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Australian Ethical Investment
Annual Report 2012

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FY2012 Annual Report · Australian Ethical Investment
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Australian Ethical  
Annual Report
Year ended 30 June 2012

1800 021 227 | australianethical.com.au

Contents

Chair and Managing Director’s Report ...............................................................................................3

Financial Summary .............................................................................................................................6

2012 Community Grants  ...................................................................................................................9

Directors’ Particulars ........................................................................................................................11

Directors’ Report ..............................................................................................................................13

Remuneration Report 2012 ..............................................................................................................18

Corporate Governance Statement 2012 ..........................................................................................25

Auditor’s Independence Declaration ................................................................................................32

Financial Statements ........................................................................................................................34

Independent Auditor’s Report ..........................................................................................................64

Shareholder Information ...................................................................................................................65

Shareholder Calendar

Annual General Meeting ........................................................................................22 November 2012

Interim Results Announcement ............................................................................... 28 February 2013

Record Date for Interim Dividend ................................................................................ 15 March 2013

Payment Date for Interim Dividend ............................................................................. 29 March 2013

Annual Results Announcement .................................................................................. 30 August 2013 

These dates may change at the company’s discretion.

Contact Us

Phone: 

Fax: 

Email: 

Web: 

Post: 

Registered address: 

1800 021 227

02 9252 1987

enquiries@australianethical.com.au     

australianethical.com.au

Australian Ethical Investment Ltd 
Reply Paid 3993, Sydney NSW 2001

Australian Ethical Investment Ltd 
Trevor Pearcey House (Block E) 
Traeger Court,34 Thynne Street 
Bruce ACT 2617 

 
 
 
 
Chair and Managing Director’s 
Report

Dear shareholder, 

The 2012 financial year has been one of significant 
change for Australian Ethical. Like all financial 
services companies, we continue to face a world 
that has fundamentally shifted. 

The global financial crisis is now some five years 
old, markets continue to be down significantly 
from their peak, investors continue to be nervous 
and regulatory change is turning the financial 
services industry on its head putting pressure on 
fees and hence revenues.

ASX All Ordinaries Index
(Five years to 30 June 2012)

Down 40% from
peak in 2007

Down 11% in
last 12 months

7,500 

6,500 

5,500 

4,500 

3,500 

2,500 

In the face of this, three years ago, Australian 
Ethical found itself inadequately positioned to face 
such challenges. It was a high cost, high priced 
business with poorly structured products and was 
not able to meet basic client service standards 
required to operate in the market. Most critically, 
the company was heavily reliant for its revenues 
on up-front fees that were soon to be removed 
through regulation.

Over the past few years we have achieved a lot in 
addressing these issues and setting the company 
up for a sustainable, long term future. In particular, 
during the 2012 financial year we have made 
significant improvements in our products, client 
service and costs.

In addition, new client growth results have been 
very encouraging particularly in light of current 
market conditions, nervous investor sentiment and 
a rapidly evolving financial services environment. 
Over the 12 months to 30 June 2012, we had 
net new individual client growth of 5% across 
managed funds and superannuation. We also 
increased the number of default superannuation 
employer clients by 20% (from 248 to 297).

Our ethical approach

In all of this, nothing changes who we are or what 
we represent.

Our philosophy remains that people should be 
able to save and invest in a way that looks after 
society and the environment and provides financial 
performance and security. Our investment 
criteria remains the highest ethical conviction in 
the market. Our exit during the year from Origin 
Energy because of its exposure to Coal Seam Gas 
is evidence of our continued willingness to take a 
stand on key ethical issues.

We do, however, wish the company to be able 
to continue to deliver on this promise in such a 
way that allows it to not just remain viable, but to 
grow. The larger we are, the more influence we 
have to change the world for the better. To that 
end, over the last few months we conducted 
market and customer research, the result of 
which is a refreshed Australian Ethical brand 
plus an enhanced insight into our potential for 
sustainable growth.

The key areas of insight from the research were:

•	 There is a huge opportunity to expand our 

reach into our natural market. Australian Ethical 
is the only truly “green” investment manager 
and superannuation fund in Australia and our 
research shows that almost three-quarters 
of our 18,000 clients identify themselves as 
Greens voters. 1.2 million people voted for the 
Greens at the last election. This is what we call 
our natural market and should still be a hugely 
fertile source of new clients and growth.

•	 Commitment to the Australian Ethical brand is 
still very high relative to our mainstream and 
ethical competitors. However, the awareness 
of our brand amongst even the natural market 
is quite low compared to where it should 
be. We need to communicate to this wider 
audience more effectively so that more people 
understand who we are and what we offer.

•	 We are known as offering ‘the best ethical 

option’ by our clients. This is a reputation that 
we fully intend on retaining. However, we have 
found that we need to vastly improve the trust 

  1800 021 227  |  australianethical.com.au  3

australianethical  people have in our investment performance 
and the competitiveness, attractiveness and 
service levels of our products. This will mean 
greater communication of our investment 
expertise to increase the level of trust from 
clients. More trust will translate to high average 
balances as client trust us with more of their 
life savings.

Business improvements

During the 2012 financial year we have made 
significant improvements in the following areas:

•	 Enhanced products – we have improved 
the insurance options available to our 
superannuation fund members, lowered the 
fees on our Cash Trust (formerly the Income 
Trust), removed the upfront fees on all our 
products and lowered the fees on our Smaller 
and Larger Companies Trusts and Climate 
Advocacy Fund for wholesale clients

•	

Improved service – we have upgraded our 
portfolio administration operations, invested 
in improved call centre and customer 
management systems and recently we 
appointed Russell Investments to be our 
superannuation administrator from April 2013, 
which will provide a much improved and lower 
cost service to members.

•	 Reduced costs – in order to be able to 

implement these changes and to properly 
position ourselves for what will be a lower fee 
environment in the years to come, we have 
had to reduce our costs with staff numbers 
reducing from 50 to 36 over the course of the 
past year.

These improvements and adjustments were 
absolutely necessary to ensure the long term 
sustainability of the company. Without them the 
company was at risk of not surviving.

Regulatory changes ahead

The financial services industry is going through 
significant regulatory changes that impact the 
business in a number of ways. In particular:

•	 Capital requirements for funds management 
businesses will change in November 2012 
requiring greater liquidity to be held to 
comply with licensing requirements. This will 
be challenging to meet whilst we hold real 
estate, such as our Canberra premises, on 
our balance sheet. It also has an impact on 
dividends; and

•	 Two new areas of legislation (Future of 

Financial Advice and MySuper) have combined 
to impact fees in a number of ways. In general, 
this legislation has led to lower fees and a more 

competitive environment. In particular it means 
the abolition of up-front fees. On 1 July 2012, 
as noted above, we removed up-front fees on 
all of our products in order to position us for 
this new environment.

Financial results

Our net profit after tax (NPAT) was $0.402 
million for the 12 months to 30 June 2012 (FY12) 
whilst our underlying profit after tax (UPAT) was 
$0.859 million.

The NPAT result reflects lower revenues due to 
lower funds under management, arising from 
lower market values and the continued reduction 
of inflows across the industry, and our decision to 
gradually reduce management fees. These factors 
have been offset somewhat by a reduction in 
operating costs the full benefit of which was not 
realised in FY12

The result also includes a number of one off items 
such as a three yearly revaluation of the Canberra 
office building, redundancy costs associated 
with a business restructuring to lower operating 
costs and costs incurred in respect of shareholder 
actions conducted throughout the year.

Shareholder activity

During the year a general meeting was called by 
a group of shareholders. Whilst we fully respect 
shareholders exercising their rights, the board 
objects strongly to the manner in which this 
campaign was conducted. As one indication, 
some 105 resolutions were lodged over more than 
a dozen separate visits to the company, each one 
causing much speculation and disruption amongst 
staff. Resolutions were constantly amended, 
directors were nominated without consent and 
in other cases withdrawn, causing unnecessary 
work for our team. The process was extremely 
destabilising at a time when the business can least 
afford it. The direct cost impact on the company 
as a result of the campaign was $125,000. 
The indirect cost impact on the business was 
immeasurable and far greater.

The outcome of the meeting was a vote firmly 
in favour of the board and the strategies being 
implemented by it. These strategies are, in the 
board’s view, necessary to properly position the 
company to survive and thrive in a vastly more 
competitive and challenging environment. Whilst 
these changes have impacted many people, 
corporate shareholder activity should not be 
used to pursue personal agendas. We fully 
expect the shareholders to respect the vote of the 
shareholders as a whole as the company can ill 
afford another such campaign.

  4

Director changes

In closing

The transformation of the company through the 
past financial year and continuing into this year 
is considerable. The changes have occurred by 
nature of the financial environment in which we are 
operating plus the strategic business imperatives 
for Australian Ethical’s long term future. Our 
sincere thanks and appreciation go to all our 
staff and shareholders who have along the way 
provided constructive input and shown ongoing 
commitment to the business. 

During the year we welcomed Louise Herron to the 
board. Whilst Louise’s tenure was short-lived (she 
recently became Chief Executive of the Sydney 
Opera House), she made a significant contribution 
to the company.

Following Louise’s resignation, Steve Gibbs was 
appointed to the board. Steve brings with him a 
wealth of experience relevant to our business. 
He has been Chief Executive of ARIA, the 
Commonwealth Government superannuation 
fund and Executive Director of the Australian 
Institute of Superannuation Trustees. He has a 
long held involvement in Responsible Investment 
and was on the panel that originally proposed 
the United Nations Principles of Responsible 
Investment. We welcome Steve and look forward 
to his contribution.

Phillip Vernon 
Managing Director

André Morony 
Chair

  1800 021 227  |  australianethical.com.au  5

australianethical  Financial Summary

Profit After Tax ($m)

Return On Equity (%)

1.7

1.2

1.0

1.1

0.4

20.6

18.8

17.1

12.5

5.9

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

Year ending 30 June

Year ending 30 June

Funds Under Management ($m)

Basic Earnings Per Share ($)

614

644

627

1.70

1.22

1.03

1.13

572

547

0.40

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

As at 30 June (before distribution)

Year ending 30 June

Revenue ($m)

14.1

14.1

13.1

Dividends Paid ($)

15.7

14.8

1.65

1.47

2.00

1.70

0.60

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

Year ending 30 June

Year ending 30 June

Funds Under Management  
By Product

Funds Under Management  
By Channel

Managed
Funds
$225.55m

Super
$391.73m

Advised
$237.98m

Direct
$379.30m

  6

  
Financial results

Net profit after tax (NPAT):  
$0.402 million

Full year underlying profit after tax (UPAT): 
$0.859 million

Key factors impacting the result were:

•	 Lower market values – The All Ordinaries 
Index dropped 11% over the period. As our 
revenues are primarily related to funds under 
management, this had a direct impact.

•	

Impairment to building – A non-cash 
impairment charge of $210,000 was incurred 
arising from a three yearly revaluation of 
the property at Trevor Pearcey House in 
Bruce, ACT. The reduced value is due to the 
more subdued commercial property market 
in Canberra.

Net profit after tax

Revenue 

Expenses

Operating profit

Community grants

EBITDA

Depreciation/amortisation/options/rights

Tax

Net profit after tax

Adjustments (gross)

•	 Add back employment restructure expenses

•	 Add back property revaluation

•	 Add back legal costs for shareholder actions

•	 Deduct acquisition fee Lawley House

Tax on adjustments

Underlying profit after tax

*  Restated.

•	 Business restructuring – redundancy costs 
of $319,000 were incurred as the business 
restructured to reduce operating costs to 
position it for a more competitive, lower fee 
environment in the future. This has reduced 
staff numbers from 50 to 36. The full year 
benefit of these cost reductions were not felt in 
these results.

•	 Shareholder action – during the year a group 
of shareholders called a general meeting. 
Direct costs incurred in respect of the 
campaign were $125,000 primarily in respect 
of legal costs incurred as a result numerous 
misleading allegations made.

After taking these last three items into account, 
the result is a decrease in underlying NPAT of 
12%. This result is summarised in the table below. 

2011*  
($,000)

2012  
($,000)

% Change

15,744

(13,124)

14,793

(13,359)

2,620

(153)

2,467

(677)

(665)

1,125

445

-

-

(651)

62

981

1,434

(53)

1,379

(658)

(320)

401

319

210

125

0

(196)

859

(6%)

(2%)

(45%)

(44%)

3%

52%

(64%)

(12%)

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australianethical   
Balance sheet 

Dividend

The balance sheet holds a number of assets that 
the board believe are inappropriate for a company 
of our size and nature. The company is looking 
to realise these assets in an orderly manner 
and reinvest the proceeds in liquid and cash 
equivalents. In particular:

•	 The company purchased its own premises in 
Canberra in 2006 and undertook significant 
renovations over the course of 2006 and 2007 
to bring it to 6 star Green Star rating standard. 
Whilst the board is supportive of the company 
occupying appropriately rated premises, it 
is of the view that it is inappropriate for the 
company to own real estate. We have entered 
into a marketing and sales agreement with 
CBRE to sell the property.

•	 The company has, over the past few years, 
supported the activities of the Climate 
Advocacy Fund (CAF) an index fund that 
engages in shareholder advocacy in relation to 
climate change. In particular it has purchased 
shares in the companies that the CAF was 
putting resolutions to on behalf of nominees 
in order to allow the resolutions to be put. 
Unrealised losses in respect of these activities 
amount to $106,000. We will be selling these 
investments over coming months.

•	 The company has, in the past, invested some 
surplus cash in unit trusts that it manages. 
These will also be liquefied and reinvested into 
cash or cash equivalents.

Final dividend:   
35 cents per share, fully franked

Total FY12 dividend:  
60 cents per share, fully franked.

In determining the final dividend, the board took 
into account the following:

•	 Regulatory requirements, in particular 

the new capital requirements effective in 
November 2012;

•	 The uncertainty in the market;

•	 Future potential strategic requirements.

Record date: 
21 September 2012.

Dividend payment date: 
5 October 2012. (The dividend reinvestment plan 
will not operate in respect of the final dividend.)

2011 
(cents per 
share)

2012 
(cents per 
share)

45.0

100.0

25.0

170.0

25.0

35.0

-

60.0

Dividends

Interim 

Final

Special

Total dividend

  8

2012 Community Grants 

As prescribed in Australian Ethical’s constitution, 
10% of our profit is donated to charitable, 
benevolent and conservation purposes as part 
of our contribution to a positive and sustainable 
society. This is one of the highest levels of 
corporate giving in Australia based on percentage 
of profits. It is something that the shareholders, 
staff and directors should be very proud of.

Traditionally, the grant recipients have been 
shortlisted by a small committee of staff members 
and voted on by employees and directors of 
Australian Ethical. The committee ensure that 
each shortlisted organisation or project is of the 
highest quality and in keeping with the Australian 
Ethical Charter. This year, for the first time, we 
invited all our shareholders to vote on which 
organisation or project should receive grants. 
Shareholder involvement was high with votes from 
approximately 150 people received.

Grant applications were received from almost 300 
different organisations. There was a skew towards 
society based projects although the voting was 
overwhelmingly in favour of wildlife conservation.

Australian Ethical will be donating a total of 
$40,000 to 11 organisations as part of its 2012 
community grants scheme. This brings the total 
amount gifted to communities over the last 12 
years to more than $1.3 million.

This year’s grants range in size from $3,000 to 
$10,000 and include donations to charities that 
work across Australia and overseas. The following 
table shows the breakdown of grant recipients 
for 2012.

  1800 021 227  |  australianethical.com.au  9

australianethical  Major grant recipient

Rainforest Rescue – Gunung Leuser  
National Park, North Sumatra

Rainforest Rescue provided us with a good 
overview of their project to save the last viable 
habitat of the Sumatran Orangutan through the 
protection of the World Heritage listed tropical 
rainforests of the Gunung Leuser National Park 
(GLNP) from deforestation and the expansion 
of illegal oil palm plantations. The GLNP also 
provides vital habitat for critically endangered 
species including the Sumatran Tiger, rhinoceros 
and elephant.  

Outcomes of this project will be to remove 60 
hectares of illegally planted oil palms within the 

The 2012 allocation

boundaries of the National Park, and replant with 
60,000 rainforest trees. This work will be done by 
the local farming communities living alongside 
the GLNP, creating employment for economically 
disadvantaged people. These farmers already 
have an established co-operative where they will 
propagate and grow the trees in the nursery, and 
also monitor and patrol the site to prevent hunting 
and logging.

More information can be found on the website 
rainforestrescue.org.au/ourprojects/save-
arainforest-orangutan.html

Organisation

Project

State

Major Grant $10,000

Rainforest Rescue

Minor Grants $3,000

Rainforest Rescue – Gunung Leuser National 
Park, North Sumatra

Queensland

Bonorong Wildlife Santuary

Co-operative Eastern Quoll Breeding Programme

Tasmania

Communities @ Work

Environment Victoria

Yellow Van

Home Planet

Free the Bear Fund

Solar Power for Sun Bears

Greening Australia WA

Transforming the Mortlock North

Gunawirra

Inner Suburbs Nutrition Project

Perth Advocates for the Earth

Planting for Black Cockatoos

ACT

Victoria

Western 
Australia

Western 
Australia

New South 
Wales

Western 
Australia

Sea Turtle Foundation

Sea Turtle Field Research & Monitoring Equipment Queensland

The Orangutan Project

Wildlife Protection Units

Western 
Australia

Trees for Evelyn & Atherton 
Tablelands

Peterson Creek Freeman Revegetation

Queensland

  10

Directors’ Particulars

australianethical  

André Morony, Chairman  
BEc (Hons), MEc

André joined the board of Australian Ethical as a non-executive director in 
June 2008 and was appointed Chairman in February 2011. He chairs the 
People, Remuneration and Nominations Committee and is a member of the 
Investment Committee.

André is a highly regarded and experienced individual within the Government and 
finance industry. His career spans over 40 years and started at the Commonwealth Treasury 
where he worked in a number of financial policy areas. He also represented Australia for three years at the 
Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in Paris.

After leaving Government in 1986, Andre's roles included Chief Economist and Chief Investment Officer 
at Bankers Trust Australia (now BT) and Chief Investment Officer for the Commonwealth Government's 
superannuation scheme (ARIA). He currently sits on the investment committee of GESB, the Western 
Australian Government employees’ superannuation fund.

Phil Vernon, Managing Director  
BEc, MCom, MBA, FCPA, GAICD

Phil joined Australian Ethical as Chief Executive Officer in December 2009 
and was appointed Managing Director in July 2010. He is also a director of 
Australian Ethical Superannuation.

Phil has 25 years experience in financial services including funds management 
and superannuation. Prior to Australian Ethical he was a member of the Executive 
Committee of Perpetual Limited heading up the Corporate Trust Division. He has 
extensive experience in strategy, people management and leadership, corporate governance and 
industry regulation.

Phil's commitment to responsible investment commenced at a time when Perpetual were facing 
criticism from the environmental movement for its significant shareholding in Gunns. With relationships 
in the environment movement he had a unique insight to both sides of the debate. Phillip furthered his 
commitment in the area and is currently a Director of Planet Ark, a not for profit environmental organisation 
and RIAA, the Responsible Investment Association Australasia.

  1800 021 227  |  australianethical.com.au  11

Justine Hickey, Non-Executive Director  
BCom, SAFin, GAICD, ASIP

Justine has been an independent non-executive director since March 
2007. She chairs the Investment Committee and is a member of the People, 
Remuneration and Nominations Committee.

Justine has over 20 years experience as a senior executive in the investment and 
funds management industry. Previously she was Head of Equities at Suncorp Investment Management 
in Brisbane and a Portfolio Manager at Flemings Investment Management (now JP Morgan) in the UK. 
Justine is a director of Rio Tinto Staff Super Fund Pty Ltd and a member of the investment committees of 
boutique fund manager, Dalton Nicol Reid and the University of Melbourne.

