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Blue Sky Alternative

bla · ASX Financial Services
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Industry Asset Management
Employees 51-200
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FY2018 Annual Report · Blue Sky Alternative
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Annual Report

For the year ended 30 June 2018

Blue Sky Alternatives Access Fund Limited

ACN 168 941 704

Contents

Directors’ Report 

Remuneration Report (Audited) 

Auditor’s Independence Declaration 

Corporate Governance Statement 

Financial Report for the year ended 30 June 2018 

Statement of Comprehensive Income 

Statement of Financial Position 

Statement of Changes in Equity 

Statement of Cash Flows 

Notes to the Financial Statements 

Directors’ Declaration 

Independent Auditor’s Report 

Supplementary Information 

Corporate Directory 

Page

3

11

15

16

17

19

20

21

22

23

50

51

55

57

Blue Sky Alternatives Access Fund Limited
Suite 2202, Level 22 Australia Square 

264–278 George Street 

Sydney NSW 2000

2

Blue Sky Alternatives Access Fund Limited 
Directors' Report

The Directors present their report for Blue Sky Alternatives Access Fund Limited (the ‘Company’ or the ‘Alternatives Fund’) for 
the 2018 Financial Year (FY18).

DIRECTORS

The names of the Company’s Directors in office during the financial year and until the date of this report are set out below. 
Directors were in office for the entire financial year unless otherwise stated.

Andrew Champion 
Paul Masi 
Michael Cottier 
Lazarus Siapantas 
Lachlan McMurdo 

 Executive Chairman  
 Independent Director  
 Independent Director  
 Executive Director  
 Executive Director (resigned 29 April 2018)

ABOUT THE COMPANY

The Alternatives Fund is a listed investment company that invests in a diverse range of alternative asset classes including:

 ■  Private equity;
 ■  Private real estate; and
 ■  Real assets.

The Alternatives Fund is the only listed investment company on the ASX that allows investors to make a strategic allocation to 
a portfolio of directly managed assets diversified across several alternative asset classes.

The Alternatives Fund is listed on the ASX trading under the code BAF.

BSAAF Management Pty Limited (Manager) is the manager of the Alternatives Fund and is a wholly owned subsidiary of 
Blue Sky Alternative Investments Limited (Blue Sky). Blue Sky is listed on the ASX trading under the code BLA. All investments 
made by the Manager on behalf of the Alternatives Fund are directly managed by wholly owned subsidiaries of Blue Sky.

OBJECTIVES OF THE COMPANY

The primary objectives of the Alternatives Fund are to:

 ■  Deliver long term absolute returns to shareholders, through both growth in Net Tangible Assets (NTA) and a dividend yield 

(franked to either 100% or the maximum extent possible);

 ■  Provide investors with access to a diverse range of alternative assets; and
 ■  Provide investors with the ability to invest in alternative assets through an ASX-listed structure that is more readily accessible 

and liquid than other alternative assets.

OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

Capital raised from H1 FY18 Entitlement Offer

On 10 November 2017 the Alternatives Fund announced the completion of a 1 for 4 non-renounceable entitlement offer and 
shortfall facility to raise approximately $48.9 million at a slight premium to NTA. Approximately 54% of rights entitlements 
were taken up by existing shareholders and the shortfall facility was heavily oversubscribed and placed in one day. This offer 
served as an important opportunity to introduce to the share register a wide range of financial planners, nationally.

3

Annual ReportDirectors' Report - continued

Deployment of capital and portfolio weighting

Approximately $57.5 million was deployed in FY18 in new and follow-on investments, increasing the total number of 
underlying investments in the portfolio to 49. Accordingly, the Alternatives Fund continues to maintain a well-diversified 
portfolio, with allocations at 30 June 2018 as follows:

Asset Class

Weighting at  
30 June 2018

Investments held at fair value

Private equity

25.8%

$48.4m in 16 single asset growth capital funds, 1 of which has partially exited

Private real estate

29.2%

$32.5m in 7 purpose-built student accommodation assets

$12.8m in 5 single asset venture capital funds and 1 multi-asset fund

$16.4m in 5 retirement living projects

$4.2m in 6 residential developments, 2 of which have partially exited

$11.2m in 2 New York commercial real estate projects in joint venture with  
Cove Property Group

$4.6m in 2 income-generating commercial properties

Real assets

31.7%

$44.2m in the Blue Sky Water Fund

$15.5m in 3 operating agribusiness assets and 1 renewables asset

$15.4m in the Blue Sky Strategic Australian Agriculture Fund

Cash

13.3%

$31.6m*

*  Includes capital to fund $2.9 million of uncalled capital commitments.

Results and investment performance

Profit from ordinary activities after income tax amounted to $5.04 million in FY18 (2017: $13.03 million). Earnings per share 
(EPS) for the period was 2.55 cents per share (2017: 8.44 cents per share).

The Company’s portfolio delivered a pre-tax fund performance of 5.05% (2017: 10.3%, since inception 8.53% p.a.) (including 
growth in NTA, dividends and franking credits) for FY18. Pre-tax NTA declined from $1.1452 per share at 30 June 2017 to 
$1.1299 per share at 30 June 2018, after paying fully franked dividends of 4.0 cents per share in September 2017 and 1.0 cent 
per share in March 2018.

The Company’s investment performance for the year was disappointing and below expectations. A strong contribution from the 
Blue Sky Water Fund was offset by a lack of expected growth in the holding value of a range of closed ended investment funds.

The track record of exits however remains strong, with total realised investments and redemptions to date having delivered 
the Alternatives Fund a weighted average internal rate of return (IRR) of 19.5% per annum since inception1. The announced 
exit of Gundaline (Blue Sky Agriculture Fund) in Real Assets will further contribute to this track record with an expected  
IRR of approximately 16%2, as will the sale of the retirement living portfolio once complete with an expected IRR of 15%2. 
As previously announced, Foundation Early Learning, a Growth Capital investment, is also contracted for sale. This exit, 
which is subject to an earn-out mechanism, is expected to generate a more modest IRR of 4–7%.

Outlook

We note that at 30 June 2018, 38% of closed ended NTA was carried in accordance with the Alternatives Fund’s valuation 
policy, at $1 or less for each $1 invested, with a further 25% carried at $1.20 or less. Whilst there are challenges within these 
investments, the majority maintain an opportunity to contribute to NTA growth in future periods. Further details of the 
portfolio and a summary of carrying values can be found in the 30 June NTA Quarterly Report. The carrying values in the 
Annual Financial Report have been updated to reflect any matters identified subsequent to the end of the financial year.

1 

2 

The returns are equity-weighted composite IRRs from fully realised investments and redemptions, inclusive of franking credits, and before management and 
performance fees on the Company’s portfolio as a whole. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.
These are current estimates as the asset sale is subject to FIRB approval and the balance of company assets will be determined by a winding up process and fund level 
tax adjustments. Returns are before management and performance fees on the Company’s portfolio as a whole.

4

Blue Sky Alternatives Access Fund LimitedDIVIDENDS

On 30 August 2018, the Directors resolved to pay a final dividend of 4.0 cents per share in relation to the 2018 Financial 
Year. Franked to 65% at a 27.5% corporate income tax rate, the record date for this dividend is 10 September 2018 and the 
payment date is 24 September 2018. A provision for this dividend has not been recognised in the 30 June 2018 Financial 
Statements.

EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic and diluted earnings per share

30 June 2018 
Cents

30 June 2017 
Cents

2.55

8.44

SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN THE STATE OF AFFAIRS

During the 2018 Financial Year, BLA experienced significant market and operating disruption. BLA announced a number of 
material balance sheet write downs, removal of earnings guidance, a review of their business and changes to its Board of 
Directors and senior management. These events had an impact on the market for BAF shares. On 29 August 2018, BAF shares 
traded at approximately a 20% discount to pre-tax NTA.

The Board of BAF have closely monitored developments in this respect and have met regularly to continue to act in the best 
interests of BAF shareholders.

In March 2018 BAF ceased deploying capital into new funds (other than already existing contractual commitments such as 
its remaining $2.25 million commitment to the Strategic Agriculture Fund) as developments in relation to BLA continue to be 
assessed.

The Board also determined that the standing 12 month forward schedule of independent valuation reviews of holding values 
across the portfolio would be accelerated, so that an independent review of the carrying value of all BAF investments was 
completed in the last quarter of FY18 and included in the 30 June NTA (other than investments contracted for sale and Blue 
Sky Water Fund which is marked to market externally each month).

In April 2018 the Company announced and commenced an on-market share buyback program. As at 29 August 2018,  
5.1 million shares had been acquired at a weighted average price of $0.8132 per share.

The Board also announced that it will appoint an additional Independent Director to create a majority independent Board of 
Directors. As previously announced, an external advisor has been appointed and the search for this Independent Director is 
well progressed and will be completed prior to this year’s AGM. At that time Andrew Champion will also transition his role of 
Executive Chairman of the Board to an Independent Director.

5

Annual ReportDirectors' Report - continued

MATTERS SUBSEQUENT TO THE END OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR

Adjustments to the 30 June NTA have been adopted in the financial statements in relation to the carrying value of four closed 
ended investment funds. In total this has resulted in a 0.7% reduction in pre-tax NTA for 30 June 2018, from $1.1377 per share 
in the June NTA report to $1.1299 per share in the FY18 Financial Statements.

The carrying value of venture capital investments Shoes of Prey and THR1VE (to which BAF has an investment via VC2014) 
have both been written down following receipt of additional information in relation to their liquidity profile. In addition, 
Student Accommodation Fund 4 and 441 Ninth Avenue within the private real estate portfolio have been reduced and 
increased, respectively, following the receipt of finalised independent valuations.

As announced on 24 August 2018, the Alternatives Fund’s investment in five retirement living projects have been contracted 
for sale. Once settled, this sale is expected to result in an aggregate 15% IRR and 1.25x return on invested capital to BAF 
across these funds, representing a 1% discount to aggregate carrying value. This secures the Alternatives Fund’s exit from all 
of its investments in retirement living.

The Company’s Directors and Officers (D&O) Insurance program was updated on 24 August 2018. The updated program 
carries insurance premiums that are a significant increase on the prior period. The Company will work with its broker to 
review opportunities to rationalise this cost during the 2019 Financial Year (FY19).

On 30 August 2018, the Directors resolved to pay a final dividend of 4.0 cents per share in relation to the 2018 financial year. 
Franked to 65% at a 27.5% corporate income tax rate, the record date for this dividend will be 10 September 2018 and the 
payment date will be 24 September 2018. The Company’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP) will be deferred in relation to this 
dividend given BAF’s share price is trading at a significant discount to NTA.

Other than the above matters, there are no other subsequent events.

LIKELY DEVELOPMENTS AND EXPECTED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The Board remains committed to delivering optimal outcomes for shareholders and continues to actively review a range of 
strategic options and initiatives.

ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION

The Company is not affected by any significant environmental regulation in respect of its operations.

6

Blue Sky Alternatives Access Fund LimitedINFORMATION ON DIRECTORS 

Andrew Champion 
Executive Chairman 
(appointed 4 April 2014)

Andrew has over 20 years’ experience in corporate advice and finance and has been responsible for private equity and 
alternative assets coverage for two leading investment banks out of London and Sydney. He also has extensive experience in 
leading mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and debt and equity funding for small and medium-sized enterprises in Australia.

