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Brambles

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FY2020 Annual Report · Brambles
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Annual Report 2020

Connecting 
people with 
life’s essentials, 
every day

brambles.com

Contents

Brambles at a Glance 

Letter from the Chairman and CEO 

Operating & Financial Review 

Board & Executive Leadership Team 

Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report 

Directors’ Report – Additional Information 

Shareholder Information 

Consolidated Financial Report 

Independent Auditor’s Report 

Auditor’s Independence Declaration 

Five-year Financial Performance Summary 

Glossary  

1

2

4

26

33

53

59

61

119

126

127

128

To view the Group’s online 

annual review for 2020, go to:

brambles.com

Unless otherwise specified, page references are to pages in this report. All acronyms and terminology referred to in this report are 
defined in the Glossary on pages 128 to 130.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements made in this report are “forward-looking statements” – that is, statements related to future, not past, events. Words such as 
“anticipates”, “expects”, “intends”, “plans”, “believes”, “seeks”, “estimates”, “will”, “should”, and similar expressions are intended to identify forward‑looking 
statements. These forward‑looking statements are not historical facts, but rather are based on Brambles’ current beliefs, assumptions, expectations, 
estimates and projections. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, as they address matters that are uncertain and subject 
to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that are beyond the control of Brambles, are difficult to predict and could cause actual results 
to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements. Brambles cautions shareholders and prospective shareholders 
not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect the views of Brambles only as of the date of this report. The forward-looking 
statements made in this report relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made – Brambles will not undertake any obligation to 
release publicly any revisions or updates to these forward-looking statements to reflect events, circumstances or events occurring after the date of this 
report, except as may be required by law or by any appropriate regulatory authority. Past performance cannot be relied on as a guide to future performance.

Brambles Limited

ABN 89 118 896 021

Brambles at a Glance

Brambles’ purpose is to connect people with 
life’s essentials, every day.

Through its ‘share and reuse’ model, Brambles 
moves more goods to more people in more 
places than any other organisation.

What Brambles does:

As at 30 June 2020, Brambles:

As a pioneer of the sharing economy, 
Brambles is one of the world’s most sustainable 
logistics businesses.

Its circular business model facilitates the ‘share 
and reuse’ of the world’s largest pool of reusable 
pallets and containers. 

This enables Brambles to serve its customers 
while minimising the impact on the environment 
and improving the efficiency and safety of supply 
chains around the world.

Brambles’ platforms form the invisible 
backbone of global supply chains, primarily 
serving the fast-moving consumer goods, 
fresh produce, beverage, retail and general 
manufacturing industries. 

The world’s largest brands trust Brambles to help 
them transport life’s essentials more efficiently, 
safely and sustainably. 

Operated in…

~60 

countries

Owned...

~330 million 

pallets, crates and containers

Employed... 

~12,000

people

Through a network of…

750+

service centres

Financial Highlights

US$4,733.6m

Sales Revenue 
Up 6% at constant currency

US$795.0m

US$743.9m

Cash Flow from Operations1 
Up US$312.1m

16.7%

Underlying Profit1  
Up 4% at constant currency  
Excluding the impact of AASB 16 Underlying Profit 
increased 1 percentage point

Return on Capital Invested1  
Down -2.5 percentage points at constant currency  
Excluding the impact of AASB 16 ROCI decreased  
0.9 percentage points 

18.0 US cents per share

5.5

Total Dividends  
Final dividend of 9.0 US cents per share 

Brambles Injury Frequency Rate (BIFR)  
Down from 5.9 in FY19

1 Continuing operations.

1

Letter from the Chairman & CEO

The past year has been particularly 
challenging for Brambles, as it has 
been for the whole world. Never has our 
purpose as a company – “to connect 
people with life’s essentials, every day” 
– been so important. 
Faced with a global pandemic, our people rose to the challenge 
of delivering our essential services, enabling regional and global 
supply chains to remain open and ensuring the continued flow 
of life’s essentials to communities around the world.

During this time of increased volatility and uncertainty, our teams 
overcame significant challenges to provide our customers with 
uninterrupted service and supply of pallets, crates and containers 
across our markets. Our success is testament to the strength 
of our people, the agility of our network and resilience of our 
‘share and reuse’ business model, all of which have been critical 
in positioning Brambles as a trusted supply chain partner for 
customers around the world. 

Throughout this period and as we look ahead, our highest priority 
is the health and safety of our employees and ensuring our 
facilities are well protected and managed to best support the 
needs of our customers and local communities. 

We were swift in deploying additional hygiene and safety 
procedures across our global service centre network, sharing 
best practice and insights across more than 60 countries. For 
our office-based staff we quickly transitioned to working from 
home arrangements, providing our workforce with the necessary 
tools and support to successfully adapt to completely new 
ways of working. 

While many countries are starting to ease out of lockdowns 
and are showing signs of recovery, the global Covid-19 pandemic 
continues to have a serious impact on people’s health and 
livelihoods around the world. We therefore remain vigilant in our 
approach and practices in relation to the health and safety of our 
employees, customers and the communities in which we operate.

2 AASB 16 ‑ New leasing standard effective for Brambles from 1 July 2019.

2

Strategic Priorities

The Covid-19 pandemic has reinforced the importance of our 
long-term strategic goals. We are committed to being the global 
leader in platform pooling solutions and insight-based solutions 
to fast-moving supply chains, delivered through our circular 
‘share and reuse’ model.

We have refined our focus across four strategic themes to 
ensure we are agile and responsive to changing needs driven 
by increasing uncertainty and volatility. These strategic themes 
guide decision making across the Group and are integral 
to delivering superior and sustained value for customers, 
shareholders and employees. 

We are committed to delivering customer value that enhances 
the sustainability and efficiency of end-to-end supply chains. 
We continue to invest in digital transformation, including 
through the Group’s in-house technology hub, BXB Digital, 
to create distinctive new capabilities. We are constantly seeking 
to improve asset and network productivity, with ongoing 
programmes of automation and process standardisation to 
enhance the efficiency and resilience of our operations. In 
our quest for business excellence, we are re-inventing our 
organisation, technology and processes to be simpler, more 
effective and more efficient. We are confident that the heightened 
focus on these strategic themes will deliver benefits to 
shareholders over the long-term. 

FY20 Results
Our FY20 result reflects the resilience of our pallet businesses 
and our ability to effectively manage costs and capital 
expenditure across our entire portfolio. At constant currency, 
sales revenue increased 6% as strong volume growth and price 
realisation in our global pallet businesses more than offset 
declines in our Automotive container and Kegstar businesses, 
which were particularly impacted by Covid-19-related lockdown 
measures. Underlying Profit increased 4% at constant currency 
(including the impact of AASB 162), reflecting a one percentage 
point improvement in US margins and ongoing progress in 
addressing cost pressures in Canada and Latin America. 
Cash generation was strong during the Year, with Free Cash Flow 
after ordinary dividends of US$171.5 million driven by disciplined 
capital allocation and effective working capital management. 

Capital Management Programme 
At the time of the sale of its IFCO RPC business, Brambles 
announced that it intended to return A$2.8 billion 
(US$1.95 billion) of the sale proceeds to you, our shareholders, 
through two mechanisms. 

The first was an on-market share buy-back of up to A$2.4 billion 
(US$1.65 billion). The share buy-back commenced on 
4 June 2019 and has continued during FY20. At 30 June 2020, 
a total of 91,697,878 ordinary shares had been bought back and 
cancelled for a total consideration of A$1,049.7 million. The share 
buy-back is outlined in more detail on page 9. 

The second was a 29.0 AU cents per share pro-rata cash return 
paid to shareholders on 22 October 2019. The cash return had 
two components: a capital return of 12.0 AU cents per share and 
a special unfranked dividend of 17.0 AU cents per share. The total 
cash payment for the pro-rata return was A$453.8 million.

At 30 June 2020, Brambles had completed A$1.5 billion, that 
is 53%, of the A$2.8 billion capital management programme.

Dividend Policy and Capital Structure
As previously communicated, during the Year Brambles moved 
to a payout ratio-based dividend policy, targeting a payout ratio 
of 45-60% of Underlying Profit after finance costs and tax, subject 
to Brambles’ cash requirements, with the dividend per share 
declared in US cents and converted and paid in Australian cents. 
Following the introduction of the new lease accounting standard, 
which means operating leases are now recorded as an asset and 
a liability on the balance sheet, Brambles has revised its financial 
policy to target a net debt to EBITDA ratio of less than 2.0 times. 
This financial policy is consistent with Brambles’ intention to 
retain its current investment grade credit rating of BBB+ from 
Standard & Poor’s and Baa1 from Moody’s Investor Service. 

Chairman Succession and Board Renewal 
On 30 June 2020, Stephen Johns retired after six years as 
Chairman and a sixteen-year association with the Board. 
We wish to express our thanks to Stephen for his contribution 
to Brambles both as a Non-Executive Director and Chairman. 
In keeping with our ongoing Board renewal plan, changes to the 
composition of the Board saw the retirement of David Gosnell 
at the 2019 AGM after twelve years’ service, and the appointment 
of Nora Scheinkestel in June 2020 and Ken McCall in July 2020. 
Full Board biographies are on pages 26 to 29. Details of our 
Board skills matrix are in the Corporate Governance Statement 
on brambles.com 

Safety 
In last year’s Annual Report, we noted with great sadness the 
loss of a colleague in July 2019 and our commitment to learn 
from this tragedy.

In 2019, we launched and implemented our ‘Safety Differently’ 
philosophy which places greater emphasis on engaging with 
our team members working in our service centres around the 
world to understand the specifics of how they work. We also 
enhanced our safety standards to incorporate new defence layers 
to the engineering and administrative controls already in place. 
Extensive reviews of similar operations across our network were 
conducted to ensure they comply with our new enhanced safety 
standards. During the Year we saw a 7% reduction in lost time, 
modified duties and medical treatments. 

Sustainability
At Brambles, sustainability is core to our values and central 
to our operating model. By promoting the shared use of our 
platforms among multiple supply chain participants under 
our circular ‘share and reuse’ model, we connect people to 
life’s essentials while making supply chains more sustainable. 
This defines what we do and who we are.

Our sustainability leadership position has been reinforced by 
our success in achieving many of our sustainability targets, 
which are outlined in detail on page 11. In 2015, we set a series of 
ambitious goals that were material to our business and extended 
throughout our value chain to build a better business, a better 
planet and better communities. Five years later, we are extremely 
proud of what we have achieved, including 100% sustainable 
sourcing of timber across our global operations and greater 
gender representation with 30% of Board, Executive Leadership 
Team and management-level roles being held by women. 

Achieving our 2020 sustainability goals is just the start of our 
sustainability journey. As we look forward, our vision is to 
contribute to a more positive and regenerative future. This vision 
will form the basis of our 2025 sustainability targets, which will be 
launched as part of our 2020 Sustainability Review scheduled for 
publication in September 2020. These targets will demonstrate 
Brambles’ continued commitment to lead and respond to the great 
environmental and social challenges of our time.

Annual General Meeting
Having regard to our health and safety priorities and associated 
restrictions on public gatherings relating to the Covid-19 
pandemic, the Board has decided to conduct this year’s Annual 
General Meeting as a virtual meeting. We will be sending a 
communication to shareholders in the near term, providing 
details of the meeting, including how to participate, submit 
questions and how to vote.

Outlook 
Key assumptions and inputs for FY21 outlook include:

•  No further widespread lockdowns due to Covid-19 in key 

markets of operation;  

•  A U-shaped economic recovery with economic headwinds 

to persist for the duration of FY21;  

•  A slow recovery in the Automotive and Kegstar 

businesses; and 

•  The broad continuation of current trends in input costs.

Within this context, the FY21 outlook is:  

•  Sales revenue growth between flat to +4% at constant 
currency, with improved Underlying Profit margins; 

•  Underlying Profit growth between flat to +5% at 

constant currency;

•  Free cash flow expected to fund dividends and core business 

capex with investments to support new business opportunities 
within the core business and to further develop digital and 
efficiency objectives; 

•  Dividend payout ratio to be consistent with our dividend 

payout policy of 45% to 60%; and  

•  Share buy-back programme to continue subject to the ongoing 
assessment of the Group’s funding and liquidity requirements 
in the context of increased volatility and economic uncertainty. 

Given the unprecedented nature of the Covid-19 pandemic and 
resulting volatility, it is difficult to forecast with accuracy the likely 
impact on Brambles’ business in FY21. For this reason, Brambles 
will update its internal FY21 forecast after the first three months 
of trading and review guidance in this context. While July may 
not be representative of the full-year, due to the phasing of 
government economic stimuli and the timing of known changes 
in customer contracts, Group revenues in July increased on a 
like-for-like basis 4% on the prior corresponding period, with high 
levels of volatility continuing across all regions. 

As a company, we enter this period of uncertainty in a position 
of strength. We have a strong sustainable business model, which 
derives over 80% of its revenues from the consumer staples 
sector. As proven by our response to the pandemic, we have a 
team of exceptional people, a customer-focused strategy and 
a disciplined approach to financial management. As a Board, 
we remain committed to maintaining a conservative balance 
sheet and a strong funding and liquidity profile. Collectively, we 
believe these inherently defensive characteristics position us well 
to continue delivering value for our customers, our employees 
and for you, our shareholders, as we face the challenges which 
lie ahead. 

On behalf of the Board, we would like to thank you for your 
continued support.

John Mullen  

Chairman 

Graham Chipchase 

Chief Executive Officer

3

 
How Brambles Creates Value 

Brambles uses the power of its 
circular business model, network 
advantage and expertise to leverage 
the key capital inputs into its 
business to generate significant 
value for customers, shareholders 
and employees. 

For customers, Brambles’ end-to-end supply chain solutions 
deliver operational, financial and environmental efficiencies 
not otherwise available through one-way, single-use alternatives. 
Further details are available on page 8.

For shareholders, Brambles delivers sustainable growth 
at returns well in excess of the cost of capital and seeks 
to generate sufficient cash flow through the cycle to fund 
dividends and support reinvestment in growth, innovation 
and the development of its people. Further details are 
available on page 9.

For employees, Brambles provides development and exciting 
career opportunities in approximately 60 countries. By fostering 
a culture of innovation and agility, Brambles seeks to attract and 
retain the talent which is integral to its success.

In a resource-constrained world, circular business models 
like that operated by Brambles are recognised as a practical 
business solution enabling the world to trade more responsibly. 
By regenerating what it extracts and by providing its products 
via a service, Brambles helps reduce both the constant pressure 
on natural resources and the waste production typical of 
conventional linear business models.

Brambles capitalises on its unique position in the supply chain 
to enable customer collaboration and address sustainable 
development challenges, such as optimising transport networks, 
addressing food waste and promoting sustainable use of the 
world’s forests.

In this way, Brambles strives to create a circular economy, 
on a global scale.

Brambles has used the Integrated Reporting  ‘capitals’ 
framework3 to illustrate the interaction and interdependencies 
between its sources of value, business model and ability to 
create value over time. This framework provides an appropriate 
methodology to help entities understand both their sources 
of value including resource dependencies as well as the 
positive and negative impacts of their business model on 
all stakeholders. 

INPUTS

VALUE CREATION

OUTPUTS

Natural Capital

100% wood from certified sources  
which regenerates stocks of raw 
materials and drives demand for 
sustainable forest products 

Manufactured Capital

330 million assets shared and reused 
throughout the world’s supply chains 

Human and Intellectual Capital

Attracting talent, ideas and innovation

Financial Capital

Attracting long-term investment

Producer

Brambles’ platforms help 
reduce food waste

Manufacturer

Transport and other 
customer collaboration 

Circular
‘Share and Reuse’
Model

By sharing and reusing Brambles’ products versus single-use alternatives,
value is created for its customers, the environment and society. 

Natural Capital

Social and Relationship Capital

Customer-driven
environmental savings:

2m tonnes of CO2 

2,500 megalitres of water 

1.7m cubic metres of wood 

1.8m trees 

1.3m tonnes of waste

Customer value: 

• Enhance operational efficiency 

• Free up cash and resources 

• Lower overall supply chain costs 

• Sustainable packaging objectives 

Building our social licence through 
advocacy for a circular economy

4

Committed to zero product 
waste to landfill

Human Capital

Intellectual Capital

Developing, engaging
and remunerating our people 

Network advantage 
and digital solutions 
are creating the supply 
chains of the future 

Retailer

Financial Capital

Economic 
Value5 Retained
US$1b

Economic 
Value Generated

US$5b6

Economic 
Value Distributed
US$4b

Social and Relationship Capital

Fostering positive stakeholder 
relationships in communities 

Service Centre

70% of electricity was from 
renewable energy sources

Scale-related 
operational efficiencies

Network scale density
and expertise

Growth, innovation 
and people

3 The International Integrated Reporting  Framework. Integrated Reporting highlights the key resources and relationships used and affected by an organisation. 

4  Brambles’ circular business model aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12. For more information see brambles.com/sustainability.

5  Economic value is a measure of the broader financial benefit provided by an organisation.

6  For Additional Value Distributed as the result of the sale of IFCO please see page 10.

4

5

Operating & Financial ReviewOperating & Financial Review 
Operating Model

Brambles manages the world’s largest pool of reusable pallets and containers. 

As a pioneer of the sharing economy, Brambles promotes the shared use of its 
platforms among multiple supply chain participants under a circular ‘share and 
reuse’ model known as pooling.

Through its inherently sustainable operating model, superior network advantage 
and industry expertise, Brambles leads the market in more efficient and 
sustainable supply chains.

Inherently Sustainable Operating Model
Brambles’ ‘share and reuse’ model follows the principles of the 
circular and sharing economies, creating more efficient supply 
chains by reducing operating costs and demand on natural 
resources. By promoting the ‘share and reuse’ of assets 
among multiple parties in the supply chain, Brambles offers 
customers a more efficient and sustainable alternative to the 
use of disposable single-use alternatives or managing their 
own proprietary platforms.

Network Advantage and Supply Chain Expertise 
Brambles’ sustainable operating model is underpinned by 
its superior network advantage and industry-leading supply 
chain expertise, developed over 70 years of managing 
customers’ supply chains around the world. With operations 
in approximately 60 countries, Brambles’ network advantage 
comprises the scale and density of its service centre network 
and the strength of its customer relationships in every major 
market in which it operates. This means Brambles can be 
faster and more responsive to customers’ needs and in 
times of uncertainty and increased volatility, more resilient 
and more reliable.

Sustainability Strategy 
Brambles’ sustainability strategy organises the Group’s 
sustainability activities and goals under three broad 
programmes: Better Business; Better Planet; and 
Better Communities.

Brambles’ sustainability strategy is outlined in more 
detail on page 11, including the performance against 
the 2020 sustainability goals. 

‘Share and reuse’: How it works

Using its network advantage and asset management 
expertise, Brambles seamlessly connects supply chain 
participants, ensuring the efficient flow of goods through 
the supply chain. By reducing transport distances and the 
number of platforms required to service the supply chain, 
Brambles delivers savings in which all participants share.

1

2

3

Brambles provides standardised pallets, crates and 
containers to customers from its service centres as 
and when the customer requires.

Customers use this equipment and Brambles’ support 
services to transport goods through the supply chain.

Customers either arrange for the equipment’s return 
to Brambles or transfer it to another participant 
for reuse.

Brambles retains ownership of its equipment at all 
times, inspecting, cleaning and repairing them in order 
to maintain appropriate quality levels.

Brambles generates sales revenue predominantly from 
rental and other service fees that customers pay based 
on their use of its platforms and services.

6

Operating & Financial ReviewStrategic Priorities 

Brambles is committed to being the global leader in platform pooling and 
insight-based solutions to fast-moving supply chains delivered through its circular 
‘share and reuse’ model. Having introduced the platform pooling model around the 
world, Brambles is re-invigorating it for the supply chains of tomorrow. 

Brambles seeks to:

•  Achieve and maintain the number one position in each region of operation;

•  Lead the industry in customer service, innovation and sustainability; and

•  Be an employer of choice through best-in-class safety, diversity and talent development programmes.

Brambles’ five strategic priorities guide decision making across the Group and 
are integral to the delivery of superior value for customers, shareholders and 
employees over the long-term.

Grow and 
Strengthen 
Network Advantage

Deliver Operational 
and Organisational 
Efficiencies

Disciplined 
Allocation of Capital 
and Improved Cash 
Flow Generation

Innovate to  
Create New Value 

Develop World-
Class Talent

To deliver against these priorities, Brambles is focused on four key areas:

Customer Value
Brambles is committed to delivering unrivalled value and 
exceptional service to its customers. Brambles works with its 
manufacturing customers and supply chain partners to enhance 
the sustainability and efficiency of end-to-end supply chains 
though collaboration on new solutions and innovative ways of 
working such as Zero Waste World (ZWW). Brambles is committed 
to improving the customer experience further through simpler 
processes, additional services and enhanced platform quality.

Digital Transformation
Brambles is investing to transform information and digital 
insights into new sources of value for itself and for its 
customers. Brambles sees data and technology as core 
strengths and sources of future competitive advantage. 
The Group’s in-house technology hub, BXB Digital, works closely 
with the operating business units to translate technology into 
business outcomes. Brambles’ goal is to combine physical 
assets and supply chain expertise with data-driven insights to 
create distinctive new capabilities as well as supporting the 
delivery of the other strategic themes.

Asset Efficiency and Network Productivity
Brambles constantly seeks to improve the productivity and 
sustainability of its assets and operations. Brambles works 
with its customers and partners to align physical networks and 
working practices in order to improve asset utilisation, reduce 
equipment loss and lower equipment damage rates. Ongoing 
programmes of automation and process standardisation 
enhance the efficiency and resilience of Brambles’ operations, 
allowing the Group to transfer best practices rapidly from one 
market to another.

Business Excellence
Brambles is re-inventing its organisation, technology and 
processes to be simpler, more effective and more efficient. 
The Group is committed to fostering a culture of agility, 
innovation and continuous improvement, underpinned by the 
required tools and systems. Successfully attracting, retaining 
and empowering high calibre people is integral to Brambles’ 
ongoing success and will become increasingly important as 
new skills are required in areas such as digital services and 
automated supply chains. 

Impact of Covid-19
Brambles’ strategy is focused on delivering exceptional results over a sustained period. The Covid-19 pandemic has introduced 
significant uncertainty, which is likely to last for an extended time and to create both threats and opportunities. The core elements of 
Brambles’ strategy are robust against a wide range of outcomes and position the Group well to manage through near-term volatility. 
Nonetheless, Brambles remains agile and ready to pivot where needed in response to economic conditions and changing customer 
needs. Brambles is committed to supporting its customers and partners through this challenging period, to ensure the continued 
delivery of goods through supply chains around the world. 

7

Operating & Financial ReviewCustomer Value Proposition 

Brambles’ pallets and containers form the invisible backbone of the global 
supply chain. This gives Brambles key insights that help customers meet 
evolving consumer demands while minimising their environmental impact 
and improving the safety and efficiency of their supply chains.

With a comprehensive suite of supply chain solutions, Brambles provides 
its customers with operational, financial and environmental efficiencies not 
otherwise available through the use of single-use disposable alternatives and 
proprietary models.

Supply Chain Solutions 
Brambles is integral to its customers’ supply chains, working 
closely with all participants including manufacturers, producers, 
growers and retailers. With end-to-end involvement, Brambles 
has clear insights into what impacts the safe, efficient, reliable 
and sustainable operation of global supply chains.

By leveraging these insights and its unmatched expertise, 
Brambles offers customers comprehensive solutions that 
improve the performance of the supply chain. This helps address 
the challenges associated with the increasing complexity, rapid 
evolution and, at times, uncertainty of modern supply chains.

Platform Solutions
Brambles offers customers the widest range of supply chain 
platforms including: pallets (timber and plastic); Reusable 
Plastic Crates (RPCs); bins; and specialised containers.

By eliminating the need for customers to purchase and manage 
their own platforms, Brambles reduces the capital requirements 
and complexity of customers’ operations while simultaneously 
reducing waste throughout their supply chains.

System-Wide Solutions
Brambles conducts in-depth studies of customers’ supply 
chains to map the flow of goods, information and platforms to 
identify the causes of network inefficiencies and product damage.

By determining the optimal mix of platforms and processes 
for customers’ individual supply chains, Brambles can 
mitigate network inefficiencies and ensure the safe and 
sustainable transportation of goods through the supply chain. 

Transportation Solutions
Brambles’ superior network scale provides a unique capability 
to coordinate collaboration between multiple supply chain 
participants to deliver transport efficiencies. This includes 
matching and eliminating empty transport lanes, sharing 
transport and contracting transport for and from customers.

Retail Store Solutions
Brambles works closely with its customers to develop retail store 
solution strategies and consumer-facing platforms that improve 
the efficiency of the shared supply chain by increasing sales 
at lower costs to the supplier, retailer and consumer.

These merchandising and fulfilment solutions, which include 
full size and fractional display pallets, trays and RPCs, effectively 
improve safety, and reduce the time, labour and activity required 
to move goods from the point of production to the point of sale. 

Manufacturing, Warehouse and Distribution 
Centre Solutions 
Using its experience in managing platforms, optimising 
automated facilities and packaging performance testing, 
Brambles has developed solutions that improve the overall 
performance and efficiency of customers’ facilities. 
These solutions include: customising customers’ platform 
processes; optimising how customers configure, build and 
protect product loads; and providing higher quality platforms 
and engineering services to improve the performance of 
automated facilities.

Sustainability Solutions
Brambles’ leadership in sustainable sourcing of materials and 
strong governance controls reduce risk and provide customers 
with confidence in their supply chain partnership. 

Brambles creates value for customers by providing a sustainable 
alternative to single-use disposable packaging, saving 
customers money and significantly reducing the environmental 
impact of their operations. 

Brambles’ network resilience and its resource efficient, 
low-carbon solutions means it has an important role in helping 
customers manage through supply chain disruptions while 
transitioning to a low-carbon economy. 

Brambles’ Zero Waste World programme reinforces its commitment to collaborate with customers and create smarter and more 
sustainable supply chains – creating more value by using less and regenerating more resources. 

Through ZWW, Brambles seeks to use its unique position in the supply chain to help customers address three key industry challenges:

Eliminating waste
by using its circular economy 
expertise to convert customers to 
more sustainable ‘share and reuse’ 
solutions which save resources and 
reduce costs;

Eradicating empty transport miles
by using its network scale and 
visibility to facilitate collaborative 
transport solutions, bringing 
manufacturers and retailers together 
to reduce the environmental impact of 
their operations and save money; and

Reducing inefficiencies
by using its end-to-end supply chain 
solutions and BXB Digital technology 
to enhance customers’ visibility 
of their supply chains so they can 
make better decisions.

8

Operating & Financial ReviewInvestor Value Proposition

Brambles generates value through 
a ‘share and reuse’ model that 
leverages its scale, density and 
expertise to achieve superior 
operational efficiencies.

These efficiencies in turn generate 
cash flow that can either be returned 
to shareholders or reinvested in the 
business to fund growth, innovation, the 
development of its people and build a 
more resilient business.

Scale-related 
operational 
efficiencies

First mover 
advantage 

Shareholders

Network scale, density 
and expertise

Cash flow 
generation

Reinvest in growth, 
innovation and people

Long-Term Value Creation and Sustainable 
Shareholder Returns
Brambles shares the efficiencies generated by its scale, density 
and expertise with its customers, providing a compelling value 
proposition compared to alternatives. By providing customers 
with supply chain solutions in approximately 60 countries, 
Brambles offers shareholders exposure to geographically 
diversified earnings streams, primarily from the global 
consumer staples sector.

The supply chains served by Brambles also provide a broad 
range of growth opportunities including: increasing penetration 
of core equipment-pooling products and services in existing 
markets; diversifying the range of products and services; 
exploring the digitisation of supply chains; and providing 
a resilient foundation during supply chain uncertainties.

Within this context, Brambles is committed to striking the right 
balance between growing its business and delivering sustainable 
shareholder returns over the long-term. By focusing on its core 
drivers of value, Brambles expects to deliver:

Sustainable growth at returns well in excess of the 
cost of capital

•  Sales revenue growth7 in the mid-single digits;

•  Underlying Profit growth7 in excess of sales 

revenue growth through the cycle; and

•  Strong Return on Capital Invested.

Cash generation to fund growth, innovation and 
shareholder returns 

•  Free Cash Flow sufficient to fully fund capital expenditure 

and dividends.

Dividend Policy and Payment
During the Year, Brambles moved to a payout ratio-based dividend 
policy, targeting a payout ratio of 45-60% of Underlying Profit after 
finance costs and tax, subject to Brambles’ cash requirements, 
with the dividend per share declared in US cents and converted 
and paid in Australian cents. 

This Year, the Board declared total dividends (excluding the special 
dividend declared as part of the capital management programme) 
of 18.0 US cents per share, with the Australian dollar payment 
equivalent to 25.92 AU cents per share. This results in a payout 
ratio for the Year of 53%, which is broadly in line with the prior year 
payout ratio, including IFCO’s 2019 earnings contribution. FY19 total 
dividends were 29.0 AU cents per share. 

The final dividend for 2020 of 9.0 US cents per share, is in line 
with the 2020 interim dividend and will be 30% franked. This 
dividend is payable in Australian dollars 12.54 AU cents per 
share on 8 October 2020 to shareholders on the Brambles 
register at 5.00pm on 10 September 2020. The ex-dividend 
date is 9 September 2020.

Capital Management Programme
At the time of the sale of its IFCO RPC business, Brambles 
announced that it intended to use the US$2.4 billion net proceeds 
to fund a A$2.8 billion (US$1.95 billion) capital management 
programme, through an on-market share buy-back of up to 
A$2.4 billion (US$1.65 billion) and a pro-rata return of cash of 
29.0 AU cents per share, and to pay down debt.

The on-market share buy-back commenced on 4 June 2019 and 
to date 91,697,878 ordinary shares have been bought back and 
cancelled for a total consideration of A$1,049.7 million.

On 22 October 2019, Brambles paid a 29.0 AU cents per share 
pro-rata cash return comprising two components: a capital return 
of 12.0 AU cents per share and a special unfranked dividend of 
17.0 AU cents per share. The total cash payment for the pro-rata 
return was A$453.8 million.

At 30 June 2020, Brambles had completed A$1.5 billion, that is 
53% of the A$2.8 billion capital management programme.

On 5 July 2019, Brambles repaid the US$500 million April 2020 
144A bond issue using part of the IFCO sales proceeds. 

Dividend Reinvestment Plan 
Given the on-market share buy-back programme will continue into 
FY21, the Board has decided to continue to suspend the Dividend 
Reinvestment Plan.

7 At constant currency.

9

Operating & Financial ReviewThe Broader Benefits of Brambles

Through its sustainable business model, its scale and industry advocacy, 
Brambles creates positive outcomes for local and national economies 
and communities.

Economic 
Value Retained
US$1b

Economic 
Value Generated
US$5b

Additional 
Value Distributed
US$1b

$0.2b Special dividends paid 

$0.1b Capital returns

$0.6b Share buy-back 

Economic 
Value Distributed
US$4b

$0.3b Dividends paid 
to shareholders 

$0.7b Employee costs 

including taxes

$0.2b Income taxes paid 

$0.1b Interest paid on loans 

$2.7b Payments to suppliers 

Preserving and Enhancing Capital on which 
it Depends
Brambles constantly seeks to reduce the negative impacts of its 
business, and where possible create a more positive outcome. 
This section outlines the direct and indirect benefits of the 
business which underpin Brambles’ social license to operate. 

Generating and Redistributing Financial Capital 
Strong financial performance enables social value for Brambles’ 
employees, their families, communities and economies. The 
direct economic benefits from Brambles’ businesses include 
employment opportunities and associated financial and 
non-financial benefits for ~12,000 employees, payments to local 
suppliers and the associated generation of indirect employment, 
financial donations to community groups and taxes paid to 
governments. More information on Brambles’ tax profile, how it 
manages its tax obligations and the tax contributions it makes 
to the countries in which it operates can be found in Brambles 
2020 Tax Transparency Report, available in September 2020. 

Market Transformation through Certified Sourcing 
Brambles has achieved its 2020 sustainability goal to purchase 
100% of its timber materials from certified sustainable forests. 
This achievement is significant because when Brambles set this 
goal in 2015, certification programmes for forest products were 
not available in all regions of operation. Brambles has helped 
transform these markets by driving demand for certified forest 
management. Forestry certification directly supports those 
regions and communities connected to forestry operations while 
conserving the ecological processes of the forest. This supports 
the objective of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15, 
Life on the Land, which aims for the sustainable use of the 
world’s forests.

Creating Sustainable Supply Chains through 
the Circular Economy
Advocating for widespread adoption of a circular economy 
is central to Brambles’ purpose and is promoted by 
non-government bodies, such as the World Economic Forum 
(WEF) and the Ellen Macarthur Foundation (EMF). A circular 
strategy addresses both economic inefficiencies and 
environmental issues that have reached a critical junction 
including waste and climate change. Circular strategies are 
being increasingly adopted by the world’s leading brands as 
they aim to remain ahead of pending circular regulations that 
will require greater responsibility for their end-of-life products. 
Brambles’ 70 years’ experience operating through a circular 
business model positions it as a thought leader that sets a 
benchmark for circularity at a global scale. This unique attribute 
was recognised by the Ellen Macarthur Foundation in May 2020, 
rating Brambles with an A in its Circulytics programme. 

Building Community Capital through Social Impact 
2020 has been a challenging year to date with Australia’s 
bushfire crisis quickly followed by the global Covid-19 pandemic. 
As a result, demand for food relief services has increased 
dramatically with the added difficulty of social distancing 
reducing the availability of volunteers to donate time safely. 
Brambles and its food donation partners, many of whom are 
customers, have needed to increase their support to food banks  
to ensure food relief and essentials can flow to those in need. 
Brambles is the backbone of food relief logistics operations 
and is constantly supplying in-kind platforms to help redistribute 
food and essentials. In early 2020, CHEP Australia provided 
produce bins and pallets for emergency food relief during the 
bushfire crisis. 

10

Operating & Financial ReviewOur 2020 Sustainability Goal Achievements

Brambles’ global leadership position in sustainability is built on the foundation 
of our comprehensive sustainability programme, which covers environmental, 
economic and social aspects through its Better Business, Better Planet and 
Better Communities structure. 

In 2015 Brambles launched its ambitious 2020 sustainability goals. Five years later, Brambles is happy to 
announce that it has achieved almost all the 2020 goals for a Better Business and Better Planet and successfully 
increased its contributions to the communities in which it operates. This has been made possible thanks to the 
whole Brambles Group and collaboration with customer and supplier communities.

Target

Zero Deforestation 

100% wood from certified sources

Year-on-year improvement in Chain of Custody

Zero Emissions 

20% CO2 reduction in emissions per unit delivered

2020 Result

Status

100%

63%

-33%

Achieved

Achieved

Achieved

Achieved

Better  
Planet

Better 
Business

Better 
Communities

*Pending assurance 

Year-on-year improvement in energy provided from renewable sources

70% electricity

Zero Waste 

Zero Product Waste to Landfill (timber)

Zero Product Waste to Landfill (plastic)

Better Supply Chains

Yearly environmental improvements in Brambles’ customers’ supply chains

Better Collaboration

Yearly improvements in customer collaboration projects

Better Workplace

100%

94%

Achieved

Not achieved 

2m tonnes of CO2
1.3m tonnes of waste
1.8m trees

Achieved
Achieved
Achieved

273 customers
75.8 million kms 
86.2 kilotonnes of CO2

Achieved*
Achieved*
Achieved*

25% reduction in Brambles’ Injury Frequency Rate (BIFR) from 2015 baseline

5.5

Achieved

30% of leadership positions to be held by women, including 30% at Board level 
and 30% at management level

> 30% in all areas

Achieved

Volunteering

One day per employee per year (provision of three days per employee per year)

1.42 hours achieved 
per employee in FY20

Not achieved

Donations

Contribute 0.7% of pre-tax profits annually to our Better Communities programmes 0.8%

Achieved*

Our 2025 Targets - Building a Regenerative Supply Chain
In a world where environmental and social issues are becoming more critical every day, Brambles’ intention is to retain its position 
as a global leader in sustainability. Within this context, an extensive stakeholder consultation was held during FY20 to create the next 
phase of Brambles’ sustainability programme.

The key direction of our future sustainability strategy is to evolve the successful Brambles ‘Better’ model into a ‘Positive’ model. 
This will help Brambles create a regenerative supply chain for its customers. As a pioneer in the circular economy, Brambles is well 
positioned to succeed in this new context by making ‘positive’ contributions to society, the environment and its stakeholders.

In the past, companies’ sustainability programmes have been focused on reducing the businesses’ negative impacts. Now we must 
go beyond that to eliminate the negative impacts and grow the positive impacts to become ‘net positive’. This ‘net positive’ concept 
implies adopting a regenerative approach to our business, which means creating, restoring or replenishing more value or capital into 
society and the environment than it takes out.

A new set of ambitious targets has been created around this vision. The details of both Brambles’ 2020 goals achievements and its 
2025 sustainability targets will be featured in Brambles’ FY20 Sustainability Report, which will be published at the end of September.

11

Operating & Financial ReviewBrambles’ Response to Climate Change 

Brambles’ sustainable ‘share and reuse’ model places the business 
in a strong position in a decarbonising world.

Brambles accepts climate science and recognises that climate 
change is influencing both short-term weather events and 
longer-term climatic trends. Climate-related physical impacts are 
also influencing society and economies, which is translating into 
policy and investment decisions as well as shifts in consumer 
behaviours. Within this context, Brambles sought to respond to 
the recommendations of the 2017 Task Force on Climate-related 
Financial Disclosures (TCFD), an initiative of the G20 Financial 
Stability Board, to provide its stakeholders with a consistent 
narrative on how these trends could positively or negatively 
impact the financial circumstances of Brambles’ business 
over different timescales.

Responding to the specific challenges of climate change is 
intimately linked to Brambles’ focus on its circular ‘share and 
reuse’ model. At their heart, circular business models design 
out waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in 
use rather than using them and seek to actively regenerate the 
natural systems they depend on. Through its efforts to connect 
people to life’s essentials, Brambles is focused on reducing 
demands on natural resources, regenerating forests and 
eliminating waste for customers.

These actions not only seek to preserve and enhance the natural 
capital we depend on but inherently reduce carbon emissions 
from the world’s supply chains. In their 2019 publication, 
‘Completing the Picture: How the Circular Economy Tackles 
Climate Change’ the Ellen MacArthur Foundation highlighted 
how a circular economy is essential to global emissions 
reductions. As a leader in the circular economy, Brambles is 
well positioned to demonstrate its potential, helping to address 
climate change and is committed to creating a business 
environment more closely aligned to the Paris Agreement.

In response to the recommendations provided by the 
TCFD, Brambles progressed its assessment of the risks 
and opportunities from climate change using climate 
scenario analysis.

Brambles engaged in cross-functional TCFD workshops across 
all regions to identify climate-related risks and opportunities 
covering its entire value chain. Brambles selected three 
climate scenarios: a 1.5°C scenario to reflect government-led 
‘Rapid Decarbonisation’; ‘Middle Of The Road’ (2°C) with 
strong leadership from industry; and a ‘No Climate Action’ 
(4°C) scenario reflecting weak or poorly coordinated actions 
in terms of global social, political and economic responses 
to climate change.

In Brambles’ view, the outcomes associated with a 4°C 
scenario are neither desirable nor beneficial for economies, 
society or the natural environment and represent a scenario 
associated with physical impact, risk and outcomes which 
the world should aspire to avoid. Brambles is committed to 
working collaboratively with all stakeholders to accelerate 
progress towards a circular economy so it can play its part 
in achieving the more positive outcomes of the decarbonising 
climate scenarios. 

Three key climate themes have emerged 
for Brambles
Brambles’ Low-carbon Advantage 
The immediate and ongoing opportunities related to 
Brambles’ low-carbon, circular business model outweigh 
short-term climate-related risks in the decarbonising 
1.5°C and 2°C climate scenarios. 

In decarbonising economies, efficient use of natural resources 
will become more important and the inherent advantage within 
Brambles’ circular business model presents clear and ongoing 
opportunities. This is enhanced through Brambles’ Transport 
Collaboration solutions and Zero Waste World programme. 
Brambles’ forthcoming 2025 Sustainability targets will further 
amplify market opportunities, help customers with their 
decarbonisation and circularity commitments, while preparing 
for future climate and waste regulation. 

Brambles’ Network Resilience
The agility and scale of the Brambles network and asset pools 
create an inherent resilience to supply chain shock, enabling 
greater responsiveness to customers before and after severe 
climate-related weather events.

Adaptability will be increasingly important as exposure to 
supply chain shocks from physical climate-related weather 
events increases in all three climate scenarios. Brambles’ 
network resilience is a market differentiator and a key mitigant, 
enabling greater agility pre-weather event and reliability during 
the recovery phase. Current efficiency workstreams will further 
strengthen the resilience of Brambles’ networks.

Brambles’ response to the Covid-19 crisis has emphasised 
the ability to maintain a resilient network during a widespread 
supply chain crisis. 

Raw Material Supply Security and Continuity
Longer-term climate-related risks relating to raw material supply 
security and continuity have been identified including physical 
impacts and carbon offsets. These risks are considered in the 
current strategic planning processes, including mitigations 
already underway as part of procurement and supply chain and 
asset efficiency programmes.

The price and availability of lumber supply as well as the 
potential impact of pests and disease were identified as 
climate-related risks which are expected to evolve over a five 
to ten-year timescale and manifest differently under the three 
climate scenarios considered.

The next phase of Brambles’ TCFD response will look to embed 
the TCFD outcomes and apply monitoring and measurement 
processes to ensure the benefits are realised and risks 
continually mitigated. 

Further information on Brambles’ response to the TCFD 
recommendations, including more detail on the risks and 
opportunities of climate change, is available on brambles.com

12

Operating & Financial ReviewFinancial Position and Financial Risk Management

Capital Structure
Brambles manages its capital structure to maintain a solid investment grade credit rating. During FY20, Brambles held investment 
grade credit ratings of BBB+ from Standard & Poor’s and Baa1 from Moody’s Investors Service.