Justine is the chairman of Evolve Foundation (previously the Youth Enterprise Trust Foundation), whose 
mission is to assist disadvantaged young people to transition into a confident and productive adulthood. 
She is also a director of RSPCA Queensland, the state's oldest, largest and leading animal welfare charity. 
Justine is a member of RIAA, the Responsible Investment Association of Australasia.

Steve Newnham, Executive Director BA, LLB, DFP

Steve joined the board in December 2010 as a non-executive director. 
In 2012, he became an executive director, chiefly responsible for sales 
and marketing.

Steve has over 20 years experience in the financial industry. He was Head of 
Distribution at Zurich Financial Services, chairman of a financial planning dealer 
group Financial Lifestyle Solutions, director of a wrap platform and a financial 
planning administration business, and Executive Vice President of BT Financial Group. 
He was also an early member of the Financial Planning Association Future 2 Foundation awareness and 
fund raising committee.

Steve has significant involvement with community and social justice activities, working on homeless 
shelter support schemes, indigenous fellowship programs, environmental and drought relief projects and 
mental health awareness initiatives. In addition, he has been a member of the Australian Rowing and Surf 
Lifesaving teams and spent 15 years as a surf lifesaver.

Stephen Gibbs, Non-Executive Director BEc, MBA

Stephen joined the board in July 2012 as a non-executive director. He is 
also on the Audit, Compliance & Risk and the People, Remuneration & 
Nominations committees; he has also been appointed as a director of 
Australian Ethical Superannuation Pty Limited.

Stephen is a director of Hastings Funds Management and Chair of CAER 
(Corporate Analysis Enhanced Responsibility). He was formerly Chair of the 
Responsible Investment Academy Advisory Council.

From early 2000 he was CEO of ARIA, the trustee of the PSS and CSS – the superannuation schemes 
for federal government employees. When Stephen left ARIA in January 2008 it had close to $A20 billion 
under management. Prior to ARIA Stephen was the Executive Officer of the Australian Institute of 
Superannuation Trustees (AIST). His earlier career was in the trade union movement.

Other career highlights for Stephen include his personal invitation from the then UN General Secretary 
to join the steering committee and investor group which developed what became the United Nations 
Principles of Responsible Investment–UNPRI and membership of the ASX Corporate Governance Council 
from its inception until 2008.

  12

Directors’ Report

The directors of Australian Ethical Investment Limited, the controlling entity, present their report on 
the company and its controlled entity for the financial year ended 30 June 2012. In compliance with the 
Corporations Act 2001, the directors report as follows:

Directors

The name of each person who was a director during the year ended 30 June 2012 and to the date of this 
report is set out in the table below.

Name

Time in office

Term

André Morony

Phillip Vernon

Justine Hickey

Stephen Newnham

Howard Pender

Les Coleman

Louise Herron

Stephen Gibbs

4 years

2 years

5 years

2 years

19 years

3 years

<1 year

<1 year

Full year

Full year

Full year

Appointed 12 December 2011

Ceased 17 November 2011

Ceased 17 November 2011

Appointed 20 February 2012 Ceased 25 July 2012

Appointed 25 July 2012

Directors have been in office since the start of the financial year to the date of this report unless 
otherwise stated.

Company secretaries

Review of operations

The name of each person who was a company 
secretary of the company as at the end of the 
financial year and to the date of this report is set 
out in the table below.

Name

Term

Tom May

Full year

Gary Leckie

Ceased 23 May 2012

Principal activities

The principal activity of the controlling entity 
during the financial year was to manage seven 
public offer ethical managed funds (registered 
managed investment schemes). The controlling 
entity’s wholly owned subsidiary, Australian Ethical 
Superannuation Pty Limited, was trustee of the 
Australian Ethical Retail Superannuation Fund 
during the financial year. Other than as described 
in this report, there were no significant changes 
in the nature of the controlling entity’s activities 
during the year.

The consolidated entity, Australian Ethical 
(Australian Ethical Investment Limited and its 
wholly owned subsidiary, Australian Ethical 
Superannuation Pty Ltd), recorded a consolidated 
net profit after income tax expense for the year 
ending 30 June 2012 of $402,155, a 64% decrease 
on the result of the previous financial year; based 
on restated 2011 consolidated net profit.

Return on equity for the year is 5.9%, down 
from 17.1% in 2010-11. Earnings per share has 
decreased 64% to 40.1 cents per share and the 
cost to income ratio has increased to 93%. All of 
the comparisons in this paragraph are as against 
the restated 2011 consolidated net profit.

Further details of business operations are included 
in the Chair and Managing Director’s report.

Financial position

At the year end, Australian Ethical’s net assets 
are $6,844,431. The company has no debt and 
is generating positive returns and cash flow.

  1800 021 227  |  australianethical.com.au  13

australianethical  Dividends

Dividends paid or declared by the company to members since the end of the previous financial year were:

Cents per share

Total amount $

Franked/
unfranked

Date of payment

Declared and paid during the financial year

Final 2011

Special 2011

Interim 2012

Total

100

25

25

Declared after end of year

1,003,035

250,758

250,758

1,504,551

Franked

Franked

Franked

7/10/2011

7/10/2011

After balance sheet date, the directors declared the following dividend:

Final 2012

35

351,062

Franked

7/10/122

2   Planned payment date

Events subsequent to 
reporting date

Upfront fees on all products were removed on 
1 July 2012. This was done in response to two 
new pieces of legislation (Future of Financial 
Advice and MySuper) which have combined to 
impact fees in a number of ways. In general, 
this legislation has led to lower fees and a more 
competitive environment and in particular the 
abolition of up-front fees. The removal of up-front 
fees on all of our products was done in order to 
position us for this new environment.

In August 2012 the company entered into a 
marketing agreement for the sale of Trevor 
Pearcey House; our preference is for a leaseback 
arrangement to be entered into following any sale. 
This was done following a review of the capital 
management policy which also took into account 
impending regulatory changes that will require the 
company to hold a greater proportion of its assets 
as liquid assets.

Other than as outlined in this report, no matters 
or circumstances have arisen since the end of 
the financial year which have or may significantly 
affect the operations of Australian Ethical 
Investment Ltd and its controlled entity, the 
results of those operations or the state of affairs 
of Australian Ethical Investment Ltd in financial 
years subsequent to the financial year ended 
30 June 2012.

Likely developments and 
business strategies

Further information about likely developments 
and business strategies in the operations of the 
consolidated entity and the expected results of 
those operations in future financial years has not 
been included in this report because disclosure 
of the information would be likely to result in 
unreasonable prejudice to the consolidated entity.

Directors’ indemnification

The constitution of the controlling entity provides 
a general indemnity for officers of the company 
against liabilities incurred in that capacity, 
including costs and expenses in successfully 
defending legal proceedings.

During the financial year, the company paid a 
premium to insure the directors (named above), 
the company secretary and all officers of the 
company and of any related body corporate 
against a liability incurred as a director, secretary 
or officer to the extent permitted by the 
Corporations Act 2001. The contract of insurance 
prohibits disclosure of the nature of the liability 
and the amount of the premium.

During the year the company entered into or 
maintained deeds of indemnity, insurance and 
access (Deed) with directors and officers which 
provides a general indemnity against liabilities 
incurred in that capacity to the extent permitted 
by the Corporations Act 2001.

The Deed obligates the company to use its 
reasonable endeavours to obtain and maintain 
insurance for the benefit of a director or officer 

  14

of the company and any subsidiary, to the extent 
that such coverage is available in the market on 
terms which the company reasonably considers 
financially prudent and on terms consistent with 
the practice of comparable companies operating 
in similar markets.

The Deed also provides that the company will pay 
on behalf of the director or officer or lend to the 
director or officer the amount necessary to pay 
the reasonable legal costs incurred by the director 
or officer in defending an action for a liability 
incurred as a director or officer of the company 
or a subsidiary on such terms as the company 
reasonably determines. The director or officer 

must repay to the company such legal costs if 
they become legal costs for which the company 
was not permitted by law to indemnify the director 
or officer. The company need not pay or provide a 
loan to the director or officer to the extent that the 
director or officer is actually reimbursed for legal 
costs as they fall due under an insurance policy 
or otherwise.

The company has not otherwise, during or 
since the financial year, indemnified or agreed 
to indemnify a director, officer or auditor of 
the company or of any related body corporate 
against a liability incurred as such director, officer 
or auditor.

Director’s meetings

The number of directors’ meetings (including meetings of committees of directors of which not all directors 
are members) and number of meetings attended by each of the directors of the controlling entity during 
the financial year are set out below.

Director

Board

Investment

People, 
remuneration  
and nominations

Audit, compliance 
and risk

Eligible

Attend Eligible

Attend Eligible

Attend Eligible

Attend

André Morony

Phillip Vernon

Justine Hickey

Stephen Newnham

Howard Pender

Les Coleman

Louise Herron

Stephen Gibbs

Ruth Medd

8

8

8

8

2

3

4

-

-

8

8

8

7

2

3

4

-

-

4

-

4

-

1

-

-

-

-

4

-

4

-

1

-

-

-

-

5

-

5

-

-

-

1

-

-

5

-

5

-

-

-

1

-

-

-

-

-

4

-

6

1

-

6

-

-

-

4

-

6

1

-

6

Directorships held in other listed entities in the last three years

Name

Entity

Period of directorship

Justine Hickey

Hyperion Flagship Investments Limited

4 years

  1800 021 227  |  australianethical.com.au  15

australianethical  Directors’ relevant interests in securities of the company

Parent entity directors

Fully paid ordinary 
shares

Share options

Performance rights

2012

2011

2012

2011

André Morony

Phillip Vernon

Justine Hickey

Stephen Newnham

Howard Pender

Les Coleman

Louise Herron

Stephen Gibbs

-

-

-

-

1,200

1,200

-

-

49,852

49,852

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1,326

-

-

-

2012

-

2011

-

5,744

2,798

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Directors’ holdings in registered schemes made available by the company

None of the current directors have holdings in the registered schemes made available by the company. 
Several directors are members of the Australian Ethical Retail Superannuation Fund.

Employment contracts of 
directors and senior managers

For each individual whose remuneration has been 
disclosed in this report and is currently employed 
under an employment contract, the details of the 
employment contract are as follows:

Name

Duration 
of 
contract

Period of 
termination 
notice 
required

Termination 
payment 
provided 
under the 
contract

Phillip 
Vernon

Stephen 
Newnham

David 
Macri

Ongoing 12 weeks

Ongoing 12 weeks

Ongoing 12 weeks

Adam Kirk Ongoing 12 weeks

Philip 
George

Paul 
Smith

Ongoing 12 weeks

Ongoing 4 weeks

None 
except for 
accrued 
leave and 
payment 
in lieu of 
notice.

Rights as at the date of this report

Rights over unissued shares as at the date of this 
report are as follows:

Performance 
rights reference

Number of rights 
on issue

AEFAW

AEFAY

AEFAA

AEFAB

4,010

11,340

13,585

12,578

All performance rights are over unissued shares 
in the company. Performance rights expire if the 
performance conditions are not met at the end of 
the performance period. No holder of performance 
rights is entitled to, by virtue of holding the 
performance rights, to participate in any other 
share issue of the company or of any other entity.

  16

Shares issued upon the exercise of options

4,760 ordinary shares of the company were issued during the year ended 30 June 2012 on the conversion 
of performance rights granted under the company’s employee share ownership plan.

No further shares have been issued since that date to the date of this report. No amounts are unpaid on 
any of the shares.

Non-director committee members and company secretary particulars

Name

Qualifications Experience

Ruth Medd

BSc  
Dip Comp 
Science CPA 
MAICD

Les Coleman B.Eng.(Hons), 

B.Sc.(Hons), 
M.Ec., PhD

Ruth is Chair of the company’s wholly owned subsidiary Australian 
Ethical Superannuation Pty Ltd. Ruth also chairs the company’s 
audit, compliance and risk committee.  Ruth is currently on the board 
of the NFAW Ltd (National Foundation for Australian Women) and 
WOB Pty Ltd.  Ruth started in IT in the 1970s.  Since then she has 
been a senior public servant, a broadcasting regulator, the inaugural 
Company Secretary at Telstra and the Executive Director of an industry 
association.

Les is on the Audit, Compliance & Risk committee and is also a director 
of Australian Ethical Superannuation Pty Limited.  Les has been a 
trustee of two superannuation funds, and a director of ten companies 
involved in finance, retail and distribution. He has over 20 years 
experience in senior operational, planning and finance roles in Australia 
and overseas with Anglo American Corporation and ExxonMobil 
Corporation. He is currently a member of the investment committee of 
United Funds Management (a subsidiary of IOOF Holdings Limited), 
and since 2004 has taught in the Finance Department of the University 
of Melbourne. His particular research interests are corporate risk and 
non-financial indicators of superior firm performance, especially ethics 
and sustainability. He is a regular contributor to print and broadcast 
media, including four years as a weekly columnist with The Australian 
newspaper, and has published several books and numerous articles 
and papers.

Philip George BSc LLB ACIS Philip was on the board of Australian Ethical Superannuation Pty 

Tom May

BA LLB MBA

Ltd until his resignation on 29 August 2012.  Philip has experience in 
commercial law, corporate governance and project management. He 
has been a company secretary and legal counsel for listed companies 
for over seven years. He was a senior associate at the national law firm 
Minter Ellison and conducted a commercial legal practice in partnership 
for two years.

Tom has experience in the superannuation and distribution aspects of 
financial services law. He has been a lawyer since 1990 when he was 
a legal officer in the federal government. He subsequently worked in 
house with funds management and life insurance companies before 
working in private practice in London and Tokyo.

  1800 021 227  |  australianethical.com.au  17

australianethical  Remuneration Report 2012

This report sets out the remuneration 
arrangements for all key management personnel 
(KMP) for the year. KMP is defined under the 
Corporations Act as persons having authority 
and responsibility for planning, directing and 
controlling the activities of the entity, directly 
or indirectly, including any director (whether 
executive or otherwise) of that entity. The 
information contained in the Remuneration 
Report has been audited by the company’s 
external auditor and named directors and 
executives are key management personnel of 
the consolidated entity.

At the 2011 AGM, the Remuneration Report 
received 40% of the vote against it. There were 
no specific comments at the Meeting criticising 
any aspect of the remuneration report. Australian 
Ethical Investment has a long history of paying 
below market salaries. This includes KMPs, the 
Managing Director and Non-executive Directors. 
The directors are of the view that the vote received 
against the 2011 Remuneration Report was not 
about the remuneration of KMP’s, rather, as a 
result of misleading information distributed by a 
few shareholders.

We therefore encourage shareholders to read 
this remuneration report carefully before 
deciding on how to vote. A vote of greater than 
25% against the 2012 Remuneration Report 
will result in the board being subjected to a 
spill motion.

Remuneration policy 
and structure

Australian Ethical Investment Limited’s 
remuneration policy is designed to create a 
motivating environment for staff where they 
feel appropriately paid and incentivised for 
the contribution they make to the performance 
of the company.

The remuneration philosophy is consistent with 
the principles of the Australian Ethical Charter 
and  Constitution. In particular:

•	

it is designed to ensure that Australian Ethical 
facilitates “the development of workers 
participation in the ownership and control of 
their work organisations and places” (Charter 
element (a))

•	

•	

it is designed so as to not “exploit people 
through the payment of low wages or the 
provision of poor working conditions” (negative 
Charter element (ix))

the incentive structure meets the requirements 
of Rule 15.1(c) of the AEI Constitution which 
provides that:

 – prior to recommending or declaring any 
dividend, provision must be made for a 
bonus or incentive for staff to be paid 
of up to 30 percent (30%) of what the 
profit for that year would have been had 
not the bonus or incentive payment been 
deducted; and

 –

these bonuses may be in cash or shares. 
This constraint applies only to the Profit 
Participation Scheme below. The other 
schemes outlined in this document are part 
of the remuneration structure.

Principles guiding the design of the remuneration 
structure are as follows:

•	 Pay people fairly for the work that they do

•	 Build long term ownership in the company 

amongst employees

•	 Reward people according to their contribution 

to the company’s performance

•	 Align shareholder interests and the company’s 

capacity to pay

•	 Attract and retain talented people

•	 Promote the values of the Charter

i)  Non-executive Directors

A review of Non-executive Directors 
remuneration is undertaken annually, taking 
into account recommendations from the 
People, Remuneration and Nominations 
Committee. The review includes the positions 
of Chairman and Non-executive Directors, 
duties undertaken, accountability and market 
rates, and has shown that Non-executive 
Directors’ remuneration has been consistently 
below that of comparative companies. 
However, there has been no increase in 
remuneration since 2008.

In addition to fixed remuneration, Non-
executive Directors are entitled to be paid 
reasonable expenses, remuneration of 
additional services and superannuation 

  18

contributions. They also receive payment for 
serving on board committees.

Performance-based remuneration

Non-executive Director remuneration is 
not linked to company performance and 
they are not eligible to participate in staff 
incentive plans.

The company seeks to reward employees for 
results and ongoing commitment through the 
provision of cash bonus schemes and equity 
based schemes as outlined below:

ii)  Key Management Personnel

a)  Staff Bonus Plan

The board seeks to reward KMP’s through 
the same process as all staff, based on 
positive contributions and company results.

The remuneration structure for KMP’s is based 
on a number of factors including position in 
the company, the scope and impact of an 
individual’s contribution to the performance 
of the company and the achievement of 
agreed objectives. All remuneration for KMP’s 
is reviewed against market rates for roles 
requiring similar skills and experience.

Managing Director and 
KMP performance

An annual assessment of the Managing Director 
is completed by the Chair and is overseen by the 
board, with input from the People, Remuneration 
and Nominations Committee. The review 
includes a 360 review process, measurement of 
performance against agreed KPI’s and company 
performance.

The bonus received by the Managing Director 
during 2011/12 is shown in Table 1.

Remuneration Elements and relates to the 
previous financial year of 2010/2011. This flows 
from a formula linking the bonus to year on 
year profit changes and reflects an increase 
in the results for that previous financial year. 
The bonus paid in respect of the financial year 
ended 2011/2012 is lower ($22,000) reflecting 
the lower profits of this financial year. In addition, 
$20,000 was “clawed back” in respect of bonuses 
previously paid due to a restatement of previous 
year’s financial results (see paragraph below and 
Note 27 of the attached financial report).

In turn, the Managing Director is responsible for 
reviewing the performance of senior management 
and whether performance requirements are 
met. Both quantitative and qualitative data is 
used to determine whether performance criteria 
are achieved.

All permanent staff are eligible to participate 
in an annual staff bonus plan. Under the 
company’s Constitution, before the directors 
recommend or declare a dividend to be paid 
out of profits of any one year, they must pay 
a bonus to current employees which is:

i)  Set by reference to the profit of the 

company for that year; and

ii)  Can be up to 30% of the company profit.

Historically, all staff across the organisation, 
irrespective of position (and including KMP), 
received the same bonus paid in cash under 
this constitutional provision. In the 2011/12 
performance year, employees received a cash 
bonus of $5,000 in respect of the 2010/11 
financial year. The amount accrued per person 
in respect of the 2011/12 financial year is 
$3,000 per person. The bonus is pro-rated for 
permanent part-time staff and staff who have 
not completed a full year with the company.

b)  Employee Share Incentive Schemes

Under the employee share incentive scheme 
(ESIS), a pool of performance rights which 
would, if exercised, amount to less than 5% 
per annum of the company’s existing ordinary 
share capital, is made available. This scheme 
was originally approved by members at the 
2008 Annual General Meeting. The ESIS is split 
into two categories: general and individual.

