- Hoe Leong Corporation
Transcription
- Hoe Leong Corporation
HL•COVER(03.03).ai 4/1/08 11:51:41 PM Hoe Leong Corporation Ltd. www.hoeleong.com Hoe Leong Corporation Ltd. 6 Clementi Loop • Singapore 129814 • Tel : +65 6463 8666 • Fax : +65 6564 7252 • Registration No: 199408433W Mission Statement We are committed in being the leader in trading, distributing as well as the designing and manufacturing of an extensive range of spare parts for heavy equipment and industrial machinery so as to meet the various demands and achieve absolute precision in the market place. HOE LEONG CORPORATION LTD. Hoe Leong Corporation Ltd. was incorporated in Singapore on 18 November 1994. It was successfully admitted to the Official List of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (“SGX-ST”) on 5 December 2005. Its principal business activities are as follows:• Trading and distributing an extensive range of equipment parts for both heavy equipment and industry machinery including brands such as Cargo Winch, Caterpillar, Cummins, Fiat Allis, Hitachi, Hyster, Kato, Kobelco, Komatsu, Mitsubishi, P&H and Sumitomo. • Design and manufacture of equipment parts for both heavy equipment and industrial machinery under its own in-house brand names, “KBJ”, “OEM”, “ROSSI” and “TMI”. Initially, it out-sourced the manufacture of its products to overseas contract manufacturers. Since 2004, it has also commenced manufacturing certain equipment parts through its PRC subsidiaries. Hoe Leong sells directly to end-users as well as through distributors in Singapore and overseas markets including Indonesia, Malaysia, the People’s Republic of China and the Emerging Markets (which includes India and the Middle East). End-users of its products are generally users of heavy equipment and industrial machinery in the agriculture, building and infrastructure construction, forestry, marine, mining and plantation industries. Currently, Hoe Leong serves over 1,200 customers. It carries about 20,000 types of equipment parts in 25 categories for over 100 brands of products. CORPORATE PROFILE I CORPORATE INFORMATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGISTERED OFFICE Executive: James Kuah Geok Lin (Chairman and CEO) Paul Kuah Geok Khim (Executive Director) Peter Kuah Geok Koon (Executive Director) Quah Yoke Hwee (Executive Director) 6 Clementi Loop, Singapore 129814 Tel : (65) 6463-8666 Fax : (65) 6564-7252 Website : http://www.hoeleong.com Non-Executive: Ang Mong Seng (Independent Director) Lim Kok Hoong (Independent Director) Peter Boo Song Heng (Independent Director) AUDIT COMMITTEE Lim Kok Hoong (Chairman) Ang Mong Seng Peter Boo Song Heng NOMINATING COMMITTEE Peter Boo Song Heng (Chairman) Ang Mong Seng James Kuah Geok Lin REMUNERATION COMMITTEE Ang Mong Seng (Chairman) Lim Kok Hoong Peter Boo Song Heng COMPANY SECRETARY SHARE REGISTRAR Tricor Barbinder Share Registration Services (A division of Tricor Singapore Pte. Ltd.) 8 Cross Street, #11-00 PWC Building Singapore 048424 AUDITORS KPMG 16 Raffles Quay, #22-00 Hong Leong Building Singapore 048581 Audit Partner-in-charge Phuoc Tran Partner-in-charge since financial year ended 31 December 2004 PRINCIPAL BANKERS United Overseas Bank Limited Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited Registration No. 199408433W Eileen Koh 02 I 03 HOE LEONG CORPORATION LTD. HOE LEONG CORPORATION LTD. SINGAPORE 100% 100% HO LEONG TRACTORS SDN. BHD. (MALAYSIA) 100% JILIN KANTO BUHIN CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY MANUFACTURING CO., LTD. (CHINA) 100% KUNSHAN KANTO BUHIN MANUFACTURING CO., LTD. (CHINA) HOE LEONG MACHINERY (H.K.) LIMITED (HONG KONG) 100% QUANZHOU KANTO BUHIN MACHINERY MANUFACTURING CO., LTD (CHINA) 71.4% 99% PT TRACKSPARE (INDONESIA) TRACKSPARES (AUST) PTY. LTD. (AUSTRALIA) 83.2% SHENYANG MILEQUIP INDUSTRY CO., LTD (CHINA) Our Brands We can readily provide assistance to customers with their requirements attributed by our extensive experience in the industry. Our large and varied inventories and our regional sales network are beneficial to our customers as they have easy accessibility to replacement parts, thereby shortening their downtime. CORPORATE STRUCTURE I FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS TMI TRATTORI MACCHINE )4!,)! Revenue By Geographical Segments In FY2007 Revenue by Geographical segments ($’000) PRC and Hong Kong 11% Emerging Markets[1] 16% Singapore Malaysia Indonesia PRC and Hong Kong Emerging Markets[1] Others[2] Grand Total Others[2] 7% Singapore 4% Indonesia 31% Malaysia 31% 80 Revenue by Business Activities ($ million) 40.2 41.6 39.0 5 40.4 2.0 2.7 4 30 Trading and Distribution 20 17.7 15.6 21.9 25.0 FY2006 FY2007 Design and Manufacture 0 FY2004 FY2005 Net Profit and Margin 10.8 3.6 3 Trading and Distribution 2 1 2.7 0 2.7 FY2004 FY2005 3.3 FY2006 0.6 FY2007 Design and Manufacture 12.0% Net Profit Net Margin 6 9.3 30 NAV Per Ordinary Share (in cents) 10.0% 25 5 ($ million) 4.1 6 40 7 Segment results by Business Activities ($ million) 8 7 60 10 FY 2005 FY 2006 FY 2007 3,346 2,585 2,641 17,352 20,846 20,386 17,845 20,823 20,142 7,173 7,188 7,041 7,313 9,162 10,158 3,012 2,905 4,835 56,041 63,509 65,203 1. Emerging Markets refer to India, Middle East, Pakistan and Russia. 2. Others include Australia, Korea, Japan, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, South Africa, Thailand and Vietnam. 70 50 FY 2004 3,468 17,212 18,716 7,984 6,420 2,921 56,721 26.4 8.0% 6.4 23.2 20 4 23.5 6.0% 4.6 3 18.7 15 4.0% 2 10 2.0% 1 0 5.3 6.1 FY2004 FY2005 4.1 3.0 FY2006 FY2007 0.0% 5 0 FY2004 FY2005 FY2006 FY2007 04 I 05 HOE LEONG CORPORATION LTD. Dear Shareholders, On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am pleased to present our Annual Report for the financial year ended 31 December 2007 (“FY2007”). We have made much progress for the year under review. One of the key areas of focus in FY2007 was the rationalisation of our China operations. During the period, we have seen increased orders for our own in-house brands of products, indicating increased acceptance from our customers. For financial year ending 31 December 2008 (“FY2008”) and beyond, we intend to further our marketing efforts for our own brands and we expect the percentage revenue contribution from this segment to continue to increase. In addition, we are also expanding our geographical footprint through strategic partnerships. In early 2007, we have entered into a joint venture to enter the Australian market. The performance of this venture has been very encouraging and we have intentions to scale up our Australian operations in the near future. In addition to Australia, we are also assessing possible ventures into other markets such as the Middle East and India where we believe there are huge demand for our products. Further to organic expansion, we are also looking at strategic investments or acquisitions that can accelerate our growth with the aim of enhancing the shareholders’ value at a faster pace. There are many opportunities out there but we remain prudent about the risk exposure of such investments. However, we are pleased to share with you that, as at the date of printing of this Annual Report; we have successfully diversified into the Oil & Gas sector through a joint venture to own and charter out a specialist barge. Foundation for Growth FY2007 had been a challenging year in terms of our financial performance as we continue to lay the foundation for our future growth. Our turnover rose by 2.7% in FY2007 to $65.2 million as we received more orders from our Design and Manufacture segment. Gross profit decline by 11.8% to $16.3 million in FY2007 as our China operations were affected by the rationalisation efforts during this period. CHAIRMANʼS STATEMENT We continue to carry a wide range of products as reflected by the increase in our inventory level; from $35.5 million for the financial year ended 31 December 2006 (“FY2006”) to $40.6 million in FY2007. At the same time, we are also actively expanding our network of over 1,200 customers from diverse industries. We will also continue to work closely with our principals and maintain our distributorships with well-known international names while developing our own brands for certain specific markets and products. Expansion of our geographical presence will continue in strategic locations such as Australia, the Middle East and India where we believe there are strong demands. Currently, our key markets are still Malaysia and Indonesia which account for 31.3% and 30.9% of the revenue respectively. Looking Forward Going forward, we recognize that any potential slowdown in the global economy may affect the Group’s operations. However, given that the emerging countries such as the Middle East and China are still spending top dollars on their infrastructural needs; at the same time, commodities prices have been strong and as this is expected to continue for the foreseeable future, we expect our business to remain robust. While we recognize that our current business is still attractive, it is important to look beyond our traditional business. Improving our operations in China will be one of our key priorities for the coming year as we look to expand our customer network beyond the current base. We have received encouraging feedback from our customers since the introduction of our inhouse brands and witnessed some switch-over to our range of in-house brands of equipment parts. In FY2008, we expect the revenue contribution from our Design and Manufacture segment to grow steadily. While we recognize that our current business is still attractive, it is important to look beyond our traditional business. To further enhance our shareholders’ value, we are actively looking at strategic investments that have a faster rate of return than our current business. Although profitability is one consideration, the management is also taking a prudent approach to ensure that the risk exposure is manageable. In the long term, our intention is to build up other business streams that have better visibility, which can help to diversify our risks and supplement our core business. For instance, our recent diversification into the Oil & Gas sector demonstrates our investment philosophy. We adopted a two-pronged strategy to mitigate our risk exposure. First, our partner has more than 25 years of experience in the business of chartering of vessels and supply of equipment to companies in the Oil & Gas sector. Second, we are limiting our exposure by maintaining the joint venture company as an asset owning and chartering company, akin to a shipping trust. I am also happy to share with you that we have secured our first bareboat charter agreement earlier this year (2008) based on a daily charter rate of US$8,000 for a minimal period of two years. In terms of returns, our assessment shows that we can expect return on equity and return on assets of approximately 45% and 15% respectively. Going forward, we remain open to investment opportunities in other attractive sectors. In Appreciation At this juncture, I would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to all our professional parties, staff, business partners and our shareholders, for their assistance and support through the years. As such, I am pleased to announce that, subject to shareholders’ approval, the Board of Directors is recommending a final dividend of 0.5 Singapore cents per share for the financial year ended 31 December 2007. We hope that you will continue to support us as we work even harder to bring the company and its business to greater heights in FY2008 and beyond. Kuah Geok Lin Chairman and CEO 06 I 07 HOE LEONG CORPORATION LTD. REVENUE The Group’s revenue increased by approximately $1.7 million or 2.7% from $63.5 million in FY2006 to $65.2 million in FY2007. This was mainly due to the increase in revenue contribution from the Design and Manufacture segment. our Design and Manufacture segment from products offered under the Trading and Distribution segment. GEOGRAPHICAL GROWTH Design and Manufacture Segment Revenue from the Design and Manufacture segment increased approximately $3.1 million or 14.0% to $25.0 million in FY2007 from $21.9 million in FY2006. The growth was mainly driven by stronger market demand for our products in Malaysia, India, Singapore and Indonesia. For the year under review, revenue contribution from Emerging Markets and other regions increased by approximately $1.0 million and $1.9 million respectively. In FY2007, we have strategically entered the Australian market via a joint venture. We are encouraged by the performance of this market thus far and have further intentions to expand our presence in Australia. Even though this was the first year of its operations, the joint venture has registered a positive contribution to our net profit. Trading and Distribution Segment GROSS PROFIT Revenue from our Trading and Distribution segment decreased approximately $1.4 million or 3.3% to $40.2 million in FY2007 from $41.6 million in FY2006. The Group reported lower revenue of approximately $3.2 million from Malaysia, Indonesia and the Middle East. This is attributable to customers switching over to our range of in-house brands of products offered under Gross profit declined by $2.2 million or 11.8% from $18.5 million in FY2006 to $16.3 million in FY2007. Gross profit margin decreased slightly by four percentage points from 29% in FY2006 to 25% in FY2007. This is mainly due to increase in production overheads as we rationalised our China operations as well as an increase in raw material costs such as steel prices. OPERATION REVIEW EXPENSES Distribution expenses grew by approximately $0.5 million or 15.2% from $3.4 million in FY2006 to $3.9 million in FY2007 as we see higher sales turnover. There is also a general increase in the cost of operation for the current year under review. Other expenses decreased by approximately $1.7 million or 37.5% from $4.4 million in FY2006 to $2.7 million in FY2007 mainly attributable to the write-back of excess allowance for obsolete inventories. BALANCE SHEET Trade and other receivables increased by approximately $2.4 million from $23.8 million as at 31 December 2006 to $26.2 million as at 31 December 2007. This was in tandem with higher revenue achieved in FY2007 as well as more attractive credit terms being granted to selected customers in our traditional markets and emerging markets. CASH FLOW STATEMENT Cash and cash equivalents (net of bank overdraft) increased by approximately $0.9 million from $2.3 million as at 31 December 2006 to $3.2 million as at 31 December 2007. This is attributable to (i) surplus of net proceeds from the issue of new ordinary shares over dividend paid out on 6 June 2007 of approximately $2.2 million which has been used by the Company for general working capital purposes; and (ii) financing received from our suppliers. Prospects Going forward, we will continue to focus on maintaining an extensive range of products. At the same time, we will be focusing on establishing our own branded products. With increased acceptance, we can expect increased orders and therefore increased activities for our China operations. In addition to our traditional business segment, we will also continue to explore diversification opportunities that will help to accelerate the appreciation of our shareholders’ value. We have since identified the Oil & Gas sector as an attractive area to participate given the global demand for energy and rising energy prices. We therefore expect that the industry will continue to be attractive for the years to come. 08 I 09 HOE LEONG CORPORATION LTD. From left to right:, Mr Lim Kok Hoong, Mr Ang Mong Seng, Mr Quah Yoke Hwee, Mr James Kuah, Dr Peter Kuah, Mr Paul Kuah, Mr Peter Boo. Mr James Kuah Geok Lin, Chairman and CEO Mr James Kuah Geok Lin is our Chairman and CEO. He has been one of our Executive Directors since 18 November 1994. He was last re-elected a Director on 25 July 2003. He started as an architect in 1974 with the Housing Development Board. In 1978, Mr James Kuah joined the Company as a Director in charge of operations and played a key role in Company’s regional drive into Indonesia and Malaysia. Under his leadership, the Company was ranked 24th in the 2000 Enterprise 50 Award organized by Andersen Consulting and The Business Times with support from the Economic Development Board. His other advisory positions include that of Vice-President of the Singapore Metal and Machinery Association, Chairman of Nanyang Kuah Si Association, Vice-Chairman of the Singapore Ann Kway Association, Corporate member of the Singapore Institute of Architects and Vice-Chairman of the International Trade Committee of the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry. He holds a Bachelor degree in Architecture from the University of Singapore. Mr Paul Kuah Geok Khim, Executive Director Mr Paul Kuah Geok Khim has been our Sales and Marketing Director (Overseas) since 22 December 1994 and was last reelected a Director on 18 April 2007. He began his career with our Group in 1979. Prior to his present position, he was in charge of warehousing and inventory control, gaining valuable experience BOARD OF DIRECTORS in this field. Presently, as a Sales and Marketing Director, he oversees all our branches operations and major export markets. With a team of business development personnel under him, he ensures that every business opportunity in the emerging market is well tapped. Dr Peter Kuah Geok Koon, Executive Director Dr Peter Kuah Geok Koon is our Manufacturing and Production Director in charge of the manufacturing and production operations in China. He joined the Board on 24 July 2001 and was last re-elected a Director on 18 April 2007. Since 1998, he has also been in charge of our Hong Kong subsidiary, Hoe Leong Machinery (H.K.) Limited where he is involved in its daily running, including sales development in Hong Kong and China. Dr Kuah joined our Company when it was established in 1994. Prior to joining us, he worked as a principal engineer in Deleuw Cather and Company, a USA engineering company. He has published more than ten papers in professional journals. In 1990, he was conferred a guest professorship by Chongqing Jiaotong University and has also been previously engaged by United Nations Development Plan to lecture in transportation in various universities in China. Dr Kuah was a German scholar and obtained a Diplom-Ing. (FH) degree in civil engineering from Fachhochschule fuer Technik, Stuttgart in 1979. He also obtained a Master degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA, in 1981 and a doctorate degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park, USA in 1986. Mr Quah Yoke Hwee, Executive Director Mr Peter Boo Song Heng, Independent Director Mr Quah Yoke Hwee is our Sales and Marketing Director (Singapore). He joined the Board on 18 November 1994 and was appointed the Managing Director of the Company since 15 January 1996. He is responsible for overseeing the Company’s daily trading and distribution operations in Singapore and the after sales and front office services. Mr Quah has more than 30 years of experience in the equipment parts trading and distribution business. He is a member of the River Valley High School Advisory Committee. He holds a H.S.C. “A” level certificate. Mr Peter Boo Song Heng was appointed as our Independent Director on 29 September 2005. Mr Boo founded Material Handling Engineering Pte Ltd in 1975 and led the company to its listing on the SESDAQ in 1989. The company subsequently changed its name to MHE Holdings Ltd. In May 2000, he divested off his controlling interest in MHE Holdings Ltd and retired from the company. Since then, he has been sitting on the board of numerous companies in Singapore as well as overseas. He is currently a board member of Compact Metal Industries Ltd. and NTUC Healthcare Co-operative Ltd, where he is the Chairman of their Audit Committee. Mr Boo is also a board member and Treasurer of Bizlink Centre Singapore Ltd and a committee member of the Yellow Ribbon Fund. He holds a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from Singapore Polytechnic. Mr Ang Mong Seng, Independent Director Mr Ang Mong Seng was appointed as our Independent Director on 29 September 2005. Mr Ang is a Member of Parliament for Hong Kah GRC (Bukit Gombak). He is the Chief Operating Officer of EM Services Pte Ltd. He is also the Chairman of Hong Kah Town Council and Vice Chairman of South West Community Development Council. Mr Ang has 30 years of experience in Estate Management. Mr Ang is also an Independent Director of United Fiber System Ltd, Ecowise Holdings Ltd, AnnAik Ltd., Vicplas International Ltd and Chip Eng Seng Corporation Ltd. Mr Ang obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from Nanyang University in 1973. Mr Lim Kok Hoong, Independent Director Mr Lim Kok Hoong was appointed as our Independent Director on 29 September 2005. Mr Lim has more than 32 years of audit experience. He has been a Managing Partner at Arthur Andersen Singapore till June 2002. In July 2002, he joined Ernst & Young Singapore as a Senior Partner and retired in June 2003. Mr Lim has extensive business experience especially in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam. He is currently an Audit Committee member of A*STAR and a board member of Singapore Tourism Board, where he is also the Chairman of their Audit Committee. Mr Lim is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Parkway Trust Management Limited and also a board member of Genting International Public Limited Company, where he is the Chairman of their Audit Committee. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Western Australia and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia and the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Singapore. 10 I11 HOE LEONG CORPORATION LTD. Mdm Kuah Geok Khim, Operations Manager Mr Quah Seng Kee, Business Development Manager Mdm Kuah Geok Khim is our Operations Manager. She joined our Company in 1975 and is responsible for the administrative functions of the Group including general office administration, the maintenance and procurement of office equipment and computerisation. She is also in charge of our inventory management and management information system. In addition, she is responsible for our sales and purchases, shipping, import and export functions. She has completed secondary school education in Singapore. Mr Quah Seng Kee is our Business Development Manager. He is in charge of developing our overseas markets. He worked at Pacaar International Inc, a company specialising in heavy duty truck sales as its District Manager and later joined Pactruss Corporation and subsequently ITS Marketing Pte Ltd (both companies dealing in heavy duty truck parts) as Managing Director. Prior to joining us in 2000, Mr Quah held the position of Regional Manager for PAI Industries Inc, also a dealer of heavy duty truck parts. Mr Quah graduated with a Diploma in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing in 1986 and obtained a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Hull in 1993. Mdm Lim Gek Ser, Human Resource Manager Mdm Lim Gek Ser joined the Company in 2004 as a Human Resource Manager and is responsible for the Group Human Resource and administration including compensation and benefits, expatriate administration, human resource planning and development, overall employee relations and logistic functions of the Company. Prior to joining our Company, Ms Lim worked in both the service and manufacturing industries for more than 10 years in the same trade. She holds a Bachelor of Human Resource Management degree from Curtin University. Mr Lim Lian Tuan, Director of Sales and Marketing, Ho Leong Tractors Sdn. Bhd. Mr Tan Wee Boon, Financial Controller Mr. Tan joined the Company in July 2007. He oversees the overall financial and accounting functions of the Group. He holds a professional qualification from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) of United Kingdom. He is a Fellow of ACCA of the United Kingdom and a member of Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Singapore. He also holds a Bachelor degree in Business Administration from the National University of Singapore majoring in Finance. Mr Lim Lian Tuan is the Sales and Marketing Director of our wholly-owned subsidiary, Ho Leong Tractors Sdn Bhd (“HL Tractors”). He joined HL Tractors in 1987. He oversees our Group’s Malaysian operations. From 1984 to 1986, he worked in Ho Leong Machinery Sdn. Bhd. as a sales executive for the Malaysian operations. Prior to that Mr Lim worked as a sales executive with TAS Berhad and Trackspare Sdn Bhd, both of whom were distributors of equipment parts for both heavy equipment and industrial machinery. He holds the equivalent of a GCE ‘O’ level certificate. KEY MANAGEMENT TEAM I FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Financial Statements 14 Corporate Governance Report 27 Directors’ Report 33 Statement by Directors 34 Independent Auditors’ Report 36 Balance Sheets 37 Consolidated Income Statement 38 Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 39 Consolidated Cash Flow Statement 40 Notes to the Financial Statements 79 Supplementary Information 80 Shareholding Statistics 83 Notice of Annual General Meeting Proxy Form 12 I 13 HOE LEONG CORPORATION LTD. Corporate Governance Report The Board of Directors (the “Board”) is committed to ensure high standards of corporate governance to protect the interests of shareholders at the same time to enhance long term shareholders’ value through corporate performance and accountability. The Board observes and adheres to the principles and guidelines set out in the Code of Corporate Governance 2005 (the “Code”). Where there are deviations from the Code, appropriate explanations are provided. A. BOARD MATTERS The Board’s Conduct of its Affairs Principle 1: Every company should be headed by an effective Board to lead and control the company. The Board is collectively responsible for the success of the company. The Board works with Management to achieve this and the Management remains accountable to the Board. The Board is entrusted with the responsibility of the overall management of the company and their main duties are to:– (a) provide entrepreneurial leadership, set strategic aims, and ensure that the necessary financial and human resources are in place for the company to meet its objective; (b) approve board policies, strategic plans, and financial objectives of the Group and monitor the performance of Management; (c) approve annual budgets, funding, material investment and divestment proposals; (d) approve half year and full year results and announcements and annual report; (e) ensure an adequate system of internal controls and compliance with financial reporting requirements; (f) review the financial performance of the Group, proposal of dividends and review interested person transactions; (g) approve the nomination of directors and appointment of key personnel; and (h) assume responsibility for corporate governance. To facilitate effective management, certain functions have been delegated by the Board to various Board Committees. The Board Committees operate under clearly defined terms of reference. The Chairman of the respective Committees will report to the Board on the outcome of the Committee meetings. ANNUAL REPORT 2007 I 14 The Board conducts regular scheduled meetings during the year. Ad-hoc meetings are convened when circumstances require. Article 106 of the Company’s Articles of Association permits meetings of the Directors to be conducted by means of telephone conference or other methods of simultaneous communication by electronic or telegraphic means. A record of the Directors’ attendances at Board and Board Committee meetings during the financial year ended 31 December 2007 is disclosed as follows: Name of Director Audit Committee Board Nominating Committee Remuneration Committee No. of No. of No. of No. of meetings Attendance meetings Attendance meetings Attendance meetings Attendance James Kuah Geok Lin 2 2 – – 1 1 – – Paul Kuah Geok Khim 2 2 – – – – – – Peter Kuah Geok Koon 2 2 – – – – – – Quah Yoke Hwee 2 2 – – – – – – Ang Mong Seng 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 Lim Kok Hoong 2 2 2 2 – – 1 1 Peter Boo Song Heng 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 The Directors come from diverse backgrounds and possess varied expertise in audit, business, finance, industry and management fields. At meetings and as and when necessary, the Directors are provided with regular updates on changes in the relevant laws and regulations to enable them to make well-informed decisions. Where possible and when opportunity arises, the Directors will be invited to locations within the Group’s operating businesses to enable them to obtain a better perspective of the business and enhance their understanding of the Group’s operations. The Company will consider formulating training programmes, if the need arises. Board Composition and Guidance Principle 2: There should be a strong and independent element on the Board, which is able to exercise objective judgement on corporate affairs independently, in particular, from Management. No individual or small group of individuals should be allowed to dominate the Board’s decision making. The Board comprises seven directors, three of whom are independent non-executive directors. More than one third of the Board is independent. The strong independent element on the Board ensures that it is able to exercise objective and independent judgement on corporate affairs. I 15 HOE LEONG CORPORATION LTD. The Executive Directors have extensive experience in the heavy equipment and industrial machinery equipment parts industry and the non-executive directors are experienced and successful in their respective professions. The Board’s structure, size and composition is reviewed annually by the Nominating Committee who is of the view that the current size of the Board is appropriate, taking into account the nature and scope of the Group’s operations, to facilitate effective decision making. The Nominating Committee is satisfied that the Board comprises directors who as a group provide core competencies such as accounting, finance, business and management experience, industry knowledge, strategic planning experience and customer-based experience and knowledge to lead the company effectively. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Principle 3: There should be a clear division of responsibilities at the top of the company – the working of the Board and the executive responsibility of the company’s business – which will ensure a balance of power and authority, such that no one individual represents a considerable concentration of power. The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of the Company is Mr James Kuah Geok Lin. The Board, after careful consideration, is of opinion that it is not necessary, under current circumstances, to separate the roles of the Chairman and CEO. This is after taking into consideration the size, scope and nature of the operations of our Group, together with the strong presence of our Independent Directors who ensure that decision-making is based on collective decision and that there is no concentration of power and authority vested in one individual. Our Chairman and CEO has played an instrumental role in developing the business of our Group. He has extensive industry experience and has also provided our Group with strong leadership and vision. It is hence the view of the Board that it is in the best interests of our Group to adopt a single leadership structure, whereby the Chairman and CEO are the same individual. The Chairman takes an active role in the management of the Group and also bears responsibility for the workings of the Board, ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of the governance process of the Board, ensuring that Board meetings are held regularly, and setting the Board meeting agenda in consultation with all members of the Board. The Chairman reviews board papers before they are presented to the Board and ensures that Board members are provided with adequate and timely information. ANNUAL REPORT 2007 I 16 Board Membership Principle 4: There should be a formal and transparent process for the appointment of new directors to the Board. The Nominating Committee (“NC”) is established for the purposes of ensuring that there is a formal and transparent process for all Board appointments. The NC comprises the following three members, majority of whom are independent non-executive directors:Mr Peter Boo Song Heng Mr Ang Mong Seng Mr James Kuah Geok Lin (Chairman) (Member) (Member) The NC has adopted written terms of reference defining its membership, administration and duties. Duties and responsibilities of the NC include: (a) to make recommendations to the Board on all board appointments having regard to the director’s contribution and performance; (b) to determine annually whether a director is independent; and (c) to assess the composition and effectiveness of the Board as a whole and to determine if each director has been adequately carrying out his duties. Each member of our NC shall abstain from voting on any resolution in respect of his re-nomination as a director. The search and nomination process for new directors, if any, will be through search companies, contacts and recommendations that go through the normal selection process, to cast its net as wide as possible for the right candidates. Our Articles of Association require one-third of the Directors, or if their number is not a multiple of three, the number nearest to but not less than one-third of our Directors, to retire and subject themselves to re-election by the shareholders in every Annual General Meeting. In addition, all Directors of the Company, including the Managing Director after his initial term of engagement as Managing Director, shall retire from office at least once every three years. A retiring Director is eligible for re-election at the meeting at which he retires. The profiles of the Directors are disclosed on page 10 and 11 (“Board of Directors”) of this annual report. I 17 HOE LEONG CORPORATION LTD. Board Performance Principle 5: There should be a formal assessment of the effectiveness of the Board as a whole and the contribution by each Director to the effectiveness of the Board. The NC will decide how the Board’s performance is to be evaluated and propose objective performance criteria, subject to the approval of the Board, which will address how the Board has enhanced long-term shareholders’ value. The NC has in place an annual Board evaluation exercise to assess the effectiveness of the Board and to facilitate discussion to enable the Board to discharge its duties more effectively. Each member of the NC shall abstain from voting on any resolution in respect of his performance as a director. Notwithstanding that some of the Directors have multiple board representations, the NC is satisfied that each Director is able to and has been adequately carrying out his duties as a director of the company. The Board and the NC have endeavoured to ensure that Directors appointed to the Board possess the experience, knowledge and expertise relevant to the Group’s business. Access to Information Principle 6: In order to fulfill their responsibilities, Board members should be provided with complete, adequate and timely information prior to Board meetings and on an on-going basis. Management provides the Board with adequate and timely information as well as a review of the Group’s performance prior to the Board meetings. The Board has separate and independent access to the Group’s senior management and company secretary, should they have any queries on the affairs of the Group. Should the Directors, whether as a group or individually, require independent professional advice, the company will bear the expenses incurred if such advice is required to enable the directors to discharge their duties professionally. The company secretary attends all Board meetings and is responsible for ensuring that Board procedures are followed and that applicable rules and regulations (in particular the Companies Act and the SGX-ST Listing rules) are complied with. ANNUAL REPORT 2007 I 18 B. REMUNERATION MATTERS Procedures for Developing Remuneration Policies Principle 7: There should be a formal and transparent procedure for developing policy on executive remuneration and for fixing the remuneration packages of individual directors. No director should be involved in deciding his own remuneration. The Remuneration Committee (“RC”) is established for the purposes of ensuring that there is a formal and transparent process for developing policy and fixing the remuneration packages of individual directors. The RC comprises the following three independent non-executive directors:Mr Ang Mong Seng Mr Lim Kok Hoong Mr Peter Boo Song Heng (Chairman) (Member) (Member) The RC has adopted written terms of reference defining its membership, administration and duties. Duties and responsibilities of the RC include: (a) to review and recommend to the Board a framework of remuneration for the Board and key executives; (b) to review and determine specific remuneration packages for each Executive Director and the CEO which should cover all aspects of remuneration including but not limited to directors’ fees, salaries, allowances, bonuses, options and benefits in kind; (c) to review and recommend to the Board the terms of renewal of service contracts of Directors; (d) to retain such professional consultancy firm as the committee