Quarterlytics / Real Estate / Real Estate - Services / Hysan Development Co Ltd / FY2009 Annual Report

Hysan Development Co Ltd
Annual Report 2009

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FY2009 Annual Report · Hysan Development Co Ltd
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With a solid foundation, 

Hysan has mapped out 

a clear strategic focus for  

building today while creating

a platform for tomorrow.

Annual Report 2009

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Hysan Development Company Limited
49/F The Lee Gardens
33 Hysan Avenue, Hong Kong
T 852 2895 5777   F 852 2577 5153
www.hysan.com.hk

STOCK CODE 00014

Hennessy Centre redevelopment

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
To provide a clear picture of Hysan in 2009, 
this Annual Report begins with an Overview on the 
key elements of our solid foundation built over many 
years, as well as our strategic focus in business. 
The Strategy in Action section details the drivers 
behind our performance, including our strategies 
in operations, financial and risk management. 
Underpinning all these are our people and teamwork. 
In the following Governance section, we explain how 
our long-established corporate governance culture 
helped us in meeting the challenges in 2009. All the 
information contained in this report illustrates how 
the actions Hysan undertakes today can also help 
deliver growth and value for our shareholders and 
other stakeholders tomorrow.

1. OVERVIEW

2. STRATEGY IN ACTION

06  Peter T.C. Lee Leaves 
a Lasting Legacy

07  Hysan Today
07  Mission
07  Responsible Business as 

  the Guiding Principle

08  Corporate Values
09  Competitive Advantages
10  Strategic Focus
11  Value Creation

12  Year 2009 in Review
14  Chairman’s Statement

18  Market Overview
20 
24  Management’s Discussion and Analysis

Investment Properties Portfolio

24  Operations Review
27  Financial Review
34  Financial Policy
Internal Controls and Risk Management

39 
42  Human Resources

THE 
ESSENTIAL 
READ

Year 2009 in Review
Pages 12 - 13
The Group’s performance 
at a glance.

Chairman’s Statement
Pages 14 - 15
Sir David Akers-Jones on 
how the Group overcame 
the challenges of 2009.

Operations and 
Financial Reviews
Pages 24 - 33
Detailed information on 
the underlying operating 
strategies of the Offi ce, 
Retail and Residential 
sectors and the Group’s 
fi nancial results.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3. GOVERNANCE

46  Board of Directors 

and Senior Management 
50  Corporate Governance Report
65  Directors’ Report
71  Directors’ Remuneration 
and Interests Report
79  Audit Committee Report

4. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS   
  AND VALUATION

82  Directors’ Responsibilities 

for the Financial Statements
Independent Auditor’s Report

83 
84  Financial Statements
151  Five-Year Financial Summary
153  Report of the Valuer
154  Schedule of Principal Properties
156  Shareholding Analysis

Financial Policy
Pages 34 - 38
An in-depth look at the 
Group’s policy of fi nancial 
prudence.

Internal Controls and 
Risk Management
Pages 39 - 41
An overview of how the 
Group manages risks 
to achieve business 
objectives.

Human Resources
Pages 42 - 43
A review of how the Group’s 
core values help to build 
strong teamwork.

Corporate 
Governance Report
Pages 50 - 64
A detailed account of how 
our governance culture and 
systems fared in the face 
of the challenges of 2009.

 
 
 
“Overview” starts with Hysan’s tribute to the 
Group’s past Chairman, whose leadership helped 
establish and ground our mission and core values, 
as well as strategic focus. Also in this section, 
the Chairman’s Statement explains how Hysan 
met and overcame the challenges of 2009 to move 
forward in strides.

1

OVERVIEW

06  Peter T.C. Lee Leaves a Lasting Legacy
07  Hysan Today
07  Mission
07  Responsible Business as 
the Guiding Principle

08  Corporate Values
09  Competitive Advantages
10  Strategic Focus
11  Value Creation
12  Year 2009 in Review
14  Chairman’s Statement

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Peter T.C. Lee Leaves a Lasting Legacy

Peter T.C. Lee, Chairman and Acting Chief 
Executive Offi cer, passed away unexpectedly on 
17 October 2009. Peter joined the Group as Board 
Director in 1988. He became Managing Director in 
1999 and Chairman in 2001. He led the Company 
to be both a successful and responsible business, 
paying attention to the results as well as how they 
were achieved. This is now Hysan’s entrenched 
Guiding Principle in business.

Peter contributed to transforming Causeway Bay as well as Hysan. Our latest 
Hennessy Centre redevelopment project is the fi rst Hong Kong candidate to 
have been pre-certifi ed at Platinum level for the United States Green Building 
Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

“We believe our initiative will enhance asset value by creating a better working 
and shopping environment for tenants and visitors alike,” remarked Peter. 
“Hysan and Causeway Bay’s histories and growth are very much entwined. 
We hope this project will not only be the pride of Hysan, but also bring benefi t 
to Causeway Bay and Hong Kong.”

Peter’s legacy lies also in his relentless support and guidance in the 
development of Hysan’s corporate governance culture.

“We always believe that good governance is the only way to achieve sustainable, 
long-term growth,” commented Peter in 2008, on Hysan taking the top honour 
in one of Hong Kong’s most prestigious corporate governance awards.

The principle of being a successful and responsible business is also a perfect 
refl ection of Peter’s own personal attributes – Peter was a man of the highest 
integrity, ethics, and sense of duty. Those who were privileged to work with 
Peter know that his genuine respect for others and his passion for doing his 
best are truly inspirational. While we mourn his loss, we are all better people 
for having known him and shall strive to take Hysan to the next level the way 
Peter always intended.

6 

Hysan Annual Report 2009

HYSAN TODAY

Mission
To build, own and manage quality buildings, 
and being the occupiers’ partner of choice in 
the provision of real estate accommodation 
and services, thereby delivering attractive and 
sustainable returns to our shareholders. 

Responsible Business as 
the Guiding Principle
Hysan aims to be a successful as well as 
responsible business. We pay attention not only 
to the results achieved, but also to how we deliver 
the same. The principle of being a responsible 
business is at the heart of our Company.

Hysan Annual Report 2009 

7

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H YSA N TODAY

Corporate Values
We foster the highest business ethics and 
accountability. At Hysan, we take pride in our 
work, acknowledge responsibility for our actions 
and endeavour to complete our tasks in the 
right way.

Our thought leadership applies to all strategic 
and operational issues in the quest to create 
innovative solutions through collective insight. 
We aim to take a market leadership position 
in whatever we do.

Hysan maintains long-term and mutually 
benefi cial partnerships with our shareholders, 
clients, business partners, employees and the 
community. 

We take responsibility by giving back to the 
community. This is achieved through everyday 
business operations as well as active participation 
in community activities. 

8 

Hysan Annual Report 2009

Competitive Advantages
Largest Commercial Landlord
in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong’s prime offi ce and retail district

Balanced Portfolio 
of superior investment properties

Quality Client Base 
with prominent multinational and strong local tenants

Sustainable Income
with high occupancy consistently achieved

Established Asset Enhancement Programme
with track record of adding value

Exceptional Services
for our commercial and residential customers

Strong Financial Position
with debts of long maturity and diversifi ed funding sources

Financial Prudence
to keep risk and return in balance

Effective Corporate Governance
with widespread industry recognition achieved

Hysan Annual Report 2009 

9

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H YSA N TODAY

Strategic Focus
In the course of conducting our business during the year, 
we have adhered to the following: 

1.  Established asset 

enhancement programme

2.  Maximising our Causeway Bay 

locational advantages 
including further growing 
the retail sector

3.  Anticipating and meeting 
customer needs as well as 
continuous enhancement 
of operational quality 
and effi ciency

4.  Enhancing corporate governance

5.  Strengthening corporate 

responsibility

10  Hysan Annual Report 2009

• Hennessy Centre redevelopment

• Various renovation and/or building 
upgrades including planning for 
rejuvenation of Leighton Centre in 2010

• Avid marketing to attract locals and 

visiting Mainland Chinese shoppers to 
our retail centres

• Further enhancing tenant mix in 
our retail hubs targeting different 
customer groups

• Our Grade “A” offi ces, which offer prestige 

as well as convenience, successfully 
attracted new major tenants from other 
districts

• Strengthening the presence of semi-retail 
tenants for the rest of our offi ce portfolio, 
who require considerable personal 
interface with customers and value the 
locational advantages

• Creating best expatriate-orientated living 

environment for residential portfolio 
tenants

• Enhancing property services standards 

generally

• Maximising operating effi ciency including 
energy savings through hardware as well 
as operational improvements, without 
compromising service standard

• Maintaining highest standards; industry 
recognitions include 2009 Best Corporate 
Governance Disclosure Gold Award from 
the Hong Kong Institute of Certifi ed 
Public Accountants

• Aiming to be successful and responsible 

through daily operations and community 
involvement; recognised as a constituent 
member of FTSE4Good, a renowned 
international index for social investment

Value Creation

Recurring Underlying Profit
HK$ million

Adjusted Shareholders’ Funds
HK$ million

0
1
1
,
1

6
6
0
,
1

0
5
9

5
5
7

1
4
6

1,200

960

720

480

240

0

40,000

32,000

24,000

16,000

8,000

0

2
7
0
,
5
3

0
6
6
,
4
3

7
5
0
,
7
3

9
2
7
,
0
3

4
3
1
,
7
2

05

06

07

08

09

05

06

07

08

09

Recurring Underlying Earnings per Share
HK cents

Dividends per Share
HK cents

.

7
5
2
0
1

.

9
0
6
0
1

2
3
0
9

.

0
6
1
7

.

4
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0
6

.

120

96

72

48

24

0

80

64

48

32

16

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.

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0
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.

05

06

07

08

09

05

06

07

08

09

Hysan Annual Report 2009  11

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YEAR 2009 IN REVIEW

Overview of the Group’s Financial Performance

TURNOVER 

Offi ce sector 
Retail sector 
Residential sector 

2009 
HK$ million 

2008 
HK$ million 

CHANGE 
HK$ million 

CHANGE
%

747 
648 
285 

7201 
6261 
292 

1,680 

1,638 

27 
22 
(7) 

42 

+3.8
+3.5
-2.4

+2.6

• Group turnover rose by 2.6%
• Retail sector remained virtually fully let at 99%
• Office and Residential sectors’ occupancy are 89% (91% on committed basis) and 92% respectively

PROFIT INDICATORS 

Recurring Underlying Profi t 
Underlying Profi t 
Statutory Profi t 

2009 
HK$ million 

2008 
HK$ million 

CHANGE 
HK$ million 

1,110 
1,113 
2,716 

1,066 
1,201 
1,594 

44 
(88) 
1,122 

CHANGE
%

+4.1
-7.3
+70.4

• Recurring Underlying Profit increased, reflecting improvements in gross profit generated from our core leasing activities
• Underlying Profit change reflected smaller financial investment returns during the year
• Statutory Profit increased due to higher valuation of the Group’s investment properties

Recurring Underlying Profi t
This is a performance indicator of the Group’s core property investment business. It is arrived at by excluding from Underlying 
Profi t gains/losses from disposal of assets, impairment, reversal, recovery and tax provisions for prior year(s). 

Underlying Profi t
This is arrived at by excluding from Statutory Profi t unrealised fair value changes on investment properties and related 
deferred tax. As a property investor, the Group’s results are principally derived from the rental revenues on its investment 
properties. The inclusion of the unrealised fair value change on investment properties in the consolidated income statement 
causes an increase in fl uctuation in earnings and poses limitation on the use of the unadjusted earning fi gures, fi nancial 
ratios, trends and comparison against prior period(s). Besides, deferred tax on such fair value changes has to be provided 
for despite the fact that no capital gain tax liability will arise in Hong Kong on disposal of the Group’s investment properties. 
Accordingly, both of these two items are excluded in arriving at the Underlying Profi t.

Statutory Profi t
This is the profi t attributable to owners of the Company. It is prepared in accordance with Hong Kong Financial Reporting 
Standards issued by Hong Kong Institute of Certifi ed Public Accountants and the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance.

ASSET VALUE INDICATORS 

Total assets 
Shareholders’ funds 
Adjusted Shareholders’ Funds 

2009 
HK$ million 

2008 
HK$ million 

CHANGE 
HK$ million 

43,848 
33,668 
37,057 

41,536 
31,469 
34,660 

2,312 
2,199 
2,397 

CHANGE
%

+5.6
+7.0
+6.9

• Shareholders’ funds mainly attributable to the increase in valuation of the Group’s investment properties and the 

profits from our core leasing activities

Adjusted Shareholders’ Funds
This is arrived at by adding back the Group’s share of cumulative deferred tax on property revaluation to shareholders’ funds 
fi gure. Deferred tax on property revaluation has to be provided for despite the fact that no capital gains tax liability will arise 
in Hong Kong on disposal of properties.

1  Prior year fi gure has been reclassifi ed to conform to current year presentation.

12  Hysan Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
Key Financial Data

PER SHARE DATA 

Earnings per share, based on:
  Recurring Underlying Profi t 
    Basic (HK cents) 
    Diluted (HK cents) 
  Underlying Profi t 
    Basic (HK cents) 
    Diluted (HK cents) 
  Statutory Profi t 
    Basic (HK cents) 
    Diluted (HK cents) 
Shareholders’ returns:
  Dividends per share (HK cents) 
  Shareholders’ return per share (HK$) 
  Total shareholders’ returns per share (HK$) 
Assets value:
  Net assets value per share (HK$) 
  Adjusted net assets value per share (HK$) 
  Net debt per share (HK$) 

FINANCIAL DATA 

Average fi nance costs 
Net debt to equity 
Net interest coverage (times) 
Floating rate debt (% on total debt) 
Average debt maturity 
Bank facilities: Capital market issuance 

Non-fi nancial Performance
GOVERNANCE

2009 

2008 

CHANGE
%

106.09 
106.05 

106.38 
106.34 

259.60 
259.50 

68.00 
10.21 
2.66 

32.05 
35.27 
1.82 

102.57 
102.56 

115.56 
115.55 

153.37 
153.36 

68.00 
(9.11) 
0.10 

30.23 
33.29 
1.96 

2009 

2008 

3.1% 
5.1% 
11.7x 
64.9% 
3.4 years 

4.4% 
5.9% 
10.2x 
59.5% 
3.9 years 
37.2% : 62.8%  24.9% : 75.1% 

+3.4
+3.4

-7.9
- 8.0

+69.3
+69.2

–
n/m
n/m

+6.0
+5.9
-7.1

CHANGE

-1.3pp
-0.8pp
+1.5x
+5.4pp
n/a
n/a

• Recognitions by industry for excellence in corporate governance including the Gold Award (Non-Hang Seng Index 
Large Market Capitalisation Category) in the Hong Kong Institute of Certifi ed Public Accountants’ Best Corporate 
Governance Disclosure Awards 2009 

• Top 5 Best Corporate Governance Practices in Asia Pacifi c Award for 2009: IR Global Rankings

ENVIRONMENT

• Hennessy Centre redevelopment is the fi rst Hong Kong building pre-certifi ed at the highest Platinum level for the 
United States Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standard (LEED Platinum)
• The project is also pre-certifi ed at the top level in Hong Kong’s Building Environmental Assessment Method (BEAM)

COMMUNITY

• A constituent member of the FTSE4Good Global Index, one of the best known indices to track responsible business 

practices around the world

n/a  – not applicable
n/m – not meaningful
pp  – percentage point

Hysan Annual Report 2009  13

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CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

Overview
Year 2009 began with the Hong Kong economy being adversely impacted by the global economic 
crisis. Signs of stabilisation began to emerge in the second quarter, leading to further improvement 
in the second half of the year. The recovery in the local fi nancial and property sales markets from the 
second quarter onwards also contributed to the improvement of sentiment.

Performance
Against this background, Hysan maintained revenue growth in its core property investment activities. 
The Group’s 2009 turnover was HK$1,680 million, an increase of 2.6% from HK$1,638 million in 
2008. The Offi ce and Retail sectors showed turnover growth of 3.8% and 3.5% respectively, while 
the Residential sector recorded a slight decline of 2.4%. The Retail sector remained virtually fully let, 
while the Offi ce and Residential sectors maintained over 90% occupancy on a committed basis.

Recurring Underlying Profi t, the key measurement of our core business performance, was HK$1,110 
million, up 4.1% from HK$1,066 million in 2008. This principally refl ected the improvement in gross 
profi t generated from our core leasing activities. Earnings per share based on Recurring Underlying 
Profi t correspondingly rose to HK106.09 cents (2008: HK102.57 cents).

Underlying Profi t, which excludes unrealised changes in fair value of investment properties and 
related deferred tax, was HK$1,113 million (2008: HK$1,201 million). This refl ected smaller fi nancial 
investment returns during the year, when compared to 2008.

Statutory Profi t increased to HK$2,716 million (2008: HK$1,594 million), mainly due to higher 
valuation of the Group’s investment properties.

The external valuation of the Group’s investment property portfolio increased to HK$37,363 million, 
an increase of 4.2% from HK$35,850 million in 2008. Adjusted shareholders’ funds rose by 6.9% to 
HK$37,057 million (2008: HK$34,660 million).

Our fi nancial position remains strong, with improved net interest coverage (2009: 11.7 times; 
2008: 10.2 times) and net debt to equity ratio (2009: 5.1%; 2008: 5.9%), highlighting the Group’s 
fi nancial strength.

14  Hysan Annual Report 2009

The Board of Directors (the “Board”) recommends the payment of a fi nal dividend of HK54.0 cents 
per share (2008: HK54.0 cents). Together with the interim dividend of HK14.0 cents per share 
(2008: HK14.0 cents), there is an aggregate distribution of HK68.0 cents per share, which is the 
same as the year before. Subject to shareholder approval, the fi nal dividend will be payable in cash 
with a scrip dividend alternative.

Moving Forward on a Solid Foundation
Year 2009 was a challenging one for the Group. Like others, we were impacted by the wider economic 
conditions, which saw a signifi cant downturn at the beginning of the year. We also experienced the 
unexpected passing of our Chairman and Acting Chief Executive Offi cer, Peter T.C. LEE in October 
2009. During his eight-year tenure as Chairman, Peter laid a solid foundation for the Group. He 
further consolidated our position as a leading property investment company. He also guided the 
Group to maintain the highest standards of corporate governance, including the commitment to apply 
the principle of meritocracy and professional management. Peter will be greatly missed by us all.

Based on the foundation Peter built, Hysan is moving forward. I am honoured to become the Group’s 
Independent non-executive Chairman. I also welcome new non-executive Directors Nicholas C. ALLEN, 
Philip Y.H. FAN, Joseph C.Y. POON, and Michael T.H. LEE. They will bring their professional expertise 
and experience from diverse backgrounds to further strengthen the Board.

I look forward to leading the Board in raising the Group’s existing high quality properties and 
services to the next level. The Hennessy Centre redevelopment is on schedule for completion at 
the end of 2011. As Hysan’s future northern gateway, it will further enhance our Causeway Bay hub. 
Its sustainability features will also highlight our commitment towards the environment and 
the community.

I am delighted to announce the appointment of Gerry L.F. YIM, Executive Director, as our new Chief 
Executive Offi cer. Gerry has brought great experience of general management, as well as that of the 
banking and fi nance sector from his previous positions in major companies. His background very 
much complements and strengthens that of our management team.

I would also like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to our dedicated staff 
members. They have worked as a team, and collectively they have taken on the external and internal 
challenges. I would like to thank Tom BEHRENS-SORENSEN and Ricky T.F. TSANG, who resigned as 
Independent non-executive Director and Executive Director, Finance respectively during the year, for 
their contributions.

Outlook
While Grade “A” offi ce rentals began to stabilise, competition remains keen. Hysan has strengthened 
its occupancy and our performance is expected to remain stable for the rest of the year. At the same 
time, we shall continue to enhance our portfolio to maximise Causeway Bay’s locational advantages 
as a prime retail hub as well as offi ce community.

David AKERS-JONES
Independent non-executive Chairman

Hong Kong, 10 March 2010

Hysan Annual Report 2009  15

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“Strategy in Action” comprises a market overview 
of Hong Kong’s property leasing business; 
a comprehensive description of our portfolio 
including a preview of our forthcoming Hennessy 
Centre redevelopment project; and a detailed 
account on how we operated in 2009 in terms of 
the management of our operations, fi nances, risks 
and people. 

2
STRATEGY IN 
ACTION 

18  Market Overview
20  Investment Properties Portfolio
24  Management’s Discussion and Analysis

24  Operations Review
27  Financial Review
34  Financial Policy

39  Internal Controls and Risk Management
42  Human Resources

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MARKET OVERVIEW

This market report is to give a general background rather than Group-specifi c information. Views expressed shall not be regarded 
as providing any advice or recommendation for whatever purpose. For the Group’s performance – see “Management’s Discussion 
and Analysis” section.

Hong Kong Economy
The global fi nancial crisis negatively impacted upon Hong Kong’s economy in early 2009 and led to 
a contraction of the GDP (-5.7%) in the fi rst half of the year. As coordinated policy measures taken 
by governments around the world brought stability to the global fi nancial markets, the local economy 
improved in the second half of the year. Local employment fi gures improved with the unemployment 
rate fell to below 5% in December 2009. Although there was considerable liquidity in the economy 
and interest rates remained at a historical low, infl ation was contained and the infl ation rate stood at 
1.3% in December 2009.

Gross Domestic Product Year-on-Year Growth 
Gross Domestic Product Year-on-Year Growth 
(%)
(%)
14

0
.
2
1

7
7

.

9
7

.

6
6

.

12

10

8

6

4

2

0

-2

-4

-6

-8

1
1 8

.

.

2 7
6

.

0
9

.

9
6

.

1
6

.

4
6

.

7
6

.

6
5

.

.

8
1 6
6

.

9
6

.

0
7

.

0
4

.

1

.

1

6
2

.

7
2

.

-

5
7

.

-

7
3

.

-

2
2

.

-

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

04

05

06

07

08

09

Source: Census and Statistics Department (data as of March 2010)
Source: Census and Statistics Department (data as of March 2010)

Offi ce
Grade “A” offi ce in core districts faced challenges from both the supply and demand perspectives 
during the year. Although no new Grade “A” offi ce project was completed in core districts, supply in 
decentralised areas such as Kowloon West and Kowloon East increased by more than 1.5 million 
square feet.

The global fi nancial crisis led to weakened demand. Leasing activities were principally cost-driven 
relocations, resulting in negative net take-up of Grade “A” offi ce in core districts. Causeway Bay/
Wanchai recorded negative net take-up of around 422,000 square feet in the fi rst three quarters. 
Leasing activities, however, picked up during the fourth quarter of 2009, with Causeway Bay/Wanchai 
recording a positive net take-up.

In regard to the rental of Grade “A” offi ce space, the fi rst three quarters of 2009 saw a cumulative 
decline of 30.9%, but rents recovered slightly in the fourth quarter, increasing by 1.8%.

18  Hysan Annual Report 2009

Grade “A” Offi ce completion – core area* 
Grade “A” Offi ce completion – non-core area* 
Change in Overall Grade “A” Offi ce rent 
Change in Causeway Bay/Wanchai Grade “A” Offi ce rents 

* square feet net
Source: Jones Lang LaSalle (data as of March 2010)

2009 

2008

– 
1,563,650 
-29.6% 
-29.6% 

164,420
3,516,012
+7.4%
+13.5%

Retail
Overall annual retail sales for 2009 remained largely stable, with 0.6% growth as compared to the 
previous year. During the fi rst three quarters of 2009, retail sales actually fell by 4.0% year-on-year in 
value, but reverted to positive territory for the fourth quarter, leading to overall annual growth.

In the tourism market, 2009 overall arrivals also saw a slight increase as compared to 2008. 
An early negative trend stemming from the global fi nancial crisis and the outbreak of human swine 
infl uenza was reversed in the third quarter and remained positive in the fourth quarter. Visitors from 
Mainland China, in particular, contributed to the overall gain in arrivals in 2009. This group of visitors 
accounted for 60% of the total arrivals in 2009.

For the year as a whole, rents for prime street shops fell by 4.0%, while premium prime shopping 
centres rents remained unchanged.

Retail sales by value 
Total visitor arrivals 
Mainland visitor arrivals 
Change in prime street shop rents 
Change in premium prime shopping centre rents 

2009 

+0.6% 
+0.3% 
+6.5% 
-4.0% 
– 

2008

+10.6%
+4.7%
+8.9%
+4.1%
-0.3%

Source: Jones Lang LaSalle, Census and Statistics Department and Hong Kong Tourism Board (data as of March 2010)

Luxury Residential
Demand was weak for luxury residential properties from expatriates, especially from the fi nancial 
sector, in the fi rst quarter of 2009, in a period when multinational corporations reduced their 
headcounts. However, many major businesses have since resumed hiring and the level of rental 
activities have signifi cantly improved since the second quarter of 2009. 

A buoyant sales market in recent months also contributed to less supply in the rental market, thus 
helping to further improve rents. After decreasing by 9.6% during the fi rst half, overall luxury rents 
increased 4.3% for the rest of 2009. Overall, luxury rentals decreased by 5.6% in 2009.

Change in luxury residential rents 

Source: Jones Lang LaSalle (data as of March 2010)

2009 

-5.6% 

2008

-10.2%

Hysan Annual Report 2009  19

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INVESTMENT PROPERTIES PORTFOLIO

Hysan’s premium office and retail 
portfolios leverage Causeway Bay’s 
unique locational advantages to provide 
maximum convenience and benefit to 
tenants, their customers and other users.

Our semi-retail offi ce hub (principally comprising Leighton 
Centre and One Hysan Avenue) is valued by tenants who 
require personal interface with customers and appreciate 
Causeway Bay’s central location. On the retail side, Lee 
Theatre Plaza is renowned for lifestyle shops and dining 
options, while Leighton Centre’s retail podium will be 
rejuvenated.

Our Grade “A” offi ce hub (principally comprising 
The Lee Gardens, Lee Gardens Two, Sunning Plaza 
and AIA Plaza) provides premium facilities with 
unparalleled convenience and prestige for tenants 
and their clients. Its corresponding Lee Gardens 
retail hub is home to international brands which 
are synonymous with sophistication and luxury.

4. AIA PLAZA

18 Hysan Avenue, Causeway Bay
AIA Plaza is a 25-level offi ce and 
retail complex at the corner of 
Hysan Avenue. The building boasts a 
bright and spacious lobby.

| Approx. Gross Floor Area 132,000 ft2* | Number of Floors 25 | 
| Completed 1989 | Renovated 2009 |

1.

THE LEE GARDENS
33 Hysan Avenue, Causeway Bay
The Lee Gardens is the Group’s 
fl agship property comprising an 
offi ce tower and a high-end shopping 
centre. The development, close to the 
MTR Causeway Bay station, enjoys 
spectacular views of the Harbour 
and Happy Valley and is home to 
many international corporations, 
luxury fashion brands and renowned 
restaurants.

| Approx. Gross Floor Area 903,000 ft2 | Number of Floors 53 | 
| Parking Spaces 200 | Completed 1997 |

2. LEE GARDENS TWO

5. 111 LEIGHTON ROAD

28 Yun Ping Road, Causeway Bay
Lee Gardens Two is an offi ce 
and retail complex. The complex 
is conveniently linked to the 
neighbouring The Lee Gardens 
and is home to many international 
corporations, luxury fashion brands, 
renowned restaurants and a 
children’s concept fl oor.

111 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay
Located in a pleasant and quieter 
area in the heart of Causeway Bay, 
111 Leighton Road is an ideal offi ce 
location offering convenience as well 
as privacy. The retail shops include 
some trend-setting stores.

| Approx. Gross Floor Area 627,000 ft2 | Number of Floors 34 | 
| Parking Spaces 176 | Completed 1992 | 
| Renovation of retail podium 2003 |

| Approx. Gross Floor Area 80,000 ft2 | Number of Floors 24 | 
| Completed 1988 | Renovated 2004 | 

3. SUNNING PLAZA

6. LEE THEATRE PLAZA

10 Hysan Avenue, Causeway Bay
Designed by the renowned architect 
I.M. Pei, Sunning Plaza greets tenants 
and visitors with a spacious entrance 
and lift lobby. Among its retail tenants 
are popular food and beverage 
outlets, which have established the 
plaza as a hub for relaxation and 
social recreation.

99 Percival Street, Causeway Bay
Like its predecessor, Lee Theatre, 
the Lee Theatre Plaza is a Hong Kong 
landmark, being one of the city’s 
best known shopping and dining 
complexes, housing many of the 
world’s most famous lifestyle brands 
and restaurants.

| Approx. Gross Floor Area 277,000 ft2 | Number of Floors 30 | 
| Parking Spaces 150 (jointly owned with Sunning Court) | 
| Completed 1982 |

| Approx. Gross Floor Area 317,000 ft2 | Number of Floors 26 | 
| Completed 1994 |

20  Hysan Annual Report 2009

SOGO
HENNESSY ROAD

10

9

YEE WO STREET

CROSS HARBOUR
TUNNEL
J

A

R

D

I

N

E’S B

MID-LEVELS

E’S C

R

J

A

R

D

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A

Z

A

A

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CENTRAL

TIMES
SQUARE

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G R

O

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D

2

1

H Y S A N   A V E N U E

3

4

N

NORTH
POINT

D

A

O

N R

H T O

L E I G

D

A

O

7

O

T

N   R

H

G

I

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L

7.

LEIGHTON CENTRE
77 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay
This offi ce and retail complex 
enjoys close proximity to all forms 
of public transport. Its central 
location in the Causeway Bay area 
makes it a much sought-after 
address.

| Approx. Gross Floor Area 428,000 ft2* | Number of Floors 28 | 
| Parking Spaces 264 | Completed 1977 | Planned renovation 2010 |

8.

ONE HYSAN AVENUE
1 Hysan Avenue, Causeway Bay
Located at the junction of three 
busy streets in the heart of 
Causeway Bay, this offi ce and 
retail complex enjoys a prime 
location with a variety of retail 
facilities in the surrounding area.

| Approx. Gross Floor Area 169,000 ft2 | Number of Floors 26 | 
| Completed 1976 | Renovated 2002 |

9.

HENNESSY CENTRE 
REDEVELOPMENT 
500 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay
Hysan’s future northern gateway 
under construction. 

L

EIG

H

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O

N R

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5

11

ABERDEEN 
TUNNEL

Not to scale

10.

BAMBOO GROVE
74–86 Kennedy Road, 
Mid-Levels
A luxury residential complex in 
the Mid-Levels, Bamboo Grove 
commands panoramic views of 
the harbour and the greenery of 
the Peak, and is well served by 
a multitude of public transport. 
In addition to superb property 
management services and full 
club-house and sports facilities, 
tenants also enjoy personalised 
resident services that help 
ensure a comfortable stay.

| Approx. Gross Floor Area 691,000 ft2 | Number of Units 345 | 
| Parking Spaces 436 | Completed 1985 | Renovated 2002 |

11.

SUNNING COURT
8 Hoi Ping Road, Causeway Bay
The Sunning Court is a unique 
residential tower in the dynamic 
Causeway Bay area. Located in a 
pleasant environment with tree-
lined streets, and within easy 
reach of all forms of relaxation 
and entertainment in the 
surrounding district, the building 
provides maximum comfort for 
its tenants.

| Approx. Gross Floor Area 98,000 ft2 | Number of Units 59 | 
| Parking Spaces 150 (jointly owned with Sunning Plaza) | 
| Completed 1982 | Renovated 2003 |

Artist’s impression

| Estimated Total Gross Floor Area Approx. 710,000 ft2 | 
| Projected Year of Completion 2011 |

Note: The Approximate Gross Floor Areas shown above are 
based on accountable gross fl oor area of the relevant building 
and rounded to the nearest 1,000 ft2. 

* re-calculated in accordance with latest approved building 
plans following material Additions & Alterations works.

Hysan Annual Report 2009  21

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Hennessy 

5 0 0  
H E N N E S S Y  
ROAD

Centre

R EDE VELOPME NT

HENNESSY ROAD

Hennessy 
Centre

Y

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TWO

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THEATRE
PLAZA

THE LEE
GARDENS

The building will be the 
future northern gateway of 
Hysan’s portfolio in the heart of 
Causeway Bay, Hong Kong’s most 
vibrant commercial district. 

Hennessy Centre redevelopment project is at the 
forefront of international environmental standards, 
including pre-certifi cation at Platinum level for the 
United States Green Building Council’s Leadership 
in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), and 
Hong Kong’s Building Environmental Assessment 
Method (BEAM). For more on Hennessy Centre 
redevelopment’s green aspirations, please refer 
to the accompanying Corporate Responsibility 
Report 2009.

710,000

SQUARE FEET OF 
GROSS FLOOR AREA

40

OFFICE AND RETAIL 
MIXED-USE FLOORS 

15+

FLOORS OF RETAIL 
OUTLETS

2011

END OF 2011 PROJECTED 
COMPLETION

Hysan Annual Report 2009  23

 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Operations Review
Turnover
The Group’s turnover was HK$1,680 million in 2009, representing an increase of 2.6% from 
HK$1,638 million in 2008. The Group maintained rental income growth in its commercial properties 
portfolio. There was, however, a small decline in income from the residential sector which typically 
has a two-year lease cycle. There was negative rental reversion on residential renewals and new 
lettings when compared with rental levels secured in the 2007 market boom.

Profi tability
Recurring Underlying Profi t (the key measurement of the Group’s core leasing business), which is 
calculated by excluding from Underlying Profi t gains from disposal of long-term assets and prior 
years’ tax provision, was HK$1,110 million, up 4.1% from HK$1,066 million in 2008. The increase 
principally refl ected the improvement in gross profi t generated from our core leasing activities.

Underlying Profi t, which is calculated by excluding from Statutory Profi t changes in fair value of 
investment properties and the related deferred tax, was HK$1,113 million, decreased by 7.3% 
from HK$1,201 million in 2008. This refl ected smaller fi nancial investment returns recorded during 
the year.

Statutory Profi t, prepared in accordance with Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards, was 
HK$2,716 million (2008: HK$1,594 million) mainly attributable to the higher revaluation of the 
Group’s investment properties. At year end 2009, the independent external valuation of the Group’s 
investment property portfolio was HK$37,363 million (2008: HK$35,850 million).

Key Performance Indicators
While many factors contributed to the results of the Group’s businesses, turnover growth and 
occupancy rate are the key drivers used by the Group’s management for assessment of the 
performance of our core leasing business. In addition, the management uses property expenses 
and such expenses as a percentage on turnover to assess cost effectiveness. The nature of these 
performance indicators, the way they are measured and their signifi cance to the Group are set 
out below.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

PERFORMANCE INDICATOR   HOW IT IS MEASURED

SIGNIFICANCE TO THE GROUP

Turnover Growth

–  Rental revenue in 2009 compared to that 

–  Refl ects the combined effect of changes in 

in 2008

rental rate and occupancy rate

Occupancy Rate

–  Percentage of total area leased to 

–  Rental revenue and management fees are 

tenants over total lettable area of each 
sector

directly proportional to occupancy rate

–  Optimises revenue by balancing occupancy 

rate and rental level

Property Expenses

–  Principally being direct costs associated 

–  Measures the direct costs incurred in 

with daily operations of the Group’s 
property portfolio

–  2009: HK$235 million 
(2008: HK$217 million)

managing the Group’s property portfolio

Property Expenses as a 
Percentage on Turnover

–  Calculated by dividing property expenses 

–  An indication of the gross margin of our 

by turnover

–  2009: 14.0% (2008: 13.2%)

business

24  Hysan Annual Report 2009

Business Units Review
For management purposes, the leasing activity of the Group is organised into three sectors – offi ce, retail 
and residential. Each sector has a different tenant base and requires different marketing strategies. The 
following discusses the performance, challenges and strategies of each sector for 2009.

Turnover by Sector

Gross Floor Area by Sector
(Excluding Property under Redevelopment)

Properties Value by Sector

17%

39%

44%

21%

24%

55%

15%

19%

38%

28%

Office

Retail

Residential

Property under 
Redevelopment

OFFICE SECTOR

Hysan’s offi ce sector recorded growth of 3.8% to HK$747 million (2008: HK$720 million1). While 
positive rental reversion continued to benefi t our properties as a whole, negative rental reversion was 
also experienced in some transactions towards the end of the year.

Market conditions were particularly challenging during the fi rst half of the year, which saw signifi cant 
new supply of Grade “A” offi ce space in decentralised areas coupled with a slow down in the general 
economy. These factors coincided with the renewal of a substantial majority of our expiring leases. 
While the rental levels appeared to be stabilising towards the end of the year, competition remains 
keen. Announced relocations to decentralised locations will also generate additional supply in Central.

We took effective actions to stabilise our occupancy. We fi ne-tuned the market positioning, sales 
channels, as well as transaction processes for our offi ce buildings, seeking to maximise Causeway 
Bay’s locational advantages. The sector’s occupancy rate stood at 89% as at 2009 year end. 
On a committed basis, the occupancy rate was 91%, at the same level as at 30 June 2009 
(31 December 2008: 98%).

Our premium offi ce hub (comprising The Lee Gardens, Lee Gardens Two, Sunning Plaza and AIA 
Plaza) provides top quality facilities with good proximity to other business services and clients, as 
well as an unparalleled range of amenities. We achieved new lettings of around 100,000 square feet 
during the last quarter of 2009.

Over the years, we have also successfully built up a growing presence of semi-retail tenants in other 
parts of our portfolio. These tenants, including health and beauty operations, are businesses that 
require considerable personal interface with customers and value the locational advantages of 
Causeway Bay. This segment has proven to be more resilient during the recent economic downturn 
and has helped stabilise our overall portfolio.

We continued to invest to improve our assets. The renovated offi ce lobby of AIA Plaza was well 
received by the market, and we shall proceed with that of Leighton Centre. We also enhanced our 
property services standards generally and at the same time provided better value for money from our 
service charges.

1  Prior year fi gure has been reclassifi ed to conform to current year presentation.

Hysan Annual Report 2009  25

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M A NAGEMENT ’S DISCUSSION A ND A NA LYSIS

Hysan’s offi ces 
combine quality 
facilities with 
proximity to other 
businesses as well as 
an excellent range 
of amenities.

RETAIL SECTOR

Our retail sector revenue grew 3.5% over last year to HK$648 million (2008: HK$626 million1). Hong 
Kong again saw an increase in Mainland China visitors whose spending helped support the local 
retail market. The Group has long believed that landlords and retailers must work closely together 
as partners, responding to each other’s needs to create solutions that are mutually benefi cial. We 
further stepped up our marketing efforts to support our portfolio’s retail tenants in capturing the 
attention and spending power of Mainland Chinese shoppers.

The occupancy rate of our portfolio continued to increase and was virtually fully-let at 99% at 2009 
year end (31 December 2008: 97%; 30 June 2009: 98%).

Our retail leasing team has been working diligently to create an optimal tenant mix for our retail 
hubs. The Lee Gardens hub (principally comprising The Lee Gardens, Lee Gardens Two, AIA Plaza and 
Sunning Plaza) provides “elegant and luxury” premium retail spaces for high-end brands, which now 
include a Cartier store in AIA Plaza, as well as other prestigious retailers that are popular with tourists 
and locals alike.

Moving forward, in order to maximize the potential of One Hysan Avenue and neighbouring Leighton 
Centre, a new fashion fl agship store is to transform the former, while the latter will be revitalised.

RESIDENTIAL SECTOR

Our residential sector revenue decreased 2.4% over last year to HK$285 million (2008: HK$292 
million), mainly due to negative rental reversion upon the expiration of leases signed in 2007, but 
was partially offset by improving occupancy starting from the second quarter of 2009.

The reduction of demand in the fi rst quarter of 2009, due to expatriate manpower reduction following 
the fi nancial upheavals, was reversed from the second quarter onwards. Both the increased leasing 
activities and the reduction of supply for leasing due to more sales market activities contributed to 
improved market environment.

We successfully strengthened our residential occupancy rate, which rebounded to 92% at 2009 
year end from 85% on 30 June 2009 (2008 year end: 90%). We improved marketing channels to 
expand our target customer reach, and also enhanced our transaction process to take advantage 
of the market momentum. In general, we have striven to provide better services to create the best 
expatriate-orientated living environment for our tenants.

1  Prior year fi gure has been reclassifi ed to conform to current year presentation.

26  Hysan Annual Report 2009

Financial Review

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2009

2009 
HK$ million  

2008 
HK$ million  

CHANGE 
HK$ million 

CHANGE
%

Turnover 
Property expenses 
Investment income 
Other gains and losses 
Administrative expenses 
Finance costs 
Change in fair value of

investment properties 

Share of results of associates 
Taxation 
Minority interests 

Statutory Profi t 

Underlying Profi t 

Recurring Underlying Profi t 

1,680 
(235) 
38 
(3) 
(133) 
(131) 

1,249 
768 
(396) 
(121) 

2,716 

1,113 

1,110 

1,638 
(217) 
63 
146 
(134) 
(155) 

(212) 
590 
(1) 
(124) 

1,594 

1,201 

1,066 

42 
(18) 
(25) 
(149) 
1 
24 

1,461 
178 
(395) 
3 

1,122 

(88) 

44 

+2.6
+8.3
-39.7
n/m
-0.7
-15.5

n/m
+30.2
n/m
-2.4

+70.4

-7.3

+4.1

Turnover
Turnover comprises rental income and management fee income derived from the Group’s investment 
properties portfolio in Hong Kong and was analysed by sectors as follows:

Offi ce sector 
Retail sector 
Residential sector 

2009 
HK$ million  

2008 
HK$ million  

CHANGE 
HK$ million 

CHANGE
%

747 
648 
285 

7201 
6261 
292 

1,680 

1,638 

27 
22 
(7) 

42 

+3.8
+3.5
-2.4

+2.6

The Group maintained rental income growth in its commercial properties portfolio, while it 
experienced a small decline in income from the residential sector. The residential sector typically has 
a two-year lease cycle and there was negative rental reversion on renewals and new lettings during 
the year when compared with rental levels secured in the 2007 market boom. Detailed analysis of 
each segment is covered in “Business Units Review” set out on pages 25 and 26.

