UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 20-F
(Mark One)
| ¨ | REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
OR
| x | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended 31 March 2012
OR
| ¨ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
OR
| ¨ | SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
Date of event requiring this shell company report
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number: 1-08819
| BT Group plc |
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
| Not Applicable | England and Wales | |
| (Translation of Registrant’s name into English) |
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
| BT Centre 81 Newgate Street, London, EC1A 7AJ England |
(address of principal executive offices)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class: | Name of each exchange on which registered: | |||
| American Depositary Shares | New York Stock Exchange | |||
| Ordinary shares of 5p each | New York Stock Exchange* |
| * | Not for trading, but only in connection with the registration of American Depositary Shares representing these shares, pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission. |
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act: None
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the Annual Report:
8,151,227,029 Ordinary Shares, of 5p each
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes x No ¨
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes ¨ No x
Note — Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from their obligation under those Sections.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes ¨ No ¨
Not Applicable
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer x Accelerated filer ¨ Non-accelerated filer ¨
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this
filing:
| U.S. GAAP ¨ |
International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board x |
Other ¨ |
If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.
Item 17 ¨ Item 18 ¨
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes ¨ No x
(APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.
Yes ¨ No ¨
Not Applicable
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All references in this Form 20-F to “us”, “we” or the Company”, are to BT Group plc.
ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS
Not applicable
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
Not applicable
3.A Selected financial data
The information set forth under the headings:
| • | “Financial highlights” on page 3; |
| • | “Group financial performance — Group results” on page 50; |
| • | “Selected financial data” on page 171; and |
| • | “Information for shareholders — Exchange rates” on page 180 |
of the Annual Report & Form 20-F 2012 as sent to shareholders and included as Exhibit 15.2 to this Form 20-F (“Annual Report 2012”) is incorporated herein by reference.
3.B Capitalization and indebtedness
Not applicable
3.C Reasons for the offer and use of proceeds
Not applicable
3.D Risk factors
This section highlights principal risks and uncertainties affecting our business but it is not intended to be an extensive analysis of all risk and uncertainty affecting us. These risks have the potential to impact our business, revenues, profits, assets, liquidity and capital resources adversely. Our processes are designed to give reasonable, but cannot give absolute, assurance that the risks significant to us are identified and addressed. There may be risks which are unknown or which are presently judged not to be significant but later prove to be significant.
Uncertainty in global economic and credit market conditions remains a major challenge to businesses globally. This is particularly true in Europe where there are concerns over government debt levels and possible currency re-denomination risks. In common with many other businesses we remain conscious of the adverse impact that unfavourable economic and credit conditions may have on our business. This economic uncertainty manifests itself in several of the risks we face, and we focus our efforts on the management of those principal risks.
The principal risks we reported last year have evolved in nature, as has our response to them, and we explain these changes below.
Security and resilience
Our reputation for secure and resilient services relies on the quality, integrity and reliability of our global information systems, networks and infrastructure. The scale of our business and global nature of our operations means we are required to manage significant volumes of personal and commercially sensitive information which are stored and transmitted to meet our own business purposes and those of our customers. All of this needs to be safeguarded from potential exposure, loss or corruption.
Increasing dependence on voice and data transmission in a variety of forms is accompanied by high expectations about service continuity. In addition, concerns about interception, corruption and theft of information lead to requirements for stringent security measures, in an environment where attacks are becoming more frequent and sophisticated. Certain of our customers require specific, highly sophisticated security provisioning which we are contractually obliged to meet if we are to continue to be able to differentiate our offerings from those of our competitors.
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Changes over the last year
Reports of and attention paid to computer hacking incidents have increased concerns about the likelihood of a cyber attack. Enhanced laptop encryption and significant improvements in the protection and segregation of credit card data are some measures which we have taken to manage this risk. We continue to evolve our strategy and capabilities to seek to protect our business against the threat of attacks.
Impact
Failure or interruption of data transfer could have a significant adverse effect on our business. A breach of our security and/or resilience affecting our own operations or those of our customers could lead to an extended interruption to network services and even affect national infrastructure. Such failure may lead to a loss of customer confidence, termination of contracts, loss of revenue, and reduced cash resources through penalties and unplanned costs of restoration and improvement. Additional reputational damage and financial loss may arise from a breach involving a legal failing such as breaching data protection requirements.
