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FY2023 Annual Report · AAC Clyde Space
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Manager 
ASX Market Announcements 
Australian Securities Exchange  

Attached is the Company’s Annual Report for the 12 month period ended 31 March 2023 in 
the form in which it will be distributed to shareholders of the Company. 

This version will be mailed to those shareholders who have elected to receive a printed copy of 
the Annual Report as at 21 June 2023.  

Shareholders who have elected to receive the Annual Report electronically will receive an email 
on 21 June 2023 providing a link to the report on the Company’s website. 

This announcement is authorised to be given to the ASX by the AACo Board.  

Issued by: 
Bruce Bennett 
Company Secretary and General Counsel 

Australian Agricultural Company Limited  
Level 1, Tower A, 76 Skyring Terrace  
Newstead QLD 4006  
ABN 15 010 892 270  

Telephone: 07 3368 4400  
Facsimile: 07 3368 4401 
ir@aaco.com.au  
www.aaco.com.au  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2023

Australian Agricultural Company Limited
ABN 15 010 892 270

About AACo

Our Purpose

is to evolve together to benefit  
future generations. 

Contents

12  Strategic Roadmap for Growth
16  Chairman and MD’s Report
20  Regional Beef Market Overview
26  Financial and Operational Performance Highlights

32  Wellbeing, Health & Safety 
34  Craftsmanship
36  Our Sustainable Future
42  Financial Report

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

About AACo

p.01

Our Vision

is to be trusted globally as the 
producers of the finest quality 
Australian beef.

Established in 1824

We continuously adapt to dynamic 
conditions across our integrated  
supply chain. This is why we’ve been 
around for nearly 200 years and is  
how we will continue to improve to  
meet the challenges of the future.  
We know this is one of our strengths.

Extraordinary assets

The extraordinary people,  
animals and land we care for and the 
exceptional product we create are the 
hallmarks of our success. But we are 
only today’s custodians and it’s our 
responsibility to leave our world  
in better shape for the generations  
to follow. This is our legacy.

p.02

Our  
History

Established in 1824, the Australian 
Agricultural Company Limited 
(AACo) is one of Australia’s largest 
integrated cattle and beef producers 
and is the oldest continuously 
operating company in Australia. 

Today, AACo owns and operates a 
strategic balance of stations, feedlots  
and farms spanning approximately 
6.5 million hectares of land across 
Queensland and the Northern Territory.

Our values influence our culture  
and our brand, and provide clear 
expectations in how we interact  
with each other, our customers,  
our communities and stakeholders.

The integration of our values into  
our behaviours makes AACo an 
extraordinary place to work and  
helps to achieve our vision: to be  
trusted globally as producers of  
the finest quality Australian beef.

Respect what  
makes it possible

Aim  
higher

•  The future of AACo depends  

on our people, our animals and 
our land. We treat each other 
with respect. We raise our  
cattle with attention and care. 
We keep our land sustainably 
productive. For nearly 200 years 
these resources have made our 
work possible.

•  This is our heritage and also 

our future.

•  Excellence is an attitude,  

not an outcome.

•  We take pride in everything we 
do – as individuals and as teams 
working toward shared goals.

•  There’s no such thing as  

good enough; we continue  
to evolve and improve.

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

About AACo

p.03

Embrace  
change

Take the  
reins

Do it for the  
diner

•  We embrace change and adapt.

•  We exchange ideas and share 
knowledge to solve challenges 
and capture opportunities.

•  We encourage new approaches 
to moving forward and respect 
the diverse experience of 
our people.

•  We all own the success of our 
business. When opportunities 
arise and challenges emerge,  
it’s up to every person at AACo 
to take the reins.

•  This means understanding  
and excelling in our own  
roles and working together to 
achieve success as a team.

Whether in the paddock, feedlot  
or the office, everyone at AACo  
is here to serve the same person –  
the diner experiencing our beef.

•  Each of us have an  

essential role in creating  
an exceptional product.

•  Our commitment to diners  

is at the core of everything we  
do, but never at the expense  
of our people, our animals  
or the land.

p.04

Our  
Business  
Model

AACo is an 
integrated branded 
beef business with 
three principal 
activities:

Distribution of high-quality  
branded beef into global markets

Breeding, growing, feedlotting  
and trading of our animals

Ownership, operation, and  
development of pastoral  
properties

AACo distributes branded beef to customers across the 
world, tailoring its route-to-market model by country to 
capitalise on regional opportunities. The company is large 
enough to obtain scale efficiencies but small enough to 
ensure the highest production standards to produce some 
of the finest quality beef in the world. Our continuous 
investment in our strategy and assets serves to support 
supply chain excellence and operational resilience.

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

About AACo

p.05

We operate a cattle 
production system 
across Queensland 
and the Northern 
Territory: 

19

OWNED CATTLE STATIONS,

4

LEASED STATIONS,

2

OWNED FEEDLOTS, 

2

OWNED FARMS, AND

1

LEASED FARM.

p.06

Responsible 
stewards of our 
people, livestock 
and land

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

About AACo

p.07

We are proud custodians  
of the land we nurture.  
We recognise that nature  
and biodiversity are integral  
to our business.

Our Australian hard-working attitude, 
spirit and craftsmanship, combined with 
years of experience grazing cattle on our 
pristine pastoral assets is unique to our 
country and our company; we take great 
pride in that.

How we harness and prioritise resilience 
across our assets helps to meet the 
changing needs of customers, minimise 
risk and improve efficiency.

We are custodians of a special relationship 
between our people, livestock, land and 
communities, that serve to position us 
internationally as the finest Australian 
Wagyu beef producer. We will continue  
to be responsible stewards to benefit 
future generations.

We capture the wonder and charm of 
Australia and craft this into remarkable 
dining experiences for people around  
the world to enjoy.

p.08

Our world-class  
supply chain

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

About AACo

p.09

1

Breeding & Genetics
By combining the science of genetics 
and the art of breeding, we produce 
animals which will perform well 
under tough conditions. This ensures 
we maximise value and consistently 
produce quality animals.

2

Grazing
On the most extensive aspect of our operations – 
with properties spanning the rangelands of 
northern Australia, cattle graze for two to three 
years, roaming and eating an incredibly diverse 
diet of native grasses and shrubs.

4

Feedlotting
Our cattle are finished on 
a blend of grains for up to 
550 days at Goonoo and 
Aronui. Our feedlots focus 
on optimising animal 
comfort, welfare and nutrition, 
producing consistently high 
quality beef.

3
Farming
Our farming operations focus on what 
grows well locally and what cattle flourish 
on. At Wylarah, Rewan, Glentana, 
Gordon Downs, Comanche and Goonoo 
we farm a variety of crops for harvesting 
and foraging.

5

Processing
AACo partners with state of the art 
processing facilities in Australia and 
we are onsite to ensure best-practice 
standards are maintained – low stress 
handling, hygiene, efficiency and 
quality control.

★

6

Distribution
Our supply chain is predominantly 
focused on delivering premium beef 
to global markets. We also sell the Mitchell 
composite and Brahman cattle from our 
internal supply chain to reputable customers.

Customers
Our entire supply chain is focused on producing 
consistent quality product for our customers.

7

Sales & Marketing
Our customer-facing team meets with chefs and 
distributors regularly, sharing the stories of where 
our product comes from and the best way to 
prepare it. This is also how we receive feedback 
from our customers on what’s important to them.

p.10

A Year in  
Review

Strong operating results delivered 
during continued global volatility.

$67.4m

OPERATING PROFIT(1) 
AN INCREASE OF 35% VS PCP(2)

$16.0m

OPERATING CASH FLOW 
A DECREASE OF 34% VS PCP

$4.6m

STATUTORY NET PROFIT  
AFTER TAX 
VS $136.9M PCP

(1)  Key financial indicators are defined on page 49  

in the Directors’ Report.

(2)  PCP represents prior comparative period.

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

About AACo

p.11

Continued execution of our 
branded beef strategy with a 
focus on obtaining premium 
prices has helped to deliver:

$245.0m

MEAT SALES  
AN INCREASE OF 18% VS PCP

$21.98/kg

WAGYU MEAT SALES PRICE  
AN INCREASE OF 17% VS PCP

Strengthening of our balance sheet continues.

$2.4bn

TOTAL ASSETS
AN INCREASE OF 16% VS PCP

$2.59

NTA PER SHARE 
AN INCREASE OF 14% VS PCP

p.12

Strategic Roadmap for Growth

Strategic roadmap  
for growth

The future is ours to seize as we continue to 
reimagine agriculture and the future of food.

AACo continues to execute against  
our strategy to ensure we are  
continuously adapting and adding  
value for our shareholders.

We will continue to invest back into  
the business under our five strategic 
pillars, and in doing so, will build  

on our strong FY23 results and further 
grow the company as we look to our  
200th year anniversary in 2024.

Our team will focus on realising  
further efficiencies through continuous 
improvement, risk mitigation and 
robust planning. 

i m   H i g h e r

A

OUR PURPOSE
We’re evolving
together to benefit
future generations 

OUR VISION
To be trusted globally as 
the producers of the finest 
quality Australian beef  

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Respect what 
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Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

Delivering full potential from our brands  

Developing our natural resources and assets  

A simpler and more efficient AACo 

Executing on our sustainability framework  

Making AACo a great place to work 

1AA SAFETY

 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic Roadmap for Growth

p.13

Driving our  
future success

Our brands in the spotlight
AACo is celebrated around the world  
for our Wagyu brands, Westholme and 
Darling Downs. These brands consistently 
deliver quality, integrity, flavour, 
and tenderness.

The passion and respect our people  
have for our animals and land, creates 
extraordinary dining experiences  
in some of the most recognised and 
awarded restaurants around the world.

It’s how we share  
the magic of Australia.

There’s a story in every mouthful of Westholme

A story of Australian craftsmanship and 
ingenuity, and an unyielding dedication to 
perfection and care from station to plate. 

Westholme builds on our strong heritage of 
breeding, pairing a Wagyu herd of unrivalled 
provenance with our own northern Australian 
breed, the Mitchell, to craft a signature  

eating experience that is enjoyed around 
the world.

With every bite of Westholme, diners will 
experience the layering of rich, complex, 
buttery flavours. A flavour that only northern 
Australia can produce, and only Westholme 
can perfect.

Darling Downs isn’t just a product, it’s a way of life

Crafted by our people who love what they do 
and take enormous pride in caring for the land. 
Their dedication ensures that Darling Downs 
provides home chefs with high quality goodness 
they can count on.

By honing our craft and building on our 
experience, Darling Downs delivers the most 
flavoursome, tender and versatile Wagyu, with 
strong consumer demand in the Asian market.

p.14

Progress against  
strategy in FY23

At a glance

Delivering full  
potential from  
our brands

+17%

WAGYU MEAT SALES $/KG CW(1),(2) 
INCREASE VS PCP

+22%

BRANDED SALES GROWTH 
NORTH AMERICA(3)

(1)  CW represents carton weight containing saleable boxed meat.
(2)  Wagyu meat sales represents total meat sales excluding 

by-products

(3)  Branded meat sales represents total meat sales excluding  

trim and by-products.

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

A simpler and  
more efficient AACo
(2%) REDUCTION IN COST 

OF PRODUCTION PER 
KG VS PCP

Strategic Roadmap for Growth

p.15

Developing our natural resources & assets

 INCREASING CAPACITY OF  
INTENSIVE SUPPLY CHAIN

 6k ha

TRIAL NORTHERN DRYLAND CROPPING UNDERWAY(4)

 388

BORES CONVERTED FROM DIESEL TO SOLAR

Executing on our sustainability framework

191k

AUSTRALIAN CARBON CREDIT UNIT GENERATION

Making AACo a great place to work

+37%

IMPROVED LTIFR(5)

 (21%)

 40%

INJURY SEVERITY REDUCTION

WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP

(4)  Trial northern dryland cropping underway for additional farming capacity.
(5)  LTIFR represents Long Term Injury Frequency Ratio.

 
 
p.16

Chairman and MD’s Report

Chairman 
and MD’s 
Report

Dear shareholders,

We are pleased to present the 2023  
Annual Report for the Australian 
Agricultural Company Limited.

This is another strong financial result, 
demonstrating continued progress against 
our strategy. This year’s performance is 
testament to our dedicated teams who 
continue to meet our customers needs and 
build on what we have achieved in-market 
and across our supply chain. We have 
extraordinary people, assets and brands, and 
are proud of the resolve, continuity and focus 
that has helped shape our positive results. 

Strategy Delivering Strong 
Operating Results

The success of our strategy is  
highlighted by our strong Operating  
Profit(1) of $67.4 million, up 35% on FY22.  
It marks four consecutive years of  
positive Operating Profit growth, 
achieved through brand supported  
price increases in all major markets.

Whilst Statutory Net Profit After Tax for 
FY23 was $4.6 million, compared with 
$136.9 million for FY22, this was driven by 
a $112.0 million unrealised herd valuation 
loss as a result of softening live cattle 
prices. The majority of this unrealised  
loss relates to our breeding herd, which  
is held to produce branded beef. 

Donald McGauchie 

David Harris

We are proud of our considerable achievements  
this past year, proving the strength and resilience  
of our company. We are grateful to our teams  
that have maintained focus and dedication in an 
unstable and challenging market environment, 
including crews on our properties who work  
so hard to care for our cattle and our people  
based in markets around the world. 

(1)  Key financial indicators are defined on page 49 in the Directors’ Report.

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

p.17

The company’s strategy of selling beef into 
global markets decouples our operating 
results from fluctuations in the 
Australian cattle market. Therefore, 
Operating Profit is a more accurate 
representation of company performance, 
as it removes the impact of unrealised 
gains or losses on our herd.

Net Operating Cashflow remains  
positive at $16.0 million, with increased 
cash outlays on the prior year for 
production costs supporting the 19% 
increase in liveweight kilograms 
produced. There has been additional 
funding deployed to right-size the 
business post COVID-19 and towards  
the 13% increase in our herd, and our 
commercial momentum has meant  
an increase in working capital levels  
at year end.

This past wet season has been one of the 
best we have ever seen. Strong pasture 
growth will continue to support the 
investment in our herd.

We also achieved a modest reduction in 
the cost of production per kilogram in 
FY23 despite cost pressures over the year, 
in a high inflationary environment.

positively with the Board, building on 
strong foundations to achieve positive 
outcomes for our shareholders and people.

Our achievements this year can be 
directly attributed to our strategy and 
progress made across the business, along 
with our commitment to invest in our 
brands and assets. This will remain a 
priority as we move into FY24

Strength of our Assets

Our land assets include stations,  
farms and feedlots spread over 6.5 million 
hectares of pristine country in Queensland 
and the Northern Territory.

The increasing value of our properties 
supported our results, with a material 
uplift in pastoral property valuations.  
We continue to maintain these assets to  
a high standard as custodians of some of  
the best pastoral properties in Australia.

The assets we manage, including our land 
and cattle, are amongst the best in the 
world and the foundation of our ability to 
produce the highest quality beef at scale.

Progress in Key Markets

Key executive positions were filled and 
made a seamless transition during the 
year. We have a highly experienced and 
focused team, engaged and working 

Our strategy includes a relentless focus  
on maximising returns from every cut  
of meat we produce, allocating volume 
through our global distribution networks 

to provide branded products to markets 
that deliver the best value.

With a focus on in-market support  
and building closer relationships with  
our distribution partners and chefs, the 
marketing, commercial and innovation 
teams are working with purpose as  
they champion our brands, deepen  
our collaboration opportunities, and 
fast-track our digital presence to expand 
consumer reach and engagement. We are 
excited about our programs and progress.

Improved distribution in our major 
markets, as well as selective expansion 
into new, affluent markets, is becoming a 
key enabler of AACo’s global strategy and 
focus on premium prices through brand.

Overall, this resulted in a further 17% 
increase in average Wagyu meat sales 
price per kilogram and revenue growth  
of our Westholme brand in key markets 
including North America, Australia, 
Europe and the Middle East. The price 
and volume increases were driven by 
increased brand awareness and strategic 
allocation of product, enabled by our 
strong distribution network. Our retail 
market in Asia also saw growth in price, 
with brand and digital engagement 
supporting the premium status of the 
Darling Downs brand. 

p.18

Chairman and MD’s Report (cont.)

Sustainability Focus

Positioning for Growth in the Years Ahead

The AACo supply chain includes three 
principal activities: distribution of 
high-quality branded beef into global 
markets; breeding, growing, feedlotting 
and trading of our animals; and 
ownership, operation, and development  
of our pastoral properties.

We are monitoring headwinds into FY24, 
with rising inflationary pressures and 
increased local supply in key markets  
such as Korea and the US off the back of 
recent herd liquidations, creating price 
pressures. These could also materialise  
as opportunities as these herds are rebuilt. 

Our five strategic pillars sit at the centre 
of our plans for growth:

•  Delivering full potential from 

our brands;

•  Developing our natural resources 

and assets;

•  A simpler and more efficient AACo;

•  Executing on our sustainability 

framework; and

•  Making AACo a great place to work.

The FY23 Sustainability Report is the 
fourth account of AACo’s sustainability 
activities. We are pleased that we are 
making progress across a range of 
environmental and social areas.

At the heart of our business is the concept 
of 1AA, reflecting our commitment to  
the care of our people, animals and the 
environment. Our operations depend  
on natural assets such as healthy soil, 
nutritious pasture, clean water, and 
abundant diversity. We value the passion 
and contribution of our people, and 
 the connections we have with the 
communities in which we operate, and  
we continue to drive the importance  
of animal health and welfare across  
our supply chain.

Some of our headline sustainability 
initiatives in 2023 include:

•  Slow rotational grazing trial  
at Eva Downs station in the 
Northern Territory.

•  Completed land restoration  
work at Headingly Station in  
North West Queensland.

•  Completed our first trial to test 
Asparagopsis in long-fed Wagyu 
cattle, assessing its methane 
abatement potential and influence  
on eating quality, carcass grading  
and cattle feedlot performance. 

•  Completed the third year of the  
Beef Cattle Herd Management 
Project, registering a net benefit  
of 191,036 Australian Carbon 
Credit Units.

•  Progressed our conversion of bores 
from diesel to solar. With 388 solar 
bores, we have now converted 62%  
of our active and viable bores to solar 
and are on track for the remainder  
to be converted in 2024.

To support with the execution of our 
sustainability framework, we continue  
to make progress on our sustainability 
foundations in the areas of climate  
and nature risk, data and reporting, 
stakeholder engagement and 
capital allocation.

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

Chairman and MD’s Report

p.19

Our People

Our people have always been our greatest 
strength. We would like to congratulate 
David Harris on his appointment as 
Managing Director and CEO in September 
2022. As our former COO, David has been 
front and centre of developing and driving 
AACo’s strategy and has continued to 
steward this business on a path of 
sustainable growth with confidence.

We would like to thank the executive team 
and fellow Directors for continuing to 
represent the needs of our customers, our 
people, shareholders, and the 
communities we serve.

The success of FY23 and our plans for the 
future, would not be possible without our 
dedicated teams on properties, in our 
support office and in markets around the 
world bringing our strategy to life. They 
continue to grow, adapt, and lead with 
purpose and resolve. The last several 
years have underscored that change is 
constant, and the company has shown its 
ability to operate successfully in a 
dynamic and changing world.

We are pleased with what we have 
achieved so far and look forward to the 
future with purpose. 

As we approach our 200th anniversary in 
2024, we are eager to continue our work 
and further the success of the company.

Yours sincerely,

Donald McGauchie AO
Chairman

David Harris
Managing Director and CEO

p.20

Regional Beef Market Overview

Regional  
Beef Market  
Overview

AACo distributes quality beef product  
around the world.

In FY23, we delivered another year  
of strong commercial performance. 
Underpinning the higher operating  
profit was our ability to secure increases 
in the average sales price per kilogram 
across all markets in which we distribute 
our high quality beef. 

We continue to optimise our market 
allocation and sales mix, focusing on 
strategic market allocation and adapting 
our channel strategies to evolving 
consumer and market trends. 

We also continued to reinforce our 
successful branded beef strategy with 
targeted digital marketing campaigns, 
improved branding of our products  
on menu and in-store, and in-market 
presence of our commercial teams. 

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

Regional Beef Market Overview

p.21

Our $/kg has been 
boosted by premium 
prices achieved 
through brand and 
optimised market 
allocation of product.

p.22

North America

A key strategic region  
and continued priority  
for expansion.

Our focus and investment in the USA  
has been a key driver of positive results, 
with targeted placement of product and 
in-person events increasing Westholme’s 
brand awareness:

•  Deepening our engagement and 
collaboration within established 
networks of customers across  
this highly strategic market has 
supported price growth.

•  Westholme collaborations with high 
profile US-based chefs continue to be 
broadcast across our digital channels, 
growing brand awareness.

• 

Increased distribution reach in the 
food service channel has underpinned 
our volume growth through various 
market conditions.

North America Branded Meat Sales(1)

REVENUE

22%

VS PCP

PRICE/MIX

19%

VS PCP

VOLUME

3%

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

Regional Beef Market Overview

p.23

E-mart in Korea

E-mart is the largest retailer  
and first hypermarket franchise  
in South Korea. 

Our Darling Downs brand has a  
long history in Korea and is now  
the #1 Wagyu beef brand in E-mart.  
The brand has secured leading 
market share, and is now available  
in 136 E-mart stores.

PRICE/MIX

VOLUME

16%

(3%)

VS PCP

Asia

Represents a core  
strategic market. 

Sales were allocated away from retail  
into food service markets around the 
world as part of our overall global strategy. 
Solid price increases were achieved in  
this region due to:

•  Expanded brand visibility, value-add 
promotions and in-store tastings to 
support premium status of Darling 
Downs in Korea.

•  Further investment in digital 
presence to expand consumer  
reach and engagement.

Asia Branded Meat Sales(1)

REVENUE

13%

VS PCP

(1)  Branded meat sales represents total meat sales excluding trim and by-products.

p.24

Australia

Our spiritual home and 
always a key focus.

We honour both the prestige of Westholme 
and the unique history of AACo in this 
country, driving value through:

•  Targeted menu placements  

with influential chefs and iconic 
restaurants who best represent  
the Westholme brand.

•  Continuing to build brand awareness.

Australia Branded Meat Sales(1)

REVENUE

13%

VS PCP

PRICE/MIX

11%

VS PCP

VOLUME

2%

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

Regional Beef Market Overview

p.25

Europe/
Middle 
East

Area of selective 
growth, expanding into 
new, affluent markets.

In this region, we are predominately 
targeting the high-end food service 
market. Building on post COVID-19 
recovery, our focus has been on:

•  Strengthening our partnerships  
and collaborations with our 
distribution partners.

•  Building credibility of Westholme 
with key chefs across key cities.

•  Expanding Westholme into new 

markets, aligning brand with market 
to achieve price premiums.

Europe/Middle East Branded Meat Sales(1)

REVENUE

43%

VS PCP

(1)  Branded meat sales represents total meat sales excluding trim and by-products.

PRICE/MIX

VOLUME

34%

9%

VS PCP

p.26

Financial and Operational Performance Highlights

Financial & 
Operational 
Performance 
Highlights

Continued positive momentum

In the face of continuing global volatility and uncertainty, we 
have been able to deliver another strong result. The success of  
our global brands and supply chain partnerships have continued 
to prosper, thanks to our committed team. 

The company delivered total revenue of $313.4 million, up  
14% from the previous year. This result has been driven by an 
improvement in price realisation, with higher average prices 
achieved on both meat and cattle sales. Meat sales volumes  
were materially in line with the prior year, while cattle sales 
volumes were down 6%.

Branded sales growth in key markets has helped drive  
this operating performance, as margins improved, and the 
strategy was further reinforced with growing brand awareness 
and demand.

Cost of production per kilogram has realised a 2% reduction  
on the prior year, primarily due to higher liveweight kilograms 
produced, with improved seasonal conditions. 

The company maintains a robust balance sheet, with  
comfortable headroom under existing bank covenants.

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

$313.4m 

TOTAL REVENUE 
AN INCREASE OF 14% VS PCP

(2%)

REDUCTION IN COST 
OF PRODUCTION PER 
KG VS PCP

Financial and Operational Performance Highlights

p.27

Fleet Management  
Optimisation Continues
AACo manages an impressive mobile fleet of assets. This includes 
five aircraft, seven road trains, and approximately 100 earth 
moving equipment assets, 160 passenger vehicles, 80 trucks  
and 90 motorbikes.

FY23 saw a continued focus on asset management and  
tier-1 fleet management principles, with particular focus on  
two predominant areas: earth moving equipment assets and 
passenger vehicles. 

•  The earth moving equipment project (Project “Yellow Bull” –  
a partnership between Caterpillar/Hastings Deering and 
AACo) anticipates this fleet size will reduce by ~25%.

•  The passenger vehicle project (Project “White Horse” –  

a partnership between Custom Fleet and AACo), anticipates 
this fleet size will reduce by ~15%. 

Both projects optimised the fleet to produce a reduced carbon 
footprint, with fewer vehicles and equipment in the field.

Both projects are ongoing and AACo anticipates benefits will 
continue into the future.

Aviation is also an essential part of our business to support 
operations and transport staff and contractors safely across 
remote locations within our supply chain. Our team manage  
and operate aircraft across multiple locations.

IMPRESSIVE 
MOBILE FLEET

100

EARTH MOVING 
EQUIPMENT ASSETS

160

PASSENGER VEHICLES

5

AIRCRAFT

80

TRUCKS

7

ROAD TRAINS

90

MOTORBIKES

p.28

Financial and Operational 
Performance Highlights (cont.)

La Belle

Darwin

Livingstone Beef
Pell

Katherine

Delamere
Top Springs

Montejinni

Camfield
Eva Downs

Tennant Creek

Anthony Lagoon

Brunette
Downs

Barkly Homestead

Canobie

Wondoola

Dalgonally

Townsville

Camooweal

Mt Isa

Cloncurry

Headingly

Boulia

Julia Creek
Carrum

Comanche

Gordon Downs

Longreach

Emerald

Avon Downs
Austral Downs

Alice Springs

Windorah

South Galway

Collie Blue
Glentana

Goonoo
Feedlot
Rewan

Roma

Wylarah

Surat

Aronui
Feedlot
Dalby
Brisbane

Owned

Leased

Adelaide

Sydney

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

Financial and Operational Performance Highlights

p.29

Our Operations
At AACo, we operate a strategic balance  
of world class assets across 6.5 million 
hectares of Australia, underpinning the 
value of our business.

Our unique property portfolio is core to 
our production system and comprises a 
strategic mix of cattle stations, feedlots 
and farms across Queensland and the 
Northern Territory. The quality of these 
assets enables us to produce the highest 
quality beef at scale and this is key to 
supporting our branded beef strategy.

Leveraging our generational experience 
with these properties, we continuously 
evolve and improve the efficiency  
of our operations. The value of our 
pastoral property grew over the year  
by $294.2 million due to increases in  
fair value. These assets are now worth 
$1.5 billion, supporting our total assets 
value of $2.4 billion.

The quality of our herd is also key to 
delivering our strategy and this is 
supported by our dedicated experts  
in breeding and genetics, rangelands, 
sustainability, and livestock. 

Feature

Sam Graham:  
Celebrating 35 years

Sam has an impressive history with 
AACo, which began in 1988 when he 
joined the crew at Brunette Downs  
as a station hand. 

“AACo has magnificent people and 
magnificent properties. I have been 
given so much opportunity across 
the portfolio.”

The last three decades has seen him  
hold various roles at Meteor Downs, 
Headingly Station, Dalgonally/ 
Clonagh Station, Wylarah Station  
and Anthony Lagoon Station.  
Today he is based in Brisbane  
as the Senior Operations Officer.

In his current role, he leads  
procurement category management, 
which includes responsibility for 
leadership of AACo’s pastoral 
engagement program, connecting 
AACo’s pastoral operations with  
its many and varied external 
supply-stakeholders, both domestic 
and international.

p.30

Financial and Operational 
Performance Highlights (cont.)

Our people  
lead every day

They are compassionate, committed, and humble. 

Living our values
Respect what makes it possible, aim 
higher, embrace change, take the reins, 
and do it for the diner.

At AACo, we are committed to building  
a team from a range of backgrounds,  
skills, talents and aspirations, with solid 
work ethic.

We promote an inclusive workplace  
that embraces diversity as part of  
our culture. This involves providing 
supportive and inclusive diversity-related 
workplace policies, programs, and 
practices within our business.

We take care of our people. Health  
and safety, critical risk control and  
smart decision-making is the upmost 
importance to our teams. We have 
continued our hazard profile across  
the business and to train team  
members as mental health first 
responders. Safety is at the core  
of everything we do.

It’s our dedicated team that enables  
us to supply our beef throughout the  
world, every single day.