Property Expenses
Property expenses are the costs directly associated with the daily operations of our investment 
properties, being primarily related to utilities’ costs, front-line staff wages, repairs and maintenance, 
government rents and rates, as well as agency fees and other revenue generation-related expenses.

The increase in property expenses by HK$18 million or 8.3% to HK$235 million (2008: HK$217 
million) was mainly attributable to higher repair and maintenance costs for building refurbishment to 
enhance the quality of our portfolio as well as higher agency fees for incentivised schemes for agents 
to attract quality tenants.

n/m – not meaningful
1  Prior year fi gure has been reclassifi ed to conform to current year presentation.

Hysan Annual Report 2009  27

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M A NAGEMENT ’S DISCUSSION A ND A NA LYSIS

Investment Income
Investment income of HK$38 million (2008: HK$63 million) mainly comprised dividend and interest 
income. The decrease refl ected a lower interest environment in 2009 and lower dividend income 
derived from the Group’s equity investments.

Other Gains and Losses
There was a net loss of HK$3 million (2008: net gain of HK$146 million). The present small net loss 
arose from mark-to-market movements of fi nancial instruments, which are required to be refl ected 
under the current accounting standards, whereas the 2008 net gain was mainly due to the disposals 
of long-term securities investments.

Administrative Expenses
Administrative expenses were broadly the same, at HK$133 million (2008: HK$134 million).

Finance Costs
In a lower interest rate environment, the Group’s fi nance costs were reduced to HK$131 million 
(2008: HK$155 million). The Group’s average fi nance costs decreased to 3.1% from 4.4% in 2008. 
Further discussion of the Group’s fi nancial policy, including debt and interest rate management, are 
set out in the “Financial Policy” section.

Change in Fair Value of Investment Properties
At 31 December 2009, the Group’s investment properties were valued at HK$37,363 million 
(31 December 2008: HK$35,850 million) by an independent professional valuer, Knight Frank Petty 
Limited. Excluding capital expenditures incurred for the Group’s property portfolio, fair value gain on 
investment properties of HK$1,249 million (2008: fair value loss of HK$212 million) was recognised 
in the consolidated income statement during the year.

Share of Results of Associates
The Group’s share of results of associates improved by 30.2% to HK$768 million (2008: HK$590 
million). This increase was mainly attributable to positive rental growth and the favourable movement 
in fair value of the Shanghai Grand Gateway project, of which the Group owns 24.7%.

Excluding the change in fair value of investment properties and the gain on disposal of certain car 
parks held by the associate, the Group’s share of operating results in the Shanghai Grand Gateway 
project increased by 18.2% to HK$162 million (2008: HK$137 million). All the residential units as 
well as retail and offi ce properties were virtually fully let at year end 2009.

Under Hong Kong Accounting Standards 40 “Investment Property”, properties at Shanghai Grand 
Gateway have been revalued at fair value by an independent professional valuer. The Group’s share 
of the revaluation gain, net of the corresponding deferred tax thereon, of the associate amounted to 
HK$606 million (2008: HK$412 million).

28  Hysan Annual Report 2009

Taxation
Taxation for the year increased by HK$395 million to HK$396 million (2008: HK$1 million) mainly 
due to the addition in deferred tax provision arising from the revaluation of investment properties.

Causeway Bay’s 
unparalleled 
locational advantages, 
coupled with Hysan’s 
renowned facilities 
and service, ensure 
our hub remains 
a choice destination 
for work and play, 
day or night.

Hysan Annual Report 2009  29

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M A NAGEMENT ’S DISCUSSION A ND A NA LYSIS

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2009

2009 
HK$ million  

2008 
HK$ million  

CHANGE 
HK$ million 

CHANGE
%

Investment properties 
Available-for-sale investments 
Interests in associates 
Held-to-maturity debt securities 
Time deposits, cash and 
  bank balances 
Other assets 

Total assets 

Borrowings 
Taxation
  – current 
  – deferred 
Other liabilities 

Total liabilities 

Net Assets 

Shareholders’ funds 
Minority interests 

Total Equity 

37,363 
1,002 
2,886 
–  

1,984 
613 

35,850 
1,022 
2,340 
700 

1,015 
609 

1,513 
(20) 
546 
(700) 

969 
4 

43,848 

41,536 

2,312 

3,891 

3,751 

 140 

45 
3,881 
1,077 

8,894 

351 
3,648 
1,076 

8,826 

34,954 

32,710 

33,668 
1,286 

31,469 
1,241 

34,954 

32,710 

 (306) 
233 
1 

68 

2,244 

2,199 
45 

2,244 

2,397 

+4.2
-2.0
+23.3
n/a 

+95.5
+0.7

+5.6

+3.7

-87.2
+6.4
+0.1

+0.8

+6.9

+7.0
+3.6

+6.9

+6.9

Adjusted Shareholders’ Funds 

37,057 

34,660 

Investment Properties
The Group’s investment properties were revalued at HK$37,363 million (2008: HK$35,850 million).

Available-for-Sale Investments
Available-for-sale investments principally comprised equity securities listed in Hong Kong. In 2009, 
the Group disposed of certain equity securities at a net gain of HK$3 million. With regard to the 
remaining available-for-sale investments portfolio, the Group will continue to hold them as long-term 
investments. Total return for the year from the remaining securities portfolio including both dividend 
income and capital value growth, was 6.2%. Total fair value of our listed securities portfolio as at 31 
December 2009 was HK$997 million.

Interests in Associates
Interests in associates increased by HK$546 million to HK$2,886 million. This mainly represented 
the Group’s share of operating results, change in fair values of investment properties as well as 
exchange gain on translation for the Shanghai Grand Gateway projects during the year.

Held-to-Maturity Debt Securities, Time Deposits, Cash and Bank Balances
At the end of 2008, the Group placed cash of HK$700 million in short-term government bills 
and notes to preserve the Group’s liquidity during the global fi nancial markets turmoil. In 2009, 
with the stress on the banking industry slowly subsiding, funds were placed as time deposits and 
bank balances in banks with strong credit ratings. This led to the increase in the Group’s time 
deposits, cash and bank balances from HK$1,015 million at year end 2008 to HK$1,984 million 
at year end 2009. Further discussion of the Group’s liquidity management is set out in the 
“Financial Policy” section.

n/a – not applicable

30  Hysan Annual Report 2009

   
   
Borrowings
The carrying amount of the Group’s borrowings was HK$3,891 million at year end 2009 (2008: 
HK$3,751 million). HK$550 million fi ve-year fl oating rate notes matured and HK$70 million bank loan 
were repaid in the year. To maintain our prudent liquidity position and to enjoy the lower interest rate 
environment, a total of HK$799 million was drawn down from both the Medium Term Notes Programme 
and banking facilities during the year. The Group entered into hedging transactions to hedge interest rate 
and foreign exchange exposures, which reduced the average fi nance cost of the Group’s total borrowings.

Taxation
Provision for current tax decreased to HK$45 million at year end 2009 (2008: HK$351 million), which 
was principally due to the settlement of a prior-year tax dispute. As disclosed in the annual reports 
published in previous years, the Group had been in dispute for a considerable period of time with the 
Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department (the “IRD”) on interest deductions made in years of assessment 
dating back to 1995/1996. Taking into consideration professional advice and recent developments, the 
Group entered into a settlement with the IRD. Total claim amount of HK$450 million, which was fully 
provided at 31 December 2008, was settled during the year by cash payment of HK$268 million and tax 
reserve certifi cates of HK$182 million already purchased in prior years.

Provision for deferred tax increased by HK$233 million to HK$3,881 million at year end 2009 
(2008: HK$3,648 million) due to the additional provision for the revaluation gain on the Group’s 
investment properties.

Shareholders’ Funds
Shareholders’ funds increased by 7.0% from HK$31,469 million at year end 2008 to HK$33,668 million 
at year end 2009. This was mainly attributable to the increase in valuation of the Group’s investment 
properties and the profi ts generated from the Group’s core leasing activities. Adjusted shareholders’ 
funds also rose by 6.9% to HK$37,057 million at year end 2009 (2008: HK$34,660 million).

Minority Interests
The increase of HK$45 million in minority interests to HK$1,286 million (2008: HK$1,241 million) was 
attributable to profi t contribution as well as revaluation surplus from Lee Gardens Two.

Stepped-up 
marketing efforts 
and customer 
services entice 
Mainland Chinese 
tourists to our 
retail portfolio.

Hysan Annual Report 2009  31

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M A NAGEMENT ’S DISCUSSION A ND A NA LYSIS

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2009

Operating activities
  Cash generated from operations 
  Net tax paid 

Investing activities
  Payments in respect of 
  investment properties 

  Disposals of available-for-sale

  investments 
(Placement) proceeds upon maturity
  of principal-protected deposits 
Interest and dividends received 
  Receipts from overseas projects 
  Purchase of property, plant and

  equipment 
Increase in time deposits with original
  maturity over three months 

Financing activities 
  Dividends paid 
  Finance costs 
  New borrowings 
  Repayment of borrowings 
  Proceeds on exercise of share options 

2009 
HK$ million  

2008 
HK$ million  

CHANGE 
HK$ million 

CHANGE
%

1,349 
(469) 

1,362 
(183) 

880 

1,179 

(13) 
(286) 

(299) 

-1.0
+156.3

-25.4

(242) 

(345) 

103 

-29.9

44 

272 

(228) 

-83.8

(72) 
35 
221 

(8) 

(1,551) 

(1,573) 

(642) 
(127) 
799 
(620) 
1 

(589) 

(150) 
(25) 
215 

n/m
-41.7
n/m

(3) 

+60.0

78 
60 
6 

(5) 

–  

(1,551) 

66 

(1,639) 

(641) 
(140) 
765 
–  
2 

(14) 

(1) 
13 
34 
(620) 
(1) 

(575) 

n/a

n/m

+0.2
-9.3
+4.4
n/a
-50.0

n/m

Net (decrease) increase in
  cash and cash equivalents 

(1,282) 

1,231 

(2,513) 

n/m

Operating Activities
Cash fl ows from operating activities decreased by HK$299 million as compared with last year, 
mainly due to the settlement of the prior-year tax dispute by cash payment of HK$268 million in the 
current year.

Investing Activities
The Group placed cash as time deposits in banks with strong credit ratings. A majority of these 
time deposits had original maturity periods for over three months but not exceeding one year. These 
investments were counted as the Group’s investing activities in the consolidated statement of cash 
fl ows. As a result, the cash used in investing activities increased considerably by HK$1,639 million 
as compared with last year.

Financing Activities
Cash used in fi nancing activities increased by HK$575 million as compared with last year, mainly 
due to the repayment of a HK$70 million bank loan and HK$550 million fi ve-year fl oating rate notes 
maturing during the year. There were no other material changes in use of cash for the Group’s 
fi nancing activities.

n/a  – not applicable
n/m – not meaningful

32  Hysan Annual Report 2009

   
   
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
       
Strong teamwork 
across-the-board is a 
core contributor to 
the Group’s customer 
focus and continuous 
success.

Beyond Financial Statements
Contingent Liabilities
The Group has underwritten cash calls by its associates to fi nance working capital requirements. 
Based on currently available information, management does not anticipate any major call for cash 
contributions in the foreseeable future.

Capital Expenditure and Management
The Group is committed to enhancing the asset value of its investment property 
portfolio through selective refurbishment, repositioning and redevelopment. 
The Group also has in place a portfolio-wide whole-life cycle maintenance 
programme as part of its ongoing strategy to pro-actively implement preventive 
maintenance activities.

Total cash outlay of capital expenditure (excluding purchase of plant and 
equipment) during the review year was HK$242 million. The graph on the right 
illustrates capital expenditure patterns during the last fi ve years.

The Group has an internal control system for scrutinising capital expenditures. 
Detailed analysis of expected risks and returns is submitted to business unit 
heads, Executive Directors or the Board for consideration and approval, depending 
on strategic importance, cost/benefi t and the size of the projects. The criteria for 
assessment of fi nancial feasibility are generally based on net present value, pay 
back period and internal rate of return from projected cash fl ow.

Capital Expenditure
HK$ million

400

320

240

160

80

0

0
7
3

5
4
3

2
4
2

5
2
1

1
8

05

06

07

08

09

At year end, the Group had HK$2,250 million undrawn committed bank facilities. These facilities, 
together with the Medium Term Notes Programme, available-for-sale investments and positive cash 
fl ows from local and overseas operations, provide adequate fi nancial resources to fund the level of 
planned capital expenditure, including the Hennessy Centre redevelopment project.

Hennessy Centre Redevelopment
The  Hennessy  Centre  (at  500  Hennessy  Road)  redevelopment  project  remains  on  schedule  to  be 
completed at the end of 2011. Substructure and the tower foundation works have been completed. Lifts 
and major building services sub-contracts have been awarded. Basement construction has commenced 
and is expected to be completed by June 2010. The 36-storey mixed–use offi ce and retail building, with 
four additional levels of basement, will have a gross fl oor area of approximately 710,000 square feet. 
This future northern gateway to Hysan’s community in Causeway Bay is the fi rst Hong Kong building 
pre-certifi ed at the highest Platinum level for the United States Green Building Council’s Leadership in 
Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standard. The project is also pre-certifi ed for the top Platinum 
level in Hong Kong’s Building Environmental Assessment Method (BEAM).

Hysan Annual Report 2009  33

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M A NAGEMENT ’S DISCUSSION A ND A NA LYSIS

Financial Policy
Market Highlight
The world economy was at a crossroads in 2009. The unprecedented uncertainty continued to 
undermine the fi nancial markets at the beginning of the year. In the second half of 2009, the global 
economy improved mainly due to massive fi scal stimulus programmes and the relaxed monetary 
policies of various governments which helped to stabilise the global fi nancial and credit markets. 
Under such market condition, the Group will continue to focus on liquidity and interest rate risk 
management in 2010.

Objectives
We adhere to a policy of fi nancial prudence. Our objectives are to: 
•  maintain a strong fi nancial position by actively managing debt level and cash fl ow
•  secure diversifi ed funding sources from both banks and capital markets
•  minimise refi nancing and liquidity risks by attaining healthy debt repayment capacity, diversifi ed 

maturity profi le, and availability of banking facilities with minimum collateral on debt

•  manage the exposures arising from adverse market movements in interest rates and foreign 

exchange through appropriate hedging strategies

•  monitor counter-party risks by imposing proper counter-party limits and reduce fi nancial 

investment risks by holding quality marketable securities

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

PERFORMANCE INDICATOR
PERFORMANCE INDICATOR

HOW IT IS MEASURED
HOW IT IS MEASURED

SIGNIFICANCE TO THE GROUP
SIGNIFICANCE TO THE GROUP

Average Finance Costs

–  Interest expenses divided by average 

–  Our treasury aims to manage and optimise 

gross debt for the year
–  2009: 3.1% (2008: 4.4%)

fi nance costs

–  HIBOR was generally lower in 2009 

compared with 2008

–  The proportion of the borrowings from 

–  As a measure of diversifi cation of funding 

Bank Facilities: 
Capital Market Issuance

banks and from capital market relative to 
the gross debt

–  2009: 37.2% : 62.8% 
(2008: 24.9% : 75.1%)

Average Debt Maturity

–  The weighted average of remaining 

maturity period of the Group’s gross debt

–  2009: 3.4 years (2008: 3.9 years)

sources

–  More bank loans were drawn to replenish 
matured borrowings in the year to achieve 
a more balanced ratio

–  An indicator of the pressure for refi nancing 
or repaying the existing borrowings in the 
near term

–  The average maturity was slightly shortened

Floating Rate Debt 
(% on Total Debt)

–  Debt effectively in fl oating interest rate 

–  A measure to calculate the percentage of 

divided by gross debt

–  2009: 64.9% (2008: 59.5%)

borrowings subject to fl uctuation in market 
interest rates

–  A higher ratio allowed the Group to benefi t 
from the low interest rate environment

34  Hysan Annual Report 2009

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

PERFORMANCE INDICATOR
PERFORMANCE INDICATOR

HOW IT IS MEASURED
HOW IT IS MEASURED

SIGNIFICANCE TO THE GROUP
SIGNIFICANCE TO THE GROUP

Net Interest Coverage

Net Debt to Equity

–  Gross profi t less administrative expenses 
before depreciation divided by net interest 
expenses

–  It represents the Group’s fi nancial strength 

from operating activities to meet its 
interest payment obligations

–  2009: 11.7 times (2008: 10.2 times)

–  Improved ratio refl ects our stable profi t 

against lower interest expenses

–  Borrowings less short-term investments, 
time deposits, cash and bank balances 
divided by adjusted shareholders’ funds

–  A benchmark as to the healthy debt level 
as well as an indicator of the Group’s 
ability to raise further debt

–  2009: 5.1% (2008: 5.9%)

–  The ratio remains low and the Group’s 

ability to raise further debt remains strong

CREDIT RATINGS

Moody’s
Standard and Poor’s

–  2009: Baa1 (2008: Baa1)
–  2009: BBB (2008: BBB)

–  Investment-grade ratings unchanged

Hysan’s Treasury policy manual lays down the acceptable range of operational parameters and gives 
guidance on the above areas in order to achieve the objective of fi nancial prudence.

Treasury has an overall objective of optimisation of borrowing costs and management of associated 
risks: that is to minimise the fi nance costs subject to the constraints of the operational parameters. 
The cost of fi nancing was 3.1% for 2009.

Debt Management
Credit markets in Hong Kong remained tight for the fi rst quarter of 2009. Liquidity 
improved afterwards when the fi nancial markets stabilised and credit spreads 
normalised as banks started to lend to selected companies with strong credits. 
At the same time, capital markets also became more active as the risk appetite 
of investors returned.

As we had completed the majority refi nancing of debts in 2008, we experienced 
little pressure to refi nance during the year. To maintain our prudent liquidity 
position, we concluded a new bilateral bank loan of US$25.6 million and issued 
HK$200 million of notes from the Medium Term Notes Programme during the year.

The graph on the right shows the strong fi nancial strength of the Group in meeting 
the interest payment obligations and to raise further debts if necessary.

The Group always strives to lower the borrowing margin, to diversify the funding 
sources and to maintain a suitable maturity profi le relative to the overall use of 
funds. As at 31 December 2009, the outstanding gross debt of the Group was 
HK$3,889 million, an increase of HK$191 million compared to 2008. All the 
outstanding borrowings are on an unsecured basis.

12.0

9.6

7.2

4.8

2.4

0

Net Interest Coverage and 
Net Debt to Equity at Year End
%

11.7x

%
7
0
1

.

4.6x

10.2x

.

%
9
7
6.9x

7.8x

.

%
8
%6
9
%5
.
1
.
5

05

06

07

08

09

Net Debt to Equity

Net Interest Coverage (times)

Hysan Annual Report 2009  35

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M A NAGEMENT ’S DISCUSSION A ND A NA LYSIS

In order to diversify the funding sources, the Group has established long-term 
relationships with a number of local and overseas banks. Nine local and overseas 
banks have provided bilateral banking facilities to the Group and such bank 
borrowings accounted for about 37.2% of the Group’s outstanding gross debt. 
Notes issued from the Medium Term Notes Programme serve as an important 
source of funding for the Group. The Programme allows the Group to access a 
broad investor base in both the local and international debt capital markets. These 
markets are more fl exible with respect to the longer-tenor debts. As at the end of 
2009, about 62.8% of the Group’s outstanding gross debts were sourced from the 
debt capital markets through the Programme.

The graph on the right shows the percentages of total outstanding gross debts 
sourced from banks and the debt capital markets in the past fi ve years.

The Group also strives to maintain an appropriate maturity profi le. The average 
maturity of the debt portfolio was about 3.4 years. As at 31 December 2009, 
about HK$1,050 million or 27.0% of the outstanding debts will be due in less 
than two years. There will not be signifi cant refi nancing pressure on the Group in 
the near term, especially taking into account the level of cash and the undrawn 
committed facilities available to the Group. Hysan will continue to monitor the 
fi nancial market closely to identify the appropriate time to secure borrowings to 
pre-fi nance maturing debts.

The debt maturity profi le of the Group at 2008 and 2009 year end is shown in the 
graph on the right.

Liquidity Management
The Group always places great emphasis on liquidity management. Benefi ting from 
the strong recurring cash fl ows from its business, the Group was in a favourable 
position to withstand the liquidity crunch in early 2009. In the fi rst half of 2009, 
when counterparty risk mounted as the banking industry experienced stress, the 
Group increased its holding of short-term government bills and notes issued by 
the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and US Treasury to preserve both liquidity 
and security.

As at 31 December 2009, the Group had funds placed as cash and bank deposits 
totalling HK$1,984 million (2008: HK$1,015 million). All the deposits are placed 
with banks with strong credit ratings and the counterparty risk is monitored on 
a regular basis. Additional liquidity reserve is maintained in the form of highly 
liquid securities listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited. The market 
value of these securities amounted to HK$997 million at the end of 2009 (2008: 
HK$982 million).

Further liquidity, if needed, is available from the undrawn committed facilities 
offered by the Group’s relationship banks. These facilities, which amounted to 
HK$2,250 million at 31 December 2009, essentially allow the Group to obtain 
additional liquidity as the needs arise.

Sources of Financing at Year End
HK$ million
5,000

%
0
.
3
5

%
0
.
7
4

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

0

%
8
.
2
6

%
2
.
7
3

%
1
.
5
7

%
3
.
5
7

%
3
.
5
7

%
7
.
4
2

%
7
.
4
2

%
9
.
4
2

05

06

07

08

09

Capital Market Issuances

Bilateral Bank Loans

Debt Maturing Pofile 
at 2008 and 2009 Year End 
HK$ million
4,000

3,889

3,698
808

2,270

70
550

08

3,200

2,400

1,600

800

0

821

2,018

650

400

09

Maturing in not exceeding 
one year
Maturing in more than one year 
but not exceeding two years
Maturing in more than two years 
but not exceeding five years

Maturing in more than five years

36  Hysan Annual Report 2009

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To offer optimal 
services, our 
colleagues collaborate 
to provide solutions.

Interest Rate Management
Interest expenses account for a signifi cant proportion of the 
Group’s total expenses and warrant close monitoring. Appropriate 
hedging strategies are adopted to manage exposure to projected 
movements in interest rate. 

In tandem with the low Fed Fund target rate and ample liquidity 
in the interbank market of Hong Kong, the 3-month Hong Kong 
Inter-bank Offered Rate (“HIBOR”) hovered at a historical low level 
in 2009. As at 31 December 2009, 3-month HIBOR was fi xed at 
0.14%. The benefi t of a low interest rate, however, was partly offset 
by the widened credit spreads in the credit market. 

As at 31 December 2009, about 64.9% of the Group’s debts were 
at fl oating rates that can reap the full benefi t of the lower interest 
rate environment. As a result, the Group’s average cost of fi nancing 
lowered from 4.4% in 2008 to 3.1% in 2009.

The diagram on the right shows the Group’s debt levels and 
average fi nance costs in the past fi ve years.

Debt Levels and Average Finance Costs
HK$ million

6,000

4,800

3,600

2,400

1,200

0

5.6%

4.9%

5
7
3
4

,

3.6%

3
7
9
2

,

9
0
9
2

,

1
2
9
2

,

7
3
4
,
2

4
2
5
2

,

6.0%

4.8%

3.6%

3.1%

4.4%

8
9
6
3

,

9
8
8
3

,

3
8
9
,
1

5
0
9
,
1

2.4%

1.2%

0.0%

05

06

07

08

09

Year End Gross Debt

Year End Net Debt 
(Gross debt less short-term investments, 
time deposits, cash and bank balances)

Average Finance Costs

Hysan Annual Report 2009  37

 
 
 
 
 
 
M A NAGEMENT ’S DISCUSSION A ND A NA LYSIS

Foreign Exchange Management
The Group aims to have minimal mismatches in currency and does not speculate in currency 
movements. With the exception of the US$182 million 10-year notes and the US$51 million 
bank loans, which have been hedged by appropriate hedging instruments, all of the Group’s other 
borrowings were denominated in Hong Kong dollars. On the investment side, US$31 million of 
deposits were denominated in US dollars and the investments have also been fully hedged against 
foreign exchange exposure. Other foreign exchange exposure mainly relates to investments in the 
overseas project in Shanghai. These foreign exchange exposures amounted to the equivalent of 
HK$2,886 million or 6.6% of the total assets.

Use of Derivatives
As at 31 December 2009, all outstanding derivatives were related to the hedging of interest rate and 
foreign exchange exposures. Strict internal guidelines have been established to ensure derivatives 
are used mainly to manage volatilities or adjust the appropriate risk profi le of the Group’s treasury 
assets and liabilities. 

Before entering into any hedging transaction, the Group will ensure that its counterparty possesses 
strong investment-grade ratings to control credit risk. As part of our risk management, a limit on 
maximum risk-adjusted credit exposure is assigned to each counterparty which refl ects the credit 
quality of the counterparty.

38  Hysan Annual Report 2009

INTERNAL CONTROLS AND RISK MANAGEMENT

Responsibility
Our Board of Directors has the overall responsibility to ensure that sound and effective internal 
controls are maintained, while management is charged with the responsibility to design and 
implement an internal controls system to manage risks. A sound system of internal controls is 
designed to manage rather than eliminate the risk of failure to achieve business objectives, and can 
only provide reasonable but not absolute assurance.

Specify Corporate 
Objectives

Refine corporate 
objectives based on 
changes potentially 
impacting the 
business

Determine 
how each of the 
other internal 
controls components, 
both separately and 
together, mitigate 
such risks

Identify and 
analyse risks 
to achieve-
ment of 
corporate 
objectives

R i s k   A s s essment
Determine 
impact of such 
identified risks on 
the achievement 
of corporate 
objectives

i n u o u s Improvement

t

n

o

C

Hysan’s internal controls 
system:
•  is designed to ensure 

corporate objectives are 
achieved

•  has five components that 

work together 

Monitoring 
•  Independent review 
by Independent 
Advisor in 2006

•  Internal audit 

function 

Information and 
Communication
Implement and 
operate information 
and communication 
to support internal 
controls

Control Environment 
•  Strong tradition of 
emphasising good 
corporate governance

•  Human resources 

policies

Determine 
Effectiveness

Control Activities
•  Documented key control 
policies and processes

•  Annual review update
of risks registers by 
department heads

Hysan’s Internal Controls Model
Our internal controls model is based on that set down by the Committee of Sponsoring Organisations 
of the U.S. Treadway Commission (“COSO”), and has fi ve components, namely Control Environment; 
Risk Assessment; Control Activities; Information and Communication; and Monitoring. In developing 
our internal controls model based on the COSO principles, we have taken into consideration our 
organisational structure and the nature of our business activities:

•  Control Environment --- this is very important as it sets the tone for internal controls in a company. 
Hysan is a tightly-knit organisation with around 500 staff members. The actions of management 
and its demonstrated commitment to effective governance and control are therefore very 
transparent to all. We have a strong tradition of good corporate governance and a corporate 
culture based on good business ethics and accountability. We have in place a formal Code of 
Ethics that is communicated to all staff (including new recruits). Our “whistle-blowing” system 
is monitored by an independent third party service provider with direct reporting to the Audit 
Committee Chairman. We aim to build risk awareness and control responsibility into our culture 
and regard them as the foundation of our internal controls system.

Hysan Annual Report 2009  39

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INTERNA L CONTROLS A ND RISK M A NAGEMENT

•  Control Activities --- our core property leasing and management business involves well-

established business processes. Control Activities have traditionally been built on senior 
management reviews, segregation of duties and physical controls. Nonetheless, we recognise 
that an appropriate level of further formalisation commensurate with the complexity of business 
processes is benefi cial to the continual development of the Group. Over the past few years, we 
have been pursuing this goal in line with a general desire to move towards a management style 
based on systematic and structured control principles. 

Currently, the key features of our system of internal control include:
–  Strategic and business planning: each business unit produces and obtains Board approval on 
a business plan each year, against which its performance is regularly monitored. Targets for a 
wide variety of key performance indicators are set.

–  Investment appraisal: capital projects are reviewed in detail and approved by Executive 

Directors, Chief Executive Offi cer, or the Board where appropriate, in accordance with delegated 
authority limits.

–  Financial monitoring: profi tability, cash fl ow and capital expenditure are closely monitored and 
key fi nancial information is reported to the Board on a regular basis, including explanations of 
variances between actual and budgeted performance.

–  Systems of control procedures and delegated authorities: there are clearly defi ned guidelines 
and approval limits for capital and operating expenditure and other key business transactions 
and decisions. 

–  During the transitional period between the unexpected passing of the late Chairman and Acting 
Chief Executive Offi cer and the appointment of the new Chief Executive Offi cer, Chief-executive 
authorities were delegated to management, with the aim of balancing controls and operational 
effi ciency. Segregation of duties was observed. Lower fi nancial limits were imposed where 
appropriate. Delegation was principally sought for operational matters only. There was periodic 
reporting to both the Acting Chairman and Special Board Committee.

•  Risk management: we have an ongoing process to identify, evaluate and manage the risks 

faced by the Group. We rate each risk in terms of probability of occurrence and potential impact 
on performance, and we identify mitigating actions, control effectiveness and management 
responsibility. Our approach is supported by an oversight structure under the Audit Committee 
and the Board.

Risk Management Process
Annual assessments: department heads review and update the relevant risks registers once a year, 
providing assurances that controls are both embedded and effective within the business.

Internal audit: responsible for reviewing and testing key business processes and controls in 
accordance with its audit plan, including following up the implementation of management actions and 
reporting any overdue actions to the Audit Committee. The Head of Internal Audit reports to the Chief 
Executive Offi cer and has direct access to the Audit Committee Chairman.

40  Hysan Annual Report 2009

 
2009 Review of Internal Controls Effectiveness
The Board is responsible for the Group’s system of internal controls and for reviewing its 
effectiveness. Internal Audit reports on reviews of the business processes and activities, including 
action plans to address any identifi ed control weaknesses. Management assesses and presents to 
the Audit Committee its own assessments of the strengths and weaknesses of the overall internal 
controls systems, with action plans to address the weaknesses. External auditors also report on 
any control issues identifi ed in the course of their work. Taking these into consideration, the Audit 
Committee reviews the effectiveness of the Group’s system of internal controls at least once each 
year and reports to the Board on such reviews.

In respect of the year ended 31 December 2009, the Board considered the internal controls system 
effective and adequate. No signifi cant areas of concern that might affect the operational, fi nancial 
reporting, and compliance functions of the Group were identifi ed. The scope of this review covers 
the adequacy of resources, qualifi cation/experience of staff of the Group’s accounting and fi nancial 
reporting function and their training and budget. 

Way Forward
We recognise that the strengthening of internal controls is a continuing process. We shall continually 
review our business processes and control activities accordingly. 

Hysan Annual Report 2009  41

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HUMAN RESOURCES

Hysan’s path to success is built on our strong teamwork and people leadership. As at 31 December 
2009, we employed a total of 487 staff, including the head offi ce management team and front-line
building management team. 

A high standard of business ethics and deep respect for each individual staff member are amongst 
the Group’s most cherished core values. They help to create an enabling working environment that 
assists in the realisation of our employees’ full potential. This supportive culture is very much 
appreciated. Our commitment to forming long-term partnerships with employees proved most 
rewarding in 2009, when the Group faced challenges both externally and internally. By dealing with 
these issues as a team, the Group overcame all the obstacles and was ready to take our products 
and services to the next level. 

Teamwork – Towards a common goal of creating success 
We focus on building a winning team to achieve the Group’s business objectives.

A clear goal-setting process is in place to cascade company goals into individual ones and to 
recognise each individual’s contribution to our business success. Employee participation is highly 
valued in the whole goal-setting process, which mobilises team commitment to achieve common 
goals. We continuously engage in the progress of the business by holding regular company meetings 
and establishing communication channels to share on-going team success and learning.

These activities include staff briefi ng sessions for our results announcements. “Marvellous Hysan” 
also updates colleagues regularly on Hysan’s achievements electronically. In a highly encouraging 
working environment, the whole team is motivated to work together to achieve that extra mile to 
success.

Recently, we held an off-site Company Day for all Head Offi ce staff. Our Chairman, Sir David AKERS-
JONES, kicked off the day with an engaging speech on Hysan’s values and guiding principles. This 
was followed by presentations from other senior management members on the coming year’s 
objectives. The afternoon session was a team building session in which participants experienced the 
signifi cance of cooperation and teamwork through games and projects. 

Our Chairman 
highlighted Hysan’s 
guiding principles to 
staff at the Company 
Day, when our 
tightly-knit team 
shared and bonded.

42  Hysan Annual Report 2009

Post-annual results 
communications keep 
colleagues abreast 
of the Group’s latest 
development.

Building our talent pool – People development
To develop our employees to their fullest potential, we are committed to providing a 
motivating working environment that fosters personal leadership, empowerment, creativity and 
open communication. 

While we believe staff members should take the initiative to upgrade their own competencies, 
we also understand management can help by providing opportunities to broaden staff’s capabilities. 
We constantly explore various development opportunities to help our employees recognise their 
strengths and development areas and to pursue career paths that match aspirations. We assist our 
employees to identify competency gaps and, through training needs analysis, defi ne those areas ripe 
for development. Personal growth opportunities include in-house training, fi eld visits, job assignments 
and sponsorship for external trainings. Cross-functional teams and task forces are also set up for 
special projects to maximise employees’ exposure to different business experiences and knowledge, 
thus enhancing skills for all members of the team. 

Our human resources policies of “promotion from within” and “inter-departmental transfer” facilitate 
the all-round development and advancement of our employees.

The Way Ahead
As stated in our 2010 company slogan “Together we can take the lead”, collaborative teamwork and 
people development will continue to be our major focus and platform to support the Group’s growth 
plan. We will continue to review and enhance the quality of our internal training curriculum, as well 
as support external development opportunities fi nancially and otherwise. We shall develop human 
resources programmes to recognise successful teamwork behaviour among employees. All these will 
contribute towards developing the next generation of leaders at Hysan.

Hysan Annual Report 2009  43

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Hysan’s “Governance” introduces our board members 
and the senior management team. It also showcases 
the Group’s ingrained corporate governance culture 
and systems, which have been developed and honed 
over the years.

3
GOVERNANCE

46  Board of Directors 

and Senior Management
50  Corporate Governance Report
65  Directors’ Report
71  Directors’ Remuneration 
and Interests Report
79  Audit Committee Report

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND
SENIOR MANAGEMENT

STRUCTURE

THE BOARD

Audit
Committee

Emoluments
Review Committee

Nomination
Committee

Investment
Committee

Finance

Corporate Services

CHAIRMAN

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Property
Investment

Property
Services

Property
Development

Independent non-executive Chairman
Sir David AKERS-JONES G.B.M., K.B.E., C.M.G., J.P.  (chairing E, N)
Sir David AKERS-JONES is chairman of GAM Hong Kong Limited, deputy chairman of CNT 
Group Limited and a non-executive director of China Everbright International Limited and 
K. Wah International Holdings Limited. He is also a chairman and member of various voluntary 
organisations. He received his Master of Arts Degree at Oxford University. He was formerly 
the Chief Secretary of Hong Kong. He was appointed a Director in 1989, became the Deputy 
Chairman in 2001 and became Independent non-executive Chairman in January 2010. He is 
aged 82.

Chief Executive Offi cer
Gerry Lui Fai YIM
Mr. Yim leads the management team and is responsible for the entire Group’s business and 
development. Prior to joining Hysan, he was Managing Director (for the Americas, Middle East 
and Africa) of the ports division of a conglomerate and has held senior positions in general 
management, fi nance, and investment banking at major organisations in Hong Kong. Mr. Yim 
holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Leeds, United Kingdom. He is 
a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and the Hong Kong 
Institute of Certifi ed Public Accountants. He was appointed Executive Director in December 
2009 and Chief Executive Offi cer in March 2010. He is aged 50.

Independent non-executive Director
Nicholas Charles ALLEN  (chairing A)
Mr. Allen is an independent non-executive director of CLP Holdings Limited and Lenovo 
Group Limited. He has extensive experience in accounting and auditing and was a partner 
of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) from 1988 until his retirement in June 2007. His other 
appointments in Hong Kong prior to his retirement from PwC included: Member of the 
Securities & Futures Appeal Panel; Member of the Takeovers & Merger Panel; Member of the 
Takeovers Appeal Committee; Member of the Share Registrars’ Disciplinary Committee and 
Member of the Disciplinary Panel of the Hong Kong Institute of Certifi ed Public Accountants. 
Mr. Allen holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics/Social Studies from Manchester 
University, United Kingdom. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England 
and Wales and a member of the Hong Kong Institute of Certifi ed Public Accountants. He was 
appointed an Independent non-executive Director in November 2009 and is aged 54.

46  Hysan Annual Report 2009

 
 
Independent non-executive Director
Philip Yan Hok FAN
Mr. Fan is a non-executive director of China Everbright International Limited and an independent 
non-executive director of HKC (Holdings) Limited. Mr. Fan holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial 
Engineering and a Master’s Degree in Operations Research from Stanford University, as well as 
a Master’s Degree in Management Science from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 
He was appointed Independent non-executive Director in January 2010. He is aged 60.

Independent non-executive Director
Fa-kuang HU G.B.S., C.B.E., J.P.  (E)
Mr. Hu is Honorary Chairman of Ryoden Development Limited. He was an independent non-
executive director of i-CABLE Communications Limited and retired effective from the conclusion 
of its annual general meeting held on 17 May 2007. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree 
from Shanghai Jiao Tong University. He was appointed a Non-executive Director in 1979 and 
re-designated as Independent non-executive Director in 2008. He is aged 86.

Independent non-executive Director
Joseph Chung Yin POON
Mr. Poon is Group Managing Director of a private company and an independent non-executive 
director of AAC Acoustic Technologies Holdings Inc. He was formerly managing director and 
deputy chief executive of Hang Seng Bank Limited and had held senior management posts 
in HSBC Group and a number of international renowned fi nancial institutions. Mr. Poon is 
a member of the Board of Inland Revenue of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and 
the Environment and Conservation Fund Investment Committee, also a committee member 
of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce. He was the former chairman of Hang Seng 
Index Advisory Committee, Hang Seng Indexes Company Limited. Mr. Poon holds a Bachelor 
of Commerce degree from the University of Western Australia, is a member of the Hong Kong 
Institute of Certifi ed Public Accountants and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia. 
He was appointed Independent non-executive Director in January 2010. He is aged 55.

Independent non-executive Director
Dr. Geoffrey Meou-tsen YEH S.B.S., M.B.E., J.P., D.C.S., M.Sc., F.C.I.O.B., F.Inst.D.  (A, E, N)
Dr. Yeh is former Chairman of Hsin Chong Construction Group Ltd. He was an independent 
non-executive director of China Travel International Investment Hong Kong Limited until 14 
July 2007. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from University of Illinois and a Master of 
Science Degree from Harvard University. Dr. Yeh was appointed a Non-executive Director in 
1979 and as Independent non-executive Director in 2001. He is aged 78.

Non-executive Director
Hans Michael JEBSEN B.B.S.  (I)
Mr. Jebsen is Chairman of Jebsen and Company Limited as well as a director of other Jebsen 
Group companies worldwide. He is also an independent non-executive director of The Wharf 
(Holdings) Limited. He was appointed a Non-executive Director in 1994 and is aged 53.

Non-executive Director
Anthony Hsien Pin LEE  (chairing I)
Mr. Lee is a director and substantial shareholder of the Australian-listed Beyond International 
Limited, principally engaged in television programme production and international sales of 
television programmes and feature fi lms. He is also an alternate director of Television Broadcasts 
Limited. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Princeton University and a Master of 
Business Administration Degree from The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Mr. Lee is a member 
of the founding Lee family and a director of Lee Hysan Estate Company, Limited, a substantial 
shareholder of the Company. He was appointed a Non-executive Director in 1994 and is aged 52.

Hysan Annual Report 2009  47

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BOA RD OF DIRECTORS A ND SENIOR M A NAGEMENT

Non-executive Director
Chien LEE  (A)
Mr. Lee is a private investor and a non-executive director of Swire Pacifi c Limited and Television 
Broadcasts Limited and a number of private companies. He is a member of the founding Lee 
family and a director of Lee Hysan Estate Company, Limited, a substantial shareholder of the 
Company. Mr. Lee received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematical Science, a Master of 
Science Degree in Operations Research and a Master of Business Administration Degree from 
Stanford University. Mr. Lee was appointed a Non-executive Director in 1988 and is aged 56.

