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Brambles
Annual Report 2010

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FY2010 Annual Report · Brambles
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WWW.BRAMBLES.COM

ANNUAL REPORT 2010

WE’RE 
BUILDING A 
STRONGER  
FOUNDATION

Brambles is committed to achieving Zero 
Harm, which means zero injuries and zero 
environmental damage, and has used a 
PEFC, Chain of Custody accredited printer 
to produce this Annual Report.

BRAM021 Annual Report Cover v7a FA.indd   1

10/9/10   6:39:03 PM

 
 
 
INVESTOR  
INFORMATION

BRAMBLES LIMITED
Level 40, Gateway
1 Macquarie Place
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia
Telephone: 61 (0) 9256 5222
Facsimile: 61 (0) 9256 5299
Website: www.brambles.com

Brambles Limited has a primary listing on the 
Australian Securities Exchange. The global 
headquarters of Brambles is in Sydney, 
Australia.

All currency amounts in this report are in  
US dollars unless otherwise specified.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The AGM will be held at 2.00pm (AEDT)  
on Thursday, 18 November 2010 at:

The Wesley Theatre
Wesley Conference Centre
220 Pitt Street
Sydney NSW 2000

A live webcast of the meeting will be 
broadcast on www.brambles.com

DIVIDEND
The Directors have declared a final dividend 
of 12.5 Australian cents per share, which will 
be 20% franked. The dividend will be paid on 
Thursday, 14 October 2010.

Shareholders may elect to receive dividend 
payments in Australian dollars or Pounds 
sterling, by contacting Brambles’ share 
registry, Link Market Services Limited.  
The relevant contact details are set out  
in Shareholder Information on page 50.

BRAMBLES BUSINESS UNITS 

CHEP Americas
8517 South Park Circle
Orlando FL 32819-9040
United States of America
Telephone: 1 407 370 2437
Facsimile: 1 407 363 5354
Email: chep_americas@chep.com
Website: www.chep.com

CHEP EMEA
Weybridge Business Park 
Addlestone Road, Addlestone 
Surrey KT15 2UP 
United Kingdom 
Telephone: 44 (0) 1932 850 085 
Facsimile: 44 (0) 1932 850 144
Email: info.emea@chep.com
Website: www.chep.com 

CHEP Asia-Pacific
Level 6, Building C
11 Talavera Road
North Ryde NSW 2113
Australia
Telephone: 61 (0) 2 9856 2437
Facsimile: 61 (0) 2 9856 2404
Email: ap.marketing@chep.com
Website: www.chep.com 

Recall
One Recall Center
180 Technology Parkway
Norcross GA 30092
United States of America
Telephone: 1 770 776 1000
Facsimile: 1 770 776 1001
Email: recall.communications@recall.com
Website: www.recall.com

WE’RE 
BUILDING A 
STRONGER 
FOUNDATION

CONTENTS

001 _ Letter from the Chairman and the CEO
002 _ Performance summary
004 _ Operational and financial review
012 _ Treasury and risk review
014 _ Board of Directors
016 _ Executive leadership team
018 _ Corporate governance statement
031 _ Directors’ report – remuneration report
045 _ Directors’ report – other information
050 _ Shareholder information

053 _ Financial report – financial statements
114 _ Financial report – Directors’ declaration
115 _ Financial report – independent auditors’ report
117 _ Auditors’ independence declaration
118 _ Five year financial performance summary
119 _ Glossary
IBC _ Investor information

Brambles Limited
ABN 89 118 896 021

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LETTER FROM THE  
CHAIRMAN AND THE CEO

rambles’ performance for the 2010 
financial year highlighted the Group’s 
resilience in challenging conditions. 

Sales revenue was up 3% over the 2009 
financial year, while free cash flow after 
dividends increased strongly. Our operating 
profit was up 1% and we continue to generate 
a strong return on capital.

It has been a year of leadership transition for Brambles. In October 
2009, the Board appointed Tom Gorman as CEO after the retirement of 
Mike Ihlein. The Company has reorganised its leadership team to drive 
development of profitable growth opportunities and shareholder 
returns in the years to come. Our two primary businesses, CHEP and 
Recall, provide a solid foundation on which we can build as they have 
strong customer bases, market positions, competitive strengths and 
growth prospects.

Brambles’ financial position is robust. We strengthened our funding 
position during the year by completing a US$750 million issue into 
the US 144A bond market and we have US$1.9 billion in committed 
undrawn credit facilities.

Brambles’ net new business wins for the 2010 financial year were 
US$53 million as we continued to expand our existing businesses and 
enter into new sectors and geographies. CHEP’s expansion in regions 
such as China, India, Central and Eastern Europe and Latin America 
was a highlight, as was the consistent growth in the Document 
Management Solutions service line that underpinned Recall’s strong 
sales revenue increase.

In October 2009, we announced the Better Everyday program in CHEP 
USA. This program is now well underway. The program represents a 
significant upgrade in quality and service in the CHEP USA business. 
It is generating positive feedback from customers and net new 
business wins since it began. The program deals with three key areas 
for CHEP USA: building on our previous initiatives to improve pallet 
quality; making it easier for customers to do business with us; and 
realigning our sales and marketing organisation.

DIVIDEND
The Board has declared a final dividend of 12.5 Australian cents per 
share, 20% franked and payable on 14 October 2010 to shareholders 
on the Company’s register on 22 September 2010. This took the total 
dividend for the 2010 financial year to 25 Australian cents per share, 
compared with 30 Australian cents per share for the 2009 financial 
year, when there was a higher interim dividend prior to the onset of  
the global economic downturn. The Board has retained the Dividend 
Reinvestment Plan for the 2010 final dividend.

BOARD AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
In November 2009, John Mullen joined the Board as a Non-executive 
Director. John brings significant international logistics and business 
experience from 15 years at DHL Express, including five years as CEO. 
Our thanks go to David Gosnell, who retired from the Board in March 
2010 after four years as a Non-executive Director to concentrate on 
his executive role at UK-based premium drinks company Diageo plc.

The Board reviews best practice in corporate governance on an ongoing 
basis. Please refer to the Corporate Governance Statement on pages 
18 to 30 for more details. In line with its commitment to sustainable 
business practices, Brambles will publish its 2010 Sustainability 
Report on its website before the 2010 Annual General Meeting. 

SAFETY
Brambles’ safety performance continued to improve during the 2010 
financial year. The 12-month rolling Brambles Injury Frequency Rate 
(a combined measure of lost-time injuries, modified duties and medical 
treatments) was 21.9 per million man hours at 30 June 2010. This was 
an improvement of 5% from 30 June 2009. There were no fatalities in 
the period. The Group remains committed to its goal of Zero Harm and 
has developed a new three-year strategy focused on further improving 
our overall safety performance.

OUTLOOK
We have considerable opportunities to grow our business and 
anticipate an increase in both sales revenue and profit as economic 
growth returns in our key markets.

GRAHAM KRAEHE AO
Chairman

TOM GORMAN
Chief Executive Officer

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

1

PERFORMANCE 
SUMMARY

Resilient sales revenue performance  
across all regions amid ongoing  
challenging economic conditions.

Strong cash flow reflects disciplined  
capital controls and the underlying strength 
of our CHEP and Recall businesses. 

Robust balance sheet position and 
responsible financial management.

SALES REVENUE BY BUSINESS UNIT

9%

18%

Net new business wins1 of US$53 million, 
reflecting strong performance of  
established and emerging businesses.

36%

Recall US$740

CHEP Americas US$1,534M

CHEP EMEA US$1,483M

CHEP Asia-Pacific US$391M

37%

Better Everyday program launched in  
CHEP USA, delivering improved service  
and quality standards.

CHEP Asia-Pacific US$391M

CHEP Americas US$1,534M

Recall US$740M

CHEP EMEA US$1,483M

Continuing operations

Sales revenue

Operating profit

Profit from continuing operations

Profit from discontinued operations

Profit for the year

Earnings per share (EPS) (US cents)

Basic EPS from continuing operations

Basic EPS

Cash flow and balance sheet

Cash flow from operations

Free cash flow after dividends

Net debt

Net debt/EBITDA (times)

EBITDA/net finance costs (times)

Gearing (net debt/(net debt plus equity))

Brambles Value Added (at fixed exchange rates)

Total dividend (Australian cents per share)

2010
US$M

2009 
US$M

% CHANGE 
(ACTUAL 
EXCHANGE 
RATES)

% CHANGE 
(CONSTANT 
CURRENCY 2)

3%

1%

2%

(1)%

1%

(2)%

–

(3)%

(1)%

(5)%

(3)%

(6)%

 4,146.8 

 4,018.6 

 724.5 

 443.9 

 4.9 

448.8

31.5

31.8

882.3

344.1

1,759.3

1.5

10.7

51.9%

215.4

25.0

 718.2 

 434.0 

 18.6 

452.6

31.3

32.6

722.4

141.9

2,143.4

1.8

10.0

60.0%

297.4

30.0

1  Brambles defines net new business wins as the change in sales revenue in the period resulting from business won or lost in that period and the previous 12 months.  

Net new business is calculated on a constant currency basis.

2  Brambles calculates constant currency by translating results into US dollars at the exchange rates applicable during the prior corresponding period.

2

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

25.0C

TOTAL DIVIDEND 
(AUSTRALIAN CENTS)

$4,146.8M

SALES REVENUE  
(US$)

$882.3M

CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS 
(US$)

$724.5M

OPERATING PROFIT 
(US$)

31.8C

EARNINGS PER SHARE  
(US CENTS)

17%

RETURN ON CAPITAL INVESTED

SALES REVENUE 4  

(US$ MILLION)

Recall

CHEP Americas

CHEP EMEA

CHEP Asia-Pacific

4,359

3,869

4,019

17%

4,147

17%

18%

3,522

16%

38%

17%

37%

36%

37%

39%

OPERATING PROFIT 3, 4   

(US$ MILLION)

Recall

CHEP Americas

CHEP EMEA

777

CHEP Asia-Pacific

38%

38%

36%

38%

36%

8%

8%

9%

8%

9%

Recall

CHEP Americas

CHEP EMEA

CHEP Asia-Pacific

1,067

12%

932

9%

42%

669

45%

37%

36%

10%

9%

9%

42%

39%

10%

761

14%

34%

43%

9%

16%

31%

43%

10%

Recall

CHEP Americas

CHEP EMEA

CHEP Asia-Pacific

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS 3, 4 

BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE 4  

(US$ MILLION)

Recall

CHEP Americas

752

CHEP EMEA

CHEP Asia-Pacific

11%

40%

41%

8%

867

847

10%

37%

42%

15%

756

43%

14%

35%

35%

49%

913

14%

31%

(US CENTS)

45.9

28.0

21.5

31.3

31.5

45%

Recall

CHEP Americas

CHEP EMEA

11%

7%

2%

10%

CHEP Asia-Pacific

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

3  Excludes unallocated Brambles Headquarters costs.
4  Continuing operations.

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

3

NEW BUSINESS WINS
Brambles’ net new business wins in the 2010 financial year were 
US$53 million, reflecting a solid win rate in CHEP EMEA and CHEP 
Asia-Pacific and a strong contribution from Recall. The annualised 
value of net new business won during the period was positive in all 
business units, totalling US$75 million. Since the introduction of the 
Better Everyday program in October 2009, the annualised value of net 
new business wins for CHEP USA has been US$18 million.

DIVIDEND
The Board declared a final dividend of 12.5 Australian cents per share, 
20% franked and payable on 14 October 2010 to shareholders on the 
Company’s register on 22 September 2010. Including the interim 
dividend of 12.5 Australian cents per share, total dividends declared 
in the 2010 financial year were 25.0 Australian cents per share 
(2009: 30.0 Australian cents per share).

The Board kept the Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP) active during 
2010. The Board has set the price at which Brambles allots shares 
under the DRP as the arithmetic average of the daily volume-weighted 
average sale price of all Brambles shares traded on the Australian 
Securities Exchange in the ordinary course of trading during a 
nominated 10 trading days, less a discount of 2.5%.

OPERATIONAL AND 
FINANCIAL REVIEW

GROUP OVERVIEW
Brambles reported sales revenue of US$4,146.8 million for the 
financial year ended 30 June 2010, up 3% on the prior corresponding 
period. Operating profit before finance costs and tax was 
US$724.5 million, up 1%. Profit after tax from continuing operations 
was US$443.9 million, up 2%.

Cash flow was strong, reflecting tight financial controls and a 
reduction in capital expenditure. Cash flow from continuing operations 
increased US$159.9 million to US$882.3 million. Free cash flow after 
dividends increased US$202.2 million to US$344.1 million.

The result, in particular the strong cash flow performance and robust 
balance sheet, highlighted Brambles’ stability and resilience during a 
period of continued challenging economic conditions. The Group is 
focused on driving the next phase of growth.

Growth in sales revenue in the 2010 financial year of 3% was driven by 
CHEP Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), CHEP Asia-Pacific and 
Recall, which offset the impact on the Group’s financial results of a 
decline in sales revenue in CHEP Americas. Brambles delivered a 6% 
increase in second-half sales revenue compared with the same period 
in the 2009 financial year as established and developing regions 
generated new business, balancing subdued underlying conditions  
in some regions.

Developing CHEP regions including China, India, Central and Eastern 
Europe and the Middle East delivered particularly strong growth rates. 
Investment in these CHEP regions is ongoing, along with other growth 
initiatives throughout the Group.

The Better Everyday program has delivered a higher pallet quality 
standard to CHEP USA customers. This initiative, which began in 
October 2009, has positioned CHEP USA for future profitable growth 
and enabled it to regain positive sales momentum.

Recall delivered strong profit growth and an improvement in return  
on capital. Recall benefited from new sales conversion, cost efficiency 
programs undertaken in the previous financial year and ongoing strong 
demand in its Document Management Solutions service line. 

Earnings per share of 31.8 US cents was down 2%. This was lower  
than the increase in profit from continuing operations due to the 
inclusion of higher profits from discontinued operations in the 2009 
financial year.

4

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

SALES AND PROFIT SUMMARY

Sales revenue

CHEP Americas

CHEP EMEA 

CHEP Asia-Pacific

Total CHEP

Recall

Total sales revenue

Operating profit 

CHEP Americas

CHEP EMEA

CHEP Asia-Pacific

Total CHEP

Recall

Brambles HQ

Operating profit 

Net finance costs

Profit before tax 

Tax expense

Profit from continuing operations

Profit from discontinued operations

Profit for the year

2010  
US$M

2009  
US$M

% CHANGE  
(ACTUAL  
EXCHANGE  
RATES)

% CHANGE  
(CONSTANT 
CURRENCY) 

1,533.6

1,482.6

390.9

3,407.1

739.7

4,146.8

235.2

324.9

77.8

637.9

123.1

(36.5)

724.5

(109.6)

614.9

(171.0)

443.9

4.9

448.8

1,556.9

1,452.6

323.4

3,332.9

685.7

4,018.6

229.0

286.5

57.9

573.4

95.9

48.9

718.2

(120.9)

597.3

(163.3)

434.0

18.6

452.6

(1)%

2%

21%

2%

8%

3%

3%

13%

34%

11%

28%

1%

9%

3%

(5)%

2%

(1)%

(3)%

1%

3%

(1)%

2%

–

(1)%

11%

9%

6%

19%

(3)%

11%

(2)%

3%

(1)%

(5)%

(6)%

(6)%

Weighted average number of shares (millions)

1,411.3

1,388.3

Basic EPS1 (US cents) 

Basic EPS1 (Australian cents)

31.8

36.1

32.6

43.7

(2)%

(17)%

1  Earnings per share includes discontinued operations.

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

5

 
 
 
 
 
OPERATIONAL AND  
FINANCIAL REVIEW 
CONTINUED

Underlying profit2

Underlying profit 

CHEP Americas

CHEP EMEA

CHEP Asia-Pacific

Total CHEP

Recall

Brambles HQ

Underlying profit 

Net finance costs

Underlying profit before tax 

Tax expense

Underlying profit after finance costs and tax

Underlying EPS (US cents) 

ROCI

Brambles Value Added (BVA) at fixed exchange rates

Reconciliation of Underlying profit to operating profit 

US$M

Underlying profit

Significant items:

CHEP USA – pallet quality program

CHEP USA – Walmart net transition impact

Restructuring:

   Facilities and operations rationalisation

   CHEP USA accelerated scrapping of 7 million surplus pallets

FX gain on capital repatriation from foreign subsidiary

Other

Total Significant items

Operating profit

2010 
US$M

2009  
US$M

% CHANGE  
(ACTUAL  
EXCHANGE  
RATES)

% CHANGE  
(CONSTANT 
CURRENCY) 

237.1

329.5

78.4

645.0

124.6

(36.2)

733.4

(109.6)

623.8

(173.6)

450.2

31.9

17%

215.4

434.4

327.5

61.1

823.0

104.3

(26.7)

900.6

(120.9)

779.7

(245.4)

534.3

38.5

21%

297.4

(45)%

1%

28%

(22)%

19%

(36)%

(19)%

9%

(20)%

29%

(16)%

(17)%

(47)%

(1)%

5%

(25)%

11%

(9)%

(22)%

11%

(24)%

34%

(19)%

(20)%

2010

2009

BEFORE TAX

AFTER TAX

BEFORE TAX

AFTER TAX

733.4

450.2

900.6

534.3

–

–

(11.4)

2.5

–

–

(8.9)

724.5

–

–

(7.8)

1.5

–

–

(6.3)

           443.9 

(77.4)

(29.0)

(54.3)

(99.0)

77.3

–

(182.4)

718.2

(47.1)

(17.7)

(46.0)

(60.3)

77.3

(6.5)

(100.3)

434.0

Significant items
In response to the challenging economic environment in 2009, Brambles implemented a number of initiatives to improve its cost structure, 
underpin future operating performance and meet customer requirements. The costs incurred in 2010 represent the conclusion of these initiatives.

2  The difference in growth rates between operating profit and Underlying profit reflects the impact of Significant items recognised outside of Underlying profit 

(US$8.9 million in the 2010 financial year; US$182.4 million in the 2009 financial year).

6

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
BUSINESS UNIT OPERATIONS REVIEW

CHEP AMERICAS

2010 
US$M

2009 
US$M

% CHANGE 
(ACTUAL 
EXCHANGE 
RATES)

% CHANGE 
(CONSTANT 
CURRENCY)

1,533.6

1,556.9

(1)%

(3)%

(1)%

0pp

3%

0pp

Sales revenue

Operating profit

Operating profit margin 

Significant items:

Pallet quality program
Walmart net transition impact

Restructuring – facilities and 
operations

Accelerated pallet scrapping

Underlying profit

Underlying profit margin 

229.0

15%

77.4
29.0

–

99.0

205.4

434.4

235.2

15%

–
–

4.4

(2.5)

1.9

237.1

15%

(45)%

(47)%

28%

(13)pp

(13)pp

Cash flow from operations

285.7

267.0

ROCI

14%

26%

SALES
CHEP Americas’ sales revenue was US$1,533.6 million, down 1% on 
the prior corresponding period as continued growth in CHEP Canada, 
CHEP Latin America and LeanLogistics partially offset a decline in 
sales revenue in CHEP USA.

CHEP USA’s sales revenue was down 5%, reflecting a reduction in 
pricing and mix (2%) and pallet issue volumes (3%). The lower pallet 
issue volumes comprised a decline in organic issue volumes (2%) and 
the impact of lost business (1%).

CHEP Canada’s sales revenue was up 12% as issue volumes rose. 
CHEP Latin America’s sales revenue was up 7% on volume growth 
throughout the region. LeanLogistics delivered a 9% increase in sales 
revenue as it continued to expand.

CHEP Americas’ net new business in the year was negative 
US$9 million. However, the annualised value of business won in the 
2010 financial year was positive at US$2 million. CHEP USA won  
new or expanded business during the year with more than 1,000 
customers as it extended its reach with small and medium-sized 
customers. CHEP USA won business during the year with major brands 
including consumer lawn and gardening products company Scott’s 
Miracle-Gro and fresh fruit and vegetable producer Del Monte. The 
annualised value of net new business in CHEP USA since the 
introduction of the Better Everyday program in October 2009 has  
been US$18 million.

PROFIT
CHEP Americas’ operating profit was US$235.2 million, up 3% from the 
2009 financial year. Underlying profit was US$237.1 million, down 45% 
on the prior corresponding period. The difference between operating 
profit and Underlying profit primarily reflects the impact of the 
US$205.4 million of Significant items that CHEP Americas recognised 
in the 2009 financial year from CHEP USA quality investments, 
Walmart transition costs and accelerated pallet scrapping. In the 2010 
financial year, CHEP Americas recognised quality investments within 
Underlying profit, rather than as Significant items. Quality investments 
in CHEP USA in 2010 totalled US$108.5 million, comprising 
US$37.0 million of investment under the USA pallet quality program 
and US$71.5 million of investment under the Better Everyday program, 
US$8.5 million below the October 2009 estimate.

Direct costs rose in the 2010 financial year, primarily as a result  
of a US$19.3 million increase in costs from storing, handling and 
transporting idle pallets in CHEP USA. The average number of idle 
pallets for the year was approximately 4 million. There were also costs 
associated with converting customers from new to repaired pallets.

Costs associated with the irrecoverable pooling equipment provision 
(IPEP) were higher than trend in the first half of the 2010 financial 
year, reflecting the outcomes of audits completed in the period.  
These costs returned to trend in the second half.

CHEP USA has completed the accelerated scrapping of 7 million excess 
pallets that Brambles announced in February 2009. This was 12 months 
ahead of schedule and US$2.5 million below management’s original 
estimate.

CASH FLOW AND RETURN ON CAPITAL
CHEP Americas increased its cash flow from operations by 
US$18.7 million over the prior corresponding period to US$285.7 million. 
This reflected favourable working capital movements and lower capital 
expenditure, more than offsetting the lower Underlying profit. 
CHEP USA further reduced its commitment to buying new pallets 
during the period. The higher quality of the repaired pool enabled more 
customers that had previously required new pallets to transfer their 
volumes to repaired pallets. CHEP USA also reduced the proportion of 
imported customer volumes that used new pallets.

Return on capital invested was 12 percentage points lower at 14%, 
reflecting the reduction in Underlying profit.

QUALITY INITIATIVES
The Better Everyday program to improve quality and service within 
CHEP USA is driving an improved performance, reflected in the positive 
win rate since the program began and an ongoing reduction in customer 
pallet rejections. CHEP USA is now delivering 100% of all issues at  
the US Plus repair specification or higher, although demand for the 
higher US Premium repair specification remains lower than originally 
anticipated. As a result, Brambles expects ongoing costs of the Better 
Everyday program from the 2013 financial year to be US$25 million 
per annum.

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OPERATIONAL AND  
FINANCIAL REVIEW 
CONTINUED

CHEP EMEA

CHEP ASIA-PACIFIC

2010 
US$M

2009 
US$M

% CHANGE 
(ACTUAL 
EXCHANGE 
RATES)

% CHANGE 
(CONSTANT 
CURRENCY)

1,482.6

1,452.6

324.9

22%

286.5

20%

2%

13%

2pp

1%

11%

2pp

Sales revenue

Operating profit

Operating profit margin 

Significant items:
Restructuring – facilities 
and operations 

4.6

329.5

22%

41.0

327.5

23%

1%

(1)pp

(1)%

(1)pp

Underlying profit

Underlying profit margin 

Cash flow from operations 

411.7

372.7

Cash flow from operations 

ROCI

23%

23%

ROCI

Sales revenue

Operating profit

Operating profit margin 

Significant items:
Restructuring – facilities 
and operations 

Underlying profit

Underlying profit margin 

2010 
US$M

2009 
US$M

% CHANGE 
(ACTUAL 
EXCHANGE 
RATES)

% CHANGE 
(CONSTANT 
CURRENCY)

21%

34%

2pp

28%

1pp

3%

9%

1pp

5%

0pp

390.9

323.4

77.8

20%

0.6

78.4

20%

94.1

21%

57.9

18%

3.2

61.1

19%

9.8

19%

SALES
CHEP EMEA’s sales revenue was up 2% compared with the prior 
corresponding period at US$1,482.6 million. CHEP Europe’s sales 
revenue was in line with the prior corresponding period as net new 
business wins offset a decline in pallet sales revenue in the UK and 
Spain and a slow rate of recovery in the automotive sector. 
CHEP Central and Eastern Europe delivered a 24% increase in sales 
revenue as a result of ongoing business expansion. CHEP Middle East 
and Africa increased sales revenue by 28% as volumes continued to 
grow strongly.

CHEP EMEA’s net new business wins were US$30 million. In June 
2010, CHEP announced its first major pallet supply contract in Turkey, 
with Unilever. CHEP has also reached agreement on commercial terms 
to supply Procter & Gamble in Turkey. During the 2010 financial year, 
pallet business expansion included British Sugar in the UK, as well as 
paper product manufacturer Sofidel and oils distributor Bunge in 
Poland. The annualised value of net business CHEP EMEA won during 
the period was US$39 million.

PROFIT
CHEP EMEA’s operating profit was US$324.9 million, up 13%, reflecting 
the cost impact of facilities and operations rationalisation in the 2009 
financial year. Underlying profit was up 1% to US$329.5 million. Cost 
efficiencies largely offset increased investment in the quality of the 
European pallet pool. Costs associated with the IPEP returned to trend 
in the second half, having been higher than normal in the first half.

CASH FLOW AND RETURN ON CAPITAL
CHEP EMEA’s cash flow from operations was US$411.7 million, up 
US$39.0 million from the prior corresponding period, reflecting lower 
capital expenditure and strong working capital controls. Return on 
capital invested was in line with the 2009 financial year at 23%.

SALES
CHEP Asia-Pacific’s sales revenue was US$390.9 million, up 21% on 
the prior corresponding period, reflecting the strength of the Australian 
dollar and strong sales growth in China. Sales revenue from China was 
US$5.8 million higher on increased sales volumes to both the fast-moving 
consumer goods and automotive sectors. In CHEP Australia, there was 
continued expansion of the reusable plastic containers and display 
pallet businesses. Sales revenue from both the pallets and automotive 
container businesses increased in CHEP India and CHEP South East Asia.

CHEP Asia-Pacific’s net new business wins for the period were 
US$15 million, reflecting ongoing wins throughout the region. The 
annualised value of net business CHEP Asia-Pacific won during the 
period was US$11 million. Customers with which CHEP Australia 
secured new or extended business in the period included Primo Small 
Goods and drinks manufacturer Fryers.

PROFIT
CHEP Asia-Pacific’s operating profit was US$77.8 million, up 34% 
compared with the prior corresponding period, reflecting higher sales 
revenue and the cost of Significant items from facilities and operations 
rationalisation in the 2009 financial year. The benefit of this 
rationalisation in cost efficiencies and reduced overheads in the 2010 
financial year largely offset higher depreciation costs in Australia and 
China resulting from capital investment in recent growth initiatives. 
Underlying profit was US$78.4 million, up 28%.

CASH FLOW AND RETURN ON CAPITAL
CHEP Asia-Pacific’s cash flow from operations was US$94.1 million,  
up US$84.3 million compared with the prior corresponding period.  
This reflected the increase in profit and lower capital expenditure  
given the rollout of reusable plastic containers contracts in the 2009 
financial year. Return on capital invested increased 2 percentage  
points to 21%, reflecting the increased profit.

8

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RECALL

ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION

2010 
US$M

2009 
US$M

% CHANGE 
(ACTUAL 
EXCHANGE 
RATES)

% CHANGE 
(CONSTANT 
CURRENCY)

Capital expenditure on property, plant and equipment 
(accruals basis)

US$M

2010

2009

CHANGE

Sales revenue

Operating profit

Operating profit margin 

Significant items:
Restructuring – facilities 
and operations 

Underlying profit

Underlying profit margin 

739.7

123.1

17%

1.5

124.6

17%

685.7

95.9

14%

8.4

104.3

15%

8%

28%

3pp

2%

19%

2pp

19%

2pp

11%

2pp

Cash flow from operations 

121.7

106.9

ROCI

13%

12%

SALES
Recall’s sales revenue was US$739.7 million, up 8% compared with  
the prior corresponding period. Carton volume growth was 6% in  
the Document Management Solutions (DMS) service line. This was 
partially offset by a decline in volumes in the Secure Destruction 
Services (SDS) service line. Sales revenue excluding SDS was up  
10%. At 30 June 2010, world paper prices had returned to pre-Global 
Financial Crisis levels, which improved SDS recycled paper revenues  
in the second half of the 2010 financial year.

Recall’s net new business for the period was US$17 million, reflecting 
strong sales momentum, particularly in the DMS service line. The 
annualised value of Recall’s net business won in the 2010 financial 
year was US$23 million.

PROFIT
Recall’s operating profit was US$123.1 million, up 28% compared with 
the prior corresponding period, reflecting the higher sales revenue, the 
cost of facilities and operations rationalisation in the 2009 financial 
year and the benefits of this rationalisation in the 2010 financial year. 
Investments in information technology and marketing were higher  
in the 2010 financial year. Underlying profit was US$124.6 million,  
up 19%.

CASH FLOW AND RETURN ON CAPITAL
Recall’s cash flow from operations was US$121.7 million, up 
US$14.8 million compared with the prior corresponding period, 
reflecting the increased profit. Return on capital invested increased  
1 percentage point to 13%.

CHEP Americas

CHEP EMEA

CHEP Asia-Pacific

Total CHEP

Recall

Brambles HQ

204.5

173.2

67.0

444.7

53.8

0.3

290.8

234.4

92.7

617.9

52.4

2.1

86.3

61.2

25.7

173.2

(1.4)

1.8

Total capital expenditure

498.8

672.4

173.6

Capital expenditure was US$498.8 million, down US$173.6 million 
compared with the prior corresponding period. This predominantly 
reflected a reduction in pallet purchase requirements in CHEP USA  
and CHEP Europe, and the investment in the prior corresponding period 
in the Australian reusable plastic container business.

Total pallet capital expenditure was US$349.7 million, compared  
with US$462.1 million in the prior corresponding period. Other capital 
expenditure related primarily to supporting growth in Recall and 
CHEP’s expansion into developing regions.

Cash flow

US$M

2010

2009

CHANGE

Underlying profit 

 733.4

900.6

(167.2)

Significant items within ordinary 
activities

–

(106.4)

Depreciation and amortisation

444.0

418.4

EBITDA

Capital expenditure

Proceeds from disposals

Working capital movement

Irrecoverable pooling equipment 
provision

Provisions/other

Cash flow from operations 

Significant items outside ordinary 
activities

Cash flow from operations  
(incl. Significant items)

Financing costs and tax

Free cash flow 

Dividends paid

1,177.4

1,212.6

(496.5)

(683.8)

88.0

14.7

111.2

(12.5)

882.3

104.6

25.8

97.8

(34.6)

722.4

830.2

672.5

(281.6)

(253.0)

548.6

419.5

(204.5)

(277.6)

Free cash flow after dividends

344.1

141.9

(52.1)

(49.9)

(2.2)

106.4

25.6

(35.2)

187.3

(16.6)

(11.1)

13.4

22.1

159.9

157.7

(28.6)

129.1

73.1

202.2

Cash flow from operations increased US$159.9 million to 
US$882.3 million as lower capital expenditure more than offset the 
reduction in EBITDA. Free cash flow was up US$129.1 million to 
US$548.6 million. This was more than sufficient to cover dividends  
paid of US$204.5 million, leaving free cash flow after dividends of 
US$344.1 million, up US$202.2 million.

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OPERATIONAL AND  
FINANCIAL REVIEW 
CONTINUED

Lower proceeds from disposals reflected a reduction in compensations 
from customers for irrecoverable equipment.

Brambles continues to manage working capital tightly. Average  
debtors days fell to 45 days in the year from 46 days in the prior 
corresponding period.

Significant items included spending on facilities and operations 
rationalisation throughout Brambles and accelerated pallet scrapping 
in CHEP USA.

Brambles Value Added (BVA)
In 2010, Brambles continued to focus on the use of BVA which forms 
the core component of short term incentive arrangements for all senior 
executives, including Executive Directors.

US$M AT FIXED JUNE 2009 FX RATES

2010

2009

CHANGE

Finance costs
Net finance costs were US$109.6 million, down from US$120.9 million 
in the 2009 financial year. The reduction in net finance costs reflected 
lower borrowings and lower benchmark interest rates, partially offset 
by higher borrowing margins and fees on debt refinanced during the 
2009 financial year.

Tax
Brambles’ effective tax rate applying to both operating profit and 
Underlying profit for the 2010 financial year was 27.8%. This was 
broadly in line with the 27.3% rate that applied to operating profit and 
lower than the 31.5% rate that applied to Underlying profit in the 2009 
financial year. The reduction in the effective tax rate on Underlying 
profit was primarily a result of the net reversal of tax provisions 
following the receipt of a tax ruling and the resolution of an open tax 
issue, which allowed the Group to benefit prior year tax losses.

CHEP Americas

CHEP EMEA

CHEP Asia-Pacific

Total CHEP

Recall

Brambles HQ

Total BVA

38.1

165.3

28.2

138.5

159.8

26.2

(100.4)

5.5

2.0

231.6

324.5

(92.9)

9.0

(25.2)

(6.4)

(20.7)

15.4

(4.5)

215.4

297.4

(82.0)

BVA for continuing operations was US$215.4 million in the 2010 
financial year, a decrease of US$82.0 million on the 2009 financial year 
at fixed June 2009 exchange rates. The reduction primarily reflected 
the decline in profitability in CHEP Americas.

In CHEP Americas, BVA was US$38.1 million, down US$100.4 million, 
because of a reduction in sales, increased costs associated with pallet 
storage and quality initiatives and an increase in the irrecoverable 
pooling equipment provision expense. Average Capital Invested 
increased because of the impact of excess pallet holdings in CHEP 
USA. This increase, combined with the lower profit resulted in ROCI  
of 14% for CHEP Americas, down from 26% in the previous 
corresponding period.

In CHEP EMEA, BVA grew US$5.5 million to US$165.3 million. This was 
primarily due to a reduction in Average Capital Invested driven by a 
reduction in pallet holdings and tight working capital management. 
CHEP EMEA’s ROCI remained at 23%.

CHEP Asia-Pacific’s BVA increased US$2.0 million to US28.2 million, 
driven by the growth in new business in Australia, China and India. 
ROCI increased to 21%.

The largest increase in BVA was in Recall where BVA increased by 
US$15.4 million to US$9.0 million as sales growth and the benefits  
of restructuring drove an increase in Underlying profit. Recall’s  
ROCI increased to 13%.

10

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

STRATEGY AND GROWTH
As it moves into the 2011 financial year, Brambles has increased its 
emphasis on innovation and has a number of areas of strategic focus  
to pursue profitable growth opportunities that are expected to deliver 
strong returns for shareholders.

These areas of focus include:
 –
 –
 –

further expansion in all regions into new products and platforms;
ongoing investment in CHEP in emerging regions;
utilising CHEP’s extensive network in the USA to increase 
penetration with small to mid-sized customers;
expansion of CHEP’s automotive business into unpenetrated regions 
and intercontinental flows;
expansion of LeanLogistics, including internationally; and
continued growth in Recall’s document management business  
and digital capability.

 –

 –
 –

Emerging regions have been an increasingly important contributor to 
CHEP’s sales revenue over recent years. The business plans to continue 
to increase its investment in these regions to participate in high-growth 
economies worldwide.

CHEP USA is building upon recent initiatives that addressed some 
issues with its products and services to existing customers and 
entering a renewed growth phase. A key focus will be on small to 
mid-sized customers, which are underserved today. CHEP’s network 
scale and experience positions it strongly to address this opportunity.

CHEP will continue to explore opportunities to roll out variations to  
its existing pallet offerings and non-pallet platforms in all its regions. 
This opportunity is particularly clear in those regions in which CHEP 
has historically been focused on one or two products only. 

CHEP can also leverage the global position of its existing multi-
domestic businesses – particularly those in which inter-country or 
inter-continental flows play a big part. The first step in this effort is 
the establishment of a global automotive business to link the existing 
domestic automotive businesses that CHEP has around the world.

Brambles is also expanding the global footprint of LeanLogistics,  
the transport management business it acquired in 2008, and further 
integrating LeanLogistics into the logistics functions across CHEP.

Recall has successfully accelerated its growth and improved its 
performance over the past three years. Its compound annual sales 
revenue growth rate is 6% over the past six years and all regions are 
contributing to that growth. This is expected to continue into 2011.

In particular, organic volume growth in the Document Management 
Solutions service line has been the underpinning driver for Recall in 
recent years. This service line remains a significant opportunity for 
Recall as it is under-penetrated.

Today, there is also a significant complementary opportunity for Recall 
to work with clients to meet their digital needs – as there has been an 
explosion in the volume of data that needs to be managed.

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

11

TREASURY AND  
RISK REVIEW

CAPITAL STRUCTURE
Brambles manages its capital structure so as to maintain a solid 
investment grade credit rating. At 30 June 2010, Brambles held 
investment grade credit ratings of BBB+ from Standard & Poor’s  
and Baa1 from Moody’s Investor Services.

Bank borrowing facilities are generally structured on a multi-currency, 
revolving basis and currently have maturities ranging to December 
2013. Borrowings under the facilities are floating-rate, unsecured 
obligations with covenants and undertakings typical for these types  
of arrangements.

In determining its capital structure, Brambles considers the 
robustness of future cash flows, potential funding requirements for 
growth opportunities and acquisitions, the cost of capital and ease of 
access to funding sources. Initiatives available to Brambles to achieve 
its desired capital structure include adjusting the amount of dividends 
paid to shareholders, returning capital to shareholders, buying-back 
share capital, issuing new shares, selling assets to reduce debt and 
varying the maturity profile of borrowings. 

Brambles has adopted a financial policy to target a net debt to EBITDA  
ratio of less than 1.75x to 1. At 30 June 2010, the ratio was 1.5x to 1.

During the year ended 30 June 2010 (Year), Brambles continued to 
operate a Dividend Reinvestment Plan. The participation rate for each 
of the 2009 final dividend and the 2010 interim dividend was 37%, 
which resulted in US$120 million of cash being retained within the 
business in the Year.

TREASURY POLICIES
Brambles’ treasury function is responsible for the management of 
certain financial risks within Brambles. Key treasury activities include 
liquidity management, interest rate and foreign exchange risk 
management, and securing access to short and long term sources of 
debt finance at competitive rates. These activities are conducted on  
a centralised basis in accordance with Board policies and guidelines, 
through standard operating procedures and delegated authorities. 
These policies provide the framework whereby Treasury arranges  
and implements lines of credit from its financiers, selects and deals  
in approved financial derivatives for hedging purposes and generally 
executes Brambles’ financial strategy.

Brambles’ policies with respect to interest and exchange rate risk  
and appropriate hedging instruments are described below and further 
information is contained in Note 29 (pages 96 to 103) including a 
sensitivity analysis (page 98 and page 100) with respect to these 
financial instruments.

Standard financial derivatives are used by Brambles to manage financial 
exposures in the normal course of business. No derivatives are used for 
speculative purposes. Derivatives are transacted predominantly with 
relationship banks which have a reasonable understanding of Brambles’ 
business operations. Individual credit limits are assigned to those 
banks, thereby limiting exposure to credit-related losses in the event  
of non-performance by a counterparty. 

Treasury prepares formal reports each month, which are circulated to 
the Chief Financial Officer and other senior finance executives. These 
reports include key Treasury statistical and sensitivity analysis, funding 
utilisation/capacity and commentary on other significant matters.

FUNDING AND LIQUIDITY
Brambles funded its operations during the Year through existing equity, 
retained cash flow and borrowings. Funding is generally sourced from 
relationship banks and debt capital market investors on a medium to 
long term basis. Operating leases are also entered into for office and 
operational locations and certain plant and equipment.

12

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

Net debt at 30 June 2010 was US$1,759.3 million, down 
US$384.1 million from 30 June 2009, reflecting the significant cash 
generated from the business and lower dividend payment. Net debt 
has now reduced by US$666.9 million over the last two financial years 
which provides added financial flexibility for the Group.

To further diversify funding sources and lengthen maturities, Brambles 
raised US$750 million in the United States 144A bond market in March 
2010. The note issue comprised US$500 million ten year notes and 
US$250 million five year notes and the proceeds were used to repay 
bank borrowings.

The average term to maturity of total credit facilities increased from 
3.3 years at 30 June 2009 to 3.6 years at 30 June 2010.

Key financial ratios continue to reflect the strong balance sheet position 
and remain well within the financial covenants included in Brambles’ 
major financing agreements, with net debt to EBITDA at 1.5x (2009: 
1.8x) and EBITDA interest cover at 10.7x to 1 (2009: 10x to 1). 

At 30 June 2010, the Group had committed credit facilities including 
bonds and notes totalling US$3.8 billion. Undrawn borrowing capacity 
totalled US$1.9 billion.

The maturity profile of the Group’s borrowing facilities and outstanding 
bonds is shown in the table below.

MATURITY PROFILE OF BORROWING FACILITIES 
AND OUTSTANDING BONDS 
(US$ BILLIONS)

1.0

0.5

0

<1 yr

1–2 yrs

2–3 yrs

3–4 yrs

4–5 yrs

>5 yrs

Undrawn facilities

Bonds/notes

Bank debt

INTEREST RATE RISK
Brambles’ interest rate risk policy is designed to reduce volatility in 
funding costs through prudent selection of hedging instruments. This 
policy includes maintaining a mix of fixed and floating-rate instruments 
within a target band, over a certain time horizon. In some cases, 
interest rate derivatives are used to achieve this result synthetically. 
The present policy requires the level of fixed rate debt to be within  
40% to 70% of total forecast debt arising over the immediate 12 month 
period, decreasing to 20% to 60% for debt maturities of one to two 
years, 10% to 50% for debt maturities of two to three years and 0% to 
50% for debt maturities extending beyond three years. 

As at 30 June 2010, 62% of Brambles’ weighted average interest 
bearing debt over the next 12 months was at fixed interest rates  
(2009: 41%). The weighted average maturity period was 4.9 years 
(2009: 3.6 years). The fair value of all interest rate swap instruments 
was US$1.8 million net gain (2009: US$18.1 million net loss).

FOREIGN EXCHANGE RISK
Foreign exchange exposures are managed from a perspective of 
protecting shareholder value. Exposures generally arise in either  
of two forms:
 –

transaction exposures affecting the value of transactions translated 
back to the functional currency of the subsidiary; and
translation exposures affecting the value of assets and liabilities  
of overseas subsidiaries when translated into US dollars.

 –

Under Brambles’ foreign exchange policy, foreign exchange hedging is 
mainly confined to hedging transaction exposures where they exceed  
a certain threshold, and as soon as a defined exposure arises. Within 
Brambles, exposures may arise with external parties or, alternatively, 
by way of cross-border intercompany transactions. Forward foreign 
exchange contracts are primarily used for these purposes. Given the 
nature of its operations, these exposures are not significant.

Translation exposures are mitigated by matching the currency of debt 
with that of the asset. Except for a small amount of balance sheet 
hedge borrowing in euro, Brambles does not hedge currency exposures 
on foreign currency profits and net investment balances.

At the end of the Year, the fair value of foreign exchange instruments 
was US$2.0 million net gain (2009: US$0.5 million net gain).

SIGNIFICANT RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
The significant risks and uncertainties facing Brambles are 
described below. These are “net” risks, rated as the most significant  
for the Group as a whole after taking into account current mitigating 
actions.  The strategies and processes applied for managing these risks 
are described in section 7 of the Corporate Governance Statement on 
pages 25 to 27.
 –

Economic cycle – Brambles has operations spread across a diverse 
range of countries and territories. It is subject to risks related to 
global economic and business conditions. These may affect, among 
other things, profitability, demand for Brambles’ services and 
solvency of counterparties. 
Business environment changes – Brambles has operations spread 
across a diverse range of countries and territories. It is subject 
to risks related to rapid and sustained changes in the business 
environment, which may invalidate aspects of its current business 
models. These changes could include fuel prices, lumber supply and 
the structure of customers’ supply chains. These may affect, among 
other things, profitability and demand for Brambles’ services.
Competition and retention of major customers – Brambles operates 
in a competitive environment. Many of the markets in which 
Brambles operates are served by numerous competitors and are 
subject to the threat of new entrants. In addition, the concentration 
of distributors in certain areas could lead to shifts in bargaining 
position and intensity of competition. The above risks could have  
an impact on market structure, penetration, revenue, profitability, 
economies of scale and the value of existing assets.