The performance rights that have been issued 
during the current year are subject to the terms 
and conditions of the scheme rules.

i) 

Individual Category

The individual ESIS is provided to senior 
and eligible investment staff. The number 
of performance rights issued is based 
on company performance, individual 
performance and the achievement of 
agreed KPI’s.

Performance rights issued under the 
individual category are linked to the 
performance of the company’s managed 
funds for eligible investment staff.

The following attributes determine whether 

  1800 021 227  |  australianethical.com.au  19

australianethical  the performance rights convert into 
ordinary shares:

•	 For all participants in the individual 

ESIS, employment must continue until 
a specified date.

•	 For investment staff, the number of 
shares issued to each employee in 
respect of their performance rights 
under this category will be adjusted up 
or down by a maximum 20%, depending 
on the absolute performance of the 
company’s management investment 
schemes for which the employee has 
responsibility or provides significant 
input. The nominated managed 
investment scheme is agreed between 
the company and the employee and 
the performance is measured over the 
relevant performance period.

ii)  General Category

All permanent employees, including 
KMP, participate in the general ESIS. 
The number of performance rights issued 
to each staff member is based on their 
relative remuneration.

Performance rights issued under the 
general category have two hurdles. Firstly, 
they are subject to a three year employment 
condition and secondly, shares will only 
be issued in respect of the performance 
rights where return on equity meets the 
established levels.

The following attributes determine 
whether shares will be issued in respect 
of the rights:

•	 Employment must continue until a 

specified date.

•	 The arithmetic average return on equity 
(AROE) must exceed 15% per annum or 
no shares shall be awarded at the end of 
the performance period.

•	

•	

If the AROE exceeds 15% per annum 
but is less than 20% per annum, half 
the maximum number of shares shall 
be awarded.

If the AROE is equal to or greater than 
20% per annum the maximum number 
of shares shall be awarded.

•	 AROE is determined as the arithmetic 

average of return on equity over each six 
month period calculated using audited 
half-year financial statements.

•	 The performance is measured over a 

rolling three year period.

c)  Individual Bonuses

During the reporting year, five KMP’s were 
paid ‘at risk’ components as part of their 
remuneration. The general split of ‘at risk’ 
components is as follows:

•	 50% company results

•	 50% personal objectives

Performance criteria were used to determine the 
amount of the payments and the payments are 
shown in the following tables.

Proposed changes to 
remuneration structure from  
July 2012

A review of the company’s remuneration structure 
was conducted in 2011/12 covering:

•	 Better alignment of incentive programs with 

the company’s capacity to pay

•	 Better alignment of individual and company 
performance to short term incentive plans

•	 Aligning payment more closely to the relevant 

performance year

•	 The balance of reward options including cash 

and performance rights

•	 Market based long term incentive structures

•	 The capacity to issue additional long term 

incentives to key staff

•	 Reducing retention risk through the provision 
of market-based incentive programs for 
identified staff

The changes are aimed at strengthening the 
alignment of performance-based remuneration to 
shareholders’ interests and AEI’s strategic plan.

  20

Conditions of Employment

a)  Employment Contracts

Hedging policy

Directors and executives participating in the 
company’s equity-based plans are prohibited from 
entering into any transaction which would have 
the effect of hedging or otherwise transferring 
to any other person the risk of any fluctuation 
in the value of any unvested entitlement in the 
company’s securities.

TABLE 1: REMUNERATION ELEMENTS

The following table illustrates the proportion 
of remuneration that was performance and 
non-performance based, and the proportion of 
remuneration received in the form of performance 
rights during the financial year.

Non-executive directors receive their total 
remuneration as cash or superannuation 
contributions. No element is dependent 
on performance.

All KMP’s have formal contracts of 
employment and are permanent employees 
of Australian Ethical Investment Ltd. None 
of the contracts contain a pre-determined 
duration of employment or a termination 
date. The contracts for service between the 
company and KMP’s are on a continuing basis; 
no changes to the contractual arrangements 
are expected in the immediate future.

b)  Consultancy Agreements

The company also commenced a consultancy 
agreement with Morse Consulting Pty Limited 
for the provision of management services to 
the company’s finance team. The agreement 
commenced on 28 November 2011 and is due 
for review on 20 August 2012. The agreement 
may be terminated subject to a notice 
period of two weeks. Costs incurred amount 
to $191,800.

c)  Special Exertions

The board approved a ‘special exertion’ with 
a rate variation to Ms Louise Herron, for the 
provision of additional work for the company. 
The agreement commenced on 4 May 2012 
for a two month period, concluding on 25 July 
2012. Costs incurred are included in Table 1: 
Remuneration Elements.

  1800 021 227  |  australianethical.com.au  21

australianethical  Name

Directors

Position

Andre Morony**

Non-executive Director, Chairman 
Non-executive Director

Term

Full Year

Phillip Vernon*

Executive Director, Managing Director

Full Year

Justine Hickey

Non-executive Director

Full Year

Steve Newnham*** Non-executive Director 

Howard Pender

Executive Director

Non-executive Director 
Executive Director

Until 12 December 2011 
Employment commenced 12 December 2011

Retired 17 November 2011 
Employment ended 1 July 2011

Les Coleman

Non-executive Director

Directorship ended 17 November 2011

Ruth Medd

Chairman, Australian Ethical Superannuation 

Full Year

Louise Herron

Non-executive Director

Appointed 20 February 2012 
Resigned 25 July 2012

Naomi Edwards

James Thier****

Non-executive Director, Chairman

Resigned 23 March 2011

Executive Director

Steve Gibbs

Non-executive Director

Current Executives

Retired 17 November 2010

Appointed 25 July 2012

David Macri*

Chief Investment Officer

Appointed 13 February 2012

 161,798 

 5,000 

 16,144 

 4,492 

 60,151 

Adam Kirk

General Manager, Business Development

Employment commenced 9 August 2011

Philip George*

General Manager, Program Office

Full Year

Paul Smith

General Manager, Strategy & Marketing

Employment commenced 8 July 2011

Past Executives

James Jordan*

Chief Investment Officer

Employment ended 28 March 2012

Gary Leckie*

Chief Financial Officer

Employment ended 23 May 2012

Tim Xirakis

Head of Client Relationships

Employment ended 8 August 2011

Paul Harding Davis  

Head of Distribution

Employment ended 5 January 2011

101,316

10,250

11,502

-9,812

57,459

170,715

The five highest paid KMP's for the year ended 30 June 2012. 

* 
**  The increase in Andre Morony's fees reflects his appointment as Chairman of the board in March 2011 
***  Stephen Newnham became an employee of the company in December 2011 
****  James Thier was not a KMP in 2011/12

  22

SHORT TERM 

BENEFITS

POST 

EMPLOYMENT 

LONG 

TERM 

BENEFITS

BENEFITS

EQUITY

Salary, fees 

and Leave  

STI  

Superannuation 

Leave  

Payments  

$

$

$

$

$

Termination  

Benefits  

$

Long 

Service 

Settled 

Share-

based 

5,751  

5,483

52,870  

40,316

 2,668 

-702 

11,251

 136,834 

11,960

3,915 

2,729

30,288 

23,429

2,565  

2,578

12,645  

1,193

6,263  

12,189

2,228  

2,352

2,790  

2,804

 901 

4,273

-88 

12,221

14,440

3,477

11,196

 92,681 

Year

2012 

2011

2012 

2011

2012 

2011

2012 

2011

2012 

2011

2012 

2011

2012 

2011

2012 

2011

2012 

2011

2012 

2011

2012

2012 

2011

2012 

2011

2012 

2011

2012 

2011

2012 

2011

2012 

2011

2012 

2011

2012 

2011

43,361 

30,259

269,032 

272,330

28,409  

28,593

150,176  

13,234

16,382  

135,444

24,671  

26,084

30,901 

31,101 

 23,324 

47,410

 15,304  

122,525

 191,950 

189,576  

196,182

 158,424 

175,501  

256,524

176,446  

204,509

17,724  

181,756

67,500 

2,251

2,978

12,937  

4,000

41,684  

3,259

19,168  

4,000

13,138  

4,000

 16,296 

 3,774 

18,982  

17,797

 13,626 

5,879  

5,680

 3,244 

25,466  

16,006

20,533  

23,285

17,991  

18,244

5,538  

16,191

7,014  

6,143

3,615  

-8,277

-796 

5,129

15,327

16,380

 12,823  

15,958

 84,694

Total  

$

47,276 

32,988

425,441  

343,809

30,974  

31,171

165,489  

14,427

158,777 

173,822

26,898 

28,436

33,691 

33,905 

 24,224 

51,683

 110,327  

163,859

 247,585 

 212,020 

252,840  

239,665

 175,294 

244,732  

304,538

217,220  

234,856

133,121 

223,034 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Name

Directors

Position

Andre Morony**

Non-executive Director, Chairman 

Non-executive Director

Term

Full Year

Phillip Vernon*

Executive Director, Managing Director

Full Year

Justine Hickey

Non-executive Director

Full Year

Steve Newnham*** Non-executive Director 

Until 12 December 2011 

Executive Director

Employment commenced 12 December 2011

Howard Pender

Non-executive Director 

Executive Director

Retired 17 November 2011 

Employment ended 1 July 2011

Les Coleman

Non-executive Director

Directorship ended 17 November 2011

Ruth Medd

Chairman, Australian Ethical Superannuation 

Full Year

Louise Herron

Non-executive Director

Appointed 20 February 2012 

Resigned 25 July 2012

Non-executive Director, Chairman

Resigned 23 March 2011

Naomi Edwards

James Thier****

Executive Director

Steve Gibbs

Non-executive Director

Current Executives

Retired 17 November 2010

Appointed 25 July 2012

David Macri*

Chief Investment Officer

Appointed 13 February 2012

Adam Kirk

General Manager, Business Development

Employment commenced 9 August 2011

Philip George*

General Manager, Program Office

Full Year

Paul Smith

General Manager, Strategy & Marketing

Employment commenced 8 July 2011

Past Executives

James Jordan*

Chief Investment Officer

Employment ended 28 March 2012

Gary Leckie*

Chief Financial Officer

Employment ended 23 May 2012

Tim Xirakis

Head of Client Relationships

Employment ended 8 August 2011

Paul Harding Davis  

Head of Distribution

Employment ended 5 January 2011

* 

The five highest paid KMP's for the year ended 30 June 2012. 

**  The increase in Andre Morony's fees reflects his appointment as Chairman of the board in March 2011 

***  Stephen Newnham became an employee of the company in December 2011 

****  James Thier was not a KMP in 2011/12

SHORT TERM 
BENEFITS

POST 
EMPLOYMENT 
BENEFITS

LONG 
TERM 
BENEFITS

Salary, fees 
and Leave  
$

STI  
$

Superannuation 
$

Long 
Service 
Leave  
$

EQUITY

Settled 
Share-
based 
Payments  
$

Termination  
Benefits  
$

43,361 
30,259

269,032 
272,330

28,409  
28,593

150,176  
13,234

16,382  
135,444

24,671  
26,084

30,901 
31,101 

 23,324 

47,410

 15,304  
122,525

67,500 
2,251

2,978

14,440

3,915 
2,729

30,288 
23,429

2,565  
2,578

12,645  
1,193

6,263  
12,189

2,228  
2,352

2,790  
2,804

 901 

4,273

-88 
12,221

5,751  
5,483

52,870  
40,316

 2,668 

-702 
11,251

 136,834 

11,960

3,477

11,196

 92,681 

 161,798 

 5,000 

 16,144 

 4,492 

 60,151 

 191,950 

189,576  
196,182

 158,424 

175,501  
256,524

176,446  
204,509

17,724  
181,756

12,937  
4,000

41,684  
3,259

19,168  
4,000

13,138  
4,000

 16,296 

 3,774 

18,982  
17,797

 13,626 

5,879  
5,680

 3,244 

25,466  
16,006

20,533  
23,285

17,991  
18,244

5,538  
16,191

7,014  
6,143

3,615  
-8,277

-796 
5,129

15,327

16,380

 12,823  
15,958

 84,694

Total  
$

47,276 
32,988

425,441  
343,809

30,974  
31,171

165,489  
14,427

158,777 
173,822

26,898 
28,436

33,691 
33,905 

 24,224 

51,683

 110,327  
163,859

 247,585 

 212,020 

252,840  
239,665

 175,294 

244,732  
304,538

217,220  
234,856

133,121 
223,034 

101,316

10,250

11,502

-9,812

57,459

170,715

Year

2012 
2011

2012 
2011

2012 
2011

2012 
2011

2012 
2011

2012 
2011

2012 
2011

2012 
2011

2012 
2011

2012 
2011

2012

2012 
2011

2012 
2011

2012 
2011

2012 
2011

2012 
2011

2012 
2011

2012 
2011

2012 
2011

  1800 021 227  |  australianethical.com.au  23

australianethical   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity based remuneration consisting of rights 
under the company’s employee share incentive 
scheme are provided above and in Note 25 of the 
attached financial report.

Restatement of 2010/11 financial 
statements

The 2010/11 financial statements were restated 
due to a change in accounting policy resulting in 
a reduction in net profit after tax by $157,502; this 
is explained more fully in Note 27 of the attached 
financial report. The People, Remuneration 

and Nominations Committee determined that 
a portion of the bonus issued to Mr Phillip 
Vernon for the 2010/11 year would be reversed 
($20,000) as a result of the restatement. The 
committee determined that there would be no 
further claw-back of bonuses paid as a result of 
the restatement.

TABLE 2: REMUNERATION RECEIVED

The following table sets out the actual 
remuneration received by executives at Australian 
Ethical Investment including cash paid and the 
value of equity vested.

Elements of remuneration  
related to   performance

Elements of remuneration  
not related to performance

Non salary 
cash based 
incentives 
%

Shares  
%

Rights/
Options 
%

Fixed Salary/
Fees  
%

Total  
%

Name

Directors

Andre Morony

Phillip Vernon

Justine Hickey

Steve Newnham

Howard Pender

Les Coleman

Louise Herron

Current Executives

David Macri

Adam Kirk

Philip George

Paul Smith

0

15

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

3

0

Executives who left during the year

James Jordan

Gary Leckie

Tim Xirakis

15

7

27

This directors’ report, incorporating the 
remuneration report, is signed in accordance with 
a resolution of the board of directors.

André Morony 
Chairman

Dated: 27 September 2012

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

12

0

0

0

0

0

24

0

10

0

0

0

26

100

73

100

100

100

100

100

76

100

87

100

85

93

47

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

  24

Corporate Governance 
Statement 2012

Australian Ethical Investment 
Limited & Controlled Entity

This statement has been prepared under the 
ASX Corporate Governance Principles and 
Recommendations with 2010 Amendments (2nd 
edition) (“Principles and Recommendations”) 
and discloses the extent to which Australian 
Ethical Investment Ltd (“company”) has followed 
the Principles and Recommendations during the 
reporting period.

This statement will be posted to the corporate 
governance section of the company’s website.

Principle 1 – lay solid foundations 
for management and oversight

The company has formalised the functions 
reserved to the board and those delegated 
to management.

Board responsibilities

The board is directly responsible for the 
following activities.

•	 Setting the strategic direction of 

Australian Ethical

•	 Annual appraisal of the board

•	 Approval of board committee fees

•	 Approval of the issue of shares and options

•	 Approval of significant changes to unit trust 

fees, including discount programs

•	 Approval of significant changes to products or 

product offerings

•	 Approval of the constitutional bonus and 

tithe amounts

•	 Approval of the terms and conditions for any 
employee share ownership scheme, or if 
shareholder approval is required, approval of 
recommendations to shareholders

•	 Approval of employee performance based 

remuneration programs

•	 Approval of dividend payments and any DRP

•	 Authorisation of the issue of the Trust PDS

•	 Approval of risk management and 

compliance programs

•	 Approval of significant company policies

•	 Approval of indemnity, crime, director and 
officer and similar insurance programs

•	 Protection and promotion of the Australian 

Ethical Charter

The following general delegations are also 
in place.

The Chair of the board – is delegated with 
all necessary authority to carry out the 
following functions:

•	 Recommendation to shareholders on the 

aggregate level of directors’ fees

Inside the boardroom

•	 Approval of individual director fees

•	 Appointment and removal of the CEO

•	 Annual appraisal of the CEO

•	 Approval of the annual operational and capital 
expenditure budget and any material revisions

•	 Approval of major contracts, acquisitions or 
disposals which have not been approved in 
the budget

•	 Authorisation of board project expenditure

•	 Acceptance and sign-off of the annual 

audited accounts and directors’ report for 
the Australian Ethical group

•	 Acting as the link between the board and the 
company when the CEO is unable to perform 
this role;

•	 Establishing and maintaining an effective 

working relationship with the CEO;

•	 Setting the tone for the board, including the 

establishment of a common purpose;

•	 Chairing board meetings efficiently and 
shaping the agenda in relation to goals, 
strategy, budget and executive performance;

•	 Work with the company Secretary and CEO 
to ensure that appropriate information is 
presented to the board;

  1800 021 227  |  australianethical.com.au  25

australianethical  •	 Ensuring contributions by all board 

members and reaching consensus when 
making decisions;

•	 Approval and maintenance of 
Employee Authorisations;

•	 Employment, termination and suspension 

•	 Motivating board members and where 

of staff;

appropriate dealing with underperformance;

•	 Oversee the process for appraising board 
members individually and the board as 
a whole;

•	 Overseeing conducting and finalising 

negotiations for the CEO’s employment and 
evaluating the CEO’s performance;

•	 Assisting with the selection of board 

committee members.

Outside the boardroom

•	 Communicating with shareholders on matters 

of corporate governance;

•	 Chairing shareholder meetings – annual 

and extraordinary general meetings (AGMs 
and EGMs);

•	 Ensuring compliance with ASX Listing Rules 
and continuous disclosure requirements;

•	 Speaking with large investors;

•	

In conjunction with the CEO, communicating 
board views to staff.

Board committees – are delegated with all 
necessary authority to carry out their functions as 
set out in board committee charters.

The CEO – is delegated with all necessary 
authority to run Australian Ethical on an ongoing, 
day to day basis other than those responsibilities 
reserved to the board and delegations (general 
or specific) made by the board to the Chair, 
board committees, directors or other senior 
executives. Specifically the CEO is delegated with 
responsibility and authority for the following:

•	

•	

Implementing the strategic direction set by 
the board;

Implementing the risk management and 
compliance programs approved by the board;

•	 Approval and maintenance of Expenditure and 

Payment Guidelines;

•	 Employee remuneration;

•	 Employee policies and procedures.

The above responsibilities and delegations are 
made public through the publication of this 
statement and its inclusion in the corporate 
governance section of the company’s website.

Evaluating the performance of 
senior executives

Executive performance is evaluated in accordance 
with the company’s annual performance review 
guidelines. The Chair conducts the CEO’s 
performance review. The CEO conducts the 
performance reviews of other senior executives.

In relation to senior executives the CEO completes 
a draft performance review and discusses it with 
the relevant executive. The discussion also covers:

•	 objectives for the coming year, aspirations and 

areas for improvement;

•	

the executives competencies and qualifications 
to ensure they remain applicable. If not, a 
training program is developed to bring the 
executive to the appropriate level; and

•	 where remuneration is subject to performance 
hurdles, the achievement of those hurdles is 
reviewed and the amount of any performance 
based remuneration is determined.

In relation to the CEO, the process is for the Chair 
to solicit feedback from the senior management 
team, conduct the review and present the results 
of the review to the board. The board then has an 
opportunity to provide feedback to the CEO and to 
consider recommendations from the Chair on the 
CEO’s remuneration package.

