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Huon Aquaculture

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FY2018 Annual Report · Huon Aquaculture
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HUON AQUACULTURE GROUP LIMITED  
ABN 79 114 456 781

APPENDIX 4E
GIVEN TO ASX UNDER LISTING RULE 4.3A

PRELIMINARY FINAL REPORT 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2018

1.  DETAILS OF THE REPORTING PERIOD
Reporting period:   
Previous corresponding period:   

For the year ended 30 June 2018
For the year ended 30 June 2017

2.  RESULTS FOR ANNOUNCEMENT TO THE MARKET

Revenue from ordinary activities

Up/(down)
$’000

% change

Amount 
$’000

58,403

18.37%

317,896

Profit from ordinary activities after tax for the period attributable to members

(15,773)

(59.78%)

Net Profit for the period attributable to members

(15,773)

(59.78%)

3.  DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

Dividends per security

Final dividend

Interim dividend

Record date for determining entitlements to dividends
• 
• 

Final dividend
Interim dividend

Dividend payment date
Final dividend
• 
Interim dividend
• 

Amount 
per security 
(cents)

5.00

5.00

26,387

26,387

Franked amount
per security
(cents)

2.50

2.50

14 September 2018
23 March 2018

11 October 2018
12 April 2018

Brief explanation of any of the figures reported above necessary to enable the figures to be understood:  
Refer to the Directors’ Report within the attached Financial Report.

4.  NET TANGIBLE ASSETS PER SECURITY

Net tangible assets per security

2018

$3.53

2017

$3.32

5.  OTHER INFORMATION
This report is based on, and should be read in conjunction with the attached audited Financial Report.

Details of entities over which control has been gained or lost during the period:  None

Details of associates and joint venture entities:  None

Details of any dividend or distribution reinvestment plans in operation:  None

Any other information required pursuant to ASX Listing Rule 4.3A not contained in this Appendix 4E is found in the attached 
Financial Report.

www.huonaqua.com.au

Huon Aquaculture Group Limited

HUON AQUACULTURE GROUP LIMITEDANNUAL REPORT 2018GROWING HUONANNUAL REPORT 2018HUON AQUACULTURE GROUP LIMITEDBoard of Directors

Financial Summary

Contents
01  Highlights
02  Chairman’s Message
04  Managing Director’s Review
08  Managing Risk
09 
12  Company and Industry Overview
20 
23  Directors’ Report
40 
41  Corporate Governance Statement
47 
53  Notes to the Financial Statements
95  Director’s Declaration
96 
102  Shareholder Information
104  Glossary of Terms
106  Corporate Directory

Independent Auditor’s Report

Financial Report

Auditor’s Independence Declaration

Annual General Meeting 2018
The Annual General Meeting of Huon Aquaculture Group Limited  
will be held at The Stables, RACV/RACT Hobart Apartment Hotel 
154–156 Collins Street Hobart, Tasmania on 31 October 2018.

Huon Aquaculture has delivered another  
record operating profit as it increases production 
volumes and prepares for a future of increased 
farming in high-energy sites offshore.

Financial highlights

Sales Revenue 

$317.9m

FY2017: $259.5m

23%

Operating EBITDA 

Retail Market Sales 

Dividend 

$71.8m

FY2017: $62.8m 

14.3%

58%

FY2018: 28% (FY2017: 22%)

 Domestic: 24%  
 International: 4%

10.0c/s

FY2018: 5.0cps+5.0cps 
FY2017: 5.0cps (final only)

FY18

FY17

FY15

FY16

FY17

FY18

FY15

FY16

FY17

FY18

% OF TOTAL REVENUE

FY17

FY18

 Final
 Half Year

Operational highlights

 – Record revenues were once again achieved as a result 
of increased volumes, improved pricing in the domestic 
market and continued strength in the international 
salmon price.

 – Tonnages increased 25% on the previous year, 

reflecting Huon’s next stage of planned expansion. 
This was supported by an average fish harvest weight 
of 4.78kg, matching that of the previous year despite 
some significant challenges arising from the long 
summer and the volume of warm water delivered to 
Southern Tasmania via the East Australian Current. 
This caused the rapid onset of amoebic gill disease 
(AGD) throughout south-east Tasmanian salmon leases.

 – Operating EBITDA increased by 14% largely 

underpinned by continued strength in pricing both 
domestically and offshore and a more balanced 
channel mix. Operating margins were unable to 
match the strong performance of the previous year 
with an increase in growing costs during the year 
(per HOG kg), but nevertheless remained robust.

 – There was continued focus on the expansion of Huon’s 
sales agreements with customers in Asia. This resulted 
in sales into the international retail market accounting 
for 4% of total revenue. This further adds to the 
diversification of Huon’s sales mix, providing greater 
certainty in planning future production.

 – The fair value of Huon’s biomass at year end decreased 

by $18.6 million, including a $12.9 million reduction in the 
Fair Value Adjustment (FVA), to $169.4 million. This reflects 
the significant reduction in biomass in the water, 12,960t 
at 30 June 2018 compared to 16,663t 30 June 2017. 

 – Costs of production were affected by the difficult growing 
conditions experienced in the second half. This was due 
to the significant pressures placed on bathing and net 
cleaning schedules due to the earlier than normal increase 
in temperatures which persisted through to April. Despite 
this, average costs of production (per HOG kg) for the year 
were maintained at the same level as FY2017.

 – Cash flow from operations increased during the year 

to $57.9 million compared to $54.0 million in FY2017. 
Huon’s capital expenditure budget for the year totalled 
$87.7 million which included the construction of the 
Whale Point Salmon Nursery and installation of more 
Fortress Pens and infrastructure in its Storm Bay lease. 

 – The operating environment globally continues to be 

supportive of salmon prices being sustained at current levels. 
This is due to supply not being able to keep up with the 
growth in demand as some of the major salmon producing 
countries struggle to manage problems with sea lice and 
algal bloom. A similar outlook is expected domestically in 
FY2019 due to the reduction in stock levels arising from the 
unusually long summer, and production constraints.

1

Chairman’s Message

Chairman’s Message

Neil Kearney 
Chairman

It has been a particularly busy year for Huon on 
a number of fronts so it is very pleasing that in 
reviewing our performance for FY2018, I am able 
to report another year of record operating earnings 
for the Company. 

Demand for salmon globally continues to grow at a 
faster rate than those who produce it are able to supply. 
As a result salmon prices are remaining firm. Huon is 
focused on growing its business to meet not only the 
steady growth in demand from Australians for our home 
grown Tasmanian salmon, but also the increasing number 
of markets in Asia that are prepared to pay a premium 
price for a fresher, higher quality product.

Over the past year we have made some major 
investments in building capacity that will underpin the 
next phase of production growth. Growing salmon takes 
three years from egg to market, so everything we do 
in our business is done with a 3-5 year time horizon in 
mind. The planning process and investments made over 
the last two years have been done on the basis of where 
we want Huon to be in 2020 and beyond.

Growing a business that relies on the health of the natural 
environment does not happen in isolation. We are, 
and always have been, very mindful of our place in the 
community, our responsibility to operate sustainably 
and to take care of the environment. 

Business Performance 
In FY2018 Huon delivered an operating EBITDA of 
$71.8 million, an increase of $9.0 million on the previous 
financial year’s result of $62.8 million. This was due 
largely to a strong increase in production volumes and 
continued focus on managing costs. 

Huon’s statutory net profit after tax (NPAT) of 
$26.4 million, represents a significant fall on the previous 
year’s result of $42.2 million. The volatile nature of 
Huon’s statutory profit is due to accounting standard 
regulations that require the value of its biological assets 
to be ‘marked to market’ as a Fair Value Adjustment. 

2

As at 30 June 2018, this value declined by $18.6 million 
as a result of reduced biomass compared to the previous 
comparable period. 

We are confident, however, that the underlying earnings 
generated by the business will continue to grow and 
deliver the cash flows needed to expand production 
and pay dividends to our shareholders. We are always 
mindful though that Huon, in common with all aquaculture 
businesses, is subject to the changeable nature of local 
and international growing conditions. 

The Company’s balance sheet remained strong at the 
end of FY2018 with gearing levels comfortable at 26.1%, 
despite an increase in Huon’s net debt from $43.0 million 
to $81.3 million as a result of its increased capital 
expenditure programme.

Strategy
The Company’s over-arching business strategy remains 
clear. Huon intends to:

–  Capture growth in the market from increased 

consumption, better channel mix, enhancement 
of sales and brand value, and innovative species 
diversification; 

–  Build production and enhance operational efficiency 
as a result of investments made via the Controlled 
Growth Strategy program and marine lease 
optimisation; and

–  Safely and sustainably grow the Huon business 

through development of our people, a strong safety 
culture and unwavering commitment to continuous 
improvement and community participation.

Over the past year, the Board has committed to further 
significant investments in the Company’s capacity to 
expand production and operate its business more 
sustainably in high-energy sites offshore. This includes 
ongoing investment in research and development in 
order to remain at the forefront of developments in 
salmon farming and to secure our sustainable future. 

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018 The Huon three pillar business strategy

Growing  
the market

Growing production and 
operational efficiency

Growing safely and  
sustainability

We also welcome the Environment Protection Authority 
(EPA) Tasmania’s recent decision to reduce Macquarie 
Harbour’s biomass cap back to pre-expansion levels 
and action by the industry to improve farming operations 
in the Harbour.

Conclusion
Your Directors are confident that the continued growth 
in Huon’s operating earnings in FY2018 reflects the 
soundness of the Company’s business strategy. This is an 
exciting time for Huon as the investments that are being 
made now and in the year to come will provide a new 
platform for the Company’s next phase of growth.

On behalf of the Board I wish to thank our customers, 
suppliers, local communities, employees, and our 
shareholders for their support.

Neil Kearney, Chairman

Huon continues to explore the potential of species 
diversification that can apply the Company’s aquaculture 
expertise more broadly, through its Yellowtail Kingfish 
trial in NSW.

We are continually improving our business efficiencies 
and seeking to maximise Huon’s channel marketing 
opportunities. Over the past year we continued to establish 
a foothold in the growing Asian market by securing sales 
of Huon Salmon to retailers. We expect this international 
retail channel to become a growing segment within 
our channel mix over time.

Dividend Policy
Last year we stated, at the time of announcing Huon’s 
inaugural dividend, the Board’s intention to maintain an 
annual dividend payout ratio of up to 35% of net operating 
profit after tax, subject to the financing and capital 
expenditure requirements of the Company. In light of the 
strong performance of the business in FY2018, Directors 
have declared a final dividend of 5.0 cents per share, 
franked at 50%. This brings the total dividend payment for 
the year to 10.0 cents per share. The final dividend will be 
paid on 11 October 2018 to shareholders as at the record 
date of 14 September 2018. 

Litigation
In early 2017 Huon commenced legal proceedings in 
the Federal Court of Australia questioning the validity 
of the Commonwealth Minister’s 2012 decision that 
permitted the expansion of salmon farming in Macquarie 
Harbour. In July this year Huon received the Court’s 
decision to dismiss our application.

While Justice Kerr dismissed the application and has 
ordered Huon to pay respondent’s costs, the Company 
firmly believes the action it took was necessary to focus 
attention on the urgency of addressing the long-term 
sustainability of Macquarie Harbour. This was vital in 
order to protect the long-term reputation of the industry 
and the jobs it supports.

3

Managing Director’s Review

Peter Bender 
Managing Director and 
Chief Executive Officer 

Huon Aquaculture’s strong financial performance in FY2018 is testament 
to the foresight of this Company and the resilience it has developed – a 
direct consequence of the decision made four years ago to invest heavily 
in the business. Over the past year Huon remained true to its strategic 
objective of continuing to invest for growth whilst at the same time 
managing a number of operational and regulatory challenges. It has 
done this without losing momentum or its guiding sense of purpose, firmly 
grounded in always doing what is right. 

The 2018 financial year began with plans signed off 
for a heavy capital expenditure program focused 
on installing more Fortress Pens and supporting 
infrastructure in Storm Bay and commencing 
construction of the 1,400 tonne Whale Point Salmon 
Nursery. While most of the key enablers for Huon’s 
expansion into high-energy offshore sites had been 
put in place through the Controlled Growth Strategy 
(CGS), the Whale Point Salmon Nursery investment 
represents one of the biggest step changes in core 
product development and production process since 
the completion of the CGS. This project is scheduled 
for completion at the end of 2018. 

While the year got off to a strong start with excellent 
growing conditions and a record average fish harvest 
weight, the tables quickly turned in November with water 
temperatures rising rapidly above the level required 
for optimal growth. Much of the summer was spent 
adjusting our operations to manage these conditions, 
including more frequent bathing schedules, as well as 
dealing with a greater load on net cleaning schedules 
due to the increased biofouling on the pens. 

Meanwhile Huon continued to pursue its case through 
the Federal Court for an improved regulatory regime 
for Macquarie Harbour. The abnormal weather 
patterns being experienced over the summer only 
served to emphasise the critical importance of getting 
the right regulatory oversight and control for this 
unique waterway. It continued to be under severe 

stress which hindered farming operations, and this 
was further exacerbated by an outbreak of POMV (a 
type of fish flu) across all salmon leases in December 
2017. In May 2018, the Environmental Protection 
Authority Tasmania determined that the biomass cap 
would be set at the pre-2012 levels of 9,500 tonnes 
for the following two years.

The litigation proceedings have a been a tough, 
uncomfortable and very public process for all involved, 
but I firmly believe these proceedings have been a 
catalyst for positive change for our industry.

Overview of Financial Performance
Huon’s sales volumes (+24.5%) and revenue (22.5%) 
both increased strongly in FY2018 as a consequence 
of the continued strong biological performance 
of the 2016 Year Class, expanded production 
volumes and the sustained strength of salmon prices. 
Nevertheless, tonnages were around 1,500 tonnes 
less than the 24,500 tonnes that had been forecast 
due to the abnormal shift in weather patterns in 
November 2017. The early and rapid rise in water 
temperature in south-east Tasmania significantly 
increased the onset of amoebic gill disease (AGD) 
across our leases, which contributed to higher 
mortalities and lower fish weights as the fish failed 
to thrive. As a result we have started FY2019 with a 
lower biomass level than would otherwise have been 
the case.

4

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018 Managing Director’s Review Operating NPAT Comparison  
FY2017 – FY2018 ($/kg sold)

Average Daily Water Temperature  
Oct 2017 – July 2018 (°C @ 5 metres)

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

0.0

1.55

7
1
0
2
Y
F

T
A
P
N
P
O

0.11

0.04

0.31

0.13

1.54

(0.22)

0.00

(0.17)

(0.20)

(0.00)

20

18

16

14

12

10

16 degrees is the 
maximum temperature 
for optimal growth

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Source: Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology Summary

Operating EBITDA of $71.8 million (+14%) was 
generated from annual sales revenue of $317.9 million, 
delivering a healthy margin of 22.6%. In contrast, 
statutory EBITDA reduced from $82.0 million to 
$58.9 million. This is a direct result of the turnaround in 
the Fair Value Adjustment (FVA) of biological assets from 
a $19.2 million profit to a decline of $12.9 million. This 
is also reflected in the balance sheet with a reduction in 
biological assets from $188.0 million to $169.4 million. 
The movement in biological assets and the resulting FVA 
has been primarily driven by the significant reduction in 
biomass in the water compared to the previous year.

Despite the difficult growing conditions, the underlying 
strength of our business is demonstrated by the increase 
in Operating EBITDA. This together with careful 
management of working capital, resulted in an increase 
in Operating Cash Flow to $57.9 million compared with 
$54.0 million in FY2017.

Overall net debt increased from $43.0 million in FY2017 
to $81.3 million resulting in gearing rising to 26.1%. 
This level of gearing (net debt/net assets) sits at a level 
that management is comfortable with. 

While the average cost of production per HOG kg 
(excluding freight and distribution) for the year declined 
slightly to $9.91, the extremely difficult operating 
conditions in the second half drove costs up 11% (on pcp) 
to $10.42/HOG kg. It is expected that higher costs of 
production will also impact the first half of FY2019 as 
the effects of lower growth in the remaining 2017 Year 
Class fish are managed until they are fully harvested in 
early CY2019.

Operating Overview 
The three key drivers underlying Huon’s performance 
during the year were:

–  lower than expected tonnages and reduced harvest 
fish weight in the second half due to challenging 
growing conditions over last summer,  

–  further diversification of our channel mix by targeting 

sales into the international retail market, and
–  the continued strength in the international and 

domestic salmon price. 

While sales volumes rose 24.5% over the previous year 
from 18,448 tonnes to 22,968 tonnes, as previously 
mentioned, this masked the reality of the underlying 
biological performance which deteriorated markedly 
during the second half. The average fish harvest weight 
fell to 4.27kg in the 6 months to 30 June 2018 (the lowest 
since the 2H2016 average weight of 3.99kg) and 19% 
below the 5.29kg recorded in the prior six month period. 
This was offset by an increase in the average sale price 
during the same period to $14.35/HOG kg compared to 
$13.89/HOG kg in the previous corresponding period.

In addition to slower growth rates, the poor growing 
conditions also increased mortalities, contributing to a 
loss of around 1,500 tonnes in FY2018 from the projected 
24,500 tonnes. Further flow-on effects can be anticipated 
for FY2019 as a result of some of the 2017 Year Class 
having been harvested earlier than anticipated. 

Huon has been researching and testing equipment since 
2011 to enable its vision to farm in high-energy offshore 
sites. During the year our equipment was tested through 
two particularly extreme weather events at our NSW trial 
Kingfish site and in southern Tasmania. Both events led 
to damaged equipment and fish escapes, but pleasingly 
the core equipment and structure, including the Fortress 
Pens, were not impacted. Lessons learned have already 
been applied through modifications to net designs and 
removal of the older style feeding bins from within pens 
at high-energy offshore sites. 

5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Channel mix
(% of total revenue)

Retail: Domestic  
24% (22%)
Retail: International  
4% 
Export  
14% (6%)
Wholesale 
58% (72%)

Building greater depth and resilience into Huon’s 
channel mix has continued to be a strategic priority 
for Huon. In FY2017 we executed new retail sales 
agreements in the domestic market, more than doubling 
the proportion of revenue generated from the retail 
channel from 10% to 22%.  

With overall production tonnages higher in FY2018 
compared to the previous year, 24% was allocated to 
the supply of domestic retail contracts. Huon also shifted 
its focus to supply salmon to premium retail outlets in 
the Asian market. Sales through this international retail 
channel accounted for 4% of revenue reducing the 
volumes that would otherwise have been sold through 
the export market at spot prices.  

These successes in penetrating the retail segment both 
domestically and offshore are consistent with Huon’s 
stated strategic business objective of ‘growing the 
market through increased consumption, better channel 
mix and the enhancement of our sales and brand’. 
Around 28% of production volume was sold through the 
retail channel in FY2018, compared to an average of 
10–11% prior to FY2017.

Over the year to June 2018 international salmon prices, 
while volatile, have traded at elevated levels and despite 
an expected increase in global supply it is not anticipated 
to meet demand. Prices in the domestic market increased 
in the second half of FY2018 and are expected to 
continue to trade at similar levels in the coming year. 

Checking salmon for pin bones at Parramatta Creek

People and Safety
Huon’s ‘Safety First’ ethos focuses on the 
implementation of a range of safety strategies combined 
with the continuous improvement of health and safety 
systems, programs and processes. 