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

Insufficient growth – Brambles is subject to the risk of not selecting 
the optimal corporate strategy, business model, financial structure 
or capital allocation, including the pace of expansion into emerging 
markets. As these are central to the value of shareholders’ 
investment and protection of Brambles’ assets, Brambles may  
be unable to capture the full value of its growth opportunities.
Obsolescence of pallet platform – New technologies in pallet design 
or components could influence alternative supply chain solutions. 
This would, over time, have an impact on revenue, cost base, 
economies of scale and the value of CHEP’s existing assets.
Innovation – Brambles is subject to the risk of not being able  
to optimise innovations in its services, products, processes and 
commercial solutions, including capturing the full value of any 
innovations that support its growth opportunities. This could have 
an impact on revenue, profitability, economies of scale and the value 
of existing assets.
Operational improvement – Brambles is subject to the risk 
that it may be unable to capture the full value of operational 
improvement opportunities. This could result in a reduced ability  
to control costs or a reduction in control of CHEP’s equipment pool.
Equipment quality – Satisfaction of CHEP customers may fluctuate 
with the customers’ perceived views of equipment quality which, in 
turn, is influenced by the effectiveness of the quality standards that 
CHEP employs in its equipment pool. Brambles is subject to the risk 
that it may not optimise these standards, thereby adversely 
affecting customer satisfaction with the CHEP service offering and/
or the operating and capital costs of the equipment pool.
People capability – Brambles is subject to the risk of not attracting, 
developing and retaining high performing individuals in the optimum 
organisational structure, which could result in it not having 
sufficient quality and quantity of people to meet its growth and 
business objectives.
Market communication – Brambles is subject to risks relating 
to market expectations, which may lead to a loss of investor 
confidence in the business and its management.
Systems and technology – Brambles relies on the continuing 
operation of its information technology and communications 
systems, including those in CHEP’s global data centre. Failure 
to optimise these systems, to successfully implement new systems, 
or an extended systems interruption event, could impair Brambles’ 
ability to provide its services effectively. This could damage its 
reputation and, in turn, have an adverse effect on its ability to 
attract and retain customers.
Regulatory compliance – Material changes in the regulatory and 
legal environments in which Brambles’ businesses operate may give 
rise to the risk of an adverse impact on aspects of its current 
business models. These may affect, among other things, licences to 
operate, profitability and a reduced ability to control costs. Material 
changes in Brambles’ ability to comply with the regulatory 
environment, including competition laws and cross jurisdictional 
laws, could give rise to litigation and, in turn, affect reputation, 
profitability and licences to operate.

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

13

BOARD OF 
DIRECTORS

01. TONY FROGGATT  
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

01

02

03

02. TOM GORMAN  
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

03. GREG HAYES  
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

04. STEPHEN JOHNS  
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

05. CAROLYN KAY  
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

06. GRAHAM KRAEHE AO  
NON-EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN

04

07. LUKE MAYHEW  
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

08. JOHN MULLEN  
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

09. BRIAN SCHWARTZ AM  
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

05

06

07

08

09

14

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

01. TONY FROGGATT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR  
(INDEPENDENT)
Member of the Nominations Committee and the Remuneration Committee
Joined Brambles as a Non-executive Director in June 2006. Currently a 
non-executive director of AXA Asia Pacific Holdings Limited and Billabong 
International Limited. Previously, he was Chief Executive of Scottish & 
Newcastle plc from May 2003 to October 2007. Tony began his career 
with the Gillette Company and has held a wide range of sales, marketing 
and general management positions in many countries with major consumer 
goods companies including HJ Heinz, Diageo and Seagram. He holds a 
Bachelor of Law degree from Queen Mary College, London and an MBA 
from Columbia Business School, New York. Age 62.

02. TOM GORMAN CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Chairman of the Executive Leadership Team
Joined Brambles as Group President, CHEP Europe, Middle East and 
Africa in March 2008 and became Chief Executive Officer in November 
2009. Previously, Tom had a long career with the Ford Motor Company, 
and served as President, Ford Australia from March 2004 until January 
2008. Before joining Ford, he worked for the Bank of Boston. Tom holds a 
Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and International Relations from 
Tufts University and an MBA with distinction from Harvard Business 
School. Age 50.

03. GREG HAYES CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Member of the Executive Leadership Team
Joined Brambles as Chief Financial Officer in November 2009. Previously 
Greg was the Chief Executive Officer and Group Managing Director of  
Tenix Pty Limited, and prior to that Chief Financial Officer and later, 
Interim Chief Executive Officer of AGL. He has also held senior executive 
roles at Westfield Holdings Limited and Southcorp Limited. Greg holds a 
Master of Applied Finance degree from Macquarie University and a 
Graduate Diploma in Accounting and Bachelor degree in Arts from 
Flinders University. Greg is a member of the Institute of Chartered 
Accountants in Australia and has attended the Advanced Management 
Programme at Harvard Business School. Age 52.

04. STEPHEN JOHNS NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR  
(INDEPENDENT)
Chairman of the Audit Committee and member of the  
Nominations Committee
Joined Brambles as a Non-executive Director in August 2004. He is 
currently a non-executive director of Leighton Holdings Limited and the 
Westfield Group, Chairman of Spark Infrastructure Group and a director  
of Sydney Symphony Limited. Previously Stephen had a long executive 
career with Westfield where he held a number of senior positions 
including that of Finance Director from 1985 to 2002. He has a Bachelor  
of Economics degree from the University of Sydney and is a Fellow of  
the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia and a Fellow of the 
Institute of Company Directors. Age 63.

05. CAROLYN KAY NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR  
(INDEPENDENT)
Member of the Audit Committee
Joined Brambles as a Non-executive Director in June 2006. She is a 
director of Commonwealth Bank of Australia and The Sydney Institute 
and an External Board Member of Allens Arthur Robinson. Carolyn has 
had extensive experience in international finance at Morgan Stanley in 
London and Melbourne, JP Morgan in New York and Melbourne and 
Linklaters & Paines in London. She holds Bachelor degrees in Law  
and Arts from the University of Melbourne and a Graduate Diploma in 
Management from the AGSM. Carolyn is a Fellow of the Australian 
Institute of Company Directors, a member of Chief Executive Women  
and was awarded a Centenary Medal for services to Australian society  
in business leadership. Age 49.

06. GRAHAM KRAEHE AO NON-EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN 
(INDEPENDENT)
Chairman of the Nominations Committee and member of the  
Remuneration Committee
Rejoined the Board in December 2005, was appointed Deputy Chairman in 
October 2007 and Chairman in February 2008. He is currently a member 
of the Board of the Reserve Bank of Australia, Chairman of Bluescope 
Steel Limited and a director of Djerriwarrh Investments Limited. Graham 
was a Non-executive Director of Brambles from December 2000 until 
March 2004, when he retired due to commitments in his past role as 
Chairman of National Australia Bank Limited. He has also been the  
Chief Executive Officer of Pacific BBA and Southcorp Limited and a  
non-executive director of News Corporation. Graham has a Bachelor  
of Economics degree from Adelaide University. He is an Officer of the 
Order of Australia. Age 67.

07. LUKE MAYHEW NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR  
(INDEPENDENT)
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee
Joined Brambles as a Non-executive Director in August 2005. He is a  
non-executive director of WH Smith plc. In March 2010 he retired as 
Chairman of Pets at Home Group Limited after the business was sold  
to private equity. Luke was Managing Director of John Lewis, the UK’s 
leading department store business, from 2000 to 2004 and Director  
of Research and Expansion at John Lewis Partnership plc, which also 
includes the Waitrose supermarket operation, from 1992 to 2000.  
He previously held senior positions at Thomas Cook and British Airways 
and was Chief Executive of Shandwick’s European business. He has a 
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree from Oxford University and a Master 
of Economics degree from the University of London. Luke is the Chairman 
of the British Retail Consortium. Age 57.

08. JOHN MULLEN NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR  
(INDEPENDENT)
Member of the Remuneration Committee
Joined Brambles as a Non-executive Director in November 2009. 
Currently a non-executive director of Telstra Corporation Limited and 
MAp Airports Limited. John had a distinguished career with the DHL 
Group from 1994 to 2009, ultimately becoming Chief Executive Officer of 
DHL Express in 2006. He has served as a Director of Deutsche Post World 
Net, the parent company of DHL Express, and Embarq Corporation. His 
executive career with the TNT Group from 1984 to 1994 culminated in 
the role of Chief Executive Officer of TNT Express Worldwide, which he 
held from 1990 to 1994. He is currently Chairman of the US National 
Foreign Trade Council and a member of the Advisory Council for the 
AGSM. Age 55.

09. BRIAN SCHWARTZ AM NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 
(INDEPENDENT)
Member of the Audit Committee
Joined Brambles as a Non-executive Director in March 2009. Currently 
Deputy Chairman and a non-executive director of Insurance Australia 
Group Limited and a non-executive director of the Westfield Group. He is 
also Deputy Chairman of Football Federation Australia. In March 2009 he 
retired as CEO of Investec Bank (Australia) Limited, although he remains 
as a consultant to the bank. Having joined Ernst & Young in 1979, Brian 
became a partner in 1985. From 1998 to 2004 he was CEO of Ernst & 
Young Australia and a member of the Ernst & Young Global Executive 
Board. Brian is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in 
Australia. Age 57.

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

15

EXECUTIVE 
LEADERSHIP TEAM

01. TOM GORMAN CHIEF 
EXECUTIVE OFFICER

02. GREG HAYES CHIEF 
FINANCIAL OFFICER

03. JIM INFINGER  
GROUP SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT 
AND CHIEF INFORMATION 
OFFICER 

04. JASPER JUDD GROUP 
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT  
AND HEAD OF INNOVATION

05. PETER MACKIE  
GROUP PRESIDENT,  
CHEP ASIA-PACIFIC

06. ELTON POTTS GROUP 
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF 
OPERATING OFFICER, RECALL

07. JIM RITCHIE GROUP 
PRESIDENT, CHEP AMERICAS

01

02

03

04

05

06

08

09

08. KEVIN SHUBA  
GROUP SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT 
AND CUSTOMER DEVELOPMENT 
OFFICER

07

09. NICK SMITH  
GROUP SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, 
HUMAN RESOURCES

10. DOLPH WESTERBOS  
GROUP PRESIDENT,  
CHEP EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST  
AND AFRICA 

10

16

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

01. TOM GORMAN CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Joined Brambles as Group President, CHEP Europe, Middle East and 
Africa in March 2008 and became Chief Executive Officer in November 
2009. Previously, Tom had a long career with the Ford Motor Company, 
and served as President, Ford Australia from March 2004 until January 
2008. Before joining Ford, he worked for the Bank of Boston. Tom holds a 
Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and International Relations from 
Tufts University and an MBA with distinction from Harvard Business 
School. Age 50. 

02. GREG HAYES CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER 
Joined Brambles as Chief Financial Officer in November 2009. Previously 
Greg was the Chief Executive Officer and Group Managing Director of 
Tenix Pty Limited, and prior to that Chief Financial Officer and later, 
Interim Chief Executive Officer of AGL. He has also held senior executive 
roles at Westfield Holdings Limited and Southcorp Limited. Greg holds a 
Master of Applied Finance degree from Macquarie University and a 
Graduate Diploma in Accounting and Bachelor degree in Arts from 
Flinders University. Greg is a member of the Institute of Chartered 
Accountants in Australia and has attended the Advanced Management 
Programme at Harvard Business School. Age 52.

03. JIM INFINGER GROUP SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT  
AND CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER 
Joined Brambles in October 2009. Previously, he was Senior Vice 
President & Chief Information Officer with Harman Industries and has 
held CIO roles for Raytheon and CompUSA. He has also worked for 
Siemens Nixdorf, ICL Fujitsu and Wal-Mart Stores. Jim is a member of 
the advisory boards of Oracle, HP, SAP, Microsoft, AT&T and Cisco. He is 
also a member of the Project Management Institute and the Society for 
Information Management. He holds a Master of Science degree in 
Systems Management from the Florida Institute of Technology and a 
Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems from the 
Southwest Texas State University. Age 53.

04. JASPER JUDD GROUP SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT  
AND HEAD OF INNOVATION 
Joined Brambles in 2002. Prior to his appointment as Group Senior Vice 
President and Head of Innovation in March 2010, he served as Group 
Senior Vice President, Strategic Development for two years. Other previous 
roles were Acting Chief Financial Officer, Brambles; Group Financial 
Controller; Interim Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, CHEP 
Europe; and General Manager, Finance and Administration. Before joining 
Brambles, he was Chief Financial Officer of Brainspark and held senior 
financial positions at a number of other companies including Booker. Jasper 
is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and 
Wales and graduated from Cambridge University with a Master of Arts. 
Age 49. 

05. PETER MACKIE GROUP PRESIDENT, CHEP ASIA-PACIFIC 
Became Group President, CHEP Asia-Pacific in May 2010, having been 
acting Group President, CHEP Europe, Middle East and Africa from 
November 2009 to April 2010. Previously, Peter held the positions of 
President, CHEP Europe and Senior Vice President, Customer Service for 
CHEP in Europe, where he focussed on delivering an improved customer 
experience and growing the European pooling network. Peter has also held 
the positions of Vice President, Strategy, CHEP Europe and Managing 
Director, CHEP UK and Ireland. Before joining CHEP in 2001, Peter held 
senior roles with Boots and The BOC Group. Peter is a qualified chartered 
engineer and has an MBA from London Business School. Age 44.

06. ELTON POTTS GROUP PRESIDENT AND  
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, RECALL 
Became President and Chief Operating Officer of Recall in April 2007, 
having been appointed Chief Operating Officer of Recall in December 
2006. He joined Brambles in 2002 as Vice President, Controller for CHEP 
USA, becoming Vice President, Asset Management for CHEP USA in the 
same year and Senior Vice President, Asset Management for CHEP USA in 
2003. Before joining Brambles, Elton held various operations and finance 
roles with Owens-Corning and Newell Rubbermaid. He holds a Bachelor 
degree in Financial Management from Clemson University and an MBA 
from Capital University. Age 46.

07. JIM RITCHIE GROUP PRESIDENT, CHEP AMERICAS 
Joined CHEP in June 2009 as President, CHEP USA, before taking on the 
role of Group President, CHEP Americas in January 2010. Jim has more 
than 25 years’ experience in the logistics industry. Prior to joining CHEP, 
he was President & Chief Executive Officer of YRC Logistics, building that 
company from inception to $1.4 billion in revenue and 5,750 employees 
worldwide. He previously held executive positions at Ryder Integrated 
Logistics, leading that company’s Consumer Products & Retail group.  
Jim received his Bachelor degree in Architecture & Industrial Design 
from California State University. Age 50.

08. KEVIN SHUBA GROUP SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT  
AND CUSTOMER DEVELOPMENT OFFICER 
Has worked with CHEP since 1996, serving as President, CHEP USA  
from November 2006 until his appointment as Group President,  
CHEP Americas in February 2008. Kevin was appointed Group Senior  
Vice President and Customer Development Officer in January 2010.  
His previous roles at CHEP include Senior Vice President, New Business 
Development and Senior Vice President, Sales and Business Development. 
Before CHEP, he worked for insurance company Mason-McBride from 
1994 to 1996 and Baxter Healthcare Corporation from 1987 to 1994. 
Kevin attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, 
graduating in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering.  
He served in various command and staff positions in the United States 
Army from 1981 to 1986. Age 51.

09. NICK SMITH GROUP SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT,  
HUMAN RESOURCES 
Joined Brambles in November 2007. Previously, he was Group Human 
Resources Director for Inchcape, the international automotive retail group. 
Prior to this Nick spent a number of years in the telecommunications 
industry, firstly with British Telecom and then with Cable & Wireless. 
During this period, Nick spent three years working for Cable & Wireless 
Optus in Australia, where he was Human Resources Director. He has also 
worked for KPMG and Macquarie Bank. Nick is a qualified management 
accountant, has a Bachelor of Science (Economics) degree in International 
Politics and an MBA. Age 49.

10. DOLPH WESTERBOS GROUP PRESIDENT, CHEP EUROPE  
MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA 
Joined Brambles in April 2010 as Group President, CHEP Europe, Middle 
East and Africa (EMEA). Prior to joining Brambles, he held a number of 
executive positions at Dell, most recently as Vice President, Solutions  
& Services, EMEA. This role included responsibility for Dell’s services, 
software and data centre business, managing sales revenue of  
US$2.5 billion across more than 50 countries. Before joining Dell, Dolph 
was President, EMEA and Senior Vice President, Asia, for ModusLink, a 
global provider of supply chain, IT and business process outsourcing 
services to technology companies. Dolph worked 12 years for ModusLink, 
holding senior management positions in operations, sales and marketing, 
strategy, IT and e-business. He has worked and lived in the USA, Asia and 
Europe. He has a Masters degree in Management from the Graduate 
School of Business at Stanford University. Age 46.

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

17

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
STATEMENT

INTRODUCTION
Brambles is a global provider of pallet and container pooling and 
information management services and operates in over 45 countries.  
It is therefore subject to an extensive range of legal, regulatory and 
governance requirements. Brambles is committed to observing the 
requirements applicable to publicly listed companies in Australia.  
The Board is conscious that best practice in the area of corporate 
governance is continuously evolving, and will therefore continue to 
anticipate and respond to further corporate governance developments, 
such as the amendments to the ASX Corporate Governance Council 
Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations (CGPR) on 
diversity, board selection processes, briefings and remuneration that 
will be effective, for Brambles, from 1 July 2011.

This Corporate Governance Statement outlines the key components 
of Brambles’ governance framework in place during the year ended 
30 June 2010 (Year), by reference to the CGPR. During the Year, the 
Board believes Brambles met or exceeded all the requirements of 
the CGPR.

A checklist summarising Brambles’ compliance with the CGPR is 
included at the end of this Statement. Various documents referred  
to in this Statement have been posted in the “Corporate Governance” 
section of the Brambles website at www.brambles.com. The checklist 
includes more detailed guidance on the location of all the governance-
related documents available at www.brambles.com.

PRINCIPLE 1: LAY SOLID FOUNDATIONS FOR  
MANAGEMENT AND OVERSIGHT
1.1  Role of the Board and executive management
1.1.1  ROLE OF THE BOARD AND EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT
The Board has overall responsibility for overseeing the effective 
management and control of the Group on behalf of Brambles’ 
shareholders, and supervising executive management’s conduct of  
the Group’s affairs within a control and authority framework which  
is designed to enable risk to be prudently and effectively assessed 
and monitored.

The Board has adopted a schedule of matters reserved to it for 
decision, a copy of which can be found at www.brambles.com,  
and further details of which are in section 1.1.2. 

The roles of the Chairman and executive management, led by the 
Chief Executive Officer, are separated and clearly defined:
 –

the Chairman, Graham Kraehe, is responsible for leadership of  
the Board, setting the Board’s agenda, conducting Board meetings, 
facilitating effective communication with shareholders and the 
conduct of shareholder meetings; and
executive management, led by the Chief Executive Officer, Tom Gorman, 
has been delegated responsibility for the management of Brambles 
within the control and authority framework referred to above. The 
levels of authority for management are periodically reviewed by the 
Board and are documented. The Chief Executive Officer is assisted 
by the Executive Leadership Team.

 –

The Non-executive Directors constructively challenge the development 
of strategy. They review the performance of management in meeting 
agreed objectives and monitor the reporting of performance. They have 
a prime role in appointing and where necessary, recommending the 
removal of, Executive Directors, and in their succession planning.

18

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

The structure of the Board ensures that no individual or group 
of individuals dominates the Board’s decision-making process.

The Brambles Executive Leadership Team assists in implementing 
Brambles’ strategic direction, and ensuring its resources are well 
managed. The Team has a range of responsibilities, which include: 
 –
 –

reviewing business and corporate strategies; 
formulating major policies in areas such as succession planning  
and talent management, human and capital resources management, 
information technology, risk management, communications and 
post-investment project reviews; 
leading initiatives which may from time to time vary but include:
 >
 >
 >
leading the implementation of change processes. 

Zero Harm;
development of strategy; and
innovation; and

 –

 –

Biographical details for the members of the Executive Leadership Team 
are shown on page 17.

1.1.2  RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BOARD
The Board is responsible for setting the Group’s overall strategic 
objectives, facilitating the provision of appropriate financial and human 
resources to meet these objectives and reviewing executive 
management’s performance. 

The schedule of matters reserved to the Board for decision includes, 
among other matters:
 –

the establishment of the Group’s overall strategic direction 
and strategic plans for the major business units;
the approval of budgets, financial objectives and policies, 
and significant capital expenditure;
the approval of Brambles’ financial statements and published 
reports;
the establishment and annual review of the effectiveness of 
Brambles’ systems of internal control and risk management 
processes; and
the appointment of key senior executives.

 –

 –

 –

 –

The Board has delegated some of its responsibilities to the Audit, 
Nominations and Remuneration committees. The charters of the Board 
committees also require certain matters to be approved by the Board 
including, among other matters, the executive remuneration policy and 
the appointment of the external auditors. The Board is also supported 
by the Executive Leadership Team and the Group Risk Committee, 
which are management committees. Details of these Board and 
executive management committees are set out in sections 1.1.1, 2.4, 
4.1, 7.2.3 and 8.1 and the committee charters can be found at  
www.brambles.com. 

1.1.3  ALLOCATION OF INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Formal letters of appointment, which are contracts for service but not 
contracts of employment, have been put in place for all Non-executive 
Directors. The letters set out the key terms and conditions of their 
engagement, including time commitments, corporate expectations  
and, if appropriate, any special duties or assignments. A template  
letter of appointment for a Non-executive Director is available at  
www.brambles.com.

Senior executives have employment contracts setting out their term  
of office, rights and responsibilities and entitlements on termination, 
and job descriptions setting out their duties.

1.2  Performance evaluation of senior executives
Brambles has a well established performance management and 
development planning process, which is used throughout the Group. 
The process involves objective setting consistent with Brambles’ 
remuneration policy and targets, for cash and equity-based incentive 
plans set by the Remuneration Committee. Personal development 
planning, half year reviews and full year appraisals feed into a 
performance rating, leading to the assessment of annual bonuses. 
Senior executives (including Executive Directors and the Executive 
Leadership Team) all participate in this process, which is overseen 
by the Remuneration Committee.

Performance evaluations for senior executives, including Executive 
Directors and the Executive Leadership Team, were carried out during 
the Year in accordance with this process.

1.2.1  INDUCTION OF SENIOR EXECUTIVES
Business units have procedures for the induction of senior executives, 
to assist them in participating fully and actively in management 
decision-making at the earliest opportunity after commencing their 
new roles.

PRINCIPLE 2: STRUCTURE THE BOARD TO ADD VALUE
At the date of the Directors’ Report, the Board consists of nine 
members, with two Executive Directors (the Chief Executive Officer 
and the Chief Financial Officer) and seven Non-executive Directors.  
The biographies for each of the current Directors, shown on page 15, 
indicate the breadth of their business, financial and international 
experience. This gives the Directors the range of skills, knowledge and 
experience essential to govern Brambles, including an understanding of 
the health, safety, environmental and community related issues which 
it faces. The Board considers that its current composition reflects an 
appropriate balance of Executive and Non-executive Directors.

The table below sets out the names of the Directors in office at the 
date of the Directors’ Report, the year of their most recent election 
by shareholders, their status as Executive or Non-executive Directors, 
whether the Board considers that they are independent Directors, 
whether they will retire and seek re-election at the 2010 Annual 
General Meeting (AGM), and when they are next due for re-election. 

2.1  Independent Directors
2.1.1  INDEPENDENT DECISION-MAKING
The Board recognises the importance of independent judgement 
and constructive debate on all issues under consideration. With 
the approval of the Chairman, Directors may take independent 
professional advice at Brambles’ expense in the furtherance of 
discharging their duties and responsibilities. None of the Directors 
availed themselves of this right during the Year.

The Chairman holds meetings with the Non-executive Directors from 
time to time, including meetings at scheduled sessions, without the 
presence of the Executive Directors or other executives. The Non-
executive Directors meet without the Chairman present on such 
occasions as may be considered appropriate.

2.1.2  INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
The Board has considered the independence of each of the Directors 
in office as at the date of the Directors’ Report and concluded that 
all Non-executive Directors are independent. Therefore the Board has  
a majority of independent directors. In reaching this conclusion, the 
Board had regard to the relationships set out in Box 2.1 of the CGPR 
and noted that one of these relationships exists.

Carolyn Kay is a director of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia 
(CBA), which is a substantial shareholder of Brambles. The Board 
noted that the most recent substantial shareholder notice issued 
by CBA provided that, except for 525,330 shares (being 0.04% of 
Brambles’ issued share capital at the date of this Statement), CBA’s 
relevant interests in Brambles shares are exercised either as a 
superannuation trustee; a life company holding statutory funds; 
a responsible entity or manager of a managed investment scheme; 
under an investment mandate; by external managers unrelated to the 
CBA group; or subject to client direction. The Board does not consider 
that Carolyn Kay’s relationship with CBA gives rise to any actual or 
perceived loss of independence on her part because of the manner 
in which CBA’s relevant interests in Brambles shares are held. 

In considering the matters in Box 2.1 of the CGPR, the Board 
considered that a customer was material if it accounted for more than 
2% of Brambles’ consolidated gross revenue and that a supplier was 
material if Brambles accounted for more than 2% of the supplier’s 
consolidated gross revenue.

NAME

YEAR  
APPOINTED

1

YEAR LAST 
ELECTED

EXECUTIVE OR 
NON-EXECUTIVE

INDEPENDENT

SEEKING ELECTION/ 
RETIRING AND SEEKING 
RE-ELECTION IN 2010

NEXT DUE FOR 
RE-ELECTION

A G Froggatt

T J Gorman

G J Hayes

S P Johns

S C H Kay

G J Kraehe AO

C L Mayhew

J P Mullen

B M Schwartz AM

2006

2009

2009

2004

2006

20052

2005

2009

2009

2008

Non-executive

-

-

2009

2009

2009

2007

2009

2009

Executive

Executive

Non-executive

Non-executive

Non-executive

Non-executive

Non-executive

Non-executive

Yes

No

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

Yes

No

No

2011

2010

2010

2012

2012

2012

2010

2012

2012

1  For the purposes of this table, the year appointed is the year the relevant Director was first elected to the Boards of Brambles or BIL and BIP, as the case may be. 
2  Graham Kraehe also served as a director from 2000 to 2004, then re-joined the Board in 2005.

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

19

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE  
STATEMENT CONTINUED

2.1.3  REGULAR ASSESSMENTS
Directors are required to complete a declaration of interest form 
prior to their appointment. This form is tabled at the Board meeting 
to consider the appointment of the relevant Director. If their 
circumstances change or they acquire any office, property or interest 
which may conflict with their office as a Director of Brambles or the 
interests of Brambles, Directors are required to disclose its character 
and extent in writing at the next Board meeting. The Board also makes 
an annual assessment of the independence of each Non-executive 
Director. If the Board concludes that a Director has lost their status as 
an independent director, that conclusion will be advised to the market 
in a timely manner.

Directors are generally not entitled to attend any part of a Board 
meeting, or to vote on any matter, in which they have a material 
personal interest unless the other Directors unanimously decide 
otherwise. In appropriate cases, Directors may be required to absent 
themselves from a meeting of the Board while such a matter is 
being considered. 

2.2  Independent Chairman
The Board has concluded that the Chairman is independent and that  
his other positions do not prevent him from devoting sufficient time 
to perform the role effectively. As the Chairman is independent, 
the Board does not consider it necessary to appoint a lead 
independent director.

The Chairman is responsible for facilitating the effective contribution 
of Non-executive Directors, who are to receive accurate, timely and 
clear information so that they may effectively discharge their duties 
and responsibilities. The Chairman is also responsible for fostering 
constructive relations between Executive and Non-executive Directors.

2.3  Roles of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
The roles of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer are exercised by  
two different individuals and are clearly documented, as discussed in 
section 1.1.1 of this Statement. The Chairman does not have a history 
of employment with Brambles.

2.4  Nominations Committee
2.4.1  PURPOSE OF THE NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE
The objective of the Nominations Committee is to support and advise 
the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities to shareholders in ensuring 
that the Board is comprised of individuals who are best able to 
discharge the responsibilities of Directors.

2.4.2  CHARTER
A copy of the Nominations Committee’s Charter giving full details  
of its duties and responsibilities can be found at www.brambles.com. 

The Nominations Committee’s Charter also sets out its composition, 
structure, membership requirements and the procedures for inviting 
non-members to attend meetings. The Committee is authorised to seek 
any information it requires from any Group employee or from any other 
source, including obtaining outside legal or other independent 
professional advice.

20

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

2.4.3  COMPOSITION OF THE NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE
The Nominations Committee is comprised entirely of Non-executive 
Directors, all of whom the Board considers to be independent. 
The members of the Nominations Committee are Graham Kraehe 
(Committee Chairman), Stephen Johns and Tony Froggatt. 

Details of Nominations Committee meetings held during the Year and 
attendance at those meetings, are set out in the Directors’ Report – 
Other Information on page 46.

2.4.4  RESPONSIBILITIES
The Nominations Committee discharges its responsibilities by meeting 
regularly throughout the year and, among other matters:
 –

assessing periodically the skills required to discharge competently 
the Board’s duties, having regard to the strategic direction of the 
Group, and assessing the skills currently represented on the Board 
to determine whether those current skills meet the required skills 
identified;
reviewing the structure, size and composition (including the balance 
of skills, knowledge and experience) of the Board and the 
effectiveness of the Board as a whole, and keeping under review the 
leadership needs of Brambles, both executive and non-executive, 
with a view to ensuring the continued ability of Brambles to 
compete effectively in the marketplace;
preparing a description of the role and capabilities required for any 
Board appointment, identifying suitable candidates to fill Board 
vacancies as and when they arise and nominating candidates for the 
approval of the Board;
ensuring that, in determining the process for the identification 
of suitable candidates for appointment:
 >

a search is undertaken by an appropriately qualified independent 
third party acting on a brief prepared by the Committee which 
identifies the skills sought;
the search is international, extending to those countries in which 
candidates with the necessary skills would ordinarily be expected 
to be found; and
candidates are considered from a wide range of backgrounds;
 >
ensuring that, on appointment, Non-executive Directors receive 
a formal letter of appointment, setting out the time commitment 
and responsibilities envisaged in the appointment;
on any re-appointment of a Non-executive Director on the conclusion 
of their specified term of office, undertaking a process of review of 
the retiring Non-executive Director’s performance during the period 
from their appointment or most recent re-appointment, as the case 
may be, to the Board;
reviewing annually the time commitment required of Non-executive 
Directors and carrying out performance evaluations to assess 
whether the Non-executive Directors are devoting enough time to 
fulfilling their duties; and 
giving full consideration to appropriate succession planning, 
satisfying itself that processes and plans are in place in relation 
to both Board (particularly for the key roles of Chairman and Chief 
Executive Officer) and other senior executive appointments.

 >

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

2.4.5  SELECTION AND APPOINTMENT PROCESS AND RE-ELECTION 
OF DIRECTORS
The Board is conscious of the need to ensure that proper processes are 
in place to deal with succession issues at Board level. This requires the 
Board to assess periodically the skills and expertise necessary to meet 
Brambles’ demands. The Nominations Committee assists the Board in 
this process, which ordinarily involves the identification of the need for 
a new appointee and suitable candidates, the preparation of a brief 
including a description of the role and capabilities required and the 
engagement of independent recruitment organisations.

During the 2009 year, the Board recognised the need for a non-executive 
director with substantial international business experience and 
knowledge of the transport and logistics industries. As a result,  
John Mullen was appointed as a Non-executive Director in November 
2009. During the second half of the Year, the Board, with the assistance 
of the Nominations Committee, conducted a review of its skills set 
(including its geographic experience). The Board will continue  
to seek to appoint new members in future years having regard to that 
review and to succeed existing Directors as they retire, ensuring an 
appropriate balance of skills and experience is maintained. 

A Non-executive Director’s formal letter of appointment (see section 
1.1.3) sets out, among other things, the time commitment required and 
specifies that the Director should consult with the Chairman before 
accepting any additional commitments which may impact on their role. 
Any Non-executive Directors who are standing for election or re-
election at the next AGM are asked to consider their other significant 
commitments and specifically acknowledge to Brambles that they will 
have sufficient time to meet what is expected of them as Directors of 
Brambles. Details of the number of Board and committee meetings 
held during the Year, and attendance at those meetings by each of the 
Directors and committee members, are set out in the Directors’ Report 
– Other Information on page 46.

Directors are appointed for an unspecified term, but are subject to 
election by shareholders at the first general meeting after their initial 
appointment by the Board. No Director may serve for more than three 
years without being re-elected by shareholders. Re-appointment is 
not automatic. The Board reviews whether retiring Directors should 
stand for re-election, having regard to their performance and the 
contribution of their individual skills and experience to the desired 
overall composition of the Board.

The Non-executive Directors’ formal letters of appointment confirm 
that the Non-executive Directors have no right to compensation on the 
termination of their appointment for any reason, other than for unpaid 
fees and expenses for the period actually served.

2.5  Process for evaluating the performance of the Board, 
its committees and Directors
The Board and its committees carry out both internal and external 
evaluations, with the form of evaluation being determined each  
year. For the Year, the Board undertook an internal evaluation of its 
performance as a whole and the performance of each of its committees 
as well as an evaluation of the performance of Luke Mayhew, the only 
Non-executive Director who is standing for re-election at the 2010 AGM. 

The evaluations involved the completion of a questionnaire by each of 
the Directors and executive management on matters relevant to the 
performance of the Board, its committees and Luke Mayhew. The Board 
and committee reviews were subsequently presented to, and reviewed 
by, the Board and each committee respectively. The Chairman reviewed 
the results of Luke Mayhew’s performance evaluation with him.

2.5.1  INDUCTION AND EDUCATION
Newly appointed Directors receive appropriate induction and training, 
specifically tailored to their needs. Appointees are provided with 
an information pack including governance policies and business 
information, taken to visit operating sites, hold meetings with major 
shareholders and receive presentations on Brambles’ businesses 
and functions by its business unit leaders and functional heads.

On an ongoing basis, Directors participate in various seminars and 
conferences held by industry and professional bodies. In addition, 
Board meetings regularly include sessions on recent developments 
in governance and corporate matters, operational site visits and 
meetings with major customers.

2.5.2  ACCESS TO INFORMATION
The Board receives accurate, timely and clear information so that it may 
effectively discharge its duties and responsibilities. Where necessary, 
Directors seek clarification or request the provision of further 
information to assist with their decision-making processes. The Board 
committee charters document the committees’ unrestricted rights to 
seek information from any Group employee or from any other source. 
Presentations to the Board are frequently made by senior executives.

2.5.3  THE BOARD AND THE COMPANY SECRETARY
The Board is assisted by the Company Secretary who, under the 
direction of the Chairman, is responsible for facilitating good 
information flows within the Board and its committees and between 
senior executives and Non-executive Directors, as well as the induction 
of new Directors and the ongoing professional development of all 
Directors. The Company Secretary is responsible for monitoring 
compliance with the Board’s procedures and for advising the Board, 
through the Chairman, on all governance matters. All Directors have 
access to the advice and services of the Company Secretary, whose 
appointment and removal is a matter for the Board.

The Company Secretary is Robert Gerrard. His qualifications and 
experience are set out on page 45.

2.6  DIVERSITY
During the Year Brambles reviewed its diversity policy in the context of 
the 2010 amendments to the CGPR. An updated diversity policy will 
be launched in the first half of the 2011 year. Brambles is developing 
measurable gender objectives in line with the guidance provided in 
the CGPR.

PRINCIPLE 3: PROMOTE ETHICAL AND RESPONSIBLE 
DECISION-MAKING
3.1  Establish a code of conduct
Brambles has a Code of Conduct, which provides an ethical and legal 
framework for all employees in the conduct of Brambles’ business. 

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

21

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE  
STATEMENT CONTINUED

Brambles’ Code of Conduct includes the following schedules:
 –
 –
 –
 –
 –
 –
 –
 –
 –
 –

Corporate Social Responsibility Policy;
Speaking Up Policy;
Continuous Disclosure and Communications Policy;
Group Guidelines for Serious Incident Reporting;
Environmental Policy;
Competition Compliance Policy;
Health and Safety Policy;
Securities Trading Policy;
Risk Management; and
Guidelines for Document Management.

The policies listed above set out the reporting responsibilities of 
specified individuals, or in some cases, all employees. The Audit 
Committee is responsible for monitoring compliance with the Speaking 
Up Policy and at each meeting receives a report on investigations into 
any matters raised under that policy. The Board also receives a copy of 
that report. A copy of the Code of Conduct is at www.brambles.com.

3.1.1  PURPOSE OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT
The Code of Conduct defines how Brambles relates to its shareholders, 
employees, customers, suppliers and the community. It includes 
Brambles’ general principles on business integrity. All employees  
are expected to conduct business in accordance with the laws and 
regulations of the countries in which the business is located, and  
in a manner so as to enhance the reputation of Brambles.

3.1.2  APPLICATION OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT
The Code of Conduct has been translated into 17 languages, so that  
it can be used to form part of employees’ terms and conditions of 
employment. Non-executive Directors are required to agree to comply 
with the Code of Conduct and to acknowledge that their performance 
assessments will include an element on conformity with the Code.

The Code of Conduct is not intended to be all-encompassing. There are 
areas in which Brambles expects its businesses to develop detailed 
policies in accordance with local requirements. The Code of Conduct 
provides a set of guiding principles that may be supplemented with 
additional local policies. It provides a common behavioural framework.

Brambles implements the Code of Conduct through a variety of 
induction and training programs. During the Year, ongoing training took 
place with the aim of enhancing employees’ compliance with certain of 
the policies under the Code.

The Code of Conduct requires Brambles’ contractors to adhere to 
Brambles’ health and safety, environmental and serious incident 
reporting standards and requires consultants or professional advisers 
who are engaged to undertake work for the Group to comply with the 
Continuous Disclosure and Communications Policy.

3.2  Securities trading policy
Details of Brambles Limited securities held by Directors are set out 
on pages 39, 40 and 42. The Board has put in place a Securities Trading 
Policy covering dealings in securities by:
 –
 –
 –
 –

Directors;
senior executives;
all individuals located in Brambles’ Headquarters;
any other person who is notified that they are subject to the policy 
from time to time; and
their related persons,

 –
(collectively Designated Persons). 

22

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

The policy is designed to ensure that shareholders, customers 
and the international business community have confidence that 
Brambles’ Directors and senior executives are expected to comply  
with the law and best practice in corporate governance, and handle 
confidential information lawfully and with integrity. It can be found 
at www.brambles.com.

Under the Securities Trading Policy, Designated Persons are required to 
obtain approval before dealing in Brambles Limited’s securities, and are 
prohibited from such dealing at certain times, other than in exceptional 
circumstances, and then only where the Designated Person declares 
that he or she does not possess any price sensitive, non-public 
information.

Any dealings in Brambles Limited securities by a Director or a member 
of the Executive Leadership Team must be reported to Brambles within 
two business days of effecting such dealings. The ASX is notified of 
Directors’ transactions within applicable time limits.

The Securities Trading Policy applies to Brambles’ equity-based awards 
under the incentive plans described in the Remuneration Report. The 
policy prohibits Designated Persons from acquiring financial products 
or entering into arrangements which have the effect of limiting 
exposure to the risk of price movements of Brambles securities.

The Securities Trading Policy also prohibits Designated Persons from 
using their securities in Brambles Limited as security for a margin loan.

Brambles takes compliance with the Securities Trading Policy seriously. 
A breach of the policy by any employee will be regarded as a breach of 
their conditions of employment and may result in termination.

PRINCIPLE 4: SAFEGUARD INTEGRITY IN FINANCIAL 
REPORTING
4.1 Establish an Audit Committee
Brambles confirms that, in accordance with ASX Listing Rule 12.7, 
it has had an Audit Committee throughout the Year.

4.1.1  PURPOSE OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
The objective and purpose of the Audit Committee is to assist  
the Board in fulfilling its corporate governance and oversight 
responsibilities by:
 –

monitoring and reviewing:
 >
 >
 >
 >

the integrity of financial statements;
internal financial controls;
the objectivity and effectiveness of the internal auditors; and
the independence, objectivity and effectiveness of the external 
auditors;

 –

 –

 –

making recommendations to the Board in relation to the 
appointment or removal of the external auditors, the approval of 
their remuneration and the terms of their engagement, including the 
rotation of external audit engagement partners;
assessing whether the Committee is satisfied that the independence 
of the external auditors has been maintained, having regard to any 
non-audit related services;
reviewing and monitoring the policy on the engagement of the 
external auditors to supply non-audit services (set out in the  
Charter of Audit Independence, a copy of which can be found 
at www.brambles.com), taking into account relevant legal and 
ethical guidance regarding the provision of non-audit services  
by the external auditors; and

 –

reporting to the Board, identifying any matters relating to the above 
in respect of which it considers that action or improvement is 
needed and making recommendations as to the steps to be taken.

a year without executive management being present. A copy of the 
Audit Committee’s Charter, which is reviewed annually, can be found at 
www.brambles.com.

4.2  Structure of the Audit Committee
4.2.1  COMPOSITION OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee has three members and is chaired by Stephen 
Johns, an independent Director.

4.2.2  IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENCE
The Audit Committee is comprised entirely of Non-executive Directors, 
all of whom the Board considers to be independent.

4.2.3  TECHNICAL EXPERTISE
The Board considers that each of the members of the Audit Committee 
has recent and relevant financial and accounting experience and an 
understanding of accounting and financial issues relevant to the 
industries in which Brambles operates.

The members of the Audit Committee, including details of their 
relevant qualifications, are as follows: 
 –

Stephen Johns had a long executive career with Westfield where he 
held a number of senior positions including that of Finance Director 
from 1985 to 2002. He is currently a non-executive director of 
Leighton Holdings Limited and the Westfield Group and Chairman of 
Spark Infrastructure Group. He holds a Bachelor of Economics 
degree from the University of Sydney and is a Fellow of the Institute 
of Chartered Accountants in Australia and a Fellow of the Institute 
of Company Directors.
Carolyn Kay is a director of CBA and an External Board Member of 
Allens Arthur Robinson. She has had extensive experience in 
international finance at Morgan Stanley in London and Melbourne, 
JP Morgan in New York and Melbourne and Linklaters & Paines in 
London. Carolyn holds Bachelor degrees in Law and Arts from the 
University of Melbourne and a Graduate Diploma in Management 
from the AGSM. She is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of 
Company Directors.
Brian Schwartz is the Deputy Chairman and a non-executive director 
of Insurance Australia Group Limited and a non-executive director 
of the Westfield Group. He had a long career at Ernst & Young, 
holding a number of senior positions including that of CEO Ernst & 
Young Australia from 1998 to 2004. He is a Fellow of the Institute 
of Chartered Accountants in Australia.

 –

 –

Stephen Johns, Carolyn Kay and Brian Schwartz were members of the 
Committee throughout the Year; David Gosnell, a former independent 
Non-executive Director of Brambles, was a member of the Committee 
during the Year until his retirement from the Board on 31 March 2010. 
He is the Managing Director of Global Supply and Procurement for 
Diageo plc and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical and 
Electronic Engineering from Middlesex University, England.

4.3  Audit Committee Charter
4.3.1  CHARTER
The Audit Committee has a Charter which includes its duties and 
responsibilities, composition, structure, membership requirements, 
authority, access rights and sets out a procedure for inviting non-
members to attend its meetings. The Charter requires the Audit 
Committee to meet with internal and external auditors at least once 

4.3.2  RESPONSIBILITIES
The Audit Committee discharges its responsibilities by meeting 
regularly throughout the year and, among other matters:
 –

 –

 –

 –

reviewing, and challenging where necessary, the actions and 
judgment of management in relation to full year and half year 
financial reports and other announcements relating to those reports 
prepared for release to the ASX, regulators and the public, before 
making appropriate recommendations to the Board;
reviewing the audit plans of the internal auditors, including the 
scope and materiality level of their audits; monitoring compliance 
with, and the effectiveness of, the audit plans of the internal 
auditors; reviewing reports from the internal auditors on their audit 
findings, management responses and action plans in relation to 
those findings, and reports from the internal auditors on the 
implementation of those action plans; and facilitating an open 
avenue of communication between the internal auditors, the 
external auditors and the Board;
reviewing the audit plans of the external auditors, including the 
nature, scope, materiality level and procedures of their audits; 
monitoring compliance with, and the quality and effectiveness of, 
the audit plans of the external auditors; and reviewing reports from 
the external auditors in relation to their major audit findings, 
management responses and action plans in relation to those 
findings, and reports from the external auditors on the 
implementation of those action plans; and
reviewing and recommending to the Board the fees payable to the 
external auditors, monitoring compliance with the Charter of Audit 
Independence and pre-approving the performance by the external 
auditors of any non-audit related work and any proposed fees to be 
paid to the external auditors for that work, for which its approval is 
required by the Charter of Audit Independence. The Charter divides 
non-audit work into three categories: work which must be approved 
by the Chief Financial Officer (if fees will fall below specified limits); 
work which must be approved by the Audit Committee; and work 
which is prohibited. Prior consultation with, and approval of the 
Chief Financial Officer or Audit Committee, as prescribed by the 
Charter, is required whenever management recommends that the 
external auditors undertake non-audit work. Internal accounting, 
valuation services, actuarial services and internal audit services 
must not be performed by the external auditors.

The Audit Committee is also responsible for monitoring the Brambles 
Speaking Up Policy, that it is communicated properly and complied with 
throughout Brambles, and for monitoring that appropriate protection 
against victimisation and dismissal is given to Brambles employees 
who make certain disclosures in the public interest.

4.3.3  MEETINGS
Details of the number of Audit Committee meetings held during the 
Year, and attendance at those meetings, are set out in the Directors’ 
Report – Other Information on page 46. Minutes of meetings are 
included in the papers for subsequent Board meetings.

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

23

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE  
STATEMENT CONTINUED

4.3.4  REPORTING
The Chairman of the Audit Committee reports to the Board on  
the Committee’s proceedings and on all matters relevant to the 
Committee’s duties and responsibilities. 

