| 2 | SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
| (a) | Statement of compliance |
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with all applicable International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRSs”) issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”), which collective term includes all applicable individual International Financial Reporting Standards, International Accounting Standards (“IASs”) and Interpretations issued by the IASB. A summary of the significant accounting policies adopted by the Group is set out below.
| (b) | Basis of preparation |
The consolidated financial statements comprise the Group and the Group’s interest in associates and joint ventures.
The measurement basis used in the preparation of the financial statements is the historical cost basis, as modified by the revaluation of available-for-sale financial assets which are carried at fair value.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRSs requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis of making the judgements about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.
Judgements made by management in the application of IFRSs that have significant effect on the financial statements and major sources of estimation uncertainty are discussed in note 39.
Acquisition of Target Assets and Businesses from China Tietong Telecommunications Corporation
On November 27, 2015, China Mobile TieTong Company Limited (“CM TieTong”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into an acquisition agreement with China Tietong Telecommunications Corporation (“TieTong”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CMCC, under which CM TieTong has agreed to acquire, and TieTong has agreed to sell, certain assets, businesses and related liabilities as well as its related employees in relation to the fixed-line telecommunications operations (“Target Assets and Businesses”). The final consideration for the acquisition of the Target Assets and Businesses based on the acquisition agreement was RMB31,967,000,000. The acquisition was completed on December 31, 2015.
The acquisition of the Target Assets and Businesses was considered as a business combination under common control as CM TieTong and the Target Assets and Businesses are both ultimately controlled by CMCC. Under IFRSs, the acquisition of the Target Assets and Businesses was accounted for using merger accounting in accordance with the Accounting Guideline 5 “Merger Accounting for Common Control Combinations” (“AG 5”) issued by the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (note 2(c)(iii)).
| (i) | Subsidiaries |
Subsidiaries are all entities (including structured entities) over which the Group has control. The Group controls an entity when the Group is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity.
An investment in a subsidiary is consolidated into the consolidated financial statements from the date that control commences until the date that control ceases. Intra-group balances and transactions and any unrealized gains arising from intra-group transactions are eliminated in full in preparing the consolidated financial statements. Unrealized losses resulting from intra-group transactions are eliminated in the same way as unrealized gains but only to the extent that there is no evidence of impairment. Accounting policies of subsidiaries would be changed where necessary in the consolidated financial statements to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by the Group.
Non-controlling interests represent the equity in a subsidiary not attributable directly or indirectly to the Company, and in respect of which the Group has not agreed any additional terms with the holders of those interests which would result in the Group as a whole having a contractual obligation in respect of those interests that meets the definition of a financial liability. For each business combination, the Group can elect to measure any non-controlling interests either at fair value or at their proportionate share of the subsidiary’s net identifiable assets.
Non-controlling interests are presented in the consolidated balance sheets within equity, separately from equity attributable to the equity shareholders of the Company. Non-controlling interests in the results of the Group are presented on the face of the consolidated statements of comprehensive income as an allocation of the total profit or loss and total comprehensive income for the year between non-controlling interests and the equity shareholders of the Company.
Changes in the Group’s interests in a subsidiary that do not result in a loss of control are accounted for as equity transactions, whereby adjustments are made to the amounts of controlling and non-controlling interests within consolidated equity to reflect the change in relative interests, but no adjustments are made to goodwill and no gain or loss is recognized.
When the Group loses control of a subsidiary, it is accounted for as a disposal of the entire interest in that subsidiary, with a resulting gain or loss being recognized in profit or loss. Any interest retained in that former subsidiary at the date when control is lost is recognized at fair value and this amount is regarded as the fair value on initial recognition of a financial asset or, when appropriate, the cost on initial recognition of an investment in an associate or a joint venture.
| (ii) | Business combination other than under common control |
The Group applies the acquisition method to account for business combination of entities and businesses which are not under common control. The consideration transferred for the acquisition of a subsidiary is the fair values of the assets transferred, the liabilities incurred to the former owners of the acquiree and the equity interests issued by the Group. The consideration transferred includes the fair value of any asset or liability resulting from a contingent consideration arrangement. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred.
| (iii) | Business combination under common control |
Under IFRSs, the Group use merger accounting to account for the business combination of entities and businesses under common control in accordance with AG 5.