Andrew is the lead portfolio manager for the Alternatives Fund. Having joined Blue Sky in January 2013, Andrew also leads 
Blue Sky’s Sydney office.

Andrew holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws and has been a member of Chartered Accountants Australia & 
New Zealand (CA ANZ) since 1994. Andrew is a member of the Company’s Audit and Risk Committee and the Nomination and 
Remuneration Committee.

Other current Directorships of listed entities: 
Former Directorships of listed entities (in the last 3 years): 
Interests in shares: 

None 
None 
437,500 shares

Paul Masi 
Independent Director 
(appointed 16 April 2014)

Paul has over 35 years’ experience in financial services and investment banking.

Paul is currently the Non-Executive Chair of Shaw and Partners Limited, the President and Non-Executive Chair of the Cerebral 
Palsy Alliance and a Non-Executive Director of The Girls and Boys Brigade.

Previously Paul was Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Austock Group Limited, and CEO of Bank of 
America Merrill Lynch Limited in Australia.

Paul holds a Bachelor of Economics from Macquarie University and has completed the AGSM Accelerated Management 
Program. Paul is a member of the Company’s Audit and Risk Committee and Chairs the Nomination and Remuneration 
Committee of the Company.

Other current Directorships of listed entities: 
Former Directorships of listed entities (in the last 3 years): 
Interests in shares: 

None 
None 
600,001 shares

7

Annual Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors' Report - continued

Michael Cottier 
Independent Director 
(appointed 17 February 2017)

Michael has over 25 years’ experience in the financial services industry. Michael is currently an Independent Non-Executive 
Director of the Superannuation Boards of BT Financial Group (BTFG) (2015–) and chairs the Board Audit Risk and Compliance 
Committee, and is a member of the Board Investment Committee. Michael is also an Independent Non-Executive Director of 
Queensland Teachers Union Health Fund Limited (TUH) (2015–) and chairs its Board Risk Committee, and is a member of its 
Board Audit Committee. Michael is also a Non-Executive Director and Treasurer of Metro Arts (2013–).

Between 2009 and 2014 Michael served as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of QSuper Group, where he was responsible for 
group-wide finance and governance functions.

Prior to joining QSuper, Michael spent seven years as CFO for QIC Limited. In that role Michael was responsible for group-
wide finance and governance functions together with corporate advisory and human resources services.

Michael holds a Bachelor of Business from the Queensland University of Technology and a Masters of Taxation from the 
University of Queensland. He is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, CA ANZ and Certified Practicing 
Accountant (CPA) Australia.

Other current Directorships of listed entities: 
Former Directorships of listed entities (in the last 3 years): 
Interests in shares: 

None 
None 
None

Lazarus Siapantas 
Executive Director 
 (appointed 21 March 2016)

With more than 13 years’ experience in the financial services industry, Lazarus’ focus has been on distribution and capital 
raising for domestic and international asset managers across alternative investments, equities, currencies and bonds. 
Lazarus has extensive experience in dealing with boutique and private wealth businesses, multi-managers, private banks, 
foreign investment banks, high net worth and family office investors. Prior to working in funds management, Lazarus held 
compliance, investment committee and investment advisory roles for a privately owned Australian wealth management firm.

Lazarus joined Blue Sky in December 2013 establishing its Melbourne office and since that time has been responsible for 
building Blue Sky’s presence across the Victorian and South Australian markets. Since its IPO in May 2014, Lazarus has 
played a pivotal role in the growth of the Alternatives Fund. He is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company 
Directors.

Lazarus holds a Diploma in Financial Services (Financial Planning) and Advanced Diploma in Financial Services (Financial 
Planning).

Other current Directorships of listed entities: 
Former Directorships of listed entities (in the last 3 years): 
Interests in shares: 

None 
None 
50,000 shares

8

Blue Sky Alternatives Access Fund Limited 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
JOINT COMPANY SECRETARIES 

Jane Prior

Jane holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Queensland and is admitted as a solicitor of 
the Supreme Courts of QLD and NSW. Jane has worked in law firms in Brisbane and London, where she advised on fund 
establishments and investments as well as a range of joint venture, private equity and M&A transactions. Jane is also Company 
Secretary and in-house legal counsel of Blue Sky Alternative Investments Limited, a related party of the Company. Jane went 
on maternity leave on 10 March 2018.

Leyya Taylor 
(appointed 22 February 2018)

Leyya holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from the Queensland University of Technology and is admitted as a solicitor of the 
Supreme Court of QLD and the High Court of Australia. Leyya has worked as in-house legal counsel for companies in the 
mining and energy sectors and for law firm DLA Piper in the Litigation and Regulatory team. Leyya is also Company Secretary 
and in-house legal counsel of Blue Sky Alternative Investments Limited, a related party of the Company.

MEETINGS OF DIRECTORS

The number of meetings of the Company’s board of Directors and of each board committee held for the year ended  
30 June 2018 and the number of meetings attended by each Director were:

Full meetings of Directors

Audit and Risk

Remuneration and 
Nomination

Meetings of committees

A

21

20

21

20

14

B

21

21

21

21

16

A

4

4

4

-

-

B

4

4

4

-

-

A

2

2

2

-

-

B

2

2

2

-

-

Andrew Champion

Paul Masi

Michael Cottier

Lazarus Siapantas

Lachlan McMurdo3

A = Number of meetings attended 
B = Number of meetings held during the time the Director held office or was a member of the committee during the period

3  On 29 April 2018, Mr Lachlan McMurdo resigned as an Executive Director of the Company

9

Annual ReportDirectors' Report - continued

INSURANCE AND INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS

The Company maintains Director’s and Officer’s insurance and has entered into a Deed of Access, Insurance and Indemnity 
with each Director. During the year, the Company paid premiums in respect of Director’s and Officer’s liability and for 
professional indemnity insurance contracts, for all Directors of the Company named in this report, as well as other Officers of 
the Company.

This policy insures persons who are Directors or Officers of the Company against certain liabilities incurred as such by a 
Director or Officer, while acting in that capacity, except where the liability arises out of conduct involving lack of good faith. 
The Directors have not included details of the nature of the liabilities covered or the amount of the premium paid in respect 
of the Director’s and Officer’s liability insurance contract, as such disclosure is prohibited under the terms of the contract.

NON-AUDIT SERVICES

Details of the amounts paid or payable to the auditor for non-audit services provided during the financial year by the auditor, 
Ernst & Young, are outlined in Note 18.

The Directors are satisfied that the provision of non-audit services during the financial year, by the auditor (or by another 
person or firm on the auditor’s behalf), is compatible with the general standard of independence for auditors imposed by the 
Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (the ‘Act’).

The Directors are of the opinion that the services as disclosed in Note 18 to the Financial Report do not compromise the 
external auditor’s independence for the following reasons:

 ■ all non-audit services have been reviewed and approved to ensure that they do not impact the integrity and objectivity of the 

auditor; and

 ■ none of the services undermine the general principles relating to auditor independence as set out in APES 110 Code of Ethics 
for Professional Accountants issued by the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board, including reviewing or 
auditing the auditor’s own work, acting in a management or decision-making capacity for the Company, acting as advocate for 
the Company or jointly sharing economic risks and rewards.

INDEMNIFICATION OF AUDITORS

To the extent permitted by law, the Company has agreed to indemnify its auditors, Ernst & Young, as part of the terms of its 
audit engagement agreement against claims by third parties arising from the audit (for an unspecified amount) and which 
have not arisen from the auditor’s negligence or wrongful acts or omissions. No payment has been made to indemnify Ernst  
& Young during or since the end of FY18.

OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY WHO ARE FORMER AUDIT PARTNERS OF ERNST & YOUNG

There are no Officers of the Company who are former audit partners of Ernst & Young.

ROUNDING

The amounts contained in this report and in the Financial Report have been rounded to the nearest $1,000 (unless otherwise 
stated) under the option available to the Company under ASIC Corporations (Rounding in the Financial/Directors’ Report) 
Instrument 2016/191. The Company is an entity to which Instrument 2016/191 applies.

AUDITOR INDEPENDENCE DECLARATION

A copy of the auditor’s independence declaration as required under section 307C of the Act is set out on page 15.

10

Blue Sky Alternatives Access Fund LimitedRemuneration Report

The remuneration report details the nature and amount of remuneration of each Director of the Company in accordance with 
the Act.

REMUNERATION POLICY AND FRAMEWORK

The Directors have agreed that each Independent Director is to receive $50,000 per annum and Michael Cottier is to receive 
an additional $5,000 per annum for his services as chair of the Audit and Risk Committee. These amounts are exclusive of 
compulsory superannuation where applicable. The Executive Directors do not receive any remuneration from the Company. 
At 30 June 2018, Andrew Champion and Lazarus Siapantus were Executive Directors of the Company.

Under the ASX Listing Rules, the maximum fees payable to Directors may not be increased without approval from the 
Company at a general meeting. Directors will seek approval from time to time as appropriate. Entitled Directors receive 
a superannuation guarantee contribution as required by law, which is currently 9.5%, and do not receive any retirement 
benefits or annual and long service leave. All remuneration paid to Directors is valued at the cost to the Company and 
expensed where appropriate in accordance with accounting standards. During the financial year and at present, no employee 
share or option arrangements are in existence for the Company’s Directors. As the Company does not pay performance based 
fees to the Directors, nor provide share or option schemes to Directors, remuneration is not explicitly linked to the Company’s 
performance.

Notwithstanding this, the Board members are subject to ongoing performance monitoring and regular performance reviews.

11

Annual ReportRemuneration Report (Audited)

DETAILS OF REMUNERATION

The Directors’ remuneration, inclusive of GST and compulsory superannuation where applicable, incurred during the current 
and prior period, is as follows:

Director

Andrew Champion4

2018

2017

Paul Masi

2018

2017

Michael Cottier5

2018

2017

Lazarus Siapantas

2018

2017

Lachlan McMurdo6

2018

2017

John Kain4

2018

2017

Philip Hennessy7

2018

2017

Total

2018

2017

Position

Salary 
$

Superannuation 
$

Total 
$

Executive Chairman

Independent Director

Independent Director

Executive Director

Executive Director/Resigned

Chairman/Resigned

Director/Resigned

-

-

50,000

54,749

55,000

20,298

-

-

-

-

-

35,131

-

50,416

105,000

160,594

-

-

4,750

-

5,225

1,928

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

54,750

54,749

60,225

22,226

-

-

-

-

-

35,131

-

4,790

55,206

9,975

6,718

114,975

167,312

The Company has a Board, but no employees. All operational and administrative duties are performed by the Manager.  
The Company only remunerates Independent Directors. During the 2018 Financial Year, the Executive Directors were 
employees of Blue Sky. Refer to Note 6 of the Financial Report for further information regarding fees charged by the  
Manager to the Company.

