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EPI (Holdings) Ltd

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FY2014 Annual Report · EPI (Holdings) Ltd
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Stock Code : 0689

A Hong Kong Listed Company (Stock Code : 0689)
(Incorporated in Bermuda with limited liability)

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CONTENTS

Corporate Profile

Vision and Mission

Chairman’s 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

Statement of Financial Position

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

3

4

6

16

20

30

38

40

41

43

45

46

47

115

116

Five year Financial Summary

Corporate Information

VISION AND 
MISSION

CORPORATE VISION

To transform EPI from a regional oil and gas industry player into 

a leading, international oil and gas company that competes and 

operates  successfully  in  the  global  natural  resources  and 

energy industry.

CORPORATE MISSION

At  EPI,  we  strive  to  grow  our  business  by  capturing  best 

opportunities  in  the  oil  and  gas  as  well  as  energy-related 

industry  that  are  well  aligned  with  our  business  objectives, 

create  new  value  for  the  Group,  and  generate  substantial 

capital growth for our stakeholders.

4

EPI (Holdings) Limited  •  Annual Report 2014

CHAIRMAN’S
STATEMENT

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, 2014. The Group recorded a loss for the year of HK$381.1 million, against a loss for 

the year of HK$679.2 million in year 2013

During  year  ended  31  December  2014,  the  Group’s  core  and  continuing  operations  were  petroleum  exploration  and 

production and had 10 producing wells generating oil sales revenue in Mendoza, Argentina. Pursuant to the Operation 

Agreement signed on 5 June 2012, Chañares agreed to release EP Energy from the Commitment under the JV Agreement 

signed on 12 January 2011. The Group is focused on workover and infrastructure investments to improve production on the 

existing oil wells from year 2012 to 2014. The Group had performed a workover job to one of its producing oil wells and also 

had continued investing to improve our own well fluid collection tank and pipeline. The Group will continue to invest in 

workover on the existing 10 producing oil wells and in improving own well fluid collection system during year 2015.

As per the Possible Acquisition Announcements of EPI (Holdings) Limited dated 28 November 2012, 11 February 2014 and 

30 September 2014, the Company has continued since its last up-date announcement to work with the Possible Vendors in 

relation to the Proposed Acquisition, however due to recent significant decreases in oil price and the lack of visibility on 

near to medium term prospects of a sustained rebound in such prices are presenting challenges in pursuing the Proposed 

Acquisition based on the basic purchase price range set out in the MOU entered into between the parties in November 

2012.  The  Company  and  the  Possible  Vendors  will  decide  whether  or  not  it  is  desirable  to  resume  negotiations  for  a 

possible revised terms after oil prices stabilise.

The Board promises that the Group will be accountable to shareholders through which their interests will be protected, by 

enhancing the communications with the capital market and strengthening our corporate governance, in order to deliver a 

considerable capital growth and maximum profit returns to our shareholders.

Eric Ho
Non-Executive Chairman

27 March 2015

Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

5

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

6

EPI (Holdings) Limited  •  Annual Report 2014

MANAGEMENT
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

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

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

Pursuant to the operation agreement signed on 5 June 2012, Chañares agreed to release EP Energy S.A. (“EP  Energy”) 

from the commitment under a joint venture agreement (the “JV Agreement”) signed on 12 January 2011. Following the 

short-term  development  plan,  the  Group  continued  to  focus  on  investment  to  improve  production,  and  to  maintain 

operation costs of the existing 10 producing wells. The Group has performed a workover job to one of its producing oil wells 

during year 2014. The Group has continued investing to improve our own well fluid collection tank and pipeline. As at 31 

December 2014, the Group has finished drilling 10 oil wells in the Chañares Herrados Concession Area, Mendoza oilfield 

project. All the 10 wells are in production, of which 5 oil wells were drilled by Have Result Investments Limited (“Have 

Result”) where the Group is entitled to 51% interest on production, and 5 oil wells were drilled by EP Energy where the 

Group is entitled to 72% interest on production. The contingent oil resources in certain shallow reservoirs in the Mendoza 

Oilfield as at 31 December 2014 are as follows,

Contingent Oil Resource (unit: million barrels)*

Category Gross (100%)

Low Estimate (1C)

Best Estimate (2C)

High Estimate (3C)

31 December

31 December

2014

2013

81.3

139.6

238.2

82.3

140.6

239.2

* 

According to the Technical Review Report issued by Roma Oil and Mining Associates Limited on 25 March 2015 on The Chañares Herrados and Puesto 

Pozo Cercado Oil Project in Mendoza Province, Argentina.

On 6 March 2014, EP Energy was notified by Chañares that the shareholders of Chañares received an irrevocable offer from 

a third party for the acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Chañares targetted to be completed by 5 June 2014. 

Pursuant to the JV Agreement, EP Energy has the right to compete on equal footing in the event that Chañares decides to, 

among other things, sell or transfer, totally or partially, its capacity as concessionaire of the Concessions, or if Chañares’s 

shareholders decide to sell the majority of the shares of Chañares. EP Energy informed Chañares before 5 April 2014 of its 

interest to compete under the referred terms. The deadline for submission of an acquisition offer by EP Energy was in 

principle  on  5  May  2014.  The  Company  has  not  made  the  proposed  offer  to  Chañares  by  5  May  2014.  The  Company 

received  a  notice  from  Chañares’s  shareholders  dated  3  July  2014  whereby  they  were  informed  that  the  sale  of  their 

aggregate  100%  equity  interest  in  Chañares  was  completed  on  12  June  2014.  The  buyer  of  such  equity  interest  is  an 

individual third party.

The  carrying  amount  of  the  exploration  and  evaluation  assets  (“E&E  assets”)  is  reviewed  for  impairment  indicators 

annually and adjusted for impairment loss in accordance with HKAS 36 “Impairment of assets” (“HKAS 36”) and whenever 

there are any “trigger” events or changes in circumstances indicating that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. 

During the years ended 31 December 2009, 31 December 2010, 31 December 2011 and the six months ended 30 June 2012, 

there  were  no  events  or  changes  in  circumstances  indicating  that  the  carrying  amount  of  E&E  assets  might  not  be 

recoverable. Accordingly, no impairment needed to be provided for the E&E assets.

The  Company  has  performed  an  impairment  review  on  its  E&E  assets  during  the  year  2012  and  the  year  2013.  An 

impairment loss of HK$3,130,106,000 and HK$442,197,000  were recognised  as  the carrying  amount  of the E&E  assets 

exceeding its recoverable amount as at 31 December 2012 and 2013 respectively. They were non-cash item adjustments 

and did not affect the existing operations of oil field.

 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

7

MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

West Texas Intermediate (“WTI”) spot price has dropped substantially from December 2014 and January 2015, the average 

WTI spot price for December 2014 reduced by more than 21% as compared with that of November 2014, and the average 

WTI spot price had a further decrease of 20% in January 2015 (sourced from U.S. Energy Information Administration (“EIA”) 

website). With reference to the reduction by 45% and 30%, respectively, in Year 2015 and 2016 WTI spot oil price forecast in 

Year 2015 Short Term Energy Outlook issued by U.S. Energy Information Administration (part of U.S. Department of Energy) 

as compared with the WTI price forecast in Year 2014 Annual Energy Outlook (“Year 2014 Outlook”), the directors of the 

Company considered that there would be a high probability of deterioration in the growth of future oil price. Should the 

drilling plan be taken place in accordance with schedule made in last year, it would not be beneficial to the Group. The 

Group decided to delay and change its development plan on the Argentina oil project and performed an impairment test on 

its E&E assets as at 31 December 2014. The Company has engaged Roma Oil and Mining Associates Limited (“Roma”) to 

perform a valuation of the E&E assets. Details of impairment review are set out in the Group Financial Review section.

8

EPI (Holdings) Limited  •  Annual Report 2014

MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

GROUP FINANCIAL REVIEW

For  the  year  ended  31  December  2014,  the  Group’s  turnover  was  HK$85.7  million,  a  decrease  of  HK$4.1  million  as 

compared with HK$89.8 million recorded in last year. The Group recorded a loss for the year of HK$381.1 million, against a 

loss for the year of HK$679.2 million in year 2013. During year 2014, an impairment loss of HK$91,049,000 (year 2013: 

HK$442,197,000) was recognised in respect of the E&E assets and impairment loss of HK$0 (year 2013: HK$51,111,000) was 

recorded in respect of property, plant and equipment relating to the Chañares oil project.

On  3  November  2009,  the  Group  acquired  the  entire  issued  share  capital  of  Have  Result  for  a  consideration  of 

HK$3,835,273,000. The principal assets held by Have Result are E&E assets, including oil exploration rights. For the fair value 

of the oil exploration rights acquired, as the exploration on the acquired areas was at an initial stage and the prospective 

resources have been estimated using a consideration of deterministic and probabilistic methods, the range of reasonable 

fair value estimates is so significant that the directors of the Company are of the opinion that their fair values cannot be 

measured reliably. As a result, the fair value of the consideration paid, including the shares and convertible notes issued, 

was used to account for the cost of the oil exploration rights, which was HK$3,810,136,000, being capitalised as an E&E 

assets. At the time of acquiring the entire issued share capital of Have Result, except for the 51% working interest in the 

Concessions in the Cuyana Basin, Mendoza Province of Argentina, Have Result has no other operating assets and therefore 

the  market  value  of  Have  Result  is  mainly  dominated  by  the  value  of  the  oilfield.  Three  generally  accepted  valuation 

methodologies have been considered in valuing Have Result by BMI Appraisals Limited (“BMI”), the professional valuer, 

namely the market approach, the cost approach and income approach. The market approach provides indications of value 

by comparing the subject to similar businesses, business ownership interests, and securities that have been sold in the 

market. The cost approach provides indications of value by studying the amounts required to recreate the business for 

which a value conclusion is desired. This approach seeks to measure the economic benefits of ownership by quantifying 

the amount of fund that would be required to replace the future service capability of the business. The income approach is 

the conversion of expected periodic benefits of ownership into an indication of value. It is based on the principle that an 

informed buyer would pay no more for the project than an amount equal to the present worth of anticipated future benefits 

from the same or a substantially similar business with a similar risk profile. BMI have considered that the income approach 

is not appropriate to value Have Result, as there are insufficient historical and forecasted financial and operational data of 

the  oilfield.  Moreover,  the  income  approach  may  involve  adoption  of  much  more  assumptions  than  the  other  two 

approaches, not all of which can be easily quantified or ascertained. In the event that any such assumptions are founded to 

be  incorrect  or  unfounded,  the  valuation  result  would  be  significantly  affected.  The  cost  approach  is  also  regarded 

inadequate in this valuation, as this approach does not take future growth potential of Have Result into consideration. Thus, 

they have determined that the market approach is the most appropriate valuation approach for this valuation.

Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

9

MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

BMI used the market approach by referring to recent sales and purchase transactions of oilfields. They referred to 84 recent 

sales and purchase transactions related to oilfields over the world (referred to as the “Comparable  Transactions”) till 

June 2009, of which they further analysed the natures, the presentation methods of the reserves and other parameters that 

may affect the comparability to the oilfield. In the valuation, BMI used the weighted-average adjusted consideration price to 

proved and probable reserve (the “Adjusted  P/Reserve”)  multiple of  the  Comparable  Transactions to  determine the 

market value of the oilfield and the market value of Have Result accordingly. Based on the investigation and analysis done 

by  BMI,  it  was  determined  that  the  market  value  of  a  100%  equity  interest  in  Have  Result  as  at  30  June  2009  was 

US$612,000,000 (or HK$4,773,600,000). The carrying value of the E&E assets of HK$3,810,136,000 as at 3 November 2009, 

date of acquisition, was approximately 79.82% of the valuation of a 100% equity interest in Have Result as at 30 June 2009. 

When determining the fair value of the E&E assets acquired, as the exploration on the acquired areas was at an initial stage 

and the prospective resources have been estimated using a consideration of deterministic and probabilistic methods, the 

range of reasonable fair value estimates is so significant that the Directors are of the opinion that their fair values cannot be 

measured reliably. As a result, the fair value of the consideration paid, including shares and convertible notes issued, was 

used to account for the cost of the E&E assets. The carrying amount of the E&E assets is reviewed for impairment indicators 

annually and adjusted for impairment loss in accordance with HKAS 36 and whenever there are any “trigger” events or 

changes  in  circumstances  indicating  that  the  carrying  amount  may  not  be  recoverable.  During  the  years  ended  31 

December 2009, 31 December 2010, 31 December 2011 and the period ended 30 June 2012, there were no events or 

changes in circumstances indicating that the carrying amount of E&E assets might not be recoverable. According to the 

requirements under HKAS 36, no impairment needed to be provided for the E&E assets.

In November 2012, the Group noted that the crude oil selling price to YPF through Chañares decreased by US$1.5 per barrel 

to US$67.2 per barrel, and dropped to US$66.5 per barrel in December 2012, which maintained through April 2013. This is 

the  first  time  oil  prices  decreased  since  the  Company  commenced  its  investment  in  Argentina.  The  Company  has 

performed an impairment test on its E&E assets during the year 2012 and has applied a more prudent estimation on factors 

and assumptions in assessing the recoverable amounts on the E&E assets by adopting discounted cashflow method. An 

impairment loss of HK$3,130,106,000 was recognised as the carrying amount of the E&E assets exceeding its recoverable 

amount in the year ended 31 December 2012.

10

EPI (Holdings) Limited  •  Annual Report 2014

MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

In year 2013, taking into account of the decrease in short term WTI spot oil price forecast in Year 2014 Energy Outlook 

issued by EIA by 20% or more as compared with the Year 2013 Energy Outlook and the potential acquisition opportunity, 

the Directors of the Company (the “Directors”) decided to further delay the Group’s overall drilling plan to later years, and 

conducted a review of the impairment on the E&E assets as at 31 December 2013. The Company has engaged Roma to 

perform a valuation of the E&E assets, based on market approach and income approach. Roma used the market approach 

by referring to certain comparable sales and purchase transactions of oilfields in year 2012 and 2013, of which they further 

analysed the natures, the presentation methods of the reserves and other parameters that may affect the comparability to 

the oilfield. In the valuation, Roma used the Adjusted P/Reserve multiple of the Comparable Transactions to determine the 

market value of the oilfield and the market value of  the  E&E  assets  held by the  Company accordingly. Roma  adopted 

discounted cash flow method in the income approach valuation. During the adoption of the discounted cash flow method, 

a more prudent estimation on those factors and assumptions for future recoverable amounts on the E&E assets were used. 

With  reference  to  the  E&E  Assets  Valuation  issued  by  Roma  dated  24  March  2014,  the  E&E  assets  are  valued  at 

US$24,575,000 and US$26,445,000 by market approach and income approach respectively. According to HKAS 36, the 

recoverable  amount  of  an  asset  is  defined  as  “the  higher  of  its  fair  value  less  costs  to  sell  and  its  value  in  use”.  The 

Directors considered the valuation in market approach and income approach represents the fair value less cost to sell and 

the value in use of its E&E assets. The Company adopted the income approach valuation as the recoverable amount of the 

E&E  assets  following  the  requirement  in  HKAS  36.  As  a  result,  an  impairment  loss  of  HK$442,197,000  (year  2012: 

HK$3,130,106,000) was recognised as the carrying amount of the E&E assets exceeding its recoverable amount. It is a non-

cash item adjustment and does not affect the current operations of oil field.

From December 2014, WTI spot price has dropped substantially, where average price in December 2014 has decreased by 

US$16.5 per barrel to US$59.3 per barrel (November 2014 at US$75.8 per barrel). The average price further decreased to 

US$47.2 per barrel in January 2015. The Group’s Argentina subsidiaries were selling oil at US$73.9 per barrel in December 

2014 and US$66.9 per barrel in January 2015, which were higher than the WTI spot price for the same period.

On 10 March 2015, EIA has released a Short Term Energy Outlook where the forecast WTI spot price for Year 2015 and Year 

2016 are US$52 per barrel and US$70 per barrel respectively. An extract from Short Term Energy Outlook: “EIA projects the 

Brent crude oil price will average $59/bbl in 2015, up $2/bbl from last month’s STEO, with prices rising from an average of 

$56/bbl in the second quarter to an average of $67/bbl in the fourth quarter. The Brent crude oil price is projected to 

average $75/bbl in 2016. WTI prices in 2015 and 2016 are expected to average $7/bbl and $5/bbl, respectively, below 

Brent.”. Compared with the above latest WTI spot price forecast against the price forecast in Year 2014 Annual Energy 

Outlook, the latest price forecast has dropped by 42% and 25% for Year 2015 and Year 2016 respectively, the Directors 

considered that there would be a high probability of deterioration in the growth of short term to mid-term future oil price. 

Should the drilling plan be taken place in accordance with schedule made in last year, it would not be beneficial to the 

Group. The Directors of the Company decided to change and delay the Group’s overall development plan in its Argentina oil 

field operation, and conducted a review of the impairment on the E&E assets as at 31 December 2014.

The Company has engaged Roma to perform a valuation of the E&E assets as of 31 December 2014. As the sample size of 

the recent comparable transactions in or closest to Argentina was small, Roma considered the market approach could not 

give a conclusive result. Roma has adopted the income approach in arriving at both the value in use and fair value less 

costs of disposal of the E&E assets.

Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

11

MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Roma adopted discounted cash flow method in the income approach valuation. With reference to the recent drops in 

actual WTI spot price and the reduction in future price forecast as stated below, the Directors of the Company decided to 

change and delay the Group’s overall development plan in its Argentina oil field operation:

•	

WTI	spot	price	has	dropped	substantially	in	December	2014	and	January	2015,	the	average	WTI	spot	price	was	at	

US$75.79 per barrel for November 2014, at US$59.29 per barrel for December 2014 and at US$47.22 per barrel for 

January 2015, a reduction by 21% in December 2014 and 20% in January 2015 respectively (average WTI spot price 

sourced from EIA website).

•	

According	to	the	Short	Term	Energy	Outlook	issued	by	EIA	on	10	March	2015,	the	forecast	WTI	spot	price	for	Year	

2015  and  Year  2016  are  US$52  per  barrel  and  US$70  per  barrel  respectively.  These  short  term  WTI  spot  prices 

reduced by 30% or more as compared with the Year 2014 Outlook, where forecast oil price per barrel for Year 2015 at 

US$52 (Year 2014 Outlook: US$89.8), Year 2016 at US$70 (Year 2014 Outlook: US$92.9). The Directors took a more 

prudent approach in estimating the short term and mid-term future oil selling prices to YPF and considered the future 

oil selling prices would increase steadily.

•	

With	reference	to	the	decrease	in	future	growth	in	oil	selling	prices,	the	directors	of	the	Company	decided	to	change	

and delay the Group’s overall drilling plan to later years as the original plan made in last year would not be beneficial 

to the Group. The production quantity used to calculate future cash flows from operations has decreased.

•	

The	discount	rate	used	for	the	impairment	assessment	in	2014	has	considered	a	higher	country	risk	of	Argentina	in	

view of the depreciation of Argentina Peso against US Dollar in January 2014 and economic situation in Argentina. The 

discount rate used in year 2014 was 18.06% (year 2013: 17.72%).

The discount rate reduced the net present value of  future cash  flow  of  the  project. With  reference  to  the  E&E Assets 

Valuation  issued  by  Roma  dated  25  March  2015,  the  value  in  use  of  the  E&E  assets  under  the  income  approach  was 

estimated as US$14,772,000; while the fair value less costs of disposal under the income approach was US$11,970,000 as 

at 31 December 2014. According to HKAS 36, the recoverable amount of an asset is defined as “the higher of its fair value 

less costs to sell and its value in use”. The Company adopted the value in use valuation under income approach as the 

recoverable  amount  of  the  E&E  assets  following  the  requirement  in  HKAS  36.  As  a  result,  an  impairment  loss  of 

HK$91,049,000 (year 2013: HK$442,197,000) was recognised as the carrying amount of the E&E assets over its recoverable 

amount. It is a non-cash item adjustment and does not affect the current operations of oil field.

The Group is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from various currency exposures, primarily with respect to HK$ and 

the Argentina peso (“ARS”). The Group considers there is no significant exposure to foreign exchange fluctuations so long 

as the Hong Kong-United States dollar exchange rate remains pegged.

The oil selling price for our Argentina operations is based on US Dollar, and converted into ARS in Official exchange rate on 

a  monthly  basis.  Majority  of  our  investment  cost  on  drilling  cost,  completion  cost,  workover  job,  infrastructure  and 

equipment  are  based  on  US  Dollar,  and  converted  into  ARS  in  Official  exchange  rate  at  time  of  payment.  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.

12

EPI (Holdings) Limited  •  Annual Report 2014

MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

REVIEW OF GROUP OPERATIONS

Exploration and sales of petroleum

The Group’s core business is the petroleum exploration and production in the Concessions in the Cuyana Basin, Mendoza 

Province of Argentina. There was no acquisitions and disposals of subsidiaries and associated companies during year 2014.

During year 2014, the Group had performed a workover job to one of its producing oil wells. The Group had continued 

investing to improve our own well fluid collection tank and pipeline. As at 31 December 2014, the Group had finished drilling 

10 oil wells in the Chañares Herrados Concession Area, Mendoza oilfield project. All the 10 wells were in production, of 

which 5 oil wells were drilled by Have Result Investments Limited (“Have  Result”) where the Group is entitled to 51% 

interest on production, and 5 oil wells were drilled by EP Energy where the Group is entitled to 72% interest on production.

During year 2014, the Group had 10 producing wells generating oil sales revenue. All our oil production was sold to YPF 

Sociedad Anónima, through Chañares, the Concessions owner.

Revenue generated from the sales of petroleum segment for the year ended 2014 amounted to HK$85.7 million. As of 31 

December 2014, the Company had invested HK$589.2 million in the drilling and completion of its oil wells, as well as related 

infrastructure, in the Mendoza project. This amount included: (1) HK$411.8 million in oil well drilling and completion which 

was  classified  as  oil  &  gas  properties  and  for  which  depreciation  started  from  the  commencement  of  production;  (2) 

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

was located at a depth of over 4,200 meters, which was charged to profit or loss in year 2010. During the year 2014, the 

depreciation and depletion of the oil & gas properties was HK$17.6 million.

Future operation plan

Short-term development plan

Pursuant to the Operation Agreement signed on 5 June 2012, Chañares agreed to release EP Energy from its commitments 

under the JV Agreement signed on 12 January 2011. The Group is focused on workover and infrastructure investments to 

improve production on the existing oil wells from year 2012 to 2014. The Group will continue to invest in workover on the 

existing 10 producing oil wells and in improving own well fluid collection system during year 2015.

Long-term development plan

The  Directors  considered  the  current  economic  situation  of  Argentina  and  decided  to  restart  the  overall  business 

development plan on Chañares oil project in later years. The future business plan is developed by applying a more prudent 

estimation  on  those  factors  and  assumptions  for  future  cashflow  estimation  on  the  project.  In  developing  the  future 

business plan, the Directors have taken a more prudent approach and only considered the production estimation up to the 

expiry  of  Concessions  after  a  10-year  extension  to  year  2027.  The  change  in  development  plan  and  the  production 

estimation is a more prudent way to value the project. The production quantity used to calculate future cash flow from 

operations has decreased.

Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

13

MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Other business opportunities

After setting up the technical & operational team and having a stable development in Argentina operation, the Group 

continues  making  effort  in  searching  for  opportunities  in  oil  &  gas  exploration  and  production  business.  The  Group  is 

focused on the oil & gas field with stable production base, with proven reserves, with certain development opportunities, in 

those industrial-advanced countries, such as the United States of America (“U.S.”).

On 10 January 2014, the Company entered into a confidential letter of intent (the “Letter of Intent”) with three independent 

third parties (the “Possible  Vendors”) with respect to the proposed acquisition (the “Proposed  Acquisition”) of the 

entire interest in those private oil and gas properties in the U.S. and certain related assets (the “Target Assets”) held by 

the Possible Vendors and others through specific corporate and partnership structures. Similar to the memorandum of 

understanding referred to in the Company’s announcement dated 28 November 2012, the Letter of Intent does not create 

legally binding obligations on the parties to proceed with the transaction.

