Quarterlytics / Industrials / Waste Management / Clean Harbors

Clean Harbors

clh · ASX Industrials
Claim this profile
Ticker clh
Exchange ASX
Sector Industrials
Industry Waste Management
Employees 501-1000
← All annual reports
FY2010 Annual Report · Clean Harbors
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
0
1
0
2

2010

Contents
Contents

Notice Of Annual 
General Meeting

The Annual General 

Meeting of Collection 

House Limited will be 

held on 29 October 

2010 at 11.00am at the 

Emporium Hotel, 1000 

Ann Street, Fortitude 

Valley, Brisbane, QLD.

The business of the 

meeting is outlined in the 

formal Notice and Proxy 

Form that are enclosed 

with this report.

2

Group Overview

7

Business Performance

8

Our Board

9

Our Responsibilities

20

Directors’ Report

35

Auditor’s Independence 
Declaration

36

Financial Statements 
Contents

101

Independent Auditor's Report

103

Shareholder Information

105

Corporate Directory

Group Overview

2010 Performance Highlights  ................... 2

Chairman’s Statement ................................. 4

Chief Executive’s Report ............................. 5

Business Performance

Core Businesses ........................................... 7

  Purchased Debt ...................................... 7

  Receivables Management .................... 7

  Commission Collections ........................ 7

Our Board

Board of Directors  ....................................... 8

Executive Management ............................... 8

Our responsibilities

Corporate Social Responsibility ................. 9

Financial Basics Foundation  ............... 9

Learning for Life  .................................... 9

Corporate Governance Statement ........... 10

Corporate Directory

Head Office

Collection House Limited 
ABN 74 010 230 716

Level 7 
515 St Paul’s Terrace  
Fortitude Valley Qld  4006

GPO Box 2247, Fortitude Valley BC  
Qld  4006

Telephone: 
Facsimile: 
Website: 

+61 7 3292 1000 
+61 7 3832 0222 
www.collectionhouse.com.au

Locations

Australia

Brisbane 
Ballarat 
Sydney 
Bendigo 
Melbourne 
Newcastle 
Adelaide 
Shepparton

New Zealand

Auckland

Stock Exchange Listings

Collection House Limited shares are listed on the Australian Stock 
Exchange.  The home exchange is Brisbane.

ASX Code: CLH

Company Secretary

Michael Watkins

Phone: 
Facsimile: 

+61 7 3100 1229 
+61 3414 7525

Auditors

Lawler Hacketts Audit

Level 3 
549 Queen Street 
Brisbane  Qld  4000

Share Registry

Computershare Investor Services Pty Limited

GPO Box 242 
Melbourne, VIC 3001 
AUSTRALIA

For general enquiries: 

Phone: 1300 552 270 for calls within Australia or +61 3 237 2100 
outside Australia

Your Proxy form may be faxed to Computershare on 1800 783 447 
(within Australia) or +61 3 9473 2555 (outside Australia)

To access your account or change your details, please visit the 
Computershare website at  www.computershare.com

C O LLE C TI O N  H O U S E  LI M ITE D  ::  2010  ANNUAL  REPORT

105

 
 
Aspirational goals

Our commitment to stakeholders is:

Our Clients

Our Customers

Our Staff

Our Shareholders

   To have strong relationships 

   To be regarded by 

   To be viewed by our staff 

   Over time, to be achieving 

with key organisations in 

regulators and consumer 

as a first class working 

market sector leading 

selected market segments.

representatives as leading 

environment built on values 

increases in profitability 

   To be proven by our clients 

as the agency of choice in 

terms of performance and 

outstanding results.

the way in ethical debt 

of accountability, respect, 

and dividends.

collection and compliance.

clear communication, 

teamwork, professionalism 

and innovation.

   To achieve a share 

price more reflective of 

financial performance.

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

1

Group Overview
Overview

2010 Performance Highlights

2007 2008 2009 2010

Pre tax underlying profit ($m) 
% growth 

4.4 

10.1  10.5  11.8 
  129%  4%  13%

UP TO $11.8m

$m
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0

Cents

6.0

5.0

4.0

3.0

FY07

FY08

FY09

FY10

Pre tax underlying profit ($m)

2.0

What we do

1.0

Cents
10.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
6.0
5.0
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.0
0

*Underlying

$m
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0

0

FY07

FY09
Collection House Limited is one of Australia’s leading receivables managers and the 
Dividends per share (c)
only major collections agency to be listed on ASX.

FY08

FY10

Our blue chip client base, comprising major banks, financial institutions, insurance 
houses, large corporations, public utilities and local governments is serviced via 
Australasia’s largest and most effective collections network.

This network comprises offices in Queensland, New South Wales (2), Victoria (4), South 
Australia and New Zealand. Supporting this service orientated distribution capability, is 
a highly trained and dedicated staff resource, which totalled 580 as at 30 June 2010.

Our highly skilled staff, our commitment to the highest standards of ethical debt 
collection and our consistent performance are the competitive strengths which underpin 
our three core businesses and specialist services:

Earnings per share (c)

FY09

FY08

FY07

FY10

Cents
10.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
6.0
5.0
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.0
0

$m
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30

20

10

0

2

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

FY07

FY08

FY09

FY10

Shareholders equity ($m)

$m
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0

FY07

FY08

2007 2008 2009 2010

FY09

FY10

Earnings per share (cents)*  3.9 
% growth 

Cents

7.7 

9.2 
7.6 
97%  (1%)  21%

Pre tax underlying profit ($m)

6.0

5.0

4.0

3.0

UP TO 9.2 cents

1.0

2.0

0

FY07

FY08

FY09
Dividends per share (c)

FY10

FY07

FY08

FY09

FY10

Earnings per share (c)

Our core businesses

FY07

FY08

FY09
Shareholders equity ($m)
Commission Collections

FY10

As one of the most highly regarded 
industry participants in Australasia, 
our Commission Collections division 
achieved moderate revenue growth 
in 2009/10 in the face of tighter 
economic conditions. More targeted 
sales and marketing initiatives 
and an improved internal sales 
structure, will capitalise on its 
industry leading reputation to drive 
growth in 2010/11.

 
$m

12

11

10

9

8

7

6
5
4
3
2
1
0

Cents

6.0

5.0

4.0

3.0

2.0

1.0

0

Cents
10.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
6.0
5.0
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.0
0

FY07

FY08

FY09

FY10

Pre tax underlying profit ($m)

2007 2008 2009 2010

Dividends per share (cents) 
% growth 

2007 2008 2009 2010

2.0 

5.8 
4.7  4.9 
  135%  4%  18%

FY07

FY08

Shareholders equity ($m) 
% growth 

FY09
Dividends per share (c)

77 

FY10

84 
88 
9%  4% 

92 
4%

$m
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0

UP TO 5.8 cents

FY07

FY08

FY09

FY10

Pre tax underlying profit ($m)

UP TO $92m

FY07

FY08

FY09

FY10

Earnings per share (c)

$m
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0

FY07

FY08

FY09
Dividends per share (c)

FY10

FY07

FY08

FY09
Shareholders equity ($m)

FY10

FY07

FY08

FY09

FY10

Receivables Management

Earnings per share (c)

Purchased Debt

$m
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0

Increased efficiencies and use of 
technology within the Receivables 
Management division resulted 
in record low arrears in 2009/10. 
A focus on retaining our core 
base of long-term experienced 
employees will increase volume and 
productivity in the year ahead. The 
launch of a new collections platform 
C5 in 2010/11 will maximise 
forecast receivables growth.

Revenue for the Purchased Debt 
Arrangement Book, the most 
significant part of our Purchased 
Debt portfolio, increased 21% to 
$128 million. We have leveraged 
our strong relationship with key 
debt sellers to reinforce the debt 
buying program for 2010/11, with 
a budgeted increased investment 
FY09
FY10
Shareholders equity ($m)
in this area of $37 million to 
$47 million.

FY08

FY07

Specialist services

Jones King Lawyers Pty Ltd

Our in-house legal Recovery 
and Insolvency Administration 
subsidiary provides clients access 
to a cost effective and highly 
specialised legal recovery service.

Midstate Credit Management 
Services Pty Ltd

This established agency offers 
a diverse range of collection 
and credit consulting services, 
specialising in local Government.

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

3

Cents

6.0

5.0

4.0

3.0

2.0

1.0

0

Cents
10.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
6.0
5.0
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.0
0

Our core businesses

 
Group Overview

Chairman’s Statement

Matthew Thomas who has held a number of senior positions 

with the company most recently as COO, has been appointed to 

succeed Tony Aveling as Chief Executive Officer.  Matthew brings 

to us twenty years experience in the sector, ten at senior executive 

level and three under the direct tutelage of Tony Aveling.  In the 

view of the Board, he is an outstanding appointment who will bring 

an abundance of ability, practical knowledge and enthusiasm to 

the position.  Congratulations Matthew.  

For the coming year, the Board has set some challenging but 

achievable objectives for Matthew and his dedicated team.  We all 

expect another positive performance in this the eleventh year 

since we listed on the ASX in the year 2000.  The Board is focussed 

on delivering exciting and excellent outcomes for all stakeholders.

John Pearce 
Chairman

“During this financial year both 
our pre-tax and after tax profit, 
along with the fully franked 
dividends have all shown 
significant increases on the 
previous year.”

A year has now passed since my initial report to you as 

Chairman. And, it is pleasing to be able to continue the good 

news story contained in the previous report.  During this 

financial year both our pre-tax and after tax profit, along with 

the fully franked dividends have all shown significant increases 

on the previous year.

The overall progress of the company in achieving key goals has 

been commendable under the stewardship of MD/CEO Tony 

Aveling. During the past three and a half years, the company 

has achieved a maturity that will assist us greatly going forward.  

We advised the market in June 2010 that Tony is retiring early 

in the new financial year and it is appropriate that on behalf 

of the Board, I recognise the outstanding job that Tony has 

done during his tenure with us.  He has achieved an enormous 

amount, highlighted by producing sound and increasing results 

for shareholders and by building high quality executive and 

management teams, who are focused on continuing to deliver 

excellent outcomes to all stakeholders.  Congratulations Tony on 

a super job.

4

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

Chief Executive’s Report

It is with great pride that I 
deliver my first report to you 
as Chief Executive Officer, 
particularly given our excellent 
results achieved under the 
leadership of the recently retired 
Tony Aveling.

Highlights

Collection House has established a strong financial performance 
record delivering an increase of 21% ($8.9 million) in Net Profit 
After Tax. Our solid performance has allowed us to again offer 
increased shareholder distributions by declaring a fully-franked 
total annual dividend of 5.8 cents; up 18% on last year. 

Other highlights contributing to the increased profit were the 
re-establishment of growth in our debt purchase arm in the 
last quarter following a period of restraint due to unrealistic 
market conditions, building on an already solid Purchased Debt 
arrangement book by 21% (to $128 million) and a consistent 
performance from our Commission Collections and Receivables 
Management operating arms.  

In addition, our bank funding was extended for a further three 
years on attractive terms to accommodate future growth 
requirements.

While these financial results in themselves are pleasing, I would 
also like to make special reference to our other strengths being, 
among other things, our business relationships, our company 
ethics and good corporate governance and our workplace culture. 
Collectively, they form the basis of our Aspirational Goals* and 
have contributed enormously to our success.

Momentum

Another notable aspect of our performance in 2010 is the positive 
momentum with which Collection House is moving towards 2011. 
This momentum is just one reason that I am privileged to have 
been appointed as Chief Executive Officer. I have had a lengthy 
association with the collection industry and Collection House, 
including three years as Chief Operating Officer prior to my 
appointment as CEO, and I am very optimistic about our future.

Our proven track record of consistent results, some of which 
were achieved during difficult economic times, gives the Executive 
Management Team the confidence that Collection House will 
continue on its growth path.  Our initiatives of increasing market 
share and expanding our range of services coupled with our 
Aspirational Goals*, will see Collection House position itself well in 
the future to explore fresh opportunities in the market .  

New Collection Platform

We are well advanced with our technology refresh project (C5) 
which aims to implement a full technology upgrade to our current 
proprietary collection platform.

This $3 million project is on target to be fully operational in 2011, 
with pilot operations due to commence before the end of 2010.

The expected benefits following implementation are varied, not 
the least of which are mitigation of the risks of high reliance on 
dated technologies and a greatly improved ability to embed our 
key management controls and compliance processes within the 
operating design of the software.

Of paramount value are the productivity gains the new platform 
will deliver, achieved through full integration with our call centre 
and communication tools, vastly more intuitive user interfaces, 
and increased capability in terms of process automation and data 
analytics.  We believe our new collection platform will be leading 
edge technology in our industry.

* Refer page 1

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

5

Group Overview

Chief Executive’s Report

Our performance culture

Outlook

From the Latin word ‘companio’ the modern word 'company’ is 
derived (as in a corporation). ’Company‘ also has the definition 
as ’a group of companions with a common purpose‘. What has 
always been evocative throughout my management career is the 
concept of a corporation being historically linked to the idea of 
companionship and common purpose.

What I enjoy so much about working at Collection House is that 
a sense of camaraderie is such a strong element of our culture. 
Positive working principles, such as respect for others, a positive 
attitude, and a sense of "fair go", are a “come-to-work” expectation 
among peers.

With intangible assets being such an important part of the value 
of a service-based organisation such as Collection House, this 
cultural maturity is worthy of reporting to our shareholders. It has 
helped us increase the proportion of collection staff with tenures 
of more than one year to 70% and a total of 20% of our Collection 
Officers have worked with us for more than four years.

Improved staff retention increases productivity and cuts our 
recruitment and training costs. But, the additional value is that 
all staff are engaged and committed to achieving the Aspirational 
Goals* as I mentioned earlier in this report.

I would like to convey my sincere thanks and appreciation to all of 
our valued staff. They have delivered another year of outstanding 
results and demonstrated their commitment to the ongoing growth 
of Collection House by delivering excellent products and services to 
our clients and customers alike.

* Refer page 1

Our current business strategy has produced excellent results to 
date.  We will, however, continue to improve aspects of our strategy 
to increase company performance. Expectations for the year ahead 
include:

•	

•	

•	

	increased	revenues	due	to	continued	growth	from	our	
Purchased Debt and Receivables Management divisions

	cost	savings	generated	from	the	start	of	2010/2011	from	a	
restructure of senior executive positions

	productivity	improvements	due	to	longer	average	tenures	for	
our collection staff and C5 technology upgrades.

With the worst of the Global Financial Crisis behind us and 
Collection House well into its consolidation phase, the outlook for 
the year ahead is positive. In particular, productivity improvements 
and increased debt purchases in 2010/2011 are expected to ensure 
we continue to increase shareholder value.

Matt Thomas 
Chief Executive Officer

6

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

Business Performance

Core Businesses

Collection House has 
three main divisions 
– Purchased 
Debt, Receivables 
Management 
and Commission 
Collections. All three 
divisions performed 
strongly during 2010. 

These divisions are supported by our 
wholly owned in-house legal and 
insolvency arm Jones King Lawyers 
Pty Ltd and our subsidiary Midstate 
Credit Management Services Pty Ltd; a 
receivables management specialist arm 
focusing largely on Victorian regional and 
local government markets.  

Purchased Debt

Our debt purchasing arm remains the 
largest part of our business, delivering 
68% of group revenues during the 
year. Investment in debt purchased for 
2010/11 is expected to be in the range 
of $37-$47m, an increase of 28% - 62% 
on 2009/10. Of this, $30m is already 
committed under forward flow contracts 
and all necessary funding arrangements 
are in place.

The most important part of the purchased 
debt portfolio is the Purchased Debt 
Arrangement Book, being accounts where 
customers have entered into formal 
repayment arrangements. During 2009/10, 
the net face value of the arrangement book 
increased by 21% to $128 million. This is 
after a record $30m was recovered from 
arrangements, an increase of 20% on 
2008/09.

While flexibility on customer repayment 
terms was emphasised during the 
economic downturn, we will always try to 
establish arrangements with customers 
facing financial difficulties and expect the 
arrangement book to continue to grow.

We successfully leveraged our strong 
relationships with key debt sellers to 
reinforce our debt buying programme for 
the year ahead, after a period of exercising 
restraint in the face of unrealistic price 
expectations.

The segment achieved all its financial 
goals for the year with positive outcomes 
from major telephone and letter 
campaigns; excellent staff training and 
development and maintenance of a strong 
work ethic in relation to managing the 
older parts of the portfolio. 

A revitalised mix of new business and 
staff initiatives also contributed to staff 
retention, with another increase in the 
average length of service of Customer 
Service Officers to 21.6 months (16 months 
in 2008/9).

Increased volumes, innovation, productivity 
improvement, and up skilling of the 
workforce will build on our future initiatives 
and support further quality outcomes in 
this division.

Receivables Management

Our Receivables Management division is 
now in its tenth year of operation. It is by 
far the most mature and successful in the 
industry. 

The book has continued to grow and 
due to increased efficiencies and use of 
technology we have managed to achieve 
record low arrears while maintaining 
existing staff numbers.

Further efficiencies are expected with the 
launch of our new collections platform C5, 
and our receivables business will be the 
first to implement the system. 

Receivables growth is anticipated 
as most of our clients are moving to 
earlier outsourcing to ensure maximum 
return without the need for additional 
internal resources. 

Our team is well established with long-
term experienced employees. Our focus 
will be staff retention and increased 
volume and productivity. 

Commission Collections 

Overall, Commission Collections had 
a solid year delivering on its organic 
development plan.

Revenue growth was a moderate 3.7% as 
factors such as lending policy changes, 
key client restructuring, and price 
competition held the amount of quality 
account referrals below anticipated levels. 
Tighter economic conditions encouraged 
consumers to show caution with changes 
in spending behaviour including the use of 
debit rather than credit facilities.

Prudent cost control enabled us to avoid any 
significant impact on our overall results.

This was the founding division of Collection 
House and is now one of the largest and 
best regarded participants in the industry.

A key strategy is growth through 
aggressive sales and marketing initiatives 
and an improved internal sales structure. 
The cost of growth will be monitored 
closely to ensure margins are maintained 
or improved.

Staff retention is excellent and should 
remain consistent throughout the coming 
year with strong focus on performance 
and productivity.  

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

7

Our Board
Overview

Directors

As at 30 June 2010

Further information on our 
Directors is contained in the 
Directors Report on page 23.

1

2

3

4

5

6

1  |  John Pearce 
  Chairman

2  |  Dennis Punches 

  Deputy Chairman

3  |  Tony Coutts  

 Independent Director

4  |  Bill Kagel 

 Independent Director

5  |  Kerry Daly 

 Independent Director

6  |  Tony Aveling 

 Managing Director & Chief 
Executive Officer  
(retired 31 July 2010)

7  |   Barry Connelly 

Independent Director 
(retired 30 October 2009)

8  |  Barrie Adams 

 Lead Independent Director  
(retired 30 October 2009)

Executive Management

Matthew Thomas 
Chief Executive Officer 
(appointed 1 August 2010)

9  |  Bill Hiller 

 Independent Director 
(retired 30 October 2009)

Adrian Ralston 
Chief Financial Officer

Michael Watkins 
General Counsel and Company 
Secretary

Kylie Lynam 
General Manager –  
Human Resources and 
Corporate Services

7

8

9

8

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Learning for Life

Collection House is entering its fifth year 
supporting the Learning for Life program 
for disadvantaged children. The Smith 
Family is responsible for implementing 
this comprehensive program linking 
disadvantaged children with education and 
learning programs, opportunities, support, 
and connects them with Australian’s who have 
the capacity, skills and resources to help.

Collection House continues to support four 
students offering them the opportunity 
to develop through literary support, 
mentoring, tutoring and personal 
development initiatives supplied by the 
program.  We intend to continue the 
contribution to this very worthwhile 
program as part of our commitment to 
social community responsibility.

Our responsibilities

Corporate Social Responsibility

Financial Basics Foundation

“The most important financial tool is not a 
product, it is knowledge. Financial literacy 
is a valuable skill that empowers people 
to make sound decisions for a lifetime. It 
should commence early and be realistic.” 
Barrie Adams, Chairman

The Financial Basics Foundation was 
established in 2002 by Collection House in 
response to the need for greater financial 
literacy among young Australians.  

The Financial Basics Foundation is 
a small charity that has achieved 
outstanding success delivering financial 
education through Australian secondary 
schools. The Foundation’s programs 
provide teachers with resources that are 
relevant and engaging for young people.

Operation Financial Literacy is a hard 
copy teaching resource that has been 
distributed free of charge to 46% of all 
secondary schools in Australia. Over 
1500 schools are now using this resource.

ESSI Money (Earning Saving Spending 
and Investing) is the Foundation’s online 
e-learning resource. 900 schools have 
registered to play ESSI Money and over 
14,513 students have completed the game.  

“I have used ESSI Money with two classes 
and the students really enjoyed doing it. 
They became very involved in the game and 
I heard them talking about it outside class. 
They were also keen to get back into it after 
the first lesson and saw it as a real challenge 
to try to improve their financial position. 
Thank you for providing such a relevant and 
worthwhile resource. The students enjoy the 
format and develop better financial literacy 
skills at the same time.” Moira (Qld)

Financial Basics Foundation
making financial futures brighter

Operation Financial Literacy and ESSI 
Money are provided by the Foundation at 
no cost to schools and charities throughout 
Australia. This strategy to educate 
young Australians about sound financial 
management would not be possible 
without the generous and continuing 
support of Collection House, our founding 
corporate partner.  

By using best practice, relevant information 
and community engagement principles, 
the Foundation works with educators and 
our corporate partners to ensure that our 
materials are assessed and updated regularly. 

Two new developments include the 
production of an e-newsletter which 
incorporates structured teaching topics 
and activities, and regularly scheduled 
Teacher Forums for professional 
development and resource sharing. 
These will be incorporated as part of the 
suite of programs and resources that the 
Foundation offers to support teachers. 

The Foundation will continue to expand 
its work and deliver financial education 
in the community sector by working 
with community groups that work 
with disadvantaged young people. The 
Foundation will provide its teaching 
materials and knowledge to create 
initiatives that facilitate financial literacy 
and capacity building. 

The Foundation has begun consultation 
to investigate the opportunities for 
the development of our programs as 
accredited staff training tools. Expanding 
staff knowledge and equipping them with 
relevant tools for their work environment 
will benefit our corporate partners and 
other organisations.  

For more information about the 
Financial Basics Foundation, Operation 
Financial Literacy or ESSI Money, go to 
www. financialbasics.org.au 

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

9

Our responsibilities
Overview

Corporate Governance Statement

1. 

Introduction

This statement relates to the year 
under review.  

a. 

Date of statement

This Statement reflects our corporate 
governance framework, policies and 
procedures which have been in place since 
1 January 2008 and which were reviewed 
and re–endorsed by the Collection House 
Limited Board on 25 August 2010.

b. 

Access to information on the website

This Corporate Governance Statement, 
and the documents referred to in the 
Statement, are available for viewing on 
our website in the corporate governance 
section (unless otherwise stated) at  
‘www.collectionhouse.com.au’.

2. 

 Our approach to corporate 
governance

a. 

 Framework and approach to corporate 
governance

Our approach to corporate governance is 
based on a set of values and behaviours 
that underpin everyday activities, ensures 
transparency and fair dealing, and protects 
stakeholder interests. The Board continues 
to review this framework and our practices 
to ensure that we meet the interests of 
our stakeholders.

This approach includes a commitment 
to the highest standards of governance 
and the revised ‘Corporate Governance 
Principles and Recommendations’ 
which our Board sees as fundamental 
to shareholder and market confidence 
and to the sustainability of our business 
and performance. 

b. 

 Compliance with the ASXCGC’s 
Principles and Recommendations

The ASX Listing Rules require listed 
entities, such as our Company, to include a 
statement in their Annual Report disclosing 
the extent to which they have followed 
the twenty seven (27) ASXCGC Principles 
and Recommendations (ASXCGC’s 
Recommendations) during the reporting 

period, identifying any recommendations 
that have not been followed and providing 
reasons for that variance.

The Board is accountable to shareholders 
for our performance, and the Board’s 
responsibilities include:

We believe that our corporate governance 
practices comply with the ASXCGC’s 
Principles and Recommendations, 
other than:

•	

•	

•	

 Recommendations 2.1 and 2.2 – relate 
to independence. Our reasoning on 
independence and an explanation 
for our variance on the ASXCGC’s 
Recommendations 2.1 and 2.2 are set 
out in section 3(e) of this Statement;

 Recommendation 2.4 – establishment 
of a nominations committee.  Our 
reasoning and an explanation 
for our variance with ASXCGC’s 
Recommendation 2.4 are set out 
in sections 3(j) and 4(a) of this 
Statement; and

 Recommendation 4.2 – establishment 
of an audit and risk management 
committee comprising at least three 
members.  Our reasoning and an 
explanation for our variance with 
ASXCGC’s Recommendation 4.2 are set 
out in section 4(a) of this Statement.

A checklist summarising our 
compliance with the ASXCGC’s 
Recommendations is on our website at 
‘www.collectionhouse.com.au’.

ASXCGC’s Recommendation 2.1, 2.2 and 2.6

3. 

The Board of Directors

a. 

Membership and expertise of the Board

Directors’ membership, period of office 
held, experience and shareholdings are 
provided in greater detail on pages 23 to 
25 of the Directors’ Report contained in the 
2010 Annual Report.

ASXCGC’s Recommendations 2.6

b. 

Board role and responsibility

The role and responsibilities of the Board are 
formalised in the Board Charter. The Charter 
also defines the matters that are reserved for 
the Board and its Committees, and those that 
the Board has delegated to management.

•	

•	

 providing strategic direction and 
approving significant corporate 
strategic initiatives;

 providing input into, and approval 
of, management’s development 
of corporate strategy and 
performance objectives;

•	

 reviewing and approving business plans;

•	

 overseeing and monitoring the 
financial and non financial key 
performance indicators;

•	

 Board performance and composition;

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

 Board and executive leadership 
selection;

 succession planning for the Board 
and executives;

 enhancing and protecting the brand 
and reputation of the Company;

 setting MD/CEO and Non-executive 
Director remuneration; 

 considering and approving our half-
yearly and annual financial statements;

 selecting and recommending to 
shareholders the appointment of the 
external auditor;

 approving our risk management 
strategy and various risk management 
frameworks and monitoring 
their effectiveness;

 corporate responsibility – considering 
the social, ethical and environmental 
impact of our activities, setting 
standards and monitoring compliance;

 maintaining a direct and ongoing 
dialogue with relevant regulators in 
Australia and ensuring that the market 
and our shareholders and other 
investors are continuously informed of 
material developments; and

•	

 determining the scope of 
delegated authorities.

10

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

The Board has delegated a number of 
these responsibilities to its Committees.  
The responsibilities of these Committees 
are detailed in section 4 of this Statement.

The Board has delegated to Executive 
Management, responsibility for:

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

 developing and implementing 
corporate strategies and making 
recommendations on significant 
corporate strategic initiatives;

 making recommendations for the 
appointment of Executive Management, 
determining terms of appointment, 
evaluating performance, and 
developing and maintaining succession 
plans for Executive Management roles;

 developing our annual budget plan and 
managing day-to-day operations within 
the budget plan;

 maintaining effective risk 
management frameworks;

 keeping the Board and market 
fully informed about material 
developments; and

 managing day-to-day operations in 
accordance with standards for social, 
ethical and environmental practices, 
which have been set by the Board.

ASXCGC’s Recommendation 1.1

c. 

Board size and composition

The Board considers that the optimum 
number of Directors is between six and 
eight, with Independent Non-executive 
Directors, comprising the majority of 
the Board.

As at 30 June 2010, there were two Non-
independent Non-executive Directors, 
three Independent Non-executive Directors 
and one Executive Director on our Board. 
Our Constitution sets a maximum of ten 
Directors.  The Chairman of the Board is 
non-executive, separate and independent 
of the role of the MD/CEO.

to the Board’s composition and size and 
the skills required to discharge the Board’s 
duties, having regard to our business mix, 
financial position and strategic direction, 
including specific qualities or skills that 
the Nominations Committee believed was 
necessary for one or more of the Directors 
to possess.

From 30 October 2009, the Board assesses 
its composition and size together with the 
skills required to discharge the Board’s 
duties, having regard to our business mix, 
financial position and strategic direction, 
including specific qualities or skills that 
the Board believes are necessary for one 
or more of the Directors to possess.

ASXCGC’s Recommendation 2.1

d. 

The Chairman

The Board elects one of the Non-executive 
Directors to be Chairman. 

The Chairman, John Pearce, is a 
Non- executive Director. He has been a 
Director of the Company since 9 April 
1993 and Chairman since 25 June 
2009.  The Chairman is a member of the 
Remuneration Committee.