4.4  EXTERNAL AUDITOR
PricewaterhouseCoopers has been engaged by the Board to act as 
external auditors to Brambles since the 2002 financial year. Under the 
terms of engagement, the Australian audit engagement partner will 
rotate every five years.

The Audit Committee is responsible for making recommendations  
on the selection, appointment, evaluation and removal of external 
auditors, setting fees and ensuring that the external auditors’ 
engagement partners are rotated at appropriate intervals.

PRINCIPLE 5: MAKE TIMELY AND BALANCED DISCLOSURE
5.1  Establish a continuous disclosure policy
Brambles is committed to the promotion of investor confidence by 
taking steps within its power to ensure that trading in its securities 
occurs in an efficient and informed market. Brambles recognises 
the importance of effective communication as a key part of building 
shareholder value and that, to prosper and achieve growth, it must, 
among other matters, earn the trust of shareholders, employees, 
customers, suppliers and communities, by being open in its 
communications and consistently delivering on its commitments.

The Board has adopted a Continuous Disclosure and Communications 
Policy to:
 –

reinforce Brambles’ commitment to the continuous disclosure 
obligations imposed by law and to describe the processes 
implemented by it to ensure compliance;
outline Brambles’ corporate governance standards and related 
processes and ensure that timely and accurate information about 
Brambles is provided equally to all shareholders and market 
participants; and
outline Brambles’ commitment to communicating effectively 
with shareholders and encouraging shareholder participation 
in shareholder meetings.

 –

 –

The Continuous Disclosure and Communications Policy takes into 
account the matters listed in Box 5.1 of the CGPR. A copy can be found 
at www.brambles.com.

To achieve the above objectives and satisfy regulatory requirements, 
the Board provides information to shareholders and the market in 
several ways:
 –

significant announcements are released directly to the market via 
the ASX. Copies of these announcements are immediately placed on 
www.brambles.com.
Brambles conducts investor and analyst briefings as a part of its 
investor relations programme. No new materials or price sensitive 
information is provided at those briefings unless it has been 
previously or is simultaneously released to the market. Presentation 
materials are placed on Brambles’ website.
www.brambles.com contains further information about Brambles 
and its activities, including copies of recent interim and annual 
reports and recordings of the most recent presentations to analysts. 

 –

 –

24

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

5.1.1  COMMENTARY ON FINANCIAL RESULTS
The Audit Committee Charter requires the Committee to review the 
clarity of financial reports. 

A review of operations and activities for the Year is included on pages 
4 to 11. Presentations of the full and half year results are made to the 
investment community immediately after they are released to the 
market. Live webcasts of these presentations are transmitted via, and 
presentation materials are placed on, the Brambles website.

5.1.2  ELIMINATING SURPRISE ON TERMINATION ENTITLEMENTS
Details of the termination entitlements of Brambles’ Chief Executive 
Officer, Chief Financial Officer and other Key Management Personnel 
are disclosed on pages 36 and 37 of the Directors’ Report – 
Remuneration Report.

PRINCIPLE 6: RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF SHAREHOLDERS
Shareholders play an important role in the governance of Brambles 
by electing the Board, whose task it is to govern on their behalf.

The Chairman regularly meets major investors to understand their 
issues and concerns and discuss particular matters relating to 
Brambles’ governance and strategy. The Chief Executive Officer,  
Chief Financial Officer and other senior executives meet major 
investors to understand their issues and concerns and discuss  
company performance and strategy. No new material or price  
sensitive information is provided at such meetings. Other Non-
executive Directors may attend meetings with major investors and  
will attend them if requested. The Chairman reports to the Board  
on the matters discussed at meetings with major investors and copies 
of relevant correspondence are included in the Board papers.  
Executive management provide information on shareholder activity  
and trading to the Board, along with shareholder feedback and copies 
of analysts’ reports.

As a new shareholder communications initiative, a newsletter on the 
half year results and executive management changes was produced 
and sent to shareholders in April 2010.

6.1  Establish a communications policy
As disclosed in section 5.1, the Board has adopted a Continuous 
Disclosure and Communications Policy, which outlines Brambles’ 
commitment to communicating effectively with shareholders and 
encouraging shareholder participation in shareholder meetings.  
A copy can be found at www.brambles.com.

6.1.1  ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION
Brambles takes all of the measures to make effective use of electronic 
communication that are outlined in Box 6.1 of the CGPR.

Brambles posts a copy of all announcements made to the ASX on 
www.brambles.com. On release, significant announcements are 
highlighted in the “Latest News” area on the home page of the website.

Presentations to investors, analysts or media during briefings 
and copies of speeches and presentations made by the Chairman 
and Chief Executive Officer at general meetings are released as 
regulatory announcements and posted on www.brambles.com after 
release. Briefings and general meetings are also webcast live, via  
www.brambles.com.

All of the ASX regulatory releases and notices of meetings that 
Brambles Limited has published since it was listed in December 2006 
are available on www.brambles.com, as are several years’ history of 
such documents relating to BIL, prior to Unification.

Shareholders are asked to elect whether they would like to receive 
shareholder communications in printed form or provide an email 
address and be sent an electronic notification when a communication is 
available on www.brambles.com, instead of a hard copy. Shareholders 
who do not respond are sent a printed notification of availability of the 
annual report and hard copies of all other communications. 
Shareholders may electronically appoint proxies and lodge proxy 
instructions for items of business to be considered at general meetings, 
or have the option of lodging direct votes.

Each business unit has a risk and control committee, which conducts 
an in-depth review of the business unit’s risk profile. These profiles 
underpin the Group-level risk profile. The business unit risk profiles and 
accompanying mitigation plans were evaluated by Group Presidents, 
senior management at Brambles Headquarters, the Group Risk 
Committee and the Board. Legal obligations and the reasonable 
expectations of stakeholders, such as shareholders, customers, 
employees, subcontractors, suppliers and the community in general 
were taken into account when preparing and updating mitigation plans.

During the Year, a comprehensive review of the internal control and risk 
management system was carried out. This resulted in the adoption of a 
new risk management framework which took effect on 1 July 2010.  
Details of the new framework are set out in section 7.2.1.

6.1.2  MEETINGS
AGMs provide an opportunity for the Board to communicate with 
investors, through presentations on Brambles’ businesses and current 
trading. Shareholders are encouraged to attend AGMs and to 
participate and use the opportunity to ask questions on any matter.

To make better use of the limited time available, shareholders are 
invited to register questions and issues of concern prior to AGMs. 
This can be done either by completing the relevant form accompanying 
the notices convening the meetings or by emailing Brambles at 
shareholderquestions@brambles.com. Answers to frequently asked 
questions are given during presentations to AGMs. Shareholders may 
also ask questions at AGMs without having registered their questions 
in this manner.

6.1.3  COMMUNICATION WITH BENEFICIAL OWNERS
Beneficial owners of shares, investors or members of the public 
are encouraged to register for free email alerts, so that they may 
stay up to date on major news announcements made by Brambles. 
There is a link to the Email Alerts registration area of the website 
on the home page of www.brambles.com. Users of the Email Alerts 
service may customise the types of announcements that they receive.

6.1.4  WEBSITE
Brambles encourages shareholders to make full use of  
www.brambles.com and to provide an email address to the  
share registry so that they may be sent email notifications when 
shareholder communications are available. Brambles believes 
shareholders benefit from electronic communication as they receive 
information promptly and have the convenience and security of 
electronic delivery. Electronic communication is also environmentally 
friendly and generates cost savings.

PRINCIPLE 7: RECOGNISE AND MANAGE RISK 
7.1  Establish policies for the oversight and management of 
material business risks
7.1.1  RISK MANAGEMENT POLICIES
The Board is responsible for the establishment, and reviewing the 
effectiveness of the Group’s system of internal control and risk 
management. During the Year, the Board was supported in this role 
by management, in particular by the Group Risk Committee, the Audit 
Committee (in relation to financial reporting risks) and the Group’s 
internal audit function. The Group Risk Committee’s responsibilities are 
described in section 7.2.3 of this Statement. The Audit Committee’s 
responsibilities are described in section 4.3.2 of this Statement.

7.2  Reporting on effective management of material business risks
7.2.1  RISK MANAGEMENT AND INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEM
Management is responsible for the development, implementation 
and management of systems that:
 –

identify, assess and manage risks in an effective and efficient 
manner;
enable decisions to be based on a comprehensive view of the 
reward-to-risk balance;
provide greater certainty of the delivery of objectives; and
satisfy the Group’s corporate governance requirements.

 –

 –
 –

These systems are designed to limit the risk of failure to achieve 
business objectives. It must be recognised, however, that internal 
control and risk management systems can provide only reasonable, 
and not absolute, assurance against the risk of material loss.

Key elements of Brambles’ internal control systems include:
 –

a Code of Conduct that sets out an ethical and legal framework for 
all employees in the conduct of Brambles’ business;
financial systems to provide timely, relevant and reliable information 
to management and to the Board;
appropriate formalised delegations and limits of authority consistent 
with Brambles’ objectives;
biannual management declarations at country, regional and global 
levels confirming, among other matters, the adequacy of internal 
control procedures, the effectiveness of risk management systems 
and compliance with the Code of Conduct and all regulatory and 
statutory requirements;
an internal audit function, described in section 7.2.2 of this Statement;
a risk management function; 
a risk and control committee for each of its business units; and
other sources of independent assurance, such as environmental 
audits, occupational health and safety audits and reports from 
the external auditors.

 –

 –

 –

 –
 –
 –
 –

During the Year, the biannual management declarations process was 
reviewed. The questionnaires sent to management were simplified with 
the aim of improving the quality of responses and focusing on financial 
controls. A web-based system was developed to enable the 
questionnaires to be completed more easily and to facilitate rigorous 
tracking across periods.

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

25

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE  
STATEMENT CONTINUED

The key elements of Brambles’ business risk management systems 
during the Year are set out below: 

Risk control – risks to the achievement of business objectives were 
identified through a process of examination between the Group Risk 
Committee, Brambles’ risk management team, the business unit 
Group Presidents, business unit risk and control committees and 
functional process owners. Key business risks were also identified 
and analysed during regular management reporting and discussions. 
The identified risks were assessed in terms of their underlying causes, 
business consequences, external variables, current internal control 
effectiveness, likelihood of occurrence, overall risk priority and risk 
mitigation status. The resulting net risk and control profiles were 
presented to the Board, together with a risk improvement program 
designed to increase the effectiveness of controls and manage the 
overall level of risk. This process formed part of the Board’s annual 
review of the effectiveness of the systems of internal control.

Risk monitoring – there was regular reporting of key risk events, such 
as safety incidents, litigation and serious incidents (as defined in the 
Code of Conduct). In addition to regular monitoring by the Group 
Risk Committee and Brambles’ risk management team, risks and 
controls were reassessed by business unit risk and control committees 
on at least a biannual basis. The outcome of those assessments 
and details of progress in implementing risk improvement programs 
were signed off by Group Presidents and reported to the Group Vice 
President, Risk and Audit. In addition, a report on the effectiveness 
of the management of business risks was provided to the Group Risk 
Committee and the Board. The effectiveness of specific business risk 
controls and risk improvement programs were also periodically 
reviewed by internal audit as part of the FY10 internal audit program, 
and the results reported to the Audit Committee.

During the Year, the Board reviewed the effectiveness of the internal 
control and risk management systems and will continue to do so on 
an ongoing basis by:
 –

considering and approving the budget and forward plan of each 
business;
reviewing detailed monthly reports on business performance 
and trends;
setting limits on delegated authority;
receiving regular reports on Brambles’ treasury activities, 
and reviewing treasury guidelines, limits and controls;
conducting the review of Brambles’ risk profiles, as described 
in section 7.1.1 of this Statement;
receiving twice-yearly reports from the Group Risk Committee 
(and, from 1 July 2010, from the Executive Leadership Team) on the 
effectiveness of internal control and risk management systems for 
Brambles’ material business risks, being the report required by 
Recommendation 7.2 of the CGPR;
receiving twice-yearly written assurances from the Chief Executive 
Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as described in section 7.3 of this 
Statement; and
receiving reports from the Audit Committee, which has a 
responsibility to assist the Board in reviewing internal financial 
controls.

 –

 –
 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

26

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

New Risk Management Framework
During the Year, management continued to take actions to improve the 
risk management and internal control system. In particular, a 
comprehensive review of that system was carried out. This resulted in 
the adoption of a new risk management framework which took effect 
on 1 July 2010. The objectives of the new risk management framework 
are as follows:
 –

to incorporate effective risk management as part of Brambles’ 
strategic planning process;
to require business operating plans to address the effective 
management of key risks;
to develop internal audits plans to concentrate efforts on providing 
assurance on the viability and value of risk mitigation/management 
processes;
to embed a stronger risk management culture;
to improve allocation of capital to reflect business risks;
to seek competitive advantage through increased certainty of 
achieving agreed organisational and business objectives; and
to continue to fulfil governance requirements for risk management.

 –

 –

 –
 –
 –

 –

To strengthen the relationship between risk management and strategic 
and operational planning, from 1 July 2010, the Chief Executive Officer, 
through the Executive Leadership Team (see section 1.1), has principal 
responsibility for risk management. A Brambles Headquarters risk and 
control committee has also been established. It is chaired by the 
Chief Financial Officer and its members include key functional heads. 
The Executive Leadership Team will be supported by the Group Vice 
President, Risk and Audit and all risk and control committees now 
report to it. The changes to the risk management structure introduced 
by the new framework replace the risk management and reporting role 
of the Group Risk Committee.

7.2.2  INTERNAL AUDIT FUNCTION
The internal audit function is independent of the external auditor. 
Brambles’ internal audit function carries out risk-based audits under an 
annual plan approved by the Audit Committee. The internal audit team 
makes an independent appraisal of the adequacy and effectiveness of 
Brambles’ risk management and internal control system, to provide 
assurance to the Audit Committee and the Board.

The head of internal audit has direct access to the Chairman of the 
Audit Committee. Both the Audit Committee and the internal audit 
team have unrestricted access to management and the right to seek 
information and explanations.

7.2.3  GROUP RISK COMMITTEE
The Group Risk Committee was a management committee. During the 
Year, it assisted the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities to review 
Brambles’ policies on risk oversight and management and to satisfy 
itself that management has developed and implemented a sound 
system of risk management and internal control.

The Committee members were Greg Hayes (Chief Financial Officer 
and Committee Chairman), senior executives from each business unit 
and from Brambles’ accounting, risk and internal audit, legal and 
secretarial functions. A copy of the Group Risk Committee’s Charter 
can be found at www.brambles.com.

With the adoption of the new risk management framework, from 1 July 
2010, the Group Risk Committee’s risk management and reporting role 
has been assumed by the Executive Leadership Team, supported by the 
Group Vice President, Risk and Audit. Further details are in section 7.2.1.

7.3  Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer declaration
The Board receives written assurances from the Chief Executive 
Officer and Chief Financial Officer that the declaration provided 
under section 295A of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth)(Act) is founded 
on a sound system of risk management and internal control and that 
the system is operating effectively in all material respects in relation  
to financial reporting risks. The Board receives these assurances in 
advance of approving both the annual and interim financial statements.

PRINCIPLE 8: REMUNERATE FAIRLY AND RESPONSIBLY 
8.1  Establish a remuneration committee
8.1.1  PURPOSE OF THE REMUNERATION COMMITTEE
The objective and purpose of the Remuneration Committee is to assist 
the Board in establishing remuneration policies and practices which:
 –
enable Brambles to attract and retain executives and Directors 
who will create value for shareholders;
fairly and responsibly reward executives having regard to the 
performance of Brambles, the performance of the executive and  
the general remuneration environment; and
comply with the provisions of the ASX Listing Rules and the Act.

 –

 –

8.1.2  CHARTER
The Remuneration Committee has a Charter which includes its  
duties and responsibilities, composition, structure, membership 
requirements, authority, access rights and sets out a procedure 
for inviting non-members to attend its meetings. A copy of the 
Remuneration Committee’s Charter, which is reviewed annually,  
can be found at www.brambles.com.

8.1.3  COMPOSITION OF REMUNERATION COMMITTEE
The Remuneration Committee is comprised entirely of Non-executive 
Directors, all of whom are independent. The four members of the 
Remuneration Committee are Luke Mayhew (Committee Chairman), 
Tony Froggatt, Graham Kraehe and John Mullen. The Remuneration 
Committee meets at least three times a year. Details of the number 
of Remuneration Committee meetings held during the Year and 
attendance at those meetings, are set out in the Directors’ Report – 
Other Information on page 46. 

8.1.4  RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE REMUNERATION COMMITTEE
The Remuneration Committee discharges its responsibilities by 
meeting regularly throughout the year and, among other matters:
 –

determining and agreeing with the Board the broad policy for the 
remuneration of the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive 
Officer and other members of the senior executive team, and 
reviewing the ongoing appropriateness and relevance of the 
executive remuneration policy;

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

determining the remuneration for the Executive Directors and 
the Company Secretary, reviewing the proposed remuneration  
for the senior executive team, ensuring that contractual terms  
on termination, and any payments made, are fair to the individual 
and Brambles, that failure is not rewarded and that the duty 
to mitigate loss is fully recognised, and, in determining such 
packages and arrangements, giving due regard to all relevant 
regulations and associated guidance;
insofar as they impact on the Executive Directors and the senior 
executive team, approving the design of, and determining targets for, 
all cash-based executive incentive plans, and approving the total 
proposed payments from all such plans;
keeping all equity-based plans under review in the light of 
legislative, regulatory and market developments, determining each 
year whether awards will be made under such plans and whether 
there are exceptional circumstances which allow awards at other 
times, approving total proposed awards under each plan, and 
approving awards to Executive Directors and reviewing awards 
made to the senior executive team;
annually reviewing and taking account of the remuneration trends 
across Brambles in its main markets, and advising on any major 
changes in employee benefit structures throughout Brambles; 
reviewing the funding and performance of Brambles’ retirement 
plans and reporting to the Board; and
selecting, appointing and setting the terms of reference for external 
remuneration consultants who advise the Committee in respect of 
the remuneration of the Executive Directors.

8.1.5  REMUNERATION POLICY
Details of Brambles’ remuneration policy can be found in the Directors’ 
Report – Remuneration Report on pages 31, 32, 33 and 41.

The remuneration of the Chairman of Brambles is determined by 
the Remuneration Committee. The remuneration of the other Non-
executive Directors is determined by the Executive Directors, with the 
Non-executive Directors taking no part in the discussion or decision 
relating to their remuneration. In setting remuneration, advice is 
sought from external remuneration consultants.

During the Year, the Committee monitored the Productivity 
Commission’s recommendations on executive remuneration and the 
Government’s response to those recommendations. The Committee 
anticipates that Brambles will be well placed to comply with the 
expected legislative changes in FY11.

8.2  Comparison of remuneration structures
There is a clear distinction between the structure of Non-executive 
Directors’ remuneration and that of the Executive Directors and 
executive management. Brambles has taken account of the guidelines 
for executive remuneration packages in Box 8.1 of the CGPR and 
the guidelines for non-executive director remuneration in Box 8.2 of  
the CGPR. Further details can be found in the Directors’ Report – 
Remuneration Report on pages 31, 32, 33 and 41.

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

27

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE  
STATEMENT CONTINUED

The following checklist summarises Brambles’ compliance with the CGPR and contains cross references to the sections of this Statement and 
to the exact location of information disclosed at www.brambles.com.

PRINCIPLE/RECOMMENDATION

REFERENCE

PRINCIPLE 1: LAY SOLID FOUNDATIONS FOR MANAGEMENT AND OVERSIGHT

Recommendation 1.1

Role of the board and management

Recommendation 1.2

Performance evaluation of senior executives

Corporate Governance Statement: 1.1

Corporate Governance Statement: 1.2

Recommendation 1.3

Companies should provide the following information in the corporate governance statement:

 –

an explanation of any departures from Recommendations 1.1, 1.2 or 1.3

Not applicable

 –

whether a performance evaluation for senior executives has taken place in the  
reporting period and whether it was in accordance with the process disclosed

Corporate Governance Statement: 1.2

A statement of matters reserved for the board, or the board charter or the statement of 
areas of delegated authority to senior executives should be made publicly available, ideally 
by posting it to the company’s website in a clearly marked corporate governance section

www.brambles.com 
See “Corporate Governance”, “Board 
of Directors”, “Role of the Board”.

PRINCIPLE 2: STRUCTURE THE BOARD TO ADD VALUE

Recommendation 2.1

Independent directors

Recommendation 2.2

Independent chairman

Recommendation 2.3

Roles of chairman and chief executive officer

Recommendation 2.4

Nomination committee

Corporate Governance Statement: 2.1

Corporate Governance Statement: 2.2

Corporate Governance Statement: 2.3

Corporate Governance Statement: 2.4

Recommendation 2.5

Process for evaluating the performance of the board, its committees and directors

Corporate Governance Statement: 2.5

Recommendation 2.6

Companies should provide the following information in the corporate 
governance statement:

Corporate Governance Statement:

 –

 –

 –

the skills, experience and expertise relevant to the position of director held by each 
director in office at the date of the annual report

the names of the directors considered by the board to constitute independent directors 
and the company’s materiality thresholds

the existence of any of the relationships listed in Box 2.1 and an explanation of why  
the board considers a director to be independent, notwithstanding the existence of 
those relationships

 –

a statement as to whether there is a procedure agreed by the board for directors  
to take independent professional advice at the expense of the company

 –

the period of office held by each director in office at the date of the annual report

2

2.1.2

2.1.2

2.1.1

2

 –

 –

the names of members of the nomination committee and their attendance at meetings 
of the committee, or where a company does not have a nomination committee, how  
the functions of a nomination committee are carried out

2.4.3 and Directors’ Report – Other 
Information, page 46.

whether a performance evaluation for the board, its committees and directors  
has taken place in the reporting period and whether it was in accordance with the 
process disclosed 

2.5

 –

an explanation of any departures from Recommendations 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5 or 2.6

Not applicable

The following material should be made publicly available, ideally by posting it to 
the company’s website in a clearly marked corporate governance section:

 –

a description of the procedure for the selection and appointment of new directors  
and the re-election of incumbent directors

 –

 –

the charter of the nomination committee or a summary of the role, rights, 
responsibilities and membership requirements for that committee
the board’s policy for the nomination and appointment of directors

www.brambles.com
See “Corporate Governance”, “Board of 
Directors”, “Board Succession Planning 
and Renewal”.

www.brambles.com
See “Corporate Governance”, 
“Committees of the Board”, 
“Nominations Committee”.

28

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
PRINCIPLE/RECOMMENDATION

REFERENCE

PRINCIPLE 3: PROMOTE ETHICAL AND RESPONSIBLE DECISION-MAKING

Recommendation 3.1

Establish a code of conduct

Recommendation 3.2

Securities trading policy

Recommendation 3.3

Companies should provide the following information in the corporate 
governance statement:

Corporate Governance Statement: 3.1

Corporate Governance Statement: 3.2

 –

an explanation of any departures from Recommendations 3.1, 3.2 or 3.3

Not applicable

The following material should be made publicly available, ideally by posting it  
to the company’s website in a clearly marked corporate governance section:

 –
 –

any applicable code of conduct or a summary
the trading policy or a summary

PRINCIPLE 4: SAFEGUARD INTEGRITY IN FINANCIAL REPORTING

Recommendation 4.1

Establish an audit committee

Recommendation 4.2

Structure of the audit committee

Recommendation 4.3

Audit committee charter

Recommendation 4.4

Companies should provide the following information in the corporate governance 
statement:

www.brambles.com
See “Corporate Governance”, “Other”, 
“Brambles Code of Conduct” 
(which incorporates the Securities 
Trading Policy as Schedule 8).

Corporate Governance Statement: 4.1

Corporate Governance Statement: 4.2

Corporate Governance Statement: 4.3

 –

 –

the names and qualifications of those appointed to the audit committee and their 
attendance at meetings of the committee, or, where a company does not have  
an audit committee, how the functions of an audit committee are carried out
the number of meetings of the audit committee

Corporate Governance Statement: 4.3 
and Directors’ Report – Other 
Information, page 46.

 –

an explanation of any departures from Recommendations 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 or 4.4

Not applicable

The following material should be made publicly available, ideally by posting it to the 
company’s website in a clearly marked corporate governance section:

 –
 –

the audit committee charter
information on procedures for the selection and appointment of the external auditor, 
and for the rotation of external audit engagement partners

www.brambles.com
See “Corporate Governance”, 
“Committees of the Board”, “Audit 
Committee”.

PRINCIPLE 5: MAKE TIMELY AND BALANCED DISCLOSURE

Recommendation 5.1

Establish a continuous disclosure policy

Corporate Governance Statement: 5.1

Recommendation 5.2

Companies should provide the following information in the corporate governance 
statement:

 –

an explanation of any departures from Recommendations 5.1 or 5.2

Not applicable

The policies or a summary of those policies designed to guide compliance with Listing  
Rule disclosure requirements should be made publicly available, ideally by posting them  
to the company’s website in a clearly marked corporate governance section

www.brambles.com
See “Corporate Governance”, “Other”, 
“Brambles Code of Conduct” (which 
incorporates the Continuous 
Disclosure and Communications Policy 
as Schedule 3).

PRINCIPLE 6: RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF SHAREHOLDERS

Recommendation 6.1

Establish a communications policy

Corporate Governance Statement: 6.1

Recommendation 6.2

Companies should provide the following information in the corporate governance 
statement:

 –

an explanation of any departures from Recommendations 6.1 or 6.2

Not applicable

The company should describe how it will communicate with its shareholders publicly, 
ideally by posting this information on the company’s website in a clearly marked  
corporate governance section

www.brambles.com
See “Corporate Governance”, “Other”, 
“Brambles Code of Conduct” (which 
incorporates the Continuous 
Disclosure and Communications Policy 
as Schedule 3).

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

29

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE  
STATEMENT CONTINUED

PRINCIPLE/RECOMMENDATION

REFERENCE

PRINCIPLE 7: RECOGNISE AND MANAGE RISK

Recommendation 7.1

Establish policies for the oversight and management of material business risks

Corporate Governance Statement: 7.1

Recommendation 7.2

Reporting on effective management of material business risks

Recommendation 7.3

Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer declaration

Corporate Governance Statement: 7.2

Corporate Governance Statement: 7.3

Recommendation 7.4

Companies should provide the following information in the corporate governance 
statement:

 –

an explanation of any departures from Recommendations 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 or 7.4

Not applicable

 –

 –

whether the board has received the report from management under  
Recommendation 7.2

Corporate Governance Statement: 7.2

whether the board has received assurance from the chief executive officer (or 
equivalent) and the chief financial officer (or equivalent) under Recommendation 7.3

Corporate Governance Statement: 7.3

The following material should be made publicly available, ideally by posting it to the 
company’s website in a clearly marked corporate governance section:

 –

a summary of the company’s policies on risk oversight and management of  
material business risks

PRINCIPLE 8: REMUNERATE FAIRLY AND RESPONSIBLY

Recommendation 8.1

Establish a remuneration committee

Recommendation 8.2

Comparison of remuneration structure

Recommendation 8.3

Companies should provide the following information in the corporate governance 
statement:

www.brambles.com
See “Corporate Governance”,  
“Risk Management”.

Corporate Governance Statement: 8.1

Corporate Governance Statements: 
8.1.2 and Directors’ Report – 
Remuneration Report pages 31, 32, 33 
and 41.

 –

the names of the members of the remuneration committee and their attendance  
at meetings of the committee, or where a company does not have a remuneration 
committee, how the functions of a remuneration committee are carried out

Corporate Governance Statement: 
8.1.3 and Directors’ Report – Other 
Information, page 46.

 –

the existence and terms of any schemes for retirement benefits, other than 
superannuation, for non-executive directors

Not applicable

 –

an explanation of any departures from Recommendations 8.1, 8.2 or 8.3

Not applicable

The following material should be made publicly available, ideally by posting it to the 
company’s website in a clearly marked corporate governance section:

 –

the charter of the remuneration committee or a summary of the role, rights, 
responsibilities and membership requirements for that committee

 –

a summary of the company’s policy on prohibiting entering into transactions in 
associated products which limit the economic risk of participating in unvested 
entitlements under any equity-based remuneration schemes

www.brambles.com
See “Corporate Governance”, 
“Committees of the Board”, 
“Remuneration Committee”.

www.brambles.com
See “Corporate Governance”,  
“Other”, “Brambles Code of Conduct” 
(which incorporates the Securities 
Trading Policy as Schedule 8).

30

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

DIRECTORS’ REPORT – 
REMUNERATION REPORT

Last year, in recognition of the tough market conditions, Brambles’ 
financial performance and the need to tightly control costs, the 
Company took the following actions:
 –
 –

executive salaries were frozen for financial year 2010;
salaries below the Executive Leadership Team were also frozen, 
with small increases at lower levels being limited to any exceptional 
performers who were paid below market level; and
short term bonuses, if awarded at all, were extremely modest and 
significantly lower than in previous years.

 –

In the past year Brambles has continued to have a strong focus on  
cost control and bonus and share awards for 2010 under Brambles’ 
Short Term Incentive plan have reflected the Company’s performance.  
All outstanding Long Term Incentive awards will require improved 
performance to vest.

The year did see significant changes to Brambles’ executive leadership, 
including the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer, Tom Gorman, 
the former Group President, CHEP EMEA and a new Chief Financial 
Officer, Greg Hayes. All new executive appointments were considered 
by the Remuneration Committee and we are comfortable that the 
remuneration is reasonable, appropriate and in line with similar roles 
elsewhere.

After four years of no change, the Chairman initiated a review of 
Non-executive Director fees to ensure they properly reflected local 
market rates and the appropriate relativity between his fees and  
those of other Non-executive Directors. Increases in Non-executive 
Directors’ fees will be largely offset by a reduction in the Chairman’s fees. 

In 2011 we will revisit Brambles’ remuneration policy to ensure that 
there continues to be a close alignment between executive reward and 
the delivery of key business objectives, and that there are effective 
incentives and rewards for the delivery of strong sustainable returns 
for shareholders. Meanwhile I believe that this Remuneration Report 
demonstrates that the current incentive arrangements, which were 
approved by shareholders in 2008, have proved to be fit for purpose  
in a difficult economic environment as well as being in line with recent 
government regulation.

Finally we have further simplified the Remuneration Report. It remains 
challenging to do that and to also ensure all formal disclosures are 
properly included. I believe this is another step in the right direction.

During the year a number of senior executives left the business.  
These were managed under the provisions of the relevant employment 
contracts. 

LUKE MAYHEW
Non-executive Director and  
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

CONTENTS
1. Background
2. Remuneration Committee
3. Remuneration policy and structure
4. Performance of Brambles
5. Executive Directors and Disclosable Executives
6. Non-executive Directors’ disclosures
7. Appendices

1. BACKGROUND
This Remuneration Report includes information on Brambles’ Executive 
Directors, Non-executive Directors, and other Group executives whose 
details are required to be disclosed (Disclosable Executives).

Disclosable Executives include those persons having authority and 
responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the 
Group, and who, for some or all of the year ending 30 June 2010 (Year), 
have been a member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) 
of Brambles (Key Management Personnel). 

This report includes all disclosures required by the Corporations Act 
2001 (Cth)(Act), regulations made under that Act, and Australian 
Accounting Standard AASB 124: Related Party Disclosures. The 
disclosures required by section 300A of the Act have been audited. 
Disclosures required by the Act cover both Brambles Limited 
(Company) and the Group.

2. REMUNERATION COMMITTEE
The Remuneration Committee (Committee) operates under delegated 
authority from Brambles’ Board. The Committee’s responsibilities 
include recommending overall remuneration policy to the Board, 
approving the remuneration arrangements for the Executive Directors, 
the ELT and the Company Secretary and reviewing the remuneration 
policy and individual arrangements for other executives. 

More detail on the Remuneration Plan and the Committee’s 
membership, Charter, activities and advisers, can be found on the 
Brambles website at www.brambles.com under “Corporate 
Governance”, “Committees of the Board”, “Remuneration Committee”.

3. REMUNERATION POLICY AND STRUCTURE
The Board has adopted a remuneration policy for the Group which is 
consistent with its business objectives and designed to attract and 
retain high calibre executives, align executive rewards with the 
creation of shareholder value, and motivate executives to achieve 
challenging performance levels. 

When setting and reviewing remuneration levels for the Executive 
Directors and other members of the ELT, the Committee considers the 
experience, responsibilities and performance of the individual and takes 
into account market data relevant to the individual’s role and location, 
as well as Brambles’ size, geographic spread and complexity. The 
Group’s remuneration policy is to pay at the median level of 
remuneration for target capability and performance and to provide 
upper quartile rewards for outstanding capability and performance. 

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

31

DIRECTORS’ REPORT –  
REMUNERATION REPORT 
CONTINUED

The structure of Brambles’ current incentive arrangements was 
approved by shareholders at the 2008 Annual General Meeting. These 
plans received a 96% vote in favour and amended the previous long 
term incentive plans approved by shareholders in 2006. The Board 
made a minor amendment to the 2006 Share Plan rules in 2009. This 
change stipulates that executives who leave the Company under 
certain circumstances, such as retirement or redundancy, would not 
receive accelerated vesting of their STI Share Awards and would 
instead need to wait until the completion of the three-year 
performance period to receive any awards.

Remuneration is divided into those components which are not directly 
linked to target capability and company performance (that is, they are 
“Fixed”), and those components which are variable and are directly 
linked to Brambles’ financial performance and the delivery of personal 
and safety objectives (that is, they are “At Risk”).

3.1 Fixed remuneration
Fixed remuneration generally consists of base salary and benefits. 
However, as is common elsewhere, the Chief Executive Officer, who is 
based in Australia, is provided with an annual Total Fixed Remuneration 
(TFR) amount and has flexibility as to the precise mixture of cash and 
benefits he receives within that amount. This may include motor 
vehicles, club membership, and disability and life insurance. Executives 
who are not covered by TFR may receive similar benefits in addition to 
their base salary.

As a global group, Brambles operates an international mobility policy 
which can include the provision of housing, payment of relocation costs 
and other location adjustment expenses where appropriate. 

Vesting date ↓
(3rd anniversary of 
equity award date)

Equity award date↓
(Normally made late August)

The manner in which the awards operate is summarised in the 
following diagram:
STI CASH AWARD
Size determined by 
performance against 
Key Performance 
Indicators (see 
section 4.1 for 
details) for the Year. 

STI SHARE AWARD
Size normally 
derived from size of 
STI cash award.

Awards vest subject 
to continued 
employment at 3rd 
anniversary of grant.

=

LTI SHARE AWARD
Size calculated as % 
of salary/TFR.

TSR – Out 
performance of 
median ranked 
company. 
Full vesting for out 
performance of 25%.

Sales revenue 
CAGR with 
BVA hurdle.

↑ Start of 
Financial Year 1

End of ↑
Financial Year 3

PERFORMANCE PERIOD

The market value at the date of grant of all equity awards made to any 
person in any financial year should not normally (and did not during the 
Year) exceed two times their TFR or equivalent. The STI and LTI share 
awards have a maximum life of six years from grant date.

3.2 At Risk remuneration
In addition to those elements of remuneration which are Fixed, a 
significant element of executives’ total potential reward is required 
to be At Risk. This means that an individual’s maximum potential 
remuneration may be achieved only in circumstances where they have 
met challenging objectives in terms of Brambles’ overall financial 
performance and sustainable returns for all shareholders. The 
proportion of executives’ remuneration packages at risk is illustrated  
in section 3.3.

Brambles’ Securities Trading Policy applies to awards granted under 
the incentive arrangements described above. That policy prohibits 
designated persons from acquiring financial products or entering into 
arrangements which have the effect of limiting exposure to the risk 
of price movements of Brambles securities. It is a condition of senior 
executives’ employment contracts that they are required to comply 
with all Brambles policies (including the Securities Trading Policy). 
Management declarations are obtained twice yearly and include a 
statement that all policies have been complied with.

At Risk remuneration is provided to Brambles’ executives through short 
term incentive (STI) and long term incentive (LTI) arrangements. All 
the incentive plans under which awards to Executive Directors and the 
Disclosable Executives are still to vest or be exercised are summarised 
in sections 7.2 and 7.3. 

Brambles’ At Risk remuneration includes three different types of 
award, an STI cash award, STI share award and an LTI share award. 

Total Shareholder Return (TSR) measures the returns that a company 
has provided for its shareholders, reflecting share price movements 
and reinvestment of dividends over a specified period. Definitions  
of BVA, TSR, and Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) and the 
methods by which they are calculated are included in the Glossary  
on pages 119 to 120.

More detailed information on Brambles’ current incentive 
arrangements is set out in section 4, and in the relevant plan rules, 
which can be found on the Brambles website.

3.3 Remuneration packages – Fixed vs. At Risk
Brambles’ executive remuneration mix is heavily tied to performance.  
At Risk remuneration is performance based and is made up of 
short term and long term incentives. It represents approximately 
65-70% of the executive’s remuneration package (based on target 
performance for STI and using the fair market value for share awards). 

The following bar graph illustrates the remuneration mix. It shows the 
potential remuneration mix if an executive hits all targets and the mix 
based on actual payments, including STI cash awards made in respect 
to the Year, and STI and LTI share awards that vested during the  
Year. Share awards that vested during the Year were granted as at  
29 August 2007. As shown in the following graph, the actual 
remuneration of executives is between 41% and 68% less than the 
potential, due to low STI payments and LTI share awards not vesting 
during the Year. 

32

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

100%

80%

37%

60%

I

N
O
T
A
R
E
N
U
M
E
R

REMUNERATION MIX SHOWING POTENTIAL AT TARGET AND ACTUAL

37%

34%

34%

37%

37%

37%

37%

34%

37%

Fixed

STI

LTI

30%

0%

34%

33%

40%

15%

0%
9%

0%
8%

0%

33%

25%

34%

0%

34%

0%

34%

18%

18%

0%

28%

34%

0%

13%

33%

0%

19%

34%

0%
3%

20%

0%

33% 33%

29%

29%

33%

33%

33%

33%

29%

29%

29%

29%

29%

29%

29%

29%

33%

33%

29%

29%

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T J GORMAN1

G J HAYES1

J L INFINGER1

J R A JUDD1

P S MACKIE1

E E POTTS

J D RITCHIE1

K J SHUBA1

N P SMITH

R J WESTERBOS1

EXECUTIVES

Details of the percentages of the STI cash award expected to be paid 
to Disclosable Executives and the percentages of STI cash award 
forfeited in respect to performance during the Year, are shown below.

REMUNERATION MIX SHOWING POTENTIAL AT TARGET AND ACTUAL

Actual STI cash paid and forfeited in 2010

100%

4.1 STI Key Performance Indicators
As outlined in section 3.2, executives have the opportunity to receive an 
annual STI cash and share award based on performance against KPIs 
(the share element vests three years after the award). 

Fixed

STI

LTI

1 The potential remuneration shown is for the entire 12 month period, but these executives did not hold their current position for the whole Year.

34%

34%

The STI financial KPIs chosen for the Year (in addition to personal 
strategic and safety objectives) were Brambles Value Added (BVA) and 
34%
37%
Cash Flow from Operations (Cash Flow), plus (for the CEO and the 
CFO) Profit After Tax (PAT). For CHEP and Recall Group Presidents, 
33%
34%
KPIs included Brambles BVA and their respective business unit (CHEP 
or Recall) BVA and Cash Flow.

0%
8%

33%

13%

33%

19%

25%

0%

0%

0%

29%

29%

33%

33%

33%

33%

33%

A focus on BVA helps ensure the efficient use of capital within 
33%
Brambles. PAT captures interest and tax charges which are not directly 
incorporated in BVA. The reintroduction of Cash Flow in 2010 was to 
ensure a heightened focus on the generation of cash for the Company. 
This measure will continue to be used as an STI KPI in 2011.
J L INFINGER1

J R A JUDD

N P SMITH

K J SHUBA

l
a
i
t
n
e
t
o
P

l
a
i
t
n
e
t
o
P

l
a
i
t
n
e
t
o
P

l
a
i
t
n
e
t
o
P

l
a
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t
c
A

l
a
u
t
c
A

l
a
u
t
c
A

l
a
u
t
c
A

The key levels of performance possible against each of the financial 
KPIs relevant to the STI awards for the Year were: Threshold (the 
minimum necessary to qualify for the awards); Target (where the 
performance targets have been met); and Maximum (where the targets 
have been significantly exceeded, and the related rewards have 
reached their upper limit).

The actual levels of performance achieved for the Year against the 
financial KPIs are summarised in the following table.

NAME

80%

37%

37%

I

60%

N
O
T
A
Executive Directors
R
E
30%
N
U
T J Gorman
40%
M
E
R

15%

0%

34%

G J Hayes
20%

33% 33%
Current Key  
Management Personnel

29%

29%

0%

ACTUAL STI CASH AS A %  
OF MAXIMUM STI CASH  
37%
FOR YEAR ENDED  
30 JUNE 2010

37%

% OF MAXIMUM STI 
CASH FORFEITED 
37%
37%
FOR YEAR ENDED  
30 JUNE 2010

0%

28%

34%

0%
9%

34%

34%

0%

34%

0%

65%

57%

0%
3%

35%

18%

43%

18%

29%

29%

29%

29%

29%

29%

29%

29%

l
a
i
t
n
e
t
o
P

l
a
u
t
c
A

l
a
u
t
c
A

l
a
i
t
n
e
t
o
P

l
a
u
t
c
A

l
a
i
t
n
e
t
o
P

l
a
u
t
c
A

l
a
i
t
n
e
t
o
P

l
a
i
t
n
e
t
o
P

T J GORMAN1

G J HAYES1

J D RITCHIE1

R J WESTERBOS1

P S MACKIE1

P S Mackie

63%

l
a
u
t
c
A

56%

57%

l
a
u
t
c
A

l
a
i
t
n
e
t
o
P

E E POTTS

37%
EXECUTIVES
42%

J L Infinger

J R A Judd

E E Potts

44%

43%

58%

J D Ritchie

K J Shuba

N P Smith

R J Westerbos

41%

39%

44%

67%

59%

61%

56%

33%

4. PERFORMANCE OF BRAMBLES
Brambles’ remuneration policy is directly linked to its performance, 
both in terms of financial performance and the creation of shareholder 
wealth. This link is achieved in the following ways: 
 –
 –

by placing a significant portion of executives’ remuneration At Risk;
by selecting appropriate Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for 
annual STI cash awards and performance conditions for equity 
awards; and 
by requiring those KPIs or conditions to be met in order for the 
At Risk component of remuneration to be awarded or to vest.

 –

The relationship between Brambles’ remuneration policy and its 
performance over the Year and the previous four financial years is 
set out in section 4.2.1. The table in section 4.2.1 shows the level 
of vesting of awards triggered by performance over those periods.

1  The potential remuneration shown is for the entire 12 month period, but these executives did not hold their current position for the whole Year.

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

33

DIRECTORS’ REPORT –  
REMUNERATION REPORT 
CONTINUED

Performance against KPIs in 2010

KPIs

LEVEL OF PERFORMANCE ACHIEVED DURING 
THE YEAR2

Brambles BVA

Brambles PAT

Brambles Cash Flow

CHEP Americas BVA

Between Threshold and Target

Between Target and Maximum

Achieved Target

Below Threshold

CHEP Americas Cash Flow

Achieved Target

CHEP EMEA BVA

Between Target and Maximum

CHEP EMEA Cash Flow

Achieved Target

CHEP Asia-Pacific BVA

Between Target and Maximum

CHEP Asia-Pacific Cash Flow

Achieved Target

Recall BVA

Between Target and Maximum

Recall Cash Flow

Achieved Target

In addition to financial measures, which comprise 60-70% of each 
member of the ELT’s STI, 30-40% of each STI is based on the 
achievement of personal non-financial measures such as the delivery 
of objectives relating to business strategy, growth, customer, people 
and talent management and safety. For example, the Group President 
CHEP Americas’ personal objectives included KPIs associated with the 
delivery of the Better Everyday program.

Brambles regards the safety of its people as a major priority and the 
ELT has Group-wide oversight of the Zero Harm Charter. This means 
that all ELT members will lose any STI entitlement under their safety 
objective if a fatality occurs anywhere in the Brambles Group.

The table in section 3.3 illustrates the impact of the above results 
on the level of STI cash award payable and forfeited during the Year.

4.2 Equity award vesting conditions
As outlined in section 3.2, Disclosable Executives also have the 
opportunity to receive equity awards in the form of LTI share awards. 
Vesting only occurs three years from the date of award and depends on 
Brambles’ TSR performance relative to the S&P/ASX100 Index over a 
three year performance period (Performance Period), as well as, in the 
most recent awards, Brambles’ performance against sales revenue 
growth and BVA hurdles, as described in the following tables. 

A relative TSR performance condition helps ensure that value is only 
delivered to participants if the investment return actually received by 
Brambles’ shareholders is sufficiently high relative to the return they 
could have received by investing in a portfolio of alternative stocks over 
the same period of time.

Details of the equity awards granted to Disclosable Executives and the 
performance hurdles which apply to each of the awards are set out 
in section 7.2. The table in section 4.2.1 illustrates the relationship 
between Brambles’ remuneration policy and performance, showing the 
level of vesting of equity awards triggered by performance over various 
periods to 30 June 2009 and to 30 June 2010. 

4.2.1  PERFORMANCE AWARDS UNDER THE 2004 AND 2006 
PERFORMANCE SHARE PLANS
Awards under the above Performance Share Plans are subject to 
performance hurdles based on relative TSR. The following table details, 
for awards made during the financial years indicated, the performance 
against the applicable hurdle.