On 8 January 2015, the Company has made an Announcement relating to the Proposed Acquisition to the effect that whilst 

the Company has continued since its last updated announcement to work with the Possible Vendors in relation to the 

Proposed Acquisition, recent significant decreases in oil price and the lack of visibility on near to medium term prospects of 

a sustained rebound in such prices are presenting challenges in pursuing the Proposed Acquisition based on the basic 

purchase price range set out in the memorandum of understanding entered into between the parties in November 2012. 

The Company and the Possible Vendors will decide whether or not it is desirable to resume negotiations for a possible 

revised terms after oil prices stabilise.

FINANCIAL POSITION

As at 31 December 2014, the net asset value of the Group was HK$30.7 million (2013: HK$218.2 million) and the net asset 

value per share was HK$0.006 (2013: HK$0.05).

The Company has entered into a bank loan agreement with China Development Bank, of which the outstanding balance 

was approximately HK$218,400,000 as at 31 December 2014. Pursuant to the terms of the bank loan agreement, if, among 

others,  Mr.  Wu  Shaozhang  (“Mr.  Wu”),  the  substantial  shareholder  of  the  Company,  maintains  less  than  10%  of  the 

beneficial shareholding interest in the issued share capital of the Company, the loan together with accrued interest may 

become immediately due and payable. As at 31 December 2014 and up to the date of these financial statements, Mr. Wu 

directly and/or indirectly holds 10.01% of the Company’s shares and remains a substantial shareholder of the Company. 

Nevertheless Mr. Wu has signed a deed of undertaking with the Company that he undertakes to maintain his position as a 

substantial shareholder of the Company.

The Group’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern in order 

to provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders and to maintain an optimal capital structure to 

reduce  the  cost  of  capital.  In  order  to  maintain  or  adjust  the  capital  structure,  the  Group  may  adjust  the  amount  of 

dividends paid to shareholders, return capital to shareholders, issue new shares or sell assets to reduce debt. The Group 

does not have a target gearing 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 Gearing ratio of the Group as at 31 December 2014 of 5.34, 

that equals to the Group’s non-current borrowings divided by total equity.

14

EPI (Holdings) Limited  •  Annual Report 2014

MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

As of 31 December 2014, the carrying amounts of borrowings are denominated in US$ amounted to HK$218,400,000. The 

carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents are denominated in ARS, US$, HK$ and others amounted to HK$3,744,000, 

HK$22,420,000, HK$2,372,000 and HK$29,000 respectively.

As of 31 December 2014, total borrowings to the extent of HK$0 is at fixed interest rate, none of the foreign currency 

investment are hedged by currency borrowings and other hedging instruments.

Details of the above are set out in Notes 23 & 27 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

LIQUIDITY AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES

The following states the fund raising activity conducted by the Company during the year ended 31 December 2014:

Reference  is  made  to  the  announcements  of  the  Company  dated  11  March  2014  and  22  April  2014  (the  “Placing 

Completion Announcement”) and the shareholders circular dated 20 March 2014 (the “Circular”) pursuant to which the 

Company  raised  approximately  HK$149.4  million  net  proceeds  by  the  issue  of  682,480,000  shares.  Except  where  the 

context otherwise requires, terms defined in the Circular have the same meanings when used in this section.

A total of 682,480,000 Placing Shares had been placed to not less than six independent placees at the placing price of 

HK$0.228 per Placing Share, details of which have been disclosed in the Company’s announcement dated 22 April 2014. 

The placing price of HK$0.228 per Placing Share represented (i) a discount of approximately 10.6% over the closing price of 

HK$0.255 per share as quoted on the Stock Exchange on 11 March 2014, being the date of the placing agreement; and (ii) a 

discount of approximately 7.3% over the closing price of HK$0.246 per share as quoted on the Stock Exchange on 7 April 

2014, being the date of the SGM to approve the issue of the Placing Shares. The Directors considered the Placing represent 

an opportunity to raise capital for the Company and enlarge the equity and shareholder base of the Company. The ordinary 

resolution approving the share placing was passed by the shareholders of the Company at the SGM. On 22 April 2014, all 

the conditions set out in the placing agreement had been fulfilled and the Placing was completed, details of which have 

been disclosed in the Company’s announcement dated 22 April 2014.

The net proceeds, after deduction of the placing commission and other related expenses, was approximately HK$149.4 

million. The Company stated in the Placing Completion Announcement that a portion of the net proceeds of the Placing 

was  earmarked  to  be  used  in  and  towards  the  payment  of  part  of  an  indicative  deposit  to  the  Possible  Vendors.  The 

remainder  of  the  deposit  would  have  had  to  be  funded  by  further  debt  or  equity  financing.  However,  given  that  the 

Proposed Acquisition is still under discussions, the payment of deposit has not yet been scheduled. In order to deploy 

funds available to the Group more efficiently, the Company is reallocating part of the proceeds of the Placing instead to pay 

down its debt financings raised in 2012 and 2013 that primarily funded or refinanced borrowings for the Group’s oil and gas 

project in Argentina and working capital, as this can help reduce the gearing of and borrowing costs to the Group and the 

balance in and towards general working capital and professional fees in connection with the Proposed Acquisition. As such, 

it  has  been  disclosed  in  the  announcement  of  the  Company  dated  30  September  2014  regarding  “Change  In  Use  Of 

Proceeds  In  Relation  To  New  Shares  Issued  Under  Specific  Mandate”  (the  “Change  In  Use  Of  Proceeds 

Announcement”).

Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

15

MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

The revised use of the net proceeds, HK$149.4 million, as stated in the Change In Use Of Proceeds Announcement, would 

be applied as to (i) approximately HK$17.4 million for the professional fees to be incurred in the Proposed Acquisition; (ii) 

approximately HK$94.6 million for paying down the Company’s debt financing as mentioned above; and (iii) the remaining 

balance of approximately HK$37.4 million as general working capital of the Company. Accordingly, the actual use of the net 

proceeds raised under the Placing were all used as intended as at 31 December 2014.

Reference is also made to the announcement of the Company dated 8 January 2015 (Update On Possible Acquisition Of 

Target Oil And Gas Properties In The United States Of America) in relation to the Proposed Acquisition, whilst the Company 

has continued to work with the Possible Vendors, recent significant decreases in oil price and the lack of visibility on near 

to medium term prospects of a sustained rebound in such prices are presenting challenges in pursuing the Proposed 

Acquisition based on the basic purchase price range set out in the MOU entered into between the parties in November 

2012.  The  Company  and  the  Possible  Vendors  will  decide  whether  or  not  it  is  desirable  to  resume  negotiations  for  a 

possible revised terms after oil prices stabilise.

Save for the equity fund raising exercise as stated above, the Company has not undertaken any other fund raising activity 

for the year ended 31 December 2014.

The Company plans to raise additional funds to finance its general working capital requirements in the coming year. Fund 

raising activities under consideration includes and are not limited to issue by way of rights, issue of convertible notes, 

placement of shares and/or other means of financing activities.

PLEDGE OF ASSETS

At 31 December 2014, 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.

16

EPI (Holdings) Limited  •  Annual Report 2014

DIRECTORS AND
SENIOR MANAGEMENT PROFILE

NON-EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN

Mr. HO King Fung, Eric, Non-Executive Chairman, aged 38

Mr. Ho is EPI’s Non-executive Chairman. Mr. Ho joined EPI as Non-executive Director on 4 April 2013 and was re-designated 

as the Non-executive Chairman on 30 July 2013.

Mr. Ho has extensive experience in investment banking origination, capital markets and legal practice. Prior to joining EPI, 

he was an analyst at JP Morgan in 2000 and then was a solicitor at Linklaters between 2003 and 2006. Between 2007 and 

2010, Mr. Ho worked at Deutsche Bank AG, Hong Kong Branch and his last position held was vice president and the head of 

Hong Kong and Macau Origination.

Mr. Ho is a committee member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference of Beijing, a role which he has 

been  in  since  2008.  He  is  also  the  president  of  the  Macau  Money  Exchangers’  Association.  Mr.  Ho  was  awarded  the 

Chinese Economics Elite Award in 2009. From April 2011 and April 2012, Mr. Ho was the non-executive director of United 

Energy Group Limited (HKSE Stock Code: 467). He has been appointed as the independent non-executive director of Nature 

Home Holding Company Limited (HKSE Stock Code: 2083) since May 2011. And, Mr. Ho has also been appointed as a non-

executive  director  of  AGTech  Holdings  Limited  (HKSE  Stock  Code:  8279)  since  23  May  2013.  In  Macau,  Mr.  Ho  is  the 

chairman of P&W Money Changer Limited and Jing Yang Company Limited, and an executive director of Mascargo (Macau) 

Company Limited.

Mr. Ho graduated from the University of New South Wales, Australia with a Bachelor of Commerce degree, majoring in 

Finance. Mr. Ho has also obtained his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of New South Wales. He has been 

designated as a practicing solicitor in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

Mr. TSE Kwok Fai, Sammy, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, aged 51

Mr. Tse joined the Company in 2009 as a consultant for the business development in Argentina and has been appointed as 

the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since April 2013.

Mr. Tse’s wealth of managerial and executive experience is derived from working at various major corporations including 

the Hongkong Telecom 2 Group, Hutchison Whampoa Group and South China Group. He had been involved in the day-to-

day operations of telecommunications, technology, media, energy and resources businesses in Hong Kong, the PRC and 

other countries. Mr. Tse has developed an extensive business network in the resources and energy sector and specializes 

in mergers and acquisitions, listings and asset injections, as well as business development.

Mr. Tse graduated from the University of Hong Kong majoring in Geography and Geology. He also obtained his MBA from 

the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

17

DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT PROFILE

Mr. CHAN Chi Hung, Anthony, Executive Director, aged 42

Mr. Chan is EPI’s Executive Director and he was appointed as Executive Director on July 2013.

Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Chan has held senior management positions at other Hong Kong listed companies. He 

was the executive director of China Financial Leasing Group Limited (HKSE Stock Code: 2312) from April 2007 to July 2013. 

Mr. Chan has also held the position of non-executive director at Build King Holdings Limited (HKSE Stock Code: 240) since 

December 2008.

In December 2014, Mr. Chan was appointed as independent non-executive director of South East Group Limited (HKSE 

Stock Code: 726). Prior to his managerial career, Mr. Chan was the investment manager of Springfield Financial Advisory 

Limited, in charge of private equity, fund-of-funds and fixed income investment portfolios for four years. Mr. Chan started 

his career as a banker in J.P. Morgan covering Asia ex-Japan region.

Mr. Chan is a graduate of the University of Minnesota — Twin Cities and Stanford Graduate School of Business, both in 

United States.

INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

Mr. QIAN Zhi Hui, Independent Non-executive Director, aged 52

Mr. Qian joined the Company 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 a 

lawyer in 1993 and is currently a partner of Guangdong Justwin Law Firm. From 2006 to 2008, he was an independent non-

executive director of New Times Energy Corporation Limited (HKSE stock code: 166). He has a Master degree in Procedural 

Law from Southwest University of Political Science and Law, China.

Mr. ZHU Tiansheng, Independent Non-executive Director, aged 70

Mr.  Zhu  joined  the  Company  in  November  2009.  He  has  over  41  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.

18

EPI (Holdings) Limited  •  Annual Report 2014

DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT PROFILE

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  was  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 were managed 

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

and cooperated 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  graduated  from  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.

Mr. TEOH Chun Ming, Independent Non-executive Director, aged 44

Mr. Teoh joined the Company in January 2014. He is currently a non-executive director of Nature Home Holding Company 

Limited (HKSE Stock Code: 2083) since July 2012 and the chief financial officer and company secretary of Joyer Auto HK 

Company Limited. Mr. Teoh joined Nature Home Holding Company Limited in 2008 and was appointed as the chief financial 

officer and the company secretary on 1 September 2008 and 26 March 2009 respectively. Mr. Teoh was also the authorised 

representative of Nature Home Holding Company Limited for the purpose of the Rules governing the Listing of Securities on 

The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the “Listing Rules”) and The Companies Ordinance. Mr. Teoh held the positions 

of chief financial officer, company secretary and authorised representative of Nature Home Holding Company Limited until 

his appointment as a non-executive director of Nature Home Holding Company Limited on 1 July 2012. Mr. Teoh was also 

the investor relations officer of Nature Home Holding Company Limited. Mr. Teoh has over 20 years of accounting and 

finance experience and had held senior positions in accounting and finance in various companies listed on The Stock 

Exchange of Hong Kong Limited.

Mr. Teoh obtained a Master degree in Professional Accounting from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 2005. He is a 

fellow member of The Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants, a fellow member of The Association of Chartered 

Certified Accountants and a member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

19

DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT PROFILE

SENIOR MANAGEMENT PROFILE

Mr. TSANG Wing Hung, Company Secretary, aged 52

Mr. Tsang joined the Company in May 2013 as Vice President of Finance and has been appointed as the company secretary 

of the Company since June 2014.

Mr. Tsang is a member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and The Hong Kong Institute of 

Certified Public Accountants. Mr. Tsang has been a professional accountant since 1986 and has extensive experience in 

auditing,  accounting,  management  and  taxation.  Mr.  Tsang  holds  a  Bachelor  Degree  of  Economics  from  University  of 

Manchester, United Kingdom and a Master Degree of Information Management and Systems from Monash University, 

Australia.

Mr. PAK Ka Kei, Financial Controller, aged 44

Mr. Pak joined the Company in November 2009 as a Financial Controller.

Mr. Pak has over 18 years experience in the fields of audit, internal control, accountancy, taxation and treasury. Prior to 

joining the Company, Mr. Pak had been working for TCL Multimedia Technology Holdings Limited for over 10 years on the 

finance departments in Hong Kong, Emerging Markets and Europe and he had held the positions of Deputy Internal Control 

Director and Deputy Financial Controller for Emerging Markets and Europe there.

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

for Ernst & Young for 5 years.

Mr. QUIROGA Daniel Federico, General Manager, Argentina, aged 49

Mr. Quiroga joined the Company in December 2010 as the General Manager of Argentina Business. Mr. Quiroga oversees 

the Company’s oil project in Argentina as the General Manager of Argentina Operation. He has over 28 years extensive 

experience in operations, exploration and production management of oil field projects in Argentina, and Mexico.

Mr. Quiroga had been employed by Tecpetrol S.A. since year 1991. The last position held by Mr. Quiroga in year 2000 was 

the Head of Secondary Recovery Division. During the work in Tecpetrol S.A., Mr. Quiroga was appointed as Operation 

Engineer,  Production  Manager,  Field  Operation  Manager  and  had  gained  experiences  in  operations,  production 

management for various oil fields in Argentina.

Mr. Quiroga was the Operation Superintendent and Field Manager who was in charge of field operations in oil fields located 

in Neuquina Basin and S.J. Gulf Basin, Argentina for Pioneer NRA S.A. during 2002 to 2006. After that, Mr. Quiroga also 

worked for Apache Corp Argentina and Petrolera El Trebol.

Before joining the Company, Mr. Quiroga had been working for Weatherford Regional Mexico as the Operation Coordinator. 

He was in charge of field operations for oil field in Mexico.

Mr. Quiroga graduated from the National University of Cuyo in Mendoza Province, Argentina and was majoring in Petroleum 

Engineer in year 1991. Mr. Quiroga was the Postgrade in Business & Finance at National University of Cuyo in Mendoza 

Province, Argentina.

20

EPI (Holdings) Limited  •  Annual Report 2014

CORPORATE
GOVERNANCE REPORT

The board of Directors (the “Board”) of the Company hereby presents the Corporate Governance Report of the Company 

for the year ended 31 December 2014.

COMPLIANCE WITH THE CODE ON CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRACTICES

The Board recognises 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 processes 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 Corporate Governance Code (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.4.1 of the CG Code as summarised below.

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 exactly than the required standard set out in the Model Code for Securities Transactions by Directors of 

Listed Issuers as set out in Appendix 10 of the Listing Rules, and that having made specific enquiries of all directors, the 

Company confirms that all the 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 of its shareholders.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Types of decisions taken by the Board include the following:

1. 

setting the Company’s mission and values;

2. 

formulating strategic directions of the Company;

3. 

reviewing and guiding corporate strategies; setting performance objectives, monitoring implementation and corporate 

performance;

4.  monitoring and managing potential conflicts of interests between the Board members and the management of the 

Company; 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.

Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

21

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT

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

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

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

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

For the year ended 31 December 2014, the Board:

1. 

reviewed  and  approved  the  audited  annual  results  of  the  Group  for  the  year  ended  31  December  2013  and  the 

unaudited interim results of the Group for the six months ended 30 June 2014;

2. 

reviewed the performance of and formulated the business strategies of the Group;

3. 

reviewed the internal controls of the Group;

4. 

reviewed and approved the new shares placing of 682,480,000 shares at HK$0.228 per share under specific mandate;

5. 

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 have full access to information on the Group and are able to obtain independent professional advice 

whenever deemed necessary. No request was made by any director for such independent professional advice in 2014. The 

company  secretary  prepares  minutes  and  keeps  records  of  matters  discussed  and  of  decisions  resolved  at  all  Board 

meetings, which are available for inspections by any director upon request.

BOARD COMPOSITION

The  Board  currently  comprises  one  Non-executive  Chairman,  two  Executive  Directors  and  three  Independent  Non-

executive Directors, whose biographical details are set out in “Directors and Senior Management Profile” on page 16. The 

composition of the Board is well balanced with each director having sound knowledge, experience and expertise relevant 

to  the  business  operations  and  developments  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.

22

EPI (Holdings) Limited  •  Annual Report 2014

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT

BOARD MEETING RECORDS

There were eight meetings held during the financial year 2014 and the attendance summary of each Board member is as 

follows:

Name of Directors

Mr. Ho King Fung, Eric

Mr. Tse Kwok Fai, Sammy

Mr. Chan Chi Hung, Anthony

Mr. Qian Zhi Hui

Mr. Teoh Chun Ming (appointed on 10 January 2014)

Mr. Lam Ting Lok (appointed on 4 April 2013 and resigned on 10 January 2014)

Mr. Zhu Tiansheng

CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Number of

board meetings

attended in 2014

8/8

8/8

8/8

6/8

7/8

N/A

7/8

The CG Code requires the roles of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer be separate and not performed by the same 

individual to ensure there is a clear division of responsibilities between the running of the Board and the executives who 

run the business.

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

King Fung, Eric (“Mr. Ho”) is the Non-executive Chairman of the Company. The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for the 

day to day operation of the Company and the implementation of the development strategy adopted by the Board. Mr. Tse 

Kwok Fai, Sammy (“Mr. Tse”) is the Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

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. Both Mr. Ho and Mr. Tse had complied with the relevant CG Code.

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 Independent Non-executive Directors of the Company 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 from any of its subsidiaries.

Each  of  the  Independent  Non-executive  Director  has  provided  semiannually  a  written  confirmation  to  the  Company 

confirming  that  he  has  met  the  criteria  as  set  out  in  Rule  3.13  of  the  Listing  Rules  regarding  the  guidelines  for  the 

assessment of the independence of being an independent non-executive director.

Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

23

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT

BOARD COMMITTEES

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

1. 

Corporate Governance Committee

2. 

Audit Committee

3. 

Remuneration Committee

4. 

Nomination Committee

Each board committee makes decisions on matters within its terms 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.

(1)  Corporate Governance Committee

(a)  Members of the Corporate Governance Committee

Mr. Ho King Fung, Eric (Chairman of the Committee, appointed on 31 March 2014)

Mr. Chan Chi Hung, Anthony (appointed on 31 March 2014)

(b)  Role and function

The Corporate Governance Committee is mainly responsible for:

i. 

developing and reviewing the Company’s policies and practices on corporate governance and making 

recommendations to the Board;

ii. 

reviewing and monitoring the training and continuous professional development of Directors and senior 

management;

iii. 

reviewing and monitoring the Company’s policies and practices on compliance with legal and regulatory 

requirements;

iv. 

developing, reviewing and monitoring the code of conduct and compliance manual (if any) applicable to 

Directors and employees; and

v. 

reviewing the Company’s compliance with the code provision of Appendix 14 to the Rules Governing the 

Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong.

24

EPI (Holdings) Limited  •  Annual Report 2014

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT

(c)  Meeting records

The Corporate Governance Committee was established on 31 March 2014. One meeting was held during the 

financial year 2014 and the attendance summary of each committee member is as follows:

Members of the Committee

Mr. Ho King Fung, Eric

Mr. Chan Chi Hung, Anthony

Number of

committee meeting(s)

attended in 2014

1/1

1/1

During  the  meeting,  the  Corporate  Governance  Committee  reviewed  the  duties  and  responsibilities  of  the 

Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer, Directors’ attendance at Board meetings, the independence of the 

Independent Non-executive Directors and the training and professional development of the Directors.

(2)  Audit Committee

(a)  Members of the Audit Committee

Mr. Teoh Chun Ming (Chairman of the Committee, appointed on 10 January 2014)

Mr. Lam Ting Lok (appointed on 4 April 2013, redesignated as Chairman of the Committee

  on 3 July 2013 and resigned on 10 January 2014)

Mr. Qian Zhi Hui

Mr. Zhu Tiansheng

(b)  Role and function

The Audit Committee is mainly responsible for:

i. 

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

raised by the external auditor before submission to the Board;

ii. 

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

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

reappointment and removal of external auditor;

iii. 

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

and risk management system and associated procedures;

iv. 

reviewing the Group’s financial and accounting policies; and

v. 

reviewing the external auditor’s management letter and ensuring a timely response to the issues raised 

there.

Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

25

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT

(c)  Meeting records

Three meetings were held during the financial year 2014 and the attendance summary of each committee 

member is as follows:

Members of the Committee

Mr. Teoh Chun Ming (appointed on 10 January 2014)

Mr. Lam Ting Lok (resigned on 10 January 2014)

Mr. Qian Zhi Hui

Mr. Zhu Tiansheng

Number of

committee meetings

attended in 2014

3/3

N/A

3/3

3/3

During the meetings, the Audit Committee discussed the following matters:

I. 

Financial Reporting

The  Audit  Committee  reviewed  with  the  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  the  financial  controller  of  the 

Company the audited results for the year ended 31 December 2013 and the unaudited interim results for 

the six months ended 30 June 2014.

II. 

External Auditor

The Audit Committee reviewed the audit fee for the year ended 31 December 2013 and recommended it 

to the Board.

The Audit Committee reviewed the Audit Committee Report prepared by PricewaterhouseCoopers for the 

year ended 31 December 2013.

(3)  Remuneration Committee

(a)  Members of the Remuneration Committee

Mr. Qian Zhi Hui (Chairman of the Committee)

Mr. Ho King Fung, Eric (appointed on 31 March 2014)

Mr. Tse Kwok Fai, Sammy

Mr. Zhu Tiansheng

26

EPI (Holdings) Limited  •  Annual Report 2014

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT

(b)  Role and function

The Remuneration Committee is mainly responsible for:

i. 

reviewing  and  approving  the  management’s  remuneration  proposals  with  reference  to  the  corporate 

goals and objectives of the Board;

ii. 

determining the remuneration packages of individual executive directors and senior management, and 

recommending to the Board on the remuneration packages of individual executive directors and senior 

management;

iii. 

recommending to the Board the remuneration of non-executive directors;

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

the  directors  and  senior  management  as  well  as  on  the  establishment  of  formal  and  transparent 

procedures for developing policy on such remuneration;

v. 

reviewing and approving 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

vi. 

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

(c)  Meeting records

Two  meetings  was  held  during  the  financial  year  2014  and  the  attendance  summary  of  each  committee 

member is as follows:

Members of the Committee

Mr. Qian Zhi Hui

Mr. Ho King Fung, Eric (appointed on 31 March 2014)

Mr. Tse Kwok Fai, Sammy

Mr. Zhu Tiansheng

Number of

committee meetings

attended in 2014

2/2

1/2

2/2

2/2

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

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

Remuneration Committee also reviewed the remuneration package of the directors and senior management to 

ensure they were in line with the market.

Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

27

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT

(4)  Nomination Committee

(a)  Members of the Nomination Committee

Mr. Qian Zhi Hui (Chairman of the Committee)

Mr. Ho King Fung, Eric (appointed on 31 March 2014)

Mr. Tse Kwok Fai, Sammy

Mr. Zhu Tiansheng

(b)  Role and function

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 the 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  during  the  financial  year  of  2014  and  the  attendance  summary  of  each  committee 

member is as follows:

Members of the Committee

Mr. Qian Zhi Hui

Mr. Ho King Fung, Eric (appointed on 31 March 2014)

Mr. Tse Kwok Fai, Sammy

Mr. Zhu Tiansheng

Number of

committee meetings

attended in 2014

1/1

N/A

1/1

1/1

28

EPI (Holdings) Limited  •  Annual Report 2014

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT

DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The directors are responsible for preparing the financial statements of each financial year, which give a true and fair view of 

the state of affairs of the Group. 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.

INTERNAL CONTROL AND RISK MANAGEMENT

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

safeguard the shareholders’ investments 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 systems 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.

CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

From 1 July 2013 onwards, upon appointment to the Board, Directors receive an induction package including “A Guide on 

Directors’ Duties” issued by the Companies Registry, “Good Governance and Internal Control — A Corruption Prevention 

Guide for Listed Companies” issued by Independent Commission Against Corruption, Hong Kong, “A Guide for Effective 

Audit  Committees”  issued  by  HKSA  Corporate  Governance  Committees  and  information  regarding  the  duties  and 

responsibilities of a director of a company listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, from the Company’s legal 

adviser on directors’ legal role and responsibilities.

The  Directors  are  encouraged  to  participate  in  continuous  professional  development  to  develop  and  refresh  their 

knowledge and skills for discharging their duties and responsibilities as Directors. For the year ended 31 December 2014, all 

Directors have attended the training  sessions arranged  by  the  Company,  except  Mr.  Qian  Zhi Hui  as  he  was away  on 

business.

INSURANCE ARRANGEMENT

The Company has arranged appropriate insurance cover in respect of potential legal actions against its Directors and Senior 

Management.

Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

29

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT

AUDITOR’S REMUNERATION

For  the  year  ended  31  December  2014,  the  Company  engaged  PricewaterhouseCoopers,  auditor  of  the  Company,  to 

perform  audit  service.  Their  reporting  responsibilities  on  the  financial  statements  of  the  Group  are  set  out  in  the 

Independent Auditor’s Report on page 38 of this annual report.

During the year under review, the services provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers and the fees thereof were as follows:

Nature of services

Audit services

Non-audit related services

COMPANY SECRETARY

2014

HK$’000

3,000

4,945

7,945 

Mr. Tsang Wing Hung was appointed as the Company Secretary following the resignation of Mr. Cheng Sing Wai, the former 

Company Secretary with effect from 5 June 2014.

The  Company  Secretary  directly  reports  to  the  Board  and  is  responsible  for  facilitating  the  Board’s  processes  and 

communications among Board members, with shareholders and with management. For the year ended 31 December 2014, 

the Company Secretary undertook 18 hours of professional training to keep abreast of latest legislative and regulatory 

changes.

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 have been read out by the company secretary at all 

general meetings.

The annual general meeting provides a useful forum for shareholders to exchange views with the Board. The Non-executive 

Chairman, the Executive Directors, the chairman and the members of the board committees and the external auditor will 

be  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  shareholders  information  such  as 

announcements, circulars, annual and interim reports.

 
 
 
 
 
 
30

EPI (Holdings) Limited  •  Annual Report 2014

REPORT OF 
THE DIRECTORS

The Directors of the Company (the “Directors”) have pleasure in submitting their report and the audited consolidated 

financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries (together the “Group”) for the year ended 31 December 2014.

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES AND SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company is an investment holding company. Its subsidiaries are principally engaged in the petroleum exploration and 

production.  Particulars  of  the  Company’s  principal  subsidiaries  are  set  out  in  Note  18  to  the  consolidated  financial 

statements. The analysis of the principal activities and segments of the operations of the Group 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 2014 are set out in the consolidated statement of comprehensive 

income on page 40.

No interim dividend was declared (2013: Nil) and the Directors do not recommend the payment of any dividend for the year.

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

A summary of the results and of the assets and liabilities of the Group for the last five financial years is set out on page 115.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Details of movements in the property, plant and equipment of the Group during the year are set out in Note 17 to the 

consolidated financial statements.

RESERVES

Details  of  movements  in  the  reserves  of  the  Company  and  the  Group  during  the  year  are  set  out  in  Note  26  to  the 

consolidated financial statements and the consolidated statement of changes in equity on page 45 respectively.

SHARE CAPITAL

Details of movements in the share capital of the Company during the year are set out in Note 24 to the consolidated 

financial statements.

PURCHASE, SALES OR REDEMPTION OF SHARES

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

the year ended 31 December 2014.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The Company is committed to maintaining a high standard of corporate governance standards to safeguard the interests of 

shareholders and to enhance corporate value and accountability.

Details  of  the  corporate  governance  practices  adopted  by  the  Company  are  set  out  on  page  20  under  Corporate 

Governance Report.

Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

31

REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS

DIRECTORS

The Directors of the Company during the year and up to the date of this report are as follows:

Non-executive Chairman:

Mr. Ho King Fung, Eric

Executive Directors:

Mr. Tse Kwok Fai, Sammy (Chief Executive Officer)

Mr. Chan Chi Hung, Anthony

Independent Non-executive Directors:

Mr. Qian Zhi Hui

Mr. Teoh Chun Ming (appointed on 10 January 2014)

Mr. Zhu Tiansheng

Mr. Lam Ting Lok (resigned on 10 January 2014)

Biographical details of the Directors are set out on page 16 under “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  biannually  confirmations  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 considers all the Independent Non-executive 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 

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

DIRECTORS’ INTEREST IN CONTRACTS

No contract of significance to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries was a party and in which a Director had a 

material interest, whether directly or indirectly, subsisted at the end of the year or at any time during the year.

COMPETING INTEREST

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

competes or may compete with the business of the Group.

MANAGEMENT CONTRACTS

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

Company was entered into or existed during the year.

32

EPI (Holdings) Limited  •  Annual Report 2014

REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS

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

As at 31 December 2014, the interests and short positions of the Directors and chief executive of the Company in any 

shares  of  the  Company  (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 in which they were taken or deemed to have under such provisions of the SFO) or which were required, 

pursuant to section 352 of Part XV 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 Underlying Shares of the Company

Directors

Nature of

interest

Number of

Number of

Approximate

ordinary

share

Total

% of issued

shares held

options held

interests

share capital

Mr. Ho King Fung, Eric

Mr. Tse Kwok Fai, Sammy

Mr. Chan Chi Hung, Anthony

Personal

Personal

Personal

–

217,000,000

217,000,000

2,200,000

–

88,000,000

78,000,000

90,200,000

78,000,000

Note:  The calculation of percentages is based on 4,852,357,588 Shares in issue as at 31 December 2014.

(Note)

4.47%

1.86%

1.61%

Save as disclosed above and as at 31 December 2014, no Directors or chief executive of the Company had any other 

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.

 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

33

REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS

SUBSTANTIAL SHAREHOLDERS

As at 31 December 2014, according to the register of interests maintained by the Company pursuant to section 336 of the 

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 are as follows:

Long/Short Positions in the Shares and Underlying Shares of the Company

Number of

shares/

Approximate 

Name of Shareholders

positions

nature of interest

shares held

share capital

Long/short

Capacity/

underlying

% of issued

(Note 1)

City Smart International Investment 

Long

Beneficial owner

7,466,856

0.15%

  Limited (Note 2)

City Wise Investment Limited (Note 2)

Long

Beneficial owner

478,232,975

9.86%

South America Petroleum Investment 

Long

Interest of a controlled 

478,232,975

9.86%

  Holdings Limited (Note 2)

  corporation

Mr. Wu Shaozhang (Note 2)

Long

Interest of a controlled 

485,699,831

10.01%

  corporation

Notes:

1. 

The calculation of percentages is based on 4,852,357,588 Shares in issue as at 31 December 2014.

2. 

So far as 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.

Saved as disclosed above, as at 31 December 2014 and 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 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 member of the Group or 

had any options in respect of such capital.

 
 
 
 
 
34

EPI (Holdings) Limited  •  Annual Report 2014

REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS

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 directors and employees for their contribution to the Group.

Under  the  Scheme,  the  Company  may  grant  options  to  selected  directors  and  employees  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; nor to 

exceed 30% of the shares of the Company in issue from time to time. 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 also be 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 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.

Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

35

REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS

As at 31 December 2014, options to subscribe for an aggregate of 1,204,000,000 shares granted to the Directors, certain 

employees and other participants pursuant to the Scheme remained outstanding, details of which are as follows:

Category and

Exercisable period

name of participant(s)

Date of grant

(both dates inclusive)

Exercise

Outstanding

price

HK$

 at

1.1.2014

Granted

during

the year

Lapsed

during

Exercised

Outstanding

during

at

the year

the year

31.12.2014

Non-executive Chairman

Mr. Ho King Fung, Eric

30 July 2013 

16 September 2013–

0.206

108,500,000

(Note 1)

29 July 2016

16 September 2014–

0.206

54,250,000

29 July 2016

16 September 2015–

0.206

54,250,000

29 July 2016

Executive Directors

Mr. Tse Kwok Fai, Sammy

11 April 2013 

(Note 2)

3 July 2013–

10 April 2016

0.255

88,000,000

Mr. Chan Chi Hung, Anthony

30 July 2013 

16 September 2013–

0.206

39,000,000

(Note 1)

29 July 2016.

16 September 2014–

0.206

19,500,000

29 July 2016

16 September 2015–

0.206

19,500,000

29 July 2016

Employees

25 November 2013

25 November 2013–

0.219

64,000,000

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

17 July 2014

Other participants

11 April 2013

11 April 2013

24 November 2016

17 July 2014–

16 July 2017

11 April 2013–

10 April 2016

11 April 2013–

28 February 2014

0.200

–

3,000,000

0.255

128,000,000

0.255

32,000,000

–

–

–

–

25 November 2013

25 November 2013–

0.219

32,000,000

24 November 2016

25 November 2013

25 February 2014–

0.219

64,000,000

4 June 2014

17 July 2014

24 November 2016

4 June 2014–

3 June 2017

17 July 2014–

16 July 2017

0.189

0.200

–

–

70,000,000

467,000,000

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(7,000,000)

–

–

(32,000,000)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

108,500,000

54,250,000

54,250,000

88,000,000

39,000,000

19,500,000

19,500,000

57,000,000

3,000,000

128,000,000

–

32,000,000

64,000,000

70,000,000

467,000,000

Note 1:  Date of approval by shareholders was 16 September 2013.

Note 2:  Date of approval by shareholders was 3 July 2013.

703,000,000

540,000,000

(39,000,000)

–

1,204,000,000

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
36

EPI (Holdings) Limited  •  Annual Report 2014

REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS

EMOLUMENT POLICY

The emolument policy of the employees of the Group is set up by the human resources department on the basis of their 

merit,  qualifications  and  competence.  The  emoluments  of  the  Directors  and  senior  management  of  the  Company  are 

decided  by  the  Remuneration  Committee,  having  regard  to  factors  including  the  Group’s  operating  results,  their 

responsibilities and comparable market statistics. Details of the Directors’ fees and emoluments, and the five highest paid 

individuals in the Group are set out in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements.

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 suppliers combined 

100%

100%

100%

100%

None of the Directors and their associates or any shareholders (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.

EMPLOYEES

As at 31 December 2014, the Group had a total of 17 employees in Hong Kong and 8 employees in Argentina. Employee’s 

cost (excluding directors’ emoluments) amounted to approximately HK$12.1 million (2013: HK23.45 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.

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 of the Company.

PUBLIC FLOAT

As at the date of this report, based on information that is publicly 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.

Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

37

REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS

AUDIT COMMITTEE

The  Audit  Committee  has  reviewed  the  accounting  principles  and  policies  adopted  by  the  Group  and  also  discussed 

auditing, internal controls and financial reporting matters, including the review of the consolidated financial statements for 

the year ended 31 December 2014 with external auditor PricewaterhouseCoopers and with management.

AUDITORS

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu resigned as auditor of the Company during year 2013. Pursuant to a board resolution dated 15 

January 2014, PricewaterhouseCoopers was appointed by the Board to act as the new auditor of the Company.

The financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2014 have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers, who will 

retire and being eligible, will offer themselves for re-appointment at the forthcoming annual general meeting (“AGM”).

A  resolution  for  the  re-appointment  of  PricewaterhouseCoopers  as  auditor  of  the  Company  will  be  proposed  at  the 

forthcoming AGM of the Company.

EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING YEAR

Details  of  significant  events  occurring  after  the  date  of  statement  of  financial  position  are  set  out  in  Note  36  to  the 

consolidated financial statements.

On behalf of the Board

Tse Kwok Fai, Sammy

Executive Director and CEO

Hong Kong, 27 March 2015

38

EPI (Holdings) Limited  •  Annual Report 2014

INDEPENDENT 
AUDITOR’S REPORT

TO THE SHAREHOLDERS 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 

(together, the “Group”) set out on pages 40 to 114, which comprise the consolidated and company statements of financial 

position as at 31 December 2014, and the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the consolidated statement of 

changes in equity and the 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 Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda 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.

Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

39

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

TO THE SHAREHOLDERS 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 Company and of 

the Group as at 31 December 2014, 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.

EMPHASIS OF MATTER

We draw attention to Note 2.1.1 to the consolidated  financial  statements  which  states  that  the  Group incurred a loss 

attributable to the owners of the Company of approximately HK$381,143,000 and had a net operating cash outflow of 

approximately HK$51,162,000 during the year ended 31 December 2014, and as at that date, the Group’s current liabilities 

exceeded its current assets by approximately HK$76,722,000. These conditions, along with other matters as described in 

Note  2.1.1  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements,  indicate  the  existence  of  a  material  uncertainty  which  may  cast 

significant doubt about the ability of the Group to continue as a going concern. Our opinion is not qualified in respect of this 

matter.

PricewaterhouseCoopers

Certified Public Accountants

Hong Kong, 27 March 2015

40

EPI (Holdings) Limited  •  Annual Report 2014

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

For the year ended 31 December 2014

Continuing operation:

Revenue

Purchases, processing and related expenses

Other (losses)/gains, net

Wages, salaries and other benefits

Depreciation and depletion

Provision of impairment losses

Fair value gains/(losses) on financial instruments

Expenses incurred in exploring potential investment opportunities

Other expenses

Finance costs

Loss and total comprehensive loss for the year from continuing operation

Discontinued operation:

  Loss and total comprehensive loss for the year from

Note

2014

HK$’000

2013

HK$’000

(restated)

6

7

8

9

10

11

13

85,689

89,853

(38,881)

(16,542)

(34,253)

(18,043)

(73,576)

49,109

(25,260)

(73,783)

(34,693)

(44,333)

13,689

(56,201)

(27,443)

(492,648)

(18,402)

(16,248)

(69,623)

(43,757)

(180,233)

(665,113)

  a discontinued operation

5

(200,910)

(14,058)

Loss and total comprehensive loss attributable to the owners of

the Company

(381,143)

(679,171)

Basic and diluted loss per share attributable to owners of the Company

(expressed in HK$ per share)

  — From continuing operation (HK$)

  — From discontinued operation (HK$)

  — From loss for the year (HK$)

14

(0.04)

(0.04)

(0.08)

(0.19)

–

(0.19)

The notes on pages 47 to 114 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

41

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF
FINANCIAL POSITION

As at 31 December 2014

Note

2014

HK$’000

2013

HK$’000

16

17

19

21

19

22

23

24

27

28

28, 29

30

27

28

28, 29

115,222

138,422

17,563

206,271

153,458

28,542

271,207

388,271

45,928

16,140

52

28,565

227,192

12,753

98

48,029

90,685

288,072

361,892

676,343

485,236

(454,551)

416,988

(198,802)

30,685

218,186

163,800

–

–

–

218,400

76,054

58,903

1,410

163,800

354,767

44,013

54,600

62,877

5,917

38,790

56,600

8,000

–

167,407

103,390

Assets

Non-current assets

  Exploration and evaluation assets

  Property, plant and equipment

  Other tax recoverables

Current assets

  Trade and other receivables and prepayments

  Other tax recoverables

  Held-for-trading investments

  Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Equity

  Share capital

  Reserves

Total equity

Liabilities

Non-current liabilities

  Borrowings

  Convertible notes

  Derivative financial liabilities

  Other non-current liabilities

Current liabilities

  Trade and other payables

  Borrowings

  Convertible notes

  Derivative financial liabilities 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
42

EPI (Holdings) Limited  •  Annual Report 2014

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
As at 31 December 2014

Total liabilities

Total equity and liabilities

Net current (liabilities)/assets

Total assets less current liabilities

Note

2014

HK$’000

2013

HK$’000

331,207

458,157

361,892

676,343

(76,722)

184,682

194,485

572,953

The notes on pages 47 to 114 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

The consolidated financial statements on pages 40 to 114 were approved by the Board of Directors on 27 March 2015 and 

are signed on its behalf by:

Tse Kwok Fai, Sammy

Director

Chan Chi Hung, Anthony

Director

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

43

STATEMENT OF
FINANCIAL POSITION

As at 31 December 2014

Note

2014

HK$’000

2013

HK$’000

17

18

21

18

23

24

26

27

28

28, 29

30

18

27

28

28, 29

1,018

8

1,026

577

427,955

9,399

1,231

8

1,239

596

715,539

21,179

437,931

737,314

438,957

738,553

485,236

(462,908)

416,988

(210,910)

22,328

206,078

163,800

–

–

218,400

76,054

58,903

163,800

353,357

38,644

90,791

54,600

62,877

5,917

23,704

90,814

56,600

8,000

–

252,829

179,118

Assets

Non-current assets

  Property, plant and equipment

Investments in subsidiaries

Current assets

  Other receivables

  Amounts due from subsidiaries

  Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Equity

  Share capital

  Reserves

Total equity

Liabilities

Non-current liabilities

  Borrowings

  Convertible notes

  Derivative financial liabilities

Current liabilities

  Other payables

  Amounts due to subsidiaries

  Borrowings

  Convertible notes

  Derivative financial liabilities

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
44

EPI (Holdings) Limited  •  Annual Report 2014

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
As at 31 December 2014

Total liabilities

Total equity and liabilities

Net current assets

Total assets less current liabilities

Note

2014

HK$’000

2013

HK$’000

416,629

532,475

438,957

738,553

185,102

558,196

186,128

559,435

The notes on pages 47 to 114 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

The consolidated financial statements on pages 40 to 114 were approved by the Board of Directors on 27 March 2015 and 

are signed on its behalf

Tse Kwok Fai, Sammy

Director

Chan Chi Hung, Anthony

Director

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

45

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF
CHANGES IN EQUITY

For the year ended 31 December 2014

Attributable to owners of the Company

Share 

capital

HK$’000

Share 

Contributed

Share options 

Accumulated 

premium

HK$’000

 surplus

HK$’000

(Note (a))

reserve

HK$’000

losses

HK$’000

Total

HK$’000

313,038

4,022,678

60,322

39,747

(3,762,183)

673,602

Balance at 1 January 2013

Loss and total comprehensive loss

for the year

Issue of shares upon placements (Note (b))

Share issue expenses

Issue of shares upon conversion of

  convertible notes

Issue of shares upon exercise

  of share options

Recognition of equity settled share-based

–

77,500

–

–

53,748

(5,006)

12,450

16,354

14,000

12,306

  payments

–

–

Balance at 31 December 2013

416,988

4,100,080

Balance at 1 January 2014

Loss and total comprehensive loss

for the year

Issue of shares upon placements (Note (b))

Share issue expenses

Recognition of equity settled share-based

  payments

416,988

4,100,080

–

68,248

–

–

–

87,357

(5,639)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

60,322

60,322

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(6,566)

48,969

(679,171)

–

–

–

–

–

(679,171)

131,248

(5,006)

28,804

19,740

48,969

82,150

(4,441,354)

218,186

82,150

(4,441,354)

218,186

–

–

–

43,676

(381,143)

–

–

–

(381,143)

155,605

(5,639)

43,676

Balance at 31 December 2014

485,236

4,181,798

60,322

125,826

(4,822,497)

30,685

Notes:

(a) 

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

(b) 

During the year ended 31 December 2014, the Company completed one placement by which total of 682,480,000 (2013: 775,000,000) shares of the 

Company were issued. Details of the placements are set out in Note 24.

The notes on pages 47 to 114 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
46

EPI (Holdings) Limited  •  Annual Report 2014

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF 
CASH FLOWS

For the year ended 31 December 2014

Cash flows from operating activities

  Cash used in operations

Note

2014

HK$’000

2013

HK$’000

31

(51,162)

(91,687)

Net cash used in operating activities

(51,162)

(91,687)

Cash flows from investing activities

  Purchase of property, plant and equipment

Interest received

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

  Proceeds from issue of new shares

  Proceeds from exercise of share options

  Proceeds from other loans

Interest paid

  Repayment of other loans

  Repayment of bank borrowings

  Share issue expenses

  Proceeds from issue of convertible notes

  Redemption of convertible notes

  Expenses on issuance of convertible notes

(3,471)

1,016

(27,720)

–

(2,455)

(27,720)

155,605

–

–

(19,213)

(2,000)

(54,600)

(5,639)

–

(40,000)

–

146,000

19,740

5,335

(28,670)

(45,743)

(23,400)

(5,006)

100,000

–

(3,500)

Net cash generated from financing activities

34,153

164,756

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January

(19,464)

48,029

Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December

23

28,565

45,349

2,680

48,029

The notes on pages 47 to 114 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

47

NOTES TO THE
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 December 2014

1 

GENERAL INFORMATION

EPI (Holdings) Limited (the “Company”) and its subsidiaries (together, the “Group”) are principally engaged in the 

petroleum exploration and production.

The Company is a limited liability company incorporated in Bermuda. The address of its registered office is Clarendon 

House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton HM11, Bermuda.

The Company has its primary listing on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the “Stock Exchange”).

These financial statements are presented  in Hong  Kong dollars  (“HK$”), unless  otherwise  stated.  These financial 

statements have been approved for issue by the Board of Directors on 27 March 2015.

2 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements are set out 

below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.

2.1  Basis of preparation

The  consolidated  financial  statements  of  the  Group  have  been  prepared  in  accordance  with  Hong  Kong 

Financial Reporting Standards (“HKFRS”). The consolidated financial statements have been prepared under the 

historical cost convention, as modified by the revaluation of held-for-trading investments and financial liabilities 

(including derivative instruments) at fair value through consolidated profit or loss, which are carried at fair value.

2.1.1 Going concern

The Group incurred a loss attributable to the owners of the Company of approximately HK$381,143,000 

and had a net operating cash outflow of approximately HK$51,162,000 during the year end 31 December 

2014. As at 31 December 2014, the Group’s current liabilities exceeded its current assets by approximately 

HK$76,722,000, and its cash and cash equivalents balance was reduced to approximately HK$28,565,000. 

In addition, the Group had total borrowings of approximately HK$281,277,000, consisting of convertible 

notes of approximately HK$62,877,000 (the “2013 CN”) and a bank loan of approximately HK$218,400,000 

as at 31 December 2014. Total borrowings amounting to approximately HK$117,477,000, including the 

current  portion  of  bank  loan  of  approximately  HK$54,600,000  and  the  2013  CN  of  approximately 

HK$62,877,000, will be due for repayment within twelve months from the statement of financial position 

date.

