The Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative
Region of the People's Republic of China which was adopted
on 4 April 1990.
beam The directed electromagnetic rays emanating from a
spacecraft or ground station. On satellites, typically
refers to aggregates of these rays such as a China
(coverage) beam or global (coverage) beam.
CCTV China Central Television, a PRC state-owned enterprise
under the supervision and control of the MRFT.
CITV China International Television Corporation, a PRC
state-owned enterprise under the supervision and control
of the MRFT.
C-band In satellite communications (FSS) used to refer to
downlink frequencies between 3.4 GHz and 4.2 GHz and
uplink frequencies between 5.85 GHz and 7.075 GHz. Often
referred to as 4/6 GHz.
cellular Domestic public cellular radio telecommunications service.
Cellular systems are based on multiple base stations, or
"cells," that permit efficient frequency reuse and on
software that permits the system to band mobile calls from
cell to cell as subscribers move through the cellular
service area.
DBS Direct broadcast satellite. A satellite capable of
transmitting direct-to-home television programming.
dBW Decibel relative to one watt. A measure of a satellite's
power (e.g., 50 dBW is 10 times more powerful than 40
dBW).
digital Referring to a method of storing, processing, or
transmitting information through a pulsed (rather than
continuously varied) signal.
downlink The receiving portion of a satellite circuit extending
from the satellite to the earth.
earth station The antennae, receivers, transmitters and other equipment
needed on the ground to transmit and receive satellite
communications signals.
EIRP Equivalent isotropic radiated power, the product of the
power supplied to the antenna and the antenna gain in a
given direction relative to an isotropic antenna (absolute
or isotropic gain).
Estates Corporation Hong Kong Industrial Estates Corporation, the lessor under
the Lease Agreements.
footprint The geographic area covered by a satellite's downlink or
uplink beams, the outer edge of which is generally defined
as that area where the quality of communication degrades
below an acceptable commercial level due to the spacecraft
antenna pattern, power of the signal or curvature of the
earth.
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<PAGE> 24
frequency Number of repetitions in a given time. Typically refers to
the rate of variation per second of the carrier wave or
modulating signal. Communications satellite RF signals are
typically in the GHz frequency range. See C-band and
Ku-band.
GEO Geostationary orbit.
geostationary orbit A geosynchronous orbit in which the orbital inclination
and eccentricity of a satellite are zero such that the
satellite appears to hover over a fixed position on the
earth's equator.
Global Offering The Company's initial world-wide public offering of Common
Stock and American Depositary Shares, each representing
eight shares of the Company's Common Stock dated December
13, 1996.
HDTV High definition television.
ISDN Integrated services data network.
ITU or International
Telecommunication The International Telecommunication Union, the
Union telecommunications agency of the United Nations,
established to provide standardised communications
procedures and practices, including frequency allocation
and radio regulations, on a world-wide basis.
Joint Declaration The Joint Declaration of the Government of the United
Kingdom and the Government of the PRC on the Question of
Hong Kong with Annexes signed on 19 December 1984.
Ku-band In satellite communications (FSS), used to refer to
downlink frequencies between 10.7 GHz and 12.75 GHz and
uplink frequencies between 13.75 GHz and 14.8 GHz. Often
referred to as 11/14 or 12/14 GHz.
Lease Agreements The agreement for lease dated 26 February 1996, as
amended, supplemented and modified, between APT and the
Estates Corporation, relating to the land underlying APT's
satellite control centre and an adjacent property.
LEO Low-earth orbit of up to 1,500 miles above the earth.
Master Registry The Master International Frequency Register of the ITU,
which lists frequency assignments of orbital slots upon
notification.
MEO Mid-earth orbit of up to 18,000 miles above the earth.
megahertz (MHz) A measure of frequency. 1 million cycles per second.
microwave Radio frequency carrier waves with wavelengths of less
than one meter-frequencies above 300 MHz.
mobile satellite Services transmitted via satellites to provide mobile
services telephone, paging, messaging, facsimile, data, and
position location services directly to users.
OFTA The Office of the Telecommunications Authority of Hong
Kong or, where the context requires, the
Telecommunications Authority of Hong Kong.
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operational life The time for which a satellite is capable of operating in
its allotted position. The expected end of a satellite's
in-orbit operational life is mainly based on the period
during which the satellite's on-board fuel permits proper
station-keeping maneuvers for the satellite.
paging A service designed to deliver a message to a person whose
location is unknown; messages may be received via an
alphanumeric or character display or small speaker.
PRC The People's Republic of China.
PSTN Public switched telephone networks which comprise the
network infrastructure necessary for providing basic
telephone services
radio frequency A frequency that is higher than the audio frequencies but
below the infrared frequencies, usually above 20 KHz.
SAR Special Administrative Region of the PRC.
scrambled Programming signals which require a decoder for purposes
programming of viewing.
signal A physical, time-dependent energy value used for the
purpose of conveying information through a transmission
line.
switch A device that opens or closes circuits or selects the
paths or circuits to be used for transmission of
information; switching is the process of interconnecting
circuits to form a transmission path between users.
teledensity Telephone access lines per 100 persons.
telemetry Radio transmission of coded or analog data from a
satellite to a ground station.
telephony Science of construction and operation of telephones and
telephonic systems.
transponder A microwave repeater which provides a discrete path to
receive communications signals, translate and amplify such
signals and retransmit them to earth or another satellite.
TT&C Station Telemetry, tracking and command station, a land-based
facility that monitors and controls the positioning,
altitude and status of a satellite in orbit..
uplink In satellite communications, the signal from the earth
station to the space station (satellite).
VSAT Very small aperture terminal.
ITEM 2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY.
The Company's executive offices are located at leased premises in Hong
Kong. Coordination of all customer-related communication on the Company's
satellites, including initial station testing and outage and trouble reporting,
is conducted through the Company's satellite control center. See " -- Satellite
Control Center" in Item 1 herein. The 45,000 square foot site where the TT&C
facility is constructed and the 40,000 square foot unoccupied site adjacent to
such facility are held by the Company pursuant to the Lease Agreements. The
lease covering the
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<PAGE> 26
Company's office space in Hong Kong expires in August 1999. The rental amount
(excluding rates and management charges) under all such leases is approximately
HK$ 3.3 million per year.
The terms of the Lease Agreement for the land underlying the Company's
satellite control center in Tai Po, Hong Kong and the property adjacent thereto
require the Company to complete the development of the currently undeveloped
adjacent property by no later than April 27, 1998 (56 months from the date of
possession of the adjacent property). This involves the (i) the construction of
a building and (ii) installation of antennae and other satellite-related
equipment, such equipment having a value of at least HK$ 44.7 million. As of
December 31, 1997, the Company had not begun to develop the adjacent property,
which the Company intends to develop in connection with the DBS Project. Failure
to develop the adjacent property would result in a breach of the Lease
Agreements which would give the Estates Corporation the right to re-enter and
take possession of both the developed property and the adjacent property. The
Estates Corporation has indicated to the Company that it will either (i) grant
an extension of the completion date for the entire development of the adjacent
property to October 27, 1999, and, in consideration of granting such extension,
may require the payment of an additional lump sum amount of HK$400,000, or (ii)
exercise its right to re-enter and take possession of only the undeveloped
adjacent property. The Company's future expansion plans could be materially
adversely affected if the Estates Corporation were to take possession of the
adjacent property. The terms of the Lease Agreement in respect of the completion
period of the development of the adjacent property have been modified by the
Second Modification of Agreement for Lease and the Second Modification To
Proposal Form entered into between APT Satellite Company Limited and the Hong
Kong Industrial Estates Corporation on March 2, 1998 that extended the
development period deadline from 56 months to 80 months with the balance of the
agreement terms and conditions remaining in full force and effect.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is a party to any
material litigation or arbitration proceeding.
ITEM 4. CONTROL OF REGISTRANT.
The principal shareholders of the Company ("Principal Shareholders")
have provided substantial financial support since APT was founded, funding the
design, construction and launch of APSTAR I and APSTAR IA and the design and
construction of APSTAR IIR through equity contributions, shareholders' loans and
shareholder guarantees of bank loans used to finance or refinance the costs of
satellite design, construction and launch. The Principal Shareholders have also
provided significant human resources, technical and marketing support.
The following table shows the approximate underlying direct and
indirect ownership interests of the Principal Shareholders in the issued
ordinary share capital of the Company as of June 15, 1998. None of the directors
or executive officers of the Company has any shareholding in the Company except
Mr. Wong Kit Ming who holds 600,000 shares as a result of a special interim
dividend declared by China Travel (Macau) on March 20, 1998.
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<PAGE> 27
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Title of Class Identity of Person or Groups No. of Shares Percent of Class(1)
-------------- ---------------------------- -------------- -------------------
directly held
-------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Common Stock CLTC 14,400,000 10.714%
Common Stock ChinaSat 6,000,000 8.714%
Common Stock China Aerospace 6,000,000 8.714%
Common Stock Chia Tai 14,400,000 10.714%
Common Stock China Travel (Macau) 14,400,000 10.714%
Common Stock SingaSat 14,400,000 10.714%
Common Stock Kwang Hua 14,400,000 10.714%
Common Stock Sinolike Investments 16,800,000 4.00%
Sub-total 100,800,000 75.00%
</TABLE>
- - - - -----------------
(1) The underlying ownership interests of the Principal Shareholders in the
issued share capital of the Company is held on the following basis:
(a) Each Principal Shareholder holds 8,400,000 shares of Common Stock
directly, representing 2% of the Company's issued share capital in
pursuance of the Corporate Restructuring prior to the Global
Offering completed in December 1996.
(b) On October 16, 1997, ChinaSat and China Aerospace each entered
into an agreement with Sinolike Investment Limited ("Sinolike") to
dispose of 2% of the Company's issued share capital. Sinolike is a
wholly owned subsidiary of China Aerospace International Holdings
Limited ("CASIL") which in turn is an associated company of China
Aerospace as of the day of the said agreements. The share
transactions were completed in April 1998.
(c) On October 16, 1997, Telecom Holding Company Limited, the sole
shareholder of Chia Tai, entered into an agreement with Sinolike
to dispose of its entire interest in Chia Tai to Sinolike. The
share transactions were completed in April 1998 and Chia Tai was
renamed as CASIL Satellite Holdings Limited ("CASIL Satellite") on
May 6, 1998.
(d) The Principal Shareholders collectively hold in aggregate
underlying ownership interests of 61% indirectly through APT
Satellite International Company Limited ("APT International"),
which holds 256,200,000 shares (i.e. each Principal Shareholder
has an underlying ownership interest of approximately 8.714% held
indirectly through APT International). On March 16, 1998, in
pursuance of special interim dividend declared by APT
International, 42,000,000 shares of the Company's issued shares,
which represented 10% of the interests of Company, were
distributed to the Principal Shareholders by APT International. As
a result, each Principal Shareholder's direct share holding in the
Company increased to 14,4000,000 shares (3.428%) from its original
8,400,000 shares (2.0%). APT International's ownership interests
in the Company decreased from 256,200,000 shares (61%) to
214,200,000 shares (51%). As of June 15, 1998, the total issued
shares of the Company is 420,000,000 shares.
The entire issued share capital of APT International comprises 700
shares of US$ 1.00 each, of which 100 shares are held by each of the Principal
Shareholders. The Principal Shareholders have entered into an agreement (the
"Shareholders' Agreement"), which governs their respective rights and
obligations with respect to, among other things, their shareholdings in APT
International. The Shareholders' Agreement contains (among other things)
provisions restricting the transfer or other disposal or encumbrance by any
Principal Shareholder of the Shares in APT International, and granting mutual
rights of pre-emption among the Principal Shareholders in the event of any
proposed transfer by a Principal Shareholder of any share(s) in APT
International.
CLTC is a PRC registered and state-owned enterprise and is subject to
supervision and control by the Defense Commission, which controls the operation
of the PRC's three satellite launch centers and the PRC's satellite TT&C
network.
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China Telecommunications Broadcast Satellite Corporation ("ChinaSat")
is a PRC state-owned enterprise under the supervision of the MPT. ChinaSat is
the satellite operation arm of the MPT.
China Aerospace Corporation ("China Aerospace"), formerly the PRC
Ministry of Aerospace Industry, is a PRC state-owned enterprise. China Aerospace
is engaged in the research, design, testing and manufacturing of launch vehicles
and satellites. China Aerospace also supervises and controls Great Wall, which
is responsible for the sale to foreign customers of commercial launch services
effected by Long March launch vehicles.
Chia Tai International Telecommunication Company Limited ("Chia Tai")
is wholly-owned by Telecom Holding Company Limited ("Telecom Holding") which
manages the investment in the Company of TelecomAsia Corporation Public Company
Limited ("TelecomAsia"), a publicly listed company in Thailand. Telecom Holding
disposed the entire issued shares of Chia Tai to Sinolike by the said share
transaction agreement on October 16, 1997. Chia Tai was renamed as CASIL
Satellite Holdings Limited on May 6, 1998. Sinolike is a wholly owned subsidiary
of CASIL which is a conglomerate listed in Hong Kong with a market
capitalization as of June 15, 1998 of approximately HK$1.5 billion.
China Travel Fok Tai (Macau) Limited ("China Travel Macau)") is owned
50% by China Travel Service (Holdings) Hong Kong Ltd. ("CTS (Holdings)") and 50%
by five individuals who each own 10% . CTS (Holdings) is one of the largest
PRC-owned companies in Hong Kong, with interests in a wide range of businesses
including tourism, transportation, trading, industry, property development and
construction, and research and development in science and technology through its
over 190 subsidiaries, joint ventures and associated companies. China Travel
International Investment Hong Kong Ltd., one of its subsidiaries, is a publicly
listed company in Hong Kong with a market capitalization as of June 15, 1998 of
approximately HK$ 3.25 billion.
SingaSat PTE Ltd. ("SingaSat") is wholly-owned by Singapore Telecom.
Singapore Telecom is a telecommunications operating company and a holding
company for over forty subsidiaries which provide a wide range of domestic,
international and mobile telecommunications as well as postal services.
Singapore Telecom is a publicly listed company in Singapore, and, as of June 10,
1998, it had a market capitalization of approximately US$ 21.63 billion.
Kwang Hua Development and Investment Limited ("Kwang Hua") is a Hong
Kong incorporated venture capital company owned jointly by the Ruentex Group,
one of the largest Taiwanese conglomerates, and China Development, a prominent
financial and investment company in Taiwan. China Development is also an
affiliate of the Ruentex Group.
The following table shows the approximate underlying direct and
indirect ownership interests of each person known by the Company to own
beneficially more than 10% of the Company's outstanding American Depositary
Receipts ("ADRs") as of June 15, 1998.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Title of Class Identity of Person or Groups Amount Percent of Class
- - - - -------------- ---------------------------- ------ ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
ADSs Franklin Resources, Inc. 3,482,800 6.6% (1)
ADSs Charles B. Johnson 3,482,800 6.6% (1)
ADSs Rupert H. Johnson, Jr. 3,482,800 6.6% (1)
ADSs Templeton Global Advisors
Limited 3,482,800 6.6% (1)
</TABLE>
- - - - -----------
(1) The securities are beneficially owned by one or more open or closed-end
investment companies or other managed accounts which are advised by
direct and indirect investment advisory subsidiaries (the "Adviser
Subsidiaries") of Franklin Resources, Inc. ("FRI"). Such advisory
contracts grant to such Adviser Subsidiaries all investment and/or
voting power over the securities owned by such advisory clients.
Therefore, such Adviser Subsidiaries may be deemed to be, for purposes
of Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the beneficial
owner.
26
<PAGE> 29
Charles B. Johnson and Rupert H. Johnson, Jr. (the "Principal
Shareholders") each own in excess of 10% of the outstanding Common
Stock of FRI and are the principal shareholders of FRI. FRI and the
Principal Shareholders may be deemed to be, for purposes of Rule 13d-3
under the 1934 Act, the beneficial owner of securities held by persons
and entities advised by FRI subsidiaries. FRI, the Principal
Shareholders and each of the Adviser Subsidiaries disclaim any economic
interest or beneficial ownership in any of the securities.
FRI, the Principal Shareholders, and each of the Adviser Subsidiaries
are of the view that they are not acting as a "group" for purposes of
Section 13(d) under the 1934 Act and that they are not otherwise
required to attribute to each other the "beneficial ownership" of
securities held by any of them or by any persons or entities advised by
FRI subsidiaries.
ITEM 5. NATURE OF TRADING MARKET.
