Quarterlytics / Industrials / Railroads / Aurizon

Aurizon

azj · ASX Industrials
Claim this profile
Ticker azj
Exchange ASX
Sector Industrials
Industry Railroads
Employees 5001-10,000
← All annual reports
FY2018 Annual Report · Aurizon
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
1

7

|1

8

U

N

N

A

R T

A L R E P O

Contents

FY2018 in Review ................................................... 1

Chairman’s Report ................................................2

Managing Director & CEO’s Report ..............3

Directors’ Report ...................................................4

– Operating and Financial Review ...............10

– Remuneration Report ....................................25

Auditors’ Independence Declaration ........ 39

Corporate Governance Statement .............40

Financial Report ..................................................46

Shareholder Information  ...............................107

Glossary ................................................................ 109

Corporate Information  ..................................... 111

Purpose 
Growing regional Australia by delivering bulk 
commodities to the world.

Vision
The first choice for bulk commodity transport 

solutions. 

Values
 Safety: We have a relentless focus 
towards ZEROHarm.

People: We seek diverse perspectives.

Integrity: We have the courage to do  
the right thing.

Customer: We strive to be the first choice  
for customers.

Excellence: We set and achieve ambitious goals.

FINANCIAL REPORT  FY2018 in Review

Result Highlights (Underlying continuing operations)
($M)

Total revenue

EBITDA 

EBIT

Adjustments – Cliffs contract exit

– Impairments

– Redundancy costs

EBIT – statutory

NPAT 

NPAT – statutory

Free cash flow (FCF)

Final dividend (cps)

Total dividend (cps)

Earnings per share (cps)

Return on invested capital (ROIC)

EBITDA margin (%)

Operating ratio (OR) (%)

Above Rail Tonnes (m)

Above Rail opex/NTK (excluding access) ($/’000 NTK)

Gearing (net debt/net debt + equity) (%)

FY2018

3,112.7

1,466.1

940.6

34.5

(31.7)

22.9

966.3

542.1

560.1

669.4

13.1

27.1

26.9

10.9%

47.1%

69.8%

267.1

18.5

42.3%

FY2017

VARIANCE %

3,142.5

1,451.5

884.2

–

(649.0)

(110.8)

124.4

494.7

(37.2)

703.7

8.9

22.5

24.1

9.3%

46.2%

71.9%

256.5

19.2

39.6%

(1%)

1%

6%

–

nm

nm

677%

10%

nm

(5%)

47%

20%

12%

1.6ppt

0.9ppt

2.1ppt

4%

4%

(2.7ppt)

Highlights
 › EBIT up 6% to $940.6m 

•  Coal up $8.6m (2%) with 7% higher 

volumes and transformation benefits 
partly offset by higher operating costs 
due to price escalation and costs 
associated with installing capacity  
to deliver additional volumes 

•  Bulk up $64.5m due to transformation 
benefits and lower depreciation from 
prior year impairments, partly offset by 
lower volumes

•  Network flat at $480.6m with operating 
cost savings offset by non-recurrence of 
UT4 true-ups in prior year

 › FCF decreased $34.3m with a 3% increase in 
net cash from operations more than offset by 
lower proceeds from asset sales 

 › $300m buy-back completed in 2HFY2018, 
distributing surplus capital to investors

 › Final dividend of 13.1cps, 60% franked (100% 
payout of underlying NPAT for continuing 
operations), an increase of 47% against  
prior year

Major items
 › Achievement of three-year transformation 
target of $380m with $133.6m in benefits 
delivered during FY2018, including the 
removal of Intermodal’s FY2017 losses, which 
principally relate to Intermodal Interstate
 › Interstate Intermodal closed during the 

year. Australian Competition and Consumer 
Commission (ACCC) has blocked the sale 
transactions for the Queensland Intermodal 
business and Acacia Ridge Terminal and 
has commenced proceedings in the Federal 
Court. Aurizon will defend these proceedings 
and seek clearance of the sale of the Acacia 
Ridge Terminal

 › UT5 draft response strategy in execution 

across multiple pathways being regulatory, 
commercial and legal activity

 › Enterprise strategy re-set in June to  

provide framework for continued delivery  
of Enterprise strategic outcomes 

Outlook
 › Underlying EBIT guidance for above rail 

business $390m–$430m.  
Key assumptions as follows:
•  Coal – flat outlook with higher volumes 

(215-225mt) offset by increased 
maintenance and operating costs

•  Bulk – cessation of Cliffs and Mt Gibson 
contracts ~$50m impact in FY2019
•  Continued delivery of transformation  

in the remaining core business

•  No major weather impacts
•  Excludes redundancy costs

 › Providing EBIT guidance for Network  
is challenging due to the uncertain  
UT5 outcome with a $130m range. 
Transitional tariffs currently in place  
until 31 December 2018

FY2018 IN REVIEW

1

Chairman’s Report

A message from the Chairman 

Dear fellow shareholders

Against the backdrop of regulatory uncertainty, 
I am pleased to report Aurizon’s solid financial 
performance for the 2018 financial year. 
Underlying Earnings Before Interest and Tax 
(EBIT) were $941 million, which was an increase 
of 6% from FY2017, and within the guidance 
communicated to shareholders in August 2017.

The growth in Underlying EBIT stems from 
transformation initiatives and improved 
earnings in the Coal and Bulk businesses.  
The Board commends our team for exceeding 
the $380 million three-year transformation 
target, with $134 million of benefits delivered 
this financial year. The Board supports 
management’s commitment to the ongoing 
delivery of transformation benefits through 
building a culture of continuous improvement.

Returning capital to shareholders remains 
a priority for the Board. Since March 2017, 
we have distributed more than $1 billion to 
shareholders through dividend payments  
and share buybacks. This year, the Board 
declared a final dividend of 13.1 cents per  
share 60% franked, giving a full-year dividend 
of 27.1 cents per share. The total dividend  
has increased by 20% when compared  
with the prior year. The final dividend is 
paying out 100% of the Company’s underlying 
continuing NPAT, and will be paid to 
shareholders on 24 September 2018.

As I reflect on my message from last year’s 
Annual Report, I had identified four key priorities 
for Aurizon for the 2018 financial year. The first 
was to receive an acceptable draft decision from 
the Queensland Competition Authority in relation 
to the access undertaking of our regulated 
Network business. The second was to focus on 
resolving the future of our Intermodal business 
and the final two priorities were to improve the 
performance of our Bulk business and to achieve 
our transformation targets.

While we have delivered on priorities three and 
four, regulatory decisions have continued to be 
significant challenges for Aurizon and a source 
of uncertainty for customers, shareholders and 
those employees in Network and Intermodal. 
As we enter FY2019, we remain committed to 
pursuing commercially sustainable outcomes 
for both the Network access undertaking and 
the exit of the Queensland Intermodal business. 

At the time of writing, these issues were 
subject to regulatory and legal review but 
nonetheless remain key priorities for the 
Board and our senior team. With respect to 
the Central Queensland Coal Network, in the 
longer term, we will continue to advocate 
for a regulatory framework that is simpler, 
commercially-oriented to provide certainty and 
stability that will support continued investment 
in and growth of, the Queensland coal sector.

In June 2018, we released Strategy in Action, a 
strategic framework that focuses on Aurizon’s 
core strengths in delivering transport solutions 
for customers with bulk commodities. This 
represents a re-setting of our strategy that has 
been shaped by major initiatives undertaken 
during the past year, such as implementing 
outcomes from a review of our freight 
operations and the Business Unit restructure.

By concentrating our efforts on what we 
do well, and in growing markets where we 
can leverage the capability and talents of 
our employees, we know we can deliver 
strong customer and shareholder outcomes. 
The strategy embodies a commitment to 
continuous improvement in all parts of the 
Aurizon business, with the aim of being 
more efficient, responsive and agile in the 
markets we choose to compete in. Our 
Managing Director & CEO Andrew Harding 
and his leadership team are now driving the 
implementation of Strategy in Action, engaging 
with employees across the organisation. 
Integral to this is creating a values-driven 
safety and performance culture, where the 
safety of our people and our operations 
remains the highest priority. The Board will take 
a close and active interest in a new program of 
work that is being implemented to renew the 
Company‘s focus on safety.

In re-setting Company strategy, extensive 
analysis was undertaken on bulk commodity 
markets to understand future demand 
scenarios. For example, we track construction 
activity for thermal coal-fired power generation 
in Asia and steel capacity growth. These are 
long-life assets with strong demand profiles  
for high quality Australian coal.

More than 95% of Australian thermal coal 
exports are delivered to Asia. In key South East 
Asian nations, there is 17 gigawatts of coal-
fired capacity considered under construction, 
in 22 locations. India is expected to be the 
single largest driver of seaborne demand for 
metallurgical coal over coming decades, and 
with Australia supplying around 90% of its 
imports this is positive for our customers and 
for the supply chain.

The Bulk business serves customers with 
industrial, mining, agricultural and fertiliser 
products that are in high demand. This includes 
commodities that are fuelled by growth in 
the demand for batteries, electric vehicles, 
computers, telecommunications and improving 
living standards overseas. 

At Board level we are committed to providing 
oversight and strategic direction to the 
Company’s social, environmental and economic 
risks and to ensuring appropriate disclosure of 
these risks through our annual Sustainability 
Report. In June 2018, the Australian Council of 
Superannuation Investors recognised Aurizon 
as one of 35 companies in the ASX200 that 
has consistently outperformed in sustainability 
disclosure over the past four years.

To support the best outcomes for the 
Company, our Board members have diverse 
skills and experience, with each member 
making significant contributions during a 
challenging year. In November last year, 
Marcelo Bastos joined Aurizon’s Board as 
an Independent Non-Executive Director. 
Marcelo has more than 30 years’ experience 
in the global mining industry and an excellent 
understanding of our business, our customers 
and our future opportunities. 

On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank 
our dedicated group of employees for their 
hard work and for constantly looking at better 
and more innovative ways to do their jobs 
and to deliver for customers. The Board also 
acknowledges the efforts and contribution of 
our senior team under Andrew’s leadership, 
during a year of major change and regulatory 
challenge. The momentum achieved in 
continuously improving business outcomes is 
reflected in the solid FY2018 financial results. 
Finally, thank you to our customers and 
shareholders for your ongoing support as we 
re-shape our Company and our strategy to 
deliver better outcomes for all our stakeholders. 

Tim Poole
Chairman 
12 August 2018 

2

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017–18 
Managing Director & CEO’s Report

A message from the  
Managing Director & CEO

Dear fellow shareholders

Navigating Aurizon to reach its full potential for 
customers and for shareholders is an exciting 
prospect for me. These are the words I shared in 
the Annual Report last year and, despite some 
challenges, I remain just as enthusiastic about 
the opportunities for us to deliver improved 
value for shareholders, customers and within the 
communities in which we operate. 

To lead the Company to the next phase of 
performance improvement and growth, there 
were significant changes to make. We need 
to work smarter and be more responsive to 
customers in highly-competitive markets.

Changing the operating model was one change 
that I moved quickly on. Under the previous 
structure, accountability for the commercial 
outcomes of the business was not clearly 
defined. A new organisational structure was 
implemented in July 2017, designed along the 
core customer-facing businesses – Bulk, Coal 
and Network – with streamlined central support 
and planning functions. Concurrently, the 
leadership teams were renewed to ensure we 
had the management experience and capability 
to deliver performance improvements. 

I am pleased we are starting to see some  
good results. 

The Coal business has secured 10% growth in 
contracted haulage volumes since 2017, with 
a number of major wins with customers in 
Queensland and New South Wales. 

The Bulk business is well on track with its 
turnaround plan, returning to profitability  
in FY2018 through a disciplined program  
to lift efficiency, reduce costs and prioritise 
customer service. 

While the turnaround plan is expected to 
take a number of years to fully implement, 
the improvements to date demonstrate our 
underlying capability in bulk commodity markets. 

Another outcome from a review of our 
freight operations was the decision to exit our 
under-performing Intermodal business through 
a combination of closure and sale. In December 
2017, we ran the final services of our interstate 
(outside of Queensland) operations before 
business closure. This had a major benefit by 
negating the losses we had been incurring in 
this part of our business.

We also announced in August 2017 the sale 
of the Queensland Intermodal business to 
a consortium of Linfox and Pacific National, 
and the sale of the Acacia Ridge Terminal to 
Pacific National, subject to regulatory approval. 
In July 2018, the Australian Competition and 
Consumer Commission (ACCC) decided to 
oppose both transactions and commenced 
proceedings against Pacific National and 
Aurizon in the Federal Court of Australia.  
We refute the allegations in the ACCC decision, 
and while the matter is currently before 
the courts, we acknowledge this provides 
uncertainty for our employees, customers and 
shareholders. We remain committed to the exit 
of Intermodal to ensure greater focus on our 
core strengths in bulk commodities.

In the Network business, we are also faced 
with regulatory challenges as we seek a better 
outcome with the UT5 Access Undertaking 
from the Queensland Competition Authority. 
Without this, we will be constrained in investing 
in the Central Queensland Coal Network 
and delivering the level of performance our 
customers expect on one of Australia’s most 
important supply chains. 

Again, it is important we stay the course in 
achieving a better outcome with UT5, and in 
pressing for long-term regulatory reform. 

With the business operating model now 
established, we are focused on delivering on 
our Strategy in Action, which was launched 
in June 2018. Much of the work that has been 
done over the past year laid the foundation 
for the strategy, which articulates our role in 
growing regional Australia by delivering bulk 
commodities to the world.

As part of this strategy we are committed 
to locating more employees closer to our 
operations and the customers we serve. 
Building on the 75% of our workforce already 
living and working in regional Australia, during 
the year our Coal and Bulk Group Executives 
relocated to Mackay and Perth respectively 
to ensure key decision makers have stronger 
day-to-day connection with their businesses. 
Over the coming years, we will move more 
metropolitan-based roles to regional areas to 
support our business in regional Australia. 

While markets we operate in offer attractive 
growth opportunities, we are conscious of the 
changing landscape in the rail haulage industry 
with existing and emerging competitors vying 
for business, haulage contracts regularly 
changing hands and margins constantly under 
pressure. Our future success depends on us 
being smarter, more efficient and agile. This 
includes investment in technology to increase 
safety, reliability and productivity and to 
reduce our costs.

In the three years to June 2018, we delivered 
more than $380 million of transformation 
benefits through reduced costs and improved 
productivity. We are now focused on achieving 
further transformation benefits by seeking 
opportunities to continuously improve  
business outcomes.

While our business strategy has been refined, 
safety remains our core value and we remain 
committed to achieving ZEROHarm. We have 
been operating under revised injury metrics for 
one year now and changing injury definitions 
was the first step in a broader program of work 
in safety. This coming financial year, we will be 
introducing a new program of work to enhance 
our safety systems and procedures and 
improve our safety leadership and culture.

While the year has not been without significant 
challenges, the changes we have made within 
the business have been important to support 
delivery of our strategy. We have a great team 
of people with diverse skills and expertise, and 
I continue to be energised and focused on the 
exciting opportunities ahead.

Andrew Harding
Managing Director & CEO 
12 August 2018 

MANAGING DIRECTOR & CEO’S REPORT 

3

Directors’ Report

Aurizon Holdings Limited 
For the year ended 30 June 2018
The Directors of Aurizon Holdings Limited 
present their Directors’ Report together 
with the Financial Report of the Company 
and its controlled entities (collectively the 
Consolidated Entity or the Group) for the 
financial year ended 30 June 2018 and the 
Independent Auditor’s Report thereon. 
This Directors’ Report has been prepared 
in accordance with the requirements of 
Division 1 of Part 2M.3 of the Corporations Act.

T Poole
Experience: Mr Poole began his career in 1990 
at PricewaterhouseCoopers before a long and 
successful period (1995 to 2007) helping to 
build Hastings Fund Management, where he 
became Managing Director in 2005. Hastings 
was a global investor in unlisted assets, 
predominantly equity and debt issued by 
infrastructure companies

Qualifications: BCom. 

Special Responsibilities: Chairman of 
Nomination & Succession Committee.  
Member of Audit, Governance & Risk 
Management Committee. Member of Safety, 
Health & Environment Committee.

Australian Listed Company Directorships held 
in the past three years:  
Chairman of Lifestyle Communities Limited 
(19 November 2007 – ongoing) and McMillan 
Shakespeare Limited (17 December 2013 – 
ongoing). Non-Executive Director of Reece 
Limited (28 July 2016 – ongoing). Formerly 
Non-Executive Director of Newcrest Mining 
Limited (14 August 2007 – 30 July 2015) and 
Japara Healthcare Limited (19 March 2014 –  
1 September 2015).

Board of Directors
The following people are Directors of the 
Company, or were Directors during the 
reporting period:

T Poole
(Appointed 1 July 2015) 
(Chairman, Independent Non-Executive Director)

A Harding
(Appointed 1 December 2016) 
(Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer)

M Bastos
(Appointed 15 November 2017) 
(Independent Non-Executive Director)

R Caplan
(Appointed 14 September 2010)  
(Independent Non-Executive Director)

J Cooper
(Appointed 19 April 2012)  
(Independent Non-Executive Director)

K Field
(Appointed 19 April 2012)  
(Independent Non-Executive Director)

M Fraser
(Appointed 15 February 2016)  
(Independent Non-Executive Director)

S Lewis
(Appointed 17 February 2015)  
(Independent Non-Executive Director)

K Vidgen
(Appointed 25 July 2016)  
(Independent Non-Executive Director)

Details of the experience, qualifications, special 
responsibilities and other Directorships of listed 
companies in respect to each of the Directors 
as at the date of this Directors’ Report are set 
out in the pages following.

4

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017–18R Caplan
Experience: Mr Caplan has extensive 
international experience in the oil and gas 
industry. In a 42-year career with Shell, he held 
senior roles in the upstream and downstream 
operations, and corporate functions in Australia 
and overseas. From 1997 to 2006, he had senior 
international postings in the UK, Europe and the 
USA. From 2006 to July 2010, he was Chairman 
of the Shell Group of Companies in Australia.

Mr Caplan is Chairman of the Melbourne and 
Olympic Parks Trust. He is a former Non-
Executive Director of Woodside Petroleum 
Limited and former Chairman of Orica Limited 
and the Australian Institute of Petroleum.

Qualifications: LLB, FAICD, FAIM.

Special Responsibilities: Chairman of 
Remuneration & Human Resources Committee. 
Member of Audit, Governance & Risk 
Management Committee.

Australian Listed Company Directorships held 
in the past three years: Orica Limited –  
Non-Executive Director (1 October 2007 –  
31 December 2015).

A Harding
Experience: Mr Harding has extensive 
operational experience in the resource industry 
and in managing supply chains for the world’s 
largest integrated portfolio of iron ore assets.

Mr Harding’s 24-year executive career has 
been spent with Rio Tinto and in its subsidiary 
companies, with his most recent role before 
joining Aurizon being the global Chief 
Executive Iron Ore.

Mr Harding was also the Global Practice Leader, 
Asset Management, Technology and Innovation 
group of Rio Tinto from 2005 to 2009.

Mr Harding has championed a number of 
workplace initiatives including improvements 
in safety, a commitment to diversity, and the 
strengthening of indigenous and community 
relationships.

Mr Harding is a member of the 2012 class of 
Henry Crown Fellows at the Aspen Institute.

Qualifications: B.Eng. (Mining Engineering), 
MBA.

Special Responsibilities: Managing Director & 
CEO of Aurizon, Director of Aurizon subsidiary 
companies including Aurizon Network Pty Ltd. 
Member of Safety, Health  
& Environment Committee.

Australian Listed Company Directorships  
held in the past three years: None other  
than Aurizon Holdings Limited.

M Bastos
Experience: Mr Bastos has more than 30 years’ 
of experience globally in the mining industry. 
He has extensive experience in major project 
development, operations, logistics and senior 
leadership in most of the major sectors of the 
mining industry including iron ore, gold, copper, 
nickel, zinc and coal.

Previously Marcelo was the Chief Operating 
Officer of MMG Limited with responsibility for 
the business in four continents and a member 
of many of the company Boards. Before MMG 
he spent seven years with BHP Billiton where he 
served as President Nickel Americas, President 
Nickel West (based in Perth), and Chief 
Executive Officer and President of BHP Billiton 
Mitsubishi Alliance (based in Brisbane).

Marcelo also had a 19-year career with Vale in 
a range of senior management and operational 
positions in Brazil, including General Manager 
of Iron Ore and also Director of Non Ferrous – 
Copper business.

Marcelo is currently a Non-Executive Director 
of Iluka Resources Limited and an External 
Director (Non-Executive Independent) of 
Golder Associates.

Qualifications: B.Eng. Mechanical (Hons),  
MBA (FDC-MG), MAICD

Special Responsibilities: Non-Executive 
Director of Aurizon Network Pty Ltd.  
Member of Safety, Health & Environment 
Committee.

Australian Listed Company Directorships 
held in the past three years: Iluka Resources 
Limited – Non-Executive Director (February 
2014 – current)

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

5

Directors’ Report (continued)

S Lewis
Experience: Ms Lewis has extensive financial 
experience, including as a lead auditor of a 
number of major Australian listed entities. 
Ms Lewis has significant experience working 
with clients in the manufacturing, consumer 
business and energy sectors, and in addition 
to external audits, has provided accounting 
and transactional advisory services to other 
major organisations in Australia. Ms Lewis’ 
expertise includes accounting, finance, 
auditing, risk management, corporate 
governance, capital markets and due diligence. 
Ms Lewis is currently a Non-Executive Director 
and Chairman of the Audit & Compliance 
Committee of Orora Limited, Chairman of 
APRA’s Audit Committee and member of 
APRA’s Risk Committee, and a Non-Executive 
Director and Chairman of the Audit & Risk 
Committee of Nine Entertainment Co. Holdings 
Limited. Previously, Ms Lewis was an Assurance 
& Advisory partner from 2000 to 2014 with 
Deloitte Australia.

Qualifications: BA (Hons) EC, CA, ACA, GAICD.

Special Responsibilities: Chairman of Audit, 
Governance & Risk Management Committee. 
Member of Remuneration & Human Resources 
Committee. Member of Nomination & 
Succession Committee.

Australian Listed Company Directorships held 
in the past three years: Orora – Non-Executive 
Director (1 March 2014 – ongoing), Nine 
Entertainment Co. Holdings Limited  
(20 March 2017 – ongoing).

J Cooper
Experience: Mr Cooper has over 35 years’ 
experience in the construction and engineering 
sector in Australia and overseas. Mr Cooper 
is currently Chairman of Sydney Motorway 
Corporation and a Non-Executive Director 
of Aurizon Holdings. Mr Cooper’s previous 
positions include CEO and Managing 
Director of CMPS&F, a design engineering 
and project management organisation, and a 
management role with the Sydney Olympic 
Organising Committee. Mr Cooper has served 
on the International Board of Murray and 
Roberts Pty Ltd, the Board of NRW Holdings 
Limited, as Deputy Chairman of Clough 
Engineering Limited and Chairman of Southern 
Cross Electrical Engineering Pty Ltd.

Qualifications: BSc (Building) (Hons), FIE Aust, 
FAICD, FIML.

Special Responsibilities: Non-Executive 
Director of Aurizon Network Pty Ltd. Member 
of Remuneration & Human Resources 
Committee. Member of Safety, Health 
& Environment Committee. Member of 
Nomination & Succession Committee.

Australian Listed Company Directorships 
held in the past three years: Southern Cross 
Electrical Engineering Limited – Chairman and 
Non-Executive Director (30 October 2007 –  
5 May 2015), NRW Holdings Limited –  
Non-Executive Director (29 March 2011 –  
23 November 2015), UGL Limited –  
Non-Executive Director (15 April 2015 –  
28 October 2016) and Windlab Limited –  
Non-Executive Director (28 July 2017 – 
ongoing).

K Field
Experience: Mrs Field has more than three 
decades of experience in the mining industry 
in Australia and overseas, and has a strong 
background in human resources and project 
management.

Mrs Field is a Non-Executive Director of 
Sipa Resources and has held Non-Executive 
Directorships with the Water Corporation 
(Deputy Chairman), Centre of Sustainable 
Resource Processing, Electricity Networks 
Corporation (Western Power), MACA Limited 
and Perilya Limited. In addition, Mrs Field is 
a Director of a number of community-based 
organisations including the University of 
Western Australia’s Centenary Trust for Women 
and Perth College Anglican School for Girls 
(Chair of Foundation).

Qualifications: B Econ, FAICD.

Special Responsibilities: Chairman of Safety, 
Health & Environment Committee. Member 
of Audit, Governance & Risk Management 
Committee. Member of Nomination & 
Succession Committee.

Australian Listed Company Directorships  
held in the past three years: Sipa Resources 
Limited – Non-Executive Director  
(16 September 2004 – ongoing).

M Fraser
Experience: Mr Fraser has more than 30 years’ 
experience in the Australian energy industry. 
He has held various executive positions at AGL 
Energy culminating in his role as Managing 
Director and Chief Executive Officer for a  
period of seven years until February 2015.

Mr Fraser is currently Chairman and Non-
Executive Director of the ASX listed APA 
Group. Mr Fraser is former Chairman of 
the Clean Energy Council, Elgas Limited, 
ActewAGL and the NEMMCo Participants 
Advisory Committee, as well as a former 
Director of Queensland Gas Company Limited, 
the Australian Gas Association and the Energy 
Retailers Association of Australia.

Qualifications: BComm, FCPA, FTIA, MAICD.

Special Responsibilities: Chairman of Aurizon 
Network Pty Ltd. Member of Remuneration & 
Human Resources Committee.

Australian Listed Company Directorships  
held in the past three years:  
APA Group – Chairman and Non-Executive 
Director (1 September 2015 – ongoing).

6

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017–18K Vidgen
Experience: Ms Vidgen began her career 
as a banking, finance and energy lawyer at 
Malleson Stephen Jacques and in 1998 started 
in the Infrastructure advisory team within 
the Macquarie Group. During her time at 
Macquarie, Ms Vidgen has traversed a number 
of sectors with a focus on infrastructure, 
energy and resources. Ms Vidgen has also 
held a number of roles including heading 
up Macquarie Capital’s coal advisory team 
in Australia and being Global Co-Head of 
Resources Infrastructure. Ms Vidgen remains 
an Executive Director at Macquarie Capital and 
is currently the Global Head of Principal in Oil 
and Gas. Ms Vidgen is also the Founding Chair 
of Quadrant Energy, a privately held oil and 
gas producer and explorer which is the single 
largest domestic gas supplier in the Western 
Australian market.

Qualifications: LLB (Hons), BA, GAICD.

Special Responsibilities: Non-Executive 
Director of Aurizon Network Pty Ltd. Member 
of Remuneration & Human Resources 
Committee.

Australian Listed Company Directorships held 
in the past three years: Nil.

Company Secretary
Mr Dominic Smith was appointed Company 
Secretary of the QR Limited Group in May 
2010 and to Aurizon Holdings Limited upon 
its incorporation on 14 September 2010.

Mr Smith has over 20 years’ ASX listed 
company secretariat, governance, corporate 
legal and senior management experience 
across a range of industries.

Mr Smith holds a Masters of Laws degree from 
the University of Sydney and is a Fellow of 
both the Governance Institute of Australia and 
the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Qualifications: BA, LLB, LLM, DipLegS, FGIA, 
FCSA, FCIS, FAICD.

Principal activities
The principal activities of entities within the 
Group during the year were:

 › Integrated heavy haul freight  

railway operator

 › Rail transporter of coal from mine to port  

for export markets

 › Bulk, general and containerised  

freight businesses

 › Large-scale rail services activities

Coal
Transport of coal from mines in Queensland 
and New South Wales to end customers  
and ports.

Freight
Transport of bulk mineral commodities 
(including iron ore), agricultural products, 
mining and industrial inputs, and general 
freight throughout Queensland and  
Western Australia, and containerised  
freight throughout Australia.

Network
Provision of access to, and operation and 
management of, the Queensland coal network. 
Provision of design, construction, overhaul, 
maintenance and management services to the 
Group, as well as external customers.

Review of operations
A review of the Group’s operations for 
the financial year and the results of those 
operations, are contained in the Operating and 
Financial Review as set out on pages 10 to 24 
of this report.

Dividends
A final dividend of 8.9 cents per fully paid 
ordinary share (50% franked) was paid on  
25 September 2017 and an interim dividend  
of 14.0 cents per fully paid ordinary share  
(50% franked) was paid on 26 March 2018.

Further details of dividends provided for or 
paid are set out in note 15 to the consolidated 
financial statements.

Since the end of the financial year, the 
Directors have declared to pay a final dividend 
of 13.1 cents per fully paid ordinary share.

The dividend will be 60% franked and is 
payable on 24 September 2018.

State of affairs
In the opinion of the Directors, other than 
the intention to exit its Intermodal business 
announced during the year and as set out in 
note 24 of the Financial Report, there were no 
significant changes in the state of affairs of the 
Company that occurred during the financial 
year under review.

Events since the end of the 
financial year
The Directors are not aware of any events or 
developments which are not set out in this 
report or note 34 of the Financial Report that 
have, or would have, a significant effect on the 
Group’s state of affairs, its operations or its 
expected results in future years.

Likely developments
Information about likely developments in the 
operations of the Group and the expected 
results of those operations are covered in  
the Chairman’s Report set out on page 2  
of this report. 

In the opinion of the Directors, disclosure of 
any further information would be likely to result 
in unreasonable prejudice to the Group.

Environmental regulation  
and performance
Aurizon is committed to managing its 
operational activities and services in an 
environmentally responsible manner to meet 
legal, social and moral obligations. In order to 
deliver on this commitment, Aurizon seeks to 
comply with all applicable environmental laws 
and regulations. 

Aurizon acknowledges the strong scientific 
consensus that climate change is occurring and 
supports the objectives of the Paris Agreement, 
to find a pathway to limiting global warming to 
below two degrees Celsius. Notably, since 2017, 
the Company has adopted the Financial Stability 
Board’s (FSB) Final Report: Recommendations 
of the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial 
Disclosures (TCFD). 

As part of Aurizon’s climate change strategy 
the Company has set and is tracking progress 
toward its 2020 greenhouse gas (GHG) 
emissions intensity target, it analyses climate 
change policy implications for Australia’s 
thermal coal and has processes for preparing 
and adapting to severe weather events. In 
relation to the company’s GHG emissions 
intensity target, FY2018 performance 
demonstrated an overall reduction in emissions 
intensity, with a 7% reduction achieved against 
our 2015 baseline. The Company is continuing 
to focus on improving the emissions intensity 
performance of its locomotive fleet. 

The National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting 
Act 2007 (NGER) (Cth) requires the Group to 
report its annual greenhouse gas emissions 
and energy use. The Group has implemented 
systems and processes for the collection and 
calculation of the data required and is registered 
under the NGER Act. 

At the close of the first Emissions Reduction 
Fund Safeguard Mechanism (Safeguard) 
compliance period (ending June 30, 2017), 
three of Aurizon’s NGER facilities were 
captured. Through effective management 
of the Company’s emissions, it achieved full 
compliance with the Safeguard and as such, was 
not required to purchase or generate Australian 
Carbon Credit Units for the reporting period.

Further details of the Company’s environmental 
performance are set out in the Sustainability 
Report on the Aurizon website aurizon.com.au/
sustainability.

Environmental prosecutions
There have been no environmental 
prosecutions during this financial year.

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

7

Directors’ Report (continued)

Risk management
The Company is committed to managing its risks in an integrated, systematic and practical manner. The overall objective of risk management is to 
assist the Company to achieve its objectives by appropriately considering both threats and opportunities, and making informed decisions.

The Audit, Governance & Risk Management Committee oversees the process for identifying and managing risk in the Company (see page 44 of this 
Annual Report). The Company’s Risk and Assurance Function is responsible for providing oversight of the risk management function and assurance  
on the management of significant risks to the Managing Director & CEO and the Board.

The Company’s risk management framework, responsibilities and accountabilities are aligned with the Company’s business model where the individual 
businesses are accountable for demonstrating they are managing their risks effectively, and in accordance with the Board-approved risk management 
policy and framework.

The risk management framework has a strong focus on key organisational controls. A focus on the key organisational controls helps to shape the 
strategies, capabilities and culture of the organisation, identify and address vulnerabilities, strengthen the system of internal controls and build a more 
resilient organisation.

The Company also has a series of risk registers, with risk profiles and mitigations populated at the various layers of the organisation. Processes exist for 
the prevention, detection and management of fraud within the Company, and for fair dealing in matters pertaining to fraud.

TABLE 1 – DIRECTORS’ MEETINGS AS AT 30 JUNE 2018

DIRECTOR

AURIZON HOLDINGS 
BOARD

AUDIT, GOVERNANCE 
& RISK MANAGEMENT 
COMMITTEE

REMUNERATION & 
HUMAN RESOURCES 
COMMITTEE 

SAFETY, HEALTH 
& ENVIRONMENT 
COMMITTEE

NOMINATION 
& SUCCESSION 
COMMITTEE

T Poole1

A Harding

M Bastos2

R Caplan

J Cooper3

K Field

M Fraser

S Lewis

K Vidgen

A

18

18

9

18

18

18

18

18

18

B

18

18

9

18

16

18

18

18

18

A

6

–

–

9

–

9

–

9

–

B

6

–

–

9

–

9

–

9

–

A

4

–

–

10

6

–

–

6

10

B

4

–

–

10

3

–

–

6

10

A

5

5

3

–

5

5

–

–

–

B

5

5

3

–

5

5

–

–

–

A

1

–

–

–

1

1

–

0

–

B

1

–

–

–

1

1

–

0

–

A Number of meetings held while appointed as a Director or Member of a Committee.
B  Number of meetings attended by the Director while appointed as a Director or Member of a Committee.
1   In addition to the meetings above, a Committee of the Board comprising of T Poole and A Harding met respectively on two occasions.
2  M Bastos was appointed a Non-Executive Director on 15 November 2017 and attended all meetings as a Non-Executive Director.
3   J Cooper was granted a Leave of Absence for two Aurizon Holdings Board meetings and was granted a Leave of Absence for two Remuneration & Human Resources 

Meeting and was an apology for one Remuneration & Human Resources Committee Meeting since being appointed to the Committee on 24 November 2017.

Directors’ meetings
The number of Board meetings (including 
Board Committee meetings) and number 
of meetings attended by each of the Directors 
of the Company during the financial year 
are listed above.

During the year, the Aurizon Network Pty Ltd 
Board met on 11 occasions.

Directors’ interests
Directors’ interests are as at 30 June 2018.

TABLE 2 – DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS AS AT 30 JUNE 2018

DIRECTOR

T Poole

A Harding

M Bastos

R Caplan

J Cooper

K Field

M Fraser

S Lewis

K Vidgen 

NUMBER OF ORDINARY 
SHARES

90,500

10,000

11,400

 82,132

95,000

40,458

 40,000 

33,025 

 40,000

Only Mr Harding, Managing Director & CEO receives performance rights, details set out in the Remuneration Report

8

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017–18Remuneration Report
The Remuneration Report is set out on pages 25 
to 38 and forms part of the Directors’ Report for 
the financial year ended 30 June 2018.

Rounding of amounts
The amounts contained in this report and in 
the financial statements have been rounded 
to the nearest hundred thousand dollars 
unless otherwise stated (where rounding is 
applicable) 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 
the instrument applies.

Auditor’s Independence Declaration
A copy of the Auditor’s Independence 
Declaration, as required under section 307C of 
the Corporations Act, is set out on page 39. The 
Directors’ Report is made in accordance with a 
resolution of the Directors of the Company.

Tim Poole

Chairman 
12 August 2018

Non-audit services
During the year the Company’s auditor 
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), performed 
other services in addition to its audit 
responsibilities.

The Directors are satisfied that the provision of 
non-audit services by PwC during the reporting 
period did not compromise the auditor 
independence requirements set out in the 
Corporations Act.

All non-audit services were subject to the 
Company’s Non-Audit Services Policy and do 
not undermine the general principles relating 
to auditor independence set out in APES 110 
Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants as 
they did not involve reviewing or auditing the 
auditor’s own work, acting in a management or 
decision-making capacity for the Company, or 
jointly sharing risks and rewards.

No officer of the Company was a former 
Partner or Director of PwC and a copy of the 
auditor’s independence declaration as required 
under the Corporations Act 2001 is set out in, 
and forms part of, this Directors’ Report.

Details of the amounts paid to the auditor of 
the Company and its related practices for non-
audit services provided throughout the year 
are as set out below:

OTHER ASSURANCE SERVICES

Total remuneration for  
other assurance services

OTHER SERVICES

Total remuneration  
for other services

2018 
$’000

122

282

CEO and CFO declaration
The Managing Director & CEO and Chief 
Financial Officer (CFO) have provided a written 
statement to the Board in accordance with 
Section 295A of the Corporations Act.

With regard to the financial records and systems 
of risk management and internal compliance 
in this written statement, the Board received 
assurance from the Managing Director & CEO 
and CFO that the declaration was founded on a 
sound system of risk management and internal 
control and that the system was operating 
effectively, in all material respects in relation  
to the reporting of financial risks.

Indemnification and insurance 
of officers
The Company’s Constitution provides that the 
Company may indemnify any person who is, 
or has been, an officer of the Group, including 
the Directors and Company Secretary, against 
liabilities incurred whilst acting as such officers 
to the maximum extent permitted by law.

The Company has entered into a Deed of 
Access, Indemnity and Insurance with each of 
the Company’s Directors. No Director or officer 
of the Company has received benefits under an 
indemnity from the Company during or since 
the end of the year.

The Company has paid a premium for 
insurance for officers of the Group. This 
insurance is against a liability for costs and 
expenses incurred by officers in defending civil 
or criminal proceedings involving them as such 
officers, with some exceptions. The contract of 
insurance prohibits disclosure of the nature of 
the liability insured against and the amount of 
the premium paid.

Proceedings against the Company
The Directors are not aware of any current  
civil litigation proceedings, arbitration 
proceedings, administration appeals, or 
criminal or governmental prosecutions of a 
material nature which are not set out in this 
report or note 24 of the Financial Report in 
which Aurizon Holdings is directly or indirectly 
concerned which are likely to have a material 
adverse effect on the business or financial 
position of the Company.

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

9

 
Directors’ Report (continued)
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS (Underlying continuing operations unless stated) 
The Group’s financial performance is explained using measures that are not defined under IFRS and are therefore termed non-IFRS measured. The 
non-IFRS financial information contained within this Directors’ Report and Notes to the Financial Statements has not been audited in accordance with 
Australian Auditing Standards. The non-IFRS measures used to monitor Group performance are EBIT (Statutory and Underlying), EBITDA (Statutory 
and Underlying), EBITDA margin (Statutory and Underlying), NPAT Underlying, Operating Ratio (Underlying), Return on Invested Capital (ROIC), Net 
debt and Net gearing ratios. Each of these measures is discussed in more detail on page 105. Unless otherwise noted, the Operating and Financial 
Review information excludes discontinued operations being Intermodal. 

1. Annual comparison 

FINANCIAL SUMMARY 

($M)

Total revenue
Operating costs

Employee benefits
Energy and fuel
Track access
Consumables
Other

EBITDA

Depreciation and amortisation

EBIT

Net finance costs 

Income tax (expense)/benefit

NPAT

Loss after tax from discontinued operations

NPAT (group)
Earnings per share1

Earnings per share1 (group)

- statutory

- statutory

- statutory

- statutory
- statutory

- statutory

- statutory

- statutory

Return on invested capital (ROIC)2
Return on invested capital (ROIC)2 (group)

Operating ratio
Net cashflow from operating activities 
Final dividend per share (cps)
Gearing (net debt/net debt + equity) (%) (group)
Net tangible assets per share ($) (group)
People (FTE)

OPERATING METRICS

Above Rail3 Revenue/NTK ($/’000 NTK)
Labour costs4/Revenue

NTK/FTE (MNTK)
Above Rail opex/NTK (excluding access) ($/’000 NTK)
Above Rail NTK (bn)
Above Rail Tonnes (m)

FY2018

3,112.7

FY2017

3,142.5

(774.6)
(252.4)
(191.4)
(348.4)
(79.8)

1,466.1
1,491.8
(525.5)

940.6
966.3
(165.0)

(233.5)
(241.2)

542.1
560.1
(77.1)

483.0
26.9
27.8

25.7

24.0
10.9%
10.4%

69.8%
1,307.7
13.1
42.3%
2.3
4,835

FY2018
38.1
24.4%

13.2
18.5
63.8
267.1

(781.8)
(236.5)
(204.2)
(392.9)
(75.6)

1,451.5
691.7
(567.3)

884.2
124.4
(178.6)

(210.9)
17.0

494.7
(37.2)
(150.7)

(187.9)
24.1
(1.8)

22.5

(9.2)
9.3%
8.7%

71.9%
1,273.2
8.9
39.6%
2.4
5,024

FY2017
38.7
24.7%

12.5
19.2
63.0
256.5

VARIANCE %

(1%)

1%
(7%)
6%
11%
(6%)

1%
116%
7%

6%
677%
8%

(11%)
nm 

10%
nm
49%

nm
12%
nm 

14%

nm
1.6ppt
1.7ppt

2.1ppt
3%
47%
(2.7ppt)
(4%)
4%

VARIANCE %
(2%)
0.3ppt

6%
4%
1%
4%

1   Calculated on weighted average number of shares on issue – 2,013.4m FY2018 and 2,051.7m FY2017
2   ROIC is defined as underlying rolling twelve-month EBIT divided by the average invested capital. The average invested capital is calculated by taking the rolling twelve-
month average of net property, plant and equipment including assets under construction plus investments accounted for using the equity method plus current assets 
less cash, less current liabilities plus net intangibles

3 Above Rail includes both Coal above rail revenue and Bulk freight transport revenue
4 FY2018 excludes $16.5m redundancy costs (FY2017 excludes $5.1m redundancy costs)

10

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017–18 
EBIT BY SEGMENT

($M)
Coal
Bulk
Network
Other

Group (Continuing operations)

FY2018
428.6
50.1
480.6
(18.7)

940.6

FY2017
420.0
(14.4)
480.9
(2.3)

884.2

VARIANCE %
2%
nm
–
(713%)

6%

Group Performance Overview
EBIT increased $56.4m or 6% due to increased earnings in Bulk resulting from transformation benefits and lower net depreciation. Earnings in Coal 
increased due to higher volumes and transformation benefits, while Network was flat due to the non-recurrence of UT4 true-ups received in FY2017. 
Both Coal and Network delivered record tonnages in the year at 212.4mt (7% increase) and 229.6mt (9% increase) respectively. The deterioration in 
Other EBIT was principally due to the non-recurrence of the UT4 corporate cost true-up from the prior year.

Aurizon has achieved its three-year transformation target of $380m with total Group transformation benefits of $133.6m being delivered in the year, 
including the removal of Intermodal’s FY2017 losses, which principally relate to Intermodal Interstate.

Group revenue decreased $29.8m or 1% largely because of the prior period UT4 adjustments more than offsetting a 4% improvement in above rail 
volumes to 267.1mt.

Operating costs decreased $44.4m or 3% with transformation benefits and lower operating costs in Network and Bulk partly offset by higher costs in 
Coal relating to increased volumes and cost escalation. Depreciation has decreased $41.8m or 7% largely due to the impact of impairments in FY2017 in 
Bulk.

ROIC has improved 1.6ppt to 10.9% reflecting both the improvement in EBIT and the full year impact of the impairments taken in FY2017.

Statutory EBIT improved $841.9m to $966.3m reflecting the significant items recognised during the year totalling $25.7m namely, asset impairments of 
$31.7m offset by the net benefit of the Cliffs contract termination of $34.5m and the release of $22.9m of redundancy provision against total significant 
items of $759.8m recognised in the prior period.