Major contracts
We have a number of complex and high-value contracts with certain customers. The revenue arising from, and the profitability of, these contracts are subject to a number of factors including: variation in cost and achievement of cost reductions anticipated in the contract pricing, both in terms of scale and time; delays in delivery or achieving agreed milestones owing to factors either within or outside of our control; changes in customers’ requirements, budgets, strategies or businesses; the performance of our suppliers, and other factors. Any of these factors could make a contract less profitable or even loss making.
The degree of risk varies generally in proportion to the scope and life of the contract and is typically higher in the early transitional and transformational stages of the contract. Some customer contracts require investment in the early stages, which is expected to be recovered over the life of the contract. Major contracts often involve the implementation of new systems and communications networks, transformation of legacy networks and the development of new technologies. The recoverability of these upfront costs may be adversely impacted by delays or failure to meet milestones. Substantial performance risk exists in these contracts, and some or all elements of performance depend upon successful completion of the transition, development, transformation and deployment phases.
Changes over the last year
Global economic and credit market conditions, in Europe in particular, have put increased financial and operational pressures on our customers and have made the environment even more competitive. As we continue to expand into emerging markets, the landscape of our risks and opportunities naturally changes as we must deal with rapidly evolving geo-political risks and different trading environments and business practices. We are able to draw on our experience in managing these risks and will continue to apply the control framework that is in place for our major contracts.
Impact
Failure to manage and meet our commitments under these contracts, as well as changes in customers’ requirements, budgets, strategies or businesses, may lead to a reduction in our expected future revenue, profitability and cash generation. We may lose revenue due to the merger or acquisition of customers, changes to customer strategy, business failure or contract termination. Failure to replace the revenue and earnings lost from such customers could lead to an overall reduction in revenue, profitability and cash flow.
Pensions
We have a significant funding obligation in relation to our defined benefit pension schemes. Declining investment returns, longer life expectancy and regulatory changes may result in the cost of funding BT’s main defined benefit pension scheme, the BT Pension Scheme (BTPS), becoming a significant burden on our financial resources.
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Changes over the last year
The triennial funding valuation of the BTPS at 30 June 2011 and associated recovery plan was agreed with the BTPS Trustee and certified by the Scheme Actuary in May 2012. Under this prudent funding valuation basis the deficit was £3.9bn and a recovery plan was agreed in order to return the BTPS to a fully funded position on an actuarial funding basis by 31 March 2021.
The valuation documentation will now be submitted to the Pensions Regulator. The final Court decision in the Crown Guarantee case, after any appeals, will give greater clarity as to the extent to which the liabilities of the BTPS are covered by a Crown Guarantee. This will inform the Pension Regulator’s next steps with regards to the valuation of the Scheme. Accordingly, as matters stand, it is uncertain as to when they will conclude their review.
Impact
An increase in the pension deficit and associated funding requirements would have a direct adverse impact on our future cash resources. Indirectly it may also have an adverse impact on our share price and credit rating. Any deterioration in the credit rating would increase our cost of borrowing and may limit the availability or flexibility of future funding thereby affecting our ability to invest, pay dividends or repay debt as it matures.
Growth in a competitive market
We operate in markets which are characterised by high levels of competition including: declining prices; technology substitution; market and service convergence; customer churn; declining rates of growth; emerging competitors, and regulatory intervention to promote competition. A significant proportion of our revenue and profit is generated in the UK telecoms markets which are experiencing limited revenue growth despite strong volume demands in many markets. Revenue from our calls and lines services to consumers and businesses has historically been in decline but new broadband and connectivity markets are showing continuing growing demand. Our ability to deliver profitable revenue growth in a responsible and sustainable manner depends on delivering on our strategic priorities.
Changes over the last year
The level of risk facing our business due to competition has increased with new competitors emerging and our customers in the UK and globally facing uncertainty in the economic outlook. Regulatory changes which now allow competitors to deploy access fibre using our duct and poles have also contributed to the increased level of risk. The competitive challenges across our different markets continue to evolve. In a number of our markets we remain disadvantaged by imbalances in the competitive playing field. Some of our competitors benefit from a combination of limited regulation applied to their core business and extensive sector specific regulation being applied to our UK fixed business. Competition remains strong in the UK consumer fixed communications retail and wholesale markets. In managed networked IT services for multinational companies, competition is increasingly centred on value-added network IT services rather than network connectivity.
