CNOOC Limited
Annual Report 2014

Plain-text annual report

2014 Chorus Annual Report P1 Company overview P23 Management commentary P9 Governance & Disclosures P41 Financial statements Report from Chairman Sue Sheldon and CEO Mark Ratcliffe Chorus has produced a solid financial result underpinned by an increase of 51,000 broadband connections and relative stability in the number of fixed lines, while fibre connections more than doubled. Delivery of the UFB and RBI programmes is ahead of schedule, but this success has been overshadowed by the need to reshape Chorus operationally and financially to address the challenges posed by the ongoing uncertainty with the regulatory framework and revised copper pricing. HIGHLIGHTS EBITDA $649m Earnings before interest, income tax, depreciation and amortisation NPAT $148m Net profit after tax FIXED LINE CONNECTIONS 1,781,000 UFB PROGRAMME 31% UFB completion P. C Annual ReportDear shareholder There is no denying that the financial year ended 30 June 2014 has been a challenging one for Chorus and its shareholders. Your Board is acutely aware of the loss in value experienced by shareholders during the period and is totally focused on reshaping the business to put Chorus back on a sustainable financial footing. At our end of year results we were pleased to report cost per premises passed for the UFB rollout at the bottom of the guidance range, demonstrating the intense focus on the rollout during the year. We wrote to shareholders in late 2013 to explain the background and challenges the business faces from the Commerce Commission’s decision to substantially reduce the amount we can charge for two of the key services we provide to the telecommunications industry at a time of unprecedented capital investment. The most significant decline comes into effect on 1 December 2014. Independent financial reviews have supported Chorus’ financial analysis and the funding gap implied by a reduction in EBITDA of more than $140 million per annum. We are not waiting for any kind of regulatory relief from the Crown, and it is a clear expectation of many of our stakeholders that Chorus solves the very challenging funding gap created by the new regulated prices under its own steam. By February 2014 we had completed a top to bottom review of our entire business, and we are now five months into a range of activities to help put Chorus back on a sustainable footing. We have worked closely with Crown Fibre Holdings and negotiated amendments to our contract to roll out fibre that give us additional flexibility, as well as a funding backstop. We have presented our banks with a credible plan and they have supported us with some important changes in our funding arrangements. We have developed an innovative range of commercial products to enhance end-user choice and lift copper broadband beyond a best efforts service. We await regulatory guidance on their implementation. At the same time we have reviewed our entire cost structure. The funding gap implied by the regulated prices means we are cash constrained, so other than where we have contractual or regulatory obligations we are making decisions that prioritise short term cash. This may require us to sacrifice value enhancing capital expenditure to the detriment of our customers. This is a regrettable but necessary position as we manage our way through a difficult set of circumstances. The extent to which we have to focus on costs in this way is related to any success we have with the ongoing regulatory processes and the development of new commercial products. Naturally, we remain absolutely committed to delivering a successful roll out of fibre, and delivering and supporting innovation throughout the industry to benefit end-users. The impact of the regulatory decision is all the more frustrating because operationally Chorus has delivered on all fronts. We have delivered a solid financial result, which was underpinned by an increase of 51,000 broadband connections and relative stability in the number of fixed lines, while fibre connections more than doubled. We are now comfortably into our stride on the massive Ultra-Fast Broadband and Rural Broadband Initiative infrastructure upgrades, with both build programmes ahead of schedule. We have also successfully delivered some of the largest IT projects in New Zealand, as we complete the separation from Spark, and we have once again been recognised as one of the best employers in Australasia. As we look to the future, it is the view of the Board that the regulatory environment that comes into effect post 2020 is critical, and in the meantime we remain focused on maximising outcomes from today’s flawed framework which fails to accommodate the transition to fibre in the marketplace. To that end, Chorus continues to engage transparently and professionally in a very arduous regulatory process on the pricing of the copper-based services. This has now moved into an entirely new phase known as the Final Pricing Principle (FPP), which is due for completion in April 2015. The FPP processes will ultimately determine if a fair rate of return will be achieved for network investment in the short to medium term. The FPP is very different from the prior benchmarking phase because it gives the opportunity to ground network prices in the reality of New Zealand’s circumstances, rather than those of some benchmarked Scandinavian countries. A sustainable FPP outcome will give certainty to all industry participants through to the enactment of the new regulatory environment in 2020. With around 80% of Chorus’ revenues coming from regulated copper products, a regulated price that does not enable Chorus to make future investments will cause significant issues for everyone in the sector. To avoid this it is important that the choices the Commerce Commission makes during this phase accurately reflect the realities of building and operating a network in New Zealand which delivers the full current range of services. In line with our previously stated position on capital management that no dividend would be paid until a greater level of certainty enabled a sustainable dividend policy, and as part of the revised funding agreements with the banks, no dividends will be paid until the later of the conclusion of the Commerce Commission’s final pricing principle review processes or 30 June 2015. In summary, Chorus has delivered a strong year operationally, significant progress has been made in reshaping the business to deliver a sustainable future, and we continue to engage in a regulatory environment that is not appropriate for the new industry structure or the effective delivery of the Government’s policy. We now have clarity on our strategies to address issues we face and the risks that remain. Our hope is that the regulatory outcomes we are pursuing will deliver fair returns to you as investors in Chorus. This report is dated 24 August 2014 and is signed on behalf of the Board of Chorus Limited: Sue Sheldon Chairman Mark Ratcliffe Managing Director P. 1 P. 1 Annual ReportAnnual ReportReshaping Chorus The Commerce Commission’s 5 November 2013 initial pricing principle benchmarking decision on Chorus’ regulated broadband pricing placed new and additional demands on Chorus in relation to the viability of its business model. The period since has seen intense Board and management plan for the FY15 year was approved in June 2014, consistent focus on reshaping Chorus to secure a sustainable operating with the initiatives outlined in February 2014. On 18 July 2014, framework in the context of a substantial reduction in revenue Chorus entered into a conditional agreement with CFH, which from 1 December 2014. A significant number of special Board gives Chorus the option of bringing forward the present value meetings have been held, often on a weekly basis, to navigate of CFH funding of up to $178 million budgeted to be spent on the company through this period. The Commerce Commission Chorus’ UFB programme in FY18 and FY19. The agreement is a is currently scheduled to conclude its pricing review processes useful funding backstop and does not have any ongoing financial in April 2015, which means Chorus continues to face a lengthy cost unless drawn. Subsequent to that, on 25 July 2014 Chorus period of pricing uncertainty. Chorus has already implemented a number of initiatives, with an extensive range of revenue, operating cost and capital expenditure opportunities being pursued as part of an intense focus on cash management. The broad nature of these initiatives was outlined in Chorus’ interim results in February 2014. Initiatives implemented to date include repricing a number of existing commercial services, reduced resourcing levels in support areas, a 50% reduction in FY15 short term incentive remuneration payments for all employees and interest rate swaps were reset in December to realise $30 million of cash. Discretionary activities, including growth-related capital also announced that it had secured important amendments to its committed bank facilities, providing increased covenant levels and extending the maturity date for Chorus’ November 2015 facility to 31 July 2016. While these initiatives provide significant additional financial flexibility and funding certainty, it does mean that Chorus cannot pay dividends until the later of either the conclusion of the Commerce Commission’s pricing review or 30 June 2015, consistent with capital management guidance provided in February 2014. If Chorus chooses to draw upon the CFH facility, Chorus will be unable to pay a dividend before December 2019 without CFH approval, unless Chorus normalises the CFH funding profile. investment, have been reduced. In March 2014, Chorus and CFH Chorus has, therefore, made significant progress in protecting agreed a range of amendments that will assist Chorus to continue shareholder interests by pursuing multiple complementary work to deliver the UFB programme. Chorus also announced plans to streams. Given that Chorus has a limited range of discretionary introduce innovative new commercial copper and fibre-based activity, Chorus has necessarily had to make fundamental changes broadband products, in anticipation of increasing demand, that to those areas and has a limited, if any, ability to do more if further are expected to provide material benefits for end-users, enhance adverse regulatory decisions occur in the future. In addition, with competition at a retail level, and potentially provide valuable a strong focus on cash management, some of the initiatives that additional new revenues. The copper based products remain under have been implemented, such as a reduction in discretionary review by the Commission. At a capital management level, Chorus has pursued multiple work streams. In November 2013, dividend guidance was withdrawn and in February 2014 Chorus indicated that a future dividend growth investment, may result in a loss of longer term shareholder value as signalled in Chorus’ interim results. In FY15 there will be a heavy focus on execution of planned initiatives as Chorus works hard to deliver on the plan to reshape Chorus. policy would be communicated when financially sustainable Finally, the level of regulated pricing remains the most important and there was sufficient certainty of outcome from the Chorus value driver for Chorus, and is key to ensuring investors receive initiatives, Crown Fibre Holdings (CFH) discussions and regulatory a fair rate of return so significant focus continues on all options, reviews. Chorus has been proactively engaging with rating judicial and regulatory. Chorus has to protect shareholder value agencies and its lenders since November 2013. A new business and advocate for a fit-for-purpose regulatory framework. P. 2P. 2 Annual ReportChorus and the New Zealand telecommunications market Chorus is New Zealand’s largest fixed line communications infrastructure services provider, supplying more than 90% of all fixed network connections to retail service providers. The core of Chorus’ business is the nationwide network of fibre many mobile phone towers owned by mobile service providers. optic cables (36,000km) and copper cables (130,000km) that About 7,000 cabinets provide interconnection points for around connect homes and businesses to each other. These cables 50% of the lines in the Chorus network. A large number of these typically connect back to local telephone exchanges, of which cabinets are like mini telephone exchanges and have electronic Chorus has about 600 nationwide. Chorus fibre also connects broadband equipment installed in them. Figure 1: Chorus’ Network KEY Fibre Copper 36,000km fibre Fibre backhaul links local exchanges to other exchanges or retail service provider networks Fibre-fed broadband cabinets provide broadband to about 90 percent of New Zealanders Fibre to the premises enables Ultra-Fast Broadband services 602 local exchanges Mobile service provider cell tower The access network connects a home, business or structure to the telecommunications equipment – often a local exchange P. 3P. 3 Annual ReportOpen access wholesale services are at the heart of the industry under 1.8 million. This has been assisted by the ongoing growth model established in late 2011, with Chorus prohibited from selling in connections to new subdivisions and demand for fixed line directly to end-users. This new industry structure and the ongoing rollout of the Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB) network, as part of a public-private broadband connections. Statistics New Zealand estimated 75% of households had a broadband connection at June 2012, compared to 63% in 2009. partnership with the New Zealand Government, means that In July 2014 the OECD reported that New Zealand was the the retail service provider (RSP) environment is in a state of second fastest OECD market for annual growth in fibre broadband transition. Chorus has approximately 100 RSP customers, although connections to December 2013. Broadband penetration per 100 consolidation of RSPs continues to be a feature of the new environment. On 20 June 2014, for example, the third and fourth largest RSPs announced they were combining with Callplus’ acquisition of Orcon. Regional RSPs are also using the UFB rollout as an opportunity to expand their offerings to new areas. inhabitants was 30.2%, ranking New Zealand at 15th in the OECD and ahead of the United States.1 The amount of data traffic used by end-users is also increasing rapidly, with Chorus estimating that average data usage is 41GB per month. Against this industry backdrop, the number of fixed line connections on Chorus’ network continues to be relatively static at just Other networks Chorus’ existing business fibre and fibre to the node (copper/fibre) • Vector, FX Networks (subject to a purchase offer by networks compete with a range of other network operators across telecommunications company Vocus), Citylink and Unison different areas around New Zealand, including: operate fibre networks of varying sizes, typically focused on • The local fibre companies (LFCs) – Northpower, Ultrafast Fibre and Enable Networks – building the UFB network past about 365,000 premises in nine of the 33 UFB areas. As at 30 June, they had passed approximately 170,0000 end-users. • Vodafone has a cable network in Wellington, Kapiti and Christchurch connecting about 60,000 broadband end-users. It also has business fibre networks in all major central business areas and a national transport and backhaul network. the backhaul and business markets. • Some RSPs have chosen to ‘unbundle’ by installing their own broadband equipment in exchanges and pay Chorus just for the rental of the access line. The level of unbundling increased slightly during the year with about 7% of Chorus’ lines unbundled as at 30 June 2014. • Spark (formerly Telecom NZ), Vodafone and 2 Degrees operate mobile phone networks that are currently based on 3G technology and they are implementing, or planning, upgrades to 4G technology. • Vodafone, Woosh, CallPlus and Now are among a range of fixed wireless network providers. It is estimated almost 50,000 end-users are served by wireless networks in New Zealand. 1 OECD Broadband Statistics Update, 22 July 2014. P. 4 Annual ReportSteady progress expanding the Ultra-Fast Broadband footprint Chorus made great strides in its deployment of the UFB network reduce deployment costs, where feasible and permitted, through through the year and the rollout is now at maximum pace. infrastructure sharing and the implementation of emerging Approximately 31% of the planned 830,900 premises had been deployment techniques, such as rapid trenching. passed by 30 June 2014, bringing about 261,000 premises and 353,000 end-users within reach of a UFB connection. As Figure 2 shows the rollout is almost complete in Blenheim, Timaru, Oamaru and Ashburton. Chorus currently expects to complete its UFB rollout in these towns in FY15. Fibre connections are growing as Chorus’ fibre footprint expands and RSPs market it more widely. As Figure 3 shows, UFB uptake varies from area to area, largely reflecting the number of RSPs and their marketing focus in each area. Chorus has been promoting the availability and benefits of fibre through its Gigatown campaign, with Each of Chorus’ 24 contracted deployment areas is different in local towns competing to win a sponsored Gigabit fibre service. terms of local body requirements and geotypes, as well as the availability of existing infrastructure such as poles and ducts that can be re-used to extend the new network. The Auckland and Wellington regions represent more than 60% of Chorus’ UFB premises and have very high density urban areas that have shaped deployment costs to date. Chorus is working with councils and other utility companies across its areas to further The UFB deployment is helping future-proof Chorus’ network for the continuing growth in bandwidth demand. Bandwidth on Chorus’ network has been growing at over 80% per year due to increased connection volume and increased bandwidth usage per connection. Fibre end-users are using twice as much data per month as copper end-users. Figure 2: Progress by Chorus UFB Area as at 30 June 2014 AUCKLAND (inc. Waiheke , Waiuku, Pukekohe) 372,000 premises 25% complete TAUPO 9,900 premises 77% complete LEVIN 7,100 premises 18% complete KAPITI 16,400 premises 17% complete WELLINGTON 126,200 premises 25% complete NELSON 23,500 premises 39% complete GREYMOUTH 3,500 premises 12% complete ASHBURTON 8,100 premises 85% complete QUEENSTOWN 4,900 premises 54% complete INVERCARGILL 19,700 premises 43% complete ROTORUA 20,900 premises 67% complete WHAKATANE 5,500 premises 32% complete GISBORNE 12,300 premises 17% complete NAPIER/HASTINGS 40,900 premises 30% complete FEILDING 5,600 premises 8% complete PALMERSTON NORTH 27,900 premises 50% complete MASTERTON 8,500 premises 64% complete BLENHEIM 11,100 premises 94% complete TIMARU 12,800 premises 87% complete OAMARU 5,800 premises 86% complete DUNEDIN 44,500 premises 37% complete PREMISES = TOTAL UFB PREMISES IN CANDIDATE AREA, EXCLUDING GREENFIELDS P. 5 P. 5 Annual ReportAnnual Report) % ( h c a e r n h t i i w s r e s u - d n e o t e v i t a e r e k a t p U l 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 * D N A L K C U A N O T G N I L L E W I M E H N E L B H T R O N N O T S R E M L A P Figure 3: UFB uptake relative to end-users within reach as at 30 June 2014 I S G N T S A H / R E P A N I U R A M T I A U R O T O R N O T R E T S A M N O T R U B H S A N O S L E N L L I G R A C R E V N I N W O T S N E E U Q E N A T A K A H W H T U O M Y E R G E N R O B S I G U R A M A O I N D E N U D S A E R A B F U S U R O H C L A T O T I G N D L I E F / N V E L I 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 ) s e s i m e r p ( l d e t e p m o c d l i u b f o % O P U A T I I T P A K UFB uptake June % of build complete June * Includes Auckland North, Auckland South, Pukekohe, Waiuku & Waiheke Island. Rural Broadband Initiative extends broadband benefits Chorus is now well past the halfway mark in its rollout of fibre and Chorus’ overall fixed line broadband footprint at 30 June 2014 high speed broadband cabinets for the Rural Broadband Initiative extended to 97% of lines nationwide. When the RBI rollout is (RBI). At 30 June 2014, a total of about 3,100km of fibre had been completed in 2016, Chorus will have upgraded or installed about laid for the programme, with fibre extended to 951 schools. The 1,200 broadband cabinets, making high-speed broadband available rollout had also brought new or upgraded broadband coverage to more than 90% of lines nationwide. The Government is funding within reach of 72,000 rural lines and broadband uptake was the majority of the rollout through an industry levy, which Chorus approximately 80%. is a significant contributor to, with Chorus also directly providing approximately 15-20% of the investment required to fund its fixed line portion of the rollout. P. 6 P. 6 Annual ReportAnnual Report * Includes Auckland North, Auckland South, Pukekohe, Waiuku & Waiheke Island. Regulatory environment Regulatory developments had a significant impact on Chorus have been requested by Chorus and other industry parties and and its shareholders during FY14. On 5 November 2013, the Commerce Commission (Commission) released its final benchmarking decision on the price Chorus can charge for its regulated copper broadband services or Unbundled Bitstream Access (UBA). The Commission’s decision involve using Total Service Long Run Incremental Cost (TSLRIC) methodology to model the cost of building a network to deliver services in New Zealand. Cost modelling is complex and highly technical, as opposed to simply benchmarking prices against services in other countries. relied on pricing from just two countries – Denmark and Sweden The Commission has indicated that draft pricing from the – and stipulated that from 1 December 2014 Chorus’ UBA price reviews will be released on 1 December 2014, with final pricing reduces from $21.46 per month per connection to $10.92 per to be released on 1 April 2015. The outcomes of these reviews month. Chorus advised the market that this could mean around are uncertain and will shape the answer to the critical question $142 million per annum EBITDA impact and around $1 billion of whether a fair rate of return can be achieved for network funding shortfall for the remainder of the UFB build period. investment in New Zealand. Subsequent to this decision it also became clear that there was no longer political support for the Government proposal, as detailed in the Government discussion paper of 7 August 2013, to review the telecommunications regulatory framework with an immediate focus on copper pricing. The Government hasn’t continued or closed its review and legislation requires a review of the regulatory framework to commence by 2016. The Commission is now undertaking final pricing principle reviews of its benchmarking decisions on UBA and copper line, or Unbundled Copper Local Loop (UCLL) pricing. These reviews In parallel with the Commission’s processes, Chorus also asked the High Court to consider legal aspects of the Commission’s UBA benchmarking decision. The High Court dismissed Chorus’ appeal, although the judge acknowledged benchmarking is a “quick and cheap” process. The Court of Appeal has since heard Chorus’ appeal on this matter and a decision is pending. For a complete overview of Chorus’ regulatory environment, please see the competition and regulation section in the Management Commentary. Corporate sustainability Chorus is building a sustainable operating model to efficiently tank replacement programme. During the year, approximately deliver its needs of today without compromising its needs of 3,400 fibre cable drums, 22 kilometres of duct, 640 tonnes of tomorrow. Chorus continues to provide carbon footprint data to copper and 232 tonnes of electronic equipment were recycled. the Carbon Disclosure Project, a leading global carbon benchmark, As part of Chorus’ art programme to combat graffiti, 112 cabinets but is no longer eligible for the FTSE4Good index because of and two radio huts were painted by artists. market capitalisation criteria. About 430 Chorus people spent a day helping others in their local Chorus commenced a number of carbon-related initiatives, community through its volunteer day programme and employees including a programme to remove the remaining ozone depleting also donated to local charities through the payroll giving substances from air conditioners in the network, shifting to a programme. Chorus also donated $25,000 to Wellington Free cloud-based desktop system, and an exchange battery and fuel Ambulance, along with volunteer time. Health and safety Chorus undertook an extensive review of its health and safety Practices accreditation and meet the AS/NZ 4801 standard for management processes during the year as part of its ongoing health and safety management systems. commitment to ensuring effective health and safety management. Chorus is improving the health and safety management system to ensure Chorus can achieve ACC Workplace Safety Management The principal objective for Chorus is that everyone working within Chorus and on the network will go home safe and free from ‘harm’ and will have a ‘safe & secure’ environment in which to work. P. 7 P. 7 Annual ReportAnnual ReportChronology of significant events 9 July 2013 The Government releases a Telecommunications Service Obligation (TSO) discussion document. 7 August 2013 The Government releases a wider discussion document, announced in February, outlining potential changes to the regulatory framework, including copper pricing options below existing pricing. 17 September 2013 Chorus makes its submission on the wider discussion document. 23 October 2013 Chorus announces that it is consulting industry on a range of new UFB products to provide enhanced entry level speeds. 5 November 2013 The Commission announces that the final benchmarked UBA price to apply from 1 December 2014 is $10.92, around a 50% reduction. Chorus estimates this will have around a $142 million annualised EBITDA impact and implies around a $1 billion funding shortfall by 2020. 6 November 2013 Moody’s places Chorus on review for possible downgrade. 15 November 2013 ICT Minister Amy Adams announces that Ernst & Young Australia will undertake an independent assessment of Chorus’ financial position and its capability to deliver on its contractual commitments with the Government. 18 November 2013 Chorus announces it has withdrawn its FY14 dividend guidance in light of the ongoing regulatory uncertainty. 2 December 2013 Chorus applies to the Commission for a final pricing principle review of the UBA benchmarking decision and also says it is filing a High Court appeal of the same decision to determine whether the Commission has applied the law correctly. 5 December 2013 ICT Minister Amy Adams says the Government expects Chorus to approach Crown Fibre Holdings (CFH) to discuss specific provisions within the UFB contract and notes that Chorus is expected to meet a significant part of the funding shortfall through its own actions. 11 December 2013 Chorus sends a letter to shareholders to update them on what the Chorus Board and management team is doing to preserve and restore value in Chorus. The Commission initiates a review of UCLFS connection charges. 14 December 2013 Ernst & Young’s ‘Independent Assessment of Chorus’ Financial Position’ confirms Chorus’ assessment of a $1 billion funding gap by 2020 and that initiatives to partially address the gap come with substantial trade-offs. 21 January 2014 Moody’s downgrades Chorus from ‘Baa2’ to ‘Baa3’. 5 February 2014 Standard and Poor’s maintains ‘BBB’ Creditwatch negative for Chorus. 7 February 2014 The Commission schedules its UBA final pricing principle draft determination for 19 August 2014 and final determination before 30 November 2014. 24 February 2014 Chorus’ interim FY14 result outlines ‘new reality’ of reshaping the business to be sustainable with an extensive range of revenue, operating cost and capital expenditure initiatives. No interim dividend paid. 11 March 2014 Chorus and CFH agree an initial package of UFB improvements to help deliver UFB faster, smother and more cost effectively. 13 March 2014 NZX announces Chorus is to be removed from the NZX 15 Index. 28 March 2014 The Commission indicates it intends to also complete its UCLL final pricing principle review by 30 November 2014. 8 April 2014 The High Court dismisses Chorus’ appeal of the UBA determination. 24 April 2014 14 May 2014 22 May 2014 The Commission announces its decision to align UCLFS connection charges with benchmarked UCLL charges. This is estimated to impact Chorus’ EBITDA by around $6 million annually. Chorus announces it will consult on new commercial copper and fibre products intended to deliver greater speeds, enhanced High Definition video capability and more choice to industry. The Commission announces a delay in its final pricing principle timetable with UCLL and UBA draft decisions now due by 1 December 2014 and final decisions due by 1 April 2015. 23 May 2014 Standard and Poor’s affirms Chorus ‘BBB’ rating – outlook negative. 12 June 2014 NZX announces Chorus is to be removed from the NZX 20 Index. 18 July 2014 22 July 2014 25 July 2014 Chorus announces an agreement with CFH that provides the option of bringing forward UFB funding subject to various conditions. The Commission announces an investigation relating to proposed changes to the regulated UBA service. This is in parallel to considering Chorus’ proposed Boost services. Chorus announces it has agreed amendments to its committed bank facilities to provide significant additional financial flexibility and funding certainty. This includes agreeing no dividends will be paid until the later of the conclusion of the Commission’s review processes or 30 June 2015. P. 8 P. 8 Annual ReportAnnual ReportGovernance and Disclosures CONTENTS Directors Executive Team Governance at Chorus The Chorus Board Diversity at Chorus Remuneration at Chorus Disclosures 10 11 12 13 14 16 19 P. 9 Annual ReportDirectors 2 5 3 6 1 4 7 1. Sue Sheldon, CNZM, BCom, FCA Chairman; director since 1 July 2011; independent Sue is a professional company director. She is chairman of Freightways and Paymark, a director of Contact Energy and the independent chair of the Audit and Risk Management Committee of the Christchurch City Council. Sue is a former deputy chairman of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand and a former director of Telecom, Smiths City Group and Meridian Energy, among others. She has extensive experience as both a chairman and member of audit and risk committees and is a former president of the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants. Sue was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to business in 2007. 