Reconciliation to Statutory Earnings
Underlying earnings is a non-statutory measure, and is the primary reporting measure used by management and the Group’s chief operating decision 
making bodies for the purpose of managing and assessing the financial performance of the business. Underlying earnings is derived by adjusting 
statutory earnings for significant items as noted in the following table:

($M)

Underlying EBIT (Continuing operations)

Significant items (Continuing operations)

Bulk contract exit — termination payment

Bulk contract exit — costs

Asset impairments

Freight Management Transformation project

Impairment of assets in exit of contracts

Transformation — assets 

Bulk

Redundancy costs

Statutory EBIT (Continuing operations)

Net finance costs

Statutory PBT (Continuing operations)

Taxation (expense)/benefit

Statutory NPAT (Continuing operations)

Underlying EBIT (Discontinued operations)

Significant items (Discontinued operations)

Intermodal

Net finance cost (Discontinued operation)

Income Tax Benefit (Discontinued operation)

Statutory NPAT

FY2018

940.6

25.7

66.3

(31.8)

(31.7)

–

–

 –

(31.7)

22.9

966.3

(165.0)

801.3

(241.2)

560.1

(24.0)

(74.7)

(74.7)

 –

21.6

483.0

FY2017

884.2

(759.8)

–

 –

(649.0)

(64.0)

(10.2)

(48.9)

(525.9)

(110.8)

124.4

(178.6)

(54.2)

17.0

(37.2)

(48.2)

(167.2)

(167.2)

0.1

64.6

(187.9)

OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

11

Directors’ Report (continued)
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

Reconciliation to Statutory Earnings (continued)

Significant items for the continuing operations of $25.7m were recognised in FY2018 including:

 › Cliffs contract termination $34.5m — On 29 June 2018 Cliffs issued a contract termination notice to Aurizon effective 30 June 2018. An early 
termination payment of $66.3m (ex GST) was payable and recognised as other income. As a consequence of the contract termination, asset 
impairments of $27.9m have been recognised. In addition, a closure provision of $3.9m has been recognised which includes a redundancy provision 
of $3.5m for 63 FTEs

 › Asset impairment $31.7m — As a result of the Cliffs contract early termination an impairment review of the Western Australia CGU was  

undertaken and a write down of $31.7m has been recognised in FY2018. Following the impairment, the residual carrying value of the Western 
Australia CGU is $170.7m

 › Redundancy costs $22.9m — A provision for train crew redundancy, recorded as a significant item in FY2017, has been released in FY2018 with the 

planned transition to a flexible workforce not being implemented at this time due to operational requirements and stronger coal demand

2. Other financial information

BALANCE SHEET SUMMARY 

($M)

Assets classified as held for sale

Other current assets

Total current assets

Property, plant & equipment (PP&E)

Other non-current assets

Total non-current assets 

Total Assets

Liabilities classified as held for sale

Other current liabilities

Total borrowings

Other non-current liabilities

Total Liabilities

Net Assets

Gearing (net debt/net debt + equity) (%)

Balance sheet movements 
Total current assets increased by $68.4m largely due to:

30 JUNE 2018

30 JUNE 2017

108.0

689.8

797.8

8,659.9

315.7

8,975.6

9,773.4

(12.7)

(727.2)

(3,501.9)

(801.5)

(5,043.3)

4,730.1

42.3%

7.3

722.1

729.4

8,835.0

281.5

9,116.5

9,845.9

 –

(665.2)

(3,376.2)

(782.4)

(4,823.8)

5,022.1

39.6%

 ›  Net increase in assets held for sale of $100.7m due to the assets relating to the sale and closure of the Intermodal business being included as assets 

held for sale

 ›  An increase in trade and other receivables of $34.1m due to the recognition of the Cliffs contract termination payment ($66.3m), partly offset by 

reduction in other receivables 

These increases in current assets were partly offset by: 

 ›  Reduction in cash and cash equivalents at 30 June 2018 compared to the prior period
 › Reduction in current tax receivable to a current tax payable position at 30 June 2018 

Total non-current assets decreased by $140.9m largely due to a net decrease in PP&E of $175.1m, including the reclassification of PP&E to assets  
held for sale, depreciation and impairments, partly offset by capital expenditure and a $37.2m increase in derivative financial instruments  
(favourable valuation).

Other current liabilities, excluding borrowings, increased by $62.0m due to the recognition of a current tax liability position at balance date  
and the $45.0m ($35.0m non-refundable) deposit received in relation to the sale transactions for the Queensland Intermodal business and  
Acacia Ridge terminal. 

Total borrowings increased by $125.7m due to the revaluation of medium term notes and net proceeds from borrowings facilities during the year. 

Other non-current liabilities have increased by $19.1m due to lower derivative financial instruments (favourable valuations) and other liabilities,  
offset by recognition of lease incentives that are deferred and will be recognised over the lease term. 

Gearing (net debt/net debt plus equity) was 42.3% as at 30 June 2018.

12

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017–18CASH FLOW SUMMARY

($M)

Statutory EBITDA (Continuing operations)

Working capital and other movements

Non-cash adjustments – asset impairments5

Cash flows from Continuing operations

Interest received

Income taxes paid

Net cash inflow from operating activities from Continuing operations

Net operating cashflows from Discontinued operations

Net operating cash flows

Cash flows from investing activities

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment (PP&E) and associate

Payments for PP&E and intangibles

Net cash (outflow) from investing activities from Continuing operations

Net investing cashflows from Discontinued operations

Net investing cashflows

Cash flows from financing activities

Net proceeds/(repayments) from borrowings

Payment for share buy-back and share based payments

Interest paid

Dividends paid to Company shareholders

Net cash (outflow) from financing activities from Continuing operations

Net financing cashflows from Discontinued operations

Net financing cashflows

Net increase/(decrease) in cash from Continuing operations

Net increase/(decrease) in cash from Discontinued operations

Free Cash Flow (FCF)6 from Continuing operations

Free Cash Flow (FCF)6 from Discontinued operations

FY2018

1,491.8

(146.9)

70.0

1,414.9

2.9

(110.1)

1,307.7

(25.1)

1,282.6

19.0

(501.5)

(482.5)

54.6

(427.9)

12.2

(302.9)

(155.8)

(462.1)

(908.6)

 –

(908.6)

(83.4)

29.5

669.4

29.5

FY2017

691.7

75.2

678.3

1,445.2

2.8

(174.8)

1,273.2

(34.8)

1,238.4

111.4

(507.9)

(396.5)

(34.7)

(431.2)

(55.3)

(7.5)

(173.0)

(551.9)

(787.7)

 –

(787.7)

89.0

(69.5)

703.7

(69.5)

Cash flow movements 
Net cash inflow from operating activities for continuing operations increased by $34.5m (3%) to $1,307.7m largely due to a $64.7m reduction in income 
taxes paid as FY2017 included a significant final tax payment relating to the tax liability for FY2016. This is partly offset by a net increase in working 
capital due to lower trade and other payables and an increase in trade and other receivables with the recognition of the Cliffs termination payment 
($66.3m) at 30 June 2018. 

Net cash outflow from investing activities for continuing operations increased by $86.0m (22%) largely due to $98.3m proceeds from the sale of the 
Moorebank investment in the prior year.

Net cash flow from investing activities for discontinued operations increased by $89.3m due to FY2018 including the deposit received for the sale 
transactions for the Queensland Intermodal business and Acacia Ridge terminal and proceeds from the sale of plant and equipment as part of the 
closure of Intermodal Interstate.

Net cash outflow from financing activities for continuing operations increased by $120.9m (15%) to $908.6m due to the on-market share buy-back  
of $300.0m, partly offset by a reduction in dividends paid and net proceeds from borrowings in FY2018.

5  Total asset impairments of $10.4 million included in underlying EBIT in FY2018
6  FCF  — Defined as net cash flow from operating activities less net cash outflow from investing activities less interest paid

OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

13

Directors’ Report (continued)
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

Funding 
Aurizon has a target gearing level of ~40%. 

The Group continues to be committed 
to diversifying its debt investor base and 
increasing average debt tenor. Network 
repriced and extended an existing $525m 
bank facility in November 2017, with maturity 
extended to FY2023 and tranche size 
decreased to $500m. In respect of FY2018: 
 › Weighted average debt maturity tenor 

was 4.7 years. This was lower than FY2017 
(5.0 years) due to the majority of the debt 
portfolio’s duration reducing by 12 months 
which offset the extension of the facility 
noted above

 › Group interest cost on drawn debt decreased 
to 4.5% (FY2017 5.0%) due to the rolling off 
of interest rate hedges in June 2017 

 › Available liquidity (undrawn facilities plus 

cash) at 30 June 2018 was $0.9bn 

 › Group gearing (net debt/(net debt + equity)) 

as at 30 June 2018 was 42.3% (FY2017 
39.6%) 

 › Network gearing (net debt/RAB (excl AFDs)) 
as at 30 June 2018 was 62.4% (FY2017 54.1%) 
 › Network gearing (net debt/RAB (incl AFDs)) 

as at 30 June 2018 was 57.9% (FY2017 
50.2%) 

 ›  Credit rating remains unchanged for Network 

and Aurizon Holdings at BBB+/Baa1

Share Buy-Back 
As part of its commitment to return surplus 
capital to shareholders, on 14 August 2017 
Aurizon announced the intention to undertake 
an on-market buy-back of $300 million. The 
buy-back was completed on 1 March 2018, 
with 61.6 million shares bought back and 
subsequently cancelled. 

Dividend
The Board has declared a final dividend for 
FY2018 of 13.1cps (60% franked) based on a 
payout ratio of 100% in respect of underlying 
NPAT for continuing operations. 

The relevant final dividend dates are: 
 › 27 August 2018 — ex-dividend date
 › 28 August 2018 — record date
 › 24 September 2018 — payment date 

Tax 
Income tax expense for continuing operations 
for FY2018 was $241.2m and for the continuing 
and discontinued operations was $219.6m. The 
Group effective tax rate7 for FY2018 was 30.1% 
which is greater than 30% due to permanent 
differences in the fixed asset adjustments 
and a decrease in expenditure eligible for the 
research and development tax incentive. The 
cash tax rate8 for FY2018 was 23.9%, which 
is less than 30% primarily due to accelerated 
fixed asset related adjustments.

The effective tax rate for FY2019 is expected 
to be in the range of 30% to 32% and the cash 
tax rate is expected to be less than 25% for the 
short to medium-term.

Aurizon publishes additional tax information 
in accordance with the voluntary Tax 
Transparency Code in its sustainability 
report. Please refer to www.aurizon.com.
au/sustainability/overview for a copy of 
Aurizon’s sustainability report (including tax 
transparency disclosures).

Discontinued Operations 
On 14 August 2017 Aurizon announced the 
intention to exit the Intermodal business 
through a combination of closure and sale. 

Aurizon’s Interstate Intermodal business has 
been closed with the last operational service 
occurring on 23 December 2017.

Aurizon signed a binding agreement with Pacific 
National (PN) to sell its Acacia Ridge terminal. 
Aurizon signed a separate binding agreement 
to sell its Queensland Intermodal business to a 
consortium of Linfox and PN. The transactions 
have been subject to regulatory approval.

The ACCC decision was announced on 19 
July 2018. The ACCC decided to oppose both 
transactions and commenced proceedings against 
PN and Aurizon in the Federal Court of Australia. 
The ACCC has sought declarations, pecuniary 
penalties, orders restraining the existing sale 
transactions from proceeding and costs. The 
ACCC has also sought an injunction to prevent 
Aurizon from closing its Queensland Intermodal 
business while proceedings are on foot. 

Aurizon refutes the ACCC’s allegations and 
will defend the proceedings, including seeking 
clearance of the Acacia Ridge transaction.

On 12 August 2018 Aurizon provided PN 
with a notice to terminate the Business Sale 
Agreement for the Queensland Intermodal 
business, with effect from 13 August 2018. It 
is Aurizon’s intention to not contest clearance 
of the transaction through the Federal 
Court and to exit the business. As clearance 
has not been obtained for the sale of the 
Queensland Intermodal business, $10m of the 
consideration received for the transactions 
to date (recognised as a liability at 30 June 
2018) will be refunded to PN. The Business 
Sale Agreement for the Acacia Ridge Terminal 
remains in place while Aurizon seeks clearance 
of that transaction, and the remainder of the 
consideration received for the transactions to 
date ($35m) is not refundable.

On 10 August 2018 the Federal Court of 
Australia heard an application from the ACCC 
for an interlocutory injunction to require 
Aurizon to continue to operate the Queensland 
Intermodal business in the ordinary and usual 
course. The Court reserved judgement on the 
matter, and judgement is currently expected to 
be handed down on 13 August 2018.

For the year ended 30 June 2018 the Intermodal 
business is disclosed as discontinued with 
Acacia Ridge and Queensland Intermodal 
assets classified as assets held for sale. Financial 
information relating to discontinued operations 
is set out on page 21.

BUSINESS UNIT REVIEW

COAL 

Aurizon’s Coal business provides a critical link 
in Australia’s major coal chain systems for the 
majority of Australia’s coal producers. The 
coal transport operation links mines in the 
Newlands, Goonyella, Blackwater, Moura and 
West Moreton systems in Queensland and the 
Hunter Valley, including Ulan and Gunnedah 
coal systems, in New South Wales to domestic 
customers and coal export terminals.

7  Underlying effective tax rate = income tax expense excluding the impact of significant items/underlying consolidated profit before tax
8  Underlying cash tax rate = cash tax payable excluding the impact of significant items/underlying consolidated profit before tax

14

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017–18($M)

Revenue

Above Rail

Track Access

Other

Total revenue

Operating costs 

EBITDA

Depreciation and amortisation 

EBIT

METRICS 

Total tonnes hauled (m)

CQCN

NSW & SEQ

Contract utilisation

Total NTK (bn)

CQCN

NSW & SEQ

Average haul length (km)

Total revenue/NTK ($/’000 NTK)

Above Rail Revenue/NTK ($/’000 NTK)

Operating Ratio (%)

Opex/NTK ($/’000 NTK)

Opex/NTK (excluding access costs) ($/’000 NTK)

FTE (monthly average)

Labour productivity (NTK/FTE)

Locomotive productivity (‘000 NTK/Active locomotive day)

Active locomotives (as at 30 June)

Wagon productivity (‘000 NTK/Active wagon day)

Active wagons (as at 30 June)

Payload (tonnes)

Velocity (km/hr)

Fuel Consumption (l/d GTK)

FY2018

FY2017

VARIANCE %

1,207.8

598.1

7.3

1,813.2

(1,202.0)

611.2

(182.6)

428.6

1,156.8

630.3

7.9

1,795.0

(1,191.3)

603.7

(183.7)

420.0

4%

(5%)

(8%)

1%

(1%)

1%

1%

2%

FY2018

FY2017

VARIANCE %

212.4

152.5

59.9

93%

50.4

38.3

12.1

237

36.0

24.0

76.4%

27.5

15.4

1,729

29.1

462.8

308

16.4

8,568

7,447

23.2

2.91

198.2

143.5

54.7

89%

47.6

36.8

10.8

240

37.7

24.3

76.6%

28.9

15.3

1,698

28.0

468.0

288

16.3

8,251

7,430

23.6

2.90

7%

6%

10%

4ppt

6%

4%

12%

(1%)

(5%)

(1%)

0.2ppt

5%

(1%)

(2%)

4%

(1%)

7%

1%

4%

 –

(2%)

 –

Coal Performance Overview
Underlying EBIT increased $8.6m (2%) to $428.6m, with increased volumes and ongoing benefits delivered from the transformation program more 
than offsetting an increase in operating costs due to price escalation and costs associated with installing capacity to deliver additional volumes.

Volumes increased by 14.2mt (7%) to 212.4mt reflecting the FY2017 volume impact of Cyclone Debbie, the commencement of new contracts and the 
continued strength in coal prices resulting in high levels of customer demand, partly offset by lower network availability in the Central Queensland 
Coal Network (CQCN) in 2HFY2018. In NSW and South-East Queensland (SEQ), volumes increased by 5.2mt (10%) to 59.9mt driven largely by the 
commencement of the AGL Macquarie contract in July. Across CQCN, volumes increased by 9.0mt (6%) to 152.5mt, reflecting the FY2017 volume 
impact of Cyclone Debbie and the commencement of new contracts in late FY2017 and FY2018.

Coal revenue increased $18.2m (1%) to $1,813.2m driven by the growth in volumes offset by lower access revenue. 
 › Above rail revenue increased $51.0m (4%) compared to FY2017 reflecting the 7% increase in volumes as outlined above
 › Coal track access revenue decreased $32.2m (5%). This decrease is largely driven by customers on the Blackwater and West Moreton corridor 

converting to an End User Access Agreement (where access charges are paid direct to Network or Queensland Rail). As access charges are generally 
passed through to customers, there is a decrease in track access costs as noted below. This reduction was partly offset by a $29.8m credit from 
Queensland Rail received in 1HFY2017 following the approval of the access undertaking for the West Moreton system (SEQ) which lowered track 
access revenue in the prior year. Excluding the impact of this credit, coal track access in CQCN decreased by $62.0m

OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

15

Directors’ Report (continued)
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

Coal Performance Overview (continued)
Total operating costs (including depreciation) increased $9.6m (1%) to $1,384.6m. The transformation program continues to deliver savings, with 
$46.5m realised in FY2018 across labour, maintenance and overheads. This was offset by an increase in other operating costs with the major drivers 
noted below:
 › Higher labour, fuel and maintenance costs totalling $78.6m including costs to meet additional volumes, wages and consumables escalation, fuel price 

increase, higher maintenance relating to reinstated fleet capacity in the CQCN, redundancies and other costs

 › Track access costs reduced by $35.6m (6%), largely due the impacts discussed above, including Blackwater and West Moreton Corridor  

customers moving to End User Agreements and one off impacts of higher take or pay expenses offset by the impact of the 1HFY2017 credit  
from Queensland Rail

 › With the transfer of locomotives from Intermodal Interstate to Coal and the commissioning of new wagons in the Hunter Valley, depreciation 

modestly increased in 2HFY2018

Key operating metrics remain broadly in line with prior year:
 › During the period, labour productivity increased 4% with the additional volumes being delivered with a 2% increase in average FTEs
 › Average payloads remained broadly flat from 7,430t to 7,447t
 › Average velocity reduced slightly from 23.6km/hr to 23.2km/hr due to increased supply chain constraints and higher NSW volumes
 › Average NTK per locomotive fell 1% due to the additional consists installed in both NSW and CQCN in order to meet growth volumes 

Market update 
The average hard coking coal price in FY2018 was US$204/t (+7% on the previous year), driven by continued growth in steel production in China and India. 
In the 12 months to June 2018, China crude steel production achieved a record 870mt, increasing by +6%. India recorded its 29th consecutive month in June 
2018 of year-on-year growth in steel production. Given a structural deficiency of high quality coking coal, growth in Indian steel production flows directly 
to seaborne markets. Australia supplies around 90% of India’s imported metallurgical coal and was the number one destination of Australian metallurgical 
coal exports in FY2018. India is expected to be the single largest driver of seaborne demand for metallurgical coal over the next decades. The Newcastle 
benchmark thermal coal price in FY2018 was US$99/t (+24% on the previous year), primarily driven by increased import demand from China, the largest 
importing nation of thermal coal. China’s imports of thermal and lignite coal lifted +9%yr as domestic coal production remained flat (+1%yr) in conjunction 
with increased domestic thermal power generation (+6%yr). 

From a supply perspective, Australian metallurgical and thermal coal exports reached 179mt (+1%yr) and 202mt (+1%yr) in FY2018 respectively. Given 
upward pressure on coal prices, opportunistic supply from the United States and Indonesia continued to be incentivised to the market. In the 12 months 
to May 2018, metallurgical coal exports from the United States lifted +33% and total coal export volume from Indonesia (almost entirely thermal coal) 
increased by +7% against the same period of the prior year. 

Contract update
 › Baralaba Coal Company entered an agreement for coal haulage from the Baralaba North Mine to the RG Tanna Coal Terminal for 2mtpa. Haulage is 

expected to commence 1HFY2019 for a term of up to 10 years 

 › Aurizon’s 2.6mtpa haulage agreement with Yancoal’s Duralie mine ended on 31 August 2017 
 › Aurizon entered into an agreement with MACH Energy for coal haulage of 8mtpa from the Mount Pleasant Mine to Newcastle ports as well as 

domestic power stations. The haul is expected to commence late 1HFY2019, for a contract term of 10 years 

 › Aurizon extended its relationship with the QCoal Group to include coal haulage of up to 10mtpa (5.0mtpa initially) from the greenfield Byerwen Mine 

to Abbott Point Coal Terminal, for a period of 10 years, which commenced January 2018 

 › Bounty Mining commenced railings in March 2018 under a new agreement with Aurizon, following its acquisition of the Cook Colliery which was 

completed during 3QFY2018. 

BULK

Aurizon’s Bulk business supports a range of customers nationally for bulk materials and commodities (including iron ore), agricultural products and 
mining and industrial inputs. 

($M)

Revenue

Freight Transport

Other

Total revenue

Operating costs 

EBITDA

Depreciation and amortisation 

EBIT

16

FY2018

FY2017

VARIANCE %

592.1

26.0

618.1

(542.9)

75.2

(25.1)

50.1

622.3

22.9

645.2

(586.1)

59.1

(73.5)

(14.4)

(5%)

14%

(4%)

7%

27%

66%

nm

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017–18METRICS

Total tonnes hauled (m)

Total NTK (bn)

Average haul length (km)

Total revenue/NTK ($/’000 NTK)

Operating Ratio (%)

Opex/NTK ($/’000 NTK)

Opex/NTK (excluding access) ($/’000 NTK)

FTE (monthly average)

Labour productivity (NTK/FTE)

Order Fulfilment (%)

Fuel Consumption (l/d GTK)

Bulk Financial Performance Overview

EBIT increased $64.5m to $50.1m, due to 
benefits from the transformation program and 
lower net depreciation from the impairments in 
FY2017 partly offset by lower volumes.

Revenue decreased $27.1m (4%) to $618.1m 
with a 6% reduction in volumes (13% in NTK 
terms): 
 › Iron Ore revenue decreased $3.9m (1%) 

predominately due to lower Cliffs volumes 
 › Bulk revenue decreased $23.2m (6%) due 
to the cessation of the Mt Isa Freighter in 
January 2017 and lower QLD/NSW grain 
volumes due to dry conditions and supply 
being directed to the domestic market (all 
Aurizon volumes are export). This was offset 
marginally by growth in bauxite volumes 
and the commencement of the Minerals and 
Metals Group Limited (MMG) contract on the 
Mt Isa corridor

Bulk revenue per NTK increased 10% 
predominately due to lower contract utilisation 
and the commencement of new contracts in 
Bulk East.

Total costs (including depreciation) decreased 
$91.6m (14%) driven by transformation 
savings and lower depreciation expense. The 
transformation program continued to deliver 
savings with $31.6m realised in FY2018. Rail 
access costs reduced by $18.4m due to the 
lower volumes, principally the cessation of the 
Mt Isa Freighter and lower Cliffs volumes. The 
direct cost savings from the cessation of the 
Mt Isa Freighter service were $14.5m through a 
reduction in crewing maintenance and terminal 
services costs. Depreciation expense reduced 
by $48.4m due to the bulk impairment in 
FY2017, with $10.4m of capital expenditure 
written off in FY2018 and included in operating 
costs resulting in a net benefit of $38.0m. 
Partly offsetting this were other cost increases 
including labour and consumables escalation 
and redundancy costs ($10.9m).

FY2018

FY2017

VARIANCE %

54.7

13.4

245

46.1

91.9%

42.4

30.3

904

14.8

98.0%

3.01

58.3

15.4

264

41.9

102.2%

42.8

31.1

1,066

14.4

98.2%

3.06

(6%)

(13%)

(7%)

10%

10.3ppt

1%

3%

15%

3%

(0.2ppt)

2%

Market update
Iron Ore 

The average iron ore price in FY2018 was 
US$69.0/t, remaining relatively flat against 
the previous year’s average of US$69.4/t. 
China, the world’s largest steel producer 
(and importer of iron ore) continued to drive 
demand, with hot metal production growing 
+2% in the 12 months to June 2018, against a 
backdrop of supply ramping up from Vale’s 
S11D project in Brazil and Roy Hill in the Pilbara. 

China’s demand shift towards higher grade 
iron ore continued during FY2018, with prices 
for lower grade iron ore products remaining 
at historically lower levels compared to the 
62% Fe benchmark price. Supported by higher 
steel prices and a pursuit for productivity, 
Chinese steel mills have an incentive to use 
better quality iron ore (and hard coking coal) 
to maximise efficiencies in steel production. In 
addition, China’s increasing focus on reducing 
pollution and environmental regulation is 
favouring the use of higher grade ores. 

Freight 

Aurizon’s Bulk business includes haulage 
of bulk commodities including base metals, 
minerals, grains and livestock in Queensland, 
New South Wales (East) and Western Australia 
(West). Despite stronger prices across the year 
for a number of commodities that Aurizon 
hauls, the ongoing challenge of market 
competitiveness remains.

Contract update 
 › Executed a contract extension for IPL’s acid 
and fertiliser hauls on the Mt Isa corridor, 
commencing January 2020

 › Executed a 10-year contract extension for the 
Cement Australia East End to Fisherman’s 
Landing limestone haul which commenced 
January 2018

 › Commenced a 7.4-year contract with MMG 
for the transport of zinc deposits on the Mt 
Isa corridor during November 2017

 › Executed a 2+2 year contract extension 

for the Queensland Rail services contract, 
covering both infrastructure trains and 
supporting the Inlander passenger train

 › Executed a short-term extension with Alcoa 
to rail additional bauxite export volumes into 
the Kwinana Bulk Terminal 

 › Contract variation for Mt Gibson Mining to 
rail additional volumes under the existing 
Rail Haulage Agreement. This contract will 
end in December 2018 in line with the end of 
mine life

 › Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd (Cliffs) 
terminated its rail haulage agreement with 
Aurizon on 30 June 2018. This resulted in the 
closure of Aurizon’s Esperance operations 
and triggered an early termination payment 
of $66.3m, which was subsequently received 
in July 2018. As a consequence of the 
contract termination, asset impairments of 
$27.9m have been recognised. In addition, 
a closure provision of $3.9m has been 
recognised which includes a redundancy 
provision of $3.5m for 63 FTEs

 › Aurizon was unsuccessful in recontracting 
the existing QLD Graincorp contract from 
December 2019

OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

17

Directors’ Report (continued)
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

NETWORK 

Network refers to the business of Aurizon Network Pty Ltd (Network) which operates the 2,670km CQCN. The open access network is the largest 
coal rail network in Australia and one of the country’s most complex, connecting multiple customers from more than 40 mines to five export terminals 
located at three ports. The CQCN includes four major coal systems (Moura, Blackwater, Goonyella and Newlands) and a connecting link (Goonyella to 
Abbot Point Expansion (GAPE)).

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

($M)

Revenue

Track Access

Services and other

Total revenue

Operating costs 

EBITDA

Depreciation and amortisation 

EBIT

METRICS

Tonnes (m)

NTK (bn)

Operating Ratio (%)

Maintenance/NTK ($/’000 NTK) (excluding rail renewals)

Opex/NTK ($/’000 NTK)

Cycle Velocity (km/hr)

System Availability (%)

Average haul length (km)

FY2018

FY2017

VARIANCE %

1,167.1

51.6

1,218.7

(430.1)

788.6

(308.0)

480.6

1,199.9

62.2

1,262.1

(481.7)

780.4

(299.5)

480.9

(3%)

(17%)

(3%)

11%

1%

(3%)

 –

FY2018

FY2017

VARIANCE %

229.6

56.9

60.6%

2.2

13.0

23.5

82.0%

247.7

210.8

53.2

61.9%

2.3

14.7

23.5

83.7%

252.3

9%

7%

1.3ppt

4%

12%

–

(1.7ppt)

(2%)

Network Financial Performance Overview
EBIT declined marginally to $480.6m in FY2018, 
with reductions in operating costs ($51.6m) 
offset by decreased revenue ($43.4m), mainly 
due to the non-recurrence of the UT4 true-up 
of regulatory revenue in FY2017 and increased 
depreciation ($8.5m).

Track access revenue decreased $32.8m (3%). 
Regulatory access revenue in FY2018 is based 
on transitional tariffs pending approval of the 
UT5 Access Undertaking. This is lower than 
the FY2017 Allowable Revenue which included 
approximately $90m of regulatory revenue 
pertaining to the UT4 true-up for FY2014 
to FY2015 which was recognised in FY2017 
following the UT4 final decision. In addition, 
FY2017 also included non-recurring true-ups 
in relation to GAPE (non-regulated revenue) 
and AFD rebates totalling $11.4m. Volumes 
in FY2018 were higher than Cyclone Debbie 
impacted FY2017 resulting in approximately 
$53m additional revenue. 

FY2018 also included higher Electric Charge 
(EC) revenue of $30.1m (there is an increase in 
EC operating expenses) and flood cost recovery 
of $18.4m mainly relating to Cyclone Debbie. 
This was partially offset by a $21.6m negative 
Revenue Cap Adjustment Amount relating to 
FY2016 which was repaid to Access Holders via 
tariffs.

Services and other revenue decreased $10.6m 
(17%) mainly due to the recognition of the 
Bandanna Group’s $15.3m bank guarantee and 
a $6.0m insurance claim recovery in FY2017, 
partly offset by the recognition of $10.0m for 
the Caledon WIRP Deed bank guarantee held 
as security in FY2018.

Operating costs decreased $51.6m (11%) with a 
$45.6m reduction in consumables, mainly due 
to the non-recurrence of the FY2017 UT4 true-
up for corporate costs ($26.4m), and reduced 
maintenance costs ($12.8m) which were 
impacted by Cyclone Debbie in the prior year. 

This was partially offset by higher energy 
and fuel costs ($2.4m) from an increase in 
EC expense ($24.4m) from higher wholesale 
electricity prices and environmental rates, 
offset by lower electric connection expense 
($20.2m) and increased fuel rebates ($1.8m).

Labour costs increased $8.8m (7%) primarily 
due to salary escalation and higher headcount. 
Other expenses decreased $17.3m (59%) 
due to the prior period impacts of inventory 
obsolescence, asset disposals and write offs. 
Depreciation increased $8.5m (3%) mainly  
from Ballast.

The Regulated Asset Base (RAB) roll-forward 
value is estimated to be $5.8bn (including all 
deferred capital but excluding AFDs of $0.4bn) 
at 1 July 2018.

18

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017–18Regulation Update
 › Transitional tariffs are in place for the whole 
of FY2018 and the first half of FY2019 using 
the UT4 tariffs with appropriate one-off 
adjustments

 › On 15 December 2017, the QCA released its 
Draft Decision on Network’s UT5 proposal
 ›  The QCA’s Draft Decision proposes a MAR 
of $3.893bn over the four-year period with 
a proposed 5.41% Vanilla Nominal Post Tax 
WACC (2.97% Vanilla Real Post Tax WACC), 
using an averaging period of 20 days up to 
30 June 2017. Primary drivers behind the 
reduction from Network’s MAR proposal are:
•  A risk free rate of 1.90% based on the 4 

year government bond rate

•  An inflation rate of 2.37% applying an 

inflation methodology using a geometric 
average of the RBA forecasting 
methodology

•  Reduction in equity beta to 0.73 (with an 

asset beta of 0.42) 

•  Significantly higher Gamma with only a 

0.01 reduction from UT4 to 0.46 

•  A reduction in maintenance and operating 
expenditure allowances of $104m and 
$112m respectively over the four-year 
regulatory period

 › The UT5 Draft Decision issued by the QCA is 
extremely disappointing in its current form, 
causing damage to Network, customers and 
the Queensland economy. The QCA view 
of return and allowances for maintenance 
and operating costs has resulted in Network 
implementing changes to its business 
decisions and operating practices in order 
to align with the position advocated by the 
QCA and its consultants in the UT5 Draft 
Decision. Network has estimated that the net 
impact of the changes implemented to date 
could be a reduction of system throughput of 
approximately 20 million tonnes annually.

 › Network submitted a detailed response  
to the QCA’s UT5 Draft Decision on  
12 March 2018. This submission proposed an 
updated MAR of $4.75bn over the four-year 
regulatory period with a proposed 7.03% 
Vanilla Nominal Post Tax WACC (4.62% 
Vanilla Real Post Tax WACC). Primary drivers 
behind the revised MAR include:
•  Change in the risk free rate from 2.13% 
at the time of the November 2016 
submission, to 2.76% at the time of the 
submission in response to the Draft 
Decision. This change reflects a change 
in market rates at the time of submitting 
its response. Inflation however changed 
from 1.22% to 2.30%. This change reflects 
changes in market conditions and a 
revised methodology that better aligns 
the risk free rate and inflation calculations 
to derive a realistic real risk free return 

•  Change in gamma from 0.25 in the 
November 2016 submission to 0.31. 
This change reflects using the QCA 
methodology but updated to reflect the 
appropriate and latest ATO tax statistics 
at the time of the submission
•  An increase from the QCA’s Draft 

Decision Maintenance Allowance of 
$111m to $928m, to reflect the change 
in the QCA’s base year to FY2017 whilst 
addressing anomalies omitted from 
the Draft Decision, providing a more 
appropriate mechanised plant allowance 
and removal of the QCA’s proposed 
efficiency factor applied to General 
Maintenance activities

•  Inclusion of the WIRP deferred capital 
across the Moura system as well as all 
the deferred WIRP capital across the 
Blackwater system due to known forecast 
railings in the Moura system that will 
utilise that capital.

 › On 29 May 2018, the QCA published a 
Consultation Paper on Network’s UT5 
Maintenance Allowances and Practices.  
The Consultation Paper provided a 
preliminary view from the QCA that it was 
‘favourably disposed’ to accepting Network’s 
Draft Decision response on maintenance 
costs. Recognition of the correctness 
of Network’s maintenance allowance is 
important, however Network has outlined 
concerns to the QCA that viewing the 
maintenance allowance independently 
of the other components of its operation 
(and the consequent build-up of the MAR) 
remains a flawed regulatory practice. There 
are inherent and interdependent linkages 
between the maintenance allowance, the 
WACC and operating costs. A lower WACC 
will generally drive lower investment likely 
resulting in greater reactive maintenance 
and hence even higher maintenance costs. 
Network’s revised maintenance allowance 
was part of an overall maximum allowable 
revenue submission. The maintenance 
regime underlying the allowance was based 
on the other components of its submission 
being approved as those components 
supported the maintenance regime as part 
of Network’s operating business model. 
Different outcomes in those components will 
necessarily require changes to the overall 
operations of the Network business and a 
subsequent impact on maintenance. Network 
has impressed on the QCA that it cannot 
consider critical components of business 
operations in isolation.

 › The QCA is yet to confirm the timing for  

a final decision on UT5.

OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

19

Directors’ Report (continued)
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

Operational Update
Performance

During FY2018 the network operational performance remained strong 
and five monthly railing records were achieved. Highlights include:

 › Tonnes delivered over the CQCN increased 18.8mt (9%) from the 
Cyclone Debbie affected FY2017 to a record 229.6mt. Five new 
monthly records were achieved during FY2018 with each new record 
being over 19.0mt while June 2018 achieved 20.6mt, the highest ever 
monthly volume

 › Performance to plan improved 3.5ppt to 90.3%
 › Cancellations due to the Network increased marginally from 1.5%  

to 1.7%

 › Cycle velocity averaged 23.5km/h and remains unchanged from the 

prior year

Following the release of the QCA’s Draft Decision on Network’s UT5 Draft 
Access Undertaking in December 2017, and in order to reduce costs, 
Network changed some of its operating practices and business decisions 
to align with a) the position effectively advocated by the QCA through its 
adoption in the Draft Decision of the maintenance allowance proposed 
by its consultants based on applying different maintenance regimes and 
b) the maintenance and operating cost allowances and WACC proposed 
by the QCA in its Draft Decision. This is because when the QCA’s Final 
Decision on UT5 is released, it will apply retrospectively from 1 July 2017 
(when the UT5 regulatory period commenced). At this time the Draft 
Decision is the best reflection of the Final Decision and therefore the 
appropriate basis for Network to modify its operating practices and 
business decisions to recognise the application of the Final Decision from 
1 July 2017.

Key changes included:
 › Prioritised adherence to the initially formulated plan for planned 

maintenance and capital works

 › Network has proposed in its response to the UT5 Draft Decision that 

the remaining deferred WIRP capital expenditure relating to Moura be 
included in the RAB for pricing purposes. This is subject to the QCA’s 
UT5 Final Decision

 › The legal proceedings continue in relation to the notices received 

by Network from the WIRP customers purporting to exercise a right 
under their WIRP Deeds to reduce their financial exposure in respect 
of payment of the non-regulated component of the WIRP fee. Network 
maintains its position that the notices issued by the WIRP customers 
are invalid and the full non-regulated component of the WIRP fee 
is payable. Network issued proceedings in the Supreme Court of 
Queensland on 17 March 2016 to assert its rights in respect of the 
payment of the full non-regulated component of the WIRP fee. A trial 
is scheduled to commence in the Supreme Court of Queensland on  
10 September 2018

 › The Customers have initiated other disputes under their respective 
WIRP Deeds which will be the subject of an expert determination in 
November 2018. Those disputes go to various matters relating to the 
completion of the WIRP construction works and have the potential to 
impact recovery of the portion of WIRP non-regulated revenue payable. 
These disputes relate to the same component of WIRP revenue as the 
Supreme Court proceedings and should not impact recovery of the 
regulated access charge component of WIRP capital expenditure
 › Due to the ongoing dispute, no WIRP fee revenue in respect of  

the non-regulated component of the WIRP fee has been recognised  
in FY2018

OTHER

Other includes the provision of maintenance services (e.g. rail grinding) 
to internal and external customers and central costs not allocated such 
as the Board, Managing Director & CEO, Investor Relations, Strategy and 
Company Secretariat. 

 › Modified rail defect maintenance practices to reduce Network’s risk  

($M)

FY2018

FY2017

VARIANCE %

on long-term track reliability and productivity 

 › Major maintenance activities being provided over longer production 

blocks

Transformation initiatives delivered:
 › Tranche 2 of the Network Asset Management System went live in 

December 2017, delivering a core asset management system for the 
control systems, electrical assets and mechanised production activities

 › Contractor management initiatives including the setting up of  

pre-approved panel members for wet hire and vegetation management 
activities. This has delivered improved safety performance and  
cost benefits

 › A variety of initiatives in relation to electric traction which will deliver 

significant cost benefits through FY2019 and beyond 

Wiggins Island Rail Project (WIRP)
 › The QCA in its UT4 Final Decision applied a revenue deferral for  
WIRP customers who were not expected to rail during the UT4  
period resulting in approximately $260m of WIRP capital expenditure 
being excluded for pricing purposes from the UT4 MAR, on an NPV 
neutral basis

 › The UT5 Draft Decision issued by the QCA now includes approximately 
$235m of the WIRP capital expenditure deferred during UT4 in the UT5 
RAB for pricing purposes

Total revenue

Operating costs

EBITDA

Depreciation and amortisation 

EBIT

90.8

(99.7)

(8.9)

(9.8)

(18.7)

107.0

(98.7)

8.3

(10.6)

(2.3)

(15%)

(1%)

nm

8%

(713%)

Performance Overview

EBIT decreased $16.4m mainly due to:
 › Non-recurrence of $26.4m benefit from the UT4 corporate cost 

allocation true-up included in FY2017

 › $16.2m reduction in other revenue predominantly due to external 
construction work of $7.0m, and sale of workshop inventories of  
$9.0m that both took place in FY2017

This was partly offset by:
 › $20.9m of asset write offs and minor inventory impairments in FY2017 

(nil in FY2018)

 ›  Reduction in central support costs including $7.5m of transformation 

benefits

20

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017–18INTERMODAL – DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS 

Rockhampton Rollingstock Workshop

The Rockhampton Workshop closed for production on 29 June 2018 in 
line with the original announcement in June 2017 and reflects the staged 
closure of Locomotive, Brake, Wheel and Wagon Shops throughout 
FY2018. The successful transition of Aurizon’s heavy haul maintenance 
activities from in-source to outsource maintenance providers throughout 
Australia has been enabled through Aurizon’s investment in technologies 
such as condition monitoring equipment and Shopfloor II (rollingstock 
maintenance planning and scheduling tool) and process improvements to 
its in-bound supply chain and procurement processes. A small team will 
remain on site during the next six months to decommission the facility 
and site master planning is underway to determine its future use. 

Asset Maintenance

A key dependency for the achievement of Aurizon’s strategy and 
an enabler for the Optimise and Excel strategic levers is continued 
investment in technology. Aurizon continues to advance its condition 
monitoring program. These advances allow Aurizon to automate routine 
maintenance inspections, predict when components will fail, thereby 
reducing cost and increase reliability to keep assets in productive use for 
longer. Developments in these key initiatives include:
 › Approval has now been received from ARTC for the installation of 
a wayside condition monitoring (WCM) super site in the Hunter 
Valley. Construction has commenced and the site is expected to be 
operational by December 2018. The deployment will support the 
extension of maintenance inspection intervals for wagons in the 
Hunter Valley and is the foundation step in moving the NSW predictive 
maintenance capability in line with CQCN 

 › iTrigger technology – has been deployed across two terminals  
in the CQCN. This technology is part of the suite of predictive 
maintenance initiatives and identifies the lead indicator of door  
faults in wagons which contributes to around 14% of cancellations  
by wagons in the CQCN

 › Treadview technology - this provides a full 3D model of a wheel profile 
and will be deployed across the WCM supersites in Blackwater and 
Goonyella during FY2019. This technology will fundamentally change 
the way Aurizon manages wheel health by examining the entire surface 
of the wheel rather than just its profile, and is an enabler for the 
extension of rollingstock reliability examinations from 42 to 84 days 
 › On train repair facilities are now in place across the CQCN and Hexham 
in the Hunter Valley. This allows key maintenance activities on wagons 
(e.g. wheel change outs) to be performed without breaking trains, 
requiring spare rollingstock or shunting of consists

($M)

Total revenue

Operating Costs 

EBITDA

Depreciation and amortisation 

EBIT 

Significant Items

Net Finance Cost

Income Tax Benefit

NPAT (Discontinued 
operations)

Total TEUs (‘000s)

Performance Overview

FY2018

FY2017

VARIANCE %

225.4

309.8

(247.1)

(340.7)

(21.7)

(2.3)

(24.0)

(74.7)

–

21.6

(30.9)

(17.3)

(48.2)

(167.2)

0.1

64.6

(77.1)

(150.7)

266.0

405.2

(27%)

27%

30%

87%

50%

55%

–

(67%)

49%

(34%)

EBIT loss improved $24.2m mainly due to:
 › $9.2m reduction in operating losses with the closure of Intermodal 

Interstate in December 2017

 › $15.0m reduction in depreciation due to the Intermodal impairment  

in FY2017

Significant items for the discontinued operation of ($74.7m) were 
recognised in FY2018 relating to the closure of Intermodal Interstate  
and includes:
 › Contract, lease and supplier exit costs
 › Redundancy costs for 168 employees
 › Asset impairments

TRANSFORMATION UPDATE 
Aurizon achieved its three-year transformation target by delivering 
$133.6m in transformation benefits during FY2018, resulting in total 
transformation since July 2015 of $393.6m including Intermodal’s FY2017 
losses, which principally relate to Intermodal Interstate, removed. The exit 
of the Intermodal business contributed to transformation by permanently 
removing the financial losses. The continuing operations generated 
$85.6m in benefits in FY2018. Further examples of transformation 
initiatives are detailed below:

Precision Railroading Operations

This initiative is focused on driving precision planning and disciplined 
delivery with the objective to improve on time departure and arrival of 
above rail services across CQCN. Centred around three principles; plan 
with precision, disciplined delivery and continuous improvements, this 
initiative will be a multiyear journey that will target ways to improve on 
time running performance. This initiative is targeted to deliver at least 
$50m in financial benefits by FY2021. 

Restructure of Support Areas

Aurizon continues its transformation agenda focusing on support areas 
by providing innovative, flexible and lower cost services. Commencing in 
2HFY2018 and continuing into FY2019 is the restructure of the Technical 
Services and Planning business unit. This restructure will focus on 
reducing headcount, further footprint consolidation and the transfer of 
certain functions to the Coal and Bulk business units where appropriate. 
It is expected that this initiative will deliver around $20m in cost 
reductions by FY2021.

OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

21

Directors’ Report (continued)
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

Asset Maintenance (continued)
 › The Locomotive and Operational Data 
Acquisition and Management project 
(LODAM) is now being initiated across the 
coal locomotive fleet. LODAM will deliver a 
step change in both the quality and quantity 
of operational and sensor data, allowing 
Aurizon to better optimise and standardise 
how the fleet is operated and managed. 
LODAM will provide real time visibility of 
train handling and equipment performance, 
improved fleet performance, reliability and 
energy consumption and in cab monitoring. 
LODAM sensor data will allow locomotive 
failures to be predicted earlier and further 
improve our maintenance strategies

 › Shopfloor II is now fully deployed across 
all rollingstock maintenance facilities. The 
project was completed ahead of time 
and under budget. The key benefits to be 
delivered as part of this project include 
increased maintenance planning capability 
and accuracy, supply chain integration, 
warranty management, serialisation and 
lifecycle management of major components 
and improved operational efficiency through 
standardising business processes and metrics

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Risk 
Aurizon promotes a risk-aware culture with 
an emphasis on frontline accountability for 
effective risk management. The consideration 
of risk features heavily in Aurizon’s thinking, 
from the framing of strategy through to 
informing decision making. Aurizon’s Enterprise 
Risk Management Framework is based on the 
international standard for risk management 
(AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009) and supports the 
identification, assessment and reporting of risk 
across the business, and includes both financial 
and non-financial risks. 

Risks to the delivery of strategy have been 
categorised into the three strategic levers  
of Optimise (accelerate the competitiveness 
of Aurizon), Excel (achieve regulatory reform, 
secure contract wins, and gain competitive 
advantage through asset efficiency) and 
Extend (position Aurizon for growth,  
value creation and the next phase of  
Enterprise evolution).

Optimise Strategic Lever
Queensland Intermodal and Acacia Ridge 
Terminal Sale Transactions

The ACCC has opposed the sale of Aurizon’s 
Queensland Intermodal business to a 
consortium of Linfox and Pacific National, 
and the sale of its Acacia Ridge Terminal to 
Pacific National and commenced proceedings 
against Pacific National and Aurizon in the 
Federal Court of Australia. The ACCC has 
sought declarations, pecuniary penalties, 
orders restraining the existing sale transactions 
from proceeding and costs. The ACCC has also 
sought an injunction to prevent Aurizon from 
closing its Queensland Intermodal business 
while proceedings are on foot. While Aurizon 
refutes the ACCC’s allegations and will defend 
the proceedings, including seeking clearance 
of the Acacia Ridge transaction, there is a 
risk that the Acacia Ridge transaction will be 
prevented from completing and/or Aurizon 
incurs orders for pecuniary penalties and 
costs. There is also the risk that, in the interim 
whilst the matter is being determined by the 
Court, Aurizon is injuncted from closing the 
Queensland Intermodal business. 

Delivery of Optimise Initiatives 

Aurizon maintains a pipeline of transformation 
initiatives that are expected to deliver a 
cost effective and customer aligned model. 
Continued focus is required on these initiatives 
to ensure benefits are delivered as planned 
and flow through to improved financial 
performance.

Operational Agility

A lack of operational agility would result 
in Aurizon’s inability to flex operations and 
support an alignment between costs and 
revenue. If operational agility is not achieved 
it may result in missed revenue during market 
upturns due to a lag in accessing the required 
resources, or static costs during downturns 
eroding financial performance.

Enterprise Agreement Renegotiations

Enterprise Agreement renegotiations are 
underway to support sustainable business 
transformation. There are risks that prolonged 
industrial action impacts Aurizon’s critical 
operations or final agreements do not support 
business objectives.

Business Interruption

Aurizon may experience business interruption 
and consequential financial impact from a 
range of circumstances including but not 
limited to:
 ›  Road Vehicle Fatality - death or injuries to 
our people from operating road vehicles

 › Process Safety Fatality - major process safety 
event leading to fatality or loss of licence to 
operate 

 › Adverse weather events and climate change 
which could impact on Aurizon’s operations, 
assets, customers and employees
 › Cyber security incidents in relation to 

Aurizon’s corporate and operational systems 

Excel Strategic Lever
Regulatory Risk of the Access Undertaking 
(UT5)

Aurizon continues to work with the Queensland 
Competition Authority (QCA) and industry 
stakeholders to secure acceptable and 
sustainable regulatory outcomes for the CQCN 
in accordance with the processes set out in 
the Queensland Competition Authority Act 
1997 (Qld). In particular, Network’s Maximum 
Allowable Revenue (MAR) and the nominal 
(vanilla) WACC used in deriving Network’s 
MAR is typically reset every four years as part 
of the access undertaking approval process 
with the QCA and the reference tariffs are 
reset annually based on projected system 
volumes and other variables. Not attaining 
appropriate pricing and policy regulatory 
settings will adversely impact revenue, and 
may have an adverse effect on operational 
flexibility, capital investment and recovery 
of operational and administrative costs. The 
WACC of 5.41% proposed by the QCA in its 
UT5 Draft Decision, together with the proposed 
UT5 maintenance and operational expenditure 
allowances, if reflected in its Final Decision, 
will not adequately compensate Network for 
its regulatory and commercial risks, which 
will lead to a material adverse impact on the 
Network business, operational performance 
and financial results.

22

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017–18Adverse Basin, Corridor Economics and 
General Economic Conditions

Aurizon’s earnings are concentrated in 
commodity markets across a relatively small 
number of customers and may be impacted 
by deterioration in counterparty credit 
quality, mine sale to a lower tier party, mine 
profitability, contract renewals, supply chain 
disruptions and /or macro-industry issues.

Aurizon’s customers in core and adjacent 
markets are reliant on demand from large 
export markets such as China, India, Japan and 
South Korea. Increased volatility in coal and 
bulk commodity markets due to factors such 
as material change in government policies 
or economic slowdown or the increasing use 
of renewable energy may cause fluctuations 
in demand, which in turn impact commodity 
prices, product volume and investment in 
growth projects. Although Aurizon develops 
its own long-term outlook for seaborne coal 
demand, it also considers the best known and 
most widely used Sustainable Development 
Scenario produced by the International Energy 
Agency (IEA) through the annual release of 
the World Energy Outlook (WEO). Whilst 
long term demand is expected to increase, 
there may be variances in volumes, contract 
profitability and growth that impact on 
Aurizon’s financial results.

Extend Strategic Lever
Competition in New Markets

Extending expertise into adjacent activities 
including strategic partnerships with road 
operators, new target basins, and optimisation 
of the supply chain may not deliver the 
expected benefits. Competition from 
incumbents in these markets has the 
potential to reduce the expected returns as 
they respond to a new entrant. In addition, 
market dynamics may change and reduce  
the attractiveness of these activities prior  
or during the extension period.

WIRP Non-Regulated Revenue Dispute 

Aurizon has received notices from WIRP 
customers purporting to exercise a right 
under the WIRP Deed to reduce their financial 
exposure in respect of the non-regulated 
revenue component of the amounts payable 
by them to Network. Network maintains its 
position that the notices issued by WIRP 
customers in relation to the WIRP fee are 
not valid. Aurizon issued proceedings in the 
Supreme Court of Queensland to assert its 
contractual rights under the Project Deeds. 
The proceedings have been admitted to the 
Commercial List of the Supreme Court of 
Queensland and have been set down for a 10-
day hearing commencing in FY2019. The Court 
has made orders to prepare the matter for 
trial. The risk is that the entire amount of the 
WIRP fee is deemed not payable by the WIRP 
customers.

Inability to Delivery Adjacencies

The strategy of leveraging expertise to 
adjacent assets and activities may not be 
delivered as planned due to:
 › The infrequency of investment opportunities 

— only a limited number of assets are 
adjacent to the existing Aurizon markets, and 
they may not be made available for sale
 › Aurizon’s potential inability to construct a 

deal – many factors such as access to capital 
markets, agreement with consortium or joint 
venture partners, or other legal restrictions 
may prohibit the execution of an acceptable 
transaction

 › Competitor valuations – available adjacencies 
are infrastructure assets which are currently 
in demand from institutional funds. These 
funds or other competitors may pay a higher 
price than Aurizon, resulting in limited 
opportunities for growth

Further risks arising from UT5 include:

 › The network business’s immediate response 

to implementing the Draft UT5 determination 
may materially impact above rail volumes 
and EBIT plus damage relationships with 
key stakeholders which may impact future 
contracts, transformation and reform

 › The network business credit rating may be 
downgraded due to insufficient cashflows 
based on the Draft UT5 determination
 › The network business may be unable to 
achieve regulatory reform beyond UT5, 
impacting future company performance

 › The network business unsuccessfully adopts 
a new operating model and the final ruling is 
unchanged from the draft

General Regulatory Risk

Aurizon’s operations and financial performance 
are subject to legislative and regulatory 
oversight. Unfavourable changes may be 
experienced with respect to access regimes, 
safety accreditation, taxation, carbon 
reduction, environmental and industrial 
(including occupational health and safety) 
regulation, government policy, and approval 
processes. These changes may have a material 
adverse impact on project investment, 
Aurizon’s profitability and business in general, 
as well as Aurizon’s customers.

Aurizon is also exposed to the risk of material 
regulatory breaches resulting in the loss of 
operating licences and financial penalties. In 
the event of a loss of licence, critical business 
operations may not be supplied to customers, 
impacting profitability and reputation.

Regulatory approval is a prerequisite to 
support the Extend strategy, including growth 
opportunities with adjacent assets. In the 
event regulatory approval is not forthcoming, 
Aurizon’s ability to deliver the strategy and 
associated value will be limited.

Competition in Current Markets

Aurizon may face competition from parties 
willing to compete at reduced margins and/
or accept lower returns and greater risk 
positions than Aurizon. This may potentially 
negatively impact Aurizon’s competitiveness. 
Aurizon’s most significant customer contracts 
are secured on long-dated terms, however 
failure to win or retain customer contracts at 
commercial rates will always be a risk to future 
financial performance. Increased competition 
may be experienced from new entrants to 
Aurizon’s core markets in both above and 
below rail, and includes existing customers in-
sourcing Aurizon’s services.

OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW 23

Directors’ Report (continued)
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

Climate Change Risk

The long term implications of climate change 
may impact Aurizon on several fronts. For 
example:
 › Demand for thermal coal is subject to energy 
policy and regulation of Green House Gas 
(GHG) emissions (including carbon pricing)
 › Investor concern over climate related risks 
may impact the ability to access capital 
for Aurizon and its customers for funding 
coal mining, transport and coal fired power 
projects

 ›  Carbon liability under the Safeguard 

Mechanism Rule and potential penalties for 
inappropriate carbon reporting under the 
National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting 
(NGER) Act

 › Current and future disruption arising 

from increased severity and/or frequency 
of extreme weather events (higher 
temperatures, strong winds, flooding and 
associated erosion, bushfires and others)

Climate change risks and opportunities are 
disclosed annually in our submission to the 
CDP and in Aurizon’s sustainability report.

Sustainability 

Aurizon’s Sustainability Report details how 
Aurizon takes account of social, environmental 
and economic considerations related to 
its operations. In October 2017, Aurizon 
released its fourth Sustainability Report. This 
report contributed to Aurizon maintaining 
a Leading rating by the Australian Council 
of Superannuation Investors (ACSI) in June 
2018. This was the fourth consecutive year of 
recognition and resulted in Aurizon being one 
of 35 ASX200 companies being considered a 
Leader by ACSI.

This year will be the second reporting period in 
which we have incorporated recommendations 
from the Financial Stability Board’s (FSB) Final 
Report: Recommendation of the Task Force on 
Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), 
released in June 2017. Aurizon acknowledges 
that climate change is affecting a wide range 
of industries around the world, resulting in 
financial implications. Transition risks, related 
to energy policy, regulation, technology and 
market shifts (that are necessary to achieve the 
transition to a low-carbon economy) will affect 
the demand for the commodities that Aurizon 
hauls. Physical risks related to extreme weather 
events will also continue to affect Aurizon 
through supply chain disruptions.

Aurizon’s 2018 Sustainability Report will be 
published in October 2018.

A brief summary of Aurizon’s performance 
in connection with safety, environment and 
people is outlined below.

Safety 

As reported in 1HFY2018 results, Aurizon’s 
commitment to safety is continuing with the 
company introducing a revised set of injury 
definitions on 1 July 2017. The key changes 
were the inclusion of contractors in all injury 
metrics and widening the scope of total 
recordable injuries to include all restricted work 
injuries. Previously, Aurizon had used a set of 
metrics and injury definitions benchmarked 
against the rail industry. These new definitions 
have been benchmarked against a broader set 
of global transport and resource organisations, 
including many of Aurizon’s customers. 

FY2018 saw a deterioration in performance 
in the early part of the financial year, which 
was disappointing but a focus on newly 
identified areas for improvement has seen 
positive changes towards the latter part of 
FY2018, resulting in a Total Recordable Injury 
Frequency Rate (TRIFR) for FY2018 of 10.02, 
a reduction of 3% against the 1HFY2018 result. 
However, the full year performance was still a 
deterioration against FY2017 which was 7.12.

Changing injury definitions is the first step 
in a broader program that is underway to 
create a learning safety culture. This journey 
will require an underlying shift in beliefs 
from a control orientated environment 
towards interdependence and self-sustaining 
behaviours. To make this shift a program of 
work is being developed that will focus on:
 › development of leadership behaviours and 

capabilities for our frontline leaders 

 › updating systems, processes, governance 

and tools to better support frontline 
operations

 › clarification of accountabilities for 
operational and support roles 

Environment 

Aurizon delivers environmental value 
through effective management of material 
environmental risks and improved enterprise 
environmental performance. In recognition of 
our efforts, in November 2017 Aurizon received 
the results for its 2017 CDP (formally carbon 
disclosure project) submission which confirmed 
that Aurizon had retained a Management B 
score. This reflects Aurizon’s ongoing efforts to 
improve visibility and transparency on issues 
relating to climate change. 

Aurizon has continued progress against its 
Board endorsed locomotive greenhouse gas 
(GHG) emissions intensity target, achieving 
in FY2018 a 7% emissions intensity reduction 
compared with FY2015. This represents 
a 1% improvement on performance when 
compared with FY2017 which was hampered 
by challenges associated with severe weather 
events and above average mean temperatures. 

In November 2017, the Rail Safety and 
Standards Board approved and published a 
Code of Practice (COP) on the Management 
of Locomotive Exhaust Emissions. This COP 
was developed by Australian rail freight 
operators (including Aurizon) as an industry 
led approach to improving locomotive 
diesel emissions. This industry led approach 
prioritises both particulate matter and 
greenhouse gas emissions, while being careful 
not to decrease fuel efficiency in pursuit 
of nitrogen oxide reductions (which was 
highlighted as a potentially negative impact by 
a locomotive upgrade trial undertaken by the 
New South Wales Environmental Protection 
Authority in 2015). The COP will form part of 
Aurizon’s continuing efforts to improving air 
quality which also includes reducing diesel 
consumption, using cleaner diesel, operating 
electric locomotives and promoting rail over 
road freight.

In June 2018, Aurizon had two notifiable 
environmental incidents involving the spillage 
of hydrocarbons. The remediation of the two 
incidents is underway and is expected to be 
completed, with no long term environmental 
impact, during 1QFY2019.

People 

At Aurizon our values (Safety, People, Integrity, 
Customer and Excellence) guide our people’s 
work in delivering bulk commodities to the 
world. Our areas of focus to develop the 
capability of our people include:
 › continuing to make Aurizon a more inclusive 
and diverse workplace, where everyone can 
work to their full potential

 ›  improving our people, processes and systems 
(performance and succession) to achieve 
exceptional performance and build capability

 ›  continuing to increase our employee 
presence through regional Australia

24

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017–18Directors’ Report (continued)
REMUNERATION REPORT

Dear Fellow Shareholders,

On behalf of the Board, we are pleased to present Aurizon’s Financial Year (FY) 2018 Remuneration Report.

Aurizon’s financial performance for FY2018 has been solid. Underlying Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) for continuing operations 
increased 6% to $941m, within the guidance range of $900-$960m. The transformation program continued to deliver benefits and the 
company achieved the three-year transformation target of $380 million (including the removal of Intermodal losses, which principally relate 
to Intermodal Interstate). 

The Company reported safety outcomes, under the revised metrics, saw disappointing results in safety performance over the year. Changing 
injury definitions was the first step in a broader program of work in safety that is being implemented to renew the Company’s focus on 
safety. The Board will take an active interest in monitoring outcomes and were pleased to see improvements emerging in the second half.

Performance outcomes for the FY2018 Short Term Incentive have been mixed. Above Target performance was achieved for Underlying 
EBIT and Enterprise Transformation Program however Safety performance was below Threshold. The Board has determined that an overall 
outcome above Target will be awarded.

During FY2018, the 2015 Long Term Incentive (LTI) Award and unvested 2014 LTI Award were subject to testing however Aurizon’s 
performance resulted in no components of these Awards vesting. Under the terms of the 2015 Award, the Board may decide to extend the 
performance period for one year, with the retest being at higher hurdles. The Board will consider this matter in FY2019.

The Board considers that these remuneration outcomes strike an appropriate balance between reflecting shareholder outcomes and 
recognising the value-adding contribution of the new Leadership team.

The Board commends Andrew, the Executive Committee and all Aurizon employees on their achievements in the ongoing transformation of 
Aurizon. Reaching the three-year savings target is not the end of the transformation journey, rather, it is the foundation for Aurizon’s strategy 
of continuing to optimise, excel and extend the business. 

The Board is committed to ensuring the remuneration framework supports the strategic objectives of the Company whilst rewarding and 
retaining Executives and delivering shareholder returns. In FY2018 the remuneration framework changes foreshadowed last year were 
implemented including a greater proportion of the LTIA weighted towards relative TSR and the performance period extended to four years. 
As disclosed last year, the Total Fixed Remuneration of new Executive KMP appointments was reduced compared to predecessors and more 
weighting was given to the Long Term Incentive component of their packages, as appropriate for a long asset life infrastructure business.

We will continue to review the Executive remuneration framework in FY2019 to ensure it remains effective in driving the required 
performance. 

A market review of the Non-Executive Director remuneration framework resulted in changes to the reward structure – the first since 2012. 
The Chairman’s fee was increased marginally and the remaining Non-Executive Directors transitioned from an ‘all-in-one’ to a ‘base plus 
committee’ fee structure effective from 1 January 2018.

As always, we are grateful for your ongoing support and we value your feedback. We look forward to welcoming you to our 2018 Annual 
General Meeting.

Yours faithfully,

Tim Poole 
Chairman 

Russell Caplan 
Chairman, Remuneration and Human Resources Committee 

REMUNERATION REPORT 

25

 
Directors’ Report (continued)
REMUNERATION REPORT

1. 
 Remuneration Report Introduction
Aurizon’s remuneration practices are aligned 
with the Company’s strategy of providing 
rewards that drive and reflect the creation 
of shareholder value whilst attracting and 
retaining Directors and Executives with the 
right capability to achieve results. 

The Remuneration Report for the year ended 
30 June 2018 is set out as per Table 1. The 
information in this Report has been audited. 

TABLE 1 – TABLE OF CONTENTS

2.  Directors and Executives
The Key Management Personnel (KMP) of the Group (being those whose remuneration must be 
disclosed in this Report) include the Non-Executive Directors and those Executives who have the 
authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of Aurizon. 

As previously identified a review of the KMP was conducted in FY2017. Given the change in 
Business Unit reporting from FY2018 the Board determined that from 1 July 2017 the Managing 
Director & Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO), Chief Financial Officer & Group Executive Strategy, 
Group Executive Bulk, Group Executive Coal and Group Executive Network fulfil the definition of 
the KMP.

The Non-Executive Directors and Executives that formed part of the KMP for the Financial Year 
(FY) as at 30 June 2018 are identified in Table 2. 

SECTION CONTENTS

PAGE

TABLE 2 – KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Remuneration Report 
Introduction

Directors and Executives

Remuneration 
Framework Components

Company Performance 
Financial Year 2018

Take Home Pay 

Short Term Incentive 
Award

Long Term Incentive 
Award

Executive Service 
Agreements

Non-Executive Director 
Remuneration

Executive Remuneration 
Financial Year 2018

26

26

27

29

30

31

32

34

35

36

NAME

POSITION

NON–EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

T Poole

M Bastos1

R Caplan 

J Cooper 

K Field 

M Fraser

S Lewis 

K Vidgen

EXECUTIVE KMP

A Harding

P Bains

C McDonald2

E McKeiver3

M Riches4

Chairman, Independent Non–Executive Director

Independent Non–Executive Director

Independent Non–Executive Director

Independent Non–Executive Director

Independent Non–Executive Director

Independent Non–Executive Director

Independent Non–Executive Director

Independent Non–Executive Director

Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer

Chief Financial Officer & Group Executive Strategy

Group Executive Bulk

Group Executive Coal

Group Executive Network

1 M Bastos was appointed a Director on 15 November 2017
2 C McDonald was appointed Group Executive Bulk on 1 July 2017
3 E McKeiver was appointed Group Executive Coal on 1 July 2017
4 M Riches was appointed Group Executive Network on 24 July 2017

26

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017–18 
3.   Remuneration Framework 

Components 

Total Potential Remuneration 
Aurizon’s Remuneration Framework for each 
Executive comprises three components:

 › Fixed remuneration (not ‘at risk’) that 
comprises salary and other benefits, 
including superannuation

 › STIA (‘at risk’ component, awarded on the 

achievement of performance conditions over 
a 12-month period) that comprises both a 
cash component and a component deferred 
for 12 months into equity

 › LTIA (‘at risk’ component, awarded on the 

achievement of performance conditions over 
a four-year period (excluding the 2017 Award 
three-year transitional arrangement)) that 
comprises only an equity component

The structure is intended to provide an 
appropriate mix of fixed and variable 
remuneration, and provide a combination 
of incentives intended to drive performance 
against the Company’s short and longer-term 
business objectives. 

The mix of potential remuneration components 
for FY2018 for the MD & CEO and Executive 
KMP is set out in Figure 1: Total Potential 
Remuneration Financial Year 2018. This diagram 
demonstrates the revised remuneration mix for 
appointments, implemented in FY2017, where 
a greater proportion of the total potential 
remuneration is weighted towards the LTIA.

Executive Remuneration Governance
Figure 2 represents Aurizon’s remuneration 
governance framework. Details on the 
composition of the Remuneration and  
Human Resources Committee (Committee) 
are set out on page 8 of this report. The 
Committee’s Charter is available in the 
Governance section of the Company’s  
website at www.aurizon.com.au

FIGURE 1 – TOTAL POTENTIAL REMUNERATION FINANCIAL YEAR 20181

MD & CEO: CASH COMPONENT: 51% 

EQUITY COMPONENT: 49%

27%

24%

16%

33%

EXECUTIVE KMP: CASH COMPONENT: 51% 

EQUITY COMPONENT: 49%

30%

21%

14%

35%

Fixed Remuneration

STIA

Deferred STIA

LTIA

1  Assumes achievement of the stretch performance hurdle outcomes for STIA, full vesting of the Deferred STIA and 
LTIA at a value equal to the maximum opportunity of the original award i.e. assuming no share price appreciation 
and excluding the 2017 Award three-year transitional arrangement

FIGURE 2 – REMUNERATION GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK

BOARD
The Board:
 › Approves the overall remuneration policy and 

ensures it is competitive, fair and aligned with the 
long-term interests of the Company

 › Approves Non-Executive Director remuneration, 

MD & CEO and Executive Committee (direct reports 
to the MD & CEO) remuneration

 › Assesses the performance of, and determines the 

STIA outcome for the MD & CEO giving due weight 
to objective performance measures while retaining 
discretion to determine final outcomes

 › Considers and determines the STIA outcomes of the 

Executive Committee based on the recommendations 
of the MD & CEO

REMUNERATION AND  
HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE
The Remuneration and Human Resources Committee is 
delegated responsibility by the Board to review and make 
recommendations on:

 › The remuneration policies and framework  

for the Company

 › Non-Executive Director remuneration
 › Remuneration for the MD & CEO and Executive Committee
 › Executive incentive arrangements

MANAGEMENT
 › Provides information relevant to remuneration decisions 
and makes recommendations to the Remuneration and 
Human Resources Committee

 › Obtains remuneration information from external advisors 

to assist the Remuneration and Human Resources 
Committee (i.e. market data, legal advice, accounting 
advice, tax advice)

CONSULTATION WITH 
SHAREHOLDERS AND 
OTHER STAKEHOLDERS

REMUNERATION 
CONSULTANTS AND 
OTHER EXTERNAL 
ADVISORS
In performing duties and 
making recommendations 
to the Board, the 
Remuneration and Human 
Resources Committee may 
from time to time appoint 
and engage independent 
advisors directly in relation 
to Executive remuneration 
matters. These advisors:

 › Review and provide 

recommendations on the 
appropriateness of the 
MD & CEO and Executive 
Committee remuneration

 › Provide independent 
advice, information 
and recommendations 
relevant to remuneration 
decisions

Any advice or 
recommendations provided 
by external advisors are 
used to assist the Board –  
they do not substitute 
Board and Remuneration 
and Human Resources 
Committee processes

REMUNERATION REPORT

27

 
Directors’ Report (continued)
REMUNERATION REPORT

Remuneration Framework and objectives Financial Year 2018

The Board is conducting a comprehensive review of Aurizon’s remuneration framework which may be implemented from FY2020. The review is being 
conducted to ensure the framework continues to deliver against our remuneration principles and remains effective in driving strong performance. In 
the interim, and as referenced in the FY2017 Remuneration Report, further changes implemented in FY2018 are summarised in Figure 3. 

FIGURE 3 – REMUNERATION FRAMEWORK AND OBJECTIVES FOR FINANCIAL YEAR 2018

PERFORMANCE MEASURE

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES AND  
LINK TO PERFORMANCE

FY2018 FRAMEWORK  
CHANGES

I

N
O
T
A
R
E
N
U
M
E
R
D
E
X
F

I

M
R
E
T
T
R
O
H
S

M
R
E
T
G
N
O
L

D
R
A
W
A
E
V
T
N
E
C
N

I

I

D
R
A
W
A
E
V
T
N
E
C
N

I

I

Considerations:
 › Experience, qualifications
 › Role and responsibility
 › Retain key capability
 › Reference to remuneration paid by  
similar sized companies in similar  
industry sectors

 ›

Internal and external relativities

 › Underlying EBIT (40%)
 › Enterprise Transformation Program (20%) 
 › Safety (10%) 
 ›

Individual (30%)

Measured over a one-year  
performance period

STIA at Risk:
MD & CEO: Target 100% of Fixed  
Remuneration and maximum 150%  
of Fixed Remuneration

Other Executive KMP: Target 75%  
of Fixed Remuneration and maximum  
112.5% of Fixed Remuneration 

 › Relative Total Shareholder Return (TSR) 

(50%) 

 › Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) (50%)

Measured over a four-year performance 
period (excluding the 2017 Award three-year  
transitional arrangement). Retesting was 
removed from the 2016 Award and has not 
formed part of any subsequent awards

LTIA at Risk (Maximum):
MD & CEO: 120% of Fixed Remuneration

New Executive appointments: 112.5% of Fixed 
Remuneration 

 › To attract and retain Executives 

with the right capability to achieve 
results 

The financial and non-financial 
performance measures were  
chosen because:

 › Underlying EBIT delivers direct 

financial benefits to shareholders 

 › Enterprise Transformation Program 

captures the need for our people and 
our assets to operate more efficiently

 › Safety captures the need to 

continuously improve safety and 
embed safe, efficient and effective 
processes across all aspects of a 
heavy industry business 

Note: Participation levels are set with 
reference to the appropriate levels of 
short term incentive offered by our 
peers in the market

 › Relative TSR is a measure of the 
return generated for Aurizon’s 
shareholders over the performance 
period relative to a peer group of 
companies (ASX100) 

 › ROIC reflects the fact that Aurizon 

operates a capital-intensive 
business and our focus should be 
on maximising the level of return 
generated on the capital we invest 

Note: Minimum shareholding 
requirements for Executive KMP and the 
remainder of the Executive Committee 
encourages retention of shares and 
alignment with shareholder interests

 › A greater proportion of the 
Award has been weighted 
towards Underlying EBIT and 
Transformation 

Safety measures have been 
adjusted to:

 › Include Rail Process Safety 
 › Remove Environmental 

Incidents, Safety Interactions 
and Female Representation 
 › Provide reward for Threshold 

performance 

 ›  Definition of Safety measure 

(TRIFR) revised

From the 2017 Award:

 › A greater portion of the award 
has been weighted towards 
relative TSR

 › Company hurdles are measured 
over an extended performance 
period, increasing from a three 
to four-year performance period 
 › Telecommunications companies 
will no longer be excluded from 
the peer group 

The 2017 Award included a 
transition award offered to ensure 
there is no gap in LTIA vesting 
opportunity 

Total remuneration 
Overall, Executive remuneration is designed to support the delivery of superior shareholder returns by placing a significant proportion of an 
Executive’s total potential remuneration at risk and awarding a significant portion of at risk pay in equity

28

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017–18 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.   Company Performance  
Financial Year 2018

Results for performance metrics have been 
mixed. Aurizon delivered a solid underlying 
EBIT outcome of $941m for continuing 
operations – a 6% increase on last year.  
The Enterprise Transformation program 
delivered $86m in benefits in FY2018. In 
addition Operating Ratio has also continued 
to improve, achieving 69.8% for continuing 
operations and 72.5% at the Group level in 
FY2018. However, safety outcomes were 
disappointing.

Figure 4 shows historical Company 
performance across a range of key metrics.

Detail related to performance against the 
FY2018 STIA performance measures is 
provided in Table 4 (page 31). Table 6  
(page 32) provides additional information  
related to the LTIA performance outcomes. 

FIGURE 4 – HISTORICAL COMPANY PERFORMANCE

0
7
9

1
5
8

1
7
8

4
8
8

1
4
9

.

7
7
7

.

3
4
7

.

8
4
7

9
.
1
7

.

8
9
6

FY14

FY15
FY16
Underlying EBIT ($m)1

FY17

FY18

FY15
FY16
FY14
Operating Ratio (%)1

FY17

FY18

6%

2.1ppt

2
0
0
1

.

3
4
8

.

0
8
2

.

1
4
2

.

8
8
9

.

4
2
4

.

2
1
.
7

9
6
2

.

.

0
3
2

41%

1
.
7

.

6
8
-

FY14

FY15

FY16

FY17

FY18

FY14

FY15

FY16

FY17

Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate (TRIFR)2         
(per million man-hours worked) 

.

0
4
2

.

6
4
2

.

5
2
2

1
.
7
2

.

5
6
1

Total Shareholder Return (%)

.

7
9

8
8

.

.

3
9

6
8

.

.

8
5
1

186%

.

6
3
1
-

FY18
FY17

.

9
0
1

FY14

FY15

FY16

FY17

FY18

FY14

FY15

FY16

FY17

FY18

Total Dividend per Share (cents)

Return on Invested Capital (%)1

20%

1.6ppt

1  Continuing operations
2   From FY2018, TRIFR definition has been redefined and contractor statistics have been included. Historical 
performance has been restated to include the extended definition for FY2015 – FY2017. FY2014 has not  
been restated. Performance unaudited prior to FY2018. The line diagram depicts the historical performance 
under the previous definition

REMUNERATION REPORT 

29

Directors’ Report (continued)
REMUNERATION REPORT

5.  Take Home Pay 
Table 3 identifies the actual remuneration 
earned during FY2018 for Executive KMP. 

The table has not been prepared in accordance 
with accounting standards but has been 
provided to ensure shareholders are able to 
clearly understand the remuneration outcomes 
for Executive KMP. Remuneration outcomes, 
which are prepared in accordance with the 
accounting standards, are provided in Section 
10 (page 36).

The remuneration outcomes identified in 
Table 3 are directly linked to the Company 
performance described in Section 6 (page 31) 
and Section 7 (page 32). 

The actual STIA is dependent on Aurizon and 
individual performance as described in Section 
6. Mixed performance across our key measures 
is also reflected directly in the payments for our 
Executive KMP, which range from 79% to 85% 
of their potential maximum. 

 TABLE 3 – REMUNERATION EARNED IN FINANCIAL YEAR 2018 

The actual vesting of the LTIA is dependent on 
Aurizon’s performance and the outcomes are 
further described in Section 7. 

During FY2018, the 2015 Award and unvested 
2014 Award were subject to testing.  
However, Aurizon’s performance resulted  
in no components of these Awards vesting.

FIXED 
REMUNERATION  
$’000

NON-
MONETARY 
BENEFITS1 
$’000

STIA  
CASH2  
$’000

STIA  
DEFERRED FROM  
PRIOR YEAR3 
$’000

LTIA  
VESTING4 
$’000

SHARE PRICE 
DEPRECIATION5 
$’000

ACTUAL FY2018 
REMUNERATION 
OUTCOMES $’000

1,700

700

600

640

632

109

1,257

2

58

69

12

389

344

352

339

211

102

64

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(29)

(14)

(9)

–

–

3,248

1,179

1,057

1,061

983

NAME

EXECUTIVE KMP

A Harding 

P Bains

C McDonald

E McKeiver

M Riches6

1  The amount relates to travel benefits and relocation assistance 
2  The amount relates to the cash component (60%) of the FY2018 STIA which will be paid in September 2018
3   The amount relates to the deferred component (40%) of the FY2017 STIA which was awarded in performance rights and will become unrestricted in September 2018 

(calculation assumes a share price of $5.01)

4  The amount is the number of rights which would have vested in August 2018. As the performance hurdles were not met no rights vested
5   The amount is the number of rights which vest in September 2018 multiplied by the decrease in the Aurizon share price over the period ended 30 June 2018  

(calculation assumes share price depreciation of $0.68) 

6  Pro-rata outcomes apply for Executives who were appointed after the performance year commenced (1 July 2017)

30

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017–18

6.  Short Term Incentive Award 

What is the STIA and who participates? 
The STIA is ‘at risk’ remuneration subject to 
the achievement of pre-defined Company and 
individual performance hurdles which are set 
annually by the Board at the beginning of the 
performance period. For each component of 
the STIA, three performance levels are set: 
 › Threshold, below which no STIA is paid for 

that component

 › Target, which typically aligns to relevant 
corporate plans and budgets, a business 
improvement targeted outcome or reflects 
an improvement on historical achievement

 › Stretch, which is materially better than Target

The STIA applies in a similar manner to all non-
enterprise agreement employees. 

For the MD & CEO, Executive KMP and the 
remaining Executive Committee (direct reports 
to the MD & CEO) a portion (40%) will be 
deferred into equity for a period of 12 months, 
subject to the Board’s ability to claw-back.

What are the Company performance 
measures? 
The performance measures which apply to all 
participants are Underlying EBIT, Enterprise 
Transformation and Safety. The measures 
capture the need to continuously improve 
safety across all aspects of the business, 
strengthen and grow our current business 
whilst continuing to transform the Enterprise. 
This is achieved through a focus on people 
and asset efficiencies whilst at the same time, 
delivering benefits to shareholders. Individual 
performance hurdles relate to each specific 
role and measure an individual’s contribution. 

What is the amount that participants can 
earn through an STIA? 
The employment agreements specify a target 
STIA, expressed as a percentage of Fixed 
Remuneration (100% for the MD & CEO and 
75% for the remaining Executive KMP). Each 
participant can earn between 0% up to a 
maximum of 150% of this target percentage, 
depending on performance and subject to 
Board discretion. Depending on performance 
assessed at year end, participants may earn for 
each enterprise measure: 0% for performance 
below Threshold, 50% at Threshold (for 
measures other than Underlying EBIT, for 
which Threshold earnings are 30%) with a 
linear scale up to 100% at Target performance; 
and a further linear scale to 200% at Stretch 
performance. 

What are the outcomes for FY2018?
Table 4 identifies the performance measures, relevant weightings and outcomes for FY2018. The FY2018 actual outcomes for Executive KMP are 
identified within Table 5. 

TABLE 4 – SHORT TERM INCENTIVE AWARD FINANCIAL YEAR 2018 OBJECTIVES1 

DESCRIPTION

WEIGHTING 

TARGET

OUTCOME

EBIT: Underlying EBIT delivers financial benefits to shareholders through growth in 
underlying operating earnings 

Enterprise Transformation: Our priority to transform Aurizon continues to be 
a strategic imperative. For FY2018, this objective was aligned to the Enterprise 
Transformation Program, which identifies cost-outs and capital management savings 
targeted over three years (FY2016 - FY2018)

Safety: The measures capture the need to continuously improve and maintain safety 
across all aspects of the Company measured through equally weighted parameters 
which included:
 › Total reportable injury frequency rate (TRIFR)
 › Rail Process Safety (Total Accident Rate and Signals Passed at Danger)
Aggregate Enterprise Outcome (Sub-total)

Individual: Performance hurdles for the Executive KMP are established on an annual 
basis by the MD & CEO. In the case of the MD & CEO the individual hurdles are 
established by the Chairman after consultation with the Board. For FY2018 the MD & 
CEO’s individual performance parameters included:
 › Redefine Enterprise 

 › Regulatory process 

strategic plan 

 › Implement strategic review outcomes relating to Intermodal,  

Bulk and support areas

1    Company performance hurdles relate to continuing operations 

TABLE 5 – SHORT TERM INCENTIVE AWARDED IN FINANCIAL YEAR 2018 

40%

20%

10%

70%

30%

$931m

$80m

$941m

Between Target and 
Stretch

$86m

Between Target and 
Stretch

 › 15% reduction in TRIFR
 › 10% improvement in Rail 

 › 57% increase TRIFR
 › 75% increase in Rail 

Process Safety

Process Safety

Below Threshold

Individual performance 
targets vary for each 
specific role 

Personal outcomes for MD 
& CEO and Executive KMP 
varied between Target 
and Stretch depending 
on performance against 
individual KPIs

NAME

EXECUTIVE KMP

A Harding

P Bains

C McDonald 

E McKeiver

M Riches3

TARGET 
STIA 
$’000

MAXIMUM 
POTENTIAL 
STIA ($’000)

CASH 
COMPONENT

DEFERRED 
SHARE 
COMPONENT1

TOTAL STIA 
PAYMENT

% OF 
TARGET  
STIA

% OF 
MAXIMUM 
STIA2

AWARDED FY2018 ($’000)

1,700

525

450

480

474

2,550

788

675

720

711

1,257

389

344

352

339

838

260

229

234

226

2,095

649

573

586

565

123

124

127

122

119

82

82

85

81

79

1  A portion (40%) awarded in the form of rights to shares, which vest on the first anniversary of payment of the cash component subject to Board’s ability to ‘claw-back’
2  Executives have forfeited between 15% to 21% of their maximum potential outcome
3  Pro-rata outcomes apply for Executives who were appointed after the performance year commenced (1 July 2017)

REMUNERATION REPORT 

31

Directors’ Report (continued)
REMUNERATION REPORT

7.  Long Term Incentive Award

What is the LTIA and who participates? 
The LTIA is the component of Total Potential 
Remuneration linked to providing long-term 
incentives for selected Executives whom the 
Board has identified as being able to contribute 
directly to the generation of long-term 
shareholder returns. This includes the MD & 
CEO, Executive KMP, the remaining Executive 
Committee (direct reports to the MD & CEO), and 
key direct reports to the Executive Committee.

How is the LTIA determined? 
The number of performance rights issued 
under the LTIA to each Executive is calculated 
by dividing their respective LTIA potential 
remuneration (expressed as a percentage of 
Fixed Remuneration) by the five-day Volume 
Weighted Average Price (VWAP) of Aurizon 
shares at the time of their award. 

Each performance right is a right to receive 
one share in Aurizon upon vesting. 

The number of performance rights that vest 
is determined by performance outcomes 
compared with predetermined company 
hurdles as described in Table 6 and Table 7.

What happens when performance  
rights vest? 
Performance rights awarded under the LTIA 
vest subject to the satisfaction of company 
hurdles. Rights vest and the resulting shares 
are transferred to the Executive at no cost 
to the Executive. Value of the award will be 
subject to movements in the Aurizon share 
price over the performance period. Company 
performance against LTIA subject to testing in 
FY2018 is identified in Table 6. 

What is the amount that Executives can 
earn through an LTIA? 
The maximum potential remuneration 
(expressed as a percentage of Fixed 
Remuneration) available through the LTIA is 
120% in the case of the MD & CEO and 112.5% 
for the remaining Executive KMP.

What is the performance period? 
From the 2017 Award, company hurdles are 
measured over an extended performance 
period, which increased from a three to a four-
year performance period. In order to manage 
the transition on a value neutral basis for 
the Company, two LTIA grants were made in 
FY2018. Both grants were issued at 75% of the 
maximum vesting opportunity. The 2018 Award 
(to be issued in FY2019) will contain one grant 
at the maximum vesting opportunity.

In the event that a hurdle is not achieved in 
relation to the 2014 and 2015 Awards, the 
performance period may be extended for a 
further year at the discretion of the Board. In 
the event of a performance period extension, in 
order for any additional performance rights to 
vest on the later date, Aurizon has to achieve 
stronger performance than that required for the 
original performance period in the final year. 

Retesting was removed from the 2016 Award and 
has not formed part of any subsequent awards.

TABLE 6 – COMPANY PERFORMANCE AGAINST LONG TERM INCENTIVE AWARDS SUBJECT TO TESTING IN FINANCIAL YEAR 2018 

COMPANY HURDLE AND PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT PERIOD

WEIGHTING RESULT

%  
VESTED

% FOR 
RETESTING

% 
LAPSED

2014 AWARD: RETEST 01 JULY 2014 – 30 JUNE 2018

Relative TSR:  
against peer group 
within ASX100 Index

Initial: 30% of rights vest at the 50th 
percentile, 75% at the 62.5th percentile up 
to 100% at the 75th percentile

OR Improvement

ROIC: average annual ROIC 

Initial: FY2015 – FY2017

Retest: FY2015 – FY2018

Retest: 100% of rights vest at the 75th 
percentile. 0% will vest below the 75th 
percentile

Initial: 50% of rights vest with a FY2017 OR 
of 73%, up to 100% at or below 70% 

Retest: 100% of rights vest at or below 
70%. 0% will vest with an OR above 70%

Initial: 50% of rights vest with an average 
ROIC of 10.5%, up to 100% at 11.5% 

Retest: 100% of rights vest with an average 
ROIC of 12.5%. 0% below 12.5%

2015 AWARD: 01 JULY 2015 – 30 JUNE 2018 

Relative TSR:  
against peer group 
within ASX100 Index

OR Improvement

30% of rights vest at the 50th percentile, 
75% of rights vest at the 62.5th percentile 
up to 100% at the 75th percentile

50% of rights will vest with a FY2018 OR of 
71.5%, up to 100% at 70% 

ROIC: average annual 
ROIC FY2016 – FY2018

50% of the rights will vest with an average 
ROIC of 10.5%, up to 100% at 11.5%

33% Below median 
(FY2017) 

0% 100% of this component  

was subject to a single  
retest in FY2018

Below top 
quartile (FY2018)

0%

100%

34% 75.8% (FY2017)

0% 100% of this component  

was subject to a single  
retest in FY2018

72.5%1 (FY2018)

0%

100%

33%

8.8%2

0% 100% of this component  

was subject to a single  
retest in FY2018

9.0%2

0%

100%

33% Below median

0% 100% of this component may be 
subject to a retest in FY20193

34%

72.5%1 (FY2018)

33%

8.7%2

0% 100% of this component may be 
subject to a retest in FY20193

0% 100% of this component may be 
subject to a retest in FY20193

1   OR for remuneration purposes has been adjusted to include Intermodal (until the divestment is completed or the business is closed). This adjustment ensures the 

definition used is consistent with when the performance hurdles were set. OR for continuing operations is 69.8%

2   ROIC for remuneration purposes has been adjusted to reflect asset impairments which have occurred during the performance period, excluding asset impairments driven 
by continued efficiency and productivity improvements. Reported ROIC is 9% for the 2014 Award (FY2015 – FY2017), 9.5% for the 2014 Award (Retest FY2015 – FY2018) 
and 9.4% for the 2015 Award (FY2016 – FY2018)

3   The retesting hurdles are 69% for OR in the fourth year, top quartile performance for relative TSR over the four-year period and 12.5% average for ROIC over the  

four-year period. The Board has not yet determined whether the 2015 Award will be retested next year for either current or former Executives

32

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017–18TABLE 7 – LONG TERM INCENTIVE AWARD PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW AND HURDLES

TSR

The vesting of rights for relative TSR growth is conditional on Aurizon’s TSR performance relative to a peer group of companies in the 
ASX100 index (approximately 70) that are broadly comparable to Aurizon (i.e. with which Aurizon competes for capital and/or capability). 
Property trusts (from 2016 Award) and telecommunications companies (from 2017 Award) are no longer excluded from the comparator group. 
Financial, healthcare, biotechnology, casinos and gaming companies are excluded from the comparator group. 