Pursuant to the bank loan agreement of the bank loan of approximately HK$218,400,000, the Group is 

required to comply with certain requirements, including to maintain Mr.Wu Shaozhang (“Mr.Wu”) as a 

substantial  shareholder  of  the  Company  as  defined  under  the  Listing  Rules  of  the  Stock  Exchange 

(“Substantial  Shareholder”)  (Note  27).  A  Substantial  Shareholder  is  one  who  is  entitled  to  exercise  or 

control the exercise of 10% or more of the voting power at any general meeting of the Company. The 

failure to comply with such requirements would constitute an event of default, which may cause the 

relevant bank loan totalling HK$218,400,000 become immediately repayable.

All of the above conditions indicate the existence of a material uncertainty which may cast significant 

doubt on the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern.

48

EPI (Holdings) Limited  •  Annual Report 2014

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

2 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – CONTINUED

2.1  Basis of preparation – continued

2.1.1 Going concern – continued

The directors of the Company have reviewed the Group’s cash flow projections, which cover a period of 

twelve months from 31 December 2014. The directors are of the opinion that, taking into account the 

following, the Group will have sufficient working capital to meet its financial obligations as and when they 

fall due within the next twelve months from the statement of financial position date:

(1)  On 8 January 2015, the Company entered into an amendment deed with the 2013 CN holder to 

extend the maturity date of the 2013 CN issued by the Company on 11 April 2013 for one year from 

11  April  2015  to  11  April  2016.  On  17  February  2015,  an  ordinary  resolution  was  passed  by  the 

Company’s shareholders at the special general meeting to approve the amendment deed.

(2)  On 26 March 2015, Mr. Wu entered into a deed of undertaking with the Company and undertakes (i) 

at all times to maintain his position as the Substantial Shareholder, and (ii) to promptly acquire an 

adequate number of shares of the Company to maintain his position as the Substantial Shareholder 

in any event that he is reasonably expected to cease to be the Substantial Shareholder as a result of 

issue of new shares by the Company (Note 27). As at 31 December 2014 and up to the date of 

approval of these consolidated financial statements, Mr. Wu, directly or indirectly, holds 10.01% of 

the Company’s shares and remains as the Substantial Shareholder.

(3) 

The Company is planning to raise additional financial resources by carrying out various financing 

activities,  including  but  not  limited  to,  rights  issue  and  other  means  of  financing  activities.  The 

completion  of  these  financing  activities  are  subject  to  the  approval  from  the  shareholders  and 

relevant regulatory bodies, where applicable, and will also depend on Mr. Wu’s commitment and 

ability to subscribe for or acquire additional shares of the Company, where necessary, in order to 

maintain his position as the Substantial Shareholder.

(4) 

The Group will be introducing procedures to enhance the production of its existing oil wells and is 

also implementing tighter cost control measures. It is expected that these measures will improve its 

operating cash inflows from its continuing operations.

In the opinion of the directors, in light  of  the  above,  the Group will have  sufficient  working  capital to 

finance its operations and fulfil its financial obligations as and when they fall due in the coming twelve 

months from the statement of financial position date. Accordingly, the directors are satisfied that it is 

appropriate to prepare these consolidated financial statements on a going concern basis.

Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

49

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

2 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – CONTINUED

2.1  Basis of preparation – continued

2.1.1 Going concern – continued

Notwithstanding the above, material uncertainties exist as to whether management of the Company will 

be able to obtain the necessary funding as described above as and when needed. Whether the Group will 

be able to continue as a going concern would depend upon the Group’s ability to generate adequate cash 

inflows through continuous compliance with the bank loan requirement, which in turn depends on the 

commitment  and  ability  of  Mr.  Wu  to  maintain  as  the  Substantial  Shareholder;  successfully  securing 

additional financial resources from its planned financing activities; and generating adequate operating 

cash inflows. Should the Group be unable to continue to operate as a going concern, adjustments would 

have to be made to reduce the carrying values of the Group’s assets to their recoverable amounts, to 

provide for any further financial liabilities which might arise and to reclassify non-current assets and non-

current liabilities as current assets and current liabilities, respectively. The effects of these adjustments 

have not been reflected in these consolidated financial statements.

The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with the applicable requirements of the 

predecessor Companies Ordinance (Cap. 32) for this financial year and the comparative period.

The  preparation  of  financial  statements  in  conformity  with  HKFRS  requires  the  use  of  certain  critical 

accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying 

the Group’s accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of judgement or complexity, or areas 

where assumptions and estimates are significant to the consolidated financial statements are disclosed in 

Note 4.

2.1.2 Changes in accounting policy and disclosures

(a)  New  standards,  revisions  and  amendments  to  existing  standards  and  interpretations 

effective for annual periods beginning 1 January 2014 and adopted by the Group

Amendment to HKAS 32

Financial instruments: Presentation — Offsetting 

financial assets and financial liabilities

HKAS 36 (Amendment)

Recoverable amount disclosures for non-financial assets

Amendments to HKFRS 10, 11 and 12

Transition guidance

HKFRS 10, HKFRS 12 and 

Investment entities

  HKAS 27 (2011) Amendment

HKAS 39 Amendment

Novation of derivatives and continuation of 

HK(IFRIC)-Int 21

  hedge accounting

Levies

The  adoption  of  the  new  standards,  revisions  and  amendments  to  existing  standards  and 

interpretations  did  not  have  any  material  impact  on  the  preparation  of  the  Group’s  financial 

statements.

 
50

EPI (Holdings) Limited  •  Annual Report 2014

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

2 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – CONTINUED

2.1  Basis of preparation – continued

2.1.2 Changes in accounting policy and disclosures – continued

(b)  New  standards,  amendments  to  existing  standards  and  interpretations  which  have 

been issued but are not effective and have not been early adopted

Amendments to HKAS 16 and 38

Amendments to HKAS 16 and 41
Amendment to HKAS 19
Amendment to HKAS 27
Amendments to HKFRS 10 
  and HKAS 28
Amendments to HKFRS 11

Clarification of acceptance methods of 
  depreciation and amortisation
Agriculture bearer, plants
Defined benefit plans: Employee contributions
Equity method in separate financial statements
Sale or contribution of assets between 
  an investor and its associate or joint venture
Accounting for acquisitions of interests in 

HKFRS 9
HKFRS 14
HKFRS 15
Amendments to HKFRSs
Amendments to HKFRSs
Amendments to HKFRSs

joint operations
Financial instruments
Regulatory deferred accounts
Revenue from contracts with customers
Annual improvements 2010–2012 cycle
Annual improvements 2011–2013 cycle
Annual improvements 2012–2014 cycle

Effective for
annual periods
beginning
on or after

1 January 2016

1 January 2016
1 July 2014
1 January 2016
1 January 2016

1 January 2016

1 January 2018
1 January 2016
1 January 2017
1 July 2014
1 July 2014
1 January 2016

The Group is assessing the impact of these amendments, standards and interpretations and will 

apply them once they are effective.

In addition, the requirements of Part 9 “Accounts and Audit” of the new Hong Kong Companies 

Ordinance (Cap. 622) come into operation as from the Group’s first financial year commencing on or 

after 3 March 2014 in accordance with section 358 of that Ordinance. The Group is in the process of 

making  an  assessment  of  expected  impact  of  the  changes  in  the  Companies  Ordinance  on  the 

consolidated financial statements in the period of initial application of Part 9 of the new Hong Kong 

Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622). So far it has concluded that the impact is unlikely to be significant 

and only the presentation and the disclosure of information in the consolidated financial statements 

will be affected.

 
Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

51

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

2 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – CONTINUED

2.2  Subsidiaries

2.2.1 Consolidation

A  subsidiary  is  an  entity  (including  a  structured  entity)  over  which  the  Group  has  control.  The  Group 

controls an entity when the Group is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement 

with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. Subsidiaries 

are consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group. They are deconsolidated 

from the date that control ceases.

The  Group  applies  the  acquisition  method  to  account  for  business  combinations.  The  consideration 

transferred for the acquisition of a subsidiary is the fair values of the assets transferred, the liabilities 

incurred  to  the  former  owners  of  the  acquiree  and  the  equity  interests  issued  by  the  Group.  The 

consideration  transferred  includes  the  fair  value  of  any  asset  or  liability  resulting  from  a  contingent 

consideration arrangement. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in 

a  business  combination  are  measured  initially  at  their  fair  values  at  the  acquisition  date.  The  Group 

recognises any non-controlling interest in the acquiree on an acquisition-by-acquisition basis, either at fair 

value or at the non-controlling interest’s proportionate share of the recognised amounts of acquiree’s 

identifiable net assets.

Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred.

If the business combination is achieved in stages, the acquisition date carrying value of the acquirer’s 

previously held equity interest in the acquiree is re-measured to fair value at the acquisition date; any 

gains or losses arising from such re-measurement are recognised in consolidated profit or loss.

Any contingent consideration to be transferred by the Group is recognised at fair value at the acquisition 

date. Subsequent changes to the fair value of the contingent consideration that is deemed to be an asset 

or liability is recognised in accordance with HKAS 39 either in consolidated profit or loss or as a change to 

other comprehensive income. Contingent consideration that is classified as equity is not remeasured, and 

its subsequent settlement is accounted for within equity.

The excess of the consideration transferred, the amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree 

and the acquisition-date fair value of any previous equity interest in the acquiree over the fair value of the 

identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. If the total of consideration transferred, non-

controlling interest recognised and previously held interest measured is less than the fair value of the net 

assets of the subsidiary acquired in the case of a bargain purchase, the difference is recognised directly in 

the consolidated profit or loss. Intra-group transactions, balances and unrealised gains on transactions 

between  group  companies  are  eliminated.  Unrealised  losses  are  also  eliminated.  When  necessary, 

amounts reported by subsidiaries have been adjusted to conform with the Group’s accounting policies.

52

EPI (Holdings) Limited  •  Annual Report 2014

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

2 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – CONTINUED

2.2  Subsidiaries – continued

2.2.2 Separate financial statements

Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for at cost less impairment. Cost includes direct attributable 

costs  of  investment.  The  results  of  subsidiaries  are  accounted  for  by  the  Company  on  the  basis  of 

dividends received and receivable.

Impairment testing of the investments in subsidiaries is required upon receiving a dividend from these 

investments if the dividend exceeds the total comprehensive income of the subsidiary in the period the 

dividend is declared or if the carrying amount of  the  investment  in the  separate financial  statements 

exceeds  the  carrying  amount  in  the  consolidated  financial  statements  of  the  investee’s  net  assets 

including goodwill.

2.3  Joint arrangements

The Group has applied HKFRS 11 to all joint arrangements. Under HKFRS 11 investments in joint arrangements 

are classified as either joint operations or joint ventures depending on the contractual rights and obligations 

each investor. The Group has assessed the nature of its joint arrangements and determined them to be joint 

operations.

A joint operation is a joint arrangement whereby the parties that have joint control of the arrangement have 

rights to the assets, and obligations for the liabilities, relating to the arrangement. Those parties are called joint 

operators.

A joint operator recognises in relation to its interest in a joint operation:

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

its	assets,	including	its	share	of	any	assets	held	jointly;

its	liabilities,	including	its	share	of	any	liabilities	incurred	jointly;

its	revenue	from	the	sale	of	its	share	of	the	output	of	the	joint	operation;

its	share	of	the	revenue	from	the	sale	of	the	output	by	the	joint	operation;	and

its	expenses,	including	its	share	of	any	expenses	incurred	jointly.

2.4  Discontinued operation

A discontinued operation is a component of the Group’s business, the operations and cash flows of which can 

be clearly distinguished from the rest of the Group and which represents a separate major line of business or 

geographic area of operations, or is part of a single co-ordinated plan to dispose of a separate major line of 

business or geographical area of operations, or is a subsidiary acquired exclusively with a view to resale.

When an operation is classified as discontinued, a single amount is presented in the consolidated profit or loss, 

which  comprises  the  post-tax  profit  or  loss  of  the  discontinued  operation  and  the  post-tax  gain  or  loss 

recognised on the measurement to fair value less costs to sell, or on the disposal, of the disposal group(s) 

constituting the discontinued operation.

Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

53

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

2 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – CONTINUED

2.5  Segment reporting

Operating  segments  are  reported  in  a  manner  consistent  with  the  internal  reporting  provided  to  the  chief 

operating decision-maker. The chief operating decision-maker, who is responsible for allocating resources and 

assessing performance of the operating segments, has been identified as the Chief Executive Officer that makes 

strategic decisions.

2.6  Foreign currency translation

(a)  Functional and presentation currency

Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group’s entities are measured using the currency 

of  the  primary  economic  environment  in  which  the  entity  operates  (the  “functional  currency”).  The 

Company’s functional currency is United States dollars (“US$”) and since the Company’s shares are listed 

on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange, the Board of Directors considered that it is more appropriate to 

adopt HK$ as the Group’s and the Company’s presentation currency in the preparation of the consolidated 

financial statements.

(b)  Transactions and balances

Foreign  currency  transactions  are  translated  into  the  functional  currency  using  the  exchange  rates 

prevailing at the dates of the transactions or valuation where items are re-measured. Foreign exchange 

gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation at year-end 

exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are presented in the 

consolidated profit or loss within “other (losses)/gains, net”.

Translation differences on non-monetary financial assets and liabilities such as equities held at fair value 

through profit or loss are recognised in consolidated profit or loss as part of the fair value gain or loss. 

Translation differences on non-monetary financial assets are included in other comprehensive income.

(c)  Group companies

The results and financial position of all the Group’s entities (none of which has the currency of a hyper-

inflationary  economy)  that  have  a  functional  currency  different  from  the  presentation  currency  are 

translated into the presentation currency as follows:

(i) 

assets and liabilities for each statement of financial position presented are translated at the closing 

rate at the date of that statement of financial position;

(ii) 

income and expenses for each profit or loss are translated at average exchange rates (unless this 

average is not a reasonable approximation of the cumulative effect of the rates prevailing on the 

transaction dates, in which case income and expenses are translated at the rate on the dates of the 

transactions); and

(iii) 

all resulting currency translation differences are recognised in other comprehensive income.

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

2 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – CONTINUED

2.6  Foreign currency translation – continued

(c)  Group companies – continued

Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a foreign entity are treated as assets and 

liabilities of the foreign entity and translated at the closing rate. Currency translation differences arising 

are recognised in other comprehensive income.

2.7  Exploration and evaluation assets

Oil and gas exploration and evaluation expenditures are accounted for using the successful efforts method of 

accounting. Costs are accumulated on a field-by-field basis. Geological and geophysical costs are expensed as 

incurred. Costs directly associated with an exploration well, and exploration and property leasehold acquisition 

costs, are capitalised within exploration and evaluation assets until the determination of reserves is evaluated. If 

it is determined that commercial discovery has not been achieved, these costs are charged to expense.

Once  commercial  reserves  are  found,  exploration  and  evaluation  assets  are  tested  for  impairment  and 

transferred to construction in progress under property, plant and equipment. No depreciation and depletion is 

charged during the exploration and evaluation phase.

Exploration and evaluation assets are tested for impairment when reclassified to construction in progress, or 

whenever facts and circumstances indicate impairment. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by 

which  the  exploration  and  evaluation  assets’  carrying  amount  exceeds  their  recoverable  amount.  The 

recoverable amount is the higher of the exploration and evaluation assets’ fair value less costs of disposal and 

their value in use.

2.8  Oil and gas properties

Expenditure  on  the  construction,  installation  or  completion  of  infrastructure  facilities  such  as  platforms, 

pipelines  and  the  drilling  of  commercially  proven  development  wells,  is  capitalised  within  construction  in 

progress  under  property,  plant  and  equipment.  When  development  is  completed  on  a  specific  field,  it  is 

transferred to oil and gas properties. No depreciation and depletion is charged during the development phase.

Oil  and  gas  production  properties  are  aggregated  exploration  and  evaluation  assets  and  development 

expenditures associated with the production of proved reserves.

Oil and gas properties are depreciated and depletion using the unit-of-production method. Unit-of-production 

rates are based on proved developed reserves, which are oil, gas and other mineral reserves estimated to be 

recovered from existing facilities using current operating methods. Oil and gas volumes are considered to be 

part of production once they have been measured through meters at custody transfer or sales transaction 

points at the outlet valve on the field storage tank.

Proven  oil  and  gas  properties  are  reviewed  for  impairment  whenever  events  or  changes  in  circumstances 

indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by 

which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an 

asset’s fair value less costs of disposal and its value in use. For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets 

are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash flows.

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55

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

2 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – CONTINUED

2.9  Property, plant and equipment

Property,  plant  and  equipment,  including  oil  and  gas  properties  (Note  2.8),  is  stated  at  historical  cost  less 

depreciation, depletion and impairment. Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the 

acquisition of the items.

Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s carrying amount or recognised as a separate asset, as appropriate, 

only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Group and the 

cost of the item can be measured reliably. The carrying amount of the replaced part is derecognised. All other 

repairs and maintenance are charged to the consolidated profit or loss during the financial period in which they 

are incurred.

Except for oil and gas properties (Note 2.8) and construction in progress, depreciation is calculated using the 

straight-line method to allocate their cost to their residual values over their estimated useful lives ranging from 

3 to 5 years.

The  assets’  residual  values  and  useful  lives  are  reviewed,  and  adjusted  if  appropriate,  at  the  end  of  each 

reporting period.

An  asset’s  carrying  amount  is  written  down  immediately  to  its  recoverable  amount  if  the  asset’s  carrying 

amount is greater than its estimated recoverable amount (Note 2.10).

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

Construction in process in respect of exploratory wells 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.

Gains  and  losses  on  disposals  are  determined  by  comparing  proceeds  with  the  carrying  amount  and  are 

recognised within “other (losses)/gains, net” in the consolidated profit or loss.

2.10 Impairment of non-financial assets

Assets that are subject to depreciation, depletion or amortisation are reviewed for impairment whenever events 

or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is 

recognised  for  the  amount  by  which  the  asset’s  carrying  amount  exceeds  its  recoverable  amount.  The 

recoverable  amount  is  the  higher  of  an  asset’s  fair  value  less  costs  of  disposal  and  value  in  use.  For  the 

purposes  of  assessing  impairment,  assets  are  grouped  at  the  lowest  levels  for  which  there  are  separately 

identifiable cash flows (cash-generating units). Non-financial assets that suffered an impairment are reviewed 

for possible reversal of the impairment at each reporting date.

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

2 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – CONTINUED

2.11 Financial assets

2.11.1  Classification

The Group classifies its financial assets in the following categories: held-for-trading investments and loans 

and receivables. The classification depends on the purpose for which the financial assets were acquired. 

Management determines the classification of its financial assets at initial recognition.

(a)  Held-for-trading investments

Held-for-trading investments are financial assets held for trading. A financial asset is classified in this 

category if acquired principally for the purpose of selling in the short term. Derivatives are also 

categorised as held for trading unless they are designated as hedges. Such derivatives are classified 

as current assets if expected to be settled within 12 months; otherwise, they are classified as non-

current.

(b)  Loans and receivables

Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that 

are not quoted in an active market. They are included in current assets, except for the amounts that 

are settled or expected to be settled more than 12 months after the end of the reporting period. 

These are classified as non-current assets. The Group’s loans and receivables comprise “trade and 

other  receivables”  and  “cash  and  cash  equivalents”  in  the  consolidated  statement  of  financial 

position (Notes 2.15 and 2.16).

2.11.2  Recognition and measurement

Regular way purchases and sales of financial assets are recognised on the trade-date — the date on 

which the Group commits to purchase or sell the asset. Investments are initially recognised at fair value 

plus transaction costs for all financial assets not carried at fair value through profit or loss. Held-for-trading 

investments are initially recognised at fair value, and transaction costs are expensed in the consolidated 

profit  or  loss.  Financial  assets  are  derecognised  when  the  rights  to  receive  cash  flows  from  the 

investments have expired or have been transferred and the Group has transferred substantially all risks 

and rewards of ownership. Held-for-trading investments are subsequently carried at fair value. Loans and 

receivables are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Gains or losses arising from changes in the fair value of the “held-for-trading investments” category are 

presented in the consolidated profit or loss within “fair value gains/(losses) on financial instruments” in 

the period in which they arise.

2.12 Offsetting financial instruments

Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount reported in the consolidated statement of financial 

position when there is a legally enforceable right to offset the recognised amounts and there is an intention to 

settle on a net basis or realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously. The legally enforceable right 

must not be contingent on future event and must be enforceable in the normal course of business and in the 

event of default, insolvency or bankruptcy of the company or the counterparty.

Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

2 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – CONTINUED

2.13 Impairment of financial assets

The Group assesses at the end of each reporting period whether there is objective evidence that a financial 

asset or group of financial assets is impaired. A financial asset or a group of financial assets is impaired and 

impairment losses are incurred only if there is objective evidence of impairment as a result of one or more 

events that occurred after the initial recognition of the asset (a “loss event”) and that loss event (or events) has 

an impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset or group of financial assets that can be 

reliably estimated.

Evidence of impairment may include indications that the debtor or a group of debtors is experiencing significant 

financial difficulty, default or delinquency in interest or principal payments, the probability that they will enter 

bankruptcy or other financial reorganisation, and where observable data indicate that there is a measurable 

decrease in the estimated future cash flows, such as changes in arrears or economic conditions that correlate 

with defaults.

For loans and receivables category, the amount of the 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. The carrying amount of the 

asset is reduced and the amount of the loss is recognised in the consolidated profit or loss. If a loan has a 

variable interest rate, the discount rate for measuring any impairment loss is the current effective interest rate 

determined under the contract. As a practical expedient, the Group may measure impairment on the basis of 

an instrument’s fair value using an observable market price.

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

objectively to an event occurring after the impairment was recognised (such as an improvement in the debtor’s 

credit rating), the reversal of the previously recognised impairment loss is recognised in the consolidated profit 

or loss.

2.14 Derivative financial instruments

Derivatives  are  initially  recognised  at  fair  value  on  the  date  a  derivative  contract  is  entered  into  and  are 

subsequently re-measured at their fair value. The method of recognising the resulting gain or loss depends on 

whether the derivative is designated as a hedging instrument, and if so, the nature of the item being hedged.

Changes  in  the  fair  value  of  derivative  instruments  not  qualified  for  hedge  accounting  are  recognised 

immediately in the consolidated profit or loss.

2.15 Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables are amounts due from customers for merchandise sold or services performed in the ordinary 

course of business. If collection of trade and other receivables is expected in one year or less (or in the normal 

operating cycle of the business if longer), they are classified as current assets. If not, they are presented as non-

current assets.

Trade and other receivables are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost 

using the effective interest method, less allowance for impairment.

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EPI (Holdings) Limited  •  Annual Report 2014

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

2 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – CONTINUED

2.16 Cash and cash equivalents

In the consolidated statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents includes cash in hand, deposits held at 

call with banks, other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and 

bank overdrafts. In the consolidated and entity statement of financial position, bank overdrafts are shown within 

borrowings in current liabilities.

2.17 Share capital

Ordinary shares are classified as equity.

Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares or options are shown in equity as a deduction, 

net of tax, from the proceeds.

2.18 Trade payables

Trade payables are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of 

business from suppliers. Trade payables are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or 

less  (or  in  the  normal  operating  cycle  of  the  business  if  longer).  If  not,  they  are  presented  as  non-current 

liabilities.

Trade payables are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the 

effective interest method.

2.19 Borrowings

Borrowings are recognised initially at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred. Borrowings are subsequently 

carried at amortised cost; any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption 

value is recognised in the consolidated profit or loss over the period of the borrowings using the effective 

interest method.

Fees paid on the establishment of loan facilities are recognised as transaction costs of the loan to the extent 

that it is probable that some or all of the facility will be drawn down. In this case, the fee is deferred until the 

draw-down occurs. To the extent there is no evidence that it is probable that some or all of the facility will be 

drawn down, the fee is capitalised as a pre-payment for liquidity services and amortised over the period of the 

facility to which it relates.

Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the Group has an unconditional right to defer settlement of 

the liability for at least 12 months after the end of the reporting period.

Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

2 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – CONTINUED

2.20 Borrowing costs

General  and  specific  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 consolidated profit or loss in the period in which they are incurred.

2.21 Compound financial instruments

Compound financial instruments issued by the Group comprise convertible notes that can be converted to 

share capital at the option of the holder, and the number of shares to be issued does not vary with changes in 

their fair value.