Level of vesting of LTI and Enhanced STI share awards based on TSR performance

AWARDS MADE  
DURING FINANCIAL YEAR

PERFORMANCE 
CONDITION

START OF PERFORMANCE  
PERIOD

RANKING PERFORMANCE 
(OUT OF 100)

VESTING TRIGGERED  
(% OF ORIGINAL AWARD)

VESTING TRIGGERED  
(% OF ORIGINAL AWARD)

PERIOD TO 30 JUNE 2009

PERIOD TO 30 JUNE 2010

20073 

20083 

Relative TSR4

21 February 2007

Relative TSR4

1 July 2007

814

684

N/A

N/A

The following table provides similar details for awards which have yet to be tested. 

0% Enhanced STI Awards  
0% LTI Awards

0% Enhanced STI Awards
0% LTI Awards

AWARDS MADE  
DURING FINANCIAL YEAR

PERFORMANCE 
CONDITION

START OF PERFORMANCE  
PERIOD

RANKING PERFORMANCE  
(OUT OF 100)

VESTING IF CURRENT PERFORMANCE IS MAINTAINED UNTIL EARLIEST 
TESTING DATE (% OF ORIGINAL AWARD)

PERIOD TO 30 JUNE 2010

20095

20105

Relative TSR4

1 July 2008

Relative TSR4

1 July 2009

544

604

0% LTI Awards

0% LTI Awards

2  Financial targets set for the forthcoming financial year under Brambles’ incentive plans will not constitute profit forecasts and the Board is conscious that their 

publication may therefore be misleading. Accordingly Brambles does not publish in advance the coming year’s financial targets for incentive purposes. Brambles’ BVA 
performance for the Year is however, set out on page 10.

3  These performance share rights were granted under the 2006 Share Plan prior to its amendment in November 2008. Rights under this Plan vest on the third anniversary 

of their grant date subject to meeting a relative TSR performance condition. If the performance condition is not met the rights will lapse.

4  The average ranking of the Company’s TSR against the S&P/ASX 100 Index.
5  These performance share rights were granted under the 2006 Share Plan. Rights under this Plan vest on the third anniversary of their grant date. 50% of the award will 
vest subject to meeting a relative TSR performance condition. The balance of the award will vest subject to sales revenue growth and BVA performance. The vesting 
matrix for this component of the 2010 award is detailed at section 4.2.2.

34

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

4.2.2  LTI AWARD VESTING CONDITIONS
In November 2008, shareholders approved changes to the 2006 
Share Plan, to introduce two sets of performance hurdles, each 
with equal weighting. 

Half of the LTI share award continues to be measured on relative TSR, 
now based on the extent to which the Brambles TSR over the 
Performance Period exceeds the TSR of the median ranked company 
in the S&P/ASX100 Index over the three year period. The other half of 
the LTI share award is measured against the achievement of profitable 
growth objectives. The growth element of the LTI share award is 
designed to incentivise both long term revenue and BVA growth. Vesting 
is based on achievement of sales revenue with three year performance 
hurdles set on a compound annual growth rate basis. The sales revenue 
growth targets are underpinned by BVA hurdles. This is designed to 
drive profitable business growth, to ensure quality of earnings is 
maintained at a strong level and to deliver increased shareholder value.

Both sales revenue growth and BVA are measured in constant currency.

The target matrix is set by the Remuneration Committee and approved 
by the Board for each LTI award and published in the subsequent 
Remuneration Report and Financial Statements. This allows the Board 
to set targets for each LTI share award which reward strong 
performance in the light of the prevailing and forecast economic and 
trading conditions. 

The following table provides the vesting framework for the relevant 
awards made during the Year. These targets are lower than those set 
for 2009-2011 to reflect the significantly different global economic 
and market conditions. If current performance is maintained until the 
performance hurdles are assessed, the awards will not vest.

LTI performance matrix for financial years 2010 to 2012

VESTING %

CUMULATIVE THREE YEAR BVA  
US$M AT FIXED JUNE 2009 FX RATES

800

–

30%

50%

70%

90%

100%

1,000

30%

50%

70%

90%

100%

100%

1,200

50%

70%

90%

100%

100%

100%

SALES REVENUE CAGR*

3%

4%

5%

6%

7%

8%

*Three year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over base year

4.2.3 ALL EMPLOYEE SHARE PLAN
At the 2008 Annual General Meeting, shareholders gave approval 
to an all employee share plan (MyShare), which was implemented 
in January 2009. 

Since the initial launch, more than 20% of Brambles employees  
from more than 25 countries have elected to participate in MyShare. 
The number of shares purchased by employees (Acquired Shares) as 
at 30 June 2010 is 723,849 (excluding shares acquired through the 
dividend share plan). At the end of March 2011, the first full cycle of 
MyShare will be completed when Brambles makes a matching number 
of shares available to employees. It is anticipated that this allocation 
will result in the MyShare employee shareholding representing 0.1% 
of issued capital. On completion of the first full cycle of MyShare, a 
review will be undertaken.

Members of the ELT are eligible to participate in MyShare. Shares 
purchased under MyShare are included in section 5.5, whereas 
matching share rights (Matching Awards) allocated during the Year  
are shown in section 5.6.

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

35

5.1.4 G J HAYES
Greg Hayes commenced as Chief Financial Officer on  
16 November 2009 and became an Executive Director of Brambles  
on 1 December 2009. 

Greg Hayes’ contract provides for the following remuneration package:

 –
 –

base salary of A$1,250,000; and
participation in Brambles’ incentive plans in line with current policy:
 >

STI opportunity of 60% of base salary (target) and 90% 
(maximum);
Grant of STI share awards, the value of which will match the STI 
payment each year; and
Grant of annual LTI share awards equal to 130% of base salary.

 >

 >

5.2 Service contracts
Current Executive Directors and Key Management Personnel are on 
continuing contracts which may be terminated without cause by the 
employer giving 12 months’ notice, or by the employee giving six 
months’ notice, with payments in lieu of notice calculated by reference 
to TFR/annual base salary. The termination conditions for Jim Ritchie, 
Kevin Shuba, Elton Potts and Jim Infinger include payments in lieu of 
notice calculated by reference to annual base salary and health 
insurance benefits. These standard service contracts require that any 
termination payments made would be reduced by any value to be 
received under any new employment. 

Other than Peter Mackie6, executives remunerated on a base salary 
approach receive pension contributions of 15% of base salary. 

DIRECTORS’ REPORT –  
REMUNERATION REPORT 
CONTINUED

5. EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS AND DISCLOSABLE EXECUTIVES
5.1 Executive Director changes
The following changes occurred in respect to Brambles’ Executive 
Directors during the Year. Each of the departures was managed  
under the provisions of the existing employment contracts. The details 
were disclosed to the ASX on 6 October 2009 (in respect to Mike Ihlein 
and Tom Gorman) and 5 November 2009 (in respect to Liz Doherty and 
Greg Hayes).

5.1.1 M F IHLEIN
Mike Ihlein retired as Chief Executive Officer and an Executive Director 
on 1 November 2009. He agreed to remain in Brambles’ employ until  
1 March 2010 to assist with the transition to the new Chief Executive 
Officer. On retirement from Brambles, Mike Ihlein received the 
following payments:

 –
 –

 –

 –

six months’ TFR (inclusive of payment in lieu of notice period);
payment for any accrued annual leave and long service leave at the 
date of retirement;
pro-rated STI payment based on performance against objectives for 
the Year; and
relevant good leaver treatment in respect of his previously granted 
awards under the 2006 Share Plan.

5.1.2 M E DOHERTY
Liz Doherty resigned from the Board on 16 November 2009. Her 
employment with Brambles ceased on 30 November 2009. On 
cessation of employment she received the following:

 –
 –

12 months’ TFR (inclusive of payment in lieu of notice period); and
a payment in consideration for the unvested Brambles shares that 
Liz Doherty was granted on joining in December 2007. These shares 
were granted to her in consideration for the long term incentive 
shares that she forfeited on leaving Tesco.

5.1.3 T J GORMAN
Tom Gorman was appointed by the Board to succeed Mike Ihlein as 
Chief Executive Officer on 1 November 2009 and became an Executive 
Director of Brambles on 1 December 2009. 

Tom Gorman’s contract provides for the following remuneration 
package:

 –

 –

TFR comprising salary and all other benefits (other than incentive 
plans) of A$1,800,000; and
participation in Brambles’ incentive plans in line with current policy:
 >
 >

STI opportunity of 45% of TFR (target) and 67% (maximum);
grant of STI share awards, the value of which will match the STI 
payment each year; and
grant of annual LTI share awards equal to 115% of TFR.

 >

6  Peter Mackie receives employer superannuation (pension) contributions of 21% of base salary for income up to £153,700 and 15% of base salary for any amount  

above £153,700.

36

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

Contract terms for executives

NAME AND ROLE(S)

Executive Directors

CONTRACT TYPE AND ANY SPECIAL TERMS

SALARY/TFR AS AT 30 JUNE 2010  
UNLESS INDICATED

Thomas Joseph Gorman
Group President, CHEP Europe, Middle East and Africa until 
31 October 2009. Chief Executive Officer from 1 November 2009. 

Continuing contract. 

TFR (including pension contributions) 
amount of A$1,800,000 

Continuing contract.

Base salary of A$1,250,000 

Gregory John Hayes
Chief Financial Officer from 16 November 2009.

Former Executive Directors

Michael Francis Ihlein
Chief Executive Officer until 1 November 2009.

Mary Elizabeth Doherty
Chief Financial Officer until 16 November 2009.

Continuing contract. On death, estate 
entitled to 1.3 times TFR amount.

Continuing contract. On death, estate 
entitled to 1.3 times TFR amount.

TFR (including pension contributions) 
amount of A$2,363,000 as at date  
of cessation of employment  
(1 March 2010)

TFR (including pension contributions) 
of A$1,260,000 as at date of cessation 
of employment (30 November 2009)

Current Key Management Personnel

James David Ritchie
President, CHEP USA until 14 January 2010.  
Group President, CHEP Americas from 15 January 2010.

Rudolph Joseph Westerbos
Group President CHEP Europe, Middle East and Africa from  
19 April 2010.

Kevin John Shuba
Group President, CHEP Americas until 14 January 2010.  
Group Senior Vice President and Customer Development Officer  
from 15 January 2010. 

E Elton Potts
Group President and Chief Operating Officer, Recall

Peter Stewart Mackie
President, CHEP Europe until 31 October 2009.  
Acting Group President, CHEP Europe, Middle East and Africa  
from 1 November 2009 to 18 April 2010.  
Group President, CHEP Asia-Pacific from 19 April 2010. 

Nicholas Peter Smith
Group Senior Vice President, Human Resources

Jasper Rayner Augusto Judd
Group Senior Vice President – Strategic Development until  
15 March 2010. Group Senior Vice President and Head of  
Innovation from 16 March 2010. 

James Louis Infinger
Group Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer  
from 19 October 2009.

Former Senior Executive

Craig Andrew van der Laan de Vries7
Group President, CHEP Asia-Pacific and Global Head  
of Mergers and Acquisitions until 18 December 2009.

Continuing contract.

Base salary of US$530,000 

Continuing contract.

Base salary of €390,000 

Continuing contract.

Base salary of US$530,000 

Continuing contract.

Base salary of US$530,000

Continuing contract.

Base salary of A$550,000 

Continuing contract.

Base salary of A$575,000 

Continuing contract.

Base salary of A$500,000 

Continuing contract.

Base salary of US$425,000 

Continuing contract. On death, estate 
entitled to 0.5 times TFR amount and  
0.5 times average annual STI paid to  
him over three previous years. 

TFR (including pension contributions) 
amount of A$1,025,000 as at date  
of cessation of employment  
(18 December 2009).

7  Craig van der Laan received payment in lieu of a 12 month notice period, calculated by reference to annual TFR and the average STI cash award received over the previous 

three years.

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

37

DIRECTORS’ REPORT –  
REMUNERATION REPORT 
CONTINUED

5.3 Total remuneration and benefits for the Year 
The following table shows details of the total remuneration and benefits provided to the Disclosable Executives for the Year, together with prior 
year comparatives. This includes one-off contractual payments to departing executives. The TFR amounts shown for Tom Gorman, Mike Ihlein, 
Liz Doherty and Craig van der Laan, are those to which they were entitled for the Year, and which they elected to receive in a combination of one 
or more of the following elements: cash salary payments; pension contributions; and motor vehicle benefits.

SHORT TERM EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

POST 
EMPLOYMENT 
BENEFITS

OTHER

SHARE-BASED PAYMENT

NAME

YEAR

CASH/ 
SALARY/  
TFR/FEES 
US$’000

CASH  
BONUS 
US$’000

NON-
MONETARY 
BENEFITS8 
US$’000

SUPER-
ANNUATION 
US$’000

TERMINATION/ 
SIGN-ON 
PAYMENTS/ 
RETIREMENT 
BENEFITS 
US$’000

OTHER 
US$’000

TOTAL  
BEFORE 
EQUITY 
US$’000

OPTIONS/ 
AWARDS 
US$’000

AS %  
OF TOTAL

TOTAL 
US$’000

Executive Directors

T J Gorman

G J Hayes

20109

2009

20109

2009

Former Executive Directors

M F Ihlein14

M E Doherty14

Totals

20109

2009

20109

2009

2010

2009

1,408

770

709

–

1,492

2,006

488

973

4,097

3,749

Current Key Management Personnel

J L Infinger

J R A Judd

P S Mackie

E E Potts

J D Ritchie

K J Shuba

N P Smith

R J Westerbos

2010

2009

20109

2009

2010

2009

2010

2009

2010

2009

2010

2009

20109

2009

2010

2009

Former Senior Executive

C A van der Laan14

20109

Totals

2009

2010

2009

301

–

592

701

443

–

513

497

509

–

563

554

544

461

146

–

425

945

4,036

3,158

692

94

349

–

191

19

1

–

441

209

–

–

–

1,482

94

99

–

252

41

276

–

278

53

164

–

184

–

296

54

65

–

–

76

38

56

21

457

78

375

–

4

5

136

–

–

–

56

–

8

4

1

–

3

–

–

3

1,614

224

583

12

27

80

95

–

–

–

–

–

122

80

37

–

66

55

69

–

67

80

66

–

75

71

76

62

16

–

–

–

472

268

–

–

–

–

1,080

–

1,554

–

2,634

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

217

–

–

–

–

–

445

–

1,876

–

2,538

–

48

21

–

–

–

–

–

–

48

21

10

–

–

–

17

–

18

18

13

–

19

19

–

–

1

–

–

–

78

37

2,366

984

1,154

–

3,222

2,044

2,098

994

8,840

4,022

822

–

914

802

941

–

876

648

1,025

–

849

648

917

577

676

–

2,301

1,024

9,321

3,699

438

293

288

–

952

1,543

16%

23%

20%

–

23%

43%

(351)

(20%)

323

1,327

2,159

25%

–

–

2,804

1,277

1,442

–

4,174

3,587

1,747

1,317

10,167

6,181

291

–

242

354

122

–

320

407

375

–

243

373

120

106

–

–

26%

1,113

–

21%

31%

12%

–

27%

39%

27%

–

22%

37%

12%

16%

–

–

–

1,156

1,156

1,063

–

1,196

1,055

1,400

–

1,092

1,021

1,037

683

676

–

(1,028)

(81%)

999

685

2,239

49%

–

–

1,273

2,023

10,006

5,938

8  Non-monetary benefits include car parking, personal/spouse travel, club membership, motor vehicles, relocation and storage costs and fringe benefits tax.
9  The year-on-year comparison of remuneration costs is affected by the movement of exchange rates from A$1=US$0.7479 for 2009 to A$1=US$0.8813 for 2010.
Note: Footnote 14 appears on page 39.

38

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5.4 Equity-based awards 
The following table shows details of equity-based awards made to the 
Disclosable Executives during the Year. STI and LTI share awards were 
made under the 2006 Share Plan, the terms and conditions of which 
are available in sections 7.2 and 7.3 (see plan numbers 18-20). 
Matching Awards were made under MyShare, the terms and conditions 
of which are available in sections 7.2 and 7.3 (plan numbers 28-40). 
Neither Dolph Westerbos or Craig van der Laan were awarded 
equity-based awards during the Year. 

EQUITY-BASED 
AWARDS

 NUMBER 

VALUE AT GRANT 
US$’00010

NAME

TYPE OF AWARD

Executive Directors

T J Gorman

STI 

LTI 

G J Hayes

MyShare Matching 

Total

STI 

LTI 

Total 

Former Executive Directors

M F Ihlein14

MyShare Matching 

Total

M E Doherty14

MyShare Matching 

Total

Current Key Management Personnel

J L Infinger

STI 

LTI 

J R A Judd

P S Mackie

E E Potts

J D Ritchie

K J Shuba

N P Smith

MyShare Matching 

Total 

STI 

LTI

MyShare Matching 

Total 

STI 

LTI 

MyShare Matching 

Total 

STI 

LTI 

MyShare Matching 

Total 

STI 

LTI 

MyShare Matching 

Total 

STI

LTI 

MyShare Matching 

Total 

STI 

LTI 

MyShare Matching 

Total 

15,158

311,168

668

326,994

 – 

 405,870 

405,870

483

483

440

440

 60,092 

 68,490 

135

128,717

 8,305 

75,162 

 878 

84,345

4,504

48,604 

 593 

53,701

8,487

94,564 

 611 

103,662

–

65,266 

 224 

65,490

–

111,034 

 611 

111,645

10,753

86,436 

 737 

97,926

 78 

 1,329 

 4 

–

 1,733 

 1,733 

 3 

 3 

 2 

 2 

 310 

 292 

1

 603 

 43 

 321 

 5 

 369 

 23 

 208 

 3 

 234 

 44 

 404 

 3 

 451 

–

 279 

 1 

 280 

–

 474 

 4 

 478 

56 

 369 

 4 

 429 

5.5 Shareholdings 
The table below shows details of Brambles Limited ordinary shares in 
which the Disclosable Executives held relevant interests, being issued 
shares held by them and their related parties.

Over the five year period commencing from the date of employment 
with Brambles, the Chief Executive Officer must, as a minimum, 
achieve and maintain a shareholding equal to 150% of TFR before tax. 
Other members of the ELT must, as a minimum, achieve and maintain 
a shareholding equal to 75% of TFR or 100% of base salary before tax.

ORDINARY SHARES

BALANCE AT THE START 
OF THE YEAR

CHANGES 
DURING 
THE YEAR

BALANCE AT  
THE END OF  
THE YEAR11 12

Executive Directors

T J Gorman

G J Hayes

Former Executive Directors14

 1,411 

M F Ihlein

M E Doherty

245

 – 

783,524

 10,151 

685

 – 

489 

441 

Current Key Management Personnel

J L Infinger

J R A Judd

P S Mackie

E E Potts

J D Ritchie

K J Shuba

N P Smith

R J Westerbos

Former Senior Executive14

 – 

135

 50,590 

14,809 

 245 

 50,689 

609

7,437 

 – 

39,941 

 28,033 

18,419 

 292 

 – 

754 

 – 

93013

 – 

 784,01315 

10,59216

 13513 

 65,399 

 85413 

 58,126 

 39,941 

 46,452 

 1,04613 

 – 

C A van der Laan

 15,000 

34,779 

 49,779 

10  The total value of the relevant equity award(s) is valued as at the date of grant 
using the methodology set out in section 7.1. The minimum possible future value 
of all awards yet to vest is zero, and is based on the performance/service 
conditions not being met. The maximum possible future value of awards yet to 
vest is equal to the value at grant.

11  On 31 July 2010 the following Disclosable Executives acquired ordinary shares 

under MyShare, which are held by Computershare Nominees CI Limited: 
Tom Gorman (76), Jim Infinger (42), Jasper Judd (77), Peter Mackie (77), 
Elton Potts (69), Jim Ritchie (69), Kevin Shuba (69) and Nick Smith (77).

12  Of which Computershare Nominees CI Limited holds 592 shares for Liz Doherty, 
1,029 for Jasper Judd, 867 for Elton Potts, 224 for Jim Ritchie and 864 for 
Kevin Shuba.

13  Held by Computershare Nominees CI Limited.
14  Closing balances are shown as at cessation of employment for former 

employees. Mike Ihlein’s employment ceased on 1 March 2010, Liz Doherty’s 
employment ceased on 30 November 2009 and Craig van der Laan’s 
employment ceased on 18 December 2009.

15  Of which 115,000 shares were held by UBS Wealth Management Australia Pty 
Limited for the Ihlein Family Superannuation Fund, 1,000 shares were held in 
the form of CREST Depository Interests by Citibank and 781 shares were held 
by Computershare Nominees CI Limited.

16  Of which 592 shares were held by Computershare Nominees CI Limited.

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

39

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DIRECTORS’ REPORT –  
REMUNERATION REPORT 
CONTINUED

5.6 Interests in options/share rights17 
The table below shows details of options/share rights over Brambles Limited ordinary shares in which the Disclosable Executives held relevant 
interests, in the form of:
 –
 –

options, being awards made under the 2001 Option Plans;
share rights, being awards made before 30 June 2004 under the 2001 Share Plans, awards made on 21 October 2005 under the 2004 Share 
Plans, and awards made on 19 January 2007, 29 August 2007 and 27 August 2008 under the 2006 Share Plan;
Matching Awards being share rights awarded during the Year under MyShare.

 –

BALANCE AT  
THE START OF 
THE YEAR

GRANTED DURING THE YEAR

EXERCISED DURING THE YEAR18

LAPSED DURING THE YEAR

NAME

NUMBER

NUMBER20 21

VALUE AT 
GRANT US$’000

NUMBER

VALUE AT 
EXERCISE 
US$'000

NUMBER

VALUE AT 
LAPSE 
US$’00022

BALANCE 
AT THE END 
OF THE 
YEAR19

VESTED AND 
EXERCISEABLE 
AT END OF YEAR

NUMBER

NUMBER

Executive Directors

T J Gorman

G J Hayes

 219,688 

 – 

 326,994 

 405,870 

 1,411 

 1,733 

Former Executive Directors

M F Ihlein14

M E Doherty14

 809,734 

 246,453 

 483 

 440 

Current Key Management Personnel

J L Infinger

J R A Judd

P S Mackie

E E Potts

J D Ritchie

K J Shuba

N P Smith

 – 

 128,717 

 177,446 

 110,041

 210,106

 123,368

 334,421

 97,463

 84,345 

 53,701 

 103,662 

 65,490 

 111,645 

 97,926 

Former Senior Executive

 3 

 2 

 603 

 369 

 234 

 451 

 280 

 478 

 429 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 13,93123

 6,27823 

 9,95523 

 58,71823 

 134,53424 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 95 

 40 

 66 

 291 

 833 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

546,682 

405,870 

 – 

 – 

 110,038 

 567 

700,179 

 68,71323 

 – 

 – 

 28,668 

 17,701 

 27,109 

 37,538 

28,136 

–

246,893 

 – 

128,717 

 148 

219,192 

 91 

139,763 

 140 

276,704 

 266 

92,602 

145 

283,396

 – 

 – 

195,389 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

C A van der Laan14

 442,662 

 – 

 – 

 34,77923 

 237 

 49,507 

 255 

358,376 

17  Of the awards detailed in section 7.3 the following plan numbers are relevant to Disclosable Executives: Tom Gorman (3-8, 12-14, 18-20); Greg Hayes (19-20); Mike Ihlein  
(10, 12-14, 24-35); Liz Doherty (9, 12-14, 24-33); Jim Infinger (18-20, 36-40); Jasper Judd, Peter Mackie, and Elton Potts (3-8,12-14,18-20,24-40); Jim Ritchie (15-20, 
36-40), Kevin Shuba (1-8, 12-14, 19-20, 24-40); Nick Smith (12-14, 18-20, 24-40) and Craig van der Laan (3-8, 12-14). Lapses occurred for Mike Ihlein, Jasper Judd, 
Peter Mackie, Elton Potts, Kevin Shuba and Craig van der Laan from plan numbers 4 and 5. Jasper Judd, Peter Mackie, Elton Potts, Kevin Shuba and Craig van der Laan 
exercised from plan number 3. In addition Kevin Shuba exercised from plan numbers 1 and 2. Jim Ritchie exercised an award from plan number 15, and his awards under 
plan number 17 lapsed.

18  Of the options/rights exercised during the Year, no monies were paid on exercise, with the exception of Kevin Shuba who paid US$417,529 on exercise of 104,010 options 

during the Year.

19  Since the end of the Year, on 30 July 2010 the following Executive Directors and Key Management Personnel received Matching Awards under MyShare: Tom Gorman (76), 

Jim Infinger (42), Jasper Judd (77), Peter Mackie (77), Elton Potts (69), Jim Ritchie (69), Kevin Shuba (69) and Nick Smith (77).

20  During the Year, 3,582,251 performance share rights were granted under the 2006 Share Plan, of which 326,326 were granted to Tom Gorman and 405,870 were granted 

to Greg Hayes, prior to their appointment as Executive Directors.

21  During the Year, 537,154 Matching Awards were granted under MyShare, of which 483 were granted to Mike Ihlein and 440 were granted to Liz Doherty. Approval for the 
issue of these securities was obtained under ASX Listing Rule 10.14 at the AGM held on 25 November 2008. 668 Matching Awards were granted to Tom Gorman under 
MyShare. Tom Gorman’s application to continue to participate in MyShare was accepted before he became an Executive Director.

22  “Lapse” in this context means that the award was forfeited due to either the service or performance conditions not being met.
23  Vested during the Year.
24  Of which 9,326 vested during the Year.
Note: Footnote 14 appears on page 39.

40

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6. NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ DISCLOSURES
6.1 Non-executive Directors’ remuneration policy 
Non-executive Directors’ fees are determined by the Executive 
Directors, with the Non-executive Directors taking no part in the 
discussion or decision relating to their fees. In setting the fees, advice 
is sought from external remuneration consultants on the appropriate 
level of fees, taking into account the responsibilities of Directors in 
dealing with the complexity and global nature of Brambles’ affairs 
and the level of fees paid to Non-executive Directors in comparable 
companies.

Since 1 January 2007, Non-executive Directors’ fees have been fixed 
and denominated in US dollars and then converted each month into the 
currency of the country in which each individual Non-executive Director 
resides. Following four years of unchanged fees, during the Year the 
Chairman initiated a review of Non-executive Director fees and the 
relativity between his fee and those of other Non-executive Directors. 
The aim of the review was to simplify the structure of the fees and 
ensure they properly reflect current market rates. At the completion  
of the review, it was decided that effective from 1 February 2010, 
Non-executive Directors’ fees would be denominated in Australian 
dollars, other than for UK based Non-executive Directors whose fees 
would be denominated in Pounds Sterling. This review led to a 
reduction in the Chairman’s fee and an increase in other Non-executive 
Directors’ fees.   

This review established the following fee structure:                                                                                                       

Chairman

Australia based Non-executive Directors

UK based Non-executive Directors25

Fee supplement for Audit Committee 
Chairman26

Fee supplement for Remuneration  
Committee Chairman25 26

A$543,333                                                                     

A$173,000

£80,000

A$36,000

£15,000                            

The next fee review will take effect from 1 January 2011.

6.2 Non-executive Directors’ appointment letters
Directors are appointed for an unspecified term but are subject to 
election by shareholders at the first Annual General Meeting after  
their initial appointment by the Board. Under Brambles Limited’s 
constitution, no member of the Board may serve for more than 
three years from the date of appointment without being re-elected 
by shareholders. Re-appointment is not automatic. The Board reviews 
whether retiring Directors should stand for re-election, having regard 
to their performance and the contribution of their individual skills and 
experience to the desired overall composition of the Board. 

Letters of appointment for the Non-executive Directors, which are 
contracts for service but not contracts of employment, have been put 
in place. These letters confirm that the Non-executive Directors have 
no right to compensation on the termination of their appointment for 
any reason, other than for unpaid fees and expenses for the period 
actually served.

The Non-executive Directors do not participate in Brambles’ short  
or long term incentive plans, nor do they receive any benefits in kind. 
Details of the years in which the Non-executive Directors are next 
due for re-election by shareholders are shown in the Corporate 
Governance Statement in section 2.

6.3 Non-executive Directors’ remuneration for the Year
The fees and other benefits provided to Non-executive Directors during 
the Year and during the prior year are set out in the table below. The 
full names of the Non-executive Directors and the dates of any changes 
in Non-executive Directors are shown in the Directors’ Report – Other 
Information. 

Any contributions to personal superannuation or pension funds on 
behalf of the Non-executive Directors are deducted from their overall 
fee entitlements.

25  Luke Mayhew, the Remuneration Committee Chairman, is currently the only UK based Non-executive Director.
26  The fee supplement is only payable to a Committee Chairman who is not also the Board Chairman.

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

41

DIRECTORS’ REPORT –  
REMUNERATION REPORT 
CONTINUED

Table 6.3 Non-executive Directors’ remuneration for the Year

SHORT TERM 
EMPLOYEE 
BENEFITS

POST EMPLOYMENT 
BENEFITS

SHARE-BASED 
PAYMENT

NAME

YEAR

DIRECTORS’ FEES 
US$’000

SUPERANNUATION 
US$’000

OTHER27 
US$’000

TOTAL BEFORE EQUITY  
US$’000

OPTIONS/AWARDS 
US$’000

TOTAL 
US$’000

Current Non-executive Directors

A G Froggatt

S P Johns

S C H Kay

G J Kraehe AO

C L Mayhew

J P Mullen

B M Schwartz AM

Former Non–executive Director

D P Gosnell

Totals

2010

2009

2010

2009

2010

2009

2010

2009

2010

2009

2010

2009

2010

2009

2010

2009

2010

2009

125

108

155

136

122

108

448

471

138

133

84

–

122

33

85

113

1,279

1,102

8

10

8

12

11

10

40

21

5

5

8

–

11

3

3

4

94

65

–

–

–

–

–

–

4

4

1

–

–

–

–

–

31

22

36

26

133

118

163

148

133

118

492

496

144

138

92

–

133

36

119

139

1,409

1,193

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

133

118

163

148

133

118

492

496

144

138

92

–

133

36

119

139

1,409

1,193

6.4 Non-executive Directors’ shareholdings
Non-executive Directors are encouraged to hold shares in Brambles equal to their annual fees after tax within three years of their appointment.

The following table contains details of Brambles Limited shares in which the Non-executive Directors held relevant interests, being issued shares  
held by them and their related parties. The Non-executive Directors do not participate in Brambles’ equity-based incentive schemes. 

ORDINARY SHARES

BALANCE AT THE  
START OF THE YEAR

CHANGES 
DURING  
THE YEAR

BALANCE AT 
THE END OF 
THE YEAR

Current Non-executive Directors

A G Froggatt28

S P Johns29

S C H Kay30

G J Kraehe AO31

C L Mayhew32

J P Mullen

14,890

47,500

13,400

61,561

16,500

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

14,890 

47,500 

13,400 

61,561 

16,500 

 – 

B M Schwartz AM33

10,000

354

10,354 

Former Non-executive Director

D P Gosnell34

14,450

 – 

14,450 

27  “Other” includes personal/spouse travel and fringe benefits tax.
28  Of which 7,000 shares were held by Christine Joanne Froggatt.
29  Of which 27,500 shares were held by Canzak Pty Limited and 20,000 shares were held by Caran Pty Limited.
30  Of which 8,500 shares were held by the Sarah Carolyn Hailes Kay Superannuation Fund.
31  Held by Invia Custodians for Graham John Kraehe Private Superannuation Fund.
32  Held by Worldwide Nominees Limited.
33  Held by Brian Schwartz and Arlene Schwartz as trustees for the Schwartz Superannuation Fund.
34  Held by Susan Gosnell.

42

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7. APPENDICES 
7.1 Basis of valuation of equity-based awards
Unless otherwise specified, the fair value of the options and share rights included in the tables in this report, has been estimated by Ernst & Young 
Transaction Advisory Services in accordance with the requirements of AASB 2: Share-based Payments, using a binomial model. Assumptions used 
in the evaluations are outlined in Note 27 on page 92.

7.2 Summary of 2001, 2004 and 2006 plans
The table below contains details of the 2001 Share Plans, the 2001 Option Plans, the 2004 Share Plans and the 2006 Share Plan under which 
former or current Executive Directors and Disclosable Executives unvested and/or unexercised awards which could affect remuneration in this  
or future reporting periods.

PLAN

NATURE OF AWARD

SIZE OF AWARD

VESTING CONDITION

VESTING SCHEDULE 

2001 Option 
Plans

Share rights

% of salary/TFR

Time and relative 
TSR hurdle (between 
50th and 25th out  
of 100)

38% vesting if TSR is 
ranked 50th out of 100 
companies. 100% vesting 
if ranked 25th or better.

PERFORMANCE/
VESTING PERIOD

Three years, with 
retests after four 
and five years.

LIFE OF AWARD

Maximum of six years.

2001 Share Plans

Share rights

% of salary/TFR

Time and EPS CAGR 
hurdle (between 7% 
and 15% p.a.)

25th vesting if EPS CAGR 
is 7% p.a. 100% vesting if 
EPS CAGR is 15% p.a.

Three years, with 
retests after four 
and five years.

Maximum of six years.

2004 & 2006 
Share Plans 
(STI)

2004 & 2006 
Share Plans 
(Enhanced STI)

2004 & 2006 
Share Plans (TSR 
LTI)

2006 Share Plan 
(TSR LTI) as 
amended at the 
2008 AGM

2006 Share Plan 
(BVA LTI)

Share rights

up to 100% of size 
of STI Cash Award

Time only.

100% vesting based on 
continuous employment.

Three years.

Maximum of six years.

Share rights

Up to 50% of size 
of STI Share 
Award

Share rights

% of salary/TFR

Share rights

% of salary/TFR

Share rights

% of salary/TFR

Time and relative 
TSR hurdle (between 
37th and 25th out  
of 100).

4% vesting if TSR is 
ranked 37th out of 100 
companies. 100% vesting 
if 25th or better.

Time and relative 
TSR hurdle (between 
50th and 25th out  
of 100)

30% vesting if TSR is 
ranked 50th out of 100 
companies. 100% vesting 
if 25th or better.

Time and relative 
TSR hurdle (between 
50th and 25th out  
of 100)

Time and sales 
revenue growth and 
BVA performance

40% vesting if TSR is 
equal to the median 
ranked company. 100% 
vesting if 25% above the 
median ranked company.

20% vesting occurs if 
CAGR is 7% and BVA is 
US$2,000 over three year 
period. 100% vesting 
occurs if CAGR is 11% 
and BVA is US$2,200 
over three year period.

Three years.

Maximum of six years.

Three years.

Maximum of six years.

Three years.

Maximum of six years.

Three years.

Maximum of six years.

MyShare

Matching 
share rights

1:1 match for 
every acquired 
share purchased

Time and retention of 
acquired shares

N/A

Two years from 
first acquisition.

Automatic exercise on 
second anniversary of 
first acquisition.

The 2004 Share Plans operate in the same way as the 2006 Share Plan described in section 4.2 although, under the 2004 Share Plans,  
relative TSR performance is measured relative to the S&P/ASX50 and the FTSE 100.

7.3 Options and share rights 
The terms and conditions of each grant of options and share rights affecting remuneration in this or future reporting periods are outlined  
in the table below. Options and share rights granted under the plans carry no dividends or voting rights35.

35  Awards granted under the 2004 Plans were formerly over both BIL and BIP shares.

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

43

DIRECTORS’ REPORT –  
REMUNERATION REPORT 
CONTINUED

PLANS UNDER WHICH 
AWARDS MADE

PLAN 
NUMBER

GRANT DATE

EXPIRY DATE

EXERCISE PRICE

VALUE AT GRANT

STATUS/VESTING DATE

2001 Option Plan36

2001 Share Plans36

2006 Share Plans

MyShare

1

2

3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40

4 March 2004

4 March 2004

19 January 200737 38
19 January 200738 40
19 January 200738 41
29 August 200737
29 August 200740
29 August 200741
26 February 200837 42
19 March 200843 
28 April 200837
27 August 200837
27 August 200841
27 August 200844
1 June 2009
1 June 2009
1 June 2009
25 November 200937
25 November 200941
25 November 200944

31 March 200945
30 April 200945
29 May 200945
30 June 200945
31 July 200945
31 August 200945
30 September 200945
30 October 200945
30 November 200945
31 December 200945
29 January 201045
26 February 201045
31 March 201046
30 April 201046
31 May 201046
30 June 201046
30 July 201046

4 March 2010

A$5.31/£2.11 A$1.17/£0.44 100% exercisable from 4 March 2007

4 March 2010

31 August 201239
31 August 201239
31 August 201239
30 August 201339
30 August 201339
30 August 201339
2 December 201339
2 March 201439
29 April 201439
27 August 201439
27 August 201439
27 August 201439
1 July 2010
1 July 2011
1 October 2009
25 November 201539
25 November 201539
25 November 201539

1 April 2011
1 April 2011
1 April 2011
1 April 2011
1 April 2011
1 April 2011
1 April 2011
1 April 2011
1 April 2011
1 April 2011
1 April 2011
1 April 2011
1 April 2012
1 April 2012
1 April 2012
1 April 2012
1 April 2012

– A$4.67/£1.85 100% exercisable from 4 March 2007

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

A$12.60 100% exercisable from 19 January 2010

A$5.72 100% lapsed at 1 July 2009
A$6.97 100% lapsed at 1 July 2009

A$12.64 29 August 2010
A$6.75 29 August 2010
A$8.11 29 August 2010
A$9.39 100% lapsed at 30 November 2009
A$8.84 1 March 2011
A$8.01 28 April 2011
A$6.53 27 August 2011
A$5.99 27 August 2011
A$4.67 27 August 2011
A$5.75 100% vested at 1 June 2010
A$5.55 1 June 2011
A$5.68 100% lapsed at 30 September 2009
A$5.85 25 November 2012
A$5.85 25 November 2012
A$3.84 25 November 2012

A$5.09 31 March 2011
A$5.97 31 March 2011
A$5.91 31 March 2011
A$5.91 31 March 2011
A$5.67 31 March 2011
A$6.99 31 March 2011
A$7.79 31 March 2011
A$6.76 31 March 2011
A$6.30 31 March 2011
A$6.46 31 March 2011
A$6.23 31 March 2011
A$6.59 31 March 2011
A$7.00 31 March 2012
A$6.92 31 March 2012
A$6.31 31 March 2012
A$5.13 31 March 2012
A$5.18 31 March 2012

LUKE MAYHEW
Non-executive Director and Chairman of the Remuneration Committee
19 August 2010

36  All values in A$ relate to awards originally made over BIL shares, and in £ to 

42  Awards granted on 19 March 2008 were, for pricing and vesting purposes, taken 

awards made over BIP shares.

to have been granted on 1 March 2008.

37  STI awards vest on the third anniversary of their grant date, subject to 

43  Awards granted on 26 February 2008 were, for pricing and vesting purposes, 

continued employment.

38  Awards granted on 19 January 2007 were, for pricing and vesting purposes, 

taken to have been granted on 30 August 2006.

39  Awards granted to Elton Potts, Tom Gorman, Kevin Shuba, Jim Infinger and  

Jim Ritchie expire three years earlier than the date shown, or immediately after 
vesting, if earlier.

40  Enhanced STI awards vest on the third anniversary of their grant date, subject 

to continuing employment and meeting a TSR performance condition.

41  These LTI awards vest on the third anniversary of their grant date, subject to 

continuing employment and meeting a TSR performance condition.

taken to have been granted on 1 December 2007.

44  These LTI awards vest on the third anniversary of their grant date, subject to 
continuing employment and meeting a sales growth and BVA performance 
condition.

45  These Matching Awards granted under MyShare vest on 31 March 2011, subject 
to continuing employment and retention of the associated Acquired Shares.  
On vesting they are automatically exercised.

46  These Matching Awards granted under MyShare vest on 31 March 2012, subject 
to continuing employment and retention of the associated Acquired Shares.  
On vesting they are automatically exercised.

44

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

DIRECTORS’ REPORT 
– OTHER INFORMATION

The information presented in this Report relates to the consolidated 
entity, the Brambles Group, consisting of Brambles Limited and 
the entities it controlled at the end of, or during the year ended 
30 June 2010 (Year).

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES
The principal activities of the Group during the Year were the provision 
of pallet and container pooling and supply chain services and 
information management services. Brambles is a leading global 
provider of these services. 

The Group’s principal operations comprise two main businesses, CHEP 
and Recall. CHEP owns a pool of pallets and containers, which it issues, 
collects and reissues through its network of service centres to 
manufacturers, producers, distributors and retailers so that they may 
transport their products safely and efficiently. In addition, CHEP 
provides supply chain optimisation and transport management 
services. Recall is a global leader in the management of information, 
providing secure storage, digitisation, retrieval and destruction of 
information in multiple media formats. 

DIVIDENDS
The Directors have declared a final dividend of 12.5 Australian cents 
per share, which will be 20% franked. The dividend will be paid on 
Thursday, 14 October 2010 to shareholders on the register on 
Wednesday, 22 September 2010. On 8 April 2010, an interim dividend 
was paid, which was 12.5 Australian cents per share and 20% franked. 
Depending on certain elections made by shareholders, a final dividend 
for the year ended 30 June 2009 of 12.5 Australian cents per share, 
20% franked, was paid either on 8 October 2009 or 27 October 2009. 
The unfranked component of each dividend paid during the Year was 
conduit foreign income.1

DIRECTORS
The name of each person who was a Director of Brambles Limited at 
any time during, or since the end of the Year, and the period for which 
they served as a Director are set out below. The qualifications, 
experience and special responsibilities for Directors are set out on  
page 15. 

Mary Elizabeth Doherty

1 July 2009 to 16 November 2009

There were no significant changes in the nature of the Group’s principal 
activities during the Year. 

Anthony Grant Froggatt

1 July 2009 to date

Thomas Joseph Gorman

1 December 2009 to date

REVIEW OF OPERATIONS AND RESULTS 
A review of the Group’s operations, a review of the results of those 
operations and details of any significant changes in its state of affairs 
during the Year, are given in the Letter from the Chairman and the CEO 
on page 1, the Operational and Financial Review on pages 4 to 11 and  
in the Treasury and Risk Review on pages 12 to 13.

Information about the financial position of the Group is included  
in the Operational and Financial Review on pages 4 to 11 and in 
the Performance Summary on pages 2 to 3.

MATTERS SINCE THE END OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR
The Directors are not aware of any matter or circumstance that has 
arisen since 30 June 2010 up to the date of this Report that has 
significantly affected or may significantly affect the operations of the 
Group, the results of those operations or the state of affairs of the 
Group in future financial years, except as may be stated elsewhere  
in the Letter from the Chairman and the CEO on page 1 and the 
Operational and Financial Review on pages 4 to 11.

BUSINESS STRATEGIES AND PROSPECTS FOR FUTURE 
FINANCIAL YEARS
The business strategies and prospects for future financial years, 
together with likely developments in the operations of the Group in 
future financial years and the expected results of those operations 
known at the date of this Report, are set out in the Letter from the 
Chairman and the CEO on page 1 and the Operational and Financial 
Review on pages 4 to 11. Further information in relation to such matters 
has not been included because the Directors believe it would be likely 
to result in unreasonable prejudice to the Group.

David Peter Gosnell

1 July 2009 to 31 March 2010

Gregory John Hayes

1 December 2009 to date

Michael Francis Ihlein

1 July 2009 to 1 November 2009

Stephen Paul Johns

1 July 2009 to date

Sarah Carolyn Hailes Kay

1 July 2009 to date

Graham John Kraehe AO

1 July 2009 to date

Christopher Luke Mayhew

1 July 2009 to date

John Patrick Mullen

1 November 2009 to date

Brian Martin Schwartz AM

1 July 2009 to date

SECRETARY
Details of the qualifications and the experience of the Company 
Secretary of Brambles Limited are as follows: Robert Nies Gerrard 
joined Brambles in 2003 as Senior Counsel and was appointed Group 
Company Secretary in February 2008. Prior to joining Brambles, he  
was General Counsel to, and Company Secretary of, Roc Oil Company 
Limited; Group Legal Manager, Cairn Energy plc; General Counsel 
to, and Company Secretary of, Command Petroleum Limited; and a 
solicitor with Allen Allen & Hemsley. He holds a Masters of Law (LLM) 
from the University of Sydney and Bachelor of Science (BSc) and 
Bachelor of Law (LLB) degrees from the University of New South 
Wales. He is a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of New South Wales.

1  This means that no Australian dividend withholding tax was payable on the dividends that Brambles paid to non-resident shareholders.

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

45

DIRECTORS’ REPORT 
– OTHER INFORMATION 
CONTINUED

DIRECTORS’ MEETINGS
Details of the membership of Board committees are given in the Corporate Governance Statement on pages 20, 23 and 27. The following table 
shows the actual Board and committee meetings held during the Year and the number attended by each Director or committee member. 