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

Financial and Operational Performance Highlights

p.31

Our people work across our stations, 
feedlots and farms in Queensland  
and the Northern Territory as well as 
Skyring, our support office in Brisbane, 
and commercial offices around the world. 
They deliver on our high-performance 
culture by living our values: Respect what 
makes it possible, aim higher, embrace 
change, take the reins, and do it for 
the diner.

AACo’s commitment to safety  
continues to evolve and advance as  
we refine our work health and safety 
strategy and continue to embed three 
key initiatives: lAA, Switch On and 
Leadership Development.

These initiatives have supported 
improved performance across our  
key safety metrics including  
increasing Near Miss reporting  
and reducing serious injuries.

p.32

Wellbeing, Health & Safety 

Wellbeing, Health 
& Safety 

One of the areas of focus we are 
proud of at AACo is investing in 
our people’s health and wellbeing. 
Safety and health, both physically 
and mentally, are of the utmost 
importance to everything we do. 

AACo promotes a strong 
community-based culture 
because we know that being 
part of a community is critical 
to creating a safe and healthy 
workplace. We recognise that 
agriculture has inherent risks 
as an industry, and we take 
this seriously.

Near miss reporting has  
been a key focus in building 
a strong reporting and 
learning culture, a key 
element of our 
safety discipline. 

Continued developing  
our frontline leaders,  
as we recognise how 
important this role is in 
leading and developing 
our safety culture.

Continued our  
behavioural safety  
program rollout “Switch 
On” to build safer habits 
and improve situational 
awareness of our  
workforce. 

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

Wellbeing, Health & Safety 

p.33

37% 

IMPROVEMENT  
IN LTIFR 

21% 

INJURY SEVERITY 
REDUCTION

Feature

Charities we support

Dolly’s Dream is one of the primary 
charities we support, along with  
The Royal Flying Doctor Service  
and Sober in the Country. Dolly’s 
Dream is dedicated to bringing the 
community together, spreading 
kindness and uniting in helping  
break the silence around bullying.

Our 1AA. safety brand 
defines our culture of care 
and also sets boundaries 
for us to work within.

We delivered several health 
and wellbeing programs 
within the business on 
topics such as ergonomics, 
nutrition, alcohol and 
men’s and women’s health.

Continued our  
site-specific hazard  
profile of assessments 
across our operations  
to understand our key 
hazards and provide 
education on mitigation, 
reducing the risk of 
potential harm to 
our workforce.

Continued to advocate  
the use of our employee 
support program.  
This program was 
tailor-made in consultation 
with Strive Occupational 
Rehabilitation, winning  
an award this year in  
the category of “best 
commitment to work 
health and wellbeing”  
from Worksafe Queensland. 

p.34

Craftsmanship

Craftsmanship

World class herd

The AACo Wagyu herd is based on the 
famous Westholme stud that contains  
the most highly credentialed fullblood 
Japanese Black Wagyu sires and  
breeding females. Our three major  
Wagyu bloodlines ensure the diversity  
of our herd, and produce reliably balanced, 
outstanding quality carcass every time.

Our flagship composite breed, the AACo 
Mitchell, thrive in northern Australia and 
are highly fertile and productive. 

Our composite cattle are renowned  
for their growth and ability to thrive  
in tropical and temperate production 
systems. The Mitchell was developed  
by combining the best of two legacy 
composites the Barkly Composite  
and the Gulf Composite.

Brahman and Brahman-cross breeds are  
a valuable part of AACo’s northern herd. 
They are a tough breed, with natural 
resistance to parasites and are highly 
suitable for tropical environments.

We run Australia’s largest herd  
of Wagyu cattle, producing  
high grade Wagyu beef that is 
exported around the world.

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

Craftsmanship

p.35

Feature

Our sophisticated Genetics and Breeding Program  
delivers our signature flavour and marbling.

AACo owns and operates one of 
Australia’s largest cattle herds, with 
around 433,000 head spread over  
our properties across Queensland  
and the Northern Territory. 

To protect our world class herd, and in 
the spirit of continuous improvement, 
AACo has developed one of the most 
sophisticated and disciplined internal 
genetics programs in Australia.  
A talented team of specialists  
manage a carefully synchronised 
process across the operations.

(TGRM), feed efficiency testing, 
walk-over weighing technologies  
and genomics. This also includes 
investing in reproductive technologies 
to accelerate the program.

Owning our cattle right through the 
supply chain gives us the ability to 
capture paddock, feedlot and carcass 
performance and link this directly  
into our breeding program decisions. 
Our current focus is to safeguard 
valuable genomics to risk manage  
and eradicate infectious diseases.

We employ technologies including 
performance recording and evaluation, 
Total Genetic Resource Management 

Our team continue to dedicate their 
efforts towards fully realising natural 
genetic improvements to achieve 

increased marbling, carcass  
quality, growth, feed efficiency  
and healthier cattle.

Animal welfare is always at the heart  
of their program and these genetic 
innovations are achieved through 
natural breeding techniques. Breeding 
animals without horns through the use 
of these genetic innovations is a key part 
of our commitment to animal welfare. 

All this important work serves to  
deliver our signature flavour and 
marbling. It takes craft, patience  
and great scientific expertise.

p.36

Our Sustainable Future

Our 
Sustainable 
Future

Reimagining agriculture and  
our relationship with nature.

This year, we have released the fourth 
account of our sustainability activities  
in the FY23 Sustainability Report.  
Our Sustainability Framework is the 
blue-print for our future, guiding  
our decisions and committing us  
to action. It is our roadmap and  
serves to guide how we measure  
our success. It is the benchmark  
we set ourselves and what our  
customers can expect of us. 

g Agricultu r e
ulture to meet the
anging world

h

inin

g
a
m
i
e
R

ric
f a c
g
g A
s o
d
e
e
n

n
i
p
a
h
S

Animal Health
& Welfare  

New approaches
to landscapes  

Future of Food

V a l u ing Nature
P r o t e c t i n g  the foundation of
t u r e   f o r   a better tomorrow
a
n

Pursuing
Circularity 

Climate 
Action

Regenerating
Nature  

Our Purpose
We’re evolving
together to
benefit future
generations   

Foundations

T

h

C

r

e

r

i

v

i

n

g

a
ti

n

f
o

g c

o

r c

Valuing 
People

Resilient
Communities  

First Nations
Partnerships  

o

n

m

n

e

m

c

u

t

i

n

o

C

o

m

m

i

n

t

i

a

e

n

s

d

t

o

o

t

p

h

p

r

i

v
e

o
r
t
u
n
i
t
y

u

n

i

t
i
e
s

Partnerships

Capital
Allocation  

Climate &
Nature Risk

Data Systems
& Reporting

Culture

Governance

Financial
sustainability 

Product 
safety & 
quality 

Human rights 
& an ethical 
supply chain  

Employee 
safety & 
wellbeing  
Responsible Business Fundamentals 

Business 
integrity &
Good Governance  

Committed to
 transparency 

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

 
 
 
 
 
Our Sustainable Future

p.37

Feature

Our Sustainability Team 
is moving us towards a 
nature positive future

Sustainability has been an integral 
part of our operations for more than 
25 years, when the first Rangelands 
Officer joined AACo. Today, the 
Sustainability team has grown to  
eight members, led by our Head of 
Environment and Sustainability, 
bringing together decades of 
experience in environmental science, 
sustainable beef production, 
rangelands management, carbon 
markets, geospatial sciences, 
agribusiness and animal health 
and welfare.

Our Rangelands Officers are still  
at the heart of our approach, with  
team members living and working  
on station side-by-side with our 
operations team. They drive our 
day-to-day pasture management, 
while forging new pathways for  
AACo to enter emerging Nature 
Repair Markets through landscape 
scale biodiversity and natural 
capital management. 

 Our expertise in carbon project 
development is opening opportunities 
for carbon sequestration and 
abatement across our landscape. 

Animal Health and Welfare advisors 
support our operations by driving 
continuous improvement in animal 
wellbeing across our supply chain. 

And together we are aligning with 
international reporting standards and 
guiding the execution of sustainability 
programs across the business.

p.38

Our Approach

Tackling the big issues.

We are aiming high, with bold ambitions that shape agriculture to  
meet the needs of a changing world, protect and respect the foundation 
of nature and help our communities thrive. To achieve this, we focus  
on our three pillars per the Sustainability Framework of reimagining 
agriculture, valuing nature and thriving communities.

Pillar

1

Reimagining  
Agriculture
By virtue of our size and integrated supply 
chain we are uniquely placed to realise the 
opportunity to meet increasing consumer 
demand for sustainably produced food 
from finite resources.

Pillar

2

Valuing  
Nature
Nature is fundamental to everything  
we do. We are taking concerted climate 
action, pursuing circularity across our 
operations and working to regenerate 
nature to protect and enhance key 
ecosystem services within our care.

Pillar
Pillar

3

Thriving  
Communities
Thriving communities are critical for  
the health, resilience, and fundamental 
future of our business. This ambition  
will be realised through the creation of 
connection and opportunity for our people 
within the communities we operate, 
including co-developed partnerships  
with the First Nations communities.

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

Our Sustainable Future

p.39

Sustainability Topics

We strive to be transparent and 
purposeful in our communication on 
sustainability and we are continually 
working to align with reporting 
best practices. 

In 2021 we engaged a third party to 
complete a materiality assessment  
to identify AACo’s most important 
environmental, social and economic 
topics. This year we have mapped these 
topics to the relevant topics within the 
GRI Sector Standard for Agriculture, 
Aquaculture and Fishing, which was 
released in January 2023. 

This provides consistency and 
comparability within our industry and 
alongside our peers, and further helps  
to guide our sustainability reporting. 

GRI Sector Topics

AACo Focus Areas

Emissions

Biodiversity

Water and  
effluents

•  Climate change and emissions
•  Renewable energy transition

•  Biodiversity and ecosystem
•  Air quality
•  Land management and  
sustainable farming

•  Water stewardship

Waste

•  Plastics, packaging and waste

Food safety

•  Food nutrition, quality and safety

Animal health  
and welfare

•  Animal health and welfare

Local communities

•  Community engagement

Rights of  
Indigenous  
Peoples

Non-discrimination  
and equal opportunity

Occupational health  
and safety

Supply chain  
traceability

•  First Nations engagement

•  Diversity and equal opportunity

•  Employee health, safety and wellbeing

•  Sourcing local raw materials
•  Responsible value chain management
•  Product provenance, traceability  

and transparency

Public policy

•  Climate and nature lobbying

Climate adaptation  
and resilience

Natural ecosystem  
conversion

• Climate change and emissions

• Biodiversity and ecosystem
• Land management and  
sustainable farming

p.40

Highlight

Stewards of Nature 

As stewards of 6.5 million hectares  
of land, we play an important role in 
protecting, restoring and maintaining 
Australia’s biodiversity. Maintaining high 
biodiversity and healthy ecosystems 
improves productivity, builds resilience, 
and helps to prepare for, mitigate and 
recover from the impacts of natural 
disasters and weather variability. 

Natural capital is an emerging  
form of value we are exploring.  
Whilst traditionally we have focused  
our land management and natural  
assets to support our livestock production, 
we are thinking differently about how  
we can combine livestock production  
with sustainable land management 
practices to build natural capital and 
biodiversity values across our landscapes. 

“ We continue to better understand the challenges of climate 
change and the impact of our business operations. But have a 
fierce determination to be a part of the solution and produce 
food in a way that benefits future generations.” 

David Harris, Managing Director and CEO

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

Our Sustainable Future

p.41

Our approach  
to land and nature 
management

We utilise several sustainable grazing  
and land management practices in our 
operations such as managing stocking 
rates to improve livestock production  
and land condition, resting pastures to 
maintain or restore their condition to 
increase pasture productivity, satellite 
assisted forage budgeting and using 
fencing and water points to manipulate 
grazing distribution. 

Pasture management 
Our Rangelands team works closely  
with station managers on pasture 
utilisation. In 2020, our team 
incorporated a satellite-based pasture 
biomass assessment tool developed by 
Cibo Labs. This provides a reliable 
measure of the standing pasture resource 
across an entire paddock as opposed 
 to single point visual estimates, 
significantly improving the accuracy  
of the calculations we make in assessing 
the available pasture for our cattle.  
We also have a managed approach to 
assessing and planning forage availability. 
Our forage budgeting tool assesses the 
available kilograms per hectare of pasture 
in proximity to water sources, enabling  
us to plan cattle movements to ensure a 
controlled pasture offtake. 

Land condition  
framework 
The Rangelands team use a land  
condition framework to inform the 
carrying capacity of each station over 
seasons long-term. The framework 
incorporates soil health, pasture health, 
land diversity, weed prevalence and  
woody thickening. It also assists in 
identifying highest priority area for  
land rehabilitation programs.

Sustainable stocking 
model 
Our sustainable stocking model focuses 
on setting stocking numbers in our 
breeding herds, aligned to long-term 
carrying capacity. The model considers 
the numbers of grazing animals a property 
can sustainably carry year in, year out 
without causing overgrazing or degrading 
landscape health. This approach to 
grazing enables us to improve land 
condition, increase productivity measures 
and to mitigate against seasonal risks. 

p.42

Financial  
Report

Contents

44  Directors’ Report
59  Remuneration Report (Audited)
75  Lead Auditor’s Independence Declaration
77  Consolidated Financial Statements

123  Directors’ Declaration
124  Independent Auditor’s Report
129  ASX Additional Information
131  Company Information

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

p.43

Financial Reportp.44

Directors’ Report
Your Directors submit their report for the year ended 31 March 2023.

Directors
The names and details of the Company’s Directors in office during the financial period and until the date of this report are set out in 
the following section. All Directors were in office for the entire period unless otherwise stated.

Donald McGauchie AO, FAICD  
(Chairman)

David Harris BRurSc  
(Managing Director and CEO)

Stuart Black AM, FCA, FAICD,  
BA (Accounting)

Mr McGauchie was appointed a Director of 
Australian Agricultural Company Limited 
on 19 May 2010 and subsequently Chairman 
on 24 August 2010.

His previous roles with public companies 
include Chairman of Telstra Corporation 
Limited, Chairman of NuFarm, Deputy 
Chairman of James Hardie, Director of 
GrainCorp Limited, Deputy Chairman  
of Ridley Corporation Limited, Director  
of National Foods Limited, Chairman of 
Woolstock, Chairman of the Victorian  
Rural Finance Corporation, Chairman  
of the Australian Wool Testing Authority, 
President of the National Farmers 
Federation from 1994 to 1998 and  
Director of Reserve Bank of Australia  
from 2000 to 2011.

In 2001, Mr McGauchie was named 
Rabobank Agribusiness Leader of the  
year and awarded the Centenary Medal  
for services to Australian society through 
agriculture and business.

In 2004 Mr McGauchie was appointed  
an Officer of the Order of Australia for 
services to the wool and grain industries.

Mr Harris was appointed Managing  
Director and Chief Executive Officer on 
27 September 2022. Prior to this 
appointment, Mr Harris held the position of 
Chief Operating Officer from March 2020, 
and had also worked with AACo from 2016  
in a contracted capacity reporting to the 
CEO and Board of Directors to improve 
operational aspects of the business.

With extensive supply chain experience 
across various aspects of Australian 
agriculture, Mr Harris has developed a  
broad depth of knowledge in the operation  
of large‑scale intensive animal production 
systems, having previously held executive 
positions with Stanbroke, Smithfield Cattle 
Co. and running a private agricultural 
consultancy business and family farming 
operations in central west New South Wales.

Mr Harris holds a Bachelor of Rural  
Science from the University of New England 
specialising in ruminant nutrition and 
meat science.

Mr Black was appointed a Director on 
5 October 2011. Mr Black is Chairman of the 
Audit and Risk Management Committee and 
a member of the Nomination Committee.

Mr Black has extensive experience in 
agribusiness. He is a non‑executive director 
of Noumi Limited, a former non‑executive 
director of Palla Pharma Limited, NetComm 
Wireless Limited, Coffey International 
Limited, and Country Education Foundation 
of Australia Limited, former Chairman of 
the Chartered Accountants Benevolent  
Fund Limited, and a past President of the 
Institute of Chartered Accountants of 
Australia. He was the inaugural Chair and  
is a past Board Member of the Australian 
Accounting Professional and Ethical 
Standards Board.

In 2012 he was appointed a Member of  
the Order of Australia for services to the 
profession of accounting, to ethical 
standards, as a contributor to professional 
organisations and the community.

During the past three years, Mr Black has 
served as a Director of the following 
listed companies:

•  Palla Pharma Limited – resigned  

April 2022.

•  Noumi Limited* – appointed 

March 2021.

* 

Denotes current Directorship.

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

p.45

Directors’ Report (cont.)

Directors (cont.)

Tom Keene BEc, FAICD
Mr Keene was appointed a Director  
on 5 October 2011 and retired during  
the current period, on 23 October 2022. 
During the period and up until his 
retirement, Mr Keene was Chairman of the 
Staff and Remuneration Committee and a 
member of the Nomination Committee.

Mr Keene had an extensive career in 
agriculture; he was the former Managing 
Director of GrainCorp Limited and was a 
Director of the leading Australian wood  
fibre exporter, Midway Limited. He was  
also the former Chairman of Grain Trade 
Australia Limited and a former Director  
of Cotton Seed Distributors Limited.

In 2007, Mr Keene was named the  
NAB Agribusiness Leader of the Year.

During the past three years Mr Keene  
had served as a Director of the following 
listed companies:

•  Midway Limited – retired 

28 November 2022.

Dr Shehan Dissanayake Ph.D.
Dr Shehan Dissanayake was appointed  
as a Director on 27 April 2012, and was  
an Executive Director from 11 April 2017  
to 20 November 2019. Dr Dissanayake  
is a senior Managing Director of the 
Tavistock Group.

Before joining Tavistock Group in 2002,  
Dr Dissanayake was a Managing Partner  
of Arthur Anderson.

He holds a Ph.D. in Pharmacological and 
Physiological Sciences from the University 
of Chicago.

During the past three years Dr Dissanayake 
has not served as a Director of any other 
listed company.

Anthony Abraham BEc LLB 
(Accountancy and Law)

Mr Abraham was appointed a Director  
on 7 September 2014. Mr Abraham is 
Chairman of the Staff and Remuneration 
Committee and a member of the Audit  
and Risk Management Committee and 
Nomination Committee.

Mr Abraham has over 30 years’ experience  
in banking, finance and investment 
management, including 20 years specifically 
in food and agriculture. Mr Abraham 
established Macquarie Group’s agricultural 
fund’s management business and is 
currently a member of ROC Partners’ food 
and agricultural investment team.

During the past three years Mr Abraham  
has not served as a Director of any other 
listed company.

Financial Reportp.46

Directors’ Report (cont.)

Directors (cont.)

Neil Reisman JD
Mr Reisman was appointed a Director on 
10 May 2016. He is a member of the Audit  
and Risk Management Committee and the 
Nomination Committee.

Mr Reisman has more than 30 years  
of business experience with emphasis  
on operations, legal, tax, investments  
and finance. He has worked at various 
multinational companies, including 
Tavistock Group, Arthur Andersen  
and Amoco Corporation.

He received his Juris Doctor in 1986 from  
the University of Pennsylvania Law School 
and his Bachelor of Science in Accountancy 
in 1983 from the University of Illinois.

During the past three years Mr Reisman  
has not served as a Director of any other 
listed company.

Sarah Gentry BEc, BCom
Ms Gentry was appointed a Director on 
24 October 2022. Ms Gentry is a member  
of the Audit, Risk and Management 
Committee and Nomination Committee.

Ms Gentry is a Vice President at the 
Tavistock Group where she manages 
investments in the food, agriculture, health 
and technology sectors. She has experience 
in finance, operations, investments and 
marketing. Ms Gentry holds a Bachelor of 
Economics and a Bachelor of Commerce 
from the University of Queensland. She is  
a member of Chartered Accountants 
Australia and New Zealand.

During the past three years Ms Gentry  
has not served as a Director of any other 
listed company.

Jessica Rudd BCom LLB (Hons)
Ms Rudd was appointed a Director on 
15 November 2017. Ms Rudd is a member  
of the Staff and Remuneration Committee, 
Nomination Committee and Brand, 
Marketing & Sales Committee.

In 2015, Ms Rudd founded Jessica’s  
Suitcase, an e‑commerce retail platform  
that offers high‑quality Australian products 
direct to Chinese consumers through online 
cross‑border channels. In 2018, Ms Rudd 
announced the sale of Jessica’s Suitcase  
to eCargo Holdings (ASX:ECG), on whose 
board she served as a non‑executive director 
until 2020.

Ms Rudd has served on the Griffith 
University Council since January 2020  
and was appointed co‑chair of the National 
Apology Foundation in 2021. As of March 
2023, Ms Rudd has served as Pro‑Chancellor 
(People, Nominations and Remuneration) 
Griffith University.

Beginning her career as a media and 
intellectual property lawyer, Ms Rudd later 
worked in London as a crisis management 
consultant for a global communications firm 
before moving to Beijing, where she lived  
and worked for five years.

Ms Rudd served as Australia and 
New Zealand Lifestyle Ambassador for  
the Alibaba Group from 2016 until 2020.  
She holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons)/
Bachelor of Commerce from Griffith 
University and was admitted to the  
Supreme Court of Queensland as a solicitor 
in 2007. She was awarded the Griffith 
University Arts, Education and Law 
Alumnus of the Year in 2013.

During the past three years Ms Rudd  
has served as a Director of the following 
listed companies:

• 

eCargo Holdings – resigned 
22 January 2020.

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

p.47

Directors’ Report (cont.)

Directors (cont.)

Earlier in his career, Mr Blazer was an 
advisor to members of Congress in both  
the US House of Representatives and  
Senate on tax matters, banking and 
securities legislation, international trade 
policy, and foreign relations.

Mr Blazer earned a graduate degree from the 
London School of Economics in 1992, and a 
BA from the University of Maryland in 1990.

During the past three years Mr Blazer  
has not served as a Director of any other 
listed company.

Company Secretary

Bruce Bennett BCom, LLB, AGIA 
ACG (CS, CGP)

Mr Bennett was appointed Company 
Secretary and General Counsel in November 
2006. Before joining the Company, he held 
positions including partner and special 
counsel in leading law firms, where he 
specialised in company and property law, 
mergers and acquisitions, and other 
commercial contracts. 

He has over 30 years’ experience in  
legal practice, having practised in both 
Queensland and New South Wales.  
Bruce has been a Chartered Secretary since 
2005 and is a member of the Chartered 
Governance Institute and an Associate of 
the Governance Institute of Australia.

Marc Blazer MSc (LSE), BA (UMD)
Mr Blazer was appointed a Director on 
31 July 2019. Mr Blazer is Chairman of the 
Brand, Marketing & Sales Committee and  
a member of the Nomination Committee.

Mr Blazer is a leader in the international 
tourism and hospitality sector. Mr Blazer  
is currently the Chairman and CEO of 
Overture Holdings, a consumer, food & 
beverage, and hospitality investment  
group. From 2013 until 2020, he was the 
co‑owner and Chairman of the Board of 
Noma Holdings, the parent company of 
world‑renowned restaurant noma based  
in Copenhagen; co‑founder and Executive 
Chairman of New York based PRIOR,  
a global hospitality and travel company;  
and Co‑founder and Director of Ahimsa 
Partners, a venture that invests in, licenses, 
owns, and operates hospitality ventures 
in India.

In addition to his consumer and hospitality 
business activities, Mr Blazer has also had 
an extensive career in capital markets. 
Before becoming Chairman of Overture 
Holdings, he was a partner and the global 
head of investment banking at Cantor 
Fitzgerald. During his tenure, he was  
named one of Investment Dealer’s Digests 
40‑under‑40 in 2006. While at Cantor, he 
was on the advisory board of Enertech, a 
clean energy venture fund. Prior to joining 
Cantor Fitzgerald, Mr. Blazer spent six years 
at ChaseMellon Financial Corp. (now Bank 
of New York Mellon), a joint venture between 
Chase Manhattan Corporation and Mellon 
Financial Group LLC.

Financial Reportp.48

Directors’ Report (cont.)

Interests in the Shares and Options of the Company and  
Related Bodies Corporate
As at the date of this report, the interests of the Directors in the shares, options and performance rights of the Company were:

Current Non‑executive Directors

D. McGauchie

S. Black

Dr S. Dissanayake

A. Abraham

N. Reisman

J. Rudd

M. Blazer

S. Gentry

Current Executive Directors

D. Harris

Dividends and earnings per share

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

Ordinary 
Shares

Options Over 
Ordinary 
Shares

Performance 
Rights

1,120,774

40,000

2,025,000

30,000

45,000

32,258

–

9,261

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

518,396

31 Mar 2023  
Cents

31 Mar 2022 
Cents

0.77

0.77

22.94

22.92

No final or interim dividends were declared or paid during the current and prior financial periods.

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

Directors’ Report (cont.)

p.49

Operating and Financial Review
About AACo
The Australian Agricultural Company (AACo) is an Australian beef company with a heritage dating back to 1824. AACo is one  
of Australia’s largest, integrated cattle and beef producers, and is the oldest continuously operating company in Australia.

AACo’s Business Activities
AACo controls a strategic balance of properties, feedlots, farms and a processing facility comprising around 6.5 million hectares  
of land and specialises in high‑quality beef production.

AACo’s Business Model
AACo is a fully integrated branded beef business with three principal activities:

•  Sales and marketing of high‑quality branded beef into global markets;

•  Production of beef including breeding, backgrounding and feedlotting; and

•  Ownership, operation and development of pastoral properties.

AACo operates an integrated cattle production system across 19 owned cattle stations, 4 leased stations, 2 owned feedlots, 2 owned 
farms and 1 leased farm, located throughout Queensland and the Northern Territory.

AACo distributes branded beef to a range of customers across the world, tailoring its route‑to‑market model by country to capitalise 
on regional opportunities. The Company is large enough to obtain scale efficiencies but small enough to ensure the highest of 
production standards and produce some of the finest quality beef in the world.

Key Financial Indicators Used by Management
The following table summarises financial indicators used by Management to monitor and manage the Company. Operating Profit  
is one of the key performance metrics of the Company. It assumes all livestock inventory is valued on a $/kg live‑weight (LW) basis  
and is derived by adjusting statutory EBITDA to substitute the movement in livestock at market value with the movement at cost of 
production. Management therefore believe that external stakeholders benefit from this metric being reported, as it is a better 
reflection of actual financial performance under their control.

Operating Profit, Statutory EBIT and Statutory EBITDA are unaudited, non‑IFRS financial information. Discussion on drivers of 
movements in key financial indicators are included in the Sales & Marketing, Production and Statutory Financial Results sections below.

Meat sales

Cattle sales

Operating Profit

Statutory EBITDA

Statutory EBIT

Net profit after tax

Net cash inflow from operating activities

31 Mar 2023 
$000

31 Mar 2022 
$000

Movements 
$000

245,043

68,381

67,385

49,051

25,273

4,611

16,033

208,529

67,538

49,886

228,611

208,770

136,930

24,248

36,514

843

17,499

(179,560)

(183,497)

(132,319)

(8,215)

Operating Profit does not include unrealised livestock gains or losses, while Statutory EBITDA does include these. A reconciliation  
of Operating Profit to Statutory EBITDA is included in Note A5 to the financial statements.

Statutory EBITDA is earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation, and gain/loss on equity investments.

Financial Reportp.50

Directors’ Report (cont.)

Operating and Financial Review (cont.)

Sales and Marketing
In FY23, Wagyu beef revenues improved whilst volumes remained materially consistent, driven by average sales $/kg increases on 
FY22, consistent with the Company’s branded beef strategy, strategic product allocation and general market conditions.

Wagyu beef revenue – $ mil

Wagyu beef kgs sold – mil kg CW(1)

Wagyu beef sold – $/kg CW

Cattle revenue – $ mil

Cattle sales – mil kg LW(1)

31 Mar 2023

31 Mar 2022

241.0

11.0

$21.98

68.4

16.2

203.8

10.9

$18.74

67.5

17.3

(1)  CW – carton weight containing saleable boxed meat, LW – Live animal weight.

Production
Kilograms produced is a measure of the number of kilograms of live weight of cattle grown throughout the breeding, backgrounding 
and feedlot operations of the Company during the period, excluding the offsetting impact of attrition kilograms. Kilograms produced 
has increased 19% on the previous corresponding period, resulting from higher calving rates in the current year primarily due to 
improved seasonal conditions and herd growth on the prior year.

Cost of production is a measure of the operating costs to produce a kilogram of live weight of cattle throughout the breeding, 
backgrounding and feedlot operations of the Company during the period. This calculation is the sum of all annual production costs 
incurred at each of the Company’s productive properties, divided by the number of total live weight kilograms produced. Cost of 
production has realised a 2% reduction on the previous corresponding period, primarily due to higher kilograms produced, with 
improved seasonal conditions.