TSR measures the growth in the price of shares plus cash distributions notionally reinvested in shares. The TSR of Aurizon over the 
performance period will be compared to the TSR of all of the companies in the peer group which are still listed at the end of the performance 
period. The relevant share prices will be determined by reference to a VWAP over a period to smooth any short-term ‘peaks’ or ‘troughs’. 
Relative TSR performance is verified by an independent expert at the end of each Financial Year.

ROIC

ROIC, for the purposes of the LTIA, will be calculated on the same basis as the published ROIC except to the extent of the differences 
explained in this section. Essentially, ROIC is Underlying EBIT divided by Invested Capital. For the purposes of LTIA, invested capital will not 
include major (infrastructure investments with an approved budgeted capital expenditure over $250m) assets under construction (AUC) until 
these investments are planned to generate income, subject to Board discretion (for example, in the case of a delay judged to be outside the 
control of management and not able to be foreseen or mitigated). 

ROIC for remuneration purposes will be adjusted (add-back depreciation charge and invested capital) to reflect asset impairments which 
occur during the performance period, excluding asset impairments driven by continued efficiency and productivity improvements. 

OR

OR improvement essentially measures the operating cost as a percentage of revenue. Aurizon is committed to reducing OR through further 
implementation of transformation initiatives, growth initiatives and continued tight operational and financial discipline. The Board determined 
that OR will no longer form part of the LTIA from the 2017 Award. It was always intended that the use of OR had a finite life-span. Whilst OR 
will continue to be managed and improved it will no longer be used for remuneration purposes with the balance of future awards weighted 
towards TSR and ROIC which are better aligned to a long asset life infrastructure company. 

In August 2017, Aurizon announced its intention to exit the Intermodal business. Accordingly, the entire Intermodal business has been treated 
as a discontinued item for reporting purposes. Shareholders have been unable to realise the benefit of fully exiting the Intermodal business in 
FY2018. As a result the Board have determined that OR for remuneration purposes will be adjusted to include Intermodal (until the divestment 
is completed or the business is closed). This adjustment ensures the definition used is consistent with when the performance hurdles were set.

2017 AWARD (3 YEAR)

WEIGHTING

MINIMUM VESTING POINT

MAXIMUM VESTING POINT

Relative TSR: against peer 
group within ASX100 Index

ROIC: average annual ROIC 
FY2018 – FY20203

50% 30% of the rights will vest  

at the 50th percentile

75% of the rights will vest  
at the 62.5th percentile

100% of the rights will vest  
at the 75th percentile

50% 50% of the rights will vest with 
an average ROIC of 10.5%

100% of the rights will vest with  
an average ROIC of 11.5%

100% All rights will vest pro-rata on a straight-line basis between the minimum and maximum vesting points

PERFORMANCE PERIOD (01/07/2017 – 30/06/2020)1,2

2017 AWARD (4 YEAR)

WEIGHTING

MINIMUM VESTING POINT

MAXIMUM VESTING POINT

Relative TSR: against peer 
group within ASX100 Index

ROIC: average annual ROIC 
FY2018 – FY20213

50% 30% of the rights will vest  

at the 50th percentile

75% of the rights will vest  
at the 62.5th percentile

100% of the rights will vest  
at the 75th percentile

50% 50% of the rights will vest with  
an average ROIC of 10.5%

100% of the rights will vest with  
an average ROIC of 11.5%

100% All rights will vest pro-rata on a straight-line basis between the minimum and maximum vesting points

PERFORMANCE PERIOD (01/07/2017 – 30/06/2021)1,2

PERFORMANCE PERIOD (01/07/2018 – 30/06/2022)1

2018 AWARD (4 YEAR)

WEIGHTING

MINIMUM VESTING POINT

MAXIMUM VESTING POINT

Relative TSR: against peer 
group within ASX100 Index

ROIC: average annual ROIC 
FY2019 – FY2022

50% 30% of the rights will vest  

at the 50th percentile

75% of the rights will vest at  
the 62.5th percentile

100% of the rights will vest  
at the 75th percentile 

50% 50% of the rights will vest with 
an average ROIC of 9%

100% of the rights will vest with  
an average ROIC of 10%

100% All rights will vest pro-rata on a straight-line basis between the minimum and maximum vesting points

1  In the event that performance is not achieved the performance period will not be extended, as retesting no longer forms part of the LTIA from the 2016 Award
2   From the 2017 Award, company hurdles are measured over an extended performance period, which increased from a three-year performance period to a four-year 

performance period. In order to facilitate this transition two awards were issued at 75% of the maximum vesting opportunity in FY2018 

3   ROIC hurdles for the 2017 Awards have been set with reference to the QCA transitional tariff which extended UT4 to 31 December 2017. The transitional tariffs remain in 

place until the approval of UT5. The Board may apply discretion should the UT5 outcome result in a material tariff difference

How does Aurizon utilise Retention awards? 
In some circumstances, as approved by the Board, Management may recommend issuing retention awards where the services of an individual are 
considered critical to Aurizon over the short-to-medium term and the existing remuneration arrangements are thought to be insufficient to retain those 
services. Retention awards may be time-based or project-based and are governed by stringent performance conditions and may be cash-based or 
equity-based. 

During FY2018, no equity-based awards were issued however one equity-based award vested. This award pertained to the retention of the CFO 
& Group Executive Strategy as disclosed in FY2017. Further information is available in note 29 of the Financial Report (page 91). Additionally,  
28 cash-based awards were issued. One award was linked to the retention of a critical employee leading a key strategic program and vested in FY2018. 
Two awards, which may vest in FY2019, were issued as a pre-emptive defence against the external targeting of Executives. The remaining awards 
were issued to key employees required to complete the Intermodal closure and sale process totalling approximately $660,000. Performance periods 
and conditions were tailored to the individual’s role and therefore resulted in varying outcomes. A majority of the awards pertaining to the Intermodal 
process vested in FY2018.

REMUNERATION REPORT 

33

Directors’ Report (continued)
REMUNERATION REPORT

8.  Executive Service Agreements

Executive Service Agreements 
Remuneration and other terms of employment 
for the MD & CEO and Executive KMP 
are formalised in a Service Agreement as 
summarised in Table 8. 

Minimum shareholding policy 
for Executives
To align KMP and the Executive Committee 
(direct reports to the MD & CEO) with 
shareholders, the Company requires: 

 ›  Non-Executive Directors to accumulate and 
maintain one year’s Total Directors’ fees 
(consisting of Directors’ fee plus applicable 
Committee fee/s) of shares in the Company
 ›  the MD & CEO to accumulate and maintain 
one year’s Fixed Remuneration of shares in 
the Company

 ›  the remaining Executive KMP and Executive 
Committee to accumulate and maintain 50% 
of one year’s Fixed Remuneration of shares in 
the Company

This is to be achieved within six years of 
the date of their appointment. This will be 
calculated with reference to the Total Directors’ 
fees and Executives’ Fixed Remuneration 
during the period divided by the number 
of years. 

Details of KMP shareholdings as at 30 June 
2018 are set out in Table 9. 

Hedging and margin lending policies
Aurizon has in place a policy that prohibits 
Executives from hedging economic exposure to 
unvested rights that have been issued pursuant 
to a Company employee share plan. The policy 
also prohibits margin loan arrangements for 
the purpose of purchasing Aurizon shares. 
Adherence to this policy is monitored regularly 
and involves each Executive signing an annual 
declaration of compliance with the policy.

TABLE 8 – SERVICE AGREEMENTS 

NAME

EXECUTIVE KMP

A Harding 

P Bains

C McDonald

E McKeiver

M Riches

DURATION OF  
SERVICE AGREEMENT

FIXED REMUNERATION AT 
END OF FINANCIAL YEAR 
20181

NOTICE PERIOD2

BY EXECUTIVE

BY COMPANY3

Ongoing

Ongoing

Ongoing

Ongoing

Ongoing

$1,700,000

$700,000

$600,000

$640,000

$675,000

6 months

3 months

3 months

3 months

3 months

12 months 

6 months

6 months

6 months

6 months

1  Fixed remuneration includes a superannuation component
2  Post employment restraints in any competitor business in Australia is aligned to the notice period
3  Any termination payment will be subject to compliance with the Corporations Act and will not exceed 12 months

TABLE 9 – KMP SHAREHOLDINGS AS AT 30 JUNE 2018 

NAME

NON–EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

BALANCE  
AT THE START  
OF THE YEAR

RECEIVED  
DURING THE YEAR  
ON VESTING

OTHER  
CHANGES DURING  
THE YEAR

BALANCE  
AT THE END  
OF THE YEAR

% OF FIXED 
REMUNERATION1

T Poole

M Bastos

R Caplan2 

J Cooper2 

K Field2

M Fraser

S Lewis 

K Vidgen

EXECUTIVE KMP

A Harding 

P Bains

C McDonald

E McKeiver

M Riches

90,500

–

82,132

85,000

40,458

40,000

33,025

40,000

–

16,484

57,972

48,6923

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

6,864

47,722

8,237

–

–

11,400

–

10,000

–

–

–

–

10,000

–

–

–

–

90,500

11,400

82,132

95,000

40,458

40,000

33,025

40,000

10,000

23,348

105,694

56,929

–

80%

25%

171%

198%

84%

83%

69%

87%

3%

14%

76%

39%

0%

1  Assumes Total Directors’ fees and Fixed Remuneration as at 30 June 2018 and the calculation assumes a share price of $4.33
2  KMP required to meet the minimum shareholding requirement due to length of service in a KMP role being longer than six years
3  Restated from FY2017

34

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017–18TABLE 10 – DIRECTORS’ FEES

DIRECTORS

Chairman

TERM

Directors’ fees (inclusive of all 
responsibilities and superannuation)

SERVICE AGREEMENT 
SUMMARY

FROM  
1 JANUARY 
2018

PRIOR FEE

$490,000

$475,000

Other Non-Executive 
Directors

Directors’ fees (inclusive of all 
responsibilities and superannuation)

$170,000

$190,000

TABLE 11 – COMMITTEE FEES

NETWORK 
BOARD

$30,000

$20,000

AUDIT 
AND RISK 
COMMITTEE

$30,000

$20,000

REMUNERATION 
AND HUMAN 
RESOURCES 
COMMITTEE

SAFETY, 
HEALTH AND 
ENVIRONMENT 
COMMITTEE

$17,500

$8,750

$17,500

$8,750

Chairperson

Member

TABLE 12 – NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION 

SHORT-TERM 
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

SALARY 
AND 
FEES1 
$’000

NON-
MONETARY 
BENEFITS2 
$’000

POST-
EMPLOYMENT 
BENEFITS

SUPERANNUATION  
$’000

TOTAL 
REMUNERATION 
$’000

NAME

YEAR

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS3

T Poole

M Bastos

R Caplan 

J Cooper 

M Fraser

K Field 

S Lewis 

 K Vidgen

Total

2018

2017

2018

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

461

455

109

181

174

181

174

181

174

181

174

181

174

177

160

1,652

1,485

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

20

20

10

17

16

17

16

17

16

17

16

17

16

17

15

132

115

481

475

119

198

190

198

190

198

190

198

190

198

190

194

175

1,784

1,600

1  Salary and fees include any salary sacrificed benefits
2   Non-monetary benefits represent the value of Reportable Fringe Benefits for the respective  

FBT year ending 31 March 

3  Appointment dates for new Directors are provided in Table 2 on page 26

9.   Non-Executive Director 

Remuneration

Fees for Non-Executive Directors are set at a 
level to attract and retain Directors with the 
necessary skills and experience to allow the 
Board to have a proper understanding of, and 
competence to deal with, current and emerging 
issues for Aurizon.

Remuneration for Non-Executive Directors 
is reviewed by the Committee and set by 
the Board, taking into account external 
benchmarking. Fees and payments to  
Non-Executive Directors are reviewed  
annually by the Board and reflect the  
demands which are made on, and the 
responsibilities of, the Directors. 

The Chairman’s fees are determined 
independently to the fees of Non-Executive 
Directors, based on comparative roles in 
the external market. The Chairman does not 
participate in any discussions relating to the 
determination of his own remuneration.

FY2018 Review Outcome
This year’s review has resulted in changes to 
the remuneration of the Chairman and Non-
Executive Directors – the first since 2012. 

The Chairman’s fee continues to be inclusive 
of fees for Committee memberships, however, 
at a higher rate. 

For the other Non-Executive Directors, there 
has been a change to the structure to a ‘base 
plus Committee’ fee from an ‘all-in-one’ fee. 
This change has resulted in a decrease to the 
base Directors’ fee. In addition to the base 
Directors’ fee, other Non-Executive Directors 
will receive the applicable fee components for 
Committee chairperson and/or membership 
responsibilities. 

The base Directors’ fee continues to include 
both cash and any contributions to a fund 
for the purposes of superannuation benefits. 
There are no other retirement benefits in place 
for Non-Executive Directors. Non-Executive 
Directors do not receive performance pay.

This change was effective from 1 January 2018 
and is detailed in Tables 10 and 11. The actual 
remuneration outcomes for the Non-Executive 
Directors of the Company is summarised in 
Table 12. Details of the Non-Executive Director 
membership is disclosed on page 4.

What are the aggregate fees approved  
by shareholders? 
$2.5 million. The cap does not include 
remuneration for performing additional or 
special duties for Aurizon at the request of the 
Board or reasonable travelling, accommodation 
and other expenses of Directors in attending 
meetings and carrying out their duties. 

REMUNERATION REPORT 

35

Directors’ Report (continued)
REMUNERATION REPORT

10. Executive Remuneration Financial Year 2018
The table below details the number and value of movements in equity awards during FY2018.

TABLE 13 – RIGHTS GRANTED AS COMPENSATION 

NAME

EXECUTIVE KMP
A Harding3

P Bains

C McDonald

E McKeiver

M Riches

INCENTIVE  
PLAN

BALANCE AT 
BEGINNING 
OF YEAR

 RIGHTS 
AWARDED 
DURING THE 
YEAR1 

VALUE OF 
RIGHTS 
GRANTED IN 
YEAR

VESTED IN 
YEAR

EXERCISED 
DURING THE 
YEAR 

FORFEITED IN 
YEAR

FORFEITED IN 
YEAR

VALUE OF RIGHTS  

BALANCE AT END 

VALUE PER RIGHT 

FORFEITED IN YEAR

OF YEAR

AT GRANT DATE

GRANT  

DATE 

DATE ON WHICH 

GRANT VESTS2

EXPIRY  

DATE

WEIGHTED FAIR 

NO.

 NO. 

$’000

%

NO.

NO.

%

$’000

NO.

2016
2017 STIAD6
2017 (3 year)
2017 (4 year)
2013
20143
20153
2016 – Ret4
2016
2017 STIAD6
2017 (3 year)
2017 (4 year)
2013
20143
2015 – Ret5
20153 
2016
2017 STIAD6
2017 (3 year)
2017 (4 year)
2013
20143
20153
2016
2017 (3 year)
2017 (4 year)
2017 (3 year)
2017 (4 year)

463,636
–
–
–
38,582
49,382
46,066
25,000
60,776
–
–
–
43,403
55,555
40,000
51,824
60,776
–
–
–
 46,297
59,260 
55,279
64,656
–
–
–
–

–
42,076
295,938
295,938
 – 
–
–
–
–
20,279
114,241
114,241
 – 
–
–
–
–
12,774
97,921
97,921
 – 
–
–
–
104,449
104,449
110,161
110,161

–
211
914
885
 – 
–
–
–
–
102
363
351
 – 
–
–
–
–
64
311
301
 – 
–
–
–
332
321
350
339

–
–
–
–
18%
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
18%
–
100%
–
–
–
–
–
18%
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
(6,864)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(7,722)
–
(40,000)
–
–
–
–
–
(8,237)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
(31,718)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(35,681)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(38,060)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
 82% 
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
 82% 
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
 82% 
 – 
–
–
–
–
–
–

 121 

 136 

 145 

 – 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

463,636

42,076

295,938

295,938

–

49,382

46,066

25,000

60,776

20,279

114,241

114,241

55,555

51,824

60,776

12,774

97,921

97,921

–

–

–

59,260

55,279

64,656

104,449

104,449

110,161

110,161

$

3.49

5.01

3.09

2.99

 3.62 

 3.57 

4.00

4.74

3.45

5.01

3.18

3.07

 3.62

 3.57 

5.07

4.00

3.45

5.01

3.18

3.07

 3.62

 3.57 

4.00

3.45

3.18

3.07

3.18

3.07

18–Oct–17

18–Sept–17

18–Oct–17

18–Oct–17

16–Aug–13

18–Aug–14

17–Aug–15

1–Jul–16

7–Oct–16

18–Sept–17

6–Oct–17

6–Oct–17

16–Aug–13

18–Aug–14

01–Oct–15

17–Aug–15

7–Oct–16

18–Sept–17

6–Oct–17

6–Oct–17

16–Aug–13

18–Aug–14

17–Aug–15

7–Oct–16

6–Oct–17

6–Oct–17

6–Oct-17

6–Oct-17

7–Sept–19

18–Sept–18

18–Oct–20

18–Oct–21

16–Aug–17

18–Aug–17

17–Aug–18

30–Jun–18

7–Oct–19

18–Sept–18

6–Oct–20

6–Oct–21

16–Aug–17

18–Aug–17

30–Jun–17

17–Aug–18

7–Oct–19

18–Sept–18

6–Oct–20

6–Oct–21

16–Aug–17

18–Aug–17

17–Aug–18

7–Oct–19

6–Oct–20

6–Oct–21

6–Oct–20

6–Oct–21

31–Dec–19

31–Dec–18

31–Dec–20

31–Dec–21

31–Dec–17

31–Dec–18

31–Dec–19

7–Jan–19

31–Dec–19

31–Dec–18

31–Dec–20

31–Dec–21

31–Dec–17

31–Dec–18

31–Dec–17

31–Dec–19

31–Dec–19

31–Dec–18

31–Dec–20

31–Dec–21

31–Dec–17

31–Dec–18

31–Dec–19

31–Dec–19

31–Dec–20

31–Dec–21

31–Dec-20

31–Dec-21

1   The number of performance rights awarded, as described in Section 7, is a function of the market price (5-day VWAP) at the time of the award,  

that is, ‘face value’. For remuneration purposes, Aurizon does not use fair value to determine LTI Awards 

2  Date on which grant vests will be adjusted for awards eligible for retest. Retesting has been removed from the 2016 Award onwards 
3   Details of the vesting outcomes are described in Table 6. As described in Table 6, the Board has not yet determined whether the 2015  

Award will be retested in FY2019 for either current or former Executives

4  Retention Award as described in Section 7
5  Retention Award as described in Section 7 in the FY2017 Remuneration Report
6  Deferred STIA component as described in Section 3 and Section 5 of this report and Table 6 in the FY2017 Remuneration Report

3636

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017–1810. Executive Remuneration Financial Year 2018

The table below details the number and value of movements in equity awards during FY2018.

TABLE 13 – RIGHTS GRANTED AS COMPENSATION 

NAME

INCENTIVE  

PLAN

EXECUTIVE KMP

A Harding3

2016

463,636

P Bains

18%

(6,864)

(31,718)

 82% 

C McDonald

18%

(7,722)

(35,681)

 82% 

100%

(40,000)

2017 STIAD6

2017 (3 year)

2017 (4 year)

2013

20143

20153

2016 – Ret4

2016

2017 STIAD6

2017 (3 year)

2017 (4 year)

2015 – Ret5

2013

20143

20153 

2016

2017 STIAD6

2017 (3 year)

2017 (4 year)

2017 (3 year)

2017 (4 year)

2017 (3 year)

2017 (4 year)

38,582

49,382

46,066

25,000

60,776

43,403

55,555

40,000

51,824

60,776

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2013

20143

20153

2016

 46,297

59,260 

55,279

64,656

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

42,076

295,938

295,938

 – 

20,279

114,241

114,241

 – 

12,774

97,921

97,921

 – 

–

–

–

104,449

104,449

110,161

110,161

–

211

914

885

 – 

102

363

351

 – 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

64

311

301

 – 

–

–

–

332

321

350

339

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

18%

(8,237)

(38,060)

 82% 

 – 

E McKeiver

M Riches

1   The number of performance rights awarded, as described in Section 7, is a function of the market price (5-day VWAP) at the time of the award,  

that is, ‘face value’. For remuneration purposes, Aurizon does not use fair value to determine LTI Awards 

2  Date on which grant vests will be adjusted for awards eligible for retest. Retesting has been removed from the 2016 Award onwards 

3   Details of the vesting outcomes are described in Table 6. As described in Table 6, the Board has not yet determined whether the 2015  

Award will be retested in FY2019 for either current or former Executives

4  Retention Award as described in Section 7

5  Retention Award as described in Section 7 in the FY2017 Remuneration Report

6  Deferred STIA component as described in Section 3 and Section 5 of this report and Table 6 in the FY2017 Remuneration Report

BALANCE AT 

BEGINNING 

OF YEAR

NO.

 RIGHTS 

AWARDED 

VALUE OF 

RIGHTS 

EXERCISED 

DURING THE 

GRANTED IN 

VESTED IN 

DURING THE 

FORFEITED IN 

FORFEITED IN 

YEAR1 

 NO. 

YEAR

$’000

YEAR

%

YEAR 

NO.

YEAR

NO.

YEAR

%

VALUE OF RIGHTS  
FORFEITED IN YEAR

BALANCE AT END 
OF YEAR

$’000

NO.

–
–
–
–
 121 
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
 136 
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
 145 
 – 
–
–
–
–
–
–

463,636
42,076
295,938
295,938
–
49,382
46,066
25,000
60,776
20,279
114,241
114,241
–
55,555
–
51,824
60,776
12,774
97,921
97,921
–
59,260
55,279
64,656
104,449
104,449
110,161
110,161

WEIGHTED FAIR 
VALUE PER RIGHT 
AT GRANT DATE

GRANT  
DATE 

DATE ON WHICH 
GRANT VESTS2

EXPIRY  
DATE

$

3.49
5.01
3.09
2.99
 3.62 
 3.57 
4.00
4.74
3.45
5.01
3.18
3.07
 3.62
 3.57 
5.07
4.00
3.45
5.01
3.18
3.07
 3.62
 3.57 
4.00
3.45
3.18
3.07
3.18
3.07

18–Oct–17
18–Sept–17
18–Oct–17
18–Oct–17
16–Aug–13
18–Aug–14
17–Aug–15
1–Jul–16
7–Oct–16
18–Sept–17
6–Oct–17
6–Oct–17
16–Aug–13
18–Aug–14
01–Oct–15
17–Aug–15
7–Oct–16
18–Sept–17
6–Oct–17
6–Oct–17
16–Aug–13
18–Aug–14
17–Aug–15
7–Oct–16
6–Oct–17
6–Oct–17
6–Oct-17
6–Oct-17

7–Sept–19
18–Sept–18
18–Oct–20
18–Oct–21
16–Aug–17
18–Aug–17
17–Aug–18
30–Jun–18
7–Oct–19
18–Sept–18
6–Oct–20
6–Oct–21
16–Aug–17
18–Aug–17
30–Jun–17
17–Aug–18
7–Oct–19
18–Sept–18
6–Oct–20
6–Oct–21
16–Aug–17
18–Aug–17
17–Aug–18
7–Oct–19
6–Oct–20
6–Oct–21
6–Oct–20
6–Oct–21

31–Dec–19
31–Dec–18
31–Dec–20
31–Dec–21
31–Dec–17
31–Dec–18
31–Dec–19
7–Jan–19
31–Dec–19
31–Dec–18
31–Dec–20
31–Dec–21
31–Dec–17
31–Dec–18
31–Dec–17
31–Dec–19
31–Dec–19
31–Dec–18
31–Dec–20
31–Dec–21
31–Dec–17
31–Dec–18
31–Dec–19
31–Dec–19
31–Dec–20
31–Dec–21
31–Dec-20
31–Dec-21

REMUNERATION REPORT 

37

Directors’ Report (continued)
REMUNERATION REPORT

Details of the remuneration paid to Executives are set out below and has been prepared in accordance with the accounting standards.

TABLE 14 – EXECUTIVE REMUNERATION 

SHORT-TERM EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

POST- 
EMPLOYMENT 
BENEFITS

LONG-
TERM 
BENEFITS

EQUITY- 
SETTLED 
SHARE-BASED 
PAYMENTS

NAME

YEAR

CASH 
SALARY 
AND 
FEES 
$’0001

CASH 
BONUS 
$’000

ANNUAL 
LEAVE2 
$’000

NON- 
MONETARY 
BENEFITS3 
$’000

SUPER- 
ANNUATION4 
$’000

LONG- 
SERVICE 
LEAVE 
$’000

EXECUTIVE KMP

A Harding

P Bains

C McDonald

E McKeiver

M Riches

Total 
Executive KMP 
compensation 
(group)

2018

2017

2018

20177

20188

2018

20179

201810

2018

2017

A

B

1,680

1,257

947

621

321

580

620

90

612

316

389

98

344

352

33

339

4,113

2,681

1,358

447

C

(4)

19

24

9

18

24

10

11

73

38

D

109

25

2

–

58

69

–

12

250

25

E

20

11

79

42

20

20

4

19

158

57

F

10

7

15

7

14

53

3

4

96

17

CONTRACTUAL 
TERMINATION  
BENEFITS 
$’000

H

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

RIGHTS5 
$’000

G

1,012

387

399

137

307

293

46

148

2,159

570

TOTAL 
$’000

I

4,084

1,712

1,529

614

1,341

1,431

186

1,145

9,530

2,512

PROPORTION OF  
COMPENSATION 
PERFORMANCE  
RELATED6 
% 
(B+G)/I

REMUNERATION 
CONSISTING  
OF RIGHTS FOR  
THE YEAR 
% 
(G/I)

J

56

41

52

38

49

45

42

43

51

40

K

25

23

26

22

23

20

25

13

23

23

1  Cash salary and fees include any salary sacrifice benefits
2  Annual leave amount represents annual leave accrued or utilised during the financial year. Negative amounts represent the utilisation of annual leave
3  Non-monetary benefits includes travel benefits and relocation assistance
4  Superannuation amounts represent employers’ contribution to superannuation
5   The accounting expense recognised in relation to rights granted in the year is the fair value independently calculated at grant date using an expected outcome model. 

This was consistent with the Monte-Carlo simulation conducted in the prior year and resulted in similar outcomes. This amount is progressively expensed over the vesting 
period. Refer to note 29 for further details regarding the fair value of Rights. These values may not represent the future value that the Executive will receive, as the 
vesting of the Rights is subject to the achievement of performance conditions. This includes the cost of deferred short-term incentives and long-term incentives.

6   The short-term incentives (cash bonus), deferred short-term incentives and long-term incentives (equity-settled share-based payments) represent the at-risk 

7 

performance related remuneration
 P Bains was appointed EVP & Chief Financial Officer from 19 December 2016. The cash salary and fees and cash bonus reflect the salary attributable to the EVP Chief 
Financial Officer role 

8  C McDonald was appointed Group Executive Bulk on 1 July 2017
9   E McKeiver was appointed Acting EVP Customer & Strategy from 18 April 2017. The cash salary and fees and cash bonus reflect the salary attributable to the EVP 

Customer & Strategy role

10  M Riches was appointed Group Executive Network on 24 July 2017

38

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017–18Auditors’ Independence Declaration 

As lead auditors for the audit of Aurizon Holdings Limited for the year ended 30 June 2018, we declare 
that to the best of our knowledge and belief, there have been:  

(a) 

no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 in 
relation to the audit; and 

(b) 

no contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit. 

This declaration is in respect of Aurizon Holdings Limited and the entities it controlled during the 
period. 

Nadia Carlin 
Partner 
PricewaterhouseCoopers 

Brisbane 
12 August 2018 

Tim Allman 
Partner 
PricewaterhouseCoopers 

PricewaterhouseCoopers, ABN 52 780 433 757 
480 Queen Street, BRISBANE  QLD  4000, GPO Box 150, BRISBANE  QLD  4001 
T: +61 7 3257 5000, F: +61 7 3257 5999, www.pwc.com.au 

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. 

AUDITORS’ INDEPENDENCE DECLARATION

39

  
 
  
 
  
Corporate Governance Statement

Aurizon Holdings Limited and the entities 
it controls (Aurizon Holdings or Company) 
believe corporate governance is a critical pillar 
on which business objectives and, in turn, 
shareholder value must be built.

These documents are available in the 
Governance section of the Company’s website, 
aurizon.com.au. These documents are reviewed 
regularly to address any changes in governance 
practices and the law.

The Board has adopted a suite of charters and 
key corporate governance documents which 
articulate the policies and procedures followed 
by Aurizon Holdings.

This Statement explains how Aurizon Holdings 
complies with the ASX Corporate Governance 
Council’s ‘Corporate Governance Principles 
and Recommendations – 3rd Edition’ (ASX 
Principles or Recommendations), and all the 
practices outlined in this Statement unless 
otherwise stated, have been in place for 
the full reporting period.

This Statement was adopted by the Board 
on 10 August 2018.

Principle 1: Lay solid foundations for management and oversight

RECOMMENDATION

AURIZON HOLDINGS’ COMPLIANCE WITH RECOMMENDATIONS

1.1 Role of Board and 
management

The Board has established a clear distinction between the functions and responsibilities reserved for the Board 
and those delegated to management, which are set out in the Aurizon Holdings Limited Board Charter (Charter).

1.2 Information 
regarding election and 
re-election of Director 
candidates

1.3 Written contracts of 
appointment

1.4 Company Secretary

The Charter also provides an overview of the roles of the Chairman, individual Directors, the Managing Director & 
CEO and the Company Secretary.

A copy of the Charter is available in the Governance section of the Company’s website, aurizon.com.au.

Aurizon carefully considers the character, experience, education, skill set as well as interests and associations of 
potential candidates for appointment to the Board and conducts appropriate checks to verify the suitability of the 
candidate prior to their appointment.

During the financial year the Board used a professional search firm to assist in appointing a Non-Executive Director 
(Mr Marcelo Bastos). As part of this search, the Board received assurance on the background of the Director who 
was subsequently appointed to the Board.

Aurizon has appropriate procedures in place to ensure material information relevant to a decision to elect or  
re-elect a Director is disclosed in the Notice of Meeting provided to shareholders.

In addition to being set out in the Charter, the roles and responsibilities of Directors are also formalised in the letter 
of appointment which each Director receives and commits to on their appointment. The letters of appointment 
specify the term of appointment, time commitment envisaged, expectations in relation to committee work or any 
other special duties attaching to the position, reporting lines, remuneration arrangements, disclosure obligations in 
relation to personal interests, confidentiality obligations, insurance and indemnity entitlements and details of the 
Company’s key governance policies, such as the Securities Dealing Policy.

A copy of the key governance policies can be found on the Company’s website aurizon.com.au.

Each Senior Executive enters into a service contract which sets out the material terms of employment, including 
a description of position and duties, reporting lines, remuneration arrangements, termination rights and 
entitlements.

Contract details of senior executives who are Key Management Personnel can be found on page 26 of the 
Annual Report.

The Company Secretary is directly accountable to the Board, through the Chairman, for facilitating and advising 
on the Company’s corporate governance processes and on all matters to do with the proper functioning of the 
Board. Each Director is entitled to access the advice and services of the Company Secretary. The Board Charter 
also sets out the responsibilities of the Company Secretary.

In accordance with the Company’s Constitution, the appointment or removal of the Company Secretary is a matter 
for the Board as a whole. Details of the Company Secretary’s experience and qualifications are set out on page 7 
of the Annual Report.

P

P

P

P

40

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017–18 
RECOMMENDATION

1.5 Diversity & inclusion

AURIZON HOLDINGS’ COMPLIANCE WITH RECOMMENDATIONS
 › Aurizon Holdings has had a Diversity Policy since 2011 which is reviewed annually and which sets out its 

objectives and reporting practices with respect to inclusion and diversity and is available in the Governance 
section of the Company’s website, aurizon.com.au.

 › The measurable objectives and outcomes for diversity, agreed by the Aurizon Holdings Board for FY2018, are 

set out below:

ENTERPRISE MEASURES

FY18 TARGET

FY18 ACTUAL

Gender representation on Board 

Minimum 30% (each gender) 

33% women/67% men 

Representation of women in 
Aurizon 

Representation of Aboriginal and 
Torres Strait Islander men and 
women in Aurizon

22.0%

5.5%

21.0%

5.0%

In addition, Aurizon’s representation of women in senior executive positions (Group Executives and their direct 
reports) has increased to 22% in FY18 up from 20% in FY17. 

Further details on the Company’s inclusion and diversity performance and activities can be found on the Company 
website aurizon.com.au.

A performance review is undertaken annually in relation to the Board and the Board Committees. Periodically the 
Board engages a professional independent consultant experienced in Board reviews to conduct a review of the 
Board and its Committees, and the effectiveness of the Board as a whole.

During the year a review and evaluation of the performance of the Board, the Chairman and each Board 
Committee was conducted in accordance with the internal assessment process described above.

1.6 Board reviews

1.7 Management 
reviews

Each year the Board sets financial, operational, management and individual targets for the Managing Director  
& CEO. The Managing Director & CEO (in consultation with the Board) in turn, sets targets for direct reports.

Performance against these targets is assessed periodically throughout the year, and a formal performance 
evaluation for senior management is completed for the year-end.

Principle 2: Structure the Board to add value 

RECOMMENDATION

AURIZON HOLDINGS’ COMPLIANCE WITH RECOMMENDATIONS

2.1 Nominations 
committee 

The Nomination & Succession Committee comprises four members (including the Chairman), all of whom are 
Independent Non-Executive Directors. Details of the membership of the Nomination & Succession Committee, 
including the names and qualifications of the Committee members, are set out on pages 4 to 6 of the Annual Report.

The number of meetings held and attended by each member of the Nomination & Succession Committee during the 
financial year are set out on page 8 of the Directors’ Report within the Annual Report. 

The Charter governing the conduct of the Nomination & Succession Committee is reviewed annually and is available 
in the Governance section of the Company’s website, aurizon.com.au.

RECOMMENDATION

AURIZON HOLDINGS’ COMPLIANCE WITH RECOMMENDATIONS

2.2 Board skills

The skills listed below have been identified as the optimum skills Aurizon Holdings seeks to achieve across its Board 
membership. The Aurizon Holdings Board possesses a good blend of these skills. During FY2015 and FY2016 the 
Aurizon Board underwent significant change, including a change in Chairman. During FY2018 one additional Director 
was appointed and since that time the Board has been consolidating the recent changes. 

General
 › Board experience
 › Senior management experience
 › ASX listed company governance
 › Risk management

Industry 
 › Transport and logistics
 › Mining and resources
 › Government relations
 › Safety, health and environment

Technical
 › Finance and accounting
 › Regulatory
 › Corporate strategy
 › Capital allocation including  
acquisitions and divestments

 › Information and operational technology
 › Capital markets
 › Engineering and construction
 › Human resources

Further details regarding the skills and experience of each 
Director are included on pages 4 to 7 of the Report.

P

P

P

P

P

P

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

41

Corporate Governance Statement 
(continued)

Principle 2: Structure the Board to add value (continued)

RECOMMENDATION

AURIZON HOLDINGS’ COMPLIANCE WITH RECOMMENDATIONS

2.3 Disclose 
independence and 
length of service

Details regarding which Directors are considered independent and the length of their service are set out  
on page 4 of the Annual Report.

2.4 Majority of 
Directors independent 

In accordance with the Board Charter, the majority of Directors are independent. Only the Managing Director & CEO is 
not considered independent, by virtue of the role being an Executive of the Company.

Details regarding which Directors are considered independent and the length of their service are set out on page 4 of 
the Annual Report.

2.5 Chair independent 

The Chairman, Tim Poole, is an Independent Non-Executive Director. The role of CEO is performed by another Director.

2.6 Induction 
and professional 
development

Further details regarding the Directors are set out on pages 4 to 7 of the Annual Report.

An induction process including appointment letters and ongoing education exists to promote early, active and 
relevant involvement of new members of the Board.

In addition to peer review, interaction and networking with other Directors and industry leaders, Aurizon Holdings’ 
Directors participate, from time-to-time, in Aurizon Holdings’ leadership forums and actively engage with Aurizon 
Holdings’ employees by visiting operational sites to gain an understanding of the Company’s operating environment.

During the year Directors receive accounting policy updates, especially around the time the Board considers the 
half-year and full-year financial statements.

The Board also includes briefings from time-to-time on legal, accounting, regulation, developments in communication 
and human resource management and technology.

Directors are encouraged and given the opportunity to broaden their knowledge of the business by visiting offices 
and sites in different locations. During the financial year, Directors made visits to operational sites in Queensland and 
Western Australia.

Principle 3: Act ethically and responsibly 

RECOMMENDATION

AURIZON HOLDINGS’ COMPLIANCE WITH RECOMMENDATIONS

3.1 Code of Conduct

The Board has established a Code of Conduct for its Directors, senior executives and employees, a copy of which is 
available in the Governance section of the Company’s website, aurizon.com.au. The Company’s Code of Conduct, 
amongst other things, articulates and discloses the Company’s core values. Those core values are Safety, People, 
Integrity, Customer and Excellence. A description of those values is set out in the Company’s Code of Conduct.

The Company also has a Whistleblower Policy, a copy of which is available in the Governance section of the 
Company’s website, aurizon.com.au and the Board, through the Audit, Governance and Risk Management 
Committee reviews and reports on concerns raised under the Whistleblower Policy.

P

P

P

P

P

42

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017–18Principle 4: Safeguard integrity in corporate reporting 

RECOMMENDATION

AURIZON HOLDINGS’ COMPLIANCE WITH RECOMMENDATIONS

4.1 Audit Committee 

The Audit, Governance & Risk Management Committee comprises four members, all of whom are Independent  
Non-Executive Directors. Details of the membership of the Audit, Governance & Risk Management Committee, 
including the names and qualifications of the Committee members, are set out on pages 4 to 7 of the Annual Report.

In addition to the Audit, Governance & Risk Management Committee members, the Managing Director & CEO, CFO, 
Head of Risk & Assurance, external auditors and Company Secretary attend the Audit, Governance & Risk Management 
Committee meetings.

The number of meetings held and attended by each member of the Audit, Governance & Risk Management 
Committee during the financial year are set out on page 8 of the Annual Report.

The Audit, Governance & Risk Management Committee Charter is reviewed annually and is available on the Aurizon 
Holdings website, aurizon.com.au. Amongst other things, the Audit, Governance & Risk Management Committee 
reviews the processes that validate the Director’s Report and the Annual Report. The Board, as a whole, has oversight 
of other corporate reporting, such as investor presentations.

4.2 CEO and CFO 
certification of 
financial statements

The Board has obtained a written assurance from the Managing Director & CEO and CFO that the declaration 
provided under section 295A of the Corporations Act (and for the purposes of Recommendation 4.2) is founded on 
a sound system of risk management and internal control, and that the system is operating effectively in all material 
respects in relation to financial reporting and material business risks.

4.3 External auditor 
at AGM

Aurizon Holdings’ external audit function is performed by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). Representatives of PwC 
will attend the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and be available to answer shareholder questions regarding the audit.

Principle 5: Make timely and balanced disclosure 

RECOMMENDATION

AURIZON HOLDINGS’ COMPLIANCE WITH RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Disclosure and 
Communications 
Policy

Aurizon Holdings has adopted a Disclosure and Communications Policy which sets out the processes and 
practices to ensure compliance with the continuous disclosure requirements under the ASX Listing Rules and the 
Corporations Act.

Aurizon Holdings has also established guidelines to assist officers and employees of the Company with complying 
with the Company’s Disclosure and Communications Policy. A copy of the policy and guidelines are available on 
the Aurizon Holdings’ website, aurizon.com.au. The Board, as a whole, receives a copy of all announcements under 
Listing Rule 3.1 immediately prior to those announcements being made to the ASX. 

Principle 6: Respect the rights of security holders 

RECOMMENDATION

AURIZON HOLDINGS’ COMPLIANCE WITH RECOMMENDATIONS

6.1 Information  
on website 

6.2 Investor  
relations programs

6.3 Facilitate 
participation at 
meetings of security 
holders 

6.4 Facilitate 
electronic 
communications 

Aurizon Holdings keeps investors informed of its corporate governance, financial performance and prospects via 
announcements to the ASX and our website. Investors can access copies of all announcements to the ASX, notices 
of meetings, annual reports, investor presentations, webcasts and/or transcripts of those presentations and a key 
event calendar via the ‘Investors’ tab. Investors can access general information regarding the Company and the 
structure of its business under the ‘Company, ‘What we deliver’ and ‘Sustainability’ tabs.

Aurizon Holdings conducts regular market briefings including interim and full year results announcements, investor 
days, site visits, and attends regional and industry specific conferences in order to facilitate effective two-way 
communication with investors and other financial markets participants. Access to Executive and Operational 
Management is provided to investors and analysts at these events, with separate one-on-one or group meetings 
offered whenever possible.

The presentation material provided at these events is sent to the ASX prior to commencement and subsequently 
posted on Aurizon Holdings’ Investor Centre website, including the webcast and transcript if applicable.

Aurizon Holdings uses technology to facilitate the participation of security holders in meetings including webcasting 
of the AGM.

Shareholders are encouraged to participate and are given an opportunity to ask questions of the Company and its 
auditor at the AGM. All resolutions put to shareholders are determined by Poll.

Aurizon provides its investors the option to receive communications from, and send communications to, the 
Company and the share registry electronically.

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

43

 
 
 
Corporate Governance Statement 
(continued)

Principle 7: Recognise and manage risk 

RECOMMENDATION

AURIZON HOLDINGS’ COMPLIANCE WITH RECOMMENDATIONS

7.1 Risk committee 

Aurizon Holdings’ Audit, Governance & Risk Management Committee oversees the process for identifying and 
managing material risks in the Company in accordance with the Aurizon Risk Management Policy (Risk Policy).  
A copy of the Risk Policy is available in the Governance section of the Company’s website, aurizon.com.au.

7.2 Annual risk review 

7.3 Internal audit 

Further details regarding the Committee, its membership and the number of meetings held during the financial year 
are set out in response to Recommendation 4.1.

The Board has mandated the Company’s internal audit group to provide independent assurance on the effectiveness 
of the Company’s risk management practices and report periodically its findings to the Audit, Governance & Risk 
Management Committee. The purpose of the assurance is to confirm the Company’s governance processes and 
practices continue to be sound and that the Company manages risk within the Board-approved risk appetite.

Internal audit has considered the operation of the Company’s risk management framework through the delivery of its 
audit program and have concluded that it is adequate and effective.

The Company has an internal audit function that operates under a Board-approved Internal Audit Charter. 
The internal audit function is independent of management and the external auditor and is overseen by the Audit, 
Governance & Risk Management Committee. In accordance with the Committee Charter, the appointment or 
removal of the Head of Risk & Assurance is a matter for this Committee.

The Head of Risk & Assurance provides ongoing internal audit reports to the Audit, Governance & Risk Management 
Committee, as well as an annual assessment of the adequacy and effectiveness of the Company’s control processes 
and risk management procedures.

7.4 Sustainability risks  Aurizon Holdings identifies and manages material exposures to economic, environmental and social sustainability 

risks in accordance with its enterprise risk management framework incorporating the Board-approved risk appetite.

P

P

P

P

The Company’s sustainability aspiration is to deliver world-leading performance underpinned by three sustainability 
commitments:
 › The Company is committed to building a long-term sustainable business that delivers lasting value for our 

shareholders, customers, employees and communities

 › The Company aims to take the safest, most efficient and least resource-intensive approach to the services  

we provide

 › The Company applies a balanced view when assessing risk and making decisions, encompassing social, 

environmental and economic considerations.

In our operations, we continue to make progress on a number of sustainability aspects, including our operational 
efficiency and environmental management. A key element of our approach is the ongoing reduction in resource 
use across all of our operations with a strong focus on longer trains, higher-density trains, increased reliability and 
improved average train velocity.

During FY2018, the Company published its third Sustainability Report for the period ended 30 June 2017. A copy 
of this report is available in the Sustainability section of the Company’s website, aurizon.com.au.

The Company’s previous Sustainability Report identified areas of focus and priority that relate to the Company’s 
ability to create or preserve value for shareholders over the short, medium and long-term, and outlined how 
the Company manages or intends to manage the material risks identified. The Company has set appropriate 
benchmarks against which we will measure and report FY2018 performance and material economic, environmental 
and social sustainability risks.

