20-F 1 apwc-20f_20201231.htm 20-F apwc-20f_20201231.htm

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 20-F

 

REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

 

 

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020

OR

 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

 

 

SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission file number 1-14542

ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE

CORPORATION LIMITED

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Bermuda

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

15/Fl. B, No. 77, Sec. 2

Dunhua South Road

Taipei, 106, Taiwan

Republic of China

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

Ivan Hsia

15/Fl. B, No. 77, Sec. 2

Dunhua South Road

Taipei, 106, Taiwan

Republic of China

Tel: +886-2-27122558

Email: ivan.hsia@apwcc.com

(Name, telephone, e-mail and/or facsimile number and address of company contact person)

 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.

 

Title of each class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

 Common Shares,

par value 0.01 per share

APWC

 NASDAQ Capital Market

 

 

 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.

None

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.

None

 

 


Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.

13,819,669 Common Shares

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

Yes  No

 

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 Yes No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes  No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    

 Yes   No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated Filer Accelerated filer  Non-accelerated filer  Emerging growth company 

If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.  

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:

U.S. GAAP 

International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board 

Other 

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.

 Item 17 Item 18

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 Yes No 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

CERTAIN DEFINITIONS AND CONVENTIONS

Asia Pacific Wire & Cable Corporation Limited (“APWC”), the registrant, together with its subsidiaries, is referred to herein as “the Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us” unless designated or identified otherwise.

Unless otherwise specified, all references in this Annual Report to “Thailand” are to the Kingdom of Thailand, all references to “Singapore” are to The Republic of Singapore, all references to “Taiwan” are to Taiwan, The Republic of China, all references to “China” or to the “PRC” are to The People’s Republic of China (for the purpose of this Annual Report, excluding Hong Kong and Macau), all references to “Australia” are to the Commonwealth of Australia and all references to the “United States” or “U.S.” are to the United States of America.

Most measurements in this Annual Report are given according to the metric system. Standard abbreviations of metric units (e.g., “mm” for millimeter) have been employed without definitions. All references in this Annual Report to “tons” are to metric tons, which are equivalent in weight to 2,204.6 pounds.

With respect to measurements relating to the manufacture of wire and cable products, references to “pkm” are to kilometers of twisted pairs of copper wires.

Dollar amounts in this Annual Report are expressed in thousands ($000), except where otherwise indicated or with respect to earnings per share.

Unless otherwise specified, all references in this Annual Report to “$,” “U.S. dollars”, “USD” or “US$” are to United States dollars, the legal tender currency of the United States; all references to “Bt,” “Thai Baht” or “Baht” are to Baht, the legal tender currency of Thailand; all references to “Sing$” or “S$” are to Singapore dollars, the legal tender currency of Singapore; all references to “A$” or “AU$” are to Australian dollars, the legal tender currency of Australia; and all references to “RMB” are to Chinese Renminbi, the legal tender currency of China.

All references to “outstanding” in respect of APWC’s Common Shares shall mean that such Common Shares have been issued by APWC and are not registered in APWC’s register of members as treasury shares.

 

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Annual Report on Form 20-F contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements give our current beliefs or expectations or forecasts of future events. You can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Such statements may include words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe”, “may”, “should”, “likely”, “seeks” and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance.

 

 


Such statements are not promises or guarantees and are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause our future results, performance or achievements to differ significantly from the results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include our ability to maintain and develop market share for our products; global, regional or national economic and financial conditions, the global drop in demand for and the pricing of commodities, including copper, our principal raw material, and their individual or collective impact on demand for our products and services; the introduction of competing products or technologies; the volatility of share prices on major securities exchanges throughout the world, our inability to successfully identify, consummate and integrate acquisitions; our potential exposure to liability claims; the uncertainty and volatility of the markets in which we operate; changes in laws or regulations applicable to the Company in the markets in which we conduct business; the availability and price of copper, our principal raw material; our ability to negotiate extensions of labor agreements on acceptable terms and to successfully deal with any labor disputes; our ability to service and meet all requirements under our debt, and to maintain adequate credit facilities and credit lines; in certain markets, our ability to compete effectively with state-owned enterprises (“SOEs”), which may receive governmental subsidies to enhance results or receive preferred vendor status in state controlled projects; our ability to make payments of interest and principal under our existing and future indebtedness; our ability to increase manufacturing capacity and productivity; the fact that we have operations outside the United States that may be materially and adversely affected by acts of terrorism, war and political and social unrest, or major hostilities; exposure to political and economic developments, crises, instability, terrorism, civil strife, expropriation and other risks of doing business in foreign markets; economic consequences arising from natural disasters and other similar catastrophes, such as floods, earthquakes, hurricanes and tsunamis; the fact that APWC is a holding company that depends for income upon distributions from operating subsidiaries, most of which are not wholly-owned and for which there may be restrictions on the timing and amount of distributions; price competition and other competitive pressures; the impact of climate change on our business and operations and on our customers; tax inefficiencies associated with our cross-border operations, including without limitation, limitations on our ability to utilize net losses within our group of companies for income tax purposes; fluctuations in currency, exchange and interest rates, operating results and the impact of technological changes and other factors that are discussed in this report and in our other filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC” or the “Commission”).

In particular, these statements include, among other things, statements relating to:

 

our business strategy;

 

our prospects for future revenues and profits in the markets in which we operate;

 

the impact of political, legal or regulatory changes or developments in the markets in which we do business;

 

our dependence upon the level of business activity and investment by our customers for the generation of our sales revenue;

 

our reliance on our majority shareholder for research and development relating to our product lines

 

the fact that APWC’s common shares (the “Common Shares”) are traded on a national exchange in the United States and the relative liquidity or lack thereof, based upon the historical trading volume of our publicly-traded Common Shares;

 

our dependence on a limited number of suppliers for our raw materials and our vulnerability to fluctuations in the cost of our raw materials; and

 

the liquidity generally of our property and assets.

We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements or other information contained in this Annual Report, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. You are advised, however, to consult any additional disclosures we make in our filings with the SEC. Also note that we provide a cautionary discussion of risks and uncertainties under the “Risk Factors” section of this Annual Report. These are factors that we think could cause our actual results to differ materially from expected results. Other factors besides those listed there could also adversely affect us.

 

 

 


 

Part I

Item 1:

Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers

Not applicable

ITEM 2:

OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE

Not applicable

Item 3:

Key Information

 

3.a.

Selected Consolidated Financial Data

The following selected consolidated financial data is derived from the consolidated financial statements of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016, prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”).

The selected data set forth below should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by, the discussion in “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto referenced in “Item 18. Financial Statements.”

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31,

 

 

2020

 

2019 (3)

 

2018 (2)

 

2017

 

2016

 

 

(in US$ thousands, except for earnings per share)

 

Income Statement Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

$

313,564

 

$

338,160

 

$

425,940

 

$

425,215

 

$

384,565

 

Costs of sales

 

(279,686

)

 

(313,373

)

 

(389,692

)

 

(385,527

)

 

(352,957

)

Gross profit

 

33,878

 

 

24,787

 

 

36,248

 

 

39,688

 

 

31,608

 

Other operating income

 

814

 

 

385

 

 

805

 

 

5,084

 

 

5,441

 

Selling, general & administrative expenses

 

(27,006

)

 

(25,051

)

 

(26,924

)

 

(27,248

)

 

(26,325

)

Other operating expenses

 

(129

)

 

(770

)

 

(1,445

)

 

(909

)

 

(3,386

)

Operating profit/(loss)

 

7,557

 

 

(649

)

 

8,684

 

 

16,615

 

 

7,338

 

Finance costs

 

(744

)

 

(1,012

)

 

(1,378

)

 

(1,221

)

 

(1,147

)

Finance income

 

320

 

 

506

 

 

482

 

 

876

 

 

1,045

 

Share of loss of associates

 

(1

)

 

(3

)

 

(3

)

 

(3

)

 

(710

)

Impairment of investment in associates

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(126

)

Loss on liquidation of a subsidiary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(261

)

 

 

Exchange (loss)/gain

 

(579

)

 

1,550

 

 

1,741

 

 

2,784

 

 

(38

)

Other income

 

1,173

 

 

717

 

 

1,817

 

 

214

 

 

267

 

Other expense

 

(1

)

 

(3

)

 

(11

)

 

(336

)

 

(94

)

Profit before taxes

 

7,725

 

 

1,106

 

 

11,332

 

 

18,668

 

 

6,535

 

Income taxes expense

 

(4,016

)

 

(2,057

)

 

(3,886

)

 

(5,140

)

 

(510

)

Profit/(Loss) for the year

$

3,709

 

$

(951

)

$

7,446

 

$

13,528

 

$

6,025

 

Attributable to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity holders of APWC

$

(552

)

$

(1,632

)

$

2,928

 

$

8,720

 

$

2,853

 

Non-controlling interests

$

4,261

 

$

681

 

$

4,518

 

$

4,808

 

$

3,172

 

Earnings per share (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted (loss)/profit for the year attributable to equity holders of the parent

$

(0.04

)

$

(0.12

)

$

0.21

 

$

0.63

 

$

0.21

 

 

 

5

 


 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

2020

 

2019 (3)

 

2018 (2)

 

2017

 

2016

 

 

(in US$ thousands)

 

Balance Sheet Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

52,237

 

$

53,673

 

$

60,778

 

$

46,093

 

$

48,231

 

Working capital

 

180,323

 

 

185,855

 

 

182,410

 

 

181,752

 

 

157,012

 

Total assets

 

338,119

 

 

298,911

 

 

305,798

 

 

334,843

 

 

293,596

 

Total debts

 

13,781

 

 

11,356

 

 

24,814

 

 

42,688

 

 

29,762

 

Net assets

 

234,875

 

 

228,435

 

 

221,816

 

 

222,826

 

 

197,175

 

Capital stock

 

138

 

 

138

 

 

138

 

 

138

 

 

138

 

Total APWC shareholders’ equity

 

157,860

 

 

153,854

 

 

150,028

 

 

153,328

 

 

135,950

 

(1)

The calculation of the earnings per share is based on 13,819,669 basic and diluted weighted Common Shares issued and outstanding for each of the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016.

(2)

Includes the impact of the application of IFRS 9 and IFRS 15.

(3)

Includes the impact of the application of IFRS 16, as explained in Note 4.1(a) of our consolidated financial statements presented herewith.

 

Exchange Rate Information

Unless otherwise noted, for the convenience of the reader, translations of amounts from Baht, Singapore dollars, Renminbi and Australian dollars to U.S. dollars have been made at the respective noon buying rates in New York City for cable transfers in those currencies as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (the “Noon Buying Rate”) on December 31, 2020. The respective Noon Buying Rates on December 31, 2020 were US$ 1.00 = Bt 30.02; S$ 1.321; RMB 6.525; and A$ 1.297. The respective Noon Buying Rates on March 31, 2021, the latest practicable date before publication of this Annual Report, were US$ 1.00 = Bt 31.25; S$ 1.344; RMB 6.552 and A$ 1.314. No representation is made that the foreign currency amounts could have been or could be converted into U.S. dollars on these dates at these rates or at any other rates.

Sources: Federal Reserve Bulletin, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.10, from the website of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System at http://www.federalreserve.gov.

Thailand

The Thai Baht is convertible into foreign currencies and is subject to a managed float against a basket of foreign currencies, the most significant of which is the U.S. dollar. The composition of the basket for determining the value of the Baht is not made public by the Bank of Thailand. The following tables set forth, for the periods indicated, certain information concerning the Noon Buying Rate of the Thai Baht. No representation is made that the Baht or U.S. dollar amounts referred to herein could have been or could be converted into U.S. dollars or Baht, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all.

Year Ended December 31,

At Period End

 

Average(1)

 

High

 

Low

 

 

(Bt per $1.00)

 

2016

 

35.81

 

 

35.22

 

 

36.33

 

 

34.54

 

2017

 

32.56

 

 

33.75

 

 

35.89

 

 

32.49

 

2018

 

32.31

 

 

32.27

 

 

33.44

 

 

31.11

 

2019

 

29.75

 

 

30.89

 

 

32.26

 

 

29.75

 

2020

 

30.02

 

 

31.32

 

 

33.04

 

 

29.79

 

 

(1)

Average means the average of the Noon Buying Rates on the last day of each month during a year.

6

 


The high and low exchange rates for the six months preceding the date of this Annual Report were:

 

Month

High

 

Low

 

October 2020

 

31.56

 

 

31.02

 

November 2020

 

31.13

 

 

30.18

 

December 2020

 

30.27

 

 

29.79

 

January 2021

 

30.14

 

 

29.89

 

February 2021

 

30.46

 

 

29.86

 

March 2021

 

31.30

 

 

30.21

 

Sources: Federal Reserve Bulletin, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.10, from the website of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System at http://www.federalreserve.gov.

Singapore

The Singapore dollar is convertible into foreign currencies and floats against a trade-weighted basket of foreign currencies, the composition of which is not made public by Singapore’s central bank, the Monetary Authority of Singapore, but of which the U.S. dollar is a component. The following tables set forth, for the periods indicated, certain information concerning the Noon Buying Rate of the Singapore dollar. No representation is made that the Singapore dollar or U.S. dollar amounts referred to herein could have been or could be converted into U.S. dollars or Singapore dollars, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all.

 

Year Ended December 31,

At Period End

 

Average(1)

 

High

 

Low

 

 

(S$ per $1.00)

 

2016

 

1.447

 

 

1.382

 

 

1.452

 

 

1.337

 

2017

 

1.336

 

 

1.373

 

 

1.450

 

 

1.336

 

2018

 

1.362

 

 

1.350

 

 

1.384

 

 

1.304

 

2019

 

1.345

 

 

1.363

 

 

1.391

 

 

1.345

 

2020

 

1.321

 

 

1.337

 

 

1.461

 

 

1.321

 

(1)

Average means the average of the Noon Buying Rates on the last day of each month during a year.

The high and low exchange rates for the six months preceding the date of this Annual Report were:

 

Month

High

 

Low

 

October 2020

 

1.368

 

 

1.353

 

November 2020

 

1.366

 

 

1.340

 

December 2020

 

1.338

 

 

1.321

 

January 2021

 

1.329

 

 

1.318

 

February 2021

 

1.337

 

 

1.320

 

March 2021

 

1.350

 

 

1.329

 

Sources: Federal Reserve Bulletin, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.10, from the website of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System at http://www.federalreserve.gov.

7

 


China

The PRC government imposes control over its foreign currency reserves in part through direct regulation of the conversion of Renminbi into foreign currencies, including the conversion rate limitations on capital transfers and through restrictions on foreign trade and other regulatory impediments to the free transferability of capital. The following tables set forth, for the periods indicated, certain information concerning the Noon Buying Rate of the Renminbi. No representation is made that the Renminbi or U.S. dollar amounts referred to herein could have been or could be converted into U.S. dollars or Renminbi, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all.

 

Year Ended December 31,

At Period End

 

Average(1)

 

High

 

Low

 

 

(RMB per $1.00)

 

2016

 

6.943

 

 

6.655

 

 

6.958

 

 

6.448

 

2017

 

6.506

 

 

6.735

 

 

6.958

 

 

6.477

 

2018

 

6.876

 

 

6.629

 

 

6.974

 

 

6.265

 

2019

 

6.962

 

 

6.901

 

 

7.179

 

 

6.682

 

2020

 

6.525

 

 

6.888

 

 

7.168

 

 

6.521

 

(1)

Average means the average of the Noon Buying Rates on the last day of each month during a year.

The high and low exchange rates for the six months preceding the date of this Annual Report were:

 

Month

High

 

Low

 

October 2020

 

6.790

 

 

6.650

 

November 2020

 

6.690

 

 

6.556

 

December 2020

 

6.571

 

 

6.521

 

January 2021

 

6.482

 

 

6.428

 

February 2021

 

6.487

 

 

6.434

 

March 2021

 

6.572

 

 

6.465

 

Sources: Federal Reserve Bulletin, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.10, from the website of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System at http://www.federalreserve.gov.

Australia

The following tables set forth, for the periods indicated, certain information concerning the Noon Buying Rate of the Australian dollar. No representation is made that the Australian dollar or U.S. dollar amounts referred to herein could have been or could be converted into U.S. dollars or Australian dollars, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all.

 

Year Ended December 31,

At Period End

 

Average(1)

 

High

 

Low

 

 

(A$ per $1.00)

 

2016

 

1.383

 

 

1.346

 

 

1.459

 

 

1.279

 

2017

 

1.280

 

 

1.301

 

 

1.383

 

 

1.239

 

2018

 

1.419

 

 

1.344

 

 

1.425

 

 

1.234

 

2019

 

1.423

 

 

1.438

 

 

1.493

 

 

1.373

 

2020

 

1.297

 

 

1.448

 

 

1.738

 

 

1.297

 

(1)

Average means the average of the Noon Buying Rates on the last day of each month during a year.

8

 


The high and low exchange rates for the six months preceding the date of this Annual Report were:

 

Month

High

 

Low

 

October 2020

 

1.427

 

 

1.382

 

November 2020

 

1.419

 

 

1.359

 

December 2020

 

1.360

 

 

1.297

 

January 2021

 

1.306

 

 

1.284

 

February 2021

 

1.318

 

 

1.257

 

March 2021

 

1.321

 

 

1.278

 

Sources: Federal Reserve Bulletin, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.10, from the website of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System at http://www.federalreserve.gov.

 

3.b.

Capitalization and Indebtedness

Not applicable

 

3.c.

Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

Not applicable.

 

3.d.

Risk Factors

You should carefully consider the following risks in connection with any investment in the Company, including any investment in the Common Shares. If any one of these risks or uncertainties occurs, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. The risks and uncertainties described in this Annual Report on Form 20-F are not the only ones facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties that currently are not known to us or that we currently believe are not material also may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Risks Relating to Our Business

COVID-19 Could Have a Material Adverse Effect on Our Business, Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (“COVID-19”), which has been declared by the World Health Organization to be a “public health emergency of international concern,” has spread across the globe and is impacting worldwide economic activity and financial markets. We are facing significant adverse risks related to the spread of COVID-19, and the recent developments surrounding the global pandemic have had, and are expected to continue to have, significant adverse effects on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. As a result, COVID-19 could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Our manufacturing and production have been affected by the outbreak of COVID-19. COVID-19 has affected and disrupted our operations and the operations of our suppliers, customers, and other business partners, including as a result of travel restrictions, business shutdowns, and other COVID-19 containment measures. A slowdown in economic activity as a result of COVID-19 has also resulted in, and could continue to result in, a reduction in demand for our products.

Due to the measures instituted in China in response to COVID-19, our China production facilities had been operating below normal production levels in the first half of 2020. Although our production in China has recovered, there can be no assurance that it will not decrease again as a result of COVID-19.

9

 


The Singapore government implemented a partial lockdown, also known as a circuit breaker, from April 7, 2020 to June 1, 2020. During this circuit breaker period, we were permitted to continue to operate with reduced on site staff, and approximately half of the employees of our Singapore operation worked from home while the remaining employees continued to work on-site. Although the Singapore government eased some of the circuit breaker measures after June 1, 2020, we cannot predict whether the Singapore government will again institute measures requiring businesses to close or reduce on-site staff, or if it will institute other measures in response to COVID-19 that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. COVID-19 has had, and is expected to continue to have, a negative impact on our business in Singapore. In addition, COVID-19 has delayed the fulfillment of contracts with our customers, causing negative impacts on our cash flow and liquidity. If we are not able to expand or extend lines of credit from banks, we may negotiate business terms with our suppliers to meet our liquidity needs in Singapore, which could cause an increase in financing costs.

The impact of COVID-19 is constantly changing. Our operations in Thailand and Australia could be materially and adversely affected if an outbreak recurs in these regions. Although we are monitoring the situation, the extent to which COVID-19 impacts our business will depend on future developments, which are uncertain and unpredictable in nature.

We are facing increased operational challenges as we take measures to support and protect employee health and safety as a result of COVID-19. For example, in order to protect the employees from COVID-19, the Company has taken measures to protect its employees, including temperature checks before entering the workplace, mandatory mask-wearing, social distancing, and work from home. We have also implemented staggered work hours to lower the risk that our employees might get infected on public transportations if they commute during peak hours. In particular, our remote work arrangements, coupled with stay-at-home orders and quarantines, pose challenges to our employees and our IT systems, and the extension of remote work arrangements could increase operational risk, including cyber security and IT systems management risks, and impair our ability to manage our business. The increased operational challenges could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial conditions, and results of operations.

COVID-19 has also adversely impacted the recoverability of certain of our assets and resulted in the recognition of impairment charges for the year ended December 31, 2020. COVID-19 is expected to continue to impact the recoverability of the Company’s assets and lead to further impairment charges in the future. In addition, COVID-19 is also expected to result in a decline in the price of copper, which has the effect of reducing the value of our inventory.

If COVID-19 continues to adversely affect our business operations and financial results, the probability of the occurrence of other risks described in this Annual Report could also increase. Further, COVID-19 may materially and adversely affect our business, operations and financial results in manners that are not presently known to us or that we currently do not anticipate.

Risks Relating to Copper

Copper is the principal raw material we use, accounting for a majority of the cost of sales. Our prevailing practice is to purchase copper at prices based on the average prevailing international spot market prices on the London Metal Exchange (the “LME”) for copper for the one month prior to purchase. The price of copper is affected by numerous factors beyond our control, including global economic and political conditions, supply and demand, inventory levels maintained by suppliers, actions of participants in the commodities markets and currency exchange rates. As with other costs of production, changes in the price of copper may affect the Company’s cost of sales. Whether this has a material impact on our operating margins and financial results depends primarily on the Company’s ability to adjust selling prices to its customers, such that increases and decreases in the price of copper are fully reflected in those selling prices and customers continue to place orders. Most of our sales of manufactured products reflect the cost of copper used to manufacture those products at the time the products are ordered. In the ordinary course of business we maintain inventories of raw materials and finished products reasonably necessary for the conduct of our business. These inventories typically reflect the cost of copper prevailing in the market at the time of purchase. A long-term decrease in the price of copper would require the Company to revalue its inventory at

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periodic intervals to the then net realizable value, which could be below cost. Copper prices have been subject to considerable volatility, and it is not always possible to manage our copper purchases and inventory so as to neutralize the impact of copper price volatility. In addition, an excessive increase in the price of copper could result in fewer orders from customers and negatively impact the Company. Accordingly, significant volatility in copper prices could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Competition

The wire and cable industry in the Asia Pacific region is highly competitive, and if we fail to successfully invest in and maintain product development, productivity improvements and customer service and support, sales of our products could be materially adversely affected. Our competitors include a large number of independent domestic and foreign suppliers. Certain competitors in each of our markets have substantially greater manufacturing, sales, research and financial resources than we do. We and other wire and cable producers compete primarily on the basis of product quality and performance, reliability of supply, customer service, and price. To the extent that one or more of our competitors are more successful with respect to the primary competitive factors, our business could be materially adversely affected. In addition, the Company’s business could be materially adversely impacted if low margin wire and cable manufacturers in China enter into the markets where we operate. Certain of our products are made to common specifications and may be interchangeable with the products of certain of our competitors. Since customers could potentially substitute our products with those of our competitors, customer loyalty is an important pillar of our business’s competitive position.

In addition, in order to remain competitive in the industry, the Company must periodically make substantial investments in capital equipment to ensure that our production processes are and remain state-of-the-art. Capital expenditures are not always predictable, as they are often driven by customer requirements for enhanced products. We cannot guarantee we will have the available capital to make such capital expenditures when required, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Alternative Transmission Technologies

Our telecommunications cable business is subject to competition from other transmission technologies, principally wireless-based technologies. Wireless telecommunications businesses have sometimes made substantial inroads in early emerging markets where sufficient funding may not then be available to install the infrastructure necessary for market-wide fixed line telecommunications. In addition, the ease of use of wireless telecommunications may make that medium an attractive alternative in circumstances where access to fixed line telecommunications is limited. These technologies present significant competition in the markets in which we conduct or plan to conduct business and no assurance can be given that the future development and use of such alternative technologies will not materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We Operate in Highly Concentrated Markets

Failure to properly execute customer projects in markets where a small number of customers are responsible for a large portion our sales could materially adversely impact our ability to obtain similar contracts from other customers in that market and may result in material financial penalties. In certain of our markets, sales of manufactured products are highly concentrated in large state-controlled entities or large private infrastructure developers. As those markets are often highly concentrated, the loss of individual customers in such markets could have a material adverse impact on our position in that market as a whole and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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PEWC May not Perform Its Obligations under the Composite Services Agreement

We engage in transactions in the ordinary course of business with PEWC, including the purchase of certain raw materials and the distribution of PEWC products in various countries in the Asia Pacific region. We and PEWC have entered into a composite services agreement dated November 7, 1996, as amended and supplemented (the “Composite Services Agreement”), which contains provisions that define our relationship and the conduct of our respective businesses. The Composite Services Agreement is renewable at our option and is currently in force. Under the Composite Services Agreement, PEWC has agreed to supply APWC with copper and provides research and development for our products. However, we are unable to ensure that PEWC will not in the future seek to limit, or be unable to perform in whole or in part, the business it conducts with the Company pursuant to the terms of the Composite Services Agreement. Any such limitation or inability to perform the Composite Services Agreement on PEWC’s part could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. (See “Item 10.C. Material Contracts” for a description of the Composite Services Agreement.)

Our Insurance Coverage Does Not Cover All of Our Business Risks

Our global operations are subject to many risks including errors and omissions, infrastructure disruptions such as large-scale outages or interruptions of service from utilities or telecommunications providers, supply chain interruptions, third-party liabilities and fires or natural disasters. The Company maintains insurance policies covering certain buildings, machinery and equipment against specified amounts of damage or loss caused by fire, flooding, other natural disasters and burglary and theft. The Company does not carry insurance for consequential loss arising from business interruptions or political disturbances and does not carry product liability insurance. In addition, the Company does not have business liability or disruption insurance for its operations in China and the Company does not have coverage for flood damage or business interruption for its operations in Thailand. Consequently, the amount of our insurance coverage may not be adequate to cover all potential claims or liabilities, and we may be forced to bear substantial costs resulting from the lack of adequate insurance. No assurance can be given that we will not incur losses beyond the limits or outside the scope of coverage of our insurance policies. Accordingly, we may be subject to an uninsured or under-insured loss in such situations. Any failure to maintain adequate insurance coverage on terms favorable to us, or at all, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Employees’ Unions

Some of APWC’s operating subsidiaries have a large number of employees that are members of employees’ unions. Failure to successfully negotiate and/or renew collective agreements, strikes, or other labor disputes could result in a disruption of our operations. Any such labor dispute could lead to a disruption of our operations, hindering our ability to serve our customers, and could have a material adverse effect on the Company and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Employees and Personnel

If we fail to retain our key employees and attract qualified personnel, our business may be harmed. The loss of any of our executive officers or other key employees could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. The loss of executive officers or key employees could impair customer relationships and result in the loss of vital industry knowledge, expertise, and experience. There is also a risk of losing key employees to our competitors, which could pose a possible risk of the theft of trade secrets, with competitors then gaining valuable information about our manufacturing process. Increased costs associated with recruiting, motivating and retaining qualified personnel could have a negative impact on our profitability. The Company’s future success depends on its continued ability to attract and retain talented and qualified personnel.

 

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Environmental Liabilities

We are subject to certain environmental protection laws and regulations governing our operations and the use, handling, disposal and remediation of hazardous substances used by us. We could incur environmental liability from our manufacturing activities in the event of a release or discharge by us of a hazardous substance. Under certain environmental laws, we could be held responsible for the remediation of any hazardous substance contamination at our facilities and at third party waste disposal sites and could also be held liable for any consequences arising out of human exposure to such substances or other environmental damage. There can be no assurance that the costs of complying with environmental, health and safety laws and requirements arising from our current operations, or the liabilities arising from past releases of, or exposure to, hazardous substances, will not result in future liabilities incurred, or expenditures payable, by us that would materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Information Systems Failure or Cyber Security Breaches Could Have a Material Adverse Effect on Our Business, Financial Condition, and Results of Operations

APWC's subsidiaries each have their respective information systems to support the operation of such subsidiary. While APWC’s operating subsidiaries vary in the degree of reliance that they place on their information systems, any failure or interruption of these systems could materially adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. Among other things, financial data may be corrupted and financial information may not be accurately reported or presented in a timely manner, which could impair the Company’s ability to timely file periodic or annual reports with the SEC or timely disseminate material information to shareholders.

Cyber security presents risks and threats to us because intense competition in the wire and cable sector renders the Company vulnerable to theft and copying of design specifications. While the Company relies upon its majority shareholder, PEWC, for much of its research and development, its products are designed precisely to meet customer specifications for the applications for which they are intended. Cyber security risks create the potential for a material adverse impact on the Company’s business, financial condition and result of operations due to, but not limited to, losing intellectual property, implementing reactive measures, managing litigation or investigations, addressing reputational harm, or losing a competitive advantage. To date, none of the cyber incidents identified have had a material adverse effect on our business. However, we do not have visibility into all unauthorized incursions and our systems may be experiencing ongoing incursions of which we are not aware. Mitigating these risks requires ongoing management oversight to ensure that sufficient controls and procedures are in place for appropriate persons to receive pertinent cyber security risk information to take appropriate action. We cannot offer any assurance that those controls and procedures will be sufficient to protect against cyber security risks and that our business, financial condition and results of operations will not be materially and adversely affected as a result of any such failure.

Increased reliance on information systems requires the implementation of information technology (“IT”) security measures to protect networks, computers, programs and data from attack, damage or unauthorized access and ensure the confidentiality, availability and integrity of Company data. The Company employs safeguards, both technological and contractual, in order to protect its proprietary interests and those of its customers and third-party licensors, including, without limitation, certain insurance against theft and risk of loss. However, we cannot guarantee that such safeguards will protect the Company from all types of IT and cyber security threats. If the Company’s IT and cyber security measures are compromised or otherwise fail to protect systems, networks and data, or if an event of force majeure occurs and the Company’s disaster recovery plan does not operating effectively, the Company’s business may be disrupted and stand to lose assets, reputation and business, and potentially face regulatory fines and litigation as well as the cost of remediation, which could materially adversely impact the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Risks Related to our Financial Activities

Restrictive covenants and default provisions in our existing debt agreements may materially restrict our operations as well as adversely affect our liquidity, business, financial condition and results of operations.

If our business units do not generate sufficient cash flows from operations, we may be unable to make required payments on our debt, including on debt secured by our or our subsidiaries’ assets. Any such failure to

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make any such payment could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, business, financial condition and results of operations.

In addition our debt agreements contain restrictive covenants and default provisions. Covenants in the agreements governing our existing debt, and debt we may incur in the future, may materially restrict our operations, including our ability to incur debt, pay dividends, make certain investments and payments, and encumber or dispose of assets. In addition, any global economic deterioration may cause us to incur significant net losses or force us to assume considerable liabilities. We cannot assure you that we will be able to remain in compliance with our financial covenants, which, as a result, may lead to a default. This may thereby restrict our ability to access unutilized credit facilities or the global capital markets to meet our liquidity needs. Furthermore, a default under any agreement by APWC or APWC’s subsidiaries may trigger cross-defaults under our other agreements. In the event of default, we may not be able to cure the default or obtain a waiver on a timely basis. An event of default under any agreement timely governing our existing or future debt, if not cured or waived, could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, business, financial condition and results of operations. Please see Section 5.b. (“Liquidity and Capital Resources”) of this Annual Report and Note 27(c) of our consolidated financial statements referenced in Item 18 of this Annual Report for a further discussion of our secured and unsecured indebtedness, including with respect to the loan agreement pursuant to which APWC borrowed $6 million from PEWC (which loan is secured by a pledge of APWC’s 98.3% ownership interest in our subsidiary, Sigma Cable Company (Private) Limited).

 

We Face Uncertainties Relating to the Phasing Out of LIBOR

In July 2017, the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates the London interbank offered rate (LIBOR), announced that it intends to phase out LIBOR by the end of 2021. Discontinuation of LIBOR and uncertainty as to the nature of such potential changes, alternative reference rates or other reforms may adversely affect the amounts of interest we pay under our debt arrangements and materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Risks Relating to Our Exposure to Foreign Exchange Fluctuations

Our principal operations and properties are located in the three regions that constitute our business segments, namely the North Asia, Thailand and Rest of the World (“ROW”) regions. Although our reporting currency is the U.S. dollar, the functional currency of our Thailand region, which accounted for 45.81% of sales in 2020, is the Thai Baht. The functional currencies of our ROW region, which accounted for 30.85% of sales in 2020, are the Australia dollar and the Singapore dollar. The functional currencies for our North Asia operations, which, in total accounted for 23.34% of sales in 2020, are divided into two groups: (i) PEWSC, whose functional currency is the Renminbi, and (ii) CCH HK, whose functional currency is the U.S. dollar. Accordingly, the functional currency accounts of these operations are all translated into U.S. dollars utilizing the reporting date exchange rate for balance sheet accounts, and an average exchange rate for the year for the income statement accounts, for reporting purposes. Any devaluation of the Baht, the Australian dollar, the Singapore dollar, or the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar would adversely affect our financial performance, as measured in U.S. dollars.

The Company conducts business in many foreign currencies and is subject to exchange rate risk on cash flows related to sales, expenses, financing and investment transactions. A substantial portion of our aggregate revenues is denominated in the following currencies: Renminbi, Baht, Australian dollars and Singapore dollars, while our purchases of raw materials and expenditures related to equipment upgrades are largely denominated in U.S. dollars. Any devaluation of the Baht, the Australian dollar, the Singapore dollar or the Renminbi against foreign currencies (such as the U.S. Dollar) would increase the effective cost of transactions denominated in such other foreign currencies. This would have an adverse impact on our operations and cash flows. Likewise, an increase in U.S. dollar borrowing costs and any increase in the strength of the U.S. dollar in foreign exchange markets (which could also increase borrowing rates) could materially adversely affect our business in the markets where we have operating plants (Thailand, China, Singapore and Australia). Consequently, adverse movements in exchange rates could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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In addition, a portion of our investment properties and financial instruments are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Accordingly, our investment results will be subject to possible currency rate fluctuations as well as the volatility of overseas capital markets. Our results of operations may be materially impacted by those fluctuations and volatility.

Impairment Charges

In prior years, we have on occasion recognized impairment charges on certain property, plant and equipment due to lack of profitability. An impairment charge may be incurred for various reasons including, but not limited to, strategic decisions made in response to changes in economic and competitive conditions, the impact of the economic environment on our business or a material adverse change in any material relationships with our clients. If we recognize significant impairment charges, our results of operations may be materially adversely affected.

 

Risk Relating to the Regions in which We Operate

Risks Relating to Thailand

A substantial portion of our Thai operations consists of the manufacture of telecommunications and power cables and sales of those products for use in various construction and infrastructure projects in Thailand. The performance of the Company’s Thai operations is affected by the political and economic situation in Thailand. In recent years, the level of government involvement in infrastructure development has tended to track increases or contractions in Thailand’s gross domestic product and the Thai economy has been highly cyclical and volatile, depending for economic growth in substantial part on a number of government initiatives for economic expansion. Overall, the construction industry and infrastructure projects have slowed considerably, thereby affecting local sales, placing competitive pressure on prices and prompting the Company to rationalize Thai operations and actively seek overseas markets. Political tensions remain high in Thailand and political instability in Thailand tends to diminish governmental focus on infrastructure development projects, which can materially adversely impact the volume of sales to (and payment by) our customers who are engaged in large infrastructure projects and, consequently, materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our auditor’ China affiliate, like other independent registered public accounting firm operating in China, are not permitted to be subject to inspection by Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, and consequently investors are deprived of the benefits of such inspection.

Our auditor, the independent registered public accounting firm that issued the audit report included elsewhere in this annual report, as auditor of companies that are traded publicly in the United States and firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), or PCAOB, is subject to laws in the United States pursuant to which the PCAOB conducts regular inspections to assess its compliance with the applicable professional standards. Our auditor’s China affiliate is located in, and organized under the laws of, the PRC, which is a jurisdiction where the PCAOB has been unable to conduct inspections without the approval of the Chinese authorities.

In December 2020, the United States enacted the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act (the “HFCAA”). The HFCAA requires that the SEC identify issuers that retain an auditor that has a branch or office that is located in a foreign jurisdiction and that the PCAOB determines it is unable to inspect or investigate completely because of a position taken by an authority in that foreign jurisdiction. Amongst other things, the HFCAA also requires the SEC to prohibit the securities of any issuer from being traded on any of the U.S. national securities exchanges, such as Nasdaq, or on the U.S. “over-the-counter” markets, if the auditor of the issuer’s financial statements is not subject to PCAOB inspections for three consecutive “non-inspection” years after the law became effective. 

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On April 5, 2021, the SEC’s interim final rule to implement the disclosure and submission requirements of the HFCAA was published in the U.S. Federal Register, along with the SEC’s request for public comment on the interim final rule. Regarding how the term “retain” should be interpreted for purposes of determining whether an issuer has retained an auditor that has a branch or office that is located in a foreign jurisdiction and that the PCAOB determines it is unable to inspect or investigate completely because of a position taken by an authority in that foreign jurisdiction, the SEC noted in the interim final rule that the HFCAA does not define the term “retain”, and requested comment on how the term “retain” should be understood for purposes of the HFCAA.  

The auditor of our PRC-based subsidiaries is located in the PRC and that auditor is an affiliate of APWC’s Taiwan-based auditor that signs APWC’s audit report. Given the current question as to how “retain” should be understood for purposes of the HFCAA, we cannot assure you that we will not be identified by the SEC as an issuer that has retained an auditor that has a branch or office that is located in a foreign jurisdiction that the PCAOB determines it is unable to inspect or investigate completely because of a position taken by an authority in that foreign jurisdiction as a result of the fact that the auditor of our China affiliates is located in, and organized under the laws of, the PRC. In addition, there can be no assurance that, if we have a “non-inspection” year, we will be able to take remedial measures in response thereto. Given the foregoing, we cannot assure you that we will be able to maintain the listing of the Common Shares on Nasdaq or that you will be allowed to trade the Common Shares in the United States on the “over-the-counter” markets or otherwise. Should the Common Shares not be listed or tradeable in the United States, the value of the Common Shares could be materially affected.

This lack of PCAOB inspections in China prevents the PCAOB from fully evaluating audits and quality control procedures of our independent registered public accounting firm. As a result, we and investors in the Common Shares are deprived of the benefits of such PCAOB inspections. The inability of the PCAOB to conduct inspections of auditors in China makes it more difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of our independent registered public accounting firm’s China affiliate’s audit procedures or quality control procedures as compared to auditor outside of China that are subject to PCAOB inspections, which could cause investors and potential investors in the Common Shares to lose confidence in our audit procedures and reported financial information and the quality of our financial statements.

The PRC Legal System May Limit the Company’s Remedies

The PRC legal system is a civil law system based on written statutes. Prior court decisions may be cited for reference but have limited precedential value. Since the late 1970s, the PRC central government has promulgated a comprehensive system of laws, rules and regulations governing economic matters. However, China has not developed a fully integrated legal system. Recently enacted laws and regulations may not sufficiently cover all aspects of economic activities and the interpretation and enforcement of these laws and regulations involves uncertainties and can be inconsistent and unpredictable. Since PRC administrative and court authorities have significant discretion in interpreting and implementing statutory and contractual terms, the remedies and the legal protection we enjoy may be limited in the event of any claims or disputes with third parties. In addition, any litigation in China may be protracted and could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management attention. As the PRC legal system continues to evolve, we cannot predict if future developments in the PRC legal system could be detrimental to the Company and have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition and results of operations.

Uncertainties Exist with respect to the interpretation and implementation of the newly enacted PRC Foreign Investment Law and how it may affect the Company’s Corporate Governance

On January 1, 2020, the PRC Foreign Investment Law (the “Foreign Investment Law”) and the Regulations for Implementation of the Foreign Investment Law (the “Implementation Regulations”), came into effect and replaced the trio of prior laws regulating foreign investment in China, namely, the Sino-foreign Equity Joint Venture Enterprise Law, the Sino-foreign Cooperative Joint Venture Enterprise Law, and the Wholly Foreign-invested Enterprise Law, together with their implementation rules. Since the Foreign Investment Law and the Implementation

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Regulations are relatively new, uncertainties still exist in relation to its interpretation and implementation. The Foreign Investment Law and the Implementation Regulations may affect our relevant corporate governance practices and increase our compliance costs. For instance, the Foreign Investment Law and the Implementation Regulations require that foreign-invested enterprises established before the Foreign Investment Law became effective have 5 years to complete the necessary adjustments to their organization form, governance structure and other required matters to comply with the PRC Company Law, the Partnership Enterprise Law and other laws. The PRC Company Law significantly differs from the Sino-foreign Equity Joint Venture Enterprise Law and the Sino-foreign Cooperative Joint Venture Enterprise Law. These differences include, but are not limited to, an enterprise’s highest authority, minimum number of directors, quorum, term of directors, voting mechanisms, profit distributions and equity transfer restrictions. According to the Implementation Regulations, the provisions regarding equity interest transfer and distribution of profits or remaining assets may remain the same as previously provided in the contracts among the joint venture parties of a foreign-invested enterprise. Uncertainties still exist with respect to the specific adjustments foreign-invested enterprises must make. The local branch of the State Administration for Market Regulation of the PRC (the “SAMR”) may, at its discretion, require our PRC subsidiaries to make necessary adjustments to their articles of association and other filing documents to comply with the PRC Company Law and the Partnership Enterprise Law, as applicable.

In addition, the Foreign Investment Law and the Implementation Regulations impose information reporting requirements on foreign investors and foreign-invested enterprises. Any foreign investors or foreign-invested enterprises found to be non-compliant with these reporting obligations may be subject to fines or administrative liabilities.

The Foreign Investment Law does not address intercompany loans or the registration of profits of foreign-invested enterprises. It is not known whether these matters will be addressed by additional laws or regulations promulgated pursuant to the Foreign Investment Law. The Foreign Investment Law and the Implementation Regulations could be interpreted and implemented in a manner that could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

PRC Regulations of Loans to and Direct Investment in PRC Entities by Offshore Holding Companies may delay or prevent us from making Loans or additional Capital Contributions to our PRC Subsidiaries, which could materially adversely affect our ability to fund and expand our business

We conduct substantial business operations in China. We may make loans or capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries. Loans or capital contributions by APWC or any of our offshore subsidiaries to our PRC subsidiaries, which are treated as foreign-invested enterprises under PRC law, may be subject to PRC regulations and/or foreign exchange loan registrations. Such loans to any of our PRC subsidiaries to finance their activities generally cannot exceed statutory limits and must be filed with the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (the “SAFE”). We may also decide to finance our PRC subsidiaries by means of capital contributions, in which case the PRC subsidiary is required to register the details of the capital contribution with the relevant governmental authorities in China.

In light of the various requirements imposed by PRC regulations on loans to and direct investment in PRC entities by offshore holding companies, we cannot assure that we will be able to complete the necessary government registrations or obtain the necessary government approvals on a timely basis, if at all, with respect to future loans or capital contributions by the Company to our PRC subsidiaries and conversion of such loans or capital contributions into RMB. If we fail to complete such registrations or obtain such approvals, our ability to capitalize or otherwise fund our PRC operations may be negatively affected, which could materially adversely affect our ability to fund and expand our business, and could materially adversely affect or business, financial condition and results of operations.

Political or Social Instability, Including Tensions Between PRC and Taiwan, May Materially Adversely Affect the Company’s Business, Financial Condition, and Results of Operations

Political or social instability in China could also materially adversely affect our business operations or financial condition. Lack of political or social certainty exposes our operations to increased risk of adverse or

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unpredictable actions by PRC government officials. For example, APWC’s principal office is located in Taipei, Taiwan, and any escalation in political tensions between the PRC and the government of Taiwan could materially adversely impact our ability to manage our operations in the PRC efficiently or without third party interference. The PRC government has long advocated a one-China policy with regard to the Republic of China. Any overtly aggressive actions by the PRC towards Taiwan could have a materially destabilizing impact on Taiwan generally, and on our business in particular, and could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

PRC State-Owned Enterprises (“SOEs”) May Have Competitive Advantages that We May Not Be Able to Overcome

Much of the PRC's manufacturing output is still conducted through SOEs, which are often subsidized by the government such that they are protected against the challenges of market forces confronting private enterprises. As a consequence, it can become untenable for private enterprises in competition with SOEs to conduct profitable operations when the SOEs are being subsidized by the government and may operate in a loss position for an extended period. The Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially adversely affected in the event it must compete with such SOEs.