The derivative component of the convertible notes is recognised initially at fair value. The liability component is 

recognised initially at the difference between the fair value of the convertible notes as a whole and the fair 

value of the derivative component. Any directly attributable transaction costs are allocated to the derivative 

financial liability and the liability components in proportion to their initial carrying amounts.

Subsequent to initial recognition, the liability component of a compound financial instrument is measured at 

amortised cost using the effective interest method. The derivative are subsequently measured at fair value and 

any gains or losses derived from its changes are recognised in the consolidated profit or loss.

The  liability  component  of  a  convertible  instrument  is  classified  as  current  unless  the  Group  has  an 

unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least 12 months after the end of the reporting period.

2.22 Current and deferred income tax

The tax expense for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in the consolidated profit or 

loss,  except  to  the  extent  that  it  relates  to  items  recognised  in  other  comprehensive  income  or  directly  in 

equity. In this case the tax is also recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, respectively.

(a)  Current income tax

The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of the tax laws enacted or substantively enacted 

at the date of the statement of financial position in the countries where the Group operates and generates 

taxable  income.  Management  periodically  evaluates  positions  taken  in  tax  returns  with  respect  to 

situations in which applicable tax regulation is subject to interpretation. It establishes provisions where 

appropriate on the basis of amounts expected to be paid to the tax authorities.

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

2 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – CONTINUED

2.22 Current and deferred income tax – continued

(b)  Deferred income tax

Inside basis differences

Deferred income tax is recognised, using the liability method, on temporary differences arising between 

the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements. 

However, deferred tax liabilities are not recognised if they arise from the initial recognition of goodwill, the 

deferred income tax is not accounted for if it arises from initial recognition of an asset or liability in a 

transaction  other  than  a  business  combination  that  at  the  time  of  the  transaction  affects  neither 

accounting nor taxable profit or loss. Deferred income tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that 

have been enacted or substantively enacted by the date of the statement of financial position and are 

expected to apply when the related deferred income tax asset is realised or the deferred income tax 

liability is settled.

Deferred income tax assets are recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit 

will be available against which the temporary differences can be utilised.

Outside basis differences

Deferred income tax liabilities are provided on taxable temporary differences arising from investments in 

subsidiaries, except for deferred income tax liability where the timing of the reversal of the temporary 

difference is controlled by the Group and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in 

the foreseeable future.

Deferred income tax assets are recognised on deductible temporary differences arising from investments 

in subsidiaries only to the extent that it is probable the temporary difference will reverse in the future and 

there is sufficient taxable profit available against which the temporary difference can be utilised.

(c)  Offsetting

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset 

current tax assets against current tax liabilities and when the deferred income tax assets and liabilities 

relate to income tax levied by the same taxation authority on either the taxable entity or different taxable 

entities where there is an intention to settle the balances on a net basis.

Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

61

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

2 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – CONTINUED

2.23 Employee benefits

The Group maintains a number of defined contribution plans in the countries in which it operates, the assets of 

the retirement benefit are generally held in separate trustees-administered funds. The retirement plans are 

generally funded by payments from employees and by the Group.

(a)  Pension obligations

A  defined  contribution  plan  is  a  pension  plan  under  which  the  Group  pays  fixed  contributions  into  a 

separate entity. The Group has no legal or constructive obligations to pay further contributions if the fund 

does  not  hold  sufficient  assets  to  pay  all  employees  the  benefits  relating  to  employee  service  in  the 

current and prior periods.

The  Group  pays  contributions  to  publicly  or  privately  administered  pension  insurance  plans  on  a 

mandatory,  contractual  or  voluntary  basis.  The  Group  has  no  further  payment  obligations  once  the 

contributions have been paid. The contributions are recognised as employee benefit expense when they 

are due. Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asset to the extent that a cash refund or a reduction 

in the future payments is available.

(b)  Profit-sharing and bonus plans

The Group recognises a liability and an expense for bonuses and profit-sharing, based on a formula that 

takes into consideration the profit attributable to the owners of the Company after certain adjustments. 

The Group recognises a provision where contractually obliged or where there is a past practice that has 

created a constructive obligation.

(c)  Employee leave entitlements

Employee entitlements to annual leave are recognised when they accrue to employees. A provision is 

made for the estimated liability for annual leave as a result of services rendered by employees up to the 

end of reporting period.

Employee entitlements to sick leave and maternity leave are not recognised until the time of leave.

62

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

2 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – CONTINUED

2.24 Share-based payments

The Group operates an equity-settled, share-based compensation scheme, under which the entity receives 

services from employees as consideration for equity instruments (options) of the Group. The fair value of the 

employee services received in exchange for the grant of the options is recognised as an expense. Share options 

issued to non-employees are for exchange for goods or services and 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 

services is recognised as expenses while the fair value of the goods is recognised as assets. The total amount 

to be expensed is determined by reference to the fair value of the options granted:

— 

including any market performance conditions (for example, an entity’s share price);

— 

excluding the impact of any service and non-market performance conditions (for example, profitability, 

sales growth targets and remaining an employee of the entity over a specified time period); and

— 

including the impact of any non-vesting conditions (for example, the requirement for employees to save).

Non-market performance and service conditions are included in assumptions about the number of options that 

are expected to vest. The total expense is recognised over the vesting period, which is the period over which all 

of the specified vesting conditions are to be satisfied.

In addition, in some circumstances employees may provide services in advance of the grant date and therefore 

the grant date fair value is estimated for the purposes of recognising the expense during the period between 

service commencement period and grant date.

At the end of each reporting period, the Group revises its estimates of the number of options that are expected 

to  vest  based  on  the  non-marketing  performance  and  service  conditions.  It  recognises  the  impact  of  the 

revision to original estimates, if any, in the consolidated profit or loss, with a corresponding adjustment to 

equity.

When the options are exercised, the Company issues new shares. The proceeds received net of any directly 

attributable transaction costs are credited to share capital (nominal value) and 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.

The grant by the Company of options over its equity instruments to the employees of subsidiary undertakings in 

the  Group  is  treated  as  a  capital  contribution.  The  fair  value  of  employee  services  received,  measured  by 

reference to the grant date fair value, is recognised over the vesting period as an increase to investment in 

subsidiary undertakings, with a corresponding credit to equity in the parent entity accounts.

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

2 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – CONTINUED

2.25 Provisions

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. Provisions for restoration are recognised when: the Group has a present 

legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events; it is probable that an outflow of resources will be 

required to settle the obligation; and the amount has been reliably estimated. Provisions are not recognised for 

future operating losses.

Where there are a number of similar obligations, the likelihood that an outflow will be required in settlement is 

determined by considering the class of obligations as a whole. A provision is recognised even if the likelihood of 

an outflow with respect to any one item included in the same class of obligations may be small.

Provisions  are  measured  at  the  present  value  of  the  expenditures  expected  to  be  required  to  settle  the 

obligation using a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the 

risks specific to the obligation. The increase in the provision due to passage of time is recognised as interest 

expense.

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 consolidated profit or loss through depreciation of the assets, 

which are depreciated using the unit-of-production method based on the actual production volume over the 

expected reserves of the developed wells.

2.26 Revenue recognition

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

receivable for goods supplied, stated net of discounts, returns and value added taxes. The Group recognises 

revenue when the amount of revenue can be reliably measured; when it is probable that future economic 

benefits will flow to the entity; and when specific criteria have been met for each of the Group’s activities, as 

described below. The Group bases its estimates of return on historical results, taking into consideration the type 

of customer, the type of transaction and the specifics of each arrangement.

Sales of goods are recognised when 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.

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

2 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – CONTINUED

2.27 Leases

Leases  in  which  a  significant  portion  of  the  risks  and  rewards  of  ownership  are  retained  by  the  lessor  are 

classified as operating leases. Payments made under operating leases (net of any incentives received from the 

lessor) are charged to the consolidated profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease.

2.28 Government grants

Grants from the government are recognised at their fair value where there is a reasonable assurance that the 

grant will be received and the Group will comply with all attached conditions.

Government grants relating to costs are deferred and recognised in the consolidated profit or loss over the 

period necessary to match them with the costs that they are intended to compensate.

Government grants relating to property, plant and equipment are included in non-current liabilities as deferred 

government grants and are credited to the consolidated profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the expected 

lives of the related assets.

2.29 Dividend distribution

Dividend  distribution  to  the  Company’s  shareholders  is  recognised  as  a  liability  in  the  Group’s  and  the 

Company’s  financial  statements  in  the  period  in  which  the  dividends  are  approved  by  the  Company’s 

shareholders or directors, where appropriate.

3 

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

3.1  Financial risk factors

The Group’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: market risk (including foreign exchange risk, cash 

flow  and  fair  value  interest  rate  risk  and  price  risk),  credit  risk  and  liquidity  risk.  The  Group’s  overall  risk 

management programme focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to minimise potential 

adverse effects on the Group’s financial performance.

(a)  Market risk

(i) 

Foreign exchange risk

The Group is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from various currency exposures, primarily 

with respect to HK$ and the Argentina peso (“ARS”). The Group considers there is no significant 

exposure to foreign exchange fluctuations so long as the Hong Kong-United States dollar exchange 

rate remains pegged.

At  31  December  2014  and  2013,  the  Group  has  minimal  exposure  to  foreign  currency  risk  with 

respect  to  ARS  as  most  of  the  financial  assets  and  liabilities  held  by  the  Group’s  overseas 

subsidiaries  and  their  future  commercial  transactions  are  denominated  in  the  respective  local 

currency of such subsidiaries. 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.

Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

65

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

3 

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT – CONTINUED

3.1  Financial risk factors – continued

(a)  Market risk – continued

(ii)  Price risk

The  Group  is  engaged  in  a  wide  range  of  petroleum-related  activities.  Prices  of  crude  oil  and 

petroleum products are affected by a wide range of global and domestic factors which are beyond 

the  control  of  the  Group.  The  fluctuations  in  such  prices  may  have  favourable  or  unfavourable 

impacts to the Group. The Group did not enter into any material hedging against such price risk 

during the year.

The  Group  is  also  exposed  to  equity  securities  price  risk  because  of  the  Group’s  issuance  of 

warrants and derivative component of convertible notes. If the input of the Company’s share price 

to the valuation models of the warrants and derivative component of the convertibles notes had 

been higher/lower while all other variables held constant, the loss for the year ended 31 December 

2014 and 2013 would increase/decrease.

(iii)  Cash flow and fair value interest rate risk

The Group’s interest rate risk arises from long-term borrowings. Borrowings obtained at variable 

rates  expose  the  Group  to  cash  flow  interest  rate  risk  which  is  partially  offset  by  cash  held  at 

variable rates. Borrowings obtained at fixed rates expose the Group to fair value interest rate risk. 

The Group currently does not have an interest rate hedging policy. However, management monitors 

interest rate exposure and will consider hedging significant interest rate exposure should the need 

arise.

The Company’s amounts due from subsidiaries were interest free, and expose the Company to fair 

value interest rate risk.

At 31 December 2014, if interest rates on US$-denominated bank borrowings had been 50 basis 

points (2013: 50 basis points) higher/lower with all other variables held constant, post-tax loss for 

the  year  would  have  been  HK$951,000  (2013:  HK$1,125,000)  lower/higher,  mainly  as  a  result  of 

higher/lower interest expense on floating rate borrowings.

66

EPI (Holdings) Limited  •  Annual Report 2014

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

3 

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT – CONTINUED

3.1  Financial risk factors – continued

(b)  Credit risk

As at 31 December 2014 and 2013, the Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk which may 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 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  for  trade  receivables  by  geographical  locations  is  mainly  in 

Argentina, which accounted for 100% (2013: 100%) of the total trade receivables as at 31 December 2014. 

For the years ended 31 December 2013  and  2014,  the  entire  Group’s  revenue was derived  from  one 

customer. The Group had concentration of credit risk as 100% (2013: 100%) of the total trade receivables 

was due from the Group’s only customer as at 31 December 2014. The Group’s only customer is a state 

owned  enterprise  oil  company  based  in  Argentina  and  with  good  creditability.  In  this  regard,  the 

management considers that the Group’s credit risk is significantly reduced.

(c) 

Liquidity risk

Save as disclosed in Note 2.1.1, the Group’s liquidity risk management involves maintaining sufficient cash 

and cash equivalents and internally generated funds and funds arose from financing activities, such as 

issue of convertible notes or equity instruments, if necessary.

The table below analyses the Group’s and the Company’s non-derivative financial liabilities and net-settled 

derivative financial liabilities into relevant maturity groupings based on the remaining period at the date of 

statement of financial position to the contractual maturity date. The amounts disclosed in the table are 

the contractual undiscounted cash flows.

Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

67

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

3 

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT – CONTINUED

3.1  Financial risk factors – continued

(c) 

Liquidity risk – continued

Weighted

On demand

Average

or less than

Interest rate

%

1 month

HK$’000

1 to

6 months

HK$’000

7 months

to 1 year

HK$’000

Total

1 to

undiscounted

5 years

HK$’000

Cash flows

HK$’000

Group

At 31 December 2014

Non-derivative financial liabilities

Trade payables

Other payables

Borrowings

  — variable-rate

Convertible notes

At 31 December 2013

Non-derivative financial liabilities

Trade payables

Other payables

Borrowings

  — variable-rate

  — fixed-rate

Convertible notes

N/A

N/A

4.33%

37.34%

N/A

N/A

4.35%

24%

37.34%

253

1,876

–

–

2,129

3,050

2,322

–

–

–

5,372

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2,049

–

2,049

Carrying

Amount

HK$’000

253

1,876

218,400

62,877

–

–

–

–

64,057

–

177,985

66,000

253

1,876

242,042

66,000

64,057

243,985

310,171

283,406

–

–

66,476

–

–

–

–

242,151

–

110,000

3,050

2,322

308,627

2,049

110,000

3,050

2,322

273,000

2,000

84,054

66,476

352,151

426,048

364,426

Note:  As the conversion component in convertible notes and warrants issued (if exercised) would be settled by shares of the Company, 

they are not included in the maturity table above. A payable of HK$104,140,000 (2013: HK$104,140,000) arisen from the financial 

guarantee provided by the Company to third parties in respect of a bank loan (Note 27 and 33), is interest free and payable in the 

event that the Company defaults on the repayment of the bank borrowings.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
68

EPI (Holdings) Limited  •  Annual Report 2014

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

3 

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT – CONTINUED

3.1  Financial risk factors – continued

(c) 

Liquidity risk – continued

Weighted

On demand

Average

or less than

Interest rate

%

1 month

HK$’000

1 to

6 months

HK$’000

7 months

to 1 year

HK$’000

Total

1 to

undiscounted

5 years

HK$’000

Cash flows

HK$’000

Company

At 31 December 2014

Non-derivative financial liabilities

Other payables

Amount due to subsidiaries

Borrowings

  — variable-rate

Convertible notes

At 31 December 2013

Non-derivative financial liabilities

Other payables

Amount due to subsidiaries

Borrowings

  — variable-rate

  — fixed-rate

Convertible notes

N/A

N/A

4.33%

37.34%

N/A

N/A

4.35%

24%

37.34%

1,876

90,791

–

–

92,667

2,322

90,814

–

–

–

93,136

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2,049

–

2,049

Carrying

Amount

HK$’000

1,876

90,791

218,400

62,877

–

–

–

–

64,057

–

177,985

66,000

1,876

90,791

242,042

66,000

64,057

243,985

400,709

373,944

–

–

66,476

–

–

–

–

242,151

–

110,000

2,322

90,814

308,627

2,049

110,000

2,322

90,814

273,000

2,000

84,054

66,476

352,151

513,812

452,190

Note:  As the conversion component in convertible notes and warrants issued (if exercised) would be settled by shares of the Company, 

they are not included in the maturity table above. A payable of HK$104,140,000 (2013: HK$104,140,000) arisen from the financial 

guarantee provided by the Company to third parties in respect of a bank loan (Note 27 and 33), is interest free and payable in the 

event that the Company defaults on the repayment of the bank borrowings.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

69

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

3 

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT – CONTINUED

3.2  Capital management

The  Group’s  objectives  when  managing  capital  are  to  safeguard  the  Group’s  ability  to  continue  as  a  going 

concern in order to provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders and to maintain an 

optimal capital structure to reduce the cost of capital.

In order to maintain or adjust the capital  structure, the  Group  may adjust  the  amount  of  dividends paid to 

shareholders, return capital to shareholders, issue new shares or sell assets to reduce debt.

The Group does not have a target gearing 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.

3.3  Fair value estimation

The table below analyses financial instruments carried at fair value, by valuation method. The different levels 

have been defined as follows:

—  Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1).

— 

Inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either 

directly (that is, as prices) or indirectly (that is, derived from prices) (level 2).

— 

Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (that is, unobservable inputs) 

(level 3).

The  following  table  presents  the  Group’s  financial  assets  and  liabilities  that  are  measured  at  fair  value  on 

recurring basis at 31 December 2014.

Assets

Held-for-trading investments

  — Trading securities

Total assets

Liabilities

Derivatives financial instruments

  — Convertible note — conversion component

  — Warrants

Total liabilities

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

HK$’000

HK$’000

HK$’000

HK$’000

52

52

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

52

52

5,917

5,917

–

–

5,917

5,917

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
70

EPI (Holdings) Limited  •  Annual Report 2014

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

3 

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT – CONTINUED

3.3  Fair value estimation – continued

The  following  table  presents  the  Group’s  financial  assets  and  liabilities  that  are  measured  at  fair  value  on 

recurring basis at 31 December 2013.

Assets

Held-for-trading investments

  — Trading securities

Total assets

Liabilities

Derivatives financial instruments

  — Convertible note — conversion component

  — Warrants

Total liabilities

Level 1

HK$’000

Level 2

HK$’000

Level 3

HK$’000

Total

HK$’000

98

98

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

98

98

38,152

20,751

38,152

20,751

58,903

58,903

There were no transfers among levels 1, 2 and 3 during the year.

(a)  Financial instruments in level 1

The fair value of financial instruments traded in active markets is based on quoted market prices at the 

date of the statement of financial position. A market is regarded as active if quoted prices are readily and 

regularly available from an exchange, dealer, broker, industry group, pricing service, or regulatory agency, 

and those prices represent actual and regularly occurring market transactions on an arm’s length basis. 

The  quoted  market  price  used  for  financial  assets  held  by  the  Group  is  the  current  bid  price.  These 

instruments are included in level 1. Instruments included in level 1 comprise primarily Hong Kong Stock 

Exchange equity investments classified as trading securities.

(b)  Financial instruments in level 2

The fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market (for example, over-the-

counter derivatives) is determined by using valuation techniques. These valuation techniques maximise 

the use of observable market data where it is available and rely as little as possible on entity specific 

estimates. If all significant inputs required to fair value an instrument are observable, the instrument is 

included in level 2.

(c)  Financial instruments in level 3

Specific valuation techniques used to value financial instruments include the use of appropriate valuation 

techniques. Such techniques include using recent arm’s length market transactions; reference to the 

current  market  value  of  another  instrument  which  is  substantially  the  same;  a  discounted  cash  flow 

analysis; and option pricing models.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

71

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

3 

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT – CONTINUED

3.3  Fair value estimation – continued

(c)  Financial instruments in level 3 – continued

The following table presents the changes in level 3 instruments for the year ended 31 December 2014

2013 CN-

conversion

component

(Note 28)

HK$’000

38,152

(34,687)

5,347

(2,895)

5,917

Warrants

HK$’000

20,751

(33,187)

12,436

–

–

Total

HK$’000

58,903

(67,874)

17,783

(2,895)

5,917

29,340

20,751

50,091

1 January 2014

Gain recognised in profit and loss

Amortisation of deferred loss on conversion 

  component and warrants

Redemption of convertible notes

31 December 2014

Total gain for the year included in 

  profit or loss for liabilities held at 

the end of the year

Changes in unrealised gains 

for the year included in profit or loss at 

the end of the year

29,340

20,751

50,091

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
72

EPI (Holdings) Limited  •  Annual Report 2014

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

3 

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT – CONTINUED

3.3  Fair value estimation – continued

(c)  Financial instruments in level 3 – continued

The following table presents the changes in level 3 instruments for the year ended 31 December 2013

2011 CN-

2013 CN-

conversion

conversion

component

component

(Note 28)

HK$’000

4,934

–

–

–

(4,934)

–

–

–

(Note 28)

HK$’000

Warrants

HK$’000

Total

HK$’000

–

59,899

(25,229)

3,482

–

–

14,752

(2,689)

8,688

–

4,934

74,651

(27,918)

12,170

(4,934)

38,152

20,751

58,903

(12,464)

(5,999)

(18,463)

21,746

(5,999)

15,747

1 January 2013

At issue date

Gain recognised in profit and loss

Amortisation of deferred loss on 

  conversion component and warrants

Conversion

31 December 2013

Total loss for the year included in 

  profit or loss for liabilities held at 

the end of the year

Changes in unrealised gains or (losses) 

for the year included in profit or loss at 

the end of the year

The higher the Company’s share price and the expected volatility used in determining the fair value of the 

level 3 instruments, the higher the fair value of these instruments.

The lower the interest-free rate used in determining the fair value of the level 3 instruments, the lower the 

fair value of these instruments.

If one or more of the significant inputs is not based on observable market data, the instrument is included 

in level 3.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

73

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

4 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS

Estimates  and  judgements  are  continually  evaluated  and  are  based  on  historical  experience  and  other  factors, 
including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

The Group makes estimates and assumptions  concerning the  future.  The resulting  accounting  estimates will, by 
definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of 
causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are 
addressed below.

(a)  Going concern consideration

In  order  to  fund  the  existing  operations  of  the  Group  and  to  continue  as  a  going  concern,  management  is 
required to determine key assumptions adopted in working capital forecast projections and make judgement 
about  future  outcome  of  events  or  conditions  which  are  inherently  uncertain.  These  assumptions  and 
uncertainties are set out in Note 2.1.1.

(b) 

Impairment of other receivables

The  Group’s  management  determines  the  provision  for  impairment  of  other  receivables  based  on  an 
assessment  of  the  recoverability  of  the  receivables.  The  assessment  is  based  on  the  credit  history  of  its 
customers  and  other  debtors  and  the  current  market  condition  and  requires  the  use  of  judgments  and 
estimates. Management reassesses the provision at each of the date of statement of financial position.

(c)  Estimation of petroleum reserves

Estimates of petroleum reserves are key elements in the Group’s investment decision-making process. They are 
also an important element in testing for impairment. Changes in proved petroleum reserves, particularly proved 
developed  reserves,  will  affect  unit-of-production  depreciation  and  depletion  recorded  in  the  Group’s 
consolidated financial statements for property, plant and equipment related to oil and gas production activities. 
A reduction in proved developed reserves will increase depreciation and depletion charges. 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.

(d) 

Impairment of exploration and evaluation assets and oil and gas properties under property, 
plant and equipment

The carrying amounts of the exploration and evaluation assets and oil and gas properties under property, plant 
and equipment are assessed for impairment when facts and circumstances suggest that the carrying amounts 
of them may exceed their recoverable amounts. The Group’s determination as to whether they are impaired 
requires an estimation of the recoverable amount of the assets. The Group relied on experts to assess the 
geological prospects for the discovery of oil in the oil field and estimated the value of oil 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 determined whether the related well costs are expensed if it is determined 
that such economic viability is not attained after performing further feasibility studies.

Judgement is required by the directors to determine key assumptions adopted in the cash flow projections and 
changes to key assumptions can significantly affect these cash flow projections and therefore the results of the 
impairment reviews. Details of the key assumptions adopted and the corresponding impact, refer to Note 16.

74

EPI (Holdings) Limited  •  Annual Report 2014

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

4 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS – CONTINUED

(e)  The fair value of the warrant

The fair value of the warrant issued requires judgment in determining the expected volatility of the share price, 

the dividends expected on the shares, the risk-free interest rate during the life of the warrant. Details of the 

assumptions used in determining the fair value of the warrant have been disclosed in Note 29.