In determining its capital structure, Brambles considers the robustness of future cash flows, the potential funding requirements of its 
existing business, 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; varying 
the maturity profile of borrowings; and managing discretionary expenses.

On 31 May 2019, Brambles divested its IFCO RPC business, generating net cash proceeds of US$2.4 billion and implemented 
an A$2.8 billion (US$1.95 billion) capital management programme. During the course of FY20, Brambles paid a special dividend 
totalling A$266.0 million (US$183.2 million), returned A$187.8 million (US$129.3 million) of capital to shareholders and repurchased 
85.7 million shares for a total consideration of A$972.5 million (US$645.4 million). The ‘Capital Management Programme’ section on 
page 9 further outlines the progress of the capital management programme.

Treasury Policies
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 for the treasury function to arrange and implement lines of credit from financiers, select and deal 
in approved financial derivatives for hedging purposes, and generally execute Brambles’ financing strategy.

The Group uses standard financial derivatives to manage financial exposures in the normal course of business. It does not use 
derivatives for speculative purposes and only transacts derivatives with relationship banks. Individual credit limits are assigned to 
those relationship banks, thereby limiting exposure to credit-related losses in the event of non-performance by any counterparty. 

Funding and Liquidity
Brambles generally sources borrowings from relationship banks and debt capital market investors on a medium-to-long-term basis.

Bank borrowing facilities were either maintained or renewed throughout the Year. These facilities are generally structured on a 
multi-currency, revolving basis with maturities ranging to 2025. Borrowings under the facilities are floating-rate, unsecured obligations 
with covenants and undertakings typical for these types of arrangements. Borrowings are also raised from debt capital markets by the 
issue of unsecured fixed interest notes, with interest paid either annually or semi-annually. At balance date, loan notes on issue totalled 
US$1,637 million and had maturities out to October 2027.

As at 30 June 2020, Brambles held $0.8 billion in cash and cash equivalents and term deposits, being the balance of cash held from 
the net proceeds from the sale of IFCO reduced by the capital management and debt reduction transactions over FY20.

Net Debt and Key Ratios

US$m

Current debt8
Non-current debt8

Gross debt

June 2020

June 2019

Change

 149.1 

 556.8

 (407.7)

 2,368.6

 1,643.4

 725.2

 2,517.7

 2,200.2

 317.5

Less: cash and cash equivalents

 (737.3)

 (1,691.3)

 954.0

Less: term deposits

 (68.6)

 (411.2)

 342.6

Net debt
Key ratios9,10

Net debt to EBITDA

EBITDA interest cover  

 1,711.8

97.7

 1,614.1

FY20

1.10x

19.3x

FY19

0.08x

14.6x

With the adoption of lease accounting standard AASB 16 on 
1 July 2019, Brambles’ revised its financial policy to target a net 
debt to EBITDA ratio of less than 2.0 times, which was previously 
less than 1.75 times. 

The ratios remain well within the financial covenants included 
in Brambles’ major financing agreements, which exclude the 
impact of AASB 16.

Maturity Profile of Committed Borrowing Facilities and 
Outstanding Bonds (% of total committed credit facilities)

US$b
1.25

1.0

0.75

0.5

0.25

0

3%

34%

21%

15%

13%

14%

< 1 yr

1-2 yrs 2-3 yrs 3-4 yrs 4-5 yrs

> 5 yrs

Bonds/notes

Bank borrowings

Undrawn bank facilities

As at 30 June 2020, Brambles’ total committed credit facilities 
were US$3.1 billion.

The average term to maturity of Brambles’ committed credit 
facilities as at 30 June 2020 was 4.2 years (2019: 4.0 years).

In addition to these facilities, Brambles has entered into 
leases for office and operational locations and certain 
plant and equipment to achieve flexibility in the use of its 
assets. As at 30 June 2020, Brambles’ total lease liabilities 
were US$0.7 billion. The rental periods vary according to 
business requirements.

8   FY20 current debt comprises current borrowings (US$36.3m) and current lease liabilities (US$112.8m). FY20 non‑current debt comprises non‑current borrowings (US$1,777.2m) 

and non‑current lease liabilities (US$591.4m).

9   Brambles has redefined EBITDA as Underlying Profit adding back depreciation, amortisation and Irrecoverable Pooling Equipment Provision (IPEP) expense. FY19 comparative 

metrics are as reported at the FY19 result.

10 FY20 ratios include the impact of lease liabilities and lease interest expense.

13

Operating & Financial ReviewKey Performance Drivers and Metrics – Continuing Operations  
(Excludes IFCO in all years)

Brambles monitors its performance and value creation through 
a number of financial and non-financial metrics. These include:

4,018

4,133

4,470

4,595

4,734

Sales Revenue Growth
Key Drivers
Sales revenue growth
•  Like-for-like volume growth in line with economic/industry trend
•  Expansion with new and existing customers
•  Movements in pricing and changes in product/customer mix
•  FY18 to FY20 reported financials include the impact of accounting standard AASB 15 Revenue from contracts with customers

Return on capital Invested (ROCI) and Brambles Value Add

5-Year Performance
Sales revenue of US$4,733.6 million in FY20 reflected a five-year compound annual growth rate (‘CAGR’) of 5% at fixed 30 June 2019 
FX rates and excluding the impact of accounting policy changes. Growth reflects continued expansion with both new and existing 
customers, new market entry, expansion of the core product offering and price realisation in both mature and emerging markets 
in response to increased inflation and a higher cost-to-serve. FY20 growth includes the impact of Covid-19 on trading conditions, 
including a surge in pallet volumes in the fourth quarter, the closure of the global automotive manufacturing industry and lockdown 
restrictions impacting the Kegstar business. Refer to page 127 for the detailed five-year financial performance summary on a reported 
basis at actual FX rates. 

(US$m)

FY16

FY17

FY18

FY19

FY20

Underlying Profit
Key Drivers
804
•  Transport, logistics and asset management costs (including external factors such as third-party logistics and fuel prices)
•  Plant operating costs in relation to management of service centre networks and the inspection, cleaning and repair of assets 

826

823

879

795

(including labour costs and raw material costs)

•  Other operational expenses (primarily overheads such as selling, general and administrative expenses)
•  Depreciation as well as provisioning for irrecoverable pooling equipment
•  FY18 to FY20 reported financials include the impact of accounting standard AASB 15 Revenue from contracts with customers
•  FY20 includes a US$24.2 million benefit from new accounting standard AASB 16 Leases 

Underlying Profit

5-Year Performance
Underlying Profit of US$795.0 million in FY20 reflected a five-year CAGR of (1)% at fixed 30 June 2019 FX rates and excluding the 
impact of accounting policy changes. While sales growth was a strong contributor to profit growth, Underlying Profit growth was 
below the rate of sales growth due to continued direct cost pressures in the CHEP business including high inflationary pressures, 
higher asset charges and increased investment across the business to support growth, network efficiencies and improved 
commercial outcomes. These cost pressures are offset in part through pricing actions and benefits from efficiency programmes, 
particularly the US Automation projects with benefits progressively delivered from FY20 to FY22. Refer to page 127 for the detailed 
five-year financial performance summary on a reported basis at actual FX rates.

(US$m)

FY19

FY17

FY16

FY18

FY20

Safety
Brambles’ Zero Harm Charter states that everyone has the right to be safe at work 
and to return home as healthy as they started the day.

5-Year Performance
Brambles gauges its safety performance through the Brambles Injury Frequency 
Rate (BIFR), which measures work-related incidents resulting in fatalities, lost time, 
modified duty or medical treatment per million hours worked.

10.3

7.1

In FY20, Brambles met its year-on-year improvement target, recording a 
BIFR of 5.5, which represents a 61% decrease in BIFR for the five-year period 
ending June 2020. Brambles remains committed to the updated strategy called 
‘Safety Differently’, which seeks to address the residual risks across its operations.

Safety

Brambles’ Zero Harm Charter and safety targets align with SDG 3: Good Health 
and Wellbeing.

5.0

5.9

5.5

FY16

FY17

FY18

FY19

FY20

14

24.6

20.3

20.1

19.5

16.7

FY16

FY17

FY18

FY19

FY20

(%)

725

744

484

520

432

FY16

FY17

FY18

FY19

FY20

(US$m)

97.3

99.1

99.4

99.7

100

67

62

63

56

48

FY16

FY17

FY18

FY19

FY20

% of certified sources

% of Chain of Custody

Cashflow from Operations

Sustainability - Material sourcing

Operating & Financial ReviewSales revenue growth

Underlying Profit

879

823

826

804

795

FY16

FY17

FY18

FY19

FY20

(US$m)

10.3

7.1

Safety

5.0

5.9

5.5

FY16

FY17

FY18

FY19

FY20

4,470

4,595

4,734

4,018

4,133

Return on Capital Invested (ROCI) 
Key Drivers
•  Underlying Profit performance
•  Capital expenditure on pooling equipment to support growth in the business, which is primarily dependent on the rate of sales 

growth. Brambles’ main capital cost exposures are raw materials, primarily wood 

•  Asset control factors i.e. the amount of pooling equipment not recoverable or repairable each year (and therefore requiring replacement)
•  Frequency with which customers return or exchange pooling equipment
•  FY18 to FY20 reported financials include the impact of accounting standard AASB 15 Revenue from contracts with customers
•  FY20 reported financials include the impact of new accounting standard AASB 16 Leases

19.5

20.3

24.6

20.1

16.7

FY16

FY17

FY18

FY19

FY20

(US$m)

5-Year Performance
The trend in Brambles’ ROCI metric over the five-year period reflects the Underlying Profit performance and increased Average Capital 
Invested, largely to support growth and supply chain efficiency initiatives including the US accelerated automation and lumber 
procurement programmes. Refer to page 127 for the detailed five-year financial performance summary on a reported basis at actual 
FX rates.

Return on capital Invested (ROCI) and Brambles Value Add

Cash Flow from Operations
Key Drivers
•  Profitability
•  Capital expenditure
•  Movements in working capital
•  FY20 reported financials include the impact of new accounting standard AASB 16 Leases 

FY16

FY17

FY18

FY19

FY20

(%)

725

744

5-Year Performance
The five years to FY20 were a period of solid overall EBITDA growth, supported by significant investment in capital expenditure 
to support growth, as well as improved working capital management and increased collections of asset compensations.

520

484

FY16 performance was impacted by a one-time change to payment processes that increased working capital, as well as increased 
capital expenditure to support high levels of growth in that year. The strong FY18 performance included strong working capital 
management initiatives and US$150 million cash inflow related to the repayment of the HFG joint venture shareholder loan. FY19 
included increased capital investment to support strong top line growth and to deliver on a number of efficiency programmes.

Cashflow from Operations

432

Excluding the benefits from AASB 16, FY20 Cash Flow from Operations was US$603 million and included benefits from asset efficiency 
and procurement programmes, as well as favourable working capital movements. Refer to page 127 for the detailed five-year financial 
performance summary on a reported basis at actual FX rates.

Material Sourcing
Ongoing secure supply of raw materials for the production and repair of pooling 
equipment, in particular wood used for pallets, is critical to Brambles.

5-Year Performance
In 2015, Brambles committed to acquire 100% of its timber from certified sources by 2020. 
Brambles has achieved this goal, closing the remaining gap of 0.3% from the previous year. 

Brambles’ sustainable sourcing efforts have helped transform forest supply chains by 
raising the profile of sustainable certifications and building capacity with suppliers in each 
region. Brambles also seeks to increase the amount of timber purchased that is covered 
by a full Chain of Custody (CoC) traceability, which is not currently available in all regions 
of operation. In FY20, CoC performance improved from 62.3% to 62.7% on 2019 results. 

Sustainability - Material sourcing

Looking ahead, Brambles is establishing relationships and strategic agreements with 
suppliers in the Americas, which will result in full certification of their supply chains 
by FY21. While Brambles is proud of achieving its 2020 goal, its 2025 sustainability 
vision will look to regenerate more forests above and beyond the benefits of the 
certification programmes. 

This commitment will ensure the regeneration of Brambles’ most important raw material, 
but at the same time, support global efforts to improve and sustain small communities’ 
livelihoods and economies, while increasing mitigations for the impacts of climate change.

Brambles’ sustainable sourcing objectives seek to preserve and enhance the Group’s key 
resource dependency and are directly linked to SDG 15: Sustainable Use of the World’s 
Forests and SDG 13: Climate Action.

FY16

FY17

FY18

FY19

FY20

(US$m)

97.3

99.1

99.4

99.7

100

67

62

63

56

48

FY16

FY17

FY18

FY19

FY20

% of certified sources
% of Chain of Custody

15

Operating & Financial ReviewMaterial Risks

Brambles’ risk management framework incorporates effective risk 
management into its strategic planning processes and requires business 
operating plans to effectively manage key risks. The key risks to Brambles’ 
ability to achieve its strategic, financial and sustainability objectives 
(in no order of significance), and respective mitigating actions, including 
our response to the Covid-19 pandemic, are:

Risk

Implication

Mitigating Actions

Macro-
economic 
conditions 
including, for 
FY20 and FY21, 
economic 
uncertainty 
arising from 
the Covid-19 
pandemic

Macro-economic conditions, or economic 
conditions affecting the supply chain or 
industries in which Brambles’ customers operate, 
may affect demand for Brambles’ services and/or 
its financial performance. In addition, the impact 
of the Covid-19 pandemic on global and regional 
economic conditions could also affect the 
operations of its customers or demand for their 
products which, in turn, could affect the demand 
for Brambles’ services

Industry trends 
in the retail, 
grocery and 
consumer 
goods supply 
chains

Industry trends (e.g. fragmentation of the 
retail supply chain, growth of e-commerce and 
hard discounters, demand for different pooling 
equipment materials or designs) could affect 
demand for Brambles’ current service offerings, 
the value of its existing assets, and/or its 
financial performance

•   Responded to the Covid-19 pandemic through a range of 

actions to enable Brambles to continue to operate through 
the initial phases of the pandemic and to respond to potential 
changes in the economic and business environment arising 
from the pandemic. Details of specific actions are described 
in various places in this table 

•  Continued focus on driving growth through investment 

in expanded customer value proposition, targeted 
diversification in opportunities with attractive long-term 
characteristics and the adoption of plant automation project 
in CHEP Americas

•   Adoption of pricing and cost-recovery strategies to mitigate 

the impact of cost inflation, with enhanced focus on 
cash generation

•  Scenario-based strategic planning covering different 
recessionary scenarios, including identifying actions 
to further de-risk and exploit opportunities

Ongoing programmes to:
•  Drive customer intimacy throughout the supply chain and 

uncover opportunities to leverage the Group’s unique global 
scale and value proposition

•  Create new products and service lines to meet customers’ 

requirements

•  Drive innovation to identify and respond to emerging trends 

in platforms, material science, new technologies and 
sustainability practices

A failure to maintain adequate quality standards 
may result in reduced customer satisfaction, 
additional costs and affect the Group’s financial 
performance

•  Strict adherence to equipment quality standards, including 

continuous monitoring of critical-to-quality metrics to assess 
and ensure quality of products issued to customers

The loss of pooled equipment is inherent in 
Brambles’ business model. Failure to maintain 
appropriate asset control and recovery processes 
may result in additional costs and affect the 
Group’s financial performance

•  Dedicated asset control teams across all business units and 
the creation of a comprehensive system of processes to 
increase the timely collection of assets

•  Regular schedule of customer equipment inventory audits 
to assess key asset recovery metrics and identify potential 
control issues

•  In response to Covid-19 pressures, instituted additional field 
collection activities to reduce cycle times and meet volatile 
demand, whilst complying with local social distancing and 
travel restrictions

Maintaining 
the quality 
of pooled 
equipment 
in line with 
customer needs

Maintaining 
control of 
pooling 
equipment

16

Operating & Financial ReviewImplication

Mitigating Actions

Risk

Network 
capacity

The scale and strength of Brambles’ network 
of service centre locations are inherent to its 
value proposition for customers and other 
stakeholders. A lack of capacity within the 
network in a major market could adversely 
impact service delivery, competitive position 
and financial performance

Customers and 
competitors

Brambles operates in competitive markets. 
Unmet customer expectations or increasing 
intensity of competitor activity could affect 
Brambles’ market penetration and financial 
performance

Retailer 
acceptance 
of pooled 
solutions

Retailers are integral to Brambles’ operating 
model. A reduction or loss of retailer support for 
pooled solutions in their supply chains could 
result in a loss of customers and/or market 
penetration and adversely impact Brambles’ 
financial performance

•  As an essential service provider, Brambles continues to run 
operations and support customers and their consumers 
across all our markets despite economic uncertainty and 
social restrictions arising from the Covid-19 pandemic

•  Implemented a range of safety and contingency measures to 

ensure service centres remained fully operational 

•  Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, an element of the plant 

automation project in CHEP Americas has been deferred to 
FY21 in order to maximise the level of capacity across the 
US service centre network and avoid any potential disruption 
during peaks in demand caused by the pandemic

•  Leveraged Brambles’ unique global scale, network advantage 
and sustainable business model to support customers to 
meet the unprecedented volatility in consumer supply chains 
created by the Covid-19 pandemic

•  Collaborating with customers to understand and meet their 
evolving needs and adopting digital and other technologies 
to innovate products and services, enhance customer 
experience and strengthen competitive advantage

•  Dedicated teams with executive-level responsibility 
for strengthening retailer relationships, identifying 
retailer-specific product requirements and ensuring 
retailers understand Brambles’ value proposition

•  Improving the value proposition for retailers through the 
implementation of joint business plans and adopting the 
value sharing concept to create win-win opportunities

•  Implementation of programmes to facilitate manufacturer 

advocacy of Brambles’ pooled solutions

Cyber security

The unauthorised access to or use of Brambles’ 
IT systems could adversely impact Brambles’ 
ability to serve its customers or compromise 
customer or employee data, resulting in 
reputational damage, financial loss and/
or adverse operational consequences. The 
implications of this risk continue to increase 
as Australian institutions have become a specific 
focus of cyber-attacks from state actors, and 
ransomware attacks have increased globally

•  The ongoing security programme is delivering key 

capabilities to protect systems and to detect and promptly 
respond to unauthorised or inappropriate activity. Key 
controls include, but are not limited to, email and internet 
filtering, anti-virus software, multi-factor authentication, 
enterprise security architecture, security awareness training, 
as well as the use of penetration testing across its network
•  In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, conducting additional 
risk-based assessments of Brambles’ critical IT systems and 
services to strengthen continuity processes 

•  Brambles continues to use the National Institute of 

Standards and Technologies Cyber Security Framework and 
the Australian Cyber Security Centre’s Essential 8 advice to 
monitor, track and report progress to senior management

17

Operating & Financial ReviewMaterial Risks continued

Risk

Implication

Mitigating Actions

Brambles relies on its IT systems, and the data 
stored on those systems, to operate its business. 
The identification and classification of Brambles’ 
key data assets are key components of its 
capacity to effectively carry on its businesses 
and to its cyber security strategy. The proper 
identification and classification of data 
assets allows Brambles to prioritise security 
technology implementations that offer targeted 
and appropriate protection. Incomplete or 
unsuitable identification and classification 
of key data assets could result in the misuse, 
loss of or unauthorised access to sensitive 
data due to incorrect storage, processing or 
disposal procedures. This, in turn, could result 
in financial loss, operational disruption and/or 
reputational damage

The United Kingdom (UK) left the European 
Union (EU) on 31 January 2020 and entered 
an 11-month transition period 

The UK Government has publicly ruled out 
any form of extension to the transition period, 
and hence the risk remains that the UK exits 
the transition period without a trade deal on 
31 December 2020 (Hard Brexit)

A Hard Brexit could result in Brambles incurring 
increased capital and operating expenses 
relating to asset efficiency, heat treatment of 
pallets, raw materials, transport and customers’ 
clearance costs as well as disruption to both 
Brambles’ and its customers’ businesses 
in Europe

Access to sustainably certified sources of 
timber is essential for Brambles to carry on its 
businesses. A concentration of timber suppliers 
in any region, or a shortage of available certified 
sources of timber, could adversely impact 
Brambles’ ability to maintain its timber pallet 
pool at levels that will enable it to meet customer 
demand for those products. This could result 
in loss of customers and/or market penetration 
and adversely impact Brambles’ financial 
performance. Climate-related risks for forests 
and timber supply, including market, regulatory 
and physical risks, will emerge over a five-to-ten-
year period

Brambles operates in a large number of countries 
with widely differing legal regimes, legislative 
requirements and compliance cultures. A failure 
to comply with regulatory obligations and 
local laws could adversely affect Brambles’ 
operational and financial performance and 
its reputation

IT data 
governance

Hard Brexit

Timber supply

Regulatory 
compliance

18

•  Data Classification and Handling Policy includes guidelines 

on the types of data and protection protocols for each 
data type

•  During the Year, Brambles adopted an Acceptable Use Policy 
which outlines the standards by which all users must use 
information and technology assets and service 

•  Preventative controls are also in place to mitigate the risk of 
loss or misuse of data. These controls include the encryption 
of laptops, mobile devices. email data retention controls and 
the ability to store data in secure drives

•  Ongoing development of an Information Management 

Strategy to define improved data governance and security

•  Brambles has continued its preparations in the event of a 

Hard Brexit. The risks associated with Brexit, identified by the 
Brexit Taskforce, in FY18 and FY19 remain largely unchanged
•  Mitigation plans are in place and, where necessary, budgeted 

for, to manage those risks

•  Adoption of regional and global dedicated timber 

procurement teams to manage timber procurement and to 
mitigate timber supply risks

•  In line with Brambles’ sustainability goals, 100% of timber is 
sourced from certified sources, and Brambles has continued 
to meet year-on-year improvement targets of sourcing Chain 
of Custody certified timber

•  Dedicated Chief Compliance Officer responsible for 

monitoring the implementation and ongoing application 
of compliance management systems 

•  A Code of Conduct which provides a framework for detailed 

policies addressing regulatory compliance

•  A vendor due diligence programme to assess the compliance 
of suppliers with various legal and regulatory requirements, 
such as bribery and corruption, sanctions violations, modern 
slavery and human rights practices

•  Adoption of Group-wide online compliance training 
programmes to supplement face-to-face training

Operating & Financial ReviewRisk

Implication

Mitigating Actions

Attraction and 
retention of 
talent

A failure to attract, develop and retain high 
performing individuals could adversely impact 
Brambles’ ability to implement and manage its 
strategic objectives

•  Detailed talent management and succession planning 

processes to identify high potential employees and prepare 
successors for senior executive positions

•  Adoption of development programmes for management, 

Digital 
disruption

The development of cost-effective digital supply 
chain solutions has the potential to materially 
change supply chain dynamics. If a third-party 
was to develop such solutions before Brambles, 
it could adversely impact Brambles’ business 
models. This could result in loss of customers 
and/or market penetration and adversely impact 
Brambles’ financial performance

Safety

Brambles is subject to inherent operational 
risks including industrial hazards, road traffic or 
transportation accidents that could potentially 
result in serious injury or fatality of employees, 
contractors or members of the public

leadership and functional expertise through all 
employment levels 

•  Formal mentoring programmes offered to all employees
•  Implemented a range of activities to support office-based 

personnel now working remotely due to the Covid-19 
pandemic, including, but not limited to, provision of required 
IT, connectivity services and mental and financial wellbeing 
support programmes

•  Brambles is innovating, developing, testing and refining 
digital solutions which have the potential to provide 
commercial digital services to its customers and to assist 
its businesses to more effectively and efficiently manage 
equipment losses and asset efficiency

•  Through the establishment of BXB Digital, Brambles has 

developed unique functional capabilities and robust technical 
solutions to explore the role of technology in its businesses 
and customer offering and to engage in innovation of 
products and services in the digital space

•  The Zero Harm Charter, states that everyone has the right to 

be safe at work and to return home as healthy as they started 
the day

•  Successfully executed a range of activities during Covid-19 to 
keep people safe. Established a Covid-19 global task force in 
February 2020 with Senior Health and Safety representation, 
supported by regional taskforces to establish processes and 
protocols in accordance with government advice in different 
geographies 

•  Implemented a number of processes and protocols in service 
centres, such as social distancing measures, more frequent 
cleaning and disinfecting, thermal scanning and distribution 
of personal protective equipment 

•  Continued to further enhance safety management systems, 
including focusing on human and organisation behavioural 
principles and implementing additional engineering and 
technology-based controls

•  Use of safety metrics which, measure work-related injuries, 
lost time, modified duties and incidents requiring medical 
treatment, with regular reporting and monitoring to the 
Brambles Board

Inclusion and 
diversity

Brambles has a diverse workforce and believes 
that an inclusive work environment allows 
employees to realise their full potential, 
regardless of gender, race, religion, age, disability, 
ethnicity, sexual orientation or any other factor 
that makes an individual unique. Any activities 
or practices within its operations or in its supply 
chains that could undermine this intent violate 
Brambles’ values and are detrimental to the 
integrity and credibility of its brand

•  Brambles fosters a diverse and inclusive environment to be 
better able to relate to customers, suppliers, communities 
and co-workers

•  Established a global Inclusion and Diversity Council with 
programmes and initiatives to encourage, celebrate and 
support all forms of diversity to ensure promoting all forms of 
diversity and inclusiveness are at the core of operations

•  Continuing progress in improving gender diversity at all levels 
within the organisation including Board, executive leadership 
and management positions

19

Operating & Financial ReviewMaterial Risks continued

Risk

Implication

Mitigating Actions

Climate change There are opportunities and risks from 

•  In FY20, Brambles’ ‘share and reuse’ circular solutions 

climate-related physical events and policy 
(transitional) developments for Brambles’ 
businesses, including the organisation’s ability 
to create value over the short, medium and 
long term

reduced more than 2 million tonnes of CO2 emissions in our 
customers’ supply chains 

•  Brambles is a sustainable business because of its circular 
‘share and reuse’ model, which reduces demand on natural 
resources, regenerates forests, eliminates waste for 
customers and reduces carbon emissions from the world’s 
supply chains 

•  As a leader in the circular economy, Brambles understands 
its potential to address climate change by focusing on both 
its impact on climate change and the impact of climate 
change on Brambles

•  Continued to reduce emissions impact, with 33% reduction 
in CO2/unit since FY15 and 70% of electricity consumed 
from clean renewable sources

•  Brambles’ demand for sustainably sourced timber addresses 
deforestation and its impact on climate change. Through 
afforestation, our 2025 strategy will increase forest cover 
•  Brambles will adopt a Science Based Target covering its 
direct emissions and those in our supply chain as part of 
our 2025 commitments 

•  Brambles has adopted the Task Force on Climate-related 
Financial Disclosures (TCFD) framework with a project 
to assess the risks and opportunities for the business 
using climate scenario analysis (further details on TCFD 
are on page 12 with a supporting TCFD supplement on 
Brambles’ website)

Managing climate-related risks at Brambles
Brambles recognises its external operating context is changing in response to climate-related issues.

During 2020, Brambles continued the process of assessing its exposure to climate-change risks by reference to the recommendations 
of the Financial Stability Board’s TCFD. Subsequent to commencing this work, the 4th Edition of the ASX Corporate Governance 
Principles and Recommendations was issued and included new commentary on Recommendation 7.4 suggesting that listed entities 
should consider reporting their exposure to climate-change risk by reference to the TCFD.

As part of this process, climate-related risk has been identified as a stand-alone risk and will be reassessed using Brambles’ risk 
management framework and approach. In addition, Brambles is evaluating existing strategic and operating risks in the context of 
climate-related risk in its external operating environment. Further details on Brambles’ approach to climate-related risks are set out 
on page 12 with a detailed TCFD disclosure on brambles.com

20

Operating & Financial ReviewFinancial Review  

1. Financial Review 

1.1 Group Overview 

1.1.1 Summary of 2020 Financial Results 
US$m 

(Continuing operations) 
CHEP Americas 

CHEP EMEA 

CHEP Asia-Pacific 

Sales revenue 

CHEP Americas 

CHEP EMEA 

CHEP Asia-Pacific 

Corporate 

Underlying Profit 

Significant Items 

Operating profit 

Net finance costs 

Tax expense 

Profit after tax from continuing operations 

(Loss) / profit from discontinued operations  

Profit after tax 

Average Capital Invested 

Return on Capital Invested 

Weighted average number of shares (m) 

Basic EPS (US cents) 

Basic EPS from continuing operations (US cents) 

FY20 
2,469.0 

1,827.8 

436.8 

4,733.6 

342.5 

407.1 

118.0 

(72.6) 

795.0 

(28.0) 

767.0 

(80.8) 

(209.0) 

477.2 

(29.2) 

448.0 

4,773.6 

16.7% 

1,548.7 

28.9 

30.8 

FY191 
2,287.8 

1,849.1 

458.4 

4,595.3 

298.4 

441.8 

118.3 

(54.8) 

803.7 

(62.8) 

740.9 

(88.5) 

(198.3) 

454.1 

1,013.6 

1,467.7 

4,130.6 

19.5% 

1,593.4 

92.1 

28.5 

Change 

Actual FX 
8% 

Constant FX 
10% 

(1)% 

(5)% 

3% 

15% 

(8)% 

- 

(32)% 

(1)% 

4% 

9% 

(5)% 

5% 

(69)% 

16% 

(2.8)pp 

(69)% 

8% 

3% 

1% 

6% 

17% 

(2)% 

6% 

(33)% 

4% 

9% 

5% 

(10)% 

11% 

(68)% 

19% 

(2.5)pp 

(67)% 

14% 

Note on FX: The variance between actual and constant FX performance reflects the strengthening of Brambles' reporting currency, the  
US dollar, relative to other operating currencies, particularly the Australian dollar, Euro, Latin American currencies and the South African rand. 

FY20 Operating Environment  

Between July 2019 and February 2020, Brambles’ operating 
environment was characterised by moderating transport 
inflation and increasing labour and property inflation in all 
regions. The macro-economic environment was stable in most 
regions of operation except for Europe, where deteriorating 
economic conditions and Brexit-related uncertainty impacted 
like-for-like volume growth. 

Covid-19 started impacting Brambles’ largest businesses in 
March 2020 as the pandemic spread across Europe and  
North America, followed by Latin America and Africa. These 
impacts varied across regions and Brambles’ portfolio of 
businesses. 

Approximately 80% of Brambles’ revenues are derived from 
customers in the consumer-staples sectors, which are 
primarily serviced by the CHEP pallets businesses. During 
March and April 2020, the CHEP pallets businesses 
experienced unprecedented levels of customer demand across  

global grocery supply chains, with demand volatility 
continuing throughout May and June 2020.  

This demand was driven by lockdown measures introduced in 
all major markets and subsequent changes in consumer 
behaviour including pantry stockpiling in developed markets 
and a shift to ‘at-home’ consumption across all regions.  

While revenue growth increased in line with higher pallet 
volumes, servicing the additional customer demand and 
managing volatility and disruptions across Brambles’ network 
led to higher supply chain costs during the period from  
March to June 2020. These cost increases largely related to 
additional transport, handling and repair costs required to 
ensure continuity of pallet supply while minimising the level of 
capital expenditure to service these temporary spikes in 
customer demand. 

Brambles’ Automotive container and Kegstar keg-pooling 
businesses, which account for approximately 5% of Group 

1  The comparative period does not include the impact of AASB 16 Leases. IFCO is presented in discontinued operations. 

21

Operating & Financial Review 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
included a US$34.8 million decrease in Significant Items. 
Current-year Significant Items included a US$28.0 million non-
cash impairment of the Kegstar business, reflecting 
uncertainty over the ongoing performance of the craft beer 
segment due to Covid-19. FY19 included US$62.8 million of 
Significant Items reflecting IFCO-related restructuring costs 
and asset write-offs in Latin America. 

Profit after tax from continuing operations of  
US$477.2 million increased 11% at constant currency, 
reflecting operating profit growth and lower net finance costs.  

Net finance costs decreased 5% at constant currency despite 
US$27.8 million of lease interest expenses recognised 
following the implementation of AASB 16. Excluding the 
impact of AASB 16, finance costs decreased US$35.5 million, 
reflecting interest income on Australian-dollar deposits and 
reduced interest expense from the repayment of bank 
borrowings and the US$500 million 144A bond funded by 
proceeds from the sale of the IFCO business in FY19.  

Tax expense was US$209.0 million, up 10% in constant 
currency. The effective tax rate on Underlying Profit was 29.4% 
compared to 29.0% in FY19, reflecting a change in mix of 
global earnings.  

Loss from discontinued operations of US$29.2 million, 
decreased from a profit of US$1,013.6 million in the prior year, 
which included the operating results and gain on sale of IFCO. 
The current-year loss reflects a US$26.8 million post-tax 
impairment of the deferred consideration receivable from  
First Reserve, reflecting current market conditions in the oil 
and gas industry. The receivable is due to be repaid by First 
Reserve in 2026 and Brambles will continue to monitor this 
with a view to full recovery of the balance and related interest. 

Return on Capital Invested remained strong at 16.7%, down 
2.5 percentage points at constant currency, largely due to the 
impact of AASB 16. Excluding the impact of AASB 16, Return 
on Capital Invested was down 0.9 percentage points at 
constant currency, reflecting the Underlying Profit 
performance and an increase in Average Capital Invested 
driven by capital investment to support volume growth, US 
supply chain efficiency programmes and prior-year 
investments in the European Automotive business and Brexit-
related retailer stocking. 

Financial Review – continued 

revenue, were significantly impacted by Covid-19. Customer 
demand in the Automotive business was impacted by the 
closure of the global automotive manufacturing industry  
while in Kegstar, lockdown laws significantly reduced ‘on-
premise’ consumption of beer in served markets from March 
to June 2020. 

Sales revenue from continuing operations of  
US$4,733.6 million increased 6% at constant currency, driven 
by growth in the global pallets businesses which offset Covid-
19 related declines in the Automotive and Kegstar businesses.  

Volume expansion contributed 3% to revenue growth and 
included the benefit of elevated pallet volumes in March and 
April 2020. Net new business growth of 2% was largely driven 
by new customer contract wins and lane expansion with 
existing customers, particularly in the European and US pallets 
businesses. Like-for-like volume growth was 1%. Pricing 
contributed 3% to revenue growth and included strong price 
realisation across the CHEP Americas segment, reflecting 
increased cost-to-serve in the region.  

Underlying Profit of US$795.0 million increased 4% at 
constant currency and included a US$24.2 million benefit 
relating to AASB 16: Leases (AASB 16). Excluding the benefit of 
AASB 16, Underlying Profit increased 1% as the sales 
contribution to profit from the global pallet businesses, US 
supply chain programme efficiencies and lower transport and 
lumber inflation offset direct and indirect cost increases across 
the Group and Covid-19 related headwinds. These headwinds 
included a US$23 million profit decline due to lower demand 
in the Automotive and Kegstar businesses.  

Net plant costs increased US$44 million, reflecting labour and 
property cost inflation in all regions and higher pallet repair 
and handling costs to support elevated pallet volumes due to 
Covid-19. These increases were partially offset by cost 
efficiency benefits from US supply chain programmes.  

Net transport costs increased US$16 million driven by 
additional transport miles associated with the Latin American 
asset management programme and increased pallet 
collections and relocations due to Covid-19. 

Depreciation expense increased US$19 million in line with 
pool growth and investments in US supply chain programmes 
while Irrecoverable Pooling Equipment Provision (IPEP) 
expense increased US$33 million despite an overall reduction 
in loss rates and increased asset efficiency. The increase in 
IPEP expense reflected higher First In First Out (FIFO) unit 
pallet costs in all major markets. 

Corporate costs increased US$18 million, reflecting 
investments in technology and infrastructure of US$6 million, 
costs relating to digital transformation of US$2 million, and 
US$4 million relating to investments in customer experience 
and other Group-wide efficiency projects.  

Other overhead costs increased US$30 million, reflecting 
investments to support growth, network efficiencies and 
improved asset management and commercial outcomes 
across the Group. 

Operating profit from continuing operations of  
US$767.0 million increased 9% at constant currency and 

22

Operating & Financial Review 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Review – continued 

Cash Flow Reconciliation 

US$m 
Underlying Profit  

Depreciation and amortisation 

IPEP expense 

EBITDA 

FY20 
795.0 

612.2 

155.7 

FY19  Change 
(8.7) 
803.7 

484.3 

127.1 

127.9 

28.6 

1,562.9  1,415.1 

147.8  

Capital expenditure 

(930.1) 

(989.4) 

59.3 

Non-pooling capital expenditure increased US$29.8 million in 
constant currency due to service centre maintenance and 
plant upgrades in the US, Latin America and Australia. 

Free Cash Flow after ordinary dividends was a surplus of 
US$171.5 million and increased US$261.1 million on the prior 
year driven by the improvement in Cash Flow from Operations 
outlined above and a US$44.2 million reduction in cash 
financing costs and tax payments.  

US supply chain investment 

Proceeds from sale of PP&E 

Working capital movement 

(72.7) 

104.4 

108.7 

(73.0) 

102.5 

(13.2) 

121.9 

Other 

(29.3) 

(10.2) 

(19.1) 

Cash Flow from Operations 

743.9 

431.8 

312.1 

Significant Items 

Discontinued operations 

(3.4) 

(4.6) 

(10.8) 

7.4 

135.4 

(140.0) 

Financing costs and tax 

(273.7) 

(317.9) 

44.2 

Free Cash Flow  

462.2 

238.5 

223.7 

Dividends paid - ordinary 

(290.7) 

(328.1) 

37.4 

Free Cash Flow after 
ordinary dividends 

171.5 

(89.6) 

261.1 

Dividends paid - special 

(183.2) 

- 

(183.2) 

Free Cash Flow after special 
dividends 

(11.7) 

(89.6) 

77.9 

Cash Flow from Operations of US$743.9 million increased 
US$312.1 million and included a US$140.6 million reported 
cash flow benefit from AASB 16. Excluding AASB 16, Cash Flow 
from Operations increased US$171.5 million on the prior year, 
reflecting increased earnings, asset efficiency gains and 
favourable working capital movements driven by improved 
debtor collections.  

On a cash basis, capital expenditure (excluding US supply 
chain investments) of US$930.1 million decreased  
US$59.3 million, reflecting improved asset efficiency and 
disciplined capital allocation.  

On an accruals basis, capital expenditure decreased  
US$52.1 million at constant currency as lower pooling capital 
expenditure was partly offset by increased investments in 
non-pooling capital expenditure.  

Pooling capital expenditure decreased US$81.9 million in 
constant currency terms despite investments to support 
growth. The Group’s primary measure of asset efficiency, the 
pooling capex to sales ratio, decreased 2.9 percentage points 
at constant currency to 17.6%. This reduction was driven by: 
- 

US$40 million of asset efficiency improvements across the 
pallet businesses in North America, Latin America, Europe 
and Turkey; 
US$48 million of prior-year investments to support Brexit-
related retailer stockpiling and a large European 
Automotive contract which did not recur in FY20; and 
US$16 million of benefits relating to lower per-unit pallet 
costs due to the US lumber procurement programme. 

- 

- 

0.3 

1.9 

Cash financing costs increased US$8.1 million as the inclusion 
of US$26.5 million in lease payments due to AASB 16 offset 
financing cost savings of US$18.4 million.  

Cash tax payment reduced US$52.3 million, largely reflecting a 
lower Australian tax instalment rate and tax payments in the 
prior year relating to IFCO.  

These improvements partly offset the year-on-year cash flow 
impact of the IFCO divestment in May 2019. Prior-year cash 
flows included a US$137.7 million cash contribution from IFCO 
which was recognised in discontinued operations.  

Free Cash Flow after ordinary and special dividends 
includes a US$183.2 million cash outflow relating to the 
special dividend payment in October 2019, which was funded 
by the IFCO sale proceeds received in the prior year. 

Segment Analysis 

1.1.2 CHEP Americas 
US$m 

Pallets 

Containers 

FY20 
2,412.5 

FY19 
2,228.9 

56.5 

58.9 

Sales revenue 

2,469.0  2,287.8 

Underlying Profit 

342.5 

298.4 

2,369.6 

1,942.6 

Average Capital 
Invested 

Return on 
Capital Invested 

Change 

Actual 
FX 
8% 

Constant 
FX 
10% 

(4)% 

8% 

15% 

22% 

(3)% 

10% 

17% 

24% 

14.5% 

15.4% 

(0.9)pp 

(0.8)pp 

Sales Revenue 
Pallets sales revenue of US$2,412.5 million increased 10% at 
constant currency, reflecting price realisation across the 
region and strong volume growth which included the benefit 
of elevated pallet demand levels in the fourth quarter 
following the outbreak of Covid-19. 

US pallets sales revenue of US$1,807.9 million increased 9% 
reflecting: 
- 

Pricing growth of 4% driven by pricing actions to recover 
higher costs-to-serve. Effective price, which includes 
transport and lumber surcharges that are recognised as 
an offset to costs, increased by 3%, reflecting the lower 
contribution from surcharges in line with the moderation 
in lumber and transport rates during the Year; 
Like-for-like volume growth of 3% included the benefit of 
a surge in pallet volumes in March and April 2020 related 
to Covid-19; and 

- 

23

Operating & Financial Review 
 
 
Financial Review – continued 

-  Net new business growth of 2% included the rollover 

benefit of new customer contracts won in the second half 
of FY19. 

1.1.3 CHEP EMEA 
US$m 

Canada pallets sales revenue of US$279.2 million increased 
7% at constant currency, reflecting strong price realisation and 
volume expansion with new and existing customers. 

Pallets 

RPC 

FY20 
1,571.1 

FY19 
1,558.9 

Change 

Actual 
FX 
1% 

Constant 
FX 
5% 

27.3 

30.6 

(11)% 

Containers 

229.4 

259.6 

(12)% 

Sales revenue 

1,827.8  1,849.1 

Underlying Profit 

407.1 

441.8 

1,904.0 

1,776.4 

(1)% 

(8)% 

7% 

Average Capital 
Invested 

Return on Capital 
Invested 

21.4% 

24.9% 

(3.5)pp 

(3.0)pp 

5% 

(8)% 

3% 

(2)% 

12% 

Sales Revenue 
Pallets sales revenue of US$1,571.1 million increased 5% at 
constant currency, reflecting the contribution from current 
and prior-year contract wins in the European pallets business 
and solid price realisation across the region. Like-for-like 
volume growth continued to be impacted by macroeconomic 
conditions, notwithstanding a surge in pallet volumes during 
March and April 2020 following the outbreak of Covid-19 in 
the region. 