DIRECTORS

BOARD MEETINGS

REGULAR

SPECIAL

SPECIAL 
COMMITTEES

AUDIT COMMITTEE  
MEETINGS

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE 
MEETINGS

NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE 
MEETINGS

(a)

(b)

(a)

(b)

(a)

(b)

(a)

(b)

(a)

(b)

(a)

(b)

Current Directors

A G Froggatt

T J Gorman(c)

G J Hayes(c)

S P Johns

S C H Kay

G J Kraehe AO

C L Mayhew

J P Mullen(g)

B M Schwartz AM

Former Directors

M E Doherty(d)

D P Gosnell(e)

M F Ihlein(f)

11

11

7

7

10

11

11

10

7

11

3

7

3

7

7

11

11

11

11

8

11

3

8

3

2

-

-

3

3

3

2

-

3

3

3

3

3

-

-

3

3

3

3

-

3

3

3

3

-

1

2

4

2

3

-

-

-

2

-

2

-

1

2

4

2

3

-

-

-

2

-

2

-

-

-

7

7

-

-

-

7

-

4

-

-

-

-

7

7

-

-

-

7

-

5

-

7

-

-

-

-

7

7

2

-

-

-

-

7

-

-

-

-

7

7

3

-

-

-

-

4

-

-

4

-

4

-

-

-

-

-

-

4

-

-

4

-

4

-

-

-

-

-

-

(a)  This column refers to the number of meetings attended during the period the Director was a member of the Board or relevant committee which the Director was 

eligible to attend.

(b)  This column refers to the number of meetings held while the Director was a member of the Board or relevant committee which the Director was eligible to attend.
(c)  Tom Gorman and Greg Hayes were appointed as Directors with effect from 1 December 2009.
(d)  Liz Doherty resigned as a Director on 16 November 2009.
(e)  David Gosnell resigned as a Director on 31 March 2010.
(f)   Mike Ihlein retired as a Director on 1 November 2009.
(g)   John Mullen was appointed a Director on 1 November 2009.

46

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

DIRECTORS’ DIRECTORSHIPS OF OTHER LISTED COMPANIES
The following lists the directorships held by the Directors in listed companies (other than Brambles Limited) since 30 June 2007 and the period for 
which each directorship has been held.

DIRECTOR

LISTED COMPANY

PERIOD DIRECTORSHIP HELD

A G Froggatt

AXA Asia Pacific Holdings Limited

T J Gorman

G J Hayes

S P Johns

S C H Kay

G J Kraehe AO

C L Mayhew

J P Mullen(a)

Billabong International Limited

Scottish & Newcastle plc

None

None

Leighton Holdings Limited

Spark Infrastructure Group

Westfield Group:  
Westfield Holdings Limited

Westfield America Trust (director of responsible entity, Westfield America 
Management Limited)

Westfield Trust (director of responsible entity, Westfield Management Limited)

1985 to current

Commonwealth Bank of Australia

Bluescope Steel Limited

Djerriwarrh Investments Limited

WH Smith plc

Deutsche Post World Net

Embarq Corporation

Telstra Limited

2008 to current

2008 to current

2003 to 2007

-

-

2009 to current

2005 to current

1985 to current

1996 to current

2003 to current

2002 to current

2002 to current

2006 to current

2005 to 2009

2006 to 2009

2008 to current

2005 to current

2009 to current

2009 to current

B M Schwartz AM

Insurance Australia Group Limited

Westfield Group:  
Westfield Holdings Limited

Westfield America Trust (director of responsible entity, Westfield America 
Management Limited)

Westfield Trust (director of responsible entity, Westfield Management Limited)

2009 to current

(a)  John Mullen was appointed a director of MAp Airports Limited on 1 July 2010.

INDEMNITIES
Indemnities provided to Directors and officers in accordance with 
the constitution of Brambles Limited are detailed in Note 35 on 
page 112. Insurance policies are in place to cover Directors and 
executive officers, however, the terms of the policies prohibit 
disclosure of the details of the insurance cover and the premiums paid. 

ENVIRONMENT, OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY, 
EMPLOYEES AND RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Brambles’ Environmental Policy is set by the Board. It applies in all 
countries where Brambles operates and provides that Brambles will 
act with integrity and respect for the community and the environment, 
be committed to sound environmental practice in its daily operations, 
that it is a minimum requirement that all Brambles operations 
comply with all relevant environmental laws and regulations, that 
all employees care for the environment by adopting a specified set 
of environmental principles, that every business unit must ensure 
that those principles are adhered to and that each business unit 
should set environmental performance targets, monitor progress 
and report results.

Regular environmental audits are conducted to evaluate compliance 
with applicable laws and regulations and implementation of the 
Environmental Policy. A copy of the complete Environmental Policy 
is set out in Brambles’ Code of Conduct, which is available at  
www.brambles.com.

The Board is responsible for setting Brambles’ Health and Safety Policy, 
which states that Brambles is to provide and maintain a healthy and 
safe working environment and to prevent injury, illness or impairment 
to the health of employees, contractors, customers or the public.

Brambles is committed to achieving Zero Harm. The Zero Harm 
Charter, which sets out the vision, values and behaviours and 
commitment required to work safely and ensure environmental 
compliance, is provided to all employees and, together with the 
complete Health and Safety Policy, is on the Brambles website at 
www.brambles.com.

The Chief Executive Officer together with the Group Presidents of 
CHEP and the Group President and Chief Operating Officer of Recall 
are responsible for policy implementation and safety performance.

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

47

 
 
DIRECTORS’ REPORT 
– OTHER INFORMATION 
CONTINUED

Health and safety performance indicators measure compliance with 
corporate objectives and milestones, allow assessment of progress 
and comparison with industry benchmarks and provide incentives 
for improvement.

The principal safety performance measures are Brambles Injury 
Frequency Rate (BIFR), Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) and 
Lost Time Injury Severity Rate (LTISR). BIFR measures the combined 
number of fatalities, lost time injuries, modified duties and medical 
treatments per million hours worked. LTIFR measures the number of 
injuries that result in an employee being absent from work for one or 
more whole shifts per million work hours. LTISR measures the number 
of injury days lost per million work hours. During the Year, Brambles 
and CHEP used BIFR as their safety performance measure and Recall 
used LTIFR and LTISR. Recall will transition to BIFR from the 2011 
year and this will become the primary measure for the entire Group.

During the 2011 year a “balanced scorecard” approach to safety 
performance measurement will be adopted, to help provide new 
insights into safety performance and ways to improve upon it.  
The balanced scorecard will replace LTIFR and LTISR through  
the introduction of measures evaluating injury cost, employee 
perception of safety performance and business compliance against 
plans and strategies.

A global engagement survey was conducted in November 2009 to 
obtain feedback from employees on Brambles as a place to work and 
the progress made since the previous survey. Brambles achieved an 
overall response rate to the survey of 89%, setting a new global 
benchmark for the Group. Employee engagement at Brambles has 
improved since the last survey. There are a number of programs in 
place to further improve employee engagement. Another survey will 
be carried out in the 2011 year.

Brambles is a member of a leadership development consortium with 
CEDEP, the European Centre for Executive Development. In FY10 
approximately 80 senior executives attended a number of development 
activities and Brambles also ran a Next Generation Leaders program to 
better equip high potential middle managers for future leadership roles.

Brambles carries out research and development activities in relation to 
both its CHEP and Recall businesses. These activities comprise:
 –

continuously testing its pallets and containers to make them more 
durable, sustainable and safer for use in the supply chain;
developing new pallets, containers and other supply chain platforms;
improving pallet and container repair equipment;
developing unique identifier technologies, including radio frequency 
indentification; and
research into and development of new service offerings, information 
technology and software solutions, and information and document 
management processes.

 –
 –
 –

 –

ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION
Except as set out below, the operations of the Group in Australia are 
not subject to any particular and significant environmental regulation 
under a law of the Commonwealth or a State or Territory. The 
operations of the Group in Australia involve the use or development 
of land, the use of transportation equipment and the transport of 
goods. These operations may be subject to State, Territory or Local 
government environmental and town planning regulations, or require 
a licence, consent or approval from Commonwealth, State or Territory 
regulatory bodies. There were no material breaches of environmental 
statutory requirements and no material prosecutions during the Year.

Brambles’ businesses comply with all relevant environmental laws and 
regulations and none were involved in any material environmental 
prosecutions during the Year.

INTERESTS IN SECURITIES
Pages 39, 40 and 42 of the Remuneration Report include details of 
the relevant interests of Directors, and other Group Executives whose 
details are required to be disclosed, in shares and other securities 
of Brambles Limited.

SHARE CAPITAL, OPTIONS AND SHARE RIGHTS
Details of the changes in the issued share capital of Brambles Limited 
and options, share rights and MyShare matching share rights 
outstanding over Brambles Limited ordinary shares at the year end are 
given in Notes 26 and 27 on pages 89 to 92. No options, share rights or 
MyShare matching share rights over the shares of Brambles Limited’s 
controlled entities were granted during or since the end of the Year to 
the date of this Report. 

Since the end of the Year to the date of this Report, the following 
grants, exercises and forfeits in options, performance share rights and 
MyShare matching share rights over Brambles Limited ordinary shares 
have taken place, broken down by reference to the plan numbers 
shown on page 44 of the Remuneration Report:
 –
 –

57,933 grants under plan 40;
4,978 exercises, resulting in the issue of fully paid ordinary shares: 
3,551 under the 2009 MyShare offer (plan numbers 24 to 35) and 
1,427 under the 2010 MyShare offer (plan numbers 36 to 40);
881,333 lapses: 5,090 under the 2009 MyShare offer (plan numbers 
24 to 35), 6,665 under the 2010 MyShare offer, 198,142 under 
plan 7, 663,669 under plan 8, 2,450 under plan 14 and 5,317 under 
plan 20.

 –

48

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

SHARE BUY-BACKS
No ordinary shares were bought-back and cancelled during the Year. 
There is no current on-market buy-back in operation.

AUDITORS’ INDEPENDENCE DECLARATION
A copy of the auditors’ independence declaration as required under 
section 307C of the Act is set out on page 117.

RISK MANAGEMENT
A discussion of Brambles’ risk profile, management and mitigation of 
risks can be found in the Treasury and Risk Review on pages 12 and 13 
and the Corporate Governance Statement on pages 25 to 27.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The AGM will be held at 2.00pm (AEDT) on 18 November 2010 at  
The Wesley Theatre, Wesley Conference Centre, 220 Pitt Street, 
Sydney NSW 2000.

This Directors’ Report is made in accordance with a resolution of 
the Board.

G J KRAEHE AO 
Chairman

T J GORMAN 
Chief Executive Officer
19 August 2010

TREASURY POLICIES
A discussion of the implementation of treasury policies and mitigation 
of treasury risks can be found in the Treasury and Risk Review on  
pages 12 and 13.

NON-AUDIT SERVICES
The amount of US$184,000 was paid or is payable to 
PricewaterhouseCoopers, the Group’s auditors, for non-audit  
services provided during the Year by them (or another person or firm  
on their behalf). These services primarily related to implementation  
of a compliance tracking system and tax consulting advice. The Audit 
Committee has reviewed the provision of non-audit services by 
PricewaterhouseCoopers and its related practices and provided  
the Directors with formal written advice of a resolution passed by  
the Audit Committee. Consistent with this advice, the Directors  
are satisfied that the provision of non-audit services by 
PricewaterhouseCoopers and its related practices did not compromise 
the auditor independence requirements of the Act for the following 
reasons: the nature of the non-audit services provided during the Year; 
the quantum of non-audit fees compared to overall audit fees; and the 
pre-approval, monitoring and ongoing review requirements under the 
Audit Committee Charter and the Charter of Audit Independence in 
relation to non-audit work.

The auditors have also provided the Audit Committee with a letter 
confirming that, in their professional judgement, as at 4 August 2010, 
they have maintained their independence in accordance with their 
firm’s requirements, with the provisions of APES 110 – Code of Ethics 
for Professional Accountants and the applicable provisions of the Act. 
On the same basis, they also confirmed that the objectivity of the audit 
engagement partners and the audit staff is not impaired.

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

49

SHAREHOLDER 
INFORMATION

DIRECTORS
G J Kraehe AO
(Non-executive Chairman)

A G Froggatt
(Non-executive Director)

T J Gorman
(Chief Executive Officer)

G J Hayes
(Chief Financial Officer)

S P Johns
(Non-executive Director)

S C H Kay
(Non-executive Director)

C L Mayhew
(Non-executive Director)

J P Mullen
(Non-executive Director)

B M Schwartz AM
(Non-executive Director)

COMPANY SECRETARY
R N Gerrard

REGISTERED OFFICE
Brambles Limited 
Level 40, Gateway 
1 Macquarie Place 
Sydney NSW 2000 
Australia 
ACN 118 896 021

Telephone:  61 (0) 2 9256 5222 
Facsimile:  61 (0) 2 9256 5299 
Website:  www.brambles.com

STOCK EXCHANGE LISTING
Brambles’ ordinary shares are listed on the Australian Securities 
Exchange and are traded under the stock code “BXB”.

SHARE REGISTRY
Online access to shareholding information is available to investors 
through the Link Market Services website.

Link Market Services Limited 
Level 12, 680 George Street 
Sydney NSW 2000  
Australia

Locked Bag A14 
Sydney South NSW 1235 
Australia

Telephone:  1300 883 073 (freecall within Australia) 

61 (0) 2 8280 7143 (from outside Australia)

Facsimile:  61 (0) 2 9287 0303 
Email: 
Website:  www.linkmarketservices.com.au

registrars@linkmarketservices.com.au 

50

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

SHARE OPTIONS/RIGHTS REGISTRY
Employees or former employees of Brambles who have queries about 
the following interests:
 –
 –
 –
 –

share options under the 2001 Option Plans;
performance share rights under the 2001, 2004 or 2006 share plans;
matching share rights under MyShare; or
shares acquired under MyShare or other share interests held 
through Computershare Nominees CI Limited,

may contact Computershare Plan Managers.

Computershare Plan Managers Pty Limited 
Attention: Brambles Employee Share Plans 
GPO Box 658  
Melbourne VIC 3001 
Australia

Telephone:   1800 133 976 (within Australia) 

61 (0) 3 9415 4659 (from outside Australia)

Facsimile:   61 (0) 3 9473 2458 
Email:  
Website:   www.computershare.com/brambles

BramblesSharePlans@computershare.com.au 

UNCERTIFICATED FORMS OF SHAREHOLDING
Brambles’ ordinary shares are held in uncertificated form. There are 
two types of uncertificated holdings:

Issuer Sponsored Holdings: This type of holding is recorded on a 
subregister of the Brambles share register, maintained by Brambles.  
If your holding is recorded on the issuer sponsored subregister, you will 
be allocated a Securityholder Reference Number or SRN, which is a 
unique number used to identify your holding of ordinary shares in 
Brambles.

Broker Sponsored Holdings: This type of holding is recorded on the 
main Brambles share register. Shareholders who are sponsored by an 
ASX market participant broker will be allocated a Holder Identification 
Number or HIN. One HIN can relate to an investor’s shareholdings  
in multiple companies. For example, a shareholder with a portfolio  
of holdings which are managed by a broker would have the same HIN 
for each shareholding.

SHARE SALE FACILITY
Ordinarily, Issuer Sponsored shareholders must establish a relationship 
with a broker in order to sell their shares. However, Brambles’ share 
registry provides Issuer Sponsored shareholders with an alternative to 
traditional share sale services. If you would like to take advantage of 
this service to sell your entire Brambles shareholding, please contact 
Link Market Services using the contact details above. Please note that 
under anti-money laundering regulations, Link Market Services may 
require shareholders to complete an identification information form.

If you are a Broker Sponsored shareholder, please contact your broker 
if you wish to sell your Brambles shares.

 
 
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The Brambles Limited 2010 AGM will be held at 2.00pm (AEDT) on 18 November 2010 at The Wesley Theatre, Wesley Conference Centre,  
220 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000.

FINANCIAL CALENDAR

Final dividend 2010
Ex dividend date – Thursday, 16 September 2010 
Record date – Wednesday, 22 September 2010 
Payment date – Thursday, 14 October 2010

2011 (Provisional)
Announcement of interim results – mid February 
Interim dividend – mid April 
Announcement of final results – mid August 
Final dividend – mid October 
AGM – November

ANALYSIS OF HOLDERS OF EQUITY SECURITIES AS AT 16 AUGUST 2010

Substantial shareholders
Brambles has been notified of the following substantial shareholdings:

HOLDER

Baillie Gifford & Co

BlackRock Investment Management (Australia) Limited

Commonwealth Bank of Australia and its subsidiaries

Maple-Brown Abbott Limited

(a)  Percentages are as disclosed in substantial holding notices given to Brambles Limited.

Number of ordinary shares on issue and distribution of holdings

1 – 1,000

1,001 – 5,000

5,001 – 10,000

10,001 – 100,000

100,001 and over

Total

NUMBER OF ORDINARY 
SHARES

% OF ISSUED ORDINARY 
(a)

SHARE CAPITAL

71,408,272

71,242,004

165,509,641

71,359,976

5.06

5.00

11.64

5.02

HOLDERS

36,679

33,889

5,815

3,451

179

SHARES

17,869,288

80,617,400

41,940,646

74,053,386

1,207,753,965

80,013

1,422,234,685

The number of members holding less than a marketable parcel of 97 ordinary shares (based on a market price of A$5.19 on 16 August 2010) is 4,889  
and they hold a total of 227,598 ordinary shares. The voting rights of ordinary shares are described on page 52.

Number of options/rights on issue and distribution of holdings

1 – 1,000

1,001 – 5,000

5,001 – 10,000

10,001 – 100,000

100,001 and over

Total

The voting rights of options, performance share rights and MyShare Matching Awards are described on page 52.

HOLDERS

OPTIONS/RIGHTS

1,778

124

46

99

13

2,060

577,208

278,783

292,381

4,214,023

2,699,790

8,062,185

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

51

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION 
CONTINUED

Twenty largest ordinary shareholders

NAME

1  HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited 

2  J P Morgan Nominees Australia Limited 

3  National Nominees Limited 

4  Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited 

5  Cogent Nominees Pty Limited 

6  ANZ Nominees Limited 

7  RBC Dexia Investor Services Australia Nominees Pty Limited 

8  Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited 

9  Australian Reward Investment Alliance 

10  Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited 

11  Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited 

12  AMP Life Limited 

13  HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited – A/C 2 

14  Argo Investments Limited 

15  UBS Wealth Management Australia Nominees Pty Ltd 

16  Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited 

17  Queensland Investment Corporation 

18  Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited 

19  Djerriwarrh Investments Limited 

20  Perpetual Trustee Company Limited 

NUMBER OF  
ORDINARY SHARES

% OF SHARE CAPITAL

409,331,962

253,538,728

251,287,062

105,598,325

31,284,571

22,755,658

9,527,278

8,425,028

7,971,074

6,335,432

6,040,000

5,791,384

4,427,855

4,252,106

3,955,975

3,480,239

3,442,985

3,428,016

2,886,018

2,550,196

28.78% 

17.83% 

17.67% 

7.42% 

2.20% 

1.60% 

0.67% 

0.59% 

0.56% 

0.45% 

0.42% 

0.41% 

0.31% 

0.30% 

0.28% 

0.24% 

0.24% 

0.24% 

0.20% 

0.18% 

Percentage of total holdings of 20 largest holders 

1,146,309,892

80.59% 

Voting rights: ordinary shares
Brambles Limited’s constitution provides that each member entitled to 
attend and vote may do so in person or by proxy, by attorney or, where 
the member is a body corporate, by representative. The Directors may 
also determine that at any general meeting, a member who is entitled 
to attend and vote on a resolution at that meeting is entitled to a direct 
vote in relation to that resolution. The Directors have prescribed rules 
to govern direct voting which are available at www.brambles.com.

have determined that members who submit a direct vote will be 
excluded on a vote by a show of hands.

On a poll, every member present in person, by proxy, by attorney or, 
where the member is a body corporate, by representative and having 
the right to vote on the resolution has one vote for each ordinary share 
held. The Directors have determined that votes cast by members who 
submit a direct vote will be included on a vote by a poll, being one vote 
for each ordinary share held.

On a show of hands, every member present in person, by proxy, by 
attorney or, where the member is a body corporate, by representative 
and having the right to vote on a resolution has one vote. The Directors 

Voting rights: options/rights
Options over ordinary shares, performance share rights and MyShare 
Matching Awards do not carry any voting rights.

52

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

  
FINANCIAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2010

INDEX  

PAGE

Consolidated income statement  
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income  
Consolidated balance sheet  
Consolidated cash flow statement  
Consolidated statement of changes in equity  

Notes to the financial statements 
1. 
2. 
3. 
4. 
5. 
6. 
7. 
8. 
9. 
10. 
11. 
12. 
13. 
14. 
15. 
16. 
17. 
18. 
19. 
20. 
21. 
22. 
23. 
24. 
25. 
26. 
27. 
28. 
29. 
30. 
31. 
32. 
33. 
34. 
35. 
36. 
37. 

Basis of preparation  
Significant accounting policies  
Critical accounting estimates and judgements  
Segment information  
Profit from ordinary activities - continuing operations  
Significant items - continuing operations  
Employment costs - continuing operations  
Net finance costs  
Income tax  
Earnings per share  
Dividends  
Discontinued operations  
Cash and cash equivalents  
Trade and other receivables  
Inventories  
Derivative financial instruments  
Other assets  
Investments  
Property, plant and equipment  
Goodwill  
Intangible assets  
Trade and other payables  
Borrowings  
Provisions  
Retirement benefit obligations  
Contributed equity  
Share-based payments  
Reserves and retained earnings  
Financial risk management  
Cash flow statement - additional information  
Commitments  
Contingencies  
Auditors’ remuneration  
Key management personnel  
Related party information  
Events after balance sheet date  
Parent entity financial information  

Directors’ declaration  
Independent auditors’ report  

54
55
56
57
58

59
59
65
66
68
69
70
70
71
74
75
76
76
76
77
78
78
79
80
81
82
83
83
85
86
 89
90
93
95
104
106
107
108
108
110
112
113

 114
115

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BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

53

 
CONSOLIDATED  
INCOME STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2010

Continuing operations

Sales revenue

Other income

Operating expenses

Share of results of joint ventures

Operating profit 

Finance revenue 

Finance costs

Net finance costs 

Profit before tax 

Tax expense 

Profit from continuing operations 

Profit from discontinued operations 

Profit for the year attributable to members of the parent entity 

Earnings per share (cents) 

Total

– basic

– diluted

Continuing operations

– basic 

– diluted

NOTE

2010
US$M 

2009
US$M 

5a

5a

5b

18c

8

9

12

10

4,146.8 

4,018.6 

97.0 

96.7 

(3,525.1)

(3,402.1)

5.8 

724.5

2.8

5.0 

718.2

7.1

(112.4)

(128.0)

(109.6)

(120.9)

614.9

597.3 

(171.0)

(163.3)

443.9

4.9 

448.8

434.0 

18.6 

452.6 

31.8 

31.7 

31.5

31.4 

32.6 

32.5 

31.3 

31.2 

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

Non-statutory measure:
Underlying profit
Underlying profit is profit from continuing operations before finance costs, tax and Significant items (refer Note 6). It is presented to assist users 
of the financial statements to understand Brambles’ business results and reconciles with operating profit as follows: 

Underlying profit

Significant items:

– restructuring costs

– foreign exchange gain on capital repatriation

– Walmart transition impact 

– USA pallet quality program costs*

Operating profit

733.4 

900.6 

(8.9)

(153.3)

 – 

 –

 – 

724.5 

77.3 

(29.0)

(77.4)

718.2 

 6a

6c

6d

6e

*   In October 2009, CHEP USA launched its Better Everyday customer service and quality program. In FY10, spending under the Better Everyday program, together with 

the final US$37 million spending under the USA pallet quality program announced in February 2008, have been presented within Underlying profit. In prior years, USA 
pallet quality program costs were presented as Significant items. Comparatives have not been restated.

54

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT  
OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2010

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income:

NOTE 

2010  
US$M 

2009  
US$M

448.8 

452.6 

Actuarial losses on defined benefit pension plans

25e

(5.9)

(2.9)

Exchange differences:

– on translation of foreign operations

– on entities disposed taken to profit

Cash flow hedges

Income tax on other comprehensive income

Other comprehensive income for the year

Total comprehensive income for the year attributable to members of the parent entity

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

28 

28 

28 

9a

(71.2)

(262.6)

 – 

1.4 

0.8 

(0.6)

(14.2)

4.7 

(74.9)

(275.6)

373.9 

177.0 

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BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

55

CONSOLIDATED  
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 30 JUNE 2010

ASSETS 

Current assets 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Trade and other receivables

Inventories

Derivative financial instruments

Other assets

Total current assets 

Non-current assets 

Other receivables 

Investments 

Property, plant and equipment

Goodwill

Intangible assets

Deferred tax assets

Derivative financial instruments

Other assets

Total non-current assets 

Total assets 

LIABILITIES 

Current liabilities 

Trade and other payables

Borrowings

Derivative financial instruments

Tax payable

Provisions 

Total current liabilities 

Non-current liabilities 

Borrowings

Derivative financial instruments

Provisions

Retirement benefit obligations

Deferred tax liabilities

Other liabilities

Total non-current liabilities 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

EQUITY 

Contributed equity

Reserves

Retained earnings

Parent entity interest 

Non-controlling interest 

Total equity 

NOTE

2010 
US$M 

2009
US$M

13 

14 

15 

16 

17 

14 

18 

19 

20 

21 

9 

16 

17 

22 

23 

16 

24 

23 

16 

24 

25 

9 

22 

135.5 

631.6 

33.5 

14.5 

53.1 

90.1 

653.6 

35.1 

1.1 

72.2 

868.2 

852.1 

6.2 

14.0 

8.1 

13.8 

3,223.8 

3,441.6 

607.0 

158.6 

19.8 

12.0 

0.7 

612.3 

163.0 

7.0 

 - 

0.6 

4,042.1 

4,246.4 

4,910.3 

5,098.5 

681.4 

276.0 

12.2 

78.5 

87.2 

683.7 

68.0 

12.9 

64.6 

93.6 

1,135.3 

922.8 

1,618.8 

2,165.5 

10.1 

34.0 

50.4 

408.2 

20.9 

5.8 

53.0 

50.8 

449.9 

21.4 

2,142.4 

2,746.4 

3,277.7 

3,669.2 

1,632.6 

1,429.3 

26 

13,979.6 

13,847.6 

28 

(15,007.4)

(14,938.7)

28 

2,660.1 

2,520.1 

1,632.3 

1,429.0 

28 

0.3 

0.3 

1,632.6 

1,429.3 

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

56

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CONSOLIDATED  
CASH FLOW STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2010

Cash flows from operating activities 

Receipts from customers

Payments to suppliers and employees

Cash generated from operations

Dividends received from joint ventures

Interest received

Interest paid

Income taxes paid on operating activities 

Net cash inflow from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

Purchases of intangible assets

Proceeds from disposal of businesses

Costs incurred on disposal of businesses

Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired

Net cash outflow from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities 

Proceeds from borrowings 

Repayments of borrowings 

Net inflow/(outflow) from hedge instruments

Proceeds from issues of ordinary shares 

Dividends paid, net of Dividend Reinvestment Plan

Net cash outflow from financing activities 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and deposits, net of overdrafts, at beginning of the year

Effect of exchange rate changes

Cash and deposits, net of overdrafts, at end of the year

The consolidated cash flow statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

NOTE 

2010 
US$M 

2009
US$M

4,658.5 

4,575.7 

(3,392.5)

(3,306.8)

1,266.0 

1,268.9 

5.9 

2.9 

7.1 

8.0 

(104.6)

(131.8)

(179.9)

(129.2)

30b

990.3 

1,023.0 

(496.5)

(683.8)

88.0 

(33.2)

1.3 

 –

 – 

104.6 

(24.3)

1.8 

(4.8)

(0.1)

(440.4)

(606.6)

2,222.9 

1,404.2 

(2,541.2)

(1,513.5)

35.8 

2.7 

(7.9)

0.8 

(204.5)

(277.6)

(484.3)

(394.0)

65.6 

54.1 

3.6 

30a

123.3 

22.4 

68.1 

(36.4)

54.1 

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BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

57

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT  
OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2010

Year ended 30 June 2009

Opening balance

Total comprehensive income

Share-based payments:

– expense recognised

– shares issued

– equity component of related tax

Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners:

– dividends declared

– issues of ordinary shares, net of transaction costs

– issues of ordinary shares under Dividend Reinvestment Plan

Closing balance

Year ended 30 June 2010

Opening balance

Total comprehensive income

Share-based payments:

– expense recognised

– shares issued

Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners:

– dividends declared

– issues of ordinary shares, net of transaction costs

– issues of ordinary shares under Dividend Reinvestment Plan

NOTE

SHARE
CAPITAL
US$M

RESERVES 1
US$M

RETAINED
EARNINGS
US$M

NON-
CONTROLLING
INTEREST
US$M

TOTAL
US$M

13,778.6 

(14,671.5)

2,436.1 

0.3 

1,543.5 

 – 

(272.5)

449.5 

 – 

177.0 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

7.1 

61.9 

14.5 

(6.3)

(2.9)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(365.5)

 – 

 – 

28 

26 

26 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

14.5 

(6.3)

(2.9)

(365.5)

7.1 

61.9 

13,847.6 

(14,938.7)

2,520.1 

0.3 

1,429.3 

13,847.6 

(14,938.7)

2,520.1 

0.3 

1,429.3 

 – 

(70.3)

444.2 

 – 

373.9 

 – 

 – 

10.7 

(9.1)

 – 

 – 

28 

26 

26 

 – 

11.8 

120.2 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(304.2)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

10.7 

(9.1)

(304.2)

11.8 

120.2 

Closing balance

13,979.6 

(15,007.4)

2,660.1 

0.3 

1,632.6 

1  Refer Note 28 for further information on reserves.

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

58

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NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2010

NOTE 1. BASIS OF PREPARATION
These financial statements present the consolidated results of 
Brambles Limited (ACN 118 896 021) (Company) and its subsidiaries 
(Brambles or the Group) for the year ended 30 June 2010. 

The financial statements comply with International Financial 
Reporting Standards (IFRS). This general purpose financial report has 
been prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards 
(AAS), other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian 
Accounting Standards Board (AASB), the Urgent Issues Group 
Interpretations (UIG) and the requirements of the Corporations Act 
2001 (Act).

The financial statements are drawn up in accordance with the 
conventions of historical cost accounting, except for derivative 
financial instruments and financial assets and liabilities at fair value 
through profit or loss.

References to 2010 and 2009 are to the financial years ended 30 June 
2010 and 30 June 2009 respectively.

Details of Unification, whereby Brambles Limited acquired all the share 
capital of Brambles Industries Limited (BIL) and Brambles Industries 
plc (BIP) under separate schemes of arrangement on 4 December 
2006, are set out in Brambles’ 2007 Annual Report. 

NOTE 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The consolidated financial statements and all comparatives have  
been prepared using the accounting policies set out below which  
are consistent with the prior year, except for financial statements 
presentation, segment reporting and financial instruments disclosures.

Financial statements presentation
Brambles has applied revised AASB 101: Presentation of Financial 
Statements from 1 July 2009. The revised standard requires the 
presentation of a statement of comprehensive income rather than a 
statement of recognised income and expense. Additionally, a statement 
of changes in equity is now disclosed as a primary statement rather 
than in a note. Comparative information has been re-presented to 
conform to the revised standard.

Segment reporting 
Brambles has applied AASB 8: Operating Segments from 1 July 2009. 
AASB 8 requires adoption of a management approach when reporting 
segment performance. The information presented is based on 
Brambles’ internal management reporting to the Chief Executive 
Officer (CEO), being the chief operating decision-maker, and reflects 
what the CEO uses when evaluating segment performance and 
deciding how to allocate resources to operating segments. 

There have been no changes to the definition of operating segments, 
however additional disclosures are now included in the financial 
statements. Geographic disclosures now present Australia separately. 
Comparative figures have been provided.

Financial instruments disclosures
Brambles has applied the amendments to AASB 7: Financial 
Instruments: Disclosures from 1 July 2009. These require disclosure 
of fair value measurements by source of input using the following fair 
value hierarchy: 
 –

Level 1 – the fair value is calculated using quoted prices in active 
markets;

 –

 –

Level 2 – the fair value is estimated using inputs other than quoted 
prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or 
liability, either directly (as prices) or indirectly (derived from prices); 
and
Level 3 – the fair value is estimated using inputs for the asset or 
liability that are not observable market data.

Comparative figures have been provided.

Other new accounting standards and interpretations 
At 30 June 2010, certain other new accounting standards and 
interpretations have been published that will become mandatory in 
future reporting periods. Brambles has not early-adopted these new 
or amended accounting standards and interpretations in 2010.

AASB 2009-8: Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – 
Group Cash-Settled Share-based Payment Transactions is applicable 
to annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2010.  
The amendments confirm that an entity receiving goods or services  
in a group share-based payment arrangement must recognise an 
expense for those goods or services regardless of which entity in the 
group settles the transaction or whether the transaction is settled in 
shares or cash. The amendments also clarify the measurement basis 
for such transactions. The amendments are not expected to affect 
Brambles’ accounting for share-based payments. Brambles will apply 
the amendments from 1 July 2010. 

AASB 9: Financial Instruments and AASB 2009-11: Amendments to 
Australian Accounting Standards arising from AASB 9 are applicable to 
annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2013. AASB 9 
addresses the classification and measurement of financial assets and 
may affect Brambles’ accounting for financial assets. Brambles is yet 
to assess the full impact of this standard. 

Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements of Brambles include the assets, 
liabilities and results of Brambles Limited and all its legal subsidiaries. 
The consolidation process eliminates all inter-entity accounts and 
transactions. Any financial statements of overseas subsidiaries that 
have been prepared in accordance with overseas accounting practices 
have been adjusted to comply with AAS before inclusion in the 
consolidation process. The financial statements of all subsidiaries  
are prepared for the same reporting period.

On acquisition, the assets and liabilities and contingent liabilities of a 
subsidiary are measured at their fair values at the date of acquisition. 
Any excess of the cost of acquisition over the fair values of the 
identifiable net assets acquired is recognised as goodwill. Any 
deficiency of the cost of acquisition below the fair values of the 
identifiable net assets acquired (ie discount on acquisition) is credited 
to the income statement in the period of acquisition. The interest of 
non-controlling shareholders is stated at the non-controlling proportion 
of the fair values of the assets and liabilities recognised. With effect 
from 1 July 2009, any acquisition-related transaction costs are 
expensed in the period of acquisition.

The results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during the year are 
included in the consolidated income statement from the effective date 
of acquisition or up to the effective date of disposal, as appropriate.

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BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

59

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF  
THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2010

NOTE 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – CONTINUED
Investment in controlled entities
Shares in controlled entities, as recorded in the parent entity, are 
recorded at cost, less provision for impairment.

Investment in joint ventures
Investments in joint venture entities are accounted for using the equity 
method in the consolidated financial statements, and include any 
goodwill arising on acquisition. Under this method, Brambles’ share of 
the post-acquisition profits or losses of the joint venture is recognised 
in the income statement and its share of post-acquisition movements  
in reserves is recognised in consolidated reserves. The cumulative 
post-acquisition movements are adjusted against the carrying amount 
of the investment.

If Brambles’ share of losses in a joint venture equals or exceeds its 
interest in the joint venture, Brambles does not recognise further 
losses unless it has incurred obligations or made payments on behalf 
of the joint venture.

Loans to equity accounted joint ventures under formal loan agreements 
are long term in nature and are included as investments.

Where there has been a change recognised directly in the joint 
venture’s equity, Brambles recognises its share of any changes as a 
change in equity.

Non-current assets held for sale
Non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale are 
measured at the lower of carrying amount and fair value less costs 
to sell.

Non-current assets and disposal groups are classified as held for sale  
if their carrying amount will be recovered through a sale transaction 
rather than through continuing use. This condition is regarded as met 
only when the sale is highly probable and the asset (or disposal group) 
is available for immediate sale in its present condition. Management 
must be committed to the sale which should be expected to qualify  
for recognition as a completed sale within one year from the date  
of classification.

Discontinued operations
The trading results for business operations disposed during the year  
or classified as held for sale are disclosed separately as discontinued 
operations in the income statement. The amount disclosed includes  
any related impairment losses recognised and any gains or losses 
arising on disposal.

Comparative amounts for the prior year are restated in the income 
statement to include current year discontinued operations.

Presentation currency
The consolidated and summarised parent entity financial statements 
are presented in US dollars. 

Brambles uses the US dollar as its presentation currency because:
a significant portion of Brambles’ activity is denominated in US 
 –
dollars; and
the US dollar is widely understood by Australian, UK and 
international investors and analysts.

 –

Foreign currency
Items included in the financial statements of each of Brambles’ 
entities are measured using the functional currency of each entity.

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional 
currency of each entity using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates 
of the transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from 
the settlement of such transactions, and from the translation at 
year-end rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in 
foreign currencies, are recognised in the income statement, except 
where deferred in equity as qualifying cash flow hedges or qualifying 
net investment hedges.

Non-monetary assets and liabilities carried at fair value that are 
denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rates prevailing 
at the date when the fair value was determined. Gains and losses 
arising on retranslation are recognised directly in equity.

The results and cash flows of Brambles Limited, subsidiaries and joint 
ventures are translated into US dollars using the average exchange 
rates for the period. Where this average is not a reasonable 
approximation of the cumulative effect of the rates prevailing on the 
transaction dates, the exchange rate on the transaction date is used. 
Assets and liabilities of Brambles Limited, subsidiaries and joint 
ventures are translated into US dollars at the exchange rate ruling at 
the balance sheet date. The share capital of Brambles Limited is 
translated into US dollars at historical rates. All resulting exchange 
differences arising on the translation of Brambles’ overseas and 
Australian entities are recognised as a separate component of equity.

The financial statements of foreign subsidiaries and joint ventures that 
report in the currency of a hyperinflationary economy are restated in 
terms of the measuring unit current at the balance sheet date before 
they are translated into US dollars.

Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a 
foreign entity are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign entity 
and translated at the closing rate.

The principal exchange rates affecting Brambles were:

Average

2010

2009

Year end

30 June 2010

US$:A$

US$:€

US$:£

0.8813

0.7479

0.8498

1.3782

1.3822

1.2185

1.5733

1.6103

1.5051

30 June 2009

 0.8114

 1.4106

 1.6637

Revenue
Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the 
economic benefits will flow to Brambles and the revenue can be 
reliably measured. Revenue is measured at the fair value of the 
consideration received or receivable. Amounts disclosed as revenue 
are net of duties and taxes paid (Goods and Services Tax and local 
equivalents).

Revenue for services is recognised when invoicing the customer 
following the provision of the service and/or under the terms of agreed 
contracts in accordance with agreed contractual terms in the period in 
which the service is provided.

60

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Other income
Other income includes net gains on disposal of property, plant and 
equipment in the ordinary course of business, which are recognised 
when control of the property has passed to the buyer. Amounts arising 
from compensation for irrecoverable pooling equipment are recognised 
only when it is probable that they will be received.

DIVIDENDS
Dividend revenue is recognised when Brambles’ right to receive the 
payment is established. Dividends received from investments in 
subsidiaries and joint ventures are recognised as revenue, even if they 
are paid out of pre-acquisition profits. 

Finance revenue
Interest revenue is recognised as the interest accrues (using the 
effective interest method, which is the rate that exactly discounts 
estimated future cash receipts through the expected life of the 
financial instrument) to the net carrying amount of the financial asset.

Borrowing costs
Borrowing costs are recognised as expenses in the year in which  
they are incurred, except where they are included in the cost of 
qualifying assets.

The capitalisation rate used to determine the amount of borrowing 
costs to be capitalised is the weighted average interest rate applicable 
to the entity’s outstanding borrowings during the year. No borrowing 
costs were capitalised in 2010 or 2009.

Pensions and other post-employment benefits
Payments to defined contribution pension schemes are charged as an 
expense as they fall due. Payments made to state-managed retirement 
benefit schemes are dealt with as payments to defined contribution 
schemes where Brambles’ obligations under the schemes are 
equivalent to those arising in a defined contribution pension scheme.

A liability in respect of defined benefit pension schemes is recognised 
in the balance sheet, measured as the present value of the defined 
benefit obligation at the reporting date less the fair value of the 
pension scheme’s assets at that date. Pension obligations are 
measured as the present value of estimated future cash flows 
discounted at rates reflecting the yields of high quality corporate 
bonds. 

The costs of providing pensions under defined benefit schemes are 
calculated using the projected unit credit method, with actuarial 
valuations being carried out at each balance sheet date. Past service 
cost is recognised immediately to the extent that the benefits are 
already vested, and otherwise is amortised on a straight-line basis  
over the average period until the benefits become vested.

Actuarial gains and losses arising from differences between expected 
and actual returns, and the effect of changes in actuarial assumptions 
are recognised in full through the statement of comprehensive income 
in the period in which they arise. 

The costs of other post-employment liabilities are calculated in a 
similar way to defined benefit pension schemes and spread over 
the period during which benefit is expected to be derived from the 
employees’ services, in accordance with the advice of qualified 
actuaries.

Executive and employee option plans
Incentives in the form of share-based compensation benefits are 
provided to executives and employees under share option, performance 
share and MyShare employee share plans approved by shareholders.

Options and performance share awards are fair valued by qualified 
actuaries at their grant dates in accordance with the requirements 
of AASB 2: Share-based Payments, using a binomial model. The cost 
of equity-settled transactions is recognised, together with a 
corresponding increase in equity, on a straight-line basis over the period 
in which the performance conditions are fulfilled, ending on the date on 
which the relevant employees become fully entitled to the award 
(vesting date).

Executives and employees in certain jurisdictions are provided cash 
incentives calculated by reference to the options and awards under the 
share option schemes (phantom shares). These phantom shares are 
fair valued on initial grant and at each subsequent reporting date.  
The cost of such phantom shares is charged to the income statement 
over the relevant vesting periods, with a corresponding increase  
in provisions.

The fair value calculation of options and performance shares granted 
excludes the impact of any non-market vesting conditions. Non-market 
vesting conditions are included in assumptions about the number of 
options that are expected to become exercisable. At each balance 
sheet date, Brambles reviews its estimate of the number of options  
and performance shares that are expected to become exercisable.  
The employee benefit expense recognised each period takes into 
account the most recent estimate.

Significant items and Underlying profit
To assist users of the financial statements in understanding Brambles’ 
business results, Brambles discloses Significant items as a footnote to 
its income statement. 

Significant items are items of income or expense which are, either 
individually or in aggregate, material to Brambles or to the relevant 
business segment and:
 –

outside the ordinary course of business (eg gains or losses on the 
sale or termination of operations, the cost of significant 
reorganisations or restructuring); or
part of the ordinary activities of the business but unusual due to 
their size and nature. 

 –

Underlying profit is a non-statutory profit measure and represents 
profit from continuing operations before finance costs, tax and 
Significant items.

ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
For purposes of the cash flow statement, cash includes deposits at call 
with financial institutions and other highly liquid investments which are 
readily convertible to cash on hand and are subject to an insignificant 
risk of changes in value, net of outstanding bank overdrafts. Bank 
overdrafts are presented within borrowings in the balance sheet.

Receivables
Trade receivables due within one year do not carry any interest and 
are recognised at amounts receivable less an allowance for any 
uncollectible amounts. Trade receivables are recognised when services 
are provided and settlement is expected within normal credit terms.

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

61

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NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF  
THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2010

NOTE 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – CONTINUED
Bad debts are written-off when identified. A provision for doubtful 
receivables is established when there is a level of uncertainty as to the 
full recoverability of the receivable, based on objective evidence. 
Significant financial difficulties of the debtor, probability that the debtor 
will enter liquidation, receivership or bankruptcy, and default or significant 
delay in payment are considered indicators that the trade receivable is 
doubtful. The amount of the provision is measured as the difference 
between the carrying amount of the trade receivables and the estimated 
future cash flows expected to be received from the relevant debtors. 
When a trade receivable for which a provision had been recognised 
becomes uncollectible in a subsequent period, it is written off against the 
provision account. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written 
off are credited against other expenses in the income statement.

Inventories 
Stock and stores on hand are valued at the lower of cost and net 
realisable value and, where appropriate, provision is made for possible 
obsolescence. Work in progress, which represents partly-completed 
work undertaken at pre-arranged rates but not invoiced at the balance 
sheet date, is recorded at the lower of cost or net realisable value.

Cost is determined on a first-in, first-out basis and, where relevant, 
includes an appropriate portion of overhead expenditure. Net realisable 
value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, 
less estimated costs of completion and costs to make the sale.

Recoverable amount of non-current assets
At each reporting date, Brambles assesses whether there is any 
indication that an asset, or cash generating unit to which the asset 
belongs, may be impaired. Where an indicator of impairment exists, 
Brambles makes a formal estimate of recoverable amount. The 
recoverable amount of an asset is the greater of its fair value less 
costs to sell and its value in use.

Where the carrying value of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount, 
the asset is considered to be impaired and is written down to its 
recoverable amount. The impairment loss is recognised in the income 
statement in the reporting period in which the write-down occurs. 

The expected net cash flows included in determining recoverable 
amounts of non-current assets are discounted to their present values 
using a market risk adjusted discount rate. 

Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment (PPE) is stated at cost, net of 
depreciation and any impairment, except land which is shown at cost 
less impairment. Cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable 
to the acquisition of assets, and, where applicable, an initial estimate of 
the cost of dismantling and removing the item and restoring the site on 
which it is located.

Subsequent expenditure is capitalised only when it is probable that 
future economic benefits associated with the expenditure will flow 
to Brambles. Repairs and maintenance are expensed in the income 
statement in the period they are incurred.