(f)  Fair value of convertible notes and the embedded conversion options

The  fair  value  of  convertible  notes  and  the  embedded  conversion  options  are  determined  using  valuation 

techniques including reference to other instruments  that are substantially  the  same,  discounted  cash  flow 

analysis  and  option  pricing  model.  The  inputs  to  these  models  are  taken  from  observable  markets  where 

possible, but where this is not feasible, a degree of judgement is required in establishing fair values. Details of 

the assumptions used in determining the fair value of the convertible notes and the embedded conversion 

options have been disclosed in Note 28.

(g)  Recognition of share-based payments

The  Group  operates  a  number  of  equity-settled,  share-based  compensation  plans,  under  which  the  equity 

receives services from employees and consultants as consideration for equity instruments (options) of the 

Group. The directors of the Company have used the Binomial Model to determine the total value of the options 

granted, which is based on fair value and various attributes of the underlying shares of the Company. Significant 

estimates and assumptions are required to be made in determining the parameters for applying the Binomial 

Model, including estimates and assumptions regarding the risk-free rate of return, expected dividend yield and 

volatility of the underlying shares and the expected life of the share options. In addition, the Group is required to 

estimate the expected percentage of grantees that will remain in employment or terms with the Group at the 

end of the vesting period. The Group only recognises an expense for those share options expected to vest over 

the vesting period during which the grantees become unconditionally entitled to these share-based awards. 

Changes in these estimates and assumptions could have a material effect on the determination of the fair value 

of the share options and the amount of such share-based awards expected to become vested, which may in 

turn significantly impact the determination of the share-based payments.

(h)  Current and deferred income tax

The Group is subject to income taxes in various jurisdictions. Judgement is required in determining the provision 

for income taxes in these jurisdictions. There are transactions and calculations during the ordinary course of 

business for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. Where the final tax outcome of these matters is 

different  from  the  amounts  that  were  initially  recorded,  such  differences  will  impact  the  income  tax  and 

deferred income tax provisions in the period in which such determination is made.

Deferred income tax assets relating to tax losses are recognised when management considers it is probable 

that future taxable profits will be available against which the temporary differences or tax losses can be utilised. 

When the expectation is different from the original estimate, such differences will impact the recognition of 

deferred income tax assets and taxation charges in the period in which such estimate is changed.

Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

75

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

5 

DISCONTINUED OPERATION

On 5 December 2014, the board of directors of the Company passed a resolution to discontinue the operation in EPI 

Metals Limited, a subsidiary of the Company collectively holds 100% equity interest. EPI Metals Limited is principally 

engaged in the trading of metals. The discontinued operation decision is based on Company’s strategy of focusing on 

the exploration and production of oil and gas industry.

The discontinued operation represents the whole metal transactions segment. The financial information below serves 

the purpose of both discontinued operation and segment disclosure in Note 6.

Loss for the year from a discontinued operation

Segment results excluding impairment

Impairment loss

2014

HK$’000

2013

HK$’000

(100)

(200,810)

(92)

(13,966)

Loss for the year from a discontinued operation

(200,910)

(14,058)

Cashflows from a discontinued operation

Net cash flows used in operating activities

Net cash outflows

(14)

(14)

(2)

(2)

As  at  31  December  2014,  directors  considered  that  the  receivable  arising  from  metal  contract  amounting  to 

HK$200,810,000 was impaired and fully provided for.

Movements in the Group’s allowance for impairment of other receivables and repayments are as follows:

At 1 January 

Recognition of impairment loss

At 31 December

2014

HK$’000

13,966

200,810

214,776

2013

HK$’000

–

13,966

13,966

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
76

EPI (Holdings) Limited  •  Annual Report 2014

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

6 

REVENUE AND SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Group is principally engaged in the petroleum exploration and production. Turnover and revenue for the year 

comprise the following:

Sales of petroleum

2014

HK$’000

2013

HK$’000

85,689

89,853

The chief executive officer of the Company (the “Chief Executive Officer”) is the Group’s chief operating decision-

maker.  Management  has  determined  the  operating  segments  based  on  the  information  reviewed  by  the  Chief 

Executive Officer for the purposes of allocating resources and assessing performance.

The  Chief  Executive  Officer  having  considered  the  business  of  the  Group  from  both  a  geographic  and  product 

perspective and has determined with management that the Group operated only in one geography segment, being 

Argentina and has a single product in activity segment by petroleum exploration and production.

The Group’s reportable segments are (1) Petroleum exploration and production (Continuing operation) and (2) Metal 

transactions (Discontinued operation). Segment information of metal transaction is set out in Note 5.

The Chief Executive Officer assesses the performance of the operating segments based on a measure of segment 

results. This measurement basis excludes the effects of non-recurring expenses from the operating segments such 

as  legal  expenses  and  impairments  when  the  impairment  is  the  result  of  an  isolated,  non-recurring  event.  The 

measure also excludes the effects of equity-settled share-based payments and unrealised gains/losses on financial 

instruments. Interest income and expenses are not allocated to segment, as this type of activity is driven by the 

central treasury function, which manages the cash position of the Group.

 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

77

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

6 

REVENUE AND SEGMENT INFORMATION – CONTINUED

Continuing operation:

Petroleum exploration and production

Segment revenue (external sales)

Result

Segment results excluding impairment

Impairment losses

Segment loss

Unallocated other gains and losses

Unallocated corporate expenses

Finance costs

2014

HK$’000

2013

HK$’000

(Restated)

85,689

89,853

17,271

(91,049)

(73,778)

776

(72,538)

(34,693)

4,408

(493,308)

(488,900)

13,360

(145,816)

(43,757)

Loss for the year from continuing operation

(180,233)

(665,113)

Assets

  Petroleum exploration and production

  Metal transactions

  Total segment assets

  Unallocated

  Consolidated assets

Liabilities

  Petroleum exploration and production

  Metal transactions

  Total segment liabilities

  Unallocated

  Consolidated liabilities

2014

HK$’000

2013

HK$’000

284,969

–

284,969

76,923

422,002

200,838

622,840

53,503

361,892

676,343

5,363

–

5,363

325,844

10,904

6

10,910

447,247

331,207

458,157

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
78

EPI (Holdings) Limited  •  Annual Report 2014

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

6 

REVENUE AND SEGMENT INFORMATION – CONTINUED

For the purposes of monitoring segment performances and allocating resources between segments:

— 

all assets are allocated to reportable segments other than other tax recoverables, held-for-trading investments 

and assets used jointly by reportable segments.

— 

all liabilities are allocated to reportable segment other than convertible notes, borrowings, derivative financial 

liabilities and liabilities for which reportable segment are jointly liable.

Amounts included in the measure of segment profit or loss or

  segment assets:

Capital expenditure

  — Petroleum exploration and production

  — Unallocated

Depreciation and depletion

  — Petroleum exploration and production

  — Unallocated

2014

HK$’000

2013

HK$’000

3,402

69

3,471

17,757

286

18,043

26,473

1,247

27,720

27,307

136

27,443

Impairment loss recognised in respect of exploration and evaluation

  assets

Impairment loss recognised in respect of property, plant and equipment

Reversal of impairment loss recognised in respect of tax recoverable

91,049

–

(17,473)

442,197

51,111

(660)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

79

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

6 

REVENUE AND SEGMENT INFORMATION – CONTINUED

The Group’s revenue from external customers based on the location of customers and information about its non-

current assets, excluding other tax recoverables, by geographical location of the assets are detailed below:

Argentina

Others

Revenue from

external customers

Non-current assets

2014

2013

2014

2013

HK$’000

HK$’000

HK$’000

HK$’000

85,689

89,853

252,617

–

–

1,027

358,480

1,249

85,689

89,853

253,644

359,729

For the year ended 31 December 2014, external revenue of approximately HK$85,689,000 (2013: HK$89,853,000) is 

generated  from  one  major  customer  which  accounts  for  100%  of  the  Group’s  external  revenue.  The  revenue  is 

attributable to petroleum exploration and production segment.

7 

OTHER (LOSSES)/GAINS, NET

Continuing operation:

Other interest income

Bank interest income

Total interest income

Government grants (Note)

Exchange (losses)/gains, net

Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

Others

Note:

2014

HK$’000

2013

HK$’000

1,014

2

1,016

1

–

1

–

13,313

(18,333)

(464)

1,239

328

(164)

211

(17,558)

13,688

(16,542)

13,689

The amount represented government subsidy obtained for the Group’s petroleum exploration and production in Argentina. No subsidy was granted by 

the Argentina government during the year 2014 as Chañares, the Concession owner of the field, did not meet the requirement for subsidy entitlement.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
80

EPI (Holdings) Limited  •  Annual Report 2014

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

8  WAGES, SALARIES AND OTHER BENEFITS (INCLUDING DIRECTORS’ EMOLUMENTS)

Continuing operation:

Wages, salaries and other benefits
Pension costs — defined contribution plans (Note (a))
Share-based payments (Note 25)

Notes:

(a) 

Pension costs — defined contribution plans

2014
HK$’000

2013
HK$’000

25,295
198
8,760

34,253

23,780
182
32,239

56,201

With effect from 1 December 2000, a Mandatory Provident Fund scheme (the “MPF Scheme”) has been set up for employees in Hong Kong in 
accordance with the Mandatory Provident Fund Scheme Ordinance. Commencing on 1 December 2000, the existing employees in Hong Kong 
may elect to join the MPF Scheme, and all new employees in Hong Kong are required to join the MPF Scheme. Under the rules of the MPF 
Scheme, the employer and its employees in Hong Kong are each required to contribute 5% of their gross earnings. Starting from 1 June 2014, 
the ceiling changed from HK$1,250 to HK$1,500 per month to the MPF Scheme. The only obligation of the Group with respect to the MPF 
Scheme is to make the required contributions under the scheme. No forfeited contribution is available to reduce the contribution payable in the 
future years. The MPF contributions charged to the profit or loss represent the contributions paid or payable to the funds by the Group.

The Group also participates in the employees’ pension schemes of the respective municipal governments in the countries 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.

(b) 

Directors’ and chief executive officer emoluments

The remuneration paid or payable to each of the directors and the Chief Executive Officer for the year ended 31 December 2014 is set out 
below:

Name

Non-executive Chairman

  Ho King Fung, Eric

Executive directors

  Tse Kwok Fai, Sammy

  Chan Chi Hung, Anthony

Independent non-executive directors

  Qian Zhi Hui

  Zhu Tiansheng

  Teoh Chun Ming (Note (v))

Other emoluments 

Salaries and

other benefits

Share-based

Retirement

benefits

scheme

Fees

HK$’000

(Note (i))

HK$’000

payments

contributions

HK$’000

HK$’000

Total

HK$’000

870

–

6,325

–

–

188

188

188

2,882

1,230

–

2,273

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

18

18

–

–

–

7,195

2,900

3,521

188

188

188

Total emoluments

1,434

4,112

8,598

36

14,180

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

81

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

8  WAGES, SALARIES AND OTHER BENEFITS (INCLUDING DIRECTORS’ EMOLUMENTS) – CONTINUED

Notes – continued:

(b) 

Directors’ and chief executive officer emoluments – continued

The remuneration paid or payable to each of the directors and the Chief Executive Officer for the year ended 31 December 2013 is set out 

below:

Name

Non-executive Chairman

  Ho King Fung, Eric (Note (iv))

Executive directors

  Tse Kwok Fai, Sammy (Note (ii))

  Chan Chi Hung, Anthony (Note (iii))

  Allan Ritchie (Note (vi))

  Chu Kwok Chi, Robert (Note (vii))

  Hong Kin Choy (Note (viii))

Independent non-executive directors

  Lam Ting Lok (Note (ix))

  Qian Zhi Hui

  Zhu Tiansheng

  Cheung Yuk Ming (Note (x))

Total emoluments

Other emoluments 

Salaries and

other benefits

Share-based

Retirement

benefits

scheme

Fees

HK$’000

(Note (i))

HK$’000

payments

contributions

HK$’000

HK$’000

Total

HK$’000

450

–

12,378

2,130

276

658

561

890

–

–

–

–

7,392

4,449

3,072

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

90

150

150

75

915

–

11

8

–

5

6

–

–

–

–

12,828

9,533

4,733

3,730

566

896

90

150

150

75

4,515

27,291

30

32,751

Tse Kwok Fai, Sammy is also the Chief Executive Officer of the Company in 2013 and 2014 and his emoluments disclosed above include those 

for services rendered by him as the chief executive.

There was no arrangement under which a director and the Chief Executive Officer waived or agreed to waive remuneration during both years. 

In addition, no remuneration was paid by the Group to any of the directors and the Chief Executive Officer as an inducement to join, or upon 

joining the Group or as compensation for loss of office.

Notes:

(i) 

(ii) 

(iii) 

(iv) 

(v) 

(vi) 

Other benefits mainly comprise leave pay, and quarter expenses.

Appointed on 9 April 2013.

Appointed on 16 July 2013.

Appointed on 4 April 2013 as Non-executive Director and re-designated as the Non-executive Chairman on 30 July 2013.

Appointed on 10 January 2014.

Appointed on 4 April 2013 and resigned on 29 November 2013.

(vii) 

Resigned on 9 April 2013. Compensation for loss of his office as a director of the Company amounting to HK$8,000,000 was recognised 

during the year ended 31 December 2014.

(viii) 

Resigned on 3 June 2013.

(ix) 

(x) 

Appointed on 4 April 2013 and resigned on 10 January 2014.

Retired on 3 July 2013.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
82

EPI (Holdings) Limited  •  Annual Report 2014

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

8  WAGES, SALARIES AND OTHER BENEFITS (INCLUDING DIRECTORS’ EMOLUMENTS) — CONTINUED

Notes – continued:

(c) 

Five highest paid individuals

The five individuals whose emoluments were the highest in the Group for the year include four (2013: four) directors whose emoluments are 
reflected in the analysis presented above. The emoluments payable to the remaining one (2013: one) individual during the year are as follows:

Salaries, allowances and benefits in kind
Pension costs — defined contribution plans
Share-based payments

The emoluments fell within the following bands:

Emolument bands
HK$2,000,001–HK$3,000,000
HK$4,000,001–HK$5,000,000

9 

PROVISION OF IMPAIRMENT LOSSES

Continuing operation:

Impairment loss of exploration and evaluation assets (Note 16)
Impairment loss of property, plant and equipment (Note 17)
Reversal of impairment loss of other tax recoverables (Note 19)

Provision for impairment loss of a discontinued operation is set out in Note 5.

10  FAIR VALUE GAINS/(LOSSES) ON FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Continuing operation:

Fair value gain/(loss) on derivative component of convertible notes
Fair value (loss)/gains on held-for-trading investments
Fair value gain/(loss) on warrants
Loss on disposal of bond

2014
HK$’000

2,039
–
–

2,039

2013
HK$’000

1,610
9
2,474

4,093

Number of individuals

2014

2013

1
–

1

–
1

1

2014
HK$’000

2013
HK$’000

91,049
–
(17,473)

442,197
51,111
(660)

73,576

492,648

2014
HK$’000

2013
HK$’000

29,340
(46)
20,751
(936)

(12,464)
61
(5,999)
–

49,109

(18,402)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

83

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

11  FINANCE COSTS

Continuing operation:

Interest on borrowings wholly repayable within five years:

  Bank borrowings and overdrafts

  Other loans

Effective interest expense on convertible notes (Note 28)

Total interest expenses

12 

INCOME TAX EXPENSE

2014

HK$’000

2013

HK$’000

11,564

180

22,949

34,693

14,345

9,292

20,120

43,757

No  provision  for  Hong  Kong  profits  tax  has  been  made  in  these  financial  statements  as  the  Group  did  not  have 

assessable profits arising in Hong Kong for the year (2013: Nil).

Argentina income tax is calculated at 35% (2013: 35%) of assessable profit for the year. No provision for Argentina 

income tax has been made as there is no net assessable profits arising in Argentina for the year.

The tax on the Group’s loss for the year differs from the theoretical amount that would arise using the domestic tax 

rates applicable to loss of the consolidated entities are as follows:

Continuing operation:

Loss for the year

Tax credit calculated at weighted average tax rates applicable to 

loss in the respective countries

Income not subject to tax

Expenses not deductible for tax purpose

Tax losses for which no deferred income tax asset was recognised

Others

2014

HK$’000

2013

HK$’000

(180,233)

(665,113)

26,834

14,544

(26,549)

(14,829)

–

–

121,575

4,180

(110,077)

(15,707)

29

–

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
84

EPI (Holdings) Limited  •  Annual Report 2014

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

12 

INCOME TAX EXPENSE – CONTINUED

Discontinued operation:

Loss for the year

Tax credit calculated at weighted average tax rates applicable to loss

Expenses not deductible for tax purpose

2014

HK$’000

2013

HK$’000

(200,910)

(14,058)

33,150

(33,150)

–

2,319

(2,319)

–

At 31 December 2014, the Group had unused tax losses of HK$199,670,000 (2013: HK$257,889,000) available for offset 

against future profits. No deferred tax asset has been recognised in respect of the unused tax losses due to the 

unpredictability  of  future  profit  streams.  Included  in  unused  tax  losses  are  losses  of  HK$68,814,000  (2013: 

HK$47,899,000) that will expire within 5 years. All other tax losses may be carried forward indefinitely.

13  LOSS FOR THE YEAR FROM CONTINUING OPERATION

Loss for the year from continuing operation has been arrived after charging

the following items:

Auditor’s remuneration

Minimum lease payments under operating leases in respect of office

  properties and buildings

Share-based payments granted to consultants (Note 25)

Professional fees

2014

HK$’000

2013

HK$’000

3,000

2,500

2,681

34,916

17,466

2,524

16,730

14,401

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

85

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

14  LOSSES PER SHARE

(a)  Basic

Basic losses per share is calculated by dividing the loss for the year attributable to owners of the Company by 

the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year.

Loss for the year attributable to owners of the Company
  — Continuing operation

  — Discontinued operation

2014

HK$’000

2013

HK$’000

(180,233)

(200,910)

(665,113)

(14,058)

‘000

‘000

Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue

4,642,939

3,544,464

(b)  Diluted

Diluted losses per share is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding 

to assume conversion of all potential dilutive ordinary shares. The Company has three (2013: three) categories 

of potential dilutive ordinary shares: warrants, convertible notes and share options (2013: warrants, convertible 

notes and share options). The convertible notes are assumed to have been converted into ordinary shares, and 

the net loss is adjusted to eliminate the interest expense less the tax effect. For the share options and warrants 

(2013: share options and warrants), a calculation is done to determine the number of shares that could have 

been acquired at fair value (determined as the average annual market share price of the Company’s shares) 

based on the monetary value of the subscription rights attached to outstanding share options. The number of 

shares calculated as above is compared with the number of shares that would have been issued assuming the 

exercise of the share options and warrants.

These potential dilutive ordinary shares were anti-dilutive for the years ended 31 December 2014 and 2013.

15  DIVIDEND

The board of directors does not recommend the payment of a dividend during the year (2013: Nil).

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
86

EPI (Holdings) Limited  •  Annual Report 2014

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

16  EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION ASSETS

Cost
  At 1 January and 31 December

Impairment
  At 1 January 
  Charged to consolidated profit or loss (Note 9)

At 31 December

Net book amount
  At 1 January 

  At 31 December

Note:

Group

2014
HK$’000

2013
HK$’000

3,778,574

3,778,574

3,572,303
91,049

3,130,106
442,197

3,663,352

3,572,303

206,271

648,468

115,222

206,271

The balance relates to exploration and evaluation assets in respect of oil exploration rights through the participating interest in the Puesto Pozo 

Cercado Concession and Chañares Herrados Concession (together, the “Concessions”) in the Cuyana Basin, Mendoza Province, Argentina, covering a 

total surface area of approximately 169.4 and 40 square kilometers respectively.

The Puesto Pozo Cercado Concession and Chañares Herrados Concession were awarded to Chañares Herrados Empresa de Trabajos Petroleros S.A. 

(“Chañares”), the concessionaire. The terms of these oil exploration and production concessions are 25 years commencing from 26 June 1992 and 24 

September 1992, respectively, with the possibility of obtaining a 10-year extension under certain conditions.

In 2011, Chañares obtained an extension of 10 years from the date of expiry of the original term of the Concessions under a Decree dated 30 June 2011 

issued by the Executive of the Province of Mendoza.

Since 2012 onwards, the Argentina government has been taking more drastic measures to ensure growth and keeping the currency stable, such as 

import restrictions and severe capital controls. These policies are exacerbating economic stagnation and leading to political unrest. As a result, the 

directors of the Company decided to delay the Group’s overall drilling plan to later years until the investment climate in Argentina is improved.

In 2013, the economic and political environment in Argentina remained uncertain. With reference to certain future oil price forecast available to the 

date of approval of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2013, the directors expected that there would be a high 

probability of deterioration in the growth of future oil price outlook. Taking into account of potential acquisition opportunity identified by the Group, the 

directors decided to further delay the Group’s overall drilling plan to later years. As a result, the directors conducted a review of the Group’s petroleum 

exploration and production business in Argentina and determined that the Group’s exploration and evaluation assets, and oil and gas properties under 

property, plant and equipment should be further impaired. Accordingly, impairment losses of HK$442,197,000 and HK$51,111,000 were recognised in 

respect of the Group’s exploration and evaluation assets and oil and gas properties under property, plant and equipment, respectively during the year 

ended 31 December 2013.

Since the last quarter of 2014, the global oil price has been decreasing drastically. With reference to the latest available future oil price forecast, the 

directors expect that the deterioration in growth of oil price outlook would continue in the next few years. Should the drilling plan be taken place in 

accordance with schedule made in last year, it would not be beneficial to the Group. Accordingly, the directors decided to further delay the Group’s 

overall drilling plan. As a result, the directors conducted a review of the Group’s petroleum exploration and production business in Argentina and 

determined that the Group’s exploration and evaluation assets, and oil and gas properties under property, plant and equipment should be further 

impaired.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

87

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

16  EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION ASSETS – CONTINUED

Note: – continued

The above changes in future oil price outlook and the Group’s deferral in the Argentina investment plan would have a significant impact to the timing 

and amount of expected future cash flows from the operation as well as the recoverable amount of the exploration and evaluation assets, and oil and 

gas properties under property, plant and equipment of the Group. Consequently, impairment losses of HK$91,049,000 was recognised in respect of the 

Group’s exploration and evaluation assets during the year ended 31 December 2014.

The recoverable amounts of the exploration and evaluation assets and oil and gas properties under property, plant and equipment were determined 

from value in use calculations based on a cash flow projection derived from estimated oil reserve at the Concessions up to the expiry of the concession 

right in 2027 at a discount rate of 18.06% (2013: 17.7%) for exploration and evaluation assets and 16.2% (2013: 17.0%) for oil and gas properties under 

property, plant and equipment respectively.

The relevant pre-tax discount rates used in these value in use calculation for exploration and evaluation assets and oil and gas properties under 

property, plant and equipment are 25.6% (2013: 27.2%) and 21.4% (2013: 26.2%) respectively.

The key assumptions for the value in use calculation are those regarding the discount rates, production decline rates and expected changes in future 

oil prices. The expected future oil prices for our Argentina Operation for the next five years range from US$66.90 to US$106.30 (2013: from US$89.87 to 

US$100.45) per barrel.

Should the future oil price be further decreased by 3% (2013: 5%), the carrying amount of the exploration and evaluation assets would have recognised 

further impairment of HK$47,221,000 (2013: HK$206,271,000). In respect of oil and gas properties under property, plant and equipment, if the expected 

oil price be further decreased by 3% (2013: 5%), the Group would have recognised further impairment of HK$4,879,000 (2013: HK$10,442,000).

Should the discount rate used in the value in use calculations for exploration and evaluation assets and oil and gas properties under property, plant and 

equipment  had  been  one  percentage  point  higher,  additional  impairment  of  HK$27,589,000  (2013:  HK$79,856,000)  and  HK$4,413,000  (2013: 

HK$8,255,000) would have been recognised respectively.