Impact
Failure to achieve profitable revenue growth from our strategic priorities may lead to a continued decline in revenue, erosion of our competitive position and might also lead to a reduction in profitability and cash flow in the future.
Communications industry regulation
Some of our activities continue to be subject to significant price and other regulatory controls which may affect our market share, competitive position, future profitability and cash. Many of our wholesale products in the UK are subject to significant regulatory controls. The controls regulate, among other things, the prices we can charge for many of our services and the extent to which we have to provide services to other CPs. In recent years the effect of these controls has required us to reduce our prices, although in some cases, prices have been allowed to increase in real terms.
Regulatory decisions in all jurisdictions in which we operate can directly impact our financial position. In the UK, Ofcom has powers to directly amend the prices we set and therefore the revenues we earn in certain markets. These can extend to requiring us to make retrospective repayments to other CPs for past overcharging and imposing fines for non-compliance with the regulatory rules (including competition law). Outside the UK, regulation defines where and how we are able to compete through general licensing requirements and defining the wholesale charges we pay for access.
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Regulation usually operates within a clear legislative framework that is stable in the medium to long-term. Risks of negative regulatory decisions arise from within those frameworks. For instance, in the UK, risks can arise from periodic market reviews which may introduce tighter regulatory constraints, for example, from new charge controls, or from CPs raising disputes or complaints about our current or historical pricing. Risks also arise as legal challenges are brought by others against Ofcom decisions. Outside the UK, regulators can conduct investigations into our licensing requirements and whether the services we offer are compliant.
Changes over the last year
Over the last year, we have seen regulatory activity in a number of areas. A number of these rulings have resulted in a negative impact either through retrospective price reductions or on our future pricing.
Impact
In recent years changes in price controls have required us to reduce our prices and in some instances to make payments in respect of retrospective price adjustments. Additional or more substantial regulatory price reductions could constrain our revenue performance.
We may be required to provide new services to wholesale customers on a non-discriminatory basis, increasing our costs and increasing retail competition. Disputes may result either in reduced revenue or increased costs going forward. We may also be required to make retrospective payments to CPs if it is ruled that we have overcharged them. Appeals may change Ofcom’s decisions, which had originally been concluded in our favour.
Compliance in a global environment
The global nature of our operations means that we have to comply with a wide range of local and international legislative requirements. Our legal compliance obligations include antitrust and anti-corruption legislation, competition law, data privacy, trade sanctions, import and export controls, taxation and telecoms regulatory requirements.
Changes over the last year
Some of the countries where we operate have increased their enforcement of local laws and therefore the potential impact of failing to comply with local and international legislative requirements has increased significantly. The UK Bribery Act (which also has effect outside the UK) came into effect in July 2011, with penalties for non-compliant businesses through the introduction of a corporate offence of failing to have adequate procedures in place to prevent bribery.
Impact
Failure by our employees, suppliers or agents to comply with anti-bribery and corruption legislation (including the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the UK Bribery Act), or any failure in our policies and procedures to monitor and prevent non-compliance, anywhere in the world, could result in substantial penalties, criminal prosecution and significant damage to our reputation.
More broadly, failure to comply with legal requirements can have a significant impact and lead to reputational and brand damage with investors, regulators and customers. This could in turn impact our future revenue streams, the extent of which would be dependent on the nature of the breach, the legislation concerned and any associated penalties.
Supply chain
We are dependent on our supply chain for the delivery of goods and services on time, to cost and to specification. Failure of any of our critical suppliers to meet agreed requirements could adversely impact our customer service, product launches, updates to business critical systems, revenue or cost reduction plans.
We are committed to ensuring that all dealings with suppliers, from selection and consultation to contracting and payment are conducted in accordance with our trading and ethical policies.
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Our supply chain is global and we aim to harness the capability, diversity and innovation of our supply market to add value to our business and customers. Many suppliers are being impacted by the economic downturn and the challenges of globalisation. This is introducing further risk in our supply chain which includes, but is not limited to: increase in supplier insolvency; lack of supplier resilience following a natural disaster; lack of compliance with anti corruption and bribery legislation; corporate social responsibility risks in our extended supply chain; and security risks relating to data protection.