The Chairman, John Pearce, and the 
Deputy Chairman, Dennis Punches 
are considered by the Board not to 
be independent in terms of the ASX 
Corporate Governance Council’s definition 
of an Independent Director. However, 
the Board considers that for the reasons 
set out in section 3(e), both John Pearce 
and Dennis Punches have extensive 
experience and professionalism which 
allows them to exercise quality, unfettered 
and independent judgment on all relevant 
issues falling within the scope of the role 
of Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the 
Board.  Dennis Punches was the Chairman 
of the Nominations Committee until 30 
October 2009.

ASXCGC’s Recommendation 2.2

e. 

Director independence

Until 30 October 2009, the Nominations 
Committee assessed the Boards’ 
composition and size, and from time to 
time recommended to the Board changes 

Directors are considered to be independent 
if they are independent of management 
and free from any business or other 
relationship that could materially interfere 

with, or could reasonably be perceived to 
materially interfere with, the exercise of 
their unfettered and independent judgment.  
Materiality is assessed on a case-by-case 
basis by reference to each Director’s 
individual circumstances rather than by 
applying general materiality thresholds.

Directors must disclose any interests 
or relationships, including any related 
financial or other details, to the Board 
to determine whether the relationship 
could, or could reasonably be perceived 
to, materially interfere with the 
exercise of a Director’s unfettered and 
independent judgment.

The Board considers that until 30 
June 2010, a majority of the Board is 
not independent. However, the Board 
considers that the individuals on the Board 
can, and do exercise quality, unfettered and 
independent judgment in the best interests 
of the Company, on all relevant issues.  
Directors who have a conflict of interest 
in relation to a particular item of business 
must, and do, absent themselves from the 
Board meeting before commencement of 
discussion on the topic.

In addition to ensuring that the Board 
has a broad range of necessary skills, 
knowledge, and experience to govern the 
Company and understand the challenges 
that the Company faces, the Board 
considers that its membership should 
represent an appropriate balance between 
Directors with experience and knowledge 
of the Company and Directors with an 
external perspective.

The Board also considers that its size 
should be conducive to effective discussion 
and efficient decision-making.  The Board 
believes that its current composition meets 
these requirements.

The Nominations Committee Charter 
and the Directors’ Charter respectively, 
disclose a process for the selection 
and appointment of new Directors and 
the re-election of incumbent Directors.  
The former Nominations Committee 
Charter and the Directors’ Charter are 
available from the corporate governance 
section of the Company’s website at 
‘www. collectionhouse.com.au’.

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

11

Our responsibilities

Corporate Governance Statement

Exceptions to ASXCGC’s 
Recommendations 

2.1 A majority of the Board should be 
Independent Directors

As at 30 June 2010, of our Board, 
three Directors are considered not to 
be independent in accordance with 
Recommendation 2.1.  These Directors 
are John Pearce (Chairman appointed 
25 June 2009), Dennis Punches (Deputy 
Chairman appointed 25 June 2009) and 
Tony Aveling (MD/CEO).

Due only to their respective substantial 
shareholdings in the Company, John 
Pearce and Dennis Punches are not 
classed as Independent Directors.  The 
Board maintains however, that their 
individual and combined industry 
experience and knowledge of international 
and domestic trends in the collection 
industry are invaluable to the Company.  
Directors’ experience and shareholdings 
are provided in greater detail on pages 23 
to 25 of the Directors’ Report in the 2010 
Annual Report.

2.2 and 2.4 The Chairperson should be an 
Independent Director

While the Chairman of the Board, John 
Pearce and the Deputy Chairman, Dennis 
Punches, are not classed as independent 
(Recommendations 2.2 and 2.4), their 
experience and knowledge of the industry, 
both individually and collectively, coupled 
with their ability to lead, have enabled 
both of them to be, and continue to be, 
a valuable and effective Chairman and 
Deputy Chairman respectively of the Board 
and in the case of Dennis Punches, a 
member of the Remuneration Committee 
and Chairman of the Nominations 
Committee until 30 October 2009, with a 
scope well beyond that of other candidates, 
at either a national or international level. 

As noted, Tony Aveling is not deemed to 
be independent by virtue of his role as 
MD/CEO of the Company.  Tony Aveling 
retired as MD/CEO on 31 July 2010.  
Matthew Thomas was appointed CEO 
effective as and from 1 August 2010.  Mr 
Thomas is not a Director of the Company.

Notwithstanding, the Board does not 
consider there are any matters that may 
materially interfere with the exercise by 
John Pearce, Dennis Punches and Tony 
Aveling (before 31 July 2010) of unfettered 
and independent judgment.

ASXCGC’s Recommendations 2.1, 2.4 
and 2.6

f. 

 Avoidance of conflicts of interest by 
a Director

The Board is conscious of its obligations 
to ensure that Directors avoid conflicts of 
interest (both real and apparent) between 
their duties as Directors of the Company 
and their other interests and duties.

In accordance with our Constitution, all 
Directors are required to disclose any 
actual or potential conflict of interest on 
appointment as a Director and are required 
to keep these disclosures up to date.

Any Director with a material personal 
interest in a matter being considered by 
the Board must declare their interest 
and, unless the Board resolves otherwise, 
they may not participate in boardroom 
discussions or vote on matters in respect 
of which they have a conflict.

Our Constitution and Code of Conduct 
for Directors and Senior Executives 
are available from our website at 
‘www. collectionhouse.com.au’.

ASXCGC’s Recommendation 3.1

g. 

 Meetings of the Board and their conduct

The Board has scheduled meetings each 
year and meets whenever necessary 
between scheduled meetings to deal with 
specific matters needing attention.

The Chairman, with input from the 
MD/CEO and the Company Secretary, 
establishes meeting agendas for assessing 
our coverage of financial, strategic and 
major risk areas, throughout the year.  The 
Directors have the opportunity to review 
meeting materials in advance.  Directors 
are always encouraged to participate with 
a robust exchange of views and to bring 
their independent judgments to bear on 
the issues and decisions at hand.

Details of meetings attended by Directors 
during the year are reported on page 25 
of the Directors’ Report in the 2010 
Annual Report.

h. 

Succession planning

Until 30 October 2009, the Board 
considered Director succession in 
conjunction with the Nominations 
Committee.  Together they were 
responsible for developing and 
implementing succession planning for 
Non-executive Directors, taking into 
account the challenges and opportunities 
facing us and the skills and expertise 
which are likely to be needed on the Board 
today and in the future.

From 30 October 2009, the Board became 
responsible for Director succession.  The 
Board is responsible for developing and 
implementing succession planning for 
Non-executive Directors, taking into 
account the challenges and opportunities 
facing us and the skills and expertise 
which is likely to be needed on the Board 
today and in the future.

The Board is responsible for MD/CEO 
succession planning, for approving the 
MD/CEO financial and non-financial 
performance objectives and for evaluating 
the performance of the MD/CEO against 
those objectives.  

The MD/CEO is actively involved with 
Executive Management succession.  The 
MD/CEO oversees the process of objective 
setting for Executive Management and 
monitors the performance of Executive 
Management against those objectives.

ASXCGC’s Recommendation 1.2

i. 

 Review of Board and Committee 
performance

The Board undertakes an annual review of 
its performance and of the performance 
of the Chairman, individual Directors and 
Board Committees.

The performance review process is 
facilitated internally, and can include 
interviews with Directors and written 
surveys of Directors, Executive 
Management and the Company Secretary 

12

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

and regulatory matters, developing and 
implementing our governance framework, 
coordinating the completion and dispatch 
of the Board and Committee Meeting 
agendas and papers, and giving practical 
effect to the Board’s and the Committees’ 
decisions.

Prior to Michael’s current appointment, 
he practised commercial law in private 
practice from 1978 and was a partner in 
his own Brisbane CBD law firm from 1980, 
until accepting the appointment as General 
Counsel of the Company in 2000.

All Directors have access to advice from 
the Company Secretary and General 
Counsel at any time.

4. 

Board Committees

a. 

Board Committees and membership

During the reporting year, we had three 
standing Board Committees:

•	

 The Audit and Risk Management 
Committee;

•	

The Nominations Committee; and

•	

The Remuneration Committee. 

The Committee Charters (available on 
our website) describe their roles and 
responsibilities, as approved by the Board.

As the Company had Director retirements 
during the reporting year, the table 
overleaf indicates which Directors 
held Committee memberships and the 
period of time that they served on the 
relevant Committee.

and General Counsel. These reviews 
are conducted in accordance with the 
Company’s performance evaluation 
process for Directors and Executive 
Management. The Chairman formally 
discusses the results with individual 
Directors and Committee chairs. 

The Chairman is reviewed by his fellow 
Directors adjudging his performance 
and contributions to the Board, Board 
discussions, leadership, and in guiding 
and assisting the Board to comply with 
its charter.

A performance evaluation of the Directors 
and Senior Executives consistent with the 
approach above has occurred during the 
reporting period.

ASXCGC’s Recommendations 2.5, 2.6 
and 8.1

j. 

 Nomination and appointment of new 
Directors

Until 30 October 2009, the Board had a 
Nominations Committee.  From 30 October 
2009, the Board absorbed the Nominations 
Committee’s role, responsibilities and 
functions.  During the reporting period, the 
Nominations Committee and the Board 
used the process for the selection and 
appointment of new Directors contained in 
the Directors’ Charter when considering 
and making recommendations for 
nominations of new Directors to the Board. 

A summary of the Directors’ Charter 
and the former Nominations Committee 
Charter are available from the corporate 
governance section of the Company’s 
website at ‘www.collectionhouse.com.au’.

New Directors receive a letter of 
appointment, which sets out their duties, 
the terms and conditions of appointment 
including expected term of appointment, 
remuneration and the expectations of the 
role.  This letter conforms with ASXCGC’s 
Principles and Recommendations.

If the Board appoints a new Director during 
the year, that person will stand for election 
by shareholders at the next Annual 
General Meeting (AGM).  Shareholders 
are provided with relevant background 
information on the candidates for election.  

The Board reviews the appointment criteria 
contained in the Directors’ Charter from 
time to time and makes recommendations 
concerning the re-election of any Director 
by shareholders.

ASXCGC’s Recommendation 2.4

k. 

Board access to information and advice

All Directors have unrestricted and 
unfettered access to Company records and 
information and receive regular detailed 
financial and operational reports from 
Executive Management to enable them to 
carry out their duties. 

The Chairman and other Non-executive 
Directors regularly consult with the MD/
CEO, the CFO, Company Executives, the 
Company Secretary and General Counsel.  
In addition, Directors may consult with, and 
request additional information from, any of 
our employees.

The Board collectively, and each Director 
individually, has the right to seek 
independent professional advice, at the 
Company’s expense, to help them carry 
out their responsibilities.  While the 
Chairman’s prior approval is needed, it 
may not be unreasonably withheld and, in 
the Chairman’s absence, Board approval 
may be sought.

ASXCGC’s Recommendation 2.1 and 2.6

l. 

Company Secretary

Our Company Secretary is Michael 
Watkins, who combines his role as 
Company Secretary and as General 
Counsel of the Company.  Michael is a 
Legal Practitioner Director of Jones King 
Lawyers Pty Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary 
of the Company.

Michael joined us in 2000 as General 
Counsel and was appointed to his 
present role as Company Secretary and 
General Counsel in December 2006 with 
responsibility for the management and 
delivery of company secretarial, legal 
and governance advice and support 
to the Board, executive and business.  
Responsibilities for the secretariat function 
include providing advice to Directors 
and officers on corporate governance 

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

13

Our responsibilities

Corporate Governance Statement

Committee

Director

Retired Directors

John Pearce

Dennis 
Punches

Bill Kagel

Tony Coutts

Kerry Daly

Barrie Adams

Bill Hiller

Independent 
Director

Appointed 
Director 30 
October 2009

Retired 
Directorship 
30 October 
2009

Retired 
Directorship 
30 October 
2009

Chairman 
and 
Independent 
Director

Chairman 
and Lead 
Independent 
Director 

Appointed to 
Committee 
30 October 
2009

Retired from 
Committee 
30 October 
2009

Independent 
Director

Retired from 
Committee 
30 October 
2009

Barry 
Connelly

Retired 
Directorship 
30 October 
2009

Chairman 
and Non-
independent 
Director

Committee 
Discontinued 
30 October 
2009

Independent 
Director

Independent 
Director

Committee 
Discontinued 
30 October 
2009

Committee 
Discontinued 
30 October 
2009

Audit and Risk 
Management 
Committee

Nominations 
Committee

Discontinued 
30 October 
2009

Remuneration 
Committee

Non – 
independent 
Director

Non-
independent 
Director

Retired from 
Committee 
30 October 
2009

Chairman 
and 
independent 
Director

Chairman 
and 
Independent 
Director

Retired as 
Chairman 30 
October 2009

Appointed 
Chairman 30 
October 2009

Independent 
Director

Appointed to 
Committee 
30 October 
2009

Lead 
Independent 
Director

Retired from 
Committee 
30 October 
2009

Attendances of Directors at Committee meetings are set out on page 25 in the Directors’ Report of the 2010 Annual Report.

ASXCGC’s Recommendations 2.4, 2.6, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 8.1 and 8.2

Exceptions to the ASXCGC’s 
Recommendations

discharge the Nominations Committee’s 

mandate effectively.

The Directors, taking into consideration 

From 30 October 2009, the Board, by 

the revised nature, size and composition of 

discontinuing the Nominations Committee 

the Board, and that the Company is not an 

and absorbing its role, responsibilities 

entity that trades in the top 300 of the S&P 

and functions, is not compliant with 

All Ordinaries Index, resolved, in regards to 

ASXCGC’s Recommendation 2.4.  However, 

the Nominations Committee, that:

the Board considers that given the 

•	

 the role, responsibilities and functions 

of the Nominations Committee be 

absorbed by the Board as a whole;

revised nature, size and composition of 

the Board; the allocation of the scarce 

Director resources; and that it is ultimately 

responsible for the role, responsibilities and 

•	

 the Board considers that it is best 

functions undertaken by the Nominations 

placed to deal with the nomination, 

Committee, it is best placed to deal with the 

appointment and evaluation of 

nomination, appointment and evaluation 

Directors; and 

•	

 the members of the Board have 

sufficient industry experience, 

of Directors and considers that the 

efficiencies previously gained from having a 

Nominations Committee, no longer exist. 

knowledge and technical expertise to 

ASXCGC’s Recommendation 2.4.

At the AGM on 30 October 2009, the 
Directors, Barrie Adams (Chairman and 
Lead Independent Director), Bill Hiller and 
Barry Connelly did not seek re-election.  

The Directors, taking into consideration 
the revised nature, size and composition of 
the Board, and that the Company is not an 
entity that trades in the top 300 of the S&P 
All Ordinaries Index, resolved, in regards to 
the Audit and Risk Management Committee 
(the ARMC), that while:

•	

•	

 from 1 July 2009 to 30 October 2009, 
the ARMC was composed of only 
Independent Non-executive Directors; 

 effective from 30 October 2009, the 
membership of the Committee should 
be reduced to two Independent Non-
executive Directors with sufficient 
industry experience, knowledge and 

14

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

How the Committees report to the Board

•	

technical expertise to discharge the 
ARMC’s mandate effectively;

•	

•	

 effective from 30 October 2009, Kerry 
Daly was appointed to the ARMC;

 effective from 30 October 2009, Kerry 
Daly was appointed Chairman of the 
ARMC; and

•	

 Tony Coutts continued as a member of 
the ARMC.

The ARMC from 30 October 2009, did 
not consist of three Independent Non-
Executive Directors in accordance with 
Recommendation 4.2.   

The current membership structure of the 
ARMC is not compliant with ASXCGC’s 
Recommendation 4.2.  However, the Board 
considers that the current members of 
Kerry Daly, Chairman and Tony Coutts 
both being independent non executive 
directors with relevant industry experience 
and knowledge of domestic trends in 
the collection industry, are sufficient in 
number, independence, technical expertise 
and skills to properly discharge their 
roles and responsibilities effectively as 
committee members of the ARMC.

ASXCGC’s Recommendation 4.2.

b. 

Committee procedures

Composition and independence of 
the Committees

Committee members are chosen for the 
skills, experience and other qualities they 
bring to the Committees. 

Operation of the Committees and reporting 
to the Board

During the year, the Board Committees 
meet at least annually, and at other 
times as necessary.  Each Committee is 
entitled to the resources and information 
it requires and has direct access to our 
employees and advisers.  The MD/CEO is 
invited to attend all Committee meetings, 
except where the MD/CEO has a material 
personal interest in a matter being 
considered.  Executive Management and 
other selected employees are invited to 
attend Committee meetings as necessary.

At the next Board meeting following 
each Committee meeting, the Board is 
given an oral report by the Chair of each 
Committee.  In addition, all Committee 
minutes are tabled at Board meetings.

How Committees’ performance 
is evaluated

The performance of Committees is 
discussed and reviewed initially within 
each Committee and then reviewed as part 
of the Board’s performance review.  The 
performance of each Committee member 
(other than the MD/CEO) is evaluated as 
part of the annual review of each Director.

ASXCGC’s Recommendation 2.5, 4.1, 4.2, 
4.4, 7.1, 7.2, 7.4, 8.1, 8.2 and 8.3

c. 

Audit and Risk Management Committee 

Role of the Committee

The Audit and Risk Management 
Committee operates in accordance with its 
Board approved charter, a copy of which is 
available from the corporate governance 
section of the Company’s website at 
‘www. collectionhouse.com.au’.

The Audit and Risk Management 
Committee oversees the risk profile and 
approves our risk management framework 
within the context of the risk-reward 
strategy determined by the Board.  The 
Committee monitors the alignment of our 
risk profile with our risk appetite.  The 
Committee oversees how we manage the 
risks which are relevant to our operations.

The determination of the risk-reward 
strategy includes recommendations 
from the Audit and Risk Management 
Committee, the MD/CEO and Executive 
Management on the parameters of our risk-
reward profile and appropriate strategy.

Our Board shares oversight responsibility 
for risk management with the Audit and 
Risk Management Committee.

The Audit and Risk Management Committee, 
oversees all matters concerning:

•	

 integrity of the financial statements 
and financial reporting systems;

 making recommendations to the 
Board for the appointment of the 
external auditor;

 external auditor’s qualifications, 
performance, independence and fees;

 oversight and performance of the 
internal audit function; 

 compliance with financial reporting and 
related regulatory requirements;

 reviews and approves the frameworks 
for managing our market, operational 
and compliance risk;

 determines, approves and reviews the 
limits and conditions that apply to the 
taking of risk, including the authority 
delegated by the Board to the MD/CEO 
and Executive Management;

 monitors the risk profile, performance, 
capital levels, exposures against limits 
and management and control of our risks;

 monitors changes anticipated for the 
economic and business environment 
and other factors considered relevant 
to our risk profile;

 reviews and monitors any related 
party transactions and assesses 
their propriety;

 oversees the development and ongoing 
review of appropriate policies that support 
our frameworks for managing risk; 

 reviews significant issues that may 
be raised by internal audit as well as 
the length of time and action taken to 
resolve such issues; and

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

 reviews our approach to 
corporate governance.

In fulfilling its responsibilities, the Audit 
and Risk Management Committee:

•	

•	

•	

 receives regular reports from 
management, the internal and 
external auditors;

 meets with the internal and external 
auditors at least twice a year, or more 
frequently, if necessary;

 reviews the processes the MD/CEO 
and CFO have in place to support their 
certifications to the Board;

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

15

Our responsibilities

Corporate Governance Statement

•	

•	

•	

 reviews any significant disagreements 
between the auditors and 
management, irrespective of whether 
they have been resolved;

 meets separately with the external 
auditors and the internal auditor at 
least twice a year without Executive 
Management being present; and

 provides the internal and external 
auditors with a clear line of direct 
communication at any time to either 
the Chairman of the Committee or the 
Chairman of the Board.

The Audit and Risk Management 
Committee met on 6 occasions during the 
reporting year.

The Audit and Risk Management 
Committee regularly updates the Board 
about its activities.

ASXCGC’s Recommendations 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 
4.4, 7.1 and 7.2

d. 

Nominations Committee

Role of the Committee

Until 30 October 2009, the Company had a 
Nominations Committee.  The Nominations 
Committee operated in accordance with its 
then Board approved charter, a summary 
of which is available from the corporate 
governance section of the Company’s 
website at ‘www.collectionhouse.com.au’.

The Nominations Committee assisted the 
Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibility 
to shareholders.  The Board now as a whole 
assesses the desirable competencies of the 
Board members, reviews Board succession 
plans, provides a framework for the 
evaluation process of the performance of 
the Board, individual Directors, and makes 
recommendations for the appointment and 
removal of Directors.  The Nominations 
Committee and now the Board was and is 
responsible for:

 developing and reviewing policies on 
Board composition, strategic function 
and size;

 performance review process of the Board, 
its Committees and individual Directors;

•	

•	

16

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

 conducting an annual review of, and 
conclude on, the independence of 
each Director;

 succession planning for the Board 
including developing eligibility criteria 
for nominating Directors;

 developing and implementing 
induction programs for new 
Directors and ongoing education for 
existing Directors;

 recommending appointment of 
Directors to the Board; and

 making recommendations on Board 
composition and appointments.

The Boards’ policy for the appointment 
of Directors is to select candidates 
whose skills, expertise, qualifications, 
networks, and knowledge of the industry 
in which the Company operates and 
other potential markets into which it may 
expand, complement those of existing 
Board members.

When selecting new Directors for 
recommendation, the Board reviews the 
prospective Directors’ CVs, meets with 
them and speaks with their referees and 
others who have previously worked with 
them to assess their suitability.

The Board has adopted a Director’s 
Letter of Appointment covering the 
matters referred to in Principle 1 of the 
ASX Corporate Governance Guidelines 
ensuring Directors clearly understand their 
corporate duties and responsibilities.

ASXCGC’s Recommendation 2.4

e. 

Remuneration Committee

Role of the Committee

The Remuneration Committee operates 
in accordance with its Board approved 
charter, a copy of which is available 
from the corporate governance 
section of the Company’s website at 
‘www. collectionhouse.com.au’.

The Remuneration Committee assists 
the Board by reviewing and approving 
its remuneration policies and practices.  
The principal function of the Committee 

is to assist the Board in ensuring that 
the Company’s remuneration levels are 
appropriate and sufficient to attract and 
retain the Directors and key executives 
needed to run the Company.  The 
Remuneration Committee:

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

 reviews and approves executive 
remuneration policy;

 reviews and makes recommendations 
to the Board on the performance of 
the MD/CEO against the MD/CEO’s 
corporate goals and objectives;

 makes recommendations to the Board 
on the remuneration of the MD/CEO;

 makes recommendations to the Board 
on the remuneration of Non-executive 
Directors, taking into account the 
shareholder approved fee pool;

 approves contracts and remuneration 
packages for positions reporting 
directly to the MD/CEO;

 considers and evaluates the 
performance of Executive Management 
when making remuneration 
determinations and otherwise 
as required;

 monitors organisational structure and 
succession planning strategies;

 evaluates and reviews current industry 
standards and practices;

 reviews and makes recommendations 
to the Board on equity-based plans;

 approves all performance recognition 
expenditure; and

 oversees general remuneration 
practices across the Group.

The Remuneration Committee also 
reviews and makes recommendations to 
the Board concerning the recruitment, 
retention, termination, and succession 
planning policies and procedures for the 
MD/CEO and for Executive Management 
positions reporting directly to the MD/CEO.  
This process was undertaken during the 
reporting year.

The Committee meets at least annually 
with additional meetings being convened 

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

ASXCGC’s Recommendations 1.2, 1.3 
and 8.1

the Board.

as required.  The Committee has 
access to Executive Management of the 
Company and may consult independent 
remuneration consultants to benchmark 
our reward practices and levels against 
market practice, where it considers this 
necessary in order to effectively discharge 
its responsibilities.

5. 

 Managing Director and Chief 
Executive Officer and Chief 
Financial Officer assurance

The Board receives regular reports about 
our financial condition and operational 
results as well as that of our controlled 
entities.  The MD/CEO and CFO annually 
provide formal statements to the Board, 
that in all material respects confirms:

•	

 the financial records of the Company 
for the financial year have been 
properly maintained in that they:

•	

 the risk management and internal 

b. 

Internal policies and procedures

compliance and control systems are 

sound, appropriate and operating 

efficiently and effectively; and

•	

 the statement is founded on a sound 

system of risk management and 

internal compliance and control which 

implements the policies adopted by 

ASXCGC’s Recommendation 4.4 and 7.3

6. 

 Promoting ethical and 
responsible behaviour

a. 

 Our Principles for Doing Business and 
Code of Conduct

Our Code of Conduct and Philosophy sets 

out the principles that govern our conduct 

and the behaviours that stakeholders can 

In addition to our Code of Conduct and 
Philosophy, we are committed to external 
regulator guidelines, such as the Australian 
Securities and Investments Commission 
and Australian Competition and Consumer 
Commission Debt Collection Guideline: for 
collectors and creditors.

We also have a number of key policies 
to manage our compliance and human 
resource requirements.  There is a range 
of guidelines, communications and training 
processes and tools to support these 
policies.  These tools include an online 
learning module titled ‘Code of Conduct’ 
which incorporates training for a range of 
key compliance requirements.  Individual 
business units also have systems and 
procedures in place to support Company 
policies and procedures.

expect from us.

ASXCGC’s Recommendations 3.1 and 3.3

The Principles apply without exception to 

c. 

Concern reporting and whistleblowing

all Directors, executives, management 

and employees, and are aligned to our 

– are complete and present;

core values.  Our Code of Conduct and 

–  correctly record and explain its 

transactions and financial position 
and performance;

Philosophy sets out the seven foundation 

principles, namely:

•	

act with honesty and integrity;

–  enable true and fair financial 

•	

respect the law and act accordingly;

All employees are encouraged to bring any 
concerns or problems to the attention of 
management, the human resources team 
or the compliance team.  This includes 
activities or behaviours that may not be in 
accord with our Philosophy, the Code of 
Conduct, Securities Trading Policy, other 
policies, or other regulatory requirements 
or laws.

In 2005, the Board introduced a 
Whistleblower Protection Policy that 
specifically outlines procedures for dealing 
with allegations of improper conduct.  
Concerns can be raised in a number of 
ways, including in writing, anonymously 
through the Company’s online whistleblower 
reporting system, or by telephone.

•	

 respect confidentiality and do not 

misuse information;

•	

 act professionally, ethically 

and honourably;

•	

act as a team;

•	

 manage conflicts of interest 

responsibly; and

•	

 strive to be a good corporate citizen 

with the highest standards of integrity, 

ethics, practice, privacy and security.

A summary of the Company’s Code 

of Conduct for Directors and Senior 

Executives and our Philosophy are 

available from the corporate governance 

section of the Company’s website at 

‘www. collectionhouse.com.au’.

ASXCGC’s Recommendations 3.1 and 3.3

Any concerns that are reported are 
assessed and handled by the Disclosure 
Coordinator, in conjunction with the 
Company’s Company Secretary and 
General Counsel.

The Company does not tolerate known 
or suspected incidents of fraud, corrupt 
conduct, adverse behaviour, illegal 
activities or regulatory non-compliance, 
or questionable accounting and auditing 
matters by its employees.

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

17

statements to be prepared and 
audited; and

–  are retained for seven years after the 
transactions covered by the records 
are completed;

 the financial statements and notes 
required by the accounting standards 
for the financial year comply with the 
accounting standards;

 the financial statements and notes 
for the financial year give a true 
and fair view of the Company’s and 
consolidated entities’ financial position 
and of their performance;

 any other matters that are prescribed 
by the Corporations Act regulations as 
they relate to the financial statements 
and notes for the financial year 
are satisfied; 

•	

•	

•	

 
 
 
 
Our responsibilities

Corporate Governance Statement

Nor does the Company tolerate taking 
reprisals against those who come forward 
to disclose such conduct.  The Company 
will take all reasonable steps to protect 
employees who make such disclosures 
from any reprisal or detrimental action 
following the disclosure.

ASXCGC’s Recommendations 3.1 and 3.3

d. 

Securities trading policy 

Directors and employees are restricted 
from dealing in our shares if they are in 
possession of inside information.  

To highlight the importance of compliance 
with these requirements and to ensure 
high standards of conduct, we have a 
Securities Trading Policy which applies 
to all employees.  Additional restrictions 
apply for Directors and any employees 
who, because of their seniority or the 
nature of their position, come into contact 
with key financial or strategic information 
about the Company all or most of the time 
(Prescribed Employees).  Those restrictions 
limit the periods in which the Directors 
and Prescribed Employees can trade in our 
shares or other company securities.

Further, Directors and Prescribed 
Employees are not permitted to trade 
in closed periods which operate for 
two months immediately preceding 
the half yearly results and the full year 
results respectively.

The periods in which Directors and 
Prescribed Employees can trade (Trading 
Windows) commence two business days 
after the release of our half year and full 
year results (Trading Window - normally 60 
days) and after our Annual General Meeting 
(Trading Window - normally 30 days).