Risks Related to the Common Shares and APWC

The Common Shares may be delisted from Nasdaq, which could affect their market price and liquidity.  If the Common Shares are delisted, investors may have difficulty disposing of their shares.

The Common Shares are currently listed on Nasdaq under the symbol “APWC” on the Capital Market tier. In order for the Common Shares to remain the listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market tier, we must continue to meet certain minimum financial and other requirements including, without limitation, maintaining a closing bid price for the Common Shares of at least $1.00 per share. Nasdaq’s rules provide for the delisting of the Common Shares if the closing bid price for the Common Shares falls below $1.00 per share for 30 consecutive business and we are unable to regain compliance with the applicable requirements in the time permitted by Nasdaq.

In addition to Nasdaq’s enumerated criteria for continued listing on the Capital Market tier, Nasdaq also has broad discretionary public interest authority that it can exercise to apply additional or more stringent criteria for the continued listing of the Common Shares, or suspend or delist securities even though the securities met all enumerated criteria for continued listing on Nasdaq. We cannot assure you that Nasdaq will not exercise such discretionary authority.

In accordance with the provisions of the Exchange Control Act 1972, as amended, and related regulations of Bermuda, the permission of the Bermuda Monetary Authority (the “BMA”) is required for all issuances and transfers of shares (which includes the Common Shares) of Bermuda companies to or from a non-resident of Bermuda for exchange control purposes, other than in cases where the BMA has granted a general permission. The BMA, in its notice to the public dated June 1, 2005, has granted a general permission for the issue and subsequent transfer of any securities of a Bermuda company from and/or to a non-resident of Bermuda for exchange control purposes for so long as any “Equity Securities” of the company (which include the Common Shares) are listed on an “Appointed Stock Exchange” (which would include Nasdaq). In granting the general permission the BMA accepts no responsibility for APWC’s financial soundness or the correctness of any of the statements made or opinions expressed herein. Consequently, if the Common Shares are delisted from Nasdaq, it will be necessary to obtain the prior permission of the BMA to transfer such Common Shares to any transferee, subject to any applicable general permissions issued by the BMA.

There can be no assurance that the Common Shares will remain listed on Nasdaq on any tier. Any delisting of the Common Shares could materially adversely affect their market price and liquidity. If the Common Shares are

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delisted, APWC expects its Common Shares would be quoted on an over-the-counter market. If this were to occur, APWC’s shareholders could face significant material adverse consequences, including the need to receive permission from the BMA to transfer the Common Shares, limited availability of market quotations for the Common Shares and reduced liquidity for the trading of the Common Shares. In addition, APWC could experience a decreased ability to issue additional securities and obtain additional financing in the future.

As a foreign private issuer, APWC is exempt from a number of rules under the U.S. securities laws and is permitted to file less information with the SEC than a U.S. company.

APWC is a “foreign private issuer”, as defined in the SEC’s rules and regulations and, consequently, APWC is not subject to all of the disclosure requirements applicable to public companies organized within the United States. For example, APWC is exempt from certain rules under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) that regulate disclosure obligations and procedural requirements related to the solicitation of proxies, consents or authorizations applicable to a security registered under the Exchange Act, including the U.S. proxy rules under Section 14 of the Exchange Act. In addition, APWC’s senior management and directors are exempt from the reporting and “short-swing” profit recovery provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and related rules with respect to their purchases and sales of APWC’s securities. Moreover, APWC is not required to file periodic reports and financial statements with the SEC as frequently or as promptly as U.S. public companies, and is not required to file quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or current reports on Form 8-K under the Exchange Act.  Accordingly, there is less publicly available information concerning the Company than there would be if APWC was a U.S. public company.

Future sales of APWC’s Securities may cause the prevailing market price of the Common Shares to decrease

There may be future sales or other dilution of APWC’s equity, which could materially adversely affect the market price of the Common Shares. APWC may, from time to time, issue equity securities, including Common Shares or securities that are convertible into or exchangeable for, or that represent the right to receive, Common Shares. The market price of the Common Shares could decline as a result of issuances of any such equity securities or any such securities that are convertible into or exchangeable for, or that represent the right to receive, Common Shares, or as a result of the perception that such issuances could occur.

The Market for the Common Shares May Not Be Liquid

Active, liquid trading markets generally result in lower price volatility and more efficient execution of buy and sell orders for investors, compared to less active and less liquid markets. Thinly-traded securities equity can be more volatile than equity securities for which there is significant trading volume. In addition, APWC’s share price may be volatile and could be subject to fluctuations in response to various factors, most of which are beyond our control. Liquidity of a securities market is often a function of the volume of the underlying shares that are publicly held by unrelated parties. Approximately 75.5% of APWC’s issued and outstanding common shares are directly or beneficially owned by Pacific Electric Wire & Cable Co., Ltd. (“PEWC”), a Taiwanese company, which Common Shares are subject to restrictions on trading.  In addition, although the Common Shares currently remain traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market tier, the trading and demand for the Common Shares has been limited. As a consequence, shareholders may find that the value of their Common Shares and/or their ability to sell their Common Shares quickly or in substantial amounts may be materially adversely affected by the limited public trading market. In the future, the Common Shares may experience significant price fluctuations which could materially adversely affect the value of your ownership interest in APWC.

 

 

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APWC May Not Be Able to Resume Paying a Dividend and Any Dividends Paid in the Future Could be Reduced or Eliminated

APWC did not pay dividends in 2019 or in 2020. There are a number of factors that can affect APWC’s ability to pay dividends and there is no guarantee that APWC will pay dividends in any given year or pay any specific amount of dividends. APWC may not be able, or may choose not to reinstate its dividend program and pay future dividends, and if reinstated any future dividend could again be eliminated or reduced. The declaration, amount and payment of future dividends are at the discretion of APWC’s board of directors (the “Board of Directors”) and will be dependent on the Company’s future operating results and the cash requirements of the Company’s business. In addition, APWC will not pay dividends in the event it is not allowed to do so under Bermuda law. Furthermore, since APWC is a holding company, nearly all of the assets shown on its consolidated balance sheet are held by its subsidiaries. Accordingly, APWC’s cash flow and its ability to pay dividends are dependent upon distributions from its subsidiaries. The reduction, suspension or elimination of dividends may negatively affect the market price of the Common Shares.

Holding Company Structure; Potential Restrictions on the Payment of Dividends

APWC is a holding company with no direct business operations other than its ownership of the capital stock of its subsidiaries and equity investees. APWC’s principal assets are the equity interests it directly or indirectly holds in its operating subsidiaries. As a holding company, APWC’s ability to pay dividends and meet its other obligations depends upon the amount of distributions, if any, received from its operating subsidiaries and other holdings and investments. APWC’s operating subsidiaries and other holdings and investments, from time to time, may be subject to restrictions on their ability to make distributions to APWC, including, but not limited to, as a result of restrictive covenants contained in loan agreements, restrictions on the conversion of local currency earnings into U.S. dollars or other currency, and other regulatory restrictions. For example, PRC legal restrictions permit payments of dividends by our business entities in the PRC only out of their retained earnings, if any, determined in accordance with relevant PRC accounting standards and regulations. Under PRC law, such entities are also required to set aside a portion of their net income each year to fund certain reserve funds. These reserves are not distributable as cash dividends. The foregoing restrictions may also affect APWC’s ability to fund operations of one subsidiary with dividends and other payments received from another subsidiary. Distributions may also be limited from time to time by reason of restrictions protective of the rights of minority shareholders of APWC’s subsidiaries and by reason of the current cash requirements of APWC’s operating subsidiaries.

Corporate Matters; Limited Recourse; Limited Enforceability

APWC is incorporated in and organized pursuant to the laws of Bermuda with its principal office located in Taiwan. All of APWC’s directors and officers reside outside the United States and the Company’s material assets are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for investors to effect service of process within the United States upon such persons or to realize judgements against them in courts of the United States predicated upon civil liabilities under the United States federal securities laws. Even if investors are successful in realizing judgments against such persons in courts of the United States, the laws of Taiwan may render such investors unable to enforce the judgment against the Company’s assets or the assets of APWC’s officers and directors. Also, investors may have difficulty in bringing an original action based upon the United States federal securities law against such persons in the Taiwan courts. Additionally, there is doubt as to the enforcement in Bermuda, in original actions or in actions for enforcement of judgments of United States courts, of liabilities predicated upon U.S. federal securities laws. As a result, shareholders may encounter more difficulties in enforcing their rights and protecting their interests in the face of actions taken by management, the Board of Directors or controlling shareholders than they would if APWC was organized under the laws of the United States or one of the states therein, or if the Company had material assets located within the United States, or some of the directors and officers resided within the United States.

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Control of the Company Rests with Majority Shareholder; Controlled Company and Foreign Private Issuer Exemptions; Risks Related to PEWC

The Common Shares currently remain traded on Nasdaq. However, as APWC has a more than fifty percent (50%) shareholder, APWC relies upon a “controlled company exemption” to the requirement that a company have a board of directors comprised of a majority of independent directors in order to be listed on Nasdaq. At present, a majority of the board of directors of APWC is affiliated with PEWC. APWC also relies on Nasdaq’s allowance for foreign private issuers to follow home country practices in lieu of the requirement that listed companies have regularly scheduled meetings at which only independent directors are present (“executive sessions”). The independent directors of APWC meet periodically in executive session in their capacity as members of APWC’s Audit Committee of APWC’s Board of Directors without other directors present, but on occasion meet with APWC’s independent auditors present in such executive session, and on occasion meet with members of management present in order to understand more fully management’s analysis of the Company’s financial performance and compliance with relevant corporate governance requirements.

As APWC’s majority shareholder, PEWC has sufficient votes to control the outcome of any matter presented for a shareholder vote, including the election of each member of APWC’s Board of Directors. PEWC may vote its shares in APWC in the manner that it sees fit. In addition, subject to applicable securities laws, PEWC may sell, convey or encumber all or a portion of its ownership interest in APWC without regard to the best interests of APWC’s other shareholders except to the extent that it is prohibited from engaging in conduct oppressive to non-controlling interests under applicable law. The interests of PEWC may conflict with our interests or the interests of our other shareholders. As a result, PEWC may take actions with respect to us or our business that may not be in our or our other shareholders’ best interest.

Financial or corporate governance issues at PEWC may affect PEWC’s attention to and actions with respect to APWC, including with respect to its performance of its obligations under, or increase uncertainty regarding its ability to perform its obligations under, the Composite Services Agreement between PEWC and the Company. (See “Item 3.D. Risk Factors – PEWC may not perform its obligations under the Composite Services Agreement” and “Item 10.C. Material Contracts” for a description of the Composite Services Agreement.).

Potential Conflict of Certain Officers and Directors

APWC has three independent directors. The other six members of APWC’s Board of Directors are also directors or officers of, or otherwise affiliated with, PEWC, APWC’s majority shareholder. Certain of the Company’s officers are also affiliated with PEWC. In each case, they may be subject to potential conflicts of interest. In addition, certain of the Company’s officers and directors who are also officers and/or directors of PEWC may be subject to conflicts of interest in connection with, for example, pursuing corporate opportunities in which the Company and PEWC or one of its affiliates have competing interests, and in the performance by the Company and PEWC of their respective obligations under existing agreements, including the Composite Services Agreement. In addition, some of these persons devote time to the business and affairs of PEWC and its affiliates, which could reduce the amount of time available for overseeing or managing the Company’s business and affairs.

 

General Risk Factors

 

Any failure to achieve and maintain effective internal controls could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, financial conditions, and results of operations and the market price of the Common Shares.

 

Effective internal controls are necessary for us to provide reasonable assurance with respect to our financial reports and to prevent fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions; over time, a control may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a

21

 


cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected. As a result, even effective internal controls are able to provide only reasonable assurance with respect to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements. Any failure in our internal control could result in a material adverse effect on our business and a decline of investor confidence in the reliability of our financial statements, which could materially adversely affect the market price of the Common Shares.

International Trade Policies May Negatively Impact Our Business, Results of Operations and Financial Condition

Government policies on international trade and investment such as import quotas, tariffs, and capital controls, whether adopted by individual governments or addressed by regional trade blocs, can affect the demand for our products and services and those of our customers and impact the competitive position of our products or services or those of our customers. For example, the business of our customers in China may be adversely impacted by the continuing trade friction between the United States and China. We cannot predict future trade policy or the terms of any renegotiated trade agreements and their impact on our business. The adoption and expansion of trade restrictions, the occurrence of a trade war, or other governmental action related to tariffs or trade agreements or policies has the potential to adversely impact demand for our products, our costs, our customers, and our suppliers, which in turn could materially adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.

International Business Risks

We are subject to risks specific to our international business operations, including: the risk of supply disruption; production disruption or other disruption arising from events of force majeure, such as severe weather and climatic events; the outbreak of highly infectious or communicable diseases such as COVID-19, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, swine influenza or pandemics of a similar nature; the risk of potential conflict and further instability in the relationship between Taiwan and the PRC; risks related to national and international political instability, such as disruptions to business activities and investment arising out of political unrest and turmoil in Thailand; risks related to global economic turbulence and adverse economic developments in Asian markets; risks associated with possible interest rate increases, which could result in increases in the cost of borrowing and reduced liquidity for us and our customers; risks related to changes in governmental or private sector policies and priorities with respect to infrastructure investment and development; unpredictable consequences on the economic conditions in the U.S. and the rest of the world arising from terrorist attacks, and other military or security operations; unexpected changes in regulatory requirements or legal uncertainties regarding tax regimes; tariffs and other trade barriers, including current and future import and export restrictions; difficulties in staffing and managing international operations in countries such as Australia, Singapore, the PRC, Thailand and Taiwan; risks that changes in foreign currency exchange rates will make our products comparatively more expensive; limited ability to enforce agreements and other rights in foreign countries; changes in labor conditions; longer payment cycles and greater difficulty in collecting accounts receivable; burdens and costs of compliance with a variety of foreign laws; limitation on imports or exports and the possible expropriation of private enterprises; and reversal of the current policies (including favorable tax and lending policies) encouraging foreign investment or foreign trade by our host countries.

ITEM 4:

INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

 

4.a.

History and Development of the Company

Asia Pacific Wire & Cable Corporation Limited was incorporated on September 19, 1996 as a Bermuda exempted company limited by shares and incorporated under the Bermuda Companies Act 1981, as amended (the “Companies Act”). The address of APWC’s principal office is Room B, 15th Floor, No. 77, Sec. 2, Dunhua South Road, Taipei, 106, Taiwan, and its telephone number is +886 2-2712-2558. Puglisi & Associates, located at 850 Library Avenue, Suite 204, Newark, Delaware 19711, is APWC’s agent for service of process in the United States.

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Principal capital expenditures consisted of purchases of property, plant and equipment totaling $14.5 million in 2020, $5.4 million in 2019 and $4.4 million in 2018, mostly for the purchase of production machinery and equipment in Thailand.

In 2021, the Company anticipates its principal capital expenditures including the purchase of new equipment to expand production capacity in China and Thailand, and the construction of new factory buildings in Thailand. These expected capital expenditures in 2021 are approximately $2.5 million, which may be adjusted depending on market conditions. The Company intends to pay for these expenditures with funds generated from its operations.

The Company’s present plans include seeking to develop an alternative energy business in Taiwan by availing itself of new tax-driven development incentives provided by the Taiwan government for the expansion of “green” energy alternatives. This project remains at a development-stage and has not generated any revenues to date.

Our website is located at www.apwcc.com. The information contained or linked to on our website is not included in, or incorporated by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 20-F. Our filings with the SEC, including reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding us that is filed electronically with the SEC are available on the SEC’s websites at www.sec.gov.

 

4.b.

Business Overview

 

4.b.1.

Geographic Regions

APWC is a holding company that operates its business through operating subsidiaries, principally located in Thailand, China, Singapore and Australia.

The Company is principally engaged in the manufacture and distribution of telecommunications (primarily copper, but also fiber optic), power cable, and enameled wire products in the Asia Pacific region, primarily in Thailand, China, Singapore and Australia. The Company also provides project engineering services to certain customers.

The following chart sets forth the organizational structure as of December 31, 2020 of APWC and its principal operating subsidiaries, as well as the percentage of ownership interest and voting power in each case. The location of the headquarters of each company is indicated in parentheses under the company’s name (“T” for Thailand, “C” for China or Hong Kong, “S” for Singapore and “A” for Australia).

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North Asia Region

During 2020, the Company’s principal operations in North Asia were conducted through four business entities – Shanghai Asia Pacific Electric Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai Yayang”), Crown Century Holdings Limited (“CCH HK”), Pacific Electric Wire and Cable (Shenzhen) (“PEWSC”), and Asia Pacific New Energy Corp. Ltd. (“APNEC”). The operating entities include Shanghai Yayang, formerly known as Shanghai Pacific Electric Co., Ltd., a subsidiary in Shanghai incorporated in June 1998 to manufacture enameled wires. The Company’s effective holding in Shanghai Yayang is 68.75%. Shanghai Yayang, which had previously produced enameled wires, ceased production by the end of October of 2019 and has been restructured as a trading company in Shanghai that supplies mainly transformer, motor and coil manufacturers in the eastern part of China.

The Company has an effective holding of 97.93% (including holdings through Siam Pacific) of the capital stock of CCH HK, a Hong Kong registered company, and its wholly-owned subsidiary company, PEWSC. PEWSC manufactures enameled wires for electric, video and audio products for the south China market.

Ningbo is currently a dormant entity. The Company continues to own the equity of Ningbo, which still holds its government-granted business license. The Company has disposed of all of the buildings and most of the equipment and the land use rights for the property where Ningbo’s operations had been situated. The principal machinery utilized at the Ningbo facility has either been sold or stored at other operating facilities of the Company.

The Company established a new entity, APNEC, in Taipei City on October 26, 2018 for new renewable energy business. APNEC seeks to develop an alternative energy business in Taiwan by availing itself of incentives provided by the Taiwan energy authority for the expansion of “green” energy alternatives. This project remains at a development-stage and has not generated any revenues to date.

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Thailand Region

The Company’s Thai operations are conducted through Charoong Thai, Siam Pacific, Double D Cable Company Ltd. (“DD”) and Siam Fiber Optics Co. Ltd. (“Siam Fiber Optics”). Charoong Thai and Siam Pacific are the Company’s principal entities in Thailand.

Charoong Thai is a publicly-traded Thai corporation, the shares of which are listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (“SET”). It manufactures aluminum and copper electric wire, medium and high voltage power cables and telecommunications cables. It has subsidiaries and affiliates in the businesses of fiber optic cable manufacturing and telecommunication and network services. Charoong Thai was established in Thailand in 1967 as a limited public company. As of December 31, 2020, the Company effectively owned 50.93% of the issued and outstanding shares of Charoong Thai. The Company’s present intention is to maintain majority ownership of the voting securities of Charoong Thai. The board of directors of Charoong Thai may authorize the issuance of additional shares of common stock of Charoong Thai. The Company has preemptive rights to purchase its pro rata share of any additional authorized shares, less amounts reserved for Charoong Thai’s directors, officers or employees. In the event the board of Charoong Thai decides to cause it to issue additional shares, the Company may decide not to exercise the Company’s preemptive rights, in which case its interest may be diluted.

Siam Pacific was established in 1988 as a joint venture between PEWC and Italian-Thai Development Plc. Siam Pacific is now a 100%-owned subsidiary of Charoong Thai and focuses on the manufacture of telecommunications cables, and enameled wires.

Rest of the World (“ROW”) Region

The Company’s ROW region currently consists of its Singapore and Australian operations.

The Company’s Singapore operations are principally conducted through Sigma Cable Company (Private) Limited (“Sigma Cable”), an indirectly 98.3%-owned subsidiary of the Company. The Company believes that Sigma Cable is one of the major suppliers of power cable products in Singapore. Sigma Cable manufactures and sells a range of low voltage power cable products, used mainly in infrastructure projects and commercial and residential developments. Sigma Cable is the exclusive distributor in Singapore of medium and high voltage wire and cable products manufactured by PEWC. It is also the distributor for general wires manufactured by a third-party supplier.

Sigma Cable also has project engineering operations in Singapore to supply, deliver and install (referred to as “SDI”) primarily medium and high voltage cables to power transmission projects. While the Company currently obtains its supply of medium and high voltage power cables for its SDI operations from PEWC, other suppliers are also available if necessary.

Sigma Cable owns 100% of the capital stock of Epan Industries Pte. Ltd. (“Epan”) a Singaporean Company. Currently, Epan is acting as the distributor of Sigma Cable products and those of other third party suppliers.

The Company’s business in Australia is conducted by Australia Pacific Electric Cable Pty. Ltd. (“APEC”). The Company’s indirect ownership interest in APEC is 98.06%. APEC is located near Brisbane and is one of three major wire and cable manufacturers in Australia. APEC possesses a substantial marketing and distribution infrastructure with a network of sales offices and warehouses in the cities of Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.

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4.b.2.

Products and Services

Across the Company’s three reporting segments, the Company engages in three principal business lines that consist of manufacturing and distributing wire and cable products and providing fabrication or project engineering services to certain customers. The Company manufactures and sells a wide variety of wire and cable products in primarily three general categories: telecommunications cables, power transmission cables, and enameled wires. The Company’s telecommunications and power cables are used in a range of infrastructure projects and in commercial and residential developments. The Company’s enameled wires are used in the manufacturing of components and sub-components of a number of household appliances and small machinery. In addition, the Company acts as a distributor of wire and cable products manufactured by PEWC and other third party suppliers in Singapore. The Company also offers SDI project engineering services of medium and high voltage cables for power transmission projects in Singapore.

Services

Fabrication

The Company performs fabrication services for its customers, converting raw materials to wire and cable products. Raw materials, such as copper, aluminum, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene and optic fibers, are commodities traded on global markets with anticipated price fluctuations and currency risk. Given these risks, the Company provides fabrication services using customer-owned materials in order to limit exposure to these risks.

SDI Project Engineering Services

Given government and private sector infrastructure projects and residential and commercial buildings activity in Singapore, the Company anticipates modest demand for medium and high voltage power and for value added services in the power supply industry. To take advantage of these opportunities, the Company has developed an SDI project engineering capability. This SDI project engineering involves supply, delivery and installation of primarily medium and high voltage cables to power transmission projects in Singapore. In entering into a contract to supply, deliver and install cables for a power transmission project, the Company delivers medium and high voltage cables and enters into subcontracting agreements with local companies to install the cables as required by the project

Products

Copper rod is the base component for most of the Company’s products. The manufacturing processes for these products require that the rod be “drawn” and insulated. In the “drawing” process, copper rod is drawn through a series of dies to reduce the copper to a specific diameter. For certain applications, the drawn copper conductor is then plated with tin. Copper used in cables is covered with various insulating materials that are applied in an extrusion process. The insulated wires are then combined, or “cabled” to produce the desired electrical properties and transmission capabilities. Then, depending upon the cable, some form of protective cover is placed over the cabled wires. A summary of the manufacturing process used for the Company’s primary wire and cable products is set forth below.

Telecommunications Cable

The Company produces a wide range of bundled telecommunications cables for telephone and data transmissions with different capacities and insulations designed for use in various internal and external environments. The principal use of these cables is as access cables to connect buildings and residents to trunk cables. Telecommunications cables produced by the Company include copper-based and fiber optic cables.

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Production of copper-based telecommunications cables begins by drawing a copper rod until it has reached the desired diameter, after which the drawn wires are subjected to a process called “annealing” in which the wires are heated in order to make the wires softer and more pliable. Utilizing an extrusion process, which involves the feeding, melting and pumping of a compound through a die to shape it in final form as it is applied to insulate the wire, the wires are then covered by a polyethylene (“PE”) or polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”) compound and foam skin, suitable for different installations and environmental conditions. In order to reduce the cross-talk between pairs of communication wires, the insulated wires are then “twinned” or twisted so that two insulated single wires are combined to create a color-coded twisted pair. The twisted pairs of wires are then “cabled” or “stranded” into units of 25 twisted pairs for combination with other 25 pair units to form cable of various widths and capacities. The appropriate number of units is cabled together after stranding to form a round cables core. Depending upon the planned environment, a petroleum jelly compound may then be added to fill the cable core to seal out moisture and water vapor. Aluminum or copper tape is used to “shield” the cables and, finally, the shielded cable core is covered by plastic outer sheathing. The Company manufactures telecommunications cables with capacities and sizes ranging from 25 to 3,000 pairs of 0.4 mm-diameter wires to 10 to 600 pairs of 0.9 mm-diameter wires.

Power Cable

The Company produces a range of armored and unarmored low voltage power transmission cables. Low voltage power cables, generally considered to be cable with a capacity of 1 to 3.3 kilovolts, are typically used to transmit electricity to and within commercial and residential buildings, as well as to outdoor installations such as street lights, traffic signals and other signs. Armored low-voltage power cables are usually used for public lighting and power transmission running to buildings and installed either above or below ground. Unarmored low voltage cables are mainly used as lighting and power supply cables inside and outside of buildings. The voltage capacity of the Company’s power cables ranges from 300 volts to 1 kilovolt.

Production of unarmored cables begins by drawing and annealing of copper rods. The drawn copper wires are then stranded or “bunched” into round or sector-shaped conductors in sizes ranging from 1.5 square millimeters to 1000 square millimeters. The copper conductors are then covered in an extrusion process with a plastic insulator such as PVC, after which 2-5 conductors are twisted into a circular cable core in a cabling process and covered by a plastic outer cover.

Unarmored cables are composed of one or more cores of copper wire, insulated by substances such as PVC. Armored cables are produced in the same manner and the same range of configurations as unarmored cables, but with the addition of an outer layer of galvanized steel or iron wires to protect the cables from damage.

Enameled Wire

The Company also produces several varieties of enameled wires. Enameled wires are copper wires varnished, in an enameling process, by insulating materials. The enameling process makes the wires more resistant to oil, heat, friction and fusion, and therefore suitable for use in machinery and components and sub-components of manufactured goods. The Company manufactures enameled wires in sizes that range from 0.02 mm to 4.00 mm in diameter, varnished by various types of petroleum insulation materials including polyvinyl formal, polyurethane wires and polyester. Enameled wire products are used in the assembly of a wide range of electrical products, including oil-filled transformers, refrigerator motors, telephones, radios, televisions, fan motors, air conditioner compressors and other electric appliances.

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4.b.3.

Raw Materials

Copper is the principal raw material used by the Company for copper-based products. The Company typically purchases copper at prices based on the average prevailing international spot market prices on the LME for copper for the one month prior to purchase. The price of copper is influenced heavily by global supply and demand as well as speculative trading. As with other costs of production, changes in the price of copper can affect the Company’s cost of sales. Whether this has a material impact on the Company’s operating margins and financial results depends primarily on the Company’s ability to adjust selling prices to its customers, such that increases and decreases in the price of copper are reflected in those selling prices. Most sales of the Company’s manufactured products reflect copper prices prevailing at the time the products are ordered. A long-term decrease in the price of copper would require the Company to revalue the value of its inventory at periodic intervals to the then net realizable value, which could be below cost.

The Company purchases copper in the form of rods and cathodes. Copper cathodes are thin sheets of copper purified from copper ore. The Company has facilities where it can process its copper cathodes into copper rods in Thailand, and the Company also utilizes services from other business partners, including Thai Metal Processing Co., Ltd., to process its copper cathodes. Copper rods are drawn into copper wires for the production of telecommunications cables, power cables and enameled wires.

The Company imports both copper cathodes and copper rods in Thailand, with copper cathodes subjected to lower import duty than copper rods. The key suppliers are PT. Karya Sumiden Indonesia - Indonesia, Walsin Lihwa Corporation - Taiwan, Mitsubishi Corporation RtM International Ptd.- Singapore, Glencore International AG.-Switzerland, and Marubeni Corporation-Japan. The Company attempts to maintain approximately a three to five week supply of copper rods and cathodes for its Thai operations and approximately a two to four week supply in Singapore. PEWSC generally maintains one to two weeks of supply of copper rods and cathodes. APEC’s copper supply is generally maintained at one to two weeks of anticipated requirements. The Company has regularly signed one-year contracts with each of the copper suppliers, pursuant to which the Company agrees to purchase a set quantity of copper each month. Under the terms of such contracts, the price of copper is typically pegged to the monthly average of the spot price of copper on the LME for the delivery month (M-0), or 1 month before delivery month (M-1) plus a premium. The Company has not had and does not anticipate any material supply interruption or difficulty in obtaining a sufficient supply of copper rod or cathode. The Company anticipates that its copper suppliers will be capable of providing an adequate supply of copper to meet the Company’s requirements and the Company does not anticipate any change in relations with its copper suppliers in the near term.

The Company has historically purchased a substantial portion of its copper rods from PEWC. Under the Composite Services Agreement between the Company and PEWC, PEWC has agreed to supply to the Company on a priority basis with its copper rod requirements at prices at least as favorable as prices charged to other purchasers in the same markets purchasing similar quantities. However, the Company has diversified its copper purchases from among a number of preferred copper suppliers to ensure that the Company receives the most advantageous pricing on its copper purchases. The Company does not currently purchase copper rods from PEWC.  

 

Other raw materials used by the Company include aluminum, which is used as a conductor in power cables and petroleum-based insulation materials such as PE, PVC and jelly compounds for insulating covers on cables and varnishes on enameled wires; aluminum foils for sheathing of communication cables; and galvanized steel wires for the production of armored wires. The Company has not had and does not anticipate any difficulty in maintaining adequate supplies of these raw materials and expects to continue to be able to purchase such raw materials at prevailing market prices. Other than import tariffs in Thailand, the Company does not face any restriction or control on the purchase or import of its raw materials. The Company may freely choose its suppliers and negotiate the price and quantity of material with its suppliers. The Company formulates consumption plans for raw materials regularly and continually monitors market conditions in respect of the supply, price and quality of raw materials.

Inflation would increase the cost of raw materials and operating expenses for the Company. If inflation increases, the Company would try to maintain its operating margins by increasing the prices of its products.

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4.b.4.

Quality Control

In order to maintain product quality, the Company has implemented a range of quality control procedures under the supervision of dedicated quality control staff. Quality control procedures are implemented from the raw material to the finished product stages at each of the Company’s major production facilities. Raw materials are inspected to ensure they meet the necessary level of quality before production begins. During the manufacturing process, quality control procedures are performed at several stages of production. Upon completion, finished goods are brought to quality control centers set up in the production facilities for inspection and testing of different electrical and physical properties.

Depending on the requirements of its customers, the Company has the capability to manufacture products to meet a variety of different quality and production standards. These include local standards and certifications, such as the Singapore Institute of Standards and Industrial Research Quality Mark and the Thailand Industrial Standard, as well as other standards, such as the National Electrical Manufacturers Association Standard, the British Standard, the Japan Industrial Standard and Underwriters Laboratories Inc. Standard.

All of the Company’s principal operating entities have attained International Standards Organization (“ISO”) 9001 certification for quality management and assurance standards in the manufacture of electric wires and cables and have maintained that certification for at least the last ten years. These certifications mean that these entities have in place quality assurance systems and the capability to consistently manufacture products of quality.

 

4.b.5.

Reporting Segments

The Company’s telecommunications cable and power cable products are primarily sold in the domestic markets of the countries where they are manufactured, whereas a portion of the enameled wires manufactured by the Company in Thailand are exported, primarily to customers throughout Southeast Asia. The following table sets forth the Company’s sales revenues for the periods indicated in its three reporting segments – North Asia region, Thailand region and ROW region for its three principal product lines, i.e., power, enameled and others together with their respective percentage share of total sales by reporting segment for such periods.

 

Year ended

December 31, 2020

North

Asia

 

Thailand

 

ROW

 

Total

segments Consolidated

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Revenue from external customers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Power

 

 

 

48,851

 

 

78,779

 

 

127,630

 

Enamel

 

73,179

 

 

57,971

 

 

 

 

131,150

 

Fabrication

 

 

 

33,101

 

 

 

 

33,101

 

Others*

 

20

 

 

3,724

 

 

17,939

 

 

21,683

 

 

 

73,199

 

 

143,647

 

 

96,718

 

 

313,564

 

*include revenues from SDI service contracts (which amounted to US$15.6 million in 2020), and sale of other wires and cables products.

Year ended

December 31, 2019

North

Asia

 

Thailand

 

ROW

 

Total

segments Consolidated

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Revenue from external customers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Power

 

 

 

49,493

 

 

78,686

 

 

128,179

 

Enamel

 

76,575

 

 

102,997

 

 

 

 

179,572

 

Others*

 

 

 

19,889

 

 

10,520

 

 

30,409

 

 

 

76,575

 

 

172,379

 

 

89,206

 

 

338,160

 

*include revenues from SDI service contracts (which amounted to US$7.6 million in 2019), fabrication service contracts, and sale of other wires and cables products.

 

29

 


 

Year ended

December 31, 2018

North

Asia

 

Thailand

 

ROW

 

Total

segments Consolidated

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Revenue from external customers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Power

 

 

 

64,771

 

 

92,130

 

 

156,901

 

Enamel

 

103,647

 

 

114,247

 

 

 

 

217,894

 

Others*

 

 

 

34,406

 

 

16,739

 

 

51,145

 

 

 

103,647

 

 

213,424

 

 

108,869

 

 

425,940

 

* include revenues from SDI service contracts (which amounted to US$16.7 million in 2018), fabrication service contracts, and sale of other wires and cables products.

 

 

APWC’s operating subsidiaries are also responsible for sales planning, marketing strategy and customer liaison. The Company’s sales staff is knowledgeable about the Company’s products and also renders technical assistance, consulting services and repair and maintenance services to the Company’s customers. The Company does not conduct sales through independent sales agents on a commission basis but uses its own sales employees located at APWC’s operating subsidiaries.

As copper constitutes the most significant component of the Company’s wire and cable products, the price of the Company’s products depends primarily upon the price of copper. In order to minimize the impact of copper price fluctuations, the Company attempts to determine the prices of its products based on the prevailing market price of copper. The Company may be affected by significant fluctuations in the price of copper.

Payment methods for the Company’s products vary with markets and customers. The majority of sales by the Company requires payment within 90 days, but may vary depending on the customer and payment record. Sales pursuant to a successful project tender or sales to governmental or public utilities are conducted in accordance with the tender or other applicable regulations. In connection with the distribution of medium and high voltage power cables manufactured by PEWC, the Company is required to pay PEWC 90% of the cost of the products either within 30 days of receipt of the product or, in the case of SDI products, upon installation, with the remaining 10% in either case to be paid within one year. In connection with a purchase of copper rod, the Company is required to pay PEWC the cost of the copper rod within 30 days from obtaining the products from PEWC. For the export market, payment is usually made by prior delivery of an irrevocable letter of credit. Neither APWC nor its operating subsidiaries offers financing for purchases of the Company’s products. Company employees engaged in sales and marketing are paid a salary and may also receive a bonus based on performance.

Products are marketed under the respective names of the operating subsidiaries. For instance, products manufactured by Siam Pacific are marketed under the “Siam Pacific” trade name. Products manufactured by Sigma Cable are sold under the “Sigma Cable” brand.

North Asia

The Company produces and sells enameled wires in China. The Company’s principal China operations are conducted through China-based business entities. The Company generally sells enameled wires directly to manufacturers of electric motors for use in various consumer appliances.

Thailand

The Company produces and sells telecommunication cables, enameled wires and power cables in Thailand. Charoong Thai is one of the leading cable manufacturers in Thailand. Our distribution channels include both direct sales to government entities and private sector participants in the infrastructure sector, and sales to agents for governmental entities. Sales within the Thailand region are made directly by the sales department of the APWC’s operating subsidiaries in accordance with terms and pricing set by the local subsidiaries. The major customers of the Company include clients working with the government and its contractors.

30

 


ROW

The Company produces and sells low voltage power cables in Singapore and Australia. In addition, the Company sells a wide range of wire and cable products produced by third party suppliers and PEWC. The Company also offers SDI project engineering services for medium and high voltage power cables to power transmission projects in Singapore. SP Power Assets Ltd. has historically been the principal customer for the Company’s SDI services, accounting for nearly all of our SDI sales. Sales to SP Power Assets Ltd. are under a comprehensive contract, with purchase orders placed from time to time.

 

4.b.6.

Competition

The wire and cable industry in the Asia Pacific region is highly competitive. The Company’s competitors include a large number of independent domestic and foreign suppliers. Certain competitors in each of the Company’s markets have substantially greater manufacturing, sales, research and financial resources than the Company. The Company and other wire and cable producers primarily compete on the basis of product quality and performance, reliability of supply, customer service, and price.

North Asia

PEWSC manufactures enameled wires in the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone in Guangdong Province for electronic, video and audio products in the south China market. It supplies mainly to transformer, motor and coil manufacturers. It faces competition principally from overseas imports and local manufacturers.

Shanghai Yayang has been restructured as a trading company in Shanghai and it supplies mainly transformer, motor and coil manufacturers in the eastern part of China. It faces competition principally from overseas imports and manufacturers in China.

Thailand

The wire and cable industry in Thailand is highly competitive. In its various product lines, the Company competes with a total of approximately thirty local wire and cable manufacturers and, to a lesser extent, with foreign producers for sales in Thailand of telecommunications cables, power cables and enameled wires. The Company is one of the five largest producers in the Thai market. Governmental approval processes, tariffs and other import restrictions have limited competition in the Thailand market from foreign wire and cable producers. The Company also experiences significant competition from a number of smaller producers with regard to sales of enameled wire products.

ROW

Although the Company believes that Sigma Cable is one of the major suppliers of power cable products in Singapore, it is subject to significant competition from producers within the region. There are no tariff or other barriers against foreign competition in the local Singapore market, and potential competitors are free to enter the industry. Because of high capital costs, the Company does not presently anticipate that it is likely there will be new domestic entrants to the wire and cable industry in Singapore in the near future that would present material competition to the Company or be in a position to capture a material percentage of the Company's share of the market. However, the performance of Sigma Cable in 2020 was adversely impacted by increased intense competition from other manufacturers seeking to capture a greater share of the Singaporean market.

31

 


In addition to APEC, there are two major wire and cable producers with operations in Australia: Olex Cables (owned by Nexans) and Prysmian Cables, with factories in the States of Victoria and New South Wales, respectively. A significant portion of Australian market is serviced by two importers: (i) Electra Cables which reportedly imports cables from China factories; and (ii) World Wire Cables, which reportedly also sources cables from its Chinese partners to sell in Australian market. These companies are APEC’s principal competitors. APEC is the only power cable producer in the State of Queensland and therefore seeks to take advantage of its comparative proximity to Queensland-based customers in contrast to competitors that are required to transport their products into Queensland from other states in Australia. APEC has sales offices with warehousing facilities in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth in order to attract and serve customers in those regions. APEC also has a distribution agreement with one of the regional suppliers with the goal of generating additional business for the Australia operations.

 

4.b.7.

Regional Considerations

The principal Asian markets in which we do business have displayed higher overall economic growth in recent years compared to the United States and a number of other more developed markets, subject to occasional episodes of economic and currency exchange volatility attributable to various factors including the increased risks of emerging market investment, actual or potential political instability, and pandemics.

North Asia

The Company’s North Asia operations are conducted principally in China. The economy of China differs from that of most developed free-market economies in a number of respects, including structure, degree of government involvement, level of development, growth rate, capital reinvestment, allocation of resources, rate of inflation, and balance of payments position. In recent years, the government of China has implemented economic reform measures which emphasize decentralization, expansion of consumption in the domestic market, residential and commercial real estate development, infrastructure development, utilization of market forces and the development of foreign investment projects.

Thailand

The volume of sales of the Company’s products in Thailand tends to correlate with the general level of economic activity in Thailand. As a result, the performance of the Company’s Thai operations depends in significant part on the general state of the Thai economy. Infrastructure development and related construction projects in Thailand depend significantly upon government sponsored initiatives. In recent years, the level of government involvement in infrastructure development has tended to track increases or contractions in Thailand’s gross domestic product. Overall, the construction industry and infrastructure projects have slowed considerably, thereby affecting local sales, placing competitive pressure on prices and prompting the Company to rationalize Thai operations and actively seek overseas export markets. Political instability in Thailand tends to diminish governmental focus on infrastructure development projects, which can adversely impact the volume of sales to our customers who are engaged in large infrastructure projects.

 

4.b.8.

Insurance

The Company maintains insurance policies covering certain buildings, machinery and equipment against specified amounts of damage or loss caused by fire, flooding, other natural disasters and burglary and theft. The Company does not carry insurance for consequential loss arising from business interruptions or political disturbances and does not carry product liability insurance. In addition, the Company does not have business liability or disruption insurance for its operations in China and the Company does not have coverage for flood damage or business interruption for its operations in Thailand. Consequently, the amount of our insurance coverage may not be adequate to cover all potential claims or liabilities, and we may be forced to bear substantial costs resulting from the lack of adequate insurance.  No assurance can be given that we will not incur losses beyond the limits or outside the scope of coverage of our insurance policies. Please see “Our Insurance Coverage Does Not Cover All of Our Business Risks” is Section 3.d. above for more information regarding insurance coverage risks.

32

 


 

4.b.9.

Environmental Regulations

The Company is subject to a variety of laws and regulations covering the storage, handling, emission and discharge of materials into the environment. The Company believes that all of its operations are in material compliance with all applicable environmental laws and regulations. The Company has not been subjected to any material legal, regulatory or other action alleging violations or breaches of environmental standards.

 

 

4.c.

Organizational Structure

Please refer to Business Overview in Item 4.B. above.

 

4.d.

Property, Plants and Equipment

The Company’s manufactured products are produced at facilities located on premises owned or leased by Siam Pacific, Charoong Thai, Sigma Cable, APEC, and PEWSC. The following is a summary of the Company’s material facilities and operations.

Siam Pacific owns a 7.45 acre production facility near Bangkok, Thailand, located on a 26.79 acre site that it also owns. Telecommunications cables and enameled wires are manufactured at this facility. The production facility constitutes a portion of certain property and assets which are pledged to financial institutions.

Charoong Thai owns a 34 acre production facility in Chachoengsao province, near Bangkok, Thailand, where telecommunications cables and power cables are manufactured. The production facility is located on a 65 acre site which Charoong Thai also owns. Neither the production facility nor the land is mortgaged.

Sigma Cable produces power cables on a 19,373 square meter site in Singapore leased from the Jurong Town Corporation (“JTC”) for 30 years from September 16, 2000 to September 16, 2030. JTC is a government-linked corporation and is Singapore’s largest industrial landlord. Building assets are pledged to United Overseas Bank.

APEC owns a 6,735 square meter power cable manufacturing facility on a 39,000 square meter land parcel in Brisbane, Australia. The manufacturing facility and land are secured over a bank loan facility of APEC.

Shanghai Yayang ceased production by end of October of 2019 and has been restructured as a trading company, located in an area of approximately 27,839 square meters of state-owned land in an industrial district in Fengxian, Shanghai. The land and buildings are pledged to Industrial and Commercial Bank of China as security for a $1.2 million bank loan.

PEWSC manufactures enameled wires in a facility on 36,000 square meters of state-owned land with a built-up area of 20,367 square meters in Long Gang, Shenzhen, China. A leasehold right of industrial land use for the land has been granted for 49 years. The land and building are pledged to Agricultural Bank of China as security for a $1.5 million bank loan.

Most of the Company’s facilities in Thailand, Singapore, Australia and China use production processes and equipment imported from Europe, the United States, Taiwan, or Japan.

The production capacity and extent of utilization of the Company’s facilities varies from time to time, and such information is considered to be commercially sensitive and proprietary information.

 

ITEM 4A:

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

Not applicable

33

 


ITEM 5:

OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS\

 

5.a.

Operating  Results

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the information contained in our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto (the “Financial Statements”) referenced in Item 18 of this Annual Report.

5.a.1.Disclosures of Critical Accounting Policies

The critical accounting estimates and judgements and those that are most significant in connection with our financial statement policies are set out in Note 3.23 of our consolidated financial statements referenced in Item 18 of this Annual Report.

5.a.2.Selected Operating Data

Results are analyzed and reported along the lines of our three principal business segments, consisting of the North Asia region, the Thailand region, and the ROW region. Included in the summary table below are certain results within our three business segments with regard to net sales, operating profit, and operating profit margin for the periods covered. The following table sets forth selected summary data for the periods indicated (dollar ($) amounts in thousands of U.S. dollar).

 

5.a.3.