Changes over the last year
Over the last year we have seen the impact of a number of natural disasters including the Japanese earthquake and floods in Thailand. Both, to some extent, have had an impact on the supply of components used in the manufacture of our products although the impact on us was minimised through robust supplier business continuity plans. The current global economic and credit market conditions, particularly in Europe, mean an increased risk of suppliers failing.
Impact
Our suppliers could be adversely affected by continuing uncertain economic conditions which in turn could impact their ability to meet their obligations to us or, in the extreme, cause them to fail. If we are unable to contract with an alternative supplier our customer commitments could also be compromised leading to contractual breach, loss of revenue, penalties or increased costs. A failure in our supply chain to meet legal obligations or ethical expectations could adversely impact our reputation or possibly lead to censure, legal action and financial loss.
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
4.A History and development of the company
The information set forth under the headings:
| • | “Who we are and what we do” on page 10; |
| • | “Information for shareholders — Background” on page 176; and |
| • | “Group financial performance — Capital expenditure” on page 57 |
of the Annual Report 2012 is incorporated herein by reference.
4.B Business overview
The information set forth under the headings:
| • | “How we are organised” on page 10; |
| • | “Customers, markets and products” on page 12; |
| • | “Regulation” on page 18; |
| • | “Our strategy” on page 23; |
| • | “Our business model” on page 24; |
| • | “Our strategic priorities” on page 24; |
| • | “How we measure our progress” on page 28; |
| • | “Our resources” on page 28; |
| • | “Consolidated financial statements — Notes to the consolidated financial statements — Segment information” on page 110; |
| • | “Operational statistics” on page 174; |
| • | “Information for shareholders — Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements” on page 175; and |
| • | “Information for shareholders — Further note on certain activities” on page 186 |
of the Annual Report 2012 is incorporated herein by reference.
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4.C Organizational structure
The information set forth under the headings:
| • | “Our business model” on page 24; |
| • | “How we are organised” on page 10; and |
| • | “Subsidiary undertakings and associate” on page 163 |
of the Annual Report 2012 is incorporated herein by reference.
4.D Property, plants and equipment
The information set forth under the headings:
| • | “Our resources — Properties” on page 30; |
| • | “Consolidated financial statements — Notes to the consolidated financial statements — Property, plant and equipment” on page 122; and |
| • | “Financial statistics” on page 173 |
of the Annual Report 2012 is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
As far as the Company is aware, there are no unresolved written comments from the SEC staff regarding its periodic reports under the Exchange Act received more than 180 days before March 31, 2012.
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
5.A Operating results
The information set forth under the headings:
| • | “Performance” on page 39; and |
| • | “Information for shareholders — Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements” on page 175 |
of the Annual Report 2012 is incorporated herein by reference.
5.B Liquidity and capital resources
The information set forth under the headings:
| • | “Performance” on page 39; |
| • | “Information for shareholders — Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements” on page 175; |
| • | “Consolidated financial statements — Notes to the consolidated financial statements — Loans and other borrowings” on page 140; |
| • | “Consolidated financial statements — Notes to the consolidated financial statements — Financial instruments and risk management” on page 143; and |
| • | “Consolidated financial statements — Notes to the consolidated financial statements — Financial commitments and contingent liabilities” on page 158 |
of the Annual Report 2012 is incorporated herein by reference.
5.C Research and development, patents and licenses
The information set forth under the headings:
| • | “Our resources — Innovation” on page 30; and |
| • | “Financial statistics” on page 173 |
of the Annual Report 2012 is incorporated herein by reference.
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5.D Trend information
The information set forth under the headings:
| • | “Performance” on page 39; |
| • | “Quarterly analysis of revenue and profit” on page 170; |
| • | “Selected financial data” on page 171; and |
| • | “Information for shareholders — Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements” on page 175 |
of the Annual Report 2012 is incorporated herein by reference.
5.E Off-balance sheet arrangements
The information set forth under the heading “Group financial performance — Other information — Off-balance sheet arrangements” on page 59 of the Annual Report 2012 is incorporated herein by reference.
5.F Tabular disclosure of contractual obligations
The information set forth under the heading “Group financial performance — Other information — Contractual obligations and commitments” on page 59 of the Annual Report 2012 is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
6.A Directors and senior management
The information set forth under the heading “Board of Directors” on page 63 of the Annual Report 2012 is incorporated herein by reference.