Depreciation is charged in the financial statements so as to write-off 
the cost of all PPE, other than freehold land, to their residual value on  
a straight-line or reducing balance basis over their expected useful 
lives to Brambles. Residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and 
adjusted if appropriate, at each balance sheet date.

The expected useful lives of PPE are generally:
 –
 –
 –

buildings 
pooling equipment 
other plant and equipment (owned and leased) 

50 years
5–10 years
3–20 years

The cost of improvements to leasehold properties is amortised over 
the unexpired portion of the lease, or the estimated useful life of the 
improvement to Brambles, whichever is the shorter.

Provision is made for irrecoverable pooling equipment based on 
experience in each market. The provision is presented within 
accumulated depreciation.

The carrying values of PPE are reviewed for impairment when 
circumstances indicate their carrying values may not be recoverable. 
Assets are assessed within the cash generating unit to which they 
belong. Any impairment losses are recognised in the income statement.

The recoverable amount of PPE is the greater of its fair value less 
costs to sell and its value in use. Value in use is determined as 
estimated future cash flows discounted to their present value using 
a pre-tax discount rate reflecting current market assessments of the 
time value of money and the risk specific to the asset.

PPE is derecognised upon disposal or when no future economic benefits 
are expected to arise from continued use of the asset. Any net gain or 
loss arising on derecognition of the asset is included in the income 
statement and presented within other income in the period in which the 
asset is derecognised.

Goodwill
Goodwill is carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses. 
Goodwill is not amortised. 

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the 
fair value of Brambles’ share of the net identifiable assets of the 
acquired subsidiary or joint venture at the date of acquisition. Goodwill 
on acquisitions of subsidiaries is included in intangible assets. Goodwill 
on acquisitions of joint ventures is included in investments in joint 
ventures.

Upon acquisition, any goodwill arising is allocated to each cash 
generating unit expected to benefit from the acquisition. Goodwill is 
tested annually for impairment, or more frequently if events or changes 
in circumstances indicate that it might be impaired. An impairment loss 
is recognised when the recoverable amount of the cash generating unit 
is less than its carrying amount.

On disposal of an operation, goodwill associated with the disposed 
operation is included in the carrying amount of the operation when 
determining the gain or loss on disposal.

Intangible assets
Intangible assets acquired are capitalised at cost, unless acquired  
as part of a business combination in which case they are capitalised  
at fair value as at the date of acquisition. Following initial recognition, 
intangible assets are carried at cost less provisions for amortisation 
and impairment.

The costs of acquiring and developing computer software for internal 
use are capitalised as intangible non-current assets where it is used to 
support a significant business system and the expenditure leads to the 
creation of a durable asset. 

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Useful lives have been established for all non-goodwill intangible 
assets. Amortisation charges are expensed in the income statement on 
a straight-line basis over those useful lives. Estimated useful lives are 
reviewed annually. 

The expected useful lives of intangible assets are generally:
 –
 –

customer lists and relationships 
computer software 

3–20 years
3–10 years

There are no non-goodwill intangible assets with indefinite lives.

Intangible assets are tested for impairment where an indicator of 
impairment exists, either individually or at the cash generating unit level.

Gains or losses arising from derecognition of an intangible asset are 
measured as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and  
the carrying amount of the asset and are recognised in the income 
statement when the asset is derecognised.

LIABILITIES
Payables
Trade and other creditors represent liabilities for goods and services 
provided to Brambles prior to the end of the financial year which 
remain unpaid at the reporting date. The amounts are unsecured  
and are paid within normal credit terms.

Non-current payables are discounted to present value using the 
effective interest method.

Provisions
Provisions for liabilities are made on the basis that, due to a past event, 
the business has a constructive or legal obligation to transfer economic 
benefits that are of uncertain timing or amount. Provisions are 
measured at the present value of management’s best estimate at the 
balance sheet date of the expenditure required to settle the obligation. 
The discount rate used is a pre-tax rate that reflects current market 
assessments of the time value of money and the risks appropriate to 
the liability.

Where discounting is used, the increase in the provision due to the 
passage of time is recognised as a finance cost in the income 
statement.

Interest bearing liabilities
Borrowings are initially recognised at fair value, net of transaction 
costs incurred. Borrowings are subsequently measured at amortised 
cost. Any difference between the borrowing proceeds (net of 
transaction costs) and the redemption amount is recognised in the 
income statement over the period of the borrowings using the effective 
interest method.

Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless Brambles has  
an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least 
12 months after the balance sheet date.

Employee entitlements
Employee entitlements are provided by Brambles in accordance with 
the legal and social requirements of the country of employment. 
Principal entitlements are for annual leave, sick leave, long service 
leave and contract entitlements. Annual leave and sick leave 
entitlements are presented within trade and other payables.

Liabilities for annual leave, as well as those employee entitlements 
which are expected to be settled within one year, are measured at the 
amounts expected to be paid when they are settled. All other employee 
entitlement liabilities are measured at the estimated present value of 
the future cash outflows to be made in respect of services provided by 
employees up to the reporting date.

Dividends
A provision for dividends is only recognised where the dividends have 
been declared prior to the reporting date.

Leases
Leases are classified at their inception as either operating or finance 
leases based on the economic substance of the agreement so as to 
reflect the risks and benefits incidental to ownership.

OPERATING LEASES
The minimum lease payments under operating leases, where the  
lessor effectively retains substantially all of the risks and benefits  
of ownership of the leased item, are recognised as an expense  
on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. 

FINANCE LEASES
Finance leases, which effectively transfer substantially all of the risks 
and benefits incidental to ownership of the leased item to Brambles, 
are capitalised at the inception of the lease at the fair value of the 
leased asset or, if lower, present value of the minimum lease payments, 
and disclosed as property, plant and equipment held under lease. 
A lease liability of equal value is also recognised.

Lease payments are allocated between finance charges and a 
reduction of the lease liability so as to achieve a constant period rate 
of interest on the lease liability outstanding each period. The finance 
charge is recognised as a finance cost in the income statement.

Capitalised lease assets are depreciated over the shorter of the 
estimated useful life of the assets and the lease term.

Income tax
The income tax expense or benefit for the year is the tax payable or 
receivable on the current year’s taxable income based on the national 
income tax rate for each jurisdiction, adjusted by changes in deferred 
tax assets and liabilities attributable to temporary differences between 
the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the 
financial statements, and to unused tax losses.

Deferred tax is accounted for using the balance sheet liability method 
in respect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of 
assets and liabilities in the financial statements and the corresponding 
tax basis used in the computation of taxable profit, calculated using tax 
rates which are enacted or substantively enacted by the balance 
sheet date. 

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. The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is 
reviewed at each balance sheet date and reduced to the extent that it 
is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to 
allow all or part of the deferred tax asset to be utilised.

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BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

63

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF  
THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2010

NOTE 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – CONTINUED
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are not recognised:
 –

where the deferred tax arises from the initial recognition of an asset 
or liability in a transaction that is not a business combination and, at 
the time of the transaction, affects neither the accounting profit nor 
taxable profit or loss; or
in respect of temporary differences associated with investments in 
subsidiaries and joint ventures where the timing of the reversal of 
the temporary differences can be controlled and it is probable that 
the temporary differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

 –

Current and deferred tax attributable to amounts recognised directly 
in equity are also recognised directly in equity.

Financial assets
Brambles classifies its financial assets in the following two categories: 
financial assets at fair value through profit or loss and loans and 
receivables. The classification depends on the purpose for which the 
financial assets were acquired.

FINANCIAL ASSETS AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT OR LOSS
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are financial assets 
held for trading. A financial asset is classified in this category if 
acquired principally for the purpose of selling in the short term.

LOANS AND RECEIVABLES
Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed  
or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. 

Financial assets are recognised on Brambles’ balance sheet when 
Brambles becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the 
instrument. Derecognition takes place when Brambles no longer 
controls the contractual rights that comprise the financial instrument, 
which is normally the case when the instrument is sold, or all the cash 
flows attributable to the instrument are passed through to an 
independent third party.

Derivatives and hedging activities
Derivative instruments used by Brambles, which are used solely for 
hedging purposes (ie to offset foreign exchange and interest rate risks), 
comprise interest rate swaps, caps, collars, forward rate agreements 
and forward foreign exchange contracts. Such derivative instruments 
are used to alter the risk profile of Brambles’ existing underlying 
exposure in line with Brambles’ risk management policies. 

Derivative financial instruments are stated at fair value. The fair value 
of forward exchange contracts is calculated by reference to current 
forward exchange rates for contracts with similar maturities at the 
balance sheet date. The fair value of interest rate swap contracts is 
calculated as the present value of the forward cash flows of the 
instrument after applying market rates and standard valuation 
techniques.

For the purposes of hedge accounting, hedges are classified as either 
fair value hedges, cash flow hedges or net investment hedges.

FAIR VALUE HEDGES 
Fair value hedges are derivatives that hedge exposure to changes in the 
fair value of a recognised asset or liability, or an unrecognised firm 
commitment. In relation to fair value hedges which meet the conditions 
for hedge accounting, any gain or loss from remeasuring the hedging 
instrument at fair value is recognised immediately in the income 
statement.

Any gain or loss attributable to the hedged risk on remeasurement of 
the hedged item is adjusted against the carrying amount of the hedged 
item and recognised in the income statement. Where the adjustment  
is to the carrying amount of a hedged interest-bearing financial 
instrument, the adjustment is amortised to the income statement  
such that it is fully amortised by maturity.

Hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively if the hedge is 
terminated or no longer meets the hedge accounting criteria. In this 
case, any adjustment to the carrying amounts of the hedged item for 
the designated risk for interest-bearing financial instruments is 
amortised to the income statement following termination of the hedge.

CASH FLOW HEDGES 
Cash flow hedges are derivatives that hedge exposure to variability 
in cash flows that is either attributable to a particular risk associated 
with a recognised asset or liability, or a highly probable forecast 
transaction.

In relation to cash flow hedges to hedge forecast transactions which 
meet the conditions for hedge accounting, the portion of the gain or 
loss on the hedging instrument that is determined to be an effective 
hedge is recognised in other comprehensive income and reserves in 
equity and the ineffective portion is recognised in the income 
statement.

Hedge accounting is discontinued when the hedging instrument  
expires or is sold, terminated or exercised, or no longer qualifies  
for hedge accounting.

At that point in time, any cumulative gain or loss on the hedging 
instrument recognised in equity is kept in equity until the forecast 
transaction occurs.

If a hedged transaction is no longer expected to occur, the net 
cumulative gain or loss recognised in equity is transferred to net  
profit or loss for the year.

For all other cash flow hedges, the gains or losses that are recognised 
in equity are transferred to the income statement in the same year in 
which the hedged firm commitment affects the net profit and loss,  
for example when the future sale actually occurs.

When the hedged firm commitment results in the recognition of an 
asset or a liability, then, at the time the asset or liability is recognised, 
the associated gains or losses that had previously been recognised in 
equity are included in the initial measurement of the acquisition cost 
or other carrying amount of the asset or liability.

64

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NET INVESTMENT HEDGES
Hedges for net investments in foreign operations are accounted for 
similarly to cash flow hedges.

Any gain or loss on the hedging instrument that is determined to  
be an effective hedge is recognised in other comprehensive income  
and reserves in equity and the ineffective portion is recognised in  
the income statement.

Gains and losses accumulated in equity are included in the income 
statement when the foreign operation is partially disposed or sold.

DERIVATIVES THAT DO NOT QUALIFY FOR HEDGE ACCOUNTING
Where derivatives do not qualify for hedge accounting, gains or losses 
arising from changes in their fair value are taken directly to net profit 
or loss for the year.

Contributed equity
Ordinary shares including share premium are classified as contributed 
equity. No gain or loss is recognised in the income statement on the 
purchase, sale, issue or cancellation of Brambles’ own equity 
instruments. 

Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares or 
options are shown in equity as a deduction from the proceeds of issue.

Earnings per share (EPS)
Basic EPS is calculated as net profit attributable to members of the 
parent entity, adjusted to exclude costs of servicing equity (other than 
dividends), divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares, 
adjusted for any bonus element.

Diluted EPS is calculated as net profit attributable to members of the 
parent entity, adjusted for:
 –

costs of servicing equity (other than dividends) and preference 
share dividends;
the after-tax effect of dividends and finance costs associated with 
dilutive potential ordinary shares that have been recognised as 
expenses; 
other non-discretionary changes in revenues or expenses during the 
year that would result from the dilution of potential ordinary shares;

 –

 –

and divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares and 
dilutive potential ordinary shares, adjusted for any bonus element. 

EPS on Underlying profit after finance costs and tax is calculated as 
Underlying profit after finance costs and tax attributable to members 
of the parent entity, divided by the weighted average number of 
ordinary shares, adjusted for any bonus element.

Rounding of amounts
As Brambles is a company of a kind referred to in ASIC Class Order 
98/0100, relevant amounts in the financial statements and Directors’ 
Report have been rounded to the nearest hundred thousand US dollars 
or, in certain cases, to the nearest thousand US dollars.

NOTE 3. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS
In applying its accounting policies, Brambles has made estimates and 
assumptions concerning the future, which may differ from the related 
actual outcomes. Those estimates and assumptions which have a 
significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying 
amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are 
discussed below.

Irrecoverable pooling equipment provisioning
Loss or damage is an inherent risk of pooling equipment operations. 
CHEP’s pooling equipment operations around the world differ in terms 
of business model, market dynamics, customer and distribution 
channel profiles, contractual arrangements and operational details. 
Brambles conducts audits on a regular basis to confirm the existence 
and the condition of its pooling equipment assets, and monitors its 
pooling equipment operations using detailed key performance 
indicators (KPIs). 

The irrecoverable pooling equipment provision is determined by 
reference to historical statistical data in each market, including the 
outcome of audits and relevant KPIs, together with management 
estimates of future equipment losses.

Impairment of goodwill
Brambles’ business units undertake an impairment review process 
annually to ensure that goodwill balances are not carried at amounts 
that are in excess of their recoverable amounts. The recoverable 
amount of the goodwill in continuing operations is determined based 
on value in use calculations undertaken at the cash generating unit 
level. These calculations require the use of key assumptions which 
are set out in Note 20. 

Income taxes
Brambles is a global company and is subject to income taxes in many 
jurisdictions around the world. Significant judgement is required in 
determining the provision for income taxes on a worldwide basis. There 
are many transactions and calculations undertaken during the ordinary 
course of business for which the ultimate tax determination is 
uncertain. Brambles recognises liabilities for anticipated tax audit 
issues based on estimates of whether additional taxes will be due. 
Where the final tax outcome of these matters is different from 
amounts provided, such differences will impact the current and 
deferred tax provisions in the period in which such outcome is obtained. 
Refer to Note 9 for further details.

Provisions on divestments
Brambles has made provisions in relation to vendor warranties and 
other matters associated with the divestments made in 2007 and prior 
years. These provisions have been established by management using 
information currently available. Where the eventual outcome of these 
matters is different from amounts currently provided, such differences 
will impact profits in the period in which such outcome is recognised. 
Refer to Note 24 for further details.

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BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

65

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF  
THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2010

NOTE 4. SEGMENT INFORMATION
Brambles’ segment information is provided on the same basis as its internal management reporting to the CEO and reflects how Brambles is 
organised and managed. 

Brambles has five reportable segments, being CHEP Americas, CHEP EMEA, CHEP Asia-Pacific (pallet and container pooling businesses), Recall 
(information management business) and Brambles HQ (corporate centre). Discontinued operations primarily comprise the Cleanaway businesses 
(waste management), which were divested in 2006 and 2007.

Segment results shown are consistent with internal management reporting. Segment performance is measured on sales, Underlying profit, cash 
flow from operations and Brambles Value Added (BVA). Underlying profit is the main measure of segment profit. A reconciliation between 
Underlying profit and operating profit is set out as a footnote to the income statement.

Segment sales revenue is measured on the same basis as in the income statement. Segment sales revenue is allocated to segments based on the 
business stream and physical location of the business unit that invoices the customer. Intersegment revenue during the year was immaterial. 
There is no single external customer who contributed more than 10% of Group sales revenue.

Assets and liabilities are measured consistently in segment reporting and in the balance sheet. Assets and liabilities are allocated to segments 
based on segment use and physical location. Cash, borrowings and tax balances are managed centrally and therefore not allocated to segments. 

By operating segment 

CHEP Americas

CHEP EMEA

CHEP Asia-Pacific

Total CHEP

Recall

Brambles HQ

Total

By geographic origin 

Americas

Europe

Australia

Other

Total

By operating segment 

CHEP Americas

CHEP EMEA

CHEP Asia-Pacific

Total CHEP

Recall

Brambles HQ

Continuing operations

Discontinued operations

Total

SALES REVENUE 

CASH FLOW FROM 
OPERATIONS 1

BRAMBLES 
VALUE ADDED 2

2010 
US$M 

2009 
US$M 

2010 
US$M 

2009 
US$M 

2010 
US$M 

2009 
US$M 

1,533.6 

1,556.9 

1,482.6 

1,452.6 

390.9 

323.4 

3,407.1 

3,332.9 

739.7 

685.7 

 – 

 – 

4,146.8 

4,018.6 

285.7 

411.7 

94.1 

791.5 

121.7 

(30.9)

882.3 

267.0 

372.7 

9.8 

649.5 

106.9 

(34.0)

722.4 

38.1 

165.3 

28.2 

231.6 

9.0 

(25.2)

215.4 

138.5 

159.8 

26.2 

324.5 

(6.4)

(20.7)

297.4 

1,868.9 

1,870.2 

1,537.9 

1,537.1 

501.6 

238.4 

421.2 

190.1 

4,146.8 

4,018.6 

OPERATING PROFIT 3 

SIGNIFICANT ITEMS 
BEFORE TAX 4 

UNDERLYING PROFIT 4 

2010 
US$M 

2009 
US$M 

2010 
US$M 

2009 
US$M 

2010 
US$M 

2009 
US$M 

235.2 

324.9 

77.8 

637.9 

123.1 

(36.5)

724.5 

3.9 

728.4 

229.0 

286.5 

57.9 

573.4 

95.9 

48.9 

718.2 

15.2 

733.4 

(1.9)

(4.6)

(0.6)

(7.1)

(1.5)

(0.3)

(8.9)

3.9 

(5.0)

(205.4)

(41.0)

(3.2)

(249.6)

(8.4)

75.6 

(182.4)

15.2 

(167.2)

237.1 

329.5 

78.4 

645.0 

124.6 

(36.2)

733.4 

434.4 

327.5 

61.1 

823.0 

104.3 

(26.7)

900.6 

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By operating segment 

CHEP Americas

CHEP EMEA

CHEP Asia-Pacific

Total CHEP

Recall

Brambles HQ

Total

By operating segment 

CHEP Americas

CHEP EMEA

CHEP Asia-Pacific

Total CHEP

Recall

Brambles HQ

Total segment assets and liabilities

Cash and borrowings 

Current tax balances

Deferred tax balances

Equity-accounted investments

Total assets and liabilities

Non-current assets by geographic origin5 

Americas

Europe

Australia

Other

Total

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE 
 (INCLUDING ACQUISITIONS) 

DEPRECIATION 
AND AMORTISATION 

2010 
US$M 

2009 
US$M 

2010 
US$M 

2009 
US$M 

214.2 

174.8 

67.2 

456.2 

73.7 

2.1 

312.6 

223.6 

93.0 

629.2 

59.0 

5.4 

171.9 

167.8 

52.1 

391.8 

47.9 

4.3 

173.3 

168.5 

36.5 

378.3 

46.0 

0.3 

532.0 

693.6 

444.0 

424.6 

SEGMENT ASSETS

SEGMENT LIABILITIES

2010 
US$M 

2009 
US$M 

2010 
US$M 

2009 
US$M 

1,702.6 

1,739.5 

1,499.4 

1,752.1 

451.6 

430.4 

3,653.6 

3,922.0 

1,038.2 

1,020.1 

32.9 

11.0 

204.9 

339.3 

91.0 

635.2 

182.5 

78.5 

4,724.7 

4,953.1 

896.2 

241.6 

360.3 

72.3 

674.2 

167.7 

79.3 

921.2 

135.5 

16.3 

19.8 

14.0 

90.1 

34.5 

7.0 

13.8 

1,894.8 

2,233.5 

78.5 

408.2 

 – 

64.6 

449.9 

 – 

4,910.3 

5,098.5 

3,277.7 

3,669.2 

1,936.8 

1,952.9 

1,270.4 

1,532.3 

487.9 

315.2 

488.1 

266.1 

4,010.3 

4,239.4 

1  Cash flow from operations is cash flow generated after net capital expenditure but excluding Significant items that are outside the ordinary course of business. 
2  BVA represents the value generated over and above the cost of the capital used to generate that value. It is calculated using fixed June 2009 exchange rates as:

– Underlying profit; plus 
– Significant items that are part of the ordinary activities of the business; less
– Average Capital Invested, adjusted for accumulated pre-tax Significant items that are part of the ordinary activities of the business, multiplied by 12%. 

3  Operating profit is segment revenue less segment expense and excludes net finance costs.
4  Underlying profit is profit from continuing operations before finance costs, tax and Significant items. Refer Note 6.
5  Non-current assets exclude financial instruments and deferred tax assets.

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BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

67

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF  
THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2010

NOTE 5. PROFIT FROM ORDINARY ACTIVITIES – CONTINUING OPERATIONS

a) Revenue and other income – continuing operations 

Sales revenue

Net gains on disposals of property, plant and equipment 

Other operating income

Other income

Total income

b) Operating expenses – continuing operations 

Employment costs (Note 7)

Service suppliers: 

– transport

– repairs and maintenance

– subcontractors and other service suppliers

Raw materials and consumables 

Occupancy 

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

Impairment of pooling equipment (refer Note 6)

Irrecoverable pooling equipment provision expense

Amortisation:

– software 

– acquired intangible assets (other than software) 

– deferred expenditure

Other1 

c) Net foreign exchange gains and losses – continuing operations 

Net (losses)/gains included in operating profit1

Net gains included in net finance costs

1  2009 includes a US$77.3 million foreign exchange gain on capital repatriation from an overseas subsidiary. Refer Note 6 for further details.

2010 
US$M 

2009 
US$M 

4,146.8 

4,018.6 

26.4 

70.6 

97.0 

11.9 

84.8 

96.7 

4,243.8 

4,115.3 

779.5 

778.2 

730.7 

376.3 

458.0 

193.5 

262.3 

405.5 

 – 

111.2 

24.2 

6.7 

7.6 

169.6 

758.5 

353.4 

434.1 

181.1 

254.3 

391.3 

33.6 

97.8 

22.8 

6.6 

3.9 

86.5 

3,525.1 

3,402.1 

(1.0)

2.3 

1.3 

75.5 

0.1 

75.6 

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NOTE 6. SIGNIFICANT ITEMS – CONTINUING OPERATIONS
Significant items are items of income or expense which are, either individually or in aggregate, material to Brambles or to the relevant business 
segment and:
 –

outside the ordinary course of business (eg gains or losses on the sale or termination of operations, the cost of significant reorganisations or 
restructuring); or
part of the ordinary activities of the business but unusual due to their size and nature.

 –

Significant items are disclosed to assist users of the financial statements to understand Brambles’ business results.

Items outside the ordinary course of business:

– restructuring costsa

Significant items from continuing operations

Items outside the ordinary course of business:

– restructuring costsa

– reset of tax cost bases on Unificationb

– foreign exchange gain on capital repatriationc

Items within ordinary activities, but unusual due to size and nature:

– Walmart transition impactd

– USA pallet quality program costse

Significant items from continuing operations

2010

BEFORE TAX 
US$M 

TAX  
US$M 

AFTER TAX 
US$M 

(8.9)

(8.9)

2.6 

2.6 

(6.3)

(6.3)

2009 

BEFORE TAX 
US$M 

TAX  
US$M 

AFTER TAX 
US$M 

(153.3)

 – 

77.3 

(29.0)

(77.4)

(182.4)

47.0 

(6.5)

 – 

11.3 

30.3 

82.1 

(106.3)

(6.5)

77.3 

(17.7)

(47.1)

(100.3)

a  In February 2009, Brambles announced a restructure of its operations, estimated to cost US$159– US$169 million before tax, as a response to the effects of the global 
economic crisis on its businesses. An impairment charge of US$33.6 million, a US$61.6 million charge for storage and scrapping costs and US$3.8 million depreciation 
expense were booked in 2009 against surplus pallets within the CHEP USA pool. Redundancy and plant closure expenses of US$63.2 million have been incurred in various 
countries, of which US$8.9 million was booked in 2010 (2009: US$54.3 million).

b  During 2009, a net adjustment of US$(6.5) million was made to tax cost bases and other Unification tax matters.
c  During 2009, capital of €460 million was repatriated to Australia from an overseas subsidiary. As required by AASB 121: The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange 

Rates, a portion of the accumulated foreign currency translation reserve previously held in relation to the overseas subsidiary was recognised in the income statement, 
resulting in a US$77.3 million foreign exchange gain.

d  During 2009, non-recurring transition costs of US$29.0 million due to loss of white wood revenue and net additional operational costs were incurred within CHEP USA as 

a result of Walmart’s decision to modify management of pallet flows within its network in the USA.

e  Costs of US$77.4 million were incurred within CHEP USA on the pallet quality program and reported as Significant items in 2009. In October 2009, CHEP USA launched 
its Better Everyday customer service and quality program. In 2010, spending under the Better Everyday program, together with the final US$37 million spending under 
the USA pallet quality program announced in February 2008, have been presented within Underlying profit.

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69

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF  
THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2010

NOTE 7. EMPLOYMENT COSTS – CONTINUING OPERATIONS

Wages and salaries 

Social security costs

Share-based payment expense

Pension costs:

– defined contribution plans

– defined benefit plans

Other post-employment benefits 

The average monthly number of employees in continuing operations was:

CHEP

Recall

Brambles HQ

NOTE 8. NET FINANCE COSTS

Finance revenue

Bank accounts and short term deposits

Other

Finance costs

Interest expense on bank loans and borrowings

Other 

Net finance costs

2010 
US$M 

2009 
US$M 

653.2 

648.2 

71.5 

11.1 

19.9 

5.4 

18.4 

72.2 

14.2 

19.7 

4.9 

19.0 

779.5 

778.2 

2010 

2009 

7,617 

5,004 

93 

7,911 

4,784 

90 

12,714 

12,785 

2010 
US$M 

2009 
US$M 

2.2 

0.6 

2.8 

5.3 

1.8 

7.1 

(101.9)

(110.9)

(10.5)

(17.1)

(112.4)

(128.0)

(109.6)

(120.9)

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NOTE 9. INCOME TAX

a) Components of tax expense

Amounts recognised in the income statement

Current income tax – continuing operations:

– income tax charge

– prior year adjustments

Deferred tax – continuing operations:

– origination and reversal of temporary differences

– previously unrecognised tax losses

– prior year adjustments

Tax expense – continuing operations 

Tax benefit – discontinued operations (Note 12)

Tax expense recognised in the income statement

Amounts recognised in the statement of comprehensive income

– on actuarial losses on defined benefit pension plans

– on losses on revaluation of cash flow hedges

Tax benefit recognised directly in the statement of comprehensive income

b) Reconciliation between tax expense and accounting profit before tax

Profit before tax – continuing operations

Tax at standard Australian rate of 30% (2009: 30%)

Effect of tax rates in other jurisdictions

Prior year adjustments

Current year tax losses not recognised

Foreign withholding tax – unrecoverable

Change in tax rates

Non-deductible expenses

Prior year tax losses recouped/recognised

Other

Tax expense – continuing operations 

Tax benefit – discontinued operations (Note 12)

Total income tax expense

2010 
US$M 

2009 
US$M 

201.8 

13.8 

215.6 

(6.6)

(15.7)

(22.3)

(44.6)

171.0 

(1.0)

170.0 

(1.3)

0.5 

(0.8)

614.9 

184.5 

(9.9)

(8.5)

6.1 

5.5 

0.2 

7.5 

(15.7)

1.3 

171.0 

(1.0)

170.0 

147.3 

(18.1)

129.2 

29.1 

(9.4)

14.4 

34.1 

163.3 

(3.4)

159.9 

0.2 

(4.9)

(4.7)

597.3 

179.2 

(3.6)

(3.7)

14.6 

9.4 

(1.1)

6.1 

(9.4)

(28.2)

163.3 

(3.4)

159.9 

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71

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF  
THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2010

NOTE 9. INCOME TAX – CONTINUED

c) Components of and changes in deferred tax assets

Deferred tax assets shown in the balance sheet are represented by cumulative temporary differences attributable to:

Items recognised through the income statement

Employee benefits

Provisions

Losses available against future taxable income

Other

Items recognised directly in equity

Actuarial losses on defined benefit pension plans

Cash flow hedges

Share-based payments

Set-off of deferred tax liabilities

Net deferred tax assets

Changes in deferred tax assets were as follows:

At 1 July

Credited to the income statement 

Credited directly to equity

Offset against deferred tax liabilities

Currency variations

At 30 June

2010 
US$M 

2009 
US$M 

10.5 

37.6 

143.5 

48.9 

240.5 

3.3 

4.9 

0.3 

8.5 

7.5 

52.0 

116.8 

46.9 

223.2 

2.3 

5.3 

0.3 

7.9 

(229.2)

(224.1)

19.8 

7.0 

7.0 

7.5 

0.6 

5.1 

(0.4)

19.8 

8.8 

51.1 

4.6 

(52.5)

(5.0)

7.0 

Deferred tax assets are recognised for carried forward tax losses to the extent that the realisation of the related tax benefit through future taxable 
profits is probable. At reporting date, Brambles has unused tax losses of US$569.0 million (2009: US$493.1 million) available for offset against 
future profits. A deferred tax asset has been recognised in respect of US$395.0 million (2009: US$324.8 million) of such losses.

The benefit for tax losses will only be obtained if: 
 –

Brambles derives future assessable income of a nature and of an amount sufficient to enable the benefit from the deductions for the losses  
to be realised; 
Brambles continues to comply with the conditions for deductibility imposed by tax legislation; and 
no changes in tax legislation adversely affect Brambles in realising the benefit from the deductions for the losses.

 –
 –

No deferred tax asset has been recognised in respect of the remaining unused tax losses of US$174.0 million (2009: US$168.3 million) due to  
the unpredictability of future profit streams in the relevant jurisdictions. Other than China losses of US$31.5 million which will expire between 
2011 and 2015, all other losses may be carried forward indefinitely. 

72

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d) Components and changes in deferred tax liabilities

Deferred tax liabilities shown in the balance sheet are represented by cumulative temporary differences attributable to:

Items recognised through the income statement

Accelerated depreciation for tax purposes

Other

Set-off of deferred tax assets

Net deferred tax liabilities

Changes in deferred tax liabilities were as follows:

At 1 July

(Credited)/charged to the income statement 

Credited to the statement of comprehensive income

Offset against deferred tax asset

Currency variations

At 30 June

2010 
US$M 

2009 
US$M 

538.1 

99.3 

637.4 

565.7 

108.3 

674.0 

(229.2)

(224.1)

408.2 

449.9 

449.9 

(37.1)

 – 

5.1 

(9.7)

408.2 

443.5 

85.2 

(9.1)

(52.5)

(17.2)

449.9 

At reporting date, the aggregate amount of temporary differences associated with undistributed earnings of subsidiaries for which deferred 
tax liabilities have not been recognised in the consolidated financial statements was US$1,865.6 million (2009: US$1,769.3 million).  
No liability has been recognised in respect of these temporary differences because Brambles is in a position to control distributions from 
subsidiaries and it is probable that such differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future. Unremitted earnings totalled US$2,093.3 million 
(2009: US$2,134.7 million), of which US$170.9 million (2009: US$212.3 million) relates to earnings post Unification.

e) Tax consolidation
Brambles Limited and its Australian subsidiaries formed a tax consolidated group in 2006. Brambles Limited, as the head entity of the tax 
consolidated group, and its Australian subsidiaries have entered into a tax sharing agreement in order to allocate income tax expense. The tax 
sharing agreement uses a stand-alone basis of allocation. Consequently, Brambles Limited and its Australian subsidiaries account for their own 
current and deferred tax amounts as if they each continue to be taxable entities in their own right. In addition, the agreement provides funding  
rules setting out the basis upon which subsidiaries are to indemnify Brambles Limited in respect of tax liabilities and the methodology by which 
subsidiaries in tax loss are to be compensated. 

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73

 
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF  
THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2010

NOTE 10. EARNINGS PER SHARE

Earnings per share 

– basic

– diluted

From continuing operations 

– basic

– diluted

– basic, on Underlying profit after finance costs and tax

From discontinued operations 

– basic

– diluted

2010 
US CENTS 

2009 
US CENTS 

31.8 

31.7 

31.5 

31.4 

31.9 

0.3 

0.3 

32.6 

32.5 

31.3 

31.2 

38.5 

1.3 

1.3 

Options, performance share rights and MyShare matching conditional rights granted under Brambles’ share plans are considered to be potential 
ordinary shares and have been included in the determination of diluted earnings per share to the extent to which they are dilutive. Details are set 
out in Note 27. 

a) Weighted average number of shares during the year

Used in the calculation of basic earnings per share

Adjustment for share options and rights

Used in the calculation of diluted earnings per share 

b) Reconciliations of profits used in EPS calculations 

Statutory profit

Profit from continuing operations 

Profit from discontinued operations

Profit used in calculating basic and diluted EPS

Underlying profit after finance costs and tax

Underlying profit (Note 4)

Net finance costs (Note 8)

Underlying profit before tax

Tax expense on Underlying profit

Underlying profit after finance costs and tax

which reconciles to statutory profit:

Underlying profit after finance costs and tax

Significant items after tax (Note 6)

Profit from continuing operations 

2010 
MILLION 

2009 
MILLION

1,411.3 

1,388.3 

5.9 

4.4 

1,417.2 

1,392.7 

2010 
US$M

2009 
US$M

443.9 

4.9 

448.8 

434.0 

18.6 

452.6 

733.4 

900.6 

(109.6)

(120.9)

623.8 

779.7 

(173.6)

(245.4)

450.2 

534.3 

450.2 

534.3 

(6.3)

(100.3)

443.9 

434.0

74

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NOTE 11. DIVIDENDS

a) Dividends declared and paid during the year 

Dividend per share (in Australian cents)

Franked amount at 30% tax (in Australian cents)

Cost (in US$ million)

Payment date

b) Dividend declared after reporting date

Dividend per share (in Australian cents)

Franked amount at 30% tax (in Australian cents)

Cost (in US$ million)

Payment date

Dividend record date

As this dividend had not been declared at the reporting date, it is not reflected in the financial statements.

INTERIM
2010 

12.5 

2.5 

164.2 

FINAL 
2009 

12.5 

2.5 

160.5 

8 April 2010 

8 October 2009 

FINAL
2010 

12.5

2.5

158.6

14 October 2010

22 September 2010

2010 
US$M 

2009 
US$M 

c) Franking credits 

Franking credits available for subsequent financial years based on a tax rate of 30%

34.2 

22.0 

The amounts above represent the balance of the franking account as at the end of the year, adjusted for:
 –
 –
 –
 –

franking credits that will arise from the payment of the current tax liability; 
franking debits that will arise from the payment of dividends recognised as a liability at the reporting date;
franking credits that will arise from dividends recognised as receivables at the reporting date; and 
franking credits that may be prevented from being distributed in subsequent financial years.

The final 2010 dividend has been franked at 20%.  

Brambles has lodged private ruling requests with the Australian Taxation Office as a result of amendments to the Australian tax consolidation 
legislation that were enacted in June 2010. If these ruling requests are granted, Brambles will receive tax refunds relating to prior years and have 
reduced Australian tax obligations in future years. Depending on the outcome and timing of each ruling, Brambles may be unable to frank its future 
dividends in the short to medium term. 

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75

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF  
THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2010

NOTE 12. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
Net favourable provision adjustments on divestments completed in 2007 and prior years have been recognised as Significant items outside the 
ordinary course of business. The impact of these adjustments on profit and cash flow are summarised below:

Profit before tax

Tax benefit

Profit for the year from discontinued operations

Net cash outflow from operating activities

NOTE 13. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash at bank and in hand

Short term deposits 

Short term deposits have initial maturities varying between 7 days and 3 months. 

Refer to Note 29 for other financial instruments disclosures.

NOTE 14. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES 

Current 

Trade receivables

Provision for doubtful receivables (a)

Net trade receivables

Other debtors 

Accrued and unbilled revenue

Non-current 

Other receivables 

2010 
US$M 

3.9 

1.0 

4.9 

(1.2)

120.2 

15.3 

135.5 

2009 
US$M 

15.2 

3.4 

18.6 

(2.2)

55.0 

35.1 

90.1 

507.8 

(9.0)

498.8 

93.4 

39.4 

631.6 

461.8 

(11.7)

450.1 

119.6 

83.9 

653.6 

6.2 

8.1 

a) Provision for doubtful receivables 
Trade receivables are non-interest bearing and are generally on 30–90 day terms. A provision for doubtful receivables is established when there is 
a level of uncertainty as to the full recoverability of the receivable, based on objective evidence. A provision of US$2.9 million (2009: US$8.4 million) 
has been recognised as an expense in the current year for specific trade and other receivables for which such evidence exists. 

Movements in the provision for doubtful receivables were as follows:

At 1 July

Charge for the year

Amounts written off

Foreign exchange differences

At 30 June

11.7 

2.9 

(5.2)

(0.4)

9.0 

7.6 

8.4 

(4.8)

0.5 

11.7 

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At 30 June, the ageing analysis of trade receivables by reference to due dates was as follows:

Not past due

Past due 0-30 days but not impaired

Past due 31-60 days but not impaired

Past due 61-90 days but not impaired

Past 90 days but not impaired

Impaired

2010 
US$M 

2009 
US$M 

410.0 

70.7 

12.9 

5.2 

 – 

9.0 

271.8 

115.7 

27.5 

18.5 

16.6 

11.7 

507.8 

461.8 

At 30 June 2010, trade receivables of US$88.8 million (2009: US$178.3 million) were past due but not doubtful. These trade receivables  
comprise customers who have a good debt history and are considered recoverable.

At 30 June 2010, trade receivables of US$9.0 million (2009: US$11.7 million) were considered to be impaired. A provision of US$9.0 million  
(2009: US$11.7 million) has been recognised for doubtful receivables. 

Other debtors primarily comprise GST/VAT recoverable, loss compensation receivables and certain balances arising from outside Brambles’  
ordinary business activities, such as deferred proceeds on sale of businesses and property, plant and equipment. 

At 30 June 2010, other debtors of US$35.3 million (2009: US$35.0 million) were past due but not considered to be impaired. No specific  
collection issues have been identified with these receivables. An ageing of these receivables was as follows:

Past due 0-30 days but not impaired

Past due 31-60 days but not impaired

Past due 61-90 days but not impaired

Past 90 days but not impaired

6.7 

3.3 

3.8 

21.5 

35.3 

10.1 

0.6 

2.0 

22.3 

35.0 

At 30 June 2010, there were no balances within other debtors that were considered to be impaired (2009: nil). No provision has been recognised 
(2009: nil).  

Refer to Note 29 for other financial instruments disclosures.   

NOTE 15. INVENTORIES

Raw materials and consumables 

Work in progress 

26.0 

7.5 

33.5 

27.8 

7.3 

35.1 

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77

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF  
THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2010

NOTE 16. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 

Interest rate swaps – cash flow hedges

Interest rate swaps – fair value hedges

Forward foreign exchange contracts – cash flow hedges

Forward foreign exchange contracts – held for trading

Interest rate swaps – cash flow hedges

Interest rate swaps – fair value hedges

Embedded derivatives

Refer to Note 29 for other financial instruments disclosures.

NOTE 17. OTHER ASSETS

Current 

Prepayments

Current tax receivable 

Non-current 

Prepayments

2010 
US$M 

2009 
US$M 

2010 
US$M 

2009 
US$M 

CURRENT ASSETS

CURRENT LIABILITIES

 – 

8.4 

 – 

6.1 

14.5 

 – 

 – 

 – 

1.1 

1.1 

8.1 

 – 

0.2 

3.9 

12.3 

 – 

0.5 

0.1 

12.2 

12.9 

NON-CURRENT ASSETS

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

0.1 

11.5 

0.4 

12.0 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

7.1 

3.0 

 – 

10.1 

5.8 

 – 

 – 

5.8 

2010 
US$M 

2009 
US$M 

36.8 

16.3 

53.1 

37.7 

34.5 

72.2 

0.7 

0.6 

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NOTE 18. INVESTMENTS
a) Joint ventures
Brambles has investments in the following unlisted jointly controlled entities, which are accounted for using the equity method.

NAME (AND NATURE OF BUSINESS) 

PLACE OF  INCORPORATION

CISCO – Total Information Management Pte. Limited (Information management)

Recall Becker GmbH & Co. KG (Document management services)

Singapore

Germany

b) Movement in carrying amount of investments in joint ventures 

At 1 July

Share of results after income tax (Note 18c)

Dividends received/receivable

Foreign exchange differences

At 30 June

c) Share of results of joint ventures

Trading revenue

Expenses

Profit from ordinary activities before tax

Tax expense on ordinary activities

Profit for the year

d) Share of assets and liabilities of joint ventures 

Current assets

Non-current assets

Total assets

Current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets – continuing operations

e) Share of commitments and contingent liabilities of joint ventures  

Contingent liabilities

Lease commitments

Total – continuing operations

% INTEREST HELD AT 
REPORTING DATE

JUNE 
2010 

49%

50%

JUNE 
2009 

49%

50%

2010 
US$M 

2009 
US$M 

13.8 

5.8 

(5.9)

0.3 

14.0 

12.5 

(5.6)

6.9 

(1.1)

5.8 

3.7 

14.2 

17.9 

3.0 

0.9 

3.9 

16.9 

5.0 

(7.1)

(1.0)

13.8 

11.6 

(5.6)

6.0 

(1.0)

5.0 

3.2 

13.8 

17.0 

2.3 

0.9 

3.2 

14.0 

13.8 

0.5 

1.8 

2.3 

0.7 

2.5 

3.2 

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79

 
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF  
THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2010

NOTE 19. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

At 1 July 2008

Cost

Accumulated depreciation

Net carrying amount

Year ended 30 June 2009

Opening net carrying amount

Additions

Disposals 

Other transfers

Depreciation charge 

Impairment of pooling equipment

Irrecoverable pooling equipment provision expense

Foreign exchange differences

Closing net carrying amount

At 30 June 2009

Cost

Accumulated depreciation

Net carrying amount

Year ended 30 June 2010

Opening net carrying amount

Additions

Disposals 

Other transfers

Depreciation charge

Irrecoverable pooling equipment provision expense

Foreign exchange differences

Closing net carrying amount

At 30 June 2010

Cost

Accumulated depreciation

Net carrying amount

LAND AND
BUILDINGS
US$M

PLANT AND
EQUIPMENT
US$M

TOTAL
US$M

145.9 

5,935.8 

6,081.7 

(55.8)

(2,327.0)

(2,382.8)

90.1 

3,608.8 

3,698.9 

90.1 

3,608.8 

3,698.9 

5.4 

(3.4)

 – 

668.6 

(88.6)

(7.6)

674.0 

(92.0)

(7.6)

(7.0)

(384.3)

(391.3)

 – 

 – 

(33.6)

(97.8)

(33.6)

(97.8)

(10.4)

(298.6)

(309.0)

74.7 

3,366.9 

3,441.6 

129.0 

5,566.9 

5,695.9 

(54.3)

(2,200.0)

(2,254.3)

74.7 

3,366.9 

3,441.6 

74.7 

3,366.9 

3,441.6 

8.2 

(2.2)

4.0 

(6.8)

494.1 

(58.1)

(30.4)

502.3 

(60.3)

(26.4)

(398.7)

(405.5)

 – 

(111.2)

(111.2)

(4.3)

(112.4)

(116.7)

73.6 

3,150.2 

3,223.8 

130.4 

5,287.8 

5,418.2 

(56.8)

(2,137.6)

(2,194.4)

73.6 

3,150.2 

3,223.8 

The net carrying amounts above include plant and equipment held under finance lease US$1.2 million (2009: US$1.9 million); leasehold 
improvements US$6.4 million (2009: US$6.4 million); and capital work in progress US$17.6 million (2009: US$17.9 million). 

80

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NOTE 20. GOODWILL

a) Net carrying amounts and movements during the year

At 1 July

Carrying amount

Year ended 30 June

Opening net carrying amount

Disposal of subsidiaries

Other transfers

Foreign exchange differences

Closing net carrying amount

At 30 June

Gross carrying amount

Accumulated impairment

Net carrying amount

2010
US$M

2009 
US$M 

612.3 

676.1 

612.3 

676.1 

 – 

 – 

(5.3)

607.0 

(0.6)

0.3 

(63.5)

612.3 

607.0 

612.3 

 – 

 – 

607.0 

612.3 

b) Segment-level summary of net carrying amount
Goodwill acquired through business combinations is allocated to cash generating units (CGU), which are the smallest identifiable groupings of 
Brambles’ cash generating assets. A segment-level summary of the goodwill allocation is presented as follows: 

CHEP Americas

CHEP EMEA

CHEP Asia-Pacific

Total CHEP

Recall

Total goodwill 

51.4 

36.4 

25.9 

51.3 

41.0 

24.5 

113.7 

116.8 

493.3 

607.0 

495.5 

612.3 

c) Recoverable amount testing - continuing operations 
The recoverable amount of goodwill is determined based on value in use calculations undertaken at the CGU level. The value in use is calculated 
using a discounted cash flow methodology covering a 10 year period with an appropriate terminal value at the end of that period. 