Non-executive Director
Michael Tze Hau LEE
Mr. Lee is currently the managing director of MAP Capital Limited, an investment management 
company. He is also an independent non-executive director of Hong Kong Exchanges and 
Clearing Limited, Chen Hsong Holdings Limited, Tai Ping Carpets International Limited, Trinity 
Limited; and a Steward of Hong Kong Jockey Club. Mr. Lee was a member of the Main Board 
and Growth Enterprise Market Listing Committees of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong 
Limited. Mr. Lee is a member of the founding Lee family and a director of Lee Hysan Estate 
Company, Limited, a substantial shareholder of the Company. He joined the Board in January 
2010 having previously served as a Director from 1990 to 2007. Mr. Lee received his Bachelor 
of Arts Degree from Bowdoin College and his Master of Business Administration Degree from 
Boston University. He is aged 48.

Non-executive Director
Dr. Deanna Ruth Tak Yung RUDGARD O.B.E.
Dr. Rudgard received a Master of Arts Degree, Bachelor of Medicine and of Surgery Degree 
from Oxford University. She is a member of the founding Lee family and a director of Lee Hysan 
Estate Company, Limited, a substantial shareholder of the Company. She was appointed a 
Non-executive Director in 1993 and is aged 70.

Executive Director and Company Secretary
Wendy Wen Yee YUNG
Ms. Yung joined the Group in 1999 and was appointed Executive Director in 2008. She is 
responsible for the Group’s offi ce and residential leasing, as well as property management 
activities. In addition, she advises the Board on corporate governance systems and 
developments generally. Ms. Yung holds a Master of Arts degree from Oxford University, United 
Kingdom and is qualifi ed as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales as well as 
High Court of Hong Kong. She was a partner of an international law fi rm prior to joining the 
Group. Ms. Yung is also qualifi ed as a Certifi ed Public Accountant of the Hong Kong Institute of 
Certifi ed Public Accountants, and sits on the Institute’s Professional Accountants in Business 
Leadership Panel. She is aged 48.

(A)  Audit Committee 
(E)  Emoluments Review Committee   
(N)  Nomination Committee 
(I) 

Investment Committee

48  Hysan Annual Report 2009

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Senior management team and advisor to the Board (from left to right): Jimmy Yiu Cho MAK,  Lai Kiu CHAN, 
Wendy Wen Yee YUNG, Gerry Lui Fai YIM, Cissy Ching Sze CHAN, Roger Shu Yan HAO, Peter Hoo Tim LEE

Director, Retail Portfolio and Marketing
Cissy Ching Sze CHAN
Ms. Chan is responsible for the Group’s retail 
portfolio and related marketing activities. She 
joined the Group in 2008. Ms. Chan received 
a Master of Business Administration Degree 
from the Chinese University of Hong Kong and 
a Bachelor of Social Science Degree from the 
University of Hong Kong. She gained substantial 
general management experience in multinational 
companies while holding senior positions, with 
particular expertise in sales and marketing. 
She is aged 44.

Director, Design and Project
Lai Kiu CHAN
Ms. Chan oversees the Group’s design and 
project affairs. She joined the Group in 2008. 
Ms. Chan holds a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in 
Architecture from the University of Hong Kong. 
She qualifi ed as a PRC Class 1 Registered 
Architect, is a Registered Architect of Architects 
Registration Board of Hong Kong, and is also an 
Authorised Person (Architect) in Hong Kong. Ms. 
Chan has received various international and local 
awards for architectural designs. She is aged 47.

Group Financial Controller
Roger Shu Yan HAO
Mr. Hao is responsible for the Group’s fi nancial 
control and information technology function. He 
joined the Group in 2008. Mr. Hao received a 
Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration 
from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and 
is a Chartered Accountant with the Institute of 

Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, a 
Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certifi ed 
Accountants and an Associate of the Hong Kong 
Institute of Certifi ed Public Accountants. Mr. Hao 
accumulated extensive experience in auditing, 
fi nancial management and control, while holding 
senior positions in multinational corporations. 
He is aged 44.

General Manager, Property Services
Jimmy Yiu Cho MAK
Mr. Mak, who joined the Group in 2009, oversees 
the Group’s property management services. 
He holds a Master of Business Administration 
Degree from The Open University of Hong Kong. 
He is a Fellow of Chartered Institute of Housing 
and Hong Kong Institute of Housing. Having been 
in senior management positions in a number of 
property companies, Mr. Mak brings to the Group 
extensive experience in enhancement of property 
management services in commercial as well as 
luxury residential properties. He is aged 51. 

Advisor to the Board
Peter Hoo Tim LEE
Mr. Lee has over 35 years of experience 
in the property fi eld covering a spectrum 
of activities spanning property leasing and 
new developments in Hong Kong, as well 
as other parts of Asia. He is a former Hong 
Kong Chairman of the international property 
consultancy fi rm, Jones Lang LaSalle. 
Mr. Lee advises Hysan on the Hennessy Centre 
redevelopment project.

Hysan Annual Report 2009  49

 
 
 
 
 
 
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT

Long-Established Corporate Governance Tradition
Corporate governance is a long-established tradition at Hysan. Central to this is a deeply-ingrained 
corporate governance culture emphasizing accountability, transparency and integrity. Our governance 
model aims to combine the best of family ownership and professional management. Over the years, 
governance systems and processes have been established, including the presence of a Senior 
Independent non-executive Director (taking the offi ce of Independent non-executive Deputy Chairman), 
and the adoption of formal corporate governance guidelines. In this way, constructive relations 
between the Board, management, and the major shareholder family were further fostered. Our 
corporate governance culture is not limited to our Board of Directors; its reach spans beyond senior 
management and cultivates a culture and system of team work across the Company. 

Our corporate governance culture and governance system has positioned the Company to be able 
to respond quickly and effectively to challenges that may arise. Unfortunately, our preparedness was 
called upon last year when we were saddened by the unexpected passing of our Chairman and Acting 
Chief Executive Offi cer. 

The Board immediately adopted effective transitional measures and consistent with our goal 
of transparency, communicated these measures to the market. Sir David AKERS-JONES, then 
Independent non-executive Deputy Chairman, assumed the role of Acting Chairman. A Special Board 
Committee comprising Anthony Hsien Pin LEE, Chien LEE, and Dr. Deanna Ruth Tak Yung RUDGARD, 
was formed to assist him in overseeing the day-to-day management of the Company. The duties and 
responsibilities of the late Chairman, in his capacity as Acting Chief Executive Offi cer, were delegated 
to members of senior management, achieving a balance between maintaining internal control and 
operational effectiveness.

In the meantime, the Board was further strengthened by the addition of four new Non-executive 
Directors of diverse backgrounds. 

Sir David AKERS-JONES was appointed Independent non-executive Chairman in January 2010. 
He has been a member of the Board since 1989, becoming Independent non-executive Deputy 
Chairman in 2001 and Acting Chairman in 2009, and ultimately Chairman of the Board. Over his 
long tenure on the Board, Sir David has acquired an intimate knowledge of the Company and its 
governance processes from working alongside his predecessor and the other members of the Board. 
This facilitated a smooth and seamless leadership transition.

Gerry Lui Fai YIM, Executive Director, was appointed Chief Executive Offi cer effective March 2010. 
The Company has conducted an open search for a Chief Executive Offi cer for some time. As part of 
the Company’s strategic planning process, Gerry Lui Fai YIM was recruited by the late Chairman, Peter 
Ting Chang LEE, as Executive Director, with a plan that he ultimately assumes the role of Chief 
Executive Offi cer. The late Chairman’s unexpected passing accelerated this process.

50  Hysan Annual Report 2009

In this report, we shall explain how our corporate governance culture and governance system 
assisted us in handling the challenges of the past year, highlighting the steps we have implemented 
so far. 

Further disclosure with respect to internal controls and risk management, and executive 
compensation were made in the following reports:
• 
•  Directors’ Remuneration and Interests Report (pages 71-78)

Internal Controls and Risk Management Report (pages 39-41)

•  New approach to AGMs  

(2004)

•  Proactively established 
  a programme to    

facilitate transmission  

  of corporate  
  communication  
  materials to ultimate  
  shareholders (2005)

•  Corporate Governance  
  Report (2001)
•  Audit Committee  
  Report (2003)
•  Directors’  
  Remuneration and  
Interests Report  
(2004)

•  Internal Controls and  
  Risk Management  
  Report (2006)
•  Corporate  
  Responsibility  
  Report (2007)

Board Committees:
•  Emoluments Review Committee  

(1987)

•  Audit Committee (1999)
•  Nomination Committee (2005)
•  Formalised role of Senior  

Independent non-executive Director  
(Deputy Chairman) (2007)
•  Key Corporate Governance    
  Documents
  – Corporate Governance Guidelines  

  (2004)

  – Code of Ethics (2005)
  – Board of Directors Mandate (2007)
  – Role Requirements of 

  Non-executive Directors (2007)
  – Formal Corporate Responsibility  

  Policy (2007)

  – Roles of Independent  

  non-executive Chairman (2010)

Establish the infrastructure

Disclosure

Shareholder rights

EVOLUTION OF HYSAN’S LONG-ESTABLISHED CORPORATE GOVERNANCE SYSTEM

•  Continual corporate  
  social responsibility  
  efforts as an integral  
  part of good corporate  
  governance (admission  
to FTSE4Good Index,  

  2008)
•  Company-wide 
  briefing of Code of 
  Ethics; and engaging 
independent third 
  party to administer 
“whistle-blowing” 

  mechanism regarding 
  possible breaches 

(2008)

•  Continual group-wide  
reinforcement of    
  corporate values and  
  culture

Way forward:
more than a 
Board process

Statement of Compliance with The Code on 
Corporate Governance Practices
Hysan meets the requirements of the Code Provisions contained in the Code on Corporate 
Governance Practices (the “Corporate Governance Code”) set out in Appendix 14 of the Rules 
Governing the Listing of Securities (the “Listing Rules”) on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited 
(the “Stock Exchange”), except that its Emoluments Review Committee (established since 1987) has 
the responsibility of recommending the fees payable to the Chairman and determining compensation 
at executive Director-level only. The Board is of the view that, in light of the current organisational 
structure and the relatively simple nature of Hysan’s business activities, the current arrangements are 
appropriate. The Board will continue to review this arrangement in light of the needs of the Group.
The Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines provide that the roles of Chairman and Chief 
Executive Offi cer are separate and distinct. Sir David AKERS-JONES serves as the Independent 
non-executive Chairman. Gerry Lui Fai YIM was appointed Chief Executive Offi cer effective March 2010.

Hysan Annual Report 2009  51

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CORPOR ATE GOVERNA NCE REPORT

BEST PRACTICES IN CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IN PLACE AT HYSAN

EXCEEDED 
CODE 
PROVISIONS

The Board fi rst established a formal Corporate Governance Policy* in 2004.

Board independence from management and any major shareholder group - Sir David AKERS-JONES 
currently serves as Independent non-executive Chairman. Prior to that, he was designated Senior 
Independent non-executive Director (Independent non-executive Deputy Chairman). The Company has 
adopted a written position description of his roles. 

The Board has established formal mandates and responsibilities* for itself, with a clear division of roles 
with management.

The Board has established formal criteria and requirements* for non-executive Director appointments. 
Newly appointed Non-executive Directors are given formal letters of appointment.

Board evaluation: The Chairman and Non-executive Directors meet at regularly scheduled sessions 
without the presence of management. 

Over one-third of the Board is represented by Independent non-executive Directors.

All Corporate Governance Committees (Audit, Emoluments Review and Nomination) have at least a 
majority of Independent non-executive Directors. Terms of Reference* of each Corporate Governance 
Committee provide for in-camera meetings without management presence to further encourage objective 
and independent discussions and assessment.

The Group has a written Code of Ethics* applicable to all staff and Directors. Monitoring of the “whistle 
blowing” mechanism is performed by an external independent third party provider to further enhance 
independence. Such service provider reports directly to the Audit Committee.

The Group has established a Code for Securities Dealing applicable to those employees likely to have 
access to unpublished price-sensitive information.

The Group has established a Corporate Disclosure Policy* to guide its stakeholder communications and 
the determination of price sensitive information in order to ensure consistent and timely disclosure and 
fulfi llment of the Group’s continuous disclosure obligations.

The Group has established an Auditor’s Services Policy* to identify areas of confl icts and prohibit the 
engagement of auditors in such areas to ensure objectivity and independence.

The Group has demonstrated its commitment to transparency in shareholder reporting by publishing a 
separate Corporate Governance Report since 2001. It also publishes the following reports: 
(i)  Audit Committee Report;
(ii)  Directors’ Remuneration and Interests Report; and 
(iii)  Internal Controls and Risk Management Report.

The Group has a formal Corporate Responsibility Policy and publishes a separate annual Corporate 
Responsibility Report.

Since 2004, the Group has operated a new form of annual general meeting (“AGM”) that goes beyond 
discharging statutory business by including a detailed business review. All voting at AGMs have been 
conducted by poll since 2004.

The Group has initiated and funded a programme inviting major nominee companies to proactively 
forward communication materials to the ultimate benefi cial shareholders at the Group’s expense.

In 2009, the Group published its annual results within 70 days, well within the required time period of 
four months from the end of accounting period.

The Group continually enhances the use of its corporate website as a means of communication with 
shareholders. Principal corporate governance policies, guidelines, and terms of reference of the related 
committees are posted.

*  Detailed policies/terms of reference are available on the Company’s website: www.hysan.com.hk.

52  Hysan Annual Report 2009

1.  Our Corporate Governance Practices – Governance Model and  

Framework

Governance Model
Hysan’s governance model is based on an effective combination of family ownership and professional 
management. Our founding shareholder family remains a major shareholder today. We take the view 
that this element of family ownership can enable managers to take a long-term view in decision-
making, balancing the need to produce short-term results or earnings targets. In general, family 
owners also have a more direct interest in the outcome of decisions made.

This family ownership model is combined with a commitment to apply the principle of meritocracy 
in human resources management across the Group. Recruitment of professional management staff 
from outside the controlling shareholder base ensures that a wide net is cast for talent. Gerry Lui 
Fai YIM, Executive Director, was appointed Chief Executive Offi cer effective March 2010. Appropriate 
checks-and-balances are also built into our governance structure. These include the presence of an 
Independent non-executive Chairman and the establishment of appropriate Board Committees. The 
roles and responsibilities of the Board, Independent non-executive Chairman, non-executive Directors, 
and Board Committees are clearly delineated.

Authority

Delegation through:
• clear policies and 
  procedures
• monitoring

Shareholders

Board

Management

Accountability

Assurance through 
checks-and-balances:
• monitoring
• reporting

Governance Framework
There are many guidelines, policies, and procedures that support the governance framework at 
Hysan. The following constitute key components of Hysan’s governance framework. They are posted 
on the Company’s website: www.hysan.com.hk:

•  Corporate Governance Guidelines 
•  Board of Directors Mandate
•  Roles Requirements of Non-executive Directors
•  Terms of Reference of various corporate governance-related Board Committees 
•  Code of Ethics for employees
•  Auditor Services Policy
•  Corporate Disclosure Policy

The Board reviews its corporate governance practices annually.

Hysan Annual Report 2009  53

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CORPOR ATE GOVERNA NCE REPORT

2.  Our Corporate Governance Practices – The Board
Board Leadership
The principle of Board independence from management and any major shareholder group is clearly 
established in our Corporate Governance Guidelines.

These guidelines provide for the roles of Chairman and Chief Executive Offi cer to be separate 
and distinct. Peter Ting Chang LEE served as the Chairman until 17 October 2009. Sir David 
AKERS-JONES served as Acting Chairman from 18 October 2009 until he was appointed Independent 
non-executive Chairman on 11 January 2010. Gerry Lui Fai YIM was appointed Chief Executive Offi cer 
effective March 2010.

Non-executive Directors play a key role in protecting shareholders’ interests. They bring an external 
dimension to the Board, whilst complementing the skills and experience of the executive Directors, 
through their range of knowledge, experience and insight from other sectors.

The principal roles of the Independent non-executive Chairman and Non-executive Directors are set 
out below:

INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN

•  Provide leadership to ensure that the Board works as a cohesive team;
•  Chair Board meetings, including requiring appropriate briefi ng materials to be delivered in a timely 
fashion, stimulating constructive debate, providing adequate time for the discussion of issues, 
facilitating consensus, encouraging full participation by individual directors and ensuring that 
clarity regarding decisions is reached and duly recorded;

•  Ensure that appropriate procedures are in place to allow the Board to work effectively and 

effi ciently and to function independently;

•  Maintain an effective and constructive relationship between the Board, management of the 

Company, and shareholders generally;

•  Establish the agenda for Board meetings in consultation with the other directors of the Board;
•  Chair general meetings of the Company;
•  Ensure that the Board and its committees have the necessary resources to support their work;
•  Ensure compliance with the corporate governance policies of the Board; 
•  Ensure that the Company maintains a culture of integrity and other corporate governance values; 

and

•  Be a respected ambassador for the Company generally.

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

Non-executive Directors have four key roles in addition to those applicable to all Directors:
•  Strategy – constructively challenge, and thereby help develop proposals on strategy
•  Performance – scrutinise performance of management in meeting agreed upon goals 

and objectives

•  Risk – satisfy themselves about the integrity of fi nancial information and the robustness of 

controls and systems of risk management

•  People – determine appropriate levels of remuneration for Executive Directors and undertake in 

succession planning

For details, please refer to the Company’s Corporate Governance Compliance Report at the Company’s website: 
www.hysan.com.hk

54  Hysan Annual Report 2009

Skills, Balance and Independence
The Board continually reviews its composition and is actively engaged in succession planning issues 
with respect to both executive and non-executive roles.

Our non-executive Directors are drawn from diverse and complementary backgrounds. 

(Directors’ full biographies are set out on pages 46 to 48 and are also available on the Company’s 
website: www.hysan.com.hk).

The Board has established “independence” standards as contained in the Corporate Governance 
Guidelines. It considers “independence” to be a matter of judgment and conscience. A Director is 
considered to be Independent only where he or she is free from any business or other relationship 
that might interfere with the exercise of his or her independent judgment. 

The Board makes a determination concerning the “independence” of a Director each year at the 
time the Board approves Director nominees for inclusion in the AGM circular. If a Director joins the 
Board mid-year, the Board makes a determination on the new Director’s independence at that time. 
Independent non-executive Directors are identifi ed in our Annual and Interim Reports and other 
communications with shareholders.

The Board carried out a detailed review of 
director independence in March 2010. It 
concluded that each of the 6 Independent 
non-executive Directors is independent and will 
continually monitor and review whether there are 
relationships or circumstances which are likely to 
affect (or could appear to affect) independence.

Best Corporate Governance 
Disclosure Gold Award 2001

Organised by the Hong Kong 
Society of Accountants

The judges commended 
Hysan on the extent and 
e 
quality of disclosures in the 
annual report, despite it 
being a relatively smaller 
and less complex business 
with a family background 
– that such disclosures 
are a positive model of 
a developing corporate 
governance culture.

Hysan Annual Report 2009  55

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CORPOR ATE GOVERNA NCE REPORT

INDEPENDENCE STATUS

Name

Management

Independent

Not 
Independent

March 2010 Review-
Reason for Independence Status

Peter Ting Chang LEE
(up to 17 October 2009)

Sir David AKERS-JONES

Nicholas Charles ALLEN

Tom BEHRENS-SORENSEN

(up to 18 May 2009)

Philip Yan Hok FAN

Fa-kuang HU

Hans Michael JEBSEN
Anthony Hsien Pin LEE
Chien LEE
Michael Tze Hau LEE
Joseph Chung Yin POON

(Note)

Dr. Deanna Ruth Tak Yung 
RUDGARD

Ricky Tin For TSANG 

(up to 29 September 2009)

Dr. Geoffrey Meou-tsen YEH

Gerry Lui Fai YIM
Wendy Wen Yee YUNG

No business or other 
relationships with the Group 
or management
No business or other 
relationships with the Group 
or management
No business or other 
relationships with the Group 
or management
No business or other 
relationships with the Group 
or management
No business or other 
relationships with the Group 
or management

No business or other 
relationships with the Group 
or management

No business or other 
relationships with the Group 
or management

Note: Mr. Poon was formerly the managing director and deputy chief executive of Hang Seng Bank Limited (“Hang Seng”). 
Hang Seng is a connected person of the Company under the Listing Rules by virtue of its benefi cial equity interest (24.64%) 
in a non-wholly owned subsidiary which holds the property of Lee Gardens Two. However, Hang Seng does not have a 
controlling interest in nor does it participate in the day-to-day operation of the relevant company and is connected to the 
Company only at the subsidiary level, and Mr. Poon’s functions at Hang Seng did not involve him playing any direct role in 
Hang Seng’s participation as a minority shareholder in the relevant company.

56  Hysan Annual Report 2009

The Board and Management
The roles of the Board and of management are 
separate and distinct. The Board’s responsibility 
is, fi rstly, to formulate strategy and, secondly, 
to monitor and control operating and fi nancial 
performance in pursuit of the Group’s strategic 
objectives. On the other hand, the responsibility 
for the day-to-day management of the Group’s 
business activities and the implementation of the 
Group’s policies remain vested in management.

The Board and management fully appreciate 
their respective roles and are supportive of the 
development of a healthy corporate governance 
culture.

The roles of the Board are governed by 
a formal Board of Directors Mandate 
(Details are available on the Company’s website: 
www.hysan.com.hk) which sets out the key 
responsibilities of the Board in fulfi lling its 
stewardship roles. 

Directors of The Year Awards 2004, 
in the Listed Company (Main Board 
Index)
– Hang Seng Composite Index) 
Boards category

Organised by The Hong Kong 
Institute of Directors

“The Board of Hysan is well 
structured and composed of 
d 
a diversity of backgrounds and 
ith 
skills. It is forward thinking with 
f
the fi rm belief of the concept of 
responsible business.”

“Hysan’s strong commitment to 
shareholder value is supported by 
by 
strategy, solid results and drive for 
for 
i h
consistent long-term returns, with a clear 
separation of public shareholders’ interests 
from family interests.”

l

- Judges’ Report 

A detailed list of Matters Reserved for Board Decisions sets out the key matters that are to 
be retained for the decision of the full Board. These matters include: the extension of Group 
activities into new business areas; annual budgets; preliminary announcements of interim and fi nal 
results; dividends; material banking facilities; material acquisitions and disposals; and connected 
transactions.

Where applicable, “materiality” thresholds are set at appropriate levels to ensure proper control while 
allowing for smooth day-to-day operations to be carried out by management. These thresholds are 
set out in a schedule that is subject to review periodically, at least once a year. It was last formally 
reviewed by the Board in March 2010.

6 Board meetings were held in 2009. Each meeting was structured to allow for open discussion. 

The Board regularly receives presentations, including from non-Board management members, on 
signifi cant issues or new opportunities for the Group. This facilitates the build-up of constructive 
relations and dialogue between the Board and the management team.

Hysan Annual Report 2009  57

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CORPOR ATE GOVERNA NCE REPORT

Details of Directors’ Board attendance records are as follow:

DIRECTORS

ATTENDANCE/
TOTAL BOARD MEETINGS

Executive
Peter Ting Chang LEE (until 17 October 2009)
Ricky Tin For TSANG (resigned on 29 September 2009)
Wendy Wen Yee YUNG 

Independent Non-executive  
Sir David AKERS-JONES
Nicholas Charles ALLEN (appointed on 17 November 2009)
Tom BEHRENS-SORENSEN (resigned on 18 May 2009)
Fa-kuang HU
Dr. Geoffrey Meou-tsen YEH

Non-executive 
Hans Michael JEBSEN

Anthony Hsien Pin LEE

Chien LEE
Dr. Deanna Ruth Tak Yung RUDGARD

3/3
3/3
6/6

6/6
1/1
1/1
3/6
5/6

5/6
(2 by alternate)
 6/6
(1 by telephone conference)
5/6
6/6
(1 by alternate)

Director Appointments and Re-election
Requirements
There is a formal, rigorous and transparent procedure for the appointment of new Directors to the 
Board. The Board established the Nomination Committee and delegated to it the responsibility 
of recommending candidates to the full Board for consideration. The Board and the Nomination 
Committee review the skill sets of the Director candidates in light of the composition of the Board 
as a whole to provide for the best mix of skills and experience to guide the Company. There are 
formalised role requirements for Non-executive Directors (as set out above) who have four additional 
key roles in addition to those requirements applicable to all Directors (Details are available on the 
Company’s website: www.hysan.com.hk).

During 2009 and to date, the full Board approved the appointments of (i) the four new non-executive 
Directors; and (ii) Gerry Lui Fai YIM as Executive Director and subsequently, Chief Executive Offi cer.

Term
Non-executive Directors are appointed for a term of 3 years. Non-executive Directors are required 
to submit their candidacy for re-election at the fi rst AGM following their appointment. The Group’s 
Articles of Association contain provisions regarding the rotation of Directors so that every Director 
will be subject to retirement by rotation at least once every 3 years. Retiring Directors are subject to 
re-election at the AGM at which he retires. There is no cumulative voting in Director elections. The 
election of each candidate is done through a separate resolution. Details of the Directors standing 
for re-election at the forthcoming AGM are set out in the accompanying Circular to Shareholders. 

58  Hysan Annual Report 2009

Evaluation
Hysan evaluates the performance of the Company and members of management at meetings 
between the Chairman and Non-executive Directors without the presence of management.

Supply of Information
Supply and Access to Information
The Board receives detailed quarterly reports from management in respect of their areas of 
responsibility. Appropriate key performance indicators are used to facilitate benchmarking and peer 
group comparison. Financial plans, including budgets and forecasts, are regularly discussed at Board 
meetings. The Board recognizes the signifi cance of providing timely and relevant information to 
non-executive Directors so as to enable them to 
discharge their duties effectively. Directors are 
also kept updated of any material developments 
from time to time through notifi cations and 
circulars detailing the relevant background and 
explanatory information. Directors also have 
access to non-Director members of management 
and staff where appropriate. Collectively, these 
processes ensure that the Board receives the 
answers and information it needs to fulfi ll its 
obligations. 

Organised by the Hong Kong 
Institute of Certifi ed Public 
Accountants

Best Corporate Governance Disclosure 
Awards 2009: Non-Hang Seng Index (Large 
Market Capitalisation) Category 
- Gold Award

Independent Advice
The Board recognises that there may be 
occasions when one or more Directors feel that 
it is necessary to obtain independent legal and/
or fi nancial advice for the purposes of fulfi lling 
their obligations. Such advice may be obtained 
at the Company’s expense and there is an 
agreed upon procedure to enable Directors to 
obtain such advice, as stated in our Corporate 
Governance Guidelines. 

“Hysan’s annual report 
2008 gave readers a clear 
sense that the company 
had established a good 
corporate governance 
culture, demonstrating 
a successful combination 
of family ownership and 
professional management.”

- Judges’ Report

Induction and Update
Upon their appointment, Directors are advised on the legal and other duties and obligations they 
have as directors of a listed company. Newly appointed Directors receive a comprehensive induction 
package designed to provide a general understanding of the Group, its businesses, the operations 
of the Board and the main issues it faces, as well as an overview of the additional responsibilities of 
non-executive Directors. Discussion sessions with key members of management will also be held.

Through the course of their directorship, Directors are updated on any developments or changes 
affecting the Company and their obligations to it by way of notifi cations circulated to them from time 
to time where appropriate.

Hysan Annual Report 2009  59

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CORPOR ATE GOVERNA NCE REPORT

3.  Our Corporate Governance Practices – Board Committees
In order to provide effective oversight and leadership and pursuant to its Corporate Governance 
Guidelines, the Board has established 3 governance-related Board Committees. Like the Board, each 
Committee has access to independent advice and counsel as required and each is supported by the 
Company Secretary. The terms of reference of these Committees are available on the Company’s 
website. 

Audit Committee
Composition and Meetings Schedule
The Audit Committee is currently comprised of Nicholas Charles ALLEN (Chairman), Chien LEE and 
Dr. Geoffrey Meou-tsen YEH, with an overall majority of Independent non-executive Directors. Prior 
to the appointment of Nicholas Charles ALLEN, Sir David AKERS-JONES served as Chairman until 
November 2009. All members have experience in reviewing or analysing audited fi nancial statements 
of public companies or major organizations. Nicholas Charles ALLEN (Chairman) is a Fellow of the 
Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and a member of the Hong Kong Institute 
of Certifi ed Public Accountants. He has extensive experience in auditing and accounting, which he 
developed while working with the “Big Four” international fi rms. The Audit Committee meets no less 
than twice a year. At the invitation of the Audit Committee, meetings are also attended by members 
of management, including the Head of Finance Department. 

Roles and Authority
Hysan believes a clear appreciation of the separate roles of management, the external auditors and 
Audit Committee members is crucial to the effective functioning of an audit committee. Management of 
Hysan is responsible for selecting appropriate accounting policies and the preparation of the fi nancial 
statements. The external auditors are responsible for auditing and attesting to the Group’s fi nancial 
statements and evaluating the Group’s system of internal controls, to the extent that they consider 
necessary to support their audit report. The Audit Committee, as the delegate of the full Board, is 
responsible for overseeing the entire process.

Each year, the AGM
provides an opportunity 
for face-to-face 
communication with
shareholders.

60  Hysan Annual Report 2009

The Audit Committee also has the responsibility of reviewing the Group’s “whistle-blowing” procedures 
allowing employees to raise concerns, in confi dence or anonymously, about possible breaches of the 
Group’s Code of Ethics and to ensure that these arrangements allow proportionate and independent 
investigation of such matters and appropriate follow up action.

Activities and Report in 2009 and to date
Full details of the activities of the Audit Committee are set out on pages 79 and 80 of the “Audit 
Committee Report”. 2 Audit Committee meetings were held in 2009. Sir David AKERS-JONES 
attended all the meetings while Chien LEE attended one and Tom BEHRENS-SORENSEN also 
attended one before his resignation.

Emoluments Review Committee
Composition and Meetings Schedule
The Group established an Emoluments Review Committee in 1987 to review executive Director 
compensation. The current Emoluments Review Committee is chaired by Sir David AKERS-JONES, 
Independent non-executive Chairman, with Fa-kuang HU and Dr. Geoffrey Meou-tsen YEH (both 
Independent non-executive Directors) completing the Committee’s membership. The Emoluments 
Review Committee generally meets at least once every year. 

Roles and Authority
Management makes recommendations to the Committee on Hysan’s framework for, and cost of, 
the remuneration of executive Directors and the Committee then reviews these recommendations. 
The Committee also reviews the remuneration of the Chairman prior to such remuneration being 
submitted for approval at the AGM. No Director or any of his or her associates is involved in deciding 
his or her own remuneration. 

Activities and Report in 2009 and to date
Full details of the activities of the Emoluments Review Committee are set out on pages 71 to 78 
of the “Directors’ Remuneration and Interests Report”. The Committee held one meeting in March 
2009 attended by Sir David AKERS-JONES and Dr. Geoffrey Meou-tsen YEH to consider Executive 
Director compensation.

Nomination Committee
Composition and Meetings Schedule
The Board established a Nomination Committee in 2005. Peter Ting Chang LEE was Chairman of
the Committee until October 2009. The Nomination Committee is currently chaired by Sir David 
AKERS-JONES, Independent non-executive Chairman, and its other member is Dr. Geoffrey Meou-tsen 
YEH. The Nomination Committee meets when it is considered necessary.

Roles and Authority
The Nomination Committee is responsible for nominating candidates, for Board approval, to fi ll Board 
vacancies as and when they arise and for evaluating the balance of skills, knowledge and experience 
of the Board. It is clearly set out in the terms of reference of the Committee that the Chairman of 
the Board shall not chair the Committee when it is dealing with the matter of succession of the 
chairmanship.

Activities and Report in 2009
The Committee made a recommendation to the Board for the appointment of Gerry Lui Fai YIM as 
new Executive Director.

Hysan Annual Report 2009  61

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CORPOR ATE GOVERNA NCE REPORT

4.  Our Corporate Governance Practices – Shareholders
The Board and management fully recognise the signifi cance and importance of having a governance 
framework that protects shareholder rights and their exercise of the same. At the same time, we aim 
to continually improve our communications with shareholders and to obtain their feedback. 

Communication with Shareholders
Accountability to Shareholders and Corporate Reporting
Disciplined measurement of our performance is an important aspect of our strategy to achieve 
long-term success. Recognising that we are accountable to our stakeholders, reporting fi nancial and 
non-fi nancial results in a transparent fashion is critical. A number of formal communication channels 
are used to account to shareholders for the performance of the Group. These include the Annual 
Report and Accounts, Interim Report and Accounts and press releases/announcements. 

Hysan’s corporate website provides an additional channel for shareholders and other interested 
parties to access information about the Group. The Group’s key corporate governance policies and 
supporting documents, including the terms of reference of the various Board Committees, as well as 
the Group’s fi nancial reports, press releases and announcements are available on the website. Since 
2006, shareholders have been given the option of electing to receive corporate communications by 
electronic means. We continue to review how to better utilise the Company’s website for the purposes 
of timely disclosure and to enhance transparency.

Institutional Shareholders
We are committed to maintaining a continuing open dialogue with institutional investors, fund 
managers and analysts as a means of developing their understanding of our strategy, operations, 
management and plans, and enabling them to raise any issues they may have. The Company has an 
ongoing programme of dialogue and meetings between executive Directors and institutional investors, 
fund managers and analysts. At these meetings, a wide range of relevant issues, including strategy, 
performance, management and governance, are discussed within the constraints of information 
already made public.

Constructive Use of AGM 
The Board is equally interested in the concerns of private shareholders. The Company Secretary, 
on behalf of the Board, oversees communication with these investors. The Board recognises the 
signifi cance of the constructive use of AGMs as a means to enter into a dialogue with private 
shareholders based on the mutual understanding of objectives. Individual shareholders can put 
questions to the Chairman at the AGM. The Chairmen of the various Board Committees, as provided 
under their respective terms of references, attend AGMs to respond to any shareholder questions on 
the activities of the Committees.

Since 2004, to enable shareholders to gain a better understanding of our business activities, we 
have included a “business review” session to our AGMs, in addition to the statutory part of the 
meeting. Topics covered at the last AGM included: Year 2008 business environment, business 
activities review and outlook. The Company values the contributions of its shareholders during the 
question and answer session following the statutory part of the meeting. 

62  Hysan Annual Report 2009

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Regular media briefi ngs 
is a component of the 
Group’s communication 
programme to enhance 
transparency for 
the Group.

Corporate Disclosure Policy
We recognise the signifi cance of consistent disclosure practices aimed at accurate, timely and 
broadly disseminated disclosure of material information about Hysan. The Group’s Corporate 
Disclosure Policy provides guidance for coordinating the disclosure of material information to 
investors, analysts and media as well as our processes for results announcements. This policy also 
identifi es who may speak on Hysan’s behalf, and outlines the responsibilities for communications 
with various stakeholders groups. (Details of the Corporate Disclosure Policy is available at the 
Company’s website: www.hysan.com.hk).

Shareholder Rights
Self-funded Programme to Proactively Forward Shareholder Communication Materials via 
Nominee Companies
Shareholders must be furnished with suffi cient and timely information concerning the Company 
and any material developments. There is currently no requirement in Hong Kong providing for 
mandatory forwarding of shareholder communication materials by nominee companies to benefi cial 
shareholders. Since 2005, we have initiated and funded a programme inviting major nominee 
companies to proactively forward communication materials to shareholders at our expense. Coverage 
of the programme has more than doubled since its inception.

Hysan Annual Report 2009  63

 
 
 
 
 
 
CORPOR ATE GOVERNA NCE REPORT

Provision of Suffi cient and Timely Information
We recognise the signifi cance of providing information to shareholders to enable them to make an 
informed assessment in voting. Copies of the Annual Report and fi nancial statements and related 
papers were dispatched to shareholders over 30 days prior to the AGM (statutory requirement: 21 
days). Comprehensive information on each resolution to be proposed was also provided.

Voting
We recognise shareholders’ right in exercising control proportionate to their equity ownership and 
we support the principle of voting by poll. Since 2004, the Company has conducted all voting at AGM 
by poll. The poll is conducted by the Company’s Registrars and scrutinised by the Group’s auditors. 
Procedures for conducting a poll are included in the Circular to Shareholders accompanying the 
Notice of AGM and are again explained to the general meeting prior to the taking of the poll. Poll 
results are announced and posted on the websites of both the Stock Exchange and the Company. 

Relevant Provisions in Articles of Association and Hong Kong Law
Under the Articles of Association of the Company and Hong Kong Companies Ordinance, 
shareholders holding not less than 5% of the paid up capital of the Company may convene an 
extraordinary general meeting by requisition stating the objects of the meeting, and deposit the 
signed requisition at the Company’s registered offi ce.

Hong Kong Companies Ordinance also provides for shareholder approval of decisions concerning 
fundamental corporate changes, including amendments to the Articles of Association, and 
extraordinary transactions, including the transfer of all or a substantial part of a company’s assets. 

There are no limitations imposed by Hong Kong law or the Articles of Association on the right of non-
residents or foreign persons to hold or vote on the Company’s shares other than those limitations 
that would generally apply to all shareholders.

64  Hysan Annual Report 2009

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

The Directors submit their report together with the audited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2009, which 
were approved by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) on 10 March 2010.

Principal Activities
The principal activities of the Group continued throughout 2009 to be property investment, management and development. 
Details of the Group’s principal subsidiaries and associates as at 31 December 2009 are set out in notes 19 and 20 
respectively to the financial statements.

The turnover and results of the Group are principally derived from leasing of investment properties located in Hong Kong. The 
Group’s turnover and results by reportable segment are set out in note 5. A detailed review of the development of the business 
of the Group during the year, and likely future developments, is set out in Chairman’s Statement and Management’s Discussion 
and Analysis of this Annual Report.

Results and Appropriations
The results of the Group for the year ended 31 December 2009 are set out in the consolidated income statement on page 84.

An interim dividend of HK14 cents per share, amounting to approximately HK$147 million, was paid to shareholders during the 
year.

The Board recommends the payment of a final dividend of HK54 cents per share with a scrip alternative to the shareholders 
on the register of members on 11 May 2010, absorbing approximately HK$567 million. The dividends proposed and paid for 
ordinary shares in respect of the full year 2009 will absorb approximately HK$714 million, the balance of the profit will be 
retained.

Reserves
Movements during the year in the reserves of the Group and the Company are set out in the consolidated statement of changes 
in equity on pages 88 and 89 and note 33 to the financial statements respectively.

Investment Properties
All of the Group’s investment properties were revalued by an independent professional valuer as at 31 December 2009 using 
the fair value model. Details of movements during the year in the investment properties of the Group are set out in note 16 to 
the financial statements.

Details of the major investment properties of the Group as at 31 December 2009 are set out in the section under Schedule of 
Principal Properties of this Annual Report.

Property, Plant and Equipment
Details of movements during the year in the property, plant and equipment of the Group and the Company are set out in note 17 
to the financial statements.

Share Capital
Details of movements in the share capital of the Company during the year are set out in note 32 to the financial statements.

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DIRECTORS’ REPORT continued

Corporate Governance
The Company is committed to maintaining a high standard of corporate governance and, save as otherwise stated and explained 
in the Corporate Governance Report, meets the requirements of the code provisions of the Code on Corporate Governance 
Practice (the “Corporate Governance Code”) as set out in Appendix 14 of the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities (the 
“Listing Rules”) on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the “Stock Exchange”).

Further information on the Company’s corporate governance practices is set out in the following separate reports:

(a)  “Corporate Governance Report” (pages 50 to 64) – it gives detailed information on the Company’s compliance with the 

Corporate Governance Code, and adoption of local and international best practices;

(b)  “Directors’ Remuneration and Interests Report” (pages 71 to 78) – it gives detailed information of Directors’ remuneration 
and interests (including information on Director’s compensation, service contracts, Directors’ interests in shares; contracts 
and competing business);

(c)  “Audit Committee Report” (pages 79 and 80) – it sets out the terms of reference, work performed and findings of the Audit 

Committee for the year;

(d)  “Internal Controls and Risk Management Report” (pages 39 to 41) – it sets out the Company’s framework on internal 

controls and risks assessment including control environment, control activities, work done during the year and further steps 
to be done; and

(e)  “Corporate Responsibility Report” – it sets out the Company’s corporate responsibility policies and practices reflecting its 

commitment to maintaining a high standard of corporate governance.

The Board
The Board is currently chaired by Sir David AKERS-JONES, Independent non-executive Chairman and has 2 executive Directors, 
Gerry Lui Fai YIM (Executive Director and appointed Chief Executive Officer effective 10 March 2010) and Wendy Wen Yee YUNG 
(Executive Director and Company Secretary) and 10 other Non-executive Directors.

Peter Ting Chang LEE was Chairman during the year until 17 October 2009. Sir David AKERS-JONES acted as Acting Chairman 
from 18 October 2009, and was appointed as Independent non-executive Chairman effective 11 January 2010.

Nicholas Charles ALLEN was appointed Independent non-executive Director and chairman of Audit Committee effective 17 
November 2009 and Gerry Lui Fai YIM was appointed Executive Director effective 1 December 2009.

Philip Yan Hok FAN and Joseph Chung Yin POON were appointed Independent non-executive Directors and Michael Tze Hau LEE 
was appointed as Non-executive Director, all effective 11 January 2010.

Tom BEHRENS-SORENSEN resigned as Independent non-executive Director and a member of Audit Committee effective May 
2009 and Dr. Geoffrey Meou-tsen YEH was appointed a member of Audit Committee in his stead. Ricky Tin For TSANG resigned 
as Executive Director, Finance effective 29 September 2009.