4  On 18 November 2016, Mr John Kain resigned as Independent Director and Chairman of the Company and Mr Andrew Champion was appointed as Executive Chairman.
5  On 17 February 2017, Mr Michael Cottier was appointed as an Independent Director of the Company.
6  On 20 September 2016, Mr Lachlan McMurdo was appointed as an Executive Director of the Company. On 29 April 2018, Mr Lachlan McMurdo resigned as an Executive 

Director of the Company.

7  On 31 May 2017, Mr Philip Hennessy resigned as an Independent Director of the Company.

12

Blue Sky Alternatives Access Fund LimitedSHAREHOLDINGS OF DIRECTORS

As at 30 June 2018, shares issued by the Company and held by the Directors and their related entities are set out below:

Director

Paul Masi8

Michael Cottier

Andrew Champion9

Lazarus Siapantas8

Lachlan McMurdo

Opening balance 
(Number of shares)

Net number 
of shares acquired

Net number 
of shares disposed

Closing balance 
(number of shares)

500,001

-

350,000

40,000

-

100,000

-

87,500

10,000

-

-

-

-

-

-

600,001

-

437,500

50,000

-

8 

9 

Shares are held indirectly
Shares are held directly

13

Annual ReportDirectors' Report - continued

This report is made in accordance with a resolution of Directors, pursuant to section 298(2)(a) of the Act.

On behalf of the Directors:

Andrew Champion 
Executive Chairman

30 August 2018 
Sydney

14

Blue Sky Alternatives Access Fund LimitedIndependent Auditor's Declaration

Ernst & Young 
111 Eagle Street 
Brisbane  QLD  4000 Australia 
GPO Box 7878 Brisbane  QLD  4001 

Tel: +61 7 3011 3333 
Fax: +61 7 3011 3100 
ey.com/au 

Auditor’s Independence Declaration to the Directors of Blue Sky 
Alternatives Access Fund Limited 

As lead auditor for the audit of Blue Sky Alternatives Access Fund Limited for the financial year ended 
30 June 2018, I declare to the best of my knowledge and belief, there have been: 

a)  no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 in 

relation to the audit; and   

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

Ernst & Young 

Mike Reid 
Partner 
30 August 2018 

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 

15

Annual Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate Governance Statement

The Company’s Corporate Governance Statement is available on its website at: 
http://blueskyfunds.com.au/alternatives-fund-shareholder/

16

Blue Sky Alternatives Access Fund LimitedFinancial Report

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018

Contents 

Statement of Comprehensive Income 

Statement of Financial Position 

Statement of Changes in Equity 

Statement of Cash Flows 

Notes to the Financial Statements 

Section 1: About this Report 

Basis of preparation 

1. 
2.  New and amended accounting standards impact 
3. 

Critical accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions 

Section 2: Results for the Year 

Investment income 
Rebates 

4. 
5. 
6.  Management and performance fees 
7. 
8.  Operating segments 
9. 

Earnings per share 

Taxation 

Section 3: Capital and Financial Risk Management 

10.  Financial risk management 
11.  Fair value measurement 
12.  Dividends 
13.  Share capital 

Section 4: Other 

14.  Related party transactions 
15.  Other assets 
16.  Trade and other payables 
17.  Notes to the statement of cash flows 
18.  Remuneration of auditors 
19.  Events subsequent to reporting date 

Directors’ Declaration 

Independent auditor’s report 

Page

19

20

21

22

23

23
24
24

25
26
27
28
28
29

32
35
42
43

44
45
46
47
48
49
50

51

17

Annual ReportFinancial Report - continued

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Financial Report covers Blue Sky Alternatives Access Fund Limited (the ‘Company’ or the ‘Alternatives Fund’). The Company 
was registered on 4 April 2014 and began trading on the Australian Securities Exchange on 16 June 2014.

The Financial Report consists of the financial statements, notes to the financial statements and the Directors’ Declaration.

The Company is a publicly listed investment company limited by shares, incorporated and domiciled in Australia.  
Its registered office and principal place of business is:

Suite 22.02, Level 22, Australia Square 
264–278 George Street 
Sydney NSW 2000 

The Financial Report was authorised for issue, in accordance with a resolution of Directors, on the date that the Directors’ 
Declaration was signed. The Directors have the power to amend and reissue the Financial Report.

18

Blue Sky Alternatives Access Fund LimitedFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018Statement of Comprehensive Income

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018

Net gain on financial assets held at fair value through profit or loss

Dividend and trust distribution income

Rebates

Interest income

Management fees

Performance fees

Directors fees

Other expenses

Profit before income tax

Income tax expense

Profit after income tax

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income

Earnings per share

Notes

4

4

5

6

6

14

9

Year ended

30 June 
2017 
$'000

11,872

3,597

5,932

431

(2,126)

(1,162)

(167)

(649)

17,728

(4,701)

13,027

-

13,027

Cents

30 June 
2018 
$'000

3,383

3,513

3,771

974

(2,778)

-

(115)

(790)

7,958

(2,923)

5,035

-

5,035

Cents

Basic and diluted earnings per share (profit per share)

7

2.55

8.44

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

19

Annual ReportStatement of Financial Position

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Current tax receivables

Financial assets held at fair value through profit or loss

Other assets

Total assets

Liabilities

Trade and other payables

Deferred rebates

Deferred tax liabilities 

Total liabilities

Net assets

Equity

Issued capital

Retained earnings

Total shareholders’ equity

Notes

17

9

11

15

16

5

9

13

30 June 
2018 
$'000

31,589

1,525

887

205,126

4,885

244,012

3,469

1,194

5,426

10,089

As at

30 June 
2017 
$'000

22,492

2,919

260

187,787

4,289

217,747

19,855

1,642

4,393

25,890

233,923

191,857

218,560

15,363

233,923

172,539

19,318

191,857

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

20

Blue Sky Alternatives Access Fund LimitedStatement of Changes in Equity

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018

Notes 

Share capital 
$’000

Retained profits 
$’000

Total shareholders’ 
equity 
$’000

Balance as at 1 July 2016

Total comprehensive income for the year

Subtotal

Transactions with equity holders  
in their capacity as equity holders:

Shares issued during the year 

Fundraising costs (net of tax)

Dividends paid

Subtotal

Balance as at 30 June 2017

13

12

125,558

-

125,558

47,573

(592)

-

46,981

172,539

14,397

13,027

27,424

-

-

(8,106)

(8,106)

19,318

139,955

13,027

152,982

47,573

(592)

(8,106)

38,875

191,857

Notes 

Share capital 
$’000

Retained profits 
$’000

Total shareholders’ 
equity 
$’000

Balance as at 1 July 2017

Total comprehensive income for the year

Subtotal

Transactions with equity holders 
in their capacity as equity holders:

Shares issued during the year 

Share buyback

Fundraising costs (net of tax)

Dividends paid

Subtotal

Balance as at 30 June 2018

13

12

172,539

-

172,539

49,506

(2,800)

(685)

-

46,021

218,560

19,318

5,035

24,353

-

-

-

(8,990)

(8,990)

15,363

191,857

5,035

196,892

49,506

(2,800)

(685)

(8,990)

37,031

233,923

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

21

Annual ReportStatement of Cash Flows

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018

Year ended

30 June 
2018 
$'000

30 June 
2017 
$'000

Notes

Operating activities

Rebates of transaction costs and fees (inclusive of GST)

Dividend and trust distributions received

Payments to suppliers (inclusive of GST)

Interest received

Income tax paid

Net cash flows from operating activities

17

Investing activities

4,021

3,542

(4,432)

859

(2,225)

1,765

4,894

3,501

(4,176)

397

(3,838)

778

Payments for financial assets held at fair value through profit and loss

(57,542)

(56,252)

Proceeds from disposal of financial assets held at fair value  
through profit and loss

Net cash flows used in investing activities

Financing activities

Share buyback

Fundraising costs (inclusive of GST)

Dividends paid

Proceeds from issue of new shares

Net cash flows from financing activities

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the financial year

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the financial year

17

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

28,135

32,627

(29,407)

(23,625)

(2,800)

(977)

(8,377)

48,893

36,739

9,097

22,492

31,589

-

(1,383)

(7,568)

47,573

38,622

15,775

6,717

22,492

22

Blue Sky Alternatives Access Fund LimitedNotes to Financial Statements

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018

Section 1: About this Report

NOTE 1. BASIS OF PREPARATION

The Company invests in a diverse range of alternative assets, deriving revenue such as dividend and trust distribution income, 
and investment income from realised and unrealised gains and losses on investments held at fair value.

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

These general purpose financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards  
and Interpretations issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) and the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).  
The Company is a for-profit entity for the purpose of preparing the financial statements.

The Financial Report is presented in Australian dollars, which is the Company’s functional and presentation currency.

The financial statements were authorised for issue by the Directors on 30 August 2018.

Compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards

The Financial Report of the Company also comply with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the 
International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).

Historical cost convention

This Financial Report has been prepared on a going concern basis and under the historical cost convention except for assets 
and liabilities which are measured at fair value.

Comparatives

Where necessary, comparative information has been restated to align to changes in presentation in the current year.

Rounding

The amounts contained in the Financial Report have been rounded to the nearest $1,000 (unless otherwise stated) under the 
option available to the Company under ASIC Corporations (Rounding in the Financial/Directors’ Reports) Instrument 2016/191. 
The Company is an entity to which Instrument 2016/191 applies.

23

Annual ReportNOTE 2. NEW AND AMENDED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS IMPACT

The Australian Accounting Standards Board has issued new and amended Accounting Standards and Interpretations that  
have mandatory application dates for future reporting periods and which the Directors have decided not to early adopt.  
A discussion of those future requirements and their impact on the Company is as follows:

Application 
date of 
standard

Application 
date for the 
Company

1 January 
2018

1 July 
2018

Reference Title

Summary

AASB 15

Revenue from 
Contracts with 
Customers

AASB 15 establishes principles for reporting useful information 
to users of financial statements about the nature, amount, timing 
and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from an entity’s 
contracts with customers.

AASB 9

Financial 
Instruments

AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers replaces current 
revenue recognition guidance in AASB 118 Revenue, AASB 111 
Construction Contracts and related interpretations. AASB 15 is a 
significant change from the current revenue requirements and will 
involve more judgement and estimates.

The Company has reviewed the impact of the new standard and 
does not anticipate a material change to its NTA following the 
adoption of AASB 15 on 1 July 2018.

AASB 9 contains new requirements for the classification, 
measurement and de-recognition of financial assets and liabilities, 
replacing the recognition and measurement requirements in AASB 
139 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement.  
Under the new requirements the four current categories of 
financial assets will be replaced with two measurement categories: 
fair value and amortised cost, and financial assets will only be 
measured at amortised cost where very specific conditions are met.

The Company holds its investments at fair value and this would not 
change with the adoption of AASB 9.

1 January 
2018

1 July 
2018

The Company has reviewed the impact of the new standard across 
its remaining financial assets and liabilities and does not anticipate 
a material change to its NTA following the adoption of AASB 9 on  
1 July 2018.

Further analysis is required to form a complete view of the impact, 
including any potential impact to the Statement of Comprehensive 
Income and Statement of Financial Position classification and 
resulting disclosures.

NOTE 3. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS, ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS

The preparation of financial statements requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management 
to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the Company’s accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree 
of judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the financial statements, are the 
determination of the fair value of investments, which are disclosed in Note 11 of the Financial Statements.