Operating Results

 

For the year ended December 31,

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

(US$’000 except for percentages)

 

Net Sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North Asia region

$

73,199

 

$

76,575

 

$

103,647

 

Thailand region

 

143,647

 

 

172,379

 

 

213,424

 

ROW region

 

96,718

 

 

89,206

 

 

108,869

 

Total

$

313,564

 

$

338,160

 

$

425,940

 

Operating profit (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North Asia region

$

3,087

 

$

1,237

 

$

5,234

 

Thailand region

 

11,250

 

 

3,042

 

 

9,539

 

ROW region

 

(4,492

)

 

(1,659

)

 

(2,306

)

Corporate expenses & adjustments

 

(2,288

)

 

(3,269

)

 

(3,783

)

Total operating profit (loss)

$

7,557

 

$

(649

)

$

8,684

 

Operating profit (loss) margin:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North Asia region

 

4.22

%

 

1.62

%

 

5.05

%

Thailand region

 

7.83

%

 

1.76

%

 

4.47

%

ROW region

 

(4.64

)%

 

(1.86

)%

 

(2.12

)%

APWC is approximately 75.5% beneficially owned and is controlled by PEWC, a Taiwanese company. The remaining approximately 24.5% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares are publicly-traded in the United States and listed on Nasdaq. Based upon a review of Schedule 13D and 13G filings made with the SEC by shareholders, and a review of the share register maintained by APWC’s transfer agents in Bermuda and the U.S., the Company is not aware of any shareholders resident in the jurisdictions where the Company has business operations. While the Company’s operations and results are impacted by economic, fiscal, monetary and political policies of the respective governments in the countries where the Company operates, that impact is not a function of APWC’s shareholder base.

34

 


 

5.a.3.1.

Year Ended December 31, 2020 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2019

 

 

For the Year Ended

December 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

Changes

 

Changes

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

%

 

Income Statement Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

$

313,564

 

$

338,160

 

$

(24,596

)

 

(7.3

)

Costs of sales

 

(279,686

)

 

(313,373

)

 

33,687

 

 

10.7

 

Gross profit

 

33,878

 

 

24,787

 

 

9,091

 

 

36.7

 

Other operating income

 

814

 

 

385

 

 

429

 

 

111.4

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

(27,006

)

 

(25,051

)

 

(1,955

)

 

(7.8

)

Other operating expenses

 

(129

)

 

(770

)

 

641

 

 

83.2

 

Operating profit /(loss)

 

7,557

 

 

(649

)

 

8,206

 

 

1,264.4

 

Finance costs

 

(744

)

 

(1,012

)

 

268

 

 

26.5

 

Finance income

 

320

 

 

506

 

 

(186

)

 

(36.8

)

Share of loss of associates

 

(1

)

 

(3

)

 

2

 

 

66.7

 

Exchange (loss)/gain

 

(579

)

 

1,550

 

 

(2,129

)

 

(137.4

)

Other income

 

1,173

 

 

717

 

 

456

 

 

63.6

 

Other expense

 

(1

)

 

(3

)

 

2

 

 

66.7

 

Profit before tax

 

7,725

 

 

1,106

 

 

6,619

 

 

598.5

 

Income taxes expense

 

(4,016

)

 

(2,057

)

 

(1,959

)

 

(95.2

)

Profit/(Loss) for the year

 

3,709

 

 

(951

)

 

4,660

 

 

490.0

 

Attributable to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity holders of APWC

 

(552

)

 

(1,632

)

 

1,080

 

 

66.2

 

Non-controlling interests

 

4,261

 

 

681

 

 

3,580

 

 

525.7

 

General

Results of operations are determined primarily by market demand and government infrastructure projects, market selling prices of our products, our ability to manufacture high quality products efficiently in quantities sufficient to meet demand and to control production and operating costs. Our results are also influenced by a number of factors, including impacts from COVID-19, currency stability in the countries in which our operations are located, competition and the cost of raw materials, especially copper, which accounted for the majority of our cost of sales in 2020 and 2019.

In order to minimize the impact of copper price fluctuations, we attempt to “peg” the prices of our products to the prevailing market price of copper and pass changes in the cost of copper through to customers as much as possible.  In certain circumstances, however, we remain affected by fluctuations in the price of copper. A recent rise or decline in copper prices may not be fully reflected under this pricing scheme for several months.

Average copper prices per metric ton increased by 2.73% from $6,005 in 2019 to $6,169 in 2020 (annual average). Copper prices indicated in this Annual Report are quoted from the index published by the LME. The 2020 and 2019 average copper prices were as follows:

 

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

Average LME copper price ($/Ton)

Q1

 

5,638

 

 

6,220

 

 

Q2

 

5,341

 

 

6,114

 

 

Q3

 

6,521

 

 

5,798

 

 

Q4

 

7,174

 

 

5,888

 

 

Year

 

6,169

 

 

6,005

 

The average copper price in March 2021 on the LME was $8,479 per metric ton.

35

 


Revenue

Total sales in the North Asia region decreased by $3.4 million, or 4.4%, from $76.6 million in 2019 to $73.2 million in 2020. The decrease was primarily due to Shanghai Yayang’s cessation of manufacturing operations in October 2019.

Revenue from the Thailand region decreased by $28.8 million, or 16.7%, from $172.4 million in 2019 to $143.6 million in 2020. The decrease was primarily due to decreased sales of low margin products.

Revenue in the ROW region increased by $7.5 million, or 8.4%, from $89.2 million in 2019 to $96.7 million in 2020. The increase was primarily attributable to abating competition for reasons associated with COVID-19.

Gross Profit

Gross Profit increased by $9.1 million, or a 36.7% change, from $24.8 million in 2019 to $33.9 million in 2020. The gross profit margin was 10.8% in 2020 compared to 7.33% in 2019. The improvement in gross profit margin was primarily due to a shift in sales mix from lower margin items to higher margin items.

Operating Profit

Operating profit for 2020 was $7.6 million, representing an improvement by $8.2 million, or 1,264.4% from operating loss $(0.6) million in 2019.

The operating profit margin of the North Asia region increased from 1.62% in 2019 to 4.22% in 2020. The increase was attributable primarily to an improvement in sales mix and a reduction in severance expenses, mostly occurred in 2019 resulted from the restructuring of Shanghai Yayang.

The operating profit margin of the Thailand region increased from 1.76% in 2019 to 7.83% in 2020. The increase was attributable primarily to an improvement in sales mix.

The operating loss margin of the ROW region worsened from (1.86)% in 2019 to (4.64)% in 2020. The decline was primarily attributive to reasons associated with COVID-19 and fluctuation of copper price.

Finance Cost

Our finance cost mainly consists of interest on bank loans and borrowings. Interest cost decreased to $0.7 million in 2020 compared to $1.0 million in 2019. However, interest-bearing loans and borrowings increased to $13.8 million in 2020 compared to $11.3 million in 2019. The proceeds of these loans were mainly used to fund capital expenditures and working capital needs of the Company.

Finance Income

Finance income consists of interest earned on bank deposits. Interest income decreased from $0.5 million in 2019 to $0.3 million in 2020.

 

Share of Loss of Associates

The share of loss remained consistent in 2020 compared to that of 2019. This was primarily due to the loss that the Company recognized in accordance with its percentage ownership interest in Siam Pacific Holding Company.

36

 


Exchange Gain/(Loss)

The exchange loss of 2020 was primarily attributable to the depreciation of Thai Baht and appreciation of Chinese RMB. The exchange rates at December 31, 2020 and 2019 are listed below, based on the Noon Buying Rate. However, they do not reflect the rates at which transactions actually took place.

 

As of December 31,

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

Foreign currency to US$1:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thai Baht

 

30.02

 

 

29.75

 

Singapore $

 

1.321

 

 

1.345

 

Australian $

 

1.297

 

 

1.423

 

Chinese RMB

 

6.525

 

 

6.962

 

Sources: Federal Reserve Bulletin, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.10, from the website of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System at http://www.federalreserve.gov.

Income taxes

Income tax expense was $4.0 million in 2020 compared to $2.1 million in 2019. The change was mainly due to the increase in taxable income.

 

5.a.3.2.

Year Ended December 31, 2019 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2018

 

For the Year Ended

December 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2019

 

2018

 

Changes

 

Changes

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

%

 

Income Statement Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

$

338,160

 

$

425,940

 

$

(87,780

)

 

(20.6

)

Costs of sales

 

(313,373

)

 

(389,692

)

 

76,319

 

 

19.6

 

Gross profit

 

24,787

 

 

36,248

 

 

(11,461

)

 

(31.6

)

Other operating income

 

385

 

 

805

 

 

(420

)

 

(52.2

)

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

(25,051

)

 

(26,924

)

 

1,873

 

 

7.0

 

Other operating expenses

 

(770

)

 

(1,445

)

 

675

 

 

46.7

 

Operating (loss)/profit

 

(649

)

 

8,684

 

 

(9,333

)

 

(107.5

)

Finance costs

 

(1,012

)

 

(1,378

)

 

366

 

 

26.6

 

Finance income

 

506

 

 

482

 

 

24

 

 

5.0

 

Share of loss of associates

 

(3

)

 

(3

)

 

 

 

 

Exchange gain

 

1,550

 

 

1,741

 

 

(191

)

 

(11.0

)

Other income

 

717

 

 

1,817

 

 

(1,100

)

 

(60.5

)

Other expense

 

(3

)

 

(11

)

 

8

 

 

72.7

 

Profit before tax

 

1,106

 

 

11,332

 

 

(10,226

)

 

(90.2

)

Income taxes expense

 

(2,057

)

 

(3,886

)

 

1,829

 

 

47.1

 

(Loss)/Profit for the year

$

(951

)

$

7,446

 

 

(8,397

)

 

(112.8

)

Attributable to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity holders of APWC

 

(1,632

)

 

2,928

 

 

(4,560

)

 

(155.7

)

Non-controlling interests

 

681

 

 

4,518

 

 

(3,837

)

 

(84.9

)

General

Results of operations are determined primarily by market demand and government infrastructure projects, market selling prices of our products, our ability to manufacture high quality products efficiently in quantities sufficient to meet demand and to control production and operating costs.  Our results are also influenced by a number of factors, including currency stability in the countries in which our operations are located, competition and the cost of raw materials, especially copper, which accounted for the majority of our cost of sales in 2019 and 2018.

37

 


In order to minimize the impact of copper price fluctuations, we attempt to “peg” the prices of our products to the prevailing market price of copper and pass changes in the cost of copper through to customers as much as possible. In certain circumstances, however, we remain affected by fluctuations in the price of copper. A recent rise or decline in copper prices may not be fully reflected under this pricing scheme for several months.

Average copper prices per metric ton decreased by 7.97% from $6,525 in 2018 to $6,005 in 2019 (annual average).

Copper prices indicated in this Annual Report are quoted from the index published by the LME.  The 2019 and 2018 average copper prices were as follows:

 

 

 

2019

 

2018

 

Average LME copper price ($/Ton)

Q1

 

6,220

 

 

6,959

 

 

Q2

 

6,114

 

 

6,872

 

 

Q3

 

5,798

 

 

6,103

 

 

Q4

 

5,888

 

 

6,168

 

 

Year

 

6,005

 

 

6,525

 

The average copper price in March 2020 on the LME was $5,179 per metric ton.

Revenue

Total sales in the North Asia region decreased by $27.1 million, or 26.1%, from $103.6 million in 2018 to $76.6 million in 2019.  The decrease was primarily due to the negative impact of the trade war between the United States and China.

Revenue from the Thailand region decreased by $41.0 million, or 19.2%, from $213.4 million in 2018 to $172.4 million in 2019.  The decrease was primarily due to the postponement of the delivery of products per the request of a major client.

Revenue from the ROW region decreased by $19.7 million, or 18.1%, from $108.9 million in 2018 to $89.2 million in 2019. The decrease was primarily due to intense competition.

Gross Profit

While fluctuations in raw material acquisition are preferably placed upon the customer, limiting factors reduced the effects of this strategy and impacted Gross Profit. A decrease in average copper prices per metric ton of 7.97% plus the intense competition and market slowdown primarily due to the trade war between USA and China all led to the material change in Gross Profit of (31.6%) for 2019.

Operating (Loss)

Operating (loss) for 2019 was $(0.6) million, representing a decrease by $9.3 million, or (107.5)% from operating profit of $8.7 million in 2018.

The operating profit margin of the North Asia region decreased from 5.05% in 2018 to 1.62% in 2019. The decrease was attributable primarily to a decrease in sales volume, which eroded the profit margin, and an increase in severance payments due to the restructuring of Shanghai Yayang.

The operating profit margin of the Thailand region decreased from 4.47% in 2018 to 1.76% in 2019. The decrease was attributable primarily to the decrease in sales of higher margin products.

The operating loss margin of the ROW region decreased from (2.12)% in 2018 to (1.86)% in 2019. The decrease was attributable primarily to a decrease in selling price, margin erosion because of competition, as well as higher unit costs.

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Finance Cost

Our finance cost consists of interest on bank loans and borrowings.  Interest cost decreased to $1.0 million in 2019 compared to $1.4 million in 2018. However, interest-bearing loans and borrowings decreased to $11.3 million in 2019 compared to $24.8 million in 2018 due to loan repayments made in 2019.

Finance Income

The finance income consists of interest earned on bank deposits.  Interest income remained consistent from $0.5 million in 2018 to $0.5 million in 2019.

Share of Loss of Associates

The share of loss remained consistent in 2019 compared to that of 2018. This was primarily due to the loss that the Company recognized in accordance with its percentage ownership interest in Siam Pacific Holding Company.

Exchange Gain/(Loss)

The exchange gain of 2019 was primarily attributable to the appreciation of Thai Baht. The exchange rates at December 31, 2019 and 2018 are listed below, based on the Noon Buying Rate.  However, they do not reflect the rates at which transactions actually took place.

 

As of December 31,

 

 

2019

 

2018

 

Foreign currency to US$1:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thai Baht

 

29.75

 

 

32.31

 

Singapore $

 

1.345

 

 

1.362

 

Australian $

 

1.423

 

 

1.419

 

Chinese RMB

 

6.962

 

 

6.876

 

Sources: Federal Reserve Bulletin, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.10, from the website of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System at http://www.federalreserve.gov.

Income taxes

Income tax expense was $2.1 million in 2019 compared to $3.9 million in 2018. The change was mainly due to the decrease of taxable income.

 

39

 


 

 

5.b.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of December 31, 2020, we had $52.2 million in cash and cash equivalents, primarily in bank accounts and cash on hand. Our current sources of cash are our cash on hand, cash generated by our operations, and our credit facilities. Our liquidity is primarily utilized for the purchase and replacement of property, plant and equipment, future acquisitions and expenditures for ongoing operations.

We maintain several working capital and overdraft credit facilities with various commercial bank groups and financial institutions (the “Facilities”). As of December 31, 2020, the total amount of the Facilities was approximately $264.2 million and the unused amount of the Facilities was approximately $200.3 million (taking into account letters of credit issued thereunder). The Facilities do not have termination dates but are reviewed annually for renewal. There is no seasonality to the Company’s borrowing.

On July 10, 2020, the Company and PEWC entered into a secured loan agreement pursuant to which the Company borrowed the principal amount of $6 million from PEWC (the “Secured Loan”). The Secured Loan carries a 3% interest rate and is secured by a pledge of the Company’s 98.3% ownership stake in Sigma Cable. The Secured Loan’s scheduled maturity date is the date which is twelve months after July 10, 2020, but may be repaid (in whole or in part) before such date by the Company at its option. The principal amount currently outstanding on the Secured Loan is $6 million. For further information on the Company’s interest-bearing loans and borrowings from other third parties, including maturity profile, currency and interest rate structure, see Note 11(b) of our consolidated financial statements referenced in Item 18 of this Annual Report. For the Company’s maturity profile of financial liabilities, see Note 27(c) of our consolidated financial statements referenced in Item 18 of this Annual Report.

APWC has no direct business operations other than its ownership of the capital stock of its subsidiaries and equity investees. As a holding company, APWC’s ability to pay dividends, as well as to meet its other obligations (including with respect to payments on the Secured Loan), depends upon the amount of distributions, if any, received from its operating subsidiaries and other holdings and investments. Consequently, APWC’s subsidiaries have been and will continue to be its primary source of funds. Of the $52.2 million in cash and cash equivalents that we had on hand as of December 31, 2020, $4.3 million was held at APWC, and the remainder was held by its subsidiaries. All of the Facilities are at the subsidiary level; APWC does not have any Facilities. Corporate needs (including holding company needs) are funded primarily by distributions from APWC’s subsidiaries. APWC relies upon distributions of dividends from its subsidiaries in order to pay dividends declared by its Board of Directors. APWC’s operating subsidiaries and other holdings and investments, from time to time, may be subject to restrictions on their ability to make distributions to APWC, including, but not limited to, as a result of restrictive covenants contained in their loan agreements, restrictions on the conversion of local currency earnings into U.S. dollars or other currency, and other regulatory restrictions. For example, PRC legal restrictions permit payments of dividends by our business entities in the PRC only out of their retained earnings, if any, determined in accordance with relevant PRC accounting standards and regulations. Under PRC law, such entities are also required to set aside a portion of their net income each year to fund certain reserve funds. These reserves are not distributable as cash dividends. The foregoing restrictions may also affect APWC’s ability to fund operations of one subsidiary with dividends and other payments received from another subsidiary. Distributions may also be limited from time to time by reason of restrictions protective of the rights of minority shareholders of APWC’s subsidiaries and by reason of the current cash requirements of its operating subsidiaries. Consequently, we periodically need to manage our corporate cash needs to align with the permitted timing of distributions.

Net cash provided by operating activities in the year ended December 31, 2020 was $16.4 million, as compared to $15.1 million of net cash provided by operating activities in the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase in cash generated from operations was primarily attributable to improved product margins.

Net cash provided by operating activities in the year ended December 31, 2019 was $15.1 million, as compared to $40.6 million of net cash provided by operating activities in the year ended December 31, 2018. The decrease in cash generated from operations was primarily due to the decrease in sales.

40

 


Days of sales outstanding (“DSO”) is a measure of the average collection period of accounts receivable, and although the calculation is influenced by the period used and the timing of sales within that period, it can provide insight into the variances in collections from period to period. Our days of sales outstanding for 2020 was 91 days, as compared to 83 days for 2019. The change was primary due to the impact of COVID-19, causing the fulfilment of 2020 on hand orders delayed and concentrated in year end of 2020, boosting our ending balance of trade receivables. We have in place policies across the Company that emphasize the importance of continuous focus on collection efforts.

In 2020, cash used in investing activities was $20.3 million compared to $6.4 million used in investing activities in 2019. The increase in net cash used in investing activities was primarily attributable to increased purchase in property, plant and equipment.

In 2019, cash used in investing activities was $6.4 million compared to $4.8 million used in investing activities in 2018. The increase in net cash used in investing activities was primarily attributable to increased purchase in property, plant and equipment.

Net cash inflows from financing activities were $2.1 million in 2020. The cash inflows in 2020 were primarily attributable to an increase in borrowings.

Net cash used in financing activities was $17.9 million in 2019. In 2019, net cash used in financing activities reflected primarily the repayment of borrowings.

We believe funds generated by our operating activities, our cash on hand and amounts available to us under our credit facilities will provide adequate cash to fund our requirements through at least the next twelve months. We believe that we have sufficient liquidity to meet our anticipated working capital, capital expenditures, general corporate requirements, and other short-term and long-term obligations as they come due. We may enhance our liquidity by way of one or more debt and/or equity financings (including by engaging in debt and/or equity financings with our principal shareholder).

 

5.c.

Research and Development

The Company does not currently engage in its own research and development. Under the Composite Services Agreement with PEWC described herein, the Company benefits from research and development conducted by PEWC at little or no cost to the Company. Accordingly, the Company has not made material expenditures on or commitments to research and development since its formation.

 

5.d.

Trend Information

We are not aware of any trend, commitment, event or uncertainty that can reasonably be expected to have a material effect on our current or future business other than the following, each of which has materially impacted our financial results in the past and may do so in the future:

 

Uncertainty arising from the volatility in the cost of copper, our principal raw material.  In 2020, the copper price went up from $6,005 (yearly average for 2019) per metric ton to $6,169 per metric ton (yearly average for 2020). Under our business model, the Company, like other companies in the industry, is affected by movements in the price of copper, our principal raw material.

 

Fluctuations in the demand for our products in the markets in which we do business. Demand for our products in the markets in which we do business fluctuates based upon variations in the level of governmental and private investments in communications, power and industrial projects and programs that utilize our products. We are not an end-user of our products and, therefore, we depend upon the requirements of our customers to generate sales.

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See “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks.

 

5.e.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company has not entered into any transactions with unconsolidated entities whereby the Company has financial guarantees, subordinated retained interests, derivative instruments, or other contingent arrangements that expose the Company to material continuing risks, contingent liabilities, or any other obligation in an unconsolidated entity that provides financing, liquidity, market risk, or credit risk support to the Company.

 

5.f.

Contractual Obligations

The following table sets forth the Company’s contractual obligations as of December 31, 2020:

 

 

Payments due by period

 

Contractual obligations

(In thousands of US$)

Total

 

Less

than

1 year

 

1-5

years

 

More

than

5 years

 

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings

$

15,428

 

 

10,279

 

 

925

 

 

4,224

 

Lease obligations

 

2,621

 

 

613

 

 

1,015

 

 

993

 

Capital commitment relating to factory building improvement and acquisition of machinery

 

2,541

 

 

2,520

 

 

21

 

 

 

Purchase obligations for raw materials

 

251,001

 

 

251,001

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

271,591

 

 

264,413

 

 

1,961

 

 

5,217

 

For more details on financial commitments and contingencies, please refer to our audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto referenced in Item 18: “Financial Statements”.

 

5.g.

Safe Harbor

Please see the section of this report entitled “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements”

 

ITEM 6:

DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

 

6.a.

Directors and Senior Management

There is only one class of directorships and no one or more directors possess any veto power over matters presented to the Board or any other special or enhanced voting rights. The Bye-Laws provide that a quorum consists of a majority of the directors then in office. As of December 31, 2020, there were a total of nine (9) directors on the Board, including three independent directors, Mr. Anson Chan, Dr. Yichin Lee, and Dr. Lambert Ding. By a resolution passed at APWC’s most recent annual general meeting of shareholders (the “2020 AGM”) held on September 18, 2020, the shareholders set the minimum number of directors at two (2) and the maximum number of directors at nine (9). Each director is entitled to one vote, and approval of any matter requires a simple majority assuming a quorum is present. The following table sets forth certain information concerning the current directors and certain other officers of APWC. All directors are subject to annual election by the shareholders of APWC. Each of the directors was reelected at APWC’s 2020 AGM. Officers generally hold office for such period and upon such terms as the Board may determine.

 

Name

Date of Birth

Position

Ocorian Services (Bermuda) Limited.

N/A

Assistant Resident Secretary

Anson Chan

November 3, 1963

Independent director, Audit Committee Chairman

Andy C.C. Cheng

April 29, 1958

Director and Non-Executive Chairman of the Board

Fang Hsiung Cheng

May 31, 1942

Director

Daphne Hsu

August 12, 1962

Financial Controller

Lambert L. Ding

October 12, 1959

Independent director, Audit Committee Member

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Michael C. Lee

September 28, 1951

Director

Yichin Lee

January 4, 1961

Independent director, Audit Committee Member

Alex Chen

December 30, 1957

Director

David Sun

December 22, 1953

Director

Yuan Chun Tang

November 26, 1960

Director, Chief Executive Officer

William Gong Wei

October 31, 1961

Chief Operating Officer

Ivan Hsia

August 14, 1973

Chief Financial Officer

Certain officers and directors of APWC are or were also officers or directors of PEWC and/or PEWC affiliates, as described below. A brief professional summary for each member of the Board of Directors and senior management is as follows:

Mr. Anson Chan has been an independent member of APWC’s Board of Directors and a member and Chairman of the Audit Committee and compensation committee since 2007. Mr. Chan is also a Managing Director of the Bonds Group of Companies and was a Senior Advisor to Elliott Associates from 2005 to 2008. He is also a Certified Public Accountant in the U.S. and a Charted Accountant in Ontario, Canada.

Mr. Andy C.C. Cheng was a member of APWC’s Board of Directors from 2004 to 2005 and was re-elected in 2007. Mr. Cheng was appointed as Chairman of the Board in 2009. From 1987 to 2003, Mr. Cheng served as Vice President in charge of procurement at PEWC. Mr. Cheng has been an Executive Vice President at PEWC since 2004 and Chairman of each of the investment divisions of PEWC, Tai Ho Investment Co., Ltd. and You Chi Investment Co., Ltd., since June 2008. Mr. Andy C.C. Cheng is not related to Mr. Fang Hsiung Cheng. Mr. Cheng currently is also a member of PEWC’s Board of Directors.

Mr. Fang Hsiung Cheng has been a member of APWC’s Board of Directors since 2006.  He also serves as Assistant Vice President of PEWC. Mr. Fang Hsiung Cheng is not related to Mr. Andy C.C. Cheng.

Ms. Daphne Hsu has been Financial Controller of APWC since March 2005, prior to which she served as Financial Controller for ten years in Taiwan and China at a Thomson SA joint venture.

Dr. Lambert Ding has been an independent member of APWC’s Board of Directors since 2011. Dr. Ding is the president and CEO of Union Environmental Engineering Services and before that, he was an associate professor at Yuan Ze University. Dr. Ding holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Southern California, awarded in 1989. He is also a Registered Environment Assessor and holds several patents. Dr. Ding serves as a member of the audit committee and compensation committee.

Mr. Michael C. Lee has been a member of APWC’s Board of Directors since 2004 and is also Chief Executive Officer of PEWC and Chairman of Pacific USA Holdings, Ltd. Mr. Michael C. Lee is not related to Dr. Yichin Lee. Mr. Lee currently is also a member of PEWC’s Board of Directors.

Dr. Yichin Lee has been an independent member of APWC’s Board of Directors and served on the Audit Committee since 2007. He is also a member of the compensation committee. Dr. Lee is the Managing Director of FCC partners. Dr. Yichin Lee holds a doctorate degree in Resource Planning and Management from Stanford University. Dr. Yichin Lee is not related to Mr. Michael C. Lee.

Mr. Alex Chen has been a member of APWC’s Board of Directors since 2015. He also served as Chief Marketing Officer of APWC from July 1, 2015 until December 31, 2019. Mr. Chen was first assigned to PEWC as Engineer, Assistant to General Manager, and later Manager of Quality Assurance Department from 1983 to 2008. He was Managing Director of Siam Pacific Electric Wire & Cable Co. Ltd. in Thailand from 2008 to 2015. Mr. Chen also serves as Vice President and General Division Manager of the General Sales Division of PEWC, and as a Director of the Taiwan Electric Research & Testing Center.

Mr. David Sun has been a member of APWC’s Board of Directors since 2007. He also serves as President of PEWC and Managing Director of Charoong Thai Wire and Cable Public Company Limited.

43

 


Mr. Yuan Chun Tang has been a member of APWC’s Board of Directors since 2004 and Chief Executive Officer since 2005. Mr. Yuan served as APWC’s Chairman from 2005 to 2009. He has also served as Chairman of PEWC since 2004 and has been the Director of Pacific Construction Corp. Ltd since 2002. Mr. Yuan served as the Director of the Taiwan Co-generation Corp. from 2005 to 2008. Mr. Yuan has also been the Chairman of the Taiwan Electric Wire & Cable Industries Association since 2004. He has served as the Supervisor to the Taipei Importers/Exporters Association as well as the Director of Chinese National Federation of Industries in Taiwan since 1998 and 2004, respectively.

Mr. William Gong Wei has been Chief Operating Officer since April 1, 2013. He was first assigned to Charoong Thai Wire and Cable Pte. Co. Ltd. as Engineer, Assistant Plant Manager, and later consultant to the high voltage cable division from 1991 to 2000. Thereafter, Mr. Gong Wei left Charoong Thai to pursue other professional activities and rejoined the Company in 2009. In April 2009 he was appointed as General Manager of Sigma Cable in Singapore. Mr. Gong Wei holds a master’s degree from the Asian Institute of Technology in Bangkok, Thailand.

Mr. Ivan Hsia has been Chief Financial Officer since August 1, 2013. Mr. Hsia previously served as the Deputy CFO of APWC. Prior to that, he served as the Senior Internal Audit Manager of APWC. Before joining APWC, Mr. Hsia was the head of internal audit at Newegg.com in Los Angeles, CA, USA.

The Common Shares currently trade on the Capital Market tier of Nasdaq. APWC is relying upon the “controlled company exemption” that is available to issuers under the rules of Nasdaq as the Company’s Board of Directors is not composed of a majority of independent directors. The “controlled company exemption” provides that an issuer is not required to have its Board of Directors consist of a majority of independent directors if a shareholder, or two or more shareholders who constitute a group, have beneficial ownership of more than 50% of the issued and outstanding voting securities of the issuer. PEWC owns and controls, directly or indirectly, approximately 75.5% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares of APWC.

No service contract exists between any officers or directors sitting on the Board and APWC or any of its subsidiaries providing for benefits upon termination of employment.

APWC has no arrangements or understandings with any major shareholders, customers, suppliers or others, pursuant to which any person referred to above was selected as a director or member of senior management.

 

6.b.

Compensation

The aggregate amount of compensation paid by the Company to all of APWC’s directors and members of its administrative, supervisory or management bodies (“Senior Management Members”), as a group, for services in all capacities during 2020 was approximately $1.44 million. The annual compensation of APWC’s directors and Senior Management Members on an individual basis for services in all capacities is not required to be disclosed under the laws of Bermuda.

In 2020, the fee payable to each independent director was $30,000 per year and the fee payable to each director who is a director or an executive officer of the Company or PEWC or any of their respective affiliates was $20,000 per year, together with, in each case, reimbursement of reasonable travel expenses for attendance at meetings of the Board of Directors or any of its committees.

No funds or provisions have been set aside or accrued by the Company or its subsidiaries to provide pension, retirement or similar benefits to directors or management except for government mandated programs.

44

 


 

6.c.

Board Practices

 

6.c.1.

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors primarily functions to assist the Board in its oversight of: (i) the reliability and integrity of accounting policies and financial reporting and disclosure practices and (ii) the establishment and maintenance of processes to ensure that there is compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and Company policy and an adequate system of internal control, management of business risks and safeguard of assets.

The Audit Committee is composed of Mr. Anson Chan, Dr. Yichin Lee and Dr. Lambert Ding, with Mr. Chan serving as the chairman of the Audit Committee.

The Audit Committee, as currently constituted, complies with the requirements of Regulation 10A-3 of the Exchange Act and the corporate governance requirements of Nasdaq.

 

6.c.2.

Compensation Committee

The Compensation Committee primarily functions to assist the Company in determining the compensation to be paid to the executive directors and certain members of the senior management of the Company. According to the charter under which it operates, the Compensation Committee is authorized to: (i) review and recommend to the Board, or determine, the annual salary, bonus, stock options, and other benefits, direct and indirect, of the senior management of APWC and its principal operating subsidiaries; (ii) review new executive compensation programs, review on a periodic basis the operations of the Company’s executive compensation programs to determine whether they are properly coordinated, establish and periodically review policies for the administration of executive compensation programs, and take steps to modify any executive compensation programs that yield payments and benefits that are not reasonably related to executive performance; (iii) engage outside auditors and consultants to advise on market compensation; and (iv) establish and periodically review policies in the area of management perquisites.

The Compensation Committee is comprised of three independent directors, Mr. Anson Chan, Dr. Yichin Lee, and Dr. Lambert Ding. In addition, Mr. Andy Cheng and Mr. Yuan Chun Tang, the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, respectively, serve in a non-voting advisory capacity to the Compensation Committee.

 

6.d.

Employees

The Company employed a total of 1,216 employees as of December 31, 2020, of which about 13.7% were administrative and management personnel, with the balance being production personnel.  As of December 31, 2020, approximately 65.2% of employees were located in the Thailand region, 19.2% in the North Asia region and 15.6% in the ROW region. Production personnel are usually organized into two 12-hour shifts or three 8-hour shifts to allow continuous factory operations.

The Company employed a total of 1,227 employees as of December 31, 2019, of which about 14.2% were administrative and management personnel, with the balance being production personnel.  As of December 31, 2019, approximately 65.7% of employees were located in the Thailand region, 18.3% in the North Asia region and 16.0% in the ROW region. Production personnel are usually organized into two 12-hour shifts or three 8-hour shifts to allow continuous factory operations.

The Company employed a total of 1,326 employees as of December 31, 2018, of which about 13.3% were administrative and management personnel, with the balance being production personnel.  As of December 31, 2018, approximately 60.6% of employees were located in the Thailand region, 24.6 % in the North Asia region and 14.8% in the ROW region. Production personnel are usually organized into two 12-hour shifts or three 8-hour shifts to allow continuous factory operations.

45

 


The Company offers a range of employee benefits, which it believes are comparable to industry practice in its local markets. Such benefits include performance-based pay incentives, medical benefits, vacation, pension, housing for a small number of workers in Singapore and in Thailand, and a small housing supplement for other workers. The Company also provides training programs for its personnel designated to improve worker productivity and occupational safety.

Presently, there is no group bonus, profit-sharing or stock option plan. However, some of APWC’s subsidiaries have bonus or profit-sharing plans based on individual performance and the profitability of the particular subsidiary for the fiscal year, which plans are generally in accordance with industry practice and market conditions in the respective countries.

The Company has several defined contribution plans covering its employees in Australia, the PRC, Singapore, Thailand, and Taiwan. Additionally, the Company has defined benefit plans in accordance with Thailand labor law. Pursuant to these defined benefits plans, the Company pays a retiring employee at its Thai subsidiaries from one to twenty-six times such employee’s salary rate during his or her final month, depending on the length of service. During 2020, the Company’s total expenses under this labor law were $0.7 million. These defined benefit plans are not funded and the amount is recognized and included in Employee Benefit Liabilities on the Company’s balance sheet. The Company settles its obligations as and when employees retire. The accumulated benefit obligations under these plans amounted to $11.3 million as at December 31, 2020. For further information related to these employee benefit plans, see Note 21 of our consolidated financial statements referenced in Item 18 of this Annual Report.

Approximately 13% of the employees of Sigma Cable are members of the United Workers of Electronics & Electrical Industries, an employees’ union in Singapore. Under the terms of a collective agreement signed in June 2003, the Company is required to negotiate salary and wage increases yearly. All other worker benefits and employment terms are included in the collective agreement. The Company believes that approximately 100% and 100% of the employees of PEWS and Shanghai Yayang, respectively, are members of their respective Company Workers’ Unions. These unions generally operate in accordance with related labor regulations in China. Approximately 13% of the employees of APEC are members of the Australian Workers’ Union. None of the employees of APWC’s other operating subsidiaries are members of a union.

The Company has never experienced a strike or other disruption due to labor disputes. The Company considers its employee relations to be satisfactory and has not experienced difficulties attracting and retaining qualified employees.

 

6.e.

Share Ownership

The common shares beneficially owned by the persons listed in “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees – 6.b. Compensation” are disclosed in “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related-Party Transactions – 7.a. Major Shareholders.”

ITEM 7:

MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

7.a.

Major Shareholders

A total of 11,100 Common Shares are now issued but not outstanding and are booked as treasury shares. Excluding these treasury shares, there were 13,819,669 Common Shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2020. On August 21, 2015, PEWC and Moon View Ventures Limited, a BVI company and wholly-owned subsidiary of PEWC, acquired 1,355,415 Common Shares that were held indirectly by a private equity investor group. In connection with the sale of those Common Shares, the parties terminated an Amended and Restated Shareholders’ Agreement, which termination benefited APWC by reason of the elimination of certain U.S. tax indemnification obligations of the Company (and PEWC) in favor of the private equity investor, and the termination of the Company’s obligation to maintain effective a shelf registration statement on Form F-3, covering the Common Shares held by the private equity investor. As a result of that transaction, PEWC held, and it continues to hold, approximately 75.5% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares in the manner described below. The remaining approximately 24.5% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares are presently publicly traded in the U.S. and are currently listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market tier under the trading symbol “APWC”.

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The following table sets forth certain information regarding beneficial ownership of the Common Shares as of March 31, 2021 by (i) all persons who are known to APWC to own beneficially more than five percent of the Common Shares and (ii) APWCs executive officers (Senior Management Members) and directors as a group. The information set forth in the following table is derived from public filings made by holders and information obtained from directors and officers. The voting rights attaching to the Common Shares below are the same as those attaching to all other Common Shares.

Identity of Person or Group

Number of Shares

 

Percent of Class

 

Pacific Electric Wire & Cable Co., Ltd.(1)

 

10,430,769

 

 

75.478

%

Directors and Executive Officers  (Senior Management Members) of APWC

 

97,834

 

 

0.708

%

 

(1)

PEWC owns 1,410,739 shares directly and owns its remaining shares indirectly, as a result of PEWC’s control of its direct wholly-owned subsidiary, Moon View Ventures Limited, a BVI company, which beneficially owns 7,661,235 Common Shares, and as a result of PEWC’s control of its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, Pacific Holdings Group, a Nevada corporation, which beneficially owns 1,358,795 Common Shares.

APWC has 6,166,154 Common Shares that were registered, of which 3,388,900 Common Shares are publicly-traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market tier, which represents approximately 24.5% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares. With regard to the remaining 2,777,254 such Common Shares, 2,766,154 Common Shares are held by PEWC and its subsidiaries, and 11,100 Common Shares are held by APWC in treasury, and all of those shares are subject to trading restrictions under Rule 144 promulgated under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933. Other than (i) the approximately 97,834 Common Shares held by directors or officers who are not resident in the United States, (ii) the 2,766,154 registered securities held directly or indirectly by PEWC, and (iii) the 11,100 Common Shares held by APWC in treasury, APWC believes that substantially all of its registered securities are held by U.S. residents. APWC has no means to definitively confirm that belief, which is based upon a review of the share registers maintained by APWC’s Bermuda transfer agent and U.S. transfer agent and the addresses provided by the record holders. Based upon a review of the records of APWC’s U.S. transfer agent, including a list of non-objecting beneficial holders (“NOBOs”), APWC believes there are substantially more than 400 beneficial holders that are resident in the United States, although that constitutes only APWC’s best estimate of the number of U.S. beneficial holders.

 

7.b.

Related Party Transactions

The Company incurs ordinary course trade and other payables with PEWC in connection with purchases of products manufactured and services provided by PEWC.

On July 10, 2020, the Company and PEWC entered into a secured loan agreement pursuant to which the Company borrowed the principal amount of $6 million from PEWC (the “Secured Loan”). The Secured Loan carries a 3% interest rate and is secured by a pledge of the Company’s 98.3% ownership stake in Sigma Cable. The Secured Loan’s scheduled maturity date is the date which is twelve months after July 10, 2020, but may be repaid (in whole or in part) before such date by the Company at its option. The principal amount currently outstanding on the Secured Loan is $6 million.

The Company used the proceeds from the related party loan described above for working capital and purchases of capital equipment. The terms of borrowing by APWC or any of its subsidiaries from PEWC are on terms at least as favorable as terms available in arms-length transactions with unaffiliated parties.

Under the terms of the Composite Services Agreement, the Company pays a management fee to PEWC in connection with the secondment, or temporary assignment and relocation, of certain PEWC managers to the Company’s operating units. The assigned managers assist the Company in implementing the results of certain research and development conducted by PEWC and made available by PEWC to the Company under the terms of the Composite Services Agreement. The assigned managers also assist the Company in the procurement of raw materials, primarily copper, which is also provided for under the Composite Services Agreement. The amount of such annual management fee was approximately $133 in 2020.

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From time to time we have engaged in a variety of transactions with our affiliates. We generally conduct transactions with our affiliates on an arm’s-length basis. The sales and purchase prices with related parties are determined through negotiation, generally based on the quoted copper price on the LME plus a certain premium.

Additional details regarding related party balances as of December 31, 2020 and related party transactions are disclosed in our audited consolidated financial statements referenced in “Item 18. Financial Statements.” Please refer to Note 24 of our consolidated financial statements presented herewith.

ITEM 8:

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

8.a.

Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

 

8.a.1.

Consolidated Statements

See Item 18: Financial Statements

 

8.a.2.

Legal Proceedings

There are currently no material proceedings in which any director, senior manager, or affiliate is adverse to the Company or has an adverse material interest. There are no actual or pending legal proceedings to which the Company is, or is likely to become, a party which may reasonably be expected to have, or have had in the recent past, a material effect on the Company’s condition (financial or otherwise) or results of operations.

 

8.a.3.

Dividend Policy

In November 2016, APWC announced that its Board of Directors had approved the implementation of a dividend policy as part of APWC’s ongoing commitment to increasing shareholder value and return on investment. The goal of the dividend policy is to pay cash dividends of at least 25% of the Company's net post-tax audited consolidated profits attributable to shareholders to be paid on an annual basis in cash, if and when available for distribution. In accordance with its dividend policy, on November 30, 2018, APWC paid a cash dividend to shareholders of record as of September 14, 2018 in the amount of $0.08 per Common Share. However, APWC’s Board of Directors determined not to pay a dividend for 2019 or 2020 given that the Company had funding requirements and unsatisfied business performance.

As a holding company, APWC’s ability to pay dividends, as well as to meet its other obligations, depends upon the amount of distributions, if any, received from its operating subsidiaries and other holdings and investments. APWC’s operating subsidiaries and other holdings and investments, from time to time, may be subject to restrictions on their ability to make distributions to APWC. Those restrictions may also affect APWC’s ability to fund operations of one subsidiary with dividends and other payments received from another subsidiary.

In addition, the ability of APWC’s operating subsidiaries to make distributions to APWC will depend upon a number of factors, including operating results, capital requirements, expansion plans, business prospects, obligations in respect of non-recurring items, debt covenants and other factors that may arise from time to time. There can be no guarantee that APWC will pay any dividends in the future.

 

8.b.

Significant Changes

Please see Note 29 (Subsequent Events) to the consolidated financial statements referenced in Item 18 hereof for information on recent material events, which contains information regarding the declaration of a cash dividend by the Board of Directors of Charoong Thai and an unrealized loss of $2.8 million recognized in the first quarter of 2021 due to rise in the LME copper price. There have been no material or significant changes in the Company’s affairs since the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 that have not been described herein or in such Note 29.

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ITEM 9:

THE OFFER AND LISTING

The Common Shares currently trade on Nasdaq Capital Market tier under the symbol “APWC”. The Common Shares are not listed on any other exchanges or otherwise publicly traded within or outside the United States.

ITEM 10:

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

10.a.

Share Capital

As of December 31, 2020, and as of the date of the filing of this Annual Report, there were and there are 13,830,769 Common Shares issued, with 13,819,669 Common Shares issued and outstanding and 11,100 Common Shares held in Treasury. No capital stock of the Company is under option or agreed conditionally or unconditionally to be put under option. APWC does not have any classes of capital stock other than its Common Shares.

 

10.b.

Memorandum of Association and Bye-Laws

 

10.b.1

General

For a detailed description of the Company’s principal activities, see Item 4 above. Pursuant to APWC’s Bye-Laws, the Board of Directors consists of a single class of directors, each director has one vote on all matters put to the Board, and a quorum consists of a majority of the members of the Board of Directors then in office.

 

10.b.2.

Description of Shareholder Rights Attaching to the Common Shares

APWC was incorporated in Bermuda on September 19, 1996 under the Companies Act. The rights of APWC’s shareholders are governed by Bermuda law and APWC’s memorandum of association and Bye-Laws.

APWC’s authorized share capital as of December 31, 2020 was $0.5 million consisting of 50,000,000 Common Shares, par value $0.01 per share, of which, as of December 31, 2020, and as of the date of the filing of this Annual Report, there were and are 13,830,769 Common Shares issued of which 13,819,669 Common Shares are issued and outstanding and eligible to vote. There are 11,100 Common Shares that are issued (but not outstanding and not currently eligible to vote) and held as treasury shares by APWC.

 

Holders of the Common Shares have no preemptive, redemption, conversion or sinking fund rights.

 

Holders of the Common Shares are entitled to one vote per share on all matters submitted to a poll vote of holders of Common Shares and do not have any cumulative voting rights.

 

In the event of APWC’s liquidation, dissolution or winding-up and subject to any alternative resolution that may be pursued by APWC’s shareholders, the holders of Common Shares are entitled to share ratably in APWC’s assets, if any, remaining after the payment of all APWC’s debts and liabilities.

 

APWC’s issued and outstanding Common Shares are fully paid and non-assessable.

 

Additional authorized but unissued Common Shares, and issued shares held in treasury, may be issued or conveyed by the Board of Directors without the approval of the shareholders.

The holders of Common Shares will receive such dividends, if any, as may be declared by the Board of Directors out of funds legally available for such purposes. APWC may not declare or pay a dividend, or make a distribution out of contributed surplus, if there are reasonable grounds for believing that:

 

APWC is, or after the payment would be, unable to pay its liabilities as they become due; or

 

the realizable value of APWC’s assets after such payment or distribution would be less than the aggregate amount of its liabilities.