Save as otherwise mentioned, other Directors whose names and biographies appear on pages 46 to 48 have been Directors of 
the Company during the year.

Raymond Liang-ming HU and Kam Wing LI served as alternate Directors throughout the year. V-nee YEH resigned as alternate 
Director to Dr. Geoffrey Meou-tsen YEH effective 20 January 2009 and Timothy John SMITH ceased to be an alternate Director 
upon resignation of Tom BEHRENS-SORENSEN in accordance with Article 98(a) of the Company’s Articles of Association.

According to Article 97 of the Company’s current Articles of Association, a Director appointed either to fill a casual vacancy or as 
an addition to the Board shall hold office only until the next following annual general meeting.

Under Article 114 of the Company’s current Articles of Association, one-third (or such other number as may be required under 
applicable legislation) of the Directors; and where the applicable number is not an integral number, to be rounded upwards, who 
have been longest in office shall retire from office by rotation. A retiring Director is eligible for re-election.

Particulars of Directors seeking for re-election at the forthcoming annual general meeting are set out in the accompanying 
circular to shareholders.

The Company has received from each Independent non-executive Director an annual confirmation of his independence as 
regard each of the factors referred to in Rule 3.13 (1) to (8) of the Listing Rules and the Company considered all of them to be 
independent.

66  Hysan Annual Report 2009

Directors’ Interests in Shares
Details of the interests and short positions of the Directors in the shares, underlying shares or debentures of the Company and 
its associated corporations are set out in Directors’ Remuneration and Interests Report on pages 71 to 78.

Substantial Shareholders’ and Other Persons’ Interests in Shares
As at 31 December 2009, the interests or short positions of substantial shareholders and other persons of the Company, in 
the shares and underlying shares of the Company as recorded in the register required to be kept under section 336 of the 
Securities and Futures Ordinance (“SFO”), or as otherwise notified to the Company, were as follows:

Aggregate long positions in shares and underlying shares of the Company

Name 

Capacity 

Lee Hysan Estate Company, Limited 

Beneficial owner and 
interests of 
controlled corporations

Number of 
ordinary 
shares held 

433,130,735 
(Note b)

Lee Hysan Company Limited 

Interests of controlled 
corporations 

433,130,735 
(Note b) 

% of the
issued
share
capital
(Note a)

41.23

41.23

Silchester International Investors Limited 

Investment manager 

105,230,000 

10.02

Silchester International Investors   
  International Value Equity Trust 

Notes:

Beneficial owner 

53,187,000 
(Note c)

5.06

(a)  The percentage has been compiled based on the total number of shares of the Company in issue as at 31 December 2009

(i.e. 1,050,608,090 ordinary shares).

(b)  These interests represent the same block of shares of the Company. 270,118,724 shares were held by Lee Hysan Estate Company, 

Limited (“LHE”) and 163,012,011 shares were held by certain subsidiaries of LHE. LHE is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lee Hysan 
Company Limited.

(c)  According to notification received by the Company, this shareholding interest is part of the block of shareholding held by Silchester 

International Investors Limited.

Apart from the above, no other interest or short position in the shares or underlying shares of the Company was recorded in the 
register required to be kept under section 336 of the SFO as at 31 December 2009.

Related Party Transactions
The Group entered into certain transactions with parties regarded as “Related Parties” under applicable accounting principles. 
These mainly relate to contracts entered into by the Group in the ordinary course of business, which contracts were negotiated 
on normal commercial terms and on an arm’s length basis. Further details are set out in note 38 to the financial statements.

Some of these transactions also constitute “Continuing Connected Transactions” under the Listing Rules, as identified below.

Hysan Annual Report 2009  67

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DIRECTORS’ REPORT continued

Continuing Connected Transactions
Certain transactions entered into by the Group constituted continuing connected transactions (the “Transactions”) under Rule 
14A.34 of the Listing Rules during the year. Details of the Transactions required to be disclosed are set out as follows:

Lease granted by the Group

I. 
(a)  Lee Gardens Two, 28 Yun Ping Road, Hong Kong (“Lee Gardens Two”)
The following lease arrangements were entered into by Barrowgate Limited (“Barrowgate”), a 65.36% subsidiary of the Company 
and property owner of Lee Gardens Two, as landlord with the following connected persons:

Connected person 

Date of agreement 

Terms 

Premises 

Annual consideration
(Note a)

29 June 2007 

3 years commencing from  
  1 September 2007 

Office units on the  
  28th, 30th and  
  31st Floors 

2009:  HK$20,692,488
2010:  HK$13,794,992
(on pro-rata basis)

(i) 

Jebsen and 
  Company 
  Limited 
  (Note b)

(ii)  Hang Seng  

  Bank Limited 
  (Note b) 

15 October 2007 
  (Note c) 

72 months commencing   
  from 15 October 2007 
  (for Shops 2-10 on the  
  Lower Ground Floor) 
68 months commencing   
  from 15 February 2008  
  (for Shop G13A on the 
  Ground Floor and Shops 
  11-12 on the Lower 
  Ground Floor)
  (Note d)

3 years commencing from  
  15 May 2008 

3 years commencing from 
  1 June 2007 

Shop G13A on the  
  Ground Floor and 
  Shops 2-10 and 
  11-12 on the 
  Lower Ground  
  Floor

2009: HK$12,526,488
2010:  HK$9,994,740
  (on pro-rata basis upto 
14 October 2010)
(Notes e and f)

1 carparking space 

Room 1401C on the   2009:  HK$2,049,156
2010:  HK$2,011,356
  14th Floor 
(on pro-rata basis
for the Carpark
Licence Agreement)
2011:   HK$736,132
(on pro-rata basis
for the Lease)

(iii)  Pearl Investments  23 May 2008 

  (HK) Limited 
  (Note g) 

  (Lease) 

18 May 2007 
  (Carpark Licence 
  Agreement and a 
  supplemental 
  letter dated 
  5 June 2007)

(b)  One Hysan Avenue, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong (“One Hysan Avenue”)
The following lease arrangement was entered into by OHA Property Company Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company 
and property owner of One Hysan Avenue, with Atlas Corporate Management Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of LHE, a 
substantial shareholder of the Company (holding 41.23% interest). Details of the lease are set out below:

Connected person 

Date of agreement 

Terms 

Premises 

Atlas Corporate 
  Management  
  Limited 

14 November 2008 

3 years commencing from  Whole of 
  1 November 2008 

  21st Floor 

Annual consideration
(Note a)

2009:   HK$2,505,684
2010:   HK$2,505,684
2011:   HK$2,088,070
(on pro-rata basis)

68  Hysan Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
   
 
 
   
   
 
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
Continuing Connected Transactions continued
II.  Provision of leasing and property management services to a non wholly-owned subsidiary regarding Lee Gardens Two
The following management agreements were entered into by Hysan Leasing Company Limited (“Hysan Leasing”) and Hysan 
Property Management Limited, both being wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company, with Barrowgate for the provision of 
services to Lee Gardens Two, including (i) leasing, marketing and lease administration services; and (ii) property management 
services:

Connected person 

Date of agreement 

Terms 

Premises 

Consideration

Barrowgate Limited 

3 years commencing from  Whole premises of  
  Lee Gardens Two 

25 February 2004  
  and 2 Supplemental     1 April 2004 (renewed 
  Appointment Letters     for further 3 years) 
  of 19 July 2004 and      
  7 February 2007

HK$17,659,770 (i)
and
 HK$2,524,872 (ii)
(Note h)

Notes:

(a)  The annual considerations are based on current rates of rental, operating charges, (for retail premises) promotional levies and (for 

carparking spaces) licence fees for each of the relevant financial years. The rental, operating charges, promotional levies and licence fees 
(as the case may be) are payable monthly in advance.

(b) 

Jebsen and Company Limited (“Jebsen and Company”) and Hang Seng Bank Limited (“Hang Seng”) are beneficial substantial shareholders 
of Barrowgate having equity interest of 10% and 24.64% respectively in Barrowgate.

(c)  Barrowgate and Hang Seng entered into an agreement for lease dated 15 October 2007. A formal lease agreement and a supplemental 
deed in respect of the premises mentioned under I(a)(ii) above were entered on 15 February 2008 and 13 May 2008 respectively.

(d)  The term of the lease mentioned under I(a)(ii) above exceeds 3 years and, according to Listing Rules requirement, an independent financial 

adviser to the Board was engaged and it formed the view that the term of this lease with duration longer than 3 years was required and it 
was normal business practice for leases of this type to be of such duration.

(e)  The monthly promotional levy was revised with effect from 1 January 2010 while the rental and operating charge remained unchanged.

(f) 

The rent for the period from 15 October 2010 to 14 October 2013 will be reviewed at the then prevailing market rent and to be agreed by 
Barrowgate and Hang Seng.

(g)  Pearl Investments (HK) Limited is a connected person by virtue of its being an associate of Chien LEE, Non-executive Director of the 

Company.

(h)  These represent the actual considerations for the year ended 31 December 2009, calculated on the basis of the fee schedules as 

prescribed in the respective management agreements.

All the Transactions were entered in the ordinary and usual course of business of the respective companies after due 
negotiations on an arm’s length basis with reference to the prevailing market conditions.

Announcements were published regarding the Transactions in accordance with the Listing Rules. The Stock Exchange has 
granted a waiver for the Transactions referred to in section II above by virtue of Rule 14A.42 from strict compliance with the 
requirements of Rules 14A.35, 14A.45 to 14A.47 of the Listing Rules on condition that details of the Transactions be included 
in the Company’s subsequent published annual report for financial years in which the relevant Transactions are subsisting. The 
Company confirms that it has complied with the disclosure requirements in accordance with Chapter 14A of the Listing Rules in 
so far as they are applicable.

Pursuant to Rule 14A.38 of the Listing Rules, the Board engaged the auditor of the Company to perform certain agreed upon 
procedures in respect of the Transactions of the Group to assist the Directors to evaluate whether the Transactions:

1.  have received the approval from the Board;

2.  were in accordance with the pricing policies of the Company where the Transactions involve provision of goods or services 

by the Company;

3.  have been entered into in accordance with the agreement governing such Transactions; and

4.  have not exceeded the cap stated in the relevant announcements.

Hysan Annual Report 2009  69

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DIRECTORS’ REPORT continued

Continuing Connected Transactions continued
The auditor has reported the factual findings on these procedures to the Board that the samples the auditor selected for the 
Transactions were in agreement in respect of items 1, 3 & 4 above and that according to the samples the auditor selected, in 
respect of item 2, the rent charged to the connected persons were either the same or fell within the range of rentals offered 
to independent third parties. All Independent non-executive Directors of the Company have reviewed the Transactions and the 
report of the auditor and confirmed that the respective contracts and terms of the Transactions are:

1. 

in the ordinary and usual course of business of the Company;

2.  on normal commercial terms; and

3. 

in accordance with the relevant agreement governing them on terms that are fair and reasonable and in the commercial 
interests of the Group as a whole.

Interest in Contracts of Significance
Certain Transactions are considered contracts of significance under paragraph 15 of Appendix 16 of the Listing Rules, namely:

(i) 

(ii) 

the lease arrangement between Barrowgate and Jebsen and Company, due to the annual consideration of the lease 
having a percentage ratio of 1.23% from the calculation of the revenue test (the percentage ratios for assets ratio and 
consideration ratio are 0.05% and 0.09% respectively); and

the management agreement between Barrowgate and Hysan Leasing, due to the annual consideration of the management 
agreement having a percentage ratio of 1.05% from the calculation of the revenue test (the percentage ratios for assets 
ratio and consideration ratio are 0.04% and 0.08% respectively).

Details of the above Transactions are set out under I(a)(i) and II of “Continuing Connected Transactions”.

Major Customers and Suppliers
During the year, both the aggregate amount of purchases attributable to the Group’s 5 largest suppliers and the aggregate 
amount of turnover attributable to the Group’s 5 largest customers were less than 30% of total purchases and turnover of the 
Group respectively.

Purchase, Sale or Redemption of the Company’s Listed Securities
During the year, neither the Company nor its subsidiaries purchased, sold or redeemed any of the Company’s listed securities.

Public Float
Based on the information that is publicly available to the Company and within the knowledge of the Directors, the Company has 
maintained the prescribed amount of public float during the year and up to the date of this report as required under the Listing 
Rules.

Donations
During the year, the Group made donations of approximately HK$1 million to charitable and non-profit-making organisations.

Auditor
A resolution for the re-appointment of Messrs. Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu as auditor of the Company is to be proposed at the 
2010 AGM.

On behalf of the Board
Sir David AKERS-JONES
Independent non-executive Chairman

Hong Kong, 10 March 2010

70  Hysan Annual Report 2009

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION AND INTERESTS REPORT

Director Compensation
Emoluments Review Committee
The Board recognises the significance of having in place a transparent and objective process for determining executive Director 
compensation, particularly in light of the fact that the Company’s founding family is a major shareholder. The Emoluments 
Review Committee, first established in 1987, reviews and determines the remuneration of executive Directors as well as 
recommending for shareholder approval fee payable to the Chairman.

The Committee is currently chaired by Sir David AKERS-JONES, Independent non-executive Chairman. Its other members are
Fa-kuang HU and Dr. Geoffrey Meou-tsen YEH. It has 100% Independent non-executive Director membership.

Management makes recommendations to the Committee on the Company’s framework for, and cost of, executive Director 
remuneration and the Committee then reviews these recommendations. Independent professional advice will be sought where 
appropriate. On matters other than those concerning him, the Chairman or Chief Executive Officer may be invited to Committee 
meetings. No Director is involved in deciding his own remuneration.

Remuneration Policy
The Group’s remuneration policy aims to provide a fair market remuneration in a form and value to attract, retain and motivate 
high quality staff. At the same time, such awards must be aligned with shareholder interests.

The following principles had been established:

•  Remuneration package will consist of several components: (i) fixed part (base salary and benefits); (ii) performance-based 
(bonus); (iii) long-term incentives (executive share options). The structure will reflect a fair system of reward for all the 
participants, emphasizing performance.

•  Remuneration packages are set at levels to ensure comparability and competitiveness with Hong Kong-based companies 
competing within a similar talent pool, with particular emphasis on the property industry. Independent professional advice 
will be sought to supplement internal resources where appropriate.

• 

The Committee will determine the overall amount of each component of remuneration, taking into account both quantitative 
and qualitative assessment of performance.

•  Remuneration policy and practice will be as transparent as possible.

• 

• 

Executive Directors will develop a significant personal shareholding pursuant to the executive share options in order to 
align their interests with those of shareholders.

Pay and employment conditions elsewhere in the Group will be taken into account, especially in setting annual salary 
increases.

• 

The remuneration policy for executive Directors will be reviewed regularly, independently of executive management.

2009 Review
The Committee met in March 2009 to review executive Director compensation packages. The meeting was attended by Sir 
David AKERS–JONES and Dr. Geoffrey Meou-tsen YEH. It approved their proposal to freeze their base salary in light of the overall 
marco-economic environment. The Committee also considered and approved the compensation packages for a new executive 
Director in September 2009.

March 2010 Review
The most recent meeting of the Committee was held in March 2010 with all members being present to review 2010 Executive 
Director compensation packages, including determining the compensation of the new Chief Executive Officer. Such packages 
were set at levels to ensure comparability and competitiveness with Hong Kong-based companies competing within a similar 
talent pool, with particular emphasis on the property industry. Changes in roles and responsibilities were also taken into 
consideration. Independent professional advice was sought. The proportion of performance-based compensation for Executive 
Directors has been increased generally following this review. Clear performance targets will be set. Full details are set out on 
pages 11 and 15 of the accompanying Circular to Shareholders under information for the relevant Executive Director.

Details of Directors’ (including individual executive Directors) emoluments for year 2009 and options movement during the year 
are set out in notes 12 and 39 respectively to the financial statements.

Hysan Annual Report 2009  71

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DIRECTORS’ REMUNER ATION A ND INTERESTS REPORT continued

Director Compensation continued
Non-executive Director emoluments
Key elements of our Non-executive Director remuneration policy include:

•  Remuneration should be sufficient to attract and retain first class non-executive talent.

•  Remuneration of Non-executive Directors is (subject to shareholder approval) set by the Board and should be proportional 

to their contribution towards the interests of the Company.

•  Remuneration practice should be consistent with recognised best practice standards for Non-executive Directors’ 

remuneration.

•  Remuneration should be in the form of cash fees, payable annually.

•  Non-executive Directors do not receive share options from the Company.

Non-executive Directors received no other compensation from the Group except for the fees disclosed below. None of the
Non-executive Directors receives any pension benefits from the Company, nor do they participate in any bonus or incentive 
schemes.

Non-executive Directors (including the Independent non-executive Directors) received fees totalling HK$1,053,479 and the 
Independent non-executive Chairman received a total annual fee of HK$228,767 for 2009 (Please refer to note 12 to the 
financial statements).

Director Fees
Director fees are subject to shareholder approval at general meeting. Taking into consideration the level of responsibility, 
experience and abilities required of the Directors, and fees offered for similar positions in companies competing for the same 
talent, the fee structure of Directors (approved at annual general meeting (the “AGM”) held on 10 May 2005) during the year is 
as follows:

Board of Directors
Chairman 
Deputy Chairman 
Director 

Audit Committee
Chairman 
Member 

Other Committees
Chairman 
Member 

Per annum
HK$

140,000
120,000
100,000

60,000
30,000

30,000
20,000

March 2010 Review
The Committee met in March 2010 to consider and recommend for shareholder approval changes in fee payable to the new 
Independent non-executive Chairman. Taking into consideration fees paid by benchmarked Hong Kong-listed companies, a fee 
of HK$400,000 per annum (effective 1 June 2010) will be proposed at the AGM to be held in May 2010. The new level of 
remuneration, subject to shareholder approval, reflects comparable market information, roles and responsibilities of the new 
Chairman.

The Committee also recommended to the Board, which in turn approved the payment of a special fee of HK$300,000 to 
Sir David AKERS-JONES in recognition of the special roles and responsibilities he assumed from October 2009 to March 2010 
prior to the appointment of the Chief Executive Officer.

72  Hysan Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
Director Compensation continued
Long-term incentives: Share Option Schemes
The Company has granted options under 2 executive share option schemes. The purpose of both schemes was to strengthen 
the link between individual staff and shareholder interests. The power of grant to executive Directors is vested in the 
Emoluments Review Committee and endorsed by all Independent non-executive Directors as required under the Rules Governing 
the Listing of Securities (the “Listing Rules”) on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the “Stock Exchange”). The 
Chairman or the Managing Director may make grants to management staff below executive Director level.

Key terms of the share option schemes of the Company are summarised as follows:

The 1995 Share Option Scheme (the “1995 Scheme”)
The 1995 Scheme was approved by shareholders on 28 April 1995 and had a term of 10 years. It expired on 28 April 2005. All 
outstanding options granted under the 1995 Scheme will continue to be valid and exercisable in accordance with the provisions 
of the 1995 Scheme.

As at 31 December 2009, shares issuable under options granted under the 1995 scheme was 96,000 representing less than 
0.01% of the issued share capital of the Company.

The maximum entitlement of each participant is substantially below the limit set out under the scheme rules (being 25% of the 
maximum number of shares in respect of which options may at any time be granted under the 1995 Scheme). For the options 
granted under the 1995 Scheme currently outstanding, the basis for determining the exercise price is the highest of (i) the 
closing price of the shares as stated in the Stock Exchange’s daily quotations sheet on the date of grant; (ii) the average of the 
closing prices of the shares as stated in the Stock Exchange’s daily quotations sheets for the 5 business days immediately 
preceding the date of grant; and (iii) the nominal value of the shares. Consideration on each grant of option was HK$1 and was 
paid within 30 days from the date of grant of option, with full payment for exercise price to be made on exercise of the relevant 
option.

The 2005 Share Option Scheme (the “2005 Scheme”)
The Company adopted the 2005 Scheme at its AGM held on 10 May 2005, which has a term of 10 years and will be expiring on 
9 May 2015 (together with the 1995 Scheme are referred to as the “Schemes”).

The maximum number of shares in respect of which options may be granted under the 2005 Scheme and any other share 
option scheme of the Company shall not exceed such number of shares as required under the Listing Rules, currently being 
10% of the shares in issue as at 10 May 2005, the date of the AGM approving the 2005 Scheme (being 104,996,365 shares). 
Under the Listing Rules, a listed issuer may seek approval by its shareholders in general meeting for “refreshing” the 10% limit 
under the scheme. The limit on the number of shares which may be issued upon exercise of all outstanding options granted and 
yet to be exercised under the 2005 Scheme and any other share option scheme of the Company must not exceed 30% of the 
shares in issue from time to time (or such number of shares as required under the Listing Rules). No options may be granted if 
such grant will result in this 30% limit being exceeded.

The maximum entitlement of each participant under the 2005 Scheme must not during any 12-month period exceed such 
number of shares as required under the Listing Rules (which is 1% of the total shares in issue as at the date of shareholder 
approval, being 10,499,636 shares). The exercise price shall be at least the highest of (i) the closing price of the shares as 
stated in the Stock Exchange’s daily quotations sheet on the date of grant; (ii) the average of the closing prices of the shares as 
stated in the Stock Exchange’s daily quotations sheets for the 5 business days immediately preceding the date of grant; and (iii) 
the nominal value of the shares. Consideration on each grant of option is HK$1 and is required to be paid within 30 days from 
the date of grant of option, with full payment for exercise price to be made on exercise of the relevant option.

Grant and vesting structures
Under the Company’s current policy, grants will be made on a periodic basis. Vesting period is 3 years in equal proportions. Size 
of grant will be determined by reference to base salary multiple and job grades. A clear performance criterion will be a key driver. 
The Board will review the grant and vesting structures from time to time.

Movement of share options
During the year, a total of 1,740,000 shares options were granted under the 2005 Scheme.

As at 31 December 2009, an aggregate of 2,647,000 shares are issuable for options granted under the Schemes, representing 
approximately 0.25% of the issued share capital of the Company.

As at the date of this Report, 98,018,765 shares are issuable under the Schemes representing 9.33% of the issued share 
capital.

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DIRECTORS’ REMUNER ATION A ND INTERESTS REPORT continued

Director Compensation continued
Long-term incentives: Share Option Schemes continued
Movement of share options continued
Details of options granted, exercised, cancelled/lapsed and outstanding under the Schemes during the year are as follows:

Exercise 
price 
HK$ 

Exercisable 
period 
(Note a) 

Balance  
as at 
1.1.2009 

Granted 

Exercised 

Cancelled/ 

Balance
as at
lapsed  31.12.2009
(Note b)

Changes during the year

Name 

Date of grant 

1995 Scheme
Executive Directors

Wendy Wen Yee YUNG  30.3.2005 

15.850  30.3.2005 – 
29.3.2015

Ricky Tin For TSANG 
  (Note c) 

30.3.2005 

15.850  30.3.2005 –  
29.3.2015 

96,000 

80,000 

Eligible employees 
  (Note e) 

2005 Scheme
Executive Directors

Peter Ting Chang LEE 
  (Note f) 

30.3.2005 

15.850  30.3.2005 –  

13,000 

29.3.2015

6.3.2007 

21.380 

6.3.2007 –  
16.4.2010

235,000 

13.3.2008 

21.450  13.3.2008 –  

260,000 

16.4.2010

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

11.3.2009 

11.760  11.3.2009 –  
(Note g) 

16.4.2010

Gerry Lui Fai YIM 
  (Note h) 

1.12.2009 

22.800  1.12.2009 –  
(Note i)  30.11.2019

– 

500,000 

– 

218,000 

Wendy Wen Yee YUNG  26.6.2006 

20.110  26.6.2006 –  

110,000 

25.6.2016

30.3.2007 

21.250  30.3.2007 –  

95,000 

29.3.2017

31.3.2008 

21.960  31.3.2008 –  

100,000 

30.3.2018

– 

– 

– 

11.3.2009 

11.760  11.3.2009 –  
(Note g) 

10.3.2019

– 

300,000 

– 

– 

96,000

(80,000) 
(Note d)

– 

– 

(13,000) 

–

–

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

235,000

– 

260,000

– 

500,000

– 

218,000

– 

110,000

– 

95,000

– 

100,000

– 

300,000

Ricky Tin For TSANG 
  (Note c) 

30.3.2006 

22.000  30.3.2006 –  

120,000 

29.3.2016

30.3.2007 

21.250  30.3.2007 –  

95,000 

29.3.2017

31.3.2008 

21.960  31.3.2008 –  

100,000 

30.3.2018

– 

– 

– 

– 

(120,000) 

– 

(95,000) 

– 

(100,000) 

11.3.2009 

11.760  11.3.2009 –  
(Note g) 

10.3.2019

– 

250,000 

– 

(250,000) 

–

–

–

–

74  Hysan Annual Report 2009

 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
   
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
   
 
 
   
   
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
   
   
 
 
   
   
 
Director Compensation continued
Long-term incentives: Share Option Schemes continued
Movement of share options continued

Name 

Date of grant 

Exercise 
price 
HK$ 

Exercisable 
period 
(Note a) 

Balance  
as at 
1.1.2009 

Granted 

Exercised 

Cancelled/ 

Balance
as at
lapsed  31.12.2009
(Note b)

Changes during the year

2005 Scheme continued
Eligible employees 
  (Note e) 

30.3.2006 

22.000  30.3.2006 – 
29.3.2016

67,000  

6.3.2007 

21.380 

6.3.2007 – 
30.6.2009

108,000 

30.3.2007 

21.250  30.3.2007 – 
29.3.2017

73,000 

31.3.2008 

21.960  31.3.2008 – 
30.3.2018

164,000 

2.5.2008 

23.900 

9.9.2008 

21.300 

2.5.2008 –  
1.5.2018

9.9.2008 –  
8.9.2018

95,000 

85,000 

2.10.2008 

20.106  2.10.2008 –  

85,000 

1.10.2018

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(44,000) 

23,000

– 

(108,000) 

–

– 

(42,000) 

31,000

– 

(76,000) 

88,000

– 

– 

95,000

– 

(85,000) 

–

– 

– 

85,000

31.3.2009 

13.300  31.3.2009 – 
(Note j) 
30.3.2019

–   472,000 

– 

(61,000)  411,000

  1,981,000  1,740,000 

(80,000) 

(994,000) 2,647,000

Notes:

(a)  Save otherwise stated, all options granted have a vesting period of 3 years in equal proportions.

(b)  The options lapsed during the year upon resignations or retirement of certain Director and eligible employees.

(c)  Ricky Tin For TSANG resigned as Executive Director, Finance on 29 September 2009.

(d)  The weighted average closing price of the shares of the Company immediately before the date on which the options were exercised was 

HK$19.240.

(e)  Eligible employees are working under employment contracts that are regarded as “continuous contracts” for the purposes of the 

Employment Ordinance.

(f) 

Peter Ting Chang LEE passed away on 17 October 2009. The legal personal representative(s) of Peter Ting Chang LEE will be entitled to 
exercise the outstanding options until 16 April 2010.

(g)  The closing price of the shares of the Company immediately before the date of grant (i.e. as of 10 March 2009) was HK$11.180.

(h)  Gerry Lui Fai YIM was appointed Executive Director on 1 December 2009.

(i) 

(j) 

The closing price of the shares of the Company immediately before the date of grant (i.e. as of 30 November 2009) was HK$22.250.

The closing price of the shares of the Company immediately before the date of grant (i.e. as of 30 March 2009) was HK$12.900.

Apart from the above, the Company had not granted any share option under the Schemes to any other persons as required to 
be disclosed under Rule 17.07 of the Listing Rules.

Particulars of the Schemes are set out in note 39 to the financial statements.

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DIRECTORS’ REMUNER ATION A ND INTERESTS REPORT continued

Director Compensation continued
Long-term incentives: Share Option Schemes continued
Value of share options
Pursuant to Rule 17.08 of the Listing Rules, the value of the share options granted during the year is as follows to be expensed 
through the Group’s income statement over the three-year vesting period of the options.

The fair values of share options granted by the Company were determined by using Black-Scholes option pricing model 
(the “Model”). The Model is one of the commonly used models to estimate the fair value of an option. The variables and 
assumptions used in computing the fair value of the share options are based on the management’s best estimate. The value 
of an option varies with different variables of a number of subjective assumptions. Any change in the variables so adopted may 
materially affect the estimation of the fair value of an option. The inputs into the Model were as follows:

Date of grant 

1.12.2009 

31.3.2009 

11.3.2009

Closing share price at the date of grant 
Exercise price 
Risk free rate (Note a) 
Expected life of option (Note b) 
Expected volatility (Note c) 
Expected dividend per annum (Note d) 
Estimated fair values per share option 

Notes:

HK$22.800 
HK$22.800 
2.16% 
10 years 
35.09% 
HK$0.526 
HK$8.560 

HK$13.100 
HK$13.300 
1.94% 
10 years 
47.74% 
HK$0.526 
HK$4.299 

HK$11.760
HK$11.760
1.97%
10 years
48.24%
HK$0.526
HK$3.671

(a)  Risk free rate: being the approximate yields of 10-year Exchange Fund Notes traded on the date of grant, matching the expected life of 

each option.

(b)  Expected life of option: being the period of 10 years commencing on the date of grant, based on management’s best estimates for the 

effects of non-transferability, exercise restriction and behavioural consideration.

(c)  Expected volatility: being the approximate historical volatility of closing prices of the shares of the Company in the past one year 

immediately before the date of grant, except for the options granted on or after 1 December 2009 which the management considered that 
it was more appropriate that the expected volatility should be the approximate historical volatility of closing prices of the shares of the 
Company in the past 10 years immediately before the date of grant in order to match the expected life of the options of 10 years.

(d)  Expected dividend per annum: being the approximate average annual cash dividend for the past five financial years.

Service Contracts
No Director proposed for re-election at the forthcoming AGM has a service contract with the Company or any of its subsidiaries 
that is not determinable by the Group within 1 year without payment of compensation (other than statutory compensation).

76  Hysan Annual Report 2009

Directors’ Interests in Shares
As at 31 December 2009, the interests and short positions of the Directors in the shares, underlying shares or debentures of 
the Company and its associated corporations (within the meaning of Part XV of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (“SFO”)) 
as recorded in the register required to be kept under section 352 of the SFO; or as otherwise notified to the Company and the 
Stock Exchange pursuant to the Model Code for Securities Transactions by Directors of Listed Issuers (the “Model Code”), are 
set out below:

Aggregate long positions in shares and underlying shares of the Company

Number of ordinary shares held

Personal 
 Interests 

Family 
 Interests 

Corporate 
 Interests 

Other 
 Interests 

Total 

  % of the issued 
share capital
(Note a)

Name 

Fa-kuang HU 

– 

Hans Michael JEBSEN 

60,000 

Chien LEE 

800,000 

Deanna Ruth Tak Yung RUDGARD 

1,871,600 

Geoffrey Meou-tsen YEH 

Wendy Wen Yee YUNG 

Notes:

277,016 

28,000 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

200,000 
(Note b)

2,433,371 
(Note c)

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

200,000 

0.019

– 

2,493,371 

0.237

– 

– 

– 

– 

800,000 

1,871,600 

277,016 

28,000 

0.076

0.178

0.026

0.003

(a)  This percentage has been compiled based on the total number of shares of the Company in issue (i.e. 1,050,608,090 ordinary shares) 

as at 31 December 2009.

(b)  Such shares were held by a company which was wholly-owned by Fa-kuang HU and he was deemed to have a beneficial interest in all these 

shares.

(c)  Such shares were held through a corporation in which Hans Michael JEBSEN was a member entitled to exercise not less than one-third of 

the voting power at general meeting.

Certain executive Directors of the Company have been granted share options under the Schemes (details are set out in the 
section headed “Long-term incentives: Share Option Schemes” above). These constitute interests in underlying shares of equity 
derivatives of the Company under the SFO.

Aggregate long positions in shares of associated corporations
Listed below is a Director’s interest in the shares of Barrowgate Limited (“Barrowgate”), a 65.36% subsidiary of the Company:

Name 

Hans Michael JEBSEN 

Note:

Number of ordinary shares held

Corporate 
interests 

Other 
interests 

  % of the issued
share capital

Total 

1,000 

– 

1,000 

10
(Note)

Jebsen and Company Limited (“Jebsen and Company”) held a 10% interest in the issued share capital in Barrowgate through a wholly-owned 
subsidiary. Hans Michael JEBSEN was deemed to be interested in the shares of Barrowgate by virtue of being a controlling shareholder of 
Jebsen and Company.

Apart from the above, no other interest or short position in the shares, underlying shares or debentures of the Company or any 
associated corporations as at 31 December 2009 were recorded in the register required to be kept under Section 352 of the 
SFO; or as otherwise notified to the Company and the Stock Exchange pursuant to the Model Code.

Compliance of the Model Code for Securities Transactions by Directors of Listed Issuers
The Company has adopted the Model Code set out in Appendix 10 to the Listing Rules as its own code of conduct regarding 
Director’s securities transactions. All Directors have confirmed, following specific enquiry by the Company, that they have 
complied with the required standards set out in the Model Code throughout the year.

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DIRECTORS’ REMUNER ATION A ND INTERESTS REPORT continued

Directors’ Interests in Contracts
During the year, certain Directors have interests, directly or indirectly, in contracts with the Group. These contracts constitute 
Related Party Transactions, Connected Transactions or Contracts of Significance under applicable accounting or regulatory rules 
(details are disclosed in the Directors’ Report).

Directors’ Interests in Competing Business
The Group is engaged principally in the property investment, development and management of high quality investment properties 
in Hong Kong. The following Directors (excluding Independent non-executive Directors) are considered to have interests in other 
activities (the “Deemed Competing Business”) that compete or are likely to compete with the said core business of the Group, 
all within the meaning of the Listing Rules:

(i)  Anthony Hsien Pin LEE, Chien LEE, Michael Tze Hau LEE and Dr. Deanna Ruth Tak Yung RUDGARD are members of the 

founding Lee family whose range of general investment activities include property investments in Hong Kong and overseas. 
In light of the size and dominance of the portfolio of the Group, such disclosed Deemed Competing Business is considered 
immaterial.

(ii)  Hans Michael JEBSEN and his alternate, Kam Wing LI, hold the offices of directors in each of Jebsen and Company 

and Jebsen China Services Limited and some of their subsidiaries, of which their business activities include, inter alia, 
investment holding and property investment in both the People’s Republic of China and Hong Kong. Mr. Jebsen is also a 
substantial shareholder of the companies.

Mr. Jebsen is an independent non-executive director of The Wharf (Holdings) Limited whose business includes, inter alia, 
property investment, development and management in both the People’s Republic of China and Hong Kong.

(iii)  Chien LEE is an independent non-executive director of Swire Pacific Limited whose business includes, inter alia, property 

investment and trading in Hong Kong, the People’s Republic of China and the United States of America.

The Company’s management team is separate and independent from that of the companies identified above. In addition, the 
relevant Directors have non-executive roles and are not involved in the Company’s day-to-day operations and management.

For the reasons stated above, and coupled with the diligence of the Group’s Independent non-executive Directors and the Audit 
Committee, the Group is capable of carrying on its business independent of and at arm’s length from the Deemed Competing 
Business.

By Order of the Board
Wendy W.Y. YUNG
Executive Director and Company Secretary

Hong Kong, 10 March 2010

78  Hysan Annual Report 2009

 
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

The Audit Committee has 3 members (with a majority of Independent non-executive Directors). Currently, it is chaired by Nicholas 
Charles ALLEN, Independent non-executive Director and the other members are Dr. Geoffrey Meou-tsen YEH, Independent
non-executive Director and Chien LEE, Non-executive Director.

Under its terms of reference, the Committee oversees the Company’s financial reporting process; it also reviews the Company’s 
internal controls and risk management systems and its relationship with external auditor. Effective from 1 January 2009, 
the Committee’s terms of reference was revised in light of the changes to the Listing Rules. The Committee also has the 
responsibility to review the adequacy of resources, qualifications and experience of staff of the Group’s accounting and financial 
reporting function, and their training programmes and budget. The Committee presents a report to the Board on its findings 
after each Committee meeting.

The Committee held 2 meetings during the year, on 9 March and 10 August 2009. The meeting held in March 2009 was 
attended by Sir David AKERS-JONES and Tom BEHRENS-SORENSEN whilst the meeting held in August 2009 was attended by 
Sir David AKERS-JONES and Chien LEE to consider the financial statements for the 2008 annual report and 2009 interim report 
respectively. The Committee last met on 9 March 2010 to consider the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 
2009.

Details on the meeting held in March 2009 were set out in the 2008 Annual Report. Significant matters, as reviewed and 
discussed in the other meetings, include the following:

Financial Reporting
In the process of financial reporting, management is responsible for the preparation of Group financial statements including 
the selection of suitable accounting policies. The external auditor is responsible for auditing and attesting to Group financial 
statements and evaluating the Group’s system of internal controls in such regard. The Committee oversees the respective work 
of management and the external auditor to endorse the processes and safeguards employed by them.

• 

August 2009 

: 

•  March 2010 

: 

The Committee reviewed and recommended to the Board for approval the unaudited financial 
statements for the first 6 months of 2009, prior to public announcement and filing. The Committee 
received reports from and met with the external auditor to discuss the scope of their review and 
findings. The Committee had discussions with management on significant judgments affecting 
Group’s financial statements.

The Committee reviewed and discussed with management and external auditor the 2009 financial 
statements included in the 2009 Annual Report, prior to public announcement and filing. The 
Committee received reports from and met with external auditor and internal auditor to discuss 
the general scope of their respective work and findings. The Committee had discussions with 
management with regard to significant judgments affecting the Group financial statements. Based 
on these review and discussions, and the report of the external auditor, the Audit Committee 
recommended to the Board approval of the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 
2009, with the Independent Auditor’s Report thereon.

Review of Internal Controls and Risk Management Systems
• 

August 2009 

: 

The Committee considered the report of internal audit, including status in implementing 
recommendations on previous audits and was satisfied.

•  March 2010 

: 

For 2009 annual internal controls review, the Committee considered reports from and upon 
receiving confirmation of management and internal audit, was satisfied as to the effectiveness of 
the Company’s internal controls system (including the adequacy of resources, qualifications and 
experience of staff of the Group’s accounting and financial reporting function, and their training 
programmes and budget). There were no matters of material concerns relating to financial, 
operational, or compliance controls.

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AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT continued

Relationship with External Auditor
• 

August 2009 

: 

The Committee reviewed and considered the terms of engagement of the external auditor in respect 
of the 2009 annual audit and the related results announcement and annual confirmation.

•  March 2010 

: 

The Committee assessed the auditor’s independence and objectivity. Factors considered include the 
arrangement for lead audit partner rotation, and the provision of non-audit services by the auditor. 
The Committee recommended to the Board that the shareholders be asked to re-appoint Deloitte 
Touche Tohmatsu as the Group’s external auditor for 2010.

The Committee also reviewed and considered the terms of engagement of the external auditor in 
respect of the 2010 interim results review.

For the year ended 31 December 2009, external auditor received a total fee of HK$2,054,000 (audit 
services: HK$1,810,000 and non-audit services: HK$244,000).

Members of the Audit Committee
Nicholas Charles ALLEN (Chairman)
Chien Lee
Dr. Geoffrey Meou-tsen YEH

Hong Kong, 10 March 2010

80  Hysan Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
AND VALUATION

82  Directors’ Responsibilities for the Financial Statements
83 
Independent Auditor’s Report
84  Consolidated Income Statement
85  Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
86  Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
87  Statement of Financial Position
88  Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
90  Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
92  Signifi cant Accounting Policies
100 Notes to the Financial Statements
142 Financial Risk Management
151 Five-Year Financial Summary
153 Report of the Valuer
154 Schedule of Principal Properties
156 Shareholding Analysis

Hysan Annual Report 2009  81

 
 
 
 
 
 
DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES FOR 
THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Companies Ordinance requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and 
fair view of the state of affairs of the Company and of the Group as at the end of the financial year and of their respective profit 
or loss for the year then ended. In preparing the financial statements, the Directors are required to:

(a)  select suitable accounting policies and apply them on a consistent basis, making judgments and estimates that are 

prudent, fair and reasonable;

(b)  state the reasons for any significant departure from accounting standards; and

(c)  prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis, unless it is not appropriate to presume that the Company and 

the Group will continue in business for the foreseeable future.

The Directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records, for safeguarding the assets of the Company and of the 
Group and for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

82  Hysan Annual Report 2009

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

To the Members of Hysan Development Company Limited
(incorporated in Hong Kong with limited liability)

We have audited the financial statements of Hysan Development Company Limited (the “Company”) and its subsidiaries 
(collectively referred to as the “Group”) set out on pages 84 to 150, which comprise the consolidated and Company’s 
statements of financial position as at 31 December 2009, and the consolidated income statement, the consolidated statement 
of comprehensive income, consolidated statement of changes in equity and consolidated statement of cash flows for the year 
then ended, and a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory notes.

Directors’ responsibility for the financial statements
The directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation and the true and fair presentation of these financial 
statements in accordance with Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards issued by the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public 
Accountants and the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance. This responsibility includes designing, implementing and maintaining 
internal control relevant to the preparation and the true and fair presentation of the financial statements that are free from 
material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error; selecting and applying appropriate accounting policies; and making 
accounting estimates that are reasonable in the circumstances.

Auditor’s responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit and to report our opinion solely to 
you, as a body, in accordance with section 141 of the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance 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 as 
to whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial 
statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material 
misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor 
considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and true and fair presentation of the financial statements 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 
financial statements.

