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Fletcher Building Limited
Annual Report 2010

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FY2010 Annual Report · Fletcher Building Limited
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Fletcher Building Annual Report 2010 – The year in full

STRENGTH THROUGH 
DIVERSITY

Fletcher Building Annual Report 2010

Strength through diversity

Fletcher Building’s strength lies in  
its diversity.

Through a vertically integrated value 
chain, our 40 businesses deliver a 
diverse range of building products and 
construction materials. 

From our strong Australasian base, we 
operate in a diverse range of geographies 
– Asia, the Americas, Europe, and the 
South Pacific. 

We harness the skills and experience of a 
diverse international workforce of 16,000, 
drawing them together through a culture 
that encourages people to help each other 
succeed, and achieve excellence.

Our diversity has allowed us to find 
opportunities despite the subdued 
global economic climate. In a world of 
continuing uncertainty, that diversity 
means we are well placed to respond  
to emerging areas of growth. 

You can obtain an electronic copy of the Annual 
Report by going to the following website address: 
fletcherbuilding.com/reports/10
This report is dated 17 September 2010 and  
is signed on behalf of the board of Fletcher 
Building Limited:

Annual shareholders’ meeting

The Fletcher Building 2010 annual shareholders’ 
meeting is to be held at 10.30 am on Wednesday  
17 November 2010 at Eden Park, Mt Eden, 
Auckland, New Zealand. The notice of meeting, 
voting form and RSVP card will be mailed to 
shareholders closer to that time.

Ralph Waters  
Chairman of Directors 

Jonathan Ling  
Managing Director

Highlights 
Page 2

Chairman’s review 
Page 3

Chief Executive’s review 
Page 5

Divisional reviews 
Page 8

Building Products

Distribution

Infrastructure

Laminates & Panels 
Laminex 
Formica

Steel

Environment and Society 
Page 14

Board of Directors 
Page 18

Corporate governance 
Page 20

Remuneration report 
Page 23

Financial review 
Page 30

Financial statements 
Page 32

Audit report 
Page 73

Trend statement 
Page 74

Regulatory disclosures 
Page 75

Investor information 
Page 86

Directory 
Page 87

Looking at 2010

Highlights
$301m

Net earnings after tax before unusual items, on revenues  
of $6.8 billion. Operating earnings (earnings before interest 
and tax) before unusual items were $521 million compared 
with $558 million in the previous year.

$522m

Cashflow from operations. Ongoing focus on tight working 
capital management and a reduction in capital expenditure 
resulted in strong operating cashflow from operations.

53%

Reduction in Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate per 
million hours (TRIFR) which this year was 11.24 compared  
with 23.79 in 2009. Lost time injury frequency rate (LTIFR)  
was 3.42, compared with 5.81 in 2009.

29c per share

Dividend for the 2010 financial year, with a final dividend  
of 15 cents per share.

Fletcher Building Annual Report 2010

Chairman’s review

Looking forward

The past year has been a challenging one because of the impacts  
of the global financial crisis on most of our major markets.  
Yet Fletcher Building has performed well in these conditions.

Part of this stems from the geographic and business 
diversification that has been a strategic priority since 
2001. It is also due to the restructuring initiatives that 
we undertook in 2009. As a result, we have come 
through the economic downturn with our businesses 
leaner and more efficient, and poised to capitalise  
on improving market conditions when they return.

Operating performance
For the year ended 30 June 2010, the group 
recorded net earnings before unusual items of 
$301 million. The result compares with $314 million 
recorded in the previous year. 

Operating earnings (earnings before interest and 

tax) before unusual items were $521 million compared 
with $558 million in the previous year. Cashflow  
from operations was $522 million compared with 
$533 million in 2009.

The result was driven by improved performances 

within a number of business units as a result of the 
cost reduction initiatives implemented during the year, 
and improved trading conditions in the New Zealand 
and Australian residential housing markets. Operating 
earnings in the Laminates & Panels division almost 
doubled to $141 million. The Steel division had lower 
operating earnings following a record earnings result 
in the prior year, and reduced concrete product 
volumes adversely impacted the Infrastructure 
division’s earnings. 

While the underlying earnings figure is in line  
with last year’s, the composition is quite different, 
reflecting the significant changes we have seen in 
our markets in the past year. Residential markets 
in Australia and New Zealand have shown modest 
recovery, but they remained weak in Europe and 
North America. Government funded infrastructure 
spending in New Zealand and Australia has continued 
to underpin results, but commercial construction 
activity in most of our key markets remained 
subdued. The result is therefore a strong one in  
the context of these mixed market conditions.

You will find details of the performance of each 

of the businesses in the divisional reviews on the 
following pages.

Shareholder returns
Earnings per share excluding unusual items were  
49.7 cents, compared with 59.7 cents in the  
previous year. 

Total returns to shareholders were 24.5 percent, 

compared with 14.1 percent in the prior year, with 
strong share price appreciation during that period. 
Return on funds employed improved to 12.7 percent 
from 11.9 percent in the prior year, excluding  
unusual items.

Unusual items
As indicated in June, an unusual tax expense of 
NZ$29 million was incurred in the financial results 
for the year ended 30 June 2010. The unusual 
expense arises from the significant taxation changes 
announced by the New Zealand Government in its 
budget in May 2010. These include the elimination  
of depreciation on buildings for tax purposes,  
and a reduction in the corporate taxation rate  
from 30 percent to 28 percent, both with effect  
from 1 July 2011. 

Based on a review of our future tax obligations  

in the light of these changes, we have determined 
that we need to increase the provision for deferred  
tax by NZ$29 million. The increased provision is a 
one-off accounting entry that is non-cash in nature 
and it has not affected underlying profitability or the 
dividend payout in respect of the 2010 financial year. 
Whilst the recognition of the deferred tax liability 
is non-cash in nature, the elimination of the tax 
deductibility on buildings will result in a small increase 
in future income tax payments.

Dividend
A final dividend of 15.0 cents per share will be  
paid on 20 October 2010, bringing the total dividend 
for the year to 29 cents per share. It remains the 
board’s intention to maintain a steady and ever 
increasing dividend, in line with the group’s earnings 
performance. 

For New Zealand resident shareholders, the 
dividend has been imputed at a 30 percent tax rate 
to the extent of 3.2143 cents per share. The final 
dividend is not franked for Australian tax purposes. 
To maximise the value of available franking credits 
the group’s policy is to accumulate them and attach 
these to dividends only when the franking percentage 
is at or near to 100 percent, rather than spreading 
them over every dividend. 

In view of the group’s strong balance sheet 
and low level of gearing at present, the dividend 
reinvestment plan will not be operative for this 
dividend payment. 

Balance sheet
We have continued to maintain the prudent balance 
sheet parameters that we established last year with 
the equity raising. As such, our gearing, net debt  
as a percentage of net debt plus equity, was  
26.8 percent. This is well below our target range  
of 40 to 50 percent. The board feels that is prudent 
to maintain a low gearing level while there continues 
to be uncertainty in the international banking 
environment and where the availability of funds  
at reasonable cost cannot be wholly assured.

Ralph Waters
Chairman

View the Chairman’s review online:
fletcherbuilding.com/10/chairman

Read further:
Financial Review 
pages 30-31

3

Outlook
Caution is required in formulating an outlook for the 
current year. With the effects of the global financial 
crisis still being felt around the world, there continues 
to be uncertainty around the timing and pace of  
a recovery in economic activity.

In New Zealand, the residential market is 
expected to continue a slow and gradual recovery  
in new building activity, albeit remaining below  
mid-cycle levels. Removal of the present monetary 
policy stimulus is expected to constrain the rate 
of growth in new housing starts. Commercial 
construction activity is expected to remain at very  
low levels throughout 2011. 

The volume of government funded infrastructure 

projects is expected to reduce in 2011, with a 
number of large projects scheduled for completion 
later in the current calendar year. A rebound is 
anticipated in the 2012 year with several significant 
new projects scheduled to commence. 

In Australia, the rebound in residential activity 

seen in 2010 is expected to continue in the current 
year. Government infrastructure spending should 
remain strong, but this will only partially offset 
weakness in the commercial construction sector. 
The Australian insulation business will need to work 
through high inventory levels following the abrupt 
termination of the Australian government insulation 
scheme, but with improved manufacturing efficiency  
it is strongly positioned once that process has  
been completed.

Trading conditions in both North America and 
Europe continue to remain uncertain and no recovery 
of significance is expected in these markets in the 
near term. Markets in China, South-East Asia and 
Taiwan are exhibiting growth which is expected to 
continue throughout the current year.

Despite these mixed market conditions, and 
the risk of further economic deterioration in some 
parts of the world, the group is focused on growing 
earnings and continuing to generate strong returns 
to shareholders. With our robust balance sheet and 
excellent portfolio of businesses, the group is very 
well placed to deliver on this.

Chairman’s review

People
Our people have worked exceptionally hard in the 
past year in the face of a difficult and demanding 
economic climate. The fact that the group has 
survived the economic downturn in such good shape 
has been due in no small measure to the efforts and 
focus of our people.

Last year saw significant restructuring undertaken 

across the business, with significant reductions in  
our total employee numbers. As economic conditions 
have improved we have seen staff numbers 
stabilise. Against this difficult backdrop, it has been 
especially pleasing to witness the dedication and 
resourcefulness of our people and their commitment 
to helping the group meet or exceed its financial and 
operation goals.

Also pleasing has been the progress we have 
made in further developing our senior managers.  
This has been part of an ongoing programme 
designed to ensure that Fletcher Building has the 
appropriate talent pool within its ranks to succeed 
and lead in the future.

Board changes
At the end of March, Roderick Deane retired as 
Chairman of Fletcher Building. Roderick was the 
inaugural chairman of Fletcher Building and made  
a significant contribution to the growth of the 
company. Roderick, who joined the board of  
Fletcher Challenge in 1994, successfully steered the 
Fletcher group of companies through the restructuring 
a decade ago, and was instrumental in the creation 
of Fletcher Building. Under Roderick‘s leadership 
Fletcher Building has grown to become the largest 
building materials company in Australasia. On behalf 
of the board I would like to extend here our sincerest 
appreciation and best wishes to Roderick for the 
enormous contribution he made to Fletcher Building 
in his long association with the company.

Further changes were announced during  

the year to the composition of the board, in 
accordance with the company’s succession 
arrangements for directors.

 Mr Tony Carter was appointed to the board as 
an independent director with effect from 1 September 
2010. Tony will bring an important perspective to the 
board with his extensive background in distribution 
and retailing and his familiarity with the broader  
New Zealand business environment, and we look 
forward to working with him.

Also during the year, we announced that  

Sir Dryden Spring will retire from the board with effect 
from 30 September 2010. I would like to record here 
the board’s thanks to Sir Dryden for his involvement 
with the board of Fletcher Building. Sir Dryden first 
joined the board of Fletcher Challenge in 1999, and 
helped to oversee the evolution of Fletcher Building. 
He has made a significant contribution as a director  
to the growth of Fletcher Building through the quality 
of his strategic insights and operational experience, 
and as Chairman of the Remuneration Committee.

Fletcher Building Annual Report 2010

Chief Executive’s review

The benefits of diversity

This year’s result again demonstrates the benefit of the Fletcher Building 
group’s diversity. While conditions in our markets have varied widely, 
and the effects of the global financial crisis have been felt around the 
world, we have been able to deliver a strong result.

Volumes in most of our businesses have been lower 
but we have seen excellent outcomes from the cost 
reduction initiatives we have undertaken. This has 
ensured that we are appropriately scaled in terms of 
our manufacturing capacity to optimise earnings with 
lower activity levels. This, coupled with our strong 
balance sheet, positions us well for the future, and  
will allow us to pursue further growth opportunities. 

A summary of the 
performance of each  
of our business divisions  
is set out below. Unless 
otherwise stated, the 
divisional commentaries 
exclude unusual items from 
the prior year’s results.

Building Products recorded eight percent 
growth in operating earnings to $114 million. Key 
factors affecting earnings were the benefits of cost 
rationalisation and restructuring, a strengthening  
of residential construction markets, the impact of  
the New Zealand government insulation scheme,  
and reduced raw material prices in the roof tiles 
business. These were partially offset by the impact  
of the termination of the Australian insulation scheme, 
and weakness in the New Zealand non-residential 
construction sector. 

PlaceMakers’ sales were in line with the prior 
year, but with a noticeable increase in residential 
building activity in New Zealand emerging in the latter 
part of the year. Operating earnings were 28 percent 
higher at $38 million driven by reduced costs and 
steady margins. 

A 13 percent increase in 
New Zealand residential 
building consents from 2009 
assisted the results. 

The building materials market has, however, 

continued to be impacted by the low level of 
residential building consents and the decline in  
non-residential consents. 

Total sales for Infrastructure were down two 

percent with lower sales for most construction 
materials products in New Zealand and Australia; 
however, billings in the construction business were  

up on last year. Operating earnings declined  
by $39 million to $164 million as market activity 
weakened. In New Zealand, the significant decline 
in commercial construction activity and recent 
completion of a number of large infrastructure 
projects were only partially mitigated by an increase  
in residential construction activity. Operating earnings 
at Golden Bay Cement were down 40 percent due  
to reduced volumes. In Australia, the pipeline products 
business experienced weaker demand for most 
products while the quarry business recorded a solid 
result despite a noticeable slowdown in building activity.
The backlog of construction work is currently 
$930 million, with approximately $450 million worth 
of further work where the group is either the preferred 
bidder or in final contractual negotiations. The 
backlog at the same period last year was $1.1 billion, 
and the decline is due to the completion of several 
large projects and fewer major contracts secured 
during the year. Government funded work remains 
strong, however, and currently accounts for most  
of our construction backlog. 

Earnings from Fletcher Residential increased by 
$6 million to $18 million with higher average margins 
due to a favourable sales mix and stronger demand 
for houses in Auckland.

Laminex’s operating earnings were $107 million 

for the year which included $16 million of one-off 
gains from the closure and sale of the Welshpool 
and Kumeu sites. Australian domestic revenues 
were marginally higher, driven by improvements 
in the new housing and alterations and additions 
sectors, while conditions in the commercial sector 
remained constrained. Partly offsetting this was a 
decline in Australian export sales due to the closure 
of the medium density fibreboard facility in Western 
Australia, and tight conditions in the commercial 
market. New Zealand revenues were below the 
prior year due to the continued slowdown in the 
commercial sector. 

Formica’s operating performance for the current 
year improved substantially over the previous year. 
Operating earnings were $34 million, compared with 
$18 million in the prior year, including $7 million of 
redundancy costs. Volumes in North America were 
down by a further five percent on the prior year,  
and while activity in the new housing sector showed 
some recovery in the USA, this was from a low base. 
Commercial markets in North America continued 
to contract during the year. The main markets in 
Northern Europe showed some improvement,  
Central Europe and the UK remained relatively flat, 
but Southern Europe including Spain was lower. 
Markets in Asia have remained solid with volumes 
up by six percent on last year. A moderate pick up 

Jonathan Ling 
Chief Executive

View the Chief Executive’s results 
presentation online: 
fletcherbuilding.com/10/chiefexecutive

5

Read further:
Environment, People and  
Health & Safety  
pages 14-17

Chairman’s review

in volumes in China and Thailand was achieved after 
last year’s slowing in activity levels, while conditions in 
Taiwan and other Asian markets have also been firm.
Steel’s operating earnings for the year were 

$82 million, which was 47 percent lower than the 
prior year’s record levels. Prior year earnings were 
driven by historically high steel prices and very strong 
demand in the first half of the year. The global financial 
crisis subsequently resulted in the steel industry 
reducing global inventories in response to lower 
demand. Accordingly, 2010 was a difficult operating 
environment characterised by uncertain demand  
and declining prices.

Financial position
The balance sheet continued to be strengthened 
during the year with positive operating cashflows used 
to further reduce debt levels. Our gearing continued  
to reduce, down from 31 percent to 27 percent.
The group had total available funding of  
$2,349 million as at 30 June 2010, of which  
$1,130 million was undrawn. Debt requiring 
refinancing within the next 12 months is very low  
at approximately $116 million. 

Interest coverage for the year was 4.9 times  
and represents a further improvement on the 4.0  
times for the prior year.

Cashflow
Cashflow from operations was $522 million compared 
with $533 million in the prior year. The continued 
strong positive cashflow was driven by our ongoing 
focus on tight working capital management and  
a reduction in capital expenditure. We expect that 
cashflow from operations will be negatively impacted 
by increasing inventory and debtor levels as sustained 
market growth emerges.

 Capital expenditure for the year was $191 million 

compared with $289 million in the prior year. Of this, 
$137 million related to ‘stay-in-business’ capital 
expenditure, and $54 million to new growth initiatives. 
Significant projects included completion of Golden Bay 
Cement’s new cement storage facility in Auckland; the 
upgrading of the Laminex MDF plant in Queensland, 
and the Fletcher Insulation plant investment in Victoria. 
Divestments for the year totalled $38 million compared 
with $52 million in the prior year. 

People
As at 30 June 2010, Fletcher Building employed 
some 16,000 people in business units worldwide. 
This number was similar to that recorded at the 
December half year, and is indicative of the fact 
that most of the restructuring work has now been 
completed and the workforce stabilised. Regrettably, 
redundancies were necessary in Fletcher Insulation 
following the sudden termination of the Australian 
Government’s insulation scheme in February 2010.
Despite the difficult economic conditions of the 
past year, all learning and development programmes 
were maintained. Through their capability, performance 
and diversity our employees differentiate our group, 

deliver value to our shareholders, customers and 
communities and are the foundation of the group’s 
future success.

Health and safety
We have a strong commitment to health and  
safety. This commitment starts at the top, with  
an executive-led Health and Safety Council and  
senior management participation in safety education 
and training programmes. The group has a vision  
of zero harm based on the principle that all accidents 
are preventable. 

As a result, significant progress has been made 

in the last year. The group’s primary performance 
indicator for safety, Total Recordable Injury Frequency 
Rate per million hours (TRIFR) defines recordable 
injuries as both lost time and medical treatment 
injuries. In the last year, this rate has dropped to 
11.24, from 23.79 in 2009. Its Lost Time Injury 
Frequency Rate (LTIFR) was 3.42, compared to  
5.81 the year prior. 

This year, we have also introduced a wellbeing 
programme to streamline initiatives across the group 
and ensure it is an important part of each business 
unit’s health and safety plan. 

Despite our progress, fatalities and injuries  

still occur. An employee of Fletcher Construction 
(South Pacific) lost his life in the last year at a 
construction site in Apia, Samoa and is a tragic 
reminder that we must remain proactive in our  
quest for zero harm.

Environmental sustainability  
and climate change
The New Zealand government introduced its 
Emissions Trading Scheme on 1 July 2010 and  
as the group’s cement and steel manufacturing 
operations emit process CO2 they are directly 
affected. These operations are emissions-intensive, 
trade-exposed industries and will receive free 
allocation of emission units to offset these increased 
costs. Fletcher Building’s initiatives to reduce 
emissions and improve energy efficiency will also 
ensure the costs are further reduced.

Fletcher Building is 
committed to ensuring its 
use of natural resources, 
including the emissions 
of CO2 from operations, 
products and services,  
are reduced. 

The group has set a target to reduce its CO2 
emissions in 2012 to five percent below the 2008 
level on a normalised basis. By 31 December 2009, 
the group was two years into the five-year policy and 
had decreased its absolute emissions by 18 percent.

Fletcher Building Annual Report 2010

Chief Executive’s review

Strategy
The strategy for the Fletcher Building group is centred 
on improving the reliability of our earnings through 
geographic and industry expansion to counter the 
effects of industry cycles. In addition, we seek to 
maintain and improve our internal capabilities through 
business transformation initiatives and growth-oriented 
capital expenditure, and to pursue any acquisition 
opportunities which meet our investment criteria. 
The past two years have seen us focus on 
conserving cash and strengthening the group’s 
financial position. However, in the year ahead capital 
expenditure is expected to increase as we look 
to strongly position our businesses to capture the 
benefits from improved economic conditions. 

Beyond stay-in-business investment, we will  
pursue opportunities to invest in areas of organic 
growth and potential acquisition opportunities where 
appropriate. Australasia continues to be the principal 
area of focus for further expansion.

The strategic priorities for each of our divisions 

can be summarised as follows:

For Building Products, increased focus is  

being given to innovation and new product 
development, with the goal of achieving sustained 
organic growth and expansion into adjacent product 
and service areas.

Distribution’s strategy is focused on growing 
market share by better servicing of the trade builder 
segment, and leveraging the strength of the joint-
venture partner network.

Infrastructure will continue to develop organic 

growth opportunities where high returns are 
achievable in existing or adjacent product areas.
Laminates & Panels will maintain a focus on 
further improvements in operational performance 
and capability, emphasising service and product 
innovation especially in mature markets. Growth 
opportunities in Asia and other developing markets 
will be actively pursued.

Steel will continue to explore high-return growth 

opportunities. Improving the resilience of the business 
for the longer term remains an overarching objective.

7

Divisional reviews

Building Products

Case study

From the ground up  
in Africa

Building Products provides building product 
solutions, from foundation to roof. The 
division’s core plasterboard, insulation and 
metal roof tile business streams have leading 
market positions and respected brands.

Building Products’ businesses include:
•	

•	

•	

•		

•		

	Winstone	Wallboards,	the	sole	New	Zealand	
manufacturer of plasterboard.
	Fletcher	Insulation	in	Australia,	and	Tasman	
Insulation in New Zealand. These businesses  
lead the Australasian market in glasswool 
insulation, and own four of the six glasswool 
manufacturing plants in the region.
	Forman	Group,	the	leader	in	commercial	and	
industrial insulation and commercial ceiling and 
wall systems in New Zealand, and Tasman 
Access Floors, a leading provider of access 
flooring systems in Australia.
	Roof	Tile	Group	comprising	AHI	Roofing,	with	
manufacturing plants in New Zealand, Malaysia 
and Hungary, and Decra Roofing Systems in the 
USA, make Fletcher Building the leading global 
supplier of stone chip coated metal roof tiles.
	DVS	Healthy	Homes	dedicated	to	improving	
home health and comfort for New Zealanders 
through offering a complete range of insulation 
and building solutions through group businesses 
DVS, PinkFit, and Home&Dry Group.

Complementary businesses in the division include 
Tasman Sinkware in Australia which manufactures 
high-end sinkware, and Fletcher Aluminium which 
designs and manufactures aluminium window and 
door systems.

Performance overview
Building Products recorded eight percent growth  
in operating earnings to $114 million, up from  
$106 million in the previous year, while sales 
increased four percent to $798 million. Key factors 
affecting earnings were the benefits of cost 
rationalisation and restructuring, a strengthening 
of residential construction markets, the impact of 
the New Zealand government insulation scheme, 
and strong sales in the roof tiles business. These 
benefits were partially offset by the termination of the 
Australian insulation scheme, and weakness in the 
New Zealand non-residential construction sector. 

Cashflow benefited from 
strong control of capital 
expenditure and working 
capital. 

Operating earnings for the plasterboard business 

were up three percent despite lower sales. This was 
due to cost rationalisation undertaken in the previous 
period, and a strengthening of the New Zealand 
residential construction market in the second half.  

Fletcher Building Annual Report 2010

The business also consolidated its strategic focus 
with the divestment of the Hong Kong based 
commercial interiors operation at 30 June.

Operating earnings for the insulation business 

were down ten percent due to the termination in 
February of the Australian government’s home 
insulation scheme. This resulted in the suspension  
of operations at the Sydney glasswool manufacturing 
plant and significant restructuring at the Melbourne 
plant. Consequently, restructuring charges of  
$18 million were incurred in the second half of the 
year. New Zealand glasswool volumes were stronger, 
driven by the New Zealand government’s insulation 
scheme. The year also saw the consolidation of 
various New Zealand home performance initiatives 
under the Healthy Home Group banner. The 
commercial insulation, and ceiling and wall systems 
businesses were affected by further weakening 
of conditions in the New Zealand non-residential 
construction sector. 

Operating earnings for the roof tiles business 
were up 59 percent due to improved raw material 
prices, strong volumes into Africa, improved volumes 
in New Zealand and the receipt of final insurance 
proceeds from the fire at the United States plant in 
the previous year. These were partially offset by the 
impact of a strong New Zealand dollar on export 
returns and weak volumes in Europe and Japan. 
The new Hungarian plant continues to operate to 
expectations, although weaker European volumes 
reduced manufacturing efficiencies. The business 
undertook significant global restructuring and 
consolidation during the period.

Looking ahead
Significant cost rationalisation across the division 
as markets turned down, together with the major 
upgrade undertaken at the Melbourne glasswool 
manufacturing plant during the period, has left the 
division with strong operating leverage. This was an 
advantage as economic activity started to improve 
during the year. This strong base is supported with  
a sharpened strategic focus and an emphasis on 
new product development. The combination of 
these factors has positioned the division to achieve 
further improvement as key residential markets 
continue to turn up.

A key focus of the New Zealand insulation 

businesses will be to continue to work with  
New Zealand’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation 
Authority, EECA, and respond to the opportunity 
presented by the New Zealand government insulation 
scheme, and to public interest in sustainability and 
energy efficiency through the DVS Healthy Home 
Group. Over the course of the coming year the 
Australian insulation business will need to work 
through a large inventory of batts left over from the 
termination of the Australian government insulation 
scheme, but with an improved manufacturing 
footprint it is strongly positioned once that process 
has been completed.

Fletcher Building’s Roof Tile Group 
has established its brands in sub-
Saharan Africa over the last ten years, 
as emerging middle classes and fast 
growing commercial sectors have  
fuelled building activity. The quality  
of Decra® and Gerard® roofing 
products has been promoted, and 
the brands have been positioned for 
the long term with the development 
of strong distribution channels and 
community relationships. 

That decade of investment gave  
the Roof Tile Group a strong foundation 
from which to respond when economic 
growth slowed as African economies 
were hit by the global financial crisis. 
The Roof Tile Group responded 
to shaky markets with competitively 
packaged offers enabling property 
developers to progress approved projects 
and win new business. It encouraged 
developers and home owners alike to  
see investment in quality branded 
roofing products as a way of adding 
value to their buildings, increasing the 
overall saleability of properties at a time 
of increased business risk. 

The strategy paid off. Sales of 
Roof Tile Group’s brands in its African 
markets increased by more than  
40 percent over the year. 

While economic growth in sub-
Saharan economies slowed during  
the global financial crisis from around 
five percent per annum to just two 
percent, growth of six to seven percent 
is predicted for the next two years.  
The Roof Tile Group is ready for growth, 
established as a respected company 
that delivers for its customers whatever 
the economic weather.

More online: 
fletcherbuilding.com/
divisions/building-products

Chris Ellis 
Chief Executive, 
Building Products

Divisional reviews

Distribution

Fletcher Building’s distribution business, 
PlaceMakers, is the premier supplier of building 
materials to New Zealand’s commercial and 
residential construction markets.

PlaceMakers leads the market in its core trade 
segments and provides an important distribution 
channel for Fletcher Building products. There are  
62 stores, most of which are operated in partnership 
with local owners. Frame and truss manufacturing  
is a key feature of the division’s offering.

PlaceMakers works closely with joint venture 

operators and key suppliers to deliver value to 
customers through credible trade products, and  
great services through the quality of its employees 
and its customer relationships. These are key  
points of difference underpinning PlaceMakers 
competitive success.

Performance overview
PlaceMakers sales were in line with the prior year, 
but with increased residential building activity in  
New Zealand emerging in the latter part of the  
year. Operating earnings were 27 percent higher  
at $38 million driven by reduced costs and  
steady margins.

A 13 percent increase in New Zealand residential 

building consents from 2009 assisted the results.  
The building materials market has, however, 
continued to be affected by the low level of residential 
building consents, and the decline in non-residential 
consents. Forward indicators for commercial building 
materials markets have been slowing, while those  
for residential have improved in metropolitan areas 
but remain weak in rural and coastal areas.

The competitive landscape 
has seen most industry 
participants continuing  
to compete aggressively  
on price and margin to 
retain share.

Pressure on the trade segment continues, but 
PlaceMakers’ market share has been maintained  
with the joint-venture ownership model proving 
resilient. An active margin management programme 
also mitigated pricing pressure.

The trade and serious DIY segments remain the 

core business. Successful marketing and promotional 
campaigns have brought a fresh focus and added 
customer appeal to our ‘Know How Can Do’ brand.

The growth in operating earnings was attributable 

in part to a five percent reduction in employee and 
facility costs, and improved freight cost recovery. 

Working capital increased by three percent 
mainly as a result of inventory price increases, but free 
cashflow was 43 percent higher than the prior years. 
Cashflow management remained a primary focus. 

This helped Distribution achieve an annualised return 
of 27 percent on funds employed.

Enhancements to delivery management improved 
freight cost recovery. Productivity gains were achieved 
in frame and truss manufacturing, a core trade 
product, through improvements to the plant network, 
production scheduling, quality control and plant 
layout. Capital expenditure was limited during the year 
principally to store maintenance and high pay back 
projects. Planning for redevelopment and relocation  
of existing stores is underway and an increase in 
activity is planned for 2011 with a number of store 
refits and relocations. This will extend our lead in 
Trade and serious DIY markets.

The transition to a new leadership team is 
complete. Key appointments from within the wider 
industry have been made, including the CEO, National 
Sales, HR, Supply Chain and IT general managers. 
Twelve new branch operators have been appointed 
who will also help drive performance and growth. 
Health and safety remains a lead engagement 
strategy with a 39 percent reduction in the TRIFR 
rate in the 2010 year. New training, auditing and 
performance management will support this strategy 
in the year ahead. Renewed focus is also being 
given to staff development and talent management 
as we move into thinking about growth and how 
to best capture the benefits of improving market 
conditions. New talent and performance management 
frameworks have been established.

Looking ahead
Improved trade customer services to grow market 
share will be driven off PlaceMakers strong base  
of trade relationship skills, and product and 
industry knowledge. Training and development will 
be expanded via our ‘Know How’ Academy and 
related programmes. Strategies will be focused on 
partnership and growth. The existing collaboration 
with Joint Venture partners on strategy development 
and execution will be expanded. 

DIY customers will be advantaged by the 
relaunched Know How loyalty card and major 
promotional programmes. Value-added initiatives for 
trade customers around installation solutions, and 
project and job planning, will significantly improve the 
overall attractiveness of PlaceMakers to this market.
Improvements to supply chain and logistics 

effectiveness are also a priority.

Case study

Know How for the DIY 
market

DIY is an important complementary 
market to PlaceMaker’s core building 
trade business. In recognition of this, 
PlaceMakers launched its Know How 
loyalty card in 2005, which offered 
DIY customers bonus vouchers to 
encourage repeat store visits. The  
card, and ‘Know How, Can Do’ 
advertising, has helped position 
PlaceMakers as a household brand. 
PlaceMakers’ commitment to  
DIYers has paid off. While trade sales 
softened over 2008 and 2009, sales  
to Know How Card members remained 
at similar levels to previous years. 
But PlaceMakers is not taking its DIY 
customers for granted. Competition  
for the DIY dollar is strong, and 
customers need to be engaged online 
as well as in-store. 

A review of the Know How Card 

loyalty programme has seen it 
relaunched with added features 
and benefits. Members now have 
options such as bonus vouchers 
being delivered by email. Higher value 
customers are being recognised 
through the addition of two premium 
tiers to the programme, DIY PLUS  
and DIY PRO. These customers 
receive exclusive offers and invitations 
to branch events designed specifically 
for them. Competitive advantage for 
PlaceMakers over other DIY retailers  
is supported with a platform of tools for 
powerful and effective direct marketing. 
The Know How Card relaunch is 
a ‘can do’ response to securing an 
important market at a challenging time.