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the combining entities or businesses in which the common control combination occurs as if they had been combined from the date when the combining entities or businesses first came under the control of the controlling party.
The assets and liabilities of the combining entities or businesses are combined using the carrying book values from the controlling parties’ perspective. No amount is recognized in consideration for goodwill or excess of acquirers’ interest in the net fair value of acquiree’s identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities over the consideration at the time of common control combination, to the extent of the continuation of the controlling party’s interest.
The consolidated statements of comprehensive income includes the results of each of the combining entities or businesses from the earliest date presented or since the date when the combining entities or businesses first came under the common control, where there is a shorter period, regardless of the date of the common control combination. Transaction costs, including professional fees, registration fees, costs of furnishing information to shareholders, costs or losses incurred in combining operations of the previously separate businesses, etc., incurred in relation to the common control combination that is to be accounted for by using merger accounting is recognized as an expense in the period in which they were incurred.
| (d) | Investments accounted for using the equity method |
Investments accounted for using the equity method include investment in associates and joint ventures.
An associate is an entity in which the Group has significant influence, but not control or joint control, over its management, including participation in the financial and operating policy decisions.
The Group has applied IFRS 11 to all joint arrangements. Under IFRS 11, investments in joint arrangements are classified as either joint operations or joint ventures depending on the contractual rights and obligations of each investor. The Group has assessed the nature of its joint arrangements and determined them to be joint ventures.
Under the equity method, the investment is initially recorded at cost. Thereafter, the investment is adjusted for the post-acquisition change in the Group’s share of the investee’s net assets and any impairment loss relating to the investment (see note 2(i)). The Group’s share of the post-acquisition post-tax results of the investee for the year is recognized as share of profit or loss of investments accounted for using the equity method in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income, whereas the Group’s share of the post-acquisition post-tax items of the investee’s other comprehensive income is recognized as its share of other comprehensive income in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
When the Group’s share of losses exceeds its interest in the associate or joint ventures, the Group’s interest is reduced to nil and recognition of further losses is discontinued except to the extent that the Group has incurred legal or constructive obligations or made payments on behalf of the investee. For this purpose, the Group’s interest in the investee is the carrying amount of the investment under the equity method together with the Group’s long-term interests that in substance form part of the Group’s net investment in the associates or joint ventures.
Unrealized profits and losses resulting from transactions between the Group and its associates or joint ventures are eliminated to the extent of the Group’s interest in the investee, except where unrealized losses provide evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred, in which case they are recognized immediately in profit or loss. Accounting policies of associates or joint ventures would be changed where necessary in the consolidated financial statements to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by the Group.
Gain or loss on dilution of equity interest in associates and joint ventures are recognized in profit or loss.
| (e) | Goodwill |
Goodwill represents the excess of:
| (i) | the aggregate of the fair value of the consideration transferred, the amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree and the fair value of the Group’s previously held equity interest in the acquiree; over |
| (ii) | the net fair value of the acquiree’s identifiable assets and liabilities measured as of the acquisition date. |
When (ii) is greater than (i), then this excess is recognized immediately in profit or loss as a gain on a bargain purchase.
Goodwill is stated at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill arising on a business combination is allocated to each cash-generating unit, or groups of cash-generating units, that is expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination and is tested annually for impairment (see note 2(i)). Each unit or groups of units to which the goodwill is allocated represents the lowest level within the Group at which the goodwill is monitored for internal management purpose. Goodwill is monitored at the operating segment level.
