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EPI (Holdings) Ltd

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FY2011 Annual Report · EPI (Holdings) Ltd
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Annual Report

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2011

 
 
Corporate Profi le

EPI is a company that primarily focuses on the 
production of oil and gas in the energy and 
resource sector. While having a strong oil and gas 
exploration and production operation in Argentina, 
EPI is progressively expanding its portfolio through 
strategic mergers and acquisitions in other oil and 
gas projects around the world. EPI is committed 
to becoming one of Asia’s leading operators in the 
oil and gas industry and is proactively pursuing 
investment opportunities that create long-term, 
sustainable value to our shareholders.

Turnover 
Gross profit 
Loss before taxation 
Loss attributable to equity holders of the Company 

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Financial Summary

1

2011 
HK$’000 

2010 
HK$’000

  Change

619,800 
2,139 
(225,679) 
(217,737) 

937,258 
10,639 
(289,518) 
(288,628) 

34%
80%
22%
25%

Loss per share attributable to equity holders of the Company
  – Basic HK cent 
  – Diluted HK cent 

(10.70) 
(10.70) 

(23.40)
(23.40)

FINANCIAL POSITIONS

Cash and bank balances 
Total assets 
Short term borrowings 
Long term borrowings 
Total equity 

2011 
HK$’000 

2010 
HK$’000

  Change

29,509 
4,525,191 
226,885 
379,365 
3,918,941 

85,204 
4,377,434 
314,645 
10,754 
4,052,035 

65%
3%
28%
3428%
3%

Contents

Corporate Profile
Financial Summary 
Vision and Mission 
Corporate Structure 
CEO Statement 
Management Discussion and Analysis 
Directors and Senior Management Profile 
Corporate Governance Report 
Report of the Directors 

Independent Auditor’s Report 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income 
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
Five year Financial Summary 
Corporate Information 

33
35
36
37
38
40
107
108

1
2
3
4
6
12
15
24

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Vision and Mission

2

VISION
Our vision is to become one of Asia’s leading operators 

in the oil and gas industry. At EPI, we aim to achieve this 

by investing in oil and gas projects with good potentials 

and building a strong operation and management team 

to support our exploration, production and development 

work for our oilfield projects.

MISSION
Our mission is to build strategic and productive 

partnerships with major state-owned enterprises in 

China oil and gas industry that fit well with our operating 

strengths and interests to progressively explore, invest 

and develop significant projects around the world. 

Our strategy is to invest in projects that will bring 

quick investment returns. Leveraging on our financial 

restructuring and management skills, we aim to maximize 

our value and to provide long-term and sustainable returns 

to our shareholders.

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Corporate Structure

3

EPI (Holdings) Ltd.
長盈集團(控股)有限公司

100%

Have Result Investments Ltd.
有成投資有限公司

100%

EPI Metals Ltd.
長盈集團金屬有限公司

100%

EP Energy S.A.

100%

EPI Petroleum & Chemical Ltd.
長盈石油化工有限公司

100%

EPI Metals Inc.

100%

Century Great Ltd.
紀佳有限公司

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
CEO Statement

4

Mr. Chu Kwok Chi Robert, Executive Director and CEO

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
CEO Statement

5

On behalf of the board (the “Board”) of directors (the “Directors”) of EPI (Holdings) Limited (the “Company”) and its 

subsidiaries (collectively, the “Group”), I hereby present the annual results and the audited financial statements of the Group 

for the year ended 31 December 2011.

The Group is principally engaged in the sourcing and trading of non-ferrous metals, trading of petroleum related products, 

and petroleum exploration and production with its focus in the Mendoza oil project in Argentina. In 2011, the Group had 

successfully obtained a seven years’ project loan from China Development Bank Hong Kong Branch of US$40,000,000 to 

finance its Mendoza oil project and had completed drilling five new wells. As at the date of this report, all five wells are in 

production. Currently the Group has ten production wells in the Mendoza oil project.

The Group is now finalizing the year 2012 investment plan and will submit it to Chañares to seek approval from the 

Government. To optimize the economic benefit of the Mendoza project and to comply with the commitment of the New 

Agreement, the Board of Director is now finalizing the overall future drilling plan.

Looking toward 2012, we will continue to expand the Group’s high value-added natural resources portfolio through 

strategic mergers and acquisitions and actively look for opportunities to broaden the Group’s income streams.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to the Board and all staff for their wholehearted 

efforts. Also, I am much obliged to the shareholders, business partners and acquaintances for their encouragement and 

support.

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Management Discussion and Analysis

6

The Group’s core business is the petroleum exploration and production in the Puesto Pozo Cercado Concession and 

Chañares Herrados Concession (collectively the“Concessions”) in the Cuyana Basin, Mendoza Province of Argentina.

On 12 January 2011, EP Energy S.A. signed JV Agreement with Chañares Herrados Empresa de Trabajos Petroleros S.A. 

(“Chañares”) pursuant to the joint venture agreement signed between Southstart Limited and Chañares on 2 December 

2010.

On 14 February 2011, EP Energy S.A. has signed a Drilling Service Agreement with SinoPec International Petroleum Service 

Corporation Argentina S.R.L. for providing drilling service at the Mendoza oilfield project in “Puesto Pozo Cercado” Area and 

“Chañares Herrados” Area, Argentina.

As at December 2011, the Group has finished drilling of 10 oil wells in the Chañares Herrados Concession Area, Mendoza 

oilfield project Area, of which 8 wells are in production.

During year 2011, EP Energy S.A. has started and completed drilling of 5 wells in Chañares Herrados Concession Area. As 

at December 2011, 3 oil wells CH-1059, CH-1063 & CH-1068 has commenced production, the fourth oil well CH-1066 

has started test production, the fifth oil well CH-1082 has completed drilling and undergoing completion work. On 11 March 

2011, EP Energy S.A. started drilling of its 1st oil well CH-1059, and finished the completion work and started production on 

July 2011. Drilling of the second oil well CH-1068 started in late April 2011, with completion work finished and production 

started on August 2011. Drilling of the CH-1063 started in late June 2011 and commenced production on Oct 2011. Drilling 

of the CH-1066 started in October 2011, and finished the completion work and started test production on December 2011. 

Drilling work of CH-1082 has finished and completed work has started in December 2011. EP Energy S.A. is entitled to 72% 

interest on these 5 wells production.

During year 2011, 5 oil wells drilled by Have Result Investments Limited continued producing, that the Group entitled 51% 

interest on these 5 wells production.

On 14 July 2011, the Group has been informed by Chañares that the Executive of the Province of Mendoza issued a Decree 

No. 1467 dated 30 June 2011 (“the Decree”) pursuant to which Chañares obtained an extension of 10 years from the date 

of expiry of the original term of the Concessions, the Decree approved an agreement between Chañares and the Mendoza 

Province dated 31 May 2011 (the “Extension Agreement”), whereby the parties agreed on the terms and conditions of the 

aforementioned extension, subject to issuance of the Decree.

The contingent oil resources in certain shallow reservoirs in the Mendoza Oilfield as at 31 December 2011 are as follows,

Contingent Oil Resource (unit: million barrels) *

Category Gross 

Low Estimate (1C) 
Best Estimate (2C) 
High Estimate (3C) 
Total (1C+2C+3C) 

(100%)

84.8
146.9
245.5
477.2

* 

According to the Resource Estimation Review Report issued by Roman Oil and Mining Associate Limited on 28 March 2012 on The Chañares Herrados and Puesto Pozo 
Cercado Oil Project in Mendoza Province, Argentina.

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Management Discussion and Analysis

7

FINANCIAL REVIEW

For the year ended 31 December 2011, the Group’s turnover was HK$619.80 million, a decrease of 33.87% from 

HK$937.26 million for the year ended 31 December 2010. The Company recorded a loss for the year of HK$217.74 

million, against a loss for the year of HK$288.63 million in 2010. The substantial loss for the year was mainly attributable 

to impairment loss on investment cost against the discounted future cashflow for the old wells drilled by Have Result 

Investments Limited of HK$34.02 million.

During year 2011, the Group was focused on the fulfillment of year 2011 investment plan commitment under the New JV 

Agreement with Chañares. Most of our resource and manpower have been allocated for the drilling of 5 new wells by EP 

Energy during year 2011. The Group has noticed the decrease in production in the 5 old wells drilled by Have Result which 

required performing workover work that was planned to perform in year 2012. By applying the existing production prior 

to workover under the prudent approach adopted in accounting, to estimate the discounted future cashflow on oil sales 

until year 2027, an impairment loss in investment cost is required. The Group considered that this impairment loss can be 

reversed after workover work was finished.

OPERATIONS REVIEW

During the year, the Group’s continuing operations comprised petroleum exploration and production, trading of petroleum 

related products and metals sourcing and trading. The Group did not enter into any transactions within the metals sourcing 

and trading segment during the year 2011 as the profit margin was not favorable.

Exploration and Sales of petroleum

During the year, EP Energy S.A. has fulfilled the commitment to complete drilling of 5 wells under the New JV Agreement 

signed with Chañares. As of the date of this announcement, the Group have 10 wells in production,

Oil well 

CH-1052 
CH-1053 
CH-1055 
CH-25bis 
CH-7 bis 
CH-1059 
CH-1068 
CH-1063 
CH-1066 
CH-1082 

Status 

Depth (m) 

Date of production

In production 
In production 
In production 
In production 
In production 
In production 
In production 
In production 
In production 
In production 

3,697 
3,580 
3,600 
4,685 
4,200 
3,600 
3,600 
3,600 
3,600 
3,600 

26 November 2009
8 December 2009
25 March 2010
12 May 2010
14 August 2010
9 July 2011
17 August 2011
28 September 2011
1 January 2012
10 January 2012

The 5 wells commenced production in year 2009 and 2010 continued producing oil in year 2011, albeit with certain 

percentage of decline in production.

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Management Discussion and Analysis

8

During the year, the Group have 8 producing wells together with test production from CH-1066 generate oil sales revenue 

of HK$42.56 million. A significant portion of the oil was sold to YPF Sociedad Anónima, through Chañares, the Concession 

owner, amount to HK$42.16 million, a small part of oil, to a value of approximately HK$0.4 million, was sold to Polipetrol 

S.A., a oil refinery in Mendoza Province.

As of 31 December 2011, the Company has invested HK$533.27 million in the drilling and completion of its oil wells, 

as wells as related infrastructure, in the Mendoza project. This amounts includes: 1) HK$270.41 million in oil well drilling 

and completion which is classified as oil & gas assets and for which depreciation started from the commencement of 

production; 2) HK$85.46 million in oil well drilling which has not yet completed and commenced production, which is 

classified as Construction in Progress, and for which no depreciation is charged until commencement of production; 3) 

HK$177.4 million of oil well drilling exploration cost for exploration purpose to collect data in the Potrerillos Formation that 

is located at a depth of over 4,200 meters, which was expensed in the profit and loss account in year 2010.

During the year 2011, the depreciation of the oil & gas assets was HK$27.72 million.

In line with the rising trend in the international oil price, the local selling price of crude oil in Argentina continued to increase 

during year 2011. The local crude oil price increased from USD52.30 per barrel in December 2010 to USD67.21 per barrel 

in December 2011, representing an increase of USD14.91 per barrel or 28.5%. The crude oil price continued to increase 

during 2012, with the price in February reaching USD68.71 per barrel. The Group expects that the crude oil price will 

continue to increase and that the gap between domestic and international oil prices will narrow.

The 10-year extension granted under Decree No. 1467 as detailed above has extended the hydrocarbon exploitation right 

granted to Chañares by Mendoza Province to year 2027.

1.1  Future operation plan

Overall drilling plan

As noted, the Executive of the Province of Mendoza has granted Chañares a 10 year extension of exploitation right to year 

2027. According to the New JV Agreement, starting as from year 2012, EP Energy S.A. shall drill a minimum of five wells 

per year for five consecutive years and in subsequent years two wells per year until the year in which 7 years remain until the 

expiration of the term of the Concessions. The Group is now finalizing the year 2012 investment plan and will submit it to 

Chañares to seek approval from the Government. To optimize the economic benefit of the Mendoza project and to comply 

with the commitment of the New Agreement, the Board of Director is now finalizing the overall future drilling plan.

Oil well work-over

The Group is now finishing the plan to perform workover works on the 5 wells drilled by Have Result during year 2009 and 

2010, to increase the overall oil production.

1.2  Segment financial results

Sales of petroleum

Turnover 

Segment Loss 

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Management Discussion and Analysis

9

Year ended 31 December

Year 2011 

Year 2010 

% change

HK$’000 

HK$’000

42,554 

(97,561) 

35,695 

(250,676) 

+19.22%

-61.08%

The Group has completed the drilling of 5 oil wells in year 2011 of which 3 wells, CH-1059, CH-1068 and CH-1063 has 

commenced production during year 2011. The forth well CH-1066, has started test production in December 2011, while 

the fifth well has completed drilling, and started completion during December 2011. The 5 wells commenced production in 

year 2009 and 2010, continued producing oil in year 2011. As of December 2011, the Group has 8 producing well plus 1 

well in test production producing oil and generates sale revenue.

The turnover represents sales of oil to our customer YPF Sociedad Anónima of HK$42.16 million and Polipetrol of HK$0.4 

million respectively. The average selling price was USD59.2 per barrel or USD372.3 per m3.

Administrative and Financial expenses of HK$54.37 million mainly include professional and consultancy fees in relation to 

oil drilling service and the UTE agreement, exchange differences, salaries, travel expenses and other tax expenses.

Impairment loss on investment cost against the discounted future cashflow from future oil sales until year 2027 amounting 

to HK$34,023,000. This impairment loss was related to the old wells drilled by Have Result Investments Limited during year 

2009 and 2010.

Trading of petroleum related products

Segment financial results

Turnover 

Segment Profit 

Year ended 31 December

Year 2011 

Year 2010 

% change

HK$’000 

HK$’000

577,246 

1,353 

463,940 

6,191 

+24.42% 

-78.15%

In 2011, the Group purchased 49,632 metric tons of mixed aromatics and 21,511 metric tons of MTBE from overseas 

markets and sold to the customers in China. The sales in 2011 dropped significantly as compared to 2010 because the 

business was difficult in the second half of 2011 and the Group did not conclude any deal during the period.

 
 
 
 
 
 
EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Management Discussion and Analysis

10

FINANCIAL POSITION

As at 31 December 2011, the net asset value of the Group was HK$3,918.94 million (2010: HK$4,052.04 million) and the 

net asset value per share was HK$1.82 (2010: HK$0.22).

LIQUIDITY AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES

In order to meet general working capital requirements and the funding needs of the Mendoza oil project, the Group 

decided to raise additional capital via placement of shares and convertible notes during the year. On 9 May 2011, the 

Company raised net proceeds of approximately HK$63 million via a top-up subscription placement of 1,280,000,000 

shares at HK$0.05 per share. On 19 August 2011, the Company raised net proceeds of approximately HK$60 million via 

the placement of an aggregate amount of HK$62.1 million at zero coupon convertible notes due on the second anniversary 

of the issue date, convertible into shares of the Company at initial conversion price of HK$0.15 per share (subject to 

adjustments). On 14 October 2011, the Company raised net proceeds of approximately HK$13.56 million via a top-up 

subscription placement of 80,000,000 shares at HK$0.182 per share.

On 3 November 2011, the Company entered into a loan agreement with China Development Bank Hong Kong Branch for 

a seven years’ term loan facility of US$40,000,000 (approximately HK$312,000,000) for the purpose of funding the 2011 

investment plan of the Mendoza oil project and refinancing the debts incurred by the Group on the project.

The Company has planned to raise additional funds for Mendoza oil project and new oil investment projects in 2012 via 

placement of shares, issue of convertible bonds and obtaining medium project loans from the banks.

PLEDGE OF ASSETS

At 31 December 2011, the following assets were pledged to secure the Group’s bank borrowings and banking facilities:

(a)  The entire stock capital of EP Energy whose principal asset is the 72% equity interest in the joint venture company 

formed under the New JV Agreement.

(b)  The entire issued share capital of Have Result.

(c)  The entire issued share capital of two wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company which together hold the entire stock 

capital of EP Energy.

At 31 December 2010, pledged bank deposits amounting to HK$26,340,000 (2011: nil) were pledged to secure the 

Group’s bank borrowings and banking facilities.

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Management Discussion and Analysis

11

CAPITAL COMMITMENTS

As at 31 December 2011, the future capital expenditure for which the Group had contracted but not provided for amounted 

to HK$ 210.60 million (2010: HK$46.68 million).

Chu Kwok Chi, Robert

Executive Director and CEO

Hong Kong, 30 March 2012

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Directors and Senior Management Profi le

12

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

Mr. CHU Kwok Chi, Robert, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, aged 61

Mr. Chu has been a Sales Director for the Group since August 2004 and was appointed Executive Director for the Group in 

September 2006 heading the consumer electronics business. Mr. Chu has over 30 years of experience in the international 

trade and the electronics industry. Mr. Chu has been responsible for the marketing, sales, trading and production of various 

private and listed consumer electronics companies in Hong Kong. He was the Managing Director of Eltic Electronics 

Company Limited, a subsidiary of Great Wall Cybertech Limited (former name of EPI (Holdings) Limited), from 1990 to 2000.

Mr. Chu was appointed as the Executive Director of Vision Tech International Holdings Limited (HKSE stock code: 922) on 

3 March 2008. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.

Mr. HONG Kin Choy, Bryan, Executive Director, Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary, aged 47

Mr. Hong joined the Group in October 2005. Mr. Hong oversees the Group’s financials and carries out the role of Company 

Secretary. He is a practising certified public accountant in Hong Kong and a Fellow Member of both the Association of 

Chartered Certified Accountants and the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Mr. Hong has over 20 years 

of experience in the fields of audit, accountancy, business advisory services and corporate finance. Mr. Hong received 

a Professional Diploma in Accountancy from Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 1987, and subsequently worked for 

international accounting firm Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu for 5 years, where he had extensive experience in accountancy, 

auditing and taxation.

Mr. Hong has wide experience in the commercial sector and has held Financial Controller and General Manager Positions 

for more than 10 years. Prior to joining the Group, Mr. Hong runs a CPA firm in his own name.

INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

Mr. CHEUNG, Yuk Ming, aged 59

Mr. Cheung joined the Group in June 2011. He is a member of the Hong Kong Institute of Bankers, a member of the 

Institute of Internal Auditors of the United States, a member of the Alliance of Acquisition and Merger Advisors (Chicago, 

the United States), a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (U.K.), an associate of The Institute of Chartered 

Accountants in England and Wales and a member of the Hong Kong Securities Institute.

Mr. Cheung obtained a Master’s degree in business administration from the University of East Asia, Macau in 1987. Mr. 

Cheung has undertaken a one-year course of “Advanced Research Class on the Development and Investment Strategies 

of the Mineral Industry in China” in China University of Geosciences and an engineering management course in The Institute 

of Civil Engineering Surveyors. Prior to June 2009, Mr. Cheung had served as assistant auditor and senior accountant at 

PricewaterhouseCoopers, and was a partner of Lau, Cheung, Fung & Chan. He has been an executive director of Lawrence 

CPA Limited since January 2005 and an independent non-executive director of Metallurgical Corporation of China Limited 

(HKSE stock code: 1618) since June 2009 and an independent non-executive director of Travelsky Technology Limited 

(HKSE stock code: 696) since March 2010.

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Directors and Senior Management Profi le

13

Mr. QIAN, Zhi Hui, aged 49

Mr. Qian joined the Group in September 2008. He joined China National Native Produce & Animal By-Products Import & 

Export Corporation, Guangdong Province, as chief legal advisor in 1988. He joined Guangzhou King Pound Law Firm as 

lawyer in 1993 and is currently a partner of Guangdong Justwin Law Firm. From 2006 to 2008, he was the Independent 

Non-Executive Director of New Times Group Holdings Limited (HKSE stock code: 166). He has a Master degree in 

Procedural Law from Southwest University of Political Science and Law.

Mr. Zhu Tiansheng, aged 66

Mr. Zhu joined the Group in November 2009. He has over 39 years extensive experience in project management, 

operations, design and construction process of oil and natural gas transmission pipeline, exploration, production and 

transporting heavy oil, recycling of light hydrocarbon, design and construction of natural gas treatment plants in numerous 

oil field projects in China.

Mr. Zhu has been employed by China National Offshore Oil Corporation (“CNOOC”) since 1986. Since 2005, he is the 

Senior Consultant and the Chief Project Officer for China Offshore Oil & Gas Development & Utilization Company of 

CNOOC, participating in the construction of asphalt plant. From 2004 to 2005, he was the Deputy Director of Coordination 

Office of CNOOC and Mr. Fu Chengyu, was the director and currently the General Manager of CNOOC.

From 2001 to 2004, Mr Zhu was the General Manager of China Ocean Oilfields Services (Hong Kong) Limited.

During the period of 1997 to 2001, Mr. Zhu was the General Manager of the Construction Department of CNOOC. The 

Construction Department is responsible for the organization and investigation of concept design and plans of development, 

an immediate and final investigation of the basic design. The detailed designs, constructions and installations are managed 

by the Project Units, which are organized by the Construction Department. The Construction Department also organizes 

and cooperates with foreign companies for the development and construction of oil and gas fields.

From 1992 to 1997, Mr. Zhu was the Deputy Manager of Development and Production Department of CNOOC and he was 

responsible for construction development. During the period of 1986 to 1992, he was offered the position of Chief of Project 

Management Office of Construction Department of CNOOC.

In 1986, Mr. Zhu was transferred to CNOOC from Liaohe Oil Field, China where he had worked there for over 11 years in 

the 70s and his last position was the Chief of Oil and Gas Management Office of Liaohe Oil Field.

Mr. Zhu was graduated at the Beijing Petroleum Institute and was majoring in oil and gas storage and transportation 

engineering since 1969. During his work tenor, Mr. Zhu was trained in Japan for 3 months in recycling of light hydrocarbon 

and studied project management in EGT in United Kingdom during 1994.

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Directors and Senior Management Profi le

14

SENIOR MANAGEMENT PROFILE

Mr. PAK, Ka Kei, Financial Controller, aged 41

Mr. Pak joined the Group in November 2009. Mr. Pak oversees the Group’s financials and focus on the oil project. Mr. Pak 

has over 15 years experience in the fields of audit, internal control, accountancy, taxation and treasury. Prior to joining the 

Group, Mr. Pak has been working in TCL Multimedia Technology Holdings Limited over 10 years on the finance sections 

in Hong Kong, Emerging Markets and Europe and he has held the Deputy Internal Control Director and Deputy Financial 

Controller for Emerging Markets and Europe.

Mr. Pak graduated from City University of Hong Kong with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting in year 1994 and has 

been worked for Ernst & Young for 5 years.

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Corporate Governance Report

15

The Board hereby presents this Corporate Governance Report in the Company’s annual report for the year ended 31 

December 2011.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRACTICES

The Board recognizes the importance of incorporating elements of good corporate governance into the management 

structure and the internal control procedures of the Group so as to ensure that all business activities of the Group and the 

decision making process are properly regulated. During the year under review, the Company has applied the principles and 

has complied with the code provisions set out in the Code on Corporate Governance Practices (the “CG Code”) in Appendix 

14 of the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the “Listing Rules”) with 

deviations from the code provision A.2.2, A.2.3 and A.4.1 of the CG Code as summarized below.

The code provision A.2.2 of the CG Code stipulates that the chairman should ensure that all directors are properly briefed 

on issues arising at board meetings and the code provision A.2.3 of the CG Code stipulates that the chairman should 

be responsible for ensuring that directors receive adequate information, which must be complete and reliable, in a timely 

manner. Since the resignation of Mr. Wong Chi Wing Joseph on 20 December 2011, the office of the chairman of the 

Company is still vacant. The Company recognizes the importance of the duties of the chairman and will identify a high 

caliber executive to take up the role as soon as possible.

The code provision A.4.1 of the CG Code stipulates that Non-executive Directors should be appointed for a specific term, 

subject to re-election. Currently the Non-executive Directors are not appointed for a specific term. However, all Non-

executive Directors are subject to retirement and can offer themselves for re-election in accordance with the Company’s 

Bye-laws.

MODEL CODE FOR SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS BY DIRECTORS

The Company has adopted a code of conduct rules (the “Model Code”) regarding securities transactions by Directors on 

terms no less exacting than the required standard set out in the Model Code for Securities Transactions by Directors of 

Listed Issuers in Appendix 10 of the Listing Rules. Having made specific enquiry of all Directors, the Company confirms that 

all Directors have complied with the Model Code throughout the year.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The overall management of the Group’s business is vested in the Board.

The Board is responsible for the promotion of the success of the Company by directing and guiding its affairs in an 

accountable and effective manner. Board members have a duty to act in good faith, with due diligence and care, and in the 

best interests of the Company and its shareholders.

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Corporate Governance Report

16

The types of decisions that are to be taken by the Board include:

1. 

Setting the Company’s mission and values

2. 

Formulating strategic directions of the Company

3.  Reviewing and guiding corporate strategy; setting performance objectives and monitoring implementation and 

corporate performance

4.  Monitoring and managing potential conflicts of interest of management and Board members; and

5. 

Ensuring the integrity of the Company’s accounting and financial reporting systems, including the independent audit, 

and that appropriate systems of control are in place, in particular, systems for monitoring risk, financial control, and 

compliance with the law.

The Board gives clear directions as to the powers delegated to the management for the management and administration 

functions of the Group, in particular, with respect to the circumstances where management should report back and obtain 

prior approval from the Board before making decisions or entering into any commitments on behalf of the Group. The Board 

will review these arrangements on a periodic basis to ensure that they remain appropriate to the needs of the Group.

For the year ended 31 December 2011, the Board:–

1. 

reviewed and approved the annual results of the Group for the year ended 31 December 2010 and the interim results 

of the Group for the period ended 30 June 2011.

2. 

reviewed and approved the general mandates to issue and repurchase shares of the Company

3. 

reviewed the internal controls of the Group

4. 

reviewed the performance of the Group and formulated the business strategy of the Group.

5. 

reviewed and approved the top-up subscription placement of 1,280,000,000 shares in the Company at HK$0.05 per 

share

6. 

reviewed and approved the issuance of HK$62.1 million zero coupon convertible notes due on the second anniversary 

of the issue date, convertible into shares of the Company at initial conversion price of HK$0.15 per share (subject to 

adjustments)

7. 

reviewed and approved the top-up subscription placement of 80,000,000 shares in the Company at HK$0.182 per 

share

8. 

reviewed and implemented the share consolidation involving the consolidation of every ten existing shares of HK$0.01 

each into one new share of HK$0.1 and changed the board lot size from 20,000 existing shares to 10,000 new shares 

per board lot.

9. 

reviewed and approved the price-sensitive transactions

Regular Board meetings are scheduled in advance to give all Directors an opportunity to attend. All Directors are kept 

informed on a timely basis of major changes that may affect the Group’s businesses, including relevant rules and 

regulations. Directors shall have full access to information on the Group and are able to obtain independent professional 

advice whenever deemed necessary by the Directors. No request was made by any Director for such independent 

professional advice in 2011. The Company Secretary shall prepare minutes and keep records of matters discussed and 

decisions resolved at all Board meetings, which will be available for inspection by Directors upon request.