4. Jon Hartley, BA Econ Accounting (Hons), Fellow ICA (England & Wales), Associate ICA (Australia), Fellow AICD Director since 1 December 2011; independent Jon is a Chartered Accountant and Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He has held senior roles across a diverse range of commercial and not for profit organisations in several countries, including as chairman of SkyCity, director of Mighty River Power, CEO of Brierley New Zealand and Solid Energy, and CFO of Lend Lease in Australia. Jon is currently deputy chairman of ASB Bank and Sovereign Assurance Company, chairman of VisionFund International and the Wellington City Mission and a trustee of World Vision New Zealand. 2. Anne Urlwin, 3. Clayton Wakefield, BCom, CA, F InstD, FNZIM, ACIS BSc (Computer Science), GradDip Mgmt Director since 1 December 2011; independent Director since 1 December 2011; independent Anne has more than 20 years’ directorship experience across many sectors, including energy, health, construction, regulatory services, internet infrastructure, research, banking, forestry and the primary sector, as well as education, sports administration and the arts. She is chairman of Naylor Love Enterprises and a director of Southern Response Earthquake Services, Steel & Tube Holdings and OnePath Life (NZ). Anne is also chairman of the Ngāi Tahu Te Rūnanga Audit and Risk Committee, the former chairman of Lakes Environmental, the New Zealand Blood Service, the New Zealand Domain Name Registry and a former director of Meridian Energy. Clayton has over 30 years’ experience in the banking, financial services, telecommunications and technology industries. He is an executive director and owner of Techspace, a leading New Zealand independent IT advisory company working with New Zealand’s major corporates. Clayton is currently a director of Fisher & Paykel Finance and its subsidiaries, a former chairman of Electronic Transactions Services and Visa New Zealand and a former director of Endace. From 2001 to 2007 Clayton was Head of Technology and Operations at ASB Bank. 5. Keith Turner, BE (Hons), ME, PhD Director since 1 December 2011; independent 6. Mark Ratcliffe, BA Accounting Director since 9 December 2011; non-independent 7. Prue Flacks, LLB, LLM Director since 1 December 2011; independent Dr Keith Turner was CEO of New Zealand electricity generator and retailer Meridian Energy for nine years from its establishment in 1999. He is currently chairman of Fisher and Paykel Appliances and Emirates Team New Zealand, deputy chairman of Auckland International Airport and a director of Spark Infrastructure, an Australian listed company. Keith has had an extensive career in electricity, taking part in much of its reform, including the separation of Transpower from Electricity Corporation of New Zealand (ECNZ) in 1992, the separation of Contact Energy from ECNZ in 1996 and the eventual break up of ECNZ into three companies in 1999. Mark has been CEO of Chorus since it was established in 2007 as an operationally separate business unit within Telecom and was appointed as its first CEO when it became a separately listed entity in 2011. In a 20 year career with Telecom, Mark held finance, marketing, product development, product management and IT roles. Mark was promoted to the executive team in 1999 where he was CIO (including a period as joint CEO of AAPT in Australia) and then COO Technology and Wholesale before becoming CEO of Chorus. From May 2010, he led the team that secured Chorus’ participation in the Government’s UFB initiative and the demerger of Chorus and Telecom. Prue is a director of Bank of New Zealand and Mighty River Power, and a trustee of the Victoria University Foundation. She is a barrister and solicitor with extensive experience in commercial law and, in particular, banking, finance and securities law. Her areas of expertise include corporate and regulatory matters, corporate finance, capital markets, securitisation and business restructuring. Prue is a consultant to Russell McVeagh, where she was previously a partner for 20 years. Annual ReportExecutive Team 1. Mark Ratcliffe Chief Executive Officer See previous page. 3 6 9 4 7 10 2 5 8 2. Andrew Carroll, MCA (Hons) Chief Financial Officer Andrew joined Chorus after nine years with Telecom where he held a number of corporate finance and merger and acquisition roles. Prior to this he worked in investment banking for a decade. Andrew worked closely with the Chorus team on the UFB negotiations with Crown Fibre Holdings and throughout the demerger process. 3. Deborah Sinclair* Acting General Manager, Human Resources 4. Ed Beattie General Manager, Infrastructure 5. Ewen Powell, BE Chief Technology Officer Deborah has been intimately involved in developing Chorus’ HR strategy and the engagement work that has seen Chorus recognised as an AON Hewitt’s Best Employer Australia and New Zealand in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Deborah has previously held roles at Telecom, Toyota Finance, ENZA, Blue Star Shipping and Exxon Mobil. Ed has more than 30 years’ experience in building and maintaining fixed line and mobile telecommunications networks in New Zealand. Most recently, he managed the delivery of the successful Fibre to the Node programme and played a lead role in the Christchurch crisis response and restoration activities. Ewen has over 20 years’ experience in managing the technology, services and partnerships that operate a national communications network. He has spent time in both the supplier and operator communities with much of his career spent at Telecom where he was at the forefront of a wide range of technology changes. Ewen’s focus post establishment of Chorus has been to deploy the core enterprise systems to run the business and developing the technology capabilities to provision and manage the new fibre network. 6. Mark Tod** Joint Acting General Manager, Marketing & Sales 7. Mike Lott** Joint Acting General Manager, Marketing & Sales 8. Nick Woodward General Manager, Customer Service In addition to Joint Acting GM Marketing and Sales, Mark is also Chorus’ Head of Sales. He has more than 10 years sales and sales management experience followed by another 10 years developing performance cultures with national and global organisations. Mark’s previous experience includes roles at Telecom, APN, ANZ, Telstra and Unisys. Mike has extensive experience in the telecommunications industry and had key roles in the successful UFB bid, as well as the demerger negotiations that led to the formation of Chorus. In addition to Joint Acting GM Marketing and Sales, Mike is also responsible for developing new services that meet the needs of our customers, end-users and Chorus itself. Nick’s career combines a wide range of IT, sales, customer and project management experience in the financial and telecommunications industries. His roles have seen him work across the United States and Europe for Hutchison 3G UK and Household Bank in the United Kingdom. Nick has been a member of the Senior Leadership Team since Chorus’ inception in 2008. 9. Vanessa Oakley, LLB (Hons), PGCert (MgtSt), PGCert (CompPolicy) (UK), GAICD, MInstD General Counsel & Company Secretary Vanessa has extensive experience in law and policy, especially in relation to regulated infrastructure businesses. A qualified lawyer in New Zealand and England and Wales, Vanessa joined Chorus after playing a key role in the UFB contract, legislative and demerger processes. Prior to that she has held roles in the public and private sectors including as a key adviser to United Kingdom and New Zealand regulators and across the Telecom group. 10. Irene Lovejoy*** Executive Assistant Irene has worked with Chorus CEO Mark Ratcliffe for more than 14 years, bringing a unique insight that adds value to the development of the Chorus executive team. Before joining Chorus, Irene spent 22 years with Telecom where she held roles in the marketing, technology and corporate teams. * Deborah Sinclair became Acting General Manager, Human Resources following the departure of Sara Broadhurst in August 2013. ** Mark Tod and Mike Lott assumed joint responsibility for Acting General Manger, Marketing & Sales following the departure of Victoria Crone in April 2014. *** Irene is not an “officer” for the purposes of the Securities Markets Act 1988 or NZX Listing Rules. P. 11 Annual ReportGovernance at Chorus Chorus’ Board and management are committed to ensuring that our people act ethically, with integrity and in accordance with our policies and values. Framework regularly receive reports on risk management and the effectiveness Chorus is incorporated in New Zealand and listed on the of Chorus’ management of its material business risks. New Zealand and Australian stock exchanges. Chorus requires its CEO and CFO to make an annual declaration in The governance practices and policies we have adopted therefore relation to Chorus’ financial statements relating to the matters set reflect, and are consistent with, the: out in s295A of the Australian Corporations Act 2001, namely that • NZX Listing Rules and Corporate Governance Best Practice Code; in their opinion: • the financial records of Chorus have been properly maintained; • New Zealand Securities Commission’s (now Financial Markets • the financial statements of Chorus and accompanying notes Authority (FMA)) ‘Corporate Governance in New Zealand Principles’; and set out in this annual report comply with generally accepted accounting practice in New Zealand and International Financial • ASX Listing Rules and the recommendations set out in the Reporting Standards; and ASX Corporate Governance Council’s Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations. • the financial statements of Chorus and accompanying notes set out in this annual report give a true and fair view of the financial The Board regularly reviews and assesses Chorus’ governance policies, processes and practices to identify opportunities for enhancement and to ensure they reflect Chorus’ operations and culture. Compliance with corporate governance codes, principles and recommendations position and performance of Chorus. The CEO and CFO also provide the Board with an assurance that the above declaration is founded on a sound system of risk management and internal control and that system is operating effectively in all material respects in relation to financial reporting risks. Chorus considers that during the year ended 30 June 2014: The non-audit related fees paid to the auditor during the financial • the corporate governance principles adopted and followed by it did not materially differ from NZX’s Corporate Governance Best Practice Code; and • it followed each of the recommendations set by the ASX Corporate Governance Council. Managing risk Chorus has a Managing Risk Policy that mandates one framework for the management of risk in Chorus to: • ensure the Board sets the risk appetite and reviews principal risks annually; period (as detailed in Note 8 to the Financial Statements) were permitted non-audit services under Chorus’ External Auditor Independence Policy. Codes of ethics Chorus expects its directors and employees to conduct themselves in accordance with the highest ethical standards. Chorus has Codes of Ethics for its directors and employees that set the expected standards for their professional conduct. These codes are intended to facilitate decisions that are consistent with Chorus’ values, business goals and legal and policy obligations. The director Code of Ethics is available at www.chorus.co.nz/governance. • integrate risk management in line with the Board’s risk appetite Chorus has communicated the Codes of Ethics to directors and into structures, policies, processes and procedures; and employees and has provided training to its employees. Chorus • deliver regular principal risk reviews and monitoring. A copy of Chorus’ Managing Risk Policy is available at www.chorus.co.nz/governance. As part of its role, the Audit and Risk Management Committee (ARMC) is responsible for assisting the Board to ensure that a risk management framework has been established and for monitoring encourages its people to report any unethical behaviour through a compliance function that investigates any such reports. A whistle blowing policy allows for confidential reporting of serious misconduct or wrongdoing and a fraud policy for the reporting of suspected fraud or corruption. Chorus has not received any reports of serious instances of compliance with that framework. The ARMC and the Board unethical behaviour during the year. P. 12 P. 12 Annual ReportAnnual ReportThe Chorus Board Role of the Board and delegation of authority Board Committees The Board is appointed by Chorus’ shareholders and has statutory Each standing Board Committee has a Board approved Charter and responsibility for the business and affairs of Chorus. The Board a chairman. The Board Committees assist the Board by focusing has overall responsibility for the strategy, culture, governance and on specific responsibilities in greater detail than is possible for the performance of Chorus working with, and through, the CEO. Board as a whole. As described in the Board Charter, to allow for the effective Audit and Risk Management Committee (ARMC) day-to-day management and leadership of Chorus, the Board The ARMC assists the Board in ensuring oversight of all matters has delegated its authority, in part, to the CEO. The CEO relating to risk management, financial management and controls may, in turn, sub-delegate authority to other Chorus people. and the financial accounting, audit and reporting of Chorus. Formal policies and procedures govern the parameters and operation of these delegations. The Board has also appointed three standing Board Committees to assist it in carrying out its responsibilities and has delegated All Committee members are non-executive directors. For information on Committee members’ qualifications, see page 10. Members: Anne Urlwin (chairman), Jon Hartley and Sue Sheldon. some of its responsibilities, powers and authorities to those Board Human Resources and Compensation Committee (HRCC) Committees. Those Committees are described below. The Board may also establish other ad-hoc or standing committees and delegate specific responsibilities, powers and authorities to those committees and to particular directors. The Board and Board Committee Charters and other key governance documents are available on Chorus’ website The HRCC assists the Board in overseeing people policies and strategies, including: • Chorus’ remuneration frameworks; and • reviewing candidates for, and the performance and remuneration of, the CEO. at www.chorus.co.nz/governance. The annex to the Board Members: Clayton Wakefield (chairman), Prue Flacks and Charter contains a diagram that illustrates the key governance Keith Turner. documents and the roles and responsibilities of the Board and Board Committees. Board membership The Board seeks to ensure that through its skills mix and composition it is positioned to add value to Chorus, as outlined in the Board Charter. The Board currently has seven directors (six independent directors and a managing director) with a broad range of managerial, financial, accounting and industry experience. See page 10 for more information on the skills and experience of the directors. Nominations and Corporate Governance Committee (NCGC) The NCGC assists the Board in promoting and overseeing continuous improvement of good corporate governance. The NCGC’s role includes identifying and recommending suitable candidates for nomination to be members of the Board and Board Committees, and establishing, developing and overseeing a process for the Board to annually review and evaluate the performance of the Board, its Committees and individual directors. Members: Sue Sheldon (chairman), Prue Flacks and Jon Hartley. Director restrictions The independence status of each director is noted in their The Chorus Constitution provides that no person who is an biographies on page 10. For a director to be considered ‘associated person’ of a person that provides telecommunications independent, the Board must affirmatively determine that the services in New Zealand (other than the services provided by director does not have a disqualifying relationship (other than Chorus) shall be appointed or hold office as a director. NZX has solely as a consequence of being a director). The disqualifying granted Chorus a waiver to allow the Chorus Constitution to relationships are set out in the Board Charter. While the Board include this restriction on the persons who may hold office has not set financial materiality thresholds for determining as director. independence, it considers the materiality basis of all relationships having regard to the materiality to Chorus, the director and the relevant person or organisation (e.g. customer, supplier or adviser) with which the director is related. Materiality is assessed in the context of each relationship and from the perspective of both parties to that relationship. P. 13 P. 13 Annual ReportAnnual ReportBoard and Board Committee meeting attendance The table below sets out attendance at the Board and Board Committee meetings in the year ended 30 June 2014. Total number of meetings held Sue Sheldon (chairman) Anne Urlwin Clayton Wakefield Jon Hartley Keith Turner Mark Ratcliffe Prue Flacks BOARD MEETINGS SPECIAL BOARD MEETINGS ARMC HRCC NCGC 12 11 12 12 11 11 10 12 21 21 17 20 19 14 20 19 7 7 7 5* 6 3* 7** 6* 5 5* 5* 5 3* 5 5** 5 2 2 2* 1* 1 - 2** 2 * Attended meetings as an observer and not as a Committee member. ** Mark Ratcliffe is not a member of any Board Committees but attends all Board Committee meetings as CEO and as an observer, and may be asked to leave at any time. Trading in Chorus shares Review and evaluation of Board performance All non-executive directors are encouraged to hold Chorus The chairman meets regularly with directors to discuss ordinary shares (Chorus Shares). individual performance. Directors are subject to limitations on their ability to deal in Chorus The Board has carried out, in the reporting period, an annual review Shares and other relevant Chorus securities (Chorus Securities) of the Board’s performance, that of individual directors and Board by Chorus’ Insider Trading Policy, the New Zealand Securities Committees utilising the Board evaluation process developed and Markets Act 1988 and the Australian Corporations Act 2001. overseen by the NCGC. These limitations prohibit directors from dealing in Chorus Securities while in possession of inside information. Market disclosures As a matter of policy, Chorus also requires that directors, prior to dealing in Chorus Securities, notify and obtain consent from the chairman and that trading may only occur in accordance with Chorus’ Insider Trading Policy. Chorus is committed to providing timely, orderly, consistent and credible information consistent with legal and regulatory requirements, to enable orderly behaviour in the market and to promote investor confidence. Chorus believes it is imperative that disclosure be evenly balanced during good times and bad All changes in any interests in Chorus Securities held by directors and that all parties in the investment community have fair access are required to be reported to the Board, the NZX and the ASX. to this information. Director induction and education The Board seeks to ensure new directors are appropriately introduced to management and the Chorus business, that all Diversity at Chorus directors are acquainted with relevant industry knowledge and Diversity and inclusiveness at Chorus economics and that they receive a copy of the Board and Board Committee Charters and the key governance documents. It is expected that all directors continuously educate themselves to ensure they have appropriate expertise to effectively perform their duties. In addition, visits to Chorus operations, briefings from key management, industry experts and key advisers to Chorus, together with educational and stakeholder visits, briefings or meetings are arranged for the Board. Independent advice A director may, with the chairman’s prior approval, take Chorus has a Board approved Diversity and Inclusiveness Policy. Chorus believes that having a team of individuals working together who all have different experiences, views and self-reflections makes it stronger and better as an organisation. Chorus defines diversity as the characteristics that make one individual similar to or different from another. It defines inclusiveness as the recognition that diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives lead to a better experience of work for its people, makes teams stronger, leads to greater creativity and performance, contributes to a more meaningful relationship with its retail service provider customers and stakeholders, and ultimately leads to increased value to shareholders. independent professional advice (including legal advice). Valuing diversity is more than a moral imperative; it is also sensible A director may request the attendance of such an adviser at a business practice. Board or Board Committee meeting where this is necessary to fulfil their role and responsibilities for Chorus. The costs of any such adviser is paid for by Chorus. The focus of the policy is to leverage differences as a competitive advantage through its attraction and development practices, develop inclusiveness as a core capability for its people leaders P. 14 P. 14 Annual ReportAnnual Reportand as a channel to its people, and to continue to recognise Chorus is a funder of DiverseNZ Inc. DiverseNZ Inc is a individual contribution and performance. collaboration project with support from the New Zealand public The HRCC recommends measurable objectives to the Board that are set and assessed annually. and private sectors to harness the economic benefit, business gain and Gross Domestic Product uplift that results from diverse leadership and diversity of thought. Diversity metrics as at 30 June 2014 The Board has set the following measurable objectives for achieving greater diversity at Chorus: MEASURE DESCRIPTION ACTUAL AS AT 30 JUNE 2014 ACTUAL AS AT 30 JUNE 2013 BENCHMARK Age profiles Median age 41.5 years 41.4 years Employee satisfaction 85% Response to the diversity question “The work environment is very open and accepting of individual differences” Ethnicity by role Organisational groupings by ethnicity1 Africa Asia Australia Europe Maori New Zealand Pacific Island South America Unknown/not disclosed 84% Was not available Total People Pop’n Leaders 0% 2% 0% 13% 4% 79% 1% 1% 0% 1% 15% 1% 8% 4% 66% 5% 0% 1% Flexible working arrangements Percentage of the population utilising flexible working arrangements Gender by role Organisational groupings by gender Rookie ratio The previous year’s intake by age, ethnicity and gender 3.9% working part-time hours 4.3% working part-time hours 39% 29% 22% 61% 71% 78% All People Leaders2 Officers/Senior 38% 33% 38% 62% 67% 62% All People Leaders Officers/Senior Executives3 Executives 43% 50% 57% 50% Board4 Non-executive Board5 43% 50% 57% 50% Board Non-executive Board Average age 37.2 years. Gender 41% 59% Ethnicity not available 55% Average age 36.4 years Gender 45% Africa Asia Australia Europe Maori New Zealand Pacific Island Unknown/not disclosed 1% 27% 2% 11% 1% 53% 5% 2% 42 years. Statistics New Zealand National Labour Force Projections updated August 2012 85% Aon Hewitt Best Employer People leader population distribution = total company population distribution >4% working part-time hours People leader population distribution = total company population distribution No measure – for information Internal hire rate The previous year’s appointments identifying internal vs external hire rate 45% of all appointments have been internal 88% of roles in layers 1-3 were recruited internally 39% of all appointments were internal. 61% of roles in layers 1-3 were recruited internally 66% of roles in layers 1-3 1 Ethnicity is self-reported by Chorus people. 2 People Leaders have management and leadership roles within Chorus and other Chorus people formally reporting to them. 3 Chorus’ Senior Executives are its Officers under the Securities Markets Act 1988 (i.e. the CEO’s direct reports who take part in the management of Chorus’ business). As at 30 June, Chorus had 2 female and 7 male Officers/Senior Executives (30 June 2013, 3 female, 5 male). 4 As at 30 June, Chorus had 3 female and 4 male directors (no change from 30 June 2013). 5 As at 30 June, Chorus had 3 female and 3 male non-executive directors (no change from 30 June 2013). P. 15 P. 15 Annual ReportAnnual Report Based on the annual review of the effectiveness of Chorus’ progress towards achieving its diversity and inclusiveness objectives Diversity and Inclusiveness Policy and Chorus’ measurable diversity and has performed well against the policy generally. objectives, the Board considers that overall Chorus is making good Chorus’ Diversity and Inclusiveness Policy can be found at www.chorus.co.nz/governance. Remuneration at Chorus Directors’ fees Based on advice from independent consultants the Board adopted The total remuneration available to non-executive directors in the fee structure below for the year ended 30 June 2014. The same the year ended 30 June 2014 was fixed at Chorus’ 2012 AGM fee structure applies from 1 July 2014. at $980,000. During the year ended 30 June 2014, the total remuneration earned by the directors of Chorus (in their capacity as such) was as follows: DIRECTOR Sue Sheldon (chairman) Anne Urlwin Clayton Wakefield Jon Hartley Keith Turner Mark Ratcliffe Prue Flacks Total Notes: TOTAL FEES $ 214,000 139,000 128,500 131,500 150,000 - 126,500 889,500 (i) The figures shown are gross amounts and exclude GST where applicable. (ii) Directors are entitled to be paid or reimbursed for reasonable travelling, accommodation and other expenses without Base fees: Chairman of the Board Non-executive director Board Committee fees: Audit and Risk Management Committee Chairman Member Human Resources and Compensation Committee Chairman Member Nominations and Corporate Governance Committee Chairman Member UFB Steering Committee Member ANNUAL FEE STRUCTURE YEAR TO 30 JUNE 2014 $ ANNUAL FEE STRUCTURE FROM 1 JULY 2014 $ 214,000 107,000 214,000 107,000 32,000 16,000 21,500 11,000 16,000 8,500 32,000 16,000 21,500 11,000 16,000 8,500 32,000 32,000 requiring authorisation of shareholders. Any such expenses Notes: are not included in the table above. (i) With the exception of the chairman of the Board, directors (iii) All non-executive directors receive a base fee. receive a fee for each Board Committee of which the director (iv) Board Committee fees are not paid to the chairman of the Board. is the chairman or a member. (v) A fee is paid to other non-executive directors for being a member of a Board Committee or the UFB Steering Committee in addition to the base fees. (vi) Directors (other than the CEO) do not receive any other benefits. (vii) Mark Ratcliffe, as CEO, does not receive any remuneration in his capacity as a director of Chorus. The remuneration of the CEO is summarised below. The HRCC reviews the remuneration of directors based on criteria developed by that Committee. (ii) Directors may be paid an additional daily rate of $2,400 for additional work as determined and approved by the chairman of the Board and where the payment is within the total fee pool available for the relevant financial year based on advice of the General Counsel & Company Secretary. No such fees were paid in the year ended 30 June 2014. No director receives compensation in share options. No director (except the CEO) participates in a bonus or profit-sharing plan. No superannuation was paid to, or other scheme for retirement benefits exist for, any director (except for the CEO) in the year ended 30 June 2014. P. 16 P. 16 Annual ReportAnnual ReportIn addition, in the year to 30 June 2014, payments totalling $51,446.58 with regard to KiwiSaver and medical insurance were made on behalf of Mark Ratcliffe. The following LTI payments were made, or liabilities are due to be calculated and paid, in the following manner. They are all cash payments: CEO remuneration Remuneration package for the financial period Mark Ratcliffe’s remuneration as CEO consists of a mixture of fixed remuneration, short term incentives (STI) and long term incentives (LTI). The actual remuneration paid to Mark Ratcliffe in the financial period is as follows: Fixed remuneration (1 July 2013–30 June 2014) Short term incentive (1 July 2013–30 June 2014) $837,308.64 (gross) $423,648.23 (gross)* Short term incentive extension and non-taxable accommodation payments $103,885.00 Total remuneration received $1,364,841.87 (gross) * FY13 STI paid in August 2013. GRANT YEAR VESTING YEAR DETAIL 2011 2014 2012 2015 A cash LTI grant was made by Telecom in September 2011. Chorus carried across a liability for the value of $250,000 (gross). The cash value was converted into Equity Equivalent Units (EEUs) based on dividing the target value by the volume weighted average price (VWAP) of Chorus Shares for the first 20 days of trading, following demerger. A number of post-allocation performance hurdles have been introduced by the Board for this grant. Performance against these measures is considered annually but for the purposes of the grant it is the collated three year performance that determines the vesting multiplier on the grant. A cash LTI grant was made by Chorus in September 2012 for the value of $349,779 (gross). The cash value was converted into EEUs based on dividing the target value by the VWAP of Chorus Shares for a defined 20 day trading period. A number of post-allocation performance hurdles have been introduced by the Board for this grant. Performance against these measures is considered annually but for the purposes of the grant it is the collated three year performance that determines the vesting multiplier on the grant. POTENTIAL VALUE A maximum of 82,281 EEUs converted back into a cash value at vesting based on share price performance at that time. A maximum of 104,853 EEUs converted back into a cash value at vesting based on share price performance at that time. The CEO remuneration package is reviewed annually by the STI payments are determined following review of company HRCC and Board, after seeking advice from external remuneration performance and individual performance and may be paid out at specialists and reviewing CEO and Chorus’ performance. In future a multiplier of 0x to 2.8x. This model is focussed on articulating years, the target values may be revised as a result of future performance goals, driving for outcomes, differentiating high adjustments to the CEO remuneration package and components. performance and rewarding delivery. Alignment with shareholder Chorus remuneration model The Board reviews the remuneration model for Chorus and has established principles of alignment to shareholder outcomes, interests is maintained by annual review of company-wide performance targets and their relative weighting. In FY14 these performance targets were focused on EBITDA and capital efficiency (e.g. cost per premises passed, cost per premises simplicity, clarity and fairness, and remuneration outcomes which connected) measures. are based on performance. LTI plan All Chorus employees have a fixed remuneration and STI component in their remuneration packages. A limited number of employees also have an LTI component. Fixed remuneration The fixed remuneration model is informed and adjusted each year based on data from multiple independent remuneration specialists. Employees’ fixed remuneration is based on a matrix of their own performances and their current remuneration position in the market range. STI plan STI values are calculated as a percentage of fixed remuneration and determined based on the complexity of the roles. Employees’ Chorus operates an LTI plan for its executives. The Board has reviewed this model, on the basis of independent advice, and intends to introduce a new model in 2015. This may involve the incorporation of a new subsidiary to act as trustee of the scheme. STI Extension Programme Chorus has a short term incentive extension programme in place for named executives that will run from December 2013 to March 2016 and replaces their LTI plan for 2013 and 2014. This is an extension of the current STI scheme and has been put in place while long term measures are subject to external uncertainties. As with all remuneration at Chorus, payment is subject to meeting performance criteria. P. 17 P. 17 Annual ReportAnnual ReportREMUNERATION RANGE $ (GROSS) NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES IN THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014 (BASED ON ACTUAL PAYMENTS) Managing performance Chorus’ performance management process is based on all Chorus people having performance and development plans for the year, which are regularly reviewed with their people leaders. The performance plan is developed initially by the individual after participating in ‘Line of Sight’ sessions, which enable them to link Chorus’ strategy with their day to day work and focus areas. The performance plan includes both outcome based objectives 1,360,001-1,370,000 660,001-670,000 550,001-560,000 520,001-530,000 and behavioural measures, along with a development plan. 500,001-510,000 End of year performance reviews are undertaken for all Chorus people. In these the people leader for the individual seeks 460,001-470,000 additional feedback and participates in a peer review and 440,001-450,000 moderation process, resulting in an overall rating and remuneration recommendation that impacts the individual’s total reward (fixed remuneration and target STI). This same process has been undertaken for the Chorus executive team, with the CEO making recommendations to the HRCC for the executive team and the chairman of the HRCC leading the performance review of the CEO and making recommendations to the Board. This process is consistent with that set out in the HRCC Charter and allows the Board to provide input into these individuals’ performance outcomes, total reward approvals 410,001-420,000 360,001-370,000 310,001-320,000 300,001-310,000 280,001-290,000 270,001-280,000 260,001-270,000 (fixed remuneration, target STI and LTI) and development plans. 