24

Blue Sky Alternatives Access Fund LimitedNotes to Financial Statements - continuedFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018Section 2: Results for the Year

NOTE 4. INVESTMENT INCOME

Net gain on financial assets held at fair value through profit or loss

Dividend and trust distribution income

Total investment income

ACCOUNTING POLICY

Year ended

30 June 
2018 
$'000

3,383

3,513

6,896

30 June 
2017 
$'000

11,872

3,597

15,469

Net gains on financial assets held at fair value through profit and loss

Profits and losses realised from the sale of investments and unrealised gains and losses on investments held at fair value are 
included in the Statement of Comprehensive Income in the year in which they arise in accordance with the policies described 
in Note 11.

Dividend and trust distribution income

Dividend and trust distribution income is included in the Statement of Comprehensive Income in the year in which it is 
received or when the right to receive payment is established.

25

Annual ReportNOTE 5. REBATES

(a)  Rebate income

Rebate income

Rebates of transaction costs and management and performance fees

Total rebates

Year ended

30 June 
2018 
$'000

3,771

3,771

30 June 
2017 
$'000

5,932

5,932

The Company derives rebate income in accordance with the management services agreement with the Manager.  
The management services agreement states the following in relation to fees charged by Blue Sky Entities10:

(i)  The Manager must ensure the trustee, responsible entity or controlling entity (as applicable) of each Blue Sky Fund 
in which an Authorised Investment is made does not charge the Company any fees (whether management fees, 
performance fees or otherwise) in respect of the Authorised Investment. If any such fees are charged and paid by the 
Company, the Manager must rebate such fees to the Company as soon as is practicable; and

(ii)  The Company will be required to fund its pro-rata share of any transaction costs and establishment fees charged by 
a Blue Sky Entity to investors (excluding any capital raising and marketing fees) in a Blue Sky Fund Entity in which an 
Authorised Investment is made by the Manager on behalf of the Company.

To the extent any fees are paid by the Company (either directly or indirectly) over and above the non-rebateable transaction 
costs and establishment fees, they will be rebated to the Company. For the 2018 Financial Year $3,770,718 (2017: $5,932,163) 
(excluding GST) of fees have been rebated to the Company. Performance fee rebates make up 25.27% (2017: 44.57%) of total 
rebates for the year.

The Company incurred non-rebateable transaction costs and establishment fees of $1,019,782 (2017: $2,864,553) for the year 
ended 30 June 2018. The impact of non-rebateable transaction costs and establishment fees to the Company during the year 
is reflected through the Company’s net gains on financial assets held at fair value through profit or loss.

(b)  Deferred rebates

Deferred rebates11

Total deferred rebates

ACCOUNTING POLICY

Rebate income

As at

30 June 
2018 
$'000

1,194

1,194

30 June 
2017 
$'000

1,642

1,642

Rebate income is recognised when it is received or when the right to receive payment is established in accordance with the 
management services agreement.

Deferred rebates

Rebates are deferred and recorded as a liability where the rebate is invoiced in advance of the provision of the related 
investment services upon which the rebate is paid.

10  Capitalised terms refer to definitions provided in the Company’s prospectus which is available on the Company’s website and the ASX.
11  Deferred rebates to be realised within 12 months are $1,184,073 (2017: $1,475,055) and greater than 12 months are $10,290 (2017: $166,779).

26

Blue Sky Alternatives Access Fund LimitedNotes to Financial Statements - continuedFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018NOTE 6. MANAGEMENT AND PERFORMANCE FEES

The Company has outsourced its investment management function to the Manager. The Manager is a wholly owned 
subsidiary of Blue Sky, a related party of the Company. A summary of the fees charged by the Manager is set out below.

(a)  Management fees

The Manager is entitled to be paid a management fee equal to 1.20% (excluding GST) of the Portfolio Net Asset Value per 
annum. The management fee is accrued monthly and paid within 14 days of the monthly Portfolio Net Asset Value of the 
Company being disclosed on the ASX.

During the 2018 Financial Year, the Company incurred $2,778,098 (2017: $2,125,548) of management fees, inclusive of the 
net impact of GST.

(b)  Performance fees

At the end of each financial year, the Manager is entitled to receive a performance fee from the Company, the terms of which 
are outlined below.

(i) 

The fee is calculated and accrued monthly using the following formula:

P = 17.5% x (A– B) x C

Where:

P is the Performance Fee for the relevant month; 
A is the Investment Return of the Portfolio for the relevant month; 
B is the Hurdle Return for the relevant month; and 
C is the Portfolio Net Asset Value at the end of the last day of the relevant month.

(ii)  The Performance Fee for each month in a Financial Year will be aggregated (including any negative amounts carried 

forward) and paid annually in arrears if the aggregate performance fee for the Financial Year is a positive amount 
provided that:

(A) 

if the aggregate Performance Fee for a Financial Year is a negative amount, no Performance Fee shall be 
payable to the Manager in respect of that Financial Year, and the negative amount shall be carried forward to 
the following Financial Year; and

(B) 

any negative aggregate Performance Fee amounts from previous Financial Years that are not recouped in a 
Financial Year shall be carried forward to the following Financial Year.

(iii) 

“Investment Return” means the percentage by which the Portfolio Net Asset Value at the end of the last day of the 
relevant month exceeds or is less than the Portfolio Net Asset Value at the end of the last day of the month immediately 
prior to the relevant month, excluding any additions to or reductions in equity in the Company during the relevant 
month including dividend reinvestments, new equity issues, the exercise of share options, share buy-backs, payment of 
dividends and the payment of tax.

(iv) 

“Hurdle Return” means, in respect of the relevant month, 8.0% on a per annum basis.

(v) 

“Portfolio Net Asset Value” means the Portfolio Market Value reduced by any accrued but unpaid expenses of the 
Company, but not provisions for tax payable, and after subtracting any borrowings drawn down and adding back any 
borrowings repaid.

(vi) 

“Portfolio Market Value” means the fair value of investment assets of the Portfolio (including cash).

(vii)  “Financial Year” means the period beginning 1 July and ending 30 June for the relevant year.

For the 2018 Financial Year, the Company did not incur a performance fee (2017: $1,162,072).

27

Annual ReportNOTE 7. EARNINGS PER SHARE

Profit after income tax

Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in calculating  
basic and diluted earnings per share

Basic and diluted earnings per share

ACCOUNTING POLICY

Year ended

30 June 
2018 
$'000

30 June 
2017 
$'000

5,035

13,027

Number

Number

197,670,241

154,438,648

Cents

2.55

Cents

8.44

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

Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to equity holders of the Company by the weighted 
average number of ordinary shares and potential ordinary shares (options) outstanding for the same financial year.

As the Company did not have any outstanding options during the year, basic and diluted earning per share are the same.

NOTE 8. OPERATING SEGMENTS

Although the Company invests across a number of alternative asset classes, the Company’s financial statements are 
prepared on the basis that there is only one operating segment: Alternative Asset Investment. In assessing performance and 
determining the allocation of resources, the Directors (who are identified as the Chief Operating Decision Makers (CODM)) 
use internal reports which consider the revenue from distributions, interest and other returns from the Company’s 
investment portfolio as a whole.

ACCOUNTING POLICY

Operating segments are presented using the ‘management approach’, where the information presented is on the same basis 
as the internal reports provided to the CODM. The CODM is responsible for the allocation of resources to the segment and 
assessing its performance.

28

Blue Sky Alternatives Access Fund LimitedNotes to Financial Statements - continuedFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018NOTE 9. TAXATION

(a)  Reconciliation of income tax expense

Profit from ordinary activities before income tax

Tax at the Australian tax rate of 27.5% (2017: 30%)

Effect of change in tax rate

Tax effect amounts which are not taxable in calculating taxable income:

Other non-deductible expenses

Income subject to foreign income tax offsets

Tax exempt income and losses

Franked distributions received and expected

Income tax expense

Represented by:

Current tax

Deferred tax

Aggregate income tax expense

Year ended

30 June 
2018 
$'000

7,958

2,189

86

4

(83)

210

517

2,923

1,596

1,327

2,923

30 June 
2017 
$'000

17,728

5,319

-

-

-

(75)

(543)

4,701

1,370

3,331

4,701

The applicable tax rate for the year was 27.5% (2017: 30%). The reduction in the applicable tax rate is due to changes in the 
corporate tax rate for the company. The 27.5% rate applies to the Company for the year ended 30 June 2018, on the basis its 
aggregated turnover is less than $25 million for the year.

(b)  Breakdown of deferred tax balances

Net unrealised losses/(gains) on investments

Equity raising costs

Other temporary differences

Accrued rebates

Total

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

Deferred tax 
asset 
30 June 
2018 
$’000

Deferred tax 
liability 
30 June 
2018 
$’000

Deferred tax 
asset 
30 June 
2017 
$’000

Deferred tax 
liability 
30 June 
2017 
$’000

2,430

399

9

-

2,838

(6,846)

1,300

(5,220)

-

-

(1,418)

(8,264)

369

361

-

2,030

-

-

(1,203)

(6,423)

(2,838)

2,838

(2,030)

2,030

Net deferred tax balances

-

(5,426)

-

(4,393)

29

Annual Report(c)  Movements in deferred tax balances

2018

Deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities

2017

Deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities

(d) Current tax receivable 

Current tax receivable

Total current tax receivable

Opening 
balance 
$’000

Credited/ 
(Charged) to 
profit or loss 
$’000

Credited/ 
(Charged) to 
equity 
$’000

Tax losses 
$’000

Closing 
balance 
$’000

2,030

(6,423)

1,472

(2,787)

515

(1,842)

305

(3,636)

293

-

253

-

-

-

-

-

2,838

(8,265)

2,030

(6,423)

As at

30 June 
2018 
$'000

887

887

30 June 
2017 
$'000

260

260

30

Blue Sky Alternatives Access Fund LimitedNotes to Financial Statements - continuedFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018ACCOUNTING POLICY

Income tax
The income tax expense or benefit for the period is the tax payable on the current period’s taxable income based on the 
applicable income tax rate for each jurisdiction adjusted by changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities attributable to 
temporary differences and to unused tax losses.

The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of the tax laws enacted or substantially enacted at the end of the 
reporting financial year. Management periodically evaluates positions taken in tax returns with respect to situations in which 
applicable tax regulation is subject to interpretation. It establishes provisions where appropriate on the basis of amounts 
expected to be paid to the tax authorities.

Deferred income tax is provided in full, using the liability method, on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of 
assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the financial statements. Deferred income tax is determined using tax rates 
(and laws) that have been enacted or substantially enacted by the end of the reporting financial year and are expected to 
apply when the related deferred income tax asset is realised or the deferred income tax liability is settled.

Deferred tax assets are recognised for deductible temporary differences and unused tax losses only if it is probable that 
future taxable amounts will be available to utilise those temporary differences and losses.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets and liabilities 
and when deferred tax balances relate to the same taxation authority. Current tax assets and tax liabilities are offset where 
the entity has a legally enforceable right to offset and intends either to settle on a net basis, or to realise the asset and settle 
the liability simultaneously.