88

EPI (Holdings) Limited  •  Annual Report 2014

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

17  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Group

Company

Oil and gas 

properties

HK$’000

Others

HK$’000

Total

HK$’000

Others

HK$’000

At 1 January 2013

Cost

Accumulated depreciation

Accumulated impairment losses

Net book amount

Year ended 31 December 2013

Opening net book amount

Additions

Disposals

Depreciation and depletion

Impairment loss (Notes 9 and 16)

Closing net book amount

At 31 December 2013

Cost

Accumulated depreciation

Accumulated impairment losses

458,537

(88,034)

(166,929)

203,574

203,574

26,324

–

(27,081)

(51,111)

151,706

484,861

(115,115)

(218,040)

2,453

(1,571)

–

882

882

1,396

(164)

(362)

–

1,752

3,411

(1,659)

–

460,990

(89,605)

(166,929)

204,456

204,456

27,720

(164)

(27,443)

(51,111)

153,458

488,272

(116,774)

(218,040)

Net book amount

151,706

1,752

153,458

Year ended 31 December 2014

Opening net book amount

Additions

Disposal

Depreciation and depletion

151,706

3,402

(460)

(17,630)

1,752

153,458

69

(4)

(413)

3,471

(464)

(18,043)

Closing net book amount

137,018

1,404

138,422

At 31 December 2014

Cost

Accumulated depreciation

Accumulated impairment losses

487,136

(132,078)

(218,040)

3,473

(2,069)

–

490,609

(134,147)

(218,040)

997

(761)

–

236

236

1,247

(150)

(102)

–

1,231

2,048

(817)

–

1,231

1,231

69

(4)

(278)

1,018

2,109

(1,091)

–

Net book amount

137,018

1,404

138,422

1,018

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

89

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

18 

INVESTMENTS IN AND AMOUNTS DUE FROM/TO SUBSIDIARIES

Investments, at cost:

Unlisted shares

Amounts due from subsidiaries (Note (a))

Less: Provision for impairment (Note (b))

Amounts due to subsidiaries (Note (a))

Company

2014

HK$’000

2013

HK$’000

8

8

4,758,851

(4,330,896)

4,770,141

(4,054,602)

427,955

715,539

90,791

90,814

Investments in the Group undertakings are recoded at cost, which is the fair value of the consideration paid.

Notes:

(a) 

The amounts due from/to subsidiaries are unsecured, interest-free, repayable on demand and mainly denominated in HK$. 

(b) 

Movements in the provision for the impairment of amounts due from subsidiaries are as follows:

At 1 January 

Recognition of impairment loss

At 31 December

(c) 

The following is a list of the principal subsidiaries at 31 December 2014:

Company

2014

HK$’000

4,054,602

276,294

2013

HK$’000

3,552,335

502,267

4,330,896

4,054,602

Place of 

incorporation/

Attributable

proportion of

Nominal value of

nominal value of

issued and fully paid

issued/registered

ordinary share/

capital indirectly

Name

operations

Principal activities

registered capital

held by the Company

EP Energy S.A.

Argentina

Petroleum exploration and

ARS303,600

  production

Have Result Investments

British Virgin

Petroleum exploration and

US$10,000

  Limited

Islands/Argentina

  production

100%

100%

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.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
90

EPI (Holdings) Limited  •  Annual Report 2014

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

19  OTHER TAX RECOVERABLES

Total other tax recoverables

Less: Current portion

Non-current portion

Group

2014

HK$’000

33,703

(16,140)

2013

HK$’000

41,295

(12,753)

17,563

28,542

Pursuant to the relevant rules and regulation in Argentina, value-added tax on expenditure incurred in drilling and 

purchasing  property,  plant  and  equipment  relating  to  the  petroleum  exploration  and  production  operation  in 

Argentina can be used to offset value-added tax arising from the future sales of petroleum. Management estimated 

the recoverable amount of the value-added tax based on future revenue which the Group expects to be generated 

from  sales  of  petroleum,  with  reference  to  the  current  exploration  and  evaluation  stages  of  the  oil  field  and  oil 

production from wells. During the year ended 31 December 2014, a reversal of provision for impairment loss on 

recoverable value-added tax expense of HK$17,473,000 (2013: HK$660,000) was recognised in profit and loss (Note 9). 

The directors of the Company expected that an amount of HK$17,563,000 (2013: HK$28,542,000) will be recovered 

from the sales of petroleum after twelve months from the date of statement of financial position and, accordingly, 

classified the amount as non-current assets.

20  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS BY CATEGORY

As at 31 December 2014

Assets as per consolidated statement of financial position

Trade and other receivables excluding prepayments

Held-for-trading investments

Cash and cash equivalents

Total

Group

Held-for-

trading 

Loans and 

receivables

investments

Total

HK$’000

HK$’000

HK$’000

44,948

–

28,565

73,513

–

52

–

52

44,948

52

28,565

73,565

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

91

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

20  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS BY CATEGORY – CONTINUED

Group

Other

Liabilities

financial 

at fair value 

liabilities at 

through profit

amortised

or loss

HK$’000

cost

Total

HK$’000

HK$’000

As at 31 December 2014

Liabilities as per consolidated statement of financial position

Borrowings

Convertible notes

Derivative financial liabilities

Trade and other payables excluding non-financial liabilities

–

–

5,917

–

218,400

62,877

–

19,935

218,400

62,877

5,917

19,935

Total

5,917

301,212

307,129

As at 31 December 2013

Assets as per consolidated statement of financial position

Trade and other receivables excluding prepayments

Held-for-trading investments

Cash and cash equivalents

Total

Group

Held-for-

trading 

Loans and 

receivables

investments

HK$’000

HK$’000

Total

HK$’000

26,378

–

48,029

74,407

–

98

–

98

26,378

98

48,029

74,505

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
92

EPI (Holdings) Limited  •  Annual Report 2014

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

20  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS BY CATEGORY – CONTINUED

Group

Other

financial

Liabilities

at fair value 

liabilities at 

through profit

amortised

or loss

HK$’000

cost

HK$’000

Total

HK$’000

As at 31 December 2013

Liabilities as per consolidated statement of financial position

Borrowings

Convertible notes

Derivative financial liabilities

Trade and other payables excluding non-financial liabilities

–

–

58,903

–

275,000

84,054

–

33,187

275,000

84,054

58,903

33,187

Total

58,903

392,241

451,144

As at 31 December 2014

Assets as per statement of financial position

Other receivables excluding prepayments

Amounts due from subsidiaries

Cash and cash equivalents

Total

Company

Held-for- 

trading 

Loans and 

receivables

investments

Total

HK$’000

HK$’000

HK$’000

577

427,955

9,399

437,931

–

–

–

–

577

427,955

9,399

437,931

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

93

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

20  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS BY CATEGORY – CONTINUED

Company

Other

Liabilities

financial 

at fair value 

liabilities at 

through profit 

amortised

or loss

HK$’000

cost

Total

HK$’000

HK$’000

–

–

5,917

–

–

218,400

62,877

–

18,700

90,791

218,400

62,877

5,917

18,700

90,791

As at 31 December 2014

Liabilities as per statement of financial position

Borrowings

Convertible notes

Derivative financial liabilities

Other payables excluding non-financial liabilities

Amount due to subsidiaries

Total

5,917

390,768

396,685

As at 31 December 2013

Assets as per statement of financial position

Other receivables excluding prepayments

Amounts due from subsidiaries

Cash and cash equivalents

Total

Company

Held-for-

trading 

Loans and 

receivables

investments

HK$’000

HK$’000

Total

HK$’000

596

715,539

21,179

737,314

–

–

–

–

596

715,539

21,179

737,314

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
94

EPI (Holdings) Limited  •  Annual Report 2014

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

20  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS BY CATEGORY – CONTINUED

Company

Other

financial

Liabilities

at fair value 

liabilities at 

through the

profit or loss

HK$’000

amortised

cost

HK$’000

–

–

58,903

–

–

275,000

84,054

–

6,454

90,814

Total

HK$’000

275,000

84,054

58,903

6,454

90,814

As at 31 December 2013

Liabilities as per statement of financial position

Borrowings

Convertible notes

Derivative financial liabilities

Other payables excluding non-financial liabilities

Amount due to subsidiaries

Total

58,903

456,322

515,225

21  TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES AND PREPAYMENTS

Group

Company

2014

2013

2014

2013

HK$’000

HK$’000

HK$’000

HK$’000

3,596

–

26,732

15,600

4,716

200,810

21,666

–

45,928

227,192

–

–

577

–

577

–

–

596

–

596

Trade receivables (Note (a))

Prepayment to a metal supplier (Note 5)

Other receivables and other prepayments

Loan to a third party (Note (b))

Notes:

(a) 

The Group allows on average credit period of 30 to 60 days to its trade customer. The trade receivables of HK$3,596,000 (2013: HK$4,716,000) 

were neither past due nor impaired and aged within 30 days based on the invoice date.

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. Receivables that were neither past due nor impaired relate to a customer for 

whom there was no recent history of default.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

95

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

21  TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES AND PREPAYMENTS – CONTINUED

Notes: – continued

(b) 

Loan to a third party of HK$15,600,000 which is unsecured, interest bearing at fixed interest rate of 12% per annum, denominated in US$, 

repayable within six months from the agreement date.

(c) 

The other classes within trade and other receivables do not contain impaired assets.

(d) 

The maximum exposure to credit risk at the date of statement of financial position is the carrying value of each class of receivables mentioned 

above. As at 31 December 2014, the Group does not hold any collateral as security.

The carrying amount of trade and other receivables and prepayments are denominated in currencies:

ARS

US$

HK$

RMB

22  HELD-FOR-TRADING INVESTMENTS

Listed securities — held-for-trading at fair value

— Equity securities — Hong Kong

Group

Company

2014

HK$’000

28,604

16,302

1,022

–

2013

HK$’000

25,722

–

660

200,810

45,928

227,192

2014

HK$’000

2013

HK$’000

–

–

577

–

577

–

–

596

–

596

Group

2014

HK$’000

2013

HK$’000

52

98

Held-for-trading investments are presented within “operating activities” as part of changes in working capital in the 
consolidated statement of cash flows (Note 31).

Changes  in  fair  values  of  held-for-trading  investments  are  recorded  in  “fair  value  gains/(losses)  on  financial 
instruments” in the consolidated profit or loss (Note 10).

The fair value of all equity securities is based on their current bid prices in an active market.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
96

EPI (Holdings) Limited  •  Annual Report 2014

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

23  CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Group

Company

2014

2013

2014

2013

HK$’000

HK$’000

HK$’000

HK$’000

Cash at banks and on hand

28,565

48,029

9,399

21,179

Bank balances carry interest at market rates which range from 0.01% to 1.25% (2013: 0.01% to 1.25%) per annum.

The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents are denominated in the following currencies:

ARS

US$

HK$

Others

Group

Company

2014

2013

2014

2013

HK$’000

HK$’000

HK$’000

HK$’000

3,744

22,420

2,372

29

9,267

16,402

22,360

–

5

7,892

1,473

29

11

62

21,106

–

28,565

48,029

9,399

21,179

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

97

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

24  SHARE CAPITAL

Authorised:

  Ordinary shares of HK$0.10 each

  At 1 January, 31 December 2013 and 2014

Issued and fully paid:

  Ordinary shares of HK$0.10 each

  At 1 January 2013

Issue of new shares upon placements (Note (a))

Issue of new shares upon placements (Note (b))

Issue of shares upon conversion of convertible notes (Note (c))

Issue of shares upon exercise of share options (Note (d))

At 31 December 2013

Issue of new shares upon placements (Note (e))

At 31 December 2014

Notes:

Number of 

Nominal value 

ordinary

of ordinary 

shares

‘000

shares

HK$’000

10,000,000

1,000,000

3,130,378

313,038

125,000

650,000

124,500

140,000

4,169,878

682,480

12,500

65,000

12,450

14,000

416,988

68,248

4,852,358

485,236

(a) 

On 1 March 2013, the Company completed a placement of 125,000,000 ordinary shares of HK$0.10 each (the “March 2013 Placing Shares”) at a 

placing price of HK$0.18 per share to independent third parties. Accordingly, 125,000,000 ordinary shares of HK$0.10 each were issued at a 

premium of HK$0.08 each. The premium on issue of shares of HK$10,000,000 was credited to the share premium account. The Company also 

issued unlisted warrants (“Warrants”), on the basis of 5 Warrants for each March 2013 Placing Share issued. Details of the Warrants are set out 

in Note 29.

(b) 

On 27 August 2013, the Company completed a placement of 650,000,000 ordinary shares of HK$0.10 each at a placing price of HK$0.19 per 

share to independent third parties. Accordingly, 650,000,000 ordinary shares of HK$0.10 each were issued at a premium of HK$0.09 each. The 

premium on issue of shares of HK$58,500,000 was credited to the share premium account.

(c) 

During the year ended 31 December 2013, 124,500,000 ordinary shares of HK$0.10 each were issued upon conversion of 2011 CN with an 

aggregate principal amount of HK$18,675,000.

(d) 

During the year ended 31 December 2013, the Company allotted and issued 140,000,000 ordinary shares of HK$0.10 each for cash at the 

exercise price of HK$0.141 per share as a result of the exercise of options under the share option scheme approved by the shareholders of the 

Company.

(e) 

On 22 April 2014, the Company completed a placement of 682,480,000 ordinary shares of HK$0.10 each at a placing price of HK$0.228 per share 

to independent third parties. Accordingly, 682,480,000 ordinary shares of HK$0.10 each were issued at a premium of HK$0.128 each and the 

premium on issue of shares of HK$87,357,000 was credited to the share premium account.

(f) 

All shares issued by the Company in 2013 and 2014 rank pari passu in all respects with the existing shares.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
98

EPI (Holdings) Limited  •  Annual Report 2014

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

25  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 directors and employees 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; nor to exceed 30% of the shares of the Company in issue from time to time. 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 2014, options to subscribe for an aggregate of 1,204,000,000 shares (2013: 703,000,000 shares) of 

the Company granted to the directors, certain employees and other participants pursuant to the Scheme remained 

outstanding.

Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

99

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

25  SHARE OPTIONS – CONTINUED

Details  of  the  movements  in  the  number  of  share  options  during  the  year  ended  31  December  2014  under  the 

Scheme are as follows:

Option type

Date of grant

(both dates inclusive)

price

HK$

2014

year

year

year

2014

Exercisable period

Exercise 

at 1 January

during the 

during the 

during the 

31 December 

Outstanding

Granted 

Exercised 

Lapsed

at

Outstanding 

Employees:

N

R

Directors:

J

K

L

M

H

I

N

O

P

Q

Suppliers and others:

25 November 2013

25 November 2013 –

0.219

64,000,000

–

17 July 2014

24 November 2016

17 July 2014 –

16 July 2017

0.200

–

3,000,000

64,000,000

3,000,000

11 April 2013 (Note (a))

3 July 2013 –

0.255

88,000,000

10 April 2016

30 July 2013 (Note (b))

16 September 2013 –

0.206

147,500,000

29 July 2016

30 July 2013 (Note (b))

16 September 2014 –

0.206

73,750,000

29 July 2016

30 July 2013 (Note (b))

16 September 2015 –

0.206

73,750,000

29 July 2016

383,000,000

11 April 2013

11 April 2013 –

10 April 216

0.255

128,000,000

11 April 2013 (Note (c))

11 April 2013 –

0.255

32,000,000

28 February 2014

25 November 2013

25 November 2013 –

0.219

32,000,000

24 November 2016

25 November 2013

25 November 2014 –

0.219

64,000,000

4 June 2014

17 July 2014

24 November 2016

4 June 2014 –

3 June 2017

17 July 2014 –

16 July 2017

0.189

0.200

–

–

70,000,000

467,000,000

256,000,000

537,000,000

703,000,000

540,000,000

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(7,000,000)

57,000,000

–

3,000,000

(7,000,000)

60,000,000

–

–

–

–

–

–

88,000,000

147,500,000

73,750,000

73,750,000

383,000,000

128,000,000

(32,000,000)

–

–

–

–

–

32,000,000

64,000,000

70,000,000

467,000,000

(32,000,000)

761,000,000

(39,000,000)

1,204,000,000

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
100

EPI (Holdings) Limited  •  Annual Report 2014

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

25  SHARE OPTIONS – CONTINUED

Details  of  the  movements  in  the  number  of  share  options  during  the  year  ended  31  December  2013  under  the 

Scheme are as follows:

Option type

Date of grant

Exercisable period 
(both dates inclusive)

Exercise 
Price
HK$

Outstanding
at 1 January
2013

Granted
during the
year

Exercised
during the
year

Lapsed
during the
year

Outstanding
at
31 December 
2013

Employees:
A

B

C

N

Directors:
D

E

F

J

K

L

M

10 February 2010

10 February 2010

10 February 2010

25 November 2013

10 February 2010 –
9 February 2013
10 November 2010 –
9 February 2013
10 August 2011 –
9 February 2013
25 November 2013 –
24 November 2016

19 March 2010

19 March 2010

19 March 2010

11 April 2013 (Note (a))

30 July 2013 (Note (b))

30 July 2013 (Note (b))

30 July 2013 (Note (b))

19 March 2010 –
9 February 2013
10 November 2010 –
9 February 2013
10 August 2011 – 
9 February 2013
3 July 2013 –
10 April 2016
16 September 2013 –
29 July 2016
16 September 2014 –
29 July 2016
16 September 2015 –
29 July 2016

Suppliers and others:
A

10 February 2010

B

C

G

H

I

N

O

10 February 2010

10 February 2010

11 October 2011

11 April 2013

11 April 2013 (Note (c))

25 November 2013

25 November 2013

10 February 2010 –
9 February 2013
10 November2010 –
9 February 2013
10 August 2011 –
9 February 2013
11 October 2011 –
10 October 2013
11 April 2013 –
10 April 2016
11 April 2013 –
28 February 2014
25 November 2013 –
24 November 2016
25 November 2014 –
24 November 2016

1.564

1.564

1.564

0.219

1.610

1.610

1.610

0.255

0.206

0.206

0.206

1.564

1.564

1.564

2,096,667

2,096,667

2,096,667

–

–

–

–

64,000,000

6,290,001

64,000,000

90,000

90,000

90,000

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

88,000,000

147,500,000

73,750,000

73,750,000

270,000

383,000,000

1,939,999

1,939,999

1,940,000

–

–

–

–

0.141

140,000,000

0.255

0.255

0.219

0.219

–

–

–

–

128,000,000

32,000,000

32,000,000

64,000,000

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(140,000,000)

–

–

–

–

(2,096,667)

(2,096,667)

(2,096,667)

–

–

–

–

64,000,000

(6,290,001)

64,000,000

(90,000)

(90,000)

(90,000)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

88,000,000

147,500,000

73,750,000

73,750,000

(270,000)

383,000,000

(1,939,999)

(1,939,999)

(1,940,000)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

128,000,000

32,000,000

32,000,000

64,000,000

145,819,998

256,000,000

(140,000,000)

(5,819,998)

256,000,000

152,379,999

703,000,000

(140,000,000)

(12,379,999)

703,000,000

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

101

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

25  SHARE OPTIONS – CONTINUED

Pursuant  to  the  resolution  of  the  Company  passed  on,  4  June  and  17  July  2014,  the  Company  has  granted  total 

3,000,000 and 537,000,000 share options were granted to employees and consultants of the Company, respectively 

under the Scheme.

The closing price of the Company’s shares on the approval date on 4 June and 17 July 2014, the respective dates of 

grant of the options, were HK$0.189 and HK$0.200, respectively.

The Binominal model has been used to estimate the fair value of the options. The variables and assumptions used in 

computing the fair value of the share options are based on the independent professional valuer’s best estimate. The 

value of an option varies with different variables of certain subjective assumptions. The estimated fair values of the 

options on their respective grant dates are as follows:

Option type

Grant date

Fair value

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

10 February 2010

10 February 2010

10 February 2010

19 March 2010

19 March 2010

19 March 2010

11 October 2011

11 April 2013

11 April 2013 (note (c))

11 April 2013 (note (a))

30 July 2013 (note (b))

30 July 2013 (note (b))

30 July 2013 (note (b))

25 November 2013

25 November 2013

4 June 2014

17 July 2014

17 July 2014

HK$

0.372

0.417

0.459

0.384

0.425

0.469

0.0469

0.096

0.096

0.084

0.093

0.095

0.098

0.077

0.077

0.0693

0.058

0.054

 
 
 
102

EPI (Holdings) Limited  •  Annual Report 2014

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

25  SHARE OPTIONS – CONTINUED

The inputs into the model in respect of the share options granted were as follows:

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

Option type

Share price on grant date (HK$)

Exercise price (HK$)

Expected volatility

Expected life (years)

Risk-free rate

0.255

0.255

0.255

0.255

0.243

0.255

0.234

0.206

0.234

0.206

0.234

0.206

0.215

0.219

0.215

0.219

0.189

0.189

0.200

0.200

0.200

0.200

60.22% 60.22% 58.03% 58.19% 58.19% 58.19% 57.77% 57.77% 57.13% 55.35% 55.35%

3.00

0.88

2.77

2.87

1.87

0.87

3.00

2.75

3

3

3

0.19%

0.19%

0.51%

0.54%

0.54%

0.54%

0.37%

0.37%

1.10%

0.80%

0.80%

Expected volatility was determined by using the historical volatility of the Company’s share price over the previous 

five years.

The fair value of the share options granted was HK$43,676,000 (2013: HK$48,969,000), of which HK$8,760,000 (Note 8) 

(2013:  HK$32,239,000)  was  related  to  services  provided  by  the  directors  and  employees  of  the  Company  and 

HK$34,916,000 (Note 13) (2013: HK$16,730,000) was related to services provided by the Group’s consultants for the 

year ended 31 December 2014. Share based arrangement with consultants were measured at the fair value of related 

services rendered.

Notes:

(a) 

Date of approval by shareholders was 3 July 2013.

(b) 

Date of approval by shareholders was 16 September 2013.

(c) 

These share options were granted to one of the executive directors on 11 April 2013 and the director resigned on 29 November 2013. According 

to the Scheme, the outstanding number of share options held by the director can be exercised within 3 months from the date of his resignation. 

These share options were classified in the category of “other participants” in the above tables.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

103

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

26  RESERVES

Balance as at 1 January 2013
Loss for the year
Issue of shares upon placements
Share issue expenses
Issue of shares upon conversion
  of convertible notes
Issue of shares upon exercise
  of share options
Recognition of equity settled
  share-based payments

Contributed 
surplus 
reserves
HK$’000

Company

Share
options 
reserves
HK$’000

60,322
–
–
–

–

–

–

39,747
–
–
–

–

(6,566)

48,969

Accumulated 
losses
HK$’000

(3,777,440)
(676,022)
–
–

–

–

–

Share
premium
HK$’000

4,022,678
–
53,748
(5,006)

16,354

12,306

–

Total
HK$’000

345,307
(676,022)
53,748
(5,006)

16,354

5,740

48,969

Balance as at 31 December 2013

4,100,080

60,322

82,150

(4,453,462)

(210,910)

Loss for the year
Issue of shares upon placements
Share issue expenses
Recognition of equity settled
  share-based payments

–
87,357
(5,639)

–

–
–
–

–

–
–
–

(377,392)
–
–

(377,392)
87,357
(5,639)

43,676

–

43,676

Balance as at 31 December 2014

4,181,798

60,322

125,826

(4,830,854)

(462,908)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
104

EPI (Holdings) Limited  •  Annual Report 2014

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

27  BORROWINGS

Bank loan, secured (Note (a))

Other loans, secured (Note (b))

Less: non-current portion

Current portion

Group and Company

2014

HK$’000

218,400

–

218,400

(163,800)

2013

HK$’000

273,000

2,000

275,000

(218,400)

54,600

56,600

As at 31 December 2014, the Group’s and the Company’s borrowings were repayable as follows:

Within 1 year

Between 1 and 2 years

Between 2 and 5 years

Group and Company

Bank loan

Other loans

2014

2013

2014

2013

HK$’000

HK$’000

HK$’000

HK$’000

54,600

54,600

109,200

54,600

54,600

163,800

218,400

273,000

–

–

–

–

2,000

–

–

2,000

The carrying amount of the variable-rate borrowing approximates to their fair value. The carrying amount of last year 

fixed-rate borrowings approximated to their fair value as the impact of discounting was not significant.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

105

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

27  BORROWINGS – CONTINUED

The carrying amounts of borrowings are denominated in the following currencies:

US$

HK$

Group and Company

2014

HK$’000

218,400

–

2013

HK$’000

273,000

2,000

218,400

275,000

The ranges of effective interest rate (which are also equal to contracted interest rates) on the Group’s and Company’s 

borrowings are as follows:

Effective interest rate

Carrying amount

2014

2013

2014

2013

HK$’000

HK$’000

–

4.33%

24%

4.35%

–

218,400

2,000

273,000

218,400

275,000

Fixed-rate borrowings

Variable-rate borrowing

Notes:

(a) 

On  3  November  2011,  the  Company  entered  into  a  loan  agreement  with  a  bank  for  a  term  loan  facility  of  US$40,000,000  (approximately 

HK$312,000,000)  for  the  purpose  of  funding  the  project  in  connection  with  the  petroleum  exploration  and  production  in  Argentina  or  to 

refinance any debt incurred by the Group for the purpose of this project.