The Company’s FY2018 Sustainability Report is intended to be released in October 2018. Consistent with the 
previous reports, it will be based on the GRI G4 Sustainability Reporting Guidelines and will describe the impact 
of the Company’s operations against the core elements of economic, environmental, social and governance 
performance. It will also identify those issues that reflect the organisation’s significant economic, environmental and 
social impacts or that substantially influence assessments and decisions of stakeholders

44

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017–18 
Principle 8: Remunerate fairly and responsibly  

RECOMMENDATION

AURIZON HOLDINGS’ COMPLIANCE WITH RECOMMENDATIONS

8.1 Remuneration 
Committee

Aurizon Holdings’ remuneration function is performed by the Remuneration & Human Resources Committee, 
comprising four members all of whom are Independent Non-Executive Directors. Details of the membership of 
the Remuneration Committee, including the names and qualifications of the Committee members, are set out on 
pages 4 to 6 of the Annual Report.

8.2 Disclosure of 
Executive and  
Non-Executive 
Director remuneration 
policy

The number of meetings held and attended by each member of the Remuneration & Human Resources 
Committee during the financial year are set out on page 8 of the Annual Report.

The Charter governing the conduct of the Remuneration & Human Resources Committee is reviewed annually 
and is available in the Governance section of the Company’s website, aurizon.com.au.

The Company seeks to attract and retain high performing Directors and Executives with appropriate skills, 
qualifications and experience to add value to the Company and fulfil the roles and responsibilities required.

It reviews requirements for additional capabilities at least annually.

Executive remuneration is to reflect performance and accordingly, remuneration is structured with a fixed 
component and a performance-based component.

Non-Executive Directors are paid fixed fees for their services in accordance with the Company’s Constitution. 
The fee structure was changed during FY18. Further detail is set out in the Remuneration Report on page 35.

The Company has in place a Share Holding and Retention Policy which applies to Non-Executive Directors, the 
Managing Director & CEO and the direct reports of the Managing Director & CEO.

Further details regarding remuneration and share retention policies and the remuneration of Executive and 
Non-Executive Directors, are set out on pages 25 to 38 of the Annual Report. The Company also has in place a 
Related Party Transaction Policy. The policy and disclosures under that policy is reviewed annually by the Board. 
During the year there were no agreements entered into for the provision of consulting or similar services by a 
Director or Senior Executive or by a related party or a Director or Senior Executive.

P

P

8.3 Policy on hedging 
equity incentive 
schemes 

Aurizon Holdings’ Executives must not enter into any hedge arrangement in relation to any performance rights 
they may be granted or otherwise entitled to under an incentive scheme or plan, prior to exercising those rights 
or, once exercised, while the securities are subject to a transfer restriction.

P

For the purposes of this policy, hedging includes the entry into any transaction, arrangement or financial 
product which operates to limit the economic risk of a security holding in the Company and includes financial 
instruments such as equity swaps and contracts for differences. The term ‘Executive’ is broadly defined to 
include the Managing Director & CEO and his direct reports and any other person entitled to participate in an 
Aurizon Holdings performance rights plan.

Further details regarding the Company’s hedging policy are set out in the Company’s Securities Dealing Policy 
which is available on the Governance section of the website, aurizon.com.au.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

45

 
Financial Report
for the year ended 30 June 2018

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated income statement 

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 

Consolidated balance sheet 

Consolidated statement of changes in equity 

Consolidated statement of cash flows 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

About this report 

— Significant judgements and estimates 

Key events and transactions for reporting period 

Results for  
the year

Operating assets 
and liabilities

Capital and 
financial risk 
management

1. 

 Segment 
information

7. 

 Trade and other 
receivables

14.  Capital risk 

management

2.   Revenue and 
other income

3.  Expenses

4.   Impairment of 

non-financial 
assets

8.   Inventories

15. Dividends

9.   Property, plant 
and equipment

16.  Equity and 
reserves

10.  Intangible 
assets

11.   Trade and other 

5.  Income tax 

payables

6.   Earnings per 

12.   Provisions

share

13.  Other liabilities

17. Borrowings

18.  Financial risk 
management

19.  Derivative 
financial 
instruments

Page 47

Page 47

Page 48

Page 49

Page 50

Page 51 

Page 51

Page 51

Group  
structure

Other  
information

Unrecognised  
items

20.  Associates 
and joint 
arrangements

21.   Material 

subsidiaries

22.  Parent 

26.  Notes to the 
consolidated 
statement of 
cash flows

27.  Related party 
transactions

32. Contingencies

33. Commitments

34.  Events 

occurring after 
the reporting 
period

disclosures

28.  Key 

23.  Deed of cross 
guarantee

24.  Discontinued 
operation

25.  Assets 

classified as 
held for sale

Management 
Personnel 
compensation

29.  Share-based 
payments

30.  Remuneration 
of auditors

31.  Summary of 

other significant 
accounting 
policies

SIGNED REPORTS

Directors’ declaration 

Independent auditor’s report to the members of Aurizon Holdings Limited 

ASX INFORMATION

Non-IFRS financial information 

Page 98

Page 99

Page 105

46

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017–18

Consolidated income statement
for the year ended 30 June 2018

Revenue from continuing operations

Other income

Total revenue and other income

Employee benefits expense

Energy and fuel

Track access

Consumables

Depreciation and amortisation

Impairment losses

Other expenses

Share of net profit/(loss) of associates and joint venture partnerships  
accounted for using the equity method

Operating profit

Finance income

Finance expenses

Net finance costs

Profit/(loss) before income tax

Income tax (expense)/benefit

Profit/(loss) from continuing operations after tax

Loss from discontinued operation after tax

Profit/(loss) for the year attributable to owners of Aurizon Holdings Limited

Basic earnings/(loss) per share for profit attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the Company:

– continuing and discontinued operations

– continuing operations

Diluted earnings/(loss) per share for profit attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the Company:

– continuing and discontinued operations

– continuing operations

The above consolidated income statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

Consolidated statement 
of comprehensive income
for the year ended 30 June 2018 

Profit/(loss) for the year

Other comprehensive income:

Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss

– changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges 

– income tax relating to these items

Notes

2

2

3

3

3

4

3

5

24

6

6

Notes

16(b)

5(d)

Other comprehensive (expense)/income for the year, net of tax

Total comprehensive income/(expense) for the year attributable to owners of Aurizon Holdings Limited

The above consolidated statement of comprehensive income should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

2018 
$m

3,112.7

66.3

3,179.0

(755.2)

(252.4)

(191.4)

(348.4)

(525.5)

(70.0)

(70.6)

0.8

966.3

3.3

(168.3)

(165.0)

801.3

(241.2)

560.1

(77.1)

483.0

2017 
$m

3,142.5

–

3,142.5

(892.6)

(236.5)

(204.2)

(392.9)

(567.3)

(678.3)

(46.2)

(0.1)

124.4

2.7

(181.3)

(178.6)

(54.2)

17.0

(37.2)

(150.7)

(187.9)

Cents

Cents

24.0

27.8

24.0

27.8

2018 
$m

483.0

(13.0)

3.9

(9.1)

473.9

(9.2)

(1.8)

(9.2)

(1.8)

2017 
$m

(187.9)

45.5

(13.5)

32.0

(155.9)

47

FINANCIAL REPORT   
Consolidated balance sheet
as at 30 June 2018

ASSETS

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Inventories

Derivative financial instruments

Current tax receivables

Prepayments

Assets classified as held for sale

Total current assets

Non-current assets

Inventories

Derivative financial instruments

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Investments accounted for using the equity method

Total non-current assets

Total assets

LIABILITIES

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Borrowings

Derivative financial instruments

Current tax liabilities

Provisions

Other liabilities

Liabilities directly associated with assets classified as held for sale

Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Borrowings

Derivative financial instruments

Deferred tax liabilities

Provisions

Other liabilities

Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

EQUITY

Contributed equity

Reserves

Retained earnings

Total equity

The above consolidated balance sheet should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

48

Notes

2018 
$m

2017 
$m

7

8

19

25

8

19

9

10

20

11

17

19

12

13

24

17

19

5(f)

12

13

16(a)

16(b)

34.8

530.9

118.1

1.3

–

4.7

108.0

797.8

29.1

110.8

88.7

496.8

111.8

0.1

17.8

6.9

7.3

729.4

35.5

73.6

8,659.9

8,835.0

172.6

3.2

8,975.6

9,773.4

275.8

100.0

–

61.2

312.2

78.0

12.7

839.9

3,401.9

21.3

479.5

82.2

218.5

4,203.4

5,043.3

4,730.1

906.6

3,460.1

363.4

4,730.1

170.0

2.4

9,116.5

9,845.9

309.7

79.0

0.3

–

314.5

40.7

–

744.2

3,297.2

70.9

426.8

78.7

206.0

4,079.6

4,823.8

5,022.1

1,206.6

3,473.0

342.5

5,022.1

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017–18Consolidated statement of changes in equity
for the year ended 30 June 2018

Attributable to owners of Aurizon Holdings Limited

Contributed 
equity 
$m

Notes

Reserves 
$m

Retained 
earnings 
$m

Balance at 1 July 2017

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive expense

Total comprehensive income for the year

Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners:

Buy-back of ordinary shares

Dividends provided for or paid

Share-based payments

Balance at 30 June 2018

Balance at 1 July 2016

Loss for the year

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive expense for the year

Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners:

Dividends provided for or paid

Share-based payments

1,206.6

3,473.0

–

–

–

(300.0)

–

–

(300.0)

906.6

–

(9.1)

(9.1)

(0.3)

–

(3.5)

(3.8)

3,460.1

1,206.6

3,424.7

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

32.0

32.0

–

16.3

16.3

16(b)

16(a)

15(a)

16(b)

16(b)

15(a)

16(b)

Balance at 30 June 2017

1,206.6

3,473.0

The above consolidated statement of changes in equity should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

342.5

483.0

–

483.0

–

(462.1)

–

(462.1)

363.4

1,082.3

(187.9)

–

(187.9)

(551.9)

–

(551.9)

342.5

Total  
equity 
$m

5,022.1

483.0

(9.1)

473.9

(300.3)

(462.1)

(3.5)

(765.9)

4,730.1

5,713.6

(187.9)

32.0

(155.9)

(551.9)

16.3

(535.6)

5,022.1

49

FINANCIAL REPORT  Consolidated statement of cash flows
for the year ended 30 June 2018

Cash flows from operating activities

Receipts from customers (inclusive of GST)

Payments to suppliers and employees (inclusive of GST) 

Interest received

Income taxes paid

Net cash inflow from operating activities from continuing operations

Net cash (outflow) from operating activities from discontinued operations

Net cash inflow from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Payments for property, plant and equipment

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 

Payments for intangibles

Interest paid on qualifying assets

Proceeds from sale of an associate

Notes

2018 
$m

2017 
$m

3,474.9

(2,060.0)

2.9

(110.1)

1,307.7

(25.1)

1,282.6

3,533.9

(2,088.7)

2.8

(174.8)

1,273.2

(34.8)

1,238.4

(467.7)

(443.4)

19.0

(31.0)

(2.8)

–

13.1

(61.3)

(3.2)

98.3

26

24(b) 

3

Net cash (outflow) from investing activities from continuing operations

(482.5)

(3((((396.5))

Net cash inflow (outflow) from investing activities from discontinued operations

24(b) 

Net cash (outflow) from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

Proceeds from borrowings

Repayment of borrowings

Payment of transaction costs related to borrowings 

Payments for shares bought back

Payments of transaction costs related to shares bought back

Dividends paid to Company's shareholders

Payments for shares acquired for share based payments

Interest paid

16(a)

15(a)

16(b)

Net cash (outflow) from financing activities from continuing operations

Net cash inflow (outflow) from financing activities from discontinued operations

24(b) 

Net cash (outflow) from financing activities

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents from continuing operations

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents from discontinued operations

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the financial year

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the financial year

The above consolidated statement of cash flows should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

54.6

(427.9)

291.0

(275.0)

(3.8)

(300.0)

(0.4)

(462.1)

(2.5)

(155.8)

(908.6)

–

(908.6)

(83.4)

29.5

88.7

34.8

(34.7)

(431.2)

422.1

(477.0)

(0.4)

–

–

(551.9)

(7.5)

(173.0)

(787.(787.7)

–

(787.7)

89.0

(69.5)

69.2

88.7

50

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017–18Notes to the consolidated financial statements
30 June 2018

About this report

Aurizon Holdings Limited is a company limited by shares, incorporated 
and domiciled in Australia and is a for-profit entity for the purposes 
of preparing the financial statements. The financial statements are for 
the consolidated entity consisting of Aurizon Holdings Limited (the 
Company) and its subsidiaries and together are referred to as the Group 
or Aurizon.

The financial statements were approved for issue by the Directors on  
12 August 2018. The Directors have the power to amend and reissue  
the financial statements.

The financial statements are general purpose financial statements which:

 › Have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the 
Corporations Act 2001, Australian Accounting Standards and 
Interpretations issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board 
(AASB) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) issued 
by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB)

 ›  Have been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified 

by the revaluation of financial assets and liabilities (including derivative 
instruments) at fair value

 ›  Are presented in Australian dollars, with all amounts in the financial 
report being rounded off in accordance with ASIC Corporations 
(Rounding in Financial/Directors’ Reports) Instrument 2016/191 to the 
nearest hundred thousand dollars, unless otherwise indicated
 ›  Where necessary, comparative information has been restated to 

conform with changes in presentation in the current year

 ›  Adopt all new and amended Accounting Standards and Interpretations 
issued by the AASB that are relevant to the operations of the Group 
and effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 July 2017

 › Equity account for associates listed at note 20

The notes to the financial statements
The notes include information which is required to understand the 
financial statements and is material and relevant to the operations, 
financial position and performance of the Group. Information is 
considered material and relevant if, for example:

 › The amount in question is significant because of its size or nature
 ›  It is important for understanding the results of the Group
 ›  It helps to explain the impact of significant changes in the Group’s 
business – for example, acquisitions and impairment write downs
 ›  It relates to an aspect of the Group’s operations that is important  

to its future performance

Significant and other accounting policies that summarise the measurement 
basis used and are relevant to an understanding of the financial statements 
are provided throughout the notes to the financial statements.

KEEPING IT SIMPLE  
The “Keeping it simple” explanations are designed to provide 
a high level overview of the accounting treatment of the more 
complex sections of the financial statements. Disclosures in 
the notes to the financial statements provide information 
required by the Accounting Standards or ASX Listing Rules. 
The notes provide explanations and additional disclosure 
to assist readers’ understanding and interpretation of the 
financial statements.

SIGNIFICANT JUDGEMENTS AND ESTIMATES
In the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies, 
management has made a number of judgements and applied 
estimates of future events. Details of the following judgements and 
estimates which are material to the financial statements can be found 
in the following notes:

Revenue

Impairment

Income tax

Depreciation

Discontinued operation

Note
2

4

5

9

24

Key events and transactions for  
reporting period
The financial position and performance of the Group was particularly 
affected by the following events and transactions during the  
reporting period:

(a)  Closure and sale of Intermodal
On 14 August 2017 the Group announced its intention to exit the 
Intermodal business through a combination of closure and sale.

Aurizon signed a binding agreement with Pacific National to sell its 
Acacia Ridge Intermodal Terminal. That transaction includes the transfer 
of approximately 30 employee positions, as well as assets, commercial 
and operational agreements.

Aurizon signed a separate binding agreement to sell its Queensland 
Intermodal business to a consortium of Linfox and Pacific National  
(QI BSA). The transaction includes the transfer of approximately  
330 employee positions, as well as assets, commercial and operational 
arrangements to the Linfox and Pacific National consortium.

The transactions are subject to:
 ›  Approval by the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission 

(ACCC); and

 › Approval by the Foreign Investment & Review Board (FIRB)

Total consideration for the two transactions is $225.0 million of which 
$45.0 million has been received to date.

The ACCC decision was announced on 19 July 2018. The ACCC decided 
to oppose both transactions and commenced proceedings against 
Pacific National and Aurizon in the Federal Court of Australia. The ACCC 
has sought declarations, pecuniary penalties, orders restraining the 
existing sale transactions from proceeding and costs. The ACCC has also 
sought an injunction to prevent Aurizon from closing its Queensland 
Intermodal business while proceedings are on foot. While Aurizon refutes 
the ACCC’s allegations and will defend the proceedings including seeking 
clearance of the Acacia Ridge transaction, there is a risk that the Acacia 
Ridge transaction will be prevented from completing and/or Aurizon 
incurs orders for pecuniary penalties and costs. There is also the risk that, 
in the interim whilst the matter is being determined by the Court, Aurizon 
is injuncted from closing the Queensland Intermodal business.

51

FINANCIAL REPORT  Notes to the consolidated financial statements
30 June 2018 (continued)

Key events and transactions for  
reporting period (continued)

(a)  Closure and sale of Intermodal (continued)
On 12 August 2018 Aurizon provided Pacific National with a notice to 
terminate the Business Sale Agreement for the Queensland Intermodal 
business, with effect from 13 August 2018. It is Aurizon’s intention to 
not contest clearance of that transaction through the Federal Court and 
to exit the business. As clearance has not been obtained for the sale of 
the Queensland Intermodal business, $10 million of the consideration 
received for the transactions to date (recognised as a liability at 30 June 
2018) will be refunded to Pacific National. The Business Sale Agreement 
for the Acacia Ridge Terminal remains in place while Aurizon seeks 
clearance of that transaction, and the remainder of the consideration 
received for the transactions to date ($35 million) is not refundable.

Notwithstanding this Aurizon remains committed to exiting the 
Intermodal business and on this basis has continued to classify the 
Acacia Ridge and Queensland Intermodal business assets as held for sale 
and discontinued operations at 30 June 2018. 

On 10 August 2018 the Federal Court of Australia heard an application 
from the ACCC for an interlocutory injunction to require Aurizon to 
continue to operate the Queensland Intermodal business in the ordinary 
and usual course. The Court reserved judgement on the matter, and 
judgement is currently expected to be handed down on 13 August 2018.

Aurizon’s Interstate Intermodal business has been closed with the last 
operational service occurring on 23 December 2017. Approximately 
160 employee positions were affected by the closure of the Interstate 
business.

The closure of Interstate Intermodal has resulted in $74.7 million of 
significant items being recognised in the year ended 30 June 2018. 
Significant Interstate Intermodal items include $61.0 million for contract, 
lease and supplier exit costs, $9.1 million in redundancy costs and asset 
write downs of $4.6 million.

(b) Access revenue
On 15 December 2017 the Queensland Competition Authority (QCA) 
issued a draft decision pertaining to Aurizon Network’s 2017 Draft 
Access Undertaking (UT5). The draft decision has proposed that Aurizon 
Network’s overall Maximum Allowable Revenue (MAR) for the regulatory 
period (FY18 to FY21) of the Undertaking is $3.893 billion, including a 
weighted average cost of capital of 5.41%.

In May 2018, the QCA approved transitional tariffs for the year ended  
30 June 2018, set transitional tariffs for the period 1 July 2018 to  
31 December 2018 and extended the 2016 Access Undertaking (UT4)  
to the earlier of 31 December 2018 or the date a replacement  
Undertaking takes effect.

Access revenue recognised in these financial statements is based on  
the transitional tariffs applying from 1 July 2017. Allowable revenue  
for the year ended 30 June 2018 on which the transitional tariffs were 
based may be different than the final approved UT5 revenue and will 
impact future year’s revenue. The true-up of revenues is expected to  
be dealt with as part of the final approval of UT5 and is dependent 
on future railings. 

Revenue recognised for the year ended 30 June 2017 was based on the 
approved UT4 Undertaking tariffs, applied to actual volumes railed and 
included $89 million of prior years’ UT4 regulatory access true-ups (net 
of revenue cap of $31 million relating to the year ended 30 June 2015).

(c)  Bulk contract exit
The Group had an iron ore Rail Haulage Agreement with Cliffs Asia 
Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd (Cliffs) that was due to expire 31 January 2022. 
The contract provided for haulage of up to 11mtpa and during the year 
ended 30 June 2018 the Group transported 7.8mt.

Cliffs formally advised the Group that it would be closing its Western 
Australia mining operations by 30 June 2018 including the ceasing of all 
rail services. On 29 June 2018, Cliffs issued a contract termination notice 
to the Group effective 30 June 2018. As a result, an early termination 
payment of $66.3 million (excluding GST) has been recognised as other 
income for the year ended 30 June 2018.

Aurizon has considered the financial impact of the contract termination 
and as a result an asset impairment of $27.9 million has been recognised 
for the year ended 30 June 2018. In addition, closure provisions of  
$3.9 million have been recognised which include a redundancy  
provision of $3.5 million in relation to 63 FTEs that serviced the Cliffs 
contract. The net contract exit benefit before cash generating unit (CGU) 
impairment is $34.5 million for the year ended 30 June 2018. Refer to  
(d) below.

(d)  Impairment 

Western Australia
An impairment charge of $362.4 million under a value in use (VIU) 
methodology was recorded at 30 June 2017 for the Western Australia 
CGU as a result of the low long-term iron ore price, high cash operating 
costs for our customers, challenging and competitive bulk markets and 
deterioration in our operating performance. As a result of the loss of the 
Cliffs iron ore contract earlier than expected during the year, a further 
impairment charge of $31.7 million (in addition to (c) above) has been 
recognised for the Western Australia CGU at 30 June 2018.

Bulk East
At 30 June 2017, an impairment charge of $163.5 million was recorded in 
respect of the Bulk East business using a fair value less costs of disposal 
(FVLCD) methodology. Additional sustaining capital has been incurred 
during the year ended 30 June 2018 which has resulted in a further 
impairment of $10.4 million.

(e)  On-market share buy-back scheme
On 14 August 2017 the Company announced its intention to undertake 
an on-market buy-back of approximately $300.0 million, over a 12-month 
period. The on-market buy-back program was completed in March 2018 
and the Company has acquired 61.6 million shares at a total consideration 
of $300.0 million.

(f)  Debt refinancing
In November 2017 Aurizon Network Pty Ltd (a wholly owned subsidiary 
of the Group) replaced $525.0 million of its revolving bank debt facility 
with a 5 year $500.0 million revolving bank debt facility extending the 
maturity date to 20 October 2022.

(g)  Business unit restructure
From 1 July 2017 the organisational structure moved from a functional 
based model to a business unit model along the core areas of the 
business – Coal, Bulk (including Iron Ore), Network and Intermodal, 
as well as central support and planning functions. To reflect this 
reorganisation Aurizon changed its segment disclosure for financial  
year 2018 and the comparative period has also been restated.

52

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017–18Results for the year

IN THIS SECTION

Results for the year provides segment information and a 
breakdown of individual line items in the consolidated income 
statement that the directors consider most relevant, including a 
summary of the accounting policies, judgements and estimates 
relevant to understanding these line items.

1  Segment information 

2  Revenue and other income 

3  Expenses 

4 

Impairment of non-financial assets 

5 

Income tax 

6  Earnings per share 

Page 54

Page 57

Page 58

Page 58

Page 60

Page 62

FINANCIAL REPORT

53

FINANCIAL REPORT  FINANCIAL REPORT  1  Segment information

KEEPING IT SIMPLE  
Segment reporting requires presentation of financial 
information based on the information that is internally 
provided to the Managing Director & CEO and the 
Executive Committee (chief operating decision makers). 

As announced on 23 March 2017 Aurizon implemented the business unit 
structure on 1 July 2017. To reflect this reorganisation Aurizon changed 
its financial disclosure for financial year 2018 and the comparative period 
has also been restated. All future financial results will be disclosed under 
the new operating segments (Network, Coal, Bulk and Other) as it 
represents the operating structure of the Group. The Managing Director & 
CEO and the Executive Committee assess the performance of the Group 
based on the underlying EBIT.

Unless otherwise noted, the segment reporting information excludes 
discontinued operations, which represents the Intermodal business.  
Refer to note 24 for further details.

(a)  Description of segments
The following summary describes the operations in each of the Group’s 
reportable segments:

Network
Provision of access to, and operation of, the Central Queensland  
Coal Network (CQCN). Provision of maintenance and renewal of  
Network assets.

Coal
Transport of coal from mines in Queensland and New South Wales to end 
customers and ports.

Bulk
Transport of bulk mineral commodities (including iron ore), agricultural 
products, mining and industrial inputs, and general freight throughout 
Queensland and Western Australia.

Other
Includes provision of maintenance services to internal and external 
customers and central costs not allocated such as Board, Managing 
Director & CEO, company secretary and investor relations.

54

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2018 (continued)AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017–181  Segment information (continued)

(b)  Segment information

Network
$m

Coal
$m

Bulk
$m

Other
$m

Total continuing 
operations
$m

2018

External revenue

Revenue from external customers

Services revenue

Track access

Freight transport

Other services

Other revenue

Total revenue from external customers

Internal revenue

Services revenue

Track access

Freight transport

Other services

Total internal revenue

Total revenue

Other income

Total revenue and other income

Internal elimination

Consolidated revenue and other income

Continuing EBITDA (Underlying)*

Depreciation and amortisation

Continuing EBIT (Underlying)*

Significant adjustments (note 1(c))

EBIT*

Net finance costs

Profit before income tax from continuing operations

* Refer to page 105 for Non-IFRS information

581.5

–

7.3

37.7

626.5

585.6

–

6.6

592.2

1,218.7

–

1,218.7

598.1

1,207.8

0.2

0.6

1,806.7

–

–

6.5

6.5

1,813.2

–

1,813.2

788.6

(308.0)

480.6

611.2

(182.6)

428.6

–

590.5

24.9

0.4

615.8

–

1.6

0.7

2.3

618.1

–

618.1

75.2

(25.1)

50.1

–

–

36.9

26.8

63.7

–

–

27.1

27.1

90.8

–

90.8

(8.9)

(9.8)

(18.7)

1,179.6

1,798.3

69.3

65.5

3,112.7

585.6

1.6

40.9

628.1

3,740.8

–

3,740.8

(628.1)

3,112.7

1,466.1

(525.5)

940.6

25.7

966.3

(165.0)

801.3

55

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2018 (continued)FINANCIAL REPORT   
1  Segment information (continued)

Network
$m

Coal
$m

Bulk
$m

Other
$m

Total continuing 
operations
$m

2017

External revenue

Revenue from external customers

Services revenue

Track access

Freight transport

Other services

Other revenue

Total revenue from external customers

Internal revenue

Services revenue

Track access

Freight transport

Other services

Total internal revenue

Total revenue

Other income

Total revenue and other income

Internal elimination

Consolidated revenue and other income

Continuing EBITDA (Underlying)*

Depreciation and amortisation

Continuing EBIT (Underlying)*

Significant adjustments (note 1(c))

EBIT*

Net finance costs

Loss before income tax from continuing operations

* Refer to page 105 for Non-IFRS information

574.0

–

4.3

54.5

632.8

625.9

–

3.4

629.3

1,262.1

–

1,262.1

630.3

1,156.8

0.3

–

1,787.4

–

1.7

5.9

7.6

1,795.0

–

1,795.0

–

622.3

19.9

3.0

645.2

–

–

–

–

645.2

–

645.2

780.4

(299.5)

480.9

603.7

(183.7)

420.0

59.1

(73.5)

(14.4)

–

–

46.4

30.7

77.1

–

0.7

29.2

29.9

107.0

–

107.0

8.3

(10.6)

(2.3)

1,204.3

1,779.1

70.9

88.2

3,142.5

625.9

2.4

38.5

666.8

3,809.3

–

3,809.3

(666.8) 

3,142.5 

1,451.5

(567.3)

884.2

(759.8)

124.4

(178.6)

(54.2)

56

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2018 (continued)AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017–181  Segment information (continued)

(d)  Customer disclosure

(c)  Significant adjustments
The Group’s underlying results differ from the statutory results. The 
exclusion of certain items permits a more appropriate and meaningful 
analysis of the Group’s underlying performance on a comparative basis.

The nature of the Group’s business is that it enters into long-term 
contracts with key customers. Two customers each contribute more  
than 10% of the Group’s total revenue as detailed below.

2017  
$m

–

(10.2)

Customer 1

Customer 2

Total

2018 
$m

487.3

424.7

912.0

2017 
$m

2018 
credit rating

2017 
credit rating

511.5

413.2

924.7

A

BBB+

A

BBB

–

2  Revenue and other income

(525.9)

(64.0)

(48.9)

(110.8)

KEEPING IT SIMPLE  
Aurizon recognises revenue from the provision of access 
to the Central Queensland Coal Network (CQCN) and the 
provision of freight haulage services across Australia.

2018  
$m

66.3

(27.9)

(3.9)

(31.7)

–

–

22.9

Bulk contract exit termination payment

Bulk contract exit asset impairment

Bulk contract exit – redundancy  
and closure costs

Bulk WA impairment

Freight Management Transformation (FMT) 
impairment

Transformation – asset impairment

Transformation – redundancy costs

Total significant adjustments  
(continuing operations)

25.7

(759.8)

The Group derives the following types of revenue:

Bulk contract exit
Cliffs formally advised the Group that it would be closing its Western 
Australian mining operations by 30 June 2018 including the ceasing of all 
rail services. On 29 June 2018, Cliffs issued a contract termination notice 
to the Group effective 30 June 2018. As a result, an early termination 
payment of $66.3 million (excluding GST) has been recognised as other 
income for the year ended 30 June 2018.

Aurizon has considered the financial impact of the contract termination 
and as a result an asset impairment of $27.9 million has been recognised  
for the year ended 30 June 2018. In addition, closure provisions of  
$3.9 million have been recognised which include redundancy of  
$3.5 million in relation to 63 FTEs that serviced the Cliffs contract.  
The net contract exit benefit before CGU impairment is $34.5 million  
for the year ended 30 June 2018.

Impairment
For further disclosure on the impairment write downs for the year  
ended 30 June 2018 and the comparative period refer to note 4.

Redundancy costs
A provision for train crew redundancy of $22.9 million that was recorded 
as a significant item in the year ended 30 June 2017 has been released in 
the year ended 30 June 2018 as the planned transition of those positions 
to a flexible workforce has not been implemented at this time due to 
operational requirements and stronger coal demand.

For disclosure on the significant items relating to discontinued operations 
refer to note 24.

Services revenue

Track access

Freight transport

Other services

Other revenue

2018  
$m

2017  
$m

1,179.6

1,798.3

69.3

65.5

1,204.3

1,779.1

70.9

88.2

Total revenue from continuing operations

3,112.7

3,142.5

Other income

66.3

–

Total revenue and other income from 
continuing operations

3,179.0

3,142.5

Other income includes $66.3 million in relation to contract termination 
payments that have been recorded as a significant item for the year 
ended 30 June 2018.

SIGNIFICANT JUDGEMENTS 

Take-or-Pay revenue 
The calculation of access Take-or-Pay revenue included in track access 
is based on an assessment of access charges from contracted railings 
that have not been achieved, subject to an adjustment for Aurizon 
Network (below rail) cause and force majeure events. The estimate of 
Take-or-Pay revenue is based on management’s judgement of below rail 
cause versus above rail operator/mine cancellations and is recognised in 
the year in which the contractual railings have not been achieved.

Take-or-Pay revenue of $27.1 million has been recognised at 30 June 
2018. Take-or-Pay revenue of $42.3 million was accrued at 30 June 2017.

Recognition and measurement
The Group recognises revenue when the amount of revenue can be 
reliably measured, it is probable that future economic benefits will flow 
to the entity and specific criteria have been met for each of the Group’s 
activities as described below. The Group bases its estimates on historical 
results, taking into consideration the type of customer, the type of 
transaction and the specifics of each arrangement.

57

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2018 (continued)FINANCIAL REPORT   
 
2018  
$m

2017  
$m

505.0

20.5

525.5

1.1

68.9

–

70.0

160.3

0.4

2.9

7.5

171.1

(2.8)

168.3

551.2

16.1

567.3

12.6

599.0

66.7

678.3

173.5

–

8.0

3.0

184.5

(3.2)

181.3

2018  
$m

2017  
$m

42.1

27.9

–

–

–

525.9

10.2

64.0

48.9

29.3

70.0

678.3

4.6

74.6

162.2

840.5

2  Revenue and other income (continued) 
Revenue is recognised for the major business activities using the 
methods outlined below:

(i)  Track access
Track access revenue includes revenue from regulated rail access services 
and non-regulated services.

Access revenue generated from the regulated rail network, the CQCN, 
is recognised as services are provided and is calculated on a number 
of operating parameters, including the volume hauled and regulator 
approved tariffs. The tariffs are determined by the total allowable 
revenue, applied to the regulatory approved annual volume forecast  
for each system. 

Where actual volumes railed are less than the regulatory forecast, 
Take-or-Pay may trigger. Take-or-Pay is recognised in the year that the 
contractual railings were not achieved.

Depreciation and amortisation expense

Depreciation

Amortisation of intangibles

Impairment losses•

Inventory

Property, plant and equipment

Intangibles

* Refer to note 4 for impairment information.

Finance costs

The majority of access revenue is subject to a revenue cap mechanism 
that serves to ensure the network recovers its system allowable revenue 
over the regulatory period. A revenue cap event results in the under or 
over recovery of regulatory access revenues (net of Take-or-Pay revenue) 
for a financial year being recognised in the accounting revenues in the 
second financial year following the event.

Interest and finance charges paid/payable

Provisions: unwinding of discount

Amortisation of capitalised borrowing 
transaction costs 

Counterparty credit risk adjustments

Profit/(loss) before income tax from continuing operations includes the 
following specific expenses:

Freight Management Transformation 
impairment (iii)

During the transitional period, revenue is determined based on the 
most relevant and reliable information available. The basis of revenue 
recognition for 30 June 2018 is disclosed within the Key events and 
transactions for reporting period section.

(ii)  Freight transport
Revenue from freight transport services is calculated based on the rates 
agreed with customers on a tonnes per delivery basis either by way of 
long-term contract or on an ad-hoc basis. Revenue is recognised once 
the service has been provided.

3  Expenses

Employee benefits expenses

Defined benefit superannuation expense

Defined contribution superannuation expense

Redundancies*

Salaries, wages and allowances including on-costs

2018  
$m

2017  
$m

12.6

55.3

(3.9)

691.2

755.2

13.3

58.7

115.9

704.7

892.6

*  $19.0 million of redundancy costs recognised offset by $22.9 million of 

redundancy costs provided for in the year ended 30 June 2017 which were 
released in the year ended 30 June 2018 as described in note 1(c).

Consumables

Repairs and maintenance

Other

248.2

100.2

348.4

269.5

123.4

392.9

58

Amount capitalised to qualifying assets

4  Impairment of non-financial assets

Continuing operations

Bulk impairment (i)

Impairment of assets in exit of contracts (ii)

Transformation – asset impairment (iv)

Other (v)

Discontinued operations

Intermodal impairment (vi)

Total impairment of non-financial assets

(a)  Impairment of non-financial assets 

Current period

(i)  Bulk impairment ($42.1 million) 

Western Australia ($31.7 million)
Indicators of impairment were identified for the Western Australia CGU 
due to the cessation of the Cliffs iron ore contract earlier than expected 
during the year. As a result, an impairment test was completed.

The recoverable amount used in the impairment test is based on a VIU 
methodology based on the Board approved corporate plan, a terminal 
growth rate of 2.2% and a pre-tax discount rate of 11.7%.

The impairment write-down of $31.7 million has been allocated to 
rollingstock ($28.0 million), plant and equipment ($2.6 million) and land, 
buildings and infrastructure ($1.1 million).

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2018 (continued)AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017–18 
4  Impairment of non-financial assets 

(continued) 

Following the impairment, the residual carrying value of the assets of the 
Western Australia CGU as at 30 June 2018 is $170.7 million. The segment 
has a small number of customers and the VIU is sensitive to changes in 
customer contractual arrangements. Should any major contracts not be 
renewed or any remaining iron ore customers either cease to operate 
before the expected end of mine life or be unable to comply with current 
contractual arrangements then the CGU may become further impaired.

Bulk East ($10.4 million)
At 30 June 2017, an impairment charge of $163.5 million was recorded in 
respect of the Bulk East business using a FVLCD methodology. Additional 
sustaining capital has been incurred during the year which has resulted  
in a further impairment of $10.4 million. This was not classified as a 
significant item.

Impairment of assets in exit of contracts ($27.9 million)

(ii) 
As a result of Cliffs closing mining operations in Western Australia and 
the early termination of the rail haulage agreement with the Group in 
June 2018, $26.8 million of property, plant and equipment and $1.1 million 
of inventory was impaired at 30 June 2018.

(vi)  Intermodal ($4.6 million)
Due to the closure and sale of Intermodal, an asset write-down of  
$4.6 million has been allocated to software ($2.2 million), rollingstock 
($1.1 million) and plant and equipment ($1.3 million).

Prior period

(i) 

 Bulk impairment ($525.9 million) 

Western Australia ($362.4 million)
As a result of the low long-term iron ore price, high cash operating 
costs for our customers, challenging and competitive bulk markets, 
deterioration in operating performance and the changed business 
structure resulting in changes in cost allocations, a review of the 
operating cashflows of the Western Australia CGU was completed at  
30 June 2017. A pre-tax impairment charge of $362.4 million was 
recorded. The residual carrying value of the assets at 30 June 2017  
was $207.8 million.

Bulk East ($163.5 million)
The Queensland CGU was separated into Bulk East and Coal Queensland. 
This change in CGU together with operational performance issues and 
loss of specific contracts experienced by the Bulk East CGU resulted 
in a pre-tax impairment charge of $163.5 million under a FVLCD 
methodology. The fair value was determined with reference to external 
and internal valuations for assets. The residual carrying value of the Bulk 
East CGU as at 30 June 2017 was $46.6 million.

(ii)  Asset impairment as a result of contract exits ($10.2 million)
As a result of a decision by Glencore to not renew its existing contract 
with Aurizon to haul mine inputs and outputs between Mt Isa and 
Townsville, a decision was made to cease operation of this daily multi-
customer freight service from the contract expiry date of 31 January 2017. 
An impairment of $10.2 million relating to assets was recognised at  
31 December 2016.

(iii)  Freight Management Transformation (FMT) ($64.0 million)
Following a review, it was decided to terminate the project and as a 
result an impairment charge of $64.0 million was recorded.

(iv)  Transformation – asset impairment ($48.9 million)
An impairment of $48.9 million was recorded as a result of a change in 
Queensland operations, the ongoing transformation program, various 
projects no longer proceeding and surplus assets.

(v)  Impairment of other assets ($29.3 million)
Other minor assets and projects totalling $29.3 million have also been 
impaired as a result of normal operations. These asset impairments were 
not classified as significant items.

(vi)  Intermodal ($162.2 million)
Due to the trading performance during the first half of financial year 2017 
being lower than expectations, an impairment test was completed as at 
31 December 2016 and updated at 30 June 2017. The recoverable amount 
used in the impairment test was based on a FVLCD methodology. 
The fair value was determined with reference to external and internal 
valuations for assets. The Intermodal CGU was impaired by $162.2 million 
with a residual value of $169.9 million as at 30 June 2017.

SIGNIFICANT JUDGEMENTS 
The Group considers annually whether there have been any indicators 
of impairment and then tests whether non-current assets have 
suffered any impairment, in accordance with the accounting policy 
stated in note 9.

Cash generating units
The recoverable amounts of CGUs for 30 June 2018 have been 
determined based on VIU calculations except for Bulk East, which 
is valued using FVLCD. The value in use is calculated based on a 
four-year Board approved corporate plan, a terminal growth rate 
of 2.2% per annum (2017: 1.5%) and a pre-tax discount rate ranging 
from 8.8% – 11.7% (2017: 9.1% – 11.8%). The value in use calculations 
indicate headroom to the carrying value of CGUs, with the exception 
of Western Australia. For the year ended 30 June 2018, the Western 
Australia CGU had indicators of impairment due to the cessation of 
services to a key iron ore customer during the year.

As a result, an impairment test was completed. The key assumptions 
used in the estimation of the recoverable amount of the Western 
Australia CGU are set out in note 4(a)(i-ii) above.

Following the impairment loss recognised in the Western Australia 
CGU for the year ended 30 June 2018, the recoverable amount  
is equal to the carrying amount. A change in assumption  
regarding the forecast cashflows may result in a change to  
the impairment recorded.

Individual non-current assets
Each period the Group is required to assess the recoverability of non-
current assets. Each period the Enterprise Rollingstock Master Plan is 
reviewed. This is a ten-year plan and judgement has been applied to 
estimate forecast volumes and productivity, as well as the required 
level of contingent fleet, in determining the level of rollingstock 
required for the foreseeable future. Any changes to volumes and 
productivity, or a change in management’s view as to the level of 
contingent fleet required, could result in impairment or reversal of 
previous impairment in the future. The application of this judgement 
will continue to be assessed at each reporting date.

59

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2018 (continued)FINANCIAL REPORT   
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
30 June 2018 (continued)

5 Income tax

(a)  Income tax expense

KEEPING IT SIMPLE  
This note provides an analysis of the Group’s income tax 
expense/benefit (including a reconciliation of income tax 
expense to accounting profit), deferred tax balances and 
income tax recognised directly in equity.

Differences between tax law and accounting standards 
result in non-temporary (permanent) and temporary 
(timing) differences between tax and accounting income. 
Income tax expense is equal to net profit before tax 
multiplied by the applicable tax rate, adjusted for non-
temporary differences. Temporary differences do not 
adjust income tax expense as they reverse over time. 
Until they reverse, a deferred tax asset or liability must be 
recognised on the balance sheet. This note also includes 
details of income tax recognised directly in equity.

The Group recognises a significant net deferred tax liability 
and a current cash tax position significantly lower than 
the applicable tax rate. This is primarily due to accelerated 
fixed asset tax depreciation and is common for entities 
operating in a capital intensive environment.

The tax treatment of the impairments is dependent on 
the nature of the asset being impaired. As the current 
year impairment predominantly relates to tax depreciable 
assets (which continue to be used by the business), the 
impairment does not result in a tax deduction in the 
current year and will only be recognised for tax purposes 
when Aurizon disposes of the assets. Accordingly, the 
impairment will merely change the temporary difference 
(and associated deferred tax asset or liability) recognised 
in respect of the impaired asset.