More online: 
fletcherbuilding.com/ 
divisions/distribution

John Beveridge 
Chief Executive, 
Distribution

9

Divisional reviews

Infrastructure

The Infrastructure division is a vertically 
integrated business supplying aggregates, 
cement, readymix concrete and a range 
of concrete products in New Zealand; and 
concrete pipeline products and a range  
of aggregate sands throughout Australia.  
It is the largest construction contractor  
and residential builder in New Zealand.

Performance overview
Total sales for Infrastructure were down two percent 
with lower sales for most construction materials 
products in New Zealand and Australia; however, 
billings in the construction business were up on last 
year. Operating earnings declined by $39 million  
to $164 million as market activity weakened. In  
New Zealand, the significant decline in private 
commercial construction activity and recent 
completion of a number of large infrastructure 
projects were only partially mitigated by an increase  
in residential construction activity.

Operating earnings from the New Zealand 

and Australian concrete businesses declined by 
$37 million to $105 million. Sales volumes of most 
products in New Zealand were significantly below 
last year. Cost savings could not mitigate the 
impact of the substantial declines in volumes and 
an increasingly competitive environment. In Australia, 
concrete sleeper and pipe related volumes were 
down, and the market for sand in New South Wales 
was more difficult than anticipated. Construction 
activity remained strong but earnings declined by 
$4 million while property and residential operations 
improved by $2 million.

Operating earnings from the cement business 

were $12 million lower primarily due to reduced 
volumes. In New Zealand, volumes were nine percent 
lower and, while export sales volumes and prices 
increased, export margins remained low. Domestic 
prices were flat while production and distribution 
unit costs increased. Manufacturing performance 
was excellent with the best continuous run time 
since the upgrade was completed. The new cement 
storage facilities on the Auckland waterfront were 
commissioned in December 2009.

Aggregates sales volumes were 16 percent 
lower than last year and 31 percent below peak 
cycle volumes. The business continued to make 
significant progress in lowering its costs as the market 
deteriorated but earnings declined by $5 million. A  
new construction and demolition waste recycling facility 
in Auckland will be commissioned in October 2010.

Readymix and masonry operating earnings were 
26 percent lower. Sales volumes of concrete dropped 
by ten percent as a number of large infrastructure 
jobs were completed in the year. Masonry sales 
volumes were similar to the previous year due to 
the increased volumes as a result of the Stevenson 
masonry business acquisition in March 2009.

The concrete pipe and precast markets softened 

throughout the year resulting in overall earnings  

Fletcher Building Annual Report 2010

Case study

A record of delivery

When private sector construction 
around the world dried up with the 
global financial crisis, new opportunities 
emerged as governments increased 
investment in infrastructure to provide 
economic stimulus. In New Zealand, 
Fletcher Construction’s reputation 
has helped the company secure 
involvement in many of the country’s 
recent infrastructure developments. 
Through a range of different contractual 
models, Fletcher is involved in 
construction of the Manukau Harbour 
crossing, Auckland’s Victoria Park 
tunnel, the McKay’s Crossing to Peka 
Peka expressway north of Wellington, 
the redevelopment of Eden Park for the 
Rugby World Cup, and new facilities  
at Mt Eden prison. 

The scale and significance of such 
investment is increasingly encouraging 
contractor-selection based on non-
price attributes. While many companies 
compete for these contracts, Fletcher 
Construction’s bids are backed with 
a strong balance sheet and a record 
of delivery of some of the country’s 
largest and most complex structures, 
on time and on budget. Government 
and delivery partners are also attracted 
by the company’s stable experienced 
management, its investment in areas 
such as health and safety, and its ‘pride 
of place’ culture anchored in 100 years 
of tradition. These attributes build 
confidence that the billions of dollars  
of public money being invested are  
in safe hands.

More online: 
fletcherbuilding.com/ 
divisions/infrastructure

Mark Binns
Chief Executive, 
Infrastructure

27 percent below last year. Concrete product sales 
volumes (pipe and precast products) declined by  
ten percent in the year. Overall margins were lower, 
due to mix, competitive pricing and slightly higher 
input costs. Some recovery was seen in the latter  
part of the year, and forward orders are seven 
percent higher than last year although overall margins 
are lower.

In Australia, the pipeline and quarry businesses 

performed well, in the economic environment, 
with combined operating earnings of $52 million 
compared with $64 million in 2009. The pipeline 
products business experienced weaker demand 
for most products, with operating conditions being 
the most difficult since the business was acquired 
in 2005. Orders on hand are 16 percent lower than 
at the same time last year. The quarry business 
recorded a solid result despite a noticeable slowdown 
in building activity and particularly weak demand  
in New South Wales.

Construction’s operating earnings were  

$39 million compared to $43 million in the previous 
year. The backlog of construction work is currently 
$930 million. The group is either the preferred bidder 
or in final contractual negotiations for approximately 
$450 million worth of further work. The backlog at 
the same period last year was $1.1 billion, and the 
decline is due to the completion of several large 
projects and fewer major contracts secured during 
the year. Government commitment to infrastructure 
investment should provide opportunities across the 
New Zealand-based operations but the lead time  
is such that conditions in the construction market  
will remain challenging in the short term.

Earnings from property related activities include 

those from quarry end use and the residential 
business. Earnings from Fletcher Residential increased 
by $6 million to $18 million with higher average margins 
due to a favourable sales mix and stronger demand in 
Auckland. Property sales earned $2 million compared 
to $6 million last year and market conditions are not 
expected to improve materially in 2011.

Looking ahead
The division continues to experience very weak 
demand in New Zealand and the economic outlook  
is uncertain in the short term. The Australian 
businesses expect underlying demand to remain 
stable. There has been significant cost rationalisation 
over the last two years and further business 
improvement initiatives will be implemented this year. 
These will mitigate, to some extent, the impact of any 
further downturn in activity should that eventuate. 
The division has significant operating leverage 
which places it in a very good position when market 
conditions improve.

In the meantime the division will also continue 
to explore high-returning organic growth initiatives. 
In August, Australian Construction Products was 
acquired, which is a market leader in the supply  
of road barriers and associated roading products  
in Australia.

Divisional reviews

Case study

Laminates & Panels

Fundamental rethink, 
exponential profit growth

The Laminates & Panels division comprises the Laminex Group and 
Formica Group which manufacture, market and distribute a range  
of decorative and durable laminates and panels. These businesses 
have strong international brand profiles and leading market positions. 
Operating earnings for Laminates & Panels were $141 million, compared 
with $74 million in the previous year. Sales were 7 percent lower at 
$1,930 million.

Laminex continued to undertake new product 

initiatives during the year with 25 new product 
launches and range updates.

Laminex is also continuing to expand the breadth  
of its Formica range in Australia and New Zealand, 
which includes releasing 15 new decors and 
introducing Formica Colourcore and Tightform products 
into the market. Laminex has also released a new  
gloss low pressure melamine (LPM) Formica and 
Laminex range and relaunched its EssaStone range.

Looking ahead
The business continues to see weak demand in  
New Zealand with continued price and margin 
pressures. In Australia, the housing and alterations  
and additions sectors are forecast to improve modestly 
but the commercial sector is continuing to decline.

Laminex

The Laminex Group is the leading 
Australasian manufacturer, marketer and 
distributor of decorative surface laminates, 
component products, particleboard and 
medium density fibreboard (MDF). 

Performance overview
Laminex’s operating earnings were $107 million 
for the year which included $16 million of one-off 
gains from the closure and sale of the Welshpool 
and Kumeu sites. Operating earnings excluding 
these one-off items were $91 million, up 63 percent 
compared with the prior year.

Australian domestic revenues were marginally 

higher, driven by improvements in the new 
housing, and alterations and additions sectors, 
while conditions in the commercial sector remained 
constrained. Australian export sales declined year on 
year as a result of the closure of the Welshpool MDF 
facility in Western Australia, which more than offset 
the increase in domestic sales. The tight conditions  
in the commercial market saw a higher proportion  
of commodity products sold into the general market.
New Zealand revenues were below the prior year 
due to low demand continuing in the commercial sector. 

Tighter conditions in Australia and the 

contraction in the New Zealand commercial market 
lead to intensified competition, with prices either  
flat or slightly lower. Programmes addressing 
customer cost-to-serve and product profitability 
were undertaken during the year. These and other 
cost saving initiatives have resulted in a reduction  
in employee numbers and, combined with a 
reduction in resin costs, have more than offset  
the impact of the lower revenue and pricing pressure. 
The closures of the plant in Welshpool, and the 

particleboard facility at Kumeu in Auckland have 
rationalised the manufacturing footprint, reducing 
costs and better aligning capacity with domestic 
demand. Laminex is now well placed to maintain  
and grow market share in an upturn.

Manufacturing facilities performed very well 

during the year. All sites are now running at or 
around full capacity with the exception of the high 
pressure laminate (HPL) facility in Melbourne.  
A new short cycle laminating line is to be installed, 
and warehousing and logistics capability improved  
at the MDF facility in Queensland, with commissioning 
due late 2011.

Laminex entered the financial year 
planning to grow profit exponentially 
after three external shocks had wiped 
over $55 million off the bottom line in 
the previous year. Disruption to the 
company’s energy supplies from the 
Varanus Island fire was a one-off event, 
but the global financial crisis, and sharp 
increases in commodity prices required 
a fundamental rethink of the business. 
Laminex’s business revitalisation 
programme, Reset, was created to 
position Laminex to make money even 
if the reduction in market demand 
lasted for years, while maintaining the 
company’s capacity to respond quickly 
when markets recovered.

Reset enabled important strategic 
and operational choices to be made. 
A decision was made to focus on 
valuable, strategically important 
domestic markets rather than low 
margin export markets. Customer 
profitability reviews saw Laminex 
take some simple steps to increase 
profitability, such as simplifying 
deliveries. Laminex reduced the number 
of transport companies it used, and 
achieved more competitive pricing 
from the remaining suppliers. A similar 
approach to input commodity suppliers 
saw reductions in costs, such as paper 
and resin.

The impact was substantial. Margin 

optimisation activities alone delivered 
around $10 million to the bottom line, 
and procurement initiatives saw the  
cost of raw materials reduce $22 million. 
In total, Reset initiatives delivered a  
$44 million benefit.

More online: 
fletcherbuilding.com/ 
divisions/laminates

David Worley
Chief Executive, 
Laminates & Panels  
– Laminex

11

Divisional reviews

Formica

Formica Corporation manufactures, and 
distributes high pressure decorative surface 
laminates, in three major regions, namely 
North America, Europe and Asia. Its main 
geographic markets within those regions 
are the USA, Canada and Mexico in North 
America, the UK, Spain, France, the Nordic 
regions and the Benelux countries in Europe, 
and Taiwan, China and Thailand in Asia. 

A significant proportion of sales are through the 
commercial sector, including retail and office fit outs, 
schools, hospitals and other developments. Formica 
also has a high exposure to both new housing and 
renovations. The brand is recognised and respected 
globally and in countries in which it has manufacturing 
facilities Formica either leads the market or holds the 
second largest share.

Performance overview
Formica’s operating performance for the current year 
improved substantially over last year largely as a result 
of continuing operational improvements and efficiency 
gains in all key areas of the business.

Operating earnings were $34 million, compared 
with $18 million in the prior year. The result included 
$7 million of redundancy costs. Sales were 13 percent 
lower, although this was due to the relative changes 
in the value of the New Zealand dollar versus trading 
currencies. In local currencies sales were down by 
only three percent on last year. 

Market conditions however varied significantly 
across the world. Volumes in North America were 
down by five percent on the prior year with continued 
depressed levels of demand. While activity in the 
new housing sector has shown some recovery in 
the USA, this was from a low base and had minimal 
impact on the business. Commercial markets in North 
America, and to a lesser extent Europe, continued  
to contract during the year and in both these regions 
the business has a higher dependency on commercial 
than residential activity. 

Conditions in Europe have been less variable 
declining by a further two percent over last year. 
The main markets in Northern Europe showed some 
improvement, Central Europe and the UK remained 
relatively flat. Southern Europe, including Spain, 
was lower. Markets in Asia have remained solid with 
volumes up by six percent on last year. A moderate 
pick up in volumes in China and Thailand was 
achieved after last year’s slowing in activity levels, 
while conditions in Taiwan and other Asian markets 
have also been firm.

During the year Formica undertook an extensive 

rationalisation of its product range. Low volume 
and low margin products were eliminated, and the 
product range was consolidated across the three 
regions. This enabled the business to better leverage 
its scale in purchasing, with larger tonnages of raw 
material paper able to be procured at lower prices. 

Fletcher Building Annual Report 2010

Initiatives to consolidate logistics and freight providers 
were also undertaken. 

Operations at the main manufacturing and 
distribution facilities, particularly in North America, 
continued to improve. Further reductions in 
manufacturing scrap rates, increased machine 
utilisation, and reductions in fixed factory operating 
costs were achieved. 

Service levels generally improved across all 
regions and as a result Formica was able to increase 
market shares in some of its larger markets while 
maintaining share in all other significant markets.
Product prices were subject to competitive 
pressure, but initiatives aimed at improving service, 
and new product innovations, enabled Formica  
to improve both pricing and margins in some areas. 
Input costs for major materials such as resins and 
papers generally remained stable throughout the year.

Capital expenditure focused on major upgrades 

and replacements of key pieces of machinery, 
especially at the largest sites in North America  
and the United Kingdom.

During FY10 Formica Group 
launched a major new 
product, true scale granite. 

The product, released in North America in  
August 2009, has been highly successful with over 
US$10 million of revenue. This product is planned  
to be released in Europe in FY11.

Europe introduced its new Specification Collection 
into the commercial market, including the Rigato finish 
which has already had great success in Asia. 

Looking ahead
Trading conditions in both North America and Europe 
continue to remain uncertain and no recovery of 
significance is expected in these markets in the 
near term. Continuing growth is expected to occur 
in China, Taiwan and Asean markets. The Group 
will continue to focus on improving its operational 
performance, and capability. Service and innovation 
will be emphasised, especially in developed markets, 
and growth opportunities will be pursued in Asia and 
other developing markets.

Case study

A luxury look at a 
fraction of the price

Commercial and residential building 
activity in North America is at its 
lowest level in decades but Formica is 
achieving results through outstanding 
design, use of new printing technology 
and smart marketing. Its new collection 
of laminates, marketed under the 
180fx™ brand name, is created for  
a residential market looking for quality 
products that won’t break the bank. 
180fx™ replicates the look and 
scale of exotic natural granite slabs. 
Unlike conventional laminates, the 
180fx patterns don’t continually repeat 
across the width of a 5-foot (1.524m) 
sheet. Each sheet displays the rich 
colour variations and veining that would 
be found in a similar sheet of real 
granite. That means home builders 
and renovators can enjoy the practical 
advantages of a laminate product  
while getting the luxury look of stone  
at a fraction of the price. 

While 180fx™ costs much less 
than granite, the quality and range of 
designs and finishes still allows Formica 
to sell the product at a premium price 
relative to other laminates. The use of 
Formica’s premiumfx™ finishes on the 
180fx™ product further supports a 
premium price positioning. 

180fx™ has been the right  
response to the market, at the right 
time, delivering ‘affordable luxury on  
a luxurious scale’. Sales and revenue 
in North America are five times higher 
than predicted. 

More online: 
fletcherbuilding.com/ 
divisions/laminates

Mark Adamson
Chief Executive, 
Laminates & Panels  
– Formica

with an increase in export volumes offsetting lower 
demand within New Zealand. Although earnings 
were significantly lower than the prior year the result 
demonstrates that Pacific Steel can be profitable 
throughout the economic cycle. 

The consistency of Pacific Steel’s earnings 
has been achieved through a focus on improved 
customer service, including investment to reduce 
plant shut-down risk, improve delivery time reliability 
and an expanded product offering.

Earnings in the distribution and services business 

declined by 63 percent. The primary driver of this 
decline was the Easysteel distribution business. 
Easysteel’s operating earnings were well down on 
the prior year due to a combination of contracting 
margins and low volumes. Easysteel’s margins 
contracted as lower selling prices caused the value  
of existing inventories to reduce.

Looking ahead
Although 2010 has been a very difficult year the 
businesses within the Steel division have focused  
on reducing costs and maximizing cashflow and 
seeking out new profitable customers.

With the existing base businesses well positioned 
to participate in any economic recovery the focus is 
on exploring high return growth opportunities and 
improving the resilience of our businesses for the 
longer term. The Steel division is assessing a number 
of organic growth opportunities and continues to 
explore potential acquisitions.

Divisional reviews

Steel

The Steel division operates a diversified 
portfolio of steel businesses across three  
broad business lines, primarily in Australia 
and New Zealand. Each of the division’s 
businesses has a leading market position  
and widely recognised brands. 

•	

•	

•	

	The	rollforming	and	coatings	businesses	
comprise Stramit, Dimond and Pacific Coil 
Coaters (PCC).

	Long	Steel	businesses	consist	of	Pacific	Steel,	
Pacific Wire, Fletcher Pacific Steel (Fiji) and a  
50 percent interest in Sims-Pacific Metals

	The	distribution	and	services	businesses	 
include the EasySteel steel merchandising 
business, the CSP hot-dip galvanising business 
and Fletcher Reinforcing. 

Performance overview
Steel’s operating earnings for the year were  
$82 million, 47 percent lower than the prior year’s 
record levels. Prior year earnings were driven by 
historically high steel prices and very strong demand 
in the first half of the year. Since the global financial 
crisis, the steel industry has been in a consolidation 
phase whilst global inventories re-aligned to the 
reduced demand environment. Accordingly, 2010 
was a difficult operating environment characterised  
by uncertain demand and declining prices.

Sales for the year declined by 11 percent to 
$1,172 million, continuing the trend seen in the 
second half of the prior year.

Capacity reduction initiatives 
implemented in the prior 
year meant that businesses 
were well positioned for 
a sustained downturn, 
and as such only modest 
restructuring was required  
in 2010.

The rollforming and coated steel businesses in 
both Australia and New Zealand experienced volume 
declines over the prior year. Rollforming volumes 
in the residential and light commercial markets 
continued to be weak in 2010, although Australian 
government stimulus spending in schools and other 
areas boosted sales. Competition in rollforming was 
intense, reducing margins, particularly in the  
New Zealand market. Operating earnings declined  
by 14 percent. 

Operating earnings in the long steel businesses 

declined by 63 percent with a reversal in the 
record steel prices seen in 2009. In Pacific Steel, 
average selling prices reduced by 30 percent from 
the prior year. Volumes were four percent higher 

Case study

Adding value,  
at a profit

Stramit Building Products’ sales staff 
are adding value for customers without 
compromising profitability. 

Stramit manufactures roll-formed 
steel building products and delivers 
these across Australia from its network 
of manufacturing and distribution 
centres. In the past, the Stramit sales 
team lacked robust information on the 
profitability of various products, and 
the cost of delivering those products 
to customer sites. That meant that 
while the team could increase sales 
volumes, they would not know if they 
were doing so at a profit. To enable 
sustainable growth, a comprehensive 
analysis of product and logistics costs 
was completed last year and shared 
with the team.

Today, each salesperson can see  
the total costs – and potential profit –  
for each order. They know that the  
cost of delivering a single roller door  
to a building project may be similar to 
the cost of delivering a whole ‘basket’ 
of products. That allows them to talk  
to customers about supplying all the 
items required for a project at a price 
that is competitive to the customer,  
and profitable to Stramit. The strategy  
is working. Over the last three months 
the value of the average order in  
target segments has increased by  
four percent. 

More online: 
fletcherbuilding.com/ 
divisions/steel

Paul Zuckerman 
Chief Executive, Steel

13

Environment and Society

Case study

Reduce, reuse, recycle

Waste reduction is central to  
New Zealand’s national sustainability 
strategy but few facilities exist for 
business recycling. In the Auckland 
region, less than one percent of 
industrial, demolition, and construction 
waste – timber, gib board, steel, 
cardboard and plastics – is recycled. 
Winstone Aggregates, and joint 
venture partner Kalista, are developing 
a resource recovery centre at the  
former Laminex particleboard factory  
at Kumeu. The CIDRR plant 
(commercial, construction, industrial 
and demolition resource recovery) 
will divert up to 150,000 tonnes of 
waste from regional landfills each year. 
Companies will be able to dispose of 
waste responsibly, at a competitive rate, 
with construction projects getting the 
added benefit of earning real Green Star 
points. Resources recovered will be 
processed and sold. Bulk commodity 
markets for recovered steel and wood 
already exist, while new product 
markets for material such as gypsum 
are being developed.

The use of the Laminex site is an 
example of ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ 
in action, with the existing 10,000m2 
building and some existing processing 
plant being adapted for resource 
recovery. The plant will ultimately 
process around 500 tonnes of waste  
a day, and employ 20 people directly 
and up to 100 indirectly.

More online: 
fletcherbuilding.com/environment

Environment

The efficient use of natural resources is  
one of the biggest challenges facing our 
generation; a challenge which Fletcher 
Building takes very seriously. 
We are committed to ensuring that the use of natural 
resources, including the emission of CO2 from our 
operations, products and services are reduced. 
New Zealand’s emissions trading scheme 
(ETS) extended coverage to industrial and transport 
emissions on 1 July 2010. The ETS has been 
designed so that energy suppliers rather than 
energy users have to buy emissions units (or carbon 
credits) and surrender these to the Government. Our 
operations that emit CO2 from fossil fuel combustion 
do not directly participate in the ETS. Instead, they  
are subject to higher energy costs, as these are 
passed down by energy suppliers. 

Our cement and steel manufacturing operations, 

however, emit process CO2, and our cement 
plant uses imported coal. This means that these 
operations are direct participants in the ETS. 
Cement and steel manufacturing also meet the 
threshold texts for offsetting the costs of the ETS  
on emissions-intensive, trade-exposed industries. 
Both will receive a free allocation of emission units  
to partly offset their increased costs.

The ETS will impose additional costs on our 
New Zealand operations, but with the free allocation 
available to cement and steel these costs will not be 
material. Our efforts to continually reduce emissions 
and improve energy efficiency will ensure that these 
costs are further reduced.

Climate change and environmental 
sustainability
Fletcher Building has an executive Climate Change 
and Environmental Sustainability Council which is 
chaired by the chief executive. Established in 2008,  
it directs company-wide programmes of work in 
carbon accounting and emissions trading, internal 
efficiency programmes, employee engagement,  
and external communications. 

Much of the Council’s efforts in the last year 
have been directed at emissions trading and carbon 
reporting, with the introduction of the ETS in  
New Zealand, and the energy and carbon reporting 
requirements in Australia. There has been a focus on 
identifying energy efficiency opportunities, to enable 
us to achieve our commitment to reducing our CO2 
emissions by 5 percent between 2008 and 2012. 
Internally, we are developing tools to assist waste 
reporting and reduction initiatives.

Our energy and CO2 inventory is updated every 
six months, and provisional figures for this financial 
year shows total CO2 emissions of 1,218,793 tonnes. 
This includes the CO2 emitted during the generation 
of electricity used by Fletcher Building. New Zealand’s 
emissions totalled 708,319 tonnes, while Australia 
emitted 351,329 tonnes. Of those business units with 
a high CO2 output, the largest single emitter was the 
Golden Bay Cement plant with 528,440 tonnes. The  

Fletcher Building Annual Report 2010

major manufacturing plants for laminates and panels 
emitted a total of 363,619 tonnes and the Pacific 
Steel and Wire plants emitted 64,524 tonnes.

Emissions reduction
By 31 December 2009, two years into our five year 
CO2 emissions reduction programme, our emissions 
were analysed to assess our progress. Absolute 
emissions had decreased from 1,526,854 tonnes  
for 2007 to 1,248,475 tonnes CO2, a decline of  
18 percent. Production levels in 2009 were less than 
2007, and when emissions were normalised for 
revenue and production levels, it was concluded that 
there has been very little change in emissions intensity. 
The manufacture of cement in 2007 resulted in 
the emission of 0.795 tonnes of CO2 per tonne in 
2007 and 0.794 tonnes of CO2 per tonne in 2009. 
In 2009 CO2 emissions intensity improved slightly 
through the increase in biomass fuel substitution from 
11 percent (2007) to 20 percent of thermal energy. 
However, this was offset by reduced energy efficiency 
resulting from reduced production and consequent 
difficulty in optimising the thermal efficiency of the kiln.

Of the group’s other emissions-intensive 

products, fibre-glass insulation recorded a significant 
improvement in emissions efficiency. This results  
from the significant reduction in the Auckland plant, 
where the conversion from a gas-fired furnace to  
an electric fired furnace reduced emissions intensity 
per tonne by 50 percent. The electric furnace is 
more energy-efficient and also benefits from the use  
of New Zealand’s electricity with its comparatively 
low emissions factor.

In order to achieve our target over the next three 

years, we will require further projects in our energy-
intensive plants and a focus on energy efficiency in 
our other operations. 

Fletcher Building participated in the Carbon 
Disclosure Project for the fifth time this year. This 
required a complete inventory of all our 2009 CO2 
emissions and a report describing how the company 
manages the risks and opportunities from future 
climate change. All NZX50 and ASX100 companies 
are asked to participate. 

Other achievements
We currently participate in a number of organisations 
that are leading sustainability practices and policies. 
In New Zealand, this includes an industry joint 
venture to develop a single residential rating tool. 
We have also contributed to a number of important 
Green Star-rated buildings across Australia and 
New Zealand, either through being a construction 
contractor or a supplier of accredited materials. 

We have recently completed a resource recovery 

facility in Kumeu, north of Auckland, which sorts  
and, where possible, recycles construction and 
demolition waste. The facility utilises the buildings 
and some of the process equipment of our recently-
closed particleboard plant, an efficient use of a 
substantial existing investment in an emerging area  
of business opportunity.

Environment and Society

People

At 30 June 2010 Fletcher Building employed 
some 16,000 people in its business units 
across New Zealand, Australasia, Asia, 
Europe, North America and the South Pacific.

Australia 3,800

Asia 1,100

Europe 1,300

USA 1,100

South Pacific 1,000

New Zealand 7,700

Through their capability, performance and diversity 
our employees differentiate our group, deliver value  
to our shareholders, customers and communities and 
reinforce our foundation for sustainable success.  
An engaged workforce aligned in a high performance 
culture is key to the delivery of our business strategy 
and we strive to foster inclusive workplaces of choice 
that engage and enable talented high calibre people 
of all backgrounds to fulfil their potential. 

Our workplaces are shaped by our values 
which promote individual and team creativity, mutual 
respect, commitment, and a focus on achieving 
results. These values underpin our code of behaviour, 
the Fletcher Building Way. This builds on our heritage 
of constructive, enduring relationships within Fletcher 
Building, and with our stakeholders. All Fletcher 
Building leaders are required to promote and model 
the Fletcher Building Way. 

Our values-based, structured approach to  
people management is managed regionally within  
a framework of group policies and practices. These 
are framed to enhance the appeal of our employment 
brand – a powerful sustainable resource, that delivers 
significant intangible value to our stakeholders. 

Talent identification, attraction  
and recruitment
Fletcher Building is committed to the development 
and advancement of employees from within the 
group, supplemented by high calibre new hires  
when appropriate. The group adopts an active 
approach to the attraction of talented new employees 
through online and print communications and by 
fostering links with a range of external sources 
including recruitment professionals, academic 
institutions and professional associations.  
The group’s Australasian in-house recruitment centre 
is a further key conduit of good people; in the last 
year over 350 people were hired through this source, 
delivering savings of over $2.5 million.

Leadership and management 
development
The group recognises that as its business grows  
and diversifies, excellent leaders are needed to run  
its substantial businesses and functions, many of 
which trade internationally. Several of our businesses 
would rank as major enterprises in their own right. 
The development of an internationally focused  
high-performing leadership team is thus a key 
strategic priority. 

Our top talent pool has considerable experience 
and depth. Over 43 percent of the 350 most senior 
executives have more than 10 years’ service with the 
group, while 28 percent have more than 15 years’ 
service. We now have 71 executives at general 
manager or more senior levels in our business.  
Of these, 30 percent lead our offshore operations. 
With the growth of our international business, we  
are building a leadership group with global 
perspective; over 25 percent of this executive group 
have at least one year of experience working in a 
business outside their home country. 

A comprehensive leadership assessment and 

development programme is in place for Fletcher 
Building’s 300 most senior executives. The 
programme offers a mix of in-house development 
programmes, challenging work assignments under 
experienced mentors, and external executive 
education programmes at leading business schools  
in New Zealand, Australia, the USA and the UK. 

Since our diverse and geographically-dispersed 

operations differ significantly, each business is 
encouraged to source and deliver in-house training 
programmes specific to its needs. 

These are supplemented by an integrated range 

of centrally co-ordinated regional programmes, 
designed to drive the high performance leadership 
and culture that is central to the group’s business 
strategy. Our regional programmes deliver economies 
and efficiencies of scale, help build internal networks, 
promote common processes and business tools,  
and foster the Fletcher Building Way. 

The company believes that it is essential  

to invest in future talent, even in difficult times.  
For this reason, all learning and development 
programmes in the last year were maintained.  
These programmes were supported in Australia  
and New Zealand by the Fletcher Building Employee 
Educational Fund which paid out grants of over  
$4 million in support of group, employee, and 
employee dependant training.

Reward and recognition
The group strives to offer market-competitive  
pay and benefits in each country of operation.  
Our general policy is to benchmark total 
remuneration at the third quartile, with appropriate 
regard to individual and business performance, 
market conditions, employees’ priorities, needs  
and lifestyles, and reward practice in each location. 

More online: 
fletcherbuilding.com/about/our-people

Peter Merry 
Executive General 
Manager, Human 
Resources

15

Equal opportunity and diversity
A workplace that welcomes and supports all 
employees is central to the group’s values. We aim  
for an inclusive workplace in which our people are able 
to rise to their full potential regardless of gender, age, 
ethnicity, disability, creed, or caring responsibilities. 
Currently some 35 percent of the group’s 
workforce is aged over 50 and 62 percent is  
aged over 40 years. Women comprise around  
19 percent of the group’s workforce overall, although 
representation is higher in some countries, reflecting 
national trends. A measure of the ethnic diversity  
of our global workforce is that from time to time we 
produce corporate communications in nine languages. 
Recognising the diversity of backgrounds and 
needs of our increasingly multi-cultural workforce, 
we offer a range of adult learning and re-skilling 
opportunities including literacy training and access 
to occupational programmes leading to nationally 
accredited qualifications awarded by third parties. 
These initiatives help to offset educational and 
language barriers to advancement and promote 
our high performance ethic. 

We continue to look for opportunities to  
advance more leaders who are women, and 
members of minorities.

Within the community, we are proud co-sponsors 

of the New Zealand Employers’ Disability Network 
and the New Zealand Equal Employment Opportunity 
Trust, and strongly endorse their efforts to advance 
the representation of minorities in the workforce. 
The group also sponsors the First Foundation 
which assists academically talented, financially 
disadvantaged young New Zealand students to  
reach their full potential. 

Work-life balance
People have different needs and work preferences 
at various stages in their careers. Fletcher Building 
recognises this through providing options such  
as alternative work arrangements – including  
flexible work, telecommuting and job-sharing  
to help employees balance their personal and 
professional commitments. 

Employees who require support with personal  

or work-related problems have free access to a 
confidential counselling service through specialist 
providers. 

New Zealand employees who experience 
personal hardship through unexpected misfortune 
may apply to the independent Fletcher Building 
Employee Welfare Fund for financial assistance.

Environment and Society

Labour relations
Fletcher Building enjoys a history of constructive 
relationships based on partnership and mutual 
respect with the many labour unions active within  
its business. 

Some 32 percent of the group’s employees 
belong to labour unions. There are more than  
130 negotiated workplace agreements in place 
across the company.