250,001-260,000 Employee remuneration range The table alongside shows the number of employees and former employees who, in their capacity as employees, received remuneration and other benefits in excess of $100,000 during the year to 30 June 2014. 240,001-250,000 230,001-240,000 220,001-230,000 210,001-220,000 In addition, certain employees elect to participate in Chorus’ 200,001-210,000 employee equity building scheme, receive contributions towards membership of the Marram Trust (a community healthcare and holiday accommodation provider), contributions to the Government Superannuation Fund (a legacy benefit provided to a small number of employees) and, if the individual is a KiwiSaver member, a contribution of 3% of gross earnings towards that individual’s KiwiSaver scheme. These amounts are not included in these remuneration figures. Any benefits received by employees that do not have an attributable value are not included. 190,001-200,000 180,001-190,000 170,001-180,000 160,001-170,000 150,001-160,000 140,001-150,000 130,001-140,000 120,001-130,000 110,001-120,000 100,000-110,000 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 3 1 2 4 3 6 3 3 16 6 11 11 15 18 19 35 53 45 49 55 Employee Equity Building Scheme Chorus implemented an employee equity building scheme in September 2013 to better align employee and shareholder interests. A total of 622 Chorus employees participated in the scheme. Chorus contributed up to $499 per participating employee. A total of 106,984 shares were purchased on- market under the scheme at an average price of $2.897 per share. The shares are held by a trustee and vest to participating employees after a three year period. P. 18 P. 18 Annual ReportAnnual ReportDisclosures Directors Directors during the year ended 30 June 2014 in their capacity as employees of Chorus, directors of Chorus subsidiaries or as directors of non-Chorus companies in which Current directors are listed on page 10. No directors resigned Chorus holds interests. during the year ended 30 June 2014. Indemnities and insurance As permitted by its Constitution, Chorus has entered into deeds of indemnity with each of the directors for potential liabilities or costs they may incur for acts or omissions in their capacity as directors. Deeds of indemnity have also been given to certain senior staff for potential liabilities and costs they may incur for acts or omissions Chorus has a directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy in place. This provides insurance for the liabilities of the directors and employees of Chorus for acts or omissions in their capacity as directors or employees. It does not cover dishonest, fraudulent, malicious or wilful acts or omissions. Director interests in Chorus Shares As at 30 June 2014, directors had a relevant interest (as defined in the Securities Markets Act 1988) in Chorus Shares as follows: AS AT 30 JUNE 2014 TRANSACTIONS DURING THE REPORTING PERIOD DIRECTOR SHARES INTEREST NUMBER OF SHARES PURCHASED (SOLD) CONSIDERATION DATE OF TRANSACTION Sue Sheldon 15,813 Registered holder as trustee of family trust 813* $2,612.58 11 October 2013 Clayton Wakefield 20,712 Beneficial interest 1,065* $2,832.90 11 October 2013 Keith Turner 5,994 Legal and beneficial interest Anne Urlwin 10,000 Director and shareholder of registered holder 308* Nil $819.28 11 October 2013 Mark Ratcliffe 105,333 Beneficial interest 4,555* $12,116.30 11 October 2013 Prue Flacks 5,142 Legal and beneficial interest 5,240 Trustee of family trusts $702.24 11 October 2013 264* Nil Total 168,234 * Acquired under Chorus’ Dividend Reinvestment Plan. As at 30 June 2014, directors had a relevant interest representing Jon Hartley: Changes in interests: VisionFund International approximately 0.042% of Chorus Shares. (chairman), Wellington City Mission (Anglican) Trust Board Interests Register Directors disclosed, pursuant to section 140 of the Companies Act 1993, a change in, or cessation of, interest in the following entities during the year ended 30 June 2014: Sue Sheldon: Changes in interests: Christchurch City Council Audit and Risk Management Committee (chairman). Cessation of interests: Reserve Bank of New Zealand (deputy chairman). Anne Urlwin: Changes in interests: Summerset Group Holdings (chairman and trustee), GRIT Learning Limited (director). Cessation of interests: VisionFund Cambodia Limited (director), GRIT Learning Limited (director), Trango Capital Limited (director, shareholder, trustee of shareholder)*. Keith Turner: Changes in interests: Team New Zealand AC35 Challenge Limited (chairman). Cessation of interests: Solar City New Zealand Limited (chairman), Waitaki Wind Limited (director). Mark Ratcliffe: Changes in interests: Nil. Cessation of interests: Nil. Limited (director), Naylor Love Properties Limited (director). Prue Flacks: Changes in interests: Nil. Cessation of interests: Cessation of interests: SR 1 Limited (director). BNZ Life Insurance Limited (chairman), BNZ Insurance Services Clayton Wakefield: Changes in interests: Fisher & Paykel Finance Holdings Limited (director), Consumer Finance Limited (director), Consumer Insurance Services Limited (director), Equipment Finance Limited (director), Fisher & Paykel Financial Services Limited (director), Retail Financial Services Limited (director), Fisher & Paykel Finance Limited (director). Cessation of interests: Nil. Limited (chairman). * Change in interest occurred after 30 June 2014. P. 19 P. 19 Annual ReportAnnual ReportShares and shareholders Quoted securities Stock exchange listings and American Depositary Receipts As at 30 June 2014 there were 396,369,767 Chorus Shares on issue. Chorus Shares are quoted on the NZX Main Board and on the ASX. Chorus trades under the ticker ‘CNU’. Each Chorus Share confers on its holder the right to attend and vote at a meeting of Chorus, including the right to cast one vote American Depositary Shares (ADSs), each representing five ordinary shares and evidenced by American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), are not listed but are traded on the over-the-counter (OTC) market in the United States under the ticker symbol ‘CHRYY’. Chorus’ depositary is the Bank of New York Mellon. Chorus has also issued GBP260 million foreign currency debt in the form of European medium term notes (EMTNs). Chorus is listed, and the EMTNs quoted, on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. NZX waivers A summary of all waivers granted and published by NZX in the 12 months ending on 30 June 2014 and relied on by Chorus is available on Chorus’ website at www.chorus.co.nz. This summary will be available until Chorus’ next annual report is published. ASX disclosures Chorus has been admitted to the official list of the ASX. As a result, Chorus is required to make the following disclosures: on a poll on any resolution. Non-standard designation NZX has attached a ‘non-standard’ designation to the listing of the Chorus Shares owing to the ownership restrictions in Chorus’ Constitution, as described below. Chorus’ constitutional ownership restrictions Chorus’ Constitution includes ownership restrictions that prohibit any person: • from having a relevant interest in 10% or more of Chorus Shares, unless the prior written consent of the New Zealand Government is obtained; or • other than a New Zealand national, from having a relevant interest in more than 49.9% of Chorus Shares, unless the prior written consent of the New Zealand Government is obtained. If the Board or the New Zealand Government determines there are reasonable grounds for believing that a person has a relevant • Chorus’ place of incorporation is New Zealand. interest in voting shares in excess of the ownership restrictions, the • Chorus is not subject to Chapters 6, 6A, 6B and 6C of the Australian Corporations Act 2001 dealing with the acquisition of shares (including substantial shareholdings and takeovers). • Chorus’ Constitution contains limitations on the acquisition of securities, as described below. Registration as a foreign company Chorus has registered with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) as a foreign company. Chorus has been issued an Australian Registered Body Number (ARBN) of 152 485 848. Board may, after following certain procedures, prohibit the exercise of voting rights (in which case the voting rights shall vest in the chairman) and may force the sale of shares. The Board may also decline to register a transfer of shares if it reasonably believes the transfer would breach the ownership restrictions. NZX has granted Chorus waivers allowing Chorus’ Constitution to include the power of forfeiture, the restrictions on transferability of Chorus Shares and the Board’s power to prohibit the exercise of voting rights relating to these ownership restrictions. Chorus has been advised by the Crown that AMP Capital Holdings Ltd and its related companies have been granted approval, should they choose to exercise it in future, to acquire a relevant interest in 10% or more (but not exceeding 15%) of Chorus Shares. P. 20 P. 20 Annual ReportAnnual ReportUnquoted securities SECURITY CFH Equity Securities CFH Debt Securities CFH Warrants NUMBER OF SECURITIES ISSUED IN YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014 TOTAL NUMBER OF SECURITIES ON ISSUE AS AT 31 JULY 2014 HOLDER 71,503,708 71,503,708 4,423,340 146,210,731 Crown Fibre Holdings Ltd 146,210,731 Crown Fibre Holdings Ltd 8,182,505 Crown Fibre Holdings Ltd PERCENTAGE HELD 100% 100% 100% The CFH equity securities are a unique class of security that carry no right to vote at meetings of holders of Chorus Shares but entitle the holder to a right to a repayment preference on liquidation. Dividends become payable on a portion of the CFH equity securities from 2025, with the portion increasing over time. A greater portion of CFH equity securities attract dividends if a 20% fibre up-take threshold is not met by 30 June 2020. CFH equity securities can be redeemed by Chorus at any time by payment of the issue price or issue of new Chorus Shares (at a 5% discount to the 20-day volume weighted average price) to the holder. In limited circumstances the CFH equity securities may be converted by the holder into voting preference shares or Chorus Shares. The CFH debt securities are unsecured, non-interest bearing and carry no voting rights at meetings of holders of Chorus Shares. Chorus is required to redeem the CFH debt securities in tranches from 2025 to 2036 (at the latest) by repaying the issue price to the holder. An accelerated repayment schedule applies if a 20% fibre up-take threshold is not met by 30 June 2020. The CFH warrants are an option to acquire Chorus Shares on a specified exercise date at a set strike price and have been issued in two series, with different repayment schedules. On 30 June 2020 one series will be cancelled depending on whether a 20% fibre up-take threshold is met. The terms of the issue for each of the CFH equity securities, CFH debt securities and the CFH warrants are set out in the subscription agreement with CFH and summarised on Chorus’ website at www.chorus.co.nz/financial-reports. Distribution of shareholders and shareholdings of Chorus Shares as at 31 July 2014 SIZE OF SHAREHOLDING NUMBER OF HOLDERS NUMBER OF SHARES HELD % OF CHORUS SHARES ISSUED 1 to 1,000 1,001 to 5,000 5,001 to 10,000 10,001 to 100,000 100,001 and over Total 24,463 8,039 2,444 2,189 145 37,280 7,478,080 20,269,220 18,326,154 54,006,665 296,289,648 396,369,767 1.89 5.11 4.62 13.63 74.75 100 Substantial security holders as at 31 July 2014 As at 31 July 2014 Chorus had received notices under Section 26 of the Securities Markets Act 1988 that the following shareholders were substantial security holders in respect of Chorus Shares: SUBSTANTIAL SECURITY HOLDER NUMBER OF VOTING SECURITIES Accident Compensation Corporation Schroder Investment Management Australia Limited Allan Gray Australia Pty Limited 32,581,123 22,353,579 19,839,411 % 8.22 5.64 5.00 DATE OF NOTICE 22 July 2014 25 February 2014 29 July 2014 Chorus has also received notices from Jason Familton. Mr Familton is not himself a substantial security holder but has submitted separate notices on the basis of the aggregation of interests in securities held by him personally and held by Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) given the qualified powers he may have to exercise voting rights and acquire or dispose of Chorus shares as an employee and portfolio manager or equity analyst for ACC. P. 21 P. 21 Annual ReportAnnual Report1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. Twenty largest holders of Chorus Shares as at 31 July 2014 Shareholders holding less than a marketable parcel RANK HOLDER NAME HOLDING % Accident Compensation Corporation* JP Morgan Nominees Australia Limited HSBC Nominees (New Zealand) Limited* National Nominees New Zealand Limited* 32,458,159 8.18 As at 31 July 2014, there were 11,300 shareholders holding between 1 and 199 Chorus Shares (less than a minimum holding under the NZX Listing Rules) and, based on the closing market price of A$1.61, there were 14,935 holders that held less than a marketable parcel of 28,359,188 7.15 A$500 of Chorus Shares under the ASX Listing Rules. 23,236,633 5.86 On-market buy-back: There is no current on-market buy-back. Net tangible assets per security 18,690,229 4.71 As at 30 June 2014, the consolidated net tangible assets per share National Nominees Limited 17,599,612 4.44 HSBC Nominees (New Zealand) Limited A/C State Street* 17,536,840 4.42 JP Morgan Chase Bank NA NZ Branch-Segregated Clients Acct* 15,837,187 3.99 was $1.43 (30 June 2013: $1.21). Net tangible assets per share is a non-GAAP financial measure and is not prepared in accordance with NZ IFRS. Revenue from ordinary activities and net profit In the year ended 30 June 2014 Chorus’: • revenue from ordinary activities increased 0.1% to $1,058 million; and Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited 14,290,159 3.60 • profit from ordinary activities after tax, and net profit, attributable Citibank Nominees (New Zealand) Limited* BNP Paribas Nominees (NZ) Limited* HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited 10,163,674 2.56 to security holders decreased 13.5% to $148 million. 9,971,163 2.51 Company Secretary Vanessa Oakley 8,891,193 2.24 Donations Chorus New Zealand Ltd made a donation of $25,000 to Wellington Free Ambulance during the reporting period. Subsidiaries RBC Investor Services Australia Nominees Pty Limited 8,661,582 2.18 13. FNZ Custodians Limited 8,019,314 2.02 Chorus New Zealand Ltd 14. Westpac NZ Shares 2002 7,162,983 1.80 Wholesale Trust* Directors: Mark Ratcliffe (chairman), Andrew Carroll, Brian Hall, Vanessa Oakley and Lucy Riddiford (as alternate director for 15. Forsyth Barr Custodians Limited 4,857,893 1.22 Vanessa Oakley). 16. New Zealand Superannuation Fund Nominees Limited* 4,686,043 1.18 No directors of Chorus New Zealand Ltd resigned during the reporting period. 17. Ronald James Woodrow 4,662,281 1.17 Director Remuneration: 18. BNP Paribas Noms Pty Ltd 3,361,268 0.84 The directors of Chorus New Zealand Ltd are all employees and do not receive any remuneration in their capacity as directors. 19. Leveraged Equities Finance Limited 3,007,903 0.75 Directors’ interests: 20. Forsyth Barr Custodians Limited 2,731,931 0.68 * Held through New Zealand Central Securities Depository Limited (NZCSD). NZCSD provides a custodial depository service which allows electronic trading of securities by its members. As at 31 July, 147,779,280 Chorus Shares (or 37.3% of the ordinary shares on issue) were held through NZCSD. Mark Ratcliffe: Changes in interests: Nil. Cessation of interests: Nil. Andrew Carroll: Changes in interests: Nil. Cessation of interests: Nil. Brian Hall: Changes in interests: Nil. Cessation of interests: Nil. Lucy Riddiford: Changes in interests: Nil. Cessation of interests: Nil. Vanessa Oakley: Changes in interests: Nil. Cessation of interests: Nil. Indemnities and Insurance: See Indemnities and Insurance on page 19 for further information. Other subsidiaries Chorus has no other subsidiaries. The Board intends to introduce a new long term incentive scheme for the CEO and Executive in 2015. A new subsidiary may be incorporated to act as a trustee of the scheme. P. 22 P. 22 Annual ReportAnnual ReportManagement Commentary CONTENTS Challenges and highlights In summary Revenue commentary Expenditure commentary Capital expenditure commentary Long term capital management Competition and regulation Litigation Appendix one Appendix two 25 26 27 30 33 35 36 37 38 39 P. 23 Annual ReportManagement commentary Operating revenue Operating expenses Earnings before interest, income tax, depreciation and amortisation Depreciation and amortisation Earnings before interest and income tax Net interest expense Net earnings before income tax Income tax expense Net earnings for the year Non statutory measure: underlying EBITDA EBITDA Less: insurance proceeds Add: UCLFS connection charge backdating Less: UCLFS monthly charge price change Underlying EBITDA 2014 $M 1,058 (409) 649 (322) 327 (121) 206 (58) 148 649 (2) 9 - 656 2013 $M 1,057 (394) 663 (319) 344 (108) 236 (65) 171 663 (1) - (8) 654 Chorus reports earnings before interest, income tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $649 million for the year ending 30 June 2014. After adjusting for $2 million of insurance proceeds from the Canterbury earthquakes and $9 million backdating of the UCLFS connection price change, underlying EBITDA is $656 million (refer appendix two). Chief Executive Officer Mark Ratcliffe said it was “a solid financial result underpinned by an increase of 51,000 broadband connections and relative stability in the number of fixed lines, while fibre connections more than doubled. Delivery of the UFB and RBI programmes is ahead of schedule, but this success has been overshadowed by the need to reshape Chorus operationally and financially to address the challenges posed by the ongoing uncertainty with the regulatory framework and revised copper pricing.” P. 24 Annual ReportAnnual Report Challenges and highlights Challenges Chorus shareholders have had a very difficult year. Ongoing regulatory challenges resulted in very large capital losses and dividends being withdrawn until a dividend policy is financially sustainable and there is sufficient certainty around Chorus’ outlook. The Commerce Commission’s (the Commission) 5 November 2013 initial pricing principle decision resulted in a very material funding gap in Chorus’ business plan through to 2020 necessitating a fundamental review of the viability of Chorus’ business model and a huge effort to reshape Chorus’ business to secure a sustainable operating framework. In addition to the very material trade-offs the business has had to confront, impacting many stakeholders, this ongoing uncertainty continues to be a major distraction for Chorus and the wider industry, potentially slowing the migration to fibre. It is difficult for Chorus to justify discretionary network investment in the absence of a fit for purpose regulatory framework that provides for a fair rate of return. This is further exacerbated by the lack of certainty as to the regulatory framework that will apply from 2020 once the Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB) rollout is completed. Highlights Good progress has been made in reshaping the business – operationally and financially – to manage in a situation where Chorus receives $142 million less in EBITDA per annum as a result of the Commission’s initial pricing principle decision. Chorus has a credible but demanding plan through to 2020 to manage this shortfall, has implemented a number of operational initiatives with more in train, and has secured important changes to its funding arrangements to provide materially more funding flexibility and certainty. Chorus is driving the bulk of the initiatives to manage through this shortfall, with Crown Fibre Holdings also providing some useful additional flexibility within existing contractual arrangements. In addition to the substantial effort put into reshaping the business, Chorus has performed well operationally: • Many very important network build milestones were achieved with the UFB and Rural Broadband Initiative (RBI) rollouts being delivered ahead of schedule; • A number of demanding Information Technology (IT) projects were successfully completed as Chorus migrates from shared Spark (formerly Telecom) platforms; and • Fixed line fibre connections have doubled during the year, VDSL connections have increased significantly and total fixed line connections have remained stable. P. 25 In summary EBITDA • Ongoing uncertainty with today’s regulatory framework, its lack of clear alignment with the Government’s UFB initiative and the absence of fit-for-purpose regulation that recognises changed market structures and supports product innovation. EBITDA for the year ended 30 June 2014 was $649 million, The post 2020 regulatory framework remains unclear for the representing around 0.3% growth in underlying EBITDA (see industry and regulator and creates difficulty for longer term appendix two). This reflects continued growth in demand for investment decisions. Addressing both frameworks is important Chorus’ basic and enhanced copper products, including steady to ensure investors receive a fair rate of return. broadband and fibre uptake over the year. Costs have grown by 3.8%, reflecting increased provisioning costs, information technology costs and growing employee numbers. Growth in connection numbers for both fibre and Very High Speed Digital Subscriber Line (VDSL) installations have driven increases in provisioning and labour costs. A significant focus on costs since the announcement of the UBA benchmarked pricing by the • Changes to regulated pricing through the implementation of benchmarked UBA pricing on 1 December 2014 and the Commission’s final pricing principle reviews that will shape Chorus’ future revenues and industry willingness to migrate to fibre. • Significant regulatory programmes will continue in FY15 and result in continued high regulatory and consultant costs. Commerce Commission in November 2013 has seen a reduction in Chorus also faces challenges including: costs in the second half of the year. Initiatives such as restructuring, significantly reducing discretionary activity (such as proactive maintenance) and tight control on general costs (such as travel and telecommunications) have been implemented. A comparison of the underlying full year results, with commentary on the items being adjusted, with the underlying results for the year ended 30 June 2013 is included in appendix two. Capital expenditure Capital expenditure for the year ended 30 June 2014 was $679 million, consistent with the guidance range of $660– $690 million. This included $42 million of year four UFB build initiated in this financial year and recognised as work in progress and $6 million for building fibre to schools ahead of the UFB rollout schedule with full cost recovery. Approximately 83% of Chorus’ capital expenditure was focused on fibre related investment, principally for the UFB and RBI deployment programmes. Dividends • Implementation of the extensive range of operating cost, capital expenditure and revenue initiatives identified to help address this ongoing period of pricing uncertainty. • Delivering the operational capability to meet further growth in UFB connections in a time and cost effective manner. Uptake still varies widely from area to area and is unpredictable in nature. There is also a developing range of connection types (including rights of way and multi dwelling units) as the UFB footprint expands and Retail Service Providers (RSPs) further promote fibre. Access and consents, particularly for connections in rights of way and multi dwelling units, remain a significant impediment to fibre uptake • Incremental Information Technology (IT) costs as two IT systems are run in parallel and current financial constraints delay planned IT migration. • The increasing demand for VDSL and fibre connections may cause near term impact on earnings and capital expenditure respectively, with the associated cash flow implications as the Following the withdrawal of dividend guidance on 18 November cost of the connection is incurred up front, while the revenues 2013, the capital management update provided in February 2014 are received over time. and the CFH financing and committed bank facility amendments announced in July 2014, Chorus will not pay a final FY14 dividend. In February, Chorus indicated that a future dividend policy would be communicated when financially sustainable and there was sufficient certainty of outcomes from the Chorus initiatives, CFH discussions and regulatory reviews. • Continued focus on achieving the milestones required by the UFB and RBI contracts and ensuring these programmes continue to meet cost expectations advised to the market. • Ongoing focus from retail service providers on input costs as they seek opportunities to lower their wholesale costs from Chorus. Copper line connections are also being retained for As part of the 25 July 2014 bank amendments, Chorus has agreed voice services in some instances where UFB is provisioned and that no dividends will be paid until the later of the conclusion of the this is expected to cease in the future. Increased competitive Commission’s final pricing principle review processes or 30 June pressure from other networks. 