Kilograms produced – mil kg LW

Cost of production – $/kg LW

31 Mar 2023

31 Mar 2022

63.4

$2.77

53.3

$2.82

Operating Review
During FY23, the Company continued to execute its strategy. Optimisation of allocations to markets and channels, as well as market 
price increases, resulted in a 18% increase in Wagyu beef sales revenue with materially consistent volumes sold. The strength of our 
brand premium continued to grow, with an incremental $3.24/kg average meat selling price, up 17% on the prior year notwithstanding 
the challenges of changing macroeconomic conditions within the regions we market and sell our products, including shifting supply 
dynamics and inflationary pressures.

Operational expenditures are higher due to inflationary impacts on input costs, as well as investment in our key strategic pillars to 
deliver the full potential from our brands, execute on our sustainability framework and develop our assets.

Livestock Movements

Livestock carrying values are materially in line with the prior year, with market price declines on both Non‑Wagyu and Wagyu 
livestock, offset by an increased herd size.

The herd headcount has improved due to increased brandings from the Company’s internal breeding program. The Company 
continues to benefit from its integrated supply chain, with a predominantly self‑sustaining herd, and has the ability to adapt its 
holdings within a sustainable carrying capacity to meet its strategic requirements.

Market values of Non‑Wagyu and Wagyu animals have declined significantly over the past year, leading to a $112.0 million market 
value decline on cattle values at the FY23 year‑end. This change in market price is driven by market dynamics, and is an unrealised 
mark‑to‑market adjustment on our herd. Our herd is primarily held for the production of beef and therefore the majority are not 
disposed of through the market sales process.

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

p.51

Directors’ Report (cont.)

Operating and Financial Review (cont.)
Operating Review (cont.)

Property

Property values continue to see growth, and during FY23 the Company recorded a net $294.2 million increase in the fair value  
of the Company’s Pastoral Property and Improvements, bringing the value of this portfolio to $1.5 billion as at 31 March 2023.  
This significant increase is a reflection of substantial market increases seen in comparable property sales, as well as the continued 
investment in maintaining the quality of these assets.

Consistent with prior years, the Company reflects potential risks and impacts of climate change as part of the valuation methodology, 
by ensuring the pastoral property values are based on a long‑term view of sustainable carrying capacity and rates applied that reflect 
sustainable management practices.

Statutory Financial Results
The FY23 results include a Statutory EBITDA profit of $49.1 million, driven by improvements in both average cattle and meat sales 
prices on similar volumes, despite a market value decrease in the value of the herd.

In summary:

•  Total sales revenue of $313.4 million, compared with $276.1 million in FY22, with higher average prices achieved on both meat  

and cattle sales. Meat sales volumes were materially in line with prior year, and cattle sales volumes were down 6%;

•  Operating Profit of $67.4 million, compared with an Operating Profit of $49.9 million in FY22;

•  Statutory EBITDA profit of $49.1 million, compared with a Statutory EBITDA profit of $228.6 million for FY22;

•  Positive net operating cash flows of $16.0 million, compared with $24.2 million in FY22;

•  Cost of production has realised a 2% reduction on the previous corresponding period, primarily due to higher kilograms produced, 

with improved seasonal conditions;

•  Average Wagyu meat sales price per kilogram has increased by 17% in FY23; and

•  The Company maintains a robust balance sheet, with comfortable headroom under existing bank covenants.

Net Tangible Assets
The Company’s net tangible assets per share was $2.59 as at 31 March 2023, compared to $2.27 as at 31 March 2022, primarily driven 
by increases in the market value of Pastoral Property and Improvements.

Risk Management
As an international branded beef business with an integrated supply chain, AACo faces various risks which could have a material 
impact on its future strategy and financial performance.

The nature, likelihood, timing and potential impact of risks are not static and are impacted by the Company’s ability to manage and 
mitigate these risks. It is possible for several relatively minor risks to converge into a new risk that was unforeseen and is material  
to the business. We concentrate our risk planning on those risks relating to factors that management can measure and reasonably 
control, and consider mitigation strategies if available.

AACo faces some material risks that cannot be mitigated by preventative strategies. In such instances the Company’s approach is to 
recognise the risk and have action plans in place to respond effectively if or when the risk crystallises. Some risks may crystalise in 
ways which present opportunities for AACo. A strong balance sheet is a foundational element that prepares AACo to manage risks or 
act on opportunities.

As noted in the Board Charter, overall accountability for risk management lies with AACo’s Board. The AACo Risk Management 
Framework and risk appetite are reviewed and approved annually by the Board. The Audit and Risk Management Committee assists 
the Board in its oversight of risk management. Responsibility for establishing and implementing the risk management framework and 
for implementing the internal controls and processes to manage risk is delegated to the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer 
with the Executive Leadership Team. Management monitor our strategic and tactical environment for new and emerging risks on a 
continual basis. Further information on risk management can be found in the Risk Management Policy and Audit & Risk Management 
Committee Charter on the Company website.

Financial Reportp.52

Directors’ Report (cont.)

Operating and Financial Review (cont.)
Risk Management (cont.)

Below is an outline of risks which AACo faces with the execution of its strategy and its operations; this outline is not exhaustive and 
risks are not presented in order of materiality.

Business Risk

Description

Mitigation/Management

Extreme  
weather events  
and seasonal  
risk

Biosecurity

Health and  
safety

Animal health  
and welfare

Customer  
and market 
concentration  
risk

Adverse weather conditions have historically 
caused variability in the agricultural sector.  
As custodians of 1% of Australia’s land mass, AACo 
has exposure to a range of climate‑related weather 
events including drought, floods, fire and extreme 
heat. The occurrence of extreme weather events  
can affect the Company’s supply chain, leading to 
unforeseen changes in meat production, cattle and 
Wagyu beef sales, and result in additional capital 
expenditure requirements and/or production costs.

An outbreak of animal disease in Australia could 
significantly impact the Australian cattle industry. 
Australia’s international trade status for cattle and 
beef products depends on its disease‑free status. 
Trade controls imposed by international markets 
because of an animal disease outbreak in Australia 
may adversely impact revenue.

The health and welfare of our people is of foremost 
importance to the Company, however AACo’s employees 
and contractors work in a kinetic environment where 
there is an inherent safety risk. The Company 
recognises the risk of a serious injury or fatality 
occurring, the impact it would have on the employee and 
their family and the likelihood it would have adverse 
reputational, operational, and financial impacts.

AACo manages a significant number of animals  
as part of its ongoing operations, and the health  
and welfare of these animals is of the utmost 
importance to the Company. The risk of the 
mistreatment, mishandling or abuse of any  
animal is managed as a strategic and operational 
imperative. An event related to actual or claimed 
animal health and welfare issues could cause 
substantial harm to the Company’s reputation, 
brands, and financial performance.

The Company is conscious of these climatic  
factors and invests in mitigation where possible. 
AACo’s geographically dispersed property  
portfolio assists in balancing these risks. 
Consideration of seasonal risks is incorporated  
into ongoing operations as well as budgeting and 
operational planning.

AACo is working closely with industry associations, 
external advisors, as well as the federal, state and 
territory governments to ensure the Company is 
obtaining the latest information and advice.

AACo’s biosecurity plans are continuously reviewed 
and updated, to monitor and mitigate risks to our 
supply chain from the potential spread of diseases 
across the industry. The Company has established 
offshore storage locations for its genetic materials 
to safeguard its lineages.

AACo’s 1AA Safety strategy is the foundation of the 
Company’s strategic plan and makes physical and 
mental health an operational imperative. Risk and 
hazard identification, mitigation and management 
strategies are employed at all times and across the 
Company’s properties and operations.

AACo’s Animal Health and Welfare (AHW) 
Committee oversees operations to ensure animal 
care and handling follows best practice methods. 
AACo aligns with and seeks to exceed the high 
standards and practices of the industry in 
Northern Australia.

A significant portion of AACo’s meat sales are 
concentrated with a small number of customers  
and markets, as detailed in Note A5 of the Financial 
Statements. Sudden variations in demand, such as 
the sudden loss of a key customer, loss of market 
access, or changes in foreign market herd dynamics 
impacting in‑market beef supply, may have an 
adverse impact on financial performance of the 
Company as alternative routes to market may 
generate lower margins.

AACo has strong relationships with its distributors, 
many of which have significant scale and presence 
in their respective markets. This distributor 
network is also geographically dispersed, giving 
AACo the ability to rebalance market allocations in 
the event that specific customers or markets are 
disrupted. Coupled with a sustained global demand 
for beef, this network gives us flexibility to adapt to 
market dynamics, even when they occur suddenly 
as happened with COVID‑19.

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

p.53

Directors’ Report (cont.)

Operating and Financial Review (cont.)
Risk Management (cont.)

Business Risk

Description

Mitigation/Management

Consumer 
perception, taste 
and preferences

The majority of AACo’s revenue is derived from the 
sale of branded Wagyu beef, which is purchased by 
discerning members of the public due to its quality, 
provenance and taste.

A change in consumer preferences which moves 
demand towards grass‑fed beef, organic beef or 
alternative beef could adversely impact 
financial performance.

Meat substitutes may impact the demand for beef 
over time. Plant‑based substitutes are coming to 
market with mixed success. In addition, progress  
is being made in cultured beef which, though not 
currently of the same quality as natural beef and  
not price competitive, may improve over time as  
the technology is refined for production at scale. 
Increased media focus on such protein alternates 
and health consequences could lead to changes in 
consumer demand which may have an adverse 
impact on financial performance of the Company.

Transactional commodity price risks exist in  
the sale of cattle and beef. Other commodity price 
exposures include feed inputs for our feedlot 
operations and operational costs such as fuel. 
Commodity pricing is influenced by a number  
of factors including climatic conditions 
and geopolitics.

AACo relies on internal resources and third‑party 
technology providers to support its IT operations.  
A cyber‑attack could disrupt operations and/or 
result in unauthorised exposure of personal and 
commercial data, potentially causing 
reputational damage.

Commodity  
pricing

Cyber risk

Debt obligations

AACo’s debt facilities are subject to financial 
covenants over Loan to Value Ratio (LVR). If the 
Company fails to maintain these covenants it’s  
debt may become callable.

Global beef consumption by volume and on a  
per capita basis, has been steadily increasing for 
decades and is forecast by the OECD to continue  
to grow due to population growth and rising 
standards of living.

AACo will continue to monitor consumer 
preferences, including emerging technology  
and product development, but at this stage do  
not perceive meat alternatives as a serious  
threat to AACo’s business model and strategy.

For feedlot commodities, price risk is mitigated 
where possible through internal production,  
on‑site storage & entering into forward purchase 
contracts. Purchases of commodities may be for a 
period of up to 12 months.

A robust information technology monitoring  
and security program is in place to proactively 
manage and mitigate threats from malicious and 
unintended breaches of the Company’s information, 
infrastructure, and systems. This includes a  
Cyber Crisis response plan and undertaking  
regular threat testing.

The Company sets gearing ratios and safety 
thresholds to ensure no breach occurs. LVR is 
monitored regularly to ensure sufficient headroom 
is maintained under its current Club Debt Facility. 
The Company’s strategic asset base of Pastoral 
Property and Improvements and livestock provides 
significant headroom under current and foreseeable 
drawn debt levels. Strategic decisions regarding 
Company assets are considered with regards to 
implications on the Company’s LVR, to mitigate  
the risk of financial covenants being breached.

Financial Reportp.54

Directors’ Report (cont.)

Operating and Financial Review (cont.)
Risk Management (cont.)

Business Risk

Description

Mitigation/Management

Macro‑economic 
conditions risk

A significant global economic slowdown, or 
recession in key markets and regions, may impact 
demand for AACo’s product if consumers draw  
back on discretionary spending. This may put 
pressure on market pricing for AACo’s product  
and adversely impact margins.

Food industry risk

Pandemic risk

Insurance risk

A significant majority of AACo’s revenue is derived 
from the sale of branded Wagyu beef for human 
consumption. The risk of spoilage or contamination 
in this product exists. While AACo uses the 
services of third‑party meat processors and 
typically exits the value chain before it reaches the 
end consumer, such an incident has the potential  
to harm the Company’s premium branding which 
could lead to a loss of revenue.

Global or regional pandemic events may impact 
economic activity, consumer habits and supply 
chains across the world. The COVID‑19 pandemic 
disrupted the food service industry world‑wide,  
and its impact continues to be felt in supply chains 
and commodity prices. Whilst the Company has 
been able to successfully manage the impact of 
COVID‑19 to date, further waves or the emergence 
of a new pandemic has the potential to impact the 
financial performance of the Company.

AACo maintains insurance coverage in respect  
of its businesses, properties and assets. Some risks 
are not able to be insured at acceptable prices. 
Insurance coverage may not be sufficient and  
if there is an event causing loss, it may be that  
not all financial losses will be recoverable.

AACo’s scale makes it adaptable. This was 
demonstrated at the start of COVID‑19, where  
retail and direct‑to‑consumer channels allowed  
the Company to manage the sudden and severe 
impact the pandemic had on food services.

While the Company derives the majority of its 
revenue from premium food service, it can access 
and supply other product tiers and channels.  
The ability to produce premium beef at scale and 
competitive cost gives the Company the ability  
to capture consumer preference even under 
conditions where global beef supply may exceed 
demand in certain segments, such as a recession.

The Company applies strict animal health controls 
on its pastoral operations and in its feedlots, and 
this risk is managed in meat processing plants 
through the HACCP (Hazard Analysis and  
Critical Control Point) accreditation and audits.

AACo monitors its product for the majority of 
supply chain, allowing the Company to maintain its 
own exacting standards for the handling of product.

AACo’s scale makes it adaptable to significant 
global events such as a pandemic. The Company’s 
global distribution network gives the flexibility  
to access alternative channels and routes to  
market. This was demonstrated at the start  
of the COVID‑19 pandemic where retail and 
direct‑to‑consumer channels allowed the  
Company to manage the sudden and severe  
impact of the pandemic on food services.

AACo structures its insurance program such that 
material risks closest to our customers and revenue 
are insured, minimising the risk of unrecoverable 
financial loss arising from disruptions in the 
terminal end of the Company’s supply chain,  
where significant investment is concentrated  
from a cost of production perspective.

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

p.55

Directors’ Report (cont.)

Operating and Financial Review (cont.)
Risk Management (cont.)

Business Risk

Description

Mitigation/Management

Renewal  
of pastoral  
leases

Regulatory  
risk

Climate  
change and  
climate 
 transition

Land held under pastoral leases and similar  
forms of Crown leasehold in Queensland and the 
Northern Territory comprise a substantial portion 
of the assets of the Company. Leasehold properties 
in Queensland are mainly pastoral holdings which 
are rolling term leases with right of renewal.  
The Northern Territory pastoral leases held by 
AACo have been granted in perpetuity. In the 
unlikely event that these leases are not resumed;  
or future legislation in either Queensland or the 
Northern Territory changes the status or conditions 
of these leases, AACo’s financial performance  
may be adversely affected.

There is always a potential for legislative impost to 
impact the Company through altering production 
processes or restricting access to certain markets. 

A potential emergent example would be legislated 
carbon reduction requirements on the cattle 
industry. Whilst Australia has signed the Global 
Methane Pledge, the impact on AACo is unknown  
at the date of this report. There is uncertainty over 
the future carbon pricing mechanisms in important 
markets such as the EU, and the extent to which  
this could be applied to agricultural products  
and supported tariff barriers to hold imports on 
equal footing with domestic industries.

Climate change may affect AACo through  
physical risks (such as rising average temperatures 
and changed rainfall patterns) and transitional 
risks (such as carbon economies and regulatory 
changes in Australia and key markets) and may 
have a significant impact on AACo’s operating 
environment and strategy. The Company 
recognises the potential for these changes to  
occur and have a high impact, however this is  
an emerging risk where we don’t clearly perceive  
its full dimensions.

There is no history in Australia of pastoral leases 
not being renewed in the normal course of events.

Our approach to sustainability demonstrates  
our commitment to ensuring the proactive 
management of climate and nature related risks; 
one of AACo’s five strategic pillars. We are 
committed to developing and implementing new 
technologies and methodologies for abatement and 
sequestration of methane and carbon emissions and 
enhancing our sustainability metrics and reporting.

The impact of climate change and transition may 
present both risks and opportunities for AACo.

The Company is conscious of these climatic factors 
and invests in mitigation where possible. AACo’s 
vast and geographically dispersed property 
portfolio assists in minimising these risks and 
allows the Company to explore opportunities for 
alternative revenue streams such as carbon capture 
in the future. The Company is actively investing  
in new technologies and methods which seek to 
mitigate the potential impacts of climate change 
and transition.

The strength of AACo’s balance sheet positions it to adapt to strategic risks and capture strategic opportunities as emerging climate 
and transition risks crystallise and impacts become more clearly perceived.

Business Strategies, Likely Developments and Expected Results
The Board has reiterated its commitment to increasing shareholder value. To achieve this outcome, the Company continues to focus 
on the efficiency and effectiveness of the end‑to‑end supply chain, improvement and development of its extensive Pastoral assets.  
The commenced expansion of our intensive capacity provides the opportunity to further improve earnings from premium branded 
beef through extensive global distribution networks.

Financial Reportp.56

Directors’ Report (cont.)

Significant Changes in the State of Affairs
There have been no significant changes in the state of affairs of the Company during the financial year.

Significant Events After Balance Sheet Date
There have been no significant events after the balance sheet date which require disclosure in the financial report.

Environmental Regulation and Performance
Some regulated areas of operation are:

•  The operations of Goonoo and Aronui Feedlots are regulated by licences issued under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (Qld) 
and administered by the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAFF). Each feedlot is required to report to the 
National Pollution Inventory each year with respect to water, air and soil quality. DAFF conducts audits of compliance with 
licence requirements at regular intervals.

The Company recorded no breaches of licence requirements in the year to 31 March 2023.

•  The pumping of water from the Comet River for irrigation and feedlot use at Goonoo Station is subject to licensing under the 

Sustainable Planning Act 1997 (Qld) and the Water Act 2000 (Qld). Regulations specify minimum water flows and heights in the 
river to allow sufficient environmental flows. Goonoo Station and Wylarah Station have licences to harvest water for irrigation 
purposes. The pumping of underground water for the prescribed purpose of ‘Livestock Intensive’ requires licensing, and regular 
reporting and monitoring. The Company has several licences allowing this pumping subject to these regulations and conditions 
being met.

•  The Company holds other water access rights in the Gulf region of Queensland that currently remain unused; however, should the 
Company begin to access water under these licenses, the pumping of water under these licenses would be subject to regulations 
under the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (QLD) and the Water Act 2000 (Qld).

•  Stock watering facilities which utilise bores require licensing in Queensland and registration in the Northern Territory.

•  Stock water facilities shared with Queensland Stock Routes are administered by local governments, guided by legislation and 

framework developed by the Queensland Government. Shared water facilities need to comply with registered Stock Route water 
agreement requirements. A Permit to Occupy is also required if this facility is unfenced within a station grazing area.

•  Vegetation Clearing Permits are sought under the Vegetation Management Act 1999 (Qld) for any clearing required for ongoing 
operations including but not limited to the development of areas for land use change and the installation of infrastructure such  
as fence lines and water development.

•  The Company continues to be involved in consultation processes; for example, in the areas of Water Resource Planning,  

Wild Rivers legislation and the conversion of land titles in relevant areas.

•  The Company must abide by environmental and other obligations contained in Queensland’s State Rural Leasehold Land  

Strategy in respect of the Company’s pastoral leasehold interests in Queensland. The State Rural Leasehold Land Strategy is a 
framework of legislation, policies and guidelines supporting the environmentally sustainable, productive use of rural leasehold 
land for agribusiness.

•  Northern Australian Beef Limited (NABL), a wholly‑owned subsidiary of the Company, owns the Livingstone Beef Processing 
Facility and land at Livingstone Farm, Noonamah, Stuart Highway, Northern Territory. NABL holds, and must comply with an 
Environmental Protection Licence (EPL) under the Waste Management and Pollution Control Act (NT) for the storage, treatment, 
recycling and disposal of waste in connection with the facility.

The EPL contains stringent and detailed environmental requirements overseen by the Northern Territory Environment 
Protection Authority (NT EPA). NABL and the NT EPA continue to work together constructively to monitor compliance with 
the EPL.

There have been no known breaches of compliance with environmental regulations during the year ended 31 March 2023.

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

 
 
p.57

Directors’ Report (cont.)

Share Options
Unissued Shares
As at the date of this report, there were 3,388,776 unissued ordinary shares under performance rights. There are no unissued  
ordinary shares under options.

Performance rights holders do not have any right, by virtue of the performance right, to participate in any share issue of the  
Company or any related body corporate or in the interest issue of any other registered scheme.

Shares Issued as a Result of the Exercise of Options
During and since the end of the financial period, there were no options exercised to acquire shares in the Company.

The Company’s Performance Rights Plan has been in place since 2011 for incentive awards comprising performance rights.  
The performance rights will remain until such time as they are either exercised or the rights lapse.

There were nil shares issued on exercise of performance rights under the AACo Performance Rights Plan during the year.

Indemnification and Insurance of Directors and Officers
Under the Company’s Constitution, each of the Company’s Directors, the Company Secretary and every other person who is an  
officer is indemnified for any liability to the full extent permitted by law.

The Company’s Constitution also provides for the Company to indemnify each of the Company’s Directors, the Company Secretary 
and every other person who is an officer to the maximum extent permitted by law, for legal costs and expenses incurred in defending 
civil or criminal proceedings.

Each Director has entered into a Deed of Access, Insurance and Indemnity, which provides for indemnity against liability as a 
Director, except to the extent of indemnity under an insurance policy or where prohibited by statute. The Deed also entitles the 
Director to access Company documents and records, subject to confidentiality undertakings.

The Company maintains Director’s and Officer’s insurance policies, to insure the Company’s Directors, Company Secretary  
and those Directors and officers of its subsidiaries. The Company has paid or has agreed to pay the premium for these policies.

The terms of the insurance contracts prohibit the Company from disclosing the level of premium paid and the nature of the 
liabilities insured.

Corporate Governance Statement
The Company’s Corporate Governance Statement sets out the corporate governance framework adopted by the Board of  
Australian Agricultural Company Limited. This statement is publicly available on the Company’s external website:  
www.aaco.com.au/investors‑media/corporate‑governance.

Board Skills Matrix
The aim of the Board Skills Matrix is to set out the mix of skills that the Board currently has and is looking to achieve. It is a summary 
of the Company’s internal assessments of the Board. Information is obtained from a Director review of skills and competencies 
completed for each Director. This information is summarised into the Board Skills Matrix.

Financial Reportp.58

Directors’ Report (cont.)

Corporate Governance Statement (cont.)
Board Skills Matrix (cont.)

The Board recognises that each Director will not necessarily possess experience in all areas relevant to the Company’s operations  
and therefore seeks to ensure that its membership includes an appropriate mix of Directors with skills, knowledge and experience  
in agriculture, other relevant industry sectors, general management and finance. A summary of the Board’s skills, knowledge and 
experience is set out in the table below.

Skill/Knowledge/Experience

Leadership and Governance

Organisational Governance

Strategy

Government Relations

Previous ASX NED Experience

Operations

Environment, Health and Safety

Work Health and Safety Committee Experience

Sustainability

Agribusiness

Farmer or Producer

Innovation

Information Technology

Sectoral Experience

Livestock

Beef Manufacturing

Sales

Branding and Marketing

Finance, Capital Management and Risk

Formal Accounting and Finance Qualifications (CPA or CA)

Capital Restructuring

Audit Committee Experience

Legal

People

People and Culture

Remuneration Committee Experience

Geographic Experience

International Markets

Asian Markets

USA Markets

(1)   Includes the MD/CEO.

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

Out of 9 Directors(1)

9

9

8

5

8

5

4

6

3

9

5

6

4

6

7

5

7

6

6

9

4

8

7

8

p.59

Directors’ Report (cont.)

Remuneration Report (Audited)
This remuneration report for the year ended 31 March 2023 outlines the remuneration arrangements of the Company in accordance 
with the requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 (the Act) and its regulations. This information has been audited as required by 
section 308(3C) of the Act.

The remuneration report details the remuneration arrangements for Key Management Personnel (KMP) of the Company, who  
are defined as those persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the major activities of the 
Company and the Group, directly or indirectly, including any Director (whether executive or otherwise) of the Company.

For the purposes of this report, the term ‘executive’ encompasses the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO),  
senior executives and Company Secretary of the Company and the Group.

The remuneration report is presented under the following sections:

1. 

Individual Key Management Personnel (KMP) disclosures

2.  Executive remuneration framework (overview)

3.  Executive contractual arrangements

4.  Remuneration of Key Management Personnel – Executives

5.  Link between remuneration and performance

6.  Board oversight of remuneration

7.  Non‑Executive Director (NED) remuneration arrangements

8.  Equity instruments disclosures

9.  Shareholdings and other mandatory disclosures

1. Individual Key Management Personnel
Details of KMP of the Company are set out in the following sections.

(i) Directors

D. McGauchie

Chairman, Non‑executive Director

Independent

Dr S. Dissanayake

Non‑executive Director

S. Gentry

S. Black

A. Abraham

N. Reisman

J. Rudd

M. Blazer

Non‑executive Director

Non‑executive Director

Non‑executive Director

Non‑executive Director

Non‑executive Director

Non‑executive Director

Non‑Independent(1)

Non‑Independent(1)

Independent

Independent

Independent(2)

Independent

Independent

Appointed 19 May 2010

Appointed 27 April 2012

Appointed 24 October 2022

Appointed 5 October 2011

Appointed 7 September 2014

Appointed 10 May 2016

Appointed 15 November 2017

Appointed 31 July 2019

(1)  These Directors of the Company were determined to be non‑independent.

(2)  On 16 November 2022 Mr Reisman was assessed to be an independent Director.

(ii) Non‑independent Directors

Dr S. Dissanayake

Dr S. Dissanayake is not considered independent as he is an officer of Tavistock Group which controls the 
AA Trust which is a major 51.088% shareholder of the Company

S. Gentry

Ms S. Gentry is not considered independent as she is an officer of Tavistock Group which controls the 
AA Trust which is a major 51.088% shareholder of the Company

Financial Reportp.60

Directors’ Report (cont.)

Remuneration Report (Audited) (cont.)
1. Individual Key Management Personnel (cont.)

(iii) Directors who resigned, retired or otherwise ceased employment during the period

T. Keene

Non‑executive Director

Independent

Retired 23 October 2022

(iv) Executives

D. Harris

B. Bennett

A. O’Brien

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer(1)

Appointed 27 September 2022(2)

Company Secretary/General Counsel

Chief Commercial Officer

J. Huntington

Executive General Manager – Corporate Services

G. Steedman

Chief Financial Officer

Appointed 20 November 2006

Appointed 17 December 2018

Appointed 13 December 2022

Appointed 13 February 2023

(1)   Mr D. Harris held the KMP position of Chief Operating Officer – Supply Chain until his appointment as MD/CEO.

(2)   Mr D. Harris is not independent by virtue of his appointment to executive office as MD/CEO.

(v) Executives who resigned, retired or otherwise ceased employment during the period

R. Scott

H. Killen

Chief Marketing Officer

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer

N. Simonsz

Chief Financial Officer

Resigned 29 April 2022

Resigned 21 June 2022

Resigned 28 July 2022

2. Executive Remuneration Framework (Overview)

Remuneration strategy and policy

CEO and Key Management Personnel (KMP)

Consistent with contemporary corporate governance standards, the Company’s remuneration strategy and policies aim to set 
employee and executive remuneration that is fair, competitive and appropriate for the markets in which it operates whilst being 
mindful of internal relativities. The Company aims to ensure that the mix and balance of remuneration is appropriate to reward fairly, 
attract, motivate and retain senior executives and other key employees.

Appropriate remuneration policy settings will be achieved by consistently applying a clear remuneration strategy directed at 
supporting the Board approved business strategy, with appropriate and flexible processes, policies and procedures established  
by the Board from time to time.

Specific objectives of the Company’s remuneration policies include the following:

•  Provide competitive total rewards to attract and retain high calibre employees and executives;
•  Provide fair and competitive fixed remuneration for all positions, under transparent policies and review procedures;
•  Have a meaningful portion of remuneration “at risk”, dependent upon meeting pre‑determined performance benchmarks;
•  Link MD/CEO and senior executive rewards to achieving short, medium and long‑term key performance criteria;
•  Establish appropriate and demanding performance hurdles for any executive incentive remuneration;
•  Payment of cash bonus short‑term incentives (STI), which is at the discretion of the Board after assessing the performance  

of the Company and the MD/CEO and other senior executives against agreed performance hurdles;

•  Offer participation in the long‑term incentives (LTI) plan to the MD/CEO and other senior executives; and
•  Provide Deferred Equity Awards (DEA), in the form of grants of performance rights to the MD/CEO and other senior executives 
with deferred vesting of two years (50%) and three years (50%). The actual DEA awarded to an executive is generally set at 50%  
of the amount of any STI actually paid to the executive.