On disposal of a cash-generating unit during the year, any attributable amount of purchased goodwill is included in the calculation of the gain or loss on disposal.
| (f) | Other intangible assets |
Other intangible assets that are acquired by the Group are stated in the balance sheets at cost less accumulated amortization (where the estimated useful life is finite) and impairment losses (see note 2(i)). Amortization of intangible assets with finite useful lives is recorded in other operating expenses on a straight-line basis over the assets’ estimated useful lives, from the date they are available for use. Both the period and method of amortization are reviewed annually.
Intangible assets are not amortized where their useful lives are assessed to be indefinite. The useful life of an intangible asset that is not being amortized is reviewed annually to determine whether events and circumstances continue to support the indefinite useful life assessment for that asset. Otherwise, the change in useful life assessment from indefinite to finite is accounted for prospectively from the date of change and in accordance with the policy for amortization of intangible assets with finite lives as set out above.
| (g) | Property, plant and equipment |
Property, plant and equipment are stated in the balance sheets at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses (see note 2(i)).
The cost of property, plant and equipment comprises the purchase price and any directly attributable costs of bringing the asset to its working location and condition for its intended use. Subsequent expenditure relating to an item of property, plant and equipment that has already been recognized is added to the carrying amount of the asset when it is probable that future economic benefits, in excess of the originally assessed standard of performance of the existing asset, will flow to the entity. All other subsequent expenditure is recognized as an expense in the period in which it is incurred.
Gains or losses arising from the retirement or disposal of an item of property, plant and equipment are determined as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the item and are recognized in profit or loss on the date of retirement or disposal.
Depreciation is calculated to write off the cost of items of property, plant and equipment, less their estimated residual value, if any, using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives as follows:
|
Buildings |
8 - 30 years | |||
|
Telecommunications transceivers, switching centers, transmission and other network equipment |
5 - 10 years | |||
|
Office equipment, furniture, fixtures and others |
3 - 10 years |
Both the assets’ useful lives and residual values, if any, are reviewed annually.
| (h) | Leased assets |
An arrangement, comprising a transaction or a series of transactions, is or contains a lease if the Group determines that the arrangement conveys a right to use a specific asset or assets for an agreed period of time in return for a payment or a series of payments. Such a determination is made based on an evaluation of the substance of the arrangement and is regardless of whether the arrangement takes the legal form of a lease.
| (i) | Classification of assets leased to the Group |
Assets that are held by the Group under leases which transfer to the Group substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as being held under finance leases. Leases which do not transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the Group are classified as operating leases.
| (ii) | Assets acquired under finance leases |
Where the Group acquires the use of assets under finance leases, the amounts representing the fair value of the leased asset, or, if lower, the present value of the minimum lease payments of such assets is included in property, plant and equipment and the corresponding liabilities, net of finance charges, are recorded as obligations under finance leases. Depreciation is provided for at rates, which write off the cost of the assets over the term of the relevant lease or, where it is likely the Group will obtain ownership of the asset, the useful life of the asset as set out in note 2(g). Impairment losses are accounted for in accordance with the accounting policy as set out in note 2(i). Finance charges implicit in the lease payments are charged to profit or loss over the period of the leases so as to produce an approximately constant periodic rate of charge on the remaining balance of the obligations for each accounting period. Contingent rentals are charged to profit or loss in the accounting period in which they are incurred.
| (iii) | Leased lines and network assets and operating lease charges |
Where the Group has the use of assets held under operating leases, payments made under the leases are charged to profit or loss in equal instalments over the accounting periods covered by the lease term, except where an alternative basis is more representative of the pattern of benefits to be derived from the leased asset. Lease incentives received are recognized in profit or loss as an integral part of the aggregate net lease payments made. Contingent rentals are charged to profit or loss in the accounting period in which they are incurred.