A major focus on the Consultation, Cooperation and 
Coordination Framework is ensuring Huon’s team 
members and leaders are empowered to effectively 
manage safety and health in their areas of responsibility. 
Nevertheless, as a consequence of the expansion 
of activities throughout the group and the growth in 
employee numbers, the key safety measures weakened 
slightly compared to the previous year.

Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) 
Number of injuries per 1 million hours worked 
Average Lost Time Rate (ALTR) 
Hours lost per employee
Incident Rate (IR) 
Number of Lost Time Injuries per 100 employees

FY18 FY17  FY16

4

3

7

14

12

16

1.0

0.6

1.3

Huon has a strong commitment to building the skills, 
knowledge and capabilities of its people to deliver its 
business strategy. During the year Huon launched its 
‘People & Capability’ strategy which continues to build the 
capability of the workforce. This strategy encompasses 
workforce planning, the development of career pathways, 
investing in lifting general literacy and numeracy skills as 
well as information technology competence. A key plank 
of the ‘People & Capability’ strategy is the development 
of leadership capability across the business through the 
‘Huon Leaders Program’ which was developed during the 
year and is being launched in FY2019.

6

FY18FY17Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018 Managing Director’s Review continuedOutlook 
Little has changed from last year with demand for salmon 
from Australian consumers expected to continue growing 
at around 10% per annum and the demand supply 
dynamics internationally such that pricing is expected to 
remain above the long-term average. 

FY2019 has however commenced with a lower biomass 
than originally projected due to the difficult growing 
conditions in FY2018. Current estimates for FY2019 
have our harvest volume at just under 20,000 tonnes 
with an average HOG weight expected to be consistent 
with that delivered over the past three years. While we 
remain focused on driving operating efficiencies through 
the business, the full impact of the reduced biomass 
effect during FY2018 will be reflected in a higher cost of 
production per HOG kg in FY2019.

While Huon’s primary focus will continue to be growing its 
wholesale business, our increased exposure to the retail 
market as a result of retail supply agreements entered 
into early in FY2017, provides a valuable diversification in 
Huon’s channel mix. We expect sales into this market to at 
least reflect the growth in demand. 

Particular opportunities in overseas markets have assumed 
greater attention in the past year as Huon has taken 
advantage of the strong demand for its brand in Asia. 
While this strategy remains, Huon expects to continue 
supplying only its longstanding customers in the Japanese 
market during FY2019, as it is forced to ration the reduced 
stock available. Increased volumes into the Asian market 
are expected late in FY2019. 

With production levels to remain low in Macquarie 
Harbour, continued production expansion will occur at 
our Storm Bay offshore sites. The first fish to sea from the 
Whale Point Salmon Nursery are expected to be released 
in May 2019 with associated benefits flowing into FY2020.

Some of the many products Huon Aquaculture produces

Capital expenditure in FY2019 is expected to be 
around $70 million, down from $88 million in FY2018. 
Beyond FY2019 capital expenditure it is expected to 
be well below the levels of FY2018 and FY2019, unless 
market opportunities dictate otherwise.

A corollary of reduced supply and growing demand is 
that market pricing levels are expected to remain high 
globally and this will be exacerbated in the domestic 
market by the reduction in biomass levels across 
the Tasmanian salmon industry. Huon is therefore 
expecting its prices to remain elevated through FY2019 
and as a result we are confident that profitability will 
continue to grow.

Beyond FY2019, Huon’s investment in new infrastructure 
and expanded capacity provides it with a significant 
platform from which to launch its next phase of growth.

Lastly, at the start of FY2019 we were pleased to 
announce that the majority of our salmon production 
has been RSPCA Approved. This is something the 
business has been working on for a number of 
years and will stand us in good stead from both an 
operational and brand positioning perspective.

Peter Bender, Managing Director  
and Chief Executive Officer

7

 
Managing Risk

Managing Risk

Key risk areas

FY2018 measures

Huon team members on a Fortress Pen

Agricultural risk  
(disease, algae, 
fish growth)

Environmental risk  
(weather, wildlife)

 – Shore based farm control – feeding all Huon fish from a central feeding room in Hobart, 
using software analysing live video feeds from the pens to detect pellets falling through 
the water column and altering feed rates automatically. This ensures that feed wastage is 
minimised, lowering the impact on the seabed and ultimately achieving optimal fish growth.

 – Feed use and growth maximisation – moving to fully automated and unmanned feed 
barges that will carry more feed, meaning less feed delivery trips, increased feed security 
and no missed feed days.

 – Continuous improvement in farming strategies – outcomes from summer have led 
to improved bathing backup systems and better net cleaning. Huon is now using a split 
collar liner and pump system that allows fish to be bathed efficiently from one 240m pen 
to another without relying on the well-boat. More net cleaners with improved levels of 
technology, have been acquired.

 – Broodstock and smolt supply – along with participation in the industry-wide selective 
breeding program, new brood stock facilities at Springfield and New Norfolk have been 
completed to segregate holdings of broodstock.

 – Fish health and biosecurity – continued support and resourcing for the expanded 

research capability for vaccine development at the Aquatic Animal Health and Vaccine 
Centre of Excellence (AAHVCE) in Launceston.

 – Equipment design and use – following damage and loss during two significant storm 
events during the year, there have been improvements to net design and the older style 
feeding bin has been eliminated from use in high-energy sites.

 – Remote monitoring – the team in the control room is monitoring and ensure that any 

mortalities are pumped back to barges and ensiled, reducing disease risk and eliminating 
the use of divers on this task.

Social and Market risk 
(reputation, competition, 
consumer preferences)

 – Brand positioning – repositioning the Huon brand to more clearly articulate our points 

of difference through the launch of the ‘Not all salmon is Huon’ and ‘Harvested By Night, 
Fresher By Day’ programs.

 – Stakeholder engagement – continued engagement with a wide range of stakeholders 
regarding the social and environmental benefits of Huon’s operations occurred and is 
ongoing during a period of increasing concern over industry practices.

 – Channel mix – continuing the growth and penetration of the retail channel in the 
domestic and international markets providing better balance to the sales portfolio.

Safety risk

 – Improvement in people and safety – continued to build the skills, knowledge 

and capabilities of employees through the ‘People & Capability’ and ‘Huon Leaders 
Program’. This also encompasses workforce planning, the development of career 
pathways, investing in lifting general literacy and numeracy skills as well as information 
technology competence.

8

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018 Financial Summary 

 – Revenue of $317.9 million representing a 23% increase in turnover and 25% increase in production volume.

 – Operating NPAT increased 23% on record revenues due to increased volumes and stronger prices.  

Statutory NPAT decreased 37% pcp to $26.4 million driven by the decline in the Fair Value Adjustment  
of Biological Assets.

 – Average harvest weights improved marginally on the previous year as the record average fish weight in  
the first half was offset by poor fish growth in the second half due to elevated water temperatures from  
a long, hot summer.

 – The 14% increase in operating EBITDA to $71.8 million combined with careful management of working  
capital resulted in a 7% increase in operating cash flow in FY2018 to $57.9 million (FY2017: $54 million). 

 – Capex rose to $87.7 million as construction of the Whale Point Salmon Nursery commenced, a step change  

in core product development and production processes, and operations at Storm Bay were expanded.

 – Net debt increased to $81.3 million, however gearing continues to remain very manageable at 26.1%. 

Tonnage 
Revenue(1)
Revenue per HOG kg
EBITDA(2)
EBITDA per HOG kg
EBITDA margin
EBIT
NPAT

Fair value adjustment
Related income tax (expense)/refund(3)
Biological assets

Earnings per share
Dividend per share

Net debt(4)
Total gearing ratio(5)
Return on assets(6)

t
$M
$/kg
$M
$/kg
%
$M
$M

$M
$M
$M

c 
c

$M
%
%

FY2018

FY2017

FY2016

 22,968 
317.9
 13.84 
58.9
2.56
18.5%
34.2
26.4

 (12.9)
3.9
169.4

30.21
 10.00

81.3
26.1%
6.7%

 18,448 
 259.5 
 14.07 
 82.0 
 4.44 
31.6%
 60.1 
 42.2 

 19.2 
 (5.8)
 188.0 

48.27
5.00

 43.0 
14.7%
12.2%

 20,463 
 233.7 
 11.42 
 24.9 
 1.22 
10.7%
 7.3 
 3.4 

 (1.5)
 0.5 
 147.2 

 3.92 
–

 62.1 
24.8%
1.8%

Operating Earnings and Cash Flow

Revenue(1) 

$317.9m

Operating 
EBITDA(7)
$71.8m

Operating  
NPAT(8)
$35.4m

Operating 
Cash Flow
$57.9m

FY15

FY16

FY17

FY18

FY15

FY16

FY17

FY18

FY15

FY16

FY17

FY18

FY15

FY16

FY17

FY18

1 
2 

Revenue from the sale of goods.
 EBITDA is a non-IFRS financial measure which is used to measure business performance, using net depreciation 
and amortisation recognised in the income statement.
Related income tax at current tax rate.

3 
4  Net Debt is total debt net of cash and cash equivalents.
5 
6 
7  Operating EBITDA excludes the impact of the Fair Value Adjustment of Biological Assets.
8  Operating NPAT excludes the impact of the Fair Value Adjustment of Biological Assets and related tax impact.

Total Gearing Ratio is measured as debt (net of cash)/net assets.
Return on Assets is measured as statutory EBIT/total assets.

Tonnage

22,968t

(FY2017: 18,448t)

Sales Revenue

$317.9m

(FY2017: $259.5m)

Sales Revenue 
by Channel:

Wholesale

58%

(FY2017: 72%)

Retail: Domestic

24%

(FY2017: 22%)

Retail: International

4%

Export

14%

(FY2017: 0%)

(FY2017: 6%)

Employees

600

(FY2017: 500)

9

Key Financials

Key Financials

Operational Performance
Six months ended

Harvest volume HOG
Revenue from operations
Revenue $/HOG kg
Cost of production
Cost of production $/HOG kg
Freight and distribution
Freight and distribution $/HOG kg
Operating EBITDA*
Operating EBITDA $/HOG kg
Margin 
Fair value adjustment

Operational Performance

$/HOG kg
16.00

12.00

8.00

4.00

0.00

DEC 2015

JUN 2016

DEC 2016

JUN 2017

DEC 2017

JUN 2018

Operating EBITDA 
Freight and distribution

Cost of production 
Revenue 

Sales Channel
Six months ended

Wholesale HOG kg
Retail Domestic HOG kg
Retail International HOG kg
Export HOG kg
Total HOG kg
Wholesale % of revenue
Retail Domestic % of revenue
Retail International % of revenue
Export % of revenue 
Wholesale $/HOG kg
Retail Domestic $/HOG kg
Retail International $/HOG kg
Export $/HOG kg

t
$M
$/kg
$M
$/kg
$M
$/kg
$M
$/kg
%
$M

t
t
t
t
t
%
%
%
%
$/kg
$/kg
$/kg
$/kg

Distribution Channels by Price and Contribution to Sales

$/HOG kg
16.00

12.00

8.00

4.00

0.00

DEC 2015

JUN 2016

DEC 2016

JUN 2017

DEC 2017

JUN 2018

Export

Retail:

Wholesale Domestic

Retail:
International

100%

80%

60%

40%

20%

0%

$/HOG kg
% of sales

10

30 Jun 
2018

 10,275 
147.4
 14.35 
 (107.1)
 (10.42)
 (7.7)
 (0.75)
32.6
 3.17 
22.1%
 (25.2)

31 Dec 
2017

 12,693 
 170.5 
 13.43 
 (120.6)
 (9.50)
 (10.7)
 (0.84)
 39.2 
 3.09 
23.0%
 12.3 

30 Jun 
2017

 9,071 
 126.0 
 13.89 
 (83.7)
 (9.23)
 (5.8)
 (0.64)
 36.5 
 4.02 
29.0%
 (12.4)

31 Dec 
2016

 9,377 
 133.5 
 14.24 
 (101.3)
 (10.80)
 (5.9)
 (0.63)
 26.4 
 2.82 
19.8%
 31.6 

–  Salmon prices continued to increase through FY2018 in 

response to deteriorating supply in Australia. Globally, growth 
in demand continues to outstrip supply supporting the view 
that the current pricing environment is more reflective of a new 
norm for the next 2-3 years 

–  Challenging growing conditions in Tasmania had a severe 

impact on biomass levels, despite the year beginning with record 
production volumes. Expectations of harvest volumes were cut 
to just under 23,000 tonnes by year end.

–  Average harvest weights reduced during the year, and the cost 
of production per kg was also affected, increasing by 8% in the 
second half.

–  The impact of AGD (amoebic gill disease) together with higher 
freight costs contributed to tighter operating margins which fell 
from 29.0% in the second half of FY2017 to 22.1% (on pcp).
*    Operating EBITDA excludes the impact of the Fair Value Adjustment 

of Biological Assets.

30 Jun 
2018

 5,820 
 3,054 
849
553
 10,275 
60%
28%
7%
5%
 15.17 
 13.57 
12.82
12.38

31 Dec 
2017

 6,372 
 2,611 
191
3,518
 12,693 
55%
21%
1%
23%
 14.69 
 13.62 
12.23
11.08

30 Jun 
2017

 6,053 
 2,204 
–
814
 9,071 
69%
23%
–
8%
 14.28 
 13.17 
–
12.88

31 Dec 
2016

 6,898 
 2,104 
–
375
 9,377 
75%
21%
–
4%
 14.54 
 13.30 
–
14.02

–  Continued strong demand from the domestic retail channel 
resulted in volumes increasing by 31% and the proportion of 
sales into this segment increasing to 24%. 

–  The wholesale market continues to be Huon’s dominant 

segment by volume and sales (58%) with prices increasing 
in the second half as supply was increasingly constrained by 
pressures on the biomass. 

–  Sales into the international retail markets totalled 

$13.2 million or 4% of revenue.

–  Supply constraints saw Huon decrease its export volumes  

from 3,518 tonnes in the first half to 553 tonnes in the second 
half. Uncontracted export sales over the year accounted for 
14% of revenue.

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018 Biological Assets
Six months ended

Biological assets at fair value 
Fair value adjustment (FVA)
Biological assets (excluding FVA)
Total weight of live finfish at sea 
Biological asset value/kg (live)
Fair value adjustment/kg (live)
Biological assets/kg (live) (excluding FVA)
Number of fish (harvest)
Sales volume (HOG kg)
Average HOG weight
Average price/HOG kg (net sales)
Net sales 

Fish weight and price

$/HOG kg
16.00

14.50

13.00

11.50

10.00

DEC 2015

JUN 2016

DEC 2016

JUN 2017

DEC 2017

JUN 2018

Average price/HOG kg
Average HOG weight (kg)

Cash Generation
Six months ended

Operating EBITDA*
Cash flow from operations
Add  – net interest paid

– tax paid/(refunded) 

Adjusted cash flow from operations
EBITDA conversion
Capex
Cash at end of period

Operational Cash Flow

$M
40.0

30.0

20.0

10.0

0.0

DEC 2015

JUN 2016

DEC 2016

JUN 2017

DEC 2017

JUN 2018

Adjusted Cash Flow from Operations
EBITDA Conversion

30 Jun 
2018

169.4
35.7
133.7
 12,960 
13.07
 2.75 
10.32
 2,404 
 10,275 
 4.27 
 14.35 
 147.4 

31 Dec 
2017

 195.3 
 60.9 
 134.4 
 17,475 
 11.18 
 3.48 
 7.69 
 2,398 
 12,693 
 5.29 
 13.43 
 170.5 

30 Jun 
2017

 188.0 
 48.5 
 139.5 
 16,663 
 11.28 
 2.91 
 8.37 
 2,037 
 9,071
 4.45 
 13.89 
 126.0 

31 Dec 
2016

 190.3 
 60.9 
 129.4 
 17,078 
 11.14 
 3.57 
 7.58 
 1,936 
 9,377 
 4.84 
 14.24 
 133.5 

–  The $12.9 million decline in the Fair Value Adjustment for 
FY2018 reflects the significant reduction in the biomass by 
30 June 2018 compared to June 2017.

–  The fair value of biological assets fell by 10% (over pcp) 
to $169.4 million while biomass at sea dropped 22% 
(over pcp). This reflects an increase in the assessed market 
price of fish at reporting date, bringing the biological assets 
value per kg to $13.07.

–  Average harvest weight rose strongly in the first half to a 

record 5.29kg. The rapid fall in harvest weight during the 
second half to 4.27kg, while seasonal, also reflects the poor 
growing conditions as fish struggled to thrive during the 
abnormally warm summer.

–  Biological assets per kg (excluding FVA) rose 23% (over pcp) 
to $10.32, a reflection of the rise in per kg production costs 
during the second half as bathing and net cleaning schedules 
ramped up in response to the rising incidence of AGD. 

30 Jun 
2018

32.6
 34.8 
 1.7 
 (4.2)

32.3
99%
 44.5 
2.8

31 Dec 
2017

 39.2 
 23.2 
 1.6 
–

 24.8 
63%
 43.2 
7.4

30 Jun 
2017

 36.5 
 33.1 
 1.6 
 – 

 34.7 
95%
 22.3 
 23.0 

31 Dec 
2016

 26.4 
 20.9 
 1.8 
–

 22.7 
86%
 12.7 
 21.0 

$M
$M
$M
t
$/kg
$/kg
$/kg
000’s
t
kg
$/kg
$M

kg
6.00

5.50

5.00

4.50

4.00

3.50

3.00

$M
$M
$M
$M

$M
%
$M
$M

120%

100%

80%

60%

40%

20%

0%

–  The increase in operating profit together with close 

management of working capital resulted in operating 
cash flow increasing from $54.0 million (in pcp) to 
$57.9 million.

–  EBITDA conversion averaged 79% across the year, 

increasing in the second half as costs or production eased
–  Huon spent $87.7 million in capex, which included funding 
the continued expansion of marine farms in Storm Bay and 
construction of the new Whale Point Salmon Nursery.
–  Net debt almost doubled to $81.3 million, increasing 

gearing to 26.1%, a level which sits at the lower end of 
Huon’s planning range.

*    Operating EBITDA excludes the impact of the Fair Value Adjustment 

of Biological Assets.

11

 
Growing Salmon

Huon is fortunate to farm in Tasmania’s unique environment, allowing the Company to raise 
salmon in locations in which they thrive. From the time Huon salmon start their life in hatcheries 
up until they are harvested, their environment plays a vital role in their health, growth and quality. 
Huon’s fish are grown in three marine regions: Hideaway Bay (Huon River and D’Entrecasteaux 
Channel), offshore in Storm Bay and Macquarie Harbour.

DEVONPORT

LAUNCESTON

Parramatta Creek  
Processing Facility

  Offices
  Processing facilities
   Farming regions

TA S M A N I A

Macquarie 
Harbour

BRISBANE

AU S T R A L I A

PERTH

SYDNEY

MELBOURNE

Botany 
Processing 
Facility

TASMANIA

HOBART

HOBART

Storm 
Bay

Hideaway 
Bay 

A  Bridport Hatchery
B  Springfield Hatchery
C  Millybrook Hatchery
D  SALTAS Hatchery
E  Derwent Hatchery
F  New Norfolk Facility
G  Lonnavale Hatchery
H 

 Forest Home Hatchery

I 

 Whale Point  
Salmon Nursery

Huon River and  
D’Entrecasteaux Channel
Huon Aquaculture began in 1986 
at Hideaway Bay, on the Huon 
River with one pen of trout and one 
employee. Today there are six farmed 
leases, including high-energy sites in 
the D’Entrecasteaux Channel. 