Employee share ownership
Fletcher Building wants its employees to feel directly 
involved in the performance of the business and so 
encourages and supports employee share ownership. 
Certain senior managers are required to acquire 
and hold shares in the company in their own names 
as a condition of employment. A broader group is 
eligible to participate in a long-term cash incentive 
requiring investment in the company’s shares. Details 
can be found in the Remuneration Report section  
of the annual report.

Communicating with our people
Keeping our people informed about what is 
happening in Fletcher Building, and monitoring 
employee views and perspectives of the group,  
is important to the group. We deliver information and 
encourage employees to provide feedback through 
a variety of channels including online webcasts,  
web seminars, web chats and email bulletins, and 
face-to-face briefing sessions, conferences and 
employee reviews.

‘Faircall’ and ‘Safe2Say’ are free, independently-

administered, international 24 hour confidential 
telephone hotlines for employees to raise ethical 
issues and report grievances. All calls are logged  
and investigated by the appropriate function and  
are subject to regular Audit Committee review.  
All matters are brought to the attention of the  
CEO and the board. 

We regularly survey our 
employees at group and at 
business unit levels to gather 
their opinions. 

In the last year, the group’s international 

leadership group was surveyed through a confidential 
questionnaire available in five languages. An  
82 percent response rate was achieved. Despite  
the workplace pressures of the global financial crisis, 
we were pleased that participants awarded the 
group a higher overall rating than in the previous 
survey, conducted in 2007. Amongst the highest 
scoring items were statements of commitment  
to the group (81 percent); pride in the group  
(80 percent); and acknowledgement of the group’s 
progress on workplace safety.

Fletcher Building Annual Report 2010

Environment and Society

Health and Safety

in their health and safety plans relating to the  
wellbeing of employees, Fletcher Building created 
its own support programme, LifeTime. This 
provides policy direction and acts as a central 
resource to streamline wellbeing in the group while 
complementing existing programmes already 
established elsewhere in the business. 

Health and safety achievements across the 
group are recognised through the annual Fletcher 
Building Health and Safety Awards. This was the 
third year in which these awards were held. 

The effect of all these initiatives has been 
significant progress in reducing injury rates. Our 
primary injury rate measure is the 12 month rolling 
average Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate per 
million hours (TRIFR), with total injuries being the sum 
of lost-time and medical treatment injuries. In the last 
year, this rate has dropped from 23.79 to 11.24.  
(In June 2006, this rate was 59.63). Our lost time 
injury frequency rate has dropped from 5.81 to 3.42. 
(In June 2006, this rate was 9.84). 

Despite our progress, however, we are far from 

satisfied with this level of performance. Fatalities  
and injuries still occur. Tragically, an employee of 
Fletcher Construction (South Pacific), died in Apia, 
Samoa after falling from a height within the Ministry  
of Education, Sports and Culture Headquarters 
building project on 15 June.

Fletcher Building understands that a further 
reduction in total injuries must occur to reduce the 
risk of serious injuries and fatalities. Our health and 
safety vision of zero harm is based on the principle 
that all accidents are preventable. The participation 
of senior management in our programmes, and the 
investment of significant resources in safety education 
and training, continues to demonstrate the group’s 
strong commitment to health and safety.

In New Zealand, Fletcher Building retained 

primary-level membership of the Accident 
Compensation Corporation Partnership Programme 
following an external audit in November 2009. 
Australian manufacturing sites are subject to  
differing injury management requirements, based  
on state regulation and the range of schemes 
available. Self-insurance is usually the preferred  
option and additional operations are moving into  
self-insurance schemes. 

Fletcher Building’s decentralised structure 
places operational responsibility for health 
and safety with each business unit. However, 
safety is not just an operational issue. The 
maintenance of safe workplaces is also a 
strategic issue because of the correlation 
between productivity and improved health 
and safety, and because of the high human 
cost of injuries and fatalities. That means  
we seek to balance the strategic importance 
of safe work places with the benefits  
of operational control by business units. 

Health and safety vision, policy and standards for 
Fletcher Building are established by an executive-led 
Health and Safety Council chaired by the chief executive. 
Each year, the Council produces a safety plan which 
details priorities, requirements, and programmes for 
the whole group. Performance targets are cascaded 
down to divisions and business units. 

To support divisional and business unit health 
and safety activities, high quality health and safety 
resources have been progressively developed by 
the group over recent years. These include tools 
to ensure that variability in basic safety standards 
is reduced, a common health and safety electronic 
reporting system, and a health and safety Intranet 
site. Guidelines and resources have been produced  
to ensure that common hazards are managed in  
a more consistent manner. 

Currently, the group is 
investigating the various 
techniques and tools 
available internationally 
that we can use to better 
understand and improve  
the safety culture across  
our sites. 

An executive-led initiative each year reinforces  
our commitment to safety in the workplace. In this  
last year, ‘The Ripple Effect’ DVD was produced 
which described the effects of serious injuries and 
fatalities on the families and friends of accident 
victims. The DVD and its accompanying workshop 
had a profound effect at every level of the business. 
This initiative was selected as a finalist in the  
2010 Safeguard New Zealand Workplace Health  
and Safety Awards. Our business units have also 
been externally recognised. A safety video created 
by Firth won first place in the 31st Annual Telly 
Awards held in New York, and in the same awards, 
a safety video created by Fletcher Aluminium was 
awarded second place.

This year, our health and safety focus extended  

to improving employee wellbeing. While some 
business units already had specific objectives  

More online:
fletcherbuilding.com/ 
society/health-and-safety

17

Board of Directors

From left to right: 
Ralph Waters  
Tony Carter  
Hugh Fletcher 
Alan Jackson 
John Judge  
Jonathan Ling 
Sir Dryden Spring 
Gene Tilbrook 
Kerrin Vautier 

Ralph Graham Waters
CPEng, FIE Aust, M Bus
Independent Non-Executive Chairman  
of Directors
Chairman of the Nominations Committee
First appointed 10 July 2001

Hugh Alasdair Fletcher
MCom (Hons), MBA (Stanford), BSc
Independent Non-Executive Director
Member of the Audit and Nominations 
Committees
First appointed 23 March 2001

Mr Waters, 61, has extensive management 
experience in the Australasian building products 
industry including as managing director of Email, 
a major Australian industrial company, and until 
31 August 2006 as the chief executive officer 
and managing director of Fletcher Building. He is 
chairman of Fisher & Paykel Appliances Holdings  
and a director of Fonterra Co-operative Group, 
Westpac New Zealand and Fletcher Building Finance.  
Mr Waters is a Chartered Professional Engineer  
and a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers Australia.

Antony John Carter
BE (Hons), ME, MPhil (Loughborough)
Independent Non-Executive Director
Member of the Remuneration and  
Nominations Committees 
First appointed 1 September 2010

Mr Carter, 53, is currently managing director of 
Foodstuffs (Auckland) and Foodstuffs (New Zealand), 
New Zealand’s largest retail organisation, and a 
director of a number of related companies. Mr Carter 
joined the board in September ahead of his retirement 
from Foodstuffs at the end of this year. He has 
extensive experience in retailing, having joined  
Foodstuffs in 1994. Prior to this he owned and 
operated several Mitre 10 hardware stores, and  
was a director and later chairman of Mitre 10  
New Zealand Limited. Mr Carter is a director of 
Vector and Fletcher Building Finance and a trustee  
of the Maurice Carter Charitable Trust.

Mr Fletcher, 62, has had extensive management 
experience and now holds a number of directorships 
and advisory positions. He is a director of Rubicon, 
Fletcher Building Finance, the Reserve Bank of  
New Zealand, Vector and Insurance Australia Group, 
a member of the New Zealand advisory board of 
L.E.K. Consulting, a councillor of The University  
of Auckland and a trustee of the New Zealand 
Portrait Gallery. 

Alan Trevor Jackson
BEng (Hons), PhD (Auckland) MBA  
(IMD Management Institute) 
Independent Non-Executive Director
Member of the Remuneration and Nominations 
Committees
First appointed 1 September 2009

Dr Jackson, 57, was until 2009 chairman Australasia, 
senior vice president and director of The Boston 
Consulting Group. He has been an international 
management consultant since 1987 with The Boston 
Consulting Group and has proven experience at the 
most senior levels of international and government 
business. Dr Jackson has worked across a range  
of industries including resources, diversified 
industrials, building products and construction 
sectors. Dr Jackson is a Fellow of the Institution 
of Professional Engineers. He is chairman of the 
Housing Shareholders’ Advisory Group, a director 
of Fletcher Building Finance and a trustee of The 
Icehouse Auckland.

Fletcher Building Annual Report 2010

John Frederick Judge
BCom, FCA
Independent Non-Executive Director
Chairman of the Audit Committee and member 
of the Nominations Committee
First appointed 9 June 2008

Gene Thomas Tilbrook
BSc, MBA (University of Western Australia) 
Independent Non-Executive Director
Member of the Audit and Nominations 
Committees
First appointed 1 September 2009

Mr Judge, 56, has considerable experience in 
Australasian business and brings further financial 
and analytical knowledge to the board. His highly 
successful career includes various roles within Ernst 
& Young culminating in the position of chief executive 
of Ernst & Young New Zealand. He is a director of 
ANZ National Bank and Fletcher Building Finance 
and chairman of the Accident Compensation 
Corporation, the Auckland Art Gallery Foundation 
and the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa 
and a member of the Otago University Business 
School advisory board. 

Mr Tilbrook, 59, was finance director at Wesfarmers 
Limited until his retirement in May 2009. He led 
Wesfarmers’ business development group, becoming 
executive director, business development in 2002 
and finance director in 2005. Mr Tilbrook is chairman 
of Transpacific Industries Group and a director of 
Fletcher Building Finance, Queensland Rail, the GPT 
Group and the Australian broadband company, NBN. 
He is a councillor of Curtin University of Technology 
and a fellow of the Australian Institute of Company 
Directors (WA). 

For Director bios visit: 
fletcherbuilding.com/10/
boardofdirectors

For Executive team bios visit: 
fletcherbuilding.com/10/executiveteam

Kerrin Margaret Vautier
CMG, BA, FINSTD, LEANZF
Independent Non-Executive Director
Member of the Audit and  
Nominations Committees
First appointed 23 March 2001

Mrs Vautier, 65, is a research economist specialising 
in competition law and economics. She has served 
on a number of Government agencies, including 
as a member of the New Zealand Commerce 
Commission, and has been a director of several  
New Zealand listed companies. Currently, she is 
a director of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand 
and Fletcher Building Finance and adviser to the 
Partnership Board of Deloitte. She also chairs the 
Musica Sacra Trust. Mrs Vautier is a lay member  
of the High Court under the Commerce Act.

Jonathan Peter Ling
B Eng, MBA, FIPENZ
Managing Director
First appointed 1 September 2006

Mr Ling, 56, is the chief executive officer and 
managing director of the company. He has  
extensive management experience in competitive 
manufacturing business through his senior 
management roles in the Laminates & Panels division 
from 2003 to 2006, and before that in Pacifica,  
Visy and Nylex. Mr Ling is also a director of ASB 
Bank and Fletcher Building Finance. He is a member 
of the Business Council of Australia Sustainable 
Growth Taskforce and during 2008 and 2009  
served on the New Zealand-Government appointed 
Capital Market Development Taskforce.

Sir Dryden Spring
DSc (Hon)
Independent Non-Executive Director
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee
Member of the Nominations Committee
First appointed 23 March 2001

Sir Dryden, 70, has a long-standing record of 
leadership in a range of industries. He is chairman 
of ANZ National Bank and a director of Port of 
Tauranga, Sky City Entertainment Group and 
Fletcher Building Finance. He is a member of the 
New Zealand Business and Parliament Trust and a 
Distinguished Fellow of the Institute of Directors, a 
member emeritus of the International Policy Council 
on Agriculture, Food and Trade and is on the advisory 
board of Visy Industries. Sir Dryden will be retiring 
from the boards of Fletcher Building and Fletcher 
Building Finance on 30 September 2010.

Martin Farrell 
Company Secretary 
and General Counsel

19

 
Corporate governance

As part of its review of the strategic direction  
of the company, a strategy session is held with senior 
management each year. Senior management are 
expected to address strategic issues in the business 
as part of their monthly review. Where appropriate, 
special strategic reviews are held of business  
groups or units, where material change is evident  
or contemplated.

The company achieves board and management 

accountability through written terms of reference  
for the chairman, directors and management, and  
a formal delegation of authority to the chief executive. 
The effect of this framework is that whilst the board 
has statutory responsibility for the activities of the 
company, this is exercised through delegation to the 
chief executive, who is charged with the day-to-day 
leadership and management of the company. As part 
of its annual review of its governance processes, the 
board reviews the delegations to the chief executive  
each year.

The terms of reference for directors and the 
chairman, the charters for board committees and the 
delegation to the chief executive officer all provide for 
reviews of the performance of directors and senior 
management. The nominations committee assesses 
the composition and effectiveness of the board and 
its committees annually. The chair of the nominations 
committee undertakes one-on-one reviews annually 
with all directors on the effectiveness of the board. 
The board evaluates annually the performance 
of the chief executive and the chief executive’s direct 
reports. The evaluation is based on criteria that 
include the performance of the business and the 
accomplishment of long-term strategic objectives, 
and other non-quantitative objectives established  
at the beginning of each year. During the most 
recent financial year, performance evaluations of 
senior executives were conducted in accordance 
with this process.

In addition to these annual performance reviews, 

significant policy issues and capital expenditure or 
divestment decisions of management are required 
to undergo a formal peer group review process, 
including approval by the company’s executive 
committee or the board where necessary.

The governance procedures require the board 

to be comprised of a majority of independent 
directors and for there to be a separation of the role 
of chairman from that of the chief executive. These 
policies also provide that a director who has been 
employed in an executive capacity in the last three 
years cannot be considered an independent director. 
Therefore, R G Waters has been an independent 
director from 1 September 2009. With J P Ling being 
an executive director, eight of the nine directors are 
independent directors.

Fletcher Building is a New Zealand-based 
building materials manufacturer whose 
securities are listed on the New Zealand  
and Australian stock exchanges.

These exchanges require formal adoption of 
approved corporate governance practices by listed 
company boards of directors. Accordingly, the board 
of Fletcher Building confirms that it is committed to 
the highest standards of behaviour and accountability, 
and has adopted policies and procedures that reflect 
this commitment.

The company has adopted the principles 

recognised by the ASX Corporate Governance 
Council as an appropriate way to organise its 
corporate governance policies and reporting.  
In establishing its corporate governance procedures, 
the company reviews the practices and trends in 
corporate governance in other jurisdictions, and  
has incorporated these where appropriate.

The company believes that the practices it 
has adopted ensure that it meets the requirements 
of NZX’s Corporate Governance Best Practice 
Code and the Securities Commission’s Corporate 
Governance in New Zealand Principles.

Fletcher Building’s corporate governance 
practices, including matters reserved for the board 
and those delegated to senior executives, are fully 
detailed on its website and shareholders seeking  
an in-depth review are encouraged to access 
information from this source.

This section on corporate governance contains 

commentary on seven of the eight principles 
recognised by the ASX Corporate Governance 
Council. Commentary on principle eight - 
remunerating fairly and responsibly – is contained  
in the Remuneration Report.

1. Ensuring solid foundations  
for management and oversight
The company’s procedures are designed to: 
•		Enable	the	board	to	provide	strategic	guidance	 

for the company and effective oversight  
of management. 

•		Clarify	the	respective	roles	and	responsibilities	 

of board members and senior executives in order  
to facilitate board and management accountability 
to both the company and its shareholders. 
•		Ensure	a	balance	of	authority	so	that	no	single	

individual has unfettered powers.

The board has an obligation to protect and 
enhance the value of the company’s assets, and to 
act in its interests. It exercises this obligation through 
the approval of appropriate corporate strategies 
and processes, with particular regard to portfolio 
composition and return expectations. These include 
approval of transactions relating to acquisitions, 
divestments and capital expenditures above 
delegated authority limits, financial and dividend  
policy and the review of performance against  
strategic objectives.

Fletcher Building Annual Report 2010

More online: 
fletcherbuilding.com/10/governance

2. Structuring the board  
to add value
The directors believe that for the board to be 
effective it needs to facilitate the efficient discharge  
of the duties imposed by law on the directors and  
add value to the company. To achieve this, the  
board is organised in such a way that it: 
•		Obtains	a	proper	understanding	of,	and	

competence to deal with, the current and emerging 
issues of the business. 

•		Can	effectively	review	and	challenge	the	

performance of management and exercise 
independent judgement. 

•		Can	assist	in	the	identification	of	director	 

candidates for shareholder vote.

Board composition
While the constitution provides that the appropriate 
size for the board is between three and nine 
members, the board has determined that eight is 
an appropriate number at this time to ensure proper 
rotation arrangements. At least one-third of all 
directors stand for election every year although this 
can be increased due to requirements of the stock 
exchanges. The directors who retire in each year  
are those who have been longest in office since their 
last election or, if there are more than one of equal 
term, those determined by agreement. Subject to 
continued shareholder support, the standard term 
for a non-executive director is six years from the date 
that he or she initially stands for election. At the end 
of this term the director will offer his or her resignation. 
The board may, if it considers it appropriate, offer  
a further term of up to three years.

The board has constituted a nominations 
committee, chaired by the chairman of the company 
and composed of all the non-executive directors. This 
committee assists in the identification of appropriate 
directors and, through the committee chair, reviews 
the performance of existing directors.

Committees
Committees established by the board review and 
analyse policies and strategies, usually developed 
by management, which are within their terms of 
reference. They examine proposals and, where 
appropriate, make recommendations to the full board. 
Committees do not take action or make decisions 
on behalf of the board unless specifically mandated 
by prior board authority to do so. A committee or an 
individual director may engage separate independent 
counsel at the expense of the company in appropriate 
circumstances, with the approval of the chairman.

The current committees of the board are audit, 

remuneration and nominations. These meet when 
necessary and consist entirely of non-executive 
directors. From time to time, the board may create  
ad hoc committees to examine specific issues on  
its behalf.

Board process
Although directors are elected by the shareholders 
to bring special expertise or perspectives to board 
deliberations, decisions of the board are made as  
a group, after taking each perspective into account  
and the best interests of the company.

The directors receive comprehensive information 

on the company’s operations before each meeting 
and have unrestricted access to any other information 
or records. To assist in ensuring information is timely, 
focused and concise, board papers are prepared 
and distributed electronically. Where directors cannot 
participate in a meeting they forward their views to 
another director in advance of the meeting. Senior 
management are also available at each meeting 
to address queries, and to assist in developing 
the board’s understanding of the issues facing the 
company and the performance of its businesses.
Director participation remains very high, with  

only one apology for absence from the ten 
regular meetings during the year. In addition to  
these meetings were five site visits and a strategic 
session with senior management. The audit 
committee met on two occasions, the nominations 
committee once and the remuneration committee 
met twice during the year. Some special committee 
meetings were also convened to review issues 
relating to the offer of replacement shares to directors, 
as subsequently approved at the 2009 annual 
shareholders’ meeting.

3. Promoting ethical and 
responsible decision-making
The company has written procedures to: 
•		Clarify	the	standards	of	ethical	behaviour	required	 
of company directors and key executives, and 
ensure observance of those standards through  
a code of conduct and the terms of reference  
for directors and management. 

•		Prescribe	the	circumstances	where	directors	 

and employees can trade in company securities.

The company has a written code of values and 
a code of conduct with which all employees are 
required to comply. 

The company has a written policy on illegal 
and unethical conduct. It reinforces this policy with 
promotional programmes to employees and provides 
a FairCall confidential telephone hotline to enable 
reporting of inappropriate behaviour. The FairCall 
line is operated by an independent party, and the 
outcome of all matters raised is reported to the  
audit committee.

New Zealand legislation and the company’s 
securities trading code of conduct prevent short-term 
trading and dealing in the company’s securities whilst 
directors and senior executives are in possession  
of non-public material and relevant information.

21

6. Respecting the rights  
of shareholders
The company seeks to ensure that its shareholders 
understand its activities by: 
•	Communicating	effectively	with	them.	
•		Giving	them	ready	access	to	balanced	and	 
clear information about the company and  
corporate proposals. 

•		Making	it	easy	for	them	to	participate	in	 

general meetings.

To assist with this, a company website is maintained 
with relevant information, including copies of 
presentations, reports and media releases. The 
corporate governance procedures are also included 
on the website. To further assist shareholders the 
company prepares and distributes its accounts 
in electronic format to shareholders who have so 
requested. This annual report is also available in 
electronic format. The company has continued to 
provide to all shareholders an annual review which 
is a summary of the group’s operations and financial 
performance for the year.

7. Recognising and  
managing risk
The company has a formalised system for identifying, 
overseeing, managing and controlling risk. The 
processes involved require the maintenance of a  
risk register that identifies key risks facing the 
business and the status of initiatives employed to 
reduce them. The risk register is reviewed regularly, 
including as part of the internal audit reviews.
During the most recent financial year, 
management has reported to the board on the 
effectiveness of the company’s management of 
its material business risks. As part of that report, 
appropriate assurances were received from 
management that the system of risk management  
and internal control is operating effectively in  
all material respects in relation to financial  
reporting risks.

Corporate governance

3. Promoting ethical and 
responsible decision-making – 
continued
The company reinforces these measures by requiring 
that any of the 95 persons comprising executives and 
directors, who are currently designated as having the 
opportunity to access price-sensitive information, can 
transact in its securities only with the prior approval of 
the company secretary.

The company recognises that it has a number 

of legal and other obligations to non-shareholder 
stakeholders such as employees, clients, customers 
and the community as a whole. Its commitment 
to these obligations is captured in the code of 
values, and in various policies and procedures for 
ethical conduct, the responsibilities of employees, 
conflicts of interest, and relationships with suppliers 
and customers. These are incorporated into the 
employment terms of all employees.

4. Safeguarding the integrity  
in financial reporting
While the ultimate responsibility to ensure the integrity 
of the company’s financial reporting rests with the 
board, the company has in place a structure of review 
and authorisation designed to ensure truthful and 
factual presentation of its financial position.  
This includes: 
•		An	appropriately	resourced	audit	committee	

operating under a written charter. 

•		Review	and	consideration	by	the	audit	committee	 
of the accounts and the preliminary releases of 
results to the market. 

•		A	process	to	ensure	the	independence	and	

competence of the company’s external auditors. 
•		Establishment	of	an	internal	audit	function	in	the	
corporate office, with reporting responsibility to  
the audit committee. 

•		Responsibility	for	appointment	of	the	auditors	

residing with the audit committee.

5. Making timely and  
balanced disclosure
The company has in place procedures designed  
to ensure compliance with the NZX and ASX Listing 
Rules such that: 
•		All	investors	have	equal	and	timely	access	to	
material information concerning the company, 
including its financial situation, performance, 
ownership and governance. 

•		Company	announcements	are	factual	and	
presented in a clear and balanced way.

Accountability for compliance with disclosure 
obligations is with the company secretary. Significant 
market announcements, including the preliminary 
announcement of the half year and full year results, 
the accounts for those periods and any advice of a 
change in earnings forecast require prior approval  
by either the audit committee or the board.

Fletcher Building Annual Report 2010

Remuneration report

This Remuneration Report contains 
commentary on principle eight of the ASX 
Corporate Governance Council principles.

Remunerating fairly and 
responsibly
The company seeks to ensure that its remuneration 
policies attract and maintain talented and motivated 
directors and employees as a way of enhancing the 
performance of the company.

Non-executive directors’ 
remuneration
The fees paid to non-executive directors for services 
in their capacity as directors during the year ended  
30 June 2010 were:

Base Fees

Committee 

272,250 

121,000 

100,614 

121,000

121,000 

100,614

121,000 

181,500 

Fees

31,500 

21,620 

43,000

35,000 

26,193

31,500 

19,500 

1,138,978 

208,313 

Other

Fees

9,978

12,000 

21,978 

Total

272,250

152,500

122,234

164,000

156,000

136,785

152,500

213,000

1,369,269

RS Deane 1 

H A Fletcher 

A T Jackson

J F Judge

Sir D Spring 

G T Tilbrook

K M Vautier 

R G Waters

Total 

The remuneration policy for non-executive directors 
does not include participation in either a share or 
share option plan. Non-executive directors or their 
associates are nevertheless required to hold at least 
20,000 shares in the company.

The company’s policy is to align directors’ 

remuneration with that for comparably sized Australian 
companies. Directors’ fees are normally reviewed 
annually by the nominations committee unless it  
is apparent that a significant market movement  
has occurred. 

As part of its 2010 review of remuneration, the 
company commissioned an independent report on 
directors’ remuneration in Australia, which indicated 
that some increase in fees was justified having regard 
to market changes. Nevertheless, directors decided 
that no change will be made at this time. Accordingly, 
the base director’s fee remains at $121,000, with 
committee fees of $23,000, $17,500 and $8,500 per 
annum for participation on the audit, remuneration  

and nominations committees respectively. The 
maximum aggregate fees payable in any year  
was set at $1,500,000 at the 2006 annual 
shareholders meeting. 

Committee chairs receive a 50 percent premium 
to the committee fee. The board chairman’s fee has 
been reduced from three times to two and a half 
times the base fee paid to directors, and inclusive of 
the time committed by the chairman for participation 
on board committees. In acknowledgement of the 
additional time commitment required of any Australian-
based director, a travelling allowance of $12,000 per 
annum is also payable. Where an ad hoc committee 
is convened, such as for due diligence, additional 
remuneration may be payable at $1,200 per half day.
The company believes that this provides an 
appropriate remuneration structure which recognises 
the increased global focus of the company’s activities 
and the increased corporate governance obligations 
imposed on directors.

1 As advised in the Fletcher Challenge Building Information Memorandum dated 30 January 2001, Fletcher Building Limited assumed 
responsibility for the payment of directors’ retirement allowances which had accrued prior to Separation in respect of three directors of 
Fletcher Challenge Limited who became directors of Fletcher Building. Fletcher Building received payment for those allowances from 
Fletcher Challenge. In addition to the above fees, Dr Deane, who retired on 31 March 2010, was paid the sum of $25,000 being the 
retirement allowance in respect of his directorship of Fletcher Challenge.

23

More online: 
fletcherbuilding.com/10/remuneration

Remuneration report

Executive director’s remuneration
J P Ling’s remuneration as chief executive officer 
comprises base remuneration, a short-term incentive 
if specified annual performance targets are satisfied 
of up to 100 percent of his base remuneration and 
participation in the company’s long-term incentive 
scheme of up to 80 percent of base remuneration. 
In addition, his total remuneration includes a portion 
of the assessed value of options granted to him in 
September 2009. The total earnings opportunity 
for Mr Ling for the year ended 30 June 2010 was 
$3,724,000. 

The actual remuneration received by Mr Ling in 
the financial year was $2,713,494 comprising base 
remuneration of $1,260,000, a short-term incentive 
payment of $1,228,500 and $224,994 paid in October 
2009 in respect of the shares vesting pursuant to the 
2006 Executive Performance Share Scheme.

As required by the NZSX and ASX Listing Rules, 

shareholder approval of the two components of 
Mr Ling’s long-term incentives was received at the 
annual shareholders’ meetings on 14 November 
2006 and on 12 November 2008. His long-term 
incentives consist of the grant of 1,000,000 options, 
and entitlement to shares in the company previously 
granted pursuant to the Executive Performance  
Share Scheme and in the Executive Long-Term  
Share Scheme. The value of the 75,937 shares  
in the company acquired under the Executive  
Long-Term Share Scheme of 9 November 2009  
was $624,960.

The initial grant of 500,000 options was made 
with effect from 1 September 2006, being the date of  
Mr Ling’s appointment with a further grant of 500,000 
options being made with effect from 8 September 
2009. Each option was granted for no cash 
consideration, at an exercise price for the initial grant 
of $9.24, being the volume weighted price of Fletcher 
Building shares sold on the NZX in the ten business 
days immediately preceding the announcement of 
his appointment on 10 May 2006. The exercise price 
for the second grant is $7.78, being the volume 
weighted price of Fletcher Building shares sold on the 
NZX in the ten business days immediately preceding 
the date of grant. The exercise prices are increased 
annually, with effect from the date of grant, by the 
company’s cost of capital, less any dividends actually 
paid. There is a restrictive period of three years from 
the date of grant during which the options may not 
be exercised. Subject to the company’s rules on the 
trading of securities, options may be exercised at any 
time between the third and sixth anniversary of the 
date of grant.

Directors are satisfied that they have received 

independent advice that Mr Ling’s terms of 
employment provide an appropriate remuneration 
package for the role of chief executive officer.

As an executive director, Mr Ling did not receive 
any further remuneration in his capacity as a director of 
Fletcher Building Finance Limited or other subsidiaries.

Fletcher Building Annual Report 2010

Directors’ and officers’ 
indemnification and insurance
The company has arranged a programme of 
directors’ and officers’ liability insurance covering 
directors, executives and employees in managerial 
positions acting on behalf of the company. Cover  
is for damages, judgements, fines, penalties, legal 
costs awarded and defence costs arising from 
wrongful acts committed whilst acting for the company.
Actions not covered include dishonest, fraudulent 

or malicious acts or omissions; wilful breach of a 
statute, regulation or a duty to the company; improper 
use of information to the detriment of the company; 
and breach of professional duty. The insurance cover 
is supplemented by indemnification by the company, 
but this does not cover liability for criminal acts.

Senior management remuneration
The company’s remuneration strategy aims to attract, 
retain and motivate high calibre employees at all levels 
of the organisation, and so drive performance and 
sustained growth in shareholder value. Underpinning 
this strategy is a philosophy that total remuneration 
should be provided that is competitive in the markets 
in which the company operates – particularly for 
delivering superior performance that contributes to 
improved business results.

Total remuneration for executives comprises 
fixed pay, including the value of any benefits, and a 
short-term variable incentive in the form of an annual 
performance related bonus that forms a significant 
portion of the total package.

All executive performance bonuses require 
achievement of a mixture of company financial and 
personal targets.

The company’s remuneration committee is kept 

fully appraised of relevant market information and 
best practice, obtaining advice from external advisors 
when necessary. Remuneration levels are reviewed 
annually for market competitiveness.

Fixed remuneration
It is the company’s policy to pay fixed remuneration 
comparable to the median and total compensation 
comparable to the upper quartile for equivalent roles 
in the country or region in which the incumbent 
is located. For the purposes of determining total 
remuneration within the senior executive group,  
it is assumed that senior executives will on average 
achieve 75 percent of their potential incentives 
over time, such percentages to be reassessed 
periodically in the light of the actual earnings 
achieved over the business cycle. It is considered 
appropriate that 50 percent of variable incentives  
be achieved over a normal business cycle.

Remuneration report

Short-term incentive remuneration
Short-term incentive remuneration is available to 
recognise the contribution of senior executives to 
company and individual performance objectives. 
Short-term incentive remuneration targets are 
expressed as a percentage of fixed remuneration 
which is up to 100 percent of the fixed remuneration 
for the chief executive and the direct reports to the 
chief executive, and up to 40 percent for all other 
senior executives.

Participation in the plan is by annual invitation, 
at which time the target incentive is established. This 
involves each participant being notified of a financial 
target and several challenging, measurable personal 
objectives for the financial year. Personal and financial 
objectives are independently assessed such that a 
participant can achieve their personal objectives even 
if the minimum financial target is not achieved.

The financial measures include the operating 
earnings target for the applicable division or business 
unit and the corporate Economic Value Added (EVA) 
target. Corporate executives are measured on a mix 
of EVA and personal objectives.