60 AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

Current tax

Deferred tax

Current tax relating to prior periods

Deferred tax relating to prior periods

Income tax expense/(benefit) is attributable to:

Profit/(loss) from continuing operations

Loss from discontinued operation (note 24(b))

Deferred income tax expense included in 
income tax expense comprises:

(Increase)/Decrease in deferred tax assets 
(note 5(e))

Increase/(Decrease) in deferred tax liabilities 
(note 5(f))

2018 
$m

151.3

68.7

16.6

(17.0)

219.6

2017 
$m

86.2

(166.4)

(9.1)

7.7

(81.6)

241.2

(21.6)

219.6

(17.0)

(64.6)

(81.6)

(8.5)

13.4

60.2

51.7

(172.1)

(158.7)

(b)   Numerical reconciliation of income tax expense to prima 

facie tax payable

Profit/(loss) before income tax expense from 
continuing operations

Loss before income tax expense from 
discontinued operation

Tax at the Australian tax rate of 30%  
(2017: 30%)

Tax effect of amounts which are not deductible 
(taxable) in calculating taxable income:

Entertainment

Research and development

Non-assessable income

Capital losses not recognised

Other

Adjustments for current tax of prior periods

(c)   Amounts recognised directly in equity

Aggregate deferred tax arising in the reporting 
period and directly credited to equity

2018 
$m

2017 
$m

801.3

(54.2)

(98.7)

(215.3) 

702.6

(269.5)

210.8

(80.9)

0.2

(0.7)

(0.3)

8.0

2.0

(0.4)

219.6

0.2

(1.6)

0.1

–

2.0

(1.4)

(81.6)

2018 
$m

2017 
$m

4.9

(17.2)

(d)   Tax expense/(benefit) relating to items of other 

comprehensive income

Cash flow hedges

2018 
$m

(3.9)

2017 
$m

13.5

 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
30 June 2018 (continued)

5  Income tax (continued)

(e)  Deferred tax assets

Total deferred tax assets

Set-off of deferred tax liabilities pursuant to set-off provisions 

Net deferred tax assets

2018
$m

199.1

2017
$m

191.6

(199.1)

(191.6)

–

–

The table below outlines the temporary differences and movements in those temporary differences that comprise the deferred tax assets:

Movements

At 1 July 2017

(Charged)/credited

- to profit or loss

- to other comprehensive income

- directly to equity

At 30 June 2018

At 1 July 2016

(Charged)/credited 

– to profit or loss

– to other comprehensive income

– directly to equity

At 30 June 2017

(f)  Deferred tax liabilities

Total deferred tax liabilities

Set-off of deferred tax liabilities pursuant to set-off provisions

Net deferred tax liabilities

Provisions/ 
accruals 
$m

Customer 
contracts 
$m

Unearned 
revenue 
$m

Financial 
instruments 
$m

130.8

22.5

–

24.2

Other 
$m

14.1

(9.5)

–

–

121.3

125.7

5.1

–

–

130.8

(7.8)

–

–

14.7

32.8

11.9

–

–

11.9

0.3

(10.3)

(0.3)

–

–

22.5

–

–

–

13.8

3.9

–

41.9

38.3

(0.6)

(13.5)

–

24.2

0.1

–

(4.9)

9.3

4.2

(7.3)

–

17.2

14.1

2018
$m

678.6

(199.1)

479.5

Total 
$m

191.6

8.5

3.9

(4.9)

199.1

201.3

(13.4)

(13.5)

17.2

191.6

2017
$m

618.4

(191.6)

426.8

The table below outlines the temporary differences and movements in those temporary differences that comprise the deferred tax liabilities:

Movements 

At 1 July 2017

Charged/(credited)

– profit or loss

At 30 June 2018

At 1 July 2016

Charged/(credited)

– profit or loss

At 30 June 2017

Non-
current 
assets
$m

588.3

54.0

642.3

756.3

(168.0)

588.3

Consumables 
and spares
$m

Accrued 
income 
$m

Financial 
instruments 
$m

5.2

2.6

22.1

Other 
$m

0.2

Total 
$m

618.4

(4.0)

1.2

(0.9)

1.7

11.5

33.6

(0.4)

(0.2)

60.2

678.6

10.3

(5.1)

5.2

0.3

2.3

2.6

23.2

(1.1)

22.1

0.4

(0.2)

0.2

790.5

(172.1)

618.4

61

FINANCIAL REPORT   
 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
30 June 2018 (continued)

5  Income tax (continued) 

6  Earnings per share 

SIGNIFICANT JUDGEMENTS 
The deferred tax asset of $67.8 million, attributable to the impairment 
of the investment in an associate in FY16 has not been recognised 
as it is not considered probable that it will be recovered in the 
foreseeable future. The recoverability of the deferred tax asset is 
dependent on the sale of shares in the associate.

Recognition and measurement
The income tax expense or credit for the year is the tax payable on the 
current year’s taxable income based on the applicable income tax rate 
for each jurisdiction adjusted by changes in deferred tax assets and 
liabilities attributable to temporary differences and to unused tax losses.

The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of the tax laws 
enacted or substantively enacted at the end of the reporting year in  
the countries where the Group’s subsidiaries and associates operate  
and generate taxable income. Management periodically evaluates 
positions taken in tax returns with respect to situations in which 
applicable tax regulation is subject to interpretation. It establishes 
provisions where appropriate on the basis of amounts expected to  
be paid to the tax authorities.

Deferred income tax is provided in full, using the liability method, on 
temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and 
liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial 
statements. However, deferred tax liabilities are not recognised if they 
arise from the initial recognition of goodwill. Deferred income tax is also 
not accounted for if it arises from initial recognition of an asset or liability 
in a transaction other than a business combination that at the time of the 
transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss. Deferred 
income tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been 
enacted or substantially enacted by the end of the reporting year and are 
expected to apply when the related deferred income tax asset is realised 
or the deferred income tax liability is settled.

Deferred tax assets are recognised only if it is probable that future 
taxable amounts will be available to utilise those temporary differences 
and losses.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally 
enforceable right to offset current tax assets and liabilities and when 
the deferred tax balances relate to the same taxation authority. Current 
tax assets and tax liabilities are offset where the entity has a legally 
enforceable right to offset and intends either to settle on a net basis, or 
to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

To the extent that an item is recognised in other comprehensive 
income or directly in equity, the deferred tax is also recognised in other 
comprehensive income or directly in equity.

KEEPING IT SIMPLE  
Earnings per share (EPS) is the amount of post-tax profit 
attributable to each share.

(a)  Basic earnings per share
Basic EPS is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to owners 
of the Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares 
outstanding.

Basic earnings per share attributable to the 
ordinary equity holders of the Company:

– continuing and discontinued operations

– continuing operations

2018 
Cents

2017 
Cents

24.0

27.8

(9.2)

(1.8)

(b)  Diluted earnings per share
Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to owners 
of the Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares 
outstanding after adjustment for the effects of all dilutive potential 
ordinary shares.

Diluted earnings per share attributable to the 
ordinary equity holders of the Company:

– continuing and discontinued operations

– continuing operations

(c)   Weighted average number of shares  

used as denominator

Weighted average number of ordinary  
shares used as the denominator in  
calculating basic earnings per share

Adjustments for calculation of diluted EPS:

2018 
Cents

2017 
Cents

24.0

27.8

(9.2)

(1.8)

2018  
Number  
‘000

2017  
Number  
‘000

2,013,362

2,051,745

Rights

1,865

496

Weighted average number of ordinary 
and potential ordinary shares used as the 
denominator in calculating diluted EPS

2,015,227

2,052,241

62 AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017–18
AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017–18 
 
Operating assets  
and liabilities

IN THIS SECTION

Operating assets and liabilities provides information about the 
working capital of the Group and major balance sheet items 
including the accounting policies, judgements and estimates 
relevant to understanding these items.

7  Trade and other receivables 

8 

Inventories 

9  Property, plant and equipment 

10  Intangible assets 

11  Trade and other payables 

12  Provisions 

13  Other liabilities 

Page 64

Page 64

Page 65

Page 67

Page 68

Page 68

Page 69

FINANCIAL REPORT  

63

Notes to the consolidated financial statements
30 June 2018 (continued)

7  Trade and other receivables

8  Inventories

2018 
$m

2017 
$m

Current

350.7

Raw materials and stores – at cost

(27.2) 

Work in progress – at cost

323.5

173.3

496.8

Provision for inventory obsolescence

Non-current

Raw materials and stores – at cost

Provision for inventory obsolescence

2018 
$m

2017 
$m

133.1

0.2

(15.2)

118.1

44.8

(15.7)

29.1

135.8

2.2

(26.2)

111.8

47.4

(11.9)

35.5

Recognition and measurement 
Inventories include infrastructure and rollingstock items held in 
centralised stores, workshops and depots. Inventories are measured 
at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is determined 
predominantly on an average cost basis.

Items expected to be consumed after more than one year are classified 
as non-current.

The provision for inventory obsolescence is based on assessments by 
management of particular inventory classes and relates specifically to 
infrastructure and rollingstock maintenance items. The amount of the 
provision is based on a proportion of the value of damaged stock,  
slow moving stock and stock that has become obsolete during the 
reporting period.

Current

Trade receivables

Provision for impairment of receivables 

Net trade receivables

Other receivables*

435.1

(27.7)

407.4

123.5

530.9

* Other receivables predominantly relate to accrued revenue.

Past due but not impaired  
These trade receivables relate to a number of customers for whom there 
is no recent history of default and there is no expectation that they will 
default. The ageing of past due but not impaired trade receivables are  
as follows:

Up to three months

Three to six months

Over six months

2018 
$m

2017 
$m

4.9

–

3.0

7.9

9.4

0.5

1.5

11.4

Recognition and measurement
Trade receivables generally have credit terms ranging from seven to 
31 days. They are presented as current assets unless collection is not 
expected for more than 12 months after the reporting date.

The Group applies the simplified approach to providing for expected 
credit losses prescribed by AASB 9, which requires the use of the lifetime 
expected loss provision for all trade receivables. Trade receivables have 
not had a significant increase in credit risk since they were originated.

64 AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2016–17
AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

 
 
 
9  Property, plant and equipment

2018

Opening net book amount

Additions

Transfers between asset classes

Disposals

Impairment*

Assets classified as held for sale

Depreciation**

Closing net book amount

At 30 June 2018

Cost or fair value

Accumulated depreciation and 
impairment

Net book amount

Owned

Leased

2017

Opening net book amount

Additions

Transfers between asset classes

Disposals

Impairment*

Assets classified as held for sale

Depreciation**

Assets under 
construction 
$m

Land 
$m

Buildings 
$m

Plant and 
equipment 
$m

Rollingstock 
$m

Infrastructure 
$m

Total 
$m

184.8

502.4

(406.4)

–

(5.2)

(0.3)

–

275.3

159.7

273.5

–

(0.1)

(2.3)

–

(30.8)

–

126.5

–

(2.3)

(7.7)

(3.5)

(6.8)

(21.9)

231.3

377.0

–

20.6

(10.9)

(3.9)

(10.3)

(44.9)

327.6

2,329.2

5,510.8

8,835.0

–

131.5

(4.9)

(53.1)

(13.2)

(157.8)

2,231.7

–

263.6

(7.1)

(5.6)

(11.8)

502.4

6.9

(32.9)

(71.3)

(73.2)

(282.4)

(507.0)

5,467.5

8,659.9

275.3

126.5

499.4

756.8

5,081.0

7,468.6

14,207.6

–

275.3

275.3

–

275.3

385.4

468.3

(634.2)

–

(34.7)

–

–

–

126.5

102.7

23.8

126.5

(268.1)

231.3

223.2

8.1

231.3

160.5

340.9

–

1.9

(1.8)

(0.9)

–

–

–

32.8

(2.8)

(75.1)

(1.4)

(20.9)

273.5

(429.2)

327.6

327.6

–

327.6

389.6

–

117.5

(6.1)

(58.9)

–

(65.1)

377.0

(2,849.3)

(2,001.1)

(5,547.7)

2,231.7

2,231.7

–

2,231.7

5,467.5

8,659.9

975.8

4,491.7

5,467.5

4,136.3

4,523.6

8,659.9

2,823.4

5,619.4

–

193.9

(3.5)

–

288.1

(8.8)

9,719.2

468.3

–

(23.0)

(483.5)

(106.9)

(760.0)

–

(201.1)

2,329.2

(0.2)

(1.6)

(280.8)

(567.9)

5,510.8

8,835.0

Closing net book amount

184.8

159.7

At 30 June 2017

Cost

Accumulated depreciation and 
impairment

Net book amount

Owned

Leased

184.8

159.7

526.2

793.4

5,140.2

7,266.3

14,070.6

–

184.8

184.8

–

184.8

–

159.7

135.9

23.8

159.7

(252.7)

273.5

264.4

9.1

273.5

(416.4)

377.0

377.0

–

377.0

(2,811.0)

2,329.2

2,329.2

–

2,329.2

(1,755.5)

(5,235.6)

5,510.8

8,835.0

968.5

4,542.3

5,510.8

4,259.8

4,575.2

8,835.0

* Impairment of $71.3 million (2017: $760.0 million) includes impairment from continuing operations of $68.9 million (2017: $599.0 million) (note 3) and discontinued 
operations of $2.4 million (2017: $161.0 million) (note 24).

**  Depreciation of $507.0 million (2017: $567.9 million) includes depreciation from continuing operations of $505.0 million (2017: $551.2 million) (note 3)  

and discontinued operations of $2.0 million (2017: $16.7 million) (note 24).

65

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2018 (continued)FINANCIAL REPORT  9   Property, plant and equipment  

(continued)

SIGNIFICANT JUDGEMENTS 
(i)  Depreciation
The Group estimates the useful lives and residual values of property, 
plant and equipment based on the expected period of time over 
which economic benefits from use of the asset will be derived. The 
Group reviews useful life assumptions on an annual basis having 
given consideration to variables including historical and forecast 
usage rates, technological advancements and changes in legal and 
economic conditions. Any change in useful lives and residual values  
of property, plant and equipment is accounted for prospectively.

Recognition and measurement

(i) 

Initial recognition and measurement

Land, buildings, plant and equipment, rollingstock and assets under 
construction
Buildings, plant and equipment, and rollingstock are carried at cost less 
accumulated depreciation. Non-corridor land owned by the Group and 
assets under construction are carried at cost. Cost includes expenditure 
that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the asset or the fair value 
of the other consideration given to acquire an asset at the time of its 
acquisition or construction. Costs attributable to assets under construction 
are only capitalised when it is probable that future economic benefits 
associated with the asset will flow to the Group and the costs can be 
measured reliably. Cost may also include transfers from equity of any gains 
or losses on qualifying cash flow hedges of foreign currency purchases of 
property, plant and equipment, and capitalised interest.

Corridor land owned by the State is leased to Aurizon Network Pty Ltd at 
a rental of $1 per year if demanded. The leases expire on 30 June 2109.

Leased coal infrastructure
Coal infrastructure assets are owned by (a) the State, with respect to the 
CQCN and (b) Queensland Rail, with respect to the North Coast Line (each 
referred to as the Infrastructure Lessor). Under each infrastructure lease 
the infrastructure is leased to Aurizon Network Pty Ltd, a wholly-owned 
subsidiary. The term of each lease is 99 years (at a rate of $1 per year), 
unless the Infrastructure Lessor exercises an option to extend its lease for 
a further 99 years. The notice period for the Infrastructure Lessor to renew 
or allow expiry of the lease is not less than 20 years prior to the end of the 
99-year term. This has been accounted for as a finance lease.

(ii)  Subsequent costs
Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s carrying amount or 
recognised as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable 
that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to 
the Group and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. The 
carrying amount of any component accounted for as a separate asset 
is derecognised when replaced. All other repairs and maintenance are 
charged to the income statement during the reporting period in which 
they are incurred.

(iii)  Depreciation and amortisation
Assets are depreciated or amortised from the date of acquisition, or, in 
respect of internally constructed or manufactured assets, from the time 
an asset is completed and held ready for use.

Buildings, infrastructure, rollingstock, plant and equipment are 
depreciated using the straight-line method to allocate their costs, net 
of their residual values, over their estimated useful lives. Motor vehicles 
are depreciated using the diminishing value method (percentages 
range from 13.6% to 35.0%). Land and assets under construction are not 
depreciated.

The Group builds mine-specific infrastructure for customers and provides 
access to those clients under access facilitation deeds. Infrastructure 
controlled by the Group under these deeds is depreciated over the term 
of the deed, except where economic benefits are expected to flow to the 
Group after the end of the term of the deed.

The depreciation and amortisation rates used during the year were based 
on the following range of useful lives:

- Owned and leased infrastructure

- Buildings

- Rollingstock

- Plant and equipment

- Leased property

7–100 years

10–40 years

8–35 years

3–20 years

3–40 years

The depreciation and amortisation rates are reviewed annually and 
adjusted if appropriate. An asset’s carrying amount is written down to 
its recoverable amount if the asset’s carrying amount is greater than its 
estimated recoverable amount.

(iv)  Derecognition
An item of property, plant and equipment is derecognised when it is 
disposed of or no future economic benefits are expected from its use 
or disposal. Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing 
proceeds with the carrying amount and are recognised in the income 
statement.

(v)  Impairment of assets
Assets are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in 
circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.

An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset’s 
carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. For the purposes of 
assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which 
there are separately identifiable cashflows which are largely independent 
of the cashflows from other assets or groups of assets (CGUs).

The recoverable amount is the greater of an asset’s FVLCD and VIU. In 
assessing VIU, the estimated future cashflows are discounted to their 
present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market 
assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset.

Impairment losses are recognised in the income statement. After the 
recognition of an impairment loss, the depreciation (amortisation) charge 
for the asset is adjusted in future periods to allocate the asset’s revised 
carrying amount, less its residual value (if any), on a systematic basis 
over its remaining useful life. Impairment losses, if any, recognised in 
respect of CGUs are allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any 
goodwill allocated to CGUs and then to reduce the carrying amount of 
other assets in the unit on a pro-rata basis.

Non-financial assets that suffered impairment are reviewed for possible 
reversal of impairment at each reporting period.

66

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2018 (continued)AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017–18 
 
 
10 Intangible assets

2018

Opening net book amount

Additions

Transfers

Amortisation expense*

Impairment charge**

Closing net book amount

Cost

Accumulated amortisation and impairment

Net book amount

2017

Opening net book amount

Additions

Transfers

Amortisation expense*

Impairment charge**

Closing net book amount

Cost

Accumulated amortisation and impairment

Net book amount

Software 
$m

Key customer 
contracts 
$m

Software under 
development 
$m

123.0

–

26.1

(20.3)

(2.2)

126.6

291.1

(164.5)

126.6

61.0

–

79.8

(16.3)

(1.5)

123.0

265.0

(142.0)

123.0

–

0.5

–

(0.5)

–

–

3.0

(3.0)

–

0.6

1.0

–

(0.4)

(1.2)

–

2.5

(2.5)

–

47.0

32.0

(33.0)

–

–

46.0

46.0

–

46.0

128.6

63.4

(79.8)

–

(65.2)

47.0

47.0

–

47.0

Total 
$m

170.0

32.5

(6.9)

(20.8)

(2.2)

172.6

340.1

(167.5)

172.6

190.2

64.4

–

(16.7)

(67.9)

170.0

314.5

(144.5)

170.0

*    Amortisation of $20.8 million (2017: $16.7 million) includes depreciation from continuing operations of $20.5 million (2017: $16.1 million) (note 3) and discontinued 

operations of $0.3 million (2017: $0.6 million) (note 24).

**  Impairment of $2.2 million (2017: $67.9 million) includes impairment from continuing operations of $nil million (2017: $66.7 million) (note 3) and discontinued operations 

of $2.2 million (2017: $1.2 million) (note 24).

Recognition and measurement 

(i)  Software and software under development
Costs incurred in developing products or systems and costs incurred 
in acquiring software and licenses that will contribute to future period 
financial benefits through revenue generation and/or cost reduction are 
capitalised to software and systems. Costs capitalised include external 
direct costs of materials and service, employee costs and an appropriate 
portion of relevant overheads.

Software under development costs include only those costs directly 
attributable to the development phase and are only recognised following 
completion of technical feasibility and where the Group has an intention 
and ability to use the asset.

Software has a finite useful life and is carried at cost less accumulated 
amortisation. Amortisation is calculated using the straight-line method 
over the estimated useful life which varies from three to eleven years.

(ii)  Research and development
Research expenditure is recognised as an expense as incurred. Costs 
incurred on development projects (relating to the design and testing of 
new or improved products) are recognised as intangible assets when 
it is probable that the project will, after considering its commercial 
and technical feasibility, be completed and generate future economic 
benefits, and costs can be measured reliably. The expenditure capitalised 
comprises all directly attributable costs, including costs of materials, 
services and direct labour. Other development costs that do not meet 
these criteria are recognised as an expense as incurred. Development 
costs previously recognised as an expense are not recognised as an asset 
in a subsequent period. Capitalised development costs are recorded 
as intangible assets and amortised from the point at which the asset is 
ready for use on a straight-line basis over its useful life.

67

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2018 (continued)FINANCIAL REPORT   
 
11  Trade and other payables

Details of employee benefits

Current liabilities

Trade payables

Other payables

2018 
$m

2017 
$m

247.7

28.1

275.8

273.8

35.9

309.7

(i) Short-term obligations
Liabilities for wages and salaries, including non-monetary benefits and 
accumulating annual leave and leave loading that are expected to be 
settled wholly within 12 months after the end of the period in which 
the employees render the related service, are recognised in respect 
of employees’ services up to the end of the reporting period and are 
measured at the amounts expected to be paid when the liabilities are 
settled. The short-term employee benefit obligations are recognised in 
the provision for employee benefits.

Recognition and measurement
These amounts represent liabilities for goods and services provided 
to the Group prior to the end of financial year which are unpaid. The 
amounts are unsecured and are usually paid within 45 days or within the 
terms agreed with the supplier.

12  Provisions

Current

Employee benefits (a)

Provision for insurance claims

Litigation and workers compensation provision

Other provisions*

Non-current

Employee benefits (a)

Litigation and workers compensation provision

Decommissioning/make good

Land rehabilitation

Other provisions*

2018 
$m

2017 
$m

244.1

3.9

24.9

39.3

312.2

15.7

11.2

3.0

37.4

14.9

82.2

277.5

2.2

24.6

10.2

314.5

20.7

11.5

1.0

40.5

5.0

78.7

Total provisions

394.4

393.2

(a)   Employee benefits 

Annual leave

Long service leave

Other**

2018 
$m

55.1

113.6

91.1

259.8

2017 
$m

59.7

127.8

110.7

298.2

Included in other provisions are provisions for closure costs

*  
**   Included in other employee benefits are bonuses, retirement allowances, 

termination benefits and payroll tax on leave

The current provision for employee benefits includes accrued annual 
leave, leave loading, retirement allowances, long service leave, 
bonuses and redundancy provision. Included in long service leave are 
all unconditional entitlements where employees have completed the 
required period of service and also a provision for the probability that 
employees will reach the required period of service. Based on past 
experience, the Group does not expect all employees to take the full 
amount of accrued leave or require payment within the next 12 months. 
The current provision for employee benefits includes an amount of 
$105.9 million (2017: $95.7 million) that is not expected to be taken or 
paid within the next 12 months.

(ii) Other long-term employee benefit obligations
The liabilities for retirement allowance and long service leave that are 
not expected to be settled wholly within 12 months after the end of the 
period in which the employees render the related service, are measured 
as the present value of expected future payments to be made in respect 
of services provided by employees up to the end of the reporting period 
using the projected unit credit method. Remeasurements as a result 
of experience adjustments and changes in actuarial assumptions are 
recognised in profit or loss.

The obligations are presented as current liabilities in the balance sheet if 
the entity does not have an unconditional right to defer settlement for at 
least 12 months after the reporting period, regardless of when the actual 
settlement is expected to occur. Benefits falling due more than 12 months 
after the end of the reporting period are discounted to present value.

(iii) Bonus plans
The Group recognises a liability for bonuses based on a formula that 
takes into consideration the Group and individual key performance 
indicators. The Group recognises a provision where contractually  
obliged or where there is a past practice that has created a  
constructive obligation.

(iv) Termination benefits
Termination benefits are payable when the Group decides to terminate 
the employment, or when an employee accepts voluntary redundancy 
in exchange for these benefits. The Group recognises termination 
benefits at the earlier of the following dates: (a) when the Group can 
no longer withdraw the offer of those benefits; and (b) when the Group 
recognises costs for a restructuring that is within the scope of AASB 
137 and involves the payment of termination benefits. In the case of an 
offer made to encourage voluntary redundancy, the termination benefits 
are measured based on the number of employees expected to accept 
the offer. Benefits falling due more than 12 months after the end of the 
reporting period are discounted to present value.

(v) Superannuation
The Group pays an employer subsidy to the Government Superannuation 
Office in respect of employees who are contributors to the Public Sector 
Superannuation (QSuper) scheme.

Employer contributions to the QSuper Defined Benefit Fund are 
determined by the State of Queensland Treasurer having regard to advice 
from the State Actuary. The primary obligation to fund the defined 
benefits obligations are that of the State. However, the Treasurer has 
the discretion to request contributions from employers that contribute 
to the defined benefit category of QSuper. No liability is recognised for 
accruing superannuation benefits as this liability is held on a whole of 
Government basis and reported in the whole of Government financial 
statements. The State Actuary performs a full actuarial valuation of the 
assets and liabilities of the fund at least every three years. 

68

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2018 (continued)AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017–18 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
30 June 2018 (continued)

13  Other liabilities

Current

Income received in advance

Other current liabilities

Non-current

Income received in advance

Other non-current liabilities

2018 
$m

2017 
$m

72.6

5.4

78.0

183.1

35.4

218.5

39.3

1.4

40.7

203.4

2.6

206.0

Income received in advance primarily represents amounts received 
from customers as prepayment of future rentals under agreements for 
customer specific rail infrastructure. These amounts are deferred and 
earned over the term of the agreements.

Other liabilities include lease incentive payments. These amounts are 
deferred and earned over the term of the lease.

12  Provisions (continued)
(v) Superannuation (continued) 
The latest valuation was completed as at 30 June 2017 and the State 
Actuary found the fund was in surplus from a whole of Government 
perspective. In addition, from late 2007, the Defined Benefit Fund was 
closed to new members so any potential future deficit would be diluted 
as membership decreases. Accordingly, no liability/asset is recognised for 
the Group’s share of any potential deficit/surplus of the QSuper Defined 
Benefit Fund. The State of Queensland has provided Aurizon with an 
indemnity if the Treasurer requires Aurizon to pay any amounts required 
to meet the potential deficit/surplus. The indemnity is subject to Aurizon 
not taking any unilateral action, other than with the approval of the State 
that causes a significant increase in unfunded liabilities.

The Group also makes superannuation guarantee payments into 
the QSuper Accumulation Fund (Non-Contributory) and QSuper 
Accumulation Fund (Contributory) administered by the Government 
Superannuation Office and to other complying Superannuation Funds 
designated by employees nominating Choice of Fund.

Recognition and measurement
Provisions are recognised when the Group 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 has been reliably estimated. Provisions are not recognised for 
future operating losses.

Provisions are measured at the present value of management’s best 
estimate of the expenditure required to settle the present obligation at 
the reporting date. The pre-tax discount rates for employee benefits are 
based on Australian corporate bond rates and range between 2.5% and 
3.9% (2017: 2.5% and 3.0%).

To measure the estimated costs to remediate contaminated land 
an inflation rate of 2.6% (2017: 2.6%) has been applied, based on 
remediation dates ranging between 5 to 40 years. A weighted average 
discount rate of 3.3% (2017: 3.2%) has been used in determining present 
value, based on the interest rate which reflect the maturity profile of the 
liability. The increase in the provision resulting from the passage of time 
is recognised in finance costs.

The provision for insurance claims is raised for insurance claims external 
to the Group and represents the aggregate deductible component 
in relation to loss or damage to property, plant and equipment and 
rollingstock.

A provision is made for the estimated liability for workers’ compensation 
and litigation claims. Claims are assessed separately for common law, 
statutory and asbestos claims. Estimates are made based on the average 
number of claims and average claim payments over a specified period of 
time. Claims Incurred But Not Reported are also included in the estimate.

The closure of Aurizon’s Interstate Intermodal business resulted in the 
recognition of a provision for contract, lease and supplier exit costs and 
represents the best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the 
present obligation at the end of the reporting period. Refer to note 24.

A provision for onerous contracts is recognised by the Group when the 
unavoidable costs of meeting the obligations under the contract exceed 
the expected economic benefits to be received. It is 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.

FINANCIAL REPORT  

69

 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
30 June 2018 (continued)

Capital and financial  
risk management

IN THIS SECTION

Capital and financial risk management provides information 
about the capital management practices of the Group and 
shareholder returns for the year, and discusses the Group’s 
exposure to various financial risks, explains how these  
affect the Group’s financial position and performance,  
and what the Group does to manage these risks.

14  Capital risk management 

15  Dividends 

16  Equity and reserves 

17  Borrowings 

18  Financial risk management 

19  Derivative financial instruments 

Page 71

Page 71

Page 71

Page 73

Page 73

Page 79

70 AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

Notes to the consolidated financial statements
30 June 2018 (continued)

14 Capital risk management

KEEPING IT SIMPLE  
The Group’s objective is to maintain a strong capital base so 
as to maintain investor, creditor and market confidence and 
to sustain future development of the business.

The Group and the Company monitor its capital structure by 
reference to its gearing ratio. This ratio is calculated as net 
debt divided by total capital. Net debt is calculated as total 
borrowings less cash and cash equivalents. Total capital is 
total equity plus net debt. There were no changes in the 
Group’s approach to capital and financial risk management 
during the year. Refer to note 18 for further details.

(c)  Franked dividends
The franked portions of the final dividends recommended after  
30 June 2018 will be franked out of existing franking credits or out of 
franking credits arising from the payment of income tax in the period 
ending 30 June 2019.

Franking credits available for subsequent 
reporting periods based on a tax rate of 30%
(2017: 30%)

2018 
$m

2017 
$m

71.5

2.8

The above amounts are calculated from the balance of the franking 
account as at the end of the reporting period, adjusted for franking 
credits that will arise from the payment of the amount of the provision 
for income tax.

16 Equity and reserves

Total borrowings

Less: cash and cash equivalents

Net debt

Total equity

Total capital

Gearing ratio

Notes

2018 
$m

2017 
$m

17

3,501.9

3,376.2

(34.8)

(88.7)

3,467.1

3,287.5

4,730.1

5,022.1

8,197.2

8,309.6

42.3%

39.6%

KEEPING IT SIMPLE  
Issued capital represents the amount of consideration 
received for securities issued by Aurizon.

When the Company purchases its own shares, as a result 
of the share-based payment plans and share buy-back, 
the consideration paid, including any directly attributable 
incremental costs (net of income taxes), is recognised 
directly in equity.

The gearing ratio excludes the impact of financial derivative assets and 
liabilities (note 19). Aurizon Network Pty Ltd gearing ratio is 69.7%  
(2017: 61.3%).

(a)  Contributed equity

(i) 

Issued capital

15 Dividends

(a)  Ordinary shares

Interim dividend for the year ended  
30 June 2018 of 14.0 cents 50%  
franked (2017: 13.6 cents 70% franked)  
per share, paid 26 March 2018

Final dividend for the year ended  
30 June 2017 of 8.9 cents 50% franked  
(2016: 13.3 cents 70% franked) per share,  
paid 25 September 2017

2018 
$m

2017 
$m

Ordinary shares
– fully paid

2018 
Shares 
‘000

2017 
Shares 
‘000

2018 
$m

2017 
$m

1,990,128

2,051,745

906.6

1,206.6

(ii)  Movements in ordinary share capital

279.5

279.0

Details

At 1 July 2016

At 30 June 2017

Number 
of shares 
‘000

2,051,745

2,051,745

$m

1,206.6

1,206.6

182.6

462.1

272.9

551.9

On-market share buy-back

(61,617)

(300.0)

At 30 June 2018

1,990,128

906.6

(b)   Dividends not recognised at the end of the reporting 

period

Since 30 June 2018, the Directors have 
recommended the payment of a final dividend 
of 13.1 cents per fully paid ordinary share 60% 
franked (2017: 8.9 cents 50% franked). The 
aggregate amount of the proposed dividend 
expected to be paid on 24 September 2018 out 
of retained earnings, but not recognised as a 
liability at year end is:

2018 
$m

2017 
$m

260.7

182.6

Ordinary shares have no par value and the Company does not have a 
limited amount of authorised capital. Ordinary shares entitle the holder to 
participate in dividends and the proceeds on winding up of the Company 
in proportion to the number of and amounts paid on the shares held.

FINANCIAL REPORT  
FINANCIAL REPORT 

71

16 Equity and reserves (continued)

(b)  Reserves

Balance at 1 July 2017

Fair value gains taken to equity

Fair value losses transferred to property, plant and equipment

Deferred tax

Other comprehensive income

Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners

Buy-back of ordinary shares

Share-based payments expense

Employee share trust to employees

Deferred tax

Balance at 30 June 2018

Balance at 1 July 2016

Fair value losses taken to equity

Fair value losses transferred to property, plant and equipment

Deferred tax

Other comprehensive income

Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners

Share-based payments expense

Employee share trust to employees

Deferred tax

Balance 30 June 2017

Share 
of an 
associate’s 
OCI
$m

(1.8)

Notes

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

29(b)

Share 
of an 
associate’s 
OCI
$m

(1.8)

Notes

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

29(b)

Cash flow 
hedges 
$m

Share- 
based 
payments 
$m

Capital 
reserves 
$m

Total 
$m

(1.8)

(11.2)

Cash flow 
hedges 
$m

Share- 
based 
payments 
$m

Capital 
reserves 
$m

Total 
$m

(2.1)

(13.1)

0.1

3.9

(9.1)

–

–

–

–

(34.1)

45.7

(0.2)

(13.5)

32.0

–

–

–

9.1

3,467.8

3,473.0

–

–

–

–

–

3.9

(2.5)

(4.9)

5.6

–

–

–

–

(0.3)

–

–

–

(13.1)

0.1

3.9

(9.1)

(0.3)

3.9

(2.5)

(4.9)

3,467.5

3,460.1

(7.2)

3,467.8

3,424.7

–

–

–

–

6.6

(7.5)

17.2

9.1

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

45.7

(0.2)

(13.5)

32.0

6.6

(7.5)

17.2

3,467.8

3,473.0

(1.8)

(2.1)

Nature and purpose of reserves 

Cash flow hedges   
The hedging reserve is used to record gains or losses on hedging 
instruments that are designated cash flow hedges and are recognised 
in other comprehensive income. Amounts are recognised in the income 
statement when the associated hedged transaction affects the income 
statement.

Share-based payments
Share-based payments represent the fair value of share-based 
remuneration provided to employees.

Capital reserves
Capital reserves represents capital contributions from Queensland  
State Government pre-IPO less cumulative share buy-backs charged  
to this account.

72

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2018 (continued)AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017–18 
 
 
 
 
17  Borrowings

KEEPING IT SIMPLE  
The Group borrows money through bank debt facilities and 
through the issuance of debt securities in capital markets. 

The carrying amount of the Group’s borrowings is as follows:

Current – Unsecured

Working capital facilities

Non-current – Unsecured

Medium-term notes

Syndicated facilities

Capitalised borrowing costs 

Total borrowings

2018 
$m

2017 
$m

100.0

100.0

79.0

79.0

2,552.1

2,441.7

860.0

865.0

(10.2)

(9.5)

3,401.9

3,297.2

3,501.9

3,376.2

The Group’s unsecured syndicated facilities contain financial covenants. 
Both the syndicated facilities and medium-term notes contain general 
undertakings including negative pledge clauses which restrict the 
amount of security that the Group can provide over assets in certain 
circumstances. The Group has complied with all required covenants and 
undertakings throughout the reporting period.

The Group manages its exposure to interest rate risk as set out in  
note 18(a). Risk is managed in accordance with Board approved  
Treasury Policies.

In November 2017, Aurizon Network Pty Ltd replaced $525.0 million of its 
revolving bank debt facility with a 5-year $500.0 million revolving bank 
debt facility extending the maturity date to 20 October 2022.

In June 2018, Aurizon Finance Pty Ltd voluntarily cancelled  
$200.0 million of Syndicated facilities, reducing the facility limit  
to $600.0 million.

Details of the Group’s financing arrangements and exposure to risks 
arising from current and non-current borrowings are set out in note 18(c).

Recognition and measurement 

(i)  Borrowings 
Borrowings are initially recognised at fair value, net of transaction costs 
incurred. Borrowings are subsequently measured at amortised cost, using 
the effective interest rate method.

Interest costs are calculated using the effective interest rate method. The 
effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future 
cash payments or receipts through the expected life of the financial 
instrument. Interest is accrued monthly and paid on maturity.

Establishment costs have been capitalised and are amortised over the 
life of the related borrowing less one year, with the expectation that 
borrowings will be refinanced within the year prior to maturity.

Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the Group has  
an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least  
12 months after the reporting year.

Borrowings are removed from the balance sheet when the obligation 
specified in the contract is discharged, cancelled or expired.

(ii)  Borrowing costs
Borrowing costs which are directly attributable to the construction of a 
qualifying asset are capitalised during the period of time that is required 
to complete the asset for its intended use. The capitalisation rate used 
to determine the amount of borrowing costs to be capitalised is the 
weighted average interest rate applicable to the Group’s outstanding 
borrowings, excluding working capital facilities, during the year of 4.5% 
(2017: 5.0%).

18 Financial risk management

KEEPING IT SIMPLE  
Exposure to market risk (including foreign currency risk and 
interest rate risk), credit risk and liquidity risk arises in the 
normal course of the Group’s business. A central treasury 
department oversees financial risk under Board-approved 
policies that cover specific areas related to these exposures, 
as well as the use of derivative and non-derivative financial 
instruments.

Compliance with the Board-approved policies is monitored 
on an ongoing basis, including regular reporting to the 
Board. Trading for speculation is prohibited.

(a)  Market risk

Market risk is the risk that adverse movements in foreign exchange and/
or interest rates will affect the Group’s financial performance or the 
value of its holdings of financial instruments. The Group monitors and 
measures market risk relative to risk limits established in the Treasury 
Policy. The objective of risk management is to manage the market risks 
inherent in the business to protect profitability and return on assets.

(i)  Foreign exchange risk

Exposure to foreign exchange risk
Foreign exchange risk arises from commercial transactions and 
recognised assets and liabilities that are denominated in or related to a 
currency that is not the Group’s functional currency. The Group’s foreign 
exchange exposure relates largely to the Euro (€) denominated medium-
term note borrowings issued in September 2014 (EMTN 1) and May 
2016 (EMTN 2). The Group also has exposure to movements in foreign 
currency exchange rates through anticipated purchases of parts and 
equipment.

Risk management

Cross currency interest rate swap agreements
To mitigate the risk of adverse movements in foreign exchange 
and interest rates in relation to borrowings denominated in foreign 
currency, the Group enters into cross currency interest rate swap 
(CCIRS) agreements through which it replaces the related foreign 
currency principal and interest liability payments with Australian Dollar 
principal and interest payments. These cross currency interest rate 
swap agreements are designated into cash flow and fair value hedge 
relationships.

73

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2018 (continued)FINANCIAL REPORT   
 
 
18  Financial risk management (continued)

(a)  Market risk (continued)

(i)  Foreign exchange risk (continued) 

Foreign exchange contracts
The Group uses forward contracts to manage its foreign exchange 
risk arising from anticipated purchases of parts and equipment. These 
contracts are hedging highly probable forecast foreign currency 
exposures and are denominated in the same currency as the highly 
probable future purchases. The forward contracts are designated as cash 
flow hedges and are timed to mature when foreign currency payments 
are scheduled to be made. Realised gains or losses on these contracts 
arise due to differences between the spot rates on settlement and the 
forward rates of the derivative contracts.

As at the reporting date, the Group’s exposure to foreign exchange risk 
after taking into consideration hedges of foreign currency borrowings 
and forecast foreign currency transactions is not considered material.

(ii)  Interest rate risk

Exposure to interest rate risk
The Group holds both interest bearing assets and interest bearing 
liabilities, and therefore the Group’s income and operating cash flows  
are subject to changes in market interest rates.

The Group’s main interest rate risk arises from long-term borrowings 
which expose the Group to interest rate risk. 

At the reporting date, the Group has exposure to the following variable 
rate borrowings and interest rate swaps:

Risk management
The Group manages cash flow interest rate risk by using interest rate 
swaps. CCIRS have been put in place to remove any exposure to Euro 
interest rates and associated foreign exchange from the EMTN issuances 
which in effect convert the debt to variable AUD.

Interest rate swaps currently in place cover approximately 81%  
(2017: 87%) of the variable rate exposure. The weighted average maturity 
of the outstanding swaps is approximately 3.0 years (2017: 3.8 years).

The International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) agreements 
held with counterparties allow for the netting of payments and receipts 
with respect to settlements for interest rate swap transactions.

During the year, the net realised loss arising from interest rate hedging 
activities for the Group was $4.9 million (2017: loss of $27.5 million) as 
a result of market interest rates closing lower than the average hedged 
rate. The total realised loss represents the effective portion of the hedges 
which have been recognised in interest expense.

(iii)  Sensitivity on interest rate risk
The following table summarises the gain/(loss) impact of interest rate 
changes, relating to existing borrowings and financial instruments, on net 
profit and equity before tax. The effect on equity is based on the financial 
instruments notional principal. For the purpose of this disclosure, 
sensitivity analysis is isolated to a 100 basis points increase/decrease in 
interest rates, assuming hedge designations and effectiveness and all 
other variables remain constant.

 Effect on profit 
 (before tax)

 Effect on equity 
 (before tax)

2018 
$m

2017 
$m

2018 
$m

2017 
$m

4.7

3.1

(46.7)

(64.3)

(4.7)

(3.1)

45.2

61.3

30 June 2018

30 June 2017

Weighted 
average 
interest 
rate 
%

Weighted 
average 
interest 
rate 
%

Balance 
$m

Balance 
$m

4.4

2,448.8

3.9

2,432.8

100 bps movement 
in interest rates

100 bps decrease in 
interest rates

100 bps increase in 
interest rates

4.2 

(1,975.0)

4.9 

(2,125.0)

473.8

307.8

Variable rate 
exposure

Interest rate 
swaps (notional 
principal 
amount)

Net exposure to 
interest rate risk

74

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2018 (continued)AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017–18 
18 Financial risk management (continued)

(a)  Market risk (continued)

(iv)  Effects of hedge accounting on the consolidated balance sheet and consolidated income statement
The impact of hedging instruments designated in hedging relationships on the consolidated balance sheet of the Group is as follows:

     Notional amount

Carrying amount assets/
(liability) refer to note 19  
$m

Change in fair value  
used for measuring 
ineffectiveness for the year
$m

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

Cash flow hedges

Foreign exchange risk

Forward contracts

Forward contracts

Interest rate risk

Interest rate swaps

Foreign exchange and interest rate risks

CCIRS – EMTN 1

CCIRS – EMTN 2

Fair value hedges

Foreign exchange and interest rate risks

CCIRS – EMTN 1

CCIRS – EMTN 2

Interest rate risk

Interest rate swaps

US$26.0m

€14.0m

US$7.4m

€18.5m

A$1,975.0m

A$2,125.0m

€500.0m

€500.0m

€500.0m

€500.0m

1.2

0.5

4.3

1.2

(3.8)

€500.0m

€500.0m

€500.0m

€500.0m

101.0

(16.9)

(0.2)

(0.2)

1.4

0.7

(0.2)

(0.2)

11.4

(7.1)

11.4

(1.2)

(13.0)

63.1

(57.4)

2.4

9.2

49.4

54.2

3.4

(0.9)

(1.9)

(25.9)

(26.4)

–

A$425.0m

–

3.3

–

The impact of hedged items designated in hedging relationships on the consolidated balance sheet is as follows:

Cash flow hedges (before tax)

Foreign exchange risk

Firm commitments

Interest rate risk

Forecast floating interest payments

Foreign exchange and interest rate risks

EMTN 1

EMTN 2

Cash flow hedge reserve* 
$m

Change in fair value used for 
measuring ineffectiveness 
for the year 
$m

2018

2017

2018

2017

(1.6)

0.3

(2.1)

0.4

(4.3)

(11.5)

7.1

(11.4)

6.5

15.6

(0.2)

14.4

(2.4)

(9.2)

0.9

1.9

* Cash flow hedge reserve includes the cumulative impact of cross currency basis relating to EMTN 1 and EMTN 2 of $23.5 million for the year ended 30 June 2018  
(2017: $1.4 million).

75

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2018 (continued)FINANCIAL REPORT   
 
18  Financial risk management (continued)

(a)  Market risk (continued)

(iv)   Effects of hedge accounting on the consolidated balance sheet and consolidated income statement (continued)

Fair value hedges (before tax)

Interest rate risk

AMTN 2

Foreign exchange and interest rate risks

EMTN 1

EMTN 2

* Carrying amount excludes the effect of discounts.

Carrying amount*
$m

Accumulated fair value 
adjustment
$m

Change in fair value  
used for measuring 
ineffectiveness for the year
$m

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

(429.0)

–

(4.0)

–

(4.0)

(826.6)

(784.6)

(777.2)

(730.4)

(116.0)

(6.4)

(66.6)

47.8

(49.4)

(54.2)

–

25.9

26.4

The above hedging relationships affected other comprehensive income 
as follows: 

Cash flow hedges (before tax)
Foreign exchange risk
Forward contracts

Interest rate risk
Interest rate swaps

Foreign exchange and interest rate risk
CCIRS

Hedging gain/(loss)  
recognised in  
comprehensive income 
$m

2018

2017

2.0

(7.1)

(7.9)
(13.0)

–

39.1

6.4
45.5

There was no material ineffectiveness related to cash flow hedges and fair 
value hedges recognised in the consolidated income statement during 
the year.

(b)  Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Group if a customer or 
counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual 
obligations. Credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents, derivative 
financial instruments, deposits with financial institutions and receivables 
from customers.

The maximum exposure to credit risk, excluding the value of any 
collateral or other security, at balance date to recognised financial 
assets, is the carrying amount, net of any provisions for impairment of 
those assets, as disclosed in the balance sheet and notes to the financial 
statements. Credit risk further arises in relation to financial guarantees 
received from certain parties.