An evaluation of the CEO and senior executives 
was undertaken in the financial year in accordance 
with the processes described above.

  26

Principle 2–structure the 
board to add value

Independent directors

A director is an independent director if they are 
not a member of management (a non-executive 
director) and who:

•	

is not a substantial shareholder (as defined 
in the Corporations Act) or an officer of, 
or otherwise associated directly with, a 
substantial shareholder of the company;

•	 has not within the last three years been 

employed in an executive capacity by the 
company or another group member, or 
been a director after ceasing to hold any 
such employment;

•	 within the last three years has not been 
a principal or employee of a material 
professional adviser or a material consultant 
to the company or another group member, 
or an employee materially associated with the 
service provided;

•	

is not a material supplier or customer of the 
company or other group member, or an officer 
of or otherwise associated directly or indirectly 
with a material supplier or customer;

•	 has no material contractual relationship with 
the company or another group member other 
than as a director of the company;

•	 has not served on the board for a period which 
could, or could reasonably be perceived to, 
materially interfere with the director’s ability to 
act in the best interests of the company;

•	

is free from any interest and any business 
or other relationship which could, or could 
reasonably be perceived to, materially interfere 
with the director’s ability to act in the best 
interests of the company.

The list reflects the relationships set out in the 
Principles and Recommendations.

Unless there are specific qualitative factors 
relevant to the relationship, the board is generally 
of the view that a quantitative materiality threshold 
arises at 10% of the relevant amount – considered 
from both the company’s perspective and that of 
the other party.

The classification of directors who held office during or since the end of the financial year is set out below.

Director

Status

André Morony (Chair)

Justine Hickey

Phillip Vernon

Stephen Newnham

Stephen Gibbs

Louise Herron

Independent  
non-executive director

Independent  
non-executive director

Non independent  
executive director

Non independent  
executive director

Non independent  
non-executive director 

Independent  
non-executive director 

Steve was a non-executive director at the start of the 
period; he commenced employment with the company 
on 12 December 2011

Steve was appointed on 25 July 2012.

Louise was appointed on 20 February 2012 and 
resigned on 25 July 2012 to take up her appointment 
as Sydney Opera House CEO.

Les Coleman

Non independent  
non-executive director 

Directorship ended at the conclusion of the AGM held 
on 17 November 2011.

Howard Pender

Non independent  
Executive Director

Directorship ended at the conclusion of the AGM held 
on 17 November 2011.

  1800 021 227  |  australianethical.com.au  27

australianethical  On 1 July 2011 the board was evenly balanced 
between independent and non independent 
directors. Following the AGM on 17 November 
2011 there were more independent directors than 
non independent directors. Over the course of the 
year a further independent director, Louise Herron, 
was appointed. On 30 June 2012 the board 
comprised of three independent non-executive 
directors and two executive directors.

Steve Gibbs was appointed after the end of 
the period. Steve is the Chair of the Centre for 
Australian Ethical Research Pty Ltd which is a 
major supplier of ethical research services to the 
company. Consequently, because Steve is an 
officer of a material supplier, he is classified as a 
non independent director.

Over time the board has moved from one 
dominated by executives to one more consistent 
with the ASX guidelines. The board’s approach is 
to keep moving in this direction as it represents 
best corporate governance and alignment with the 
Australian Ethical Charter.

Independent legal and other 
professional advice

Subject to the qualifications below director’s 
have a right to seek independent legal and other 
professional advice at the company’s expense 
on any aspect of the company's operations or 
undertakings in order to fulfil their duties and 
responsibilities as directors. The right of directors 
to seek independent legal and other professional 
advice at the company’s expense is subject to 
them complying with the following requirements:

•	 They must have the prior approval of the Chair 
to seek the specific independent legal and 
other professional advice;

•	 They must ensure that the costs are 

reasonable; and

•	 Any advice received must be made available to 
the rest of the board unless either the Chair or 
the board agree that the rest of the board does 
not need to see the advice.

Chair of the board

André Morony, the Chair during the reporting 
period, is considered an independent director.

Nomination Committee

The board has a People, Remuneration and 
Nominations Committee. André Morony and 
Justine Hickey were the members of the 
Committee at the commencement of the 
reporting period. Louise Herron was appointed on 

22 February 2012. (Following Louise’s resignation 
on 25 July 2012 the Committee is once again 
comprised of André Morony and Justine Hickey.) 
Attendance at meetings is detailed in the directors’ 
report. A summary of the Committee’s Charter is 
available from the corporate governance section 
of the company’s website.

Board and director evaluation

The directors undertake an annual self-
assessment of their collective and individual 
performance and seek feedback from the senior 
management team.

A questionnaire concerning board and individual 
performance is completed by each director and 
the results collected by the Chair. The board as a 
whole then considers and discusses the results of 
the questionnaire at a board meeting. The Chair 
also talks to each director individually about their 
performance and generally on the evaluation and 
comments received from their peers. The results 
of the questionnaire are examined from both a 
qualitative and quantitative perspective.

An assessment in accordance with the above 
process was undertaken in the relevant period.

Director skills and experience

The time in office, skills, experience and expertise 
of each director in office as at the date of this 
report is included in the directors’ report.

Selection and appointment of directors and re-
appointment of incumbents

The People, Remuneration and Nominations 
Committee has the following responsibilities:

•	 assess the necessary and desirable 

competencies of directors;

•	 ensure the directors have the appropriate 

mix of competencies to enable the board to 
discharge its responsibilities effectively;

•	 develop board succession plans to ensure 
an appropriate balance of skills, diversity, 
experience and expertise is maintained;

•	 make recommendations to the board relating 

to the appointment and retirement of directors.

The People, Remuneration and Nominations 
Committee considers the above responsibilities, 
the current board composition, any nominations 
or suggestions for directorship and the 
assessment of incumbent directors when making 
recommendations to the board on composition 
on an annual basis. A review of the board 
Competency Matrix and training requirements was 
undertaken during the period.

  28

Principle 3–promote ethical and 
responsible decision making

The company is an ethical investment company 
that manages money in accordance with the 
Australian Ethical Charter. The Charter is in the 
company’s constitution and informs all aspects of 
the company’s operations. The Charter is available 
on the company’s website.

•	 75% of either gender up to 31 December 2016; 

or

•	 60% of either gender after 31 December 2016.

As at 30 June 2012, 40% of the board and 11% of 
AEI’s Management were female.

Principle 4–safeguard integrity in 
financial reporting

Code of conduct

The company has a code of conduct that applies 
to directors and staff. It is available on the 
company’s website.

Share trading

The company has a share trading policy that 
applies to directors and staff. It was released to 
the ASX on 22 December 2010 and is available on 
the company’s website.

Diversity

The company has a diversity policy that includes 
measurable objectives for achieving gender 
diversity and requires annual assessment 
against the objectives and progress in achieving 
them. In November 2011, the board of directors 
approved a Diversity Policy that includes 
objectives for achieving gender diversity.

The Diversity Policy States:

“AEI’s board of directors will establish measurable 
objectives for achieving gender diversity in the 
workplace and will undertake a review of progress 
against these objectives annually.”

The following Gender Diversity Targets have 
been adopted:

Target Date

Target

30 June 2013

•	 25% of the AEI board will 

be female

•	 25% of Management at AEI 

will be female

31 December 
2016

•	 40% of the AEI board will be 

female

•	 40% of Management at AEI 

will be female

While this policy is aimed at increasing female 
representation at no time will AEI have more than:

Audit Committee

Throughout the period, the board had an Audit 
Committee consisting of three members being 
one external member (Ruth Medd, Chair of the 
Audit Committee and also independent Chair 
of the company’s subsidiary, Australian Ethical 
Superannuation Pty Ltd) and two independent 
non-executive directors.

In relation to the non-executive directors on 
the Audit Committee: Steve Newnham left the 
Committee after he became an employee; Steve 
was replaced by Louise Herron who was on the 
Committee from 22 February 2012 to the end of 
the period. The other one non-executive director 
throughout the period was Les Coleman.

The qualifications of those appointed to the Audit 
Committee are provided in the directors’ report, as 
are the number of meetings of the committee and 
attendances at those meetings.

A summary of the Audit Committee’s Charter is on 
the company’s website.

As the Audit Committee consists of two non-
executive directors of the company and one 
external member, Ruth Medd who is not a director 
of the company, it does not strictly speaking 
comply with recommendation 4.2 “consists solely 
of non-executive directors”. However, the board is 
of the view that notwithstanding this the structure 
of the Audit Committee is consistent with the spirit 
of the recommendations and the Committee is 
able to perform its functions with independence 
and diligence. In particular it is noted that:

•	

the Audit Committee is comprised only of non-
executives, is chaired by an independent chair 
who is not the Chair of the board and has three 
members;

•	 at a number of meetings the Audit Committee 
speaks directly to the external auditor in the 
absence of executive management.

The Audit Committee considers the performance 
and independence of the external auditor over 
the course of a reporting period. In selecting an 

  1800 021 227  |  australianethical.com.au  29

australianethical  external auditor the board seeks competence, 
industry experience, integrity and independence. 
In normal circumstances, appointment of the 
external auditor will typically continue for a 
significant number of years. Rotation of external 
audit engagement partners occurs in accordance 
with the rotation requirements of the Corporations 
Act 2001.

Principle 5–make timely and 
balanced disclosure

The company has written policies and procedures 
designed to ensure compliance with the ASX 
Listing Rule disclosure requirements and 
accountability at senior executive level for 
compliance. The disclosure policy appears 
in the corporate governance section on the 
company’s website.

Principle 6–respect the rights of 
shareholders

The company does not have a separately 
documented policy for shareholder 
communication. However:

•	

•	

the website includes comprehensive 
and informative sections which provide 
shareholders (and others) with up-to-date 
information about corporate activities, 
including company announcements;

the website also provides shareholders with 
guidance on a range of issues concerning the 
management of their shareholdings;

•	 a facility is available to shareholders to be 
advised via e-mail when announcements 
are made;

•	

the company has a regular sequence of 
communication points with investors and 
members including a newsletter, Aim High, 
for trust and superannuation investors;

•	 since listing the company has also produced 

a shareholder newsletter;

•	

the board recently resolved to hold AGM’s in 
various locations to promote participation and 
dissemination of information to all shareholders 
not just those based in Canberra;

•	

the company also produces a sustainability 
report using Global Reporting Initiative 
guidelines. The sustainability report is available 
on the company’s website; and

•	

the company complies with the corporate 
governance guidelines for notices of meeting.

Principle 7–recognise and 
manage risk

Policies for the oversight and management 
of material business risks and 
internal controls

The company has established policies for the 
oversight and management of material business 
risks. The company’s risk management guide is 
available from the corporate governance section 
of its website.

The board has required management to implement 
a risk management system consistent with the 
company’s risk management guide. The board has 
required management to report to it on whether 
material business risks are being appropriately 
managed. During the relevant period, management 
has reported as to the effectiveness of the entity’s 
management of its material business risks.

The CEO and risk management officer certify 
to the board that its internal control and risk 
management systems are operating efficiently 
and effectively throughout the group.

CEO and CFO sign-off of financial reports

The company requires the CEO and the CFO 
to state in writing to the board that the financial 
reports present a true and fair view, in all material 
respects, of the company’s financial condition 
and operating results and are in accordance with 
relevant accounting standards.

The CEO and CFO certify to the board that the 
integrity of the financial statements 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 risks.

  30

Principle 8–remunerate fairly 
and responsibly

People, Remuneration and 
Nominations Committee

The board has a People, Remuneration and 
Nominations Committee. The members of the 
Committee at the commencement of the relevant 
period were André Morony and Justine Hickey. 
Louise Herron was appointed to this Committee 
on 22 February 2012; her membership ended on 
25 July 2012 when she resigned from the board. 
Steve Gibbs was appointed in her place. Details 
of attendance at meetings of the committee are 
provided in the directors’ report. The Committee’s 
Charter is available in the corporate governance 
section of the company’s website. 

Details of remuneration

Details of remuneration paid to directors and 
key management personnel during the reporting 
period are set out in the directors’ report. 
The report distinguishes the structure of non-
executive director remuneration and that of 
executive directors. Non-executive directors 
receive fees for serving as a director in the 
form of cash payments, plus superannuation 
contributions. They do not participate in bonus 
or equity schemes designed for the remuneration 
of executives. 

  1800 021 227  |  australianethical.com.au  31

australianethical  Auditor’s Independence 
Declaration

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF AUSTRALIAN ETHICAL 
INVESTMENT LIMITED 

ABN:  47 003 188 930 

Report on The Financial Report

We have audited the accompanying financial report of Australian Ethical Investment Limited, 
which comprises the statement of financial position as at 30 June 2012, and the statement of 
comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity and statement of cash flows for the 
year then ended, notes comprising a summary of significant accounting policies, other 
explanatory information and the directors' declaration of the company and the consolidated  
entity comprising the company and the entity it controlled at the year- end or from time to 
time during the financial year. 

Directors’ Responsibility 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 is free from material misstatement, 
whether due to fraud or error.  In Note 1 the directors also state, in accordance with 
Accounting Standard AASB 101: Presentation of Financial Statements, that the financial 
statements comply with International Financial Reporting Standards. 

Auditor's Responsibility

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial report based on our audit. We 
conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Those Standards 
require that we comply with relevant ethical requirements relating to audit engagements and 
plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial report is 
free from material misstatement. 

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and 
disclosures in the financial report. The procedures selected depend on the auditor's 
judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial 
report, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor 
considers internal control relevant to the entity's preparation of the financial report that gives 
and true and fair view in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the 
circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the 
entity's internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting 
policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by the directors, as well 
as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial report. 

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide 
a basis for our audit opinion. 

Independence

In conducting our audit, we have complied with the independence requirements of the 
Corporations Act 2001. 

  32

Opinion

In our opinion: 

(a)  the financial report of Australian Ethical Investment Limited is in accordance with the 

Corporations Act 2001; including: 

(i) 

(ii) 

giving a true and fair view of the Company’s and Consolidated Entity’s 
financial position as at 30 June 2012 and of their performance for the year 
ended on that date; and 

complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations 
Regulations 2001; and 

(b)  the financial report also complies with International Financial Reporting Standards as 

disclosed in Note 1. 

Report on the Remuneration Report

We have audited the Remuneration Report included in pages  to   of the directors’ report for 
the year ended 30 June 2012.  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.

Opinion

In our opinion, the Remuneration Report of Australian Ethical Investment Limited for the year 
ended 30 June 2012, complies with Section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. 

THOMAS DAVIS & CO. 

J G RYAN                 PARTNER 

Chartered Accountants 

SYDNEY, 
27 September 2012 

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. 

  1800 021 227  |  australianethical.com.au  33

australianethical   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Statements

Australian Ethical Investment Limited A.B.N. 47 003 188 930 and controlled entity

Statement of financial position
as at 30 June 2012

Notes

Consolidated entity

Parent entity

2012

$

2011
Restated*
$

2012

$

2011
Restated*
$

7
8
9
13
10

11
12
9
13

14
15
16

15
16

2,309,587
1,715,999
350,412
19,156
173,598

2,554,689
3,245,297
496,423
-
232,306

2,102,684
1,073,168
350,412
46,554
142,323

2,298,126
2,698,177
496,423
-
189,988

4,568,752

6,528,715

3,715,141

5,682,714

3,621,747
17,746
33,757
396,685

4,040,747
45,355
61,820
607,503

3,621,747
17,745
349,757
395,170

4,040,747
45,355
377,820
606,108

4,069,935

4,755,425

4,384,419

5,070,030

8,638,687

11,284,140

8,099,560

10,752,744

1,538,173
-
283,589

2,587,710
443,545
533,024

1,123,761
-
283,589

2,339,705
443,545
533,024

1,821,762

3,564,279

1,407,350

3,316,274

35,087
74,117

34,926
56,123

35,087
74,117

34,926
56,123

109,204

91,049

109,204

91,049

1,930,966

3,655,328

1,516,554

3,407,323

6,707,721

7,628,812

6,583,006

7,345,421

17

6,038,301
302,071
367,349

5,915,219
1,131,904
581,689

6,038,301
302,071
242,634

5,915,219
1,131,904
298,298

6,707,721

7,628,812

6,583,006

7,345,421

Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables
Financial assets
Current tax assets
Other current assets

Total current assets

Non-current assets
Property, plant & equipment
Intangible assets
Financial assets
Deferred tax assets

Total non-current assets

Total assets

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Current tax liabilities
Short-term provisions

Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities
Other long-term provisions

Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

Equity
Issued capital
Reserves
Retained earnings

Total equity

*see note 27

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements

16

  34

     
          
     
     
          
     
        
             
        
                    
               
                    
        
             
        
     
          
     
     
          
     
          
               
          
          
             
        
        
             
        
     
          
     
   
          
   
     
          
     
        
                         
        
        
             
        
     
          
     
          
               
          
          
               
          
          
             
          
     
          
     
   
          
   
     
          
     
     
             
     
        
             
        
   
          
   
Australian Ethical Investment Limited A.B.N. 47 003 188 930 and controlled entity

Statement of comprehensive income
for the year ended 30 June 2012

Notes

Consolidated entity

Parent entity

2012

$

2011
Restated*
$

2012

$

2011
Restated*
$

Revenue

3

14,792,790

15,744,031

12,642,119

14,928,938

Commissions paid to advisers

( 146,750)

( 175,660)

( 8,481)

( 15,048)

External services

( 3,469,806)

( 3,024,619)

( 1,701,853)

( 1,318,507)

Employee benefits expense

( 6,753,962)

( 7,628,517)

( 6,727,978)

( 7,611,134)

Depreciation

Occupancy costs

Communication costs

Other expenses 

( 426,395)

( 421,258)

( 426,395)

( 421,258)

( 276,680)

( 271,218)

( 276,680)

( 262,184)

( 729,448)

( 748,853)

( 708,888)

( 747,597)

( 2,003,796)

( 1,531,231)

( 1,738,669)

( 1,440,464)

Impairment charge on building

11

( 210,000)

-

( 210,000)

-

Profit before community grants and income tax expense

775,953

1,942,675

843,175

3,112,746

Community grants expense

1 (h)

( 53,327)

( 152,802)

( 53,327)

( 152,802)

Profit before income tax 

722,626

1,789,873

789,848

2,959,944

Income tax expense

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income

4

( 320,471)

( 664,842)

( 229,015)

( 516,024)

402,155

1,125,031

560,833

2,443,920

Net gain/(loss) on revaluation of available-for-sale 
investments
Other comprehensive income for the period, net of tax

( 50,172)
( 50,172)

( 26,580)
( 26,580)

( 50,172)
( 50,172)

( 26,580)
( 26,580)

Total comprehensive income for the period

351,983

1,098,451

510,661

2,417,340

Profit attributable to members of the parent entity

402,155

1,125,031

560,833

2,443,920

Total comprehensive income attributable to 
members of the parent entity

Basic earnings per share (cents per share)

Diluted earnings per share (cents per share)

*see note 27 and note 3

351,983

1,098,451

510,661

2,417,340

6

6

40.1

39.4

113.0

112.2

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements

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  1800 021 227  |  australianethical.com.au  35

australianethical     
        
   
                    
                    
     
             
     
     
             
     
     
             
     
   
             
   
     
             
     
     
             
     
Australian Ethical Investment Limited A.B.N. 47 003 188 930 and controlled entity

Consolidated entity

Statement of changes in equity
for year ended 30 June 2012

Balance at 1 July 2010
Profit attributable to members of the group
Other comprehensive income for the period
Total comprehensive income for the period

Transactions with owners in their capacity as 
owners:
Shares issued during the period
Dividends paid or provided for
Share-based payment expense