may deem necessary to enable it to discharge its duties satisfactory; (e) to consider various disclosure requirements for Directors’ remuneration, particularly those required by regulatory bodies such as the SGX-ST, and ensure that there is adequate disclosure in the financial statements to ensure and enhance transparency between the Company and relevant interested parties; and (f) to carry out such other duties as may be agreed to by the RC and the Board. The RC’s recommendations would be made in consultation with the Chairman of the Board and submitted for endorsement by the entire Board and no Director shall participate in decisions on his/her own remuneration. I 19 HOE LEONG CORPORATION LTD. Level and Mix of Remuneration Principle 8: The level of remuneration should be appropriate to attract, retain and motivate the directors needed to run the company successfully but the company should avoid paying more for this purpose. A significant proportion of executive directors’ remuneration should be structured so as to link rewards to corporate and individual performance. It is the Group’s policy to set a level of remuneration that is appropriate to attract, retain and motivate the directors. The independent non-executive directors receive directors’ fees in accordance with their level of contribution, taking into account factors such as effort and time spent and responsibilities of the directors. The Board may, if it considers necessary, consult experts on the remuneration of non-executive directors and would recommend the remuneration of the nonexecutive directors for approval at the Annual General Meeting (“AGM”). The Company has entered into a service agreement with each of our Executive Directors, namely James Kuah Geok Lin, Paul Kuah Geok Khim, Peter Kuah Geok Koon and Quah Yoke Hwee and our Executive Officer, Mdm Kuah Geok Khim (collectively the “Appointees”) for an initial period of three years commencing on 5 December 2005. The service agreements contain non-competition and non-solicitation clauses, which are binding on the Appointees during their period of employment with the Company and for a period of 12 months after the cessation of their employment with the Company. The Executive Directors do not receive directors’ fees. The remuneration of the Appointees comprise a basic salary fixed component which include the 13-month supplement and a variable component which include an incentive bonus (“Incentive Bonus”) at the end of every financial year of the company based on the audited consolidated profit before tax (before the Incentive Bonus) of our Group. The Appointees are also entitled to other benefits including dental, optical and medical benefits, personal accident, hospitalization and surgical insurance and travelling and entertainment expenses incurred for the purposes of our Group’s business. The service agreements of the Appointees shall be subject to termination: (i) by the Company or any of the Appointees giving to the other at least three months’ written notice; or (ii) without prior notice, upon the occurrence of certain specified events, including wilful neglect in the discharge of duties. ANNUAL REPORT 2007 I 20 Disclosure on Remuneration Principle 9: Each Company should provide clear disclosure of its remuneration policy, level and mix of remuneration, and the procedure for setting remuneration, in the company’s annual report. It should provide disclosure in relation to its remuneration policies to enable investors to understand the link between remuneration paid to directors and key executives, and performance. A breakdown showing the level and mix of each individual Director’s remuneration for the year ended 31 December 2007 is disclosed in the table below: Name of Directors Remuneration band ($) James Kuah Geok Lin (1) Paul Kuah Geok Khim Incentive Salary (%) # 54 (1) Peter Kuah Geok Koon (1) $250,000 to $499,999 Quah Yoke Hwee (1) Ang Mong Seng $0 to $249,999 Lim Kok Hoong Peter Boo Song Heng Other Bonus (%) Fees (%) benefits (%) Total (%) 29 – 17 100 62 29 – 9 100 68 25 – 7 100 62 30 – 8 100 – – 100 – 100 – – 100 – 100 – – 100 – 100 Note: (#) includes the 13-month supplement. (1) All of our Executive Directors, namely James Kuah Geok Lin, Paul Kuah Geok Khim, Peter Kuah Geok Koon and Quah Yoke Hwee are siblings. The table below shows the level and mix of the remuneration of our key executives (who are not directors) for the year ended 31 December 2007: Name of Executives Salary (%)# Incentive bonus (%) 69 24 5 2 100 79 – 21 – 100 82 – 18 – 100 Lim Lian Tuan 67 – – 33 100 Quah Seng Kee 81 – 19 – 100 85 – 15 – 100 Mdm Kuah Geok Khim Remuneration band ($) Other benefits and Variable allowances bonus (%) (%) (1) Leow Quek Kien (2) Lim Gek Ser Tan Wee Boon $0 to $249,999 (3) Total (%) Note: (#) includes the 13-month supplement. (1) Mdm Kuah Geok Khim is the sister of our Executive Directors, namely James Kuah Geok Lin, Paul Kuah Geok Khim, Peter Kuah Geok Koon and Quah Yoke Hwee. (2) Mr Leow Quek Kien has tendered his resignation as Financial Controller of the Company. His last day with the Company was on 8 June 2007. (3) Mr Tan Wee Boon has been appointed as Financial Controller of the Company on 24 July 2007. I 21 HOE LEONG CORPORATION LTD. Save as disclosed above, there is no immediate family member of the directors and whose remuneration exceeded $150,000 during the financial year. C. ACCOUNTABILITY AND AUDIT Accountability Principle 10: The Board should present a balanced and understandable assessment of the company’s performance, position and prospects. One of the Board’s principal duties is to protect and enhance the long-term value and returns to the shareholders of the Company. The accountability of the Board to the shareholders is demonstrated through the presentation of the periodic financial statements as well as the timely announcements and news releases of significant corporate developments and activities so that the shareholders can have a detailed explanation and balanced assessment of the Group’s financial position and prospects. The Management presents to the Audit Committee the interim and full-year results for reviews and recommends them to the Board for approval. The Board approves the results and authorizes the release of the results to the SGX-ST and the public via SGXNET as required by the SGX-ST Listing Manual. Audit Committee Principle 11: The Board should establish an Audit Committee (“AC”) with written terms of reference which clearly set out its authority and duties. The AC comprises the following three independent directors:Mr Lim Kok Hoong Mr Ang Mong Seng Mr Peter Boo Song Heng (Chairman) (Member) (Member) The Board is of the view that the members of the AC are appropriately qualified, having accounting or related financial management expertise or experience as the Board interprets such qualification, to discharge their responsibilities. As a sub-committee of the Board of Directors, it assists the Board in discharging their responsibility to safeguard our assets, maintain adequate accounting records, and develop and maintain effective systems of internal control, with the overall objective of ensuring that our management creates and maintains an effective control environment in our Group. The AC will also review and supervise the internal audit functions of the Group. ANNUAL REPORT 2007 I 22 Our AC will provide a channel of communication between our Board, our management and our external auditors on matters relating to audit. Our AC has adopted written terms of reference defining its membership, administration and duties. Duties and responsibilities of the AC include: (a) review with the external auditors the audit plan, their evaluation of the system of internal accounting controls, their letter to management and the management’s response; (b) review the interim and annual financial statements and balance sheet and profit and loss accounts before submission to our Board for approval, focusing in particular on changes in accounting policies and practices, major risk areas, significant adjustments resulting from the audit, compliance with accounting standards and compliance with the Listing Manual and any other relevant statutory or regulatory requirements; (c) review the scope and results of the audit and its cost effectiveness and the independence and objectivity of the external auditors. Where the auditors also supply a substantial volume of non-audit services to the Company, the AC would keep the nature and extent of such services under review, seeking to balance the maintenance of objectivity and value for money; (d) review the internal control procedures and ensure co-ordination between the external auditors and our management, and review the assistance given by our management to the auditors, and discuss problems and concerns, if any, arising from the interim and final audits, and any matters which the auditors may wish to discuss in the absence of our management at least annually; (e) review and discuss with the external auditors any suspected fraud or irregularity, or suspected infringement of any relevant laws, rules or regulations, which has or is likely to have a material impact on our Group’s operating results or financial position, and our management’s response; (f) to review the independence and objectivity of the external auditors annually; (g) consider the appointment or re-appointment of the external auditors and matters relating to the resignation or dismissal of the auditors; (h) review interested person transactions (if any) falling within the scope of Chapter 9 of the Listing Manual; (i) review potential conflicts of interest, if any; I 23 HOE LEONG CORPORATION LTD. (j) undertake such other reviews and projects as may be requested by the Board, and will report to the Board its findings from time to time on matters arising and requiring the attention of the AC; and (k) generally undertake such other functions and duties as may be required by statute or the Listing Manual, or by such amendments as may be made thereto from time to time. In the event that any Director has a personal material interest in any contract or proposed contract or arrangement, he will abstain from reviewing that particular transaction or voting on the particular resolution. Apart from the duties listed above, the AC shall commission and review the findings of internal investigations into matters where there is any suspected fraud or irregularity, or failure of internal controls or infringement of any Singapore law, rule or regulation which has or is likely to have a material impact on our Company’s operating results and/or financial position. In performing its functions, the AC has explicit authority to investigate any matter within its terms of reference, having full access to and co-operation by management and full discretion to invite any director or executive officer to attend meetings, and reasonable resources to enable it to discharge its function properly. Internal Controls Principle 12: The Board should ensure that the Management maintains a sound system of internal controls to safeguard the shareholders’ investments and the company’s assets. The Board recognizes the importance of maintaining a sound system of internal controls to safeguard the shareholders’ interest and investments and the Group’s assets. The AC has during the FY2007 reviewed and assessed the Group’s internal controls and had accepted the recommendations made by the appointed Internal Auditors. The Group is now in stages of implementing improvement to the Group’s existing internal controls. The Board further recognizes that no systems of internal controls can provide absolute assurance against occurrence of material errors, poor judgement in decision making, human errors or irregularities. ANNUAL REPORT 2007 I 24 Internal Audit Principle 13: The Company should establish an internal audit function that is independent of the activities it audits. The Company has engaged the services of external consultant to perform its internal audit function. The AC reviews annually the Internal Audit plan independently of Management and the internal auditors reports directly to the Chairman of AC. Communication with Shareholders Principle 14: Companies should engage in regular, effective and fair communication with shareholders. The Company endeavours to communicate regularly, effectively and fairly with its shareholders. Timely, as well as, detailed disclosure is made to the public in compliance with SGX-ST guidelines. The Company does not practise selective disclosure. Price sensitive information is first publicly released, either before the Company meets with any group of investors or analysts. Shareholders are kept informed of developments and performance of the Group through announcements published via SGXNET and the press when necessary as well as in the annual report. Other announcements are also made on an ad-hoc basis where applicable as soon as possible to ensure timely dissemination of the information to shareholders. Principle 15: Companies should encourage greater shareholder participation at AGMs, and allow shareholders the opportunity to communicate their views on various matters affecting the Company. All shareholders of the Company receive the annual report of the Company and notice of AGM within the prescribed period. Participation of shareholders is encouraged at the Company’s general meetings. To facilitate voting by shareholders, the Company’s article allows shareholders to appoint not more than two proxies to attend and vote at the same general meeting. The Board of Directors (including the Chairman of the respective Board committees), Management, as well as the external auditors will attend the Company’s AGM to address any questions that shareholders may have. I 25 HOE LEONG CORPORATION LTD. D. DEALINGS IN SECURITIES The Company has adopted the SGX-ST’s Best Practices Guide applicable to dealings in the Company’s securities by its Directors, management and officers. Directors, management and officers of the Group who have access to price-sensitive, financial or confidential information are not permitted to deal in the Company’s shares during the periods commencing one month before the announcement of the Group’s half-year or full year results and ending on the date of the announcements of such results. Directors, management and officers of the Group are also required to observe insider trading laws at all times even when dealing in securities within the permitted trading period. In addition, the Directors, management and officers of the Group are discouraged from dealing in the Company’s securities on short-term considerations. E. INTERESTED PERSON TRANSACTIONS The Board had reviewed all interested person transactions for the financial year ended 31 December 2007 and was satisfied that aggregate value of the transactions is below the threshold level as set out in SGX-ST’s Listing Rules and do not require any immediate announcement or obtain shareholders approval as defined under the Listing Rules. F. MATERIAL CONTRACTS Pursuant to Rule 1207(8) of the Listing Manual, the Company confirms that there was no material contract entered into between the Company and its subsidiaries which involved the interests of any director or controlling shareholder, either still subsisting at the end of the financial year or if not then subsisting, which was entered into since the end of the previous financial year. ANNUAL REPORT 2007 I 26 Directors’ Report We are pleased to submit this annual report to the members of the Company together with the audited financial statements for the financial year ended 31 December 2007. Directors The directors in office at the date of this report are as follows: Kuah Geok Lin Quah Yoke Hwee Kuah Geok Khim Kuah Geok Koon Ang Mong Seng Lim Kok Hoong Peter Boo Song Heng Directors’ interests According to the register kept by the Company for the purposes of Section 164 of the Singapore Companies Act, Chapter 50 (the Act), particulars of interests of directors who held office at the end of the financial year (including those held by their spouses and infant children) in shares, debentures, warrants and share options in the Company and its related corporations are as follows: Holdings at beginning of the year Holdings at end of the year Ordinary shares – interests held 6,300,660 8,820,924 Warrants – interests held – 630,066 288,600 288,600 Name of director and corporation in which interests are held Kuah Geok Lin The Company Hoe Leong Corporation Ltd. Ultimate Holding Company Hoe Leong Co. (Pte.) Ltd. Ordinary shares – interests held I 27 HOE LEONG CORPORATION LTD. Holdings at beginning of the year Holdings at end of the year 5 5 Ordinary shares – interests held 6,250,660 8,750,924 Warrants – interests held – 625,066 288,600 288,600 Ordinary shares – interests held 6,250,660 8,750,924 Warrants – interests held – 625,066 288,600 288,600 Name of director and corporation in which interests are held Subsidiary PT Trackspare Ordinary shares of US$1,000 each fully paid – interests held Quah Yoke Hwee The Company Hoe Leong Corporation Ltd. Ultimate Holding Company Hoe Leong Co. (Pte.) Ltd. Ordinary shares – interests held Kuah Geok Khim The Company Hoe Leong Corporation Ltd. Ultimate Holding Company Hoe Leong Co. (Pte.) Ltd. Ordinary shares – interests held ANNUAL REPORT 2007 I 28 Holdings at beginning of the year Holdings at end of the year Ordinary shares – interests held 6,250,660 8,750,924 Warrants – interests held – 625,066 288,600 288,600 100,000 100,000 Ordinary shares – interests held 100,000 140,000 Warrants – interests held – 10,000 Name of director and corporation in which interests are held Kuah Geok Koon The Company Hoe Leong Corporation Ltd. Ultimate Holding Company Hoe Leong Co. (Pte.) Ltd. Ordinary shares – interests held Ang Mong Seng The Company Hoe Leong Corporation Ltd. Ordinary shares – interests held Peter Boo Song Heng The Company Hoe Leong Corporation Ltd. Kuah Geok Lin, Quah Yoke Hwee, Kuah Geok Khim and Kuah Geok Koon have the following deemed interests in the Company and related corporations: Corporation in which interests are held The Company Hoe Leong Corporation Ltd. Holdings at beginning of the year Holdings at end of the year 113,567,340 158,994,276 I 29 HOE LEONG CORPORATION LTD. By virtue of Section 7 of the Act, Kuah Geok Lin, Quah Yoke Hwee, Kuah Geok Khim and Kuah Geok Koon are deemed to have an interest in all the other wholly-owned subsidiaries of Hoe Leong Co. (Pte.) Ltd., at the beginning and at the end of the financial year. There were no changes in any of the above mentioned interests in the Company between the end of the financial year and 21 January 2008. Except as disclosed in this report, no director who held office at the end of the financial year had interests in shares, debentures, warrants or share options of the