European pallets sales revenue of US$1,372.4 million 
increased 5% at constant currency, comprising:  
-  Net new business growth of 4%, reflecting strong 

- 

- 

contributions of current and prior-year contract wins in 
Southern Europe and Central and Eastern Europe; 
Price growth of 1% driven by annual contract  
indexation; and 
Like-for-like volumes in line with prior year as 
deteriorating economic conditions in the region offset 
the surge in pallet volumes during March and April 2020. 

India, Middle East, Turkey and Africa (IMETA) pallets sales 
revenue of US$198.7 million increased 9% at constant 
currency, driven by strong price growth and contributions 
from net new business wins. This growth was partially offset 
by like-for-like volume declines due to lockdown measures 
and temporary restrictions of cross-border flows following the 
Covid-19 outbreak during the fourth quarter. 

RPC and Containers sales revenue of US$256.7 million 
decreased 7% at constant currency, reflecting:  
- 

Automotive sales revenue of US$152.1 million, down 7% 
on prior year due to the shutdown of the European 
automotive manufacturing industry for the duration of 
the fourth quarter following the outbreak of Covid-19; 
Kegstar sales revenue of US$15.7 million, down 19% on 
the prior year due to the introduction of lockdown 
restrictions in all major markets in March 2020, which 
impacted on-premise consumption of beer for the 
duration of the fourth quarter; 
IBCs sales revenue of US$61.6 million, down 9% on the 
prior year reflecting lower volumes; and 
RPC sales revenue of US$27.3 million, up 5% on the prior 
year reflecting volume growth in the South African 
business. 

- 

- 

- 

Latin America pallets sales revenue of US$325.4 million 
increased 15% at constant currency, driven by pricing actions 
initiated in the second half of FY19 and net new business wins. 

Containers sales revenue was US$56.5 million, down 3%  
at constant currency, reflecting lower volumes in the  
North American IBC and Automotive businesses.  

Profit 
Underlying Profit of US$342.5 million improved 17% at 
constant currency and included a US$14.1 million benefit 
relating to AASB 16. Excluding this benefit, Underlying Profit 
increased 13% at constant currency and included the benefit 
of a one-percentage point improvement in US margins, in line 
with guidance. The US$131 million sales contribution to profit 
was partly offset by:  
-  Net plant cost increases of US$27 million, reflecting 

higher pallet repair and handling costs due to labour and 
property inflation, additional costs to service elevated 
levels of pallet demand due to Covid-19 and damage rate 
increases in Canada associated with the stringer-to-block 
pallet transition in that market. These cost increases were 
partly offset by savings from US supply chain 
programmes;  

-  Net transport cost increases of US$9 million, reflecting 

additional transport miles due to the Latin American asset 
management programme and additional pallet 
collections and relocations across the US network 
incurred to service Covid-19 related increases in customer 
demand while minimising capital expenditure. These 
additional costs were partly offset by network 
optimisation savings and lower third-party freight costs;  
-  Depreciation cost increases of US$9 million due to pool 

- 

growth and investments in US supply chain programmes; 
IPEP expense increases of US$25 million driven by higher 
FIFO unit pallet costs despite lower pallet losses in Latin 
America; and 

-  Other cost increases of US$24 million, reflecting 

investments in resources to support growth, asset and 
network efficiencies and improved commercial outcomes. 

Return on Capital Invested 
Return on Capital Invested of 14.5% decreased  
0.8 percentage points at constant currency due to a  
1.7 percentage point adverse impact of AASB16. Excluding the 
impact of AASB 16, Return on Capital Invested improved  
0.9 percentage points at constant currency due to increased 
profitability in the region and asset efficiency improvements in 
Latin America.  

24

Operating & Financial Review 
 
 
 
 
Financial Review – continued 

Profit 
Underlying Profit of US$407.1 million decreased 2% at 
constant currency and included a US$4.8 million benefit 
relating to AASB 16. Excluding the impact of AASB 16, 
Underlying Profit decreased 3% at constant currency as the 
solid revenue contribution to profit of US$56 million was more 
than offset by: 
- 

A US$23 million decline in the Automotive and Kegstar 
businesses driven by lower customer demand following 
the outbreak of Covid-19;  

-  Net transport cost increases of US$5 million, reflecting 

additional transport miles incurred in the European pallet 
businesses to ensure continuity of pallet supply and 
manage demand volatility due to Covid-19; 

-  Net plant cost increases of US$20 million, reflecting 
labour and property inflation across the region and 
additional pallet repair and handling costs incurred to 
support elevated levels of customer demand while 
minimising capital expenditure due to Covid-19; 

-  Depreciation increases of US$9 million due to pallet pool 
growth and prior-year automotive asset purchases to 
support a large contract win in Europe; and 

-  Other indirect cost increases of US$12 million were driven 
by IPEP expense increases, due to higher unit pallet costs, 
and overhead investments to support business growth. 

Return on Capital Invested 
Return on Capital Invested of 21.4% decreased 3.0 percentage 
points at constant currency. Excluding the impact of AASB16, 
Return on Capital Invested decreased 2.0 percentage points at 
constant currency driven by lower Underlying Profit in the 
Automotive and Kegstar businesses due to Covid-19 and a 
higher Average Capital Invested balance, reflecting 
investments to support growth and prior-year investments in 
the European Automotive business and Brexit-related retailer 
stocking.  

1.1.4  CHEP Asia-Pacific  
US$m 

Pallets 

RPC 

Containers 

FY20 
340.7 

51.4 

44.7 

FY19 
343.2 

65.7 

49.5 

Change 

Actual 
FX 
(1)% 

Constant 
FX 
5% 

(22)% 

(17)% 

(10)% 

(5)% 

Sales revenue 

436.8 

458.4 

(5)% 

Underlying Profit 

118.0 

118.3 

- 

1% 

6% 

Average Capital 
Invested 

Return on Capital 
Invested 

490.6 

424.5 

16% 

22% 

24.1%  27.9% 

(3.8)pp 

(3.7)pp 

Sales Revenue 
Pallets sales revenue was US$340.7 million, up 5% at constant 
currency, reflecting moderate price realisation and like-for-like 
volume growth in the Australian business and the ongoing 
expansion of the timber pallet business in China.  

RPC and Containers sales revenue was US$96.1 million, down 
12% at constant currency due to the rollover impact of a 
prior-year contract loss in the Australian RPC business. 

Profit 

Underlying Profit of US$118.0 million increased 6% at 
constant currency and included a US$5.0 million benefit from 
AASB16. Excluding this benefit, Underlying Profit increased  
1% at constant currency, driven by the sales contribution to 
profit and plant cost efficiencies in Australia which more than 
offset other cost increases in the region. 

Return on Capital Invested 
Return on Capital Invested of 24.1% decreased 3.7 percentage 
points at constant currency largely due to the 3.2 percentage 
point adverse impact of AASB 16. 

25

Operating & Financial Review 
 
Board & Executive Leadership Team 

Board of Directors 

John Mullen Non-Executive Chairman (Independent) 
Chairman of the Nominations Committee and member of the Remuneration Committee 

Joined Brambles as a Non-Executive Director and Chairman elect in November 2019 and became 
Chairman on 1 July 2020. He is currently a Non-Executive Director and Chairman of Telstra, 
and Chairman of the unlisted entity, Toll Group. Previously, John was Chief Executive Officer of 
Asciano, Australia’s largest ports and rail operator, from 2011 to 2016. Prior to that, John had a 
distinguished career with the DHL Group from 1994 to 2009, ultimately becoming Chief Executive 
Officer of DHL Express in 2006. He also served as a Director of Deutsche Post World Net, the parent 
company of DHL Express. Before joining DHL, John spent 10 years with the TNT Group, culminating in 
the role of Chief Executive Officer of TNT Express Worldwide, which he held from 1990 to 1994. He 
was formerly a Non-Executive Director of Brambles (from 2009 to 2011), and has also served as a 
director on the boards of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners LP, Macquarie Airports Corporation, 
Embarq LLC (USA), Transportes Guipuzcoana (Spain) and Ducros Services Rapides (France). He was 
also Chairman of the US National Foreign Trade Council in Washington from 2008 to 2010. John 
holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Surrey. 

Graham Chipchase Chief Executive Officer 
Chairman of the Executive Leadership Team 

Joined Brambles at the beginning of January 2017 as Chief Executive Officer Designate and became 
Chief Executive Officer on 20 February 2017. Prior to Brambles, Graham was Chief Executive Officer of 
Rexam plc, one of the world’s largest consumer packaging companies, from 2010 to June 2016. 
Graham had first joined Rexam in 2003 as Group Finance Director before moving to Group Director of 
Plastic Packaging. Graham left Rexam in June 2016, after Rexam was successfully acquired by Ball 
Corporation. He is also a Non-Executive Director of AstraZeneca plc and its Senior Independent 
Director, and was chair of its Remuneration Committee from April 2015 to July 2020. He holds an MA 
(Hons) Chemistry from Oriel College, Oxford, and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants 
in England and Wales.  

George El-Zoghbi Non-Executive Director (Independent) 
Member of the Nominations and Remuneration Committees  

Joined Brambles as a Non-Executive Director in January 2016. George has extensive international 
consumer packaged goods and supply chain experience. He was recently appointed as the Chief 
Executive Officer of Arnott’s Biscuits Limited. He is also a Special Advisor to and a Director of Kraft 
Heinz Company and a Strategic Advisor to Altimetrik, a US-based digital and IT solutions company. 
Previously, George was the Chief Operating Officer of US commercial businesses for Kraft Heinz 
Company from the merger of Kraft Foods Group and H.J. Heinz in July 2015 until October 2017. Prior 
to that merger, George held a number of key leadership roles at Kraft including Chief Operating 
Officer. Prior to joining Kraft in 2007, he held a number of executive roles with Fonterra Cooperative 
and various managerial and sales roles with Associated British Foods. He holds a Diploma of Business, 
Marketing, as well as a Master of Enterprise from the University of Melbourne and has also completed 
an Accelerated Development Programme at MC London Business School in the United Kingdom.  

26

Board & Executive Leadership Team 
 
 
 
Board & Executive Leadership Team – continued 

Elizabeth Fagan CBE Non-Executive Director (Independent) 
Member of the Audit and Nominations Committees 

Joined Brambles as a Non-Executive Director in June 2018. Elizabeth has extensive experience in the 
international retail sector. She is a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). Currently she 
is Chair of the Board of D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership. Previously, she was the Non-Executive 
Chairman of Boots UK & Ireland, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Boots, leading all 
Boots businesses across the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Prior to that, she was Senior Vice 
President, Managing Director, International Retail for Walgreens Boots Alliance, from the Company’s 
creation in December 2014 to 2016, Marketing Director of Boots and Managing Director of Boots 
Opticians, and previously worked for Boots as Group Buyer from 1983 to 1991. Before re-joining the 
Boots business in 2006, Elizabeth worked for DSG International plc for 10 years, where she held a 
number of senior positions, including Marketing Director, Group Marketing Director and Managing 
Director of The Link. She holds a Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry, from Strathclyde University and 
an Honorary Doctorate of Science from Nottingham Trent University.  

Tony Froggatt Non-Executive Director (Independent) 
Member of the Remuneration and Nominations Committees  

Joined Brambles as a Non-Executive Director in June 2006. He is Chairman of Foodbank Australia. 
Previously, Tony was a Non-Executive Director of Coca-Cola Amatil, AXA Asia Pacific Holdings and 
Billabong International and was Chief Executive Officer of Scottish & Newcastle plc from May 2003 to 
October 2007. He 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 H.J. Heinz, Diageo and Seagram. He holds a Bachelor of Law from Queen Mary 
College, London, and a Master of Business Administration from Columbia Business School, New York. 

Tahira Hassan Non-Executive Director (Independent) 
Member of the Remuneration Committee  

Joined Brambles as a Non-Executive Director in December 2011. Tahira is a Non-Executive Director of 
Canada Pension Plan Investments and was previously a Non-Executive Director of Recall Holdings. 
She had a distinguished 26-year career with Nestlé. From 2003 to 2006, she was Senior Vice President 
& Head of Global Supply Chain. Based in Switzerland, this was a new role created to lead the 
reshaping of Nestlé’s global approach to supply chain management. Her other roles included Senior 
Vice President & Global Business Head for Nescafé Ready To Drink from 2006 to 2009, and Vice 
President, Deputy Operations, Zone Americas from 2001 to 2003. Previously, Tahira held various 
leadership positions in Nestlé Canada including President, Ice Cream and Executive Vice President, 
Consumer Demand Chain & Information Services. Tahira is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of 
Management Accountants, UK, and a Certified Member of the Society of Management Accountants of
Canada.  

Brian Long Non-Executive Director (Independent) 
Chairman of the Audit Committee 

Joined Brambles as a Non-Executive Director in July 2014. Previously, Brian was a Non-Executive 
Director of OneMarket Limited, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, at which he was Chairman of its 
Audit Committee, and Ten Network Holdings Limited. He was a senior Australian audit partner at EY, 
retiring in 2010 after 29 years with that firm, at which he was Chairman of both the Global Advisory 
Council and the Oceania Area Advisory Council (respectively, its worldwide and regional partner 
governing bodies). Brian is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia and has 
been a member since 1972.  

27

Board & Executive Leadership Team 
 
 
 
 
Board & Executive Leadership Team – continued 

Ken McCall Non-Executive Director (Independent) 

Joined Brambles as a Non-Executive Director in July 2020. Ken’s background is in global network 
management, international logistics and supply chain, having held leadership positions including 
Chief Executive, DHL Express UK & Ireland, from 2008-2010, and MD, Networks and Operations, DHL 
Express Europe, which consolidated his extensive experience of continental Europe. He lived and 
worked in China during his time with TNT NV, as CEO TNT China, 2004-2007, and CEO TNT Asia, 
Middle East, Africa & Indian Subcontinent, 1996-2004. More recently, Ken served as Deputy Group 
CEO at Europcar Mobility Group from 2016-2019, having previously held the roles of Group Chief 
Operating Officer and Group Managing Director for the UK. Ken has more than 10 years’ experience 
as a Non-Executive Director. He served on the board of global fashion retailer SuperDry plc from 
2010-2016 and was a member of its Audit and Remuneration Committees. He is currently Senior 
Independent Non-Executive Director for Post Office Limited; for which he chairs the Remuneration 
Committee and is a member of the Nomination and Audit, Risk and Compliance Committees. Ken is a 
member of the Chartered Institute of Transport and Logistics, Singapore. 

Jim Miller Non-Executive Director (Independent) 
Member of the Remuneration Committee 

Joined Brambles as a Non-Executive Director in March 2019. Jim has extensive operational and cross 
functional supply chain experience in digital technology. He is currently Chief Technical Officer with 
Wayfair Inc. In addition, Jim is currently a Non-Executive Director of The RealReal, Inc., also a US e-
commerce company. Jim has held a number of senior executive roles including Vice President, 
Worldwide Operations for Google Inc from 2010 to 2018, where he was responsible for global 
operations, planning, supply chain and new product introduction for Google’s IT infrastructure and 
Google Fiber. Previously, he was Executive Vice President, Industrial, Automotive and Multi-Media for 
Sanmina Corporation from 2009 to 2010, where he was responsible for its industrial, clean tech, multi-
media and automotive businesses. Prior to that, he held various executive roles at Cisco Systems, and 
was Vice President Global Supply Chain for Amazon where he was responsible for the inception of its 
supply chain organisation. He has also held various executive roles at IBM and Intel. Jim holds a 
Bachelor of Science, Aerospace Engineering, from Purdue University and a Master of Science and 
Engineering and a Master of Science and Management from the Massachusetts Institute of 
Technology. 

Nessa O'Sullivan Chief Financial Officer 

Joined Brambles in October 2016 and was appointed to the role of Chief Financial Officer on 17 
November 2016. She became an Executive Director of Brambles in April 2017. Prior to joining 
Brambles, Nessa worked for ten years at Coca-Cola Amatil in a number of senior financial and 
operating roles, including Group Chief Financial Officer from 2010 to May 2015. She was also Group 
Chief Financial Officer for Operations and Chief Financial Officer for Australia and New Zealand. Nessa 
began her career working as an auditor at Price Waterhouse in Dublin, New York and Sydney. She 
spent two years at Tyco Grinnell Asia Pacific before joining PepsiCo/Yum! Restaurants in 1995. Over a 
10-year period at Yum! Restaurants International, she held a number of senior finance, IT and strategy 
roles, including five years as Chief Financial Officer for the South Pacific Region. She is also a Non-
Executive Director of Molson Coors Beverage Company. Nessa is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered 
Accountants in Ireland. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce from University College Dublin and is a 
graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.  

28

Board & Executive Leadership Team 
 
 
 
Board & Executive Leadership Team – continued 

Scott Perkins Non-Executive Director (Independent) 
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee and member of the Audit and Nominations Committees 

Joined Brambles as a Non-Executive Director in June 2015. Scott is a Non-Executive Director of 
Woolworths Group Limited and Origin Energy and was a Director of Meridian Energy from 1999 to 
2002. Scott has extensive experience in corporate strategy, capital markets and investment banking. 
He held senior executive leadership positions at Deutsche Bank from 1999 to 2013, including as 
Managing Director and Head of Corporate Finance for Australia and New Zealand and as a member 
of the Asia-Pacific management committee. Scott is also active in the charity and public policy sector 
as the founder or director of a number of organisations. Scott holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree 
and a Bachelor of Laws with Honours degree from the University of Auckland. 

Nora Scheinkestel Non-Executive Director (Independent)  
Member of the Audit Committee and Audit Committee Chair Elect 

Joined Brambles as a Non-Executive Director and will take over the role of Audit Committee Chair on 
20 August 2020. Nora is currently the Chair of Atlas Arteria Limited and a Non-Executive Director of 
its stapled entity, Atlas Arteria International Ltd, a Non-Executive Director of Telstra and a Non-
Executive Director of AusNet Services Limited. She is also an Associate Professor at the Melbourne 
Business School at Melbourne University and a Trustee of the Victorian Arts Centre Trust. Previously, 
Nora was a director of a number of other major ASX listed companies, where in many cases she 
chaired their audit committees, and was a member of the Takeovers Panel. In 2003, she was awarded 
a centenary medal for services to Australian society in business leadership. Nora holds a Doctor of 
Philosophy and a Bachelor of Law (Hons) from the University of Melbourne and is a Fellow of the 
Australian Institute of Company Directors. 

29

Board & Executive Leadership Team 
 
 
 
 
 
Board & Executive Leadership Team – continued 

Executive Leadership Team 

Graham Chipchase Chief Executive Officer 
Chairman of the Executive Leadership Team 

(See biography on page 26.) 

Carmelo Alonso-Bernaola Senior Vice President, Global Supply Chain 

Joined Brambles in 1992 and was appointed Senior Vice President Supply Chain for CHEP’s global 
operations in February 2011. At Brambles, Carmelo has served in a range of supply chain roles, 
ranging from Quality Manager in Iberia, Logistics Director for South Europe, Vice President Logistics 
Europe, Senior Vice President Supply Chain Europe to his current global role in Supply Chain. Carmelo 
holds an Agro-industrial Engineering degree from the Universidad Politécnica of Madrid. He also 
holds a Master of Business Administration from IE Business School, Madrid, and a Diploma of 
Manufacturing and Production Management. 

Phillip Austin President, CHEP Asia-Pacific 

Joined Brambles in 1989 and became President CHEP Asia-Pacific in October 2014, having previously 
held the positions of President CHEP Australia and New Zealand and President CHEP Australia. Phillip 
has held a variety of senior roles across Brambles including Chief Financial Officer of the Brambles 
Transport Group; Chief Financial Officer of CHEP Australia; Operations Manager for Wreckair Hire; and 
executive roles in the CHEP Australia business responsible for sales, asset management and business 
development. Phillip is an Ambassador for the National Association for Women in Operations 
(NAWO). He holds a Bachelor of Economics and a Master of Logistics Management, both from the 
University of Sydney, and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.  

Patrick Bradley Group Senior Vice President, Human Resources 

Joined Brambles in 2018 as Group Senior Vice President, Human Resources. Before joining Brambles, 
Patrick was the Human Resources Director at BT Group, the UK’s largest fixed communications 
network, responsible globally for employee relations, reward, pensions, organisational design and 
efficiency. Prior to that, he was the Chief Human Resources Officer at EE, the UK mobile 
telecommunications operator, when it was acquired by BT. He has also held human resources 
leadership roles at Lloyds Banking Group and Atos Origin. He has led multiple workforce and human 
resources programmes to improve customer service capabilities, organisational culture and employee 
engagement. He holds a Bachelor of Law from the University of Leeds.  

David Cuenca President, CHEP Europe 

Joined Brambles in 2000 and was appointed President, CHEP Europe in 2020. At Brambles, David has 
held several leadership roles, ranging from Country General Manager of CHEP in Central Europe;  
Vice President and Country General Manager in CHEP Spain and Portugal; Vice President of  
CHEP Southern Europe; President, CHEP Latin America; and his current role in Europe. David holds a 
Business Studies degree from the University of Barcelona. He has also completed a General 
Management Programme at the IESE Business School.  

30

Board & Executive Leadership Team 
 
 
 
 
 
Board & Executive Leadership Team – continued 

Paola Floris President, CHEP Latin America 

Joined Brambles in 2001 and was appointed President, CHEP Latin America on 1 July 2020. During her 
time at Brambles, Paola has held several leadership roles, ranging from Customer Service Director, 
CHEP Italy and progressed to become Retail Director in 2009. Paola was appointed as Country 
General Manager, CHEP Italy in 2013 and then was promoted to Vice President and Country General 
Manager, CHEP Pallets Canada in 2016. Paola has a degree in Economics from the Universita’ 
Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, and a Master of Business Administration from SDA Bocconi. 

Robert Gerrard Group Vice President, Legal and Secretariat 

Joined Brambles in 2003 as Senior Counsel, Brambles Group, was appointed Group Company 
Secretary in February 2008 and Group Vice President, Legal and Secretariat in February 2017. Prior to 
joining Brambles, he was General Counsel and Company Secretary of Roc Oil Company Limited; 
Group Legal Manager, Cairn Energy plc; General Counsel and Company Secretary of Command 
Petroleum Limited; and a solicitor and senior associate with Allen Allen & Hemsley. He holds a Master 
of Law from the University of Sydney and a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Law from the 
University of New South Wales. He is a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of New South Wales.  

Alasdair Hamblin Senior Vice President, Strategy and Innovation 

Joined Brambles in March 2018 as Senior Vice President, Group Strategy and became Senior Vice 
President, Strategy & Innovation in February 2019. Prior to Brambles, Alasdair held a number of 
leadership roles at General Electric from 2011 to 2018, including Strategic Marketing Director for GE 
Oil & Gas and led revenue synergies for its merger with Baker Hughes to form BHGE. He was 
previously an Associate Partner at McKinsey & Company and began his career in systems engineering 
with Accenture. He holds an MA in Modern History from Balliol College, Oxford, and a Master of 
Business Administration from INSEAD. 

Rodney Hefford Chief Information Officer 

Joined Brambles in June 2017 as Chief Information Officer. Before joining Brambles, Rod was Vice 
President, Information Technologies and Services at Ball Corporation, where he integrated the IT 
elements of Ball’s acquisition of Rexam and led the development of an IT strategy for the combined 
entity. Prior to that, he was Group CIO for Rexam and held several CIO roles at Unilever. He holds a 
Bachelor of Materials Engineering from Monash University, Australia, and a Master of Business 
Administration from Warwick Business School in the UK. 

Craig Jones President, CHEP India, Middle East, Turkey and Africa 

Joined Brambles in December 2017 as Vice President, EMEA Emerging Markets and was appointed to 
his current position of President CHEP IMETA (India, Middle East, Turkey and Africa) in February 2019. 
Before joining Brambles, Craig worked for Rexam plc, a UK listed consumer packaging company. 
Craig led the Africa, Middle East & Asia region for Rexam and also spent time leading their Russian 
business. Craig joined Rexam in 2001 and held a number of senior finance roles across a variety of 
geographies. Craig holds a BA (Hons) Business Studies from Cardiff University and is a Fellow (FCMA) 
of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants. 

31

Board & Executive Leadership Team 
 
 
 
 
 
Board & Executive Leadership Team – continued 

Laura Nador President, CHEP North America 

Joined Brambles in 2003. Laura became President, CHEP North America in January 2018, after holding 
a number of leadership positions within Brambles across multiple geographies. Laura was successively 
Director, Distributor Sales, CHEP Europe; Vice President, RPCs, Europe; Country General Manager, 
CHEP Spain and Portugal; and Vice President, Supply Chain, CHEP Latin America. In July 2016, she was 
appointed Senior Vice President of the CHEP USA Pooled Pallets business and then President, CHEP 
USA in March 2017, when she took on additional responsibilities for all pallets and containers 
businesses in the USA. CHEP Canada was added to her responsibilities in January 2018. Prior to 
Brambles, Laura worked for a number of years at the Fortune 500 logistics company, Ryder. Laura 
holds a Master of Engineering from the University of Buenos Aires and a Master of Business 
Administration from the London Business School.  

Nessa O'Sullivan Chief Financial Officer 

(See biography on page 28.) 

Sarah Pellegrini Vice President, Internal Communications 

Joined Brambles in 2018 to lead Group-wide internal communications and was appointed to the 
Executive Leadership Team in 2019. Before joining Brambles, Sarah oversaw employee 
communications for Qantas’ global operations, and has held corporate communications roles in 
international businesses including Arrium and Foster’s Group in Australia and Rexam plc, SABMiller 
and BBC Worldwide in the UK. Sarah began her career as a journalist for News Limited after gaining a 
Bachelor of Arts (Journalism) from RMIT University. 

32

Board & Executive Leadership Team 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report  

Executive Summary 
Business Performance 
This report outlines the remuneration for Brambles’ Key Management Personnel (KMP) for the financial year ended 30 June 2020 
(the Year). It should be read in conjunction with the information provided on Brambles' results and continued execution of 
Brambles' business strategy, as detailed in the Operating & Financial Review on pages 4 to 25.  

Annual Short-Term Incentive 
Based on performance against the corporate and personal objectives set for the Year, the annual Short-Term Incentive (STI) 
awards for Executive KMP (see Section 1) ranged from 31% to 112% of base salary. These STI outcomes were driven by 
Brambles’ financial performance, each Executive KMP’s achievement of specific personal objectives and after consideration of 
Executives’ adherence to the Brambles Code of Conduct, shared values and risk appetite.  

Long-Term Incentive 
The Long-Term Incentive (LTI) share awards granted during September 2017 (i.e. in FY18) had a three-year performance period 
ending 30 June 2020. Performance against the conditions to which they were subject were: 

- 

- 

Brambles’ total shareholder return (TSR) was ranked at 32 out of the ASX100 peer group, resulting in 87.4% vesting for 
this component (25% of LTI grant); and ranked at 36 out of the MCSI peer group, resulting in 80.0% vesting for this 
component (25% of LTI grant); and 
Brambles' sales revenue compound annual growth rate (CAGR) was 6.4% and Return on Capital Invested (ROCI) was 
17.1%, resulting in 95.0% vesting for this component (50% of LTI grant). 

Accordingly, 89.3% of total LTI awards granted in FY18 vested. Details of LTI vesting are provided in Section 4.3.2. 

Executive Leadership Team Base Salaries  
The base salaries of the Executive KMPs and other members of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) were determined in 
accordance with the Company's Remuneration Policy described in Section 2. The average base salary increase for Executive 
Directors was 2.5%. The average increase for current ELT members for the Year was 3.0%, ranging from 2.1% to 5.1%. All 
increases were determined in October 2019 and effective 1 January 2020. The average increase across the broader employee 
population was 3.0%. Executive KMP salaries are set out in Section 5. There will be no salary increases for ELT in FY21. The next 
salary review, which was due to occur on 1 January 2021, has been deferred until 1 July 2021. 

Non-Executive Directors' Fees  
There has been no increase in Chairman and Non-Executive Director base fees since 1 July 2016. There will be no increase in 
fees for the Chairman or Non-Executive Directors for FY21. Non-Executive Director fees are detailed in Section 7.1. The next 
fee review will be carried out during FY21. Any fee increase arising from that review will take effect from 1 July 2021.  

Remuneration Strategy 
The Remuneration Committee carries out annual reviews of Brambles’ remuneration strategy, structure and policy, including 
share-based incentive plans. These reviews are undertaken in order to determine whether the current approach continues to 
strongly align Executives' interests with those of the Company and its shareholders. A key focus of the annual review is to 
provide confirmation that the Company's remuneration structure and policy continue to provide alignment with the Company's 
strategic and business objectives, as well as Brambles' Code of Conduct, shared values and risk appetite. In March 2020, the 
Committee determined that no changes to the current structure or policy were required in FY21 but did recommend an 
administrative change to the rules of the Brambles Performance Share Plan (see Section 2 for details). 

Impact of Covid-19 
The STI outcomes for the Year reflect business performance against targets set at the commencement of the Year. The Board has 
not exercised any discretion in relation to STI outcomes, nor LTI vesting, as a result of the economic impact of Covid-19 on 
Brambles.  

Contents 
1.  Background 
2.  Remuneration Policy and Framework  
3.  Remuneration Structure 
4.  Performance of Brambles and Remuneration Outcomes 
5.  Executive Key Management Personnel (Executive KMP) 
6.  Employee Share Plan 
7.  Non-Executive Directors’ Disclosures 
8.   Remuneration Governance 
9.  Other Reporting Requirements 

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Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report – continued  

 Background 

This Remuneration Report provides information on Brambles’ Remuneration Policy and the link between that policy and the 
Group's business strategy, financial performance and conduct consistent with Brambles’ Code of Conduct, shared values and risk 
appetite. This report also provides remuneration information about Brambles’ Key Management Personnel (KMP), who are its: 

-  Non-Executive Directors as set out in Section 7; and 
- 

Executive Directors and Group Executives who have authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the 
Group’s activities (Executive KMP). The executives who fall within this definition are those set out in Section 5. 

In this report, references to the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) include Executive KMP. 
This report includes all disclosures required by the Corporations Act 2001 (the Act), regulations made under the Act and the 
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 and the Group. 

 Remuneration Policy and Framework 

Brambles’ Remuneration Policy, approved by the Board, is to adopt a remuneration structure and set remuneration levels which: 

- 
- 

- 

enables Brambles to attract, retain and motivate high-calibre executives and other talent throughout the company; 
fairly and responsibly rewards executives having regard to Brambles’ performance, the performance of executives and the 
general remuneration environment; and  
aligns:  

- 
- 

executive reward with the creation of sustainable shareholder value; and 
executive behaviour with Brambles’ strategic objectives, Code of Conduct, shared values and risk appetite. 

Table 3.3.1 sets out how Brambles’ Remuneration Policy is directly linked to the Company’s financial performance, the creation of 
shareholder wealth, the delivery of strategic objectives and executive behaviour. 

Corporate and personal short-term incentive objectives are agreed at the start of the financial year and approved by the Board 
Remuneration Committee (Committee). The Committee reviews progress against the objectives during the financial year and 
assesses performance at year end following a detailed review of Group, Business Unit and individual executive performance. Long-
term incentive performance conditions are set out in the rules of the Brambles Performance Share Plan (PSP). 

The Group’s Remuneration Policy is to set target remuneration opportunity around the median level of the comparator group of 
companies (set out in the next paragraph) but with upper-quartile total potential rewards for outstanding performance and proven 
capability. 

Brambles’ global remuneration framework, which applies to all salaried employees, is underpinned by its banding structure. This 
classifies roles into specific bands, each incorporating roles with broadly equivalent work value. Pay ranges for each band are 
determined under the same framework globally and are based on the local market rates for the roles falling within each band. For 
ELT roles, comparative companies used to set pay ranges are major listed companies in the USA, Australia and UK with sales 
revenue and market capitalisation between 50% and 200% of Brambles’ 12-month average at year end. This approach provides a 
sound basis for delivering a non-discriminatory pay structure, providing equal pay for equal work value, for all Group employees.  

Each year, the Committee conducts a review of the Company's remuneration policy to determine that it delivers a remuneration 
structure and levels which are consistent with the objectives outlined at the beginning of this Section 2. As a result of the review 
carried out in FY20, it was determined that no changes to Brambles’ remuneration structure were required in FY21. As a result of 
that review, however, the Board, pursuant to the power granted to it under the PSP rules, made an administrative amendment to 
those rules. The effect of the amendment is to grant the Board discretion to determine that vested awards granted under the PSP 
be settled in either cash or shares. The Board’s intention is to consider exercising that discretion to settle vested PSP awards in cash 
for the small number of Australian-based employees who may, in the future, be categorised as “good leavers”.  

34

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Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report – continued  

 Remuneration Structure 

  Overview 

Remuneration is divided into those components not directly linked to performance (Fixed Remuneration) and those components 
which are variable and directly linked to Brambles’ financial performance and the delivery of corporate and personal objectives (At 
Risk Remuneration). The diagram below summarises the remuneration structure for Executive KMP.  

Year 1 

Year 2 

Year 3 

Year 4 

Fixed Remuneration 

Base salary, superannuation and 
other benefits 

Cash 

Paid through the Year 

STI Award 

(At Risk) 

Maximum opportunity  
150% to 180% of base salary 

LTI Share Award 

(At Risk) 

Maximum opportunity  
100% to 130% of base salary 

Cash and Shares 

1-year performance 
period 

80% Corporate 
Objectives 

20% Personal Objectives 

50% Cash paid 

50% Share Awards 

Deferred 2 years from grant 

Share Awards 

50% Relative Total Shareholder Return 

Holding lock 

(Half based on Brambles’ TSR against the ASX 100 constituents and half based on 
Brambles’ TSR against the MSCI World Industrials constituents, using 50 companies 
either side of Brambles’ rolling 12-month average market capitalisation) 

           (for awards  
            FY20 onwards) 

50% Sales Revenue CAGR/ROCI matrix 

Legend:     Cash awarded;     Share Awards granted; and     Share Awards vested/unrestricted.  

Payments are made and awards are granted following the end of the financial year and finalisation of Brambles’ results.  

An individual’s At Risk Remuneration is subject to the overarching discretion of the Board and the Committee. That discretion is 
informed by how individuals achieve results and the extent to which they exemplify the behaviours expected of them as leaders of 
the Company as set out in Brambles’ Code of Conduct, shared values and risk appetite.  

The proportion of Executive KMP total remuneration comprising At Risk Remuneration is illustrated in Table 3.4.2. 

STI and LTI share awards are governed by the PSP rules, which have been approved by shareholders. No Brambles shares were 
purchased on-market during the Year to satisfy the entitlements of holders of STI share awards or LTI share awards. 

The remuneration structure and the key features of Fixed and At Risk Remuneration are summarised in Table 3.3.1. The application 
of the At Risk Remuneration is further described in Section 4. 

 Basis of Valuation of STI and LTI Share Awards  

The number of share awards granted is based on the market value of Brambles' shares which, under the PSP rules, is the volume 
weighted average share price during the five trading days up to and including the grant date. In this report, this is referred to as the 
"face value approach". 

Details of the approach are contained in Section 9.4. 

35

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Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report – continued  

 Remuneration Structure Details 

Table 3.3.1: Remuneration Structure FY20  

Remuneration 
element  

Description 

Purpose 

Link to strategy 

Fixed Remuneration 

Base salary, superannuation and 
other fixed benefits. 

Fixed remuneration reflects the executive’s 
role, duties, responsibilities and level of 
performance, taking into account the 
individual's location and Brambles' size, 
geographic scale and complexity. Base 
salaries are generally referenced at the 
market median. 

Base salaries are designed 
to be competitive to assist 
Brambles in attracting and 
retaining talented 
executives. 

At Risk Remuneration 

STI Award 
Executive KMP are eligible to receive annual STI Awards. 
The Committee approves annual STI corporate and personal objectives for Executive KMP. At the end of each year, the Committee 
assesses Executive KMPs’ performance against those objectives. The amount of an STI Award will depend on whether and, if so, to what 
extent those objectives are achieved.  
Half of the STI Award is delivered in cash following the end of the year to which the award relates. The other half is delivered in deferred 
STI Share Awards which vest two years from the date they are granted, subject to the relevant Executive KMP remaining employed by 
the Group at the end of that period. Eligibility for STI Awards is also subject to the non-financial risk assessment referred to in this table 
below, both at the time of the grant of the awards and, in the case of STI Share Awards, during the two-year deferral period. 
The achievement of objectives by Executive KMP for FY20 are set out in Section 4.2. 

Corporate 
Objectives 
(comprising 80% 
of the STI award) 

Corporate objectives are set at a 
“Threshold” (the minimum necessary 
to qualify for the awards) and 
“target” (when the performance 
target is met). For some objectives 
(Underlying Profit and Asset 
Efficiency), there is also a “maximum” 
(when targets have been significantly 
exceeded and the award has reached 
its upper limit) level. For Underlying 
Profit, “Threshold" levels are set at or 
above the prior year's outcome for 
the relevant objective, except where 
extenuating circumstances exist.  

Corporate objectives are set to align an 
executive’s At Risk Remuneration to 
Brambles’ financial and strategic objectives. 
For FY20, these included: Underlying Profit 
growth in excess of sales revenue growth 
through the cycle; Free Cash Flow sufficient 
to fully fund capital expenditure; and 
dividends and operational efficiency. 
Financial objectives are chosen to link 
Executives KMPs’ rewards with the financial 
performance of the Group, the pursuit of 
profitable growth, the efficient use of 
capital and generation of cash. 

Personal 
Objectives 
(comprising 20% 
of the STI award) 

Personal objectives relate to non-
financial operating and strategic 
objectives. 

Personal objectives provide the 
opportunity to tailor individual Executive 
KMP performance expectations, having 
regard to their role and function, to specific 
non-financial operating and strategic goals. 

36

- 

- 

FY20 corporate objectives 
were:  
- 

Underlying Profit 
provides a focus on 
profitable growth; 
Cash Flow from 
Operations is used as a 
measure to provide a 
strong focus on the 
generation of cash; and 
Asset efficiency is a key 
driver of business 
profitability and assists 
in maximising  
revenue from existing 
assets and reducing 
capital costs. 

Personal objectives are 
linked to the delivery of 
Brambles’ strategic and 
operating priorities such as 
safety, customer retention, 
product innovation, 
succession planning and 
talent development and 
specific business unit or 
functional projects. 

Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report – continued  

Remuneration 
element  

Description 

Purpose 

Link to strategy 

LTI Share Award 
Executive KMP are also eligible to receive an annual grant of LTI share awards vesting three years from the date the award is granted, 
subject to satisfaction of service and performance conditions. A one-year holding lock post-vesting applies to awards granted from 
FY20 onwards, during which executives cannot sell vested LTI awards other than to pay any tax obligations. The number of LTI share 
awards to which an Executive KMP is entitled is an amount, calculated using the face value approach, equal to a specified proportion of 
his or her base salary as shown in Section 4.3. 

Relative TSR 
(comprising  
half of the LTI 
award)  

Sales revenue 
CAGR and ROCI 
(comprising half 
of the LTI share 
award)  

Minimum 
shareholding 
requirements 

Brambles 
requires ELT 
members to hold 
a meaningful 
stake in the 
Company to 
assist in aligning 
their interests 
with those of its 
shareholders. 

TSR provides a direct 
alignment of executive 
rewards to the creation of 
shareholder value through 
linking executive reward 
with the long-term 
generation of returns to 
Brambles’ shareholders.  

Relative TSR rewards the creation of 
shareholder value. 
TSR measures the returns that a company 
has provided for its shareholders, reflecting 
share price movements and reinvestment 
of dividends over a specific period. 
A relative TSR performance condition 
means that value is only delivered to 
participants if the investment return 
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. 

This portion of the LTI share award 
incentivises both long-term sales revenue 
growth and ROCI. Vesting is based on 
achievement of sales revenue targets with 
three-year performance targets set on a 
CAGR basis. The sales revenue growth 
targets are underpinned by ROCI hurdles. 
This is designed to drive profitable 
business growth, to maintain quality of 
earnings and to deliver a strong return on 
capital invested. Sales revenue CAGR is 
measured in constant currency. 

Profitable growth is 
emphasised by the use of 
sales revenue CAGR targets 
with ROCI hurdles as the 
performance conditions 
that must be satisfied for 
half of all LTI share awards 
to vest. 
This supports the delivery of 
sustainable returns to 
shareholders. 

Performance is measured over a 3-
year performance period 
(Performance Period) against 
constituents of both the ASX100 and 
the MSCI World Industrials indices, 
with each component measured 
separately and comprising 25% of 
the total LTI award. 
The vesting schedule for the portion 
of the LTI subject to TSR is outlined 
below.  

TSR 
percentile 

% Vesting of 
shares 

Below 
Threshold 

Below 
50th  

No vesting 

Threshold  50th  

50% 

Between 
Threshold 
and 
Maximum 

Between 
50th and 
75th  

Pro-rata 
straight-line 
vesting 

Maximum  75th and 

100% 

above 

Each year, a sales revenue 
CAGR/ROCI matrix is set by the 
Committee for each LTI share award, 
based on targets approved by the 
Board. This allows the Committee to 
set targets for each LTI share award 
that reward strong performance in 
light of the prevailing and forecast 
economic and trading conditions. 
The FY21-23 sales revenue 
CAGR/ROCI matrix, pertaining to  
the LTI share awards to be granted  
in October 2020, is set out in  
Section 4.3. 