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

Opinion
In our opinion, the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company and of the Group as at 
31 December 2009 and of the Group’s profit 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 Hong Kong Companies Ordinance.

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu
Certified Public Accountants
Hong Kong

10 March 2010

Hysan Annual Report 2009  83

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I

 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
For the year ended 31 December 2009

Turnover 
Property expenses 

Gross profit 
Investment income 
Other gains and losses 
Administrative expenses 
Finance costs 
Change in fair value of investment properties 
Share of results of associates 

Profit before taxation 
Taxation 

Profit for the year 

Profit for the year attributable to:
  Owners of the Company 
  Minority interests 

Earnings per share (expressed in HK cents) 
  Basic 

  Diluted 

Notes 

2009 
HK$ million 

2008
HK$ million

4 

6 
7 

8 

9 

10 

15

1,680 
(235) 

1,445 
38 
(3) 
(133) 
(131) 
1,249 
768 

3,233 
(396) 

2,837 

2,716 
121 

2,837 

1,638
(217)

1,421
63
146
(134)
(155)
(212)
590

1,719
(1)

1,718

1,594
124

1,718

259.60 

259.50 

153.37

153.36

84  Hysan Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the year ended 31 December 2009

Profit for the year 

Other comprehensive income: 
Fair value gains (losses) on available-for-sale investments 
Fair value gains (losses) on cash flow hedges 
Gain on revaluation of properties held for own use 
Share of translation reserve of an associate 

Other comprehensive income (expense) for the year (net of tax) 

Total comprehensive income for the year 

Total comprehensive income attributable to:
  Owners of the Company 
  Minority interests 

2009 
HK$ million 

2008
HK$ million

2,837 

1,718

Note 

11

37 
5 
1 
(1) 

42 

2,879 

2,758 
121 

2,879 

(1,351)
(28)
3
155

(1,221)

497

373
124

497

Hysan Annual Report 2009  85

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I

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
At 31 December 2009

Non-current assets
  Investment properties 
  Property, plant and equipment 
  Prepaid lease payments 
  Investments in associates 
  Available-for-sale investments 
  Other financial assets 
  Other receivables 

Current assets
  Accounts receivable and other receivables 
  Amount due from an associate 
  Other financial assets 
  Short-term investments 
  Time deposits 
  Cash and bank balances 

Current liabilities
  Accounts payable and accruals 
  Rental deposits from tenants 
  Amounts due to minority shareholders 
  Borrowings 
  Taxation payable 

Net current assets 

Total assets less current liabilities 

Non-current liabilities
  Borrowings 
  Other financial liabilities 
  Rental deposits from tenants 
  Deferred taxation 

Net assets 

Capital and reserves
  Share capital 
  Reserves 

Equity attributable to owners of the Company 
Minority interests 

Total equity 

Notes 

2009 
HK$ million 

2008
HK$ million

16 
17 
18 
20 
21 
22 

23 
25 
22 
26 
27 
27 

28 

29 
30 

30 
22 

31 

32 

37,363 
81 
121 
2,517 
1,002 
177 
31 

41,292 

83 
369 
120 
– 
1,945 
39 

2,556 

314 
127 
327 
400 
45 

1,213 

1,343 

35,850
80
123
1,750
1,022
242
29

39,096

94
590
41
700
964
51

2,440

320
158
327
550
351

1,706

734

42,635 

39,830

3,491 
36 
273 
3,881 

7,681 

3,201
41
230
3,648

7,120

34,954 

32,710

5,253 
28,415 

33,668 
1,286 

34,954 

5,206
26,263

31,469
1,241

32,710

The consolidated financial statements on pages 84 to 150 were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 
10 March 2010 and are signed on its behalf by:

David AKERS-JONES 
Director 

Gerry L.F. YIM
Director

86  Hysan Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
At 31 December 2009

Non-current assets
  Property, plant and equipment 
  Investments in subsidiaries 
  Available-for-sale investments 
  Other receivables 

Current assets
  Other receivables 
  Amounts due from subsidiaries 
  Time deposits 
  Cash and bank balances 

Current liabilities
  Other payable and accruals 
  Amounts due to subsidiaries 
  Taxation payable 

Net current assets 

Net assets 

Capital and reserves
  Share capital 
  Reserves 

Total equity 

Notes 

2009 
HK$ million 

2008
HK$ million

17 
19 
21 

24 
27 
27 

24 

32 
33 

8 
– 
2 
– 

10 

4 
12,743 
566 
8 

13,321 

34 
192 
3 

229 

13,092 

13,102 

5,253 
7,849 

5
–
2
1

8

3
12,869
100
41

13,013

31
59
40

130

12,883

12,891

5,206
7,685

13,102 

12,891

The financial statements on pages 84 to 150 were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 10 March 
2010 and are signed on its behalf by:

David AKERS-JONES 
Director 

Gerry L.F. YIM
Director

Hysan Annual Report 2009  87

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I

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
For the year ended 31 December 2009

Attributable to owners of the Company 

Share 
capital 
HK$ million 

Share 
premium 
HK$ million 

Share 
options 
reserve 
HK$ million 

Capital 
redemption 
reserve 
HK$ million 

At 1 January 2008 

5,187 

1,541 

Profit for the year 
Change in fair value of available-for-sale investments 
Transfer to profit and loss on disposal of available-for-sale investments 
Change in fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedge 
Transfer to profit and loss for cash flow hedges 
Gain on revaluation of properties held for own use 
Deferred taxation arising on revaluation of properties held for own use 
Share of reserve of an associate 

Total comprehensive income (expense) for the year 

Issue of shares pursuant to scrip dividend schemes 
Issue of shares under share option schemes 
Recognition of equity-settled share-based payments 
Forfeiture of share options 
Dividends paid during the year (note 14) 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

18 
1 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

63 
2 
– 
– 
– 

At 31 December 2008 

5,206 

1,606 

Profit for the year 
Change in fair value of available-for-sale investments 
Transfer to profit and loss on disposal of available-for-sale investments 
Change in fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedge 
Transfer to profit and loss for cash flow hedges 
Gain on revaluation of properties held for own use 
Share of reserve of an associate 

Total comprehensive income (expense) for the year 

Issue of shares pursuant to scrip dividend schemes 
Issue of shares under share option schemes 
Recognition of equity-settled share-based payments 
Forfeiture of share options 
Dividends paid during the year (note 14) 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

47 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

96 
1 
– 
– 
– 

At 31 December 2009 

5,253 

1,703 

6 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
(1) 
5 
(1) 
– 

9 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
6 
(5) 
– 

10 

276 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

276 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

276 

88  Hysan Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Attributable to owners of the Company

General 
reserve 
HK$ million 

Investments 
revaluation 
reserve 
HK$ million 

Hedging 
reserve 
HK$ million 

Properties
revaluation 
reserve 
HK$ million 

Translation 
reserve 
HK$ million 

Retained 
profits 
HK$ million 

Total 
HK$ million 

Minority
interests 
HK$ million 

Total
HK$ million

100 

2,123 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
(1,165) 
(186) 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

(1,351) 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

100 

772 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
40 
(3) 
– 
– 
– 
– 

37 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

1 

– 
– 
– 
(31) 
3 
– 
– 
– 

(28) 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

(27) 

– 
– 
– 
(12) 
17 
– 
– 

5 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

9 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
4 
(1) 
– 

3 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

(1) 

22,410 

31,652 

1,196 

32,848

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
155 

155 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

1,594 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

1,594 

– 
– 
– 
1 
(644) 

1,594 
(1,165) 
(186) 
(31) 
3 
4 
(1) 
155 

373 

81 
2 
5 
– 
(644) 

124 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

124 

– 
– 
– 
– 
(79) 

1,718
(1,165)
(186)
(31)
3
4
(1)
155

497

81
2
5
–
(723)

12 

154 

23,361 

31,469 

1,241 

32,710

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
1 
– 

1 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(1) 

(1) 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

2,716 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

2,716 

– 
– 
– 
5 
(709) 

2,716 
40 
(3) 
(12) 
17 
1 
(1) 

2,758 

143 
1 
6 
– 
(709) 

121 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

121 

– 
– 
– 
– 
(76) 

2,837
40
(3)
(12)
17
1
(1)

2,879

143
1
6
–
(785)

100 

809 

(22) 

13 

153 

25,373 

33,668 

1,286 

34,954

Hysan Annual Report 2009  89

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the year ended 31 December 2009

2009 
HK$ million 

2008
HK$ million

3,233 

1,719

3 
131 
(1,249) 
(768) 
(27) 
(11) 
6 
1 
6 

1,325 
(2) 
– 
14 
– 
12 

1,349 
(469) 
– 

880 

8 
27 
44 
40 
221 
(242) 
(8) 
(112) 
(1,551) 

(1,573) 

(146)
155
212
(590)
(48)
(15)
6
–
5

1,298
(17)
(56)
23
65
49

1,362
(189)
6

1,179

12
48
272
78
6
(345)
(5)
–
–

66

Operating activities
Profit before taxation 
Adjustments for:
  Other gains and losses 
  Finance costs 
  Change in fair value of investment properties 
  Share of results of associates 
  Dividend income 
  Interest income 
  Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 
  Amortisation of prepaid lease payments 
  Share-based payment expenses 

Operating cash flows before movements in working capital 
Increase in accounts receivable and other receivables 
Increase in held-for-trading investments 
Increase in accounts payable and accruals 
Decrease in equity derivatives 
Increase in rental deposits from tenants 

Cash generated from operations 
Hong Kong profits tax paid 
Hong Kong profits tax refund 

Net cash from operating activities 

Investing activities
Interest received 
Dividends received from available-for-sale investments 
Proceeds on disposal of available-for-sale investments 
Proceeds upon maturity of principal-protected deposits 
Repayment from associates 
Payments in respect of investment properties 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment 
Additions to principal-protected deposits 
Increase in time deposits with original maturity over three months 

Net cash (used in) from investing activities 

90  Hysan Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 

2009 
HK$ million 

2008
HK$ million

Financing activities
Interest paid 
Bank charges 
Medium Term Note Programme expenses 
Payment for front-end fees 
Payment for hedging expenses 
Dividends paid 
Dividends paid to minority shareholders of a subsidiary 
Repayment of bank loans 
Repayment of floating rate notes 
New bank loans 
Issue of fixed rate notes 
Issue of floating rate notes 
Proceeds on exercise of share options 

Net cash used in financing activities 

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January 

Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 

27 

(119) 
(4) 
(1) 
(1) 
(2) 
(566) 
(76) 
(70) 
(550) 
599 
– 
200 
1 

(589) 

(1,282) 

1,715 

433 

(125)
(8)
(1)
(4)
(2)
(562)
(79)
–
–
200
565
–
2

(14)

1,231

484

1,715

Hysan Annual Report 2009  91

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SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
For the year ended 31 December 2009

These financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis except for certain properties and financial 
instruments, which are measured at revalued amounts or fair values, as explained in the accounting policies set out below.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards issued by the 
Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance. In addition, these financial 
statements include applicable disclosures required by the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of 
Hong Kong Limited. The principal accounting policies adopted are as follows:

1.  Basis of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the Company and entities controlled by the 
Company (its subsidiaries). Control is achieved where the Company has the power to govern the financial and operating policies 
of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.

The results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during the year are included in the consolidated income statement from the 
effective date of acquisition or up to the effective date of disposal, as appropriate.

Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring their accounting policies into line 
with those used by other members of the Group.

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

Minority interests in the net assets of consolidated subsidiaries are presented separately from the Group’s equity therein. 
Minority interests in the net assets consist of the amount of those interests at the date of the original business combination 
and the minority’s share of changes in equity since the date of the combination. Losses applicable to the minority in excess of 
the minority’s interest in the subsidiary’s equity are allocated against the interests of the Group except to the extent that the 
minority has a binding obligation and is able to make an additional investment to cover the losses.

2.  Investments in Subsidiaries
Investments in subsidiaries are included in the Company’s statement of financial position at cost less any identified impairment 
loss. The results of subsidiaries are accounted for by the Company on the basis of dividends received and receivable during the 
year.

3.  Investments in Associates
An associate is an entity over which the Group or the Company has significant influence and that is neither a subsidiary nor an 
interest in a joint venture. Significant influence is the power to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions of the 
investee but is not control or joint control over those policies.

The results, assets and liabilities of associates are incorporated in the consolidated financial statements using the equity 
method of accounting. Under the equity method, investments in associates are carried in the consolidated statement of 
financial position at cost as adjusted for post-acquisition changes in the Group’s share of the net assets of the associates, 
less any identified impairment loss. When the Group’s share of losses of an associate equals or exceeds its interest in that 
associate (which includes any long-term interests that, in substance, form part of the Group’s net investment in the associate), 
the Group discontinues recognising its share of further losses. An additional share of losses is provided for and a liability is 
recognised only to the extent that the Group has incurred legal or constructive obligations or made payments on behalf of that 
associate.

Where a group entity transacts with an associate of the Group, profits and losses are eliminated to the extent of the Group’s 
interest in the relevant associate.

4.  Investment Properties
Investment properties are properties held to earn rental and/or for capital appreciation.

On initial recognition, investment properties are measured at cost, including any directly attributable expenditure. Subsequent 
to initial recognition, investment properties are measured at their fair values using the fair value model. Gains or losses 
arising from changes in the fair value of investment properties are included in profit or loss for the period in which they arise. 
If an investment property becomes an item of property, plant and equipment because its use has changed as evidenced by 
commencement of owner-occupation, the property’s deemed cost for subsequent accounting is its fair value at the date of 
change in use.

92  Hysan Annual Report 2009

4.  Investment Properties continued
Construction costs incurred for investment properties under construction are capitalised as part of the carrying amount of the 
investment properties under construction. Investment properties under construction are measured at fair value at the end of 
the reporting period. Any difference between the fair value of the investment properties under construction and their carrying 
amount is recognised in profit or loss in the period in which they arise.

An investment property is derecognised upon disposal or when the investment property is permanently withdrawn from use or 
no future economic benefits are expected from its disposals. Any gain or loss arising on derecognition of the asset (calculated 
as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset) is included in the consolidated 
income statement in the year in which the item is derecognised.

5.  Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost or fair value less subsequent accumulated depreciation and accumulated 
impairment losses.

Land and buildings held for use in the production or supply of goods or services, or for administrative purposes, are stated in 
the consolidated statement of financial position at their revalued amounts, being the fair values at the date of revaluation less 
any subsequent accumulated depreciation and any subsequent accumulated impairment losses. Revaluations are performed 
with sufficient regularity such that the carrying amount does not differ materially from that which would be determined using fair 
values at the end of the reporting period.

Any revaluation increase arising on revaluation of land and buildings is recognised in other comprehensive income and 
accumulated in the properties revaluation reserve, except to the extent that it reverses a revaluation decrease of the same 
asset previously recognised in profit or loss, in which case the increase is credited to profit or loss to the extent of the decrease 
previously charged. A decrease in net carrying amount arising on revaluation of an asset is recognised in profit or loss to the 
extent that it exceeds the balance, if any, on the properties revaluation reserve relating to a previous revaluation of that asset. 
On the subsequent sale or retirement of a revalued asset, the attributable revaluation surplus is transferred to retained profits.

Depreciation is provided to write off the cost or fair value of items of property, plant and equipment over their estimated useful 
lives and after taking into account of their estimated residual value, using the straight-line method.

If an item of property, plant and equipment and the relevant leasehold land becomes an investment property because its use 
has changed as evidenced by end of owner-occupation, any difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of that 
item at the date of transfer is recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in property revaluation reserve. On 
the subsequent sale or retirement of the asset, the relevant revaluation reserve will be transferred directly to retained profits.

An item of property, plant and equipment is derecognised upon disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected to 
arise from the continued use of the asset. Any gain or loss arising on derecognition of the asset (calculated as the difference 
between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the item) is included in profit or loss in the period in which the 
item is derecognised.

6.  Prepaid Lease Payments
The land and buildings elements of a lease of land and buildings are considered separately for the purpose of lease 
classification. To the extent that the allocation of the lease payments between the land and buildings elements can be made 
reliably, the leasehold interests in land are classified as prepaid lease payments, which are carried at cost less subsequent 
accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses, and is amortised to the consolidated income statement on a 
straight-line basis over the terms of relevant land leases except for those that are classified and accounted for as investment 
properties under the fair value model and those transferred from investment properties to property, plant and equipment.

7.  Impairment of Non-Financial Assets
At the end of each reporting period, the Group and the Company review the carrying amounts of their assets to determine 
whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If the recoverable amount of an asset 
is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to its recoverable amount. An 
impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which 
case the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation decrease.

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SIGNIFICA NT ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued
For the year ended 31 December 2009

7.  Impairment of Non-Financial Assets continued
Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset is increased to the revised estimate of 
its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have 
been determined had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is 
recognised immediately in profit or loss, unless the relevant asset is carried at revalued amount, in which case the reversal of 
the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation increase.

8.  Financial Instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised in the statement of financial position when a group entity becomes 
a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial assets and financial liabilities are initially measured at fair 
value. Transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition or issue of financial assets and financial liabilities (other 
than financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss) are added to or deducted from the fair value 
of the financial assets or financial liabilities, as appropriate, on initial recognition. Transaction costs directly attributable to the 
acquisition of financial assets or financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are recognised immediately in profit or 
loss.

(a)  Financial assets
The Group’s financial assets are classified into one of the four categories, including (i) financial assets at fair value through 
profit or loss (“FVTPL”), (ii) loans and receivables, (iii) held-to-maturity investments and (iv) available-for-sale financial assets. 
The Company’s financial assets are classified into (i) loans and receivables and (ii) available-for-sale financial assets. The 
classification depends on the nature and purpose of the financial assets and is determined at the time of initial recognition. 
All regular way purchases or sales of financial assets are recognised and derecognised on a trade date basis. Regular way 
purchases or sales are purchases or sales of financial assets that require delivery of assets within the time frame established 
by regulation or convention in the marketplace. The accounting policies adopted in respect of each category of financial assets 
are set out below.

(i)  Financial assets at FVTPL
Financial assets are classified as at FVTPL where the financial asset is either held for trading or it is designated as at FVTPL.

A financial asset is classified as held for trading if it has been acquired principally for the purpose of selling in the near future or 
it is a derivative that is not designated and effective as a hedging instrument.

A financial asset other than the one held for trading may be designated as at FVTPL upon initial recognition if it contains one or 
more embedded derivatives and HKAS 39 permits the entire combined contract (asset or liability) to be designated as at FVTPL.

Financial assets at FVTPL are measured at fair value, with changes in fair value arising from remeasurement recognised directly 
in profit or loss in the period in which they arise. The net gain or loss recognised in profit or loss includes any dividend or 
interest earned on the financial asset.

(ii)  Loans and receivables
Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an 
active market. At the end of each reporting period subsequent to initial recognition, loans and receivables (including accounts 
receivable and other receivables, amounts due from subsidiaries, amount due from an associate, time deposits and bank 
balances) are carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any identified impairment losses (see 
accounting policy on impairment of financial assets below).

(iii)  Held-to-maturity investments
Held-to-maturity investments are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments and fixed maturities that 
the Group’s management has the positive intention and ability to hold to maturity. The Group designated listed debt securities, 
which are denominated in Hong Kong dollars and US dollars (see note 26 of the notes to the financial statements section), as 
held-to-maturity investments. At the end of each reporting period subsequent to initial recognition, held-to-maturity investments 
are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any identified impairment losses (see accounting 
policy on impairment of financial assets below).

94  Hysan Annual Report 2009

8.  Financial Instruments continued
(a)  Financial assets continued
(iv)  Available-for-sale financial assets
Available-for-sale financial assets are non-derivatives that are either designated as such or not classified as financial assets 
at FVTPL, loans and receivables or held-to-maturity investments. The Group and the Company designated investments in equity 
securities and club debentures (if any) as available-for-sale financial assets. At the end of each reporting period subsequent to 
initial recognition, available-for-sale financial assets (including certain equity securities investments and club debentures) are 
measured at fair value. Changes in fair value are recognised in equity in the investments revaluation reserve until the financial 
asset is disposed of or is determined to be impaired, at which time, the cumulative gain or loss previously recognised in equity 
is removed from equity and recognised in profit or loss (see accounting policy on impairment of financial assets below).

For available-for-sale equity investments that do not have a quoted market price in an active market and whose fair value cannot 
be reliably measured, they are measured at cost less any identified impairment losses at the end of each reporting period 
subsequent to initial recognition (see accounting policy on impairment of financial assets below).

(v)  Effective interest method
The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a financial asset and of allocating interest 
income over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts 
(including all fees paid or received that form an integral part of the effective interest rate, transaction costs and other premiums 
or discounts) through the expected life of the financial asset or, where appropriate, a shorter period to the net carrying amount 
on initial recognition.

Interest income is recognised on an effective interest basis for debt instruments, other than those financial assets classified as 
at FVTPL, of which interest income is included in net gains or losses.

(vi)  Impairment of financial assets
Financial assets, other than those at FVTPL, are assessed for indicators of impairment at the end of each reporting period. 
Financial assets are impaired when there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after the 
initial recognition of the financial asset, the estimated future cash flows of the financial assets have been impacted.

For an available-for-sale equity investment, a significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of that investment below its cost is 
considered to be objective evidence of impairment.

For all other financial assets, objective evidence of impairment could include:

• 

• 

• 

significant financial difficulty of the issuer or counterparty; or

default or delinquency in interest or principal payments; or

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

For certain categories of financial asset, such as accounts receivable, assets that are assessed not to be impaired individually 
are subsequently assessed for impairment on a collective basis. Objective evidence of impairment for a portfolio of receivables 
could include the Group’s past experience of collecting payments, an increase in the number of delayed payments in the 
portfolio past the average credit period, observable changes in national or local economic conditions that correlate with default 
on receivables.

For financial assets carried at amortised cost, an impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss when there is objective 
evidence that the asset is impaired, and is measured as the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present 
value of the estimated future cash flows discounted at the original effective interest rate.

For financial assets carried at cost, the amount of the impairment loss is measured as the difference between the asset’s 
carrying amount and the present value of the estimated future cash flows discounted at the current market rate of return for a 
similar financial asset. Such impairment loss will not be reversed in subsequent periods.

The carrying amount of the financial asset is reduced by the impairment loss directly for all financial assets with the exception 
of accounts receivable and amounts due from subsidiaries and an associate, where the carrying amount is reduced through the 
use of an allowance account (if any). Changes in the carrying amount of the allowance account are recognised in profit or loss. 
When an account receivable or an amount due from a subsidiary or an associate is considered uncollectible, it is written off 
against the allowance account. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited to profit or loss.

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SIGNIFICA NT ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued
For the year ended 31 December 2009

8.  Financial Instruments continued
(a)  Financial assets continued
(vi)  Impairment of financial assets continued
For financial assets measured at amortised cost, if, in a subsequent period, the amount of impairment loss decreases and the 
decrease can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment losses was recognised, the previously recognised 
impairment loss is reversed through profit or loss to the extent that the carrying amount of the asset at the date of impairment 
is reversed does not exceed what the amortised cost would have been had the impairment not been recognised.

Impairment losses on available-for-sale equity investments will not be reversed in profit or loss in subsequent periods. Any 
increase in fair value subsequent to impairment loss is recognised directly in other comprehensive income and accumulated 
in investment revaluation reserve. For available-for-sale debt investments, impairment losses are subsequently reversed if 
an increase in the fair value of the investment can be objectively related to an event occurring after the recognition of the 
impairment loss.

(vii)  Derecognition of financial assets
Financial assets are derecognised when the rights to receive cash flows from the assets expire or, the financial assets 
are transferred and the Group or the Company has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the 
financial assets. On derecognition of a financial asset, the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the sum of the 
consideration received and receivable and the cumulative gain or loss that had been recognised in other comprehensive income 
is recognised in profit or loss.

(b)  Financial liabilities and equity
Financial liabilities and equity instruments issued by a group entity are classified according to the substance of the contractual 
arrangements entered into and the definitions of a financial liability and an equity instrument.

An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the Group or the Company after 
deducting all of its liabilities. The Group’s financial liabilities are generally classified into (i) financial liabilities at FVTPL and (ii) 
other financial liabilities. The Company’s financial liabilities are generally classified into other financial liabilities. The accounting 
policies adopted in respect of financial liabilities and equity instruments are set out below.

(i)  Financial liabilities at FVTPL
Financial liabilities at FVTPL, that are classified as held for trading, comprise derivatives that are not designated and effective as 
hedging instruments.

Financial liabilities at FVTPL are measured at fair value, with changes in fair value arising on remeasurement recognised directly 
in profit or loss in the period in which they arise. The net gain or loss recognised in profit or loss includes any interest paid on 
the financial liabilities.

(ii)  Other financial liabilities
Other financial liabilities (including accounts payable and accruals, other payable, amounts due to subsidiaries, amounts due to 
minority shareholders and borrowings) are subsequently measured at amortised cost, using the effective interest method.

(iii)  Equity instruments
Equity instruments issued by the Company are recorded at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs.

Consideration paid to repurchase the Company’s own equity instruments are deducted from equity. No gain or loss is recognised 
in profit or loss on the purchase, sale, issue or cancellation of the Company’s own equity instruments.

(iv)  Effective interest method
The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a financial liability and of allocating interest 
expense over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash payments 
through the expected life of the financial liability, or, where appropriate, a shorter period.

Interest expense is recognised on an effective interest basis for financial liabilities, other than those financial liabilities 
classified as at FVTPL, of which the interest expense is included in net gains or losses.

96  Hysan Annual Report 2009

8.  Financial Instruments continued
(b)  Financial liabilities and equity continued
(v)  Derecognition of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the obligation specified in the relevant contract is discharged, cancelled or expires. 
The difference between the carrying amount of the financial liability derecognised and the consideration paid and payable is 
recognised in profit or loss.

(c)  Derivative financial instruments and hedging
Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value at the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently 
remeasured to their fair values at the end of each reporting period. The resulting gain or loss is recognised in profit or loss 
immediately unless the derivative is designated and effective as a hedging instrument, in which event the timing of the 
recognition in profit or loss depends on the nature of the hedge relationship.

(d)  Embedded derivatives
Derivatives embedded in non-derivative host contracts are treated as separate derivatives when their risks and characteristics 
are not closely related to those of the host contracts and the host contracts are not measured at fair value with changes in fair 
value recognised in profit or loss.

(e)  Hedge accounting
The Group designates certain derivatives as hedging instruments as either fair value hedge or cash flow hedge.

At the inception of the hedging relationship, the Group documents the relationship between the hedging instrument and 
the hedged item, along with its risk management objectives and its strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. 
Furthermore, at the inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, the Group documents whether the hedging instrument that 
is used in a hedging relationship is highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged item.

(i)  Fair value hedges
Changes in the fair values of derivatives that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges are recorded in profit or loss 
immediately, together with any changes in the fair values of the hedged items that are attributable to the hedged risk. The 
adjustment to the carrying amount of the hedged item for which the effective interest is used is amortised to profit or loss when 
the hedged item ceases to be adjusted for changes in its fair value attributable to the risk being hedged. The adjustment is 
based on a recalculated effective interest rate at the date the amortisation begins.

Hedge accounting is discontinued when the Group revokes the hedging relationship, the hedging instrument expires or is sold, 
terminated, or exercised, or no longer qualifies for hedge accounting.

(ii)  Cash flow hedges
The effective portion of changes in the fair values of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges are 
recognised in other comprehensive income (hedging reserve). The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognised 
immediately in profit or loss as other gains or losses.

Amounts previously recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity (hedging reserve) are reclassified to 
profit or loss in the periods when the hedged item is recognised in profit or loss.

Hedge accounting is discontinued when the Group revokes the hedging relationship, the hedging instrument expires or is sold, 
terminated, or exercised, or no longer qualifies for hedge accounting. Any cumulative gain or loss accumulated in equity at 
that time remains in equity and is recognised when the forecast transaction is ultimately recognised in profit or loss. When a 
forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss accumulated in equity is recognised immediately 
in profit or loss.

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SIGNIFICA NT ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued
For the year ended 31 December 2009

9.  Revenue Recognition
Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable.

Rental income is recognised on a straight-line basis over the term of the relevant lease.

Management fee income and security service income are recognised when services are rendered.

Dividend income from investments including financial assets at FVTPL is recognised when the shareholders’ right to receive 
payments has been established.

Interest income from a financial asset excluding financial assets at FVTPL 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.

10. Leases
Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of 
ownership to the lessee. All other leases are classified as operating leases.

(a)  The Group as lessor
Rental income from operating leases is recognised in profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the term of the relevant lease. 
Initial direct costs incurred in negotiating and arranging an operating lease are added to the carrying amount of the leased 
asset and recognised as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

(b)  The Company as lessee
Operating lease payments, including the leasehold interests in land, are recognised as an expense on a straight-line basis over 
the term of the relevant lease. Benefits received and receivable as an incentive to enter into an operating lease are recognised 
as a reduction of rental expense over the lease term on a straight-line basis.

11. Foreign Currencies
In preparing the financial statements of each individual group entity, transactions in currencies other than the functional currency 
of that entity (foreign currencies) are recorded in its functional currency (i.e. the currency of the primary economic environment 
in which the entity operates) at the rates of exchanges prevailing on the dates of the transactions. At the end of each reporting 
period, monetary items denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing at that date. Non-monetary 
items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are not retranslated.

Exchange differences arising on the settlement of monetary items, and on the translation of monetary items, are recognised in 
profit or loss in the period in which they arise, except for exchange differences arising on a monetary item that forms part of the 
Group’s net investment in a foreign operation, in which case, such exchange differences are recognised in other comprehensive 
income and accumulated in equity and will be reclassified from equity to profit or loss on disposal of the foreign operation.

For the purposes of presenting the consolidated financial statements, the assets and liabilities of the Group’s foreign operations 
are translated into the presentation currency of the Group (i.e. Hong Kong dollars) at the rate of exchange prevailing at the 
end of the reporting period, and their income and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates for the year, unless 
exchange rates fluctuate significantly during the period, in which case, the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of transactions 
are used. Exchange differences arising, if any, are recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity (the 
translation reserve).

12. Borrowing Costs
Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of qualifying assets, which are assets that 
necessarily take a substantial period of time to get ready for their intended use or sale are added to the cost of those assets 
until such time as the assets are substantially ready for their intended use or sale. Investment income earned on the temporary 
investment of specific borrowings pending their expenditure on qualifying assets is deducted from the borrowing costs eligible 
for capitalisation.

All other borrowing costs are recognised in profit or loss in the period in which they are incurred.

98  Hysan Annual Report 2009

13. Retirement Benefit Costs
Payments to the Mandatory Provident Fund Scheme are charged as an expense when employees have rendered service entitling 
them to the contributions.

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

(a)  Current tax
The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from profit as reported in the consolidated 
income statement because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further 
excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The Group’s or the Company’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax 
rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period.

(b)  Deferred tax
Deferred tax is recognised on temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial 
statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit. Deferred tax liabilities are generally 
recognised for all taxable temporary differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that 
taxable profits will be available against which deductible temporary differences can be utilised. Such assets and liabilities 
are not recognised if the temporary difference arises from goodwill or from the initial recognition (other than in a business 
combination) of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the taxable profit nor the accounting profit.

Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries and 
associates, except where the Group or the Company is able to control the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable 
that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future. Deferred tax assets arising from deductible temporary 
differences associated with such investments and interests are only recognised to the extent that is probable that there will be 
sufficient taxable profits against which to utilise the benefits of the temporary differences and they are expected to reserve in 
the forseeable future.

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at the end of each reporting period and reduced to the extent that it is 
no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered.

Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset 
realised, based on tax rate (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period. 
The measurement of deferred tax liabilities and assets reflects the tax consequences that would follow from the manner in 
which the Group expects, at the end of the reporting period, to recover or settle the carrying amount of its assets and liabilities. 
Deferred tax is recognised in profit or loss, except when it relates to items that are recognised in other comprehensive income 
or directly in equity, in which case the deferred tax is also recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity 
respectively.

15. Equity-Settled Share-Based Payment Transactions
Share options granted to employees
The fair value of services received determined by reference to the fair value of share options granted at the grant date is 
expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, with a corresponding increase in equity (share options reserve).

At the end of each reporting period, the Group and the Company revise their estimates of the number of options that are 
expected to ultimately vest. The impact of the revision of the estimates during the vesting period, if any, is recognised in profit or 
loss, with a corresponding adjustment to share options reserve.

At the time when the share options are exercised, the amount previously recognised in share options reserve will be transferred 
to share premium. When the share options are forfeited after the vesting date or are still not exercised at the expiry date, the 
amount previously recognised in share options reserve will be transferred to retained profits.

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2009

1.  General
The Company is a public listed company incorporated in Hong Kong and its shares are listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong 
Kong Limited (the “Stock Exchange”). The addresses of the registered office and principal place of business of the Company 
are disclosed in the “Shareholder Information” section of the annual report.

The principal activities of the Company and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the “Group”) are property investment, 
management and development.

These financial statements are presented in Hong Kong dollars, which is the same as the functional currency of the Company.

2.  Application of New and Revised Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards 

(“HKFRSs”)

In the current year, the Group and the Company had applied a number of new and revised Standards, Amendments to Standards 
and Interpretations (“new and revised HKFRSs”) issued by the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (“HKICPA”).

Except as described below, the adoption of these new and revised HKFRSs had no material effect on the financial statements 
of the Group or the Company for the current and/or prior accounting years. Accordingly, no prior year adjustment has been 
required.

HKAS 1 (Revised 2007) – Presentation of Financial Statements
HKAS 1 (Revised 2007) has introduced terminology changes (including revised titles for the financial statements) and changes 
in the format and content of the financial statements.

HKFRS 8 – Operating Segments
HKFRS 8 is a disclosure Standard that has resulted in a disclosure of the Group’s reportable segments (see note 5).

Amendments to HKFRS 7 – Financial Instruments: Disclosures
The amendments to HKFRS 7 expand the disclosures required in relation to fair value measurements in respect of financial 
instruments which are measured at fair value. The amendments also amend the disclosures required in relation to liquidity risk. 
The Group has not provided comparative information for the expanded disclosures in accordance with the transitional provision 
set out in the amendments.

The Group and the Company have not early applied the following new and revised Standards, Amendments to Standards or 
Interpretations that have been issued but are not yet effective.

HKFRSs (Amendments) 
HKFRSs (Amendments) 
HKAS 24 (Revised) 
HKAS 27 (Revised) 
HKAS 32 (Amendment) 
HKAS 39 (Amendment) 
HKFRS 1 (Amendment) 
HKFRS 1 (Amendment) 
HKFRS 2 (Amendment) 
HKFRS 3 (Revised) 
HKFRS 9 
HK(IFRIC) – Int 14 (Amendment) 
HK(IFRIC) – Int 17 
HK(IFRIC) – Int 19 

Amendments to HKFRS 5 as part of Improvements to HKFRSs 20081
Improvements to HKFRSs 20092
Related Party Disclosures3
Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements1
Classification of Rights Issues4
Eligible Hedged Items1
Additional Exemptions for First-time Adopters5
Limited Exemption from Comparative HKFRS 7 Disclosure for First-time Adopters6
Group Cash-settled Share-based Payment Transactions5
Business Combinations1
Financial Instruments7
Prepayments of a Minimum Funding Requirement3
Distribution of Non-cash Assets to Owners1
Extinguishing Financial Liabilities with Equity Instruments6

1  Effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 July 2009.
2  Amendments that are effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 July 2009 or 1 January 2010, as appropriate.
3  Effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2011.
4  Effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 February 2010.
5  Effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2010.
6  Effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 July 2010.
7  Effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2013.

100  Hysan Annual Report 2009

2.  Application of New and Revised Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards 

(“HKFRSs”) continued

HKFRS 9 “Financial Instruments” introduces new requirements for the classification and measurement of financial assets 
and will be effective from 1 January 2013, with earlier application permitted. The Standard requires all recognised financial 
assets that are within the scope of HKAS 39 “Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement” to be measured at either 
amortised cost or fair value. Specially, debt investments that (i) are held within a business model whose objective is to collect 
the contractual cash flows and (ii) have contractual cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal 
outstanding are generally measured at amortised cost. All other debt investments and equity investments are measured at fair 
value. The application of HKFRS 9 will affect the classification and measurement of the Group’s financial assets.

In addition, as part of “Improvements to HKFRSs 2009”, HKAS 17 “Leases” has been amended in relation to the classification 
of leasehold land. The amendments will be effective from 1 January 2010, with earlier application permitted. Before the 
amendments to HKAS 17, leases were required to classify leasehold land as operating leases and presented as prepaid lease 
payments in the consolidated statement of financial position. The amendments have removed such a requirement. Instead, 
the amendments require the classification of leasehold land to be based on the general principles set out in HKAS 17, that are 
based on the extent to which risks and rewards incidental to ownership of a leased asset lie with the lessor or the lessee. The 
application of the amendments to HKAS 17 will affect the classification and measurement of the Group’s leasehold land.

The Directors of the Company anticipate that the application of the other new and revised Standards, Amendments to Standards 
or Interpretations will have no material impact on the financial statements of the Group or the Company.

3.  Key Sources of Estimation Uncertainty
In the application of the Group’s accounting policies, which are described in the “Significant Accounting Policies” section, the 
management of the Company is required to make estimates and assumptions about the carrying amounts of assets and 
liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical 
experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised 
in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future 
periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

The following are the key assumptions concerning the future, and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the end of the 
reporting period, that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities 
within the next financial year.

Fair value of investment properties
At the end of the reporting period, the Group’s investment properties are stated at fair value of HK$37,363 million (2008: 
HK$35,850 million) based on the valuation performed by an independent qualified professional valuer. In determining the fair 
value, the valuers have based on market value basis which involves, inter-alia, certain estimates, including comparable market 
transactions, appropriate capitalisation rates and reversionary income potential and redevelopment potential. In relying on the 
valuation, management has exercised its judgment and is satisfied that the method of valuation is reflective of the current 
market conditions.

Fair value of financial instruments
Financial instruments, such as interest rate swaps, cross currency swaps and foreign exchange derivatives, are carried in 
the statement of financial position at fair value, as disclosed in note 22. The management of the Group uses its judgment in 
selecting an appropriate valuation technique for financial instruments not quoted in an active market. Valuation techniques 
commonly used by market practitioners are applied. For derivative financial instruments, assumptions are made based on 
quoted market rates. Most of the financial instruments are valued using a discounted cash flow analysis based on assumptions 
supported, where possible, by observable market prices or rates. Details of the assumptions used and of the results of 
sensitivity analyses regarding these assumptions are provided in the “Financial Risk Management” section.

Hysan Annual Report 2009  101

O
V
E
R
V

I
E
W

S
T
R
A
T
E
G
Y

I

N
A
C
T
O
N

I

G
O
V
E
R
N
A
N
C
E

F
I
N
A
N
C

I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S
A
N
D
V
A
L
U
A
T
O
N

I

 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINA NCI A L STATEMENTS continued
For the year ended 31 December 2009

4.  Turnover
Turnover represents gross rental income from investment properties and management fee income for the year.

The Group’s principal activities are property investment, management and development and its turnover and results are 
principally derived from investment properties located in Hong Kong.

5.  Segment Information
The Group has adopted HKFRS 8 “Operating Segments” with effect from 1 January 2009. HKFRS 8 is a disclosure Standard 
that requires operating segments to be identified on the basis of internal reports about components of the Group that are 
regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker for the purpose of allocating resources to segments and assessing 
their performance. In contrast, the predecessor Standard (HKAS 14 “Segment Reporting”) required an entity to identify two sets 
of segment (business and geographical) using a risks and returns approach.

In the past, the Group’s turnover and results are principally derived from investment properties located in Hong Kong, no 
business or geographical segment is therefore presented. However, information reported to the Group’s management for the 
purpose of resource allocation and assessment of performance is specifically focused on the type of usage of space (e.g. 
commercial, residential) within the Group’s properties portfolio as each type of usage has different tenant base and requires 
different marketing strategies. As such, the application of HKFRS 8 has resulted in a disclosure of the Group’s reportable 
segments as follows:

Office segment – leasing of high quality office space and related facilities

Retail segment – leasing of space and related facilities to a variety of retail and leisure operators

Residential segment – leasing of luxury residential properties and related facilities

102  Hysan Annual Report 2009

5.  Segment Information continued
Segment turnover and results
The following is an analysis of the Group’s turnover and results by reportable segment.

Office 
HK$ million 

Retail 
HK$ million 

Residential 
HK$ million 

Consolidated
HK$ million

For the year ended 31 December 2009

Turnover
Gross rental income from investment properties 
Management fee income 

Property expenses 

Segment profits 

Investment income 
Other gains and losses 
Administrative expenses 
Finance costs 
Change in fair value of investment properties 
Share of results of associates 

Profit before taxation 

For the year ended 31 December 2008

Turnover
Gross rental income from investment properties 
Management fee income 

Property expenses 

Segment profits 

Investment income 
Other gains and losses 
Administrative expenses 
Finance costs 
Change in fair value of investment properties 
Share of results of associates 

Profit before taxation 

635 
112 

747 
(109) 

638 

603 
117 

720 
(101) 

619 

584 
64 

648 
(73) 

575 

563 
63 

626 
(71) 

555 

257 
28 

285 
(53) 

232 

264 
28 

292 
(45) 

247 

1,476
204

1,680
(235)

1,445

38
(3)
(133)
(131)
1,249
768

3,233

1,430
208

1,638
(217)

1,421

63
146
(134)
(155)
(212)
590

1,719

All of the segment turnover reported above is from external customers.