Historically, there has been no significant change in customers’ credit 
risk. Other than the one-off event in relation to Queensland Nickel Pty 
Ltd in FY16, the lifetime expected loss assessment of the Group remains 
unchanged. The Group considers the probability of default upon initial 
recognition of asset and whether there has been a significant increase in 
credit risk on an ongoing basis throughout the reporting period. To assess 
whether there is a significant increase in credit risk, the Group compares 
the risk of a default occurring on the asset as at the reporting date 
with the risk of default as at the date of initial recognition. It considers 
available reasonable and supportive forward-looking information. The 
following indicators are considered:

 › External credit rating (as far as available)
 › Actual or expected significant adverse changes in business, financial or 
economic conditions that are expected to cause a significant change to 
the borrower’s ability to meet its obligations

 › Significant changes in the value of the collateral supporting the 
obligation or in the quality of third-party guarantees or credit 
enhancements

 ›  The financial position of customers, past experience and other factors 

(macroeconomic information)

The Group does not have any material credit risk exposure to any single 
receivable or group of receivables under financial instruments entered 
into by the Group. For some trade receivables, the Group may obtain 
security in the form of guarantees, deeds of undertaking or letters of 
credit which can be called upon if the counterparty is in default under the 
terms of the agreement. Refer to note 18(d) for further details.

The Group has policies in place to ensure that sales of services are 
only made to customers with an appropriate credit profile or where 
appropriate security is held. If customers are independently rated, these 
ratings are used. Otherwise, if there is no independent rating, the credit 
quality of the customer is assessed, taking into account its financial 
position, past experience and other factors.

Credit risk on cash transactions and derivative contracts is managed 
through the Board-approved Group Treasury Policies which restricts the 
Group’s exposure to financial institutions by credit rating band. The Policy 
limits the amount of credit exposure to any one financial institution. The 
Group’s net exposures and the credit ratings of its counterparties are 
regularly monitored.

76

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2018 (continued)AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017–18 
18  Financial risk management (continued) 
(c)  Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will encounter difficulties in meeting the obligations associated with its financial liabilities. The Group’s approach 
to managing liquidity is to ensure, as far as possible, sufficient liquidity is available to meet its liabilities when due, under both normal and stressed 
conditions, without incurring unacceptable losses or risking damage to the Group’s reputation.

Financing arrangements 
The Group has access to the following arrangements at the end of the reporting year:

Aurizon Finance
Working capital facility
Syndicated facility
Syndicated facility

Aurizon Network
Working capital facility
Syndicated facility
Syndicated facility
AMTN 1
AMTN 2**

EMTN 1***
EMTN 2***

Total Group financing arrangements

Security

Maturity

Unsecured
Unsecured
Unsecured

Jun-19
Jul-19
Jul-20

Unsecured
Unsecured
Unsecured
Unsecured
Unsecured

Unsecured
Unsecured

Jun-19
Oct-22
Jul-21
Oct-20
Jun-24

Sept-24
Jun-26

Utilised*

2018 
$m

2017 
$m

Facility limit
2018 
$m

2017 
$m

70.2
100.0
–
170.2

52.1
270.0
490.0
525.0
425.0

710.6

102.4
300.0
75.0
477.4

6.7
-
490.0
525.0
425.0

710.6

150.0
300.0
300.0
750.0

100.0
500.0
490.0
525.0
425.0

710.6

150.0
300.0
500.0
950.0

100.0
525.0
490.0
525.0
425.0

710.6

778.2
3,250.9
3,421.1

778.2
2,935.5
3,412.9

778.2
3,528.8
4,278.8

778.2
3,553.8
4,503.8

*  Amount utilised includes bank guarantees of $22.3 million (2017: $30.0 million) but excludes capitalised borrowing costs of $10.2 million (2017: $9.5 million) and discounts 

on medium-term notes of $13.1 million (2017: $16.0 million).

** Amount utilised excludes accumulated fair value adjustments of $4.0 million (2017: $nil) relating to changes in the interest rate due to the fair value hedging relationship.

*** Amount utilised also excludes accumulated fair value adjustments of $116.0 million (2017: $66.6 million) for EMTN 1 and $6.4 million (2017: ($47.8) million) for EMTN 2.

Within the working capital facilities, the Group has access to financial accommodation arrangements totalling $250.0 million (2017: $250.0 million) 
which may be utilised in the form of short-term working capital funding and the issuance of bank guarantees. At the end of the reporting period, the 
Group utilised $22.3 million (2017: $30.0 million) for financial bank guarantees.

The Group has complied with externally imposed debt covenants during the 2018 and 2017 reporting periods.

The following table summarises the contractual timing of undiscounted cash flows, including estimated interest payments, of financial liabilities and 
derivative instruments, expressed in AUD. The contractual amount assumes current interest rates and foreign exchange rates estimated using forward 
curves applicable at the end of the reporting period.

77

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2018 (continued)FINANCIAL REPORT   
 
 
 
18  Financial risk management (continued) 
(c)  Liquidity risk (continued) 

2018

Non-derivatives

Trade payables

Borrowings*

Financial guarantees

Derivatives

Interest rate swaps

Foreign exchange contracts

- (inflow)

- outflow

2017

Non-derivatives

Trade payables 

Borrowings*

Financial guarantees

Derivatives

Interest rate swaps

Foreign exchange contracts

- (inflow)

- outflow

Less  
than  
1 year 
$m

Between 
1 and 5 
years
$m

Over 5 
years
$m

Total 
contractual 
cash flows
$m

Carrying 
amount 
(assets)/
liabilities*
$m

275.8

251.0

22.3

549.1

1.3

–

(1.1)

–

0.2

309.7

223.7

30.0

563.4

5.5

–

(17.0)

17.2

5.7

–

–

275.8

275.8

1,883.7

2,135.3

4,270.0

3,420.4

–

–

22.3

–

1,883.7

2,135.3

4,568.1

3,696.2

(9.2)

(0.6)

–

–

0.2

(9.0)

–

–

–

(0.6)

(8.5)

–

(1.1)

0.2

(9.4)

7.6

(1.7)

–

–

5.9

–

–

309.7

309.7

1,924.4

2,246.3

4,394.4

3,384.7

–

–

30.0

–

1,924.4

2,246.3

4,734.1

3,694.4

(17.8)

–

(20.1)

21.5

(16.4)

–

–

–

–

–

(12.3)

–

(37.1)

38.7

(10.7)

(11.4)

0.4

–

–

(11.0)

*  Borrowings include the effect of CCIRS derivatives which have a carrying amount of $102.2 million (non-current asset) and $20.7 million (non-current liability)  

(2017: $61.9 million non-current asset and $70.4 million non-current liability).

(d)  Fair value measurements
The fair value of cash, cash equivalents and non-interest bearing financial 
assets and liabilities approximates their carrying value due to their short 
maturity. The fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an 
active market (for example, over-the-counter derivatives) are determined 
using valuation techniques. These valuation techniques maximise the use 
of observable market data where available and rely as little as possible 
on entity specific estimates. If all significant inputs required to fair value 
an instrument are observable, the instrument is included in Level 2.

The Group measures and recognises the following assets and liabilities at 
fair value on a recurring basis:

 › Forward foreign exchange contracts
 › Interest rate swaps
 › CCIRS

The fair value of forward foreign exchange contracts has been 
determined as the unrealised gain/(loss) at balance date by reference to 
market rates. The fair value of interest rate swaps has been determined 
as the net present value of contracted cashflows.

These values have been adjusted to reflect the credit risk of the Group 
and relevant counterparties, depending on whether the instrument is 
a financial asset or a financial liability. The existing exposure method, 
which discounts estimated future cash flows to present value using credit 
adjusted discount factors after counterparty netting arrangements, has 
been adopted for both forward foreign exchange contracts and interest 
rate swaps.

The fair value of CCIRS has been determined as the net present value of 
contracted cash flows. The future probable exposure method is applied 
to the estimated future cash flows to reflect the credit risk of the Group 
and relevant counterparties.

The fair value of non-current borrowings is estimated by discounting 
the future contractual cash flows at the current market interest rates 
that are available to Aurizon for similar financial instruments. For the 
period ended 30 June 2018, the borrowing rates were determined to be 
between 2.7% to 4.5%, depending on the type of borrowing (30 June 
2017: 2.6% to 4.8%).

78

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2018 (continued)AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017–18Notes to the consolidated financial statements
30 June 2018 (continued)

18  Financial risk management (continued) 
(d)  Fair value measurements (continued)

Fair value hierarchy
The table below analyses financial instruments carried at fair value, by 
valuation method. The different levels have been defined as follows:

Carrying 
amount

Notes

2018 
$m

2017 
$m

Fair value
2018 
$m

2017 
$m

 › Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical 

assets or liabilities

 › Level 2: 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: Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable 

market data (unobservable inputs)

During the year, there were no transfers between Level 1, Level 2 and 
Level 3 fair value hierarchies.

19

19

19

1.7

102.2

8.2

112.1

0.1

61.9

11.7

73.7

1.7

102.2

8.2

112.1

0.1

61.9

11.7

73.7

34.8

88.7

34.8

88.7

30 June 2018

Derivative financial 
assets

Derivative financial 
liabilities

7

530.9

565.7

496.8

585.5

530.9

565.7

496.8

585.5

Net financial instruments 
measured at fair value

19

19

19

–

(0.6)

(20.7)

(21.3)

(0.5)

(0.3)

(70.4)

(71.2)

–

(0.6)

(20.7)

(21.3)

(0.5)

(0.3)

(70.4)

(71.2)

30 June 2017

Derivative financial 
assets

Derivative financial 
liabilities

Net financial instruments 
measured at fair value

Notes

Level 1 
$m

Level 2 
$m

Level 3 
$m

Total 
$m

19

19

19

19

–

–

–

–

–

–

112.1

(21.3)

90.8

73.7

–

–

–

–

112.1

(21.3)

90.8

73.7

(71.2)

–

(71.2)

2.5

–

2.5

11

(275.8)

(309.7)

(275.8)

(309.7)

17 (3,501.9) (3,376.2) (3,641.2) (3,556.5)
(3,777.7) (3,685.9) (3,917.0) (3,866.2)

19 Derivative financial instruments

KEEPING IT SIMPLE  
A derivative is a type of financial instrument typically used 
to manage risk. A derivative’s value changes over time in 
response to underlying variables such as exchange rates 
or interest rates and is entered into for a fixed period. The 
Group holds derivative financial instruments to economically 
hedge its foreign currency and interest rate exposures in 
accordance with the Group’s financial risk management 
policy (refer to note 18).

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

20.8

220.9

20.4

281.3

4.8

9.1

(22.3)

(30.0)

224.2

280.8

Financial assets 
carried at fair value
Foreign exchange 
contracts

CCIRS – EMTN 1

Interest rate swaps

Financial assets carried  
at amortised cost
Cash and cash 
equivalents

Trade and other 
receivables

Financial liabilities 
carried at fair value
Foreign exchange 
contracts

Interest rate swaps

CCIRS – EMTN 2

Financial liabilities carried  
at amortised cost
Trade and other 
payables

Borrowings

Off-balance sheet

Unrecognised financial 
assets
Third party 
guarantees

Bank guarantees

Insurance company 
guarantees

Unrecognised 
financial liabilities

Bank guarantees

On 25 January 2017, as a residual obligation under the project documents 
with Moorebank Intermodal Company (MIC) Aurizon provided a Parent 
Company Guarantee (PCG) in favour of MIC in relation to 50% of the cost 
to complete construction of the Terminal Works and 25% of the contract 
sum for design and construction of the Rail Access. The estimated 
maximum exposure under the guarantee is $85.6 million (30 June 2017: 
$101.5 million), however Aurizon has obtained a 100% cross indemnity 
guarantee from Qube Holdings Ltd in respect of any call under the 
Aurizon PCG.

FINANCIAL REPORT 

79

 
 
19   Derivative financial instruments (continued)

Current assets

Foreign exchange contracts

Non-current assets

Interest rate swaps 

Foreign exchange contracts

CCIRS – EMTN 1

Total derivative financial instrument assets

Current liabilities

Foreign exchange forward contracts

Non-current liabilities

Interest rate swaps

Foreign exchange forward contracts

CCIRS – EMTN 2

Total derivative financial instrument liabilities

2018 
$m

2017 
$m

1.3

8.2

0.4

102.2

110.8

112.1

0.1

11.7

–

61.9

73.6

73.7

–

(0.3)

(0.6)

–

(20.7)

(21.3)

(21.3)

(0.3)

(0.2)

(70.4)

(70.9)

(71.2)

(a)  Offsetting derivative financial instruments
The following table presents the recognised financial instruments that are offset, or subject to enforceable master netting arrangements and other 
similar agreements but not offset, as at 30 June 2018 and 30 June 2017. The column ‘net amount’ shows the impact on the Group’s balance sheet if all 
set-off rights were exercised.

Effects of offsetting on the balance sheet

Related amounts not offset

Gross amounts 
$m

Gross amounts  
set-off in the 
balance sheet
$m

Net amounts
presented in the 
balance sheet
$m

Amounts subject  
to master netting
arrangements
$m

Net amount*
$m

112.1

(21.3)

73.7

(71.2)

–

–

–

–

112.1

(21.3)

73.7

(71.2)

(4.5)

4.5

107.6

(16.8)

(14.5)

59.2

14.5

(56.7)

2018

Financial assets

Derivative financial instruments

Financial liabilities

Derivative financial instruments

2017

Financial assets

Derivative financial instruments

Financial liabilities

Derivative financial instruments

* No financial instrument collateral.

80

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2018 (continued)AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017–18 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
30 June 2018 (continued)

19   Derivative financial instruments 

(continued)

Master netting arrangement
Derivative transactions are administered under ISDA Master Agreements. 
Under the terms of these agreements, where certain credit events 
occur (such as default), the net position owing/receivable to a single 
counterparty in the same currency will be taken as owing and all the 
relevant arrangements terminated. As the Group does not presently have 
a legally enforceable right of set-off between different transaction types, 
these amounts have not been offset in the balance sheet, but have been 
presented separately in the previous page.

Recognition and measurement
Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value on the date a derivative 
contract is entered into and are subsequently re-measured to their fair 
value at the end of each reporting period. The accounting for subsequent 
changes in fair value depends on whether the derivative is designated as 
a hedging instrument and, if so, the nature of the item being hedged.

The Group designates certain derivatives as hedges of the cashflows 
of recognised assets and liabilities, and highly probable forecast 
transactions (cashflow hedges). The Group has established a 100%  
hedge relationship against the identified exposure, therefore the  
hedge ratio is 1:1.

At inception, the Group documents the relationship between hedging 
instruments and hedged items, the risk management objective and 
the strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. The Group, 
at inception and on an ongoing basis, documents its assessment of 
whether the derivatives used in hedging transactions have been, and will 
continue to be, highly effective in offsetting future cashflows of hedged 
items. Hedge effectiveness is determined at the inception of the hedge 
relationship, and through periodic prospective effectiveness assessments 
to ensure that an economic relationship exists between the hedged 
item and hedging instrument. The Group enters into hedge relationships 
where the critical terms of the hedging instrument match exactly 
with the terms of the hedged item, and so a qualitative assessment of 
effectiveness is performed. If changes in circumstances affect the terms 
of the hedged item such that the critical terms no longer match exactly 
with the critical terms of the hedging instrument, the Group uses the 
hypothetical derivative method to assess effectiveness.

The fair values of derivative financial instruments used for hedging 
purposes are disclosed in this section. The full fair value of a hedging 
derivative is classified as a non-current asset or liability when the 
remaining maturity of the hedged item is more than 12 months. It is 
classified as a current asset or liability when the remaining maturity  
of the hedged item is less than 12 months.

 Cash flow hedge

(i) 
The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives that 
are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges is recognised in other 
comprehensive income, and accumulated in reserves in equity limited 
to the cumulative change in fair value of the hedged item on a present 
value basis from the inception of the hedge. Ineffectiveness is recognised 
on a cash flow hedge where the cumulative change in the designated 
component value of the hedging instrument exceeds on an absolute 
basis the change in value of the hedged item attributable to the hedged 
risk. Ineffectiveness may arise where the timing of the transaction 
changes from what was originally estimated or differences arise between 
credit risk inherent within the hedged item and the hedging instrument. 
The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognised 
immediately in profit or loss within other income or other expense.

Amounts accumulated in equity are reclassified to profit or loss in the 
periods when the hedged item affects profit or loss. However, when 
the forecast transaction that is hedged results in the recognition of a 
non-financial asset, the gains and losses previously deferred in equity are 
reclassified from equity and included in the initial measurement of the 
cost or carrying amount of the asset.

When a hedging instrument expires or is sold or terminated, or when a 
hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, any cumulative 
gain or loss existing in equity at that time remains in equity and is 
recognised when the forecast transaction is ultimately recognised in 
profit or loss. When a forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, 
the cumulative gain or loss that was reported in equity is immediately 
reclassified to profit or loss.

If the hedge ratio for risk management purposes is no longer optimal 
but the risk management objective remains unchanged and the hedge 
continues to qualify for hedge accounting, the hedge relationship will be 
rebalanced by adjusting either the volume of the hedging instrument or 
the volume of the hedged item so that the hedge ratio aligns with the 
ratio used for risk management purposes. Any hedge ineffectiveness 
is calculated and accounted for at the time of the hedge relationship 
rebalancing.

(ii)   Fair value hedge
Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify 
as fair value hedges are recorded in the profit or loss, together with 
any changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are 
attributable to the hedged risk.

The gain or loss relating to the effective portion of interest rate swaps 
hedging fixed rate borrowings is recognised in profit or loss within 
finance costs, together with changes in the fair value of the hedged fixed 
rate borrowings attributable to interest rate risk. The gain or loss relating 
to the ineffective portion is recognised in the profit or loss within other 
income or other expenses. If the hedge no longer meets the criteria for 
hedge accounting, the adjustment to the carrying amount of a hedged 
item for which the effective interest method is used is amortised to the 
profit or loss over the period to maturity using a recalculated effective 
interest rate.

8181

FINANCIAL REPORT  FINANCIAL REPORT  Group structure

IN THIS SECTION

Group structure provides information about particular subsidiaries 
and associates and how changes have affected the financial 
position and performance of the Group.

20  Associates and joint arrangements 

21  Material subsidiaries 

22  Parent disclosures 

23  Deed of cross guarantee 

24  Discontinued operation 

25  Assets classified as held for sale 

Page 83

Page 83

Page 84

Page 85

Page 87

Page 88

82 AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017–18

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2018 (continued)20  Associates and joint arrangements

KEEPING IT SIMPLE  
Associates are all entities over which the Group has 
significant influence but not control or joint control. 
Investments in associates are accounted for using the  
equity method of accounting after initially being  
recognised at cost.

Non-current assets

Interest in joint ventures (b)

(a)  Investments in associates

The Group has an interest in the following associates:

2018 
$m

2017 
$m

3.2

2.4

Ownership interest

Recognition and measurement
Under the equity method of accounting, the investments are initially 
recognised at cost and adjusted thereafter to recognise the Group’s share 
of the post-acquisition profits or losses of the investee in profit or loss, 
and the Group’s share of movements in other comprehensive income 
of the investee in other comprehensive income. The cumulative post-
acquisition movements are adjusted against the carrying amount of  
the investment. Dividends received or receivable from associates and 
joint ventures are recognised as a reduction in the carrying amount  
of the investment.

When the Group’s share of losses in an associate equals or exceeds 
its interest in the associate, including any other unsecured long-term 
receivables, the Group does not recognise further losses, unless it has 
incurred obligations or made payments on behalf of the associate.

The carrying amount of equity accounted investments is tested for 
impairment in accordance with the policy described in note 9(v). 
The recoverable amount of the investment in Aquila is dependent on 
judgements made in relation to the long-term foreign exchange rates, 
metallurgical coal prices, iron ore prices and the timing of development  
of Aquila’s mining projects and is nil.

Name

Aquila Resources 
Limited*

Country of 
operation

2018  
%

2017  
%

Principal 
activity

21 Material subsidiaries

Australia

15

15

Exploration 
and mining

The Group’s material subsidiaries that were controlled during the year 
and prior years are set out below.

*  Aquila Resources Limited is accounted for as an associated company because the 
Group has significant influence primarily through representation on its Board of 
Directors.

(b)  Investments in joint ventures
The Group has an interest in the following joint ventures, which are equity 
accounted, contributed $0.8 million to the Group results, have net assets 
of $3.2 million and are not considered material to the Group.

Ownership interest

Name

Country of 
operation

2018  
%

2017  
%

Principal 
activity

Chun Wo/CRGL

China-Hong Kong

17

17 Construction

Name of entity

Aurizon Operations Limited

Interail Australia Pty Ltd

Australia Eastern Railroad Pty Ltd

Australia Western Railroad Pty Ltd

Aurizon Network Pty Ltd

Aurizon Property Pty Ltd

Aurizon Terminal Pty Ltd

Aurizon Finance Pty Ltd

Country of 
incorporation

Equity 
holding
%

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

ARG Risk 
Management 
Limited

Integrated 
Logistics 
Company Pty Ltd

ACN 169 052 288

Bermuda

50

50

Insurance

Iron Horse Insurance Company Pte Ltd

Singapore

Australia

Australia

14

15

14

15

Consulting

Dormant

Principles of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the assets and 
liabilities of all subsidiaries of the Group as at reporting date and the 
results of all subsidiaries for the year.

Subsidiaries are all entities (including structured entities) over which 
the Group has control. The Group controls an entity when the Group is 
exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the 
entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power  
to direct the activities of the entity.

Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is 
transferred to the Group and de-consolidated from the date that control 
ceases. Transactions between continuing and discontinued operations are 
treated as external from the date that the operation was discontinued.

Intercompany transactions, balances and unrealised gains on transactions 
between Group companies are eliminated on consolidation.

83

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2018 (continued)FINANCIAL REPORT  21 Material subsidiaries (continued) 

Changes in ownership interests
When the Group ceases to have control, joint control or significant 
influence, any retained interest in the entity is remeasured to its fair 
value with the change in carrying amount recognised in the profit or 
loss. This fair value becomes the initial carrying amount for the purposes 
of subsequently accounting for the retained interest as an associate, 
joint venture or financial asset. In addition, any amounts previously 
recognised in other comprehensive income in respect of that entity are 
accounted for as if the Group had directly disposed of the related assets 
or liabilities. This may mean that amounts previously recognised in other 
comprehensive income are classified to profit or loss.

If the ownership interest in a joint venture or an associate is reduced 
but joint control or significant influence is retained, only a proportionate 
share of the amounts previously recognised in other comprehensive 
income are reclassified to profit or loss where appropriate.

22 Parent disclosures

The parent and ultimate parent entity within the Group is Aurizon 
Holdings Limited.

(a)  Summary financial information
The individual financial statements for the parent entity show the 
following aggregate amounts:

Current assets

Non-current assets

Total assets

Current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

Shareholders’ equity

Contributed equity

Retained earnings

Reserves

Total equity

Profit for the year

Total comprehensive income

2018  
$m

61.1

2017  
$m

15.9

6,093.9

6,092.6

6,155.0

6,108.5

(61.1)

(14.8)

(1,726.6)

(1,428.2)

(1,787.7)

(1,443.0)

4,367.3

4,665.5

906.6

1,206.6

1.7

0.9

3,459.0

3,458.0

4,367.3

4,665.5

462.9

462.9

550.1

550.1

The parent entity has several employees. All costs associated with these 
employees are borne by a subsidiary of the parent entity and are not 
included in the above disclosures.

(b)  Guarantees entered into by the parent entity
There are cross guarantees given by Aurizon Holdings Limited and its 
subsidiaries as listed in note 23.

(c)  Contingent liabilities of the parent entity
The parent entity did not have any material contingent liabilities as at  
30 June 2018 or 30 June 2017. For information about guarantees given by 
the parent entity, please see above.

(d)   Contractual commitments for the acquisition of property, 

plant and equipment

As at 30 June 2018, the parent entity did not have any contractual 
commitments for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment  
(2017: nil).

Recognition and measurement
The financial information for the parent entity, Aurizon Holdings Limited, 
has been prepared on the same basis as the consolidated financial 
statements, except as set out below.

(i) 

 Investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint 
venture entities

Investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint venture entities are 
accounted for at cost in the financial statements of Aurizon Holdings 
Limited. Dividends received from associates are recognised in the parent 
entity’s income statement, rather than being deducted from the carrying 
amount of these investments.

(ii)  Tax consolidation legislation
Aurizon and its wholly-owned Australian entities elected to form a 
tax consolidation group with effect from 22 November 2010 and are 
therefore taxed as a single entity. The head entity of the tax consolidated 
group is Aurizon Holdings Limited.

The head entity, Aurizon Holdings Limited, and the controlled entities in 
the tax consolidated group account for their own current and deferred  
tax amounts. These tax amounts are measured as if each entity in the  
tax consolidated group continues to be a stand-alone taxpayer in  
its own right.

In addition to its own current and deferred tax amounts, Aurizon also 
recognises the current tax liabilities (or assets) and the deferred tax assets 
arising from unused tax losses and unused tax credits assumed from 
controlled entities in the tax consolidation group.

The entities have also entered into tax sharing and tax funding agreements. 
The tax funding agreement sets out the funding obligations of members 
of the tax consolidated group in respect of income tax amounts. The tax 
funding arrangements require payments to the head entity equal to the 
current tax liability assumed by the head entity. In addition, the head entity 
is required to make payments equal to the current tax asset or deferred tax 
asset arising from unused tax losses and tax credits assumed by the head 
entity from a subsidiary member.

These tax funding arrangements result in the head entity recognising a 
current inter-entity receivable/payable equal in amount to the tax liability/
asset assumed.

84

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2018 (continued)AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017–18Statement of comprehensive income

Profit/(loss) for the year

Other comprehensive income

Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss

–  Change in the foreign currency translation 

reserve

–  Changes in the fair value of cash flow 

hedges

–  Income tax relating to components  

of other comprehensive income

Other comprehensive income/(expense) 
for the year, net of tax

Total comprehensive income/(expense)  
for the year

2018  
$m

2017  
$m

856.3

(178.0)

(0.1)

(0.1)

0.2

(3.7) 

(0.1)

1.1

–

(2.7)

856.3

(180.7)

Summary of movements in consolidated retained earnings

Retained (losses)/earnings at the beginning  
of the financial year

Profit/(loss) for the year

Dividends provided for or paid

Retained earnings/(losses) at  
the end of the financial year

(283.6)

446.3

856.3

(462.1)

(178.0)

(551.9)

110.6

(283.6)

22 Parent disclosures (continued) 

(ii)  Tax consolidation legislation (continued)
The tax sharing agreement limits the joint and several liability of the 
wholly-owned entities in the case of a default by the head entity.

(iii)  Employee benefits – share-based payments
The grant by the Company of rights over its equity instruments to the 
employees of subsidiaries are treated as a capital contribution to that 
subsidiary. The fair value of employee services received, measured by 
reference to the grant date fair value, is recognised over the vesting 
period as an increase to investment in the corresponding subsidiaries.

23 Deed of cross guarantee

Aurizon Holdings Limited, Aurizon Finance Pty Ltd, Aurizon Property 
Holding Pty Ltd, Aurizon Property Pty Ltd, Aurizon Terminal Pty Ltd, 
Aurizon Operations Limited, Aurizon Intermodal Pty Ltd, Logistics 
Australasia Pty Ltd, Aurizon Resource Logistics Pty Limited, Interail 
Australia Pty Ltd, Australian Rail Pty Ltd, Australia Eastern Railroad Pty 
Ltd, Australia Western Railroad Pty Ltd and Australian Railroad Group 
Employment Pty Ltd are parties to a Deed of Cross Guarantee, under 
which each company guarantees the debts of the others. By entering 
into the cross guarantee, the wholly-owned entities have been relieved 
from the requirement to prepare separate financial and directors’ 
reports under ASIC Corporations (Wholly owned Companies) Instrument 
2016/785.

(a)   Consolidated statement of profit or loss, statement of 
comprehensive income and summary of movements in 
consolidated retained earnings

The Aurizon Deed Parties represent the ‘closed group’ for the purposes 
of the Class Order, and as there are no other parties to the cross 
guarantee that are controlled by Aurizon Holdings Limited, they also 
represent the ‘extended closed group’.

Income statement

Revenue from continuing operations

Other income

Consumables 

Employee benefits expense

Depreciation and amortisation expense

Impairment losses

Other expenses

Share of net profits/(losses) of associates and 
joint venture partnerships accounted for using 
the equity method

Finance costs

Finance income

Profit/(loss) before income tax

Income tax (expense)/benefit

Profit/(loss) for the year

2018  
$m

2017  
$m

2,781.9

2,984.1

592.5

216.5

(1,274.4)

(1,536.8)

(694.2)

(843.4)

(234.7)

(298.2)

(74.6)

(837.9)

(112.5)

(25.4)

0.8

(14.3)

2.8

(0.1)

(21.1)

1.6

973.3

(360.7)

(117.0)

856.3

182.7

(178.0)

85

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2018 (continued)FINANCIAL REPORT  23 Deed of cross guarantee (continued)

(b)  Consolidated balance sheet
The balance sheet of the parties to the Deed of Cross Guarantee at each reporting date is presented below:

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Inventories

Prepayments

Assets classified as held for sale 

Total current assets

Non-current assets

Inventories 

Derivative financial instruments

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Investments accounted for using the equity method

Other financial assets*

Deferred tax assets

Total non-current assets

Total assets

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Current tax liabilities

Provisions

Other liabilities

Liabilities directly associated with assets classified as held for sale

Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Borrowings

Provisions

Other liabilities

Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

Equity

Contributed equity

Reserves

Retained earnings

Total equity

* Other financial assets represent investments in entities outside of the deed group.

86

2018 
$m

2017 
$m

11.3

441.3

88.2

4.1

108.0

652.9

22.5

2.0

48.7

400.6

76.5

24.4

6.7

556.9

26.6

3.4

3,277.3

3,475.2

77.6

3.2

1,222.9

148.4

89.3

2.4

1,224.1

165.5

4,753.9

4,986.5

5,406.8

5,543.4

305.7

49.0

287.3

48.0

12.7

365.8

74.0

246.7

4.7

–

702.7

691.2

99.4

63.3

50.4

213.1

915.8

373.7

70.5

7.7

451.9

1,143.1

4,491.0

4,400.3

906.6

1,206.6

3,473.8

3,477.3

110.6

(283.6)

4,491.0

4,400.3

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2018 (continued)AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017–1824 Discontinued operation

(a)  Description
On 14 August 2017 the Group announced its intention to exit the 
Intermodal business through a combination of closure and sale.

Aurizon signed a binding agreement with Pacific National to sell its 
Acacia Ridge Intermodal Terminal. That transaction includes the transfer 
of approximately 30 employee positions, as well as assets, commercial 
and operational agreements.

Aurizon signed a separate binding agreement to sell its Queensland 
Intermodal business to a consortium of Linfox and Pacific National  
(QI BSA). The transaction includes the transfer of approximately  
330 employee positions, as well as assets, commercial and operational 
arrangements to the Linfox and Pacific National consortium.

The closure of Interstate Intermodal has resulted in $74.7 million of 
significant items being recognised in the year ended 30 June 2018. 
Significant Interstate Intermodal items include $61.0 million for contract, 
lease and supplier exit costs, $9.1 million in redundancy costs and asset 
write downs of $4.6 million.

SIGNIFICANT JUDGEMENTS 
Notwithstanding the ACCC decision Aurizon remains committed to 
exiting the Intermodal business and on this basis has continued to 
classify the Acacia Ridge and Queensland Intermodal business assets  
as held for sale and discontinued operations at 30 June 2018.

Financial information relating to the discontinued operation for the 
period is set out below.

The transactions are subject to:

(b)  Financial performance and cash flow information

Revenue

Employee benefits expense

Energy and fuel

Track access

Consumables

Depreciation and amortisation*

Impairment losses**

Other expenses

Net finance costs

Loss before income tax

2018 
$m

225.4

(79.6)

(19.1)

(35.1)

2017 
$m

309.8

(72.8)

(31.9)

(58.8)

(134.5)

(180.2)

(2.3)

(17.3)

(4.6)

(162.2)

(48.9)

–

(2.0)

0.1

(98.7)

(215.3)

Income tax benefit

21.6 

64.6

Loss from discontinued operation after tax

(77.1) 

(150.7)

Net cash (outflow) from operating activities

(25.1)

(34.8)

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from  
investing activities***

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from  
financing activities

Net increase/(decrease) in cash generated  
by the discontinued operation

54.6

(34.7)

– 

–

29.5 

(69.5)

*  

 Includes $2.0 million depreciation (2017: $16.7 million) and $0.3 million 
amortisation expense (2017: $0.6 million).

**   Includes $2.4 million relating to property, plant and equipment (2017:  

$161.0 million) and $2.2 million relating to intangible assets (2017: $1.2 million).

***  Net cash inflow from investing activities includes $45.0 million deposit in 

relation to the transactions.

 › Approval by the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission 

(ACCC); and

 › Approval by the Foreign Investment & Review Board (FIRB)

Total consideration for the two transactions is $225.0 million of which 
$45.0 million has been received to date.

The ACCC decision was announced on 19 July 2018. The ACCC decided 
to oppose both transactions and commenced proceedings against 
Pacific National and Aurizon in the Federal Court of Australia. The ACCC 
has sought declarations, pecuniary penalties, orders restraining the 
existing sale transactions from proceeding and costs. The ACCC has also 
sought an injunction to prevent Aurizon from closing its Queensland 
Intermodal business while proceedings are on foot. While Aurizon refutes 
the ACCC’s allegations and will defend the proceedings including seeking 
clearance of the Acacia Ridge transaction, there is a risk that the Acacia 
Ridge transaction will be prevented from completing and/or Aurizon 
incurs orders for pecuniary penalties and costs. There is also the risk that, 
in the interim whilst the matter is being determined by the Court, Aurizon 
is injuncted from closing the Queensland Intermodal business.

On 12 August 2018 Aurizon provided Pacific National with a notice to 
terminate the Business Sale Agreement for the Queensland Intermodal 
business, with effect from 13 August 2018. It is Aurizon’s intention to 
not contest clearance of that transaction through the Federal Court and 
to exit the business. As clearance has not been obtained for the sale of 
the Queensland Intermodal business, $10 million of the consideration 
received for the transactions to date (recognised as a liability at 30 June 
2018) will be refunded to Pacific National. The Business Sale Agreement 
for the Acacia Ridge Terminal remains in place while Aurizon seeks 
clearance of that transaction, and the remainder of the consideration 
received for the transactions to date ($35 million) is not refundable.

Notwithstanding this Aurizon remains committed to exiting the 
Intermodal business and on this basis has continued to classify the 
Acacia Ridge and Queensland Intermodal business assets as held for  
sale and discontinued operations at 30 June 2018.

On 10 August 2018 the Federal Court of Australian heard an application 
from the ACCC for an interlocutory injunction to require Aurizon to 
continue to operate the Queensland Intermodal business in the ordinary 
and usual course. The Court reserved judgement on the matter, and 
judgement is currently expected to be handed down on 13 August 2018.

Aurizon’s Interstate Intermodal business has been closed with the last 
operational service occurring on 23 December 2017. Approximately 
160 employee positions were affected by the closure of the Interstate 
business.

87

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2018 (continued)FINANCIAL REPORT   
 
24 Discontinued operation (continued)

(c)  Significant items
Significant items are those items where their nature and amount is considered material to the financial statements. Items related to discontinued 
operations included within the Group’s profit are detailed below:

Significant items

Closure costs

Impairment expense

Redundancy costs

2018 
$m

2017 
$m

(61.0)

(4.6)

(9.1)

–

(162.2)

(5.0)

(74.7)

(167.2)

$74.7 million of significant items comprises $61.0 million for contract, lease and supplier exit costs, $9.1 million in redundancy costs for 158 employees in 
the Interstate business and asset write downs of $4.6 million.

(d)  Assets and liabilities of disposal group classified as held for sale
The following assets and liabilities relating to Intermodal and Acacia Ridge businesses were reclassified as held for sale in relation to discontinued 
operations as at 30 June 2018:

Assets classified as held for sale

Property, plant and equipment

Trade and other receivables

Inventories

Total assets of disposal group held for sale

Liabilities directly associated with assets classified as held for sale

Employee benefit obligations

Net assets classified as held for sale

25 Assets classified as held for sale

Property, plant and equipment

Trade and other receivables

Inventories

Total assets held for sale

2018 
$m

78.6

26.3

1.2

106.1

(12.7)

93.4

2017 
$m

7.3

–

–

7.3

2018 
$m

80.5

26.3

1.2

108.0

Assets held for sale includes $106.1 million related to discontinued operation. Refer to note 24.

Recognition and measurement
Non-current assets (or disposal groups) are classified as held for sale if their carrying amount will be recovered principally through a sale transaction, 
rather than through continuing use and a sale is considered highly probable. They are measured at the lower of their carrying amount and FVLCD, 
except for assets such as deferred tax assets; assets arising from employee benefits; financial assets; and investment property that are carried at fair 
value and contractual rights under insurance contracts which are specifically exempt from this requirement.

Non-current assets (including those that are part of a disposal group) are not depreciated or amortised while they are classified as held for sale. 
Interest and other expenses attributable to the liabilities of a disposal group classified as held for sale continue to be recognised.

88

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2018 (continued)AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017–18Other information

IN THIS SECTION

Other information provides information on other items which 
require disclosure to comply with Australian Accounting 
Standards and other regulatory pronouncements however 
are not considered critical in understanding the financial 
performance or position of the Group.

26   Notes to the consolidated statements of cash flows 

Page 90

27  Related party transactions 

28  Key Management Personnel compensation 

29  Share-based payments 

30  Remuneration of auditors 

31  Summary of other significant accounting policies 

Page 91

Page 91

Page 91

Page 92

Page 93

FINANCIAL REPORT  

89

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2018 (continued)26  Notes to the consolidated statement of cash flows

(a)   Reconciliation of net cash inflow from operating activities to profit from continuing operations

Profit/(loss) for the year from continuing operations

Depreciation and amortisation

Impairment of non-financial assets

Interest expense

Non-cash employee benefits expense — share-based payments

Net loss on sale of assets

Share of net (profit)/loss of associates and joint venture partnership

Net exchange differences

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

(Increase)/Decrease in trade and other receivables

(Increase)/Decrease in inventories

Decrease in other operating assets

(Decrease)/Increase in trade and other payables

Decrease in other liabilities

Increase/(Decrease) in current tax liabilities

Increase/(Decrease) in deferred tax liabilities

(Decrease)/Increase in provisions

2018 
$m

560.1

525.5

70.0

168.3

3.9

4.7

(0.8)

0.3

(90.4)

(2.8)

1.9

(17.9)

(32.8)

40.3

90.7

(13.3)

2017 
$m

(37.2)

567.3

678.3

181.3

6.6

6.0

0.1

–

16.8

28.9

0.1

22.0

(33.0)

(79.4)

(112.4)

27.8

Net cash inflow from operating activities from continuing operations

1,307.7

1,273.2

(b)   Reconciliation of liabilities arising from financing activities to financing cash flows

Balance as at 1 July 2017

Financing cash flows**

Changes in fair value

Effect of changes in exchange rates

Other changes in fair values

Other non-cash movements

Balance as at 30 June 2018

Current
borrowings

Non-current
borrowings

Liabilities 
held to 
hedge
borrowings*

$m

(79.0)

(21.0)

–

–

–

$m

(3,297.2)

8.8

(90.6)

(20.0)

(2.9)

$m

(70.7)

–

45.3

4.1

–

Assets held  
to hedge
borrowings*

$m

Total

$m

73.6

(3,373.3)

–

(12.2)

45.3

(8.5)

–

–

(24.4)

(2.9)

 (100.0)

(3,401.9)

(21.3)

110.4

(3,412.8)

*  Assets and liabilities held to hedge borrowings exclude foreign exchange contracts included in note 19.

** Financing cash flows consists of the net amount of proceeds from borrowings, repayment of borrowings and payments of transaction costs related to borrowings  

in the consolidated statement of cash flows.

90

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2018 (continued)AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017–18 
27  Related party transactions

29  Share-based payments

(a)   Transactions with Directors and Key Management 

Personnel

There were no Key Management Personnel (KMP) related party 
transactions during the year (2017: nil).

(b)  Transactions with other related parties
There were no transactions with other related parties during the year 
(2017: nil).

(c)   Terms and conditions of transactions with related parties 

other than Key Management Personnel or entities 
related to them and intra group transactions

All other transactions were made on normal commercial terms and 
conditions and at market rates, except that there are no fixed terms for 
the repayment of loans between the parent and its subsidiaries. All loans 
are non interest bearing. Outstanding balances are unsecured.

28   Key Management Personnel 

compensation

Short-term employee benefits

Post-employment benefits

Long-term benefits

Termination benefits

Share-based payments

2018  

$’000

8,769

290

96

–

2,159

11,314

2017  

$’000

7,602

326

(57)

3,110

2,634

13,615

Short-term employee benefits include cash salary, at risk performance 
incentives and fees, non-monetary benefits and other short-term 
benefits. Non-monetary benefits represent the value of Reportable 
Fringe Benefits for the respective Fringe Benefits Tax year ending 
31 March, the estimated value of car parking provided, motor vehicle 
lease payments and annual leave accrued or utilised during the  
financial year. Other short-term benefits include sign-on bonus and 
relocation assistance.

KEEPING IT SIMPLE  
The share-based payments schemes described in this 
section were established by the Board of Directors 
to provide long-term incentives to the Group’s senior 
executives based on shareholder returns taking into account 
the Group’s financial and operational performance. Eligible 
executives may be granted rights on terms and conditions 
determined by the Board from time to time. The fair value 
of rights granted under the schemes is recognised as an 
employee benefits expense with a corresponding increase 
in equity.

(a)  Performance rights plan
Performance rights are granted by the Company for nil consideration. 
Participation in the plan is at the Board’s discretion so that no individual 
has a contractual right to be awarded rights under the plan or to receive 
any guaranteed benefits. Each right is a right to receive one fully-paid 
ordinary share in Aurizon Holdings Limited at no cost if the vesting 
conditions are satisfied. Rights granted under the plan carry no dividend 
or voting rights.

The Board will determine the exercise price payable on exercise of a 
vested right and the exercise period of a right. The Board may, in its 
discretion, determine that early vesting of a right will occur if there is a 
takeover bid, scheme of arrangement or some other change of control 
transaction of the Group. The Board may also accelerate the vesting of 
some or all of the rights held by an executive in specified circumstances. 
These include but are not limited to death, total and permanent 
disablement, or cessation of employment.

The share-based payment schemes are described as follows:

Short-term Incentive Award (STIA) 

A portion of any STIA for the Managing Director & CEO as well as the 
executive management team will be awarded in rights to ordinary shares 
and 40% is deferred for a period of one year. The rights will vest after 
one year and become exercisable provided that the executive remains 
employed by the Group at the vesting date, unless otherwise determined 
by the Board.

Long-term Incentive Award (LTIA)
Performance rights are granted to senior executives as part of the 
Group’s LTIA. The first grant of LTIA rights was in November 2010. The 
rights are subject to employment service conditions and satisfying 
market based performance hurdles of Total Shareholder Return (TSR), 
non-market based Operating Ratio (OR) and Return on Invested Capital 
(ROIC). In 2017, the OR hurdle was removed as a company hurdle. In the 
event that company hurdles are not achieved, in relation to the 2014 and 
2015 awards, the performance period may be extended for a further year 
at the discretion of the Board. Retesting will no longer form part of the 
LTIA from the 2016 award.

Retentions
At the Board’s discretion, eligible executives may be granted retention 
rights that may vest at the end of the specified retention period or 
project provided that the executive remains employed by the Group at 
the vesting date.

91

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2018 (continued)FINANCIAL REPORT  29   Share-based payments (continued)
(a)  Performance rights plan (continued) 

Set out below are summaries of rights granted under the plans:

(b)  Expenses arising from share-based payment transactions
Total expenses arising from share-based payment transactions 
recognised during the period as part of employee benefit expense  
was $3.886 million (2017: $6.559 million).