Description 

The minimum shareholding requirement for the CEO is 150% of base salary and for the other ELT members is 100% 
of their respective base salaries, to be built up over five years. Each year, the Committee receives a report on the 
progress towards the attainment of the required minimum shareholding requirement. 
Whilst building their minimum shareholding requirement, ELT members are not permitted to sell Brambles shares, 
other than to pay tax obligations they incur by reason of STI or LTI share awards vesting, until they have achieved 
100% of their shareholding requirements. 
Where Executive Directors step down from their Executive Director position but continue to be employed by the 
Company, they will, under the Company's Securities Trading Policy, need the Chairman’s approval to sell or 
otherwise deal in Brambles' shares. 
Executive Directors who cease to be employees of the Company are required to retain at least 50% of their 
minimum shareholding for the 12 months following their cessation of employment. 

37

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Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report – continued  

Clawback of 
awards 

Description 

Clawback 
provisions 
operate in 
relation to  
STI and LTI share 
awards 

Under the PSP rules, the Board has discretion to reduce, cancel or lapse unvested or vested STI or LTI share awards 
in the circumstances set out in the PSP rules (a copy of the rules is on the Brambles website). These circumstances 
include to protect the financial soundness of the Group, an exceptional event which has a material impact on the 
value of the Group, a material inaccuracy in the assessment of the performance of a participant in the PSP 
(including an Executive KMP) or any subsequent or adverse development regarding the personal performance of 
such a participant. 

Remuneration 
Committee 
discretion 

Remuneration 
Committee 
discretion 
regarding At Risk 
Remuneration  

Description 

The Committee has discretion to adjust the level of At Risk Remuneration (both STI and LTI awards) based on the 
financial or share price performance of the Company and the behaviours exhibited by individual ELT members, 
including their adherence to the Company’s Code of Conduct, shared values and risk appetite. 
The Committee may, at its discretion, reduce the amount of an ELT member’s STI award (regardless of the 
achievement of corporate or personal objectives) where his or her performance or behaviour during the year has 
been assessed as not warranting all or part of an incentive payment to which he or she may otherwise be entitled.  
The Committee determines the level of LTI share award vesting following the receipt of independent TSR analysis 
and audited management reports on the outcome of the Sales CAGR/ROCI performance over the applicable 
Performance Period. The Committee’s discretion can be used to increase or decrease vesting outcomes, which 
includes reducing vesting to zero.  
In April 2020, the Remuneration Committee adopted a principles-based approach to non-financial risk, with a 
framework which provides guidelines as to the types of events that may warrant an adjustment and guidance on 
what should be considered by the Committee. Advice is provided to the Committee by the Chairman of the Audit 
Committee, the Group Senior Vice President, Human Resources, the Group Vice President, Legal and Secretariat 
and Group Vice President, Risk & Internal Audit on any major or severe incidents to be considered by the 
Committee when deciding whether to exercise its discretion to adjust any year-end remuneration outcomes. 

 Remuneration Mix for Executive KMP  

Brambles’ Executive KMP remuneration mix is linked to performance. At Risk Remuneration represents 71% to 76% of Executive 
KMP maximum remuneration package. 

The table below illustrates the remuneration potential for the Executive KMP, including Threshold, Target and Maximum potential. 

Table 3.4.1: Remuneration Potential 

Remuneration 
potential  

STI Awards* 

LTI Awards 

CEO/CFO potential  
as % of base salary 

President North America/Europe  
potential as % of base salary 

 Threshold 

70% 

46% 

Target 

120% 

88% 

Maximum 

Threshold 

180% 

130% 

60% 

35% 

Target 

100% 

68% 

Maximum 

150% 

100% 

*  Half of the STI Award is delivered in deferred STI Share Awards which vest two years from the date they are granted subject to the relevant Executive KMP remaining 

employed by the Group at the end of that period. 

The following table illustrates the level of actual remuneration received by Executive KMP compared with their respective total 
remuneration potential.  

The respective columns labelled “Actual” comprise: 

- 
- 

- 

Base salary: base salary for FY20; 
STI Awards: the STI award received in respect of FY20 performance, half of which was delivered as deferred STI share awards 
which vest in FY22 (see Section 4.2); and 
LTI shares: the proportion of the FY18-FY20 LTI share awards that vested at the end of the Year (see Section 4.3.2). 

The Remuneration Mix represents the maximum potential value of each element of the respective Executive KMP’s remuneration 
package mix that could be received in each case by the individual Executive KMP. 

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Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report – continued  

Table 3.4.2: Remuneration Mix 

Remuneration mix 

Base salary 

STI Award 

LTI Award 

Total 

CEO/CFO  
maximum  
potential 

24% 

44% 

32% 

100% 

CEO Actual 

CFO Actual 

24% 

23% 

29% 

76% 

24% 

24% 

29% 

77% 

President  
North America/ 
Europe maximum 
potential 

President  
North America 
Actual 

President Europe 
Actual 

29% 

42% 

29% 

100% 

29% 

31% 

26% 

86% 

29% 

9% 

0% 

38% 

 Brambles’ Five-Year Performance and Remuneration Outcomes 

The table below sets out the dividends paid, Brambles' share price at the beginning and the end of the financial year, the financial 
performance conditions for the STI and LTI share awards and the Company’s performance for continuing operations for the period 
FY16 to FY20 and the STI and LTI award outcomes for those years. In the following table: 

- 
- 
- 

- 

- 

financial measures relating to IFCO are included in FY16 and FY17 but, due to its divestment, not in FY18 to FY20;  
the periods prior to FY20 have not been restated for the impact of new accounting standard AASB 16 Leases; 
the periods prior to FY18 have not been restated for the impact of the new accounting standards AASB 9 Financial Instruments 
and AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers; 
the Underlying Profit and Cash Flow targets and outcomes for STI purposes are adjusted figures based on budgeted FX rates 
at the commencement of the respective financial year; and  
financial measures related to the CHEP Recycled, Oil & Gas, Aerospace and LeanLogistics businesses have not been included in 
any period due to the divestment of these businesses. 

Definitions for the financial metrics are provided in the Glossary on pages 128 to 130. 

The numbers shown below reflect Brambles’ financial statements. STI outcomes are based on adjusted outcomes. 

Dividends (cents per share)1 

Share price (A$): 1 July  

30 June  

STI and LTI Financial Measure (US$) 

BVA2 

STI financial measures (US$) 

Underlying Profit3 

Cash Flow from Operations4 

Group Free Cash Flow5 

Profit after tax6 

STI cash outcome range for Executive KMP  
(% base salary)7 

LTI measures 

Sales Revenue (US$) 

ROCI8 

TSR 

LTI outcome (% of grant)9 

FY20 
US$0.18 

12.75 

10.87 

FY19 
A$0.29 

8.88 

12.88 

FY18 
A$0.29 

9.73 

8.88 

FY17 
A$0.29 

12.32 

9.73 

FY16 
A$0.285 

10.73 

12.39 

- 

- 

- 

235.1 

332.9 

795.0 

743.9 

462.2 

477.2 

803.7 

431.8 

238.5 

454.1 

826.1 

724.8 

554.4 

553.5 

957.1 

591.5 

224.2 

444.9 

984.5 

518.8 

171.7 

592.3 

31% - 112% 

24% - 60% 

20% - 61% 

21% - 58% 

55% - 78% 

4,733.6 

17% 

21.41% 

89% 

4,595.3 

19% 

6.94% 

0% 

4,470.3 

20% 

-7.53% 

25% 

5,104.3 

17% 

16.81% 

20% 

4,900.1 

19% 

64.02% 

75% 

1   Effective from 2020, Brambles changed to a payout ratio-based dividend policy, with the dividend per share declared in US cents and converted and paid in Australian 

cents. Prior to 2020, dividends were declared and paid in Australian cents. 

2  LTI and STI measure in FY16 and FY17 only, calculated at fixed 30 June 2016 exchange rates. 
3  STI measure used during plan years FY18 to FY20. 
4  STI measure used during plan years FY17 to FY20. 
5  STI measure used during plan year FY18. Free Cash Flow includes cash flows from divested businesses. 
6  STI measure used during plan years FY16 and FY17. Periods prior to 2018 include IFCO and are consistent with previously published data. Refer to Five-Year Financial 

Performance Summary on page 127. 

7  The range of outcomes for Executive KMP are provided, as some Executive KMP had business unit financial performance conditions as well as Group conditions. 

Financial measures comprised 70% of total STI outcome in FY16 and FY17 and 80% of total STI outcome in FY18 to FY20. The balance comprised personal objectives. 

8  LTI measure used during plan years FY18 to FY20. 
9  LTI outcome is for the Performance Period ending in the relevant year. For example, the FY16 LTI outcome relates to the FY14 to FY16 Performance Period. 

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Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report – continued  

 Performance of Brambles and Remuneration Outcomes 

 FY20 STI Awards 

The following table summarises the components and weighting of objectives for the FY20 STI awards for Executive KMP: 

Executive KMP 

Corporate objectives 

Group  
Underlying Profit 

Segment  
Underlying Profit 

Group  
Cash Flow 

Segment Cash 
Flow 

Asset  
Efficiency 

50% 

20% 

- 

30% 

20% 

10% 

- 

10% 

10% 

10% 

Personal 
Objectives 
20% 

20% 

CEO, CFO 

Presidents  
North America/Europe 

Executive KMP personal objectives for FY20 are shown in the table below. Recommended targets for global metrics relating to 
safety and business strategy and growth objectives are set at the Group level and reviewed and approved by the Committee.  

Metric 

Safety 

Measurement 

The CEO and Executive KMP with operational responsibility have a personal objective safety measure. 
The objectives are zero fatalities and a specified percentage improvement in the Group or applicable 
region’s Brambles Injury Frequency Rate (BIFR) from FY20 BIFR. 

Business strategy  
and growth objectives 

Objectives are set for each Executive KMP which support and are aligned with the achievement of 
Brambles' overall business strategy and business unit objectives. 

FY20 objectives included: succession planning and talent development; asset protection and efficiency; 
capital efficiency; retention of key customer accounts; and roll out of new product lines. 

Quantitative metrics for achievement of each of these objectives are set, which allows the Committee to 
determine objectively whether they have been met. 

 STI Plan Structure and Performance  

As detailed in Table 3.3.1, the STI Plan comprises Corporate Objectives and Personal Objectives, all components of which are 
assessed against their respective performance targets to provide an overall assessment. 

The STI metrics comprise the following: 

Metric 

Weighting at Target 

Payment schedule 

Underlying Profit 

50% 

A sliding scale between the Threshold and Target, with a separate sliding scale 
between Target and Maximum. 

Cash Flow 

20% 

Two Targets to be achieved: 

-  Half-year target representing one-third of this component; and 
- 

Full-year target representing two-thirds of this component. The targets are 
all-or-nothing; there is no sliding scale. 

Asset Efficiency 

10% 

- 
- 
- 

5% at Threshold 
10% at Target 
15% at Maximum 

Personal Objectives 

20% 

The targets are all-or-nothing; there is no sliding scale between Threshold, Target 
and Maximum. 

Personal Objectives are individually assessed by the Board Chairman, reviewed by 
the Committee and approved by the Board in relation to the CEO’s STI. Personal 
Objectives of the other Executive KMP (and all ELT members) are assessed by the 
Committee. There is no over-achievement above the 20%. 

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Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report – continued  

The following table outlines performance against Brambles' Group Financial STI metrics against the targets shown. 

Brambles' Group Financial STI metrics 

Metric 

Underlying Profit 

Cash Flow from Operations 

Asset Efficiency 

Performance  

Outcome 

Between Threshold and Target 

Exceeded both First Half and Year-
end targets 

Achieved Maximum results 

Result reflects strong sales and effective 
management of operational costs despite the 
impact of Covid-19 driving higher supply chain 
costs in the core pallets business and loss of 
earnings in the Automotive and Kegstar 
businesses following customer shutdowns during 
the fourth quarter of FY20.  

Strong cash flow performance, with a successful 
year of working capital improvements driven by 
process changes improving cash collections and 
further progress on asset efficiency outcomes 
across the business with initiatives supported by 
improved use of data analytics. 

Significant improvement in asset efficiency, 
reflecting changes to the business model in 
Mexico and Turkey and overall improvements in 
efficiency of the existing asset pool driven by 
improved data analytics and a range of collection 
and other commercial initiatives driving shorter 
cycle times.  

The STI outcomes for the CEO and CFO are shown below based on performance against their STI objectives. As indicated earlier in 
this report, half of the STI award is delivered in deferred STI share awards which vest two years from the date of grant, subject to 
the applicable Executive remaining employed by the Group at the end of that period.  

CEO and CFO FY20 STI performance  

Performance category 

Underlying Profit 

Weighting 
at Target 

STI as % of 
base salary 
at Target 

Threshold 

50% 

60% 

809.8 

Achievement 

Target 

852.4 

 827.4 

Outcome  
(% of base 
salary) 

34.2% 

Maximum 

Outcome 

895.0 

Between 
Threshold and 
Target 

Cash Flow 
from 
Operations 

Full-year 
Cash 
Flow 

20% 

24% 

567.2 

  783.6 

Asset Efficiency 

10% 

12% 

20.5% 

19.6% 

18.6% 

  17.6% 

CEO Personal Objectives 

20% 

24% 

CEO Total 

100% 

120% 

CFO Personal Objectives 

20% 

24% 

CFO Total 

100% 

120% 

Exceeded 
both  

Half and Full-
year Targets 

Achieved 
Maximum 

Achieved 
72.5% of 
Personals 

Achieved 
87.5% of 
Personals 

24.0% 

18.0% 

17.4% 

93.6% 

21.0% 

97.2% 

41

Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report – continued  

In addition to the Brambles STI metrics shown above relating to Underlying Profit and Cash Flow from Operations, the Business 
Unit targets and their respective personal objective outcomes, for the Presidents of North America and Europe, were as follows. 

Business Unit metrics 

Business Unit 

Outcome 

Achievement 

President, North America 

CHEP North America Underlying Profit 

Between Target and Maximum 

104% 

CHEP North America Cash Flow 

Achieved both half and full-year Cash Flow measures 

149% of full-year target 

CHEP North America Asset Efficiency 

Achieved Maximum 

Personal Objectives 

President, Europe 

- 

CHEP Europe Underlying Profit 

Below Threshold 

16% 

71.25% 

90% 

CHEP Europe Cash Flow 

Achieved both half and full-year Cash Flow measures 

122% of full-year target 

CHEP Europe Asset Efficiency 

Achieved Maximum 

Personal Objectives 

- 

19% 

73.75% 

 Actual STI Payable and Forfeited for FY20 

Details of the STI award payable to Executive KMP and the STI award forfeited, as a percentage of the maximum potential STI award 
in respect of performance during the Year, are shown in the following table.  

Name 

G Chipchase 

N O’Sullivan 

L Nador 
M Pooley10 

Actual STI payable 
as % of base salary 

Maximum STI as % of 
base salary 

Total STI achieved 
(US$) 

% of maximum  
STI payable 

% of maximum  
STI forfeited 

94% 

97% 

112% 

31% 

180% 

180% 

150% 

150% 

1,403,196 

814,168 

510,084 

154,830 

52% 

54% 

74% 

21% 

48% 

46% 

26% 

79% 

 Executive KMP LTI Share Awards 

Executive KMP are eligible to receive an annual grant of LTI share awards. The awards are made in October each year. The 
performance conditions to which LTI share awards are subject are set out in Table 3.3.1. The number of LTI share awards to which 
an Executive KMP is entitled is an amount calculated as follows:  

[Base Salary in A$ at 30 June] x [LTI % in the table below] Divided By [Share Price calculated using the face value 
approach] = number of LTI Share Awards 

Role 

CEO/CFO 

President North America/Europe 

LTI grant as % of base salary 

130% 

100% 

 Sales Revenue CAGR/ROCI LTI Performance Matrix for FY21-FY2311 

The sales revenue CAGR/ROCI matrix for LTI share awards that will be made in October 2020 for the period FY21-FY23 is set out 
below. The sales revenue and ROCI components of the matrix are calculated on a Group basis. The prospective vesting date is in 
October 2023. ROCI is defined as Underlying Profit divided by Average Capital Invested. 

FY21-23 Sales Revenue CAGR/ROCI LTI Performance Matrix Vesting Schedule 

Sales Revenue CAGR1122 
2% 

3% 

4% 

5% 

6% 

15% 
- 

20% 

40% 

60% 

80% 

ROCI % 

16.5% 
20% 

40% 

60% 

80% 

100% 

18% 
60% 

80% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

10  M Pooley resigned from the business with his last day being 30th June 2020. He was eligible for his FY20 STI cash award, but he was not eligible for the STI share 

award component. 

11  Financial targets set for LTI share awards do 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 STI awards. 

12 Three-year CAGR over base year is used. 

42

Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report – continued  

As a policy principle, the Committee takes into account major acquisitions, divestments, impairments and Significant Items during 
the applicable Performance Period in determining the final outcome of the sales revenue CAGR/ROCI matrix for that period. 
Acquisitions or divestments that are not material to the overall outcome are excluded from any performance assessment.  

The ROCI outcome is the average ROCI over the Performance Period and is calculated by adding each year's ROCI result and 
dividing that sum by three.  

The sales revenue CAGR and ROCI targets and vesting schedules in the FY21-FY23 LTI Matrix were set by the Committee, having 
regard to the Company's Remuneration Policy outlined in Section 2 (and, particularly, aligning executive rewards with the creation 
of shareholder value and setting challenging performance targets), as well as Brambles' three-year plan for its strategic priorities 
and financial objectives. (The unprecedented nature of the Covid-19 pandemic and the economic volatility it has created has added 
considerable uncertainty to the forecasting of the sales CAGR and ROCI metrics for the FY21-FY23 matrix. In these circumstances, 
the Board may consider adjusting the matrix metrics up or down to reflect more appropriate forecast economic assumptions once 
the impact of Covid-19 on global and regional economies is better understood.) LTI vesting schedules are not intended to be, and 
should not be, relied on by current or potential Brambles' shareholders as a forecast of the Group’s future performance. 

The matrix continues to provide an appropriate balance between growth and returns well in excess of the cost of capital. 

 Performance Testing of LTI Share Awards Under the Performance Share Plan  

The Performance Period for LTI awards granted in October 2017 expired on 30 June 2020. The TSR component of these awards was 
tested against the TSR performance of Brambles over the Performance Period as determined by an independent consultant. The 
sales revenue CAGR and ROCI components of these awards were audited by Brambles’ external auditors and then tested against 
the FY18-FY20 Matrix by the Committee. The Committee also undertook the non-financial risk assessment outlined in Table 3.3.1 
and, based on that assessment, determined that no adjustment to the vesting levels for any Executive KMP was required. Based on 
those assessments, these awards vested as follows: 

Performance condition 

Performance Period 

Performance condition 

Relative TSR (ASX100) 

1 July 2017 to 30 June 2020 

Brambles’ TSR performance against the ASX 100 TSR  

Vesting 
level 

87.4% 

Relative TSR (MSCI) 

1 July 2017 to 30 June 2020 

Brambles’ TSR performance against the MCSI Industrials 

80.0% 

Sales Revenue CAGR/ROCI 

1 July 2017 to 30 June 2020 

CAGR: 6.3% 
ROCI 17.1% 

Total LTI vesting 

1 July 2017 to 30 June 2020 

95.0% 

89.3% 

43

Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report – continued  

 Total Remuneration & Benefits for the Year 

The purpose of the table below is to enable shareholders to understand the actual remuneration received by Executive KMP. The 
table provides a summary of the actual remuneration, before equity, received or receivable by the Executive KMP for the Year, 
together with prior-year comparatives. Income derived from the vesting of STI and LTI share awards during the Year has been 
included below as “Actual share income”. The value shown is the market value at the time the income became available to the 
Executive. These share awards were granted in prior financial years and vested in October 2019.  

Theoretical accounting values for unvested share awards are shown in Section 9.1. Those values are a statutory disclosure 
requirement. Unvested share awards may result in “Actual share income” in future years and, if so, the income will be reported in 
the table below in the Remuneration Report for the relevant year. 

There were no loans or other transactions with any Executive Directors or Executive KMP during the Year. 

US$'000 

Short-term employee benefits 

Post-
employment 
benefits 

Name 
Executive Directors 
G Chipchase16  

N O'Sullivan16  

Other Executive KMP 
L Nador16 

M Pooley16,17 

Totals18 

Cash / 
salary / 
fees1133 

Non- 
monetary 
benefits1144 

Cash 
bonus 

Year 

Super-
annuation 

FY20  1,726 

FY19 

1,732 

FY20 

FY19 

FY20 

FY19 

FY20 

FY19 

975 

980 

467 

448 

501 

482 

702 

817 

407 

501 

255 

104 

155 

126 

FY20  3,669  1,519 

FY19 

3,642 

1,548 

2 

12 

10 

4 

3 

8 

- 

17 

15 

41 

- 

- 

- 

- 

58 

57 

28 

66 

86 

123 

Other 

Termination 
/ sign-on 
payments 
/ retirement 

benefits  Other1155 

Actual 
share income 

Total 
before 
equity 

STI / LTI / 
MyShare 
awards 

Total 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

10  2,440 

232 

2,672 

10 

2,571 

1  1,393 

1 

1,486 

19 

18 

2 

2 

802 

635 

686 

693 

32  5,321 

31 

5,385 

5 

2,576 

194 

1,587 

1 

1,487 

33 

109 

97 

120 

556 

235 

835 

744 

783 

813 

5,877 

5,620 

13 Cash/Salary/Fees includes base salary and allowances. 
14 Non-monetary benefits includes annual medical assessment and tax support.  
15 Other includes health and salary continuance insurance.  
16 The year-on-year comparison of remuneration is affected by the movement of 30 June 2020 rates from A$1=US$0.7145, €1=US$1.1404 and £1=US$1.2943 for FY19 

and A$1=US$0.6692, €1=US$1.1064 and £1=US$1.2582 for FY20. 

17  M Pooley resigned from the business with his last day being 30 June 2020. He was eligible for the FY20 STI cash award, but was not eligible for the STI share award 

component. 

18  The comparative period does not include W Orgeldinger who was a KMP Executive during the period 1 July 2018 to 31 May 2019 when he left Brambles due to the 

sale of the IFCO RPC business. 

44

Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report – continued  

 Executive Key Management Personnel (Executive KMP) 

 Executive Key Management Personnel Changes 

There were no changes to Executive Directors during the Year, namely Graham Chipchase (Chief Executive Officer) and Nessa 
O’Sullivan (Chief Financial Officer).  

In addition to Brambles’ Executive Directors, the following executives comprise the Year’s Executive Key Management Personnel: 

Laura Nador, President, North America; and 

- 
-  Michael Pooley, President, Europe. 

Mr Pooley resigned from Brambles on 30 June 2020 to take up an opportunity elsewhere. Any unvested share awards granted to  
Mr Pooley lapsed on his resignation date. 

Mr David Cuenca was appointed to the role of President, Europe effective from 1 July 2020 following the departure of Mr Pooley. 

 Service Contracts 

Graham Chipchase and Nessa O’Sullivan 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 
annual base salary.  

Michael Pooley was, and Laura Nador is, on continuing contracts, which may be terminated without cause by the employer giving 
six months’ notice or by the employee giving six months’ notice, with payments in lieu of notice calculated by reference to annual 
base salary.  

These standard service contracts state that any termination payments made would be reduced by any value to be received under 
any new employment and are subject to limits imposed under Australian law. 

Details of Executive KMP salaries are shown in Table 5.2.1. 

 Contract Terms for Executive KMP 

Name and role(s) 
G Chipchase, Chief Executive Officer 

N O'Sullivan, Chief Financial Officer 

L Nador, President, North America  

M Pooley, President, Europe  

Base salary at 30 June 2019 

Base salary at 30 June 2020 

£1,163,000 

£650,000 

US$435,000 

£360,000 

£1,192,000 

£666,000 

US$457,000 

£400,000 

Mr Chipchase and Ms O’Sullivan received increases reflective of market movement in the UK. 

Ms Nador’s increase reflected both market movement in the USA and her additional experience in the role. 

Mr Pooley's increase included an adjustment to his salary due to additional responsibilities, including leadership for the  
BXB Digital group.  

All increases were determined in October 2019 and effective 1 January 2020, except for Mr Pooley whose increase was effective  
1 November 2019. 

 Employee Share Plan  

Brambles' employee share plan, MyShare, was launched in October 2008 and was developed as a vehicle to encourage share 
ownership and retention across the Group. Employees may buy up to A$6,000 of shares each year (Acquired Shares), which the 
Company matches (Matching Shares) on a one-for-one basis after a two-year qualifying period. The vesting and automatic exercise 
of Matching Shares occurs on the second anniversary of the first acquisition.  

In 2020, MyShare was offered in an additional 19 countries. Together with the previous 41 countries where it operated, MyShare is 
now a global all-employee share plan. For the 2020 MyShare plan onwards, all permanent employees of Brambles, in any country of 
the world, will be eligible to join the plan.  

As of 1 March 2020, 3.66 million Brambles shares were held by 4,720 MyShare participants.  

Executive KMP are eligible to participate in MyShare. Shares obtained by Executive KMP through MyShare are included in  
Section 9.6. Matching Shares allocated but not yet vested are shown in Sections 9.5 and 9.7. 

During the Year, 916,680 Brambles shares were purchased on-market under the MyShare plan, being the Acquired Shares 
purchased by participants in that plan, at an average price of A$11.73 per share. The accounting share value at grant ranged from 
A$10.45 to A$12.44 (up to 30 June 2020) based on the monthly share price value. For further details of the share grant values, refer 
to Section 9.8 of the Remuneration Report and Note 20 of the Financial Report. 

45

Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report 
 
Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report – continued  

 Non-Executive Directors’ Disclosures  

 Non-Executive Directors’ Remuneration Policy 

The Chairman’s fees are determined by the Remuneration Committee, with the Chairman exempting himself from the decision. The 
other Non-Executive Directors’ fees are determined by the Chairman and Executive Directors. In setting the fees, advice is sought 
from external remuneration advisors on the appropriate level of fees, taking into account the responsibilities of Non-Executive 
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. 

All Non-Executive Directors’ fees are set in Australian dollars and paid in local currencies. 

Brambles’ base fees for Non-Executive Directors are set with reference to the comparator group of Australian companies with 
market capitalisation between 50% and 200% of Brambles’ 12-month average at year end, which is consistent with Brambles’ policy 
on executive pay. 

There has been no increase in Chairman and Non-Executive Director base fees since 1 July 2016. There will not be any increase in 
fees for the Chairman or Non-Executive Directors for FY21.  

The base fees for the Chairman and Non-Executive Directors are as follows: 

Chairman: A$627,000; and 

- 
-  Non-Executive Directors: A$209,000. 

The following travel allowances and Committee member fees were also not increased during the Year: 

- 

- 
- 
- 

Supplement for members of the Audit and Remuneration Committees: A$25,000. The Board Chairman does not receive the 
supplement if he or she is a member of either of these Committees; 
Supplement for Chair of the Audit Committee: A$50,000; 
Supplement for Chair of the Remuneration Committee: A$40,000; and 
Travel allowance of A$5,000 where a meeting involved a long-haul international trip. 

The next fee review will take effect from 1 July 2021. 

 Non-Executive Directors’ Appointment Letters 

Non-Executive 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. The Corporate Governance Statement, available on Brambles’ website, 
contains details of the process for appointing and re-electing Non-Executive Directors and of the years in which the Non-Executive 
Directors are next due for re-election by shareholders. 

Letters of appointment for Non-Executive Directors, which are contracts for service but not contracts of employment, have been 
put in place. These letters confirm that 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 served. 

Non-Executive Directors do not participate in the PSP or MyShare plans. 

Mr Johns retired from his role as a Non-Executive Director and Chairman of the Board on 30 June 2020. Mr Mullen was appointed 
to the Board on 1 November 2019 and took over as Chairman of the Board from 1 July 2020. 

Dr Scheinkestel was appointed to the Board on 1 June 2020. Dr Scheinkestel is a member of the Audit Committee and will assume 
the role of Audit Committee Chair on 20 August 2020 (Mr Long will retire from the Board upon the conclusion of the Brambles’ 
Annual General Meeting on 8 October 2020). 

Mr McCall was appointed to the Board on 6 July 2020. 

46

Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report 
 
Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report – continued  

 Non-Executive Directors’ Shareholdings  

Non-Executive Directors are required 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 ordinary shares in which Non-Executive Directors held relevant interests, 
being issued shares held by them and their related parties:19 

Ordinary shares 
Non-Executive Directors as at 30 June 2020 

Balance at the start of the Year 

Changes during the Year 

Balance at the end of the Year 

G El-Zoghbi 

E Fagan 

A G Froggatt 

T Hassan 
S P Johns20 

B Long 

J Miller 

J Mullen 

S Perkins 

N Scheinkestel 

Former Non-Executive Director 

D P Gosnell 

 35,000  

20,000 

14,890 

15,000 

61,049 

24,000 

- 

- 

20,000 

7,134 

22,910 

-  

- 

 -  

 -  

- 

- 

5,150 

- 

-  

- 

 - 

35,000  

20,000 

 14,890  

15,000  

61,049 

24,000  

5,150 

- 

20,000  

7,134 

22,910  

19 G El-Zoghbi: Held by The George El-Zoghbi Trust Agreement on behalf of George El-Zoghbi.  

E Fagan: Held by LG Vestra, Bank of New York Mellon on behalf of Elizabeth Fagan. 
A G Froggatt: Of which 7,000 shares are held by Christine Joanne Froggatt and 7,890 shares are held by Anthony Grant Froggatt. 
T Hassan: Held by RBC Dexia Custodian on behalf of Tahira Hassan. 
S P Johns: Of which 38,713 ordinary shares held by Canzak Pty Ltd and 22,336 ordinary shares held by Caran Pty Limited. 
B Long: Held by BJ Long Investments Pty Limited. 
J Miller: Held by The Miller Family Revocable Trust on behalf of James Miller. 
S Perkins: Held by Perkins Family Super Pty Ltd ATF Perkins Family S/F A/C. 
N Scheinkestel: Held by Nora Scheinkestel. The "Balance at the start of the Year" is as at 1 June 2020 when she was appointed as a Brambles director. 
D P Gosnell: Held by Charles Stanley & Co Australia in the name of Susan Gosnell. 

20 S P Johns retired from the Board on 30 June 2020. 

47

Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report – continued  

 Non-Executive Directors’ Remuneration for the Year  

Fees and other benefits provided to Non-Executive Directors during the Year and the prior year are set out in Table 7.4.1 below in  
US dollars. The full names of the Non-Executive Directors and the dates of any changes in Non-Executive Directors during the Year 
are shown in the Directors’ Report – Additional Information on page 53. Non-Executive Directors do not receive any share-based 
payments. 

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

 Table: Non-Executive Directors’ Remuneration for the Year  

US$'000 

Name 

Short-term employee benefits 

Year 

Directors’ fees 

Post-employment benefits 
Other2211 

Superannuation 

Total 

Non-Executive Directors as at 30 June 2020 

G El-Zoghbi 

E Fagan 

A G Froggatt 

T Hassan 

S P Johns22 

B J Long 

J Miller 

J Mullen23 

S Perkins 

N Scheinkestel24 

FY20 

FY19 

FY20 

FY19 

FY20 

FY19 

FY20 

FY19 

FY20 

FY19 

FY20 

FY19 

FY20 

FY19 

FY20 

FY19 

FY20 

FY19 

FY20 

FY19 

Former Non-Executive Director 
D Gosnell25 

FY20 

Totals26 

FY19 

FY20 

FY19 

 Remuneration Governance 

 Remuneration Committee 

162  

163  

167  

159  

150  

172  

156  

156  

395  

419  

161  

185  

155  

45  

95  

-  

165  

156  

12  

-  

53  

156  

1,671  

1,611  

8  

8  

8  

8  

13  

16  

7  

7  

28  

40  

15  

18  

7  

2  

9  

-  

7  

15  

1  

-  

3  

7  

106  

121  

2  

2  

2  

-  

-  

-  

1  

2  

10  

10  

-  

-  

2  

-  

-  

-  

-  

-  

-  

-  

4  

2  

21  

16  

172  

173  

177  

167  

163  

188  

164  

165  

433  

469  

176  

203  

164  

47  

104  

-  

172  

171  

13  

-  

60  

165  

1,798  

1,748  

The Committee operates under delegated authority from Brambles’ Board. The Committee’s responsibilities include: 

Recommending overall Remuneration Policy to the Board; 

- 
-  Determining and implementing a process to enable the Committee to satisfy itself that the conduct of members of the ELT is 

consistent with Brambles’ Code of Conduct, shared values and risk appetite and reviewing and, if necessary, amending that 
process from time to time; 
Recommending to the Board the overall remuneration for the CEO; 

- 

21 The Other column includes tax support services, car parking and Fringe Benefits Tax.  
22 S P Johns retired from the Board on 30 June 2020. 
23 J Mullen was appointed to the Board on 1 November 2019. 
24 N Scheinkestel was appointed to the Board on 1 June 2020.  
25 D Gosnell retired from the Board on 10 October 2019.  
26 The year-on-year comparison of remuneration is affected by the movement of exchange rates from A$1=US$0.7145, €1=US$1.1404 and £1=US$1.2943 for FY19 and 

A$1=US$0.6692, €1=US$1.1064 and £1=US$1.2582 for FY20. 

48

Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report – continued  

- 
- 

Approving the remuneration arrangements for the other Executive KMP; and 
Reviewing the Remuneration Policy and individual remuneration arrangements for other senior executives. 

During the Year, the Committee adopted the principles-based approach to non-financial risks, described in Table 3.3.1, to assist  
it in assessing the behaviours of executives and their remuneration outcomes. The Committee also works closely with the  
Audit Committee for assurance on the integrity of the financial performance outcomes underlying remuneration determination. 
More broadly, the Committee considers the Group’s overall performance, both financial and non-financial, in its remuneration 
determinations. 

During the Year, members of the Committee were Mr Froggatt (Committee Chairman from July to October), Mr El-Zoghbi 
(Committee Chairman from November to February, when he resigned as Committee Chairman due to taking up his role as  
CEO of Arnott’s Biscuits Limited), Mr Perkins (Committee Chairman from March onwards), Mr Johns, Mr Mullen, Ms Hassan and  
Mr Miller. Other individuals are invited to attend Committee meetings as required by the Committee. This includes members of 
Brambles’ management team including the CEO; Group Senior Vice President, Human Resources; Group Vice President, Legal and 
Secretariat; and Senior Vice President, Reward, as well as Brambles’ external remuneration advisor, Ernst & Young (EY). 

During the Year, the Committee held six meetings. 

Details of the Committee’s Charter and the rules of Brambles’ executive and employee share plans can be found under Charters 
and Related Documents in the Corporate Governance section of Brambles’ website. 

 Securities Trading Policy and Incentive Awards 

Brambles' Securities Trading Policy applies to share awards granted under the incentive arrangements described in this report. That 
policy prohibits designated persons (including all Executive KMP) from acquiring financial products or entering into arrangements 
that have the effect of limiting exposure to the risk of price movements of Brambles’ securities. It is a term 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 executives have complied with all policies. 

 Remuneration Advisor 

The Committee has appointed EY as Brambles’ remuneration advisor to assist the Company with Non-Executive Director and 
executive remuneration matters. In performing its role, the Committee directly requests and receives information and advice from 
EY. 

During the Year, no remuneration recommendations, as defined by the Act, were provided by EY.  

 Other Reporting requirements 

 Share-based Payments – Future Potential 

The table below provides annual accounting values for share awards granted during years FY18 to FY20, which have been 
amortised over two to three years. These share awards are subject to conditions set out in Section 4. Remuneration will normally 
not be received as a result of the underlying share awards vesting until the conditions have been met. 

US$'000 

Name 

Executive Directors 

G Chipchase 

N O'Sullivan 

Other Executive KMP 

L Nador 

M Pooley 

Totals 

Year 

FY20 

FY19 

FY20 

FY19 

FY20 

FY19 

FY20 

FY19 

FY20 

FY19 

Total before 
equity 

2,440 

2,571 

1,393 

1,486 

802 

635 

686 

693 

5,321 

5,385 

Share-based payment 

Percentage of 
total remuneration 

40% 

34% 

45% 

32% 

29% 

26% 

N/A 

29% 

Awards 

1,625 

1,310 

1,121 

710 

329 

219 

(237)27 

284 

2,839 

2,523 

27 M Pooley’s share-based payment amount for FY20 is negative as a result of the forfeiture of his unvested awards upon his departure on 30 June 2020. 

Total 

4,065 

3,881 

2,514 

2,196 

1,131 

854 

449 

977 

8,160 

7,908 

49

Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report – continued  

 LTI Share Awards Yet to be Tested  

The following table provides details of the level of vesting for the TSR component of LTI share awards granted in FY19 and FY20 if 
the current TSR performance was to be maintained until the end of the applicable Performance Period:  

Awards 
made 
during 

FY19 

FY19 

FY20 

FY20 

Performance condition 

Start of 
Performance 
Period 

End of 
Performance 
Period 

Out-performance  
of median company’s  
TSR (%)2288 

Period to 30 June 2020:  
vesting if current performance is maintained 
until testing date (% of original award) 

Relative TSR (ASX 100) 

1 July 2018 

30 June 2021  N/A 

Relative TSR (MSCI) 

1 July 2018 

30 June 2021  N/A 

100% LTI TSR awards 

100% LTI TSR awards 

Relative TSR (ASX 100) 

1 July 2019 

30 June 2022  N/A 

75.25% LTI TSR awards 

Relative TSR (MSCI) 

1 July 2019 

30 June 2022  N/A 

56.0% LTI TSR awards 

The following table provides details of the level of vesting for the sales revenue CAGR/ROCI component of LTI share awards 
granted in FY19 and FY20 if the current sales revenue CAGR/ROCI performance were to be maintained until the end of the 
applicable Performance Period: 

Awards 
made  
during 

FY19 

FY20 

Performance condition 

Start of  
Performance Period 

End of  
Performance Period 

Period to 30 June 2020: vesting if 
current performance is maintained until  
testing date (% of original award) 

Sales Revenue CAGR/ROCI 

1 July 2018 

30 June 2021 

50.0% LTI Sales Revenue ROCI awards 

Sales Revenue CAGR/ROCI 

1 July 2019 

30 June 2022 

50.0% LTI Sales Revenue ROCI awards 

 Summary of STI and LTI Share Awards 

The table below contains details of the STI and LTI awards granted in which former or current Executive KMP have unvested and/or 
unexercised awards that could affect remuneration in this or future reporting periods. STI and LTI share awards do not have an 
exercise price and carry no dividend or voting rights. The LTI share awards described as LTI TSR awards vest on the third anniversary 
of their grant date, subject to continued employment and meeting the relevant TSR performance condition set out in Section 4.3. 
The LTI share awards described as LTI ROCI vest on the third anniversary of their grant date, subject to continued employment and 
meeting a sales revenue CAGR/ROCI performance condition set out in Section 4.3.1. 

Details pertaining to Brambles' employee share plan, MyShare, are in Section 6. 

Performance Share Plan awards 

Vesting condition 

STI awards 

LTI TSR awards 

100% vesting based on continuous employment 

50% vesting if TSR is equal to the median ranked company 
100% vesting if at 75th percentile  

FY18-FY20 LTI ROCI award 

30% vesting occurs if CAGR is 4% and ROCI is 15% over three-year period 

100% vesting occurs if CAGR is 6% and ROCI is 18% over three-year period 

FY19-FY21 LTI ROCI award 

20% vesting occurs if CAGR is 4% and ROCI is 16% over three-year period 

100% vesting occurs if CAGR is 6% and ROCI is 19% over three-year period 

FY20-FY22 LTI ROCI award 

20% vesting occurs if CAGR is 3% and ROCI is 16.5% over three-year period 

100% vesting occurs if CAGR is 4% and ROCI is 19.5% over three-year period 

The terms and conditions of each grant of STI and LTI share awards affecting remuneration of Executive KMP in this or future 
reporting periods are outlined in the table below. Awards granted under the plans do not have an exercise price and carry no 
dividend or voting rights. The STI awards vest on the second anniversary of their grant date, subject to continued employment.  

Performance Share 
Plan Awards 

STI/LTI TSR/ 
FY18-FY20 LTI ROCI  

STI/LTI TSR/ 
FY19-FY21 LTI ROCI  

STI/LTI TSR/ 
FY20-FY22 LTI ROCI  

Grant date 

Expiry date 

Value at grant 

Status/vesting date 

23 October 2017  

23 October 2023  

A$8.77 (STI) / A$8.51 (ROCI) /  

STI - 23 October 2019  

A$3.44 (TSR-ASX) / A$3.50 (TSR - MSCI)  

LTI - 23 October 2020  

2 September 2018 

2 September 2024  A$10.33 (STI) / A$10.02 (ROCI) /  

STI - 2 September 2020  

A$6.74 (TSR-ASX) / A$7.32 (TSR-MSCI)  

LTI - 2 September 2021  

15 October 2019 

15 October 2025 

A$11.53 (STI) / A$10.54 (ROCI) /  

STI – 15 October 2021 

A$4.75 (TSR-ASX) / A$5.14 (TSR-MSCI) 

LTI – 15 October 2022 

28 Performance against both the ASX 100 and MSCI World Industrials indices will be based on the standard TSR ranking approach, with threshold vesting commencing at 

the 50th percentile and progressively vesting to full vesting at the 75th percentile.  

50

Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report 
 
Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report – continued  

 Basis of Valuation of STI and LTI Share Awards 

Unless otherwise specified, the fair values of the STI and LTI share awards included in the tables in this report have been estimated 
by EY Transaction Advisory Services in accordance with the requirements of AASB 2: Share-based Payments, using a Monte Carlo 
Simulation model and a Binomial model. Assumptions used in the evaluations are outlined in Note 20 on pages 97 and 98 of the 
financial statements. 

This fair value is not used to calculate the number of STI and LTI share awards granted to executives. The number of share awards 
granted is based on the market value of Brambles' shares calculated on a five-day volume weighted average share price prior to the 
grant date. This is termed a "face value approach". 

 Equity-Based Awards 

The following table shows details of equity-based awards made to Executive KMP during the Year. STI and LTI share awards were 
made under the PSP, the terms and conditions of which are set out in Section 3. MyShare Matching Shares were made under 
MyShare, the terms and conditions of which are set out in Section 6. Approval for the STI and LTI share awards and MyShare 
Matching Awards issued to Mr Chipchase and Ms O'Sullivan was obtained under ASX Listing Rule 10.14. 