The accounting policies of the reporting segments are the same as the Group’s accounting policies described in the “Significant 
Accounting Policies” section. Segment profit represents the profit earned by each segment without allocation of investment 
income, central administration costs and directors’ salaries, other gains and losses, finance costs, change in fair value of 
investment properties and share of results of associates. This is the measure reported to the Group’s management for the 
purpose of resource allocation and performance assessment.

Hysan Annual Report 2009  103

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W

S
T
R
A
T
E
G
Y

I

N
A
C
T
O
N

I

G
O
V
E
R
N
A
N
C
E

F
I
N
A
N
C

I

A
L

S
T
A
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M
E
N
T
S
A
N
D
V
A
L
U
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O
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I

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINA NCI A L STATEMENTS continued
For the year ended 31 December 2009

5.  Segment Information continued
Segment assets and liabilities
The following is an analysis of the Group’s assets by reportable segment.

As at 31 December 2009

Segment assets 
Investment properties under redevelopment 
Investments in associates 
Other assets 

Consolidated assets 

As at 31 December 2008

Segment assets 
Investment properties under redevelopment 
Investments in associates 
Other assets 

Consolidated assets 

Office 
HK$ million 

Retail 
HK$ million 

Residential 
HK$ million 

Consolidated
HK$ million

14,100 

10,580 

7,051 

13,602 

10,156 

6,832 

31,731
5,640
2,517
3,960

43,848

30,590
5,270
1,750
3,926

41,536

Segment assets represented the fair value of investment properties and accounts receivable of each segment without allocation 
of property, plant and equipment, prepaid lease payments, investments in associates, amount due from an associate, financial 
instruments and other receivables. This is the measure reported to the Group’s management for the purpose of monitoring 
segment performances and allocating resources between segments. The investment properties are included in segment assets 
at their fair values whilst the change in fair value of investment properties is not included in segment profits. No segment 
liabilities analysis is presented as the Group’s management monitored and managed all the liabilities on a group basis.

Other than the investments in associates, which operated in the People’s Republic of China (the “PRC”) and Singapore with 
carrying amounts of HK$2,514 million and HK$3 million respectively, all the Group’s assets are located in Hong Kong.

Other segment information

Office 
HK$ million 

Retail 
HK$ million 

Residential 
HK$ million 

Consolidated
HK$ million

For the year ended 31 December 2009

Additions to non-current assets 
Additions to investment properties under redevelopment 

33 

42 

2 

For the year ended 31 December 2008

Additions to non-current assets 
Additions to investment properties under redevelopment 

39 

201 

8 

77
184

261

248
107

355

104  Hysan Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6.  Investment Income

Investment income comprises:

Dividends from
  – listed investments 
  – unlisted investments 
Interest income 

2009 
HK$ million 

2008
HK$ million

27 
– 
11 

38 

47
1
15

63

Investment income earned on financial assets not designated as at fair value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”), is as follows:

Loans and receivables (including time deposits and bank balances) 
Available-for-sale equity investments 

2009 
HK$ million 

2008
HK$ million

11 
27 

38 

15
48

63

Investment income recognised in respect of financial assets designated as at FVTPL is disclosed in note 7.

7.  Other Gains and Losses

Other gains and losses comprise:

Change in fair value of financial assets designated as at FVTPL 
Change in fair value of financial assets or financial liabilities classified as held for trading 
Cumulative gain reclassified from equity on disposal of investments classified as 
  available-for-sale 
(Losses) gains on hedging instruments under fair value hedge 
Gains (losses) on adjustment for hedged items under fair value hedge 
Amortisation of fair value gain adjusted to hedged items under fair value hedge
  in prior years 

2009 
HK$ million 

2008
HK$ million

3 
(8) 

3 
(52) 
59 

(8) 

(3) 

–
(52)

186
124
(112)

–

146

Hysan Annual Report 2009  105

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W

S
T
R
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I

N
A
C
T
O
N

I

G
O
V
E
R
N
A
N
C
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F
I
N
A
N
C

I

A
L

S
T
A
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N
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A
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A
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NOTES TO THE FINA NCI A L STATEMENTS continued
For the year ended 31 December 2009

8.  Finance Costs

Finance costs comprise:

Interest on bank loans and overdrafts wholly repayable within five years 
Interest on floating rate notes wholly repayable within five years 
Interest on fixed rate notes wholly repayable within five years 
Interest on fixed rate notes not wholly repayable within five years 
Imputed interest on zero coupon notes not wholly repayable within five years 

Total interest expenses 
Less: Amounts capitalised 

Net interest receipts on interest rate swap and cross currency swaps 
Fair value losses reclassified from equity on financial instruments designated as 
  cash flow hedges 
Medium Term Note Programme expenses 
Other finance costs 

9.  Taxation

Current tax
  Hong Kong profits tax
  – current year 
  – underprovision in prior years 
  – prior years’ tax provision (Note) 

Deferred tax (note 31)
  Change in fair value of investment properties 
  Other temporary differences 
  Attributable to change in tax rate 

2009 
HK$ million 

2008
HK$ million

16 
5 
99 
30 
12 

162 
(1) 

161 

(57) 

17 
1 
9 

131 

27
17
99
11
12

166
–

166

(29)

3
1
14

155

2009 
HK$ million 

2008
HK$ million

161 
2 
– 

163 

207 
26 
– 

233 

396 

166
26
72

264

(28)
(12)
(223)

(263)

1

On 26 June 2008, the Hong Kong Legislative Council passed the Revenue Bill 2008 which reduced corporate profits tax rate 
from 17.5% to 16.5% effective from the year of assessment 2008/2009. Therefore, Hong Kong Profits Tax is calculated at 
16.5% of the estimated assessable profit for both years.

106  Hysan Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
9.  Taxation continued
The taxation for the year can be reconciled to the profit before taxation per the consolidated income statement as follows:

Profit before taxation 

Tax at Hong Kong profits tax rate of 16.5% 
Tax effect of share of results of associates 
Tax effect of expenses not deductible for tax purposes 
Tax effect of income not taxable for tax purposes 
Tax effect of estimated tax losses not recognised 
Tax effect of deductible temporary differences not recognised 
Reversal of previously recognised taxable temporary differences 
Reversal of deductible temporary differences previously not recognised 
Utilisation of estimated tax losses previously not recognised 
Effect of change in tax rate 
Underprovision in prior years 
Prior years’ tax provision 

Taxation for the year 

2009 
HK$ million 

2008
HK$ million

3,233 

1,719

533 
(127) 
3 
(8) 
2 
3 
(9) 
(2) 
(1) 
– 
2 
– 

396 

284
(97)
11
(51)
21
6
(24)
–
(24)
(223)
26
72

1

In addition to the amount charged to the consolidated income statement, deferred tax relating to the revaluation of the Group’s 
buildings held for own use has been charged directly to equity (see note 31).

Note:

As disclosed in the annual reports published in previous years, the Group had been in dispute for a considerable period of time with the Hong 
Kong Inland Revenue Department (the “IRD”) on interest deductions made in years of assessment dating back to 1995/1996. Taking into 
consideration professional advice and recent developments, the Group entered into a settlement with the IRD. Total claim amount of HK$450 
million, which was fully provided at 31 December 2008, was settled during the year by cash payment of HK$268 million and tax reserve 
certificates of HK$182 million already purchased in prior years.

10. Profit for the Year

Profit for the year has been arrived at after charging (crediting):

Auditor’s remuneration 

Amortisation of prepaid lease payments 

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 

Gross rental income from investment properties 

Less:
– Direct operating expenses arising from properties that generated rental income 
– Direct operating expenses arising from properties that did not generate rental income 

Staff costs, comprising:
  – Directors’ emoluments (note 12) 
  – Share-based payments 
  – Other staff costs 

Share of income tax of an associate (included in share of results of associates) 

2009 
HK$ million 

2008
HK$ million

2 

1 

6 

2

–

6

(1,476) 

(1,430)

231 
4 

214
3

(1,241) 

(1,213)

17 
2 
135 

154 

286 

17
2
126

145

181

Hysan Annual Report 2009  107

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W

S
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G
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I

N
A
C
T
O
N

I

G
O
V
E
R
N
A
N
C
E

F
I
N
A
N
C

I

A
L

S
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E
N
T
S
A
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NOTES TO THE FINA NCI A L STATEMENTS continued
For the year ended 31 December 2009

11. Other Comprehensive Income

Other comprehensive income comprises:

Available-for-sale investments
  – Gains (losses) arising during the year 
  – Reclassification adjustments for the cumulative gain

    included in profit or loss upon disposal 

Cash flow hedges
  – Losses arising during the year 
  – Reclassification adjustments for losses included in profit or loss 

Gain on revaluation of properties held for own use 

Share of translation reserve of an associate 

Other comprehensive income (expense) 

Income tax relating to components of other comprehensive income (see below) 

Other comprehensive income (expense) for the year (net of tax) 

Tax effect relating to other comprehensive income:

2009 
HK$ million 

2008
HK$ million

40 

(3) 

37 

(12) 
17 

5 

1 

(1) 

42 

– 

42 

(1,165)

(186)

(1,351)

(31)
3

(28)

4

155

(1,220)

(1)

(1,221)

2009 

2008

Before-tax 
amount 

Net-of-tax
amount
HK$ million  HK$ million  HK$ million  HK$ million  HK$ million  HK$ million

Before-tax 
amount 

Net-of-tax 
amount 

Tax 
expense 

Tax 
expense 

37 
5 
1 
(1) 

42 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

37 
5 
1 
(1) 

(1,351) 
(28) 
4 
155 

42 

(1,220) 

– 
– 
(1) 
– 

(1) 

(1,351)
(28)
3
155

(1,221)

2009 
HK$ million 

2008
HK$ million

1 

9 
3 
4 
– 

17 

1

10
3
3
–

17

Fair value gains (losses) on
  available-for-sale investments 
Fair value gains (losses) on cash flow hedges 
Gain on revaluation of properties held for own use 
Share of translation reserve of an associate 

12. Directors’ Emoluments

Directors’ fees 
Other emoluments
  Basic salaries, housing and other allowances 
  Bonus 
  Share-based payments (note 39) 
  Retirement benefits scheme contributions 

108  Hysan Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12. Directors’ Emoluments continued
The emoluments paid or payable to each of the Directors of the Company for the two years ended 31 December 2009, 
calculated with reference to their employment as Directors of the Company, are set out below:

 Basic salaries, 
housing 
and other 
allowances 
HK$’000 
(Note b) 

Directors’ 
fees 
HK$’000 
(Note a) 

  Share-based 

Retirement
benefits
scheme
payments  contributions 
HK$’000 
HK$’000 
(Note c)

Bonus 
HK$’000 
(Note b) 

Total
HK$’000

For the year ended 31 December 2009

Executive Directors
Peter Ting Chang LEE (Note d) 
Wendy Wen Yee YUNG 
Gerry Lui Fai YIM (Note e) 
Ricky Tin For TSANG (Note f) 

Non-executive Directors
Hans Michael JEBSEN 
Anthony Hsien Pin LEE 
Chien LEE 
Dr. Deanna Ruth Tak Yung RUDGARD 

Independent non-executive Directors
Sir David AKERS-JONES (Note g) 
Fa-kuang HU 
Dr. Geoffrey Meou-tsen YEH (Note h) 
Nicholas Charles ALLEN (Note i) 
Tom BEHRENS-SORENSEN (Note h) 

For the year ended 31 December 2008

Executive Directors
Peter Ting Chang LEE 
Wendy Wen Yee YUNG (Note j) 
Ricky Tin For TSANG (Note j) 
Pauline Wah Ling YU WONG (Note k) 

Non-executive Directors
Hans Michael JEBSEN 
Anthony Hsien Pin LEE 
Chien LEE 
Dr. Deanna Ruth Tak Yung RUDGARD 

Independent non-executive Directors
Sir David AKERS-JONES 
Fa-kuang HU 
Dr. Geoffrey Meou-tsen YEH 
Tom BEHRENS-SORENSEN 

151 
100 
8 
74 

120 
130 
130 
100 

229 
120 
156 
20 
49 

3,583 
2,711 
322 
2,167 

1,467 
742 
– 
318 

1,825 
984 
95 
657 

242 
131 
– 
9 

7,268
4,668
425
3,225

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

120
130
130 
100

229
120
156
20
49

1,387 

8,783 

2,527 

3,561 

382 

16,640

190 
75 
75 
37 

120 
130 
130 
100 

230 
120 
140 
130 

4,454 
2,085 
2,085 
1,040 

1,457 
526 
526 
608 

1,395 
656 
638 
96 

12 
9 
9 
104 

7,508
3,351
3,333
1,885

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

120
130
130 
100

230
120
140 
130

1,477 

9,664 

3,117 

2,785 

134 

17,177

Hysan Annual Report 2009  109

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I

N
A
C
T
O
N

I

G
O
V
E
R
N
A
N
C
E

F
I
N
A
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I

A
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NOTES TO THE FINA NCI A L STATEMENTS continued
For the year ended 31 December 2009

12. Directors’ Emoluments continued
Notes:

(a)  Breakdown of Directors’ fees of each of the Directors of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2009 is set out below:

  Emoluments
Investment  Nomination 
Review 
Board  Committee  Committee  Committee  Committee 
HK$’000 

HK$’000 

HK$’000 

HK$’000 

Audit 

HK$’000 

Executive Directors
Peter Ting Chang LEE (Note d) 
Wendy Wen Yee YUNG 
Gerry Lui Fai YIM (Note e) 
Ricky Tin For TSANG (Note f) 
Pauline Wah Ling YU WONG (Note k) 

Non-executive Directors
Hans Michael JEBSEN 
Anthony Hsien Pin LEE 
Chien LEE 
Dr. Deanna Ruth Tak Yung RUDGARD 

Independent non-executive Directors
Sir David AKERS-JONES (Note g) 
Fa-kuang HU 
Dr. Geoffrey Meou-tsen YEH (Note h) 
Nicholas Charles ALLEN (Note i) 
Tom BEHRENS-SORENSEN (Note h) 

(b)  Year 2009:

111 
100 
8 
74 
– 

100 
100 
100 
100 

124 
100 
100 
12 
38 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
30 
– 

53 
– 
16 
8 
11 

1,067 

118 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

30 
20 
20 
– 
– 

70 

16 
– 
– 
– 
– 

20 
30 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

66 

24 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

22 
– 
20 
– 
– 

66 

2009 
Total 
HK$’000 

2008
Total
HK$’000

151 
100 
8 
74 
– 

120 
130 
130 
100 

229 
120 
156 
20 
49 

190
75
–
75
37

120
130
130
100

230
120
140
–
130

1,387 

1,477

In March 2009, the Emoluments Review Committee reviewed the 2009 fixed base salary of the Company’s executive Directors and 
determined their 2008 performance-based bonus. It approved their proposal to freeze their fixed base salary for 2009. The stated bonus 
figures show the 2008 performance-based bonus approved by the Committee and paid to Executive Directors, namely HK$1,466,750 for 
Peter Ting Chang LEE, HK$742,256 for Wendy Wen Yee YUNG and HK$318,110 for Ricky Tin For TSANG respectively, with reference to 
their employment as Directors of the Company.

Year 2008:
In March 2008, the Emoluments Review Committee reviewed the 2008 fixed base salary of the Company’s executive Directors and 
determined their 2007 performance-based bonus. It was decided to make an increment on their base salary as from April 2008. The 
stated bonus figure includes adjustment for 2007 bonus accrued in 2007 accounts (following finalisation of bonus by the Emoluments 
Review Committee in March 2008), and 2008 target bonus figures pending finalisation by the Emoluments Review Committee after year-
end in March 2009.

(c)  Share-based payments are the fair values of share options granted to Directors, which are determined at the date of grant and expensed 

over the vesting period, regardless of whether the Directors exercise the share options or not during the year.

(d)  Peter Ting Chang LEE passed away on 17 October 2009.

(e)  Gerry Lui Fai YIM was appointed as Executive Director on 1 December 2009.

(f)  Ricky Tin For TSANG resigned as Executive Director, Finance on 29 September 2009.

(g)  Sir David AKERS-JONES was appointed as Acting Chairman and Chairman of Nomination Committee on 18 October 2009. He stepped 

down from the Audit Committee on 17 November 2009 upon the appointment of Nicholas Charles ALLEN.

(h)  Tom BEHRENS-SORENSEN resigned as Independent non-executive Director and a member of the Audit Committee on 18 May 2009, and 

Dr. Geoffrey Meou-tsen YEH was appointed a member of the Audit Committee in his stead on 18 June 2009.

(i)  Nicholas Charles ALLEN was appointed as Independent non-executive Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee on 17 November 

2009.

(j)  Wendy Wen Yee YUNG and Ricky Tin For TSANG were appointed as Executive Directors on 1 April 2008. The figures stated refer to their 

respective emoluments received or receivable as Executive Directors.

(k)  Pauline Wah Ling YU WONG retired from the Board of the Company by rotation as from the conclusion of 2008 Annual General Meeting 

held on 14 May 2008. She remained as Senior Advisor to the Company until 31 December 2008 when she retired from the Company. The 
figure stated refers to her emoluments received as Executive Director.

110  Hysan Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
13. Employees’ Emoluments
Of the five individuals with the highest emoluments in the Group, three (2008: four) were Directors of the Company, details of 
whose emoluments are included in note 12 above. The emoluments of all of the five individuals with the highest emoluments 
for the year ended 31 December 2009 and 2008 were as follows:

Basic salaries, housing and other allowances 
Bonus 
Incentive paid on joining 
Share-based payments (Note) 

2009 
HK$ million 

2008
HK$ million

14 
4 
– 
4 

22 

15
4
4
3

26

Note:

Share-based payments are the fair values of share options granted to Directors and eligible employees, which are determined at the date of 
grant and expensed over the vesting period, regardless of whether the Directors or eligible employees exercise the share options or not during 
the year.

Their emoluments are within the following bands:

HK$2,500,001 to HK$3,000,000 
HK$3,000,001 to HK$3,500,000 
HK$4,000,001 to HK$4,500,000 
HK$4,500,001 to HK$5,000,000 
HK$5,000,001 to HK$5,500,000 
HK$7,000,001 to HK$7,500,000 
HK$7,500,001 to HK$8,000,000 

14. Dividends
(a)  Dividends recognised as distribution during the year:

2009 interim dividend paid – HK14 cents per share 
2008 interim dividend paid – HK14 cents per share 
2008 final dividend paid – HK54 cents per share 
2007 final dividend paid – HK48 cents per share 

Number of individuals

2009 

2008

1 
2 
– 
1 
– 
1 
– 

5 

–
–
2
–
2
–
1

5

2009 
HK$ million 

2008
HK$ million

147 
– 
562 
– 

709 

–
146
–
498

644

Scrip dividend alternatives were offered to the shareholders in respect of the above dividends. These alternatives were accepted 
by the shareholders as follows:

2009 interim dividend (2008 interim dividend):
  – Cash payment 
  – Share alternative 
2008 final dividend (2007 final dividend):
  – Cash payment 
  – Share alternative 

2009 
HK$ million 

2008
HK$ million

132 
15 

434 
128 

709 

135
11

428
70

644

Hysan Annual Report 2009  111

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V
E
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V

I
E
W

S
T
R
A
T
E
G
Y

I

N
A
C
T
O
N

I

G
O
V
E
R
N
A
N
C
E

F
I
N
A
N
C

I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S
A
N
D
V
A
L
U
A
T
O
N

I

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINA NCI A L STATEMENTS continued
For the year ended 31 December 2009

14. Dividends continued
(b)  Dividends proposed after the end of the reporting period:

2009 
HK$ million 

2008
HK$ million

Final dividend proposed – HK54 cents per share (2008: HK54 cents per share) 

567 

562

The 2009 final dividend of HK54 cents per share (2008: HK54 cents per share) has been proposed by the Directors on 10 
March 2010 and is subject to approval by the shareholders at the forthcoming annual general meeting. Such dividend is not 
recognised as a liability as at 31 December 2009.

The proposed 2009 final dividend will be payable in cash with a scrip dividend alternative.

15. Earnings per Share
(a)  Basic and diluted earnings per share
The calculation of the basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to the owners of the Company is based on the following 
data:

Earnings for the purposes of basic and diluted earnings per share:
  Profit for the year attributable to owners of the Company 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares
  for the purpose of basic earnings per share 

Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares:
  Share options issued by the Company 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares
  for the purpose of diluted earnings per share 

Earnings

2009 
HK$ million 

2008
HK$ million

2,716 

1,594

Number of shares

2009 

2008

1,046,243,250  1,039,339,066

384,981 

73,471

1,046,628,231  1,039,412,537

The computation of diluted earnings per share does not assume the exercise of certain of the Company’s outstanding share 
options as the exercise prices of those options are higher than the average market price for shares for both 2009 and 2008.

112  Hysan Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
15. Earnings per Share continued
(b)  Adjusted basic earnings per share
For the purpose of assessing the performance of the Group’s principal activities (i.e. leasing of investment properties), the 
management is of the view that the profit for the year attributable to the owners of the Company should be adjusted in the 
calculation of basic earnings per share as follows:

Profit for the year attributable to owners of the Company 
Change in fair value of investment properties 
Effect of deferred taxation on change in
  fair value of investment properties 
Effect of minority interests’ shares 
Share of change in fair value of investment
  properties (net of deferred taxation) of an associate 

Underlying profit attributable to owners of the Company 
Net realised gain on disposal of available-for-sale
  investments 
Prior years’ tax provision 
Gain on disposal of investment properties of
  an associate 

2009 

2008

Profit 
HK$ million 

Basic 
earnings 
per 
share 
HK cents 

2,716 
(1,249) 

259.60 
(119.38) 

207 
45 

19.78 
4.30 

Profit 
HK$ million 

1,594 
212 

(236) 
43 

Basic
earnings
per
share
HK cents

153.37
20.40

(22.71)
4.14

(606) 

(57.92) 

(412) 

(39.64)

1,113 

106.38 

1,201 

115.56

(3) 
– 

– 

(0.29) 
– 

(166) 
72 

(15.97)
6.93

– 

(41) 

(3.95)

Recurring underlying profit 

1,110 

106.09 

1,066 

102.57

The denominators used are the same as those detailed above for basic earnings per share.

Hysan Annual Report 2009  113

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I
E
W

S
T
R
A
T
E
G
Y

I

N
A
C
T
O
N

I

G
O
V
E
R
N
A
N
C
E

F
I
N
A
N
C

I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S
A
N
D
V
A
L
U
A
T
O
N

I

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINA NCI A L STATEMENTS continued
For the year ended 31 December 2009

16. Investment Properties

Fair value
At 1 January 
Additions 
Transfer from property, plant and equipment and prepaid lease payments 
Transfer to property, plant and equipment 
Net change in fair value recognised in profit or loss 

At 31 December 

The carrying amount of investment properties shown above comprises:

Land in Hong Kong:
  – Medium-term lease 
  – Long lease 

The Group

2009 
HK$ million 

2008
HK$ million

35,850 
261 
3 
– 
1,249 

35,711
355
–
(4)
(212)

37,363 

35,850

The Group

2009 
HK$ million 

2008
HK$ million

6,400 
30,963 

37,363 

6,240
29,610

35,850

The fair values of the Group’s investment properties at 31 December 2009 and 2008 have been arrived at on the basis of a 
valuation carried out on that date by Knight Frank Petty Limited, an independent qualified professional valuer not connected 
with the Group. Knight Frank Petty Limited has appropriate qualifications and recent experiences in the valuation of similar 
properties in the relevant locations. The Group’s investment properties have been valued individually, on market value basis, 
which conforms to Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors Valuation Standards on Properties. The valuation was mainly arrived at by 
reference to comparable market transactions for similar properties and on the basis of capitalisation of net income with due 
allowance for the reversionary income and redevelopment potential.

All of the Group’s property interests held under operating leases to earn rentals or for capital appreciation purposes are 
measured using the fair value model and are classified and accounted for as investment properties.

114  Hysan Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
17. Property, Plant and Equipment

Leasehold land 
and buildings 
in Hong Kong 
HK$ million 

Furniture,
fixtures and 
equipment 
HK$ million 

Computers 
HK$ million 

Motor
vehicles 
HK$ million 

Total
HK$ million

The Group

Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2008 
Additions 
Transfer from investment properties 
Disposals 
Surplus on revaluation 

At 31 December 2008 
Additions 
Transfer to investment properties 

At 31 December 2009 

Comprising:
  At cost 
  At valuation 2009 

Accumulated depreciation
At 1 January 2008 
Provided for the year 
Eliminated on disposals 
Eliminated on revaluation 

At 31 December 2008 
Provided for the year 
Eliminated on revaluation 

At 31 December 2009 

Carrying amounts
At 31 December 2009 

At 31 December 2008 

62 
– 
4 
– 
2 

68 
– 
(2) 

66 

– 
66 

66 

– 
2 
– 
(2) 

– 
1 
(1) 

– 

66 

68 

53 
3 
– 
– 
– 

56 
3 
– 

59 

59 
– 

59 

46 
2 
– 
– 

48 
3 
– 

51 

8 

8 

21 
1 
– 
– 
– 

22 
5 
– 

27 

27 
– 

27 

17 
2 
– 
– 

19 
2 
– 

21 

6 

3 

1 
1 
– 
(1) 
– 

1 
– 
– 

1 

1 
– 

1 

1 
– 
(1) 
– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

1 

1 

137
5
4
(1)
2

147
8
(2)

153

87
66

153

64
6 
(1)
(2)

67
6
(1)

72

81

80

Hysan Annual Report 2009  115

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I
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W

S
T
R
A
T
E
G
Y

I

N
A
C
T
O
N

I

G
O
V
E
R
N
A
N
C
E

F
I
N
A
N
C

I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S
A
N
D
V
A
L
U
A
T
O
N

I

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINA NCI A L STATEMENTS continued
For the year ended 31 December 2009

17. Property, Plant and Equipment continued

Furniture,
fixtures and 
equipment 
HK$ million 

Computers 
HK$ million 

Motor
vehicles 
HK$ million 

Total
HK$ million

The Company

Cost
At 1 January 2008 
Additions 
Disposals 

At 31 December 2008 
Additions 

At 31 December 2009 

Accumulated depreciation
At 1 January 2008 
Provided for the year 
Eliminated on disposals 

At 31 December 2008 
Provided for the year 

At 31 December 2009 

Carrying amounts
At 31 December 2009 

At 31 December 2008 

22 
– 
– 

22 
1 

23 

21 
– 
– 

21 
– 

21 

2 

1 

20 
1 
– 

21 
4 

25 

16 
2 
– 

18 
2 

20 

5 

3 

1 
1 
(1) 

1 
– 

1 

1 
– 
(1) 

– 
– 

– 

1 

1 

43
2
(1)

44
5

49

38
2
(1)

39
2

41

8

5

The above items of property, plant and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis at the following rates per annum:

Leasehold land and buildings 
Furniture, fixtures and equipment 
Computers 
Motor vehicles 

Over the shorter of the term of the lease or 40 years
20%
20%
25%

The Group’s leasehold land and buildings were revalued at 31 December 2009 by Knight Frank Petty Limited, an independent 
qualified professional valuer, on market value basis, by reference to comparable market transactions for similar properties and 
on the basis of capitalisation of net income with due allowance for the reversionary income. The gain of HK$1 million (2008: 
HK$4 million) arising on revaluation have been recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity.

Had the Group’s buildings been measured on a historical cost basis, their carrying amounts would have been HK$49 million 
(2008: HK$53 million) at the end of the reporting period.

Furniture, fixtures and equipment of the Group include assets carried at cost of HK$22 million (2008: HK$20 million) and 
accumulated depreciation of HK$19 million (2008: HK$18 million) in respect of assets held for leasing out under operating 
leases. Depreciation charges in respect of those assets for the year amounted to HK$1 million (2008: HK$1 million).

There is no property, plant and equipment of the Company held for renting out under operating leases for the year or at the end 
of the reporting period.

116  Hysan Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
18. Prepaid Lease Payments

At 1 January 
Transfer to investment properties 
Amortised for the year 

At 31 December 

The Group

2009 
HK$ million 

2008
HK$ million

123 
(1) 
(1) 

121 

123
–
–

123

The Group’s prepaid lease payments represent leasehold land in Hong Kong held under long lease, and are amortised on a 
straight-line basis over the terms of leases.

19. Investments in Subsidiaries
The Company’s investments in subsidiaries are the interest in unlisted shares stated at cost.

The table below lists the principal subsidiaries of the Group at 31 December 2009 and 2008:

Place of 
incorporation/ 
operation 

Issued 
share capital 

Proportion of
nominal value of
issued share capital
held by the Company
indirectly 
directly 

Name of subsidiary 

Admore Investments Limited 
Golden Capital Investment Limited 
HD Treasury Limited 
Hysan (MTN) Limited 

Hysan China Holdings Limited 
Hysan Leasing Company Limited 
Hysan Property Management Limited 
Hysan Treasury Limited 
Kwong Hup Holding Limited 
Kwong Wan Realty Limited 
Minsal Limited 
Mondsee Limited 
Stangard Limited 

Teamfine Enterprises Limited 
Tohon Development Limited 
Bamboo Grove Recreational Services 
  Limited 
Earn Extra Investments Limited 
Gearup Investments Limited 
HD Investment Limited 
Kochi Investments Limited 

HK$2 
HK$2 
HK$2 
US$1 

Hong Kong 
Hong Kong 
Hong Kong 
British Virgin Islands/ 
  Hong Kong
British Virgin Islands 
HK$1 
Hong Kong 
HK$2 
Hong Kong 
HK$2 
Hong Kong 
HK$2 
British Virgin Islands 
HK$1 
Hong Kong 
HK$1,000 
Hong Kong 
HK$2 
HK$2 
Hong Kong 
Hong Kong  HK$300,000 

Hong Kong 
Hong Kong 
Hong Kong 

Hong Kong 
Hong Kong 
British Virgin Islands 
British Virgin Islands 

HK$2 
HK$2 
HK$2 

HK$1 
HK$1 
HK$1 
HK$1 

Lee Theatre Realty Limited 
Leighton Property Company Limited 

Hong Kong 
Hong Kong 

HK$10 
HK$2 

100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 

100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 

100% 
100% 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
100% 

100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 

100% 
100% 

Principal activities

Investment holding
Investment holding
Treasury operation
Treasury operation

Investment holding
Leasing administration
Property management
Treasury operation
Investment holding
Property investment
Property investment
Property investment
Provision of 
  security services
Investment holding
Property investment
Resident club 
  management
Property investment
Property development
Investment holding
Capital market 
investment
Property investment
Property investment

Hysan Annual Report 2009  117

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I
E
W

S
T
R
A
T
E
G
Y

I

N
A
C
T
O
N

I

G
O
V
E
R
N
A
N
C
E

F
I
N
A
N
C

I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S
A
N
D
V
A
L
U
A
T
O
N

I

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINA NCI A L STATEMENTS continued
For the year ended 31 December 2009

19. Investments in Subsidiaries continued

Name of subsidiary 

Main Rise Development Limited 
OHA Property Company Limited 
Perfect Win Properties Limited 
Silver Nicety Company Limited 
Barrowgate Limited 

Place of 
incorporation/ 
operation 

Hong Kong 
Hong Kong 
Hong Kong 
Hong Kong 
Hong Kong 

Issued 
share capital 

HK$2 
HK$2 
HK$2 
HK$20 
HK$10,000 

Proportion of
nominal value of
issued share capital
held by the Company
indirectly 
directly 

100% 
– 
100% 
– 
100% 
– 
– 
100% 
–  65.36% 

Principal activities

Investment holding
Property investment
Property investment
Property investment
Property investment

The Directors are of the opinion that a complete list of all subsidiaries and their particulars will be of excessive length and 
therefore the above table contains only those subsidiaries which materially contribute to the net income of the Group or hold a 
material portion of the assets or liabilities or otherwise are operating subsidiaries of the Group. Other than floating rate notes, 
fixed rate notes and zero coupon notes issued by Hysan (MTN) Limited as disclosed in note 30, none of the subsidiaries had 
issued any debt securities at the end of the reporting period.

20. Investments in Associates

Cost of unlisted investments 
Share of post-acquisition profits and
  other comprehensive income,
  net of dividends received 

Loan to an associate 
Less: Loss allocated in excess of cost of investments 

The Group 
2009 
HK$ million 

2008 
HK$ million 

The Company
2009 
HK$ million 

2008
HK$ million

3 

3 

2,511 

2,514 

109 
(106) 

3 

1,744 

1,747 

106 
(103) 

3 

2,517 

1,750 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

Loan to an associate of HK$109 million (2008: HK$106 million) is unsecured and interest-free. In the opinion of the Directors, 
the loan is considered as part of the Group’s net investment in the associate and, accordingly, the loan is included in the 
amount of investments in associates.

118  Hysan Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
20. Investments in Associates continued
Details of the Group’s associates at 31 December 2009 and 2008 are as follows:

Name of associate 

Form of 
business structure 

Place of 
registration 
and operation 

Class of 
share held/ 
registered 
capital 

Effective
interest
held by
the Group 

Principal activities

Country Link 
  Enterprises Limited 

Private limited 
company

Shanghai Kong Hui 
  Property Development 
  Co., Ltd

Shanghai Grand 
  Gateway Plaza 
  Property Management
  Co., Ltd

Sino-Foreign equity 
 joint venture 

Sino-Foreign equity 
 joint venture

Hong Kong 

Ordinary share 

26.3%* 

Investment holding

The PRC 

US$165,000,000# 

24.7%* 

Property development
and leasing

The PRC 

US$140,000# 

23.7%*  Property management

Wingrove Investment 
  Pte Ltd 

Private company 
limited by shares 

Singapore 

Ordinary share 

25.0%* 

Property development
and investment, and
being inactive in both
2009 and 2008

* 
# 

Indirectly held
Registered capital

The summarised financial information in respect of the Group’s associates based on the unaudited management accounts for 
the year ended 31 December 2009 and 2008 is as follows:

Total assets 
Total liabilities 

Net assets 

Group’s share of net assets of associates 

Turnover 

Profit for the year 

Group’s share of results of associates for the year 

2009 
HK$ million 

2008
HK$ million

14,973 
(5,122) 

11,968
(5,182)

9,851 

2,408 

1,085 

2,939 

768 

6,786

1,644

952

2,240

590

Hysan Annual Report 2009  119

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V

I
E
W

S
T
R
A
T
E
G
Y

I

N
A
C
T
O
N

I

G
O
V
E
R
N
A
N
C
E

F
I
N
A
N
C

I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S
A
N
D
V
A
L
U
A
T
O
N

I

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINA NCI A L STATEMENTS continued
For the year ended 31 December 2009

21. Available-For-Sale Investments

Available-for-sales investments comprise:

Listed investments:
  – Equity securities listed in Hong Kong, at fair value 

Unlisted investments:
  – Overseas equity securities, at cost 
    Less: Impairment loss recognised 

  – Club debentures, at fair value 

The Group 
2009 
HK$ million 

2008 
HK$ million 

The Company
2009 
HK$ million 

2008
HK$ million

997 

982 

58 
(55) 

3 

2 

93 
(55) 

38 

2 

1,002 

1,022 

– 

– 
– 

– 

2 

2 

–

–
–

–

2

2

The overseas equity securities represent the Group’s investments in unlisted equity securities issued by private entities 
incorporated in Singapore. These private entities are engaged in property investment and development activities in Singapore. 
They are measured at cost less any identified impairment loss at the end of each reporting period because the range of 
reasonable fair value estimates is so significant that the management is of the opinion that their fair values cannot be 
measured reliably.

In the current year, one of the private entities incorporated in Singapore was dissolved. The carrying amount of the unlisted 
equity security issued by the entity was HK$35 million before dissolution, which approximated the Group’s share of the net 
assets of the investee upon its dissoluation. The Group received an advance of HK$35 million from this investee in prior years 
and was included in other payables. The payable owed to the investee by the Group was settled by the distribution which the 
Group entitled at the time of dissolution of the investee, which constituted a non-cash transaction. There is no gain or loss 
resulted from the dissolution of the unlisted equity investment.

120  Hysan Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
22. Other Financial Assets/Liabilities

The Group

Current 

Non-current

2009 
HK$ million 

2008 
HK$ million 

2009 
HK$ million 

2008
HK$ million

Other financial assets
Derivatives under hedge accounting:
  Cash flow hedges

  – Forward foreign exchange contracts 
  – Cross currency swaps 
  – Interest rate swaps 
  – Basis swaps 
  Fair value hedges

  – Interest rate swaps 
  – Cross currency swaps 

Other derivatives classified as held for
  trading (not under hedge accounting):
  – Cross currency swaps 

Financial assets designated as at FVTPL:
  – Principal-protected deposits 

Total 

Other financial liabilities
Derivatives under hedge accounting:
  Cash flow hedges

  – Interest rate swaps 

Other derivatives classified as held for
  trading (not under hedge accounting):
  – Net basis swaps 

Total 

– 
– 
– 
1 

1 
– 

2 

– 

118 

120 

– 

– 

– 

1 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 

1 

– 

40 

41 

– 

– 

– 

1 
2 
1 
– 

29 
– 

33 

62 

82 

177 

27 

9 

36 

1
2
–
–

71
83

157

–

85

242

31

10

41

(a)  Cash flow hedges
(i)  Foreign currency risk
During the year, the Group designated forward foreign exchange contracts and cross currency swaps as cash flow hedges to 
manage its foreign currency exposure. The principal terms of the forward foreign exchange contracts and cross currency swaps 
have been negotiated to match the major terms of the respective designated hedged items and the management considered 
that the hedges are highly effective.

Hysan Annual Report 2009  121

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I
E
W

S
T
R
A
T
E
G
Y

I

N
A
C
T
O
N

I

G
O
V
E
R
N
A
N
C
E

F
I
N
A
N
C

I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S
A
N
D
V
A
L
U
A
T
O
N

I

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINA NCI A L STATEMENTS continued
For the year ended 31 December 2009

22. Other Financial Assets/Liabilities continued
(a)  Cash flow hedges continued
(i)  Foreign currency risk continued
The table below is prepared based on the maturity dates of respective contracts. The major terms of these forward foreign 
exchange contracts and cross currency swaps are as follows:

2009 

2008

The Group

Average 
exchange 

rate* 

Notional amount 

  US$ million 

HK$ million 

Fair 
value 
HK$ million 

Average
exchange 

rate* 

Notional amount 

  US$ million 

HK$ million 

Fair
value
HK$ million

Forward foreign
  exchange contracts

Buy USD (Note a)
Within 1 year 
More than 1 year but
  not exceeding 5 years 

Sell USD (Note b)
Within 1 year 
More than 1 year but
  not exceeding 5 years 

Cross currency swaps

Hedging interest and
  principal of USD
  bank loans (Note c)
More than 1 year but
  not exceeding 5 years 

Total 

7.6366 

7.6137 

5 

6 

7.6231 

11 

7.7479 

7.7254 

7.7450 

27 

4 

31 

35 

49 

84 

209 

31 

240 

7.7753 

51 

93 

399 

723 

– 

1 

1 

– 

– 

– 

2 

3 

7.4738 

7.6231 

7.5794 

– 

– 

– 

5 

11 

16 

– 

– 

– 

34 

84 

118 

– 

– 

– 

7.8000 

26 

42 

200 

318 

1

1

2

–

–

–

2

4

* 

Average exchange rate represented the average HKD:USD exchange rate weighted by the notional amounts of the contracts or the swaps.

Notes:

(a)  The Group designated HK$84 million (2008: HK$118 million) forward foreign exchange contracts as cash flow hedges to hedge the 

foreign exchange rate risk in relation to the semi-annual coupon payment of US$65 million out of the US$182 million fixed rate notes.

(b)  The Group designated HK$240 million (2008: nil) forward foreign exchange contracts as cash flow hedges to hedge the foreign exchange 
rate risk of almost all the principal amount of time deposits and principal-protected deposits denominated in USD at their respective 
maturity dates.

(c)  The Group used HK$399 million (2008: HK$200 million) cross currency swaps to convert USD interest and principal of US$51 million 

(2008: US$26 million) bank loans into HKD.

As at 31 December 2009, fair value gains of HK$4 million (2008: HK$4 million) from the forward foreign exchange contracts 
and cross currency swaps have been recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity, and are expected 
to be released to the consolidated income statements at various dates when the hedged items are recognised in profit or loss.

During the year, gains of HK$2 million (2008: HK$3 million) on forward foreign exchange contracts and cross currency swaps 
were reclassified from equity to profit or loss as finance costs.

The fair values of forward foreign exchange contracts and cross currency swaps are measured using quoted forward exchange 
rates and yield curves from quoted interest rates matching maturities of the contracts and swaps.

122  Hysan Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate risk

22. Other Financial Assets/Liabilities continued
(a)  Cash flow hedges continued
(ii) 
During the year, the Group used interest rate swaps and basis swaps to hedge its interest rate risk exposure. The terms of the 
swaps have been negotiated to match the major terms of the respective hedged underlying items so that the management 
considered that the interest rate swaps and basis swaps are highly effective hedging instruments.