Balance at 30 June 2011

Net effect of a correction of an error:
Share-based payment expense

Note

Issued capital 
ordinary
$

5,791,147
-
-
-

124,072
-
-
5,915,219

17
5

Asset
revaluation
reserve
$

Share-based
payment
reserve
$

( 40,677)
-
( 26,580)
( 26,580)

909,826
-
-
-

Retained
earnings
$

1,395,432
1,282,533
-
1,282,533

Total
$

8,055,728
1,282,533
( 26,580)
1,255,953

-
-
-
( 67,257)

( 124,072)
-
255,905
1,041,659

-
( 1,938,772)
-
739,191

-
( 1,938,772)
255,905
7,628,812

-

-

157,502

( 157,502)

-

Restated balance at 30 June 2011

5,915,219

( 67,257)

1,199,161

581,689

7,628,812

Balance at 1 July 2011
Profit attributable to members of the group
Other comprehensive income for the period
Total comprehensive income for the period

Transactions with owners in their capacity as 
owners:
Shares issued during the period
Dividends paid or provided for
Transfer from share-based payments reserve to 
retained earnings
Share-based payment expense

Balance at 30 June 2012

Parent entity

Balance at 1 July 2010
Profit attributable to members of the parent entity
Other comprehensive income for the period
Total comprehensive income for the period

Transactions with owners in their capacity as 
owners:

Shares issued during the period
Dividends paid or provided for
Share-based payment expense

Balance at 30 June 2011

Net effect of a correction of an error:
Share-based payment expense

5,915,219
-
-
-

( 67,257)
-
( 50,172)
( 50,172)

1,199,161
-
-
-

581,689
402,155
-
402,155

7,628,812
402,155
( 50,172)
351,983

17
5

123,082
-

-
-

( 123,082)
-

-
( 1,504,553)

-
( 1,504,553)

-
6,038,301

-
( 117,429)

( 888,057)
231,478
419,500

888,057
-
367,349

-
231,478
6,707,721

Note

Issued capital 
y
ordinary
$

Asset
revaluation
reserve
$

Share-based
payment
reserve
$

Retained
earnings
$

g

Total
$

5,791,147
-
-
-

( 40,677)
-
( 26,580)
( 26,580)

909,826
-
-
-

( 206,850)
2,601,422
-
2,601,422

6,453,446
2,601,422
( 26,580)
2,574,843

17
5

124,072
-
-
5,915,219

-
-
-
( 67,257)

( 124,072)
-
255,905
1,041,659

-
( 1,938,772)
-
455,800

-
( 1,938,772)
255,905
7,345,421

-

-

157,502

( 157,502)

-

Restated balance at 30 June 2011

5,915,219

( 67,257)

1,199,161

298,298

7,345,421

Balance at 1 July 2011
Profit attributable to members of the parent entity
Other comprehensive income for the period
Total comprehensive income for the period

Transactions with owners in their capacity as 
owners:
Shares issued during the period
Dividends paid or provided for
Transfer from share-based payments reserve to 
retained earnings
Share-based payment expense

Balance at 30 June 2012

5,915,219
-
-
-

( 67,257)
-
( 50,172)
( 50,172)

1,199,161
-
-
-

298,298
560,833
-
560,833

7,345,421
560,833
( 50,172)
510,661

17
5

123,082
-

-
-

( 123,082)
-

-
( 1,504,553)

-
( 1,504,553)

-
6,038,301

-
( 117,429)

( 888,057)
231,478
419,500

888,057
-
242,634

-
231,478
6,583,006

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

18

  36

           
        
     
     
                          
                      
                    
     
     
                          
                    
                    
                          
                    
     
     
              
                      
                    
                    
                          
                      
                    
                          
                      
        
                    
        
           
     
        
     
                          
                      
        
                    
           
     
        
     
           
     
        
     
                          
                      
                    
        
        
                          
                    
                    
                          
                    
        
        
              
                      
                    
                    
                          
                      
                    
        
                    
                          
                      
        
                    
        
           
        
        
     
 
           
        
     
                          
                      
                    
     
     
                          
                    
                    
                          
                    
     
     
              
                      
                    
                    
                          
                      
                    
                          
                      
        
                    
        
           
     
        
     
                          
                      
        
                    
           
     
        
     
           
     
        
     
                          
                      
                    
        
        
                          
                    
                    
                          
                    
        
        
              
                      
                    
                    
                          
                      
                    
        
                    
                          
                      
        
                    
        
           
        
        
     
Australian Ethical Investment Limited A.B.N. 47 003 188 930 and controlled entity

Consolidated entity

Statement of changes in equity

for year ended 30 June 2012

Restated balance at 30 June 2011

5,915,219

( 67,257)

1,199,161

581,689

7,628,812

Balance at 1 July 2010

Profit attributable to members of the group

Other comprehensive income for the period

Total comprehensive income for the period

Transactions with owners in their capacity as 

owners:

Shares issued during the period

Dividends paid or provided for

Share-based payment expense

Balance at 30 June 2011

Net effect of a correction of an error:

Share-based payment expense

Balance at 1 July 2011

Profit attributable to members of the group

Other comprehensive income for the period

Total comprehensive income for the period

Transactions with owners in their capacity as 

Transfer from share-based payments reserve to 

owners:

Shares issued during the period

Dividends paid or provided for

retained earnings

Share-based payment expense

Balance at 30 June 2012

Parent entity

Balance at 1 July 2010

Profit attributable to members of the parent entity

Other comprehensive income for the period

Total comprehensive income for the period

Transactions with owners in their capacity as 

owners:

Shares issued during the period

Dividends paid or provided for

Share-based payment expense

Balance at 30 June 2011

Net effect of a correction of an error:

Share-based payment expense

Balance at 1 July 2011

Profit attributable to members of the parent entity

Other comprehensive income for the period

Total comprehensive income for the period

Transactions with owners in their capacity as 

owners:

Shares issued during the period

Dividends paid or provided for

retained earnings

Share-based payment expense

Balance at 30 June 2012

Transfer from share-based payments reserve to 

Asset

Share-based

Issued capital 

revaluation

Note

ordinary

reserve

$

$

payment

reserve

$

5,791,147

( 40,677)

909,826

( 26,580)

( 26,580)

Retained

earnings

$

1,395,432

1,282,533

Total

$

8,055,728

1,282,533

( 26,580)

1,282,533

1,255,953

17

5

124,072

( 124,072)

255,905

-

( 1,938,772)

( 1,938,772)

255,905

5,915,219

( 67,257)

1,041,659

739,191

7,628,812

157,502

( 157,502)

5,915,219

( 67,257)

1,199,161

( 50,172)

( 50,172)

581,689

402,155

402,155

7,628,812

402,155

( 50,172)

351,983

17

5

123,082

( 123,082)

-

( 1,504,553)

( 1,504,553)

6,038,301

( 117,429)

367,349

6,707,721

( 888,057)

888,057

231,478

419,500

231,478

Asset

Share-based

Issued capital 

revaluation

Note

ordinary

y

reserve

$

$

payment

reserve

$

Retained

earnings

g

$

Total

$

5,791,147

( 40,677)

909,826

( 206,850)

6,453,446

( 26,580)

( 26,580)

2,601,422

2,601,422

( 26,580)

2,601,422

2,574,843

17

5

124,072

( 124,072)

255,905

-

( 1,938,772)

( 1,938,772)

255,905

5,915,219

( 67,257)

1,041,659

455,800

7,345,421

157,502

( 157,502)

5,915,219

( 67,257)

1,199,161

( 50,172)

( 50,172)

298,298

560,833

560,833

7,345,421

560,833

( 50,172)

510,661

17

5

123,082

( 123,082)

-

( 1,504,553)

( 1,504,553)

6,038,301

( 117,429)

242,634

6,583,006

( 888,057)

888,057

231,478

419,500

231,478

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Restated balance at 30 June 2011

5,915,219

( 67,257)

1,199,161

298,298

7,345,421

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

Australian Ethical Investment Limited A.B.N. 47 003 188 930 and controlled entity

Statement of cash flows
for the year ended 30 June 2012

Notes

Consolidated entity

Parent entity

2012
$

2011
                  $

2012
$

2011
                  $

15,869,290
( 13,705,086)
-
95,589
( 550,692)
( 191,533)
( 152,801)

21,360,606
( 18,429,046)
-
95,885
( 357,731)
( 184,026)
( 125,396)

13,320,548
( 11,601,735)
372,055
86,805
( 418,912)
( 191,533)
( 152,801)

18,497,823
( 16,282,198)
1,665,953
76,271
( 87,001)
( 184,026)
( 125,396)

22 (b)

1,364,767

2,360,292

1,414,427

3,561,426

100,306
( 201,218)
( 33,564)
-
29,160

656,109
( 273,142)
( 191,352)
-
48,820

100,306
( 201,218)
( 33,564)

29,160

656,109
( 273,142)
( 191,352)
-
48,820

Cash flows from operating activities
Receipts from operations
Payment to suppliers & employees
Dividends received
Interest/distributions received
Income tax paid
Bonus
Community grants

Net cash provided by (used in) operating 
activities

Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds from sale of investments
Purchase of property, plant & equipment
Purchase of investments
Loans to Staff
Repayment of loans

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

( 105,316)

240,435

( 105,316)

240,435

Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from share issue
Share buy-back payment
Dividends paid

-
-
( 1,504,553)

-
-
( 1,938,772)

-
-
( 1,938,772)

( 1,504,553)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

( 1,504,553)

( 1,938,772)

( 1,504,553)

( 1,938,772)

Net increase (decrease) in cash held

( 245,102)

661,955

( 195,442)

1,863,089

Cash at beginning of financial year

2,554,689

1,892,734

2,298,126

435,037

Cash at end of financial year

22 (a)

2,309,587

2,554,689

2,102,684

2,298,126

The accompanying notes form part of these Financial Statements

18

  1800 021 227  |  australianethical.com.au  37

19

australianethical             
        
     
     
                          
                      
                    
     
     
                          
                    
                    
                          
                    
     
     
              
                      
                    
                    
                          
                      
                    
                          
                      
        
                    
        
           
     
        
     
                          
                      
        
                    
           
     
        
     
           
     
        
     
                          
                      
                    
        
        
                          
                    
                    
                          
                    
        
        
              
                      
                    
                    
                          
                      
                    
        
                    
                          
                      
        
                    
        
           
        
        
     
 
           
        
     
                          
                      
                    
     
     
                          
                    
                    
                          
                    
     
     
              
                      
                    
                    
                          
                      
                    
                          
                      
        
                    
        
           
     
        
     
                          
                      
        
                    
           
     
        
     
           
     
        
     
                          
                      
                    
        
        
                          
                    
                    
                          
                    
        
        
              
                      
                    
                    
                          
                      
                    
        
                    
                          
                      
        
                    
        
           
        
        
     
   
        
   
                    
             
     
          
               
          
     
          
     
        
             
        
                    
                    
          
               
          
        
        
                    
                    
                    
                    
        
     
     
          
        
   
          
   
Australian Ethical Investment Limited A.B.N. 47 003 188 930 and controlled entity 

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2012 

Note 1 - Statement of significant accounting policies 

Basis of preparation 

The financial statements are general purpose financial statements that have been prepared in 
accordance with Australian Accounting Standards, Australian Accounting Interpretations, 
other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board and the 
Corporations Act 2001. 

Australian Accounting Standards set out accounting policies that the AASB has concluded 
would result in a financial report containing relevant and reliable information about 
transactions, events and conditions. Compliance with Australian Accounting Standards 
ensures that the financial statements and notes also comply with International Financial 
Reporting Standards.  

The financial statements, except for cash flow information have been prepared on an accruals 
basis and are based on historical costs, modified, where applicable, by the measurement at 
fair value of selected non-current assets, financial assets and financial liabilities. 

The financial report covers the consolidated entity of Australian Ethical Investment Limited 
and its wholly owned entity Australian Ethical Superannuation Pty Ltd and Australian Ethical 
Investment Limited as an individual parent entity.  Australian Ethical Investment Limited is a 
listed public company and both the parent and wholly owned entity are incorporated and 
domiciled in Australia. 

The following is a summary of the material accounting policies adopted by the consolidated 
entity in the preparation of the financial statements.  The accounting policies have been 
consistently applied, unless otherwise stated. 

Accounting policies 

a) Principles of consolidation 

A controlled entity is any entity Australian Ethical Investment Limited has the power to control 
the financial and operating policies of so as to obtain benefits from its activities. 

All controlled entities have a June financial year-end. 

All inter-company balances and transactions between entities in the consolidated entity, 
including any unrealised profits or losses, have been eliminated on consolidation. Accounting 
policies of controlled entities have been changed where necessary to ensure consistencies 
with those policies applied by the parent entity. 

The consolidated financial statements comprise the financial statements of Australian Ethical 
Investment Limited and its wholly owned entity Australian Ethical Superannuation Pty Limited. 

b) Income tax 

The charge for current income tax expenses is based on the profit for the year adjusted for 
any non-assessable or disallowed items. It is calculated using tax rates that have been 
enacted or are substantively enacted by the reporting date. 

20

  38

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Australian Ethical Investment Limited A.B.N. 47 003 188 930 and controlled entity 

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2012 

Note 1 - Statement of significant accounting policies - continued 

b) Income tax - continued 

Deferred tax is accounted for using the statement of financial position liability method in 
respect of temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and 
their carrying amounts in the financial statements. No deferred income tax will be recognised 
from the initial recognition of an asset or liability, excluding a business combination, where 
there is no effect on accounting or taxable profit or loss. 

Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when the 
asset is realised or liability is settled. Deferred tax is credited in the statement of 
comprehensive income except where it relates to items that may be credited directly to equity, 
in which case the deferred tax is adjusted directly against equity. 

Deferred income tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that future tax 
profits will be available against which deductible temporary differences can be utilised. 

The amount of benefits brought to account or which may be realised in the future is based on 
the assumption that no adverse change will occur in income taxation legislation and the 
anticipation that the consolidated entity will derive sufficient future assessable income to 
enable the benefit to be realised and comply with the conditions of deductibility imposed by 
the law. 

Australian Ethical Investment Limited and its wholly owned entity Australian Ethical 
Superannuation Pty Ltd have formed an income tax consolidated group under the Tax 
Consolidation System. Australian Ethical Investment Limited is responsible for recognising the 
current and deferred tax assets and liabilities for the tax consolidated group.  The group 
notified the Australian Tax Office (ATO) on 24 March 2004 that it had formed an income tax 
consolidated group to apply from 1 July 2002.  The tax consolidated group has entered a tax 
sharing agreement whereby each company in the group contributes to the income tax 
payable in proportion to their contribution to the net profit before tax of the tax consolidated 
group.  Under the tax sharing agreement Australian Ethical Superannuation Pty Ltd agrees to 
pay its share of the income tax payable to Australian Ethical Investment Limited on the same 
day that Australian Ethical Investment Limited pays the ATO for group tax liabilities. 

c) Property, plant and equipment 

Each class of property, plant and equipment is carried at cost or fair value less, where 
applicable, any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. 

Property 

Leasehold land and buildings are shown at cost less any accumulated depreciation and any 
accumulated impairment losses. 

Any accumulated depreciation at the date of revaluation is eliminated against the gross 
carrying amount of the asset and the net amount is restated to the re-valued amount of the 
asset. 

Plant and equipment 

Plant and equipment are measured on the cost basis less depreciation and impairment 
losses. 

The carrying amount of plant and equipment is reviewed annually by directors to ensure it is 
not in excess of the recoverable amount from these assets. The recoverable amount is 
assessed on the basis of the expected net cash flows that will be received from the assets  

21

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australianethical   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Australian Ethical Investment Limited A.B.N. 47 003 188 930 and controlled entity 

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2012 

Note 1 - Statement of significant accounting policies - continued 

c) Property, plant and equipment - continued 

employment and subsequent disposal. The expected net cash flows have been discounted to 
their present values in determining recoverable amounts. 

Depreciation 

The depreciable amount of all fixed assets including buildings, is depreciated over their 
estimated useful lives to the consolidated entity commencing from the time the asset is held 
ready for use. 

The depreciation rates used for each class of assets are: 

Class of fixed asset 

Depreciation 
rates 

Depreciation basis 

Buildings 
Furniture, fittings and equipment 
Software 

Straight line 
2.5%-20% 
10% to 37.5% 
Straight line/diminishing value 
18.75% to 40%  Straight line/diminishing value 

The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at each 
reporting date. 

An asset’s carrying amount is written down immediately to its recoverable amount if the 
asset’s carrying amount is greater than its estimated recoverable amount. 

Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing proceeds with the carrying 
amount. These gains and losses are included in the statement of comprehensive income. 
When re-valued assets are sold, amounts included in the revaluation reserve relating to that 
asset are transferred to retained earnings. 

d) Intangible assets 

The development of the company’s website was capitalised as an intangible asset and carried 
at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses.  Amortisation is 
recognised on a straight-line basis over its estimated useful live at two and half years.  The 
estimated useful life and amortisation method are reviewed at the end of each annual 
reporting period, with the effect of any changes in estimates being accounted for on a 
prospective basis.  

e) Financial instruments 

Recognition 

Financial instruments are initially measured at cost on trade date, which includes transaction 
costs, when the related contractual rights or obligations exist. Subsequent to initial recognition 
these instruments are measured as set out below. 

Available-for-sale financial assets 

The consolidated entity holds available for sale financial assets. Available for sale financial 
assets are assets not classified as financial assets at fair value through profit and loss, loans 
and receivables, or held-to-maturity investments. Available-for-sale financial assets are 
reflected at fair value. Unrealised gains and losses arising from changes in fair value are 
taken directly to equity. 

22

  40

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Australian Ethical Investment Limited A.B.N. 47 003 188 930 and controlled entity 

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2012 

Note 1 - Statement of significant accounting policies – continued 

e) Financial instruments– continued 

Fair value 

Fair value is determined based on current bid prices for all quoted investments. Valuation 
techniques are applied to determine the fair value for all unlisted securities, including recent 
arm’s length transactions, reference to similar instruments and option pricing models. 

Impairment

At each reporting date, the group assesses whether there is objective evidence that a 
financial instrument has been impaired. In the case of available-for sale financial instruments, 
a prolonged decline in the value of the instrument is considered to determine whether an 
impairment has arisen. Impairment losses are recognised in the statement of comprehensive 
income. 

f) Impairment of assets 

At each reporting date, the group reviews the carrying values of its tangible and intangible 
assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have been impaired. If 
such an indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset, being the higher of the asset’s 
fair value less costs to sell and value in use, is compared to the asset’s carrying value. Any 
excess of the asset’s carrying value over it recoverable amount is expensed to the statement 
of comprehensive income. 

Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the group 
estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. 

g) Employee benefits 

Provision is made for the company’s liability for employee benefits arising from services 
rendered by employees to reporting date. Employee benefits that are expected to be settled 
within one year have been measured at the amounts expected to be paid when the liability is 
settled, plus related on-costs. Employee benefits payable later than one year have been 
measured at the present value of the estimated future cash outflows to be made for those 
benefits. 

Share options and rights 

Share based compensation benefits are provided to employees via the Australian Ethical 
Investment Limited employee share ownership plan.  Share options and rights have been 
granted annually to employees and details are disclosed in the annual financial report. 

At each reporting date, the entity revises its estimate of the number of options and rights that 
are expected to become exercisable.  The employee benefit expense recognised each period 
takes into account the most recent estimate. 

Upon the exercise of options and rights the proceeds received, net of any directly attributable 
transaction costs, are credited to share capital. 