The following is a summary of provisions of Bermuda law and APWC’s organizational documents, including APWC’s memorandum of association and Bye-Laws. We refer you to APWC’s memorandum of association and Bye-Laws, copies of which have been filed with the SEC. You are urged to read these documents in their entirety for a complete understanding of the terms thereof.

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10.b.3.

Share Capital

APWC’s authorized capital consists of one class of Common Shares. Under APWC’s Bye-Laws, APWC’s Board of Directors has the power to issue any authorized and unissued shares on such terms and conditions as it may determine. Any shares or class of shares may be issued with such preferred, deferred, qualified or other special rights or any restrictions with regard to such matters, whether in regard to dividend, voting, return of capital or otherwise, as APWC may from time to time by resolution of the shareholders prescribe, or in the absence of such shareholder direction, as the Board of Directors may determine. This provision in the Bye-Laws could be used to prevent a takeover attempt, or to make a takeover attempt prohibitively expensive, and thereby preclude shareholders from realizing a potential premium over the market value of their shares.

 

10.b.4.

Voting Rights

Generally, under Bermuda law and APWC’s Bye-Laws, questions brought before a general meeting are decided by a simple majority vote of shareholders present or represented by proxy, with no provision for cumulative voting. Matters will be decided by votes cast by way of voting cards, proxy cards or a show of hands unless a poll is demanded.

If a poll is demanded, each shareholder who is entitled to vote and who is present in person or by proxy has one vote for each Common Share entitled to vote on such question. A poll may only be demanded under the Bye-Laws by:

 

the chairman of the meeting;

 

at least three shareholders present in person or represented by proxy;

 

any shareholder or shareholders present in person or represented by proxy and holding between them not less than one-tenth of the total voting rights of all shareholders having voting rights; or

 

a shareholder or shareholders present in person or represented by proxy holding Common Shares conferring the right to vote on which an aggregate sum has been paid up equal to not less than one-tenth of the total sum paid up on all Common Shares.

Unless the Board of Directors otherwise determines, no shareholder shall be entitled to vote at any general meeting unless all calls or other sums presently payable by that shareholder in respect of all shares held by such shareholder have been paid.

 

10.b.5.

Dividend Rights

Under Bermuda law, a company may declare and pay dividends unless there are reasonable grounds for believing that the company is, or would, after the payment, be unable to pay its liabilities as they become due or that the realizable value of the company’s assets would thereby be less than its liabilities.

Under APWC’s Bye-Laws, the Board may from time to time declare dividends or distributions out of contributed surplus to be paid to the shareholders according to their rights and interests. With the sanction of a shareholders resolution, the Board of Directors may determine that any dividend may be paid by distribution of specific assets, including paid-up shares or debentures of any other company. The Board of Directors may also pay any fixed cash dividend which is payable on any of the Common Shares half-yearly or on other dates, whenever APWC’s position, in the opinion of APWC’s Board of Directors, justifies such payment.

Dividends, if any, on the Common Shares will be at the discretion of APWC’s Board of Directors, and will depend on our future operations and earnings, capital requirements, surplus and general financial condition as APWC’s Board of Directors may deem relevant.

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10.b.6.

Purchases by APWC of its own Common Shares

Under Bermuda law and as authorized by APWC’s memorandum of association and Bye-Laws, APWC may purchase its own Common Shares out of the capital paid up on the Common Shares in question or out of funds that would otherwise be available for dividend or distribution or out of the proceeds of a fresh issue of Common Shares made for the purposes of the purchase. APWC may not purchase its Common Shares if, on the date on which the purchase is to be effected, there are reasonable grounds for believing that APWC is, or after the purchase would be, unable to pay its liabilities as they become due.

However, to the extent that any premium is payable on the purchase, the premium must be provided out of the funds of APWC that would otherwise be available for dividend or distribution or out of APWC’s share premium account.

 

10.b.7.

Preemptive Rights

APWC’s Bye-Laws generally do not provide the holders of its Common Shares preemptive rights in relation to any issues of Common Shares by APWC or any transfer of APWC’s shares.

 

10.b.8.

Variation of Rights

APWC may issue more than one class of shares and more than one series of shares in each class. The rights attached to any class of shares may be altered or abrogated either:

 

with the consent in writing of the holders of more than fifty percent of the issued shares of that class; or

 

pursuant to a resolution of the holders of such shares.

The Bye-Laws provide that the necessary quorum shall be two or more shareholders present in person or by proxy holding a majority of shares of the relevant class in issue and entitled to vote. The Bye-Laws specify that the creation or issuance of shares ranking pari passu with existing shares will not, subject to any statement to the contrary in the terms of issuance of those shares or rights attached to those shares, vary the special rights attached to existing shares.

 

10.b.9.

Transfer of Common Shares

Subject to the “Transfer Restrictions” section below, a shareholder may transfer title to all or any of his shares by completing an instrument of transfer in the usual common form or in such other form as the Board of Directors may approve. The form of transfer is required to be signed by or on behalf of the transferor and also the transferee where any share is not fully paid. The transferor shall be deemed to remain the holder of the shares until the name of the transferee is entered in the register of members of APWC.

 

10.b.10.

Transfer Restrictions

The Board of Directors may, in its absolute discretion and without assigning any reason therefor, decline to register any transfer of any share which is not a fully paid share. The Board of Directors may also refuse to register an instrument of transfer of a share unless:

 

the instrument of transfer is duly stamped, if required by law, and lodged with APWC;

 

the instrument is accompanied by the relevant share certificate for the shares to which it relates, and such other evidence as the Board of Directors shall reasonably require to show the right of the transferor to make the transfer;

 

the instrument of transfer is in respect of only one class of shares;

 

where applicable, the permission of the Bermuda Monetary Authority with respect thereto has been obtained; and

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subject to the Companies Act, the Bye-Laws and any directions of the Board of Directors from time to time in force, the secretary of APWC may exercise the powers and discretions of the Board of Directors with respect to: (i) the transfer of shares by a shareholder by way of an instrument of transfer in the usual common form and (ii) sending to a notice of refusal to register a transfer of shares where the Board of Directors declines to register such transfer, within three months after the date on which the instrument of transfer was lodged.

In accordance with the provisions of the Exchange Control Act 1972, as amended, and related regulations of Bermuda, the permission of the Bermuda Monetary Authority (the “BMA”) is required for all issuances and transfers of shares (which includes the Common Shares) of Bermuda companies to or from a non-resident of Bermuda for exchange control purposes, other than in cases where the BMA has granted a general permission. The BMA, in its notice to the public dated June 1, 2005, has granted a general permission for the issue and subsequent transfer of any securities of a Bermuda company from and/or to a non-resident of Bermuda for exchange control purposes for so long as any “Equity Securities” of the company (which include the Common Shares) are listed on an “Appointed Stock Exchange” (which would include Nasdaq). In granting the general permission the BMA accepts no responsibility for our financial soundness or the correctness of any of the statements made or opinions expressed herein.

Accordingly, the Common Shares benefit from a general permission for free transferability for all transfers between persons who are not resident in Bermuda for exchange control purposes, for as long as such Common Shares remain listed on an appointed stock exchange. In the event that the Common Shares are delisted from Nasdaq, it will be necessary to obtain the prior permission of the BMA to transfer such Common Shares to any transferee, subject to any applicable general permissions issued by the BMA.

 

10.b.11.

Transmission of Shares

In the event of the death of a shareholder, the survivor or survivors, where the deceased shareholder was a joint holder, and the estate representative, where the deceased shareholder was sole holder, shall be the only persons recognized by APWC as having any title to the shares of the deceased. “Estate representative” means the person to whom probate or letters of administration has or have been granted in Bermuda, or failing any such person, such other person as the Board of Directors may in its absolute discretion determine to be the person recognized by APWC for this purpose.

 

10.b.12.

Disclosure of Interests

Under the Companies Act, a director who has an interest in a material contract or a proposed material contract, or a 10% or more interest (directly or indirectly) in an entity that is interested in a contract or proposed contract or arrangement with us, is obligated to declare the nature of such interest at the first opportunity at a meeting of the Board of Directors, or by writing to the Board of Directors. If the director has complied with the relevant sections of the Companies Act and the Bye-Laws with respect to the disclosure of his interest, the director may vote at a meeting of the Board of Directors or a committee thereof on a contract, transaction or arrangement in which that director is interested, in which case his vote shall be counted and he shall be taken into account in ascertaining whether a quorum is present.

 

10.b.13.

Rights in Liquidation

Under Bermuda law, in the event of liquidation or winding-up of a company, after satisfaction in full of all claims of creditors and subject to the preferential rights accorded to any series of preferred shares, the proceeds of such liquidation or winding-up are distributed among the holders of shares in accordance with a company’s bye-laws.

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Under APWCs Bye-Laws, if APWC is wound up, the liquidator may, pursuant to a resolution of the shareholders and any approval required by the Companies Act, divide among the shareholders in cash or other assets the whole or part of APWCs assets, whether such assets shall consist of property of the same kind or not, and may for such purposes set such values as such liquidator deems fair upon any property to be divided and may determine how such division shall be carried out as between the shareholders.

 

10.b.14.

Meetings of Shareholders

Under Bermuda law, a company, unless it elects to dispense with the holding of annual general meetings, is required to convene at least one general meeting per calendar year. The directors of a company, notwithstanding anything in such company’s bye-laws, shall, on the requisition of the shareholders holding at the date of the deposit of the requisition not less than one-tenth of the paid-up capital of the company carrying the right of vote, duly convene a special general meeting. APWC’s Bye-Laws provide that the Board of Directors may, whenever it thinks fit, convene a special general meeting.

Bermuda law requires that shareholders be given at least five days’ notice of a meeting of APWC. APWC’s Bye-Laws extend this period to provide that not less than 20 days’ written notice of a general meeting must be given to those shareholders entitled to receive such notice. The accidental omission to give notice to or non-receipt of a notice of a meeting by any person does not invalidate the proceedings of a meeting.

APWC’s Bye-Laws state that no business can be transacted at a general meeting unless a quorum of at least two shareholders representing a majority of the issued shares of APWC are present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote.

Under APWC’s Bye-Laws, notice to any shareholders may be delivered either personally or by sending it through the post, by airmail where applicable, in a pre-paid letter addressed to the shareholder at his address as appearing in the share register or by delivering it to, or leaving it at, such registered address. Any notice sent by post shall be deemed to have been served seven (7) days after dispatch. A notice of a general meeting is deemed to be duly given to the shareholder if it is sent to him by cable, telex or tele-copier or other mode of representing or reproducing words in a legible and non-transitory form and such notice shall be deemed to have been served twenty-four (24) hours after its dispatch.

 

10.b.15.

Access to Books and Records and Dissemination of Information

Under Bermuda law, members of the general public have the right to inspect the public documents of a company available at the office of the Bermuda Registrar of Companies. These documents include the memorandum of association and any amendment to the memorandum of association.

Under Bermuda law, the minutes of shareholder meetings will be open for inspection by any shareholder or director without charge for not less than two hours during business hours each day, subject to any reasonable restrictions that APWC may impose. The shareholders shall be entitled to receive a copy of every balance sheet and statement of income and expenditure before a general meeting as required under the Bye-Laws.

Under APWC’s Bye-Laws, unless the Board otherwise determines, the register of shareholders of APWC is required to be open for inspection between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon each working day without charge to members of the general public. A company is required to maintain its share register in Bermuda but may, subject to the provisions of the Companies Act, establish a branch register outside of Bermuda. APWC has established a branch register with APWC’s transfer agent, Computershare Limited, which is based in Jersey City, New Jersey.

Under Bermuda Law, a company is required to keep at its registered office a register of its directors and officers that is open for inspection for not less than two hours in each day by members of the public without charge. Under APWC’s Bye-Laws, the register of directors and officers is available for inspection by the public between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon every working day.

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Bermuda law does not provide a general right for shareholders to inspect or obtain copies of any other corporate records, except for the Bye-Laws of the Company.

 

10.b.16.

Election or Removal of Directors

The Bye-Laws provide that the number of directors will be such number, not less than two, as APWC’s shareholders by resolution may from time to time determine. A director will serve until re-elected or his successor is appointed at the next annual general meeting or his prior removal in the manner provided by the Companies Act or the Bye-Laws. There is no requirement under Bermuda law, APWC’s memorandum of association or its Bye-Laws that a majority of APWC’s directors be independent.

The Bye-Laws provide that each director shall have one vote on all matters presented to the Board for a vote. At the Annual General Meeting held on September 18, 2020, all nine directors then in office were re-elected.

The shareholders may by resolution determine that one or more vacancies in the Board of Directors shall be deemed casual vacancies for the purposes of the Bye-Laws. The Board, so long as a quorum of directors remains in office, shall have the power at any time and from time to time to appoint any individual to be a director so as to fill a casual vacancy. The shareholders may approve the appointment of alternate directors or may authorize the Board to appoint them. Directors may also appoint and remove their own alternates. At the Annual General Meeting held on August 30, 2019, the shareholders approved of the total number of directors.

APWC may, in a special general meeting called for this purpose, remove a director, provided notice of such meeting is served upon the director concerned not less than fourteen days before the meeting and he shall be entitled to be heard at that meeting.

The office of a director will be vacated in the event of any of the following:

 

if he resigns his office by notice in writing to be delivered to APWC’s registered office or tendered at a meeting of the Board of Directors;

 

if he becomes of unsound mind or a patient for any purpose under any statute or applicable law relating to mental health and the Board of Directors resolves that his office is vacated;

 

if he becomes bankrupt or enters into a general settlement with his creditors;

 

if he is prohibited by law from being a director; or

 

if he ceases to be a director by virtue of the Companies Act or is removed from office pursuant to the Bye-Laws.

 

10.b.17.

Amendment of Memorandum of Association and Bye-Laws

Bermuda law provides that the memorandum of association of a company may be amended by resolution passed at a general meeting of which due notice has been given. An amendment to a memorandum of association does not require the consent of the Minister of Finance of Bermuda save for specific circumstances, for example, the adopting of any authority to carry on restricted business activities.

Under Bermuda law, the holders of:

 

an aggregate of not less than twenty percent in par value of a company’s issued share capital or any class thereof; or

 

not less in the aggregate than twenty percent of the company’s debentures entitled to object to amendments to its memorandum of association,

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have the right to apply to the Supreme Court of Bermuda for an annulment of any amendment of the memorandum of association. Where such an application is made, the amendment becomes effective only to the extent that it is confirmed by the Bermuda Supreme Court. An application for an annulment of an amendment of the memorandum of association must be made within twenty-one days after the date on which the resolution amending the memorandum of association is passed and may be made on behalf of the persons entitled to make the application by one or more of their number as they may appoint in writing for the purpose.

APWC’s Bye-Laws may be amended in the manner provided for in the Companies Act, which provides that the directors may amend the Bye-Laws, provided that any such amendment shall be effective only to the extent approved by the shareholders.

 

10.b.18.

Merger or Amalgamation

The Companies Act provides that two or more Bermuda companies may merge and their undertaking, property and liabilities shall vest in one of such companies as the surviving company (referred to as a “merger” under Bermuda law). The Companies Act also provides that a Bermuda company may amalgamate with another company and continue as an amalgamated company (referred to as an “amalgamation” under Bermuda law). A merger or amalgamation requires a merger or amalgamation agreement which must be approved by the board of directors and at a meeting of the shareholders by seventy-five percent of the shareholders present and entitled to vote at such meeting in respect of which the quorum shall be two persons holding or representing by proxy more than one-third of the issued shares of the company. These provisions do not apply where a holding company is merging or amalgamating with one or more of its wholly-owned subsidiaries or where two or more wholly-owned companies of the same holding company are merging or amalgamating.

Under Bermuda law, in the event of a merger or an amalgamation of a Bermuda company, a shareholder who did not vote in favor of the transaction and who is not satisfied that fair value has been offered for the shares, may apply to the Supreme Court of Bermuda within one month of notice of the meeting of shareholders to appraise the fair value of those shares.

 

10.b.19.

Class Actions and Derivative Actions

Class actions, as they are commonly understood in the United States, are not available to shareholders under Bermuda law. Derivative actions are generally only available to shareholders under Bermuda law in very limited circumstances. A shareholder may commence an action in the name of a company to remedy a wrong done to the company where the wrongdoers are in control of the company and the act complained of is of a fraudulent character, oppressive, beyond the corporate power of the company, illegal or would have required the approval of a greater percentage of the company’s shareholders than those that actually approved it. A shareholder may not commence such an action where the wrong complained of is capable of ratification by the company in a general meeting by ordinary resolution.

Since the July 2018 amendment to the Rules of the Supreme Court, if a derivative action is commenced and the relevant defendant enters an appearance, leave of the Supreme Court of Bermuda must be obtained before the derivative action can proceed.

When one or more shareholders believes the affairs of a company are being conducted in a manner which is oppressive or prejudicial to the interest of some part of the shareholders, the Supreme Court of Bermuda, upon petition, brought by the shareholder(s), may make such order as it sees fit if it is satisfied that the affairs of the company are or have been conducted in such an oppressive or prejudicial manner and, that, as a result, it would be just and equitable to wind up the company, but that to so wind up the company would unfairly prejudice the part of the shareholders ; such an order can include (with limitation) provisions regulating the conduct of the company’s affairs in the future or ordering the purchase of the shares of any shareholders by other shareholders or by the company, and in the case of a purchase of the shares by the company, for the reduction accordingly of the company’s capital or otherwise.

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10.b.20.

Personal Liability of Directors and Indemnity

The Companies Act requires every officer, including directors, of a company in exercising powers and discharging duties, to act honestly in good faith with a view to the best interests of the company, and to exercise the care, diligence and skill that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in comparable circumstances. The Companies Act further provides that any provision, whether in the bye-laws of a company or in any contract between the company and any officer or any person employed by the company as auditor, exempting such officer or person from liability, or indemnifying him against any liability which by virtue of any rule of law would otherwise attach to him, in respect of any fraud or dishonesty of which he may be guilty in relation to the company, shall be void.

Every director, officer and committee member shall be indemnified out of APWC’s funds against all civil liabilities, loss, damage or expense including liabilities under contract, tort and statute or any applicable foreign law or regulation and all reasonable legal and other costs and expenses properly payable, incurred or suffered by him as director, officer or committee member; provided that the indemnity contained in the Bye-Laws will not extend to any matter which would render it void under the Companies Act as discussed above.

10.b.21.Other Miscellaneous Matters

Notwithstanding the recording of any special capacity, APWC is not bound to investigate or incur any responsibility in respect of the proper administration of any estate or trust.

APWC will take no notice of any trust applicable to any of its Common Shares whether or not it had notice of such trust.

As an “exempted company,” APWC is exempt from Bermuda laws which restrict the percentage of share capital that may be held by non-Bermudians. However, as an exempted company APWC may not participate in certain designated business transactions, which we do not consider relevant to our present or planned business activities.

10.c.Material Contracts

Composite Services Agreement (“CSA”)

The Company engages in transactions in the ordinary course of business with PEWC, including the purchase of certain raw materials and the distribution of PEWC products in various countries in the Asia Pacific region. The Company and PEWC are parties to a Composite Services agreement dated November 7, 1996 (the “Composite Services Agreement” or “CSA”), which the Company has renewed annually, at its option. The Composite Services Agreement contains provisions that define the relationship and the conduct of the respective businesses of the Company and PEWC and confers certain preferential benefits on the Company. In 2020, there were no material changes to the CSA between the Company and PEWC. Pursuant to the Composite Services Agreement,

 

PEWC agrees to (a) sell copper rod to the Company, upon the Company’s request, (i) at a price consisting of the spot price of copper on the LME plus an agreed upon premium and (ii) at prices and on terms at least as favorable as PEWC provides copper rod to other purchasers of similar amounts of copper rod in the same markets, and (b) give priority in the supply of copper rod to the Company over other purchasers of copper rod from PEWC.

 

The Company has the right to distribute any wire or cable product manufactured by PEWC in all markets in which the Company presently distributes or develops the capability to distribute in the future such products on such terms as have historically been in effect or on terms at least as favorable as PEWC grants to third parties that distribute such products in such markets. However, PEWC is not required to grant to the Company the right to distribute products manufactured by PEWC in the future in markets where the Company does not currently have the capability to distribute unless and until PEWC has no pre-existing contractual rights which would conflict with the grant of such right to the Company.

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Each of PEWC and the Company will offer the other party the right to participate in any negotiations with a third party concerning the establishment of any facility or similar venture to manufacture or distribute any wire or cable product outside of the markets where the Company currently manufactures or distributes, or intends to develop the capability to manufacture or distribute, any wire or cable product. Unless the Company and PEWC mutually agree otherwise, the Company has the right of first refusal to enter into any definitive agreement with such third party. If, however, such third party would not agree to the substitution of the Company for PEWC or such substitution would prevent the successful completion of the facility or venture, PEWC has agreed to arrange for the Company to participate to the extent possible.

 

PEWC agrees to make available to the Company, upon the Company’s request and on terms to be mutually agreed between PEWC and the Company from time to time, certain services and technology with respect to the design and manufacture of wire and cable products (including fiber optic products), and certain services with respect to computerization, inventory control, purchasing, internal auditing, quality control, emergency back-up services, and recruitment and training of personnel; such services may include the training of the Company’s employees and managers at PEWC facilities and the secondment of PEWC employees and managers to the Company.

 

Without the consent of the Company, PEWC will not compete with respect to the manufacture or distribution of wire and cable products in any market in which the Company is manufacturing or has taken significant steps to commence manufacturing.

 

For purposes of the Composite Services Agreement, each province in China is considered the equivalent of a country.

To the extent that transactions occur in the future between the Company and PEWC or affiliates of PEWC other than under the Composite Services Agreement, such transactions will be entered into on an arm’s length basis on terms no less favorable than those available from unaffiliated third parties.

10.d. Exchange Controls

APWC has been designated by the Bermuda Monetary Authority as a non-resident under the Exchange Control Act of 1972 (the “Exchange Control Act”). This designation allows APWC to engage in transactions in currencies other than the Bermuda dollar.

The transfer of Common Shares between persons regarded as resident outside Bermuda for exchange control purposes and the issue of Common Shares to such persons may be effected without specific consent under the Exchange Control Act and regulations thereunder, provided the Common Shares are listed on an appointed stock exchange.

 

10.e.

Taxation

The following is a summary of certain material U.S. federal income tax and Bermuda tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of the Common Shares, subject to the assumptions, qualifications and limitations in our discussion below. Such summary is subject to changes in United States and Bermuda law, including changes that could have retroactive effect. Such changes in laws could result in different tax consequences from our summary below, and adversely affect your tax burden on investment income from APWC.

The following summary is neither intended as tax advice nor purports to describe a comprehensive discussion of all possible tax consequences that may be relevant to APWC’s investors and prospective investors. Therefore, you are strongly urged to consult your own tax advisors regarding the overall tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of the Common Shares in light of your particular circumstances.

 

57

 


 

 

10.e.1.

United States Taxation

This summary is based upon the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, administrative pronouncements, judicial decisions and final, temporary and proposed Treasury regulations, all as of the date hereof, and all of which are subject to differing interpretations or to change, possibly with retroactive effect. The United States does not have a comprehensive income tax treaty with Bermuda.

In particular, this summary deals only with Common Shares held by U.S. Holders as capital assets for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and does not address any aspect of the “Medicare contributions tax” on “net investment income.” In addition, it does not take into account the specific circumstances of any particular investors, such as banks, broker-dealers, traders in securities that elect to use a mark-to-market method of accounting for their securities holdings, financial institutions, insurance companies, tax-exempt entities, real estate investment trusts, regulated investment companies, qualified retirement plans, individual retirement accounts, and other tax deferred accounts, partnerships and other pass-through entities, persons subject to the alternative minimum tax, persons holding shares as part of a hedging or conversion transaction or a straddle, or other integrated transaction, persons who acquired Common Shares pursuant to the exercise of any employee stock option or otherwise as compensation for services, persons whose functional currency is not the United States dollar, and persons who own or are treated as owning 10% or more of the Common Shares (by vote or value).

For the purposes of this summary, the term “U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of Common Shares that is (i) an individual citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation (including any entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) organized under the laws of the United States or any state (or the District of Columbia), or any entity taxable as a United States corporation, (iii) an estate, the income of which is subject to United States federal income tax regardless of its source, or (iv) a trust that is subject to the primary supervision of a U.S. court and the control of one or more U.S. persons, or that has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person. For the purposes of this summary, the term “Non-U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of Common Shares that is not a U.S. Holder. The tax consequences to a Non-U.S. Holder may differ substantially from the tax consequences to a U.S. Holder. Non-U.S. Holders are strongly urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding their overall tax consequences of owning and disposing of Common Shares.

If a partnership (including for this purpose any entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) is a beneficial owner of Common Shares, the U.S. federal income tax consequences to a partner in the partnership will generally depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. A holder of Common Shares that is a partnership and the partners in such partnership should consult their own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of Common Shares.

Taxation of U.S. Holders

The tax treatment of owning the Common Shares will depend in part on whether or not APWC is classified as a Passive Foreign Investment Company for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Except as discussed below under “Passive Foreign Investment Company”, this summary assumes that APWC is not classified as a Passive Foreign Investment Company (“PFIC”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Taxation of Dividends

Distributions received by U.S. Holders with respect to the Common Shares out of APWC’s current or accumulated earnings and profits will constitute foreign-source dividend income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. APWC does not to maintain records of earnings and profits in accordance with U.S. federal income tax principles, and therefore it is expected that APWC’s distributions will generally be reported to U.S. Holders as dividends. If you are a U.S. Holder, the dividend will be ordinary dividend income for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

58

 


Dividends received by an individual will be taxed at the preferential rates applicable to long-term capital gains, provided the individual has held the shares for more than 60 days during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the ex-dividend date, that APWC is a qualified foreign corporation, and that certain other conditions are satisfied. APWC is a qualified foreign corporation for this purpose.

A foreign corporation is treated as a qualified foreign corporation with respect to dividends paid on stock that is readily tradable on a securities market in the United States, such as the NASDAQ Capital Market, where the Common Shares are traded. For so long as the Common Shares continue to be traded on Nasdaq, or are readily tradable on any other established securities market in the United States, any dividends paid by APWC should qualify for the reduced tax rates.

The dividend will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction generally allowed to U.S. corporations in respect of dividends received from other U.S. corporations.

Taxation of Capital Gains

A U.S. Holder will generally recognize capital gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes on the sale or other disposition of Common Shares, in an amount equal to the difference, if any, between the amount realized on the sale and the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the Common Shares. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations. If such U.S. Holder has held the Common Shares for more than one year, such gain or loss will generally be long-term capital gain or loss. For a non-corporate U.S. Holder, long-term capital gain of is generally taxed at preferential rates.

Passive Foreign Investment Company

Special U.S. tax rules apply to a U.S. Holder that holds an interest in a Passive Foreign Investment Company. Based on current projections concerning the composition of APWC’s income and assets, APWC does not believe that it will be treated as a PFIC for its current or future taxable years. However, because this conclusion is based on our current projections and expectations as to our future business activity, we can provide no assurance that APWC will not be treated as a PFIC in respect of its current or any future taxable years.

In general, a non-U.S. company will be treated as a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes for any taxable year if either (i) at least 75% of its gross income is passive income (such as dividends, interest, rents and royalties) or (ii) at least 50% of the average quarterly value of its assets is attributable to assets that produce or are held for the production of passive income.

If APWC were determined to be a PFIC, U.S. Holders would be subject to additional U.S. federal income taxes on gain recognized with respect to the common shares and on certain distributions. In addition, an interest charge would apply to the portion of the U.S. federal income tax liability on such gains or distributions treated under the PFIC rules as having been deferred by the U.S. Holder. Moreover, dividends that a non-corporate U.S. Holder receives from APWC would not be eligible for the reduced U.S. federal income tax rates on dividends described above if APWC was a PFIC, either in the taxable year of the dividend or the preceding taxable year. If a U.S. Holder owned Common Shares in any taxable year in which APWC was a PFIC, such U.S. Holder generally would be required to file Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) Form 8621 (or other form specified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury) on an annual basis. APWC will inform U.S. Holders if it believes that it will be classified as a PFIC in any taxable year.

U.S. Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

Payments of dividends and sales proceeds that are made within the United States or through certain U.S.-related financial intermediaries generally are subject to information reporting, and may be subject to backup withholding, unless the U.S. Holder (i) is a corporation or other exempt recipient, or (ii) provides a taxpayer identification number on a properly completed IRS Form W-9 and certifies that it is not subject to backup withholding.

Backup withholding is not an additional tax and any amounts withheld as backup withholding may be credited against a holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability. A holder may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules by timely filing the appropriate claim for refund with the Internal Revenue Service and furnishing any required information.

59

 


Shareholders may be subject to other U.S. information reporting requirements and should consult their own tax advisors for application of these reporting requirements to their own facts and circumstances.

 

10.e.2.

Bermuda Taxation

Under current Bermuda law, there are no taxes on profits, income or dividends nor is there any capital gains tax. Furthermore, APWC has received from the Minister of Finance of Bermuda under the Exempted Undertakings Tax Protection Act of 1966, as amended, an undertaking that, in the event that Bermuda enacts any legislation imposing tax computed on profits or income, or computed on any capital asset, gain or appreciation, or any tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax, then the imposition of any such tax shall not be applicable to APWC or to any of its operations, or the shares, debentures or other obligations of APWC, until March 31, 2035. This undertaking does not, however, prevent the imposition of any such tax or duty on such persons as are ordinarily resident in Bermuda and holding such shares, debentures or obligations of APWC or of property taxes on APWC’s self-owned real property or leasehold interests in Bermuda.

As an exempted company, APWC must pay to the Bermuda government an annual government fee calculated on a sliding-scale basis by reference to its assessable capital, that is, its authorized share capital plus any share premium.

There is no stamp duty or other transfer tax payable upon the transfer of shares in APWC by shareholders.

10.f. Dividends and Paying Agents

Not applicable

10.g. Statement by Experts

Not applicable

 

10.h.

Documents on Display

APWC is required to comply with the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, applicable to a foreign private issuer. APWC is currently required to file annually a Form 20-F no later than four months after the close of its fiscal year, which is December 31. Any time APWC is delinquent in filing timely any periodic reports, including an Annual Report on Form 20-F, with the SEC, that delinquency may adversely affect APWC’s status on any exchange or quotation service on which its shares are listed or quoted and APWC may not be entitled to use certain abbreviated registration statements with the SEC in connection with the registration of any of its securities. APWC has not been delinquent in filing the Company’s annual reports in any of the past five years.

As a foreign private issuer, APWC is exempt from the rules under the Exchange Act prescribing the furnishing and content of proxy statements, and its officers, directors and principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and short-swing profit recovery provisions contained in Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

Our reports and other information, when so filed, may be accessed over the Internet on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

In addition, we post certain information regarding the Company and its operations on our website located at www.apwcc.com. Summary information regarding the Company posted on our website should not be considered to be a substitute for, or a restatement of, the more complete information regarding the Company, its results of operations and financial condition set forth in this Annual Report or other documents or information which we may file with the SEC.

10.i. Subsidiary Information

60

 


Not applicable

ITEM 11:

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS

The Company has exposure to several quantitative market risks, including fluctuations in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and the pricing of commodities, principally copper, the Company’s main raw material. Risk management measures undertaken by the Company include entering into derivative agreements covering foreign exchange rates and copper pricing, as well as copper forward pricing agreements. The Company does not purchase or sell derivative instruments for trading purposes. The Company does not engage in trading activities involving copper contracts for which a lack of marketplace quotations would necessitate the use of fair value estimation techniques.

 

11.1

Interest Rate Risk

The Company is not currently a party to any derivative instruments to manage interest rate exposure. In the current interest rate environment, the Company does not believe that the limited potential loss limitation protection available through the purchase of interest rate swaps or other derivative instruments against its exposure under floating rate finance facilities merits the cost that would be incurred in those transactions.

 

11.2

Foreign Currency Risk

The Company has exposure to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The Company’s revenues are generated primarily in the local currency or currencies in its principal operating regions, North Asia, Thailand, and the ROW, which are also its reporting segments. However, significant proportions of raw materials are in U.S. dollars.

As the Company’s operating subsidiaries incur operating costs in the local currency where they operate, the Company believes it is prudent that those operating subsidiaries incur indebtedness in the local currency when debt financing is necessary. The amount of indebtedness incurred by our operating subsidiaries from time to time is a function of our business strategy, the attractiveness of borrowing as opposed to other methods of financing operations and tax implications, among other considerations. The Company has exposure to currency exchange risk when the results of its operating subsidiaries are translated from the functional currencies into its reporting currency, the U.S. dollar. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the other comprehensive income in the total equity section of the consolidated balance sheets included currency translation adjustments of $4.6 million and $9.8 million, respectively.

 

11.3

Market Risks Relating to Copper

Copper is the principal raw material we use, accounting for a majority portion of the cost of sales in 2020. We purchase copper at prices based on the average prevailing international spot market prices on the LME for copper for the one month prior to purchase. The price of copper is influenced heavily by global supply and demand as well as speculative trading. As with other costs of production, changes in the price of copper may affect our cost of sales. Whether this has a material impact on our operating margins and financial results depends primarily on our ability to adjust our selling prices to our customers, such that increases and decreases in the price of copper are reflected in those selling prices. The purchase price of our products is based in part on the cost of copper used to manufacture those products. In addition, in the ordinary course of business we maintain inventories of raw materials and finished products reasonably necessary for the conduct of our business. These inventories typically reflect the cost of copper prevailing in the market at the time we purchase. Most of our sales of  products reflect copper prices prevailing at the time the products are ordered. A long-term decrease in the price of copper would require the Company to revalue the value of its inventory at periodic intervals to the then market value, which could be below cost. Copper prices have been subject to considerable volatility and it is not always possible to manage our copper purchases and inventory so as to neutralize the impact of copper price volatility. Accordingly, significant volatility in copper prices could have a material adverse effect on the results of our operations.

61

 


 

11.4

Equity Price Risk

The Company is exposed to equity price risk as a result of our unlisted available-for-sale equity securities. The carrying value of these investments in private companies is subject to fluctuations and their fair market value may be significantly different from the carrying value.

 

11.5

Fair Value of Designated Market-Sensitive Derivative Contracts

Not applicable

Item 12:

Description of Securities Other Than Equity Securities

Not applicable

62

 


Part II

Item 13:

Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies

None

Item 14:

Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds

Not applicable

ITEM 15:

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

An evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including APWC’s Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures in accordance with the provisions of Rule 13a-15 promulgated under the Exchange Act. Based upon that evaluation, our management concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2020.

Management’s report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

The Company’s management, including APWC’s CEO and CFO, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. We do not expect that our internal control will prevent all errors and all fraud, or eliminate the possibility of fraudulent conduct. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions; over time, a control may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.

The Company’s management, including APWC’s CEO and CFO, has assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020 (the “Assessment Date”). In making its assessment, management used the criteria set forth in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued in 2013 by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (“COSO”) of the Treadway Commission. These criteria include the control environment, risk assessment, control activities, information and communication and monitoring of each of the above criteria. Based on this assessment, the Company’s management, including APWC’s CEO and CFO, concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of the Assessment Date.

Attestation report of registered public accounting firm

This annual report does not contain an attestation report of the Company's registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management's report was not subject to attestation by the Company's registered public accounting firm due to the fact that such report is not required as the Company is a non-accelerated filer.

Changes in internal control over financial reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting, identified in connection with the evaluation of such internal control that occurred during the last fiscal year that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

63

 


ITEM 16A:

AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

For each of 2020, 2019 and 2018, APWC’s audit committee has consisted of APWC’s three independent directors, Mr. Anson Chan, Dr. Yichin Lee and Dr. Lambert L. Ding, with Mr. Chan serving as the Audit Committee’s chairman and financial expert. The Audit Committee of APWC’s Board of Directors meets the requirements set forth in Regulation 10A-3 under the Exchange Act and under the rules of Nasdaq. Please see Section 6.a. of this Annual Report for additional information on Mr. Chan, Dr. Lee and Dr. Ding.

Item 16B:

Code of Ethics

On April 26, 2005, APWC adopted a code of ethics applicable to its Chief Executive Officer and senior financial officers. A copy of APWC’s code of ethics for senior executives is on file with the SEC (see Item 19 below).

Item 16C:

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Audit Fees

The aggregate fees for fiscal years 2020 and 2019 for professional services rendered by the principal independent accountant for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements totaled $0.9 million and $0.9 million, respectively.

Tax Fees

The aggregate fees for fiscal years 2020 and 2019 for professional services rendered by the principal independent accountant for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning totaled approximately $42 thousand and $39 thousand, respectively.

All Other Fees

(None)

Audit Committee Approval

The engagement of the independent accountant to render audit, audit-related and non-audit services is entered into pursuant to pre-approval policies and procedures established in the Charter of the Audit Committee of APWC. Each of the services described in this Item 16C was approved by the Audit Committee.

ITEM 16D:

EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR THE AUDIT COMMITTEES

The Audit Committee of APWC’s Board of Directors consists of three directors, each of whom is independent, as such term is defined in Regulation 10A-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act, and one of whom is a financial expert.

Item 16E:

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

Not applicable

ITEM 16F:

CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT

Not applicable

64

 


ITEM 16G:

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The Common Shares of APWC are currently traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market tier. However, as APWC has a more than fifty percent (50%) shareholder, APWC relies upon a “controlled company exemption” that exempts it from having a board of directors comprised of a majority of independent directors. At present, a majority of the directors of APWC is affiliated with PEWC. APWC also relies on Nasdaq’s allowance for foreign private issuers to follow home country practices in lieu of the requirement that listed companies have regularly scheduled meetings at which only independent directors are present (“executive sessions”). The independent directors of APWC meet periodically in executive session in their capacity as members of the Audit Committee of APWC’s Board of Directors without other Directors present, but on occasion meet with the independent auditors of APWC present in such executive session, and on occasion meet with members of management present in order to understand more fully management’s analysis of the Company’s financial performance and compliance with relevant corporate governance requirements. These are the only material differences between the Company’s corporate governance practices and the corporate governance practices set forth for domestic companies under the Nasdaq rules in respect of this subject matter.

ITEM 16H:

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE

Not applicable

65

 


Part III

ITEM 17:

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Company has elected to provide the financial statements and related information specified in Item 18 in lieu of Item 17.

ITEM 18:

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

See pages F-1 – F-98.

ITEM 19:

EXHIBITS

 

19.1

Index to Audited Financial Statements

Report of independent registered public accounting firm

Consolidated income statements for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018

Consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

Consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019

Consolidated statements of changes in equity for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

Notes to consolidated financial statements

 

19.2

Index to Exhibits

 

1.1

 

Memorandum of Association of Asia Pacific Wire & Cable Corporation Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 of the Company’s annual report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 21, 2001). (P)

 

 

 

1.2

 

Third Amended and Restated Bye-Laws of Asia Pacific Wire & Cable Corporation Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Company’s annual report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2012).

2.1

 

Description of the Rights of Holders of Common Shares (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Company’s annual report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 29, 2021).

 

 

 

4.1

 

Composite Services Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Form F-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 1996). (P)

 

4.2

 

 

Loan and Share charge Agreement between Asia Pacific Wire & Cable Corporation Limited and Pacific Electric Wire & Cable Corporation Limited dated July 10, 2020.

 

8

 

List of significant subsidiaries (see Note 2.2 to the consolidated financial statements).

 

 

 

11

 

Code of Ethics (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 11 of the Company’s annual report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 9, 2007).

 

 

 

12.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer of the Company, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (filed herewith).

 

 

 

12.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer of the Company, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (filed herewith).

 

 

 

13.1

 

Certification by Chief Executive Officer of periodic financial report pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as mandated by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (filed herewith).

 

 

 

66

 


(P) – Paper filings

67

 


SIGNATURE

The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.

 

 

ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE

CORPORATION LIMITED

 

 

April 29, 2021

/s/ Yuan Chun Tang

 

Name:

Yuan Chun Tang

 

Title:

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

68

 


 

Asia Pacific Wire & Cable Corporation Limited

 

 

 

Audited Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019

Years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTENTS

 

 

 

8.

Income tax

 

13.

Inventories

 

23.

Equity


F-1


 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Asia Pacific Wire & Cable Corporation Limited:

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Asia Pacific Wire & Cable Corporation Limited and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020 in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.  

 

Change in Accounting Principle

 

As discussed in Note 4.1 the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for leases in 2019.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits.  We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.  The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting.  As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting.  Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks.  Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements.  Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

Critical Audit Matters

 

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

F-2


 

Revenue Recognition – Estimating Measure of Progress for Supply, Delivery and Installation (“SDI”) Contracts

 

As described in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s revenues include revenue from the supply, delivery and installation (“SDI”) of cable to power transmission contracts in Singapore which amounted to $15.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. Revenue occurs when control transfers to the customer, either over a period of time or at a single point in time, depending on the scope of each individual contract. When the transfer of control to the customer occurs over a period of time, revenue of SDI is accounted for using an input method (input costs to total expected input costs) to measure the progress used to determine the amount of related revenue.  When the comparison of total contract revenue to total expected input cost indicates a loss, a provision for the entire loss on the contract shall be made in the period in which they become known.  Due to the individual nature of the work to be performed on each SDI contract, management’s estimation of total expected input costs is complex and requires significant judgment.  

 

The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to revenue recognition – estimating measure of progress for supply, delivery and installation is a critical audit matter are there was significant judgment by management when determining the total expected input costs toward complete satisfaction of performance obligation. This in turn led to a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity and effort in performing audit procedures and in evaluating audit evidence relating to revenue generated from SDI contracts.

 

Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included, among others, (i) testing management’s process for determining the estimate of total costs to complete its contracts, which included evaluating the reasonableness of significant assumptions made by management including  materials, direct labor and third party-costs; (ii) evaluating the appropriateness of changes to management’s estimate of total costs to complete throughout the duration of the contract, testing actual direct costs incurred; and (iii) evaluating management’s ability to reasonably estimate the total expected costs to complete contracts, which  included performing a comparison of management’s prior period cost estimates to final actual costs.

 

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers, Taiwan

Taipei, Taiwan

Republic of China

April 29, 2021

 

We have served as the Company's auditor since 2017.