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Corporate Governance Report

17

BOARD COMPOSITION

The Board currently comprises two Executive Directors and three independent Non-executive Directors, whose 

biographical details are set out in the section headed “Directors and Senior Management Profile” on page 12. Following the 

resignation of Mr. Poon Kwok Shin Edmond on 11 March 2011, the Company has only two Independent Non-executive 

Directors, the number of which falls below the minimum number required under Rule 3.10(1) and deviates from the 

requirement of at least one of the Independent Non-executive Directors must have appropriate professional qualifications or 

accounting or related financial management expertise under Rule 3.10(2) of the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on 

The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the “Listing Rules”). Mr. Cheung Yuk Ming, who is a certified public accountant, 

has been appointed as the Independent Non-executive Director on 10 June 2011 to fulfill the requirements under Rule 3.10 

of the Listing Rules.

The composition of the Board is well balanced with each Director having sound knowledge, experience and/or expertise 

relevant to the business operation and development of the Group. The Company has also adopted the recommended best 

practice under the CG Code for having at least one-third of its Board members being independent non-executive directors.

All Directors are aware of their collective and individual responsibilities to the Shareholders and have exercised their duties 

with care, skill and diligence, contributing to the successful performance of the Group.

BOARD MEETING RECORDS

There were four meetings held for the year ended 31 December 2011. The following is an attendance record of the Board 

Meetings held by the Board during the year:

Name of Directors 

Mr. Wong Chi Wing Joseph  

(resigned on 20 December 2011) 

Mr. Chu Kwok Chi Robert 

Mr. Cheung Yuk Ming  

(appointed on 10 June 2011) 

Mr. Hong Kin Choy  

(appointed on 1 May 2011) 

Mr. Leung Hon Chuen  

(resigned on 17 March 2011) 

Mr. Poon Kwok Shin Edmond  

(resigned on 11 March 2011) 

Mr. Qian Zhi Hui 

Mr. Zhu Tiansheng 

Mr. Zhou Jacky  

(resigned on 16 February 2011) 

Number of Board meetings

attended in 2011

4/4

4/4

2/4

2/4

1/4

1/4

2/4

2/4

1/4

 
 
 
 
EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Corporate Governance Report

18

CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

The Chairman’s responsibility is to provide leadership to the Board and formulate the Group’s business strategies. The 

Chief Executive Officer is responsible for the day to day operation of the Company and implementation of the development 

strategy adopted by the Board. Mr. Wong Chi Wing Joseph is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company 

prior to his resignation on 20 December 2011, which had deviated from the code provision A.2.1 of the CG Code that the 

roles of chairman and chief executive officer should be separate and should not be performed by the same individual. Mr. 

Chu Kwok Chi Robert filled the vacancy of Chief Executive Officer on 9 January 2012 after the resignation of Mr. Wong Chi 

Wing Joseph.

Since the resignation of Mr. Wong Chi Wing Joseph on 20 December 2011, the office of the Chairman of the Company is 

still vacant. The Company recognizes the importance of the duties of the Chairman and will identify a high caliber executive 

to take up the role as soon as possible.

INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

Independent non-executive Directors serve the relevant function of bringing independent judgment on the development, 

performance and risk management of the Group. The Group’s Independent non-executive Directors have been appointed 

to hold office until the next Annual General Meeting and shall retire and offer themselves for re-election according to the 

Company’s Bye-laws.

All Independent Non-executive Directors are financially independent from the Company and any of its subsidiaries.

Each of the Independent Non-executive Directors has given a written confirmation to the Company confirming that he has 

met the criteria set out in Rule 3.13 of the Listing Rules regarding the guidelines for the assessment of the independence of 

directors.

BOARD COMMITTEES

The Board has also established the following committees with defined terms of reference:–

1. 

Audit Committee

2.  Remuneration Committee

3.  Nomination Committee

Each Board Committee makes decisions on matters within its term of reference and applicable limit of authority. The terms 

of reference as well as the structure and membership of each committee will be reviewed from time to time.

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Corporate Governance Report

19

1)  Audit Committee

a)  Composition of Audit Committee members

Mr. Poon Kwok Shin Edmond (Chairman) 

(resigned on 11 March 2011)

Mr. Cheung Yuk Ming (Chairman) 

(appointed on 10 June 2011)

Mr. Leung Hon Chuen 

(resigned on 17 March 2011)

Mr. Qian Zhi Hui

Mr. Zhu Tiansheng 

b)  Role and function

(appointed on 1 April 2011)

The Audit Committee is mainly responsible for:

i. 

reviewing the financial statements and reports and considering any significant or unusual items raised by 

the qualified accountant or external auditors before submission to the Board.

ii. 

reviewing the relationship with the external auditors by reference to the work performed by the auditors, 

their fees and terms of engagement, and making recommendations to the Board on the appointment, re-

appointment and removal of external auditors.

iii. 

reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of the Company’s financial reporting system, internal control 

and risk management system and associated procedures.

c)  Meeting records

Two meetings were held for the year ended 31 December 2011 and the attendance of each committee member 

is set out as follows:

Name of Committee Members 

Mr. Poon Kwok Shin Edmond (Chairman) 

(resigned on 11 March 2011) 

Mr. Leung Hon Chuen 

(resigned on 17 March 2011) 

Mr. Cheung Yuk Ming (Chairman) 

(appointed on 10 June 2011) 

Mr. Qian Zhi Hui 

Mr. Zhu Tiansheng 

(appointed on 1 April 2011) 

During the meeting, the Audit Committee discussed the following matters:–

i. 

Financial Reporting

Number of Committee

meetings attended in 2011

1/2

1/2

1/2

2/2

1/2

The Audit Committee reviewed with the Chief Executive Officer, the Company Secretary and the Financial 

Controller of the Company the Final Results for the year ended 31 December 2010 and the Interim Results 

for the period ended 30 June 2011.

 
 
 
 
EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Corporate Governance Report

20

ii. 

External Auditors

The Audit Committee reviewed the audit fee for the year ended 31 December 2010 and recommended it 

to the Board.

The Audit Committee reviewed the Audit Committee Report prepared by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu for the 

year ended 31 December 2010.

2)  Remuneration Committee

a)  Composition of Remuneration Committee members

Mr. Leung Hon Chuen (Chairman) 

(resigned on 17 March 2011)

Mr. Chu Kwok Chi Robert (Chairman) 

(appointed on 1 April 2011)

Mr. Poon Kwok Shin Edmond 

(resigned on 11 March 2011)

Mr. Qian Zhi Hui

Mr. Zhu Tiansheng 

b)  Role and function

(appointed on 1 April 2011)

The Remuneration Committee is mainly responsible for:

i. 

reviewing any significant changes in human resources policies and structure made in line with prevailing 

trends and business developments.

ii.  making recommendations to the Board on the Company’s policy and the structure of all remuneration of 

Directors and senior management as well as on the establishment of formal and transparent procedures 

for developing policy on such remuneration;

iii. 

reviewing and approve the compensation payable to executive Directors and senior management in 

connection with any loss or termination of their office or appointment to ensure that such compensation 

is determined in accordance with relevant contractual terms and that such compensation is otherwise fair 

and not excessive for the Company; and

iv. 

ensuring that no Director or any of his associates is involved in deciding his or her own remuneration.

c)  Meeting Records

One meeting was held for the year ended 31 December 2011 and the attendance of each committee member 

is set out as follows:

Name of Committee Members 

Number of Committee

meetings attended in 2011

Mr. Leung Hon Chuen (Chairman) 

(resigned on 17 March 2011) 

Mr. Chu Kwok Chi Robert (Chairman) 

(appointed on 1 April 2011) 

Mr. Poon Kwok Shin Edmond 

(resigned on 11 March 2011) 

Mr. Qian Zhi Hui 

Mr. Zhu Tiansheng 

(appointed on 1 April 2011) 

0/1

1/1

0/1

1/1

1/1

 
 
 
 
EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Corporate Governance Report

21

During the year under review, the Remuneration Committee reviewed the policies for the remuneration of 

Directors and senior management of the Group, the staff costs and headcount of the Group. The Remuneration 

Committee also reviewed the remuneration package of the Directors and the senior management to ensure they 

are in line with the market.

3)  Nomination Committee

a)  Composition of Nomination Committee members

Mr. Wong Chi Wing Joseph (Chairman) 

(resigned on 20 December 2011)

Mr. Chu Kwok Chi Robert (Chairman) 

(appointed on 20 December 2011)

Mr. Leung Hon Chuen 

(resigned on 17 March 2011)

Mr. Poon Kwok Shin Edmond 

(resigned on 11 March 2011)

Mr. Qian Zhi Hui 

Mr. Zhu Tiansheng 

b)  Role and function

(appointed on 1 April 2011)

(appointed on 1 April 2011)

The Nomination Committee is mainly responsible for:

i. 

reviewing the structure, size and composition (including the skills, knowledge and experience) of the Board 

on a regular basis and making recommendations to the Board regarding any proposed changes;

ii. 

identifying individuals suitably qualified to become Board members and selecting or making 

recommendations to the Board on the selection of individuals nominated for Directorships;

iii. 

assessing the independence of Independent Non-executive Directors; and

iv.  making recommendations to the Board on relevant matters relating to the appointment or re-appointment 

of Directors and succession planning for Directors, in particular the Chairman and the Chief Executive 

Officer.

c)  Meeting Records

One meeting was held for the year ended 31 December 2011 and the attendance of each committee member 

is set out as follows:

Name of Committee Members 

Number of Committee

meetings attended in 2011

Mr. Wong Chi Wing Joseph (Chairman) 

(resigned on 20 December 2011) 

Mr. Chu Kwok Chi Robert (Chairman) 

(appointed on 20 December 2011) 

Mr. Leung Hon Chuen 

(resigned on 17 March 2011) 

Mr. Poon Kwok Shin Edmond 

(resigned on 11 March 2011) 

Mr. Qian Zhi Hui 

Mr. Zhu Tiansheng 

(appointed on 1 April 2011) 

(appointed on 1 April 2011) 

1/1

0/1

0/1

0/1

1/1

1/1

 
 
 
EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Corporate Governance Report

22

During the meeting, the Nomination Committee discussed for the need of segregating the duties of Chairman 

and the Chief Executive Officer and unanimously agreed to identify a high caliber executive to take up either 

one of the roles. Suitable candidate has not yet been identified but the Nomination Committee members would 

continue to look for the right person for the posts and recommend to the Board.

ACCOUNTABILITY AND AUDIT

The Directors are responsible for preparing the accounts of each financial period, which give a true and fair view of the 

state of affairs of the Group and of the results and cash flow for that period. The Directors also ensure that the financial 

statements of the Group are prepared in accordance with the statutory requirements and applicable accounting policies.

In preparing the financial statements, the Directors consider that the financial statements of the Group are prepared on a 

going concern basis and appropriate accounting policies have been consistently applied. The Directors have also made 

judgments and estimates that are prudent and reasonable in the preparation of the financial statements.

The statement of the auditors of the Company about their reporting responsibilities on the financial statements is set out in 

the Independent Auditors’ Report on page 33-34.

INTERNAL CONTROL AND RISK MANAGEMENT

The Board is responsible for the Group’s system of internal control so as to maintain sound and effective controls to 

safeguard the shareholders’ investment and the assets of the Group.

The Board has established an on-going process for identifying, evaluating and managing the significant risks faced by the 

Group. This process includes continuous updating of the internal control system of the Group in response to the changing 

business environment and regulatory requirements. The Board is also conducting a review of the internal controls of the 

Group to ensure that the policies and procedures in place are adequate.

EXTERNAL AUDITORS

The Board acknowledges its responsibility for preparing the financial statements of the Group. In preparing the financial 

statements, the Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards issued by the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public 

Accountants have been adopted. The principal accounting policies adopted for the preparation of financial statements of 

the Group, which have been consistently applied to all the years, are set out in note 4 to the financial statements.

It is the auditors’ responsibility to form an independent opinion, based on their audit, on those financial statements and to 

report their opinion solely to the Company, as a body, in accordance with section 141 of the Companies Ordinance, and 

for no other purpose. They do not assume responsibility towards or accept liability to any other person for the contents of 

the auditors’ report.

During the year under review, the remuneration paid to the Company’s external auditors, Messrs Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu 

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Corporate Governance Report

23

was as follows:

Nature of services 

Audit services 

Fee paid/payable

HK$’000

3,050

COMMUNICATION WITH SHAREHOLDERS

The Company uses various communication methods to ensure its Shareholders are kept well informed of key business 

imperatives. These include general meetings, annual report, various notices, announcements and circulars. The poll voting 

procedures and the rights of Shareholders to demand a poll were included in all circulars accompanying notices convening 

general meeting and the detailed procedures for conducting a poll had been read out by the Company Secretary at general 

meetings.

The annual general meeting provides a useful forum for Shareholders to exchange views with the Board. The Chairman, 

Directors, Board Committees” Chairman/Members and external auditor are available to answer questions at the meeting.

To ensure all Shareholders timely access to important corporate information, the Company utilizes its corporate website to 

disseminate to the Shareholder information such as announcements, circulars, annual and interim reports.

 
EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Report of the Directors

24

The directors have pleasure in presenting their annual report and the audited consolidated financial statements for the year 

ended 31 December 2011.

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES AND SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company is an investment holding company. Its subsidiaries are principally engaged in the sourcing and trading of non-

ferrous metals, and petroleum exploration and production. Particulars of the Company’s principal subsidiaries are set out 

in note 45 to the consolidated financial statements. An analysis of the Group’s performance for the year by operating and 

reportable segments is set out in note 6 to the consolidated financial statements.

RESULTS AND DIVIDENDS

The results of the Group for the year ended 31 December 2011 (the “Year”) are set out in the consolidated statement of 

comprehensive income on page 35.

The Board does not recommend the payment of a final dividend in respect of the year ended 31 December 2011.

FIVE-YEAR FINANCIAL SUMMARY

A summary of the consolidated results and the assets and liabilities of the Group for the last five financial years is set out on 

page 107.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Details of the movements during the year in the property, plant and equipment are set out in note 19 to the consolidated 

financial statements.

SHARE CAPITAL

Details of movement during the year in the share capital of the Company are set out in note 32 to the consolidated financial 

statements.

PURCHASE, SALES AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES

Neither the Company nor its subsidiaries had purchased, redeemed or sold any of the Company’s listed securities during 

the year ended 31 December 2011.

RESERVES

Movements in reserves of the Group during the year are set out in consolidated statement of changes in equity on page 37.

DIRECTORS

The Directors of the Company during the year and up to the date of this report were:

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Report of the Directors

25

Executive Directors:

Mr. Chu Kwok Chi Robert

Mr. Hong Kin Choy (appointed on 1 May 2011)

Mr. Wong Chi Wing Joseph (resigned on 20 December 2011)

Mr. Zhou Jacky (resigned on 16 February 2011)

Non-executive Directors:

Mr. Leung Hon Chuen (resigned on 17 March 2011)

Independent Non-executive Directors:

Mr. Cheung Yuk Ming (appointed on 10 June 2011)

Mr. Poon Kwok Shin Edmond (resigned on 11 March 2011)

Mr. Qian Zhi Hui

Mr. Zhu Tiansheng

Biographical details of Directors of the Company are set out on page 12 under the section titled “Directors and Senior 

Management Profile”.

In accordance with Article 99(A) of the Company’s bye-laws, all Directors, except the Managing Director, shall retire and, 

being eligible, offer themselves for re-election at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting of the Company in accordance 

with the Company’s bye-laws.

The Company has received from each of the Independent Non-Executive Directors an annual confirmation of his 

independence pursuant to Rule 3.13 of the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong 

Limited (the “Listing Rules”) and the Company considers such Directors to be independent.

DIRECTORS’ SERVICE CONTRACTS

None of the Directors has a service contract with the Company or any of its subsidiaries which is not determinable by the 

Group within one year without payment of compensation, other than statutory compensation.

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Report of the Directors

26

DIRECTORS’ INTEREST IN CONTRACTS OF SIGNIFICANCE

No contract of significance, to which the Company, or any of its subsidiaries, its holding company, or any subsidiaries of its 

holding company was a party and in which a Director of the Company had a material interest, whether directly or indirectly, 

subsisted at the end of the year or at any time during the year.

MANAGEMENT CONTRACTS

No contract concerning the management and administration of the whole or any substantial part of the business of the 

Company and the Group was entered into or existed during the year.

COMPETING INTEREST

None of the Director or their respective associates (as defined in the Listing Rules) had an interest in a business, which 

competes or may compete with the business of the Group.

DIRECTORS’ AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S INTERESTS AND SHORT POSITIONS IN SHARES, 
UNDERLYING SHARES AND DEBENTURES

As at 31 December 2011, the interests and short positions of the Directors and chief executives of the Company in the 

shares, underlying shares and debentures of the Company or any of its associated corporations (within the meaning of 

Part XV of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (“SFO”)) which were required to be notified to the Company and the Stock 

Exchange pursuant to Divisions 7 and 8 of Part XV of the SFO (including interests and short positions which were taken or 

deemed to have under such provisions of the SFO) or were required, pursuant to section 352 of the SFO, to be entered 

in the register referred to therein, or were required pursuant to the Model Code for Securities Transactions by Directors of 

Listed Issuers of the Listing Rules to be notified to the Company and the Stock Exchange were as follows:

LONG POSITIONS IN THE SHARES AND UNDELYING SHARES OF THE COMPANY

Nature of 

Number of shares/ 

Percentage of issued

Director 

interest 

underlying shares held 

Chu Kwok Chi Robert 

Zhu Tiansheng 

Note:

Personal 

Personal 

33,852,938 

270,000 

share capital

(note 1)

1.57%

0.01%

1. 

The calculation of percentages is based on 2,150,877,588 Shares of the Company in issue as at 31 December 2011.

Save as disclosed above, as at 31 December 2011, no Directors or Chief Executive have any interests or short position in 

the shares, underlying shares and debentures of the Company or any of its associated corporations (within the meaning of 

Part XV of the SFO) which would have to be notified to the Company and the Stock Exchange pursuant to Divisions 7 and 8 

of Part XV of the SFO (including interests or short positions which were taken or deemed to be have under such provisions) 

or which were required, pursuant to Section 352 of the SFO, to be entered in the register referred to therein or which were 

required in the Listing Rules pursuant to the Model Code for Securities Transactions by Directors of Listed Companies to 

be notified to the Company and the Stock Exchange.

 
 
 
 
EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Report of the Directors

27

SUBSTANTIAL SHAREHOLDERS

As at 31 December 2011, according to the register of interests maintained by the Company pursuant to section 336 of 

the Securities and Futures Ordinance (“SFO”) and so far as is known to, or can be ascertained after reasonable enquiry by 

the Directors or chief executive of the Company, the following persons, other than the Directors and the chief executive of 

the Company, who had an interest or a short position in the shares or underlying shares of the Company which would fall 

to be disclosed to the Company under the provisions of Divisions 2 and 3 of Part XV of the SFO, or who were, directly or 

indirectly, deemed to be interested in 5% or more of the nominal value of any class of share capital carrying rights to vote in 

all circumstances at general meetings of any other member of the Group and the amount of each of such person’s interests 

in such securities, together with particulars of any options in respect of such capital were as follows:

LONG/SHORT POSITIONS IN THE SHARES AND UNDELYING SHARES OF THE COMPANY

Name of 

Shareholders 

Long/short 

position 

Capacity/ 

nature of 

interest 

Number of 

Percentage

shares/ 

of issued

underlying 

shares held 

share 

capital

(note 3)

Long 

Beneficial owner 

7,466,856 

0.35%

City Smart 

International 

Investment Limited

(note 1)

City Wise 

Long 

Beneficial owner 

398,232,975 

18.51%

Investment Limited

(note 1)

South America 

Long 

  Petroleum Investment 

  Holdings Limited 

(note 1)

Interest of a 

  controlled

  corporation

398,232,975 

18.51%

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Report of the Directors

28

Name of 

Shareholders 

Long/short 

position 

Mr. Wu 

  Shaozhang 

(note 1) 

Rich Concept 

  Worldwide

  Limited 

(note 2)

Mr. Wong Chi 

  Wing Joseph 

(note 2) 

Long 

Long 

Short 

Long 

Long 

Short 

Number of 

Percentage

shares/ 

of issued

underlying 

shares held 

share 

capital

(note 3)

405,699,831 

18.86%

Capacity/ 

nature of 

interest 

Interest of a 

  controlled

  corporation

Beneficial owner 

125,810,827 

Beneficial owner 

90,000,000 

Beneficial owner 

5,896,600 

125,810,827 

5.85%

4.18%

0.27%

5.85%

90,000,000 

4.18%

Interest of a 

  controlled

  corporation

Interest of a 

  controlled

  corporation

Notes:

1. 

2. 

3. 

So far is known to the Directors, City Smart International Investment Limited, South America Petroleum Investment Holdings Limited and City Wise Investment Limited are 
beneficially wholly-owned by Mr. Wu Shaozhang.

So far is known to the Directors, Rich Concept Worldwide Limited is wholly-owned by Mr. Wong Chi Wing Joseph.

The calculation of percentages is based on 2,150,877,588 Shares of the Company in issue as at 31 December 2011.

Saved as disclosed above, as at 31 December 2011, so far as is known to, or can be ascertained after reasonable enquiry 

by the Directors or chief executive of the Company, no persons had interests or short positions in the shares or underlying 

shares of the Company which would fall to be disclosed to the Company under the provisions of Divisions 2 and 3 of Part 

XV of the SFO, or who are, directly or indirectly, deemed to be interested in 5% or more of the nominal value of any class of 

share capital carrying rights to vote in all circumstances at general meetings of any member of the Group or has any options 

in respect of such capital.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Report of the Directors

29

EMOLUMENT POLICY

The emolument of the employees of the Group is set up by the human resources department and seeks to provide 

remuneration packages on the basis of the merit, qualifications and competence of the employees. The emoluments of 

the Directors and senior management of the Company will be reviewed by the Remuneration Committee, having regard to 

factors including the Group’s operating results, responsibilities of the Directors and senior management and comparable 

market statistics.

RETIREMENT BENEFITS SCHEME

Particulars of the retirement benefits schemes of the Group are set out in note 40 to the consolidated financial statements.

SHARE OPTION SCHEME

The Company’s share option scheme (the “Scheme”) was adopted for a period of 10 years commencing 6 November 2006 

pursuant to an Ordinary Resolution passed at the Special General Meeting of the Shareholders held on 6 November 2006 

for the purpose of providing incentives or rewards to selected employees and directors for their contribution to the Group.

Under the Scheme, the Company may grant options to selected employees and directors of the Company and its 

subsidiaries, to subscribe for shares in the Company. Additionally, the Company may, from time to time, grant share options 

to eligible vendors, customers, advisors and consultants to the Company and its subsidiaries at the discretion of the Board 

of Directors.

The total number of shares in respect of which options may be granted under the Scheme is not permitted to exceed 

10% of the shares of the Company in issue at any point of time, without prior approval from the Company’s shareholders. 

The number of shares issued and to be issued in respect of which options granted and may be granted to any individual 

in any one year is not permitted to exceed 1% of the shares of the Company in issue at any point in time, without prior 

approval from the Company’s shareholders. Options granted to substantial shareholders, Independent non-executive 

directors, or any of their respective associates (including a discretionary trust whose discretionary objects include a 

substantial shareholders, Independent non-executive directors, or any of their respective associates) in excess of 0.1% 

of the Company’s share capital or with a value in excess of HK$5,000,000 must be also approved by the Company’s 

shareholders.

The exercise price of the share options is determinable by the directors, but may not be less than the higher of (i) the Stock 

Exchange closing price of the Company’s shares on the date of the offer of the share options which must be a business 

day; (ii) the average Stock Exchange closing price of the Company’s shares for the five trading days immediately preceding 

the date of the offer; and (iii) the nominal value of the Company’s shares.

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Report of the Directors

30

As at 31 December 2011, options to subscribe for an aggregate of 152,379,999 shares of the Company granted to the 

Directors, certain employees and suppliers pursuant to the Scheme remained outstanding, details of which were as follows:

Name and 
category of 
participant 

Executive Director
Mr. Zhou 
Jacky  
(resigned 
on 16  
February 
2011) 

Exercisable 
period   
(both dates  
inclusive) 

Date of  
grant 

2010 

19 March  
2010 

19 March  
2010 –  
9 February 
2013
19 March   10 November  
2010 – 
9 February 
2013
10 August  
2011 – 
9 February 
2013

19 March  
2010 

Independent Non-executive Director
19 March  
Mr. Zhu 
2010 
Tiansheng 

2010 

19 March  
2010 – 
9 February 
2013
19 March   10 November  
2010 – 
9 February 
2013
10 August  
2011 –
9 February 
2013

19 March  
2010 

Employees 

15 August  
2007 

15 August  
2007 

15 August  
2007 

10 February  
2010 

15 August  
2008 – 
15 August 
2011
15 August  
2009 –
15 August 
2011
15 August  
2010 – 
15 August 
2011
10 February  
2010 –
9 February 
2013
10 February   10 November  
2010 – 
9 February 
2013
10 August  
2011 – 
9 February 
2013
1 January  
2011 – 
31 December 
2012
1 January  
2012 – 
31 December 
2012

10 February  
2010 

2010 

10 November  
2010 

10 November  
2010 

  Outstanding 
at 
1.1.2011 

Exercise 
price 
HK$

1.610* 

5,000,000 

1.610* 

5,000,000 

1.610* 

5,000,000 

1.610* 

900,000 

1.610* 

900,000 

1.610* 

900,000 

6.420* 

1,000,000 

6.420* 

1,000,000 

6.420* 

1,000,000 

1.564* 

23,099,996 

1.564* 

23,099,996 

1.564* 

23,100,008 

0.0816**  340,000,000 

0.0816**  340,000,000 

Granted 
during 
the year 

Lapsed 
during 
the year 

Cancelled 
during 
the year 

Adjustment  Outstanding
at
31.12.2011

on 
23.6.2011 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(5,000,000) 

– 

(5,000,000) 

– 

(5,000,000) 

– 

– 

– 

–

–

–

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(810,000) 

90,000

(810,000) 

90,000

(810,000) 

90,000

(100,000) 

(900,000) 

(100,000) 

(900,000) 

(100,000) 

(900,000) 

–

–

–

– 

(2,133,331) 

(18,869,998) 

2,096,667

– 

(2,133,331) 

(18,869,998) 

2,096,667

– 

(2,133,338) 

(18,870,003) 

2,096,667

– 

(340,000,000) 

– 

(340,000,000) 

– 

– 

–

–

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Name and 
category of 
participant 

Other 
participants 

Exercisable 
period   
(both dates  
inclusive) 

Date of  
grant 

2010 

10 February  
2010 

10 February  
2010 

10 February  
2010 – 
9 February 
2013
10 February   10 November  
2010 – 
9 February 
2013
10 August  
2011 – 
9 February 
2013
1 January  
2011 – 
31 December 
2012
1 January  
2012 – 
31 December 
2012
11 October  
2011 – 
10 October 
2013

11 October  
2011 

10 November  
2010 

10 November  
2010 

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Report of the Directors

31

  Outstanding 
at 
1.1.2011 

Exercise 
price 
HK$

1.564* 

19,399,999 

1.564* 

19,399,999 

1.564* 

19,400,002 

0.0816**  135,000,000 

0.0816**  135,000,000 

Granted 
during 
the year 

Lapsed 
during 
the year 

Cancelled 
during 
the year 

Adjustment  Outstanding
at
31.12.2011

on 
23.6.2011 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(17,460,000) 

1,939,999

– 

(17,460,000) 

1,939,999

– 

(17,460,002) 

1,940,000

– 

(135,000,000) 

– 

(135,000,000) 

– 

– 

–

–

0.141*** 

– 

140,000,000 

– 

– 

– 

140,000,000

  1,098,200,000 

140,000,000 

– 

(971,700,000) 

(114,120,001) 

152,379,999

* 

** 

This reflects the adjusted share price on grant date after the completion of the consolidation of shares on 23 June 2011.