Current and deferred tax is recognised in profit or loss in the Statement of Comprehensive Income, except to the extent that 
it relates to items recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity. In this case, the tax is recognised in other 
comprehensive income or directly in equity, respectively.

Goods and Services Tax (GST)
Revenues and expenses are recognised net of the amount of associated GST, unless the GST incurred is not recoverable from 
the taxation authority. In this case it is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as part of the expense.

Receivables and payables are stated inclusive of the amount of GST receivable or payable. The net amount of GST recoverable 
from, or payable to, the taxation authority is included with other receivables or payables in the Statement of Financial 
Position.

Cash flows are presented on a gross basis.

31

Annual ReportSection 3: Capital and Financial Risk Management

NOTE 10. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

The Company’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks including market risk (e.g. currency risk, price risk and interest 
rate risk), credit risk and liquidity risk.

The Board of Directors have implemented a risk management framework to mitigate these risks. The Board considers a 
number of matters in overall risk management including specific areas, such as foreign exchange risk, interest rate risk, 
credit risk, the use of derivative financial instruments and non-derivative financial instruments and the investment of excess 
liquidity.

The Company uses different methods to measure the different types of risk to which it is exposed. These methods are 
explained below and on the following pages.

(a)  Market risk

Market risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in 
market prices.

(i) Currency risk

To date, the Company is invested in eleven (2017: nine) assets which are either foreign currency denominated, or one or 
more assets of the investment trust are domiciled in an overseas jurisdiction. The Company has a foreign currency exposure 
totalling $30,404,677 (2017: $24,132,372). A 10% increase/(decrease) in the foreign currency exchange rate would result in an 
increase/(decrease) in the financial assets of $3,040,468 (2017: $2,413,237).

These investments represent 14.8% (2017: 12.9%) of the Company’s investment portfolio and 12.9% (2017: 12.6%) of net 
assets, based on Australian dollar carrying values translated using the prevailing spot rate on 30 June 2018. As these assets 
are non-monetary assets, the foreign exchange risk is a component of price risk.

(ii) Price risk

The Company is exposed to equity securities price risk. This arises from investments held by the Company and classified in 
the Statement of Financial Position as financial assets held at fair value through profit and loss.

The Company seeks to manage and constrain price risk by diversification of the investment portfolio across multiple 
investments and industry sectors. The portfolio is maintained by the Manager (refer to Note 14 – Related party transactions) 
within a range of parameters governing the levels of acceptable exposure to investments and asset classes.

The Company’s asset class allocation as at 30 June 2018, and for the prior period, is below:

Unlisted private equity funds

Unlisted private real estate funds

Unlisted real assets funds

Cash and cash equivalents

2018 
%

25.8

29.2

31.7

13.3

100.0

Investments representing over 5% of the trading portfolio at 30 June 2018, and for the prior period, is below:

Blue Sky Water Fund

Blue Sky Strategic Australian Agriculture Fund

32

2018 
%

18.7

6.5

25.2

2017 
%

24.2

36.9

28.2

10.7

100.0

2017 
%

14.8

7.1

21.9

Blue Sky Alternatives Access Fund LimitedNotes to Financial Statements - continuedFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018(iii) Cash flow and fair value interest risk

The Company is exposed to cash flow interest rate risk on financial instruments with variable interest rates. Financial 
instruments with fixed rates expose the Company to fair value interest rate risk. As at 30 June 2018 the cash at bank balance 
was $31,589,352 (2017: $22,491,956).

The Company’s interest bearing financial assets expose it to risks associated with the effects of fluctuations in the prevailing 
levels of market interest rates on its financial position and cash flows.

The Company does not have direct exposure to interest rate changes on the valuation and cash flows of its interest bearing 
assets and liabilities. However, it may be indirectly affected by the impact of interest rate changes on the earnings of certain 
funds in which the Company invests and by the impact on the valuation of certain assets that use interest rates as an input in 
their valuations.

(b)  Credit risk

Credit risk is the risk that one party to a financial instrument will cause a financial loss for the other party by failing to 
discharge an obligation.

The maximum exposure to credit risk at balance date, excluding the value of any collateral or other security, is the carrying 
amount of assets and trade receivables net of any provisions for impairment. The Company’s maximum exposure to credit 
risk from trade receivables is $1,143,665 (2017: $2,623,762).

Customers with balances past due but without provision for impairment of trade receivables amount to $452,392 as at  
30 June 2018 (2017: $600,532). The Company has determined that no impairment of other receivables is required.

The Company’s cash and cash equivalents are all held with a tier 1 regulated Australian Authorised Deposit-Taking Institution 
with a credit rating at the time of publication of AA- / Aa3.

There are no amounts of collateral held as security at 30 June 2018 (2017: nil).

(c)  Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company may not be able to generate sufficient cash resources to settle its obligations in full 
as they fall due or can only do so on terms that are materially disadvantageous.

The Board and the Manager monitor the cash flow requirements in relation to the investing activities taking into account 
upcoming dividends, tax payments, investing activity and fund expenses.

The Company’s inward cash flows depend upon the level of dividend, interest, rebates and distribution revenue received. 
Should these decrease by a material amount, the Company would amend its outward cash flows accordingly. As the 
Company’s major cash outflows are the purchase of investments and dividends paid to shareholders, the level of both of 
these is managed by the Board and the Manager.

The Board and the Manager have implemented a minimum cash requirement that is monitored on a monthly basis.

Refer to Note 16 for a summary of contractual maturities of the Company’s financial liabilities.

33

Annual Reportd)  Capital management

The Board and the Manager regularly ensure that the Company deploys its capital in an efficient manner into value creating 
investment strategies. The Company’s primary objectives are to:

 ■ Deliver long term absolute returns to shareholders, through both growth in Net Tangible Assets (NTA) and a dividend yield 

(franked to either 100% or the maximum extent possible);

 ■ Provide investors with access to a diverse range of alternative assets; and
 ■ Provide investors with the ability to invest in alternative assets through an ASX-listed structure that is more readily accessible 

and liquid than other alternative assets.

To achieve these objectives, the Board and Manager monitor the monthly NTA results, investment performance,  
the Company’s expenses and daily share price movements.

On 26 May 2016, the Directors provided shareholders with guidance stating that the Company is committed to paying annual 
dividends targeting at least 4% of closing post-tax NTA for each financial year, franked to the highest extent possible, provided 
there is sufficient profit and cash flow to do so.

For the purpose of the Company’s capital management, capital includes issued capital and all other equity reserves 
attributable to the equity holders of the Company as disclosed in the Statement of Changes in Equity.

34

Blue Sky Alternatives Access Fund LimitedNotes to Financial Statements - continuedFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018NOTE 11. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT

The table below presents the financial assets (by class) measured and recognised at fair value according to the fair value 
hierarchy. The different levels have been defined as follows:

Level 1:  inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity can access at 

the measurement date.

Level 2:  inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or 

indirectly. They include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets.

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

As the Company invests in unlisted funds, market prices are not readily observable for all investments made by the Company. 
The calculation of the fair value for the various asset classes is discussed below.

As at 30 June 2018

Financial assets

Unlisted private equity funds

Unlisted private real estate funds

Unlisted real assets funds

Total financial assets

As at 30 June 2017

Financial assets

Unlisted private equity funds

Unlisted private real estate funds

Unlisted real assets funds

Total financial assets

Level 1 
$’000

Level 2 
$’000

Level 3 
$’000

Total 
$’000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

61,155

68,841

75,130

61,155

68,841

75,130

205,126

205,126

Level 1 
$’000

Level 2 
$’000

Level 3 
$’000

Total 
$’000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

50,951

77,612

59,224

50,951

77,612

59,224

187,787

187,787

(i) Valuation techniques used to determine fair values

Specific valuation techniques used to value financial instruments include:

 ■ the fair value of water entitlements traded by the Blue Sky Water Fund (Real Assets) is determined using quoted market prices 

or broker quotes for similar instruments;

 ■ the fair value of unlisted equity investments in trading enterprises (such as growth capital and venture capital-style 
investments) is determined using a capitalisation of earnings or revenue methodology, having regard to observable 
comparable transactions or quoted prices for similar enterprises;

 ■ the fair value of investments in private real estate assets or projects, or unlisted equity investments in water infrastructure 

assets, is calculated as the present value of estimated future cash flows (discounted cash flow approach); and

 ■ the fair value of mature income-producing real assets is measured using market prices for comparable assets in a similar 

geographic location.

35

Annual Report(ii) Valuation process

Assets in the Company’s investment portfolio are valued in accordance with the Company’s published Investment Valuation 
Policy, a summary of which is provided on the next page. This summary does not purport to be complete, and readers should 
refer to the full Investment Valuation Policy which is available on the Company’s website.

The value of assets in the Company’s investment portfolio which are investments in closed-ended funds (typically private 
equity, private real estate and real assets funds not including the Blue Sky Water Fund) are reviewed by the Manager (or 
a related party thereof) at the end of each month. These values are reviewed by a qualified independent expert at least 
annually. In the event that the Manager believes there may have been a material change in the value of an asset in between 
the annual independent valuation reviews, an interim valuation is performed by the Manager. These valuations are used 
by the Manager to determine the relevant fund’s net tangible assets and a unit price for each fund. For the period from 
investment until an asset is initially revalued, it is held at fair value of consideration paid less transactions costs.

While a review from a qualified independent expert is required at least annually, the Board may request that they be 
performed more regularly in relation to one or more closed-ended fund investments. For example, where there has been 
a material change in the value of an investment which is likely to have a material impact on the net tangible assets of the 
Company, the Board may request an ‘off-cycle’ external review by a qualified independent expert to be performed.

The value of assets in the Company’s investment portfolio which are investments in open-ended funds, such as the Blue 
Sky Water Fund, are subject to external valuation by a third party and unit price calculated by external fund administrators. 
These external valuations are conducted at a minimum at the end of each month and are used by the fund administrator to 
determine a unit price for each fund. The Company will adopt the valuation and unit price determined by the third party fund 
administrator at the end of each month, less any costs that would have been incurred by the Company on that date to exit any 
units it may hold (for example, a sell spread).

36

Blue Sky Alternatives Access Fund LimitedNotes to Financial Statements - continuedFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018(iii) Description of significant unobservable inputs to valuation

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements categorised within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, 
together with a quantitative sensitivity analysis as at 30 June 2018 and 30 June 2017 are as shown on the following pages.

For the purposes of this analysis, the Company’s financial assets have been grouped into classes according to investment 
theme. This is designed to facilitate the assessment of the impact of other indirect, macro-economic factors common between 
certain assets which may influence the significant unobservable inputs detailed.