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

p.61

Directors’ Report (cont.)

Remuneration Report (Audited) (cont.)
2. Executive Remuneration Framework (Overview) (cont.)

Remuneration strategy and policy (cont.)

CEO and Key Management Personnel (KMP) (cont.)

The following table illustrates the structure of the Company’s executive remuneration arrangements for the year ended 
31 March 2023:

Objective

Attract and  
retain high calibre 
employees

Motivate and  
reward outstanding 
performance

Align to  
Shareholder returns

Remuneration 
Component

Mechanism

Purpose

Total Fixed 
Remuneration

Base salary, 
superannuation  
and any ‘packaged’ 
benefits including  
FBT grossed‑up on  
a Total Employment 
Cost (TEC) basis

Reward for role size 
and complexity and 
external and internal 
relativities

At risk remuneration

Short‑term incentive  
(STI)

Deferred Equity  
Award (DEA) 
(Performance Rights)

Long‑term incentive 
(LTI)

Deferred Equity 
(Performance Rights)

Cash bonus

Reward for 
contribution to 
achievement of 
business outcomes  
and individual KPIs

Reward for 
contribution to 
achievement of 
business outcomes  
and individual KPIs,  
as well as retention

Generally, 50% of the 
STI cash bonus earned 
and subject to two‑year 
(50%) and three‑year 
(50%) service vesting 
conditions

Aligns remuneration  
of the Company’s 
senior executives with 
the long‑term strategic 
goals of the Company 
and shareholders, as 
well as retention

Linked to the 
Company’s stock price 
as well as meeting 
individual service 
conditions

Link to Performance

No link to Company 
performance although 
reviewed annually with 
consideration given  
to the performance  
of the Company and 
business unit in the 
remuneration review

STI for executives  
is calculated  
with a balance  
across financial, 
non‑financial  
and individual 
performance metrics

The current executive remuneration strategy can be represented broadly, as follows:

MD/CEO

Key Management

(1)  50% of cash bonus paid.

Total Fixed 
Remuneration 
%

Cash Bonus  
%

DEA 
Incentive(1) 
%

Long Term 
Incentive  
%

Total Targeted 
Reward  
%

56

56

28

27

14

14

2

3

100

100

Financial Reportp.62

Directors’ Report (cont.)

Remuneration Report (Audited) (cont.)
2. Executive Remuneration Framework (Overview) (cont.)

Remuneration strategy and policy (cont.)

Structure

Remuneration is determined as part of an annual performance review process, having regard to market factors, relevant comparative 
data, a performance evaluation process and independent remuneration advice, where necessary.

Total Fixed Remuneration (TFR)

Total fixed remuneration comprises cash and other benefits and entitlements to provide a base level of remuneration which is both 
appropriate to the role and responsibilities, reflects current market conditions, the individual’s seniority and overall performance  
of the Company and the relevant business units.

For all Australian based executives, superannuation is included in TFR, and benefits provided for Fringe Benefits Tax purposes, 
grossed up.

Executive contracts of employment do not include any guaranteed base pay increases.

The fixed component of the executives’ and MD/CEO’s base remuneration is detailed in the tables on page 67.

Short‑term incentives (STI)

The Company operates an annual STI program that is available to executives and employees and awards a cash bonus subject to  
the attainment of Company, business unit and individual measures which are set at the commencement of the performance period.

The aim of the STI is to link the achievement of the Company’s annual and/or immediate financial and broader operational targets 
with the remuneration received by the executives and senior employees responsible for achieving those targets.

The total potential STI is set at a level so as to provide sufficient incentive to executives to achieve its strategic and operational targets 
and at a cost to the Company that is reasonable in the circumstances.

Actual STI payments awarded to each executive depend on the extent to which specific targets prescribed in the performance 
agreement for a financial year are met. The targets consist of a number of key performance indicators covering financial, commercial, 
strategic initiatives, operational efficiency, people, safety and individual measures of performance. These measures were chosen  
as they represent the key drivers for the short‑term success of the business and provide a framework for delivering long‑term value.

Under the arrangements approved by the Board, the general principles that will apply are that the executive will receive an STI in  
the form of a cash bonus that is generally set at a maximum of 50% of the executive’s total fixed remuneration. The STI will be paid 
within three months of the financial year end in which the executive’s performance is being measured.

In addition, executives who are paid an STI cash bonus will receive a Deferred Equity Award (DEA) which is generally equal to 50%  
of the amount of the STI cash bonus actually earned. The DEA is in the form of a grant of performance rights under the Performance 
Rights Plan and is subject to two‑year (50%) and three‑year (50%) service vesting conditions i.e. vesting of the DEA is subject to the 
executive still being employed by the Company at the relevant vesting date.

The Company has a Good Leaver and a Bad Leaver Policy. If an executive ceases employment with the Company, then any unvested 
DEA will be automatically forfeited. If the executive was a Good Leaver, then the Board will consider the circumstances of the 
cessation of employment and may exercise its discretion to allow some or all of the unvested DEA to vest (and be exercised).

The Board assesses the performance of the MD/CEO against targets and determines actual STI payment based upon the 
recommendation of the Staff and Remuneration Committee.

The MD/CEO assesses the performance of other senior executives against their targets and determines the actual STI with oversight 
by the Board through the Chairman and the Staff and Remuneration Committee.

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

p.63

Directors’ Report (cont.)

Remuneration Report (Audited) (cont.)
2. Executive Remuneration Framework (Overview) (cont.)

Remuneration strategy and policy (cont.)

Short‑term incentives (STI) (cont.)

The structure of the short‑term incentive plan is as follows:

Feature

Description

Maximum opportunity

Cash bonus 
CEO: 50% of fixed remuneration 
Other executives: 50% of fixed remuneration

Deferred equity award (DEA) 
CEO: generally 50% of short‑term incentive cash bonus 
Other executives: generally 50% of short‑term incentive cash bonus

Minimum opportunity

Cash bonus 
CEO: 0% of fixed remuneration 
Other executives: 0% of fixed remuneration

Deferred equity award (DEA) 
CEO: 0% of short‑term incentive cash bonus 
Other executives: 0% of short‑term incentive cash bonus

Performance metrics

The STI metrics align with the strategic and financial priorities at both a Company and  
business unit level. The general performance metrics for the KMP are as follows:

Metric

Primary metrics are Financial, Commercial, Strategic Initiatives, Operational Efficiency,  
People and Safety

Delivery of STI

The STI cash bonus is generally paid in the next financial year.

The DEA is subject to two‑year (50%) and three‑year (50%) service vesting conditions.  
This encourages retention and shareholder alignment.

Board discretion

The Board has discretion to adjust remuneration outcomes up or down to prevent any inappropriate 
reward outcomes, including reducing (down to zero, if appropriate) any deferred STI award.

DEAs are provided to the MD/CEO and senior executives based on the level of STI cash bonus earned each year. The last offer under 
this plan was made on 28 September 2022 and subject to two (50%) and three (50%) year service vesting conditions.

There is also a tax exempt share plan that may be utilised at the discretion of the Board for general employee equity participation.

Long‑term incentives (LTI)

The Company operates a Long‑Term Incentive (LTI) Plan in order to align remuneration of the Company’s senior executives with the 
long‑term strategic goals of the Company.

The LTI Plan is consistent with the Company’s objectives for remuneration, which include providing competitive total rewards to 
attract and retain high calibre senior executives, having a meaningful portion of remuneration “at risk” and, above all, creating value 
for shareholders.

Financial Reportp.64

Directors’ Report (cont.)

Remuneration Report (Audited) (cont.)
2. Executive Remuneration Framework (Overview) (cont.)

Remuneration strategy and policy (cont.)

Long‑term incentives (LTI) (cont.)

Prior LTI Plan

The previous LTI Plan which was implemented on 9 May 2017 included four grant rounds. The LTI Plan’s performance period for the 
final round ended 30 September 2022. The applicable commencing market capitalisation of the Company, performance condition and 
performance period for each contemplated grant round under the previous LTI Plan which expired during the period, is set out in the 
following table:

Commencing Market Capitalisation  
of the Company

Performance 
Condition (Targeted 
Market Capitalisation 
of the Company)

Performance Period  
(calculated using an assumed  
annualised growth rate of 20%)

First Grant 
Round

The market capitalisation of the Company 
on the LTI Plan Implementation Date

$1 billion

Second 
Grant Round

$1.0 billion

Third Grant 
Round

$1.5 billion

Fourth Grant 
Round

$2 billion

$1.5 billion

$2.0 billion

$2.5 billion

Within 2 quarters of the LTI Plan 
Implementation Date (i.e. performance 
period ended 30 September 2017)

Within 9 quarters of the LTI Plan 
Implementation Date (i.e. performance 
period ended 30 June 2019)

Within 16 quarters of the LTI Plan 
Implementation Date (i.e. performance 
period ended 31 March 2022)

Within 22 quarters of the LTI Plan 
Implementation Date (i.e. performance 
period ends 30 September 2022)

The performance condition for the first grant round of targeted market capitalisation of $1 billion was achieved on 5 June 2017.  
The rights associated with the first grant round were granted to the relevant senior executives at a fair value per right of $1.07.  
The second, third and fourth grant rounds were forfeited by all recipients as the target market capitalisation was not met by the 
relevant date.

Current LTI Plan

During the period and following the finalisation of the previous 2017 LTI Plan, the Board approved the Company’s adoption of a 
replacement LTI Plan on 17 November 2022 (LTI Plan Implementation Date). Under the LTI Plan, eligible persons are granted 
performance rights, being a right to acquire shares in the Company subject to applicable performance conditions being satisfied  
and exercise of the vested performance right. The LTI Plan covers a three year period, with an optional fourth year if performance 
targets to year three are not met. During FY23, the Company granted 2,908,614 performance rights on the terms summarised below. 
Each performance right had a grant date fair value of approximately $0.68, determined using a binomial model that incorporated  
an expected volatility of 32%, a risk‑free rate of 3.1%, and no expected dividends.

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

p.65

Directors’ Report (cont.)

Remuneration Report (Audited) (cont.)
2. Executive Remuneration Framework (Overview) (cont.)

Remuneration strategy and policy (cont.)

Long‑term incentives (LTI) (cont.)

Current LTI Plan (cont.)

Feature

Description

Performance condition 
and performance period

Vesting of the performance rights is subject to a condition that the volume weighted average price 
(VWAP) of Company shares sold on the ASX over the period of 20 trading days up to and including 
30 September 2025 is at least $2.78, based upon a 15% annual growth rate over three years. 

Exercise period

Number of available 
performance rights

Lapsing conditions

If the above performance condition is not satisfied, the performance rights will remain on foot  
and will be subject to an alternative performance condition relating to the VWAP of Company 
shares sold on the ASX over the period of 20 trading days up to and including 30 September 2026. 
Under this alternative condition, if the relevant VWAP is:

• 

• 

at least $2.88 (representing a compound annual growth rate of 12%), but less than  
$3.20 – 50% of performance rights will vest; and

at least $3.20 (representing a compound annual growth rate of 15%) – 100% of performance 
rights will vest.

The vesting period is from the grant date of 30 November 2022 to 30 September 2025.

Performance rights that have vested may generally be exercised at any time until six years after the 
date of vesting. Where a holder of performance rights ceases employment with the Company group, 
the exercise period is abridged to 30 days after cessation of employment.

Eligible persons were granted a number of performance rights equal to the value of their long‑term 
incentive opportunity, divided by the VWAP of Company shares sold on the ASX over the period of 
20 trading days up to and including 30 September 2022 being $1.83.

Unvested performance rights generally lapse upon the holder ceasing employment with 
the Company. 

If the holder of performance rights ceases to be an employee as a result of an “Uncontrollable Event” 
(e.g. death, permanent disablement, retirement, retrenchment, or such other circumstances which 
the Board determines is an Uncontrollable Event), any unvested performance rights held by that 
person are expected to continue to be subject to the requirements for vesting and exercise applying 
to those performance rights, unless the Board determines that the vesting conditions applying to 
some or all of those performance rights will be waived or that some or all of those performance 
rights will lapse.

There are certain other circumstances in which a participant’s performance rights may lapse, 
including where the participant has committed any act of fraud, defalcation or gross misconduct, 
hedged the value of performance rights or purported to dispose or grant a security interest in 
respect of their performance rights.

Change of control event

If a change of control event for the Company occurs, the treatment of any unvested performance 
rights will be within the discretion of the Board to determine.

On market acquisition  
of shares

The requirement to deliver shares in the Company upon the vesting and exercise of performance 
rights under the LTI Plan must be satisfied by way of on market acquisition of shares in 
the Company.

Financial Reportp.66

Directors’ Report (cont.)

Remuneration Report (Audited) (cont.)

3. Executive Contractual Arrangements
Remuneration arrangements for KMP are formalised in employment agreements. Details of these contracts are provided below. 
Company employees are employed by the subsidiary company A.A. Company Pty Ltd, AACo Singapore Holdings Pty Ltd Singapore 
Branch and AACo (US) LLC.

Total fixed remuneration

Short Term Incentive 
(STI) Cash Bonus

Deferred Equity Award

Long Term Incentive

CEO Description

Senior Executive Description

$700,000 including superannuation  
(subject to annual review by Board)

Maximum opportunity of $350,000  
(50% of TFR)

50% of the actual amount of the STI  
cash bonus earned

Range between $375,000 and $550,000

Maximum opportunity 50% of TFR

Generally 50% of the actual amount  
of the STI cash bonus earned

Subject to Company performance conditions 
being satisfied and the service conditions  
being met

Subject to Company performance conditions 
being satisfied and the service conditions  
being met

Contract duration

Ongoing

Ongoing

The MD/CEO’s termination provisions are as follows:

Employer‑initiated 
termination

Termination for serious 
misconduct

Employee‑initiated 
termination

Notice  
Period

6 months

Payment in 
Lieu of Notice

Part or all of 
6 months

Treatment  
of STI on 
Termination

Not eligible

Treatment of Performance Rights  
on Termination

Unvested performance rights lapse unless Good 
Leaver and Board exercises discretion to allow

Nil

Nil

Not eligible

Unvested performance rights lapse

6 months

Part or all of 
6 months

Not eligible

Unvested performance rights lapse unless Good 
Leaver and Board exercises discretion to allow

Upon termination, the MD/CEO is subject to up to 12 months’ restriction for competition, employee inducement and customer solicitation.

Other Key Management Personnel

The executive service agreements for other senior executives generally reflect that of the MD/CEO.

Standard Key Management Personnel termination provisions are as follows:

Employer‑initiated 
termination

Termination for serious 
misconduct

Employee‑initiated 
termination

Notice  
Period

3 to 6 months

Payment in 
Lieu of Notice

Part or all of 
3 to 6 months

Treatment  
of STI on 
Termination

Not eligible

Treatment of Performance Rights  
on Termination

Unvested performance rights lapse unless Good 
Leaver and Board exercises discretion to allow

Nil

Nil

Not eligible

Unvested performance rights lapse

3 to 6 months

Part or all of 
3 to 6 months

Not eligible

Unvested performance rights lapse unless Good 
Leaver and Board exercises discretion to allow

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

p.67

Directors’ Report (cont.)

Remuneration Report (Audited) (cont.)

4. Remuneration of Key Management Personnel – Executives

Executives

Short‑Term

Post‑
Employ‑
ment

Salary  
& Fees(1) 
$

Other 
Pay‑
ments(2) 
$

Non‑ 
Mone tary 
Benefits 
$

Superan‑
nuation 
$

Current

D. Harris

31/03/2023

767,250

311,166

31/03/2022

449,664

235,500

B. Bennett

31/03/2023

379,507

187,500

31/03/2022

358,811

178,068

G. Steedman

31/03/2023

31/03/2022

A. O’Brien

80,050

100,000

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

31/03/2023

724,868

270,586

31/03/2022

674,075

254,088

9,518

9,491

24,861

23,100

24,861

23,100

4,215

–

–

–

J. Huntington

31/03/2023

138,232

55,993

31/03/2022

–

Former

H. Killen

31/03/2023

223,057

–

–

31/03/2022

674,648

270,000

R. Scott

31/03/2023

31/03/2022

N. Simonsz

80,391

467,496

31/03/2023

260,338

–

–

–

31/03/2022

601,158

275,000

Total Remuneration: Executives

–

–

8,431

–

3,811

15,245

–

–

1,400

4,200

12,215

23,100

5,892

23,100

8,000

23,100

Long‑ 
Term 
Benefit

Long 
Service 
Leave(3) 
$

–

–

15,084

6,387

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Termi‑
nation

Benefits 
$

Share‑Based Payment

Short 
Term 
Incen tive 
(DEA)(4) 
$

Perfor‑
mance 
Rights 
(LTI) 
$

Total 
$

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

98,121

22,730

72,811

21,403

31,539

1,232,937

–

730,994

16,896

696,659

8,208

595,977

–

–

5,845

190,110

–

–

105,077

24,084

1,134,133

31,528

–

969,182

14,831

15,095

232,582

–

–

–

293,677

(28,308)

–

504,452

–

28,308

8,208

1,019,509

435,000

(20,370)

–

–

–

20,370

(33,337)

33,337

–

–

–

–

500,913

510,966

236,401

936,795

31/03/2023

2,653,693

925,245

31/03/2022

3,225,852

1,212,656

14,729

28,936

88,475

115,500

15,084

728,677

208,825

93,459

4,728,187

6,387

–

157,676

16,416

4,763,423

(1)  Salary and fees include allowances in addition to TFR.

(2)  Other payments include the STI cash bonus for the FY23 performance year and any other contracted bonus amounts.

(3)  Long service leave balances are only accrued from 5 years’ service onwards.

(4)  The STI (DEA) expense includes the DEA granted in FY23, based on FY22 performance, and adjustments for amounts forfeited or not expected to vest.

Financial Reportp.68

Directors’ Report (cont.)

Remuneration Report (Audited) (cont.)

5. Link between Remuneration and Performance

Company financial performance indicators

The table below shows measures of the Company’s financial performance over the last five years. Key measures used in determining 
the variable amounts of remuneration to be awarded to Executives include Operating Profit and Operating Cash flow, with targets set 
for both at the beginning of the financial year to determine eligibility for short‑term incentives awarded. There may not always be a 
direct correlation between other statutory performance measures and the variable remuneration awarded.

Measure

Operating profit ($000)

Operating cash flow ($000)

Profit/(loss) for the year attributable to owners ($000)

Basic earnings/(loss) per share (cents)

Dividend payments ($000)

Increase/(decrease) in share price (%)

Additional statutory information

2023

67,385

16,033

4,611

0.77

–

(6%)

2022

49,886

24,248

136,930

22.94

–

36%

2021

24,360

18,423

45,474

7.62

–

5%

2020

15,194

20,120

2019

(22,922)

12,990

31,317

(148,396)

5.25

–

10%

(24.90)

–

(14%)

The table below shows the relative proportions of remuneration that were linked to performance and those that were fixed, based on 
the amounts disclosed as statutory remuneration expense (refer to tables on page 67 and 71).

Executives

D. Harris

B. Bennett

G. Steedman

A. O’Brien

J. Huntington

Former Executives

H. Killen

R. Scott

N. Simonsz

Fixed Remuneration

At Risk – STI – Cash

At Risk – STI – DEA(1)

At Risk – LTI

2023

2022

2023

2022

2023

2022

2023

2022

64%

61%

97%

65%

66%

100%

100%

100%

65%

65%

–%

71%

–%

66%

96%

67%

25%

27%

–%

24%

25%

–%

–%

–%

32%

30%

–%

26%

–%

25%

–%

29%

8%

10%

–%

9%

7%

–%

–%

–%

3%

4%

–%

3%

–%

8%

4%

4%

3%

2%

3%

2%

2%

–%

–%

–%

–%

1%

–%

–%

–%

1%

–%

–%

(1)  Includes all share‑based payment expense incurred by the Company in relation to DEA in the current year, of which a portion relates to prior year awards.

Performance based remuneration granted during the year

The Board have exercised their discretion to award 100% of the target STI cash bonus and DEA entitlement in relation to FY23 
performance. As a result, amounts accrued for Executives, including the MD/CEO, in respect of performance during the year to 
31 March 2023 include the STI cash bonus for $825,245 and DEA for $190,338. The DEA has not yet been formally offered to the  
MD/CEO or any other executives in respect of performance during the year to 31 March 2023 and will be granted upon acceptance  
of letters of offer. Letters of offer will be transmitted to participants once the Board approves the opening of the first trading window 
under the AACo trading policy, which is typically immediately following the AACo full‑year announcement. The DEA is awarded 
based on FY23 performance and will be expensed over the 4‑year period commencing at the start of the service period for which it 
was awarded.

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

p.69

Directors’ Report (cont.)

Remuneration Report (Audited) (cont.)
5. Link between Remuneration and Performance (cont.)

Performance based remuneration granted during the year (cont.)

The STI cash bonus for the MD/CEO and any other executives in respect of performance during the year to 31 March 2022 was 
$1,212,657. The DEA was awarded based on FY22 performance and is expensed over the 3‑year vesting period commencing from  
grant date of 26 August 2022. The expense recorded for the FY22 performance year DEA in the 31 March 2023 results for Executives, 
including the MD/CEO, is $110,136.

For each STI cash bonus and grant of rights to deferred shares (refer to tables on pages 67 to 72), the percentage of the available 
bonus or grant that was paid or vested during the financial year, and the percentage that was forfeited as a result of the Board’s 
discretion is set out below.

Executives

D. Harris

B. Bennett

A. O’Brien

J. Huntington

G. Steedman

Current Year STI Entitlement (Cash Bonus and DEA)

Total Opportunity  
$

Awarded  
%(1)

Forfeited  
%

466,749

281,250

405,879

83,990

N/A(2)

100%

100%

100%

100%

N/A

–%

–%

–%

–%

N/A

(1)  The DEA is awarded based on FY23 performance, and will be granted in FY24.

(2)  G. Steedman commenced his employment with AACo on 13 February 2023 and as such was not eligible for the FY23 STI entitlement.

6. Board Oversight of Remuneration

Staff and Remuneration Committee

The Staff and Remuneration Committee currently comprises three independent non‑executive Directors (Ms J. Rudd, Mr D. McGauchie 
and Mr A. Abraham (Committee Chairman)).

The Staff and Remuneration Committee is responsible for making recommendations to the Board on the remuneration arrangements 
of non‑ executive Directors (NEDs) and executives. The Staff and Remuneration Committee assesses the appropriateness of the 
nature and amount of remuneration of NEDs and executives on a periodic basis by reference to relevant employment market 
conditions with the overall objective of ensuring maximum stakeholder benefit from the retention of high performing Directors  
and an executive team. In determining the level and composition of executive remuneration, the Staff and Remuneration Committee 
may also seek external advice as set out below.

Mr D. Harris (MD/CEO) attends certain Staff and Remuneration Committee meetings by invitation but is not present during any 
discussions relating to his own remuneration arrangements.

Remuneration approval process

The Board is responsible for and approves the remuneration arrangements for the MD/CEO and executives, and all awards made 
under any deferred equity award (DEA) and long‑term incentive (LTI) plan. The Staff and Remuneration Committee provide 
recommendations for these remuneration arrangements and obtain independent remuneration advice as necessary. In the case  
of the MD/CEO, these arrangements are then subject to shareholder approval.

The Board also sets the aggregate remuneration of NEDs, which is then subject to shareholder approval.

The Board oversees the MD/CEO’s recommendations for remuneration of senior executives with the assistance of the Staff and 
Remuneration Committee and independent remuneration advice, where necessary.

Financial Reportp.70

Directors’ Report (cont.)

Remuneration Report (Audited) (cont.)
6. Board Oversight of Remuneration (cont.)

Remuneration approval process (cont.)

The Board approves, having regard to the recommendations made by the Staff and Remuneration Committee, the level of any 
Company short‑term incentive (STI) cash payments to employees, including KMPs and therefore the amount of any DEA entitlement. 
The level of STI cash payments to the MD/CEO are determined separately by the Board. Any DEA entitlement resulting in an issue  
of securities for the MD/CEO must be approved by shareholders.

Use of Remuneration Consultants

During the year ended 31 March 2023 the following external parties provided assistance to the Company covering 
remuneration matters:

•  Korn Ferry, external benchmarking of executive remuneration:

Assistance from external parties covering remuneration was limited to the above matters.

In the year ended 31 March 2023, remuneration consultants were engaged for remuneration matters for the value of $45,999 
(31 March 2022: $40,848). There was no remuneration recommendation provided in the current year.

Voting and comments made at the Company’s 28 July 2022 Annual General Meeting (‘AGM’)

The Company received 95.67% of ‘for’ votes in relation to its remuneration report for the year ended 31 March 2022.

7. Non‑Executive Director (NED) Remuneration Arrangements

Remuneration policy

The Board seeks to set aggregate remuneration at a level that provides the Company with the ability to attract and retain Directors  
of the highest calibre, whilst incurring a cost that is acceptable to shareholders.

The amount of aggregate remuneration sought to be approved by shareholders and the fee structure is reviewed annually against  
fees paid to NEDs of comparable companies. The Board may consider advice from external consultants when undertaking the annual 
review process.

The Company’s Constitution and the ASX Listing Rules specify that the aggregate remuneration of NEDs shall be determined,  
from time to time, by general meeting. An amount not exceeding the amount determined is then divided between the Directors as 
agreed. The latest determination was at the AGM held on 23 August 2017, when shareholders approved an aggregate remuneration  
of $1,250,000 per year.

Structure

The remuneration of NEDs consists of Directors’ fees and committee fees. NEDs do not receive retirement benefits other than 
superannuation, nor do they participate in any incentive programs.

Each NED receives a base fee for being a Director of the Company. An additional fee is also paid for each Board committee on which  
a Director sits, with a higher fee paid if the Director is a Chairman of a Board committee. The payment of additional fees for serving  
on a committee recognises the additional time commitment required by NEDs who serve on one or more committees.

The Board may also establish specialist working groups from time to time, comprised of Directors, to oversee and report back to  
the Board on any Board identified large or otherwise important projects. Generally, Directors are not separately remunerated for 
membership in such subcommittees.

NEDs are encouraged to hold shares in the Company. Any shares purchased by the Directors are purchased on market, which is in  
line with the Company’s overall remuneration philosophy and aligns NEDs with shareholder interests. Director share purchases  
are confined to trading windows under our Share Trading Policy.

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

 
 
Directors’ Report (cont.)

Remuneration Report (Audited) (cont.)
7. Non‑Executive Director (NED) Remuneration Arrangements (cont.)

Structure (cont.)

The remuneration of NEDs for the years ended 31 March 2023 and 31 March 2022 is detailed in the table below.

Short‑Term

Post‑ 
Employ‑
ment

Salary  
& Fees  
$

Other 
Payments(1) 
$

Non‑ 
Monet ary  
Benefits  
$

Superan‑
nuation  
$

Long‑ 
Term 
Benefit

Long 
Service 
Leave(2) 
$

Termin‑
ation

Share‑Based Payment

Short‑Term 
Incentive 
(DEA)  
$

Benefits  
$

Perfor‑
mance 
Rights 
(LTI)  
$

Non‑executive Directors
D. McGauchie
31/03/2023

250,000

31/03/2022

S. Black
31/03/2023

31/03/2022

A. Abraham
31/03/2023

31/03/2022

N. Reisman
31/03/2023

31/03/2022

J. Rudd
31/03/2023

31/03/2022

Dr S. Dissanayake
31/03/2023

31/03/2022

M. Blazer
31/03/2023

31/03/2022

S. Gentry
31/03/2023

31/03/2022

250,000

125,000

125,000

124,247

115,000

–

–

–

–

–

–

115,015

115,189

11,933

11,375

130,000

130,000

100,000

100,164

–

–

–

–

125,000

125,000

12,969

12,344

48,875

4,792

–

Former Non‑executive Directors
T. Keene
31/03/2023

72,917

31/03/2022

125,000

Total Remuneration: Directors
31/03/2023

1,091,054

31/03/2022

1,085,353

–

–

–

29,694

23,719

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

24,861

24,688

12,969

12,344

12,903

11,357

–

–

13,488

12,838

–

–

–

–

–

–

7,500

12,344

71,721

73,571

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

–

–

(1)  Other payments relate to payments in lieu of post‑employment benefits for US based Directors.

(2)  Long service leave balances are only accrued from 5 years’ service onwards, and this is not applicable to Non‑Executive Directors.