This reflects the share price on grant date before the completion of the consolidation of shares on 23 June 2011.

*** 

This reflects the share price on grant date after the completion of the consolidation of shares on 23 June 2011.

MAJOR CUSTOMERS AND SUPPLIERS

The percentages of sales and purchases for the year attributable to the Group’s major customers and suppliers are as 

follows:

Sales

  – the largest customer 

  – five largest customers combined 

Purchases

  – the largest supplier 

  – five largest supplier combined 

27%

82%

71%

99%

None of the Directors, their associates or any shareholder (which to the knowledge of the directors owns more than 5% of 

the Company’s share capital) had an interest in the major customers or suppliers as noted above.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Report of the Directors

32

PRE-EMPTIVE RIGHTS

There is no provision for pre-emptive rights under the Company’s Bye-laws or the laws of Bermuda which would oblige the 

Company to offer new shares on a pro rata basis to existing shareholders.

EMPLOYEES

As at 31 December 2011, the Group had a total of about 15 employees in Hong Kong, 14 employees in Argentina and 

6 employees in PRC. Employee’s cost (excluding directors’ emoluments) amounted to approximately HK$20.99 million 

(2010: HK$37.72 million). The Group ensures that the pay levels of its employees are competitive according to market trend 

and its employees are rewarded on a performance related basis within the general framework of the Group’s salary and 

bonus system.

SUFFICIENCY OF PUBLIC FLOAT

Based on information available to the Company and within the knowledge of the Directors, at least 25% of the Company’s 

total issued share capital was held by the Public as of the date of this report.

CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

Details of contingent liabilities are set out in note 44 to the consolidated financial statements.

AUDITORS

A resolution will be submitted to the annual general meeting to reappoint Messrs. Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu as auditors of 

the Company.

On behalf of the Board

Chu Kwok Chi Robert

Executive Director and CEO

30 March 2012

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Independent Auditor’s Report

33

TO THE MEMBERS OF EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED

(incorporated in Bermuda with limited liability)

We  have  audited  the  consolidated  financial  statements  of  EPI  (Holdings)  Limited  (the  “Company”)  and  its  subsidiaries  (collectively 

referred  to  as  the  “Group”)  set  out  on  pages  35  to  106,  which  comprise  the  consolidated  statement  of  financial  position  as  at  31 

December  2011,  and  the  consolidated  statement  of  comprehensive  income,  consolidated  statement  of  changes  in  equity  and 

consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended, and a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory 

information.

DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation of consolidated financial statements that give a true and fair view in 

accordance with Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards issued by the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the 

disclosure requirements of the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary 

to enable the preparation of consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements based on our audit and to report our opinion 

solely to you, as a body, in accordance with Section 90 of the Bermuda Companies Act, and for no other purpose. We do not assume 

responsibility towards or accept liability to any other person for the contents of this report. We conducted our audit in accordance with 

Hong Kong Standards on Auditing issued by the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Those standards require that 

we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated 

financial statements are free from material misstatement.

An  audit  involves  performing  procedures  to  obtain  audit  evidence  about  the  amounts  and  disclosures  in  the  consolidated  financial 

statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement 

of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal 

control relevant to the entity’s preparation of consolidated financial statements that give a true and fair view 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 

entity’s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of 

accounting estimates made by the directors, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Independent Auditor’s Report

34

TO THE MEMBERS OF EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED – continued

(incorporated in Bermuda with limited liability)

OPINION

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group as at 31 December 

2011, and of the Group’s loss and cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards 

and have been properly prepared in accordance with the disclosure requirements of the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance.

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu

Certified Public Accountants

Hong Kong

30 March 2012

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the year ended 31 December 2011

35

NOTES 

2011 

HK$’000 

2010

HK$’000

Continuing operations:

Revenue 

Cost of sales 

Gross profit 

Other gains and losses 

Distribution and selling expenses 

Administrative expenses 

Other expenses 

Finance costs 

Loss before taxation 

Taxation credit 

Loss for the year from continuing operations 

Discontinued operations:

  Profit for the year from discontinued operations 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

13 

619,800 

(617,661) 

2,139 

(12,965) 

(10,531) 

(73,511) 

(96,132) 

(34,679) 

(225,679) 

7,942 

937,258

(926,619)

10,639

17,685

(11,799)

(89,162)

(214,496)

(2,385)

(289,518)

–

(217,737) 

(289,518)

– 

890

Loss for the year attributable to owners of the Company 

(217,737) 

(288,628)

Other comprehensive income (expense):

  Transfer to profit and loss on disposal of foreign operation 

  Exchange differences arising on translation of foreign operation 

  Fair value gain on available-for-sale investments 

Income tax relating to components of other comprehensive income 

Other comprehensive income for the year 

Total comprehensive expense for the year

  attributable to owners of the Company 

Loss per share 

  From continuing and discontinued operations:

17

  – basic 

  – diluted 

  From continuing operations:

  – basic 

  – diluted 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

120

(97)

57,176

(5,718)

51,481

(217,737) 

(237,147)

(restated)

(10.7) HK cent 

(23.4) HK cent

(10.7) HK cent 

(23.4) HK cent

(10.7) HK cent 

(23.5) HK cent

(10.7) HK cent 

(23.5) HK cent

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
36

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
At 31 December 2011

Non-current assets

  Exploration and evaluation assets 

  Property, plant and equipment 

  Deferred tax assets 

  Other tax recoverable 

Current assets

  Trade and other receivables 

  Available-for-sale investments 

  Held-for-trading investments 

  Pledged bank deposits 

  Bank balances and cash 

Current liabilities

  Trade and other payables 

  Taxation payable 

  Derivative financial instruments 

  Borrowings – amount due within one year 

Net current assets 

Total assets less current liabilities 

Non-current liabilities

  Convertible notes 

  Promissory notes 

  Borrowings – amount due after one year 

  Deferred tax liabilities 

  Assets retirement obligation 

Capital and reserves

  Share capital 

  Reserves 

Equity attributable to owners of the Company 

NOTES 

2011 

HK$'000 

2010

HK$'000

18 

19 

20 

21 

22 

23 

24 

25 

25 

26 

27 

28 

29 

30 

28 

20 

31 

32 

3,837,156 

340,843 

9,870 

54,148 

3,793,293

161,027

295

33,643

4,242,017 

3,988,258

186,013 

67,600 

52 

– 

29,509 

206,032

67,600

4,000

26,340

85,204

283,174 

389,176

169,780 

168,372

777 

– 

56,328 

–

10,596

135,677

226,885 

314,645

56,289 

74,531

4,298,306 

4,062,789

74,661 

– 

296,400 

6,574 

1,730 

–

1,899

–

5,718

3,137

379,365 

10,754

3,918,941 

4,052,035

215,088 

3,703,853 

185,088

3,866,947

3,918,941 

4,052,035

The consolidated financial statements on pages 35 to 106 were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 30 

March 2012 and are signed on its behalf by:

Chu Kwok Chi, Robert 

DIRECTOR 

Hong Kin Choy

DIRECTOR

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
For the year ended 31 December 2011

37

Attributable to owners of the Company

Investment  Contributed 

Share  Convertible  Accumulated

Share 

capital 

HK$'000 

Share 

Capital 

revaluation 

surplus 

Translation 

premium 

HK$'000 

reserve 

HK$'000 

(note b) 

reserve 

HK$'000 

reserve 

HK$'000 

(note a) 

reserve 

HK$'000 

options 

reserve 

HK$'000 

notes 

reserve 

HK$'000 

(note 29(b))

profits

(losses) 

HK$'000 

Total

HK$'000

60,322 

(23) 

15,518 

2,326,356 

96,222 

3,976,885

At 1 January 2010 

76,936 

1,401,554 

Transfer to profit and loss on

  disposal of foreign operation 

Exchange differences arising on

translation 

Fair value gain on available-for-sale

investments 

Income tax relating to components

  of other comprehensive income 

Loss for the year 

Total comprehensive income and

  expense for the year 

Recognition of share-based payment

  expense 

Proceeds received from subscription

  of new shares 

Issue of new shares 

Transaction costs attributable to

issue of new shares 

Shares repurchased and cancelled 

Conversion of convertible notes 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

13,900 

240,470 

– 

(1,090) 

(10,462) 

(8,991) 

95,342 

2,231,014 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

61,721 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

57,176 

(5,718) 

– 

51,458 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

At 31 December 2010 

185,088 

3,853,585 

61,721 

51,458 

60,322 

Loss for the year and total

  comprehensive expense for the year 

Recognition of share-based payment

  expense 

Issue of new shares 

Transaction costs attributable to

issue of new shares 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

30,000 

110,660 

(61,721) 

– 

(1,776) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

51,458 

60,322 

120 

(97) 

– 

– 

– 

23 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

16,749 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

32,267 

– 

7,480 

– 

– 

39,747 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(2,326,356) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

120

(97)

57,176

(5,718)

(288,628) 

(288,628)

(288,628) 

(237,147)

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

16,749

61,721

254,370

(10,462)

(10,081)

–

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(192,406) 

4,052,035

(217,737) 

(217,737)

– 

– 

– 

7,480

78,939

(1,776)

(410,143) 

3,918,941

At 31 December 2011 

215,088 

3,962,469 

Notes:

(a) 

(b) 

The contributed surplus reserve represents the credit arising from the capital reduction in 2006.

On 22 December 2010, the Company entered into a subscription agreement with Rich Concept (as defined in note 32), a shareholder of the Company, to allot and issue 
920,000,000 new ordinary shares of HK$0.01 each at the price of HK$0.0675 per share. The subscription agreement is conditional upon completion of the placing of 
920,000,000 issued ordinary shares of the Company made by the placing agent on behalf of Rich Concept. The placing of issued shares then held by Rich Concept 
was completed on 22 December 2010 with net proceeds amounting to HK$61,721,000 being remitted to the Company which shall be applied as part settlement as 
subscription money for the new shares to be issued to Rich Concept. The subscription of new shares by Rich Concept was completed on 3 January 2011 (see also Note 
32(e)(i)).

Details of the above are set out in the Company's announcements dated 22 December 2010 and 3 January 2011.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
38

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
For the year ended 31 December 2011

Operating activities

  Loss for the year 

  Adjustments for:

Income tax credit recognised in profit or loss 

  Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 

  Capitalised exploratory well costs charged to expense 

Impairment loss recognised in respect of property, plant and equipment 

  Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment 

  Gain on disposal of subsidiaries 

  Share-based payment expense 

  Allowance for bad and doubtful debts 

Interest income 

Interest expense 

  Fair value loss on conversion option of convertible notes 

NOTE 

2011 

HK$'000 

2010

HK$'000

(217,737) 

(288,628)

(7,942) 

28,279 

– 

34,023 

1 

– 

7,480 

– 

(484) 

24,277 

10,106 

–

23,688

177,439

–

156

(7,744)

16,749

13

(5,519)

2,385

–

  Operating cash flows before movements in working capital 

(121,997) 

(81,461)

  Decrease in trade and other receivables 

(Increase) decrease in other tax receivables 

  Decrease in held-for-trading financial assets 

  Decrease in trade and other payables 

(Decrease) increase in derivative financial instruments 

19,019 

(20,505) 

3,948 

(12,040) 

(10,596) 

2,886

6,269

144,412

(22,301)

2,587

Net cash (used in) from operating activities 

(142,171) 

52,392

Investing activities

  Purchase of property, plant and equipment 

  Additions of exploration and evaluation assets 

  Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment 

Interest received 

  Disposal of subsidiaries 

  Proceeds from disposal of subsidiary 

  Payments for acquisition of available-for-sale investments 

  Proceeds from disposal of a jointly controlled entity 

  Proceeds from repayment of loan receivables 

  Decrease (increase) in pledged bank deposits 

35 

(207,987) 

(57,752) 

5 

484 

– 

1,000 

(10,424) 

– 

– 

26,340 

(159,127)

(17,565)

1,342

5,519

(14,422)

–

–

37,800

15,962

(3,716)

Net cash used in investing activities 

(248,334) 

(134,207)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financing activities

  New bank borrowings raised 

  Repayment of bank borrowings 

  New other loans raised 

  Repayment of other loans 

  Proceeds from issue of convertible notes 

  Expenses on issue of convertible notes 

  Repayment of promissory notes 

Interest paid 

  Payment on repurchase of shares 

  Proceeds from issue of new shares 

  Proceeds received from subscription of new shares 

  Expenses on issue of new shares 

Net cash from financing activities 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year 

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year,

  representing bank balances and cash 

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
For the year ended 31 December 2011

39

2011 

HK$’000 

2010

HK$’000

312,000 

(135,677) 

133,873 

(93,145) 

62,100 

(2,044) 

(1,899) 

(17,561) 

– 

78,939 

– 

(1,776) 

334,810 

(55,695) 

85,204 

– 

132,284

(100,022)

–

–

–

–

(250,381)

(3,315)

(10,081)

254,370

61,721

(10,462)

74,114

(7,701)

93,002

(97)

29,509 

85,204

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
40

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

1.  GENERAL

The Company is a public limited company incorporated in Bermuda and its shares are listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong 

Kong Limited (the “Stock Exchange”). The address of the registered office of the Company is located at Clarendon House, 2 

Church Street, Hamilton HM11, Bermuda. The address of the principal place of business of the Company is Suite 6303-4 on 63/F, 

Central Plaza, 18 Harbour Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong.

The Company is an investment holding company. Its subsidiaries are principally engaged in the sourcing and trading of non-

ferrous metals, trading of petroleum related products, and petroleum exploration and production.

In January 2011, the directors of the Company determined that the functional currency of the Company has changed from Hong 

Kong dollars (“HK$”) to United States dollars (“US$”) as the Company’s subsidiaries have commenced and are expanding in 

petroleum exploration and production which are transacted in US$.

2.  BASIS OF PREPARATION OF CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The presentation currency of the consolidated financial statements is HK$. For the convenience of the financial statements users, 

the results and financial position of the Group are presented in HK$ as the Company’s shares are listed on the Stock Exchange.

3.  APPLICATION OF NEW AND REVISED HONG KONG FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARDS (“HKFRSs”)

In the current year, the Group has applied the following new and revised HKFRSs issued by the Hong Kong Institute of Certified 

Public Accountants (“HKICPA”).

Amendments to HKFRSs 

Improvements to HKFRSs issued in 2010

HKAS 24 (as revised in 2009) 

Related party disclosures

Amendments to HKAS 32 

Classification of rights issues

Amendments to HK (IFRIC)-INT 14 

Prepayments of a minimum funding requirement

HK (IFRIC)-INT 19 

Extinguishing financial liabilities with equity instruments

The  application  of  the  new  and  revised  HKFRSs  in  the  current  year  has  had  no  material  impact  on  the  Group’s  financial 

performance  and  positions  for  the  current  and  prior  years  and/or  on  the  disclosures  set  out  in  these  consolidated  financial 

statements.

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

41

3.  APPLICATION OF NEW AND REVISED HONG KONG FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARDS (“HKFRSs”) – 

CONTINUED

New and revised HKFRSs issued but not yet effective

The Group has not early applied the following new and revised HKFRSs that have been issued but are not yet effective.

Amendments to HKFRS 7 

Disclosures – Transfers of financial assets1

HKFRS 9 

HKFRS 10 

HKFRS 11 

HKFRS 12 

HKFRS 13 

HKAS 1 (Amendments) 

HKAS 12 (Amendments) 

HKAS 19 (as revised in 2011) 

HKAS 27 (as revised in 2011) 

HKAS 28 (as revised in 2011) 

HKAS 32 (Amendments) 

HK(IFRIC)-INT 20 

Disclosures – Offsetting financial assets and financial liabilities2

Mandatory effective date of HKFRS 9 and transition disclosure3

Financial instruments3

Consolidated financial statements2

Joint arrangements2

Disclosure of interests in other entities2

Fair value measurement2

Presentation of items of other comprehensive income5

Deferred tax: Recovery of underlying assets4

Employee benefits2

Separate financial statements2

Investments in associates and joint ventures2

Offsetting financial assets and financial liabilities6

Stripping costs in the production phase of a surface mine2

1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 

Effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 July 2011.
Effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2013.
Effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.
Effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2012.
Effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 July 2012.
Effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2014.

HKFRS 9 “Financial instruments”

HKFRS  9  issued  in  2009  introduces  new  requirements  for  the  classification  and  measurement  of  financial  assets.  HKFRS  9 

amended in 2010 includes the requirements for the classification and measurement of financial liabilities and for derecognition.

Key requirements of HKFRS 9 are described as follows:

• 

HKFRS 9 requires all recognised financial assets that are within the scope of HKAS 39 “Financial instruments: Recognition 

and measurement” to be subsequently measured at amortised cost or fair value. Specifically, debt investments that are 

held within a business model whose objective is to collect the contractual cash flows, and that have contractual cash flows 

that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal outstanding are generally measured at amortised cost at 

the end of subsequent accounting periods. All other debt investments and equity investments are measured at their fair 

values at the end of subsequent reporting periods. In addition, under HKFRS 9, entities may make an irrevocable election 

to present subsequent changes in the fair value of an equity investment (that is not held for trading) in other comprehensive 

income, with only dividend income generally recognised in profit or loss.

 
 
42

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

3.  APPLICATION OF NEW AND REVISED HONG KONG FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARDS (“HKFRSs”) – 

CONTINUED

HKFRS 9 “Financial instruments” – continued

• 

The most significant effect of HKFRS 9 regarding the classification and measurement of financial liabilities relates to the 

presentation of changes in the fair value of a financial liability (designated as at fair value through profit or loss) attributable 

to changes in the credit risk of that liability. Specifically, under HKFRS 9, for financial liabilities that are designated as at fair 

value through profit or loss, the amount of change in the fair value of the financial liability that is attributable to changes in 

the credit risk of that liability is presented in other comprehensive income, unless the recognition of the effects of changes 

in  the  liability’s  credit  risk  in  other  comprehensive  income  would  create  or  enlarge  an  accounting  mismatch  in  profit  or 

loss. Changes in fair value attributable to a financial liability’s credit risk are not subsequently reclassified to profit or loss. 

Previously, under HKAS 39, the entire amount of the change in the fair value of the financial liability designated as at fair 

value through profit or loss was presented in profit or loss.

The application of HKFRS 9 may affect the classification and measurement of the Group’s available-for-sale investments.

New and revised standards on consolidation, joint arrangements, associates and disclosures

In June 2011, a package of five standards on consolidation, joint arrangements, associates and disclosures was issued, including 

HKFRS 10, HKFRS 11, HKFRS 12, HKAS 27 (as revised in 2011) and HKAS 28 (as revised in 2011).

Key requirements of these five standards are described below.

HKFRS 10 replaces the parts of HKAS 27 “Consolidated and separate financial statements” that deal with consolidated financial 

statements and HK(SIC)-INT 12 “Consolidation – Special purpose entities”. HKFRS 10 includes a new definition of control that 

contains  three  elements:  (a)  power  over  an  investee,  (b)  exposure,  or  rights,  to  variable  returns  from  its  involvement  with  the 

investee, and (c) the ability to use its power over the investee to affect the amount of the investor’s returns. Extensive guidance 

has been added in HKFRS 10 to deal with complex scenarios.

HKFRS  11  replaces  HKAS  31  “Interests  in  joint  ventures”  and  HK(SIC)-INT  13  “Jointly  controlled  entities  –  Non-monetary 

contributions by venturers”. HKFRS 11 deals with how a joint arrangement of which two or more parties have joint control should 

be classified. Under HKFRS 11, joint arrangements are classified as joint operations or joint ventures, depending on the rights 

and obligations of the parties to the arrangements. In contrast, under HKAS 31, there are three types of joint arrangements: jointly 

controlled entities, jointly controlled assets and jointly controlled operations.

In addition, joint ventures under HKFRS 11 are required to be accounted for using the equity method of accounting, whereas 

jointly  controlled  entities  under  HKAS  31  can  be  accounted  for  using  the  equity  method  of  accounting  or  proportionate 

accounting.

HKFRS 12 is a disclosure standard and is applicable to entities that have interests in subsidiaries, joint arrangements, associates 

and/or unconsolidated structured entities. In general, the disclosure requirements in HKFRS 12 are more extensive than those in 

the current standards.

These  five  standards  are  effective  for  annual  periods  beginning  on  or  after  1  January  2013.  Earlier  application  is  permitted 

provided that all of these five standards are applied early at the same time.

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

43

3.  APPLICATION OF NEW AND REVISED HONG KONG FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARDS (“HKFRSs”) – 

CONTINUED

New  and  revised  standards  on  consolidation,  joint  arrangements,  associates  and  disclosures  – 
continued

The directors anticipate that these five standards will be adopted in the Group’s consolidated financial statements for the annual 

period  beginning  1  January  2013  and  that  under  HKFRS  11,  the  Group’s  jointly  controlled  entities  will  be  classified  as  joint 

operations or joint ventures, depending on the rights and obligations of the parties to the joint arrangement. The directors have 

not yet performed a detailed analysis of the impact of the application of these five standards and hence have not yet quantified 

the extent of the impact on the results and financial position of the Group.

HKFRS 13 “Fair value measurement”

HKFRS 13 establishes a single source of guidance for fair value measurements and disclosures about fair value measurements. 

This  standard  defines  fair  value,  establishes  a  framework  for  measuring  fair  value,  and  requires  disclosures  about  fair  value 

measurements. The scope of HKFRS 13 is broad; it applies to both financial instrument items and non-financial instrument items 

for which other HKFRSs require or permit fair value measurements and disclosures about fair value measurements, except in 

specified  circumstances.  In  general,  the  disclosure  requirements  in  HKFRS  13  are  more  extensive  than  those  in  the  current 

standards. For example, quantitative and qualitative disclosures based on the three-level fair value hierarchy currently required for 

financial instruments only under HKFRS 7 “Financial instruments: Disclosures” will be extended by HKFRS 13 to cover all assets 

and liabilities within its scope.

HKFRS 13 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2013, with earlier application permitted.

The directors anticipate that HKFRS 13 will be adopted in the Group’s consolidated financial statements for the annual period 

beginning 1 January 2013 and that the application of the new standard may affect the amounts reported in the consolidated 

financial statements and result in more extensive disclosures in the consolidated financial statements.

The directors of the Company anticipate that the application of the other new and revised HKFRSs will have no material impact on 

the results and financial position of the Group.

4.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards issued 

by the HKICPA. In addition, the consolidated financial statements include applicable disclosures required by the Rules Governing 

the Listing of Securities on the Stock Exchange and by the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis except for certain financial instruments, 

that are measured at fair value, as explained in the accounting policies set out below. Historical cost is generally based on the fair 

value of the consideration given in exchange for goods.

The principal accounting policies are set out below.

44

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

4.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – CONTINUED

Basis of consolidation

The  consolidated  financial  statements  incorporate  the  financial  statements  of  the  Company  and  entities  controlled  by  the 

Company (its subsidiaries). Control is achieved where the Company has the power to govern the financial and operating policies 

of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.

The results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during the year are included in the consolidated statement of comprehensive 

income from the effective date of acquisition and up to the effective date of disposal, as appropriate.

Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring their accounting policies into line with 

those used by other members of the Group.

All intra-group transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated in full on consolidation.

Joint ventures

Jointly controlled operations

When a group entity undertakes its activities under joint venture arrangements directly, constituted as jointly controlled operations, 

the assets and liabilities arising from those jointly controlled operations are recognised in the consolidated statement of financial 

position of the relevant entity on an accrual basis and classified according to the nature of the item. The Group’s share of the 

income from jointly controlled operations, together with the expenses that it incurs are included in the consolidated statement 

of comprehensive income when it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transactions will flow to/from the 

Group and their amount can be measured reliably.

Revenue recognition

Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable and represents amounts receivable for goods 

sold in the normal course of business, net of discounts and sales related taxes.

Revenue from sale of goods is recognised when the goods are delivered and title has passed.

Interest income from a financial asset excluding financial assets at fair value through profit or loss is accrued on a time basis, 

by reference to the principal outstanding and at the effective interest rate applicable, which is the rate that exactly discounts 

the estimated future cash receipts through the expected life of the financial asset to that asset’s net carrying amount on initial 

recognition.

Service income is recognised when services are provided.

Dividend income from investments is recognised when the shareholders’ rights to receive payment have been established.

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

45

4.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – CONTINUED

Property, plant and equipment

Oil and gas properties

Oil  and  gas  properties  are  stated  in  the  consolidated  statement  of  financial  position  at  cost  less  subsequent  accumulated 

depletion, depreciation and amortisation and any accumulated impairment losses. The successful efforts method of accounting 

is  used  for  oil  and  gas  properties.  Under  this  method,  all  costs  for  developed  wells,  support  equipment  and  facilities,  and 

for  acquiring  proven  mineral  interests  in  oil  and  gas  properties  are  capitalised.  Costs  of  exploratory  wells  are  capitalised  as 

construction in progress pending determination of whether the wells are found with proven oil and gas reserves. Proven oil and 

gas reserves are the estimated quantities of crude oil, natural gas and oil, with geological and engineering data to demonstrate 

with  reasonable  certainty  to  be  recoverable  in  future  years  from  known  reservoirs  under  existing  economic  and  operating 

conditions, i.e., prices and costs as of the date the estimate is made.

Exploratory  wells  in  areas  not  requiring  major  capital  expenditures  are  evaluated  for  economic  viability  within  one  year  of 

completion  of  drilling.  The  related  well  costs  are  expensed  as  dry  holes  if  it  is  determined  that  such  economic  viability  is  not 

attained. Otherwise, the related well costs are reclassified to oil and gas properties and are subject to impairment review. For 

exploratory wells that are found to have economically viable reserves in areas where major capital expenditure will be required 

before production can commence, the related well costs remain capitalised only if additional drilling is underway or firmly planned. 