Sector

Valuation  
technique

Significant  
unobservable inputs

Range 
(weighted average)12

Sensitivity of the input  
to fair value

Healthcare, 
education  
and hospitality

Capitalisation 
of earnings or 
revenue

Operating earnings  
or revenue

2018: $6.0–$8.0 million

2017: $7.0–$9.0 million

Capitalisation  
multiple

2018: 6.0–8.0x

2017: 6.0–8.0x

E-commerce  
and digital 
disruption

Capitalisation 
of earnings or 
revenue

Operating earnings  
or revenue

201813: $34.0–$38.0 million

201713: $25.0–$28.0 million

Capitalisation  
multiple

201814: 2.0–4.0x

201714: 3.0–5.0x

Food and 
agriculture

Market  
approach*

Asset value

2018: $30.0–$34.0 million

2017: $22.0–$26.0 million

Apartment  
and retirement  
living

Market  
approach

Net asset value

2018: $0.5–$1.0 million

2017: $2.0–$3.0 million

Discounted  
cash flow

Discount rate

2018: 15–20%

2017: 10–18%

10% (2017: 10%) increase / 
(decrease) in forecast revenue or 
operating earnings would result 
in an increase / (decrease) in fair 
value by $3,657,000 
(2017: $3,558,000)

1.0x (2017: 1.0x) increase / 
(decrease) in capitalisation 
multiple applied would result in 
an increase / (decrease) in fair 
value by $5,100,000 
(2017: $5,140,000)

10% (2017: 10%) increase / 
(decrease) in forecast revenue or 
operating earnings would result 
in an increase / (decrease) in fair 
value by $1,945,000 
(2017: $878,000)

1.0x (2017: 1.0x) increase / 
(decrease) in capitalisation 
multiple applied would result in 
an increase / (decrease) in fair 
value by $7,911,000 
(2017: $3,258,000)

10% (2017: 10%) increase / 
(decrease) in the value of the 
assets would result in an increase 
/ (decrease) of $6,903,000 
(2017: $4,445,000)

10% (2017: 10%) increase / 
(decrease) in the value of the net 
asset would result in an increase / 
(decrease) of $179,000 
(2017: $1,263,000)

1% (2017: 1%) increase / 
(decrease) in the range of 
discount rates used would result 
in an increase / (decrease) of 
$380,000 (2017: $255,000)

12  The ranges reflect the weighted average of both the high and low range of unobservable inputs and therefore the actual ranges of inputs for individual investments may 

be outside these ranges.

13  Weighted average revenue and EBITDA range.
14  Weighted average revenue and EBITDA multiple range.
*  Underlying assets held within the Blue Sky Water Fund are valued by an independent third party valuer based on observable market prices. These valuations are used by 
the fund administrator of the Blue Sky Water Fund to determine a unit price which is reviewed and approved by the Manager. The Blue Sky Water Fund does not have an 
observable market price (in contrast to assets held within these Funds) and as a result, these funds are recorded as Level 3 investments.

37

Annual ReportSegment

Valuation 
technique

Significant  
unobservable inputs

Range  
(weighted average)12

Sensitivity of the input 
to fair value

Student 
accommodation

Market  
approach

Net asset value

2018: n.a.15

2017: $21.0–$23.0 million

Discounted  
cash flow

Discount rate

2018: 9–12%

2017: 11–14%

Other

Market 
approach

Net asset value

2018: $3.0–$5.0 million

2017: $3.0–$5.0 million

Capitalisation  
of earnings or 
revenue

Operating earnings  
or revenue

201813: $20.0–$25.0 million

201713: $5.0–$7.0 million

Capitalisation  
multiple

201814: 2.0–5.0x

201714: 0.5–2.5x

Discounted  
cash flow

Discount rate

2018: 12–15%

2017: 7–9%

2018: n.a. 2017: 10% increase / 
(decrease) in the value of the net 
asset would result in an increase 
/ (decrease) of $472,000

1% (2017: 1%) increase / 
(decrease) in the range of 
discount rates used would result 
in an increase / (decrease) of 
$2,732,000 (2017: $1,827,000)

10% (2017: 10%) increase / 
(decrease) in the net asset value 
would result in an increase / 
(decrease) of $1,007,000 
(2017: $696,000)

10% (2017: 10%) increase / 
(decrease) in forecast revenue or 
operating earnings would result 
in an increase / (decrease) in fair 
value by $693,000 
(2017: $372,000)

1.0x (2017: 1.0x) increase / 
(decrease) in capitalisation 
multiple applied would result in 
an increase / (decrease) in fair 
value by $6,842,000 
(2017: $5,715,000)

1% (2017: 1%) increase / 
(decrease) in the range of 
discount rates used would result 
in an increase / (decrease) in fair 
value by $938,000 
(2017: $360,000)

13  Weighted average revenue and EBITDA range.
14  Weighted average revenue and EBITDA multiple range.
15  Net asset value sensitised in 2017 and discount rate used in 2018.

38

Blue Sky Alternatives Access Fund LimitedNotes to Financial Statements - continuedFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018Reconciliation of fair value measurements categorised within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy:

For the year ended 30 June 2018

Beginning balance

Purchase

Disposal

Net unrealised gain/(loss)

Net realised gain/(loss)

Ending balance

For the year ended 30 June 2017

Beginning balance

Purchase

Disposal

Net unrealised gain/(loss)

Net realised gain/(loss)

Ending balance

Unlisted private 
equity funds 
$’000

Unlisted private 
real estate funds 
$’000

Unlisted real 
assets funds 
$’000

Unlisted 
hedge funds 
$’000

Total 
$’000

50,951

18,838

(7,903)

(802)

71

61,155

77,612

14,018

(19,902)

(3,369)

482

68,841

59,224

9,235

(330)

7,001

-

75,130

-

-

-

-

-

-

187,787

42,091

(28,135)

2,830

553

205,126

Unlisted private 
equity funds 
$’000

Unlisted private 
real estate funds 
$’000

Unlisted real  
asset funds 
$’000

Unlisted 
hedge funds 
$’000

Total 
$’000

31,898

22,824

(7,167)

479

2,917

50,951

52,970

24,610

(8,593)

7,231

1,394

77,612

43,720

27,000

(11,721)

(1,852)

2,077

59,224

5,402

133,990

-

74,434

(5,146)

(32,627)

-

(256)

5,858

6,132

-

187,787

Unless otherwise stated, the carrying amounts of financial instruments reflect their fair value. The carrying amounts of trade 
receivables and trade payables are assumed to approximate their fair values due to their short-term nature.

39

Annual ReportFinancial assets held at fair value through profit and loss

The information below reflects expected realisation timeframes for financial assets held at fair value through profit and loss. 
However, unforeseen circumstances could result in timeframes changing.

As at

Within 12 months of the reporting period

Unlisted private equity funds

Unlisted private real estate funds

Unlisted real assets funds

More than 12 months of the reporting period

Unlisted private equity funds

Unlisted private real estate funds

Unlisted real assets funds

Total financial assets held at fair value through profit and loss

30 June 
2018 
$'000

9,094

19,131

6,554

34,779

52,061

49,710

68,576

170,347

205,126

30 June 
2017 
$'000

5,470

5,145

6,542

17,157

45,481

72,467

52,682

170,630

187,787

40

Blue Sky Alternatives Access Fund LimitedNotes to Financial Statements - continuedFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018ACCOUNTING POLICY

AASB 10 Consolidated Financial Statements requires that the Company consolidate any investees that it is considered to 
control during the financial year from the date that control was obtained. However, as the Company meets the definition of 
an investment entity under AASB 10 and displays the typical characteristics of an investment entity specified in the Standard, 
the investments in any controlled investees have been accounted for in accordance with AASB 139 Financial Instruments at 
fair value through profit or loss.

Further, AASB 128 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures requires that the Company account for any investments over 
which it is considered to have significant influence using the equity method, applied from the date that significant influence 
was obtained. However, as a result of the guidance provided in AASB 10 Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company 
has applied the Venture Capital Organisation exemption in AASB 128. As the Company satisfies the criteria required to be 
considered a venture capital organisation, the investments in any such investees have been accounted for in accordance with 
AASB 139 Financial Instruments at fair value through profit or loss.

Classification

Financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss upon initial recognition
These include financial assets that are held for trading purposes and which may be sold. These are investments in unlisted 
unit trusts.

Financial assets designated at fair value through profit or loss at inception, are those that are managed and their performance 
evaluated on a fair value basis in accordance with the Company’s documented investment strategy. The Company’s policy 
is to evaluate the information about these financial instruments on a fair value basis together with other related financial 
information.

Recognition and de-recognition
The Company recognises financial assets on the date it becomes party to the contractual agreement (trade date). Changes in 
the fair value of the financial assets or financial liabilities are recognised from this date.

Investments are de-recognised when the right to receive cash flows from the investments has expired or the Company has 
transferred substantially all risks and rewards of ownership.

Measurement – Financial assets held at fair value through profit or loss
At initial recognition, the Company measures a financial asset at its fair value.

Subsequent to initial recognition, all financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are measured at fair value. Gains and 
losses arising from changes in the fair value are presented in the Statement of Comprehensive Income within ‘Net gains/
(losses) on financial assets held at fair value through profit and loss’ in the period in which they arise.

The fair value of each investment is calculated as the amount which could be expected to be received from the disposal of an 
asset in an orderly market.

The fair value of financial assets and liabilities that are not traded in an active market are determined using valuation techniques. 
The Company uses a variety of methods and makes assumptions that are based on market conditions existing at each reporting 
date. Valuation techniques used include the use of comparable recent arm’s length transactions, reference to other instruments 
that are substantially the same, discounted cash flow analysis, and other valuation techniques commonly used by market 
participants making the maximum use of market inputs and relying as little as possible on entity-specific inputs.

41

Annual ReportNOTE 12. DIVIDENDS

Cash dividends to the equity holders

Dividends on ordinary shares declared and paid:

FY17 Final Dividend: 4.0 cents per share fully franked (2016: 5.0 cents)

FY18 Interim Dividend: 1.0 cent per share fully franked (2017: 1.0 cent)

Total dividends on ordinary shares declared and paid

Proposed dividends on ordinary shares:

As at

30 June 
2018 
$'000

6,846

2,144

8,990

30 June 
2017 
$'000

6,396

1,710

8,106

FY18 Final Dividend: 4.0 cents per share (2017: 4.0 cents)

8,378

6,846

Proposed dividends declared subsequent to year end are not recognised as a liability at 30 June 2018.

Franking account

Balance as at the end of the financial year

Franking credits that will arise from the payment/(refund) of income tax 
based on a tax rate of 27.5% (2017: 30%)

Franking credits available for subsequent financial years

Franking credits that will be used from the payment of dividends declared 
subsequent to the reporting date at 27.5% (2017: 30%)

Balance as at the end of the financial year

As at

30 June 
2018 
$'000

14

(887)

(873)

(2,066)

(2,939)

30 June 
2017 
$'000

1,460

(260)

1,200

(2,934)

(1,734)

In relation to the above franking credit deficit, it is anticipated that through forecasted FY19 exits this will be brought back to 
at least nil on or before 30 June 2019 as tax instalments are paid throughout FY19.