The target for commencement and determination 

of variable incentive payments is an assessed 
measure for each business unit or operating division, 
and is based on the approved budget. In most years 
the starting point for any variable compensation 
payments is at 90 percent of target, with 50 percent 
of the financial component earned at 100 percent of 
target, and 100 percent of the financial component 
earned at 105 percent of target.

Individual variable compensation payments are 

offered entirely at the discretion of the board. 

Long-term incentives
The company has implemented long-term cash-
based performance incentive schemes, targeted at 
around 300 executives most able to influence financial 
results. Where performance targets are met, a cash 
bonus is payable with the after-tax amount invested 
in the company’s shares. Participation in any year is 
by invitation, renewable annually and at the complete 
discretion of the company.

Where permitted by securities legislation in the 
relevant jurisdiction, participants purchase shares in 
the company at the offer price with an interest-free 
loan. The offer price is established at market value 
at the time of offer, which will normally be each 30 
September. The shares are held by a trustee on behalf 
of participants until the end of a three year restrictive 
period which may be extended for one further year for 
up to 50 percent of the entitlement. Provided certain 
performance criteria are met and participants remain 
employed with the company throughout the restrictive 
period, legal title in the shares will be transferred to 
them at the end of the restrictive period.

The schemes are either share-ownership based 

for New Zealand and Australian executives or are 
designed to deliver the same economic value as the 

share scheme and is for a small number of executives 
in other jurisdictions where offering a share scheme is 
not optimal. 

The cash-based share-ownership scheme, the 

Executive Long-Term Share Scheme (ELSS), will 
be offered to all eligible executives this year, and is 
described in detail below. This scheme replaced the 
Executive Performance Share Scheme (EPSS) and  
is designed to deliver the same economic value as 
that scheme.

There are some legacy schemes, based on  
the EPSS, which were offered from 2004 to 2008  
and which will terminate over the next three years.  
Details of those are described in the Corporate 
Governance section on the company’s website  
at fletcherbuilding.com

Executive Long-Term  
Share Scheme 
The ELSS is a cash-based long-term scheme as, 
to the extent any performance targets are met, 
the company will pay a cash bonus to facilitate the 
acquisition of a number of shares in the company. 

Under the ELSS, vesting of up to 50 percent of 
the shares allocated to a participant will be dependent 
on achieving the total shareholder return (TSR) target 
and vesting of up to the other 50 percent of the 
shares will be dependent on achieving the earnings 
per share (EPS) target. The primary reasons for dual 
performance measures are:

•		As	the	TSR	performance	requirement	is	determined	

by relative performance against a peer group of 
Australasian companies it focuses on management 
rather than general market changes;

•		EPS	is	seen	as	strongly	linked	to	shareholder	

wealth, as a consistent growth in earnings should 
lead to dividend growth;

•		cumulative	compound	EPS	recognises	the	

importance of underlying earnings even in cyclical 
industries to generate value for investors;

•		EPS	provides	a	relevant	internal	performance	

measure, operating independently of  
capital markets; 

•		TSR	and	EPS	were	the	most	widely	used	

combination of performance measures based  
on external benchmarking data.

The main terms of the ELSS are as follows:

(a) It enables participants to purchase shares in 
the company at market value with the assistance 
of an interest free loan. Vesting of the shares in the 
participants is subject to their continued employment 
and the achievement of the performance objectives.

25

  
Remuneration report

•		Vesting	of	50	percent	of	the	shares	in	the	

participants requires achievement of certain levels of 
TSR relative to a comparator group of New Zealand 
and Australian companies over a minimum three 
year restrictive period, or as may be extended by 
the one year retesting period. 

•		Vesting	of	the	remaining	50	percent	of	the	shares	in	
the participants requires achievement of certain EPS 
targets over a three year restrictive period. Each year 
the board will, in its discretion, set an EPS target for 
the group. EPS is measured by the Fletcher Building 
group’s net earnings attributable to shareholders 
for financial reporting purposes, divided by the 
weighted average number of shares on issue.  
The one year retesting period will not apply to the 
EPS tranche of shares. 

(b) If at the end of the minimum three year restrictive 
period the TSR performance target has not been met 
in full, the restrictive period will be extended (either 
automatically or at the election of the participant, 
depending on the target level achieved) for a further 
one year period. If a retesting period applies, it will 
apply in relation to all the participant’s shares in the 
TSR tranche. During this one year retesting period, 
the company will assess (mid-way through the period 
and at the end of the retesting period) whether the 
TSR performance objective has been achieved. If the 
TSR performance declines during the retesting period, 
the participant’s entitlements (if any) will be determined 
on this lower TSR performance result. 

(c) The value of a participant’s entitlement and the 
number of shares to be acquired is determined 
annually on 1 October.

(d) At the expiry of the minimum three year restrictive 
period, and, if applicable, on the testing dates during 
the retesting period, transfer of legal title to some or 
all shares in the TSR tranche may occur. The extent to 
which shares are transferred is determined by a sliding 
scale, with 50 percent of shares vesting if the 51st 
percentile of the TSR performance of the comparator 
group is met and 100 percent of shares vesting if the 
75th percentile of the TSR Performance is met. 

(e) At the expiry of the three year restrictive period, 
transfer of legal title to some or all shares in the  
EPS tranche (i.e. 50 percent of shares allocated to  
a participant) may occur. Each year the board will,  
in its discretion, set the vesting scale for the EPS 
tranche offered that year (including the minimum  
and maximum vesting thresholds) having regard  
to current circumstances. 

(f) To the extent that either the EPS or TSR 
performance objectives are met and any conditions 
on the transfer of shares are satisfied (including 
continued employment), legal title to the relevant 
number of Fletcher Building shares will be transferred 
to the participant and a bonus paid to the participant 
such that the after-tax amount of that bonus will 

equal, or exceed, the outstanding balance of the 
loan in respect of the shares transferred, taking into 
account any dividends which have been paid by the 
company during the restrictive period including any 
retesting period.

(g) The restrictive period may terminate early in  
certain defined circumstances. These include a 
participant ceasing employment with the group for 
a qualifying reason (for example, due to redundancy 
or sickness), a takeover offer being made for the 
company or if the company is a party to a Court 
approved reorganisation, merger or reconstruction.  
If such an event occurs, a determination will be made 
of the extent to which the TSR and EPS performance 
objectives have been met at the relevant date and the 
extent to which legal title to the shares will pass to the 
participant. The bonus entitlements noted in (f) still 
apply to the shares transferring. 

(h) To the extent that the EPS or TSR performance 
objectives are not met at the end of the applicable 
restrictive period, or if a participant ceases to be 
employed by the Fletcher Building group other  
than for a qualifying reason, some or all of the  
shares will be forfeited to the trustee without 
compensation unless the trustee in its discretion 
determines otherwise.

(i) During the restrictive period (including any retesting 
period) the shares are held by a trustee and may 
not be sold or used as security for another loan. 
Participants can direct the trustee how to vote on the 
shares. Participants are also entitled to the benefits 
of any dividends, capital returns or other distributions 
declared by Fletcher Building and to the benefit of 
any rights issues, bonus issues or other entitlements 
offered to shareholders. After any adjustment for 
additional taxation on any such distributions and 
entitlements, the after-tax value will be withheld by 
the trustee and applied in part repayment of the loan 
provided to acquire shares.

In circumstances where shares cannot be 
acquired under the applicable securities legislation, 
equivalent economic entitlements are conveyed by 
way of cash bonus entitlements.

The comparator group of Australasian companies 

used to determine relative TSR performances for 
the 2010 offer comprises Adelaide Brighton, Alesco, 
Amcor, Bluescope, Boral, Brickworks, Crane Group, 
CSR, F & P Appliances, Gunns, GWA International, 
James Hardie, Leighton Holdings, Nuplex, OneSteel, 
Sims Group and Steel & Tube. This is unchanged from 
that applied for the 2009 ELSS offer. The minimum 
and maximum EPS targets for the 2010 offer are for 
EPS for the year ended 30 June 2010 to increase  
by 8 percent per annum and 14 percent per  
annum respectively.

On 30 September 2010 the three year restrictive 

period in respect of the third issue under the EPSS 
ends. Present indications are that the TSR of the 

Fletcher Building Annual Report 2010

Remuneration report

company for the period will be in the 58th percentile  
of the comparator group of companies and accordingly 
participating executives will be entitled to take up 
ownership of around 167,000 Fletcher Building shares. 

Superannuation
Participation in defined benefit and defined 
contribution retirement savings plans is made available 
to executives as required by remuneration practices 
in relevant jurisdictions. For those participating, 
an amount to recognise the value of the employer 
contributions required is included in the remuneration 
information later in this report.

five highest paid executives as is considered  
best practice under the ASX Corporate  
Governance Guidelines.

Compliance with ASX corporate 
governance guidelines
The company meets all the best practice requirements 
of the ASX Corporate Governance Council other 
than making detailed disclosure of the five highest 
executives’ remuneration. As is noted above, the 
company makes the remuneration disclosures 
required of a New Zealand company under the 
Companies Act 1993.

Holding the company’s securities
A standard term in the senior executive employment 
contract is a requirement that, over time, senior 
executives must acquire and maintain a holding in the 
company’s ordinary shares until such time as the sum 
so invested, or the market value of their shareholding, 
exceeds 50 percent of their fixed remuneration.  
In meeting this obligation executives are required, 
from the date of receipt of the first payment under the 
senior executive short-term variable incentive plan, to 
apply at least half of the after tax proceeds so earned 
in acquiring shares.

The company believes this shareholding 
strengthens the alignment of senior executives 
with the interests of shareholders and puts their 
own remuneration at risk to long-term company 
performance. Apart from the long-term cash-based 
performance incentive schemes outlined above 
where an agreed percentage of any cash received  
is to be invested in purchasing shares, executives  
are left to their own discretion to organise acquiring 
the shares within the normal insider trading rules,  
and no allowance is made for the restriction on 
trading those shares. Directors may, in any year  
at their discretion, ease the share investment  
percentage required in terms of this policy in respect 
of any incentive payment arising in that year.

Shares issued to executives under the long-term 

incentive scheme, but still subject to the restrictive 
period, do not count towards the required minimum 
shareholding obligation. 

The company does, however, allow  
New Zealand-based executives to meet their 
requirement to hold the company’s shares by having 
an economic exposure to the shares through a 
defined contribution investment account in the 
Fletcher Building Retirement Plan, the value of which 
is calculated by reference to the Fletcher Building 
share price.

Disclosure policy
The New Zealand Companies Act 1993 requires the 
disclosure of all remuneration payable over $100,000 
per annum in $10,000 bands. As the company must 
comply with this obligation, it has chosen not to also 
make detailed disclosure of the remuneration of the 

27

Remuneration report

Employee remuneration
Section 211 (1) (g) of the New Zealand Companies Act 1993 requires disclosure of remuneration and other benefits, including redundancy and other 
payments made on termination of employment, in excess of $100,000 per year, paid by the company or any of its subsidiaries worldwide to any 
employees who are not directors of the company. To give more appropriate information on total employees’ remuneration, where there is a contractual 
commitment to provide incentive remuneration in respect of the year ended 30 June 2010, the amount accrued as at 30 June 2010 has also been 
included in the total remuneration disclosed below. 

Number of employees

International  
Business Activities

New Zealand  
Business Activities

346

259

177

151

105

88

67

65

49

44

25

17

13

15

14

11

9

9

4

7

6

6

7

5

6

1

3

7

3

4

1

3

6

1

1

3

1

1

260

176

143

88

83

51

42

24

23

22

15

16

7

21

6

5

6

4

4

4

3

2

1

4

2

4

2

5

2

1

5

4

4

1

2

2

2

From 
NZ$

100,000 

110,000

120,000 

130,000

140,000 

150,000 

160,000

170,000

180,000

190,000

200,000

210,000

220,000

230,000

240,000

250,000

260,000

270,000

280,000

290,000

300,000

310,000

320,000

330,000

340,000

350,000

360,000

370,000

380,000

390,000

400,000

410,000 

420,000 

430,000

440,000 

450,000 

460,000

470,000

480,000

To 
NZ$

110,000

120,000

130,000

140,000

150,000

160,000

170,000

180,000

190,000

200,000

210,000

220,000

230,000

240,000

250,000

260,000

270,000

280,000

290,000

300,000

310,000

320,000

330,000

340,000

350,000

360,000

370,000

380,000

390,000

400,000

410,000

420,000

430,000

440,000

450,000

460,000

470,000

480,000

490,000

Fletcher Building Annual Report 2010

Total

606

435

320

239

188

139

109

89

72

66

40

33

20

36

20

16

15

13

8

11

9

8

8

9

8

5

5

12

5

1

9

5

7

6

1

2

5

3

3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Remuneration report

Employee remuneration – continued

From 
NZ$

490,000

500,000

510,000

520,000

550,000

560,000

570,000

610,000

630,000

660,000

670,000

680,000

740,000

760,000

770,000

790,000

810,000

910,000

920,000

950,000

1,250,000

1,260,000

1,340,000

1,730,000

To 
NZ$

500,000

510,000

520,000

530,000

560,000

570,000

580,000

620,000

640,000

670,000

680,000

690,000

750,000

770,000

780,000

800,000

820,000

920,000

930,000

960,000

1,260,000

1,270,000

1,350,000

1,740,000

Number of employees

International  
Business Activities

New Zealand  
Business Activities

Total

3

3

1

1

2

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

2

1

1

1

1

1

3

3

1

1

2

2

1

1

1

1

1

1

2

1

2

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

2

1

1,561

1,058

2,619

29

Financial review

The financial statements have been prepared 
in accordance with New Zealand standards 
that comply with International Financial 
Reporting Standards (NZ IFRS). 

Results
The results for the year are set out in the highlights 
section at the beginning of this report and 
commentary is provided at the group level in the 
reviews by the chairman and chief executive. 
Segmental results and operating information are  
set out in the divisional reviews on pages 8 to 13.

Unusual items
As indicated in June, an unusual tax expense of 
NZ$29 million was incurred in the financial results  
for the year ended 30 June 2010. The unusual 
expense arises from the significant taxation 
announcement by the New Zealand Government 
in its budget in May 2010. The changes include 
the elimination of depreciation on buildings for tax 
purposes, and a reduction in the corporate taxation 
rate from 30 percent to 28 percent, both with effect 
from 1 July 2011. 

Based on a review of its future tax obligations 

in the light of these changes, the company has 
assessed that it is required to increase its provision 
for deferred tax by NZ$29 million. The increased 
provision is a one-off accounting entry that is non-
cash in nature and it has not affected underlying 
profitability or the dividend payout in respect of  
the 2010 financial year. Whilst the recognition  
of the deferred tax liability is non-cash in nature,  
the elimination of the tax deductibility on buildings  
will result in a small increase in future income  
tax payments.

Cashflow and capital expenditure
Cashflow from operations was $522 million compared 
with $533 million in the prior year. The continued 
strong positive cashflow was driven by the ongoing 
focus on tight working capital management and a 
reduction in capital expenditure. It is expected that 
cashflow from operations will be negatively impacted 
by increasing inventory and debtor levels as sustained 
market growth emerges.

Capital expenditure for the year was $191 million 
compared with $289 million in the prior year. Of this, 
$137 million related to “stay-in-business” capital 
expenditure, and $54 million to new growth initiatives. 
Significant projects included completion of the new 
port cement facility in Auckland; the upgrading of the 
Laminex MDF plant in Queensland, and the insulation 
plant investment in Victoria. 

$164 million was distributed to shareholders and 

minority interests. 

Capital management and funding
The balance sheet continued to be strengthened 
during the year with positive operating cashflows 
used to further reduce debt levels. Gearing at  
30 June 2010 was 26.8 percent compared with  
31.1 percent at the end of the prior financial year.  
It is intended to maintain a low level of gearing until  
a sustained improvement has been seen in the 
liquidity and accessibility of both domestic and 
international debt markets.

The group had total available funding of  
$2,349 million as at 30 June 2010 including capital 
notes, of which $1,130 million was undrawn. Debt 
facilities from banks account for 50 percent of total 
available funding, US private placement 33 percent, 
and capital notes 17 percent. Debt requiring 
refinancing within the next 12 months is very low  

Gearing
percentage

1
.
3
4

4
.
4
4

1
.
7
3

1
.
0
4

2
.
2
2

1
.
1
3

8
.
6
2

Interest cover
times

0
.
8

7
.
7

0
.
8

1
.
6

6
.
5

9
.
4

0
.
4

Return on funds
percentage

3
.
9
7 2
.
4
2

1
.
6
2

8
.
4
2

0
.
9
1

7
.
2
1

4
.
3

04

05

06

07

08

09

10

04

05

06

07

08

09

10

04

05

06

07

08

09

10

Net debt/Net debt plus equity

EBIT/Interest expense

EBIT/Average funds

Fletcher Building Annual Report 2010

at approximately $116 million. This includes  
$68 million of capital notes subject to interest rate  
and term reset, $18 million of expiring drawn facilities,  
and $30 million of undrawn facilities.

The average maturity of the drawn debt of  
$1,219 million is over 5 years and the currency split  
is 52 percent Australian dollar; 18 percent  
New Zealand dollar; 23 percent US dollar; 5 percent 
Euro; and 1 percent Pounds Sterling.

Approximately 93 percent of all borrowings  
have fixed interest rates with an average duration  
of 4.4 years and at a rate of 7.5 percent. Inclusive  
of the floating rate borrowings the average interest 
rate on debt is currently 7.3 percent. All interest 
rates are inclusive of margins but not fees.

Interest coverage for the year was 4.9 times and 

represents a further improvement on the 4.0 times  
for the prior year.

Risk management 
The company has an integrated programme to 
manage risk associated with movements in interest 
rates, commodity prices and exchange rates. This 
aims to ensure a base level of profitability and reduces 
volatility of earnings. Further details are provided in 
note 27 of the financial statements.

Proforma earnings 

Operating earnings before unusuals
Funding costs
Taxation expense on ordinary activities
Earnings attributable to minority interests
Net earnings before unusual items
Net unusual items
Net earnings

Download the financial statements: 
fletcherbuilding.com/10/downloads

Retirement plans
The company operates a number of defined benefit 
retirement plans for its employees. The largest  
of these is the New Zealand plan, which has  
1,180 members and pensioners and investments  
of $277 million at 31 March 2010. The total assets  
in all plans totalled $659 million at 30 June 2010.

The plans are accounted for in accordance with 
NZ IAS 19 Employee Benefits, which has the effect 
of smoothing volatility in returns by amortising the 
difference between expected and actual returns over 
the remaining life of the members. At balance date, 
$123 million of net losses were to be accounted  
for in future periods.

During the year the company contributed  
$24 million towards funding these plans. The group 
expects to contribute $22 million to its overseas 
defined benefit plans during the year to June 2011. 

Fletcher Building Group

Year ended
June 2010
NZ$M

Year ended
June 2009
NZ$M

521
(107)
(103)
(10)
301
(29)
 272 

558
(140)
(96) 
(8)
 314 
 (360) 
(46)

Return on equity
percentage

5
.
9
2

3
.
4
2

0
.
6
2

6
.
4
2

0
.
9
1

1
.
9

6
.
1
-

Operating cashflow
$million

Total shareholder return
percentage

0
6
5

3
8
4

4
3
4

9
7
4 4
2
4

3
3
5

2
2
5

4
.
1
6

5
.
2
3

2
.
0
4

0
.
2
4

5
.
4
2

1
.
4
9 1
.
2
4
-

04

05

06

07

08

09

10

04

05

06

07

08

09

10

04

05

06

07

08

09

10

Net earnings/ 
Average shareholders’ funds

Gross dividends  
plus share price appreciation/ 
Opening share price

Bill Roest 
Chief Financial Officer

31

Financial statements

Earnings statement 
For the year ended 30 June 2010

Sales

Cost of goods sold

Gross margin

Selling and marketing expenses

Administration expenses 

Share of profits of associates 

Other investment income/(expense)

Intercompany investment income

Other gains/(losses) 

Unusual items - restructurings and impairments

Operating earnings/(loss) (EBIT)

Funding costs

Earnings/(loss) before taxation

Taxation expense

Earnings/(loss) after taxation

Earnings attributable to minority interests

Net earnings/(loss) attributable to the shareholders

Net earnings per share (cents) 

Basic

Basic (excluding unusuals)

Diluted

Weighted average number of shares outstanding (millions of shares) 

Basic

Diluted

Dividends declared per share (cents)

Fletcher Building Group

Fletcher Building Limited

NOTES

Year ended
June 2010
NZ$M

Year ended
June 2009
NZ$M

Year ended
June 2010
NZ$M

Year ended
June 2009
NZ$M

6,799 

(5,141)

1,658 

7,103 

(5,442)

1,661 

(13)

4

(9)

(51)

(60)

19

(41)

300

300 

(74)

226 

22

248 

(41)

248 

21

32

3

4

3

6

7

9

9

(645)

(510)

26 

2 

(10)

521 

(107)

414 

(132)

282 

(10)

272 

 44.9 

 49.7 

 44.7 

(668)

(469)

24 

2 

8 

(399)

159 

(140)

19 

(57)

(38)

(8)

(46)

 (8.7)

 59.7 

 (8.7)

 606 

 624 

 526 

 526 

 29.0 

 38.0 

The accompanying notes form part of and are to be read in conjunction with these financial statements.

On behalf of the Board, 18 August 2010:

Ralph Waters  
Chairman of Directors 

Jonathan Ling  
Managing Director

Fletcher Building Annual Report 2010

 
 
Statements of comprehensive income and movements in equity 
For the year ended 30 June 2010

Fletcher Building Group

Fletcher Building Limited

Year ended
June 2010
NZ$M

Year ended
June 2009
NZ$M

Year ended
June 2010
NZ$M

Year ended
June 2009
NZ$M

272

10

282

4

(88)

 (84)

 198 

(46)

8

(38)

(25)

28 

 3 

 (35)

(41)

248

(41)

4

 4 

 (37)

248

(25)

 (25)

 223 

Statement of comprehensive income 

Net earnings - parent interest 

Net earnings - minority interest

Net earnings

Movement in cashflow hedge reserve

Movement in currency translation reserve

Income and expenses recognised directly in equity

Total comprehensive income for the year

Statement of movements in equity 

Total equity

At the beginning of the year as previously published

2,990 

2,756 

1,832 

1,319 

Change in accounting policy

At the beginning of the year as restated

Total comprehensive income for the year

Movement in minority equity

Movement in reported capital

Dividends 

Movement in share option reserve

Less movement in shares held under the treasury stock method

(6)

(6)

2,984 

2,750 

1,832 

198 

(8)

20 

(169)

1 

(3)

(35)

(17)

535 

(245)

(4)

(37)

20 

(169)

1 

1,319 

223 

535 

(245)

Total equity 

3,023 

2,984 

1,647 

1,832 

The accompanying notes form part of and are to be read in conjunction with these financial statements.

33

 
Balance sheet
As at 30 June 2010

Assets

Current assets:

Cash and liquid deposits

Current tax asset

Debtors

Stocks

Total current assets

Non current assets:

Fixed assets 

Goodwill

Intangibles

Investments in associates

Investments - other

Advances to subsidiaries

Total non current assets

Total assets

Liabilities

Current liabilities:

Provisions

Creditors and accruals

Current tax liability

Contracts

Borrowings

Advances from subsidiaries

Total current liabilities

Non current liabilities:

Provisions

Creditors and accruals

Retirement plan liability

Deferred taxation liability

Borrowings

Total non current liabilities

Total liabilities

Equity

Reported capital

Revenue reserves

Other reserves

Shareholders' funds

Minority equity

Total equity 

Total liabilities and equity

Fletcher Building Group

Fletcher Building Limited

NOTES

June 2010
NZ$M

June 2009
NZ$M

June 2010
NZ$M

June 2009
NZ$M

15

25

16

17

18

19

20

21

21

32

22

23

25

24

26

32

22

23

34

25

26

11

12, 13

12, 13

14

112 

99 

1,114 

1,091 

2,317 

1,112 

1,044 

2,255 

1,909 

2,014 

56 

19 

86 

39 

22 

74 

161 

135 

820 

409 

189 

70 

3,397 

5,714 

61 

1,116 

25 

96 

86 

846 

421 

195 

74 

3,550 

5,805 

96 

996 

27 

91 

103 

1,384 

1,313 

17 

64 

44 

49 

1,133 

1,307 

2,691 

1,912 

999 

78 

2,989 

34 

3,023 

5,714 

20 

66 

56 

14 

1,352 

1,508 

2,821 

1,895 

896 

161 

2,952 

32 

2,984 

5,805 

3,419 

637 

4,056 

4,217 

2 

89 

63 

2,345 

2,499 

(3)

74 

71 

2,570 

1,928 

(274)

(7)

1,647 

1,647 

4,217 

3,419 

577 

3,996 

4,131 

2 

66 

(1)

2,026 

2,093 

206 

206 

2,299 

1,908 

(64)

(12)

1,832 

1,832 

4,131 

The accompanying notes form part of and are to be read in conjunction with these financial statements.

Fletcher Building Annual Report 2010

Statement of cashflows 
For the year ended 30 June 2010

Cashflow from operating activities:

Receipts from customers

Dividends received

Interest received

Total received

Payments to suppliers, employees and other

Interest paid

Income tax paid

Total applied

Net cash from operating activities

Cashflow from investing activities:

Sale of fixed assets

Total received

Purchase of fixed assets

Purchase of investments

Purchase of subsidiaries

Total applied

Net cash from investing activities

Cashflow from financing activities:

Issue of shares

Advances from subsidiaries

Issue of capital notes

Total received

Net debt settlements

Repurchase of capital notes

Advances to subsidiaries

Distribution to minority shareholders

Dividends 

Total applied

Net cash from financing activities

Net movement in cash held

Add opening cash and liquid deposits

Effect of exchange rate changes on net cash

Closing cash and liquid deposits

The accompanying notes form part of and are to be read in conjunction with these financial statements.

Fletcher Building Group

Fletcher Building Limited

Year ended
June 2010
NZ$M

Year ended
June 2009
NZ$M

Year ended
June 2010
NZ$M

Year ended
June 2009
NZ$M

6,796 

24 

6,820 

6,100 

108 

90 

6,298 

522 

38 

38 

189 

2 

191 

(153)

7,281 

38 

4 

7,323 

6,531 

148 

111 

6,790 

533 

52 

52 

288 

1 

 3 

292 

(240)

2 

516 

2 

145 

47 

13 

151 

356 

(354)

15 

99 

(2)

112 

 184 

700 

668 

93 

20 

226 

1,007 

(307)

(14)

111 

2 

99 

19 

4 

1 

24 

52 

52 

(28)

2 

262 

264 

68 

 151 

219 

45 

17 

39 

56 

300 

2 

302 

3 

74 

77 

225 

516 

 45 

561 

76 

93 

381 

 226 

776 

(215)

10 

29 

39 

35

Reconciliation of net earnings to net cash from operating activities 
For the year ended 30 June 2010

Cash was received from:

Net earnings

Earnings attributable to minority interests

Adjustment for items not involving cash:

Depreciation, depletions, amortisation and provisions

Unusual items included in earnings

Taxation

Non cash adjustments

Cashflow from operations 1

Less (gain)/loss on disposal of affiliates and fixed assets

Cashflow from operations before net working capital movements

Net working capital movements

Net cash from operating activities 2

Net working capital movements:

Debtors

Stocks

Contracts

Creditors

1  Includes (gain)/loss on disposal of affiliates and fixed assets.
2  As per the statement of cashflows.

The accompanying notes form part of and are to be read in conjunction with these financial statements.

Fletcher Building Group

Fletcher Building Limited

Year ended
June 2010
NZ$M

Year ended
June 2009
NZ$M

Year ended
June 2010
NZ$M

Year ended
June 2009
NZ$M

272 

10 

282 

198 

42 

240 

522 

(10)

512 

10 

522 

(8)

(70)

6 

82 

10 

(46)

8 

(38)

129 

336 

(54)

411 

373 

2 

375 

158 

533 

203 

101 

(24)

(122)

158 

(41)

248 

(41)

248 

(19)

(19)

(60)

(60)

32 

(28)

(22)

(22)

226 

226 

(1)

225 

(12)

(13)

44 

32 

12 

(1)

Fletcher Building Annual Report 2010

Accounting policies

Basis of presentation
The financial statements presented are those of 
Fletcher Building Limited (the company) and its 
subsidiaries (the group). Fletcher Building Limited is 
a company domiciled in New Zealand, is registered 
under the Companies Act 1993, and is an issuer in 
terms of the Securities Act 1978 and the Financial 
Reporting Act 1993. The registered office of the 
company is 810 Great South Road, Penrose, 
Auckland. Fletcher Building Limited is a profit  
oriented entity.

The financial statements comprise the earnings 

statement, statement of comprehensive income, 
statement of movements in equity, balance sheet, 
statement of cashflows, and significant accounting 
policies, as well as the notes to these  
financial statements.

Accounting convention
The financial statements are based on the general 
principles of historical cost accounting, except that 
financial assets and liabilities as described below are 
stated at their fair value. These financial statements 
have been prepared in accordance with Generally 
Accepted Accounting Practice in New Zealand 
which is the New Zealand equivalent to International 
Financial Reporting Standards (NZ IFRS).  
They also comply with International Financial 
Reporting Standards.

The accounting policies have been applied 
consistently by all group entities, except as disclosed 
in note 1, changes in accounting policies. 

Segmental reporting
Segmental information is presented in respect of  
the group’s industry and geographical segments. 
The use of industry segments as the primary format 
is based on the group’s management and internal 
reporting structure, which recognises groups of 
assets and operations with similar risks and returns. 
Inter-segment pricing is determined on an arm’s 
length basis.

Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity 
with NZ IFRS requires the directors to make estimates 
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts 
of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent 
assets and liabilities at the date of the financial 
statements and the reported amounts of sales and 
expenses during the reporting period. Actual results 
could differ from those estimates. The estimates 
and assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing 
basis. For further information on areas of estimation 
and judgement, refer to the notes to the financial 
statements, in particular note 19.

Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements comprise the 
company and its subsidiaries and the group’s interest 

in associates, partnerships and joint ventures. Inter-
company transactions are eliminated in preparing  
the consolidated financial statements.

Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are included in the consolidated  
financial statements using the acquisition method  
of consolidation, from the date control commences 
until the date control ceases. 

Associates
The equity method has been used for associate 
entities in which the group has a significant but  
not controlling interest.

Goodwill on acquisition
Fair values are assigned to the identifiable assets and 
liabilities of subsidiaries and associates of the group 
at the date they are acquired. Goodwill arises to the 
extent of the excess of the cost of the acquisition  
over the fair value of the assets and liabilities. 

Goodwill is stated at cost, less any impairment 

losses. Goodwill is allocated to cash generating 
units and is not amortised, but is tested annually 
for impairment. Goodwill in respect of associates 
is included in the carrying amount of associates. 
Negative goodwill, or a discount on acquisition is 
recognised directly in earnings on acquisition. 

Joint ventures and partnerships
Where the ownership interest in the joint venture is in 
the net residue of the business and does not give rise 
to an economic or controlling interest in excess of 50 
percent, the share of the net assets and liabilities and 
earnings of the investment is included on an equity 
basis. If the interest does give rise to a controlling 
interest in excess of 50 percent, the investment  
is consolidated.

Joint ventures in which the ownership interest 
is directly in the assets and liabilities, rather than the 
net residue, are included on a proportional basis with 
assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses based on 
the group’s proportional interest.