The Company's Common Stock is listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong
Limited (the "Hong Kong Stock Exchange"). The Hong Kong Stock Exchange is the
principal non-United States trading market for the Company's Common Stock. The
following table sets forth the range of quarterly high and low closing sale
prices of the Common Stock on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
High (HK$ ) Low (HK$)
----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
First Quarter (1997) 13.70 10.00
Second Quarter (1997) 13.50 11.80
Third Quarter (1997) 14.3 12.1
Fourth Quarter (1997) 17.3 10.8
First Quarter (1998) 12.8 10.3
Second Quarter (through June 15, 1998) 13.05 9.6
</TABLE>
In addition, the Company's ADSs are listed on the New York Stock
Exchange ("NYSE"). The Bank of New York serves as depositary (the "Depositary")
with respect to the ADSs trading on the NYSE. According to information furnished
to the Company by the Depositary, as of June 15, 1998, there were 13 holders of
records of ADSs with addresses in the United States and such holders owned an
aggregate of 12,389,037. The following table sets forth the range of quarterly
high and low closing sale prices of the ADSs on the NYSE.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
High (US$) Low (US$)
---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
First Quarter (1997) 14.375 10.000
Second Quarter (1997) 14.500 11.875
Third Quarter (1997) 15.5 12
Fourth Quarter (1997) 19 10
First Quarter (1998) 13.625 10.5625
Second Quarter (through June 15, 1998) 14 9.375
</TABLE>
ITEM 6. EXCHANGE CONTROLS AND OTHER LIMITATIONS AFFECTING SECURITY HOLDERS.
The Company has been designated as a non-resident for exchange control
purposes by the Bermuda Monetary Authority.
The transfer of shares of Common Stock of the Company ("Shares")
between persons regarded as resident outside Bermuda for exchange control
purposes and the issue of Shares within the current authorized share capital of
the Company to or by such persons may be effected without specific consent under
the Exchange Control Act of 1972 and regulations thereunder subject to such
Shares being listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange or the New
27
<PAGE> 30
York Stock Exchange. Issues and transfers of Shares involving any person
regarded as resident in Bermuda for exchange control purposes require specific
prior approval under the Exchange Control Act of 1972.
There are no limitations on the rights of holders of the Shares who are
non-resident in Bermuda for exchange control purposes to hold or vote their
shares. Because the Company has been designated as a non-resident for Bermuda
exchange control purposes, there are no restrictions on its ability to transfer
funds, including remittance of interest or payment to non-resident holder of the
Common Stock, if any, in and out of Bermuda or to pay dividends to United States
residents who are holders of the Shares, other than in respect of local Bermuda
currency.
In accordance with Bermuda law, share certificates are only issued in
the names of corporations, partnerships, or individuals. In the case of an
applicant acting in a special capacity (for example, as trustee), certificates
may, at the request of the applicant, record the capacity in which the applicant
is acting. Notwithstanding the recording of any such special capacity, the
Company is not bound to investigate or incur any responsibility in respect of
the proper administration of any such trust.
The Company will take no notice of any trust applicable to any of its
Shares whether or not it has notice of such trust.
As an exempted company, the Company is exempt from Bermuda laws which
restrict the percentage of share capital that may be held by non-Bermudians, but
as an exempted company, the Company may not participate in certain business
transactions including: (1) the acquisition or holding of land in Bermuda
(except that required for its business and held by way of lease or tenancy for
terms of not more than 21 years), (2) the taking of mortgages on land in Bermuda
to secure an amount in excess of 50,000 Bermuda dollars without the consent of
the Minister of Finance of Bermuda, (3) the acquisition of any bonds or
debentures secured on any land in Bermuda except bonds or debentures issued by
the Bermuda government or a public authority or (4) the carrying on of business
of any kind in Bermuda, except in furtherance of the business of the Company
carried on outside or under a license by the Minister of Finance of Bermuda.
ITEM 7. TAXATION.
The following discussion is a summary of the material Bermuda, Hong
Kong, and United States federal income tax considerations relevant to an
investment decision with respect to the Company's American Depositary Shares
("ADSs") and Shares. This discussion does not purport to deal with the tax
consequences of owning ADSs and Shares to all categories of investors, some of
which (such as, dealers in securities, banks, tax-exempt organizations, certain
insurance companies, investors liable for alternative minimum tax, investors
that actually or constructively own 10% or more of the voting stock of the
Company, investors who do not hold the Shares or ADSs as capital assets,
investors who hold ADSs or Shares that are part of a hedging, straddle, or
conversion transaction or US Holders whose functional currency is not the US
Dollar) may be subject to special rules. This discussion is not exhaustive of
all possible tax considerations, including, specifically, the consequences under
United States federal, state, local, and other laws, of the acquisition,
ownership, and disposition of ADSs and the disposition of Shares.
BERMUDA TAXATION
The Company is incorporated in Bermuda. Under current Bermuda law, the
Company is not subject to tax on income or capital gains, and no Bermuda
withholding tax will be imposed upon payments of dividends by the Company to its
shareholders. Furthermore, the Company has received from the Minister of Finance
of Bermuda under the Exempted Undertakings Tax Protection Act of 1966 an
assurance that, in the event that Bermuda enacts any legislation imposing any
tax computed on profits or income or on any capital asset, gain or appreciation,
or any tax in the nature of an estate duty or inheritance tax, the imposition of
such tax shall not be applicable to the Company or any of its operations, nor to
the shares, debentures, or other obligations of the Company, until March 28,
2016. This assurance does not, however, prevent the imposition of any Bermuda
tax payable in relation to any land in Bermuda leased to the Company or to
persons ordinarily resident in Bermuda.
28
<PAGE> 31
HONG KONG TAXATION
TAX ON DIVIDENDS
Under the current law and practice of Hong Kong, no tax is payable in
Hong Kong in respect of dividends paid by the Company.
PROFITS TAX
No tax is imposed in Hong Kong in respect of capital gains from the
sale of property (such as the ADSs or Shares). Trading gains from the sale of
property by persons carrying on a trade, profession, or business in Hong Kong
where such gains are derived from or arise in Hong Kong from such trade,
profession, or business will be chargeable to Hong Kong profits tax which is
currently imposed at the rate of 16.5% on corporations and at a maximum rate of
15% on individuals. Gains from sales of the Shares effected on the Hong Kong
Stock Exchange will be considered to be derived from or arise in Hong Kong.
Liability for Hong Kong profits tax would thus arise in respect of trading gains
from sales of Shares realized by persons carrying on a business in Hong Kong of
trading or dealing in securities. Gains from sales of the ADSs effected on the
New York Stock Exchange will usually be considered to be derived from or arise
outside Hong Kong, and therefore, liability for Hong Kong profits tax would not
ordinarily arise in respect of trading gains from sales of ADSs.
STAMP DUTY
In order for Shares to be dealt on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, such
Shares must be registered on the Hong Kong branch register of the Company. Hong
Kong Stamp duty will be payable by the transferee on every, and by the
transferor, on every transfer of a beneficial interest in Shares that are
registered on the Hong Kong branch register of the Company. The duty is charged
at the current rate of HK$ 1.50 per HK$ 1,000 or part thereof of the
consideration for, or (if greater) the value of, the Shares transferred (i.e., a
total of HK$ 3 per HK$ 1,000 or part thereof is currently payable on a typical
sale and purchase transaction of Shares). In addition, a fixed duty of HK$ 5 is
currently payable on an instrument of transfer of such Shares.
The withdrawal of Shares that are registered on the Hong Kong branch
register of the Company upon the surrender of ADSs, and the issuance of ADSs
upon the deposit of such Shares, will not attract the stamp duty charge at the
rate described above for sale and purchase transactions unless such withdrawal
or deposit results in a change in the beneficial ownership of the Shares under
Hong Kong law. The issuance of ADSs upon the deposit of Shares issued directly
to the Depositary or for the account of the Depositary should not attract stamp
duty. No Hong Kong stamp duty is payable upon the transfer of ADSs outside Hong
Kong.
ESTATE DUTY
Estate duty is imposed upon the principal value of property situated in
Hong Kong passing on the death of a person. Shares that are registered on the
Hong Kong branch register of the Company (which may include Shares represented
by ADSs) are regarded as property situated in Hong Kong for estate duty
purposes. Hong Kong estate duty is imposed on the principal value of a
deceased's Hong Kong estate at graduated rates from 6% to 18% . In respect of
the estate of persons dying on or after April 1, 1997, no estate duty is payable
where the principal value of the dutiable Hong Kong estate does not exceed HK$
7.0 million; the maximum rate of 18% applies where the principal value exceeds
HK$10.0 million.
UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAXATION
The following summary describes the principal United States federal
income tax consequences of the purchase, ownership, and disposition of Shares
and ADSs (evidenced by American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), but it does not
purport to be a comprehensive description of all of the tax considerations that
may be relevant to a decision to purchase, own, or dispose of Shares or ADSs. In
particular, this summary of United States federal income tax matters deals only
with holders that will hold Shares or ADSs as capital assets and does not
address
29
<PAGE> 32
special tax situations, such as the United States tax treatment of holders who
are securities dealers, who are holding Shares or ADSs as part of a hedging or
larger integrated financial or conversion transaction, who are citizens or
residents of a possession or territory of the United States, who are United
States holders (as defined below) with a currency other than the US dollar as
their functional currency or who own, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of the
voting stock of the Company. For this purpose, the Shares and ADSs will
constitute voting stock of the Company.
This summary is based upon (i) the income tax laws of the United States
as in effect on June 15, 1998, which are subject to change, possibly with
retroactive effect, and (ii) in part, on representations of The Bank of New
York, as the Company's depositary (the "Depositary") and on the assumption that
each obligation in the Deposit Agreement and any related agreement will be
performed in accordance with its terms.
This discussion is not exhaustive of the consequences of the purchase,
ownership, and disposition of Shares or ADSs, including the effect of any state
or local tax laws or the laws of any jurisdiction other than the United States.
THE COMPANY
The Shares and Shares represented by ADSs are characterized as equity
interests in the Company, and the Company will so characterize all such Shares
for all United States federal income tax purposes.
The Company will be subject to United States federal income tax only to
the extent that it derives certain United States source income or income
effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the United
States. Currently, the Company does not have, intends and anticipates that it
will not have, and will conduct its affairs in a manner so that it will not
have, any United States source income subject to United States federal income or
withholding tax or income effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or
business within the United States. Thus, the Company intends and anticipates
that it will not be subject to any United States federal tax.
TAXATION OF INVESTORS--UNITED STATES HOLDERS
As used herein, a "United States holder" means a beneficial owner of
Shares or ADSs that is an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United
States; a corporation, partnership or other entity created or organized in or
under the laws of the United States or any State thereof; an estate that is
subject to United States federal income tax regardless of its source, or a trust
subject to control of a United States person and the primary supervision of a
United States court. A "resident" of the United States includes an individual
that (i) is lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States, (ii)
is present in the United States for 183 days or more during a calendar year or
(iii) (a) is present in the United States for 31 days or more during a calendar
year, (b) is present in the United States for an aggregate of 183 days or more,
on a weighted basis, over a 3-year period ending in such calendar year, and (c)
does not have a closer connection to a "tax home" that is located outside the
United States.
OWNERSHIP OF ADSs AND SHARES. For United States federal income tax
purposes, a United States holder of ADRs will be treated as the owner of the
ADSs evidenced thereby and of the Shares represented by such ADSs. Accordingly,
no gain or loss will be recognized by a United States holder upon the exchange
of ADSs for the Shares represented by such ADSs. A United States holder's tax
basis in the Shares received will be the same as its tax basis in the
surrendered ADSs and the holding period for Shares received will include the
period during which the holder held such ADSs.
TAXATION OF DIVIDENDS. To the extent provided below, a United States
holder will be required to include in gross income when received by the holder
or, in the case of ADSs, by the Depositary, as a dividend any cash or the fair
market value of any property distributed by the Company in the same manner as if
the Company were a United States corporation not subject to the rules described
below. Distributions paid in any currency other than the US dollar will be
translated into US dollars at the spot rate on the date the dividends are paid,
regardless of whether the dividends are in fact converted on that date.
30
<PAGE> 33
Dividends paid by the Company will not be eligible for the dividends
received deduction generally allowed to corporations under the United States
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). For purposes of the
United States foreign tax credit limitation, dividends paid by the Company
generally will constitute foreign source "passive income" (or, in the case of a
holder who is a "financial services entity" as defined in regulations under the
Code, "financial services income").
TAXATION OF DISPOSITIONS OF SHARES OR ADSs. A gain or loss realized by
a United States holder on the sale or other disposition of a Share or an ADS
will be subject to United States federal income tax, as a capital gain or loss,
in an amount equal to the difference between such United States holder's
adjusted tax basis in the Share or ADS and the amount realized on its
disposition.
For purposes of the United States foreign tax credit limitation, a
recognized gain or loss arising on the disposition of a Share or ADS generally
will be United States source gain. There is a risk, however, that a recognized
loss may be allocated against foreign source income by reference to the source
of income received under the Share or ADS based on, among other things, whether
or not a Share or ADS is attributable to a foreign office of the holder. The IRS
has issued Proposed Regulations (which, while not currently effective, may
become effective at some future time) on the sourcing of losses and holders of
Shares or ADSs should consult with their tax advisors regarding the application
of such Proposed Regulations to their specific situation.
PASSIVE FOREIGN INVESTMENT COMPANY RULES
The foregoing discussion assumes that the Company is not currently, and
will not in the future be, classified as a "passive foreign investment company"
("PFIC") under the Code.
Special United States federal income tax rules apply to holders of
equity interests in a PFIC. A foreign corporation will constitute a PFIC for
United States federal income tax purposes if 75% or more of its gross income for
a taxable year were to consist of passive income, or 50% or more of its average
assets held during a taxable year were to consist of passive assets. Passive
assets are defined as assets that give rise, or that reasonably could give rise
during the reasonably foreseeable future, to passive income. Passive income
includes (i) rent and lease income (not including rent and lease income derived
from persons other than related persons from the active conduct of a rental or
leasing trade or business), (ii) interest, (iii) dividends from shares of stock
in a corporation in which the foreign corporation directly or indirectly owns
less than 25% of the value of the stock in the corporation and (iv) gains from
the sale of any (a) property that gives rise to passive rent or lease income,
(b) partnership interests, or (c) shares of stock.
Based on the Company's existing and anticipated future operations, as
well as the existing and anticipated future operations of APT and APT BVI, the
Company believes that it, APT and APT BVI are not, and intends and anticipates
that they will not become in the future, PFICs. However, it is possible that
certain lease income derived by the Company (or APT or APT BVI) might be viewed
by the United States Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") as passive income. In
addition, because of the nature of the leasing business, and because the
determination of whether or not the Company, APT or APT BVI is a PFIC will be
based upon the composition of the annual income and assets of the entity, there
can be no assurance that the Company, APT or APT BVI will not be considered a
PFIC for the current or for any subsequent taxable year.
Because the Company's sole asset is its stock interest in APT BVI, and
APT BVI's sole asset, in turn, is its stock interest in APT, if APT is or
becomes a PFIC, both the Company and APT BVI will also be or become PFICs. If
the Company, APT and APT BVI are or become PFICs, a United States holder
(whether direct, indirect or constructive) would be required to allocate to each
day in its holding period with respect to the Shares or ADSs a pro rata portion
of any distribution received, or deemed received under certain attribution
rules, from the Company, APT or APT BVI that is treated as an "excess
distribution." Generally, an excess distribution is that portion of the total
annual distributions (including the proceeds from a redemption of Shares or ADSs
that is treated as a distribution) from the Company, APT or APT BVI that exceeds
125% of the average annual amount distributed (as measured in the currency of
such distributions) by that entity during the three preceding years (or such
shorter period as the United States holder may have held the Shares or ADSs). In
addition, the full amount of any gain
31
<PAGE> 34
recognized on a disposition or deemed disposition (including a liquidation, a
redemption that is treated as an exchange, or a pledge) of (i) Shares or ADSs by
the United States holder, (ii) attributable shares of APT by APT BVI, or (iii)
attributable shares of APT BVI by the Company will be treated as an excess
distribution.
The amount of any excess distribution is allocated ratably over the
United States holder's entire holding period. The amount allocated to the
current taxable year and to any period prior to the first taxable year during
which the Company, APT and APT BVI were PFICs is taxed as ordinary income. Any
amount of the excess distribution allocable to a prior taxable year during which
the Company, APT and APT BVI were PFICs or after the first taxable year they
were PFICs will be subject to a deferred United States federal income tax
charge, calculated as the sum of the amount of tax imposed on the allocable
excess distribution at the highest applicable rate in effect for each year plus
the accumulated interest on the determined amount of tax. Given the distribution
and investment policies of the Company, if the Company, APT and APT BVI are or
become PFICs, there is a substantial risk that any distribution by the Company
will be treated as an excess distribution. (See "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Liquidity and Capital
Resources").