6.B Compensation
The information set forth under the headings:
| • | “Reports of the Board Committees — Report on Directors’ Remuneration” on page 76; |
| • | “Consolidated financial statements — Notes to the consolidated financial statements — Retirement benefit plans” on page 127; and |
| • | “Consolidated financial statements — Notes to the consolidated financial statements — Share-based payments” on page 136 |
of the Annual Report 2012 is incorporated herein by reference.
6.C Board practices
The information set forth under the headings:
| • | “Board of Directors” on page 63; and |
| • | “Reports of the Board Committees — Report on Directors’ Remuneration” on page 76 |
of the Annual Report 2012 is incorporated herein by reference.
6.D Employees
The information set forth under the headings:
| • | “Our resources” on page 28; |
| • | “Group financial performance — Income statement — Operating costs” on page 51; and |
| • | “Consolidated financial statements — Notes to the consolidated financial statements — Employees” on page 114 |
of the Annual Report 2012 is incorporated herein by reference.
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6.E Share ownership
The information set forth under the headings:
| • | “Reports of the Board Committees — Report on Directors’ Remuneration” on page 76; and |
| • | “Consolidated financial statements — Notes to the consolidated financial statements — Share-based payments” on page 136 |
of the Annual Report 2012 is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
7.A Major shareholders
The information set forth under the headings:
| • | “Shareholders and Annual General Meeting — Substantial shareholdings” on page 93; and |
| • | “Information for shareholders — Analysis of shareholdings at 31 March 2012” on page 177 |
of the Annual Report 2012 is incorporated herein by reference.
7.B Related party transactions
The information set forth under the headings:
| • | “Directors’ information — Interest of management in certain transactions” on page 90; and |
| • | “Consolidated financial statements — Notes to the consolidated financial statements — Related party transactions” on page 157 |
of the Annual Report 2012 is incorporated herein by reference.
7.C Interests of experts and counsel
Not applicable
8.A Consolidated statements and other financial information
See Item 18 below
In addition, the information set forth under the headings:
| • | “Group financial performance — Other information — Legal proceedings” on page 59; |
| • | “Group financial performance — Income statement — Dividends” on page 53; |
| • | “Consolidated financial statements — Notes to the consolidated financial statements — Financial commitments and contingent liabilities” on page 158; |
| • | “Information for shareholders — Dividends” on page 178; and |
| • | “Information for shareholders — Articles of Association (Articles) — Dividends” on page 181 of the Annual Report 2012 is incorporated herein by reference. |
8.B Significant changes
The information set forth under the heading “Directors’ information — Going concern” on page 89 of the Annual Report 2012 is incorporated herein by reference.
9.A Offer and listing details
The information set forth under the heading “Information for shareholders — Stock exchange listings — Share and ADS prices” on page 176 of the Annual Report 2012 is incorporated herein by reference.
9.B Plan of distribution
Not applicable
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9.C Markets
The information set forth under the heading “Information for shareholders — Stock exchange listings” on page 176 of the Annual Report 2012 is incorporated herein by reference.
9.D Selling shareholders
Not applicable
9.E Dilution
Not applicable
9.F Expenses of the issue
Not applicable
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
10.A Share capital
Not applicable
10.B Memorandum and articles of association
The information set forth under the heading “Information for shareholders — Articles of Association (Articles)” on page 181 of the Annual Report 2012 is incorporated herein by reference.
10.C Material contracts
The information set forth under the heading “Information for shareholders — Material contracts” on page 184 of the Annual Report 2012 is incorporated herein by reference.
10.D Exchange controls
The information set forth under the heading “Information for shareholders — Limitations affecting security holders” on page 187 of the Annual Report 2012 is incorporated herein by reference.
10.E Taxation
The information set forth under the heading “Information for shareholders — Taxation (US Holders)” on page 184 of the Annual Report 2012 is incorporated herein by reference.
10.F Dividends and paying agents
Not applicable
10.G Statement by experts
Not applicable
10.H Documents on display
The information set forth under the heading “Information for shareholders — Documents on display” on page 187 of the Annual Report 2012 is incorporated herein by reference.