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

p.71

Total 
$

274,861

274,688

137,969

137,344

137,150

126,357

126,948

126,564

143,488

142,838

100,000

100,164

137,969

137,344

53,667

–

N/A

N/A

80,417

137,344

–

–

1,192,469

1,182,643

Financial Reportp.72

Directors’ Report (cont.)

Remuneration Report (Audited) (cont.)

8. Equity Instruments Disclosures
2,908,614 performance rights under the LTI plan and 239,508 DEA performance rights were granted during the twelve months  
to 31 March 2023 (31 March 2022: nil performance rights under the LTI plan and 541,753 DEA performance rights).

No shares were distributed to Key Management Personnel during the year ended 31 March 2023, as a result of exercising vested 
performance rights (31 March 2022: 338,240 exercised performance rights, granted during 2018).

Rights to shares

The fair value of rights is determined based on the market price of the Company’s shares at the grant date, with an adjustment made  
to take into account the two and three year vesting period (where applicable, i.e. on the issue of DEA) and expected dividends during 
that period that will not be received by the employees. Although the approved STI calculation relates to the year ended 31 March 2023, 
the DEA is not granted to participants until the Board approves the opening of the first trading window under the AACo Trading 
Policy, which is typically immediately following the AACo full‑year announcement.

A summary of the outstanding performance rights relating to Key Management Personnel is provided below, with a full listing 
provided in Note F7 Share‑based Payments.

Details on rights over ordinary shares in the Company that were granted as compensation or vested during the reporting period to 
each key management person during the reporting period are as follows:

Fiscal 
Year 
Granted

Award

Balance 
at 
Beginning 
of Period

Granted 
as 
Remun‑
eration

Exercised 
During 
the Year

Net 
Change 
Other

Balance 
at End of 
Period

Not 
Vested 
and Not 
Exerci‑
sable

Vested 
and 
Exerci‑
sable

Number

Number

Number

Number

Number

Number

Number

Executives
D. Harris

B. Bennett

G. Steedman
A. O’Brien

J. Huntington(2)
Former Executives
H. Killen
R. Scott
N. Simonsz

2024(1) DEA
DEA
2023
LTIP
2023
2022
DEA
2024(1) DEA
DEA
2023
LTIP
2023
DEA
2022
2023
LTIP
2024(1) DEA
DEA
2023
LTIP
2023
2022
DEA
2024(1) DEA

2022(3) DEA
2022(3) DEA
2022(3) DEA

–
–
–
69,731
–
–
–
65,659
–
–
–
–
96,723
–

86,845
62,492
102,273

–
66,152
382,513
–
–
50,019
204,918
–
189,385
–
70,668
292,096
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
66,152
382,513
69,731
–
50,019
204,918
65,659
189,385
–
70,668
292,096
96,723
–

–
66,152
382,513
69,731
–
50,019
204,918
65,659
189,385
–
70,668
292,096
96,723
–

(86,845)
(62,492)
(102,273)

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–

Value  
Yet to 
Vest

$

155,583
122,381
258,501
101,110
93,750
92,535
138,483
95,206
177,977
135,293
130,736
197,397
140,248
93,750

–
–
–

(1)  Performance rights for the DEA will be granted once the Board approves the opening of the first trading window under AACo trading policy, which is usually 

immediately following the AACo full‑year announcement. The 2024 DEA is awarded based on the FY23 performance and expensed over the 4‑year period 
commencing at the start of the service period for which it was awarded.
The maximum value for the 2024 DEA is 50% of the short‑term incentive cash bonus earned for the same performance period, with the number of rights to 
be granted subject to the share price on grant date. The minimum value of performance rights yet to vest is nil, as the rights will be forfeited if the vesting 
conditions are not met.

(2)  Amounts disclosed for J. Huntington are representative of those awarded to her following her appointment as KMP.
(3)  R. Scott, H. Killen and N. Simonsz resigned their employment with AACo during the period, forfeiting the 2023 DEA performance rights on the date  

of their resignation.

No other Directors or Executives held options or performance rights during the period.

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

 
p.73

Directors’ Report (cont.)

Remuneration Report (Audited) (cont.)

9. Shareholdings and other mandatory disclosures

Shareholdings

The table below summarises the movements during the period in the shareholdings of Key Management Personnel, in the Company 
for the period.

2023

Non‑executive Directors

D. McGauchie

S. Black

Dr S. Dissanayake

A. Abraham

N. Reisman

J. Rudd

M. Blazer

S. Gentry

Former Non‑executive Directors

T. Keene

Executives

D. Harris

B. Bennett

A. O’Brien

J. Huntington

G. Steedman

Former Executives

H. Killen

R. Scott

N. Simonsz

Total

Balance  
at Beginning 
of Period

Granted as 
Remuneration

Exercise  
of Options/
Rights

Net  
Change  
Other

Balance  
at End  
of Period

Number

Number

Number

Number

Number

1,120,774

40,000

2,025,000

30,000

45,000

32,258

–

–

75,000

–

454,807

50,000

–

–

452,042

–

–

4,324,881

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

9,261

(75,000)

–

–

–

–

–

(452,042)

–

–

1,120,774

40,000

2,025,000

30,000

45,000

32,258

–

9,261

–

–

454,807

50,000

–

–

–

–

–

(517,781)

3,807,100

All equity transactions with Directors and executives other than those arising from the exercise of remuneration options have been 
entered into under terms and conditions no more favourable than those the entity would have adopted if dealing at arm’s length.

Loans to Key Management Personnel and their related parties

There are no loans outstanding with Key Management Personnel at 31 March 2023 (31 March 2022: nil), nor have there been any 
transactions that would be considered a loan throughout the period.

Other transactions and balances with Key Management Personnel and their related parties

There have been no other transactions with Key Management Personnel or their related parties during the financial year to 
31 March 2023 (31 March 2022: nil).

Financial Reportp.74

Directors’ Report (cont.)

Committee Membership
As at the date of this report, the Company had an Audit and Risk Management Committee, Staff and Remuneration Committee, 
Nomination Committee and a Brand, Marketing & Sales Committee.

Directors’ Meetings
The number of Meetings of Directors (including meetings of Committees of Directors) held during the year and the number of 
meetings attended by each Director is as follows:

Directors’ Meetings

Audit & Risk 
Management 
Committee

Staff & 
Remuneration 
Committee

Nomination 
Committee

Brand, Marketing  
& Sales Committee

Current Non‑executive Directors

A

D. McGauchie

S. Black

Dr S. Dissanayake

A. Abraham

N. Reisman

J. Rudd

M. Blazer

S. Gentry(1)

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

Former Non‑executive Directors

T. Keene(2)

7

Current Executive Director

D. Harris(3)

Former Director

H. Killen(4)

7

7

B

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

3

4

3

1

A

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

B

7*

7

4*

7

7

5*

6*

3

3*

3*

3*

A

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

B

6

4*

1*

4^

4*

6

4*

2*

3

2*

1*

A

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

B

2

2

2

2

2

1

2

1

1

1*

1*

A

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

B

4

4*

1*

2*

3*

4

4

2*

1*

2*

1*

A = Number of meetings held during FY23.

B = Number of meetings attended during the time the Director held office.

*  Not a member of the relevant committee.

^  Mr. Abraham has attended Staff & Remuneration Committee meetings prior to, and since, his appointment as Chair of the Staff & Remuneration Committee.

(1)  Ms. Gentry was appointed as a Director on 24 October 2022.

(2)  Mr. Keene retired as Director on 23 October 2022.

(3)  Mr. Harris has been invited to all Committee meetings since his appointment as MD/CEO on 27 September 2022, but as an Executive is not a member  

of those Committees.

(4)  Mr. Killen was invited to all Committee meetings as MD/CEO until his resignation on 21 June 2022, but as an Executive was not a member of 

those Committees.

Rounding
Amounts contained in this report and in the financial report have been rounded to the nearest thousand dollars for presentation  
where noted ($000). This has been completed under the option available to the Company under ASIC Corporations (Rounding in 
Financial/Directors’ Reports) Instrument 2016/191. The Company is an entity to which this legislative instrument applies.

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

p.75

Directors’ Report (cont.)

Lead Auditor’s Independence Declaration
We have obtained the following independence declaration from our auditors KPMG.

Lead Auditor’s Independence Declaration under 
Section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001 

To the Directors of Australian Agricultural Company Limited  

I declare that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, in relation to the audit of Australian Agricultural 
Company Limited for the financial year ended 31 March 2023 there have been: 

i. 

ii. 

no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements as set out in the 
Corporations Act 2001 in relation to the audit; and 
no contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit. 

KPM_INI_01 

PAR_SIG_01 

PAR_NAM_01 

PAR_POS_01 

PAR_DAT_01 

PAR_CIT_01 

KPMG 

Scott Guse 
Partner 

Brisbane  
18 May 2023 

KPMG, an Australian partnership and a member firm of the KPMG global organisation of independent member firms affiliated 
with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. All rights reserved. The KPMG name and 
logo are trademarks used under license by the independent member firms of the KPMG global organisation. Liability limited by 
a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. 

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
p.76

Directors’ Report (cont.)

Non‑Audit Services
The following non‑audit services were provided by the entity’s lead auditor, KPMG. The Directors are satisfied that the provision  
of non‑audit services is compatible with the general standard of independence for auditors imposed by the Corporations Act 2001.  
The nature and scope of each type of non‑audit service provided means that auditor independence was not compromised. The lead 
auditor received or are due to receive the following amounts for the provision of non‑audit services:

Metrics

Review of draft sustainability report

Other non‑audit services

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Directors

31 Mar 2023  
$

31 Mar 2022  
$

–

–

–

21,500

20,400

41,900

Donald McGauchie AO 
Chairman 

Brisbane 
18 May 2023 

David Harris
Managing Director and CEO

Brisbane 
18 May 2023

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

 
p.77

Consolidated Financial 
Statements

Contents

78  Consolidated Income Statement
79  Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
80  Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
81  Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
82  Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

83  Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
123  Directors’ Declaration
124  Independent Auditor’s Report
129  ASX Additional Information
131  Company Information

Financial Reportp.78

Consolidated Income Statement
For the year ended 31 March 2023

Meat sales

Cattle sales

Cattle fair value adjustments

Cost of meat sold

Cost of live cattle sold

Cattle and feedlot expenses

Gross margin

Other income

Employee expenses

Administration and selling costs

Other operating costs

Property costs

Depreciation and amortisation

Profit before finance costs and income tax

Finance costs

Profit before income tax

Income tax expense

Net profit after tax

Profit per share attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the parent

Basic profit per share

Diluted profit per share

Note 

31 Mar 2023  
$000

31 Mar 2022  
$000

245,043

68,381

313,424

238,483

551,907

(208,082)

(66,674)

(90,297)

186,854

208,529

67,538

276,067

385,912

661,979

(168,148)

(65,769)

(84,805)

343,257

12,162

5,454

(60,285)

(52,238)

(32,286)

(5,156)

(23,778)

25,273

(17,085)

8,188

(3,577)

4,611

Cents

0.77

0.77

(49,558)

(40,827)

(25,271)

(4,444)

(19,841)

208,770

(14,041)

194,729

(57,799)

136,930

Cents

22.94

22.92

A3

A2

F4

F4

F4

F3

C5

C5

The above Consolidated Income Statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

p.79

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the year ended 31 March 2023

Profit for the year

Other Comprehensive Income

Items not to be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:

Movement in property revaluations, net of tax

Revaluation of intangible assets, net of tax

Items to be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:

Revaluation of foreign currency operations, net of tax

Changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges, net of tax

Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax

Total comprehensive profit for the year, net of tax

31 Mar 2023  
$000

31 Mar 2022  
$000

4,611

136,930

199,234

–

(1,462)

(3,283)

194,489

199,100

177,014

663

(142)

3,281

180,816

317,746

The above Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

Financial Reportp.80

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
As at 31 March 2023

Current Assets

Cash

Trade and other receivables

Inventories and consumables

Livestock

Other assets

Total Current Assets

Non‑Current Assets

Livestock

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Right‑of‑use assets

Investments

Other receivables

Total Non‑Current Assets

Total Assets

Current Liabilities

Trade and other payables

Provisions

Interest‑bearing liabilities

Lease liabilities

Derivatives

Total Current Liabilities

Non‑Current Liabilities

Provisions

Interest‑bearing liabilities

Lease liabilities

Derivatives

Deferred tax liabilities

Total Non‑Current Liabilities

Total Liabilities

Net Assets

Equity

Contributed equity

Reserves

Retained earnings/(losses)

Total Equity

As at  
31 Mar 2023  
$000

As at  
31 Mar 2022  
$000

Note 

B1

B4

B3

A3

A3

A4

F2

B5

C1

F2

C2

C1

F2

C2

F3

C3

F5

4,019

10,302

35,919

346,076

6,275

402,591

9,269

7,548

22,204

334,047

12,140

385,208

389,127

1,535,914

402,143

1,239,061

12,935

37,309

238

1,101

6,290

21,873

238

78

1,976,624

2,379,215

1,669,683

2,054,891

33,247

4,225

4,529

7,867

4,425

27,610

3,997

3,333

5,753

2,301

54,293

42,994

991

386,227

31,393

537

343,688

762,836

817,129

1,623

375,258

18,037

–

254,409

649,327

692,321

1,562,086

1,362,570

528,822

934,767

98,497

528,822

739,862

93,886

1,562,086

1,362,570

The above Consolidated Statement of Financial Position should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
For the year ended 31 March 2023

p.81

At 1 April 2021

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income for the year

Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners:

Cost of share‑based payments

At 31 March 2022

At 1 April 2022

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income for the year

Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners:

Cost of share‑based payments

At 31 March 2023

Contributed 
Equity 
(Note C3)  
$000

Reserves 
(Note F5) 
 $000

Retained 
Earnings/
(Losses)  
$000

Total  
Equity 
 $000

528,822

558,847

(43,044)

1,044,625

–

–

–

–

–

136,930

180,816

180,816

–

136,930

136,930

180,816

317,746

199

–

199

528,822

739,862

93,886

1,362,570

528,822

739,862

–

194,489

194,489

93,886

4,611

–

4,611

1,362,570

4,611

194,489

199,100

416

–

416

528,822

934,767

98,497

1,562,086

–

–

–

–

The above Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

Financial Reportp.82

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
For the year ended 31 March 2023

Note 

31 Mar 2023 
$000

31 Mar 2022 
$000

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Receipts from customers

Payments to suppliers, employees and others

Interest received

Net operating cash inflow before interest and finance cost payments

Payment of interest and finance costs

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities

B2

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Payments for property, plant and equipment and other assets

Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Proceeds from interest‑bearing liabilities

Repayment of interest‑bearing liabilities

Principal repayments of leases

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing activities

Net increase/(decrease) in cash

Cash at the beginning of the year

Cash at the end of the year

B1

335,847

(303,494)

125

32,478

(16,445)

16,033

(18,485)

2,467

(16,018)

40,000

(35,000)

(10,265)

(5,265)

(5,250)

9,269

4,019

297,327

(257,825)

71

39,573

(15,325)

24,248

(15,178)

1,566

(13,612)

35,000

(40,024)

(5,218)

(10,242)

394

8,875

9,269

The above Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

p.83

Contents

84  A Financial Performance
84  A1 Significant Matters
84  A2 Gross Margin
85  A3 Livestock
88  A4 Property
90  A5 Segment Information

92  B Working Capital
92  B1 Net Working Capital
92  B2 Cash
92  B3 Inventory and Consumables
93  B4 Trade and Other Receivables
93  B5 Trade and Other Payables

94  C Funding and Capital Management
94  C1 Interest‑bearing Liabilities
95  C2 Derivatives
96  C3 Equity
97  C4 Capital Management
97  C5 Earnings Per Share
97  C6 Dividends

98  D Financial Risk Management
98  D1 Interest Rate Risk
99  D2 Foreign Currency Risk
100  D3 Commodity Price Risk
100  D4 Credit Risk
100  D5 Liquidity Risk

101  E Unrecognised Items
101  E1 Commitments
101  E2 Contingencies

102  F Other
102  F1 Property, Plant and Equipment at Cost
103  F2 Right‑of‑use Assets and Lease Liabilities
104  F3 Tax
105  F4 Other Earnings Disclosures
106  F5 Reserves
107  F6 Related Parties
107  F7 Share‑based Payments
111  F8 Controlled Entities
113  F9 Parent Entity
114  F10 Auditor’s Remuneration

114  G Policy Disclosures
114  G1 Corporate Information
115  G2 Basis of Preparation
115  G3 Accounting Policies

Financial Reportp.84

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the twelve months to 31 March 2023

A Financial Performance
A1 Significant Matters

Property Revaluation

The Company recorded a net $294.2 million increase in the value of the Company’s pastoral property and improvements, following  
a Directors’ assessment of fair value at 31 March 2023. In assessing fair value, the Directors utilised information provided by an 
independent valuation performed by LAWD Pty Ltd. The significant increase in fair value is a reflection of substantial market 
increases seen in comparable property sales, as well as the continued investment in maintaining the quality of these assets.

See Note A4 for further details.

Herd Numbers

The closing herd headcount is 13% higher than the prior year, with 432,926 head on hand at 31 March 2023. This increase is a  
result of the Company’s internal breeding program, with favourable seasonal conditions experienced across our properties in 
Northern Australia. Our herd size adapts for current business requirements and to take advantage of seasonal conditions.

Herd Valuation

Declines in Wagyu and Non‑Wagyu liveweight market prices since 31 March 2022 have resulted in an unrealised loss in the fair  
value of the herd of $112.0 million.

A2 Gross Margin
Gross margin represents value added through the production chain. Margin is achieved through sales of meat products and cattle,  
as well as cattle production (pastoral and feedlot).

Note 

31 Mar 2023 
$000

31 Mar 2022 
$000

Meat Sales

Sales

Cost of meat sold(1)

Meat sales gross margin

Cattle Sales

Sales

Cost of cattle sold(2)

Cattle sales gross margin

Cattle Production

Fair value adjustments

Cattle expenses

Feedlot expenses

Cattle production gross margin

Total Gross Margin

245,043

(208,082)

36,961

208,529

(168,148)

40,381

68,381

(66,674)

1,707

238,483

(40,147)

(50,150)

148,186

67,538

(65,769)

1,769

385,912

(45,723)

(39,082)

301,107

186,854

343,257

A3

(1)  Includes the transfer of cattle at the applicable fair value at the time they leave the property gate en route to a processing plant.

(2)  Represents the fair value of the cattle at the time of live sale, which equates to the recorded fair value less costs to sell.

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

p.85

A Financial Performance (cont.)
A3 Livestock

Cattle at Fair Value

Current

Non‑Current

Total livestock

Livestock Movement

Opening carrying amount

Changes in fair value

Purchases of livestock

External sale of livestock less selling expenses

Transfers for meat sales

Closing carrying amount

Cattle Fair Value Adjustments

Market value movements(1)

Biological transformation(2)

Brandings/births

Attrition, net of recoveries

Other

Total cattle fair value adjustments

31 Mar 2023  
$000

31 Mar 2023  
Head

31 Mar 2022  
$000

31 Mar 2022  
Head

346,076

389,127

735,203

144,419

288,507

432,926

334,047

402,143

736,190

117,636

264,374

382,010

31 Mar 2023  
$000

31 Mar 2022  
$000

736,190

238,483

12,472

(66,674)

(185,268)

735,203

537,371

385,912

25,991

(65,769)

(147,315)

736,190

31 Mar 2023  
$000

31 Mar 2022  
$000

(111,950)

210,079

161,411

(20,775)

(282)

129,647

151,570

117,669

(12,653)

(321)

238,483

385,912

(1)  As a biological asset, AASB 141 Agriculture requires the livestock to be valued at fair value less costs to sell at all times prior to sale or harvest. As such, 

market value movements occur through changes in fair value rather than sales margin.

(2)  Biological transformation in accordance with Australian Accounting Standard AASB 141 Agriculture, includes reclassification of an animal as it moves 

from being a branded calf, grows, ages, and progresses through the various stages to become a trading or production animal.

Accounting Policies – Livestock

Livestock is measured at fair value less costs to sell, with any change recognised in the profit or loss. Costs to sell include all costs  
that would be necessary to sell the assets, including freight and direct selling costs.

The fair value of livestock is based on its present location and condition. If an active or other effective market exists for livestock in  
its present location and condition, the quoted price in that market is the appropriate basis for determining the fair value of that asset. 
Where the Company has access to different markets, then the most relevant market is used to determine fair value. The relevant 
market is defined as the market for which “access is available to the entity”, to be used at the time the fair value is established.

If an active market does not exist, then one of the following is used in determining fair value, in the below order:

•  The most recent market transaction price, provided that there has not been a significant change in economic circumstances 

between the date of that transaction and the end of the reporting period;

•  Market prices, in markets accessible to us, for similar assets with adjustments to reflect differences; or

•  Sector benchmarks.

Financial Reportp.86

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

A Financial Performance (cont.)
A3 Livestock (cont.)

Accounting Policies – Livestock (cont.)

In the event that market determined prices or values are not available for livestock in its present condition, the present value of the 
expected net cash flows from the asset discounted at a current market determined rate may be used in determining fair value.

Livestock are classified as Current and Non‑Current. Current livestock are trading cattle and feedlot cattle with less than a year 
remaining in the feedlot at the end of the financial year, as these animals are due to be sold or processed within the next 12 months. 
Non‑Current livestock are the commercial and stud breeding herd, calves and feedlot cattle with over a year remaining in the feedlot 
at end of financial year.

Livestock fair value

At the end of each reporting period, livestock is measured at fair value less costs to sell. The fair value is determined through  
market price movements and changes in the weight of the herd due to growth, attrition, natural increase, beef transfers or sale.

The net increments or decrements in the market value of livestock are recognised as either gains or losses in the profit or loss, 
determined as:

•  The difference between the total fair value of livestock recognised at the beginning of the financial year and the total fair value  

of livestock recognised as at the reporting date; less

•  Costs expected to be incurred in realising the market value (including freight and selling costs).

Fair Value Inputs are summarised as follows:

•  Level 1 Price Inputs – are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that can be accessed  

at the measurement date.

•  Level 2 Price Inputs – are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, 

either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices).

•  Level 3 Price Inputs – are inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).

Fair Value Input

Cattle Type

31 Mar 2023 
$000

31 Mar 2023 
Head

31 Mar 2022 
$000

31 Mar 2022 
Head

Level 1

Level 2

Level 2

Level 2

Level 3

None

Commercial & stud breeding herd

Trading cattle

Unbranded calves

Feedlot cattle

Average value per head

–

332,602

203,233

50,697

148,671

735,203

–

209,814

111,810

77,493

33,809

432,926

$1,698

–

350,418

194,702

48,566

142,504

736,190

–

194,987

87,394

68,537

31,092

382,010

$1,927

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

p.87

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

A Financial Performance (cont.)
A3 Livestock (cont.)

Livestock fair value (cont.)

Type

Level

Valuation Method

Commercial & 
Stud Breeding 
Herd

2

Trading Cattle

2

The value of these cattle (comprising principally females and breeding bulls) is determined  
by independent valuations with reference to prices received from representative sales of  
breeding cattle similar to the Company’s herd. Prices for these cattle generally reflect a 
longer‑term view of the cattle market. Independent valuations were undertaken by Elders 
Limited. In performing the valuation, consideration is given to the class, age, quality and location 
of the herd. Direct comparisons are made to recent sales evidence in relevant cattle markets.

Relevant market indicators used include Roma store cattle prices, MLA over‑the hook market 
indicators, and cattle prices received/quoted for the Company’s cattle at the reporting date.  
Prices for these cattle generally reflect the shorter‑term spot prices available in the market  
place and vary based on the weight and condition of the animal.

Live export cattle (Victoria River Group, Anthony Lagoon & Darwin Group) are valued based  
on market quotes available at each reporting date.

Wagyu trading cattle are valued on the basis of an independent valuation by Elders Limited.  
In performing the valuation, consideration is given to class, age, quality, breed, sex, recent 
comparable sales evidence and current market conditions for Crossbred Wagyu cattle.

Unbranded Calves

2

The value of unbranded calves is determined with reference to Roma store calf prices at the 
Company’s reporting date. The number of calves is determined by applying the percentage  
of branding assessed each year to the number of productive cows and the results of 
pregnancy testing.

Feedlot Cattle

3

Feedlot cattle are valued internally by the Company using the market approach as there is no 
observable market for them. The value is based on the estimated entry price per kilogram based  
on an independent valuation performed by Elders Limited, which takes into account recent 
comparable sales evidence and current market conditions for animals of a similar class, age, 
quality, breed and sex. This value is then adjusted to account for value changes due weight  
and other physiological changes of each animal as it progresses through the feedlot program.  
The key factors affecting the value of each animal are price/kg and average daily gain of weight. 
The average daily gain of weight is in the range of 0.7kgs to 1.9kgs. The value is determined by 
applying the average weight gain per day by the number of days on feed from induction to exit at 
which point the cattle are delivered to market. The value per animal is based on the breed and 
specifications of the animal and the market it is destined for. Significant increases/(decreases)  
in any of the significant unobservable valuation inputs for feedlot cattle in isolation would result 
in a significantly higher/(lower) fair value measurement.

Unbranded Calves

Calf accrual opening

Movement(1)

Calf accrual closing

Average value per head

31 Mar 2023  
$000

31 Mar 2023  
Head

31 Mar 2022  
$000

31 Mar 2022  
Head

48,566

2,131

50,697

68,537

8,956

77,493

$654

37,831

10,735

48,566

62,636

5,901

68,537

$709

(1)  Unbranded calves are assessed at each reporting date based on information available at the time. The Company does not track individual calves until such 

time as they have been branded and recorded in the livestock management system.

Financial Reportp.88

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

A Financial Performance (cont.)
A3 Livestock (cont.)

Livestock fair value (cont.)

Feedlot Cattle

Opening values

Inductions

Sales

Attrition and rations

Fair value adjustments recognised

Closing values

Average value per head

A4 Property

Property Plant and Equipment

Pastoral property and improvements at fair value

Industrial property and improvements at cost

Plant and equipment at cost

Capital work in progress

Total property, plant and equipment

Pastoral property and improvements at fair value

Pastoral Property and Improvements at Fair Value

Opening balance

Additions

Disposals

31 Mar 2023  
$000

31 Mar 2023  
Head

31 Mar 2022  
$000

31 Mar 2022  
Head

142,504

196,020

31,092

41,672

111,928

143,795

(176,553)

(38,040)

(144,211)

(2,032)

(11,268)

148,671

(915)

–

33,809

$4,397

(664)

31,656

142,504

31,739

36,134

(36,613)

(168)

–

31,092

$4,583

Note 

F1

F1

F1

31 Mar 2023  
$000

31 Mar 2022  
$000

1,464,500

1,170,300

34,384

32,055

4,975

33,401

31,758

3,602

1,535,914

1,239,061

31 Mar 2023  
$000

31 Mar 2022  
$000

1,170,300

15,608

(32)

284,621

(5,997)

915,800

7,455

(49)

252,877

(5,783)

1,464,500

1,170,300

Net revaluation increment/(decrement) recognised in asset revaluation reserve (Note F5)

Depreciation

Closing balance

Accounting policies – Pastoral property and improvements at fair value

Pastoral property and improvements, including freehold and those held under statutory leases with government bodies, are carried  
at fair value at the date of the revaluation less any subsequent accumulated depreciation on buildings and accumulated 
impairment losses.

Fair value is determined by the Directors with reference to work performed by external independent valuers on an annual basis  
with reference to market‑based evidence, which is the price that would be received to sell an asset in an orderly transaction between 
market participants at the measurement date.

Any revaluation increment is credited to the asset revaluation reserve included in the equity section of the statement of financial 
position, unless it reverses a revaluation decrement of the same asset previously recognised in the profit or loss. Any revaluation 
decrement is recognised in the profit or loss unless it directly offsets a previous increment of the same asset in the asset 
revaluation reserve.

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

p.89

A Financial Performance (cont.)
A4 Property (cont.)

Accounting policies – Pastoral property and improvements at fair value (cont.)

In addition, any accumulated depreciation as at revaluation date is eliminated against the gross carrying amount of the asset and the 
net amount is restated to the revalued amount of the asset. Upon disposal, any revaluation reserve relating to the particular asset 
being sold is transferred to the capital profits reserve.

Pastoral landholdings are generally held under a leasehold agreement with the Crown. Leasehold properties in Queensland are mainly 
pastoral holdings which are rolling term leases. In the Northern Territory, the pastoral leases held have been granted on a perpetual 
basis by the Northern Territory Government. We treat statutory leases held with government bodies as perpetual leases. Perpetual 
leases are outside the scope of AASB 16 Leases.

This accounting policy excludes Right‑of‑use Assets disclosed in Note F2. Refer to Note F1 and Note G3 for the financial information 
and accounting policies as they relate to property, plant and equipment at cost respectively.