Directors and Prescribed Employees 
must also notify the Chairman or the MD/
CEO in writing of their intention to trade 
during those periods and confirm they 
do not have any inside information.  Any 
trading remains subject to legal obligations 
to not trade while in the possession of 
inside information.  

The Corporate Counsel Division monitors 
the trading of the Company’s shares by 
Directors and Prescribed Employees on a 
daily basis.

Directors and Prescribed Employees 
may only deal in the Company securities 
outside of these times with the express 
prior approval of the Chairman or the 
Managing Director.

A summary of the Securities Trading Policy 
is available from the corporate governance 
section of the Company’s website at 
‘www. collectionhouse.com.au’.

ASXCGC’s Recommendations 3.2 and 3.3

7. 

Remuneration framework

It is the Company’s objective to provide 
maximum stakeholder benefit from 
the retention of a high quality Board 
and Executive Management team by 
remunerating Directors and key executives 
fairly and appropriately in accordance 
with market conditions and reflective of 
their contribution. 

The expected outcomes of this 
remuneration philosophy are:

•	

•	

•	

 retention and motivation of 
key executives;

 attraction and retention of quality 
management to the Company; and

 performance incentives which allow 
executives to share the rewards of the 
success of the Company.

The Board is keen to encourage equity 
holdings by Directors and employees 
to align their  interests with those of 
shareholders.  Many employees have 
participated in the Company’s various 
share and option plans from time to time.

In February 2007, the shareholders 
approved certain share options in favour 
of the MD/CEO as part of his employment 
agreement.  Details of the share options 
are set out in the Remuneration Report in 
the 2010 Annual Report.

In June 2007, certain share options were 
issued to eligible senior employees under 
an Executive Share Option Plan.  Details 
of the Executive Share Option Plan were 
presented, ratified and approved by the 
shareholders at the Annual General 
Meeting of the Company in October 2007.  

The Board considers that the composition 
of executive remuneration and equity 
related staff incentive plans are the domain 
of the Board and the MD/CEO, subject to 
meeting the Company’s statutory and ASX 
Listing Rule disclosure obligations.

In June 2008, subject to shareholder 
approval, the Board agreed to vary the 
MD/CEO’s remuneration and employment 
agreement to include certain additional 
share options.  The MD/CEO’s variation 
of his remuneration and employment 
agreement and the grant of additional 
share options were approved by 
shareholders at the Company’s Annual 
General Meeting in October 2008.  
Details of the share options are set out 
in the Remuneration Report in the 2010 
Annual Report.  

In June 2008, certain additional share 
options were issued to eligible senior 
employees under the Executive Share 
Option Plan previously approved by 
shareholders at the Annual General 
Meeting of the Company in October 2007.  
Details of the share options are set out 
in the Remuneration Report in the 2010 
Annual Report.

No Directors participate in share plans.  
Non-executive Directors receive only cash 
compensation and reimbursement of 
expenses for their services.

For additional information about the 
Company’s remuneration practices 
and details relating to Directors’ and 
executives’ remuneration during the year, 
refer to pages 28 and 29 of the Directors’ 
Report in the 2010 Annual Report.

Details of our remuneration framework are 
set out in the Remuneration Report in the 
2010 Annual Report.

ASXCGC’s Recommendations 8.1, 8.2 
and 8.3

8. 

Market disclosure

We are committed to maintaining a level 
of disclosure that meets the highest 
standards and provides all investors with 
timely and equal access to information.

18

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

In achieving these standards, we 
have a Board approved Continuous 
Disclosure Policy, which governs how we 
communicate with our shareholders and 
with the investment community.

The policy reflects the ASX continuous 
disclosure obligations and spells out that 
information which a reasonable person 
would expect to have a material effect on 
the price of the Company’s securities, that 
must be immediately disclosed, subject to 
certain exceptions.

The Board is primarily responsible for:

•	

•	

 making decisions on what should be 
disclosed publicly under the market 
disclosure policy, and for developing 
and maintaining relevant guidelines, 
including guidelines on information 
that may be price sensitive; and

 for ensuring compliance with the 
continuous disclosure requirements 
of the listing rules of the ASX, relevant 
securities and corporations legislation, 
and overseeing and coordinating 
information disclosure to regulators, 
analysts, brokers, shareholders, the 
media and the public.

All market announcements are released to 
the ASX first in time.

We also publish on our website the 
Annual Reports, profit announcements, 
presentations, notices of meetings and 
media releases.

A copy of the Continuous Disclosure Policy 
is available from the corporate governance 
section of the Company’s website at 
‘www. collectionhouse.com.au’.

ASXCGC’s Recommendations 5.1, 5.2 
and 6.1

9. 

 Shareholder communications 
and participation

We are also committed to giving all 
shareholders comprehensive, timely and 
equal access to information about our 
activities so that they can make informed 
investment decisions.

The Board aims to ensure that shareholders 
are informed of all information necessary 

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

to assess the performance of the Company. 
Information is communicated to the 
shareholders through:

 the Annual Report which is distributed 
to all shareholders via the Company’s 
website or a printed version upon 
request (other than those who elect not 
to receive it);

 the Annual General Meeting and 
other shareholder meetings called 
to obtain approval for Board action, 
as appropriate;

 making available all information 
released to the Australian Securities 
Exchange on the Company’s website 
immediately following confirmation of 
receipt by the ASX;

 ensuring all press releases and 
investor presentations issued by the 
Company are posted on the Company’s 
website as soon as it is disclosed to 
the ASX;

The Company acts to meet this 

commitment by implementing work 

practices and procedures throughout the 

Company that comply with the relevant 

regulations governing workplace health 

and safety.

Employees are expected to take all 

practical measures to ensure a safe and 

healthy working environment in keeping 

with their defined responsibilities and the 

relevant regulations.

ASXCGC’s Recommendations 3.1 and 3.3

11. 

 International Financial 
Reporting Standards (IFRS)

The Australian Accounting Standards 

Board (AASB) has adopted International 

Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for 

application to reporting periods beginning 

on or after 1 January 2005.  The AASB has 

issued Australian equivalents to IFRS. 

 encouraging active participation by 
shareholders at shareholder meetings;

The Company adopted the Australian 

equivalents to IFRS in its consolidated 

 actively encouraging shareholders 
to provide their email address to 
facilitate more timely and effective 
communication with shareholders at 
all times;

 contacting shareholders who have 
provided their email addresses directly 
to provide details of upcoming events 
of interest; and 

 encouraging all shareholders who are 
unable to attend general meetings to 
communicate issues or ask questions 
by writing to the Company.

The Board approved Shareholder 
Communications Guidelines are 
available from the corporate governance 
section of the Company’s website at 
‘www. collectionhouse.com.au’.

entity’s financial statements since 

31 December 2006. 

ASXCGC’s Recommendations 3.1 and 3.3

12. 

Carbon Emissions Trading

Collection House is committed to 

reducing its energy consumption and 

carbon emissions.  In this regard, 

Collection House has reviewed its 

business operations and obligations 

under the prevailing Environmental 

legislation to determine whether it is 

required to establish a Carbon Emissions 

Trading Scheme.

Based on the prescribed reporting 

thresholds contained in the current 

law, Collection House does not have 

an obligation to report to the relevant 

ASXCGC’s Recommendations 6.1 and 6.2

regulators as its energy consumption 

10. 

Health and safety

specified thresholds.

and carbon emissions do not exceed the 

The Company aims to provide and maintain 
a safe and healthy work environment 
within all operations. 

Notwithstanding, Collection House has 

taken and continues to take initiatives to 

reduce its carbon footprint.

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

19

Directors' Report

The directors present their report on the consolidated entity (referred to hereafter as the Group) consisting of Collection House Limited and 
the entities it controlled for the financial year ended 30 June, 2010.

Directors

The following persons were directors of Collection House Limited during the whole of the financial period and up to the date of this report, 
unless stated otherwise:

•	

John Pearce

•	

Dennis Punches

•	

Tony Aveling (retired as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer 31 July 2010)

•	

Tony Coutts

•	

Bill Kagel

•	

Kerry Daly (appointed 30 October 2009)

•	

Barrie Adams (Lead Independent Director) (retired 30 October 2009)

•	

Bill Hiller (retired 30 October 2009)

•	

Barry Connelly (retired 30 October 2009)

See pages 23, 24 and 25 for information on the directors.

Principal activities

The principal activities of the Group during the financial year were the provision of debt collection services and receivables management 
throughout Australasia and the purchase of debt by its special purpose subsidiary Lion Finance Pty Ltd.

Dividends paid to members during the financial year

Final ordinary dividend for the year ended 30 June, 2009 of 2.6 cents fully franked  
(2008 – 2.5 cents fully franked) per fully paid share paid on 27 November 2009.

Interim ordinary dividend for the year ended 30 June, 2010 of 2.8 cents fully franked 
(2009 - 2.3 cents fully franked) per fully paid share paid on 26 March, 2010.

30 June 2010 
$’000

30 June 2009 
$’000

2,530

2,725

2,433

2,238

In addition to the above dividends, since the end of the financial year, the directors have recommended the payment of a final fully franked 
ordinary dividend of $2.9 million (3.0 cents per fully paid share) to be paid on 26 November 2010 out of retained profits and a positive net 
asset balance as at 30 June 2010.

20

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

Review of operations

A summary of consolidated revenues and results by significant industry segments is set out below:

Revenue

Results

Collection Services

Account Asset Management

Intersegment eliminations

Discontinued operations

Unallocated revenue less unallocated expenses

Profit before income tax expense

Income tax expense

Profit for the year

Less: Profit / (loss) attributable to minority interest

Profit / (loss) attributable to members of Collection House Limited

30 June 
2010 
$’000

33,006

69,468

873

-

30 June 
2009 
$’000

31,835

69,754

348

219

103,347

102,156

30 June 
2010 
$’000

6,370

19,567

899

-

26,836

(15,014)

11,822

(2,899)

8,923

-

8,923

30 June 
2009 
$’000

6,470

19,667

356

219

26,712

(15,734)

10,978

(3,124)

7,854

-

7,854

Comments on the operations and the results of those operations are as follows: 

Results

Net profit after tax for the year was $8.9 million compared to $7.9 million for the corresponding period. 

Total income from continuing operations ordinary activities was steady at $103 million (2009: $102 million). 

Revenue from the Account Asset Management segment was maintained at $69.4 million (2009: $69.7 million), and revenue from 
commission collections increased by 3.7% to $33.0 million, in spite of difficult trading conditions during the year. Profit for the year 
was improved by a combination of the small increase in revenue combined with a disciplined approach to debt acquisition and close 
management of expenses in line with the difficult economic conditions.

EBITDA for the year (before fair value adjustments and impairment) was up by 2.7 % to $49.1 million (2009: $47.8 million).

Basic earnings per share excluding discontinued operations (“EPS”) were 9.2 cents (2009: 7.9 cents).

The increased profit attributable to members is due to maintaining revenue in spite of the withdrawal of Government stimulatory measures, 
careful management of the expense base during the recent economic difficulties and a disciplined approach to purchasing new debt ledgers. 

Assets and liabilities

Consolidated net assets have increased from $87.9 million to $91.9 million predominantly due to lower levels of borrowings at 30 June 2010. 

During the reporting period new debt portfolios were purchased for A$27.9 million and NZ$2.7 million in the Australian and New Zealand 
markets respectively, which was funded from operating cash flow and an increase in long term bank debt.

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

21

Directors' Report

Cash flow

The consolidated net cash flow from operating activities (including discontinued operations) decreased by 2.0% to $39.8 million (2009: 
$40.6 million) mainly due to an increase in interest paid combined with an increase in overseas taxes paid which will be refunded in 
2010- 2011 financial year.

The Board has confirmed its confidence in the Group’s current and future trading position. The directors have recommended the payment 
of a final fully franked ordinary dividend as stated on page 20.

Significant changes in the state of affairs 

Significant changes in the state of affairs of the Group during the financial year were as follows:

a) 

in Australia, the Group purchased new debt portfolios for A$27.9 million;

b) 

in New Zealand, the Group purchased new debt portfolios for NZ$2.7 million.

Matters subsequent to the end of the financial year

1.  Dividend

The directors have recommended the payment of a final fully franked ordinary dividend of $2.9 million (3.0 cents per fully paid share) to be 
paid on 26 November 2010 out of retained profits and a positive net asset balance as at 30 June 2010.

2.  Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer

On 31 July 2010, Tony Aveling, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer retired and ceased being an employee and Director of 
Collection House Limited.  

From 1 August 2010, Matt Thomas became the Chief Executive Officer of Collection House Limited.  Mr Thomas is not a Director of 
Collection House Limited.

Other than the matters discussed above, no matter or circumstance has arisen since 30 June 2010 that has significantly affected, or may 
significantly affect:

a)  the Group’s operations in future financial years, or 

b)  the results of those operations in future financial years, or

c)  the Group’s state of affairs in future financial years. 

Likely developments and expected results of operations

There were no likely developments in the operations of the Group that have not been finalised at the date of this report.

Further information on likely developments in the operations of the Group and the expected results of operations have not been included in 
this report because the directors believe it would be likely to result in unreasonable prejudice to the Group.

22

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

Environmental regulation

The Group’s operations are not regulated by any significant environmental regulation under a law of the Commonwealth or of a state 
or territory.

Information on directors as at 30 June 2010

John Pearce

Experience

Chairman. Age 65

Co-founder of Collection House Limited. Appointed to the Board in April 1993. In April 2003 returned 
to former position of Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer which had been held from mid 
1998 until December 2002. Stepped down as Chief Executive Officer effective 30 June 2005 and was 
appointed Managing Director and Deputy Chairman effective 1 July 2005. Resigned as Managing 
Director on 26 October 2006. Re-elected Director 26 October 2007. Appointed Chairman of the Board 
effective 25 June 2009. Member of the International Fellowship of Certified Collectors. Chairman of 
Financial Basics Foundation 2002 to 2007. A Board Member of The Rutherglen Cemetery Foundation. 
Director, Brisbane Lions Foundation. 

Special responsibilities

Mr Pearce retired from the Remuneration Committee on 30 October 2009.

Interest in shares and options 
(direct & indirect)

11,461,015 ordinary shares in Collection House Limited

Dennis Punches

Qualifications

Experience

Deputy Chairman. Age 74

BSC

Appointed to the Board in July 1998, and in 2000 was appointed as Chairman of Collection House 
Limited. Re-elected Director 26 October 2007. Stepped down as Chairman to become Deputy 
Chairman effective 25 June 2009. Former director of Attention LLC Inc, Analysis and Technology 
Inc, and co-founder and former Chairman of Payco American Corporation. Co-Chairman of the 
International Collectors Group and a Trustee for Wisconsin’s Carroll College. 

Special responsibilities

Mr Punches was the Chairman of the Nominations Committee until it was discontinued on 30 October 
2009. Mr Punches remained a Member of the Remuneration Committee.

Interest in shares and options 
(direct & indirect)

Tony Coutts

Experience

17,907,384 ordinary shares in Collection House Limited

Independent Director. Age 51

General Manager of Collection House Limited from 1995 to 1998. Appointed an Executive Director 
in September 1998 with executive responsibilities as Director of Sales. Non-Executive Director from 
1 July 2006 (re-elected 26 October 2007 to 30 June 2009). 18 years in the finance and insurance 
industry (Australian Guarantee Corporation Ltd). 14 years in the debt collection industry, the last 12 of 
which were spent at Collection House. 

Special responsibilities

Mr Coutts is a Member of the Audit and Risk Management Committee and was appointed Chair of the 
Remuneration Committee on 30 October 2009.

Interest in shares and options 
(direct & indirect)

4,464,600 ordinary shares in Collection House Limited

Bill Kagel

Experience

Independent Director. Age 73

Appointed to the Board in February 2000. Over 40 years debt collection industry experience. 
Co-founder and Senior Vice President of Payco American Corporation, USA and former Director of 
Outsourcing Solutions Inc.

Special responsibilities

Mr Kagel is a member of the Remuneration Committee (retired as Chair 30 October 2009).

Interest in shares and options 
(direct & indirect)

951,269 ordinary shares in Collection House Limited

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

23

Directors' Report

Kerry Daly

Experience

Independent Director. Age 52

Mr Daly has 30 years experience in the financial services sector. Mr Daly was appointed a Director of 
Collection House Limited on 30 October 2009. During the period 1987 to December 2000, Mr Daly was 
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of The Rock Building Society Limited where he initiated 
its demutualisation and was responsible for its ASX listing. From January 2001, he was appointed an 
Executive Director of fixed interest brokerage and investment banking business Grange Securities 
Limited. When Grange Securities Limited was acquired in February 2007, Mr Daly was appointed 
Managing Director of the Australian operations. 

Special responsibilities

Mr Daly was appointed as Chairman of the Audit and Risk Management Committee on 30 October 2009.

Interest in shares and options 
(direct & indirect)

140,000 ordinary shares in Collection House Limited

Tony Aveling

Qualifications

Experience

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. Age 66

SFFin, FAIM, FAICD

47 years in the financial services industry including 35 years at Westpac Banking Corporation. 
Senior positions included Chief Executive Business and Private Banking, Managing Director & Chief 
Executive Officer Australian Guarantee Corporation Limited, and General Manager Europe. 3 years as 
Chief Executive Officer Australian Bankers’ Association. Is a Senior Fellow of the Financial Services 
Institute of Australasia (SFFin), a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management (FAIM), a Fellow of 
the Australian Institute of Company Directors (FAICD), and a graduate of the Advanced Management 
Program of the Harvard Business School. Honorary Governor Science Foundation for Physics within 
the University of Sydney. Resigned as Director of Global MoneyLine Limited (March 2008).

Tony Aveling retired as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer on 31 July 2010. 

Interest in shares and options 
(direct & indirect)

505,000 ordinary shares in Collection House Limited 
400,000 Options

Barry Connelly

Qualifications

Experience

Independent Director. Age 70

BJ

Appointed to the Board in June 2003. Charter member of the Board of NASDAQ listed company, 
First Advantage, Board Member of privately held Microbilt Corp. Of Kenesaw, GA. Appointed Director 
of Huaxia D & B China in November 2008.  Retired President of the International Consumer Data 
Industry Association and former member of the Texas House of Representatives. Past board member 
of the Merchants Research Council, Charter Bank Willowbrook. Mr Connelly retired as a Director on 
30 October 2009. 

Interest in shares and options 
(direct & indirect)

77,143 ordinary shares in Collection House Limited

Bill Hiller

Experience

Independent Director. Age 71

Appointed to the Board in June 2003. 41 years experience in the automotive finance industry including 
as General Manager - Automotive Finance for St George Bank Limited. Mr Hiller retired as a Director 
on 30 October 2009.

Special responsibilities

Mr Hiller retired as a member of the Audit and Risk Management Committee on 30 October 2009.

Interest in shares and options 
(direct & indirect)

50,000 ordinary shares in Collection House Limited

24

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

Barrie Adams

Qualifications

Experience

Lead Independent Director. Age 64

PSM, FCPA

Appointed to the Board in November 2002 and Chairman of the Audit & Risk Management Committee in 
January 2003. Chairman of Financial Basics Foundation and associated companies. Director of Ingeus 
Limited. Resigned as Director of Steel Foundations Limited and associated companies and Nuplant 
Ltd (June 2009). Resigned as Director of Pro Super Holdings (October 2006). Resigned as a Member of 
Nominations Committee (October 2007). Mr Adams retired as a Director on 30 October 2009.

Special Responsibilities

Mr Adams retired as the Chairman of the Audit and Risk Management Committee and as a member 
of the Remuneration Committee on 30 October 2009. 

Company secretary

The Company Secretary to 30 June, 2010 was Michael Watkins. Mr Watkins was appointed to the position of Company Secretary on 
21 December 2006. Before joining Collection House Limited, Michael Watkins was in practice as a commercial lawyer from 1978 and as a 
partner in his own Brisbane CBD law firm from 1980, until accepting the appointment as General Counsel of the Group in 2000. Mr Watkins 
undertakes the combined roles of General Counsel and Company Secretary for the Group. 

Meetings of directors

The numbers of meetings of the Group’s board of directors and of each board committee held during the year ended 30 June 2010, and the 
numbers of meetings attended by each director were:

2010

Full meetings of directors

Audit and Risk Management

Remuneration

Meetings of committees

Dennis Punches

John Pearce

Barrie Adams

Tony Coutts

Bill Kagel

Kerry Daly

Tony Aveling 

Barry Connelly

Bill Hiller

A

11

11

3

11

11

8 

11

3

3

B

11

11

3

11

11

8

11

3

3

A

**

**

2

6

**

4

**

**

2 

B

**

**

2

6

**

4

**

**

2

A

2

1

1

1 

2

**

**

**

**

B

2

1

1

1

2

**

**

**

**

A  Number of meetings attended

B  Number of meetings held during the time the director held office or was a member of the committee during the year

**  Not a member of the relevant committee

The roles, responsibilities and functions of the Nominations Committee previously formed on 25 February 2004 were absorbed by the full 
Board, effective 30 October 2009. There was no meeting of the Nominations Committee between 1 July 2009 and 30 October 2009.

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

25

Directors' Report

Remuneration report

The remuneration report is set out under the following main headings:

A  Principles used to determine the nature and amount of remuneration

B  Details of remuneration

C  Service agreements

D  Share-based compensation

E  Additional information.

The information provided in this remuneration report has been audited as required by Section 308(3C) of the Corporations Act 2001.

A  Principles used to determine the nature and amount of remuneration (audited)

The objective of the Group’s executive reward framework is to ensure reward for performance is competitive and appropriate for the results 
delivered. The framework aligns executive reward with achievement of strategic objectives and the creation of value for shareholders, and 
conforms with market practice for delivery of reward. The Board ensures that executive reward satisfies the following key criteria for good 
reward governance practices:

•	

competitiveness and reasonableness;

•	

acceptability to shareholders;

•	

performance linkage / alignment of executive compensation;

•	

transparency; and

•	

capital management.

In consultation with key members of the Board who have many years industry operational experience and the General Manager Human 
Resources, the Group has structured an executive remuneration framework that is market competitive and complementary to the reward 
strategy of the organisation.

Alignment to shareholders’ interests:

•	

has economic profit as a core component of plan design;

•	

focuses on sustained growth in shareholder wealth, consisting of dividends and growth in share price, and delivering constant return 

on assets as well as focusing the executive on key nonfinancial drivers of value; and

•	

attracts and retains high calibre executives.

Alignment to program participants’ interests:

•	

rewards capability and experience;

•	

reflects competitive reward for contribution to growth in shareholder wealth;

•	

provides a clear structure for earning rewards; and

•	

provides recognition for contribution.

The framework provides a mix of fixed and variable pay, and a blend of short and long term incentives. As executives gain seniority with the 
Group, the balance of this mix shifts to a higher proportion of ‘’at risk’’ rewards.

Directors Fees

The current base fees were last reviewed with effect 25 August 2009. The Chairman continues to receive a non-executives director’s fee of 
$50,000 per annum plus superannuation and is not drawing any additional fees for being Chairman of the Group. The Chairman intends to 
use his director’s fees to purchase shares in Collection House Limited.

Non-Executive Directors 

Non-executive directors’ fees are determined within an aggregate directors’ fee pool limit, which is periodically recommended for approval 
by shareholders. Non-executive directors do not receive share options.

26

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

Payments are allowed for additional responsibilities for Board Chairmanship, Deputy Chairmanship, the Lead Independent Director role, 
for membership of Board Committees and for Board Committee Chairmanship. Fees and payments to non-executive directors reflect the 
demands which are made on, and the responsibilities of, the directors. The following fees have applied:

FEES

Base fees

Chair

Other non-executive directors

Additional fees

Audit and Risk Management Committee Chair

Audit and Risk Management Committee Member

Lead Independent Director

From 1 July 2009 
to 24 August 2009

From 25 August 2009 
to 30 June 2010

$50,000

$50,000

$40,000

$20,000

$10,000

$50,000

$50,000

$30,000

$15,000

$5,000

For further information in relation to Directors remuneration, refer to pages 28 and 29.

Executive Director

On 31 July 2010, Tony Aveling, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer retired and ceased being an employee and Director of 
Collection House Limited.  From 1 August 2010, Matt Thomas became the Chief Executive Officer of Collection House Limited.  Mr Thomas 
is not a Director of Collection House Limited.

A summary of Mr Aveling’s remuneration package is set out in section C of the Remuneration Report on page 30.

Executive pay

The executive pay and reward framework has three components:

•	

base pay and short term incentive (STI);

•	

long term incentives through participation in the Executive Share Option Plan, and

•	

other remuneration such as superannuation. 

The combination of these comprises the executive’s total remuneration.

Base pay

Structured as a total employment cost package which may be delivered as a combination of cash and prescribed nonfinancial benefits at 
the executives’ discretion. Executives are offered a competitive base pay that comprises the fixed component of pay and rewards. External 
remuneration consultants provide analysis and advice to ensure base pay is set to reflect the market for a comparable role. Base pay for 
executives is reviewed annually to ensure the executive’s pay is competitive with the market. An executive’s pay is also reviewed on promotion.

Short Term Incentive

A portion of an executive’s pay is by way of an “at risk” bonus. This is subject to satisfactory completion of set objectives and payable at the 
discretion of the MD/CEO in consultation with the Board. 

Long Term Incentive

Certain eligible employees are offered long term incentives via the Executive Share Option Plan. See section D of the remuneration report 
for details.

Benefits

The major benefit provided to executives and eligible employees is the ability to participate in the Executive Share Option Plan.

Retirement allowances for Directors

There are no retirement allowances paid to nonexecutive directors, in line with recent guidance on non executive directors’ remuneration. 

Retirement Benefits for Executives

There are no retirement benefits made available to executives, other than as are required by statute or by law. 

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

27

Directors' Report

B  Details of remuneration (audited)

Amounts of remuneration

Details of the remuneration of the directors and the key management personnel (as defined in AASB 124 Related Party Disclosures) of 
Collection House are set out in the following tables.

The key management personnel of the Group includes Tony Aveling as MD/CEO and the following executive officers who have authority and 
responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the entity:

•	

M. Thomas - Chief Operating Officer (appointed Chief Executive Officer on 1 August 2010)

•	

A. Ralston - Chief Financial Officer 

•	

M. Watkins - General Counsel and Company Secretary

•	

K. Lynam - General Manager – Human Resources

•	

M. Voysey - Chief Marketing Officer (Michael Voysey was employed by the Group from 16 September 2009 to 16 July 2010). 

In addition, the following persons must be disclosed under the Corporations Act 2001 as they are among the highest remunerated 
Group executives:

•	

T. Aveling - MD/CEO (retired as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer on 31 July 2010)

•	

M. Thomas - Chief Operating Officer (appointed Chief Executive Officer on 1 August 2010)

•	

A. Ralston - Chief Financial Officer

•	

M. Watkins - General Counsel and Company Secretary

•	

U. Danielian - Solicitor Director of Jones King Lawyers Pty Ltd (a subsidiary of the Group)

Key management and highest paid personnel of the Group for the year ended 30 June 2010 is as follows:

Short Term Benefits

Salary & 
Fees 
$

Cash Bonus  
$

Non- 
Monetary 
Benefits 
$

Post Employment 
Benefits

Share Based 
Payments

Other 
$

Superannuation (1) 
$

Options 
$

Name

DIRECTORS

J. Pearce  
Chairman 

D. Punches  
Deputy Chairman 

T. Coutts 
Non- Executive Director

B. Kagel 
Independent Director

K. Daly 
(appointed 30 October 2009) 
Independent Director

T. Aveling(2) 
Executive Director

B. Adams(3) 
Lead Independent Director

2010

2009

2010

2009

2010

2009

2010

2009

2010

2009

2010

2009

2010

2009

50,000

-

50,000

50,000

65,981

62,308

50,000

50,000

52,615

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

519,231

500,000

3,950

3,949

500,000

500,000

35,635

100,000

-

-

-

-

-

70,300

-

-

4,500

-

-

-

5,938

5,608

-

-

4,735

-

91,731

96,327

3,207

9,000

Total 
$

54,500

-

50,000

50,000

71,919

67,916

50,000

50,000

57,350

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

100,364

225,656

-

-

1,219,225

1,392,283

38,842

109,000

28

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

Short Term Benefits

Non- 
Monetary 
Benefits 
$

Cash Bonus  
$

-

-

-

-

55,000

46,000

49,000

40,000

48,000

40,000

26,000

22,000

-

-

-

-

3,950

5,638

3,950

5,638

3,950

5,638

3,950

5,638

Salary & 
Fees 
$

29,167

56,667

25,981

70,000

260,890

245,103

230,515

216,672

253,610

241,821

131,027

121,638

171,783

25,000

2,375

-

192,240

-

-

-

7,512

184,299

18,000

2010

2009

2010

2009

2010

2009

2010

2009

2010

2009

2010

2009

2010

2009

2010

2009

Name

B. Connelly(3) 
Independent Director

B. Hiller(3) 
Independent Director

GROUP EXECUTIVES

M. Thomas 
Chief Operating Officer

A. Ralston 
Chief Financial Officer

M. Watkins 
General Counsel and Company 
Secretary

K. Lynam 
General Manager  
– Human Resources

 M. Voysey 
Chief Marketing Officer 
(appointed 16 September 2009)

Ulysses Danielian 
Solicitor Director (Jones King 
Lawyers Pty Ltd)

Post Employment 
Benefits

Share Based 
Payments

Other 
$

Superannuation (1) 
$

Options 
$

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

2,338

6,300

28,430

26,127

25,084

23,100

27,073

25,292

14,132

12,855

17,710

-

17,230

18,207

-

-

-

-

12,564

33,192

10,037

26,554

10,037

26,554

6,273

16,596

-

-

-

Total 
$

29,167

56,667

28,319

76,300

360,834

356,060

318,586

311,964

342,670

339,305

181,382

178,727

216,868

-

216,982

220,506

(1)   Superannuation of 9% was paid on cash bonuses. The superannuation on the bonuses has been included in the superannuation figure 

in the table above. 