Hideaway Bay on the Huon River 
operates as the shore base for Huon’s 
operations in the State’s south. This 
sheltered bay, with its calm waters, 
is where Huon manages its harvest 
as well as undertaking Australia’s 
experimental and pre-commercial 
use fish feed trials.

Storm Bay
Storm Bay is located east of Bruny 
Island and south of Hobart. Huon 
began farming here in 2014 as part 
of its long-term growth strategy 
to shift salmon farming into high-
energy offshore sites. Over the 
past 4 years Huon has invested 
$200m into its business, preparing 
for the reality that future expansion 
in production will be in deep water, 
several kilometres offshore. These 
are conditions that closely mimic 
salmon’s natural habitat, ensuring 
a sustainable, growing business for 
salmon farming in Tasmania. This 
is the way of the future.

For more about Storm Bay’s 
un-tapped capacity, see page 18.

Macquarie Harbour
Huon owns two of the 10 allocated 
lease sites for fish farming in 
Macquarie Harbour which is located 
on the mid-west coast of Tasmania, 
just below Strahan. The Gordon and 
Franklin river systems deliver large 
volumes of freshwater into Macquarie 
Harbour providing a unique mix of 
fresh and saltwater, ideal conditions 
for growing Atlantic salmon and 
Ocean trout. Both have been farmed 
here for around 30 years.

Less than 10% of Huon’s production 
comes from Macquarie Harbour 
with stocking densities kept low 
in order to manage sustainable 
farming in this unique water system. 

12

CDGHFBIAEHuon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018 Company and Industry OverviewGrowing SalmonAs a ‘vertically integrated’ salmon producer, Huon’s operations span hatcheries, 
marine farming, maintenance, harvesting, processing, value adding, marketing, 
sales, and distribution.

t c herie

s

a

H

u r series

N

M a r i n e Far

m

s

r vestin

g

a

H

P r o cessin

g

M arket

electi v e Bree

d

i

n

g

S

F e eding

l

l owing

a

F

V a l u e Add

e

d

Progr a m

Fish   H usban

d

r

y

Maintenance

et M a nage

m

e

N

n

t

B a thing

Proces s i

n g

L i g hting

a

Pred

t o r Con

t
r

o

l

The lifecycle of a Huon salmon 
is two to three years and at each 
stage, the Company’s operations are 
underpinned by a commitment to the 
highest level of animal husbandry, 
environmental management 
and quality.

Hatcheries 
The hatchery allows the natural 
lifecycle of salmon to be replicated, 
as well as allowing growth to be 
naturally synchronised in a way that 
enables supply of fresh, healthy fish 
all year round. Huon’s state-of-the-art 
Forest Home Hatchery is a second 
generation recirculation hatchery that 
delivers outstanding smolt quality 
and larger smolt sizes with a reduced 
environmental footprint.

Nurseries
Huon is building Australia’s first onshore 
Salmon Nursery at Whale Point in 
Port Huon, the Company’s river adjacent 
site. This facility will see smolt grown on 
land to much larger sizes before being 
transferred to sea. The aim is to reduce 
the time salmon spend at sea from 14 
to less than 12 months. This has several 
benefits including better management of 
existing leases, reduced environmental 
impact, and minimisation of the risk 
of predation. Huon expects the new 
Salmon Nursery to be operational 
by December 2018.

Marine Farms
FY2017 was the first full year farming 
with Fortress Pens at all marine sites. 
Building on their success, Huon 
continues to develop its offshore 
farming capabilities, particularly in 
Storm Bay, which will be supported by 
a new second generation well-boat, 
the Ronja Storm, which is currently 
being constructed with delivery 
expected in 2019. 

Harvesting
Harvesting is the last step in the 
farming of our salmon and is one 
of the most critical. There is a direct 
relationship between harvesting and 
the quality and freshness of the end-
product. By focussing on low-stress, 
humane, night-harvesting, using 
RSPCA UK awarded equipment, 
Huon consumers experience fresher, 
higher quality salmon year-round. 

Feeding
Huon continues to make advances 
in feed systems that result in 
improved fish performance. The 
upgrade of its pellet recognition 
software, increased automation 
of feed delivery systems, and 
implementation of remote, shore-
based feeding capabilities, over the 
past 18 months has been the key to 
feeding efficiency.

Processing
Huon’s investment in additional 
processing equipment is delivering 
further quality and efficiency 
improvements at its state-of-the-
art Paramatta Creek processing 
facility. Huon’s processing 
capabilities support its increased 
presence in the retail market and 
specifically the chilled packaged 
seafood category.

13

Growing Demand

Huon’s objective is to continue expanding production to meet local demand and also  
tap into the growing appetite for salmon worldwide. Forecasts suggest by 2025 an additional 
11.4 million tonnes of seafood will be required to satisfy the projected global market demand. 

Demand for protein
The global population is forecast to include an 
additional 1.0 billion people by 2030 and by 2050 the 
population will have increased from 7.6 billion today 
to an estimated 9.4 billion. 

Feeding this growing population is one of the great 
challenges of the 21st century. How do we ensure 
that enough protein is produced when there is limited 
scope to expand agriculture’s use of more land and 
water resources and the world’s fisheries are already 
under strain? 

Protein is an essential component of the human diet, as 
it helps the body repair cells and make new ones. About 
one-third of the protein eaten around the world comes 
from meat (18%), dairy (10%) and other animal products 
(9%). Plant based foods dominate protein supply (57%) 
with the majority coming from three grains—wheat, maize 
and rice. And, despite the fact that oceans cover 70% 
of the Earth’s surface, only 6% of protein for human 
consumption comes from fish and other seafood. 

The solution has to come from improvements in 
productivity and resource-use efficiency. For Huon 
and others in the salmon farming industry this means a 
dedication to the development of sustainable aquaculture. 
Since the 1990s the growth in demand for seafood has 
been met entirely from aquaculture as capture from wild 
fisheries has stagnated and is forecast to progressively 
decline over the next 30 years. In the near term, by 2025, 
it is estimated that the industry will need to produce 
an additional 11.4 million tonnes of seafood to satisfy 
projected market demand.

Projected global population growth
9.4 billion by 2050

Years when world population reached 
increments of 1 billion

4

3

2

10

8 9

7

6

1

1800

1925 1960 1980

2000 2017

2025

2055

Increased consumption
The increasing demand for food is not just about 
population growth. If consumption per capita of protein 
stayed at current levels, this factor on its own would 
increase demand by 35%. However the UN has estimated 
that actual demand will double driven by economic 
development and increased urbanization leading to major 
transitions in population-level dietary patterns in low and 
middle income countries. 

Regular fish consumption is increasingly being promoted as 
part of a healthy diet. Fish meat has a high protein content 
compared to terrestrial animal meat and fish have a lower 
feed conversion ratio (FCR) than land animals making 
them a more efficient source of protein. Fish and shellfish 
consumption has several reported health benefits including 
decreased risk of heart diseases, inflammation and arthritis.

World per capita food fish consumption is projected to 
reach 21.6kg in live weight equivalent by 2025, (20.3kg 
average in 2014–2016). Per capita fish consumption is 
forecast to rise in all continents, except in Africa, where 
population growth will outstrip its increasing food 
fish supply.

Demand/supply
While the increasing demand for seafood protein and the 
expectation that aquaculture will have to meet all of that 
growth is not in question, how the increase in supply will 
be achieved is less clear. From 2004 to 2013 the industry 
experienced a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 
6% due to producers expanding operations. At present, 
global demand is growing at 7%, with supply growth for 
2018–2020 projected to be 3–4%pa due to problems with 
production in Norway and Chile, the two major producers 
of salmon, and new lease space becoming increasingly 
harder to find. 

Aquaculture is expanding to meet  
world fish demand

S
N
O
T
N
O

I
L
L
I
M

220

200

180

160

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

Aquaculture

Wild (capture) Fisheries

1950

1960

1970

1980

1990

2000

2010

2020

2030

2040

2050

SOURCE: UNITED NATIONS, DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS

SOURCE: FAO

14

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018 Company and Industry OverviewGrowing Salmon 
CHINA

KOREA

JAPAN 

TAIWAN

Time from harvest  
to Asian markets –  
56 hours

Projected additional fish consumption in 2025

95% of additional fish consumed 
in 2025 is forecast from developing 
countries, with Asia accounting 
for 73% of that growth, and about 
50% of that from China.

CHINA

INDIA
INDONESIA
BANGLADESH
VIETNAM
OTHER ASIA

HUONAQUA.COM.AU

SOURCE: OECD AND FAO

73%
ASIA

12%
AFRICA

7%
LATIN 
AMERICA

4%
EUROPE

3%
NORTH 
AMERICA

1%
OCEANIA

Australia contributes approximately 2% of the global 
harvest of Atlantic Salmon. Growing conditions for marine 
pen farming (floating pens in coastal waters) in Australia 
are only commercially suitable in Tasmania. While demand 
in Australia has been growing at around 10%pa in recent 
years, growth in salmon production has been tracking at 
less than 9%pa and is expected to fall short of demand 
growth over the next two years. 

For Huon, the objective is to continue expanding 
production to meet not only local demand but also to 
satisfy premium niche markets for salmon worldwide.

Optimised channel mix
Huon has been progressively diversifying its channel 
mix over the past three years, reducing the dominant 
weighting of salmon sold through the wholesale market 
and increasing its exposure to contracted sales into the 
retail market. Initially this was achieved by boosting sales 
into Australia’s supermarkets from 10% of total revenue in 
FY2016 to 22% in FY2017. 

Over the past financial year Huon secured a number of 
supply agreements throughout the Asian market, removing 
much of the uncertainty and volatility that has previously 
been associated with sales into offshore markets. In 
FY2018, international retail sales accounted for 4% 
of revenue, bringing total sales into both the domestic 
and international retail market to 28% of revenue.

This year, and into the future, Huon aims to reduce its 
exposure to the volatility inherent in spot markets for 
international salmon, ensuring it receives an appropriate 
premium for the quality of its product sold in offshore 
markets.

Access to Asian markets
Of the estimated 177 million tonnes of fish consumed 
worldwide in 2025, Asia is projected to account for 73%. 

Huon has spent many years laying the foundations for 
the development of a sustainable, long-term client base 
in Asia by nurturing relationships with retailers and 
distributors who can open doors to opportunities that 
would not otherwise be available. There are niche markets 
in Asia that can deliver strong returns to the business and 
Huon’s success this year securing supply of salmon to 
Taiwan and China, proved that returns in this market can 
be equivalent to those in the domestic market.

Brand value
This year Huon repositioned its brand in order to better 
articulate its points of difference. ‘Not all salmon is 
Huon’ is focused on telling stories about what makes 
Huon salmon and this business different from every other 
company and fish on the market. Targeted campaigns in 
key markets have been driving consumer brand awareness 
across Australia as well as community support for Huon 
in Tasmania.

Huon will continue to invest in its business to business 
and consumer brands over the next three to five years at 
the same time as it expands production volumes. This will 
ensure that Huon Salmon receives a premium price in both 
the domestic and international market place.

15

Assistant Fish Health Manager Jasmine Knowles, (top) The Ronja Huon pulled up alongside a fortress pen, (above) Huon’s central feed control room.

Growing Operations

Investing back in the business
In the three years following listing, Huon invested 
$200 million into the business upgrading its infrastructure 
and processing capabilities via the Controlled Growth 
Strategy. The objective of this strategy was to achieve a 
step change in the way the business operated, radically 
reshaping each part of the production chain in order 
to transform its capacity to grow and process larger 
volumes of fish. 

Growth and continuous improvement are essential 
elements to Huon’s strategic vision, and the Company 
has a strong track record of delivering large-scale growth 
projects requiring significant capital expenditure. Huon 
is constantly improving its operations through major 
R&D projects and fostering a culture of innovation. The 
Company invests strategically for the long-term and has 
developed a number of initiatives and processes that are 
now being used across the industry, both domestically 
and internationally. Examples of this include its patented 
Fortress Pen design, automated feeding technology and 
redesign of well-boats to enable fresh water bathing. 

This commitment to operate at the cutting edge of 
technology and continually innovate its farming methods, 
continued in FY2018. Huon invested $88 million in a 
capital investment program that will underpin its next 
stage of growth in production. This includes construction 
of the $45 million Whale Point Salmon Nursery and 
the continuing expansion of farming at Storm Bay. 
Further expenditure of around $70 million is planned for 
FY2019 that will see the completion of the Whale Point 
Salmon Nursery and further expansion of farming in its 
high-energy sites. Capital expenditure into the future will 
be managed in-line with market growth.

16

Bigger feed barges
Huon-designed 320 tonne feed barges, which ensure 
fish are fed consistently and result in larger fish size at 
harvest, have been operating across the company’s 
marine farms since late 2015. 

With more capacity at sea and larger production come 
increased feed demands and Huon is in the process of 
building its next generation of 600 tonne feed barges to 
help carry this load. These will be fully automated and 
unmanned, meaning less feed delivery trips, increased 
feed security and no missed feed days. As Huon’s new 
marine farms will all be located in high-energy sites 
offshore, these new barges have been designed to 
ensure that the fish can be fed in any weather, allowing 
them to fully realise their growth potential. 

Automated feeding 
The move to unmanned feed barges enables 
automated feeding of Huon fish from a central control 
room in Hobart. Six feeders over two shifts are able to 
feed Huon’s entire production volume. This is possible 
due to bespoke Huon developed software that runs 
over the top of the live video feeds from the pens. 

Using Huon’s technology, the feed is spread throughout 
the pen utilising an automated spreading system 
monitored by video sensors. Huon worked alongside 
Australian companies to develop the sensor and video 
software that monitors the appetite of the fish and stops 
feeding when the fish stop eating. Over the past year 
this software has incorporated machine learning or 
artificial intelligence into the process, creating a neural 
network that allows the program to learn what is and 
isn’t a pellet falling through the water column. Over time 
its accuracy improves with the result that food wastage 
is minimised, lowering the impact on the seabed and 
ultimately getting optimal growth from the fish. 

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018 Company and Industry OverviewGrowing SalmonThe Ronja Huon, (top right) Hideaway Bay shore base operations, (right) Whale Point Salmon Nursery under construction.

Whale Point Salmon Nursery
During FY2018 Huon commenced construction of a new 
land based salmon nursery at Whale Point. This 1400 tonne 
facility will receive and grow out smolt sourced from Huon’s 
recirculation hatcheries. It will enable smolt to be put to 
sea when they are at a more advanced stage of growth 
delivering a number of significant benefits. First, the time 
that fish are at sea will be reduced from 14 months to under 
12 months, reducing the risk of mortality and enabling 
larger fish to be grown in the same time frame as current 
production. Secondly it will increase total farming capacity 
without having to expand existing lease area. 

The Whale Point Salmon Nursery will come on stream at the 
end of calendar 2018, representing the biggest step change 
in core product development and process for the industry 
since the implementation of Huon’s offshore farming. 

Bigger well-boat 
The increase in volume and capacity that will come 
through Whale Point and at sea, requires a well-boat with 
significantly greater capacity than the existing Ronja Huon 
to bath and transport the growing number of fish. The 
Ronja Storm is currently being built and is the next 
generation of well-boat. It follows the commissioning of 
the 75 meter Ronja Huon in late 2014 which pioneered 
well-boat fresh water bathing in Australia. 

The custom designed Ronja Storm has four times the 
capacity of the Ronja Huon and will allow a fully stocked 
240m fortress pen to be bathed in one go. It will also have 
the ability to produce its own supply of fresh water through 
a reverse osmosis plant on board. This will enable it to 
stay at sea for much longer periods rather than having to 
return to fill up with fresh water.

The Ronja Storm will be delivered in late 2019 and will be 
the largest well-boat in the world, giving Huon significant 
additional capacity to continue its expansion into the high-
energy sites offshore in Storm Bay and beyond. 

Fortress Pens 
Huon commenced farming in high-energy offshore sites 
in 2014 with five pens in its Storm Bay lease. This move 
would not have been possible without Huon’s development 
of the Fortress Pen, a world first in that its design 
specifications required it to operate in one of the roughest 
farmable waters in the world. 

An additional benefit of the pens is that the double 
net system, made from a strong lightweight material 
similar to that used in bullet-proof vests, has effectively 
eliminated predator risk from seals. The Fortress Pens 
were progressively introduced across Huon’s entire marine 
operation through 2015 and 2016, and further refinements 
and improvements have continued as more is learned 
about the different and evolving environmental conditions 
in which Huon is now operating. 

In FY2018 Huon installed another eight Fortress Pens at 
its Storm Bay lease site, bringing total production capacity 
from Storm Bay up to over 6,000 tonnes.

Huon aquaculture systems
Over the past 30 years Huon has remained committed 
to investing in product development, concept testing and 
trialling innovations in farming technology that has put it at 
the forefront of best practice in salmon farming globally. 

The company now has a significant amount of IP relating 
to salmon farming practices and aquaculture more 
generally. The application of these systems, whether 
as IP, hardware or software will create new revenue 
opportunities for the Company to unlock in coming years.

17

Growing Capacity

PORT HUON  
ENGINEERING  
WORKSHOP  
AND NET SLAB

WHALE POINT  
SALMON NURSERY

H

u

o

n Riv

er

POLICE POINT

HIDEAWAY BAY

GARDEN ISLAND

FLATHEAD BAY

ROARING

ZUIDPOOL NORTH

ZUIDPOOL SOUTH

D’E

n
t
r
e
c
a
s
t
e
a
u
x

C
h

a

n

n

e

l

Proposed site at  
East of Yellow Bluff 

Storm  
Bay

Storm Bay:  
2 unused sites  

Tasman  
Sea

  Lease zones
  Unused lease zones
  Land base facilities

Additional  
capacity 
13,500 tonnes

Growing Capacity

Huon currently operates across three main regions with 
a total operational lease area of 750ha. Since 2014 
these lease configurations have been arranged to farm 
in high-energy sites and to move to offshore farming. 
Over the past 20 years Huon has continually expanded 
the business and operations. In that time production 
has increased from 1,200 tonnes to 23,000 tonnes, 
much of it as result of the enabling technologies that 
Huon has conceived, designed, built and, in rare cases, 
acquired and modified.

To increase production and at the same time farm 
sustainably, requires access to more high-energy 
marine sites located offshore. 

Capacity to increase production
Huon has the capacity to double its lease area 
under operation in Storm Bay. With the focus for 
expansion solely on high-energy sites, the four Storm 
Bay leases together with the proposed site at East of 
Yellow Bluff provide Huon with the capacity to produce 
an additional 13,500 tonnes on top of its existing 
23,000 tonnes. 

18

Currently Operational

Non-Operational

Current  
production
23,000T

STORM BAY

HUON AND 
CHANNEL

MACQUARIE 
HARBOUR

13,500T

STORM BAY 
(UNUSED)

Total 
production  
capacity
36,500T

Operational leases

Huon River & D’Entrecasteaux Channel
Storm Bay
Macquarie Harbour

Tonnes

14,000
6,500
2,500

23,000

Lease 
Area

420ha
100ha
230ha

750ha

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018 Company and Industry Overview 
 
Fortress Pens at Storm Bay

(From left) Sunrise in the Huon, The Ronja Huon, Feed makes its way out to pens via our in-house designed backbone system.