42

Blue Sky Alternatives Access Fund LimitedNotes to Financial Statements - continuedFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018NOTE 13. SHARE CAPITAL

Movements in share capital during the financial year are set out below:

Opening balance as at 1 July 2017

Shares Issued: Dividend Reinvestment Plan 

Shares cancelled: Share buyback

Shares Issued: Entitlement Offer

Total

Less costs directly attributable to shares issued:

Number of shares

$’000

171,146,681

172,539

529,010

(3,526,071)

42,888,799

613

(2,800)

48,893

211,038,419

219,245

Gross (net of GST) 
$’000

Deferred tax asset 
$’000

Net 
$’000

Transaction costs:

Joint lead manager, broker fees and other expenses

Closing balance at 30 June 2018

Movements in share capital during the prior period are set out below:

(976)

(976)

291

291

(685)

(685)

218,560

Opening balance as at 1 July 2016 (net of fundraising costs)

127,924,870

125,558

Number of shares

$’000

Shares Issued: Dividend Reinvestment Plan 

Shares Issued: Entitlement Offer

Total

Less costs directly attributable to shares issued:

Transaction costs:

Joint lead manager, broker fees and other expenses

Closing balance at 30 June 2017

ACCOUNTING POLICY

Ordinary shares are classified as equity.

462,530

42,759,281

538

47,035

171,146,681

173,131

Gross (net of GST) 
$’000

Deferred tax asset 
$’000

Net 
$’000

(845)

(845)

253

253

(592)

(592)

172,539

Incremental costs attributable to the issue of new shares or buy back of shares are recognised as a deduction from equity, net 
of any tax effects.

43

Annual ReportSection 4: Other

NOTE 14. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

All transactions with related parties are conducted on normal commercial terms and conditions, and include:

(a)  The compensation arrangements with the Directors (refer to Directors’ remuneration on this page); 

(b)  The interests in the Company held directly or indirectly by the Directors (refer to Shareholdings of Directors on the 

following page); 

(c)  The Management Services Agreement between the Company and the Manager (refer to Note 6); and 

(d) 

Investments in unlisted funds (refer to Note 11) managed by wholly owned subsidiaries of Blue Sky. 

Directors’ remuneration 

The Directors’ remuneration, inclusive of GST and compulsory superannuation where applicable, incurred during the current 
and prior period, is as set out on this page:

Director

Andrew Champion16

2018

2017

Paul Masi

2018

2017

Michael Cottier17

2018

2017

Lazarus Siapantas

2018

2017

Lachlan McMurdo18

2018

2017

John Kain16

2018

2017

Philip Hennessy19

2018

2017

Total

2018

2017

Position

Salary 
$’000

Superannuation 
$’000

Total 
$’000

Executive Chairman

Independent Director

Independent Director

Executive Director

Executive Director/Resigned

Chairman/Resigned

Director/Resigned

-

-

50

55

55

20

-

-

-

-

-

35

-

50

105

160

-

-

5

-

5

2

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

5

10

7

-

-

55

55

60

22

-

-

-

-

-

35

-

55

115

167

During the 2018 Financial Year, the Executive Directors were employees of Blue Sky and did not receive any remuneration 
from the Company. Andrew Champion and Lazarus Siapantus are Executive Directors of the Company.

16  On 18 November 2016, Mr John Kain resigned as Director and Chairman of the Company and Mr Andrew Champion was appointed as Executive Chairman.
17  On 17 February 2017, Mr Michael Cottier was appointed as a Director of the Company.
18  On 20 September 2016, Mr Lachlan McMurdo was appointed as a Director of the Company. On 29 April 2018, Mr Lachlan McMurdo resigned as a Director of the Company.
19  On 31 May 2017, Mr Philip Hennessy resigned as a Director of the Company.

44

Blue Sky Alternatives Access Fund LimitedNotes to Financial Statements - continuedFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018 
 
Shareholdings of Directors

As at 30 June 2018, shares issued by the Company and held by the Directors and their related entities are set out below:

Opening balance 
(Number of shares)

Net number of  
shares acquired

Net number of  
shares disposed

Closing balance 
(number of shares)

Director

Paul Masi20

Michael Cottier

Andrew Champion21

Lazarus Siapantas20

Lachlan McMurdo

NOTE 15. OTHER ASSETS

Prepayments

Accrued Performance Fee Rebates22

Total other assets

ACCOUNTING POLICY

500,001

-

350,000

40,000

-

100,000

-

87,500

10,000

-

-

-

-

-

-

As at

30 June 
2018 
$'000

92

4,793

4,885

600,001

-

437,500

50,000

-

30 June 
2017 
$'000

277

4,012

4,289

Prepayments
The Company recognises costs incurred in advance for which a benefit is expected to be derived in the future as prepayments. 
The year over which the prepayment is expensed is determined by the year of benefit covered by the prepayment.

Performance fee rebates
Performance fees are recognised within the Company’s financial assets held at FVTPL when the financial performance 
outcomes in relation to funds managed by the Manager are highly probable and can be reliably measured. The Company 
records its a performance fee rebate when these conditions are met in accordance with the Management Services Agreement.

20  Shares are held indirectly 
21   Shares are held directly 
22  Accrued performance fee rebates are anticipated to be received as follows: balances due within 12 months $2,071,492 (2017: $667,884 ) and greater than 12 months 

$2,722,003 (2017: $3,343,634)

45

Annual ReportNOTE 16. TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

Trade payables

Uncalled capital commitments23

Other payables

Accrued expenses

Total trade and other payables

Maturities of financial liabilities

As at

30 June 
2018 
$'000

279

2,850

7

333

3,469

30 June 
2017 
$'000

8

18,301

150

1,396

19,855

The below tables analyses the Company’s non-derivative financial liabilities into relevant maturity groupings based on their 
contractual maturities at the end of the financial year.

The amounts disclosed in the table are contractual undiscounted cash flows. Balances due within 12 months are equal to their 
carrying balances as the impact of discounting is not significant.

Contractual maturities of 
financial liabilities

At 30 June 2018

At call 
$'000

1 year 
or less 
$'000

Between 
1 and 2  
years 
$'000

Between  
2 and 5  
years 
$'000

Total contractual 
undiscounted 
cash flows 
$'000

Over  
5 years 
$'000

Uncalled capital commitments

2,850

Trade and other payables

Total

-

2,850

-

286

286

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

2,850

286

3,136

Contractual maturities of 
financial liabilities

At call 
$'000

1 year 
or less 
$'000

Between 
1 and 2  
years 
$'000

Between  
2 and 5  
years 
$'000

Total contractual 
undiscounted 
cash flows 
$'000

Over  
5 years 
$'000

At 30 June 2017

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

Uncalled capital commitments

18,301

Trade and other payables

Total

-

18,301

-

158

158

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

$’000

18,301

158

18,459

ACCOUNTING POLICY

These amounts represent liabilities for goods and services provided to the Company prior to the end of the financial year and 
which are unpaid. The amounts are unsecured and are usually paid within 30 days of recognition.

Uncalled capital commitments represent contractual obligations on units issued for investments managed on a defined call 
structure.

23  The Company has made a $15.0 million commitment into the Blue Sky Strategic Australian Agriculture Fund to be called progressively over a three year investment 

period, of which $2.25 million remains uncalled at 30 June 2018. The remaining $0.6 million in uncalled capital commitments relate to other investments on a defined 
call structure and managed by wholly owned subsidiaries of Blue Sky.

46

Blue Sky Alternatives Access Fund LimitedNotes to Financial Statements - continuedFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018NOTE 17. NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(a)  Reconciliation of cash flows from operating activities

Profit after income tax expense for the year

Non-cash adjustments to reconcile profit after tax to net cash flows from operations:

Year ended

30 June 
2018 
$'000

5,035

30 June 
2017 
$'000

13,027

Net gains on financial assets held at fair value through profit and loss

(3,383)

(11,872)

Changes in assets and liabilities during the financial year:

(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables

(Increase)/decrease in other operating assets

Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables24

Increase/(decrease) in income tax provision

Increase/(decrease) in deferred taxes

Increase/(decrease) in deferred rebates

Net cash flows from operating activities

(b)  Cash and cash equivalents 

Cash at bank

Total Cash and cash equivalents

ACCOUNTING POLICY

1,394

(596)

(643)

(627)

1,033

(448)

1,765

As at

30 June 
2018 
$'000

31,589

31,589

(1,143)

(740)

(72)

(2,469)

3,332

715

778

30 June 
2017 
$'000

22,492

22,492

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand, deposits held at call with financial institutions, other short-term, highly 
liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and 
which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value.

24  Excludes movements in uncalled capital commitments as these do not relate to cash flows from operating activities.

47

Annual ReportNOTE 18. REMUNERATION OF AUDITORS

During the year, the following fees were paid or payable for services provided by the auditor, Ernst & Young, of the Company 
and its related practice.

Year ended

Audit and other assurance services

Audit and review of financial report

Other assurance services

Total remuneration for audit and other assurance services

Other non-audit services

Other advisory services

Total remuneration for other non-audit services

30 June 
2018 
$'000

145,200

14,300

159,500

33,000

33,000

30 June 
2017 
$'000

121,000

18,700

139,700

11,550

11,550

Total remuneration of Ernst & Young

192,500

151,250

The statutory audit requirements for the Company vary from year to year and can have an impact on the level of audit fees. 
The Company may decide to engage the auditor on other non-audit assignments in addition to their statutory audit duties 
where the auditor’s expertise and experience with the Company is important.

The majority of non-audit fees in FY18 relate to consulting services provided for the 1 for 4 non-renounceable entitlement 
offer. The auditor has provided an independence declaration and the Audit and Risk Committee is satisfied that the work 
performed on other non-audit services was conducted by a team separate from the audit team and does not impact the 
independence of the auditor.

48

Blue Sky Alternatives Access Fund LimitedNotes to Financial Statements - continuedFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018NOTE 19. EVENTS SUBSEQUENT TO REPORTING DATE

Adjustments to June NTA have been adopted in the financial statements in relation to the carrying value of four closed ended 
investment funds. In total this has resulted in a 0.7% reduction in pre-tax NTA for 30 June 2018, from $1.1377 per share in the 
June NTA report to $1.1299 per share in the FY18 financial statements.

The carrying value of venture capital investments Shoes of Prey and THR1VE (to which BAF has an investment via VC2014) 
have both been written down following receipt of additional information in relation to their liquidity profile. In addition 
Student Accommodation Fund 4 and 441 Ninth Avenue within the private real estate portfolio have been reduced and 
increased respectively following the receipt of finalised independent valuations.

As announced on 24 August 2018, the Alternatives Fund’s investment in five retirement living projects have been contracted 
for sale. Once settled this sale is expected to result in an aggregate 15% IRR and a 1.25x return on invested capital to BAF 
across these funds, representing a 1% discount to aggregate carrying value. This secures the Alternatives Fund’s exit of all its 
investments in retirement living.

On 30 August 2018, the Directors resolved to pay a final dividend of 4.0 cents per share in relation to the 2018 financial year. 
Franked to 65% at a 27.5% corporate income tax rate, the record date for this dividend will be 10 September 2018 and the 
payment date will be 24 September 2018. The Company’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP) will be deferred in relation to this 
dividend given BAF’s share price is trading at a significant discount to NTA.

Other than the above, there are no other subsequent events.