For purposes of the PFIC rules, under certain circumstances, Shares or
ADSs held by a non-United States holder (as defined below) may be attributed to
a United States person owning an interest, directly or indirectly, in that
non-United States holder. In such event, dividends and other transactions in
respect of the Shares or ADSs held by the non-United States holder would be
attributed to such United States person for purposes of applying the above PFIC
rules.
If the Company is a PFIC, a United States holder must file Internal
Revenue Service Form 8621 regarding distributions received with respect to
Shares or ADSs and any gain realized on the disposition or deemed disposition of
Shares or ADSs for each taxable year in which the United States holder owns
Shares or ADSs.
If the Company, APT and APT BVI are or become PFICs, an investment in
Shares or ADSs by a United States holder could subject the holder to
substantial, adverse United States federal income tax consequences. Prospective
United States holders should consult their own tax advisers regarding the
potential application of the PFIC regime.
TAXATION OF INVESTORS--NON-UNITED STATES HOLDERS
Subject to the discussion of United States backup withholding tax
below, a holder of Shares or ADSs other than a United States holder (a
"non-United States holder") will not be subject to United States federal income
or withholding tax on income derived by the Company, dividends paid to a holder
by the Company or gains realized on the sale of Shares or ADSs, provided that
(i) such income is not effectively connected with the conduct by the non-United
States holder of a trade or business within the United States, (ii) the
non-United States holder is not or was not present in, or does not have or did
not have a permanent establishment in, the United States, (iii) there has not
been a present or former connection between the non-United States holder and the
United States, including, without limitation, such non-United States holder's
status as a citizen or former citizen thereof or resident or former resident
thereof, or (iv) in the case of a gain from the sale or disposition of Shares or
ADSs by an individual, the non-United States holder is not present in the United
States for 183 days or more during the taxable year of the sale or certain other
conditions are met. In addition, the provisions of certain bi-lateral income tax
treaties to which the United States is a party may shield a non-United States
holder from the imposition of United States federal income tax on income from
Shares or ADSs even if such income or such holder falls in one of the categories
listed above. Non-United States holders should consult their tax advisors
regarding the taxability of income in respect of the Shares or ADSs.
UNITED STATES BACKUP WITHHOLDING TAX AND INFORMATION REPORTING
A 31% "backup withholding" federal income tax and certain information
reporting requirements may apply to certain payments made on Shares or ADSs and
to the proceeds from the disposition of Shares or ADSs unless the United States
person (i) is a corporation or comes within certain other exempt categories, and
demonstrates this fact when so required, or (ii) provides a correct taxpayer
identification number, certifies that it is
32
<PAGE> 35
not subject to backup withholding, and otherwise complies with applicable
requirements of the backup withholding rules. Compliance with the identification
procedures described above would establish an exemption from backup withholding
for these Non-United States holders who are not exempt recipients. Under newly
issued U.S. Treasury regulations, in the case of dividends paid after December
31, 1999, a holder generally will be subject to backup withholding at a 31% rate
unless certain IRS certification procedures are complied with, directly or
through an intermediary. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding
their qualification for exemption from backup withholding and the procedure for
obtaining such exemption if applicable.
Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding tax rules from a
payment to a holder will be allowed as a refund or a credit against such
holder's United States federal income tax, provided that the required
information is furnished to the IRS.
ITEM 8. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.
The selected financial data for the Company as of and for the five
years ended December 31, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1997 set forth below are
derived from, and should be read in conjunction with, and are qualified in their
entirety by reference to, the audited and unaudited consolidated financial
statements of the Company, including the Notes thereto (the "Consolidated
Financial Statements"), included herein. The selected financial data as of and
for the period ended December 31, 1993 and 1994 set forth below are derived from
audited consolidated financial statements of the Company not included herein.
THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ARE PREPARED AND PRESENTED IN ACCORDANCE
WITH HONG KONG GAAP. FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN DIFFERENCES BETWEEN HONG KONG
GAAP AND US GAAP, SEE NOTE 21 TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
33
<PAGE> 36
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA: 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1997
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues:
Leasing of satellite transponders to:
Unaffiliated customers............. HK$ -- HK$56.0 HK$197.1 HK$249.5 HK$379.6 US$49.0
Related parties.................... -- 13.1 87.7 118.1 142.9 18.4
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total Revenues.......................... -- 69.1 284.8 367.6 522.5 67.4
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Operating expenses:
Cost of service......................... -- (2.5) (17.3) (26.9) (61.5) (7.9)
Depreciation and amortization........... (0.9) (38.7) (113.2) (148.1) (218.7) (28.2)
Selling, general and
administrative....................... (21.7) (38.1) (48.9) (64.1) (84.1) (10.9)
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total operating expenses................... (22.6) (79.3) (179.4) (239.1) (364.3) (47.0)
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Operating income (loss) from continuing
operations.............................. (22.6) (10.2) 105.4 128.5 158.2 20.4
Other income (expenses):
Interest income......................... 6.4 8.7 22.5 17.0 20.9 2.7
Interest expense........................ (1.0) (12.4) (43.8) (52.7) (40.1) (5.2)
Other income............................ -- 14.1 0.5 6.3 5.1 0.7
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Income (loss) before exceptional item and
discontinued operations................. (17.2) 0.2 84.6 99.1 144.1 18.6
Income from discontinued operations........ 2.8 1.2 -- -- -- --
Exceptional item(1)........................ 60.9 -- (69.8) -- -- --
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Income before income taxes................. 46.5 1.4 14.8 99.1 144.1 18.6
Provision for income taxes................. -- -- -- (22.6) (14.5) (1.9)
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net income................................. HK$46.5 HK$1.4 HK$ 14.8 HK$76.5 HK$129.6 US$16.7
======= ======= ======== ======= ======= =======
Net income from continuing operations per
share(2)................................ 0.15 -- 0.05 0.24 0.31 0.04
Net income from continuing operations
per ADS(2).............................. 1.22 -- 0.38 1.92 2.47 0.32
Weighted average number of shares
outstanding(2).......................... 285.4 315.0 315.0 319.0 420 420
US GAAP:
Net income from continuing
operations............................ 46.4 2.8 16.9 89.3 131.9 17.02
Net income from continuing operations
per share(2).......................... 0.16 0.01 0.05 0.28 0.31 0.04
Net income from continuing operations
per ADS(2)............................ 1.30 0.07 0.43 2.24 2.51 0.32
Weighted average number of shares
outstanding(2)........................ 285.4 315.0 315.0 319.0 420 420
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital......................... HK$65.5 HK$(126.9) HK$(96.4) HK$144.8 HK$(310.9) US$(40.1)
Property, plant and equipment........... 16.7 1,083.7 1,000.7 1,851.5 1,646.2 212.4
Total assets............................ 1,044.6 2,550.8 2,082.2 3,193.6 3,575.1 461.3
Long-term debt (less current portion)... 786.2 1,289.4 973.7 692.9 681.6 87.9
Shareholders' equity (deficit).......... 38.9 581.9 596.7 1,942.5 2,072.0 267.4
US GAAP:
Total assets............................ 1,044.6 3,523.2 3,027.9 4,124.4 4,169.5 538.0
Total liabilities....................... 1,001.9 2,935.1 2,422.9 2,160.9 2,074.0 267.6
Shareholders' equity.................... 42.7 588.1 605.0 1,963.5 2,095.5 270.4
OTHER DATA:
Earnings before interest income,
interest expense, other income,
income taxes, depreciations and
amortization and exceptional
items ("EBITDA") from continuing
operations(3)......................... HK$(21.7) HK$28.5 HK$218.6 HK$276.6 HK$376.9 US$48.6
EBITDA margin(4)........................ -- 41.2% 76.7% 75.2% 72.1% 72.1%
Capital expenditures(5)................. HK$553.4 HK$1,490.3 HK$1,106.6 HK$1,053.7 HK$693.2 US$89.4
</TABLE>
34
<PAGE> 37
- - - - -------------
(1) The exceptional gain for the year ended December 31, 1993 represents
compensation received from a third party in connection with the
termination of a joint venture agreement between a subsidiary of the
Company and the third party for the development of a satellite
communications system. The exceptional loss for the year ended December
31, 1995 represented uninsured expenses related to the loss of APSTAR
II, the launching of which was unsuccessful. Uninsured expenses
comprise legal and other professional fees, interest and certain other
expenses.
(2) Per share and per ADS data is derived from the weighted average number
of shares outstanding during the applicable period which gives effect
to the number of shares outstanding after the Company's restructuring
before and in anticipation of the Global Offering, and for the year
ended December 31, 1996, after the Global Offering.
(3) EBITDA is computed under Hong Kong GAAP, EBITDA is not intended to
represent cash flow for the period nor has it been presented as an
alternative to net income as an indicator of operating performance.
(4) EBITDA margin represents EBITDA as a percentage of the Company's
revenues.
(5) Capital expenditures includes capitalized interest.
EXCHANGE RATE
The exchange rates as of and during the years ended December 31, 1993,
1994, 1995, 1996 and 1997 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Average (1) 7.7357 7.7290 7.7357 7.7345 7.7432
High 7.7650 7.7530 7.7665 7.7440 7.7497
Low 7.7230 7.7225 7.7300 7.7310 7.7295
End of Period 7.7280 7.7375 7.7323 7.7370 7.7495
</TABLE>
- - - - ---------------------
(1) The rate of exchange means the noon buying rate in New York City for cable
transfer in foreign currencies as certified for customs purposes by the Federal
Reserve Bank of New York. The average rate means the average of the exchange
rates on the last day of each month during a year.
ITEM 9. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS.
Already mentioned in later paragraph that APSTAR IIR commenced its operation on
1 Jan 1998 and therefore had not been included in 1997. The following discussion
and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial
Statements. The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in
accordance with Hong Kong GAAP, which differs in certain respects from US GAAP.
For a summary of material differences between Hong Kong GAAP and US GAAP, see
Note 21 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and "US GAAP
Reconciliation" below.
OVERVIEW
APT's existing satellites, APSTAR I and APSTAR IA, are in geostationary
orbit at 138 degrees East and 134 degrees East, respectively, providing
commercial service to broadcasting and telecommunications customers in the
Asia-Pacific region (virtually all of which is covered by the footprints of both
satellites), with particular emphasis on the PRC. APSTAR I was launched from
Xichang on July 21, 1994, and began commercial service on September 15, 1994.
APSTAR IA was launched, also from Xichang, on July 3, 1996, and commenced
commercial service on September 1, 1996. Both satellites are Hughes HS-376
communications satellites and each is equipped with 24 C-band transponders, 20
at 36 MHz and 4 at 72 MHz.
APSTAR I's transponders have been effectively fully committed since
February 1995. As of December 31, 1997 23.0% of revenues from APSTAR I were
derived from PRC customers. The remaining transponders are
35
<PAGE> 38
leased to a variety of international broadcasting companies from the United
States, Hong Kong and Taiwan. APSTAR IA's transponders were 88.6% committed as
of December 31, 1997 .
APT's transponder lease agreements typically have a term of five years,
require the payment of a deposit of one calendar quarter's rental upon signing
of the contract, provide for an escalation of service fees during the agreement
term according to an agreed schedule, require service fees to be paid in advance
and provide for renewal options. In addition, three of the 36 MHz transponders
on APSTAR I and APSTAR IA have been committed for the life of the satellite.
Revenues from the payments for these transponders are recognized on a straight
line basis over the warranty period provided to the customers, generally 60
months.
The Company has expanded its operations in the Asia-Pacific with the
launch of APSTAR IIR, an SS/Loral FS-1300 communications satellite which was
successfully launched on October 17, 1997, and the Company intends to continue
to expand operations in the region through future satellite projects, including
the DBS Project.
On January 26, 1995, APSTAR II was destroyed 50 seconds after lift-off.
The Company received an insurance payment of approximately HK$1,241.5 million
(US$ 160.2 million) with respect to this incident, but recognized an exceptional
loss of HK$69.8 million (US$ 9.0 million) in its results of operations for the
year ended December 31, 1995 relating to the uninsured portion of the project.
Certain aspects of the business of the Company are subject to
governmental regulation, including the coordination of orbital slots under the
regulations of the ITU and the licensing of the Company's satellite-related
activities in Hong Kong by the Hong Kong government under the Outer Space
Ordinance. Licenses from the Hong Kong government must be obtained to launch or
operate a satellite. APT has the benefit of existing licenses covering current
and future operation of each of APSTAR I and APSTAR IA. Each of these licenses
requires the approval of the Hong Kong government for any transfer of a
beneficial interest in the satellite, such as that which will arise in
connection with the consummation of the Global Offering. The Company has applied
to obtain these approvals. The Company pays annually HK$ 136,500 in licensing
fees to the Hong Kong government as fixed in its licenses. The license
application process for APSTAR IIR began in July 1995 and was approved on
October 3, 1997. Although neither the Joint Declaration nor the Basic Law makes
express provision with respect to the Outer Space Ordinance or the regulation of
satellite launch and operation or other outer space activities, the Basic Law
provides that the laws previously in force in Hong Kong shall be maintained,
except for any laws that contravene the Basic Law, and subject to any amendment
by the legislature of the Hong Kong SAR.
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the
percentage of revenues from continuing operations represented by certain revenue
and expense items in the Company's statements of income.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 1996 1997
<S> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA:
Revenues............................................. 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
Operating expenses:
Cost of service.................................. 6.1 7.3 11.8
Depreciation and amortization.................... 39.7 40.3 41.8
Selling, general and administrative.............. 17.2 17.4 16.1
---- ---- ----
Total operating expenses............................. 63.0 65.0 69.7
---- ---- ----
Operating income (loss).............................. 37.0% 35.0% 30.3%
==== ==== =====
Income before exceptional item and discontinued
operations........................................ 29.7% 27.0%
27.6%
Net income (loss).................................... 5.2% 20.8% 24.8%
OTHER DATA:
EBITDA............................................... 76.7% 75.2% 72.1%
</TABLE>
36
<PAGE> 39
APT did not recognize any revenues for satellite transponder leasing
until September 15, 1994, the date on which APSTAR I commenced commercial
service. Prior to that date, the Company's revenues were attributable to sales
of certain electronic products, a business which was discontinued in 1994.
The Company began to recognize revenues from APSTAR IA on September 1,
1996, and, therefore, none of such revenues is reflected in results of
operations for the periods before that date. APSTAR IIR commenced commercial
operations on January 1, 1998 and therefore revenues from its operations are not
reflected in results of operations before that date.
For the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997, the Company did
not write off any accounts receivable.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Year Ended December 31, 1997 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 1996
REVENUES. Revenues for the year ended December 31, 1997 were HK$522.5
million (US$67.4 million), an increase of HK$ 154.9 million (US$ 19.9 million),
or 42.1% , as compared to revenues of HK$367.6 million for the same period in
1996. This increase was primarily a result of the leasing of additional APSTAR
IA transponders. In the year ended December 31, 1997 , 77.1% of revenues was
related to broadcast services, and 22.9% of such revenues was derived from
telecommunications services as opposed to 76.9% and 23.1% , respectively, for
the year ended December 31, 1996.
OPERATING EXPENSES. Operating expenses were HK$364.3 million (US$ 47.0
million) for the year ended December 31, 1997 , an increase of HK$ 125.2 million
(US$ 16.1 million), or 52.4% , as compared to the year ended December 31, 1996.
This increase was primarily a result of a HK$ 34.6 million (US$ 4.4 million)
item included in cost of service relating to insurance in orbit insurance cost
for APSTAR I and APSTAR IA in 1997. Operating expenses as a percentage of
revenues were 69.7% in the year ended December 31, 1997 , as compared to 65.0%
in 1996.
EBITDA. EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 1997 was HK$ 376.9
million (US$ 48.6 million), an increase of HK$ 100.3 million, (US$ 12.9 million)
or 36.3% as compared to the year ended December 31, 1996. EBITDA was equal to
72.1% of revenues for the year ended December 31, 1997 , as compared to 75.2%
for 1996. Such decrease was due to the factors discussed above. EBITDA is not a
recognized US GAAP or Hong Kong GAAP measurement.
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION. Depreciation and amortization for the
year ended December 31, 1997 was HK$218.7 million (US$28.2 million), an increase
of HK$70.6 million (US$ 9.1 million) as compared to depreciation and
amortization of HK$ 148.1 million (US$ 19.1 million) for the year ended December
31, 1996. Both periods reflected amortization of APSTAR I and APSTAR IA, the
increase mainly due to the additional amortization of APSTAR IA which commenced
from September 1, 1996.
OPERATING INCOME. Operating income was HK$158.2 million (US$ 20.4
million) for the year ended December 31, 1997 , an increase of HK$ 29.7 million
(US$ 3.8 million), or 23.1%, as compared to the year ended December 31, 1996.