Company or of the related corporations, either at the beginning or at the end of the financial year. Neither at the end of nor at any time during the financial year, was the Company a party to any arrangement whose objects are, or one of whose objects is, to enable the directors of the Company to acquire benefits by means of the acquisition of shares in or debentures of the Company or any other body corporate. Except for salaries, bonuses and fees and those benefits that are disclosed in Note 22 to the financial statements, since the end of the last financial year, no director has received or become entitled to receive a benefit by reason of a contract made by the Company or a related corporation with the director or with a firm of which he is a member or with a company in which he has a substantial financial interest. Share options (a) Share options During the financial year, there were: (i) no options granted by the Company or its subsidiaries to any person to take up unissued shares in the Company or its subsidiaries; and (ii) no shares issued by virtue of any exercise of option to take up unissued shares of the Company or its subsidiaries. As at the end of the financial year, there were no unissued shares of the Company or its subsidiaries under option. (b) Warrants During the financial year, the Company issued 75,516,000 right shares with 18,879,000 detachable warrants. Each warrant entitles the warrant holder to subscribe for one new ordinary share in the Company at the exercise price of $0.16 per share. The warrants do not entitle the holders of the warrants, by virtual of such holdings, to any rights to participate in any share issue of any other company. During the financial year, the Company issued 63,000 new ordinary shares pursuant to the exercise of warrants as disclosed below. ANNUAL REPORT 2007 I 30 At the end of the financial year, details of the unissued ordinary shares of the Company under warrants are as follow: Date of issue Warrants outstanding at 1/1/2007 Warrants issued Warrants exercised Warants expired Warrants outstanding at 31/12/2007 Date of expiration – 18,879,000 (63,000) – 18,816,000 30/5/2009 30/5/2007 Except as reported above, there were no other options to take up unissued shares of the Company or its subsidiaries that were outstanding as at the end of the financial year. Audit Committee The members of the Audit Committee during the year and at the date of this report are: • Lim Kok Hoong (Chairman), non-executive director • Ang Mong Seng, non-executive director • Peter Boo Song Heng, non-executive director The Audit Committee performs the functions specified in Section 201B of the Act, the SGX Listing Manual and the Code of Corporate Governance. The Audit Committee has held two meetings since the last directors’ report. In performing its functions, the Audit Committee met with the Company’s external auditors to discuss the scope of their work, the results of their examination and evaluation of the Company’s internal accounting control system. The Company’s internal audit function has been outsourced and the Audit Committee has discussed the scope of the work with the appointed firm, the results of their examination and their evaluation of the Company’s internal accounting system, where appropriate. The Audit Committee also reviewed the following: • assistance provided by the Company’s officers to the internal and external auditors; • financial statements of the Group and the Company prior to their submission to the directors of the Company for adoption; and • interested person transactions (as defined in Chapter 9 of the SGX Listing Manual). The Audit Committee has full access to management and is given the resources required for it to discharge its functions. It has full authority and the discretion to invite any director or executive officer to attend its meetings. The Audit Committee also recommends the appointment of the external auditors and reviews the level of audit and non-audit fees. I 31 HOE LEONG CORPORATION LTD. The Audit Committee is satisfied with the independence and objectivity of the external auditors and has recommended to the Board of Directors that the auditors, KPMG, be nominated for re-appointment as auditors at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting of the Company. Auditors The auditors, KPMG, have indicated their willingness to accept re-appointment. On behalf of the Board of Directors Kuah Geok Lin Director Quah Yoke Hwee Director 20 March 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 2007 I 32 Statement by Directors In our opinion: (a) the financial statements set out on pages 36 to 78 are drawn up so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and of the Company as at 31 December 2007 and of the results, changes in equity and cash flows of the Group for the year ended on that date in accordance with the provisions of the Singapore Companies Act, Chapter 50 and Singapore Financial Reporting Standards; and (b) at the date of this statement, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Company will be able to pay its debts as and when they fall due. The Board of Directors has, on the date of this statement, authorised these financial statements for issue. On behalf of the Board of Directors Kuah Geok Lin Director Quah Yoke Hwee Director 20 March 2008 I 33 HOE LEONG CORPORATION LTD. Independent Auditors’ Report Members of the Company Hoe Leong Corporation Ltd. We have audited the financial statements of Hoe Leong Corporation Ltd. (the Company) and its subsidiaries (the Group), which comprise the balance sheets of the Group and the Company as at 31 December 2007, the income statement, statement of changes in equity and cash flow statement of the Group for the year then ended, and a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory notes, as set out on pages 36 to 78. Management’s responsibility for the financial statements Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in accordance with the provisions of the Singapore Companies Act, Chapter 50 (the Act) and Singapore Financial Reporting Standards. This responsibility includes: (a) devising and maintaining a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide a reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded against loss from unauthorised use or disposition; and transactions are properly authorised and that they were recorded as necessary to permit the preparation of true and fair profit and loss accounts and balance sheets and to maintain accountability of assets; (b) selecting and applying appropriate accounting policies; and (c) making accounting estimates that are reasonable in the circumstances. Auditors’ responsibility Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with Singapore Standards on Auditing. Those Standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement. An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgement, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by the management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion. ANNUAL REPORT 2007 I 34 Opinion In our opinion: (a) the consolidated financial statements of the Group and the balance sheet of the Company, are properly drawn up in accordance with the provisions of the Act and Singapore Financial Reporting Standards to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and of the Company as at 31 December 2007 and of the results, changes in equity and cash flows of the Group for the year ended on that date; and (b) the accounting and other records required by the Act to be kept by the Company have been properly kept in accordance with the provisions of the Act. KPMG Public Accountants and Certified Public Accountants Singapore 20 March 2008 I 35 HOE LEONG CORPORATION LTD. Balance Sheets As at 31 December 2007 Note Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment Subsidiaries Deferred tax assets Company 2007 2006 $’000 $’000 17,893 – 13 18,563 – – 12,812 13,899 – 13,295 13,639 – 17,906 18,563 26,711 26,934 550 40,564 26,239 4,901 – 35,549 23,820 3,153 – 32,341 29,588 890 – 27,650 23,878 807 72,254 62,522 62,819 52,335 90,160 81,085 89,530 79,269 46,563 (1,883) 4,710 37,778 (1,745) 8,318 46,563 – 4,463 37,778 – 7,780 Minority interests 49,390 530 44,351 72 51,026 – 45,558 – Total equity 49,920 44,423 51,026 45,558 1,301 37 1,777 22 1,138 37 1,777 22 1,338 1,799 1,175 1,799 9,706 27,824 1,372 7,706 25,704 1,453 8,211 27,769 1,349 6,300 24,372 1,240 38,902 34,863 37,329 31,912 Total liabilities 40,240 36,662 38,504 33,711 Total equity and liabilities 90,160 81,085 89,530 79,269 Current assets Assets held for sale Inventories Trade and other receivables Cash and cash equivalents 3 4 5 Group 2007 2006 $’000 $’000 6 7 8 9 Total assets Equity attributable to equity holders of the Company Share capital Currency translation reserve Accumulated profits Non-current liabilities Financial liabilities Deferred tax liabilities Current liabilities Trade and other payables Financial liabilities Current tax payable 10 11 12 5 13 12 The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements. ANNUAL REPORT 2007 I 36 Consolidated Income Statement Year ended 31 December 2007 Note 2007 $’000 2006 $’000 14 65,203 63,509 Cost of sales (48,894) (45,026) Gross profit 16,309 18,483 Other income 1,451 1,800 Distribution expenses (3,871) (3,361) Administrative expenses (5,485) (5,401) Other expenses (2,742) (4,387) Results from operating activities 5,662 7,134 37 31 (1,395) (1,412) Revenue Finance income Finance expense Net finance expenses 15 (1,358) (1,381) Profit before income tax 16 4,304 5,753 Income tax expense 17 (1,354) (1,677) 2,950 4,076 3,000 4,087 (50) (11) 2,950 4,076 Profit for the year Attributable to: Equity holders of the Company Minority interests Profit for the year Earnings per share Basic earnings per share (cents) 18 1.29 2.16 Diluted earnings per share (cents) 18 1.23 2.16 The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements. I 37 HOE LEONG CORPORATION LTD. Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity Year ended 31 December 2007 At 1 January 2006 Translation differences relating to financial statements of foreign subsidiaries Total attributable to Currency equity holders Share Share translation Accumulated of the Minority capital premium reserve profits Company interests $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Total equity $’000 37,758 46 (958) 6,050 42,896 905 43,801 – – (787) – (787) – (787) Net losses recognised directly in equity – – (787) – (787) – (787) Net profit for the year – – – 4,087 4,087 (11) 4,076 Total recognised income and expense for the year – – (787) 4,087 3,300 (11) 3,289 Expenses on issue of shares – (26) – – (26) – (26) 20 (20) – – – – – Final dividend paid for 2005 of $0.00964 per share (net of 20% tax) – – – (1,819) (1,819) – (1,819) Acquisition of minority interests – – – – – (822) (822) At 31 December 2006 37,778 – (1,745) 8,318 44,351 72 44,423 At 1 January 2007 37,778 – (1,745) 8,318 44,351 72 44,423 – – (138) – (138) – (138) Transfer from share premium account to share capital upon implementation of the Companies (Amendment) Act 2005 Translation differences relating to financial statements of foreign subsidiaries Net losses recognised directly in equity – – (138) – (138) – (138) Net profit for the year – – – 3,000 3,000 (50) 2,950 Total recognised income and expense for the year Issue of new shares Issue of shares to minority shareholder of subsidiary Expenses on issue of shares Final dividend paid for 2006 of $0.035 per share (net of 18% tax) At 31 December 2007 – – (138) 3,000 2,862 (50) 2,812 9,071 – – – 9,071 – 9,071 – – – – – 508 508 (286) – – – (286) – (286) – – – (6,608) (6,608) – (6,608) 46,563 – (1,883) 4,710 49,390 530 49,920 The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements. ANNUAL REPORT 2007 I 38 Consolidated Cash Flow Statement Year ended 31 December 2007 Note Operating activities Profit before income tax Adjustments for: Depreciation Interest income Finance expense Property, plant and equipment written off Negative goodwill on acquisition of minority interests Loss/(gain) on disposal of property, plant and equipment 2007 $’000 2006 $’000 4,304 5,753 1,228 (37) 1,395 431 – 173 7,494 818 (31) 1,412 – (221) (42) 7,689 Changes in working capital: Inventories Trade and other receivables Trade and other payables Cash generated from operations Income taxes paid Cash flows (used in)/generated from operating activities (5,015) (2,420) (426) (367) (1,435) (1,802) 1,169 (6,103) 242 2,997 (1,202) 1,795 Investing activities Interest received Purchase of property, plant and equipment Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment Acquisition of additional interests from minority interests Cash flows used in investing activities 37 (2,338) 913 – (1,388) 31 (2,283) 81 (356) (2,527) (6,608) (1,456) (474) 3,078 (171) 4,117 (3,600) (1,819) (1,188) 415 (456) (24) 7,500 (6,859) 508 9,071 (286) 4,179 – – (26) (2,457) 989 2,336 (124) 3,201 (3,189) 5,793 (268) 2,336 3 15 15 Financing activities Dividends paid Interest paid (Decrease)/increase in non-trade amount due to others Proceeds from/(repayment of) bills payable and trust receipts Payment of finance lease liabilities Proceeds from interest-bearing borrowings Repayment of interest-bearing borrowings Proceeds from issue of shares to minority shareholder of subsidiary Proceeds from issue of shares Expenses for the issue of shares Cash flows generated from/(used in) financing activities Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year Effect of exchange fluctuations Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 9 The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements. I 39 HOE LEONG CORPORATION LTD. Notes to the Financial Statements These notes form an integral part of the financial statements. The financial statements were authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 20 March 2008. 1 Domicile and activities Hoe Leong Corporation Ltd. (the Company) was incorporated in the Republic of Singapore with its registered office at 6 Clementi Loop, Singapore 129814. The principal activities of the Group and of the Company are those relating to designing, manufacturing, sale and distribution of machinery parts. The immediate and ultimate holding company during the financial year was Hoe Leong Co. (Pte.) Ltd., a company incorporated in the Republic of Singapore. The consolidated financial statements relate to the Company and its subsidiaries (referred to as the Group). 2 Summary of significant accounting policies 2.1 Basis of preparation The financial statements are prepared in accordance with Singapore Financial Reporting Standards (FRS). The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis except for certain financial assets and financial liabilities which are measured at fair value. The financial statements are presented in Singapore dollars which is the Company’s functional currency, has been rounded to the nearest thousand, unless otherwise stated. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with FRS requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised and in any future periods affected. ANNUAL REPORT 2007 I 40 2 Summary of significant accounting policies (cont’d) 2.1 Basis of preparation (cont’d) In particular, information about significant areas of estimation uncertainty and critical judgements in applying accounting policies that have the most significant effect on the amount recognised in the financial statements are described in the following notes: • Note 4 – measurement of impairment loss in respect of investment in subsidiaries. • Note 7 – measurement of net realisable value of inventories. Inventories have been written down to net realisable value to be consistent with the view that assets should not be carried in excess of amounts expected to be realised from their sale or use. Estimates of net realisable value are based on the most reliable evidence available at the balance sheet date. These estimates take into consideration of market demand, competition, selling price and cost directly relating to events occurring after the end of the financial year to the extent that such events confirm conditions existing at the end of the financial year. • Note 8 – measurement of recoverable amounts of trade receivables. The Group evaluates whether there is any objective evidence that trade receivables are impaired, and determines the amount of impairment loss as a result of the inability of the customers to make required payments. The Group determines the estimates based on the ageing of the trade receivables balance, creditworthiness, and historical write-off experience. If the financial condition of the customers were to deteriorate, actual write-offs would be higher than estimated. The accounting policies used by the Group have been applied consistently to all periods presented in these financial statements. 2.2 Consolidation Business combinations Business combinations are accounted for under the purchase method. The cost of an acquisition is measured at the fair value of the assets given, equity instruments issued and liabilities incurred or assumed at the date of exchange, plus costs directly attributable to the acquisition. The excess of the Group’s interest in the net fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities over the cost of acquisition is credited to the income statement in the period of the acquisition. I 41 HOE LEONG CORPORATION LTD. 2 Summary of significant accounting policies (cont’d) 2.2 Consolidation (cont’d) Subsidiaries Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Group. Control exists when the Group has the power, directly to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. In assessing control, potential voting rights presently exercisable are taken into account. The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date that control commences until the date that control ceases. The accounting policies of subsidiaries have been changed where necessary to align them with the policies adopted by the Group. Transactions eliminated on consolidation Intra-group balances and transactions and any unrealised income or expenses arising from intra-group transactions, are eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements. Unrealised gains arising from transactions with equity accounted investees are eliminated against the investment to the extent of the Group’s interest in the investee. Unrealised losses are eliminated in the same way as unrealised gains, but only to the extent that there is no evidence of impairment. Accounting for subsidiaries Investments in subsidiaries are stated in the Company’s balance sheet at cost less accumulated impairment losses. 