(2)  Tony Aveling retired as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer on 31 July 2010.

(3)  Barrie Adams, Bill Hiller and Barry Connelly retired from the Board effective 30 October 2009.

The relative proportions of remuneration that are fixed and linked to performance and share based options are as follows:

Name

1. T. Aveling

2 M. Thomas 

3. A. Ralston

4. M. Watkins

5. K. Lynam

6. M. Voysey

% Performance based

% Fixed 

2010

53.3

20.1

19.9

18.2

19.1

12.6

2009

55.4

22.4

23.4

20.7

22.4

-

2010

46.7

79.9

80.1

81.8

80.9

87.4

2009

44.6

77.6

76.6

79.3

77.6

-

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

29

Directors' Report

C  Service Agreements (audited) 

Remuneration and other terms of employment for the MD/CEO and other key management personnel are also formalised in service 
agreements. Except as otherwise stated, all contracts with executives may be terminated early by either party with three months notice. 
Major provisions of the agreements relating to remuneration are set out below.

T. Aveling 
MD/CEO

Deed of Variation of Employment 
Agreement

On 26 June 2008, the Collection House Board agreed to vary the MD/CEO’s 
remuneration package, subject to shareholder approval. This approval was 
given at the AGM on 31 October 2008 

Annual base salary

$500,000 plus superannuation

Living away from home

Up to $2,000 per week (ceased on 27 February 2009)

Performance cash bonus

Maximum level of $500,000 plus superannuation

(Objectives as agreed by the 
Board)

At the year end, the Board was provided with the financial and non-financial 
information relating to the MD/CEO’s performance. The key objective related 
to Collection House profitability. Supporting objectives covered leadership, 
sales, stakeholder relationships, recruitment, trade debtors, organisational 
structure, succession planning, funding, premises, book quality, compliance 
and regulatory obligations. Based on this information, the Board determined 
the level of STI to be made to the MD/CEO. For the year ended 30 June 2010, 
the Board determined that the MD/CEO’s STI payment would be $500,000 plus 
superannuation which is 100% of the payment target specified in his contract. 
The payment was calculated based on performance against objectives and the 
Board’s exercise of discretion

M. Thomas 
Chief Operating Officer 
(appointed CEO from 1 
August 2010)

A. Ralston 
Chief Financial Officer

M. Watkins 
General Counsel and 
Company Secretary

K. Lynam 
General Manager – 
Human Resources

M. Voysey 
Chief Marketing Officer

Options

2,000,000 options granted in 2007 
2,000,000 options granted in 2008. See note 35 for material terms.

Annual Base Salary

$283,000 inclusive of superannuation for the year ended 30 June 2010 

Performance cash bonus

$59,950 inclusive of superannuation was paid for the year ended 30 June 2010

Options

250,000 options granted in 2007  
250,000 options granted in 2008. See note 35 for further details.

Annual Base Salary 

$247,000 inclusive of superannuation for the year ended 30 June 2010 

Performance cash bonus

$49,440 inclusive of superannuation was paid for the year ended 30 June 2010

Options

200,000 options granted in 2007 
200,000 options granted in 2008. See note 35 or further details.

Annual Base Salary

$272,000 inclusive of superannuation for the year ended 30 June 2010

Performance cash bonus

$52,320 inclusive of superannuation was paid for the year ended 30 June 2010

Options

200,000 options granted in 2007 
225,000 options granted in 2008. See note 35 for further details.

Annual Base Salary 

$146,000 inclusive of superannuation for the year ended 30 June 2010 

Performance cash bonus

$27,250 inclusive of superannuation was paid for the year ended 30 June 2010

Options

125,000 options granted in 2007 
150,000 options granted in 2008. See note 35 for further details.

Annual Base Salary

$239,820 inclusive of superannuation for the year ended 30 June 2010

Performance cash bonus

$25,000 inclusive of superannuation was paid for the year ended 30 June 2010

Options

Nil options granted

30

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

D  Share based compensation (audited)

Options

Options have been granted to Tony Aveling as MD/CEO under his Employment Agreement (as varied). Options have also been granted to 
certain eligible employees under the Collection House Executive Share Option Plan. 

The terms and conditions of all options mentioned above affecting remuneration in the previous, this or future reporting periods are set out 
in note 35 of the financial statements.

Options granted under the Executive Share Option Plan carry no dividend or voting rights. When exercisable, each option is convertible into 
one ordinary share of Collection House.

Details of options over ordinary shares in Collection House Limited provided as remuneration to each director of Collection House Limited 
and Group Executives are set out below. Further information on the options is set out in note 35 of the financial statements.

Name

1. T. Aveling

2. A. Ralston

3. M. Thomas

4. M. Watkins

5. K. Lynam

Number of options granted during the year

No of options vested during the year

2010

-

-

-

-

-

2009

2,000,000

200,000

250,000

225,000

150,000

2010

-

-

-

-

-

2009

400,000

40,000

50,000

40,000

25,000

The assessed fair value at grant date of options granted to the individuals is allocated over the period from grant date to vesting date, and 
the amount is included in the remuneration table in this report. Fair values at grant date are independently determined using a modified 
binomial option pricing model that takes into account the exercise price, the term of the option, the impact of dilution, the share price at 
grant date and expected price volatility of the underlying share, the expected dividend yield and the risk free interest rate for the term of 
the option. 

Shares provided on exercise of remuneration options

Details of ordinary shares in Collection House Limited provided as a result of the exercise of remuneration options to each director of 
Collection House Limited and Group Executives are set out below.

Name

Date of exercise of 
options

Directors of Collection House Limited

Group Executives

-

-

No shares issued on the exercise of options during the period.

Number of ordinary shares issued on 
exercise of options during the year

Amounts paid per ordinary share

2010

-

-

2009

-

-

2010

-

-

2009

-

-

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

31

Directors' Report

E  Additional information (audited)

Principles used to determine the nature and amount of remuneration: relationship between remuneration and Group performance.

The overall level of executive reward takes into account the performance of the Group over a number of years, with greater emphasis given 
to the current and prior year. Details of the relationship between the remuneration policy and Group’s performance over the last 5 years is 
detailed below.

Net profit after tax ($m’s)

2006

$6.08

2007

$3.81

2008

$12.39

2009

$7.85

2010

$8.92

Dividends Declared

2 cents unfranked

2 cents franked

4.7 cents franked 4.9 cents franked 5.8 cents franked

Share price commenced 

Share price ended 

Basic Earnings per share (including 
discontinued operations)

$1.41

$0.975

$1.03

$0.75

$0.78

$0.46

$0.465

$0.49

$0.47

$0.75

6.2 cents

3.9 cents

12.7 cents

8.1 cents

9.2 cents

Details of remuneration: cash bonuses and options

For each cash bonus and grant of options included in the table on pages 28 and 29, the percentage of the available bonus or grant that 
was paid, or that vested, in the financial year, and the percentage that was forfeited because the person did not meet the service and 
performance criteria is set out below. No part of the bonuses is payable in future years. No options will vest unless the vesting conditions 
are met (see note 35 for details), hence the minimum value of the options yet to vest is nil. The maximum value of the options yet to vest 
has been determined as the amount of the grant date fair value of the options that is yet to be expensed.

Cash bonus

Options

Name

Forfeited 
%

Year 
granted

Vested 
%

Forfeited 
%

Lapsed 
$

Paid

Financial years in which options may 
vest (subject to certain qualifying 
hurdles). Refer to note 35

Minimum total 
value of grant 
yet to vest

Maximum total 
value of grant 
yet to vest

-

-

-

-

1. T. Aveling

100.0

0.0

2. A. Ralston

83.3

16.7

3. M.Thomas

85.2

14.8

4. M. Watkins

75.5

24.5

5. K. Lynam

81.5

18.5

20%

-

20%

-

20%

20%

20%

2007

2009

2007

2009

2007

2009

2007

2009

2007

2009

Loans to directors and executives

2009 - 2011

2011 - 2013

2009 - 2011

2011 - 2013

2009 - 2011

2011 - 2013

2009 - 2011

2011 - 2013

2009 - 2011

2011 - 2013

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

99,267

NIL

9,927

NIL

12,408

NIL

11,168

NIL

7,445

Information on loans to Directors and Group Executives, including amounts, interest rates and repayment terms are set out in note 28 to 
the financial statements.

32

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

Shares under option

Long term incentives are provided to certain eligible employees via the Executive Share Option Plan, see note 35 for further information. 
Unissued ordinary shares of Collection House Limited under option at the date of this report are as follows:

Date options granted

Number under option

Issue price of shares

No of shares issued 
2010

MD/CEO Options

12 March 2007

31 October 2008

Executive Share Option Plan

15 June 2007

18 July 2008

2,000,000

2,000,000

1,250,000

1,437,500

$1.0327

$0.4927

$1.0327

$0.4927

nil

nil

nil

nil

Expiry date

Refer to note 35

Refer to note 35

Refer to note 35

Refer to note 35

F  Additional information (unaudited) 

Insurance of officers

During the financial year, the Group paid a premium of $35,114 to insure the directors and secretaries of the Group and the executives of 
each of the divisions of the Group.

The liabilities insured are legal costs that may be incurred in defending civil or criminal proceedings that may be brought against the 
officers in their capacity as officers of entities in the Group, and any other payments arising from liabilities incurred by the officers in 
connection with such proceedings. This does not include such liabilities that arise from conduct involving a wilful breach of duty by the 
officers or the improper use by the officers of their position or of information to gain advantage for themselves or someone else or to cause 
detriment to the Group. It is not possible to apportion the premium between amounts relating to the insurance against legal costs and 
those relating to other liabilities.

Proceedings on behalf of the Group

No person has applied to the Court under section 237 of the Corporations Act 2001 for leave to bring proceedings on behalf of the Group, or 
to intervene in any proceedings to which the Group is a party, for the purpose of taking responsibility on behalf of the Group for all or part 
of those proceedings.

No proceedings have been brought or intervened in on behalf of the Group with leave of the Court under section 237 of the Corporations 
Act 2001.

Non-audit services

The Board of Directors, in accordance with advice from the Audit and Risk Management Committee, is satisfied that the provision of the 
non-audit services during the year is compatible with the general standard of independence for auditors imposed by the Corporations Act 
2001. During the year, the Group’s auditors have performed no other non-audit services in addition to their assurance duties. All other 
assurance services are subject to the corporate governance procedures adopted by the Group. 

Details of the amounts paid to the auditors of the Group, Lawler Hacketts Audit, are set out below.

DESCRIPTION

1. Audit services, Lawler Hacketts Audit 
Audit and review of the financial reports and other audit work under the Corporations Act 2001. 

Total remuneration for audit services 

2. Other assurance services, Lawler Hacketts Audit

Total remuneration for audit-related services

TOTAL REMUNERATION

Consolidated

30 June 2010 
$

30 June 2009 
$

137,000

137,000

137,000

82,000

82,000

219,000

137,000

82,050

82,500

219,050

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

33

Directors' Report

Auditor’s independence declaration

A copy of the auditor’s independence declaration as required under section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001 is set out on page 35.

Rounding of amounts

The Group is of a kind referred to in Class Order 98/100, issued by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, relating to the 
‘’rounding off’’ of amounts in the directors’ report. Amounts in the directors’ report have been rounded off in accordance with that Class 
Order to the nearest thousand dollars, or in certain cases, to the nearest dollar.

Auditor

Lawler Hacketts Audit continues in office in accordance with section 327 of the Corporations Act 2001.

This report is made in accordance with a resolution of directors.

COLLECTION HOUSE LIMITED

John Pearce 
Chairman

25 August 2010

34

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

Auditor’s Independence Declaration

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

35

Overview

Income 
Statement

38

Statement of 
Comprehensive 
Income

Balance 
Sheet

Statement of 
Changes in Equity

39

40

41

36

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

Cash Flow 
Statement

42

Notes to the 
Financial 
Statements

Directors' 
Declaration

Independent 
Auditor's Report

43

100

101

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

37

Income Statement
for the year ended 30 June 2010

Revenue from continuing operations

Restructuring costs

Depreciation and amortisation expense

Other expenses

Employee expenses

Direct collection costs

Operating lease rental expense

Fair value losses on other financial assets

Finance costs

Profit before income tax

Income tax expense

Profit from continuing operations

Profit from discontinued operations

Profit for the year

Profit is attributable to:

Equity holders of Collection House Limited

Earnings per share for profit from continuing operations attributable to the ordinary equity 
holders of the company:

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

Earnings per share for profit attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the company:

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

Consolidated

30 June 
2010 
$’000

103,347

-

(2,618)

 (4,174) 

 (34,873) 

 (11,930) 

 (3,280) 

 (29,879) 

 (4,771) 

 11,822 

 (2,899) 

 8,923 

 - 

 8,923 

30 June 
2009 
$’000

101,959

(655)

 (2,295) 

 (3,698) 

 (34,071) 

 (11,970) 

 (3,779) 

 (30,265) 

 (4,467) 

 10,759 

 (3,059) 

 7,700 

 154 

 7,854 

 8,923 

 8,923 

 7,854 

 7,854 

Cents

Cents

 9.2 

 9.1 

 9.2 

 9.1 

 7.9 

 7.9 

 8.1 

 8.1 

Notes

6

7

7

8

9

34

34

34

34

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

38

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

 
Statement of Comprehensive Income
for the year ended 30 June 2010

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

Total comprehensive income for the year

Total comprehensive income for the year is attributable to:

Owners of Collection House Limited

Consolidated

30 June 
2010 
$’000

 8,923 

 (50) 

 8,873 

 8,873 

 8,873 

30 June 
2009 
$’000

 7,854 

 87 

 7,941 

 7,941 

 7,941 

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

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

39

 
Balance Sheet
as at 30 June 2010

ASSETS

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Receivables

Other financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

Other current assets

Total current assets

Non‑current assets

Other financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Other non-current assets

Total non-current assets

Total assets

LIABILITIES

Current liabilities

Payables

Borrowings

Current tax liabilities

Provisions

Total current liabilities

Non‑current liabilities

Borrowings

Provisions

Deferred tax liabilities

Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

EQUITY

Contributed equity

Reserves

Retained profits

Total equity

Consolidated

Notes

2010 
$’000

2009 
$’000

10

11

12

13

12

14

16

17

18

19

20

21

23

22

25

26(a)

26(b)

 459 

 4,117 

 35,234 

 1,358 

 41,168 

 584 

 4,630 

 29,999 

 996 

 36,209 

 111,251 

 116,917 

 6,572 

 21,786 

 177 

 139,786 

 180,954 

 4,088 

 601 

 842 

 2,095 

 7,626 

 66,900 

 337 

 14,219 

 81,456 

 89,082 

 91,872 

 67,256 

 294 

 24,322 

 91,872 

 91,872 

 6,917 

 20,536 

 229 

 144,599 

 180,808 

 4,622 

 - 

 1,596 

 2,000 

 8,218 

 69,700 

 211 

 14,719 

 84,630 

 92,848 

 87,960 

 67,256 

 171 

 20,533 

 87,960 

 87,960 

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

40

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

Statement of Changes in Equity
for the year ended 30 June 2010

Consolidated

Balance at 1 July 2008

Profit for the year

Exchange differences on translation of 
foreign operations

Total comprehensive income for the year

Non-controlling interest on acquisition of 
subsidiary

Dividends provided for or paid

Employee share options - value of 
employee services

26

26

26

26

Attributable to members of Collection House Limited

Contributed 
equity

Notes

$’000

 67,256 

Reserves

$’000

 (324) 

Retained 
earnings

$’000

Total

$’000

Non- 
controlling 
interest

$’000

Total 
equity

$’000

 18,668 

 85,600 

 (1,318) 

 84,282 

 7,854 

 7,854 

 - 

 87 

 7,854 

 7,941 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 (1,318) 

 (1,318) 

 1,318 

 7,854 

 87 

 7,941 

 - 

 (4,671) 

 (4,671) 

 - 

 408 

 - 

 - 

 (4,671) 

 408 

 (5,989) 

 20,533 

 (5,581) 

 87,960 

 1,318 

 - 

 (4,263) 

 87,960 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 87 

 87 

 - 

 - 

 408 

 408 

 171 

Balance at 30 June 2009

 67,256 

Attributable to members of Collection House Limited

Contributed 
equity

Reserves

Consolidated

Balance at 1 July 2009

Opening balance adjustment

Restated total equity at the beginning of the 
financial year

Profit for the year

Exchange differences on translation of 
foreign operations

Total comprehensive income for the year

Dividends provided for or paid

Employee share options - value of 
employee services

Notes

$’000

 67,256 

 - 

 67,256 

26

26

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

Balance at 30 June 2010

 67,256 

$’000

 171 

 - 

 171 

 - 

 (50) 

 (50) 

 - 

 173 

 173 

 294 

Retained 
earnings

$’000

Total

$’000

 20,533 

 87,960 

 121 

 121 

 20,654 

 88,081 

 8,923 

 - 

 8,923 

 (50) 

 8,923 

 8,873 

 (5,255) 

 (5,255) 

 - 

 173 

 (5,255) 

 24,322 

 (5,082) 

 91,872 

Non- 
controlling 
interest

$’000

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

Total 
equity

$’000

 87,960 

 121 

 88,081 

 8,923 

 (50) 

 8,873 

 (5,255) 

 173 

 (5,082) 

 91,872 

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

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

41

Cash Flow Statement
for the year ended 30 June 2010

Cash flows from operating activities

Receipts from customers (inclusive of goods and services tax)

Payments to suppliers and employees (inclusive of goods and services tax)

Other sundry income

Interest paid

Income taxes refund / (paid)

Net cash inflow (outflow) from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Proceeds from sale of property, plant & equipment

Payments for property, plant and equipment

Payments for leasehold improvements

Payments for purchased debt

Payments for intangible assets

Net cash inflow (outflow) from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

Proceeds from borrowings

Repayment of borrowings

Dividends paid to company’s shareholders

Net cash inflow (outflow) from financing activities

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the financial year

Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

Consolidated

30 June 
2010 
$’000

 109,947 

 (61,272) 

 48,675 

 - 

 (4,771) 

 (4,151) 

 39,753 

30 June 
2009 
$’000

 107,461 

 (59,042) 

 48,419 

 146 

 (5,203) 

 (2,744) 

 40,618 

 - 

 (2,777) 

 (31) 

 23 

 (2,877) 

 (3,551) 

 (29,448) 

 (34,715) 

 (168) 

 (979) 

 (32,424) 

 (42,099) 

 - 

 (2,800) 

 (5,255) 

 (8,055) 

 (726) 

 584 

 - 

 (142) 

 8,600 

 - 

 (4,671) 

 3,929 

 2,448 

 (1,864) 

 - 

 584 

Notes

37

14

21

33

10

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

42

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

Notes to the Financial Statements
for the year ended 30 June 2010

1  Summary of significant accounting policies

The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements are set out below. These policies 
have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated. The financial statements are for the consolidated entity 
consisting of Collection House Limited and its subsidiaries.

(a)  Basis of preparation

These general purpose financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards, other authoritative 
pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board, Urgent Issues Group Interpretations and the Corporations Act 2001. 

Compliance with IFRS

The consolidated financial statements of the Collection House Limited group also comply with International Financial Reporting Standards 
(IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).

Historical cost convention

These financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified by the revaluation of available-for-sale 
financial assets, financial assets and liabilities (including derivative instruments) at fair value through profit or loss, certain classes of 
property, plant and equipment and investment property.

Critical accounting estimates

The preparation of financial statements requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to 
exercise its judgement in the process of applying the Company’s accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of judgement or 
complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the financial statements, are disclosed in note 3.

Financial statement presentation

The Company has applied the revised AASB 101 Presentation of Financial Statements which became effective on 1 January 2009. The 
revised standard requires the separate presentation of a statement of comprehensive income and a statement of changes in equity. All 
non-owner changes in equity must now be presented in the statement of comprehensive income. As a consequence, the Company had to 
change the presentation of its financial statements. Comparative information has been re-presented so that it is also in conformity with the 
revised standard.

(b)  Principles of consolidation

(i)  Subsidiaries

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the assets and liabilities of all subsidiaries of Collection House Limited (‘’parent entity’’) 
as at 30 June 2010 and the results of all subsidiaries for the year then ended. Collection House Limited and its subsidiaries together are 
referred to in this financial report as the Company, the Group or the consolidated entity.

Subsidiaries are all entities (including special purpose entities) over which the parent entity has the power to govern the financial and 
operating policies, generally accompanying a shareholding of more than one-half of the voting rights. The existence and effect of potential 
voting rights that are currently exercisable or convertible are considered when assessing whether the parent entity controls another entity.

Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Company. They are de-consolidated from the date 
that control ceases.

The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for business combinations by the Company (refer to note 1(h)).

The Company applies a policy of treating transactions with minority interests as transactions with parties external to the Company. 
Disposals to minority interests result in gains and losses for the Company that are recorded in the preliminary income statement. 
Purchases from minority interests result in goodwill, being the difference between any consideration paid and the relevant share acquired 
of the carrying value of identifiable net assets of the subsidiary.

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

43

Notes to the Financial Statements
for the year ended 30 June 2010

1  Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

(b)  Principles of consolidation (continued)

Changes in the parent company’s ownership interest in a subsidiary that do not result in a loss of control are accounted for as equity 
transactions, and do not pass through the Profit and Loss.

Intercompany transactions, balances and unrealised gains on transactions between Group companies are eliminated. Unrealised losses 
are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of the impairment of the asset transferred. Accounting policies of subsidiaries 
have been changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by the Company.

Non-controlling interests in the results and equity of subsidiaries are shown separately in the consolidated preliminary income statement, 
preliminary statement of comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity and preliminary balance sheet respectively.

(c)  Segment reporting

Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision maker. The 
chief operating decision maker, who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating segments, has 
been identified as the Board of Directors.

Change in accounting policy

The Company has adopted AASB 8 Operating Segments from 1 July 2009. AASB 8 replaces AASB 114 Segment Reporting. The new 
standard requires a ‘management approach’, under which segment information is presented on the same basis as that used for internal 
reporting purposes in a manner that is consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision maker. The group has 
always disclosed segment information on the same basis as used for internal reporting purposes, and there was no impact from adopting 
this standard.

(d)  Foreign currency translation

(i) 

Functional and presentation currency

Items included in the financial statements of each of the Company’s operations are measured using the currency of the primary economic 
environment in which it operates (‘the functional currency’). The financial statements are presented in Australian dollars, which is the 
Company’s functional and presentation currency.

(ii)  Transactions and balances

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency 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 
exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in the profit or loss, except when they 
are deferred in equity as qualifying cash flow hedges and qualifying net investment hedges or are attributable to part of the net investment 
in a foreign operation.

Non-monetary items that are measured at fair value in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates at the date when the 
fair value was determined. Translation differences on assets and liabilities carried at fair value are reported as part of the fair value gain or 
loss. For example, translation differences on non-monetary assets and liabilities such as equities held at fair value through profit or loss 
are recognised in profit or loss as part of the fair value gain or loss and translation differences on non-monetary assets such as equities 
classified as available-for-sale financial assets are included in the fair value reserve in equity.

44

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

1  Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

(d)  Foreign currency translation (continued)

(iii)  Group companies

The results and financial position of foreign operations (none of which has the currency of a hyperinflationary economy) that have a 
functional currency different from the presentation currency are translated into the presentation currency as follows:

•	

assets and liabilities for each balance sheet presented are translated at the closing rate at the date of that preliminary balance sheet

•	

income and expenses for each income statement and statement of comprehensive income are translated at average exchange rates 

(unless this is not a reasonable approximation of the cumulative effect of the rates prevailing on the transaction dates, in which case 

income and expenses are translated at the dates of the transactions), and

•	

all resulting exchange differences are recognised in other comprehensive income.

On consolidation, exchange differences arising from the translation of any net investment in foreign entities, and of borrowings and other 
financial instruments designated as hedges of such investments, are recognised in other comprehensive income. When a foreign operation 
is sold or any borrowings forming part of the net investment are repaid, a proportionate share of such exchange difference is reclassified to 
profit or loss, as part of the gain or loss on sale where applicable.

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

(e)  Revenue recognition

Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable net of the amount of Goods and Services Tax (GST) 
payable to the Australian Taxation Office. Exchanges of goods and services of the same nature and value without any cash consideration 
are not recognised as revenue.

The Group recognises revenue when the amount of revenue can be reliably measured, it is probable that future economic benefits will 
flow to the Group and specific criteria have been met for each of the Group’s activities as described below. The amount of revenue is not 
considered to be reliably measurable until all contingencies relating to the sale have been resolved. The Group bases its estimates on 
historical results, taking into consideration the type of customer, the type of transaction and the specifics of each arrangement.

Revenue is recognised for the major business activities as follows:

(i)  Rendering of services

Revenue from rendering services is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the revenue benefits will flow to the Entity and the 
revenue can be reliably measured.

(ii)  Sale of non current assets

The net gain or loss on disposal is included as either a revenue or an expense at the date control of the asset passes to the buyer, usually 
when an unconditional contract of sale is signed.

The gain or loss on disposal is calculated as the difference between the carrying amount of the asset at the time of disposal and the net 
proceeds on disposal.

Any related balance in the asset revaluation reserve is transferred to the capital profits reserve on disposal.

(iii)  Dividends

Revenue from dividends and distributions from controlled entities is recognised by the Parent Entity when they are declared by the 
controlled entities.

Revenue from dividends from other investments is recognised when received.

(iv) 

Interest

Interest received is recognised as it accrues, taking into account the effective yield on the financial asset.

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

45

Notes to the Financial Statements
for the year ended 30 June 2010

1  Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

(f) 

Income tax

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

The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of the tax laws enacted or substantively enacted at the end of the reporting 
period in the countries where the company’s subsidiaries and associates operate and generate taxable income. Management periodically 
evaluates positions taken in tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulation is subject to interpretation. It 
establishes provisions where appropriate on the basis of amounts expected to be paid to the tax authorities.

Deferred income tax is provided in full, using the liability method, on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and 
liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements. However, the deferred income tax is not accounted for if it 
arises from initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction other than a business combination that at the time of the transaction 
affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss. Deferred income tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted 
or substantially enacted by the end of the reporting period and are expected to apply when the related deferred income tax asset is realised 
or the deferred income tax liability is settled.

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

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

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

(i) 

Tax consolidation legislation

Collection House Limited and its wholly-owned Australian controlled entities have implemented the tax consolidation legislation.

The head entity, Collection House Limited, and the controlled entities in the tax consolidated group account for their own current and 
deferred tax amounts. These tax amounts are measured as if each entity in the tax consolidated group continues to be a stand alone 
taxpayer in its own right.

In addition to its own current and deferred tax amounts, Collection House Limited also recognises the current tax liabilities (or assets) and the 
deferred tax assets arising from unused tax losses and unused tax credits assumed from controlled entities in the tax consolidated group.

Assets or liabilities arising under tax funding agreements with the tax consolidated entities are recognised as amounts receivable from or 
payable to other entities in the Group. Refer note 8.

Any difference between the amounts assumed and amounts receivable or payable under the tax funding agreement are recognised as a 
contribution to (or distribution from) wholly-owned tax consolidated entities.

(g)  Leases

Leases of property, plant and equipment where the Group as lessee, has substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are classified 
as finance leases (note 14). Finance leases are capitalised at the lease’s inception at the fair value of the leased property or, if lower, 
the present value of the minimum lease payments. The corresponding rental obligations, net of finance charges, are included in other 
short-term and long-term payables. Each lease payment is allocated between the liability and finance cost. The finance cost is charged to 
the profit or loss over the lease period so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability for each 
period. The property, plant and equipment acquired under finance leases is depreciated over the asset’s useful life or over the shorter of the 
asset’s useful life and the lease term if there is no reasonable certainty that the Group will obtain ownership at the end of the lease term.