Such increase was due to the factors discussed above.
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES. Net interest expense was HK$ 19.2 million
(US$ 2.5 million) in the year ended December 31, 1997, a decrease of HK$16.5
million (US$2.1 million), or 46.2%, as compared to the year ended December 31,
1996, as a result of decrease in interest expenses, which related to the full
repayment of the loan under the APSTAR IA Loan Agreement (as defined herein), on
December 31, 1996 and increases in interest income. Aggregate non-operating
items resulted in an expense of HK$14.1 million (US$1.8 million) in the year
ended December 31, 1997, a decrease of HK$ 15.3 million (US$2.0 million), or
52.0%, as compared to the year ended December 31, 1996.
37
<PAGE> 40
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES. Provision for income taxes was HK$ 14.5
million (US$ 1.9 million) in the year ended December 31, 1997, a decrease of HK$
8.1 million as compared to the year ended December 31, 1996. The decrease was
mainly due to the tax arrangement of income for APSTAR IA that effectively
reducedchargeable income. In addition, the tax provision was overprovided at the
amount of HK$2.0 million (US$ 0.3 million) in 1996 and the deferred tax credit
was HK$ 0.8 million (US$ 0.1 million). As a result, the tax provision for 1997
was reduced accordingly. NET INCOME. Net income for the year ended December 31,
1997 was HK$ 129.5 million (US$ 16.7 million), an increase of HK$ 53.0 million
(US$ 6.8 million), as compared to the year ended December 31, 1996. This
increase was mainly attributable to the full year operation of APSTAR IA for the
year ended December 31, 1997.
Year Ended December 31, 1996 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 1995
REVENUES. Revenues for the year ended December 31, 1996 were HK$367.6
million (US$47.5 million), an increase of HK$82.8 million (US$10.7 million), or
29.1%, as compared to revenues of HK$284.8 million for the same period in 1995.
This increase was primarily a result of the leasing of additional APSTAR IA
transponders. In the year ended December 31, 1996, 76.9% of revenues was related
to broadcast services, and 23.1% of such revenues was derived from
telecommunications services as opposed to 78.0% and 22.0%, respectively, for the
year ended December 31, 1995.
OPERATING EXPENSES. Operating expenses were HK$239.1 million (US$30.9
million) for the year ended December 31, 1996, an increase of HK$59.7 million
(US$7.7 million), or 35.5%, as compared to the year ended December 31, 1995.
This increase was primarily a result of a HK$8.9 million (US$1.1 million) item
included in cost of service relating to increase in-orbit insurance costs for
APSTAR I in 1996. In 1995, the Company obtained in-orbit insurance for APSTAR I
(for the first time, after expiration of the initial launch and in-orbit
insurance package) later in the year than in 1996, effectively reducing the
premium attributable to the year ended December 31, 1995. Operating expenses as
a percentage of revenues were 65.0% in the year ended December 31, 1996, as
compared to 63.0% in 1995.
The Company capitalizes all costs that are directly attributable to a
satellite incurred during the period prior to the commissioning of such
satellite (including insurance and financing costs). With respect to APSTAR II,
after the loss of the satellite, the aggregate satellite project progress
payments of HK$1,311.3 million was offset in part by the insurance payment
received by the Company in March 1995 (HK$1,241.5 million). The balance,
reflecting the uninsured portion of the loss (HK$69.8 million), was written off
as an exceptional item in the Company's 1995 results of operations. Similarly,
operating costs directly incurred for APSTAR IIR and the DBS Project satellites
prior to their commissioning will be capitalized and amortized as described
above.
EBITDA. EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 1996 was HK$276.6
million (US$35.7 million), an increase of HK$58.0 million, (US$7.5 million) or
26.5% as compared to the year ended December 31, 1995. EBITDA was equal to 75.2%
of revenues for the year ended December 31, 1996, as compared to 76.7% for 1995.
Such decrease was due to the factors discussed above. EBITDA is not a recognized
US GAAP or Hong Kong GAAP measurement.
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION. Depreciation and amortization for the
year ended December 31, 1996 was HK$148.1 million (US$19.1 million), essentially
flat as compared to depreciation and amortization of HK$113.2 million for the
year ended December 31, 1995. Both periods reflected amortization of APSTAR I,
and neither included amortization of APSTAR IA, as amortization of APSTAR I
commenced on September 15, 1994, and amortization of APSTAR IA did not commence
until September 1, 1996.
OPERATING INCOME. Operating income was HK$128.5 million (US$16.6
million) for the year ended December 31, 1996, an increase of HK$23.1 million
(US$3.0 million), or 22.0%, as compared to the year ended December 31, 1995.
Such increase was due to the factors discussed above.
38
<PAGE> 41
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES. Net interest expense was HK$35.7 million
(US$4.6 million) in the year ended December 31, 1996, an increase of HK$14.4
million (US$1.9 million), or 67.6%, as compared to the year ended December 31,
1995, largely as a result of increases in interest expenses, which related to
the commencement of repayments under the APSTAR IA Loan Agreement (as defined
herein), exceeding decreases in interest income. Aggregate non-operating items
resulted in an expense of HK$29.4 million (US$3.8 million) in the year ended
December 31, 1996, an increase of HK$8.6 million (US$1.1 million), or 41.3%, as
compared to the year ended December 31, 1995.
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES. Provision for income taxes was HK$22.6
million (US$2.9 million) in the year ended December 31, 1996, an increase of
HK$22.6 million as compared to the year ended December 31, 1995 when taxable
income was fully offset at year-end by tax loss carryforwards.
NET INCOME. Net income for the year ended December 31, 1996 was HK$76.5
million (US$9.9 million), an increase of HK$61.7 million (US$8.0 million), as
compared to the year ended December 31, 1995. This increase was primarily
attributable to an exceptional loss in 1995 of HK$69.8 million relating to the
uninsured portion of the loss from the destruction of APSTAR II shortly after
its lift-off.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Net cash provided by operating activities amount to HK$ 205.8 million
(US$ 26.6 million) in the year ended December 31, 1997, and HK$ 266.4 million in
the year ended December 31, 1996. Net cash provided by operating activities
substantially exceeded net operating income in both periods as a result of a
number of factors, most prominent of which was depreciation and amortization.
Net cash provided by operating activities was HK$ 131.4 million in 1995.
At December 31, 1997, APT had negative working capital of HK$ 310.9
million (US$ 40.1 million) and cash and cash equivalents of HK$ 87.5 million
(US$ 11.3 million). Working capital decreased by HK$ 455.7 million (US$ 58.8
million) between December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1997 , primarily as a result
of decreases in prepayments, deposits and other receivables of HK$43.9 million
(US$ 5.7 million) and cash and cash equivalent of HK$ 217.8 million (US$ 28.1
million), and increases in accounts payable and accrued expenses of HK$ 33.1
million (US$ 4.3 million) and bank loans - current portion of HK$ 203.9 million
(US$ 26.3 million).
Net cash used in investing activities was HK$ 693.2 million (US$ 89.4
million) in the year ended December 31, 1997 . Of this amount, HK$ 681.1 million
(US$ 87.9 million) was attributable to increases in satellite project progress
payments on APSTAR IIR. In 1996, APT had net cash used in investing activities
of HK$ 1,053.7 million, attributable mainly to a HK$ 1,040.2 million of
satellite project progress payments on APSTAR IA and APSTAR IIR. Net cash used
in investing activities was HK$ 134.8 million in 1995.
Net cash provided by financing activities was HK$ 140.1 million (US$
18.1 million) in the year ended December 31, 1997 , including a HK$ 387.5
million (US$ 50 million) increase in secured syndicated bank loans. Net cash
provided by financing activities of HK$ 1,000.8 million in 1996 resulted mainly
from net proceeds from issue of shares of HK$ 1,326.0 million. Net cash used in
financing activities was HK$ 387.8 million in 1995.
The Company's principal sources of capital for the construction and
launch of its satellites, the construction of related facilities and necessary
working capital have been (i) equity provided by the Principal Shareholders,
(ii) a US$75.0 million term loan facility specifically relating to APSTAR I,
(iii) a US$50 million term loan facility specifically relating to APSTAR IIR,
(iv) a lease financing with respect to APSTAR I, pursuant to which the Company
received a lump sum payment of US$11.0 million, (v) loans to the Company from
the Principal Shareholders in an aggregate amount of US$ 21 million, (vi) a
portion of the net proceeds of the Global Offering and (vii) cash flow from
operations.
APT's principal use of capital in the last several years has been (and
will for the foreseeable future be) capital expenditures related to the
construction and launch of its satellites. The Company's business is
capital-
39
<PAGE> 42
intensive, requiring substantial capital outlays before any given
satellite is commissioned to commercial service and can begin providing a return
on capital.
The Company makes periodic satellite project progress payment relating
to construction of satellites, launching and related services, insurance costs
and finance costs on amounts borrowed to finance such expenses. Upon the
commencement of commercial service of an APT satellite, satellite project
progress payments relating to the satellite are transferred in full to property,
plant and equipment. As of December 31, 1997 , satellite project progress
payments with respect to APSTAR IIR, were HK$ 1,805.0 million (US$ 232.9
million), and property, plant and equipment were HK$ 1,646.2 million (US$ 212.4
million), HK$ 683.3 million (US$ 88.2 million) of which related to APSTAR I and
HK$858.8 million (US$110.8 million) of which related to APSTAR 1A.
OTHER
Exchange Rates
Substantially all of APT's historical revenues from
transponder leasing, premiums for satellite launch and in-orbit insurance
coverage, debt service and capital expenditures have been denominated in US
Dollars. The remaining revenues and expenses have been primarily denominated in
Hong Kong Dollars, which are fully convertible into US Dollars, and the exchange
rates for that currency against the US Dollar have been pegged since 1983. As
the exchange rate between the Hong Kong Dollar and the US Dollar has been
pegged, the Company does not engage in or plan to engage in hedging activities
to offset risks of exchange rate fluctuations. There can be no assurance that
the exchange rates will remain stabilized in the future. See "Exchange Rate
Information." At December 31, 1997 , all of the Company's material contracts and
obligations were denominated in US Dollars.
Inflation
Inflation has not materially affected the Company's operations during
its operating history.
Taxation
The Company's profits for the year ended December 31, 1997 which is
deemed to be Hong Kong-sourced is subject to Hong Kong profits tax, which is
currently charged at the rate of 16.5% each year. Offshore interest income
derived by the Company is not subject to Hong Kong profits tax.
A subsidiary of the Company in the United States has been subject to
United States income tax. The Company does not expect this subsidiary to pay a
material amount of United States income tax for the foreseeable future.
40
<PAGE> 43
US GAAP Reconciliation
The Company's financial statements are prepared in accordance with Hong
Kong GAAP, which differs in certain material respects from US GAAP. The
following table sets forth a comparison of the Company's net income and
shareholders' equity in accordance with Hong Kong GAAP and US GAAP.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended
December 31,
------------------------------------------------------------
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997
(In millions)
Net income (loss) for continuing
operations as reported under:
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Hong Kong GAAP..................... HK$43.7 HK$0.2 HK$14.8 HK$76.5 HK$129.6
US GAAP............................ 46.4 2.8 16.9 89.3 131.9
Shareholders' equity as reported under:
Hong Kong GAAP..................... 38.9 581.9 596.7 1,942.5 2,072.0
US GAAP............................ 42.7 588.1 605.0 1,963.5 2,095.5
</TABLE>
Note 21 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements provides a
description of the principal differences between Hong Kong GAAP and US GAAP as
they relate to the Company, and a reconciliation to US GAAP of certain items,
including net income and shareholders' equity. Differences between Hong Kong
GAAP and US GAAP that have a material effect on the Company's net income and
shareholders' equity as reported under Hong Kong GAAP relate to recognition of
revenue, investment properties and deferred taxation, and are briefly summarized
below.
Certain of the Company's transponder lease agreements for transponder
capacity contain pre-determined escalations over the term of the agreement.
Under Hong Kong GAAP, the Company recognizes revenue on an accrual basis under
the contract terms. Under US GAAP, revenue under these agreements would be
recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement.
Under Hong Kong GAAP, interest on loans, including the related costs of
raising the loans, incurred specifically to finance construction of satellites
is capitalized as part of the satellite costs until the satellites are
substantially ready for their intended use. Under US GAAP, the interest
capitalized is computed by applying an average borrowing rate to the total
amount of qualifying assets under construction, not to exceed total interest
costs incurred, and the related costs of raising the loans are deferred and
amortized over the life of the loans. The application of US GAAP would not have
a significant effect for the periods presented.
Under Hong Kong GAAP, investment properties are stated at cost and are
not depreciated. Under US GAAP, such investment properties would also be stated
at cost, but will have to be depreciated over the lease term.
Under Hong Kong GAAP, deferred taxation is provided, using the
liability method, on all significant timing differences to the extent it is
probable that the liability will crystallize in the foreseeable future. A
deferred tax asset is not recognized until its realization is assured beyond
reasonable doubt.
Under US GAAP, the tax effects of both taxable and deductible temporary
differences are recognized as deferred tax liabilities and assets, respectively.
A valuation allowance is recorded to the extent it is considered more likely
than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
Additionally, under US GAAP, the outstanding lease obligations to the
Partnership (as defined herein) would not be offset with a matching offshore
deposit which is being held by a subsidiary company. As a result, current assets
and liabilities would increase by HK$ 34.6 million and HK$ 38.9 million as of
December 31, 1996 and 1997, respectively, and long-term assets and liabilities
would increase by HK$ 870.9 million and HK$ 527.5 million at December 31, 1996
and 1997, respectively.
41
<PAGE> 44
ITEM 11. COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
The aggregate compensation paid by the Company to directors for the
year ended December 31, 1997 was approximately HK$ 6.9 million which includes
HK$ 0.2 million for pensions, retirement or similar benefits for its officers
and directors.
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF REGISTRANT.
All of the Company's current executive officers were originally
seconded from affiliates of the Principal Shareholders, principally affiliates
of ChinaSat, CLTC, China Aerospace and Chia Tai. A majority of APT's technical
and engineering staff employed at the satellite control center in Tai Po were
seconded from affiliates of CLTC, MPT and China Aerospace and became employees
of the Company.
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The directors and executive officers of APT Holdings are set forth
below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DATE FIRST
ELECTED OR
NAME AGE POSITION APPOINTED
---- --- -------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
He Ke Rang............................. 62 Vice-Chairman and President 1992
Chen Ji Bin............................ 63 Director and Vice-President 1992
Qin Shen............................... 55 Director and Vice-President 1992
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
Liu Ji Yuan ........................... 64 Chairman (Appointed June 8, 1998) 1998
Zhang Jia De .......................... 61 Vice-Chairman (Appointed June 8, 1998) 1998
Zhou Ze He............................. 57 Vice-Chairman (Appointed June 8, 1998) 1998
Xie Gao Jue............................ 65 Chairman (resigned June 1, 1998) 1992
Li Bao Ming............................ 58 Vice-Chairman (resigned June 23, 1998) 1992
Ngai Man............................... 52 Vice-Chairman (resigned April 20, 1998) 1992
Wong Hung Khim......................... 59 Director 1993
Hsu Chih Chang......................... 39 Director 1996
Hou Zheng.............................. 60 Director(resigned June 23, 1998) 1993
Chatchaval Jiravanon................... 35 Director (resigned February 28, 1998) 1996
Zhu You Jun............................ 62 Director 1996
Lim Toon............................... 54 Director 1993
Lee Hsiang Wei......................... 38 Director 1993
Wong Kit Ming.......................... 53 Director 1997
Ho Siaw Hong........................... 48 Alternate to Lim Toon and Wong Hung Khim 1993
Wu Zhen Mu ............................ 52 Director(Appointed June 23, 1998) 1998
Liang Wen Hao ......................... 57 Director(Appointed June 23, 1998) 1998
INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
Li Kwok Wing, Meocre................... 43 Director 1996
Yuen Pak Yiu, Philip................... 62 Director 1996
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Leng Yi Shun........................... 60 Vice-President 1992
Bao Miao Qin........................... 58 Chief Engineer 1992
</TABLE>
42
<PAGE> 45
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DATE FIRST
ELECTED OR
NAME AGE POSITION APPOINTED
---- --- -------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Ang Teck Leng.......................... 42 Financial Controller 1994
Lo Kin Hang, Brian..................... 41 Assistant to the President and Company 1996
Secretary
</TABLE>
EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
MR. HE KE RANG, aged 62, appointed as the Vice Chairman and President of
the Company in October 1996 and has been the Vice Chairman and President of APT
Satellite Company Limited ("APT"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company,
since June 1992. Mr. He is responsible for the overall daily management and
operation of the Group. He graduated with a Master's Degree in Engineering from
Kharkov Polytechnical Institute of the then USSR. From 1959 to 1961 he served in
the Changchun Research Institute of Optics and Mechanics of the China Academy of
Science. In 1961, he joined the PRC Ministry of Aerospace Industry (presently
known as China Aerospace Corporation ("China Aerospace")). He later headed the
Ministry's Research Institute of Mechanics and Environment which was responsible
for the development of launch vehicle technology. From 1984 to 1992, he was the
Deputy Director of China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology of China
Aerospace. During this period, he participated in the development and management
of the Long March series of launch vehicles and other launch vehicles. The PRC
government commended him in 1990 as a specialist who has contributed to the PRC.