Fair value

In determining the fair value of pastoral property and improvements, the Directors initiate periodic independent valuations through 
registered property valuers. Once these valuations have been considered and reviewed by the Directors they are then adopted as 
Directors’ valuations.

The following valuation techniques and key inputs are used for the Level 3 (there are no Level 1 and Level 2) property and 
improvement valuations:

31 Mar 2023  
$000

31 Mar 2022  
$000

Valuation  
Technique

Significant  
Unobservable Inputs

1,280,800

1,009,200 Direct Comparison 

Number of adult equivalents

(Productive Unit Approach)

Dollar per adult equivalents

Number of properties

77,200

73,400 Direct Comparison 

Dollar per hectare

(Hectare Rate Approach)

Number of properties

106,500

87,700 Direct Comparison 

Dollar per hectare

(Hectare Rate and Standard 
Cattle Unit Approach)

Standard cattle units

31 Mar 2023 
Range/
(Average)

31 Mar 2022 
Range/
(Average)

5,350 – 89,200
$25,676

5,350 – 89,200
$25,568

$1,578 – $10,935
$3,399

$1,200 – $10,252
$2,818

20

$2,269
$2,269

1

20

$2,251
$2,251

1

$7,019 – $7,529
$7,274

$5,125 – $7,528
$6,326

16,000 – 45,000
30,500

16,000 – 45,000
30,500

Number of properties

2

2

An independent valuation of pastoral property and improvements was performed by valuers LAWD Pty Ltd to determine the fair  
value using the market based direct comparison method. One of three direct comparison method techniques were utilised, being 
either a Productive Unit Approach, Hectare Rate Approach or a Summation Approach using Standard Cattle Units and Hectare Rate. 
Valuation of the assets was determined by analysing comparable sales and allowing for size, location, rainfall, water supply, seasonal 
conditions, structural capital works and other relevant factors specific to the property and improvements being valued. From the sales 
analysed, an appropriate rate per adult equivalent or hectare has been applied to the subject property and improvements. The effective 
date of the valuation is 31 March 2023.

Under the Productive Unit Approach, a dollar per Adult Equivalent is adopted inclusive of all structures. This method takes into 
consideration the type and mix of land types, rainfall, extent of water, fencing and structural improvements, current and potential 
carrying capacity, and location relative to markets and services. An external expert, Dr Steve Petty of Spektrum, was engaged during 
FY23 as part of the valuation process to perform an independent assessment of adult equivalent carrying capacity using a consistent 
methodology based on scientific analysis of grazing distribution, land system analysis, station and paddock stocking history and 
published data for the relevant regions.

Financial Reportp.90

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

A Financial Performance (cont.)
A4 Property (cont.)

Fair value (cont.)

Under the Hectare Rate Approach, a range of dollar per hectare rates are applied to land components exclusive of all structures.  
This method takes into consideration the land type composition of the property and therefore the proportion of land that lies outside 
the watered area and its potential or lack thereof. The basis of assessment is direct comparison with sales evidence on an analysed 
hectare rate, excluding structures. The improved market value is determined from the summation of land with the added value of 
structures, such as residences, sheds and yards.

The Hectare Rate and Standard Cattle Unit Approach applies the same principles as the Hectare Rate Approach but includes a  
dollar per Standard Cattle Unit rate which is applied to feedlot infrastructure. The basis of assessment is direct comparison with  
sales evidence on an analysed Standard Cattle Unit rate. The improved market value is determined from the summation of land and 
feedlot infrastructure with the added value of structures, such as residences, sheds and yards. The derived valuation amount for the 
buildings and yards is obtained from an analysis of comparable sales evidence.

Significant increases (decreases) in any of the significant unobservable valuation inputs under the Productive Unit Approach,  
Hectare Rate Approach or Hectare Rate and Standard Cattle Units Approach in isolation would result in a significantly higher/(lower) 
fair value measurement. Permanent shifts in long‑term climate and weather conditions could result in a lower or higher carrying 
capacity, dollar per adult equivalent and dollar per hectare.

Consistent with prior years, the Company reflects potential risks and impacts of climate change as part of the valuation methodology, 
by ensuring the pastoral property values are based on a long‑term view of sustainable carrying capacity and rates applied that reflect 
sustainable management practices.

Deemed Cost

If pastoral property and improvements were measured using the deemed cost model (the fair value of the assets in 2005 plus 
subsequent acquisitions at cost) the carrying amounts would be as follows:

Deemed cost

Accumulated depreciation

Net carrying amount

A5 Segment Information

Identification of reportable segments

31 Mar 2023  
$000

31 Mar 2022  
$000

375,905

(74,785)

301,120

368,148

(74,570)

293,578

AASB 8 Operating Segments requires operating segments to be identified on the basis of internal reports about components of  
the Company, that are regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker in order to allocate resources to the segment and to 
assess its performance. The Group has identified its operating segments based on the internal reports that are reviewed and used by 
the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (the chief operating decision maker) in assessing performance and in determining  
the allocation of resources. The Company is viewed as one operating segment for internal reporting to the Board and Executive 
Leadership team, including the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO), with financial information for the Company 
provided on at least a monthly basis.

Accounting policies – reportable segments

The accounting policies used in reporting segments are the same as those contained in Note G3 to the financial statements and in  
the prior year.

The measure of Operating Profit is a key indicator which is used to monitor and manage the Company and represents an adjusted 
Statutory EBITDA. Operating Profit is a key measure of profitability for AACo. It assumes all livestock inventory is valued on a $/kg 
live‑weight (LW) basis and is derived by adjusting statutory EBITDA to substitute the movement in livestock at market value with  
the movement at cost of production. Management therefore believe that external stakeholders benefit from this metric being reported, 
as it is a better reflection of financial performance within the control of management.

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

p.91

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

A Financial Performance (cont.)
A5 Segment Information (cont.)

Accounting policies – reportable segments (cont.)

The following table presents the revenue and profit information regarding operating segments (incorporating a reconciliation  
of Operating Profit/(Loss) to Statutory NPAT) for the twelve months to 31 March 2023 and 31 March 2022. Segment assets and 
liabilities are not reported to the MD/CEO and therefore segment assets and liabilities are not separately disclosed.

Segment revenue

Inter‑segment revenue

Revenue from external customers

Operating Profit/(Loss)

Unrealised mark‑to‑market of herd

Cost versus Fair Value: kg sold or produced

Other income/(expenses)

Statutory EBITDA profit/(loss)

Depreciation and amortisation

Statutory EBIT profit/(loss)

Net finance costs

Income tax expense

Net profit after tax

Revenues from external customers

Meat Sales Revenue

South Korea

USA

Australia

China

Canada

Other countries

31 Mar 2023  
$000

31 Mar 2022  
$000

313,424

276,067

–

313,424

67,385

(111,950)

93,743

(127)

49,051

(23,778)

25,273

(17,085)

(3,577)

4,611

–

276,067

49,886

129,647

46,189

2,889

228,611

(19,841)

208,770

(14,041)

(57,799)

136,930

31 Mar 2023  
$000

31 Mar 2022  
$000

68,701

51,222

24,314

19,745

15,030

66,031

57,734

40,740

23,718

21,397

13,621

51,319

Total meat sales revenue per Income Statement

245,043

208,529

Meat sales revenues of $105.3 million were derived from two of the Company’s major external customers (31 March 2022: $85.2 million 
from two of the Company’s major external customers). No other customers contributed to more than 10% of the Company’s revenue.

Cattle Sales Revenue

Australia

Total cattle sales revenue per Income Statement

31 Mar 2023  
$000

31 Mar 2022  
$000

68,381

68,381

67,538

67,538

Financial Reportp.92

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

B Working Capital
B1 Net Working Capital

Cash

Inventory and consumables

Trade and other receivables

Trade and other payables

Net working capital

B2 Cash

Reconciliation Of Net Profit/(Loss) After Tax To Net Cash Flows From Operations

Net profit/(loss) after income tax

Adjustments for:

Depreciation and amortisation

(Increment)/decrement in fair value of livestock

Income tax expense reported in equity

Derivative movement reported in equity

Other income for carbon credit generation

Other non‑cash adjustments

Changes in assets and liabilities:

(Increase)/decrease in inventories

(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables

(Increase)/decrease in prepayments and other assets

(Decrease)/increase in deferred tax liabilities

(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables

(Decrease)/increase in derivatives

(Decrease)/increase in provisions

Net cash inflow from operating activities

B3 Inventory and Consumables

Meat inventory

Feedlot commodities

Bulk stores

Other inventory

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

Note 

B3

B4

B5

31 Mar 2023  
$000

31 Mar 2022  
$000

4,019

35,919

10,302

(33,247)

16,993

9,269

22,204

7,548

(27,610)

11,411

31 Mar 2023  
$000

31 Mar 2022  
$000

4,611

136,930

23,778

987

(89,079)

2,936

(7,355)

(5,484)

(13,715)

(2,754)

4,935

89,279

5,637

2,661

(404)

19,841

(198,819)

(76,778)

4,998

(2,267)

3,470

4,339

354

(8,984)

135,642

11,153

(4,808)

(823)

16,033

24,248

31 Mar 2023  
$000

31 Mar 2022  
$000

16,167

10,156

8,267

1,329

35,919

9,285

5,677

5,687

1,555

22,204

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

p.93

B Working Capital (cont.)

B4 Trade and Other Receivables

Trade receivables

Provision for impairment of receivables

Other receivables

31 Mar 2023  
$000

31 Mar 2022 
$000

7,585

(175)

7,410

2,892

10,302

5,193

(109)

5,084

2,464

7,548

Trade receivables are non‑interest bearing. Provision for impairment of receivables is the loss allowance for trade receivables and is 
measured at an amount equal to lifetime expected credit losses. The ageing of trade receivables and the provision for impairment of 
receivables is outlined below:

Trade Receivables Aging

Current or past due under 30 days

Past due 31‑60 days

Past due 61+ days

Total trade receivables

Provision for Impairment of Receivables Aging

Current or past due under 30 days

Past due 31‑60 days

Past due 61+ days

Total provision for impairment of receivables

31 Mar 2023  
$000

31 Mar 2022  
$000

7,466

42

78

7,585

5,066

96

31

5,193

31 Mar 2023 
 $000

31 Mar 2022  
$000

(113)

(7)

(55)

(175)

(79)

(12)

(18)

(109)

Our maximum exposure to credit risk is the net carrying value of receivables. We do not hold collateral as security, nor is it our policy 
to transfer (on‑sell) receivables to special purpose entities. Refer to section D for more information on the risk management policy of 
the Company.

B5 Trade and Other Payables

Trade payables

Other payables

Deferred revenue

31 Mar 2023  
$000

31 Mar 2022  
$000

23,082

7,432

2,733

33,247

21,443

4,834

1,333

27,610

Trade payables are non‑interest bearing and are normally settled on agreed terms which are generally up to 30 days. Other payables 
are non‑interest bearing. Deferred revenue relates to payments received in advance on sales.

Financial Reportp.94

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

C Funding and Capital Management
C1 Interest‑bearing Liabilities

Current

Asset financing

Non‑Current

Secured bank loan facility

Asset financing

31 Mar 2023  
$000

31 Mar 2022  
$000

4,529

3,333

372,859

13,368

386,227

367,249

8,009

375,258

Asset financing has been obtained over some of the Company’s vehicles, plant and equipment. These liabilities are discounted using 
the interest rate implicit in the financing arrangement. The average rate is 2.49%.

Secured bank loan facility

The Company’s Club Debt Facilities committed facility capacity is $600 million, with an expiry of 8 October 2026. Interest drawn  
on borrowings under the Club Debt Facilities is charged at the applicable BBSY rate + Margin. The facility is currently drawn down  
by $374.1 million (31 March 2022: $368.8 million).

The Facility A limit is $410 million, repayable on 8 October 2026. The Facility B limit is $190 million, subject to extension on 
8 October 2024 with a rolling 18 month tenor.

Financing facilities are provided on a secured basis, with security given over all assets under fixed and floating charges.  
Financial covenants are in place over the Company’s Loan to Value Ratio (LVR). The following financing facilities are available:

Borrowing Capacity under Facility A and Facility B

Guarantee Facility Capacity

Facility A and B Drawn‑down

Bank guarantee utilised

Unused

31 Mar 2023  
$000

31 Mar 2022  
$000

600,000

3,000

600,000

3,000

(374,127)

(368,834)

(1,454)

227,419

(1,454)

232,712

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

p.95

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

C Funding and Capital Management (cont.)

C2 Derivatives

Current Assets

Foreign currency contracts(1)

Non‑Current Assets

Foreign currency contracts(2)

Current Liabilities

Interest rate swap contracts

Foreign currency contracts

Non‑Current Liabilities

Interest rate swap contracts

31 Mar 2023  
$000

31 Mar 2022  
$000

339

580

606

3,819

4,425

537

1,269

–

2,301

–

2,301

–

(1) 

 Current foreign currency contract assets are included in Other assets in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.

(2)   Non‑Current foreign currency contract assets are included in Other receivables in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.

Foreign currency contract

Sell FX/Buy AUD

Sell USD Maturity 0‑12 months

Sell USD Maturity 13‑24 months

Notional 
Amounts 
(AUD)  
31 Mar 2023

Notional 
Amounts 
(AUD)  
31 Mar 2022

112,209

37,927

150,136

32,580

–

32,580

Average 
Exchange 
Rate  
31 Mar 2023  
$000

0.6729

0.6723

Average 
Exchange 
Rate  
31 Mar 2022  
$000

0.7213

–

Foreign currency contracts are attributed to forecast meat sales. As these contracts are hedge accounted, effectiveness was  
assessed under the requirements of AASB 9 Financial Instruments. The effective portion of the movement has been accounted  
for in Other Comprehensive Income and the ineffective portion posted to profit or loss. Forward currency contracts can have 
maturities of up to 36 months. These contracts are in US dollars. The total notional value of these contracts at 31 March 2023 was 
AUD $150.1 million (31 March 2022: AUD $32.6 million).

The net fair value gain on foreign currency derivatives during the twelve months to 31 March 2023 was $2.9 million, with $2.8 million 
effective and $0.1 million ineffective (12 months to 31 March 2022: $1.3 million, with $1.2 million effective and $0.1 million ineffective).

Financial Reportp.96

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

C Funding and Capital Management (cont.)
C2 Derivatives (cont.)

Interest rate swap contracts

The Company has entered into interest rate swaps which are economic hedges. Interest rate swaps are utilised by the Company  
to manage the mix of borrowings between fixed and floating rates as per our Treasury Policy. The fair value of interest rate swaps  
at the reporting date is determined by discounting the future cash flows using the forward interest rate curves at reporting date.  
The Company had $235 million interest rate swaps which expired in September 2022, and has since entered into $194 million interest 
rate swaps with differing tenors, which have been designated as effective hedges and therefore satisfy the accounting standard 
requirements for hedge accounting.

The notional principal amounts and period of expiry of the interest rate swap contracts at balance date were as follows:

0‑1 years

1‑7 years

31 Mar 2023  
$000

31 Mar 2022  
$000

127,000

67,000

194,000

235,000

–

235,000

The gain or loss from remeasuring the interest rate swaps at fair value is recognised in Other Comprehensive Income and deferred in 
the hedging reserve component of equity, to the extent that the hedge is effective. It is reclassified into profit or loss when the hedged 
interest expense is recognised. In the twelve months to 31 March 2023 the related loss recognised in profit or loss was $1.8 million 
(twelve months to 31 March 2022: $5.4 million). There was no hedge ineffectiveness in the current or prior year.

C3 Equity

31 Mar 2023  
Shares

31 Mar 2022  
Shares

31 Mar 2023  
$000

31 Mar 2022  
$000

Opening balance

597,132,600

596,618,515

528,822

528,822

Treasury shares issued on exercise of performance rights

–

514,085

Total contributed equity
Treasury shares(1)

Total shares on issue

597,132,600
5,634,147

597,132,600
5,634,147

602,766,747

602,766,747

–

528,822
–

528,822

–

528,822
–

528,822

(1)  The treasury shares are expected to be reissued on exercise of rights under DEA and LTIP share based payment plans.

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

p.97

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

C Funding and Capital Management (cont.)

C4 Capital Management
When managing capital, our objective is to maintain optimal shareholder returns and safeguard our ability to continue as a going 
concern. We also aim to maintain a capital structure that ensures the lowest cost of capital.

We monitor capital using the gearing ratio (net debt divided by total capital plus net debt), and our target gearing ratio remains 
between 20.0% to 35.0%, excluding any impacts of the adoption of AASB 16 Leases. We include within net debt, interest‑bearing  
loans and borrowings. For the Company’s financial risk management objectives and policies refer to section D.

Assets and Capital Structure

Current debt

 Interest‑bearing liabilities

 Lease liabilities

Non‑current debt

 Interest‑bearing liabilities

 Lease liabilities
Bank loan facility(1)
Bank guarantees

Cash

Net debt

Net equity

Total capital employed

Gearing (net debt/net debt+equity)

Gearing (net debt/net debt+equity) pre‑AASB 16 adoption

31 Mar 2023  
$000

31 Mar 2022  
$000

4,529

7,351

13,368

31,909

374,127

1,454

(4,019)

428,719

1,562,086

1,990,805

21.5%

19.6%

3,333

5,753

8,009

18,037

368,834

1,454

(9,269)

396,151

1,362,570

1,758,721

22.5%

21.2%

(1)  The gearing ratio is calculated utilising the drawn‑down balance of the bank loan facility. This is not offset for $1.3 million of prepaid borrowing costs.

C5 Earnings Per Share
The following reflects the income used in the basic and diluted earnings per share computations:

Net profit/(loss) attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent (basic)

Net profit/(loss) attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent (diluted)

31 Mar 2023  
$000

31 Mar 2022  
$000

4,611

4,611

136,930

136,930

The following reflects the weighted average number of ordinary shares used in the basic and diluted earnings per share computations:

Weighted average number of ordinary shares (basic)

Adjustments for calculation of diluted earnings per share:

Weighted average performance rights

Weighted average number of ordinary shares (diluted) as at 31 March

31 Mar 2023  
Shares

31 Mar 2022  
Shares

597,132,600

596,942,459

1,390,958

481,401

598,523,558

597,423,860

C6 Dividends
No final or interim dividends were declared or paid during the twelve months to 31 March 2023 (twelve months to 31 March 2022: nil). 
There are no franking credits available for the subsequent financial years (31 March 2022: nil).

Financial Reportp.98

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

D Financial Risk Management
Exposure to key financial risks are managed in accordance with our financial risk management policy. The objective of the policy is  
to support the delivery of the Company’s financial targets while protecting future financial security. The Audit and Risk Management 
Committee under the authority of the Board hold primary responsibility for the identification and control of financial risks. The Board 
reviews and agrees policies for managing each of the risks identified. Different methods are used to measure and manage the different 
types of risks to which the Company is exposed. The main risks arising from financial instruments are interest rate, foreign currency, 
commodity, credit and liquidity risk.

As at 31 March 2023 and 31 March 2022, the only financial instruments recognised at fair value were interest rate swaps and forward 
foreign currency contracts. These are valued using a Level 2 method (refer to Note C2) which estimates fair value using inputs that  
 observable either directly (as prices) or indirectly (derived from prices). The carrying amount of all other financial assets and 
liabilities approximates the fair value.

D1 Interest Rate Risk
Our policy is to manage our finance costs using a mix of fixed and variable rate debt. In accordance with our Treasury Policy,  
we maintain at least 50% of our borrowings at fixed rates which are carried at amortised cost. It is acknowledged that fair value 
exposure is a by‑product of our attempt to manage our cash flow volatility arising from interest rate changes. To manage this mix  
in a cost‑efficient manner, we enter into interest rate swaps, in which we agree to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference 
between fixed and variable rate interest amounts calculated by reference to an agreed‑upon notional principal amount. We regularly 
analyse our interest rate exposure taking into consideration potential renewals of existing positions, alternative financing and the 
mix of fixed and variable interest rates.

As at 31 March 2023 the Company holds $194.0 million interest rate swaps with differing tenors (31 March 2022: $235.0 million),  
which have been designated as effective interest rate swaps and therefore satisfy the accounting standard requirements for hedge 
accounting. The net unrealised fair value loss on interest rate swaps during the twelve months to 31 March 2023 was $1.8 million 
(31 March 2022: $5.4 million). At 31 March 2023, after taking into account the effect of interest rate swaps, approximately 52.1% 
(31 March 2022: 63.7%) of our borrowings are at a fixed rate of interest.

At the reporting date, we had the following mix of financial assets and liabilities exposed to Australian variable interest rate risk:

Financial assets
Cash assets

Financial liabilities
Bank loan

Interest rate swaps

Net exposure

31 Mar 2023 
 $000

31 Mar 2022  
$000

4,019

9,269

(180,127)

(1,143)

(133,834)

(2,301)

(177,251)

(126,866)

The following sensitivity analysis is based on reasonably possible changes in interest rates applied to the interest rate risk exposures 
in existence at the reporting date. Such a reasonably possible change is determined using historical interest rate movements for the 
preceding two‑year period.

Judgements of Reasonably Possible Movements:

31 Mar 2023
+1% (100 basis points)

–1% (100 basis points)

31 Mar 2022
+1% (100 basis points)

–1% (100 basis points)

(1)  Figures represent an increase/(decrease) in other components of equity.

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

Effects  
on Profit 
Before Tax  
$000

Effects  
on Other 
Components 
of Equity(1)  
$000

(1,801)

1,801

(1,338)

1,338

2,986

(2,986)

1,175

(1,175)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

p.99

D Financial Risk Management (cont.)

D2 Foreign Currency Risk
A significant portion of our revenue is received in US dollars and the prices received are influenced by movements in exchange rates, 
particularly that of the US dollar relative to the Australian dollar.

We therefore have transactional currency exposures (refer Note C2) arising from sales of meat in currencies other than in Australian 
dollars. Foreign exchange risk arises from future commercial transactions and recognised assets and liabilities denominated in a 
currency that is not the functional currency of the relevant group entity. The risk is measured through a forecast of highly probable US 
dollar sales. The risk is hedged with the objective of minimising the volatility of the Australian currency revenue of highly probable 
forecast US dollar denominated sales.

In compliance with our Treasury Policy we have hedged our foreign exchange exposure arising from forecasted cash flows from sales 
less the forecast cash outflows from expenditure, through forward foreign exchange contracts. These foreign exchange contracts have 
been designated as effective hedges and therefore satisfy the accounting standard requirements for hedge accounting. This resulted  
in a $2.9 million movement in other comprehensive income and a $0.1 million movement in profit or loss in the twelve months to 
31 March 2023 (31 March 2022: $1.3 million movement in other comprehensive income and a $0.1 million movement in profit or loss).

Our Treasury Policy is to hedge between 50% and 90% of net US dollar cash flows up to one quarter in advance, and between 25%  
and 75% of net cash inflows for the period three months to 12 months in advance. It also allows us to hedge between nil and 50%  
of net cash inflows for period 13 months to 24 months in advance. For the year ended 31 March 2023, approximately 87% and 61%  
of highly probable net cash inflows were hedged for the periods 0‑3 months in advance and 3‑12 months in advance, respectively.

At reporting date, the following mix of financial assets and liabilities were exposed to foreign exchange risk.

Financial assets

Derivatives

Trade receivables

Financial liabilities

Derivatives

Net exposure

31 Mar 2023  
$000

31 Mar 2022  
$000

339

3,066

(3,819)

(414)

1,269

504

–

1,773

At 31 March 2023, had the Australian Dollar moved and all other variables held constant, profit before tax and equity would have been 
affected as illustrated in the table below. The sensitivity analysis is based on a reasonably possible movement using observations of 
historical spot rates for the preceding two‑year period.

Judgements Of Reasonably Possible Movements:

31 Mar 2023

AUD/USD +10%

AUD/USD –10%

31 Mar 2022

AUD/USD +10%

AUD/USD –10%

Effects  
On Profit 
Before Tax  
$000

Effects  
On Equity  
$000

285

(348)

33

(40)

13,364

(16,334)

2,814

(3,439)

Financial Reportp.100

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

D Financial Risk Management (cont.)

D3 Commodity Price Risk
Transactional commodity price risk exists in the sale of cattle and beef. Other commodity price exposures include feed inputs for  
our feedlot operations and operational costs such as fuel.

Price risks are managed, where possible, through forward sales of boxed beef for a period of up to 6 months. Forward sales contracts  
for boxed beef are classified as non‑derivative and are not required to be fair valued. Revenues derived from these forward sales are 
recognised in accordance with the Company’s revenue recognition policy for meat sales disclosed at Note G3(q).

For feedlot commodities, price risk is mitigated where possible through internal production, on‑site storage & entering into  
forward purchase contracts. Purchases of commodities may be for a period of up to 12 months. As at 31 March 2023, stock on hand  
was approximately 20% (31 March 2022: 18%) of our expected grain & roughage usage for the coming 12 months and forward 
purchases for approximately 37% (31 March 2022: 65%) of our expected grain & roughage purchases for the coming 12 months.  
These forward purchases include expected internal supply. Without internal supply, forward purchases accounted for approximately 
12% (31 March 2022: 34%) of our expected grain & roughage purchases for the coming 12 months. These contracts are entered into  
and continue to be held for the purpose of grain purchase requirements; they are classified as non‑derivative and are not required  
to be fair valued. At the reporting date we had no commodity price exposures on forward sales and purchase contracts that are not 
designated as cash flow hedges.

D4 Credit Risk
Credit risk arises from our financial assets, which comprise cash, trade and other receivables and derivative instruments.  
Our exposure to credit risk arises from potential default of the counterparty, with a maximum exposure equal to the carrying  
amount of the financial assets, as outlined in each applicable note. We do not hold any credit derivatives to offset our credit exposure.

We manage our credit risk by maintaining strong relationships our customers. The risk is also mitigated by paying an annual 
insurance premium in relation to certain sales. In addition, receivable balances are monitored on an ongoing basis with the result  
that our experience of bad debts has not been significant. We have no significant concentrations of credit risk. Credit risk and 
expected credit loss relating to trade receivables is disclosed in Note B4.

D5 Liquidity Risk
Liquidity risk arises from our financial liabilities and our subsequent ability to repay the financial liabilities as and when they  
fall due. Our objective is to maintain a balance between continuity of funding and flexibility through the use of bank loans and leases.

We manage our liquidity risk by monitoring the total cash inflows and outflows expected on a monthly basis. We have established 
comprehensive risk reporting covering our business units that reflect expectations of management for the settlement of financial 
assets and liabilities.

The following liquidity risk disclosures reflect all contractually fixed repayments and interest resulting from recognised financial 
liabilities and derivatives as of 31 March 2023. The timing of cash flows for liabilities is based on the contractual terms of the 
underlying contract. However, where the counterparty has a choice of when the amount is paid, the liability is allocated to the earliest 
period in which we can be required to pay. Where amounts available are committed to be paid in instalments, each instalment is 
allocated to the earliest period in which payment is required.

The risk implied from the values shown in the table below, reflects a balanced view of cash inflows and outflows of financial 
instruments. Leasing obligations, trade payables and other financial liabilities mainly originate from the financing of assets  
used in our ongoing operations such as property, plant and equipment and investments in working capital (e.g. inventories and  
trade receivables). These assets are considered in the Company’s overall liquidity risk.

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

p.101

D Financial Risk Management (cont.)
D5 Liquidity Risk (cont.)

31 Mar 2023

Financial assets
Cash

Trade and other receivables

Financial liabilities
Trade and other payables

Lease liabilities

Interest‑bearing liabilities

Derivatives

Net maturity

31 Mar 2022

Financial assets
Cash

Trade and other receivables

Financial liabilities
Trade and other payables

Lease liabilities

Interest‑bearing liabilities

Derivatives

Net maturity

Less Than 
6 Months  
$000

6‑12 
Months  
$000

1‑2 Years  
$000

2‑5 Years  
$000

More Than 
5 Years  
$000

Total  
$000

Carrying 
Amount  
$000

4,019

10,302

(33,247)

(4,608)

(12,047)

(262)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(4,111)

(11,767)

(178)

(7,289)

(16,007)

(11,119)

(23,423)

(411,724)

(116)

(135)

–

(39)

4,019

10,302

4,019

10,302

(33,247)

(43,134)

(33,247)

(39,260)

(458,961)

(390,756)

(730)

(4,962)

(35,843)

(16,056)

(30,828)

(427,866)

(11,158)

(521,751)

(453,904)

9,269

7,548

(27,610)

(3,084)

(5,026)

(2,627)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(7,656)

(6,010)

9,269

7,548

9,269

7,548

(27,610)

(24,273)

(27,610)

(21,804)

(390,390)

–

–

–

(409,843)

(380,577)

(2,627)

(2,301)

(2,846)

(5,128)

–

(4,677)

(9,299)

–

(21,530)

(7,974)

(13,976)

(398,046)

(6,010)

(447,536)

(415,475)

E Unrecognised Items
E1 Commitments
We have entered into forward purchase contracts for $7.7 million worth of grain commodities as at 31 March 2023 (31 March 2022: 
$13.7 million). There are no forward purchase contracts for cattle as at 31 March 2023 (31 March 2022: no forward purchase 
contracts). All forward contracts are expected to be settled within 12 months from the balance date.