The bank loan is secured by the share capital of certain subsidiaries of the Group, and the share capital and instruments of certain companies in 

which Mr. Wu has financial interests. The relevant loan agreement also requires Mr. Wu to continue to be the Substantial Shareholders. On 26 

March 2015, Mr. Wu entered into a deed of undertaking with the Company and undertakes (i) at all times to maintain his position as the 

Substantial Shareholders, and (ii) to promptly acquire an adequate number of shares of the Company to maintain his position as the Substantial 

Shareholder in any event that he is reasonably expected to cease to be the Substantial Shareholder as a result of issue of new shares by the 

Company.

(b) 

Other loans represented short-term loans from independent third parties and were secured by issued shares of the Company registered in the 

name of the shareholder of the Company as at 31 December 2013.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
106

EPI (Holdings) Limited  •  Annual Report 2014

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

28  CONVERTIBLE NOTES

(a)  On 2 September 2011, the Company completed a placing agreement with a placing agent pursuant to which the 

Company agreed to issue zero coupon convertible notes in an aggregate principal amount of HK$62,100,000 

(the “2011 CN”) which could 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) through the placing agent to not 

less than six independent placees.

During the year ended 31 December 2013, the remaining amount of the 2011 CN with an aggregate principal 

amount of HK$18,675,000 were converted by the holders into 124,500,000 ordinary shares at a conversion price 

of HK$0.15 per ordinary share. The weighted average share price at the date of conversion for the 2011 CN 

during the year was HK$0.248.

(b)  On 11 April 2013, the Company completed the subscription agreement pursuant to which the Company agreed 

to issue 8% convertible notes in an aggregate principal amount of HK$100,000,000 (the “2013 CN”) which could 

be converted into ordinary shares of HK$0.10 each of the Company at an initial conversion price of HK$0.19 per 

share (subject to anti-dilutive adjustments).

The 2013 CN is denominated in HK$, maturing on the second anniversary of the issue date of 11 April 2013 (the 

“2013 Maturity Date”). The maturity was subsequently amended on 8 January 2015. Details of which are set out 

in Note 36. The Company shall redeem all the 2013 CN on the 2013 Maturity Date at 110% of the principal 

amount  outstanding.  With  the  holder’s  agreement,  the  Company  may  at  any  time  and  from  time  to  time 

purchase  the  outstanding  2013  CN  at  such  price  as  may  be  agreed  between  the  Company  and  the  holder 

thereof.

The holders of the 2013 CN shall, subject to certain conditions, have the right at any time during the conversion 

period commencing from the day after the issue date of the 2013 CN up to and including the date which is 7 

days prior to the 2013 Maturity Date convert the whole or part of the principal amount outstanding under the 

2013 CN at an initial conversion price of HK$0.19 per share (subject to anti-dilutive adjustments) into ordinary 

shares of the Company.

The 2013 CN contains two components, a liability component and a conversion option. The conversion option 

gives the holders the right at any time to convert the 2013 CN into ordinary shares of the Company. However, 

since the conversion option would 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 at 

profit or loss.

The fair value of the liability component upon the issuance of the 2013 CN was calculated at the present value 

of the redemption amount, at 110% of the principal amount.

Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

107

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

28  CONVERTIBLE NOTES – CONTINUED

(b) 

 – continued

The fair value of the conversion option was determined using the 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

31 December

31 December 

2013

2014

HK$0.190

HK$0.206

52.840%

1.28 years

0.424%

HK$0.190

HK$0.156

47.503%

0.28 year

0.404%

The liability component and the conversion  component  are  included in  “convertible notes”  and  “derivative 

financial liabilities” (Note 29) on the statement of financial position, respectively.

The fair value of the 2013 CN at 11 April 2013 amounted to HK$155,219,000. The difference between the fair 

value of the 2013 CN and the cash consideration of HK$100,000,000 received to the extent of (i) HK$34,210,000 

was recognised in the profit or loss on the date of issuance as this portion represented the loss which the 

Company  would  have  incurred  if  the  2013  CN  was  fully  converted  on  the  date  of  issuance;  and  (ii) 

HK$21,009,000 was deferred and allocated between the liability component and conversion option based on the 

relative fair values of these two components on the date of issuance of the 2013 CN. The portion allocated to 

the liability component was recognised over the terms of 2013 CN using effective interest method whereas the 

remaining portion allocated to the conversion option was amortised on a straight-line method over the terms of 

2013  CN.  The  effective  interest  rate  of  the  liability  component  is  37.34%.  As  at  31  December  2014,  the 

unamortised deferred losses amounted to HK$799,000 (2013: HK$6,146,000) was included in conversion option.

The  Company  decided  to  issue  2013  CN,  even  though  the  fair  value  of  2013  CN  was  higher  than  the  cash 

consideration,  because  the  Company  required  additional  capital  to  finance  its  general  working  capital 

requirements and the potential acquisition in the coming years.

On 20 June 2014, the Company early redeemed 40% of the 2013 CN principal at HK$40,000,000.

As at 31 December 2014, the fair value of liability component of the 2013 CN was HK$940,000. The total fair 

value gain for the year on the 2013 CN is HK$34,687,000.

During the year 2013 and 2014, none of the 2013 CN was converted into the ordinary shares of the Company.

 
 
 
 
 
 
108

EPI (Holdings) Limited  •  Annual Report 2014

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

28  CONVERTIBLE NOTES – CONTINUED

(c) 

The movements in the components of the 2011 CN and 2013 CN during the current and prior years are set out 

below:

2011 CN

Liability 
component
HK$’000

Conversion 
component
HK$’000

20,993
–
–
–

–

–
(23,870)
2,877
–

–

–

–
–
–
–

–

4,934
–
–
–

–

–
(4,934)
–
–

–

–

–
–
–
–

–

Total
HK$’000

25,927
–
–
–

Liability 
component
HK$’000

–
84,089
(11,382)
(1,896)

2013 CN
Conversion 
component
(Note 29)
HK$’000

–
71,130
(9,627)
(1,604)

Total
HK$’000

–
155,219
(21,009)
(3,500)

–

–

(25,229)

(25,229)

–
(28,804)
2,877
–

–
–
17,243
(4,000)

3,482
–
–
–

3,482
–
17,243
(4,000)

–

–

–
–
–
–

–

84,054

38,152

122,206

–

(34,687)

(34,687)

–
(37,105)
22,949
(7,021)

5,347
(2,895)
–
–

5,347
(40,000)
22,949
(7,021)

62,877

5,917

68,794

Group and Company

2014

HK$’000

62,877

–

62,877

2013

HK$’000

8,000

76,054

84,054

At 1 January 2013
2013 CN at issue date
Deferred losses upon issuance
Transaction cost
Gain on derivative component
recognised in profit or loss
Amortisation of deferred loss on
  conversion component
Conversion during the year
Interest charge
Interest paid

At 31 December 2013
Gain on derivative component
recognised in profit or loss
Amortisation of deferred loss on
  conversion component
Redemption during the year
Interest charge
Interest paid

As at 31 December 2014

Analysed for reporting purpose as:

Current liabilities (Note)

Non-current liabilities

Note:

As at 31 December 2014, the amount represented the coupon payments to be made in relation to the 2013 CN within the next twelve months 

from the date of statement of financial position.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

109

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

29  DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL LIABILITIES

Warrants (Note)

Conversion option of the 2013 CN (Note 28)

Less: non-current liabilities

Current liabilities

Note:

Group and Company

2014

HK$’000

–

5,917

5,917

–

5,917

2013

HK$’000

20,751

38,152

58,903

(58,903)

–

As part of the placing agreement of March 2013 Placing Shares, the Company issued unlisted warrants (the “Warrants”) on the basis of 5 Warrants of 

each of the March 2013 Placing Shares issued, at no initial price. The exercise price of the Warrant was at HK$0.20 each and could be exercised at any 

time for period of three years from the issue date.

On the date of issuance, the fair value of the March 2013 Placing Shares and Warrants amounted to HK$24,125,000 and HK$45,938,000, respectively. 

The difference between the aggregate fair value of the March 2013 Placing Shares and the Warrants on the date of issuance and the total cash 

consideration of HK$22,500,000 received was deferred and allocated between the 2013 Placing Shares and the Warrants based on the relative fair 

value of these two instruments on the date of issuance. The portion to the extent of HK$31,186,000 allocated to the Warrants was recognised over the 

terms of the Warrants on a straight-line method and the portion to the extent of HK$7,748,000 allocated to the March 2013 Placing Shares is not re-

measured  subsequent  to  initial  recognition.  As  at  31  December  2014,  the  unamortised  deferred  losses  amounted  to  HK$10,062,000  (2013: 

HK$22,499,000) was included in the Warrants.

The Company decided to issue the March 2013 Placing Shares and Warrants, even though the fair value of the 2013 Placing Shares and Warrants were 

higher than the cash consideration, because the Company was required to raise additional capital to finance its general working capital requirements 

and the potential acquisition in the coming years.

The fair value of the Warrants was determined using the black-scholes model and the significant inputs are as follows.

Conversion price

Share price

Expected volatility

Remaining life

Risk-free rate

31 December

31 December 

2013

2014

HK$0.200

HK$0.206

56.684%

HK$0.200

HK$0.156

43.438%

2.16 years

1.16 years

0.375%

0.534%

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
110

EPI (Holdings) Limited  •  Annual Report 2014

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

30  TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

Group

Company

2014

2013

2014

2013

HK$’000

HK$’000

HK$’000

HK$’000

253

1,575

42,185

3,050

2,021

33,719

–

1,575

37,069

–

2,021

21,683

44,013

38,790

38,644

23,704

Trade payables (Note (a))

Interest payable on borrowings

Other payables and accruals

Notes:

(a) 

At 31 December 2013 and 2014, the ageing analysis of trade payables based on invoice date were as follows:

Less than 30 days

The average credit period on purchases of goods is 30 days.

The carrying amount of trade and other payables are denominated in currencies:

Group

2014

HK$’000

253

2013

HK$’000

3,050

ARS

US$

HK$

Group

2014

HK$’000

Company

2013

HK$’000

2014

HK$’000

Equivalent

Equivalent

Equivalent

25,286

1,596

17,131

44,013

9,521

95

29,174

38,790

–

1,575

37,069

38,644

2013

HK$’000

Equivalent

–

–

23,704

23,704

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

111

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

31  CASH USED IN OPERATIONS

Loss for the year

Income tax charge recognised in profit or loss

Adjustments for:

  — Depreciation and depletion of property, plant and equipment

  — Impairment loss of property, plant and equipment (Note 9)

  — Loss/(gain) on disposal of property, plant and equipment

  — Impairment loss of exploration and evaluation assets (Note 9)

  — Impairment loss of other receivables (Note 5)

  — Reversal of impairment loss of other tax recoverables (Note 9)

  — Fair value (gain)/loss on derivative component of convertible notes

(Note 10)

  — Fair value (gain)/loss on warrants (Note 10)

  — Share-based payments (Note 25)

  — Interest income (Note 7)

  — Interest expense (Note 11)

  — Loss/(gain) on held-for-trading investments (Note 10)

Changes in working capital:

  — Increase in trade and other receivables and prepayments

  — Decrease in other tax recoverable

  — Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables

  — Decrease in other non-current liabilities

Group

2014

HK$’000

2013

HK$’000

(381,143)

(679,171)

–

–

18,043

–

464

91,049

200,810

(17,473)

(29,340)

(20,751)

43,676

(1,016)

34,693

46

(19,546)

25,066

5,670

(1,410)

27,443

51,111

164

442,197

13,966

(660)

12,464

5,999

48,969

–

43,757

(61)

(22,523)

21,796

(57,138)

–

Cash used in operations

(51,162)

(91,687)

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
112

EPI (Holdings) Limited  •  Annual Report 2014

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

32  JOINT OPERATIONS

Chañares entered into a joint venture agreement (“JV Agreement”) with a third party (“Third Party”) on 14 November 

2007 in connection with the development of incremental hydrocarbon production in the “Puesto Pozo Cercado” area 

and “Chañares Herrados” area (“Areas”), through the investments made by the Third Party. Under the JV Agreement, 

it was established that the hydrocarbon obtained from the wells drilled within the scope of the JV Agreement, as well 

as any other benefits obtained from the exploration and production of the works performed thereunder, shall be 

distributed in the following proportion: 28% for Chañares and 72% for the Third Party.

A subsidiary of the Group — Have Result Investments Limited (“Have Result”) entered into an agreement for the 

Assignment  of  Rights,  Investment  and  Technical  Cooperation  with  the  Third  Party  dated  24  November  2007,  as 

amended and/or supplemented by (i) a deed of undertaking executed by the Third Party on 12 December 2007; (ii) a 

supplementary deed of undertaking executed by the Third Party on 28 December 2007; and (iii) a document entitled 

“Amendment to Contract of Assignment of Rights, Investment and Technical Cooperation” executed by and between 

the Third Party and Have Result, dated 19 December 2008 (the “Assignment Agreement”). Under the Assignment 

Agreements,  the  Third  Party  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 incremental hydrocarbon production 

derived from the new wells in the Areas will first cover the operating costs and thereafter is shared by the proportion 

of 51% to Have Result, 21% to the Third Party and 28% to Chañares. As from the date the wells drilled under the terms 

of the Assignment Agreement go into production, the Third Party shall also reimburse Have Result for 21% of the 

aggregate investments made by Have Result in the Areas.

On 2 December 2010, Have Result sent a letter to the Third Party stating and confirming 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 (the “Existing Wells”), provided that Have Result continues to pay the relevant operating costs as 

required by the production allocated to it.

Another subsidiary of the Group, Southstart Limited (“Southstart”) and Chañares entered into a new Joint Venture 

Agreement (“New JV Agreement”) on 2 December 2010. Pursuant to which EP Energy S.A. (“EP Energy”), a wholly-

owned subsidiary of Southstart is entitled to share 72% of hydrocarbon production from the wells drilled by EP Energy 

in  the  current  and  future  years  until  the  end  of  the  Concessions  period  and  paid  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.

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. On 14 July 2011, the Company was informed by Chañares that the Executive of 

the Province of Mendoza has 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 (Note 16). EP Energy paid 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. A sum of US$1,404,000 (equivalent to 

approximately  HK$10,952,000)  was  paid  in  2011  and  the  remaining  balance  of  US$2,596,000  (equivalent  to 

approximately HK$20,248,000) was paid in 2012.

Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

113

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

32  JOINT OPERATIONS – CONTINUED

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 seventh year 

before the expiration of the extended term of the Concessions. Failure to meet the minimum drilling requirements 

may render the New JV Agreement to be terminated and EP Energy will be forfeited any right to continue drilling but it 

will not be forfeited any right in respect of the wells already drilled.

On  5  June  2012,  EP  Energy,  Have  Result  and  Chañares  entered  into  an  operation  agreement  (“the  Operation 

Agreement”).  Pursuant  to  the  Operation  Agreement,  Chañares  agreed  to  release  EP  Energy  from  the  above 

commitment. EP Energy, however, retains the right to drill and invest in the Areas during the life of the Concessions 

awarded with respect to the Areas and any extension thereof. If five or more new wells are drilled by EP Energy in a 

year, EP Energy shall be entitled to 72% and Chañares shall be entitled to 28% of the hydrocarbon production of the 

new wells; and if less than five new wells are drilled by EP Energy in a year, EP Energy shall be entitled to 65% and 

Chañares  shall  be  entitled  to  35%  of  the  hydrocarbon  production  of  the  new  wells.  The  Operation  Agreement 

confirms  that  the  hydrocarbon  production  of  the  existing  five  wells  drilled  by  EP  Energy  shall  continue  to  be 

distributed in accordance with the New JV Agreement (i.e., 72% to EP Energy and 28% to Chañares). On the other 

hand, Chañares becomes entitled to be associated with third parties for carrying out any work or drilling any wells in 

the Areas.

The Operation Agreement reconfirms that Have Result has the right to receive 51% of the hydrocarbon production 

obtained  from  the  Existing  Wells  until  the  termination  of  the  Concessions  held  in  respect  of  the  Areas  and  any 

extension thereof. Have Result agreed that part of the proceeds from previous production of the Existing Wells, as 

well as the future production from the Existing Wells up to 31 December 2013, shall be reinvested in the Areas, 

including workover of the Existing Wells.

The  aggregate  amounts  of  assets  and  liabilities,  revenue  and  expenses  recognised  in  the  consolidated  financial 

statements in relation to the Group’s interest in the joint operations are as follows:

Assets

Liabilities

Revenue

Expenses

33  FINANCIAL GUARANTEES

2014

HK$’000

318,674

5,363

85,689

70,768

2013

HK$’000

423,246

11,026

89,853

187,811

As at 31 December 2014 and 2013, the Company gave indemnities to two non-controlling shareholders of companies 

controlled by Mr. Wu, indemnifying them against any loss they may sustain in case of any action or claim against 

those companies pursuant to the guarantee provided in respect of a bank loan and that the total amount payable will 

not exceed an aggregate amount of up to US$13,000,000 (approximately HK$101,140,000)(see Note 27).

 
 
 
 
 
 
114

EPI (Holdings) Limited  •  Annual Report 2014

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

34  OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENTS

The future aggregate minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are due as follows:

No later than 1 year

Later than 1 year and no later than 5 years

Group

Company

2014

2013

2014

2013

HK$’000

HK$’000

HK$’000

HK$’000

2,672

520

3,192

2,306

1,490

3,796

1,339

–

1,339

1,995

1,339

3,334

35  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The shares of the Company are widely held, and the Company has no ultimate controlling party.

Save as disclosed elsewhere to these consolidated financial statements, the following transactions were carried out 

with related parties:

(a)  Compensation of key management personnel

The remuneration of directors and other members of key management during the year were as follows:

Short-term employee benefits

Post-employment benefits

Share-based payments

2014

HK$’000

16,323

90

8,598

25,011

2013

HK$’000

7,450

54

30,538

38,042

36  EVENTS AFTER THE DATE OF STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

(a)  On 8 January 2015, the Company entered into an amendment deed with the 2013 CN holder to extend the 

maturity date of the 2013 CN issued by the Company on 11 April 2013 for 1 year from 11 April 2015 to 11 April 

2016. On 17 February 2015, an ordinary resolution was passed by shareholders at the special general meeting 

to approve the amendment deed.

(b)  Mr.  Wu  has  signed  a  deed  of  undertakinig  with  the  Company  and  undertakes  to  maintain  at  all  time  as  a 

substantial shareholder of the Company (Note 27). As at 31 December 2014 and up to the date of approval of 

these consolidated financial statements, Mr. Wu, directly or indirectly, holds 10.01% of the Company’s shares 

and remains as a substantial shareholder of the Company.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2014  •  EPI (Holdings) Limited

115

FIVE YEAR
FINANCIAL SUMMARY

For the year ended 31 December 2014

Year ended 31 December

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

HK$’000

HK$’000

HK$’000

HK$’000

HK$’000

(restated)

(restated)

(restated)

(restated)

85,689

89,853

80,854

42,554

35,694

RESULTS

Revenue

Loss before income tax

Income tax (expense)/credit

(180,233)

(665,113)

(3,343,544)

(225,899)

(312,551)

–

–

(10,351)

7,942

–

Loss for the year from continuing 

  operations

(180,233)

(665,113)

(3,353,895)

(217,957)

(312,551)

(Loss)/profit for the year from

  discontinued operations — Metals

(200,910)

(14,058)

1,855

Profit for the year from

  discontinued operations — Electronic

–

–

–

(200,910)

(14,058)

1,855

220

–

220

23,033

890

23,923

Loss for the year

(381,143)

(679,171)

(3,352,040)

(217,737)

(288,628)

At 31 December

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

HK$’000

HK$’000

HK$’000

HK$’000

HK$’000

ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

Total assets

Total liabilities

361,892

(331,207)

676,343

(458,157)

1,136,707

4,525,191

4,377,434

(463,105)

(606,250)

(325,399)

Equity attributable to owners of 

the Company

30,685

218,186

673,602

3,918,941

4,052,035

Note: 

During the year ended 31 December 2010, the Group discontinued the consumer electronics and metals operations.

During the years ended 31 December 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 the Group discontinued the metals operations.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
116

EPI (Holdings) Limited  •  Annual Report 2014

CORPORATE
INFORMATION

NON-EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN

AUDIT COMMITTEE

Mr. Ho King Fung, Eric

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

Mr. Tse Kwok Fai, Sammy (Chief Executive Officer)
Mr. Chan Chi Hung, Anthony

Mr. Teoh Chun Ming (Chairman)

(appointed on 10 January 2014)

Mr. Qian Zhi Hui
Mr. Zhu Tiansheng
Mr. Lam Ting Lok (resigned on 10 January 2014)

INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE

Mr. Qian Zhi Hui
Mr. Teoh Chun Ming
Mr. Zhu Tiansheng

COMPANY SECRETARY

Mr. Tsang Wing Hung

PRINCIPAL SHARE REGISTRAR

Butterfield Fulcrum Group (Bermuda) Limited
26 Burnaby Street
Hamilton HM11
Bermuda

BRANCH SHARE REGISTRAR

Tricor Tengis Limited
Level 22, Hopewell Centre
183 Queen’s Road East
Hong Kong

REGISTERED OFFICE

Clarendon House
2 Church Street
Hamilton HM 11
Bermuda

Mr. Qian Zhi Hui (Chairman)
Mr. Ho King Fung, Eric (appointed on 31 March 2014)
Mr. Tse Kwok Fai, Sammy
Mr. Zhu Tiansheng

NOMINATION COMMITTEE

Mr. Qian Zhi Hui (Chairman)
Mr. Ho King Fung, Eric (appointed on 31 March 2014)
Mr. Tse Kwok Fai, Sammy
Mr. Zhu Tiansheng

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

Mr. Ho King Fung, Eric (Chairman)
(appointed on 31 March 2014)

Mr. Chan Chi Hung, Anthony

(appointed on 31 March 2014)

SOLICITORS

ReedSmith Richards Butler
Vincent T.K. Cheung, Yap & Co.

AUDITOR

PricewaterhouseCoopers

SHARE INFORMATION

PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS IN HONG KONG

Place of listing: Main Board of The Stock Exchange

Room 1108–09, 11/F
Harbour Centre
25 Harbour Road
Wanchai, Hong Kong
Phone: (852) 2616 3689
Fax: (852) 2481 2902

  of Hong Kong Limited

Stock Code: 0689
Board lot: 10,000 shares
Financial year end: 31 December
Number  of  Shares  at  31  December  2014:  4,852,357,588 
Closing price per Share as at 31 December 2014: HK$0.156 
Market capitalization at 31 December 2014: HK$756.97 million

WEBSITE ADDRESS

www.epiholdings.com

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock Code : 0689

A Hong Kong Listed Company (Stock Code : 0689)
(Incorporated in Bermuda with limited liability)

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