Valuation of assets
Land, buildings, plant and machinery,  
fixtures and equipment
The cost of purchasing land, buildings, plant and 
machinery, fixtures and equipment is the value of  
the consideration given to acquire the assets  
and the value of other directly attributable costs 
which have been incurred in bringing the assets 
to the location and the condition necessary for their 
intended service, including subsequent expenditure.
The costs of self constructed assets include, 
where appropriate, the costs of all materials used 
in construction, direct labour on the project, 
site preparation and installation costs, costs of 
obtaining resource consents, financing costs that 
are directly attributable to the project, variable and 
fixed overheads and unrecovered operating costs 
incurred during planned commissioning. Costs cease 
to be capitalised as soon as the asset is ready for 

37

Accounting policies

productive use. All feasibility costs are expensed  
as incurred.

Leases in which the group assumes substantially 

all the risks and rewards of ownership are classified 
as finance leases and are measured at the lower of 
their fair value or the present value of the minimum 
lease payments at the inception of the lease.

Land, buildings, plant and machinery, leased 
assets and fixtures and equipment are stated at  
cost, less accumulated depreciation.

Investments
Investments are valued at historical cost. Impairments 
in the value of investments are written off to earnings 
as they arise. 

Stocks
Trading stock, raw materials and work in progress 
are valued at the lower of cost or net realisable 
value, determined principally on the first-in, first-out 
basis. Cost includes direct manufacturing costs and 
manufacturing overheads at normal operating levels.

Debtors
Debtors are valued at estimated net realisable value. 
The valuation is net of a specific provision maintained 
for doubtful debts. All known losses are written off to 
earnings in the period in which it becomes apparent 
that the debts are not collectable. Trade debtors 
normally have 30 to 90 day terms.

Construction work in progress
Construction work in progress is stated at cost plus 
profit recognised to date, less progress billings and 
any provision for foreseeable losses. Cost includes  
all expenditure directly related to specific projects and 
an allocation of fixed and variable overheads incurred 
in the group’s contract activities based on normal 
operating capacity.

Cash
Cash and liquid deposits comprise cash and demand 
deposits with banks or other financial institutions and 
highly liquid investments that are readily convertible 
to cash.

Impairment
Impairment is deemed to occur when the recoverable 
amount falls below the book value of the asset. The 
recoverable amount is determined to be the greater 
of the fair value, less disposal costs or the sum of 
expected future discounted net cashflows arising 
from the ownership of the asset. Future net cashflows 
take into account the remaining useful life and the 
expected period of continued ownership, including 
any intended disposals, and any costs or proceeds 
expected to eventuate at the end of the remaining 
useful life or the end of the expected period of 
continued ownership.

For the purposes of considering whether there 
has been an impairment, assets are grouped at the 
lowest level for which there are identifiable cashflows 

Fletcher Building Annual Report 2010

that are largely independent of the cashflows of  
other groups of assets. When the book value of  
a group of assets exceeds the recoverable amount  
an impairment loss arises and is recognised in 
earnings immediately.

Goodwill and brands with an indefinite life are 
tested for impairment in June of each year. Other 
assets are tested for impairment when an indication 
of impairment exists.

Brands
Brands for which all relevant factors indicate that 
there is no limit to the foreseeable net cashflows,  
are considered to have an indefinite useful life and  
are held at cost and are not amortised, but are 
subject to an annual impairment test.

Retirement plans
The group’s net asset in respect of its retirement 
plans is calculated separately for each plan by an 
independent actuary, as being the fair value of the 
plan’s assets less the present value of the future 
obligations to the members. The value of the asset 
recognised cannot exceed in aggregate the total 
value of any deferred actuarial loss, the present  
value of any future refunds from the plans or 
reductions in future contributions to the plans.

Foreign currency
Translation of the financial statements  
of foreign operations
The assets and liabilities of the group’s overseas 
operations are translated into New Zealand currency 
at the rates of exchange ruling at balance date. 
The revenue and expenditure of these entities are 
translated using an average exchange rate reflecting 
an approximation of the appropriate transaction rates. 
Exchange variations arising on the translation of 
these entities are recognised directly in the currency 
translation reserve.

Exchange differences
Monetary assets and liabilities in foreign currencies 
at balance date which are not covered by forward 
exchange contracts are translated at the rates of 
exchange ruling at balance date. Monetary assets 
and liabilities in foreign currencies at balance date 
which are covered by forward exchange contracts  
are effectively translated at the exchange rates 
specified in those contracts.

Non-monetary assets and liabilities in foreign 

currencies are translated at the exchange rates 
in effect when the amounts of these assets and 
liabilities were determined. 

Net investments in foreign operations
Exchange differences arising from the translation 
of the net investment in foreign operations, and of 
related hedges, are taken to the currency translation 
reserve and are released to earnings upon disposal.

Accounting policies

Financial instruments
Non-derivative financial instruments
Non-derivative financial instruments comprise 
borrowings, trade and other payables, cash and  
cash equivalents, and trade and other receivables.
Non-derivative financial instruments are 

recognised initially at fair value. Subsequent to initial 
recognition, non-derivative financial instruments 
are measured at amortised cost using the effective 
interest method, less any impairment losses.

Derivative financial instruments
Derivative financial instruments including foreign 
exchange contracts, interest rate swaps, currency 
swaps, options, forward rate agreements and 
commodity price swaps are utilised to reduce 
exposure to market risks.

Group policy specifically prohibits the use 
of derivative financial instruments for trading or 
speculative purposes. All the group’s derivative 
financial instruments are held to hedge risk on 
underlying assets, liabilities and forecast and 
committed trading transactions. 

The fair values of derivative financial instruments, 

as disclosed in the financial instrument note, are 
determined by applying quoted market prices.

The group holds derivative instruments until 

expiry except where the underlying rationale from 
a risk management point of view changes, such 
as when the underlying asset or liability which the 
instrument hedges no longer exists, in which case 
early termination occurs. 

Derivative financial instruments are initially 
recorded at fair value and are then revalued to fair 
value at each balance sheet date. The gain or loss 
on revaluation is recorded either in earnings or equity 
depending on whether the instruments qualify for 
hedge accounting and the nature of the item being 
hedged. For a derivative instrument to be classified 
and accounted for as a hedge, it must be highly 
correlated with, and effective as a hedge of the 
underlying risk being managed. This relationship 
must be documented from inception.

Fair value hedges
Where a derivative financial instrument is designated 
as a hedge of a recognised asset or liability, or of 
a firm commitment, any gain or loss is recognised 
directly in earnings together with any changes in the 
fair value of the hedged risk.

Cashflow hedges
Where a derivative financial instrument is designated 
as a hedge of the variability in cashflows of assets 
or liabilities, or of a highly probable forecasted 
transaction, the effective part of any gain or loss is 
recognised directly in the cashflow hedge reserve 
within equity and the ineffective part is recognised 
immediately in earnings. The effective portion is 
transferred to earnings when the underlying cashflows 
affect earnings.

Net investment hedges 
Where the derivative financial instruments are 
designated as a hedge of a net investment in a 
foreign operation, the derivative financial instruments 
are accounted for on the same basis as cashflow 
hedges through the currency translation reserve 
within equity.

Derivatives that do not qualify for hedge 
accounting
Where a derivative financial instrument does not 
qualify for hedge accounting, or where hedge 
accounting has not been elected, any gain or loss  
is recognised directly in earnings.

Valuation of liabilities
Taxation
The provision for current tax is the estimated amount 
due for payment during the next 12 months by 
the group. The provision for deferred taxation has 
been calculated using the balance sheet liability 
method. Deferred tax is recognised on the temporary 
difference between the carrying amount of assets  
and liabilities and their taxable value. 

Deferred tax assets are not recognised on 
temporary differences and tax losses unless recovery 
is considered probable.

Finance leases
Finance leases are capitalised to reflect the 
borrowings incurred and the cost of the asset 
acquired. Such obligations are classified within 
borrowings. The finance cost portion of lease 
payments is written off to earnings. The leased  
asset is depreciated on a straight line basis over  
the estimated useful life of the asset with regard  
to residual values.

Borrowings
Interest bearing borrowings are initially recognised  
at fair value.

Creditors
Trade creditors and other liabilities are stated at cost 
or estimated liability where accrued.

Annual leave
Annual leave is recognised on an accrual basis.

Provisions
A provision is recognised when the group has a 
current obligation and it is probable that economic 
benefits will be required to settle it.

Intercompany guarantees
Where the company enters into financial guarantee 
contracts to guarantee the performance or 
indebtedness of other companies within the group, 
the company considers these to be insurance 
arrangements and accounts for them as such. In this 
respect, the company treats the guarantee contract 
as a contingent liability until such time as it becomes 
probable that the company will be required to make  
a payment under the guarantee.

39

Accounting policies

Equity
Share capital
Ordinary shares are classified as shareholders funds. 
Costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares 
or options are shown in shareholders funds as a 
reduction from the proceeds. 

Dividends are recognised as a liability in the 

period in which they are declared. 

Where a member of the group purchases the 

company’s share capital the consideration paid 
is deducted from equity under the treasury stock 
method as if the shares are cancelled, until they  
are reissued or otherwise disposed of.

Income determination
Sales recognition
Sales are recognised in accordance with the terms 
of sale when the benefits of ownership and risk of 
loss passes to the customer. Earnings on residential 
contracts are recognised on settlement.

Construction contracts
Earnings on construction contracts (including sub-
contracts) are determined using the percentage-of-
completion method. Earnings are not recognised until 
the outcome can be reliably estimated. The company 
uses its professional judgement to assess both the 
physical completion and the forecast financial result 
of the contract. Provision is made for estimated future 
losses on the entire contract from the date it is first 
recognised that a contract loss may be incurred.

Investment revenue
Dividends and distributions are taken to earnings 
when received, or accrued where declared prior  
to balance date. 

Funding costs
Net funding costs comprise interest expense,  
interest income, amortisation of prepaid expenses 
and gains/losses on certain financial instruments  
that are recognised in earnings. 

Depreciation
Depreciation of fixed assets is calculated on the 
straight line method. Expected useful lives, which are 
regularly reviewed on a weighted average basis are:

Buildings

Plant and machinery

Fixtures and equipment 

Leased assets capitalised 

30 years

13 years

5 years

10 years

Leasing commitments
Expenditure arising from operating leasing 
commitments is written off to earnings in the period  
in which it is incurred. 

Retirement plan expense
Obligations for contributions to defined contribution 
plans are recognised in earnings as incurred. 

Fletcher Building Annual Report 2010

The actuarial cost of providing benefits under defined 
benefit plans is expensed as it accrues over the 
service life of the employees, after taking account 
of the income expected to be earned by the assets 
owned by the plans. 

All actuarial gains or losses are amortised to 
earnings over the remaining average service life  
of plan members employed by the group. 

Long service leave
Long service leave is recognised in earnings  
on an actuarial basis.

Research and development
Expenditure on research activities is recognised  
in earnings as incurred.

Executive share schemes
The company has implemented long term cash-
based performance incentive schemes targeted at 
the company’s executives most able to influence the 
results of the company with an agreed percentage of 
any cash received to be invested in purchasing the 
company’s shares.

The executive performance share scheme 
introduced in 2004 allows group executives to 
acquire shares in the company at market price, 
funded by an interest free loan from the group. The 
executives are entitled to vote on the shares and to 
receive cash dividends, the proceeds of which are 
used to repay the loan. The shares are held in trust 
for the executives by the Trustee, Fletcher Building 
Share Schemes Limited. Payment of any benefit 
under the executive performance share scheme is 
dependent upon the group’s total shareholder return 
exceeding the 51st percentile of the total shareholder 
return of a comparative group of companies over  
a three year restricted period. 

In 2008, the executive long-term share 
scheme was introduced for a small number of 
senior executives. Payment of half of any benefit 
is dependent upon total shareholder return and 
payment of the other half of any benefit is dependent 
upon the group achieving an earnings per share 
target. In addition, in respect of the benefit which  
is dependent on total shareholders return, the three 
year restricted period is automatically extended for 
up to one year if total shareholders return is less 
than the 51st percentile. Executives can elect to 
extend the restricted period for up to one year if total 
shareholders return is between the 51st and 75th 
percentile. No extension is permitted for the benefit 
which is dependant upon achieving an earnings per 
share target. In 2009, all eligible executives joined  
the executive long-term share scheme. The executive 
performance share scheme was not offered to 
executives in 2009 and will terminate in 2011.
At the end of the restricted period or any 
extension, the group will pay a bonus to the 
executives to the extent that performance targets 
have been met, the after tax amount of which will  
be sufficient for the executives to repay the balance 
of the loan for the shares which vest. 

Accounting policies

If the performance obligations are not met or 
are only partially met, the trustee will acquire the 
beneficial interest in some or all of the shares. The 
loan provided in respect of those shares which do 
not transfer to the executives (the forfeited shares) 
will be novated to the trustee and will be fully repaid 
by the transfer of the forfeited shares. 

The group will recognise an expense in earnings 
over the restricted period to provide for the maximum 
bonus payable. 

The group is accounting for the share schemes 

under the treasury stock method. The receivable 
owing from the executives, representing the shares 
held in the group, is deducted from the group’s paid 
up capital. If the performance targets based on total 
shareholder return are not met and the shares do 
not vest, the after tax amount of the bonus provision 
will be transferred to equity and will not be released 
to earnings. If the performance targets based on 
earnings per share are not met and the shares do 
not vest, the after-tax amount of the bonus provision 
will be released to earnings. The shares will continue 
to be deducted from equity until they are disposed 
of by the trustee. To the extent that the performance 
targets are met and the shares vest the bonus  
will be paid enabling repayment of the loan, and  
to the extent of this loan repayment paid up capital  
will increase.

41

Notes to the financial statements

1.  Changes in accounting policies
During the year, the group complied with amendments to NZ IAS 38, Intangible Assets. This standard requires the group to expense marketing stock, 
previously capitalised. A charge of $6 million has been recorded against opening equity to reflect this change.

The International Accounting Standards Board has issued a number of other standards, amendments and interpretations which are not yet 
effective. The group has not yet applied these in preparing these financial statements although the application of these standards, amendments  
and interpretations would require further disclosures, but they are not expected to have a material impact on the group’s results.

There have been no other changes in accounting policies in the year ended 30 June 2010, however certain comparatives have been restated  

to conform with the current year’s presentation. 

2.  Acquisitions
During the 2010 year the group did not acquire any subsidiaries (2009: $3 million).

3.  Operating earnings

Operating earnings includes:

Net periodic pension cost

Employee related short term costs 1

Other long term employee related benefits

Research and development

Bad debts written off

Foreign exchange in trading accounts

Donations and sponsorships

Maintenance and repairs

Operating lease expense

Other gains/(losses) 2

Auditors' fees and expenses payable for:

Statutory audit - KPMG 

Other services - KPMG 3

1  Remuneration for the executive committee included in the above is disclosed in note 32.

2  Other gains/(losses) include the following:

Sale of land

Net redundancies and restructuring costs

Other

Fletcher Building Group

Fletcher Building Limited

Year ended
June 2010
NZ$M

Year ended
June 2009
NZ$M

Year ended
June 2010
NZ$M

Year ended
June 2009
NZ$M

21 

16 

1,135 

1,192 

13

45 

3 

8 

(2)

1 

160 

142 

(10)

3 

1 

 (10)

13

(20)

(3) 

(10) 

38 

2 

15 

(1)

2 

175 

135 

8 

4 

1 

 8 

12 

(4) 

8 

3  Fees paid to the auditors during the year for other services are mainly with respect to the half year review, other assurance services and tax compliance work.

Fletcher Building Annual Report 2010

Notes to the financial statements

4.  Unusual items 

Restructuring and redundancy

Goodwill impairment

Fixed asset impairment

Write-off of stock

Write-off of investments

Total unusual items - EBIT

Write-off of tax losses

Tax benefit

Fletcher Building Group

Fletcher Building Limited

Year ended
June 2010
NZ$M

Year ended
June 2009
NZ$M

Year ended
June 2010
NZ$M

Year ended
June 2009
NZ$M

117 

61 

166 

47 

8 

399 

60 

(99)

360 

Tax expense - recognition of deferred tax liability on buildings (NZ)

Total unusual cost - net earnings

29 

29 

For the year ended 30 June 2010 the group incurred an unusual tax expense of $29 million. This arises from the significant tax changes announced by 
the New Zealand Government in its budget in May 2010, which includes the elimination of depreciation on buildings for tax purposes, and a reduction 
in the corporate tax rate. This has resulted in an increase in the provision for deferred tax of $29 million. During the year ended 30 June 2009 the group 
incurred $360 million of unusual items. Refer to the Fletcher Building 2009 annual report for further details.

5.  Discontinued operations
There were no discontinued operations in either the current or the comparative year.

6.  Funding costs

Interest expense:

Loans and derivatives

Capital notes 

Other

Subsidiary companies

Interest income:

Cash and deposits

Plus bank fees, registry and issue expenses

49 

38 

9 

(1)

95 

12 

107 

98 

36 

(3)

131 

9 

140 

8

13

28

(1)

48 

3 

51 

4

16

54

(2)

72 

2 

74 

Included in interest expense above is the net settlement of the group’s interest rate swaps. This consisted of $51 million of interest income and $58 million 
of interest expense (2009: $53 million interest income; $50 million interest expense).

43

Notes to the financial statements

7.  Taxation expense

Earnings before taxation

Taxation at 30 cents per dollar

Adjusted for:

Benefit of lower tax rate in overseas jurisdictions

Tax benefit arising from the conversion of branch equivalent tax account debit balance

Non assessable income

Non deductible expenses

Write-off of tax losses

Tax losses not recognised

Benefit of tax losses not recognised

Tax in respect of prior years

Valuation allowance

Recognition of deferred tax liability on buildings (NZ)

Other permanent differences

Tax on operating profits pre unusual items

Tax benefit of unusual items

Unusual tax expense - recognition of deferred tax liability on buildings (NZ)

Unusual tax expense - write-off of tax losses

Total current taxation expense

Total deferred taxation expense

Fletcher Building Group

Fletcher Building Limited

Year ended
June 2010
NZ$M

Year ended
June 2009
NZ$M

Year ended
June 2010
NZ$M

Year ended
June 2009
NZ$M

414 

124 

(1)

(31)

(6)

4 

7 

(8)

29 

29 

(15)

132 

103 

29 

132 

112 

20 

132 

19 

6 

2 

(6)

28 

60 

(3)

1 

(31)

57 

96 

(99)

60 

57 

(6)

63 

57 

(60)

(18)

226 

68 

(1)

(90)

(19)

(19)

(19)

(19)

(19)

(22)

(22)

(22)

(22)

(22)

Fletcher Building Annual Report 2010

Notes to the financial statements

8.  Shareholder tax credits

Fletcher Building Group

Fletcher Building Limited

Year ended
June 2010
NZ$M

Year ended
June 2009
NZ$M

Year ended
June 2010
NZ$M

Year ended
June 2009
NZ$M

Imputation credit account

Imputation credits at the beginning of the year

Taxation paid

Imputation credits received

Imputation credits attached to dividends paid

 (22)

 33 

 3 

 (27)

 (13)

Fletcher Building Limited has until 31 March 2011 to fund any deficiency in its imputation credit account.

Franking credit account 

Franking credits at the beginning of the year

Taxation paid

Franking credits received

Franking credits attached to dividends paid

Branch equivalent tax account 

Branch equivalent tax account at 1 April 2009

Utilisation of branch equivalent tax account

Branch equivalent tax account at 31 March 2010

 7 

 8 

 6 

21 

32 

(32)

 (23)

 (55)

 37 

(27)

(13)

 1 

1

 98 

(66)

(23)

 42 

(42)

 28 

 14 

 2 

 (66)

 (22)

 19 

 28 

 2 

(42)

7 

39 

(7)

32 

45

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements

9.  Net earnings per share 
The diluted net earnings per share calculation uses the weighted average number of shares as determined for basic net earnings per share, adjusted 
for dilutive securities. Capital notes and options are convertible into the company’s shares and are therefore considered dilutive securities for diluted net 
earnings per share. Fletcher Building may, at its option, purchase or redeem the capital notes for cash at the principal amount plus any accrued but 
unpaid interest. For the year ended 30 June 2009, all capital notes were anti-dilutive.   

Fletcher Building Group

Fletcher Building Limited

Year ended
June 2010
NZ$M

Year ended
June 2009
NZ$M

Year ended
June 2010
NZ$M

Year ended
June 2009
NZ$M

Numerator

Net earnings

Numerator for basic earnings per share

Dilutive capital notes distribution

Numerator for diluted net earnings per share

Denominator (millions of shares)

Denominator for basic net earnings per share

Conversion of dilutive capital notes

Denominator for diluted net earnings per share

10.  Dividends 

Dividends paid to shareholders

272 

272 

7 

279 

606 

18 

624 

169 

169 

On 18 August 2010 the directors declared a dividend of 15 cents per share, payable on 20 October 2010.

11.  Capital

Reported capital at the beginning of the year

Issue of shares

Cost of share issue

Reported capital at the end of the year including treasury stock

Treasury stock

1,908 

20 

1,928 

(16)

1,912 

(46)

(46)

(46)

526 

526 

245 

245 

1,373 

546 

(11)

1,908 

(13)

1,895 

169 

169 

245 

245 

1,908 

20 

1,373 

546 

(11)

1,928 

1,908 

1,928 

1,908 

All ordinary shares are issued and fully paid, and carry equal rights in respect of voting, dividend payments and distribution upon winding up.  
Costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares are shown as a deduction from the proceeds. Shares held by the trustee of the Fletcher Building 
executive performance share scheme and the executive long-term share scheme are deducted from the group’s capital until the shares vest, are 
reissued or otherwise disposed of. When such shares do vest, are reissued or otherwise disposed of, any consideration received is included in the 
group’s equity. 

Number of ordinary shares:

Number of shares on issue at the beginning of the year

604,466,028  503,361,742  604,466,028  503,361,742 

Issue of shares

291,174 

98,417,199 

291,174 

98,417,199 

Shares issued under the dividend reinvestment plan

2,189,791 

2,687,087 

2,189,791 

2,687,087 

Total number of shares on issue

Less accounted for as treasury stock

Fletcher Building Annual Report 2010

606,946,993  604,466,028  606,946,993  604,466,028 

(1,901,981)

(1,543,586)

605,045,012  602,922,442  606,946,993  604,466,028 

Notes to the financial statements

11.  Capital – continued 
Share options:
On 1 September 2006, the Company issued 500,000 share options under the executive option scheme. The exercise price of the share options  
is $9.24 and is increased annually by the company’s cost of capital, less actual dividends paid. As at 30 June 2010 the exercise price is $10.33.  
The final exercise date is 1 September 2012. A further 500,000 share options were issued on 8 September 2009, at an exercise price of $7.78  
and is increased annually by the company’s cost of capital less actual dividends paid. As at 30 June 2010 the exercise price is $8.03. The restrictive 
period is until 1 September 2012 and the final exercise date is 1 September 2015. The options carry no dividend or voting rights. The company has 
calculated the fair value of granting these options and has expensed $615,000 in respect of the 2006 share options and $196,000 in respect of the 
2009 share options to an option premium reserve.

12.  Reserve balances

Reserves comprise:

Retained earnings

Cashflow hedge reserve

Share option reserve

Currency translation reserve

13.  Reserve movements

Retained earnings

Retained earnings at the beginning of the year as previously published

Changes in accounting policy

Net earnings for the year - parent interest

Dividends paid during the year

Share option reserve

Share option reserve at the beginning of the year

Arising in the year

Cashflow hedge reserve

Cashflow hedge reserve at the beginning of the year

Arising in the year

Currency translation reserve

Currency translation reserve at the beginning of the year

Arising in the year 

Fletcher Building Group

Fletcher Building Limited

June 2010
NZ$M

June 2009
NZ$M

June 2010
NZ$M

June 2009
NZ$M

999 

(8)

 1 

85 

1,077 

902 

(6)

896 

272 

(169)

999 

1 

1 

(12)

4 

(8)

173 

(88)

85 

896 

(12)

173 

1,057 

1,193 

(6)

1,187 

(46)

(245)

896 

13 

(25)

(12)

145 

28 

173 

(274)

(8)

1

(64)

(12)

(281)

(76)

(64)

(67)

(64)

(41)

(169)

(274)

1 

1 

(12)

4 

(8)

(67)

248 

(245)

(64)

13 

(25)

(12)

47

 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements

14.  Minority equity

Fletcher Building Group

Fletcher Building Limited

June 2010
NZ$M

June 2009
NZ$M

June 2010
NZ$M

June 2009
NZ$M

Share capital

Reserves

15.  Cash and liquid deposits

Cash and bank balances

Short-term deposits

16.  Debtors

Trade debtors

Contract debtors

Contract retentions

Less provision for doubtful debts

Trade and contract debtors

Other receivables

Current

0 – 30 days over standard terms

31 – 60 days over standard terms

61+ days over standard terms

Provision

Trade and contract debtors

17.  Stocks

Raw materials 

Work in progress

Finished goods

Consumable stores and spare parts

Stock held at cost

Stock held at net realisable value

6 

50 

56 

9 

30 

39 

86 

86 

74 

74 

23 

11 

34 

61 

51 

112 

821 

116 

20 

(35)

922 

192 

26 

6 

32 

63 

36 

99 

808 

74 

36 

(33)

885 

227 

1,114 

1,112 

721 

163 

24 

49 

(35)

922 

322 

113 

599 

57 

673 

163 

28 

54 

(33)

885 

327 

110 

551 

56 

1,091 

1,044 

1,074 

17 

1,091 

1,022 

22 

1,044 

The group also has conditional commitments for the purchase of land to be used for residential construction totalling $106 million  
(June 2009 $76 million). Delivery of this land is expected to take place over the period to 2012.

Fletcher Building Annual Report 2010

Notes to the financial statements

18.  Fixed assets 

Fletcher Building Group

Land
NZ$M

Buildings
NZ$M

Plant & 
Machinery
NZ$M

Fixtures &
Equipment
NZ$M

Resource
Extraction
NZ$M

Leased
Assets
NZ$M

Total
NZ$M

Gross value at 1 July 2009

Additions

Disposals

Currency translation

Gross value at 30 June 2010

Accumulated depreciation at 1 July 2009

Disposals

Depreciation expense

Currency translation

Accumulated depreciation at 30 June 2010

Net book value at 30 June 2010

Gross value at 1 July 2008

Additions

Disposals

Impairments in the income statement 

Other movements

Currency translation

Gross value at 30 June 2009

Accumulated depreciation at 1 July 2008

Disposals

Impairments in the income statement

Depreciation expense

Other movements

Currency translation

Accumulated depreciation at 30 June 2009

261

(13)

(10)

238

238

265

4

(9)

1

261

408

16

(14)

410

(82)

3

(17)

3

(93)

317

409

18

(27)

(3)

6

5

408

(60)

4

2

(19)

(10)

1

(82)

1,915

146

(39)

(58)

1,964

(680)

26

(152)

20

(786)

1,178

1,777

231

(41)

(140)

75

13

1,915

(496)

25

8

(149)

(71)

3

(680)

335

22

(20)

(3)

334

(232)

15

(31)

2

102

2

3,023

5

(3)

104

(13)

3

(6)

(1)

1

(2)

1

189

(76)

(85)

3,051

(1,009)

48

(206)

25

(246)

(16)

(1)

(1,142)

88

364

28

(25)

(33)

1

335

(214)

20

88

94

12

(3)

(1)

102

(11)

3

(38)

(5)

1,909

5

2,914

(3)

2

(4)

2

293

(108)

(176)

81

19

3,023

(785)

54

10

(211)

(81)

4

(232)

(13)

(2)

(1,009)

Net book value at 30 June 2009

261

326

1,235

103

89

2,014

As at 30 June 2010, fixed assets includes $83 million of assets under construction (June 2009 $110 million).

49

 
Notes to the financial statements

19.  Goodwill

Goodwill acquired at cost

Accumulated currency translation 

Accumulated impairment

Goodwill at the end of the year

Goodwill at the beginning of the year 

Acquisition restatement during the year

Impaired during the year 

Currency translation 

Formica Asia

The Laminex Group

Stramit Corporation 

Fletcher Insulation Australia

Forman Insulation 

Tasman Insulation New Zealand

Tasman Sinkware 

Other subsidiaries

Fletcher Building Group

Fletcher Building Limited

June 2010
NZ$M

June 2009
NZ$M

June 2010
NZ$M

June 2009
NZ$M

802

79

(61)

820

846

(2)

(24)

820

284

176

111

92

46

43

42

26

804

103

(61)

846

854

4

(61)

49

846

302

179

115

93

46

43

42

26

Goodwill by major subsidiaries

820

846

Impairment of goodwill

Goodwill has been tested for impairment in June 2010. Each business unit which carries goodwill has prepared a discounted cashflow on a value-in-
use basis. They have used their past experience of sales growth, operating costs and margin, and external sources of information where appropriate, 
to determine their expectations for the future. These cashflow projections are based on the group’s three year strategic plan approved by the directors, 
which has been extended for a further two years. Cashflows beyond the five year period have been extrapolated using estimated terminal growth rates 
which do not exceed the long term average growth rate for the industries in which the business units operate. The growth rates used range from  
two percent to three percent, with the majority of the business units using two percent. The cashflows are discounted using a nominal rate of ten percent 
after tax, with the exception of Formica which has used nine percent. This adjustment to the standard rate of ten percent reflects the risk profile for the 
countries in which Formica operates. The valuation models used are most sensitive to changes in the terminal year earnings and cashflows. 

The group has identified certain business units which face particular challenges. The group operates in cyclical markets and currently faces uncertain 

market conditions that make it difficult to predict future profitability. Residential markets have declined in New Zealand, Australia, the USA, Spain  
and the UK, however there are reasonable growth prospects in Asia. There is also divergence in those markets between the prospects for 
infrastructure and commercial activities. The exercise confirmed that there is headroom over the carrying value and based on the analysis performed 
there are no impairment issues necessitating a further write-down of goodwill. New management have been appointed in certain business units to 
achieve an appropriate improvement in their operating earnings. If this improvement does not eventuate there may be a need for a future impairment.

Fletcher Building Annual Report 2010

Notes to the financial statements 

20.  Intangibles

Brands

Intangible assets

Brands

Brands at the beginning of the year

Currency translation 

The Laminex Group

Formica Corporation

Stramit Corporation

Other subsidiaries

Brands by major subsidiaries

Fletcher Building Group

Fletcher Building Limited

June 2010
NZ$M

June 2009
NZ$M

June 2010
NZ$M

June 2009
NZ$M

407

2

409

420

(13)

407

149

141

49

68

407

420

1

421

401

19

420

151

151

50

68

420

Brands are considered to have an indefinite useful life as there are no factors which indicate that there is a limit on their capacity to generate foreseeable 
cashflows. Factors considered before arriving at this conclusion are whether the businesses which own the brands are going concerns, whether there is 
any evidence of obsolescence due to changes in either technology or regulatory conditions, whether the businesses are trading profitably and whether 
there are any other market based indications. Brands have been tested for impairment in June 2010 on a value-in-use basis. This exercise confirmed 
that there are no impairment issues necessitating a write-down.

Intangible assets

Intangible assets acquired at cost

Accumulated amortisation

Intangible assets at the end of the year

Intangible assets at the beginning of the year

Arising during the year

17

(15)

2

1

1

2

16

(15)

1

1

1

51

Notes to the financial statements 

21.  Investments

Investments:

Investment in associates

Investment in other companies

Retirement plan surplus - see note 34

Investment in subsidiary companies1

Carrying amount of associates:

Carrying amount at the beginning of the year

Loans to associates

Equity accounted earnings of associates

Impairment of associate 

Currency translation 

Dividends from associates

Investment in associates

Investment by associate:

Homapal Plattenwerk GmbH & Co. KG.