He currently serves as a Visiting Professor at the Harbin Institute of
Technology.
MR. CHEN JI BIN, aged 63, appointed as Director and Vice President of
the Company in October 1996 and has been a Director and Vice President of APT
since June 1992. Mr. Chen is responsible for the management of the APSTAR
System. He graduated from the Radar Department of the PRC Institute of Military
Telecommunication Engineering. From 1953 to 1970, he conducted radar research as
the Deputy Chief Designer and Chief Designer in the Ministry of Communications
and Ministry of Weapons. From 1970 to 1985, he was the Head of Design and
Director of the Office of Satellite Communication System Engineering in the PRC
Ministry of Electronics Industry. From 1985 to 1992, he was the Chief Engineer
and Vice President of China Telecommunications Broadcast Satellite Corporation
("ChinaSat"). He has over 30 years' experience in telecommunications and
satellite applications and control. He was accredited as a Senior Engineer and
Research Fellow in 1980 and 1986 respectively, and was awarded the National
Science and Technology Advancement Award (First Grade) in 1985. He has co-edited
several technological publications on topics such as radar, microwave, satellite
television receiving systems and satellite telecommunications.
MR. QIN SHEN, aged 55, appointed as Director and Vice President of the
Company in October 1996 and has been a Director of APT since August 1996 and
Vice President since June 1992. He graduated from Department of Electrical
Instrumentation Measurement Technology of the Harbin Institute of Technology in
1965. Prior to joining the Group, he was the Co-Chief Designer of China Xichang
Satellite Launch Mission Command Control Centre, the Leader of the PRC
Ministerial Level Professional Planning Group of the Seventh Five-Year Economic
Plan of the PRC and the Deputy General Manager of the Development Department of
China Satellite Launch & Tracking Control General ("CLTC"). He has been granted
several State and Ministerial Level Research Awards. He has over 25 years'
experience in satellite telemetry, control and telecommunication system design.
He is a Senior Engineer and currently a Visiting Professor at the Harbin
Institute of Technology.
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
MR. LIU JI YUAN, aged 64, appointed as Chairman of the Company in June
1998. Mr. Liu graduated from Bowman Polytechnic University, Moscow, USSR
(presently known as Russia) majoring in automatic and remote control, and
obtained a Master's degree in 1960. After graduation, he was appointed
consecutively Deputy Director and Director of the Twelfth Research Institute of
the Seventh Ministry of Machinery Industry, Vice President of the China Academy
of Launch Vehicle Technology under the Ministry of Astronautics and accredited
as a Senior Engineer from May 1983 to March 1984, Vice Minister of the Ministry
of Astronautics and accredited as a research
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<PAGE> 46
fellow from April 1984 to March 1988, and Vice Minister of the Ministry of
Aerospace Industry(presently known as China Aerospace Corporation) from April
1988 to April 1993. In April 1993, Mr. Liu was appointed as the Administrator
(Ministerial) of China National Space Administration (CNSA), as well as the
President of China Aerospace Corporation. In 1988, Mr. Liu was granted the award
of National Outstanding Young and Middle-aged Expert in PRC. In the same year,
he was appointed as a visiting professor of Harbin Institute of Technology,
Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and Beijing Information
Control Institute. After 1993, Mr. Liu was also appointed as the President of
the Chinese Society of Astronautics, Member of International Academy of
Astronautics, President (third-term) of China Automatic Measurement and Control
Association, Honorary Chairman of China Aerospace Industrial and Entrepreneurial
Management Association, and Honorary Chairman of China Aerospace International
Holdings Limted.
MR. ZHANG JIA DE, aged 61, appointed as the Vice Chairman of the
Company in June 1998. Mr. Zhang graduated from the Department of Force
Engineering of Zhejiang University in Engineering. He has long been leading or
participarting the security management in respect of facilities and equipment,
transportation, technical logistics, finance for various types of satellite
launching, telemetry and control and therefore is well experienced in these
areas. He had been appointed as the Deputy Director of China Satellite Launch &
Tracking Control General. Mr. Zhang is also appointed as Visiting Professor in
the University of Defence Technology and the Academy of Vehicle Engineering of
the Technical Insititute of Beijing.
MR. ZHOU ZE HE, aged 57, appointed as the Vice Chairman of the Company
in June 1998. Mr. Zhou graduated from Chongqing University of Posts &
Telecommunications. Then he participated in education and scientific research in
telecommunication. In 1972, he was appointed as Deputy Director and Deputy
Director General of MPT of PRC. In 1988, he was appointed as Deputy Director
General of the Beijing Telecommunications Administration in charging of
development, planning, construction and management of Beijing's
telecommunication. He also acted concurrently as a director of Beijing
International Exchange Systems Inc. In 1993, he was appointed as President of
China National Posts & Telecommunications Industry Corporation. During this
period, he promoted the rapid development and enterprises reformation in
telecommunication industry. He successfully established joint ventures with
international renowned telecommunication companies and completed the reformation
of Shanghai Posts & Telecommunications Appliances Factory and Chengdu Cable
Factory of MPT and listed their shares on foreign stock makret. He was also the
first Chairman of the Chengdu Cable Company Limited, the first company of MPT
that successfully listed on foreign stock market. In March 1995, he was
transferred to ChinaSat as President endeavoring to the development of Chinese
space segment resources and the planning of new projects such as satellite
mobile telecommunications and high speed digital satellite telecommunications.
In May 1998, Mr. Zhou was appointed as Chairman (first term) of Asia Pacific
Mobile Telecommunications (APMT), the controlling shares of which is held by
China.
MR. XIE GAO JUE, aged 65, appointed as the Chairman of the Company in
October 1996 and has been the Chairman of APT since June 1992. Mr. Xie graduated
from the Beijing Institute of Posts and Telecommunications in 1956 and further
obtained a postgraduate degree in 1958. He has worked in the fields of
telecommunication and telemetry and control systems, serving as the Supervisor
of a research laboratory, and later the Senior Engineer, Chief Engineer, and the
Head of a PRC Ministry of Electronic Industry research institute. In 1982 he was
appointed as the Department Director of Science and Technology of the PRC
Ministry of Electronic Industry and subsequently was promoted to the
Vice-Minister of the same Ministry in 1984. In 1988, he was appointed as the
Vice-Minister of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications of the PRC. He has
also served as Chairman of the China Management Association of Posts and
Telecommunications Enterprises since 1991 and Vice President of the Chinese
Institute of Electronics since 1988. Mr. Xie resigned as the Chairman of the
Company effective June 1, 1998.
MR. LI BAO MING; aged 58, appointed as the Vice Chairman of the Company
in October 1996 and has been the Vice Chairman of APT since June 1992. He
graduated from the University of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the Harbin
Institute of Military Engineering. He has many years of experience in launches
of various types of satellites. He was also the Division Manager of the
Technology Division and Planning Division of Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre and
the Deputy Head of CLTC. Mr. Li resigned as the Vice Chairman of the Company
effective June 23, 1998.
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<PAGE> 47
MR. NGAI MAN, (also known as Montree Navikapol) aged 52, appointed as
the Vice Chairman of the Company in October 1996 and has been the Vice Chairman
of APT since June 1992. He is a Director of Orient Telecom & Technology Holdings
Ltd. and Orient Telecom & Technology (China) Ltd. He joined the Charoen Pokphand
Group in 1988 and has extensive experience in telecommunications projects and
other investments in southeast Asia. He resigned as a Director of the Company
effective April 20, 1998.
MR. WONG HUNG KHIM, aged 59, appointed as Director of the Company in
October 1996 and has been a Director of APT since February 1993. He graduated
from the University of Singapore with Honours in Physics and attended the
Advanced Management Programme at Harvard Business School. He spent two years in
teaching before joining the Administrative Service of Singapore in 1966. He
began his service in the then Ministry of Social Affairs ("MSA") and later
became the Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Labour. In 1974, he served first
as a General Manager and then Executive Director of Singapore Bus Service Ltd.
In 1979, he became the General Manager of the Port of Singapore Authority. In
1984, he became the Permanent Secretary of the MSA, which subsequently became
the Ministry of Community Development. In 1987, he became head of the
Telecommunication Authority of Singapore and oversaw its privatisation into
Singapore Telecommunications Limited ("Singapore Telecom") in October 1993. In
recognition of his services, Mr. Wong was awarded a Public Administration
Meritorious Services Medal in 1992. Mr. Wong is currently the Group Chairman of
Singapore Bus Service (1978) Ltd., Chairman of Jurong Town Corporation and
Deputy Chairman of Singapore Telecom.
MR. HSU CHIH CHANG, aged 39, appointed as Director of the Company in
October 1996 and has been a Director of APT since September 1996. Mr. Hsu
graduated with a Master's degree in Business Administration from National Taiwan
University in 1983 and a Doctoral Degree in Managerial Economics and Decision
Sciences from Northwestern University in 1989. Mr. Hsu was a part-time Associate
Professor in the Department of Financial Administration, National Chengchi
University, Taiwan in 1989. From 1989 to 1991, Mr. Hsu served as a Special
Assistant to the President of the Ruentex Industries Ltd. From 1991 to 1995, he
was the General Auditor of the Ruentex Industries Ltd. Mr. Hsu is now a Special
Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer of the Ruentex Group (Ruentex
Construction & Development Company Limited and its affiliates), a Managing
Director of the China Development Corporation and an Associate Director of the
Yin Shu Tien Memorial Hospital Shu-Tien Urology & Ophthalmology Clinic in
Taiwan.
MR. HOU ZHENG, aged 60, appointed as Director of the Company in October
1996 and has been a Director of APT since June 1993. From 1954 to 1956, he
studied at the Harbin Institute of Technology. He graduated with a Master's
Degree in Engineering from Leningrad Engineering Institute in 1961. During the
years between 1961 and 1985, he taught at Qinghua University after which he
served as a senior designer of the then Ministry of Aerospace Industry. In 1992,
he was commended as an Overseas Fellow of the Russian Engineering Academy (St.
Petersburg). Mr. Hou resigned as the Director of the Company effective June 23,
1998.
MR. CHATCHAVAL JIARAVANON, aged 35, appointed as Director of the Company
in October 1996 and has been a Director of APT since July 1996. He graduated
from the University of Southern California in 1984. He is concurrently an
Executive Vice President of Telecom Holding Co. Ltd., a Director of TelecomAsia,
Metro Machinery Co. Ltd., the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Thai
Industries, and of Thailand Management Association as well as Executive Director
of Radiophone Co. Ltd. and a Vice-President of Thai Kodama Co. Ltd. He resigned
as a Director of the Company effective February 29, 1998.
MR. ZHU YOU JUN, aged 62, appointed as Director of the Company in
October 1996 and has been a Director of APT since February 1996. He graduated
from Fu Dan University. He was the Director of the USA Branch of the China News
Service, and has been a Deputy Director and Director of the China News Service.
He is also Vice Chairman of both China Travel Service (Holdings) Hong Kong Ltd.,
Chinese Goods Centre Ltd., Chairman of China Travel Air Service Co., Ltd. and a
Director of Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd.
MR. LIM TOON, aged 54, appointed as Director of the Company in October
1996 and has been a Director of APT since February 1993. Mr. Lim graduated in
Engineering from University of Canterbury in New Zealand in 1966 and obtained a
Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration from the University of Singapore
in 1975.
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<PAGE> 48
He attended the Advanced Management Programme at Harvard Business
School in 1992. He has been an Executive Vice-President for International
Service of Singapore Telecom since April 1994 and has worked for Singapore
Telecom since 1970, serving as a Vice-President of engineering, radio services,
traffic operations, personnel training and information systems departments. He
became the Executive Vice President for Network Services in 1989. Mr. Lim was
awarded the Efficiency Medal in 1978 and the Public Administration Medal (Gold)
in 1991 by the Singapore government. He is presently a Director in a number of
overseas companies.
MR. LEE HSIANG WEI, aged 38, appointed as Director of the Company in
October 1996 and has been a Director of APT since June 1993. He is presently the
Chairman of Kwang Hua Securities Investment and Trust Co., Ltd. Mr. Lee
graduated in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science Degree from the National Taiwan
University. He later attained his Master's Degree in Business Administration
from Duke University. He joined Ruentex Industries Ltd. as a marketing manager
in 1987 and was promoted to Vice-President in 1989. Since 1991, Mr. Lee has been
a Director of Kwang Hua Securities Investment & Trust Co., Ltd. and is an
executive committee member of that company. Mr. Lee is also a President in
Ruentex International Holdings Ltd. which sponsors the Ruentex Group's offshore
investment activities. He also holds directorships of AETNA Life Insurance
Corporation of America and Shanghai International Asset Management (H.K.) Co.
Ltd.
MR. WONG KIT MING, aged 53, appointed as Director of the Company in
April 1997. He is presently the Chairman of Fine Source Investments Limited and
In System Investment Limited, and a Director of China Travel Fok Tai (Macau)
Limited and Safemerge Limited.
MR. HO SIAW HONG, aged 48, appointed as the Alternate Director to Mr. T.
Lim and Mr. H. K. Wong in October 1996. Mr. Ho graduated from the University of
Singapore with a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical & Electronics) Degree in
1972. He has been employed with Singapore Telecom since August 1972 and has been
the Senior Director in charge of the Satellite Business Development Division
since July 1996. Prior to July 1996, he was the Division Manager of the same
division. From July 1991 to August 1993, he served as the Project Manager of the
Satellite System II Unit at Singapore Telecom. From March 1993 to March 1994, he
was a Director of American Mobile Satellite Corporation of the United States.
MR. WU ZHEN MU, aged 52, appointed as director of the Company in June
1998. Mr. Wu graduated in Manufacturing Engineering of the Beijing Institute of
Aeronautics in 1969 and obtained a Master's degree in Electro-Mechanical
Automation in the same Institute in 1981. He was a lecturer in Zhengzhou
Institute of Aeronautics from 1970 and 1979 and had been a lecturer, associate
Professor and Professor in Beijing University of Aeronautics and Aerospace from
1982 to 1993. Since then, he has been appointed as Professor of the Commission
of Science and Technology of China Aerospace Corporation.
MR. LIANG WEN HAO, aged 57, appointed as Director of the Company in June
1998. Mr. Liang graduated from Beijing Institute of Aeronautics. In 1964, he was
appointed as an engineer of the First Deisgn Department of the China Academy of
Launch Vehicle Technology under the Ministry of Aerospace Industry of China
(resently known as China Aerospace Corporation). Since 1972, Mr. Liang had been
consecutively appointed as the Institute Director, Research Fellow, Chief
Engineer and Factory Director of Nanjiang Chenguang Machinery Factory and in
1996, he was appointed as the Chairman of Nanjiang Chenguang Group Corporation.
He is an executive director of China Aerospace International Holdings Limited.
INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
MR. LI KWOK WING, Meocre, aged 43, appointed as an Independent
Non-executive Director of the Company in October 1996. He is the Chief Executive
of NatWest Markets Corporate Finance Asia Limited, and prior to that was the
managing partner of Arthur Anderson & Co.'s Hong Kong and China operations. Mr.
Li received a Bachelor of Commerce Degree, with distinction, and the Financial
Executive Institute Silver Medal from the University of Alberta, Canada. In
1988, Mr. Li completed the Program for Management Development offered by the
Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administration. Mr. Li is a
member of the Hong Kong Society of Accountants and of the Chartered Association
of Certified Accountants, United Kingdom.
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<PAGE> 49
MR. YUEN PAK YIU, Philip, aged 62, appointed as an Independent
Non-executive Director of the Company in October 1996. He graduated from Law
School in England in 1961 and commenced the practice of law in Hong Kong in
1962. In 1965, he established his solicitors' firm, Yung, Yu, Yuen & Co. and now
is the principal partner in the firm. Mr. Yuen has over 30 years' experience in
the legal field and has been a Director of a number of listed companies
including Henderson Investment Limited, Henderson China Holdings Limited,
Melbourne Enterprises Limited, Cheerful Holdings Limited, Tsingtao Brewery
Company Limited, Guangzhou Shipyard International Company Limited and Oriental
Metals (Holdings) Company Limited. He is a Director of the China Appointed
Attesting Officers Association in Hong Kong, a Standing Committee Member of the
China Chamber of Commerce of Hong Kong, a Member of the National Committee of
Chinese Peoples' Political Consultative Conference, an Arbitrator at the China
International Economic & Trade Arbitration Commission and an Adviser of Hong
Kong Affairs to the PRC government.