Name 

Executive Directors 

G Chipchase 

N O'Sullivan 

Other Executive KMP 

L Nador 

M Pooley 

 Shareholdings  

Type of award 

Number 

Value at grant US$'0002299 

STI 

LTI 

MyShare Matching Shares 

Totals 

STI 

LTI 

MyShare Matching Shares 

Totals 

STI 

LTI 

MyShare Matching Shares 

Totals 

STI 

LTI 

MyShare Matching Shares 

Totals 

104,605  

250,521 

431  

355,557 

64,150 

140,016 

432 

204,598 

13,436 

56,372 

453 

70,261 

16,158  

59,652  

463  

76,273 

807 

1,933 

3 

2,743 

495 

1,080 

3 

1,578 

104 

435 

4 

543 

125  

460  

4  

589 

The following table shows details of Brambles Limited ordinary shares in which the Executive KMP held relevant interests, being 
issued shares held by them and their related parties.30,31 

Ordinary shares 

Executive Directors 

G Chipchase 

N O'Sullivan 

Other Executive KMP 

L Nador 

M Pooley 

Balance at the start of the Year 

Changes during the Year 

Balance at the end of the Year 

32,722 

880 

14,615 

2,092 

15,490 

21,911 

3,390 

(2,048) 

48,212 

22,791 

18,005 

44 

29 The total value of the relevant equity award(s) is valued as at the date of grant using the methodology set out in Section 3.2. 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.  

30 On 31 July 2020, the following Executive KMP acquired ordinary shares under MyShare, which are held by Sargon CT Pty Ltd: G Chipchase (38); N O'Sullivan (37);  

and L Nador (36).  
On 31 July 2020, the following Executive KMP received Matching Awards under MyShare: G Chipchase (38); N O'Sullivan (37); and L Nador (36). 

31 G Chipchase: of which 17,200 shares are held by Rathbones Nominees Ltd, 14,000 shares are held by Rathbones Investment Management Ltd and 17,012 shares are 

held by Sargon CT Pty Ltd. 
N O'Sullivan: of which 9,000 shares are held in her own name and 13,791 shares are held by Sargon CT Pty Ltd.   
L Nador: of which 3,773 shares are held in her own name and 14,232 are held by Sargon CT Pty Ltd.  
M Pooley: all of his shares are held by Sargon CT Pty Ltd. 

51

Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report – continued  

 Interests in Share Rights32 

The following table shows details of rights over Brambles Limited ordinary shares in which the Executive KMP held relevant 
interests: being STI and LTI share awards made on 23 September 2013, 2 November 2015, 2 September 2016, 10 October 2016,  
6 March 2017, 23 October 2017, 2 September 2018 and 15 October 2019 under the PSP; and Matching Shares, being conditional 
rights awarded during the Year under MyShare.33,34,35 

Balance at the 
start of the Year 

Number 

Granted 
during 
the Year 

Number 

Exercised 
during 
the Year 

Number 

Lapsed 
during 
the Year 

Number 

Balance at 
the end of 
the Year 

Number 

Vested and exercisable 
at the end of the Year 

Value at 
exercise 

Number 

 US$'000 

783,754  

459,768  

134,274  

180,581  

355,557  

(28,257) 

(168,432) 

942,622  

204,598  

(23,603) 

(102,852) 

537,911  

70,261  

(7,288) 

(11,398) 

185,849  

76,273  

(33,767) 

(223,087) 

- 

-  

-  

-  

-  

232  

194  

57  

280  

Name 
Executive Directors 

G Chipchase 

N O'Sullivan 

Other Executive KMP 

L Nador 

M Pooley 

 Employee Share Plan 

The terms and conditions of each grant of Matching Shares affecting remuneration in this or future reporting periods are outlined 
in the table below. Share rights granted under the plans do not have an exercise price and carry no dividend or voting rights.  

Plan 

Grant date 

Expiry date 

Value at grant 

MyShare 201836 

MyShare 201937 

MyShare 202038 

Each month from  
31 March 2018 to  
28 February 2019 

Each month from  
31 March 2019 to  
28 February 2020 

Each month from  
31 March 2020 to  
31 July 2020 

1 April 2020 

Values range per month from  
A$8.47 to A$11.18 

Matching Shares / 
vesting date 

31 March 2020 

1 April 2021 

Values range per month from  
A$10.75 to A$12.44 

31 March 2021 

1 April 2022 

Values range per month from  
A$10.26 to A$10.93 

31 March 2022 

32 Of the awards detailed in Section 9.3 and Section 6, the following plans' items are relevant to Executive KMP: G Chipchase, N O'Sullivan, L Nador, M Pooley (STI,  

LTI TSR, LTI FY18 to FY20 ROCI, LTI FY19 to FY21 ROCI, LTI FY20 to FY22 ROCI, MyShare 2018, 2019 and 2020) and M Pooley (STI sign-on awards).  
Lapses occurred for: G Chipchase, N O'Sullivan, L Nador, M Pooley (LTI FY17 to FY19 TSR) and M Pooley (LTI TSR, LTI FY18 to FY20 ROCI, LTI FY19 to FY21 ROCI,  
LTI FY20 to FY22 ROCI, MyShare 2019 and 2020). 
Exercises occurred for: G Chipchase, N O'Sullivan, L Nador, M Pooley (STI, MyShare 2018). 

33 Of the rights exercised during the Year, no monies were paid or payable on exercise. The shares issued on exercise of share rights are fully paid up.  
34 During the Year, 2,694,715 equity-settled performance share rights were granted under the PSP, of which 355,126 were granted to G Chipchase and 204,166 were 
granted to N O’Sullivan. 916,680 Matching Shares were granted under MyShare during the Year, of which 431 were granted to G Chipchase and 432 were granted  
to N O’Sullivan. 

35 "Lapse" in this context means that the awards were forfeited due to either the applicable service or performance conditions not being met. 
36 The Matching Shares granted under the MyShare 2018 Plan vested on 31 March 2020, subject to continuing employment and the retention of the associated Acquired 

Shares. On vesting they are automatically exercised.  

37 The Matching Shares granted under the MyShare 2019 Plan vest on 31 March 2021, subject to continuing employment and the retention of the associated Acquired 

Shares. On vesting they are automatically exercised.  

38 The final grant under the MyShare 2020 Plan will occur on 26 February 2021. For FY20 reporting purposes, data is only available up to 31 July 2020. The remaining 

information will be reported in the 2021 Annual Report. The Matching Shares granted under MyShare will vest on 31 March 2022, subject to continuing employment 
and the retention of the associated Acquired Shares. On vesting they are automatically exercised.  

52

Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report – Additional 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 2020 (the Year). 

Principal Activities 
The principal activities of the Group during the Year were the 
provision of supply chain logistics solutions, focusing on the 
provision of reusable pallets and containers, of which 
Brambles is a leading global provider. 

Further details of the Group’s activities are set out in the 
Operating & Financial Review on pages 4 to 25. 

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

Review of Operations and Results  
A review of the Group’s operations and of the results of  
those operations are given in the Letter from the Chairman & 
CEO and the Operating & Financial Review from pages 2 to 
25. 

Information about the financial position of the Group is 
included in the Operating & Financial Review and in the Five-
Year Financial Performance Summary on page 127. 

Significant Changes in State of Affairs 
There were no significant changes to the state of affairs of the 
Group for the Year. 

Matters Since the End of the Financial Year 
The Directors are not aware of any matter or circumstance 
that has arisen since 30 June 2020 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. 

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 & CEO and in the Operating 
& Financial Review on pages 2 to 25. 

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. 

Dividends and Special Distributions 
The Directors have declared a final dividend for the Year of 
9.0 US cents per share, to be paid in Australian dollars and will 
be 12.54 Australian cents per share, and which will be 30% 
franked. The dividend will be paid on 8 October 2020 to 
shareholders on the register on 10 September 2020. 

On 9 April 2020, an interim dividend for the Year was paid, 
which was 9.0 US cents per share and 30% franked.  

On 10 October 2019, a final dividend for the year ended 
30 June 2019 was paid, which was 14.5 Australian cents per 
share and 30% franked. 

In addition, on 22 October 2019: 

- 

- 

a special dividend was paid, which was 17 Australian 
cents per share and 0% franked; and 
a capital return of 12 Australian cents per share was paid. 

The unfranked component of each dividend paid during the 
Year was conduit foreign income. This means that no 
Australian dividend withholding tax was payable on the 
dividends that Brambles paid to non-resident shareholders. 

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 they served as a Director during the Year, is set out 
below. 

The qualifications, experience and special responsibilities of 
Directors are set out on pages 26 to 29. 

Graham Andrew Chipchase  1 July 2019 to date 

George El-Zoghbi 

1 July 2019 to date 

Elizabeth Fagan 

1 July 2019 to date 

Anthony Grant Froggatt 

1 July 2019 to date 

David Peter Gosnell 

1 July 2019 to 10 October 2019 

Tahira Hassan 

1 July 2019 to date 

Stephen Paul Johns 

1 July 2019 to 30 June 2020 

Brian James Long 

1 July 2019 to date 

Kenneth Stanley McCall 

6 July 2020 to date 

James Richard Miller 

1 July 2019 to date 

John Patrick Mullen 

1 November 2019 to date 

Nessa O'Sullivan 

1 July 2019 to date 

Scott Redvers Perkins 

1 July 2019 to date 

Nora Lia Scheinkestel 

1 June 2020 to date 

Secretary 
Details of the qualifications and the experience of  
Robert Nies Gerrard, Group Vice President, Legal & Secretariat 
and Company Secretary of Brambles Limited, are set out on 
page 31. 

Details of the qualifications and experience of Carina Thuaux, 
Deputy Company Secretary of Brambles Limited, are as 
follows: Carina joined Brambles in January 2014 as  
Assistant Company Secretary, and was appointed Deputy 
Company Secretary and Legal Counsel in April 2018. Prior to 
joining Brambles, she was a solicitor with King & Wood 
Mallesons. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor 
of Law from the University of New South Wales. She is a 
Solicitor of the Supreme Court of New South Wales. 

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 

53

Directors’ Report – Additional InformationDirectors’ Report – Additional Information – continued 

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: 

indemnity is revoked by Brambles Limited in accordance 
with the terms of the indemnity; and 
any Loss to the extent it is caused by or arises from any 
breach by the Beneficiary of the terms of the indemnity. 

- 

- 

in respect of a liability other than for legal costs: 

- 

- 

- 

a liability owed to Brambles Limited or a related body 
corporate; 
a liability for a pecuniary penalty order under section 
1317G of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (Act) or a 
compensation order under section 1317H of the Act; 
or 
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 

- 

in respect of a liability for legal costs: 

- 

- 

- 

- 

in defending or resisting criminal proceedings in 
which the person is found to have a liability for which 
they could not have been indemnified in respect of a 
liability owed to Brambles Limited or a related body 
corporate; 
in defending or resisting criminal proceedings in 
which the person is found guilty. This does not apply 
to costs incurred in responding to actions brought by 
the Australian Securities & Investment Commission 
(ASIC) or a liquidator as part of an investigation 
before commencing proceedings for a Court order; 
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. 

As allowed by its constitution, Brambles Limited has provided 
indemnities to its 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 Brambles Limited excludes the 
following matters: 

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; 
any Loss to the extent indemnity in respect of that Loss is 
prohibited under the Act (or any other law); 
any Loss to the extent it arises from private or personal 
acts or omissions of the Beneficiary; 
any Loss comprising the reimbursement of normal day-
to-day expenses such as travelling expenses; 
any Loss to the extent the Beneficiary failed to act 
reasonably to mitigate the Loss; 
any Loss to the extent it is caused by or arises from acts 
or omissions of the Beneficiary after the date the 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

54

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. 

Employees 
The 2020 Sustainability Review, which will be available on 
Brambles’ website in September 2020, will contain details of 
Brambles’ performance as an employer. 

Environment 
Brambles’ Environmental Policy is set by the Board. It applies 
in all countries where Brambles operates. The Environmental 
Policy provides that Brambles will act with integrity and 
respect for the community and the environment and be 
committed to sound environmental practice in its daily 
operations. It is a minimum requirement that all Brambles' 
operations comply with all relevant environmental laws and 
regulations.  

Brambles has set environmental performance targets as part 
of its sustainability strategy. Reporting of performance  
against those targets will be contained in Brambles’ 2020 
Sustainability Review, which will be available on the Brambles 
website in September 2020. A copy of the complete 
Environmental Policy is set out in Brambles’ Code of Conduct, 
which is available at brambles.com 

Occupational Health and Safety 
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 has adopted a Zero Harm Charter, which sets out 
the vision, values and behaviours and commitment required 
to work safely and ensure human rights and environmental 
compliance is provided to all employees and, together with 
the complete Health and Safety Policy, is on the Brambles 
website at brambles.com 

The Chief Executive Officer, together with the Group's 
business unit presidents, are responsible for policy 
implementation and safety performance. 

Health and safety performance indicators measure compliance 
with corporate objectives and milestones, allow assessment of 
progress and provide incentives for improvement. The 
Financial Review on page 14, sets out the performance of the 
Group against its principal performance indicator, the 
Brambles Injury Frequency Rate. More detailed reporting on 
health and safety performance will be shown in the 2020 
Sustainability Review, which will be available on Brambles’ 
website in September 2020. 

Directors’ Report – Additional InformationDirectors’ Report – Additional Information – continued 

Directors’ Meetings 
Details of Board Committee memberships are given in the Directors' biographies on pages 26 to 29. The following table  
shows the actual Board and Committee meetings held during the Year and the number attended by each Director or  
Committee member. 

Board meetings 

Regular 

Special 
Committees 

Audit Committee 
meetings 

Remuneration 
Committee 
meetings 

Nominations 
Committee 
meetings 

Nominations 
Committee Chair 
Sub-Committee 
meetings 

Directors 

G A Chipchase 

G El-Zoghbi 

E Fagan 

A G Froggatt 

T Hassan 

B J Long 

J R Miller 

J P Mullen 

N O'Sullivan 

S R Perkins 

(a) 

12 

12 

12 

12 

12 

12 

12 

7 

12 

12 

N L Scheinkestel  1 

Former Directors 

D P Gosnell 

S P Johns 

4 

12 

(b) 

12 

12 

12 

12 

12 

12 

12 

8 

12 

12 

1 

5 

12 

(a) 

3 

- 

- 

- 

- 

2 

- 

- 

2 

1 

- 

- 

3 

(b) 

(a) 

(b) 

(a) 

(b) 

(a) 

(b) 

(a) 

(b) 

3 

- 

- 

- 

- 

2 

- 

- 

2 

1 

- 

- 

3 

- 

- 

6 

- 

- 

6 

- 

- 

- 

6 

1 

2 

- 

- 

- 

6 

- 

- 

6 

- 

- 

- 

6 

1 

2 

- 

- 

6 

- 

6 

6 

6 

- 

3 

- 

2 

- 

- 

6 

- 

6 

- 

6 

6 

6 

- 

3 

- 

2 

- 

- 

6 

- 

6 

4 

6 

- 

- 

- 

4 

- 

3 

- 

2 

6 

- 

6 

4 

6 

- 

- 

- 

4 

- 

4 

- 

2 

6 

- 

2 

1 

2 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1 

2 

- 

2 

1 

2 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1 

2 

a)  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)  The number of meetings held while the Director was a member of the Board or relevant Committee which the Director was 

eligible to attend. 

55

Directors’ Report – Additional Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
Directors’ Report – Additional Information – continued 

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 2017. 

Director 

G A Chipchase 

G El-Zoghbi 

E Fagan 

A G Froggatt 

T Hassan 

B J Long 

K S McCall 

J R Miller 

J P Mullen 

N O'Sullivan 

S R Perkins 

Listed company 

AstraZeneca plc 

The Kraft Heinz Company 

None 

None 

None  

Commonwealth Bank of Australia 

OneMarket Limited 

Post Office Limited 

The RealReal, Inc. 

Wayfair, Inc. 

Telstra Corporation Limited 

Period directorship held 

2012 to current 

2018 to current 

- 

- 

- 

2010 to December 2018 

2018 to December 2019 

2016 to current 

2019 to current 

2016 to May 2020 

2008 to current 

Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. 

2017 to February 2020 

Molson Coors Beverage Company 

May 2020 to current 

Woolworths Limited 

Origin Energy Limited 

2014 to current 

2015 to current 

2014 to current 

2015 to current 

2016 to current 

2010 to current 

N L Scheinkestel 

Atlas Arteria: 

- Atlas Arteria Limited1 

- Atlas Arteria International Limited1 

AusNet Services Ltd 

Telstra Corporation Limited 

1  Stapled entities. 

56

Directors’ Report – Additional Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report – Additional Information – continued 

Environmental Regulation 
Except as set out below, the Group’s operations 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. 

The Group’s operations are subject to numerous 
environmental laws and regulations in the other countries in 
which it operates. There were no material breaches of these 
laws or regulations during the Year. 

Corporate Governance Statement 
Brambles is committed to observing the corporate 
governance requirements applicable to publicly listed 
companies in Australia. The Board has adopted a corporate 
governance framework designed to enable Brambles to meet 
its legal, regulatory and governance requirements. 

The Australian Securities Exchange Corporate Governance 
Council Corporate Governance Principles and 
Recommendations (CGPR), Fourth Edition (Fourth Edition) 
took effect, for Brambles, from 1 July 2020. During the Year, 
Brambles carried out a structured process of reviewing, and 
where necessary amending, its corporate governance policies 
and practices having regard to the changes affected by the 
Fourth Edition, although in many cases the Fourth Edition 
changes were already a part of Brambles' existing corporate 
governance framework. The amendments adopted by the 
Board took effect at various stages during the Year or on  
1 July 2020. 

During the Year, the Board believes Brambles met or exceeded 
all the requirements of the Third Edition of the CGPR, those 
parts of the Fourth Edition of the CGPR which were part of its 
existing corporate governance framework, and those parts of 
the Fourth Edition of the CGPR which Brambles adopted prior 
to 30 June 2020. Brambles' 2020 Corporate Governance 
Statement is on Brambles' website at 
brambles.com/corporate-governance-overview 

Interests in Securities 
Pages 47 and 51 of the Directors’ Report – 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. 

outstanding over Brambles Limited ordinary shares at the 
Year-end are given in Notes 19 and 20 of the Financial Report 
on pages 96 to 98. 

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: 

- 
- 

- 

88,571 grants under the 2020 MyShare plan offer; 
11,247 exercises resulting in the issue of fully paid 
ordinary shares: 2,098 under the 2019 MyShare plan;  
802 under the 2020 MyShare plan; 8,347 under the  
PSP STI awards; and 
247,557 lapses: 6,093 under the 2019 MyShare plan;  
7,173 under the 2020 MyShare plan; 50,283 under  
PSP STI awards; 92,006 under the PSP LTI ROCI award; 
46,001 under the PSP LTI MSCI award; 46,001 under the 
PSP LTI ASX award. 

Share Buy-Backs 
On 25 February 2019, Brambles announced that it would be 
selling its IFCO RPC business for US$2.5 billion (A$2.4 billion) 
to conduct an on-market buy-back of its ordinary shares. The 
sale of IFCO RPC completed on 31 May 2019 and Brambles 
commenced the on-market buy-back on 4 June 2019. 
Between that date and 10 October 2019, 29,542,722 ordinary 
shares were bought-back and cancelled for a total 
consideration of A$341,996,920.26.  

At the 2019 Annual General Meeting, shareholders approved 
the on-market buy-back of up to 240,000,000 fully paid 
ordinary shares, being 15% of the Company's issued shares as 
at 16 August 2019, in the 12-month period following that 
resolution. Between that date and 22 June 2020, 62,155,156 
ordinary shares were bought back and cancelled for a total 
consideration of A$707,730,919.54. 

The on-market buy-back was paused on 22 June 2020 as 
Brambles entered into a blackout period, and it will 
recommence on 21 August 2020. 

Risk Management 
A discussion of Brambles’ risk profile and management and 
mitigation of risks can be found on pages 16 to 20 in the 
Operating & Financial Review and in Principle 7 of Brambles' 
2020 Corporate Governance Statement, which is available on 
the Brambles website. 

Treasury Policies 
A discussion of the implementation of treasury policies and 
mitigation of treasury risks can be found on page 13 in the 
Operating & Financial Review. 

Share Capital, Options and Share Rights 
Details of the changes in the issued share capital of Brambles 
Limited and share rights and MyShare matching share rights 

Non-Audit Services and Auditor Independence 
The amount of US$21,000 was paid or is payable to PwC, the 
Group’s auditors, for non-audit services provided during the 

57

Directors’ Report – Additional InformationDirectors’ Report – Additional Information – continued 

Year by them (or another person or firm on their behalf). 
These services primarily related to compliance projects and 
tax consulting advice. 

The Audit Committee has reviewed the provision of non-audit 
services by PwC 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 PwC 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  
7 August 2020 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 
with 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. 

Auditor's Independence Declaration 
A copy of the auditor’s independence declaration as required 
under section 307C of the Act is set out on page 126. 

Annual General Meeting 
Due to ongoing public health concerns relating to the Covid-
19 pandemic and having regard to the safety and wellbeing of 
its shareholders, the Board has determined that Brambles' 
2020 Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be a virtual meeting. 
The AGM will be held at 4.00pm (AEDT) on 8 October 2020.  
Full details of how to participate in the virtual AGM will be  
in a separate communication to shareholders and in the  
Notice of Meeting, which will be posted on brambles.com on  
1 September 2020. 

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

John Mullen 

Graham Chipchase 

Chairman 

Chief Executive Officer 

19 August 2020 

58

Directors’ Report – Additional Information 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholder Information 

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

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; and 
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. 

American Depository Receipts 
Brambles Limited shares may be traded in sponsored 
American Depository Receipts form in the United States. 

Dividend 
Shareholders may elect to receive dividend payments in 
Australian dollars or pounds sterling by contacting Boardroom 
at the address set out in Contact Information on the inside 
back cover of this Annual Report. 

Annual General Meeting 
The Brambles Limited 2020 AGM will be virtual meeting held 
at 4.00pm (AEDT) on 8 October 2020. Full details of how to 
participate in the virtual AGM will be  
in a separate communication to shareholders and in the  
Notice of Meeting, which will be posted on brambles.com on  
1 September 2020. 

Financial Calendar 
Final Dividend 2020 
Ex-dividend date – Wednesday, 9 September 2020 
Record date – Thursday, 10 September 2020 
Payment date – Thursday, 8 October 2020 

2021 (Provisional) 
Announcement of interim results – mid-February 2021 
Interim dividend – mid-April 2021 
Announcement of final results – mid-August 2021 
Final dividend – mid-October 2021 
AGM – October 2021 

Company Secretaries 
R N Gerrard 
C Thuaux 

Analysis of Holders of Equity Securities as at 31 July 2020 
Substantial Shareholders 
Brambles has been notified of the following substantial shareholdings: 

Holder 
Blackrock Group 
The Vanguard Group, Inc. 

Number of ordinary shares 
108,920,943 
103,785,640 

% of issued ordinary share 
capital1 
7.15 
6.51 

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 
The number of members holding less than a marketable parcel of 38 ordinary shares (based on a market price of A$10.78 on 
31 July 2020) is 1,864 and they hold a total of 26,850 ordinary shares. The voting rights of ordinary shares are described on page 
60.  

Holders 
33,491 
29,358 
4,742 
2,754 

Shares 
15,244,127 
67,436,492 
33,318,566 
56,878,389 
103  1,332,164,942 
1,505,042,516 

70,448 

1  Percentages are as disclosed in substantial holding notices given to Brambles Limited. 

59

Shareholder Information 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholder Information – continued 

Number of Share 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 

Holders 
3,292 
49 
485 
79 
12 
3,480 

Share rights 
1,088 974 
137,089 
332,603 
2,362,621 
3,031,426 
6,952,713 

The voting rights of performance share rights and MyShare Matching Awards are described below. 

Twenty Largest Ordinary Shareholders 

Name 
HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED 

J P MORGAN NOMINEES AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED 

CITICORP NOMINEES PTY LIMITED 

NATIONAL NOMINEES LIMITED 

BNP PARIBAS NOMS PTY LTD  

CITICORP NOMINEES PTY LIMITED  

BNP PARIBAS NOMINEES PTY LTD  

AUSTRALIAN FOUNDATION INVESTMENT COMPANY LIMITED 

HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED  

ARGO INVESTMENTS LIMITED 

SARGON CT PTY LTD  

CUSTODIAL SERVICES LIMITED  

HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES  

NETWEALTH INVESTMENTS LIMITED  

UBS NOMINEES PTY LTD 

BNP PARIBAS NOMS (NZ) LTD  

BNP PARIBAS NOMINEES PTY LTD HUB24 CUSTODIAL SERV LTD  

AMP LIFE LIMITED 

HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED  

AUSTRALIAN EXECUTOR TRUSTEES LIMITED  

Number of 
ordinary shares 
652,647,454 

288,296,278 

119,516,267 

86,842,131 

40,271,694 

28,601,992 

24,150,143 

12,138,658 

9,644,595 

6,001,109 

4,124,030 

3,091,672 

2,782,224 

2,669,418 

2,640,273 

2,575,477 

2,524,502 

2,359,212 

2,349,341 

2,052,660 

% of  
issued ordinary  
share capital 
43.36 

19.16 

7.94 

5.77 

2.68 

1.90 

1.61 

0.81 

0.64 

0.40 

0.27 

0.21 

0.19 

0.18 

0.18 

0.17 

0.17 

0.16 

0.16 

0.14 

Total holdings of 20 largest holders  

1,295,279,130 

86.06 

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 brambles.com.  

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

Voting Rights: Share Rights 
Performance share rights over ordinary shares and MyShare Matching Awards do not carry any voting rights. 

60

Shareholder Information 
 
 
 
Consolidated Financial Report

for the year ended 30 June 2020

INDEX

PAGE

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

Consolidated Balance Sheet

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

Notes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements

1 About This Report

2 Segment Information – Continuing Operations

3 Operating Expenses – Continuing Operations 

4 Significant Items – Continuing Operations 

5 Net Finance Costs – Continuing Operations 

6 Income Tax 

7 Earnings Per Share

8 Dividends 

9 Discontinued Operations 

10 Trade and Other Receivables 

11 Inventories 

12 Other Assets

13 Property, Plant and Equipment 

14 Goodwill and Intangible Assets

15 Trade and Other Payables

16 Provisions 

17 Borrowings

18 Retirement Benefit Obligations 

19 Contributed Equity 

20 Share-Based Payments 

21 Reserves and Retained Earnings 

22 Financial Risk Management

23 Cash Flow Statement – Additional Information 

24 Commitments 

25 Contingencies 

26 Auditor’s Remuneration 

27 Key Management Personnel

28 Related Party Information 

29 Events After Balance Sheet Date 

30 Net Assets Per Share

31 Parent Entity Financial Information

Directors' Declaration

Independent Auditor's Report 

Auditor's Independence Declaration

62

63

64

65

66

71

75

76

77

78

82

84

85

86

87

87

88

90

93

93

94

94

96

97

99

101

109

111

112

113

114

114

115

116

116

118

119

126

61

Consolidated Financial Report 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Continuing operations

Sales revenue

Other income

Operating expenses

Operating profit  

Finance revenue

Finance costs

Net finance costs 

Profit before tax

Tax expense

Profit from continuing operations

(Loss)/profit from discontinued operations

Profit for the year attributable to members of the parent entity 

Other comprehensive income:

Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss:

Actuarial loss on defined benefit pension plans

Tax benefit on items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss

Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss:
Exchange differences on translation of foreign subsidiaries2

Exchange differences released to profit on divestment of IFCO

Other comprehensive expense for the year 

Total comprehensive income for the year attributable to members of the 

parent entity 

Earnings per share (EPS) - US cents

Continuing operations

- basic

- diluted

Total

- basic

- diluted

Note

2

3

5

6A

9

6A

21

21

7

2020

US$m

4,733.6 

132.1 

(4,098.7)

767.0 

25.0 

(105.8)

(80.8)

686.2 

(209.0)

477.2 

(29.2)

448.0 

(6.0)

1.9 

(4.1)

(143.9)

  - 

(143.9)

(148.0)

20191

US$m

4,595.3 

128.7 

(3,983.1)

740.9 

23.9 

(112.4)

(88.5)

652.4 

(198.3)

454.1 

1,013.6 

1,467.7 

(10.8)

2.7 

(8.1)

(85.0)

32.2 

(52.8)

(60.9)

300.0 

1,406.8 

30.8 

30.7 

28.9 

28.8 

28.5 

28.4 

92.1 

91.8 

1

2

The comparative period does not include the impact of AASB 16 Leases  and IFCO is presented in discontinued operations.

Exchange differences on translation of foreign subsidiaries have been significantly impacted by the devaluation of the 

Australian dollar, Latin American currencies and the South African rand net assets translated into US dollars. The June 2020 spot 

rate relative to the US dollar weakened 2% for the Australian dollar, 21% for the Latin American currencies and 22% for the 

South African rand.

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

62

Consolidated Financial ReportConsolidated Balance Sheet

as at 30 June 2020

Assets

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents 

Term deposits

Trade and other receivables

Inventories

Other assets

Total current assets 

Non-current assets

Other receivables

Property, plant and equipment

Right-of-use leased assets2

Goodwill and intangible assets

Deferred tax assets

Other assets

Total non-current assets 

Total assets 

Liabilities

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables
Lease liabilities2

Borrowings

Tax payable

Provisions 

Total current liabilities 

Non-current liabilities
Lease liabilities2

Borrowings

Provisions

Retirement benefit obligations

Deferred tax liabilities

Other liabilities

Total non-current liabilities 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

Equity

Contributed equity 

Reserves

Retained earnings

Total equity 

Note

23

2

10

11

12

10

13

1G

14

6C

12

15

23C

17

16

23C

17

16

18

6C

15

19

21

21

1

The comparative period does not include the impact of AASB 16 Leases.

2 Refer to Note 1G for the AASB 16 impact.

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

2020

US$m

737.3 

68.6 

717.2 

67.5 

95.6 

20191
US$m

1,691.3 

411.2 

768.9 

59.8 

61.5 

1,686.2 

2,992.7 

23.3 

4,409.3 

598.8 

259.6 

96.3 

9.7 

5,397.0 

7,083.2 

1,226.5 

112.8 

36.3 

45.8 

84.9 

52.8 

4,313.2 

  - 

286.2 

73.6 

11.8 

4,737.6 

7,730.3 

1,208.5 

  - 

556.8 

31.7 

75.5 

1,506.3 

1,872.5 

591.4 

1,777.2 

76.1 

37.7 

338.1 

  - 

2,820.5 

4,326.8 

2,756.4 

5,427.2 

(7,464.3)

4,793.5 

2,756.4 

  - 

1,643.4 

14.8 

37.3 

353.1 

1.0 

2,049.6 

3,922.1 

3,808.2 

6,187.4 

(7,322.5)

4,943.3 

3,808.2 

63

Consolidated Financial Report 
 
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Cash flows from operating activities

Receipts from customers

Payments to suppliers and employees2

Cash generated from operations

Interest received

Interest paid2,3

Income taxes paid on operating activities

Note

2020

US$m

5,446.8 

(3,786.2)

1,660.6 

17.2 

(112.7)

(178.2)

Net cash inflow from operating activities

23B 

1,386.9 

20191

US$m

6,332.2 

(4,675.9)

1,656.3 

5.3 

(92.7)

(230.5)

1,338.4 

Cash flows from investing activities

Payments for property, plant and equipment

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment4

Payments for intangible assets
(Payments)/net proceeds from disposal of businesses5

Net cash (outflow)/inflow from investing activities 

Cash flows from financing activities

Proceeds from borrowings

Repayment of borrowings

Proceeds from/(transfer to) term deposits

Payment of principal component of lease liabilities2

Net inflow/(outflow) from derivative financial instruments

Proceeds from issues of ordinary shares

Payments for share buy-back

Repayment of capital to shareholders

Dividends paid - ordinary6

Dividends paid - special

2

19

19

8

8

Net cash outflow from financing activities 

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents, net of overdrafts, at beginning of the year

Effect of exchange rate changes

Cash and cash equivalents, net of overdrafts, at end of the year

23A 

(1,002.8)

(1,208.4)

104.4 

(26.3)

(16.0)

(940.7)

554.9 

(903.9)

342.6 

(114.1)

26.5 

  - 

(645.4)

(129.3)

(290.7)

(183.2)

(1,342.6)

(896.4)

1,690.4 

(56.7)

737.3 

130.0 

(21.6)

2,366.2 

1,266.2 

1,060.9 

(1,316.4)

(411.2)

  - 

(34.8)

0.2 

(54.1)

  - 

(328.1)

  - 

(1,083.5)

1,521.1 

171.3 

(2.0)

1,690.4 

1

2

3

4

5

6

The comparative period includes cash flows from IFCO up to its divestment in 2019 (refer Note 9). 

Under AASB 16, lease payments of US$(140.6) million in 2020 have been reclassed from Payments to suppliers and employees, to 

Interest paid (within operating activities) and Payment of principal component of lease liabilities (within financing activities) 

(refer Note 1G). The comparative period does not include the impact of AASB 16.

Interest paid includes early debt repayment costs of US$(11.6) million for the US$500.0 million 144A bond, which was repaid on 

5 July 2019 using the IFCO sale proceeds (refer Note 4).

Includes compensation for lost pooling equipment of US$103.2 million in 2020 (2019: US$102.0 million, excluding US$25.0 million 

for IFCO). 

Net proceeds from disposal of businesses in 2019 includes US$2,480.4 million from the sale of IFCO, with cash received on 

31 May 2019. 

IFCO earnings up to its divestment date were included in the determination of the 2019 final ordinary dividend paid out in 2020.

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

64

Consolidated Financial Report 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Year ended 30 June 2019

Opening balance at 1 July 2018

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive expense

FCTR released to profit on divestment of IFCO

Total comprehensive (expense)/income 

Share-based payments:

- expense recognised

- shares issued

- equity component of related tax

- transfer to retained earnings on divestment of IFCO

- other

Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners:

- dividends declared

- issue of ordinary shares, net of transaction costs

- share buy-back

Contributed

Retained

equity

Reserves

earnings

Note

US$m

US$m

US$m

Total

US$m

6,218.5 

(7,253.7)

3,813.6 

2,778.4 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

23.0 

(54.1)

20

8

19

19

  - 

1,467.7 

1,467.7 

(85.0)

32.2 

(52.8)

17.1 

(23.0)

1.6 

(0.1)

(11.6)

  - 

  - 

  - 

(8.1)

  - 

(93.1)

32.2 

1,459.6 

1,406.8 

  - 

  - 

  - 

0.1 

  - 

17.1 

(23.0)

1.6 

  - 

(11.6)

(330.0)

(330.0)

  - 

  - 

23.0 

(54.1)

Closing balance as at 30 June 2019 

6,187.4 

(7,322.5)

4,943.3 

3,808.2 

Year ended 30 June 2020

Closing balance as at 30 June 2019 as previously reported

6,187.4 

(7,322.5)

4,943.3 

3,808.2 

Opening balance adjustment on adoption of AASB 16

1G

  - 

  - 

(121.8)

(121.8)

Revised opening balance as at 1 July 2019

6,187.4 

(7,322.5)

4,821.5 

3,686.4 

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive expense

Total comprehensive (expense)/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

- share buy-back

- shareholder capital return

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

14.5 

(645.4)

(129.3)

20

8

19

19

19

  - 

448.0 

448.0 

(143.9)

(143.9)

(4.1)

(148.0)

443.9 

300.0 

18.4 

(14.5)

(1.8)

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

18.4 

(14.5)

(1.8)

(471.9)

(471.9)

  - 

  - 

  - 

14.5 

(645.4)

(129.3)

Closing balance as at 30 June 2020 

5,427.2 

(7,464.3)

4,793.5 

2,756.4 

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

65

Consolidated Financial ReportNotes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements  

for the year ended 30 June 2020 

Note 1. About This Report 

A)  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 2020. These financial statements have been authorised for 
issue in accordance with a resolution of the Directors on 19 August 2020.  

References to 2020 and 2019 are to the financial years ended 30 June 2020 and 30 June 2019, respectively. The financial 
statements comply with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards 
Board (IASB). 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) and the requirements of the 
Corporations Act 2001. It presents information on a historical cost basis, except for derivative financial instruments and 
financial assets at fair value through profit or loss. 

The financial statements and all comparatives have been prepared using the accounting policies disclosed throughout the 
financial statements, which are consistent with the prior year except for leases which have been impacted by the application of 
the new accounting standard AASB 16 Leases (refer Note 1G). 

As Brambles is a company of a kind referred to in ASIC Corporations (Rounding in Financial/Directors' Reports) Instrument 
2016/191, 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. Amounts in cents have been rounded to the 
nearest tenth of a cent. 

On 25 February 2019, Brambles entered into an agreement to sell its IFCO reusable plastic containers (RPC) business, with 
completion of the sale occurring on 31 May 2019. Consequently, the 2019 results of IFCO have been presented in discontinued 
operations. The comparative period in the consolidated cash flow statement contains cash flows from IFCO up to divestment 
date. Comparative information has been reclassified, where appropriate, to enhance comparability. 

The Covid-19 outbreak occurred in the second half of 2020 and continues beyond year end with ongoing outbreaks around 
the globe. Where there is a known impact in the year, the impact has been reflected in the 2020 financial statements and are 
disclosed in Significant Items (Note 4), Property, Plant and Equipment (Note 13) and Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Note 14). 

B)  Principles of Consolidation 
The consolidated financial statements of Brambles include the assets, liabilities and results of Brambles Limited and all its 
subsidiaries. The consolidation process eliminates all intercompany accounts and transactions. The financial statements of 
subsidiaries are prepared using consistent accounting policies and for the same reporting period. Changes for new accounting 
standards (refer Note 1G) are incorporated in the financial statements of subsidiaries.  

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

The trading results for business operations disposed during the year are disclosed separately as discontinued operations in the 
consolidated statement of comprehensive income. The amount disclosed includes any gains or losses arising on disposal. 

C)  Presentation Currency 
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 and international investors and analysts. 

D)  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 profit or loss, except where deferred in equity as qualifying cash flow hedges, qualifying net investment 
hedges or where they are attributable to part of the net investment in foreign subsidiaries. 

The results and cash flows of Brambles Limited and its subsidiaries 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 and its 
subsidiaries 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. Exchange differences arising on the 
translation of Brambles’ overseas and Australian entities are recognised as a separate component of equity.  

66

Consolidated Financial Report 
 
Notes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements – continued  

for the year ended 30 June 2020 

Note 1. About This Report – continued   

D)  Foreign Currency  –– continued   
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: 

  A$:US$ 

€:US$ 

£:US$ 

Average 

2020 

0.6692 

1.1064 

1.2582 

2019 

0.7145 

1.1404 

1.2943 

Year end 

30 June 2020 

0.6860 

1.1242 

1.2305 

30 June 2019 

0.7005 

1.1372 

1.2673 

E)  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 asset has passed to the buyer. Amounts arising from compensation for irrecoverable pooling 
equipment are recognised only when it is highly probable that they will be received. 

F)  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.  

Material estimates and judgements, including the impact of Covid-19, are found in the following notes: 

- 
- 
- 
- 

Income Tax (Note 6F) 
Property, Plant and Equipment (Note 13E) 
Irrecoverable Pooling Equipment Provision (IPEP) (Note 13D) 
Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Note 14D) 

G)  Changes to Accounting Standards 
IFRIC 23 Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments, issued by the IFRS Interpretations Committee on 7 June 2017, clarifies 
how the recognition and measurement requirements of IAS 12 Income Taxes are applied where there is uncertainty over 
income tax treatments. Brambles has adopted the principles of IFRIC 23 effective from 1 July 2019, with no material impact 
noted. 
AASB 16 Leases was adopted by Brambles from 1 July 2019. AASB 16 requires a lessee to recognise all qualifying leases on 
the balance sheet in the form of a lease liability and right-of-use leased asset, adjusted for deferred tax. The new standard 
mainly impacts property and equipment leases located at offices and service centres where Brambles is the lessee. The 
straight-lined operating lease expense recognised under AASB 117 Leases has been replaced by depreciation of the right-of-
use leased asset and finance costs on the lease liability. Further details of the impact of AASB 16 are set out on pages 68 to 70. 

The Group adopted the following approach and practical expedients: 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 
- 
- 

the modified retrospective approach was used on transition to AASB 16; 
in accordance with AASB 16 the comparative period was not restated and continues to reflect accounting policies under 
AASB 117; 
on transition, land and buildings right-of-use leased assets were valued as if AASB 16 had always been applied, but using 
the incremental borrowing rate as at the date of application; for all other assets the right-of-use leased asset equals the 
lease liability, adjusted for any prepaid or accrued lease payments recognised immediately before the date of initial 
application; 
the opening right-of-use leased assets excluded initial direct costs and were reduced by any existing onerous lease 
provisions; 
the use of hindsight was applied when reviewing lease terms; 
optional exemptions for short-term and low-value assets were applied; and 
a country-specific discount rate was applied to a portfolio of leases with reasonably similar characteristics. 

New software was implemented to calculate the AASB 16 adjustments. The opening adjustments at 1 July 2019 are disclosed 
in Note 1G(i).  

During 2019, Brambles entered into amendments with lenders of its major borrowing facilities to continue to apply AASB 117 
for the calculation of the financial covenants post 30 June 2019. Brambles has amended its treasury policy to align with the 
new financial reporting requirements under AASB 16. 

67

Consolidated Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements – continued

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Note 1. About This Report – continued

G) Changes to Accounting Standards – continued

(i) Adjustments Recognised on Adoption of AASB 16

On adoption of AASB 16, Brambles recognised lease liabilities in relation to leases which had previously been classified as 

operating leases under AASB 117. These liabilities were measured at the present value of the remaining lease payments, 

discounted using the incremental borrowing rate at 1 July 2019. The weighted average incremental borrowing rate, calculated 

by geographic region, applied to the lease liabilities on 1 July 2019 was 4.3%.