The table below is prepared based on the maturity dates of respective contracts. The major terms of these interest rate swaps 
and basis swaps are as follows:

2009 

2008

The Group

Average 
interest 

rate* 

Notional amount 

  US$ million 

HK$ million 

Fair 
value 
HK$ million 

Average
interest 

rate* 

Notional amount 

  US$ million 

HK$ million 

Fair
value
HK$ million

Interest rate swaps

Hedging interest of
  HKD bank loans 
  (Note a)
More than 1 year but
  not exceeding 5 years 
More than 5 years 

Hedging floating-
  interest–rate 
  payments
  of financial
  instruments (Note b)
Within 1 year 
More than 1 year but
  not exceeding 5 years 

Basis swaps

Hedging interest of
  HKD bank loans 
  (Note c)
Within 1 year 

Hedging interest of
  USD bank loans 
  (Note d)
Within 1 year 

Total 

3.12% 
3.65% 

3.32% 

2.96% 

3.39% 

3.25% 

n/a 
n/a 

n/a 

n/a 

n/a 

n/a 

325 
200 

525 

200 

400 

600 

(12) 
1 

3.12% 
– 

(11) 

3.12% 

– 

– 

(15) 

3.38% 

(15) 

3.38% 

n/a 
n/a 

n/a 

n/a 

n/a 

n/a 

325 
– 

325 

– 

400 

400 

0.48% 

n/a 

325 

– 

– 

n/a 

– 

0.29% 

51 

399 

1,849 

1 

(25) 

– 

– 

– 

725 

(15)
–

(15)

–

(16)

(16)

–

–

(31)

* 

For interest rate swaps, the average interest rate represented the average fixed interest rate paid by the Group against receipts of 3-month 
Hong Kong Interbank Offered Rate (“HIBOR”) or 6-month HIBOR weighted by the notional amounts of the swaps. For basis swaps, the 
average interest rate represented the average spread (weighted by the notional amounts of the swaps) that was added to 1-month HIBOR 
or 1-month London-Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) received by the Group against 3-month HIBOR or 3-month LIBOR paid by the Group.

n/a – not applicable

Hysan Annual Report 2009  123

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NOTES TO THE FINA NCI A L STATEMENTS continued
For the year ended 31 December 2009

22. Other Financial Assets/Liabilities continued
(a)  Cash flow hedges continued
(ii) 
Notes:

Interest rate risk continued

(a)  The Group entered into HK$525 million (2008: HK$325 million) interest rate swaps to manage its exposure to interest rate changes 

of the monthly or quarterly interest payments of HKD bank loans. HK$200 million of the swaps will be effective in 2012 for hedging 
forecasted transactions of borrowings at that time.

(b)  The Group used HK$600 million (2008: HK$400 million) interest rate swaps to hedge the interest rate risk in relation to the semi-annual 

or quarterly floating-interest-rate payments of certain financial instruments.

(c)  The Group used HK$325 million (2008: nil) basis swaps to combine with interest rate swaps mentioned in note (a) to hedge the interest 

rate changes of the monthly or quarterly interest payments of HK$325 million bank loans.

(d)  The Group used HK$399 million (2008: nil) basis swaps to combine with cross currency swaps mentioned in note (c) of “foreign currency 

risk” to hedge the interest rate changes of the monthly or quarterly interest payments of US$51 million bank loans.

As at 31 December 2009, net fair value losses of HK$26 million (2008: HK$31 million) from the interest rate swaps and 
basis swaps under cash flow hedges have been recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity, and are 
expected to be released to the consolidated income statement at various dates during the lives of the swaps when the hedged 
interest expenses are recognised and impacts profit or loss.

During the year, losses of HK$19 million (2008: HK$6 million) on interest rate swaps and basis swaps were reclassified from 
equity to profit or loss as finance costs.

The fair values of interest rate swaps and basis swaps are measured at the present value of future cash flows estimated and 
discounted based on the applicable yield curves derived from quoted interest rates.

(b)  Fair value hedges
The Group uses interest rate swaps to minimise its exposure to fair value changes of its HKD fixed rate notes and zero-
coupon notes by swapping the notes from fixed rates to floating rates. The major terms of the interest rate swaps match the 
corresponding notes and the management considered that the swaps are highly effective hedging instruments.

The table below is prepared based on the maturity dates of respective contracts. The major terms of these interest rate swaps 
are as follows:

2009 

2008

The Group

Average 
interest/ 
exchange 

rate* 

Notional amount 

  US$ million 

HK$ million 

Fair 
value 
HK$ million 

Average
interest/
exchange 

rate* 

Notional amount 

  US$ million 

HK$ million 

Fair
value
HK$ million

Interest rate swaps 
  (Note a)
Within 1 year 
More than 1 year but
  not exceeding 5 years 
More than 5 years 

Cross currency
  swaps (Note b)
More than 1 year but
  not exceeding 5 years 

1.17% 

n/a 

200 

1.42% 
4.32% 

3.32% 

n/a 
n/a 

n/a 

– 

– 

65 
551 

816 

– 

816 

1 

– 
29 

30 

– 

30 

– 

n/a 

– 

– 
4.32% 

4.32% 

n/a 
n/a 

n/a 

– 
539 

539 

7.7998 

117 

913 

1,452 

–

–
71

71

83

154

* 

The average interest rate represented the average fixed interest rate (weighted by the notional amounts of the interest rate swaps) 
received by the Group against payments of 3-month HIBOR. The average exchange rate represented the average HKD:USD exchange rate 
weighted by the notional amounts of the cross currency swaps.

n/a – not applicable

124  Hysan Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
22. Other Financial Assets/Liabilities continued
(b)  Fair value hedges continued
Notes:

(a)  The Group designated HK$816 million (2008: HK$539 million) fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps to hedge interest rate risk related 

to part of the coupon payments of the HK$565 million (2008: HK$300 million) fixed rate notes. The Group also used a fixed-to-floating 
interest rate swap to hedge the zero coupon notes with nominal amount of HK$430 million by converting a fixed rate of 5.19% per annum 
to HIBOR plus 0.69% per annum.

(b) 

In 2008, the Group designated HK$913 million cross currency swaps as fair value hedges to manage the interest rate and foreign 
exchange risks by converting the 7% USD coupon payments into 6-month HIBOR plus 1.93% per annum in average in relation to US$117 
million of the US$182 million fixed rate notes. The Group will also receive US$117 million (equivalent to HK$913 million) at maturity under 
the swaps. In 2009, the management decided to revoke the hedging relationship and the hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively. 
The cross currency swaps, accordingly, are accounted for as derivatives not under hedge accounting.

As a result of the hedge accounting, the carrying amount of the fixed rate notes as at 31 December 2009 was adjusted by a net 
gain of approximately HK$1 million (2008: net loss of HK$22 million) while the carrying amount of the zero coupon notes as at 
31 December 2009 was adjusted by losses of approximately HK$7 million (2008: HK$36 million). The changes in fair values of 
the notes for the hedged risk were included in profit or loss at the same time that the changes in fair value of the swaps were 
included in profit or loss.

The fair values of interest rate swaps and cross currency swaps are measured at the present value of future cash flows 
estimated and discounted based on the applicable yield curves derived from quoted interest rates and quoted foreign exchange 
rates.

(c)  Financial assets designated as at FVTPL
The Group entered into certain contracts of structured deposits with certain financial institutions. The structured deposits are 
principal-protected at the maturity dates and contain embedded derivatives which are not closely related to the host contracts. 
The interest rates of such deposits vary in relation to the relative movements of the underlying, such as foreign exchange rates 
and HKD swap rates. The entire combined contracts have been designated as financial assets at FVTPL on initial recognition.

The notional amount and the maturity period of the principal-protected deposits are as follows:

Within 1 year 
More than 1 year but
  not exceeding 5 years 

The Group

2009 

Notional 
amount 
HK$ million 

Fair 
value 
HK$ million 

Notional 
amount 
HK$ million 

Fair
value
HK$ million

2008

111 

81 

192 

118 

82 

200 

40 

80 

120 

40

85

125

Hysan Annual Report 2009  125

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NOTES TO THE FINA NCI A L STATEMENTS continued
For the year ended 31 December 2009

22. Other Financial Assets/Liabilities continued
(d)  Other derivatives classified as held for trading (not under hedge accounting)
At the end of the reporting period, the Group had certain derivatives classified as held for trading and not under hedge 
accounting. The table below is prepared based on the maturity dates of respective contracts. The major terms of these 
derivatives are as follows:

2009 

2008

The Group

Average 
interest/ 
exchange 

rate* 

Notional amount 

US$ million 

HK$ million 

Fair 
value 
HK$ million 

Average
interest/
exchange 

rate* 

Notional amount 

US$ million 

HK$ million 

Fair
value
HK$ million

Net basis swaps 
  (Note a)
More than 1 year but
  not exceeding 5 years 

Cross currency
  swaps (Note b)
More than 1 year but
  not exceeding 5 years 

Interest rate swap 
  (Note c)
More than 1 year but
  not exceeding 5 years 

Forward foreign
  exchange contracts

Sell USD (Note d)
Within 1 year 

Buy USD (Note e)
Within 1 year 

7.8000 

65 

507 

(9) 

7.8000 

65 

507 

(10)

7.7998 

117 

913 

62 

– 

– 

1.49% 

n/a 

65 

– 

– 

n/a 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

7.7491 

27 

209 

7.7480 

5 

39 

–

–

–

–

* 

For net basis swaps, cross currency swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts, the average exchange rate represented the average 
HKD:USD exchange rate weighted by their notional amounts. For interest rate swap, the average interest rate represented the fixed 
interest rate received by the Group against payment of 3-month HIBOR.

Notes:

(a)  The Group entered into net basis swaps to minimise the foreign currency exposure in relation to the principal payment of the US$65 

million of the US$182 million fixed rate notes at maturity.

(b)  As mentioned in note (b) of “fair value hedges” section, the management decided to revoke the hedging relationship on HK$913 million 

cross currency swaps in 2009 and reclassified the swaps as derivatives not under hedge accounting. The swaps continued to be used to 
manage the interest rate and foreign exchange risks of US$117 million of the US$182 million fixed rate notes.

(c)  The Group used HK$65 million fixed-to-floating interest rate swap to manage the interest rate risk in relation to the quarterly interest 

payment of part of the Group’s borrowings.

(d)  As at 31 December 2008. the Group used HK$209 million forward foreign exchange contracts to manage the foreign currency exposures 

of the Group’s listed debt securities denominated in USD.

(e)  As at 31 December 2008, the Group used HK$39 million forward foreign exchange contracts to manage the foreign currency exposures in 

relation to the potential investments denominated in USD.

n/a – not applicable

126  Hysan Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
23. Accounts Receivable
Rents from leasing of investment properties are normally received in advance. At the end of the reporting period, accounts 
receivable of the Group with carrying amount of HK$8 million (2008: HK$10 million) mainly represented rents receipts in 
arrears, which were aged less than 90 days.

24. Amounts due from/to Subsidiaries
The amounts due from/to subsidiaries are unsecured, interest-free and repayable on demand.

25. Amount due from an Associate
The amount due from an associate is unsecured, interest-free and repayable on demand.

26. Short-Term Investments

Held-to-maturity debt securities maturing within one year, at amortised cost
  Debt securities listed in Hong Kong 
  Debt securities listed in overseas 

Market value of held-to-maturity debt securities
  Debt securities listed in Hong Kong 
  Debt securities listed in overseas 

The Group

2009 
HK$ million 

2008
HK$ million

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

491
209

700

491
209

700

At 31 December 2008, the effective yield of the debt securities ranged from -1.34% to 0.06% per annum. All the investments in 
listed debt securities matured during the year.

27. Time Deposits/Cash and Bank Balances

Time deposits 
Cash and bank balances 

Cash and deposits with banks shown in the consolidated
  statement of financial position 

Less: Time deposits with original maturity over three months 
Add: Held-to-maturity debt securities maturing within three months 

Cash and cash equivalents shown in the consolidated
  statement of cash flows 

The Group

2009 
HK$ million 

2008
HK$ million

1,945 
39 

964
51

1,984 

1,015

(1,551) 
– 

–
700

433 

1,715

Included in the Company’s time deposits as at 31 December 2009, HK$455 million (2008: nil) were time deposits with original 
maturity over three months. The bank balances and remaining time deposits of the Company were with original maturity of three 
months or less.

Time deposits, cash and bank balances comprise cash and bank deposits carrying effective interest rates ranging from 
0.0001% to 1.17% (2008: 0.01% to 1.54%) per annum.

Hysan Annual Report 2009  127

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NOTES TO THE FINA NCI A L STATEMENTS continued
For the year ended 31 December 2009

28. Accounts Payable
At the end of the reporting period, accounts payable of the Group with carrying amount of HK$139 million (2008: HK$90 
million) were aged less than 90 days.

29. Amounts due to Minority Shareholders
The amounts due to minority shareholders are unsecured, interest-free and repayable on demand.

30. Borrowings
The analysis of the carrying amounts of borrowings is as follows:

Unsecured bank loans 
Floating rate notes 
Fixed rate notes 
Zero coupon notes 

The Group

Current 

Non-current

2009 
HK$ million 

2008 
HK$ million 

2009 
HK$ million 

2008
HK$ million

400 
– 
– 
– 

400 

– 
550 
– 
– 

550 

1,049 
200 
1,980 
262 

3,491 

920
–
2,003
278

3,201

In the current year, the average finance cost of the Group’s total borrowings calculated based on their contracted interest rates 
was 4.2% (2008: 5.2%). To manage the interest rate and foreign exchange risks, the Group used certain derivatives to hedge 
part of the borrowings, which resulted in a reduction of the Group’s average finance cost to 3.1% (2008: 4.4%). At 31 December 
2009, the floating rate debt ratio was 64.9% (2008: 59.5%).

(a)  Unsecured bank loans
The unsecured bank loans of HK$1,449 million (2008: HK$920 million) are guaranteed as to principal and interest by the 
Company and are repayable as follows:

Within 1 year 
More than 1 year, but not exceeding 2 years 
More than 2 years, but not exceeding 5 years 

The Group

2009 
HK$ million 

2008
HK$ million

400 
650 
399 

1,449 

–
70
850

920

All the Group’s unsecured bank loans were variable-rate borrowings with effective interest rates (which were also equal to 
contracted interest rates) ranging from 0.35% to 1.48% (2008: 0.79% to 5.11%) per annum at the end of the reporting period. 
Interest rates of the loans are normally re-fixed at every one to six months.

As disclosed in note 22(a), cross currency swaps and interest rate swaps were designated as cash flow hedges to hedge the 
foreign exchange and interest rate risks of part of the Group’s unsecured bank loans at the end of the reporting period.

(b)  Floating rate notes
In the current year, HK$550 million five-year floating rate notes matured and HK$200 million five-year floating rate notes were 
newly issued by Hysan (MTN) Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. The notes are guaranteed as to principal and 
interest by the Company, bear effective interest rates (which are equal to contracted interest rates) of 1.19% per annum at the 
end of reporting period and are repayable in full in 2014.

Both HK$200 million and HK$550 million five-year floating rate notes were not hedged by any derivative as at 31 December 
2009 and 31 December 2008 respectively.

128  Hysan Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
30. Borrowings continued
(c)  Fixed rate notes

Fixed rate notes – principal amount 
Add: Net (gain) loss attributable to hedged risks 

The Group

2009 
HK$ million 

2008
HK$ million

1,981 
(1) 

1,980 

1,981
22

2,003

Details of the Group’s fixed rate notes at 31 December 2009 and 2008 are as follows:

Principal amount 

US$182 million* 
HK$300 million 
HK$100 million 
HK$165 million 

Contracted
interest rate 
per annum 

7.00% 
5.25% 
5.10% 
5.38% 

Coupon
payment term 

semi-annual basis 
quarterly basis 
annual basis 
annual basis 

Issue date 

Maturity date

February 2002 
August 2008 
August 2008 
September 2008 

February 2012
August 2015
August 2015
September 2020

* 

In February 2002, US$200 million 10-year fixed rate notes were issued by Hysan (MTN) Limited. In 2006, a total nominal amount of 
US$18 million was repurchased and cancelled. The outstanding nominal amount of the notes at the end of the reporting period was 
US$182 million.

All the fixed rate notes were issued by Hysan (MTN) Limited. The notes are guaranteed as to principal and interest by the 
Company and bear an effective interest rate equal to their respective contracted interest rate.

As detailed in note 22, forward foreign exchange contracts, interest rate swaps, cross currency swaps and net basis swaps were 
used to hedge or manage the foreign exchange and interest rate risks of the Group’s fixed rate notes at the end of the reporting 
period.

At 31 December 2009, the net gain of HK$1 million represented (i) the change in fair value attributable to the hedged interest 
rate risk of the HK$565 million fixed rate notes under fair value hedge and (ii) the unamortised fair value gain adjusted to the 
US$117 million fixed rate notes upon the discontinuation of hedge accounting over the cross currency swaps (see note 22(b) 
for details).

At 31 December 2008, the net loss of HK$22 million represented changes in fair value attributable to (i) the hedged interest 
rate and foreign exchange rate risks of the US$117 million fixed rate notes under fair value hedge and (ii) the hedged interest 
rate risk of the HK$300 million fixed rate notes under fair value hedge.

(d)  Zero coupon notes

Zero coupon notes 
Add: Net loss attributable to hedged risk 

The Group

2009 
HK$ million 

2008
HK$ million

255 
7 

262 

242
36

278

In February 2005, 15-year zero coupon notes of nominal amount of HK$430 million were issued at an issue price of around 
46.37% of the nominal amount by Hysan (MTN) Limited. The notes are guaranteed as to nominal amount by the Company, bear 
an effective yield (which is equal to contracted yield) at the rate of 5.19% per annum and are repayable at par in February 2020.

Hysan (MTN) Limited has the option to redeem the notes on 7 February 2015 at a price of about 77.4% of the nominal amount.

The Group has entered into an interest rate swap to hedge against the interest rate risk of the zero coupon notes under fair 
value hedge (see note 22(b) for details).

The net loss of approximately HK$7 million (2008: HK$36 million) represented changes in fair value attributable to the hedged 
interest rate risk of the zero coupon notes under fair value hedge.

Hysan Annual Report 2009  129

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F
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NOTES TO THE FINA NCI A L STATEMENTS continued
For the year ended 31 December 2009

31. Deferred taxation
The following are the major deferred tax liabilities (assets) recognised by the Group and movements thereon during the current 
and prior years:

The Group
At 1 January 2008 
Charge (credit) to profit or loss (note 9) 
Charge to equity for the year 
Effect of change in tax rate 

At 31 December 2008 
Charge to profit or loss (note 9) 

At 31 December 2009 

Accelerated tax 
depreciation 
HK$ million 

Revaluation of
properties 
HK$ million 

Tax losses 
HK$ million 

Total
HK$ million

264 
1 
– 
(15) 

250 
16 

266 

3,647 
(28) 
1 
(208) 

3,412 
207 

3,619 

(1) 
(13) 
– 
– 

(14) 
10 

(4) 

3,910
(40)
1
(223)

3,648
233

3,881

At the end of the reporting period, the Group has unused estimated tax losses of HK$534 million (2008: HK$593 million), of 
which HK$252 million (2008: HK$250 million) has not been agreed by IRD, available for offset against future profits. A deferred 
tax asset has been recognised in respect of HK$24 million (2008: HK$85 million) of such losses. No deferred tax asset has 
been recognised in respect of the remaining estimated tax losses of HK$510 million (2008: HK$508 million) as the utilisation 
of these estimated tax losses is uncertain. These estimated tax losses may be carried forward indefinitely.

At the end of the reporting period, the Group has deductible temporary differences of HK$55 million (2008: HK$49 million) 
arisen from the revaluation of properties. No deferred tax asset has been recognised in relation to such deductible temporary 
differences as it is not probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary differences can be 
utilised.

The Company does not have any unused tax loss at the end of the reporting period.

32. Share Capital

Ordinary shares of HK$5 each

Authorised:
  At 1 January and 31 December 

Issued and fully paid:
  At 1 January 
  Issue of shares pursuant to
  scrip dividend schemes 
  Exercise of share options 

Number of shares 

2009 

2008 

Share capital
2009 
HK$ million 

2008
HK$ million

1,450,000,000  1,450,000,000 

7,250 

7,250

1,041,114,578  1,037,469,756 

5,206 

5,187

9,413,512 
80,000 

3,528,155 
116,667 

47 
– 

18
1

  At 31 December 

1,050,608,090  1,041,114,578 

5,253 

5,206

130  Hysan Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
32. Share Capital continued
(a)  Issue of shares pursuant to scrip dividend schemes
For the year ended 31 December 2009
On 9 June 2009 and 22 September 2009 respectively, the Company issued and allotted a total of 8,672,003 shares and 
741,509 shares of HK$5 each in the Company at HK$14.852 and HK$19.204 to the shareholders who elected to receive 
shares in the Company in lieu of cash for the 2008 final and 2009 interim dividends pursuant to the scrip dividend schemes 
announced by the Company on 18 May 2009 and 27 August 2009. These shares rank pari passu in all respects with other 
shares in issue.

For the year ended 31 December 2008
On 18 June 2008 and 12 September 2008 respectively, the Company issued and allotted a total of 3,031,113 shares and 
497,042 shares of HK$5 each in the Company at HK$23.10 and HK$21.59 to the shareholders who elected to receive 
shares in the Company in lieu of cash for the 2007 final and 2008 interim dividends pursuant to the scrip dividend schemes 
announced by the Company on 14 May 2008 and 21 August 2008. These shares rank pari passu in all respects with other 
shares in issue.

(b)  Issue of shares under share option schemes
For the year ended 31 December 2009
During the year ended 31 December 2009, options to subscribe for a total of 80,000 shares were exercised at the exercise 
prices of HK$15.85 per share. These shares rank pari passu in all respects with other shares in issue. Details of options 
outstanding and movements during the year are set out in note 39.

For the year ended 31 December 2008
During the year ended 31 December 2008, options to subscribe for a total of 114,667 shares and 2,000 shares were 
exercised at the exercise prices of HK$15.85 and HK$21.25 per share respectively. These shares rank pari passu in all 
respects with other shares in issue. Details of options outstanding and movements during the year are set out in note 39.

Hysan Annual Report 2009  131

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NOTES TO THE FINA NCI A L STATEMENTS continued
For the year ended 31 December 2009

33. Reserves of the Company
The Company’s reserves available for distribution to its owners as at 31 December 2009 amounted to HK$5,860 million (2008: 
HK$5,794 million), being its general reserve and retained profits at that date.

Share 
premium 
HK$ million 

Share 
options 
reserve 
HK$ million 

Capital
redemption 
reserve 
HK$ million 

General 
reserve 
HK$ million 
(Note)

Retained
profits 
HK$ million 

Total
HK$ million

At 1 January 2008 
Issue of shares pursuant to
  scrip dividend schemes 
Issue of shares under
  share option schemes 
Recognition of equity-settled 
  share-based payments 
Forfeiture of share options 
Profit for the year 
Dividends paid during 
  the year (note 14) 

At 31 December 2008 
Issue of shares pursuant to
  scrip dividend schemes 
Issue of shares under
  share option schemes 
Recognition of equity-settled 
  share-based payments 
Forfeiture of share options 
Profit for the year 
Dividends paid during the year (note 14) 

1,541 

63 

2 

– 
– 
– 

– 

1,606 

96 

1 

– 
– 
– 
– 

At 31 December 2009 

1,703 

Note: General reserve was set up from the transfer of retained profits.

6 

– 

(1) 

5 
(1) 
– 

– 

9 

– 

– 

6 
(5) 
– 
– 

10 

276 

100 

5,576 

7,499

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
1 
761 

63

1

5
–
761

(644) 

(644)

276 

100 

5,694 

7,685

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

– 
5 
770 
(709) 

96

1

6
–
770
(709)

276 

100 

5,760 

7,849

34. Retirement Benefits Plans
With effect from 1 December 2000, the Group set up an enhanced Mandatory Provident Fund Scheme (the “Enhanced MPF 
Scheme”), a defined contribution scheme, for all qualifying employees. The Enhanced MPF Scheme is registered with the 
Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority under Section 124(1) of the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes (General) 
Regulation.

Pursuant to the rules of the Enhanced MPF Scheme, the Group’s contributions to the plan are based on fixed percentages of 
members’ salaries, ranging from 5% of MPF Relevant Income to 15% of basic salary. Members’ mandatory contributions are 
fixed at 5% of MPF Relevant Income, in compliance with MPF legislation.

Total contributions made by the Group during the year amounted to HK$6 million (2008: HK$5 million). Forfeited contributions 
for the year amounted to HK$1 million (2008: HK$3 million) were refunded to the Group.

132  Hysan Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
35. Contingent Liabilities
At the end of the reporting period, there were contingent liabilities in respect of the following:

Corporate guarantee to note holders
  – for issue of floating rate notes 
  – for issue of fixed rate notes 
  – for issue of zero coupon notes 

Guarantees to banks for providing
  financing facilities to subsidiaries 

The Group 

2009 
HK$ million 

2008 
HK$ million 

The Company
2009 
HK$ million 

2008
HK$ million

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

200 
1,985 
430 

2,615 

550
1,985
430

2,965

1,449 

920

36. Capital Commitments
At the end of the reporting period, the Group and the Company had the following capital commitments in respect of its 
investment properties:

Authorised but not contracted for 

Contracted but not provided for 

The Group 

2009 
HK$ million 

2008 
HK$ million 

The Company
2009 
HK$ million 

2008
HK$ million

432 

1,768 

2,068 

123 

6 

– 

–

–

37. Lease Commitments
(a)  The Group as lessor
At the end of the reporting period, the Group had contracted with tenants for the following future minimum lease payments:

Within one year 
In the second to fifth year inclusive 
Over five years 

The Group

2009 
HK$ million 

2008
HK$ million

1,252 
1,293 
49 

2,594 

1,266
1,349
–

2,615

Operating lease payments represent rentals receivable by the Group from leasing of its investment properties. Typically, leases 
are negotiated and rentals are fixed for lease term of one to three years. Certain leases include contingent rentals calculated 
with reference to turnover of the tenants.

Hysan Annual Report 2009  133

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NOTES TO THE FINA NCI A L STATEMENTS continued
For the year ended 31 December 2009

37. Lease Commitments continued
(b)  The Company as lessee
At the end of the reporting period, the Company had commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable 
operating leases which fall due as follows:

Within one year 
In the second to fifth year inclusive 

The Company
2009 
HK$ million 

2008
HK$ million

20 
27 

47 

8
3

11

Operating lease payments represent rentals payable by the Company to its subsidiaries for its office premises which are 
negotiated and rentals are fixed for three years.

At the end of the reporting period, the Group had no commitment under non-cancellable operating lease.

38. Related Party Transactions and Balances
(a)  Transactions and balances with related parties
The Group has the following transactions with related parties during the year and has the following balances with them at the 
end of the reporting period:

The Group

Substantial shareholder 

Directors

2009 
HK$ million 

2008 
HK$ million 

2009 
HK$ million 

2008
HK$ million

Gross rental income received from (Note a) 

Amount due to a minority shareholder (Note b) 

3 

– 

2 

– 

25 

94 

24

94

Notes:

(a)  The sum of transactions with substantial shareholder represented the aggregate gross rental income received from Atlas Corporate 

Management Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lee Hysan Estate Company, Limited, which holds 41.23% beneficial interest in the 
Company.

The sum of transactions with Directors represented the aggregate gross rental income received under various leases respectively with 
Directors of approximately HK$964,000 (2008: HK$882,000), and companies controlled by Directors or their associates in aggregate of 
approximately HK$23,706,000 (2008: HK$23,337,000).

(b)  The sum represents outstanding loan advanced to a non wholly-owned subsidiary of the Group, Barrowgate Limited (“Barrowgate”) 
by Mightyhall Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Jebsen and Company Limited, of which Hans Michael JEBSEN is a director and 
shareholder, as shareholders loan in proportion to its shareholding in Barrowgate for general funding purpose. The amount is unsecured, 
interest-free and repayable on demand.

The Company has the following balances with its subsidiaries at the end of the reporting period:

Amounts due from subsidiaries 
Less: Allowances on amounts due therefrom 

Amounts due to subsidiaries 

Details of amounts due from/to subsidiaries are disclosed in note 24 to the financial statements.

The Company
2009 
HK$ million 

2008
HK$ million

12,991 
(248) 

13,368
(499)

12,743 

12,869

192 

59

134  Hysan Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
38. Related Party Transactions and Balances continued
(b)  Compensation of key management personnel
The remuneration of Directors and other members of key management of the Group and the Company during the year were as 
follows:

Salaries and other short-term employee benefits 
Share-based payments 
Retirement benefits scheme contributions 

2009 
HK$ million 

2008
HK$ million

20 
4 
1 

25 

26
4
1

31

The remuneration of the Directors and key executives is determined by the Emoluments Review Committee and Chief Executive 
Officer respectively having regard to the performance of individuals and market trends.

39. Share-Based Payment Transactions
(a)  Equity-settled share option schemes
The 1995 Share Option Scheme (the “1995 Scheme”)
The 1995 Scheme was approved by shareholders on 28 April 1995 and had a term of 10 years. It expired on 28 April 2005. All 
outstanding options granted under the 1995 Scheme will continue to be valid and exercisable in accordance with the provisions 
of the 1995 Scheme.

The purpose of the 1995 Scheme was to strengthen the links between individual staff and shareholder interests.

Under the 1995 Scheme, options may be granted to employees of the Company or any of its wholly-owned subsidiaries selected 
by the Board at its discretion to subscribe for ordinary shares of the Company.

The maximum number of shares in respect of which options may be granted under the 1995 Scheme (together with shares 
issued and issuable under the scheme) is 3% of the issued share capital of the Company (excluding shares issued pursuant to 
the scheme and any other share option scheme) from time to time. The maximum number of shares issued under the scheme 
and other scheme will not exceed 10% of the issued share capital of the Company from time to time (excluding shares issued 
pursuant to the scheme and any other share option scheme).

The maximum entitlement of each participant is substantially below the limit set out under the scheme rules (being 25% of the 
maximum number of shares in respect of which options may at any time be granted under the 1995 Scheme). For the options 
granted under the 1995 Scheme currently outstanding, the basis for determining the exercise price is the highest of (i) the 
closing price of the shares as stated in the Stock Exchange’s daily quotations sheet on the date of grant; (ii) the average of the 
closing prices of the shares as stated in the Stock Exchange’s daily quotations sheets for the five business days immediately 
preceding the date of grant; and (iii) the nominal value of the shares. Consideration on each grant of option was HK$1 and was 
paid within 30 days from the date of grant of option, with full payment for exercise price to be made on exercise of the relevant 
option.

The 2005 Share Option Scheme (the “2005 Scheme”)
The Company adopted the 2005 Scheme at its Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) held on 10 May 2005, which has a term of 10 
years and will be expiring on 9 May 2015 (together with the 1995 Scheme are referred to as the “Schemes”).

The purpose of the 2005 Scheme is to provide an incentive for employees of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries to 
work with commitment towards enhancing the value of the Company and its shares for the benefit of its shareholders.

Under the 2005 Scheme, options may be granted to employees of the Company or any wholly-owned subsidiaries (including 
executive Directors) and such other persons as the Board may consider appropriate from time to time, on the basis of their 
contribution to the development and growth of the Company and its subsidiaries, to subscribe for ordinary shares of the 
Company.

Hysan Annual Report 2009  135

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NOTES TO THE FINA NCI A L STATEMENTS continued
For the year ended 31 December 2009

39. Share-Based Payment Transactions continued
(a)  Equity-settled share option schemes continued
The 2005 Share Option Scheme (the “2005 Scheme”) continued
The maximum number of shares in respect of which options may be granted under the 2005 Scheme and any other share 
option scheme of the Company shall not exceed such number of shares as required under the Rules Governing the Listing of 
Securities on the Stock Exchange (the “Listing Rules”), currently being 10% of the shares in issue as at 10 May 2005, the 
date of the AGM approving the 2005 Scheme (being 104,996,365 shares). Under the Listing Rules, a listed issuer may seek 
approval by its shareholders in general meeting for “refreshing” the 10% limit under the scheme. The limit on the number of 
shares which may be issued upon exercise of all outstanding options granted and yet to be exercised under the 2005 Scheme 
and any other share option scheme of the Company must not exceed 30% of the shares in issue from time to time (or such 
number of shares as required under the Listing Rules). No options may be granted if such grant will result in this 30% limit 
being exceeded.

The maximum entitlement of each participant under the 2005 Scheme must not during any 12-month period exceed such 
number of shares as required under the Listing Rules (which is 1% of the total shares in issue as at the date of shareholders’ 
approval, being 10,499,636). The exercise price shall be at least the highest of (i) the closing price of the shares as stated in 
the Stock Exchange’s daily quotations sheet on the date of grant; (ii) the average of the closing prices of the shares as stated 
in the Stock Exchange’s daily quotations sheets for the five business days immediately preceding the date of grant; and (iii) the 
nominal value of the shares. Consideration on each grant of option is HK$1 and is required to be paid within 30 days from the 
date of grant of option, with full payment for exercise price to be made on exercise of the relevant option.

(b)  Grant and vesting structures
Under the Company’s current policy, grants will be made on a periodic basis. Vesting period is 3 years in equal proportion. Size 
of grant will be determined by reference to base salary multiple and job grades. A clear performance criterion will be a key driver. 
The Board will review the grant and vesting structures from time to time.

136  Hysan Annual Report 2009

39. Share-Based Payment Transactions continued
(c)  Movement of share options
The following table discloses movements of the Company’s share options held by the Directors and eligible employees during 
the current year:

Name 

Date of grant 

Exercise 
price 
HK$ 

Exercisable  
period 
(Note a) 

Balance 
as at 
1.1.2009 

Granted 

Exercised 

Cancelled/ 

Balance
as at
lapsed  31.12.2009
(Note b)

Changes during the year 

30.3.2005 

15.850 

30.3.2005 

15.850 

30.3.2005 

15.850 

30.3.2005 –  
29.3.2015

30.3.2005 –  
29.3.2015 

30.3.2005 –  
29.3.2015

96,000 

80,000 

13,000 

1995 Scheme

Executive Directors
Wendy Wen Yee YUNG 

Ricky Tin For TSANG 
  (Note c) 

Eligible employees 
  (Note e) 

2005 Scheme

Executive Directors
Peter Ting Chang LEE 
  (Note f) 

Gerry Lui Fai YIM 
  (Note h) 

6.3.2007 

21.380 

13.3.2008 

21.450 

11.3.2009 

1.12.2009 

11.760 
(Note g) 

22.800 
(Note i) 

Wendy Wen Yee YUNG 

26.6.2006 

20.110 

Ricky Tin For TSANG 
  (Note c) 

30.3.2007 

21.250 

31.3.2008 

21.960 

11.3.2009 

11.760 
(Note g) 

30.3.2006 

22.000 

30.3.2007 

21.250 

31.3.2008 

21.960 

11.3.2009 

11.760 
(Note g) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

96,000

(80,000) 
(Note d)

– 

– 

(13,000) 

–

–

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–  235,000

–  260,000

–  500,000

–  218,000

–  110,000

– 

95,000

–  100,000

–  300,000

235,000 

260,000 

–  500,000 

–  218,000 

110,000 

95,000 

100,000 

– 

– 

– 

–  300,000 

120,000 

95,000 

100,000 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(120,000) 

– 

(95,000) 

– 

(100,000) 

–  250,000 

– 

(250,000) 

–

–

–

–

Hysan Annual Report 2009  137

6.3.2007 –  
16.4.2010

13.3.2008 –  
16.4.2010

11.3.2009 –  
16.4.2010

1.12.2009 –  
30.11.2019

26.6.2006 –  
25.6.2016

30.3.2007 –  
29.3.2017

31.3.2008 –  
30.3.2018

11.3.2009 –  
10.3.2019

30.3.2006 –  
29.3.2016

30.3.2007 –  
29.3.2017

31.3.2008 –  
30.3.2018

11.3.2009 –  
10.3.2019

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NOTES TO THE FINA NCI A L STATEMENTS continued
For the year ended 31 December 2009

39. Share-Based Payment Transactions continued
(c)  Movement of share options continued

Name 

Date of grant 

Exercise 
price 
HK$ 

Exercisable  
period 
(Note a) 

2005 Scheme continued

Eligible employees 
  (Note e) 

30.3.2006 

22.000 

6.3.2007 

21.380 

30.3.2007 

21.250 

31.3.2008 

21.960 

2.5.2008 

23.900 

9.9.2008 

21.300 

2.10.2008 

20.106 

31.3.2009 

13.300 
(Note j) 

30.3.2006 –  
29.3.2016

6.3.2007 –  
30.6.2009

30.3.2007 –  
29.3.2017

31.3.2008 –  
30.3.2018

2.5.2008 –  
1.5.2018

9.9.2008 –  
8.9.2018

2.10.2008 –  
1.10.2018

31.3.2009 –  
30.3.2019

Balance 
as at 
1.1.2009 

67,000 

108,000 

73,000 

164,000 

95,000 

85,000 

85,000 

Changes during the year 

Granted 

Exercised 

Cancelled/ 

Balance
as at
lapsed  31.12.2009
(Note b)

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(44,000) 

23,000

– 

(108,000) 

–

– 

(42,000) 

31,000

– 

(76,000) 

88,000

– 

– 

95,000

– 

(85,000) 

–

– 

– 

85,000

–  472,000 

– 

(61,000)  411,000

1,981,000  1,740,000 

(80,000) 

(994,000)  2,647,000

Notes:

(a)  Save otherwise stated, all options granted have a vesting period of 3 years in equal proportions.

(b)  The options lapsed during the year upon resignations or retirement of certain Directors and eligible employees.

(c)  Ricky Tin For TSANG resigned as Executive Director, Finance on 29 September 2009.

(d)  The weighted average closing price of the shares of the Company immediately before the date on which the options were exercised was 

HK$19.240.

(e)  Eligible employees are working under employment contracts that are regarded as “continuous contracts” for the purposes of the 

Employment Ordinance.

(f) 

Peter Ting Chang LEE passed away on 17 October 2009. The legal personal representative(s) of Peter Ting Chang LEE will be entitled to 
exercise the outstanding options until 16 April 2010.

(g)  The closing price of the shares of the Company immediately before the date of grant (i.e. as of 10 March 2009) was HK$11.180.

(h)  Gerry Lui Fai YIM was appointed as Executive Director on 1 December 2009.

(i) 

(j) 

The closing price of the shares of the Company immediately before the date of grant (i.e. as of 30 November 2009) was HK$22.250.

The closing price of the shares of the Company immediately before the date of grant (i.e. as of 30 March 2009) was HK$12.900.

138  Hysan Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
39. Share-Based Payment Transactions continued
(c)  Movement of share options continued
The following table discloses movements of the Company’s share options held by the Directors and eligible employees in prior 
year:

Name 

Date of grant 

Exercise 
price 
HK$ 

Exercisable  
period 
(Note a) 

Balance 
as at 
1.1.2008 

Granted 

Exercised 

Cancelled/ 

Balance
as at
lapsed  31.12.2008
(Note b)

Changes during the year 

1995 Scheme

Executive Directors
Ricky Tin For TSANG 
  (Note c) 

Wendy Wen Yee YUNG 
  (Note c) 

Eligible employees 
  (Note e) 

2005 Scheme

Executive Directors
Peter Ting Chang LEE 

Ricky Tin For TSANG 
  (Note c) 

Wendy Wen Yee YUNG 
  (Note c) 

Pauline Wah Ling YU 
  WONG (Note i) 

30.3.2005 

15.850 

30.3.2005 

15.850 

30.3.2005 

15.850 

30.3.2005 –  
29.3.2015 

30.3.2005 –  
29.3.2015

30.3.2005 –  
29.3.2015 

120,000 

96,000 

87,667 

6.3.2007 

21.380 

13.3.2008 

21.450 
(Note g) 

30.3.2006 

22.000 

30.3.2007 

21.250 

31.3.2008 

21.960 
(Note h) 

26.6.2006 

20.110 

30.3.2007 

21.250 

31.3.2008 

21.960 
(Note h) 

6.3.2007 

21.380 

6.3.2007 –  
5.3.2017

13.3.2008 –  
12.3.2018

30.3.2006 –  
29.3.2016

30.3.2007 –  
29.3.2017

31.3.2008 –  
30.3.2018

26.6.2006 –  
25.6.2016

30.3.2007 –  
29.3.2017

31.3.2008 –  
30.3.2018

6.3.2007 –  
30.6.2009

235,000 

–  260,000 

120,000 

95,000 

– 

– 

–  100,000 

110,000 

95,000 

– 

– 

–  100,000 

108,000 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(40,000) 
(Note d)

– 

80,000

– 

– 

96,000

(74,667) 
(Note f)

– 

13,000

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–  235,000

–  260,000

–  120,000

– 

95,000

–  100,000

–  110,000

– 

95,000

–  100,000

–  108,000

Hysan Annual Report 2009  139

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NOTES TO THE FINA NCI A L STATEMENTS continued
For the year ended 31 December 2009

39. Share-Based Payment Transactions continued
(c)  Movement of share options continued

Name 

Date of grant 

Exercise 
price 
HK$ 

Exercisable  
period 
(Note a) 

2005 Scheme continued

Eligible employees 
  (Note e) 

30.3.2006 

22.000 

30.3.2007 

21.250 

31.3.2008 

2.5.2008 

9.9.2008 

2.10.2008 

21.960 
(Note h) 

23.900 
(Note k) 

21.300 
(Note l) 

20.106 
(Note m) 

30.3.2006 –  
29.3.2016

30.3.2007 –  
29.3.2017 

31.3.2008 –  
30.3.2018

2.5.2008 –  
1.5.2018

9.9.2008 –  
8.9.2018

2.10.2008 –  
1.10.2018

Balance 
as at 
1.1.2008 

99,000 

132,000 

Changes during the year 

Granted 

Exercised 

Cancelled/ 

Balance
as at
lapsed  31.12.2008
(Note b)

– 

– 

– 

(32,000) 

67,000

(2,000) 
(Note j)

(57,000) 

73,000

–  178,000 

– 

(14,000)  164,000

– 

95,000 

– 

85,000 

– 

85,000 

– 

– 

– 

– 

95,000

– 

85,000

– 

85,000

1,297,667  903,000 

(116,667)  (103,000) 1,981,000

Notes:

(a)  Save otherwise stated, all options granted have a vesting period of 3 years in equal proportions.