2.3 Foreign currencies Foreign currency transactions Transactions in foreign currencies are translated to the respective functional currencies of Group entities at the exchange rate at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the reporting date are retranslated to the functional currency at the exchange rate at the reporting date. Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies that are measured at fair value are retranslated to the functional currency at the exchange rate at the date on which the fair value was determined. Foreign currency differences arising on retranslation are recognised in the income statement. ANNUAL REPORT 2007 I 42 2 Summary of significant accounting policies (cont’d) 2.3 Foreign currencies (cont’d) Foreign operations The assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated to Singapore dollars at exchange rates prevailing at the reporting date. The income and expense of foreign operations are translated to Singapore dollars exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Foreign currency differences are recognised in the foreign currency translation reserve. When a foreign operation is disposed of, in part or in full, the relevant amount in the foreign exchange translation reserve is transferred to the income statement. 2.4 Property, plant and equipment Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the asset. The cost of self-constructed assets includes the cost of materials and direct labour, any other costs directly attributable to bringing the assets to a working condition for its intended use, and the cost of dismantling and removing the items and restoring the site on which they are located. Purchased software that is integral to the functionality of the related equipment is capitalised as part of that equipment. When parts of an item of property, plant and equipment have different useful lives, they are accounted for as separate items (major components) of property, plant and equipment. The cost of replacing part of an items of property, plant and equipment is recognised in the carrying amount of the item if it is probable that the future economic benefits embodied within the part will flow to the Group and its cost can be measured reliably. The costs of the day-to-day servicing of property, plant and equipment are recognised in the income statement as incurred. Freehold land and construction-in-progress are not depreciated. Depreciation on other property, plant and equipment recognised in the income statement on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives (or lease term, if shorter) of each part of an item of property, plant and equipment. I 43 HOE LEONG CORPORATION LTD. 2 Summary of significant accounting policies (cont’d) 2.4 Property, plant and equipment (cont’d) The estimated useful lives are as follows: Freehold building and leasehold land and building – Over the remaining lease term ranging from 19 to 50 years Furniture, fittings and office equipment – 5 to 10 years Material handling equipment – 5 to 10 years Computers – 3 years Motor vehicles – 5 years Depreciation methods, useful lives and residual value are reviewed and adjusted as appropriate, at each reporting date. 2.5 Intangible assets – Goodwill Goodwill Goodwill and negative goodwill arise on the acquisition of subsidiaries. Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of the acquisition over the Group’s interest in the net fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of the acquiree. Goodwill is measured at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is tested for impairment as described in note 2.8. Negative goodwill is recognised immediately in the income statement. Acquisitions of minority interests Goodwill arising on the acquisition of minority interests in a subsidiary represents the excess of the cost of the additional investment over the carrying amount of the net assets acquired at the date of exchange. ANNUAL REPORT 2007 I 44 2 Summary of significant accounting policies (cont’d) 2.6 Financial instruments Non-derivative financial assets Non-derivative financial instruments comprise trade and other receivables, cash and cash equivalents, financial liabilities and trade and other payables. These non-derivative financial instruments are recognised initially at fair value plus any directly attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, non-derivative financial instruments are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment losses. A financial instrument is recognised if the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial assets are derecognised if the Group’s contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial assets expire or if the Group transfers the financial assets to another party without retaining control or transfers substantially all the risks and rewards of the assets. Regular way purchases and sales of financial assets are accounted for at trade date, i.e., the date that the Group commits itself to purchase or sell the asset. Financial liabilities are derecognised if the Group’s obligations specified in the contract expire or are discharged or cancelled. Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances and bank deposits. Bank overdrafts that are repayable on demand and that form an integral part of the Group’s cash management are included as a component of cash and cash equivalents for the purposes of the cash flow statement. Derivative financial instruments and hedging activities The Group holds derivative financial instruments to hedge its foreign currency and interest rate risk exposures. Embedded derivatives are separated from the host contract and accounted for separately if the economic characteristics and risks of the host contract and the embedded derivative are not closely related, a separate instrument with the same terms as the embedded derivative would meet the definition of a derivative, and the combined instrument is not measured at fair value through profit or loss. Derivatives are recognised initially at fair value; attributable transaction costs are recognised in the income statement when incurred. Subsequent to initial recognition, derivatives are measured at fair value. I 45 HOE LEONG CORPORATION LTD. 2 Summary of significant accounting policies (cont’d) 2.6 Financial instruments (cont’d) Impairment of financial assets A financial asset is assessed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any objective evidence that it is impaired. A financial asset is considered to be impaired if objective evidence indicates that one or more events have had a negative effect on the estimated future cash flows of that asset. An impairment loss in respect of a financial asset measured at amortised cost is calculated as the difference between its carrying amount, and the present value of the estimated future cash flows discounted at the original effective interest rate. Individually significant financial assets are tested for impairment on an individual basis. The remaining financial assets are assessed collectively in groups that share similar credit risk characteristics. All impairment losses are recognised in the income statement. An impairment loss is reversed if the reversal can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognised. For financial assets measured at amortised cost, the reversal is recognised in the income statement. Share capital Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of ordinary shares and share options are recognised as a deduction from equity, net of any tax effects. Where share capital recognised as equity is repurchased (treasury shares), the amount of the consideration paid, including directly attributable costs, net of any tax effects, is presented as a deduction from equity. Where such shares are subsequently reissued, sold or cancelled, the consideration received is recognised as a change in equity. No gain or loss is recognised in the income statement. ANNUAL REPORT 2007 I 46 2 Summary of significant accounting policies (cont’d) 2.7 Leases When entities within the Group are lessees of a finance lease Leased assets in which the Group assumes substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as finance leases. Upon initial recognition, property, plant and equipment acquired through finance leases are capitalised at the lower of its fair value and the present value of the minimum lease payments. Subsequent to initial recognition, the asset is accounted for in accordance with the accounting policy applicable to that asset. Leased assets are depreciated over the shorter of the lease term and their useful lives. Lease payments are apportioned between finance expense and reduction of the lease liability. The finance expense is allocated to each period during the lease term so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability. Contingent lease payments are accounted for by revising the minimum lease payments over the remaining term of the lease when the lease adjustment is confirmed. When entities within the Group are lessees of an operating lease Where the Group has the use of assets under operating leases, payments made under the leases are recognised in the income statement on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Lease incentives received are recognised in the income statement as an integral part of the total lease payments made. Contingent rentals are charged to the profit and loss account in the accounting period in which they are incurred. 2.8 Impairment – non-financial assets The carrying amounts of the Group’s non-financial assets, other than inventories and deferred tax assets, are reviewed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If any such indication exists, the assets’ recoverable amounts are estimated. An impairment loss is recognised if the carrying amount of an asset or its cash-generating unit exceeds its recoverable amount. A cash-generating unit is the smallest identifiable asset group that generates cash flows that are largely independent from other assets and groups. Impairment losses are recognised in the income statement unless it reverses a previous revaluation, credited to equity, in which case it is charged to equity. Impairment losses recognised in respect of cash-generating units are allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the units and then to reduce the carrying amount of the other assets in the unit (group of units) on a pro rata basis. The recoverable amount of an asset or cash-generating unit is the greater of its value in use and its fair value less costs to sell. 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 or cashgenerating unit. I 47 HOE LEONG CORPORATION LTD. 2 Summary of significant accounting policies (cont’d) 2.8 Impairment – non-financial assets (cont’d) Impairment losses recognised in prior periods are assessed at each reporting date for any indications that the loss has decreased or no longer exists. An impairment loss is reversed if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount. An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortisation, if no impairment loss had been recognised. 2.9 Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is calculated using the weighted average cost formula and comprises all costs of purchase, costs of conversion and other costs incurred in bringing the inventories to their present location and condition. In the case of manufactured inventories and work-in-progress, cost includes an appropriate share of production overheads based on normal operating capacity. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less the estimated costs of completion and selling expenses. 2.10 Non-current assets held for sale Non-current assets that are expected to be recovered primarily through sale rather than continuing use are classified as held for sale. Immediately before classification as held for sale, the assets are remeasured in accordance with the Group’s accounting policies. Thereafter generally the assets are measured at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value less cost to sell. Impairment losses on initial classification as held for sale and subsequent gains or losses on remeasurement are recognised in the income statement. Gains are not recognised in excess of any cumulative impairment loss. 2.11 Employee benefits Defined contribution plans Obligations for contributions to defined contribution pension plans are recognised as an expense in the income statement as incurred. Short-term benefits Short-term employee benefit obligations are measured on an undiscounted basis and are expensed as the related service is provided. A provision is recognised for the amount expected to be paid under short-term cash bonus or profit-sharing plans if the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation to pay this amount as a result of past service provided by the employee and the obligation can be estimated reliably. ANNUAL REPORT 2007 I 48 2 Summary of significant accounting policies (cont’d) 2.12 Provision A provision is recognised if, as a result of a past event, the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation that can be estimated reliably, and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. Provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a pre-tax that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the liability. 2.13 Revenue recognition Sale of goods Revenue from the sale of goods is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, net of returns and allowances, trade discounts and volume rebates. Revenue is recognised when the significant risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to the buyer, recovery of the consideration is probable, the associated costs and possible return of goods can be estimated reliably, and there is no continuing management involvement with the goods, and the amount of revenue can be measured reliably. Transfers of risks and rewards vary depending on the individual terms of the contract of sale. For sales of goods, transfer usually occurs when the product is received at the customers’ warehouse; however, for some international shipments, transfer occurs upon loading of the goods on to the relevant carrier. Rental income Rental income receivable under operating leases is recognised in the income statement on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Lease incentives granted are recognised as an integral part of the total rental income to be received. Contingent rentals are recognised as income in the accounting period in which they are earned. 2.14 Finance income and expense Finance income comprises interest income on funds placed as bank deposits that are recognised in the income statement. Finance expenses comprise interest expense on borrowings that are recognised in the income statement. I 49 HOE LEONG CORPORATION LTD. 2 Summary of significant accounting policies (cont’d) 2.15 Income tax expense Income tax expense comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax expense is recognised in the income statement except to the extent that it relates to items recognised directly in equity, in which case it is recognised in equity. Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years. Deferred tax is recognised using the balance sheet method, providing for temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. Deferred tax is not recognised for the following temporary differences: the initial recognition of goodwill, the initial recognition of assets or liabilities in a transaction that not a business combination and that affects neither accounting nor taxable profit and differences relating to investments in subsidiaries to the extent that it is probable that they will not reverse in the foreseeable future. Deferred tax is measured at the tax rates that are expected to be applied to the temporary differences when they reverse, based on the laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset if there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax liabilities and assets and they relate to income taxes levied by the same tax authority as the same taxable entity, or on different tax entities, but intend to settle current tax liabilities and assets on a net basis or their tax assets and liabilities will be realised simultaneously. A deferred tax asset is recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which temporary differences can be utilised. Deferred tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date and are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realised. ANNUAL REPORT 2007 I 50 3 Property, plant and equipment Furniture, Leasehold fittings Material Freehold Freehold land and and office handling Motor Construction land building building equipment equipment Computers vehicles -in-progress Group Cost At 1 January 2006 Additions Disposals Transfers Written off Translation differences on consolidation At 31 December 2006 Additions Disposals Reclassified to assets held for sale Written off Translation differences on consolidation At 31 December 2007 Accumulated depreciation At 1 January 2006 Depreciation charge for the year Disposals Written off Translation differences on consolidation At 31 December 2006 Depreciation charge for the year Reclassified to assets held for sale Disposals Written off Translation differences on consolidation At 31 December 2007 Carrying amount At 1 January 2006 At 31 December 2006 At 31 December 2007 Total $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 223 – – – – 1,322 – – – – 14,925 – – 182 – 1,988 71 (5) (2) (39) 3,376 1,567 (351) (15) – 843 373 (2) – – 1,187 485 (62) – – – 165 – (165) – 23,864 2,661 (420) – (39) (6) 217 – – (33) 1,289 – – (33) 15,074 – – (16) 1,997 101 (1) (171) 4,406 1,813 (1,416) (9) 1,205 143 – (19) 1,591 442 (96) – – 79 – (287) 25,779 2,578 (1,513) – – – – (650) – – (9) 67 (563) 4 (34) 7 (1) (78) – (650) (607) 1 218 5 1,294 6 14,430 (12) 2,076 44 4,351 (9) 1,309 (26) 1,917 – 1 9 25,596 – 266 1,739 1,888 999 768 974 – 6,634 – – – 26 – – 311 – – 42 (5) (38) 248 (69) – 100 – – 91 (49) – – – – 818 (123) (38) – – (7) 285 (3) 2,047 (15) 1,872 (25) 1,153 (7) 861 (18) 998 – – (75) 7,216 – 26 335 56 443 169 199 – 1,228 – – – – – – (100) – – – – (8) – (347) (144) – – (23) – (79) (1) – – – (100) (426) (176) – – 1 312 – 2,282 (12) 1,908 4 1,109 (9) 998 (23) 1,094 – – (39) 7,703 223 217 218 1,056 1,004 982 13,186 13,027 12,148 100 125 168 2,377 3,253 3,242 75 344 311 213 593 823 – – 1 17,230 18,563 17,893 I 51 HOE LEONG CORPORATION LTD. 3 Property, plant and equipment (cont’d) Company Furniture, Leasehold fittings Material land and and office handling Motor building equipment equipment Computers vehicles $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Total $’000 Cost At 1 January 2006 14,430 1,315 739 471 198 17,153 Additions – 14 16 354 390 774 Disposals – (5) – (2) – (7) 14,430 1,324 755 823 588 17,920 Additions – 3 5 86 – 94 Disposals – – – (2) – (2) 14,430 1,327 760 907 588 18,012 1,702 1,255 638 438 131 4,164 290 24 37 85 30 466 – (5) – – – (5) 1,992 1,274 675 523 161 4,625 290 20 26 146 95 577 – – – (2) – (2) 2,282 1,294 701 667 256 5,200 At 31 December 2006 At 31 December 2007 Accumulated depreciation At 1 January 2006 Depreciation charge for the year Disposals At 31 December 2006 Depreciation charge for the year Disposals At 31 December 2007 Carrying amount At 1 January 2006 12,728 60 101 33 67 12,989 At 31 December 2006 12,438 50 80 300 427 13,295 At 31 December 2007 12,148 33 59 240 332 12,812 The carrying amount of the property, plant and equipment of the Group and the Company includes amounts totalling $591,000 (2006: $427,000) and $323,000 (2006: $427,000) respectively in respect of office equipment and motor vehicles held under finance lease agreements. During the year, the Group acquired property, plant and equipment with an aggregate cost of $2,578,000 (2006: $2,661,000), of which $240,000 (2006: $377,000) were under finance leases. ANNUAL REPORT 2007 I 52 3 Property, plant and equipment (cont’d) The following property, plant and equipment are pledged as security to secure credit facilities: Group 2007 $’000 2006 $’000 12,148 12,438 89 1,087 12,237 13,525 At carrying amount: – leasehold land and building – material handling equipment and motor vehicles 4 Subsidiaries Company 2007 2006 $’000 $’000 Equity investments, at cost 17,625 13,639 Allowance for impairment losses (3,726) – Carrying amount 13,899 13,639 Country of incorporation Name of subsidiary Ho Leong Tractors Sdn. Bhd. Effective equity held by the Group 2007 2006 % % Malaysia 100 100 Hong Kong 100 100 People’s Republic of China 100 – Indonesia 99 99 Jilin Kanto Buhin Construction Machinery Manufacturing Co., Ltd. People’s Republic of China 100 100 Shenyang Milequip Industry Co., Ltd. People’s Republic of China 83.2 83.2 Kunshan Kanto Buhin Manufacturing Co., Ltd. People’s Republic of China 100 100 Australia 71.4 – Hoe Leong Machinery (H.K.) Limited (a) Quanzhou Kanto Buhin Machinery Manufacturing Co., Ltd.