SENIOR MANAGEMENT
MR. LENG YI SHUN, aged 60, has been a Vice President for Finance of the
Group since July 1994. Mr. Leng is responsible for the corporate finance
division of the Group. He graduated from the Department of Electrical
Engineering of the Harbin Institute of Technology in 1960. Upon graduation, he
lectured in the Harbin Institute of Technology for two years. From 1962 to 1990,
he served in the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology ("CALT"). His
research topics, among others, included the power and reliability of guided
missiles and rockets, and terrain environmental tests. He was accredited as an
Engineering Research Fellow in 1993. From 1984 to 1990, he was the Supervisor of
the Beijing Centre of New Dynamic Equipment and Facilities for Reliability and
Environment Research of Rockets and Guided Missiles and the General Manager of a
corporation which was principally engaged in the production and operation of
dynamic equipment and facilities. From 1990 to 1992, he was the Chief Engineer
of the Department of Civil Products, CALT and the Deputy General Manager of
Beijing Wan Yuan Industry Corporation. He has over 30 years' experience in
launch vehicles research and over 20 years' experience in corporation
management.
PROFESSOR BAO MIAO QIN, aged 58, has been the Chief Engineer of the
Group since June 1992. Professor Bao is responsible for the technical aspects of
the development and operation of the APSTAR System and the related insurance
programs. He has over 30 years' experience in systems engineering and space
technology. He graduated from the Beijing Aeronautical Institute in 1963. Before
joining the Group, he was the Director of Systems Engineering and Research
Division of the Chinese Academy of Space Technology ("CAST"). Upon graduation,
he spent his first three years in the space industry in the design of
sub-orbital sounding rockets. Since 1968, he worked on several space projects
for CAST, which included an important feasibility study of manned spacecraft,
scientific satellite system engineering and research on the orbit and attitude
dynamics of communications satellites. From 1974, he directed the system
engineering of China's first communications satellite. In 1984, he joined
ChinaSat as a System Engineering Consultant for broadcasting satellites and
worked for two years. Professor Bao also spent more than one year in the United
Kingdom and served as a Research Professor at the British National Space Centre
before he took the post of Director of System Engineering Division at CAST in
1989.
MR. ANG TECK LENG, aged 42, has been the Financial Controller of the
Group since August 1994. He holds a Master's Degree in International Management
from University of South Australia. He is a certified public accountant of the
Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Singapore. After graduating from
Nanyang University of Singapore with a degree of Commerce (Accountancy) in 1980,
he practised accountancy by working in various companies in Singapore, Indonesia
and the PRC. Before joining the Group, he was an Assistant Vice-President of
Chia Tai International Telecommunication Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of Telecom
Holdings Co. Ltd. which is a member of the Charoen Pokphand Group, which he
joined in September 1989. He has over 18 years of financial and accounting
experience in industry ranging from manufacturing, shipping, construction and
telecommunications.
MR. LO KIN HANG, BRIAN, aged 41, is the Assistant to the President and
Company Secretary of the Company. Mr. Lo joined the Group in September 1996. He
graduated with an Associateship in Production and Industrial Engineering and an
M.Sc. degree in Information Technology from Hong Kong Polytechnic University,
and a MBA Degree from the University of Wales, UK. He has attained several
professional qualifications including Chartered Engineer, Member of the
Institute of Electrical Engineers, and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered
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<PAGE> 50
Secretaries and Administrators in the United Kingdom and a Fellow of the Hong
Kong Institute of Company Secretaries. Prior to joining the Group, he was a
Director and senior management executive responsible for financial and
investment management and the company secretary of a publicly listed company in
Hong Kong. He has over 15 years' experience in corporate and project management
including telecommunication projects.
SERVICE AGREEMENTS
In November 1996 the Company entered into service agreements with He Ke
Rang, Chen Ji Bin and Qin Shen (the "Contracted Directors"). The initial terms
of the service agreements are, in the case of He Ke Rang, three years, and, in
the case of Chen Ji Bin and Qin Shen, two years. All of the service agreements
commenced December 1, 1996 and will continue until terminated by either party
giving to the other not less than three months' notice expiring on or after the
relevant initial term . Each of the Contracted Directors will be entitled to a
basic salary payable monthly in arrears by the Company, with such basic salary
subject to annual review by the Company's board of directors. In addition, each
of the Contracted Directors will be entitled to receive an annual discretionary
bonus of such amount as shall be determined by the board of directors provided
that the amount of discretionary bonus payable to each of the Contracted
Directors by the Company in respect of any financial year shall not exceed an
agreed percentage of the audited consolidated net income after taxation and
minority interests but before extraordinary items of the Company for the
relevant financial year. Each of the Contracted Directors will be provided with
housing subject to an agreed maximum amount, which maximum amount may be revised
from time to time by the board of directors. Each of the Contracted Directors
will also be entitled to receive certain other benefits such as the use of an
automobile, the provision of club memberships and medical and life insurance,
and to participate in the Company's retirement scheme and any share option
scheme for its employees.
ITEM 11. COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
The aggregate compensation paid by the Company to directors for the year
ended December 31, 1997 was approximately HK$ 6.9 million which includes HK$ 0.2
million for pensions, retirement or similar benefits for its officers and
directors.
ITEM 12. OPTIONS TO PURCHASE SECURITIES FROM REGISTRANT OR SUBSIDIARIES.
In December 1996 the Company adopted a share option scheme (the "Share
Option Scheme"). Under the terms of the Share Option Scheme, the directors of
the Company may from time to time within 10 years invite full-time employees,
including executive directors and officers, of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries, to apply for options to subscribe for shares of Common Stock.
The maximum number of shares of Common Stock over which options may be
granted under the Share Option Scheme may not, when aggregated with any shares
subject to any other scheme involving the issue or grant of options over shares
or other securities by the Company, or for the benefit of directors, executives
or employees, exceed 10% of the issued share capital of the Company from time to
time (excluding those shares which have been issued pursuant to the exercise of
options under the Share Option Scheme). The number of shares over which an
option may be granted to any one person at any time is limited such that the
total number of shares issued or issuable under all options granted to such
person (whether exercised or not) upon such grant being made shall not exceed
25% of the total number of shares for the time being issued and issuable under
the Share Option Scheme.
The consideration for each option granted and the price for a share of
Common Stock payable by a participant upon the exercise of any option granted
under the Share Option Scheme will be determined by the directors of the Company
in their discretion, except that such price may not be less than the par value
of the share nor at a discount of more than 20% below the average closing price
of the shares on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange as stated in the Hong Kong Stock
Exchange's daily quotation sheets on the five dealing days immediately preceding
the date on which the directors resolve to invite the participant to apply for
options to subscribe for shares. The period during which an option may be
exercised will be determined by the directors in their discretion, except that
no option may be exercised later than 10 years after it has been granted or the
tenth anniversary of the
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<PAGE> 51
date of adoption of the Share Option Scheme, whichever is the earlier. As of
December 31, 1997 , no option has been granted or agreed to be granted under the
Share Option Scheme.
ITEM 13. INTEREST OF MANAGEMENT IN CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS.
The Company has used Great Wall's Long March launch vehicles to launch
all of its satellites to date. The Company may enter into further launch
services contracts with Great Wall (or other affiliates of China Aerospace) in
respect of the Company's future satellites. Negotiations for each of the launch
services contracts with Great Wall have been conducted on an arm's length basis
and any future negotiations with Great Wall would be similarly conducted.
Three of the Principal Shareholders or their affiliates are currently
customers of APT. ChinaSat has leased nine transponders for the transmission of
television programming, private networks and PSTN services, five on APSTAR I and
four on APSTAR IA. CLTC leases one transponder on APSTAR IA. Negotiations for
transponder leases with these Principal Shareholders and their affiliates have
been conducted on an arm's length basis and any future negotiations would be
similarly conducted. In connection with APSTAR IIR, the Company has agreed with
Great Wall that part of the contract price for the APSTAR IIR Launch Services
Contract may be satisfied by APT providing to Great Wall one C-band transponder
for the operational life of the satellite. The value attributed to the
transponder for the purposes of determining the portion of the aggregate
contract price to be satisfied by the provision of such transponder is within
the range representative of the Company's pricing for its other customers.
The Company is aware that ChinaSat intends to operate a PRC domestic
satellite network. In addition, China Aerospace and CLTC each holds a 25%
interest in SinoSat, which does not currently operate any satellites. The
Company believes, however, that SinoSat intends to launch a satellite in the
second half of 1998 which would be devoted largely to providing
telecommunications services to the banking industry. Singapore Telecom, the
parent company of SingaSat, has holdings in a number of other satellite
companies. As a result of satellite design and coverage, the Company does not
believe such satellite companies compete with the Company, other than the ST-1
satellite system which Singapore Telecom operates and in which it has an
ownership interest. The ST-1 satellite system only has the ability to compete
with the Company in C-band segments of the Asia-Pacific market. Through the
Telecommunications Authority of Singapore, a signatory to the Intelsat treaty,
Singapore Telecom also has an interest in Intelsat.
Other than as described above, none of the directors, their associates
(as defined in the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on the Hong Kong
Stock Exchange (the "Listing Rules")) or any shareholder of the Company which to
the knowledge of the directors owns more than 5% of the issued share capital of
the Company has any interest in any of the Company's five largest suppliers or
five largest customers.
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PART II
ITEM 14. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED.
Not Applicable.
PART III
ITEM 15. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.
Not Applicable
ITEM 16. CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND CHANGES IN SECURITY FOR REGISTERED
SECURITIES.
Not Applicable
PART IV
ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
Not Applicable
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<PAGE> 53
ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
APT SATELLITE HOLDINGS LIMITED
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Pages
-----
<S> <C>
Report of Independent Auditors F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1996 and 1997 F-3
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997 F-4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997 F-5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-6
</TABLE>
F-1
<PAGE> 54
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
To the Shareholders of
APT Satellite Holdings Limited
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of APT Satellite
Holdings Limited and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1997 and the
related consolidated statements of income and cash flows for each of the years
in the three-year period ended December 31, 1997. These financial statements are
the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in Hong Kong and the United States of America. Those standards require that we
plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of APT
Satellite Holdings Limited and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and
1997, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for
each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1997, in
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in Hong Kong.
Accounting principles generally accepted in Hong Kong differ in certain material
respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America. Application of generally accepted accounting principles in the United
States of America would have affected the results of operations for each of the
years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1997 and the shareholders'
equity as of December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997, to the extent summarized in note
21 to the consolidated financial statements.
Hong Kong Ernst & Young
28 April 1998 Certified Public Accountants
F-2
<PAGE> 55
APT SATELLITE HOLDINGS LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1997
(AMOUNTS STATED IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,
--------------------------------------------
1996 1997 1997
HK$ HK$ US$
<S> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents 305,306 87,545 11,296
Pledged bank balance 8,237 8,879 1,146
Accounts receivable 14,365 4,796 619
Prepayments, deposits and other receivables 61,140 17,209 2,220
--------- --------- --------
Total current assets 389,048 118,429 15,281
Property, plant and equipment, net (note 4) 1,851,572 1,646,158 212,408
Satellite project progress payments (note 5) 947,396 1,804,963 232,898
Other assets 5,556 5,542 715
--------- --------- --------
TOTAL ASSETS 3,193,572 3,575,092 461,302
========= ========= ========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payables and accrued expenses 16,806 49,865 6,434
Trade deposits received 40,494 52,893 6,825
Rental received in advance 40,849 47,087 6,076
Amount due to a related company 56,561 4,123 532
Income taxes payable (note 13) 19,384 1,313 169
Bank loans - current portion (note 7) 70,130 274,001 35,355
--------- --------- --------
Total current liabilities 244,224 429,282 55,391
Trade deposits received 221,466 292,965 37,802
Bank loans (note 7) 400,127 513,623 66,274
Deferred taxation (note 13) 92,480 99,215 12,802
Loans from shareholders (note 6) 292,814 167,965 21,673
--------- --------- --------
Total liabilities 1,251,111 1,503,050 193,942
--------- --------- --------
Contingencies and commitments (note 8)
Shareholders' equity:
Capital stock - Common stock
(HK$0.10 par value per share; 1,000,000,000 shares
authorized; 420,000,000 shares issued and outstanding) 42,000 42,000 5,419
Additional paid-in capital 1,826,522 1,826,522 235,680
Retained earnings (note 10) 73,939 203,520 26,261
--------- --------- --------
Total shareholders' equity 1,942,461 2,072,042 267,360
--------- --------- --------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 3,193,572 3,575,092 461,302
========= ========= ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-3
<PAGE> 56
APT SATELLITE HOLDINGS LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997
(AMOUNTS STATED IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,
----------------------------------------------------------------
1995 1996 1997 1997
HK$ HK$ HK$ US$
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues:
Leasing of satellite transponders to:
Unaffiliated customers 197,154 249,489 379,617 48,983
Related parties (note 14) 87,653 118,139 142,850 18,432
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total revenues 284,807 367,628 522,467 67,415
-------- -------- -------- --------
Costs and expenses:
Cost of service (17,276) (26,886) (61,456) (7,930)
Depreciation and amortization (113,220) (148,065) (218,744) (28,225)
Selling, general and administrative (48,921) (64,124) (84,096) (10,851)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total costs and expenses (179,417) (239,075) (364,296) (47,006)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Operating income 105,390 128,553 158,171 20,409
Other income (expenses):
Interest income 22,531 16,998 20,938 2,702
Interest expense (43,849) (52,690) (40,150) (5,181)
Other income (note 16(b)) 508 6,259 5,083 656
-------- -------- -------- --------
Income before exceptional item 84,580 99,120 144,042 18,586
Exceptional item (note 12) (69,792) -- -- --
-------- -------- -------- --------
Income before income taxes 14,788 99,120 144,042 18,586
Provision for income taxes (note 13) (6) (22,600) (14,461) (1,866)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net income 14,782 76,520 129,581 16,720
======== ======== ======== ========
Earnings per share 0.05 0.24 0.31 0.04
======== ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-4
<PAGE> 57
APT SATELLITE HOLDINGS LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997
(AMOUNTS STATED IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended December 31,
---------------------------------------------------------------
1995 1996 1997 1997
HK$ HK$ HK$ US$
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income 14,782 76,520 129,581 16,720
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided:
Depreciation and amortization 113,220 148,065 218,744 28,225
Revaluation deficit on an investment property -- -- 835 108
Exceptional item 69,792 -- -- --
Others 3,010 7,524 9,197 1,186
Changes in working capital:
Accounts payables and accrued expenses (86,264) (13,849) (612) (79)
Accounts receivable 13,151 (8,147) 9,569 1,235
Prepayments, deposits and other receivables (42,756) (13,105) 13,020 1,680
Trade deposits received 29,266 58,567 (32,352) (4,174)
Rental received in advance 17,237 (11,747) 6,238 805
Tax payable (paid) (6) 22,594 (18,851) (2,432)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net cash provided by operating activities 131,432 266,422 205,788 26,554
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (5,458) (9,655) (11,421) (1,474)
Investment in satellite project progress payments (1,099,988) (1,040,224) (681,147) (87,890)
Increase in pledged bank balance (29) (285) (642) (83)
Compensation received 1,241,530 -- -- --
Others (1,264) (3,870) --
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 134,791 (1,054,034) (693,210) (89,447)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Increase in bank loans 279,000 876,914 387,500 50,000
Payment of bank loans (906,034) (1,217,189) (70,133) (9,049)
Net proceeds from issue of shares -- 1,326,022 -- --
Amounts due from related parties 58,810 -- -- --
Amounts due to related parties 19,913 (245) (52,438) (6,766)
Increase/(decrease) in shareholders loan 160,481 15,256 (124,849) (16,110)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing (387,830) 1,000,758 140,080 18,075
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalent (121,607) 213,146 (217,761) (28,098)
Cash and cash equivalent:
Beginning of year 213,767 92,160 305,306 39,394
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
End of year 92,160 305,306 87,545 11,296
========== ========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-5
<PAGE> 58
APT SATELLITE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(AMOUNTS STATED IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
1. ORGANIZATION AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES
APT Satellite Holdings Limited (the "Company") was incorporated under
the laws of Bermuda on October 17, 1996 with limited liability. The
Company owns all the issued shares of APT Satellite Investment Company
Limited, which holds all the issued voting shares of APT Satellite
Company Limited ("APT").