Weathering storms
In salmon farming, those companies that had the 
foresight to identify and gain access to new marine 
sites, have a unique competitive advantage.

In Australia there are only a limited number of sites 
available that have the right environmental conditions, 
temperature, depth, oxygen and seabed regeneration. 
This particularly applies to potential new high-energy 
marine sites located offshore.

Huon spent several years planning and researching 
conditions in Storm Bay before commencing operations 
there in 2014. It designed pens and the supporting 
infrastructure to withstand a 1-in-50-year storm and 
in May 2018 it was put to the test. While there was 
damage across its leases, all core equipment and 
structures, including the Fortress Pens, remained in 
place. Lessons learned from that event have already 
been applied through modifications to net designs and 
the elimination of the older style feeding bins from 
within pens at high-energy offshore sites.

Benefits of deeper offshore sites
Fish health and welfare: 
Deeper, high-energy sites mean that pens are 
located in areas with stronger currents and greater 
water movement. The result is more oxygen, which 
is much better for the fish and the environment.

Reduced environmental impact: 
More environmentally appropriate locations.

Reduced visual and noise impact on 
the community: 
Offshore sites are less visible from the land and 
the sound of boats is less, as boat traffic has 
both decreased and is further away from shore.

Improved biosecurity: 
By moving individual leases further away from 
one another and from other sites, as well as 
seperating year classes, we are future-proofing 
our farms and improving biosecurity.

19

Huon Board of Directors

Huon Board  
of Directors

Neil Kearney B.Ec
Chairman 

Peter Bender
Managing Director and  
Chief Executive Director

Director since August 2014

Director since May 2005

Founder of Huon with over 30 years’ 
experience in fish farming operations.

Peter is responsible for the leadership, 
operations and strategic direction of 
Huon and has always been committed 
to delivering high quality salmon that 
is raised responsibly. He sets business 
strategy and leads the executive team 
to deliver growth.

He is well recognised for farming 
innovation both in Australia and 
internationally and his extensive 
knowledge of aquaculture coupled 
with a strong continuous improvement 
ethic is the foundation on which 
Huon’s success is built.

Peter is a Non-executive Director 
of Salmon Enterprises of Tasmania 
Pty Ltd.

Neil has significant leadership 
experience in major Australian and 
international food companies with 
prior senior roles at Goodman Fielder 
Limited and National Foods Limited. 
He is currently a Non-executive director 
of Brainwave Australia, a charity, 
Non-executive Chairman of Felton 
Grimwade Bosisto’s Pty Ltd and a 
Non-executive director of Simonds 
Group Limited.

Neil’s most recent executive role was 
Chief Strategy Officer of ASX-listed 
company Goodman Fielder Limited 
from 2011–2014 and before that 
he was Chief Executive Officer and 
Managing Director of Warrnambool 
Cheese & Butter Factory Co. Holdings 
Limited from 2007–2009.

Neil has previously been a Board 
member for Warrnambool Cheese & 
Butter Factory Co. Holdings Limited 
and Colorpak Limited as well as being 
a Director of National Foods Holdings 
Ltd 2005–2007 and Vitasoy Australia 
Products Pty Ltd 1999–2007.

Special Responsibilities
–  Independent Non-executive 

Director 

–  Member of the Audit and 

Risk Management Committee

–  Member of the Remuneration and 

Nomination Committee

20

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018 Frances Bender
Non-independent  
Executive Director

Director since May 2005

Founder of Huon with over 30 years’ 
experience in fish farming operations.

Frances has been instrumental in the 
design of the Huon brand and its 
marketing direction and continues to 
be responsible for these areas.

Frances is currently a Member of the 
New South Wales Primary Industry 
Ministerial Advisor Council.

Frances’ former directorships and 
committees include Board member 
of Tasmanian Aquaculture and 
Fisheries Institute, member of the 
Huon Valley Economic Development 
Advisory Committee, member of Huon 
Valley Council Rural Health Advisory 
Committee, member of Tasmanian 
Food Industry Council and member 
of Tasmanian Regional Reference 
Group – South.

Simon Lester CA, BCom, 
MAppFinInv
Independent  
Non-executive Director

Director since August 2014

Simon had previously been an adviser 
to Huon and has extensive experience 
within the salmon industry.

He has 30 years’ experience in 
corporate finance and corporate 
tax, having advised the Tasmanian 
Government and State owned 
business enterprises.

His former roles include Partner 
at Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu and 
PBS Partners as well as senior 
management roles at Price Waterhouse 
and KPMG and previously held 
the position of Board member of 
CatholicCare Tasmania.

Simon is currently the Chief Risk 
Officer of The Royal Automobile Club 
of Tasmania. 

He is a member of the Financial 
Services Institute of Australasia, 
Institute of Chartered Accountants 
in Australia, the Tax Institute and the 
Australian Risk Policy Institute.

Special Responsibilities
–  Chairman of the Remuneration 
and Nomination Committee 

–  Member of the Audit and 

Risk Management Committee

Tony Dynon CPA
Independent  
Non-executive Director

Director, since August 2016

Tony has extensive leadership 
and finance experience gained 
largely in food, beverage and 
stockfeed businesses with senior 
roles in international and ASX-listed 
companies. 

The majority of Tony’s career was 
with international food company 
H J Heinz, covering a 20 year 
period, including roles for Heinz 
Australia as Joint Managing 
director from 1994 to 1997 and 
Chief Financial Officer from 1988 
to 1994. He was also Managing 
Director of Farm Pride Foods Ltd and 
Executive Chairman of Palm Springs 
Ltd, both ASX listed companies. 

More recently Tony has had 
leadership roles in privately owned 
stockfeed businesses based in 
Australia, New Zealand and the 
UK. Tony was also a non-executive 
director for Colorpak Ltd from 2004 
to 2010. 

Tony is a member of CPA Australia.

Special Responsibilities
–  Chairman of the Audit and 

Risk Management Committee 
–  Member of the Remuneration 
and Nomination Committee

21

22

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018 Directors’ Report

The Directors of Huon present the annual financial report 
of the consolidated entity consisting of the Company 
and the entities it controlled (Consolidated Group) for 
the financial year ended 30 June 2018.

Directors
The Directors of the Company during the whole 
of the financial year and up to the date of this report  
are as follows:

–  Neil Kearney, Chairman 
–  Peter Bender, Managing Director and  

Chief Executive Officer

–  Frances Bender
–  Simon Lester
–  Tony Dynon

The qualification, experiences and special  
responsibilities of the Directors are provided on  
pages 20 to 21.

Directors’ Interests
Particulars of Directors’ interests as at 30 June 2018 were:

Shareholdings

Peter Bender(i)
Frances Bender(i)
Neil Kearney
Simon Lester
Tony Dynon

Ordinary 
Shares

Performance
Rights

57,691,523
57,691,523
6,316
14,516
6,080

277,662
–
–
–
–

(i) 

Includes direct and indirect interests.

Company Secretary
Thomas Haselgrove B.Ec. CA 

Thomas Haselgrove is the Chief Financial Officer and 
Company Secretary with 26 years’ experience in audit, 
statutory accounting and commerce across a number of 
organisations in the food, beverage and FMCG sectors 
including Chiquita Brands, Southcorp and Ernst & Young. 
Thomas was appointed Company Secretary in 2006.

Principal Activities
During the year the principal activities of the Consolidated 
Group were hatching, farming, processing, sales and 
marketing of Atlantic salmon and ocean trout.

There were no significant changes in the nature of the 
activities of the Consolidated Group during the year.

Dividends
Dividends paid to members during the financial year 
were as follows:

Final ordinary dividend for the year ended 
30 June 2017 of 5.0 cents (2016 – nil) 
per ordinary share paid on 12 October 2017
Interim ordinary dividend for the year ended 
30 June 2018 of 5.0 cents (2017 – nil) 
per ordinary share paid on 12 April 2018

$’000

4,367

4,367

On 15 August 2018 the Directors recommended the 
payment of a final ordinary dividend of $4.4m (5.0 cents 
per ordinary share) to be paid on 11 October 2018 out of 
retained earnings at 30 June 2018. The dividend will be 
50% franked.

Review of Operations
Information on the operations and financial position 
of the Consolidated Group, and the Business Strategy 
and outlook are set out in the Chairman’s Message 
on pages 2 to 3 and the Managing Director’s Review 
on pages 4 to 7 of this Annual Report.

Changes in State of Affairs
There have been no significant changes in the 
state of affairs of the Consolidated Group during the 
financial year.

Matters Subsequent to the end of the 
Financial Year
On 15 August 2018, the Directors of the Company 
recommended the payment of a final ordinary dividend 
(refer Dividends above). The dividend has not been 
provided for in the 30 June 2018 financial statements.

No other matter or circumstance has arisen since 
30 June 2018 that has significantly affected the group’s 
operations, results or state of affairs, or may do so in 
future years.

23

Future Developments
Likely developments for the Consolidated Group are 
addressed through the Company’s Business Strategy. 
Further information on these developments are 
included in the Chairman’s Message and the Managing 
Director’s Review.

Directors’ and Directors’ Meetings
The following table sets out the number of Directors’ 
meetings (including meetings of Committees of Directors) 
held during the financial year and the number of meetings 
attended by each Director (while they were a Director or 
Committee Member). 

Board of Directors 
meetings

Audit and Risk 
Management Committee 
meetings

Remuneration and 
Nominations Committee 
meetings

Number 
Held

Number 
Attended

Number 
Held

Number 
Attended

Number 
Held

Number 
Attended

10
10
10
10
10

10
10
9
10
10

4
*
*
4
4

4
*
*
4
4

3
*
*
3
3

3
*
*
3
3

Director

Neil Kearney
Peter Bender
Frances Bender
Simon Lester
Tony Dynon

* Not a member of the Committee

The Consolidated Group employs a cross-functional team 
to manage compliance within the regulatory framework 
and guide a strategy of continuous improvement in 
environmental management and sustainability. 

Further details regarding the Consolidated Group’s 
sustainability and environmental management credentials 
and policies are outlined in the Chairman’s Message and 
Managing Director’s Review. The Directors are not aware 
of any significant environmental incidents arising from the 
operations of the Consolidated Group during the financial 
year and believe that all regulations have been materially 
met during the period covered by the Annual Report.

Share Options and Performance Rights
During or since the end of the financial year, 186,280 
performance rights were granted to Directors and Key 
Management Personnel. Refer to the remuneration report 
for further details of the performance rights granted 
and outstanding.

Environmental Regulation

The Consolidated Group is subject to significant 
regulation at both State and Commonwealth levels in 
respect of its hatchery operations, marine operations, 
land and use tenure and environmental requirements. 
This includes specific environmental permits, licences 
and statutory authorisations, trade and export and 
workplace health and safety.

The Consolidated Group has well established 
management frameworks for routinely and regularly 
monitoring compliance with the relevant regulatory 
requirements and to monitor and manage environmental 
compliance in relation to new regulations as they come 
into effect. Compliance within the regulatory framework 
is routinely reported to the Board.

24

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018 Directors’ Report continuedRemuneration Report

Introduction
This Remuneration Report for the financial year ended 
30 June 2018 outlines the Company’s remuneration 
structure in accordance with the requirements of 
the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (the Act), and the 
Corporations Regulations 2001 (Cth). This report provides 
remuneration information in relation to the Company’s 
Key Management Personnel (KMP) including for the 
Non-executive Directors (NEDs), Executive Directors 
(EDs), and Executive Management Group (EMG). KMP 
are those persons having authority and responsibility for 
planning, directing and controlling the activities of the 
Company, directly or indirectly, including any director 
(whether executive or otherwise) of the Company. This 
Remuneration Report has been audited as required by 
section 308(3C) of the Act.

Key Management Personnel (KMP)
The table below outlines the KMP for the financial year 
ended 30 June 2018 unless otherwise indicated.

Following the resignation of a senior manager at the end 
of FY2017, changes were made to the executive team 
to support decision making and achieve the Company’s 
strategic objectives. As a result David Morehead, 
Charles Hughes, and David Mitchell became members 
of the EMG from July 2017. Amounts disclosed in this 
Remuneration Report reflects their service as members 
of the EMG from July 2017 unless otherwise stated. 

Executive Directors
 – Peter Bender (Managing Director and  

Chief Executive Officer)

–  Frances Bender (Executive Director)

Non-executive Directors
 – Neil Kearney (Chairman and Non-executive Director)
 – Simon Lester (Non-executive Director)
–  Tony Dynon (Non-executive Director)

Executive Management Group
 – Philip Wiese (Deputy Chief Executive Officer)
–  Thomas Haselgrove (Chief Financial Officer  

and Company Secretary)

–  David Morehead (General Manager Marine 

Operations)

–  Charles Hughes (General Manager Commercial 

and Planning)

–  David Mitchell (General Manager Freshwater 

Operations)

Remuneration Governance
Huon’s remuneration framework, policies and practices 
are designed to create value for shareholders by 
ensuring the Company attracts, rewards and retains 
employees responsibly and fairly, with a focus on business 
outcomes, individual performance, the organisation’s risk 
management framework, and applicable regulations. 
Remuneration Policy is reviewed annually. Further 
information on the Company’s Remuneration Policy can 
be viewed on the Company website.

Remuneration and Nomination Committee (RNC)
The Remuneration and Nomination Committee (RNC) 
comprises of three independent NEDs (including the 
Chairman). As at 30 June 2018 the RNC comprised Simon 
Lester (Chairman), Neil Kearney and Tony Dynon.

The RNC has the responsibility for delivering 
remuneration recommendations to the Board to ensure 
that the Company is adopting appropriate and coherent 
remuneration policies that will attract, motivate and retain 
qualified and experienced KMP of the highest calibre.

The Board reviews and, where appropriate, approves the 
remuneration arrangements of the KMP after considering 
the recommendations of the RNC (including awards 
made under the short term incentive (STI) plans and 
long term incentive (LTI) plans). The Board also sets the 
combined remuneration pool for NEDs which is subject 
to shareholder approval. The RNC approves the level of 
the Consolidated Group’s STI plan pool, having regard 
to recommendations made by the CEO. The RNC meets 
throughout the year and the CEO and/or DCEO attends 
these meetings (by invitation only) when management input 
is required. The CEO is not present during discussions 
relating to his own remuneration. 

The RNC reviews the performance of KMP and reviews the 
assessment processes to ensure alignment of assessments 
towards the execution of the Company’s strategy. The 
RNC’s Charter can be viewed on the Company website.

Use Remuneration Consultants
From time to time the Board directly engage external 
advisers to provide input into the Company’s remuneration 
policies and into the process of reviewing KMP 
remuneration arrangements. No advice was sought or 
provided by external advisers during the financial year 
ended 30 June 2018. 

Securities Trading Policy
A Securities Trading Policy is in place to ensure that 
employees understand their obligation in relation to 
dealing in Huon shares. Huon Directors and all employees 
must comply with the insider trading prohibitions of the 
Corporations Act 2001. The policy imposes share trading 
blackouts on Directors and Restricted Employees prior 
to financial results announcements and other times as 
required. In addition, Directors and Restricted Employees 
with potential access to inside information are required to 
seek approval before dealing in Huon shares. The policy 
also restricts employees from entering into transactions 
which limit their economic risks, including in relation to 
the long term incentive (LTI) plans. The Securities Trading 
Policy can be viewed on the Company website. 

25

KMP Remuneration Arrangements – Executive Directors and Executive Management Group
The  following  information  relates  to  the  remuneration  arrangements  for  the  Executive  Directors  and  Executive  Management 
Group KMP. The NEDs remuneration structure is a separate and distinct framework in accordance with best practice corporate 
governance and is detailed in a separate section of this Remuneration Report. 

Remuneration Principles and Strategy 
Huon’s Remuneration Strategy is designed to attract, motivate and retain qualified and experienced KMP and align the interests 
of KMP with Huon’s shareholders. Huon’s objective is to build long-term shareholder value by continuing to be a recognised 
leader in the aquaculture industry though sustained growth and continuous improvement as a Tasmanian producer of world class 
salmon. Huon sees the retention of KMP as crucial to achieving this objective. 

Remuneration  consists  of  Fixed  Remuneration  and  performance  based  remuneration.  Payments  and  awards  of  performance 
based remuneration under the STI Cash bonus plan and, in certain circumstances, under the LTI Performance Rights plan, are 
subject to Board discretion as well as being subject to performance targets being met.

In  the  event  of  serious  misconduct  or  a  material  misstatement  in  the  Company’s  financial  statements  the  Remuneration 
Committee can cancel or defer performance-based remuneration and may also claw back performance-based remuneration 
paid in previous financial years.

Components of Remuneration
In the financial year ended 30 June 2018, the KMP remuneration structure comprised of market competitive fixed and variable 
remuneration including STI and LTI plans as detailed in the following table:

Component

Performance Measures

Fixed remuneration 
includes base salary, 
superannuation 
contributions, long service 
and annual leave and 
other benefits
STI Cash bonus

Multiple sources of data used to 
determine annual changes in fixed 
remuneration including competitive 
market data and each individuals 
performance and contribution 
during the year
 – Operating earnings (earnings 
excluding adjustments for 
biological assets) before 
interest, tax, depreciation and 
amortisation (50%)

 – Cash flow from operations (30%)
 – Lost time injury frequency rate 

(20%)

Weighting as  
% of TFR

N/A

Link to Performance

Consolidated Group performance 
as well as individual performance 
are considered during the annual 
remuneration review of fixed 
remuneration

 – DCEO  

Target = 40%

 – EMG 

Target = 30%

To provide short term incentive 
for KMP to remain in the 
Company and to recognise and 
reward contribution to short-term 
Company outcomes

LTI Performance Rights

 – Earnings (earnings excluding 

 – MD/CEO 

adjustments for biological assets) 
per share growth (50%)
 – Return on assets (50%)

Target = 100%

 – DCEO 

Target = 40%

 – EMG  

Target = 30%

The LTI plan provides a reward 
to KMP for their contribution to 
the achievement of forecasted 
objectives and long term 
shareholder value. The LTI 
plan also rewards KMP for 
their continued service with the 
Company and seeks to retain KMP 
in the long-term.

26

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018 Directors’ Report Remuneration Report continued Remuneration Overview 
Huon aims to attract, motivate and retain qualified and experienced KMP by aligning KMP interests with those of shareholders 
and  by  providing  reward  through  market  competitive  fixed  and  variable  remuneration.  The  proportion  of  fixed  and  variable 
remuneration is established for KMP by Board approval following recommendations from the RNC. 

The following summarises the target remuneration mix of KMP for the financial year ended 30 June 2017 and 2018: 

Chief Executive Officer
Executive Director
Deputy Chief Executive Officer
Executive Management Group

Fixed

50%
100%
56%
62%

Target STI

Target LTI

Total %

–
–
22%
19%

50%
–
22%
19%

100%
100%
100%
100%

The percentages in this table are based on a split of fixed remuneration and incentives for achieving STI and LTI plan targets as 
determined by the Board. 

Fixed Remuneration
Total Fixed Remuneration (TFR) includes base salary, superannuation contributions, long service and annual leave and other 
benefits (such as termination benefits).

Remuneration levels are reviewed annually to ensure KMP are offered market competitive fixed remuneration that reflects the 
responsibility, qualifications and experience required of the KMP. 