 

F-3


 

ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

 

 

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

Note

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Revenue

5(e)

 

 

313,564

 

 

338,160

 

 

425,940

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales

7(g),13

 

 

(279,686

)

 

(313,373

)

 

(389,692

)

Gross profit

 

 

 

 

33,878

 

 

24,787

 

 

36,248

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other operating income

7(a)

 

 

814

 

 

385

 

 

805

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

7(g)

 

 

(27,006

)

 

(25,051

)

 

(26,924

)

Other operating expenses

7(b)

 

 

(129

)

 

(770

)

 

(1,445

)

Operating profit /(loss)

 

 

 

 

7,557

 

 

(649

)

 

8,684

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance costs

7(c)

 

 

(744

)

 

(1,012

)

 

(1,378

)

Finance income

7(d)

 

 

320

 

 

506

 

 

482

 

Share of loss of associates

 

19

 

 

(1

)

 

(3

)

 

(3

)

Exchange (loss)/gain

 

 

 

 

(579

)

 

1,550

 

 

1,741

 

Other income

7(e)

 

 

1,173

 

 

717

 

 

1,817

 

Other expense

7(f)

 

 

(1

)

 

(3

)

 

(11

)

Profit before tax

 

 

 

 

7,725

 

 

1,106

 

 

11,332

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense

 

8

 

 

(4,016

)

 

(2,057

)

 

(3,886

)

Profit/(Loss)  for the year

 

 

 

 

3,709

 

 

(951

)

 

7,446

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attributable to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity holders of the parent

 

 

 

 

(552

)

 

(1,632

)

 

2,928

 

Non-controlling interests

 

 

 

 

4,261

 

 

681

 

 

4,518

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,709

 

 

(951

)

 

7,446

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss) /earnings per share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted (loss) / profit for the year attributable to equity holders of the parent

 

9

 

$

(0.04

)

$

(0.12

)

$

0.21

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-4


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

 

 

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

Note

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Profit /(loss) for the year

 

 

 

 

3,709

 

 

(951

)

 

7,446

 

Other comprehensive income/(loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income /(loss) to be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exchange differences on translation of foreign

   operations, net of tax of $0

23(c)

 

 

5,211

 

 

10,677

 

 

(4,388

)

 

 

 

 

 

5,211

 

 

10,677

 

 

(4,388

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income/(loss) not to be reclassified

   to profit or loss in subsequent periods:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Changes in the fair value of equity instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income

11(d)

 

 

(1,789

)

 

1,670

 

 

(419

)

Income tax effect

 

8

 

 

358

 

 

(334

)

 

84

 

Other comprehensive income from equity instruments measured at fair value, net of tax

23(c)

 

 

(1,431

)

 

1,336

 

 

(335

)

Re-measuring income/(loss) on defined benefit plans

 

21

 

 

199

 

 

(1,727

)

 

(410

)

Income tax effect

 

8

 

 

(40

)

 

345

 

 

82

 

Defined benefit pension plan, net of tax

23(c)

 

 

159

 

 

(1,382

)

 

(328

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income/(loss) for the year,

   net of tax

 

 

 

 

3,939

 

 

10,631

 

 

(5,051

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income for the year,

   net of tax

 

 

 

 

7,648

 

 

9,680

 

 

2,395

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attributable to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity holders of the parent

 

 

 

 

4,006

 

 

3,786

 

 

(2,038

)

Non-controlling interests

 

 

 

 

3,642

 

 

5,894

 

 

4,433

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,648

 

 

9,680

 

 

2,395

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

F-5


 

ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019

 

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

 

Note

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

10

 

 

52,237

 

 

53,673

 

Trade receivables

 

12

 

 

82,071

 

 

74,077

 

Other receivables

12,27(e)

 

 

6,192

 

 

6,868

 

Contract assets

 

14

 

 

10,245

 

 

4,686

 

Due from related parties

 

24

 

 

10,982

 

 

11,566

 

Inventories

 

13

 

 

96,371

 

 

85,187

 

Prepayments

 

 

 

 

4,055

 

 

1,926

 

Other current assets

 

 

 

 

1,546

 

 

1,521

 

 

 

 

 

 

263,699

 

 

239,504

 

Non-current assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income

11,26

 

 

2,271

 

 

4,062

 

Property, plant and equipment

15,27(e)

 

 

54,700

 

 

41,747

 

Right of use assets

16(a)

 

 

3,248

 

 

3,735

 

Investment properties

7(a),17,26

 

 

6,378

 

 

730

 

Intangible assets

 

18

 

 

180

 

 

128

 

Investments in associates

 

19

 

 

930

 

 

935

 

Deferred tax assets

 

8

 

 

3,889

 

 

3,939

 

Other non-current assets

 

 

 

 

2,824

 

 

4,131

 

 

 

 

 

 

74,420

 

 

59,407

 

Total assets

 

 

 

 

338,119

 

 

298,911

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings

11(b)

 

 

10,131

 

 

11,356

 

Trade and other payables

 

20

 

 

27,370

 

 

16,879

 

Due to related parties

 

24

 

 

10,620

 

 

3,284

 

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

11,26

 

 

 

 

3

 

Accruals

 

 

 

 

21,361

 

 

14,437

 

Current tax liabilities

 

8

 

 

3,567

 

 

2,872

 

Employee benefit liabilities

 

21

 

 

1,950

 

 

1,888

 

Lease liabilities

11(d)

 

 

551

 

 

574

 

Other current liabilities

22

 

 

7,826

 

 

2,356

 

 

 

 

 

 

83,376

 

 

53,649

 

Non-current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Interest-bearing loans and borrowings

11(b)

 

 

3,650

 

 

 

Employee benefit liabilities

 

21

 

 

10,027

 

 

10,434

 

Lease liabilities

11(d)

 

 

1,783

 

 

2,254

 

Deferred tax liabilities

 

8

 

 

4,408

 

 

4,139

 

 

 

 

 

 

19,868

 

 

16,827

 

Total liabilities

 

 

 

 

103,244

 

 

70,476

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity

 

23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issued capital

 

 

 

 

138

 

 

138

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

 

 

110,416

 

 

110,416

 

Treasury shares

 

 

 

 

(38

)

 

(38

)

Retained earnings

 

 

 

 

52,832

 

 

53,384

 

Other components of equity

 

 

 

 

(5,488

)

 

(10,046

)

Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent

 

 

 

 

157,860

 

 

153,854

 

Non-controlling interests

 

6

 

 

77,015

 

 

74,581

 

Total equity

 

 

 

 

234,875

 

 

228,435

 

Total liabilities and equity

 

 

 

 

338,119

 

 

298,911

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-6


 

 

ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

 

 

Attributable to the equity holders of the parent

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issued

capital

 

Additional

paid-in

capital

 

Treasury

shares

 

Retained

earnings

 

Remeasurement of

defined

benefit plans

 

Financial assets at FVOCI reserve

 

Foreign

currency

translation

reserve

 

Total

 

Non-controlling

interests

 

Total

equity

 

 

Note

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Balance at January 1, 2018

 

 

138

 

 

110,376

 

 

(38

)

 

53,194

 

 

(750

)

 

874

 

 

(10,622

)

 

153,172

 

 

69,561

 

 

222,733

 

Net profit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,928

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,928

 

 

4,518

 

 

7,446

 

Other comprehensive income/(loss)

23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(167

)

 

(170

)

 

(4,629

)

 

(4,966

)

 

(85

)

 

(5,051

)

Total comprehensive income/(loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,928

 

 

(167

)

 

(170

)

 

(4,629

)

 

(2,038

)

 

4,433

 

 

2,395

 

Dividend paid

23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,106

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,106

)

 

(2,206

)

 

(3,312

)

Balance at December 31, 2018

 

 

138

 

 

110,376

 

 

(38

)

 

55,016

 

 

(917

)

 

704

 

 

(15,251

)

 

150,028

 

 

71,788

 

 

221,816

 

Net loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,632

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,632

)

 

681

 

 

(951

)

Other comprehensive income/(loss)

23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(704

)

 

680

 

 

5,442

 

 

5,418

 

 

5,213

 

 

10,631

 

Total comprehensive income/(loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,632

)

 

(704

)

 

680

 

 

5,442

 

 

3,786

 

 

5,894

 

 

9,680

 

Dividends paid

23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,763

)

 

(2,763

)

Effect from the changes in shareholding percentage in subsidiary

 

 

 

 

40

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

40

 

 

(338

)

 

(298

)

Balance at December 31, 2019

 

 

138

 

 

110,416

 

 

(38

)

 

53,384

 

 

(1,621

)

 

1,384

 

 

(9,809

)

 

153,854

 

 

74,581

 

 

228,435

 

Net profit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(552

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(552

)

 

4,261

 

 

3,709

 

Other comprehensive income/(loss)

23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

81

 

 

(729

)

 

5,206

 

 

4,558

 

 

(619

)

 

3,939

 

Total comprehensive income/(loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(552

)

 

81

 

 

(729

)

 

5,206

 

 

4,006

 

 

3,642

 

 

7,648

 

Dividends paid

23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,208

)

 

(1,208

)

Balance at December 31, 2020

 

 

138

 

 

110,416

 

 

(38

)

 

52,832

 

 

(1,540

)

 

655

 

 

(4,603

)

 

157,860

 

 

77,015

 

 

234,875

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-7


 

 

ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018

 

 

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

Note

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Profit before tax

 

 

 

 

7,725

 

 

1,106

 

 

11,332

 

Adjustments to reconcile profit before tax to net cash

   provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation

15,16,17

 

 

5,340

 

 

5,274

 

 

4,936

 

Impairment of property, plant and equipment

 

15

 

 

202

 

 

546

 

 

11

 

Amortization of prepaid land lease payments

 

16

 

 

 

 

 

 

38

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

18

 

 

62

 

 

50

 

 

44

 

Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment

7(a)

 

 

(239

)

 

(88

)

 

(93

)

Adjustment for (gain) loss on fair value of derivatives

7(e),7(f)

 

 

(3

)

 

(146

)

 

2

 

Dividend income

7(e)

 

 

(108

)

 

(109

)

 

(105

)

Finance income

7(d)

 

 

(320

)

 

(506

)

 

(482

)

Finance costs

7(c)

 

 

744

 

 

1,012

 

 

1,378

 

Share of loss of associates

 

19

 

 

1

 

 

3

 

 

3

 

Impairment (reversal of impairment) for trade receivables

7(b),12(a)

 

 

124

 

 

(122

)

 

570

 

(Reversal of impairment) impairment for trade receivables for related parties

7(a),7(b)

 

 

(11

)

 

 

 

1

 

(Reversal of impairment) impairment of other receivable

7(a),7(b)

 

 

(80

)

 

30

 

 

53

 

(Write-back of impairment) impairment of inventories

 

13

 

 

(240

)

 

(322

)

 

1,613

 

Unrealized foreign exchange difference, net

 

 

 

 

411

 

 

(503

)

 

(742

)

Noncash other operating income

 

 

 

 

(60

)

 

 

 

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade and other receivable, net

 

 

 

 

(1,899

)

 

16,031

 

 

27,993

 

Contract assets

 

 

 

 

(5,242

)

 

(3,160

)

 

(1,317

)

Inventories

 

 

 

 

(8,828

)

 

3,166

 

 

10,339

 

Prepayment and other current assets

 

 

 

 

(1,928

)

 

484

 

 

133

 

Amounts due to/from related parties

 

 

 

 

2,777

 

 

1,177

 

 

(1,422

)

Other non-current assets

 

 

 

 

42

 

 

(238

)

 

(55

)

Trade and other payables, accruals, other current liabilities and

   other non-current liabilities

 

 

 

 

19,917

 

 

(5,527

)

 

(8,518

)

Net cash flows provided by operating activities

 

 

 

 

18,387

 

 

18,158

 

 

45,712

 

Dividend received

 

 

 

 

108

 

 

109

 

 

105

 

Interest received

 

 

 

 

1,199

 

 

457

 

 

405

 

Interest paid

 

 

 

 

(613

)

 

(894

)

 

(1,216

)

Income tax paid

 

 

 

 

(2,706

)

 

(2,690

)

 

(4,357

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

 

 

16,375

 

 

15,140

 

 

40,649

 

Investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

 

28

 

 

(14,537

)

 

(5,442

)

 

(4,441

)

Purchases of intangible assets

 

18

 

 

(67

)

 

(20

)

 

(67

)

Purchases of investment properties

 

28

 

 

(1,762

)

 

 

 

 

Purchases of long-term bank deposits

 

 

 

 

(610

)

 

(272

)

 

(410

)

Purchases of short-term bank deposits

 

 

 

 

(3,617

)

 

(835

)

 

 

Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment

 

 

 

 

297

 

 

171

 

 

100

 

Net cash used in by investing activities

 

 

 

 

(20,296

)

 

(6,398

)

 

(4,818

)

Financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividend paid to non-controlling shareholders of subsidiaries

 

 

 

 

(1,208

)

 

(2,763

)

 

(2,206

)

Dividend paid to company's shareholders

23(b)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,106

)

Repayments of borrowings

 

 

 

 

(5,037

)

 

(19,811

)

 

(25,737

)

Repayments of borrowings - related parties

 

 

 

 

(639

)

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from borrowings

 

 

 

 

3,531

 

 

5,349

 

 

9,517

 

Proceeds from borrowings - related parties

 

 

 

 

6,000

 

 

 

 

 

Change in financial lease liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(46

)

Principal elements of lease payments

 

28

 

 

(586

)

 

(426

)

 

 

Effect from the changes in shareholding percentage in subsidiary

 

 

 

 

 

 

(298

)

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

 

 

 

2,061

 

 

(17,949

)

 

(19,578

)

Effect of exchange rate

 

 

 

 

424

 

 

2,102

 

 

(1,568

)

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 

 

(1,436

)

 

(7,105

)

 

14,685

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

 

10

 

 

53,673

 

 

60,778

 

 

46,093

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

 

10

 

 

52,237

 

 

53,673

 

 

60,778

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 

F-8


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

1.

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES AND CORPORATE INFORMATION

Asia Pacific Wire & Cable Corporation Limited (“APWC”), which is a subsidiary of Pacific Electric Wire & Cable Co., Ltd. (“PEWC”), a Taiwanese company, was incorporated as an exempted company in Bermuda on September 19, 1996 under the Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda (as amended) for the purpose of acting as a holding company. APWC is principally engaged in owning operating companies engaged in the power cable, telecommunication cable, enameled wire and electronic cable industry. APWC’s registered office is located at Victoria Place, 5th Floor, 31 Victoria Street, Hamilton HM 10, Bermuda. APWC’s executive business office is presently located in Taipei, Taiwan.

APWC’s operating subsidiaries (the “Operating Subsidiaries”) are engaged in the manufacturing and distribution of telecommunications, power cable and enameled wire products in Singapore, Thailand, Australia, the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”) and other markets in the Asia Pacific region. Major customers of the Operating Subsidiaries include government organizations, electric contracting firms, electrical dealers, and wire and cable factories. The Operating Subsidiaries also engage in the distribution of certain wire and cable products manufactured by PEWC and third parties. The Operating Subsidiaries also provides project engineering services in supply, delivery and installation (the “SDI”) of power cable to certain of its customers.

Since 1997, APWC has been a U.S. public company with its common shares registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC” or the “Commission”). On April 29, 2011, APWC’s common shares commenced trading on Nasdaq Capital Market tier. On February 15, 2013, APWC’s common shares started trading on the Nasdaq Global Market tier. On July 24, 2020, APWC transferred its listing of common shares to the Nasdaq Capital Market tier because of failing to meet the minimum Market Value of Publicly Held Shares ("MVPHS") requirement to continue listing on the Nasdaq Global Market.

PEWC is currently holding 75.5% of the equity of APWC and is APWC’s ultimate parent company

Share Capital Repurchase Program

APWC’s Board of Directors authorized a share capital repurchase program on August 28, 2012.  During 2012 and 2013, APWC repurchased 11,100 shares with total considerations of $38 until APWC suspended the share capital repurchase program as of June 30, 2013. APWC records the value of its common shares held in the treasury at cost.

On August 13, 2014, APWC announced that its Board of Directors authorized the future implementation of a share repurchase program of up to $1 million worth of its Common Shares. APWC did not announce a commencement date for that future share repurchase program, and, to date, it has not yet been implemented, and no financial liability has been recognized.

 

 


F-9


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

2.

BASIS OF PREPARATION

 

2.1

The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standard (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”).

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a historical basis except where otherwise disclosed in the accounting policies. The consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars and all values are rounded to the nearest thousand (US$’000), except when otherwise indicated.

 

2.2

Basis of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements comprise the financial statements of APWC and its subsidiaries (collectively as the “Company”) as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of operations of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.

Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date of acquisition (the date on which the Company obtains control), and continue to be consolidated until the date that such control ceases. The Company controls an entity when the Company is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. The financial statements of the subsidiaries are prepared for the same reporting period as the parent company, using consistent accounting policies. All intra-group balances, transactions, unrealized gains and losses and dividends resulting from intra-group transactions are eliminated in full.

Non-controlling interests in the results and equity of subsidiaries are shown separately in the consolidated income statements, statements of comprehensive income, statements of changes in equity and balance sheets, respectively. Total comprehensive income (loss) within a subsidiary is attributed to the non-controlling interest even if it results in a deficit balance.

A change in the ownership interest of a subsidiary, without a loss of control, is accounted for as an equity transaction. If the Company loses control over a subsidiary, it:

 

Derecognizes the assets (including goodwill) and liabilities of the subsidiary

 

Derecognizes the carrying amount of any non-controlling interest

 

Derecognizes the cumulative transaction differences recorded in equity

 

Recognizes the fair value of the consideration received

 

Recognizes the fair value of any investment retained

 

Recognizes any surplus or deficit in profit or loss

 

Reclassifies the parent’s share of components previously recognized in other comprehensive income to profit or loss or retained earnings, as appropriate, as would be required if the Company had directly disposed of the related assets or liability.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F-10


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

2.

BASIS OF PREPARATION (continued)

 

2.2

Basis of consolidation (continued)

The subsidiaries of the Company are set out below:

 

 

Percentage of equity interest

 

Place of incorporation and operations

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

The British Virgin Islands

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

APWC General Holdings Limited

 

 

100

%

 

 

100

%

PRC (APWC) Holding Ltd.

 

 

100

%

 

 

100

%

Samray Inc.

 

 

100

%

 

 

100

%

Siam (APWC) Holdings Ltd.

 

 

100

%

 

 

100

%

Moon View Ltd.

 

 

100

%

 

 

100

%

Trigent Investment Holdings Limited

 

 

100

%

 

 

100

%

Crown Century Holdings Ltd.

 

 

100

%

 

 

100

%

Singapore

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sigma Cable Company (Private) Limited (“Sigma Cable”)

 

 

98.30

%

 

 

98.30

%

Epan Industries Pte Ltd.

 

 

98.30

%

 

 

98.30

%

Singvale Pte Ltd.

 

 

100

%

 

 

100

%

The People’s Republic of China (“PRC”)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ningbo Pacific Cable Co., Ltd. (“Ningbo Pacific”)

 

 

97.93

%

 

 

97.93

%

Shanghai Yayang Electric Co., Ltd. (“SYE”)

 

 

68.75

%

 

 

68.75

%

Pacific Electric Wire & Cable (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. (“PEWS”)

 

 

97.93

%

 

 

97.93

%

Hong Kong

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Crown Century Holdings Limited (“CCH (HK)”)

 

 

97.93

%

 

 

97.93

%

Australia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Australia Pacific Electric Cable Pty Limited (“APEC”)

 

 

98.06

%

 

 

98.06

%

Thailand

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charoong Thai Wire and Cable Public Company Limited (“Charoong Thai”) (i)

 

 

50.93

%

 

 

50.93

%

Siam Pacific Electric Wire & Cable Company Limited (“Siam Pacific”)

 

 

50.93

%

 

 

50.93

%

Double D Cable Company Limited (“Double D”)

 

 

50.93

%

 

 

50.93

%

Hard Lek Limited.

 

 

73.98

%

 

 

73.98

%

APWC (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

 

 

99.48

%

 

 

99.48

%

PEWC (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

 

 

99.48

%

 

 

99.48

%

CTW Beta Co., Ltd.

 

 

50.89

%

 

 

50.89

%

Siam Fiber Optics Co., Ltd. (“SFO”) (ii)

 

 

45.84

%

 

 

45.84

%

Taiwan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asia Pacific New Energy Corporation Limited ("APNEC") (iii)

 

 

100.00

%

 

 

100.00

%

YASHIN Energy Corporation Limited ("YASHIN") (iii)

 

 

100.00

%

 

 

100.00

%

YADING Energy Corporation Limited ("YADING") (iii)

 

 

100.00

%

 

 

100.00

%

 

F-11


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

2.

BASIS OF PREPARATION (continued)

 

2.2

Basis of consolidation (continued)

 

 

(i)

Charoong Thai is listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand and is engaged in the manufacturing of wire and cable products for the power and telecommunications industries in Thailand.

 

 

(ii)

The directors have concluded that the Company controls SFO, even though it holds less than half of the voting rights of this subsidiary. This is because the Company is the largest shareholder with a 50.93% equity interest in Charoong Thai, which held a 90% equity interest of SFO.

 

On October 30, 2019, Charoong Thai acquired additional 30% interest in SFO for a total consideration of THB 9 million, thereby increasing the Company’s interest in SFO from 30.56% to 45.84%. The Company recorded the effect of change in shareholding of the subsidiaries, amounting to $40 under the caption of “Additional paid-in capital” in the consolidated statement of change in equity.  

 

 

 

 

F-12


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

3.SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The Company has consistently applied the following accounting policies to all periods presented in these consolidated financial statements, except as mentioned otherwise (see also Note 4.1).

 

3.1

Current versus non-current classification

The Company presents assets and liabilities in the balance sheets based on current and non-current classification. An asset is current when it is:

Expected to be realized or intended to be sold or consumed in the normal operating cycle;

 

Held primarily for the purpose of trading;

 

Expected to be realized within twelve months after the reporting period; or

 

Cash or cash equivalent unless restricted from being exchanged or used to settle a liability for at least twelve months after the reporting period.

All other assets are classified as non-current.

A liability is current when:

It is expected to be settled in a normal operating cycle;

 

It is held primarily for the purpose of trading;

 

It is due to be settled within twelve months after the reporting period; or

 

There is no unconditional right to defer the settlement of the liability for at least twelve months after the reporting period.

The Company classifies all other liabilities as non-current.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are classified as non-current assets and liabilities.

 

3.2

Operating profit

The operating profit is the profit earned from core business operations, and it does not include any profit earned from investment and the effects of interest and taxes.

 

3.3

Fair value measurement

The Company measures financial instruments at fair value at each balance sheet date. In addition, fair values of financial instruments measured at amortized cost are disclosed in Note 11(d).

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value measurement is based on the presumption that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability takes place either:

 

In the principal market for the asset or liability, or

 

In the absence of a principal market, in the most advantageous market for the asset or liability.

The principal or the most advantageous market must be accessible to by the Company.

The fair value of an asset or a liability is measured using the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, assuming that market participants act in their economic best interest.

 

F-13


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

3.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

3.3

Fair value measurement (continued)

A fair value measurement of a non-financial asset takes into account a market participant's ability to generate economic benefits by using the asset in its highest and best use or by selling it to another market participant that would use the asset in its highest and best use.

The Company uses valuation techniques that are appropriate in the circumstances and for which sufficient data are available to measure fair value, maximizing the use of relevant observable inputs and minimizing the use of unobservable inputs.

All assets and liabilities for which fair value is measured or disclosed in the financial statements are categorized within the fair value hierarchy, described as follows, based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole:

 

Level 1 — Quoted (unadjusted) market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities

 

Level 2 — Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the assets or liability, either directly or indirectly

 

Level 3 — Valuation techniques for which the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement is unobservable

For assets and liabilities that are recognized in the financial statements on a recurring basis, the Company determines whether transfers have occurred between levels in the hierarchy by re-assessing categorization (based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole) at the end of each reporting period.

For the purpose of fair value disclosures, the Company has determined classes of assets and liabilities on the basis of the nature, characteristics and risks of the asset or liability and the level of the fair value hierarchy as explained above.

 

3.4

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents in the consolidated balance sheet comprise of cash at banks and highly liquid investments with purchased maturities of three months or less, which are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.

For the purpose of the consolidated statements of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents are net of outstanding bank overdrafts as they are considered an integral part of the Company’s cash management.

The balance of bank overdraft was nil as of December 31, 2020 and 2019.

 

3.5

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost of manufactured goods is determined on the weighted average basis and, in the case of work in progress and finished goods, comprises direct materials, direct labor and an appropriate proportion of overheads based on the normal operating capacity. Cost of distributed goods is determined on the weighted average basis. Net realizable value is based on estimated selling prices less any estimated costs to be incurred to completion and the estimated cost necessary to make the sale.

 

F-14


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

3.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

3.6

Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Such cost includes the cost of replacing part of the property, plant and equipment and borrowing costs for long-term construction projects if the recognition criteria are met.

Expenditure incurred after items of property, plant and equipment have been put into operation, such as repairs and maintenance, is normally charged to profit or loss in the period in which it is incurred. In situations where the recognition criteria are satisfied, the expenditure for a major inspection is capitalized in the carrying amount of the asset as a replacement. When significant parts of property, plant and equipment are required to be replaced at intervals, the Company recognizes such parts as individual assets with specific useful lives and depreciates them accordingly.

Spare parts and servicing equipment are usually carried as inventory and recognized in profit or loss as consumed. However, major spare parts and stand-by equipment qualify as property, plant and equipment when an entity expects to use them for more than one year.

The present value of the expected cost for the decommissioning of an asset after its use is included in the cost of the respective asset if the recognition criteria for a provision are met. A provision shall be recognized when:

 

(a)

an entity has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event;

 

(b)

it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation; and

 

(c)

a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.

If these conditions are not met, no provision shall be recognized.

Depreciation

Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:

 

►      Buildings

20-30 years

►      Building improvement

  3-20 years

►      Machinery and equipment

  4-20 years

►      Motor vehicles

  3-10 years

►      Office equipment

  2-20 years

An item of property, plant and equipment and any significant part initially recognized is derecognized upon disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected from its use or disposal. 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 income statement when the asset is derecognized.

The assets’ residual values, useful lives and methods of depreciation are reviewed at each financial year end, and adjusted prospectively, if appropriate.

F-15


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

3.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

3.6

Property, plant and equipment (continued)

Impairment

If circumstances arise which indicate assets might be impaired, a review should be undertaken of their cash generating abilities through either use or sales. This review will produce an amount, which should be compared with the asset’s carrying value, and if the carrying value is higher, the difference must be written off as an impairment adjustment in the income statement. Further detailed methodology used for an impairment test is given in Note 3.11 - Impairment of non-financial assets.

 

3.7

Leases

From January 1, 2019

The Company assesses at contract inception whether a contract is, or contains, a lease. That is, the Company assesses whether the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration.

The Company as a lessee

The Company, as a lessee, applies a single accounting model to recognize assets and liabilities for all leases, except for the lease term is 12 months or less or the underlying asset has a low value. The Company recognizes lease liabilities to make lease payment and right-of-use assets representing the right to use the underlying assets.

(i) Right-of-use assets

The Company recognizes right-of-use assets at the commencement date of the lease (i.e., the date the underlying asset is available for use). Right-of-use assets are measured at cost, less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses, and adjusted for any remeasurement of lease liabilities. The cost of right-of-use assets includes the amount of lease liabilities recognized, initial direct costs incurred, and lease payment made at or before the commencement date less any lease incentives received. Right-of-use assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the lease term and the estimated useful lives of the assets, as follows:

Land use right  

2 to 37 years

Buildings

2 to  3 years

Motor vehicles

1 to  3 years

Office equipment

5        years

If the ownership of the leased asset transfers to the Company at the end of the lease term or the cost reflects the exercise of a purchase option, depreciation is calculated using the estimated useful life of the asset.

The right-of-use assets are also subject to impairment. Refer to the accounting policies Note 3.11 impairment of non-financial assets.

 

F-16


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

3.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

3.7

Leases (continued)

(ii) Lease liabilities

At the commencement date of the lease, the Company recognizes lease liabilities measured at the present value of lease payment to be made over the lease term. The lease payments include fixed payments (including in-substance fixed payments) less any lease incentives receivable, variable lease payments that depend on an index or a rate, and amounts expected to be paid under residual value guarantees. The lease payments also include the exercise price of a purchase option reasonably certain to be exercised by the Company and payments of penalties for terminating the lease, if the lease term reflects the Company exercising the option to terminate. Variable lease payments that do not depend on an index or a rate are recognized as expenses in the period in which the event or condition that triggers the payment occurs.

In calculating the present value of lease payments, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate at the lease commencement date because the interest rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable. After the commencement date, the amount of lease liabilities is increased to reflect the accretion of interest and reduced for the lease payments made. In addition, the carrying amount of lease liabilities is remeasured if there is a modification, a change in the lease term, a change in the lease payments (e.g. changes to future payments resulting from a change in an index or rate used to determine such lease payment) or a change in the assessment of an option to purchase the underlying asset.

(iii) Short-term leases and leases of low-value assets

The Company applies the short-term lease recognition exemption to its short-term leases. It also applies the lease of low-value assets recognition exemption to its leases that are considered of low value. Lease payments on short-term leases and leases of low-value assets are recognized as expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

The Company as a lessor

Leases for which the Company is a lessor are classified each of its leases as either an operating lease or finance lease.

Finance lease

Whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of an underlying asset, the lease is classified as a finance lease. Amount due from lessees under finance lease are recognized as receivables at the amount of the Company’s net investment in the leases. Finance lease income is allocated to accounting periods so as to reflect a constant periodic rate of return on the Company’s net investment outstanding in respect of the leases.

Operating lease

Leases in which the Company does not transfer substantially all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of an asset are classified as operating leases. Rental income arising is accounted for on a straight-line basis over the lease terms and is included in revenue in the consolidated income statements due to its operating nature. Initial direct costs incurred in negotiating and arranging an operating lease are added to the carrying amount of the leased asset and recognized over the lease term on the same basis as rental income. Contingent rents are recognized as revenue in the period in which they are earned.

Property (land and/or a building, or part of a building) subject to an operating lease shall be recognized as an investment property.

 

F-17


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

3.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

3.7

Leases (continued)

Prior to January 1, 2019

The determination of whether an arrangement is, or contains, a lease is based on the substance of the arrangement at the inception date. The arrangement is assessed for whether fulfillment of the arrangement is dependent on the use of a specific asset or assets or the arrangement conveys a right to use the asset or assets, even if that right is not explicitly specified in an arrangement.

Finance leases

Finance leases that transfer substantially all the risks and benefits incidental to ownership of the leased item to the Company, are capitalized at the commencement of the lease at the fair value of the leased property or, if lower, at the present value of the minimum lease payments. Lease payments are apportioned between the finance charges and reduction of the lease liability to achieve a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability. Finance charges are recognized in finance costs in the income statement.

A leased asset is depreciated over the useful life of the asset. However, if there is no reasonable certainty that the Company will obtain ownership by the end of the lease term, the asset is depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset and the lease term.

Operating leases

Operating lease payments are recognized as an operating expense in the income statement on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Prepaid land lease payments under operating leases are initially stated at cost and subsequently recognized on the straight-line basis over the lease terms. The prepaid land lease payments are presented as current or non-current assets on the face of balance sheet, depending on the amount to be recognized less or more than twelve months after the reporting period.

 

3.8

Borrowing costs

Borrowing costs are required to be capitalized as part of the cost of the asset if they are directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or productions of a qualifying asset (whether or not the funds have been borrowed specifically). All other borrowing costs are recognized as an expense in the period in which they are incurred.

A qualifying asset is an asset that necessarily takes a substantial period to get ready for its intended use or sale.

Borrowing costs consist of interest and other costs that an entity incurs in connection with the borrowing of funds.

 

 

 

 

F-18


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

3.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

3.8

Borrowing costs (continued)

Borrowing costs include:

 

interest expense calculated using the effective interest method;

 

finance charges in respect of lease liabilities; and

 

exchange differences arising from foreign currency borrowings to the extent that they are regarded as an adjustment to interest costs. Exchange differences are generally regarded as borrowing costs only to the extent that the combined borrowing costs, including exchange differences, approximate the amount of borrowing costs on functional currency equivalent borrowings.

For specific borrowings, the borrowing costs eligible for capitalization are the actual borrowing costs incurred related to funds that are borrowed specifically to obtain a qualifying asset less any investment income earned on the temporary investment of those borrowings.

For general borrowings, the capitalization rate applied to borrowing costs on the consolidation level will be based on cash management strategy, which might be the weighted average of the group borrowings outstanding during the period.

 

3.9

Investment properties

Investment properties are properties held to earn rentals and/or for capital appreciation (including property under construction for such purposes). Investment properties are measured initially at cost, including transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, investment properties are carried at historical cost less provisions for depreciation and impairment. Additional costs incurred subsequent to the acquisition of an asset increase the carrying amount of the asset or recognized as a separate asset if it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the assets will flow into the Company and the cost of an asset can be measured reliably. Routine maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. While land is not depreciated, all other investment property is depreciated based on the respective assets estimated useful lives ranging from 20 to 40 years using the straight-line method.

The estimated useful lives, residual values and depreciation method are reviewed at the end of each reporting period, with the effect of any changes in estimate accounted for on a prospective basis. An investment property is derecognized upon disposal or when the investment property is permanently withdrawn from use and no future economic benefits are expected from the disposal. Any gain or loss arising on derecognition of the property (calculated as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset) is included in income or loss in the period in which the property is derecognized.

International Accounting Standards (“IAS”) 40 requires disclosures about the fair value of any investment property recorded at cost. See Note 17 – Investment Properties.

 

F-19


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

3.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

3.10

Financial instruments

 

A financial instrument is a contract that gives rise to a financial asset of one entity and a financial liability or equity instrument of another entity.

(i) Financial assets

Classification and measurement

Except for certain trade receivables, the company initially measures a financial asset at its fair value plus, in the case of a financial asset not at fair value through profit or loss, transaction costs directly attributable to the acquisition or issue of the financial asset. Financial instruments are subsequently measured at amortized cost, fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI) or fair value through profit or loss (FVPL). The classification is based on two criteria: the objective of the company’s business model for managing the assets; and whether the instruments’ contractual cash flows represent ‘solely payments of principal and interest’ on the principal amount outstanding (the ‘SPPI criterion’).

The classification and measurement of financial assets is as follows:

 

Debt instruments at amortized cost

Financial assets meeting both conditions: (i) held within a business model whose objective is to hold financial assets in order to collect contractual cash flows, and (ii)  the contractual terms of the financial assets give arise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding, are measured subsequent to initial recognition at amortized cost.

 

The amortized cost of a financial asset is the amount at which the financial asset is measured at initial recognition minus the principal repayments, plus the cumulative amortization using the effective interest rate (“EIR”) method of any difference between that initial amount and the maturity amount, adjusted for any loss allowance. Interest income, foreign exchange gains and losses, and any impairment charges for such instruments are recognized in profit or loss.  

 

The Company’s financial assets at amortized costs include cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, other receivable, and the receivable from related party.

 

Debt instruments at FVOCI with gains or losses recycled to profit or loss on derecognition

Financial assets that are held within a business model whose objective is to hold financial assets in order to both collecting contractual cash flows and selling financial assets, and that the contractual terms of the financial assets give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding. Interest income, foreign exchange gains and losses, and any impairment charges on such instruments are recognized in profit or loss. All other fair value gains and losses are recognized in OCI. On disposal of these debt instruments, any related balance with FVOCI reserve is reclassified to profit or loss.

 

F-20


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

3.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

3.10

Financial instruments (continued)

(i) Financial assets (continued)

 

Equity instruments designated at FVOCI with no recycling of gains or losses on derecognition

These instruments are undertakings in which the Company does not have significant influence or control, generally evidenced by ownership of less than 20% of the voting rights. The Company designates these investments on an instrument by instrument basis as equity securities at FVOCI because they represent investments held for long term strategic purposes.

Investments in equity instruments at FVOCI are initially measured at fair value plus transaction costs. Subsequently, they are measured at fair value with gains and losses arising from changes in fair value recognized in OCI. These investments are not subject to impairment testing and upon disposal, the cumulative gain or loss in OCI is not reclassified to profit or loss on disposal. Dividends from such investments continue to be recognized in profit or loss when the Company’s right to receive payments is established.

The Company elected to classify irrevocably its non-listed equity investments under this category.

 

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss (FVPL)

Assets that do not meet the criteria for amortized cost or FVOCI are measured at FVPL. A gain or loss on a debt instrument that is subsequently measured at FVPL is recognized in profit or loss in the period in which it arises.

Even if an instrument meets the two requirements to be measured at amortized cost or FVOCI, the Company may, at initial recognition, irrevocably designate a financial asset as measured at FVPL if doing so eliminates or significantly reduces a measurement or recognition inconsistency.

Changes in the fair value of financial assets at FVPL are recognized in the statement of profit or loss as applicable.

Reclassification

When, and only, the Company changes its business model for managing financial assets it shall reclassify all affected financial assets according to the classification and measurement criteria discussed earlier. If the Company reclassifies financial assets, it shall apply the reclassification prospectively from the reclassification date and shall not restate any previously recognized gains, losses (including impairment gains or losses) or interest.

 

 

F-21


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

3.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

3.10

Financial instruments (continued)

(i) Financial assets (continued)

Derecognition

A financial asset (or, where applicable, a part of a financial asset or part of a group of similar financial assets) is primarily derecognized (i.e. removed from the Company’s consolidated balance sheet) when and only when:

(a)  the rights to receive cash flows from the asset have expired, or

(b) the Company has transferred its rights to receive cash flows from the asset, or has assumed an obligation to pay the received cash flows in full without material delay to one or more recipients under a “pass-through” arrangement; and either (i) the Company has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset, or (ii) the Company has neither transferred nor retained substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset but has transferred control of the asset.

When the Company has transferred its rights to receive cash flows from an asset or has entered into a pass-through arrangement, it evaluates the extent to which, it has retained the risks and rewards of ownership. When it has neither transferred nor retained substantially all of the risks and rewards of the asset and has not transferred the control of the assets, the Company continues to recognize the transferred asset to the extent of its continuing involvement. In that case, the Company also recognizes an associated liability. The transferred asset and the associated liability are measured on a basis that reflects the rights and obligations that the Company has retained.

Continuing involvement that takes the form of a guarantee over the transferred asset is measured at the lower of the original carrying amount of the asset and the maximum amount of consideration that the Company could be required to repay (“the guarantee amount”).

(ii) Financial liabilities

Classification and measurement

Financial liabilities are classified, at initial recognition, as financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss, loans and borrowings, payables, or as derivatives designated as hedging instruments in an effective hedge, as appropriate.  

All financial liabilities are recognized initially at fair value and, net of directly attributable transaction costs in the case of loans and borrowings.

The Company’s financial liabilities include trade and other payables, bank overdrafts and interest-being loans and borrowings. These financial liabilities represent liabilities for goods and services provided to the Company and refund liabilities arising from contracts with customers. Trade payable are non-interest bearing and are normally settled on 60-day terms. The refund liabilities are rebate and discounts for the sale of goods to external customers in the ordinary course of the Company’s activities. Trade and other payables are presented as current liabilities unless payment is not due within 12 months after the reporting period. They are recognized initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortized cost using the EIR method.

After initial recognition, interest-bearing loans and borrowings are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the EIR method. Gains and losses are recognized in profit or loss when the liabilities are derecognized as well as through the EIR amortization process.

F-22


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

3.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

3.10

Financial instruments (continued)

(ii) Financial liabilities (continued)

Classification and measurement (continued)

Amortized cost is calculated by taking into account any discount or premium on acquisition and fees or costs that are an integral part of the EIR. The EIR amortization is included as finance costs in the income statement.

Derecognition

A financial liability is derecognized when the obligation under the liability is discharged, cancelled, or expires. When an existing financial liability is replaced by another from the same lender on substantially different terms or the terms of an existing liability are substantially modified, such an exchange or modification is treated as the derecognition of the original liability and the recognition of a new liability. The difference in the respective carrying amounts is recognized in the income statement.

(iii) Foreign currency forward contracts

Non-hedging derivatives are initially recognized at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered into and recorded as financial assets or financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss. They are subsequently re-measured at fair value, and the gains or losses are recognized in profit or loss.

(iv) Impairment of financial instruments

The following financial instruments are included within the scope of the impairment requirements in IFRS 9 Financial Instruments:

(a)   Financial assets measured at amortized cost;

(b)   Financial assets mandatorily measured at FVOCI;

(c)   Loan commitments when there is a present obligation to extend credit (except where these are

        measured at FVPL);

(d)   Financial guarantee contracts to which IFRS 9 is applied (except those measured at FVPL);

(e)   Lease receivables within the scope of IFRS 16 Leases from January 1, 2019 and IAS 17 prior to

January 1, 2019.

(f)   Contract assets within the scope of IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers.

From January 1, 2018, the Company assesses on a forward looking basis the expected credit losses (ECLs) associated with its debt instruments carried at amortized cost and FVOCI. The impairment methodology applied depends on whether there has been a significant increase in credit risk.

With the exception of purchased or originated credit impaired financial assets, ECLs are required to be measured through a loss allowance at an amount equal to:

(a)  credit risk has not increased significantly since initial recognition – recognize 12-month ECLs , and recognize interest on a gross basis; or

(b) credit risk has increased significantly since initial recognition – recognize lifetime ECL, and recognize interest on a gross basis.  

A loss allowance for full lifetime ECLs is required for contract assets or trade receivables that do not constitute a financing transaction in accordance with IFRS 15. The Company may select its accounting policy for contract assets and trade receivables, containing a significant financing component and lease receivables to measure the loss allowance at an amount equal to lifetime ECLs.

F-23


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

3.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

3.10

Financial instruments (continued)

For trade receivables and contract assets, the Company applies the simplified approach permitted by IFRS 9, which requires expected lifetime losses to be recognized from initial recognition of the receivables, see Note 12(c) for further details.  

The Company recognizes in profit or loss, the amount of expected credit losses (or reversal) that is required to adjust the loss allowance at the reporting date to the amount that is required to be recognized.

(v) Offsetting of financial instruments

Financial assets and financial liabilities are offset and the net amount is reported in the consolidated statement of financial position if when the following conditions are met: (i) there is a currently enforceable legal right to offset the recognized amounts; and (ii) there is an intention to settle on a net basis, to realize the assets and settle the liabilities simultaneously.

(vi) Fair value of financial instruments

The fair value of financial instruments that are traded in active markets at each reporting date is determined by reference to quoted market prices or dealer price quotations (bid price for long positions and ask price for short positions), without any deduction for transaction costs.

For financial instruments not traded in an active market, the fair value is determined using appropriate valuation techniques. Such techniques may include:

 

Recent arm’s length market transactions

 

Current fair value of another instrument that is substantially the same

 

A discounted cash flow analysis or other valuation models

 

F-24


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

3.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

3.11

Impairment of non-financial assets

The Company assesses, at each reporting date, whether there is an indication that an asset may be impaired. If any indication exists, or when annual impairment testing for an asset is required, the Company estimates the asset’s recoverable amount. An asset’s recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s or cash-generating unit’s (“CGU”) fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. A CGU is the smallest group of assets that generates cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash flows from other assets or groups of assets. Recoverable amount is determined for an individual asset, unless the asset does not generate cash inflows that are largely independent of those from other assets or Company of assets. When the carrying amount of an asset or CGU exceeds its recoverable amount, the asset is considered impaired and is written down to its recoverable amount.

In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. In determining fair value less costs to sell, recent market transactions are taken into account. If no such transactions can be identified, an appropriate valuation model is used. These calculations are corroborated by valuation multiples, quoted share prices for publicly traded companies or other available fair value indicators.

The Company bases its impairment calculation on detailed budgets and forecast calculations, which are prepared separately for each of the Company’s CGUs to which the individual assets are allocated. These budgets and forecast calculations generally cover a period of five years. For longer periods, a long-term growth rate is calculated and applied to project future cash flows after the fifth year.

Impairment losses of continuing operations are recognized in the income statement in expense categories consistent with the function of the impaired asset.

For assets excluding goodwill, an assessment is made at each reporting date to determine whether there is an indication that previously recognized impairment losses no longer exist or have decreased. If such indication exists, the Company estimates the asset’s or CGU’s recoverable amount. A previously recognized impairment loss is reversed only if there has been a change in the assumptions used to determine the asset’s recoverable amount since the last impairment loss was recognized. The reversal is limited so that the carrying amount of the asset does not exceed its recoverable amount, nor exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation, had no impairment loss been recognized for the asset in prior years. Such reversal is recognized in the consolidated income statement.

 

 

 

F-25


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

3.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

3.12

Intangible assets

Computer software

The costs of acquiring software is capitalized separately as an intangible asset on the basis of the costs incurred to acquire and bring to use the specific software. Acquired software (licenses) is stated at cost less accumulated amortization and impairment losses.

Amortization of software applications is charged to operating expenses and/or cost on a straight-line basis over 2 to 10 years from the date they are available for use.

The residual values and useful lives are reviewed at each balance sheet date and adjusted, if appropriate.

 

3.13

Taxes

Current income tax

Current income tax assets and liabilities for the current period are measured at the amount expected to be recovered from or paid to the taxation authorities.  The tax rates and tax laws used to compute the amount are those that are enacted or substantively enacted, at the reporting date in the countries where the Company operates.

Current income tax relating to items recognized directly in equity is recognized in equity and not in the income statement. Management periodically evaluates positions taken in the tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulations are subject to interpretation and establishes provisions where appropriate.

Deferred tax

Deferred tax is provided using the liability method on temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes at the reporting date.

Deferred tax liabilities are recognized for all taxable temporary differences, except:

 

When the deferred tax liability arises from the initial recognition of goodwill or an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business combination and, at the time of the transaction, affects neither the accounting profit nor taxable profit or loss; or

 

In respect of taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, associates and interests in joint ventures, when the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences can be controlled and it is probable that the temporary differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

Deferred tax assets are recognized for all deductible temporary differences, the carry forward of unused tax credits and any unused tax losses. Deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary differences, and the carry forward of unused tax credits and unused tax losses can be utilized, except:

 

When the deferred tax asset relating to the deductible temporary difference arises from the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business combination and, at the time of the transaction, affects neither the accounting profit nor taxable profit or loss; or


F-26


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

3.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

3.13

Taxes (continued)

Deferred tax (continued)

 

In respect of deductible temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, associates and interests in joint ventures, deferred tax assets are recognized only to the extent that it is probable that the temporary differences will reverse in the foreseeable future and taxable profit will be available against which the temporary differences can be utilized.