Otherwise the related well costs are expensed as dry holes. The Group does not have any significant costs of unproved properties 

capitalised in oil and gas properties.

Depletion, depreciation and amortisation of capitalised costs of oil and gas properties is calculated on the unit-of-production 

basis over the total proven reserves of the relevant area. The unit-of-production rate for depletion, depreciation and amortisation 

of oil and gas properties, also takes into account the expenditure incurred to date, together with projected future development 

expenditure and the volume of oil and gas produced in the current year.

Construction in progress

Construction in progress includes property, plant and equipment for production or for its own use purposes. Construction in 

progress is stated in the consolidated statement of financial position at cost less any recognised impairment loss. Construction 

in  process  in  respect  of  exploratory  well  is  classified  to  oil  and  gas  properties  when  production  of  oil  starts.  Construction  in 

progress in respect of other assets is classified to the appropriate category of property, plant and equipment when construction 

is completed and the asset is ready for intended use. Depreciation of these assets on the same basis as other property assets, 

commences when the assets are ready for their intended use.

Other property, plant and equipment

Property,  plant  and  equipment  other  than  oil  and  gas  properties  and  construction  in  progress  are  stated  in  the  consolidated 

statement of financial position at cost less subsequent accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost of items of property, plant and equipment other than oil and gas properties 

and  construction  in  progress  less  their  residual  values  over  their  estimated  useful  lives,  using  the  straight-line  method.  The 

estimated useful lives, residual values and depreciation method are reviewed at the end of the reporting period, with the effect of 

any changes in estimate accounted for on a prospective basis.

An item of property, plant and equipment is derecognised upon disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected to 

arise from the continued use of the asset. Any gain or loss arising on the disposal or retirement of an item of property, plant and 

equipment is determined as the difference between the sales proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset and is included in 

profit or loss.

46

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

4.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – CONTINUED

Exploration and evaluation assets

Exploration and evaluation assets are recognised at cost on initial recognition. Subsequent to initial recognition, exploration and 

evaluation assets are stated at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. Costs of exploratory wells (pipelines, drilling cost 

and others) are capitalised pending the determination of whether sufficient quantities of potentially economic oil and gas reserves 

have been discovered. The related well costs are expensed if it is determined that such economic viability is not attained within 

one year of completion of drilling.

Exploration  and  evaluation  assets  include  the  cost  of  exploration  rights  and  the  expenditures  incurred  in  search  for  natural 

resources as well as the determination of the technical feasibility and commercial viability of extracting those resources.

When  the  technical  feasibility  and  commercial  viability  of  extracting  natural  resources  become  demonstrable,  previously 

recognised exploration and evaluation assets are reclassified as construction in progress oil and gas properties. These assets are 

assessed for impairment before reclassification.

Impairment of exploration and evaluation assets

The carrying amount of the exploration and evaluation assets is reviewed annually and adjusted for impairment loss in accordance 

with HKAS 36 and whenever one of the following events or changes in circumstances indicates that the carrying amount may not 

be recoverable:

• 

the period for which the Group has the right to explore in the specific area has expired during the period or will expire in the 

near future, and is not expected to be renewed.

• 

substantive expenditure on further exploration for and evaluation of natural resources in the specific area is neither budgeted 

nor planned.

• 

exploration for and evaluation of natural resources in the specific area have not led to the discovery of commercially viable 

quantities of natural resources and the Group has decided to discontinue such activities in the specific area.

• 

sufficient data exist to indicate that, although a development in the specific area is likely to proceed, the carrying amount of 

the exploration and evaluation asset is unlikely to be recovered in full from successful development or by sale.

An impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss whenever the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount.

Impairment of tangible assets

At  the  end  of  the  reporting  period,  the  Group  reviews  the  carrying  amounts  of  its  assets  to  determine  whether  there  is  any 

indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If the recoverable amount of an asset is estimated to be less than 

its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised as 

an expense immediately. When it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the Group estimates 

the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. Where a reasonable and consistent basis of 

allocation can be identified, corporate assets are also allocated to individual cash-generating units, or otherwise they are allocated 

to the smallest group of cash-generating units for which a reasonable and consistent allocation basis can be identified.

Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset is increased to the revised estimate of its 

recoverable  amount,  but  so  that  the  increased  carrying  amount  does  not  exceed  the  carrying  amount  that  would  have  been 

determined  had  no  impairment  loss  been  recognised  for  the  asset  (or  a  cash-generating  unit)  in  prior  years.  A  reversal  of  an 

impairment loss is recognised as income immediately.

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

47

4.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – CONTINUED

Financial instruments

Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised in the consolidated statement of financial position when a group entity 

becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and financial liabilities are initially measured at fair value. Transaction costs that are directly attributable to the 

acquisition or issue of financial assets and financial liabilities (other than financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value through 

profit or loss) are added to or deducted from the fair value of the financial assets or financial liabilities, as appropriate, on initial 

recognition. Transaction costs directly attributable to the acquisition of financial assets or financial liabilities at fair value through 

profit or loss are recognised immediately in profit or loss.

Financial assets

The Group’s financial assets comprise financial assets at fair value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”), available-for-sale financial 

assets and loans and receivables. The classification depends on the nature and purpose of the financial asset and is determined 

at the time of initial recognition. All regular way purchases or sales of financial assets are recognised and derecognised on a trade 

date basis. Regular way purchases or sales are purchases or sales of financial assets that require delivery of assets within the 

time frame established by regulation or convention in the marketplace.

Effective interest method

The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a financial asset and of allocating interest income 

over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts (including all 

fees on points paid or received that form an integral part of the effective interest rate, transaction costs and other premiums or 

discounts) through the expected life of the financial asset, or, where appropriate, a shorter period to the net carrying amount on 

initial recognition.

Interest income is recognised on an effective interest basis for debt instruments other than those financial assets classified as at 

FVTPL, of which interest income is excluded from net gains or losses.

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

Financial assets at FVTPL has two subcategories, including financial assets held for trading and those designated at FVTPL on 

initial recognition.

A financial asset is classified as held for trading if:

• 

• 

it has been acquired principally for the purpose of selling in the near future; or

it is a part of an identified portfolio of financial instruments that the Group manages together and has a recent actual pattern 

of short-term profit-taking; or

• 

it is a derivative that is not designated and effective as a hedging instrument.

48

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

4.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – CONTINUED

Financial instruments – continued

Financial assets – continued

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss – continued

A financial asset other than a financial asset held for trading may be designated as at FVTPL upon initial recognition if:

• 

such designation eliminates or significantly reduces a measurement or recognition inconsistency that would otherwise arise; 

or

• 

the  financial  asset  forms  part  of  a  group  of  financial  assets  or  financial  liabilities  or  both,  which  is  managed  and  its 

performance is evaluated on a fair value basis, in accordance with the Group’s documented risk management or investment 

strategy, and information about the grouping is provided internally on that basis; or

• 

it  forms  part  of  a  contract  containing  one  or  more  embedded  derivatives,  and  HKAS  39  permits  the  entire  combined 

contract (asset or liability) to be designated as at FVTPL.

Financial assets at FVTPL are measured at fair value, with any gains or losses arising on remeasurement recognised in profit or 

loss. The net gain or loss recognised in profit or loss excludes any dividend or interest earned on the financial assets.

Loans and receivables

Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active 

market. Loans and receivables (including trade and other receivables, pledged bank deposits, and bank balances and cash) are 

carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any identified impairment losses.

Available-for-sale financial assets

Available-for-sale financial assets are non-derivatives that are either designated or not classified as financial assets at FVTPL, 

loans and receivables or held-to-maturity investments.

Available-for-sale  financial  assets  are  measured  at  fair  value  at  the  end  of  the  reporting  period.  Changes  in  fair  value  are 

recognised  in  other  comprehensive  income  and  accumulated  in  investment  revaluation  reserve,  until  the  financial  asset  is 

disposed of or is determined to be impaired, at which time, the cumulative gain or loss previously accumulated in the investment 

revaluation reserve is reclassified to profit or loss.

Impairment of financial assets

Financial assets, other than those at FVTPL, are assessed for indicators of impairment at the end of the reporting period. Financial 

assets are considered to be impaired where there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after 

the initial recognition of the financial asset, the estimated future cash flows of the financial assets have been impacted.

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

49

4.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – CONTINUED

Financial instruments – continued

Impairment of financial assets – continued

For financial assets, objective evidence of impairment could include:

• 

• 

• 

• 

significant financial difficulty of the issuer or counterparty; or

default or delinquency in interest or principal payments; or

it becoming probable that the borrower will enter bankruptcy or financial re-organisation; or

disappearance of an active market for that financial asset because of financial difficulties.

An impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss when there is objective evidence that the asset is impaired, and is measured as 

the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of the estimated future cash flows discounted at the 

financial asset’s original effective interest rate.

The carrying amount of the financial asset is reduced by the impairment loss directly for all financial assets with the exception 

of trade receivables, where the carrying amount is reduced through the use of an allowance account. Changes in the carrying 

amount of the allowance account are recognised in profit or loss. When a trade receivable is considered uncollectible, it is written 

off against the allowance account. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited to profit or loss.

When an available-for-sale financial asset is considered to be impaired, cumulative gains or losses previously recognised in other 

comprehensive income are reclassified to profit or loss in the period in which the impairment takes place.

If, in a subsequent period, the amount of impairment loss decreases and the decrease can be related objectively to an event 

occurring after the impairment loss was recognised, the previously recognised impairment loss is reversed through profit or loss 

to the extent that the carrying amount of the asset at the date the impairment is reversed does not exceed what the amortised 

cost would have been had the impairment not been recognised.

Financial liabilities and equity instruments

Financial liabilities and equity instruments issued by a group entity are classified either financial liabilities or as equity in accordance 

with the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into and the definitions of a financial liability and equity instrument.

Equity instruments

An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the group after deducting all of its liabilities. 

Equity instruments issued by the Group are recognised at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs.

Repurchase of the Company’s own equity instruments is recognised and deducted directly in equity. No gain or loss is recognised 

in profit or loss on the purchase, sale, issue or cancellation of the Company’s own equity instruments.

50

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

4.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – CONTINUED

Financial instruments – continued

Financial liabilities and equity instruments – continued

Effective interest method

The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a financial liability and of allocating interest expense 

over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash payments (including 

all fees and points or received that form an integral part of the effective interest rate, transaction costs and other premiums or 

discounts) through the expected life of the financial liability, or, where appropriate, a shorter period, to the net carrying amount on 

initial recognition. Interest expense is recognised on an effective interest basis.

Convertible notes contains liability component and conversion option derivative

Convertible notes issued by the Group contain both liability and conversion option components. Conversion option that will be 

settled other than by the exchange of a fixed amount of cash or another financial asset for a fixed number of the Company’s own 

equity instruments is a conversion option derivative. At the date of issue, both the liability and conversion option components are 

recognised at fair value.

In subsequent periods, the liability component of the convertible notes is carried at amortised cost using the effective interest 

method. The conversion option derivative is measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognised in profit or loss.

Transaction costs that relate to the issue of the convertible notes are allocated to the liability and conversion option components 

in proportion to their relative fair values. Transaction costs relating to the conversion option derivative is charged to profit or loss 

immediately. Transaction costs relating to the liability component are included in the carrying amount of the liability portion and 

amortised over the period of the convertible notes using the effective interest method.

Derivative financial instruments

Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value at the date derivative contracts are entered into and are subsequently remeasured 

to their fair value at the end of the reporting period. The resulting gain or loss is recognised in profit or loss immediately.

Financial guarantee contracts

A financial guarantee contract is a contract that requires the issuer to make specified payments to reimburse the holder for a loss 

it incurs because a specified debtor fails to make payment when due in accordance with the original or modified terms of a debt 

instrument.

A financial guarantee contract issued by the Group and not designated as at fair value through profit or loss is recognised initially 

at its fair value less transaction costs that are directly attributable to the issue of the financial guarantee contract. Subsequent 

to  initial  recognition,  the  Group  measures  the  financial  guarantee  contract  at  the  higher  of:  (i)  the  amount  of  obligation  under 

contract, as determined in accordance with HKAS 37 “Provisions, contingent liabilities and contingent assets”; and (ii) the amount 

initially recognised less, when appropriate, cumulative amortisation recognised in accordance with the revenue recognition policy.

Other financial liabilities

Financial liabilities including trade and other payables, liability component of convertible notes, promissory notes and bank and 

other borrowings are subsequently measured at amortised cost, using the effective interest method.

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

51

4.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – CONTINUED

Financial instruments – continued

Derecognition

The Group derecognises a financial asset only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire, or when it 

transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the asset to another entity. If the Group 

neither transfers nor retains substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership and continues to control the transferred asset, 

the Group continues to recognise the asset to the extent of its continuing involvement and recognises an associated liability. 

If the Group retains substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of a transferred financial asset, the Group continues to 

recognise the financial asset and also recognises a collateralised borrowing for the proceeds received.

On  derecognition  of  a  financial  asset  in  its  entirety,  the  difference  between  the  asset’s  carrying  amount  and  the  sum  of  the 

consideration received and receivable and the cumulative gain or loss that had been recognised in other comprehensive income 

is recognised in profit or loss.

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the obligation specified in the relevant contract is discharged, cancelled or expires. 

The  difference  between  the  carrying  amount  of  the  financial  liability  derecognised  and  the  consideration  paid  and  payable  is 

recognised in profit or loss.

Share-based payment transactions

Equity-settled share-based payment transactions

Share options granted to employees

The fair value of services received determined by reference to the fair value of share options granted at the grant date is expensed 

on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, with a corresponding increase in equity (share options reserve).

At the end of the reporting period, the Group revises its estimates of the number of options that are expected to ultimately vest. 

The impact of the revision of the original estimates during the vesting period, if any, is recognised in profit or loss such that the 

cumulative expense reflects the revised estimate, with a corresponding adjustment to share options reserve.

When the share options are exercised, the amount previously recognised in share options reserve will be transferred to share 

premium. When the share options are forfeited after the vesting date or are still not exercised at the expiry date, the amount 

previously recognised in share options reserve will continue to be held in share options reserve.

Share options granted to other suppliers of goods and services

Share options issued in exchange for goods or services are measured at the fair value of the goods or services received, unless 

the fair value cannot be reliably measured, in which case the goods or services received are measured by reference to the fair 

value of the share options granted. The fair value of the goods or services are recognised as expenses with a corresponding 

increase in equity, when the Group obtains the goods or when the counterparties render services, unless the goods or services 

qualify for recognition as assets.

52

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

4.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – CONTINUED

Taxation

Income tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.

The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from profit as reported in the consolidated 

statement of comprehensive income because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years 

and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The Group’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates 

that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period.

Deferred tax is recognised on temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the consolidated 

financial statements and the corresponding tax base used in the computation of taxable profit. Deferred tax liabilities are generally 

recognised  for  all  taxable  temporary  differences.  Deferred  tax  assets  are  generally  recognised  for  all  deductible  temporary 

differences  to  the  extent  that  it  is  probable  that  taxable  profits  will  be  available  against  which  those  deductible  temporary 

differences can be utilised. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the temporary difference arises from goodwill or from 

the initial recognition (other than in a business combination) of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the 

taxable profit nor the accounting profit.

Deferred  tax  liabilities  are  recognised  for  taxable  temporary  differences  associated  with  investments  in  subsidiaries,  and 

interests in joint ventures, except where the Group is able to control the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable 

that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future. Deferred tax assets arising from deductible temporary 

differences associated with such investments and interests are only recognised to the extent that it is probable that there will be 

sufficient taxable profits against which to utilise the benefits of the temporary differences and they are expected to reverse in the 

foreseeable future.

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at the end of the reporting period and reduced to the extent that it is no 

longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period in which the liability is 

settled or the asset is realised, based on tax rate (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the 

reporting period.

The measurement of deferred tax liabilities and assets reflects the tax consequences that would follow from the manner in which 

the Group expects, at the end of the reporting period, to recover or settle the carrying amount of its assets and liabilities.

Current and deferred tax is recognised in profit or loss, except when it relates to items that are recognised in other comprehensive 

income or directly in equity, in which case the current and deferred tax is also recognised in other comprehensive income or 

directly in equity respectively. Where current tax or deferred tax arises from initial accounting for a business combination, the tax 

effect is included in the accounting for the business combination.

Retirement benefits costs

Payments  to  state-managed  retirement  benefit  schemes  and  Mandatory  Provident  Fund  Schemes  (“MPF  Schemes”)  are 

recognised as an expense when employees have rendered service entitling them to the contributions.

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

53

4.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – CONTINUED

Leasing

Leases are classified as finance lease whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership 

to the lessee. All other leases are classified as operating leases.

The Group as lessee

Operating lease payments are recognised as an expense on a straight-line basis over the term, except where another systematic 

basis is more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the leased asset are consumed.

In the event that lease incentives are received to enter into operating leases, such incentives are recognised as a liability. The 

aggregate benefit of incentives is recognised as a reduction of rental expense on a straight-line basis, except where another 

systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the leased asset are consumed.

Foreign currencies

In preparing the financial statements of each individual group entity, transactions in currencies other than the functional currency 

of that entity (foreign currencies) are recorded in the respective functional currency at the rates of exchange prevailing on the 

dates of the transactions. At the end of the reporting period, monetary items denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated 

at the rates prevailing at that date. Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are not 

retranslated.

Exchange differences arising on the settlement of monetary items, and on the retranslation of monetary items, are included in 

profit or loss for the period in which they arise.

For the purposes of presenting the consolidated financial statements in Hong Kong dollars, the assets and liabilities of the group 

entities are translated into Hong Kong dollars using exchange rates prevailing at the end of the reporting period. Income and 

expense items are translated at the average exchange rates for the period, unless exchange rates fluctuated significantly during 

the  period,  in  which  case  the  exchange  rates  at  the  dates  of  the  transactions  are  used.  Exchange  differences  arising,  if  any, 

are recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity under the heading of translation reserve. Translation 

differences relating to a foreign operation are recognised in profit or loss in the period in which the foreign operation is disposed 

of.

Change in functional currency

Functional currency of a group entity is changed only if there is a change to the underlying transactions, events and conditions 

relevant to the entity. The entity applied the translation procedures applicable to the new functional currency prospectively. At 

the date of change, the entity translates all items into the new functional currency using the exchange rate prevailing at that date 

and the resulting translated amounts for non-monetary items are treated as the historical cost. Exchange differences arising from 

the translation of foreign operations recognised in translation reserve are not recognised in profit or loss until the disposal of the 

foreign operation.

54

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

4.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – CONTINUED

Borrowing costs

Borrowing  costs  directly  attributable  to  the  acquisition,  construction  or  production  of  qualifying  assets,  which  are  assets  that 

necessarily take a substantial period of time to get ready for their intended use or sale, are added to the cost of those assets, 

until such time as the assets are substantially ready for their intended use or sale. Investment income earned on the temporary 

investment of specific borrowings pending their expenditure on qualifying assets is deducted from the borrowing costs eligible for 

capitalisation.

All other borrowing costs are recognised in profit or loss in the period in which they are incurred.

Assets retirement obligation

The Group is required to make payments for restoration and rehabilitation of the land at the end of the productive life of oil and 

gas fields. Provision for restoration cost is required when the Group has a present obligation as a result of past event, and it is 

probable that the Group will be required to settle that obligation. Provision is measured in accordance with the relevant rules and 

regulations applicable in the relevant jurisdictions at the end of the reporting period, and is discounted to their present value where 

the effect is material.

Restoration  cost  is  recorded  in  the  period  in  which  the  obligation  is  identified  and  is  capitalised  to  the  costs  of  oil  and  gas 

properties.  This  cost  is  charged  to  profit  or  loss  through  amortisation  of  the  assets,  which  are  amortised  using  the  unit-of-

production  method  based  on  the  actual  production  volume  over  the  estimated  total  proved  and  probable  reserves  of  the 

developed wells.

5.  KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY

The key sources of estimation uncertainty at the end of the reporting period, that have a significant risk of causing a material 

adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year, are discussed below.

Estimated impairment of trade and other receivables

Allowance  for  trade  and  other  receivables  is  made  based  on  the  evaluation  of  collectability  and  ageing  analysis  of  accounts. 

When there is objective evidence of impairment loss, the Group takes into consideration the estimation of future cash flows. The 

amount of impairment loss is measured as the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated 

future cash flows (excluding future credit losses that have not been incurred) discounted at the financial asset’s original effective 

interest  rate  (i.e.  the  effective  interest  rate  computed  at  initial  recognition).  Where  the  actual  future  cash  flows  are  less  than 

expected, a material impairment loss may arise. As at 31 December 2011, the carrying amount of trade and other receivables is 

HK$14,951,000 (2010: HK$159,818,000).

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

55

5.  KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY – CONTINUED

Estimation of petroleum reserves

Petroleum reserves are key elements in the Group’s investment decision-making process. They are also an important element in 

determining the amount of depreciation for oil and gas properties and for testing impairment of property, plant and equipment and 

exploration and evaluation assets. Changes in proven oil and gas reserves, particularly proved developed reserves, will affect unit-

of-production depletion, depreciation and amortisation recorded in the Group’s consolidated financial statements for property, 

plant and equipment related to oil and gas production activities. A reduction in proven developed reserves will increase depletion, 

depreciation and amortisation charges (assuming constant production) and reduce net profit or increase net loss. Proved reserve 

estimates  are  subject  to  revision,  either  upward  or  downward,  based  on  new  information,  such  as  from  development  drilling 

and production activities or from changes in economic factors, including product prices, contract terms or development plans. 

In  general,  changes  in  the  technical  maturity  of  oil  and  gas  reserves  resulting  from  new  information  becoming  available  from 

development and production activities have tended to be the most significant cause of annual revisions.

Impairment of oil and gas properties

The carrying amounts of the oil and gas properties are assessed for impairment when facts and circumstances suggest that the 

carrying amounts of the oil and gas properties may exceed their recoverable amounts. The Group’s determination as to whether 

the  oil  and  gas  properties  are  impaired  requires  an  estimation  of  the  recoverable  amount  of  the  assets.  The  Group  relies  on 

experts to assess the geological prospects for the discovery of oil and gas in the oil field and estimates the value of oil and gas to 

be produced in the future at a suitable discount rate in order to calculate the present value. For drilling costs and other exploration 

and evaluation assets, the Group determines whether the related well costs are expensed if it is determined that such economic 

viability is not attained after performing further feasibility studies that is usually completed within one year of completion of drilling. 

The Group’s carrying value of oil and gas properties as at 31 December 2011 was HK$253,768,000 (2010: HK$159,645,000).

Impairment of exploration and evaluation assets

The  carrying  amounts  of  the  exploration  and  evaluation  assets  are  assessed  for  impairment  when  facts  and  circumstances 

suggest that the carrying amounts of the exploration and evaluation assets may exceed their recoverable amounts. The future 

recoverability of exploration and evaluation expenditure is dependent on a number of factors, including the level of proved and 

probable petroleum reserves, future technological changes which could impact the cost of drilling, future changes relevant to 

regulations on exploration, drilling and production of oil and gas in Argentina, charges to the commodity prices, future drilling plan 

of the Group and the ability of raising financing to meet the drilling plan. The Group’s determination as to whether the exploration 

and evaluation assets are impaired requires an estimation of the recoverable amount of the assets. The directors of the Company 

exercise their judgement in estimating the recoverable amount. Where the recoverable amount is less than expected, a material 

impairment loss may arise.

In  addition,  as  disclosed  in  note  39,  as  at  31  December  2011,  the  Group  had  a  commitment  of  drilling  a  minimum  of  five 

production wells per year during the five consecutive years from 2012, and for the following years, two wells per year, until the 

expiry of the Concessions (as defined in note 18). Failure to meet the minimum drilling requirements may render the New JV 

Agreement (as defined in note 18) to be terminated and the Group will be forfeited its rights to continue drilling but it will not 

be forfeited of any right in respect of the wells already drilled. At 31 December 2011, the Group has estimated the investment 

cost in respect of the obligation for drilling the five production wells (which is the minimum number in year 2012 pursuant to the 

Assignment Agreement is approximately HK$210.6 million.)

56

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

5.  KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY – CONTINUED

Impairment of exploration and evaluation assets – continued

In  the  opinion  of  the  directors  of  the  Company,  the  Group  will  negotiate  with  banks  to  source  new  financing  for  the  drilling 

commitment. At the date of issuance of the consolidated financial statements, the sourcing of extra financing has not yet been 

confirmed.  If  the  Group  fails  to  meet  the  minimum  investment  commitment,  these  evaluation  and  exploration  assets  may  be 

impaired.

The  Group’s  carrying  value  of  exploration  and  evaluation  assets  as  at  31  December  2011  was  HK$3,837,156,000  (2010: 

HK$3,793,293,000).

Fair value of embedded conversion option of convertible notes

The directors of the Company use their judgment in selecting an appropriate valuation technique to determine the fair value of 

embedded conversion option of the convertible notes which are not quoted in an active market. Valuation techniques commonly 

used by market practitioners are applied. The fair values of these derivatives financial liabilities are determined at the end of the 

reporting period with movements in fair value recognised in profit or loss. In estimating the fair value of these derivative financial 

liabilities, the Group uses independent valuation which is based on various inputs and estimates based on quoted market rates 

and adjusted for specific features of the instrument (see note 29). If the inputs and estimates applied in the model are different, the 

carrying amount of these derivative financial liabilities will change. The carrying value of the conversion option of the convertible 

notes as at 31 December 2011 was HK$17,664,000 (2010: nil).

6.  REVENUE AND SEGMENT INFORMATION

Revenue represents the amounts received and receivable for goods sold by the Group to customers, less return, discounts and 

sales related taxes. An analysis of the Group’s revenue for the year is as follows:

Sales of goods

  – petroleum 

  – petroleum related products 

  – metals 

2011 

HK$’000 

2010

HK$’000

42,554 

577,246 

– 

35,695

463,940

437,623

619,800 

937,258

 
 
 
EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

57

6.  REVENUE AND SEGMENT INFORMATION – CONTINUED

Segment information

Information is reported to the Chief Executive Officer, being the chief operating decision maker, for the purposes of resource 

allocation and assessment of segment performance.

For management purposes, the Group is currently organised into three operating divisions namely petroleum exploration and 

production, trading of petroleum related products and metals sourcing and trading.