23

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australianethical   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Australian Ethical Investment Limited A.B.N. 47 003 188 930 and controlled entity 

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2012 

Note 1 - Statement of significant accounting policies – continued 

Employee bonus 

The group recognises a liability and an expense for bonuses and profit-sharing based on a 
formula that takes into consideration the profit attributable to the company's shareholders 
after certain adjustments.  The group recognises a provision where contractually obliged or 
where there is a past practice that has created a constructive obligation. 

h) Community grants expense 

The Company’s Constitution states that "the directors before recommending or declaring any 
dividend to be paid out of the profits of any one year must have first:- 

(i) 

(ii) 

paid or provisioned for payment to current employees, or other persons 
performing work for the company, a work related bonus or incentive payment, set 
at the discretion of the directors, but to be no more than 30 percent (30%) of what 
the profit for that year would have been had not the bonus or incentive payment 
been deducted" 

"gifted or provisioned for gifting an amount equivalent to ten percent (10%) of 
what the profit for that year would have been had not the above mentioned bonus 
and amount gifted been deducted". 

Provision for community grants expense has been made in the current year. 

i) Provisions 

Provisions are recognised when the group has a legal or constructive obligation, as a result of 
past events, for which it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will result and that 
outflow can be reliably measured. 

j) Cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and deposits held at call with banks. 

k) Revenue 

Revenue from the rendering of a service is recognised upon the delivery of the service to the 
customers. 

Interest revenue is recognised on a proportional basis taking into account the interest rates 
applicable to the financial assets. 

All revenue is stated net of the amount of goods and services tax (GST). 

l) Goods and services tax (GST) 

Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of GST, except where the 
amount of GST incurred is not recoverable from the Australian Taxation Office. In these 
circumstances the GST is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as part  
of an item of the expense. Receivables and payables in the statement of financial position are 
shown inclusive of GST. 

Cash flows are presented in the statement of cash flows on a gross basis, except for the GST 
component of investing and financing activities, which are disclosed as operating cash flows. 

24

  42

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Australian Ethical Investment Limited A.B.N. 47 003 188 930 and controlled entity 

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2012 

Note 1 - Statement of significant accounting policies - continued 

m) Earnings per share 

Basic earnings per share 
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to equity holders of 
the company, by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the 
financial year. 

Diluted earnings per share 
Diluted earnings per share adjusts the figures used in the determination of basic earnings per 
share to take into account the after income tax effect of the interest and other financing costs 
associated with dilutive potential ordinary shares and the weighted average number of shares 
assumed to have been issued for no consideration in relation to dilutive potential ordinary 
shares. 

n) Comparative figures 

Where required comparative figures have been adjusted to conform with changes in 
presentation for the current financial year. 

Critical accounting estimates and judgements 

The directors evaluate estimates and judgments incorporated into the financial report based 
on historical knowledge and best available current information. Estimates assume a 
reasonable expectation of future events and are based on current trends and economic data, 
obtained both externally and within the group. 

Key estimates – annual leave and long service leave provision 
In estimating the annual leave and long service leave provision, an average salary increase of 
three percent has been incorporated. 

Key judgements 
Australian Ethical Investment Limited has a loan receivable from the Centre for Australian 
Ethical Research recorded as an asset on its statement of financial position for $44,659, and 
a staff loan for $7,455. The directors have determined that no provision for impairment is 
required for these loans. 

Accounting Standards not previously applied    

The AASB has issued new, revised and amended accounting standards and interpretations 
that have mandatory application dates for future reporting periods. The group has decided 
against early adoption of these standards. A discussion of those future requirements and their 
impact on the group follows: 

• AASB 9: Financial Instruments and AASB 2009-11: Amendments to Australian Accounting 
Standards arising from AASB 9 [AASB 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 101, 102, 108, 112, 118, 121, 127, 128, 
131, 132, 136, 139, 1023 & 1038 and Interpretations 10 & 12] (applicable for annual reporting 
periods commencing on or after 1 January 2013).   These standards are applicable 
retrospectively and amend the classification and measurement of financial assets. The group 
has not yet determined the potential impact on the financial statements. 

25

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australianethical   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Australian Ethical Investment Limited A.B.N. 47 003 188 930 and controlled entity 

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2012 

• AASB 1053: Application of Tiers of Australian Accounting Standards and AASB2010-2: 
Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from Reduced Disclosure 
Requirements [AASB 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 101, 102, 107, 108, 110, 111, 112, 116, 117, 119, 121, 
123, 124, 127, 128, 131, 133, 134, 136, 137, 138, 140, 141, 1050 & 1052 and Interpretations 2, 
4, 5, 15, 17, 127, 129 & 1052] (applicable for annual reporting periods commencing on or after 
1 July 2013). 
AASB 1053 establishes a revised differential financial reporting framework consisting of two 
tiers of financial reporting requirements for those entities preparing general purpose financial 
statements: 

 − Tier 1: Australian Accounting Standards; and 

 − Tier 2: Australian Accounting Standards - Reduced Disclosure Requirements. 

Since the group is a for-profit private sector entity that has public accountability, it does not 
qualify for the reduced disclosure requirements for Tier 2 entities. 

26

  44

 
 
Australian Ethical Investment Limited A.B.N. 47 003 188 930 and controlled entity

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2012

Note 2 - Auditors' remuneration

Remuneration of the auditors for:

Audit services
 - Auditing the financial report
 - Auditing the sustainability report

Non-audit services

Consolidated entity

Parent entity

2012

$

2011
Restated*

$      

2012

$

2011
Restated*
$

39,900
-

39,188
5,900

35,000
-

34,538
5,900

 - Tax and other accounting advice

4,000

3,462

4,000

3,462

Note 3 - Revenue

Operating activities
 - Management fees net of rebates
 - Entry fees
 - Member & Withdrawal Fees
 - Reimbursed expenses
 - Dividend from wholly owned subsidiary
 - Interest/distributions
 - Wholly owned entity fee
 - Other revenue

10,088,674
1,010,122
775,276
2,668,095
-
93,014
-
157,609
14,792,790

11,235,864
1,107,289
697,654
1,819,105
-
98,246
-
785,873
15,744,031

4,032,129
50,435
-
1,597,624
372,055
84,229
6,403,976
101,671
12,642,119

4,602,218
80,839
-
1,598,522
1,665,953
78,632
6,167,594
735,180
14,928,938

Total revenue

14,792,790

15,744,031

12,642,119

14,928,938

*Other fees for 2011 have been restated to reflect changed accounting treatment for expenses that the company pays and 
subsequently seeks reimbursement from the Managed Trusts and Superannuation Fund. Other fees reflects the full amount 
of expenses recovered for the Managed Trusts and Superannuation Fund. There has been a corresponding adjustment to
external services (Statement of Comprehensive Income) reflecting the full cost of services provided by third parties to the
Managed Trusts and Superannuation Fund.

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australianethical            
               
          
            
                         
            
            
                 
            
   
          
     
     
               
          
        
                         
                    
     
          
     
                    
             
     
          
               
          
                    
          
     
        
             
        
   
        
   
 
        
 
Australian Ethical Investment Limited A.B.N. 47 003 188 930 and controlled entity

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2012

Note 4 - Income tax expense

a) The components of tax expense comprise:
 - Current tax
 - Deferred tax

b) The prima facie tax payable on profit from 
    ordinary activities before income tax is reconciled
    to the income tax expense as follows:

Prima facie tax payable on profit from ordinary 
activities before income tax at 30% (2011:30%)
- Consolidated entity
- Parent entity
- Other members of the income tax consolidated
  group net of intercompany transactions

Add: tax effect of:
 - Other non-allowable items
 - Share options expensed during year
 - Under provision for income tax in prior year

Less: tax effect of: 
 - Rebateable fully franked dividends
 - Franking and foreign tax credits
 - Tax allowance on capital investment
   Tax allowance on capital investment

Consolidated entity

Parent entity

2012

$

2011
Restated*

$      

2012

$

2011
Restated*
$

87,992
232,479
320,471

828,581
(163,739)
664,841

(3,584)
232,599
229,015

679,763
(163,739)
516,024

216,788
-

536,962
-

-
236,954

-
887,983

-

-

91,456

148,818

34,241
69,443
943
321,415

2,130
124,022
2,483
665,597

34,236
69,443
943
433,032

2,076
124,022
2,483
1,165,382

-
( 944 )
-

-
( 755 )
-

( 111,617 )
( 944 )

( 499,785)
( 755)
-

Income tax expense attributable to entity

320,471

664,842

320,471

664,842

Allocation of income tax expense to wholly owned
entity under the tax sharing agreement

-

-

( 91,456)

( 148,818)

Income tax expense attributable to entity

320,471

664,842

229,015

516,024

The applicable weighted average effective tax 
rates are as follows:

44%

37%

29%

17%

28

  46

        
                         
                    
                    
             
        
                    
               
        
            
               
            
        
               
        
            
                    
            
        
             
     
                    
                  
                  
                  
                  
        
             
        
                    
      
             
      
Australian Ethical Investment Limited A.B.N. 47 003 188 930 and controlled entity

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2012

Note 5 - Dividends

(a) Distributions paid

Final fully franked dividend of 100 (2011: 50) cents 
per share franked at the tax rate of 30% 
(2011:30%)

Special fully franked dividend of 25 (2011: 100) 
cents per share franked at the tax rate of 30% 
(2011:30%)

Interim fully franked dividend of 25 (2011: 45) 
cents per share franked at the tax rate of 30% 
(2011:30%)

(b) Distributions declared

Final fully franked dividend of 35 (2011: 100) cents 
per share franked at the tax rate of 30% (2011: 
30%)

Special final fully franked dividend of 0 (2011: 25) 
cents per share franked at the tax rate of 30% 
(2011: 30%)

(c) Franking account

Balance of franking account at year end adjusted 
for franking credits which will arise from income
for franking credits which will arise from income 
tax payments in the following year.

Subsequent to year-end, the franking account 
would be reduced by the declared dividend 
reflected above as follows:

Note 6 - Earnings per share

Consolidated entity

Parent entity

2012

$

2011
Restated*

$      

2012

$

2011
Restated*
$

1,003,036

496,570

1,003,036

496,570

250,758

993,141

250,758

993,141

250,759
1,504,553

449,061
1,938,772

250,759
1,504,553

449,061
1,938,772

351,062

997,913

351,062

997,913

-

249,478

-

249,478

871,804

1,380,710

150,455
721,349

534,596
846,114

(a) Earnings used to calculate basic EPS and 
dilutive EPS

402,155

1,125,031

(b) Weighted average number of ordinary shares 
outstanding during the year used in calculation of 
basic EPS
Weighted average number of rights outstanding
Weighted average number of ordinary shares 
outstanding during the year used in calculation of 
dilutive EPS

Note 7 - Cash and cash equivalents
Cash on hand
Cash at bank
Deposits at call

1,001,859
18,751

996,004
6,886

1,020,610

1,002,890

300
185,773
2,123,514
2,309,587

300
171,559
2,382,830
2,554,689

300
5,958
2,096,426
2,102,684

300
10,000
2,287,826
2,298,126

Cash at bank earns interest at floating rates based on daily bank deposit rates.

Deposits at call is money invested in high interest bank account.  Interest is calculated daily based on daily bank deposit 
rates.

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australianethical        
        
          
        
         
        
             
        
         
        
             
        
   
          
   
         
        
             
        
                     
        
                         
        
             
     
             
        
             
      
         
     
      
        
            
      
     
                
                    
                
        
                 
          
     
          
     
   
          
   
Australian Ethical Investment Limited A.B.N. 47 003 188 930 and controlled entity

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2012

Note 8 - Trade and other receivables
Trade receivables
Other 
Amounts receivable - wholly owned entity

Note 9 - Financial assets
Available-for-sale financial assets
Loans

Less non-current portion
Current portion

a. Available-for-sale financial assets comprise:
 - Listed securities at fair value
 - Units in unit trust at fair value
 - Shares in wholly owned entity at cost

b. Loans comprise
 - Loan to other entity
 - Loan to staff

Consolidated entity

Parent entity

2012
$

2011

$      

2012
$

2011
$

1,711,718
4,281
-
1,715,999

3,238,499
6,798
-
3,245,297

1,057,697
4,281
11,190
1,073,168

2,623,778
6,798
67,601
2,698,177

332,055
52,114
384,169
33,757
350,412

108,947
223,108
-
332,055

44,659
7,455
52,114

476,902
81,341
558,243
61,820
496,423

137,036
339,866
-
476,902

69,091
12,250
81,341

648,055
52,114
700,169
349,757
350,412

108,947
223,108
316,000
648,055

44,659
7,455
52,114

792,902
81,341
874,243
377,820
496,423

137,036
339,866
316,000
792,902

69,091
12,250
81,341

The first loan is provided to an independent entity with a fixed interest rate of 9.0% and matures 1 August 2015.. 
Loan to staff is provided to one staff member with the Fringe Benefits Tax interest rate set by the ATO.

Note 10 - Other current assets
Other
Prepayments

1,442
172,156
173,598

11,857
220,449
232,306

1,442
140,881
142,323

11,858
178,130
189,988

30

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Australian Ethical Investment Limited A.B.N. 47 003 188 930 and controlled entity

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2012

Note 11 - Property, plant and equipment

Consolidated entity

Parent entity

2012
$

2011

$      

2012
$

2011
$

Land and buildings

Leasehold land
At cost
Total land

Buildings
At cost
Accumulated depreciation
Impairment loss
Total buildings

Total land and buildings

Plant and equipment
At cost
Accumulated depreciation
Total plant and equipment

230,000
230,000

230,000
230,000

230,000
230,000

230,000
230,000

2,784,117
( 440,241 )
( 210,000 )
2,133,876

2,784,117
( 368,642 )
-
2,415,475

2,784,117
( 440,241)
( 210,000)
2,133,876

2,784,117
( 368,642)
-
2,415,475

2,363,876

2,645,475

2,363,876

2,645,475

2,964,106
( 1,706,235)
1,257,871

2,809,022
( 1,413,750)
1,395,272

2,964,106
( 1,706,235)
1,257,871

2,809,022
( 1,413,750)
1,395,272

Total property, plant and equipment

3,621,747

4,040,747

3,621,747

4,040,747

Movements in carrying amounts

Land
Balance at the beginning of year
Additions
Disposals
Carrying amount at the end of year
Carrying amount at the end of year

Buildings
Balance at the beginning of year
Additions
Disposals
Depreciation expense
Impairment loss
Carrying amount at the end of year

Plant and equipment
Balance at the beginning of year
Additions
Disposals
Depreciation expense
Carrying amount at the end of year

230,000
-
-
230,000
230,000

230,000
-
-
230,000
230,000

230,000
-
-
230,000
230,000

230,000
-
-
230,000
230,000

2,415,475

2,487,032

2,415,475

2,487,032

-
( 71,599)
( 210,000)
2,133,876

-
( 71,557)
-
2,415,475

-
( 71,599)
( 210,000)
2,133,876

-
( 71,557)
-
2,415,475

1,395,272
193,588
( 3,966)
( 327,023)
1,257,871

1,498,136
256,948
( 36,793)
( 323,019)
1,395,272

1,395,272
193,588
( 3,966)
( 327,023)
1,257,871

1,498,136
256,948
( 36,793)
( 323,019)
1,395,272

Total

3,621,747

4,040,747

3,621,747

4,040,747

As at 30 June 2012 a valuation of the Property asset (land and buildings) was conducted in accordance with the 
company's policy. Based on advice received from independent valuers the directors determined that the value of 
the property was below its carrying value and have noted an impairment of $210,000.

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Australian Ethical Investment Limited A.B.N. 47 003 188 930 and controlled entity

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2012

Note 12 - Intangible Assets
Website development
At cost
Accumulated amortisation
Total intangibles

Website development
Balance at the beginning of year
Additions
Disposals
Amortisation expense
Carrying amount at the end of year

Note 13 - Tax assets
Current tax assets
Tax refund receivable due to income tax overpayment

Deferred tax assets
The balance comprises temporary differences 
attributable to:
Amounts recognised in profit or loss
   Employee benefits
   Community grants
   Loss on sale of financial instrument
   Building impairment
   Audit fees

Amounts recognised directly in equity
Financial asset revaluations

Movements
Opening balance at 1 July
Credited (charged) to the income statement
Credited (charged) to equity
Closing balance at 30 June 

Note 14 - Trade and other payables
Trade payables
Sundry payables and accrued expenses
Employee bonus

Note 15 - Tax liabilities
Current tax liabilities
Income tax payable

Deferred tax liabilities
The balance comprises temporary differences 
attributable to:
Amounts recognised in profit or loss:
   Stamp duty on leasehold property:
   Tax deferred income

Movements
Opening balance at 1 July
Credited/(charged) to the income statement
Credited/(charged) to equity
Closing balance at 30 June 

Consolidated entity

Parent entity

2012
$

2011

$      

2012
$

2011
$

69,560
( 51,814 )
17,746

85,540
( 40,185)
45,355

69,560
( 51,814)
17,746

85,540
( 40,185)
45,355

45,355
7,630
( 7,467)
( 27,772)
17,746

46,297
25,740
-
( 26,682)
45,355

45,355
7,630
( 7,467)
( 27,772)
17,746

46,297
25,740
-
( 26,682)
45,355

19,156
19,156

-
-

46,554
46,554

-
-

252,295
15,998
1,930
63,000
13,136
346,359

50,326
396,685
396,685

607,503
( 232,320)
21,502
396,685

517,881
46,578
-
-
14,220
578,679

28,824
607,503
607,503

435,083
161,029
11,391
607,503

252,295
15,998
1,930
63,000
11,621
344,844

50,326
395,170
395,170

606,108
( 232,320)
21,382
395,170

517,881
46,578
-
-
12,825
577,284

28,824
606,108
606,108

433,688
161,029
11,391
606,108

243,197
1,195,633
99,343
1,538,173

411,535
1,971,145
205,029
2,587,710

26,452
997,966
99,343
1,123,761

394,251
1,740,426
205,029
2,339,705

-
-

443,545
443,545

-
-

443,545
443,545

30,896
4,191
35,087

34,926
161
-
35,087

30,896
4,030
34,926

34,805
121
-
34,926

30,896
4,191
35,087

34,926
161
-
35,087

30,896
4,030
34,926

34,805
121
-
34,926

32

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Australian Ethical Investment Limited A.B.N. 47 003 188 930 and controlled entity

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2012

Note 16 - Provisions
Current 
Employee benefits - long service leave

Non-Current
Employee benefits - long service leave

Note 17 - Issued capital
Ordinary shares 

Fully paid ordinary shares at the beginning of the
financial year 997,913 (2011 - 993,141) shares

Issue of share capital

Shares issued during the year under the employee 
share ownership plan:

Consolidated entity

Parent entity

2012
$

2011

$      

2012
$

2011
$

283,589
283,589

533,024
533,024

283,589
283,589

533,024
533,024

74,117
74,117

56,123
56,123

74,117
74,117

56,123
56,123

5,915,219

5,791,147

5,915,219

5,791,147

4,772 on 23 November 2010 (rights exercised)

-

124,072

-

124,072

5,122 on 22 September 2011 (rights exercised)

123,082

-

123,082

-

Balance 30 June
1,003,035 (2011 - 997,913) shares

6,038,301

5,915,219

6,038,301

5,915,219

At 30 June 2012 there were 1,003,035 fully paid ordinary shares which have no par value.

Options/rights

(i) For detailed information relating to the Australian Ethical Investment Limited employee share ownership plan, 
(i) For detailed information relating to the Australian Ethical Investment Limited employee share ownership plan, 
including details of options/rights issued, exercised and lapsed during the financial year and the options/rights outstanding 
at year-end, refer to Note 25 share-based payments.

(ii) For information related to share options  and rights issued to key management personnel during the financial year
refer to the remuneration report contained within the Directors' report.