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred tax asset to be utilized. Unrecognized deferred tax assets are reassessed at each reporting date and are recognized to the extent that it has become probable that future taxable profits will allow the deferred tax asset to be recovered.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the year when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date.

The tax expense for the period comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognized in profit or loss, except to the extent that it relates to items recognized in other comprehensive income or items recognized directly in equity, in which cases the tax is recognized in other comprehensive income or equity. Deferred tax relating to items recognized outside profit or loss is recognized outside profit or loss.

Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are offset if a legally enforceable right exists to set off current tax assets against current income tax liabilities and the deferred taxes relate to the same taxable entity and the same taxation authority.

Uncertain tax position

An entity’s tax position might be uncertain; for example, where the tax treatment of an item of expense or structured transaction may be challenged by the tax authorities.

The Company considers each uncertain tax positions individually, by first considering whether each position taken in the tax return is probable of being sustained on examination by the taxing authority, and recognizing a liability for each item that is not probable of being sustained. The liability then is measured using a single best estimate of the most likely outcome. The uncertain tax positions are presented in the current tax liabilities.

 

 

 

 

F-27


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

3.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

3.14

Revenue recognition

The Company generates revenue primarily from the sales of wires and cables and supply, delivery and installation services to its customers (see Note 5(e)).

Revenue from contract with customers is recognized when (or as) control of the goods or services (i.e. assets) are transferred to the customer at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The Company has concluded that it is the principal in its revenue arrangements because it controls the goods or services before transferring them to the customer. The Company has certain contracts with customers to perform fabrication services for its customers, converting customer-owned raw materials to wire and cable products. The Company is responsible for fulfilling the promise to provide the specified services.

Revenue is recognized as control is passed, either over time or at a point in time.

The Company recognizes revenue over time if one of the following criteria is met:

(a) the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided by the Company’s performance as the entity performs;

(b) the Company’s performance creates or enhances an asset (for example, work in progress) that the customer controls as the asset is created or enhanced; or

(c) the Company’s performance does not create an asset with an alternative use to the Company and the Company has an enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date.

If the Company does not satisfy its performance obligation over time, it satisfies it at a point in time. Revenue will therefore be recognized when control is passed at a certain point in time. Factors that may indicate the point in time at which control passes include, but are not limited to:

(a) the entity has a present right to payment for the asset;

(b) the customer has legal title to the asset;

(c) the entity has transferred physical possession of the asset;

(d) the customer has the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the asset; or

(e) the customer has accepted the asset.

When (or as) a performance obligation is satisfied, the Company recognizes as revenue the amount of the transaction price that is allocated to that performance obligation.

While deferred payment terms may be agreed in certain circumstances, the deferral never exceeds twelve months.  The Company applies the practical expedient not to adjust the promised amount of consideration for the effects of a significant financing component if the Company expects, at contract inception, that the period between when the Company transfers a promised good or service to a customer and when the customer pays for that good or service will be one year or less.

 


F-28


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

3.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

3.14

Revenue recognition (continued)

Sales of wires and cables

Revenue from sales of wires and cables is recognized at the point in time when control of the asset is transferred to the customer, generally on delivery of the wires and cables.

Variable consideration

If the consideration in a contract includes a variable amount, the Company estimates the amount of consideration to which it will be entitled in exchange for transferring the goods to the customer. The variable consideration is estimated at a contract inception and constrained until it is highly probable that a significant revenue reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the associated uncertainty with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved.

The amount of consideration can vary because of discounts, rebates, refunds, credits, price concessions, incentives, performance bonuses, penalties or other similar items. The promised consideration can also vary if a Company’s entitlement to the consideration is contingent on the occurrence or non-occurrence of a future event.

The Company estimates an amount of variable consideration by using either of (a) the expected value, or (b) the most likely amount, depending on which the Company expects to better predict the amount of consideration to which it will be entitled.

At the end of each reporting period, the Company updates the estimated transaction price (including updating its assessment of whether an estimate of variable consideration is constrained) to represent faithfully the circumstances present at the end of the reporting period and the changes in circumstances during the reporting period. The Company allocates any subsequent changes in the transaction price to the performance obligations on the same basis as at contract inception.

SDI

The Company’s supply, delivery and installation services are closely interrelated in terms of their ultimate purpose or use and the customer is able to specify the major structural elements of the design. Revenue from SDI is recognized when the Company satisfies performance obligations which occurs when the control of either goods or services are transferred to the customer. Transfer of control to a customer can occur either over a period of time or at a single point in time, and the transfer of controls depends on the scope of service work orders.

Service work order that involves supply of cables, installation and/or labor (e.g. maintenance or repairing service) are not distinct and are identified to be one performance obligation satisfied over time since the elements of the service work order are highly interrelated, customized and modified for the customer. The Company selects an input method (cost-to-cost) to measure the progress toward satisfaction of the performance obligation. The Company’s estimate about revenue, costs and progress towards complete satisfaction of a performance obligation may revise when there is a change in circumstances. Any increase or decrease in revenue or costs due to an estimate revision is reflected in profit or loss during the period when the management become aware of the changes in circumstances.

    

F-29


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

3.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

3.14

Revenue recognition (continued)

Custodial and transportation services under bill and hold arrangement

A bill and hold arrangement is a contract under which an entity bills a customer for a product but the entity retains physical possession of the product until it is transferred to the customer at a point in time in the future. The Company identifies multiple performance obligations for its bill and hold arrangements, including sales of wires and cables, custodial service and transportation service.

Sales of wires and cables are recognized revenue when the products are placed into warehouse and the customer has accepted the products because the control of the products has transferred to the customer.

Custodial service revenue and transportation service are recognized over time. The transaction price allocated to these services is recognized as a contract liability at the time of the initial sales transaction and released on actual basis over the period of services. 

Onerous operating contracts

Onerous contract is a type of contract in which the costs of meeting the obligations under the contract are higher than the economic benefits received under the contract.

 

The Company has contracts to supply products that may become onerous due to changing circumstances. The Company establishes the unavoidable costs of meeting the obligations under the contract as an accrued liability for the contractual responsibilities. For example, when rising copper price renders a contract onerous, the liability is calculated based on the difference between the lock-in purchase copper price, or the copper price on the London Metal Exchange (the “LME”) at reporting date and the prices determined in the contracts, if the difference exceeds the profit of the original contract.  The unavoidable costs exceeding the profit of the contract is recognized in cost of sales or other operating expense based on the nature of the unavoidable costs.

 

 

F-30


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

3.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

3.15

Foreign currencies

The Company’s consolidated financial statements are presented in USD, which is also the parent company’s functional currency. For each entity the Company determines the functional currency and items included in the financial statements of each entity are measured using that functional currency.

Transactions and balances

Transactions in foreign currencies are initially recorded by the Company’s entities at their respective functional currency spot rates at the date the transaction first qualifies for recognition.

Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the functional currency spot rates of exchange at the reporting date.

Differences arising on settlement or translation of monetary items are recognized in profit or loss with the exception of monetary items that are designated as part of the hedge of the Company’s net investment of a foreign operation. These are recognized in other comprehensive income until the net investment is disposed of, at which time, the cumulative amount is reclassified to profit or loss. Tax charges and credits attributable to exchange differences on those monetary items are also recorded in other comprehensive income.

Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates at the dates of the initial transactions. Non-monetary items measured at fair value in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates at the date when the fair value is determined. The gain or loss arising on translation of non-monetary items measured at fair value is treated in line with the recognition of gain or loss on change in fair value of the item (i.e., translation differences on items whose fair value gain or loss is recognized in other comprehensive income or profit or loss are also recognized in other comprehensive income or profit or loss, respectively).

Translation to the presentation currency

The results and financial position of an entity whose functional currency are translated into a different presentation currency using the following procedures:

 

a.

assets and liabilities for each balance sheet presented are translated at the closing rate at the date of that balance sheet;

 

b.

income and expenses for each statement presenting profit or loss and other comprehensive income (i.e. including comparatives) are translated at exchange rates at the dates of the transactions;

 

c.

all resulting exchange differences shall be recognized in other comprehensive income; and

 

d.

for equity items, the historical rate is used; therefore, these equity items are not retranslated.

 

 

F-31


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

3.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

3.16

Employee benefits

The Company has both defined contribution and defined benefit obligation. The liabilities of the Company arising from defined benefit obligations, and the related current service cost, are determined using the projected unit credit method.

For defined benefit plans, the cost charged to the income statement consists of current service cost, net interest cost and past service cost. Remeasurements comprising of actuarial gains and losses are recognized in the period in which they occur, directly in other comprehensive income. They are included in other comprehensive income in the statement of changes in equity and in balance sheet. Remeasurements are not reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods. Contributions to defined contribution plans are charged to the income statement as incurred.  All past service costs are recognized at the earlier of when the amendment occurs.

Compensated absence

The cost of accumulating paid absences is recognized when employees render the service that increases their entitlement to future paid absences.

The cost of accumulating paid absences is measured as the additional amount that the entity expects to pay as a result of the unused entitlement that has accumulated at the end of the reporting period.

 

3.17

Earnings per share

The Company presents basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) data for its common shares. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing the net income attributable to shareholders of the Company by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, adjusted for own shares held.

In calculating diluted EPS, the number of shares should be that used in calculating the basic EPS, plus the weighted average number of shares that would be issued on the conversion of all the dilutive potential common shares into common shares. The earnings figure should be that used for basic EPS adjusted to reflect any post-tax effects from changes that would arise if the potential shares outstanding in the period were actually issued.

 

 

F-32


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

3.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

3.18

Treasury shares

Own equity instruments that are reacquired (treasury shares) are recognized at cost and deducted from equity.  No gain or loss is recognized in the profit or loss on the purchase, sale, issue or cancellation of the Company’s own equity instruments. Any difference between the carrying amount and the consideration, if reissued, is recognized in additional paid-in capital. Voting rights related to treasury shares are nullified and no dividends are allocated to them.

 

3.19

Investments in an associate

The Company’s investment in its associates are accounted for using the equity method. An associate is an entity in which the Company has significant influence. Under the equity method, the investment is initially recognized at cost. The carrying amount of the investment is adjusted to recognize changes in the Company’s share of net assets of the associate since the acquisition date. Goodwill relating to the associate is included in the carrying amount of the investment and is neither amortized nor individually tested for impairment.

The income statement reflects the Company’s share of the results of operations of the associate. Any change in other comprehensive income of those investees is presented as part of the Company’s other comprehensive income.  When there has been a change recognized directly in the equity of the associate, the Company recognizes its share of any changes, when applicable, in the statement of changes in equity. Unrealized gains and losses resulting from transactions between the Company and the associate are eliminated to the extent of the interest in the associate.

The Company’s share of profit or loss of an associate is shown on the face of the income statement and represents profits or loss after tax and non-controlling interests in the subsidiaries of the associate.

The financial statements of the associate are prepared for the same reporting period as the Company. When necessary, adjustments are made to bring the accounting policies in line with those of the Company.

After application of the equity method, the Company determines whether it is necessary to recognize an impairment loss on its investment in its associate. The Company determines at each reporting date whether there is any objective evidence that the investment in associates is impaired. If this is the case, the Company calculates the amount of impairment as the difference between the recoverable amount of the associate and its carrying value and recognizes the amount in share of losses of associates in the income statement.

Upon loss of significant influence over the associate, the Company measures and recognizes any retained investment at its fair value. Any difference between the carrying amount of the associate upon loss of significant influence and the fair value of the retaining investment and proceeds from disposal is recognized in profit or loss.

 

F-33


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

3.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

3.20

Government grant

Government grants are recognized where there is reasonable assurance that the grant will be received and all attached conditions will be complied with. When the grant relates to an expense item, it is recognized as other income on a systematic basis over the periods that the related costs, which it is intended to compensate, are expensed.  When the grant relates to an asset, it is recognized as a liability in equal amounts over the expected useful life of the related asset.

For the year ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the government grant received $973, $425 and $106, respectively, the Company recognized in the line item of other income, refer to Note 7(e).

 

3.21

Non-current assets held for sale

The Company classifies non-current assets and disposal groups as held for sale/distribution to owners if their carrying amounts will be recovered principally through a sale/distribution rather than through continuing use. Non-current assets and disposal groups are measured at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell. The criteria for held for sale classification is regarded met only when the sale is highly probable and the asset or disposal group is available for immediate sale in its present condition. Management must be committed to the sale, which should be expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale within one year from the date of classification.  

Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets once classified as held for sale/distribution to owners are not depreciated or amortized.

When equity method investments are classified as held for sale, the investor discontinues the use of the equity method from the date that the investment (or the portion of it) is classified as held for sale; instead, the associate or joint venture is then measured at the lower of its carrying amount and fair value less cost to sell.

 

3.22

Finance and other income

Interest income

Interest revenue shall be calculated by using the effective interest method. This shall be calculated by applying the effective interest rate to the gross carrying amount of a financial asset except for:

(a) purchased or originated credit-impaired financial assets. For those financial assets, the entity shall apply the credit-adjusted effective interest rate to the amortized cost of the financial asset from initial recognition.

(b) financial assets that are not purchased or originated credit-impaired financial assets but subsequently have become credit-impaired financial assets. For those financial assets, the Company applies the effective interest rate to the amortized cost of the financial asset in subsequent reporting periods.

Rental income

Rental income arising from operating leases on investment properties is accounted for on a straight-line basis over the lease terms and is included in other operating income due to its operating nature.

Dividends

Revenue is recognized when the company’s right to receive the payment is established, which is generally when shareholders approve the dividend.

 

 

F-34


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

 

3.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

3.23

Significant accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions

The preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities, and the accompanying disclosures, and the disclosure of contingent liabilities. Uncertainty about these assumptions and estimates could result in outcomes that require a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets or liabilities affected in future periods.

Judgements

In the process of applying the Company’s accounting policies, management has made the following judgements, which have the most significant effect on the amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements:

Revenue recognition - identifying single performance obligation in SDI projects  

SDI projects comprise various activities such as supply cables, installation, jointing services and testing services. Those tasks are activities to fulfil the cable management service (supply and installation) and not a separate promise within the context of the contract. The Company determines the supply cables and installation services are not capable of being distinct and identifies to be one performance obligation because of (i) the customer could not benefit from the installed cables on its own, neither using it or to sell it for an amount greater than scrap value; (ii) the Company is providing a significant integration service, and it would not be able to fulfil its promise to transfer the cables separately from its promise to the subsequent installation; (iii) the cables and installation are highly interrelated, and the customer could not benefit from the cables being delivered without subsequent installation.

Estimates and assumptions

The key assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting date, that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year, are described below. The Company based its assumptions and estimates on parameters available when the consolidated financial statements were prepared. Existing circumstances and assumptions about future developments, however, may change due to market changes or circumstances arising beyond the control of the Company. Such changes are reflected in the assumptions when they occur.

Impairment of non-financial assets

At each reporting date or whenever events indicate that the asset’s value has declined or significant changes in the market with an adverse effect have taken place, the Company assesses whether there is an indication that an asset in the scope of IAS 36 may be impaired. If any indication exists, the Company completes impairment testing for the CGU to which the individual assets belong. Where the carrying amount of an asset or CGU exceeds its recoverable amount, the asset is considered impaired and is written down to its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount of an individual asset or CGU is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. The fair value less costs of disposal (FVLCD) calculation is based on available data from binding sale arrangements, conducted at arm’s length, for similar assets or observable market prices less incremental costs for disposal of the assets. The value in use (VIU) is measured at the net present value of the future cash flows the entity expects to derive from the asset or CGU. Cash flow projection involves subjective judgments and estimates which include the estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment, capacity that generates future cash flows, capacity of physical output, potential fluctuations of economic cycle in the industry and the Company’s operating situation.

 

F-35


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

3.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

3.23

Significant accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions (continued)

Impairment of non-financial assets (continued)

Due to the implications of COVID-19 on global asset prices, availability of capital and risk appetites of market participants, the price may appear to be “distress sale” requiring adjustment in the fair value estimation. However, other than in extreme cases, such decreases in value should not be adjusted for a lack of current information or declines in trading. In addition, the FVLCD may not have the quoted price for the calculation because there may have been a significant reduction in trading volumes for a particular asset listed on a public market. Due to the difficulties in determining FVLCD, it is therefore more practical, where possible, to use VIU as recoverable amount.

When determining VIU, it is important that the estimates of future cash flows are realistic. However,, in the current environment, models of the future will need to incorporate unprecedented shock, as decreases in asset values, decline in demand for goods and services and supply chain disruptions may be dissimilar to any previously encountered scenario. This will make forecasting particularly difficult.

The Company recognized an impairment loss of $198 at Sigma Cable due to lack of profitability and certain machinery and equipment would not generate the expected future cash flows. See Note 15 – Property, Plant and Equipment.

Fair value of financial instruments

Where the fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities recorded in the balance sheet cannot be derived from active markets, they are determined using valuation techniques including income approach (for example, the discounted cash flows model) or the market approach. Changes in assumptions about these factors could affect the reported fair value of the financial instruments. Please refer to Note 11 for more details.

Measurement of ECL allowance for trade receivables

The Company applies the IFRS 9 simplified approach to measure lifetime expected loss allowance for trade receivables. To measure the expected credit losses, trade receivables have been grouped based on shared credit risk characteristics and the days past due. The expected loss rates are based on the payment profiles of the sales over a period of 36 month before December 31, 2020 and the historical credit loss experience within this period. The historical loss rates are adjusted to reflect current and forward-looking information on general economic conditions affecting the ability of the customers to settle the receivables. The Company has identified the default rate of the countries where it sells the goods and services as the most relevant factor and adjusts the historical loss rates based on the expected changes accordingly.

In addition, COVID-19 has impacted the ability of certain customers to settle the trade receivables, it may lead to a significant increase in the loss rate for trade receivables. Therefore, the Company considered how the timing and amount of cash flows generated by outstanding trade receivables might be affected and increase loss rates as necessary. The Company may consider a longer time horizon when payment dates are deferred for a significant period.

Refer to Note 12 and Note 27 for more information regarding the impairment of trade receivables and the related credit risks.

Net realizable value of inventory

Net realized value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less estimated costs to completion and the estimated costs necessary to make the sale. Management makes reference to actual sales prices after reporting date when making their estimate of net realizable value.

Refer to Note 13 for more information regarding the net realizable value of inventory.

F-36


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

3.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

3.23

Significant accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions (continued)

Taxes

Uncertainties exist with respect to the interpretation of complex tax regulations, changes in tax laws, and the amount and timing of future taxable income. Given the wide range of international business relationships and the long-term nature and complexity of existing contractual agreements, differences arising between the actual results and the assumptions made, or future changes to such assumptions, could necessitate future adjustments to tax income and expense already recorded. The Company establishes provisions, based on reasonable estimates, for possible consequences of audits by the tax authorities of the respective countries in which it operates. The amount of such provisions is based on various factors, such as experience of previous tax audits and differing interpretations of tax regulations by the taxable entity and the taxing authority. Such differences of interpretation may arise on a wide variety of issues depending on the conditions prevailing in the respective domicile of the companies.

Deferred tax assets are recognized for unused tax losses to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the losses can be utilized. Significant management judgement is required to determine the amount of deferred tax assets that can be recognized, based upon the likely timing and the level of future taxable profits together with future tax planning strategies.

As of December 31, 2020, the Company has $17,298 (2019: $20,580 ) of tax losses carried forward. These losses related to subsidiaries that have a history of losses, do not expire and may not be used to offset taxable income elsewhere in the Company except for $54 (2019: $546 ) that will be realized. The subsidiaries do not have any tax planning opportunities available that could support the recognition of these losses as deferred tax assets. On this basis, the Company has determined that it cannot recognize deferred tax assets on the tax losses carried forward.

If the Company was able to recognize all unrecognized deferred tax assets, profit and equity would have increased by $5,617 (2019: $5,068; 2018: $3,876). Further details on taxes are disclosed in Note 8.

Post-employment benefits under defined benefit plans

In accordance with the Thailand labor law, Charoong Thai and its subsidiaries are obliged to make payment to retiring employees, at rate of 1 to 13 times of their final monthly salary rate, depending on the length of service.  In addition, Charoong Thai also has the extra benefit plan to make payment to qualified retiring employees at rates of 1 to 26 times of their final monthly salary.

The cost of the defined benefit pension plan and the present value of the pension obligation are determined using actuarial valuations. An actuarial valuation involves making various assumptions that may differ from actual developments in the future. These include the determination of the discount rate, future salary increases and mortality rates. Due to the complexity of the valuation and its long-term nature, a defined benefit obligation is highly sensitive to changes in these assumptions. All assumptions are reviewed at each reporting date.

In determining the appropriate discount rate, management considers the inactive corporate bond trading in Thailand, taken into account the yields on Thai Government Bonds and extrapolated maturity corresponding to the expected duration of the defined benefit obligation.

The mortality rate is based on most recent mortality investigation on policyholders of life insurance companies in Thailand. Future salary increases and pension increases are based on expected future inflation rates derived from external economic data, together with historical experience of Charoong Thai.

Further details about the assumptions used, including a sensitivity analysis, are given in Note 21.

 

F-37


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

3.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

3.23

Significant accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions (continued)

Revenue recognition of SDI projects

Revenue occurs when control transfers to the customer, either over a period of time or at a single point in time, depending on the scope of each individual contract. When the transfer of control to the customer occurs over a period of time, revenue of SDI is accounted for using an input method (input costs to total expected input costs) to measure the progress used to determine the amount of related revenue. When the comparison of total contract revenue to total expected input cost indicates a loss, a provision for the entire loss on the contract shall be made in the period in which they become known. Due to the individual nature of the work to be performed on each SDI contract, management’s estimation of total expected input costs is complex and requires significant judgment.

The carrying amount of the Company’s gross amounts due from customers for contract work-in-progress is disclosed in Note 14.

 

F-38


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

4.

NEW STANDARDS AND INTERPRETATIONS

 

 

4.1

Recently applied accounting pronouncements

(a) New and amended standard applied effective in 2019

The Company has initially applied IFRS 16 from January 1, 2019. The nature and effect of the changes as a result of application of the new accounting standard is described below.

IFRS 16 Leases

IFRS 16 supersedes IAS 17, Leases and related interpretation, and it sets out the requirements for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases. IFRS 16 provides a single lessee accounting model, requiring lessees to recognize assets and liabilities for all leases unless the lease term is 12 months or less or the underlying asset has a low value. Lessor accounting still uses the dual classification approach to classify each lease as an operating lease or a finance lease.

The Company applied IFRS 16 initially on January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective method. In accordance with the IFRS 16 transition guidance, the cumulative effect of adopting the new standard is recognized as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings at January 1, 2019, with no restatement of comparative information.

 

Upon the application of IFRS 16 on January 1, 2019, the Company applied the following practical expedients permitted by the standard:

the use of a single discount rate to a portfolio of leases with reasonably similar characteristics

 

the accounting for operating leases with a remaining lease term of less than 12 months as at January 1, 2019 as short-term leases

 

the exclusion of initial direct costs for the measurement of the right-of-use asset at the date of initial application, and

 

the use of hindsight in determining the lease term where the contract contains options to extend or terminate the lease.

 

 

F-39


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

 4.

NEW STANDARDS AND INTERPRETATIONS (continued)

 

 

4.1

Recently applied accounting pronouncements (continued)

 

(a) New and amended standard applied effective in 2019 (continued)

 

The significant effects of adopting the IFRS 16 as of January 1, 2019 are summarized as below:

 

Affected items of consolidated balance sheet

As of December 31, 2018

 

Effect of application of new standards

 

As of January 1, 2019

 

Remarks

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepayments

 

1,140

 

 

(59

)

 

1,081

 

B

Lease assets*

 

66

 

 

(66

)

 

 

A

Right-of-use assets

 

 

 

3,801

 

 

3,801

 

A, B, C

Prepaid land lease payments

 

978

 

 

(978

)

 

 

B

Total affected assets

 

2,184

 

 

2,698

 

 

4,882

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial lease liabilities - current

 

44

 

 

362

 

 

406

 

C

Financial lease liabilities - non-current

 

46

 

 

2,336

 

 

2,382

 

C

Total affected liabilities

 

90

 

 

2,698

 

 

2,788

 

 

* included in the line "Property, plant and equipment" in the balance sheet

 

A. Lease assets of $66 previously recognized under finance leases were reclassified from property, plant and equipment to right-of-use assets.

B. Prepaid land lease payments of $59 and $978 previously classified as prepayment under current assets and prepaid land lease payments under non-current assets were reclassified to right-of-use assets.

C.  The Company recognized right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for those leases previously classified as operating leases under IAS 17, except for short-term leases and leases of low-value asset. The Company recognized right-of-use assets based on the amount equal to the lease liabilities. Lease liabilities were recognized based on the present value of the remaining lease payments, discounted using the lessee’s incremental borrowing rate at January 1, 2019.

Additionally, operating cash flows increased and financing cash flows decreased by $354 for the year ended December 31, 2019 as repayments on the principal portion of non-finance lease liabilities were classified as cash flows from financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2019, where previously it was classified as operating cash flows.  

 

                            


F-40


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

 4.

NEW STANDARDS AND INTERPRETATIONS (continued)

 

 

4.1

Recently applied accounting pronouncements (continued)

 

 

(a)

New and amended standard applied effective in 2019 (continued)

 

Reconciliation of IAS 17 non-cancelled operating lease commitment to IFRS 16 lease liability:

 

 

2019

 

 

US$’000

 

Operating lease commitments disclosed as at December 31, 2018

 

3,263

 

Add: finance lease liabilities recognized as at December 31, 2018

 

90

 

Discounted using the incremental borrowing rate at January 1, 2019

 

(380

)

Recognition exemption for:

 

 

 

Short-term leases

 

(169

)

Leases of low-value assets

 

(16

)

Lease liabilities recognized as at January 1, 2019

 

2,788

 

      

         As of January 1, 2019, the weighted average discount rate was 3.48%.

 

 

4.2

New accounting pronouncements not effective

 

The standards and interpretations that are issued, but not yet effective, up to the date of issuance of the Company’s financial statements are disclosed below.  The Company intends to adopt these standards, if applicable, when they become effective.

 

Sales or contribution of assets between an investor and its associate or joint venture-Amendments to IFRS 10 and IAS 28

In September 2014, the IASB issued amendments to IFRS 10, Consolidated Financial Statements and IAS 28, Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures, entitled Sales or Contribution of Assets between an Investor and its Associate or Joint Ventures. These narrow scope amendments clarify, that a full gain or loss is recognized when a transaction involves a business (whether it is housed in a subsidiary or not), and a partial gain or loss is recognized when a transaction involves assets that do not constitute a business. On December 17, 2015, the IASB issued an amendment that postpones the application of the amendments to IFRS 10 and IAS 28 indefinitely.

The Company does not expect the amendments to have an impact on its consolidated financial statements.

 

Classification of liabilities as current or non-current: Amendments to IAS 1

On January 23, 2020, the IASB issued a narrow-scope amendment to IAS 1 to clarify that liabilities are classified as either current or non-current, depending on the rights that exist at the end of the reporting period.

They:

 

 

clarify that the classification of liabilities as current or non-current should be based on rights that are in existence at the end of the reporting date and align the wording in all affected paragraphs to refer to the "right" to defer settlement by at least twelve months and make explicit that only rights in place "at the end of the reporting period" should affect the classification of a liability;

 

clarify that classification is unaffected by expectations about whether an entity will exercise its right to defer settlement of a liability; and make clear that settlement refers to the transfer to the counterparty of cash, equity instruments, other assets or services.

 

 

 

F-41


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

4.NEW STANDARDS AND INTERPRETATIONS (continued)

 

4.2New accounting pronouncements not effective (continued)

 

The amendments are effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2023 and are to be applied retrospectively. Earlier application is permitted.

 

 

The amendment could affect the classification of liabilities, particularly for previously considered management’s intention to determine classification and for some liabilities that can be converted into equity. The Company is based on the contractual arrangement in place at the reporting date for the classification, thus, the Company does not expect the amendment to have an impact on its consolidated financial statements.  

 

Reference to the conceptual framework: Amendments to IFRS 3

On May 14, 2020, the IASB issued amendments to IFRS 3, Business Combinations – Reference to the Conceptual Framework. The amendments are intended to update IFRS 3 refers to the Conceptual Framework issued in March 2018 instead of the 1989 Framework, and add an exception for the recognition of liabilities and contingent liabilities within the scope of IAS 37 Provision, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets and Interpretation 21 Levies. The amendments also confirm that contingent assets should not be recognized at the acquisition date. The amendments are effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2022 and are to be applied retrospectively. Earlier application is permitted if an entity also applies all other updated references (published together with the updated Conceptual Framework) at the same time or earlier.

 

The Company does not expect the amendments to have an impact on its consolidated financial statements.

 

Property, plant and equipment: proceeds before intended use – Amendments to IAS 16

On May 14, 2020, the IASB issued Property, Plant and Equipment: Proceeds before Intended Use, which prohibits entities deducting from the cost of an item of property, plant and equipment, any proceeds from selling items produced while bringing that asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management. Instead, an entity recognizes the proceeds from selling such items, and the costs of producing those items, in profit or loss.

The amendments are effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2022 and are to be applied retrospectively. Earlier application is permitted. An entity applies the amendments retrospectively only to items of property, plant and equipment that are brought to the location and condition necessary for them to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management on or after the beginning of the earliest period presented in the financial statements in which the entity first applies the amendments.

The Company does not expect the amendments to have an impact on its consolidated financial statements.

.

Onerous contracts – Amendments to IAS 37

On May 14, 2020, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 37 to specify which costs an entity needs to include when assessing whether a contract is onerous or loss-making. The amendments apply a “directly related cost approach”. The costs that related directly to a contract to provide goods or services include both incremental costs and allocation of costs directly related to contract activities. General and administrative costs do not relate directly to a contract and excluded unless they are explicitly chargeable to the counterparty under the contract. The amendments apply to contracts for which the entity has not yet fulfilled all its obligations at the beginning of the annual reporting period in which the entity first applies the amendments. Comparatives are not restated. The amendments are effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2022. Early application is permitted.

 

F-42


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

4.NEW STANDARDS AND INTERPRETATIONS (continued)

 

4.2New accounting pronouncements not effective (continued)

The Company will apply these amendments to contacts for which the Company has not yet fulfilled all its obligations at the beginning of the annual reporting period in which it first applies the amendments.

 

Interest rate benchmark reform Phase 2 – Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 37, IFRS 7, IFRS 4 and IFRS 16

On August 27, 2020, the IASB issued Interest rate benchmark reform Phase 2 – Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 37, IFRS 7, IFRS 4 and IFRS 16. The Phase 2 amendments address issues that arise from implementation of the reforms, including the replacement of one benchmark with an alternative one. A practical expedient is provided such that the change to contractual cash flows for financial assets and liabilities (including lease liabilities) is accounted for prospectively by revising the effective interest rate. In addition, hedge accounting will not be discontinued solely because of the IBOR reform. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2021 and are to be applied retrospectively. Early application is permitted. Restatement of prior periods is not required, however, an entity may restate prior periods if, and only if, it is possible without the use of hindsight.

The Company does not expect the amendments to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

 

F-43


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

 

5.

SEGMENT INFORMATION

 

5(a)Basis of segments

 

Each segment engages in business activities which generate revenues and incur expenses. Based upon the information provided to the Company’s chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) to make decisions on resource allocation and operating performance evaluation, the Company has determined that it has three reportable segments.  

 

The Company organizes its business segments along reporting lines and has three operating segments, consisting of the North Asia region, the Thailand region and the Rest of the World (“ROW”) region. The Company considers the economic characteristics similarity in determining the reportable segments.

As the three operating segments exceed the quantitative thresholds, they are also reportable segments. The accounting policies for segment information, including transactions entered between segments are generally the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies.

Inter-segment revenues are eliminated upon consolidation and reflected in the “adjustments and eliminations” column. All other adjustments and eliminations are part of detailed reconciliations presented further below.

5(b)Information about reportable segments

Year ended

December 31, 2020

North

Asia

 

Thailand

 

ROW

 

Total

segments

 

Corporate

expense

adjustments

and

eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

External customers

 

73,199

 

 

143,647

 

 

96,718

 

 

313,564

 

 

 

 

313,564

 

Inter-segment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Segment operating profit/(loss)

 

3,087

 

 

11,250

 

 

(4,492

)

 

9,845

 

 

(2,973

)

 

6,872

 

Depreciation and amortization(Included depreciation from right of use assets)

 

(796

)

 

(2,773

)

 

(1,715

)

 

(5,284

)

 

(118

)

 

(5,402

)

Depreciation from right of use assets

 

(46

)

 

 

 

(504

)

 

(550

)

 

(71

)

 

(621

)

Impairment of property, plant and equipment

 

 

 

(4

)

 

(198

)

 

(202

)

 

 

 

(202

)

Interest income

 

94

 

 

192

 

 

33

 

 

319

 

 

1

 

 

320

 

Interest expense

 

(178

)

 

(105

)

 

(257

)

 

(540

)

 

(75

)

 

(615

)

Income tax (expense)/benefit

 

(791

)

 

(2,344

)

 

(714

)

 

(3,849

)

 

(167

)

 

(4,016

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other disclosures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditure

 

3,763

 

 

10,674

 

 

167

 

 

14,604

 

 

 

 

14,604

 

 

F-44


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

5.

SEGMENT INFORMATION (continued)

 

5(b)Information about reportable segments (continued)

Year ended

December 31, 2019

North

Asia

 

Thailand

 

ROW

 

Total

segments

 

Corporate

expense

adjustments

and

eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

External customers

 

76,575

 

 

172,379

 

 

89,206

 

 

338,160

 

 

 

 

338,160

 

Inter-segment

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

 

6

 

 

(6

)

 

 

Segment operating profit/(loss)

 

1,237

 

 

3,042

 

 

(1,659

)

 

2,620

 

 

(2,884

)

 

(264

)

Depreciation and amortization(Included depreciation from right of use assets)

 

(811

)

 

(2,842

)

 

(1,613

)

 

(5,266

)

 

(58

)

 

(5,324

)

Depreciation from right of use assets

 

(44

)

 

 

 

(441

)

 

(485

)

 

(22

)

 

(507

)

Impairment of property, plant and equipment

 

(549

)

 

3

 

 

 

 

(546

)

 

 

 

(546

)

Interest income

 

57

 

 

403

 

 

45

 

 

505

 

 

1

 

 

506

 

Interest expense

 

(239

)

 

(481

)

 

(102

)

 

(822

)

 

(23

)

 

(845

)

Income tax (expense)/benefit

 

(561

)

 

(1,235

)

 

105

 

 

(1,691

)

 

(366

)

 

(2,057

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other disclosures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditure

 

552

 

 

4,590

 

 

242

 

 

5,384

 

 

78

 

 

5,462

 

 

Year ended

December 31, 2018

North

Asia

 

Thailand

 

ROW

 

Total

segments

 

Corporate

expense

adjustments

and

eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

External customers

 

103,647

 

 

213,424

 

 

108,869

 

 

425,940

 

 

 

 

425,940

 

Inter-segment

 

4,076

 

 

392

 

 

6,308

 

 

10,776

 

 

(10,776

)

 

 

Segment operating profit/(loss)

 

5,234

 

 

9,539

 

 

(2,306

)

 

12,467

 

 

(3,143

)

 

9,324

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

(829

)

 

(2,836

)

 

(1,333

)

 

(4,998

)

 

(20

)

 

(5,018

)

Impairment of property, plant and equipment

 

 

 

(11

)

 

 

 

(11

)

 

 

 

(11

)

Interest income

 

117

 

 

611

 

 

42

 

 

770

 

 

(288

)

 

482

 

Interest expense

 

(397

)

 

(748

)

 

(34

)

 

(1,179

)

 

(21

)

 

(1,200

)

Income tax (expense)/benefit

 

(1,212

)

 

(2,152

)

 

384

 

 

(2,980

)

 

(906

)

 

(3,886

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other disclosures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditure

 

1,188

 

 

2,859

 

 

451

 

 

4,498

 

 

10

 

 

4,508

 

 

Adjustments and eliminations

Corporate expenses, gain on disposal of investment, and share of gain (loss) of associates are not allocated to individual segments as the underlying instruments are managed on a group basis.

F-45


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

5.

SEGMENT INFORMATION (continued)

 

5(c)Reconciliation of segment operating profit (loss)

 

For the year ended December 31,

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Segment operating profit

 

9,845

 

 

2,620

 

 

12,467

 

Corporate expenses adjustments and eliminations

 

(2,973

)

 

(2,884

)

 

(3,143

)

 

 

6,872

 

 

(264

)

 

9,324

 

Other operating income

 

814

 

 

385

 

 

805

 

Other operating expenses

 

(129

)

 

(770

)

 

(1,445

)

Operating profit

 

7,557

 

 

(649

)

 

8,684

 

Finance costs

 

(744

)

 

(1,012

)

 

(1,378

)

Finance income

 

320

 

 

506

 

 

482

 

Share of loss of associates

 

(1

)

 

(3

)

 

(3

)

Exchange (loss)/gain

 

(579

)

 

1,550

 

 

1,741

 

Other income

 

1,173

 

 

717

 

 

1,817

 

Other expense

 

(1

)

 

(3

)

 

(11

)

Profit before tax

 

7,725

 

 

1,106

 

 

11,332

 

5(d)Segment assets and liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

adjustments

 

 

 

 

 

North

Asia

 

Thailand

 

ROW

 

Total

segments

 

and

eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

As of December 31, 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

52,436

 

 

173,967

 

 

100,823

 

 

327,226

 

 

10,893

 

 

338,119

 

Total liabilities

 

12,647

 

 

29,911

 

 

47,132

 

 

89,690

 

 

13,554

 

 

103,244

 

As of December 31, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

49,379

 

 

165,579

 

 

76,618

 

 

291,576

 

 

7,335

 

 

298,911

 

Total liabilities

 

14,212

 

 

26,706

 

 

21,834

 

 

62,752

 

 

7,724

 

 

70,476

 

Reconciliation of assets:

 

As of December 31,

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Segment operating assets

 

327,226

 

 

291,576

 

Corporate and other assets

 

6,074

 

 

2,466

 

Investment in associates

 

930

 

 

935

 

Deferred tax assets

 

3,889

 

 

3,939

 

Inter-segment elimination

 

 

 

(5

)

Total assets

 

338,119

 

 

298,911

 

F-46


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

5.

SEGMENT INFORMATION (continued)

 

5(d)Segment assets and liabilities (continued)

 

Reconciliation of liabilities:

 

As of December 31,

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Segment operating liabilities

 

89,690

 

 

62,752

 

Corporate liabilities

 

9,146

 

 

3,591

 

Deferred tax liabilities

 

4,408

 

 

4,139

 

Inter-segment elimination

 

 

 

(6

)

Total liabilities

 

103,244

 

 

70,476

 

 

5(d-1)The application of IFRS 16 increased the segment assets and liabilities as below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

adjustments

 

 

 

 

 

North

Asia

 

Thailand

 

ROW

 

Total

segments

 

and

eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

As of December 31, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

2,506

 

 

2,506

 

 

192

 

 

2,698

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

2,552

 

 

2,552

 

 

205

 

 

2,757

 

 

5(e)Disaggregated revenues and geographical information

(i)Revenue from external customers is summarized as the following major categories:

Year ended

December 31, 2020

North

Asia

 

Thailand

 

ROW

 

Total

segments

 

Corporate

expense

adjustments

and

eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Revenue from external customers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Power

 

 

 

48,851

 

 

78,779

 

 

127,630

 

 

 

 

127,630

 

Enamel

 

73,179

 

 

57,971

 

 

 

 

131,150

 

 

 

 

131,150

 

Fabrication

 

 

 

33,101

 

 

 

 

33,101

 

 

 

 

33,101

 

Others*

 

20

 

 

3,724

 

 

17,939

 

 

21,683

 

 

 

 

21,683

 

 

 

73,199

 

 

143,647

 

 

96,718

 

 

313,564

 

 

 

 

313,564

 

Timing of revenue recognition

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      At a point in time

 

73,199

 

 

143,463

 

 

86,050

 

 

302,712

 

 

 

 

302,712

 

      Over time

 

 

 

184

 

 

10,668

 

 

10,852

 

 

 

 

10,852

 

 

 

73,199

 

 

143,647

 

 

96,718

 

 

313,564

 

 

 

 

313,564

 

* include revenues from SDI service contracts (which amounted to US$15.6 million in 2020), and sale of other wires and cables products.

 

F-47


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

5.

SEGMENT INFORMATION (continued)

 

5(e)Disaggregated revenues and geographical information (continued)

 

(i)Revenue from external customers is summarized as the following major categories (continued):

Year ended

December 31, 2019

North

Asia

 

Thailand

 

ROW

 

Total

segments

 

Corporate

expense

adjustments

and

eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Revenue from external customers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Power

 

 

 

49,493

 

 

78,686

 

 

128,179

 

 

 

 

128,179

 

Enamel

 

76,575

 

 

102,997

 

 

 

 

179,572

 

 

 

 

179,572

 

Others*

 

 

 

19,889

 

 

10,520

 

 

30,409

 

 

 

 

30,409

 

 

 

76,575

 

 

172,379

 

 

89,206

 

 

338,160

 

 

 

 

338,160

 

Timing of revenue recognition

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      At a point in time

 

76,575

 

 

172,031

 

 

82,584

 

 

331,190

 

 

 

 

331,190

 

      Over time

 

 

 

348

 

 

6,622

 

 

6,970

 

 

 

 

6,970

 

 

 

76,575

 

 

172,379

 

 

89,206

 

 

338,160

 

 

 

 

338,160

 

* include revenues from SDI service contracts (which amounted to US$7.6 million in 2019), fabrication service contracts, and sale of other wires and cables products.

 

 

 

Year ended

December 31, 2018

North

Asia

 

Thailand

 

ROW

 

Total

segments

 

Corporate

expense

adjustments

and

eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Revenue from external customers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Power

 

 

 

64,771

 

 

92,130

 

 

156,901

 

 

 

 

156,901

 

Enamel

 

103,647

 

 

114,247

 

 

 

 

217,894

 

 

 

 

217,894

 

Others*

 

 

 

34,406

 

 

16,739

 

 

51,145

 

 

 

 

51,145

 

 

 

103,647

 

 

213,424

 

 

108,869

 

 

425,940

 

 

 

 

425,940

 

Timing of revenue recognition

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      At a point in time

 

103,647

 

 

213,212

 

 

92,133

 

 

408,992

 

 

 

 

408,992

 

      Over time

 

 

 

212

 

 

16,736

 

 

16,948

 

 

 

 

16,948

 

 

 

103,647

 

 

213,424

 

 

108,869

 

 

425,940

 

 

 

 

425,940

 

* include revenues from SDI service contracts (which amounted to US$16.7 million in 2018), fabrication service contracts, and sale of other wires and cables products.

 

 

F-48


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

 

5.

SEGMENT INFORMATION (continued)

 

    5(e)      Disaggregated revenues and geographical information (continued)

(ii)Revenue from external customers is attributed to individual countries based on the customer’s country of domicile and is summarized as follows:

 

For the year ended December 31,

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Revenues from external customers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thailand

 

128,868

 

 

116,160

 

 

154,207

 

Singapore

 

44,477

 

 

46,218

 

 

63,781

 

Australia

 

45,161

 

 

34,447

 

 

37,594

 

China

 

77,411

 

 

81,813

 

 

111,917

 

India

 

2,860

 

 

36,121

 

 

45,008

 

Southeast Asia

 

14,774

 

 

23,390

 

 

13,339

 

Northeast Asia

 

13

 

 

11

 

 

94

 

 

 

313,564

 

 

338,160

 

 

425,940

 

 

Countries in the Southeast Asia region include Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Brunei, Laos, Malaysia and Myanmar; countries in the Northeast Asia region include Japan and South Korea.

 

Major customer information

Revenue from one customer in the Thailand region amounted to $33,494 in 2020 and $23,118 in 2019 represented 10.68% and 6.84% of 2020 and 2019 consolidated revenue. Revenue from another customer in the ROW region amounted to $37,197 in 2018 represented 8.73% of 2018 consolidated revenue, respectively.

5(f)       Non-current assets information

The total non-current assets other than financial instruments and deferred tax assets broken down by the country of domicile are summarized as follow:

 

As of December 31,

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Non-current assets by country:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thailand

 

41,232

 

 

32,723

 

Singapore

 

6,620

 

 

7,869

 

China

 

9,354

 

 

5,661

 

Australia

 

8,006

 

 

2,661

 

Other

 

173

 

 

290

 

Total non-current assets

 

65,385

 

 

49,204

 

 

 

 

F-49


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

6.