10.I Subsidiary information
Not applicable
ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The information set forth under the headings:
| • | “Consolidated financial statements — Notes to the consolidated financial statements — Significant accounting policies — Financial instruments” on page 108; and |
| • | “Consolidated financial statements — Notes to the consolidated financial statements — Financial instruments and risk management” on page 143 |
of the Annual Report 2012 is incorporated herein by reference.
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ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
12.D American Depositary Shares
During the 2012 financial year, the Company received direct and indirect payments from the Depositary of USD 691,659.97 which included the annual NYSE listing fee, investor relations expenses and other costs relating to the ADR program.
The Depositary also waived fees of USD 215,000 for administering the ADR program. The following table sets out the fees charged to ADR holders:
| Category (as defined by SEC) |
Depositary Actions |
Associated Fee | ||
| (a) Depositing or substituting the underlying shares | Each person to whom ADRs are issued against deposits of Shares, including deposits and issuances in respect of:
• Share distributions, stock split, rights, merger
• Exchange of securities or any other transaction or event or other distribution affecting the ADSs or the Deposited Securities |
USD 5.00 for each 100 ADSs (or portion thereof) evidenced by the new ADRs delivered | ||
| (b) Receiving or distributing dividends | Distribution of dividends | USD 0.02 or less per ADS | ||
| (c) Selling or exercising rights | Distribution or sale of securities, the fee being in an amount equal to the fee for the execution and delivery of ADSs which would have been charged as a result of the deposit of such securities | USD 5.00 for each 100 ADSs (or portion thereof) | ||
| (d) Withdrawing an underlying security | Acceptance of ADRs surrendered for withdrawal of deposited securities | USD 5.00 for each 100 ADSs (or portion thereof) evidenced by the ADRs surrendered | ||
| (e) Transferring, splitting or grouping receipts | Transfers, combining or grouping of depositary receipts | USD 2.50 per ADS | ||
| (f) General depositary services, particularly those charged on an annual basis | • Other services performed by the depositary in administering the ADRs
• Provide information about the depositary’s right, if any, to collect fees and charges by offsetting them against dividends received and deposited securities |
USD 0.02 per ADS (or portion thereof) not more than once each calendar year and payable at the sole discretion of the depositary by billing Holders or by deducting such charge from one or more cash dividends or other case distributions | ||
| (g) Expenses of the depositary | Expenses incurred on behalf of Holders in connection with
• Compliance with foreign exchange control regulations or any law or regulation relating to foreign investment
• The depositary’s or its custodian’s compliance with applicable law, rule or regulation
• Stock transfer or other taxes and other governmental charges
• Cable, telex, facsimile transmission/delivery
• Expenses of the depositary in connection with the conversion of foreign currency into U.S. dollars (which are paid out of such foreign currency)
• Any other charge payable by depositary or its agents |
Expenses payable at the sole discretion of the depositary by billing Holders or by deducting charges from one or more cash dividends or other cash distributions | ||
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ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES
Not applicable
ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Not applicable
ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
The information set forth under the headings:
| • | “General Information — US Regulation — US Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002” on page 90; |
| • | “General Information — US Regulation — Disclosure controls and procedures” on page 90; |
| • | “General Information — US Regulation — Internal control over financial reporting” on page 90; and |
| • | “Report of the independent auditors — Consolidated financial statements — United States opinion” on page 97 |
of the Annual Report 2012 is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 16.A AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
The information set forth under the heading “General Information — US Regulation — US Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002” on page 90 of the Annual Report 2012 is incorporated herein by reference.
The information set forth under the heading “General Information — US Regulation — US Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002” on page 90 of the Annual Report 2012 is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 16.C PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
16.C(a) Audit Fees
The information set forth in the table under the heading “Audit services” in “Consolidated financial statements — Notes to the consolidated financial statements — Audit, audit related and other non-audit services” on page 115 of the Annual Report 2012 is incorporated herein by reference.
16.C(b) Audit-Related Fees
The information set forth in the table under the heading “Audit related assurance services” in “Consolidated financial statements — Notes to the consolidated financial statements — Audit, audit related and other non-audit services” on page 115 of the Annual Report 2012 is incorporated herein by reference.