The Group’s operating and reportable segments under HKFRS 8 “Operating segments” are as follows:

Petroleum exploration and production 

Trading of petroleum related products 

Metals sourcing and trading 

– 

– 

– 

exploration and production of petroleum

trading of chemical products related to petroleum

sourcing and trading of non-ferrous metals

Segment revenue and results

The following is an analysis of the Group’s revenue and results by reportable segments:

Year ended 31 December 2011

Continuing operations:

Petroleum 

Trading of 

Metals

exploration 

petroleum 

sourcing

and 

related 

production 

products 

HK$’000 

HK$’000 

and

trading 

HK$’000 

(note)

Total

HK$’000

Segment revenue (external sales) 

42,554 

577,246 

– 

619,800

Result

  Segment results 

Unallocated other gains and losses 

Unallocated corporate expenses 

Finance costs 

Loss before taxation (continuing operations) 

(97,561) 

1,353 

41 

(96,167)

(16,365)

(78,468)

(34,679)

(225,679)

Note:  The Group did not enter into any transaction within the metals sourcing and trading segment during the year ended 31 December 2011 as the profit margin was 

not favourable.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
58

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

6.  REVENUE AND SEGMENT INFORMATION – CONTINUED

Segment revenue and results – continued

Year ended 31 December 2010

Continuing operations:

Petroleum 

exploration 

and 

production 

HK$’000 

Trading of 

petroleum 

related 

products 

HK$’000 

Metals

sourcing

and

trading 

Total

HK$’000 

HK$’000

Segment revenue (external sales) 

35,695 

463,940 

437,623 

937,258

Result

  Segment results 

Unallocated other gains and losses 

Unallocated corporate expenses 

Finance costs 

Loss before taxation (continuing operations) 

(250,676) 

6,191 

18,024 

(226,461)

(9,085)

(51,587)

(2,385)

(289,518)

The  accounting  policies  of  the  reportable  segments  are  the  same  as  the  Group’s  accounting  policies  described  in  note  4. 

Segment profit (loss) represents the profit earned (loss made) by each segment without allocation of interest income, change 

in fair value of financial assets/liabilities classified as convertible notes and held-for-trading, central administrative expenses and 

finance costs. This is the measure reported to the Chief Executive Officer, the Group’s chief operating decision maker, for the 

purposes of resource allocation and performance assessment.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

59

6.  REVENUE AND SEGMENT INFORMATION – CONTINUED

Segment assets and liabilities

The following is an analysis of the Group’s assets and liabilities by reportable segments:

Segment assets

Continuing operations:

  Petroleum exploration and production 

  Trading of petroleum related products 

  Metals sourcing and trading 

Total segment assets 

Unallocated 

Consolidated assets 

Segment liabilities

Continuing operations:

  Petroleum exploration and production 

  Trading of petroleum related products 

  Metals sourcing and trading 

Total segment liabilities 

Unallocated 

Consolidated liabilities 

2011 

HK$’000 

2010

HK$’000

4,208,230 

156,238 

– 

4,364,468 

160,723 

3,971,827

90,214

101,665

4,163,706

213,728

4,525,191 

4,377,434

145,697 

– 

– 

145,697 

460,553 

65,287

89,128

10,937

165,352

160,047

606,250 

325,399

For the purposes of monitoring segment performances and allocating resources between segments:

– 

all  assets  are  allocated  to  reportable  segments  other  than  deferred  tax  assets,  other  tax  recoverable,  held-for-trading 

investments, available-for-sale investments and assets used jointly by reportable segments.

– 

all liabilities are allocated to reportable segments other than deferred tax liabilities, convertible notes, promissory notes, 

borrowings and liabilities for which reportable segments are jointly liable.

 
 
60

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

6.  REVENUE AND SEGMENT INFORMATION – CONTINUED

Other segment information

Year ended 31 December 2011

Continuing operations:

Amounts included in the measure

  of segment profit or loss or

  segment assets:

Petroleum 

Trading of 

Metals

exploration 

petroleum 

sourcing

and 

related 

and 

production 

products 

trading  Unallocated 

Segment

total

HK$’000 

HK$’000 

HK$’000 

HK$’000 

HK$’000

Capital additions 

Depreciation 

207,986 

28,089 

Impairment loss recognised in respect

  of property, plant and equipment 

34,023 

Gain on change in fair value of

  derivative financial instruments 

– 

– 

4 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(41) 

1 

186 

– 

– 

207,987

28,279

34,023

(41)

Year ended 31 December 2010

Continuing operations:

Amounts included in the measure

  of segment profit or loss or

  segment assets:

Capital additions 

Depreciation 

Capitalised exploratory well

  costs charged to expense 

Allowance for bad and doubtful debts 

Loss on change in fair value of

  derivative financial instruments 

Petroleum 

exploration 

and 

production 

HK$’000 

Trading of 

petroleum 

related 

products 

HK$’000 

Metals

sourcing

and 

trading 

Unallocated 

Segment

total

HK$’000 

HK$’000 

HK$’000

158,489 

22,300 

177,439 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

16 

– 

– 

25,188 

207 

361 

– 

13 

– 

158,696

22,677

177,439

13

25,188

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

61

6.  REVENUE AND SEGMENT INFORMATION – CONTINUED

Geographical information

The Group’s operations are located in the People’s Republic of China (the “PRC”), Hong Kong and Argentina.

The Group’s revenue from continuing operations from external customers based on the location of customers and information 

about its non-current assets by geographical location of the assets are detailed below:

PRC 

Hong Kong 

Argentina 

Revenue from 

external customers 

Non-current

assets

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010

HK$’000 

HK$’000 

HK$’000 

HK$’000

577,246 

901,563 

– 

– 

– 

508 

–

773

42,554 

35,695 

4,177,491 

3,953,547

619,800 

937,258 

4,177,999 

3,954,320

Non-current assets excluded deferred tax assets and other tax recoverable.

Information about major customers

Revenues from customers of the corresponding years contributing over 10% of the total sales of the Group are as follows:

Customer A1 

Customer B1 

Customer C1 

Customer D1 

Customer E1 

Customer F1 

Customer G2 

Customer H2 

1 
2 
3 

Revenue from trading of petroleum related products.
Revenue from metals sourcing and trading operation.
The corresponding revenue did not contribute over 10% of total sales of the Company.

2011 

HK$’000 

2010

HK$’000

169,149 

93,362 

88,725 

85,320 

71,829 

68,861 

N/A3 

N/A3 

N/A3

N/A3

N/A3

N/A3

174,034

N/A3

258,320

114,169

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
62

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

7.  COST OF SALES

Continuing operations:

Cost of sales included HK$589,942,000 (2010: HK$904,610,000), representing cost of inventories recognised as expenses.

8.  OTHER GAINS AND LOSSES

Continuing operations:

Bank interest income 

Other interest income 

Total interest income 

(Loss) gain on change in fair value of financial

  assets/liabilities classified as:

  – convertible notes 

  – held-for-trading (note a) 

  – derivative financial instruments 

Commission received (note b) 

Others 

2011 

HK$’000 

2010

HK$’000

484 

– 

484 

115

5,404

5,519

(10,106) 

(6,743) 

41 

–

(9,200)

(25,188)

(16,808) 

(34,388)

– 

3,359 

(12,965) 

41,415

5,139

17,685

Notes:

(a) 

(b) 

The  amount  in  2011  includes  a  loss  of  HK$6,566,000  incurred  upon  disposal  of  held-for-trading  securities  pledged  as  securities  for  an  other  loan  from  an 
independent third party.

The amount in 2010 represented one-off commission income received from independent third parties for the Group’s referral of customers to these independent 
third parties in the metals sourcing and trading business.

 
 
 
 
EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

63

9.  OTHER EXPENSES

Continuing operations:

Allowance for bad and doubtful debts 

Capitalised exploratory well costs charged to expense 

Expenses incurred in exploring potential investment opportunities 

Impairment loss recognised in respect of property, plant and equipment 

Irrecoverable value-added tax expense (note 21) 

Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment 

10.  FINANCE COSTS

Continuing operations:

Interest on borrowings wholly repayable within five years:

  Bank borrowings and overdrafts 

  Promissory notes 

  Other loans 

Interest on borrowings not wholly repayable within five years:

  Bank borrowings 

Effective interest expense on convertible notes (note 29) 

Total interest expense 

Loan arrangement fees for other loans 

Arrangement fee paid for share mortgage provided

  by Rakata (as defined in note 28(d)) (note 44) 

Share-based payment expense for loan arrangement 

2011 

HK$’000 

2010

HK$’000

– 

– 

49,984 

34,023 

12,124 

1 

96,132 

13

177,439

1,093

–

35,795

156

214,496

2011 

HK$’000 

2010

HK$’000

10,097 

22 

6,960 

2,699 

4,499 

24,277 

1,496 

2,340 

6,566 

1,115

1,270

–

–

–

2,385

–

–

–

34,679 

2,385

 
 
 
 
 
 
64

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

11.  TAXATION

Current tax:

  Hong Kong 

  Other jurisdictions 

Deferred tax credit (note 20) 

Total 

2011 

HK$’000 

2010

HK$’000

– 

(777) 

(777) 

8,719 

7,942 

–

–

–

–

–

Hong Kong Profits Tax is calculated at 16.5% of the estimated assessable profit for both years.

No provision for Hong Kong Profits Tax has been made as there is no assessable profit arising in Hong Kong in both years.

Argentina income tax is calculated at 35% of assessable profit for the year. No provision for Argentina income tax has been made 

as there is no assessable profit arising in Argentina for both years. However, a minimum presumptive tax is levied on all assets 

located in Argentina or in foreign countries owned by companies domiciled in Argentina or branches of foreign companies located 

in Argentina. The tax rate is 1% on the assessable assets.

Taxation arising in other jurisdictions is calculated at the rates prevailing in the relevant jurisdictions.

The taxation for the year can be reconciled to the loss before taxation per the consolidated statement of comprehensive income 

as follows:

2011 

HK$’000 

2010

HK$’000

Loss before taxation (from continuing operations) 

(225,679) 

(289,518)

Tax at the applicable rates of 16.5% (2010: 16.5%) 

Tax effect of income not taxable for tax purpose 

Tax effect of expenses not deductible for tax purpose 

Tax effect of tax losses not recognised as deferred tax asset 

Tax effect of utilisation of tax losses previously not recognised 

Effect of different tax rates of subsidiaries operating in other jurisdictions 

Others 

Tax credit for the year 

37,237 

105 

(18,679) 

(13,422) 

– 

2,806 

(105) 

7,942 

47,770

29

(38,700)

(12,887)

3,784

–

4

–

At 31 December 2011, the Group had unused tax losses of HK$174,909,000 (2010: HK$93,564,000) available for offset against 

future profits. Deferred tax asset of HK$9,870,000 has been recognised and other deferred tax asset has not been recognised 

due to the unpredictability of future profit. Included in unused tax losses are losses of HK$70,854,000 (2010: HK$19,001,000) 

that will expire in 2015 to 2016 (2010: 2015). All other tax losses may be carried forward indefinitely.

 
 
 
 
 
12.  LOSS FOR THE YEAR FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

65

Loss for the year from continuing operations has been

  arrived at after charging (crediting):

Directors’ remuneration (note 14) 

Other staff’s retirement benefits costs 

Other staff share-based payment expense 

Other staff costs 

Total staff costs 

Auditor’s remuneration 

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 

Exchange loss, net 

Minimum lease payments under operating leases in respect

  of office properties and buildings 

13.  DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

2011 

HK$’000 

2010

HK$’000

5,907 

421 

895 

19,675 

26,898 

3,050 

28,279 

4,657 

5,825

928

16,116

20,677

43,546

2,730

22,677

8,170

4,389 

3,887

On  27  August  2010,  the  Group  entered  into  two  agreements  to  dispose  of  certain  of  Group’s  wholly-owned  subsidiaries, 

including Great Wall Infrastructure Limited and its subsidiary, Innovision Enterprises Limited, and Shenzhen Innovision Trading 

Limited 深圳基漢貿易有限公司 (collectively the “Disposed Subsidiaries”), which together carried out all of the Group’s consumer 
electronics operation. The disposal was completed on 31 December 2010, on which date the Group ceased to have control over 

the Disposed Subsidiaries. Details of the assets and liabilities disposed of, and the calculation of the profit or loss on disposal, are 

disclosed in note 35.

The disposal of the consumer electronics operation represented opportunities for the Group to realise its investment in the original 

core  business  of  sourcing  and  trading  of  consumer  electronics  products  on  reasonable  terms  and  allow  the  Group  to  better 

utilising its resources and focusing on the development of its investment in the resources sector.

The  results  of  the  discontinued  operations  in  2010  included  in  the  consolidated  statement  of  comprehensive  income  and 

consolidated statement of cash flows are set out below.

 
 
66

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

13.  DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS – CONTINUED

Profit for the year from discontinued operations

Revenue 

Cost of sales 

Gross profit 

Other gains and losses 

Distribution and selling expenses 

Administrative expenses 

Other expenses 

Loss before taxation 

Gain on disposal of operation (including HK$120,000 reclassification

  of foreign currency translation reserve from equity to profit or loss

  on disposal of operations (note 35)) 

Profit for the year from discontinued operations

(attributable to owners of the Company) 

Profit for the year from discontinued operations includes the following:

Other staff costs 

Auditor’s remuneration 

Cost of inventories recognised as expenses 

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 

Exchange loss, net 

Rental expenses 

After crediting:

Bank interest income 

Other information:

  Capital additions 

Cashflows from discontinued operations

Net cash flows from operating activities 

Net cash flows used in investing activities 

Net cash flows from financing activities 

Net cash inflows 

2010

Consumer

electronics

HK$’000

117,652

(113,071)

4,581

77

(2,203)

(8,326)

(983)

(6,854)

7,744

890

1,887

–

113,071

1,011

13

2,759

3

431

2,224

(433)

11,598

13,389

The carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities of the Disposed Subsidiaries at the date of disposal are disclosed in note 35.

 
 
 
 
 
14.  DIRECTORS’ EMOLUMENTS

Fees 

Other emoluments

  Salaries and other benefits 

  Share-based payments 

  Retirement benefits scheme contributions 

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

67

2011 

HK$’000 

2010

HK$’000

458 

5,396 

19 

34 

5,907 

600

4,556

633

36

5,825

The emoluments paid or payable to each of the nine (2010: seven) directors were as follows:

2011

Name 

Salaries 

and other 

benefits 

HK$’000 

Fees 

HK$’000 

Other emoluments

Share- 

based 

Retirement

benefits

scheme

payments 

contributions 

HK$’000 

HK$’000 

Total

HK$’000

Executive directors

  Chu Kwok Chi, Robert 

  Hong Kin Choy (note a) 

  Wong Chi Wing, Joseph

(note b) 

  Zhou Jacky (note c) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Non-executive director

  Leung Hon Chuen (note d) 

37 

Independent non-executive

  directors

  Cheung Yuk Ming (note e) 

  Poon Kwok Shin (note f) 

  Qian Zhi Hui 

  Zhu Tiansheng 

Total emoluments 

Notes:

(a) 
(b) 
(c) 
(d) 
(e) 
(f) 

Appointed on 1 May 2011.
Resigned on 20 December 2011.
Resigned on 16 February 2011.
Resigned on 17 March 2011.
Appointed on 10 June 2011.
Resigned on 11 March 2011.

84 

37 

150 

150 

458 

1,210 

1,020 

3,058 

108 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

5,396 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

19 

19 

12 

8 

12 

2 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

1,222

1,028

3,070

110

37

84

37

150

169

34 

5,907

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
68

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

14.  DIRECTORS’ EMOLUMENTS – CONTINUED

2010

Name 

Executive directors

  Chu Kwok Chi, Robert 

  Wong Chi Wing, Joseph 

  Zhou Jacky (note g) 

Non-executive director

  Leung Hon Chuen 

Independent non-executive

  directors

  Poon Kwok Shin 

  Qian Zhi Hui 

  Zhu Tiansheng 

Total emoluments 

Note:

(g) 

Appointed on 1 January 2010.

Salaries 

and other 

benefits 

HK$’000 

910 

2,736 

910 

– 

– 

– 

– 

4,556 

Fees 

HK$’000 

– 

– 

– 

150 

150 

150 

150 

600 

Other emoluments

Share- 

based 

Retirement

benefits

scheme

payments 

contributions 

HK$’000 

HK$’000 

Total

HK$’000

– 

– 

536 

– 

– 

– 

97 

633 

12 

12 

12 

– 

– 

– 

– 

922

2,748

1,458

150

150

150

247

36 

5,825

There  was  no  arrangement  under  which  a  director  waived  or  agreed  to  waive  remuneration  during  both  years.  In  addition, 

no  remuneration  was  paid  by  the  Group  to  any  of  the  directors  as  an  inducement  to  join,  or  upon  joining  the  Group  or  as 

compensation for loss of office.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

69

15.  EMPLOYEES’ EMOLUMENTS

Of  the  five  individuals  with  the  highest  emoluments  in  the  Group,  two  (2010:  three)  were  directors  of  the  Company  whose 

emoluments are included in the disclosures in note 14. The emoluments of the remaining three (2010: two) individuals, one of 

whom was appointed as executive director during the year, were as follows:

Salaries and other benefits 

Retirement benefits scheme contributions 

Their emoluments were within the following bands:

HK$nil to HK$1,000,000 

HK$1,000,001 to HK$1,500,000 

HK$1,500,001 to HK$2,000,000 

16.  DIVIDEND

2011 

HK$’000 

2010

HK$’000

3,778 

24 

3,802 

2,035

24

2,059

2011 

No. of 

2010

No. of

employees 

employees

1 

1 

1 

–

2

–

No dividend was proposed during 2011, nor has any dividend been proposed since the end of the reporting period (2010: nil).

17.  LOSS PER SHARE

From continuing and discontinued operations:

The calculation of the basic and diluted loss per share attributable to owners of the Company is based on the following data:

Loss

Loss for the purposes of basic and diluted loss per share

(loss for the year attributable to owners of the Company) 

(217,737) 

(288,628)

2011 

HK$’000 

2010

HK$’000

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
70

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

17.  LOSS PER SHARE – CONTINUED

Number of shares

Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the

  purposes of basic and diluted earnings per share 

2011 

’000 

2010

’000

(restated)

2,034,001 

1,232,484

The denominator for the purpose of calculating basic loss per share for the year ended 31 December 2010 has been adjusted to 

reflect the consolidation of shares in June 2011 on the basis of ten ordinary shares being consolidated into one ordinary share.

The computation of diluted loss per share for the years ended 31 December 2011 and 31 December 2010 does not assume 

the exercise of share options and convertible notes as the inclusion of the share options and convertible notes would result in 

decrease in loss per share.

From continuing operations:

The calculation of the basic and diluted loss per share from continuing operations attributable to owners of the Company is based 

on the following data:

Loss figures are calculated as follows:

Loss for the year attributable to owners of the Company 

Less: Profit for the year from discontinued operations 

Loss for the purposes of basic and diluted earnings

  per share from continuing operations 

2011 

HK$’000 

2010

HK$’000

(217,737) 

(288,628)

– 

(890)

(217,737) 

(289,518)

The  computation  of  diluted  loss  per  share  for  the  years  end  31  December  2011  and  31  December  2010  does  not  assume 

the exercise of share options and convertible notes as the inclusion of the share options and convertible notes would result in 

decrease in loss per share.

The denominators used are the same as those detailed above for basic and diluted earnings per share.

From discontinued operations:

Basic earnings per share for the discontinued operations was 0.072 HK cent (restated) per share and the diluted earnings per 

share from discontinued operations was 0.072 HK cent (restated), based on the profit for the year ended 31 December 2010 from 

discontinued operations of HK$890,000. There were no discontinued operations in 2011.

The denominators used are the same as those detailed above for both basic and diluted earnings per share.

 
 
 
 
 
 
18.  EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION ASSETS

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

71

Cost and carrying values

  At 1 January 2010 

  Additions 

  Transfer to property, plant and equipment 

  At 31 December 2010 

  Additions 

  Transfer to property, plant and equipment 

Oil

exploration

rights 

HK$’000 

(note a) 

Others 

HK$’000 

(note b)

Total

HK$’000

3,810,136 

– 

(34,408) 

– 

3,810,136

17,565 

– 

17,565

(34,408)

3,775,728 

17,565 

3,793,293

78,000 

(16,572) 

– 

(17,565) 

78,000

(34,137)

  At 31 December 2011 

3,837,156 

– 

3,837,156

Notes:

(a) 

The amount relates to exploration and evaluation assets in respect of oil exploration rights in Argentina.

On 19 August 2009, the Group as the purchaser, and City Smart International Investment Limited (“City Smart”) and TCL Peak Winner Investment Limited (“TCL”) 
as the vendors, entered into a sale and purchase agreement pursuant to which the Group conditionally agreed to acquire from the vendors the entire issued 
share capital of Have Result Investments Limited (“Have Result”). Both City Smart and TCL were independent third parties of the Company.

The  principal  assets  of  Have  Result  are  the  oil  exploration  and  production  rights  through  the  participating  interest  in  the  Puesto  Pozo  Cercado  Concession 
and Chañares Herrados Concession (collectively the “Concessions”) as the concession of hydrocarbon exploitation concession in the Cuyana Basin, Mendoza 
Province, Argentina, covering a total surface area of approximately 169.4 and 40 square kilometers respectively (referred to as the “Areas” in note 34).

The Puesto Pozo Cercado Concessions was awarded to Chañares Herrados Empresa de Trabajos Petroleros S.A. (“Chañares”), the concessionaire, under 
International Public Bid No. 1/92. Award of this area to Chañares was made by Resolution No. 782, dated 26 June 1992, issued by the Ministry of Economy 
and Public Works of the National Government, and approved by National Decree No. 1276, dated 21 July 1992. In accordance with Law No. 17,319 the term 
of this oil exploration on production concession is 25 years commencing from 26 June 1992, with the possibility of obtaining a 10-year extension under certain 
conditions.

The Chañares Herrados Concession was obtained by Chañares under an assignment agreement executed with YPF Sociedad Anónima. This area is one of the 
areas that was formerly owned by YPF S.E. (i.e., when it was a state-owned company), and was converted into an oil exploration and production concession 
at the time YPF S.E. became a private company (YPF Sociedad Anónima) in accordance with Law No. 24,145. Administrative Decision No. 21 from Chief of 
Cabinet of the National Government, dated 19 April 1996, authorised the assignment of this hydrocarbon oil exploration and production concession to Chañares. 
In accordance with Law No. 17,319 the term of this oil exploration and production concession is 25 years commencing from 24 September 1992, with the 
possibility of obtaining a 10-year extension under certain conditions.

The acquisition of Have Result was completed on 3 November 2009 and the Group settled the initial consideration for the acquisition to the vendors by the 
issuance of: (1) promissory notes with principal amount of HK$840,000,000; (2) 1,000,000,000 new ordinary shares of HK$0.01 each of the Company and (3) 
zero coupon convertible notes with par value of HK$2,311,520,000 and a 20-year maturity.

Pursuant to the sale and purchase agreement, the total consideration for the acquisition is subject to adjustment within 24 months following the completion and 
shall be determined by reference to the technical assessment prepared by a technical adviser (the “Updated Technical Report”). If the Updated Technical Report 
shows that the proved reserves (as defined in the 2007 Petroleum Resources Management System approved by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (“PRMS”)) 
of oil in the areas are not less than 290 million barrels, the Group shall within 14 days after the issue of the Updated Technical Report issue to the vendors or their 
respective nominee(s) additional convertible notes in the principal amount of HK$500 million; or (ii) if the Updated Technical Report shows that proved reserves 
of oil in the areas are not less than 507.5 million barrels, the Group shall within 14 business days after the issue of the Updated Technical Report issue to the 
vendors or their respective nominee(s) additional convertible notes in the principal amount of HK$1,000 million.

The Updated Technical Report shows that the proved reserves of oil of the Areas do not exceed 290 million barrels, no additional convertible bonds were issued 
to the vendors.

On 2 December 2010, Southstart Limited (“Southstart”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and Chañares entered into another joint venture agreement 
(“New JV Agreement”). The Group agreed to pay US$6,000,000 (equivalent to approximately HK$46,800,000) to Chañares in consideration for the oil exploration 
and production right in the Areas during the current term of the Concessions. Details of this are set out in note 34.

During the year ended 31 December 2011, Chañares obtained an extension of 10 years from the date of expiry of the original term of the Concessions under 
Decree  No.  1467,  dated  30  June  2011  (the  “Decree”),  issued  by  the  Executive  of  the  Province  of  Mendoza.  The  Group  shall  pay  an aggregate  amount  of 
US$4,000,000  (equivalent  to  approximately  HK$31,200,000)  to  Chañares  according  to  the  New  JV  Agreement  in  consideration  for  the  oil  exploration  and 
production right in the Areas during the extended term of the Concessions. This amount was not fully paid as at 31 December 2011. The outstanding sum, 
amounting to US$2,596,000 (approximately HK$20,248,000), is included in trade and other payables (see note 26(c)).

(b) 

Others represent the geological and geophysical costs, drilling and exploration expenses directly attributable to exploration activities.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
72

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

19.  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Oil and 

gas 

properties 

HK$’000 

Furniture,

fixtures 

Construction

Motor 

vehicles 

HK$’000 

and 

equipment 

HK$’000 

in

progress 

HK$’000 

COST

At 1 January 2010 

Derecognised on disposal of a subsidiary 

Additions 

Transfer from exploration and evaluation assets 

Transfer 

Disposals 

Capitalised exploratory well costs charged to expense 

At 31 December 2010 

Additions 

Transfer from exploration and evaluation assets 

Transfer 

Disposals 

At 31 December 2011 

DEPLETION, DEPRECIATION, AMORTISATION

  AND IMPAIRMENT

At 1 January 2010 

Provided for the year 

Eliminated on disposal of subsidiaries 

Eliminated on disposals 

At 31 December 2010 

Provided for the year 

Impairment loss recognised in profit or loss 

Eliminated on disposals 

At 31 December 2011 

CARRYING VALUES

At 31 December 2011 

At 31 December 2010 

54,558 

– 

8,184 

– 

120,308 

– 

– 

183,050 

– 

– 

155,866 

– 

338,916 

1,442 

21,963 

– 

– 

23,405 

27,720 

34,023 

– 

85,148 

253,768 

159,645 

Total

HK$’000

177,466

(5,363)

159,127

34,408

–

(2,581)

(177,439)

185,618

207,987

34,137

–

(18)

3,746 

(1,382) 

186 

– 

– 

(1,936) 

– 

614 

274 

– 

– 

– 

5,463 

(3,981) 

1,117 

– 

– 

(645) 

– 

1,954 

526 

– 

– 

(18) 

113,699 

– 

149,640 

34,408 

(120,308) 

– 

(177,439) 

– 

207,187 

34,137 

(155,866) 

– 

888 

2,462 

85,458 

427,724

1,507 

523 

(868) 

(993) 

169 

167 

– 

– 

336 

552 

445 

2,539 

1,202 

(2,647) 

(77) 

1,017 

392 

– 

(12) 

1,397 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

5,488

23,688

(3,515)

(1,070)

24,591

28,279

34,023

(12)

86,881

1,065 

85,458 

340,843

937 

– 

161,027

The above items of property, plant and equipment other than oil and gas properties and construction in progress, are depreciated 

on a straight-line basis, and after taking into account their estimated residual value, as follows:

Oil and gas properties 

Motor vehicles 

Furniture, fixtures and equipment 

Unit-of-production basis over the total proven reserves

20%

20% – 331/3%

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

73

19.  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT – CONTINUED

At 31 December 2011, the Group carried out a review of the recoverable amount of its oil and gas properties, having regard to 

the operating results in its petroleum exploration and production segment. The review led to the recognition of an impairment loss 

in profit and loss of HK$34,023,000 (2010: nil). The recoverable amount of the oil and gas properties was determined based on 

the cash flow projections derived from production reserves covering the current term of the Concessions period until 2027 and 

the estimated future oil price with a discount rate of 10%.