There are a range of fringe benefits which KMP can incorporate into the total cost of their remuneration package. These fringe 
benefits may include, but are not limited to, motor vehicles and car parking. Whatever the cash component and fringe benefit 
value,  the  total  employment  cost  of  any  KMP  remuneration  package  is  taken  into  account  when  determining  fixed  annual 
remuneration for KMP.

Details of 2017 and 2018 fixed remuneration levels are provided below:

KMP

Peter Bender
Frances Bender
Philip Wiese
Thomas Haselgrove
David Morehead (i)
Charles Hughes (i)
David Mitchell (i)

(i)    Not KMP in 2017, therefore no comparative information has been provided.

Fixed remuneration

2018
$

551,923
191,594
428,802
317,814
302,567
283,024
267,747

2017
$

609,017
215,066
432,004
312,713
–
–
–

27

Variable Remuneration – STI Plan

KMP except for the CEO and Executive Director are eligible to participate in Huon’s STI plan. Huon’s annual STI plan is designed 
to  recognise  the  contribution  and  achievement  of  financial  and  operational  targets  as  determined  by  the  Board  and  CEO.   
The target annual STI that may be awarded to KMP is expressed as a percentage of their respective TFR.

Key Features of STI Plan

Who participates?
How is STI plan 
delivered?

What is the STI plan 
opportunity?

What are the 
performance conditions 
for FY2018?

Why the financial 
measures were chosen?

How is performance 
assessed?

What happens if KMP 
leave?

KMP (Except for the CEO and Executive Director)
Payment of cash incentive.

Payment will be made subject to Board discretion and subject to performance targets being met.
An opportunity for KMP (except CEO and Executive Director) to earn an annual incentive 
payment calculated as a percentage of their annual fixed remuneration conditional on the 
achievement of financial and non-financial measures. Target STI maximum opportunity 
of 40% of fixed remuneration for the DCEO and maximum opportunity of 30% of fixed 
remuneration for the EMG.
Actual STI plan payments awarded to each member of KMP depend on the extent to which 
specific targets set at the beginning of the financial year are met. The CEO and Executive 
Director do not participate in the STI Plan. The target consists of key performance indicators 
(KPIs) including financial objectives. For FY2018 the performance measures under the STI 
plan were as follows:
 – Operating earnings (earnings excluding adjustment for biological assets) before interest, 

tax, depreciation and amortisation

 – Cashflow from operations
 – Lost time injury frequency rate
The financial and operational measures were chosen as they represent the key drivers for 
the short term success of Huon’s business and provide a framework for delivery of long term 
value to shareholders from Huon’s strategy.
The RNC considers the performance against financial and operational targets at the 
end of the financial year (with the financial targets verified by the auditors) and makes 
recommendations to the Board for the amount, if any, to be paid to the KMP.
Where cessation of employment occurs, the Board may determine the treatment of any award 
that has been granted to KMP in accordance with Plan Rules which may include forfeiture. 

The Board has discretion to award an STI plan amount on a pro-rata basis taking into 
account time and current level of performance of the KMP against the performance hurdles.

The following table represents the target annual STI opportunity as a percentage of TFR for KMP in 2017 and 2018.

KMP

Philip Wiese
Thomas Haselgrove
David Morehead (i)
Charles Hughes (i)
David Mitchell (i)

(i)    Not KMP in 2017, therefore no comparative information has been provided.

STI value 
as % of 
TFR 2018

STI value 
as % of 
TFR 2017

40%
30%
30%
30%
30%

40%
30%
–
–
–

28

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018 Directors’ Report Remuneration Report continued Variable Remuneration – LTI Plan 

Huon’s LTI plan applies to KMP (except for the Executive Director) and is designed to align remuneration with long term shareholder 
value and assist in the motivation, retention and reward of KMP. The RNC reviews all LTI plan offers made to KMP. Shareholder 
approval is obtained before any LTI plan grants are made to the CEO in accordance with ASX Listing Rules.

Key Features of the LTI Plan

Who participates?
How is the LTI plan 
delivered?
What are the 
performance hurdles 
under the FY2018 LTI 
performance rights 
grant?

When do the FY2018 LTI 
plan performance rights 
vest?

How are grants treated 
on termination?

How are grants treated 
if a change of control 
occurs?

Do participants receive 
distributions or dividends 
on unvested LTI grants?

KMP (except for the Executive Director)
Granting of performance rights to KMP. These rights provide the KMP with the ability to 
convert the rights to ordinary shares of the Group upon meeting the performance conditions.
Performance rights issued under the FY2018 LTI Plan are subject to two separate 
performance measures: 

 – 50% of the performance rights will be subject to a vesting condition based on earnings per 

share compound annual growth rate (EPS CAGR) over the performance period; and
–  50% of the performance rights will be subject to a vesting condition based on Return on 

Assets (ROA) over the performance period.

Both performance hurdles have threshold levels which need to be achieved before vesting 
commences. Details of these hurdles and thresholds are outlined in the following section.
The performance period for the 2018 LTI plan is the period from 1 July 2017 to 30 June 
2020. The performance rights granted will vest subject to the performance hurdles associated 
with the grant and to the extent that certain performance based conditions are achieved in 
the relevant performance period. 

Performance rights that have vested may be exercised until the applicable expiry date. If any 
shares are issued following exercise of a vested performance right prior to the applicable 
expiry date then they may not be sold or transferred before 1 July 2020.
Where cessation of a KMP’s employment occurs, any unvested LTI plan performance rights 
(or vested and unexercised performance rights) are forfeited, unless deemed otherwise by 
the Board.

For any other reason, the Board may at its discretion retain a pro-rated (based on time) 
portion of awards on-foot and subject to original performance hurdles.
In the event of a change of control, the performance rights may vest at the Board’s discretion. 
In determining whether to exercise its discretion, the Board will have regard to all relevant 
circumstances, including the level of satisfaction of the performance conditions over the 
performance period from the grant date to the date of the relevant change in control event.

If a company obtains control of the Company as a result of a takeover bid or another 
corporate action, the company acquiring control (Acquiring Company) and the KMPs 
may agree together that on the vesting of performance rights, the KMP receive shares in 
the Acquiring Company in lieu of shares in the Company, on substantially the same terms 
as before.
Participants do not receive distribution or dividends on unvested LTI plan grants.

The following table represents the annual LTI allocation as a percentage of TFR for KMP in 2017 and 2018:

KMP

Peter Bender
Philip Wiese
Thomas Haselgrove
David Morehead (i) 
Charles Hughes (i)
David Mitchell (i)

(i)    Not KMP in 2017, therefore no comparative information has been provided.

LTI value 
as % of 
2018

LTI value 
as % of 
TFR 2017

100%
40%
30%
30%
30%
30%

100%
40%
30%
–
–
–

29

2018 LTI Plan Hurdles explained
Performance  rights  issued  under  the  2018  LTI  Plan  are  subject  to  two  separate  performance  measures:  50  percent  of  the 
performance rights will be subject to an EPS CAGR vesting condition; and 50 percent will be subject to a ROA vesting condition. 
These performance hurdles were chosen by the Board as they believe both EPS CAGR and ROA are transparent, well understood 
and appropriate mechanisms to measure performance and provide a strong link between KMP reward and shareholder wealth 
creation. Both hurdles are explained in more detail below:

EPS compound annual growth rate (‘CAGR’)

Vesting outcome

Less than 7.5% CAGR
7.5% CAGR
Above 7.5% CAGR but below 10% CAGR
10% CAGR or greater

Nil
50%
Pro-rata from 50-99%
100%

Earnings per share compound annual growth is calculated as the net profit after income tax (NPAT) (excluding adjustment for 
biological assets) divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares on issue. Compared to an absolute profit measure, 
EPS takes into account changes in the equity base and for this reason it is preferred to other profit based metrics. 

ROA (return for the reporting period)

Less than 10% return
10% return
Above 10% return but below 15% return
15% return or greater

Vesting outcome

Nil
50%
Pro-rata from 50-99%
100%

Return on Assets (ROA) is calculated as statutory earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) (excluding adjustment for biological 
assets), divided by total assets excluding cash and fair value adjustment on biological assets (average of opening and closing 
balance). ROA is an appropriate measure for asset intensive industries which reinforces the need to invest capital on projects 
with a superior return. 

KMP Remuneration Outcomes (Including Link to Performance)

Huon’s Financial and Operational Performance 

Performance measure

Unit

2018

2017

Operating earnings before interest, tax, 
depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA)
Cash flow from operations (CF)
Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR)(i)
Earnings per share (EPS) (Operating)(ii) 
Return on Assets (ROA) (Operating)(iii)
Dividend
Dividend payout ratio (Operating)
Share price (30 June)

$m
$m
hours/million
Cents
%
$m
%
$

71.8
57.9
4
40.53
10.4%
8.7
24.7%
4.46

62.8
54.0
3
32.90
10.2%
–
–
4.93

2016

26.4
16.3
7
5.13
2.4%
–
–
3.50

2015

40.5
17.3
27
25.64
10.7%
0.8
3.9%
3.40

(i)   

(ii) 

 Long term injury frequency rate is the number of lost time injuries within a given year relative to the total number of hours worked in the same period 
multiplied by 1 million.

 Earnings per share compound annual growth is calculated as the net profit after income tax (NPAT) (excluding adjustment for biological assets) divided 
by the weighted average number of ordinary shares on issue.

(iii)   Return on Assets (ROA) is calculated as statutory earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) (excluding adjustment for biological assets), divided by total 

assets excluding cash and fair value adjustment on biological assets (average of opening and closing balance).

30

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018 Directors’ Report Remuneration Report continued Consolidated Group performance and its link to STI
Performance against STI plan targets
The following table shows the Company’s 2018 STI performance scorecard measures, weightings and outcomes as applied to 
the KMP. 

Performance Measures

Description

Weighting

Outcome

Comment

Operating earnings 
before interest, 
tax, depreciation 
and amortisation 
(Operating EBITDA)
Cash flow from 
operation (CF)

Statutory EBITDA excluding 
adjustment for biological 
assets. 

Statutory cashflow from 
operations.

Lost time injury 
frequency rate (LTIFR)

Lost time injury frequency rates 
are the number of lost time 
injuries within a given year 
relative to the total number 
of hours worked in the same 
period multiplied by 1 million.

50%

30%

20%

Target not 
achieved

Target 
achieved

Target not 
achieved

Operating EBITDA is seen as a 
good guide of the current trading 
performance of the Company as it is 
the profitability adjusted for finance 
cost and reinvestment in assets
Cashflow from operations is an 
important driver of flexibility for the 
Company to continue to develop its 
farming systems and to capitalise on 
opportunities in the market.
Staff are a key asset to Huon and 
as such their safety is paramount. 
A reduction in LTIFR is a key part of 
the safety program.

STI Outcomes for KMP for 2018
The following table provides a summary of STI outcomes and payments for the 2018 performance year. 

KMP

Philip Wiese
Thomas Haselgrove
David Morehead
Charles Hughes
David Mitchell

STI target
$

149,325
80,702
80,707
74,114
74,114

Target 
STI as %
of TFR

40%
30%
30%
30%
30%

Total STI
Foregone(i)
$

 44,798 
 24,211 
 24,212 
 22,234 
 22,234 

Total STI
forfeited
$

 104,527 
 56,491 
 56,495 
 51,880 
 51,880 

Total STI
achieved
as % of 
STI target

0%
0%
0%
0%
0%

(i)  EMG agreed to forgo STI benefits for FY2018 due to certain KPI measures not being achieved during FY2018.

Consolidated Group performance and its link to LTI
Performance Against LTI Plan Targets
The following table shows the performance periods and outcomes for the 2015 LTI Plan which covers the performance period 
1  July  2015  to  30  June  2018  and  is  assessed  in  FY2018.  The  total  vesting  outcome  for  the  three  year  period  is  43.6%  of 
performance rights issued. Any performance rights under the 2015 LTI Plan that do not vest as result of the vesting outcomes 
will lapse.

The 2016 and 2017 LTI Plans will be assessed against their performance periods and outcomes at the completion of FY2019 
and FY2020 respectively.

LTI Plan

Performance Period/Outcome

Measure

FY2016

2015

Measure
Outcome 
1 July 2015 – 30 June 2016
Outcome 
1 July 2015 – 30 June 2017
Outcome 
1 July 2015 – 30 June 2018

EPS (cents)
EPS (GAGR)
ROA (%)
EPS
ROA
EPS
ROA
EPS
ROA

5.13c
(80.0%)
2.4%
0%
0%
N/A
0%
N/A
0%

FY2017

32.90c
13.3%
10.2%
–
–
100%
52%
N/A
52%

FY2018

Vesting %

40.53c
16.5%
10.4%
–
–
–
–
100%
54%

0%
0%
100%
26%
100%
35%

31

LTI transactions for KMP for 2018
The following table details the Performance Rights made to KMP during FY2018. 

KMP – Performance rights granted

Peter Bender
Philip Wiese
Thomas Haselgrove
David Morehead
Charles Hughes
David Mitchell

(i)    Fair value has been rounded to 2 decimal places

Grant date

30 Nov 2017
30 Nov 2017
30 Nov 2017
30 Nov 2017
30 Nov 2017
30 Nov 2017

Units 
granted

96,575
29,186
15,773
15,774
14,486
14,486

Fair value (i) 

$

4.01
4.01
4.01
4.01
4.01
4.01

KMP – Performance rights held
The following table details the Performance Rights held and the movement during FY2018.

Name 
Grant Date
Peter Bender
 – 25 November 2015
 – 30 November 2016 
 – 30 November 2017
Philip Wiese
 – 19 October 2015
 – 30 November 2016
 – 30 November 2017
Thomas Haselgrove
 – 19 October 2015
 – 30 November 2016
 – 30 November 2017
David Morehead
 – 19 October 2015
 – 30 November 2016
 – 30 November 2017
Charles Hughes
 – 19 October 2015
 – 30 November 2016
 – 30 November 2017
David Mitchell
 – 19 October 2015
 – 30 November 2016
 – 30 November 2017

Held 
at Start 
of Year

47,834
134,380
–

14,478
40,612
–

7,824
21,948
–

15,647
21,950
–

14,369
20,156
–

14,369
20,156
–

 Granted
During
Year

Other(i)

Forfeited

Vested

47,834
–
–

14,478
–
–

7,823
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
96,575

–
–
29,186

–
–
15,773

–
–
15,774

–
–
14,486

–
–
14,486

(33,172)
(15,789)
–

(10,039)
(4,771)
–

(5,425)
(2,578)
–

(5,425)
(2,579)
–

(4,981)
(2,368)
–

(4,981)
(2,368)
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

(i)    Amounts incorrectly shown as Forfeited in the 2017 Report

Total 
fair value
 of grant 
2018
$

387,057
116,973
63,216
63,220
58,058
58,058

Unvested 
at End 
of Year

62,496
118,591
96,575

18,917
35,841
29,186

10,222
19,370
15,773

10,222
19,371
15,774

9,388
17,788
14,486

9,388
17,788
14,486

32

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018 Directors’ Report Remuneration Report continued KMP Contracts 
Remuneration arrangements for KMP (excluding NEDs) are formalised in employment agreements. The following section of this 
Remuneration Report outlines key contractual details for Executives and KMP.

Contractual arrangements
The following table shows the key contractual arrangements for KMP: 

KMP Member

Peter Bender
Frances Bender
Philip Wiese
Thomas Haselgrove
David Morehead
Charles Hughes
David Mitchell

Contract Type

Ongoing contract
Ongoing contract
Ongoing contract
Ongoing contract
Ongoing contract
Ongoing contract
Ongoing contract

Fixed Remuneration(i)
$

Access 
to STI

Access 
to LTI

494,107
160,551
373,312
269,006
269,023
247,045
247,045

No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes

Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes

(i)  Superannuation is paid in addition to fixed remuneration

Managing Director (MD) and CEO
The MD and CEO (the CEO) is employed under an ongoing contract which can be terminated with notice by either the Company 
or the CEO. Termination provisions are as follows:

Resignation
Termination for cause

Termination in cases of death, disablement, 
redundancy or notice without cause

Notice Period 
and/or 
Notice in Lieu

12 months
None

Restraint 
Period

3 months
3 months

12 months

3 months

Treatment 
of STI

Treatment 
of LTI

Nil
Nil

Nil

Unvested awards forfeited
Vested and unexercised 
awards forfeited
Pro-rated for time and 
remain on-foot subject 
to original performance 
hurdles

33

Executive Director (ED)
The Executive Director (ED) is employed under an ongoing contract which can be terminated with notice by either the Company 
or the ED. The ED may be entitled to receive incentive payments or additional benefits (such as performance rights under the 
Long Term Incentive Plan in the future, subject to law and compliance with Listing Rules). Termination provisions are as follows:

Resignation
Termination for cause
Termination in cases of death, disablement, 
redundancy or notice without cause

Notice Period 
and/or 
Notice in Lieu

12 months
None

Restraint 
Period

3 months
3 months

12 months

3 months

Treatment 
of STI

Treatment 
of LTI

Nil
Nil

Nil

Nil
Nil

Nil

Executive Management Group 
Members of the executive management group are employed under ongoing contracts which can be terminated with notice by 
either the Company or the employee. Termination provisions are as follows:

Notice Period 
and/or 
Notice in Lieu

Restraint 
Period

Treatment 
of STI

Treatment 
of LTI

Resignation

3 months

3 months

Termination for cause

None

3 months

Unvested awards 
forfeited
Unvested awards 
forfeited

Unvested awards 
forfeited
Unvested awards 
forfeited

Vested and unexercised awards forfeited
Termination in cases of death, disablement, 
redundancy or notice without cause

3 months

3 months

Pro-rated for time 
and performance

Pro-rated for time 
and remain on-foot 
subject to original 
performance 
hurdles

34

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018 Directors’ Report Remuneration Report continued  
KMP Remuneration for the Financial Year ended 30 June 2018
The following table of KMP remuneration has been prepared in accordance with accounting standards and the Corporations Act 
2001 requirements. The amounts shown relating to share based remuneration are equal to the accounting expense recognised 
in the Company’s financial statements in respect of the LTI grants to KMP. The amounts disclosed do not reflect the actual cash 
amount received in this year or in future years. 

Fixed Remuneration

Non-
Monetary
$

Long Service 
and Annual
Leave
$

Other
$

Variable 
Remuneration

Super-
annuation
$

Cash 
Bonus
$

Performance
Rights(i)
$

Performance
related 
%

Total
$ 

Salary 
and Fees
Year
$
Executive Directors
Peter Bender
2018
2017
Frances Bender
2018
2017

160,371
155,644

514,986
493,035

14,647
10,184

–
–

Key Management Personnel

–
–

Philip Wiese
398,681
2018
2017
362,677
Thomas Haselgrove
53,492
215,213
2018
2017
60,580
200,205
David Morehead (from July 2017)
–
268,722
2018
2017
–
–
Charles Hughes (from July 2017)
–
246,769
2018
2017
–
–
David Mitchell (from July 2017)
246,769
2018
–
2017

–
–

Total

2018
2017

2,051,511
1,211,561

68,139
70,764

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

(2,815)
74,034

25,105
31,764

7,647
25,172

23,576
34,250

–
–

–
–

411,388
122,865

963,311
731,882

–
–

191,594
215,066

25,805
29,376

–
144,976

124,039
37,172

552,841
614,152

4,316
39,951

23,582
25,722

8,316
–

12,812
–

25,527
26,206

25,529
–

23,443
–

(2,465)
–

23,443
–

–
78,351

67,031
20,090

384,845
411,154

–
–

–
–

–
–

67,035
–

369,602
–

61,559
–

344,583
–

61,559
–

329,306
–

51,393
164,879

172,428
121,596

–
223,327

792,611 3,136,082
180,127 1,972,254

(i)  Amounts recognised for Performance Rights relate to the expense recognised for the period.