16.C(c) Tax Fees
The information set forth in the table under the headings “Other non-audit services — Taxation compliance services” and “Other non-audit services — Taxation advisory services” in “Consolidated financial statements — Notes to the consolidated financial statements — Audit, audit related and other non-audit services” on page 115 of the Annual Report 2012 is incorporated herein by reference.
16.C(d) All Other Fees
The information set forth in the table under the headings “Other non-audit services — All other assurance services” and “Other non-audit services — All other services” in “Consolidated financial statements — Notes to the consolidated financial statements — Audit, audit related and other non-audit services” on page 115 of the Annual Report 2012 is incorporated herein by reference.
16.C(e)
The information set forth under the headings:
| • | “Reports of the Board Committees — Audit & Risk Committee Chairman’s report” on page 70; and |
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| • | “Consolidated financial statements — Notes to the consolidated financial statements — Audit, audit related and other non-audit services” on page 115 |
of the Annual Report 2012 is incorporated herein by reference.
16.C(f)
Not applicable
ITEM 16.E PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS
Not applicable
ITEM 16.F CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT
Not applicable
ITEM 16.G CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The information set forth under the heading “General Information — US Regulation — New York Stock Exchange” on page 90 of the Annual Report 2012 is incorporated herein by reference.
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Not applicable
The financial information concerning the Company set forth under the headings:
| • | “Report of the independent auditors — Consolidated financial statements — United States opinion” on page 97; |
| • | “Consolidated financial statements” on page 98; and |
| • | “Quarterly analysis of revenue and profit” on page 170 |
of the Annual Report 2012 is incorporated herein by reference.
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The following exhibits are filed as part of this annual report:
| 1.1 | Articles of Association of the Company, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F dated May 26, 2010 | |
| 4.1 | Letter of appointment of Nicholas Rose as a non-executive director, dated December 16, 2010, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F dated May 27, 2011 | |
| 4.2 | Letter of appointment of Jasmine Whitbread as a non-executive director, dated January 17, 2011, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F dated May 27, 2011 | |
| 4.3 | Updated letter of appointment for Tony Ball as a non-executive director, dated March 1, 2011, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F dated May 27, 2011 | |
| 4.4 | Updated letter of appointment for Clay Brendish as a non-executive director, dated February 22, 2011, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F dated May 27, 2011 | |
| 4.5 | Updated letter of appointment for Eric Daniels as a non-executive director, dated February 23, 2011, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F dated May 27, 2011 | |
| 4.6 | Updated letter of appointment for Patricia Hewitt as a non-executive director dated February 28, 2011, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F dated May 27, 2011 | |
| 4.7 | Updated letter of appointment for Phil Hodkinson as a non-executive director, dated March 16, 2011, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F dated May 27, 2011 | |
| 4.8 | Letter of extension of appointment of Eric Daniels, dated March 25 , 2011, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F dated May 27, 2011 | |
| 4.9 | Letter of extension of appointment of Patricia Hewitt, dated April 4, 2011, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.10 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F dated May 27, 2011 | |
| 4.10 | Letter of extension of appointment of Carl Symon, dated January 13, 2011, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.11 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F dated May 27, 2011 | |
| 4.11 | Letter of appointment for Karen Richardson as a non-executive director, dated 17 October 2011 | |
| 4.12 | Letter of extension of appointment of Phil Hodkinson, dated 14 December 2011 | |
| 7.1 | Table of Financial ratios | |
| 8.1 | Significant subsidiaries as of March 31, 2012, see “Subsidiary undertakings and associate” on page 163 of the Company’s Annual Report & Form 20-F included as Exhibit 15.2 | |
| 12.1 | Section 302 certification of Chief Executive | |
| 12.2 | Section 302 certification of Group Finance Director | |
| 13.1 | Section 906 certification | |
| 15.1 | Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent registered public accounting firm | |
| 15.2* | Annual Report & Form 20-F 2012 | |
| * | Certain of the information included within Exhibit 15.2, which is provided pursuant to Rule 12b-23(a)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is incorporated by reference in this Form 20-F, as specified elsewhere in this Form 20-F. With the exception of the items and pages so specified, the Annual Report & Form 20-F is not deemed to be filed as part of this Form 20-F. |
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The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.
| BT Group plc | ||
| /s/ Tony Chanmugam | ||
| Name: Tony Chanmugam | ||
| Title: Group Finance Director | ||
Date: May 24, 2012
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