Capital expenditure of $14.7 million has been contracted in respect of property, plant and equipment as at 31 March 2023 
(31 March 2022: $2.1 million).

During the period, the Company renewed the Brisbane office lease agreement for eight years, which will commence in April 2023  
with an expected present value of net cash flows of $4.8 million.

E2 Contingencies
At 31 March 2023, there are a number of long‑standing native title claims over our pastoral holdings. Settlement negotiations between 
the Government, claimants and pastoral interests are ongoing, and we do not expect any material impact on our operations to result 
from this.

Financial Reportp.102

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

F Other
F1 Property, Plant and Equipment at Cost

31 Mar 2023

Opening balance

Additions and transfers

Disposals

Depreciation

Closing balance

Cost

Industrial 
Property and 
Improvement  
$000

33,401

1,704

–

(721)

34,384

82,938

Plant and 
Equipment  
$000

31,758

10,285

(672)

(9,316)

32,055

188,370

Capital  
Work in 
Progress  
$000

3,602

1,373

–

–

4,975

4,975

Total  
$000

68,761

13,362

(672)

(10,037)

71,414

276,283

Accumulated depreciation and impairment

(48,554)

(156,315)

–

(204,869)

31 Mar 2022

Opening balance

Additions and transfers

Disposals

Depreciation

Closing balance

Cost

Industrial 
Property and 
Improvement  
$000

Plant and 
Equipment  
$000

Capital  
Work in 
Progress  
$000

32,950

860

–

(409)

33,401

81,234

25,684

13,800

(495)

(7,231)

31,758

178,757

Total  
$000

60,116

16,780

(495)

(7,640)

68,761

263,593

(194,832)

1,482

2,120

–

–

3,602

3,602

–

Accumulated depreciation and impairment

(47,833)

(146,999)

Impairment of property, plant and equipment at cost

The Livingstone Beef Cash‑Generating Unit (CGU) is the only location with property and improvements measured under the cost 
model by the Company per AASB 116 Property, Plant and Equipment. Under the requirements of AASB 136 Impairment of Assets,  
at each reporting period an assessment of internal and external factors must be made to determine whether there are indicators  
of impairment. Where indicators exist, a formal estimate of the recoverable amount of these assets is undertaken.

During FY23 operations continue to be suspended at Livingstone Beef. Management have not noted any indicators of impairment 
 as at 31 March 2023.

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

p.103

F Other (cont.)

F2 Right‑of‑use Assets and Lease Liabilities

Right‑of‑use assets
Non‑current

Lease liabilities
Current

Non‑current

31 Mar 2023  
$000

31 Mar 2022  
$000

37,309

21,873

(7,351)

(31,909)

(39,260)

(5,753)

(18,037)

(23,790)

When measuring lease liabilities for property, the Company discounts payments using the incremental borrowing rate as at the 
commencement date of the lease. The average rate applied is 3.44%.

Movements in Right‑of‑use assets and amounts recognised in the Income Statement relating to leases is shown below.

Right of Use Assets

Opening balance

Depreciation charge for the year

Recognition of right of use asset additions

Derecognition of terminated lease

Closing balance

31 Mar 2023  
$000

21,873

(8,443)

23,879

–

37,309

Right‑of‑use assets relate to buildings, property and vehicles leased by the Company excluding Pastoral property held under perpetual 
leases. During the period, the Company recognised the lease of Comanche as well as an extension on Gordon Downs, resulting in the 
recognition of additional right of use assets.

Amounts Recognised in the Income Statement Relating to Leases

Interest on lease liabilities

Expenses relating to short‑term and low‑value leases

31 Mar 2023  
$000

1,290

412

The Company has elected to expense short‑term and low value leases on a straight‑line basis over the lease term, as permitted under 
the recognition exemptions of AASB 16. The amount expensed during the period relating to short‑term and low value lease assets was 
$0.4 million.

Amounts Recognised in the Statement of Cash Flows Relating to Leases

Payment of interest and finance costs

Principal repayments of leases

Total cash outflow relating to leases

Refer to Note D5 for contractual cashflows and maturity analysis.

31 Mar 2023  
$000

31 Mar 2022  
$000

(1,152)

(8,416)

(9,568)

(983)

(5,218)

(6,201)

Financial Reportp.104

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

F Other (cont.)

F3 Tax

The Major Components Of Tax Are:

Income statement
Current income tax

Current income tax charge/(benefit)

Deferred income tax

Relating to origination and reversal of temporary differences

Under/(over) provision in prior years

Research and development claims from prior years

Income tax expense/(benefit) in the income statement

Statement of changes in equity
Deferred income tax

Net gain/(loss) on cash flow hedges

Net gain on revaluation of land and buildings

Income tax expense reported in equity

Tax reconciliation
Accounting profit/(loss) before tax

At the statutory income tax rate of 30%

Other items (net)

Income tax expense/(benefit) in the income statement

Deferred income tax in the balance sheet relates to:
Deferred tax liabilities

Adjustments to land, buildings and improvements

Revaluations of trading stock for tax purposes

Other

Offsetting deferred tax asset

Total net deferred tax liability
Deferred tax assets

Accruals and other

Interest rate swaps

Leave entitlements and other provisions

Franking deficit tax

Research and development offsets

Carried forward losses

Deferred income

Individually insignificant balances

Total deferred tax asset (offset against deferred tax liability)

Deferred income tax in the income statement relates to:
Revaluations of trading stock for tax purposes

Accruals and other

Other

Total deferred tax expense/(benefit)

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

31 Mar 2023  
$000

31 Mar 2022  
$000

–

3,529

48

–

3,577

1,560

87,519

89,079

8,188

2,456

1,121

3,577

–

57,851

(52)

–

57,799

915

75,863

76,778

194,729

58,419

(620)

57,799

(284,621)

(97,077)

(6,041)

44,051

(198,875)

(92,679)

(2,064)

39,209

(343,688)

(254,409)

306

181

2,987

1,012

4,610

32,187

820

1,948

44,051

4,399

(218)

(604)

3,577

88

690

2,837

1,012

4,610

29,450

400

122

39,209

59,586

(4)

(1,783)

57,799

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

p.105

F Other (cont.)

F4 Other Earnings Disclosures

Recognition of carbon credits(1)

Gain on disposal of fixed assets

Other income

Total other income

Interest expense

Other finance costs

Total finance costs

Remuneration and on‑costs

Superannuation and post‑employment benefits

Other employment benefits

Share‑based payments expense

Total employee expenses

31 Mar 2023  
$000

31 Mar 2022  
$000

7,355

1,764

3,043

12,162

16,637

448

17,085

2,267

1,070

2,117

5,454

13,223

818

14,041

50,504

42,645

3,891

5,475

415

3,336

3,377

200

60,285

49,558

(1)   Recognition of carbon credits in the current year relates to 191,036 Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs). The Company holds a total 343,592 ACCUs 

with a carrying value of $12.0 million at 31 March 2023.

Financial Reportp.106

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

F Other (cont.)

F5 Reserves

At 1 April 2021

Revaluation of land  
and buildings

Tax effect on revaluation 
of land and buildings

Revaluation of carbon 
credits, net of tax

Net movement in cash 
flow hedges, net of tax

Revaluation of foreign 
currency operations

Share based payment

Asset 
Revaluation 
Reserve  
$000

470,880

252,877

(75,863)

663

–

–

–

Capital  
Profits 
Reserve  
$000

84,762

Cash Flow 
Hedge  
Reserve  
$000

Foreign 
Currency 
Translation 
Reserve  
$000

Employee 
Equity 
Benefits 
Reserve  
$000

Total  
$000

(3,637)

(98)

6,940

558,847

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

3,281

–

–

–

–

–

–

(142)

–

(240)

–

–

–

–

–

199

7,139

252,877

(75,863)

663

3,281

(142)

199

739,862

At 31 March 2022

648,557

84,762

(356)

At 1 April 2022

Revaluation of land  
and buildings

Tax effect on revaluation 
of land and buildings

Net movement in cash 
flow hedges, net of tax

Revaluation of foreign 
currency operations

Share based payment

648,557

84,762

(356)

(240)

7,139

739,862

284,621

(85,387)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(3,283)

–

–

–

–

–

(1,462)

–

–

–

–

–

416

7,555

284,621

(85,387)

(3,283)

(1,462)

416

934,767

At 31 March 2023

847,791

84,762

(3,639)

(1,702)

The asset revaluation reserve is used to record increments and decrements in the fair value of property and improvements and any  
fair value adjustments on intangible assets, to the extent that they offset one another. The reserve can only be used to pay dividends  
in limited circumstances.

The capital profits reserve is used to accumulate realised capital profits, and can be used to pay dividends.

The cash flow hedge reserve is used to record the portion of movements in fair value of a hedging instrument in a cash flow hedge  
that is recognised in other comprehensive income.

The foreign currency translation reserve is used to accumulate the net impact of translating our US and Singapore denominated 
foreign currency balances and transactions into our presentational currency, Australian dollars.

The employee equity benefits reserve is used to record the value of equity benefits provided to employees as part of their remuneration. 
Refer to Note F7 for further details of these plans.

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

p.107

F Other (cont.)

F6 Related Parties

Compensation For Key Management Personnel

Short‑term employee benefits

Post‑employment benefits

Share‑based payment

Termination benefits

Long‑term benefits

Total compensation

Transactions with other related parties

31 Mar 2023  
$000

31 Mar 2022  
$000

4,713

160

372

853

15

5,660

196

233

–

6

6,113

6,095

There were no transactions between the Company and associates or other related parties during the year ended 31 March 2023 
(31 March 2022: a loan receivable was repaid in full by an associate, inclusive of accrued interest for $788,000). Associates are  
entities considered to be related parties, due to the Company having significant but not controlling influence over the entity.

F7 Share‑based Payments
The Company’s share‑based payment plans are described below. During 2023, expenses arising from equity settled share‑based 
payment transactions were $416,000 (31 March 2022: $200,000).

Performance Rights Plan (PRP)

The Company’s Performance Rights Plan has been in place since 2011 for incentive awards comprising performance rights. 
Performance rights remain until such time as they are either exercised or the rights lapse, and have a nil exercise price. Vesting of the 
performance rights is dependent on the satisfaction of a service vesting condition and/or a performance condition. Any performance 
rights which fail to meet the service condition on the vesting date will lapse immediately. Once the performance rights have vested, 
they are automatically exercised and shares in AACo issued to either the AACo Employee Share Scheme Trust (ESST) or acquired 
on‑market by the ESST Trustee on behalf of the participant.

Deferred Equity Award

Executives who are paid an STI cash bonus will receive a Deferred Equity Award (DEA) which is generally equal to 50% of the amount 
of the STI cash bonus actually earned. The DEA is in the form of a grant of performance rights under the Performance Rights Plan and 
is subject to two‑year (50%) and three‑year (50%) service vesting conditions i.e. vesting of the DEA is subject to the executive still 
being employed by the Company at the relevant vesting date.

The Company has a Good Leaver and a Bad Leaver Policy. If an executive ceases employment with the Company, then any unvested 
DEA will be automatically forfeited. If the executive was a Good Leaver, then the Board will consider the circumstances of the 
cessation of employment and may exercise its discretion to allow some or all of the unvested DEA to vest (and be exercised).

Financial Reportp.108

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

F Other (cont.)
F7 Share‑based Payments (cont.)

Performance Rights Plan (PRP) (cont.)

Long‑term incentives

The Company operates a Long‑Term Incentive (LTI) Plan in order to align remuneration of the Company’s senior executives with  
the long‑term strategic goals of the Company.

The LTI Plan is consistent with the Company’s objectives for remuneration, which include providing competitive total rewards to 
attract and retain high calibre senior executives, having a meaningful portion of remuneration “at risk” and, above all, creating value 
for shareholders.

Prior LTI Plan

The previous LTI Plan which was implemented on 9 May 2017 included four grant rounds. The LTI Plan’s performance period for the 
final round ended 30 September 2022. The applicable commencing market capitalisation of the Company, performance condition and 
performance period for each contemplated grant round under the previous LTI Plan which expired during the period, is set out on the 
table below.

Commencing Market 
Capitalisation of the Company

Performance Condition  
(Targeted Market Capitalisation 
of the Company)

Performance Period  
(Calculated Using an Assumed 
Annualised Growth Rate Of 20%)

First Grant 
Round

The market capitalisation of  
the Company on the LTI Plan 
Implementation Date

$1 billion

Second Grant 
Round

$1 billion

$1.5 billion

Third Grant 
Round

$1.5 billion

$2 billion

Fourth Grant 
Round

$2 billion

$2.5 billion

Within 2 quarters of the LTI Plan 
Implementation Date (i.e. performance 
period ended 30 September 2017)

Within 9 quarters of the LTI Plan 
Implementation Date (i.e. performance 
period ended 30 June 2019)

Within 16 quarters of the LTI Plan 
Implementation Date (i.e. performance 
period ended 31 March 2021)

Within 22 quarters of the LTI Plan 
Implementation Date (i.e. performance 
period ends 30 September 2022)

The performance condition for the first grant round of targeted market capitalisation of $1 billion was achieved on 5 June 2017.  
The rights associated with the first grant round were granted to the relevant senior executives at a fair value per right of $1.07.  
The second, third and fourth grant rounds were forfeited by all recipients as the target market capitalisation was not met by the 
relevant date.

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

p.109

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

F Other (cont.)
F7 Share‑based Payments (cont.)

Performance Rights Plan (PRP) (cont.)

Long‑term incentives (cont.)

Current LTI Plan

During the period and following the finalisation of the previous 2017 LTI Plan, the Board approved the Company’s adoption of a 
replacement LTI Plan on 17 November 2022 (LTI Plan Implementation Date). Under the LTI Plan, eligible persons are granted 
performance rights, being a right to acquire shares in the Company subject to applicable performance conditions being satisfied  
and exercise of the vested performance right. The LTI Plan covers a three‑year period, with an optional fourth year if performance 
targets to year three are not met. During FY23, the Company granted 2,908,614 performance rights on the terms summarised below. 
Each performance right had a grant date fair value of approximately $0.68, determined using a binomial model that incorporated  
an expected volatility of 32%, a risk‑free rate of 3.1%, and no expected dividends.

Feature

Description

Performance 
condition and 
performance 
period

Vesting of the performance rights is subject to a condition that the volume weighted average price  
(VWAP) of Company shares sold on the ASX over the period of 20 trading days up to and including 
30 September 2025 is at least $2.78, based upon a 15% annual growth rate over three years.

If the above performance condition is not satisfied, the performance rights will remain on foot and will be 
subject to an alternative performance condition relating to the VWAP of Company shares sold on the ASX 
over the period of 20 trading days up to and including 30 September 2026. Under this alternative condition, 
if the relevant VWAP is:

•  At least $2.88 (representing a compound annual growth rate of 12%), but less than $3.20 – 50% of 

performance rights will vest; and

•  At least $3.20 (representing a compound annual growth rate of 15%) – 100% of performance rights will vest.

The vesting period is from the grant date of 30 November 2022 to 30 September 2025.

Exercise period

Performance rights that have vested may generally be exercised at any time until 6 years after the date of 
vesting. Where a holder of performance rights ceases employment with the Company group, the exercise 
period is abridged to 30 days after cessation of employment.

Number of 
available 
performance rights

Lapsing conditions

Eligible persons were granted a number of performance rights equal to the value of their long‑term 
incentive opportunity, divided by the VWAP of Company shares sold on the ASX over the period of  
20 trading days up to and including 30 September 2022 being $1.83.

Unvested performance rights generally lapse upon the holder ceasing employment with the 
Company group.

If the holder of performance rights ceases to be an employee as a result of an “Uncontrollable Event”  
(e.g. death, permanent disablement, retirement, retrenchment, or such other circumstances which the 
Board determines is an Uncontrollable Event), any unvested performance rights held by that person  
are expected to continue to be subject to the requirements for vesting and exercise applying to those 
performance rights, unless the Board determines that the vesting conditions applying to some or all  
of those performance rights will be waived or that some or all of those performance rights will lapse.

There are certain other circumstances in which a participant’s performance rights may lapse, including 
where the participant has committed any act of fraud, defalcation or gross misconduct, hedged the value of 
performance rights or purported to dispose or grant a security interest in respect of their performance rights.

If a change of control event for the Company occurs, the treatment of any unvested performance rights  
will be within the discretion of the Board to determine.

The requirement to deliver shares in the Company upon the vesting and exercise of performance rights 
under the LTI Plan must be satisfied by way of on market acquisition of shares in the Company.

Change of  
control event

On market 
acquisition  
of shares

Financial Reportp.110

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

F Other (cont.)
F7 Share‑based Payments (cont.)

Equity settled awards outstanding

The table below shows the number (No.) and weighted average exercise prices (WAEP) of performance rights outstanding under the 
Performance Right Plan (PRP). There have been no cancellations or modifications to the PRP during the twelve months to 31 March 2023.

31 Mar 2023

Outstanding at the beginning of the period

Granted during the period

Forfeited during the period

Exercised during the period

Outstanding at the end of the period

Exercisable at the end of the period

Weighted average remaining contractual life (days)

Weighted average fair value at grant date

Range of exercise prices ($)

31 Mar 2022

Outstanding at the beginning of the period

Granted during the period

Forfeited during the period

Exercised during the period

Outstanding at the end of the period

Exercisable at the end of the period

Weighted average remaining contractual life (days)

Weighted average fair value at grant date

Range of exercise prices ($)

EOP  
No.

EOP WAEP  
$

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

EOP  
No.

EOP WAEP  
$

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

PRP  
No.

541,753

3,148,122

(301,099)

–

3,388,776

–

856

0.84

–

PRP  
No.

523,795

541,753

–

(523,795)

541,753

–

721

1.45

–

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

p.111

F Other (cont.)

F8 Controlled Entities
The consolidated financial statements include the following controlled entities:

Country of Incorporation

31 Mar 2023  
% of Shares 
Held

31 Mar 2022  
% of Shares 
Held

Name of Entity

Parent Entity

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Controlled Entities

A. A. Company Pty Ltd

Austcattle Holdings Pty Ltd

A. A. & P. Joint Holdings Pty Ltd

Shillong Pty Ltd

James McLeish Estates Pty Limited

Wondoola Pty Ltd

Waxahachie Pty Ltd

Naroo Pastoral Company Pty Limited

AACo Nominees Pty Limited

Chefs Partner Pty Ltd

Polkinghornes Stores Pty Limited

Northern Australian Beef Limited

AACo Innovation Pty Ltd

AACo Innovation (US) Pty Ltd

AACo US Holdings Pty Ltd

AACo Innovation (US) LLC

AACo Operations (US) LLC

AACo (US) LLC

(a)

(a)

(a)

(a)

(a)

(a)

(a)

(a)

(a)

(a)

(a)

(a)

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

United States of America

United States of America

United States of America

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

–

100

100

–

100

AACo Singapore Holdings Pty Ltd

Australia

(a)  These companies have entered into a deed of cross guarantee dated 22 November 2006 (amended 1 April 2015) with Australian 
Agricultural Company Limited which provides that all parties to the deed will guarantee to each creditor payment in full of  
any debt of each company participating in the deed on winding‑up of that company. As a result of a Class Order issued by the 
Australian Securities and Investments Commission, these companies are relieved from the requirement to prepare financial 
statements. The Consolidated Income Statement and Consolidated Statement of Financial Position of all entities included in  
the Class Order “Closed Group” are set out in (b).

Financial Reportp.112

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

F Other (cont.)
F8 Controlled Entities (cont.)

(b)  Financial information for the Class Order Closed Group:

Current Assets

Cash

Trade and other receivables

Inventories and consumables

Livestock

Other assets

Total Current Assets

Non‑Current Assets

Livestock

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Right‑of‑use assets

Investments

Intercompany receivable

Total Non‑Current Assets

Total Assets

Current Liabilities

Trade and other payables

Provisions

Interest‑bearing liabilities

Lease liabilities

Derivatives

Total Current Liabilities

Non‑Current Liabilities

Provisions

Interest‑bearing liabilities

Lease liabilities

Derivatives

Deferred tax liabilities

Total Non‑Current Liabilities

Total Liabilities

Net Assets

Equity:

Contributed equity

Reserves

Retained earnings/(losses)

Total Equity

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

31 Mar 2023  
$000

31 Mar 2022  
$000

2,656

10,302

35,919

346,076

5,943

400,896

8,907

7,548

22,204

334,047

12,140

384,846

389,127

1,535,857

402,143

1,239,004

12,935

37,309

238

20,115

6,290

21,873

238

9,022

1,995,581

2,396,477

1,678,570

2,063,416

31,941

4,024

4,529

7,867

4,425

52,786

991

386,227

31,393

537

343,688

762,836

815,622

26,893

3,998

4,631

5,239

2,301

43,062

1,623

375,946

16,565

–

254,409

648,543

691,605

1,580,855

1,371,811

528,822

936,469

115,564

528,822

740,102

102,887

1,580,855

1,371,811

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

p.113

F Other (cont.)
F8 Controlled Entities (cont.)

Income Statement of the Closed Group

Meat sales

Cattle sales

Cattle fair value adjustments

Cost of meat sold

Deemed cost of cattle sold

Cattle and feedlot expenses

Gross margin

Other income

Employee expenses

Administration and selling costs

Other operating costs

Property costs

Depreciation and amortisation

Profit/(Loss) before finance costs and income tax expense
Net finance costs

Profit/(Loss) before income tax
Income tax benefit

Net Profit/(Loss) after tax

F9 Parent Entity

Current assets

Non‑Current assets

Total Assets
Current liabilities

Non‑Current liabilities

Total Liabilities

Net Assets

Contributed equity

Asset revaluation reserve

Cash flow hedge reserve

Accumulated losses

Total Equity

Profit/(Loss) of the parent entity

Total comprehensive profit/(loss) of the parent entity

31 Mar 2023  
$000

31 Mar 2022  
$000

245,043

68,381

313,424

238,483

551,907

(208,082)

(66,674)

(90,297)

186,854

12,158

(56,811)

(48,251)

(32,096)

(4,776)

(23,778)

33,300
(17,079)

16,221
(3,545)

12,676

208,529

67,538

276,067

385,912

661,979

(168,148)

(65,769)

(84,805)

343,257

5,454

(46,998)

(43,675)

(25,252)

(3,911)

(19,841)

209,034
(14,033)

195,001
(57,777)

137,224

31 Mar 2023  
$000

31 Mar 2022  
$000

2,044

516,334

518,378
606

373,396

374,002

144,376

538,822

69,456

(3,639)

(460,263)

144,376

(25,355)

(49,242)

7,194

523,463

530,657
2,301

375,946

378,247

152,410

538,822

48,852

(356)

(434,908)

152,410

(161,786)

(176,343)

Financial Reportp.114

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

F Other (cont.)
F9 Parent Entity (cont.)

Australian Agricultural Company Limited and the wholly‑owned entities listed in Note F8 are parties to a deed of cross guarantee as 
described in F8. In accordance with the deed of cross guarantee, each Company which is party to the deed guarantee, to each creditor, 
payment in full of any debt. No deficiency of net assets existed for the Company as at 31 March 2023. No liability was recognised by 
Australian Agricultural Company Limited in relation to these guarantees, as the fair value of the guarantees is immaterial.

The accounting policies of the parent entity, which have been applied in determining the financial information shown above, are the 
same as those applied in the consolidated financial statements except for investments in subsidiaries which are accounted for at cost 
in the financial statements of Australian Agricultural Company Limited.

F10 Auditor’s Remuneration

Remuneration received, or due and receivable, by KPMG for:

An audit or review of the financial report of the entity and any other entity in the consolidated Group

390,000

Review of draft sustainability report

Other non‑audit services

Total

–

–

390,000

378,500

21,500

20,400

420,400

31 Mar 2023  
$

31 Mar 2022  
$

F11 Significant Events After the Balance Sheet Date
There have been no other significant events after the balance sheet date which require disclosure in the financial report.

G Policy Disclosures
G1 Corporate Information
Australian Agricultural Company Limited is a company limited by shares, incorporated and domiciled in Australia. The Company’s 
shares are publicly traded on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX).

The consolidated financial statements of Australian Agricultural Company Limited (AACo, the Company or parent Company)  
for the year ended 31 March 2023 were authorised for issue in accordance with a resolution of the Directors on 18 May 2023.

We recommend the financial statements be considered together with any public announcements made by the Company during the year 
ended 31 March 2023 in accordance with the Company’s continuous disclosure obligations arising under the Corporations Act 2001 
and ASX listing rules.

The nature of the operations and principal activities of Australian Agricultural Company Limited are described in the 
Directors’ Report.

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

p.115

G Policy Disclosures (cont.)

G2 Basis of Preparation
The financial statements are general purpose financial statements, prepared by a for‑profit entity, in accordance with the 
requirements of the Corporations Act 2001, Australian Accounting Standards and other authoritative pronouncements of the 
Australian Accounting Standards Board.

(a) Terminology used in the financial statements

In these financial statements, any references to we, us, our, AACo, the Company and consolidated, all refer to Australian Agricultural 
Company Limited and the entities it controlled at the financial year end or from time to time during the financial year. Any references 
to subsidiaries or controlled entities in these financial statements refer to those entities that are controlled and consolidated by 
Australian Agricultural Company Limited.

(b) Historical cost convention

The financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for Pastoral Property and Improvements, livestock  
and derivative financial instruments, which have been measured at fair value. Under the historical cost basis, assets are recorded at 
the amount of cash or cash equivalents paid or the fair value of the consideration given to acquire them at the time of their acquisition. 
Liabilities are recorded at the amount of proceeds received in exchange for the obligation, or in some circumstances, at the amounts  
of cash expected to be paid to satisfy the liability in the normal course of business.

(c) Compliance with IFRS

The financial statements also comply with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International 
Accounting Standards Board (IASB).

(d) Rounding amounts in the financial statements have been rounded to the nearest thousand dollars for presentation 
where noted ($000)

This has been completed under the option available to the Company under ASIC Corporations (Rounding in Financial/Directors’ 
Reports) Instrument 2016/191. The Company is an entity to which this legislative instrument applies.

G3 Accounting Policies
The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements are set out below.  
These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.

(a) New accounting standards and interpretations

The Company adopted no new and amended Australian Accounting Standards and AASB Interpretations during the year ended 
31 March 2023.

Financial Reportp.116

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

G Policy Disclosures (cont.)
G3 Accounting Policies (cont.)

(b) Basis of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements comprise the financial statements of Australian Agricultural Company Limited, and its 
subsidiaries (as outlined in Note F8) as at 31 March each year or from time to time during the year. All intra‑group balances and 
transactions, income and expenses and profit and losses resulting from intra‑group transactions have been eliminated in full.

Subsidiaries are all those entities which we control as a result of us being exposed, or have rights, to variable returns from our 
involvement with the subsidiary and we have the ability to affect those returns through our power over the subsidiary. Such control 
generally accompanies a shareholding of more than one‑half of the subsidiaries voting rights. We currently hold 100% of the voting 
rights of all our subsidiaries. We consolidate subsidiaries from the date on which control commences and up until the date on which 
there is a loss of control.

We account for the acquisition of our subsidiaries using the acquisition method of accounting. The acquisition method of accounting 
involves recognising at acquisition date, separately from goodwill, the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any 
non‑controlling interest in the acquiree. The identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed are measured at their acquisition 
date fair values. Any excess of the fair value of consideration over our interest in the fair value of the acquiree’s identifiable assets, 
liabilities and contingent liabilities is recognised as goodwill.

(c) Significant accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions

The preparation of the financial statements requires us to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported 
amounts in the financial statements. We continually evaluate our judgements and estimates in relation to assets, liabilities, 
contingent liabilities, revenue and expenses. We base our judgements and estimates on historical experience and on other various 
factors we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the result of which form the basis of the carrying values of assets and 
liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.

We have identified the following accounting policies for which significant judgements, estimates and assumptions have been made:

•  Fair value determination of livestock, refer to Note A3.

•  Fair value determination of pastoral property and improvements, refer to Note A4.

Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions and conditions and may materially affect financial  
results or the financial position reported in future periods. Further details of the nature of these assumptions and conditions may  
be found in the relevant notes to the financial statements.

(d) Foreign currency translation

Items included in each of the group entities’ financial statements are measured using the currency of the primary economic 
environment in which the entity operates (the functional currency). The consolidated financial statements are presented in 
Australian dollars which is the Company’s functional and presentation currency.