Westpine Industries Pty Limited

Dynea Industries WA Pty Limited

Sims Pacific Metals Limited 

Mt Marrow Blue Metal Quarries Pty Limited 

Mittagong Sands Pty Limited

Other

Associate information:

Balance sheet information for associates - 100%

Assets

Liabilities

Equity

Equity - Fletcher Building share

Goodwill acquired at cost

Plus loans to associates at the end of the year

Investment in associates

Equity accounted earnings comprise:

Sales - 100%

Earnings before taxation – 100%

Earnings before taxation - Fletcher Building share

Taxation expense

Earnings after taxation - Fletcher Building share

Fletcher Building Group

Fletcher Building Limited

June 2010
NZ$M

June 2009
NZ$M

June 2010
NZ$M

June 2009
NZ$M

189 

70 

195 

1 

73 

259 

269 

3,419

3,419

3,419

3,419

195 

3 

26 

(13)

(22)

189 

53

51 

21 

21

10

5

28 

189

362 

(186)

176 

67 

104 

18 

189 

214 

1 

24 

(8)

1 

(37)

195 

65

53 

21 

14

10 

6

26

195

332 

(174) 

158 

71 

109 

15 

195 

556 

582 

64 

32 

(6)

26 

48 

28 

(4)

24 

1 The principal subsidiaries included within investment in subsidiary companies are disclosed in note 33, principal operations.

Fletcher Building Annual Report 2010

Notes to the financial statements 

22.  Provisions

June 2010

Carrying amount at the beginning of the year

Currency translation

Charged to earnings

Settled or utilised

Released to earnings

June 2009

Carrying amount at the beginning of the year

Currency translation

Charged to earnings

Settled or utilised

Released to earnings

Fletcher Building Group 

 Restructuring 
NZ$M

 Construction 
 Claims 
NZ$M

 Property 
NZ$M

 Warranty & 
 Environmental 
NZ$M

 Other 
NZ$M

60 

(4)

4 

(28)

(6)

26 

23 

68 

(30)

(1)

60 

6 

1 

(1)

(1)

5 

10 

1 

(3)

(2)

6 

2 

(1)

1 

3 

(1)

2 

30 

(2)

9 

(7)

30 

29 

1 

2 

(1)

(1)

30 

June 2010

Fletcher Building Limited

Carrying amount at the beginning of the year

June 2009

Carrying amount at the beginning of the year

 Total
NZ$M

116 

(6)

15 

(39)

(8)

78 

77 

2 

77 

(36)

(4)

116 

2 

2 

2 

2 

18 

1 

(2)

(1)

16 

12 

1 

6 

(1)

18 

2 

2 

2 

2 

During the year the group utilised $28 million in respect of restructuring obligations at certain businesses, primarily in the Laminates & Panels  
division. The remaining balance of restructuring claims are expected to be utilised in the next two years. Construction claims relate to disputes  
on jobs and provisions in regard to the wind-down of overseas operations and are expected to be utilised over the next two years. Property 
provisions relate to onerous lease obligations and are expected to be utilised over two years. Warranty and environmental provisions relate to 
products sold and services provided and are expected to be utilised over the next three years. Other provisions relate to miscellaneous matters  
with no individual amounts being significant.

Fletcher Building Group

Fletcher Building Limited

June 2010
NZ$M

June 2009
NZ$M

June 2010
NZ$M

June 2009
NZ$M

Current portion

Non current portion

Carrying amount at the end of the year

61 

17 

78 

96 

20 

116 

2

2

2

2

53

Notes to the financial statements

23.  Creditors and accruals

Trade creditors

Contract retentions

Accrued interest

Other liabilities

Employee entitlements

Workers' compensation schemes

Current portion

Non current portion

Carrying amount at the end of the year

Fletcher Building Group

Fletcher Building Limited

June 2010
NZ$M

June 2009
NZ$M

June 2010
NZ$M

June 2009
NZ$M

671 

35 

20 

254 

180 

20 

613 

27 

21 

218 

163 

20 

1,180 

1,062 

1,116 

64 

996 

66 

1,180

1,062

5 

84 

89 

89

89

4 

62 

66 

66

66

The non current portion of creditors and accruals relates to long service employee entitlement obligations.

24.  Contracts

Gross construction work in progress plus margin to date

Progress billings

Work in progress / (money received in advance)

Construction contracts with net work in progress

Construction contracts with net money received in advance of cost and margin

Carrying amount at the end of the year

Included in sales is $1,023 million of contract revenue (June 2009 $973 million).

1,985

(2,081)

(96)

8 

(104)

(96)

2,027

(2,118)

(91)

5 

(96)

(91)

Fletcher Building Annual Report 2010

Notes to the financial statements 

25.  Taxation 

Provision for current taxation:

Opening provision for current taxation

Currency translation

Taxation in the earnings statement 

Transfer from deferred taxation

Intercompany payment

Minority share of taxation expense

Taxation in reserves 

Net taxation payments

Provision for deferred taxation:

Opening provision for deferred taxation

Currency translation

Taxation in the earnings statement 

Transfer to current taxation

Taxation in reserves 

Changes in accounting policy

Composed of:

Provisions

Debtors

Fixed assets

Brands

Tax losses

Other

Fletcher Building Group

Fletcher Building Limited

June 2010
NZ$M

June 2009
NZ$M

June 2010
NZ$M

June 2009
NZ$M

(27)

1 

(112)

18 

5 

90 

(25)

(14)

1 

(20)

(18)

2 

(49)

135 

8 

(87)

(124)

16 

3 

(49)

(40)

(3)

6 

(106)

3 

2 

111 

(27)

(61)

(1)

(63)

106 

3 

2 

(14)

127 

8 

(57)

(127)

17 

18 

(14)

22 

19

14 

22

(22)

(14)

19 

22 

(5)

5 

3 

3 

3

3

There are no significant deferred tax liabilities in respect of the undistributed profits of subsidiaries and associates.

The group has recognised tax losses available in UK, Spain, Finland and other jurisdictions on the basis that the respective companies will have 
future assessable income. Where necessary, the companies financial affairs have been restructured during the year to assist in generating future 
assessable income. Further tax planning opportunities are available and will be utilised to ensure that the tax losses will be realised. The tax losses 
have been recognised on the basis of the forecasted operating earnings set out in the companies strategic plans approved by the directors and 
the discounted cashflows prepared for the purposes of impairment testing. The group will review this situation annually and will consider further 
opportunities to assist the companies should it be necessary. If the forecasted operating earnings are not achieved the asset may have to be written off. 
Formica has not recognised tax losses in the USA, France, Spain and Sweden of $98 million representing $317 million of gross tax losses (2009: $138 
million, $414 million gross losses).

55

Notes to the financial statements

26.  Borrowings

 Other loans 

 Capital notes 

 Foreign currency revaluation on debt derivatives 

 Current borrowings 

 Bank loans 

 US private placements 

 Other loans 

 Capital notes 

 Foreign currency revaluation on debt derivatives 

 Non current borrowings 

Fletcher Building Group

Fletcher Building Limited

June 2010
NZ$M

June 2009
NZ$M

June 2010
NZ$M

June 2009
NZ$M

30

68

 (12)

86

775 

49 

333 

(24)

36

75

 (8)

103

119 

808 

57 

373 

(5)

1,133 

1,219 

1,352 

1,455 

 7 

 68 

 (12)

 63 

98

(24)

74 

137 

 6 

 (7)

 (1)

45

2

167

(8)

206 

205 

For further information about the terms of these loans, please refer note 27. The fair value adjustment in respect of interest is not included in the carrying 
amount of borrowings.
Unused committed lines of credit

At 30 June 2010 the group had $1,949 million of committed facilities of which $1,130 million was undrawn (June 2009 $2,149 million; $1,142 million). 
The undrawn facilities have a weighted average maturity of 2.3 years (June 2009 1.9 years).

Negative pledge

The group borrows certain funds based on a negative pledge arrangement. The negative pledge includes a cross guarantee from a number of wholly 
owned subsidiaries, ensures that external senior indebtedness ranks equally in all respects and includes the covenant that security can be given only  
in very limited circumstances.

Borrowing covenants 

The group borrows certain funds based on borrowing covenants. The borrowing covenants relate to gearing and interest cover and at 30 June 2010  
the group was in compliance with all its covenants.

Bank loans 

At 30 June 2010 the group had syndicated revolving credit facilities on an unsecured, negative pledge and borrowing covenant basis. The funding 
syndicate is comprised of ANZ National Bank, Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi UFJ, Bank of New Zealand, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Citibank N.A.,  
The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation and Westpac Banking Corporation and the funds can be borrowed in United States dollars, 
Australian dollars and New Zealand dollars. 

US private placements 

The group borrowed funds from private investors (primarily US based) on an unsecured, negative pledge and borrowing covenant basis.  
These borrowings comprise NZ$144 million, AU$132 million, US$194 million and US$132 million with maturities between 2015 and 2020.

Other loans 

Includes bank overdrafts, short term loans, working capital facilities, financial leases, PlaceMakers joint venture funding and discounted receivables.  
At 30 June 2010 the Group had $64 million (June 2009 $74 million) of loans which are secured against the subsidiaries’ own balance sheet or  
against specific assets. Unsecured loans at 30 June 2010 were $15 million (June 2009 $19 million) and a number of these loans are subject to  
the negative pledge. 

Foreign currency revaluation on debt derivatives 

This is the foreign currency revaluation of derivatives that have been specifically taken out to hedge the currency risk on various borrowings and includes 
cross currency interest rate swaps and foreign exchange forwards. The majority of these instruments have the benefit of the negative pledge. 

Capital notes 

Capital notes are long-term fixed rate unsecured subordinated notes. On each election date, the coupon rate and term to the next election date of that 
series of the capital notes is reset. Holders may then choose either to keep their capital notes on the new terms or to convert the principal amount and 
any interest into shares, at approximately 98 percent of the current market price. Instead of issuing shares to holders who choose to convert, Fletcher 

Fletcher Building Annual Report 2010

Notes to the financial statements 

26.  Borrowings – continued
Building may, at its option, purchase or redeem the capital notes for cash at the principal amount plus any interest. Under the terms of the capital notes, 
non-payment of interest is not an act of default although unpaid interest is accrued and is interest bearing at the same rate as the principal of the capital 
notes. Fletcher Building Limited has covenanted not to pay dividends to its shareholders while interest that is due and payable on capital notes has not 
been paid.

The capital notes do not carry voting rights and do not participate in any change in value of the issued shares of Fletcher Building Limited.
If the principal amount of the capital notes held at 30 June 2010 were to be converted to shares, 52 million shares (June 2009 65 million shares) 

would be issued at the share price as at 30 June 2010, of $7.85 (June 2009 $6.58).

As at 30 June 2010 the group held $131 million (30 June 2009 $83 million) of capital notes as treasury stock.

Credit rating 

The company has not sought and does not hold a credit rating from an accredited rating agency.

27.  Financial instruments 
Financial risk management overview 

Exposures to credit, liquidity, currency, interest rate, and commodity price risks arise in the normal course of the group’s business. The principles under 
which these risks are managed are set out in policy documents approved by the board. The policy documents identify the risks and set out the group’s 
objectives, policies and processes to measure, manage and report the risks. The policies are reviewed periodically to reflect changes in financial markets 
and the group’s businesses. Risk management is carried out by the group’s central treasury, which ensures compliance with the risk management 
policies and procedures set by the board.

The group enters into derivative financial instruments to assist in the management of the identified financial risks. The group does not enter into 
derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. All derivative transactions entered into are to hedge underlying physical positions 
arising from normal business activities.

Risks and mitigation

(a) Credit risk
To the extent the group has a receivable from another party there is a credit risk in the event of non-performance by that counterparty and arises 
principally from receivables from customers, derivative financial instruments and the investment of cash.

(i) Trade receivables 
Management has a credit policy in place under which customers are individually analysed for credit worthiness and assigned a purchase limit. If no 
external ratings are available, the group reviews the customers’ financial statements, trade references, bankers’ references and/or credit agencies’ 
reports to assess credit worthiness. These limits are reviewed on a regular basis. Due to the group’s industry and geographical spread at balance date 
there were no significant concentrations of credit risks in respect of trade receivables. Please refer to note 16 for debtor aging analysis.

Most goods are sold subject to retention of title clauses, so that in the event of non-payment the group may have a secured claim. The group does 

not require collateral in respect of trade receivables. 

(ii) Derivative financial instruments and the investment of cash
The group enters into derivative financial instruments and invests cash with various counterparties in accordance with established limits as to credit 
rating and dollar value and does not require collateral or other security. In accordance with the established counterparty restrictions, there are no 
significant concentrations of credit risk in respect of the financial instruments and no loss is expected.

The group has not renegotiated the terms of any financial assets which would otherwise be past due or impaired. The carrying amount of  

non-derivative financial assets represents the maximum credit exposure. 

(b) Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the group will encounter difficulty in meeting its financial commitments as they fall due. The group manages its liquidity risk 
by maintaining a target level of undrawn committed credit facilities and a spread of the maturity dates of the group’s debt facilities. The group reviews  
its liquidity requirements on an ongoing basis. The following maturity analysis table sets out the remaining contractual undiscounted cashflows, including 
estimated interest payments for non-derivative liabilities and derivative financial instruments. Creditors and accruals are excluded from this analysis as 
they are not part of the Group’s assessment of liquidity risk. 

57

Notes to the financial statements 

27.  Financial instruments – continued

(b) Liquidity risk – continued

June 2010

Capital notes

US private placements

Other loans

Non-derivative financial liabilities - principal cashflows

Gross settled derivatives - to pay

Gross settled derivatives - to receive

Debt derivatives financial instruments - principal cashflows

Contractual interest cashflows

Total contractual cashflows

Fletcher Building Group

Contractual 
Cashflows
NZ$M

Up to  
1 Year
NZ$M

1-2 Years
NZ$M

2-5 Years
NZ$M

401

775

79

 1,255 

 670 

 (706)

 (36)

 413 

 1,632 

68

 30 

 98 

 368 

 (380)

 (12)

79

 165 

59

227

 49 

 108 

 149 

 (155)

 (6)

69

 171 

 227 

 153 

 (171)

 (18)

172

 381 

Over 
5 Years
NZ$M

47

 775 

 822 

 93 

 915 

June 2009

Fletcher Building Group

Capital notes

Bank loans

US private placements

Other loans

Non-derivative financial liabilities - principal cashflows

Gross settled derivatives - to pay

Gross settled derivatives - to receive

Debt derivatives financial instruments - principal cashflows

Contractual interest cashflows

Total contractual cashflows

Contractual 
Cashflows
NZ$M

Up to  
1 Year
NZ$M

1-2 Years
NZ$M

2-5 Years
NZ$M

Over 
5 Years
NZ$M

448

119

808

93

 1,468 

 735 

 (748)

 (13)

 515 

 1,970 

75

68

 36 

 111 

 672 

 (680)

 (8)

91

 194 

 68 

84

 152 

246

 119 

 57 

 422 

 63 

 (68)

 (5)

209

 626 

59

 808 

 867 

131

 998 

Fletcher Building Annual Report 2010

Notes to the financial statements 

27.  Financial instruments – continued

(b) Liquidity risk – continued

June 2010

Capital notes

Other loans

Non-derivative financial liabilities - principal cashflows

Gross settled derivatives - to pay

Gross settled derivatives - to receive

Debt derivatives financial instruments - principal cashflows

Contractual interest cashflows

Total contractual cashflows

Contractual 
Cashflows
NZ$M

166

7

173

 670 

 (706)

 (36)

 (4)

 133 

Fletcher Building Limited

Up to  
1 Year
NZ$M

68

 7 

 75 

 368 

 (380)

 (12)

11

 74 

1-2 Years
NZ$M

2-5 Years
NZ$M

59

39

Over 
5 Years
NZ$M

 59 

 149 

 (155)

 (6)

2

 55 

 39 

 153 

 (171)

 (18)

 (6)

 15 

 (11)

 (11)

June 2009

Fletcher Building Limited

Contractual 
Cashflows
NZ$M

Up to  
1 Year
NZ$M

1-2 Years
NZ$M

2-5 Years
NZ$M

Over 
5 Years
NZ$M

Capital notes

Bank loans

Other loans

Non-derivative financial liabilities - principal cashflows

Gross settled derivatives - to pay

Gross settled derivatives - to receive

Debt derivatives financial instruments - principal cashflows

Contractual interest cashflows

Total contractual cashflows

167

 45 

 8 

220

 736 

 (751)

 (15)

 22 

 227 

 6 

 6 

 672 

 (679)

 (7)

18

 17 

68

 2 

 70 

11

 81 

59

 45 

 104 

 64 

 (72)

 (8)

3

 99 

40

 40 

(10)

 30 

59

Notes to the financial statements 

27.  Financial instruments – continued
(c) Foreign currency risk 

(i) Currency translation risk 
Currency translation risk arises from net investments in foreign operations. It is the group’s policy to hedge this foreign currency translation risk by 
borrowing in the currency of the asset in proportion to the group’s long term debt to equity ratio. This reduces the variability in the debt to equity ratio 
due to currency translation. Where the underlying debt in any currency does not equate to the required proportion of total debt, debt derivatives such  
as foreign exchange forwards, swaps and cross currency interest rate swaps are entered into for up to seven years. Net investment and fair value hedge 
accounting is applied to these instruments. In addition the group has entered into foreign exchange derivatives to hedge the taxation exposure arising 
from the translation of certain assets for up to eight years, cashflow hedge accounting is applied to these instruments. 

(ii) Currency transaction risk 
Currency transaction risk arises from committed or highly probable trade and capital expenditure transactions that are denominated in currencies other 
than the operation’s functional currency. The objective in managing this risk is to reduce the variability from changes in currency exchange rates on the 
operation’s income and cashflow to acceptable parameters. It is group policy that no currency exchange risk may be entered into or allowed to remain 
outstanding should it arise on committed transactions. In addition the group hedges some highly probable forecast transactions for up to three years. 
When exposures are incurred by operations in currencies other than their functional currency, currency forwards, swaps and options are entered into 
to eliminate the exposure. The majority of these transactions have maturities of less than one year. Cashflow hedge accounting is applied to forecast 
transactions. The main currencies hedged are the Australian dollar, the United States dollar, the Japanese yen, the Euro and the Great British pound. 
The gross value of these foreign exchange derivatives is NZ$374 million (June 2009 NZ$269 million)

The group’s exposure to foreign currency translation risk on financial instruments is summarised as follows:  

Fletcher Building Group

Fletcher Building Limited

June 2010
NZ$M

June 2009
NZ$M

June 2010
NZ$M

June 2009
NZ$M

 Australian dollars 

 Euro's 

 Great British pounds 

 New Zealand dollars 

 United States dollars 

 637 

 63 

 17 

 224 

 278 

 713 

 60 

 33 

 305 

 344 

 Currency translation risk - foreign currency borrowings 

 1,219 

 1,455 

 466 

 47 

 17 

 (199)

 (194)

 137 

 510 

 58 

 20 

 (175)

 (208)

 205 

(d) Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that the value of a financial instrument or cashflows associated with the instrument will change due to changes in market 
interest rates and arises primarily from the group’s interest bearing borrowings. The group manages the fixed interest rate component of its debt and 
capital notes obligations and aims to maintain this ratio between 40 to 70 percent, however the group is currently over 90 percent fixed. The position 
in this range is managed depending upon underlying interest rate exposures and economic conditions. Cross currency, interest rate swaps, forward 
rate agreements and options are entered into to manage this position. Currently cross currency interest rate swaps and interest rate swaps have been 
entered into in Australian dollars, United States dollars, Euros, British pounds and New Zealand dollars which mature over the next ten years in relation 
to the maturity of the related loans. 

Hedge accounting is applied on these instruments for floating-to-fixed instruments as cashflow hedges or for fixed-to-floating as fair value hedges. 

Fletcher Building Annual Report 2010

Notes to the financial statements 

 27.  Financial instruments – continued
(d) Interest rate risk – continued
Interest rate repricing
The following tables set out the interest rate repricing profile and weighted average interest rate of interest bearing financial assets and liabilities. 

June 2010

Capital notes

US private placements

Debt derivatives - to pay

Debt derivatives - to receive

Other loans

Cash and liquid deposits

Interest rate swaps - to pay

Interest rate swaps - to receive

Total

June 2009

Capital notes

Bank loans

US private placements

Debt derivatives - to pay

Debt derivatives - to receive

Other loans

Cash and liquid deposits

Interest rate swaps - to pay

Interest rate swaps - to receive

Total

Weighted 
Average 
Interest  
Rate %

Floating
NZ$M

8.7

5.7

6.0

4.0

5.0

1.7

5.6

6.1

 305 

 613 

 (681)

 79 

 (112)

 401 

 (631)

(26)

Fletcher Building Group 

Fixed
Up to  
1 Year
NZ$M

Fixed
1-2 Years
NZ$M

Fixed
2-5 Years
NZ$M

 68 

 59 

 227 

 53 

 (21)

 631 

 (150)

740 

68 

59 

Fletcher Building Group 

Fixed
Over  

5 Years
NZ$M

 47 

 470 

 145 

 (396)

266 

Weighted 
Average 
Interest  
Rate %

Floating
NZ$M

Fixed
Up to  
1 Year
NZ$M

Fixed
1-2 Years
NZ$M

Fixed
2-5 Years
NZ$M

Fixed
Over  

5 Years
NZ$M

9.0

4.2

5.3

3.7

3.0

2.4

1.4

5.1

4.8

 119 

 308 

 671 

 (727)

 93 

 (99)

 509 

 (702)

172 

 75 

 68 

 246 

 59 

 500 

 363 

 (267)

655 

 64 

 (21)

 277 

 (150)

416 

 62 

 (92)

45 

68 

Total
NZ$M

401 

775 

666 

(702)

79 

(112)

1,177 

(1,177)

1,107 

Total
NZ$M

448 

119 

808 

735 

(748)

93 

(99)

1,211 

(1,211)

1,356 

61

Notes to the financial statements 

27.  Financial instruments – continued
(d) Interest rate risk – continued

June 2010

Fletcher Building Limited 

Weighted 
Average 
Interest  
Rate %

Floating
NZ$M

Fixed
Up to  
1 Year
NZ$M

Fixed
1-2 Years
NZ$M

Fixed
2-5 Years
NZ$M

Fixed
Over  

5 Years
NZ$M

8.1

6.0

4.0

2.8

2.8

5.6

6.1

 613 

 (681)

 7 

 (56)

 401 

 (631)

(347)

 68 

 59 

68 

59 

 39 

 53 

 (21)

 631 

 (150)

552 

 145 

 (396)

(251)

Fletcher Building Limited 

Weighted 
Average 
Interest  
Rate %

Floating
NZ$M

Fixed
Up to  
1 Year
NZ$M

Fixed
1-2 Years
NZ$M

Fixed
2-5 Years
NZ$M

Fixed
Over  

5 Years
NZ$M

8.2

3.4

3.7

3.0

2.7

2.6

5.1

4.8

 45 

 672 

 (729)

 8 

 (39)

 509 

 (702)

(236)

 68 

 59 

 40 

 64 

 (22)

 277 

 (150)

228 

 363 

 (267)

136 

 62 

 (92)

(30)

68 

Total
NZ$M

166 

666 

(702)

7 

(56)

1,177 

(1,177)

81 

Total
NZ$M

167 

45 

736 

(751)

8 

(39)

1,211 

(1,211)

166 

Capital notes

Debt derivatives - to pay

Debt derivatives - to receive

Other loans

Cash and liquid deposits

Interest rate swaps - to pay

Interest rate swaps - to receive

Total

June 2009

Capital notes

Bank loans

Debt derivatives - to pay

Debt derivatives - to receive

Other loans

Cash and liquid deposits

Interest rate swaps - to pay

Interest rate swaps - to receive

Total

Fletcher Building Annual Report 2010

Notes to the financial statements 

27.  Financial instruments – continued

(e) Commodity price risk
Commodity price risk arises from committed or highly probable trade and capital expenditure transactions that are linked to traded commodities.  
Where possible the group manages its commodity price risks through negotiated supply contracts and, for certain commodities, by using commodity 
price swaps and options. The group manages its commodity price risk depending on the underlying exposures, economic conditions and access to 
active derivatives markets. Currently the group’s guideline is to hedge up to 100 percent of the New Zealand business units’ electricity requirements  
for up to five years. Cashflow hedge accounting is applied to commodity derivative contracts.

At balance date, the notional value of fixed electricity exposure was as follows:

June 2010

Fletcher Building Group and Limited

Electricity price swaps

 90 

 7 

 33 

 41 

Average 
Hedge Price
NZ$/MWh

Up to  
1 Year
NZ$M

1-2 Years
NZ$M

2-5 Years
NZ$M

Over  

5 Years
NZ$M

Total
NZ$M

 81 

June 2009

Electricity price swaps

 83 

 19 

 32 

 23 

 74 

(f) Sensitivity analysis
The numbers in the sensitivity analysis for foreign currency risk, interest rate risk and commodity price risk have not been adjusted for tax and are based 
only on the group’s financial instruments held at balance date and assumes that all other variables remain constant, except for the chosen change in the 
risk variable. 

(i) Foreign currency risk
It is estimated a 10 percent weakening of the New Zealand dollar against the major foreign currencies the group is exposed to through financial 
instruments would result in a decrease to equity of approximately $100 million (June 2009 $88 million) and no material impact on earnings. If the 
translation of the net assets of the foreign operations were included this would result in an increase to equity of approximately $186 million  
(June 2009 $185 million).

(ii) Interest rate risk
It is estimated a 1 percent increase in interest rates would have increased the group’s interest costs in a year by approximately $1.7 million on the 
group’s debt portfolio exposed to floating rates at balance date (June 2009 $2.0 million). The group’s increase in interest costs is limited as the interest  
is largely fixed.

(iii) Commodity price risk
It is estimated a 10 percent increase in the New Zealand electricity spot price at balance date would have increase the group’s profit by $1 million  
as the group had fixed 98 percent of its electricity usage (June 2009 $1 million, fixed 107 percent).

63

 
Notes to the financial statements 

27.  Financial instruments – continued
(g) Fair values
The estimated fair values measurements for financial assets and liabilities are compared to their carrying values in the balance sheet, are as follows:

NZ$M

Bank loans

US private placements

Other loans

Capital notes

Creditors and accruals

Trade and other receivables

Cash and liquid deposits

Fletcher Building Group

 June 2010

 June 2009

Carrying 
Value

Fair Value

Carrying 
Value

Fair Value

Classification

Amortised cost

Amortised cost

Amortised cost

Amortised cost

775 

79 

401 

779 

79 

412 

Amortised cost

1,096 

1,096 

Loans and receivables

(1,045)

(1,045)

(1,059)

(1,059)

Loans and receivables

(112)

(112)

119 

808 

93 

448 

957 

119 

776 

93 

446 

957 

(99)

1 

 (7)

 (1)

 (1)

(26)

(2)

14 

(99)

1 

 (7)

 (1)

 (1)

(26)

(2)

14 

Forward exchange contracts - cashflow hedge

Fair value though P&L

Forward exchange contracts - net investment hedge

Fair value though P&L

Forward exchange contracts - fair value hedge

Fair value though P&L

Cross currency interest rate swaps - net investment hedge

Fair value though P&L

Interest rate swaps - fair value hedge

Interest rate swaps - cashflow hedge

Electricity price swaps - cashflow hedge

Fair value though P&L

Fair value though P&L

Fair value though P&L

(3)

 (10)

 (4)

 (24)

(39)

10 

3 

(3)

 (10)

 (4)

 (24)

(39)

10 

3 

1,127 

1,142 

1,245 

1,211 

Fletcher Building Limited’s fair values are materially the same as the carrying values.

Fair value measurement
The only financial instruments measured and recognised at fair value are derivatives. Base metal price swaps are measured under level 1. All other 
derivatives are measured under level 2 valuations using quoted forward exchange rates and discounted using yield curves derived from quoted interest 
rates matching maturities of the contract. The fair value of electricity price swaps are measured using a derived forward curve and discounted using yield 
curves derived from quoted interest rates matching maturities of the contracts. Interest rate derivatives are calculated by discounting the future principal 
and interest cashflows at current market interest rates that are available for similar financial instruments.
(Level 1) Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. The fair value of base metal price swaps is based on the quoted 
market prices of those instruments.
(Level 2) 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 3) Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).

Fair value disclosures
The fair values of borrowings used for disclosure are measured by discounting future principal and interest cashflows at the current market interest 
rate that are available for similar financial instruments.

The interest rates across all currencies used to discount future principal and interest cashflows are between 0.9 percent and 8.4 percent (June 

2009 0.9 percent and 9.65 percent) including margins.

(h) Capital risk management
The group’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the group’s ability to continue as a going concern in order to provide returns  
to shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders and to maintain an optimal capital structure to reduce the cost of capital.

In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the group may adjust the amount of dividends paid to shareholders, return capital to shareholders, 

issue new shares or sell assets to reduce debt.

The group monitors capital on the basis of debt to debt plus equity and aims to maintain this ratio between 40 percent to 50 percent in the long term.

Fletcher Building Annual Report 2010

Notes to the financial statements 

28.  Capital expenditure commitments of plant and investments 

Approved by the directors but uncommitted at year end

Committed at year end

Fletcher Building Group

June 2010
NZ$M

June 2009
NZ$M

32

71

103

7

56

63

29.  Lease commitments
The expected future minimum rental payments required under operating leases that have initial or remaining non-cancellable lease terms in excess of 
one year are at year end:

 within one year 

 within two years 

 within three years 

 within four years 

 within five years 

 after five years 

114 

93 

67 

51 

61 

132 

518 

119 

102 

77 

61 

48 

161 

568 

30.  Contingent liabilities
Provision has been made in the ordinary course of business for all known and probable future claims but not for such claims as are considered remote. 
Contingent liabilities arise in respect of the following categories:

Contingent liabilities with respect to guarantees extended on trading transactions, 
performance bonds and other transactions

Letters of credit

158

14

219

11

31.  Insurance
The company monitors its capacity to retain otherwise insurable losses. The directors believe that the group’s risk management programmes are 
adequate to protect its assets and earnings against losses incurred. Based on past experience, the company does not anticipate that future losses 
within these levels would have a significant impact on the group’s financial position or performance. In general terms, the group-wide insurance policies 
are with insurers having a Standard & Poor’s A grade rating (or equivalent) or better. 

The following risks are insured at 1 July 2010 in respect of each event up to a maximum of:

Public and product liability

Loss or damage to group property including business interruption

Marine public liability

Public liability resulting from construction activities

Contract works - separate cover is arranged for each contract and the insured value will generally  
exceed the contract value

Fletcher Building Group

June 2010 
$M

June 2009
$M

US$100

NZ$900

NZ$50

NZ$100

US$100

NZ$800

NZ$50

NZ$50

NZ$20

NZ$20

65

Notes to the financial statements 

32.  Related party transactions

Fletcher Building Group

Fletcher Building Limited

June 2010
NZ$M

June 2009
NZ$M

June 2010
NZ$M

June 2009
NZ$M

Trading activities with related parties:

Purchase of scrap metal from Sims Pacific Metals Limited

112 

123 

Amounts owing relating to the purchase of scrap metal from Sims Pacific Metals 
Limited, and is included within creditors

Purchase of raw materials from Wespine Industries Pty Limited and Dynea Industries  
WA Pty Limited

Amounts owing relating to the purchase of raw materials from Wespine Industries Pty 
Limited and Dynea Industries WA Pty Limited, and is included within creditors

Purchase of materials from Dongwha Pattina NZ Limited

Amounts owing relating to the purchase of materials from Dongwha Pattina NZ Limited, 
and is included within creditors

Purchase of materials from Homapal Plattenwerk GmbH & Co

Amounts owing relating to the purchase of materials from Homapal Plattenwerk GmbH 
& Co, and is included within creditors

Key management personnel compensation

Directors fees

Executive committee remuneration paid, payable or provided for:

Short term employee benefits

Share based payments

Dividend income received from subsidiary companies

Payment of foreign exchange gain to Fletcher Building Holdings Limited

Term receivable owing from subsidiary companies 1

Liability owing to subsidiary companies 2

Liability owing to subsidiary companies 3

Liability owing to subsidiary company 4

5 

32 

3 

15 

1 

11 

1 

2 

11 

2 

4 

46 

1 

16 

1 

16 

2 

2 

7 

3 

 4 

 637 

 948 

 323 

 300 

 17 

 577 

 589 

 363 

 1,074 

 1,074 

1 These unsecured advances represent long term funding even though they are for no fixed term and bear interest at 10.2 percent. 