2015, consistent with February guidance. In addition to this, Chorus has entered into a conditional agreement with CFH which gives Chorus the option to bring forward part of CFH’s existing investment funding. If Chorus uses • Other UFB network builders had passed about 170,000 end- users at 30 June 2014 and are expected to gain greater market share from Chorus over time. Mobile network operators are also now offering 4G coverage in main centres, providing enhanced the facility, Chorus would be unable to pay a dividend before mobile broadband capability. December 2019 without CFH approval, unless Chorus normalises Despite these challenges Chorus is proud of its role in lifting the CFH funding profile. Outlook From a regulatory perspective Chorus has a number of challenges ahead: broadband performance in New Zealand and investing in a fibre network to provide long term benefits for end-users and New Zealand. In addition to this, Chorus remains focussed on achieving a fair rate of return for investors who continue to support the ongoing development of New Zealand’s fixed line network. P. 26 P. 26 Annual ReportAnnual ReportRevenue commentary Basic copper Enhanced copper Fibre Value added network services Infrastructure Field services Other Total revenue 2014 $M 543 293 75 38 19 75 15 2013 $M 631 215 60 37 17 85 12 1,058 1,057 Revenue overview Basic copper Chorus’ revenue strategy focuses on: Basic copper incorporates core regulated products that, while an • Retaining value by sustaining demand for Chorus’ share of market connections; • Supporting demand for UFB services in line with the Government’s objective to maximise fibre uptake. This includes delivering products that support bandwidth growth and encourage adoption of higher speed fibre products of 100Mbps or more; • Securing sustainable regulatory settings for copper that also support the migration to fibre. Chorus’ product portfolio encompasses a broad range of broadband, data and voice wholesale services. It includes a mix of regulated and commercial copper and legacy products, and contractually agreed fibre products. Chorus’ focus is on sustaining demand for connections and supporting retail service providers and stakeholders by growing profitable connections and ‘leading New Zealand to fibre’. important part of the portfolio, are founded on earlier technology and product variants that are being superseded by enhanced copper and fibre services. It includes most of Chorus’ layer 1 network products and includes the copper voice input UCLFS, Unbundled Copper Local Loop (UCLL), Sub Loop Unbundling (SLU), Sub Loop Extension Service (SLES) and Basic UBA (including broadband only naked Basic UBA connections). Basic copper revenues are continuing to decline as retail service providers migrate end-users from Basic UBA broadband services to enhanced copper and Internet Protocol (IP) voice services. The majority of basic copper revenues are derived from Chorus’ Baseband Copper services (including UCLFS) which retail service providers can use as an input into traditional voice offers. At 30 June 2014 there were approximately 1,475,000 Baseband Copper lines2, a decrease of 46,000 lines from 30 June 2013. This reduction was offset by the migration of connections to Chorus’ other fixed line connection products. In particular, ‘naked’ Revenues and volumes have remained relatively steady throughout connections (naked Basic UBA, naked Enhanced UBA and naked the year. VDSL) grew by 26,000 lines. Unadjusted revenues were flat compared to the prior period. The number of unbundled exchanges grew from 183 to 189 over After adjusting for changes in regulated Unbundled Copper Low the year, with approximately 131,000 access lines being used by Frequency Service (UCLFS) pricing and insurance receipts, revenues retail service providers to deliver unbundled services to end- were up by around 1.6% on a like for like basis (see appendix users. The total comprised 127,000 UCLL lines and 4,000 SLU two). Total fixed line connections were largely stable, with a slight lines (offered in conjunction with Chorus’ commercial Sub Loop decrease of 3,000 connections (from 1,784,000 to 1,781,000). Extension Service). A summary of Chorus’ connection numbers for key products UCLL lines are currently charged at $19.08 for urban and $35.20 is in appendix one. for non-urban following the Commission’s re-benchmarking of UCLL pricing in December 2012. The urban and non-urban prices are expected to move to an averaged price of $23.52 in December 2014 (noting that the pricing of these services is still subject to various processes – see the competition and regulation section). 2 For billing purposes, this total includes instances where UCLFS is sold with UBA connections. Although the UCLFS Standard Terms Determination contemplates such connections as naked UBA connections, the price outcome is the same as if these connections were billed for naked UBA and zero for UCLFS/Baseband. P. 27 P. 27 Annual ReportAnnual ReportRevenue commentary (cont.) Basic UBA is a broadband service delivered on a ‘best efforts’ basis, Baseband IP connections, used by retail service providers to deliver typically using older generation technology. The number of Basic a voice over internet protocol service over copper, grew slowly UBA connections had declined to about 164,000 connections at from a small base. Baseband IP is currently available across about 30 June 2014 as retail service providers migrate end-users to the 10% of Chorus’ lines and is charged at $23.52 per month. Chorus Enhanced UBA 0 service (also a UBA ‘best efforts’ service). may consider expanding the Baseband IP footprint further where UBA pricing is due to reduce from $21.46 to $10.92 from retail service provider demand and the business case supports it. 1 December 2014 as a result of the Commission’s benchmarking Fibre price decision of 5 November 2013. Chorus has appealed a review of this decision to the Court of Appeal and it is also subject to a final pricing principle review by the Commission (see the competition and regulation section). Enhanced copper Fibre revenues are earned from Chorus’ existing business fibre products (such as HSNS Premium) and new UFB residential and business fibre services. This category also captures UFB backhaul, and Direct Fibre, which is the equivalent of dark fibre and can also be used to deliver backhaul connections to mobile sites. Enhanced copper includes copper based next generation regulated Fibre connections nationwide more than doubled during the year, and commercial products that deliver higher speed capability, a increasing from 19,000 to 42,000 lines. This growth reflected new better end-user experience and can assist transition to fibre. It demand linked to the ongoing expansion of the UFB footprint and includes Enhanced UBA, VDSL, Baseband IP voice input service and High Speed Network Service (HSNS) Lite (Copper) for business data. continued demand for new business and carrier connections via Chorus’ existing fibre network. Chorus’ enhanced copper category grew steadily over the year, About 31,000 of Chorus’ fibre connections were residential Next reflecting the continued migration to Enhanced UBA 0 services Generation Access (NGA) end-users (which includes UFB Bitstream and continued growth in new connections. 2 and 3 and education connections) or non-UFB fibre subdivision Enhanced UBA connections were approximately 802,000 at 30 June 2014, up from 680,000 at 30 June 2013. There were also approximately 93,000 naked Enhanced UBA connections at 30 June 2014. As noted earlier, the pricing of UBA services is currently under review (see the competition and regulation section). end-users. UFB uptake has increased as the UFB coverage area has grown and more retail service providers have been promoting services. However, uptake does vary widely from area to area, largely reflecting the degree of retail service provider focus on promoting fibre services in each area. The majority of end-users are on entry level 30Mbps fibre products. Chorus has recently introduced new 100Mbps plans at a $40 wholesale price to help Uptake of VDSL increased significantly through the year after it establish this speed as the entry level plan and increase average was re-priced by Chorus in June 2013 and retail service providers revenue per user. began promoting it. The number of VDSL connections had increased to 49,000 by 30 June 2014, up from 2,000 at 30 June 2013. There were also 15,000 naked VDSL lines, up from 2,000 at the start of the year. Direct Fibre Access connections were about 3,800 of total fibre connections by 30 June 2014. Bandwidth Fibre and HSNS Premium fibre connections (also referred to as Bitstream 4 under the UFB agreement) accounted for the remaining 7,000 fibre connections. VDSL utilises existing copper based capability and can provide Demand for business fibre connections has been predominantly download speeds of about 20-50Mbps and upload speeds of up for higher grade HSNS Premium connections rather than Bitstream to 20Mbps, subject to an end-user’s distance from the broadband 3 business services. This may change over time as the UFB equipment and line capability. About 60% of lines nationwide are network makes Bitstream 3 business services more widely available within reach of VDSL, including a growing number of rural users and Chorus introduces new fibre products with higher speed within the RBI rollout footprint. performance. ‘Data service over copper’ connections reduced by 9,000 lines as the classification of legacy connections was reviewed and retail service providers scrutinised input costs. P. 28 P. 28 Annual ReportAnnual ReportAbout 353,000 end-users were within reach of the UFB network at Maintenance revenues are generated when faults are proven to be 30 June 2014. Chorus had approximately 27,000 fibre connections on the retail service provider’s rather than Chorus’ network, and are within the areas where it had deployed UFB communal network at driven by the number of reported faults and proactive maintenance 30 June 2014, up from 6,300 connections at 30 June 2013. This programmes performed on behalf of retail service providers. total includes a combination of residential UFB connections and new, or pre-UFB, business fibre connections within the areas where Chorus’ UFB network was built. Value added network services These revenues also include costs recovered for damage to Chorus’ network by third parties. Revenue in this category is dependent on third party demand or damages to Chorus’ network by third parties. It is therefore difficult The main revenue driver for this category is carrier network to establish specific trends in this revenue category. services, which provide network connectivity across backhaul links. The nature of these services means volumes and revenues in this category were largely unchanged. Infrastructure Infrastructure revenue relates to services that provide access to Chorus’ network assets, including civil works and telecommunications exchange space. It also includes co-location Included in field services revenue is the connection charges for various products. UCLFS connection charges have been reset so that they are the same (and backdated) as the benchmarked UCLL connection charges that were set in December 2012. Chorus’ view is that these connection charges are part of the UCLL final pricing principle review by the Commission (see the competition and regulation section). Excluding the impact of backdating, field of equipment and access to poles. services revenue has decreased slightly. Chorus provides commercial access to its exchanges, poles and other infrastructure. Co-location revenue derives from retail service providers and other network operators installing their equipment in Chorus exchanges, as well as leased commercial space in exchange buildings. Infrastructure revenue has increased due to strong growth in commercial co-location. Commercial co-location enables retail service providers to interconnect with Chorus’ UFB footprint. The capacity for this product to grow much further is limited. Other Other income consists largely of revenue generated from the transitional services agreements with Spark put in place at demerger and expiring at 30 June 2014. Revenues from these agreements (approximately $2 million) represent a recovery of cost and as such have no margin. Also included in other revenue are revenues relating to cable locates (all cable locates are now billed) and revenues that are one-off in nature such as gain on sale of fixed assets and insurance claim proceeds. Approximately $2 million (30 June 2013: $1 million) was received for Christchurch earthquake Field services related insurance proceeds. This category includes work performed by Chorus’ service company technicians providing new services, chargeable cable location services, maintaining retail service provider networks and relocating Chorus’ network on request. As Chorus utilises service companies to perform the field services’ work, there is a direct cost associated with all field services revenues recognised in the network maintenance expense category. Provisioning revenues are generally based on orders for technicians to install services and are driven by the number and nature of orders, and the type of work required. P. 29 P. 29 Annual ReportAnnual ReportExpenditure commentary Operating expenses Labour costs Provisioning Network maintenance Other network costs Information technology costs Rent and rates Property maintenance Electricity Insurance Consultants Other Total operating expenses 2014 $M 79 56 99 38 55 12 12 13 4 5 36 409 2013 $M 67 51 100 37 52 12 12 13 4 6 40 394 Operating expenditure has increased by 3.8% relative to 2013, Network maintenance costs relate to fixing network faults and any reflecting ongoing growth in the labour force, increased operational expenditure arising from the proactive maintenance provisioning activity and higher information technology costs. programme. Where faults are on a retail service provider’s network Costs in the second half of the year are lower reflecting the effect (rather than the Chorus network), Chorus charges the retail service of initiatives arising from reshaping the business. Areas of significant provider for this service. Network maintenance costs are driven by change include: Labour costs of $79 million for the year represent staff costs that are not capitalised. At 30 June 2014 Chorus had 823 permanent the number of retail service provider reported faults, the type of work required to fix the faults and the extent of Chorus’ proactive maintenance programme. and fixed term employees. This was up from 763 employees at One of the key drivers for reported faults is the weather. During 30 June 2013. Additional people were employed to support the the year ended 30 June 2014, severe weather events in September continued growth in complex provisioning and fibre provisioning, 2013, March 2014 and April 2014 resulted in 10% more reactive while a shared services team has also been employed by Chorus maintenance required compared to the year ended 30 June 2013. (as the provision of these services fell away under the transitional Approximately 77% of the reactive maintenance work was on the services agreement with Spark). Business restructuring has been Chorus network and this was not recoverable (compared to 74% undertaken which resulted in a number of fixed term contractors on the Chorus network in the year to 30 June 2013). The level, type exiting the business, disestablishing certain permanent roles in and cost of faults is affected by factors such as rainfall, lightning, support teams and the short term incentive for FY15 being reduced network degradation, labour costs, material costs and network by 50% unless there are offsetting additional earnings. While this growth. Chorus network faults are typically more expensive than has a slight impact on the second half of FY14 it will have a greater retail service provider network faults because they can span impact in FY15. Provisioning costs are incurred where Chorus provides new or changed service to retail service providers. The total provisioning cost is driven by the volume of orders, the type of work required to fulfil them, technician labour, material and overhead costs. multiple end-users, require restoration of more complex network elements and involve reinstatement. Total maintenance spend for the year ended 30 June 2014 has decreased year on year due to savings in proactive maintenance spend and reduced customer network spend. The volume of provisioning truck rolls has decreased year on year, Other network costs relate to costs associated with service however the mix of products being purchased has changed and partner contract costs, engineering services and the cost of a Consumer Price Index (CPI) price increase has resulted in higher network spares. costs. The provisioning cost per truck roll for VDSL installations is higher (due to it being a more labour intensive product to provision) and strong uptake of VDSL has resulted in higher costs which are recovered over time. P. 30 P. 30 Annual ReportAnnual ReportInformation technology costs of $55 million represent the costs and this is dependent on the number of sites, electricity paid directly by Chorus to third party vendors, as well as the consumption and electricity prices. operating expenditure component of systems currently shared with Spark. Late in the year ended 30 June 2014 Chorus concluded a number of projects to enable migration from some Spark systems, including implementing a stand-alone desktop environment, information management system and enterprise resource planning system. A portion of these costs are reflected in 2014, but it does not include the full ongoing maintenance and support costs for the Electricity costs were the same as the previous year. Consumption is lower than the previous year as a number of energy saving initiatives have reduced energy usage. In addition to this, Chorus hedges its electricity usage to minimise volatility in electricity spot prices. About 50% of Chorus’ requirements have been hedged with a rolling three year horizon. majority of these projects. The costs arising from the Spark systems Consultant costs have continued at a high level as the multiple arrangements will fall away, however the overall relative spend is streams of regulatory work have continued through FY14 despite increased reflecting the costs to support a smaller scale organisation. tight cost control during the year. Rent and rates, property maintenance, electricity and insurance ‘Other’ includes expenditure incurred by Chorus for shared services costs relate to the operation of Chorus’ network estate (for provided by Spark, together with general costs such as advertising, example, exchanges, radio sites and roadside cabinets). The travel, training and legal fees. Tight cost control on discretionary principal cost is electricity, used to operate the network electronics, spend has resulted in a decrease in other costs. Depreciation and amortisation Depreciation: Copper cables Fibre cables Ducts and manholes Cabinets Property Network electronics Other Less: Crown funding Total depreciation Amortisation: Software Other intangibles Total amortisation 2014 $M 63 38 22 35 16 87 6 (8) 259 63 - 63 ESTIMATED USEFUL LIFE (YEARS) WEIGHTED AVERAGE USEFUL LIFE (YEARS) 10–30 20 50 5–14 5–50 2–14 2–15 2–8 6–20 22 20 50 10 16 8 6 5 20 2013 $M 66 29 16 33 14 95 9 (4) 258 60 1 61 The weighted average useful life represents the useful life in each category weighted by the net book value of the assets. Software and other intangibles largely consist of the software components of billing, provisioning and operational systems During the year ended 30 June 2014 $679 million of network assets and software were capitalised. The ‘UFB communal’ and ‘UFB connections and fibre layer 2’ included in ‘fibre’ capital (including Chorus spend on Spark owned systems). A total of $52 million of software was capitalised during the year, which will be amortised over an average of five years. expenditure was largely capitalised against the network assets Chorus’ depreciation profile is expected to continue to change, categories of fibre cables (40%) and ducts and manholes (53%). reflecting the greater mix of longer dated assets as the UFB and RBI The average depreciation rate for UFB communal infrastructure rollouts progress. The Crown funding release against depreciation spend is currently 35 years, reflecting the very high proportion of is also expected to continue to increase over time as the amount of long life assets being constructed (with ducts and manholes having funding received from the Crown accumulates, with the associated a depreciation rate of 50 years). amortisation to depreciation increasing accordingly. P. 31 P. 31 Annual ReportAnnual ReportExpenditure commentary (cont.) Net finance expense Finance income Finance expense Interest on syndicated bank facility Interest on EMTN Other interest expense Capitalised interest Total finance expenses excluding Crown funding CFH securities (notional interest) Total finance expense 2014 $M (8) 64 49 20 (7) 126 3 129 2013 $M (7) 58 46 16 (6) 114 1 115 Interest costs increased in FY14 reflecting a combination of the rate of the impact on the income statement can be predicted. increased average debt levels, interest margin on the revolving For the current financial year there has been no ineffectiveness credit facilities (following Moody’s rating downgrade as a and therefore no impact on the income statement (30 June 2013: consequence of the Commission’s initial pricing principle UBA no ineffectiveness). decision) and the impact of Chorus choosing to reset ‘in the money’ interest rate swaps in December 2013 (as part of cash management initiatives post the Commission’s 5 November initial pricing principle UBA decision). At a minimum, Chorus aims to maintain 50 percent of its debt obligations at a fixed rate of interest. It has fully hedged the foreign exchange exposure on the EMTN with cross currency interest rate swaps. The floating interest on these derivatives has been hedged Interest rate swaps with a face value of $676 million and fair using interest rate swap instruments. The exposure to floating rate value of $31 million were reset at the prevailing market interest interest on the syndicated bank facility has been reduced using rates (4.89% compared to 3.99% prior to the transaction). These interest rate swaps. transactions realised $30 million of cash and generated a finance expense of $1 million, being the difference between the fair value of the swaps and the proceeds realised. The reset swaps hedge the same underlying exposure and risk profile, but at a higher effective borrowing cost. As at 30 June 2014, approximately 68% (30 June 2013: 66%) of the outstanding debt obligation was fixed through derivative or fixed rate debt arrangements. Taxation Other interest expense includes finance lease interest of $13 million (30 June 2013: $13 million), $2 million interest in relation to shared and network systems, interest costs in relation to UCLFS backdating The 2014 effective tax rate of 28% equates to the statutory rate of 28%. There are no material permanent differences between net earnings before income tax and what is, or will be, taxable for the and costs relating to the close out of the interest rate swaps. year to 30 June 2014. Also included in other interest expense is any ineffectiveness arising from the Euro Medium Term Note (EMTN) hedging relationship. Following the close out of the interest rate swaps relating to the EMTN the hedge relationship was reset on 9 December 2013 with a fair value of $49 million. As long as the hedge remains effective any future gains or losses will be processed through the hedge reserve, however the $49 million will flow as ineffectiveness to interest expense in the income statement at some time over the life of the derivatives. It will be a non-cash charge. Neither the direction, nor Payments of provisional tax (from the second payment) during the tax year to 30 June 2014 have been paid via a tax financing arrangement with Tax Management New Zealand (TMNZ). This means that Chorus notifies TMNZ that they wish to make ‘payment’ via tax financing, and TMNZ then arranges for a payment to the Inland Revenue Department on Chorus’ behalf. This effectively results in a delayed cash flow for Chorus, with the cash flow associated with the second and third provisional tax payments for 2014 being deferred until 4 June 2015. P. 32 P. 32 Annual ReportAnnual ReportCapital expenditure commentary Fibre Copper Common Gross capital expenditure 2014 $M 566 61 52 679 2013 $M 579 69 33 681 Chorus reports capital expenditure in three categories reflecting Common includes a range of spend unrelated to network asset its core network asset and build programmes. classes, such as Chorus’ enterprise systems, buildings and office Fibre includes spend specifically focused on fibre assets (layer 0 equipment. and layer 1 UFB network assets), spend to support the fibre network Gross capital expenditure for the year to 30 June 2014 was (IT delivering fibre products) and programmes largely focused on $679 million, which is consistent with the FY14 guidance range fibre (UFB and RBI). Copper includes spend on copper related network assets and supporting capability (such as layer 2 electronics). of $660 million to $690 million. This total included $42 million of year four UFB build initiated in this financial year and recognised in work in progress and $6 million for building fibre to schools ahead of the UFB rollout schedule with full cost recovery. Fibre capital expenditure UFB communal UFB connections and fibre layer 2 Fibre products and systems Other fibre connections and growth RBI Total fibre capital expenditure 2014 $M 338 74 38 63 53 566 2013 $M 362 31 27 53 106 579 Fibre capital expenditure represents about 83% of Chorus’ As at 30 June 2014, $42 million had been spent on work in gross capital expenditure spend, mainly for the UFB and RBI progress for UFB communal deployment scheduled to be programmes. UFB communal network deployment is at full pace and made good progress during the year. Build work had been completed for about completed in the following year. This was up from $30 million in the previous year, reflecting the deployment programme’s increasing momentum. 261,000 premises at 30 June 2014, representing the addition of UFB connections and layer 2 spend increased from $31 million 108,000 premises passed during the year, or 2,000 premises ahead at 30 June 2013 to $74 million for this year as the volume of fibre of target. There were 353,000 end-users able to be connected to connections grew in line with Chorus’ expanding UFB footprint the UFB network. Chorus estimates the total cost to build the UFB communal network by the end of 2019 is $1.7–$1.9 billion. The cost of the deployment of UFB communal network for the year was $338 million. About $4 million was spent on ‘UFB synergy’ work where elements of communal network build were brought and retail service provider marketing. Layer 2 equipment, such as Gigabit capable Passive Optical Network (GPON) ports and splitters, was also installed ahead of demand as the UFB footprint grew. The average cost of connection per standard residential premises was approximately $1,780 for the year inclusive of the long run average cost of Layer 2 equipment. forward to align with work being undertaken by other network The expected average cost of connection for standard residential or infrastructure owners. The average cost per premises passed was $2,973 for UFB deployment to brownfields premises for the year ended 30 June 2014, or $2,948 when including greenfields premises for which Crown Funding was received. This was at the low end of Chorus’ target of an average cost of $2,900 to $3,200 for the year. end-user premises is $900 to $1,100 (in real terms and inclusive of the long run average cost of Layer 2 equipment) across the life of the UFB network. Installation processes, arrangements with service companies and close co-ordination with RSPs are all areas of focus as Chorus continues to establish a sustainable framework for UFB connections. At 30 June, Chorus had about 27,000 connections within the areas where it had deployed UFB. This represents about 2% of end-users within the Chorus planned UFB footprint by 2020. P. 33 P. 33 Annual ReportAnnual ReportCapital expenditure commentary (cont.) A significant proportion of UFB connections spend was also Capital expenditure of $63 million on other fibre connections and incurred in providing ‘backbone’ network to enable the connection growth reflected demand for fibre connections in areas where UFB of end-users located along rights of ways or in multi dwelling units. has not yet been deployed, new ‘greenfield’ fibre subdivisions, fibre This spend represents upfront investment as it ultimately enables lifecycle investment and regional backhaul connections for retail multiple end-users in a building, or along a right of way, to connect service provider data traffic. to UFB services. Spend for RBI reduced to $53 million this year as the peak of the Chorus is able to recover some connection costs in instances RBI rollout has passed. A total of 3,100 kilometres of fibre had where the connection is ‘non-standard’ as defined by the UFB been laid by 30 June 2014, bringing better broadband within reach contract with CFH. Chorus had previously made $20 million of of 951 schools and 72,000 rural end-users since the start of the funding available to encourage fibre uptake with free installation programme in 2012. The rollout is scheduled to be completed in for some non-standard residential connections. This funding FY16 and Chorus’ role is to deploy network duct and fibre (largely was increased to $28 million as part of a March 2014 package of grant funded, see contributions to capital expenditure section improvements to the UFB initiative agreed with CFH. The period below) to connect schools, hospitals, wireless broadband towers over which this funding will be available will depend on the volume and other priority users in rural areas. Chorus is also deploying and type of non-standard installs received. cabinets and cabinet electronics to expand its broadband footprint Fibre products and systems spend increased to $38 million as Chorus built new fibre inventory systems to improve the ordering and provisioning process for fibre connections. as part of the programme. Chorus expects to receive approximately $236 million in Government grant funding for the RBI, with the grant covering about 80-85% of Chorus’ annual RBI capital expenditure. Copper capital expenditure Network sustain Copper connections Copper layer 2 Product fixed Total copper capital expenditure 2014 $M 35 15 10 1 61 2013 $M 33 21 8 7 69 Copper capital expenditure was $61 million for the year, reflecting end-users, such as infill housing or new buildings. Demand for the ongoing shift in focus to fibre related capital expenditure copper connections is expected to decrease over time as the UFB and Chorus’ focus on cash management following the UBA final network footprint expands and demand for fibre connections benchmarking price decision. Network sustain refers to capital expenditure where the network is being upgraded or network elements such as poles, cabinets and grows. There was a significant decrease in this category in the year as the UFB footprint expanded and investment in baseband IP deployment was reduced. cables are replaced. This is typically where there is risk of network Copper layer 2 reflects investment in network electronics and failure or degraded service for end-users and network replacement equipment as a consequence of demand for broadband capacity is deemed more cost effective than reactive maintenance. and growth. This is expected to decline over time in line with the Requests to shift network for road works purposes increased this UFB network rollout and uptake, subject to possible investment year and this cost is largely recovered in ‘Crown Funding – other’. in Chorus’ proposed commercial UBA products which are under Capital expenditure on copper connections occurs where there is demand for copper connections for residential or business consultation with industry. Capital expenditure on ‘Product fixed’ was reduced as there was limited development of copper related products. Common capital expenditure Information technology Building and engineering services Other Total common capital expenditure P. 34 P. 34 2014 $M 35 12 5 52 2013 $M 16 16 1 33 Annual ReportAnnual ReportCommon capital expenditure was $52 million. This included Contributions to capital expenditure $35 million investment in information technology systems to 30 June 2014. Chorus is continuing to undertake a significant programme of IT systems development as part of Minister approved systems separation plans. This included the development of standalone enterprise, business intelligence and desktop systems during the year. Building and engineering services reflects the capital spent on growth and plant replacement (e.g. power and air conditioning) at Chorus exchanges, buildings and remote sites. This spend was reduced compared to the prior year as Chorus cut or deferred discretionary investment. Chorus receives significant financing and contributions towards its gross capital expenditure each year. During the year to 30 June 2014, Chorus received contributions from the following sources: i) RBI funding: The Crown is contributing grant funding of about $236 million towards Chorus’ layer 0 and layer 1 capital spend over the five year Rural Broadband Initiative. The grant is payable on completion of build work and will vary each year subject to the agreed build programme and the grantable network that is built. For the year ended 30 June 2014 $81 million was recognised. ii) Other: Chorus is able to recover the cost of other capital spend in certain circumstances. This includes replacing network ‘Other’ includes items such as office accommodation and damaged by third parties, or instances where central or local equipment and the increased spend reflected Chorus revising government authorities ask Chorus to relocate or rebuild existing its post demerger accommodation requirements. network. A total of $7 million was recognised in the current year and is included as part of Crown funding given its modest size. Long term capital management Chorus’ principal source of liquidity is operating cash flows and Commission’s initial pricing principle decisions, with covenant external borrowing from established debt programmes such as the levels stepping down to 3.75 times net debt to EBITDA if the EMTN and bank facilities. Chorus issues debt and equity securities Commission’s final pricing principle prices are consistent with to CFH as it completes relevant UFB milestones. It also receives current regulated pricing; grants from the Crown in relation to its RBI build programme. • extend the maturity of Chorus’ November 2015 facility to The Chorus Board’s broader capital management objectives 31 July 2016; and include maintaining an investment grade credit rating with • waive rights potentially available to the banks associated with headroom. In the longer term, the Board continues to consider the material reduction in regulated pricing to take effect on a ‘BBB’ rating appropriate for a business like Chorus. 