The cost of acquiring land held under an operating lease is amortized on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease term.
| (iv) | Sale and leaseback |
A sale and leaseback transaction involves the sale of an asset and the leasing back of the same asset. The accounting treatment of a sale and leaseback transaction depends upon the type of lease involved. If a sale and leaseback transaction results in a finance lease, any excess of sales proceeds over the carrying amount shall not be immediately recognized as income by a seller-lessee. Instead, it shall be deferred and amortized over the lease term. If a sale and leaseback transaction results in an operating lease, and it is clear that the transaction is established at fair value, any profit or loss shall be recognized immediately. If the sale price is below fair value, any profit or loss shall be recognized immediately except that, if the loss is compensated for by future lease payments at below market price, it shall be deferred and amortized in proportion to the lease payments over the period for which the asset is expected to be used. If the sale price is above fair value, the excess over fair value shall be deferred and amortized over the period for which the asset is expected to be used.
| (i) | Impairment of assets |
| (i) | Impairment of investments accounted for using the equity method, available-for-sale financial assets and receivables |
Investments accounted for using the equity method, available-for-sale financial assets and receivables are reviewed at the end of each reporting date to determine whether there is objective evidence of impairment. Objective evidence of impairment includes observable data that comes to the attention of the Group about one or more of the following loss events:
| – |
significant financial difficulty of the entity; |
| – |
a breach of contract, such as a default or delinquency in interest or principal payments; |
| – |
it becoming probable that the entity will enter bankruptcy or other financial reorganization; |
| – |
significant changes in the technological, market, economic or legal environment that have an adverse effect on the entity; and |
| – |
a significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of an investment in an equity instrument below its cost. |
If any such evidence exists, any impairment loss is determined and recognized as follows:
| – |
For investment accounted for using the equity method (see note 2(d)), the impairment loss is measured by comparing the recoverable amount of the investment with its carrying amount in accordance with note 2(i)(ii). The impairment loss is reversed if there has been a favorable change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount in accordance with note 2(i)(ii). |
| – |
For unquoted equity securities carried at cost, the impairment loss is measured as the difference between the carrying amount of the financial asset and the estimated future cash flows, discounted at the current market rate of return for a similar financial asset where the effect of discounting is material. Impairment losses for such equity securities are not reversed. |
| – |
For debt instruments classified as available-for-sale financial assets, if any impairment evidence exists, the cumulative loss (measured as the difference between the acquisition cost (net of any principal repayment and amortization) and the current fair value, less any impairment loss on that financial asset previously recognized in profit or loss) is reclassified from equity and recognized in profit or loss. If, in a subsequent period, the fair value of a debt instrument classified as available-for-sale increases and the increase can be objectively related to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognized in profit or loss, the impairment loss is reversed through profit or loss. For equity instruments classified as available-for-sale financial assets, a significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of the security below its cost is also evidence that the assets are impaired. If any impairment evidence exists, the cumulative loss (measured as the difference between the acquisition cost and the current fair value, less any impairment loss on that financial asset previously recognized in profit or loss) is reclassified from equity and recognized in profit or loss. Impairment losses recognized in profit or loss on equity instruments are not reversed through profit or loss. |
| – |
For trade and other current receivables carried at amortized cost, the impairment loss is measured as the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the financial asset’s original effective interest rate (i.e. the effective interest rate computed at initial recognition of these assets), where the effect of discounting is material. This assessment is made collectively where these financial assets share similar risk characteristics, such as similar past due status, and have not been individually assessed as impaired. Future cash flows for financial assets which are assessed for impairment collectively are based on historical loss experience for assets with credit risk characteristics similar to the collective group. If in a subsequent period the amount of an impairment loss decreases and the decrease can be linked objectively to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognized, the impairment loss is reversed through profit or loss. A reversal of an impairment loss shall not result in the asset’s carrying amount exceeding that which would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognized in prior years. |
Impairment losses are written off against the corresponding assets directly, except for impairment losses recognized in respect of debtors included within trade and other receivables, whose recovery is considered doubtful but not remote. In this case, the impairment losses for doubtful debts are recorded using an allowance account. When the Group is satisfied that recovery is remote, the amount considered irrecoverable is written off against trade debtors directly and any amounts held in the allowance account relating to that debt are reversed. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously charged to the allowance account are reversed against the allowance account. Other changes in the allowance account and subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off directly are recognized in profit or loss.