MATERIAL PARTLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

 

6(a)Material subsidiaries

The Company has subsidiaries with material non-controlling interests (“NCI”). Information regarding the subsidiaries is as follows:

Proportion of equity interest held by NCI:

 

Country of incorporation

As of December 31,

 

Name

and operation

2020

 

2019

 

Charoong Thai and its subsidiaries (“CTW Consolidated”)

Thailand

49.07%

 

49.07%

 

SYE

China

31.25%

 

31.25%

 

From the Company perspective, SYE is considered an entity with material non-controlling interests and should be separated from CTW Consolidated.

 

6(b)Summarized financial information about the subsidiaries

 

The summarized financial information of the subsidiaries is provided below. This information is based on amounts before inter-company eliminations:

Summarized statements of comprehensive income

CTW consolidated

 

 

For the year ended December 31,

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Revenue

 

143,647

 

 

172,385

 

 

213,424

 

Profit before tax

 

11,793

 

 

4,352

 

 

11,736

 

Income tax expense

 

(2,344

)

 

(1,235

)

 

(2,150

)

Profit for the year

 

9,449

 

 

3,117

 

 

9,586

 

Other comprehensive (loss)/income

 

(1,406

)

 

9,194

 

 

3,965

 

Total comprehensive income

 

8,043

 

 

12,311

 

 

13,551

 

Profit attributable to non-controlling interests

 

4,631

 

 

1,378

 

 

4,509

 

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

 

1,228

 

 

2,763

 

 

2,181

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summarized statements of comprehensive income

SYE

 

 

For the year ended December 31,

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Revenue

 

6,291

 

 

20,743

 

 

33,790

 

Loss before tax

 

(1,161

)

 

(2,272

)

 

(837

)

Income tax expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss for the year

 

(1,161

)

 

(2,272

)

 

(837

)

Other comprehensive income/(loss)

 

84

 

 

(46

)

 

(255

)

Total comprehensive loss

 

(1,077

)

 

(2,318

)

 

(1,092

)

Loss attributable to non-controlling interests

 

(363

)

 

(710

)

 

(262

)

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

 

 

 

 

 

 

F-50


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

6.

MATERIAL PARTLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARIES (continued)

 

6(b)Summarized financial information about the subsidiaries (continued)

 

Summarized balance sheets

CTW consolidated

 

SYE

 

 

As of December 31,

 

As of December 31,

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

2020

 

2019

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Current assets

 

128,534

 

 

127,539

 

 

3,336

 

 

9,038

 

Non-current assets

 

56,596

 

 

49,009

 

 

1,406

 

 

1,385

 

Current liabilities

 

(18,815

)

 

(15,350

)

 

(3,635

)

 

(8,239

)

Non-current liabilities

 

(11,097

)

 

(11,358

)

 

 

 

 

Total equity

 

155,218

 

 

149,840

 

 

1,107

 

 

2,184

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity attributable to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity holders of the parent

 

78,961

 

 

76,216

 

 

761

 

 

1,502

 

Non-controlling interests

 

76,257

 

 

73,624

 

 

346

 

 

682

 

 

 

Summarized cash flow information

CTW consolidated

 

 

For the year ended December 31,

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Operating

 

19,713

 

 

10,776

 

 

38,784

 

Investing

 

(10,952

)

 

2,319

 

 

(9,137

)

Financing

 

(5,118

)

 

(20,260

)

 

(12,585

)

Effect of changes in exchange rate on cash

 

(87

)

 

2,376

 

 

(102

)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

3,556

 

 

(4,789

)

 

16,960

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summarized cash flow information

SYE

 

 

For the year ended December 31,

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Operating

 

(1,844

)

 

5,135

 

 

3,648

 

Investing

 

278

 

 

(165

)

 

(277

)

Financing

 

(769

)

 

(1,847

)

 

(4,005

)

Effect of changes in exchange rate on cash

 

98

 

 

(28

)

 

(34

)

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

(2,237

)

 

3,095

 

 

(668

)

 

 

 

 

 

F-51


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

7.

INCOME AND EXPENSES ITEMS

7(a)Other operating income

 

For the year ended December 31,

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Gain on disposal of property, plant, and equipment

 

239

 

 

88

 

 

93

 

Rental income

 

199

 

 

89

 

 

99

 

Reversal of allowance for other receivable

 

80

 

 

 

 

 

Reversal of allowance for trade receivables for related parties

 

11

 

 

 

 

 

Reversal of allowance for trade receivable

 

 

 

122

 

 

 

Reversal of allowance for foreseeable loss

 

 

 

 

 

507

 

Other operating income – others

 

285

 

 

86

 

 

106

 

Total other operating income

 

814

 

 

385

 

 

805

 

7(b)Other operating expenses

 

For the year ended December 31,

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Allowance for trade receivables

 

124

 

 

 

 

570

 

Impairment of property, plant, and equipment

 

4

 

 

546

 

 

11

 

Allowance for foreseeable loss

 

 

 

193

 

 

 

Allowance for other receivable

 

 

 

30

 

 

53

 

Allowance for trade receivables for related parties

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

Other operating expenses – others

 

1

 

 

1

 

 

810

 

Total other operating expenses

 

129

 

 

770

 

 

1,445

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recognized other operating expenses – others, which amounted to $749, due to a write-off of other current assets.

 

 

 

F-52


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

7.

INCOME AND EXPENSES ITEMS (continued)

7(c)Finance costs

 

For the year ended December 31,

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Interest on debts and borrowings

 

536

 

 

754

 

 

1,196

 

Interest on leases liabilities

 

79

 

 

91

 

 

4

 

Total interest expenses

 

615

 

 

845

 

 

1,200

 

Banking charges

 

129

 

 

167

 

 

178

 

Total finance costs

 

744

 

 

1,012

 

 

1,378

 

 

7(d)Finance income

 

For the year ended December 31,

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Interest income

 

320

 

 

506

 

 

482

 

Total finance income

 

320

 

 

506

 

 

482

 

 

7(e)Other income

 

For the year ended December 31,

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Government grants

 

973

 

 

425

 

 

106

 

Dividend income

 

108

 

 

109

 

 

105

 

Net gain on financial instruments

 

3

 

 

146

 

 

 

Other income

 

89

 

 

37

 

 

1,606

 

Total other income

 

1,173

 

 

717

 

 

1,817

 

Other Income for the year ended December 31, 2018 includes income from discharge of related party liabilities, which amounted to $1,537. Refer to Note 24(b) for related party transactions.  

The government grants for year 2020 due to the COVID-19 epidemic is US $882K.

7(f)Other expenses

 

For the year ended December 31,

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Others

 

1

 

 

3

 

 

9

 

Net loss on financial instruments

 

 

 

 

 

2

 

Total other expenses

 

1

 

 

3

 

 

11

 

 

 

F-53


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

7.

INCOME AND EXPENSES ITEMS (continued)

7(g)Depreciation, amortization and lease expense included in the consolidated income statements

 

For the year ended December 31,

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Included in cost of sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation – tangible assets

 

3,893

 

 

4,089

 

 

4,162

 

Depreciation – right of use assets

 

121

 

 

135

 

 

 

Amortization – intangible assets

 

19

 

 

10

 

 

9

 

Operating lease expenses

 

2

 

 

3

 

 

16

 

Included in selling expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation – tangible assets

 

92

 

 

93

 

 

141

 

Depreciation – right of use assets

 

113

 

 

112

 

 

 

Amortization – intangible assets

 

1

 

 

1

 

 

1

 

Operating lease expenses

 

1

 

 

1

 

 

184

 

Included in general and administrative expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation – tangible assets

 

590

 

 

552

 

 

598

 

Depreciation – right of use assets

 

387

 

 

260

 

 

 

Amortization – intangible assets

 

42

 

 

39

 

 

34

 

Amortization – prepaid land lease payment

 

 

 

 

 

38

 

Depreciation – investment property

 

144

 

 

33

 

 

35

 

Operating lease expenses

 

14

 

 

170

 

 

200

 

 

 

5,419

 

 

5,498

 

 

5,418

 

 

7(h)Employee benefits expenses

 

For the year ended December 31,

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Included in cost of sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wages and salaries

 

13,065

 

 

14,429

 

 

13,674

 

Labor and health insurance costs

 

71

 

 

126

 

 

162

 

Pension costs

 

736

 

 

994

 

 

890

 

Other employment benefits

 

702

 

 

816

 

 

892

 

Included in selling expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wages and salaries

 

3,557

 

 

3,495

 

 

3,685

 

Labor and health insurance costs

 

7

 

 

12

 

 

14

 

Pension costs

 

300

 

 

330

 

 

324

 

Other employment benefits

 

14

 

 

50

 

 

68

 

Included in general and administrative expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wages and salaries

 

8,861

 

 

8,117

 

 

8,818

 

Labor and health insurance costs

 

89

 

 

85

 

 

224

 

Pension costs

 

640

 

 

757

 

 

671

 

Director fees

 

1,065

 

 

640

 

 

1,046

 

Other employment benefits

 

186

 

 

286

 

 

325

 

Total employee benefits expenses

 

29,293

 

 

30,137

 

 

30,793

 

 

The accrued compensation and retirement benefits for expatriates were included in employee benefits expenses and in accruals.

 

F-54


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

8.

INCOME TAX

Under current Bermuda law, APWC is not subject to tax on income or capital gains, nor is withholding tax of Bermuda imposed upon payments of dividends by APWC to its shareholders.

APWC’s investments in the Operating Subsidiaries are held through subsidiaries incorporated in the British Virgin Islands (“BVI”). Under current BVI law, dividends from the BVI subsidiaries’ investments are not subject to income taxes and no withholding tax is imposed on payments of dividends by the BVI subsidiaries to APWC.

The Operating Subsidiaries and equity investees are governed by the income tax laws of Singapore, Thailand, Australia and the PRC.  The corporate income tax rate in Singapore was 17% for each of the three years ended December 31, 2020, and there is no withholding tax on dividends applicable to the Company.  For Thailand, the statutory corporate income tax rate was 20% for each of the three years ended December 31, 2020 and a withholding tax of 10% is levied on dividends received by the Company. Charoong Thai is listed on Stock Exchange of Thailand (“SET”). In Australia, the corporate income tax rate was 30% for 2017/2018, 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 tax years. The applicable corporate income tax rate for the subsidiaries in the PRC was 25% for each of the three years ended December 31, 2020.

Dividends received from the Operating Subsidiaries and equity investees may be subjected to withholding taxes. Under the current Singapore corporate tax system, dividends paid by a Singapore resident company is tax exempt, and is not subject to withholding taxes. In Australia, dividends paid to non-residents are exempt from dividend withholding taxes except when dividends are paid out of profit that is not taxed by Australian income tax (i.e. unfranked dividends). For Thailand, dividends paid by a company to any individual or corporate payee overseas are subject to a withholding tax of 10%. Under the Corporate Income Tax Law of the PRC, dividend distribution of profits to foreign investor(s) is subject to withholding tax of 10%.

 

 

 

F-55


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

8.

INCOME TAX (continued)

The major components of income tax expenses for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 are:

  

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

 

US$’000

 

 

US$’000

 

 

US$’000

 

Consolidated income statements

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current income tax:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current income tax charge

 

 

3,376

 

 

 

1,699

 

 

 

4,068

 

Previously unrecognized tax loss used to reduce current income tax

 

 

(89

)

 

 

 

 

 

(128

)

Adjustments for current income tax of prior years

 

 

(1

)

 

 

(16

)

 

 

1

 

Total current income tax

 

 

3,286

 

 

 

1,683

 

 

 

3,941

 

Deferred tax expenses/(benefits):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Relating to origination and reversal of temporary differences

 

 

782

 

 

 

374

 

 

 

243

 

Relating to change in tax rate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Previously unrecognized tax loss used to reduce deferred tax expenses

 

 

(52

)

 

 

 

 

 

(298

)

Total deferred tax expenses/(benefits)

 

 

730

 

 

 

374

 

 

 

(55

)

Income tax expense reported in the income statement

 

 

4,016

 

 

 

2,057

 

 

 

3,886

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated statements of comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred tax related to items recognized in other comprehensive income during the year:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in the fair value of equity instrument measured at fair value through other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recognized during the year

 

 

(358

)

 

 

334

 

 

 

(84

)

Effect of change in tax rate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) on actuarial gains and losses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recognized during the year

 

 

40

 

 

 

(345

)

 

 

(82

)

Effect of change in tax rate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax benefits charged to other comprehensive (loss) income

 

 

(318

)

 

 

(11

)

 

 

(166

)

 

F-56


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

8.

INCOME TAX (continued)

APWC is incorporated in Bermuda, which does not have a statutory tax rate. The provision for income taxes differs based on the tax incurred by the Operating Subsidiaries, in their respective jurisdiction. The Company determines its statutory tax rate based on its major commercial domicile that is its subsidiaries in Thailand. The reconciliation of difference between tax computed at the statutory tax rate and income tax expenses reported in the consolidated income statement is as follows:

 

 

     

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

 

US$’000

 

 

US$’000

 

 

US$’000

 

Profit before tax

 

 

7,725

 

 

 

1,106

 

 

 

11,332

 

Tax at statutory rate of 20% (2019: 20%; 2018: 20%)

 

 

1,545

 

 

 

221

 

 

 

2,266

 

Foreign income taxed at different rate

 

 

1,100

 

 

 

499

 

 

 

697

 

Expenses not deductible for tax purpose

 

 

255

 

 

 

221

 

 

 

(33

)

Utilization of previously unrecognized tax losses

 

 

(89

)

 

 

 

 

 

(128

)

Tax benefit arising from previously unrecognized tax losses

 

 

(52

)

 

 

 

 

 

(298

)

Net deferred tax asset not recognized

 

 

1,151

 

 

 

949

 

 

 

679

 

Written-off deferred tax

 

 

 

 

 

218

 

 

 

(4

)

Tax exempt on income

 

 

(57

)

 

 

(144

)

 

 

(135

)

Uncertain tax position

 

 

(273

)

 

 

(454

)

 

 

11

 

Return to provision adjustment

 

 

(1

)

 

 

(16

)

 

 

1

 

Deferred tax liability arising from undistributed earnings

 

 

270

 

 

 

215

 

 

 

578

 

Withholding tax on dividends

 

 

163

 

 

 

355

 

 

 

270

 

Others

 

 

4

 

 

 

(7

)

 

 

(18

)

Income tax expense reported in consolidated income statement

 

 

4,016

 

 

 

2,057

 

 

 

3,886

 

 

F-57


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

8.

INCOME TAX (continued)

Deferred tax

Deferred tax relates to the following:

 

 

 

Consolidated balance sheet

 

 

Consolidated income statement

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

For the year ended Decembers 31,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

 

US$’000

 

 

US$’000

 

 

US$’000

 

 

US$’000

 

 

US$’000

 

Outside basis differences

 

 

(4,099

)

 

 

(3,829

)

 

 

270

 

 

 

215

 

 

 

578

 

Revaluations of financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income

 

 

(322

)

 

 

(679

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued interest income

 

 

 

 

 

(181

)

 

 

(172

)

 

 

13

 

 

 

12

 

Unutilized building allowance (net)

 

 

(12

)

 

 

(36

)

 

 

(24

)

 

 

(98

)

 

 

(95

)

Unused tax losses

 

 

54

 

 

 

546

 

 

 

481

 

 

 

119

 

 

 

(459

)

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 

 

281

 

 

 

245

 

 

 

(21

)

 

 

47

 

 

 

(97

)

Inventory impairment

 

 

412

 

 

 

554

 

 

 

137

 

 

 

147

 

 

 

(236

)

Rebates and other accrued liabilities

 

 

533

 

 

 

472

 

 

 

(18

)

 

 

(46

)

 

 

(38

)

Unpaid retirement benefits

 

 

1,504

 

 

 

1,553

 

 

 

41

 

 

 

(81

)

 

 

(54

)

Deferred revenue and cost of sales

 

 

18

 

 

 

23

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

(6

)

 

 

(14

)

Actuarial loss

 

 

756

 

 

 

796

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unabsorbed depreciation

 

 

680

 

 

 

637

 

 

 

9

 

 

 

57

 

 

 

(55

)

Mark-to-Market value of forward contract

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

28

 

 

 

(28

)

Others

 

 

(324

)

 

 

(301

)

 

 

22

 

 

 

(21

)

 

 

431

 

Deferred tax expenses / (benefits)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

730

 

 

 

374

 

 

 

(55

)

Net deferred tax assets

 

 

(519

)

 

 

(200

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reconciliation of deferred tax assets, net

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

 

US$’000

 

 

US$’000

 

 

US$’000

 

Opening balance as of January 1

 

 

(200

)

 

 

(6

)

 

 

(132

)

Tax (expenses)/benefit during the period recognized in profit or loss

 

 

(730

)

 

 

(374

)

 

 

55

 

Tax benefit during the period recognized in other comprehensive income

 

 

318

 

 

 

11

 

 

 

166

 

Exchange difference on translation foreign operations

 

 

93

 

 

 

169

 

 

 

(95

)

Closing balance as of December 31

 

 

(519

)

 

 

(200

)

 

 

(6

)

 

The Company offset tax assets and liabilities if and only if it has legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets and current tax liabilities and the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities related to income taxes levied by the same tax authority.

F-58


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

8.

INCOME TAX (continued)

The Company has available unused net operating losses which arose in Thailand, China, Hong Kong and Singapore as of December 31, 2020, and arose in Thailand, China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Australia as of December 31, 2019, that may be applied against future taxable income and that expire as follows respectively:

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

Year of expiration

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

 

US$’000

 

 

US$’000

 

2020

 

 

 

 

 

3,067

 

2021

 

 

3,905

 

 

 

5,246

 

2022

 

 

2,437

 

 

 

2,216

 

2023

 

 

4,299

 

 

 

4,855

 

2024

 

 

3,226

 

 

 

3,605

 

2025

 

 

1,811

 

 

 

 

No expiration

 

 

1,620

 

 

 

1,591

 

 

 

 

17,298

 

 

 

20,580

 

Deferred tax assets have not been recognized in respect of these losses as they may not be used to offset taxable profits elsewhere in the Company, as they have arisen in subsidiaries that have been loss-making for some time, and there are no other tax planning opportunities or other evidence of recoverability in the near future. The Company did not recognize deferred tax assets of $3,751 (2019: $4,038; 2018: $3,084) in respect of tax losses amounting to $17,028 (2019: $18,422; 2018: $13,698 ).

 

In addition, the Company did not recognize deferred assets of $1,866 (2019: $1,030 ; 2018: $792) in relation to deductible temporary differences amounting to $9,683 (2019: $4,695; 2018: $3,557).

There are no income tax consequences attached to the payment of dividends in 2020 or 2019 by APWC to its shareholders.

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company is subject to taxation in PRC, Australia, Thailand, and Singapore.  The Company’s tax years from 2011 and forward are still subject to examination by the tax authorities in various tax jurisdictions.

 

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of uncertain tax position is as follows:

 

Change in Uncertain Tax Positions

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

 

US$’000

 

 

US$’000

 

 

US$’000

 

Balance as of January 1

 

 

451

 

 

 

674

 

 

 

706

 

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Decrease due to lapses in statute of limitations

 

 

(144

)

 

 

(215

)

 

 

 

Exchange difference

 

 

32

 

 

 

(8

)

 

 

(32

)

Balance as of December 31

 

 

339

 

 

 

451

 

 

 

674

 

 

The Company is not expecting there would be any reasonably possible change in the total amounts of uncertain tax position within twelve months of the reporting date. As of December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018 the amount of uncertain tax position (excluding interest and penalties) included in the consolidated balance sheets that would, if recognized, affect the income tax expenses is $339, $451 and $674, respectively.

F-59


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

8.

INCOME TAX (continued)

The Company recognized interest expense and penalties related to income tax matters as a component of income tax expense. The amount of related interest and penalties the Company has provided as of the dates listed below were:

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

 

US$’000

 

 

US$’000

 

 

US$’000

 

Accrued interest on uncertain tax position

 

 

597

 

 

 

713

 

 

 

867

 

Accrued penalties on uncertain tax position

 

 

339

 

 

 

384

 

 

 

461

 

Total accrued interest and penalties on uncertain tax position

 

 

936

 

 

 

1,097

 

 

 

1,328

 

For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the Company recognized $61, $81 and $108 in interest and $nil, $nil and $nil in penalty, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the Company reversed $227, $223 and $nil in interest and $72, $71 and $nil in penalties, respectively, due to lapses in statute of limitations. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the exchange difference $50, $(12) and $ (41) relating to interests, $(27), $(6) and $(25) relating to penalty were included in income tax expenses.

The Company considers each uncertain tax positions individually, by first consider whether each position taken in the tax return is probable of being sustained on examination by the taxing authority. It should recognize a liability for each item that is not probable of being sustained. The liability then is measured using a single best estimate of the most likely outcome. The uncertain tax positions presented in the current tax liability is the total liability for uncertain tax positions.

 

F-60


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

9.       (LOSS) EARNINGS PER SHARE

(Loss) earnings per share are calculated by dividing net (loss) profit attributable to equity holders of the parent by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year. APWC does not have any dilutive securities. The treasury shares transaction resulted in an immediate reduction in outstanding shares used to calculate the weighted-average common shares outstanding for both basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings attributable to common shareholders per share:

 

 

For the year ended December 31,

 

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

 

 

(except for number of shares and earnings per share)

 

Numerator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (loss) profit attributable to APWC from continuing operations

 

 

(552

)

 

(1,632

)

 

2,928

 

Net (loss) profit attributable to APWC

 

 

(552

)

 

(1,632

)

 

2,928

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average common shares

   outstanding – basic and diluted

 

 

13,819,669

 

 

13,819,669

 

 

13,819,669

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss) earnings per share – basic and diluted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continuing operations

 

 

(0.04

)

 

(0.12

)

 

0.21

 

Total (loss) earnings per share – basic and diluted

 

 

(0.04

)

 

(0.12

)

 

0.21

 

 

Income from continuing operations attributable to non-controlling interests are $4,261, $681, and $4,518 for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

10.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Cash on hand and cash at banks

 

52,237

 

 

53,673

 

Term deposits are presented as cash equivalents if they have a maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition. Other short-term deposits are presented as other receivables if they are pledged, or if they have a maturity over three months from the date of acquisition.

 

 

 

F-61


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

11.

FINANCIAL ASSETS AND FINANCIAL LIABILITIES

11(a)Other financial assets and liabilities

 

As of December 31,

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity instrument (Note 11(d))

 

2,271

 

 

4,062

 

 

 

2,271

 

 

4,062

 

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign exchange forward contracts (Note 11(c))

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

(i)

Financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

Financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss reflect the changes in fair value of those foreign exchange forward contracts that are not designated in hedge relationships, but are intended to reduce the level of foreign currency risk for expected sales and purchase transactions.  

 

 

(ii)

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income - unquoted equity instrument

On January 1, 2018, the date of initial application of IFRS 9, the Company elected to reclassify its unquoted equity instrument in Thai Metal Processing Co., Ltd (“TMP”), which is engaged in the fabrication of copper rods, from financial assets – available-for-sale to financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income due to the investment being hold as a long-term strategic investment and not expected to be sold in the short to medium term. During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, the Company received dividends of $108, $109, and $105 from TMP, respectively, which were recorded in other income (Note 7(e)) in the consolidated income statements.

    

  

F-62


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

11.

FINANCIAL ASSETS AND FINANCIAL LIABILITIES (continued)

11(b)Interest-bearing loans and borrowings

Under the line of credit arrangements for short-term debt with the Company’s banks, the Company may borrow up to approximately $264,162 and $287,017 as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, on such terms as the Company and the banks may mutually agree upon. These arrangements do not have termination dates but are reviewed annually for renewal. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the unused portion of the credit lines was approximately $200,340 and $207,928, respectively, which included unused letters of credit amounting to $95,034 and $113,255, respectively.

Letters of credit are issued by the Company in the ordinary course of business through major financial institutions as required by certain vendor contracts. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company had open letters of credit amounting to $18,077 and $15,209, respectively. Liabilities relating to the opened letters of credit are included in current liabilities.

Interest bearing loans and borrowings are including current portion $10,131 and $11,356 as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

 

Interest rate

Maturity

Local currency

 

 

 

Interest rate

 

Maturity

 

Local currency

 

 

 

 

 

%

 

‘000

US$’000

 

%

 

 

 

 

‘000

 

US$’000

 

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bank loans

3.07

Mar. 2045

AUD$4,883

 

3,764

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bank loans

4.50 ~ 4.90

  Jun. 2021

RMB$17,800

 

2,736

 

5.00 ~ 5.50

 

Mar. 2020 ~

Sept. 2020

 

RMB$20,400

 

 

2,929

 

Trust receipt

0.9 ~ 1.0

Mar. 2021

THB$74,176

 

2,488

 

1.90 ~ 2.70

 

Jan. 2020 ~

Jun. 2020

 

THB$161,018

 

 

5,423

 

Trust receipt

2.32

Apr. 2021

SGD$6,332

 

4,793

 

3.05

 

Feb. 2020 ~

Apr. 2020

 

SGD$4,042

 

 

3,004

 

Total

 

 

 

 

13,781

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11,356

 

 

F-63


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

11.

FINANCIAL ASSETS AND FINANCIAL LIABILITIES (continued)

11(c)Hedging activities and derivatives

 

(i)

Commodity price risk

The Company purchases copper on an ongoing basis as its operating activities require a continuous supply of copper for manufacturing products. To reduce the exposures to copper shortage, the Company enters into purchase contracts with commitment of monthly minimum purchase at market prices for selected operating units. The majority of these transactions take the form of contracts that are entered into and continue to be held for the purpose of receipt or delivery of the copper based on the Company’s expected purchase, sale or usage requirements. Such purchase commitment contracts are not deemed financial instruments or derivatives. To date, these contract positions have not had a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, and cash flow.

(ii)Foreign currency risk

The Company enters into foreign exchange forward contracts with the intention to reduce the foreign exchange risk of expected sales and purchase transactions. These contracts are entered into the periods consistent with foreign currency exposure of the underlying transaction, generally from one to 12 months. These contracts are not designated in hedge relationships, and are measured at fair value through profit or loss.

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company had outstanding forward contracts with notional amounts of $0 million and $(0.9) million, respectively.  The outstanding forward contracts at December 31, 2019 and 2018 mature between June 10 and June 23, 2020 and April 29 and June 17, 2019, respectively. The Company recognized gain (loss) on forward contracts as other income (expenses) – refer to Note 7(e) and Note 7(f).

The forward contract balance varies with the expected foreign currency transactions and changes in foreign exchange rate.

 

2020

 

2019

 

 

Assets

 

Liabilities

 

Assets

 

Liabilities

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Foreign currency forward contracts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3

 

F-64


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

11.

FINANCIAL ASSETS AND FINANCIAL LIABILITIES (continued)

11(d)Fair values

Set out below is a comparison of the carrying amounts and fair value of the Company’s financial instruments that are carried in the financial statements:

 

Carrying amount

 

Fair value

 

 

As of December 31,

 

As of December 31,

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

2020

 

2019

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Financial assets-current

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Financial assets at amortized cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Cash and cash equivalents

 

52,237

 

 

53,673

 

 

52,237

 

 

53,673

 

    Trade receivables

 

82,071

 

 

74,077

 

 

82,071

 

 

74,077

 

    Other receivables

 

6,192

 

 

6,868

 

 

6,192

 

 

6,868

 

    Due from related parties

 

10,982

 

 

11,566

 

 

10,982

 

 

11,566

 

Financial assets-non-current

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income

 

2,271

 

 

4,062

 

 

2,271

 

 

4,062

 

Financial assets at amortized cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Long-term bank deposits*

 

1,879

 

 

1,246

 

 

1,879

 

 

1,246

 

Total

 

155,632

 

 

151,492

 

 

155,632

 

 

151,492

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial liabilities-current

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities at amortized cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Interest-bearing loans and borrowings

 

10,131

 

 

11,356

 

 

10,131

 

 

11,356

 

    Trade and other payables

 

27,370

 

 

16,879

 

 

27,370

 

 

16,879

 

    Due to related parties

 

10,620

 

 

3,284

 

 

10,620

 

 

3,284

 

    Lease liabilities

 

551

 

 

574

 

 

551

 

 

574

 

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

 

3

 

Financial liabilities-non-current

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Liabilities at amortized cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       Interest-bearing loans and borrowings

 

3,650

 

 

 

 

3,650

 

 

 

    Lease liabilities

 

1,783

 

 

2,254

 

 

1,783

 

 

2,254

 

Total

 

54,105

 

 

34,350

 

 

54,105

 

 

34,350

 

* included in other non-current assets

 

 

(i)

Methods and assumptions used to estimate fair value

 

The fair value of the financial assets and liabilities is included at the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties, other than in a forced or liquidation sale. The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair values:

 

Cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, other receivables, due from related parties, trade and other payables, due to related parties, and financial lease liabilities approximate their carrying amounts largely due to the short-term maturities of these instruments.

 

Fixed-rate and variable-rate receivables are evaluated by the Company based on parameters such as interest rates, specific country risk factors, individual creditworthiness of the customer and the risk characteristics of the financed project. Based on this evaluation, allowances were provided to account for the expected losses of these receivables. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the carrying amounts of such receivables, net of allowances, were not materially different from their calculated fair values.

 

F-65


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

11.

FINANCIAL ASSETS AND FINANCIAL LIABILITIES (continued)

 

(i)

Methods and assumptions used to estimate fair value (continued)

 

 

Fixed rate long-term bank deposits and fixed rate and variable-rate borrowings are evaluated using discounted cash flows and the market rates or current rates for deposits of similar remaining maturities.

 

Fair value of financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss - derivatives is derived from inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability.

 

Fair value of interest-bearing borrowings and loans are determined by using discounted cash flow method with discount rate that reflects the issuer’s borrowing rate as of the end of the reporting period. The non-performance risk as of December 31, 2020 was assessed to be insignificant.

 

 

(ii)

Description of significant unobservable inputs to valuation

 

 

Valuation technique

Significant unobservable inputs

Liquidity discount

(2020 and 2019)

 

Sensitivity of the input to fair value

 

 

 

 

 

 

2020

2019

Financial asset

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unquoted equity instrument

Market Approach Method

Liquidity Discount

30%

 

5%  decrease in the discount would increase

in fair value by $162

5%  decrease in the discount would increase

in fair value by $290

 

The Company estimates the fair value of investment in equity instrument by using the market approach (market comparatives approach). The key in this method is the selection of quoted comparable companies and accommodate adjustments to bring the accounts of different companies into a broadly consistent framework for analysis. Then, select appropriate Indicators of Value. The followings should be taken into account:

 

Enterprise Value (EV) versus Market Capitalization;

 

Earnings-based: EBITDA +/or EBIT versus Net Earnings +/or Net Cash Flow

 

Balance Sheet based: Net Total Assets versus Shareholders Funds

Discount for the lack of liquidity to reflect the lesser liquidity of this equity instrument compared with those of its comparable public company peers. The Company assessed the discount for the lack of liquidity to be 30 percent on the basis of relevant studies applicable in the region and industry as well as on the specific facts and circumstances of the equity instrument. The equity instrument’s finance performance is characterized by stable, consistent growth and profitability. The Company believes the liquidity discount of 30% would be appropriate.

F-66


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

11.     FINANCIAL ASSETS AND FINANCIAL LIABILITIES (continued)

        (ii)     Description of significant unobservable inputs to valuation (continued)

The Company carries the equity instrument as financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income classified as level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.  A reconciliation of the beginning and closing balances is summarized below:

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

At January 1

 

4,062

 

 

2,332

 

Re-measurement financial assets to fair value, recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss)

 

(1,789

)

 

1,670

 

Exchange difference on translation

 

(2

)

 

60

 

At December 31

 

2,271

 

 

4,062

 

 

12.

TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Trade receivables

 

83,485

 

 

75,627

 

Less: Loss allowances

 

(1,414

)

 

(1,550

)

Trade receivable, net

 

82,071

 

 

74,077

 

Other receivables

 

6,227

 

 

6,986

 

Less: Loss allowances

 

(35

)

 

(118

)

Other receivable, net

 

6,192

 

 

6,868

 

 

12(a) Movement in the loss allowance on trade receivables

 

2020

 

2019

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

At January 1

 

1,550

 

 

1,657

 

Charge for the year

 

227

 

 

72

 

Write-off

 

(339

)

 

(1

)

Unused amounts reversed

 

(147

)

 

(194

)

Currency translation adjustment

 

102

 

 

19

 

Reclassification

 

21

 

 

(3

)

At December 31

 

1,414

 

 

1,550

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F-67


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

12.TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES (continued) 

12(b)Aging analysis of trade receivables 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Past due

 

 

Total

 

Current

 

1-30 days

 

31-60 days

 

61-90 days

 

91-120 days

 

>120 days

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

December 31, 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expected loss rate

1.69%

 

0.16%

 

1.23%

 

2.80%

 

6.92%

 

15.91%

 

66.48%

 

Gross carrying amount - trade receivables

 

83,485

 

 

69,336

 

 

9,557

 

 

2,751

 

 

159

 

 

44

 

 

1,638

 

Loss allowances

 

1,414

 

 

112

 

 

118

 

 

77

 

 

11

 

 

7

 

 

1,089

 

Trade receivable, net

 

82,071

 

 

69,224

 

 

9,439

 

 

2,674

 

 

148

 

 

37

 

 

549

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expected loss rate

2.05%

 

0.14%

 

0.76%

 

3.75%

 

9.52%

 

23.89%

 

75.97%

 

Gross carrying amount - trade receivables

 

75,627

 

 

59,867

 

 

9,979

 

 

3,759

 

 

294

 

 

180

 

 

1,548

 

Loss allowances

 

1,550

 

 

86

 

 

76

 

 

141

 

 

28

 

 

43

 

 

1,176

 

Trade receivable, net

 

74,077

 

 

59,781

 

 

9,903

 

 

3,618

 

 

266

 

 

137

 

 

372

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12(c) Accounting policy for impairment of trade receivables

The Company applies the IFRS 9 simplified approach to measuring expected credit losses which uses a lifetime expected loss allowance for trade receivables. To measure the expected credit losses, trade receivables have been grouped based on shared credit risk characteristics and the days past due. The expected loss rates are based on the Company’s historical credit loss experience, adjusted to reflect current and forward-looking information on general economic conditions affecting the ability of the customers to settle the receivables.

 

12(d)Material collateral obtained

The Company obtained collateral in respect of doubtful receivables from customers. The collateral takes the form of a lien over the customer’s assets and gives the Company a claim on these assets for the doubtful receivables.

In March 2017, a lawsuit was filed by a debtor to rescind the foreclosure that the Company has undertaken on the collateral in Thailand. The Company’s foreclosure prevailed according to the judgement from the Appeal Court on November 28, 2017. The debtor’s petition reached to the Supreme Court on June 19, 2018, and was denied on March 27, 2019. The Company performed a valuation to determine the fair value of the collateral. As of December 31, 2019, the fair value of the collateral was $1,339, which was lower than the amount of the associated delinquent account, and the Company recognized an impairment loss of $30 in other operating expenses, accordingly. In June 2020, the collateral was auctioned off and the Company received payment of $1,060 to settle the net amount of $1,242 owed by the customer that was net of allowance of $111. The Company recognized an additional loss of $182 for the year ended December 31, 2020.

See Note 27(b) credit risk of trade receivables for discussions on how the Company manages and measures credit quality of trade receivables that are neither past due nor impaired.

 

12(e)Other receivables pledged as collateral

The carrying amounts of other receivables pledged as collateral against credit facilities received from financial institutions are disclosed in Note 27(e)(ii).

F-68


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

13.

INVENTORIES

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Raw materials and supplies

 

23,490

 

 

18,578

 

Work in progress

 

17,992

 

 

18,593

 

Finished goods

 

54,889

 

 

48,016

 

Total inventories at the lower of cost and net

   realizable value

 

96,371

 

 

85,187

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inventories recognized as an expense during the year ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 amounted to $279,728, $313,695 and $388,079 respectively.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the amount of $240 and $322 were credited to cost of sales when the circumstances, such as copper price fluctuation, that caused the net realizable value of inventory to be lower than its cost no longer existed. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recognized allowance for inventory of $1,613 as an expense in cost of sales for inventories carried at net realizable value.

  

 

F-69


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

14.

contract ASSETs

14(a)Assets related to contracts with customers

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Contract assets - current

 

10,245

 

 

4,686

 

 

There were no advances received or retentions on SDI service contracts during the financial years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. As of January 1, 2019, the balance of receivables from contracts with customers amounted to $1,510. The contract assets balance increased as the Company provided more services and transferred more goods ahead of the agreed payment schedules.

 

The Company mainly conducts its SDI services contract with customers within public sector, and the expected credit loss on contract assets is close to zero.

 

14(b)Unsatisfied supply, delivery, and installation (SDI) services contracts

 

The following table shows the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to the unsatisfied performance obligations.

 

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Unsatisfied long-term SDI contracts

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expected to be recognized as revenue over 3 years

 

143,265

 

 

156,592

 

 

F-70


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

15.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 

Land

 

Buildings

 

Building improvement

 

Machinery and equipment

 

Motor vehicle

and other asset

 

Office

equipment

 

Construction in

progress

 

Total

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At January 1, 2019

 

6,206

 

 

47,890

 

 

5,715

 

 

96,718

 

 

5,780

 

 

6,722

 

 

1,673

 

 

170,704

 

Effects on initial application of IFRS 16

 

 

 

 

 

(192

)

 

 

 

(192

)

Adjusted balance at January 1, 2019

 

6,206

 

 

47,890

 

 

5,715

 

 

96,718

 

 

5,588

 

 

6,722

 

 

1,673

 

 

170,512

 

Additions

 

 

 

7

 

 

119

 

 

292

 

 

433

 

 

315

 

 

2,240

 

 

3,406

 

Disposals

 

 

 

 

 

(4

)

 

(2,308

)

 

(524

)

 

(331

)

 

 

 

(3,167

)

Transfer

 

 

 

(167

)

 

746

 

 

1,748

 

 

180

 

 

139

 

 

(2,582

)

 

64

 

Exchange differences

 

632

 

 

2,813

 

 

454

 

 

7,419

 

 

332

 

 

247

 

 

47

 

 

11,944

 

At December 31, 2019

 

6,838

 

 

50,543

 

 

7,030

 

 

103,869

 

 

6,009

 

 

7,092

 

 

1,378

 

 

182,759

 

Additions

 

 

 

 

138

 

 

239

 

 

265

 

 

363

 

 

15,691

 

 

16,696

 

Disposals

 

 

 

 

(31

)

 

(6,129

)

 

(483

)

 

(205

)

 

 

(6,848

)

Transfer

 

 

680

 

 

152

 

 

1,157

 

 

115

 

 

17

 

 

(2,093

)

 

28

 

Exchange differences

 

34

 

 

893

 

 

47

 

 

1,129

 

 

63

 

 

321

 

 

685

 

 

3,172

 

At December 31, 2020

 

6,872

 

 

52,116

 

 

7,336

 

 

100,265

 

 

5,969

 

 

7,588

 

 

15,661

 

 

195,807

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation/Impairment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At January 1, 2019

 

 

 

(33,730

)

 

(3,567

)

 

(82,948

)

 

(3,482

)

 

(5,559

)

 

 

 

(129,286

)

Effects on initial application of IFRS 16

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

126

 

 

 

 

 

 

126

 

Adjusted balance at January 1, 2019

 

 

 

(33,730

)

 

(3,567

)

 

(82,948

)

 

(3,356

)

 

(5,559

)

 

 

 

(129,160

)

Depreciation charge for the year

 

 

 

(1,044

)

 

(338

)

 

(2,391

)

 

(541

)

 

(420

)

 

 

 

(4,734

)

Impairment

 

 

 

 

 

(1

)

 

(550

)

 

7

 

 

(2

)

 

 

 

(546

)

Disposals

 

 

 

 

 

4

 

 

2,274

 

 

477

 

 

329

 

 

 

 

3,084

 

Transfer

 

 

 

265

 

 

(265

)

 

 

 

(64

)

 

 

 

 

 

(64

)

Exchange differences

 

 

 

(2,361

)

 

(297

)

 

(6,517

)

 

(185

)

 

(232

)

 

 

 

(9,592

)

At December 31, 2019

 

 

 

(36,870

)

 

(4,464

)

 

(90,132

)

 

(3,662

)

 

(5,884

)

 

 

 

(141,012

)

Depreciation charge for the year

 

 

(962

)

 

(384

)

 

(2,301

)

 

(514

)

 

(414

)

 

 

 

(4,575

)

Impairment

 

 

 

 

(198

)

 

 

(4

)

 

 

 

(202

)

Disposals

 

 

 

 

21

 

 

6,128

 

 

438

 

 

203

 

 

 

 

6,790

 

Transfer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(56

)

 

 

 

 

 

(56

)

Exchange differences

 

 

(653

)

 

(29

)

 

(1,041

)

 

(63

)

 

(266

)

 

 

 

(2,052

)

At December 31, 2020

 

 

 

(38,485

)

 

(4,856

)

 

(87,544

)

 

(3,857

)

 

(6,365

)

 

 

 

(141,107

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net book value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At December 31, 2020

 

6,872

 

 

13,631

 

 

2,480

 

 

12,721

 

 

2,112

 

 

1,223

 

 

15,661

 

 

54,700

 

At December 31, 2019

 

6,838

 

 

13,673

 

 

2,566

 

 

13,737

 

 

2,347

 

 

1,208

 

 

1,378

 

 

41,747

 

At January 1, 2019

 

6,206

 

 

14,160

 

 

2,148

 

 

13,770

 

 

2,298

 

 

1,163

 

 

1,673

 

 

41,418

 

 

F-71


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

15.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (continued)

15(a)Impairment of property, plant and equipment

In 2020, 2019 and 2018 the Company recorded an impairment loss of $202, $546 and $11 on property, plant and equipment at Sigma Cable, Shanghai Yayang and SFO facilities. The impairment is presented within cost of sales in consolidated income statements, other operating expenses in Note 7(b), and the impairment of property, plant and equipment of ROW, North Asia and Thailand segments in Note 5.

The Company identified impairment at Sigma Cable due to lack of profitability. The Company determined that certain machinery and equipment would not generate the expected future cash flows. The impairment test revealed that the total carrying amount of these assets was greater than their total recoverable amount. After considering the relevant objective evidence, the Company recorded an impairment loss.

The Company performed a valuation for utilized machinery measured at fair value less costs to sell using a cost approach due to closure of the manufacturing facilities at Shanghai Yayang. Its fair value measurement was classified as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. After considering the relevant evidence, the key assumption used included replacement costs, residual value and remaining useful life of these existing assets. The impairment test revealed that the recoverable amount was lower than the carrying amount.

The Company considers the market demand for SFO’s products and performed an impairment test on the CGU composed of property, plant and equipment used in the manufacturing of fiber optic cables at SFO. The Company determined the recoverable amount of the CGU to be $0 based on the value in use. The key assumptions used in calculating the value in use included the revenue growth and a discount rate of 14.8%.  

15(b)Lease arrangements under property, plant and equipment

The carrying value of motor vehicles under lease arrangements as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 were $0, $0 and $66, respectively. These assets under lease arrangements are pledged for lease liabilities (Note 25(b)).

15(c)Pledge

Information about the property, plant and equipment that were pledged to others as collaterals is provided in Note 27(e) (i).

 

F-72


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

16.

RIGHT-OF-USE ASSETS

 

16(a)Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

Right of use assets

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Land

 

 

2,843

 

 

3,029

 

Buildings

 

 

281

 

 

546

 

Motor vehicle and  other  asset

 

 

47

 

 

58

 

Office  equipment

 

 

77

 

 

102

 

 

 

 

3,248

 

 

3,735

 

 

The Company leases various assets including land, buildings, business vehicles and multifunction printers. Rental contracts are typically made for periods of 1 to 37 years. Lease terms are negotiated on an individual basis and contain a wide range of different terms and conditions. The lease agreements do not impose covenants, but leased assets may not be used as security for borrowing purposes.

 

Additions to the right-of-use assets during the 2020 financial year were $40 (2019: $473).

 

16(b)Amounts recognized in the consolidated income statements

 

 

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

Depreciation charge of right of use assets

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Land

 

 

280

 

 

211

 

Buildings

 

 

278

 

 

233

 

Motor vehicle and  other  asset

 

 

38

 

 

38

 

Office  equipment

 

 

25

 

 

25

 

 

 

 

621

 

 

507

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expenses (included in finance cost)

 

 

79

 

 

91

 

Expenses relating to short-term leases

 

 

7

 

 

159

 

Expenses relating to lease of low-value assets that are not short-term leases

 

 

10

 

 

15

 

 

The total cash outflow for lease in 2020 was $682 (2019: $691).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F-73


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

17.