Leases in which a significant portion of the risks and rewards of ownership are not transferred to the Group as lessee are classified as 
operating leases (note 31). Payments made under operating leases (net of any incentives received from the lessor) are charged to the profit 
or loss on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease.

46

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

1  Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

(h)  Business combinations

The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for all business combinations, including business combinations involving 
entities or businesses under common control, regardless of whether equity instruments or other assets are acquired. The consideration 
transferred for the acquisition of a subsidiary comprises the fair values of the assets transferred, the liabilities incurred and the equity 
interests issued by the Company. The consideration transferred also includes the fair value of any contingent consideration arrangement 
and the fair value of any pre-existing equity interest in the subsidiary. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred. Identifiable 
assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are, with limited exceptions, measured initially 
at their fair values at the acquisition date. On an acquisition-by-acquisition basis, the Company recognises any non-controlling interest in 
the acquiree either at fair value or at the non-controlling interest’s proportionate share of the acquiree’s net identifiable assets.

The excess of the consideration transferred, the amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree and the acquisition-date fair value 
of any previous equity interest in the acquiree over the fair value of the Company’s share of the net identifiable assets acquired is recorded 
as goodwill. If those amounts are less than the fair value of the net identifiable assets of the subsidiary acquired and the measurement of 
all amounts has been reviewed, the difference is recognised directly in profit or loss as a bargain purchase.

Where settlement of any part of cash consideration is deferred, the amounts payable in the future are discounted to their present value 
as at the date of exchange. The discount rate used is the entity’s incremental borrowing rate, being the rate at which a similar borrowing 
could be obtained from an independent financier under comparable terms and conditions.

(i) 

Impairment of assets

Goodwill and intangible assets that have an indefinite useful life are not subject to amortisation and are tested annually for impairment, 
or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that they might be impaired. Other assets are reviewed for impairment 
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised 
for the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s 
fair value less costs to sell and value in use. For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which 
there are separately identifiable cash inflows which are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets 
(cash-generating units).

(j)  Cash and cash equivalents

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

(k)  Trade receivables

Trade receivables are recognised initially at fair value less provision for impairment. Trade receviables are due for settlement no more than 
30 days from the date of recognition.

Collectibility of trade receivables is reviewed on an ongoing basis. A provision for impairment of receivables is established when there is 
objective evidence that the Group will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of receivables. The amount of 
the provision is recognised in the income statement.

The carrying amount of the asset is reduced through the use of an allowance account and the amount of the loss is recognised in the 
preliminary income statement within ‘other expenses’. When a trade receivable is uncollectible, it is written off against the allowance 
account for trade receivables. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited against other expense in the 
preliminary income statement.

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

47

Notes to the Financial Statements
for the year ended 30 June 2010

1  Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

(l)  Financial assets

Classification

The Group classifies its investments in the following categories: financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, available-for-sale 
financial assets, and loans and receivables. The classification depends on the purpose for which the investments were acquired. 
Management determines the classification of its investments at initial recognition and re-evaluates this designation at each reporting date.

(i) 

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss - Purchased debt ledgers (PDL’s)

Purchased debt ledgers have been included in this category of financial assets as it is managed and its performance is evaluated on a fair 
value basis.

Purchased debt ledgers are initially recorded at cost (including incidental costs of acquisition) and thereafter at fair value in the balance 
sheet. In the absence of an active market the fair value of a particular ledger is determined based on a valuation technique. The valuation 
is based on the present value of expected future cash flows.

When the carrying value of a ledger is greater than the present value of its expected future cashflows the carrying amount is reduced to its 
recoverable amount (fair value), being the anticipated future cash flows discounted to present value.

Gains and losses arising from changes in the fair value of these ledgers are included in the income statement in the period in which they arise. 

Purchased debt ledgers are included as non-current assets, except for the amount of the ledger that is expected to be realised within 12 
months of the balance sheet date, which is classified as a current asset.

(ii)  Loans and receivables

Loans and receivables are non derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. They 
arise when the Group provides money, goods or services directly to a debtor with no intention of selling the receivable. They are initially 
measured at cost and included in current assets, except for those with maturities greater than 12 months after the balance sheet date 
which are classified as non-current assets. The nominal value less credit adjustments of trade receivables are assumed to approximate 
their fair values. Loans and receivables are included in trade and other receivables in the balance sheet.

The Group assesses at each balance date whether there is objective evidence that loans and receivables are impaired. 

(m)  Fair value estimation of financial assets and liabilities

The fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities must be estimated for recognition and measurement or for disclosure purposes.

The fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market is determined using valuation techniques. The Group uses 
estimated discounted cash flows to determine fair value.

Refer to Note 2 for further details of fair value determination.

(n)  Property, plant and equipment

All assets acquired including property, plant and equipment and intangibles other than goodwill are initially recorded at their cost of 
acquisition at the date of acquisition, being the fair value of the consideration provided plus incidental costs directly attributable to the 
acquisition. When equity instruments are issued as consideration, their market price at the date of acquisition is used as fair value. 
Transaction costs arising on the issue of equity instruments are recognised directly in equity subject to the extent of proceeds received, 
otherwise these costs are expensed.

Where settlement of any part of cash consideration is deferred, the amounts payable are recorded at their present value, discounted at the 
rate applicable to the Company if similar borrowings were obtained from an independent financier under comparable terms and conditions.

The costs of assets constructed or internally generated by the consolidated Entity, other than goodwill, include the cost of materials and 
direct labour. Directly attributable overheads and other incidental costs are also capitalised to the asset. Borrowing costs are capitalised to 
qualifying assets as set out in note 1(s).

48

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

1  Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

(n)  Property, plant and equipment (continued)

Expenditure, including that on internally generated assets, is only recognised as an asset when the Entity controls future economic benefits 
as a result of the costs incurred, it is probable that those future economic benefits will eventuate, and the costs can be measured reliably. 
Costs attributable to feasibility and alternative approach assessments are expensed as incurred.

All assets, including intangibles other than goodwill, are depreciated / amortised using the straight-line method over their estimated useful 
lives taking into account estimated residual values with the exception of purchased debt which subject to fair value adjustments based 
upon the benefits to be derived from the asset.

Assets are depreciated or amortised from the date of acquisition or, in respect of internally constructed assets, from the time an asset is 
completed and held ready for use. 

Depreciation and amortisation rates and methods are reviewed annually for appropriateness. When changes are made, adjustments are 
reflected prospectively in current and future periods only.

- Plant and equipment 

- Computer equipment 

4-8 years

3-5 years

- Leased plant and equipment 

Term of Lease

The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at the end of each reporting period.

An asset’s carrying amount is written down immediately to its recoverable amount if the asset’s carrying amount is greater than its 
estimated recoverable amount (note 1(i)).

Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing proceeds with carrying amount. These are included in profit or loss. When revalued 
assets are sold, it is Company policy to transfer any amounts included in other reserves in respect of those assets to retained earnings.

(o)  Intangible assets

(i)  Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the Group’s share of the net identifiable assets of the 
acquired business/associate at the date of acquisition. Goodwill on acquisitions of businesses is included in intangible assets. Goodwill on 
acquisitions of associates is included in investments in associates. Goodwill is not amortised. Instead, goodwill is tested for impairment 
annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it might be impaired, and is carried at cost less accumulated 
impairment losses. Gains and losses on the disposal of an entity include the carrying amount of goodwill relating to the entity sold.

Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units for the purpose of impairment testing. Each of those cash-generating units represents the 
company’s investment in each primary reporting segment (note 4).

(ii) 

IT development and software

Costs incurred in developing products or systems and costs incurred in acquiring software and licenses that will contribute to future 
period financial benefits through revenue generation and/or cost reduction are capitalised to software and systems. Costs capitalised 
include external direct costs of materials and service and direct payroll and payroll related costs of employees’ time spent on the project. 
Amortisation is calculated on a straight-line basis over periods generally ranging from 2 to 12 years.

IT development costs include only those costs directly attributable to the development phase and are only recognised following completion 
of technical feasibility and where the Company has an intention and ability to use the asset.

(iii)  Other intangible assets

Licences and intellectual property are considered to have an definite useful life and are carried at cost less accumulated amortisation. All 
costs associated with the maintenance and protection of these assets are expensed in the period consumed.

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

49

Notes to the Financial Statements
for the year ended 30 June 2010

1  Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

(p)  Trade and other payables

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

(q)  Borrowings

All borrowings are recognised at their principal amounts subject to setoff arrangements which represent the present value of future cash 
flows associated with servicing the debt. Where interest is payable in arrears the interest expense is accrued over the period it becomes 
due, is recorded at the contracted rate as part of “Other creditors and accruals”.

Where interest is paid in advance, the interest expense is recorded as a part of “Prepayments” and released over the period to maturity.

Borrowings are removed from the preliminary balance sheet when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, cancelled or 
expired. The difference between the carrying amount of a financial liability that has been extinguished or transferred to another party and 
the consideration paid, including any non-cash assets transferred or liabilities assumed, is recognised in profit or loss as other income or 
finance costs.

Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the Company has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least 
12 months after the reporting period.

(r)  Borrowing costs

Borrowing costs incurred for the construction of any qualifying asset are capitalised during the period of time that is required to complete 
and prepare the asset for its intended use or sale. Other borrowing costs are expensed.

Borrowing costs include interest, amortisation of discounts or premiums relating to borrowings, amortisation of ancillary costs incurred in 
connection with arrangement of borrowings, foreign exchange losses net of any hedged amounts on borrowings, including trade creditors 
and lease finance charges.

Ancillary costs incurred in connection with the arrangement of borrowings are capitalised and amortised over the life of the borrowings.

(s)  Provisions

Provisions for legal claims and service warranties are recognised when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result 
of past events and it is more likely than not that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation, and the amount has been 
reliably estimated. Provisions are not recognised for future operating losses.

If the effect is material, provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects current 
market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is treated as part of the 
expense related to the particular provision.

(t)  Employee benefits

(i)  Short-term obligations

Liabilities for wages and salaries, including non-monetary benefits, annual leave and accumulating sick leave expected to be settled within 
12 months after the end of the period in which the employees render the related service are recognised in respect of employees’ services 
up to the end of the reporting period and are measured at the amounts expected to be paid when the liabilities are settled. The liability 
for annual leave and accumulating sick leave is recognised in the provision for employee benefits. All other short-term employee benefit 
obligations are presented as payables.

(ii)  Other long-term employee benefit obligations

The liability for long service leave and annual leave which is not expected to be settled within 12 months after the end of the period in 
which the employees render the related service is recognised in the provision for employee benefits and measured as the present value 
of expected future payments to be made in respect of services provided by employees up to the end of the reporting period using the 
projected unit credit method. Consideration is given to expected future wage and salary levels, experience of employee departures and 
periods of service. Expected future payments are discounted using market yields at the end of the reporting period on national government 
bonds with terms to maturity and currency that match, as closely as possible, the estimated future cash outflows.

50

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

1  Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

(t)  Employee benefits (continued)

(iii)  Superannuation Plans

The Company and other controlled entities make statutory contibutions to several superannuation funds in accordance with the directions 
of it’s employees. Contributions are expensed in the period to which they relate.

(iv)  Share-based payments

Share-based compensation benefits are provided to the Chief Executive Officer via the the employment agreement between the Company 
and the Chief Executive Officer.

Share-based compensation benefits are provided to employees other than the Chief Executive Officer via the Collection House Limited 
Executive Share Option Plan. Further details are set out in note 35.

Shares options granted after 7 November 2002 and vested after 1 January 2005.

The fair value of options granted under the Executive Share Option Plan and the CEO employment agreement is recognised as an employee 
benefit expense with a corresponding increase in equity. The fair value is measured at grant date and recognised over the period during 
which the employees become unconditionally entitled to the options.

The fair value at grant date is independently determined using a Monte Carlo option pricing model that takes into account the exercise 
price, the term of the option, the vesting and performance criteria, the impact of dilution, the non-tradeable nature of the option, the share 
price at grant date and expected price volatility of the underlying share, the expected dividend yield and the risk-free interest rate for the 
term of the option.

The fair value of the options granted is adjusted to reflect market vesting conditions, but excludes the impact of any non-market vesting 
conditions (for example, profitability and sales growth targets). Non-market vesting conditions are included in assumptions about the number 
of options that are expected to become exercisable. At each balance sheet date, the entity revises its estimate of the number of options that 
are expected to become exercisable. The employee benefit expense recognised each period takes into account the most recent estimate.

Upon the exercise of options, the balance of the share-based payments reserve relating to those options is transferred to share capital.

(v)  Termination benefits

Termination benefits are payable when employment is terminated before the normal retirement date, or when an employee accepts 
voluntary redundancy in exchange for these benefits. The Company recognises termination benefits when it is demonstrably committed 
to either terminating the employment of current employees according to a detailed formal plan without possibility of withdrawal or to 
providing termination benefits as a result of an offer made to encourage voluntary redundancy. Benefits falling due more than 12 months 
after the end of the reporting period are discounted to present value.

(u)  Dividends

Provision is made for the amount of any dividend declared, being appropriately authorised and no longer at the discretion of the entity, on 
or before the end of the reporting period but not distributed at the end of the reporting period.

(v)  Earnings per share

(i)  Basic earnings per share

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing:

•	

the profit attributable to owners of the company, excluding any costs of servicing equity other than ordinary shares

•	

by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the financial year, adjusted for bonus elements in ordinary 

shares issued during the year and excluding treasury shares (note 25).

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

51

Notes to the Financial Statements
for the year ended 30 June 2010

1  Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

(v)  Earnings per share (continued)

(ii)  Diluted earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share adjusts the figures used in the determination of basic earnings per share to take into account: 

•	

the after income tax effect of interest and other financing costs associated with dilutive potential ordinary shares, and

•	

the weighted average number of additional ordinary shares that would have been outstanding assuming the conversion of all dilutive 

potential ordinary shares. 

(w)  Goods and Services Tax (GST)

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

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

Cash flows are presented on a gross basis. The GST components of cash flows arising from investing or financing activities which are 
recoverable from, or payable to the taxation authority, are presented as operating cash flows.

(x)  Rounding of amounts

The company is of a kind referred to in Class Order 98/100, issued by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, relating to 
the ‘’rounding off’’ of amounts in the financial statements. Amounts in the financial statements have been rounded off in accordance with 
that Class Order to the nearest thousand dollars, or in certain cases, the nearest dollar.

(y)  New accounting standards and interpretations

Certain new accounting standards and interpretations have been published that are not mandatory for 30 June 2010 reporting periods. The 
Company’s assessment of the impact of these new standards and interpretations is set out below.

(i) 

 AASB 9 Financial Instruments and AASB 2009-11 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from AASB 9 (effective from 1 
January 2013)

AASB 9 Financial Instruments addresses the classification and measurement of financial assets and is likely to affect the company’s 
accounting for its financial assets. The standard is not applicable until 1 January 2013 but is available for early adoption. The Group has 
assessed the impact of the standard, and has elected to early adopt it from 1 July 2010, on the basis that it has no material effect on the 
consolidated group.

(ii) 

 AASB 1053 Application of Tiers of Australian Accounting Standards and AASB 2010-2 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising 
from Reduced Disclosure Requirements (effective from 1 July 2013)

On 30 June 2010 the AASB officially introduced a revised differential reporting framework in Australia. Under this framework, a two-tier 
differential reporting regime applies to all entities that prepare general purpose financial statements. Collection House Limited is listed 
on the ASX and is therefore not eligible to adopt the new Australian Accounting Standards - Reduced Disclosure Requirements. The two 
standards will have no impact on the financial statements of the Company. 

52

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

1  Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

(z)  Parent entity financial information

The financial information for the parent entity, Collection House Limited, disclosed in note 38 has been prepared on the same basis as the 
consolidated financial statements, except as set out below.

(i) 

Investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint venture entities

Investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint venture entities are accounted for at cost in the financial statements of Collection House 
Limited. Dividends received from associates are recognised in the parent entity’s profit or loss, rather than being deducted from the 
carrying amount of these investments. 

(ii)  Tax consolidation legislation

Collection House Limited and its wholly owned Australian controlled entities have implemented the tax consolidation legislation.

Further detail can be found at Note 1(f)(i) above.

(iii)  Financial guarantees

The parent entity has provided no financial guarantees in relation to loans and payables of subsidiaries.

2 

Financial risk management

The Group’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: market risk (including currency risk, interest rate risk and price risk), credit 
risk and liquidity risk. The Group’s overall risk management program focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to 
minimise potential adverse effects on the financial performance of the Group. The Group uses different methods to measure different types 
of risk to which it is exposed. These methods include sensitivity analysis in the case of interest rate, foreign exchange and other price risks, 
aging analysis for credit risk and cashflow analysis to determine the risk associated with the Purchased Debt Ledger portfolio.

Risk management is carried out by the finance department under policies approved by the Audit and Risk Management Committee of the 
Board. Under the authority of the Board of Directors the Audit and Risk Management Committee ensures that the total risk exposure of the 
group is consistent with the Business Strategy and within the risk tolerance of the Group. Regular risk reports are tabled before the Audit 
and Risk Management Committee.

Within this framework, the Finance team identifies, evaluates and manages financial risks in close co-operation with the Group’s 
operating units.

(a)   Market risk

(i) 

Foreign exchange risk

The Group operates internationally and is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from various currency exposures, primarily with respect 
to the NZ dollar.

Foreign exchange risk arises when future commercial transactions and recognised assets and liabilities are denominated in a currency 
that is not the entity’s functional currency and net investments in foreign operations.

At 30 June 2010, had the Australian Dollar weakened/strengthened by 10% against the NZ Dollar with all other variables held constant, the 
impact for the year would have been immaterial to both profit for the year and equity.

(ii)  Price risk

The group is not exposed to price risk, as there are no subsidiary company investments in the consolidated results.

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

53

Notes to the Financial Statements
for the year ended 30 June 2010

2 

Financial risk management (continued)

(iii)  Cash flow and fair value interest rate risk

The Group is exposed to interest rate risk from two sources – Trade interest rate risk and Investment interest rate risk.

Trade interest rate risk

As the Group has no significant interest bearing assets, the Group’s income and operating cash flows are not materially exposed to 
changes in market interest rates.

The Group’s main trade interest rate risk arises from long-term borrowings. Borrowings issued at variable rates expose the Group to cash 
flow interest rate risk. Borrowings issued at fixed rates expose the Group to fair value interest rate risk. The Group currently has no fixed 
rate borrowings. During 2010 and 2009, the Group borrowings at variable rate were denominated in Australian Dollars only.

The Group analyses trade interest rate exposure in the context of current economic conditions. Management is aware of the impact 
on profits of specific interest rate increases, and annual budgets and ongoing forecasts are framed based upon group and market 
expectations of interest rate levels for the coming year.

Interest rate hedges and swaps are an available tool for managing interest rate risk within the group. If it is determined that it would be 
profitable and / or advantageous to the group, these tools will be used. No interest rate hedges or swaps are currently in place (2009: $Nil).

As at the reporting date, the Group had the following variable rate borrowings outstanding:

Bank overdrafts and bank loans

Net exposure to cash flow interest rate risk

Investment interest rate risk

30 June 2010

30 June 2009

Weighted average 
interest rate

%

4.8%

Balance

$’000

66,900

66,900

Weighted average 
interest rate 

%

6.0%

Balance

$’000

69,700

69,700

In addition the Group is exposed to Investment interest rate risk which arises from the significant investment in Purchased Debt Ledgers 
(“PDL”). A number of different types of risk arise from the PDL investments. All PDL risks are managed together as described below.

Interest rate risk

Group sensitivity

At 30 June 2010, if interest rates had changed by +/- 25 basis points from the year end rates with all other variables held constant, post tax 
profit for the year would have been $118,000 lower/higher (2009 - change of 25 bps: $122,000 lower/higher), mainly as a result of higher/
lower interest expense from net borrowings. Other components of equity would have been $118,000 lower/higher (2009 - $122,000 lower/
higher) mainly as a result of an increase/decrease in cash not required for interest payments. Other financial assets and liabilities are not 
interest bearing and therefore are not subject to interest rate risk.

Foreign exchange risk

Sensitivity to changes in the exchange rate between AUD and NZD has been assessed within a range of -0.5% to +10.0% and has been 
found to be immaterial against group profits and equity.

Other price risk

As none of the financial assets or liabilities of the group are traded in financial markets, there is no other price risk in the Group.

54

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

2 

Financial risk management (continued)

(iv)  Summarised sensitivity analysis

The following table summarises the sensitivity of the Group’s financial assets and financial liabilities to interest rate risk.

Consolidated

30 June 2010

Financial liabilities

Borrowings

Total increase/ (decrease)

Consolidated

30 June 2009

Financial liabilities

Borrowings

Total increase/ (decrease)

(b)  Credit risk

Interest rate risk

-25 bps

+25 bps

Carrying amount
$’000

Profit
$’000

67,501

118

118

Equity
$’000

118

118

Profit
$’000

(118)

(118)

Interest rate risk

-25 bps

+25 bps

Carrying amount
$’000

Profit
$’000

69,700

122

122

Equity
$’000

122

122

Profit
$’000

(122)

(122)

Equity
$’000

(118)

(118)

Equity
$’000

(122)

(122)

The Group is exposed to credit risk from two sources – Trade credit risk and Investment credit risk.

Trade credit risk

Trade credit risk is managed on a Group basis. Trade credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents, derivative financial instruments 
and deposits with banks and financial institutions, as well as credit exposures to clients, including outstanding receivables and 
committed transactions.

The Group has no significant concentrations of trade credit risk. The Group has policies in place to ensure that the sales of products and 
services are made to customers with an appropriate credit history. The Group has policies that limit the amount of credit exposure to any 
one financial institution. (see note 38 for details)

Investment credit risk

In addition the group is exposed to Investment credit risk which arises from the significant investment in Purchased Debt Ledgers (“PDL”). 
A number of different types of risk arise from the PDL investments. All PDL risks are managed together as described below.

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

55

Notes to the Financial Statements
for the year ended 30 June 2010

2 

Financial risk management (continued)

(c)  Liquidity risk

Prudent liquidity risk management implies maintaining sufficient cash and marketable securities, the availability of funding through an 
adequate amount of committed credit facilities and the ability to close out market positions. Due to the dynamic nature of the underlying 
businesses, the Finance Team aims at maintaining flexibility in funding by keeping committed credit lines available.

Management monitors rolling forecasts of the Group’s liquidity reserve on the basis of expected cash flow. Cashflow is forecast on a 
day-to-day basis across the group to ensure that sufficient funds are available to meet requirements.

Financing arrangements 

The Group had access to a $75,000,000 Multiple Option Facility with a temporary extension to $85,000,000 throughout the year (2009: 
$75,000,000). The facility, which was replaced in June 2010, was subject to meeting a number of financial undertakings. The undertakings 
were materially met at all times during both the current and prior years. The facility was replaced with a $85,000,000 Multiple Option 
Facility which expires on 1 July 2013. The new facility is subject to the same undertakings as the old facility was, and is subject to review at 
the end of its term.

The facility is made up of a Cash Advance option, a Commercial Bill option, an Overdraft option, and a Set-off option. The cash advance 
option or the commercial bill option can be drawn upon with 2 days notice to the finance provider, and the overdraft option or the set-off 
option may be drawn upon at any time. The allocation between the various options is at the discretion of the Group subject to the total not 
exceeding the $85,000,000 commitment from the finance provider. The overdraft and set-off options are repayable on demand, and the 
Commercial Bill and cash advance options are repayable at the end of the term. 

The undertakings are reviewed by the Audit and Risk Management Committee each month, and are reported on to the finance provider 
quarterly. All companies within the group are required to notify the finance provider of any event of default as soon as it becomes aware 
of them.

In addition to the above the Group is required to keep the finance provider fully informed of relevant details of the group as they arise.

Further details of the banking facility are set out in note 21.

The table below analyses the Group’s financial liabilities into relevant maturity groupings based on the remaining period at the reporting 
date to the contractual maturity date. The amounts disclosed in the table are the contractual undiscounted cash flows. Balances due within 
12 months equal their carrying balances, as the impact of discounting is not significant.

Group - At 30 June 2010

Non-derivatives

Non-interest bearing

Variable rate

Total non-derivatives

Group - At 30 June 2009

Non-derivatives

Non-interest bearing

Variable rate

Total non-derivatives

Less than 6 
months
$’000

6 - 12 months
$’000

Between 1 
and 2 years
$’000 

Between 2 and 
5 years
$’000

Over 5 years
$’000

Total contractual 
cash flows
$’000

Carrying Amount 
(assets)/
liabilities
$’000

4,088

479

4,567

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

66,900

66,900

-

-

-

4,088

67,379

71,467

4,088

67,379

71,467

Less than 6 
months
$’000

6 - 12 
months
$’000

Between 
1 and 2 years
$’000

Between 2 and 
5 years
$’000

Over 5 years
$’000

Total contractual 
cash flows
$’000

Carrying Amount 
(assets)/ 
liabilities
$’000

4,622

-

4,622

-

-

-

-

69,700

69,700

-

-

-

-

-

-

4,622

69,700

74,322

4,622

69,700

74,322

56

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

2 

Financial risk management (continued)

(d)  Fair value measurements

The fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities must be estimated for recognition and measurement or for disclosure purposes.

The fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market (for example, purchased debt portfolios in the group) is 
determined using valuation techniques. The Group uses a variety of methods and makes assumptions that are based on market conditions 
existing at each balance date. Other techniques, such as estimated discounted cash flows, are also used to determine fair value for the 
financial instruments.

The key assumption which underpins the valuation of Financial Instruments in the group is the recovery rate. Assumptions are made about 
the recovery rate based on experience and market conditions. Sensitivity of profit and equity to changes in the actual recovery rate achieved 
is set out in the sensitivity analysis below.

The carrying value less doubtful debts provision of trade receivables and payables is a reasonable approximation of their fair values due 
to the short-term nature of trade receivables. The fair value of financial liabilities for disclosure purposes is estimated by discounting the 
future contractual cash flows at the current market interest rate that is available to the Group for similar financial instruments.

Purchased Debt Ledgers

Other Financial Assets at Fair Value through the Profit and Loss as disclosed in the group entity represent investments in debt ledgers. 
To manage the interest rate and credit risks arising from investments in debt portfolios, the Group analyses the price to be paid for each 
tranche before it is purchased. Debt prices paid are determined by a bidding process in the market place, with each bidder determining the 
prices which they are prepared to pay based on their own analysis.

The price offered by the Group for any particular tranche of debt is determined based upon existing in-house knowledge of the tranche, 
macro-economic and micro-economic factors and the experience of senior management. In-house knowledge of a tranche exists if the 
tranche has been previously worked by the company on a commission basis. 

Due to contractual restrictions on the company’s ability to subsequently deal with the purchased debt portfolio, it is considered that there is 
not an active market in debt portfolios in which the company can participate.

Initial recognition value

The factors that determine the price paid for a particular tranche of debt are:

1. The Face Value of the debt being purchased

The face value of debt is dependent upon the value of debt that the vendor is prepared to sell.

2. The expected Recovery Rate of the debt being purchased

The expected recovery rate is the percentage of the face value of a debt that is expected to be recovered as a result of collection activity, 
and is based upon the company’s historical experience with the particular tranche being purchased. Historical experience can vary from a 
detailed knowledge of the tranche if it has been previously worked by the company on a commission basis, to a general knowledge of the 
type of debt being purchased from a new vendor, and specific knowledge discovered as part of a pre-purchase due diligence process.

3. The Price Multiple which can be obtained

The price multiple is the discount factor between the recoverable amount of the debt and the price which is paid for it. The discount factor 
is determined by the amount that the vendor is prepared to accept in exchange for the debt, and the amount that the company is able to 
pay to acquire the debt and achieve an acceptable profit margin.

Subsequent measurment of carrying value

After a tranche has been purchased, fair value adjustments are made against the carrying value in line with revenue collected against 
it. The carrying value is continuously reviewed to ensure that it is not in excess of fair value based upon a discounted cash flow (DCF) 
model. The inputs to the DCF model are the same as are used in the original purchase price calculation with actual results substituted for 
expected estimates. In this context the only variable is the recovery rate, as neither the face value nor the price multiple can change as a 
result of working a debt.

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

57

Notes to the Financial Statements
for the year ended 30 June 2010

2 

Financial risk management (continued)

(d)  Fair value measurements (continued)

Amendments to AASB 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosure

As of 1 July 2009, Collection House Limited has adopted the amendment to AASB 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures which requires 
disclosure of fair value measurements by level of the following fair value measurement hierarchy: 

(a)  quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1)

(b)   inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (as prices) or 

indirectly (derived from prices) (level 2), and

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

The purchased debt ledger assets of the group are classified as Level 3 in the fair value measurement hierarchy. Details of the group’s 
assets and liabilities measured and recognised at fair value are set out in Note 12.