1 December 2014. Chorus indicated in February that capital management initiatives Chorus has also agreed to limit total drawings across all committed would form part of Chorus’ approach to addressing the very bank facilities to $1.2 billion until outcomes from the Commission’s material reduction in revenues resulting from implementation final pricing principle processes are known and also reduce its July of the Commission’s initial pricing principle decision from 2016 facility by $100 million (to $575 million), which is expected to 1 December 2014. In the short term this has involved withdrawal provide Chorus with sufficient operating liquidity. of dividend guidance, changes to the CFH funding arrangements and committed bank facilities. Chorus withdrew its FY14 dividend guidance on 18 November 2013 following the Commission’s initial pricing principle On 18 July 2014 Chorus announced that it had entered into a decision for UBA. As part of its capital management update in conditional agreement with CFH, giving Chorus the option of February 2014, Chorus indicated that a future dividend policy bringing forward the present value of CFH funding of up to would be communicated when financially sustainable and there $178 million that is budgeted to be spent on Chorus’ UFB was sufficient certainty of outcomes of the Chorus initiatives, programme in 2018 and 2019. Funding from this facility is only CFH discussions and regulatory reviews. As part of the bank available from October 2015, which is expected to be after the amendments, Chorus has agreed that no dividends will be paid conclusion of the Commission’s final pricing principle reviews. until the later of the conclusion of the Commission’s final pricing The facility will automatically terminate if Chorus does not use principle review processes or 30 June 2015. If Chorus chooses to it by 30 June 2016. On 25 July 2014 Chorus announced an amendment to its committed banking facilities. Under the agreements the banks have agreed to: • increase Chorus’ covenant levels from 3.75 to 4.25 times net debt to EBITDA at pricing levels consistent with the use the CFH facility, Chorus would be unable to pay a dividend before December 2019 without CFH approval, unless Chorus normalises the CFH funding profile. At 30 June 2014, Chorus had a long term credit rating of BBB/ negative outlook by Standard & Poor’s (30 June 2013: BBB/stable) and Baa3/negative by Moody’s Investors Service (30 June 2013: Baa2/negative). P. 35 P. 35 Annual ReportAnnual ReportCompetition and regulation Significant developments in Chorus’ competitive and regulatory Unbundled Copper Low Frequency Service (UCLFS) environment during the year are set out below. This should be read To meet its TSO requirements, Chorus has made a technology in conjunction with previous disclosures which are available online neutral voice input service, Baseband, available on a commercial at: www.chorus.co.nz/investor-centre. Chorus Open Access Deeds of Undertaking Chorus is bound by three open access deeds of undertaking (Deeds). The Copper, Fibre and Rural Broadband Initiative undertakings represent a series of legally binding obligations focused around the provision of services on a non-discriminatory or equivalent basis. basis. The pricing of a subset of this service, UCLFS (a voice input service offered over the copper access network), is set at the averaged UCLL price as determined by the Commission. Because the UCLFS price is linked to the UCLL price, a new UCLFS price of $23.52 per month applied from 3 December 2012 (previously $24.46 per month). Any change to the UCLL price as a result of the final pricing principle process should flow through to the UCLFS price. As noted above, the Commission expects to complete its reviews Chorus submitted a transition plan to the Minister in late 2012, and by April 2015. an annual update to the plan in late 2013, relating to the actions required to move to ending the sharing arrangements between Spark and Chorus, as required by the Deeds. Telecommunications Services Obligations (TSO) and Levies The TSO is the regulatory mechanism by which universal service obligations for residential, local access and calling services are imposed and administered. Chorus is required to maintain lines and coverage obligations, and provide a voice input service. On 9 July 2013, the Government issued a discussion document on the TSO, as part of a scheduled review and Chorus made submissions. The timing for a formal update on the review from Government is unknown and there is no guarantee or certainty of the outcome. The Telecommunications Development Levy (TDL) is an industry levy of $50 million per year between FY10 and FY16 and $10 million each year thereafter. On 27 May 2013, the Commission determined that Chorus was liable for $11.1 million of the TDL for FY13. On 24 April 2014 the Commission also announced that UCLFS connection charges should be re-set so that they are the same as benchmarked UCLL prices set on 3 December 2012. The Commission also required that the new UCLFS connection charges be backdated to 3 December 2012 and refunded to retail service providers, including interest. UBA pricing The terms, including price, for UBA are currently regulated by the Commission. On 5 November 2013, the Commission issued a final decision on UBA pricing for a reduction in price from $21.46 to $10.92 per month based on benchmarking of pricing in two countries. After the final decision, Chorus applied to the Commission to review the UBA price, using a final pricing principle of TSLRIC. The application was made on the basis that Chorus considered that the initial price set by the Commission by reference to benchmarking underestimates the TSLRIC of providing UBA in Chorus is also required to contribute towards the Commission’s New Zealand. Spark, Vodafone, CallPlus and Orcon also made final costs through a Telecommunications Regulatory Levy (TRL). Chorus pricing principle applications to the Commission. The Commission was determined to be liable for $0.9 million of the TRL for FY13. expects to complete the final pricing principle process in April 2015 UCLL and SLU pricing The terms, including price, for UCLL and SLU are currently regulated by the Commission. On 3 December 2012, the with a draft decision due by 1 December 2014. The Commission’s benchmarked price of $10.92 will apply from 1 December 2014. Commission issued a final decision on its benchmarking review of the price Chorus can charge for UCLL. The final averaged UCLL In parallel with the Commission’s review process, Chorus has asked the High Court to determine whether the Commission was correct price of $23.52 represented a 3.8% drop. The UCLL price is linked in law to rely on pricing from two countries when setting the initial to a number of other Chorus services, meaning that the UCLFS and UBA price and whether s18(2A) of the Telecommunications Act was SLU prices, and some UBA prices, were impacted by the decision. considered as intended. The High Court dismissed Chorus’ appeal. Chorus has appealed that decision to the Court of Appeal. The Court of Appeal hearing was held in late July and a decision is pending. After the final decision, Chorus applied to the Commission to review the UCLL price, using a final pricing principle of Total Service Long Run Incremental Cost (TSLRIC). The application was made on the basis that Chorus considered that the initial price set by the Commission by reference to benchmarking underestimates the TSLRIC of providing the UCLL in New Zealand. Spark, Vodafone, CallPlus and Kordia also made final pricing principle applications to the Commission. The Commission expects to complete the final pricing principle process in April 2015 with a draft decision due by 1 December 2014. P. 36 P. 36 Annual ReportAnnual ReportCommercial UBA variants On 14 May 2014, Chorus announced that it proposed to launch two new commercial UBA variants – Boost HD and Boost VDSL (the Boost services). In accordance with the requirements of the UBA Standard Terms Determination (STD), Chorus gave notice to the Commission of the proposed Boost services. The Commission initiated a process to assess whether the Boost services are, or should be, covered by the existing STD. The Commission’s timetables are unclear. On 22 July 2014, the Commission announced that it had received a complaint that changes Chorus proposed to make to the regulated UBA service in parallel to the Boost services were in breach of the STD. The Commission has initiated an investigation, and Chorus is awaiting next steps. it released a discussion paper proposing a phased approach – with an immediate focus on copper pricing. Chorus made submissions, but the review has not closed or continued. Next steps on the review are pending. Other legislation Chorus is subject to other legislative requirements such as the requirements of the Commerce Act 1986, Fair Trading Act 1986, as well as telecommunications codes. Chorus is also subject to the Telecommunications (Interception Capability and Security) Act 2013 (TICSA), which replaces the Telecommunications (Interception Capability) Act 2004. The TICSA has reduced Chorus’ obligations to provide lawful interception capability as Chorus is no longer required to pre-invest in lawful interception solutions for wholesale network services and Regulatory framework review infrastructure level services. Under amendments made to the Telecommunications Act to facilitate Chorus’ demerger, the Government is required to commence a review of the regulatory framework by 2016, with a particular focus on the framework to apply once the UFB build is complete in 2020. On 8 February 2013 the New Zealand Government announced that it was bringing forward the regulatory review and on 7 August 2013 However, the TICSA introduced new obligations on network operators to prevent, sufficiently mitigate or remove network security risks arising from public telecommunications networks. Chorus, like other network operators, is obliged to engage with the Government Communications Security Bureau where it might affect New Zealand’s national security and this has the potential to drive significant compliance costs. Litigation Chorus has ongoing claims, investigations and inquiries, none Chorus cannot reasonably estimate the adverse effect, if any, on of which are currently expected to have significant effect on the Chorus if any of the outstanding claims or inquiries are ultimately financial position or profitability of Chorus. resolved against Chorus’ interest. There can be no assurance that such cases will not have a significant effect on Chorus’ business, financial position, and results of operations or profitability. P. 37 P. 37 Annual ReportAnnual ReportAppendix one Chorus summary connection facts Total fixed line connections Baseband Copper UCLL SLU/SLES Naked Basic / Enhanced UBA / naked VDSL Data services over copper Fibre Total Broadband Basic UBA Naked Basic UBA Enhanced UBA Naked Enhanced UBA VDSL Naked VDSL Fibre (Bitstream 2, 3 and fibre subdivisions) CONNECTIONS 30 JUNE 2014 CONNECTIONS 31 DEC 2013 CONNECTIONS 30 JUNE 2013 1,781,000 1,776,000 1,784,000 1,475,000 1,497,000 1,521,000 127,000 4,000 117,000 16,000 42,000 125,000 5,000 103,000 19,000 27,000 122,000 6,000 91,000 25,000 19,000 1,163,000 1,132,000 1,112,000 164,000 9,000 802,000 93,000 49,000 15,000 31,000 246,000 11,000 747,000 87,000 20,000 5,000 16,000 331,000 11,000 680,000 78,000 2,000 2,000 8,000 P. 38 P. 38 Annual ReportAnnual ReportAppendix two Non statutory measure: underlying EBITDA This appendix provides a high level trend analysis of the underlying EBITDA (excluding those items which are non-recurring and not part of business as usual operations). The commentary included here is for information purposes only. Appendix two has not been audited. Summary Operating revenue Operating expenses Underlying EBITDA UNDERLYING 2014 $M UNDERLYING 2013 $M 1,065 (409) 656 1,048 (394) 654 % 1.6 3.8 0.3 The table above shows comparable underlying results for FY14 when compared to the underlying results for FY13. The details of the items which have been adjusted will be discussed in further detail later in this section. Underlying FY14 has shown good revenue growth, while expenses have continued to grow, culminating in a steady EBITDA result. Operating revenue Basic copper Enhanced copper Fibre Value added network services Infrastructure Field services Other UNDERLYING 2014 $M UNDERLYING 2013 $M 543 293 75 38 19 84 13 623 215 60 37 17 85 11 Total operating revenue 1,065 1,048 % (12.8) 36.3 25.0 2.7 11.8 (1.2) 18.2 1.6 The decline in basic copper revenues is slightly lower when the All other revenue categories are unchanged, so no additional impact of the UCLFS monthly charge price change (effective commentary is required to that included in the main body of the December 2012) is excluded. There has been continued migration management commentary. from basic copper to enhanced copper and IP voice services. This reflects the ongoing increase in broadband connections. In addition to this there has been a steady migration of end-users from copper to fibre services throughout the year. Field services revenue includes the impact of the reset of the UCLFS connections charges (and backdating). Excluding the impact of this results in a slight decrease in field services revenue as third party demand for network maintenance services has decreased. Adjustments to the results Both the FY14 and FY13 results contain a number of balances that do not make them directly comparable in isolation. These balances have been removed from the balances described above so that a more direct comparison can be made. The adjustments made to the balances are discussed below. P. 39 P. 39 Annual ReportAnnual ReportUnderlying FY14 results Operating revenue Operating expenses EBITDA 2014 $M 1,058 (409) 649 LESS: INSURANCE PROCEEDS $M (2) - (2) ADD: UCLFS $M UNDERLYING FY14 $M 9 - 9 1,065 (409) 656 Included in FY14 is $2 million of insurance proceeds received in the second half of the year and the impact of the change in price of UCLFS connection charges (including removing the impact of backdating this price change to 1 December 2012). Underlying FY13 results Operating revenue Operating expenses EBITDA Included in the FY13 results is $1 million of insurance proceeds received in the second half of the year. Also adjusted is the impact of the change in price on UCLFS for the first five months of the period (effectively changing the price of UCLFS for the whole year rather than from 1 December 2012). 2013 $M 1,057 (394) 663 LESS: INSURANCE PROCEEDS $M (1) - (1) LESS: UCLFS $M UNDERLYING FY13 $M (8) - (8) 1,048 (394) 654 P. 40 P. 40 Annual ReportAnnual ReportFinancial Statements CONTENTS Independent auditor’s report Income statement Statement of comprehensive income Statement of financial position Statement of changes in equity Statement of cash flows Notes to the financial statements 42 43 43 44 45 47 49 P. 41 Annual ReportIndependent auditor’s report T O T H E S H A R E H O L D E R S O F C H O R U S L I M I T E D Report on the company and group financial statements We have audited the accompanying financial statements of Chorus Limited (‘’the company’’) and the group, comprising the company and its subsidiary, on pages 43 to 80. The financial statements comprise the statement of financial position as at 30 June 2014, the income statement and statements of comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for the year then ended, and a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information, for both the company and the group. Directors’ responsibility for the company and group financial statements The directors are responsible for the preparation of company and group financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting practice in New Zealand and International Financial Reporting Standards that give a true and fair view of the matters to which they relate, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of company and group financial statements that are free from material misstatement whether due to fraud or error. Auditor’s responsibility Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these company and group financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (New Zealand) and International Standards on Auditing. Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the company and group financial statements are free from material misstatement. An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the company and group financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgement, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the company and group financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the company and group’s preparation of the financial statements that give a true and fair view of the matters to which they relate in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the company and group’s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates, as well as evaluating the presentation of the financial statements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion. Our firm has also provided regulatory audit services, other assurance services, technical accounting advice and tax compliance services to the company and group. These matters have not impaired our independence as auditor of the company and group. The firm has no other relationship with, or interest in, the company and group. Opinion In our opinion the company and group financial statements on pages 43 to 80: • comply with generally accepted accounting practice in New Zealand; • comply with International Financial Reporting Standards; • give a true and fair view of the financial position of the company and group as at 30 June 2014 and of the financial performance and cash flows of the company and group for the year then ended. Carrying value of assets We draw your attention to pages 50 and 53 of the company and group financial statements which explain that significant uncertainties exist in relation to future regulatory, legal and political outcomes that may impact the assessment of the carrying value of Chorus’ assets. Our opinion is not qualified in respect of this matter. Report on other legal and regulatory requirements In accordance with the requirements of sections 16(1)(d) and 16(1)(e) of the Financial Reporting Act 1993, we report that: • we have obtained all the information and explanations that we have required; and • in our opinion, proper accounting records have been kept by Chorus Limited as far as appears from our examination of those records. 24 August 2014 Wellington P. 42 P. 42 Annual ReportAnnual ReportIncome statement F O R T H E Y E A R E N D E D 3 0 J U N E 2 0 1 4 (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS) Operating revenue Operating expenses Earnings before interest, income tax, depreciation and amortisation Depreciation Amortisation Earnings before interest and income tax Finance income Finance expense Net earnings before income tax Income tax expense Net earnings for the year Earnings per share Basic earnings per share (dollars) Diluted earnings per share (dollars) GROUP PARENT NOTES 7 8 1 2 9 13 18 18 2014 $M 1,058 (409) 649 (259) (63) 327 8 (129) 206 (58) 148 0.38 0.31 2013 $M 1,057 (394) 663 (258) (61) 344 7 (115) 236 (65) 171 0.44 0.42 2014 $M 83 - 83 3 - 86 121 (122) 85 (1) 84 Statement of comprehensive income F O R T H E Y E A R E N D E D 3 0 J U N E 2 0 1 4 GROUP PARENT (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS) NOTES Net earnings for the year Other comprehensive income Items that will be reclassified subsequently to income statement when specific conditions are met Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges (pre-tax) Amortisation of de-designated cash flow hedges transferred to income statement Tax expense on cash flow hedge Other comprehensive income net of tax 17 13 2014 $M 148 3 (1) (1) 1 2013 $M 171 13 - (4) 9 Total comprehensive income for the year net of tax 149 180 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements 2014 $M 84 3 (1) (1) 1 85 2013 $M 86 (1) 85 1 - 86 106 (105) 87 - 87 2013 $M 87 13 - (4) 9 96 P. 43 P. 43 Annual ReportAnnual ReportStatement of financial position A S AT 3 0 J U N E 2 0 1 4 (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS) Current assets Cash and call deposits Income tax receivable Trade and other receivables Finance lease receivable Total current assets Non-current assets Derivative financial instruments Investments and advances Software and other intangibles Network assets Total non-current assets Total assets Current liabilities Trade and other payables Income tax payable Total current liabilities excluding Crown funding Current portion of Crown funding Total current liabilities Non-current liabilities Trade and other payables Derivative financial instruments Finance lease payable Debt Deferred tax payable Total non-current liabilities excluding CFH securities and Crown funding CFH securities Crown funding Total non-current liabilities Total liabilities Equity Share capital Reserves Retained earnings Total equity NOTES 14 10 15 20 16 2 1 11 5 11 20 15 3 13 4 5 17 17 GROUP PARENT 2014 $M 176 - 196 3 375 3 - 166 3,136 3,305 3,680 323 32 355 11 366 - 136 126 1,639 192 2,093 73 417 2,583 2,949 465 - 266 731 2013 $M 80 - 294 3 377 7 - 153 2,796 2,956 3,333 328 5 333 6 339 2 106 123 1,697 190 2,118 30 222 2,370 2,709 447 (1) 178 624 2014 $M 92 - 406 - 498 3 2,238 - - 2,241 2,739 35 2 37 5 42 - 136 - 1,639 11 1,786 73 215 2,074 2,116 611 - 12 623 Total liabilities and equity 3,680 3,333 2,739 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements On behalf of the Board Sue Sheldon, Chairman Authorised for issue on 24 August 2014 P. 44 P. 44 Mark Ratcliffe, Managing Director 2013 $M 69 8 243 - 320 7 2,238 - - 2,245 2,565 33 - 33 2 35 - 106 - 1,697 16 1,819 30 101 1,950 1,985 593 (1) (12) 580 2,565 Annual ReportAnnual Report Statement of changes in equity F O R T H E Y E A R E N D E D 3 0 J U N E 2 0 1 4 (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS) Balance at 1 July 2012 Comprehensive income Net earnings for the year Other comprehensive income Net effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges Total comprehensive income Contributions by and (distributions to) owners: Dividends Supplementary dividends Tax credit on supplementary dividends Dividend reinvestment plan Total transactions with owners Balance at 30 June 2013 Comprehensive income Net earnings for the year Other comprehensive income Amortisation of de-designated cash flow hedges transferred to income statement Net effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges Total comprehensive income Contributions by and (distributions to) owners: Dividends Supplementary dividends Tax credit on supplementary dividends Dividend reinvestment plan Total transactions with owners Balance at 30 June 2014 NOTE SHARE CAPITAL $M 435 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 - - - - - - 12 12 447 - - - - - - - 18 18 465 GROUP RETAINED EARNINGS $M CASH FLOW HEDGE RESERVE $M 102 171 - 171 (95) (8) 8 - (95) 178 148 - - 148 (60) (5) 5 - (60) 266 (10) - 9 9 - - - - - (1) - (1) 2 1 - - - - - - The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements TOTAL $M 527 171 9 180 (95) (8) 8 12 (83) 624 148 (1) 2 149 (60) (5) 5 18 (42) 731 P. 45 P. 45 Annual ReportAnnual ReportStatement of changes in equity (cont.) F O R T H E Y E A R E N D E D 3 0 J U N E 2 0 1 4 (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS) Balance at 1 July 2012 Comprehensive income Net earnings for the year Other comprehensive income Net effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges Total comprehensive income Contributions by and (distributions to) owners: Dividends Supplementary dividends Tax credit on supplementary dividends Dividend reinvestment plan Total transactions with owners Balance at 30 June 2013 Comprehensive income Net earnings for the year Other comprehensive income Amortisation of de-designated cash flow hedges transferred to income statement Net effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges Total comprehensive income Contributions by and (distributions to) owners: Dividends Supplementary dividends Tax credit on supplementary dividends Dividend reinvestment plan Total transactions with owners Balance at 30 June 2014 NOTE SHARE CAPITAL $M 581 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 - - - - - - 12 12 593 - - - - - - - 18 18 611 PARENT RETAINED EARNINGS $M CASH FLOW HEDGE RESERVE $M (4) 87 - 87 (95) (8) 8 - (95) (12) 84 - - 84 (60) (5) 5 - (60) 12 (10) - 9 9 - - - - - (1) - (1) 2 1 - - - - - - TOTAL $M 567 87 9 96 (95) (8) 8 12 (83) 580 84 (1) 2 85 (60) (5) 5 18 (42) 623 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements P. 46 P. 46 Annual ReportAnnual ReportStatement of cash flows F O R T H E Y E A R E N D E D 3 0 J U N E 2 0 1 4 (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS) NOTES GROUP 2014 $M Cash flows from operating activities Cash was provided from/(applied to): Cash received from customers Finance income Intercompany dividend received Payment to suppliers and employees Taxation paid Interest paid on debt and derivatives Net cash flows from operating activities Cash flows applied to investing activities Cash was applied to: Subsidiary funding Purchase of network assets and software and intangible assets Capitalised interest paid Net cash flows applied to investing activities Cash flows from financing activities Cash was provided from/(applied to): Net (repayment of)/proceeds from finance leases Crown funding (including CFH securities) Proceeds from debt Repayment of debt Settlement of derivatives Dividends paid Net cash flows from financing activities Net cash flow Cash at the beginning of the year Cash at the end of the year 1,173 5 - (406) (30) (120) 622 - (690) (7) (697) (3) 241 450 (505) 30 (42) 171 96 80 176 20 14 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements 2013 $M 967 7 - (378) (65) (108) 423 - (681) (6) (687) (1) 198 190 (100) - (83) 204 (60) 140 80 PARENT 2014 $M - 118 83 (1) (5) (112) 83 2013 $M - 106 86 (1) (7) (99) 85 (138) (189) - - - - (138) (189) - 145 450 (505) 30 (42) 78 23 69 92 - 105 190 (100) - (83) 112 8 61 69 P. 47 P. 47 Annual ReportAnnual ReportStatement of cash flows (cont.) R E C O N C I L I AT I O N O F N E T E A R N I N G S T O N E T C A S H F L O W S F R O M O P E R AT I N G A C T I V I T I E S GROUP PARENT (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS) Net earnings for the year Adjustment for: Depreciation charged on network assets Amortisation of Crown funding Amortisation of software and other intangible assets Deferred income tax Other Change in current assets and liabilities: Change in trade and other receivables Change in trade and other payables Change in income tax payable/ (receivable) Net cash flows from operating activities The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements 2014 $M 148 267 (8) 63 1 8 479 92 24 27 143 622 2013 $M 171 262 (4) 61 9 6 505 (70) (3) (9) (82) 423 2014 $M 84 - (3) - (7) 5 79 (1) 3 2 4 