INVESTMENT PROPERTIES

17(a)Net book value of investment properties

 

Land not being

used for

operation

 

Office buildings

for rent

 

Warehouse

 

Land leasehold right

 

Total

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

As of December 31, 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost

 

466

 

 

742

 

 

5,701

 

 

96

 

 

7,005

 

Less: Accumulated depreciation

 

 

 

(502

)

 

(124

)

 

(1

)

 

(627

)

Net book value

 

466

 

 

240

 

 

5,577

 

 

95

 

 

6,378

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost

 

467

 

 

716

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,183

 

Less: Accumulated depreciation

 

 

 

(453

)

 

 

 

 

 

(453

)

Net book value

 

467

 

 

263

 

 

 

 

 

 

730

 

 

A reconciliation of the net book value of investment properties was as follow:

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Net book value at January 1

 

730

 

 

720

 

Addition

 

5,197

 

 

 

Depreciation (included in administrative expenses)

 

(144

)

 

(33

)

Transfer from property plant and equipment

 

7

 

 

 

Exchange difference

 

588

 

 

43

 

Net book value at December 31

 

6,378

 

 

730

 

 

17(b)The amount recognized in profit arising from the investment properties

Undiscounted lease payments receivable to be received during the lease terms are immaterial.

 

2020

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Rental income derived from investment properties

 

190

 

 

78

 

 

84

 

Direct operating expenses (including repairs and

   maintenance) generating rental income

 

(145

)

 

(34

)

 

(36

)

Net profit arising from investment properties

   carried at cost

 

45

 

 

44

 

 

48

 

 

 

F-74


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

17.

INVESTMENT PROPERTIES (continued)

17(c)Measuring investment properties at fair value (continued)

The fair value of the investment properties are stated below:

 

As of December 31,

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Land not being used for operation

 

11,521

 

 

11,566

 

Office buildings for rent

 

2,060

 

 

1,460

 

Warehouse

 

5,701

 

 

 

Land leasehold right

 

96

 

 

 

 

The fair value of aforementioned investment properties have been determined based on the valuation and is considered a level 3 measurement. The valuation has been made on the assumption to sell the property interests in the open market in the neighborhood without the benefit of any deferred term contract, leaseback, joint venture, management agreement or any similar arrangement, which would serve to increase the value of the property interests. The valuation adopted market comparison approach to estimate the fair market value of the properties. Under the market comparison approach, the appraisal is based on recent sales and listings of comparable property. Adjustments were made for differences between the subject property and those actual sales and listings regarded as comparable. The factors which used for considering the property valuation include the significant unobservable inputs, such as location, transportation, land uses, facilities, neighboring area, land characteristics, potential, regulations and liquidity.

17(d)Pledge

 

Information about the investment properties that were pledged to others as collaterals is provided in Note 27(e) (i).

18.

INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Computer software

 

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

At January 1

 

621

 

 

586

 

Addition

 

67

 

 

20

 

Transfer

 

40

 

 

 

Exchange difference

 

15

 

 

15

 

At December 31

 

743

 

 

621

 

Accumulated amortization

 

 

 

 

 

 

At January 1

 

(493

)

 

(429

)

Amortization

 

(62

)

 

(50

)

Exchange difference

 

(8

)

 

(14

)

At December 31

 

(563

)

 

(493

)

Net book value

 

 

 

 

 

 

At December 31

 

180

 

 

128

 

 

F-75


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

19.

INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATES

19(a)Associates of the Company

 

 

 

Percentage of

equity interest

 

 

 

 

As of December 31

 

Company Name

Nature of business

Country of

incorporation

2020

 

2019

 

Shandong Pacific Rubber Cable Co., Ltd. (“SPRC”)

Manufacturing of rubber cable

PRC

25.00%

 

25.00%

 

Siam Pacific Holding Company Limited (“SPHC”)

Investment & holding company

Thailand

49.00%

 

49.00%

 

Loxpac (Thailand) Company Limited (“Loxpac”) (Formerly known as “Loxley Pacific Co., Ltd.)

Providing telecommunication service

Thailand

21.39%

 

21.39%

 

Loxpac Hong Kong Co., Limited (“Loxpac HK”) (Formerly known as “Loxley Pacific Hong Kong Co., Limited” )

Investment & holding company

Hong Kong

23.10%

 

23.10%

 

 

19(b)Carrying amounts of investment in associates

 

 

As of  December 31,

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

At January 1

 

935

 

 

864

 

Share of loss of associates

 

(1

)

 

(3

)

Exchange difference

 

(4

)

 

74

 

At December 31

 

930

 

 

935

 

 

The investments in SPRC, Loxpac and Loxpac HK have been fully impaired.

 

19(c)Summarized financial information for associates

The following table summarized financial information of the Company’s investments in associates:

 

As of December 31,

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Summarized financial information of SPHC:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

6

 

 

3

 

Non-current assets

 

2,095

 

 

2,103

 

Current liabilities

 

(2

)

 

(3

)

Non-current liabilities

 

(202

)

 

(196

)

Equity

 

1,897

 

 

1,907

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reconciliation to the Company’s investments in associates:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Percentage of equity interest

49%

 

49%

 

Carrying amount of the investment

 

930

 

 

935

 

 

 

F-76


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

19.

INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATES (continued)

19(c)Summarized financial information for associates (continued)

 

 

For the year ended December 31,

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Summarized financial information of SPHC:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss for the year

 

(2

)

 

(6

)

 

(5

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reconciliation to the Company’s investments in associates:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Percentage of equity interest

49%

 

49%

 

49%

 

Share of the associates’ profit for the year:

 

(1

)

 

(3

)

 

(3

)

 

 

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company's associates had no contingent liabilities or capital commitments.

 


F-77


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

20.

TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Trade payables

 

17,358

 

 

10,509

 

Other payables

 

10,012

 

 

6,370

 

 

 

27,370

 

 

16,879

 

Other payables included refund liabilities arising from contracts with customers, which amounted to $7,515 and $4,393 as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

 

 

21.

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

 

Current

 

Non-current

 

Total

 

Current

 

Non-current

 

Total

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Employee benefit liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pension-Defined benefit plans

 

1,384

 

 

9,916

 

 

11,300

 

 

1,436

 

 

10,306

 

 

11,742

 

Long service leave

 

566

 

 

111

 

 

677

 

 

452

 

 

128

 

 

580

 

Total

 

1,950

 

 

10,027

 

 

11,977

 

 

1,888

 

 

10,434

 

 

12,322

 

 

21(a)Pension – Defined contribution plans

The Company has several defined contribution plans covering its employees in Australia, PRC, Singapore, Thailand, and Taiwan. Contributions to the plan are made monthly. Total charges for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, were $966, $1,160, and $1,264, respectively. 

21(b)Pension – Defined benefit plans

The defined benefit liability recognized in the consolidated balance sheet in respect to defined benefit plans is the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the end of the reporting period, together with adjustments for past service costs and actuarial gains or losses. The defined benefit obligation is calculated annually by independent actuaries using the projected unit credit method. The present value of the defined benefit obligation is determined by discounting the estimated future cash outflows using future actuarial assumptions about demographic and financial variables that affect the determination of the amount of such benefits.

In accordance with the Thailand labor law, Charoong Thai and its subsidiaries are obliged to make payment to retiring employees, at rates of 1 to 13 times of their final month’s salary rate, depending on the length of service.  In addition, Charoong Thai also has the extra benefit plan to make payment to qualified retiring employees, at rates of 1 to 26 times of final month's salary. The plan is not funded. The Company pays to settle the obligations as and when employees retire.

 

F-78


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

21.

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT (continued)

21(b)Pension – Defined benefit plans (continued)

The following tables summaries the components of net benefit expense recognized in the income statement and the funded status and amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet for the plan:

 

 

For the year ended December 31,

 

Net benefit cost

2020

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Current service cost

 

562

 

 

546

 

 

419

 

Past service cost

 

 

 

121

 

 

 

Interest cost on benefit obligation

 

147

 

 

254

 

 

202

 

Net benefit cost

 

709

 

 

921

 

 

621

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31,

 

Other comprehensive income

2020

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Actuarial (gain) / loss – experience

 

(328

)

 

494

 

 

396

 

Actuarial (gain) / loss – demographic assumption

 

(1

)

 

18

 

 

1

 

Actuarial (gain) / loss – financial assumption

 

130

 

 

1,215

 

 

13

 

Actuarial loss

 

(199

)

 

1,727

 

 

410

 

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31,

 

Change in the defined obligation

2020

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Defined benefit obligation at January 1

 

11,742

 

 

9,016

 

 

8,293

 

Current service cost

 

562

 

 

546

 

 

419

 

Past service cost

 

 

 

121

 

 

 

Interest cost on benefit obligation

 

147

 

 

254

 

 

202

 

Benefits paid directly by the Company

 

(954

)

 

(535

)

 

(352

)

Actuarial loss in other comprehensive income

 

(199

)

 

1,727

 

 

410

 

Exchange differences

 

2

 

 

613

 

 

44

 

Defined benefit obligation at December 31

 

11,300

 

 

11,742

 

 

9,016

 

 

Actuarial assumptions

The significant assumptions used in determining the actuarial present value of the defined benefit obligations for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 are as follows:

 

2020

 

2019

 

%

 

%

Discount rate

1.2-1.4

 

1.5

Rate of salary increase

5.0~6.0

 

5.0~6.0

Pre-retirement mortality

* Thailand TMO17 Tables

 

* Thailand TMO17 Tables

* TMO represented as Thailand Mortality Ordinary Tables

 

 

F-79


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

21.EMPLOYEE BENEFIT (continued)

21(b)Pension – Defined benefit plans (continued)

 

Maturity profile of defined benefit obligation

The following pension benefit payments are expected payments to be made in the future years out of the defined benefit plan obligation:

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Within the next 12 months (next annual reporting period)

 

1,384

 

 

1,340

 

Between 2 and 5 years

 

2,040

 

 

2,489

 

Between 6 and 10 years

 

4,568

 

 

4,391

 

Beyond 10 years

 

17,114

 

 

16,917

 

Total expected payments

 

25,106

 

 

25,137

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average duration of defined benefit obligation

9~10 years

 

9 years

 

 

Sensitivity analysis

A one-percentage point change in the assumed rates would have yielded the following effects:

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Discount rate – 1% increase

 

(984

)

 

(1,003

)

Discount rate – 1% decrease

 

1,159

 

 

1,178

 

Rate of salary increase – 1% increase

 

1,095

 

 

1,115

 

Rate of salary increase – 1% decrease

 

(953

)

 

(973

)

 

The sensitivity result above determines their individual impact on the plan’s year-end defined benefit obligation. In reality, the plan is subject to multiple external experience items which may move the defined benefit obligation in similar or opposite directions, while the plan’s sensitivity to such changes can vary over time.

 

21(c)

Long service leave

The liability for long service leave is recognized in the provision for employee benefits and measured as present value of expected future payments to be made in respect of services provided by employees up to the reporting date using the projected unit credit method. Consideration is given to expected future wage and salary levels, experience of employee departures, and periods of service. Expected future payments are discounted using market yields at the reporting date on high quality corporate bond with terms to maturity and currencies that match, as closely as possible, the estimated future cash outflows. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the amount of long service leave obligation was $677 and $580, respectively.

 

 

F-80


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

22.OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Contract liabilities

 

259

 

 

216

 

Dividend payable

 

691

 

 

674

 

Onerous contracts provisions

 

5,105

 

 

238

 

Other current liabilities

 

1,771

 

 

1,228

 

Total

 

7,826

 

 

2,356

 

 

  

Other current liabilities include undue value added tax, unpaid withholding tax, and other miscellaneous liabilities.

 

22(a)Onerous contracts provisions

 

2020

 

2019

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

At January 1

 

238

 

 

42

 

Recognized

 

4,658

 

 

218

 

Reversed

 

 

 

(25

)

Exchange differences

 

209

 

 

3

 

At December 31

 

5,105

 

 

238

 

 

22(b)Contract Liabilities

 

As of December 31,

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Current contract liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Advance from customers

 

156

 

 

93

 

Custodial service

 

44

 

 

63

 

Transportation service

 

59

 

 

60

 

Total current contract liabilities

 

259

 

 

216

 

 

The Company recognizes contract liabilities when it receives advance payments from customers before performance obligations have been performed.

F-81


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

22.

OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES (continued)

 

22(b)Contract Liabilities (continued)

Revenue recognized in relation to contract liabilities

 

 

For the year ended December 31,

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Revenue recognized that was included in the contract liabilities balance at the beginning of the year

 

 

 

 

 

 

Advance from customers

 

93

 

 

668

 

Custodial service

 

60

 

 

59

 

Transportation service

 

56

 

 

17

 

 

 

209

 

 

744

 

 

 

 

23.

EQUITY

23(a)Common shares

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

Authorized shares

 

Number of shares

 

Number of shares

 

Common shares of US$0.01 each

 

 

50,000,000

 

 

50,000,000

 

 

Common shares issued and fully paid

 

Number of shares

 

US$’000

 

At December 31, 2020

 

 

13,830,769

 

 

138

 

At December 31, 2019

 

 

13,830,769

 

 

138

 

At January 1, 2019

 

 

13,830,769

 

 

138

 

23(b)Dividends

On November 11, 2016, APWC announced that the Board of Directors approved the implementation of a dividend policy as part of APWC's ongoing commitment to increasing shareholder value and return on investment. Pursuant to the dividend policy, subject to review and approval by the Board of Directors, APWC may pay cash dividends of at least 25% of its net post-tax audited consolidated profits attributable to shareholders. As APWC is a holding company, its ability to pay dividends is dependent upon distributions that it receives from its operating subsidiaries and affiliates, which are subject to a number of factors including operating results, capital requirements, expansion plans, debt covenants, business prospects, consideration for non-recurring items and other factors that are deemed relevant from time to time by the respective boards of our subsidiaries and affiliates. The dividend policy will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and updated at the discretion of the Board of Directors as business circumstances and available capital and capital requirements may change.

APWC recognized dividends distributed to owners amounting to $nil ($nil per share), $nil ($nil per share) and $1,106 ($0.08 per share) for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

F-82


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

23.

EQUITY (continued)

23(c)Other comprehensive income – net of tax

The disaggregation of changes of other comprehensive income by each type of reserve in equity is shown below:

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2020

 

 

 

Remeasurement

of defined

benefit plans

 

Financial

assets at

FVOCI

reserve

 

Foreign

currency

translation

reserve

 

Total

 

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Exchange difference on translation of foreign operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,211

 

 

5,211

 

Re-measuring losses on defined benefit plans

 

 

159

 

 

 

 

 

 

159

 

Changes in fair value of financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

(1,431

)

 

 

 

(1,431

)

 

 

 

159

 

 

(1,431

)

 

5,211

 

 

3,939

 

 

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2019

 

 

 

Remeasurement

of defined

benefit plans

 

Financial

assets at

FVOCI

reserve

 

Foreign

currency

translation

reserve

 

Total

 

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Exchange difference on translation of foreign operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

10,677

 

 

10,677

 

Re-measuring losses on defined benefit plans

 

 

(1,382

)

 

 

 

 

 

(1,382

)

Changes in fair value of financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

1,336

 

 

 

 

1,336

 

 

 

 

(1,382

)

 

1,336

 

 

10,677

 

 

10,631

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2018

 

 

 

Remeasurement

of defined

benefit plans

 

Available-for-sale

reserve

 

Financial

assets at

FVOCI

reserve

 

Foreign

currency

translation

reserve

 

Total

 

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Reclassification of application of IFRS 9

 

 

 

 

(1,717

)

 

1,717

 

 

 

 

 

Exchange difference on translation of foreign operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(4,388

)

 

(4,388

)

Re-measuring losses on defined benefit plans

 

 

(328

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(328

)

Changes in fair value of financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

(335

)

 

 

 

(335

)

 

 

 

(328

)

 

(1,717

)

 

1,382

 

 

(4,388

)

 

(5,051

)

 

 

 

 

F-83


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

24.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The related parties are defined as affiliates of the Company; entities for which investments are accounted for by the equity method by the Company; the principal owners of the Company; its management; members of the immediate families of the principal owners of the Company and its management.

Moon View Venture Limited (“Moon View”), PEWC, Singapore Branch, PEWC Singapore Co. (Pte) Ltd., and PEWC (HK) are controlled by PEWC. Moon View is the immediate holding company of the Company. Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited (“Italian-Thai”) is the non-controlling shareholder of one of the Company’s operating subsidiaries in Thailand. SPHC is one of the Company’s equity investees. Fujikura Limited is a non-controlling shareholder of one of the Company’s operating subsidiaries in Thailand.

24(a)Outstanding balance with related parties

The following table provided the total amount of outstanding balance at December 31, 2020 and 2019.

 

 

Amounts due from related parties

 

Amounts due to related parties

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

2020

 

2019

 

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

The ultimate parent company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PEWC

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,550

 

 

862

 

PEWC, Singapore Branch

 

 

22

 

 

21

 

 

 

 

 

PEWC Singapore Co.

(Pte) Ltd.

 

 

 

 

 

 

400

 

 

1,027

 

PEWC (HK)

 

 

5,613

 

 

5,247

 

 

42

 

 

20

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Associate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SPHC

 

 

196

 

 

196

 

 

1,362

 

 

1,362

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-controlling shareholder of subsidiary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Italian-Thai and its affiliates

 

 

5,151

 

 

6,102

 

 

240

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Others

 

 

 

 

 

 

26

 

 

13

 

Total

 

 

10,982

 

 

11,566

 

 

10,620

 

 

3,284

 

 

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the interest rates on the balance due to PEWC Singapore Co. (Pte) Ltd. range from 1.23% to 2.90% and 3.09% to 3.79%, respectively. In December 2020, this loan was repaid in full to PEWC Singapore Co. (Pte) Ltd.

In August 2020, APWC procured a total of $6 million secured loan, which is shown in the balance due to PEWC as of December 31, 2020. This loan is a straight loan for a period of 12 months with a fixed interest rate of 3% per annum. It is secured by a pledge of the Company’s 98.3% ownership stake in Sigma Cable.

 

F-84


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

24.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (continued)

24(b)Transactions with related parties

The transactions undertaken with related parties are summarized as follows:

 

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31,

 

 

 

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

 

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

The ultimate parent company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PEWC

 

Purchases

 

 

5,742

 

 

2,745

 

 

521

 

 

 

Sales

 

 

90

 

 

 

 

14

 

 

 

Fabrication income received

 

 

 

 

140

 

 

412

 

 

 

Management fee paid

 

 

133

 

 

199

 

 

136

 

 

 

Information technology service fee paid

 

 

123

 

 

101

 

 

115

 

 

 

Interest expenses paid

 

 

60

 

 

 

 

 

PEWC, Singapore Branch

 

Management fee received

 

 

14

 

 

14

 

 

14

 

PEWC Singapore Co. (Pte) Ltd.

 

Interest expenses paid

 

 

12

 

 

22

 

 

21

 

PEWC (HK)

 

Purchases

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,479

 

 

 

Sales

 

 

17,004

 

 

17,831

 

 

23,498

 

 

 

Service fee paid

 

 

209

 

 

218

 

 

231

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The immediate holding company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moon View

 

Income from discharge of liability*

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,537

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-controlling shareholder of subsidiary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Italian Thai and its affiliates

 

Sales

 

 

5,344

 

 

4,188

 

 

6,814

 

 

 

Construction of factory building expenses

 

 

3,436

 

 

215

 

 

 

Fujikura Limited

 

Purchases

 

 

 

 

249

 

 

750

 

 

Moon View discharged the Company’s liabilities towards Moon View due to the financial arrangement between related parties. The Company wrote off the liabilities amounted to $1,537 from “due to related parties”, and recognized other income amounted to $1,537 for the year ended December 31, 2018.

24(c)Terms and condition of transactions with related parties

The sales to and purchases from related parties are based on negotiation by the entities. Outstanding balances at the year-end are unsecured and interest free. There have been no guarantees provided or received for any related party receivables or payables. This assessment is undertaken each financial year through examining the financial position of the related party and the market in which the related party operates.

The Company purchases from PEWC copper rods as raw materials, low to high voltage power cable, and wire for distribution purposes. The purchase price from PEWC is determined by reference to the quoted copper prices on the LME. No sales commission was received from PEWC during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.  

 

F-85


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

24.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (continued)

24(c)Terms and condition of transactions with related parties (continued)

Pursuant to the composite services agreement with PEWC: 

 

(i)

PEWC will sell copper rod to the Company, upon the Company’s request, (1) at a price consisting of the average spot price of copper on the LME for the one month prior to purchase plus an agreed upon premium, (2) at prices and on terms at least as favorable as it provides copper rod to other purchasers of similar amounts of copper rod in the same markets as PEWC and (3) will give priority in the supply of copper rod to the Company over other purchasers of copper rod from PEWC.

 

(ii)

PEWC grants to the Company the right to distribute any wire or cable product manufactured by PEWC in all markets in which the Company presently distributes or develops the capability to distribute in the future, such products on such terms as have historically been in effect or on terms at least as favorable as PEWC grants to third parties that distribute such products in such markets. However, PEWC shall not be required to grant to the Company the right to distribute products manufactured by PEWC in the future in markets where the Company does not currently have the capability to distribute unless and until PEWC has no pre-existing contractual rights which would conflict with the grant of such right to the Company.

 

(iii)

PEWC will make available to the Company, upon the Company’s request and on terms to be mutually agreed between PEWC and the Company from time to time, access to certain of PEWC’s technology (and PEWC personnel necessary to use such technology) with respect to the design and manufacture of wire and cable products, including, without limitation, certain fiber optic technology. The Company benefits from research and development conducted by PEWC at little or no cost to the Company.

 

(iv)

PEWC will make available to the Company, upon the Company’s request and on terms to be mutually agreed between PEWC and the Company from time to time, certain services with respect to the design and manufacture of wire and cable products, computerization, inventory control, purchasing, internal auditing, quality control, emergency back-up services, and recruitment and training of personnel; such services may include the training of the Company’s employees and managers at PEWC facilities and the secondment of PEWC employees and managers to the Company.

 

(v)

Each of PEWC and the Company will offer the other party the right to participate in any negotiations with a third party concerning the establishment of any facility or similar venture to manufacture or distribute any wire or cable product outside of the markets where the Company currently manufactures or distributes, or intends to develop the capability to manufacture or distribute, any wire or cable product. Unless the Company and PEWC mutually agree otherwise, the Company shall have the right of first refusal to enter into any definitive agreement with such third party. If, however, such third party would not agree to the substitution of the Company for PEWC or such substitution would prevent the successful completion of the facility or venture, PEWC will arrange for the Company to participate to the extent possible.

 

F-86


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

24.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (continued)

24(d)Compensation of key management personnel of the Company

 

 

For the years ended December, 31

 

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Short-term employee benefits

 

 

3,050

 

 

3,073

 

 

3,814

 

Post-employment benefits

 

 

114

 

 

179

 

 

102

 

Termination benefits

 

 

 

 

 

 

47

 

Total compensation paid to key management

   personnel

 

 

3,164

 

 

3,252

 

 

3,963

 

The amounts disclosed in the table were recognized as expenses during the reporting periods.

 

   

F-87


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

25.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

25(a)Purchase commitments

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company had commitments to purchase raw materials totaling $194 million to $251 million and $200 million to $290 million (28,736 to 35,946 metric tons and 20,996 to 30,580 metric tons), respectively, from third parties at the prices stipulated in the contracts.

25(b)Capital commitments

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company had capital commitment relating to the construction of factory building improvement and acquisition of machinery, totaling $2.5 million and $5.8 million, respectively.

25(c)Guarantees   

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, APWC provided a corporate guarantee not exceeding the sum of $25.1 million and $24.7 million, respectively, for the bond performance and banking facility of Sigma Cable.

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, there were outstanding bank guarantees of $17 million and $38.5 million, respectively, issued by the banks on behalf of Charoong Thai and its subsidiaries in respect of certain performance bonds as required in the normal course of business of the companies. These guarantees generally expire within 1 year.

25(d)Service commitments

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company had commitments in respect of management consulting services with related parties totaling $0.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively.

 

F-88


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

26.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT

 

 

Fair value information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2020

Fair value measurement using

 

 

Total

 

Quoted  prices

in

active markets

(Level 1)

 

Significant

observable

inputs

(Level 2)

 

Significant

unobservable

inputs

(Level 3)

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income (Note 11.(a))

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unquoted equity instrument

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thai Metal Processing Co., Ltd.

 

2,271

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,271

 

Assets for which fair values are disclosed:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment properties (Note 17)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Land

 

11,521

 

 

 

 

 

 

11,521

 

Office buildings

 

2,060

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,060

 

Warehouse

 

5,701

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,701

 

Land leasehold right

 

96

 

 

 

 

 

 

96

 

 

There have been no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the year.

 

Fair value information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2019

Fair value measurement using

 

 

Total

 

Quoted  prices

in

active markets

(Level 1)

 

Significant

observable

inputs

(Level 2)

 

Significant

unobservable

inputs

(Level 3)

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Financial assets (liabilities) - derivatives (Note 11.(a))

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign exchange forward contract

 

(3

)

 

 

 

(3

)

 

 

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income (Note 11.(a))

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unquoted equity instrument

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thai Metal Processing Co., Ltd.

 

4,062

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,062

 

Assets for which fair values are disclosed:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment properties (Note 17)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Land

 

11,566

 

 

 

 

 

 

11,566

 

Office buildings

 

1,460

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,460

 

 

There have been no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the year.

 

 

 

 

F-89


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

27.FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES

Financial risks are those derived from financial instruments the Company is exposed to during or at the closing of each fiscal year. The objective of the Company’s financial risk management is to minimize its risk exposure against various financial risks, which include market risk, credit risk and liquidity risk. The Company uses derivative instruments to cover certain risks when it considers them necessary. It is the Company’s policy that no trading in derivatives for speculative purposes shall be undertaken.

The Company manages its exposure to key financial risks, as described in the succeeding paragraphs.

27(a)Market risk

Market risk is the risk that the fair value of future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market prices. Market prices comprise four types of risk: interest rate risk, equity price risk, foreign currency risk and commodity price risk. Financial instruments affected by market risk include loans and borrowings, financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss, and financial instruments at fair value through other comprehensive income.

The sensitivity analysis in the following sections relate to the position as of December 31, 2020 and 2019.

The analysis excludes the impact of movements in market variables on the carrying value of other post-retirement obligations provisions and on the non-financial assets and liabilities of foreign operations.

 

(i)

Interest rate risk

The Company’s exposure to interest rate risk arises from borrowing at floating interest rates. Changes in interest rate will affect future cash flows but not the fair value. Less than 14% of the Company’s financial liabilities bear floating interest rate, and the rest of its financial liabilities bear fixed interest rate which are close to the market rate or are non-interest bearing.

At the reporting dates, a change of 30 basis points of interest rate in a reporting period could cause the profit for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 to increase/decrease by $54 and $46, respectively.  

 

(ii)

Equity price risk

The Company’s exposure to equity price risk arises from unquoted instrument held by the Company and classified in the balance sheet as non-current financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income.

The fair value and the sensitivity analysis of the held equity instrument are disclosed in Note 11(d).   

 

F-90


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

27.

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES (continued)

27(a)Market risk (continued)

 

(iii)

Foreign currency risk

 

Foreign currency risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in foreign exchange rates. The Company’s exposure to the risk of changes in foreign exchange rates arise from sales, purchases and borrowings by operating units in currencies other than the unit’s functional currency. The Company’s principal operations are located in Thailand, the PRC, Singapore and Australia and a substantial portion of its revenues are denominated in Thai Baht, RMB, Australian dollars or Singapore dollars, whereas a substantial portion of the Company’s cost of sales are denominated in U.S. dollars, its reporting currency. Any devaluation of the functional currencies of the Company’s principal subsidiaries against the U.S. dollar would likely have an adverse impact on the operations of the Company. The Company currently does not maintain a foreign currency hedging policy. However, management monitors the foreign exchange exposure and will consider hedging significant foreign currency exposure should the need arise.

The balance of financial assets and liabilities denominated in a currency different from the Company’s each functional currency are summarized below.

 

Financial Assets

 

Financial Liabilities

 

 

As of December 31,

 

As of December 31

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

2020

 

2019

 

United States dollar (USD)

 

10,025

 

 

19,263

 

 

7,501

 

 

4,802

 

Thai Baht (THB)

 

13,241

 

 

346

 

 

30

 

 

87,779

 

Singapore dollar (SGD)

 

113

 

 

233

 

 

6

 

 

20

 

Taiwan dollar (TWD)

 

3,357

 

 

9,711

 

 

4,820

 

 

7,648

 

Renminbi (RMB)

 

18

 

 

119

 

 

 

 

 

Hong Kong dollar (HKD)

 

8,017

 

 

7,526

 

 

28

 

 

83

 

Euro (EUR)

 

249

 

 

 

 

413

 

 

 

Foreign currency sensitivity

The following table demonstrates the sensitivity of the Company’s profit before tax and equity to a reasonably possible change of each foreign currency exchange rates against all other non-functional currencies, with all other variables held constant.

 

Change

rate

 

USD

 

THB

 

SGD

 

TWD

 

RMB

 

HKD

 

EUR

 

 

5%

 

 

126

 

 

22

 

 

4

 

 

(3

)

 

 

 

52

 

 

(10

)

2020

-5%

 

 

(126

)

 

(22

)

 

(4

)

 

3

 

 

 

 

(52

)

 

10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5%

 

 

723

 

 

(147

)

 

8

 

 

3

 

 

1

 

 

48

 

 

 

2019

-5%

 

 

(723

)

 

147

 

 

(8

)

 

(3

)

 

(1

)

 

(48

)

 

 

 

F-91


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

27.

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES (continued)

27(a)Market risk (continued)

 

(iv)

Commodity price risk

 

The Company is affected by the volatility of certain commodities. Copper is the principal raw material used by the Company. The Company purchases copper at price closely related to the prevailing international spot market on the London Metal Exchange for copper. The price of copper is influenced heavily by global supply and demand as well as speculative trading. Consequently, a change in the price of copper will have a direct effect on the Company’s cost of sales.  The Company does not use derivative instruments to hedge the price risk associated with the purchase of this commodity.  However, we cover some of these risks through long-term purchase contracts.

Commodity price sensitivity

The following table shows the potential effect of price changes in copper.

 

Change in

year-end

price

 

Effect on profit

before tax

 

Effect on equity

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

2020

 

+28

%

 

5,398

 

N/A

Copper

 

-28

%

 

(5,398

)

N/A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2019

 

-16

%

 

(3,473

)

N/A

Copper

 

+16

%

 

3,473

 

N/A

 

On average, copper composes around 83% and 82% of the product cost in 2020 and 2019, respectively. The above sensitivity analysis is based on the most significant fluctuation rate of the month in 2020 as compared to the same month in 2019 and the most significant fluctuation rate of the month in 2019 as compared to the same month in 2018 and one month manufacturing lead time to estimate its impact on profit before tax in 2020 and 2019, respectively.

27(b)Credit risk

Credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents, bank deposits, foreign currency forward contracts, trade receivables, contract assets, other receivables excluding bank deposits, and amounts due from related parties. The Company’s exposure to credit risk arises from default of counterparty, with maximum exposure equal to the carrying amount of these financial instruments.

 

(i)

Risk management

The Company maintains cash and cash equivalents, as well as bank deposits with various financial institutions located in Singapore, Thailand, Australia, Hong Kong and the People’s Republic of China. The Company’s policy is designed to limit its exposure to any one institution. The Company performs periodic evaluations of the relative credit standing of those financial institutions that are considered in the Company’s investment strategy.

Foreign currency forward contracts are only used for economic hedging purposes and not as speculative investments. The counterparties on these forward contracts are banks with international operations and good credit quality.


F-92


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

27.

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES (continued)

27(b)Credit risk (continued)

Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables and contract assets are limited due to the large number of entities comprising the Company’s customer base. The Company analysis the credit risk for each of the new clients before credit limits are offered. Internal risk control assesses the credit quality of the customers, taking into account their financial position, past experience and other factors. The Company carefully assesses the financial strength of its customers and generally does not require any collateral. Compliances with credit limits are monitored, and exceptions beyond a certain threshold are discussed regularly. Customers’ credit terms are extend over time only when they establish good payment patterns with the Company. Other receivables excluding bank deposits mainly contain doubtful receivables from customers. The Company obtained collateral in respect of those material receivables, and performed the valuation of the collateral.

The Company enters into transactions with related parties in the ordinary course of its business. Refer to Note 24(c) for the Company’s general credit risk management practices.

 

(ii)

Definition of default

The Company considers the following as constituting an event of default for internal credit risk management purposes as historical experience indicates that financial assets that meet either of the following criteria are generally not recoverable:

 

when there is a breach of financial covenants by the debtor; or

 

information developed internally or obtained from external sources indicates that the debtor is unlikely to pay its creditors, including the Company, in full (without taking into account any collateral held by the Company).       

 

(iii)

Measurement and recognition of expected credit losses

The Company recognizes a loss allowance for expected credit losses on trade receivables and contract assets by using a provision matrix. Refer to Note 12(c) for the approach used to measure expected credit losses of trade receivables, Note 12(b) for the loss allowance recognized, and Note 12(a) for changes in the loss allowance on trade receivables. While contract assets are also subject to the impairment requirements of IFRS 9, the identified impairment loss was immaterial.

The Company applies the general approach for all other financial assets that are subject to the expected credit loss model. The expected credit losses of the respective financial instruments for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 were immaterial. While cash and cash equivalents are also subject to the impairment requirements of IFRS 9, the identified impairment loss was also immaterial.

 

(iv)

Write off policy

Financial instruments are written off when there is no reasonable expectation of recovery. Indicators that there is no reasonable expectation of recovery include, amongst others, the failure of a debtor to engage in a repayment plan with the Company, and a failure to make contractual payments for a period of greater than generally 90 days past due.

 

(v)

Concentrations of credit risk

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, trade receivables from one customer represented 14.76% and 9.31% of total trade receivables of the Company, respectively. The credit concentration risk of other trade receivables is insignificant.


F-93


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

27.

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES (continued)

27(c)Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk arises from the financial liabilities of the Company and their subsequent ability to meet obligations to repay their financial liabilities as and when they fall due. Management manages the Company’s liquidity risk by closely monitoring cash flow from the operations. The Company has about $52 million in cash and cash equivalents, $200 million in unutilized amounts of bank loans, and the total financial liabilities is $56 million at the reporting date, which for financial assets and liabilities results in a net asset position. Liquidity risk is considered not high as of December 31, 2020.  Refer to Note 29 for development subsequent to year end.

The table below summarizes the maturity profile of the Company’s financial liabilities based on contractual undiscounted payment obligations.

 

 

< 1 year

 

2 to 3 years

 

4 to 5 years

 

> 5 years

 

Total

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

As of  December 31, 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings

 

10,279

 

 

462

 

 

463

 

 

4,224

 

 

15,428

 

Trade and other payables

 

27,370

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

27,370

 

Due to related parties

 

10,620

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10,620

 

Lease liability

 

613

 

 

584

 

 

431

 

 

993

 

 

2,621

 

 

 

48,882

 

 

1,046

 

 

894

 

 

5,217

 

 

56,039

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of  December 31, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings

 

11,484

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11,484

 

Trade and other payables

 

16,879

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16,879

 

Due to related parties

 

3,284

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,284

 

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3

 

Lease liability

 

656

 

 

910

 

 

444

 

 

1,182

 

 

3,192

 

 

 

32,306

 

 

910

 

 

444

 

 

1,182

 

 

34,842

 

 

27(d)Capital management

The primary objectives of the Company’s capital management are to safeguard the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern and maintain healthy capital ratios in order to support its business, maximize shareholders’ value and to maintain an optimal capital structure to reduce the cost of capital.

The Company manages its capital structure and makes adjustments to it, in light of changes in economic conditions and the risks characteristics of the underlying assets. To maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Company may adjust the dividend payment to shareholders, return capital to shareholders, issue new shares or conduct stock repurchase programs. The Company is not subject to any externally imposed capital requirements. No changes were made in the objectives, policies or processes for managing capital during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

F-94


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

27.

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES (continued)

27(d)Capital management (continued)

In line with industry practices, the Company monitors capital using a gearing ratio, which is net debt divided by total capital plus net debt. The Company includes within net debt, interest bearing loans and borrowings, trade and other payables, less cash and cash equivalents.

 

As of December 31,

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Interest bearing loans and borrowings

 

13,781

 

 

11,356

 

Trade and other payables

 

27,370

 

 

16,879

 

Less: cash and cash equivalents

 

(52,237

)

 

(53,673

)

Net debt

 

(11,086

)

 

(25,438

)

Total Equity

 

234,875

 

 

228,435

 

Capital and net debt

 

223,789

 

 

202,997

 

Gearing ratio

0.0%

 

0.0%

 

 

The Company has no direct business operations other than its ownership of the capital stock of its subsidiaries and equity investees holdings. As a holding company, the Company’s ability to pay dividends, as well as to meet its other obligations, depends upon the amount of distributions, if any, received from the Company’s operating subsidiaries and other holdings and investments.  The Company’s operating subsidiaries and other holdings and investments, from time to time, may be subject to restrictions on their ability to make distributions to the Company, including as a result of restrictive covenants contained in loan agreements, restrictions on the conversion of local currency earnings into U.S. dollars or other hard currency and other regulatory restrictions.  For example, PRC legal restrictions permit payments of dividends by our business entities in PRC only out of their retained earnings, if any, determined in accordance with relevant PRC accounting standards and regulations.  Under PRC law, such entities are also required to set aside a portion of their net income each year to fund certain reserve funds.  These reserves are not distributable as cash dividends.  The foregoing restrictions may also affect the Company’s ability to fund operations of one subsidiary with dividends and other payments received from another subsidiary.

27(e)Collateral

The credit lines of the Company were collateralized by:

 

(i)

Mortgage of the Company’s land, buildings, machinery and equipment, investment properties and land use rights with a total carrying amount of $15,078 at December 31, 2020 (2019: $15,099);

 

(ii)

Pledge of other receivables of $1,363 at December 31, 2020 (2019: $4,847) ;

 

(iii)

Corporate guarantee issued by APWC.

 

(iv)

A trading facility was secured by all the assets with total carrying amount of $31,989 of a subsidiary as of December 31, 2020 (2019: $ 27,454).

 

(v)

The Company used Sigma Cable Company (Private) Limited’s (“Sigma Cable”) stocks as the collateral for the loan from Pacific Electronic Wire and Cable Co., Ltd. (PEWC).

The weighted average interest rates on bank loans and overdrafts as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 were 2.07% and 3.72% per annum, respectively.

 

 

 

 

F-95


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

27.     FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES (continued)

27(f)     COVID-19

The outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (“COVID-19”), which has been declared by the World Health Organization to be a “public health emergency of international concern,” has spread across the globe and is impacting worldwide economic activity and financial markets. We are facing significant risks related to the spread of COVID-19 and the recent developments surrounding the global pandemic have had, and will continue to have, significant effects on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

Our manufacturing and production have been affected by the outbreak of COVID-19. COVID-19 has affected and disrupted our operations and the operations of our suppliers, customers, and other business partners to varying degrees, including travel restrictions, business shutdowns, and/or other COVID-19 containment measures. A slowdown in economic activity as a result of COVID-19 has also resulted in, and could continue to result in, a reduction in demand for our products.

Due to the measures instituted in China in response to COVID-19, our China production facilities had been operating below normal production levels in the first half of 2020. Although our production in China has recovered, there can be no assurance that it will not drop again because of the pandemic.

The Singapore government implemented partial lockdown, also known as a circuit breaker, from April 7, 2020 to June 1, 2020. During this circuit breaker period, we were permitted to continue to operate with reduced on site staff, and approximately half of the employees of our Singapore operation have been working from home while the remaining employees have continued to work on site. Though the Singapore government has eased some of the circuit breaker measures after June 1, 2020, we do not know if the Singapore government will tighten the measure requiring most business to close or on site staff would be further reduced. COVID-19 has had, and may continue to have, negative impacts on our business in Singapore. In addition, COVID-19 delayed the fulfillment of contracts with our customers, causing negative impacts on our cash flow and liquidity. If we are not able to expand or extend lines of credit from banks, we may negotiate business terms with our suppliers to meet our liquidity needs in Singapore.

The impact of COVID-19 is constantly changing. Our operations in Thailand and Australia could be adversely affected if an outbreak recurs in these regions. Although we are monitoring the situation, the extent to which COVID-19 impacts our business will depend on future developments, which are uncertain and unpredictable in nature.

In order to protect the employees from COVID-19, the Company has taken measures to protect its employees, including temperature checks before entering the workplace, mandatory mask-wearing, social distancing, and work from home. We have also implemented staggered work hours to lower the risk that our employees might get infected on public transportations if they commute during peak hours. We are facing increased operational challenges as we take measures to support and protect employee health and safety. In particular, our remote work arrangements, coupled with stay-at-home orders and quarantines, pose challenges to our employees and our IT systems, and the extension of remote work arrangements could introduce operational risk, including cyber security and IT systems management risks, and impair our ability to manage our business.

As COVID-19 may continue to adversely affect our business operations and financial results, we would also expect the heightening of many of the other risks described in the risk factors in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2020. Further, COVID-19 may also affect our operations and financial results in a manner that is not presently known to us or we currently do not anticipate.

 

F-96


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

28.

CASH FLOW INFORMATION

28(a) Investing activities with partial cash payments

(i)Purchase of PPE

For the year end December 31,

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment

 

16,696

 

 

3,406

 

Add: Payable for PPE or CIP - Opening

 

355

 

 

213

 

Less: Payable for PPE or CIP - Ending

 

(196

)

 

(355

)

Less: Prepayment for PPE & CIP - Opening

 

(2,388

)

 

(210

)

Add: Prepayment for PPE & CIP - Ending

 

70

 

 

2,388

 

Less: acquisition by means of a lease

 

 

 

 

Cash paid during the year

 

14,537

 

 

5,442

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(ii)Purchase of investment properties

For the year end December 31,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

 

US$’000

 

 

Acquisition of investment properties

 

5,197

 

 

Less: acquisition by assuming directly related liabilities

 

(3,375

)

 

Less: noncash other operating income

 

(60

)

 

Cash paid during the year

 

1,762

 

 

 

28(b) Reconciliation of liabilities arising from financing activities

 

Interest -bearing loans and borrowings

 

Lease liabilities

 

Total

 

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

US$’000

 

Balance at January 1, 2019

 

24,814

 

 

90

 

 

24,904

 

   Recognized on adoption of IFRS 16

 

 

 

2,651

 

 

2,651

 

Changes in cash flows

 

(14,462

)

 

(426

)

 

(14,888

)

Foreign exchange adjustments

 

1,004

 

 

29

 

 

1,033

 

Acquisition lease

 

 

 

476

 

 

476

 

Other changes

 

 

 

8

 

 

8

 

Balance at December 31, 2019

 

11,356

 

 

2,828

 

 

14,184

 

Changes in cash flows

 

1,869

 

 

(586

)

 

1,283

 

Foreign exchange adjustments

 

556

 

 

48

 

 

604

 

Acquisition lease

 

 

 

38

 

 

38

 

Other changes

 

 

 

6

 

 

6

 

Balance at December 31, 2020

 

13,781

 

 

2,334

 

 

16,115

 

 

 

F-97


ASIA PACIFIC WIRE & CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

29.

SUBSEQUENT EVENT

29(a) CTW dividend payments      

On March 12, 2021, the Board of Directors of Charoong Thai declared a cash dividend distribution to its shareholders amounted to $5.9 million (Baht 179.1 million, equivalent to Baht 0.45 per share), $ 2.9 million of which will be distributed to non-controlling interest. The dividend will be paid on May 14, 2021. This dividend distribution plan requires the approval of the 2021 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of Charoong Thai.

29(b) Onerous contracts

The LME copper price rose sharply from US$7,742/ton on December 31, 2020 to US$9,476/ton on April 22, 2021, additional unrealized loss of US$ 4.6 million was recognized in the first quarter of 2021 for our Singapore subsidiary.

Other than the above events, the Company is not aware of any matter or circumstance that has significantly affected or may significantly affect the operations of the Company, the results of those operations, or the state of affairs of the Company.

30.

APPROVAL OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The financial statements were approved and authorized for issuance by the board of directors on April 23, 2021.

 

F-98