Summarised sensitivity analysis

The following table summarises the sensitivity of the Group’s financial assets at Fair Value through the Profit & Loss to the achieved 
recovery rate.

Based upon the experience of the 12 months ended 30 June 2010 and the Global Financial Crisis, the reasonably likely range for the 
sensitivity analysis has adjusted to +/- 4.08% in 2010 (2009: +/- 4.4%).

30 June 2010

Financial assets

Recoverability

-4.08%

+4.08%

Carrying amount
$’000

Profit
$’000

Other Equity
$’000

Profit
$’000

Other Equity
$’000

Financial assets at FVTPL

 146,485 

 (911) 

 (911) 

 911 

 911 

30 June 2009

Financial assets

Recoverability

-4.40%

+4.40%

Carrying amount
$’000

Profit
$’000

Other Equity
$’000

Profit
$’000

Other Equity
$’000

Financial assets at FVTPL

 146,919 

 (1,185) 

 (1,185) 

 1,185 

 1,185 

(e)  Cash flow and fair value interest rate risk

The Group’s interest-rate risk arises from long-term borrowings. Borrowings issued at variable rates expose the Group to cash flow 
interest-rate risk. Group finance facilities are a combination of overdraft and short term commercial bill facilities, all of which are on a 
variable interest rate basis. In the current relatively stable interest rate environment, this approach maximises available cash with minimal 
exposure to interest rate movements. All aspects of the financing arrangements, including interest rate structuring can be reviewed as 
required during the life of the facility.

58

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

3  Critical accounting estimates and judgements

Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of 
future events that may have a financial impact on the Entity and that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

(a)  Critical accounting estimates and assumptions

The Company makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, seldom 
equal the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the 
carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below.

(i) 

Estimated impairment of goodwill

The Company tests annually whether goodwill has suffered any impairment, in accordance with the accounting policy stated in note 1(o). 
The recoverable amounts of cash-generating units have been determined based on value-in-use calculations. These calculations require 
the use of assumptions. Refer to note 16 for details of these assumptions and the potential impact of changes to the assumptions.

(ii) 

Income taxes

The Group is subject to income taxes in Australia and jurisdictions where it has foreign operations. Significant judgement is required in 
determining the worldwide provision for income taxes. There are many transactions and calculations undertaken during the ordinary course 
of business for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. The Group recognises liabilities for anticipated tax audit issues based on 
estimates of whether additional taxes will be due. Where the final tax outcome of these matters is different from the amounts that were 
initially recorded, such differences will impact the current and deferred tax provisions in the period in which such determination is made.

(iii)  Estimated impairment of non-financial assets and intangible assets other than goodwill

The Group tests annually whether the non-financial assets or intangible assets of the Group (other than goodwill) have suffered any 
impairment, in accordance with the accounting policy stated in note 1(i). The recoverable amounts of cash-generating units have been 
determined based on value-in-use calculations. These calculations require the use of assumptions.

(iv)  Estimated fair value of other financial assets

At each reporting date the Group determines the fair value of financial assets in accordance with the accounting policy stated at 1(m). The 
calculation of impairment requires the use of assumptions.

(b)  Critical judgements in applying the entity’s accounting policies

(i) 

Employee benefits

Management judgment is applied in determining the key assumptions used in the calculation of long service leave at balance date:

•	

future increases in wages and salaries

•	

future on-cost rates

•	

experience of employee departures and period of service

(ii) 

Impairment of available-for-sale financial assets

The Company follows the guidance of AASB 139 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement on determining when an 
available-for-sale financial asset is impaired. This determination requires significant judgement. In making this judgement, the Group 
evaluates, among other factors, the underlying assets of the investee company.

(iii)  Useful lives of property, plant and equipment

The Group’s management determines the estimated useful lives and related depreciation charges for property, plant and equipment at the 
time of acquisition. As described in note 1(n) useful lives are reviewed regularly throughout the year for appropriateness.

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

59

Notes to the Financial Statements
for the year ended 30 June 2010

4  Segment information

(a)  Description of segments

Individual business segments are identified on the basis of grouping individual products or services subject to similar risks and returns. 
The business segments reported are: Contingent Collection Services, and Account Asset Management. The Group has identified its 
operating segments based on the internal reports that are reviewed and used by the Board of Directors (chief operating decision makers) 
in assessing performance and determining the allocation of resources.

The consolidated entity is organised on a global basis into the following divisions by product and service type.

Contingent Collection Services
•	

The earning of commissions on the collection of debts for clients;

Account Asset Management
•	

The collection of debts from client ledgers acquired by the Company;

(b)  Segment information provided to the Board

2010

Segment revenue

 Collection 
services

Account asset 
management

Intersegment 
eliminations/
unallocated

Total continuing 
operations

Discontinued 
operations 
(note 9)

Consolidated

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

Sales to external customers 

 32,996 

 69,460 

Intersegment sales 

Other revenue

 - 

 10 

 - 

 8 

Total segment revenue/income 

 33,006 

 69,468 

 547 

 - 

 326 

 873 

Consolidated revenue

Segment result 

Segment result (notes (ii))

Interest expense & borrowing costs

Unallocated revenue less unallocated expenses

 6,370 

 19,567 

 899 

 103,003 

 - 

 344 

 103,347 

 103,347 

 26,836 

 (4,771) 

 (10,243) 

 11,822 

 (2,899) 

 8,923 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 103,003 

 - 

 344 

 103,347 

 103,347 

 26,836 

 (4,771) 

 (10,243) 

 11,822 

 (2,899) 

 8,923 

Profit before income tax

Income tax benefit / (expense)

Profit for the year

Segment assets and liabilities

Segment assets 

Intersegment elimination

Unallocated assets

Total assets

Segment liabilities 

Intersegment elimination

Unallocated liabilities

Total liabilities

Other segment information

Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment, 
intangibles and other non-current segment assets

Total acquisitions

 134,654 

 146,920 

 (100,406) 

 181,168 

 (214) 

 180,954 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 181,168 

 (214) 

 180,954 

 12,779 

 98,904 

 (104,562) 

 7,121 

 - 

 81,961 

 89,082 

 2,988 

 30,142 

 - 

 33,130 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 7,121 

 - 

 81,961 

 89,082 

 33,130 

 33,130 

 1,986 

 1,986 

 30,054 

Depreciation and amortisation expense

 418 

 418 

 1,150 

Total depreciation and amortisation

Other non-cash expenses

 (217) 

 30,157 

 114 

 30,054 

60

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

 33,130 

 1,986 

 1,986 

4  Segment information (continued)

(b)  Segment information provided to the Board (continued)

2009

Segment revenue

Collection 
services

Account asset 
management

Intersegment 
eliminations/
unallocated

Total continuing 
operations

Discontinued 
operation 
(note 9)

Consolidated

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

Sales to external customers 

 31,780 

 69,741 

 554 

 102,075 

 - 

 - 

 219 

 219 

 219 

 219 

 - 

 - 

 219 

 (65) 

 154 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 102,075 

 - 

 81 

 102,156 

 102,156 

 26,712 

 (4,467) 

 (11,267) 

 10,978 

 (3,124) 

 7,854 

 180,808 

 - 

 - 

 8,426 

 84,422 

 92,848 

 78,178 

 78,178 

 1,626 

 1,626 

 31,457 

Intersegment sales 

Profit from discontinued operations / Other revenue

Total segment revenue/income 

Consolidated revenue

Segment result 

Segment result (notes (ii))

Interest expense & borrowing costs

Unallocated revenue less unallocated expenses

 - 

 55 

 - 

 13 

 31,835 

 69,754 

 - 

 (206) 

 348 

 6,470 

 19,667 

 356 

 - 

 (138) 

 101,937 

 101,937 

 26,493 

 (4,467) 

 (11,267) 

 10,759 

 (3,059) 

 7,700 

Profit before income tax

Income tax benefit / (expense)

Profit for the year

Segment assets and liabilities

Segment assets 

Intersegment elimination

Unallocated assets

Segment liabilities 

Unallocated liabilities

Total liabilities

Other segment information

Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment, 
intangibles and other non-current segment assets

Total acquisitions

 150,816 

 151,929 

 (121,937) 

 180,808 

 11,943 

 132,191 

 (135,708) 

 - 

 - 

 8,426 

 84,422 

 92,848 

 7,338 

 70,840 

 - 

 78,178 

Depreciation and amortisation expense

 291 

 - 

 1,335 

Total depreciation and amortisation

Other non-cash expenses

 199 

 31,568 

 (310) 

 31,457 

 78,178 

 1,626 

 1,626 

Changes to the segment note and comparatives

During the year ended 30 June 2010, the business was restructured internally. Due to increasing volumes of internal work, an internal 
business unit that was formerly undertaking a small amount of external work for third parties was restructured as a fully internal business 
unit. The internal work is more profitable to the consolidated group than the external work that was formerly being performed. The 30 June 
2009 comparative disclosure in the segment note has been restated to reflect this change. The same adjustments were reflected in the half 
year report.

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

61

Notes to the Financial Statements
for the year ended 30 June 2010

4  Segment information (continued)

(c) Geographical information

The consolidated entity operates in two main geographical areas, Australia and New Zealand.

Segment revenues from sales to 
external customers

30 June
2010
$’000

 97,361 

 5,642 

30 June
2009
$’000

 96,656 

 5,282 

 103,003 

 101,938 

Segment assets

30 June
2010
$’000

30 June
2009
$’000

 173,118 

 171,559 

 7,836 

 180,954 

 180,954 

 9,249 

 180,808 

 180,808 

Acquisitions of property, plant and 
equipment, intangibles and other 
non-current segment assets

30 June
2010
$’000

 33,093 

 37 

 33,130 

30 June
2009
$’000

 78,016 

 162 

 78,178 

Australia

New Zealand

Total assets

Segment revenues are allocated based on the country in which the customer is located. Segment assets and capital expenditure are 
allocated based on where the assets are located.

(i)  Accounting policies

Segment information is prepared in conformity with the accounting policies of the entity as disclosed in note 1 and Accounting Standard 
AASB 8 Operating Segments.

Segment revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities are those that are directly attributable to a segment and the relevant portion that can be 
allocated to the segment on a reasonable basis. Segment assets include all assets used by a segment and consist primarily of operating 
cash, receivables, inventories, property, plant and equipment and goodwill and other intangible assets, net of related provisions. While most 
of these assets can be directly attributable to individual segments, the carrying amounts of certain assets used jointly by segments are 
allocated based on reasonable estimates of usage. Segment liabilities consist primarily of trade and other creditors, employee benefits and 
interest bearing liabilities. Segment assets and liabilities do not include income taxes.

Unallocated items mainly comprise interest or dividend-earning assets and revenue, interest bearing loans, borrowing costs and corporate 
assets and expenses.

Segment capital expenditure is the total cost incurred during the period to acquire segment assets that are expected to be used for more 
than one period.

(ii)  Segment margins

Margin on sales revenue

Collection Services

Account Asset Management

Discontinued Operations

30 June
2010
%

 19 

30 June
2009
%

 19 

30 June
2010
%

 28 

30 June
2009
%

 28 

30 June
2010
%

 - 

30 June
2009
%

 100 

5  Correction of error in reporting expenses in previous years

As noted in the 30 June 2009 annual report, the Company had moved to correct its approach to accounting for employment costs, which 
were previously accounted for on an effectively cash basis which is inconsistent with accrual accounting principles.

A correction was made during the year ended 30 June 2009 by restating each of the affected financial statement line items for the prior 
(2008) year.

62

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

6  Revenue 

From continuing operations

Sales revenue

Revenue from rendering of services

Other revenue

Rent received

Interest

Other Income

Total revenue from continuing operations

From discontinued operations (note 9)

Downie & Associates Unit Trust

7  Expenses

Profit before income tax includes the following specific expenses:

Depreciation

Leasehold improvements, plant and equipment

Total depreciation

Amortisation

Legal and court cost capitalised

Total amortisation

Total depreciation and amortisation

Finance costs

Interest and finance charges paid/payable

Fair Value losses on other financial assets (note 12)

Consolidated

30 June
2010
$’000

 101,062 

 101,062 

 4 

 2,018 

 263 

 2,285 

30 June
2009
$’000

 99,743 

 99,743 

 272 

 1,817 

 127 

 2,216 

 103,347 

 101,959 

 - 

 - 

 219 

 219 

Consolidated

30 June
2010
$’000

30 June
2009
$’000

 1,986 

 - 

 1,986 

 632 

 632 

 2,618 

 4,771 

 4,771 

 29,879 

 29,879 

 1,626 

 - 

 1,626 

 669 

 669 

 2,295 

 4,467 

 4,467 

 30,265 

 30,265 

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

63

 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements
for the year ended 30 June 2010

8 

Income tax expense 

(a) Income tax expense
Current income tax provision

Deferred income tax provision

Under (over) provided in prior years

Income tax expense is attributable to:

Income tax expense/(benefit) - Profit from continuing operations

Income tax expense/(benefit) - Profit from discontinued operations

Aggregate income tax expense

Deferred income tax (revenue) expense included in income tax expense comprises:

Decrease (increase) in deferred tax assets (note 15)

(Decrease) increase in deferred tax liabilities (note 22)

(b) Numerical reconciliation of income tax expense to prima facie tax payable
Profit from continuing operations before income tax expense

Profit from discontinuing operations before income tax expense

Tax at the Australian tax rate of 30% (2009 - 30%)

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

Consolidated

30 June
2010
$’000

 4,253 

 (495) 

 (859) 

 2,899 

 2,899 

 - 

 2,899 

 376 

 (871) 

 (495) 

 11,822 

 - 

 11,822 

 3,547 

30 June
2009
$’000

 3,235 

 (2,711) 

 2,600 

 3,124 

 3,059 

 65 

 3,124 

 1,407 

 (4,118) 

 (2,711) 

 10,759 

 219 

 10,978 

 3,293 

Non-deductible expenses

 84 

 (16) 

Adjustments for current tax of prior periods

Income tax expense

 3,631 

 (732) 

 (732) 

 2,899 

 3,277 

 (153) 

 (153) 

 3,124 

64

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

9  Discontinued operation

Downie & Associates Unit Trust

(a)  Recovery of previously impaired assets

As reported in the year ended 30 June 2005, on 17 September 2004 the consolidated entity sold the business of Downie & Associates, 
recording a profit on disposal of $78,000, and recognising a non-current receivable of $970,000. As part of the transition to AIFRS, on 
1 July 2005, the company adopted AASB132 - Financial Instruments: Disclosure and Presentation and AASB139 - Financial Instruments: 
Recognition and Measurement, and at that date, based on management’s assessment, the $970,000 receivable was fully impaired as there 
appeared to be no prospect of recovery. Under the stricter rules of AIFRS, the company was required to impair the debt to the level of 
potential recovery.

Subsequent to the impairment, in the year ended 30 June 2009 $219,000 was recovered ($151,000 after income tax), which has been 
included as a profit from discontinued operations. No amounts have been recovered in the year ended 30 June 2010. As management has 
no expectation of further recoveries in future periods, no amounts have been reinstated for this receivable. Any future recoveries will be 
recorded as profits from discontinued operations as they are received.

Financial information relating to the discontinued operation for the period to the date of disposal (11 May 2007) is set out below. Further 
information is set out in note 4 - segment information.

(b)  Financial performance and cash flow information

The financial performance and cash flow information presented are for the 12 months ended 30 June 2009. There were no recoveries of the 
non-current receivable in the current year.

Revenue (note 6)

Income tax expense

Profit from discontinued operation

Net cash inflow from the division

Net increase in cash generated by the division

Consolidated

30 June
2010
$’000

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

30 June
2009
$’000

 219 

 (65) 

 154 

 154 

 154 

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

65

Notes to the Financial Statements
for the year ended 30 June 2010

10 Current assets - Cash and cash equivalents

Cash at bank and in hand

Consolidated

2010
$’000

 459 

 459 

(a)  Reconciliation to cash at the end of the year

The above figures are reconciled to cash at the end of the financial year as shown in the cash flow statement as follows:

Bank overdraft right of set-off

Balances as above

Bank overdrafts (note 19)

Balances per statement of cash flows

(b)  Cash at bank and on hand

Consolidated

2010
$’000

 459 

 (601) 

 (142) 

Information concerning the effective interest rates is set out in the current receivables note 11.

(c)  Fair value

The carrying amount for cash and cash equivalents equals the fair value.

(d)  Bank overdraft right of set-off

With effect from 1 July 2004, the company holds a contractual right of set-off between the current overdraft balance and the 
cash-at-bank balances.

2009
$’000

 584 

 584 

2009
$’000

 584 

 - 

 584 

11  Current assets - Receivables

Net trade receivables

Trade debtors

Provision for impairment of receivables (note (a))

Loans to controlled entities

Other debtors

Consolidated

2010
$’000

 1,833 

 (319) 

 1,514 

 - 

 - 

 2,603 

 4,117 

2009
$’000

 2,078 

 (318) 

 1,760 

 (7) 

 (7) 

 2,877 

 4,630 

66

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

11  Current assets - Receivables (continued)

(a)  Impaired trade receivables

As at 30 June 2010 current trade receivables of the Group with a nominal value of $323,000 (2009 - $468,000) were impaired. The amount 
of the provision was $319,000 (2009 - $318,000). The individually impaired receivables mainly relate to debtors which have been outstanding 
for more than 90 days. It has been assessed that a portion of these receivables are expected to be recovered.

The ageing of these receivables is as follows:

1 to 3 months

3 to 6 months

Movements in the provision for impairment of receivables are as follows:

At 1 July

Provision for impairment recognised during the year

Receivables written off during the year as uncollectible

Bad debts recovered

Unused amount reversed

Consolidated

2009
$’000

 - 

 468 

 468 

Consolidated

2009
$’000

 690 

 85 

 - 

 - 

 (457) 

 318 

2010
$’000

 - 

 323 

 323 

2010
$’000

 318 

 13 

 (15) 

 45 

 (42) 

 319 

The creation and release of the provision for impaired receivables has been included in ‘other expenses’ in the income statement. Amounts 
charged to the allowance account are generally written off when there is no expectation of recovering additional cash.

The other classes within trade and other receivables do not contain impaired assets and are not past due. Based on the credit history of 
these other classes, it is expected that these amounts will be received when due. The Group does not hold any collateral in relation to 
these receivables.

(b) Past due but not impaired

As of 30 June 2010, trade receivables of the Group of $218,000 (2009 - $291,000) were past due but not impaired. These relate to a number 
of independent customers for whom there is no recent history of default. 

The ageing analysis of these trade receivables is as follows: 

Up to 3 months

3 to 6 months

Consolidated

2010
$’000

 218 

 - 

 218 

2009
$’000

 291 

 - 

 291 

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

67

Notes to the Financial Statements
for the year ended 30 June 2010

11  Current assets - Receivables (continued)

(c)  Other receivables

These amounts relate to accrued revenue and rental bonds.

(d)  Interest rate risk

The Company’s exposure to interest rate risk and the effective weighted average interest rate by maturity periods is set out in the 
following tables.

2010

Trade receivables

Other receivables

Purchased Debt

Cash & cash equivalents

Weighted average interest rate (%)

2009

Trade receivables

Other receivables

Purchased debt

Cash & cash equivalents

Weighted average interest rate

(e)  Foreign exchange and interest rate risk

Floating interest 
rate
$’000

 - 

 - 

 - 

 455 

 455 

 4.8% 

Floating interest 
rate
$’000

 - 

 - 

 - 

 579 

 579 

 6.0% 

Non- 
interest 
bearing
$’000

 1,514 

 2,603 

Total
$’000

 1,514 

 2,603 

 146,485 

 146,485 

 4 

 459 

 150,606 

 151,061 

 - % 

Non- 
interest 
bearing
$’000

 1,760 

 2,877 

Total
$’000

 1,760 

 2,877 

 146,916 

 146,916 

 5 

 584 

 151,558 

 152,137 

 - % 

Information about the Company’s exposure to foreign currency risk and interest rate risk in relation to trade and other receivables is 
provided in note 2.

(f)  Fair value and credit risk

Due to the short-term nature of these receivables, their carrying amount is assumed to approximate their fair value.

The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date is the carrying amount of each class of receivables mentioned above. Refer to 
note 2 for more information on the risk management policy of the Company and the credit quality of the entity’s trade receivables.

68

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

12  Other financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

The following table presents the group’s assets which are measured and recognised at fair value at 30 June 2010. The assets below are 
financial instruments which are classified as level 3 under the hierarchy set out in AASB 7 - Financial Instruments: Disclosures. Further 
details are set out in Note 2

Current and Non-Current

At beginning of year

Additions

Fair value gain / (loss)

At end of year

Other Financial Assets at fair value through Profit and Loss

The amount of the above financial assets are classified as follows:

Current

Non Current

Consolidated

2010
$’000

2009
$’000

 146,916 

 29,448 

 (29,879) 

 146,485 

 143,470 

 33,711 

 (30,265) 

 146,916 

Consolidated

2010
$’000

 146,485 

 146,485 

2009
$’000

 146,916 

 146,916 

Consolidated

2010
$’000

 35,234 

 111,251 

 146,485 

2009
$’000

 29,999 

 116,917 

 146,916 

Gains / (losses) in fair values of other financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are recorded in the income statement.

(a)  Risk exposure

Information about the Group’s exposure to credit risk, foreign exchange and price risk are provided in note 2.

13  Current assets - Other current assets

Other deposits

Prepayments

Consolidated

2010
$’000

 16 

 1,342 

 1,358 

2009
$’000

 16 

 980 

 996 

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

69

Notes to the Financial Statements
for the year ended 30 June 2010

14  Non-current assets - Property, plant and equipment

At 1 July 2008

Cost or fair value

Accumulated depreciation

Net book amount

Year 30 June 2009

Opening net book amount

Additions

Disposals

Impairment charge recognised in profit 
and loss

Reversal of Impairment charge in profit 
and loss

Depreciation charge

Transfers

Closing net book amount

At 30 June 2009

Cost or fair value

Accumulated depreciation

Net book amount

Year 30 June 2010

Opening net book amount

Additions

Disposals

Reversal of Impairment charge in profit 
and loss

Transfers to assets held for sale

Depreciation charge

Transfers

Closing net book amount

At 30 June 2010

Cost or fair value

Accumulated depreciation

Net book amount

Plant and 
equipment
$’000

Motor vehicles
$’000

Leasehold 
improvements
$’000

Leased plant & 
equipment
$’000

Work-in-progress
$’000

Total
$’000

 10,719 

 (8,871) 

 1,848 

 1,848 

 315 

 (395) 

 - 

 18 

 (679) 

 3,247 

 4,354 

 7,399 

 (3,045) 

 4,354 

 9 

 - 

 9 

 9 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 (2) 

 - 

 7 

 9 

 (2) 

 7 

 1,090 

 (217) 

 873 

 873 

 56 

 (1,647) 

 - 

 - 

 (245) 

 3,494 

 2,531 

 2,815 

 (284) 

 2,531 

 8 

 (6) 

 2 

 2 

 - 

 (2) 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 2 

 (2) 

 - 

 723 

 - 

 723 

 723 

 6,184 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 (6,883) 

 24 

 25 

 - 

 25 

 12,549 

 (9,094) 

 3,455 

 3,455 

 6,555 

 (2,044) 

 - 

 18 

 (926) 

 (142) 

 6,916 

 10,250 

 (3,333) 

 6,917 

Plant and 
equipment
$’000

Motor vehicles
$’000

Leasehold 
improvements
$’000

Leased plant & 
equipment
$’000

Work-in-progress
$’000

Total
$’000

 4,354 

 876 

 (81) 

 - 

 - 

 (943) 

 - 

 4,206 

 7,902 

 (3,696) 

 4,206 

 7 

 - 

 (5) 

 - 

 - 

 (2) 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 2,531 

 35 

 (3) 

 - 

 - 

 (266) 

 - 

 2,297 

 2,844 

 (547) 

 2,297 

 2 

 - 

 (2) 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 2 

 (2) 

 - 

 25 

 618 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 (574) 

 69 

 69 

 - 

 69 

 6,919 

 1,529 

 (91) 

 - 

 - 

 (1,211) 

 (574) 

 6,572 

 10,817 

 (4,245) 

 6,572 

(a) Non-current assets pledged as security

Refer to note 21 for information on non-current assets pledged as security by the Company.

70

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

15  Non-current assets - Deferred tax assets 

The balance comprises temporary differences attributable to:

Tax losses 

Accruals

Future deductible windup costs

Doubtful debts

Provisions and employee benefits

Fixed assets

Sundry

Set-off of deferred tax liabilities pursuant to set-off provisions (note 22)

Net deferred tax assets

Movements:

Opening balance at 1 July

Change on adoption of AASB 132 and AASB 139 (note 1)

Credited/(charged) to the preliminary income statement (note 8)

Closing balance at 30 June

2010
$’000

2009
$’000

 152 

 262 

 343 

 97 

 813 

 - 

 55 

 1,722 

 (1,722) 

 - 

 2,096 

 - 

 (374) 

 1,722 

 - 

 194 

 623 

 95 

 710 

 43 

 431 

 2,096 

 (2,096) 

 - 

 3,505 

 - 

 (1,409) 

 2,096 

Movements - Consolidated

At 1 July 2008

(Charged)/credited

- to profit or loss

At 30 June 2009

Movements - Consolidated

At 1 July 2008

(Charged)/credited

- to profit or loss

At 30 June 2009

Movements - Consolidated

At 30 June 2009

(Charged)/credited

- to profit or loss

At 30 June 2010

Movements - Consolidated

At 30 June 2009

(Charged)/credited

- to profit or loss

At 30 June 2010

Tax losses
$’000

Employee benefits
$’000

Doubtful Debts
$’000

Fixed Assets
$’000

Receivables 
impairment & 
accruals
$’000

Future deductible 
windup costs
$’000

 - 

 - 

 - 

Sundry
$’000

 863 

 (432) 

 431 

 713 

 200 

 320 

 475 

 934 

 (105) 

 95 

 (277) 

 43 

 (281) 

 194 

 (311) 

 623 

 (3) 

 710 

Total
$’000

 3,505 

 (1,409) 

 2,096 

Tax losses
$’000

Employee benefits
$’000

Doubtful Debts
$’000

Fixed assets
$’000

Receivables 
impairment & 
accruals
$’000

Future deductible 
windup costs
$’000

 95 

 - 

 2 

 97 

 43 

 - 

 (43) 

 - 

 194 

 - 

 68 

 262 

 623 

 - 

 (280) 

 343 

 - 

 - 

 152 

 152 

Sundry
$’000

 431 

 - 

 (376) 

 55 

 710 

 - 

 103 

 813 

Total
$’000

 2,096 

 - 

 (374) 

 1,722 

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

71

Notes to the Financial Statements
for the year ended 30 June 2010

16  Non-current assets - Intangible assets

At 1 July 2008

Cost

Accumulated amortisation and impairment

Net book amount

Year ended 30 June 2009

Opening net book amount

Additions

Impairment charge

Amortisation charge

Disposals

Closing net book amount

At 30 June 2009

Cost

Accumulated amortisation and impairment

Net book amount

Year 30 June 2010

Opening net book amount

Additions - internal development

Impairment charge

Amortisation charge

Disposals

Transfers

Goodwill
$’000

Computer software
$’000

Other intangible 
assets
$’000

Work-in-progress 
- Cost *
$’000

Total
$’000

 28,026 

 (9,729) 

 18,297 

 18,297 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 (6) 

 - 

 18,291 

 28,027 

 (9,737) 

 18,290 

 6,194 

 (4,267) 

 1,927 

 1,927 

 222 

 - 

 (735) 

 - 

 722 

 2,136 

 7,138 

 (5,002) 

 2,136 

 1,005 

 (970) 

 35 

 35 

 34 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 69 

 1,039 

 (970) 

 69 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 41 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 35,225 

 (14,966) 

 20,259 

 20,259 

 297 

 - 

 (735) 

 (6) 

 722 

 41 

 20,537 

 41 

 - 

 41 

 36,245 

 (15,709) 

 20,536 

Goodwill
$’000

Computer software
$’000

Other intangible 
assets
$’000

Work-in-progress 
- Cost *
$’000

 18,290 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 2,136 

 170 

 - 

 (785) 

 - 

 - 

 69 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

Total
$’000

 20,536 

 2,053 

 - 

 (785) 

 - 

 (19) 

 21,785 

 37,762 

 (15,976) 

 21,786 

 41 

 1,883 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 (19) 

 1,905 

 1,905 

 - 

 1,905 

Closing net book amount

 18,290 

 1,521 

 69 

At 30 June 2010

Cost

Accumulated amortisation and impairment

Net book amount

 28,030 

 (9,739) 

 18,291 

 7,308 

 (5,787) 

 1,521 

 519 

 (450) 

 69 

* Work-in-progress includes capitalised development costs of an internally generated intangible asset which is under development.