| (ii) | Impairment of other assets |
Internal and external sources of information are reviewed at the end of each reporting period to identify indications that the following assets may be impaired or, except in the case of goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite useful lives, an impairment loss previously recognized no longer exists or may have decreased:
| – |
property, plant and equipment; |
| – |
construction in progress; |
| – |
prepaid interests in leasehold land classified as being held under an operating lease; |
| – |
investments in subsidiaries; |
| – |
goodwill; and |
| – |
other intangible assets. |
If any such indication exists, the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated. For goodwill and other intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives, the recoverable amount is estimated annually whether or not there is any indication of impairment.
| – |
Calculation of recoverable amount |
The recoverable amount of an asset is the higher of its fair value less costs of disposal and value in use. 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. Where an asset does not generate cash inflows largely independent of those from other assets, the recoverable amount is determined for the smallest group of assets that generates cash inflows independently (i.e. a cash-generating unit).
| – |
Recognition of impairment losses |
An impairment loss is recognized in profit or loss if the carrying amount of an asset, or the cash-generating unit to which it belongs, exceeds its recoverable amount. Impairment losses recognized in respect of cash-generating units are allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the cash-generating unit (or group of units) and then, to reduce the carrying amount of the other assets in the unit (or group of units) on a pro rata basis, except that the carrying value of an asset will not be reduced below its individual fair value less costs of disposal, or value in use, if determinable.
| – |
Reversals of impairment losses |
In respect of assets other than goodwill, an impairment loss is reversed if there has been a favorable change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount. An impairment loss in respect of goodwill is not reversed.
A reversal of an impairment loss is limited to the asset’s carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognized in prior years. Reversals of impairment losses are credited to profit or loss in the year in which the reversals are recognized.
| (j) | Construction in progress |
Construction in progress is stated at cost less impairment losses (see note 2(i)). Cost comprises direct costs of construction as well as interest expense and exchange differences capitalized during the periods of construction and installation. Capitalization of these costs ceases and the construction in progress is transferred to property, plant and equipment when substantially all the activities necessary to prepare the assets for their intended use are completed. No depreciation is provided for in respect of construction in progress until it is completed and ready for its intended use.
| (k) | Inventories |
Inventories are carried at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost represents purchase cost of goods calculated using the weighted average cost method. Net realizable value is determined by reference to the sales proceeds of items sold in the ordinary course of business or to management’s estimates based on prevailing market conditions.
When inventories are sold, the carrying amount of those inventories is recognized as cost of products sold. The amount of any write-down of inventories to net realizable value and all losses of inventories are recognized as an expense in the period the write-down or loss occurs. The amount of any reversal of any write-down of inventories, arising from an increase in net realizable value, is recognized as a reduction in the amount of inventories recognized as an expense in the period in which the reversal occurs. No reversal of any write-down of inventories occurred during the years presented.
| (l) | Accounts receivable and other receivables |
Accounts receivable and other receivables are initially recognized at fair value and thereafter stated at amortized cost using the effective interest method less allowance for impairment loss (see note 2(i)), except where the effect of discounting would be immaterial.
| (m) | Available-for-sale financial assets |
Available-for-sale financial assets are non-derivatives that are either designated in this category or not classified in any of the other categories. They are included in non-current assets unless the investment matures or management intends to dispose of it within 12 months of the end of the reporting period.
Regular way purchases and sales of available-for-sale financial assets are recognized on the trade-date (the date on which the Group commits to purchase or sell the asset). The investments are initially recognized at fair value plus transaction costs and are subsequently carried at fair value. Changes in the fair value of available-for-sale financial assets are recognized in other comprehensive income.
Available-for-sale financial assets are derecognized when the rights to receive cash flows from the investments have expired or have been transferred and the Group has transferred substantially all risks and rewards of ownership.
When available-for-sale financial assets are sold, the accumulated fair value adjustments recognized in equity is removed and recognized in profit or loss.