43%
17%

–
–

22%
30%

17%
24%

18%
–

18%
–

19%
–

25%
20%

35

 
Non-executive Director (NED) Remuneration
The RNC seeks to set a combined remuneration level that provides the Company with the capability to attract and retain NEDs 
of the highest calibre and meets acceptable costing levels for shareholders.

The combined remuneration level sought to be approved by shareholders and the NED fee structure will be reviewed annually 
against fees paid to NEDs from equivalent companies (S&P ASX 200 listed companies with market capitalisation of 50% to 200% 
of the Company as well as similar sized industry comparators). The RNC may also take advice from independent remuneration 
consultants when undertaking the annual review process.

The Company’s Constitution stipulates that the Board shall determine the total amount paid to each NED as remuneration for 
their services to the Company. Under the ASX Listing Rules, the total amount of fees paid to NEDs must not, in any financial year, 
exceed the amount determined by the Company in a general meeting or until so determined by the Board. This amount has been 
determined by the Board to be $800,000. 

NEDs receive a Board fee and fees for chairing or participating on Board Committees (refer table below). NEDs do not receive 
remuneration that is calculated as a commission or a percentage of operating revenue or profits. Superannuation is included in 
all NED remuneration. NEDs do not participate in any incentive programs.

From 
1 September 
2017 
$

From 
1 August 
2014 
$

160,000
70,000

160,000
70,000

20,000
10,000
20,000
10,000

20,000
–
20,000
–

Base fee
Chair (no other fees receivable)
Other non-executive directors
Additional fees
Audit and Risk Management Committee – Chair
Audit and Risk Management Committee – member
Remuneration and Nomination Committee – Chair
Remuneration and Nomination Committee – member

Non-executive Directors
–  Neil Kearney (Chairman and Non-executive Director)
–  Peter Margin (Chairman and Non-executive Director) (Retired 30 August 2016)
–  Simon Lester (Non-executive Director)
–  Tony Dynon (Non-executive Director)

The table below shows the actual NED remuneration for FY2017 and FY2018. 

Base
$

146,119
132,131

–
21,020

61,324
61,758

61,324
51,104

268,767
266,013

ARC
$

–
3,333

–
–

10,000
8,333

20,000
16,667

30,000
28,333

RNC
$

–
–

–
3,333

20,000
16,667

10,000
8,333

30,000
28,333

Super
annuation
$

Total 
$

13,881
12,869

160,000
148,333

–
2,314

8,676
8,242

8,676
7,230

31,233
30,655

–
26,667

100,000
95,000

100,000
83,334

360,000
353,334

Neil Kearney (Chairman)
2018
2017
Peter Margin (Chairman)
2018
2017
Simon Lester
2018
2017
Tony Dynon
2018
2017
Total Non-executive Director remuneration
2018
2017

36

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018 Directors’ Report Remuneration Report continued Director and KMP Shareholdings
The table below refers to direct shareholdings only. 

Neil Kearney(i)
Simon Lester(i)
Tony Dynon(i)
Peter Bender
Frances Bender
Peter and Frances Bender(i)
Philip Wiese(i)
Thomas Haselgrove
David Morehead
Charles Hughes(i)
David Mitchell

(i) 

Includes indirect holdings

Balance 
at start of 
FY2018 

Acquired 
during 
FY2018 

6,316
14,516
–
13,098,477
5,794
44,587,252
6,240
15,000
30,423
6,585
6,830

–
–
6,080
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Other 
changes 
during 
FY2018 

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(17,836)
–
–

Balance 
at end of 
FY2018 

6,316
14,516
6,080
13,098,477
5,794
44,587,252
6,240
15,000
12,587
6,585
6,830

Loans to KMP and their Related Parties 
The Company has not issued any loans to its Directors or KMP or their related parties.

Other Transactions and Balances with KMP and their Related Parties 

Related Entity Name

Relevant KMP

Nature of transaction

Amount transacted 
during the financial 
year period 
$

James Bender Contracting Pty Ltd (JBC)*
PAB Contracting Pty Ltd (PAB)*

Peter, Frances Bender
Peter, Frances Bender

Lease of equipment to Huon
Lease of equipment to Huon

454,091
82,909

* Based on commercial terms.

37

Indemnification of Directors, Officers and Auditors
The Company indemnifies current and former Directors and officers for any loss arising from any claim by reason of any wrongful 
act committed by them in their capacity as a director or officer (subject to certain exclusions as required by law). During the 2018 
financial year, Huon paid a total of $66,512 in premiums for Directors and Officers Liability insurance. The Company has not 
otherwise, during or since the end of the financial year, except to the extent permitted by law, indemnified or agreed to indemnify 
an officer or auditor of the Company or of any related body corporate against a liability incurred as such by an officer or auditor.

Auditor’s Independence Declaration
There were no former partners or directors of PricewaterhouseCoopers, the Company’s auditor, who are or were at any time 
during the financial year an officer of the Company.

A copy of the auditor’s independence declaration as required under section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001 is set out on 
page 40 and forms part of this Directors’ Report.

Non-Audit Services
The Company may decide to employ the auditor for assignments additional to their statutory audit duties where the auditor’s 
expertise and experience with the Company and/or the Consolidated Group are important.

During the year the following fees were paid or payable for non-audit services provided by the auditor (PricewaterhouseCoopers 
Australia), its related practices and non-related audit firms are set out below:

PricewaterhouseCoopers Australia
Audit and other assurance services
Audit and review of financial statements
Other assurance services - Audit of grant acquittal
Total remuneration for audit services

Taxation & other advisory services
Taxation & other advisory services
Other advisory services
Total remuneration for taxation & other advisory services

Total remuneration of PricewaterhouseCoopers Australia

Consolidated 
2018 
$

Consolidated 
2017 
$

200,000
–
200,000

240,000
–
240,000

40,800
7,800
48,600

96,900
3,000
99,900

248,600

339,900

The Board of Directors has considered the position and, in accordance with advice received from the Audit and Risk Management 
Committee, is satisfied that the provision of the non-audit services is compatible with the general standard of independence for 
auditors imposed by the Corporations Act 2001.

The Directors are satisfied that the provision of non-audit services by the auditor, as set out above, did not compromise the 
auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 for the following reasons:

(i)    All non-audit services have been reviewed by the Audit and Risk Management Committee to ensure they do not impact the 

impartiality and objectivity of the auditor.

(ii)   None of the services undermine the general principles relating to auditor independence as set out in APES 110 Code of Ethics 

for Professional Accountants.

38

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018 Directors’ Report continuedProceedings on Behalf of the Company
There were no proceedings brought, or intervened in, on behalf of the Company with 
leave under section 237 of the Corporations Act 2001.

Rounding of Amounts
The Company is of a kind referred to in ASIC Corporations Instrument 2016/191, 
issued by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, relating to the 
‘rounding off’ of amounts in the directors’ report and financial report. Amounts in the 
directors’ report and financial report have been rounded off to the nearest thousand 
dollars in accordance with that Class Order, or in certain cases, to the nearest dollar.

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

Neil Kearney  
Chairman  
15 August 2018

Peter Bender  
Managing Director and CEO  
15 August 2018

39

Auditor’s Independence Declaration

Auditor’s Independence Declaration 
As lead auditor for the audit of Huon Aquaculture Group Limited for the year ended 30 June 2018, I 
declare that to the best of my knowledge and belief, there have been:  

(a) 

no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 in 
relation to the audit; and 

(b) 

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

This declaration is in respect of Huon Aquaculture Group Limited and the entities it controlled during 
the period. 

Daniel Rosenberg 
Partner  
PricewaterhouseCoopers

   Melbourne 
          15 August 2018 

PricewaterhouseCoopers, ABN 52 780 433 757 
2 Riverside Quay, SOUTHBANK  VIC  3006, GPO Box 1331, MELBOURNE  VIC  3001 
T: 61 3 8603 1000, F: 61 3 8603 1999, www.pwc.com.au 

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. 

40

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate Governance Statement

The Board of Directors (Board) of Huon Aquaculture 
Group Limited (Huon) is responsible for the 
corporate governance of the Company. The Board 
guides and monitors the business and affairs of the 
Company on behalf of the shareholders. Strong 
corporate governance is an important aspect in 
ensuring that Huon creates sustainable long-term 
value for its shareholders.

Huon is committed to ensuring high standards of 
corporate governance. This statement outlines the key 
aspects of Huon’s governance framework and its principal 
governance practices.

The Board believes that Huon’s policies and practices 
comply in all material respects with the ASX Corporate 
Governance Council’s Corporate Governance Principles 
(3rd Edition) (ASX Principles and Recommendations) with 
the exception of Recommendation 7.3 (Internal Audit 
function) as detailed in this Statement.

This Corporate Governance Statement was approved 
by the Board and is current as at 15 August 2018.

Further information about Huon’s corporate 
governance practices and policies can be found  
on the Company’s website. 

Principle 1:  
Lay solid foundations for management 
and oversight

Role of Board and Management
The Board represents shareholders’ interests and is 
accountable for the overall operation and stewardship of 
the Company and, in particular, for its long-term growth 
and profitability. The Board is responsible for evaluating 
and setting the strategic direction of the Company, 
establishing goals for management and monitoring 
the achievement of these goals. 

Huon’s Board Charter sets out the Board’s key 
responsibilities as follows:

Strategy 
–  providing input to, and approval of, the Company’s 
strategic direction and budgets as developed by 
management;

–  directing, monitoring and assessing the Company’s 
performance against strategic and business plans;
–  reviewing the adequacy of resources for management 
to properly carry out approved strategies and business 
plans; and

–  approving and monitoring capital management and 

major capital expenditure, acquisitions and divestments.

Risk management and reporting
–  identifying the principal risks and overseeing appropriate 

control and management systems for them;

–  reviewing and ratifying the Company’s system of risk 
management and internal compliance and control; 
–  determining that satisfactory arrangements are in place 

for auditing the Company’s financial affairs; and
–  approving and monitoring material internal and 

external financial and other reporting.

Relationship with management
–  appointment and removal of the Chief Executive Officer 

(CEO) and Company Secretary;

–  approving the remuneration framework and overseeing 

remuneration policies and Executive Management 
performance; and

–  establishing and monitoring executive succession 

planning.

Monitoring of performance
–  approving criteria for assessing performance of 

Executive Management and monitoring and evaluating 
their performance; and

–  undertaking an annual evaluation of the performance 

of the Board.

Corporate governance
The Board is responsible for ensuring that policies and 
compliance systems are in place consistent with the 
Company’s objectives and best practice and that the 
Company and its employees act legally, ethically and 
responsibly on all matters.

The Board has adopted a Delegated Authority Policy 
which outlines the reserved and delegated responsibilities 
of the Board and the responsibilities of the Executive 
Management when delegated authority. The CEO and 
Executive Management are responsible for matters 
primarily relating to the day-to-day operations and 
management of the Company and are accountable to 
the Board.

The Board’s role and the Company’s corporate 
governance practices and policies are being continually 
reviewed and improved as the business grows and 
develops.

Board appointments
The responsibility for the selection of potential Directors 
lies with the Board of the Company. Appropriate 
background and other checks are undertaken before 
candidates are considered and appointed by the Board. 
Directors are initially appointed by the Board subject 
to election by shareholders at the next Annual General 
Meeting. Shareholders are provided with all material 
information on whether or not to elect or re-elect a 
person as a Director including whether the person will 
qualify as an independent Director.

Under the Company’s Constitution the tenure of Directors 
is subject to reappointment by shareholders not later than 
the third anniversary following his/her appointment. 

Written agreements with Directors and 
Executive Management
Directors have a formal letter of appointment that sets 
out the key terms and conditions of their appointment. 
All Directors also sign a Deed which covers issues 
including indemnity, directors’ and officers’ liability 
insurance, the right to obtain independent advice and 
requirements concerning confidential information. 
Executive Management are also engaged under a written 
agreement setting out the terms of their employment.

41

Company Secretary
The Company Secretary is accountable to the Board, 
through the Chairman of the Board, on all matters to 
do with the proper functioning of the Board and Board 
Committees. This includes:

–  Board agendas
–  Board papers and minutes 
–  advising the Board and its Committees on 

governance matters 

–  monitoring the implementation of Board and 
Committee policies and procedures; and 

–  statutory and other filings and communication 

with regulatory bodies and the ASX.

Diversity policy
In 2014, Huon’s Board endorsed its Diversity Policy. 
The Diversity Policy reflects the Company’s approach 
to managing its greatest asset, its people.

Huon is recognised as an Employer of Choice by 
the Tasmanian Government in acknowledgement of 
the highly innovative working culture, opportunities 
for career growth and the family culture within the 
workforce.

Huon’s workforce is made up of many individuals with 
diverse skills, values, experiences and backgrounds. 
The Company is committed to supporting and further 
developing this diversity through attracting, recruiting, 
engaging and retaining diverse talent and aligning its 
culture and systems with this commitment.

The Company believes that commitment to diversity 
creates competitive advantage and enhances employee 
participation which is essential to the success of the 
business. The Board has set measurable objectives and 
the aim of these is to create an environment conducive 
to the appointment of well qualified and experienced 
Board members, Executive Management Group, Senior 
Management team and employees critical to the success 
of the Company.

Diversity objectives
–  Foster an inclusive culture of workplace diversity
–  Apply and promote Flexible Work Practices Policy
–  Present diversity data on Huon’s Sustainability 

Dashboard

–  Ensure appropriately qualified and relevantly 

experienced women are considered at short list 
stage for Board appointments

–  Progressively increase female representation where 
the business unit is at less than 20% with specific 
focus on operational areas

–  Progressively increase female participation in Huon’s 
Leadership Education and Development Programs

–  Align selection practices to deliver an equal mix 
of male and females students for school based 
apprenticeships.

42

Progress with diversity objectives
There has been steady progress towards achieving the 
diversity objectives with systems and structured programs 
in place to support employees from early career stages in 
developing the necessary skills and relevant experience 
for leadership roles.

Progress for this reporting period is as follows:

–  Implementation of Paid Parental Leave and Domestic 

Violence Leave 

–  Implementation of a Remuneration Framework to 
ensure equitable remuneration across the business

–  An overall increase of female representation in 
Management positions across the business

–  Promotions of female employees into management 

positions increased by 19%

–  A 26% participation rate of female employees in 

Huon’s Leadership Program

–  Facilitation of “Women on Water” Scholarship to 

encourage and support a higher representation of 
female employees in marine related roles.

The Company continues to prioritise merit and 
competency base selection criteria at the same time 
recognising diversity in each application of its recruitment 
and promotion methods. The Company anticipates a 
long and steady increase in female workforce proportion 
particularly in relevant key roles and as such has not set 
a gender target. 

Diversity outcomes
–  20% (2017: 20%) female proportion on the Board
–  0% (2017: 0%) female proportion in Executive 

Management Group

–  15% (2017: 13%) female proportion in Senior 

Management

–  13% (2017: 13%) female proportion Management
–  19% (2017: 21%) female proportion Company wide

Workplace Gender Equality Agency WGEA Report
The Company lodged its annual public report with the 
Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) including 
gender pay equity and achieved compliance status. A copy 
of the report can be viewed on the Company website.

Board performance evaluation
The Board adopted a self-evaluation process to review its 
own, its Committees’ and individual Directors performance 
during FY2018. The Board also reviews the composition 
and skills mix of the Directors on an ongoing basis to 
ensure that the Board has the necessary and desirable 
competencies to govern effectively. 

Executive Management performance evaluation 
Arrangements are in place by the Board to monitor 
and assess the performance of the CEO and Executive 
Management each financial year. These include:

–  a review of the Company’s financial and operating 

performance against targets; and

–  performance appraisals incorporating an analysis of 
the key performance indicators with each individual.

The Board conducts the performance evaluation of the 
CEO and the CEO conducts the performance evaluations 
of the Executive Management.

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018 Corporate Governance Statement continuedPrinciple 2:  
Structure the Board to add value

Remuneration and Nominations Committee
The Board has a Remuneration and Nomination 
Committee (RNC) comprising three Non-executive 
Directors, with the Chairman being an independent 
Non-executive Director. 

The RNC Charter outlines the Committee’s role in assisting 
the Board with decisions regarding the composition 
and structure of the Board. It does this by reviewing and 
making recommendations to the Board in relation to:

–  the appointment and re-election of Directors;
–  the induction and continuing professional development 

of Directors;

–  Board succession planning;
–  the recruitment process for a new Director; 
–  Board, Committees and Director performance 

evaluation; and

–  succession plans for the CEO and other 

Senior Management.

Board composition, skills and experience
The Constitution of the Company provides that the number 
of Directors must at any time be no more than ten and no 
less than three. The Huon Board is currently comprised of 
five Directors. A profile of each Director can be found in 
the on pages 20 to 21 of this Annual Report.

In order to govern effectively, Directors must have a 
clear understanding of the Company’s overall strategy, 
together with knowledge of the Company and the industry 
it operates in. Directors must collectively possess the 
appropriate skills and experience to enable the Board to 
effectively discharge its responsibilities. 

The current skills matrix of the Directors of the Board 
brings together extensive expertise and experience in 
relation to all areas of the day-to-day and commercial 
elements of the Company including:

–  industry knowledge – salmon, aquaculture and food;
–  international and domestic food markets;
–  senior corporate leadership;
–  strategy and business development;
–  governance and risk management;
–  corporate finance;
–  brand and marketing; and
–  sustainability practices.

The Company actively seeks a variety of skills, experience 
and expertise to ensure the Board can meet its current 
and future needs.

Board and Director independence
Huon has adopted a definition of independence which is 
consistent with the ASX Principles and Recommendations. 

The Non-executive Chairman of the Board, Neil Kearney, 
and Non-executive Directors, Simon Lester and 
Tony Dynon, are considered to be independent, meaning 
that each is free from any management role or business 
interest or other relationship that could materially 
interfere with their ability to act in the best interests of 
Huon as a whole. The Board is confident that each of 

the Non-executive Directors brings objectivity and makes 
sound individual contributions to the Company through 
their deep understanding of Huon’s business.

The two Executive Directors, Peter Bender (CEO and 
Managing Director) and Frances Bender are not 
independent by virtue of being substantial shareholders 
in the Company and employed by the Company in an 
executive capacity.

The Directors are satisfied that there is no individual 
or group of individuals who dominate the Board’s 
decision-making, and that the current composition of 
the Board maximises the likelihood that the decisions of 
the Board will reflect the best interests of the Company 
and its shareholders. 

Only those transactions permitted by Huon’s Constitution 
and the Corporations Act are conducted with Directors 
or their related parties. These are on the same terms and 
conditions applying to any other external party, supplier or 
customer. Directors are required to disclose in writing any 
related party transactions.