72

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

16  Non-current assets - Intangible assets (continued)

(a)  Impairment tests for goodwill

Goodwill is allocated to the Company's cash generating units (CGUs) identified according to business segment.

A segment level summary of the goodwill allocation is presented below.

2010

Goodwill

2009

Goodwill

Collection Services 
$'000

Account asset 
management 
$'000

18,291

18,291

-

-

Collection Services 
$'000

Account asset 
management 
$'000

18,291

18,291

-

-

Total 
$'000

18,291

18,291

Total 
$'000

18,291

18,291

The recoverable amount of a CGU is determined based on value-in-use calculations. These calculations use cash flow projections based on 
financial budgets approved by management covering a five year period. Cash flows are not extrapolated beyond five years. The growth rate 
does not exceed the long-term average growth rate for the business in which the CGU operates.

There is no goodwill associated with the Account asset management CGU.

(b)  Key assumptions used for value-in-use calculations

CGU

Collection services

Account asset management

Growth rate (revenue)*

Growth rate (expenses) **

Discount rate ***

30 June 
2010 
%

0.00

0.00

30 June 
2009 
%

0.00

0.00

30 June 
2010 
%

2.90

2.90

30 June 
2009 
%

2.75

2.75

30 June 
2010 
%

5.08

5.08

30 June 
2009 
%

5.08

5.08

* 

 Revenue growth has been set at Nil for the period of the calculation to minimise the risk of overstating the Valueinuse.

**   Expense growth rate has been set at the current inflation rate for the period of the calculation.

***  In performing the value-in-use calculations for each CGU, the Company has applied post-tax discount rates to discount the forecast 

future attributable post-tax cash flows. The equivalent pre-tax discount rates are disclosed above. 

These assumptions have been used for the analysis of each CGU within the business segment. Management determined the operational 
budget based on past performance and its expectations for the future. The growth rates used reflect management expectations and are 
consistent with forecast inflation as published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The discount rates used is based upon the risk free 
rate adjusted to reflect specific risks relating to the relevant segments in which they operate.

Considering the current uncertainties surrounding the Government's proposed emissions trading scheme, the entity has not made any 
adjustments to their future estimated cash outflows for any possible impact from the introduction of such a scheme.

(c)  Impairment charge

As a result of the impairment evaluation, the carrying value of intangible assets does not exceed their value-in-use, and no impairment 
charge was required (2009: Nil).

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

73

Notes to the Financial Statements
for the year ended 30 June 2010

16  Non-current assets - Intangible assets (continued)

(d)  Impact of possible changes in key assumptions 

Collection services

There is a substantial margin between the calculated Value-in-use and the carrying value of all assets within the CGU. If the risk-free rate 
used in the value-in-use calculation had been 10% at 30 June 2010 rather than 5.08%, there would have been no impact on the resulting 
impairment evaluation. Because of the large excess of fair value over carrying value, at no reasonable risk free rate is there a impairment 
issue for the CGU.

If the estimated revenue growth is increased to 4.00% and expenses growth held at 2.90%, there is no impact on the resulting impairment 
evaluation. If the revenue growth rate is decreased to -2.00% (i.e. declining revenue) and expense growth is set at 2.00%, there is no impact 
on the resulting impairment evaluation. To reflect the company’s current practice of managing revenue and expenses simultaneously, 
growth in revenue and growth in expenses has been considered together rather than in isolation.

17  Non-current assets - Other non-current assets

Consolidated

2010
$’000

 4,509 

 (4,332) 

 177 

Consolidated

2010
$’000

 1,564 

 2,524 

 4,088 

2010
$’000

 601 

 601 

 601 

Consolidated

2009
$’000

 3,929 

 (3,700) 

 229 

2009
$’000

 1,979 

 2,643 

 4,622 

2009
$’000

 - 

 - 

 - 

Legal and court costs capitalised

Legal & Court costs - accumulated amortisation

18 Current liabilities - Payables 

Trade creditors

Other creditors and accruals

(a) Risk exposure

Information about the Company’s exposure to foreign exchange risk is provided in note 2.

19 Current liabilities - Borrowings

Secured

Bank overdraft

Total secured current borrowings

Total current borrowings

Further information relating to Borrowings is set out in note 21.

74

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

20  Current liabilities - Provisions

Provisions - Employee benefits

Restructuring 2009

Provisions - Other

(a)  Movements in provisions

Consolidated

2010
$’000

 2,054 

 - 

 41 

2009
$’000

 1,950 

 50 

 - 

 2,095 

 2,000 

Movements in each class of provision during the financial year, other than employee benefits, are set out below:

2010 
Current

Carrying amount at start of year

- additional provisions recognised

- amounts incurred and charged

Carrying amount at end of year

2009 
Current

Carrying amount at start of year

- additional provisions recognised

- amounts incurred and charged

- unused amounts reversed

Carrying amount at end of year

21  Non-current liabilities - Borrowings

Secured

Secured - Bank loans

Total secured non-current borrowings

Unsecured

Total unsecured non-current borrowings

Total non-current borrowings

Restructuring 
2009
$’000

Provisions - Other
$’000

 50 

 - 

 (50) 

 - 

 - 

 41 

 - 

 41 

Restructuring 
2008
$’000

Restructuring 
2009
$’000

 1,016 

 399 

 (1,117) 

 (298) 

 - 

 - 

 554 

 - 

 (504) 

 50 

Consolidated

2010
$’000

 66,900 

 66,900 

2009
$’000

 69,700 

 69,700 

 - 

 - 

 66,900 

 69,700 

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

75

Notes to the Financial Statements
for the year ended 30 June 2010

21  Non-current liabilities - Borrowings (continued)

(a) Total secured liabilities 

The total secured liabilities (current and non-current) are as follows:

Bank overdrafts and bank loans

Total secured liabilities

(b) Secured liabilities and assets pledged as security

The total secured liabilities (current and non-current) are as follows:

Bank overdrafts and bank loans

Total secured liabilities

Consolidated

2010
$’000

 67,501 

 67,501 

2009
$’000

 69,700 

 69,700 

Consolidated

2010
$’000

 67,501 

 67,501 

2009
$’000

 69,700 

 69,700 

All bank loans and overdraft are denominated in Australian dollars and are secured by a fixed and floating charge over all of the assets and 
uncalled capital of the parent entity and certain of its controlled entities. 

Other loans are secured by a fixed and floating charge over the assets of a controlled entity.

The carrying amounts of assets pledged as security for current and non-current borrowings are:

Current

Floating charge

Cash and cash equivalents

Receivables

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

Total current assets pledged as security

Non-current

Floating charge

Plant and equipment

Total non-current assets pledged as security

Total assets pledged as security

Notes

10

11

12

14

Consolidated

2010
$’000

2009
$’000

 459 

 4,117 

 146,485 

 151,061 

 584 

 4,630 

 146,916 

 152,130 

 6,572 

 6,572 

 6,917 

 6,917 

 157,633 

 159,047 

76

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

 
 
 
 
21  Non-current liabilities - Borrowings (continued)

(c)  Fair value

The carrying amounts and fair values of borrowings at the end of reporting period are:

Group

On-balance sheet (i)

Non‑traded financial liabilities

Bank overdrafts

Bank loans

At 30 June 2010

At 30 June 2009

Carrying amount
$’000

Fair value
$’000

Carrying amount
$’000

Fair value
$’000

 601 

 66,900 

 67,501 

 67,501 

 601 

 66,900 

 67,501 

 67,501 

 - 

 69,700 

 69,700 

 69,700 

 - 

 69,700 

 69,700 

 69,700 

As noted, none of the classes of liabilities are readily traded on organised markets in standardised form.

(i) On-balance sheet

The fair value of current borrowings equals their carrying amount. The facility is structured as a series of loan instruments which are 
renewed on a regular basis with terms of less than six months, and the impact of discounting on such instruments is not material. The 
overall facility is classified as non-current.

(d) Risk exposures

Information about the entity’s exposure to interest rate and foreign currency changes is provided in note 2.

For an analysis of the sensitivity of borrowings to interest rate risk and foreign exchange risk refer to note 2.

22  Non-current liabilities - Deferred tax liabilities

The balance comprises temporary differences attributable to:

Prepayments

Purchased debt

Fixed Assets 

Sundry

Set-off of deferred tax liabilities pursuant to set-off provisions (note 15)

Net deferred tax liabilities

Consolidated

2010
$’000

2009
$’000

 7 

 4 

 15,871 

 16,384 

 92 

 (29) 

 15,941 

 (1,722) 

 14,219 

 - 

 427 

 16,815 

 (2,096) 

 14,719 

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

77

Notes to the Financial Statements
for the year ended 30 June 2010

22  Non-current liabilities - Deferred tax liabilities (continued)

Movements:

Opening balance at 1 July

Charged/(credited) to the preliminary income statement (note 8)

Closing balance at 30 June

Property, plant 
and equipment
$’000

Prepayments
$’000

Purchased debt
$’000

Intangibles
$’000

 11 

 (11) 

 - 

 6 

 (2) 

 4 

 20,873 

 (4,489) 

 16,384 

 43 

 (43) 

 - 

Property, plant 
and equipment
$’000

Prepayments
$’000

Purchased debt
$’000

Intangibles
$’000

 - 

 92 

 92 

 4 

 3 

 7 

 16,384 

 (548) 

 15,836 

 - 

 - 

 - 

Movements - Consolidated

At 1 July 2008

- to profit or loss

At 30 June 2009

Movements - Consolidated

At 30 June 2009

- to profit or loss

At 30 June 2010

23 Non-current liabilities - Provisions

Provisions - Employee benefits

24  Employee benefits

(a)  Superannuation plans

Consolidated

2010
$’000

 16,815 

 (871) 

 15,944 

Other
$’000

 - 

 427 

 427 

Other
$’000

 427 

 (418) 

2009
$’000

 20,933 

 (4,118) 

 16,815 

Total
$’000

 20,933 

 (4,118) 

 16,815 

Total
$’000

 16,815 

 (871) 

 9 

 15,944 

Consolidated

2010
$’000

 337 

 337 

2009
$’000

 211 

 211 

All employees are entitled to varying levels of benefits on retirement, disability or death. The superannuation plans provide accumulated 
benefits. Employees contribute to the plans at various percentages of their wages and salaries. Where there is a legal requirement the 
Company contributes the appropriate statutory percentage of employees salaries and wages.

78

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

25  Contributed equity

(a) Share capital
Ordinary shares

Fully paid

Total contributed equity

(b) Movements in ordinary share capital:

Issues of ordinary shares during the year

Date

1 July 2008

30 June 2009

1 July 2009

30 June 2010

(c)  Ordinary shares

Company

Company

2010
Shares

2009
Shares

2010
$’000

2009
$’000

 97,321,881 

 97,321,881 

 97,321,881 

 97,321,881 

 67,256 

 67,256 

 67,256 

 67,256 

 67,256 

 67,256 

Details

Number of shares

$’000

Opening balance

Closing balance

Opening balance

Closing balance

 97,321,881 

 97,321,881 

 97,321,881 

 97,321,881 

 67,256 

 67,256 

 67,256 

 67,256 

Ordinary shares entitle the holder to participate in dividends and the proceeds on winding up of the company in proportion to the number of 
and amounts paid on the shares held. 

On a show of hands every holder of ordinary shares present at a meeting in person or by proxy, is entitled to one vote, and upon a poll each 
share is entitled to one vote.

(d)  Employee share scheme

Information relating to the employee share scheme, including details of shares issued under the scheme, is set out in note 35.

(e)  Options

Information relating to options provided as part of the the MD/CEO remuneration package and options provided under the Collection House 
Executive Share Option Plan, including details of options issued, exercised and lapsed during the financial year and options outstanding at 

the end of the financial year, is set out in note 35.

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

79

Notes to the Financial Statements
for the year ended 30 June 2010

25  Contributed equity (continued)

(f)  Capital risk management

The Group’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard their ability to continue as a going concern, and to provide adequate 
returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders.

“Capital” includes all funding provided under the group’s funding facility (net of cash balances for which a right of offset is held) plus Equity 
as shown in the balance sheet.

In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may:

•	

draw down or repay debt funding;

•	

adjust the amount of dividends paid to shareholders;

•	

negotiate new or additional facilities or cancel existing ones; 

•	

return capital to shareholders or issue new shares or 

•	

sell assets to reduce debt.

The Group manages capital to ensure that the goals of continuing as a going concern, and the provision of acceptable stakeholder returns 
are met.

Arrangements with the group’s financier are in place to ensure that there is sufficient undrawn credit available to meet unforeseen 
circumstances should they arise. Financing facilities are renegotiated on a regular basis to ensure that they are sufficient for the 
company’s projected growth plus a buffer. As far as possible, asset purchases are funded from operational cashflow, allowing undrawn 
balances to be maintained. Cash is monitored on a daily basis to ensure that immediate and short term requirements can be met. By 
maintaining a buffer of undrawn funds, the company reduces the risk of liquidity and going concern issues.

Management of mix between debt and equity impacts the company’s Cost of Capital and hence ability to provide returns to stakeholders, 
primarily the funding institutions and shareholders. The company maintains its debt-to-equity mix in accordance with its immediate needs 
and forecasts at any point in time. Effective management of the capital structure maximises profit and hence franked dividend returns 
to shareholders.

When additional funding is required, it is sourced from either debt or equity, depending upon management’s evaluation as to which is the 
most appropriate at that point in time.

The financing facility includes all funding provided by the group’s main banker. Details of financing facilities are set out in note 2.

Quantitative analyses are conducted by management using contributed equity balances shown above together with the drawn and undrawn 
loan balances disclosed in note 2(c).

As part of the financing facility, the company is required to monitor a number of financial indicators as specified by the financier. The group 
monitors the indicators on a monthly basis and reports to the funding provider every six months. The company has materially met these 
covenant at all times during the year.

This strategy was followed during both the 2010 and 2009 financial years.

80

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

26  Reserves and retained earnings

(a) Reserves
Share-based payments reserve

Foreign currency translation reserve

Movements:

Share-based payments reserve

Balance 1 July

Option expense

Balance 30 June

Movements:

Foreign currency translation reserve

Balance 1 July

Net investment hedge

Currency translation differences arising during the year

Balance 30 June

(b) Retained earnings
Movements in retained earnings were as follows:

Balance 1 July

Opening balance adjustment

Net profit for the year

Dividends

Adjustment on adoption of accounting standard *

Balance 30 June

Consolidated

2010
$’000

 1,050 

 (756) 

 294 

2009
$’000

 878 

 (707) 

 171 

Consolidated

2010
$’000

2009
$’000

 878 

 172 

 1,050 

 475 

 403 

 878 

Consolidated

2010
$’000

2009
$’000

 (707) 

 (794) 

 (49) 

 (756) 

 87 

 (707) 

Consolidated

2010
$’000

 20,533 

 121 

 8,923 

 (5,255) 

 - 

 24,322 

2009
$’000

 18,665 

 - 

 7,854 

 (4,671) 

 (1,315) 

 20,533 

* 

 As noted in the 2009 Annual Report , the group adopted changes to AASB 127 and AASB 3 with effect from 1 July 2008. In accordance 
with those standards, the Minority Interest in Equity was transferred directly to Retained Earnings on disposal of the Minority Interest in 
the Group.

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

81

 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements
for the year ended 30 June 2010

26  Reserves and retained earnings (continued)

(c)  Nature and purpose of reserves

(i)  Share-based payments reserve

The share based payments reserve is used to recognise the fair value of options issued to employees but not exercised.

(ii)  Foreign currency translation reserve

Exchange differences arising on translation of the foreign operations are recognised in other comprehensive income as described in note 
1(d) and accumulated in a separate reserve within equity. The cumulative amount is reclassified to profit or loss when the net investment is 
disposed of.

27  Dividends

(a)  Ordinary shares
Fully franked final dividend for the year ended 30 June 2009 - 2.6 cents per share (2008 - 2.5 cents)

Fully franked interim dividend for the year ended 30 June 2010 - 2.8 cents per share (2009: 2.3 cents) 

Dividends paid in cash during the years ended 30 June 2010 and 2009 were as follows:

Paid in cash

(b)  Dividends not recognised at year end
In addition to the above dividends, since year end the directors have recommended the payment of a 
fully franked final dividend of 3.0 cents per fully paid ordinary share (2009 - 2.6 cents, fully franked). 
The aggregate amount of the proposed dividend expected to be paid on 26 November 2010 out of 
retained profits and a positive net balance sheet at 30 June 2010, but not recognised as a liability at 
year end, is

Company

Company

Company

30 June
2010
$’000

 2,530 

 2,725 

 5,255 

30 June
2010
$’000

 5,255 

 5,255 

30 June
2010
$’000

30 June
2009
$’000

 2,433 

 2,238 

 4,671 

30 June
2009
$’000

 4,671 

 4,671 

30 June
2009
$’000

 2,920 

 2,920 

 2,530 

 2,530 

82

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

 
 
27  Dividends (continued)

(c)  Franked dividends

The franked portions of the final dividends recommended after 30 June 2010 will be franked out of existing franking credits or out of 
franking credits arising from the payment of income tax in the year ending 30 June 2011.

The financial effect of this dividend has not been brought to account in the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2010 and will be 
recognised in subsequent financial reports.

Franking credits available for subsequent financial years based on a tax rate of 30% (2009 - 30%)

Consolidated

30 June
2010
$’000

 47 

 47 

30 June
2009
$’000

 - 

 - 

The above amounts represent the balance of the franking account as at the reporting date, adjusted for:

(a)  franking credits that will arise from the payment of the amount of the provision for income tax,

(b)  franking debits that will arise from the payment of dividends recognised as a liability at the reporting date, 

(c)  franking credits that will arise from the receipt of dividends recognised as receivables at the reporting date, and

(d)  franking credits that may be prevented from being distributed in subsequent financial years.

The consolidated amounts include franking credits that would be available to the parent entity if distributable profits of subsidiaries were 
paid as dividends.

The impact on the franking account of the dividend recommended by the directors since year end, but not recognised as a liability at year 
end, will be a reduction in the franking account of $1,251,000 (2009: $1,084,000).

The ability to utilise the franking credits is dependent upon there being sufficient available profits to declare dividends.

28  Key management personnel disclosures

(a)  Directors

The following persons were directors of Collection House Limited during the financial year:

(i)  Chairman - non-executive director

J.M. Pearce

(ii)  Executive directors

A.R. Aveling – Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (retired 31 July 2010)

(iii)  Non-executive directors

D. G. Punches

A. F. Coutts

W. W. Kagel

K. J. Daly (appointed 30 October 2009)

B. E. Adams (Lead independent director) (retired 30 October 2009)

D. B. Connelly (retired 30 October 2009)

W. L. Hiller (retired 30 October 2009)

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

83

Notes to the Financial Statements
for the year ended 30 June 2010

28  Key management personnel disclosures (continued)

(b)  Key management personnel

The following persons had authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Group, directly or 
indirectly, during the financial year:

Name

Position

Employer

Tony Aveling

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (retired 31 July 2010)

Collection House Limited

Matthew Thomas

Chief Operating Officer (appointed Chief Executive Officer 1 August 2010)

Collection House Limited

Adrian Ralston

Chief Financial Officer

Michael Watkins

General Counsel and Company Secretary

Kylie Lynam

General Manager - Human Resources

Michael Voysey

Chief Marketing Officer

Collection House Limited

Collection House Limited

Collection House Limited

Collection House Limited

All of the above persons (except Michael Voysey) were also key management persons during the year ended 30 June 2009.

Michael Voysey was employed as the Chief Marketing Officer from 16 September 2009 to 16 July 2010.

(c)  Key management personnel compensation

Short-term employee benefits

Post-employment benefits

Share-based payments

Consolidated

30 June
2010
$

30 June
2009
$

 2,655,509 

 2,455,061 

 224,878 

 139,275 

 204,609 

 328,552 

 3,019,662 

 2,988,222 

Detailed remuneration disclosures are provided in sections A-D of the remuneration report on pages 26 to 31.

(d)  Equity instrument disclosures relating to key management personnel

(i)  Options provided as remuneration

Details of options over ordinary shares in the Company provided as remuneration to each director of Collection House Limited and each 
of the five specified executives of the Company are set out below. When exercisable, each option is convertible into one ordinary share of 
Collection House Limited. Further information on the options is set out in note 35.

(ii)  Options provided as remuneration and shares issued on exercise of such options

Details of options provided as remuneration and shares issued on the exercise of such options, together with terms and conditions of the 
options, can be found in section D of the remuneration report .

84

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

M. Thomas

A. Ralston

M. Watkins

K. Lynam

2009
Name

28  Key management personnel disclosures (continued)

(d)  Equity instrument disclosures relating to key management personnel (continued)

(iii)  Option holdings

The numbers of options over ordinary shares in the Company held during the financial year by each director of Collection House Limited 
and other key management personnel of the Company, including their personally related parties, are set out below.

2010
Name

Balance at start 
of the year

Granted as 
compensation

Exercised

Other changes

Balance at end of 
the year

Vested and 
exercisable

Unvested

Directors of Collection House Limited

A. Aveling

4,000,000

Other key management personnel of the Company

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

4,000,000

400,000

3,600,000

500,000

400,000

425,000

275,000

50,000

40,000

40,000

25,000

450,000

360,000

385,000

250,000

500,000

400,000

425,000

275,000

Balance at start 
of the year

Granted as 
compensation

Exercised

Other changes

Balance at end of 
the year

Vested and 
exercisable

Unvested

Directors of Collection House Limited

A. Aveling

2,000,000

2,000,000

Other key management personnel of the Company

M. Thomas

A. Ralston

M. Watkins

K. Lynam

250,000

200,000

200,000

125,000

250,000

200,000

225,000

150,000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

4,000,000

400,000

3,600,000

500,000

400,000

425,000

275,000

50,000

40,000

40,000

25,000

450,000

360,000

385,000

250,000

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

85

Notes to the Financial Statements
for the year ended 30 June 2010

28  Key management personnel disclosures (continued)

(d)  Equity instrument disclosures relating to key management personnel (continued)

(iv)  Share holdings

The numbers of shares in the Company held during the financial year by each director of Collection House Limited and other key 
management personnel of the Group, including their personally related parties, are set out below. There were no shares issued under the 
terms of the Employee Share Plan during the reporting period as compensation.

2010
Name

Directors of Collection House Limited 
Ordinary shares

John Pearce

Dennis Punches

Tony Coutts

Bill Kagel

Kerry Daly (as at date of appointment, 30 October 2009)

Tony Aveling

Barrie Adams *

Barry Connelly *

Bill Hiller *

Other key management personnel of the Company
Ordinary shares

M. Thomas

A. Ralston

M. Watkins

K. Lynam

Balance at the 
start of the year

Received during 
the year on the 
exercise of options

Other changes 
during the year

Balance at the end 
of the year

11,416,130

17,857,384

4,464,600

951,269

90,000

449,400

-

77,143

93,000

102,000

-

25,000

11,000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

44,885

50,000

-

-

50,000

55,600

-

-

(43,000)

11,461,015

17,907,384

4,464,600

951,269

140,000

505,000

-

77,143

50,000

-

-

-

-

102,000

-

25,000

11,000

* Barrie Adams, Barry Connelly, and Bill Hiller retired from the Collection House Limited Board effective 30th October 2009.

86

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

28  Key management personnel disclosures (continued)

(d)  Equity instrument disclosures relating to key management personnel (continued)

2009
Name

Directors of Collection House Limited 
Ordinary shares

John Pearce

Dennis Punches

Tony Aveling

Barrie Adams

Tony Coutts

Barry Connelly

Bill Hiller

Bill Kagel

Other key management personnel of the Company 
Ordinary shares

M. Thomas

A. Ralston

M. Watkins

K. Lynam

Balance at the 
start of the year

Received during 
the year on the 
exercise of options

Other changes 
during the year

Balance at the end 
of the year

11,816,130

14,150,101

226,400

-

4,164,600

20,000

43,000

551,269

102,000

-

25,000

11,000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(400,000)

11,416,130

3,707,283

17,857,384

223,000

449,400

-

-

300,000

4,464,600

57,143

50,000

400,000

-

-

-

-

77,143

93,000

951,269

102,000

-

25,000

11,000

(e)  Loans to key management personnel

Details of loans made to directors of Collection House Limited and other key management personnel of the Company, including their 
personally related parties, are set out below.

(i)  Aggregates for key management personnel

Group

2010

2009

Balance at the start of 
the year
$

Interest paid and 
payable for the year
$

Interest not charged
$

Balance at the end of 
the year
$

Number in Company at 
the end of the year

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(ii) 

Individuals with loans above $100,000 during the financial year

No individual’s aggregate loan balance exceeded $100,000 at any time during the financial year. 
In 2009, there were no loans to individuals that exceeded $100,000 at any time.

(f)  Other transactions with key management personnel

No payments were made to directors or other key management personnel other than as appropriate payments for performance of their 
duties as directors.

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

87

Notes to the Financial Statements
for the year ended 30 June 2010

29  Remuneration of auditors

During the year the following fees were paid or payable for services provided by the auditor of the parent entity, its related practices and 
non-related audit firms:

Consolidated

30 June
2010
$

 137,000 

 82,000 

 219,000 

30 June
2009
$

 137,000 

 82,050 

 219,050 

Audit services

Audit and review of financial reports

Audit-related services

Total auditors’ remuneration

30  Contingencies

(a)  Contingent liabilities

The Company had contingent liabilities at 30 June 2010 in respect of:

Claims

There were no claims of a material nature during this period.

Guarantees

(a)   Bank guarantees (secured) exist in respect of satisfactory contract performance in the normal course of business for the Group 

amounting to $1,449,478 (2009: $1,449,478) which includes a bank guarantee for the fitout of the new Head Office premisies at Green 
Square North Tower of $1,002,218 (2009: $1,002,218).

(b)   On 29 October 2002, the parent entity and certain of its subsidiaries entered into an Interlocking Debt and Interest Guarantee which is 

supported by a Fixed and Floating charge over all of the assets and uncalled capital of those entities.

These guarantees may give rise to liabilities in the Group if the associates do not meet their obligations under the terms of the contracts 
subject to the guarantees.

No material losses are anticipated in respect of any of the above contingent liabilities.

88

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

31  Commitments

(a)  Capital commitments

Capital expenditure contracted for at the reporting date but not recognised as liabilities is as follows:

Other financial assets at fair value through the Profit and Loss

Payable:

Within one year

Later than one year but not later than five years

Later than five years

(i)  Non-cancellable operating leases

Consolidated

2010
$’000

2009
$’000

 30,000 

 29,250 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 30,000 

 29,250 

The Company leases its offices under non-cancellable operating leases expiring at various times during the next eight years. The leases 
have varying terms, escalation clauses and renewal rights. On renewal, the terms of the leases are renegotiated.

Commitments for minimum lease payments in relation to non-cancellable operating 
leases are payable as follows:

Within one year

Later than one year but not later than five years

Later than five years

32  Related party transactions

(a)  Group companies 

Consolidated

2010
$’000

2009
$’000

 3,679 

 10,601 

 2,474 

 16,754 

 4,066 

 9,002 

 4,149 

 17,217 

Details of the parent company, the ultimate parent company and interests in subsidiaries are set out in note 33.

(b)  Key management personnel

Disclosures relating to key management personnel are set out in note 28.

(c)  Other transactions with key management personnel or entities related to them

No other transactions were made to key management personnel or entities related to them other than as appropriate payments for 
performance of their duties.

(d)  Transactions with other related parties

The classes of non director-related parties are:

•	

wholly owned controlled entities;

•	

directors of related parties and their director-related entities.

Transactions

There were no transactions with non-wholly owned related parties. Transactions with wholly owned related parties are eliminated 
on consolidation.