Interest on available-for-sale debt instruments calculated using the effective interest method is recognized in profit or loss. Dividends on available-for-sale equity instruments are recognized in profit or loss when the Group’s right to receive payments is established.
| (n) | Deferred revenue |
Deferred revenue consists primarily of prepaid service fees received from customers which are generally not refundable and revenue deferred for unredeemed point rewards under Customer Point Reward Program (“Reward Program”, see note 2(r)(iv)).
The prepaid service fees are stated at the amount of proceeds received less the amount already recognized as revenue.
| (o) | Interest-bearing borrowings |
Interest-bearing borrowings are recognized initially at fair value less attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, interest-bearing borrowings are stated at amortized cost with any difference between the amount initially recognized and redemption value being recognized in profit or loss over the period of the borrowings, together with any interest and fees payable, using the effective interest method.
| (p) | Accounts payable and other payables |
Accounts payable and other payables are initially recognized at fair value and subsequently stated at amortized cost unless the effect of discounting would be immaterial.
| (q) | Cash and cash equivalents |
Cash and cash equivalents comprise bank deposits with original maturity within three months, cash at banks and in hand, demand deposits with banks, and short-term, highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value, having been within three months of maturity at acquisition.
| (r) | Revenue recognition |
Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable. Provided it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Group and the revenue and costs, if applicable, can be measured reliably, revenue is recognized in profit or loss as follows:
| (i) | revenue derived from voice and data services are recognized when the service is rendered; |
| (ii) | sales of products are recognized when the title is passed to the buyer; |
| (iii) | for offerings which include the provision of services and sale of mobile handset, the Group determines the revenue from the sale of the mobile handset by deducting the fair value of the service element from the total contract consideration; and |
| (iv) | for transactions which offer customer points reward when services are provided, the consideration allocated to the customer points reward is based on its fair value which is deducted from revenue and recorded as deferred revenue when the rewards are granted and recognized as revenue when the points are redeemed or expired. |
| (s) | Interest income |
Interest income is recognized as it accrues using the effective interest method.
| (t) | Income tax |
Income tax for the year comprises current tax and movements in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Current tax and movements in deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized in profit or loss except items recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, in which case the relevant amounts of tax are recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, respectively.
Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities arise from deductible and taxable temporary differences respectively, being the differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and their tax bases. Deferred tax assets also arise from unused tax losses and unused tax credits.
Apart from certain limited exceptions, all deferred tax liabilities, and all deferred tax assets to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the asset can be utilized, are recognized. Future taxable profits that may support the recognition of deferred tax assets arising from deductible temporary differences include those that will arise from the reversal of existing taxable temporary differences, provided those differences relate to the same taxation authority and the same taxable entity, and are expected to reverse either in the same period as the expected reversal of the deductible temporary difference or in periods into which a tax loss arising from the deferred tax asset can be carried back or forward. The same criteria are adopted when determining whether existing taxable temporary differences support the recognition of deferred tax assets arising from unused tax losses and credits, that is, those differences are taken into account if they relate to the same taxation authority and the same taxable entity, and are expected to reverse in a period, or periods, in which the tax loss or credit can be utilized.
The limited exceptions to recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities are those temporary differences arising from initial recognition of goodwill, the initial recognition of assets or liabilities that affect neither accounting nor taxable profit (provided they are not part of a business combination), and temporary differences relating to investments in subsidiaries and associates to the extent that, in the case of taxable temporary differences, the Group controls the timing of the reversal and it is probable that the differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future, or in the case of deductible differences, unless it is probable that they will reverse in the future.
The amount of deferred tax recognized is measured based on the expected manner of realization or settlement of the carrying amount of the assets and liabilities, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are not discounted.
The carrying amount of a deferred tax asset is reviewed at the end of each reporting period and is reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow the related tax benefit to be utilized. Any such reduction is reversed to the extent that it becomes probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available.