83 2013 $M 87 - (1) - - 4 90 - 2 (7) (5) 85 P. 48 P. 48 Annual ReportAnnual ReportNotes to the financial statements Reporting entity and statutory base Measurement basis Chorus Limited is registered in New Zealand under the The measurement basis adopted in the preparation of these Companies Act 1993 and is an issuer for the purposes of the financial statements is historical cost, modified by the revaluation Financial Reporting Act 1993. Chorus Limited was established as of financial instruments as identified in the specific accounting a standalone, publicly listed entity on 1 December 2011, upon its policies below and the accompanying notes. demerger from Telecom Corporation of New Zealand Limited (Telecom), now known as Spark. The demerger was a condition of an agreement with Crown Fibre Holdings Limited (CFH) to enable Chorus Limited to be the Crown’s Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB) provider in 24 regions, representing approximately 70% of the UFB coverage area. Chorus Limited is listed and its ordinary shares quoted on the NZX main board equity security market (NZX Main Board) and on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX). American Depositary Shares (ADSs), each representing five ordinary shares (and evidenced by American Depositary Receipts (ADRs)), are not listed but are traded on the over-the-counter (OTC) market in the United States. Specific accounting policies Chorus was established as a standalone publicly listed entity on 1 December 2011. The accounting policies adopted have been applied consistently throughout the periods presented in these financial statements. Certain comparative information has been reclassified to conform with the current year’s presentation. Basis of consolidation Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date of acquisition, being the date on which the Group obtains control, and continue to be consolidated until the date when such control ceases. The financial statements of the subsidiary are prepared for the The financial statements presented are those of Chorus Limited same reporting period as the Parent Company, using consistent (the Company, Parent or the Parent Company) together with its accounting policies. All intra-group balances, transactions, subsidiary (the Chorus Group, Group or Chorus). unrealised gains and losses resulting from intra-group transactions Nature of operations and dividends are eliminated in full. Subsidiaries are recorded at cost less any impairment losses in the Parent Company financial Chorus is New Zealand’s largest fixed line communications infrastructure services provider. Chorus maintains and builds a statements. network predominantly made up of local telephone exchanges, Critical accounting estimates and assumptions cabinets, copper and fibre cables. Chorus has approximately In preparing the financial statements management has made 1.8 million fixed line connections. There are around 130,000 estimates and assumptions about the future that affect the kilometres of copper cable and about 36,000 kilometres of fibre reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial cable connecting homes and businesses to local exchanges, and statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses roadside cabinets throughout the country. during the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Basis of preparation These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting practice in New Zealand (NZ GAAP) and the Financial Reporting Act 1993. They comply with New Zealand equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards (NZ IFRS) as appropriate for profit-oriented entities. They also comply with International Financial Reporting Standards. In preparing the financial statements, new significant judgements made by management in applying Chorus’ accounting policies are as follows: • Additional judgements have been required in relation to the carrying value of Chorus’ assets. Specifically NZ GAAP requires that the carrying values of assets in the statement of financial position are supported by an estimate of the future cash flows These financial statements are expressed in New Zealand dollars, those assets are expected to generate; and which is Chorus’ functional currency. References in these financial • Credit valuations have been adjusted to reflect credit risk as statements to ‘$’,‘NZ$’ and ‘NZD’ are to New Zealand dollars, required by NZ IFRS 13: Fair Value Measurement. The effect references to ‘USD’ are to US dollars, references to ‘AUD’ are to of credit risk is quantified using an expected future exposure Australian dollars, references to ‘EUR’ are to Euros and references methodology where credit default swap prices are used to to ‘GBP’ are to pounds sterling. All financial information has been represent the probability of default. rounded to the nearest million, unless otherwise stated. P. 49 P. 49 Annual ReportAnnual ReportEstimates and assumptions are continually evaluated and are based In addition to this the Government announced that it was bringing on historical experience and other factors, including expectations forward a review of the regulatory framework (regulatory review) of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the with a discussion paper released in August 2013. The regulatory circumstances. The principal areas of judgement in preparing these review is designed to provide clarity and certainty for the new financial statements are set out below. generation telecommunications infrastructure. Information about critical judgements in applying accounting The determination and the regulatory review causes challenges policies that have the most significant effect on the amounts and uncertainty on the estimates of Chorus’ future cash flows recognised in the financial statements is included in the for a number of reasons including: following notes: Crown funding (note 5) Chorus must exercise judgement when recognising Crown • Chorus has applied to the Commission for a final pricing principle review of its 5 November 2013 UBA decision which means the Commission will undertake economic cost modelling funding to determine if conditions of the funding contract have to determine the price of Chorus’ UBA services rather than been satisfied. This judgement will be based on the facts and circumstances that are evident for each contract at the time of preparing the financial statements. benchmarking prices against other countries. The outcome of this review is unknown, however the draft decision is expected by December 2014 and final decision by April 2015; Leases (note 15) Determining whether a lease agreement is a finance lease or operating lease requires judgement as to whether the agreement transfers substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to Chorus. • Chorus has appealed the Commission’s November 2013 decision, asking the High Court to determine whether the Commission was correct to rely on pricing from just two countries when setting the initial price and whether s18(2A) of the Telecommunications Act was considered as intended. The High Court upheld the Commission’s decision, Chorus Information about assumptions and estimation uncertainties that has appealed the High Court judgement; have a significant risk of resulting in a material adjustment within • Chorus continues to develop options available to it, and within the next financial year are included in the following notes: its own control, to mitigate the impact of the Commission’s Network assets (note 1) Assessing the appropriateness of useful life and residual value estimates of network assets requires a number of factors to be considered such as the physical condition of the asset, expected period of use of the asset by Chorus, technological advances, regulation and expected disposal proceeds from the future sale of the asset. The regulatory environment is currently having a significant impact on the operating environment of Chorus, including future cash flows. The Commerce Commission (the Commission) announced on 5 November 2013 its final benchmarked price for the copper broadband service (UBA) at a level substantially below existing pricing levels. This determination applies from 1 December 2014. November 2013 decision; and • The regulatory pricing and policy post 2020 is not known specifically until after the conclusion of the regulatory review. The outcome and timing of this review is unknown. While the Director’s believe that the carrying value of Chorus’ assets remain appropriate, adverse outcomes in relation to any of these uncertainties could have a significant impact on the carrying value of Chorus’ assets. CFH securities (note 4) Determining the fair value of the CFH securities requires assumptions on expected future cash flow and discount rate based on future long dated swap curves. P. 50 P. 50 Annual ReportAnnual ReportNote 1 – Network assets In the statement of financial position, network assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. The cost of additions to network assets and work in progress constructed by Chorus includes the cost of all materials used in construction, direct labour costs specifically associated with construction, interest costs that are attributable to the asset, resource management consent costs and attributable overheads. Repairs and maintenance costs are recognised in the income statement as incurred. Depreciation is charged on a straight-line basis to write down the cost of network assets to its estimated residual value over its estimated useful life. Estimated useful lives are as follows: Copper cables Fibre cables Ducts and manholes Cabinets Property Network electronics Other 10-30 years 20 years 50 years 5-14 years 5-50 years 2-14 years 2-15 years Estimating useful lives and residual values of network assets The determination of the appropriate useful life for a particular Other network assets include motor vehicles, network management and administration systems and radio infrastructure. asset requires management to make judgements about, amongst Any future adverse impacts arising in assessing the carrying value other factors, the expected period of service potential of the asset, the likelihood of the asset becoming obsolete as a result or lives of Chorus’ network assets could lead to future impairment losses or increases in depreciation charges that could affect of technological advances, the likelihood of Chorus ceasing future earnings. to use the asset in its business operations and the effect of government regulation. Where an item of network assets comprises major components having different useful lives, the components are accounted for as separate items of network assets. Where the remaining useful lives or recoverable values have diminished due to technological, regulatory or market condition changes, depreciation is accelerated. The asset’s residual values, An item of network assets and any significant part is derecognised upon disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected from its use or disposal. Where network assets are disposed of, the profit or loss recognised in the income statement is calculated as the difference between the sale price and the carrying value of the asset. Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates as at useful lives, and methods of depreciation are reviewed annually the dates of the initial transactions. and adjusted prospectively, if appropriate. Land and work in progress are not depreciated. P. 51 P. 51 Annual ReportAnnual ReportNote 1 – Network assets (cont.) COPPER CABLES $M FIBRE CABLES $M DUCTS AND MANHOLES $M CABINETS $M PROPERTY $M NETWORK ELECTRONICS $M OTHER $M WORK IN PROGRESS $M TOTAL $M GROUP AS AT 30 JUNE 2014 Cost Balance as at 1 July 2013 2,349 752 1,092 409 501 1,377 200 94 6,774 Additions Other Disposals Transfers - - - - - - (1) 1 - - - - Transfers from work in progress 49 198 253 Balance as at 30 June 2014 2,398 950 1,345 Accumulated depreciation Balance as at 1 July 2013 (1,708) (236) Depreciation Disposals Balance as at 30 June 2014 (1,771) Net carrying amount 627 (63) (38) - - (274) 676 (340) (22) - (362) 983 - - - - 24 433 (189) (35) - (224) 209 - - (43) 1 19 478 (214) (16) 43 (187) 291 GROUP - - (29) (2) 48 - - (20) - 9 607 607 1 - - (600) 1 (93) - - 1,394 189 102 7,289 (1,108) (183) (87) 29 (1,166) 228 (6) 20 (169) 20 - - - - (3,978) (267) 92 (4,153) 102 3,136 AS AT 30 JUNE 2013 Cost COPPER CABLES $M FIBRE CABLES $M DUCTS AND MANHOLES $M CABINETS $M PROPERTY $M NETWORK ELECTRONICS $M OTHER $M WORK IN PROGRESS $M TOTAL $M Balance as at 1 July 2012 2,393 567 791 380 475 1,306 188 119 6,219 Additions Other Disposals Transfers Transfers from work in progress - - (93) 1 48 Balance as at 30 June 2013 2,349 Accumulated depreciation - - - (1) 186 752 - - - - - - - - 301 29 - - - 1 25 - - - - 71 - 1 - (1) 12 646 646 1 - - (672) 2 (93) - - 1,092 409 501 1,377 200 94 6,774 Balance as at 1 July 2012 (1,734) (207) Depreciation Disposals (66) 92 (29) - Balance as at 30 June 2013 (1,708) (236) Net carrying amount 641 516 (324) (16) - (340) 752 (156) (33) - (189) 220 (200) (14) - (214) 287 (1,013) (174) (95) - (9) - (1,108) (183) - - - - (3,808) (262) 92 (3,978) 269 17 94 2,796 P. 52 P. 52 Annual ReportAnnual ReportNote 1 – Network assets (cont.) The Parent does not hold any network assets. There are no restrictions on Chorus network assets or any network assets pledged as securities for liabilities. At 30 June 2014 the contractual commitment for acquisition and construction of network assets was $17 million (30 June 2013: $28 million). Depreciation charged on network assets Less: Crown funding – Ultra-Fast Broadband Crown funding – Rural Broadband Initiative Crown funding – other Total depreciation Depreciation Chorus receives funding from the Crown to finance the capital expenditure associated with the development of the Ultra-Fast Broadband network, rural broadband services and other services. The contract for Ultra-Fast Broadband is agreed between the Parent and Crown Fibre Holdings. The Parent receives the Crown funding directly, however the construction of the network assets is carried out by the subsidiary. Funding is offset against depreciation over the life of the assets the funding is used to construct. Crown funding released against depreciation for the current year is as follows: GROUP PARENT 2014 $M 267 (3) (3) (2) 259 2013 $M 262 (1) (1) (2) 258 2014 $M - (3) - - (3) 2013 $M - (1) - - (1) Refer to note 5 for information on Crown funding. assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to Property Exchanges the business. Chorus has leased property exchange space owned by Spark subject to finance lease arrangements. These have been During the year ended 30 June 2014 there was an indicator of impairment and additional work was performed to assess the included in Chorus’ network assets under the property category. carrying value of assets. The following key assumptions were used As at 30 June 2014 the property exchange assets capitalised in this assessment. under a finance lease had a cost of $157 million (30 June 2013: $157 million) together with accumulated depreciation of $12 million (30 June 2013: $7 million). Network electronics Chorus has joint arrangements for use of certain network electronics assets with Spark. The equipment used by Chorus is included in the network electronics category. As at 30 June 2014 Although Chorus believes that the estimate of future cash flows is appropriate, the use of different methodologies or assumptions could lead to different measurements of these component parts. Key inputs and assumptions used in the impairment model include: • Cash flows have been modelled out to 2037 in line with the repayment schedule of the CFH securities; the equipment capitalised had a cost of $16 million (30 June 2013: • Fibre uptake has been based on an estimate that the proportion $16 million) together with accumulated depreciation of $12 million of premises with a fibre connection within Chorus’ coverage (30 June 2013: $7 million). Impairment The carrying amounts of non-financial assets including network assets, software and other intangibles are reviewed at the end of each reporting period for any indicators of impairment. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated. An impairment loss is recognised in earnings whenever the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated recoverable amount. Should the conditions that gave rise to the impairment loss no longer exist, and the assets are no longer considered to be impaired, a reversal of an impairment loss would be recognised immediately in earnings. The recoverable amount is the greater of an asset’s value in use and fair value less costs to sell. Chorus’ assets do not generate independent cash flows and are therefore assessed from a single cash-generating unit perspective. In assessing the recoverable amount, the estimates of future cash flows are discounted to their net present value using a discount rate that reflects current market area will exceed 20% at 30 June 2020 consistent with the estimate used to value CFH securities (refer to note 4 – CFH securities for further information); • Post 2020 regulatory price increases have been based on observable data points from other industries in New Zealand regulated under a building block methodology, while expenses are increasing at an estimated rate of inflation; and • A terminal growth rate of 2% has been used. No impairment losses were recognised on network assets, software and other intangibles in the current year (30 June 2013: nil). Capitalised interest Finance costs are capitalised on qualifying items of network assets and software assets at an annualised rate of 6.00% (30 June 2013: 6.00%). Interest is capitalised for the period required to complete the assets and prepare for their intended use. In the current year finance costs totalling $7 million (30 June 2013: $6 million) have been capitalised against network assets and software assets. P. 53 P. 53 Annual ReportAnnual Report Note 2 – Software and other intangibles Other intangibles mainly consist of land easements. Software and other intangible assets are initially measured at cost. The direct costs associated with the development of network and business software for internal use are capitalised where project success is probable and the capitalisation criteria is met. Following initial recognition, software and other intangible assets are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses. Software and other intangible assets with a finite life are amortised from the date the asset is ready for use on a straight-line basis over its estimated useful life which is as follows: Software Other intangibles 2–8 years 6–20 years At each reporting date, Chorus reviews the carrying amounts of its software and other intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. For impairment policy and process refer to note 1. Where estimated useful lives or recoverable values have diminished due to technological change or market conditions, amortisation is accelerated. GROUP SOFTWARE $M OTHER INTANGIBLES $M WORK IN PROGRESS $M 408 - 5 (21) 52 444 (287) (63) 20 (330) 114 6 - - - - 6 (1) - - (1) 5 27 72 - - (52) 47 - - - - 47 GROUP SOFTWARE $M OTHER INTANGIBLES $M WORK IN PROGRESS $M 367 - (1) 42 408 (227) (60) (287) 121 6 - - - 6 - (1) (1) 5 34 35 - (42) 27 - - - 27 TOTAL $M 441 72 5 (21) - 497 (288) (63) 20 (331) 166 TOTAL $M 407 35 (1) - 441 (227) (61) (288) 153 AS AT 30 JUNE 2014 Cost Balance as at 1 July 2013 Additions Other Disposals Transfers from work in progress Balance as at 30 June 2014 Accumulated amortisation Balance as at 1 July 2013 Amortisation Disposals Balance as at 30 June 2014 Net carrying amount AS AT 30 JUNE 2013 Cost Balance as at 1 July 2012 Additions Disposals Transfers from work in progress Balance as at 30 June 2013 Accumulated amortisation Balance as at 1 July 2012 Amortisation Balance as at 30 June 2013 Net carrying amount P. 54 P. 54 Annual ReportAnnual ReportNote 2 – Software and other intangibles (cont.) defined in NZ IAS 31: Interests in Joint Ventures. For assets that it The Parent does not hold any software and other intangible assets. There are no restrictions on Chorus software and other intangible assets or any software and other intangible assets pledged as securities for liabilities. At 30 June 2014 the contractual commitment for acquisition of software and other intangible assets was $11 million (30 June 2013: $10 million). Shared systems and other cost movement Chorus shares a number of Information Technology (IT) systems with Spark with some systems owned by Chorus and some owned by Spark. Due to the terms of the governance framework in place, these systems are deemed to be jointly controlled assets, as does not own, Chorus recognises its share of the jointly controlled assets, as well as a liability for the future payments due, similar to a finance lease. For assets that it does own, Chorus derecognises the share of the asset used by Spark, as well as recognising a receivable for the future receipts due. The other cost movement relates to a reassessment of the extent of Spark’s use of Chorus owned assets during the year, resulting in the recognition of $5 million previously derecognised assets. As at 30 June 2014 Chorus recognised jointly controlled system assets owned by Spark with a net book value in Chorus financial statements of $2 million (30 June 2013: $3 million). Note 3 – Debt Debt is included as non-current liabilities except for those with Debt is subsequently measured at amortised cost using the maturities less than 12 months from the reporting date, which effective interest method. The weighted effective interest rate on are classified as current liabilities. debt including the effect of derivative financial instruments was Debt is initially measured at fair value, less any transaction costs that are directly attributable to the issue of the instruments. 6.27% (30 June 2013: 5.88%). Syndicated bank facility A Syndicated bank facility B Syndicated bank facility Euro medium term notes Less: syndicated loans facility fee Current Non-current DUE DATE Nov 2015 Nov 2017 May 2019 Apr 2020 GROUP AND PARENT 2014 $M 500 390 250 504 (5) 1,639 - 1,639 2013 $M 675 520 - 509 (7) 1,697 - 1,697 Syndicated bank facilities Chorus utilises hedging instruments to manage the interest rate risk As at 30 June 2014 Chorus had in place $1,600 million committed associated with the syndicated bank facilities. The Group manages syndicated bank facilities on market standard terms and conditions interest rate exposure within Board approved parameters set out in (30 June 2013: $1,350 million). The amount of undrawn syndicated the treasury policy. bank facilities that is available for future operating activities is $460 million (30 June 2013: $155 million). The syndicated bank facilities are held with bank and institutional counterparties rated -A to AAA, based on rating agency Standard & Poor’s ratings. The carrying value of syndicated bank facilities approximates their fair value. Refer to note 23 (post balance date events) for further information on these facilities. P. 55 P. 55 Annual ReportAnnual ReportNote 3 – Debt (cont.) Euro Medium Term Notes (EMTN) FACE VALUE GBP 260 million INTEREST RATE 6.75% GROUP AND PARENT 2014 $M 504 2013 $M 509 Chorus has in place cross currency interest rate swaps to hedge The following table reconciles EMTN at hedged rates to EMTN the foreign currency exposure to the EMTN. The cross currency at spot rates as reported under IFRS. EMTN at hedged rates is a interest rate swaps entitle Chorus to receive GBP principal and GBP non-GAAP measure and is not defined by NZ IFRS. fixed coupon payments for NZD principal and NZD floating interest payments. The floating interest rate exposure on the NZD interest payments have been hedged using interest rate swaps. EMTN Impact of hedged rates used EMTN at hedged rates GROUP AND PARENT 2014 $M 504 173 677 2013 $M 509 168 677 The fair value of EMTN, calculated based on the present value $581 million) compared to a carrying value of $504 million of future principal and interest cash flows, discounted at market (30 June 2013: $509 million). This fair value has been determined interest rates at balance date, was $552 million (30 June 2013: using Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy as described in note 21. Schedule of maturities Current Due 1 to 2 years Due 2 to 3 years Due 3 to 4 years Due 4 to 5 years Due over 5 years Total due after one year Less: syndicated loans facility fee GROUP AND PARENT 2014 $M - 500 - 390 250 504 1,644 (5) 1,639 2013 $M - - 675 - 520 509 1,704 (7) 1,697 None of Chorus’ debt has been secured against assets. However, Chorus New Zealand Limited (subsidiary) has provided a guarantee there are financial covenants and event of default triggers, as to the lenders in respect of the Chorus Limited syndicated bank defined in the various debt agreements. During the current year facilities and EMTN. Chorus fully complied with the requirements set out in its financing arrangements (30 June 2013: full compliance). Refer to note 21 for information on financial risk management. P. 56 P. 56 Annual ReportAnnual ReportNote 4 – CFH securities Chorus receives funding from the Crown to finance construction costs associated with the development of the UFB network. Chorus receives funding at a rate of $1,118 for every premises passed (as certified by CFH), in return Chorus issues CFH equity securities, CFH debt securities and CFH warrants. The equity and debt securities issued by Chorus have an issue price of $1 and are issued on a 50:50 basis. For each premises passed, $559 of equity securities and $559 of debt securities are issued by Chorus for which Chorus receives $1,118 funding in return. CFH warrants are issued for nil value. The total committed funding available for Chorus over the period of UFB network construction is expected to be $929 million. The CFH equity and debt securities are recognised initially at fair value plus any directly attributable transaction costs. Subsequently they are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. The fair value is derived by discounting the $559 of equity securities and $559 of debt securities per premises passed by the effective interest rate based on market rates. The difference between funding received ($1,118 per premises passed) and the fair value of the securities is recognised as Crown funding. Over time, the CFH debt and equity securities increase to face value and the Crown funding is released against depreciation and reduces to nil. CFH equity securities CFH equity securities are a class of non-interest bearing security that carry no right to vote at meetings of holders of Chorus ordinary shares, but entitle the holder to a preferential right to repayment on liquidation and additional rights that relate to Chorus’ performance under its construction contract with CFH. Dividends will become payable on a portion of the CFH equity securities from 2025 onwards, with the portion of CFH equity securities that attract dividends increasing over time. A greater portion of CFH equity securities attract dividends if the proportion of premises with a fibre connection within Chorus’ coverage area at 30 June 2020 does not exceed 20%. The dividend rate will be equal to the New Zealand 180-day bank bill rate plus a margin of 6%. CFH equity instruments can be settled by issuing Chorus shares valued at a 5% discount to the 20-day volume weighted average price for Chorus shares traded in ordinary trading on the NZX Main Board. The CFH equity securities are treated as a compound financial instrument with a Crown funding component due to the instrument including an interest free loan from a government entity. On initial recognition, the fair value of the liability component of the compound instrument is calculated using market inputs with no residual amounts allocated to equity. Until the liability component of the compound instrument expires the CFH equity securities are required to be disclosed as a liability. The difference between the face value of the CFH equity securities and the fair value of the liability component is then recorded as Crown funding. After this, the liability component is measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method and the Crown funding is amortised to depreciation on a systematic basis over the useful lives of the relevant UFB assets. CFH debt securities CFH debt securities are unsecured, non-interest bearing and carry no voting rights at meetings of holders of Chorus ordinary shares. Chorus is required to redeem the CFH debt securities in tranches from 2025 to 2036 (at the latest) by repaying the face value to CFH. An accelerated repayment schedule applies if the proportion of premises with a fibre connection within Chorus’ coverage area at 30 June 2020 does not exceed 20%. The CFH debt securities are treated as a financial liability with a Crown funding component due to the instrument including an interest free loan from a government entity. On initial recognition the difference between the face value of the CFH debt securities and their fair value (calculated using market inputs) is recorded as Crown funding. After this the liability component is measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method and the Crown funding is amortised to depreciation on a systematic basis over the useful lives of the relevant UFB assets. The principal amount of CFH debt securities consists of a senior portion and a subordinated portion. The senior portion ranks equally with all other unsecured, unsubordinated creditors of Chorus, and has the benefit of any negative pledge covenant that may be contained in any of Chorus’ debt arrangements. The subordinated portion ranks above ordinary shares of Chorus. The initial value of the senior portion is the present value (using a discount rate of 8.5%) of the sum repayable on the CFH debt securities, and the initial subordinated portion will be the difference between the issue price of the CFH debt security and the value of the senior portion. CFH warrants Chorus issues CFH warrants to CFH for nil consideration along with each tranche of CFH equity securities. Each CFH warrant gives CFH the right, on a specified exercise date, to purchase at a set strike price a Chorus share to be issued by Chorus. A CFH warrant will therefore be ‘in the money’ to the extent that the price that CFH can realise for the Chorus share exceeds the price paid to exercise the CFH warrant. The strike price for a CFH warrant is based on a total shareholder return of 16% per annum on Chorus shares over the