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

89

Notes to the Financial Statements
for the year ended 30 June 2010

33  Subsidiaries

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the assets, liabilities and results of the following subsidiaries in accordance with the 
accounting policy described in note 1(b):

Name of entity

Parent and Ultimate Parent company:

Collection House Limited

Controlled entities - incorporated in Australia

ACN 007 279 129 Pty Ltd (formerly Countrywide Mercantile Credit Services Pty Ltd) **

ACN 010 920 411 Pty Ltd (formerly Australian Business Research Pty Ltd) **

Collection House ALR Pty Ltd **

Collective Learning and Development Pty Ltd

Jones King Lawyers Pty Ltd

Lion Finance Pty Ltd

Midstate Credit Management Services Pty Ltd

Controlled entities - incorporated in New Zealand

Collection House (NZ) Limited

Lion Finance Limited

1071066 Limited (formerly abr.nz Limited) **

The following Australian companies were voluntarily deregistered in 2009/2010 financial year:

ABR Publications Pty Ltd **

ACN 073 212 722 Pty Ltd (formerly National Revenue Corporation Pty Ltd) **

ACN 096 967 485 Pty Ltd (formerly known as Rapid Ratings Pty Ltd )(a wholly owned subsidiary of 
Collection House Business Diagnostics Pty Ltd) **

ACN 079 105 025 Pty Ltd (formerly National Tenancy Database Pty Ltd) **

Australian Corporate Reporting Pty Ltd **

Collection House Business Diagnostics Pty Ltd **

** These controlled entities have not traded during the financial year

Equity holding of ordinary shares

2010

%

2009

%

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

90

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
34  Earnings per share

(a) Basic earnings per share
Profit / (loss) from continuing operations attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the company

Profit / (loss) from discontinued operation

Total basic earnings per share attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the company

(b) Diluted earnings per share
Profit / (loss) from continuing operations attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the company

Profit / (loss) from discontinued operation

Total diluted earnings per share attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the company

(c) Reconciliations of earnings used in calculating earnings per share

Basic earnings per share

Profit attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the company used in calculating basic earnings 
per share

From continuing operations

From discontinued operation

Profit attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the company used in calculating basic earnings 
per share

Diluted earnings per share

Profit attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the company used in calculating diluted earnings 
per share

From continuing operations

From discontinued operation

Profit attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the company used in calculating diluted earnings 
per share

Consolidated

30 June
2010
Cents

30 June
2009
Cents

 9.2 

 - 

 9.2 

 9.1 

 - 

 9.1 

 7.9 

 0.2 

 8.1 

 7.9 

 0.2 

 8.1 

Consolidated

30 June
2010
$’000

30 June
2009
$’000

 8,923 

 - 

 8,923 

 7,700 

 154 

 7,854 

 8,923 

 - 

 8,923 

 7,700 

 154 

 7,854 

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

91

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements
for the year ended 30 June 2010

34  Earnings per share (continued)

(d)  Weighted average number of shares used as the denominator 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares used as the denominator in calculating basic earnings 
per share

Adjustments for calculation of diluted earnings per share:

Options

Weighted average number of ordinary shares and potential ordinary shares used as the 
denominator in calculating diluted earnings per share

(e)  Information concerning the classification of securities

(i)  Options

Consolidated

30 June
2010
Number

30 June
2009
Number

 97,321,881 

 97,321,881 

 946,286 

 - 

 98,268,167 

 97,321,881 

Options granted to employees under the Collection House Ltd Executive Share Option Plan are considered to be potential ordinary shares 
and have been included in the determination of diluted earnings per share to the extent to which they are dilutive. The options have not 
been included in the determination of basic earnings per share. Details relating to the options are set out in note 35.

35  Share-based payments

(a)  Share options for MD/CEO 

In February 2007, the Shareholders approved the issue of 2,000,000 share options in favour of the MD/CEO as part of his Employment 
Agreement. The full terms of the options are contained in the Notice of General Meeting announced to shareholders on 12 January 2007. A 
summary of these options is identified below as MD/CEO 1. 

In October 2008, the Shareholders approved the issue of a further 2,000,000 share options in favour of the MD/CEO as part of his varied 
employment agreement. The full terms of the options are contained in the Notice of General Meeting announced to shareholders on 19 
September 2008. A summary of these options is identified below as MD/CEO 2.

Exercise price

Earliest possible vesting date

MD/CEO 1 options

$1.0327

28 February 2009

MD/CEO 2 options

$0.4927

25 June 2011

Performance hurdles

Tranche

# of options

Qualifying Price

Tranche

# of options

Qualifying Price

1

2

3

4

5

400,000

400,000

400,000

400,000

400,000

0.00

1.25

1.50

1.75

2.00

1

2

3

4

5

400,000

400,000

400,000

400,000

400,000

0.60

0.70

0.80

0.90

1.00

92

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

35  Share-based payments (continued)

(a)  Share options for MD/CEO (continued)

MD/CEO 1 options

MD/CEO 2 options

Expiry date

The options will expire on:

•	

the business day after the expiration of three 

25 June 2013, subject to the following, in the 
event that:

(3) months, or any longer period determined 

(a)   the MD/CEO’s employment ceases due to 

by the Company after the MD/CEO ceases to 

be employed by the Company or a subsidiary 

of the Company;

•	

the MD/CEO ceasing to be employed by the 

Company or a subsidiary of the Company due 

to fraud or dishonesty; or

•	

28 February 2011.

genuine retirement, death, disablement, 
sickness or if the employment is terminated 
without cause, then the MD/CEO shall be 
entitled to options granted prior to the date of 
cessation and for which the vesting date has 
occurred or which subsequently occurs, prior 
to the expiry date.

(b)   the Company terminates the MD/CEO’s 

employment for poor performance (in the 
reasonable opinion of the Company), the MD/
CEO may only exercise within 12 months after 
the date of termination. All other options shall 
immediately lapse. 

(b)   the MD/CEO resigns or has employment 
terminated for cause, the MD/CEO may 
only exercise within 1 month of the date of 
termination those options which have vested 
prior to the date of termination or resignation. 
All other options shall immediately lapse. 

Exercise conditions

The options will vest on the later of:

The options will vest on the later of:

(a)   28 February 2009; and

•	

25 June 2011; and

(b)   in respect of 400, 000 options, the options 
will be exercisable with no qualifying price 
applying; and

(c)   in respect of the remaining 1,600,000 options, 
the options will only be exercisable, pro- rata, 
if and when the company’s share price 
reaches certain qualifying prices between 
$1.25 and $2.00.

•	

for each tranche of options, as follows:

(a)   In respect of the first tranche options, the 
date that the weighted average closing 
price shares over a 10 business day period 
(Qualifying Price) for the first tranche options 
(namely $0.60) is satisfied;

(b)   In respect of the second tranche options, 

the Qualifying Price for the second tranche 
options (namely $0.70) is satisfied;

(c)   In respect of the third tranche options, the 

Qualifying Price for the third tranche options 
(namely $0.80) is satisfied;

(d)   In respect of the fourth tranche options, the 

Qualifying Price for the fourth tranche options 
(namely $0.90) is satisfied; and

(e)   In respect of the fifth tranche options, the 

Qualifying Price for the fifth tranche options 
(namely $1.00) is satisfied.

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

93

Notes to the Financial Statements
for the year ended 30 June 2010

35  Share-based payments (continued)

(a)  Share options for MD/CEO (continued)

Exercise price

Grant date

Share price at grant date

Expected price volatility

Expected dividend yield

Risk free interest rate

MD/CEO 1 options

MD/CEO 2 options

$1.0327 per option

22 February 2007

$0.91

43.8%

3.29%

5.99%

$0.4927 per option

31 October 2008

$0.48

55.6%

9%

6.64%

The expected price volatility is usually based on the historic volatility (based on the remaining life of the options), adjusted for any expected 
changes to future volatility due to publicly available information.

The resulting valuation per option is as follows:

Tranche

MD/CEO 1 options

MD/CEO 2 options

1

2

3

4

5

$0.26881

$0.23054

$0.19578

$0.16085

$0.12945

$0.153

$0.152

$0.151

$0.148

$0.146

(b)  Executive Share Option Plan 

Participation in the Executive Share option Plan (ESOP) is determined by the MD/CEO, through Board approval. The MD/CEO prepares a list 
of executives and their proposed level of participation in the ESOP. The ESOP was approved by the Board and 1,250,000 options were issued 
to eligible senior employees on 15 June 2007. The options were submitted for shareholder ratification and approval at the Company’s 
Annual General Meeting in October 2007. A summary of these options is identified below as EXEC1. 

A further 1,437,500 options were issued to a number of eligible senior employees pursuant to the ESOP on 18 July 2008. A summary of 
these options is identified below as EXEC2. 

Future options may be issued pursuant to the ESOP with not only individual performance being considered, but also company performance 
hurdles to be achieved before options may be exercised.

Exercise price

EXEC1 options

$1.0327

Earliest possible vesting date

28 February 2009

EXEC2 options

$0.4927

25 June 2011

Performance hurdles

Tranche

no. of options Qualifying Price

Tranche

no. of options Qualifying Price

1

2

3

4

5

250,000

250,000

250,000

250,000

250,000

0.00

1.25

1.50

1.75

2.00

1

2

3

4

5

287,500

287,500

287,500

287,500

287,500

0.60

0.70

0.80

0.90

1.00

94

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

35  Share-based payments (continued)

(b)  Executive Share Option Plan (continued)

Exercise conditions

The options will vest on the later of:

The options will vest on the later of:

EXEC1 options

EXEC2 options

(a)  28 February 2009; and

•	

25 June 2011; and

(b)   in respect of 250, 000 options, the options 

will be exercisable, pro rata to each eligible 
employee respectively, with no qualifying 
price applying; and

(c)   in respect of the remaining 1,000,000 

options, the options will only be exercisable, 
pro-rata, if and when the company’s share 
price reaches certain qualifying prices 
between $1.25 and $2.00.

•	

for each tranche of options, as follows:

(a)   In respect of the first tranche options, the date 
that the weighted average closing price shares 
over a 10 business day period (Qualifying Price) 
for the first tranche options (namely $0.60) is 
satisfied;

(b)   In respect of the second tranche options, the 

Qualifying Price for the second tranche options 
(namely $0.70) is satisfied;

(c)   In respect of the third tranche options, the 

Qualifying Price for the third tranche options 
(namely $0.80) is satisfied;

(d)   In respect of the fourth tranche options, the 

Qualifying Price for the fourth tranche options 
(namely $0.90) is satisfied; and 

(e)    in respect of the fifth tranche options, the 

Qualifying Price for the fifth tranche options 
(namely $1.00) is satisfied.

Exercise price

Grant date

Expiry date

$1.0327 per option

15 June 2007

0.4927 per option

18 July 2008

The options will expire on:

•	

the business day after the expiration of 

three (3) months, or any longer period 

determined by the Company after the 

eligible employee ceases to be employed 

by the Company or a subsidiary of the 

Company; or

•	

the eligible employee ceasing to be 

employed by the Company or a subsidiary of 

25 June 2013, subject to the following ,in the 
event that:

(a)   the eligible employee’s employment ceases 
due to death, disablement, sickness or if the 
employment is terminated without cause, then 
the eligible employee shall be entitled to options 
granted prior to the date of cessation and for 
which the vesting date has occurred or which 
subsequently occurs, prior to the expiry date.

the Company due to fraud or dishonesty; or

(b)   the Company terminates the eligible employee’s 

•	

28 February 2011

employment for poor performance (in the 
reasonable opinion of the Company), the eligible 
employee may only exercise within 12 months 
after the date of termination those options which 
have vested prior to the date of termination. All 
other options shall immediately lapse. 

(c)   the eligible employee resigns or has employment 
terminated for cause, the eligible employee 
may only exercise within 1 month of the date 
of termination those options which have vested 
prior to the date of termination or resignation. All 
other options shall immediately lapse. 

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

95

Notes to the Financial Statements
for the year ended 30 June 2010

35  Share-based payments (continued)

(b) Executive Share Option Plan (continued)

EXEC1 options

EXEC2 options

Share price at grant date

Expected price volatility 

Expected dividend yield

Risk free interest rate

$0.89

48.5%

2.91%

6.14%

$0.48

55.6%

9%

6.64%

The expected price volatility is usually based on the historic volatility (based on the remaining life of the options), adjusted for any expected 
changes to future volatility due to publicly available information. The resulting valuation per option is as follows:

Tranche

Exec 1 options

Exec 2 options

1

2

3

4

5

$0.26881

$0.23054

$0.19578

$0.16085

$0.12945

$0.153

$0.152

$0.151

$0.148

$0.146

Grant Date

Expiry date

Exercise 
price

Balance at start 
of the year

Granted during 
the year

Exercised 
during the 
year

Expired 
during the 
year

Balance at end 
of the year

Vested and 
exercisable at 
end of the year

Number

Number

Number

Number

Number

Number

Consolidated 2010

31 October 2008

As stated above 

18 July 2008

As stated above

12 March 2007

As stated above

15 June 2007

As stated above

$0.49

$0.49

$1.03

$1.03

Total

2,000,000

1,312,500

2,000,000

1,100,000

6,412,500

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

2,000,000

37,500

1,275,000

-

2,000,000

62,500

1,037,500

100,000

6,312,500

-

-

400,000

250,000

650,000

Grant Date

Expiry date

Consolidated 2009

Exercise 
price

Balance at start 
of the year

Granted during 
the year

Exercised 
during the 
year

Expired 
during the 
year

Balance at end 
of the year

Vested and 
exercisable at 
end of the year

Number

Number

Number

Number

Number

Number

31 October 2008

As stated above 

18 July 2008

As stated above

12 March 2007

As stated above

15 June 2007

As stated above

$0.49

$0.49

$1.03

$1.03

2,000,000

1,250,000

2,000,000

1,437,500

-

-

Total

3,250,000

3,437,500

-

2,000,000

125,000

1,312,500

-

2,000,000

150,000

275,000

1,100,000

6,412,500

-

-

-

-

-

400,000

250,000

650,000

96

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

35  Share-based payments (continued)

(c)  Employee share scheme

An employee of the Company with at least three months’ service is eligible to participate in the employee share plan in accordance with 
terms and conditions disclosed in the Company’s Prospectus issued in 2000. 

The plan provides for eligible employees to acquire ordinary shares in Collection House Limited at a price determined by the directors. 
Historically, the market price was determined by reference to the average volume weighted share price of shares for the five business days 
prior to and including 30 June.

On application, employees must pay application monies of at least 10% of the value of the share offer. Collection House Limited may, at its 
discretion, lend the employee such monies as is required to complete the share purchase. Interest is charged monthly on outstanding loan 
balances at a rate determined by the directors, which is currently 6% per annum. Repayment of the loan balance is required within two 
years or the employee’s right to the shares will be forfeited with the current net market price less the outstanding loan balance refunded to 
the employee.

The shares vest immediately upon acquisition but are not able to be traded until the later of ninety days from the acquisition date or the 
date on which the outstanding loan balance has been fully repaid. 

No shares were issued under this plan in the year ended 30 June 2010 (2009: nil shares issued).

The amount recognised in the financial statements of the consolidated entity in relation to employee shares issued in prior years were: 

Employee loans

Fair value of options granted

Consolidated

30 June
2010
$’000

 0

 0 

30 June
2009
$’000

 0

 0 

The assessed fair value at grant date of all options granted is set out above. The fair value at grant date is independently determined using 
a Monte Carlo option pricing model in relation to MD/CEO 1 and EXEC1 options and a combination of Bermudan and Barrier - style option 
pricing model in relation to MD/CEO 2 and EXEC2 options that takes into account the exercise price, the term of the option, the impact of 
dilution, the share price at grant date and expected price volatility of the underlying share, the expected dividend yield and the risk free 
interest rate for the term of the respective options.

36  Events occurring after the reporting period 

Dividend

A fully franked final dividend of 3.0 cents, totalling $2.9 million, has been declared, payable on 26th November, 2010. No provision has been 
raised in these accounts.

Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer

On 31 July 2010, Mr Tony Aveling, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer retired and ceased to be an employee and a director of 
Collection House Limited.

On 1 August 2010, Mr Matthew Thomas was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Collection House Limited. Mr Thomas is not a director 
of Collection House Limited.

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

97

Notes to the Financial Statements
for the year ended 30 June 2010

37  Reconciliation of profit after income tax to net cash inflow from operating activities

Consolidated

Profit for the year

Depreciation, amortisation and impairment

Fair value losses on other financial assets

Non-cash employee benefits expense - share-based payments

Restructuring expense

Stamp duty related expenses written back

Provision for doubtful debts

Assets written off

Other non-cash expenses

Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from purchase 
of controlled entity and sale of machinery hire division

(Increase) in trade debtors and bills of exchange

(Increase) decrease in sundry debtors

(Increase) decrease in current tax receivables

(Increase) decrease in other assets

(Increase) decrease in non-current assets

Increase (decrease) in trade creditors

Increase (decrease) in sundry creditors and accruals

Increase (decrease) in current tax liability

Increase (decrease) in deferred tax liabilities

Net cash inflow (outflow) from operating activities

30 June
2010
$’000

 8,923 

 2,619 

 29,879 

 173 

 - 

 - 

 (3) 

 61 

 321 

 241 

 300 

 - 

 (362) 

 (580) 

 (415) 

 (152) 

 (752) 

 (500) 

 39,753 

30 June
2009
$’000

 7,854 

 2,295 

 30,265 

 403 

 655 

 (1,344) 

 (127) 

 1,184 

 (71) 

 651 

 (883) 

 2,312 

 (281) 

 (606) 

 820 

 (1,395) 

 1,595 

 (2,709) 

 40,618 

98

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

38  Parent entity financial information

(a)  Summary financial information

The individual financial statements for the parent entity show the following aggregate amounts:

Balance sheet
Current assets

Non-current assets

Total assets

Current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Shareholders’ equity
Contributed equity

Reserves

Retained earnings

Capital and reserves attributable to owners of Collection House Limited

Profit/(Loss) for the year

Total comprehensive income

(b)  Guarantees entered into by the parent entity

Company

2010
$’000

2009
$’000

 3,789 

 170,004 

 173,793 

 (13,367) 

 (86,753) 

 4,281 

 193,418 

 197,699 

 (21,567) 

 (91,740) 

 (100,120) 

 (113,307) 

 67,256 

 1,050 

 5,367 

 73,673 

 (5,813) 

 (5,813) 

 67,256 

 878 

 16,258 

 84,392 

 11,746 

 11,746 

The parent entity has entered into a deed of cross guarantee with certain of its subsidiaries as set out in Note 30(b).

No liability was recognised by the parent entity or the consolidated entity in relation to this guarantee, as the fair value is immaterial.

(c)  Contingent liabilities of the parent entity

The parent entity did not have any contingent liabilities as at 30 June 2010 or 30 June 2009. For information about guarantees given by the 
parent entity, please see above.

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

99

Directors' Declaration
30 June 2010

In the directors’ opinion:

(a) 

the financial statements and notes set out on pages 38 to 99 are in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including:

(i) 

 complying with Accounting Standards, the Corporations Regulations 2001 and other mandatory professional reporting 
requirements, and

(ii) 

 giving a true and fair view of the company’s and consolidated entity’s financial position as at 30 June 2010 and of its performance 
for the financial year ended on that date, and

(b) 

there are reasonable grounds to believe that the company will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due and payable,and

Note 1(a) confirms that the financial statements also comply with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the 
International Accounting Standards Board.

The directors have been given the declarations by the chief executive officer and chief financial officer required by section 295A of the 
Corporations Act 2001.

This declaration is made in accordance with a resolution of the directors.

John Pearce 
Chairman

Brisbane 
25 August 2010

100

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

 
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS  
OF COLLECTION HOUSE LIMITED 

Report on the Financial Report 
We have audited the accompanying financial report of Collection House Limited and its controlled entities 
(the consolidated entity), which comprises the balance sheet as at 30 June 2010, and the income 
statement, statement of comprehensive income, cash flow statement and statement of changes in equity 
for the year ended on that date, a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory notes 
and the directors’ declaration of the consolidated entity, comprising the company and the entities it 
controlled at the year’s end or from time to time during the financial year.  

Directors’ Responsibility for the Financial Report  
The directors of the company are responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial 
report in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting 
Interpretations) and the Corporations Act 2001. This responsibility includes establishing and maintaining 
internal controls relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of the financial report that is free from 
material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error; selecting and applying appropriate accounting 
policies; and making accounting estimates that are reasonable in the circumstances.  In Note 1, the 
directors also state, in accordance with Accounting Standard AASB 101: Presentation of Financial 
Statements, that the consolidated financial statements of Collection House Limited comply with 
International Financial Reporting Standards. 

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

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

Our audit did not involve an analysis of the prudence of business decisions made by directors or 
management. 

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

Independence 

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

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
Auditor’s Opinion 

In our opinion: 

a)  the financial report of Collection House Limited is in accordance with the  
Corporations Act 2001, including: 

i. 

ii. 

giving a true and fair view of the consolidated entity’s financial position as at 30 June 
2010 and of its performance for the year ended on that date; and 
complying with Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting 
Interpretations) and the Corporations Regulations 2001; and 

b)  the financial report also complies with International Financial Reporting  
Standards as disclosed in Note 1. 

Report on the Remuneration Report 

We have audited the Remuneration Report (Sections A to E) included in the directors’ report for the year 
ended 30 June 2010.  The directors of the company are responsible for the preparation and presentation of 
the Remuneration Report in accordance with Section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001.  Our responsibility 
is to express an opinion on the Remuneration Report, based on our audit conducted in accordance with 
Australian Auditing Standards. 

Auditor’s Opinion 

In our opinion the Remuneration Report (Sections A to E) of Collection House Limited for the year ended 30 
June 2010, complies with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. 

Matters relating to the electronic presentation of the audited financial report 

This auditor’s report relates to the financial report and remuneration disclosures of Collection House Limited 
(the consolidated entity) for the year ended 30 June 2010 included on Collection House Limited’s web site.  
The company’s directors are responsible for the integrity of the Collection House Limited web site.  We have 
not been engaged to report on the integrity of this web site.  The auditor’s report refers only to the 
statements and remuneration disclosures named above.  It does not provide an opinion on any other 
information which may have been hyperlinked to/from these statements or the remuneration disclosures.  
If users of this report are concerned with the inherent risks arising from electronic data communications 
they are advised to refer to the hard copy of the audited financial report and remuneration disclosures to 
confirm the information included in the audited financial report and remuneration disclosures presented on 
this web site. 

LAWLER HACKETTS AUDIT 

Liam Murphy 
Partner 
Brisbane, 25 August 2010 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholder Information

The shareholder information set out below was applicable as at 16 August 2010.

A.  DISTRIBUTION OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Analysis of numbers of equity security holders by size of holding:

1-1000

1,001-5000

5,001-10,000

10,001-100,000

100,001 and over

Total

There were 261 holders of less than a marketable parcel of ordinary shares.

B.  EQUITY SECURITY HOLDERS

Twenty largest quoted equity security holders

The names of the twenty largest holders of quoted equity securities are listed below:

Name 

Mr Dennis George Punches

Trans Tasman Collections Investments Pty Ltd

HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited

National Nominees Limited

George Laurens (Qld) Pty Ltd (Pearce Family A/C)

Ankla Pty Ltd

Mr John Marshall Pearce and Mrs Sandra Anne Pearce (Collection House S/Fund Account)

Mr Anthony Francis Coutts and Mrs Jennifer Elsie Coutts (Coutts S/Fund A/C)

Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited

HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited – GSCO ECA

Anthony Coutts and Jennifer Coutts (The Coutts Family A/C)

Mr William Walter Kagel 

Mr Philip Julian Eriksen and Mr Julian Hans Eriksen (Ace A/C)

Mr Lev Mizikovsky and Mrs Emily Dorothy Mizikovsky (Superfun Superfund A/C)

Sunstar Australia Pty Ltd

Jasscove Pty Ltd (Walker Family Account)

George Laurens (WA) Pty Ltd (Laurens Super Fund A/C)

Mooloolaba Consulting Pty Ltd (Super Fund A/C)

Mr Raymond Larkin

TBIC Pty Ltd (Crommelin Family Super A/C)

Total

Class of equity security

Ordinary shares

Holders

524

999

292

363

58

2236

Shares

339,055

2,727,570

2,332,796

10,681,060

81,241,400

97,321,881

Units

% of issued capital

17,907,384

9,997,798

9,098,509

7,102,235

6,987,925

4,725,569

4,335,905

2,707,000

2,198,367

1,874,044

1,727,000

951,269

806,183

684,363

657,895

600,000

500,000

500,000

500,000

416,705

18.40

10.27

9.35

7.30

7.18

4.86

4.46

2.78

2.26

1.93

1.77

0.98

0.83

0.70

0.68

0.62

0.51

0.51

0.51

0.43

74,278,151

76.33

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

103

Shareholder Information

Unquoted equity securities

The following ordinary share options have been issued to the MD/CEO, as part of his employment agreement and certain of the company’s 
executives. Details of these options are set out at note 35 of the financial statements. 

Grant date
MD/CEO OPTIONS
31 October 2008

12 March 2007

EXECUTIVE OPTIONS*
18 July 2008

15 June 2007

Balance at 1 July 
2009

Granted during 
the year

Exercised during 
the year

Expired during 
the year

Balance at the end 
of the year

2,000,000

2,000,000

1,312,500

1,100,000

2,000,000

2,000,000

1,275,000

1,037,500

37,500

62,500

*No executive holds 20% or more of these securities.

Restricted securities

All issued shares in Collection House Limited are quoted on the ASX and there are no shares subject to escrow or other regulated 
restrictions other than as follows:

Voluntary restrictions on securities

Employees who participate in the Collection House Employee Share Plan are required to enter into voluntary escrow arrangements with 
the Company, undertaking not to dispose of any of these shares for 12 months from the date of issue of the relevant shares.  Details of the 
Employee Share Plan are set out in note 35 of the financial statements.

Under the Collection House Employee Share Plan and Collection House Executive Share Option Plan, employees may be entitled to acquire 
shares under an employee loan facility. Employee shares that are subject to an employee loan at the time that the voluntary escrow period 
expires remain restricted until the relevant employee loan is discharged. As at 16 August 2010, no shares are restricted on this basis. 
Shares restricted under voluntary arrangements rank pari passu with all fully paid ordinary shares in all other respects.

C.  SUBSTANTIAL HOLDERS

Substantial shareholders of ordinary shares in the Company are set out below:

Holder

Units

% of issued capital

Dennis George Punches (combined shareholdings)

17,907,384

John Marshall Pearce and Sandra Anne Pearce/George Laurens (Qld) Pty Ltd (combined shareholdings)

11,461,015

Mackenzie Financial Corporation 

Trans Tasman Collections Investments Pty Limited

HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited

National Nominees Limited

Mr Lev Mizikovsky, Ankla Pty Ltd and Sunstar Australia Pty Ltd (combined shareholdings)

D.  VOTING RIGHTS

The voting rights attaching to each class of equity securities are set out below:

(a)  Ordinary shares

11,071,870

9,997,798

9,098,509

7,102,235

6,165,204

18.40

11.78

11.38

10.27

9.35

7.30

6.33

On a show of hands, every member present at a meeting in person or by proxy shall have one vote and upon a poll each share shall have 
one vote.

(b)  Options

No voting rights.

104

C O L L E C TI O N   H O U S E  L I M ITE D  ::   2010  AN N UAL  R E P O RT

Contents
Contents

Notice Of Annual 
General Meeting

The Annual General 

Meeting of Collection 

House Limited will be 

held on 29 October 

2010 at 11.00am at the 

Emporium Hotel, 1000 

Ann Street, Fortitude 

Valley, Brisbane, QLD.

The business of the 

meeting is outlined in the 

formal Notice and Proxy 

Form that are enclosed 

with this report.

2

Group Overview

7

Business Performance

8

Our Board

9

Our Responsibilities

20

Directors’ Report

35

Auditor’s Independence 
Declaration

36

Financial Statements 
Contents

101

Independent Auditor's Report

103

Shareholder Information

105

Corporate Directory

Group Overview

2010 Performance Highlights  ................... 2

Chairman’s Statement ................................. 4

Chief Executive’s Report ............................. 5

Business Performance

Core Businesses ........................................... 7

  Purchased Debt ...................................... 7

  Receivables Management .................... 7

  Commission Collections ........................ 7

Our Board

Board of Directors  ....................................... 8

Executive Management ............................... 8

Our responsibilities

Corporate Social Responsibility ................. 9

Financial Basics Foundation  ............... 9

Learning for Life  .................................... 9

Corporate Governance Statement ........... 10

Corporate Directory

Head Office

Collection House Limited 
ABN 74 010 230 716

Level 7 
515 St Paul’s Terrace  
Fortitude Valley Qld  4006

GPO Box 2247, Fortitude Valley BC  
Qld  4006

Telephone: 
Facsimile: 
Website: 

+61 7 3292 1000 
+61 7 3832 0222 
www.collectionhouse.com.au

Locations

Australia

Brisbane 
Ballarat 
Sydney 
Bendigo 
Melbourne 
Newcastle 
Adelaide 
Shepparton

New Zealand

Auckland

Stock Exchange Listings

Collection House Limited shares are listed on the Australian Stock 
Exchange.  The home exchange is Brisbane.

ASX Code: CLH

Company Secretary

Michael Watkins

Phone: 
Facsimile: 

+61 7 3100 1229 
+61 3414 7525

Auditors

Lawler Hacketts Audit

Level 3 
549 Queen Street 
Brisbane  Qld  4000

Share Registry

Computershare Investor Services Pty Limited

GPO Box 242 
Melbourne, VIC 3001 
AUSTRALIA

For general enquiries: 

Phone: 1300 552 270 for calls within Australia or +61 3 237 2100 
outside Australia

Your Proxy form may be faxed to Computershare on 1800 783 447 
(within Australia) or +61 3 9473 2555 (outside Australia)

To access your account or change your details, please visit the 
Computershare website at  www.computershare.com

C O LLE C TI O N  H O U S E  LI M ITE D  ::  2010  ANNUAL  REPORT

105

 
 
0
1
0
2

2010