Balance 
at start of 
the year 
Number 
‘000

Granted 
during 
the year 
Number 
‘000

Exercised 
during 
the year 
Number 
‘000

Forfeited 
during 
the year 
Number 
‘000

Balance 
at end of 
the year 
Number 
‘000

2018

STIAD

LTIA

–

105

–

–

105

10,462

3,982

(486)

(2,303)

11,655

Retentions

25

–

–

–

25

Total

2017

STIAD

LTIA

10,487

4,087

(486)

(2,303)

11,785

419

–

(419)

–

–

11,922

3,229

(1,127)

(3,562)

10,462

Retentions

125

25

(40)

(85)

25

Total

12,466

3,254

(1,586)

(3,647)

10,487

Recognition and measurement
The fair value of rights granted under the Performance Rights Plan 
is recognised as an employee benefits expense with a corresponding 
increase in equity. The total amount to be expensed is determined by 
reference to the fair value of the rights granted, which includes any 
market performance conditions and the impact of any non-vesting 
conditions, but excludes the impact of any service and non-market 
performance vesting conditions.

The total expense is recognised over the vesting period, which is the 
period over which all of the specified vesting conditions are to be 
satisfied. At the end of each period, the Company revises its estimates of 
the number of rights that are expected to vest based on the non-market 
vesting conditions. It recognises the impact of the revision to original 
estimates, if any, in profit or loss, with a corresponding adjustment 
to equity.

Share-based compensation is settled by making on-market purchases 
of the Company’s ordinary shares.

At 30 June 2018, there were no vested but unexercised rights (2017: nil).

30 Remuneration of auditors

The weighted average exercise price of rights granted during the year was 
nil (2017: nil), as the rights have no exercise price. The weighted average 
share price at the date of exercise for rights exercised during the period 
was $5.22 (2017:$4.65). The weighted average remaining contractual life 
of share rights outstanding at 30 June 2018 was 1.4 years (2017:1.5 years).

Fair value of rights granted
In determining the fair value, market techniques for valuation were 
applied in accordance with AASB 2. The fair value of the portion of 
Short-term Incentive Award Deferred (STIAD) and the portion of LTIA 
rights, that are subject to non-market based performance conditions, 
were $5.01 and $4.27 (2017: $nil granted for STIAD and $4.09 for 
LTIA) respectively, determined by the share price at grant date less an 
adjustment for estimated dividends payable during the vesting period. 
The fair value of the LTIA rights subject to the TSR market based 
performance condition has been calculated using the Monte-Carlo 
simulation techniques based on the inputs disclosed in the table below: 

2018

2017

During the year the following fees were paid or payable for services 
provided by the auditor of the parent entity and its related practices:

PwC Australia

Audit and other assurance services

2018 
$’000

2017 
$’000

Audit and other assurance services

Audit and review of financial statements

1,295

1,388

Other assurance services

Other assurance services

122

37

Total remuneration for audit and other 
assurance services

Other services

Advisory services

1,417

1,425

282

1,699

718

2,143

Scheme

LTIA

LTIA

LTIA

LTIA

Total remuneration of PwC Australia 

Grant date

7 Oct 2017

7 Oct 2017

7 Sep 2016 7 Oct 2016

Vesting date

1 Jul 2020

1 Jul 2021

31 Dec 
2020

31 Dec 
2021

Expiry date

Share price at  
grant date

30 Jun 
2019

31 Dec 
2019

30 Jun 
2019

31 Dec 
2019

$5.07

$5.07

$4.43

$4.79

Expected life

3.0 years

4.0 years

3.5 years

3.5 years

Company share 
price volatility

Risk free rate

Dividend yield

Fair value

19.50%

19.50%

32.75%

32.25%

2.00%

5.25%

$1.86

2.20%

5.50%

$1.93

1.45%

5.85%

$1.83

1.65%

5.75%

$2.25

The Company share price volatility is based on the Company’s average 
historical share price volatility to the grant date.

92

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2018 (continued)AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017–18 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
30 June 2018 (continued)

31  Summary of other significant 

accounting policies

Other significant 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. Where necessary, comparative information has been restated to 
conform with changes in presentation in the current year.

(a)  Basis of preparation

(i)  New and amended standards adopted by the Group
Certain new accounting standards and amendments to standards have 
been published that are mandatory for 30 June 2018 reporting periods. 
The Group has assessed these new standards and amendments and they 
do not materially impact the amounts recognised in the current period or 
any prior period and are not likely to affect any future periods. The Group 
has not early adopted any amendments, standards or interpretations that 
have been issued but are not yet effective in the current year except for 
AASB 9 Financial Instruments which was early adopted in the year ended 
30 June 2015.

(ii)   New standards and interpretations not yet adopted
Certain new accounting standards and interpretations have been 
published that are not mandatory for 30 June 2018 reporting periods 
and have not been early adopted by the Group, other than AASB 9 as 
outlined above. The Group’s assessment of the impact of these new 
standards and interpretations is set out below.

AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers  
(mandatory for financial year beginning 1 July 2018)
Nature of change:

The AASB has issued a new standard for the recognition of revenue. 
This will replace AASB 118 which covers revenue arising from the sale 
of goods and the rendering of services, and AASB 111 which covers 
construction contracts. The new standard is based on the principle that 
revenue is recognised when control of a good or service transfers to a 
customer. The standard permits either a full retrospective or a modified 
retrospective approach for the adoption.

Impact:

The Group has reviewed sales contracts that together account for 99% 
of the Group’s sales revenue from continuing operations to identify the 
potential changes in: timing of revenue recognition, measurement of the 
amount of revenue and note disclosure between the current standard 
AASB 118 and AASB 15.

Revenue is currently derived from:

Freight Transport Services
 › Transport of coal from mines in Queensland and New South Wales to 

end customers and ports

 › Transport of bulk mineral commodities (including iron ore), agricultural 
products, mining and industrial inputs, and general freight throughout 
Queensland and Western Australia

Access
 › Provision of access to, and operation of, the Central Queensland Coal 

Network; and

Other
 › Other services including the provision of maintenance and rail grinding

Revenue for freight transport services is currently recognised under 
AASB 118 once the individual service has been provided and is calculated 
based on the rates agreed with customers on a tonnes per delivery 
basis. Access revenue is currently also recognised under AASB 118 once 
the individual service has been provided and is calculated based on 
a number of operating parameters, including the volume hauled and 
regulator approved tariffs.

On adoption of AASB 15, timing of recognition and measurement of 
revenue for freight services and access revenue will be consistent with 
the current treatment. Under AASB 15, individual services are considered 
separate performance obligations and freight transport and access 
revenue will continue to be recognised once the service has been 
provided.

Revenue from other services primarily includes rail grinding services 
and Transport Service Contract (TSC) payments received from the State 
Government for regional freight and livestock transport. Under AASB 
118, revenue for other services is recognised once the service has been 
provided and is calculated in line with contractual arrangements. On 
adoption of AASB 15, there will be no change in the timing of recognition 
and measurement of revenue.

Other revenue earned by the Group includes payments in relation to 
Access Facilitation Deeds (AFD) for mine specific infrastructure which 
is currently recognised under AASB 118 over the term of the contract 
as services are provided and external maintenance which is recognised 
under AASB 118 once the service has been performed. Similarly as 
above, on adoption of AASB 15, there will be no change in the timing of 
recognition and measurement of other revenue.

Based on the completed assessment, there will be no impact on adoption 
of AASB 15.

The Group will adopt the modified transitional approach to 
implementation where any transitional adjustment is recognised in 
retained earnings at 1 July 2018 without adjustment of comparatives and 
the new standard will only be applied to contracts that remain in force at 
that date.

AASB 16 Leases (mandatory for financial year beginning 1 July 2019) 
Nature of change:

AASB 16 was issued in February 2016 and replaces AASB 117 Leases. It 
will result in almost all leases being recognised on the balance sheet as 
the distinction between operating and finance leases is removed. Under 
the new standard, an asset (the right to use the leased item) and a 
financial liability to pay rentals are recognised. The only exceptions are 
short-term and low-value leases. The accounting by lessors, however, will 
not significantly change.

Impact:

Management is currently assessing the effects of applying the new 
standard on the Group’s financial statements. AASB 16 will result in 
higher assets and liabilities on the balance sheet. Information on the 
undiscounted amount of the Group’s non-cancellable lease commitments 
defined under AASB 117 as at 30 June 2018 is disclosed in note 33. The 
present value of the Group’s operating lease payments as defined under 
the new standard will be recognised as lease liabilities on the balance 
sheet and included in net debt.

93

93

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2018 (continued)FINANCIAL REPORT  31  Summary of other significant 

accounting policies (continued)

(a)  Basis of preparation (continued)

(ii)   New standards and interpretations not yet adopted 

(continued)

To date, work has focused on the identification and understanding of the 
provisions of the standard which will most impact the Group, establishing 
the population of lease contracts which will extend beyond 1 July 2019, 
the provision of training, impact analysis, discount rate determination 
and the review of system requirements. In FY19, work on these issues 
and their resolution will continue. A significant proportion by value of 
the Group’s current operating lease commitments relate to property and 
effort to date has focussed on this area.

The recognition of depreciation and interest expense instead of operating 
lease payments in the Consolidated Income Statement, will result in an 
increase in EBITDA, depreciation and interest.

This standard must be implemented retrospectively, either with the 
restatement of comparatives or with the cumulative impact of application 
recognised as at 1 July 2019 under the modified retrospective approach. 
The Group currently expects to use the modified retrospective approach.

Under the modified retrospective approach, the right of use asset may 
be deemed to be equivalent to the liability at transition or calculated 
retrospectively as at inception of the lease, on a lease-by-lease basis.

(b)  Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand; deposits held ‘at 
call’ with financial institutions; and other short-term, highly liquid 
investments with original maturities of three months or less that are 
readily convertible to known amounts of cash and which are subject to 
an insignificant risk of changes in value.

(c)  Foreign currency and commodity transactions

(i)  Functional and presentation currency
Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group’s entities 
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.

(ii)  Transactions and balances
Where the Group is exposed to the risk of fluctuations in foreign 
exchange rates and market interest rates, it enters into financial 
arrangements to reduce these exposures. While the value of these 
financial instruments is subject to risk that market rates/prices may 
change subsequent to acquisition, such changes will generally be offset 
by opposite effects on the items being hedged.

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional 
currency using the exchange rates at the dates of the transactions. 
Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of 
such transactions and from the translation of monetary assets and 
liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at year end exchange rates 
are generally recognised in profit or loss. They are deferred in equity if 
they relate to qualifying cash flow hedges and qualifying net investment 
hedges or are attributable to part of the net investment in a foreign 
operation.

Foreign exchange gains and losses that relate to borrowings are 
presented in the income statement, within finance costs. All other foreign 
exchange gains and losses are presented in the income statement on a 
net basis within other income or other expenses.

Non-monetary items that are measured at fair value in a foreign currency 
are translated using the exchange rates at the date when the fair value 
was determined. Translation differences on assets and liabilities carried at 
fair value are reported as part of the fair value gain or loss.

(d)  Leases

Operating leases on property, plant and equipment
Leases in which a significant portion of the risks and rewards of 
ownership are not transferred to the Group, as lessee, are classified as 
operating leases. Payments made under operating leases (net of any 
incentives received from the lessor) are charged to the income statement 
on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease.

Rental revenue from operating leases where the Group is a lessor is 
recognised as income on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Where 
a sale and lease back transaction has occurred, the lease is classified 
as either a finance lease or operating lease based on whether risks and 
rewards of ownership are transferred or not.

94

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2018 (continued)AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017–18Notes to the consolidated financial statements
30 June 2018 (continued)

(f)  Goods and Services Tax (GST)
Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of 
associated GST, unless the amount of GST incurred is not recoverable 
from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). In this case, the GST is 
recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as part of 
the expense.

Receivables and payables are stated inclusive of the amount of GST 
receivable or payable. The net amount of GST recoverable from, or 
payable to, the ATO is included with other receivables or payables in the 
balance sheet.

Cash flows are presented in the cash flow statement on a gross basis. 
The GST components of cash flows arising from investing or financing 
activities which are recoverable from, or payable to the ATO, are 
presented as operating cash flows.

The Company and its subsidiaries are grouped for GST purposes. 
Therefore, any inter-company transactions within the Group do not 
attract GST.

31  Summary of other significant 

accounting policies (continued)

(e)  Financial instruments

(i)  Non-derivative financial assets
The Group initially recognises financial assets on the trade date at 
which the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of 
the instrument. Financial assets are derecognised when the rights to 
receive cash flows from the financial assets have expired or have been 
transferred and the Group has transferred substantially all the risks and 
rewards of ownership.

Financial assets are initially measured at fair value. If the financial asset 
is not subsequently accounted for at fair value through profit or loss, 
then the initial measurement includes transaction costs that are directly 
attributable to the asset’s acquisition or origination. On initial recognition, 
the Group classifies its financial assets as subsequently measured at 
either amortised cost or fair value, depending on its business model 
for managing the financial assets and the contractual cash flow 
characteristics of the financial assets.

(ii)  Financial assets measured at amortised cost
A financial asset is subsequently measured at amortised cost, using 
effective interest method and net of any impairment loss, if

 › The asset is held within the business model whose objective is to hold 

assets in order to collect contractual cash flows; and

 › The contractual terms of the financial asset give rise, on specified 

dates, to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest

The Group assesses at each reporting date whether there is objective 
evidence that a financial asset (or group of financial assets) is impaired. 
For trade receivables, the Group applies the simplified approach 
permitted by AASB 9, which requires expected lifetime losses to be 
recognised from initial recognition of the receivables.

(iii)  Non-derivative liabilities
The Group initially recognises loans and debt securities issued on the 
date when they originate. Other financial liabilities are initially recognised 
on the trade date. The Group derecognises a financial liability when its 
contractual obligations are discharged or cancelled or expire.

Non-derivative financial liabilities are initially recognised at fair value 
less any directly attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial 
recognition, these liabilities are measured at amortised cost using the 
effective interest method.

9595

FINANCIAL REPORT  FINANCIAL REPORT  Unrecognised items

IN THIS SECTION

Unrecognised items provide information about items that are 
not recognised in the financial statements but could potentially 
have a significant impact on the Group’s financial position and 
performance.

32  Contingencies 

33  Commitments 

34  Events occurring after the reporting period 

Page 97

Page 97

Page 97

96

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017–18

Notes to the consolidated financial statements
30 June 2018 (continued)

32  Contingencies

KEEPING IT SIMPLE  
Contingencies relate to the outcome of future events and may 
result in an asset or liability, but due to current uncertainty, do 
not qualify for recognition.

(a)  Contingent liabilities
Issues relating to common law claims and product warranties are dealt 
with as they arise. There were no material contingent liabilities requiring 
disclosure in the financial statements, other than as set out below.

Guarantees and letters of credit
For information about guarantees, including the Moorebank parent 
company guarantee, and letters of credit given by the Group, refer to 
note 18(d).

(b)  Contingent assets

Guarantees and letters of credit
For information about guarantees given to the Group, refer to note 18(d).

33  Commitments

(a)  Capital commitments

Property, plant and equipment

Within one year

(b)  Lease commitments

Commitments for minimum lease payments in 
relation to non-cancellable operating leases 
are payable as follows:

Within one year

Later than one year but not later than five years

Later than five years

2018 
$m

2017 
$m

91.4

131.7

2018 
$m

2017 
$m

29.8

122.3

169.7

321.8

55.9

85.6

38.7

180.2

The above commitments flow primarily from operating leases of property 
and machinery. These leases, with terms mostly ranging from one to ten 
years, generally provide the Group with a right of renewal at which time 
the lease terms are renegotiated. The lease payments comprise a base 
amount, while the property leases also contain a contingent rental, which 
is based on either the movements in the Consumer Price Index or another 
fixed percentage as agreed between the parties.

34  Events occurring after the  

reporting period

On 14 August 2017, the Group announced the intention to exit the 
Intermodal business through a combination of closure and sale. Aurizon 
signed a binding agreement with Pacific National to sell its Acacia Ridge 
Intermodal Terminal. Aurizon signed a separate binding agreement to 
sell its Queensland Intermodal business to a consortium of Linfox and 
Pacific National (QI BSA). The transactions are subject to Approval by 
the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) and Foreign 
Investment & Review Board (FIRB). Refer to Key events and transactions 
for reporting period and note 24 for further information.

The ACCC decision was announced on 19 July 2018. The ACCC decided 
to oppose both transactions and commenced proceedings against Pacific 
National and Aurizon in the Federal Court of Australia. The ACCC has 
sought declarations, pecuniary penalties, orders restraining the existing 
sale transactions from proceeding and costs. The ACCC has also sought 
an injunction to prevent Aurizon from closing its Queensland Intermodal 
business while proceedings are on foot. While Aurizon refutes the ACCC’s 
allegations and will defend the proceedings including seeking clearance 
of the Acacia Ridge transaction, there is a risk that the Acacia Ridge 
transaction will be prevented from completing and/or Aurizon incurs 
orders for pecuniary penalties and costs. There is also the risk that, in  
the interim whilst the matter is being determined by the Court, Aurizon  
is injuncted from closing the Queensland Intermodal business.

On 12 August 2018 Aurizon provided Pacific National with a notice to 
terminate the Business Sale Agreement for the Queensland Intermodal 
business, with effect from 13 August 2018. It is Aurizon’s intention to not 
contest clearance of that transaction through the Federal Court and to 
exit the business. As clearance has not been obtained for the sale of the 
Queensland Intermodal business, $10 millon of the consideration received 
for the transactions to date (recognised as a liability at 30 June 2018) 
will be refunded to Pacific National. The Business Sale Agreement for the 
Acacia Ridge Terminal remains in place while Aurizon seeks clearance of 
that transaction, and the remainder of the consideration received for the 
transactions to date ($35 million) is not refundable.

On 10 August 2018 the Federal Court of Australian heard an application 
from the ACCC for an interlocutory injunction to require Aurizon to 
continue to operate the Queensland Intermodal business in the ordinary 
and usual course. The Court reserved judgement on the matter, and 
judgement is currently expected to be handed down on 13 August 2018.

FINANCIAL REPORT  

97

Directors’ Declaration
30 June 2018

In accordance with a resolution of the Directors of the Company, I state that:

In the opinion of the Directors of the Company:

(a) the financial statements and notes set out on pages 46 to 97 are in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including:

(i)   complying with Accounting Standards and other mandatory professional reporting requirements as detailed above, and the 

Corporations Regulations 2001,

(ii)  giving a true and fair view of the consolidated entity’s financial position as at 30 June 2018 and of its performance for the 

year ended on that date, and

(b)  there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Company will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due and 

payable, and

(c)  at the date of this declaration, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the members of the extended closed group 

identified in note 23 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 described in note 23.

Page 51 confirms that the financial statements also comply with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the 
International Accounting Standards Board.

The Directors have been given the declarations by the Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer 
required by section 295A of the Corporations Act 2001.

T Poole 
Chairman 

Brisbane 
12 August 2018

98 AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017–18

 
 
 
Independent auditor’s report 
To the members of Aurizon Holdings Limited 

Report on the audit of the financial report 

Our opinion 

In our opinion: 

The  accompanying  financial  report  of  Aurizon  Holdings  Limited  (the  Company)  and  its  controlled 
entities (together the Group) is in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including: 

(a) 

giving  a  true  and  fair  view  of  the  Group's  financial  position  as  at  30  June  2018  and  of  its 
financial performance for the year then ended  

(b) 

complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001.

What we have audited 
The Group financial report comprises: 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 

the consolidated income statement for the year ended 30 June 2018 

the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year then ended  

the consolidated balance sheet as at 30 June 2018 

the consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year then ended 

the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended 

the notes to the consolidated financial statements, which include a summary of other significant 
accounting policies 

the directors’ declaration. 

Basis for opinion 

We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. 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 believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for 
our opinion. 

Independence 
We  are  independent  of  the  Group  in  accordance  with  the  auditor  independence  requirements  of  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 (the Code) that are relevant 
to our audit of the financial report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities 
in accordance with the Code. 

PricewaterhouseCoopers, ABN 52 780 433 757
480 Queen Street, BRISBANE  QLD  4000, GPO Box 150, BRISBANE  QLD  4001 
T: +61 7 3257 5000, F: +61 7 3257 5999, www.pwc.com.au 

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. 

FINANCIAL REPORT  

99

Our audit approach 

An audit is designed to provide reasonable assurance about whether the financial report is free from 
material misstatement. Misstatements may arise due to fraud or error. They are considered material if 
individually or in aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of 
users taken on the basis of the financial report. 

We  tailored  the  scope  of  our  audit  to  ensure  that  we  performed  enough  work  to  be  able  to  give  an 
opinion  on  the  financial  report  as  a  whole,  taking  into  account  the  geographic  and  management 
structure of the Group, its accounting processes and controls and the industry in which it operates. 

Materiality 

Audit scope 

Key audit matters 

  Amongst other relevant topics, 
we communicated the following 
key audit matters to the Audit 
Governance and Risk 
Management Committee: 

  Impairment assessment of 
the Western Australia cash-
generating unit (CGU) 
  Closure and sale of the 
Intermodal business 

 

These are further described in 
the Key audit matters section of 
our report. 

 

For the purpose of our audit 
we used overall Group 
materiality of $36 million, 
which represents 
approximately 5% of the 
Group’s adjusted profit before 
tax.

  Our audit focused on where 
the Group made subjective 
judgements; for example, 
significant accounting 
estimates involving 
assumptions and inherently 
uncertain future events. 

 

 

  We applied this threshold, 

together with qualitative 
considerations, to determine 
the scope of our audit and the 
nature, timing and extent of 
our audit procedures and to 
evaluate the effect of 
misstatements on the financial 
report as a whole. 

  We chose Group profit before 
tax because, in our view, it is 
the benchmark against which 
the performance of the Group 
is most commonly measured. 
To calculate materiality, we 
adjusted profit before tax for 
significant unusual items such 
as impairment, closure and 
contract exit costs. These 
adjustments were tested 
separately using a specific 

The Group is a large rail-based 
freight operator and transports 
coal, iron ore and other bulk 
commodities across Australia. 

The Group also owns and 
operates the Central 
Queensland Coal Network 
(CQCN) which is a multi-user 
track network that comprises 
of four major coal systems and 
one connecting system serving 
Queensland’s Bowen Basin 
coal region. The Group has a 
centralised accounting 
function in Brisbane at its 
corporate head office where 
our audit procedures were 
predominantly performed.  We 
also visited the Mackay, 
Townsville, Forrestfield and 
Rockhampton depots to 

100 AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017–18

perform audit procedures on 
inventory.

materiality level.

  We utilised a 5% threshold 
based on our professional 
judgement, noting it is within 
the range of commonly 
acceptable thresholds.

Key audit matters 

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in 
our audit of the financial report for the current period. The key audit 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.  Further,  any  commentary  on  the  outcomes  of  a 
particular audit procedure is made in that context.  

Key audit matter 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

Impairment assessment of the Western 
Australia  cash-generating unit (WA CGU) 

In the second half of FY2018, an iron ore customer, 
Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd (Cliffs) announced 
the planned closure of mining operations in Australia. 
The contract provided for haulage of up to 11mt of iron 
ore per annum and was due to expire on 31 January 
2022. On 29 June 2018 Cliffs issued a contract 
termination notice, effective 30 June 2018.  

This is an indicator of impairment for the WA CGU and 
the Group performed an impairment assessment of the 
carrying value of the WA CGU. 

This resulted in a pre-tax impairment of $27.9 million 
in respect of contract specific assets and a further $31.7 
million in relation to the WA CGU. The recoverable 
amount of the WA CGU ($170.7 million) was 
determined using a value in use (VIU) methodology 
utilising a discounted cashflow model (the model). 

The recoverable amount used in the impairment test is 
based on the Board-approved corporate plan, a 
terminal growth rate of 2.2% and a pre-tax discount 
rate of 11.7%. 

We considered this a key audit matter due to the 
judgements required by the Group in formulating the 
Board approved corporate plan and estimating the 
terminal growth rate and pre-tax discount rate. 

Refer to Key events and transactions for the reporting period 
and Note 4 Impairment of non-financial assets in the Annual 
Report for further details. 

To evaluate the Group’s assessment of the recoverable 
amount of the WA CGU, we performed the following 
procedures, amongst others: 

  Assessed whether the division of the Group’s 
property, plant and equipment assets into 
CGUs, which are the smallest identifiable 
groups of assets that can generate largely 
independent cash inflows, was consistent with 
our knowledge of the Group’s operations and 
internal Group reporting. 

  Assessed whether the carrying value of the WA 

CGU included all assets, liabilities and 
cashflows directly attributable to the CGU and 
a reasonable allocation of corporate 
overheads.

  Evaluated if VIU was the highest basis upon 
which the CGU is recoverable as required by 
the Australian Accounting Standards. 

  Evaluated the Group’s historical ability to 
forecast future cashflows by comparing 
budgets with reported prior year actual 
results.

 

Tested that forecast cashflows used in the 
model were consistent with the most up-to-
date corporate plan formally approved by the 
Board.

  Evaluated the terminal value EBITDA and 
sustaining capital assumptions used in the 
model including consideration of the forecast 
value of sustaining capital expenditure against 
actual capital expenditure incurred over prior 
periods.

FINANCIAL REPORT  

101

Key audit matter 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

  Assessed, with the assistance of PwC valuation 

experts: 
o 

o 

o 

the forecast long term growth rate of 
2.2% by comparing it to economic 
forecasts; 
that the discount rate of 11.7% (pre-
tax nominal) appropriately reflects 
the risks of the CGU; and 
the mathematical accuracy of the 
model.

  Evaluated the Group’s sensitivity analysis to 
assess if further impairment would occur and 
whether this was reasonably possible. 

  Evaluated the adequacy of the disclosures 

made in note 4, including the key assumptions 
and sensitivities to changes in such 
assumptions in light of the requirements of 
Australian Accounting Standards. 

To assess the impact of the closure and sale of the 
Intermodal business, the following procedures were 
performed, amongst others: 

  We developed our understanding of the 
transaction through discussions with the 
Group, reading the binding sale agreements 
and other supporting documentation 
including the decision made by the ACCC.  

  We considered the Group’s decision to 
disclose the Intermodal Business as 
discontinued and we assessed the 
classification of the assets and liabilities as 
held for sale in light of the requirements of 
Australian Accounting Standards. 

  We evaluated the adequacy of the disclosures 

made in the Financial Report in light of the 
requirements of Australian Accounting 
Standards.

Closure and Sale of the Intermodal business

On 14 August 2017 the Group announced its intention 
to exit the Intermodal business through a combination 
of closure and sale. 

The Group signed binding agreements to sell its Acacia 
Ridge Intermodal Terminal and Queensland 
Intermodal Business for total consideration of $225 
million. The transactions have been subject to approval 
by the Australian Competition & Consumer 
Commission (ACCC) and the Foreign Investment & 
Review Board (FIRB). 

Subsequent to the year-end, on 19 July 2018, the ACCC 
opposed both transactions and commenced 
proceedings against Pacific National and the Group in 
the Federal Court of Australia.  

The ACCC has also sought an injunction to prevent the 
Group from closing its Queensland Intermodal 
Business while proceedings are on foot.   

On 12 August 2018 the Group issued a termination 
notice to terminate the Queensland Intermodal 
Business sale agreement with effect from 13 August 
2018.

The Group will defend the ACCC proceedings and 
remains committed to the exit of Intermodal.  On this 
basis the Acacia Ridge and Queensland Intermodal 
Business assets remain classified as held for sale and 
discontinued operation at 30 June 2018. 

We considered this a key audit matter given:  

 

it was a significant transaction in the year; and 

102 AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017–18

Key audit matter 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

 

the judgement required by the Group 
regarding the continued classification of the 
Intermodal businesses as held for sale and 
discontinued operation due to the ACCC 
decision and proceedings in the Federal Court 
of Australia.  

Refer to Key events and transactions for the reporting period 
and Note 24 Discontinued operation in the Annual Report for 
further details. 

Other information 

The  directors  are  responsible  for  the  other  information.  The  other  information  comprises  the 
information included in the annual report for the year ended 30 June 2018, including the FY2018 in 
Review,  Chairman’s  Report,  Managing  Director  &  CEO’s  Report,  Directors'  Report,  Corporate 
Governance  Statement,  Non-IFRS  financial  information,  Shareholder  Information,  Glossary  and 
Corporate Information, but does not include the financial report and our auditor’s report thereon. 

Our opinion on the financial report does not cover  the other information and accordingly we do not 
express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. 

In connection with our audit of the financial report, our responsibility is to read the other information 
identified  above  and,  in  doing  so,  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. 

If,  based  on  the  work  we  have  performed,  we  conclude  that  there  is  a  material  misstatement  of  this 
other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. 

Responsibilities of the directors for the financial report 

The directors of the Company are responsible  for the preparation of the financial report that  gives  a 
true and fair view in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Act 2001
and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of the 
financial report that gives a true and fair view and is free from material misstatement, whether due to 
fraud or error. 

In preparing the financial report, the directors are responsible for assessing the ability of the Group to 
continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the 
going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the Group or to cease 
operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. 

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial report 

Our objectives are 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 

FINANCIAL REPORT 

103

audit  conducted  in  accordance  with  the  Australian  Auditing  Standards  will  always  detect  a  material 
misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and 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: 

http://www.auasb.gov.au/auditors_responsibilities/ar1.pdf.  

This description forms part of our auditor's report. 

Report on the remuneration report 

Our opinion on the remuneration report 

We have audited the Remuneration Report included in pages 25 to 38 of the Directors’ Report for the 
year ended 30 June 2018. 

In our opinion, the remuneration report of Aurizon Holdings Limited for the year ended 30 June 2018 
complies with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001.

Responsibilities 

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 responsibility 
is to express an opinion on the remuneration report, based on our audit conducted in accordance with 
Australian Auditing Standards.  

PricewaterhouseCoopers 

Nadia Carlin 
Partner

Brisbane
12 August 2018 

       Tim Allman 
Partner

104 AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017–18

Non-IFRS Financial Information  
in 2017-18 Annual Report 

In addition to using profit as a measure of the Group and its segments’ 
financial performance, Aurizon uses EBIT (Statutory and Underlying), 
EBITDA (Statutory and Underlying), EBITDA margin – Underlying, 
Operating Ratio – Underlying, NPAT Underlying, Return On Invested 
Capital (ROIC), Net debt and Net gearing ratio. These measurements are 
not defined under IFRS and are, therefore, termed ‘Non-IFRS’ measures.

EBIT – Statutory is defined as Group profit before net finance costs and 
tax, while EBITDA – Statutory is Group profit before net finance costs, 
tax, depreciation and amortisation. EBIT Underlying can differ from 
EBIT – Statutory due to exclusion of significant items that permits a 
more appropriate and meaningful analysis of the underlying performance 
on a comparative basis. EBITDA margin is calculated by dividing 
underlying EBITDA by the total revenue. These measures are considered 
to be useful measures of the Group’s operating performance because 
they approximate the underlying operating cash flow by eliminating 
depreciation and/or amortisation.

NPAT Underlying represents the underlying EBIT less finance costs less 
tax expense excluding tax impact of significant adjustments.

Operating Ratio – is defined as one less underlying EBIT divided by total 
revenue. The Operating Ratio is a performance measure of the operating 
cost of earning each dollar of revenue and it is used as one of the key 
performance measures of the Key Management Personnel.

ROIC is defined as underlying rolling twelve month EBIT divided by 
the average invested capital. The average invested capital is calculated 
by taking the rolling twelve month average of net property, plant 
and equipment including assets under construction plus investments 
accounted for using the equity method, plus net intangibles plus current 
assets less cash, less current liabilities. This measure is intended to ensure 
there is alignment between investment in infrastructure and superior 
returns for shareholders.

Net debt consists of borrowings (both current and non-current) less cash 
and cash equivalents. Net gearing ratio is defined as Net debt divided by 
Shareholders Equity plus Net debt. Net debt and Net gearing ratio are 
measures of the Group’s indebtedness and provides an indicator of the 
balance sheet strength.

These above mentioned measures are commonly used by management, 
investors and financial analysts to evaluate companies’ performance.

A reconciliation of the non-IFRS measures and specific items to the 
nearest measure prepared in accordance with IFRS is included in the 
table. The non-IFRS financial information contained within this Directors’ 
report and Notes to the Financial Statements has not been audited in 
accordance with Australian Auditing Standards.

FINANCIAL REPORT  

105

Non-IFRS Financial Information  
in 2017-18 Annual Report (continued)

Profit/(loss) before income tax

Finance costs (net)

EBIT – Statutory

Significant adjustments:

Bulk contract exit impairment

Bulk contract exit termination payment

Bulk contract exit costs – redundancy and closure costs

Bulk impairment

Freight Management Transformation (FMT) impairment

Transformation – asset impairment

Transformation – redundancy costs

Intermodal closure costs

Intermodal impairment

EBIT – Underlying

Depreciation and amortisation

EBITDA – Underlying

Operating Ratio (continuing operations)

Average invested capital (continuing operations)

ROIC (continuing operations)

Total borrowings

Less: cash and cash equivalents

Net debt

Total equity

Total capital

Net Gearing Ratio

2018

2017

Continuing 
operations
$m

Discontinued 
operation
$m

Continuing 
operations
$m

Discontinued 
operation
$m

(98.7)

–

(98.7)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

70.1

4.6  

(24.0)

2.3

(21.7)

801.3

 165.0

 966.3

27.9

(66.3)

3.9

31.7

–

–

(22.9)

–

–

 940.6

 525.5

 1,466.1

69.8%

8,615

10.9%

(54.2)

178.6

124.4

10.2

–

–

525.9

64.0

48.9

110.8

–

–

884.2

567.3

1,451.5

71.9%

9,473

9.3%

2018
$m

3,501.9

 (34.8)

3,467.1

 4,730.1

8,197.2

42.3%

(215.3)

0.1 

(215.2) 

–

–

–

–

–

–

5.0

–

162.2 

(48.0) 

17.3 

(30.7) 

2017
$m

3,376.2

(88.7) 

3,287.5

5,022.1 

8,309.6

39.6%

106 AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017–18

  
Shareholder Information

RANGE OF FULLY PAID ORDINARY SHARES AS AT 6 AUGUST 2018

RANGE

1 – 1,000

1,001 – 5,000

5,001 – 10,000

10,001 – 100,000

100,001 Over

Total

18,523

22,966

2,855

1,924

100

46,368

11,792,971

50,366,979

20,632,650

38,008,586

1,869,327,146

1,990,128,332

TOTAL HOLDERS

UNITS % OF ISSUED CAPITAL

UNMARKETABLE PARCELS AS AT 6 AUGUST 2018

Minimum $500.00 parcel at $4.54 per unit

MINIMUM PARCEL SIZE

111

HOLDERS

770

The number of shareholders holding less than the marketable parcel of shares is 770 (shares: 33,039).

SUBSTANTIAL HOLDERS OF 5% OR MORE OF FULLY PAID ORDINARY SHARES AS AT 6 AUGUST 2018*

0.59

2.53

1.04

1.91

93.93

100

UNITS

33,039

NOTICE DATE

18 May 2016

28 Mar 2017

20 Dec 2017

3 Jan 2018

16 Jul 2018

SHARES

151,013,818

105,643,028

108,337,155

153,470,787

149,457,188

NAME

HSBC Holdings PLC

BlackRock Group

The Vanguard Group Inc

JP Morgan Chase & Co and its affiliates

BNP Paribas Nominees Pty Ltd

* As disclosed in substantial shareholder notices received by the Company.

INVESTOR CALENDAR

2019 DATES

12 February 2019

25 March 2019

12 August 2019

DETAILS

Half Year results and interim dividend announcement

Interim dividend payment date

Full Year results and final dividend announcement

23 September 2019

Final dividend payment date

17 October 2019

Annual General Meeting

The payment of a dividend is subject to the Corporations Act and Board discretion.  
The timing of any event listed above may change. Please refer to the Company website,  
aurizon.com.au, for an up-to-date list of upcoming events.

ASX code: AZJ

Investor Relations

Contact details
Aurizon 
GPO Box 456 
Brisbane QLD 4001

For general enquiries, please call 13 23 32 
within Australia. If you are calling from outside 
Australia, please dial +61 7 3019 9000.

aurizon.com.au

For all information about your shareholding, 
including employee shareholdings, dividend 
statements and change of address, contact the 
share registry Computershare on 1800 776 476 
or visit investorcentre.com.

To request information relating to Investor 
Relations please contact our Investor  
Relations team on +61 7 3019 1127 or email: 
investor.relations@aurizon.com.au.

FINANCIAL REPORT 

107

 
 
 
TOP 20 HOLDERS OF FULLY PAID ORDINARY SHARES AS AT 6 AUGUST 2018

NAME

HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED

CITICORP NOMINEES PTY LIMITED

J P MORGAN NOMINEES AUSTRALIA LIMITED

BNP PARIBAS NOMINEES PTY LTD 

NATIONAL NOMINEES LIMITED

QUEENSLAND TREASURY HOLDINGS PTY LTD

NATIONAL NOMINEES LIMITED 

BNP PARIBAS NOMS PTY LTD 

HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED 

BNP PARIBAS NOMINEES PTY LTD 

CITICORP NOMINEES PTY LIMITED 

UBS NOMINEES PTY LTD

AMP LIFE LIMITED

CS THIRD NOMINEES PTY LIMITED 

AVANTEOS INVESTMENTS LIMITED 

MERRILL LYNCH (AUSTRALIA) NOMINEES PTY LIMITED

WOODROSS NOMINEES PTY LTD

NAVIGATOR AUSTRALIA LTD  

HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED-GSCO ECA

AUSTRALIAN UNITED INVESTMENT COMPANY LIMITED 

Totals: Top 20 holders of ORDINARY FULLY PAID SHARES (Total)

Total Remaining Holders Balance

UNITS

% OF UNITS

598,713,944

373,128,722

361,437,751

194,537,887

107,548,803

54,926,186

39,095,203

31,586,673

16,245,342

11,227,765

9,314,017

5,924,215

5,823,071

3,515,119

3,350,123

3,282,283

3,200,000

3,051,683

2,526,600

2,500,000

1,830,935,387

159,192,945

30.08

18.75

18.16

9.78

5.40

2.76

1.96

1.59

0.82

0.56

0.47

0.30

0.29

0.18

0.17

0.16

0.16

0.15

0.13

0.13

92.00

8.00

108 AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

Glossary

Some terms and abbreviations 
used in this document, together 
with industry specific terms, have 
defined meanings.

These terms and abbreviations 
are set out in this glossary and 
are used throughout this document. 

A reference to dollars, $ or cents 
in this document is a reference 
to Australian currency unless 
otherwise stated. Any reference 
to a statute, ordinance, code or 
other law includes regulations 
and any other instruments under 
it and consolidations, amendments,  
re-enactments or replacements 
of any of them. Any reference to 
Annual Report is a reference to 
this document.

ABN
Australian Business Number

Above Rail
Includes the business unit segments of Coal, 
Bulk and Other of Aurizon Holdings Limited

Company Secretary
The Company Secretary of Aurizon Holdings 
Limited

Constitution
The constitution of Aurizon Holdings Limited

ACN
Australian Company Number

Corporations Act
Corporations Act 2001 (Cth)

ASIC
Australian Securities and Investments 
Commission

ASX
Australian Securities Exchange operated by 
ASX Limited (ABN 98 008 624 691)

ASX Listing Rules
The official listing rules of ASX

Aurizon
Aurizon Holdings Limited (ACN 146 335 622) 
and where the context requires, includes any 
of its subsidiaries and controlled entities

Below Rail
The business unit segment of Network — 
Aurizon Network Pty Ltd (ACN 132 181 116)  
a wholly owned subsidiary of Aurizon  
Holdings Limited

CPS
Cents Per Share

CQCN
Central Queensland Coal Network

EBIT
Earnings Before Interest and Tax

EBITDA
Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation 
and Amortisation

EBIT Margin
Underlying Earnings Before Interest and Tax 
divided by total revenue and other income

EEO
Energy Efficiency Opportunity

EEO Act
Energy Efficiency Opportunity Act 2006 (Cth)

Board
The Board of Directors of Aurizon Holdings 
Limited

EPS
Earnings Per Share

Bulk
The Above Rail Bulk freight haulage operating 
division of Aurizon Holdings Limited

CAGR
Compound Annual Growth Rate, expressed as 
a percentage per year

FY
Financial Year ended 30 June, as the context 
requires

GAP
Goonyella to Abbot Point

CAPEX
Capital Expenditure

CGT
Capital Gains Tax

Coal
The Above Rail coal haulage operating division 
of Aurizon Holdings Limited

Company or Aurizon Holdings
Aurizon Holdings Limited (ACN 146 335 622) 
and where the context requires, includes any 
of its subsidiaries and controlled entities

GLOSSARY

109

TRIFR
The cumulative number of Lost Time Injuries, 
Medical Treatment Injuries and Restricted 
Work Injuries sustained by employees and 
contractors, per million hours worked, over a 
given recording period

TSC
Transport Services Contract entered into 
between the Queensland State Government 
and the Company for the provision of regional 
freight and livestock services

WACC
Weighted Average Cost of Capital, expressed 
as a percentage

WICET
Wiggins Island Coal Export Terminal

WIRP
Wiggins Island Rail Project

GAPE
Goonyella to Abbot Point Expansion

OP – Operating Ratio
1 – EBIT margin, expressed as a percentage

GAAP
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

IBNR
Incurred But Not Reported

IFRS
International Financial Reporting Standards

km
Kilometre

LTIA
Long Term Incentive Awards

M
Million

MAR
Maximum Allowable Revenue that Aurizon 
Network Pty Ltd is entitled to earn from 
the provision of coal carrying train services 
in the CQCN across the term of an access 
undertaking

mt
Millions of tonnes

mtpa
Millions of tonnes per annum

Network
Aurizon Network Pty Ltd (ACN 132 181 116) a 
wholly-owned subsidiary of Aurizon Holdings

NGER
National Greenhouse Energy Reporting

NGER Act
National Greenhouse Energy Reporting Act 
2007 (Cth)

ntk
Net tonne kilometre, unit of measure 
representing the movement over a distance 
of one kilometre of one tonne of contents 
excluding the weight of the locomotive  
and wagons

OPEX
Operating Expense including depreciation 
and amortisation

OTHER
A business unit segment of Aurizon  
Holdings Limited

PPT
Percentage Point

QCA
Queensland Competition Authority

Queensland Rail
Queensland Rail Limited (ACN 132 181 090) – 
this entity is owned by the State and operates 
the core public rail passenger business

RAB
Regulated Asset Base, the value of the asset 
base on which pricing is determined by the 
price regulator

Rail Process Safety
The cumulative number of SPAD, derailment 
and rollingstock to rollingstock collision 
incidents, per million train kilometres, over  
a given recording period.

Note: Infrastructure Caused SPADs have been 
removed from the SPAD element of Aurizon’s 
Rail Process Safety metric.

ROIC
Return on Invested Capital

Share
A fully paid ordinary share in Aurizon Holdings

STIA
Short Term Incentive Award

tonne
One metric tonne, being 1,000 kilograms

tonne kilometres
The product of tonnes and distance

110 AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

Corporate Information

Aurizon Holdings Limited 
ABN 14 146 335 622

Directors
Tim Poole  
Andrew Harding 
Marcelo Bastos  
Russell Caplan  
John Cooper  
Karen Field  
Michael Fraser  
Samantha Lewis  
Kate Vidgen

Company Secretary
Dominic D Smith

Registered Office
Level 8, 900 Ann Street  
Fortitude Valley QLD 4006

Auditors
PricewaterhouseCoopers

Share Registry 
Computershare Investor Services Pty Limited

Level 1, 200 Mary Street 
Brisbane QLD 4001

Tel: 1800 776 476 
(or +61 3 9938 4376)

CORPORATE INFORMATION

111

This page has been left intentionally blank.

112

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2017–18D
e
s
i
g
n
e
d
a
n
d
p
r
o
d
u
c
e
d
b
y

l

r
o
w
a
n
d
c
o
m
a
u

.

.

ecoStar is an environmentally responsible paper made Carbon Neutral. The greenhouse gas emissions of the 
manufacturing process including transportation of the finished product to BJ Ball Papers Warehouses has been 
measured by the Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Neutral Company and the fibre source has been independently 
certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). ecoStar is manufactured from 100% Post Consumer Recycled 
paper in a Process Chlorine Free environment under the ISO 14001 environmental management system.

F

FINANCIAL REPORT  FINANCIAL REPORT   
 
 
 
Aurizon Holdings Limited 
ABN 14 146 335 622