period December 2011 to June 2036. Therefore, a holder of a CFH warrant is only likely to exercise the CFH warrant if total shareholder return on Chorus shares has exceeded 16% per annum over the issue date period from June 2025 to June 2036. At balance date Chorus had issued in total 7,261,722 warrants which had a fair value and carrying value that approximated zero (30 June 2013: 2,838,382 warrants issued). The number of fibre connections made by 30 June 2020 impacts the number of warrants that could be exercised. Should fibre connections at 30 June 2020 exceed 20% then the number of warrants that would be able to be exercised is 3,124,672 (30 June 2013: 1,204,971). P. 57 P. 57 Annual ReportAnnual ReportNote 4 – CFH securities (cont.) At balance date the component parts of debt and equity instruments including notional interest were: GROUP AND PARENT GROUP AND PARENT 2014 2013 CFH DEBT SECURITIES $M CFH EQUITY SECURITIES $M TOTAL CFH SECURITIES $M CFH DEBT SECURITIES $M CFH EQUITY SECURITIES $M TOTAL CFH SECURITIES $M 19 24 43 1 2 3 46 10 16 26 - 1 1 27 29 40 69 1 3 4 73 2 17 19 - 1 1 20 1 9 10 - - - 10 3 26 29 - 1 1 30 Fair value on initial recognition: Balance as at 1 July Additional securities recognised at fair value Balance as at 30 June Accumulated notional interest: Balance as at 1 July Current year notional interest Balance as at 30 June Total CFH securities Refer to note 23 (post balance date events) for further information Discount rate on these securities. The fair value of CFH debt securities at balance date was $48 million (30 June 2013: $20 million) compared to a carrying value of $46 million (30 June 2013: $20 million). The fair value of CFH equity securities at balance date was $33 million (30 June 2013: $11 million) compared to a carrying value of $27 million (30 June 2013: $10 million). The fair value has been calculated using discount rates from market rates at balance date and using Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy as described in note 21. Key assumptions Although Chorus believes that the estimate of the liability components of the CFH securities on initial recognition is appropriate, the use of different methodologies or assumptions On initial recognition, the discount rate between 8.88% to 10.98% (30 June 2013: 10.36% to 10.77%) for the CFH equity securities and 6.18% to 7.65% (30 June 2013: 6.37% to 6.95%) for the CFH debt securities applied to the expected cash flows is based on long dated NZ swap curves. The swap rates were adjusted for Chorus specific credit spreads (based on market observed credit spreads for debt issued with similar credit ratings and tenure). The discount rate on the CFH equity securities is capped at Chorus’ estimated cost of (ordinary) equity. Expected cash flows Timing of principal repayments and dividend cash flows has been based on forecasts that reflect economically rational outcomes given the terms of the CFH debt and equity securities. could lead to different measurements of these component Repayment dates have been based on an estimate that the parts. The liability components of the CFH securities have been proportion of premises with a fibre connection within Chorus’ calculated using expected cash flows discounted at risk-adjusted coverage area will exceed 20% at 30 June 2020. discount rates. As the number of CFH securities expected to be issued increases over time the potential impact of alternative methodologies and assumptions will become increasingly material. Key inputs and assumptions used in these calculations on initial recognition include: Sensitivity analysis Chorus considers that it is reasonably possible that future outcomes may be different from the assumptions applied and could require a material adjustment to the carrying amount of the component parts of the CFH securities. The number of fibre connections assumed to have been made by 30 June 2020 is one of the key sensitivities implicit in the measurement of the CFH securities. A change in this proportion would result in the following impact on the financial statements: ACTUAL ALTERNATIVE OUTCOME IMPACT ON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ≥ 20% < 20% Increase CFH debt securities liability by $8.0 million (30 June 2013: $2.9 million) Decrease Crown funding by $8.0 million (30 June 2013: $2.9 million) ≥ 20% < 20% Increase CFH equity securities liability by $8.5 million (30 June 2013: $2.3 million) Decrease Crown funding by $8.5 million (30 June 2013: $2.3 million) CFH debt securities Fibre connection proportion CFH equity securities Fibre connection proportion P. 58 P. 58 Annual ReportAnnual ReportNote 5 – Crown funding Funding from the Crown is recognised at fair value where there is reasonable assurance that the funding is receivable and Chorus complies with all attached conditions. Crown funding is then recognised in earnings as a reduction to depreciation expense on a systematic basis over the useful life of the asset the funding was used to construct. The accumulated funding has been recognised as follows: GROUP 2014 RBI $M OTHER $M TOTAL $M GROUP 2013 RBI $M OTHER $M TOTAL $M Fair value on initial recognition: Balance as at 1 July Additional funding recognised at fair value Balance as at 30 June Accumulated amortisation of funding: Balance as at 1 July Current year amortisation Balance as at 30 June Total Crown funding Current Non-current UFB $M 104 120 224 (1) (3) (4) 108 81 189 (1) (3) (4) 220 185 UFB $M 10 94 18 90 104 108 - (1) (1) - (1) (1) 103 107 21 7 28 (3) (2) (5) 23 233 208 441 (5) (8) (13) 428 11 417 9 12 21 (1) (2) (3) 18 37 196 233 (1) (4) (5) 228 6 222 The Parent balances are equivalent to the Ultra-Fast Broadband Rural Broadband Initiative (RBI) Crown funding balances for the Group. Ultra-Fast Broadband Chorus receives funding from the Crown to finance construction Chorus receives Crown funding from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) for capital expenditure incurred under the Rural Broadband Initiative. costs associated with the development of the UFB network. During Chorus is entitled to claim payment for the grantable costs the year, Chorus has recognised funding for 142,554 premises attributable to the relevant milestones for deploying the rural link passed (30 June 2013: 107,806) where user acceptance testing was or rural cabinets. The MBIE will pay Chorus one dollar of funding complete. This brings the total premises passed at 30 June 2014 to for each dollar of grantable costs incurred by Chorus up to a approximately 261,000 (30 June 2013: 119,000). maximum funding limit of around $236 million. In addition the Continued recognition of the full amount of the Crown funding is contingent on certain material performance targets being met by MBIE reimburses Chorus for all capital expenditure attributable to school lead-ins. Chorus. The most significant of these material performance targets Other relate to the number of premises passed by fibre optic cables by Chorus receives funding towards the cost of relocation of key dates and compliance with certain specifications under user telecommunications equipment, school lead-ins and extending acceptance testing by CFH. the network coverage to rural areas. P. 59 P. 59 Annual ReportAnnual ReportNote 6 – Segmental reporting An operating segment is a component of an entity that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses and for which operating results are regularly reviewed by the entity’s chief operating decision maker and for which discrete financial information is available. Chorus’ Chief Executive Officer has been identified as the chief operating decision maker for the purpose of segmental reporting. Chorus has determined that it operates in one segment providing nationwide fixed line access network infrastructure. The determination is based on the reports reviewed by the Chief Executive Officer in assessing performance, allocating resources and making strategic decisions. All of Chorus’ operations are provided in New Zealand, therefore no geographic information is provided. Two Chorus customers met the reporting threshold of 10 percent of Chorus’ operating revenue in the year to 30 June 2014. The total revenue for the year ending 30 June 2014 from one customer was $775 million (30 June 2013: $815 million) and from the other customer was $125 million (30 June 2013: $101 million). Note 7 – Operating revenue Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the Unbilled revenues from the billing cycle date to the end of each economic benefits will flow to Chorus and the revenue can be month are recognised as revenue during the month the service reliably measured, regardless of when the payment is being made. is provided. Revenue is deferred in respect of the portion of fixed Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received monthly charges that have been billed in advance. Revenue from or receivable. installations and connections is recognised upon completion of Chorus recognises revenue as it provides services to its customers. Billings are generally made on a monthly basis. the installation or connection. Basic copper Enhanced copper Fibre Value added network services Infrastructure Field services Other Intercompany dividend income Total operating revenue GROUP PARENT 2014 $M 543 293 75 38 19 75 15 - 2013 $M 631 215 60 37 17 85 12 - 1,058 1,057 2014 $M 2013 $M - - - - - - - 83 83 - - - - - - - 86 86 P. 60 P. 60 Annual ReportAnnual ReportNote 8 – Operating expenses Labour costs Provisioning Network maintenance Other network costs Information technology costs Rent and rates Property maintenance Electricity Insurance Consultants Other Total operating expenses GROUP PARENT 2014 $M (79) (56) (99) (38) (55) (12) (12) (13) (4) (5) (36) (409) 2013 $M (67) (51) (100) (37) (52) (12) (12) (13) (4) (6) (40) (394) 2014 $M 2013 $M - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - (1) (1) Labour costs New Zealand Government Superannuation Fund (30 June 2013: Labour costs of $79 million (30 June 2013: $67 million) represents 27 employees) and 676 employees in KiwiSaver (30 June 2013: employee costs related to non-capital expenditure. 545 employees). Chorus has no other obligations to provide Share based payments pension benefits in respect of employees. In September 2013 Chorus implemented an employee equity Charitable and political donations building scheme to better align employee and shareholder interests. Other costs include charitable donations of $25,000 (30 June A total of 622 Chorus employees participated in the scheme. Under 2013: $50,000). Chorus has not made any political donations the scheme, 106,984 shares were granted at an average price of (30 June 2013: nil). $2.897 per share. The shares are held by a trustee and vest as equity to participating employees after a three year period. Pension contributions Operating leases Rent and rates costs include leasing and rental expenditure of $5 million for property, network infrastructure and items Included in labour costs are payments to the New Zealand of equipment (30 June 2013: $5 million). Government Superannuation Fund of $369,000 (30 June 2013: $333,000) and contributions to KiwiSaver of $1,878,000 (30 June 2013: $1,112,000). At 30 June 2014 there were 27 employees in Auditor remuneration Included in other expenses are fees paid to auditors: GROUP PARENT Audit of statutory financial statements Regulatory audit work1 Tax compliance services Other assurance services2 Other services3 Total other services Total fees paid to the auditor 2014 $000’s 535 388 36 3 29 456 991 2013 $000’s 430 348 37 3 30 418 848 - - - - - - - 2014 $000’s 2013 $000’s 1 Includes audit of Information Disclosure Determination, Telecommunications Services Obligations and Telecommunications Development Levy. 2 Relates to attendance at the Annual General Meeting. 3 Other services primarily relate to accounting advice relating to financial instrument disclosure. - - - - - - - P. 61 P. 61 Annual ReportAnnual ReportNote 9 – Finance expense Interest on syndicated bank facility Interest on EMTN Other interest expense Capitalised interest Total finance expense excluding CFH securities CFH securities (notional interest) Total finance expense Other interest expense includes $13 million finance lease interest expense (30 June 2013: $13 million) and $1 million of costs relating to the December 2013 reset of interest rate swaps and $2 million amortisation arising from the difference between fair value and proceeds realised from the swaps reset (refer to note 20). Note 10 – Trade and other receivables Trade and other receivables are initially recognised at the fair value of the amounts to be received, plus transaction costs (if any). They are subsequently measured at amortised cost (using the effective interest method) less impairment losses. Trade receivables Other receivables Intercompany receivables Prepayments Trade and other receivables GROUP PARENT 2014 $M (64) (49) (20) 7 (126) (3) (129) 2013 $M (58) (46) (16) 6 (114) (1) (115) 2014 $M (64) (49) (6) - (119) (3) (122) 2013 $M (58) (46) - - (104) (1) (105) GROUP PARENT 2014 $M 130 56 - 186 10 196 2013 $M 229 51 - 280 14 294 2014 $M - 49 357 406 - 406 2013 $M - 32 211 243 - 243 Trade receivables are non-interest bearing and are generally on payments and make provision for doubtful debt where debt is more terms 20 working days or less. Chorus maintains a provision for impairment losses when there is objective evidence of its customers being unable to make required than 90 days overdue. There have been no significant individual impairment amounts recognised as an expense. Trade receivables are net of allowances for disputed balances with customers. P. 62 P. 62 Annual ReportAnnual ReportNote 10 – Trade and other receivables (cont.) The ageing profile of trade receivables as at 30 June 2014 is as follows: Not past due Past due 1-30 days Past due 31-60 days Past due 61-90 days Past due over 90 days GROUP PARENT 2014 $M 112 11 3 4 - 2013 $M 208 13 3 1 4 130 229 2014 $M 2013 $M - - - - - - - - - - - - Chorus has a concentrated customer base consisting Any disputes arising that may affect the relationship between the predominantly of a small number of retail service providers. parties will be raised by relationship managers and follow the The concentration of Chorus’ customer base heightens the Chorus dispute resolution process. Chorus has $18 million of risk that a dispute with a customer, or a customer’s failure to accounts receivable that are past due but not impaired (30 June pay for services, will have a material adverse effect on Chorus’ collectability of receivables. 2013: $21 million). The carrying value of trade and other receivables approximate the fair value. The maximum credit exposure is limited to the carrying value of trade and other receivables. Note 11 – Trade and other payables Trade and other payables are initially recognised at fair value less transaction costs (if any). They are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Trade payables Joint arrangements Accruals Personnel accrual Revenue billed in advance Trade and other payables Current Non-current GROUP PARENT 2014 $M 119 4 148 20 32 323 323 - 2013 $M 121 11 154 17 27 330 328 2 2014 $M 2013 $M - - 35 - - 35 35 - - - 33 - - 33 33 - Trade and other payables are non-interest bearing and normally Joint arrangements settled within 30 day terms. The carrying value of trade and other Certain network electronic assets and shared systems owned by payables approximate their fair values. Spark are required for continued use by Chorus post demerger. The right to use these assets has been granted by Spark under joint arrangements over the life of the assets. P. 63 P. 63 Annual ReportAnnual ReportNote 12 – Commitments Network infrastructure project agreement Chorus is committed to deploying infrastructure for premises in Chorus will be deploying a further 250 kilometres of fibre to connect 189 provincial schools, up to 181 rural public libraries and 45 rural hospitals and family health centres. the UFB candidate areas awarded to Chorus, to be built according The estimated cost of the build is in the range of to annual build milestones and to be complete by no later than 31 December 2019. In total it is expected that the communal infrastructure will pass an estimated 830,900 premises. Chorus has estimated that it will cost $1.7–$1.9 billion to build the communal UFB network by the end of 2019. Rural Broadband Initiative $280–$295 million. Capital expenditure Refer to note 1 and note 2 for details of capital expenditure commitments. Lease commitments As part of the Rural Broadband Initiative Phase 1, Chorus is committed to deploying approximately 3,100 kilometres of fibre to connect approximately 830 schools and enable approximately 57% of rural users to access broadband speeds of at least 5Mbps. In addition, under Phase 2 of the Rural Broadband Initiative, Chorus has buildings, car parks and site licenses under operating lease arrangements. The future non-cancellable minimum operating lease commitment as at 30 June 2014 for the Group was $27 million (30 June 2013: $26 million). Refer to note 15 (leases) for further information on leases. Note 13 – Taxation Current and deferred tax is calculated on the basis of the laws Current and deferred tax are recognised in the income statement, enacted or substantively enacted at balance date. except when the tax relates to items charged or credited to other Deferred taxation is recognised in respect of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the financial statements. Future tax benefits are recognised where realisation of the asset is probable. Income tax Income statement Current income tax Current year income tax expense Adjustments in respect of prior periods Deferred income tax Network assets, software and other intangibles Fair value portion of derivatives Other Adjustments in respect of prior periods Income tax expense recognised in income statement Other comprehensive income Current income tax Current year income tax expense Deferred income tax Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges Income tax expense recognised in other comprehensive income comprehensive income, in which case the tax is also recognised in other comprehensive income. GROUP PARENT 2014 $M 2013 $M 2014 $M 2013 $M (57) - (4) 6 (4) 1 (58) - (1) (1) (62) 6 2 - (6) (5) (65) - (4) (4) (7) - - 6 - - (1) - (1) (1) - - - - - - - - (4) (4) The taxation expense charged to earnings includes both current and deferred tax and is calculated after allowing for adjustments. P. 64 P. 64 Annual ReportAnnual ReportNote 13 – Taxation (cont.) Reconciliation of effective tax rate Net earnings for the year Add: Income tax expense Net earnings before income tax Income tax at 28% Adjustment to taxation Non taxable intercompany dividends Other non taxable items Adjustments in respect of prior periods GROUP PARENT 2014 $M 148 (58) 206 (58) - (1) 1 (58) 2013 $M 171 (65) 236 (66) - - 1 (65) 2014 $M 84 (1) 85 (24) 23 - - (1) 2013 $M 87 - 87 (24) 24 - - - For the year ended 30 June 2014 the effective tax rate of 28% equates to the statutory rate (30 June 2013: 28%). Payments of provisional tax (from the second payment) during the tax year to 30 June 2014 have been paid via a tax financing arrangement with Tax Management New Zealand (TMNZ). This means that Chorus notifies TMNZ that they wish to make ‘payment’ via financing, and TMNZ then arranges for a payment to the Inland Revenue Department on Chorus’ behalf. This effectively results in a delayed cash flow for Chorus, with the cash flow associated with the second and third provisional tax payments for 2014 being deferred until 4 June 2015. Movement in deferred tax balance (Assets)/liabilities FAIR VALUE PORTION OF DERIVATIVES NETWORK ASSETS, SOFTWARE AND OTHER INTANGIBLES EMPLOYEE ENTITLEMENTS Balance 1 July 2012 16 214 Recognised in Income Statement Recognised in other comprehensive income Balance 30 June 2013 Recognised in Income Statement Recognised in other comprehensive income Balance 30 June 2014 (Assets)/liabilities Balance 1 July 2012 Recognised in Income Statement Recognised in other comprehensive income Balance 30 June 2013 Recognised in Income Statement Recognised in other comprehensive income Balance 30 June 2014 - - 16 (6) - 10 3 - 217 4 - 221 PARENT CHANGES IN FAIR VALUE OF CASH FLOW HEDGES FAIR VALUE PORTION OF DERIVATIVES 16 - - 16 (6) - 10 (4) - 4 - - 1 1 (4) 3 - (1) - - (1) TOTAL 12 - 4 16 (6) 1 11 GROUP FINANCE LEASES (35) OTHER (10) - - (35) - - (35) 3 - (7) 3 - (4) CHANGES IN FAIR VALUE OF CASH FLOW HEDGES (4) - 4 - - 1 1 TOTAL 177 9 4 190 1 1 192 P. 65 P. 65 Annual ReportAnnual ReportNote 13 – Taxation (cont.) Imputation credits Imputation credits available for subsequent reporting periods GROUP PARENT 2014 $M 88 2013 $M 63 2014 $M 21 2013 $M 5 The imputation credit amount represents the balance of the use subject to the requirements of the Income Tax Act 2007 being imputation credit account as at the end of the reporting period, satisfied. For the purposes of the Income Tax Act 2007 demerger adjusted for imputation credits that will arise from the payment of transactions do not give rise to, and are ignored for the purposes the provision for income tax. Imputation credits are available for of calculating, available subscribed capital of Chorus. Note 14 – Cash and call deposits Cash and call deposits GROUP PARENT 2014 $M 176 2013 $M 80 2014 $M 92 2013 $M 69 Cash and call deposits are held with bank and financial institutions at the reporting date. All differences arising on settlement or counterparties rated at a minimum of A+, based on rating agency translation of monetary items are taken to the income statement. Standard & Poor’s ratings. Interest earned on call deposits is based on the daily deposit rate. Cash flow Cash flows from derivatives in cash flow and fair value hedge There are no cash or call deposit balances held by Chorus that are relationships are recognised in the cash flow statement in the not available for use. same category as the hedged item. The carrying values of cash and call deposits approximate their For the purposes of the statement of cash flows, cash is considered fair values. The maximum credit exposure is limited to the carrying to be cash on hand, in banks and cash equivalents, including bank value of cash and call deposits. Cash and call deposits denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated into New Zealand dollars at the spot rate of exchange overdrafts and highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in values. Note 15 – Leases Chorus is a lessee of certain network assets under both operating transfers substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to and finance lease arrangements. Lease costs relating to operating Chorus. Judgement is required on various aspects that include, but leases are recognised on a straight-line basis over the life of are not limited to, the fair value of the leased asset, the economic the lease. Finance leases, which effectively transfer to Chorus life of the leased asset, whether or not to include renewal options substantially all the risks and benefits of ownership of the leased in the lease term, and determining an appropriate discount rate to assets, are capitalised at the lower of the leased asset’s fair value calculate the present value of the minimum lease payments. or the present value of the minimum lease payments at inception of the lease. The leased assets and corresponding liabilities are recognised, and the leased assets are depreciated over their estimated useful lives. Determining whether a lease agreement is a finance lease or an operating lease requires judgement as to whether the agreement Classification as a finance lease means the asset is recognised in the statement of financial position as network assets whereas for an operating lease no such asset is recognised. Chorus has exercised its judgement on the appropriate classification of network asset leases, and has determined a number of lease arrangements are finance leases. P. 66 P. 66 Annual ReportAnnual ReportNote 15 – Leases (cont.) Finance leases Assets/(liabilities) Expected future lease payments: Less than one year Between one and five years More than five years Total expected future lease payments Less: future finance charges Present value of expected future lease payments Present value of expected future lease payments payable: Less than one year Between one and five years More than five years Total present value of expected future lease payments Classified as: Current asset – finance lease receivable Non-current liability – finance lease payable Total GROUP PARENT 2014 $M 2013 $M 2014 $M 2013 $M (8) (32) (379) (419) 296 (123) 3 15 (141) (123) 3 (126) (123) (7) (32) (387) (426) 306 (120) 3 14 (137) (120) 3 (123) (120) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The carrying value of the finance leases approximates their fair value. Property exchanges Chorus has leased exchange space and commercial co- location space owned by Spark which is subject to finance for three years with two rights of renewal for a further three years each. The full term has been used in the calculation of finance lease payables and receivables as it is likely due to the specialised lease arrangements. Chorus in turn leases exchange space and nature of the buildings that the leases will be renewed to the commercial co-location space owned by Chorus to Spark under a maximum term. The payable and receivable under these finance finance lease arrangement. The term of the lease where Chorus is lease arrangements are net settled in cash. The finance lease lessee is for ten years with multiple rights of renewal for a further arrangement above reflects the net finance lease receivable and twenty five years. The term of the lease where Chorus is lessor is payable position. P. 67 P. 67 Annual ReportAnnual ReportNote 15 – Leases (cont.) Operating leases Non-cancellable operating lease rentals are payable as follows: Less than one year Between one and five years More than five years Total Chorus has entered into leasing arrangements for properties, network infrastructure and other items of equipment which are classified as operating leases. Certain leases are subject to Chorus being able to renew or extend the lease period based on terms that would then be agreed with the lessor. There are no other significant lease terms that relate to contingent rents, purchase options or other restrictions on Chorus. GROUP PARENT 2014 $M 6 15 6 27 2013 $M 6 14 6 26 2014 $M 2013 $M - - - - - - - - Note 16 – Investments and advances Chorus New Zealand Limited incorporated in New Zealand is a wholly owned operating subsidiary of Chorus Limited. The investment in the subsidiary is carried at cost less any impairments losses and comprises: Shares at cost Term advance Total investments and advances There were no impairment losses on investments and advances at 30 June 2014 (30 June 2013: nil). PARENT 2014 $M 538 1,700 2,238 2013 $M 538 1,700 2,238 P. 68 P. 68 Annual ReportAnnual ReportNote 17 – Equity Share capital Movements in Chorus Limited’s issued ordinary shares were as follows: NUMBER OF SHARES (MILLIONS) Balance 1 July Dividend Reinvestment Plan Balance at 30 June GROUP AND PARENT 2014 M 389 7 396 2013 M 385 4 389 Chorus Limited has 396,369,767 fully paid ordinary shares (30 June Limited shares. In respect of the year ended 30 June 2014, 2013: 389,299,049 fully paid ordinary shares). The issued shares 7,070,718 shares with a total value of $18 million were issued have no par value. The holders of ordinary shares are entitled to in lieu of dividends (30 June 2013: 4,216,926 shares with a total receive dividends as declared from time to time, and are entitled to value of $12 million were issued in lieu of dividends). The plan one vote per share at meetings of Chorus Limited. Under Chorus was suspended on 11 April 2014. Limited’s constitution, Crown approval is required if a shareholder wishes to have a holding of 10% or more of Chorus Limited ordinary shares, or if a shareholder who is not a New Zealand national wishes to have a holding of 49.9% or more of ordinary shares. Chorus Limited issues securities to CFH based on the number of premises passed. CFH securities are a class of security that carry no right to vote at meetings of holders of Chorus Limited ordinary shares but carry preference on liquidation. Refer to note 4 for Chorus Limited has implemented a Dividend Reinvestment additional information on CFH securities. Plan where eligible shareholders (those who have an address in New Zealand or Australia) can choose to have Chorus Limited reinvest all or part of their future dividends in additional Chorus Should Chorus Limited return capital to shareholders, any return of capital that arose on demerger is expected to be taxable as Chorus Limited had zero available subscribed capital on demerger. The following dividends were declared and paid by Chorus Limited for the year ended 30 June 2014: 2012 dividend paid 2013 interim dividend paid 2013 final dividend paid Dividends paid during the year Final dividend declared subsequent to balance date not provided GROUP AND PARENT GROUP AND PARENT 2014 $M - - 60 60 - 2014 CENTS PER SHARE - - 15.5 15.5 - 2013 $M 56 39 - 95 60 2013 CENTS PER SHARE 14.6 10.0 - - 15.5 P. 69 P. 69 Annual ReportAnnual ReportNote 17 – Equity (cont.) Reserves Cash flow hedge reserve The cash flow hedge reserve comprises the effective portion of the cumulative net change in the fair value of cash flow hedging instruments related to hedged transactions that have not yet affected earnings. For cash flow hedges, the effective portion of gains or losses from remeasuring the fair value of the hedging instrument is recognised transferred to the income statement when the hedged item affects the income statement, or when the hedged item is a forecast transaction that is no longer expected to occur. Alternatively, when the hedged item results in a non-financial asset or liability, the accumulated gains and losses are included in the initial measurement of the cost of the asset or liability. The remeasurement gain or loss on the ineffective portion of a cash flow hedge is recognised immediately in the income statement. in other comprehensive income and accumulated in the cash A reconciliation of movements in the cash flow hedge reserve flow hedge reserve. Accumulated gains or losses are subsequently follows: Opening balance (Gain)/loss recognised in other comprehensive income Amortisation of de-designated cash flow hedges transferred to income statement Closing balance The periods in which the cash flows associated with cash flow hedges are expected to impact earnings are as follows: GROUP AND PARENT 2014 $M 1 (2) 1 - 2013 $M 10 (9) - 1 AS AT 30 JUNE 2014 Cross currency interest rate swaps Interest rate swaps Forward exchange contracts Electricity contracts AS AT 30 JUNE 2013 Cross currency interest rate swaps Interest rate swaps Forward exchange contracts Electricity contracts WITHIN 1 YEAR $M 2 (3) - - (1) WITHIN 1 YEAR $M - - - - - GROUP AND PARENT 1-2 YEARS $M 2-3 YEARS $M 3-4 YEARS $M 4-5 YEARS $M GREATER THAN 5 YEARS $M 2 (3) - - (1) 2 (5) - - (3) 2 (3) - - (1) 2 (3) - - (1) 4 3 - - 7 GROUP AND PARENT 1-2 YEARS $M 2-3 YEARS $M 3-4 YEARS $M 4-5 YEARS $M GREATER THAN 5 YEARS $M - 1 - - 1 - - - - - - 1 - - 1 - - - - - 1 (2) - - (1) Fair value hedges Gains or losses from remeasuring the fair value of the hedging instrument are recognised in the income statement together with any changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability. Chorus did not have any hedging arrangements designated as a fair value hedge in the current year (30 June 2013: nil). P. 70 P. 70 Annual ReportAnnual ReportNote 18 – Earnings per share The calculation of basic earnings per share at 30 June 2014 is based on the net earnings for the year of $148 million (30 June 2013: $171 million), and a weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period of 394 million (30 June 2013: 386 million), calculated as follows: Basic earnings per share Net earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders ($ millions) Denominator – weighted average number of ordinary shares (millions) Basic earnings per share (dollars) GROUP 2014 2013 148 394 0.38 171 386 0.44 Diluted earnings per share Net earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders ($ millions) 148 171 Weighted average number of ordinary shares (millions) Ordinary shares required to settle CFH equity securities (millions) Ordinary shares required to settle CFH warrants (millions) Denominator – diluted weighted average number of shares (millions) Diluted earnings per share (dollars) The number of ordinary shares that would have been required to settle all CFH equity securities and CFH warrants on issue at 30 June has been used for the purposes of the diluted earnings per share calculation. 