2 These unsecured advances represent long term funding even though they are for no fixed term and bear interest at 6.7 percent.

3 These unsecured advances represent long term funding even though they are for no fixed term and bear interest at 9.75 percent. 

4 The unsecured advance represents long term funding even though it is for no fixed term and is non interest bearing. 

Fletcher Building Limited is the holding company of the Fletcher Building group. Fletcher Building Limited has a relationship with each of its subsidiaries, 
associates and joint ventures. A full list of all the subsidiaries of the group is included in the Regulatory Disclosures section of the annual report.

Fletcher Building Retirement Plan

As at 30 June 2010, Fletcher Building Nominees Limited (the New Zealand retirement plan) held $7,400,000 of shares and $18,500,000 of capital notes 
in Fletcher Building Limited, (June 2009 $8,200,000 of shares; $18,500,000 of capital notes) in respect of economic interests that members of the 
retirement plan have in Fletcher Building shares and capital notes.

Fletcher Building Annual Report 2010

Notes to the financial statements 

33.  Principal operations

Fletcher Building Limited is the holding company of the Fletcher Building group. The principal subsidiaries and associates, as at 30 June 2010,  
are outlined below:

Country of 
Domicile

% Holding

Principal Activity

Principal subsidiaries

Fletcher Building Holdings Limited
Fletcher Building Products Limited
Fletcher Concrete and Infrastructure Limited
Fletcher Distribution Limited
Fletcher Steel Limited
Fletcher Residential Limited
The Fletcher Construction Company Limited
Winstone Wallboards Limited
Fletcher Property Limited
PlaceMakers subsidiaries
Fletcher Building Finance Limited
Tasman Insulation New Zealand Limited
AHI Roofing Limited
Forman Group Limited
Fletcher Building (Fiji) Limited 
Laminex Group Limited
Fletcher Building (Australia) Pty Limited
Tasman Insulation Pty Limited
Tasman Sinkware Pty Limited
Tasman Access Floors Pty Limited
Rocla Pty Limited
Stramit Corporation Pty Limited
Insulation Solutions Pty Limited
Fletcher Construction (Solomon Islands) Limited
Fletcher Morobe Construction Pty Limited
Fletcher Building Netherlands B.V.
Tasman Investments (Netherlands Antilles) N.V.
Decra Roofing Systems Inc.
Formica Corporation
Formica Canada Inc.
Formica Limited
Formica S.A.
Shanghai Formica Decorative Material Co. Ltd
Formica IKI Oy
Formica Skandinavien AB
Formica (Thailand) Co., Ltd 
Associates
Wespine Industries Pty Limited
Dynea Industries WA Pty Limited
Mt Marrow Blue Metal Quarries Pty Limited
Mittagong Sands Pty Limited
Sims Pacific Metals Limited
Dongwha Pattina NZ Limited
Homapal Plattenwerk GmbH & Co. KG.

NZ
NZ
NZ
NZ
NZ
NZ
NZ
NZ
NZ
NZ
NZ
NZ
NZ
NZ
Fiji
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Solomon Is.
PNG
Netherlands
Neth Antilles
United States
United States
Canada
United Kingdom
Spain
China
Finland
Sweden
Thailand

Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
NZ
NZ
Germany

100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
50.1
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

50
50
50
50
50
20
50

Holding company
Building products
Concrete products
Merchandising
Steel production
Housing
Construction
Gypsum plasterboard
Property management
Retail
Finance 
Insulation
Roofing
Insulation
Infrastructure
Building products
Holding company
Insulation
Sinks
Flooring
Concrete products
Steel production
Insulation
Construction
Construction
Finance
Finance
Roofing
Building products
Building products
Building products
Building products
Building products
Building products
Building products
Building products

Saw miller
Building products
Quarrying
Quarrying
Metal recycling
Building products
Building products

67

Notes to the financial statements 

34.  Retirement plans

Fletcher Building Limited is the principal sponsoring company of a plan that provides retirement and other benefits to employees of the group in  
New Zealand. Participation in this plan has been closed for a number of years, although defined contribution savings plans have been made available. 
Various defined benefit and defined contribution plans exist in Australia following the acquisition of the Amatek, Tasman Building Products, and the 
Laminex groups which companies contribute to on behalf of their employees. All of these plans’ obligations are wholly funded. Various defined benefit 
plans and medical plans exist in other countries as a result of the acquisition of the Formica group, which companies contribute to on behalf of their 
employees. All of these plans have a deficit in their funded status and the companies are making additional contributions, as recommended by the 
trustees of the plans, to improve the funded status.

The calculation of the defined benefit obligations are based on years of service and the employees’ compensation during their years of employment. 

Contributions are intended to provide not only for benefits attributed to service to date but also for those expected to be earned in the future.  
These obligations are accounted for in accordance with NZ IAS 19 Employee Benefits, which has the effect of smoothing the volatility in the returns 
earned by the plans through amortising gains and losses over the life of the plans. At 30 June 2010, $123 million of deferred actuarial losses (June 2009 
$88 million) will be amortised in future years. 

Fletcher Building Limited has an obligation to ensure that the funding ratio of the New Zealand plan’s assets is at least 115% of the plan’s actuarial 
liability. This is based upon any two consecutive annual actuarial valuations as calculated by the plan’s actuary. This calculation is done on the plan’s 
funding basis which differs from the calculation under NZ IAS 19. At 31 March 2010 the value of the assets was 122.6% of the actuarial liability and  
the funded surplus was $51 million (31 March 2009 115.1%, $33 million). 

During the year the company contributed $5 million in respect of its Australian defined benefit plans and $21 million in respect of its Australian 
defined contribution plans. It contributed $17 million in respect of its Formica defined benefit and medical plans and $2 million to its New Zealand plan 
on behalf of its employees as part of their salary sacrifice arrangements. 

Net periodic pension (cost)/benefit

Service cost 

Interest cost 

Actual return on assets

Experience adjustments on plans assets - the difference between the expected and actual return

Effect of settlements and curtailments 

Amortisation of deferred actuarial (loss)/deferred actuarial gain

Net periodic pension (cost)/benefit - recognised in operating earnings 

Recognised net asset/(liability)

Assets of plans 

Projected benefit obligation 

Funded surplus/(obligation)

Deferred actuarial loss/deferred actuarial (gain)1

Recognised net asset/(liability)

1 The deferred actuarial loss is being amortised over nine years.

Recognised net asset/(liability) by jurisdiction:

New Zealand plan

Australian plans

Retirement plan surplus - recognised within note 21, Investments

Other overseas plans

Retirement plan liability - recognised within non current liabilities

Recognised net asset/(liability)

Fletcher Building Annual Report 2009
Fletcher Building Annual Report 2010

June 2010
NZ$M

June 2009
NZ$M

(12)

(35)

80 

(43)

(11)

(21)

659

(756)

(97)

123

26

61 

9 

70 

(44)

(44)

26

(16)

(41)

(86)

131 

(4)

(16)

622

(693)

(71)

88

17

64 

9 

73 

(56)

(56)

17

Notes to the financial statements

34.  Retirement plans – continued

Movement in recognised net asset/(liability)

Recognised net asset/(liability) at the beginning of the year

Currency translation

Acquisitions

Net periodic pension (cost)/benefit

Employer contributions

Recognised net asset/(liability)

Assets of the plans

Assets of plans at the beginning of the year

Actual return on assets

Total contributions

Benefit payments

Settlements and curtailments 

Acquisition adjustment

Currency translation

Assets of the plans consist of:

Australasian equities

International equities

Property

Bonds

Cash and short term deposits

Other assets

Projected benefit obligation

Projected benefit obligation as at the beginning of the year

Service cost

Interest cost

Member contributions

Actuarial gain/(loss) arising on movements in the discount rate

Actuarial gain/(loss) arising on other assumptions - experience adjustments 

Benefit payments

Settlements and curtailments 

Acquisition adjustment

Currency translation

June 2010
NZ$M

June 2009
NZ$M

17

7

(1)

(21)

24 

26

622 

80 

28 

(50)

1 

4 

(26)

659 

81 

245 

23 

255 

30 

25 

659 

(35)

(3)

(16)

71 

17

707 

(86)

75 

(50)

(31)

7 

622 

71 

210 

22 

164 

126 

29 

622 

(693)

(750)

(12)

(34)

(4)

(70)

(21)

50 

(1)

(5)

34 

(756)

(16)

(41)

(4)

14 

33 

50 

30 

(9)

(693)

69

Notes to the financial statements 

34.  Retirement plans – continued

Assumptions used

The following table provides the weighted average assumptions used to develop the net periodic pension cost and the actuarial present value of 
projected benefit obligations for the group’s plans:

Assumed discount rate on benefit obligations

Expected annual rate of return on plan assets

Annual rate of increase in future compensation levels

2010  
%

2009  
%

4.76

6.16

3.41

5.38

6.30

3.47

Expected returns on plan assets have been determined by the independent actuaries as the weighted average of the expected return after tax and 
investments fees for each asset class by the target allocation of assets to each class. 

The group expects to contribute $22 million to its Australian and other overseas defined benefit plans during the year to 30 June 2011. 

35.  Share based payments
Executive share schemes

The group has implemented long term cash based incentive schemes targeted at the executives most able to influence the results of the group, 
with an agreed percentage of any cash received to be invested in purchasing the company’s shares. For all participants in the 2006 and 2007 schemes, 
and for most participants in the 2008 scheme, payment of any benefit is dependent upon the group’s total shareholder return exceeding the 51st 
percentile of the total shareholder return of a comparative group of companies over a three year restricted period. For a small number of participants 
in the 2008 scheme and all participants in the 2009 scheme, a variation was implemented whereby the three year restricted period is automatically 
extended by up to one further year if total shareholder return does not exceed the 51st percentile. Participants may elect to extend the restricted period 
if total shareholder return is between the 51st and 75th percentiles.

In addition, for the relevant participants in the 2008 and 2009 schemes, payment of half of any benefit is dependent upon total shareholder return, 

including the one-year extension of the restricted period, and payment of the other half of any benefit is dependent upon the group achieving an 
earnings per share target over the three year restricted period. No one-year extension is made for any benefit which is dependent upon the earnings per 
share performance target.

The group provides interest free loans to executives, who instruct the trustee to purchase shares on their behalf. The shares purchased by 
executives are held by the trustee with executives entitled to vote and receive dividends, the proceeds of which are used to repay the interest free loan. 
At the end of the restricted period the group will pay a bonus to the executives to the extent the performance targets have been met, sufficient for 

the executives to repay the balance of the interest free loan on those shares which vest. The shares upon which performance targets have been met 
will then fully vest to the executives. The loan owing on shares upon which performance targets have not been met (the forfeited shares) will be novated 
from the executives to the trustee and will be fully repaid by the transfer of the forfeited shares. The receivable from the executives, which is secured  
only against the shares held in the company, has been accounted for under the treasury stock method and deducted from paid up capital.

The following are details in regards to the share schemes:

Grant date

Number of shares granted

Market price per share at grant date

Total consideration paid 

Vesting date

2009 Scheme

2008 Scheme

2007 Scheme

2006 Scheme

1 October 2009

1 October 2008

1 October 2007

1 October 2006

811,927

$8.23

964,128

$6.94

341,401

$12.69

438,410

$8.36

$6,682,159

$6,691,048

$4,332,379

$3,665,108

30 September 2012

30 September 2011

30 September 2010

30 September 2009

Maximum bonus payable - expensed over three years

$13,063,404

$13,845,976

$8,518,744

$6,285,603

Number of shares originally granted

Less forfeited over life of scheme

Less vested over life of scheme

Number of shares held at 30 June 2010

811,927

(18,551)

(509)

792,867

964,128

(100,078)

(19,616)

844,434

341,401

(75,149)

(1,572)

264,680

438,410

(76,214)

(362,196)

Total amount expensed in year for executive performance share schemes

Liability recognised at year end for bonus payable

Fletcher Building Annual Report 2010

June 2010 NZ$

June 2009 NZ$

10,597,112

19,856,176

8,779,376

14,731,441

Notes to the financial statements 

36. Segmental information

Industry segments

Building 
Products 
NZ$M

Steel 
NZ$M

Distribution 
NZ$M

Infrastructure 
NZ$M

Laminates  
& Panels 
NZ$M

Other 
NZ$M

Total Group 
NZ$M

Year ended 30 June 2010

Sales - gross

Sales - inter segment

Sales - external

Operating earnings (EBIT)

Total assets

Total liabilities

Capital expenditure including acquisitions

Depreciation expense

Year ended 30 June 2009 

Sales - gross

Sales - inter segment

Sales - external

Operating earnings (EBIT)

Unusual items included in operating earnings

Total assets

Total liabilities

Capital expenditure including acquisitions

Depreciation expense

881

(83)

798

114

796

122

24

26

873

(102)

771

90

(16)

783

136

56

25

1,231

(59)

1,172

82

728

175

17

25

1,407

(86)

1,321

147

(7)

752

169

26

22

894

(16)

878

38

246

128

9

9

893

(10)

883

(9)

(39)

233

118

21

10

2,110

(90)

2,020

164

1,512

464

65

70

2,161

(109)

2,052

199

(4)

1,492

412

100

70

1,963

(33)

1,930

141

2,208

453

75

76

2,137

(61)

2,076

(252)

(326)

2,341

450

88

83

7

(6)

1

(18)

224

1,349

1

6

(6)

(16)

(7)

204

1,536

1

1

7,086

(287)

6,799

521

5,714

2,691

191

206

7,477

(374)

7,103

159

(399)

5,805

2,821

292

211

71

Notes to the financial statements 

36.  Segmental information – continued

Geographic segments

 New Zealand  
 NZ$M 

 Australia 
 NZ$M 

 Nth America  
 NZ$M 

 Asia  
 NZ$M 

 Europe  
 NZ$M 

Other 
 NZ$M 

 Group 
 NZ$M 

Year ended 30 June 2010

Sales - external

Operating earnings (EBIT)

Total assets

Total liabilities

Capital expenditure including acquisitions

Depreciation expense

Year ended 30 June 2009 

Sales - external

Operating earnings (EBIT)

Unusual items included in operating earnings

Total assets

Total liabilities

Capital expenditure including acquisitions

Depreciation expense

 3,358 

 2,286 

 256 

 2,271 

 1,186 

 82 

 91 

 209 

 2,188 

 1,184 

 66 

 74 

 436 

 13 

 402 

 125 

 17 

 18 

 238 

 30 

 485 

 41 

 6 

 9 

 3,584 

 2,200 

 489 

 274 

249

(93)

 2,243 

 1,246 

 122 

 96 

123

(63)

 2,162 

 1,313 

 74 

 69 

(45)

(38)

 443 

 130 

 30 

 17 

20

(10)

 516 

 49 

 13 

 9 

 388 

 4 

 314 

 111 

 18 

 12 

 442 

(197)

(195)

 390 

 146 

 50 

 17 

 93 

 9 

 54 

 44 

 2 

 2 

 6,799 

 521 

 5,714 

 2,691 

 191 

 206 

 114 

 7,103 

9

 51 

 44 

 3 

 3 

159

(399)

 5,805 

 2,928 

 292 

 211 

Fletcher Building Annual Report 2010

More online: 
fletcherbuilding.com/10/audit

Audit report

To the shareholders of  
Fletcher Building Limited:

We have audited the financial statements on pages 
32 to 72. The financial statements provide information 
about the past financial performance and financial 
position of the company and group as at 30 June 
2010. This information is stated in accordance with 
the accounting policies set out on pages 37 to 41.

Directors’ responsibilities
The directors are responsible for the preparation of 
financial statements which give a true and fair view  
of the financial position of the company and group  
as at 30 June 2010 and the results of their operations 
and cashflows for the year ended on that date.

Auditors’ responsibilities
It is our responsibility to express an independent 
opinion on the financial statements presented by  
the directors and report our opinion to you.

Basis of opinion
An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence 
relevant to the amounts and disclosures in the 
financial statements. It also includes assessing:
•  the significant estimates and judgements  

made by the directors in the preparation of the 
financial statements;

•  whether the accounting policies are appropriate 
to the company’s and group’s circumstances, 
consistently applied and adequately disclosed.

We conducted our audit in accordance with  
New Zealand Auditing Standards. We planned and 
performed our audit so as to obtain all the information 
and explanations which we considered necessary in 
order to provide us with sufficient evidence to obtain 
reasonable assurance that the financial statements 
are free from material misstatements, whether caused 
by fraud or error. In forming our opinion we also 
evaluated the overall adequacy of the presentation  
of information in the financial statements.

Our firm has also provided other services to the 

company and certain of its subsidiaries in relation 
to taxation and other assurance services. Partners 
and employees of our firm may also deal with the 
company and group on normal terms within the 
ordinary course of trading activities of the business 
of the company and group. These matters have 
not impaired our independence as auditors of 
the company and group. The firm has no other 
relationship with, or interest in, the company or any  
of its subsidiaries.

Unqualified opinion
We have obtained all the information and explanations 
we have required.
In our opinion:
•  proper accounting records have been kept by the 
company and group as far as appears from our 
examination of those records;

•  the financial statements on pages 32 to 72:
−  comply with New Zealand generally accepted 

accounting practice;

−  give a true and fair view of the financial position  
of the company and group as at 30 June 2010  
and the results of their operations and cashflows  
for the year ended on that date.

Our audit was completed on 18 August 2010 and  
our unqualified opinion is expressed as at that date.

KPMG Auckland, New Zealand

73

Trend statement

June  
2010 
NZ$M

June  
2009 
NZ$M

June  
2008 
NZ$M

7

June  
2007 
NZ$M

June  
2006 
NZ$M

June  
2005 
NZ$M

June  
2004 
NZ$M

June  
2003 
NZ$M

June  
2002 
NZ$M

June  
2001 
NZ$M

6

5

4

2

1, 2, 3

Notes

Financial performance

Operating sales/revenue

6,799

7,103

7,091

5,926

5,520

4,636

3,958

3,221

2,966

2,273

Operating earnings (EBIT)

Net earnings 

Cashflow from operations

Earnings per share  
- basic (cents per share)

521

272

522

159

(46)

533

768

467

434

703

484

483

675

379

560

612

347

479

460

240

424

331

168

276

210

93

187

(87)

(288)

251

44.9

(8.7)

93.2

101.9

81.3

77.6

55.7

43.4

27.0

(83.7)

Dividends for the period (cents per share)

29.0

38.0

48.5

45.0

40.0

32.0

25.0

19.0

14.0

12.0

Balance sheet

Current assets

Non current assets

Total assets

Current liabilities

Non current liabilities

Total liabilities

Capital

Reserves

Minority equity

Total equity

2,317

2,255

2,549

2,074

1,699

1,484

1,171

1,021

3,397

3,550

3,686

2,359

2,400

2,173

1,611

1,427

794

842

851

985

5,714

5,805

6,235

4,433

4,099

3,657

2,782

2,448

1,636

1,836

1,384

1,313

1,436

1,187

1,207

1,239

1,307

1,508

2,043

950

1,092

991

818

918

776

812

669

376

681

615

2,691

2,821

3,479

2,137

2,299

2,230

1,736

1,588

1,045

1,296

1,912

1,895

1,364

1,325

1,077

1,057

1,351

34

32

41

926

45

970

786

44

929

455

43

754

252

40

3,023

2,984

2,756

2,296

1,800

1,427

1,046

628

195

37

860

455

109

27

591

449

89

2

540

Total liabilities and equity

5,714

5,805

6,235

4,433

4,099

3,657

2,782

2,448

1,636

1,836

Other financial data

Return on average funds (%)8

Return on average equity (%)9

Net debt/net debt plus equity (%)

Net tangible assets per share ($)

12.7

9.1

26.8

2.90

3.4

(1.6)

31.1

2.80

19.0

19.0

40.1

2.90

24.8

26.0

22.2

3.25

26.1

24.6

37.1

2.47

29.3

29.5

44.4

2.11

24.7

24.3

43.1

1.68

24.4

23.0

49.9

1.54

Market capitalisation (NZ$m)

4,763

3,967

3,197

6,166

4,296

3,207

1,987

1,490

Total shareholders return (%)

24

14

(43)

42

40

61

33

43

23.1

16.9

40.2

1.60

953

24

(8.6)

(43.8)

49.2

1.52

817

6

1  On 23 March 2001 Fletcher Challenge Limited - Building Operations, a targeted share of Fletcher Challenge Limited became a stand alone publicly listed company, 

Fletcher Building Limited. The proforma accounts consolidate the results of both entities for the year. 

2  In the year ended 30 June 2001 the results of the Distribution division were included on an equity accounted basis. In the 2002 year the results were for 15 months 

on a consolidated basis.

3  For the year ended 30 June 2001, capital notes were treated as a component of equity. Interest on the capital notes of $16m after tax was previously recorded as 

a distribution from equity, rather than in funding costs. This has been restated.

4 The Laminex group was acquired on 13 November 2002. 
5  The Tasman Building Products group was acquired on 30 September 2003. The balance sheet at June 2004 has been restated under NZ IFRS.
6 The Amatek Holdings group was acquired on 1 March 2005. The results for June 2005 have been restated under NZ IFRS.
7 The Formica Corporation group was acquired on 2 July 2007. 
8 EBIT / Average (net debt + equity + capital notes - deferred tax asset).
9 Net earnings/average shareholders’ funds.

Fletcher Building Annual Report 2010

Regulatory disclosures

Directors’ relevant interests in equity securities at 30 June 2010

Ordinary shares

Capital notes

H A Fletcher

A T Jackson

J F Judge

J P Ling 1

D T Spring

G T Tilbrook

K M Vautier

R G Waters

1 Includes 1,000,000 options

Directly held

Held by 
Associated 
Persons

Directly held

8,000

Held by 
Associated 
Persons

811,793

22,513

1,037,873

248,970

39,344

12,000

55,692

10,716

22,461

29,000

75,500

1,000,093

1,152,909

2,116,546

29,000

75,500

Securities dealings by directors
During the year, directors disclosed in respect of section 148(2) of the Companies Act 1993 that they acquired 
or disposed of a relevant interest in securities as follows:

Director

J P Ling 2

H A Fletcher

H A Fletcher

J F Judge

J P Ling

J P Ling 3

K M Vautier

P E A Baines 4

R S Deane 4

H A Fletcher 4

D T Spring 4

R G Waters 4

A T Jackson

H A Fletcher

P E A Baines 5

R S Deane 5

H A Fletcher 5

D T Spring 5

Number of 
securities 
acquired

Number of 
securities 
disposed

Consideration 
$

Date

500,000

N/A

8/09/09

28,500

$222,647

11/09/09

133

17

484

75,937

979

$1,113

15/10/09

$142

15/10/09

$4,049

15/10/09

$624,962

15/10/09

$8,190

15/10/09

$9,132

16/10/09

$34,170

16/10/09

1,707

6,387

142,375

$761,706

16/10/09

1,362

$7,287

16/10/09

139,343

$745,485

16/10/09

3,000

$24,557

30/10/09

200,000

$1,595,151

12/11/09

1,707

6,387

142,375

1,362

$9,132

18/11/09

$34,170

18/11/09

$761,706

18/11/09

$7,287

18/11/09

75

Regulatory disclosures

Securities dealings by directors – continued

Director

R G Waters5

D T Spring

G T Tilbrook

H A Fletcher

H A Fletcher

J F Judge

J P Ling

K M Vautier

R G Waters

A T Jackson

Number of 
securities 
acquired

Number of 
securities 
disposed

Consideration 
$

Date

139,343

400

5,000

134

17

478

987

16,100

5,000

$745,485

18/11/09

400

$3,188

19/11/09

$40,571

18/02/10

40,000

$40,000

15/03/10

$1,127

21/04/10

$143

21/04/10

$4,019

21/04/10

$8,299

21/04/10

$127,512

13/05/10

$41,038

31/05/10

2 Issue of additional tranche of options
3 Relevant interest acquired through the Executive Long-Term Share Scheme with vesting subject to performance obligations
4 Disposal of shares acquired on 12 May 2009 under the Company’s Top-Up Offer to ensure compliance with ASX waiver terms
5 Replacement shares for those previously issued under the April 2009 Top-Up Offer pursuant to shareholder approval

Directors’ interests register
Directors’ certificates to cover entries in the interests register in respect of remuneration, dealing in the company’s securities, insurance 
and other interests have been disclosed as required by the Companies Act 1993.

In accordance with Section 140(2) of the Companies Act 1993, directors have advised changes in their interests during the year 

ended 30 June 2010 of:

H A Fletcher

D T Spring

R G Waters

R S Deane

K M Vautier

J P Ling

A T Jackson

G T Tilbrook

G T Tilbrook

G T Tilbrook

Appointed as a trustee of the New Zealand Portrait Gallery

Resigned as a director of Northport

Appointed as chairman of Fisher & Paykel Appliances

Ceased as a member of the Advisory Board of Pacific  
Road Corporate Finance and appointed as chairman  
of Pacific Road Group

Appointed as director of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand

Appointed as director of ASB Bank 

Appointed as chairman of the Housing Shareholders’  
Advisory Group

Appointed as director of QR (Queensland Rail)

Appointed as director of The GPT Group

Appointed as chairman of Transpacific Industries Group

7/09/09

8/10/09

26/11/09

20/01/10

9/02/10

30/03/10 

17/02/10

27/04/10

11/05/10

3/06/10

Fletcher Building Annual Report 2010

Regulatory disclosures

Stock exchange listings
The company’s shares are listed on the New Zealand (NZX) and Australian (ASX) stock exchanges. 

20 largest shareholders as at 31 July 2010

Name

Number of 
Shares

% of Shares

New Zealand Central Securities Depository Limited 

271,080,447

44.66

National Nominees Limited 

RBC Dexia Investor Services Australia Nominees Pty Limited

JP Morgan Nominees Australia Limited 

Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited

HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited 

Cogent Nominees Pty Limited 

Custodial Services Limited

UBS Nominees Pty Limited 

Investment Custodial Services Limited

FNZ Custodians Limited 

Masfen Securities Limited 

AMP Life Limited 

Forsyth Barr Custodians Limited

Fletcher Building Educational Fund Limited 

Fletcher Building Share Schemes Limited

Private Nominees Limited

J B Were (NZ) Nominees Limited

ASB Nominees Limited 

Queensland Investment Corporation 

47,975,574

43,288,334

33,934,923

17,682,128

12,964,322

12,641,089

8,776,942

4,135,742

4,010,246

3,758,393

3,540,070

3,068,081

2,187,639

2,069,462

1,901,981

1,547,558

1,357,665

1,025,601

974,873

7.90

7.13

5.59

2.91

2.14

2.08

1.45

0.68

0.66

0.62

0.58

0.51

0.36

0.34

0.31

0.25

0.22

0.17

0.16

New Zealand Central Securities Depository Limited provides a custodial depository service that allows electronic trading of securities  
to its members and does not have a beneficial interest in these shares. Its major holders of Fletcher Building shares are:

Name

National Nominees New Zealand Limited

HSBC Nominees (New Zealand) Limited

New Zealand Superannuation Fund Nominees Limited

Accident Compensation Corporation

Citibank Nominees (New Zealand) Limited

Premier Nominees Limited

Tea Custodians Limited

NZGT Nominees Limited

AMP Investments Strategic Equity Growth Fund

Asteron Life Limited

Number of 
Shares

104,072,145

67,283,704

17,883,086

16,748,202

16,004,349

9,292,493

8,000,970

5,258,772

4,461,878

3,627,113

% of Shares

17.15

11.09

2.95

2.76

2.64

1.53

1.32

0.87

0.74

0.60

77

Regulatory disclosures

Substantial security holders
According to notices given to the company under the Securities Markets Act 1988, as at 31 July 2010, the substantial security holders in the company 
and their relevant interests are noted below. The total number of issued voting securities of Fletcher Building Limited as at that date was 606,946,993.

Substantial Security Holders

Perennial Value Management

The Capital Group Companies, Inc

IOOF Holdings

Perpetual Trustees Australia

Number of voting 
securities

Date of notice

34,327,434

36,750,610

30,400,783

71,769,287

9/07/07

29/01/09

10/06/10

13/07/10

Distribution of shareholders and holdings as at 31 July 2010

Size of Holdings

1 to 999

1,000 to 4,999

5,000 to 9,999

10,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 499,999

500,000 and over

Total

Geographic distribution

New Zealand

Australia

United States of America

Rest of the World

Total

Number of 
Shareholders

12,598

17,503

3,454

2,002

103

74

42

%

35.21

48.92

9.65

5.60

0.29

0.21

0.12

Number of 
Shares

5,389,584

38,658,179

23,084,402

34,770,881

6,849,101

15,120,857

483,073,989

35,776

100.00

606,946,993

Number of 
Shareholders

30,863

4,207

120

586

%

86.26

11.76

0.34

1.64

Number of  
Shares

417,866,314

187,254,885

253,109

1,572,685

%

0.89

6.37

3.80

5.73

1.13

2.49

79.59

100.00

%

68.85

30.85

0.04

0.26

35,776

100.00

606,946,993

100.00

All shares issued are fully paid and have full voting rights. The number of shareholders holding less than the marketable parcel of A$500 under  
the listing rules of the ASX is 193.

Fletcher Building Annual Report 2010

Regulatory disclosures

The other equity securities on issue are 531 million of capital notes, which can convert to ordinary shares of the company on the basis of  
98 per cent of the then current value of the shares. There were 9,846 holders of the capital notes at 31 July 2010. These securities  
are quoted on the NZX but are unquoted on the ASX.

Distribution of capital noteholders and holdings as at 31 July 2010

Size of Holding

1 to 4,999

5,000 to 9,999

10,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 499,999

500,000 and over

Total

Size of Holding

1 to 4,999

5,000 to 9,999

10,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 499,999

500,000 and over

Total

Fletcher Building Limited

Number of 
Noteholders

1,587

1,242

2,183

340

134

27

%

28.78

22.53

39.60

6.17

2.43

0.49

Number of  
Capital Notes

4,641,166

8,334,166

43,423,417

20,249,500

21,279,500

152,072,251

5,513

100.00

250,000,000

Fletcher Building Finance Limited

Number of  
Noteholders

%

Number of Capital 
Notes

1

593

2,787

569

342

41

0.02

13.69

64.32

13.13

7.89

0.95

4,000

3,323,000

55,475,500

31,986,000

53,935,000

136,596,500

%

1.86

3.33

17.37

8.10

8.51

60.83

100.00

%

0.00

1.18

19.72

11.37

19.17

48.56

4,333

100.00

281,320,000

100.00

Limitations on the acquisition of the company’s securities
The terms of the company’s admission to the ASX and ongoing listing require the following disclosures.

The company is incorporated in New Zealand. As such it is not subject to Chapters 6, 6A, 6B and 6C of the Australian Corporations Act dealing 
with the acquisition of shares (such as substantial holdings and takeovers). Limitations on acquisition of the securities are, however, imposed on the 
company under New Zealand law:

(a)  Securities in the company are in general freely transferable and the only significant restrictions or limitations in relation to the acquisition  

of securities are those imposed by New Zealand laws relating to takeovers, overseas investment and competition.