The results and financial position of foreign operations (none of which has the currency of a hyperinflationary economy) that  
have a functional currency different from the presentation currency are translated into the presentation currency as follows:

•  Assets and liabilities for each balance sheet presented are translated at the closing rate at balance date;

• 

Income and expenses for each statement of profit or loss and statement of comprehensive income are translated at average 
exchange rates, and

•  All resulting exchange differences are recognised in other comprehensive income.

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

p.117

G Policy Disclosures (cont.)
G3 Accounting Policies (cont.)

(e) Cash

Cash in the Statement of Financial Position comprise cash at bank and in hand which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in 
value. For the purposes of the Statement of Cash Flows, cash is as defined above, net of outstanding bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts 
are included within interest‑bearing loans and borrowings in current liabilities on the Statement of Financial Position.

(f) Trade and other receivables

Trade and other receivables are considered financial assets. They are recognised initially at the fair value of the amounts to be 
received and are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less a provision for expected credit loss. 
These financial assets are derecognised when the rights to receive cash flows from the financial assets have expired or have been 
transferred and we have transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership.

We review the collectability of trade receivables on an ongoing basis at the Company level.

Provision for expected credit loss of receivables is recognised as the loss allowance for trade receivables and is measured at an amount 
equal to lifetime expected credit losses. Trade receivables that do not contain a significant financing component are measured for the 
loss allowance at an amount equal to the lifetime expected credit losses.

AACo’s maximum exposure to credit risk is the net carrying value of receivables. We do not hold collateral as security, nor is it our 
policy to transfer (on‑sell) receivables to special purpose entities.

(g) Inventories and consumables

Inventories and consumables held for use in our operations are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is determined 
on the average cost basis and comprises the cost of purchase including transport cost.

Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less estimated costs of completion and the 
estimated costs necessary to make the sale. The quality of inventories is taken into account in the assessment of net realisable value.

(h) Derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting

We use derivative financial instruments, such as forward currency contracts, interest rate swaps and forward commodity contracts, 
to hedge our foreign currency risks, interest rate risks and commodity price risks, respectively. Such derivative financial instruments 
are initially recognised at fair value on the date on which a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured at fair 
value. Derivatives are carried as financial assets when the fair value is positive and as financial liabilities when the fair value is negative.

Any gains or losses arising from changes in the fair value of derivatives are taken directly to the income statement, except for the 
effective portion of cash flow hedges, which is recognised in other comprehensive income.

For the purpose of hedge accounting, hedges are classified as:

(a)  Fair value hedges when hedging the exposure to changes in the fair value of a recognised asset or liability or an unrecognised 

firm commitment.

(b)  Cash flow hedges when hedging the exposure to variability in cash flows that is either attributable to a particular risk associated 
with a recognised asset or liability or a highly probable forecast transaction or the foreign currency risk in an unrecognised 
firm commitment.

At the inception of a hedge relationship, we formally designate and document the hedge relationship to which we wish to apply hedge 
accounting and the risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge. The documentation includes identification of 
the hedging instrument, the hedged item or transaction, the nature of the risk being hedged and how we will assess the effectiveness of 
changes in the hedging instrument’s fair value in offsetting the exposure to changes in the hedged item’s fair value or cash flows attributable 
to the hedged risk. Such hedges are expected to be highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows and are 
assessed on an ongoing basis to determine that they actually have been highly effective throughout the financial reporting periods for 
which they were designated. Hedges that meet the strict criteria for hedge accounting are accounted for as described below:

Financial Reportp.118

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

G Policy Disclosures (cont.)
G3 Accounting Policies (cont.)

(h) Derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting (cont.)

Cash flow hedges

AASB 9 Financial Instruments addresses classification, measurement, and derecognition of financial assets and financial liabilities, 
sets out rules for hedge accounting, and requires impairment models based on expected credit losses.

All derivatives are recognised in the balance sheet at fair value and are classified as FVTPL except where they are designated as part 
of an effective hedge relationship and classified as hedging derivatives. The carrying value of a derivative is remeasured at fair value 
throughout the life of the contract. Derivatives are carried as assets when the fair value is positive and as liabilities when the fair value 
is negative.

The method of recognising the resulting fair value gain or loss on a derivative depends on whether the derivative is designated as a 
hedging instrument and, if so, the nature of the item being hedged.

The Company designates its derivatives as hedges of highly probable future cash flows attributable to a recognised foreign currency 
asset or liability or a highly probably foreign currency forecast transaction (cash flow hedges).

The Company documents at the inception of the transaction the relationship between hedging instruments and hedged items, the risk 
being hedged and the Company’s risk management objective and strategy for undertaking these hedge transactions. The effectiveness 
of the cash flow hedge is measured throughout the life of the hedging relationship. Ineffectiveness arises in the event of over hedging, 
whereby the notional amount of the designated hedge instrument exceeds the notional amount of the hedged item attributable to the 
hedged risk, or timing mismatches. Where ineffectiveness is identified, any revaluation gains or loss on the ineffective portion of the 
hedging instrument are immediately recognised in the statement of profit or loss in foreign exchange gains or foreign exchange losses.

The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated as cash flow hedges are recognised in the cash flow 
hedge reserve within equity. Upon recognition of the forecast transaction (“hedged item”) the carrying value is not adjusted. Amounts 
accumulated in equity are transferred to the statement of profit or loss in the period(s) in which the hedged item affects the statement 
of profit or loss.

(i) Plant and equipment

(i) Recognition and measurement

Refer to Note A4 for the accounting policy note for Pastoral Property and Improvements held at fair value. Plant and equipment and 
industrial land and buildings are stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. 
Such cost includes the cost of replacing parts that are eligible for capitalisation when the cost of replacing the parts is incurred. 
Similarly, when each major inspection is performed, its cost is recognised in the carrying amount of the plant and equipment as a 
replacement only if it is eligible for capitalisation. Directly attributable costs for the acquisition and construction of an asset are 
capitalised if the relevant recognition criteria are met. All other repairs and maintenance are recognised in the income statement 
as incurred.

We review and adjust, if appropriate, the residual values, useful lives and amortisation methods of all property, plant and equipment  
at the end of each financial year.

(ii) Depreciation

Depreciation is calculated on a straight‑line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset as follows:

Property, Plant and Equipment

Land (freehold lease, pastoral/perpetual lease, industrial)

Buildings

Fixed improvements

Owned plant and equipment

Plant and equipment under lease

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

Average Useful Life

Not depreciated

30 years

30 years

3‑10 years

2‑5 years

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

p.119

G Policy Disclosures (cont.)
G3 Accounting Policies (cont.)

(j) Intangible assets

Intangible assets are stated at historical cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses, unless acquired 
free of charge or for nominal consideration.

Australian Carbon Credit Units (“ACCUs”) have been acquired by the Company without consideration through the Clean Energy 
Regulator for carbon abatement. ACCUs meet the definition of an intangible asset under AASB 138 Intangible Assets, and are 
recognised in accordance with AASB 120 Accounting for Government Grants and Disclosure of Government Assistance at fair value.

ACCUs are initially recognised at fair value upon receipt, and are subsequently measured under the AASB 138 Cost Model. Previously, the 
Revaluation Model was adopted, however as the market for ACCUs is no longer deemed to be active, the carrying amount of these assets 
remain at their revalued amount at the date of the last revaluation.

(k) Leases

(i) AACo as a lessee

The Company recognises a right‑of‑use asset and a lease liability at the lease commencement date. The right‑of‑use asset is initially 
measured at cost, and subsequently at cost less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses, and adjusted for certain 
remeasurements of the lease liability. When a right‑of‑use asset meets the definition of investment property, it is presented in 
investment property.

The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at the commencement date, 
discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if that rate cannot be readily determined, the Group’s incremental borrowing 
rate. Generally, the Group’s incremental borrowing rate is used as the discount rate. The lease liability is subsequently increased by 
the interest cost on the lease liability and decreased by lease payment made. It is remeasured when there is a change in future lease 
payments arising from a change in an index or rate, a change in the estimate of the amount expected to be payable under a residual 
value guarantee, or as appropriate, changes in the assessment of whether a purchase or extension option is reasonably certain to be 
exercised or a termination option is reasonably certain not to be exercised.

Judgement has been used to determine the lease term for some lease contracts in which it is a lessee, that include renewal options.  
The assessment of whether it is reasonably certain the Company will exercise such options impacts the lease term, which can 
significantly affect the amount of lease liabilities and right‑of‑use assets recognised.

(ii) Pastoral and perpetual property leases

Freehold pastoral property and improvements and pastoral property and improvements held under statutory leases with government 
bodies have been included in Property, Plant and Equipment (refer Note A4).

(l) Trade and other payables

Trade and other payables are carried at amortised cost and due to their short‑term nature they are not discounted. They represent 
liabilities for goods and services provided to us prior to the end of the financial year that are unpaid and arise when we become obliged 
to make future payments in respect of the purchase of these goods and services. Trade payables are unsecured and are usually paid 
within 30 days of recognition. Other payables are unsecured and are usually paid within 90 days of recognition.

(m) Provisions

Provisions are recognised when the Company has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events, it is probable  
that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation, and the amount can be reliably estimated.

Provisions are measured at the present value of management’s best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the present 
obligation at the end of the reporting period. Provisions recognised by the Company include those for employee benefits (annual leave 
and long service leave), onerous contracts and make good provisions. The discount rate used to determine the present value of each 
type of provision is a pre‑tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to 
the liability.

Financial Reportp.120

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

G Policy Disclosures (cont.)
G3 Accounting Policies (cont.)

(n) Borrowings

Borrowings are included as non‑current liabilities except for those with maturities less than 12 months from the reporting date,  
which are classified as current liabilities.

We recognise borrowings initially on the trade date, which is the date we become a party to the contractual provisions of the 
instrument. We derecognise borrowings when our contractual obligations are discharged or cancelled or expire.

All borrowings are initially recognised at fair value plus any transaction costs that are directly attributable to the issue of the 
instruments and are subsequently measured at amortised cost. Any difference between the final amount paid to discharge the 
borrowing and the initial borrowing proceeds (including transaction costs) is recognised in profit or loss over the borrowing period 
using the effective interest method.

Amortised cost is calculated by taking into account any discount or premium on acquisition and fees or costs that are an integral part 
of the effective interest rate. The effective interest rate amortisation is included in finance costs in profit or loss. Borrowing costs 
directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset (i.e. an asset that necessarily takes a substantial 
period of time to get ready for its intended use or sale) are capitalised as part of the cost of that asset. All other borrowing costs are 
expensed in the period they occur. Borrowing costs consist of interest and other costs that we incur in connection with the borrowing 
of funds.

(o) Share‑based payment transactions

We provide benefits to our employees (including key management personnel) in the form of share‑based payments, whereby 
employees render services in exchange for shares or rights over shares (equity‑settled transactions).

We recognise an expense for all share‑based remuneration determined with reference to the fair value at the grant date of the equity 
instruments. We calculate the fair value using the Black Scholes model or other applicable models. The fair value is charged to the 
income statement over the relevant vesting periods, adjusted to reflect actual and expected levels of vesting. In valuing equity‑settled 
transactions, no account is taken of any performance conditions, other than conditions linked to the price of the shares of Australian 
Agricultural Company Limited (market conditions).

(p) Contributed equity

Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares or options are shown  
in equity as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds.

(q) Revenue recognition

Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Company and the revenue can be 
reliably measured, regardless of when the payment is being made. Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received 
or receivable, taking into account contractually defined terms of payment and excluding taxes or duty.

(i) Livestock and meat sales

Revenue is recognised to the extent that the Company has satisfied a performance obligation and the transaction price can be readily 
identified. Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, taking into account contractually defined 
terms of payment and excluding taxes or duty.

Revenue from the sale of livestock and meat is recognised when the performance obligation of passing control of meat or livestock,  
at an agreed‑upon delivery point to the customer, has been satisfied.

(ii) Interest revenue

We record interest revenue on an accruals basis. For financial assets, interest revenue is determined by the effective yield on 
the instrument.

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

p.121

G Policy Disclosures (cont.)
G3 Accounting Policies (cont.)

(r) Income tax and other taxes

The Company and its wholly‑owned Australian resident entities are part of a tax‑consolidated group. As a consequence, all  
members of the tax‑ consolidated group are taxed as a single entity. The Company is the head entity within the tax‑consolidated  
group. Foreign entities are taxed individually within their respective tax jurisdictions. Income tax expense represents the sum of 
current tax and deferred tax.

Current tax

Current tax is calculated on accounting profit after allowing for non‑taxable and non‑deductible items based on the amount expected 
to be paid to taxation authorities on taxable profit for the period. Our current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted  
or substantively enacted at the reporting date.

Current income tax relating to items recognised directly in equity is recognised in equity and not in the income statement.

Deferred tax

Deferred income tax is provided on all temporary differences at the reporting date between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and 
their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes. Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the 
period when the asset is realised or the liability is settled.

Deferred income tax liabilities are recognised for all taxable temporary differences except:

•  When the deferred income tax liability arises from the initial recognition of goodwill or of an asset or liability in a transaction  

that is not a business combination and that, at the time of the transaction, affects neither the accounting profit nor taxable profit  
or loss; and

•  When the taxable temporary difference is associated with investments in subsidiaries and the timing of the reversal of the 

temporary difference can be controlled and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

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

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

•  When the deductible temporary difference is associated with investments in subsidiaries, associates or interests in joint ventures, 
in which case a deferred tax asset is only recognised to the extent that it is probable that the temporary difference will reverse in 
the foreseeable future and taxable profit will be available against which the temporary difference can be utilised.

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

Unrecognised deferred income tax assets are reassessed at each reporting date and are recognised to the extent that it has become 
probable that future taxable profit will allow the deferred tax asset to be recovered.

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

Financial Reportp.122

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

G Policy Disclosures (cont.)
G3 Accounting Policies (cont.)

(s) Earnings per share

(i) Basic earnings per share

Basic earnings per share is calculated as net profit attributable to ordinary shareholders divided by the weighted average number  
of ordinary shares outstanding during the period.

(ii) Diluted earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share adjusts the figures used in the determination of basic earnings per share to take into account:

•  The after tax effect of interest and other financing costs associated with dilutive potential ordinary shares that have been 

recognised as expenses; and

•  The weighted average number of additional ordinary shares that would have been outstanding assuming the conversion  

of all dilutive potential ordinary shares.

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

p.123

Directors’ Declaration

In accordance with a resolution of the Directors of the Australian Agricultural Company Limited, we state that:

1. 

In the opinion of the Directors:

a.  The financial statements, notes and remuneration report of Australian Agricultural Company Limited for the year ended 

31 March 2023 are in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including:

i.  Giving a true and fair view of its financial position as at 31 March 2023 and of its performance for the year ended on 

that date.

ii.  Complying with Australian Accounting Standards and Corporations Regulations 2001.

b.  The financial statements and notes also comply with International Financial Reporting Standards as disclosed in Note G2.

c.  There are reasonable grounds to believe that the Company will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due 

and payable.

2.  This declaration has been made after receiving the declarations required to be made to the Directors in accordance with section 

295A of the Corporations Act 2001 for the year to 31 March 2023.

3. 

In the opinion of the Directors, as at the date of this declaration, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the members of  
the Closed Group identified in Note F8 will be able to meet any obligations or liabilities to which they are or may become subject, 
by virtue of the Deed of Cross Guarantee.

On behalf of the Board

Donald McGauchie AO
Chairman

Brisbane 
18 May 2023

Financial Reportp.124

Independent Auditor’s Report

Independent Auditor’s Report 

To the shareholders of Australian Agricultural Company Limited  

Report on the audit of the Financial Report 

Opinion 

We have audited the Financial Report of 
Australian Agricultural Company Limited (the 
Company). 

In our opinion, the accompanying Financial 
Report of the Company is in accordance with 
the Corporations Act 2001, including:  

•  giving a true and fair view of the Group’s 
financial position as at 31 March 2023 and 
of its financial performance for the year 
ended on that date; and 

• 

complying with Australian Accounting 
Standards and the Corporations 
Regulations 2001. 

Basis for opinion 

The Financial Report comprises: 

•  Consolidated statement of financial position as at 

31 March 2023; 

•  Consolidated income statement, Consolidated 

statement of comprehensive income, 
Consolidated statement of changes in equity, and 
Consolidated statement of cash flows for the year 
then ended; 

•  Notes including a summary of significant 

accounting policies; and 

•  Directors’ Declaration. 

The Group consists of the Company and the entities 
it controlled at the year-end or from time to time 
during the financial year. 

We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. We believe that the audit 
evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. 

Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the 
audit of the Financial Report section of our report.  

We are independent of the Group in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001 and the ethical 
requirements of the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s APES 110 Code of Ethics for 
Professional Accountants (including Independence Standards) (the Code) that are relevant to our audit of 
the Financial Report in Australia. We have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with 
these requirements.  

KPMG, an Australian partnership and a member firm of the KPMG global organisation of independent member firms affiliated 
with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. All rights reserved. The KPMG name and 
logo are trademarks used under license by the independent member firms of the KPMG global organisation. Liability limited by 
a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. 

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent Auditor’s Report (cont.)

p.125

Key Audit Matters 

The Key Audit Matters we identified are: 

•  quantity and valuation of livestock; and 

•  valuation of pastoral property and 

improvements. 

Key Audit Matters are those matters that, in our 
professional judgement, were of most significance in 
our audit of the Financial Report of the current period.  

These matters were addressed in the context of our 
audit of the Financial Report as a whole, and in 
forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a 
separate opinion on these matters. 

Quantity and valuation of livestock $735,203,000 

Refer to Note A3 Livestock to the Financial Report 

The key audit matter 

How the matter was addressed in our audit 

The quantity and valuation of livestock is 
considered a key audit matter due to: 

• 

• 

the size of the balance (being 30.8% of total 
assets); 

the significant audit effort involved in 
quantifying livestock (number and weight) at 
year end given the level of judgement and 
estimates used by the Group. The Group 
uses estimates, such as pregnancy rates, 
branding percentages, average weight gain 
per day, and rates of attrition, in conjunction 
with the annual muster results in 
determining the final livestock quantities at 
year end; and 

• 

the significant audit effort required by us in 
evaluating the market prices for livestock 
used by the Group, including where there is 
no readily observable market price. 

The judgements made by the Group in 
assessing the quantity and value of livestock 
have a significant impact on the Group’s 
financial performance and financial position. 

In assessing this key audit matter, we involved 
senior audit team members who understand 
the industry and the complexities involved in 
quantifying and valuing livestock. 

Our procedures included: 

•  assessing the appropriateness of the Group’s 

accounting policies against the requirements of 
the accounting standards and our understanding 
of the business and industry practice; 

•  visiting three of the Group’s cattle properties to 

understand and observe the livestock accounting 
process; 

• 

testing the Group’s rollforward movement 
schedule of the number of livestock at the 
beginning of the year to the number recorded at 
the end of the year by: 

• 

testing a sample of livestock purchases, sales 
transactions and transfers for meat sales to 
various sources of evidence such as purchase 
invoices, transport documentation and cash 
receipts; and  

•  comparing estimates of pregnancy rates, 

branding percentages, average weight gain per 
day and rates of attrition to historical data and 
our understanding of environmental and 
market trends in the industry; 

•  comparing livestock market prices adopted by the 
Group, including those determined by the external 
valuer, to a range of recent observable market 
prices, such as from the publicly available Meat 
and Livestock Australia Market Information 
reports,  

• 

for feedlot cattle, where there is no readily 
observable market price, assessing the Group’s 
valuation process including entry price, cost of 

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
p.126

Independent Auditor’s Report (cont.)

production and average daily weight gain to 
observable inputs and our understanding of the 
industry; 

•  evaluating the scope, competence, and objectivity 

of the external valuer used by the Group for 
valuing livestock with no readily observable 
market price;  

•  evaluating the report of the external valuer for 
consistency with our understanding of the 
business, industry and environmental conditions, 
trends in historical livestock prices and other 
information available to us; and 

• 

assessing the disclosures in the financial report 
using our understanding obtained from our 
testing and against the requirements of the 
accounting standard. 

Valuation of pastoral property and improvements $1,464,500,000 

Refer to Note A4 Property in the Financial Report. 

The key audit matter 

How the matter was addressed in our audit 

The valuation of pastoral property and 
improvements is considered a key audit matter 
due to: 

• 

• 

the size of the balance (being 61.4% of total 
assets); and 

the level of judgement required by us in 
evaluating the Group’s assessment of the 
fair value of pastoral property and 
improvements. 

• 

The most significant areas of judgement we 
focused on were: 

• 

• 

• 

the valuation technique applied to each 
property; 

the Adult Equivalent carrying capacity of 
each property; and 

the corresponding dollar per Adult 
Equivalent, Standard Cattle Unit or hectare. 

The Group has appointed external valuers and 
other external experts to assist in the 

Working with our valuation specialist, our procedures 
included: 

•  evaluating the scope, competence, and objectivity 
of external valuers and other external experts 
used by the Group; 

reading the reports of the external valuer and 
other external expert and evaluating their work 
regarding Adult Equivalent carrying capacity of 
each property and the dollar per Adult Equivalent, 
Standard Cattle Unit or hectare for consistency 
with our understanding of the properties, 
environmental conditions, recent comparable 
market transactions and other information 
available to us;  

•  checking the completeness and accuracy of 
properties included in the Group’s external 
valuer’s report to publicly available property 
searches. 

•  assessing the external valuer’s valuation report 
and comparing the valuation technique for each 
property to accepted market practices, industry 

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent Auditor’s Report (cont.)

p.127

determination of these key valuation inputs. 

The judgements made by the Group in 
assessing the fair value of property and 
improvements have a significant impact on the 
Group’s financial position. 

In assessing this key audit matter, in particular 
the level of judgement involved, we involved 
senior audit team members, including a 
valuation specialist, who understand the nature 
of the Group’s properties and recent 
comparable market transactions. 

norms, and criteria in the accounting standards; 
and 

•  assessing the disclosures in the financial report 

using our understanding obtained from our testing 
and against the requirements of the accounting 
standard. 

Other Information 

Other Information is financial and non-financial information in Australian Agricultural Company Limited’s 
annual reporting which is provided in addition to the Financial Report and the Auditor’s Report. The 
Directors are responsible for the Other Information. 

The Other Information we obtained prior to the date of this Auditor’s Report was the Directors’ Report, 
including the Remuneration Report, ASX Additional Information and Company Information. The 
Chairman’s and Managing Director’s messages and financial and operating highlights information are 
expected to be made available to us after the date of the Auditor's Report. 

Our opinion on the Financial Report does not cover the Other Information and, accordingly, we do not 
and will not, express an audit opinion or any form of assurance conclusion thereon, with the exception of 
the Remuneration Report and our related assurance opinion. 

In connection with our audit of the Financial Report, our responsibility is to read the Other Information. In 
doing so, we consider whether the Other Information is materially inconsistent with the Financial Report 
or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. 

We are required to report if we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this Other Information, 
and based on the work we have performed on the Other Information that we obtained prior to the date 
of this Auditor’s Report we have nothing to report. 

Responsibilities of the Directors for the Financial Report 

The Directors are responsible for: 

•  preparing the Financial Report that gives a true and fair view in accordance with Australian 

Accounting Standards and the Corporations Act 2001 

• 

implementing necessary internal control to enable the preparation of a Financial Report that gives a 
true and fair view and is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error 

•  assessing the Group and Company’s ability to continue as a going concern and whether the use of 

the going concern basis of accounting is appropriate. This includes disclosing, as applicable, matters 
related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless they either intend to 
liquidate the Group and Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. 

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
p.128

Independent Auditor’s Report (cont.)

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the Financial Report 

Our objective is: 

• 

• 

to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the Financial Report as a whole is free from material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error; and  

to issue an Auditor’s Report that includes our opinion.  

Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in 
accordance with Australian Auditing Standards will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. 

Misstatements can arise from fraud or error. They are considered material if, individually or in the 
aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the 
basis of the Financial Report. 

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the Financial Report is located at the Auditing 
and Assurance Standards Board website at: 
https://www.auasb.gov.au/admin/file/content102/c3/ar1_2020.pdf. This description forms part of our 
Auditor’s Report. 

Report on the Remuneration Report 

Opinion 

Directors’ responsibilities 

In our opinion, the Remuneration Report of 
Australian Agricultural Company Limited for the 
year ended 31 March 2023, complies with 
Section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. 

The Directors of the Company are responsible for the 
preparation and presentation of the Remuneration 
Report in accordance with Section 300A of the 
Corporations Act 2001. 

Our responsibilities 

We have audited the Remuneration Report included in 
pages 59 to 73 of the Directors’ report for the year 
ended 31 March 2023. 

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the 
Remuneration Report, based on our audit conducted 
in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. 

KPMG 

Scott Guse 
Partner 

Brisbane 
18 May 2023 

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ASX Additional Information

p.129

Additional information required by the Australian Stock Exchange Ltd and not shown elsewhere in the Financial Report is as follows. 
The information is current as at 31 May 2023.

(a) Distribution of equity securities
Ordinary share capital
602,766,747 fully paid ordinary shares are held by 7,840 individual Shareholders. All ordinary shares carry one vote per share and 
carry the rights to dividends. The number of shareholders, by size of holding is:

Number of Shares

1 to 1,000

1,001 to 5,000

5,001 to 10,000

10,001 to 100,000

100,001 and Over

Total

Number of 
Shareholders

2,485

2,850

1,052

1,347

106

7,840

Unquoted equity securities
As at 31 May 2023, there were 3,388,776 unlisted performance rights granted over unissued ordinary shares in the Company.

(b) Twenty largest holders of quoted equity securities
The names of the twenty largest holders of quoted shares as shown in the Company’s Share Register are as at 31 May 2023:

HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED

CITICORP NOMINEES PTY LIMITED

J P MORGAN NOMINEES AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED

CUSTODIAL SERVICES LIMITED 

AACO NOMINEES PTY LIMITED 

BNP PARIBAS NOMINEES PTY LTD

QUALITY LIFE PTY LTD 

MR BARRY MARTIN LAMBERT

NATIONAL NOMINEES LIMITED

TIGER INVESTMENT CORPORATION PTY LTD 

MRS JOY WILMA LILLIAN LAMBERT

MCGAUCHIE SUPER PTY LTD

NETWEALTH INVESTMENTS LIMITED 

WYKALA PTY LIMITED

MR LENARD JAMES NORRIS

RATHVALE PTY LIMITED

BARJOY PTY LTD 

MR BRUCE MACAULAY BENNETT

KILLEN FAMILY NOMINEES PTY LTD 

MR BARRY MARTIN LAMBERT + MRS JOY WILMA LILLIAN LAMBERT  


Number

Percentage

458,032,967

75.98%

27,595,696

18,144,241

5,877,710

5,634,147

5,204,037

3,175,000

1,177,660

1,106,727

965,000

921,702

771,416

705,664

619,000

600,000

563,968

483,864

454,807

452,042

450,000

4.58%

3.01%

0.98%

0.93%

0.87%

0.53%

0.20%

0.18%

0.16%

0.15%

0.13%

0.12%

0.10%

0.10%

0.09%

0.08%

0.08%

0.07%

0.07%

Financial Reportp.130

ASX Additional Information (cont.)

(c) Substantial shareholders
The names of substantial shareholders who have notified the Company in accordance with section 671B of the Corporations Act 2001 
as at 31 May 2023 are:

Ordinary Shareholders

Bryan Glinton as trustee of The AA Trust

Tattarang Pty Ltd as the trustee of The Peepingee Trust and John Andrew Henry Forrest

Number

307,940,850

111,396,503

(d) Marketable Shares
The number of security investors holding less than a marketable parcel of 313 securities ($1.600 on 31 May 2023) is 667 and they hold 
62,613 securities.

Australian Agricultural Company Limited

Annual Report 2023

p.131

Company Information

Name of Entity
Australian Agricultural Company Limited

ABN
15 010 892 270

Registered Office
Principal Place of Business  
Level 1, Tower A 
Gasworks Plaza 
76 Skyring Terrace 
Newstead QLD 4006

Ph: (07) 3368 4400 
Fax: (07) 3368 4401

www.aaco.com.au

Share Registry
Link Market Services Limited 
Level 21, 10 Eagle Street 
Brisbane QLD 4000

Ph: 1300 554 474

www.linkmarketservices.com.au

AACo shares are quoted on the Australian Securities Exchange under listing Code AAC.

Solicitors
Allens Linklaters 
Level 26, 480 Queen Street 
Brisbane QLD 4000

Auditors
KPMG 
Level 16, 71 Eagle Street 
Brisbane QLD 4000

Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of the Australian Agricultural Company Limited  
will be held on Thursday 27th July 2023.

colliercreative.com.au #AAC0006

Financial Report.

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