394 80 4 478 0.31 386 25 1 412 0.42 P. 71 P. 71 Annual ReportAnnual ReportNote 19 – Related party transactions Transactions with related parties Certain Chorus directors have relevant interests in a number of companies with which Chorus has transactions in the normal course of business. A number of Chorus’ directors are also non-executive directors of other companies. Any transactions undertaken with these entities have been entered in the ordinary course of business. Key management personnel compensation Short term employee benefits Post employment benefits Termination benefits Other long term benefits Share based payments This table above includes remuneration of $889,500 (30 June 2013: $863,500) paid to directors for the year. Parent/subsidiary relationship Chorus Limited is the listed holding company with the debt obligation for the EMTN and syndicated bank facilities and is the issuer of the CFH securities. Chorus New Zealand Limited is an operational subsidiary providing fixed access and aggregation services in New Zealand. Chorus Limited provides funding to Chorus New Zealand Limited for the operation and construction of the network. Chorus New Zealand Limited has provided a guarantee to the lenders in respect of the Chorus Limited syndicated bank facilities and EMTN debt. Intercompany dividend Intercompany interest income Intercompany short term receivable Intercompany term advance GROUP PARENT 2014 $000’s 5,491 - - 316 - 2013 $000’s 5,494 - 242 650 - 5,807 6,386 2014 $000’s 2013 $000’s - - - - - - - - - - - - PARENT 2014 $M 83 116 357 2013 $M 86 104 211 1,700 1,700 P. 72 P. 72 Annual ReportAnnual ReportNote 20 – Derivative financial instruments The method of recognising the resulting remeasurement gain Chorus uses derivative financial instruments to reduce its exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and the spot price of electricity. The use of hedging instruments is governed by the treasury policy approved by the Board. Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured to fair value with an adjustment made for credit risk in accordance with NZ IFRS 13: Fair Value Measurement. The fair values are estimated on the basis of the quoted market prices for similar instruments in an active market or quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in inactive markets and financial instruments valued using models where all significant inputs are observable. or loss depends on whether the derivative is designated as a hedging instrument. If the derivative is not designated as a hedging instrument, the remeasurement gain or loss is recognised immediately in the income statement. During the year ended 30 June 2014 interest rate swaps with a face value of $676 million and fair value of $31 million were reset at the prevailing market interest rates. These transactions realised $30 million of cash, and resulted in an $11 million gain being recorded in the cash flow hedge reserve to be amortised over the period to 2020. During the year ended 30 June 2014 amortisation totalled $3 million finance income and $2 million finance expense. New swaps that hedge the same underlying exposure and risk profile were entered into on the same date but at a higher effective borrowing cost (4.89% compared to 3.99% prior to the transaction). GROUP AND PARENT 2014 $M 2013 $M 3 - - - 3 8 - 128 - 136 7 - - - 7 2 - 103 1 106 CURRENCY MATURITY GROUP AND PARENT 2014 $M 2013 $M NZD 2014-2020 1,242 1,242 NZD:AUD 2014 NZD:EUR 2014-2016 NZD:GBP 2020 NZD 2014-2016 2 5 677 12 3 11 677 7 1,938 1,940 Non-current derivative assets Interest rate swaps Forward exchange rate contracts Cross currency interest rate swaps Electricity contracts Non-current derivative liabilities Interest rate swaps Forward exchange rate contracts Cross currency interest rate swaps Electricity contracts The notional values of contract amounts outstanding are as follows: Interest rate swaps Forward exchange rate contracts Cross currency interest rate swaps Electricity contracts Credit risk associated with derivative financial instruments is managed by ensuring that transactions are executed with counterparties with high quality credit ratings along with credit exposure limits for different credit classes. The counterparty credit risk is monitored and reviewed by the Board on a regular basis. P. 73 P. 73 Annual ReportAnnual Report Note 21 – Financial risk management Financial risk management Chorus’ financial instruments consist of cash, short-term deposits, trade and other receivables (excluding prepayments), investments and advances, trade payables and certain other payables, syndicated bank facilities, EMTN, derivative financial instruments and CFH securities. Financial risk management for from the translation of EMTN denominated in foreign currency to New Zealand dollars is recognised in the income statement. The movement is offset by the translation of the principal value of the related cross currency interest rate swap. As at 30 June 2014, Chorus did not have any significant unhedged exposure to currency risk (30 June 2013: no significant unhedged exposure to currency risk). A 10% increase or decrease in the currency and interest rate risk is carried out by the treasury function exchange rate, with all other variables held constant, has minimal under policies approved by the Board. Chorus’ risk management impact on profit and equity reserves of Chorus. policy, approved by the Board, provides the basis for overall risk management. Price risk Chorus does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. All contracts have been entered into with major creditworthy financial institutions. The risk associated with these transactions is the cost of replacing these agreements at the current market rates in the event of default by a counterparty. Currency risk In the normal course of business, Chorus is exposed to a variety of financial risks which include the volatility in electricity prices. Chorus has entered into electricity swap contracts to reduce the exposure to electricity spot price movements. Chorus has designated the electricity contracts in cash flow hedge relationships. A 10% increase or decrease in the spot price of electricity, with all Chorus’ exposure to foreign currency fluctuations predominantly other variables held constant, has minimal impact on profit and arise from the foreign currency debt and future commitment equity reserves of Chorus. to purchase foreign currency denominated assets. The primary objective in managing foreign currency risk is to protect against the risk that Chorus assets, liabilities and financial performance will fluctuate due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Chorus enters into foreign exchange contracts, foreign currency options and cross currency interest rate swaps to manage the foreign exchange exposure. Chorus has issued GBP 260 million foreign currency debt in the form of EMTN. Chorus has in place cross currency interest rate swaps under which Chorus receives GBP 260 million principal and GBP fixed coupon payments for $677 million principal and floating NZD interest payments. The exchange gain or loss resulting Interest rate repricing analysis Interest rate risk Chorus has interest rate risk arising from the cross currency interest rate swap converting the foreign debt into a floating rate New Zealand dollar obligation and the floating rate on the drawn down portion of the syndicated bank facilities. Chorus aims to reduce the uncertainty of changes in interest rates by entering into interest rate swaps to fix the effective interest rate to minimise the cost of net debt and manage the impact of interest rate volatility on earnings. The interest risk on the cross currency interest rate swaps has been hedged using interest rate swaps. The interest rate exposure on the syndicated banking facilities has been hedged up to $565 million with the remaining paying floating interest. AS AT 30 JUNE 2014 Floating rate Cash and deposits Debt Fixed rate Joint arrangements Debt (after hedging) CFH securities Finance lease (net settled) WITHIN 1 YEAR $M 176 575 4 350 - (3) 1,102 GROUP 1-2 YEARS $M 2-3 YEARS $M 3-4 YEARS $M 4-5 YEARS $M GREATER THAN 5 YEARS $M - - - - - (3) (3) - - - 215 - (4) 211 - - - - - (4) (4) - - - - - (4) (4) - - - 677 73 141 891 TOTAL $M 176 575 4 1,242 73 123 2,193 P. 74 P. 74 Annual ReportAnnual ReportNote 21 – Financial risk management (cont.) AS AT 30 JUNE 2013 Floating rate Cash and deposits Debt Fixed rate Joint arrangements Debt (after hedging) CFH securities Finance lease (net settled) WITHIN 1 YEAR $M 80 630 8 - - (3) 715 GROUP 1-2 YEARS $M 2-3 YEARS $M 3-4 YEARS $M 4-5 YEARS $M GREATER THAN 5 YEARS $M - - 3 350 - (3) 350 - - - (3) (3) - - - 215 - (4) 211 - - - - (4) (4) - - - 677 30 137 844 TOTAL $M 80 630 11 1,242 30 120 2,113 The Parent has floating rate exposures of cash (30 June 2014: $92 million, 30 June 2013: $69 million) and debt (30 June 2014: $575 million, 30 June 2013: $630 million) both of which are due to reset within one year. The exposures of debt (after hedging) and CFH securities are the same as for the Group for the current and prior year. Sensitivity analysis A change of 100 basis points in interest rates with all other variables held constant, would increase/(decrease) equity (after hedging) and earnings after tax by the amounts shown below: 100 basis point increase 100 basis point decrease Credit risk GROUP AND PARENT 2014 PROFIT OR (LOSS) $M 2014 EQUITY $M 2013 PROFIT OR (LOSS) $M (3) 3 (7) 7 (3) 3 2013 EQUITY $M (5) 13 Chorus has certain derivative transactions that are subject to In the normal course of its business, Chorus incurs counterparty bilateral credit support agreements that require Chorus or the credit risk from financial instruments, including cash, trade counterparty to post collateral to support the value of certain and other receivables, finance lease receivables and derivative derivatives. As at 30 June 2014 no collateral was posted. financial instruments. Cash and call deposits Trade and other receivables Derivative financial instruments Finance lease receivable Maximum exposure to credit risk The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date was as follows: NOTES 14 10 20 15 GROUP PARENT 2014 $M 176 186 3 3 368 2013 $M 80 280 7 3 370 2014 $M 92 406 3 - 501 2013 $M 69 243 7 - 319 Refer to individual notes for additional information on credit risk. P. 75 P. 75 Annual ReportAnnual ReportNote 21 – Financial risk management (cont.) investment opportunities, resulting in defaults or excessive debt Liquidity risk Liquidity risk is the risk that Chorus will encounter difficulty raising liquid funds to meet commitments as they fall due or foregoing costs. Prudent liquidity risk management implies maintaining sufficient cash and the ability to meet its financial obligations. Chorus exposure to liquidity risk based on contractual cash flows relating to financial liabilities is summarised below: AS AT 30 JUNE 2014 Non derivative financial liabilities Trade and other payables Finance lease (net settled) Debt CFH securities Derivative financial liabilities Interest rate swaps Cross currency interest rate swaps Inflows Outflows Electricity contracts Forward exchange contracts Inflows Outflows AS AT 30 JUNE 2013 Non derivative financial liabilities Trade and other payables Finance lease (net settled) Debt CFH securities Derivative financial liabilities Interest rate swaps Cross currency interest rate swaps Inflows Outflows Electricity contracts Forward exchange contracts Inflows Outflows CARRYING AMOUNT $M CONTRACTUAL CASH FLOW $M LESS THAN 1 YEAR $M 1-2 YEARS $M 2-3 YEARS $M 3-4 YEARS $M 4-5 YEARS $M 5+ YEARS $M GROUP 271 123 1,639 73 271 419 2,042 73 271 8 101 - 8 1 10 - 128 - - - (708) 981 5 (6) 6 (34) 44 3 (4) 4 - 8 73 - - 8 448 - - 8 297 - - 379 538 73 (1) (2) (3) (5) (34) 51 (34) 52 (34) 54 (538) 731 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 8 585 - 2 (34) 49 2 (2) 2 GROUP CARRYING AMOUNT $M CONTRACTUAL CASH FLOW $M LESS THAN 1 YEAR $M 1-2 YEARS $M 2-3 YEARS $M 3-4 YEARS $M 4-5 YEARS $M 5+ YEARS $M 286 120 1,697 30 286 426 2,091 67 2 75 - 103 1 - - (750) 938 7 (14) 14 283 7 77 - 13 (34) 37 3 (10) 10 3 8 77 - 12 (34) 37 3 (2) 2 - 8 741 - - 8 54 - 12 10 (34) 37 1 (2) 2 (35) 37 - - - - 8 564 - 9 (35) 38 - - - - 387 578 67 19 (578) 752 - - - P. 76 P. 76 Annual ReportAnnual ReportNote 21 – Financial risk management (cont.) are assessed to establish if they are effective in offsetting changes The liquidity risk for the Parent is the same as for all disclosures for the Group except trade and other payables and finance leases. The carrying amount of trade and other payables in the Parent is $35 million (30 June 2013: $33 million), which is equal to the contractual cash flow and is all payable in less than one year. The Parent does not have finance leases for the current or prior year. The gross (inflows)/outflows of derivative financial liabilities disclosed in the previous table represent the contractual undiscounted cash flows relating to derivative financial liabilities held for risk management purposes and which are usually not closed out prior to contractual maturity. The disclosure shows net cash flow amounts for derivatives that are net cash settled and gross cash inflow and outflow amounts for derivatives that have simultaneous gross cash settlement (for example forward exchange contracts). Chorus manages liquidity risk by ensuring sufficient access to committed facilities, continuous cash flow monitoring and maintaining prudent levels of short term debt maturities. At balance date, Chorus has available approximately $460 million under the syndicated bank facilities for its immediate use (30 June 2013: $155 million), refer to note 23 (post balance date events) for more information on the facilities. In addition, a $10 million overdraft facility is in place to manage short term cash funding requirements. Capital risk management Chorus manages its capital considering shareholders’ interests, the value of Chorus assets and Chorus’ credit ratings. The capital Chorus manages consists of cash and debt balances. The Chorus Board’s broader capital management objectives include maintaining an investment grade credit rating with headroom. In the longer term, the Board continues to consider a ‘BBB’ rating appropriate for a business like Chorus. Hedge accounting in fair values or cash flows of hedged items. Chorus discontinues hedge accounting if (a) the hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated, or exercised; (b) the hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting; or (c) the hedge designation is revoked. Hedges are classified into two primary types: cash flow hedges and fair value hedges. Refer to note 17 for additional information on cash flow and fair value hedge reserves. Fair value Under NZ IFRS, financial instruments are either carried at amortised cost, less any provision for impairment losses, or fair value. The only significant variances between instruments held at amortised cost and their fair value relates to the EMTN. For those instruments, recognised at fair value in the statement of financial position, fair values are determined as follows: Level 1: Quoted market prices – financial instruments with quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets. Level 2: Valuation techniques using observable inputs – financial instruments with quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets or quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in inactive markets and financial instruments valued using models where all significant inputs are observable. Level 3: Valuation techniques with significant non-observable inputs – financial instruments valued using models where one or more significant inputs are not observable. The relevant financial assets and financial liabilities and their respective fair values are outlined in note 20 and are all Level 2 (30 June 2013: Level 2). Cross currency interest rate swaps and interest rate swaps Fair value is estimated by using a valuation model involving discounted future cash flows of the derivative using the applicable forward price curve (for the relevant interest rate and foreign Chorus designates and documents the relationship between exchange rate) and discount rate. hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as the risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. At hedge inception (and on an ongoing basis), hedges Electricity swaps Fair value is estimated on the ASX forward price curve that relates to the derivative. P. 77 P. 77 Annual ReportAnnual Report GROUP CARRIED AT COST OR AMORTISED COST 2014 $M CARRIED AT FAIR VALUE 2014 $M CARRIED AT COST OR AMORTISED COST 2013 $M CARRIED AT FAIR VALUE 2013 $M 176 130 56 - - (119) (4) (148) (123) (1,639) (73) - - - 3 (136) - - - - - - 80 229 51 - - (121) (11) (154) (120) (1,697) (30) - - - 7 (106) - - - - - - PARENT CARRIED AT COST OR AMORTISED COST 2014 $M CARRIED AT FAIR VALUE 2014 $M CARRIED AT COST OR AMORTISED COST 2013 $M CARRIED AT FAIR VALUE 2013 $M 92 49 357 1,700 - - (35) (1,639) (73) - - - - 3 (136) - - - 69 32 211 1,700 - - (33) (1,697) (30) - - - - 7 (106) - - - Note 21 – Financial risk management (cont.) The carrying amounts of financial assets and liabilities are as follows: Loans and receivables Cash and call deposits Trade receivables Other receivables Designated in a hedging relationship Derivative financial assets Derivative financial liabilities Other financial liabilities Trade accounts payable Joint arrangements Accruals Finance lease (net settled) Debt CFH securities Loans and receivables Cash and call deposits Other receivables Intercompany receivables Investments and advances Designated in a hedging relationship Derivative financial assets Derivative financial liabilities Other financial liabilities Accruals Debt CFH securities P. 78 P. 78 Annual ReportAnnual ReportNote 22 – Contingencies Earthquake-prone buildings Chorus is undertaking a programme to assess buildings in its yet assessed but that may ultimately be found to be earthquake- property portfolio and take appropriate action where buildings are prone. Chorus is unable to determine the associated remedial or determined to be earthquake-prone. Chorus considers it has a other costs associated with buildings yet to be assessed. contingent liability for remedial or other activity for buildings not Note 23 – Post balance date events CFH securities and Crown funding Bank facility Chorus issued a call notice on 14 July 2014 to CFH with an On 25 July 2014 Chorus announced an amendment to its aggregate issue price of $31 million which is allocated as follows: committed banking facilities. Under the agreements the banks CFH debt securities $5 million, CFH equity securities $3 million and have agreed to: Crown funding $23 million. All of this funding has been accrued in the financial statements at 30 June 2014 representing the portion of the call notice where user acceptance testing was complete. In addition, 920,783 CFH warrants were issued. • increase Chorus’ covenant levels from 3.75 times to 4.25 times net debt to EBITDA at pricing levels consistent with the Commission’s initial pricing principle decisions, with covenant levels stepping down to 3.75 times net debt to EBITDA if the Chorus issued a call notice on 14 August 2014 to CFH with an Commission’s final pricing principle prices are consistent with aggregate issue price of $1 million and 61,799 CFH warrants. This the current regulated pricing; funding is not recognised in the financial statements at 30 June 2014. • extend the maturity of Chorus’ November 2015 facility to 31 July CFH funding option 2016; and On 18 July 2014 Chorus announced that it had entered into a • waive rights potentially available to the banks associated with conditional agreement with CFH, which gives Chorus the option the material reduction in regulated pricing to take effect on to bring forward part of CFH’s existing investment funding earlier 1 December 2014. in the build of the Ultra-Fast Broadband network. Funding from this facility is only available from October 2015, which is expected to be after the conclusion of the Commission’s final pricing principle reviews. Chorus has the option of bringing forward the present value of CFH funding of up to $178 million that is budgeted to be spent on Chorus’ UFB programme in 2018 and 2019. If Chorus chooses to use the facility, Chorus would be unable to pay a dividend before December 2019 without CFH approval, unless Chorus normalises the CFH funding profile. The facility will Chorus has also agreed to limit total drawings across all committed bank facilities to $1.2 billion until outcomes from the Commission’s final pricing principle processes are known and also reduce its July 2016 facility by $100 million (to $575 million), which is expected to provide Chorus with sufficient operating liquidity. As part of these amendments, Chorus has agreed that no dividends will be paid until the later of either the conclusion of the Commission’s final pricing principle review processes automatically terminate if Chorus does not use it by 30 June 2016. or 30 June 2015. P. 79 P. 79 Annual ReportAnnual ReportNote 24 – New standards, frameworks, amendments and interpretations to existing standards and frameworks that have been published but not yet adopted Certain new standards, frameworks, amendments and NZ IFRS 12 Disclosure of interest in other entities interpretations have been published that have not been early adopted, and which are relevant to Chorus are listed below. The financial statement impact of adoption of these standards has not yet been analysed but is not expected to be material. Financial Markets Conduct Act (FMC) 2013 Effective for periods ending after 1 December 2014. Effective for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2014. The standard applies to entities that have an interest in subsidiaries, joint arrangements, associates or unconsolidated structured entities. It establishes disclosure objectives and specifies minimum disclosures that an entity must provide to meet those objectives. NZ IFRS 15 Revenue from contracts with customers This reporting framework removes the requirement to prepare Effective for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2017. Parent entity financial statements if there are subsidiaries. Chorus will only need to prepare Group financial statements. NZ IFRS 9 (2010) Financial instruments This standard introduces principles for reporting cohesive and useful information to users of financial statements about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows Effective for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015. arising from an entity’s contracts with customers. The standard adds requirements related to the classification, NZ IAS 27 Separate financial statements measurement and derecognition of financial assets and liabilities. Effective for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2014. NZ IFRS 10 Consolidated financial statements Effective for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2014. The standard introduces new principles in identifying the concept of control as the determining factor in whether an entity should These amendments remove the accounting and disclosure requirements for consolidated financial statements as a result of the issue of NZ IFRS 10 Consolidated financial statements and NZ IFRS 12 Disclosure of interests in other entities. be included within the consolidated financial statements of the XRB A1 Accounting Standards Framework Parent company and provides additional guidance to assist in the Effective for periods beginning on or after 1 April 2015. determination of control where this is difficult to assess. NZ IFRS 11 Joint arrangements The External Reporting Board of New Zealand (“XRB”) has released a new accounting standard framework which establishes the Effective for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2016. financial standards to be applied to entities with statutory financial The standard outlines the accounting by entities that jointly control an arrangement. Joint control involves the contractual agreed sharing of control and arrangements subject to joint control are classified as either a joint venture (representing a share of net assets and equity accounted) or a joint operation (representing rights to assets and obligations for liabilities, accounted for under proportional consolidation). reporting obligations. Under the new XRB framework Chorus expects to continue to apply NZ IFRS as applicable for Tier 1 for- profit entities and expects that this will have no material impact on the preparation and disclosures included in the financial statements. P. 80 P. 80 Annual ReportAnnual ReportGlossary of terms CFH Chorus Crown Fibre Holdings Limited Chorus Limited and subsidiary Commission Commerce Commission CPI CPPC CPPP EBITDA EMTN FY Consumer Price Index Cost per premises connected Cost per premises passed Earnings before interest, income tax, depreciation and amortisation European Medium Term Note Financial year – twelve months ended 30 June HSNS Lite (Fibre) High Speed Network Service Lite over fibre HSNS Lite (Copper) High Speed Network Service Lite over copper HSNS Premium High Speed Network Service Premium (Bitstream 4) IP IT MBIE Mbps Internet Protocol Information Technology Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment Megabits per second Naked UBA Broadband only UBA connections NGA POTS RBI RSP SLES SLU Spark STD TDL TICSA TMNZ TRL TSLRIC TSO UBA UCLFS UCLL UFB VDSL Next Generation Access Plain Old Telephone Service Rural Broadband Initiative Retail Service Provider Sub Loop Extension Service Sub Loop Unbundling Formerly Telecom New Zealand Limited Standard Terms Determination Telecommunications Development Levy Telecommunications (Interception Capability and Security) Act 2013 Tax Management New Zealand Limited Telecommunications Regulatory Levy Total Service Long Run Incremental Cost Telecommunications Service Obligation Unbundled Bitstream Access Unbundled Copper Low Frequency Service Unbundled Copper Local Loop Ultra-Fast Broadband Very High Speed Digital Subscriber Line – a DSL technology Annual ReportAnnual ReportDirectory Registered Offices New Zealand Level 10 1 Willis Street Wellington New Zealand Phone: +64 4 896 4004 Australia C/- Allens Corporate Services Pty Limited Level 5, Deutsche Bank Place 126 Phillip Street Sydney NSW 2000 Australia Phone: +61 2 9230 4000 ARBN 152 485 848 Registrars Depository BNY Mellon Depositary Receipts PO Box 43006 Providence, RI 02940-3006 United States Phone: +1 201 680 6825 Email: shrrelations@bnymellon.com www.bnymellon.com/shareowner New Zealand Computershare Investor Services Limited Private Bag 92119 Auckland 1142 New Zealand Phone: +64 9 488 8777 Fax: +64 9 488 8787 Email: enquiry@computershare.co.nz www.investorcentre.com/nz Australia Computershare Investor Services Pty Limited GPO Box 3329 Melbourne 3001 Australia Freephone: 1 800 501 366 Fax: +61 3 9473 2500 Email: enquiry@computershare.co.nz www.investorcentre.com/nz Forward looking statements and disclaimer This annual report may contain forward looking statements regarding future events and the future financial performance of Chorus, including forward looking statements regarding industry trends, regulation and the regulatory environment, strategies, capital expenditure, the construction of the UFB network, credit ratings and future financial and operational performance. These forward looking statements are not guarantees or predictions of future performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond Chorus’ control, and which may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the statements contained in this annual report. No representation, warranty or undertaking, express or implied, is made as to the fairness, accuracy or completeness of the information contained, referred to or reflected in this annual report, or any information provided orally or in writing in connection with it. Please read this annual report in the wider context of material previously published by Chorus and released through the NZX and ASX. Except as required by law or the listing rules of the NZX and ASX, Chorus is not under any obligation to update this annual report at any time after its release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. P. 82 Annual Report

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