The Company, through two of its indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary, APT
and APT Satellite Link Limited, provides satellite services to
international and Asia-Pacific broadcasting and telecommunication
customers. The Company currently operates three satellites. The
Company's first satellite, APSTAR I, was launched in July 1994 and
commenced commercial service in September 1994. The Company's second
satellite, APSTAR IA, was launched in July 1996 and commenced
commercial service in September 1996. The Company's third satellite,
APSTAR IIR, was launched in October 1997 and commenced commercial
service in January 1998.
Details of the Company's subsidiary companies, which are all
wholly-owned, and an associated company, which is 50% owned by the
Company, at December 31, 1997 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Country of Class of Principal
Name incorporation shares held activities
---- ------------- ----------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Subsidiary companies:
APT Satellite Investment Company British Virgin Ordinary shares Investment holding
Limited Islands
APT Satellite Company Limited Hong Kong Ordinary shares Satellite
and non-voting transponder leasing
deferred shares
Acme Star Investment Limited Hong Kong Ordinary shares Investment holding
APT Satellite Enterprise Limited Cayman Islands Ordinary shares Not yet commenced
business
APT Satellite Global Company Cayman Islands Ordinary shares Investment holding
Limited
APT Satellite Glory Limited Hong Kong Ordinary shares Not yet commenced
business
APT Satellite Link Limited Cayman Islands Ordinary shares Satellite
transponder leasing
APT Satellite (USA), Limited United States Ordinary shares Provision of
of America management services
</TABLE>
F-6
<PAGE> 59
APT SATELLITE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(AMOUNTS STATED IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
1. ORGANIZATION AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES (continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Country of Class of Principal
Name incorporation shares held activities
---- ------------- ----------- ----------
Subsidiary companies:
<S> <C> <C>
APT Satellite Vision Limited Hong Kong Ordinary shares Satellite leasing
(formerly known as
Norris Enterprises Limited)
Haslett Investments Limited British Virgin Ordinary shares Investment
Islands
Telewell Investment Limited Hong Kong Ordinary shares Investment holding
The 138 Leasing Partnership Hong Kong Partners' capital Satellite leasing
Ying Fai Realty (China) Limited Hong Kong Ordinary shares Property holding
Associated company:
CEAPT Limited Hong Kong Ordinary shares Dormant
</TABLE>
APT Satellite Investment Company Limited was incorporated under the
laws of the British Virgin Islands on October 14, 1996. On November 14,
1996, 700 shares of APT Satellite Investment Company Limited were
allotted and issued at par value of US$1.00 each to the then
shareholders of APT. On November 14, 1996, APT Satellite Investment
Company Limited subscribed for 100 ordinary shares in APT at par value
of HK$1.00 each. On November 14, 1996, 700 shares of APT Satellite
Investment Company Limited were allotted and issued and credited as
fully paid to the then shareholders of APT as consideration for
converting the 542,500,000 ordinary shares of APT then in issue into
non-voting deferred shares of HK$1.00 each. These non-voting deferred
shares are of nominal value and have no voting rights attached to them.
On November 14, 1996 the Company acquired all the outstanding shares of
APT Satellite Investment Limited, and as consideration the Company
allotted and issued, credited as fully paid 280,000 shares of the
Company to the then shareholders of APT Satellite Investment Company
Limited. The Company also applied a sum of HK$122 out of its additional
paid-in capital account towards crediting as fully paid the 1,220,000
shares of the Company which had been issued nil - paid to APT Satellite
International Limited, a company owned by the shareholders of APT,
initially following the incorporation of the Company. On December 3,
1996, an additional 313,500,000 new shares of the Company, credited as
fully paid out of the additional paid-in capital account, were issued
to the shareholders of the Company. On December 14, 1996, 105,000,000
new shares of the Company were allotted under an initial public
offering for a total net cash consideration of HK$1,326,022.
<PAGE> 60
APT SATELLITE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(AMOUNTS STATED IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
1. ORGANIZATION AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES (continued)
As before the acquisitions, the Company, APT Satellite Investment
Company Limited and APT have the same shareholders and therefore, under
common control, these reorganizations have been accounted for in a
manner similar to pooling of interests. The consolidated financial
statements reflect the reorganizations for all periods presented.
2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance
with accounting principles generally accepted in Hong Kong ("HK GAAP")
which differ in certain material respects from accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America ("US GAAP"). The
significant differences between HK GAAP and US GAAP are summarized in
note 21 to the consolidated financial statements.
3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(a) Consolidation principles
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial
statements of the Company and its subsidiaries which are owned
and controlled by the Company. All material intra-group
transactions and balances are eliminated on consolidation.
(b) Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment, except investment properties, are
stated at cost less accumulated depreciation.
Depreciation of communication satellite is provided on the
straight line basis to write off the cost of the satellite over
its estimated useful life or the warranty period provided to
customers, when applicable, starting when the satellite
commences commercial operations. The estimated useful lives of
APSTAR I, APSTAR IA and APSTAR IIR are 10 years, 10 years and 16
years, respectively.
F-8
<PAGE> 61
APT SATELLITE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(AMOUNTS STATED IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
(b) Property, plant and equipment (continued)
Depreciation of other property, plant and equipment is
calculated on a straight-line basis to write off the cost of
these assets over their estimated useful lives. The principal
annual rates used for this purpose are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Leasehold land Over the terms of the leases
Buildings 2%
Leasehold improvements Over the terms of the leases
Furniture and equipment 20%
Motor vehicles 20%
Computer equipment 20%
Communication satellite equipment 6-2/3% - 20%
Communication satellite 10% - 20%
</TABLE>
(c) Investment properties
Investment properties are interests in land and buildings in
respect of which construction work and development have been
completed and which are intended to be held on a long term basis
for their investment potential. Such properties are not
depreciated and are stated at their open market values on the
basis of annual professional valuations performed at the end of
each financial year. Changes in the values of investment
properties are dealt with as movements in the investment
property revaluation reserve. If the total of this reserve is
insufficient to cover a deficit, on a portfolio basis, the
excess of the deficit is charged to the profit and loss account.
On disposal of an investment property, the relevant portion of
the investment property revaluation reserve realized in respect
of the previous valuations is released to the profit and loss
account.
(d) Satellite project progress payments
Satellite project progress payments include progress payments
for communication satellites under construction, launching and
related services, insurance and finance costs on loans borrowed
to finance the above payments.
Finance costs incurred specifically to finance the construction
and launching of communication satellites are capitalized as
satellite project progress payments. Capitalization of finance
costs ceases when the satellites are substantially ready for
their intended use.
Satellite project progress payments is transferred to property,
plant and equipment when the satellites are substantially ready
for their intended use.
F-9
<PAGE> 62
APT SATELLITE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(AMOUNTS STATED IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
(e) Launch and in-orbit insurance
The Company insures its satellites mainly through two types of
insurance, namely launch and initial in-orbit insurance and
annual in-orbit insurance.
The launch and initial in-orbit insurance cannot be segregated.
The initial in-orbit insurance forms an integral part of the
launch insurance and covers a certain period after the launching
of the satellite. The purpose is to test the normal functioning
of the launched satellite. As a result, the entire launch and
in-orbit insurance is capitalized as part of the cost of the
satellite and amortized over the respective satellite's
operational life.
After the successful launching of a satellite and at the
expiration of the initial in-orbit insurance, the Company renews
the in-orbit insurance annually for the satellite. The annual
in-orbit insurance is dealt with in the statement of income as
incurred.
(f) Trade deposits received
Trade deposits received represent reservation fees and deposits
received in connection with providing transponder capacity
through transponder lease agreements.
(g) Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, unrestricted
deposits with banks and liquid investments with an original
maturity of three months or less.
(h) Use of estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to
make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported
in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual
results could differ from those assumptions.
(i) Foreign currency translation
The Company's financial statements are prepared using Hong Kong
Dollars as the reporting currency. The functional currency is
United States Dollars.
Foreign currency transactions are recorded at the rates of
exchange ruling at the transaction dates. Monetary assets and
liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the balance
sheet date are translated at the rates of exchange ruling at
that date. Exchange differences are dealt with in the statement
of income.
The Company does not utilize derivative investments to hedge
against its foreign currency exposure.
F-10
<PAGE> 63
APT SATELLITE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(AMOUNTS STATED IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
(j) Revenues
Revenues from the leasing of satellite transponders are
recognized on an accrual basis under the contract terms upon the
commencement of commercial operation of the satellites. For
transponder leases under which customers have obtained the right
to use the transponder capacity for the life of the satellite,
revenues are recognized, along with the related costs, on a
straight line basis, over the warranty period provided to the
customers.
(k) Income taxes
Provision for income taxes is based on the results for the year
as adjusted for items which are non-assessable or disallowed.
Deferred taxation is provided, using the liability method, on
all significant timing differences to the extent it is probable
that the liability will crystallize in the foreseeable future. A
deferred tax asset is not recognized until its realization is
assured beyond reasonable doubt.
(l) Earnings per share
The calculation of earnings per share is based on the weighted
average number of shares outstanding during the applicable
period after giving effect to the number of shares outstanding
after the Company's reorganization.
The weighted average number of shares outstanding, after
adjustment, for each of the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996
and 1997 was 315,000,000 shares, 319,027,397 shares and
420,000,000 shares.
(m) Convenience translation into United States Dollars
The consolidated financial statements of the Company are
expressed in Hong Kong Dollars. The translations of amounts from
Hong Kong Dollars into United States Dollars for convenience of
the reader has been made at the rate on December 31, 1997 of
HK$7.75 = US$1.00. No representation is made that the Hong Kong
Dollar amounts could have been, or could be, converted into
United States Dollars at that rate on December 31, 1997 or any
other rate.
F-11
<PAGE> 64
APT SATELLITE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(AMOUNTS STATED IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
4. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,
------------
1996 1997
HK$ HK$
<S> <C> <C>
At cost or valuation:
Investment properties -- 2,945
Leasehold land and buildings 52,327 46,708
Leasehold improvements 2,076 3,366
Furniture and equipment 16,837 17,863
Motor vehicles 4,502 4,501
Computer equipment 1,263 1,428
Communication satellite equipment 61,417 66,942
Communication satellite (note 9) 2,014,323 2,022,073
--------- ---------
2,152,745 2,165,826
Less: Accumulated depreciation 301,173 519,668
--------- ---------
1,851,572 1,646,158
========= =========
</TABLE>
The Company's investment properties and leasehold land and buildings
are situated in:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Long term Medium term
leases leases Total
HK$ HK$ HK$
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Hong Kong -- 40,989 40,989
Elsewhere 1,915 6,749 8,664
------ ------ ------
1,915 47,738 49,653
====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
F-12
<PAGE> 65
APT SATELLITE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(AMOUNTS STATED IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
5. SATELLITE PROJECT PROGRESS PAYMENTS
As analysis of the major components of satellite project progress
payments is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,
----------------------------------
1996 1997
HK$ HK$
<S> <C> <C>
Communication satellite construction cost 581,358 702,767
Launching and related service fees 280,550 564,200
Insurance and finance costs 85,488 537,996
-------- ---------
947,396 1,804,963
======== =========
</TABLE>
The amounts in both years represent solely the satellite project
progress payments for APSTAR IIR.
6. LOANS FROM SHAREHOLDERS
The loans from shareholders in 1996 and 1997 are denominated in United
States Dollars and are subordinated to the syndicated bank loans for
the construction of satellites APSTAR IA and APSTAR IIR. The loans from
shareholders are unsecured and bear interest at LIBOR (5.60% at
December 31, 1996 and 5.94% at December 31, 1997, respectively) and is
repayable in full no later than 2002. Interest on loans from
shareholders capitalized amounted to HK$6,308, HK$13,090 and HK$9,152
in the year ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
F-13
<PAGE> 66
APT SATELLITE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(AMOUNTS STATED IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
7. BANK LOANS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31, 1996 December 31, 1997
----------------- -----------------
Weighted Weighted
average average
Interest interest interest
rate rate rate
---- ---- ----
HK$ HK$
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Syndicated loans denominated in US Dollars:
Payable annually
through 1999 LIBOR+0.45% -- -- 6.497% 387,500
Payable
semi-annually
through 2001 LIBOR+1.20% 6.839% 463,739 7.039% 394,255
-------- --------
463,739 781,755
Mortgage loan denominated in HK Dollars:
Payable monthly Hong Kong
through 2004 Prime Rate
+1.50% 10.102% 6,518 10.345% 5,869
-------- --------
470,257 787,624
Current portion (70,130) (274,001)
-------- --------
Long term portion 400,127 513,623
======== ========
</TABLE>
For the syndicated loans, the Company has generally assigned by way of
legal charge, in favour of the syndicated loans lenders, a portion of
the transponder receipts.
F-14
<PAGE> 67
APT SATELLITE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(AMOUNTS STATED IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
7. BANK LOANS (continued)
The syndicated loan agreements also impose restrictions on cash. The
amount of cash restricted as at December 31, 1996 and 1997 amounted to
HK$8,237 and HK$8,879, respectively.
For the mortgage loan, the Company has also pledged certain properties
with net book value of HK$12,762 and HK$12,507 as at December 31, 1996
and 1997, respectively, in respect of the credit facility.
Interest expense, net of the amounts capitalized, is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended December 31,
-------------------------------------------------------
1995 1996 1997
HK$ HK$ HK$
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Interest incurred 46,735 118,217 39,751
Interest capitalized (2,886) ( 65,527) (7,693)
------- -------- -------
Interest expense 43,849 52,690 32,058
======= ======== =======
</TABLE>
Commitment fees and other related cost of obtaining the loans
capitalized and included in satellite project progress payments as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended December 31,
-------------------------------------------------------
1995 1996 1997
HK$ HK$ HK$
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Commitment fees 1,956 3,875 48
Other related cost of obtaining the loans 37,569 15,927 1,295
======= ======= ======
</TABLE>
The aggregate annual repayments of bank loans for the next five years
as at December 31, 1997 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
HK$
<S> <C>
1998 274,001
1999 285,600
2000 105,137
2001 120,359
2002 1,091
Thereafter 1,436
--------
Total 787,624
========
</TABLE>
F-15
<PAGE> 68
APT SATELLITE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(AMOUNTS STATED IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
7. BANK LOANS (continued)
In addition, The 138 Leasing Partnership (the "Partnership") (see Note
8(c)) has outstanding bank loans totaling HK$982,456 and HK$566,405 at
December 31, 1996 and 1997, respectively. These loans bear interest at
12% per annum. All the rights, title and interest of the Partnership
under the satellite lease agreement and the sales agency agreement
entered into with the lessee has been assigned to the bank to secure
the payment of the Partnership's outstanding obligations to it. These
loans are repayable by eighteen semi-annual installments commencing on
December 29, 1994. They are also subject to a right of set-off against
a matching deposit of the same amount, which earns the same rate of
interest as the loan interest incurred. The Deposit is held by a
wholly-owned subsidiary of the Group. Accordingly, the loans and the
related deposit have been offset in these financial statements.
Similarly, the interest income on the deposit has been offset with the
matching interest expense on the loans. The loans and the related
deposit are denominated in HK Dollars.
8. CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS
(a) Capital commitments:
At December 31, 1997, the Company had contractual commitments
amounting to HK$792 with respect to the acquisition of
communication satellite equipment.
At December 31, 1997, the Company had commitments, which is
authorized but not contracted for, amounting to HK$44,700 with
respect to the construction of a building and installation of
antennae and other satellite related equipment in the
undeveloped area adjacent to the Company's satellite control
center in Tai Po. Such commitments is in accordance with the
terms of the lease agreements for the land in Tai Po.
(b) Operating leases:
At December 31, 1997, future minimum annual rental commitments
in respect of the Company's office premise and staff quarters
under non-cancellable lease obligations are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
HK$
<S> <C>
1998 3,885
1999 2,129
------
6,014
======
</TABLE>
Rental expense for each of the years in the three-year period
ended December 31, 1997 was HK$4,624, HK$4,550 and HK$3,685,
respectively.
F-16
<PAGE> 69
APT SATELLITE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(AMOUNTS STATED IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
8. CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS (continued)
(c) Leasing arrangement:
On December 29, 1994, the Company entered into a sales and lease
back arrangement for the leasing of a communication satellite
with the Partnership. Starting from January 1997, the
Partnership became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company
which at the same time also assumed a bank loan liability of
HK$269,887. The total lease obligation to the Partnership
amounts to HK$951,593 over the life of the lease. The amount is
payable by eighteen semi-annual installment of HK$52,866 each,
with the last payment repayable on December 29, 2003.