Reconciliation of operating lease commitment as at 30 June 2019 to opening lease liability as at 1 July 2019

Operating lease commitment disclosed as at 30 June 2019

Impact of discounting
Exempt leases and other1
Embedded lease liability2
Uncommitted extension options3

Leases committed to at 30 June 2019, not yet commenced

Non-lease components included in operating lease commitment but excluded from lease liability

Lease liability recognised at 1 July 2019 

US$m

626.0 

(136.8)

(10.7)

26.8 

271.4 

(16.5)

(18.6)

741.6 

1

2

3

Exempt leases consist of short-term leases (12 months or less) and leases of low-value assets which are recognised on a 

straight-line basis as an expense in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. Low-value assets primarily 

comprise IT and small items of office furniture and operating equipment.

AASB 16 requires service agreements that contain a right to use specified assets to be treated as embedded leases where 

Brambles controls the asset. The Group has numerous service centres which are outsourced to third parties and Brambles 

has a contractual right to use specific sites and assets as part of the overall service agreement. The estimated charge for 

the use of the assets is recognised as a lease liability.

Extension options are included in a number of leases across the Group.

Balance sheet impact on application as at 1 July 2019

Right-of-use leased assets
Deferred tax assets4

Total assets impact 
Provisions5

Lease liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities4

Total liabilities impact 

Net liabilities impact 

Retained earnings

Total equity impact 

As reported

AASB 16

Adjusted

30 June 2019

Adjustments

1 July 2019

US$m

  - 

73.6 

90.3 

  - 

353.1 

4,943.3 

US$m

632.0 

210.5 

842.5 

56.3 

741.6 

166.4 

964.3 

(121.8)

(121.8)

(121.8)

US$m

632.0 

284.1 

146.6 

741.6 

519.5 

4,821.5 

AASB 16 adjustments are subject to tax-effect accounting. The gross adjustment is disclosed.

Relates to adjustments made to dilapidation provisions, with a corresponding adjustment to right-of-use leased assets, 

offset by the release of lease straight-line provisions previously recognised under AASB 117. 

4

5

68

Consolidated Financial ReportNotes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements – continued

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Note 1. About This Report – continued

G) Changes to Accounting Standards – continued

(ii) Net Carrying Amount and Movements during the Year

Opening balance - recognised on 1 July 2019

Additions

Remeasurement of existing leases

Depreciation

Foreign exchange differences

Closing net carrying amount 

At 30 June

Cost

Accumulated depreciation

Net carrying amount 

Land and

buildings

594.5 

51.8 

27.7 

(101.2)

(11.7)

561.1 

662.3 

(101.2)

561.1 

2020 

US$m

Plant and 

equipment

37.5 

18.8 

(0.7)

(15.2)

(2.7)

37.7 

52.9 

(15.2)

37.7 

(iii) Leases Exempt from AASB 16 in Accordance with the Standard

Short-term lease expense

Low-value assets lease expense

Exempt lease expense 

The profile of short-term lease commitments is consistent with 2020.

(iv) Impact of AASB 16 on Key Financial Measures

Total

632.0 

70.6 

27.0 

(116.4)

(14.4)

598.8 

715.2 

(116.4)

598.8 

2020

US$m

7.2 

0.4 

7.6 

The adoption of AASB 16 resulted in a change to the amount and presentation of lease expense. In accordance with AASB 117, 

operating lease expense was presented within operating expenses in 2019. Under AASB 16, the lease expense is split between 

depreciation of the right-of-use leased assets and finance costs on lease liabilities. This has resulted in a decrease in the 

operating lease expense, and an increase in depreciation and finance costs in 2020. 

The change in accounting policy affected the following key financial measures:

Underlying Profit

Depreciation
EBITDA6
Interest expense7
Cash Flow from Operations

Free Cash Flow

Average Capital Invested (ACI)

Return on Capital Invested (ROCI)

Net Debt

Total EPS - basic (US cents)

2020

US$m

Pre AASB 16

AASB 16 impact

Post AASB 16

770.8

(477.5)

1,422.3

(78.0)

603.3

348.1

4,233.1

18.2%

(1,007.6)

29.1

24.2

(116.4)

140.6

(27.8)

140.6

114.1

540.5

(1.5%)

(704.2)

(0.2)

795.0

(593.9)

1,562.9

(105.8)

743.9

462.2

4,773.6

16.7%

(1,711.8)

28.9

6

7

EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, depreciation-like items (irrecoverable pooling equipment 

provision expense) and amortisation.

Interest expense is inclusive of lease interest of US$26.5 million and interest on dilapidation provisions of US$1.3 million.

69

Consolidated Financial Report                        
                          
                        
                       
                       
                       
                     
                        
                     
                        
                        
                       
                        
                        
                        
                        
                        
                        
                     
                        
                     
                    
                       
                    
                          
                    
Notes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements – continued

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Note 1. About This Report – continued

G) Changes to Accounting Standards – continued

(v) Measurement of the Right-of-use Leased Asset and Lease Liability
The Group primarily leases offices, service centres, equipment and vehicles. Rental contracts are typically made for fixed 

periods, but may have extension or termination options. The average contract term for 2020 is 5 years. Lease terms are 

negotiated on an individual basis and contain a range of different terms and conditions.

From 1 July 2019, leases are recognised as a right-of-use leased asset and a corresponding lease liability at the date at which 

the leased asset is available for use by the Group. Principal and interest payments are reflected in the consolidated cash flow 

statement as financing and operating activities respectively. 

Assets and liabilities arising from a lease are initially measured at present value. Lease liabilities include the present value of:

- fixed lease payments less any incentives receivable;

- variable payments based on a rate or index; and

- 

amounts expected to be payable relating to residual value guarantees, early termination penalties, and purchase options if 

reasonably certain of taking place.

Lease payments are discounted using the incremental borrowing rate calculated by geographic region. The incremental 

borrowing rate is the rate the lessee would have to pay to borrow the funds necessary to obtain an asset of similar value in a 

similar economic environment with similar terms and conditions.

The Group is required to remeasure the lease liability and make an adjustment to the right-of-use leased asset if the lease 

terms and conditions are modified, in which case the lease liability is remeasured by discounting the revised lease payments. 

The remeasurement of the lease liability is also applied against the right-of-use leased asset.

Right-of-use leased assets are measured at cost comprising the following:

- the amount of the initial measurement of the lease liability;

- any lease payments made at or before the commencement date, less any lease incentives received;

- any initial direct costs; and

- dilapidation costs.

The right-of-use leased asset is depreciated over the shorter of the asset's useful life and the lease term on a straight-line 

basis.

70

Consolidated Financial ReportNotes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements – continued

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Note 2. Segment Information – Continuing Operations

Brambles' segment information is provided on the same basis as internal management reporting to the CEO.

Brambles has four reportable segments: 

- CHEP North America and Latin America (CHEP Americas);

- CHEP Europe, Middle East, Africa and India (CHEP EMEA) - including the Kegstar global business;

-

-

CHEP Australia, New Zealand and Asia, excluding India (CHEP Asia-Pacific); and

Corporate – corporate centre including BXB Digital (Corporate).

Segment performance is measured on sales revenue, Underlying Profit, Cash Flow from Operations and Return on Capital 

Invested (ROCI). Underlying Profit is the main measure of segment profit. A reconciliation between Underlying Profit and 

operating profit is set out on page 72.

The comparative period does not include the impact of AASB 16. Refer to Note 1G(iv) for the impact of AASB 16 on key 

financial measures.

Segment sales revenue is measured on the same basis as the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. Brambles has 

one revenue stream, which is the provision of pooling equipment to customers for a period of time. Several fees are charged to 

customers including issue, transfer, transport and daily hire. The predominant billing structure for these fees is either a bundled 

upfront fee upon issue of pooling equipment to customers, or a daily hire fee based on the number of days the pooling 

equipment is used in the field by a customer. Other fees, such as transport and transfer fees, are billed when the activity occurs. 

The services provided by Brambles are deemed a single performance obligation relating to the provision of an end-to-end 

pooling solution and the performance obligation is satisfied over time. The issue and daily hire activities are not considered 

distinct services. Revenue from issue activities is deferred and recognised over the estimated period that the pooling 

equipment is utilised by customers, referred to as the cycle time, which is an output method. Revenue based on the daily hire 

model is also recognised over time. Consideration that is fixed or highly probable is included in the transaction price allocated 

to the performance obligation. This includes issue fees, daily hire fees and bundled upfront fees. Consideration that is variable 

or uncertain is recognised when the activity occurs. 

Segment sales revenue is allocated to segments based on product categories and physical location of the business unit that 

invoices the customer. Intersegment revenue during the period 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 consolidated balance sheet. Assets and 

liabilities are allocated to segments based on segment use and physical location. Cash, term deposits, borrowings and tax 

balances are managed centrally and are not allocated to segments.

71

Consolidated Financial ReportNotes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements – continued

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Note 2. Segment Information – Continuing Operations – continued

By operating segment 

CHEP Americas

CHEP EMEA

CHEP Asia-Pacific

Corporate

Sales

revenue

2020

US$m

2019

US$m

2,469.0 

1,827.8 

436.8 

  - 

2,287.8 

1,849.1 

458.4 

  - 

Continuing operations

4,733.6 

4,595.3 

By geographic origin

Americas

Europe

Australia

Other

Total

2,469.0 

1,595.8 

324.7 

344.1 

2,287.8 

1,599.7 

350.8 

357.0 

4,733.6 

4,595.3 

Cash Flow from
Operations1

2020

US$m

258.3 

414.1 

132.8 

(61.3)

743.9 

20192

US$m

170.4 

228.0 

101.1 

(67.7)

431.8 

1

2

Cash Flow from Operations is cash flow generated after net capital expenditure but excluding Significant Items that are 

outside the ordinary course of business. 

The comparative period was prior to the adoption of AASB 16.

Operating
profit3

Significant Items
before tax4

Underlying
Profit4

2020

US$m

342.5 

379.1 

118.0 

(72.6)

767.0 

20192

US$m

261.3 

431.1 

118.3 

(69.8)

740.9 

2020

US$m

  - 

(28.0)

  - 

  - 

(28.0)

2019

US$m

(37.1)

(10.7)

  - 

(15.0)

(62.8)

2020

US$m

342.5 

407.1 

118.0 

(72.6)

795.0 

20192

US$m

298.4 

441.8 

118.3 

(54.8)

803.7 

By operating segment 

CHEP Americas

CHEP EMEA

CHEP Asia-Pacific

Corporate5

Continuing operations 

Operating profit is segment revenue less segment expense and excludes net finance costs.

Underlying Profit is a non-statutory profit measure and represents profit from continuing operations before finance costs, 

tax and Significant Items (refer Notes 3 and 4). It is presented to assist users of the financial statements to better understand 

Brambles' business results.

Underlying Profit for the Corporate segment includes US$16.4 million of BXB Digital costs (2019: US$14.8 million) and 

US$12.4 million of Shaping Our Future costs (2019: nil), representing US$6.0 million for investment in sales tools and new 

infrastructure; US$2.0 million for incremental investment in digital agenda; and US$4.4 million relating to investment in 

customer experience as well as overhead and supply chain efficiency projects.

3

4

5

72

Consolidated Financial ReportNotes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements – continued

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Note 2. Segment Information – Continuing Operations – continued

Return on 
Capital Invested6
2020

20192
US$m

Average Capital
Invested7

2020

US$m

20192
US$m

By operating segment 

CHEP Americas

CHEP EMEA

CHEP Asia-Pacific

Corporate8

US$m

14.5%

21.4%

24.1%

15.4%

24.9%

27.9%

2,369.6 

1,904.0 

490.6 

9.4 

1,942.6 

1,776.4 

424.5 

(12.9)

Continuing operations 

16.7%

19.5%

4,773.6 

4,130.6 

6

7

8

Return on Capital Invested (ROCI) is Underlying Profit divided by Average Capital Invested. ROCI is not disclosed for the 

Corporate segment as this is not deemed a relevant measure for this segment. ROCI for continuing operations includes the 

Corporate segment.

Excluding the impact of AASB 16, ROCI for 2020 is 18.2% (refer Note 1G(iv)).

Average Capital Invested (ACI) is a 12-month average of capital invested. Capital invested is calculated as net assets before 

tax balances, cash, term deposits, lease liabilities and borrowings but after adjustment for pension plan actuarial gains and 

losses and net equity-settled share-based payments.

ACI for the Corporate segment includes US$47.4 million deferred consideration receivable from First Reserve 

(2019: US$44.5 million). An impairment charge of US$33.0 million on the receivable has been recognised in discontinued 

operations in 2020, reflecting the current market conditions in the oil and gas industry (refer Note 9). ACI in 2020 includes 
the impact of AASB 16  (refer Note 1G(iv)).

Capital
expenditure9

Depreciation

and amortisation

By operating segment 

CHEP Americas

CHEP EMEA

CHEP Asia-Pacific

Corporate

2020

US$m

544.9 

358.9 

77.4 

  - 

2019

US$m

551.1 

443.5 

65.1 

0.7 

202010

US$m

324.2 

222.7 

61.0 

4.3 

Continuing operations

981.2 

1,060.4 

612.2 

20192

US$m

257.2 

176.0 

48.7 

2.4 

484.3 

9

10

Capital expenditure on property, plant and equipment is on an accruals basis.

Due to the impact of AASB 16, depreciation expense relating to right-of-use leased assets increased by US$116.4 million 

(refer Note 1G(iv)).

73

Consolidated Financial ReportNotes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements – continued

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Note 2. Segment Information – Continuing Operations – continued

By operating segment 

CHEP Americas

CHEP EMEA

CHEP Asia-Pacific

Corporate

Continuing operations

Discontinued operations

Segment assets

Segment liabilities

2020

US$m

20192

US$m

2020

US$m

3,205.8 

2,690.6 

1,289.1 

2,310.0 

2,257.4 

590.1 

66.0 

513.2 

84.3 

589.1 

204.6 

46.6 

20192

US$m

737.1 

466.1 

79.3 

37.7 

6,171.9 

5,545.5 

2,129.4 

1,320.2 

  - 

  - 

  - 

16.9 

1,337.1 

2,200.2 

  - 

31.7 

353.1 

Total segment assets and liabilities

6,171.9 

5,545.5 

2,129.4 

Cash and borrowings

Term deposits11

Current tax balances

Deferred tax balances

737.3 

1,691.3 

1,813.5 

68.6 

9.1 

96.3 

411.2 

8.7 

73.6 

  - 

45.8 

338.1 

Total assets and liabilities

7,083.2 

7,730.3 

4,326.8 

3,922.1 

Non-current assets by geographic origin12

Americas

Europe

Australia

Other

Total

2,798.6 

1,716.1 

361.3 

415.0 

2,322.3 

1,614.4 

309.6 

405.9 

5,291.0 

4,652.2 

Term deposits relate to cash deposits held with financial institutions comprising the proceeds from the divestment of IFCO. 

US$342.6 million was drawn down in 2020. The cash deposits cannot be used for short-term liquidity purposes, have terms 

less than 12 months and are measured at amortised cost.

Non-current assets exclude financial instruments of US$9.7 million (2019: US$11.8 million) and deferred tax assets of 

US$96.3 million (2019: US$73.6 million). 

11

12

74

Consolidated Financial ReportNotes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements – continued

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Note 3. Operating Expenses – Continuing Operations

Employment costs

Service suppliers:

- transport

- repairs and maintenance1

- subcontractors and other service suppliers1

Raw materials and consumables2

Occupancy1

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment1

Impairment charge - Kegstar3

Irrecoverable pooling equipment provision expense4

Amortisation of intangible assets

Net foreign exchange gains

Early debt repayment costs5

Other6

Note

2020

US$m

735.8 

2019

US$m

683.3 

1,138.7 

1,118.1 

786.4 

284.8 

206.9 

40.0 

593.9 

28.0 

155.7 

18.3 

(1.5)

  - 

757.2 

309.0 

213.1 

137.1 

467.8 

  - 

127.1 

16.5 

(1.1)

11.6 

111.7 

143.4 

4,098.7 

3,983.1 

4

4

1

2

3

4

5

6

Due to the impact of AASB 16 Leases  (refer Note 1G) repairs and maintenance expense reduced by US$(4.7) million, 
subcontractors expense reduced by US$(30.1) million, occupancy expense reduced by US$(105.8) million and depreciation 

expense relating to right-of-use leased assets increased by US$116.4 million. The comparative period does not include the 

impact of AASB 16.

Used primarily for the repair of pooling equipment.

Impairment charge of US$28.0 million recognised in the Kegstar keg-pooling business in relation to goodwill 

US$23.0 million, plant and equipment US$3.0 million and intangible assets US$2.0 million, reflecting the impact of Covid-19 

and uncertainties over on-premise consumption and performance of the craft beer segment (refer Note 4).

Loss rates reduced year-on-year whilst the overall IPEP expense increased, reflecting the higher unit cost of pallets being 

expensed. Asset efficiency improvements were delivered in 2020, resulting in lower capital expenditure and improved cash 

flows.

Early debt repayment costs of US$11.6 million in 2019 relate to the US$500.0 million 144A bond, which was repaid on 

5 July 2019 using the IFCO sale proceeds (refer Note 4).

In 2019, other expenses included net losses on disposal of assets of US$21.0 million relating to asset write-offs in 

Latin America and US$22.0 million of asset write-offs following the divestment of IFCO. These items were recognised within 

Significant Items (refer Note 4).

75

Consolidated Financial ReportNotes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements – continued

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Note 4. 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 (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.

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

2020

US$m

2019

US$m

Before tax

Tax

After tax

Before tax

Tax

After tax

Items outside the ordinary course of business:

- 

impairment charge1

-  restructuring costs2

-  early debt repayment costs3

-  risk assessment related to asset 

losses in Latin America4

Significant Items from continuing 

operations

(28.0)

1.2 

(26.8)

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

(30.2)

(11.6)

(21.0)

  - 

6.5 

  - 

2.5 

  - 

(23.7)

(11.6)

(18.5)

(28.0)

1.2 

(26.8)

(62.8)

9.0 

(53.8)

Impairment charge of US$28.0 million recognised in the Kegstar keg-pooling business in relation to goodwill 

US$23.0 million, plant and equipment US$3.0 million and intangible assets US$2.0 million, reflecting the impact of Covid-19 

and uncertainties over on-premise consumption and performance of the craft beer segment (refer Note 13 and 14).

Restructuring costs in 2019 related to organisational changes of US$8.2 million and asset write-offs of US$22.0 million 

following and as a result of the IFCO divestment. 

Early debt repayment costs of US$11.6 million in 2019 related to the US$500.0 million 144A bond which was repaid on 

5 July 2019 using the IFCO sale proceeds, with associated interest savings realised in 2020.

In 2019, a detailed review of people, processes and pricing was undertaken in Latin America. Following this review, 

customer pricing was increased and asset recovery and asset control processes were improved. The improvements made 

provided additional market insight into the challenges of asset recovery in higher risk supply chains and a charge of 

US$21.0 million was recognised in Significant Items in 2019 to provide for assets transferred to these supply chains in prior 

years which were recognised to be at risk of being irrecoverable. 

1

2

3

4

76

Consolidated Financial ReportNotes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements – continued

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Note 5. Net Finance Costs – Continuing Operations

Finance revenue

Bank accounts and short-term deposits

Derivative financial instruments

Other

Finance costs

Interest expense on bank loans and borrowings1

Derivative financial instruments

Lease interest expense2

Other

Net finance costs

2020

US$m

15.7 

6.4 

2.9 

25.0 

(55.7)

(20.2)

(27.8)

(2.1)

(105.8)

(80.8)

2019

US$m

6.1 

15.1 

2.7 

23.9 

(95.3)

(15.6)

  - 

(1.5)

(112.4)

(88.5)

1

2

The reduction in interest expense on bank loans and borrowings is due to the repayment of debt using IFCO sale proceeds.

Interest recognised on lease liabilities and dilapidation provisions (refer Note 1G(iv)).

Finance 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.

Finance costs are recognised as expenses in the year in which they are incurred.

77

Consolidated Financial ReportNotes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements – continued

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Note 6. Income Tax

A) Components of Tax Expense

Amounts recognised in the statement of comprehensive income

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

- tax rate change

- prior year adjustments

Note

2020

US$m

2019

US$m

197.8 

1.3 

199.1 

29.6 

(10.5)

(1.2)

(8.0)

9.9 

209.0 

(6.7)

202.3 

(1.9)

(1.9)

270.6 

(1.6)

269.0 

(60.2)

(6.4)

1.0 

(5.1)

(70.7)

198.3 

58.0 

256.3 

(2.7)

(2.7)

Tax expense – continuing operations

Tax (benefit)/expense – discontinued operations

9

Tax expense recognised in profit or loss

Amounts recognised in other comprehensive income 

- on actuarial losses on defined benefit pension plans

Tax benefit recognised directly in other comprehensive income

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.

Current and deferred tax attributable to other comprehensive income is recognised in equity.

78

Consolidated Financial ReportNotes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements – continued

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Note 6. Income Tax – continued

B) Reconciliation Between Tax Expense and Accounting Profit Before Tax

Profit before tax – continuing operations

Tax at standard Australian rate of 30% (2019: 30%)

Note

Effect of tax rates in other jurisdictions

Prior year adjustments

Prior year tax losses written-off

Current year tax losses not recognised

Foreign withholding tax unrecoverable

Change in tax rates

Non-deductible expenses

Other taxable items1

Prior year tax losses recouped/recognised

Other

Tax expense – continuing operations 

Tax (benefit)/expense – discontinued operations

9

Total income tax expense

2020

US$m

686.2 

205.9 

(30.8)

(6.7)

0.1 

4.5 

10.3 

(1.2)

14.8 

24.3 

(10.5)

(1.7)

209.0 

(6.7)

202.3 

2019

US$m

652.4 

195.7 

(28.8)

(7.8)

1.1 

4.1 

9.2 

1.0 

12.6 

18.9 

(6.4)

(1.3)

198.3 

58.0 

256.3 

1

Includes the impact of Base Erosion and Anti-abuse Tax (BEAT) in the US, relating to foreign payments effective 1 July 2018.

2020

US$m

2019

US$m

Assets

Liabilities

Assets

Liabilities

C) Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities
Deferred tax assets and liabilities in the balance sheet are represented by cumulative temporary differences attributable to:

Items recognised through the statement of comprehensive income

Employee benefits

Provisions and accruals

Losses available against future taxable income

21.6 

38.2 

134.3 

  - 

  - 

  - 

Accelerated depreciation for tax purposes

  - 

(569.0)

Deferred revenue

Leases

Other

Items recognised in other comprehensive income

Actuarial losses/(gains) on defined benefit pension plans

Share-based payments

100.1 

202.0 

79.8 

576.0 

7.2 

5.9 

13.1 

  - 

(155.9)

(105.8)

(830.7)

(0.2)

  - 

(0.2)

Set-off against deferred tax (liabilities)/assets

(492.8)

492.8 

Net deferred tax assets/(liabilities)

96.3 

(338.1)

18.7 

37.4 

122.1 

  - 

98.6 

  - 

73.5 

350.3 

7.9 

7.2 

15.1 

(291.8)

73.6 

  - 

  - 

  - 

(531.2)

  - 

  - 

(113.4)

(644.6)

(0.3)

  - 

(0.3)

291.8 

(353.1)

79

Consolidated Financial ReportNotes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements – continued

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Note 6. Income Tax – continued

2020

US$m

2019

US$m

Assets

Liabilities

Assets

Liabilities

D) Movements in Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

At 1 July

73.6 

(353.1)

(Charged)/credited to profit or loss

(Charged)/credited directly to equity

Divestment of subsidiaries

Adoption of new accounting standards

Offset against deferred tax (liabilities)/assets

Foreign exchange differences

At 30 June

(105.5)

(0.2)

  - 

210.5 

(79.1)

(3.0)

96.3 

95.6 

(0.1)

  - 

(166.4)

79.1 

6.8 

(338.1)

38.2 

22.9 

2.9 

28.2 

  - 

(17.7)

(0.9)

73.6 

(434.9)

28.3 

0.7 

29.3 

  - 

17.7 

5.8 

(353.1)

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 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 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.

Deferred tax assets are recognised for carried forward tax losses to the extent that the entity has sufficient taxable temporary 

differences or there is convincing evidence that sufficient taxable profit will be available against which the unused tax losses 

can be utilised. 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 assets to be 

utilised.

At reporting date, Brambles has unused tax losses of US$671.6 million (2019: US$652.5 million) available for offset against 

future profits. A deferred tax asset has been recognised in respect of US$536.5 million (2019: US$492.4 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$135.1 million 

(2019: US$160.1 million) due to the unpredictability of future profit streams in the relevant jurisdictions. Tax losses of 

US$431.1 million (2019: US$434.2 million), which have been recognised in the balance sheet, have an expiry date between 

2031 and 2038 (2019: between 2022 and 2038), however it is expected that these losses will be recouped prior to expiry. The 

remaining tax losses of US$105.4 million (2019: US$58.2 million), which have been recognised in the balance sheet, can be 

carried forward indefinitely.

80

Consolidated Financial ReportNotes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements – continued

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Note 6. Income Tax – continued

D) Movements in Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities – continued
At reporting date, undistributed earnings of subsidiaries for which deferred tax liabilities have not been recognised in the 

consolidated financial statements are US$961.3 million (2019: US$944.4 million). No deferred tax liability has been recognised 

for these amounts because Brambles controls the distributions from its subsidiaries and is satisfied that the temporary 

difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

The majority of the deferred tax assets and liabilities are expected to be recovered/realised beyond 12 months after the 

balance date.

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. 

F) Tax Estimates and Judgements
Brambles is a global Group 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 uncertain tax positions in accordance with IFRS interpretation IFRIC 23. 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.

In addition, Brambles regularly assesses the recognition and recoverability of deferred tax assets. This requires judgements 

about the application of income tax legislation in jurisdictions in which Brambles operates. Changes in circumstances may 

alter expectations and affect the carrying amount of deferred tax assets. 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.

G) Tax Policy

Brambles Limited has a tax policy approved by the Board of Directors, which sets out the Company’s approach to tax risk 

management and governance, tax planning, and dealing with tax authorities. The tax policy is included in Brambles Limited’s 

Code of Conduct. In addition, Brambles Limited’s Sustainability Review includes a Tax Transparency Report, prepared in 

accordance with the Australian Taxation Office's Voluntary Tax Transparency Code, which comprises, amongst other matters, 

details such as the corporate income tax paid by, and effective tax rates of, Brambles' Australian and global operations. The 

2020 Tax Transparency Report is scheduled for publication in the second half of calendar year 2020 and will be posted on 

Brambles’ website.

81

Consolidated Financial ReportNotes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements – continued

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Note 7. Earnings Per Share

From continuing operations

- basic

- diluted

- basic, on Underlying Profit after finance costs and tax

From discontinued operations1

- basic

- diluted

Total Earnings Per Share (EPS)1

- basic

- diluted

2020

US cents

2019

US cents

30.8 

30.7 

32.5 

(1.9)

(1.9)

28.9 

28.8 

28.5 

28.4 

31.9 

63.6 

63.4 

92.1 

91.8 

1

2019 includes earnings from IFCO operations (refer Note 9).

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.

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 revenue 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.

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 EPS to the extent to which they are 

considered to be dilutive. 

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.

82

Consolidated Financial ReportNotes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements – continued

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Note 7. Earnings Per Share – continued

A) Weighted Average Number of Shares during the Year

Used in the calculation of basic EPS

Adjustment for share rights

Used in the calculation of diluted EPS

B) Reconciliations of Profit used in EPS Calculations

Statutory profit

Profit from continuing operations 

(Loss)/profit from discontinued operations

Profit used in calculating basic and diluted EPS

Underlying Profit after finance costs and tax

Underlying Profit (Note 2)

Net finance costs (Note 5)

Underlying Profit after finance costs 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 4)

Profit from continuing operations 

2020

Million

1,548.7 

4.7 

1,553.4 

2020

US$m

477.2 

(29.2)

448.0 

795.0 

(80.8)

714.2 

(210.2)

504.0 

504.0 

(26.8)

477.2 

2019

Million

1,593.4 

5.1 

1,598.5 

2019

US$m

454.1 

1,013.6 

1,467.7 

803.7 

(88.5)

715.2 

(207.3)

507.9 

507.9 

(53.8)

454.1 

83

Consolidated Financial ReportNotes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements – continued

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Note 8. Dividends

A) Dividends Paid during the Year

Dividend per share

Cost (in US$ million)

Payment date

Interim1

2020

Special2

2020

Final

2019

US cents

Australian cents

Australian cents

9.0 

133.4 

17.0 

183.2 

14.5 

157.3 

9 April 2020

22 October 2019

10 October 2019

1

2

Effective from 1 July 2019, Brambles changed to a US dollar payout ratio based dividend policy, targeting a payout ratio of 

45-60% of Underlying Profit after finance costs and tax, subject to Brambles' cash requirements, with the dividend per 

share declared in US cents and converted and paid in Australian cents based on an average exchange rate just prior to the 

dividend declaration. 

A special dividend of 17.0 Australian cents per share was approved at the 2019 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and paid 

on 22 October 2019. The special dividend was funded using proceeds from the IFCO divestment.

Total dividends paid during the year of US$473.9 million (2019: US$328.1 million) per the consolidated cash flow statement 

differ from the amount recognised in the consolidated statement of changes in equity of US$471.9 million 

(2019: US$330.0 million) due to the impact of foreign exchange movements between the dividend record and payment dates. 

The Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP) remained suspended in 2020.

B) Dividend Declared after 30 June 2020

Dividend per share (in US cents)

Cost (in US$ million)

Payment date

Dividend record date

Final

2020

9.0 

135.5 

8 October 2020

10 September 2020

As this dividend had not been declared at 30 June 2020, it is not reflected in these financial statements. A provision for 

dividends is only recognised where the dividends have been declared prior to the reporting date.

Total ordinary dividends declared for 2020 were 18.0 US cents per share, representing a payout ratio of 53% which is broadly 

in line with the prior year payout ratio, including IFCO's 2019 earnings contribution. The 2019 total ordinary dividends were 

29.0 Australian cents per share.

C) Franking Credits

Franking credits available for subsequent financial years based on an Australian tax 

rate of 30%

2020

US$m

33.2 

2019

US$m

30.7 

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 receivable at the reporting date; and 

- franking credits that may be prevented from being distributed in subsequent financial years.

The final 2020 dividend will be franked at 30%. 

84

Consolidated Financial ReportNotes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements – continued

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Note 9. Discontinued Operations

The deferred consideration receivable from First Reserve, relating to the former Hoover Ferguson Group (HFG) investment 

divested in 2018, has been impaired by US$33.0 million in 2020 reflecting the current market conditions in the oil and gas industry 

(refer Note 10).

On 25 February 2019, Brambles entered into an agreement to sell its IFCO RPC business, with completion of the sale occurring on 

31 May 2019. As a consequence, the 2019 results of IFCO have been presented in discontinued operations.

Financial information for discontinued operations is summarised below:

Sales revenue

Other income

Operating expenses1

Operating (loss)/profit (excluding profit or loss on divestments) 

Operating results (excluding profit or loss on divestments) relate to:

- Impairment of receivable2

- IFCO

- other discontinued operations

Gain on divestment of IFCO before tax

Total operating (loss)/profit for the year

Finance costs

(Loss)/profit before tax

Tax benefit/(expense)3

(Loss)/profit for the year from discontinued operations 

Net cash (outflow)/inflow from operating activities 
Net cash outflow from investing activities4

Net cash outflow from financing activities 

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents 

Note

2020

US$m

  - 

  - 

(35.9)

(35.9)

(33.0)

(1.0)

(1.9)

(35.9)

  - 

2019

US$m

1,010.7 

1.2 

(898.8)

113.1 

  - 

115.2 

(2.1)

113.1 

959.3 

(35.9)

1,072.4 

  - 

(0.8)

(35.9)

1,071.6 

6.7 

(58.0)

(29.2)

1,013.6 

(7.2)

(16.0)

  - 

(23.2)

241.1 

(191.4)

(10.4)

39.3 

1

2

3

4

Depreciation and amortisation within operating expenses in 2020 is nil (2019: US$105.7 million related to IFCO operations).

The impairment charge on the deferred consideration receivable from First Reserve of US$33.0 million, is recognised as a 

Significant Item outside the ordinary course of business (2019: US$959.3 million related to the gain on sale of IFCO and other 

IFCO divestment costs).

Tax expense in 2019 included US$13.6 million tax expense in relation to the gain on divestment of IFCO and a US$44.3 million 

tax expense on IFCO's operating activities.

Net cash outflow from investing activities for 2020 include costs paid on disposal of IFCO.

85

Consolidated Financial ReportNotes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements – continued

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Note 10. Trade and Other Receivables 

Current

Trade receivables

Allowance for doubtful receivables

Net trade receivables

Other debtors

Unbilled revenue

Total trade and other receivables

Non-current
Other receivables1

2020

US$m

548.1 

(17.2)

530.9 

74.5 

111.8 

717.2 

23.3 

23.3 

2019

US$m

604.2 

(14.7)

589.5 

77.1 

102.3 

768.9 

52.8 

52.8 

1 Other receivables in 2020 includes deferred consideration of US$47.4 million due from First Reserve (2019: US$44.5 million). 

An impairment charge of US$33.0 million on the receivable has been recognised in 2020 reflecting the current market 

conditions in the oil and gas industry (refer Note 9).

Trade receivables with no significant financing component are recognised when services are provided and settlement is 

expected within normal credit terms. Trade receivables are non-interest bearing and are generally on 30–90 day terms.

Other receivables are initially recognised at fair value plus any directly attributable transaction costs and subsequently 

measured at amortised cost. 

The allowance for doubtful receivables has been established based on AASB 9 Financial Instruments.  For all eligible trade and 
other receivables, Brambles applies the simplified approach to measuring expected credit losses, which uses a lifetime expected 

loss allowance. To measure the expected credit losses, trade and other receivables are grouped based on region and aging. 

Customers with heightened credit risk are provided for specifically based on historical default rates and forward-looking 

information. Customers with normal credit risk are provided for in line with a provision matrix based on aging and their 

associated risk. A lifecycle allowance is calculated on the remaining trade and other receivables balance based on historical bad 

debt levels. Where there is no reasonable expectation of recovery, balances are written off. Subsequent recovery of amounts 

previously written off are credited against other expenses in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. An 

allowance of US$7.3 million (2019: US$2.0 million) has been recognised as an expense in the current year for trade and other 

receivables in line with the Group accounting policy.

Other debtors primarily comprise GST/VAT recoverable and loss compensation receivables. 

86

Consolidated Financial ReportNotes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements – continued

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Note 10. Trade and Other Receivables – continued

At 30 June, the ageing analysis of trade receivables and other debtors by reference to due dates was as follows:

Trade receivables

Other debtors

2020

US$m

2019

US$m

2020

US$m

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

489.2 

26.0 

7.6 

2.6 

5.5 

17.2 

548.1 

516.7 

60.6 

40.4 

13.6 

6.6 

12.2 

14.7 

2.3 

1.3 

1.3 

9.0 

  - 

604.2 

74.5 

Refer to Note 22 for other financial instruments' disclosures.

Note 11. Inventories

Raw materials and consumables 

Finished goods

59.2 

8.3 

67.5 

2019

US$m

50.0 

6.8 

4.9 

1.8 

13.6 

  - 

77.1 

50.0 

9.8 

59.8 

Inventories on hand are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value and, where appropriate, a provision is made for 

possible obsolescence. 

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.

Note 12. Other Assets

Current

Prepayments

Current tax receivable 

Derivative financial instruments 

Non-current

Derivative financial instruments

Refer to Note 22 for other financial instruments' disclosures.

74.4 

9.1 

12.1 

95.6 

9.7 

9.7 

46.8 

8.7 

6.0 

61.5 

11.8 

11.8 

87

Consolidated Financial ReportNotes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements – continued

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Note 13. Property, Plant and Equipment

A) Net Carrying Amounts and Movements during the Year

2020

US$m

2019

US$m

Land and

Plant and

Land and

Plant and

buildings

equipment

Total

buildings

equipment

Total

Opening carrying amount

Additions1

Divestment of subsidiaries

Disposals 

Depreciation charge2

Impairment charge3

IPEP expense4

Foreign exchange differences

Closing carrying amount 

At 30 June 

Cost

Accumulated depreciation5

Accumulated impairment3

43.3 

10.4 

  - 

(0.1)

(4.5)

  - 

  - 

(2.3)

46.8 

4,269.9 

4,313.2 

970.8 

981.2 

  - 

(107.0)

(473.0)

(3.0)

(155.7)

(139.5)

  - 

(107.1)

(477.5)

(3.0)

(155.7)

(141.8)

4,362.5 

4,409.3 

92.1 

6,530.6 

6,622.7 

(45.3)

(2,165.1)

(2,210.4)

  - 

(3.0)

(3.0)

Net carrying amount 

46.8 

4,362.5 

4,409.3 

48.9 

8.2 

(7.4)

  - 

(5.1)

  - 

  - 

(1.3)

43.3 

85.8 

(42.5)

  - 

43.3 

5,090.8 

1,208.2 

5,139.7 

1,216.4 

(1,075.7)

(1,083.1)

(182.7)

(555.2)

  - 

(141.2)

(74.3)

(182.7)

(560.3)

  - 

(141.2)

(75.6)

4,269.9 

4,313.2 

6,371.1 

6,456.9 

(2,101.2)

(2,143.7)

  - 

4,269.9 

4,313.2 

1

2

3

4

In 2020 capital expenditure related to discontinued operations is nil (2019: US$156.0 million).

In 2020 depreciation charge related to discontinued operations is nil (2019: US$92.5 million).

Impairment charge of US$3.0 million recognised in the Kegstar keg-pooling business in relation to plant and equipment, 

reflecting the impact of Covid-19 and uncertainties over on-premise consumption and performance of the craft beer segment 

(refer Note 13E and 14D).

In 2020 IPEP expense related to discontinued operations is nil (2019: US$14.1 million).

5 Includes the IPEP provision of US$105.7 million (2019: US$83.0 million).

The net carrying amounts above include capital work in progress of US$129.0 million (2019: US$85.9 million).

B) Recognition and Measurement
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 consolidated statement of comprehensive income in the period 

they are incurred.

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 profit or loss and presented within other 

income/operating expenses in the period in which the asset is derecognised.

88

Consolidated Financial ReportNotes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements – continued

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Note 13. Property, Plant and Equipment – continued

C) Depreciation of Property, Plant and Equipment
Depreciation is recognised on a straight-line or reducing balance basis on all PPE (excluding land) over their expected useful lives. 

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: up to 50 years;

- pooling equipment: 5–10 years; and

- other plant and equipment: 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 improvements to Brambles, whichever is shorter.

D) Irrecoverable Pooling Equipment Provision
Loss is an inherent risk of pooling equipment operations. Brambles’ pooling equipment operations around the world differ in 

terms of business models, market dynamics, customer and distribution channel profiles, contractual arrangements and 

operational details. Brambles monitors its pooling equipment operations using detailed key performance indicators (KPIs) and 

conducts audits continuously to confirm the existence and the condition of its pooling equipment assets and to validate its 

customer hire records. During these audits, which take place at Brambles' plants, customer sites and other locations, pooling 

equipment is counted on a sample basis and reconciled to the balances shown in Brambles’ customer hire records. The 

irrecoverable pooling equipment provision (IPEP) is subject to a number of judgements and estimates, which are informed by 

historical statistical data in each market, including the outcome of audits and relevant KPIs. The impact of Covid-19 has been 

considered in estimating the IPEP provision including updating the key assumptions for the latest estimated and actual loss rates. 

IPEP is presented within accumulated depreciation.

E) Recoverable Amount of Non-current Assets
At each reporting date, Brambles assesses whether there is any indication that an asset, or CGU to which the asset belongs, may 

be impaired. Where an indicator of impairment exists, Brambles makes a formal estimate of the recoverable amount. The 

recoverable amount of goodwill is tested for impairment annually (refer Note 14D). The recoverable amount of an asset is the 

greater of its fair value less costs to sell and its value in use.

Value in use is determined as the estimated future cash flows discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that 

reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset.

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 consolidated statement of comprehensive income in the 

reporting period in which the write-down occurs.

Kegstar global has been adversely impacted by Covid-19 and uncertainties over on-premise consumption and performance of 

the craft beer segment. As a result the keg-pooling equipment has been written down to the recoverable amount and an 

impairment charge of US$3.0 million recognised in the statement of comprehensive income (refer Note 4). 

89

Consolidated Financial ReportNotes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements – continued

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Note 14. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

A) Net Carrying Amounts and Movements during the Year

2020

US$m

2019

US$m

Goodwill

Software

Other1

Total

Goodwill

Software

Other1

Total

Opening carrying amount

220.8 

Additions

Disposals

Divestment of subsidiaries

Amortisation charge2

Impairment charge3

Foreign exchange 

differences

36.0 

15.1 

  - 

  - 

(10.1)

(0.6)

29.4 

7.5 

(0.1)

  - 

(8.2)

(1.4)

286.2 

911.7 

22.6 

(0.1)

  - 

  - 

  - 

(667.1)

(18.3)

(25.0)

  - 

  - 

38.1 

14.1 

(1.8)

(3.4)

(10.7)

  - 

73.0 

1,022.8 

7.5 

  - 

(30.0)

(19.0)

  - 

21.6 

(1.8)

(700.5)

(29.7)

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

(23.0)

(5.3)

(0.1)

(0.4)

(5.8)

(23.8)

(0.3)

(2.1)

(26.2)

Closing carrying amount 

192.5 

40.3 

26.8 

259.6 

220.8 

36.0 

29.4 

286.2 

At 30 June

Gross carrying amount

215.5 

176.9 

72.9 

465.3 

220.8 

165.1 

Accumulated amortisation

  - 

(136.0)

(44.7)

(180.7)

Accumulated impairment3

Net carrying amount 

(23.0)

192.5 

(0.6)

40.3 

(1.4)

26.8 

(25.0)

259.6 

  - 

  - 

220.8 

(129.1)

  - 

36.0 

68.2 

(38.8)

  - 

29.4 

454.1 

(167.9)

  - 

286.2 

Other intangible assets primarily comprise acquired customer relationships, customer lists and agreements, and BXB Digital 

capitalised costs.