Based on the impairment testing, the carrying amounts of goodwill in the CGUs related to continuing operations at reporting date were fully supported. 

The following describes the key assumptions on which management has based its cash flow projections:

CASH FLOW FORECASTS 
Cash flow forecasts are based on the most recent financial projections covering a maximum period of five years. Cash flows beyond that period  
are extrapolated using estimated growth rates. Financial projections are based on assumptions that represent management’s best estimates.

GROWTH RATES 
Growth rates ranging from nil to 4% were used beyond the period covered in the financial projections. They are based on management’s 
expectations for future performance and do not normally exceed the long term growth rate for the business in which the CGU operates. 

TERMINAL VALUE 
The terminal value calculated after year 10 is determined using the stable growth model, having regard to the weighted average cost of capital  
and terminal growth factor appropriate to each CGU. 

DISCOUNT RATES 
Discount rates used are the pre-tax weighted average cost of capital (WACC) and include a premium for market risks appropriate to each country  
in which the CGU operates. WACCs ranged between 8.3% and 26.5%. 

SENSITIVITY 
Any reasonable change to the above key assumptions would not cause the carrying value of the CGU to materially exceed its recoverable amount.

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81

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF  
THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2010

NOTE 21. INTANGIBLE ASSETS

At 1 July 2008

Gross carrying amount

Accumulated amortisation

Net carrying amount

Year ended 30 June 2009

Opening carrying amount

Additions

Disposals

Other transfers

Amortisation charge

Foreign exchange differences

Closing carrying amount

At 30 June 2009

Gross carrying amount

Accumulated amortisation

Net carrying amount

Year ended 30 June 2010

Opening carrying amount

Additions

Disposals 

Amortisation charge

Foreign exchange differences

Closing carrying amount

At 30 June 2010

Gross carrying amount

Accumulated amortisation

Net carrying amount

1  Other intangible assets primarily comprise acquired customer lists and agreements.

SOFTWARE
US$M

OTHER 1
US$M

TOTAL
US$M

314.5 

(230.9)

83.6 

174.3 

(71.0)

103.3 

488.8 

(301.9)

186.9 

83.6 

20.9 

(0.1)

2.4 

(22.8)

(6.8)

77.2 

103.3 

186.9 

3.5 

 – 

2.1 

(10.5)

(12.6)

85.8 

24.4 

(0.1)

4.5 

(33.3)

(19.4)

163.0 

307.9 

160.2 

468.1 

(230.7)

(74.4)

(305.1)

77.2 

85.8 

163.0 

77.2 

22.8 

(0.1)

85.8 

11.6 

(0.1)

(24.2)

(14.3)

(1.7)

74.0 

1.6 

84.6 

163.0 

34.4 

(0.2)

(38.5)

(0.1)

158.6 

317.3 

172.1 

489.4 

(243.3)

(87.5)

(330.8)

74.0 

84.6 

158.6 

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NOTE 22. TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

Current

Trade payables

GST/VAT and other payables

Accruals and deferred income

Non-current

Other liabilities

Trade payables and other current payables are non-interest bearing and are generally settled on 30–90 day terms. 

Refer to Note 29 for other financial instruments disclosures.

NOTE 23. BORROWINGS

Current

Unsecured:

– bank overdraft

– bank loans1

– accrued interest on loan notes2,3,4

– finance lease liabilities (Note 31)

Non-current

Unsecured:

– bank loans1

– loan notes2,3,4,5

– finance lease liabilities (Note 31)

Total borrowings

 2010
US$M

2009
US$M

305.7 

70.2 

305.5 

681.4 

287.1 

72.6 

324.0 

683.7 

20.9 

21.4 

12.2 

240.3 

22.9 

0.6 

276.0 

36.0 

16.6 

14.9 

0.5 

68.0 

324.5 

1,629.1 

1,293.7 

535.0 

0.6 

1.4 

1,618.8 

2,165.5 

1,894.8 

2,233.5 

1   Unsecured bank loans include the following: (i) revolving loans in various currencies priced off LIBOR and drawn under multi-currency global banking facilities with a 

range of maturities out to December 2013; and (ii) various regional banking facilities providing local currency funding to certain subsidiaries. Included in bank loans is a 
borrowing of US$61.5 million (2009: US$71.2 million) which has been designated as a hedge of the net investment in Brambles’ European subsidiaries and is being used 
to partially hedge Brambles’ exposure to foreign exchange risks on these investments. 

2   Notes issued in August 2004 in respect of US$425.0 million US private placement. The terms of the note are (i) Series A US$171.0 million 5.39% Guaranteed Senior 
Unsecured Notes due 4 August 2011; (ii) Series B US$157.5 million 5.77% Guaranteed Senior Unsecured Notes due 4 August 2014; and (iii) Series C US$96.5 million 
5.94% Guaranteed Senior Unsecured Notes due 4 August 2016.

3   Notes issued in May 2009 in respect of US$110.0 million US private placement. The terms of the note are (i) Series A US$35.0 million 7.29% Guaranteed Senior 

Unsecured Notes due 7 May 2014; (ii) Series B US$55.0 million 7.83% Guaranteed Senior Unsecured Notes due 7 May 2016; and (iii) Series C US$20.0 million 8.23% 
Guaranteed Senior Unsecured Notes due 7 May 2019.

4   Notes issued in March 2010 to qualified institutional buyers in accordance with Rule 144A and Regulation S of the United States Securities Act. The terms of the notes 

are (i) US$250.0 million 3.95% Guaranteed Senior Notes due 1 April 2015; and (ii) US$500.0 million 5.35% Guaranteed Senior Notes due 1 April 2020.

5   US$450.0 million of loan notes have been hedged with interest rate swaps for fair value risk. In accordance with AASB139, the carrying value of the notes have been 

adjusted by US$14.4 million in relation to changes in fair value attributable to the hedged risk.

Refer to Note 29 for other financial instruments disclosures.   

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BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

83

 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF  
THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2010

NOTE 23. BORROWINGS – CONTINUED

a) Borrowing facilities and credit standby arrangements

Total facilities:

– committed borrowing facilities

– loan notes

– credit standby/uncommitted/overdraft arrangements

Facilities used at reporting date:1

– committed borrowing facilities

– loan notes

– credit standby/uncommitted/overdraft arrangements

Facilities available at reporting date:

– committed borrowing facilities

– credit standby/uncommitted/overdraft arrangements

2010 
US$M 

2009 
US$M 

2,481.0 

2,845.3 

1,285.0 

151.2 

535.0 

129.6 

3,917.2 

3,509.9 

534.4 

1,647.5 

1,285.0 

43.8 

535.0 

43.5 

1,863.2 

2,226.0 

1,946.6 

1,197.8 

107.4 

86.1 

2,054.0 

1,283.9 

Borrowing facilities are arranged by Brambles on behalf of its subsidiaries. Funding is generally sourced from relationship banks and debt capital 
market investors on a medium to long term basis. The expiry dates of committed facilities range out to calendar year 2013 with loan notes  
having maturities out to April 2020. The average term to maturity of the committed bank facilities and the loan notes is equivalent to 3.6 years 
(2009: 3.3 years). These facilities are unsecured and are guaranteed as described in Note 37b.

b) Borrowing facilities maturity profile 

MATURITY

TYPE

2010

Less than 1 year

1 – 2 years

2 – 3 years

3 – 4 years

4 – 5 years

Over 5 years

2009

Less than 1 year

1 – 2 years

2 – 3 years

3 – 4 years

4 – 5 years

Over 5 years

Bank loans/overdrafts

Bank loans/loan notes

Bank loans

Bank loans/loan notes

Loan notes

Loan notes

Bank loans/overdrafts

Bank loans

Bank loans/loan notes

Loan notes

Bank loans/loan notes

Loan notes

US$M

TOTAL
FACILITIES

FACILITIES
USED1

FACILITIES
AVAILABLE

460.8 

763.9 

677.4 

936.1 

407.5 

671.5 

249.0 

271.5 

117.8 

145.9 

407.5 

671.5 

211.8 

492.4 

559.6 

790.2 

 –  

 –  

3,917.2 

1,863.2 

2,054.0 

134.7 

685.8 

795.6 

583.0 

981.8 

329.0 

45.2 

332.8 

557.3 

380.6 

581.1 

329.0 

89.5 

353.0 

238.3 

202.4 

400.7 

 –  

3,509.9 

2,226.0 

1,283.9 

1   Facilities used represents the principal value of loan notes and borrowings debited against the relevant facilities to reflect the correct amount of funding headroom.  
This amount differs by US$31.6 million (2009: US$7.5 million) from loan notes and borrowings as shown in the balance sheet which are measured on the basis of 
amortised cost as determined under the effective interest method and include accrued interest and fair value adjustments on certain hedging instruments.

84

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NOTE 24. PROVISIONS

At 1 July 2009

Current

Non-current

Charge to income statement:

– additional provisions

– unused amounts reversed

Utilisation of provision

Currency variations

At 30 June 2010

Current

Non-current

EMPLOYEE
ENTITLEMENTS
US$M

BUSINESS
DISPOSALS
US$M

OTHER
US$M

TOTAL
US$M

41.8 

5.4 

47.2 

71.3 

 –  

(60.8)

(0.3)

57.4 

49.1 

8.3 

8.1 

18.8 

26.9 

1.1 

(6.6)

(0.6)

(2.1)

18.7 

8.1 

10.6 

43.7 

28.8 

72.5 

93.6 

53.0 

146.6 

44.3 

116.7 

 –  

(6.6)

(71.3)

(132.7)

(0.4)

45.1 

30.0 

15.1 

(2.8)

121.2 

87.2 

34.0 

Employee entitlements provision comprises US$8.8 million (2009: US$9.0 million) for long service leave, US$1.6 million for phantom shares  
(2009: US$1.3 million) and US$47.0 million (2009: US$36.9 million) for bonuses and other employee-related obligations (other than those resulting 
from pension plans). None of these amounts related to phantom shares which had vested at reporting date. US$0.5 million (2009: US$3.6 million) 
of the long service leave provision has been recognised as current as it is expected to be settled within one year from reporting date. The remaining 
balance of long service leave of US$8.3 million (2009: US$5.4 million) is expected to settle within the next two to ten years and has been 
discounted to present value. 

Business disposals provision is in respect of divestments completed in 2007 and prior years. 

Other provisions comprise US$4.6 million (2009: US$39.8 million) for restructuring costs, US$1.3 million (2009: US$1.3 million) for litigation  
and customer disputes and US$39.2 million (2009: US$31.4 million) for other known exposures. 

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BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

85

 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF  
THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2010

NOTE 25. RETIREMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS  
a) Defined contribution plans 
Brambles operates a number of defined contribution retirement benefit plans for qualifying employees. The assets of these plans are held in 
separately administered trusts or insurance policies. In some countries, Brambles’ employees are members of state-managed retirement benefit 
plans. Brambles is required to contribute a specified percentage of payroll costs to the retirement benefit plan to fund benefits. The only obligation 
of Brambles with respect to defined contribution retirement benefit plans is to make the specified contributions. 

US$19.9 million (2009: US$19.7 million) representing contributions paid and payable to these plans by Brambles at rates specified in the rules of 
the plans relating to continuing operations has been recognised as an expense in the income statement. 

b) Defined benefit plans
Brambles operates a number of defined benefit pension plans, which are closed to new entrants. The majority of the plans are self-administered 
and the plans’ assets are held independently of Brambles’ finances. Under the plans, members are entitled to retirement benefits based upon a 
percentage of final salary. No other post-retirement benefits are provided. The plans are funded plans.  

The plan assets and the present value of the defined benefit obligation recognised in Brambles’ balance sheet are based upon the most recent 
formal actuarial valuations which have been updated to 30 June 2010 by independent professionally qualified actuaries and take account of the 
requirements of AASB 119. The present value of the defined benefit obligation, the related current service cost and past service cost were 
measured using the projected unit credit method.

In addition to the principal defined benefit plans included in disclosures below, Brambles has a number of other arrangements in several countries 
that are either defined benefit pension plans or have certain defined benefit characteristics. Each of these arrangements has been assessed as 
immaterial separately and in aggregate and they have not been subjected to an independent AASB 119 valuation. 

c) Balance sheet amounts 
The amounts recognised in Brambles’ balance sheet in respect of defined benefit plans were as follows:

Present value of defined benefit obligations

Fair value of plan assets

Net liability recognised in the balance sheet 

2010 
US$M 

2009
US$M

211.1 

196.0 

(160.7)

(145.2)

50.4 

50.8 

Brambles has no legal obligation to settle this liability with an immediate contribution or additional one-off contributions. Brambles intends to 
continue to make contributions to the plans at the rates recommended by the funds’ actuaries. Refer Note 25(i).

d) Income statement amounts
The amounts recognised in Brambles’ income statement in respect of defined benefit plans were as follows:

Current service cost

Interest cost

Expected return on plan assets

Changes arising from curtailments and settlements

Net benefit expense included in employment cost (Note 7)

e) Statement of comprehensive income

Actuarial losses reported in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income

Cumulative actuarial losses recognised

3.5 

12.2 

3.6 

12.8 

(10.3)

(10.9)

 –  

5.4 

(0.6)

4.9 

(5.9)

(18.3)

(2.9)

(12.4)

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f) Defined benefit obligation
Changes in the present value of the defined benefit obligation were as follows: 

At 1 July

Current service cost

Interest cost

Contributions from plan members

Actuarial gains and losses

Currency variations

Benefits paid

Curtailments

At 30 June

2010 
US$M 

2009
US$M

196.0 

242.5 

3.5 

12.2 

0.7 

19.3 

(13.8)

(6.8)

 –  

3.6 

12.8 

0.7 

(23.4)

(33.9)

(5.7)

(0.6)

211.1 

196.0 

All Brambles’ defined benefit pension arrangements are closed to new entrants. Under the projected unit method, the current service cost of these 
arrangements will increase as a percentage of payroll as the members of the plan approach retirement.

g) Plan assets

Assets held in the plans fell within the following categories:

Equities

Bonds/gilts

Insurance bonds

Cash

Other

Changes in the fair value of the plan assets were as follows:

At 1 July

Expected return on plan assets

Actuarial gains and losses

Currency variations

Contributions from sponsoring employers

Contributions from plan members

Benefits paid

At 30 June

The actual return on plan assets was US$23.7 million (2009: US$(15.4) million). 

2010
FAIR VALUE

2009
FAIR VALUE

US$M

%

US$M

%

68.6 

53.0 

3.9 

20.3 

14.9 

42.7 

33.0 

2.4 

12.6 

9.3 

66.3 

47.3 

4.9 

16.2 

10.5 

45.7 

32.6 

3.4 

11.1 

7.2 

160.7 

100.0 

145.2 

100.0 

2010 
US$M 

2009
US$M

145.2 

10.3 

13.4 

(9.2)

7.1 

0.7 

(6.8)

179.1 

10.9 

(26.3)

(20.3)

6.8 

0.7 

(5.7)

160.7 

145.2 

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BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

87

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF  
THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2010

NOTE 25. RETIREMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS – CONTINUED
h) Principal actuarial assumptions
Principal actuarial assumptions (expressed as weighted averages) used in determining Brambles’ defined benefit obligations were:

At 30 June 2010

Rate of increase in salaries

Rate of increase in pensions

Discount rate

Retail price inflation

Return on equities

Return on bonds

Return on cash

At 30 June 2009

Rate of increase in salaries

Rate of increase in pensions

Discount rate

Retail price inflation

Return on equities

Return on bonds

Return on cash

UK

EUROPE
OTHER 
THAN UK

SOUTH
AFRICA

4.4%

3.4%

5.3%

3.4%

7.5%

5.3%

1.0%

4.4%

3.4%

6.2%

3.4%

8.3%

6.0%

1.0%

3.3%

2.8%

4.6%

2.0%

6.8%

3.6%

2.0%

3.7%

2.9%

6.2%

2.4%

7.8%

4.5%

2.4%

5.8%

5.8%

9.0%

5.8%

10.0%

9.0%

6.0%

8.0%

6.5%

9.0%

6.5%

12.6%

9.3%

7.6%

The expected return on plan assets is based on market expectations at the beginning of the period for returns over the entire life of the benefit obligation.

i) Employer contributions  
During the year, employer contributions to the main defined benefit plans ranged between 15% and 26% of pensionable pay.

The obligation to contribute to the various defined benefit plans is covered by trust deeds and/or legislation. Funding levels and contributions  
for these plans are based on regular actuarial advice. Comprehensive actuarial valuations are made at no more than three yearly intervals. 
Additional annual contributions of US$3.1 million (2009: US$3.4 million) are being paid to remove the identified deficits over a period of 6 years.

Contributions paid to the plans during 2010 were US$7.1 million (2009: US$6.8 million), all of which related to continuing operations.  
It is estimated that the amount of contributions to be paid to the plans during 2011 will be US$7.5 million.

j) Historical summary 

The history of the defined benefit plan deficit at the end of each year is as follows:

– plan liabilities

– plan assets

Net liability recognised in the balance sheet

The history of favourable/(unfavourable) experience adjustments made in each year  
is as follows:

2010 
US$M 

2009 
US$M 

2008 
US$M 

2007
US$M 

2006 
US$M 

(211.1)

(196.0)

(242.5)

(216.8)

(602.1)

160.7 

(50.4)

145.2 

(50.8)

179.1 

(63.4)

187.2 

(29.6)

453.1 

(149.0)

– on plan liabilities

– on plan assets

Net (unfavourable)/favourable adjustment

(19.3)

13.4 

(5.9)

23.4 

(26.3)

(2.9)

(13.9)

(20.7)

(34.6)

(17.2)

17.2 

 –  

3.0 

31.1 

34.1

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NOTE 26. CONTRIBUTED EQUITY

Total ordinary shares, of no par value, issued and fully paid:

At 1 July 2008

Issued during the year

Issued during the year under the Dividend Reinvestment Plan

At 30 June 2009

At 1 July 2009

Issued during the year

Issued during the year under the Dividend Reinvestment Plan

At 30 June 2010

SHARES 

US$M

1,383,550,886 

13,778.6 

1,630,312 

16,687,841 

7.1 

61.9 

1,401,869,039 

13,847.6 

1,401,869,039 

2,048,065 

18,312,603 

13,847.6 

11.8 

120.2 

1,422,229,707 

13,979.6 

Ordinary shares of Brambles Limited entitle the holder to participate in dividends and the proceeds on any winding up of the Company in proportion 
to the number of shares held.

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BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

89

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF  
THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2010

NOTE 27. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS
The Remuneration Report sets out details relating to the Brambles share plans (pages 43 to 44), together with details of options, performance 
share rights and MyShare matching conditional rights issued to Executive Directors and other Key Management Personnel (pages 39 to 40).  
Options and rights granted by Brambles do not result in an entitlement to participate in share issues of any other corporation. 

Set out below are summaries of options and rights granted under the plans. 

a) Grants over Brambles Limited shares issued subsequent to Unification

GRANT DATE

EXPIRY DATE

BALANCE
AT 1 JULY

GRANTED
DURING
THE YEAR

EXERCISED
DURING
THE YEAR

FORFEITED/
LAPSED DURING
THE YEAR

BALANCE 
AT 30 JUNE

2010

Performance share rights 

19 Jan 2007

29 Aug 2007

26 Feb 2008

19 Mar 2008

28 Apr 2008

27 Aug 2008

1 Jun 2009

16 Nov 2009

25 Nov 2009

12 Apr 2010

31 Aug 2012

30 Aug 2013

2 Dec 2013

2 Mar 2014

29 Apr 2014

27 Aug 2014

1 Jun 2011

19 Oct 2010

25 Nov 2012

12 Apr 2013

MyShare matching conditional rights 

1,900,630 

1,982,795 

28,406 

36,365 

125,250 

3,844,813 

85,830 

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

60,092 

(682,268)

(1,089,055)

129,307 

(164,157)

(211,414)

1,607,224 

 –  

 –  

 –  

(28,406)

 –  

 –  

 –  

36,365 

125,250 

(192,623)

(741,413)

2,910,777 

(58,718)

 –  

 –  

 –  

27,112 

60,092 

3,582,251 

(8,029)

(84,758)

3,489,464 

22,902 

 –  

 –  

22,902 

2009 Plan Year

2010 Plan Year

Total rights

2009 (summarised)

Total rights

31 Mar 2011

31 Mar 2012

218,242 

 –  

359,308 

194,472 

(18,786)

(33,230)

(874)

(1,665)

525,534 

191,933 

8,222,331 

4,219,025 

(1,125,455)

(2,189,941)

9,125,960 

4,442,317 

4,251,970 

(185,022)

(286,934)

8,222,331 

Of the above grants, 147,577 rights were exercisable at 30 June 2010.  

Weighted average data:

– fair value at grant date of grants made during the year

– share price at exercise date of grants exercised during the year

– remaining contractual life at 30 June

2010

2009

A$

A$

years

5.16 

7.08 

3.0 

5.61 

6.57 

4.3 

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b) Grants over BIL or BIP shares pre-Unification, now over Brambles Limited shares 

GRANT DATE

EXPIRY DATE

EXERCISE
PRICE

BALANCE
AT 1 JULY

GRANTED
DURING
THE YEAR

EXERCISED
DURING
THE YEAR

FORFEITED/
LAPSED DURING
THE YEAR

BALANCE 
AT 30 JUNE

2010

Options 

10 Sep 2003

10 Sep 2003

4 Mar 2004

4 Mar 2004

Total options

Performance share rights  

10 Sep 2003

4 Mar 2004

24 Nov 2004

8 Sep 2004

8 Sep 2004

21 Oct 2005

21 Oct 2005

Total rights

Total 

10 Sep 2009

10 Sep 2009

4 Mar 2010

4 Mar 2010

10 Sep 2009

4 Mar 2010

4 Mar 2010

8 Sep 2010

9 Sep 2010

21 Oct 2011

22 Oct 2011

Weighted average exercise price of options:

– previously over BIL shares

– previously over BIP shares

2009 (summarised)

Total options 

Total rights

Total

Weighted average exercise price of options:

– previously over BIL shares

– previously over BIP shares

 A$4.75

 £1.72 

 A$5.31

 £2.11 

108,171 

181,691 

155,586 

155,586 

601,034 

25,034 

10,599 

10,599 

33,789 

34,818 

134,401 

97,794 

347,034 

948,068 

A$

£ 

5.08 

1.90 

2,687,502 

3,397,673 

6,085,175 

A$

£ 

7.70 

1.89 

Of the above grants, 58,408 rights were exercisable at 30 June 2010. 

Weighted average data:

– share price at exercise date of grants exercised during the year

– remaining contractual life at 30 June

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

(108,171)

(181,691)

(155,586)

(155,586)

(601,034)

(25,034)

(10,599)

(10,599)

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

–

–

–

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

(6,500)

(15,289)

(22,818)

(107,491)

(82,076)

(265,117)

(866,151)

–

(4,110)

(4,110)

(23,509)

(23,509)

12,000 

12,000 

22,800 

11,608 

58,408 

58,408 

5.08 

1.90 

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

(275,257)

(1,811,211)

(1,279,246)

(1,771,393)

(1,554,503)

(3,582,604)

601,034 

347,034 

948,068 

5.03 

1.72 

8.47 

 –  

5.08 

1.90 

2010

2009

A$

£ 

7.33 

3.95 

7.40 

3.53 

years

0.7-0.9

0.9-1.1

There were 76,184 grants, 5,553 exercises and 934,350 forfeits in options, performance share rights and MyShare matching conditional  
rights over Brambles Limited shares between the end of the financial year and 17 August 2010.

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91

 
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF  
THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2010

NOTE 27. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS – CONTINUED
c) Fair value calculations
The fair value of equity-settled options, performance share rights and MyShare matching conditional rights was determined as at grant date, using 
a binomial valuation methodology. The values calculated do not take into account the probability of options and rights being forfeited prior to 
vesting, as a probability adjustment is made when computing the share-based payment expense.

The significant inputs into the valuation models for the equity-settled grants made during the year were:

Weighted average share price 

Expected volatility 

Expected life 

Annual risk-free interest rate 

Expected dividend yield 

2010
GRANTS

A$6.59

38%

2009
GRANTS

A$7.22

33%

3.0 years

1.0-3.0 years

4.86%

3.56-5.60%

3.75%

3.5-3.9%

The expected volatility was determined based on a two-year historic volatility of Brambles’ share prices.

d) Share-based payment expense – continuing operations 
Brambles recognised a total expense of US$11.146 million (2009: US$14.213 million) relating to share-based payments, all within continuing 
operations. Of this amount, US$0.472 million related to phantom share provisions (2009: US$0.240 million benefit). 

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NOTE 28. RESERVES AND RETAINED EARNINGS

Reserves

Retained earnings

Non-controlling interests in reserves and retained earnings

a) Movements in reserves and retained earnings

2010 
US$M 

2009 
US$M 

(15,007.4)

(14,938.7)

2,660.1 

2,520.1 

(12,347.3)

(12,418.6)

0.3 

0.3 

RESERVES

HEDGING
US$M

SHARE-
BASED
PAYMENTS
US$M

FOREIGN
CURRENCY
TRANSLATION
US$M

UNIFICATION
US$M

OTHER
US$M

TOTAL
US$M

RETAINED
EARNINGS
US$M

(0.2)

65.8 

481.4 

(15,385.8)

167.3 

(14,671.5)

2,436.1 

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

(27.9)

9.7 

13.7 

(4.8)

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

14.5 

(6.3)

(2.9)

 –  

 –  

 –  

(77.3)

(0.6)

(185.3)

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

(77.3)

(0.6)

(185.3)

(27.9)

9.7 

13.7 

(4.8)

14.5 

(6.3)

(2.9)

 –  

 –  

(3.1)

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

(365.5)

452.6 

(9.5)

71.1 

218.2 

(15,385.8)

167.3 

(14,938.7)

2,520.1 

(9.5)

 –  

 –  

(10.6)

4.1 

12.3 

(0.3)

(4.6)

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

71.1 

218.2 

(15,385.8)

167.3 

(14,938.7)

2,520.1 

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

10.7 

(9.1)

 –  

 –  

 –  

(71.2)

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

(71.2)

(10.6)

4.1 

12.3 

(0.3)

(4.6)

10.7 

(9.1)

 –  

 –  

(4.6)

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

(304.2)

448.8 

(8.6)

72.7 

147.0 

(15,385.8)

167.3 

(15,007.4)

2,660.1 

Year ended 30 June 2009

Opening balance

Actuarial loss on defined benefit plans

FCTR released to profits during the year

FCTR on entities disposed taken to profit

Foreign exchange differences

Cash flow hedges:

– fair value losses 

– tax on fair value losses

– transfers to net profit

– tax on transfers to net profit

Share-based payments:

– expense recognised during the year

– shares issued

– equity component of related tax

Dividends declared

Net profit for the year

Closing balance

Year ended 30 June 2010

Opening balance

Actuarial loss on defined benefit plans

Foreign exchange differences

Cash flow hedges:

– fair value losses 

– tax on fair value losses

– transfers to net profit

–  transfers to property, plant and 

equipment

– tax on transfers to net profit

Share-based payments:

– expense recognised during the year

– shares issued

Dividends declared

Net profit for the year

Closing balance

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93

 
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF  
THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2010

NOTE 28. RESERVES AND RETAINED EARNINGS – CONTINUED
b) Nature and purpose of reserves
HEDGING RESERVE 
This comprises the cumulative portion of the gain or loss of cash flow hedges that are determined to be effective hedges. Amounts are recognised 
in the income statement when the associated hedged transaction is recognised or the hedge or a portion thereof becomes ineffective. 

SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS RESERVE
This comprises the cumulative share-based payment expense recognised in the income statement in relation to equity-settled options and share 
rights issued but not yet exercised. Refer to Note 27 for further details. 

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION RESERVE 
This comprises cumulative exchange differences arising from the translation of the financial statements of foreign subsidiaries, net of qualifying 
net investment hedges. The relevant accumulated balance is recognised in the income statement on disposal of a foreign subsidiary. 

UNIFICATION RESERVE
On Unification, Brambles Limited issued shares on a one-for-one basis to those BIL and BIP shareholders who did not elect to participate in the 
Cash Alternative. The Unification reserve of US$15,385.8 million represents the difference between the Brambles Limited share capital measured 
at fair value on 4 December 2006, and the carrying value of the share capital of BIL and BIP at that date.

OTHER 
This comprises a merger reserve created in 2001 and a capital redemption reserve created in 2006. 

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NOTE 29. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT  
Brambles is exposed to a variety of financial risks: market risk (including the effect of fluctuations in interest rates and exchange rates), liquidity 
risk and credit risk.  

Brambles’ overall risk management program focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to minimise potential adverse effects  
on the financial performance of Brambles. 

Brambles uses standard derivative financial instruments to manage its risk exposure in the normal course of business. Brambles does not trade  
in financial instruments for speculative purposes. Hedging activities are conducted through Brambles’ Treasury department on a centralised basis  
in accordance with Board policies and guidelines through standard operating procedures and delegated authorities. 

Policies with respect to financial risk management and hedging activities are discussed below and should be read in conjunction with detailed 
information contained in the Treasury and Risk Review on pages 12 to 13.  

a) Fair values 
Set out below is a comparison by category of the carrying amounts and fair values of financial instruments recognised in the balance sheet.  
With the exception of loans and receivables and derivatives designated as hedging instruments, all other financial assets are classified as financial 
assets at fair value through profit or loss.

Financial assets

– cash at bank and in hand (Note 13) 

– short term deposits (Note 13) 

– trade receivables (Note 14) 

– interest rate swaps (Note 16) 

– embedded derivatives (Note 16)

– forward foreign currency contracts (Note 16) 

Financial liabilities 

– trade payables (Note 22) 

– bank overdrafts (Note 23) 

– bank loans (Note 23) 

– loan notes (Note 23) 

– finance lease liabilities (Note 23) 

– interest rate swaps (Note 16) 

– forward foreign currency contracts (Note 16) 

CARRYING AMOUNT

FAIR VALUE

2010 
US$M 

2009 
US$M 

2010 
US$M 

2009 
US$M 

120.2 

15.3 

498.8 

20.0 

0.4 

6.1 

55.0 

35.1 

450.1 

 –  

 –  

1.1 

120.2 

15.3 

498.8 

20.0 

0.4 

6.1 

55.0 

35.1 

450.1 

 –  

 –  

1.1 

305.7 

12.2 

287.1 

36.0 

305.7 

12.2 

287.1 

36.0 

564.8 

1,645.7 

564.8 

1,645.7 

1,316.6 

549.9 

1,360.0 

515.6 

1.2 

18.2 

4.1 

1.9 

18.1 

0.6 

1.2 

18.2 

4.1 

1.9 

18.1 

0.6

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BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

95

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF  
THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2010

NOTE 29. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT – CONTINUED 
a) Fair values – continued
Brambles uses various methods in estimating the fair values of financial instruments. The methods comprise:
 –
 –

Level 1 – the fair value is calculated using quoted prices in active markets;
Level 2 – the fair value is estimated using inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability,  
either directly (as prices) or indirectly (derived from prices); and
Level 3 – the fair value is estimated using inputs for the asset or liability that are not observable market data.

 –

The table below sets out the fair values and methods used to estimate the fair value of derivatives designated as hedging instruments.

Derivative financial assets

– interest rate swaps

– embedded derivatives

– forward foreign currency contracts

Derivative financial liabilities 

– interest rate swaps

– forward foreign currency contracts 

2010

2009

LEVEL 1 
US$M 

LEVEL 2 
US$M 

LEVEL 3 
US$M 

TOTAL 
US$M 

LEVEL 1 
US$M 

LEVEL 2 
US$M 

LEVEL 3 
US$M 

TOTAL 
US$M 

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

20.0 

0.4 

6.1 

18.2 

4.1 

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

20.0 

0.4 

6.1 

18.2 

4.1 

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

1.1 

18.1 

0.6 

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

1.1 

18.1 

0.6 

The fair values of derivatives designated as hedging instruments are determined using valuation techniques that are based on observable market 
data. For forward foreign currency contracts, the net fair value is taken to be the unrealised gain or loss at balance date calculated by reference to 
the current forward rates for contracts with similar maturity dates. Fair value for other financial assets and liabilities has been calculated by 
discounting future cash flows at prevailing interest rates for the relevant yield curve.

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b) Market risk 
Brambles has the following risk policies in place with respect to market risk.

INTEREST RATE RISK 
Brambles’ exposure to potential volatility in finance costs, predominantly US dollars, Australian dollars and euros, is managed by maintaining a mix 
of fixed and floating-rate instruments within select target bands over defined periods. In most cases, interest rate derivatives are used to achieve 
these targets synthetically.  

The following table sets out the financial instruments exposed to interest rate risk at reporting date: 

Financial assets (floating rate)

Cash at bank

Short term deposits

Weighted average effective interest rate

Financial liabilities (floating rate)

Bank overdrafts

Bank loans

Interest rate swaps (notional value) – cash flow hedges

Interest rate swaps (notional value) – fair value hedges

Net exposure to cash flow interest rate risk

Weighted average effective interest rate

Financial liabilities (fixed rate)

Loan notes

Finance lease liabilities

Interest rate swaps (notional value) – cash flow hedges

Interest rate swaps (notional value) – fair value hedges

Net exposure to fair value interest rate risk

Weighted average effective interest rate

2010 
US$M 

2009 
US$M 

 120.2 

 15.3 

135.5

1.3%

 55.0 

 35.1 

90.1

1.0%

 12.2 

 36.0 

 564.8 

 1,645.7 

(460.9)

(612.3)

450.0 

 – 

 566.1 

 1,069.4 

3.0%

3.2%

 1,316.6 

 549.9 

 1.2 

 1.9 

 460.9 

 612.3 

(450.0)

 – 

 1,328.7 

 1,164.1 

5.4%

6.0%

Interest rate swaps – cash flow hedges 
Brambles enters into various interest rate risk management transactions for the purpose of managing finance costs to achieve more stable and 
predictable finance expense results. The instruments primarily used are interest rate swaps and caps. 

During 2010, Brambles entered into or maintained interest rate swap transactions with various banks hedging variable rate borrowings in US 
dollars and euros. The purpose of the interest rate swaps was to hedge variable interest expense under borrowings against rising interest rates. 
Interest rate swaps achieve this by synthetically converting the variable interest rate payment into a fixed interest liability on the dates on which 
interest is payable on the underlying debt. The fair value of these contracts at reporting date was US$(15.1) million (2009: US$(18.1) million). 

The terms of the contracts have been negotiated to match the projected drawdowns and rollovers of variable rate bank debt.

Interest rate swaps – fair value hedges 
During 2010, concurrent with the issue of US$750.0 million in fixed rate bonds, Brambles entered into interest rate swap transactions with various 
banks swapping US$450.0 million fixed rate borrowings to variable rate borrowings. The fair value of these contracts at reporting date was 
US$16.9 million (2009: nil).

The terms of the swaps match the terms of the fixed rate bond issue for the amounts and durations being hedged.

The gain or loss from re-measuring the interest rate swaps at fair value is recorded in the income statement together with any changes in the fair 
value of the hedged asset or liability that is attributed to the hedged risk. For 2010, all interest rate swaps were effective hedging instruments. 

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BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

97

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF  
THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2010

NOTE 29. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT – CONTINUED 
b) Market risk – continued
Sensitivity analysis  
The following table sets out the sensitivity of Brambles’ financial assets and financial liabilities to interest rate risk applying the following 
assumptions: 

US dollar interest rates

Australian dollar interest rates

Sterling interest rates

Euro interest rates

Impact on profit after tax

Impact on equity

INTEREST RATE RISK

 2010

 2009

LOWER 
RATES

HIGHER 
RATES

LOWER 
RATES

HIGHER 
RATES

- 25 bps

+ 75 bps

- 25 bps

+ 50 bps

- 25 bps

+ 75 bps

- 50 bps

+ 50 bps

- 25 bps

+ 75 bps

- 25 bps

+ 50 bps

- 25 bps

+ 75 bps

- 25 bps

+ 50 bps

US$M

US$M

US$M

US$M

0.9 

(0.2)

(3.0)

0.7 

2.0 

(0.3)

(5.4)

0.7 

Based on financial instruments held at 30 June 2010, if interest rates were to parallel shift by the number of basis points in the different currencies 
noted above with all other variables held constant, profit after tax for the year would have been US$0.9 million higher or US$3.0 million lower 
(2009: US$2.0 million higher or US$5.4 million lower), mainly as a result of lower/higher interest expense on bank borrowings. The impact on equity 
would have been US$0.2 million lower or US$0.7 million higher (2009: US$0.3 million lower or US$0.7 million higher) mainly as a result of the 
incremental movement through the hedging reserve relating to the effective portion of cash flow hedges. Given its geographically diverse operations, 
Brambles had interest rate exposure positions against a variety of currencies, but predominantly US dollars, Australian dollars and euros. 

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FOREIGN EXCHANGE RISK 
Exposure to foreign exchange risk generally arises in transactions affecting either the value of transactions translated back to the functional 
currency of a subsidiary or affecting the value of assets and liabilities of overseas subsidiaries when translated back to the Group’s reporting 
currency. Foreign exchange hedging is used when a transaction exposure exceeds certain thresholds and as soon as a defined exposure arises. 

Currency profile 
The following table sets out the currency mix profile of Brambles’ financial instruments at reporting date:

2010

Financial assets

– cash at bank and in hand

– short term deposits

– interest rate swaps

– embedded derivatives

– forward foreign currency contracts

Financial liabilities

– bank overdrafts

– bank loans

– loan notes

– finance lease liabilities

– interest rate swaps

– forward foreign currency contracts

– net investment hedge

2009

Financial assets

– cash at bank and in hand

– short term deposits

– forward foreign currency contracts

Financial liabilities

– bank overdrafts

– bank loans

– loan notes

– finance lease liabilities

– interest rate swaps

– forward foreign currency contracts

– net investment hedge

US
DOLLAR
US$M

AUST.
DOLLAR
US$M

STERLING
US$M

EURO
US$M

OTHER
US$M

TOTAL
US$M

23.9 

0.2 

20.0

 –  

215.3 

259.4

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

2.6 

 –  

 –  

 –  

127.6 

127.6 

134.4 

137.0 

 –  

0.3 

399.4 

1,316.6 

0.4 

17.4

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

115.4 

155.7 

 –  

 –  

1,849.2

156.0 

2.8 

 –  

3.4 

6.2 

 –  

894.3 

549.9 

0.7 

16.6 

101.0 

 –  

2.3 

12.2 

129.2 

143.7 

 –  

161.0 

 –  

 –  

1.5 

1.9 

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

48.8 

48.8 

8.2 

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

3.1 

 –  

27.8 

0.4 

 –  

 –  

110.5 

138.7 

7.3 

62.9 

 –  

0.7 

0.8 

65.9 

14.7 

 –  

0.4 

60.2 

141.2 

4.6 

41.0 

 –  

0.1 

 –  

120.2 

15.3 

20.0

0.4 

648.0 

803.9

12.2 

503.3 

1,316.6 

1.2 

18.2

269.5 

105.4 

646.0 

61.5 

402.7 

 –  

61.5 

151.1 

2,559.0

8.6 

2.8 

7.2 

18.6 

22.8 

397.3 

 –  

1.0 

 –  

48.3 

71.2 

41.3 

20.1 

1.3 

62.7 

55.0 

35.1 

189.9 

280.0 

5.0 

36.0 

121.9 

1,574.5 

 –  

0.2 

 –  

35.1 

 –  

549.9 

1.9 

18.1 

189.4 

71.2 

1,562.5 

164.4 

11.3 

540.6 

162.2 

2,441.0 

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BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

99

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF  
THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2010

NOTE 29. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT – CONTINUED 
b) Market risk – continued
Forward foreign exchange contracts – cash flow hedges
Brambles enters into forward foreign exchange contracts to hedge currency exposures arising from normal commercial transactions such as the 
purchase and sale of equipment and services, intercompany interest and royalties.

During 2010, Brambles entered into forward foreign exchange transactions with various banks in a variety of cross-currencies for terms ranging up 
to six months. Most contracts create an obligation on Brambles to take receipt of or deliver a foreign currency which is used to fulfil the foreign 
currency sale or purchase order. 

The gain or loss from re-measuring the foreign exchange contracts at fair value is deferred and recognised in the hedging reserve in equity to the 
extent that the hedge is effective and reclassified into profit and loss when the hedged item is recognised. Any ineffective portion is charged to the 
income statement. For 2010 and 2009, all foreign exchange contracts were effective hedging instruments.

Foreign exchange contracts are fair valued by comparing the contracted rate to the current market rate for a contract with the same remaining 
period to maturity. The fair value of these contracts at reporting date was US$(0.2) million (2009: US$(0.5) million).

Other forward foreign exchange contracts
Brambles enters into other forward foreign exchange contracts for the purpose of hedging various cross-border intercompany loans to overseas 
subsidiaries. In this case, the forward foreign exchange contract provides an economic hedge against exchange fluctuations in the foreign currency 
loan balance. The face value and terms of the foreign exchange contracts match the intercompany loan balances. Gains and losses on realignment 
of the intercompany loan and foreign exchange contracts to spot rates are offset in the income statement. Consequently, these foreign exchange 
contracts are not designated for hedge accounting purposes and are classified as held for trading.  

These contracts are fair valued by comparing the contracted rate to the current market rate for a contract with the same remaining period to 
maturity. Any changes in fair values are taken to the income statement immediately. The fair value of these contracts at reporting date was 
US$2.2 million (2009: US$1.0 million). 

Hedge of net investment in foreign entity 
Included in bank loans at 30 June 2010 is a borrowing of US$61.5 million (2009: US$71.2 million) denominated in euros. This loan has been 
designated as a hedge of the net investment in Brambles’ European subsidiaries and is being used to partially hedge Brambles’ exposure to foreign 
exchange risks on these investments. For 2010 and 2009, there was no ineffectiveness to be recorded from such partial hedges of net investments 
in foreign entities.  

Sensitivity analysis  
The following table sets out the sensitivity of Brambles’ financial assets and financial liabilities to foreign exchange risk (transaction exposures only):

FOREIGN EXCHANGE RISK

 2010

 2009

LOWER 
RATES

HIGHER 
RATES

LOWER 
RATES

HIGHER 
RATES

Exchange rate movement

-10%

+10%

-10%

+10%

Impact on profit after tax

Impact on equity

US$M

US$M

US$M

US$M

0.3 

(4.3)

(0.3)

4.3 

3.2 

(5.0)

(3.2)

5.0 

Based on the financial instruments held at 30 June 2010, if exchange rates were to weaken/strengthen by 10% with all other variables held 
constant, profit after tax for the year would have been US$0.3 million higher/lower (2009: US$3.2 million higher/lower). The impact on equity 
would have been US$4.3 million lower/higher (2009: US$5.0 million lower/higher) as a result of the incremental movement through the foreign 
currency translation reserve relating to the effective portion of a net investment hedge. 

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c) Liquidity risk 
Brambles’ objective is to maintain adequate liquidity to meet its financial obligations as and when they fall due. Brambles funds its operations 
through existing equity, retained cash flow and borrowings. Funding is generally sourced from relationship banks and debt capital market investors 
on a medium to long term basis. Bank credit facilities are generally structured on a committed multi-currency revolving basis and at balance date 
had maturities ranging out to December 2013. Borrowings under the facilities are floating-rate, unsecured obligations with covenants and 
undertakings typical for these types of arrangements. 

Borrowings are raised from debt capital markets by the issue of unsecured fixed interest notes, with interest payable semi-annually.

Brambles also has access to further funding through overdrafts, uncommitted and standby lines of credit, principally to manage day-to-day liquidity.

To minimise foreign exchange risks, borrowings are arranged in the currency of the relevant operating asset to be funded.

Refer to Note 23a for borrowing facilities and credit standby arrangements disclosures.

Maturities of derivative financial assets and liabilities 
The maturity of Brambles’ contractual cash flows on net and gross settled derivative financial instruments, based on the remaining period to 
contractual maturity date, is presented below. Cash flows on interest rate swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts are valued based on 
forward interest rates applicable at reporting date.  

YEAR 1
US$M

YEAR 2
US$M

YEAR 3
US$M

YEAR 4
US$M

OVER 4 YEARS
US$M

TOTAL 
CONTRACTUAL 
CASH FLOWS 
US$M

CARRYING 
AMOUNT ASSETS/ 
(LIABILITIES) 
US$M

2010

Net settled

Interest rate swaps

 – cash flow hedges

 – fair value hedges

Gross settled

Forward foreign exchange contracts

 – inflow

 – (outflow)

2009

Net settled

(8.2)

8.4 

(5.1)

7.0 

(1.9)

4.5 

648.0 

(646.0)

2.2 

 – 

 – 

1.9 

 – 

 – 

2.6 

0.1 

(0.4)

 – 

 – 

(0.3)

 – 

(2.6)

 – 

 – 

(2.6)

(15.1)

16.9 

(15.1)

16.9 

648.0 

(646.0)

3.8 

2.0 

 – 

3.8 

Interest rate swaps

(12.3)

(4.4)

(1.1)

(0.3)

 – 

(18.1)

(18.1)

Gross settled

Forward foreign exchange contracts

 – inflow

 – (outflow)

189.9 

(189.4)

(11.8)

 – 

 – 

(4.4)

 – 

 – 

(1.1)

 – 

 – 

(0.3)

 – 

 – 

 –  

189.9 

(189.4)

(17.6)

0.5 

 – 

(17.6)

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BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

101

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF  
THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2010

NOTE 29. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT – CONTINUED
c) Liquidity risk – continued   
Maturities of non-derivative financial liabilities 
The maturity of Brambles’ contractual cash flows on non-derivative financial liabilities, based on the remaining period to contractual maturity date 
which includes principal and interest, is presented below. Refer to Note 23b for borrowing facilities maturity profile.