As at December 31, 1997, the outstanding lease obligation on the
above lease amounting to HK$634,396 is covered by a fund
amounting to HK$566,405 placed with a financial institution
under defeasance and other arrangements which have not been
included in these financial statements.
As the Partnership becomes a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Company, there is no contingent liability in respect of the
unpaid lease commitment.
9. TRANSPONDER LEASE AGREEMENTS
Communication satellite, APSTAR I, with a net book value of HK$785,892
and HK$683,384 as at December 31, 1996 and 1997; APSTAR IA, with a net
book value of HK$954,898 and HK$858,794 at December 31, 1996 and 1997
were held for use under transponder lease agreements. Generally, these
transponder lease agreements may be terminated by the customer by
giving not less than ninety days notice. Upon termination, the customer
is obligated to pay the Company specified liquidated damages based on
the contracts.
At December 31, 1997, future minimum transponder rental receivable
(after adjustment for terminations and renegotiations subsequent to the
year end) under transponder lease agreements relating to APSTAR I,
APSTAR IA and APSTAR IIR (including deposits received by the Company in
prior periods and to be applied to payments due in future periods) were
as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
HK$
<S> <C>
1998 584,549
1999 537,017
2000 391,896
2001 304,687
2002 156,916
Thereafter 309,400
---------
Total 2,284,465
=========
</TABLE>
F-17
<PAGE> 70
APT SATELLITE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(AMOUNTS STATED IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
10. RETAINED EARNINGS
December 31,
---------------------------------
1996 1997
HK$ HK$
At beginning of year 54,225 73,939
Net income 76,520 129,581
Dividend in specie (56,806) -
------- --------
At end of year 73,939 203,520
======= ========
In 1996, the dividend in specie of HK$0.18 per share amounted to a
total of HK$56,806 was paid to the then shareholders of APT before its
acquisition by the Company. This dividend in specie was satisfied by
the distribution of all of APT's shareholdings in Super Asia
Telecommunications Company Limited which had a net asset value of
HK$56,806.
11. STAFF PROVIDENT FUND
Prior to year 1996, the Group did not have any pension scheme.
Commencing May 1, 1996, the Company operates a defined contribution
staff provident fund (the "Fund") for its employees. The assets of the
Fund are held separately from those of the Company in an independently
administered fund. Under the Fund, employees are required to contribute
5% of their monthly salary to the Fund, and the Company contributes 5%
of the employee's monthly salary for employees. The Company
contributions are accrued and charged to the statement of income in
accordance with the rules of the Fund. Benefits are payable to an
employee on retirement, termination of employment, death or retirement
on health grounds, and are subject to vesting provisions in the case of
employees who leave employment (other than because of retirement, death
or ill-health) with less than 10 years' service. The terms of the Fund
permit forfeitures and unvested benefits to be used to reduce the level
of the Company's contributions.
The Company's contribution during the year ended December 31, 1995,
1996 and 1997 amounted to HK$Nil, HK$437 and HK$1,127, respectively.
12. EXCEPTIONAL ITEM
The exceptional loss for the year ended December 31, 1995 represented
the net loss of APSTAR II, the launching of which was unsuccessful.
This net loss was derived from deducting the insurance proceeds of
HK$1,241,460 from the total satellite progress payments of HK$1,311,252
which included payments for satellite construction, launching and
related services, insurance premium and finance costs on loans
borrowed.
F-18
<PAGE> 71
APT SATELLITE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(AMOUNTS STATED IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
13. INCOME TAXES
The income taxes, charged to the statement of income during each of the
years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1997 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended December 31,
----------------------------------------------------
1995 1996 1997
HK$ HK$ HK$
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Current year provision
Hong Kong -- 19,100 17,000
Overseas 6 290 278
Prior year overprovision -- -- (2,037)
----- ------- -------
6 19,390 15,241
Deferred taxation -- 3,210 (780)
----- ------- -------
6 22,600 14,461
===== ======= =======
</TABLE>
No provision for Hong Kong income tax was made for year ended December
31, 1995 as the estimated assessable profit earned for the year was
wholly absorbed by tax losses brought forward from prior years. The tax
provision for the year ended December 31, 1996 and 1997 were made by
applying the tax rate of 16.5% to the estimated assessable profits
earned after offsetting the tax losses brought forward from year 1995.
The principal components of the provision for deferred taxation are as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,
---------------------
1996 1997
HK$ HK$
<S> <C> <C>
Tax effect of temporary differences attributable to:
Certain lease arrangements 89,270 96,785
Accelerated depreciation 3,210 2,430
------ -------
92,480 99,215
====== =======
</TABLE>
Certain lease arrangements provide the Company with an initial cash
inflow in return for being responsible for the future obligations to
make payments of taxation on behalf of the lessor in the lease
arrangements. Any differences between the initial benefit and the
eventual liability are provided for over the lives to the relevant
leases and charged to operating expenses.
F-19
<PAGE> 72
APT SATELLITE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(AMOUNTS STATED IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
14. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Related party transactions carried out during each of the years in the
three-year period ended December 31, 1997 with shareholders and
affiliates:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended December 31,
-------------------------------------------
1995 1996 1997
HK$ HK$ HK$
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Leasing of transponders to related parties (87,653) (118,139) (142,850)
Interest income from related parties (4,385) (2,816) (1,616)
Management fee paid to related parties 20,461 22,298 --
Launch service fee paid 386,338 244,900 283,650
Interest paid to related parties:
Interest incurred 6,308 15,256 17,244
Interest capitalized (6,308) (13,090) (9,152)
-------- -------- --------
Interest expenses -- 2,166 8,092
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
15. MAJOR CUSTOMER
One customer, who is also a shareholder of the Company, accounted for
28%, 27% and 24% of the total transponder leasing revenues in the year
ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
F-20
<PAGE> 73
APT SATELLITE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(AMOUNTS STATED IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
16. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
(a) Cash flows
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended December 31,
-----------------------------------------------------
1995 1996 1997
HK$ HK$ HK$
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Interest paid (net of capitalized amounts) 40,740 52,255 47,283
======= ======= =======
Income taxes paid 6 6 33,312
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
(b) Other income
Other income for the year ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997
included HK$Nil, HK$5,822 and HK$4,000, respectively, for
compensation received from the cancellation of transponder lease
agreements.
17. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The carrying value of the Company's financial instruments classified as
current asset and liabilities approximates their fair values. The
carrying amounts of the bank loans approximate their fair value because
they have variable interest rates. The fair value of the loans from
shareholders is not determinable due to the related party nature of the
loans.
F-21
<PAGE> 74
APT SATELLITE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(AMOUNTS STATED IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
18. CONCENTRATION OF RISKS
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to
significant concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash
investments and trade accounts.
The Company maintains cash and cash equivalents with various financial
institutions. Substantially all of these financial institutions are
located in Hong Kong and Company policy is designed to limit exposure
to any one institution.
Substantially all of the Company's accounts receivable are due from
prominent broadcasters and telecommunication services providers.
Furthermore, as of December 31, 1996 and 1997, the three largest
accounts receivable amounted to HK$8,387 and HK$8,879, respectively.
The Company performs periodic credit evaluations of its customers'
financial condition and generally does not require collateral because
it receives trade deposits which represent a quarter of rental payable
to the Company. The transponder lease agreements are subject to
termination by the Company if lease payments are not made on a timely
basis.
Technology in the satellite boardcasting and telecommunication industry
is in a rapid and continuing state of change, with technological
developments and innovations constantly emerging. Any technological lag
in the designs of the existing satellites could result in lower rental
fees after the expiration of the initial rental terms for the leased
transponders.
19. EXPORT SALES
Export sales from continuing operations, defined as sales to customers
located outside Hong Kong, were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended December 31,
------------------------------------------------------
1995 1996 1997
HK$ HK$ HK$
<S> <C> <C> <C>
People's Republic of China 80,908 148,030 275,991
Taiwan 33,557 34,413 37,169
British Virgin Islands 21,082 10,075 14,549
United States of America 66,125 79,477 90,129
Cook Islands 18,600 18,600 18,874
Netherlands 11,238 11,237 11,403
Philippines - 3,409 9,385
Others - - 9,584
-------- -------- --------
231,510 305,241 467,084
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
F-22
<PAGE> 75
APT SATELLITE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(AMOUNTS STATED IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
20. SHARE OPTION SCHEME
Pursuant to the share option scheme (the "Scheme") of the Company
adopted on 3 December 1996, the directors of the Company may at any
time and from time to time within ten years after the date on which the
Scheme was adopted as aforesaid, invite any full-time employee,
including any executive director or officer, of the Company and its
subsidiaries to apply for options to subscribe for shares of the
Company at a price determined by the directors on a case-by-case basis
and will not be less than the nominal value of the share nor at a
discount of more than 20% below the average of the closing price of the
shares on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the "Stock
Exchange") as stated in the Stock Exchange's daily quotation sheets on
the five dealing days immediately preceding the date on which the
invitation to apply for an option under the Scheme is resolved by the
directors to be given. The maximum number of shares in respect of which
options may be granted under the Scheme may not exceed 10% of the
issued capital of the Company, excluding any shares issued pursuant to
the Scheme from time to time. An option may be exercised in accordance
with the terms of the Scheme at any time or times as determined by the
directors, being not later than 10 years after the date on which the
option is granted or the tenth anniversary of the date of adoption of
the Scheme, whichever is the earlier.
There were no share option granted during the year.
21. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN HONG KONG AND UNITED STATES
GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES
The Company's consolidated financial statements are prepared in
accordance with HK GAAP which differ in certain significant respects
from US GAAP. Differences which have a significant effect on the
consolidated net income and shareholders' equity are set out below.
(a) Recognition of revenue
Certain of the Company's transponder lease agreements for
transponder capacity contain pre-determined escalations over the
term of the agreement. Under HK GAAP, the Company recognizes
revenue on an accrual basis under the contract terms. Under US
GAAP, revenue under these agreements are recognized on a
straight-line basis over the term of the agreement.
(b) Capitalization of finance costs
Under HK GAAP, interest on loans, including the related costs of
raising the loans, incurred specifically to finance construction
of satellites is capitalized as part of the satellite costs
until the satellites are substantially ready for their intended
use. Under US GAAP, the interest capitalized is computed by
applying an average borrowing rate to the total amount of
qualifying assets under construction, not to exceed total
interest costs incurred, and the related costs of raising the
loans are deferred and amortized over the life of the loans. The
application of US GAAP would not have a significant effect for
the periods presented.
F-23
<PAGE> 76
APT SATELLITE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(AMOUNTS STATED IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
21. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN HONG KONG AND UNITED STATES
GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (continued)
(c) Investment properties
Under HK GAAP, investment properties are stated at valuation and
are not depreciated. Changes in the values of investment
properties are dealt with as movements in the investment
property revaluation reserve. If the total of this reserve is
insufficient to cover a deficit, on a portfolio basis, the
excess of the deficit is charged to the profit and loss account.
Under US GAAP, such investment properties would be stated at
cost and depreciated over the lease terms.
(d) Deferred taxation
Under HK GAAP, deferred taxation is provided, using the
liability method, on all significant timing differences to the
extent it is probable that the liability will crystallize in the
foreseeable future. A deferred tax asset is not recognized until
its realization is assured beyond reasonable doubt.
Under US GAAP, the tax effects of both taxable and deductible
temporary differences are recognized as deferred tax liabilities
and assets, respectively. A valuation allowance is recorded to
the extent it is considered more likely than not that the
deferred tax assets will not be realized.
F-24
<PAGE> 77
APT SATELLITE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(AMOUNTS STATED IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
21. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN HONG KONG AND UNITED STATES
GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (continued)
Effect on net income of significant differences between HK GAAP and US
GAAP is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended December 31,
-----------------------------------------
1995 1996 1997
HK$ HK$ HK$
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net income as reported under HK GAAP 14,782 76,520 129,581
Adjustments:
Recognition of revenue 6,021 12,205 1,867
Investment properties (241) (120) 793
Tax effect of reconciling items (993) (2,014) (308)
Deferred taxation (2,620) 2,667 --
-------- -------- --------
Approximate net income as
reported under US GAAP 16,949 89,258 131,933
======== ======== ========
Earnings per share under US GAAP 0.05 0.28 0.31
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
Under US GAAP, the exceptional items for 1995 would be classified as
operating costs. In addition, compensation received from cancellation
of transponder lease agreements would be classified as revenues.
The effect on shareholders' equity of significant differences between
HK GAAP and US GAAP is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended December 31,
----------------------------------------------
1995 1996 1997
HK$ HK$ HK$
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Shareholders' equity as reported under HK GAAP 596,725 1,942,461 2,072,042
Adjustments:
Recognition of revenue 13,759 25,964 27,831
Investment properties (482) (602) 191
Tax effect of reconciling items (2,270) (4,284) (4,592)
Deferred taxation (2,667) -- --
---------- ---------- ----------
Shareholders' equity as reported under US GAAP 605,065 1,963,539 2,095,472
========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
F-25
<PAGE> 78
APT SATELLITE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(AMOUNTS STATED IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
21. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN HONG KONG AND UNITED STATES
GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (continued)
The changes in shareholders equity in accordance with US GAAP is as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Capital Additional Retained
stock paid-in capital earnings
HK$ HK$ HK$
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Balance at December 31, 1994 31,500 511,000 45,616
Net income -- -- 16,949
--------- --------- ---------
Balance at December 31, 1995 31,500 511,000 62,565
Net proceeds from issue of
105,000,000 new shares 10,500 1,315,522 --
Net income -- -- 89,258
Dividend in specie -- -- (56,806)
--------- --------- ---------
Balance at December 31, 1996 42,000 1,826,522 95,017
Net income -- -- 131,933
--------- --------- ---------
Balance at December 31, 1997 42,000 1,826,522 226,950
========= ========= =========
</TABLE>
A reconciliation of the expected tax with the actual tax expense under
US GAAP is presented below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended December 31
----------------------------------------
1995 1996 1997
HK$ HK$ HK$
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Hong Kong statutory income tax rate 16.5% 16.5% 16.5%
======= ======= =======
Statutory rate applied to income before
income taxes under US GAAP 3,392 18,349 24,206
Prior year overprovision -- -- (2,037)
Expenses not deductible 2 3,198 2,849
Offshore transponder rental income not taxable -- -- (12,522)
Offshore interest income not taxable (67) (142) (370)
Subsidiaries' losses not deductible 271 352 2,182
Others 21 190 461
------- ------- -------
Actual taxation under US GAAP 3,619 21,947 14,769
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
Subsidiaries' losses not deductible represent losses incurred by
several subsidiaries which do not produce any taxable income and as
such, the losses are not deductible against future profits.
F-26
<PAGE> 79
APT SATELLITE HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(AMOUNTS STATED IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
21. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN HONG KONG AND UNITED STATES
GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (continued)
An analysis of the actual tax expense under US GAAP is presented below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended December 31,
-----------------------------------------------------
1995 1996 1997
HK$ HK$ HK$
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Current tax provision 6 19,390 15,241
Deferred tax 3,613 2,557 (472)
------- ------- -------
3,619 21,947 14,769
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
Additionally, under US GAAP, the outstanding lease obligations to the
Partnership would not be offset with the matching offshore deposit held
by a wholly-owned subsidiary company. As a result, current assets and
liabilities would increase by HK$34,626 and HK$38,906 at December 31,
1996 and 1997, respectively, and long-term assets and liabilities would
increase by HK$870,917 and HK$527,499 at December 31, 1996 and 1997,
respectively. Similarly, the interest expense on the loan and the
matching interest income on the deposit would not be offset resulting
in increases in interest expense and interest income of HK$105,246,
HK$105,696 and HK$73,220 in the year ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and
1997, respectively.
Under HK GAAP, the prepaid launching fee of HK$28,233 and HK$Nil at
December 31, 1996 and 1997, respectively, are included in prepayments,
deposits and other receivables. Under US GAAP such amounts would be
classified as non-current assets.
Under US GAAP, the Company's consolidated total assets would have been
HK$4,124,477 and HK$4,169,519 at December 31, 1996 and 1997,
respectively. Consolidated total liabilities would have been
HK$2,160,938 and HK$2,074,047 at December 31, 1996 and 1997,
respectively.
F-27
<PAGE> 80
ITEM 19. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS
Financial Statements:
Report of Independent Auditors
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1996 and 1997
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 1995, 1996
and 1997
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 1995,
1996 and 1997
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Exhibits:
Not Applicable.
[Remainder of page intentionally blank]
<PAGE> 81
SIGNATURES
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.
APT SATELLITE HOLDINGS LIMITED
By: /s/ Qin Shen
---------------------------------------
Qin Shen
Director and Vice President
Date: June 29, 1998