* PT Trackspare(b) Trackspares (Australia) Pty Ltd.(c) I 53 HOE LEONG CORPORATION LTD. 4 Subsidiaries (cont’d) Other member firms of KPMG International are auditors of significant foreign-incorporated subsidiaries. (a) Audited by Maradebbie & Partners (Practising) CPA, Hong Kong. (b) Audited by Drs Bernardi & Co., Indonesia. (c) Audited by Fowler Board Chartered Accountants, Australia. * A wholly-owned subsidiary held under Hoe Leong Machinery (H.K.) Limited. Due to continued losses of a subsidiary, the Company performed an impairment review to assess the recoverable amount of the investment in the subsidiary. The estimated recoverable amount of the subsidiary was based on its estimated net selling price. 5 Deferred tax Movements in deferred tax assets and liabilities of the Group (prior to offsetting of balances) during the year are as follows: Group Deferred tax assets Provisions Others Recognised At in income At 1 January statement 31 December 2006 (note 17) 2006 $’000 $’000 $’000 Deferred tax liabilities Property, plant and equipment Others ANNUAL REPORT 2007 I 54 Recognised in income At statement 31 December (note 17) 2007 $’000 $’000 20 – 20 4 (4) – 24 (4) 20 – 14 14 24 10 34 (42) – (42) (32) 32 – (74) 32 (42) (16) – (16) (90) 32 (58) 5 Deferred tax (cont’d) Deferred tax assets and liabilities of the Company (prior to offsetting of balances) are attributable to the following: Company 2007 2006 $’000 $’000 Deferred tax assets Provisions 21 20 (58) (42) Deferred tax liabilities Property, plant and equipment Deferred tax liabilities and assets are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities and when the deferred taxes relate to the same taxation authority. The following amounts, determined after appropriate offsetting, are included in the balance sheet as follows: Group 2007 2006 $’000 $’000 6 Company 2007 2006 $’000 $’000 Deferred tax assets 13 – – – Deferred tax liabilities (37) (22) (37) (22) Assets held for sale The leasehold building and land use rights of Jilin Kanto Buhin Construction Machinery Manufacturing Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the Group, is presented as held for sale following the decision on 18 April 2007 to cease its operations and to transfer it to another subsidiary, Kunshan Kanto Buhin Manufacturing Co., Ltd. As at 31 December 2007, the carrying amount of the leasehold building and land use rights is $550,000. 7 Inventories Group 2007 2006 $’000 $’000 Raw materials Work-in-progress Finished goods Goods-in-transit Company 2007 2006 $’000 $’000 682 1,194 – – 1,191 1,782 – – 37,890 32,059 31,659 27,323 801 514 682 327 40,564 35,549 32,341 27,650 I 55 HOE LEONG CORPORATION LTD. 7 Inventories (cont’d) In 2007, raw materials and changes in finished goods and work-in-progress, recognised in cost of sales for the year, amounted to $47,142,000 (2006: $43,160,000). Finished goods are stated after deducting an allowance for obsolete inventories amounting to $18,309,000 (2006: $19,886,000) and $15,917,000 (2006: $17,518,000) for the Group and the Company respectively. Change in estimates During the year ended 31 December 2007, the Group reassessed its accounting estimate for making allowance for obsolete inventories based on recent experience and price trends. The effect of the change in estimating allowance for obsolete inventories resulted in a credit of $2,773,000 recognised in the income statement in 2007. It is impractical to estimate the effect of this change in future period. 8 Trade and other receivables Group 2007 2006 $’000 $’000 Company 2007 2006 $’000 $’000 Trade receivables 24,846 24,062 17,473 17,716 Impairment losses (1,567) (1,586) (211) (220) Net receivables 23,279 22,476 17,262 17,496 466 616 – – 1,950 102 1,884 30 Recoverables 13 20 6 12 Rental receivables 21 24 21 24 Prepayments 336 527 154 134 Tax recoverables 109 11 – – 62 – – – – subsidiaries – – 9,027 6,049 – affiliated corporations 3 44 – – – – 1,234 133 26,239 23,820 29,588 23,878 Advance to suppliers Deposits Others Trade amounts due from: Non-trade amounts due from: – subsidiaries ANNUAL REPORT 2007 I 56 8 Trade and other receivables (cont’d) Outstanding balances with related companies are unsecured and interest-free. There is no allowance for doubtful debts arising from the outstanding balances. The maximum exposure to credit risk for trade receivables at the reporting date (by country) is: Group Company 2007 2006 2007 2006 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Singapore Malaysia Indonesia People’s Republic of China/Hong Kong Emerging markets* Others 473 9,524 6,934 1,337 3,979 1,032 23,279 554 9,320 6,589 1,941 3,474 598 22,476 9,556 1,681 1,420 – 3,979 626 17,262 10,956 1,508 960 – 3,474 598 17,496 * Emerging markets refer to India, Middle East, Pakistan and Russia. Impairment losses The ageing of trade receivables at the reporting date is: Group Not past Past due Past due Past due due 0 - 30 days 31 - 120 days more than 120 days Company Not past due Past due 0 - 30 days Past due 31 - 120 days Past due more than 120 days Gross 2007 $’000 Impairment losses 2007 $’000 Gross 2006 $’000 Impairment losses 2006 $’000 7,185 3,799 7,908 5,954 24,846 – – – 1,567 1,567 7,486 3,913 5,758 6,905 24,062 – – – 1,586 1,586 4,391 2,733 8,775 1,574 17,473 – – – 211 211 6,201 3,594 6,760 1,161 17,716 – – – 220 220 I 57 HOE LEONG CORPORATION LTD. 8 Trade and other receivables (cont’d) Impairment losses (cont’d) The change in impairment loss in respect of trade receivables during the year is as follows: Group 2007 2006 $’000 $’000 1,586 1,424 (19) 162 1,567 1,586 At 1 January Impairment loss (reversed)/recognised At 31 December Company 2007 2006 $’000 $’000 220 101 (9) 119 211 220 Based on historical default rates, the Group believes that no impairment allowance is necessary in respect of trade receivables not past due and those that have past due, except for certain specific doubtful receivables identified and for which impairment loss is recognised. Outstanding trade receivables are mainly arising by customers that have a good record with the Group. 9 Cash and cash equivalents Note Cash in hand and at banks Bank overdrafts (secured) Cash and cash equivalents in the cash flow statement 12 Group 2007 2006 $’000 $’000 4,901 3,153 (1,700) (817) 3,201 Company 2007 2006 $’000 $’000 890 807 2,336 Included in cash at banks are amounts of $1,182,000 (2006: $1,061,000) held in countries under foreign exchange controls. The weighted average effective interest rates per annum for cash at banks at the balance sheet date for the Group and Company are 1.76% (2006: 0.94%) and 2.53% (2006: 2.10%) respectively. Interest rates reprice at intervals of one, three or six months. 10 Share capital Group and Company 2007 2006 No. of shares No. of shares (’000) (’000) Fully paid ordinary shares, with no par value At 1 January Issue of new shares – Rights cum warrants issue – Exercise of warrants At 31 December ANNUAL REPORT 2007 I 58 188,791 188,791 75,516 63 264,370 – – 188,791 10 Share capital (cont’d) During the financial year, the following share issues were made by the Company: • 75,516,000 rights shares at $0.12 each with 18,879,000 free detachable warrants at an exercise price of $0.16. • 63,000 shares were issued at $0.16 each fully paid for cash upon the exercise of warrants. At 31 December 2007, there were 18,816,000 warrants outstanding. Each warrant entitles the warrant holder to subscribe for one new ordinary share in the Company at the exercise price of $0.16 per share. The warrants do not entitle the holders of the warrants, by virtual of such holdings, to any rights to participate in any share issue of any other company. The warrants were listed and quoted on the SGX-ST on 5 June 2007 and expire on 30 May 2009. The holders of ordinary shares are entitled to receive dividends as declared from time to time and are entitled to one vote per share at the meeting of the Company. All shares rank equally with regard to the Company’s residual assets. Capital management The Board’s policy is to maintain adequate capital base so as to maintain investors’, creditors’ and market confidence and to sustain future development of the business. The Board of Directors monitors the return on capital, which the Group defines as net operating income divided by total shareholders’ equity excluding minority interests. The Board also monitors the level of dividends to ordinary shareholders. The Group funds its operations and growth through a mix of equity and debts. This includes the maintenance of adequate lines of credit and assessing the need to raise additional equity where required. There were no changes in the Group’s approach to capital management during the year. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries are subject to externally imposed capital requirement. 11 Currency translation reserve The currency translation reserve of the Group comprises foreign exchange differences arising from the translation of the financial statements of foreign entities whose functional currencies are different from that of the Company. I 59 HOE LEONG CORPORATION LTD. 12 Financial liabilities Note Group 2007 2006 $’000 $’000 Company 2007 2006 $’000 $’000 Non-current liabilities Secured bank loan A 873 1,455 873 1,455 Secured bank loan B 70 – – – 358 322 265 322 1,301 1,777 1,138 1,777 1,700 817 1,700 817 Secured bank loan A 582 563 582 563 Secured bank loan B 19 – – – Secured bank loan C – 1,332 – – Secured bank loan D 4,000 – 4,000 – Unsecured bank loan E 6,290 7,970 6,290 7,970 Unsecured bank loan F 4,000 4,000 4,000 4,000 Secured trust receipts 4,600 5,997 4,600 5,997 Unsecured trust receipts 6,540 4,965 6,540 4,965 93 60 57 60 27,824 25,704 27,769 24,372 29,125 27,481 28,907 26,149 Finance lease liabilities Current liabilities Secured bank overdraft Finance lease liabilities Total financial liabilities 9 Interest-bearing borrowings (i) The secured bank loans A and D, bank overdraft and trust receipts are secured by a first legal mortgage over leasehold property of the Company with a book value of $12,148,000 (2006: $12,438,000). (ii) The secured bank loan B is secured by chattel mortgages over the motor vehicles of a subsidiary with a carrying amount of $89,000 (2006: Nil), and a personal guarantee by a director of a subsidiary. (iii) The secured bank loan C was secured by certain property, plant and equipment of a subsidiary with a carrying amount of $Nil (2006: $1,088,000). The loan has been fully repaid in 2007. ANNUAL REPORT 2007 I 60 12 Financial liabilities (cont’d) Finance lease liabilities At 31 December 2007, the Group and the Company had obligations under finance leases that are repayable as follows: 2007 2006 Group Payments Interest Principal Payments Interest Principal $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Payable: Within 1 year 110 17 93 74 14 60 After 1 year but within 5 years 366 63 303 267 52 215 More than 5 years 67 12 55 132 25 107 543 92 451 473 91 382 Company Payable: Within 1 year 70 13 57 74 14 60 After 1 year but within 5 years 261 51 210 267 52 215 More than 5 years 67 12 55 132 25 107 398 76 322 473 91 382 Terms and debt repayment schedule Terms and conditions of outstanding loans and borrowings are as follows: Year of maturity Group S$ floating rate loans – loan A – loan D – loan E – loan F A$ fixed rate loan B RMB fixed rate loan C Finance lease liabilities Trust receipts Bank overdrafts 2008 – 2010 2008 2008 2008 2008 – 2011 2007 2009 – 2014 2008 Repayable on demand 2007 Face Carrying value amount $’000 $’000 1,455 4,000 6,290 4,000 89 – 451 11,140 1,700 29,125 1,455 4,000 6,290 4,000 89 – 451 11,140 1,700 29,125 2006 Face Carrying value amount $’000 $’000 2,018 – 7,970 4,000 – 1,332 382 10,962 817 27,481 2,018 – 7,970 4,000 – 1,332 382 10,962 817 27,481 I 61 HOE LEONG CORPORATION LTD. 12 Financial liabilities (cont’d) Terms and debt repayment schedule (cont’d) Year of maturity Company S$ floating rate loan – loan A – loan D – loan E – loan F Finance lease liabilities Trust receipts Bank overdrafts 2008 – 2010 2008 2008 2008 2009 – 2014 2008 Repayable on demand 2007 Face Carrying value amount $’000 $’000 1,455 4,000 6,290 4,000 322 11,140 1,700 28,907 1,455 4,000 6,290 4,000 322 11,140 1,700 28,907 2006 Face Carrying value amount $’000 $’000 2,018 – 7,970 4,000 382 10,962 817 26,149 2,018 – 7,970 4,000 382 10,962 817 26,149 The floating rate term loans bear interest of approximately 3% to 5% (2006: 3% to 5%) per annum and are repriced on monthly to half-yearly basis. The A$ fixed rate loan bears interest of approximately 8% to 10% (2006: Nil) per annum. Bank overdrafts are unsecured, repayable on demand and have a weighted average effective interest rate of 6% (2006: 6%) per annum. Interest rates of bank overdrafts reprice at an interval of 1 month. The weighted average effective interest rate of trust receipts at the end of the financial year is 6.34% (2006: 4.56%) per annum. Interest rate reprice at intervals of one, three or six months. The following are the expected contractual undiscounted cash inflows/(outflows) of financial liabilities, including interest payments and excluding the impact of netting agreements: Carrying Cash flows amount Contractual Within More cash Within 1 to 5 than Group flows 1 year years 5 years 2007 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Non-derivative financial liabilities Variable interest rate loans 15,745 (15,954) (15,051) (903) – Fixed interest rate loan 89 (89) (70) (19) – Finance lease liabilities 451 (543) (110) (366) (67) Bank overdrafts 1,700 (1,700) (1,700) – – Trust receipts 11,140 (11,140) (11,140) – – Trade and other payables* 7,989 (7,989) (7,989) – – (37,415) (36,060) (1,288) (67) ANNUAL REPORT 2007 I 62 12 Financial liabilities (cont’d) Terms and debt repayment schedule (cont’d) Carrying amount Cash flows Contractual Within More cash Within 1 to 5 than flows 1 year years 5 years $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Group 2006 Non-derivative financial liabilities Variable interest rate loans Fixed interest rate loans Finance lease liabilities Bank overdrafts Trust receipts Trade and other payables* 13,988 1,332 382 817 10,962 6,070 (14,306) (1,377) (473) (817) (10,962) (6,070) (34,005) 2006 Derivative financial liabilities Forward exchange contracts used for hedging – outflow 2,454 2,503 Company 2007 Non-derivative financial liabilities Variable interest rate loans Finance lease liabilities Trust receipts Trade and other payables* 15,745 322 11,140 6,968 2006 Non-derivative financial liabilities Variable interest rate loans Finance lease liabilities Bank overdrafts Trust receipts Trade and other payables* 2006 Derivative financial liabilities Forward exchange contracts used for hedging – outflow $’000 (12,770) (1,536) (1,377) – (74) (399) (817) – (10,962) – (6,070) – (32,070) (1,935) 2,503 – – – – – – – – – (15,954) (398) (11,140) (6,968) (34,460) (15,051) (903) (70) (261) (11,140) – (6,968) – (33,229) (1,164) – (67) – – (67) 13,988 382 817 10,962 4,981 (14,306) (473) (817) (10,962) (4,981) (31,539) (12,770) (1,536) – (74) (267) (132) (817) – – (10,962) – – (4,981) – – (29,604) (1,803) (132) 2,454 2,503 2,503 – – * Excludes accrued expenses. I 63 HOE LEONG CORPORATION LTD. 13 Trade and other payables Group 2007 2006 $’000 $’000 Company 2007 2006 $’000 $’000 Trade payables 2,899 3,234 1,379 2,060 Bills payable (secured) 1,066 446 1,066 446 Bills payable (unsecured) 3,397 1,117 3,397 1,117 Other payables and accrued expenses 2,119 2,112 1,567 1,620 225 233 225 229 – 49 – 49 – subsidiaries – – 298 387 – others – 41 – – – subsidiaries – – 279 392 – others (loan) – 474 – – 9,706 7,706 8,211 6,300 Deposits Derivative liabilities Trade amounts due to: Non-trade amounts due to: Outstanding balances with related parties and loan amount due to others are unsecured, interest free and repayable on demand. 