Ordinary shares

Ordinary shares participate in dividends and the proceeds on winding up of the parent entity in proportion to the
number of shares held.  At the shareholders meeting each ordinary share is entitled to one vote when a poll
is called, othewise each shareholder has one vote on a show of hands.

Capital management

The company’s capital structure and policies remain relatively simple. The company currently has no debt and 
capital not required for working purposes is held as an investment in Trevor Pearcey House and in an investment 
portfolio comprising an Australian Ethical trust and listed securities.  Detail provided in Note 9 and 11.

Management effectively manages the group's capital by assessing the group's financial risks and adjusting its capital 
structure in response to changes in these risks and in the market. These responses include the management of 
distributions to shareholders and share issues. 

Maintenance of a certain level of capital is a condition of the company’s Australian Financial Services Licence.  
The company currently meets the $5.0M capital requirement above which no extra capital is required as a result of
increased funds under management. The company will comply with the new capital rules (as per CO 11/1140 ) with
effect from 1 November 2012. These new capital rules require the company to:
   (i) Maintain net tangible assets (NTA) of 0.5% of managed investment scheme assets (approximately $3M based on

current funds under management) if not acting as its own custodian.

   (ii) Hold 50% of the NTA requirement in cash or cash equivalents
   (iii) Hold the balance of NTA requirement in liquid assets (convertible within 6 months)

33

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Australian Ethical Investment Limited A.B.N. 47 003 188 930 and controlled entity

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2012

Consolidated entity

Parent entity

2012
$

2011

$      

2012
$

2011
$

Note 18 – Events after the balance sheet date
Since the end of the financial year, the following material events have occurred: 
   1. In August 2012 an agreement was entered into to market Trevor Pearcey House for sale.
   2. Upfront fees on all products were removed from 1 July 2012.

The financial report was authorised for issue on the directors' declaration date by the board of directors.

Note 19 - Economic dependence
The consolidated entity is dependent upon management fees received in its capacity as responsible entity of the 
Australian Ethical Trusts and as trustee of the Australian Ethical Retail Superannuation Fund.

Note 20 - Contingencies

Liabilities and assets of trusts and superannuation fund

Liabilities of the trusts and superannuation fund for which the consolidated entity and parent entity are 
responsible entity and trustee but not shown in the financial statements of the consolidated entity or parent entity 
were:

Current liabilities
Payables
Provisions
Total liabilities

3,013,871
10,927,089
13,940,960

3,249,481
18,472,200
21,721,681

1,365,919
10,199,487
11,565,406

1,957,613
17,710,906
19,668,519

Rights of indemnities for liabilities incurred by the 
consolidated entity and parent entity not recorded 
in the financial statements were:        

13,940,960

21,721,681

11,565,406

19,668,519

The trusts and superannuation fund hold sufficient assets to meet these liabilities as and when they fall due.

The assets of the trusts and superannuation fund are not available to meet any liabilities of the consolidated entity or parent
entity acting in their own right.

34

  52

Australian Ethical Investment Limited A.B.N. 47 003 188 930 and controlled entity

Notes to the consolidated financial statements for the half-year ended 30 June 2012

Note 21 - Operating segments

The group has identified its operating segments based on the internal reports that are reviewed and used by the board of directors and chief operating 
decision makers in assessing performance and determining the allocation of resources.

Reportable segments disclosed are:
1) public offer managed funds (managed funds); and
2) public offer retail superannuation fund (super)

(i) Segment performance

Revenue

External sale
Inter-segment sale
Interest revenue

Managed funds

Super

Total

Managed funds

Super

30 June 2012

30 June 2011

$

$

$

$

$

Total
Restated*
$

5,781,860
6,403,976
84,229

8,917,917

-
8,784

14,699,777
6,403,976
93,013

7,016,759
6,167,594
78,632

8,629,026

-
19,614

15,645,785
6,167,594
98,246

Total segment revenue

12,270,065

8,926,701

21,196,766

13,262,985

8,648,640

21,911,625

Inter-segment eliminations

Total group revenue

(6,403,976)

14,792,790

(6,167,594)

15,744,031

Segment net profit before tax

963,268

556,404

1,519,672

2,622,030

795,165

3,417,195

Reconciliation of segment result to 
group net profit/loss after tax

Income tax expense 

(229,015)

(91,456)

(320,471)

(516,024)

(148,818)

(664,842)

Unallocated items
   - Depreciation and amortisation
   - Other corporate overheads *

Group net profit after tax 

(426,395)
(370,651)

402,155

(421,258)
(1,206,064)

1,125,031

* Other corporate overheads includes staff bonus, community grants expense and staff options/rights expense.   

(ii) Segment assets

30 June 2012

30 June 2011

Managed funds
$

Super
$

Total
$

Managed funds
$

Super
$

Total
$

Assets

8,099,560

893,714

8,993,274

10,752,744

914,998

11,667,742

Inter-segment eliminations

Total group assets

(iii) Segment liabilities

(354,587)

8,638,687

(383,602)

11,284,140

Liabilities 

1,516,554

453,000

1,969,554

3,407,323

315,606

3,722,929

Inter-segment eliminations

Total group liabilities

(38,588)

1,930,966

(67,601)

3,655,328

35

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Australian Ethical Investment Limited A.B.N. 47 003 188 930 and controlled entity

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2012

Consolidated entity

Parent entity

2012

$

2011
Restated*

$      

2012

$

2011
Restated*
$

Note 22 - Cash flow information

(a) Reconciliation of cash

Cash at the end of the financial year as shown in 
the  cash flow statement is reconciled to the 
related items in the balance sheet as follows:

Cash on hand
Cash at bank
Deposits at call

300
185,773
2,123,514
2,309,587

300
171,559
2,382,830
2,554,689

300
5,958
2,096,426
2,102,684

300
10,000
2,287,826
2,298,126

(b) Reconciliation of cash flow from operations 
with net profit from ordinary activities after income 
tax expense

Net profit from ordinary activities after income tax 
expense

Non-cash flows in operating profit

Depreciation
Provisions
(Profit) loss on sale of property, plant & equipment
(Profit) loss on sale of investment
Share options/rights expensed
Share options/rights expensed
Impairment loss

Changes in assets and liabilities

(Increase) decrease in trade & other receivables
(Increase) decrease in prepayments & other assets
(Increase) decrease in deferred  tax assets
Increase (decrease) in trade & other payables
Increase (decrease) in current tax liability
Increase (decrease) in deferred tax liability

402,155

1,125,031

560,833

2,443,920

426,395
( 668,631)
11,433
6,432
231,478
231,478
210,000

421,258
75,178
27,246
( 6,449)
413,407
413,407
-

426,395
( 668,631)
11,433
6,432
231,478
231,478
210,000

421,258
75,178
27,246
( 6,449)
413,407
413,407
-

1,529,355
58,709
232,320
( 612,336)
( 462,701)
160

( 199,654)
104,888
( 136,555)
92,276
443,545
121

1,557,465
47,665
232,440
(778,745)
(422,497)
160

( 30,088)
107,296
52,958
( 319,365)
375,944
121

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

1,364,769

2,360,292

1,414,428

3,561,426

36

  54

                
                    
                
        
                 
          
     
          
     
   
          
   
         
     
             
     
        
             
        
          
          
          
               
          
                 
      
             
      
      
             
      
                    
             
                    
        
        
          
          
        
        
                
                
   
          
   
Australian Ethical Investment Limited A.B.N. 47 003 188 930 and controlled entity

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2012

Consolidated entity

Parent entity

2012
$

2011

$      

2012
$

2011
$

Note 23 – Related party transactions

Australian Ethical Investment Limited is the ultimate parent entity and owns 100% of Australian Ethical 
Superannuation Pty Ltd.

Australian Ethical Investment Limited acts as the responsible entity for the Australian Ethical Trusts
(Australian Ethical Balanced Trust, Australian Ethical Smaller Companies Trust, Australian Ethical Cash Trust,
Australian Ethical Larger Companies Trust, Australian Ethical International Equities Trust, Australian Ethical
World Trust, Australian Ethical Property Trust, Australian Ethical Fixed Interest Trust and the Climate Advocacy Fund).

Australian Ethical Superannuation Pty Ltd acts as trustee for the Australian Ethical Retail Superannuation Fund.

Transactions between related parties are on commercial terms and conditions no more favourable than
those available to other parties unless otherwise stated.

Australian Ethical Superannuation Pty Ltd
a) Transactions between Australian Ethical Investment Limited and its wholly owned entity, Australian Ethical 
    Superannuation Pty Ltd during the financial year consisted of:

(i) Transactions whereby Australian Ethical 
Investment Limited provides management services 
to the wholly owned entity on a cost recovery basis

(ii) Transactions between Australian Ethical 
Investment Limited and its wholly owned entity 
under the tax consolidation and related tax sharing 
agreement referred to in note 1(b).

(iii) Transactions whereby Australian Ethical 
(iii) Transactions whereby Australian Ethical 
Investment Limited collects management fee 
income on behalf of wholly owned entity and on-
pays this management fee income to the wholly 
owned entity on a monthly basis.

(iv) Transactions whereby Australian Ethical 
Investment Limited receives a dividend from the 
wholly owned entity referred to in note 3.

b) Outstanding balances at balance date:

Amounts receivable from wholly owned entity:
Taxation and other

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

6,403,976

6,167,594

91,456

148,818

6,347,842

6,401,445

372,055

1,665,953

38,587

67,601

37

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australianethical                       
                    
          
     
                     
                    
               
        
                     
                    
          
     
                     
                    
             
     
                    
               
          
Australian Ethical Investment Limited A.B.N. 47 003 188 930 and controlled entity

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2012

Consolidated Entity

Parent Entity

2012
$

2011

$      

2012
$

2011
$

Note 23 – Related party transactions - continued

Australian Ethical Trusts
a) Transactions between Australian Ethical Investment Limited, as responsible entity, and the Australian 
   Ethical Trusts during the financial year consisted of:

(i) Transactions whereby Australian Ethical Investment Limited provides investment services to the Australian Ethical
Trusts in accordance with the trust deed.
- Australian Ethical Balanced Trust
- Australian Ethical Smaller Companies Trust
- Australian Ethical Cash Trust
- Australian Ethical Larger Companies Trust
- Australian Ethical International Equities Trust
- Australian Ethical Property Trust
- Climate Advocacy Fund

3,459,096
4,039,271
360,548
1,717,663
1,442,241
296,802
23,775

2,841,322
3,923,345
435,383
1,582,941
1,059,980
686,211
57,185

2,841,322
3,923,345
435,383
1,582,941
1,059,980
686,211
57,185

(ii) Transactions whereby Australian Ethical Investment Limited provides accounting services to the Australian Ethical
Trusts in accordance with the trust deed.
- Australian Ethical Balanced Trust
- Australian Ethical Smaller Companies Trust
- Australian Ethical Cash Trust
- Australian Ethical Larger Companies Trust
- Australian Ethical International Equities Trust
- Australian Ethical Property Trust
- Climate Advocacy Fund

253,495
204,500
88,251
130,247
102,249
34,201
-

240,292
194,334
84,361
123,348
97,167
34,384
-

240,292
194,334
84,361
123,348
97,167
34,384
-

3,459,096
4,039,271
360,548
1,717,663
1,442,241
296,802
23,775

253,495
204,500
88,251
130,247
102,249
34,201
-

(iii) Transactions whereby Australian Ethical Investment Limited seeks expense reimbursement from  the Australian Ethical
Trusts in accordance with the trust deed.
Trusts in accordance with the trust deed.
- Australian Ethical Balanced Trust
- Australian Ethical Smaller Companies Trust
- Australian Ethical Cash Trust
- Australian Ethical Larger Companies Trust
- Australian Ethical International Equities Trust
- Australian Ethical Property Trust
- Climate Advocacy Fund

19,765
29,584
3,678
17,633
( 1,004)
28
-

19,765
29,584
3,678
17,633
( 1,004)
28
-

26,885
32,012
1,963
20,885
4,502
121
-

26,885
32,012
1,963
20,885
4,502
121
-

(iv) Transaction whereby Australian Ethical Investment Limited received a distribution payment from the Australian Ethical
Balanced Trust and Climate Advocacy Fund

2,883

4,665

2,883

4,665

38

  56

     
          
     
     
          
     
        
             
        
     
          
     
     
          
     
        
             
        
          
               
          
        
             
        
        
             
        
          
               
          
        
             
        
        
               
        
          
               
          
                    
                         
                    
          
               
          
          
               
          
            
                 
            
          
               
          
            
            
                
                       
                
                    
                         
                    
            
                 
            
Australian Ethical Investment Limited A.B.N. 47 003 188 930 and controlled entity

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2012

Note 23 – Related party transactions - continued

Consolidated Entity

Parent Entity

2012
$

2011

$      

2012
$

2011
$

b) Outstanding balances at balance date:
Amounts receivable from the Australian Ethical Trusts in relation to investment services, accounting services and 
reimbursable expenses:
- Australian Ethical Balanced Trust
- Australian Ethical Smaller Companies Trust
- Australian Ethical Cash Trust
- Australian Ethical Larger Companies Trust
- Australian Ethical International Equities Trust
- Australian Ethical World Trust
- Australian Ethical Property Trust
- Climate Advocacy Fund

438,059
491,102
93,853
235,973
168,801
6,501
64,300
6,992

189,557
330,638
24,397
193,177
88,584
-
59,896
5,174

189,557
330,638
24,397
193,177
88,584
-
59,896
5,174

438,059
491,102
93,853
235,973
168,801
6,501
64,300
6,992

Value of units held by Australian Ethical 
Investment Limited in the Australian Ethical 
Balanced Trust

Value of units held by Australian Ethical 
Investment Limited in the Climate Advocacy Fund

Distribution receivable from Australian Ethical 
Balanced Trust
Distribution receivable from Climate Advocacy 
Fund

223,108

233,479

223,108

233,479

-

106,386

-

102,452

4,281

-

3,316

3,482

4,281

-

3,316

3,482

39

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Australian Ethical Investment Limited A.B.N. 47 003 188 930 and controlled entity

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2012

Consolidated entity

Parent entity

2012
$

2011

$      

2012
$

2011
$

Note 23 – Related party transactions - continued

Australian Ethical Retail Superannuation Fund

a) Transactions between the Consolidated entity 
and the Australian Ethical Retail Superannuation 
Fund during the financial year consisted of:

(i) Transactions between Australian Ethical 
Superannuation Pty Limited and the Australian 
Ethical Retail Superannuation Fund related to 
investment services/ (rebate of investment 
services.)

(ii) Transactions between Australian Ethical 
Superannuation Pty Limited and the Australian 
Ethical Retail Superannuation Fund related to 
contribution fee/ (rebate of contribution fee)

(iii) Transactions between Australian Ethical 
Superannuation Pty Limited and the Australian 
Ethical Retail Superannuation Fund related to 
member admin fee/ (rebate of member admin fee)

(iv) Transactions between Australian Ethical 
Superannuation Pty Limited and the Australian 
Ethical Retail Superannuation Fund related to 
other reimbursables/ (rebate of other 
reimbursables)

Outstanding balances at end of period:
Outstanding balances at end of period:

Amounts receivable from/ (payable to) the 
Australian Ethical Retail Superannuation Fund:

(i) Investment services/ (rebate of investment 
services fee)

( 291,298)

232,201

959,687

1,026,450

775,276

697,654

1,070,471

226,299

( 172,722)

52,372

(ii) Contribution fee/ (rebate of contribution fee)

141,416

175,916

(iii) Member admin fee/ (rebate of member admin 
fee)

(iv) Other reimbursables/ (rebate of other 
reimbursables)

384,674

350,798

149,880

37,623

Terms and conditions
No provision for doubtful debts has been raised in relation to any outstanding balances and no expense has 
been recognised in respect of bad or doubtful debts due from related parties.

Outstanding balances are unsecured and are repayable in cash.

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

40

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AUSTRALIAN ETHICAL INVESTMENT LIMITED A.B.N. 47 003 188 930 AND CONTROLLED ENTITY

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2012

Note 24 - Key management personnel compensation

a) Key management personnel 
Names and positions of key management personnel (directors and named executives) at any time during the financial year

Parent entity directors
Name
Howard Pender
Justine Hickey
Les Coleman
Stephen Newnham
Louise Herron
André Morony
Phillip Vernon

Position
Director, non-executive
Director, non-executive
Director, non-executive
Director, Business Development, executive
Director, non-executive
Chairperson, non-executive
Managing Director ,executive

Other key management personnel
Name
Gary Leckie
Tim Xirakis
Adam Kirk
Paul Smith
Philip George
James Jordan
David Macri

Position
Chief Financial Officer
Head of Client Relationships
General Manager, Business Development
General Manager, Strategy & Communications
Head of Product & Client Services
Chief Investment Officer
Chief Investment Officer

b) Key management personnel compensation

Ceased 17 November 2011

Ceased 17 November 2011
Appointed (full time) 12 December 2011
Appointed 20 February 2012, ceased July 25, 2012

Resigned 23 May 2012
Resigned 8 August 2011
Appointed 9 August 2011
Appointed 11 July 2011

Resigned 28 March 2012
Appointed 13 February 2012

Short term employment benefits
Post-employment benefits
Other long-term benefits
Termination benefits
Share-based payments
Total compensation

Economic Entity

2012
$

1,978,000
167,914
34,939
221,528
151,310
2,553,691

2011
$

1,698,879
151,363
19,073
57,459
127,143
2,053,917

Parent Entity
2012
$

1,956,070
164,567
34,939
221,528
151,310
2,528,414

2011
$

1,661,759
148,016
19,073
57,459
127,143
2,013,450

Further key management personnel remuneration details are included in the Remuneration Report section of the Directors' Report.

c) Equity instrument disclosures relating to key management personnel

Option Holdings
Number of options held by key management personnel.

KMP Options Holdings

Option Class

Balance at 
beginning of 
year

No. granted

No. expired

No. vested & 
excercised

Balance at end of 
year

Vested at 
end of year

Vested & 
excercisable at 
end of year

Vested & un-
excercisable at 
end of year

Parent Entity Directors
James Thier

Howard Pender

Named executives (including other key 
management personnel)

Philip George

Gary Leckie

Tim Xirakis

James Jordan

AEFAV
2012 Total
2011 Total
AEFAV
2012 Total
2011 Total

AEFAU
2012 Total
2011 Total
AEFAU
2012 Total
2011 Total
AEFAU
2012 Total
2011 Total
AEFAU
2012 Total
2011 Total

1,364
1,364
2,881
1,326
1,326
2,839

2,169
2,169
4,638
1,919
1,919
3,686
1,895
1,895
3,671
1,243
1,243
2,389

-
-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

( 1,364)
( 1,364)
( 1,517)
( 1,326)
( 1,326)
( 1,513)

( 2,169)
( 2,169)
( 2,469)
( 1,919)
( 1,919)
( 1,767)
( 1,895)
( 1,895)
( 1,776)
( 1,243)
( 1,243)
( 1,146)

-
-
-
-
-
-

-

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

-
-
1,364
-
-
1,326

-
-
2,169
-
-
1,919
-
-
1,895
-
-
1,243

-
-

-
-

-
-

-
-

-
-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-
-

-
-

-
-

-
-

-
-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-
-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

41

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australianethical             
                
          
            
               
                  
             
                
                 
                    
                
                  
               
                    
             
                  
               
                  
             
                
           
                
          
            
                   
                        
                   
                        
                 
                      
                   
                    
                 
                      
                   
                        
                   
                        
                 
                      
                   
                    
                 
                      
                   
                        
                   
                        
                 
                      
                   
                         
                    
                 
                      
                        
                        
                 
                      
                    
                 
                      
                        
                        
                 
                      
                    
                 
                      
                        
                        
                 
                      
                    
AUSTRALIAN ETHICAL INVESTMENT LIMITED A.B.N. 47 003 188 930 AND CONTROLLED ENTITY

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2012

Note 24 - Key management personnel compensation - continued

Rights Holdings
Number of Rights held by key management personnel.