Current tax balances and deferred tax balances, and movements therein, are presented separately from each other and are not offset. Current tax assets are offset against current tax liabilities, and deferred tax assets against deferred tax liabilities, if the Group has the legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities and the following additional conditions are met:
| – |
in the case of current tax assets and liabilities, the Group intends either to settle on a net basis, or to realize the asset and settle the liability simultaneously; or |
| – |
in the case of deferred tax assets and liabilities, if they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority on either: |
| – |
the same taxable entity; or |
| – |
different taxable entities, which, in each future period in which significant amounts of deferred tax liabilities or assets are expected to be settled or recovered, intend to realize the current tax assets and settle the current tax liabilities on a net basis or realize and settle simultaneously. |
| (u) | Provisions and contingent liabilities |
Provisions are recognized for liabilities of uncertain timing or amount when the Group has a legal or constructive obligation arising as a result of a past event, it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and the amount can be estimated reliably. Where the time value of money is material, provisions are stated at the present value of the expenditures expected to settle the obligation.
Where it is not probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required, or the amount cannot be estimated reliably, the obligation is disclosed as a contingent liability, unless the probability of outflow of economic benefits is remote. Possible obligations, whose existence will only be confirmed by the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more future events, are also disclosed as contingent liabilities unless the probability of outflow of economic benefits is remote.
| (v) | Employee benefits |
| (i) | Short-term employee benefits and contributions to defined contribution retirement plans |
Salaries, annual bonuses, paid annual leave, leave passage, contributions to defined contribution retirement plans and the cost of non-monetary benefits are accrued in the year in which the associated services are rendered by employees. Where payment or settlement is deferred and the effect would be material, these amounts are stated at their present values.
| (i) | Short-term employee benefits and contributions to defined contribution retirement plans (Continued) |
The Company and subsidiaries incorporated in Hong Kong are required to make contributions to Mandatory Provident Funds under the Hong Kong Mandatory Provident Fund (“MPF”) Schemes Ordinance. Under the MPF scheme, the employer and its employees are each required to make contributions to the scheme at 5% of the employees’ relevant income, subject to a cap of monthly relevant income of HK$30,000. Such contributions are recognized as an expense in profit or loss as incurred.
The employees of the subsidiaries in Mainland China participate in the defined contribution retirement plans managed by the local government authorities whereby the subsidiaries are required to contribute to the schemes at fixed rates of the employees’ salary costs. In addition to the local governmental defined contribution retirement plans, the subsidiaries also participate in a pension scheme launched by the Group managed by an independent insurance company whereby the subsidiaries are required to make contributions to the retirement plans at fixed rates of the employees’ salary costs or in accordance with the terms of the plans. The Group’s contributions to these plans are charged to profit or loss when incurred.
The Company and subsidiaries have no obligations for the payment of retirement and other post-retirement benefits of staff other than the contributions described above.
| (ii) | Share-based payments |
The fair value of share options granted to employees is recognized as an employee cost with a corresponding increase in a capital reserve within equity. The fair value is measured at grant date using the binomial lattice model, taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the options were granted. Where the employees have to meet vesting conditions before becoming unconditionally entitled to the options, the total estimated fair value of the options is spread over the vesting period, taking into account the probability that the options will vest.
During the vesting period, the number of share options that is expected to vest is reviewed at each balance sheet date. Any resulting adjustment to the cumulative fair value recognized in prior years is credited/charged to the profit or loss for the year of the review, unless the original employee expenses qualify for recognition as an asset, with a corresponding adjustment to the capital reserve. On vesting date, the amount recognized as an expense is adjusted to reflect the actual number of share options that vest (with a corresponding adjustment to the capital reserve). The equity amount is recognized in the capital reserve until either the option is exercised (when it is transferred to the share capital account) or the option expires (when it is released directly to retained profits).
| (iii) | Termination benefits |
Termination benefits are recognized when, and only when, the Group demonstrably commits itself to terminate employment which is without realistic possibility of withdrawal or to provide benefits as a result of voluntary redundancy by having a detailed formal plan which is without realistic possibility of withdrawal.
| (w) | Borrowing costs |
Borrowing costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of an asset which necessarily takes a substantial period of time to get ready for its intended use or sale are capitalized as part of the cost of that asset. Other borrowing costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred.