In 2020 amortisation charge related to discontinued operations is nil (2019: US$13.2 million).

Based on a fair value less costs to sell model used for impairment testing, goodwill and intangibles of US$25.0 million in the 

Kegstar keg-pooling business have been impaired, reflecting the impact of Covid-19 and uncertainties over on-premise 

consumption and performance of the craft beer segment (refer Note 14D).

1 

2 

3 

90

Consolidated Financial ReportNotes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements – continued

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Note 14. Goodwill and Intangible Assets – continued

B) Summary of Carrying Value of Goodwill by CGU

CHEP Europe

CHEP Asia-Pacific

Kegstar Australia and New Zealand (ANZ)

CHEP Americas

Total goodwill  

C) Recognition and Measurement

2020

US$m

129.4 

53.0 

  - 

10.1 

2019

US$m

131.4 

54.7 

23.5 

11.2 

192.5 

220.8 

Goodwill
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 at the date of acquisition. Goodwill on acquisitions of subsidiaries and joint ventures is included in 

intangible assets and investments in joint ventures, respectively. Goodwill is carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses 

and is not amortised.

Upon acquisition, any goodwill arising is allocated to each CGU expected to benefit from the acquisition. 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.

Other 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 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 an asset.

Useful lives have been established for all non-goodwill intangible assets. Amortisation charges are expensed in the consolidated 

statement of comprehensive income 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: 3–20 years; and

- computer software: 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 CGU 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 consolidated statement of comprehensive income when 

the asset is derecognised.

91

Consolidated Financial ReportNotes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements – continued

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Note 14. Goodwill and Intangible Assets – continued

D) Goodwill Recoverable Amount Testing

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. This review may be undertaken more frequently if events or changes 

indicate that goodwill may be impaired. 

The recoverable amount of goodwill is determined based on the higher of the value in use and the fair value less costs to sell 

calculations undertaken at the CGU level. The value in use is calculated using a discounted cash flow methodology covering a 

three-year period, including the impact of Covid-19, with an appropriate terminal value at the end of that period. 

Based on the review performed, an impairment loss of US$25.0 million has been recognised in the consolidated statement of 

comprehensive income (refer Note 4) in relation to Kegstar, an Australian keg-pooling business acquired in 2014. Goodwill of 

US$23.0 million and intangible assets of US$2.0 million have been fully impaired. The recoverable amount of the Kegstar ANZ 

CGU is based on fair value less costs to sell, using a discounted cash flow. The business has been materially impacted by Covid-19 

due to severe restrictions on the industry in 2020, and uncertainties over on-premise consumption and performance of the craft 

beer segment. 

The carrying amount of goodwill in the other CGUs at reporting date is fully supported. The key assumptions on which 

management has based its cash flow projections were:

Cash flow forecasts

Cash flow forecasts are post-tax and based on the most recent financial projections covering a maximum period of three years. 

Financial projections are based on assumptions that represent management’s best estimates.

Revenue growth rates

Revenue growth rates used are based on management’s latest three-year plan. Three-year growth rates for CHEP Europe and 

CHEP Asia-Pacific CGUs were 1.4% and 7.7% respectively. Sensitivity testing was performed on these CGUs and a reasonably 

possible decline in these rates would not cause the carrying value of the CGUs to exceed their recoverable amount. 

Terminal value
The terminal value calculated is determined using the stable growth model, having regard to the weighted average cost of capital 

(WACC) and terminal growth factor appropriate to each CGU. The terminal growth rate used in the financial projections was 1.9% 

for CHEP Europe and 2.2% for CHEP Asia-Pacific.

Discount rates (pre-tax)
Discount rates used are the pre-tax WACC and include a premium for market risks appropriate to each country in which the CGU 

operates. Weighted average pre-tax WACC used was 9.8% (pre-tax rates: CHEP Europe 9.0% and CHEP Asia-Pacific 12.3%). 

Weighted average pre-tax WACC rates used for 2019 impairment reviews were 8.7%.

Sensitivity
The Brambles pooling equipment business, excluding Kegstar, has not been materially impacted by Covid-19 in 2020 as it 

operates in an essential services market. Downside scenarios were prepared to sensitise the models. Reasonable changes to key 

assumptions in the Kegstar model do not materially impact the impairment loss recognised. For the remaining CGUs, any 

reasonable change to the above key assumptions would not cause the carrying value to materially exceed the recoverable 

amount. Consideration has also been given to climate change risk. 

92

Consolidated Financial ReportNotes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements – continued

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Note 15. Trade and Other Payables

Current

Trade payables

GST/VAT and other payables

Deferred revenue

Accruals

Derivative financial instruments

Total trade and other payables

Non-current

Other liabilities

2020

US$m

438.4 

134.4 

422.1 

227.3 

4.3 

2019

US$m

420.7 

147.4 

410.8 

228.1 

1.5 

1,226.5 

1,208.5 

  - 

  - 

1.0 

1.0 

Trade payables represent liabilities for goods and services provided to Brambles prior to the end of the financial year that 

remain unpaid at the reporting date. The amounts are unsecured, non-interest bearing and are paid within normal credit terms 

of 30–120 days. 

Other payables (excluding derivatives) are initially measured at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred, and subsequently 

measured at amortised cost. 

Deferred revenue primarily relates to revenue that is billed on issue of pooling equipment to customers. It is recognised in the 

consolidated statement of comprehensive income over the cycle time (refer Note 2). As the cycle time is less than one year, all 

deferred revenue from 2019 was recognised in 2020. Deferred revenue in 2020 relates to the transaction price allocated to 

performance obligations that remain unsatisfied and will be satisfied in 2021.

Refer to Note 22 for other financial instruments' disclosures.

Note 16. Provisions

Employee entitlements

Other2

2020

US$m

20191

US$m

Current

Non-current

Current

Non-current

72.4 

12.5 

84.9 

5.4 

70.7 

76.1 

61.3 

14.2 

75.5 

3.5 

11.3 

14.8 

1

2

The comparative period does not include the impact of AASB 16 Leases.

Other includes US$70.9 million relating to dilapidation provisions on leases as well as other provisions relating to litigation 

and other known exposures.

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 

consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

93

Consolidated Financial Report 
 
Notes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements – continued

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Note 16. Provisions – continued

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, bonuses and contract entitlements. 

Annual leave and sick leave entitlements are presented within other payables.

Liabilities for annual leave, as well as those employee entitlements that 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.

Employee entitlements 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.

Note 17. Borrowings

Unsecured

Bank overdrafts

Bank loans

Loan notes1

1

2020

US$m

2019

US$m

Current

Non-current

Current

Non-current

  - 

27.5 

8.8 

36.3 

  - 

149.3 

1,627.9 

1,777.2 

0.9 

28.8 

527.1 

556.8 

  - 

2.6 

1,640.8 

1,643.4 

On 5 July 2019, Brambles repaid the US$500.0 million April 2020 144A bond using the IFCO proceeds.

Borrowings are primarily initially recognised at fair value net of transaction costs incurred and are subsequently measured at 

amortised cost. Any difference between the borrowing proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption amount is 

recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income 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.

Financial risks and risk management strategies associated with borrowings, including financial covenants, are disclosed in 

Note 22.

Note 18. 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. Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit plans are charged as an expense as they 

fall due.

94

Consolidated Financial ReportNotes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements – continued

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Note 18. Retirement Benefit Obligations – continued

A) Defined Contribution Plans – continued 
US$18.0 million (2019: US$20.5 million) has been recognised as an expense in the consolidated statement of comprehensive 

income, representing contributions paid and payable to these plans by Brambles at rates specified in the rules of the plans, all of 

which relate to continuing operations.

B) Defined Benefit Plans
Brambles operates a small 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 

mostly funded plans.

A liability in respect of defined benefit pension plans 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 plans' 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 plan assets and the present value of the defined benefit obligations recognised in Brambles’ balance sheet are based upon 

the most recent formal actuarial valuations, which have been updated to 30 June 2020 by independent professionally qualified 

actuaries and take account of the requirements of AASB 119. For all plans, the valuation updates have used assumptions, assets 

and cash flows as at 31 May 2020. There has been no material change in assumptions, assets and cash flows between 31 May 

and 30 June. The present value of the defined benefit obligations and past service costs were measured using the projected unit 

credit method. Past service cost is recognised immediately to the extent that the benefits are already 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 other comprehensive income in the period in which they arise. 

A net expense of US$2.2 million has been recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income in respect of 

defined benefit plans (2019: US$6.2 million), of which US$1.6 million net expense relates to continuing operations 

(2019: US$5.6 million). Included within the total expense recognised during the year is net interest cost of US$0.5 million 

(2019: a one-off Guaranteed Minimum Pension (GMP) equalisation adjustment of US$3.8 million and US$0.3 million net interest 

cost).

The amounts recognised in the balance sheet are as follows:

Present value of defined benefit obligations

Fair value of plan assets

Net liability recognised in the balance sheet  

2020

US$m

299.6 

(261.9)

37.7 

2019

US$m

286.7 

(249.4)

37.3 

Currency variations and a significant decrease in the discount rate, largely offset by an increase in the market value of plan 

assets, were the key drivers for the changes in the present value of defined benefit obligations and the fair value of plan assets. 

Benefits paid during the period were US$6.8 million (2019: US$7.7 million). There are a number of principal assumptions used in 

the actuarial valuations of the defined benefit obligations. These principal assumptions are the discount rate of 1.6% 

(2019: 2.4%) for the plans operating in the United Kingdom and 9.2% (2019: 9.3%) for the South African plan; the pension 

increase rate of 2.80% - 3.45% (2019: 3.30% - 3.65%) in the United Kingdom plans and the inflation rate for the South African 

plan of 4.75% (2019: 5.88%). A change of 25 basis points in the discount rate or other key assumptions may have a material 

impact on the defined benefit obligation.

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 plans’ actuaries when 

actuarial valuations are obtained. Additional annual contributions of US$6.2 million (2019: US$6.3 million) are being paid to 

remove the identified deficits over a period of up to eight years (2019: nine years).

95

Consolidated Financial ReportNotes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements – continued

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Note 19. Contributed Equity

Total ordinary shares, of no par value, issued and fully paid:

At 1 July 2018

Issued during the year1

Share buy-back2

At 30 June 2019 

At 1 July 2019

Issued during the year1

Share buy-back2

Shareholder capital return3

At 30 June 2020 

Shares   

US$m

1,591,901,323 

6,218.5 

2,900,351 

(6,039,299)

23.0 

(54.1)

1,588,762,375 

6,187.4 

1,588,762,375 

6,187.4 

1,928,769 

(85,658,579)

  - 

14.5 

(645.4)

(129.3)

1,505,032,565 

5,427.2 

1

2

3

Includes shares issued on exercise of share plans and shares issued as part of the MyShare Dividend Reinvestment Plan.

As announced on 25 February 2019, Brambles will perform an on-market share buy-back of up to US$1.65 billion using the 

proceeds from the IFCO divestment. The cumulative total of shares repurchased and cancelled to 30 June 2020 is 

US$699.5 million, of which US$645.4 million occurred in 2020.

A capital return of 12.0 Australian cents was approved at the 2019 AGM and paid on 22 October 2019. The capital return was 

funded using the proceeds from the IFCO divestment.

Ordinary shares are classified as contributed equity. No gain or loss is recognised in the consolidated statement of 

comprehensive income 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.

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.

96

Consolidated Financial ReportNotes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements – continued

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Note 20. Share-Based Payments

The Remuneration Report sets out details relating to the Brambles share plans (pages 50 and 52), together with details of 

performance share rights and MyShare matching conditional rights issued to the Executive Directors and other Key Management 

Personnel (pages 51 to 52). 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 rights granted under the plans.

A) Grants over Brambles Limited Shares

Balance

at 1 July

Granted

during

year

Exercised

Forfeited /

during

year

lapsed

during year

Balance 

at 30 June

Grant date

Expiry date

2020

Performance share rights 

Awards granted in prior periods

5,263,284 

(1,046,326)

(1,013,546)

3,203,412 

15 July 2019

15 July 2025

15 Oct 2019

15 Oct 2025

4 Nov 2019

4 Nov 2025

14 Nov 2019

14 Nov 2025

MyShare matching conditional rights 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

11,602 

  - 

  - 

11,602 

2,607,326 

(19,453)

(104,074)

2,483,799 

1,606 

112,225 

  - 

  - 

2018 Plan Year

31 Mar 2020

1,026,459 

  - 

(968,256)

2019 Plan Year

31 Mar 2021

339,268 

2020 Plan Year

31 Mar 2022

  - 

717,127 

463,101 

(15,915)

(489)

  - 

  - 

(58,203)

(79,558)

(7,233)

1,606 

112,225 

  - 

960,922 

455,379 

Total rights

6,629,011 

3,912,987 

(2,050,439)

(1,262,614)

7,228,945 

2019 (summarised comparative)

Total rights

7,457,199 

3,543,412 

(3,048,036)

(1,323,564)

6,629,011 

Of the above grants, 160,807 were exercisable at 30 June 2020. 

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

2020

2019

A$

A$

years

10.26 

11.37 

3.8 

9.71 

11.29 

4.0 

The cost of equity-settled share rights is recognised, together with a corresponding increase in equity, 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).

97

Consolidated Financial ReportNotes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements – continued

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Note 20. Share-Based Payments – continued

A) Grants Over Brambles Limited Shares – continued
Executives and employees in certain jurisdictions are provided cash incentives calculated by reference to the awards under the 

share-based compensation schemes (phantom shares). These phantom shares are fair valued on initial grant date and at each 

subsequent reporting date. 

The cost of cash-settled share rights is charged to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income over the relevant 

vesting periods, with a corresponding increase in provisions.

B) Fair Value Calculations
The fair values of performance share rights and MyShare matching conditional rights were determined as at grant date, using a 

Monte Carlo Simulation and Binomial valuation methodology, and exclude the impact of non-market vesting conditions. The 

values calculated do not take into account the probability of rights being forfeited prior to vesting, as Brambles revises its 

estimate of the number of shares and performance rights expected to vest at each reporting date.

The significant inputs into the valuation models for the grants made during the year were:

Weighted average share price  

Expected volatility  

Expected life 

Annual risk-free interest rate1

Expected dividend yield 

2020

A$11.59

20%

2019

A$11.01

20%

2 – 3 years

2 – 3 years

0.68%

1.94 – 2.00%

3.00%

3.00%

1 The decline in the annual risk-free interest rate is reflective of the movement in the yield on Australian government bonds.

The expected volatility was determined based on a four-year historic volatility of Brambles’ share prices.

C) Share-Based Payments Expense

Brambles recognised a total expense of US$18.4 million (2019: US$17.1 million) relating to equity-settled share-based payments 

and US$1.7 million (2019: US$1.6 million) relating to cash-settled share-based payments. Of these amounts, nil 

(2019: US$2.1 million) related to discontinued operations. 

98

Consolidated Financial ReportNotes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements – continued

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Note 21. Reserves and Retained Earnings

A) Movements in Reserves and Retained Earnings

Reserves

Share-

based

Foreign

currency

payments

translation

Unification

US$m

US$m

US$m

Other

US$m

Total

US$m

Retained

earnings

US$m

80.3 

(333.4)

(7,162.4)

161.8 

(7,253.7)

3,813.6 

  - 

  - 

  - 

17.1 

(23.0)

1.6 

(0.1)

(11.6)

  - 

  - 

  - 

(85.0)

32.2 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

(85.0)

32.2 

17.1 

(23.0)

1.6 

(0.1)

(11.6)

  - 

  - 

(8.1)

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

0.1 

  - 

(330.0)

1,467.7 

Year ended 30 June 2019

Opening balance

Actuarial loss on defined benefit plans

Foreign exchange differences

FCTR released to profit on divestment of 

IFCO

Share-based payments:

- expense recognised

- shares issued

- equity component of related tax

- transfer to retained earnings on

   divestment of IFCO

- other

Dividends declared

Profit for the year

Closing balance as at 30 June 2019 

64.3 

(386.2)

(7,162.4)

161.8 

(7,322.5)

4,943.3 

Year ended 30 June 2020

Opening balance as previously reported

64.3 

(386.2)

(7,162.4)

161.8 

(7,322.5)

4,943.3 

Opening balance adjustment on adoption of 

AASB 16

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

(121.8)

Revised opening balance

64.3 

(386.2)

(7,162.4)

161.8 

(7,322.5)

4,821.5 

Actuarial loss on defined benefit plans

Foreign exchange differences1

  - 

  - 

  - 

(143.9)

Share-based payments:

- expense recognised

- shares issued

- equity component of related tax

Dividends declared

Profit for the year

18.4 

(14.5)

(1.8)

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

(143.9)

18.4 

(14.5)

(1.8)

  - 

  - 

(4.1)

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

(471.9)

448.0 

Closing balance as at 30 June 2020 

66.4 

(530.1)

(7,162.4)

161.8 

(7,464.3)

4,793.5 

1

Exchange differences on translation of foreign subsidiaries have been significantly impacted by the devaluation of the 

Australian dollar, Latin American currencies and the South African rand net assets translated into US dollars. The June 2020 

spot rate relative to the US dollar weakened 2% for the Australian dollar, 21% for the Latin American currencies and 22% for 

the South African rand.

99

Consolidated Financial ReportNotes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements – continued

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Note 21. Reserves and Retained Earnings – continued

B) Nature and Purpose of Reserves

Share-based payments reserve
This comprises the cumulative share-based payment expense recognised in the statement of comprehensive income in relation 

to equity-settled options and share rights issued but not yet exercised. Refer to Note 20 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 consolidated statement of 

comprehensive income on disposal of a foreign subsidiary.

Unification reserve
On Unification, Brambles Limited issued shares on a one-for-one basis to those Brambles Industries Limited (BIL) and Brambles 

Industries plc (BIP) shareholders who did not elect to participate in the Cash Alternative. The Unification reserve of 

US$15,385.8 million was established on 4 December 2006, representing the difference between the Brambles Limited share 

capital measured at fair value and the carrying value of the share capital of BIL and BIP at that date. In the consolidated financial 

statements, the reduction in share capital of US$8,223.4 million on 9 September 2011 by Brambles Limited in accordance with 
section 258F of the Corporations Act 2001  was applied against the Unification reserve. 

Other
This comprises a merger reserve created in 2001 and the hedging reserve. The hedging reserve represents the cumulative 

portion of the gain or loss of cash flow hedges that are determined to be effective hedges. Amounts are recognised in the 

statement of comprehensive income when the associated hedged transaction is recognised or the hedge or the forecast 

hedged transaction is no longer highly probable. 

100

Consolidated Financial ReportNotes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements – continued

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Note 22. 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 programme focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to minimise 

potential adverse effects on the financial performance of Brambles. Financial risk management activities are carried out centrally 

by Brambles’ treasury function in accordance with Board policies and guidelines, through standard operating procedures and 

delegated authorities.

Brambles uses interest rate swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts to manage its market risk and does not trade in 

financial instruments for speculative purposes.

A) Financial Assets and Liabilities
Financial assets are recognised when Brambles becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument and are classified 

in the following two categories: financial assets at fair value through profit or loss; and amortised cost, as disclosed in the 

respective notes.

Derecognition occurs when rights to the asset have expired or when Brambles transfers its rights to receive cash flows from the 

asset together with substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset.

Refer to Note 17 for the recognition of interest bearing financial liabilities. Refer to Note 1G for the recognition of lease liabilities.

The fair values of all financial assets and liabilities held on the balance sheet as at 30 June 2020 equal the carrying amount, with 

the exception of loan notes, which have an estimated fair value of US$1,708.9 million (2019: US$2,264.7 million) compared to a 

carrying value of US$1,636.7 million (2019: US$2,167.9 million). Financial assets and liabilities held at fair value (other than loan 

notes) are estimated using Level 2 estimation techniques, which uses inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either 

directly (as prices) or indirectly (derived from prices). The fair value of loan notes has been calculated using Level 1 valuation 

techniques, which uses directly observable unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

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.

B) Derivative and Hedging Activities
For the purposes of hedge accounting, hedges are classified as either fair value hedges, cash flow hedges or net investment 

hedges.

For fair value hedges, any gain or loss from remeasuring the hedging instrument at fair value is adjusted against the carrying 

amount of the hedged item and recognised in profit or loss.

For cash flow hedges, 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 the ineffective portion is recognised in profit or loss.

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

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

for hedge accounting.

101

Consolidated Financial ReportNotes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements – continued

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Note 22. Financial Risk Management – continued

C) 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, is predominantly in euros and US dollars on borrowings. This is 

managed by maintaining a mix of fixed and floating-rate instruments within select target bands over defined periods. In some 

cases, interest rate derivatives are used to achieve these targets synthetically. As at 30 June 2020, Brambles also has exposure to 

variability in finance revenue through its holdings of cash and term deposits in Australian dollars.

The following table sets out the financial instruments exposed to interest rate risk at reporting date:

Note

2

10

2020

US$m

204.7 

463.9 

668.6 

0.6%

68.7 

68.6 

23.3 

160.6 

1.5%

  - 

161.6 

168.6 

330.2 

1.1%

2019

US$m

357.7 

836.5 

1,194.2 

1.7%

497.1 

411.2 

52.8 

961.1 

2.3%

0.9 

28.8 

170.6 

200.3 

2.2%

1,636.7 

2,167.9 

15.2 

704.2 

(168.6)

2,187.5 

3.0%

2.6 

  - 

(170.6)

1,999.9 

3.3%

Financial assets (floating rate)

Cash at bank

Short-term deposits

Weighted average effective interest rate at 30 June 

Financial assets (fixed rate)

Short-term deposits

Term deposit

Other receivables

Weighted average effective interest rate at 30 June 

Financial liabilities (floating rate)

Bank overdrafts

Bank loans

Interest rate swaps (notional value) – fair value hedges

Net exposure to cash flow interest rate risk 

Weighted average effective interest rate at 30 June 

Financial liabilities (fixed rate)

Loan notes

Bank loans

Lease liabilities

Interest rate swaps (notional value) – fair value hedges

Net exposure to fair value interest rate risk 

Weighted average effective interest rate at 30 June

102

Consolidated Financial ReportNotes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements – continued

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Note 22. Financial Risk Management – continued

C) Market Risk – continued

Interest rate swaps – fair value hedges
Brambles entered into interest rate swap transactions with various banks, swapping €150.0 million of the €500.0 million 2024 

Euro medium-term fixed-rate notes (EMTN) to variable rates. The interest rate swaps and debt have been designated in a 

hedging relationship at a hedge ratio of 1:1. The fair value of the interest rate swaps are adjusted for credit risk, measured by 

reference to credit default swaps for the interest rate swap counterparties, which is a source of ineffectiveness. Movement in 

credit risk does not dominate the hedge relationship. The credit valuation adjustment to the swaps at 30 June 2020 is 

US$0.1 million (2019: US$0.1 million). 

In accordance with AASB 9, the carrying value of the loan notes has been adjusted to increase debt by US$12.9 million 

(2019: US$15.1 million) in relation to changes in fair value attributable to the hedged risk. The fair value of interest rate swaps at 

reporting date was US$12.6 million (2019: US$14.8 million).

The terms of the swaps match the terms of the fixed-rate bond issue for the amounts and durations being hedged.

Fair value hedge

Description

Nominal amount (US$m)

Carrying amount (US$m)

Change in fair value (US$m)

Hedge ineffectiveness (US$m)

Balance sheet account impacted

Hedged item

Hedging instrument

€150m of the €500m EMTN

€150m interest rate swaps

168.6

171.6

12.9

Nil

168.6

12.6

12.9

Nil

Non-current borrowings

Other assets

Statement of comprehensive income account impacted

Finance revenue/finance costs

The gain or loss from remeasuring the interest rate swaps at fair value is recorded in profit or loss together with any changes in 

the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that is attributed to the hedged risk. For 2020, all interest rate swaps were effective 

hedging instruments.

Sensitivity analysis

Based on the Australian dollar floating rate financial assets and floating rate financial liabilities outstanding at 30 June 2020, if 

Australian interest rates were to increase or decrease by 50 basis points with all other variables held constant, profit after tax for 

the year would have been US$2.2 million higher/lower (2019: US$5.3 million higher/lower). 

Foreign exchange risk

Exposure to foreign exchange risk generally arises in either the value of transactions translated back to the functional currency of 

a subsidiary or 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. Within Brambles, exposures may arise with external parties or, alternatively, by way of cross-border intercompany 

transactions. Forward foreign exchange contracts are primarily used to manage exposures from normal commercial transactions 

such as the purchase and sale of equipment and services, intercompany interest and royalties. Given that Brambles both 

generates income and incurs expenses in its local currencies of operation, these exposures are not significant.

Brambles generally mitigates translation exposures by raising debt in currencies where there are matching assets.

103

Consolidated Financial ReportNotes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements – continued

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Note 22. Financial Risk Management – continued

C) Market Risk – continued

Foreign exchange risk – continued

Currency profile

The following table sets out the currency mix profile of Brambles’ financial instruments at reporting date. Financial assets 

include cash, term deposits, trade receivables and derivative assets. Financial liabilities include trade payables, lease liabilities, 

borrowings and derivative liabilities:

2020

Financial assets

Financial liabilities

2019

Financial assets

Financial liabilities

US

dollar

US$m

301.8 

1,234.9 

Aust.

dollar

US$m

643.8 

105.8 

712.3 

1,538.8 

1,159.5 

14.0 

Sterling

US$m

Euro

US$m

Other

US$m

Total

US$m

14.5 

76.4 

43.9 

31.6 

155.3 

1,280.2 

266.5 

263.1 

1,381.9 

2,960.4 

201.8 

1,256.2 

265.8 

161.1 

2,762.6 

2,622.4 

Forward foreign exchange contracts – cash flow hedges

During 2020, Brambles entered into forward foreign exchange transactions with various banks in a variety of cross-currencies 

for terms ranging up to eight months.

For 2020 and 2019, all foreign exchange contracts were effective hedging instruments. The fair value of these contracts at 

reporting date was nil (2019: nil).

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 contracts provide an economic hedge 

against exchange fluctuations on foreign currency loan balances. The face value and terms of the foreign exchange contracts 

match the intercompany loan balances. Gains and losses on realignment of the intercompany loans and foreign exchange 

contracts to spot rates are offset in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. Consequently, these foreign 

exchange contracts are not designated for hedge accounting purposes and are classified as held for trading. The fair value of 

these contracts at reporting date was a net asset of US$4.9 million (2019: net liability of US$1.5 million).

Hedge of net investment in foreign entity

At 30 June 2020, €350.5 million (US$394.0 million) of the 2024 EMTN 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 2020 and 2019, there was no ineffectiveness to be recorded from such partial hedges of net 

investments in foreign entities.

Sensitivity analysis

Based on the financial instruments held at 30 June 2020, if exchange rates were to weaken/strengthen against the US dollar 

by 10% with all other variables held constant, the transaction exposure within profit after tax for the year would not have 

been material. However, the impact on equity would have been US$27.8 million lower/higher (2019: US$28.3 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.

104

Consolidated Financial ReportNotes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements – continued

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Note 22. Financial Risk Management – continued

D) 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 January 2025. Borrowings under the bank credit 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 or annually. At balance date, loan notes had maturities out to October 2027.

Brambles also has access to further funding through overdrafts, uncommitted and standby lines of credit, principally to 

manage day-to-day liquidity.

The average term to maturity of the committed borrowing facilities and the loan notes is equivalent to 4.2 years 

(2019: 4.0 years). These facilities are unsecured and are guaranteed as described in Note 31B.

Borrowing facilities maturity profile

2020

Total facilities

Facilities used1

Facilities available

2019

Total facilities

Facilities used1

Facilities available

1 

Year 1

US$m

376.9 

(27.8)

349.1 

765.0 

(530.7)

234.3 

Year 2

US$m

471.3 

(1.5)

469.8 

637.6 

(5.6)

632.0 

Year 3

US$m

Year 4

US$m

>4 years

US$m

Total

US$m

404.4 

663.3 

1,500.6 

3,416.5 

  - 

(562.1)

(1,216.5)

(1,807.9)

404.4 

101.2 

284.1 

1,608.6 

475.7 

183.7 

1,983.5 

4,045.5 

  - 

(2.1)

(1,638.4)

(2,176.8)

475.7 

181.6 

345.1 

1,868.7 

Facilities used represent the principal value of loan notes and borrowings of US$1,802.3 million and letters of credit of 

US$5.6 million drawn against the relevant facilities to reflect the correct amount of funding headroom. The loan note and 

borrowings amount differs by US$11.2 million (2019: US$29.0 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, transaction costs and fair value adjustments on certain hedging instruments.

105

Consolidated Financial ReportNotes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements – continued

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Note 22. Financial Risk Management – continued

D) Liquidity Risk – continued

Maturities of financial liabilities

The maturities of Brambles’ contractual cash flows on non-derivative financial liabilities (for principal and interest) and 

contractual cash flows on net and gross settled derivative financial instruments, based on the remaining period to contractual 

maturity date, are presented below. Cash flows on interest rate swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts are valued 

based on forward interest and exchange rates applicable at reporting date.

Year 1

US$m

Year 2

US$m

Year 3

US$m

Year 4

US$m

>4 years

US$m

Total

contractual

cash

flows

US$m

Carrying 

amount 

(assets)/

liabilities

US$m

2020

Non-derivative financial liabilities 

Trade payables

Bank loans

Loan notes

Lease liabilities

Financial guarantees2

438.4 

30.1 

42.4 

135.0 

645.9 

27.4 

673.3 

Derivative financial (assets)/liabilities

Net settled interest rate swaps

  - 

3.5 

42.4 

118.5 

164.4 

  - 

  - 

1.9 

42.4 

107.5 

151.8 

  - 

  - 

1.9 

  - 

151.1 

438.4 

188.5 

438.4 

176.8 

604.5 

1,126.8 

1,858.5 

1,636.7 

98.0 

365.4 

824.4 

704.2 

704.4 

1,643.3 

3,309.8 

2,956.1 

  - 

  - 

27.4 

  - 

164.4 

151.8 

704.4 

1,643.3 

3,337.2 

2,956.1 

   - fair value hedges

(2.9)

(3.5)

(3.3)

(3.1)

Gross settled forward foreign exchange contracts

   - (inflow)

   - outflow

(462.3)

457.4 

(7.8)

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

(3.5)

(3.3)

(3.1)

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

(12.8)

(12.6)

(462.3)

457.4 

(17.7)

(4.9)

  - 

(17.5)

106

Consolidated Financial ReportNotes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements – continued

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Note 22. Financial Risk Management – continued

D) Liquidity Risk – continued

Year 1

US$m

Year 2

US$m

Year 3

US$m

Year 4

US$m

>4 years

US$m

Total

contractual

cash

flows

US$m

Carrying 

amount 

(assets)/

liabilities

US$m

2019

Non-derivative financial liabilities 

Trade payables

Bank overdrafts

Bank loans

Loan notes

420.7 

0.9 

30.6 

560.9 

1,013.1 

Financial guarantees2

28.9 

1,042.0 

Derivative financial (assets)/liabilities

Net settled interest rate swaps

  - 

  - 

0.3 

42.7 

43.0 

  - 

43.0 

  - 

  - 

0.3 

42.7 

43.0 

  - 

43.0 

  - 

  - 

2.3 

42.7 

45.0 

  - 

45.0 

  - 

  - 

1.4 

420.7 

420.7 

0.9 

34.9 

0.9 

31.4 

1,744.9 

2,433.9 

2,167.9 

1,746.3 

2,890.4 

2,620.9 

  - 

28.9 

  - 

1,746.3 

2,919.3 

2,620.9 

   - fair value hedges

(3.0)

(3.5)

(3.1)

(3.0)

(2.6)

(15.2)

(14.8)

Gross settled forward foreign exchange contracts

   - (inflow)

   - outflow

2

(673.2)

671.7 

(4.5)

  - 

  - 

(3.5)

  - 

  - 

(3.1)

  - 

  - 

(3.0)

  - 

  - 

(2.6)

(673.2)

671.7 

(16.7)

(1.5)

  - 

(16.3)

Refer to Note 25 a) 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.

107

Consolidated Financial ReportNotes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements – continued

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Note 22. Financial Risk Management – continued

E) Credit Risk Exposure
Brambles is exposed to credit risk on its financial assets, which comprise cash and cash equivalents, term deposits, trade and 

other receivables and derivative financial instruments. The 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, including the mark-to-market of hedging instruments where they represent an asset in the balance 

sheet. Brambles has short-term deposits with maturities between one to four months totalling US$377.4 million. A total of 

US$308.8 million is deposited with banks rated AA- by Standard & Poor's and US$68.6 million is deposited with banks rated 

A+ by Standard & Poor's. All remaining short-term deposits are at-call. Other than the term deposits described above and 

non-current receivables due from First Reserve totalling US$47.4 million (refer Note 10), there is no 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 individual customers and approved by credit 

managers 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.

Brambles transacts derivatives with prominent financial institutions and has credit limits in place to limit exposure to any 

potential non-performance by its counterparties. 

F) 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 rating. At 30 June 2020, 

Brambles held investment-grade credit ratings of BBB+ from Standard & Poor’s and Baa1 from Moody’s Investors Service.

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, 

varying the maturity profile of its borrowings and managing discretionary expenses.

Brambles considers its capital to comprise:

Total borrowings

Total lease liabilities

Less: cash and cash equivalents

Less: term deposits 

Net debt

Total equity

Total capital 

2020

US$m

2019

US$m

1,813.5 

2,200.2 

704.2 

  - 

(737.3)

(1,691.3)

(68.6)

1,711.8 

2,756.4 

4,468.2 

(411.2)

97.7 

3,808.2 

3,905.9 

Under the terms of its major borrowing facilities, Brambles is required to comply with the following financial covenants:

- 

- 

the ratio of net debt (excluding term deposits) 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.

Loan covenant ratios are calculated excluding the impact of AASB 16 Leases  and on a 12-month rolling basis. EBITDA for the 
purpose of loan covenant calculations is Underlying Profit before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation.

Brambles has complied with these financial covenants for 2020 and prior years. 

108

Consolidated Financial ReportNotes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements – continued

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Note 23. Cash Flow Statement – Additional Information

A) Reconciliation of Cash

For the purpose of the consolidated cash flow statement, cash comprises:

Cash at bank and in hand

Short-term deposits1

Cash and cash equivalents 

Bank overdraft (Note 17)

2020

US$m

204.7 

532.6 

737.3 

  - 

737.3 

2019

US$m

357.7 

1,333.6 

1,691.3 

(0.9)

1,690.4 

1

Short-term deposits recognised within cash and cash equivalents have maturities of three months or less and are measured 

at amortised cost.

Cash and cash equivalents include deposits 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. Bank overdrafts are presented within 

borrowings in the balance sheet.

Cash and cash equivalents include balances of US$0.2 million (2019: US$0.2 million) used as security for various contingent 

liabilities and are not readily accessible.

Brambles has various master netting and set-off arrangements covering cash pooling. An amount of US$2.3 million has been 

reduced from cash at bank and overdraft at 30 June 2020 (2019: US$1.2 million).

109

Consolidated Financial Report  
Notes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements – continued

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Note 23. Cash Flow Statement – Additional Information – continued

B) Reconciliation of Profit After Tax to Net Cash Flow from Operating Activities

Profit after tax

Adjustments for:

- depreciation and amortisation

- IPEP expense

- net gain on divestments

- net (gain)/loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

- impairment of goodwill, intangibles and plant and equipment

- other valuation adjustments

- equity-settled share-based payments 

- finance revenues and costs

Movements in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and disposals:

- decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables

- increase in prepayments

- increase in inventories

- increase/(decrease) in deferred taxes

- increase in trade and other payables 

- increase in tax payables

- increase in provisions

- other

2020

US$m

448.0 

612.2 

155.7 

  - 

(2.3)

28.0 

(7.0)

18.4 

(14.7)

43.9 

(33.0)

(9.6)

15.1 

107.3 

9.3 

12.8 

2.8 

2019

US$m

1,467.7 

590.0 

141.2 

(959.3)

56.3 

  - 

(4.1)

17.1 

1.9 

(132.6)

(8.6)

(1.0)

(36.1)

122.7 

61.9 

18.8 

2.5 

Net cash inflow from operating activities

1,386.9 

1,338.4 

110

Consolidated Financial Report 
Notes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements – continued

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Note 23. Cash Flow Statement – Additional Information – continued

C) Reconciliation of Movement in Net Debt

Net debt at beginning of the year

Adjust for AASB 16 opening lease liabilities

Net cash inflow from operating activities

Net cash outflow from investing activities

Net payments/(proceeds) from disposal of businesses, net of cash disposed

Payments for share buy-back less proceeds from share issues

Return of capital to shareholders

Dividends paid - ordinary

Dividends paid - special

Net (inflow)/outflow from derivative financial instruments

Interest accruals, lease capitalisation and other

Foreign exchange differences

Net debt at end of the year 

Being:

Current borrowings

Current lease liabilities

Non-current borrowings

Non-current lease liabilities

Cash and cash equivalents

Term deposits

Net debt at end of the year 

2020

US$m

97.7 

741.6 

(1,386.9)

924.7 

16.0 

645.4 

129.3 

290.7 

183.2 

(26.5)

58.9 

37.7 

1,711.8 

36.3 

112.8 

2019

US$m

2,308.1 

  - 

(1,338.4)

1,100.0 

(2,366.2)

53.9 

  - 

328.1 

  - 

34.8 

13.5 

(36.1)

97.7 

556.8 

  - 

1,777.2 

1,643.4 

591.4 

(737.3)

(68.6)

1,711.8 

  - 

(1,691.3)

(411.2)

97.7 

D) Non-cash Financing or Investing Activities
Apart from the MyShare Dividend Reinvestment Plan and the adoption of AASB 16 Leases,  there were no financing or investing 
transactions during the year which had a material effect on the assets and liabilities of Brambles that did not involve cash flows.

Note 24. Commitments

Capital Expenditure Commitments
Capital expenditure, principally relating to property, plant and equipment, contracted for but not recognised as liabilities at 

reporting date was as follows:

Within one year

Between one and five years

2020

US$m

74.0 

  - 

74.0 

2019

US$m

106.8 

  - 

106.8 

111

Consolidated Financial ReportNotes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements – continued

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Note 25. Contingencies

a)

Subsidiaries have contingent unsecured liabilities in respect of guarantees given relating to leases, workers compensation 

insurance and other obligations totalling US$27.4 million (2019: US$28.9 million), of which US$21.1 million 

(2019: US$22.5 million) is also guaranteed by Brambles Limited and US$5.6 million (2019: US$5.6 million) is also guaranteed 

by Brambles Limited and certain of its subsidiaries under a deed of cross-guarantee and is included in Note 31B. 

b)

Brambles guarantees certain Iron Mountain (formerly Recall) lease obligations. To the extent any claims or liabilities arise 

under those guarantees and are caused by an Iron Mountain Group company, Iron Mountain has indemnified Brambles 

under the Demerger Deed relating to the demerger of Brambles' former Recall business.

c)

Environmental contingent liabilities

Brambles’ activities have previously 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.

d)

Brambles continues to defend a consolidated class action raised on behalf of certain shareholders who acquired shares 

during the period between 18 August 2016 and 20 February 2017. Brambles has filed its defence in the consolidated action. 

It is not possible to determine the ultimate impact, if any, of the action upon Brambles, and it continues to vigorously defend 

the proceedings. 

In the ordinary course of business, Brambles becomes involved in litigation. Provisions have 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 any potential amounts payable.

112

Consolidated Financial ReportNotes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements – continued

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Note 26. Auditor’s Remuneration

Audit and review services:

- PwC Australia

- Other PwC network firms

Total audit and review services1

Other assurance services (which could be performed by other firms):

- PwC Australia

- Other PwC network firms

Total other assurance services

2020

US$’000

2019

US$’000

1,987 

2,528 

4,515 

83 

9 

92 

2,521 

3,773 

6,294 

  - 

9 

9 

Total remuneration for audit, review and other assurance services 

4,607 

6,303 

Other services:

- IFCO divestment related - PwC Australia

- IFCO divestment related - other PwC network firms

- Tax advisory services - other PwC network firms

- Other - PwC Australia

- Other - other PwC network firms

Total other services2

Total auditor’s remuneration  

  - 

  - 

4 

11 

6 

21 

4,628 

188 

2,099 

37 

9 

36 

2,369 

8,672 

1

2

During 2019, US$961,000 was spent on the audit and review of IFCO financial statements relating to the divestment process, of 

which US$244,000 was paid to PwC Australia and US$717,000 was paid to other PwC network firms.

Other services during 2020 primarily related to compliance projects and tax consulting advice. Other services during 2019 

primarily related to due diligence and other financial reporting procedures associated with the dual-track separation of IFCO 

through a demerger or sale of the business. 

From time to time, Brambles employs PwC on assignments additional to its statutory audit duties where PwC, through its detailed 

knowledge of the Group, is 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, Brambles’ Charter of Audit Independence outlines the services that can be 

undertaken by the auditors and requires that the Audit Committee approves any management recommendation that PwC 

undertakes non-audit work (with approval being delegated to the Chief Financial Officer within specified monetary limits).

113

Consolidated Financial ReportNotes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements – continued

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Note 27. Key Management Personnel

A) Key Management Personnel Compensation

Short-term employee benefits

Post-employment benefits

Other benefits

Share-based payment expense1

2020

US$’000

5,203 

86 

32 

2,839 

8,160 

2019

US$’000

6,491 

130 

35 

3,523 

10,179 

1

2019 includes US$1.0 million related to Key Management Personnel who were designated good leaver status following the 

divestment of IFCO.