At 31 December 2010, the Group reviewed the carrying amount of the construction in progress and considered that the drilling 

costs incurred for the deeper portion of two wells were found to be unsuccessful and were irrecoverable. Therefore, capitalised 

exploratory well costs of HK$177,439,000 (2011: nil) were impaired and recognised as an expense in the that year.

20.  DEFERRED TAX

Deferred tax assets 

Deferred tax liabilities 

2011 

HK$’000 

2010

HK$’000

9,870 

(6,574) 

3,296 

295

(5,718)

(5,423)

The following are the deferred tax assets (liabilities) recognised and movements thereon during the current and prior years:

Withholding 

tax 

HK$’000 

Accrued 

expenses 

HK$’000 

Tax

losses 

Total

HK$’000 

HK$’000

– 

295 

(5,718) 

(5,718) 

– 

(5,718) 

– 

295 

(1,151) 

(856) 

– 

– 

– 

9,870 

9,870 

295

(5,718)

(5,423)

8,719

3,296

At 1 January 2010 

Charge to other comprehensive

income relating to available-for-sale investments 

At 31 December 2010 

Charge (credit) to profit or loss (note 11) 

At 31 December 2011 

21.  OTHER TAX RECOVERABLE

Pursuant to the relevant rules and regulation in Argentina, value-added tax on expenditures incurred in drilling and purchase of 

property, plant and equipment relating to the petroleum exploration and production operation in Argentina can be used to offset 

future value-added tax on sales made. The management estimated the recoverable amount of the value-added tax based on the 

future revenue which the Group excepts would be generated from sales of oil and gas, with reference to the current exploration 

and  evaluation  stages  of  the  oil  field  and  oil  production  from  wells.  During  the  year  ended  31  December  2011,  irrecoverable 

value-added tax expense of HK$12,124,000 (2010: HK$35,795,000) is recognised in profit and loss (note 9). The directors of 

the Company expects an amount of HK$54,148,000 (2010: HK$33,643,000) will be recovered from the sales of oil and gas after 

twelve months from the end of the reporting period. Accordingly, such amount is classified as non-current.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
74

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

22.  TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

Trade receivables 

Bills receivables 

Other tax recoverable 

Prepayments to other suppliers (note a) 

Consideration receivable on disposal of subsidiaries (note b) 

Consideration receivable on disposal of held-for-trading investments (note c) 

Amount due from a former subsidiary (note d) 

Amount due from a former director (note e) 

Other receivables and deposits 

2011 

HK$’000 

2010

HK$’000

8,416 

– 

8,416 

15,062 

156,000 

– 

– 

– 

5,091 

1,444 

14,623

90,214

104,837

6,214

40,000

1,000

49,000

4,064

–

917

Total trade and other receivables 

186,013 

206,032

Notes:

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

(e) 

As at 31 December 2011, the prepayments to other suppliers represent the prepayments for purchase of chemical products related to petroleum in the trading of 
petroleum related products operation (2010: prepayments for purchase of scrap copper in the metals sourcing and trading operation).

As at 31 December 2010, consideration receivable on disposal of the Disposed Subsidiaries was not yet settled by the purchaser.

As at 31 December 2010, consideration receivable on disposal of held-for-trading investments was not settled by the purchaser.

The amount was unsecured, interest-free and repayable on demand.

At  31  December  2011,  an  other  loan  of  HK$10,000,000  was  secured  by  personal  asset  of  Wong  Chi  Wing,  Joseph.  Amount  due  from  a  former  director 
represents the advance to Wong Chi Wing, Joseph as securities for his assets pledged. The directors of the Company expect that Wong Chi Wing, Joseph will 
repay the outstanding balance when the loan owed by the Group to the loan lender is repaid and that charge of personal assets of Wong Chi Wing, Joseph 
pledged as securities is released (see note 41(c)(iii)). Particulars of the amount due from a former director are as follows:

Former director 

Terms of 

Balance at 
31.12.2011 
HK$’000 

Balance at 
1.1.2011 
HK$’000 

Maximum
amount
outstanding
during
the year
HK$’000

Wong Chi Wing, Joseph* 

Unsecured, interest-free and repayable on demand 

5,091 

– 

5,091

* 

Wong Chi Wing, Joseph resigned as an executive director of the Company on 20 December 2011.

The Group allows on average credit period of 30 to 60 days to its trade customers. At the discretion of the directors, several 

major customers are allowed to settle their balances beyond the normal credit terms up to 180 days. The following is an aged 

analysis of trade and bills receivables presented based on the invoice date (other than bills receivables which are presented based 

on the issuance date of relevant bills) at the end of the reporting period:

0-30 days 

31-60 days 

61-90 days 

91-120 days 

2011 

HK$’000 

1,457 

1,341 

1,541 

4,077 

8,416 

2010

HK$’000

104,837

–

–

–

104,837

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

75

22.  TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES – CONTINUED

Before  accepting  any  new  customer,  the  Group  assesses  the  potential  customer’s  credit  quality  and  defines  credit  limits  by 

customer. Limits and credit quality attributed to customers are reviewed regularly. As at 31 December 2011, 82% (2010: 100%) 

of the trade receivables that are neither past due nor impaired have the best credit quality assessed by the Group.

As at 31 December 2011, included in the Group’s trade receivable balance are debtors with an aggregate carrying amount of 

HK$1,541,000 (31 December 2010: nil) which are past due as at the reporting date for which the Group has not provided for 

impairment loss. The Group does not hold any collateral over these balances. The average age of these receivables is 60 days.

Aging of trade receivables which are past due but not impaired

61-90 days 

Movement in the allowance for bad and doubtful debts

At 1 January 2010 

Impairment losses recognised 

Derecognised on disposal of a subsidiary 

At 31 December 2010 and 2011 

2011 

HK$’000 

2010

HK$’000

1,541 

–

HK$’000

–

13

(13)

–

Included  in  the  allowance  for  doubtful  debts  are  individually  impaired  trade  receivables  which  have  either  been  placed  under 

liquidation or in severe financial difficulties.

23  AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE INVESTMENTS

Unlisted securities

  – Equity securities at fair value 

2011 

HK$’000 

2010

HK$’000

67,600 

67,600

The above unlisted investments represent 40% equity investments in a private entity that was established in the British Virgin 

Islands and operates in the PRC. The Group has no right to appoint directors in the board and the remaining 60% equity interest 

is owned by one shareholder. The private entity’s major asset is the holding of certain exploration rights of gold mines in the PRC. 

The entity is in the process of obtaining exploitation permit of the gold mines. The Group signed a sale and purchase agreement 

to  dispose  of  the  available-for-sale  investment  with  an  independent  third  party  (the  “Purchaser”)  in  November  2010.  Due  to 

delay in obtaining the exploitation permit, the Group signed a supplemental agreement with the Purchaser in August 2011 and 

the completion date of the disposal of the available-for-sale investment is extended to July 2012. The directors of the Company 

expect that the process will be completed in 2012. The available-for-sale investments are measured at fair value at the end of 

the reporting period and the fair value was determined to approximate the consideration of HK$67,600,000 as agreed with the 

Purchaser.

 
 
 
 
 
76

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

24  HELD-FOR-TRADING INVESTMENTS

Held-for-trading investments include:

  Listed securities

  – Equity securities listed in Hong Kong 

2011 

HK$’000 

2010

HK$’000

52 

4,000

The investments represent investments in listed equity securities in Hong Kong. The fair values of these securities at 31 December 

2011 and 2010 are based on bid prices quoted on the Stock Exchange.

25.  BANK BALANCES AND CASH/PLEDGED BANK DEPOSITS

Cash at banks and in hand 

Pledged bank deposits 

2011 

HK$’000 

29,509 

– 

29,509 

2010

HK$’000

85,204

26,340

111,544

Bank balances carry interest at market rates which range from 0.30% to 1.25% (2010: 0.30% to 0.76%) per annum. The pledged 

deposits at 31 December 2010 carried fixed interest at rates of 0.17% to 1.85% per annum.

At 31 December 2010, pledged bank deposits represented deposits pledged to banks to secure banking facilities granted to the 

Group. Deposits amounting to HK$26,340,000 (2011: nil) have been pledged to secure short-term trade financing from banks 

and were therefore classified as current assets.

In addition, included in the bank balances and cash are the following amounts denominated in currencies other than the functional 

currency of the relevant group entities:

HK$ 

Argentina Peso (“ARS”) 

Renminbi (“RMB”) 

2011 

HK$’000 

Equivalent 

22,975 

6,382 

10 

2010

HK$’000

Equivalent

73,617

2,368

11

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
26.  TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

77

Trade payables 

Bills payables 

Payables for acquisition of available-for-sale investments (note a) 

Payables for assignment of oil concession rights (note b) 

Payables for oil concession rights (note c) 

Payables for acquisition of held-for-trading investments

  as securities to a loan (note d) 

Interest payable on borrowings 

Interest payable on promissory notes 

Other payables and accruals 

2011 

HK$’000 

2010

HK$’000

68,004 

– 

68,004 

– 

50,700 

20,248 

16,115 

2,699 

– 

12,014 

8,575

89,128

97,703

10,424

50,700

–

–

–

482

9,063

169,780 

168,372

Notes:

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

The amount was unsecured and interest-free.

Pursuant  to  the  assignment  agreement  dated  24  November  2007  as  amended/supplemented  by  the  “Amendment  to  Contract  of  Assignment  of  Rights, 
Investment and Technical Cooperation” dated 19 December 2008 executed by and between Maxipetrol (as defined in note 34) and Have Result, Have Result was 
obliged to pay Maxipetrol US$20,000,000 (approximately HK$156,000,000) in consideration of Maxipetrol’s assignment of 51% rights on the future production as 
a consequence of new drilling and operation of new wells in the Areas. As at 31 December 2011 and 2010, the balance payable is US$6,500,000 (approximately 
HK$50,700,000; 2010: HK$50,700,000).

During the year ended 31 December 2011, Chañares obtained an extension of 10 years from the date of expiry of the original terms of the Concessions. Pursuant 
to the New JV Agreement, the Group is obliged to pay an amount of US$4,000,000 (approximately HK$31,200,000) to Chañares. This amount was not fully paid 
during the year. At 31 December 2011, the outstanding sum amounted to US$2,596,000 (approximately HK$20,248,000; 2010: nil).

The amount, which are interest-free and repayable on demand, represents the payable which arose from purchases of held-for-trading investment as securities 
to a loan.

The following is an aged analysis by invoice date (bills issued date for bills payables) of trade and bills payables at the end of the 

reporting period:

0-30 days 

31-60 days 

61-90 days 

91-180 days 

The average credit period on purchases of goods is 30 days.

2011 

HK$’000 

46,160 

17,697 

1,610 

2,537 

68,004 

2010

HK$’000

97,703

–

–

–

97,703

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
78

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

26.  TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES – CONTINUED

All of the other payables are unsecured, interest-free and expected to be settled within one year.

Included in trade and bills payables are the following amounts denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the 

relevant group entities.

ARS 

27.  DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Commodity forward contracts – Copper cathode (note a) 

Foreign currency swap contracts not under hedge accounting (note b) 

Interest rate swap contracts not under hedge accounting (note c) 

2011 

HK$’000 

Equivalent 

2010

HK$’000

Equivalent

25,114 

8,575

2011 

HK$’000 

2010

HK$’000

– 

– 

– 

– 

(9,769)

(601)

(226)

(10,596)

Notes:

(a) 

The  Group  entered  into  commodity  forward  contracts  to  hedge  forecasted  purchase  and  sale  of  copper  concentrate  and/or  related  materials.  These 
arrangements  are  designed  to  address  significant  fluctuation  in  the  price  of  copper  concentrate  and/or  related  materials  which  move  in  line  with  the  price 
of copper cathode. However, the Group does not designate these forward contracts as hedging instruments according to HKAS 39 “Financial instruments: 
Recognition and measurement”. Accordingly, they are treated as financial assets or financial liabilities held for trading and included in fair value through profit or 
loss. The respective unrealised gain/loss is recognised in profit or loss in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income and the respective balance is 
recognised under current assets and current liabilities.

Fair  values  of  commodity  forward  contracts  were  determined  with  reference  to  the  market  forward  price  of  related  metals  quoted  from  the  London  Metal 
Exchange and the Shanghai Futures Exchange as at the end of the reporting period.

Major terms of the commodity forward contract (with net settlement option) at 31 December 2010 are as follows:

Position: Sell forward contracts quantities (in tonnes) 

Price per tonne (HK$) 

Delivery period 

Position: Buy forward contracts quantities (in tonnes) 

Price per tonne (HK$) 

Delivery period 

2010

1,000

64,740

Feb 2011

1,000

74,513

Feb 2011

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

79

27.  DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS – CONTINUED

Notes: – continued

(b) 

Major terms of the foreign currency swap contract (with net settlement option) at 31 December 2010 are as follows:

2010

Notional amount 

Maturity date 

Swaps

US$2,800,000 

June 2011 

The Group will receive US$2,800,000 while paying RMB at a forward rate of 6.700.

(c) 

Major terms of the interest rate swap contract (with net settlement option) at 31 December 2010 are as follows:

2010

Notional amount 

Maturity date 

Swaps

HK$20,000,000 

June 2011 

1.5% for Hong Kong Interbank Offer Rate (“HIBOR”) plus 0.5%

As at 31 December 2010, the fair value of the foreign currency swap and interest rate swap contracts, which are estimated using 

valuation provided by the counterparty banks, was insignificant.

28.  BORROWINGS

Bank loans 

Trust receipts loans 

Other loans (note) 

Analysed as:

  Secured 

  Unsecured 

Carrying amount repayable:

  Within one year 

In more than one year, but not more than two years 

In more than two years, but not more than five years 

In more than five years 

Less: Amounts due within one year shown under

  current liabilities 

Note:  Other loans represent short-term loans from independent third parties.

2011 

2010

HK$’000 

HK$’000

312,000 

– 

40,728 

23,392

112,285

–

352,728 

135,677

312,000 

40,728 

112,285

23,392

352,728 

135,677

56,328 

23,400 

163,800 

109,200 

135,677

–

–

–

352,728 

135,677

(56,328) 

(135,677)

296,400 

–

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
80

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

28.  BORROWINGS – CONTINUED

During the year ended 31 December 2011, the Company entered into a loan agreement (the “Term Loan Agreement”) with a 

bank for a term loan facility of US$40,000,000 (approximately HK$312,000,000) (the “Term Loan”) for the purpose of funding the 

project in connection with the petroleum exploration and production in the Areas or to refinance any debt incurred by the Group 

for the purpose of this project. The Term Loan shall be repayable in seven annual instalments as follows:

Repayable in:

  November 2012 

  November 2013 

  November 2014 

  November 2015 

  November 2016 

  November 2017 

  November 2018 

Equivalent to

US$’000 

HK$’000

2,000 

3,000 

7,000 

7,000 

7,000 

7,000 

7,000 

15,600

23,400

54,600

54,600

54,600

54,600

54,600

40,000 

312,000

Interest rate of the Term Loan is based on the aggregate of the London interbank borrowing rate (“LIBOR”) plus 4% per annum. 

Interest is payable every six months from the drawdown date of 10 November 2011. Interest rates of the fixed-rate other loans 

amounting to HK$40,728,000 as at 31 December 2011 range from 24% to 31% per annum. Interest rates of the variable-rate 

bank loans outstanding as at 31 December 2010 were based on bank’s standard bills finance rate plus 1.5% per annum which 

will mature in March or April 2011. The trust receipt loans carried interest at prevailing market rates.

The ranges of effective interest rate (which are also equal to contracted interest rates) on the Group’s borrowings are as follows:

Effective interest rate 

Carrying amount

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010

HK$’000 

HK$’000

Fixed-rate borrowings 

24% to 31% 

– 

40,728 

–

Variable-rate borrowings 

4.64%  2.27% to 4.12% 

312,000 

135,677

352,728 

135,677

The Term Loan is secured by the following:

(a) 

Pledge of the entire stock capital of EP Energy (as defined in note 34). Details about EP Energy and the jointly controlled 

operation EP Energy is involved are set out in note 34.

(b)  Mortgage of the entire issued share capital of Have Result.

(c)  Mortgage of the entire issued share capital of two wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company which together hold the entire 

stock capital of EP Energy.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

81

28.  BORROWINGS – CONTINUED

The Term Loan is also guaranteed/secured by the following:

(d)  Guarantee executed by Ample Talent Development Group Limited (“Ample Talent”) which is incorporated in Hong Kong and 

is owned as to 100% by Rakarta Limited (“Rakarta”). Details about Rakarta are set out in (h) below.

(e) 

Security  assignment  in  relation  to  the  shareholder  loan  due  to  Ample  Talent  by  a  sino-foreign  cooperative  joint  venture 

established in the PRC (the “Project Company”) in favour of the bank.

(f)  Mortgage of the entire issued share capital of Ample Talent (the “Ample Talent Share Mortgage”).

(g) 

Pledge of 54% of the registered capital in the Project Company.

(h) 

Security assignment in relation to the shareholder loan due to Rakarta by Ample Talent in favour of the bank. Rakarta is a 

company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands and is owned as to 72% by Mr. Wu Shaozhang (“Mr. Wu”).

Mr. Wu is interested in approximately 18.87% of the issued shares of the Company at the date of the Term Loan Agreement and 

approximately 18.86% at 31 December 2011. He is a substantial shareholder of the Company as defined in the Rules Governing 

the Listing of Securities on the Stock Exchange. The Term Loan Agreement contains a condition that if Mr. Wu ceases to be a 

substantial shareholder of the Company, the bank may, by not less than 60 days’ notice to the Company, cancel the Term Loan 

and, among other things, all outstanding loans together with accrued interest will become immediately due and payable.

Mr. Wu has provided a written confirmation to the Company confirming that he will not dispose of his existing interest in the 

Company for at least a period of twelve months from the date of issuance of the Company’s consolidated financial statements. 

As such, the portion of the Term Loan that is repayable after one year from the end of the reporting period in accordance with the 

repayment schedule above is shown under non-current liabilities.

Included in bank borrowings are the following amounts denominated in currency other than the functional currency of the relevant 

group entities:

HK$ 

2011 

2010

HK$’000 

HK$’000

Equivalent 

Equivalent

40,728 

23,392

 
 
 
82

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

29.  CONVERTIBLE NOTES

(a)  On 19 August 2011, the Company entered into a placing agreement, with a supplemental placing agreement entered into 

on 26 August 2011 (collectively the “CN Placing Agreement”), with a placing agent pursuant to which the Company agreed 

to issue through the placing agent to not less than six independent placees zero coupon convertible notes in an aggregate 

principal  amount  of  HK$62,100,000  (the  “CN”)  which  can  be  converted  into  ordinary  shares  of  HK$0.10  each  of  the 

Company at an initial conversion price of HK$0.15 per share (subject to anti-dilutive adjustments).

The CN are denominated in Hong Kong dollars, maturing on the second anniversary of the issue date of 2 September 

2011 (the “Maturity Date”). The Company shall redeem all the CN on the Maturity Date at 130% of the principal amount 

outstanding. With the holder’s agreement, the Company may at any time and from time to time purchase the outstanding 

CN at such price as may be agreed between the Company and the holders thereof. No interest is payable by the Company 

unless the Company defaults in payment of any amount due under the CN in which event default interest at the rate of 5% 

per annum is payable on the amount in default.

The holders of the CN shall have the right at any time during the conversion period commencing from the day after the 

issue date of the CN up to and including the date which is 7 days prior to the Maturity Date to convert the whole or part 

of the principal amount outstanding (in minimum amount of HK$150,000 or whole multiple thereof) under the CN at an 

initial conversion price of HK$0.15 per share (subject to anti-dilutive adjustments) into ordinary shares of the Company. 

The holders of the CN shall not exercise any conversion rights to such an extent that results or will result in (i) the holder(s) 

and person(s) acting in concert with it (within the meaning of the Code on Takeovers and Mergers and Share Repurchases 

(the “Takeovers Code”)) holding or having more than 29% (or such percentage as may from time to time be specified in the 

Takeovers Code as being the level for triggering a mandatory general offer) of the then issued ordinary share capital of the 

Company or otherwise being obliged to make a general offer for the shares of the Company in accordance the Takeovers 

Code; or (ii) the Company in breach of any provision of the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on the Stock Exchange, 

including the requirement to maintain any prescribed minimum percentage of the issued share capital of the Company held 

by the public.

The  CN  contain  two  components,  the  liability  component  and  the  conversion  option.  The  conversion  option  gives  the 

holder’s right at any time to convert the CN into ordinary shares of the Company. However, since the conversion option 

will be settled other than by the exchange of a fixed amount of cash or another financial asset for a fixed number of the 

Company’s own equity instruments, the conversion option is accounted for as a derivative liability and it is measured at fair 

value with subsequent changes in fair value recognised in profit or loss.

The fair value of the liability component upon the issuance of the CN was calculated at the present value of the redeemable 

amount, at 130% of the principal amount. The effective interest rate of the liability component is 23.41%.

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

83

29.  CONVERTIBLE NOTES – CONTINUED

(a) – continued

The fair value of the conversion option was determined using binomial option pricing model, and the inputs into the model 

at the relevant dates were as follows:

Conversion price 

Share price 

Expected volatility 

Remaining life 

Risk-free rate 

02.09.2011 

31.12.2011

HK$0.150 

HK$0.119 

41.868% 

HK$0.150

HK$0.166

41.868%

2 years 

1.64 years

0.2190% 

0.3332%

The  total  fair  value  of  the  CN  at  2  September  2011  is  HK$62,100,000.  As  at  31  December  2011,  a  fair  value  loss  of 

HK$10,106,000 in relation to the conversion option was recognised in profit or loss.

The movement of the components of the CN during the year is set out below:

At issue date of 2 September 2011 

Transaction costs 

Change in fair value 

Interest charge 

At 31 December 2011 

Analysed for reporting purpose as:

Current liabilities 

Non-current liabilities 

Liability 

Conversion

component 

component 

Total

HK$’000 

HK$’000 

HK$’000

54,542 

(2,044) 

– 

4,499 

7,558 

– 

10,106 

– 

62,100

(2,044)

10,106

4,499

56,997 

17,664 

74,661

2011 

2010

HK$’000 

HK$’000

– 

74,661 

74,661 

–

–

–

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
84

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

29.  CONVERTIBLE NOTES – CONTINUED

(b)  During the year ended 31 December 2009, the Company issued unsecured zero coupon convertible notes (the “CN-2009”) 

of an aggregate par value of HK$2,311,520,000 to the vendors at an initial conversion price of HK$0.205 per share (subject 

to anti-dilutive adjustments) as part of the consideration for the acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Have Result. 

The CN-2009 have a maturity of twenty years from the issue date.

The holders of the CN-2009 have the right to convert the whole or any part of the outstanding principal amount of the CN-

2009 into shares of HK$0.01 each in the share capital of the Company at any time during the period commencing from the 

day immediately following the date of issue of the CN-2009 up to the day immediately prior to and exclusive of the maturity 

date at the conversion price of HK$0.205 per share. The CN-2009 may not be converted to the extent that, following such 

conversion, the CN-2009 holder(s) would directly or indirectly control or be interested in an aggregate of 30% or more of 

the issued shares of the Company as enlarged by the issue of the conversion shares (or such other amount as may from 

time to time be specified in the Takeovers Code as being the level for triggering a mandatory general offer).

The CN-2009 are denominated in Hong Kong dollars. The Company has no obligation to repay any outstanding principal 

amount of the CN-2009 but has the right at its discretion to redeem any principal amount of the CN-2009 at its face value. 

The CN-2009 may be assigned or transferred to any third party, but may not be assigned or transferred to any company 

or other person which is a connected person of the Company without the prior written consent of the Company. The CN-

2009 meet the definition of equity under HKAS 32 “Financial instruments: Presentation” and therefore are accounted for as 

equity of the Company (convertible notes reserve).

The fair value of the conversion shares as at the date of issue of the CN-2009 is HK$0.244 per conversion share which 

represents the fair value of the ordinary shares as at 3 November 2009.

During the year ended 31 December 2010, the CN-2009 with an aggregate carrying amount of HK$2,326,356,000 (2011: 

nil) were converted into 9,534,243,901 ordinary shares of HK$0.01 each of the Company (2011: nil) as follows:

Date of conversion 

17 February 2010 

19 April 2010 

21 April 2010 

5 August 2010 

30 September 2010 

28 October 2010 

There were no outstanding CN-2009 at 31 December 2010 and 2011.

2010

Number of

ordinary

shares of

HK$0.01 each

243,902,439

243,902,439

1,463,414,634

4,150,000,000

141,426,341

3,291,598,048

Carrying 

amount 

of CN 

HK$’000 

59,512 

59,512 

357,074 

1,012,600 

34,508 

803,150 

2,326,356 

9,534,243,901

 
 
 
 
 
 
EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

85

30.  PROMISSORY NOTES

The promissory notes with an aggregate principal amount of HK$840,000,000 were issued during the year ended 31 December 

2009 as part of the consideration for the acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Have Result. The promissory notes are 

unsecured and bear interest at 1% plus 6-month HIBOR or the prime rate for Hong Kong dollars from time to time quoted by The 

Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, whichever is the lower. The promissory notes can be repaid at par before 

maturity at the discretion of the Company.

The  promissory  notes  are  denominated  in  Hong  Kong  dollars  and  shall  be  repaid  in  full  on  maturity  on  2  November  2012. 

Repayment of HK$1,899,000 (2010: HK$250,381,000) was made during the year ended 31 December 2011. There were no 

outstanding promissory notes at 31 December 2011.

31.  ASSETS RETIREMENT OBLIGATION

At 1 January 2010 

Adjustments 

At 31 December 2010 

Adjustments 

At 31 December 2011 

HK$’000

3,150

(13)

3,137

(1,407)

1,730

In accordance with the relevant rules and regulations in Argentina, the Group is obliged to accrue the cost for land reclamation 

and site closures for the Group’s existing developed oil and gas fields. The provision for asset retirement obligation has been 

determined by the directors based on their best estimates in accordance with the relevant rules and regulations.