Rights Class

Balance at 
beginning of 
year

No. granted

No.forfeited

No. vested & 
excercised

Balance at end of 
year

Vested at 
end of year

Vested & 
excercisable at 
end of year

Vested & un-
excercisable at 
end of year

KMP Rights Holdings
Parent Entity Directors
James Thier

Howard Pender

Phillip Vernon

Gary Leckie

Tim Xirakis

James Jordan

David Macri

AEFAY
AEFAW
2012 Total
2011 Total
AEFAY
AEFAW
2012 Total
2011 Total
AEFAB
AEFAA
AEFAY
AEFAW
2012 Total
2011 Total

689
319
1,008
319
736
320
1,056
320
-
-
2,481
317
2,798
317

AEFAB
AEFAA
AEFAY
AEFAW
2012 Total
2011 Total
AEFAB
AEFAA
AEFAY
AEFAW
2012 Total
2011 Total
AEFAB
AEFAY
AEFAW
2012 Total
2011 Total
AEFAB
AEFAA
AEFAY
AEFAW
2012 Total
2011 Total
AEFAB
AEFAA
AEFAY
AEFAW
2012 Total
2011 Total

985
501
1,486
501
-
-
1,008
506
1,514
506

982
493
1,475
493
-
-
868
409
1,277
1,271
-
-
666
150
816
150

-
-
-
689
-
-
-
736
1,474
1,472
-
-
2,946
2,481

390
1,105
-
-
1,495
985
696
1,134
-
-
1,830
1,008
646
-
-
646
982
1,803
1,457
-
-
3,260
915
2,362
827
-
-
3,189
666

( 689)
( 319)
( 1,008)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-
-
( 696)
( 1,134)
( 1,008)
( 506)
( 3,344)
-
-
( 982)
( 493)
( 1,475)
-
( 1,803)
( 1,457)
( 868)
( 409)
( 4,537)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
( 909)
-
-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
1,008
736
320
1,056
1,056
1,474
1,472
2,481
317
5,744
2,798

390
1,105
985
501
2,981
1,486
-
-
-
-
-
1,514
646
-
-
646
1,475
-
-
-
-

-
1,277
2,362
827
666
150
4,005
816

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-

-

-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-

-

-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-

-

-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-

Named executives (including other key management personnel)
Philip George

-

Share Holdings
Number of Shares held by key management personnel.

Parent Entity Directors

James Thier

Howard Pender

Justine Hickey

Balance  at 
beginning of 
year

2012
2011
2012
2011
2012
2011

66,576
65,846
50,683
51,883
1,200
700

Named executives (including other key management personnel)

Philip George

Paul Harding Davis

James Jordan

2012
2011
2012
2011
2012
2011

1,104
1,104
760
1,598
909
-

Acquired / Granted 
as Remuneration

On exercise of 
options/ rights

Net Change 
other (1)

Balance at end of 
year (2) & (3)

-
-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-
909

405
730
( 801)
( 1,200)
-
500

-
-
( 760)
( 838)
( 909)
-

66,981
66,576
49,882
50,683
1,200
1,200

1,104
1,104
-
760
-
909

(1) "Net change other" incorporates changes resulting from purchases, sales, forfeitures during the year.
(2) Shares issued are fully paid
(3) Balance represents shareholdings by key management personnel including their related parties as required by AASB 124 Related Party Disclosures

Key management Personnel Loans

Balance at 
beginning of year Interest charged

Interest not 
charged

Key Management Personnel

$

2012

2011

12,250.11

43,358.14

$

778.30

1,860.30

$

-

-

Write-off

$

Balance at end 
of year

No. of Individuals 
at end of year

$

7,454.99

12,250.11

-

-

1

1

(a) The Loan is repayable on 30 November 2013 and currently bears interest at 7.4 % per annum that is the FBT interest rate set by the ATO.
(b) In the 2011 -12 reporting period,  there were no loans to individuals that exceeded $100,000 at any time.

42

  60

                      
                        
                      
                        
                   
                        
                      
                         
                    
                      
                       
                      
                       
                   
                    
                      
                         
                    
                      
                    
                      
                    
                   
                    
                      
                       
                   
                      
                    
                      
                      
                    
                         
                       
                      
                    
                      
                       
                      
                       
                   
                      
                    
                      
                         
                    
                         
                        
                      
                        
                   
                        
                      
                        
                   
                      
                        
                      
                      
                    
                         
                       
                      
                        
                      
                        
                   
                         
                       
                      
                         
                    
                      
                        
                      
                        
                      
                        
                      
                        
                   
                      
                   
                         
                    
                      
                    
                         
                       
                      
                       
                      
                       
                      
                      
                    
                      
                         
                       
                 
                     
                  
                 
                     
                  
                 
                  
                 
                  
                   
                         
                    
                      
                     
                    
                   
                    
                   
                         
                    
                      
                        
                   
                       
                      
                        
                       
             
                 
            
             
             
          
AUSTRALIAN ETHICAL INVESTMENT LIMITED A.B.N. 47 003 188 930 AND CONTROLLED ENTITY

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2012

Note 25 - Share based payments
The following share-based payment arrangements existed at 30 June 2012:

During this reporting period, Australian Ethical Investment Limited issued 5,122 ordinary shares on conversion of 5,122 AEFAZ performance rights for nil consideration granted under its 
employee share incentive scheme in April 2011. This conversion of performance rights resulted in an  increase in ordinary shares of 5,122.    

During 2010 reporting period, 10,819 performance rights (identifier: AEFAW) were granted. Under the Australian Ethical Investment Limited employee share incentive scheme (ESIS) 
participants are granted performance rights to ordinary shares, subject to meeting specified performance criteria over the performance period. The number of shares that the participant 
will ultimately receive will depend on the extent to which the performance criteria are met by the company and the individual employee. These rights were issued for nil consideration. 
These rights hold no voting or dividend rights. Subject to the terms and conditions of the ESIS rules, the performance rights have the following attributes determining whether shares will 
be issued in respect of the rights.    
 - employment must continue until 30 June 2012     
 - the arithmetic average return on equity over the performance period (‘AROE’) must exceed 15% p.a. or no shares shall be awarded at the end of the performance period;     
 - if the AROE exceeds 15% p.a. but is less than 20% p.a., half the maximum number of shares shall be awarded;     
 - if the AROE is equal to or greater than 20% p.a. the maximum number of shares shall be awarded.     
 - AROE is determined as the arithmetic average of return on equity over six month periods calculated using audited half-year financial statements     
 - The performance period is the financial years 2009/10, 2010/11 and 2011/12     

During 2011 reporting period, 25,432 performance rights in two classes (identifiers: AEFAY and AEFAZ) were granted. Under the Australian Ethical Investment Limited employee share 
incentive scheme (ESIS) participants are granted performance rights to ordinary shares, subject to meeting specified performance criteria over the performance period. The number of 
shares that the participant will ultimately receive will depend on the extent to which the performance criteria are met by the company and the individual employee. These rights were 
issued for nil consideration. These rights hold no voting or dividend rights. Subject to the terms and conditions of the ESIS rules, the performance rights have the following attributes 
determining whether shares will be issued in respect of the rights.    

During the reporting period 33,837 performance rights in two classes (identifiers: AEFAA and AEFAB) were granted. Under the Australian Ethical Investment Limited employee share 
incentive scheme (ESIS) participants are granted performance rights to ordinary shares, subject to meeting specified performance criteria over the performance period. The number of 
shares that the participant will ultimately receive will depend on the extent to which the performance criteria are met by the company and the individual employee. These rights were 
issued for nil consideration. These rights hold no voting or dividend rights. Subject to the terms and conditions of the ESIS rules, the performance rights have the following attributes 
determining whether shares will be issued in respect of the rights.    

ASX Code
AEFAA

                                                19,195 

Number Granted

AEFAB

14,642

Attributes
 - employment must continue until 30 June 2014                                                             - 
the arithmetic average return on equity over the performance period (‘AROE’) must 
exceed 15% p.a. or no shares shall be awarded at the end of the performance period;
 - if the AROE exceeds 15% p.a. but is less than 20% p.a., half the maximum number of 
shares shall be awarded;                                                                                        - if the 
AROE is equal to or greater than 20% p.a. the maximum number of shares shall be 
awarded.                                                                                                                   - 
AROE is determined as the arithmetic average of return on equity over six month periods 
calculated using audited half-year financial statements.                                      - The 
performance period is the financial years 2011/12, 2012/13 and 2013/14.

 - employment must continue until 1 July 2012;
 - the number of shares that will be issued to each employee in respect of their 
performance rights under this category will be adjusted up or down by a maximum 20%, 
dependent on the absolute performance of one of the company's managed investment 
schemes, for which the employee has responsibility or provides significant input; a 
managed investment scheme has been agreed between the company and the employee. 
Performance will be measured over a performance period of 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2012

Performance rights reconciliation

Outstanding at the beginning
of the financial year

Granted
Forfeited
Exercised
Expired

Outstanding at year-end

Exercisable at year-end

Consolidated Entity

Parent Entity

2012

Number
of
Rights

2011

Number
of 
Rights

32,416

34,199
( 19,980)
( 5,122)
-

41,513

-

14,476

25,569
( 2,857)
( 4,772)
-

32,416

-

2012

Number
of
Rights

2011

Number
of 
Rights

32,416

34,199
( 19,980)
( 5,122)
-

41,513

14,476

25,569
( 2,857)
( 4,772)
-

32,416

-

-

-

-

43

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AUSTRALIAN ETHICAL INVESTMENT LIMITED A.B.N. 47 003 188 930 AND CONTROLLED ENTITY

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2012

Fair value - Rights

All rights were calculated at grant date based on the underlying share prices minus estimated net present value of future dividends that the holders 
of rights are not entitled for.

Weighted average fair value - Options

Consolidated Entity

2012

2011

Parent Entity

2012

2011

Number
of 
Options

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
$

Number
of 
Options

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
$

Number
of 
Options

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
$

Outstanding at the beginning
of the financial year

Granted
Forfeited
Exercised
Expired

Outstanding at year-end

Exercisable at year-end

32,394

-
-
-
( 32,394)

-

-

32.27

-
-
-
32.27

-

-

68,682

-
( 4,435)
-
( 31,853)

32,394

-

44.00

-
32.27
-
57.57

32.27

-

32,394

-
-
-
( 32,394)

-

-

32.27

-
-
-
32.27

-

-

There were no options outstanding at 30 June 2012.

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
$

44.00

-
32.27
-
57.57

32.27

-

Number
of 
Options

68,682

-
( 4,435)
-
( 31,853)

32,394

-

Included under employee benefits expense in the income statement is : 
$14,070 (2011: $75,860) relating to options issued under the employee share ownership plan.
$217,407 (2011: $180,045) relating to rights issued under the employee share ownership plan.

Note 26 - Financial instruments

(a) Financial risk management

The consolidated entity’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents (note 7), trade and other receivables (note 8), financial assets (note 9) and trade and other payables (note 13).

The main purpose of these financial instruments is to finance the consolidated entity’s operations. The consolidated entity has various other financial assets and liabilities such as trade 
receivables and trade payables, which arise directly from its operations.

(b) Interest rate risk

The consolidated entity’s exposure to interest rate risk, which is the risk that a financial instrument’s value will fluctuate as a result of changes in market interest rates and the effective weighted average 
interest rates on classes of financial assets and financial liabilities is as follows:

Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables
Financial assets 

Total financial assets

Trade and other payables

Total financial liabilities

Weighted average
effective interest rate

Floating interest rate

Fixed interest
rate within 1 year

2012
                    %

2011
                    %

2012
                    $

2011
                    $

2012
                    $

2011
                    $

4

9

5

9

2,309,287

2,554,389

5,202

4,862

2,314,489

2,559,251

-
-
13,155

13,155

-

-

-

-

Fixed interest rate
within 1 to 5 years

Non-interest bearing

-

-

Total

-
-
14,659

14,659

-

-

2012
                    $

2011
                    $

2012
                    $

2011
                    $

2012
                    $

2011
                    $

Cash
Trade and other receivables
Financial assets 

Total financial assets

Trade and other payables

Total financial liabilities

-
-
33,757

33,757

-

-

-
-
61,820

61,820

-

-

300
1,715,999
332,055

300
3,245,297
476,902

2,309,587
1,715,999
384,169

2,554,689
3,245,297
558,243

2,048,354

3,722,499

4,409,755

6,358,229

1,538,173

2,587,710

1,538,173

2,587,710

1,538,173

2,587,710

1,538,173

2,587,710

44

  62

                   
                   
                    
                  
                
                    
          
                  
                       
                              
                      
                        
                     
                      
                             
                       
                  
                         
                        
                  
                             
                       
                              
                      
                         
                        
                     
                      
                   
                  
                    
                  
                             
                           
                    
                         
                           
          
                  
                             
                           
                              
                          
                         
                           
                     
                         
                            
                          
                
           
                         
                           
                         
                           
                            
                          
                      
                  
                
                  
                
           
                
                  
                              
                          
                         
                           
                              
                          
                         
                           
                             
                           
                         
                     
          
            
                             
                           
                
           
          
            
                   
                 
                  
               
             
                
                   
                 
                
           
          
            
                             
                           
                
           
          
            
                             
                           
                
           
          
            
AUSTRALIAN ETHICAL INVESTMENT LIMITED A.B.N. 47 003 188 930 AND CONTROLLED ENTITY

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2012

(c) Credit Risk

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.

Quantitative details related to financial assets is contained in note 9.

In relation to the financial asset – loan to independent entity – disclosed at note 9, the loan agreement between the parent entity and the independent entity provides for the parent to enforce a security over 
the independent entity’s assets should a default in loan payments occur.  The independent entity has not defaulted in loan payments over the six years of the loan.

Consideration of credit risk in relation to financial assets is incorporated into the finance committee risk considerations mentioned earlier in this note.  The defined investment parameters governing the 
approval of financial asset investments incorporates a sliding scale of risk exposure as follows:

    - The maximum exposure to any one issuer is to be no greater than twenty five per cent of the portfolio;  
    - Minimum amount to be held in cash, AAA securities or senior bank debt is fifty per cent of the portfolio; and
    - Minimum amount to be held in cash, AAA securities, senior bank debt, rated corporate debt or subordinated bank debt to be eighty per cent of the portfolio.

(d) Liquidity risk

The group carries no borrowing debt on the balance sheet and has sufficient reserves of cash, cash equivalents and liquid investments to assess the liquidity risk as low. The cash position and cash flows 
are reviewed by the finance committee to ensure regulatory and future operational requirements are catered for.

Trade and other payables are expected to be paid as follows:

Less than 6 months
6 months to 1 year
1 to 5 years

Consolidated Entity

2012
$

1,234,874
303,299
-
1,538,173

2011

$                        $

2,052,383
535,327
-
2,587,710

Parent Entity
2012
$

2011
$

820,462
303,299
-
1,123,761

1,806,802
535,327
-
2,342,129

Note 27 - Restatement of financial statements as a result of change in accounting policy and correction of an error

When finalising the 31 December 2011 interim financial statements it was determined that the timing of recognition of expenses associated with share based payments granted to employees was incorrect.  

In general the accounting treatment previously adopted was to recognise the expense related to share based payments from the date of issue of the equity instrument (rights) through to vesting date.  
However the correct accounting treatment under the Australian Accounting Standards is to recognise the expense from the date at which a constructive obligation to pay the share based payment exists.  

Whilst this impacts financial results for periods since the inception of the employee share based payment scheme in 2009, it only materially impacts the 2010-11 prior period.

Specifically, in December 2011 a tranche of performance rights were issued to investment and management employees with a vesting date 1 July 2012.  The value of the rights issued/owing was estimated 
as $311,427.  Previously this amount would have been recognised as an expense over the period December 2011 (issue date) to June 2012 (vesting date).  However on further investigation it was 
determined that these rights were in respect to performance of investment and management employees during the year ended 30 June 2011 (year 1) vesting at 1 July 2012 (year 2).  Accordingly 
approximately half of this amount should have been recognised as an expense in the year ended 30 June 2011. 

The statement of financial position for 30 June 2011 included this error and hence resulted in the restatement of the following line items for the year ended 30 June 2011.

• Options/Rights reserve increased by $157,502
• Retained earnings decreased by $157,502

In addition the profit for 30 June 2011 was overstated by this error and hence resulted in the restatement of the following line items for the year ended 30 June 2011

• Options/Rights expense increased by $157,502
• Net profit after tax decreased by $157,502

30 June 2011 Comparative 
year

Consolidated statement of 
financial position (extract)

Equity
Issued Capital
Reserves 
Retained earnings
Total Equity

Actual 30 June 
2011 $

Correction of Error Adj $

Restated Actual 
30 June 2011 $

5,915,219
974,402
739,191
7,628,812

157,502
(157,502)
-

5,915,219
1,131,904
581,689
7,628,812

45

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Independent Auditor’s Report

Australian Ethical Investment Limited A.B.N. 47 003 188 930 and controlled entity 

AUDITOR’S INDEPENDENCE DECLARATION UNDER SECTION 307C 
OF THE CORPORATIONS ACT 2001 

I declare that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, during the year ended 30 June 2012 there have been: 

(i) 

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

             (ii) 

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

 THOMAS DAVIS & CO. 

                                                                                                                       J.G. RYAN      PARTNER      

Date 28 September 2012     

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 

15 

  64

 
 
 
 
           
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                           
                                                                                                                                                                             
 
                                                                                                                                                  
               
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                    
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholder Information

Australian Ethical Investment Ltd

Analysis of Holdings as at 18 September 2012

Security Classes 
Fully Paid Shares

Holdings Ranges

Holders

Total Units

1-1,000

1,001-5,000

5,001-10,000

10,001-100,000

100,001+

Totals

697

79

9

14

1

800

174,813

171,416

65,781

406,604

196,472

%

17.221

16.887

6.480

40.056

19.355

1,015,086

100.000

  1800 021 227  |  australianethical.com.au  65

australianethical  Australian Ethical Investment Ltd

Fully Paid Shares

Top 20 Holdings as at 18 September 2012

Holder Name

Balance

%

Substantial 
Shareholder

Select Managed Funds Pty Ltd

196,472

19.355

Citicorp Nominees Pty Ltd

J A Thier

H Pender

C M Le Couteur

TR Lee

J M Boag

B A & A M McGregor

HB Sarjeant & Assoc Pty Ltd

E Y W & P B Y Tse

E A Iceton

D Thier

J I Ajani

P A & M W & K A Anderson

Garrett Smythe Ltd

A S Cook

M & A Beuchat

Skeet Nominees Pty Ltd

R M Myer

UBS Wealth Managemnent Australia Nominees Pty Ltd

57,112

51,367

49,852

49,436

36,933

33,683

24,447

20,140

18,080

16,500

14,879

13,000

10,613

10,562

9,892

9,667

9,140

7,332

7,160

5.626

5.060

4.911

4.870

3.638

3.318

2.408

1.984

1.781

1.625

1.466

1.281

1.046

1.041

0.974

0.952

0.900

0.722

0.705

Yes

Yes

Yes

  66

Contact us
Phone: 
Email: 
Address: 
Web: 

1800 021 227
enquiries@australianethical.com.au
Reply Paid 3993, Sydney NSW 2001
australianethical.com.au

Fibre used in this paper comes from FSC certified forests which are well managed according to strict environmental, social and economic standards.  

40967 171012