YEAR 1
US$M

YEAR 2
US$M

YEAR 3
US$M

YEAR 4
US$M

OVER 4
YEARS
US$M

TOTAL 
CONTRACTUAL 
CASH FLOWS 
US$M

CARRYING 
AMOUNT
US$M

2010

Financial liabilities 

Trade payables

Bank overdrafts

Bank loans

Loan notes

Finance lease liabilities

Financial guarantees1

2009

Financial liabilities 

Trade payables

Bank overdrafts

Bank loans

Loan notes

Finance lease liabilities

Financial guarantees1

305.7 

12.2 

256.8 

92.0 

0.6 

667.3 

98.8 

766.1 

287.1 

36.0 

78.2 

47.5 

0.6 

449.4 

83.8 

533.2 

 –  

 –  

108.4 

230.9 

0.5 

339.8 

 –  

339.8 

 –  

 –  

391.6 

32.5 

0.9 

425.0 

 –  

425.0 

 – 

 – 

123.4 

59.1 

0.1 

182.6 

 – 

182.6 

 – 

 – 

434.7 

195.1 

0.5 

630.3 

 –  

630.3 

 – 

 – 

112.2 

93.6 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

305.7 

12.2 

600.8 

305.7 

12.2 

564.8 

1,280.1 

1,755.7 

1,316.6 

 – 

1.2 

1.2 

205.8 

1,280.1 

2,675.6 

2,200.5 

 – 

 – 

98.8 

 – 

205.8 

1,280.1 

2,774.4 

2,200.5 

 – 

 – 

411.4 

23.3 

0.1 

434.8 

 –  

434.8 

 – 

 – 

546.2 

414.7 

 – 

287.1 

36.0 

287.1 

36.0 

1,862.1 

1,645.7 

713.1 

2.1 

549.9 

1.9 

960.9 

2,900.4 

2,520.6 

 –  

83.8 

 – 

960.9 

2,984.2 

2,520.6 

1   Refer to Note 32a for details on financial guarantees. The amounts disclosed above are the maximum amounts allocated to the earliest period in which the guarantee 

could be called. Brambles does not expect these payments to eventuate.

d) Credit risk exposure 
Brambles is exposed to credit risk on its financial assets, which comprise cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables and derivative 
financial instruments. This exposure to credit risks arises from the potential failure of counterparties to meet their obligations. The maximum 
exposure to credit risk at the reporting date is the carrying amount of the financial instruments as set out in Note 29a. There is no significant 
concentration of credit risk. 

Brambles trades only with recognised, creditworthy third parties. Collateral is generally not obtained from customers.

Customers are subject to credit verification procedures including an assessment of their independent credit rating, financial position, past 
experience and industry reputation. Credit limits are set for each individual customer and approved by the credit manager in accordance with  
an approved authority matrix. These credit limits are regularly monitored and revised based on historic turnover activity and credit performance.  
In addition, overdue receivable balances are monitored and actioned on a regular basis.

Exposure to credit risk also arises from amounts receivable from unrealised gains on derivative financial instruments. At the reporting date, this 
amount was US$26.1million (2009: US$1.1 million). Brambles transacts derivatives with prominent financial institutions and has credit limits in 
place to limit exposure to any potential non-performance by its counterparties.

102

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e) Capital risk management   
Brambles’ objective when managing capital is to ensure Brambles continues as a going concern as well as to provide a balance between financial 
flexibility and balance sheet efficiency. In determining its capital structure, Brambles considers the robustness of future cash flows, potential 
funding requirements for growth opportunities and acquisitions, the cost of capital and ease of access to funding sources. 

Brambles manages its capital structure to be consistent with a solid investment grade credit. At 30 June 2010, Brambles held investment grade 
credit ratings of BBB+ from Standard and Poor’s and Baa1 from Moody’s Investor Services. 

Initiatives available to Brambles to achieve its desired capital structure include adjusting the amount of dividends paid to shareholders,  
returning capital to shareholders, buying-back share capital, issuing new shares, selling assets to reduce debt and varying the maturity profile  
of its borrowings. 

Brambles considers its capital to comprise: 

Total borrowings

Less: cash and cash equivalents

Net debt

Total equity

Total capital

2010 
US$M 

2009 
US$M 

1,894.8 

2,233.5 

135.5 

90.1 

1,759.3 

2,143.4 

1,632.6 

1,429.3 

3,391.9 

3,572.7 

Brambles has adopted a financial policy to target a net debt to EBITDA ratio of less than 1.75 to 1. Brambles is compliant with this financial policy 
at 30 June 2010.  

Under the terms of its major borrowing facilities, Brambles is required to comply with the following financial covenants:
 –
 –

the ratio of net debt to EBITDA is to be no more than 3.5 to 1; and 
the ratio of EBITDA to net finance costs is to be no less than 3.5 to 1.

Brambles has complied with these financial covenants for 2010 and prior years. At balance date, based on the definitions below, the ratios were:

Total borrowings

Less: fair value adjustments due to hedge accounting

Less: cash and cash equivalents

Net debt

EBITDA

Net finance costs

Net debt/EBITDA (times)

EBITDA/net finance cost (times)

1,894.8 

2,233.5 

14.4 

135.5 

 – 

90.1 

1,744.9 

2,143.4 

1,171.6 

1,207.6 

109.6 

120.9 

1.5 

10.7 

1.8 

10.0 

The following definitions apply in the calculation of these financial covenants:
 –

EBITDA means Brambles’ consolidated operating profit (excluding Significant items outside the ordinary course of business) before depreciation, 
amortisation, impairment, profit of joint ventures and associates and certain fair value adjustments in respect of financial derivatives; and
net debt means Brambles’ consolidated total borrowings, excluding the impact of fair value adjustments in relation to hedge accounting, less 
cash and cash equivalents. 

 –

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BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

103

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF  
THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2010

NOTE 30. CASH FLOW STATEMENT – ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 
a) Reconciliation of cash 

For the purpose of the cash flow statement, cash comprises:

Cash at bank and in hand (Note 13)

Short term deposits (Note 13)

Bank overdraft (Note 23)

b) Reconciliation of profit after tax to net cash flows from operating activities  

Profit after tax

Adjustments for:

– depreciation and amortisation

– irrecoverable pooling equipment provision expense

– net gains on disposals of property, plant and equipment 

– impairment of pooling equipment

– foreign exchange gain on capital repatriation

– other valuation adjustments

– net gains on disposal of businesses and investments

– net gains after tax on completed disposals of discontinued operations 

– joint ventures

– equity-settled share-based payments 

– finance revenues and costs

Movements in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and disposals:

– (increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables

– (increase) in prepayments

– decrease in inventories

– (decrease)/increase in deferred tax

– increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables 

– increase/(decrease) in tax payables

– (decrease)/increase in provisions

– other

Net cash inflow from operating activities

2010
US$M

2009
US$M

120.2 

15.3 

(12.2)

123.3 

55.0 

35.1 

(36.0)

54.1 

448.8 

452.6 

444.0 

111.2 

(26.4)

 –  

 –  

(1.1)

 –  

(7.5)

0.1 

10.7 

7.9 

(19.3)

(0.8)

22.1 

(45.1)

15.5 

35.3 

(4.1)

(1.0)

424.6 

97.8 

(11.9)

33.6 

(77.3)

(1.9)

(0.6)

(17.0)

2.1 

14.5 

(3.0)

56.3 

(6.0)

7.3 

49.7 

(31.9)

(19.0)

53.5 

(0.4)

990.3 

1,023.0 

104

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c) Reconciliation of movement in net debt 

Net debt at beginning of the year

Net cash inflow from operating activities

Net cash outflow from investing activities

Net (inflow)/outflow from hedge instruments

Proceeds from issue of ordinary shares

Dividends paid, net of Dividend Reinvestment Plan

Interest accruals, finance leases and other

Foreign exchange differences

Net debt at end of the year

Being:

Current borrowings

Non-current borrowings

Cash and cash equivalents

Net debt at end of the year

2010
US$M

2009
US$M

2,143.4 

2,426.2 

(990.3)

(1,023.0)

440.4 

(35.8)

(2.7)

204.5 

26.0 

606.6 

7.9 

(0.8)

277.6 

(7.5)

(26.2)

(143.6)

1,759.3 

2,143.4 

276.0 

68.0 

1,618.8 

2,165.5 

(135.5)

(90.1)

1,759.3 

2,143.4 

d) Non-cash financing or investing activities 
Dividends of US$120.2 million were satisfied by issues of shares under the Dividend Reinvestment Plan. There were no other financing or investing 
transactions during the year which have had a material effect on the assets and liabilities of Brambles that did not involve cash flows.

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BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

105

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF  
THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2010

NOTE 31. COMMITMENTS 
a) Capital expenditure commitments 
At 30 June 2010, Brambles had commitments of US$41.1 million (2009: US$29.2 million) principally relating to property, plant and equipment.  

Capital expenditure contracted for but not recognised as liabilities at reporting date were as follows: 

Within one year

Between one and five years

2010 
US$M 

32.2 

8.9 

41.1 

2009 
US$M 

29.2 

 –  

29.2 

b) Operating lease commitments  
Brambles has taken out operating leases for offices, operational locations and plant and equipment. The leases have varying terms, escalation 
clauses and renewal rights. Escalation clauses are rare and any impact is considered immaterial.  

The future minimum lease payments under such non-cancellable operating leases are as follows: 

Within one year

Between one and five years

After five years

Minimum lease payments

PLANT

OCCUPANCY

2010 
US$M 

23.6 

28.4 

 –  

52.0 

2009 
US$M 

33.1 

59.5 

4.3 

96.9 

2010 
US$M 

2009 
US$M 

157.2 

452.7 

302.3 

912.2 

140.4 

464.1 

363.7 

968.2 

During the year, operating lease expense of US$205.2 million (2009: US$185.0 million) was recognised in the income statement.

c) Finance lease commitments 
Finance leases of plant and equipment are not a material feature of Brambles’ funding arrangements. Finance lease commitments are payable 
as follows: 

Within one year

Between one and five years

Minimum lease payments recognised as a liability

PLANT

2010 
US$M 

2009 
US$M 

0.6 

0.6 

1.2 

0.5 

1.4 

1.9 

106

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NOTE 32. CONTINGENCIES   
a) Subsidiaries of Brambles Limited have contingent unsecured liabilities in respect of guarantees given relating to performance under contracts 

entered into totalling US$98.8 million (2009: US$83.8 million), of which US$92.7 million (2009: US$79.4 million) is also guaranteed by Brambles 
Limited and is included in Note 37b.  

b) A subsidiary has provided guarantees on a several basis in relation to a reduction in the share premium account of a subsidiary of Brambles in 

favour of certain creditors which amounts to US$3.3 million (2009: US$5.4 million). 

c)  A subsidiary has guaranteed certain lease obligations of third parties totalling US$15.3 million (2009: US$21.7 million). A subsidiary of Brambles 
Limited has provided guarantees to support lease facilities entered into by certain Brambles’ subsidiaries. Total facilities available amount to 
US$11.7 million (2009: US$13.9 million), of which US$11.7 million (2009: US$13.9 million) has been drawn. 

d) Environmental contingent liabilities 

Brambles’ activities have included the treatment and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous waste through subsidiaries and corporate  
joint ventures. In addition, other activities of Brambles entail using, handling and storing materials which are capable of causing  
environmental impairment.   

  As a consequence of the nature of these activities, Brambles has incurred and may continue to incur environmental costs and liabilities 

associated with site and facility operation, closure, remediation, aftercare, monitoring and licensing. Provisions have been made in respect  
of estimated environmental liabilities at all sites and facilities where obligations are known to exist and can be reliably measured. 

  However, additional liabilities may emerge due to a number of factors including changes in the numerous laws and regulations which govern 
environmental protection, liability, land use, planning and other matters in each jurisdiction in which Brambles operates or has operated.  
These extensive laws and regulations are continually evolving in response to technological advances, scientific developments and other  
factors. Brambles cannot predict the extent to which it may be affected in the future by any such changes in legislation or regulation. 

e) In the ordinary course of business, Brambles becomes involved in litigation. Provision has been made for known obligations where the existence 
of the liability is probable and can be reasonably quantified. Receivables have been recognised where recoveries, for example from insurance 
arrangements, are virtually certain. As the outcomes of these matters remain uncertain, contingent liabilities exist for possible amounts 
eventually payable that are in excess of the amounts provided. 

f)  Brambles has given vendor warranties in relation to businesses sold in prior years. Brambles has recognised the financial impact of such vendor 
warranties and adjustments on the basis of information currently available. A contingent liability exists for any amounts which may ultimately  
be borne by Brambles which are in excess of the amounts provided at 30 June 2010. 

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BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

107

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF  
THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2010

NOTE 33. AUDITORS’ REMUNERATION 

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) earned the following remuneration from Brambles during the year:

Amounts received or due and receivable by PwC (Australia) for:

Audit services:

– audit and review of Brambles’ financial reports

– other assurance services

Other services:

– tax advisory services

– other

Total remuneration of PwC (Australia) 

Amounts received or due and receivable by related

practices of PwC (Australia) for:

Audit services:

– audit and review of Brambles’ financial reports

– other assurance services

Other services:

– tax advisory services

– other

Total remuneration of related practices of PwC (Australia) 

Total auditors’ remuneration 

2010
US$’000

2009
US$’000

1,338 

1,252 

256 

31 

1,594 

1,283 

33 

 –  

33 

37 

22 

59 

1,627 

1,342 

2,531 

3,209 

53 

6 

2,584 

3,215 

43 

108 

151 

51 

 –  

51 

2,735 

3,266 

4,362 

4,608 

From time to time, Brambles employs PwC on assignments additional to their statutory audit duties where PwC, through their detailed knowledge 
of the Group, are best placed to perform the services from an efficiency, effectiveness and cost perspective. The performance of such non-audit 
related services is always balanced with the fundamental objective of ensuring PwC’s objectivity and independence as auditors. To ensure this 
balance, the Audit Committee has established a policy whereby its approval is required wherever management recommends that PwC undertake 
non-audit work. Valuation services, actuarial services and internal audit services will not be performed by PwC.  

In 2010 and 2009, non-audit assignments primarily related to implementation of a compliance tracking system and tax consulting advice.

NOTE 34. KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL 
a) Key management personnel compensation

Short term employee benefits

Post employment benefits

Other benefits

Termination/sign-on/retirement benefits

Share-based payments

12,269 

7,722 

594 

126 

5,172 

2,012 

397 

64 

631 

4,895 

20,173 

13,709

108

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b) Equity instruments disclosure relating to key management personnel
The number of ordinary shares and options/share rights in Brambles held during the financial year by each key management personnel, including 
their related parties, are set out below: 

NAME AND HOLDINGS

2010

Executive Directors

T J Gorman

Ordinary shares

Share rights

G J Hayes

Ordinary shares

Share rights

Former Executive Directors

M F Ihlein

Ordinary shares

Share rights

M E Doherty

Ordinary shares

Share rights

Current Key Management Personnel

J L Infinger

Ordinary shares

Share rights

J R A Judd

Ordinary shares

Share rights

P S Mackie

Ordinary shares

Share rights

E E Potts

Ordinary shares

Share rights

J D Ritchie

Ordinary shares

Share rights

K J Shuba

Ordinary shares

Options/share rights

N P Smith

Ordinary shares

Share rights

R J Westerbos

Ordinary shares

Share rights

Former Senior Executive

C A van der Laan 

Ordinary shares

Share rights

BALANCE  
AT START OF 
THE YEAR

GRANTED 
DURING  
THE YEAR

EXERCISED 
DURING  
THE YEAR

LAPSED 
DURING  
THE YEAR

CHANGES 
DURING  
THE YEAR

BALANCE  
AT END OF  
THE YEAR1

VESTED AND 
EXERCISABLE 
AT END OF  
THE YEAR

245 

 –  

219,688 

326,994 

 –  

 –  

 –  

405,870 

783,524 

809,734 

10,151 

246,453 

 –  

483 

 –  

440 

 –  

 –  

 –  

128,717 

50,590 

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

110,038 

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

685 

–

930 

546,682 

 –  

 –  

 –  

405,870 

489 

 –  

441 

 –  

784,013 

700,179 

10,592 

246,893 

135 

 –  

135 

128,717 

14,809 

65,399 

177,446 

84,345 

13,931 

28,668 

 –  

219,192 

245 

 –  

 –  

 –  

110,041 

53,701 

6,278 

17,701 

609 

 –  

854 

139,763 

50,689 

 –  

 –  

 –  

7,437 

58,126 

210,106 

103,662 

9,955 

27,109 

 –  

276,704 

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

39,941 

123,368 

65,490 

58,718 

37,538 

 –  

39,941 

92,602 

28,033 

 –  

 –  

 –  

18,419 

46,452 

334,421 

111,645 

134,534 

28,136 

 –  

283,396 

292 

 –  

97,463 

97,926 

 –  

 –  

15,000 

442,662 

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

754 

 –  

 –  

 –  

1,046 

195,389 

 –  

 –  

 –  

34,779 

49,779 

34,779 

49,507 

 –  

358,376 

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

68,713 

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

1  Closing balances are as the end of the year for ongoing employees and as at cessation of employment for those whose employment ended during the year.

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BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

109

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF  
THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2010

NOTE 34. KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL – CONTINUED 
b) Equity instruments disclosure relating to key management personnel

NAME AND HOLDINGS

2009

Executive Directors

M F Ihlein

Ordinary shares

Share rights

M E Doherty

Ordinary shares

Share rights

Current Key Management Personnel

T J Gorman

Ordinary shares

Share rights

J R A Judd

Ordinary shares

Share rights

E E Potts

Ordinary shares

Share rights

K J Shuba

Ordinary shares

Options/share rights

N P Smith

Ordinary shares

Share rights

C A van der Laan 

Ordinary shares

Share rights

Former Senior Executive

C M Norin

Ordinary shares

Share rights

BALANCE  
AT START OF 
THE YEAR

GRANTED 
DURING  
THE YEAR

EXERCISED 
DURING  
THE YEAR

LAPSED 
DURING  
THE YEAR

CHANGES 
DURING  
THE YEAR

BALANCE  
AT END OF  
THE YEAR

VESTED AND 
EXERCISABLE 
AT END OF  
THE YEAR

646,470 

 –  

 –  

 –  

137,054 

783,524 

602,526 

461,376 

136,762 

117,406 

–

809,734 

 –  

 –  

28,406 

218,047 

 –  

 –  

36,365 

183,323 

69,654 

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

10,151 

10,151 

 –  

246,453 

245 

 –  

245 

219,688 

(19,064)

50,590 

142,669 

93,647 

30,785 

28,085 

 –  

177,446 

45,000 

 –  

 –  

 –  

5,689 

50,689 

166,236 

90,926 

25,436 

21,620 

 –  

210,106 

27,780 

 –  

 –  

 –  

244,519 

133,832 

23,746 

20,184 

 –  

 –  

 –  

97,463 

130,862 

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

371,060 

188,344 

64,490 

52,252 

 –  

442,662 

 –  

(115,862)

15,000 

334,421 

125,208 

253 

 –  

292 

 –  

28,033 

292 

97,463 

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

164,292 

78,251 

35,896

90,324 

115 

 –  

115 

116,323 

58,485 

c) Other transactions with key management personnel 
Other transactions with key management personnel are set out in Note 35d.

Further remuneration disclosures are set out in the Directors’ Report on pages 31 to 44 of the Annual Report. 

NOTE 35. RELATED PARTY INFORMATION 
a) Brambles 
Brambles comprises Brambles Limited and the entities which it controls.  

Borrowings under the bilateral bank credit facilities are undertaken by a limited number of Brambles subsidiaries. Funding of other subsidiaries 
within Brambles is by way of intercompany loans, all of which are documented and carry commercial interest rates applicable to the currency and 
terms of the loans.   

Brambles Limited charges Brambles’ borrowers a commercially-determined guarantee fee for the guarantees and cross-guarantees it has given in 
relation to borrowing facilities, as described in Note 37b. 

110

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Dividends are declared within the group only as required for funding or other commercial reasons. 

Brambles also has in place cost sharing agreements to ensure that relevant costs are taken up by the entities receiving the benefits. 

All amounts receivable and payable by entities within Brambles and any interest thereon are eliminated on consolidation. 

b) Material subsidiaries 
The principal subsidiaries of Brambles during the year were: 

NAME

CHEP

CHEP USA

CHEP Canada, Inc.

CHEP UK Limited

CHEP France SA

CHEP Deutschland GmbH

CHEP Espana SA

CHEP Mexico SA de CV

CHEP Benelux Nederland BV

CHEP Italia SRL

Brambles Enterprises Limited

PLACE OF INCORPORATION

USA

Canada

UK

France

Germany

Spain

Mexico

The Netherlands

Italy

UK

CHEP South Africa (Proprietary) Limited

South Africa

CHEP Australia Limited

CHEP (Shanghai) Company Limited

CHEP Technology Pty Limited

CHEP India Pvt Limited

LeanLogistics Inc

Recall

Recall Limited

Recall France SA

Recall Corporation, Inc.

Recall do Brasil Ltda

AUSDOC Holdings Pty Limited

Recall Information Management Pty Limited

Recall Deutschland GmbH 

Brambles HQ

Brambles Industries Limited

Brambles Holdings (UK) Limited

Australia

China

Australia

India

USA

UK

France

USA

Brazil

Australia

Australia

Germany

Australia

UK

Brambles International Finance BV

The Netherlands

Brambles USA Inc.

Brambles North America Incorporated 

Brambles Finance plc

Brambles Finance Limited

USA

USA

UK

Australia

% INTEREST HELD AT 
REPORTING DATE

2010

2009

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

In addition to the list above, there are a number of other subsidiaries within Brambles which are mostly intermediary holding companies  
or are dormant. 

Investments in subsidiaries are primarily by means of ordinary or common shares. All subsidiaries prepare accounts with a 30 June balance date.

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BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

111

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF  
THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2010

NOTE 35. RELATED PARTY INFORMATION – CONTINUED
c) Joint ventures 
Brambles’ share of the net results of joint ventures is disclosed in Note 18. 

d) Other transactions 
Other transactions entered into during the year with Directors of Brambles Limited; with Director-related entities; with key management personnel 
(KMP, as set out in the Directors’ Report); or with KMP-related entities were on terms and conditions no more favourable than those available to 
other employees, customers or suppliers and include transactions in respect of the employee option plans, contracts of employment and 
reimbursement of expenses. Any other transactions were trivial or domestic in nature. 

e) Other related parties 
A subsidiary has a non-interest bearing advance outstanding as at 30 June 2010 of US$1.201 million (2009: US$1.099 million) to Brambles 
Custodians Pty Limited, the trustee under Brambles’ employee loan scheme. This scheme enabled employees to acquire shares in BIL and has 
been closed to new entrants since August 2002.

f) Directors’ indemnities 
Under its constitution, to the extent permitted by law, Brambles Limited indemnifies each person who is, or has been a Director or Secretary of 
Brambles Limited against any liability which results from facts or circumstances relating to the person serving or having served in the capacity  
of Director, Secretary, other officer or employee of Brambles Limited or any of its subsidiaries, other than:
(aa)   in respect of a liability other than for legal costs: 

(i)   a liability owed to Brambles Limited or a related body corporate; 
(ii)   a liability for a pecuniary penalty order under section 1317G of the Act or a compensation order under section 1317H of the Act; or
(iii)   a liability that is owed to someone (other than Brambles Limited or a related body corporate) and did not arise out of conduct in good 

faith; and

(bb)  in respect of a liability for legal costs:

(i)  

(ii)  
(iii)  

(iv)  

in defending or resisting proceedings in which the person is found to have a liability for which they could not have been indemnified under 
paragraph (aa)(i) above;
in defending or resisting criminal proceedings in which the person is found guilty;
in defending or resisting proceedings brought by ASIC or a liquidator for a court order if the grounds for making the order are found by 
the Court to be established; or
in connection with proceedings for relief to any persons under the Act in which the Court denies the relief.

Paragraph (bb)(iii) above does not apply to costs incurred in responding to actions brought by ASIC or a liquidator as part of an investigation before 
commencing proceedings for the Court order. 

As allowed by its constitution, Brambles Limited has provided indemnities from time to time to Directors, Secretaries or other Statutory Officers of 
its subsidiaries (Beneficiaries) against all loss, cost and expenses (collectively Loss) caused by or arising from any act or omission by the relevant 
person in performance of that person’s role as a Director, Secretary or Statutory Officer. 

The indemnity given by the Company excludes the following matters:
(a)   any Loss to the extent caused by or arising from an act or omission of the Beneficiary prior to the effective date of the indemnity; 
(b)   any Loss to the extent indemnity in respect of that Loss is prohibited under the Corporations Act (or any other law); 
(c)   any Loss to the extent it arises from private or personal acts or omissions of the Beneficiary; 
(d)   any Loss comprising the reimbursement of normal day-to-day expenses such as travelling expenses;
(e)   any Loss to the extent the Beneficiary failed to act reasonably to mitigate the Loss; 
(f)   any Loss to the extent it is caused by or arises from acts or omissions of the Beneficiary after the date the indemnity is revoked by the 

Company in accordance with the terms of the indemnity; 

(g)   any Loss to the extent it is caused by or arises from any breach by the Beneficiary of the terms of the indemnity.

Insurance policies are in place to cover Directors, Secretaries and other Statutory Officers of Brambles Limited and its subsidiaries, however  
the terms of the policies prohibit disclosure of the details of the insurance cover and the premiums paid.

NOTE 36. EVENTS AFTER BALANCE SHEET DATE 
Other than those outlined in the Directors’ Report, there have been no events that have occurred subsequent to 30 June 2010 and up to the date 
of this report that have had a material impact on Brambles’ financial performance or position.

112

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

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NOTE 37. PARENT ENTITY FINANCIAL INFORMATION 
a)   Summarised financial data of Brambles Limited

(Loss)/profit for the year1

Other comprehensive income/(loss) for the year

Total comprehensive income

Current assets 

Non-current assets

Total assets

Current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

Contributed equity 

Share-based payment reserve 

Foreign currency translation reserve 

Retained earnings 

Total equity

PARENT ENTITY

2010 
US$M 

2009 
US$M 

(8,573.3)

347.1 

665.1 

(2,718.0)

(7,908.2)

(2,370.9)

1.7 

18.5 

6,642.5 

19,267.7 

6,644.2 

19,286.2 

21.5 

46.6 

68.1 

26.8 

4,603.8 

4,630.6 

6,576.1 

14,655.6 

13,979.6 

13,847.6 

28.2 

1,061.5 

(8,493.2)

27.3 

396.4 

384.3 

6,576.1 

14,655.6 

1  The parent entity’s loss for 2010 includes a charge of US$9.1 billion after tax against the parent entity’s investment in subsidiaries. The price of Brambles shares as 
quoted on the Australian Securities Exchange at 30 June 2010 has been used to determine the new carrying value of these investments. This non-cash charge is 
reversed on consolidation and does not impact the consolidated financial statements.

b) Guarantees and contingent liabilities 
Brambles Limited and certain of its subsidiaries are parties to a deed of cross-guarantee which supports global financing credit facilities available 
to certain Brambles’ subsidiaries. Total facilities available amount to US$2,459.9 million (2009: US$2,826.6 million) of which US$527.4 million 
(2009: US$1,640.9 million) has been drawn. 

Brambles Limited and certain of its subsidiaries are parties to guarantees which support US Private Placement borrowings of US$535.0 million 
(2009: US$535.0 million) by a subsidiary.  

Brambles Limited and certain of its subsidiaries are parties to a guarantee which support notes of US$750.0 million (2009: nil) issued by a 
subsidiary to qualified institutional buyers in accordance with Rule 144A and Regulation S of the United States Securities Act.

Brambles Limited has guaranteed repayment of certain facilities and financial accommodations made available to certain Brambles’ subsidiaries. 
Total facilities available amount to US$327.2 million (2009: US$315.9 million), of which US$130.1 million (2009: US$98.8 million) has been drawn. 

Other than these guarantees, the parent entity did not have any contingent liabilities at 30 June 2010 or 30 June 2009.

c) Contractual commitments  
Brambles Limited did not have any contractual commitments for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment at 30 June 2010 or 30 June 2009. 

BRAM021 Annual Report 2010 FINS v7 FA.indd   113

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BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

113

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DIRECTORS’ 
DECLARATION

In the opinion of the Directors of Brambles Limited:  

(a) 

the financial statements and notes set out on pages 53 to 113 are in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including: 

(i) 

complying with Accounting Standards, the Corporations Regulations 2001 and other mandatory professional reporting  
requirements; and 

(ii)  giving a true and fair view of the financial position of Brambles as at 30 June 2010 and of its performance for the year  

ended on that date; 

(b) 

there are reasonable grounds to believe that Brambles Limited will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due and payable. 

A statement of compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board  
is included within Note 1 to the financial statements. 

The Directors have been given the declarations by the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer required by section 295A of the 
Corporations Act 2001. 

This declaration is made in accordance with a resolution of the Directors. 

G J KRAEHE AO 
Chairman  
19 August 2010

T J GORMAN
Chief Executive Officer

114

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

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INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT 
TO THE MEMBERS OF BRAMBLES LIMITED

PricewaterhouseCoopers
ABN 52 780 433 757

Darling Park Tower 2
201 Sussex Street
GPO BOX 2650
SYDNEY NSW 1171
DX 77 Sydney Australia
Telephone +61 2 8266 0000
Facsimile +61 2 8266 9999
www.pwc.com/au

REPORT ON THE FINANCIAL REPORT 
We have audited the accompanying financial report of Brambles Limited (the Company), which comprises the balance sheet as at 30 June 2010, 
and the income statement, the statement of comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity and cash flow statement for the year ended on 
that date, a summary of significant accounting policies, other explanatory notes and the Directors’ declaration for Brambles. Brambles comprises 
the Company and the entities it controlled at the year’s end or from time to time during the financial year.

Directors’ responsibility for the financial report
The Directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial report in accordance with Australian 
Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting Interpretations) and the Corporations Act 2001. This responsibility includes 
establishing and maintaining internal controls relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of the financial report that is free from material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error; selecting and applying appropriate accounting policies; and making accounting estimates that are 
reasonable in the circumstances. In Note 1, the Directors also state, in accordance with Accounting Standard AASB 101 Presentation of Financial 
Statements, that the financial statements comply with International Financial Reporting Standards.

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

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

Our procedures include reading the other information in the Annual Report to determine whether it contains any material inconsistencies with  
the financial report.

Our audit did not involve an analysis of the prudence of business decisions made by Directors or management.

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

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

Auditors’ opinion 
In our opinion:

(a) 

the financial report of Brambles Limited is in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including:

giving a true and fair view of Brambles’ financial position as at 30 June 2010 and of its performance for the year ended on that date; and

(i) 
(ii)  complying with Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting Interpretations) and the Corporations 

Regulations 2001; and

(b) 

the financial report and notes also comply with International Financial Reporting Standards as disclosed in Note 1.

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BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

115

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT – CONTINUED
TO THE MEMBERS OF BRAMBLES LIMITED

REPORT ON THE REMUNERATION REPORT
We have audited the Remuneration Report included in pages 31 to 44 of the Directors’ Report for the year ended 30 June 2010. 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.

Auditors’ opinion 
In our opinion, the Remuneration Report of Brambles Limited for the year ended 30 June 2010, complies with section 300A of the Corporations  
Act 2001.

Matters relating to the electronic presentation of the audited financial report
This auditors’ report relates to the financial report and Remuneration Report of Brambles Limited for the year ended 30 June 2010 included on 
Brambles’ web site. The Directors of the Company are responsible for the integrity of the Brambles’ web site. We have not been engaged to report 
on the integrity of this web site. The auditors’ report refers only to the financial report and Remuneration Report named above. It does not provide 
an opinion on any other information which may have been hyperlinked to/from the financial report or the Remuneration Report. If users of this 
report are concerned with the inherent risks arising from electronic data communications they are advised to refer to the hard copy of the audited 
financial report and Remuneration Report to confirm the information included in the audited financial report and Remuneration Report presented  
on this website.

PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS 

M G JOHNSON  
Partner  
Sydney 

19 August 2010

M DOW
Partner

116

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AUDITORS’ INDEPENDENCE DECLARATION

PricewaterhouseCoopers
ABN 52 780 433 757

Darling Park Tower 2
201 Sussex Street
GPO BOX 2650
SYDNEY NSW 1171
DX 77 Sydney Australia
Telephone +61 2 8266 0000
Facsimile +61 2 8266 9999
www.pwc.com/au

As lead auditor for the audit of Brambles Limited for the year ended 30 June 2010, I declare that 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.

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

M G JOHNSON
Partner  
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Sydney  

19 August 2010 

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BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

117

 
FIVE YEAR FINANCIAL 
PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

Continuing operations

Sales revenue

Operating profit 

Net finance costs

Profit before tax 

Tax expense

Profit from continuing operations

Profit from discontinued operations

Profit for the year

Depreciation and amortisation 

Continuing operations

Discontinued operations

Capex on property, plant & equipment

Continuing operations

Discontinued operations

Cash flow

Cash flow from operations

Free cash flow

Dividends paid

Free cash flow after dividends

Balance sheet

Capital employed

Net debt

Equity

Employees

Continuing operations

Discontinued operations

Earnings per share (US cents)

Basic

From continuing operations

On Underlying profit after finance costs and tax

Dividend declared per share (Australian cents)

Interim and final

Special

2010 
US$M 

2009
US$M 

2008 
US$M 

2007
US$M  

2006
US$M  

4,146.8 

4,018.6 

4,358.6 

3,868.8 

3,522.1 

724.5

718.2 

1,030.6 

796.0 

701.1 

(109.6)

(120.9)

(149.5)

(59.9)

(111.8)

614.9 

597.3 

881.1

736.1

589.3

(171.0)

(163.3)

(234.2)

(302.4)

(226.7)

443.9 

434.0 

646.9 

433.7 

362.6 

4.9 

18.6 

1.8 

857.6 

1,101.8 

448.8 

452.6 

648.7 

1,291.3 

1,464.4 

444.0

424.6

458.6 

404.3 

– 

– 

– 

– 

412.0 

80.7 

498.8

672.4

849.2

– 

– 

– 

695.7

24.7

581.7

182.8

882.3

548.6 

204.5 

344.1 

722.4

419.5 

277.6 

141.9 

810.0

412.6 

444.8 

838.3

490.2 

604.0 

(32.2)

(113.8)

762.6

559.7 

296.7 

263.0 

3,391.5 

3,572.7 

3,969.7 

3,419.6 

4,643.1 

1,759.3 

2,143.4 

2,426.2 

1,996.9 

1,690.1 

1,632.2 

1,429.3 

1,543.5 

1,422.7 

2,953.0 

12,714 

12,785 

12,305 

12,327 

12,249 

– 

– 

– 

1,841 

14,043 

31.8 

31.5 

31.9 

25.0

– 

32.6 

31.3 

38.5 

30.0 

– 

46.0 

45.9 

45.4 

34.5 

– 

83.4 

28.0 

37.3 

17.0 

– 

86.7 

21.5 

25.3 

25.0 

34.5 

118

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

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GLOSSARY 

2001 Option Plans

2001 Share Plans

2004 Share Plans

2006 Share Plan

Act

Actual rates

AGM

ASX

The Brambles Industries Limited 2001 Executive Share Option Plan and the Brambles Industries  
plc 2001 Executive Share Option Plan, incorporating Brambles Limited rollover amendments of  
22 August 2006.

The Brambles Industries Limited 2001 Executive Performance Share Plan and the Brambles 
Industries plc 2001 Executive Performance Share Plan, incorporating Brambles Limited rollover 
amendments of 22 August 2006.

The Brambles Industries Limited 2004 Performance Share Plan and the Brambles Industries  
plc 2004 Performance Share Plan, incorporating Brambles Limited rollover amendments of  
22 August 2006.

The Brambles Limited 2006 Performance Share Plan, as amended on 25 November 2008 and  
18 November 2009.

The Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).

In the statutory financial statements, results are translated into US dollars at the applicable actual 
monthly exchange rates ruling in each period.

Annual General Meeting.

Australian Securities Exchange.

Average Capital Invested

Average Capital Invested or ACI is a 12 month average of Capital Invested.

BIL

BIP

Board

Capital Invested is calculated as net assets before tax balances, cash and borrowings, but after 
adjustment for accumulated pre-tax Significant items, actuarial gains or losses and net equity 
adjustments for equity-settled share-based payments.

Brambles Industries Limited, which was one of the two listed entities in the previously dual-listed 
companies structure.

Brambles Industries plc, which was one of the two listed entities in the previously dual-listed 
companies structure.

The Board of Brambles Limited.

Brambles or Group

Brambles Limited and all of its related bodies corporate.

BVA

CAGR

Cash flow from operations

CGPR

Company

Constant currency

Brambles Value Added or BVA represents the value generated over and above the cost of the capital 
used to generate that value.

It is calculated using fixed June 2009 exchange rates as:
 –
 –
 –

Underlying profit; plus
Significant items that are part of the ordinary activities of the business; less
Average Capital Invested, adjusted for accumulated pre-tax Significant items that are part of the 
ordinary activities of the business, multiplied by 12%.

Compound Annual Growth Rate. The CAGR of sales revenue is the annualised percentage at which 
sales revenue would have grown over a period if it grew at a steady rate.

Cash flow generated after net capital expenditure but excluding Significant items that are outside 
the ordinary course of business.

The Australian Securities Exchange Corporate Governance Council Corporate Governance Principles 
and Recommendations.

Brambles Limited (ACN 118 896 021)

Constant currency results are presented by translating both current and comparable period results 
into US dollars at the actual monthly exchange rates applicable in the comparable period, so as to 
show relative performance between the two periods before the translation impact of currency 
fluctuations. 

Continuing operations 

Continuing operations refers to CHEP, Recall and Brambles HQ.

Discontinued operations

Operations which have been divested or which are held for sale.

DLC

Dual-listed companies structure – the previous contractual arrangement between Brambles 
Industries Limited and Brambles Industries plc under which they operated as if they were a single 
economic enterprise, whilst retaining their separate legal identities, tax residences and stock 
exchange listings. BIL and BIP operated as a DLC from August 2001 to December 2006.

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BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

119

GLOSSARY – CONTINUED

DMS

DPS

EBITDA

EPS

Free cash flow

fx

FY10 or Year

FY11

Document Management Solutions, a Recall service line.

Data Protection Services, a Recall service line.

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation. EBITDA is defined as Operating profit 
from continuing operations after adding back depreciation and amortisation and Significant items 
outside the ordinary course of business.

Earnings per share.

Cash flow generated after net capital expenditure, finance costs and tax, but excluding the net cost 
of acquisitions and proceeds from business disposals.

Foreign exchange.

The 2010 financial year commencing 1 July 2009 and ending 30 June 2010.

The 2011 financial year commencing 1 July 2010 and ending 30 June 2011.

Group or Brambles

Brambles Limited and all of its related bodies corporate.

IBC

IFRS

IPEP

KPI(s)

LSE

LTI

LTIFR

LTISR

OHS&E

MyShare

Intermediate Bulk Container, for the transport and storage of bulk products.

International Financial Reporting Standards. Brambles reports its financial results under Australian 
Accounting Standards, which are compliant with IFRS.

Irrecoverable pooling equipment provision.

Key Performance Indicator(s).

London Stock Exchange.

Long Term Incentive.

Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate.

Lost Time Injury Severity Rate.

Occupational Health Safety and Environment.

The Brambles Limited MyShare Plan, an all employee share plan, under which employees acquire 
ordinary shares by means of deductions from their after-tax pay and must hold those shares for a 
two year period. If they hold those shares and remain employed at the end of the two year period, 
then Brambles will match the number of shares they hold by issuing or transferring to them the same 
number of shares which they held for the qualifying period at no additional cost to the employee.

Net new business wins

The change in sales revenue in a period resulting from business won or lost in that period and the 
previous 12 months. Net new business is calculated on a constant currency basis.

PAT

RFID

ROCI

RPC

SDS

Significant items

STI

TFR

TSR

Underlying profit

Unification

Profit After Tax.

Radio Frequency Identification.

Return on Capital Invested or ROCI is calculated as Underlying profit divided by Average Capital 
Invested.

Reusable Plastic Container, generally used for shipment and display of produce items.

Secure Destruction Services, a Recall service line.

Significant items are items of income or expense which are, either individually or in aggregate, 
material to Brambles or to the relevant business segment and:
 –

outside the ordinary course of business (e.g. gains or losses on the sale or termination of 
operations, the cost of significant reorganisations or restructuring); or
part of the ordinary activities of the business but unusual due to their size and nature. 

 –

Short Term Incentive.

Total Fixed Remuneration.

Total Shareholder Return. TSR measures the returns that a company has provided for its shareholders, 
reflecting share price movements and reinvestment of dividends over a specified performance 
period. Under the 2006 Share Plan, TSR is normally calculated on the average daily closing share 
prices in the three months immediately preceding the start of a period and the end of a period.

Underlying profit is profit from continuing operations before finance costs, tax and Significant items.

The unification of the dual-listed companies structure which operated between Brambles Industries 
Limited and Brambles Industries plc under a new single Australian holding company, Brambles 
Limited, which took place in December 2006.

120

BRAMBLES LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2010

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INVESTOR  
INFORMATION

BRAMBLES LIMITED
Level 40, Gateway
1 Macquarie Place
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia
Telephone: 61 (0) 9256 5222
Facsimile: 61 (0) 9256 5299
Website: www.brambles.com

Brambles Limited has a primary listing on the 
Australian Securities Exchange. The global 
headquarters of Brambles is in Sydney, 
Australia.

All currency amounts in this report are in  
US dollars unless otherwise specified.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The AGM will be held at 2.00pm (AEDT)  
on Thursday, 18 November 2010 at:

The Wesley Theatre
Wesley Conference Centre
220 Pitt Street
Sydney NSW 2000

A live webcast of the meeting will be 
broadcast on www.brambles.com

DIVIDEND
The Directors have declared a final dividend 
of 12.5 Australian cents per share, which will 
be 20% franked. The dividend will be paid on 
Thursday, 14 October 2010.

Shareholders may elect to receive dividend 
payments in Australian dollars or Pounds 
sterling, by contacting Brambles’ share 
registry, Link Market Services Limited.  
The relevant contact details are set out  
in Shareholder Information on page 50.

BRAMBLES BUSINESS UNITS 

CHEP Americas
8517 South Park Circle
Orlando FL 32819-9040
United States of America
Telephone: 1 407 370 2437
Facsimile: 1 407 363 5354
Email: chep_americas@chep.com
Website: www.chep.com

CHEP EMEA
Weybridge Business Park 
Addlestone Road, Addlestone 
Surrey KT15 2UP 
United Kingdom 
Telephone: 44 (0) 1932 850 085 
Facsimile: 44 (0) 1932 850 144
Email: info.emea@chep.com
Website: www.chep.com 

CHEP Asia-Pacific
Level 6, Building C
11 Talavera Road
North Ryde NSW 2113
Australia
Telephone: 61 (0) 2 9856 2437
Facsimile: 61 (0) 2 9856 2404
Email: ap.marketing@chep.com
Website: www.chep.com 

Recall
One Recall Center
180 Technology Parkway
Norcross GA 30092
United States of America
Telephone: 1 770 776 1000
Facsimile: 1 770 776 1001
Email: recall.communications@recall.com
Website: www.recall.com

WE’RE 
BUILDING A 
STRONGER 
FOUNDATION

CONTENTS

001 _ Letter from the Chairman and the CEO
002 _ Performance summary
004 _ Operational and financial review
012 _ Treasury and risk review
014 _ Board of Directors
016 _ Executive leadership team
018 _ Corporate governance statement
031 _ Directors’ report – remuneration report
045 _ Directors’ report – other information
050 _ Shareholder information

053 _ Financial report – financial statements
114 _ Financial report – Directors’ declaration
115 _ Financial report – independent auditors’ report
117 _ Auditors’ independence declaration
118 _ Five year financial performance summary
119 _ Glossary
IBC _ Investor information

Brambles Limited
ABN 89 118 896 021

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WWW.BRAMBLES.COM

ANNUAL REPORT 2010

WE’RE 
BUILDING A 
STRONGER  
FOUNDATION

Brambles is committed to achieving Zero 
Harm, which means zero injuries and zero 
environmental damage, and has used a 
PEFC, Chain of Custody accredited printer 
to produce this Annual Report.

BRAM021 Annual Report Cover v7a FA.indd   1

10/9/10   6:39:03 PM