32.  SHARE CAPITAL

Authorised:

At 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2010 

Consolidation of shares (note a) 

Nominal

value 

per share 

Number

of shares 

Amount

HK$’000

0.01 

100,000,000,000 

1,000,000

(90,000,000,000) 

–

At 31 December 2011 

0.10 

10,000,000,000 

1,000,000

Issued and fully paid:

At 1 January 2010 

Issue of new shares (note b) 

Shares repurchased (note c) 

Conversion of convertible notes (note d) 

At 31 December 2010 

Issue of new shares (note e) 

Consolidation of shares (note a) 

Issue of new shares (note f) 

At 31 December 2011 

0.01 

0.01 

0.01 

0.01 

0.01 

0.01 

0.10 

0.10 

7,693,611,984 

1,390,000,000 

(109,080,000) 

9,534,243,901 

18,508,775,885 

2,200,000,000 

(18,637,898,297) 

80,000,000 

76,936

13,900

(1,090)

95,342

185,088

22,000

–

8,000

2,150,877,588 

215,088

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
86

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

32.  SHARE CAPITAL – CONTINUED

Notes:

(a) 

(b) 

As announced by the Company on 16 May 2011, the Company proposed to effect a share consolidation and every ten issued and unissued shares of the 
Company of HK$0.01 each were consolidated into one consolidated share of HK$0.10 each. Details of the share consolidation are set out, among others, in the 
circular of the Company dated 7 June 2011. An ordinary resolution approving the share consolidation was passed at the special general meeting of the Company 
held on 22 June 2011 and the share consolidation became effective on 23 June 2011.

On 15 April 2010, the Company entered into a top-up placing and subscription agreement with two shareholders of the Company, Climax Associates Limited 
(“CA Ltd”) and City Smart, and a placing agent, among others, to allot and issue 1,390,000,000 ordinary shares of HK$0.01 each of the Company (the “First 
Subscription Shares”) at a subscription price of HK$0.183 per share. The subscription agreement is conditional upon completion of the placing of 1,390,000,000 
ordinary shares of HK$0.01 each of the Company made by the placing agent on behalf of CA Ltd and City Smart. On 27 April 2010, following completion of the 
placing, the First Subscription Shares were issued under the refreshed general mandate granted to the directors of the Company on 3 December 2009. The net 
proceeds of approximately HK$243.9 million shall be used as general working capital including financing the Group’s operations in Mendoza, Argentina.

Wong Chi Wing, Joseph and Chu Kwok Chi, Robert, directors and shareholders of the Company, had beneficial interests in CA Ltd when the above transactions 
took place.

Further details of the above are set out in the Company’s announcements dated 15 April 2010 and 27 April 2010.

The First Subscription Shares of HK$0.01 each were issued to CA Ltd and City Smart pursuant to the top-up placing and subscription agreement.

(c) 

During the year ended 31 December 2010, the Company repurchased its own shares on the Stock Exchange as follows:

Month of repurchase 

May 2010 
June 2010 
July 2010 
November 2010 

Number of 
ordinary shares 
of HK$0.01 each 

20,980,000 
9,140,000 
55,840,000 
23,120,000 

109,080,000 

Highest 
HK$ 

0.121 
0.109 
0.103 
0.077 

Lowest 
HK$ 

0.100 
0.101 
0.079 
0.071 

Aggregate
consideration
paid
HK$

2,306,143
953,430
5,120,896
1,700,583

10,081,052

(d) 

During the year ended 31 December 2010, 9,534,243,901 shares of HK$0.01 each of the Company were issued upon conversion of convertible notes with an 
aggregate principal amount of HK$2,326,356,000.

(e) 

During the year ended 31 December 2011 and prior to the share consolidation set out in (a) above, the following subscription arrangements took place:

(i) 

On 22 December 2010, the Company entered into a subscription agreement with Rich Concept Worldwide Limited (“Rich Concept”), a shareholder of 
the Company, to allot and issue 920,000,000 ordinary shares of HK$0.01 each (the “Second Subscription Shares”) at a subscription price of HK$0.0675 
per share. The subscription agreement is conditional upon completion of the placing of 920,000,000 ordinary shares of HK$0.01 each of the Company 
made by the placing agent on behalf of Rich Concept. The placing of issued shares then held by Rich Concept was completed on 22 December 2010 
with net proceeds amounting to HK$61,721,000 being remitted to the Company which shall be applied as part settlement as subscription money for 
the new shares to be issued to Rich Concept. On 3 January 2011, the Second Subscription Shares were issued under the general mandate granted 
to the directors of the Company on 9 June 2010. The net proceeds of approximately HK$61.7 million shall be used as general working capital and to 
finance the Group's operations in Mendoza, Argentina. At 31 December 2010 when the subscription was not yet completed, the proceeds received was 
recorded in capital reserve which were credited to share capital and share premium, as appropriate, upon completion of the subscription on 3 January 
2011.

Wong Chi Wing, Joseph, a director and shareholder of the Company, wholly owns the beneficial interests in Rich Concept when the above transaction 
took place. Wong Chi Wing, Joseph resigned as director on 20 December 2011.

Further details of the above are set out in the Company’s announcements dated 22 December 2010 and 3 January 2011.

The Second Subscription Shares of HK$0.01 each were issued to Rich Concept pursuant to the subscription agreement.

(ii) 

On 9 May 2011, the Company entered into a subscription agreement with City Wise Investment Limited (“City Wise”), a substantial shareholder of the 
Company, to allot and issue 1,280,000,000 ordinary shares of HK$0.01 each (the “Third Subscription Shares”) at a subscription price of HK$0.05 per 
share. The subscription agreement is conditional upon completion of the placing of 1,280,000,000 ordinary shares of HK$0.01 each of the Company 
made by the placing agent on behalf of City Wise. On 23 May 2011, following the completion of the placing, the Third Subscription Shares were issued 
under the general mandate granted to the directors of the Company on 9 June 2010. The net proceeds of approximately HK$63.6 million shall be used 
as general working capital and to finance the Group’s operations in Mendoza, Argentina.

Mr. Wu, a shareholder of the Company, wholly owned the beneficial interests in City Wise when the above transaction took place.

Further details of the above are set out in the Company’s announcements dated 9 May 2011 and 23 May 2011.

The Third Subscription Shares of HK$0.01 each were issued to City Wise pursuant to the subscription agreement.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

87

32.  SHARE CAPITAL – CONTINUED

Notes: – continued

(f) 

During the year ended 31 December 2011 and after the share consolidation set out in (a) above becoming effective, the following subscription arrangement took 
place:

On  14  October  2011,  the  Company  entered  into  a  subscription  agreement  with  City  Wise  to  allot  and  issue  80,000,000  ordinary  shares  of  HK$0.10  each 
(the “Fourth Subscription Shares”) at a subscription price of HK$0.182 per share. The subscription agreement is conditional upon completion of the placing 
of 80,000,000 ordinary shares of HK$0.10 each of the Company made by City Wise to an individual who is an independent third party. On 28 October 2011, 
following completion of the placing, the Fourth Subscription Shares were issued under the refreshed general mandate granted to the directors of the Company 
on 29 September 2011. The net proceeds of approximately HK$13.6 million shall be used as general working capital and to finance the Group’s operations in 
Mendoza, Argentina.

Mr. Wu, a shareholder of the Company, had beneficial interests in City Wise when the above transaction took place.

Further details of the above are set out in the Company’s announcements dated 14 October 2011 and 28 October 2011.

The Fourth Subscription Shares of HK$0.10 each were issued to City Wise pursuant to the subscription agreement.

The shares repurchased by the Company during the year ended 31 December 2010 were cancelled. None of the Company’s 

subsidiaries purchased, sold or redeemed any of the Company’s listed securities during both years.

All shares issued by the Company during both years rank pari passu with the then existing ordinary shares in all respects.

33.  SHARE OPTIONS

The  Company’s  share  option  scheme  (the  “Scheme”)  was  adopted  for  a  period  of  10  years  commencing  6  November  2006 

pursuant to an ordinary resolution passed at the special general meeting of the shareholders held on 6 November 2006 for the 

purpose of providing incentives or rewards to selected employees and directors for their contribution to the Group.

Under the Scheme, the Company may grant options to selected employees and directors of the Company and its subsidiaries to 

subscribe for shares in the Company. Additionally, the Company may, from time to time, grant share options to eligible suppliers, 

customers,  advisors  and  consultants  to  the  Company  and  its  subsidiaries  at  the  discretion  of  the  board  of  directors  of  the 

Company.

The total number of shares in respect of which options may be granted under the Scheme is not permitted to exceed 10% of the 

shares of the Company in issue at any point of time, without prior approval from the Company’s shareholders. The number of 

shares issued and to be issued in respect of which options granted and may be granted to any individual in any one year is not 

permitted to exceed 1% of the shares of the Company in issue at any point in time, without prior approval from the Company’s 

shareholders.  Options  granted  to  substantial  shareholders,  independent  non-executive  directors,  or  any  of  their  respective 

associates  (including  a  discretionary  trust  whose  discretionary  objects  include  substantial  shareholders,  independent  non-

executive directors, or any of their respective associates) in excess of 0.1% of the Company’s share capital or with a value in 

excess of HK$5,000,000 must be also approved by the Company’s shareholders.

The exercise price of the share options is determinable by the directors, but may not be less than the highest of: (i) the Stock 

Exchange closing price of the Company’s shares on the date of the offer of the share options which must be a business day; (ii) 

the average Stock Exchange closing price of the Company’s shares for the five trading days immediately preceding the date of 

the offer; and (iii) the nominal value of the Company’s shares.

As at 31 December 2011, options to subscribe for an aggregate of 152,380,000 shares (2010: 1,098,200,000 shares) of the 

Company granted to the directors, certain employees and suppliers pursuant to the Scheme remained outstanding.

88

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

33.  SHARE OPTIONS – CONTINUED

Details of the movements in the number of share options during both years under the Scheme are as follows:

Exercisable period 

Exercise 

at 

during 

during 

at 

during 

during 

at

  Outstanding 

Granted 

Lapsed  Outstanding 

cancelled 

Granted  Outstanding

Lapsed

Option type 

Date of grant 

(both dates inclusive) 

1.1.2010 

the year 

the year 

1.1.2011  Adjustments* 

the year 

the year 

31.12.2011

price 

HK$

1.610* 

1.610* 

1.610* 

Directors:

M 

N 

O 

Employees:

G 

H 

I 

J 

K 

L 

19 March 2010 

19 March 2010 – 

9 February 2013

19 March 2010 

10 November 2010 – 

9 February 2013

19 March 2010 

10 August 2011 – 

9 February 2013

– 

– 

– 

5,900,000 

5,900,000 

5,900,000 

– 

– 

– 

5,900,000 

(5,310,000) 

(500,000) 

5,900,000 

(5,310,000) 

(500,000) 

5,900,000 

(5,310,000) 

(500,000) 

– 

17,700,000 

– 

17,700,000 

(15,930,000) 

(1,500,000) 

15 August 2007 

15 August 2008 – 

6.420* 

1,000,000 

15 August 2011

15 August 2007 

15 August 2009 – 

6.420* 

1,000,000 

15 August 2011

15 August 2007 

15 August 2010 – 

6.420* 

1,000,000 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

1,000,000 

(900,000) 

(100,000) 

1,000,000 

(900,000) 

(100,000) 

1,000,000 

(900,000) 

(100,000) 

15 August 2011

10 February 2010 

10 February 2010 – 

9 February 2013

10 February 2010 

10 November 2010 – 

9 February 2013

10 February 2010 

10 August 2011 – 

9 February 2013

1.564* 

1.564* 

1.564* 

– 

– 

– 

44,099,994 

(1,599,999) 

42,499,995 

(38,249,996) 

(213,333) 

44,099,994 

(1,599,999) 

42,499,995 

(38,249,996) 

(213,333) 

44,100,012 

(1,600,002) 

42,500,010 

(38,250,009) 

(213,334) 

P (Note) 

10 November 2010 

1 January 2011 – 

0.816* 

– 

475,000,000 

– 

475,000,000 

(427,500,000) 

(47,500,000) 

Q (Note) 

10 November 2010 

1 January 2012 – 

0.816* 

– 

475,000,000 

– 

475,000,000 

(427,500,000) 

(47,500,000) 

31 December 2012

31 December 2012

3,000,000  1,082,300,000 

(4,800,000)  1,080,500,000 

(972,450,001) 

(95,940,000) 

– 

12,109,999

Suppliers:

R 

11 October 2011 

11 October 2011 – 

0.141 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

140,000,000 

140,000,000

10 October 2013

3,000,000  1,100,000,000 

(4,800,000)  1,098,200,000 

(988,380,001) 

(97,440,000) 

140,000,000 

152,379,999

The vesting period ends on the date when the exercisable period of the share options begin.

No share options were exercised during both years.

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

90,000

90,000

90,000

270,000

–

–

–

4,036,666

4,036,666

4,036,667

–

–

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

89

33.  SHARE OPTIONS – CONTINUED

The Company used the Binomial model (the “Model”) with the consideration of vesting period and possible exercise pattern to 

value  the  share  options  granted.  The  value  of  an  option  varies  with  different  variables  of  certain  subjective  assumptions.  Any 

change in the variables so adopted may materially affect the estimation of the fair value of an option.

Share options were granted on 15 August 2007, 10 February 2010, 19 March 2010, 10 November 2010 and 11 October 2011. 

The estimated fair value of the options granted on those dates, as adjusted for the effect of the share consolidation in June 2011, 

was as follows:

Option type 

G 

H 

I 

J 

K 

L 

M 

N 

O 

P (Note) 

Q (Note) 

R 

Grant date 

15 August 2007 

15 August 2007 

15 August 2007 

10 February 2010 

10 February 2010 

10 February 2010 

19 March 2010 

19 March 2010 

19 March 2010 

10 November 2010 

10 November 2010 

11 October 2011 

Fair value

HK$

2.123*

2.346*

2.522*

0.372*

0.417*

0.459*

0.384*

0.425*

0.469*

0.209*

0.250*

0.0469

The  inputs  into  the  Model  in  respect  of  the  share  options  granted  during  the  year  ended  31  December  2011  and  2010,  as 

adjusted for the effect of the share consolidation in June 2011, were as follows:

Option type

J 

K 

L 

M 

N 

O 

P 

Q 

R

(Note) 

(Note)

1.530* 

1.564* 

1.530* 

1.564* 

1.530* 

1.564* 

1.610* 

1.610* 

1.610* 

1.610* 

1.610* 

1.610* 

0.810* 

0.816* 

0.810* 

0.816* 

0.141

0.141

51.84% 

51.84% 

51.84% 

50.12% 

50.12% 

50.12% 

61.14% 

61.14% 

66.27%

1.50 

1.87 

2.25 

1.44 

1.77 

2.14 

1.14 

1.64 

2.00

0.376% 

0.485% 

0.629% 

0.394% 

0.524% 

0.663% 

0.308% 

0.371% 

0.244%

Share price on grant date

(HK$) 

Exercise price (HK$) 

Expected volatility 

Expected life (years) 

Risk-free rate 

The Group recognised an expense in profit or loss in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income of HK$7,480,000 (2010: 

HK$16,749,000) for the year ended 31 December 2011 in relation to share options granted by the Company.

Note:  On 15 February 2011, the directors of the Company, after obtaining written consent from all grantees, cancelled option types P and Q as the market price of the 

Company’s shares has been substantially below the respective exercise prices and the options granted did not serve the incentive purpose as originally planned.

* 

This  reflect  the  adjusted  share  price  on  grant  date,  exercise  prices  and  number  of  share  options  which  have  been  granted  and  are  outstanding  after  the 
completion of the consolidation of shares during the year ended 31 December 2011.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
90

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

34.  JOINT VENTURE

Jointly controlled operation

Chañares  entered  into  a  joint  venture  agreement  ("JV  Agreement")  with  Maxipetrol  –  Petroleros  de  Occidente  S.A.  (formerly 

known as Oxipetrol – Petroleros de Occidente S.A., ("Maxipetrol")) on 14 November 2007 in connection with the development 

of incremental hydrocarbons production in the "Puesto Pozo Cercado" area and "Chañares Herrados" area ("Areas"), through 

the investments to be made by Maxipetrol. Under the JV Agreement, it was established that the hydrocarbons obtained from the 

wells drilled within the scope of the JV Agreement, as well as any other benefit obtained from the exploration and production of 

the works performed thereunder, shall be distributed in the following proportion: 28% for Chañares and 72% for Maxipetrol.

Have  Result  entered  into  an  agreement  for  the  Assignment  of  Rights,  Investment  and  Technical  Cooperation  with  Maxipetrol 

dated  24  November  2007,  as  amended  and/or  supplemented  by  (i)  a  deed  of  undertaking  executed  by  Maxipetrol  on  12 

December 2007; (ii) a supplementary deed of undertaking executed by Maxipetrol on 28 December 2007; and (iii) a document 

entitled "Amendment to Contract of Assignment of Rights, Investment and Technical Cooperation" executed by and between 

Maxipetrol  and  Have  Result,  dated  19  December  2008  (the  "Assignment  Agreement").  Under  the  Assignment  Agreement, 

Maxipetrol assigned in favour of Have Result 51% of its rights on the future production as a consequence of new drillings and the 

operation of new wells in the Areas. The profit derived from the incremental hydrocarbon production in the Areas will first cover the 

operating costs and thereafter is shared by the proportion of 51% to Have Result, 21% to Maxipetrol and 28% to Chañares. As 

from the date the wells drilled under the terms of the Assignment Agreement go into production, Maxipetrol shall also reimburse 

Have Result for 21% of the aggregate investments made by Have Result in the Areas.

On 6 August 2009, a temporary union of enterprise was organised in which Have Result has a 70.83% interest and Maxipetrol 

has a 29.17% interest for carrying out the operation of petroleum production in the Areas with Chañares.

On 2 December 2010, Have Result sent a letter to Maxipetrol stating and confirming that the termination of the JV Agreement 

("Termination"). As advised by the Argentina legal advisers of the Company, notwithstanding the Termination, Have Result remains 

entitled to a 51% right in the production from the five existing wells drilled by Have Result in the Areas ("Existing Wells"), provided 

that Have Result continues to pay the relevant operating costs as required by the production allocated to it.

Also on 2 December 2010, Southstart and Chañares entered into the New JV Agreement. Pursuant to the New JV Agreement, EP 

Energy S.A. ("EP Energy"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Southstart which is organised and existing under the laws of Argentina, 

and Chañares formed a new joint venture company which is owned as to 72% by the Group (through EP Energy) and as to 28% 

by Chañares. EP Energy is entitled to share a proportion of 72% of hydrocarbon production from the wells drilled by EP Energy 

in the current and future years until the end of the Concessions period. The Group agreed to pay US$6,000,000 (equivalent to 

approximately HK$46,800,000) to Chañares in consideration for the oil exploration and production right in the Areas during the 

current term of the Concessions. This amount was paid during the year ended 31 December 2011. The business of the new joint 

venture company is the exploration, exploitation and development of hydrocarbons in the Areas under the terms of the New JV 

Agreement.

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

91

34.  JOINT VENTURE – CONTINUED

Jointly controlled operation – continued

Pursuant to the New JV Agreement, the total consideration for the oil exploration and production right is subject to adjustment 

with reference to whether or not Chañares can obtain the extension of the term of Concessions (the "Extension") by 31 December 

2011. If Chañares obtains the Extension by 31 December 2011, the Group shall further pay an amount of US$800,000 (equivalent 

to approximately HK$6,240,000) for each year of extension of the term of the Concessions in excess of five years. In the event 

that  Chañares  obtains  an  extension  of  10  years  from  the  date  of  expiry  of  the  existing  term  of  Concessions,  the  Group  shall 

further  pay  an  aggregate  amount  of  US$4,000,000  (equivalent  to  approximately  HK$31,200,000)  to  Chañares.  On  14  July 

2011, the Company has been informed by Chañares that the Executive of the Province of Mendoza issued a Decree pursuant 

to which Chañares obtained an extension of 10 years from the date of expiry of the original term of the Concessions until 2027. 

Details of this are set out in the Company's announcement dated 15 July 2011. The Group shall pay an aggregate amount of 

US$4,000,000 (equivalent to approximately HK$31,200,000) to Chañares in consideration for the oil exploration and production 

right in the Areas during the extended term of the Concessions. This amount was not fully paid during the year. At 31 December 

2011, the outstanding sum amounting to US$2,596,000 (approximately HK$20,248,000) is included in trade and other payables 

(see note 26(c)).

As advised by the Argentina legal advisers of the Company, the New JV Agreement constitutes valid and binding obligations 

of Chañares. Based on the aforesaid legal opinion, the directors of the Company consider that (i) there will not be any material 

adverse effects on the ownership of the rights of Have Result regarding the production of the Existing Wells notwithstanding the 

Termination; and (ii) the entering into of the New JV Agreement and the formation of the new joint venture company enables the 

Group to continue its expansion plan in the Areas.

The  aggregate  amount  of  assets  and  liabilities,  income  and  expenses  recognised  in  the  consolidated  financial  statements  in 

relation to the Group's interest in the jointly controlled operation is as follows:

Assets 

Liabilities 

Income 

Expenses 

2011 

HK$'000 

654,219 

147,530 

45,654 

120,256 

2010

HK$'000

211,270

235,273

35,694

248,335

 
 
92

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

35.  DISPOSAL OF SUBSIDIARIES

As  set  out  in  note  13,  on  31  December  2010,  the  Group  discontinued  its  trading  of  consumer  electronics  operation  through 

disposal  of  the  Disposed  Subsidiaries  to  independent  third  parties  for  a  cash  consideration  of  HK$1,000,000.  The  gain  on 

disposal of the Disposed Subsidiaries is HK$7,744,000.

The net assets of the Disposed Subsidiaries at the date of the disposal were as follows:

Net assets disposed of:

  Property, plant and equipment 

  Financial asset at fair value though profit and loss 

  Trade and other receivables 

  Bank balances and cash 

  Trade and other payables 

Transfer from translation reserve 

Gain on disposal (see note 13) 

Total consideration 

Satisfied by:

  Cash 

  Deferred consideration (note) 

Net cash outflow arising on disposal:

  Cash consideration 

  Bank balances and cash disposed of 

2010

HK$'000

1,848

2,947

14,773

14,422

(40,854)

(6,864)

120

(6,744)

7,744

1,000

–

1,000

1,000

–

(14,422)

(14,422)

Note:  The consideration was not yet settled by the purchaser as at 31 December 2010. The amount was unsecured, interest-free and repayable on demand. The 

amount which was received in 2011 was included in trade and other receivables (see note 22) at 31 December 2010.

The financial impact of the Disposed Subsidiaries on the Group's results and cash flows for the year ended 31 December 2010 

are disclosed in note 13.

 
 
 
 
 
 
EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

93

36.  MAJOR NON-CASH TRANSACTIONS

During the year ended 31 December 2011, the Group had the following major non-cash transactions:

(a) 

As detailed in note 26, consideration of HK$20,248,000 for the acquisition of oil concession rights was not yet settled as at 

31 December 2011.

(b) 

As detailed in note 26, consideration of HK$16,115,000 for the acquisition of held-for-trading investments as securities to a 

loan was not yet settled as at 31 December 2011.

During the year ended 31 December 2010, the Group had the following major non-cash transactions:

(a) 

As detailed in note 22, consideration of HK$49,000,000 for the disposal of held-for-trading investments was not yet settled 

by the purchaser as at 31 December 2010. The amount was received in 2011.

(b) 

As detailed in notes 22 and 35, consideration of HK$1,000,000 for the disposal of the Disposed Subsidiaries was not yet 

settled by the purchaser as at 31 December 2010. The amount was received in 2011.

(c) 

As detailed in note 26, consideration of HK$10,424,000 for the acquisition of available-for-sale investments was not yet 

settled as at 31 December 2010. The amount was paid in 2011.

37.  PLEDGE OF ASSETS

At 31 December 2011, the following assets were pledged to secure the Group's bank borrowings and banking facilities:

(a) 

The entire stock capital of EP Energy whose principal asset is the 72% equity interest in the joint venture company formed 

under the New JV Agreement. Details of the Group's interest in the jointly controlled operations are set out in note 34.

(b) 

The entire issued share capital of Have Result. Details of the Group's interest in the jointly controlled operations are set out 

in note 34.

(c) 

The  entire  issued  share  capital  of  two  wholly-owned  subsidiaries  of  the  Company  which  together  hold  the  entire  stock 

capital of EP Energy.

At 31 December 2010, pledged bank deposits amounting to HK$26,340,000 (2011: nil) were pledged to secure the Group's 

bank borrowings and banking facilities.

94

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

38.  OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENTS

At 31 December 2011, the Group had total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases falling due as 

follows:

Within one year 

In the second to fifth year, inclusive 

2011 

HK$'000 

2010

HK$'000

1,765 

154 

1,919 

2,814

1,673

4,487

The Group leases certain of its office properties and buildings under operating lease arrangements. Leases for properties are 

negotiated for terms of three years.

39.  COMMITMENTS

At the end of the reporting period, the Group had the following commitments:

Capital expenditure contracted for but not provided in the

  consolidated financial statements for acquisition of the

  oil exploration and production right under the New JV

  Agreement (see note 34) 

2011 

HK$'000 

2010

HK$'000

– 

46,680

In addition, according to the New JV Agreement, EP Energy is obliged to drill a minimum of five production wells per year during 

the five consecutive years from 2012, and two production wells per year for the following years until the expiration of the term 

of the Concessions. Failure to meet the minimum drilling requirements may render the New JV Agreement to be terminated and 

the Group will be forfeited its rights to continue drilling but it will not be forfeited any right in respect of the wells already drilled. 

As at 31 December 2011, the Group estimated that the investment cost in respect of the obligation of EP Energy for drilling the 

five production wells (which is the minimum number) in year 2012 pursuant to the New JV Agreement is approximately HK$210.6 

million.

40.  RETIREMENT BENEFITS SCHEMES

The  Group  contributes  to  MPF  Schemes  for  all  qualifying  employees  employed  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Hong  Kong 

Employment Ordinance. Contributions to the MPF Schemes by the Group and the employees are calculated as a percentage of 

employee's relevant income. The retirement benefit scheme costs charged to profit or loss represent contributions payable by the 

Group to the funds. The assets of the MPF Schemes are held separately from those of the Group in independently administered 

funds.

The  Group  also  participates  in  the  employees'  pension  schemes  of  the  respective  municipal  governments  in  various  places 

(including  Argentina)  where  the  Group  operates.  The  Group  makes  monthly  contributions  calculated  as  a  percentage  of  the 

monthly basic salary and the relevant municipal government undertakes to assume the retirement benefit obligations of all existing 

and future retirees of the Group.

The Group has no other obligations for the payment of pension and other post-retirement benefits of employees other than the 

above contributions payments.

 
 
 
 
 
EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

95

41.  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

(a) 

During the year, the Group had the following significant transaction with related parties:

Name of related party 

Nature of transaction 

2011 

HK$’000 

2010

HK$’000

City Wise (note) 

Interest paid 

416 

–

Note:  City Wise is a substantial shareholder of the Company.

(b)  During the year ended 31 December 2011, the Group had drawn the following borrowings which were guaranteed/secured 

by related parties:

(i) 

A loan of HK$10,000,000 (2010: nil) was guaranteed by Wong Chi Wing, Joseph. It was settled during the year and 

the guarantee was released.

(ii) 

Loans of HK$28,000,000 (2010: nil) was guaranteed by Rich Concept, a shareholder of the Company. The loans 

were also guaranteed by issued shares of the Company registered in the name of Rich Concept. The loans were 

settled during the year and the guarantee was released.