14 Revenue Revenue represents sales of goods less discounts and returns. ANNUAL REPORT 2007 I 64 15 Finance income and expense Group 2007 $’000 Recognised in the income statement Interest income from bank deposits Finance income Interest expense: – interest-bearing borrowings (including bank overdrafts) – finance lease liabilities Finance expense Net finance income and expense recognised in income statement 16 2006 $’000 37 37 31 31 (1,379) (16) (1,395) (1,409) (3) (1,412) (1,358) (1,381) Profit before income tax Profit before income tax includes the following: Group 2007 $’000 2006 $’000 Non-audit fees paid to: – auditors of the Company 12 6 – other auditors 85 85 Operating lease expenses 830 737 Exchange loss/(gain) 829 (112) (1,567) 1,613 – 367 28 177 Property, plant and equipment written off 431 – Loss/(gain) on disposal of property, plant and equipment 173 (42) – (221) Rental income (1,276) (1,394) Staff costs 4,978 3,634 378 249 Allowance (written-back)/made for obsolete inventories Inventories written off Allowance made for doubtful receivables, net of write-back Negative goodwill on acquisition of minority interests Contributions to defined contribution plans, included in staff costs I 65 HOE LEONG CORPORATION LTD. 17 Income tax expense Group 2007 $’000 Current tax expense Current year Adjustments for prior years Deferred tax expense Origination and reversal of temporary differences Underprovision in prior year Total income tax expense Reconciliation of effective tax rate Profit before income tax Tax using the Singapore tax rate of 18% (2006: 20%) Effect of reduction in tax rates Effect of different tax rates in other countries Expenses not deductible for tax purposes Income not subject to tax (Over)/underprovided in prior years Deferred tax asset not recognised Others 2006 $’000 1,725 (373) 1,352 1,478 199 1,677 (21) 23 2 1,354 – – – 1,677 4,304 775 (2) 536 790 (519) (351) 118 7 1,354 5,753 1,151 – (1) 313 (19) 199 44 (10) 1,677 The Singapore corporate tax rate has been reduced from 20% to 18% with effect from the financial year ended 31 December 2007. Deferred tax assets have not been recognised in respect of the following items: Deductible temporary differences Tax losses Group 2007 2006 $’000 $’000 2,160 2,531 1,029 – Company 2007 2006 $’000 $’000 – – – – The tax losses are subject to agreement by the tax authorities and compliance with tax regulations in the respective countries in which certain subsidiaries operate. The deductible temporary differences do not expire under current tax legislation. Deferred tax assets have not been recognised in respect of these items because it is not probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the Group can utilise the benefits. ANNUAL REPORT 2007 I 66 18 Earnings per share Group 2007 $’000 2006 $’000 Basic earnings per share is based on: Net profit attributable to equity holders of the Company 3,000 No. of shares (’000) Issued ordinary shares at beginning of the year Effect of new shares issued Weighted average number of ordinary shares at the end of the year 4,087 No. of shares (’000) 188,791 188,791 44,082 – 232,873 188,791 $’000 $’000 Diluted earnings per share is based on: Net profit attributable to equity holders of the Company 3,000 No. of shares (’000) Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in the calculation of basic earnings per share Potential ordinary shares issuable under warrants Adjusted weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue 4,087 No. of shares (’000) 232,873 188,791 10,976 – 243,849 188,791 For the purpose of calculating the diluted earnings per ordinary share, the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue is adjusted to take into account the dilutive effect arising from the dilutive share options and contingently issueable shares, with potential ordinary shares weighted for the period outstanding. I 67 HOE LEONG CORPORATION LTD. 19 Segment reporting Segment information is presented in respect of the Group’s business and geographical segments. The primary format for business segments is based on the Group’s management and internal reporting structure. Inter-segment pricing is determined on mutually agreed terms. Segment results, assets and liabilities include items directly attributable to a segment as well as those that can be allocated on a reasonable basis. Unallocated items comprise mainly property, plant and equipment, cash and bank balances, loans and expenses, corporate assets and head office expenses, and income tax assets and liabilities. Segment capital expenditure is the total cost incurred during the period to acquire property, plant and equipment, and intangible assets other than goodwill. Business segments The Group comprises the following main business segments: (i) Design and manufacture Design, manufacture and sale of equipment parts for both heavy equipment and industrial machinery under in-house brand names, “KBJ”, “OEM”, “ROSSI” and “TMI”. (ii) Trading and distribution Trading and distributing of an extensive range of equipment parts for both heavy equipment and industrial machinery sourced from third parties. Geographical segments The Group’s businesses operate in five principal geographical areas, namely, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, People’s Republic of China (PRC)/Hong Kong and the Emerging Markets. Emerging markets refer to India, Middle East, Pakistan and Russia. In presenting information on the basis of geographical segments, segment revenue is based on the geographical location of customers. Segment assets are based on the geographical location of the assets. ANNUAL REPORT 2007 I 68 19 Segment reporting (cont’d) (a) Business segments Design and manufacture 2007 2006 $’000 $’000 Trading and distribution 2007 2006 $’000 $’000 Total operation 2007 2006 $’000 $’000 25,020 21,948 40,183 41,561 65,203 63,509 601 3,289 3,610 2,045 4,211 5,334 Revenue and expenses Total external revenue Segment results Other income 1,451 1,800 Net finance costs (1,358) (1,381) Income tax expense (1,354) (1,677) Profit for the year 2,950 4,076 68,615 58,071 Unallocated assets 21,545 23,014 Total assets 90,160 81,085 18,718 3,261 Unallocated liabilities 21,522 33,401 Total liabilities 40,240 36,662 Capital expenditure 2,578 2,661 Depreciation 1,228 818 Allowance (written-back)/made for obsolete inventories (1,567) 1,613 28 177 – 367 431 – Assets and liabilities Segment assets Segment liabilities 33,605 10,268 21,542 1,208 35,010 8,450 36,529 2,053 Other segment information Allowance made for doubtful receivables, net of write-back Inventories written off Property, plant and equipment written off I 69 HOE LEONG CORPORATION LTD. 19 Segment reporting (cont’d) (b) Geographical segments PRC/ Emerging Other Total Singapore Malaysia Indonesia Hong Kong markets regions operation $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 2007 Revenue from external customers 2,641 20,386 20,142 7,041 10,158 4,835 65,203 Segment assets 55,350 14,247 7,928 10,030 – 2,605 90,160 94 320 51 1,995 – 118 2,578 Revenue from external customers 2,585 20,846 20,823 7,188 9,162 2,905 63,509 Segment assets 42,748 15,195 7,886 11,121 3,525 610 81,085 775 9 62 1,815 – – 2,661 Capital expenditure 2006 Capital expenditure 20 Financial risk management Risk management is integral to the whole business of the Group. The Group has a system of controls in place to create an acceptable balance between the cost of risks occurring and the cost of managing the risks. The management continually monitors the Group’s risk management process to ensure that an appropriate balance between risk and control is achieved. Risk management policies and systems are reviewed regularly to reflect changes in market conditions and the Group’s activities. The Audit Committee oversees how management monitors compliance with the Group’s risk management policies and procedures and reviews the adequacy of the risk management framework in relation to the risks faced by the Group. The Audit Committee is assisted in its oversight role by Internal Audit. Internal Audit undertakes both regular and ad hoc reviews of risk management controls and procedures, the results of which are reported to the Audit Committee. Credit risk The Group has a credit policy in place which establishes credit limits for customers and monitors their balances on an ongoing basis. Credit evaluations are performed on all customers requiring credit over a certain amount. Credit quality of customers is assessed after taking into account its financial position and past experience with the customers. ANNUAL REPORT 2007 I 70 20 Financial risk management (cont’d) Credit risk (cont’d) The Group establishes an allowance for impairment that represents its estimate of incurred losses in respect of trade and other receivables. The allowance account in respect of trade and other receivables is used to record impairment losses unless the Group is satisfied that no recovery of the amount owing is possible. At that point, the financial asset is considered irrecoverable and the amount charged to the allowance account is written off against the carrying amount of the impaired financial asset. Cash and fixed deposits are placed with banks and financial institutions which are regulated. At the balance sheet date, there is no significant concentration of credit risk. The maximum exposure to credit risk is represented by the carrying amount of each financial asset at the balance sheet. Liquidity risk The Group monitors its liquidity risk and maintains a level of cash and cash equivalents deemed adequate by management to finance the Group’s operations and to mitigate the effects of fluctuations in cash flows. Market risk Market risk is the risk that changes in market prices, such as interest rates and foreign exchange rates, will affect the Group’s income or the value of its holdings of financial instruments. The objective of market risk management is to manage and control market risk exposures within acceptance parameters, while optimising the return on risk. Interest rate risk The Group’s fixed-rate borrowings are exposed to a risk of change in their fair value due to changes in interest rates. The Group’s variable-rate borrowings are exposed to a risk of change in cash flows due to changes in interest rates. Short-term receivables and payables are not exposed to interest rate risk. Sensitivity analysis For variable rate financial assets and liabilities, a change of 100bp in interest rate at the reporting date would increase/(decrease) profit before tax by the amounts shown below. This analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular foreign currency rates, remain constant. I 71 HOE LEONG CORPORATION LTD. 20 Financial risk management (cont’d) Interest rate risk (cont’d) Profit before tax 100bp 100bp increase decrease $’000 $’000 Group 31 December 2007 Variable instruments (286) 286 (258) 258 31 December 2006 Variable instruments Foreign currency risk The Group is exposed to foreign currency risk on sales, purchases and borrowing that are denominated in currencies other than the respective functional currencies of Group entities. The currencies giving rise to this risk are primarily US dollar and Euro. In respect of other monetary assets and liabilities held in currencies other than Singapore dollar, the Group ensures that the net exposure is kept to an acceptable level by buying or selling foreign currencies at spot rates, where necessary, to address short term imbalances. The Group uses forward exchange contracts to hedge its foreign currency risk, where necessary, the forward exchange contracts are rated over at maturity at market rates. At 31 December 2007, the Group has outstanding forward exchange contracts with notional amounts of approximately US$Nil (2006: US$1,600,000). Owing to the nature of the Group’s operations, most transactions have maturity dates of less than one year. ANNUAL REPORT 2007 I 72 20 Financial risk management (cont’d) Foreign currency risk (cont’d) The Group’s and Company’s exposures to foreign currencies are as follows: 31 December 2007 US Euro dollar $’000 $’000 Group Trade and other receivables Cash and cash equivalents Trust receipts Trade and other payables Company Trade and other receivables Cash and cash equivalents Trust receipts Trade and other payables 31 December 2006 US Euro dollar $’000 $’000 12 4 (1,768) (3,112) (4,864) 7,167 428 (8,398) (2,628) (3,431) 105 3 (3,250) (1,482) (4,624) 6,044 642 (7,413) (1,962) (2,689) 12 4 (1,768) (3,112) (4,864) 4,997 346 (8,398) (2,628) (5,683) 105 3 (3,250) (1,482) (4,624) 3,749 636 (7,413) (1,962) (4,990) Sensitivity analysis A 10% strengthening of Singapore dollar against the following currencies at the reporting date would increase/(decrease) profit before tax by the amounts shown below. This analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular interest rates, remain constant. Group Profit before tax $’000 Company Profit before tax $’000 31 December 2007 US dollar Euro 343 486 568 486 31 December 2006 US dollar Euro 269 462 499 462 A 10% weakening of Singapore dollar against the above currencies would have had the equal but opposite effect on the above currencies to the amounts shown above, on the basis that all other variables remain constant. I 73 HOE LEONG CORPORATION LTD. 20 Financial risk management (cont’d) Estimation of fair values The following summarises the significant methods and assumptions used in estimating the fair values of financial instruments of the Group and Company. Derivative The fair value of forward exchange contracts is based on their listed market price, if available. If a listed market price is not available, fair value is estimated by discounting the difference between the contractual forward price and the current forward price for the residual period to maturity of the contract using a risk-free interest rate (based on government bonds). Non-derivative financial liabilities Fair value, which is determined for disclosure purposes, is calculated based on the present value of future principal and interest cash flows, discounted at the market rate of interest at the reporting date. For finance leases, the market rate of interest is determined by reference to similar lease agreements. Other financial assets and liabilities The carrying amounts of financial liabilities with a maturity of less than one year (including trade and other receivables, cash and cash equivalents, and trade and other payables) are assumed to approximate their fair values because of the short period to maturity. All other financial assets and liabilities are discounted to determine their fair values. The aggregate net fair values of recognised financial assets and liabilities which are not carried at fair value in the balance sheet at 31 December are represented in the following table: Group Financial liabilities Secured bank loans Unrecognised loss Company Financial liabilities Secured bank loans Unrecognised loss ANNUAL REPORT 2007 I 74 Carrying amount 2007 $’000 Fair value 2007 $’000 Carrying amount 2006 $’000 Fair value 2006 $’000 1,455 1,536 (81) 3,350 3,544 (194) 1,455 1,536 (81) 2,018 2,167 (149) 21 Commitments (a) Operating lease commitments At 31 December 2007, the Group and the Company have commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases as follows: The Group leases land, warehouse and factory facilities under operating leases. The leases typically run for an initial period of two to thirty years, with an option to renew after that date. Lease payments are usually increased annually to reflect market rentals. None of the leases includes contingent rentals. Group 2007 2006 $’000 $’000 Company 2007 2006 $’000 $’000 Payable: Within 1 year After 1 year but within 5 years After 5 years 453 509 362 343 1,503 1,621 1,449 1,374 14,795 14,342 14,795 14,342 16,751 16,472 16,606 16,059 (b) Operating lease receivables The Group leases out its leasehold building owned by the Company (refer to Note 3). Non-cancellable operating lease rentals are receivable as follows: Group and Company 2007 2006 $’000 $’000 Receivable: Within 1 year After 1 year but within 5 years 1,350 1,067 463 1,201 1,813 2,268 The leases typically run for an initial period of two to three years, with an option to renew the lease after that date. Usually, there is no change in lease rentals during the lease period. I 75 HOE LEONG CORPORATION LTD. 21 Commitments (cont’d) (c) Capital commitments At 31 December 2007, the Group has the following commitments: Group 2007 2006 $’000 $’000 Capital expenditure contracted but not provided for in the financial statements 22 43 Company 2007 2006 $’000 $’000 7 – – Related parties For the purpose of these financial statements, parties are considered to be related to the Group if the Group has the ability, directly or indirectly, to control the party or exercise significant influence over the party in making financial and operating decisions, or vice versa, or where the Group and the party are subject to common control or common significant influence. Related parties may be individual or other entities. An affiliated corporation refers to a corporation other than a subsidiary and associated corporation, which is directly or indirectly under common management control or significant influence of certain shareholders of the Company. Other related party transactions Other than those disclosed elsewhere in the financial statements, the transactions with related parties are as follows: Group 2007 $’000 2006 $’000 Affiliated corporations Rental and miscellaneous expenses Rental income ANNUAL REPORT 2007 I 76 103 90 84 82 22 Related parties (cont’d) Key management personnel compensation Key management personnel of the Group are persons having the authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the entity. The directors, department heads and the chief executive officer are considered as key management personnel of the Group. Group 2007 $’000 2006 $’000 Short-term employee benefits – directors – other key management personnel 23 1,497 1,581 698 644 2,195 2,225 Subsequent events On 6 March 2008, the Group entered into a joint venture agreement with Supreme Oilfield Services Pte Ltd (SOS) to incorporate a new joint venture company, Supreme Energy Pte. Ltd. with a share capital of US$1 million in which the Group and SOS own 60% and 40% respectively. In accordance with the joint venture arrangement, both parties will extend a further US$2.5 million to Supreme Energy Pte. Ltd. in proportion to the respective shareholdings, in the form of interest-free shareholders’ loan. 24 New accounting standards and interpretations not yet adopted The Group has not applied the following accounting standards (including its consequential amendments) and interpretations that have been issued as of the balance sheet date but are not yet effective: FRS 23 Borrowing Costs FRS 108 Operating Segments INT FRS 111 FRS 102 Group and Treasury Share Transaction INT FRS 112 Service Concession Arrangements FRS 23 will become effective for the Group’s financial statements for the year ending 31 December 2009. FRS 23 removes the option to expense borrowing costs and requires that an entity to capitalise borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset as part of the cost of that assets. I 77 HOE LEONG CORPORATION LTD. 24 New accounting standards and interpretations not yet adopted (cont’d) FRS 108 will become effective for the Group’s financial statements for the year ending 31 December 2009. FRS 108, which replaces FRS 14 Segment Reporting, requires identification and reporting of operating segments based on internal reports that are regularly reviewed by the Group’s chief operating decision maker in order to allocate resources to the segment and to assess its performance. Management is currently assessing the impact of FRS 108 on the