The capitalization of borrowing costs as part of the cost of a qualifying asset commences when expenditure for the asset is being incurred, borrowing costs are being incurred and activities that are necessary to prepare the asset for its intended use or sale are in progress. Capitalization of borrowing costs is suspended or ceased when substantially all the activities necessary to prepare the qualifying asset for its intended use or sale are interrupted or completed.
| (x) | Translation of foreign currencies |
The functional currency of majority of the entities within the Group is RMB. The Group adopted RMB as its presentation currency in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements, which is the currency of the primary economic environment in which most of the Group’s entities operate.
Foreign currency transactions during the year are translated at the foreign exchange rates ruling at the transaction dates. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are retranslated at the foreign exchange rates ruling at the balance sheet date. Exchange gains and losses are recognized in profit or loss.
Non-monetary assets and liabilities that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are translated using the foreign exchange rates ruling at the transaction dates. Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies that are stated at fair value are translated using the foreign exchange rates ruling at the dates the fair value was determined.
The results of overseas entities are translated into RMB at the exchange rates approximating the foreign exchange rate ruling at the dates of transactions. Balance sheet items are translated into RMB at the exchange rates ruling at the balance sheet date. The resulting exchange differences are recognized in other comprehensive income and accumulated separately in equity in the exchange reserve. On disposal of an overseas entity, the cumulative amount of the exchange differences relating to that particular foreign operation is reclassified from equity to profit or loss.
For the purpose of the consolidated statements of cash flows, the cash flows of overseas entities within the Group are translated into RMB by using the exchange rates approximating the foreign exchange rate ruling at the dates of the cash flows.
| (y) | Related parties |
| (a) | A person, or a close member of that person’s family, is related to the Group if that person: |
| (i) | has control or joint control of the Group; |
| (ii) | has significant influence over the Group; or |
| (iii) | is a member of the key management personnel of the Group or the Group’s parent. |
| (b) | An entity is related to the Group if any of the following conditions applies: |
| (i) | The entity and the Group are members of the same group (which means that each parent, subsidiary and fellow subsidiary is related to the others); |
| (ii) | One entity is an associate or joint venture of the other entity (or an associate or joint venture of a member of a group of which the other entity is a member); |
| (iii) | Both entities are joint ventures of the same third party; |
| (iv) | One entity is a joint venture of a third entity and the other entity is an associate of the third entity; |
| (v) | The entity is a post-employment benefit plan for the benefit of employees of either the Group or an entity related to the Group; |
| (vi) | The entity is controlled or jointly controlled by a person identified in note 2(y)(a); or |
| (vii) | A person identified in note 2(y)(a)(i) has significant influence over the entity or is a member of the key management personnel of the entity (or of a parent of the entity). |
Close members of the family of a person are those family members who may be expected to influence, or be influenced by, that person in their dealings with the entity.
| (z) | Segment reporting |
An operating segment is a component of the Group that engages in business activities from which the Group may earn revenue and incur expenses, and is identified on the basis of the internal financial reports that are provided to and regularly reviewed by the Group’s Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) in order to allocate resources and assess performance of the segment. The CODM has been identified as the Executive Directors of the Company. For the years presented, the Group as a whole is an operating segment since the Group is only engaged in telecommunications and related businesses. No geographical information has been disclosed as the majority of the Group’s operating activities are carried out in Mainland China. The Group’s assets located and operating revenue derived from activities outside Mainland China are less than 5% of the Group’s assets and operating revenue, respectively.
| (aa) | Dividend distribution |
Dividend distribution to the Company’s shareholders is recognized as a liability in the Group’s financial statements in the period in which the dividends are approved by the Company’s shareholders or directors, where appropriate.