Directors are also required to identify any conflicts of 
interest they may have in dealing with Huon’s affairs and 
subsequently to refrain from participating in any discussion 
or voting on those matters. If a potential conflict of interest 
is likely to arise, the Director concerned does not receive 
copies of relevant Board papers and withdraws from 
the Board meeting while those matters are considered. 
The Director concerned therefore takes no part in the 
discussion and does not exercise any influence over other 
members of the Board.

The Board has determined that individual Directors have 
the right in connection with their duties and responsibilities 
as Directors to seek independent professional advice at 
the Company’s expense. The engagement of an outside 
adviser is subject to prior approval of the Chairman. If 
appropriate, any advice received will be made available 
to all Board members.

Director induction and ongoing professional 
development
The induction of Directors is the role of the Remuneration 
and Nomination Committee and includes ensuring an 
effective orientation program is in place. Directors are 
encouraged to engage in professional development 
activities and to develop and maintain the skills and 
knowledge needed to perform their role as a 
Director effectively.

Principle 3:  
Act ethically and responsibly
The Company is committed to maintaining ethical 
standards in the conduct of its business activities. The 
Company strongly believes that its reputation as an ethical 
business organisation is important to its ongoing success.

Code of Conduct
The Board has adopted a Code of Conduct which applies 
to all Directors and employees of the Company and where 
relevant and to the extent possible, consultants, secondees 
and contractors of the Company.

43

Principle 5:  
Make timely and balanced disclosure

Continuous Disclosure
The Company is committed to effective communication 
with its customers, shareholders, market participants, 
employees, suppliers, financiers, creditors, other 
stakeholders and the wider community. The Company 
will ensure that all stakeholders, market participants and 
the wider community are informed of its activities and 
performance on a timely basis.

Subject to the ASX Listing Rules, the Company will make 
publicly available all information to ensure that trading 
in its shares takes place in an efficient, competitive and 
informed market.

The Board has adopted a Continuous Disclosure Policy 
to ensure the Company complies with all disclosure 
obligations. The Policy addresses all continuous disclosure 
requirements under the Listing Rules and Corporations Act 
and incorporates best practice guidelines recommended 
by ASX, ASIC and the Australasian Investor Relations 
Association (AIRA). The Company Secretary is responsible 
for the overall administration and monitoring of the 
Continuous Disclosure Policy. 

Huon’s Continuous Disclosure Policy can be viewed 
on the Company website. 

Principle 6:  
Respect the rights of security holders

Information about Huon and its 
Governance for Investors
Huon places considerable importance on effective 
engagement and communications with shareholders. 
It recognises the value of providing current and relevant 
information to its shareholders. The Board has adopted 
a Communications Policy which is designed to ensure that 
the Company:

–  provides timely and accurate information equally to all 
shareholders and market participants regarding the 
Company including its financial situation, performance, 
ownership, strategies, activities and governance; and
–  adopts channels for disseminating information that are 

fair, timely and cost efficient.

This information is made available through:

–  the Company’s website;
–  the Huon Aquaculture Sustainability Dashboard;
–  briefings and the investor relations program;
–  the media; 
–  continuous disclosure to the ASX; 
–  Company meetings; and
–  the Annual Report.

The Annual Report (which includes Huon’s Corporate 
Governance Statement) can be viewed on the 
Company website.  

The Code addresses issues including; ethics, personal 
and business conduct, conflicts of interest, mutual respect 
and business agreements and contracts.

All suspected breaches of the Code will be thoroughly 
investigated by the Company. If these investigations 
reveal breaches of the Code appropriate disciplinary 
and remedial action will be taken depending on the 
nature of the breach.

If an employee suspects that a breach of the Code 
has occurred or will occur, he or she must report that 
breach to the appropriate person. No employee will be 
disadvantaged or prejudiced if he or she reports, in good 
faith, a suspected breach. All reports will be acted upon 
and kept confidential where appropriate.

The Huon Code of Conduct can be viewed on the 
Company website.

Principle 4:  
Safeguard integrity in corporate reporting

Audit and Risk Management Committee 
An Audit and Risk Management Committee is in place to 
assist the Board of the Company in fulfilling its corporate 
governance and oversight responsibilities in relation to 
the Company’s financial reports and financial reporting 
process and internal control structure, risk management 
systems (financial and non-financial), and the internal and 
external audit process. The Audit and Risk Management 
Committee Charter outlines its key responsibilities 
as follows:

–  review and approve internal audit and external 

audit plans;

–  update the internal and external audit plans;
–  review and approve financial reports; and
–  review the effectiveness of the Company’s compliance 

and risk management functions.

The Committee consists of three Non-executive Directors 
and a majority of independent Directors. The Chairman  
of the Committee is an independent Director and is not  
the Chairman of the Board. 

Integrity of Financial Reporting –  
CEO and CFO Certification
The CEO, Deputy CEO and CFO respectively provide 
assurance to the Board that:

–  Huon’s financial reports for each half year and full year 
present a true and fair view of the financial position and 
performance of the Company and are in accordance 
with the accounting standards;

–  their opinion is based on a sound system of risk 

management and internal compliance and control; and

–  the Company’s risk management and internal 

compliance and control system is operating effectively.

Role of the External Auditor at the AGM 
The Company’s external auditor attends the Company’s 
AGM and is available to answer questions about the 
conduct of the audit and the preparation and content 
of the auditor’s report.

44

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018 Corporate Governance Statement continuedInvestor Relations Program
Huon is committed to the promotion of investor 
confidence by ensuring trading in the Company’s shares 
takes place in an efficient, competitive and informed 
market. The Deputy CEO of the Company leads the 
investor relations program and is responsible for the 
Company’s relationship with major shareholders, 
institutional investors and analysts and is the primary point 
of contact for those parties. A key component of leading 
this program is ongoing availability. Huon’s Continuous 
Disclosure Policy and its Communications Policy are 
integral elements of the investor relations program.

Any written material containing new price-sensitive 
information to be used in briefing the media, institutional 
investors and analysts are lodged with ASX prior to the 
briefing commencing. On confirmation of receipt by ASX, 
the briefing material is posted to Huon’s website. Briefing 
materials may also include information that may not strictly 
be required under the continuous disclosure requirements.

Huon will not disclose price-sensitive information in 
any meeting with investors or analysts before formally 
disclosing it to the market. The Company considers that 
one-on-one discussions and meeting with investors and 
analysts are an important part of pro-active investor 
relations.

Policies and processes to facilitate and encourage 
participation at meetings of security holders
The Company strongly encourages all shareholders 
to attend meetings and uses and relies on its 
Communications Policy to ensure awareness and 
accessibility of those meetings. The Board encourages 
full participation of shareholders at the Annual General 
Meeting to ensure a high level of accountability and 
understanding of the Company’s strategy and goals. 
Shareholders are able to submit questions prior to the 
Annual General Meeting if they are unable to attend.

Give security holders the option to receive 
communications from, and send communications 
to, the entity and its security registry electronically
Shareholders are able to receive and send communications 
to the Company and its share registry electronically via the 
Link Investor Centre. Shareholders are also able to sign 
up for regular email alerts which include notification of 
announcements, reports, presentations and summaries. 
Huon posts all reports, ASX and media releases and copies 
of significant business presentations on its website. Both 
email alerts and the Link Investor Centre can be accessed 
via the Investor section of the Company website.  

Principle 7:  
Recognise and manage risk

Committee to oversee Risk
The Board is responsible for risk oversight and the 
management and internal control of the processes by 
which risk is considered for both ongoing operations 
and prospective actions. In specific areas the Board is 
assisted by the Audit and Risk Management Committee 
which is responsible for establishing procedures which 
provide assurance that major business risks are identified, 
consistently assessed and appropriately addressed. The 
Committee’s focus is on risk assessment, including the 
identification and management of risks as they relate to:

–  operational and environmental risk;
–  workplace health and safety management; and
–  financial risk.

The Committee consists of three Non-executive 
Directors and a majority of independent Directors. 
The Chairman of the Committee is an independent 
Director and is not the Chairman of the Board.

Review Huon’s Risk Management Framework
The Risk Management Policy and Risk Management 
Framework are reviewed on an annual basis. Any 
amendments to the Policy and/or Risk Management 
Framework must be approved by the Board. In addition 
the Board reviews the Company’s risk management 
at Board meetings, and where required, makes 
improvements to its risk management and internal 
compliance control systems.

Internal Audit Function
The Company does not have an internal audit function 
due to the nature and size of the Company and the 
extent of its Risk Management Framework. The Company 
currently relies on oversight by management, the Audit 
and Risk Management Committee and the Board to 
ensure compliance with Huon’s Risk Management Policy. 
The Audit and Risk Management Committee has decided 
not to introduce an internal audit function, but has 
engaged the services of a third party to further support 
the internal audit function during FY2018.

Management of material exposure to economic, 
environmental and social sustainability risks
A key pillar of the Company’s business strategy is to grow 
safely and sustainably. Sustainability and environmental 
measures continue to be a priority for Huon with significant 
time invested in community consultation and the refinement 
of systems and procedures directed at positive economic, 
environmental, animal welfare and social outcomes across 
the business operations. Risk recognition and management 
are viewed by the Company as integral to its objectives 
of creating and maintaining shareholder value and to the 
successful execution of the Company’s strategies.

45

Policies and practices regarding the 
remuneration of Non-executive Directors 
and the remuneration of executive Directors 
and other Executive Management
The Company is committed to attracting and retaining 
the best people to work in the organisation including 
Directors and Executive Management. The Board adopted 
a Remuneration Policy which aims to:

–  ensure that coherent remuneration policies and practices 
are observed which enable the attraction and retention 
of Directors and management who will create value 
for shareholders;

–  fairly and responsibly reward Directors and Executive 

Management having regard to the Company’s 
performance, the performance of the Executive 
Management and the general pay environment; and
–  comply with all relevant legal and regulatory provisions.

Remuneration for Executive Directors and Executive 
Management incorporates fixed and variable pay 
performance elements with both a short and long term 
focus. Remuneration packages may contain any or all 
of the following:

–  annual base salary; 
–  performance based remuneration; 
–  equity based remuneration;
–  other benefits such as holidays, sickness benefits, 

superannuation payments and long service benefits;

–  expense reimbursement; and
–  termination payments.

The remuneration of Non-executive Directors is 
determined by the Board as a whole reflecting the value 
of the individual’s time commitment and responsibilities. 
Remuneration packages may contain any or all of annual 
fees, equity based remuneration and other benefits such as 
superannuation payments. The total remuneration of Non-
executive Directors must not exceed the maximum annual 
amount approved by Company’s shareholders (currently 
$800,000). Detailed information on the Company’s 
remuneration policy and key principles and also the 
remuneration received by Directors and Key Management 
Personnel in FY2018 is set out in the Remuneration Report 
on pages 25 to 37 in this Annual Report.

Equity based remuneration
Both the Remuneration and Nomination Committee 
Charter and the Remuneration Policy contain oversight 
regarding equity-based remuneration. Huon’s long term 
incentive (LTI) plan is delivered through the granting 
of performance rights which convert to shares in the 
Company on achievement of specified performance 
conditions. Participants in the LTI plan are not permitted 
to enter into transactions which limit the economic risk 
of participating in the plan.

There are a number of risks, both specific to Huon 
and of a general nature which may threaten the future 
operating and financial performance of the Company 
and its investment value including:

Risk Type

Economic

Environmental

Social

Identified Risk 

Market and credit risk
Fish feed prices, supply and quality
Broodstock and smolt supply
People and safety
Fuel and energy prices
Key facility reliance
Legal and contractual
IT reliability and reliance
Brand and reputation
Agricultural – disease, algae
Predator threats
Weather and environmental
Fresh water supply
Regulation
Corporate image
People and safety

These risks may change over time as the external 
environment changes and as the Company expands its 
operations. The Company’s Risk Management Policy 
outlines processes Huon has adopted for the regular 
assessment and identification of risks as well as providing 
a management and response framework including the 
mitigation of risks where appropriate. Further information 
on Huon’s assessment of the principal risks which could 
have a material impact on the Company are set out on 
page 8 in this Annual Report.

Principle 8:  
Remunerate fairly and responsibly

Remuneration and Nominations Committee
The Remuneration and Nomination Committee 
(RNC) assists the Board by reviewing and making 
recommendations on remuneration arrangements for 
Directors and Executives of the Company including:

–  the Company’s remuneration framework;
–  the Company’s recruitment, retention and 

termination policies;

–  the Company’s remuneration policies including 

as they apply to Directors; 

–  equity based remuneration plans for Executive 

Management and other employees; and

–  the remuneration packages for Directors, the CEO 

and Executive Management. 

When needed, the Company has also sought advice 
from external advisers in relation to the development 
of appropriate incentive plans for Key Management 
Personnel (KMP).  

46

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018 Corporate Governance Statement continued 
Financial Report

Financial Report
For the year ended 30 June 2018

Consolidated financial statements

Consolidated income statement  
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income  
Consolidated balance sheet  
Consolidated statement of changes in equity 
Consolidated statement of cashflows 

48 
49
50
51 
52

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

About this report

Other

17.  Financial assets  
18.  Other financial assets 
19.  Fair value measurements 
20.  Financial risk management 
21.  Parent information  
22.  Deed of cross guarantee 
23.  Income taxes  
24.  Key management personnel compensation 
25.  Share-based payment 
26.  Related party transactions 
27.  Remuneration of auditors 
28.  Goodwill  
29.  Other intangible assets 
30.  Interests in subsidiaries 
31.  Other financial liabilities 
32.  Provisions  
33.  Other liabilities 
34.  Contingent liabilities and contingent assets 
35.  Segment information  
36.  Subsequent events  
37.  Company details 

Basis of preparation  
Principles of consolidation  
Application of new and revised Accounting Standards 

53
53
53 

Performance

1.  Revenue 
2.  Profit for the year before tax 
3.  Biological assets 
4.  Earnings per share (EPS) 
5.  Dividends 

Investment in controlled growth strategy

6.  Property, plant and equipment 
7.  Other non-current assets 
8.  Capital and leasing commitments 

Net debt and working capital

9.  Notes to the statement of cashflows 
10.  Trade and other receivables 
11.  Inventories 
12.  Other assets 
13.  Trade and other payables 
14.  Borrowings 
15.  Issued capital 
16.  Other reserves 

Signed reports

Directors’ Declaration  
Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members  

Shareholder information 

56
57
58
59
60

61
63
64

65
66
67
67
 67
68
70
71

95
96

102

72
72
72
74
78
79
80
82
83
86
87
88
90
91
91
92
93
93
94
94
94

47

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018 Consolidated income statement
For the year ended 30 June 2018

Revenue from operations

Other income

Expenses
Fair value adjustment of biological assets
Changes in inventories of finished goods and work in progress
Raw materials and consumables used
Employee benefits expense
Depreciation and amortisation expense
Finance costs
Freight & distribution expenses
Other expenses

Total expenses

Profit before income tax expense
Income tax expense

Net profit for the period attributable to members of the Company

Earnings per ordinary share
Basic (cents per share)
Diluted (cents per share)

Consolidated
2018
$’000 

Consolidated
2017
$’000 

Note 

1(a)

318,252

259,650

1(b)

10,391

13,742 

(12,867)
(5,765)
(154,309)
(58,304)
(24,455)
(3,659)
(18,442)
(20,296)

19,178
22,997
(146,299)
(56,422)
(22,665)
(3,609)
(11,749)
(18,331)

(298,097)

(216,900)

30,546
(4,159)

26,387

56,492 
(14,332)

42,160 

2
2
2

23

Cents 
per share
2018 

Cents 
per share
2017

Note 

4
4

30.21
30.21

48.27
48.27

The number of shares used to determine earnings per ordinary share (EPS) is disclosed in note 4 to the accounts.

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

48

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018 Financial StatementsConsolidated statement of comprehensive income
For the year ended 30 June 2018

Profit for the period
Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income for the period (net of tax)

Total comprehensive income attributable to:
Owners of Huon Aquaculture Group Limited

Consolidated
2018
$’000 

Consolidated
2017
$’000 

26,387
–

26,387

42,160 
–

42,160

26,387

26,387

42,160 

42,160

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

49

Financial StatementsHuon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018  
Consolidated balance sheet
As at 30 June 2018

Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables
Inventories
Biological assets
Other financial assets
Other assets

Total current assets

Non-current assets
Financial assets
Property, plant and equipment
Other assets
Intangible assets

Total non-current assets

Total assets

Liabilities
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Borrowings
Other financial liabilities
Current tax liabilities
Provisions
Other current liabilities

Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities
Borrowings
Deferred tax liabilities
Provisions
Other non-current liabilities

Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

Equity
Contributed equity
Other reserves
Retained earnings

Total equity

Consolidated
2018
$’000 

Consolidated
2017
$’000 

Note 

 9 
 10 
 11 
 3 
 18 
 12 

2,787
32,923
12,397
169,361
571
4,970

23,004
29,855
12,375
188,015
–
3,089

223,009

256,338

 17 
 6 
 7 
28,29

1,342
286,323
9,295
2,995

1,341
223,129
9,736
2,995

299,955

237,201

522,964

493,539

 13 
 14 
 31 
 23 
 32 
 33 

 14 
 23 
 32 
 33 

 15 
 16 

52,311
39,160
–
6,432
6,572
464

67,811
11,188
679
–
5,665
464

104,939

85,807

44,961
57,577
1,358
2,424

54,812
55,650
1,161
2,887

106,320

114,510

211,259

200,317

311,705

293,222

164,302
1,374
146,029

164,302
544
128,376

311,705

293,222

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

50

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018 Financial StatementsConsolidated statement of changes in equity
For the year ended 30 June 2018

Contributed
Equity
$’000

Retained
Earnings
$’000

Note 

Share-based
Payment 
Reserve
$’000

Balance at 1 July 2016
Profit for the period

164,302 
–

86,216 
42,160

Total other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax
Contributions of equity, net of transactions costs
Share-based payment expense
Dividends paid or provided for

2(b)
5

–
–

–

–
–

–

Balance at 30 June 2017

164,302

128,376

255 
–

–
–
289
–

544

Contributed
Equity
$’000

Retained
Earnings
$’000

Note 

Share-based
Payment 
Reserve
$’000

Balance at 1 July 2017
Profit for the period

Total other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax
Contributions of equity, net of transactions costs
Share-based payment expense
Dividends paid or provided for

2(b)
5

164,302
–

128,376
26,387

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
(8,734)

544
–

–
–
830
–

Total 
Equity
$’000

250,773 
42,160

–
–
289
–

293,222

Total 
Equity
$’000

293,222
26,387

–
–
830
(8,734)

Balance at 30 June 2018

164,302

146,029

1,374

311,705

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

51

Financial StatementsHuon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018 Consolidated statement of cashflows
For the year ended 30 June 2018

Cash flows from operating activities
Receipts from customers
Payments to suppliers and employees

Interest received
Interest and other costs of finance paid
Income tax (paid)/refunded

Consolidated
2018
$’000 

Consolidated
2017
$’000 

Note 

323,506
(266,479)

267,143
(209,710)

57,027
356
(3,659)
4,200

57,433
157
(3,609)
8

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities

9

57,924

53,989

Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
Payments for property, plant and equipment
Payment for business
Payments for other assets

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issues of shares
Proceeds from borrowings
Repayment of borrowings
Dividends paid to company’s shareholders

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing activities

Net increase/(decrease) in cash held
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of financial year

Cash and cash equivalents at end of financial year

9

152
(87,679)
–
(1)

130
(35,045)
–
–

(87,528)

(34,915)

–
29,053
(10,932)
(8,734)

9,387

(20,217)
23,004

2,787

–
30,435
(30,292)
–

143

19,217
3,787

23,004

The above consolidated statement of cash flows should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 

52

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018 Financial StatementsNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 30 June 2018

About this report
These consolidated financial statements and notes represent 
those of Huon Aquaculture Group Limited and Controlled 
Entities (the ‘Consolidated Group’). Huon Aquaculture 
Group Limited is a company incorporated in Australia, and 
whose shares are publicly traded on the Australian Securities 
Exchange (ASX).