format and extent of disclosures presented in the financial statements. This standard does not have any impact on the Group’s financial result or position. The Group has not considered the impact of accounting standards issued after the balance sheet date. ANNUAL REPORT 2007 I 78 Supplementary Information (SGX-ST Listing Manual disclosure requirements) 1 Directors’ remuneration – Group and Company The number of directors in each of the remuneration bands are as follows: Executive Directors Nonexecutive Directors Total $500,000 and above – – – $250,000 to below $500,000 4 – 4 Below $250,000 – 3 3 Total 4 3 7 2007 2 Interested person transactions The number of directors in each of the remuneration bands are as follows: Interested person Aggregate value of all transactions (excluding transactions conducted under a shareholders’ mandate pursuant to Rule 920) $’000 Aggregate value of all transactions conducted under a shareholders’ mandate pursuant to Rule 920 of the SGX Listing Manual $’000 – – I 79 HOE LEONG CORPORATION LTD. Shareholding statistics as at 17 March 2008 Distribution of Shareholders by Size of Shareholdings as at 17 March 2008 Size of Shareholdings No. of Shareholders % No. of Shares % 1 - 999 106 9.42 48,748 0.02 1,000 - 10,000 389 34.58 1,925,619 0.73 10,001 - 1,000,000 617 54.84 40,765,958 15.42 13 1.16 221,631,482 83.83 1,125 100.00 264,371,807 100.00 1,000,001 and above TOTAL Twenty Largest Shareholders as at 17 March 2008 No. Shareholder’s Name Number of Shares Held % 1 HOE LEONG CO. (PTE.) LTD. 158,994,276 60.14 2 TAT HONG HOLDINGS LTD 14,253,800 5.39 3 KUAH GEOK LIN 8,820,924 3.34 4 KUAH GEOK KHIM 8,750,924 3.31 5 KUAH GEOK KOON 8,750,924 3.31 6 QUAH YOKE HWEE 8,750,924 3.31 7 KUAH GEOK KHIM 4,228,910 1.60 8 KIM ENG SECURITIES PTE. LTD. 2,138,500 0.81 9 OCBC SECURITIES PRIVATE LTD 1,698,200 0.64 10 DBS VICKERS SECURITIES (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD 1,535,100 0.58 11 ONG MUN WAH 1,414,000 0.53 12 NG KIM TECK 1,215,000 0.46 13 NUN KWONG HOLDINGS PTE LTD 1,080,000 0.41 14 UOB KAY HIAN PTE LTD 947,282 0.36 15 NOMURA SINGAPORE LIMITED 719,000 0.27 16 PHILLIP SECURITIES PTE LTD 697,350 0.26 17 CHEW CHENG 670,000 0.25 18 S.T.G ENGINEERING PTE LTD 590,000 0.22 19 LIM KIM PON 554,000 0.21 20 DBS NOMINEES PTE LTD 523,500 0.20 226,332,614 85.60 TOTAL ANNUAL REPORT 2007 I 80 HOE LEONG CORPORATION LTD. Shareholding Statistics as at 17 March 2008 Class of shares : Ordinary shares fully paid Voting rights : One vote per share No. of issued and paid-up shares : 264,371,807 Register of Substantial Shareholders as at 17 March 2008 Direct Interest Deemed Interest No. of Shares % 158,994,276 60.14 – – 15,463,000 5.85 – – Kuah Geok Lin 8,820,924 3.34 158,994,276 * 60.14 Kuah Geok Khim 8,750,924 3.31 158,994,276 * 60.14 Kuah Geok Koon 8,750,924 3.31 158,994,276 * 60.14 Quah Yoke Hwee 8,750,924 3.31 158,994,276 * 60.14 Mdm Kuah Geok Khim 4,228,910 1.60 158,994,276 * 60.14 Hoe Leong Co. (Pte.) Ltd. Tat Hong Holdings Ltd No. of Shares % Note: * Messrs Kuah Geok Lin, Kuah Geok Khim, Kuah Geok Koon, Quah Yoke Hwee and Mdm Kuah Geok Khim are deemed to be interested in the shares held by Hoe Leong Co. (Pte.) Ltd. in the Company. I 81 HOE LEONG CORPORATION LTD. Distribution of Warrantholders by Size of Warrantholdings as at 17 March 2008 Size of Warrantholdings No. of Warrantholders % No. of Warrants % 1 - 999 1,000 - 10,000 10,001 - 1,000,000 1,000,001 and above 369 356 53 2 47.31 45.64 6.79 0.26 108,212 970,671 5,012,747 12,722,434 0.58 5.16 26.64 67.62 TOTAL 780 100.00 18,814,064 100.00 Twenty Largest Warrant Shareholders as at 17 March 2008 No. Warrantholder’s Name 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 HOE LEONG CO. (PTE.) LTD. TAT HONG HOLDINGS LTD KUAH GEOK LIN KUAH GEOK KHIM KUAH GEOK KOON QUAH YOKE HWEE KUAH GEOK KHIM HO KIAU SENG ZEN PROPERTY MANAGEMENT DBS VICKERS SECURITIES (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD LUI SIE LOONG TAN JUI YAK ONG MUN WAH CHUNG TZE TONG KOH CHEOH LIANG VINCENT UOB KAY HIAN PTE LTD HENG HWA HENG OCBC SECURITIES PRIVATE LTD TOH SOO CHENG NUN KWONG HOLDINGS PTE LTD TOTAL Number of Warrants Held 11,356,734 1,365,700 630,066 625,066 625,066 625,066 302,065 276,200 227,000 135,900 130,000 101,351 101,000 100,000 100,000 96,070 69,000 50,974 50,125 45,000 17,012,383 % 60.36 7.26 3.35 3.32 3.32 3.32 1.61 1.47 1.21 0.72 0.69 0.54 0.54 0.53 0.53 0.51 0.37 0.27 0.27 0.24 90.43 Percentage of Shareholding in the Hands of Public As at 17 March 2008, approximately 18.92% of Hoe Leong’s issued ordinary shares is held by the public and, therefore, Rule 723 of the Listing Manual is complied with. ANNUAL REPORT 2007 I 82 Notice of Annual General Meeting (Company Registration No. 199408433W) (Incorporated in the Republic of Singapore) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held at Jurong Country Club, 9 Science Centre Road, Singapore 609078 (Albizia 1 at Level 2) on Thursday, 24 April 2008 at 11.00 a.m. to transact the following business:- AS ORDINARY BUSINESS 1. To receive and adopt the Audited Accounts of the Company for the financial year ended 31 December 2007 and the Directors’ Report and the Auditors’ Report thereon. (Resolution 1) 2. To declare a final one-tier tax-exempt dividend of 0.5 Singapore cents per ordinary share for the financial year ended 31 December 2007. (Resolution 2) 3. To re-elect the following Directors retiring by rotation pursuant to Article 95(2) of the Company’s Articles of Association: (i) Mr Kuah Geok Lin (Resolution 3) (ii) Mr Ang Mong Seng (Resolution 4) Mr Kuah Geok Lin, who is an Executive Director, if re-elected, will continue to serve as a member of the Nominating Committee and will be considered as Non-Independent Director. In accordance with the requirements of Rule 704(8) of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited’s Listing Manual, Mr Ang Mong Seng, who is Non-Executive Director, if re-elected, will continue to serve as the Chairman of the Remuneration Committee as well as a member of the Audit Committee and Nominating Committee and will be considered as an Independent Director. 4. To approve payment of Directors’ fees of $110,000 for the financial year ended 31 December 2007 (2006 : $110,000). (Resolution 5) 5. To re-appoint KPMG as auditors of the Company and to authorise the Directors to fix their remuneration. (Resolution 6) I 83 HOE LEONG CORPORATION LTD. AS SPECIAL BUSINESS 6. To consider and, if thought fit, to pass the following as an ordinary resolution with or without modifications:Authority To Allot And Issue Shares ”That pursuant to Section 161 of the Companies Act, Chapter 50, and the Listing Rules of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited, approval be and is hereby given to the Directors of the Company at any time to such persons and upon such terms and for such purposes as the Directors may in their absolute discretion deem fit, to: (a) (b) (i) issue shares in the capital of the Company whether by way of rights, bonus or otherwise; (ii) make or grant offers, agreements or options that might or would require shares to be issued or other transferable rights to subscribe for or purchase shares (collectively, “Instruments”) including but not limited to the creation and issue of warrants, debentures or other instruments convertible into shares; (iii) issue additional Instruments arising from adjustments made to the number of Instruments previously issued in the event of rights, bonus or capitalisation issues; and (notwithstanding the authority conferred by the shareholders may have ceased to be in force) issue shares in pursuance of any Instrument made or granted by the Directors while the authority was in force, provided always that the aggregate number of shares to be issued pursuant to this resolution (including shares to be issued in pursuance of Instruments made or granted pursuant to this resolution) does not exceed 50% of the Company’s total number of issued shares excluding treasury shares, of which the aggregate number of shares (including shares to be issued in pursuance of Instruments made or granted pursuant to this resolution) to be issued other than on a pro rata basis to shareholders of the Company does not exceed 20% of the total number of issued shares excluding treasury shares of the Company, and for the purpose of this resolution, the total number of issued shares excluding treasury shares shall be the Company’s total number of issued shares excluding treasury shares at the time this resolution is passed, after adjusting for: (a) new shares arising from the conversion or exercise of convertible securities, (b) new shares arising from exercising share options or vesting of share awards outstanding or subsisting at the time this resolution is passed provided the options or awards were granted in compliance with Part VIII of Chapter 8 of the Listing Manual of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited, and ANNUAL REPORT 2007 I 84 (c) any subsequent bonus issue, consolidation or subdivision of the Company’s shares, and such authority shall, unless revoked or varied by the Company at a general meeting, continue in force until the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting or the date by which the next Annual General Meeting of the Company is required by law to be held, whichever is the earlier.” (Resolution 7) 7. To transact any other ordinary business which may be properly transacted at an Annual General Meeting. NOTICE OF BOOKS CLOSURE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Register of Members and Share Transfer Books of the Company will be closed on 9 May 2008 to determine the shareholders’ entitlements to the proposed dividend. Duly completed registrable transfers of shares received by the Company’s Share Registrar, Tricor Barbinder Share Registration Services (a business division of Tricor Singapore Pte. Ltd.) at 8 Cross Street, #11-00 PWC Building, Singapore 048424, up to 5.00 p.m. on 8 May 2008 will be registered to determine shareholders’ entitlements to the proposed dividends. Subject as aforesaid, shareholders whose securities accounts with The Central Depository (Pte) Limited are credited with ordinary shares in the capital of the Company as at 5.00 p.m. on the Book Closure Date will be entitled to the dividend. The proposed dividend, if approved by the members at the Annual General Meeting, will be paid on 23 May 2008. BY ORDER OF THE BOARD EILEEN KOH (MS) Company Secretary 8 April 2008 Singapore I 85 HOE LEONG CORPORATION LTD. Explanatory Notes: 1. The ordinary resolution in item 6 above is to authorise the Directors of the Company from the date of the above Meeting until the next Annual General Meeting to issue shares and convertible securities in the Company up to an amount not exceeding in aggregate 50 per cent of the total number of issued shares excluding treasury shares of the Company of which the total number of shares and convertible securities issued other than on a pro rata basis to existing shareholders shall not exceed 20 per cent of the total number of issued shares excluding treasury shares of the Company at the time the resolution is passed, for such purposes as they consider would be in the interests of the Company. Rule 806(3) of the Listing Manual of Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited currently provides that the total number of issued shares excluding treasury shares of the Company for this purpose shall be the total number of issued shares excluding treasury shares at the time of this resolution is passed (after adjusting for new shares arising from the conversion of convertible securities or share options on issue at the time this resolution is passed and any subsequent consolidation or subdivision of the Company’s shares). This authority will, unless revoked or varied at a general meeting, expire at the next Annual General Meeting of the Company. Notes: 1. A member of the Company entitled to attend and vote at the Meeting is entitled to appoint not more than two proxies to attend and vote in his stead. 2. A proxy need not be a member of the Company. 3. If the appointor is a corporation, the proxy must be executed under seal or the hand of its duly authorised officer or attorney. 4. The instrument appointing a proxy must be deposited at the registered office of the Company at 6 Clementi Loop, Singapore 129814 not later than 48 hours before the time appointed for the Meeting. ANNUAL REPORT 2007 I 86 HOE LEONG CORPORATION LTD. Important: (Company Registration No. 199408433W) (Incorporated in the Republic of Singapore) 1. For investors who have used their CPF monies to buy Hoe Leong Corporation Ltd. shares, this Annual Report 2007 is forwarded to them at the request of their CPF Approved Nominees and is sent FOR INFORMATION ONLY. PROXY FORM 2. This Proxy Form is not valid for use by CPF investors and shall be ineffective for all intents and purposes if used, or purported to be used, by them. 3. CPF Investors who wish to vote should contact their CPF Approved Nominees. I/We (Name) of being *a member/members of Hoe Leong Corporation Ltd. (the “Company”), hereby appoint Name Address NRIC/ Passport No. (Address) Proportion of shareholdings (%) *and/or or failing *him/them, the Chairman of the meeting as *my/our *proxy/proxies to vote for *me/us on *my/our behalf and, if necessary, to demand a poll, at the Annual General Meeting of the Company to be held at Jurong Country Club, 9 Science Centre Road, Singapore 609078 (Albizia 1 at Level 2) on 24 April 2008, Thursday at 11.00 a.m. and at any adjournment thereof. *I/We direct *my/our proxy/proxies to vote for or against the Ordinary Resolutions to be proposed at the Annual General Meeting as indicated with an “X” in the spaces provided hereunder. If no specific directions as to voting are given, the *proxy /proxies will vote or abstain from voting at *his/their discretion. Ordinary Resolutions For 1. To receive and adopt the Directors’ Report and Audited Accounts for the financial year ended 31 December 2007 and the Auditors’ Report thereon. (Resolution 1) 2. To declare a final one-tier tax-exempt dividend of 0.5 Singapore cents per ordinary share for the financial year ended 31 December 2007. (Resolution 2) 3. To re-elect the following Directors retiring by rotation pursuant to Article 95(2) of the Companyís Articles of Association:(i) Mr Kuah Geok Lin (Resolution 3) (ii) Mr Ang Mong Seng (Resolution 4) 4. To approve payment of Directors’ fees of $110,000 for the financial year ended 31 December 2007. (Resolution 5) 5. To re-appoint KPMG as Auditors of the Company and to authorise the Directors to fix their remuneration. (Resolution 6) 6. To approve the Ordinary Resolution pursuant to Section 161 of the Companies Act, Chapter 50. (Resolution 7) Against Total Number of Shares Held Dated this day of ✂ Signature(s) of Member(s)/Common Seal * Delete accordingly 2008 Notes : 1. A member of the Company entitled to attend and vote at the Annual General Meeting is entitled to appoint not more than two proxies to attend and vote in his stead. Such proxy need not be a member of the Company. 2. Where a member of the Company appoints two proxies, he shall specify the proportion of his shareholding (expressed as a percentage of the whole) to be represented by each such proxy. 3. The instrument appointing a proxy or proxies must be under the hand of the appointor or of his attorney duly authorised in writing. Where the instrument appointing a proxy or proxies is executed by a corporation, it must be executed either under its common seal or under the hand of its attorney or duly authorised officer. 4. A corporation which is a member of the Company may authorise by resolution of its directors or other governing body such person as it thinks fit to act as its representative at the Annual General Meeting, in accordance with its Articles of Association and Section 179 of the Companies Act, Chapter 50 of Singapore. 5. The instrument appointing proxy or proxies, together with the power of attorney or other authority (if any) under which it is signed, or notarially certified copy thereof, must be deposited at the registered office of the Company at 6 Clementi Loop, Singapore 129814 not later than 48 hours before the time set for the Annual General Meeting. 6. A member should insert the total number of shares held. If the member has shares entered against his name in the Depository Register (as defined in Section 130A of the Companies Act, Chapter 50 of Singapore), he should insert that number of shares. If the member has shares registered in his name in the Register of Members of the Company, he should insert the number of shares. If the member has shares entered against his name in the Depository Register and shares registered in his name in the Register of Members of the Company, he should insert the aggregate number of shares. If no number is inserted, this form of proxy will be deemed to relate to all the shares held by the member of the Company. 7. The Company shall be entitled to reject the instrument appointing a proxy or proxies if it is incomplete, improperly completed or illegible or where the true intentions of the appointor are not ascertainable from the instructions of the appointor specified in the instrument appointing a proxy or proxies. In addition, in the case of members of the Company whose shares are entered against their names in the Depository Register, the Company may reject any instrument appointing a proxy or proxies lodged if such members are not shown to have shares entered against their names in the Depository Register 48 hours before the time appointed for holding the Annual General Meeting as certified by The Central Depository (Pte) Limited to the Company. 8. A Depositor shall not be regarded as a member of the Company entitled to attend the Annual General Meeting and to speak and vote thereat unless his name appears on the Depository Register 48 hours before the time set for the Annual General Meeting. Contents 01 Mission Statement 02 Corporate Profile 03 Corporate Information 04 Corporate Structure 05 Financial Highlights 06 Chairman’s Statement 08 Operation Review 10 Board of Directors 12 Key Management Team 13 Financial Statements 14 Corporate Governance Report 27 Directors’ Report 33 Statement by Directors 34 Independent Auditors’ Report 36 Balance Sheets 37 Consolidated Income Statement 38 Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 39 Consolidated Cash Flow Statement 40 Notes to the Financial Statements 79 Supplementary Information 80 Shareholding Statistics 83 Notice of Annual General Meeting – Proxy Form HL(IFC).indd 1 4/2/08 12:06:19 AM HL•COVER(03.03).ai 4/1/08 11:51:41 PM Hoe Leong Corporation Ltd. www.hoeleong.com Hoe Leong Corporation Ltd. 6 Clementi Loop • Singapore 129814 • Tel : +65 6463 8666 • Fax : +65 6564 7252 • Registration No: 199408433W