(iii) 

A loan of HK$2,000,000 (2010: nil) was guaranteed by Chu Kwok Chi, Robert. It was settled during the year and the 

guarantee was released.

(iv)  A loan of HK$20,000,000 (2010: nil) was guaranteed by Mr. Wu, Chu Kwok Chi, Robert and Hong Kin Choy. It was 

settled during the year and the guarantee was released.

(c) 

As at 31 December 2011, the Group's borrowings are guaranteed/secured by the following related parties:

(i) 

A bank loan of US$40,000,000 (approximately HK$312,000,000) (2010: nil) is guaranteed by Ample Talent, which is 

indirectly owned as to 72% by Mr. Wu (see note 28).

(ii) 

A loan of HK$7,728,000 (2010: nil) is guaranteed by Mr. Wu.

(iii) 

A loan of HK$10,000,000 (2010: nil) is guaranteed by Rich Concept, a shareholder of the Company. The loan is also 

secured by issued shares of the Company registered in the name of Rich Concept.

(iv)  A loan of HK$20,000,000 (2010: nil) is guaranteed by Chu Kwok Chi, Robert and Hong Kin Choy.

(d)  Compensation of key management personnel

The remuneration of directors and other members of key management during the year was as follows:

Short-term employee benefits 

Post-employment benefits 

2011 

HK$'000 

2010

HK$'000

8,153 

50 

8,203 

7,224

60

7,284

The  remuneration  of  directors  and  key  executives  is  determined  by  the  remuneration  committee  having  regard  to  the 

performance of individuals and market trends.

 
 
 
 
 
96

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

42.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Financial risk management objectives

The financial instruments are fundamental to the Group's daily operations. The Group's major financial instruments include trade 

and other receivables, derivative financial instruments, available-for-sale investments, held-for-trading investments, pledged bank 

deposits, bank balances and cash, trade and other payables, convertible notes, promissory notes and borrowings. Details of 

these financial instruments are disclosed in respective notes. The risks associated with the financial instruments and the policies 

on  how  to  mitigate  these  risks  are  set  out  below.  The  management  manages  and  monitors  these  exposures  to  ensure  that 

appropriate measures are implemented on a timely and effective manner.

Categories of financial instruments

Financial assets

  Loans and receivables (including cash and cash equivalents) 

  Held-for-trading investments 

  Available-for-sale investments 

Financial liabilities

  Amortised cost 

Derivative financial instruments 

Interest rate risk

2011 

HK$'000 

2010

HK$'000

43,157 

52 

67,600 

270,477

4,000

67,600

110,809 

342,077

567,792 

297,186

17,664 

10,596

The cash flow interest rate risk relates primarily to the Group's borrowings and in relation to short-term deposits placed in banks 

that are interest-bearing at market interest rates, convertible notes and promissory notes. The fair value interest rate risk relates 

primarily  to  the  variable-rate  borrowings.  The  Group  currently  does  not  have  an  interest  rate  hedging  policy.  However,  the 

management monitors interest rate exposure and will consider hedging significant interest rate exposure should the need arise.

The  Group's  sensitivity  to  interest  rate  risk  has  been  determined  based  on  the  exposure  to  interest  rates  for  bank  balances, 

borrowings  and  promissory  notes  at  the  end  of  the  reporting  period  and  the  reasonably  possible  change  taking  place  at  the 

beginning of each year and held constant throughout the year. If interest rates on bank balances, borrowings and promissory 

notes had been 50 basis points higher/lower and all other variables were held constant, the potential effect on loss for the year is 

as follows:

Assets 

Liabilities 

Increase in loss for the year 

2011 

HK$'000 

2010

HK$'000

(148) 

1,660 

1,512 

(426)

688

262

The management considers that the fair value interest rate risk is insignificant as the Group had no fixed rate borrowings due 

more than one year.

 
 
  
 
 
EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

97

42.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS – CONTINUED

Foreign currency risk management

Several subsidiaries of the Company have certain assets and liabilities (details are disclosed in respective notes) denominated in 

foreign currencies which expose the Group to foreign currency risk. The Group currently does not have a formal foreign currency 

hedging  policy.  However,  the  management  monitors  foreign  exchange  exposure  and  will  consider  hedging  significant  foreign 

currency exposure should the need arise. During the years ended 31 December 2011 and 2010, the Group entered into US$/

RMB (2010: US$/RMB) swap forward contracts as part of the foreign currency risk management.

The  carrying  amounts  of  the  group  entities'  foreign  currency  denominated  monetary  assets  and  monetary  liabilities,  at  the 

reporting date are as follows:

Liabilities 

Assets

2011 

HK$’000 

2010 

HK$’000 

2011 

HK$’000 

2010

HK$’000

40,728 

– 

19,673 

23,392 

– 

8,575 

22,975 

10 

6,382 

73,617

11

2,368

HK$ 

RMB 

ARS 

Foreign currency sensitivity

The following table details the Group's sensitivity to a 1% and 10% increase and decrease in US$ against the relevant foreign 

currencies. Sensitivity rate of 1% was used for HK$ and RMB while 10% was used for ARS when reporting foreign currency risk 

internally to key management personnel and represents management's assessment of the reasonably possible change in foreign 

exchange  rates.  The  sensitivity  analysis  includes  only  outstanding  foreign  currency  denominated  monetary  items  and  adjust 

their translation at the year end for a 1%/10% change in foreign currency rates. The sensitivity analysis represents the trade and 

bills receivables, trade and bills payables, borrowings and bank balances where the denomination are in HK$ or ARS, the major 

foreign currency risk. A negative number indicates increase in loss for the year where US$ strengthens against HK$, RMB or ARS. 

For a 1%/10% weakening of US$ against HK$ or RMB/ARS, there would be an equal and opposite impact on the loss for the 

year below:

Impact of HK$ 

Impact of RMB 

Impact of ARS

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010

HK$'000 

HK$'000 

HK$'000 

HK$'000 

HK$'000 

HK$'000

Decrease (increase) in loss

for the year 

(178) 

502 

104 

1 

(1,329) 

(621)

In management's opinion, the sensitivity analysis is unpresentative of the inherent foreign exchange risk at the year end and the 

sensitivity analysis does not reflect the exposure during the year.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
98

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

42.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS – CONTINUED

Other price risk

The Group is exposed to equity price risk from investment in listed equity securities, available-for-sale investments and conversion 

option of convertible notes. The management manages this exposure by maintaining a portfolio of investments with different risk 

profiles.

Sensitivity analysis

The sensitivity analyses below have been determined based on the exposure to equity price risks at the reporting date.

If  equity  prices  had  been  20%  higher/lower,  loss  for  the  year  ended  31  December  2011  would  decrease/increase  by 

HK$13,530,000 (2010:HK$14,320,000) as a result of the change in fair value of held-for-trading investments and available-for-

sale investments.

If the input of share price to the valuation model of the derivative components of the convertible notes had been 5% higher/

lower while all other variables were held constant, the loss for the year ended 31 December 2011 would increase/decrease by 

HK$883,000 (2010: nil).

Commodity price risk on commodity forward contracts

The Group's normal policy is to sell its products in metals sourcing and trading operation with reference to the prevailing market 

prices such as the London Metal Exchange and the Shanghai Futures Exchange. Exceptions to this rule are subject to strict limits 

laid down by the board of directors and to rigid internal controls. The Group is exposed to commodity prices risk of copper as 

the Group's metals sourcing and trading operation is primarily related to copper concentrate and/or related materials. The Group 

may hedge certain commitments with some of its purchases and sales using commodity forward contracts. Details of commodity 

derivatives held at 31 December 2010 are set out in note 27.

Sensitivity analysis

The sensitivity analyses below have been determined based on the exposure to commodity price risk of outstanding commodity 

forward contracts at the reporting date.

If prices of copper had been 10% higher/lower, loss for the year ended 31 December 2011 would decrease/increase by nil (2010: 

HK$1,059,600). The sensitivities are based on the assumption that the market commodity price increases/decreases by 10% 

with all other variables being held constant. These sensitivities should be used with care. The relationship between currencies 

and commodity prices is a complex one and changes in exchange rates can influence commodity prices and vice versa. For the 

purpose of the above sensitivity analysis, exchange fluctuation is excluded.

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

99

42.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS – CONTINUED

Credit risk

As at 31 December 2011, the Group's maximum exposure to credit risk which will cause a financial loss to the Group due to 

failure to discharge an obligation by the counterparties is arising from:

– 

the  carrying  amount  of  the  respective  recognised  financial  assets  as  stated  in  the  consolidated  statement  of  financial 

position.

– 

the amount of contingent liabilities in relation of financial guarantees issued by the Group as disclosed in note 44.

The credit risk on liquid funds is limited because the counterparties are banks with high credit ratings assigned by international 

credit-rating agencies and state-owned banks with good reputation.

The Group's concentration of credit risk by geographical locations is mainly in Argentina (2010: Argentina), which accounted for 

100% (2010: 97%) of the total trade receivables as at 31 December 2011.

With respect to credit risk arising from other receivables and margin deposits to financial institutions, the Group's exposure to 

credit risk from default of counterparties are limited as the counterparties have good credit standing and the Group does not 

expect any significant loss for uncollected advances from these entities.

The  Group  had  concentration  of  credit  risk.  The  five  largest  customers  represented  approximately  82%  (2010:  74%)  of  the 

revenue of the Group for the year ended 31 December 2011. The Group had concentration of credit risk as nil (2010: 87%) of the 

total trade receivables was due from the Group's five largest customers as at 31 December 2011. Trade receivables attributable 

to the Group's largest debtor represented approximately 100% (2010: 87%) of the total receivables as at 31 December 2011. 

In order to minimise the credit risk, the management of the Group has delegated a team responsible for determination of credit 

limits,  credit  approvals  and  other  monitoring  procedures  to  ensure  that  follow-up  action  is  taken  to  recover  overdue  debts. 

In  addition,  the  Group  reviews  regularly  the  recoverable  amount  of  each  individual  trade  receivable  to  ensure  that  adequate 

impairment losses are made for irrecoverable amounts. In determining whether allowance for bad and doubtful debts is required, 

the Group has taken into consideration the aging status and the likelihood of collection. Following the identification of doubtful 

debts, the directors discuss with the relevant customers and report on the recoverability. Specific allowance is only made for 

trade and other receivables that is unlikely to be collected. In this regard, the management considers that the Group's credit risk 

is significantly reduced.

100

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

42.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS – CONTINUED

Liquidity risk

Liquidity  risk  reflects  the  risk  that  the  Group  will  have  insufficient  resources  to  meet  its  financial  liabilities  as  they  fall  due.  In 

managing  liquidity  risk,  the  Group  monitors  and  maintains  sufficient  funds  to  meet  all  its  potential  liabilities  as  they  fall  due, 

including shareholder distributions. It is applicable to normal market conditions as well as negative projections against expected 

outcomes, so as to avoid any risk of incurring contractual penalties or damaging the Group's reputation.

Liquidity forecasts are produced on a monthly basis, to ensure that utilisation of current facilities is optimised; on a quarterly basis 

to ensure that covenant compliance targets and medium-term liquidity is maintained; and on a long-term projection basis, for the 

purpose of identifying long-term strategic funding requirements. The board of directors also continuously assess the balance of 

capital and debt funding of the Group.

The board of directors continuously manage liquidity risk on a regular basis and will increase the frequencies of such assessment 

should  need  arise.  Ultimate  responsibility  for  liquidity  risk  management  rests  with  the  board  of  directors,  which  has  built  an 

appropriate liquidity risk management framework for the management of the Group's short, medium and long-term funding and 

liquidity management requirements. The Group manages liquidity risk by maintaining adequate reserves of cash and banking 

facilities and by continuously monitoring the utilisation of bank borrowings and ensuring compliance with loan covenants.

The Group's holdings of cash and short-term deposits, together with net cash flows from operations, are expected to be sufficient 

to cover the operating cost of the Group in the next financial year. The management considers that the Group expects to have 

adequate source of funding to finance the Group and manage the liquidity position.

The following table details the Group's remaining contractual maturity for its financial liabilities based on the agreed repayment 

terms.  For  non-derivative  financial  liabilities,  the  table  has  been  drawn  up  based  on  the  undiscounted  cash  flows  of  financial 

liabilities based on the earliest date on which the Group can be required to pay. The table includes both interest and principal 

cash flows. To the extent that interest flows are floating rate, the undiscounted amount is derived from interest rate curve at the 

end of the reporting period.

In  addition,  the  following  table  details  the  Group's  liquidity  analysis  for  its  derivative  financial  liabilities.  The  tables  have  been 

drawn up based on the undiscounted contractual net cash (inflows) and outflows on derivative instruments settled on a net basis. 

When the amount payable is not fixed, the amount disclosed has been determined by reference to the projected interest rates as 

illustrated by the yield curves existing at the end of the reporting period. The liquidity analysis for the Group's derivative financial 

instruments are prepared based on the contractual maturities as the management considers that the contractual maturities are 

essential for an understanding of the timing of the cash flows of derivatives.

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

101

42.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS – CONTINUED

Liquidity risk – continued

Liquidity tables 

Weighted 

On demand

average 

effective 

interest rate 

% 

or 

less than 

1 month 

HK$'000 

1 - 6 

7 months 

months 

HK$'000 

to 1 year 

HK$'000 

1 - 5 

years 

Over  undiscounted 

amount at

5 years 

cash flows 

31.12.2011

HK$'000 

HK$'000 

HK$'000 

HK$'000

Total 

Carrying

N/A 

N/A 

4.64% 

24% 

N/A 

68,004 

90,063 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

31,239 

243,170 

136,362 

31,125 

11,260 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

62,100 

– 

– 

68,004 

90,063 

410,771 

42,385 

62,100 

68,004

90,063

312,000

40,728

56,997

189,192 

11,260 

31,239 

305,270 

136,362 

673,323 

567,792

N/A 

17,664 

– 

– 

– 

– 

17,664 

17,664

Weighted 

On demand

average 

effective 

interest rate 

% 

or 

less than 

1 month 

HK$'000 

1 - 6 

months 

HK$'000 

7 months 

to 1 year 

HK$'000 

1 - 5 

years 

Over 

undiscounted 

amount at

5 years 

cash flows 

31.12.2010

HK$'000 

HK$'000 

HK$'000 

HK$'000

Total 

Carrying

N/A 

N/A 

N/A 

2.87 

0.29 

– 

– 

8,575 

89,128 

– 

– 

11,207 

– 

50,700 

14 

– 

136,698 

3 

894 

3 

11,221 

234,404 

51,597 

– 

– 

– 

– 

1,903 

1,903 

N/A 

– 

10,596 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

8,575 

89,128 

61,907 

8,575

89,128

61,907

137,606 

1,909 

135,677

1,899

299,125 

297,186

10,596 

10,596

2011

Non-derivative financial liabilities

Trade payables 

Other payables 

Borrowings

  – variable-rate 

  – fixed-rate 

Convertible notes 

Derivative settled

Convertible notes 

2010

Non-derivative financial liabilities

Trade payables 

Bills payables 

Other payables 

Bank borrowings

  – variable-rate 

Promissory notes 

Derivative settled

Derivative financial liabilities 

As at 31 December 2010, the Group issued financial guarantees to banks in respect of banking facilities granted to a former 

subsidiary of the Group. The aggregate amounts that could be required to be paid if the guarantees were called upon in entirety 

amounted to HK$40,000,000, of which HK$3,050,000 has been utilised by that former subsidiary. Based on expectations at 

the end of the reporting period, the Group considers that it is more likely than not that no amounts will be payable under the 

arrangement. However, this estimate is subject to change depending on the probability of the counterparty claiming under the 

guarantee which is a function of the likelihood that the financial receivables held by the counterparty which are guaranteed suffer 

credit losses.

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
102

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

42.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS – CONTINUED

Fair value of financial instruments

The fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities are determined as follows:

• 

the  fair  value  of  financial  assets  and  financial  liabilities  with  standard  terms  and  conditions  and  traded  on  active  liquid 

markets are determined with reference to quoted market bid prices.

• 

the fair value of other financial assets and financial liabilities (excluding derivative instruments) are determined in accordance 

with  generally  accepted  pricing  models  based  on  discounted  cash  flow  analysis  using  prices  from  observable  current 

market transactions.

• 

the fair value of derivative instruments is calculated using quoted prices. Where such prices are not available, fair value 

determined based on the discounted cash flow analysis using the applicable yield curve for the duration of the instruments 

for non-optional derivatives, and option pricing models for optional derivatives.

The  directors  consider  that  the  carrying  amount  of  financial  assets  and  financial  liabilities  recorded  at  amortised  cost  in  the 

consolidated financial statements approximate to their fair values.

Fair value measurements recognised in the consolidated statement of financial position

The following table provides an analysis of financial instruments that are measured subsequent to initial recognition at fair value, 

grouped into Levels 1 to 3 based on the degree to which the fair value is observable.

– 

Level 1 fair value measurements are those derived from quoted prices (unadjusted) in active market for identical assets or 

liabilities.

– 

Level 2 fair value measurements are those derived from inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are 

observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices).

– 

Level 3 fair value measurements are those derived from valuation techniques that include inputs for the asset or liability that 

are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).

42.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS – CONTINUED

Fair value of financial instruments – continued

Financial assets

Held-for-trading

  – listed equity securities 

Available-for-sale

  – equity securities 

Financial liabilities

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

103

31.12.2011

Level 1 

HK$’000 

Level 2 

HK$’000 

Level 3 

HK$’000 

Total

HK$’000

52 

– 

52 

– 

– 

– 

– 

52

67,600 

67,600 

67,600

67,652

Conversion option of convertible notes 

– 

17,664 

– 

17,664

Financial assets

Held-for-trading

  – listed equity securities 

Available-for-sale

  – equity securities 

Financial liabilities

Derivative financial instruments 

31.12.2010

Level 1 

HK$’000 

Level 2 

HK$’000 

Level 3 

HK$’000 

Total

HK$’000

4,000 

– 

4,000 

10,596 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

4,000

67,600 

67,600 

67,600

71,600

– 

10,596

There were no transfers between Level 1, 2 and 3 in the current and prior years.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
104

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

43.  CAPITAL RISK MANAGEMENT

The Group's over-riding objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the business as a going concern, to maximise returns 

for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders and to maintain an optimal capital structure in order to provide a high degree 

of financial flexibility at the lowest cost of capital.

The capital structure of the Group consists of debt, which includes borrowings and equity attributable to owners of the Company, 

comprising issued capital, reserves and retained profits. The Group does not have a target debt/equity ratio, but has a policy of 

maintaining a flexible financing structure so as to be able to take advantage of new investment opportunities that may arise.

The  Company's  board  of  directors  reviews  the  capital  structure  on  a  continuous  basis.  As  part  of  this  review,  the  board  of 

directors consider the cost of capital and the risks associated with each class of capital. The Group will balance its overall capital 

structure through the payment of dividends, new share issues as well as the issue of new debt or the redemption of existing debt. 

The Group's overall strategy remains unchanged from prior years.

44.  CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

As at 31 December 2011, the Company gave an indemnity to two non-controlling shareholders of Rakarta, owning the remaining 

28% equity interest in Rakata, indemnifying them against any loss they sustain as a result of any action or claim against Rakata 

pursuant to the Ample Talent Shares Mortgage provided that the total amount payable will not exceed for an aggregate amount 

of up to US$13,000,000 (approximately HK$101,140,000). In respect of the arrangement, the Company paid an arrangement fee 

of US$300,000 (approximately HK$2,340,000) to the two non-controlling shareholders of Rakata. Further details are set out in the 

Company's announcement dated 3 November 2011.

As at 31 December 2010, the Group issued financial guarantees to banks in respect of banking facilities granted to a former 

subsidiary of the Group. The aggregate amounts that could be required to be paid if the guarantees were called upon in entirety 

amounted  to  HK$40,000,000,  of  which  HK$3,050,000  has  been  utilised  by  that  former  subsidiary.  There  was  no  financial 

guarantee granted to third party as at 31 December 2011.

The following contingent liabilities arise from the Group's interests in the third party:

Guarantees given to banks, in respect of banking facilities to a third party entity

  – amount granted 

  – amount utilised 

2010

HK$'000

40,000

3,050

 
 
EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

105

45.  PARTICULARS OF PRINCIPAL SUBSIDIARIES

Details of the Company's principal subsidiaries, all of which are limited liability companies, at 31 December 2011 and 2010 are as 

follows:

Nominal value 

of issued 

and fully paid 

Place of 

incorporation/ 

ordinary share/ 

Attributable

proportion of

nominal value of

issued/registered

capital held

Name of subsidiaries 

operations 

registered capital 

by the Company 

Principal activities

Directly 

Indirectly

EPI Metals Limited 

Hong Kong 

HK$1 

Have Result Investments 

British Virgin 

US$10,000 

  Limited 

Islands/ 

  Argentina

EP Energy S.A. 

Argentina 

ARS258,910 

– 

– 

– 

100% 

Metals sourcing and

(2010: 100%) 

trading and trading

  of petroleum related

  products

100% 

Petroleum exploration

(2010: 100%) 

  and production

100% 

Petroleum exploration

(2010: 100%) 

  and production

The above table lists the subsidiaries of the Group which, in the opinion of the directors, principally affected the results or net 

assets of the Group. To give details of other subsidiaries would, in the opinion of the directors, result in particulars of excessive 

length.

None of the subsidiaries had any debt securities outstanding at the end of the year, or at any time during the year.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
106

EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2011

46.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE COMPANY

Financial information of the Company at the end of the reporting period includes:

ASSETS

Property, plant and equipment 

Interests in subsidiaries 

Other receivables, prepayment and deposits 

Amounts due from subsidiaries 

Amounts due from a former subsidiary 

Bank balances and cash 

LIABILITIES

Other payables 

Interest payable on promissory notes 

Amounts due to subsidiaries 

Borrowings 

Convertible notes 

Promissory notes 

NET ASSETS 

CAPITAL AND RESERVES

Share capital 

Reserves 

TOTAL EQUITY 

2011 

HK$'000 

2010

HK$'000

379 

8 

5,862 

566

1

496

4,406,248 

4,049,436

– 

3,006 

4,064

46,850

4,415,503 

4,101,413

25,812 

– 

90,452 

332,728 

74,661 

– 

523,653 

5,840

482

90,100

–

–

1,899

98,321

3,891,850 

4,003,092

215,088 

3,676,762 

185,088

3,818,004

3,891,850 

4,003,092

 
 
 
 
EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Five Year Financial Summary

107

Year ended 31 December

2011 

2010 

2009 

2008 

2007

HK$’000 

HK$’000 

HK$’000 

HK$’000 

HK$’000

619,800 

(617,661) 

2,139 

(12,965) 

(10,531) 

(73,511) 

(96,132) 

(34,679) 

937,258 

(926,619) 

10,639 

17,685 

(11,799) 

(89,162) 

(214,496) 

(2,385) 

945,929 

1,285,960 

1,188,934

(943,832) 

(1,200,317) 

(1,083,800)

2,097 

74,358 

(9,664) 

(47,355) 

(38,633) 

(2,419) 

85,643 

62,323 

(29,747) 

(63,575) 

(6,136) 

107 

48,615 

(8,581) 

105,134

48,996

(39,950)

(39,734)

(10,546)

(29)

63,871

(14,211)

(225,679) 

(289,518) 

(21,616) 

7,942 

– 

291 

(217,737) 

(289,518) 

(21,325) 

40,034 

49,660

RESULTS

Revenue 

Cost of sales 

Gross profit 

Other gain and losses 

Distribution and selling expenses 

Administrative expenses 

Other expenses 

Finance costs 

(Loss) profit before taxation 

Taxation credit (charge) 

(Loss) profit for the year from

  continuing operations 

Profit (loss) for the year from

  discontinued operations 

(Loss) profit for the year 

(217,737) 

(288,628) 

20,314 

(7,833) 

– 

890 

41,639 

(47,867) 

13,851

63,511

At 31 December

2011 

2010 

2009 

2008 

2007

HK$’000 

HK$’000 

HK$’000 

HK$’000 

HK$’000

ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

Total assets 

Total liabilities 

4,525,191 

4,377,434 

4,565,772 

1,286,483 

1,119,587

(606,250) 

(325,399) 

(588,887) 

(472,116) 

(337,735)

3,918,941 

4,052,035 

3,976,885 

814,367 

781,852

Equity attributable to owners

  of the Company 

Share options reserve of

  a subsidiary 

Non-controlling interests 

3,918,941 

4,052,035 

3,976,885 

772,375 

781,852

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

2,238 

39,754 

–

–

3,918,941 

4,052,035 

3,976,885 

814,367 

781,852

Note:  During the year ended 31 December 2010, the Group discontinued the consumer electronics operations. 

During the year ended 31 December 2009, the Group discontinued the production of copper anode operations. The results for the years ended 31 December 
2007 to 2009 as presented in the above table have been re-presented to include the results of such discontinued operations under “profit (loss) for the year from 
discontinued operations”.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EPI (Holdings) Limited Annual Report 2011
Corporate Information

108

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

REGISTERED OFFICE

Mr. Chu Kwok Chi Robert (Chief Executive Officer)

Mr. Hong Kin Choy (Chief Financial Officer)

Clarendon House

2 Church Street

Hamilton HM 11

INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

Bermuda

Mr. Cheung Yuk Ming

Mr. Qian Zhi Hui

Mr. Zhu Tiansheng

QUALIFIED ACCOUNTANT AND 
COMPANY SECRETARY

Mr. Hong Kin Choy

PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS 
IN HONG KONG

Suite 6303, 63/F., Central Plaza

18 Harbour Road

Wanchai, Hong Kong

Telephone: (852) 2616 3689

Fax: (852) 2481 2902

PRINCIPAL SHARE REGISTRAR

SOLICITORS

Butterfield Fulcrum Group (Bermuda) Limited 

Vincent T.K. Cheung, Yap & Co.

AUDITOR

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu

SHARE INFORMATION

Place of listing:  Main Board of The Stock Exchange of

  Hong Kong Limited

Stock Code: 0689

Board lot: 10,000 shares

Financial year end: 31 December

Number of Shares at 31 December 2011: 2,150,877,588

Share price at 31 December 2011: HK$0.166

Market capitalization at 31 December 2011: HK$357 million

WEBSITE ADDRESS

www.epiholdings.com

Rosebank Centre

11 Bermudiana Road

Pembroke HM 08 Bermuda

BRANCH SHARE REGISTRAR

Tricor Tengis Limited

26/F., Tesbury Centre

28 Queen’s Road East

Hong Kong

AUDIT COMMITTEE

Mr. Cheung Yuk Ming (Chairman)

Mr. Qian Zhi Hui

Mr. Zhu Tiansheng

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE

Mr. Qian Zhi Hui (Chairman)

Mr. Chu Kwok Chi Robert

Mr. Zhu Tiansheng

NOMINATION COMMITTEE

Mr. Qian Zhi Hui (Chairman)

Mr. Chu Kwok Chi Robert

Mr. Zhu Tiansheng

 
Annual Report

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