(b)  The New Zealand Takeovers Code creates a general rule under which the acquisition of more than 20 percent of the voting rights in the company 
or the increase of an existing holding of 20 percent or more of the voting rights in the company can only occur in certain permitted ways. 
These include a full takeover offer in accordance with the Takeovers Code, a partial takeover offer in accordance with the Takeovers Code,  
an acquisition approved by an ordinary resolution, an allotment approved by an ordinary resolution, a creeping acquisition (in certain 
circumstances) or compulsory acquisition if a shareholder holds 90 percent or more of the shares in the company.

(c)  The New Zealand Overseas Investment Act and Overseas Investment Regulations regulate certain investments in New Zealand by overseas 
persons. In general terms, the consent of the New Zealand Overseas Investment Office is likely to be required where an “overseas person” 
acquires shares or an interest in shares in the company that amount to more than 25 percent of the shares issued by the company or, if the 
overseas person already holds 25 percent or more, the acquisition increases that holding.

(d)  The New Zealand Commerce Act 1986 is likely to prevent a person from acquiring shares in the company if the acquisition would have, or would 

be likely to have, the effect of substantially lessening competition in a market.

(e)  On 31 March 2009, ASX granted the company an ongoing waiver from ASX Listing Rule 7.1 which regulates the circumstances where 

companies listed on ASX are required to seek shareholder approval for the issue of securities. One of the conditions of the waiver is that the 
company remains subject to, and complies with, the listing rules of NZX with respect to the issue of new securities.

In accordance with the requirements of the ASX waiver, the company certifies that during the 12 months to 30 June 2010 it has been subject to, and 
has complied with, the requirements of the NZX with respect to the issue of new securities and that it continues to comply with those requirements.

79

Regulatory disclosures

Subsidiary company directors
Section 211(2) of the New Zealand Companies Act 1993 requires the company to disclose, in relation to its subsidiaries, the total remuneration  
and value of other benefits received by directors and former directors and particulars of entries in the interests registers made during the year ended  
30 June 2010.

Apart from some overseas subsidiaries which have independent directors or are required to have a specific number of local residents as directors, 

no wholly owned subsidiary has directors who are not full-time employees of the group. The company had 233 subsidiaries worldwide at 30 June 2010.
No employee of Fletcher Building Limited appointed as a director of Fletcher Building Limited or its subsidiaries receives, or retains any remuneration 

or other benefits, as a director. The remuneration and other benefits of such employees, received as employees, are included in the relevant bandings 
for remuneration disclosed previously in the Remuneration report. Except where shown below, no other director of any subsidiary company within the 
group receives director’s fees or other benefits as a director. 

The following persons respectively held office as directors of subsidiary companies at the end of the year, or in the case of those persons with  

the letter (R) after their name ceased to hold office during the year. Alternate directors are indicated by the letter (A) after their name.

Companies placed in liquidation during the year are indicated by the letter (L) after their name

AHI Roofing (Malaysia) SDN BHD 
Z Bin Mat Desa, P Binti Mohamad, W Roest, C Ellis, P Wilson,  
P Stichbury (R)

AHI Roofing (Middle East) Limited 
W Roest, C Ellis

AHI Roofing Gyarto Es Kereskedelmi Korlatolt  
Felelossegu Tarasag 
C Ellis, A O’Brien, M Adamson, P Wilson, P Stichbury (R) 

AHI Roofing Limited 
W Roest, C Ellis 

AHI Roofing Proisvodnja In Distribucija Stresnih Sistemov D.O.O. 
C Ellis, M Adamson, P Wilson, P Stichbury (R) 

AHI Roofing Pty Limited 
D Le Quesne, C Ellis 

Aickin Timber Limited 
W Roest, J Beveridge, D Edwards (R) 

Amatek Holdings Limited 
M Farrell, D Le Quesne, W Roest, V Gulia 

Amatek Industries Pty Limited 
D Le Quesne, W Roest, V Gulia 

Amatek Investments Limited 
M Farrell, D Le Quesne, W Roest, V Gulia 

Amtel Pty Limited 
T Richards, P Zuckerman

Anson Building Supplies Limited 
A Anson, J Beveridge, R de Raat (A), D Edwards (R)

Aramis Investments Limited 
W Roest, M Farrell

Auckland Frame and Truss Supplies Limited 
O Lyttleton, D King, J Beveridge, D Deavoll, A Sellar, M Fegan (R),  
D Edwards (R)

Australian Fibre Glass Pty Limited 
D Le Quesne, V Gulia

Fletcher Building Annual Report 2010

Bandelle Pty Limited 
D Le Quesne, V Gulia

Baron Insulation Pty Ltd 
C Ellis, D Isaacs 

Boden Building Supplies Limited 
P Boden, J Beveridge, R de Raat (A), D Edwards (R)

Builders Hardware Company Limited 
J Beveridge, R de Raat (A), R Callon (A), P Dolheguy, D Edwards (R) 

Building Choices Limited 
D Close, J Beveridge, R de Raat (A), D Edwards (R) 

Burford Building Choices Limited 
A Burford, J Beveridge, R de Raat (A), D Edwards (R) 

Building Products Superannuation Fund Pty Limited 
C Chick, S Hart, W Roest, L Box, J McCabe (A) 

Calder Building Supplies Limited 
J Beveridge, R de Raat (A), D Edwards (R) 

Calvert Building Supplies Limited 
J Beveridge, R de Raat (A), M Calvert (R), D Edwards (R) 

Campbell Building Supplies Limited 
J Beveridge, R de Raat, D Edwards (R) 

Caravan Components Pty Limited 
D Le Quesne, V Gulia 

Christchurch Frame & Truss Limited 
J Beveridge, D Close, D Edwards (R) 

Cleaver Building Supplies Limited 
M Cleaver, J Beveridge, R de Raat (A), D Edwards (R) 

Collier Building Supplies Limited 
J Beveridge, R de Raat (A), D Edwards (R)

Consort Laminates Limited 
M Adamson, P Hall, P Alderson (R) 

Creeks Metal Industries Pty Limited 
D Le Quesne, V Gulia

Regulatory disclosures

Cullen Building Supplies Limited 
R Cullen, J Beveridge, R de Raat (A), D Edwards (R) 

Cullity Timber Holdings Pty Limited 
W Roest, D Worley, L Box (A) 

FDL No. 28 Limited 
J Beveridge 

FDL No. 29 Limited 
J Beveridge

Dale King Building Supplies Limited 
J Beveridge, D King, R de Raat (A), C Tucker (A), D Edwards (R) 

FDL No. 30 Limited 
J Beveridge 

Davis & Casey Building Supplies Limited 
T Davis, J Beveridge, R de Raat (A), D Edwards (R)

Fegan Building Supplies Limited 
J Beveridge, R de Raat (A), D Edwards (R)

Deavoll Building Supplies Limited 
J Beveridge, D Deavoll, R de Raat (A), C Tucker (A), D Edwards (R)

Fletcher Building (Australia) Finance Pty Limited 
V Gulia, D Le Quesne 

Decorative Surfaces Holding AB 
M Adamson, H Lindegard, M Nordgren 

Fletcher Building (Australia) Pty Limited 
M Farrell, V Gulia, D Le Quesne, W Roest 

Decra Roofing Systems, Inc. 
W Hudson, C Ellis

Delcon Holdings (No. 1) Limited 
P Zuckerman, W Roest 

Delcon Holdings (No. 2) Limited 
P Zuckerman, W Roest 

Delcon Holdings (No. 3) Limited 
C Ellis, W Roest, A Cadman 

Delcon Holdings (No. 8) Limited 
W Roest, C Ellis

Delcon Holdings (No. 10) Limited 
M Farrell, W Roest

Delcon Holdings (No. 11) Limited 
M Farrell, W Roest

DVS Healthy Homes Limited 
M Farrell, W Roest 

DVS Limited 
C Ellis, W Roest

EFA Technologies Pty Limited 
M Binns, G West

Engineered Timber Solutions Ltd 
J Beveridge, D Edwards (R) 

Evans Building Supplies Limited 
M Evans, J Beveridge, R de Raat (A), D Edwards (R) 

FBHS (Aust) Pty Limited 
T Richards 

FDL No. 26 Limited 
J Beveridge

FDL No. 27 Limited 
J Beveridge

Fletcher Building (Fiji) Limited 
M Binns, P Thumath, A Kumar 

Fletcher Building Finance Limited 
J Judge, A Jackson, H Fletcher, J Ling, Sir D Spring, K Vautier, R Waters, 
G Tilbrook, Dr. R Deane (R)

Fletcher Building Holdings Limited 
W Roest, M Farrell

Fletcher Building Holdings USA Inc. 
W Hudson, C Ellis

Fletcher Building Netherlands Antilles B.V. 
M Farrell, E Rakers, W Roest, S Coeriel (US $3,919) 

Fletcher Building Netherlands B.V. 
M Farrell, W Roest, P Ruoff, A Van De Werken (EUR 2,500) 

Fletcher Building Nominees Limited 
J McDonald, G Niccol, M Farrell, W Roest, P Merry, C Munkowits, G Key (R) 

Fletcher Building Products Limited 
C Ellis, W Roest 

Fletcher Building Share Schemes Limited 
P Merry, G Niccol, J McDonald

Fletcher Challenge Building Bolivia S.A. 
M Binns, K Cowie, H Ritchie

Fletcher Challenge Building UK Limited 
J Ollard, D Wood 

Fletcher Challenge Finance Investments Limited 
W Roest, M Farrell 

Fletcher Challenge Forest Industries Limited 
M August, J Ollard, D Wood 

Fletcher Challenge Industries S.A. 
M Binns, K Cowie, H Ritchie

81

Regulatory disclosures

Fletcher Challenge Investments Overseas Limited 
W Roest, M Farrell 

Fletcher Wood Panels (Australia) Pty Limited 
W Roest, D Worley, L Box (A) 

Fletcher Challenge Overseas Holdings Limited 
W Roest, M Farrell

FM Holdings Inc. 
W Roest, D Worley, M Adamson 

Fletcher Composite Research Limited 
W Roest, P Zuckerman 

Fletcher Concrete (Fiji) Limited 
M Binns, P Thumath, A Kumar

Fletcher Concrete & Infrastructure Limited 
M Binns, W Roest

Fletcher Construction (Malaysia) SDN BHD (L) 
I Liew (R), T Chan (R) 

Fletcher Construction (Nouvelle Caledonie) Limited 
A Brown 

Fletcher Construction (Solomon Islands) Limited 
A Brown, L Gray 

Fletcher Construction Australia Pty Limited 
M Binns, C Munkowits, C Wickham (R), K Davey (R) 

Fletcher Construction Company (Fiji) Limited 
A Brown, L Gray, G Crum 

Fletcher Construction Pty Limited 
M Binns, C Munkowits, C Wickham, V Gulia 

Fletcher Distribution Limited 
W Roest, J Beveridge, D Edwards (R) 

Fletcher Insulation (Vic) Pty Limited 
C Ellis, D Isaacs

Fletcher Insulation Pty Limited 
C Ellis, D Isaacs

Fletcher Morobe Construction Pty Limited 
A Brown, L Gray, L Mathias, K Fletcher

Fletcher Pacific Steel (Fiji) Limited 
D Hargovind, W Roest, I Jones, P Zuckerman, J Beveridge (R) 

Fletcher Property Developments UK Limited 
M August, J Ollard, D Wood 

Fletcher Property Investments UK Limited 
M August , J Ollard, D Wood 

Fletcher Property Limited 
M Binns, W Roest 

Fletcher Residential Limited 
M Binns, W Roest 

Fletcher Steel Limited 
W Roest, P Zuckerman

Fletcher Building Annual Report 2010

FMB Comércio Importacão e Exportacão de Laminados 
Decorativos Ltda 
G Pikielny

Forman Building Systems Limited 
C Ellis, W Roest 

Forman Building Systems Pty Limited 
C Ellis, D Isaacs 

Forman Commercial Interiors Limited 
C Ellis, W Roest

Forman Group Limited 
C Ellis, W Roest 

Forman Insulation Limited 
C Ellis, W Roest 

Forman Manufacturing Limited 
C Ellis, W Roest 

Formica (Asia) Ltd 
C Wang, D Wang, S Kuo (R) 

Formica (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. 
C Wang, T Ren, J Yang, K Leong, S Kuo (R), S Tye (R), S Geh (R) 

Formica (N.Z.) Limited 
D Worley, W Roest 

Formica (Nederland) B.V. 
M Adamson, J Ruurd de Pater 

Formica (Singapore) Pte. Ltd 
C Wang, C Chang, S Kuo (R), S Neo (R) 

Formica (Thailand) Co. Ltd 
W Kunanantakul, S Oetama, D Wang, C Wang, S Kuo (R) 

Formica Canada Inc. 
C Sarrazin, M Adamson, L Box 

Formica Corporation 
W Roest, D Worley, M Adamson 

Formica Danmark A/S 
U Hector, H Lindegard, J Whisker 

Formica de Mexico SA DE CV 
J Oritz, M Adamson, L Box 

Formica Finance Limited 
M Adamson, P Hall, W Roest, P Alderson (R) 

Regulatory disclosures

Formica Global LLC 
M Adamson, L Box, R Bollman, M Vernon 

Geoff Brown Building Supplies Limited 
G Brown, J Beveridge, R de Raat (A), D Edwards (R) 

Formica Holdco UK Limited 
M Adamson, P Hall, P Alderson (R)

Formica Holding Corp. 
W Roest, D Worley, M Adamson 

Formica Holding GmbH 
M Adamson 

Graeme Joy Building Supplies Limited 
G Joy, J Beveridge, R de Raat (A), D Edwards (R) 

Gravure et Polissage de Surfaces Metalliques 
M Adamson, P Hall, R Lambert 

Gray Building Supplies Limited 
J Beveridge, R de Raat (A), C Gray (R), D Edwards (R) 

Formica Holdings Limited 
M Adamson, J Whisker, P Hall, R Pollington, P Alderson (R)

Hedges Building Supplies Limited 
J Beveridge, R de Raat (A), C Tucker (A) (R), R Hedges (R), D Edwards (R)

Formica II Corporation 
W Roest, D Worley, M Adamson 

Homapal Plattenwerk GmbH & Co KG 
F Homann, M Adamson 

Formica Iki Oy 
M Adamson, H Lindegard, J Whisker, P Alderson (R)

Home&Dry Limited 
M Farrell, W Roest 

Formica International LLC 
M Adamson, L Box, R Bollman, M Vernon

Formica Korea Corporation 
C Wang, T Ren, S Kuo (R) 

Formica Limited 
M Adamson, L Box, P Hall, R Pollington, W Roest,  
J Whisker, D Worley, D Pallas, P Alderson (R)

Formica LLC 
D Worley 

Formica Middle East B.V. 
M Adamson 

Formica Norge A/S 
S Berge, H Lindegard, J Whisker

Formica PSM Limited 
M Adamson, P Hall, P Alderson (R) 

Formica S.A. (France) 
M Adamson, P Hall, R Lambert 

Formica S.A. (Spain) 
M Adamson, A Amorebieta, P Hall, H Nindl, A Inchausti (R) 

Formica Skandinavien AB 
M Adamson, H Lindegard, J Whisker

Formica SP.zo.O. 
M Adamson

Formica Taiwan Corporation 
C Wang, S Oetama, T Ren, S Kuo (R), S Limboonyaprasert (R) 

Formica Vertriebs GmbH 
M Adamson, J Schuster

Hooper Building Supplies Limited 
J Beveridge, R de Raat (A), D Edwards (R) 

Insulation Solutions Holdings Pty Limited 
D Le Quesne, V Gulia

John Cockburn Building Supplies Limited 
J Cockburn, J Beveridge, R de Raat (A), D Edwards (R)

Ken Jones Building Supplies Limited 
K Jones, J Beveridge, R de Raat (A), D Edwards (R)

Kenna Building Supplies Limited 
L Kenna, J Beveridge, R de Raat (A), D Edwards (R)

Kevin Jarvis Building Supplies Limited 
K Jarvis, J Beveridge, R de Raat (A), D Edwards (R)

KH Consolidated Industries (Canberra) Pty Limited 
D Le Quesne, P Zuckerman 

Kimura Building Supplies Limited 
J Kimura, J Beveridge, R de Raat (A), C Tucker (A), D Edwards (R)

Kinsey Kydd Building Supplies Limited 
J Beveridge, S Kinsey, R de Raat (A), C Tucker (A), D Edwards (R) 

Kusabs Building Supplies Limited 
J Beveridge, G Kusabs, R de Raat (A), C Tucker (A), D Edwards (R) 

Laminates Acquisition Co. 
M Adamson, W Roest, D Worley 

Laminates Holdings Pty Limited 
W Roest, D Worley 

Laminex (Australia) Pty. Ltd. 
D Worley, W Roest, L Box (A) 

Laminex Finance Pty Limited 
V Gulia, D le Quesne 

83

Regulatory disclosures

Laminex Group (N.Z.) Limited 
D Worley, W Roest

Laminex Group Pty Limited 
D Worley, W Roest, L Box (A)

Laminex Inc. 
W Roest, D Worley

Laminex Overseas Holdings Pty Limited 
D Le Quesne, D Worley, V Gulia 

Laminex US Holdings Pty Limited 
D Le Quesne, V Gulia 

Langford-Lee Building Supplies Limited 
J Beveridge, R de Raat (A), D Edwards (R),  
M Langford-Lee (R), C Tucker (A) (R)

MacReady Building Supplies Limited 
J Beveridge, R de Raat, J MacReady, D Edwards (R)

McDonald Building Supplies Limited 
I McDonald, J Beveridge, R de Raat (A), D Edwards (R) 

McGill Building Supplies Limited 
J Beveridge, R de Raat (A), J McGill (R), D Edwards (R), C Tucker (A) (R)

Meleccio Enterprises Limited 
M Binns, W Roest

Minnell Building Supplies Limited 
J Beveridge, D Minnell, R de Raat (A), C Tucker (A), D Edwards (R) 

Morinda Australia Pty Limited 
T Richards

Mount Timber & Hardware Limited 
W Roest, J Beveridge, D Edwards (R) 

NCB (2006) Limited 
G Florence, A Lanigan, R Scott, J Beveridge, D Edwards (R) 

New Zealand Ceiling & Drywall Supplies Limited 
D Jones 

Nick Letica Building Supplies Limited 
N Letica, J Beveridge, R de Raat (A), C Tucker (A), D Edwards (R) 

Nock Building Supplies Limited 
M Nock, J Beveridge, R de Raat (A), C Tucker (A), D Edwards (R) 

Pacific Trade & Export Limited 
M Binns, W Roest

Perstorp Warerite Limited 
M Adamson, P Hall, P Alderson (R)

PinkFit Limited 
M Farrell, W Roest, D Jones (R), D Thomas (R) 

Fletcher Building Annual Report 2010

PlaceMakers Limited 
W Roest, J Beveridge, D Edwards (R) 

Raoul Holdings Limited 
M Binns, W Roest 

Rocla Australia Pty Limited 
M Binns, D Le Quesne, G West 

Rocla Concrete Pipes Pty Limited 
M Binns, D Le Quesne 

Rocla Drilling Pty Limited 
M Binns, D Le Quesne, G West 

Rocla Group Superannuation Fund Pty Limited 
J Gardiner, W Roest, L Box 

Rocla Industries Pty Limited 
D Le Quesne, V Gulia 

Rocla Masonry Pty Limited 
M Binns, D Le Quesne, G West 

Rocla Materials Pty Limited 
M Binns, G West 

Rocla NSW Pty Limited 
M Binns, D Le Quesne 

Rocla Pty Limited 
M Binns, G West, S Baker 

Rocla SA Pty Limited 
M Binns, D Le Quesne, G West 

Rocla Vic Pty Limited 
D Le Quesne, V Gulia 

Rolleston Building Supplies Limited 
R Rolleston, J Beveridge, R de Raat (A), C Tucker (A), D Edwards (R)

Seabar Holdings (No 16) Limited 
M Binns, W Roest

Servicios Formica de Mexico SA DE CV 
J Oritz, M Adamson, L Box

Shanghai Formica Decorative Material Co. Ltd 
J Hu, H Lee, S Yiu, C Wang, S Kuo (R), T Ren (R)

Shed Boss NZ Limited 
M Farrell, W Roest 

Sisalation Pty Limited 
C Ellis, D Isaacs

South Auckland Prenail and Truss Company Limited 
J Beveridge, D Edwards (R) 

Regulatory disclosures

Southbound Building Supplies Limited 
A Rance, J Beveridge, R de Raat (A), D Edwards (R)

Terrace Insurances (PCC) Limited 
M Eades (£2,500), J Crowder, M Farrell, W Roest

Steven Marshall Building Supplies Limited 
S Marshall, J Beveridge, R de Raat (A), C Tucker (A), D Edwards (R) 

Terry Mellsop Building Supplies Limited 
T Mellsop, J Beveridge, R de Raat (A), D Edwards (R) 

Stickland Building Supplies Limited 
L Stickland, J Beveridge, R de Raat (A), C Tucker (A), D Edwards (R) 

The Diller Corporation 
W Roest, D Worley, M Adamson 

Stramit (Preston) Pty Limited 
D Le Quesne, P Zuckerman 

Stramit Corporation Pty Limited 
T Richards, P Zuckerman

Stramit Industries (SEA) Pte Limited 
W Roest, P Dessent, D Kiew 

Stramit Pty Limited 
D Le Quesne, P Zuckerman 

The Fletcher Construction Company Cook Islands Limited 
A Brown, L Gray

The Fletcher Construction Company Limited 
M Binns, W Roest

The Fletcher Organisation (Vanuatu) Limited 
A Brown, L Gray, Diract Limited, Lotim Limited

The Fletcher Trust and Investment Company Limited 
M Binns, W Roest 

Sullivan & Armstrong Building Supplies Limited 
J Sullivan, J Beveridge, R de Raat (A), C Tucker (A), D Edwards (R)

The O’Brien Group Limited 
W Roest, D Worley 

Surface Materials Iki Oy 
M Adamson, P Alderson, J Kerbs

Tango Warkworth Limited 
J Beveridge, C Loughlin 

Tasman Access Floors Pty Limited 
D Le Quesne, C Ellis 

Tasman Australia Pty Limited 
D Le Quesne, V Gulia 

Thomas Street Pty Limited 
D Le Quesne, M Binns 

Trade Mart Limited 
W Roest, J Beveridge, D Edwards (R) 

Trademates Limited 
W Roest, J Beveridge, D Edwards (R) 

Trevor Cockburn Building Supplies Limited 
J Beveridge, R de Raat (A), D Edwards (R), T Cockburn (R) 

Tasman Building Products Pty Limited 
D Le Quesne, V Gulia 

Unidur GmbH 
M Adamson, J Schuster 

Tasman Insulation New Zealand Limited 
W Roest, C Ellis 

Ward Building Supplies Limited 
R Ward, J Beveridge, R de Raat (A), C Tucker (A), D Edwards (R) 

Tasman Investments (Netherlands Antilles) N.V. 
E Rakers, M Farrell, S Coeriel (US $3,808), W Roest

Waterman Building Supplies Limited 
J Beveridge, R de Raat (A), D Edwards (R) 

Tasman Sinkware North America, Inc. 
C Ellis 

Wellington Frame & Truss Limited 
J Beveridge, D Edwards (R) 

Tasman Sinkware Pty Limited 
C Ellis, J Bayer 

TBP Group Pty Limited 
D Le Quesne, V Gulia

Wesfi Limited 
D Le Quesne, W Roest, L Box (A), D Worley 

Wesfi Manufacturing Pty Limited 
W Roest, D Worley, L Box (A)

Ted Harper Building Supplies Limited 
E Harper, J Beveridge, R de Raat (A), C Tucker (A), D Edwards (R)

Winstone Wallboards Limited 
W Roest, C Ellis

Tenedora Formica Mexico, S.A. de C.V.  
J Oritz, M Adamson, L Box

85

Investor information

Annual shareholders’ meeting
The Annual Shareholders’ Meeting of Fletcher Building Limited will  
be held at Eden Park, Mt Eden, Auckland, New Zealand, at 10.30am  
on Wednesday 17 November 2010.

Dividend Reinvestment Plan
Fletcher Building shareholders (excluding those in jurisdictions where 
the issue of shares is not permitted by law) can participate in a Dividend 
Reinvestment Plan, under which they have the opportunity to reinvest  
their dividends in additional shares. To participate, please contact the  
share registry.

Further information online
Details on Fletcher Building, its governance policies, and its operations 
for the year ended 30 June 2010 can be viewed at the Fletcher Building 
website, at fletcherbuilding.com. This website contains all news releases 
to the NZX and other financial presentations made by the company.

Shareholder communications
The company is not required to send printed copies of the annual  
report and half year review to security-holders. Instead, Fletcher Building 
sends an annual review which is a summary of the group’s operational 
and financial activities for the year, although security holders can view the 
reports on the company’s website. In addition, they have a right to receive 
a copy of these reports on request.

2010 Final dividend summary table 1

NZ cents per share

Dividend declared

NZ tax credits 2

NZ supplementary dividend 3

Australian franking tax credits 4

Gross dividend for NZ tax purposes

NZ tax (33%) 5

NZ non-resident withholding tax (15%) 6

Net cash received after NZ tax

Australian tax (15%) 7

Reduced by credit for NZ non-resident withholding tax

Net cash dividend to shareholders

Direct crediting of interest and dividends
To minimise the risk of fraud and misplacement of interest and dividend 
cheques shareholders and noteholders are strongly recommended to have 
all payments made by way of direct credit to their nominated bank account. 
This can be done by simply giving the share registry written notice.

Share registries
Details of the company’s share registries are given in the Directory on the 
inside back cover of this report. Shareholders with enquiries about share 
transactions, changes of address or dividend payments should contact  
the share registry in the country in which their shares are registered.

Final dividend information
The company has declared a final dividend for the year of 15 cents per 
share payable on 20 October 2010. This is in addition to the interim 
dividend of 14 cents per share paid in April 2010. Partial New Zealand  
tax credits are attached to the final dividend. No Australian franking credits 
are attached. The Dividend Reinvestment Plan will not be operative for the 
final dividend.

NZ residents

15.0000

3.2143

18.2143

(6.0107)

12.2036

12.2036

Australian  
residents

15.0000

1.3235

0.0000

16.3235

(2.4485)

13.8750

(2.4485)

2.4485

13.8750

Other  
non-residents

15.0000

1.3235

16.3235

(2.4485)

13.8750

13.8750

1  This summary is of a general nature and the tax rates used and the calculations are intended for guidance only. As individual circumstances will vary, shareholders are advised to 

seek independent tax advice.

2  These tax credits are not received in cash but are relevant in determining the gross dividend received for NZ tax purposes. They are comprised wholly of imputation credits and do 

not include and dividend withholding payment credits. The dividend has imputation credits attached at the rate of 3.2143 cents per share.

3  The supplementary dividend is payable to non-New Zealand shareholders and has the effect of removing the cost of New Zealand non-resident withholding tax on that part of the 

dividend which is fully imputed. From 1 February 2010, non-resident shareholders with 10% or greater shareholding and/or shareholders from jurisdictions for which the NRWT rate 
on dividends paid from New Zealand is less than 15% are no longer eligible to receive supplementary dividends. These shareholders are eligible for an exemption from NRWT to the 
extent the dividend is fully imputed.

4  There are no Australian franking credits attached to this dividend. Refer to the governance section on the Fletcher Building website for the company’s franking tax crediting policy.
5  For all NZ resident shareholders who do not hold an exemption certificate, resident withholding tax (RWT) is required to be deducted at 33% from that part of the gross dividend 

which has not been credited with imputation credits and at 3% from that part of the gross dividend which has been credited with imputation credits at 30%. Accordingly, for those 
shareholders, a deduction of 2.7964 cents per share will be made on the date of payment from the dividend declared of 15.0 cents per share and forwarded to Inland Revenue. 
Resident shareholders who have a tax rate less than 33% will need to file a tax return to obtain a refund of the RWT.

6  NZ non-resident withholding tax at the rate of 15% on the gross dividend for NZ tax purposes.
7  This summary uses the 15% income tax rate applicable in Australia to complying superannuation funds, approved deposit funds and pooled superannuation trusts. Different tax rates 

will apply to other Australian shareholders, including individuals, depending on their circumstances.

Fletcher Building Annual Report 2010

Directory

Executive committee

Jonathan Ling
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director 
BEng (Melbourne); MBA (RMIT), FIPENZ

Mark Adamson
Chief Executive
Laminates & Panels - Formica 
BA (UK)

John Beveridge
Chief Executive
Distribution
BA (Economics)

Mark Binns
Chief Executive
Infrastructure
LLB (Auckland)

Chris Ellis
Chief Executive
Building Products
BEng Civil (Christchurch); MSci (Stanford)

Martin Farrell
Company Secretary and General Counsel
BCom; LLB (Otago); CA (NZ)

Peter Merry
Executive General Manager
Human Resources
BBus Sci (Cape Town); MBA (Cape Town)

Bill Roest
Chief Financial Officer
FCCA (UK); ACA (NZ)

David Worley
Chief Executive
Laminates & Panels - Laminex
BCom (Auckland); MBA (Auckland)

Paul Zuckerman
Chief Executive
Steel
BSci Chem (New York), MBus Admin (Ohio)

Trustee for capital noteholders
Perpetual Trust Limited
PO Box 3376
Shortland Street
Auckland 1140
New Zealand

Level 12, AMP Centre
29 Customs Street West 
Auckland 1010
New Zealand
T. +64 9 366 3290

Other investor enquiries
Fletcher Building Limited
Private Bag 92114
Victoria Street West
Auckland 1142, New Zealand
T. +64 9 525 9000
F. +64 9 525 9032
E. moreinfo@fb.co.nz 
W. fletcherbuilding.com

Download the full 2010 Annual Report online: 
fletcherbuilding.com/10/downloads

Philip King 
General Manager 
Investor Relations

More online: 
fletcherbuilding.com/ 
10/investor

Registered offices
New Zealand  
Fletcher Building Limited
Private Bag 92 114
Victoria Street West
Auckland 1142
New Zealand

Fletcher House
810 Great South Road
Penrose, Auckland 1061
New Zealand
T. +64 9 525 9000

Australia
Fletcher Building Australia 
Locked Bag 7013, Chatswood  
DC 2067, NSW 2067, Australia

Level 11, Tower B, Zenith Centre 
821 Pacific Highway 
Chatswood, NSW 2067, Australia 
T. +61 2 8986 0900 
ARBN 096 046 936

Shareholder enquiries
Changes to address, payment instructions 
and investment portfolios can be viewed and 
updated online: fletcherbuilding.com/registry

Enquiries may be addressed to the Share 
Registrar, Computershare Investor Services:

New Zealand
Computershare Investor Services Limited 
Private Bag 92 119 
Victoria Street West
Auckland 1142
New Zealand

Level 2, 159 Hurstmere Rd
Takapuna, North Shore City 0622
New Zealand
T. +64 9 488 8777
F. +64 9 488 8787
E. enquiry@computershare.co.nz

Australia
Computershare Investor Services  
Pty Limited
GPO Box 2975
Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia

Yarra Falls, 452 Johnston Street
Abbotsford, VIC 3067, Australia
T. 1800 501 366 (within Australia)
T. +61 3 9415 4083 (outside Australia)
F. +61 3 9473 2009

Please recycle me.
Printed on 9Lives Ambassador Satin. Manufactured with 55% 
recycled fibre and 45% Chain of Custody certified virgin fibre.

87

Notes

Fletcher Building Annual Report 2010

Fletcher Building Annual Report 2010