49

Annual ReportDirectors' Declaration

In accordance with a resolution of the Directors of the Company, the Directors declare that:

1.  the financial statements and notes, as set out on pages 17 to 49, are in accordance with the Corporation Act 2001(Cth) and: 

(a) 

comply with Australian Accounting Standards, which, as stated in accounting policy Note 1 to the financial 
statements, constitutes compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards; and

(b)  give a true and fair view of the entity’s financial position as at 30 June 2018 and of the performance for the year 

ended on that date of the Company;

2.  in the Directors’ opinion there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Company will be able to pay its debts as and when 

they become due and payable; and 

3.  the Directors have been given the declarations required by section 295A of the Corporations Act 2001 from the Chief Financial 

Officer and Interim Managing Director of the Manager. 

On behalf of the Directors

Andrew Champion 
Executive Chairman

30 August 2018 
Sydney

50

Blue Sky Alternatives Access Fund LimitedIndependent Auditor's Report

Ernst & Young 
111 Eagle Street 
Brisbane  QLD  4000 Australia 
GPO Box 7878 Brisbane  QLD  4001 

Tel: +61 7 3011 3333 
Fax: +61 7 3011 3100 
ey.com/au 

Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Blue Sky Alternatives 
Access Fund Limited 

Report on the Audit of the Financial Report 

Opinion 

We have audited the financial report of Blue Sky Alternatives Access Fund Limited (the Company), which 
comprises the statement of financial position as at 30 June 2018, the statement of comprehensive income, 
statement of changes in equity and statement of cash flows for the year then ended, notes to the financial 
statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies, and the directors’ declaration. 

In our opinion, the accompanying financial report of the Company is in accordance with the Corporations Act 
2001, including: 

a) 

giving a true and fair view of the Company's financial position as at 30 June 2018 and of its financial 
performance for the year ended on that date; and 

b) 

complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001. 

Basis for Opinion 

We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under those 
standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Report section 
of our report. We are independent of the Company in accordance with the auditor independence 
requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of the Accounting Professional and 
Ethical Standards Board’s APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (the Code) that are 
relevant to our audit of the financial report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our other ethical 
responsibilities in accordance with the Code. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is 
sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. 

Key Audit Matters 

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our audit 
of the financial report of the current year. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the 
financial report as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, but we do not provide a separate opinion on 
these matters. For each matter below, our description of how our audit addressed the matter is provided in 
that context. 

We have fulfilled the responsibilities described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial 
Report section of our report, including in relation to these matters. Accordingly, our audit included the 
performance of procedures designed to respond to our assessment of the risks of material misstatement of 
the financial report. The results of our audit procedures, including the procedures performed to address the 
matters below, provide the basis for our audit opinion on the accompanying financial report. 

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 

51

Annual Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent Auditor's Report - continued

Valuation of investments 

Why significant 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

As described in Note 11 of the financial report the 
Company is an investment entity which impacts 
the basis of accounting for its investments.  The 
Company invests in a diverse range of alternative 
assets through its investments in unlisted funds.  
All of its investments are recorded at fair value 
using a number of valuation techniques including 
market approaches, capitalisation of earnings or 
revenue, and discounted cash flows. 

The valuation process involves significant 
judgment as there are no observable market 
inputs for use in valuing the type of investments 
held by the Company.  The Company uses 
internal and external valuation experts to assist in 
determining the appropriateness of fair values. 
Due to the significant judgments involved, the 
valuation experts generally provide a range of 
estimated values, which the Directors consider in 
determining fair value. 

Accordingly, this was considered a key audit 
matter. 

We assessed whether the Company met the criteria to 
be considered an investment entity, set out in 
Australian Accounting Standards, to determine 
whether the accounting policies in respect of 
investments as described in Note 11 of the financial 
report, were appropriate.   

We selected a sample of the Company’s investments 
and performed the following procedures in respect of 
the determination of fair value: 

► 

► 

► 

Considered the financial performance and 
position of the investee by examining the 
underlying financial reports of the investees 
where available. 

Examined the internal valuations and the work of 
the external valuation experts engaged by the 
Company. 

Assessed the qualifications, competence and 
objectivity of the Company’s internal and external 
valuation experts. 

►  Where we considered it necessary, we involved 
our valuation specialists to assess the valuation 
methodology and key assumptions used in the 
valuation of the investment including forecast 
earnings and cash flows, discount rates, 
capitalisation rates, and valuation multiples. 

► 

► 

Agreed historical and forecast earnings and cash 
flows used (as applicable) in the valuations to 
actual results and Board approved forecasts and 
tested the mathematical accuracy of the fair 
value calculations. 

Assessed the reasonableness of forecasted 
earnings and cash flows, and evaluated the 
accuracy of forecasts prepared by the investee 
entities, by comparing previous forecasts to 
actual results. 

We assessed the whether the disclosures in Note 11 
of the financial report were adequate based on the 
requirements of Australian Accounting Standards. 

52

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 

Blue Sky Alternatives Access Fund Limited 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Information Other than the Financial Report and Auditor’s Report Thereon 

The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information 
included in the Company’s 2018 Annual Report other than the financial report and our auditor’s report 
thereon. We obtained the Directors’ Report and the Corporate Governance Statement that are to be 
included in the Annual Report, prior to the date of this auditor’s report, and we expect to obtain the 
remaining sections of the Annual Report after the date of this auditor’s report.  

Our opinion on the financial report does not cover the other information and we do not and will not express 
any form of assurance conclusion thereon, with the exception of the Remuneration Report and our related 
assurance opinion. 

In connection with our audit of the financial report, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in 
doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial report or our 
knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated.  

If, based on the work we have performed on the other information obtained prior to the date of this auditor’s 
report, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report 
that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. 

Responsibilities of the Directors for the Financial Report 

The directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation of the financial report that gives a true and 
fair view in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Act 2001 and for such 
internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of the financial report that 
gives a true and fair view and is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 

In preparing the financial report, the directors are responsible for assessing the Company’s ability to 
continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters relating to going concern and using the 
going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the Company or to cease 
operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. 

Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Report 

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial report as a whole is free from 
material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our 
opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted 
in accordance with the Australian Auditing Standards will always detect a material misstatement when it 
exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the 
aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the 
basis of this financial report. 

As part of an audit in accordance with the Australian Auditing Standards, we exercise professional judgment 
and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also: 

 

 

Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial report, whether due to fraud or 
error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that 
is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material 
misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve 
collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. 
Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit 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 Company’s internal control.  

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 

53

Annual Report 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent Auditor's Report - continued

 

 

 

Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting 
estimates and related disclosures made by the directors.  

Conclude on the appropriateness of the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting and, 
based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or 
conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. If 
we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report 
to the related disclosures in the financial report or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our 
opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s 
report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Company to cease to continue as a going 
concern.  

Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial report, including the 
disclosures, and whether the financial report represents the underlying transactions and events in a 
manner that achieves fair presentation. 

Report on the Audit of the Remuneration Report 

Opinion on the Remuneration Report 

We have audited the Remuneration Report included in the directors' report for the year ended 30 June 
2018. 

In our opinion, the Remuneration Report of Blue Sky Alternatives Access Fund Limited for the year ended 
30 June 2018, complies with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. 

Responsibilities 

The directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation and presentation of the Remuneration 
Report in accordance with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. Our responsibility is to express an 
opinion on the Remuneration Report, based on our audit conducted in accordance with Australian Auditing 
Standards. 

Ernst & Young 

Mike Reid 
Partner 
Brisbane 
30 August 2018 

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 

54

Blue Sky Alternatives Access Fund Limited 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Supplementary Information

The following information is current as at 30 September 2018:

a.  Distribution of Shareholders

Holding

1 - 1,000

1,001 - 5,000

5,001 - 10,000

10,001 - 50,000

50,001 to 100,000

100,001 and over

Ordinary Shares

79,303

1,838,162

5,847,678

61,373,420

32,616,663

106,943,671

208,698,897

b.  There are 137 holders of less than a marketable parcel of ordinary shares.

c.  The names of the substantial shareholders listed in the Company’s register are:

Name

HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED 

BNP PARIBAS NOMINEES PTY LTD HUB24 CUSTODIAL SERV LTD DRP 

Number of Ordinary 
Fully Paid Shares

% of Issued Ordinary 
Capital Held

24,308,269

13,400,324

11.7%

6.4%

d.  Voting Rights

The voting rights attached to each class of equity security are as follows:

Ordinary shares

 ■ Each ordinary share is entitled to one vote when a poll is call, otherwise each member present at a meeting or by proxy has 

one vote on a show of hands.

55

Annual ReportSupplementary Information - continued

a.  20 Largest Shareholders – Ordinary Shares

Name

HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED 

BNP PARIBAS NOMINEES PTY LTD HUB24 CUSTODIAL SERV LTD DRP 

CS THIRD NOMINEES PTY LIMITED 

NAVIGATOR AUSTRALIA LTD 

NATIONAL NOMINEES LIMITED 

CITICORP NOMINEES PTY LIMITED 

NETWEALTH INVESTMENTS LIMITED 

NETWEALTH INVESTMENTS LIMITED 

KING NOMINEES (VIC) PTY LTD 

BAHRAIN INVESTMENTS PTY LTD 

SLUMP INVESTMENTS PTY LTD 

CHARANDA NOMINEE COMPANY PTY LTD 

IOOF INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT LIMITED 

BLUE SKY ALTERNATIVES ACCESS FUND LIMITED 

MALCOLM HOLDINGS PTY LIMITED 

CHARMSEAT PTY LTD 

AUSTRALIAN EXECUTOR TRUSTEES LIMITED 

MR MICHAEL GREGORY PETERSON & MS SAMANTHA ANNE WAKE 

PABASA PTY LTD 

ERAMU PTY LTD 

ROSYABBEY PTY LIMITED 

b.  Use of Cash

Number of Ordinary  
Fully Paid Shares Held

% Held of Issued  
Ordinary Capital

24,308,269

13,400,324

6,403,730

2,214,251

2,062,654

1,914,425

1,903,333

1,676,711

1,388,889

1,333,334

1,005,117

937,963

922,698

886,406

875,000

875,000

692,589

650,000

620,000

600,000

581,438

11.65

6.42

3.07

1.06

0.99

0.92

0.91

0.80

0.67

0.64

0.48

0.45

0.44

0.42

0.42

0.42

0.33

0.31

0.30

0.29

0.28

For the period 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018, the Company and its controlled entities used its cash in a manner consistent with 
its business objectives.

56

Blue Sky Alternatives Access Fund LimitedCorporate Directory

The following information is current as at 30 September 2018:

DIRECTORS

Andrew Champion 
Paul Masi 
Michael Cottier 
Lazarus Siapantas

JOINT COMPANY SECRETARIES

Jane Prior 
Leyya Taylor 

REGISTERED OFFICE

Suite 2202, Level 22 Australia Square 
264–278 George Street 
Sydney NSW 2000

SHARE REGISTRY

Link Market Services Limited 
Level 21, 10 Eagle Street 
Brisbane QLD 4000

AUDITOR

Ernst & Young 
111 Eagle Street 
Brisbane QLD 4000

STOCK EXCHANGE LISTINGS

Blue Sky Alternatives Access Fund Limited shares are listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.

WEBSITE

www.blueskyfunds.com.au/alternativesfund

57

Annual ReportBlue Sky Alternatives Access Fund Limited

www.blueskyfunds.com.au/alternativesfund