B) Other Transactions with Key Management Personnel
Other transactions with Key Management Personnel are set out in Note 28A.

Further remuneration disclosures are set out in the Directors’ Report on pages 33 to 52 of the Annual Report.

Note 28. Related Party Information

A) 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, service agreements with Non-Executive Directors and reimbursement of 

expenses. Any other transactions were trivial in nature. 

B) Other Related Parties
A subsidiary has a non-interest bearing advance outstanding as at 30 June 2020 of US$979,164 (2019 US$999,860) to Brambles 

Custodians Pty Limited, the trustee under Brambles' employee loan scheme. This scheme enabled employees to acquire shares in 

Brambles Industries Limited (BIL) and has been closed to new entrants since August 2002.

114

Consolidated Financial ReportNotes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements – continued

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Note 28. Related Party Information – continued

C) Material Subsidiaries

The principal subsidiaries of Brambles during the year were:

Name

CHEP USA

CHEP Canada Corp

CHEP UK Limited

CHEP Equipment Pooling NV

CHEP España SA

CHEP Deutschland GmbH

Place of incorporation

   USA

   Canada

   UK

   Belgium

   Spain

   Germany

CHEP South Africa (Proprietary) Limited

   South Africa

CHEP Australia Limited

CHEP Mexico SRL

Brambles USA Inc.

Brambles Finance plc

Brambles Finance Limited

   Australia

   Mexico

   USA

   UK

   Australia

% interest held at 

reporting date

2020

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

2019

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

In addition to the list above, there are a number of other non-material subsidiaries within Brambles.

Investments in subsidiaries are primarily by means of ordinary or common shares. Shares in subsidiaries are recorded at cost, less 

provision for impairment. 

Material subsidiaries which prepare statutory financial statements report a 30 June balance date, with the exception of CHEP 

Mexico SRL, which reports a 31 December balance date.

Note 29. Events After Balance Sheet Date

Other than those outlined in the Directors’ Report or elsewhere in these financial statements, no other events have occurred 

subsequent to 30 June 2020 and up to the date of this report that have had a material impact on Brambles’ financial performance 

or position.

115

Consolidated Financial ReportNotes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements – continued

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Note 30. Net Assets Per Share

Based on 1,505.0 million shares (2019: 1,588.8 million shares):
- Net tangible assets per share1
- Net assets per share1

2020

2019

US cents

US cents

165.9 

183.1 

221.7 

239.7 

1

The movement primarily reflects reduced cash and term deposit balances used to fund the capital management 

programme.

Net tangible assets per share is calculated by dividing total equity attributable to the members of the parent entity, less 

goodwill and intangible assets, by the number of shares on issue at year end. 

Net assets per share is calculated by dividing total equity attributable to the members of the parent entity by the number of 

shares on issue at year end. 

Note 31. Parent Entity Financial Information

A) Summarised Financial Data of Brambles Limited

(Loss)/profit for the year

Other comprehensive expense for the year1

Total comprehensive (expense)/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 

1

Comprises foreign currency translation movements.

116

Parent entity

2020

US$m

(18.0)

(167.7)

(185.7)

1.6 

5,338.1 

5,339.7 

6.0 

  - 

6.0 

2019

US$m

1,428.8 

(281.7)

1,147.1 

3.0 

7,662.3 

7,665.3 

  - 

921.9 

921.9 

5,333.7 

6,743.4 

5,427.2 

54.4 

(952.9)

805.0 

5,333.7 

6,187.4 

46.3 

(785.2)

1,294.9 

6,743.4 

Consolidated Financial ReportNotes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements – continued

for the year ended 30 June 2020

Note 31. Parent Entity Financial Information – continued

A) Summarised Financial Data of Brambles Limited – continued
The financial information for the parent entity has been prepared on the same basis as the consolidated financial statements 

except for investments and receivables from subsidiaries. In the parent entity financial information, investments in subsidiaries 

are accounted for at cost and receivables from subsidiaries are held at amortised cost. Where appropriate, receivables from 

subsidiaries have been adjusted for expected credit losses. Dividends received from investments in subsidiaries are recognised 

as revenue.

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 subsidiaries. Total facilities available amount to US$1,500.2 million (2019: US$1,613.7 million), of 

which US$140.6 million (2019: US$5.6 million) has been drawn.

Brambles Limited and certain of its subsidiaries are parties to a guarantee which supports notes of US$500.0 million 

(2019: US$1,000.0 million) issued by a subsidiary to qualified institutional buyers in accordance with Rule 144A and Regulation S 

of the United States Securities Act.

Brambles Limited and certain of its subsidiaries are parties to a guarantee which supports notes of €1,000.0 million 

(2019: €1,000.0 million) issued by two subsidiaries in the European bond market.

Brambles Limited has guaranteed repayment of certain facilities and financial accommodations made available to certain 

subsidiaries. Total facilities and financial accommodations available amount to US$449.6 million (2019: US$464.8 million), of 

which US$64.9 million (2019: US$57.1 million) has been drawn. 

Brambles Limited was served with class action proceedings in 2018 which has been disclosed as a contingent liability 

(refer Note 25d).

C) Contractual Commitments

Brambles Limited did not have any contractual commitments for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment at 

30 June 2020 or 30 June 2019.

117

Consolidated Financial ReportDirectors’ Declaration

In the opinion of the Directors of Brambles Limited: 

(a)

the financial statements and notes set out on pages 61 to 117 are in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, 
including:

(i)

complying with Accounting Standards, the Corporations Regulations 2001 and other mandatory professional reporting 

Report on the audit of the financial report 

requirements; and

(ii)

giving a true and fair view of the financial position of Brambles Limited as at 30 June 2020 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.

What we have audited 

The Group financial report comprises: 

This declaration is made in accordance with a resolution of the Directors.

J P Mullen

Chairman

G A Chipchase

Chief Executive Officer

19 August 2020

118

Independent auditor’s report 

To the members of Brambles Limited 

Our opinion 

In our opinion: 

The accompanying financial report of Brambles Limited (the Company) and its controlled entities 

(together the Group) is in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including: 

(a)  giving a true and fair view of the Group's financial position as at 30 June 2020 and of its financial 

performance for the year then ended  

(b)  complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001. 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

the consolidated balance sheet as at 30 June 2020 

the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year then ended 

the consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year then ended 

the consolidated cash flow statement for the year then ended 

the notes to the consolidated financial statements, which include a summary of significant 

accounting policies 

the directors’ declaration. 

We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under 

those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial report 

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

Basis for opinion 

section of our report. 

our opinion. 

Independence 

We are independent of the Group in accordance with the auditor independence requirements of the 

Corporations Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of the Accounting Professional and Ethical 

Standards Board’s APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (the Code) that are relevant to 

our audit of the financial report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in 

accordance with the Code. 

PricewaterhouseCoopers, ABN 52 780 433 757 

One International Towers Sydney, Watermans Quay, Barangaroo, GPO BOX 2650, SYDNEY  NSW  2001 

T: +61 2 8266 0000, F: +61 2 8266 9999, www.pwc.com.au 

Level 11, 1PSQ, 169 Macquarie Street, Parramatta NSW 2150, PO Box 1155 Parramatta NSW 2124 

T: +61 2 9659 2476, F: +61 2 8266 9999, www.pwc.com.au 

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. 

Directors’ Declaration 
 
 
  
 
Independent Auditor’s Report

to the Members of Brambles Limited

Independent auditor’s report 
To the members of Brambles Limited 

Report on the audit of the financial report 

Our opinion 

In our opinion: 

The accompanying financial report of Brambles Limited (the Company) and its controlled entities 
(together the Group) is in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including: 

(a)  giving a true and fair view of the Group's financial position as at 30 June 2020 and of its financial 

performance for the year then ended  

(b)  complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001. 

What we have audited 
The Group financial report comprises: 

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

• 

the consolidated balance sheet as at 30 June 2020 

the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year then ended 

the consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year then ended 

the consolidated cash flow statement for the year then ended 

the notes to the consolidated financial statements, which include a summary of significant 
accounting policies 

the directors’ declaration. 

Basis for opinion 

We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under 
those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial report 
section of our report. 

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

Independence 
We are independent of the Group in accordance with the auditor independence requirements of the 
Corporations Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of the Accounting Professional and Ethical 
Standards Board’s APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (the Code) that are relevant to 
our audit of the financial report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in 
accordance with the Code. 

PricewaterhouseCoopers, ABN 52 780 433 757 
One International Towers Sydney, Watermans Quay, Barangaroo, GPO BOX 2650, SYDNEY  NSW  2001 
T: +61 2 8266 0000, F: +61 2 8266 9999, www.pwc.com.au 
Level 11, 1PSQ, 169 Macquarie Street, Parramatta NSW 2150, PO Box 1155 Parramatta NSW 2124 
T: +61 2 9659 2476, F: +61 2 8266 9999, www.pwc.com.au 

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. 

119

Independent Auditor’s Report 
 
 
  
 
Independent Auditor’s Report - continued

to the Members of Brambles Limited

Our audit approach 

An audit is designed to provide reasonable assurance about whether the financial report is free from 
material misstatement. Misstatements may arise due to fraud or error. They are considered material if 
individually or in aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of 
users taken on the basis of the financial report. 

Materiality 

• 

For the purpose of our audit we used overall Group materiality of $33 million, which represents approximately 
5% of the Group’s profit before tax from continuing operations. 

•  We applied this threshold, together with qualitative considerations, to determine the scope of our audit and 
the nature, timing and extent of our audit procedures and to evaluate the effect of misstatements on the 
financial report as a whole. 

•  We chose Group profit before tax from continuing operations because, in our view, it is the benchmark against 
which the performance of the Group is most commonly measured and it is a generally accepted benchmark. 

•  We utilised a 5% threshold based on our professional judgement, noting it is within the range of commonly 

Key audit matter 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

acceptable thresholds.  

Audit Scope 

•  Our audit focused on where the Group made subjective judgements; for example, significant accounting 

estimates involving assumptions and inherently uncertain future events. 

• 

The Group’s financial results comprise the consolidation of a network of pooled pallet, crate and container 
businesses which are geographically widespread. We tailored the scope of our audit so that we performed 
sufficient work to be able to provide an opinion on the financial report as a whole, taking into account the 
structure of the Group, the significance and risk profile of each business, the accounting processes and 
controls, and the industry in which the Group operates. 

Audit of locations, transactions and balances 

Separate PwC firms in the relevant locations (“local PwC audit firms”) performed an audit of the financial 
information prepared for consolidation purposes for eleven components of the Group. The components were 
selected due to their significance to the Group, either by individual size or by risk. Certain components in the 
Group are selected every year due to their size or nature, whilst others are included on a rotational basis. 

In addition, local PwC audit firms performed risk focused targeted audit or specified procedures on selected 
transactions and balances for a further fourteen components. 

The remaining components were financially insignificant and comprise more than one hundred and fifty 
entities. Those entities are considered as part of Group analytical procedures and other specified procedures. 

• 

• 

• 

120

Audit of shared services functions 

•  Our procedures on IT, tax and certain finance processes were performed by local PwC audit firms based in 

various territories, reflecting the location of the Group’s shared services functions. This included some audit 

procedures performed at the Group’s finance process outsourced services provider. The PwC Australia Group 

audit team (the Group audit team) performed audit procedures over centrally managed areas such as the 

impairment assessment of goodwill, share based payments, retirement benefit obligations, treasury and the 

consolidation process. 

Direction and supervision by the Group audit team 

• 

The audit procedures were performed by PwC Australia and local PwC audit firms operating under the Group 

audit team’s instructions. The Group audit team determined the level of involvement needed in the audit work 

of local PwC audit firms to be satisfied that sufficient audit evidence had been obtained for the purpose of the 

opinion. The Group audit team kept in regular communication with the local PwC audit firms throughout the 

year through phone calls, discussions and written instructions. Senior members of the Group audit team 

visited certain businesses and met with management and local PwC audit teams including the two largest 

locations during the year. 

• 

The audit team both at Group and at local component levels were appropriately skilled and competent to 

perform an audit of a complex global business. This included specialists and experts in areas such as IT, 

actuarial, tax and valuations. 

Key audit matters 

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in our 

audit of the financial report for the current period. The key audit matters were addressed in the context of 

our audit of the financial report as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a 

separate opinion on these matters. Further, any commentary on the outcomes of a particular audit 

procedure is made in that context. We communicated the key audit matters to the Audit Committee. 

Accounting for pooling equipment assets 

We performed the following procedures: 

(Refer to Note 13) 

pooling equipment due to the high volume of asset 

• 

To challenge the IPEP provision calculation 

methodology and assumptions we: 

Brambles’ pooling equipment is accounted for as 

depreciable fixed assets, classified within plant and 

equipment. The accounting for pooling equipment was 

a key audit matter due to the assets’ financial size and 

judgement involved. As disclosed in Note 13 of the 

financial report, there is inherent risk in accounting for 

movements through a complex network, and a 

limitation on the Group’s ability to physically verify the 

quantity of the pallets, crates and containers due to 

access and cost prohibitions. The largest category of 

pooling equipment is pallets. 

The key area of judgement in relation to pooled pallets 

is the quantity of lost pallets. 

The estimation of the provision for lost pallets (called 

the irrecoverable pooling equipment provision, or 

•  Evaluated the design effectiveness and tested a 

selection of key asset management controls 

including attending pallet audits and assessing the 

results of the Group’s counts.  

• 

Tested key reconciliations between the numbers of 

pallets in the accounting records compared to the 

operations system. 

−− 

−− 

assessed key assumptions and judgements, 

with a particular focus on distributors who are 

not customers of CHEP, as losses from such 

distributors are historically higher; 

assessed provision estimates for significant 

customers where CHEP has no access to 

physically count the pallets; 

Independent Auditor’s Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent Auditor’s Report - continued

to the Members of Brambles Limited

Audit of shared services functions 

•  Our procedures on IT, tax and certain finance processes were performed by local PwC audit firms based in 

various territories, reflecting the location of the Group’s shared services functions. This included some audit 
procedures performed at the Group’s finance process outsourced services provider. The PwC Australia Group 
audit team (the Group audit team) performed audit procedures over centrally managed areas such as the 
impairment assessment of goodwill, share based payments, retirement benefit obligations, treasury and the 
consolidation process. 

Direction and supervision by the Group audit team 

• 

• 

The audit procedures were performed by PwC Australia and local PwC audit firms operating under the Group 
audit team’s instructions. The Group audit team determined the level of involvement needed in the audit work 
of local PwC audit firms to be satisfied that sufficient audit evidence had been obtained for the purpose of the 
opinion. The Group audit team kept in regular communication with the local PwC audit firms throughout the 
year through phone calls, discussions and written instructions. Senior members of the Group audit team 
visited certain businesses and met with management and local PwC audit teams including the two largest 
locations during the year. 

The audit team both at Group and at local component levels were appropriately skilled and competent to 
perform an audit of a complex global business. This included specialists and experts in areas such as IT, 
actuarial, tax and valuations. 

Key audit matters 

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in our 
audit of the financial report for the current period. The key audit matters were addressed in the context of 
our audit of the financial report as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a 
separate opinion on these matters. Further, any commentary on the outcomes of a particular audit 
procedure is made in that context. We communicated the key audit matters to the Audit Committee. 

Key audit matter 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

Accounting for pooling equipment assets 
(Refer to Note 13) 

We performed the following procedures: 

Brambles’ pooling equipment is accounted for as 
depreciable fixed assets, classified within plant and 
equipment. The accounting for pooling equipment was 
a key audit matter due to the assets’ financial size and 
judgement involved. As disclosed in Note 13 of the 
financial report, there is inherent risk in accounting for 
pooling equipment due to the high volume of asset 
movements through a complex network, and a 
limitation on the Group’s ability to physically verify the 
quantity of the pallets, crates and containers due to 
access and cost prohibitions. The largest category of 
pooling equipment is pallets. 

The key area of judgement in relation to pooled pallets 
is the quantity of lost pallets. 

The estimation of the provision for lost pallets (called 
the irrecoverable pooling equipment provision, or 

•  Evaluated the design effectiveness and tested a 
selection of key asset management controls 
including attending pallet audits and assessing the 
results of the Group’s counts.  

• 

• 

Tested key reconciliations between the numbers of 
pallets in the accounting records compared to the 
operations system. 

To challenge the IPEP provision calculation 
methodology and assumptions we: 

−− 

−− 

assessed key assumptions and judgements, 
with a particular focus on distributors who are 
not customers of CHEP, as losses from such 
distributors are historically higher; 

assessed provision estimates for significant 
customers where CHEP has no access to 
physically count the pallets; 

121

Independent Auditor’s Report 
 
 
Independent Auditor’s Report - continued

to the Members of Brambles Limited

Key audit matter 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

Key audit matter 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

“IPEP”) involves significant estimates and the Group’s 
judgement. The provision is calculated by considering 
the results of the Group’s pallet audits, historical 
experience of pallet loss, and flows analysis as reported 
through the asset management system. 

−− 

−− 

evaluated how historical pallet loss rates and 
flows analysis are used to estimate future 
losses; and 

tested the calculations and extrapolations of 
provision estimates across pallet locations. 

Impairment assessment of goodwill 
(Refer to Note 14) 

We performed the following procedures: 

The Group recognised goodwill of $192.5m as at 30 
June 2020. Australian Accounting Standards require an 
annual impairment assessment. 

In order to assess the recoverability of goodwill, the 
Group prepared financial models at 3o June 2020 for 
cash generating units to which the goodwill is ascribed 
to determine if the carrying value of goodwill was 
supported by forecast future cash flows, discounted to 
present value (“the models”). 

The assessment of impairment was a key audit matter 
due to the financial size of the goodwill balance and the 
impairment charge recognised of $23m as well as the 
judgements and assumptions applied in estimating 
forecasted cash flows, growth rates and discount rates. 

•  Assessed whether the division of the Group’s 

goodwill and other assets and liabilities into Cash 
Generating Units (CGUs) to assess impairment, 
was consistent with our knowledge of the Group’s 
operations and internal Group reporting. 

•  Considered if the impairment models used to 

estimate the recoverable amount of the assets were 
consistent with the requirements of Australian 
Accounting Standards. 

•  Considered if estimating ‘value in use’ or ‘fair value 

less costs to sell’ was the best basis upon which to 
infer value of the CGUs. 

•  Considered whether the forecast cash flows used in 
the impairment models were reasonable and based 
on supportable assumptions by comparing to 
economic and industry forecasts and actual cash 
flows for previous years. 

•  Assessed the Group’s ability to forecast future cash 
flows for the business by comparing previous 
forecasts with reported actual results from recent 
history. 

• 

Tested the mathematical accuracy of the 
impairment models’ calculations. 

•  Assessed the reasonableness of the discount rate 
assumptions by comparing to market data, 
comparable companies and industry research, with 
the assistance of our valuation experts. 

•  Considered the Group’s sensitivity analysis on the 
key assumptions used in the impairment model to 
assess which changes in assumptions would cause 

122

an impairment to occur and whether these were 

reasonably possible. 

•  Evaluated the adequacy of the disclosures made in 

Note 14, including those regarding the key 

assumptions and sensitivities to changes in such 

assumptions, in light of the requirements of 

Australian Accounting Standards. 

Calculation of current and deferred taxation 

We performed the following procedures:  

balances 

(Refer to Note 6) 

•  Assessed the rationale on which current tax was 

calculated and deferred tax assets and liabilities 

The calculation of taxation balances was a key audit 

were recognised.  

matter because the Group operates in a large number of 

jurisdictions with different laws, regulations and 

• 

Tested the Group tax analysis prepared by 

authorities resulting in complex tax calculations. 

management, with the assistance of PwC tax 

Judgement is involved in a number of aspects of the tax 

experts and specialists in other territories where 

specialists, who liaised directly with local PwC tax 

calculations, including the assessment of recorded tax 

required.  

losses for recoverability. 

The calculation of income taxes is disclosed in Note 6 of 

year, we assessed whether the supporting tax 

the financial report including the key judgements made 

analysis was in accordance with the tax legislation 

in the assessment of the taxation provision. 

in the relevant jurisdiction and the related impact 

• 

For significant transactions undertaken during the 

on the tax calculation. 

•  Challenged whether the Group had sufficient 

taxable temporary differences to recognise tax 

losses by considering when these temporary 

differences will become taxable income compared 

to the expiry of the losses. We also assessed the 

rationale for and calculation of unrecognised 

deferred tax assets which are disclosed. 

•  Considered and challenged the assumptions made 

by the Group in making judgemental tax 

provisions. 

Impairment assessment of deferred 

We performed the following procedures: 

consideration receivable 

(Refer to Note 9) 

The Group has recognised a provision for impairment 

developed and mathematical accuracy of the 

loss of $33m against the deferred consideration of 

calculation. 

$47.4m due from First Reserve in connection with the 

•  Evaluated the Group’s ECL methodology by 

assessing the reasonableness of the scenarios 

Independent Auditor’s Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent Auditor’s Report - continued

to the Members of Brambles Limited

Key audit matter 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

Calculation of current and deferred taxation 
balances 
(Refer to Note 6) 

The calculation of taxation balances was a key audit 
matter because the Group operates in a large number of 
jurisdictions with different laws, regulations and 
authorities resulting in complex tax calculations. 

Judgement is involved in a number of aspects of the tax 
calculations, including the assessment of recorded tax 
losses for recoverability. 

The calculation of income taxes is disclosed in Note 6 of 
the financial report including the key judgements made 
in the assessment of the taxation provision. 

an impairment to occur and whether these were 
reasonably possible. 

•  Evaluated the adequacy of the disclosures made in 

Note 14, including those regarding the key 
assumptions and sensitivities to changes in such 
assumptions, in light of the requirements of 
Australian Accounting Standards. 

We performed the following procedures:  

•  Assessed the rationale on which current tax was 
calculated and deferred tax assets and liabilities 
were recognised.  

• 

• 

Tested the Group tax analysis prepared by 
management, with the assistance of PwC tax 
specialists, who liaised directly with local PwC tax 
experts and specialists in other territories where 
required.  

For significant transactions undertaken during the 
year, we assessed whether the supporting tax 
analysis was in accordance with the tax legislation 
in the relevant jurisdiction and the related impact 
on the tax calculation. 

•  Challenged whether the Group had sufficient 

taxable temporary differences to recognise tax 
losses by considering when these temporary 
differences will become taxable income compared 
to the expiry of the losses. We also assessed the 
rationale for and calculation of unrecognised 
deferred tax assets which are disclosed. 

•  Considered and challenged the assumptions made 

by the Group in making judgemental tax 
provisions. 

Impairment assessment of deferred 
consideration receivable 
(Refer to Note 9) 

The Group has recognised a provision for impairment 
loss of $33m against the deferred consideration of 
$47.4m due from First Reserve in connection with the 

We performed the following procedures: 

•  Evaluated the Group’s ECL methodology by 

assessing the reasonableness of the scenarios 
developed and mathematical accuracy of the 
calculation. 

123

Independent Auditor’s Report 
 
 
Independent Auditor’s Report - continued

to the Members of Brambles Limited

Key audit matter 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial report 

sale of the Group’s interest in Hoover Ferguson Group 
in April 2018.  

•  Challenged the Group’s key assumptions applied in 
determining the expected credit loss on the deferred 
consideration.  

Due to the decline in oil and gas prices caused by the 
Covid-19 pandemic and other market factors, the Group 
has recognised an expected credit loss (ECL) against the 
deferred consideration receivable during the year.  

•  Considered selected available financial information 

in assessing the recoverability of the deferred 
consideration. 

This was a key audit matter because the determination 
of the provision for impairment loss on the deferred 
consideration was driven by subjective judgments made 
by the Group in estimating the expected credit loss.  

•  Evaluated selected external industry data specific to 
the oil and gas industry as a key input to the ECL 
assessment. 

Other information 

The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information 
included in the annual report for the year ended 30 June 2020, but does not include the financial report 
and our auditor’s report thereon. 

Our opinion on the financial report does not cover the other information and accordingly we do not 
express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. 

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

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

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial report as a whole is free 

from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes 

our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit 

conducted in accordance with the Australian Auditing Standards will always detect a material 

misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, 

individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of 

users taken on the basis of the financial report. 

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial report is located at the Auditing 

and Assurance Standards Board website at: 

https://www.auasb.gov.au/admin/file/content102/c3/ar1_2020.pdf. This description forms part of our 

auditor's report. 

Report on the remuneration report 

Our opinion on the remuneration report 

We have audited the remuneration report included in pages 33 to 52 of the directors’ report for the year 

ended 30 June 2020. 

In our opinion, the remuneration report of Brambles Limited for the year ended 30 June 2020 complies 

with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. 

Responsibilities 

Auditing Standards.  

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 

Responsibilities of the directors for the financial report 

PricewaterhouseCoopers 

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

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

Susan Horlin 

Partner  

Eliza Penny 

Partner  

    Sydney 

   19 August 2020 

   Sydney 

   19 August 2020 

124

Independent Auditor’s Report 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent Auditor’s Report - continued

to the Members of Brambles Limited

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial report 

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

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial report is located at the Auditing 
and Assurance Standards Board website at: 
https://www.auasb.gov.au/admin/file/content102/c3/ar1_2020.pdf. This description forms part of our 
auditor's report. 

Report on the remuneration report 

Our opinion on the remuneration report 

We have audited the remuneration report included in pages 33 to 52 of the directors’ report for the year 
ended 30 June 2020. 

In our opinion, the remuneration report of Brambles Limited for the year ended 30 June 2020 complies 
with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. 

Responsibilities 

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

PricewaterhouseCoopers 

Susan Horlin 
Partner  

Eliza Penny 
Partner  

    Sydney 
   19 August 2020 

   Sydney 
   19 August 2020 

125

Independent Auditor’s Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auditor’s Independence Declaration

Auditor’s Independence Declaration 
As lead auditor for the audit of Brambles Limited for the year ended 30 June 2020, 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 

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

Auditor’s Independence Declaration 
(b) 
This declaration is in respect of Brambles Limited and the entities it controlled during the period. 
As lead auditor for the audit of Brambles Limited for the year ended 30 June 2020, 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. 
Susan Horlin 
Partner  
PricewaterhouseCoopers 

   Sydney 
   19 August 2020 

Susan Horlin 
Partner  
PricewaterhouseCoopers 

   Sydney 
   19 August 2020 

PricewaterhouseCoopers, ABN 52 780 433 757 
One International Towers Sydney, Watermans Quay, Barangaroo, GPO BOX 2650, SYDNEY  NSW  2001 
T: +61 2 8266 0000, F: +61 2 8266 9999, www.pwc.com.au 
Level 11, 1PSQ, 169 Macquarie Street, Parramatta NSW 2150, PO Box 1155 Parramatta NSW 2124 
T: +61 2 9659 2476, F: +61 2 8266 9999, www.pwc.com.au 

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. 

126

PricewaterhouseCoopers, ABN 52 780 433 757 
One International Towers Sydney, Watermans Quay, Barangaroo, GPO BOX 2650, SYDNEY  NSW  2001 
T: +61 2 8266 0000, F: +61 2 8266 9999, www.pwc.com.au 
Level 11, 1PSQ, 169 Macquarie Street, Parramatta NSW 2150, PO Box 1155 Parramatta NSW 2124 
T: +61 2 9659 2476, F: +61 2 8266 9999, www.pwc.com.au 

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. 

Auditor’s Independence Declaration  
  
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auditor’s Independence Declaration 

As lead auditor for the audit of Brambles Limited for the year ended 30 June 2020, 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) 

Auditor’s Independence Declaration 

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. 

As lead auditor for the audit of Brambles Limited for the year ended 30 June 2020, 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. 

Susan Horlin 

Partner  

PricewaterhouseCoopers 

Susan Horlin 

Partner  

PricewaterhouseCoopers 

   Sydney 

   19 August 2020 

   Sydney 

   19 August 2020 

PricewaterhouseCoopers, ABN 52 780 433 757 

One International Towers Sydney, Watermans Quay, Barangaroo, GPO BOX 2650, SYDNEY  NSW  2001 

T: +61 2 8266 0000, F: +61 2 8266 9999, www.pwc.com.au 

Level 11, 1PSQ, 169 Macquarie Street, Parramatta NSW 2150, PO Box 1155 Parramatta NSW 2124 

T: +61 2 9659 2476, F: +61 2 8266 9999, www.pwc.com.au 

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. 

PricewaterhouseCoopers, ABN 52 780 433 757 

One International Towers Sydney, Watermans Quay, Barangaroo, GPO BOX 2650, SYDNEY  NSW  2001 

T: +61 2 8266 0000, F: +61 2 8266 9999, www.pwc.com.au 

Level 11, 1PSQ, 169 Macquarie Street, Parramatta NSW 2150, PO Box 1155 Parramatta NSW 2124 

T: +61 2 9659 2476, F: +61 2 8266 9999, www.pwc.com.au 

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. 

Five-Year Financial Performance Summary 

US$m 
Continuing operations 

Sales revenue - CHEP 

Sales revenue - IFCO1 

Total sales revenue1 
EBITDA1,2,3 
Depreciation and amortisation1,2 
IPEP expense1,3  

Underlying Profit - CHEP2 

Underlying Profit - IFCO1 
Total Underlying Profit1,2 
Significant Items1 
Operating profit1,2 
Net finance costs1,2 
Profit before tax1,2 
Tax expense1,2 
Profit from continuing operations1,2 
(Loss)/profit from discontinued operations1,2,4 
Profit for the year1,2,4 

Weighted average number of shares (millions) 

Earnings per share (US cents) 

Basic 
From continuing operations1,2,4 
On Underlying Profit after finance costs and tax1,2,4 
ROCI1,2,4 
Capex on property, plant and equipment1,4 

Balance sheet 

Capital employed 

Net debt2 

Equity 
Average Capital Invested1,2,4 

Cash flow 
Cash Flow from Operations1,2,4 
Free Cash Flow2 

Ordinary dividends paid, net of Dividend Reinvestment 

Free Cash Flow after ordinary dividends 

Net debt ratios 
Net debt to EBITDA (times)1,2,3  
EBITDA interest cover (times)1,2,3  

Average employees 

2020 

2019 

2018 

2017 

2016  

4,733.6 

4,595.3 

4,470.3 

4,133.5 

4,018.4 

- 

4,733.6 

1,562.9 

(612.2) 

(155.7) 

795.0 

- 

795.0 

(28.0) 

767.0 

(80.8) 

686.2 

(209.0) 

477.2 

(29.2) 

448.0 

1,548.7 

28.9 

30.8 

32.5 

17% 

- 

4,595.3 

1,415.1 

(484.3) 

(127.1) 

803.7 

- 

803.7 

(62.8) 

740.9 

(88.5) 

652.4 

(198.3) 

454.1 

1,013.6 

1,467.7 

1,593.4 

92.1 

28.5 

31.9 

19% 

- 

4,470.3 

1,392.3 

(464.3) 

(101.9) 

826.1 

- 

826.1 

(47.4) 

778.7 

(103.4) 

675.3 

(121.8) 

553.5 

139.2 

692.7 

970.8 

5,104.3 

1,573.4 

(526.7) 

(89.2) 

823.1 

134.4 

957.5 

(186.1) 

771.4 

(98.7) 

672.7 

(227.8) 

444.9 

(262.0) 

182.9 

881.7 

4,900.1 

1,561.3 

(502.1) 

(74.7) 

879.1 

105.4 

984.5 

(39.2) 

945.3 

(112.9) 

832.4 

(240.1) 

592.3 

(4.6) 

587.7 

1,591.2 

1,588.3 

1,577.6 

43.5 

34.8 

33.0 

20% 

11.5 

28.0 

38.5 

17% 

37.3 

37.5 

39.2 

19% 

981.2 

1,060.4 

1,012.5 

1,023.5 

1,060.8 

4,468.2 

1,711.8 

2,756.4 

4,773.6 

3,905.9 

97.7 

3,808.2 

4,130.6 

5,086.5 

2,308.1 

2,778.4 

4,115.4 

743.9 

462.2 

290.7 

171.5 

1.1 

19.3 

431.8 

238.5 

328.1 

(89.6) 

0.1 

14.6 

724.8 

554.4 

352.0 

202.4 

1.5 

15.0 

5,419.4 

2,572.7 

2,846.7 

5,646.4 

591.5 

224.2 

348.0 

(123.8) 

1.7 

15.2 

5,576.9 

2,621.8 

2,955.1 

5,096.4 

518.8 

171.7 

205.1 

(33.4) 

1.7 

13.5 

11,647 

10,896 

10,441 

13,882 

13,816 

Dividend declared5 (cents per share)  

18.0 US  

29.0 AU 

29.0 AU 

29.0 AU 

29.0 AU  

1  IFCO is presented within discontinued operations in 2019 and 2018. Periods prior to 2018 include IFCO within continuing operations and are consistent with 

previously published data. 

2  Periods prior to 2020 have not been restated for the impact of new accounting standard AASB 16 Leases. Periods prior to 2018 have not been restated for the 

impact of the new accounting standards AASB 9 Financial Instruments and AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers. 

3  Effective from 2020, EBITDA has been redefined as Underlying Profit from continuing operations after adding back depreciation, amortisation and IPEP expense. 

Prior periods have been restated to align with the revised definition. The net debt ratios for periods prior to 2020 have not been restated to align with the revised 
EBITDA definition and are consistent with previously published data. 

4  Discontinued operations include the CHEP Recycled business in 2018 to 2016; Oil & Gas and Aerospace businesses in 2017 and 2016; and LeanLogistics business  

in 2016. 

5  Effective from 2020, Brambles changed to a payout ratio-based dividend policy, with the dividend per share declared in US cents and converted and paid in 

Australian cents. Prior to 2020, dividends were declared and paid in Australian cents. 

127

Five-Year Financial Performance Summary  
  
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Glossary 

Acquired Shares 

Brambles Limited shares purchased by Brambles' employees under MyShare 

Actual currency/actual FX 

Results translated into US dollars at the applicable actual monthly exchange rates 
ruling in each period 

AGM 

Annual General Meeting 

ACI (Average Capital Invested) 

A 12-month average of capital invested; capital invested is calculated as net assets 
before tax balances, cash, term deposits, borrowings and lease liabilities, but after 
adjustment for pension plan actuarial gains or losses and net equity adjustments for 
equity-settled share-based payments 

AU cents 

Australian cents 

BIFR (Brambles Injury Frequency Rate)  Safety performance indicator that measures the combined number of fatalities, lost-

BIL 

BIP 

Board 

BVA (Brambles Value Added) 

CAGR (Compound Annual  
Growth Rate) 

Cash Flow from Operations 

Circular economy 

CGPR 

Company 

Constant currency/constant FX 

Continuing operations 

time injuries, modified duties and medical treatments per million hours worked 

Brambles Industries Limited, which was one of the two listed entities in the previous 
dual-listed companies structure 

Brambles Industries plc, which was one of the two listed entities in the previous dual-
listed companies structure 

The Board of Directors of Brambles Limited, details of which are on pages 26 to 29 

The value generated over and above the cost of the capital used to generate that 
value. It is calculated using fixed June 2019 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 outside 
the ordinary course of business, multiplied by 12% 

The annualised percentage at which a measure (e.g. 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 

A circular economy regenerates and circulates key resources, ensuring products, 
components and materials are at their highest utility and value, at all times 

The Australian Securities Exchange Corporate Governance Council Corporate 
Governance Principles & Recommendations, Third Edition 

Brambles Limited (ACN 118 896 021) 

Current period results translated into US dollars at the actual monthly exchange rates 
applicable in the comparable period, so as to show relative performance between the 
two periods 

Continuing operations refers to CHEP Americas, CHEP EMEA and CHEP Asia-Pacific 
(each primarily comprising pallet and container pooling businesses in those regions 
operating under the CHEP brand), and Corporate (corporate centre including BXB 
Digital) 

Discontinued operations 

Operations which have been divested/demerged, or which are held for sale 

DRP (Dividend Reinvestment Plan) 

The Brambles Dividend Reinvestment Plan, under which Australian and New Zealand 
shareholders can elect to apply some or all of their dividends to the purchase of 
shares in Brambles Limited instead of receiving cash 

Economic value 

A measure of the broader financial benefit provided by an organisation 

EPS (Earnings Per Share) 

Profit after finance costs, tax, minority interests and Significant Items, divided by the 
weighted average number of shares on issue during the period 

EBITDA (Earnings before Interest, Tax, 
Depreciation and Amortisation) 

Underlying Profit from continuing operations after adding back depreciation, 
amortisation and IPEP expense 

ELT 

Free Cash Flow 

Brambles’ Executive Leadership Team, details of which are on pages 30 to 32 

Cash flow generated after net capital expenditure, finance costs and tax, but excluding 
the net cost of acquisitions and proceeds from business disposals 

128

GlossaryGlossary  continued 

FY (Financial Year) 

Brambles’ financial year is 1 July to 30 June; FY20 indicates the financial year ended  
30 June 2020 

Group or Brambles 

Brambles Limited and all of its related bodies corporate 

IBCs (Intermediate Bulk Containers) 

Palletised containers used for the transport and storage of bulk products in a variety 
of industries including the food, chemical, pharmaceutical and transportation 
industries 

IPEP (Irrecoverable Pooling Equipment 
Provision) 

Provision held by Brambles to account for pooling equipment that cannot be 
economically recovered and for which there is no reasonable expectation of receiving 
compensation 

Key Management Personnel 

Members of the Board of Brambles Limited and Brambles’ Executive Leadership Team 

KPI(s) 

LTI 

Matching Awards 

Matching Shares 

MyShare 

Operating profit 

Performance Period 

Key Performance Indicator(s) 

Long-Term Incentive 

Matching share rights over Brambles Limited shares allocated to employees when 
they purchase Acquired Shares under MyShare; when an employee’s Matching 
Awards vest, Matching Shares are allocated 

Shares allocated to employees who have held Acquired Shares under MyShare for 
two years, and who remain employed at the end of that two-year period; one 
Matching Share is allocated for every Acquired Share held 

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 an employee holds those shares 
and remains employed at the end of the two-year period, Brambles will match the 
number of shares that employee holds by issuing or transferring to them the same 
number of shares they held for the qualifying period, at no additional cost to the 
employee 

Statutory definition of profit before finance costs and tax; sometimes called EBIT 
(earnings before interest and tax) 

A two-to-three-year period over which the achievement of performance conditions is 
assessed to determine whether STI and LTI share awards will vest 

Performance Share Plan or PSP 

The Brambles Limited Performance Share Plan (as amended) 

Profit after tax 

RPCs 

Profit after finance costs, tax, minority interests and Significant Items 

Reusable/returnable plastic/produce container/crate, generally used for shipment and 
display of fresh produce items 

ROCI (Return on Capital Invested) 

Underlying Profit divided by Average Capital Invested 

Sharing economy 

Significant Items 

An economic system in which assets or services are shared between different agents, 
either free or for a fee 

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 re-organisations or restructuring); or part of the ordinary activities of the 
business but unusual because of their size and nature 

STI 

Short-Term Incentive 

TSR (Total Shareholder Return) 

Underlying EPS 

Measures the returns that a company has provided for its shareholders, reflecting 
share price movements and reinvestment of dividends over a specified performance 
period 

Profit after finance costs, tax and minority interests but before Significant Items, 
divided by the weighted average number of shares on issue during the period 

ULP (Underlying Profit) 

Profit from continuing operations before finance costs, tax and Significant Items 

129

GlossaryGlossary  continued 

Unification 

The unification of the dual-listed companies structure (between Brambles Industries 
Limited and Brambles Industries plc) under a new single Australian holding company, 
Brambles Limited, which took place in December 2006 

Year 

Brambles’ 2020 financial year 

130

Glossary 
Notes

Notes

Contact Information

Registered Office
Level 10 Angel Place, 123 Pitt Street 
Sydney NSW 2000  
Australia

ACN 118 896 021

Telephone:   +61 (0) 2 9256 5222

Email:  

investorrelations@brambles.com 

Website:  

www.brambles.com

London Office
Nova South 
160 Victoria Street  
London SW1E 5LB  
United Kingdom

Telephone:   +44 (0) 20 38809400

CHEP Americas
7501 Greenbriar Parkway  
Orlando FL 32819 USA

Telephone:   +1 (407) 370 2437

5897 Windward Parkway 
Alpharetta GA 30005 USA

Telephone:   +1 (770) 668 8100

CHEP Europe, Middle East, India & Africa
400 Dashwood Lang Road 
Bourne Business Park 
Addlestone, Surrey KT15 2HJ  
United Kingdom

Telephone:   +44 (0)1932 850085

Facsimile:   +44 (0)1932 850144

CHEP Asia-Pacific 
Level 6, Building C,  
11 Talavera Road 
North Ryde NSW 2113  
Australia

Telephone:   +61 13 CHEP (2437)

Facsimile:   +61 (0) 2 9856 2404

Investor & Analyst Queries
Telephone:   +61 (0) 2 9256 5238

Email:  

investorrelations@brambles.com

Share Registry
Access to shareholding information is available to investors 
through Boardroom Pty Limited

Boardroom Pty Limited
GPO Box 3993, Sydney NSW 2001, Australia

Telephone:   1300 883 073 (within Australia) 

+61 (0) 2 9290 9600 (from outside Australia)

Facsimile: 

+61 (0) 2 9279 0664 

Email: 

bramblesesp@boardroomlimited.com.au 

Website: 

www.boardroomlimited.com.au

Share Rights Registry
Employees or former employees of Brambles who have queries 
about the following interests:

Performance share rights under the performance share plans;

Matching share rights under MyShare; or

Shares acquired under MyShare or other share interests held 
through Sargon CT Pty Ltd, may contact Boardroom Pty Limited, 
whose contact details are set out above.

American Depository Receipts Registry 
Deutsche Bank Shareholder Services  
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company Operations Centre 
6201 15th Avenue Brooklyn NY 11219 USA

Telephone:   +1 866 706 0509 (toll free) 

+1 718 921 8124

 
 
ESG Recognitions

Rated #1 most sustainable international company

96th percentile in industry category

Rated A in Circular Economy Assessment 
by Ellen MacArthur Foundation

Maximum AAA rating