(b)  The options lapsed during the year upon resignations of certain eligible employees.

(c)  Ricky Tin For TSANG and Wendy Wen Yee YUNG were appointed as Executive Directors on 1 April 2008.

(d)  The weighted average closing price of the shares of the Company immediately before the date on which the options were exercised was 

HK$22.700.

(e)  Eligible employees are working under employment contracts that are regarded as “continuous contracts” for the purposes of the 

Employment Ordinance.

(f) 

The weighted average closing price of the shares of the Company immediately before the dates on which the options were exercised was 
HK$22.337.

(g)  The closing price of the shares of the Company immediately before the date of grant (i.e. as of 12 March 2008) was HK$22.100.

(h)  The closing price of the shares of the Company immediately before the date of grant (i.e. as of 28 March 2008) was HK$21.950.

(i) 

(j) 

Pauline Wah Ling YU WONG retired from the Board of the Company by rotation as from the conclusion of 2008 Annual General Meeting 
held on 14 May 2008. She remained as Senior Advisor to the Company until 31 December 2008 when she retired from the Company and 
her outstanding options remain exercisable until 30 June 2009.

The weighted average closing price of the shares of the Company immediately before the dates on which the options were exercised was 
HK$22.950.

(k)  The closing price of the shares of the Company immediately before the date of grant (i.e. as of 30 April 2008) was HK$22.600.

(l) 

The closing price of the shares of the Company immediately before the date of grant (i.e. as of 8 September 2008) was HK$21.300.

(m)  The closing price of the shares of the Company immediately before the date of grant (i.e. as of 30 September 2008) was HK$19.980.

140  Hysan Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
39. Share-Based Payment Transactions continued
(d)  Fair values of share options
The Group has applied HKFRS 2 “Share-based Payments” to account for its share options granted after 7 November 2002 and 
vested after 1 January 2005. In accordance with HKFRS 2, fair value of share options granted to employees determined at 
the date of grant is expensed over the vesting period, with a corresponding adjustment to the Group’s share options reserve. 
In the current year, the Group recognised the share option expenses of HK$6 million (2008: HK$5 million) in relation to share 
options granted by the Company, of which HK$4 million (2008: HK$3 million) related to the Directors (see note 12), with a 
corresponding adjustment recognised in the Group’s share options reserve.

The fair values of share options granted by the Company were determined by using Black-Scholes option pricing model 
(the “Model”). The Model is one of the commonly used models to estimate the fair value of an option. The variables and 
assumptions used in computing the fair value of the share options are based on the management’s best estimate. The value 
of an option varies with different variables of a number of subjective assumptions. Any change in the variables so adopted may 
materially affect the estimation of the fair value of an option. The inputs into the Model were as follows:

Date of grant 

1.12.2009 

31.3.2009 

11.3.2009 

2.10.2008 

9.9.2008 

2.5.2008 

31.3.2008 

13.3.2008

Closing share  
  price at the
  date of grant

HK$22.800  HK$13.100  HK$11.760  HK$19.160  HK$21.300  HK$23.900  HK$21.800  HK$21.450

Exercise price 

HK$22.800  HK$13.300  HK$11.760  HK$20.106  HK$21.300  HK$23.900  HK$21.960  HK$21.450

2.16% 

1.94% 

1.97% 

2.94% 

2.83% 

2.67% 

2.61% 

2.49%

10 years 

10 years 

10 years 

10 years 

10 years 

10 years 

10 years 

10 years

35.09% 

47.74% 

48.24% 

38.86% 

38.19% 

35.51% 

34.25% 

33.03%

HK$0.526  HK$0.526  HK$0.526  HK$0.463  HK$0.463  HK$0.463  HK$0.463  HK$0.463

HK$8.560  HK$4.299  HK$3.671  HK$6.940  HK$8.130  HK$8.990  HK$7.390  HK$6.970

Risk free rate  
  (Note a)

Expected life of  
  option (Note b)

Expected volatility  
  (Note c)

Expected dividend 
  per annum 
  (Note d)

Estimated fair  
  value per
  share option

Notes:

(a)  Risk free rate: being the approximate yields of 10-year Exchange Fund Notes traded on the date of grant, matching the expected life of 

each option.

(b)  Expected life of option: being the period of 10 years commencing on the date of grant, based on management’s best estimates for the 

effects of non-transferability, exercise restriction and behavioural consideration.

(c)  Expected volatility: being the approximate historical volatility of closing prices of the shares of the Company in the past one year 

immediately before the date of grant, except for the options granted on or after 1 December 2009 which the management considered that 
it was more appropriate that the expected volatility should be the approximate historical volatility of closing prices of the shares of the 
Company in the past 10 years immediately before the date of grant in order to match the expected life of the options of 10 years.

(d)  Expected dividend per annum: being the approximate average annual cash dividend for the past five financial years.

Hysan Annual Report 2009  141

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I

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT
For the year ended 31 December 2009

1.  Financial Risk Management Objectives and Policies
The Group’s major financial instruments include cash and bank balances, time deposits, held-to-maturity investments, amount 
due from an associate, accounts receivable, other receivables, available-for-sale financial assets, accounts payable, accruals, 
rental deposits from tenants, amounts due to minority shareholders, borrowings and derivative financial instruments. The 
Company’s major financial instruments include cash and bank balances, time deposits, other receivables, amounts due from/
to subsidiaries, other payable and accruals. Details of these financial instruments are disclosed in respective notes to the 
financial statements. The risks associated with these financial instruments and the policies on how to mitigate these risks are 
set out below. The management manages and monitors these exposures to ensure appropriate measures are implemented on 
a timely and effective manner.

(a)  Credit risk
The credit risk of the Group and the Company are primarily attributable to rents receivable from tenants, amounts due from 
subsidiaries, amount due from an associate, principal-protected deposits, derivative financial instruments, held-to-maturity 
investments, time deposits and bank balances. The Group’s and the Company’s maximum exposure to credit risk which will 
cause a financial loss to the Group and the Company due to failure to discharge an obligation by the counterparties and 
financial guarantees issued by the Company is arising from:

(i) 

(ii) 

the carrying amount of the respective recognised financial assets as stated in the consolidated and Company’s statement 
of financial position; and

the amount of contingent liabilities in relation to financial guarantee issued by the Company as disclosed in note 35 of the 
notes to the financial statements section.

For rents receivable from tenants, credit checks are part of the normal leasing process and stringent monitoring procedures are 
in place to deal with overdue debts. In addition, the Group reviews the recoverable amount of each individual trade debt at the 
end of each reporting period to ensure that adequate impairment losses are made for irrecoverable amounts.

For derivative financial instruments, principal-protected deposits, time deposits and bank balances, the Group and the Company 
only deals with financial institutions that have strong credit ratings to mitigate counterparty risk. In order to limit exposure 
to each financial institution, exposure limit was set with each financial institution according to their credit rating with regular 
review by management. The Group’s listed debt securities investments are issued by Hong Kong Monetary Authority or national 
government with high sovereign credit rating.

Credit exposure to financial institutions are monitored and reported regularly to the management. The table below provides 
a high level summary to management about the Group’s exposure to each financial institution based on the amount of time 
deposits and the net positive value of financial assets and liabilities (including derivatives and principal-protected deposits) as 
at 31 December 2009.

Category of 
financial institutions 

Credit rating of AA- or above
  or note issuing banks 
Credit rating A- to A+ 

2009 

Number of 
counterparty 

Exposure 
HK$ million 

2008

Number of
counterparty 

Exposure
HK$ million

5 
7 

79 to 389 
4 to 288 

6 
7 

40 to 201
30 to 100

To minimise the credit risk of amounts due from subsidiaries and an associate, the management of the Group and the Company 
review the recoverable amount of each individual balance at the end of each reporting period to ensure adequate impairment 
losses are made for irrecoverable amounts. Other than concentration of credit risk on amount due from an associate, the Group 
and the Company have no significant concentration of credit risk, with exposure spread over a number of counterparties and 
tenants.

142  Hysan Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
1.  Financial Risk Management Objectives and Policies continued
(b)  Liquidity risk
The Group and the Company closely monitors their liquidity requirements and the sufficiency of cash and available banking 
facilities so as to ensure that the payment obligations are met.

The following table details the remaining contractual maturity of the Group and the Company for their non-derivative financial 
liabilities. The table has been drawn up based on the undiscounted cash flows of financial liabilities based on the earliest date 
on which the Group and the Company is required to pay. The table includes both interest and principal cash flows. The interest 
payments are computed using contractual rates or, if floating, based on the prevailing market rate at the end of the reporting 
period. For cash flows denominated in currency other than Hong Kong dollars, the prevailing foreign exchange rates at the end 
of the reporting period are used to convert the cash flows into Hong Kong dollars.

Total 
contractual 
Carrying  undiscounted 
cash flow 
amount 

Within 
1 year or 
on demand 

More than
5 years
HK$ million  HK$ million  HK$ million  HK$ million  HK$ million  HK$ million

More than 
1 year 
but not 
exceeding 
2 years 

More than
2 years
but not
exceeding 
5 years 

The Group

As at 31 December 2009

Non-derivative financial liabilities
Accounts payable and accruals 
Rental deposits from tenants 
Amounts due to minority shareholders 
Unsecured bank loans 
Floating rate notes 
Fixed rate notes 
Zero coupon notes 

As at 31 December 2008

Non-derivative financial liabilities
Accounts payable and accruals 
Rental deposits from tenants 
Amounts due to minority shareholders 
Unsecured bank loans 
Floating rate notes 
Fixed rate notes 
Zero coupon notes 

(314) 
(400) 
(327) 
(1,449) 
(200) 
(1,980) 
(262) 

(314) 
(400) 
(327) 
(1,476) 
(211) 
(2,442) 
(430) 

(314) 
(127) 
(327) 
(410) 
(2) 
(129) 
– 

– 
(122) 
– 
(656) 
(2) 
(128) 
– 

– 
(126) 
– 
(410) 
(207) 
(1,550) 
– 

–
(25)
–
–
–
(635)
(430)

(4,932) 

(5,600) 

(1,309) 

(908) 

(2,293) 

(1,090)

(320) 
(388) 
(327) 
(920) 
(550) 
(2,003) 
(278) 

(320) 
(388) 
(327) 
(970) 
(557) 
(2,570) 
(430) 

(320) 
(158) 
(327) 
(21) 
(557) 
(128) 
– 

– 
(88) 
– 
(85) 
– 
(129) 
– 

– 
(132) 
– 
(864) 
– 
(1,648) 
– 

–
(10)
–
–
–
(665)
(430)

(4,786) 

(5,562) 

(1,511) 

(302) 

(2,644) 

(1,105)

Hysan Annual Report 2009  143

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F
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I

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINA NCI A L RISK M A NAGEMENT continued
For the year ended 31 December 2009

1.  Financial Risk Management Objectives and Policies continued
(b)  Liquidity risk continued

Total 
contractual 
Carrying  undiscounted 
cash flow 
amount 

Within 
1 year or 
on demand 

More than
5 years
HK$ million  HK$ million  HK$ million  HK$ million  HK$ million  HK$ million

More than 
1 year 
but not 
exceeding 
2 years 

More than
2 years
but not
exceeding 
5 years 

The Company

As at 31 December 2009

Non-derivative financial liabilities
Other payable and accruals 
Amounts due to subsidiaries 

As at 31 December 2008

Non-derivative financial liabilities
Other payable and accruals 
Amounts due to subsidiaries 

(34) 
(192) 

(34) 
(192) 

(34) 
(192) 

(226) 

(226) 

(226) 

(31) 
(59) 

(90) 

(31) 
(59) 

(90) 

(31) 
(59) 

(90) 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

–
–

–

–
–

–

The following table details the Group’s remaining contractual maturity for its derivative financial instruments. The table has 
been drawn up based on the undiscounted net cash inflows (outflows) on the derivative instruments that settle on a net basis 
and undiscounted gross inflows (outflows) on those derivatives that require gross settlement. When the amount payable or 
receivable is not fixed, the amount disclosed has been determined by the prevailing market rate at the end of the reporting 
period. For cash flows denominated in currency other than Hong Kong dollars, the prevailing foreign exchange rates at the end 
of the reporting period are used to convert the cash flows into Hong Kong dollars.

Total 
contractual 
Carrying  undiscounted 
cash flow 
amount 

Within 
1 year or 
on demand 

More than
5 years
HK$ million  HK$ million  HK$ million  HK$ million  HK$ million  HK$ million

More than 
1 year 
but not 
exceeding 
2 years 

More than
2 years
but not
exceeding 
5 years 

The Group

As at 31 December 2009

Derivative settled net
Interest rate swaps and basis swaps 

Derivative settled gross
Forward foreign exchange contracts 
  Outflow 
  Inflow 

Cross currency and net basis swaps 
  Outflow 
  Inflow 

144  Hysan Annual Report 2009

5 

1

55

118 

3 

2 

16 

97

(324) 
326 

(244) 
245 

(66) 
66 

(14) 
15 

(1,891) 
1,991 

(27) 
69 

(26) 
69 

(1,838) 
1,853 

–
–

–
–

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1.  Financial Risk Management Objectives and Policies continued
(b)  Liquidity risk continued

Total 
contractual 
Carrying  undiscounted 
cash flow 
amount 

Within 
1 year or 
on demand 

More than
5 years
HK$ million  HK$ million  HK$ million  HK$ million  HK$ million  HK$ million

More than 
1 year 
but not 
exceeding 
2 years 

More than
2 years
but not
exceeding 
5 years 

As at 31 December 2008

Derivative settled net
Interest rate swaps 

Derivative settled gross
Forward foreign exchange contracts 
  Outflow 
  Inflow 

Cross currency and net basis swaps 
  Outflow 
  Inflow 

40 

139 

5 

4 

28 

102

2

75

(366) 
368 

(282) 
283 

(35) 
35 

(49) 
50 

(1,758) 
1,856 

(43) 
70 

(36) 
68 

(1,679) 
1,718 

–
–

–
–

At the end of the reporting period, the Company has no derivative financial instruments.

(c)  Interest rate risk
The Group manages its interest rate exposure by assessing the potential impact on the Group’s financial position arising from 
any interest rate movements based on interest rate level and outlook. The management will review the proportion of borrowings 
in fixed rates and floating rates and ensure that they are within an appropriate range. Accordingly, the Group entered into (i) 
interest rate swaps to hedge the interest rate risk of the Group’s floating rate borrowings including bank loans and floating rate 
notes; and (ii) cross currency swaps and interest rate swaps to hedge the interest rate risk of certain amounts of the Group’s 
fixed rate notes. The Group reviews the continuing effectiveness of hedging instruments at least at the end of each reporting 
period and until the hedging instrument expires or is terminated or the hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting. 
The Group mainly used comparison of change in fair value of the hedging instruments and the hedged items attributable to the 
hedged risk for assessing the hedging effectiveness.

As at 31 December 2009, about 64.9% (2008: 59.5%) of the Group’s gross debts were effectively on a floating rate basis. 
The ratio could be adjusted according to views about changes in the interest rate trend going forward. In addition, the Group 
is exposed to (i) cash flow interest rate risk as the interest income derived from time deposits and bank balances is subject 
to interest rate changes; and (ii) fair value interest rate risk in relation to its held-to-maturity investments in fixed-rate debt 
securities. Other than the concentration of interest rate risk related to the movements in HIBOR, the Group has no significant 
concentration of interest rate risk.

Sensitivity analysis
The sensitivity analysis below has been determined assuming that the change in interest rates had occurred at the end of 
the reporting period and had been applied to both derivative and non-derivative financial instruments that would have affected 
the profit or loss and equity. A change of +100 and -5 basis points (“bps”) (2008: +50 and -50 bps) was applied to the yield 
curves at the end of the reporting period. The applied change of bps represented management’s assessment of the reasonably 
possible change in interest rates based on the current market conditions. The increase in positive change reflected potential 
interest rate increase in 2010 and the decrease in negative change is due to the low level of prevailing market interest rates at 
the end of the reporting period.

In management’s opinion, the sensitivity analysis is unrepresentative of the interest rate risk as the year end exposure does not 
reflect the exposure during the year.

Hysan Annual Report 2009  145

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FINA NCI A L RISK M A NAGEMENT continued
For the year ended 31 December 2009

1.  Financial Risk Management Objectives and Policies continued
(c)  Interest rate risk continued

The Group

Increase (decrease) in 
profit or loss 

100 bps 
increase 
HK$ million 

5 bps 
decrease 
HK$ million 

Increase (decrease) in
equity

100 bps 
increase 
HK$ million 

5 bps
decrease
HK$ million

As at 31 December 2009 

(24) 

1 

29 

(2)

50 bps 
increase 
HK$ million 

50 bps 
decrease 
HK$ million 

50 bps 
increase 
HK$ million 

50 bps
decrease
HK$ million

As at 31 December 2008 

(1) 

2 

11 

(12)

(d)  Currency risk
The Group aims to minimise its currency risk and does not speculate in currency movements. The majority of the Group’s assets 
are located and all rental income are derived in Hong Kong, and denominated in Hong Kong dollars. At the end of the reporting 
period, the Group has the following monetary assets and monetary liabilities denominated in USD.

Assets
Time deposits 
Principal-protected deposits 
Listed debt securities 

Liabilities
Unsecured bank loans 
Fixed rate notes 

2009 

2008

US$ million 

HK$ million 

US$ million 

HK$ million

The Group

23 
8 
– 

31 

51 
182 

233 

178 
62 
– 

240 

399 
1,394 

1,793 

– 
– 
27 

27 

26 
182 

208 

–
–
209

209

200
1,403

1,603

At the end of the reporting period, all of the Company’s assets and liabilities were denominated in Hong Kong dollars with the 
exception of US$15 million (2008: nil) time deposits.

Other than concentration of currency risk of the above items denominated in USD, the Group and the Company have no other 
significant currency risk.

The Group has entered into appropriate hedging instruments, mentioned in note 22 of the notes to the financial statements 
section, to hedge against the potential currency risk of the above items. The Group reviews the continuing effectiveness of 
hedging instruments at least at the end of each reporting period and until the hedging instrument expires or is terminated or 
the hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting.

146  Hysan Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1.  Financial Risk Management Objectives and Policies continued
(d)  Currency risk continued
Sensitivity analysis
The sensitivity analysis below has been determined assuming that a change in exchange rate had occurred at the end of the 
reporting period and had been applied to both derivative and non-derivative financial instruments that would have affected the 
profit or loss and equity. A change of 500 bps (2008: 650 bps) was applied to the HKD:USD spot and forward rates at the end 
of the reporting period. The applied change of bps represented management’s assessment of the reasonably possible change 
in foreign exchange rates.

The Group

Increase (decrease) in 
profit or loss 

500 bps 
increase 
HK$ million 

500 bps 
decrease 
HK$ million 

Increase (decrease) in
equity

500 bps 
increase 
HK$ million 

500 bps
decrease
HK$ million

As at 31 December 2009 

1 

(1) 

– 

–

650 bps 
increase 
HK$ million 

650 bps 
decrease 
HK$ million 

650 bps 
increase 
HK$ million 

650 bps
decrease
HK$ million

As at 31 December 2008 

(2) 

– 

3 

–

(e)  Equity price risk
The Group is exposed to equity price risks in relation to its available-for-sale investments in listed securities which are measured 
at fair value at the end of each reporting period with reference to the listed share price. The management will monitor the price 
movements and take appropriate actions when it is required.

Sensitivity analysis
The sensitivity analysis below has been determined assuming that a change in the corresponding equity prices had occurred 
at the end of the reporting period and had been applied to the investments that would have affected the equity. A change of 
25% (2008: 25%) in stock prices was applied at the end of the reporting period. The applied change of percentage represented 
management’s assessment of the reasonably possible change in stock prices.

As at 31 December 2009 

As at 31 December 2008 

The Group
Increase (decrease) in
equity

25% 
increase 
HK$ million 

25%
decrease
HK$ million

249 

(249)

25% 
increase 
HK$ million 

25%
decrease
HK$ million

246 

(246)

Hysan Annual Report 2009  147

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I

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A
C
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O
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I

G
O
V
E
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N
A
N
C
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F
I
N
A
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FINA NCI A L RISK M A NAGEMENT continued
For the year ended 31 December 2009

2.  Categories of Financial Instruments

The Group 

The Company

2009 
HK$ million 

2008 
HK$ million 

2009 
HK$ million 

2008
HK$ million

Financial assets

Fair value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”)
  – designated as at FVTPL 
  – held for trading 

Derivative instruments under hedge accounting 

Available-for-sale financial assets 

Held-to-maturity investments 

Loans and receivables (including
  cash and cash equivalents) 

Financial liabilities

Fair value through profit or loss
  – held for trading 

Derivative instruments under hedge accounting 

Amortised cost 

200 
62 

35 

1,002 

– 

2,467 

3,766 

9 

27 

4,532 

4,568 

125 
– 

158 

1,022 

700 

1,728 

3,733 

10 

31 

4,398 

4,439 

– 
– 

– 

2 

– 

–
–

–

2

–

13,321 

13,323 

13,014

13,016

– 

– 

226 

226 

–

–

90

90

3.  Fair Value
The fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities are determined as follows:

• 

• 

• 

the fair value of listed investments traded in active liquid markets are determined with reference to the published price 
quotations;

the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities (excluding derivative instruments) are determined in accordance 
with generally accepted pricing models based on discounted cash flow analysis using prices from observable current 
market transactions; and

the fair value of derivative instruments are based on quoted prices from independent financial institutions or calculated 
using discounted cash flow analysis based on the applicable yield curve derived from quoted interest rates and based on 
the quoted spot and forward foreign exchange rates.

The Directors consider that the carrying amounts of financial assets and financial liabilities measured at amortised costs in the 
consolidated and the Company’s financial statements approximate their fair values, except for the carrying amount of HK$1,980 
million (2008: HK$2,003 million) fixed rate notes as stated in note 30 to the financial statements with fair value of HK$2,128 
million (2008: HK$2,117 million).

148  Hysan Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.  Fair Value continued
The following table provides an analysis of financial instruments that are measured subsequent to initial recognition at fair 
value, grouped into Levels 1 and 2 based on the degree to which the fair value is observable.

• 

• 

Level 1: fair value measurements are those derived from quoted prices (unadjusted) in active market for identical assets.

Level 2: fair value measurements are those derived from inputs other than quoted prices included with Level 1 that are 
observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices).

Level 1 
HK$ million 

2009

Level 2 
HK$ million 

Total
HK$ million

Financial assets

Derivatives under hedging
  accounting
Forward foreign exchange contracts 
Cross currency swaps 
Interest rate swaps 
Basis swaps 

Other derivatives classified as
  held for trading (not under
  hedge accounting)
Cross currency swaps 

Financial assets at FVTPL
Principal-protected deposits 

Available-for-sale financial assets
Listed equity securities 
Unlisted club debentures 

Financial liabilities

Derivatives under hedging
  accounting
Interest rate swaps 

Other derivatives classified as
  held for trading (not under
  hedge accounting)
Net basis swaps 

There were no transfers between Levels 1 and 2 in the current year.

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

997 
– 

997 

– 

– 

– 

1 
2 
31 
1 

62 

200 

– 
2 

1
2
31
1

62

200

997
2

299 

1,296

27 

27

9 

36 

9

36

Hysan Annual Report 2009  149

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FINA NCI A L RISK M A NAGEMENT continued
For the year ended 31 December 2009

4.  Capital Risk Management
The Group manages its capital to ensure that the Group will be able to continue as a going concern while maximising the return 
to stakeholders through the optimisation of the debt and equity balance. The Group’s overall strategy remains unchanged from 
prior year.

The Group monitors its capital structure on the basis of a net debt to adjusted capital ratio. For this purpose, the Group defines 
net debt as borrowings as shown in the consolidated statement of financial position less short-term investments, time deposits, 
cash and bank balances. Adjusted capital comprises all components of equity attributable to owners of the Company, adjusted 
by cumulative deferred tax provided on fair value gain on the investment and owner-occupied properties.

The management reviews the Group’s net debt to adjusted capital ratio regularly and adjust the ratio through the payment of 
dividends, the issue of new share or debt, the repurchase of shares and the redemption of existing debt.

The net debt to adjusted capital ratio at the year end was as follows:

Unsecured bank loans 
Floating rate notes 
Fixed rate notes 
Zero coupon notes 

Borrowings 
Less: Held-to-maturity debt securities 

  Time deposits 
  Cash and bank balances 

Net debt 

Equity attributable to owners of the Company 
Add: Group’s share of cumulative deferred tax

  on properties revaluation 

Adjusted capital 

Net debt to adjusted capital 

The Group

2009 
HK$ million 

2008
HK$ million

1,449 
200 
1,980 
262 

3,891 
– 
(1,945) 
(39) 

1,907 

920
550
2,003
278

3,751
(700)
(964)
(51)

2,036

33,668 

31,469

3,389 

3,191

37,057 

34,660

5.1% 

5.9%

Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries are subject to externally imposed capital requirements.

150  Hysan Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FIVE-YEAR FINANCIAL SUMMARY
For the year ended 31 December 2009

Results
Turnover 
Property expenses 

Gross profit 
Investment income 
Other gains and losses 
Administrative expenses 
Finance costs 
Change in fair value of investment properties 
Share of results of associates 

Profit before taxation 
Taxation 

Profit for the year 
Minority interests 

Profit attributable to owners of the Company 

Underlying profit for the year 

Recurring underlying profit for the year 

Dividends
  Dividends paid 
  Dividends proposed 
  Dividends per share (HK cents) 

Earnings per share (HK$), based on:
  Profit for the year
  – basic 
  – diluted 
  Underlying profit for the year – basic 
  Recurring underlying profit for the year – basic 

Performance indicators
Net debt to equity 
Net interest coverage (times) 
Net assets value per share (HK$) 
Adjusted net assets value per share (HK$) 
Net debt per share (HK$) 
Year end share price (HK$) 

2009 
HK$ million 

2008 
HK$ million 

2007 
HK$ million 

2006 
HK$ million 

2005
HK$ million

1,680 
(235) 

1,445 
38 
(3) 
(133) 
(131) 
1,249 
768 

3,233 
(396) 

2,837 
(121) 

2,716 

1,113 

1,110 

709 
567 
68.00 

2.60 
2.60 
1.06 
1.06 

5.1% 
11.7x 
32.05 
35.27 
1.82 
22.05 

1,638 
(217) 

1,421 
63 
146 
(134) 
(155) 
(212) 
590 

1,719 
(1) 

1,718 
(124) 

1,594 

1,201 

1,066 

644 
562 
68.00 

1.53 
1.53 
1.16 
1.03 

5.9% 
10.2x 
30.23 
33.29 
1.96 
12.52 

1,368 
(208) 

1,160 
98 
302 
(106) 
(175) 
3,131 
452 

4,862 
(745) 

4,117 
(168) 

3,949 

1,158 

950 

549 
498 
60.00 

3.75 
3.75 
1.10 
0.90 

6.8% 
7.8x 
30.51 
33.81 
2.29 
22.25 

1,268 
(240) 

1,028 
147 
201 
(111) 
(163) 
2,576 
120 

3,798 
(558) 

3,240 
(141) 

3,099 

1,012 

755 

474 
422 
50.00 

2.94 
2.94 
0.96 
0.72 

7.9% 
6.9x 
26.37 
29.12 
2.31 
20.35 

1,250
(237)

1,013
38
(25)
(103)
(214)
4,226
241

5,176
(856)

4,320
(199)

4,121

1,005

641

420
369
45.00

3.92
3.92
0.96
0.61

10.7%
4.6x
23.42
25.76
2.75
19.20

Hysan Annual Report 2009  151

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FI VE-YEA R FINA NCI A L SU MM A RY continued
For the year ended 31 December 2009

Assets and liabilities
Investment properties 
Interests in associates 
Available-for-sale investments 
Time deposit, cash and bank balances 
Other assets 

Total assets 

Borrowings 
Taxation 
Other liabilities 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 
Minority interests 

Shareholders’ funds 

2009 
HK$ million 

2008 
HK$ million 

2007 
HK$ million 

2006 
HK$ million 

2005
HK$ million

37,363 
2,886 
1,002 
1,984 
613 

35,850 
2,340 
1,022 
1,015 
1,309 

35,711 
1,601 
2,479 
484 
615 

32,473 
1,272 
1,745 
385 
378 

29,815
1,147
1,256
1,402
371

43,848 

41,536 

40,890 

36,253 

33,991

(3,891) 
(3,926) 
(1,077) 

(3,751) 
(3,999) 
(1,076) 

(2,861) 
(4,180) 
(1,001) 

(2,821) 
(3,574) 
(950) 

(4,301)
(3,077)
(960)

(8,894) 

(8,826) 

(8,042) 

(7,345) 

(8,338)

34,954 
(1,286) 

32,710 
(1,241) 

32,848 
(1,196) 

28,908 
(1,080) 

25,653
(986)

33,668 

31,469 

31,652 

27,828 

24,667

Adjusted shareholders’ funds 

37,057 

34,660 

35,072 

30,729 

27,134

Definitions:
(1)  Underlying profit for the year: profit adjusted for group’s share of unrealised fair value changes on investment properties net of deferred 

tax

(2)  Recurring underlying profit for the year: underlying profit adjusted for aggregate of realised gain or loss on disposal of investment 

properties and available-for-sale investments, impairment, reversal, recovery and tax provisions for prior year(s)

(3)  Net debt to equity: borrowings less short-term investments, time deposits, cash and bank balances divided by adjusted shareholders’ 

funds

(4)  Net interest coverage: gross profit less administrative expenses before depreciation divided by net interest expenses

(5)  Net assets value/Adjusted net assets value per share: shareholders’ funds/adjusted shareholders’ funds divided by number of issued 

shares at year end

(6)  Net debt per share: borrowings less short-term investments, time deposits, cash and bank balances divided by number of issued shares 

at year end

(7)  Adjusted shareholders’ funds: shareholders’ funds adjusted for cumulative deferred tax provided for fair value changes on properties

152  Hysan Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REPORT OF THE VALUER

To the Board of Directors
Hysan Development Company Limited

Dear Sirs,

Annual Revaluation of Investment Properties as at 31 December 2009

In accordance with your appointment of Knight Frank Petty Limited to value the investment properties in Hong Kong owned by 
Hysan Development Company Limited and its subsidiaries, we are pleased to advise that the market value of the investment 
properties as at 31 December 2009 was in the approximate sum of Hong Kong Dollars Thirty Seven Billion Three Hundred Sixty 
Three Million Only (i.e. HK$37,363 million).

The investment properties have been valued individually, on market value basis, by reference to comparable market transactions 
and on the basis of capitalisation of the net income with due allowance for the reversionary income and redevelopment 
potential, without allowances for any expenses or taxation which may be incurred in effecting a sale.

Yours faithfully,
Knight Frank Petty Limited

Hong Kong, 8 February 2010

Hysan Annual Report 2009  153

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SCHEDULE OF PRINCIPAL PROPERTIES
As at 31 December 2009

Investment Properties

Address 

Lot No. 

1.  The Lee Gardens 
33 Hysan Avenue 
Causeway Bay 
Hong Kong 

Sec. DD of I.L. 29, Sec. L of I.L. 457, 
Sec. MM of I.L. 29,
the R.P. of Sec. L of I.L. 29,
and the R.P. of I.L. 457

Use 

Category 
of the Lease 

Percentage
held by
the Group

Commercial 

Long lease 

100%

2.  Bamboo Grove 

I.L. 8624 

Residential 

Medium term  

100%

74-86 Kennedy Road 
Mid-Levels
Hong Kong

3.  Lee Gardens Two 
28 Yun Ping Road 
Causeway Bay 
Hong Kong 

4.  Leighton Centre 
77 Leighton Road
Causeway Bay
Hong Kong

5.  Lee Theatre Plaza 
99 Percival Street
Causeway Bay
Hong Kong

6.  Sunning Plaza 

10 Hysan Avenue 
Causeway Bay 
Hong Kong

7.  Sunning Court 

8 Hoi Ping Road 
Causeway Bay 
Hong Kong

8.  One Hysan Avenue 
1 Hysan Avenue
Causeway Bay
Hong Kong

lease

Commercial 

Long lease 

65.36%

Sec. G of I.L. 29, 
Sec. A, O, F and H of I.L. 457,
the R.P. of Sec. C, D, E and G of I.L. 457,
Subsec. 1 of Sec. C, D, E and G of I.L. 457,  
Subsec. 2 of Sec. E of I.L. 457 and
Subsec. 1, 2, 3 and
the R.P. of Sec. C of I.L. 461

Sec. B, C and the R.P. of I.L. 1451 

Commercial 

Long lease 

100%

I.L. 1452, the R.P. of I.L. 472 and 476 

Commercial 

Long lease 

100%

The R.P. of Subsec. 1 of Sec. J of I.L. 29, 
Subsec. 2 of Sec. J of I.L. 29
and the R.P. of Sec. J of I.L. 29

The R.P. of Subsec. 1 of Sec. J of I.L. 29, 
Subsec. 2 of Sec. J of I.L. 29
and the R.P. of Sec. J of I.L. 29

Commercial 

Long lease 

100%

Residential 

Long lease 

100%

The R.P. of Sec. GG of I.L. 29 

Commercial 

Long lease 

100%

9.  AIA Plaza 

Sec. N of I.L. 457 and Sec. LL of I.L. 29 

Commercial 

Long lease 

100%

18 Hysan Avenue
Causeway Bay
Hong Kong

154  Hysan Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Address 

Lot No. 

Use 

Category 
of the Lease 

Percentage
held by
the Group

10.  111 Leighton Road 
111 Leighton Road
Causeway Bay
Hong Kong

11.  500 Hennessy Road * 

Causeway Bay 
Hong Kong

Sec. KK of I.L. 29 

Commercial 

Long lease 

100%

Sec. FF of I.L. 29 and 
the R.P. of Marine Lot 365

Commercial 

Long lease 

100%

* 

The property (the site of the former Hennessy Centre) is currently under redevelopment. The site has a registered site area of 
approximately 47,738 square feet. Demolition work was completed in April 2009. All excavation and foundation works for tower portion 
were completed in March 2010 as scheduled. Construction of the superstructure commenced in February 2010. The redevelopment has a 
projected gross floor area of around 710,000 square feet and is expected to be completed in 2011.

Hysan Annual Report 2009  155

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SHAREHOLDING ANALYSIS

Share Capital
As at 31 December 2009

Number of
ordinary shares 

HK$ 

Nominal Value
HK$

Authorised share capital 
Issued and fully paid-up capital 

7,250,000,000  1,450,000,000 
5,253,040,450  1,050,608,090 

5
5

There was one class of ordinary shares of HK$5 each with equal voting rights.

Distribution of Shareholdings
(As at 31 December 2009, as per register of members of the Company)

Size of registered 
shareholdings 

5,000 or below 
5,001 – 50,000 
50,001 – 100,000 
100,001 – 500,000 
500,001 – 1,000,000 
Above 1,000,000 

Total 

Number of  
shareholders 

% of  
shareholders 

Number of 
ordinary shares 

% of the issued 
share capital
(Note)

2,540 
975 
95 
57 
3 
20 

3,690 

4,645,297 
68.84 
15,023,355 
26.42 
6,956,431 
2.57 
12,170,052 
1.55 
0.08 
1,969,391 
0.54  1,009,843,564 

0.44
1.43
0.66
1.16
0.19
96.12

100.00  1,050,608,090 

100.00

Types of Shareholders
(As at 31 December 2009, as per register of members of the Company)

Type of shareholders 

Number of 
ordinary shares held 

% of the issued 
share capital
(Note)

Lee Hysan Company Limited, Lee Hysan Estate Company, Limited and their subsidiaries 
Other corporate shareholders 
Individual shareholders 

433,130,735 
570,267,707 
47,209,648 

41.23
54.28
4.49

Total 

1,050,608,090 

100.00

Location of Shareholders
(As at 31 December 2009, as per register of members of the Company)

Location of shareholders 

Hong Kong 
United States and Canada 
United Kingdom 
Singapore 
Others 

Total 

Note:

Number of 
ordinary shares held 

% of the issued
share capital
(Note)

1,044,900,913 
4,301,635 
1,133,471 
64,516 
207,555 

99.45
0.41
0.11
0.01
0.02

1,050,608,090 

100.00

The percentages have been compiled based on the total number of shares of the Company in issue as at 31 December 2009
(i.e. 1,050,608,090 ordinary shares).

156  Hysan Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

Financial Calendar
Full year results announced 

Ex-dividend date for final dividend 

Closure of register of members 

Annual General Meeting 

Record date for final dividend 

Dispatch of scrip dividend circular and election form 

Dispatch of final dividend warrants/definitive share certificates 

2010 interim results to be announced 

* subject to change

Dividend
The Board recommends the payment of a final dividend of 
HK54 cents per share. Subject to shareholder approval, the 
final dividend will be payable in cash with a scrip dividend 
alternative to shareholders on the register of members as 
at Tuesday, 11 May 2010. The scrip dividend alternative 
is conditional upon the granting by the Listing Committee 
of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited of the listing 
of and permission to deal in the new shares to be issued 
pursuant thereto.

A circular containing details of the scrip dividend and the 
form of election will be mailed to shareholders on or about 
Thursday, 13 May 2010. Shareholders who elect for the scrip 
dividend, in lieu of the cash dividend, in whole or in part, 
shall return the form of election to the Company’s Registrars 
on or before Friday, 28 May 2010.

Definitive share certificates in respect of the scrip dividend 
and cheques (for those shareholders who do not elect for 
scrip dividend) will be dispatched to shareholders on or 
about Thursday, 3 June 2010.

The register of members will be closed from Friday,
7 May 2010 to Tuesday, 11 May 2010, both dates inclusive, 
for the purpose of determining shareholders’ entitlements 
to attend and vote at the Annual General Meeting to be 
held on 11 May 2010 and the proposed final dividend, 
during which period no transfer of shares will be registered. 
In order to qualify for attending and voting at the Annual 
General Meeting and the proposed final dividend, all transfer 
documents accompanied by the relevant share certificates 
must be lodged with the Company’s Registrars not later than 
4:00 p.m. on Thursday, 6 May 2010.

Share Listing
Hysan’s shares are listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong 
Kong Limited. It has a sponsored American Depositary 
Receipts (ADR) Programme in the New York market.

Stock Code
The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited: 00014
Bloomberg: 14HK
Reuters: 0014.HK
Ticket Symbol for ADR Code: HYSNY
CUSIP reference number: 449162304

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10 March 2010

5 May 2010

7 to 11 May 2010

11 May 2010

11 May 2010

(on or about) 13 May 2010

(on or about) 3 June 2010

10 August 2010 *

Shareholder Services
For enquiries about share transfer and registration, please 
contact the Company’s Registrars:

Tricor Standard Limited
26/F., Tesbury Centre,
28 Queen’s Road East,
Wanchai, Hong Kong
Telephone: (852) 2980 1768
Facsimile: (852) 2861 1465

Holders of the Company’s ordinary shares should notify the 
Registrars promptly of any change of their address.

The Annual Report is printed in English and Chinese language 
and is available on our website at www.hysan.com.hk. 
Shareholders may at any time choose to receive the Annual 
Report in printed form in either the English or Chinese 
language or both or by electronic means. Shareholders who 
have chosen to receive the Annual Report using electronic 
means and who for any reason have difficulty in receiving 
or gaining access to the Annual Report will promptly upon 
request be sent a printed copy free of charge.

Shareholders may at any time change their choice of the 
language or means of receipt of the Annual Report by notice 
in writing to the Company’s Registrars at the address above. 
The Change Request Form may be downloaded from the 
Company’s website at www.hysan.com.hk.

Investor Relations
For enquiries relating to investor relations, please email to 
investor@hysan.com.hk or write to the Company at:

Investor Relations
Hysan Development Company Limited
49/F., The Lee Gardens, 33 Hysan Avenue
Hong Kong
Telephone: (852) 2895 5777
Facsimile: (852) 2577 5153

Our Website
Press releases and other information of the Group can be 
found at our internet website: www.hysan.com.hk.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
With a solid foundation, 

Hysan has mapped out 

a clear strategic focus for  

building today while creating

a platform for tomorrow.

Annual Report 2009

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Hysan Development Company Limited
49/F The Lee Gardens
33 Hysan Avenue, Hong Kong
T 852 2895 5777   F 852 2577 5153
www.hysan.com.hk

STOCK CODE 00014

Hennessy Centre redevelopment