The separate financial statements and notes of Huon 
Aquaculture Group Limited have been presented within this 
financial report as an individual Parent Entity (‘Parent Entity’).

The financial statements were authorised for issue on 
15 August 2018 by the Directors of the Company.

All press releases and other information are available on our 
website www.huonaqua.com.au.

Application of new and revised 
Accounting Standards

Amendments to AASBs and the new 
Interpretation that are mandatorily effective 
for the current year:

In the current year, the Consolidated Group has 
applied a number of amendments to AASB’s and new 
Interpretations issued by the Australian Accounting 
Standards Board (AASB) that are mandatorily effective 
for an accounting period that begins on or after 1 July 
2017, and therefore relevant for the current year end.

AASB 2016-1 
‘Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – 
Recognition of Deferred Tax Assets for Unrealised Losses’

Basis of preparation

These general purpose financial statements have been 
prepared in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, 
Australian Accounting Standards and Interpretations of the 
Australian Accounting Standards Board and also comply with 
International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the 
International Accounting Standards Board. The Consolidated 
Group is a for-profit entity for financial reporting purposes 
under Australian Accounting Standards. Material accounting 
policies adopted in the preparation of these financial 
statements are presented below and have been consistently 
applied unless stated otherwise. 

The financial statements except for cash flow information, 
have been prepared on an accruals basis and are based on 
historical costs (unless otherwise stated). 

The functional currency of each group entity is measured 
using the currency of the primary economic environment 
in which that entity operates. The consolidated financial 
statements are presented in Australian dollars which is the 
Parent Entity’s functional and presentation currency.

Principles of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the assets 
and liabilities of all subsidiaries of Huon Aquaculture Group 
Limited (Parent Entity) as at 30 June 2018 and the results of 
all subsidiaries for the year then ended. Huon Aquaculture 
Group Limited and its subsidiaries together are referred to in 
this financial report as the Consolidated Group.

Subsidiaries are all entities over which the group has control. 
The group controls an entity when the group is exposed to, 
or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the 
entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its 
power to direct the activities of the entity. Subsidiaries are fully 
consolidated from the date on which control is transferred 
to the group. They are deconsolidated from the date that 
control ceases.

The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for 
business combinations by the group.

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

This Standard makes amendments to AASB 112 
Income Taxes to clarify the accounting for deferred 
tax assets for unrealised losses on debt instruments 
measured at fair value.

AASB 2016-2 
‘Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – 
Disclosure Initiative: Amendments to AAB 107’

The amendments to AASB 107 Statement of Cash Flows 
are part of the IASB’s Disclosure Initiative to help users 
of financial statements better understand changes in an 
entity’s debt. The amendments require entities to provide 
disclosures about changes in their liabilities arising 
from financing activities, including both changes arising 
from cash flows and non-cash changes (such as foreign 
exchange gains or losses).

AASB 2016-5
‘Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – 
Classification and Measurement of Share-based  
Payment Transactions’

This Standard amends AASB 2 Share-based Payment, 
clarifying how to account for certain types of share-based 
payment transactions.

AASB 2016-6 
‘Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – 
Applying AASB 9 Financial Instruments with AASB 4 
Insurance Contracts’

This Standard amends AASB 4 Insurance Contracts to 
permit issuers of insurance contracts to:

 – Choose to apply the ‘overlay approach’ that involves 
applying AASB 9 Financial Instruments and also 
applying AASB 139 Financial Instruments: Recognition 
and Measurement to eligible financial assets to 
calculate a single line item adjustment to profit or 
loss so that the overall impact on profit or loss is the 
same as if AASB 9 had been applied; or

 – Choose to be temporarily exempt from AASB 9 when 
those issuers’ activities are predominantly connected 
with insurance, provided they make additional 
disclosures to enable users to make comparisons  
with issuers applying AASB 9.

53

AASB 2017-3 
‘Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards 
– Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – 
Clarifications to AASB 4’

The amendments confirm that in Australia compliance 
with AASB 1023 General Insurance Contracts and AASB 
1038 Life Insurance Contracts ensures simultaneous 
compliance with AASB 4.

The Standard also amends AASB 4 to ensure the relief 
available to issuers of insurance contracts set out in 
AASB 2016-6 can be applied by an entity applying either 
AASB 1023 and AASB 1038 if the entity otherwise meets 
the qualifying criteria.

AASB Interpretation 22 
‘Foreign Currency Transactions and  
Advance Consideration’

This Interpretation clarifies that in determining the spot 
exchange rate to use on initial recognition of the related 
asset, expense or income (or part of it) on the derecognition 
of a non-monetary asset or non-monetary liability relating 
to advance consideration, the date of the transaction is 
the date on which and entity initially recognises the non-
monetary asset or non-monetary liability arising from the 
advance consideration. If there are multiple payments or 
receipts in advance, then the entity must determine a  
date of the transaction for each payment or receipt of 
advance consideration.

Standards and Interpretations in issue not yet adopted:

AASB 9 ‘Financial Instruments’, and the relevant amending standards

AASB 15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’ and relevant 
amending standards

AASB 16 ‘Leases’

AASB 2017-6 ‘Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – 
Prepayment Features with Negative Compensation’

AASB 2017-7 ‘Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – 
Long-term Interests in Associates and Joint Ventures’

AASB 2018-1 ‘Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – 
Annual Improvements 2015-2017 Cycle’

AASB Interpretation 23 ‘Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments, 
and relevant amending standards’

Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting

AASB 17 ‘Insurance Contracts’

AASB 2014-10 ‘Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – 
Sale of Contribution of Assets between an Investor and its Associate 
or Joint Venture’

Effective for annual 
reporting periods 
beginning on or after

Expected to be 
initially applied in the 
financial year ending

1 January 2018

1 January 2018

1 January 2019

1 January 2019

30 June 2019

30 June 2019

30 June 2020

30 June 2020

1 January 2019

30 June 2020

1 January 2019

30 June 2020

1 January 2019

30 June 2020

1 January 2020

1 January 2021

1 January 2022

30 June 2021

30 June 2022

30 June 2023

54

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018 Notes to the financial statements continuedThe Consolidated Group’s assessment of the impact of these 
new standards and interpretations is set out below:

AASB 9 Financial Instruments
AASB 9 Financial Instruments addresses the classification, 
measurement and derecognition of financial assets 
and financial liabilities, introduces new rules for hedge 
accounting and a new impairment model. The standard 
is not applicable until 1 January 2018 but is available for 
early adoption.

Following the changes approved by the AASB in 
December 2014, the Consolidated Group no longer 
expects any impact from the new classification, 
measurement and derecognition rules on the group’s 
financial assets and financial liabilities. There will be 
no impact on the Consolidated Group’s accounting 
for financial liabilities that are designated at fair value 
through profit or loss and the Consolidated Group 
does not have any such liabilities. The derecognition 
rules have been transferred from AASB 139 Financial 
Instruments: Recognition and Measurement and have 
not been changed.

The new hedging rules align hedge accounting more 
closely with the Consolidated Group’s risk management 
practices. As a general rule, it will be easier to apply 
hedge accounting going forward as the standard 
introduces a more principles-based approach. The 
new standard also introduces expanded disclosure 
requirements and changes in presentation. 

The new impairment model is an expected credit loss 
(ECL) model which may result in the earlier recognition 
of credit losses.

The Consolidated Group has assessed how its own 
financial instruments would be affected by the new 
rules. At this stage the Consolidated Group does not 
expect to identify any new hedge relationships. Based 
on the transitional provisions in the completed AASB 9, 
early adoption in phases was only permitted for annual 
reporting periods beginning before 1 February 2015. 
The Consolidated Group will adopt the standard at its 
application date.

AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers
The AASB has issued a new standard for the recognition 
of revenue. This will replace AASB 118 which covers 
contracts for goods and services and AASB 111 which 
covers construction contracts.

The Consolidated Group has performed a review of all 
sales agreements with customers, including those under 
specific contracts and those under the Consolidated 
Group’s general terms of sale. The purpose was to identify 
the differences between the existing AASB 118 and the 
revised AASB 15, in terms of timing of recognition and 
measurement of revenue.

The Consolidated Group sells products with various 
shipping terms, resulting in the Consolidated Group being 
responsible for providing transportation services after 
control of the goods passes to the customer at the last 
loading point. Under AASB 118 revenue was recognised 
when control of the goods was passed to the customer, 
however under AASB 15 revenue is recognised when the 
goods have been delivered to their final destination and 
acknowledged by the customer.

The standard permits a modified retrospective approach 
for the adoption. Under this approach entities will 
recognise transitional adjustments in retained earnings 
on the date of initial application (e.g. 1 July 2018), i.e. 
without restating the comparative period. They will only 
need to apply the new rules to contracts that are not 
completed as of the date of initial application.

Management has assessed the impact of the new 
standard, and determined that the adoption of the 
standard will not have a material impact on the 
Consolidated Group. The standard will be adopted from 
1 July 2018.

AASB 16 Leases
The AASB has issued a new standard to govern 
accounting for leases. This will replace AASB 117 which 
previously governed the accounting and disclosure of 
leases.

AASB 16 was issued in February 2016. It will result in 
almost all leases being recognised on the balance sheet, 
as the distinction between operating and finance leases 
is removed. Under the new standard, an asset (the right 
to use the leased item) and a financial liability to pay 
rentals are recognised. The only exceptions are short-term 
and low-value leases. The accounting for lessors will not 
significantly change.

The standard will affect primarily the accounting 
for the Consolidated Group’s operating leases. As 
at the reporting date, the Consolidated Group has 
non-cancellable operating lease commitments of 
$159,713,000. However, the Consolidated Group has 
not yet determined to what extent these commitments 
will result in the recognition of an asset and a liability for 
future payments and how this will affect the Consolidated 
Group’s profit and classification of cash flows.

Some of the commitments may be covered by the 
exception for short-term and low-value leases and some 
commitments may relate to arrangements that will not 
qualify as leases under AASB 16.

The standard is mandatory for first interim periods within 
annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 
2019. At this stage, the Consolidated Group does not 
intend to adopt the standard before its effective date.

AASB 2 Share-based Payments
In July 2016, the AASB made amendments to AASB 2 
Share-based payments which clarified the effect of vesting 
conditions on the measurement of cash-settled share-
based payment transactions, the classification of 
share-based payment transactions with net settlement 
features and the accounting for a modification of the 
terms and conditions that changes the classification 
of the transaction from cash settled to equity-settled.

The amendments do not have to be applied until 
reporting periods commencing on or after 1 January 2018. 
Management is currently assessing the impact of the 
amendments, and has decided not to early adopt them.

There are no other standards or interpretations that are not 
yet effective and that would be expected to have a material 
impact on the entity in the current or future reporting periods 
and on foreseeable future transactions.

55

 
 
 
 
Performance

1. Revenue

(a)  Revenue from operations
Revenue from the sale of goods
Interest income

Total revenue

(b)  Other Income
Supplier rebates and freight income
Government grants
Other

Total other income

Total revenue and other income

Consolidated
2018
$’000 

Consolidated 
2017
$’000

317,896
356

259,493
157

318,252

259,650

5,534
724
4,133

4,677
807
8,258

10,391

13,742

328,643

273,392

Revenue recognition and measurement

Sale of goods
Revenue from the sale of goods is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable after taking into account 
any trade discounts and volume rebates allowed.

The Consolidated Group recognises revenue when the amount of revenue can be reliably measured, it is probable that future 
economic benefits will flow to the Consolidated Group and specific criteria have been met for each of the Consolidated Group’s 
activities as described below. The Consolidated Group bases its estimates on historical results, taking into consideration the type 
of customer, the type of transaction and the specifics of each arrangement.

Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised at the point of delivery as this corresponds to the transfer of significant risks and 
rewards of ownership of the goods and the cessation of all involvement in those goods.

All revenue is stated net of the amount of goods and services tax.

Interest income
Interest  income  is  recognised  using  the  effective  interest  method.  When  a  receivable  is  impaired,  the  Consolidated  Group 
reduces the carrying amount to its recoverable amount, being the estimated future cash flow discounted at the original effective 
interest rate of the instrument, and continues unwinding the discount as interest income. Interest income on impaired loans is 
recognised using the original effective interest rate.

Rebates and freight income
Rebates  and  freight  income  are  recognised  as  income  when  the  right  to  receive  the  payment  has  been  established.  This  is 
generally when the Company has satisfied the necessary regulatory requirements.

Government grants
Government grants are assistance by the government in the form of transfers of resources to the Consolidated Group in return 
for past or future compliance with certain conditions relating to the operating activities of the Consolidated Group. Government 
grants  include  government  assistance  where  there  are  no  conditions  specifically  relating  to  the  operating  activities  of  the 
Consolidated Group other than the requirement to operate in certain regions or industry sectors.

Government grants relating to income are recognised as income over the periods necessary to match them with the related costs 
which they are intended to compensate. Government grants that are receivable as compensation for expenses or losses already 
incurred or for the purpose of giving immediate financial support to the Consolidated Group with no future related costs are 
recognised as income of the period in which it becomes receivable.

Government grants relating to assets are treated as deferred income and recognised in profit and loss over the expected useful 
lives of the assets concerned.

56

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018 Notes to the financial statements continued2. Profit for the year before tax

Profit before income tax from continuing operations includes the following items of revenue and expense:

(a)  Significant revenue and expenses
The following significant revenue and expense items are relevant in explaining 
the financial performance:
Revenue:
 –
 –
Expense:
 –
 –

supplier rebates and claims
insurance and supplier claims

accrued employee incentives
legal fees

(b)  Expenses
Gross Depreciation of non-current assets
Gross Amortisation of non-current assets

Total Gross depreciation and amortisation

Depreciation – net impact recognised in changes in inventories  
of finished goods and work in progress

Net depreciation and amortisation

Interest & fees
Finance lease charges

Total finance costs

Employee benefits expense
Share-based payment expense

Total employee benefits costs

Consolidated
2018
$’000 

Consolidated 
2017
$’000

614
3,175

(804)
1,177

573
7,474

4,100
1,431

24,014
441

24,455

22,229
436

22,665

209

(748)

24,664

21,917

3,659
–

3,659

57,474
830

58,304

3,609
–

3,609

56,133
289

56,422

Net (gain)/loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

319

47

57

3. Biological assets

Biological assets at fair value(i)
Opening balance
Increase due to production
Decrease due to sales/harvest/mortality
Movement in fair value of biological assets

Closing fair value adjustment on biological assets
Total weight of live finfish at sea (kg 000’s)

Consolidated
2018
$’000 

Consolidated 
2017
$’000

188,015
224,968
(230,755)
(12,867)

147,217
208,349
(186,729)
19,178

169,361

188,015

35,676
12,960

48,543
16,663

(i)  

 Members  of  the  Consolidated  Group,  Huon  Aquaculture  Company  Pty  Ltd  and  Springfield  Hatcheries  Pty  Ltd  grow  fish  from  juveniles  through 
to harvest.

Fair value measurement

Recurring fair value measurements
Biological Assets

Total financial assets recognised at fair value

Recurring fair value measurements
Biological Assets

Total financial assets recognised at fair value

30 June 2018

Level 1
$’000

Level 2
$’000

Level 3
$’000 

Total
$’000

–

–

–

–

169,631

169,631

169,631

169,631

30 June 2017

Level 1
$’000

Level 2
$’000

Level 3
$’000 

Total
$’000

–

–

–

–

188,015

188,015

188,015

188,015

Fair value measurements using significant unobservable input 
The following table summarises the quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in level 3 fair value 
measurements:

Description

30 June 2018

30 June 2017

Biological assets at fair value ($’000)

169,631

188,015

Unobservable Inputs

Adjusted weight of live finfish for fair 
value measurement: 10,714 tonne

Adjusted weight of live finfish for fair 
value measurement: 14,475 tonne

Price per HOG kg $14.86 to $15.36

Price per HOG kg $13.44 to $13.94

Relationship of Unobservable  
Inputs to Fair value

Increase in price would increase 
fair value

Increase in price would increase 
fair value

58

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018 Notes to the financial statements continued3. Biological assets (continued)

Recognition and measurement

Biological assets include broodstock, eggs, juveniles, smolt and live finfish. Biological assets are measured at fair value less costs 
to sell in accordance with AASB 141. Where fair value cannot be reliably measured biological assets are measured at cost less 
impairment losses.

For broodstock, eggs, juveniles, smolt and live finfish below 1kg, these biological assets are measured at cost, as the fair value 
cannot be measured reliably. Live finfish between 1kg and 4kg are measured at fair value less cost to sell, including a proportionate 
expected net profit at harvest. Live finfish above 4kg are measured at fair value less cost to sell.

The valuation is completed for each year class of finfish, for each species and, each significant location and takes into consideration 
input based on biomass in sea, estimated growth rate and mortality. The market prices are derived from observable market prices 
(when available), achieved prices and estimated future prices for harvest finfish. The prices are reduced for harvesting costs and 
freight costs to market, to arrive at a net fair value at farm gate.

The change in estimated fair value is charged to the income statement on a separate line as fair value adjustment of biological 
assets.

Sensitivity analysis – Biological assets
Based on the market prices and weights utilised at 30 June 2018, with all other variables held constant, the consolidated group’s 
pre-tax profit for the period would have been impacted as follows:

 – A pricing increase/decrease of $0.10 would have been a change of $929,761 higher/lower (2017: $1,285,181)
 – A weight increase/decrease of 5% would have been a change of $1,783,821 higher/lower (2017: $2,427,135)

Critical accounting estimates
Biological assets are measured at fair value less costs to sell in accordance with AASB 141. Broodstock, eggs, juveniles, smolt 
and live fish below 1kg are measured at cost, as the fair value cannot be measured reliably. Biomass beyond this is measured at 
fair value in accordance with AASB 141, and the measurement is categorised into Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy, as the input 
is an unobservable input. Live fish over 4kg are measured to fair value less cost to sell, while a proportionate expected net profit 
at harvest is incorporated for live fish between 1kg and 4kg. The valuation is completed for each year class of finfish, for each 
species and, each significant location.

The valuation is based on a market approach and takes into consideration inputs based on biomass in sea for each significant 
location,  estimated  growth  rates,  mortality  and  market  price.  There  is  no  effective  market  for  live  finfish  produced  by  the 
Consolidated Group so market price is determined on a model based on market prices for both salmon and trout, derived from 
observable market prices (when available), achieved prices and estimated future prices for harvest finfish.

4. Earnings per share (EPS)

Earnings per ordinary share
Basic (cents per share)(i)
Diluted (cents per share)(ii)

Consolidated
2018
cents per share

Consolidated 
2017
cents per share

30.21
30.21

48.27
48.27

(i)  

 Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to owners of the company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares 
of the company.

(ii)    Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to owners of the company by the weighted average number of ordinary 

shares outstanding including dilutive potential ordinary shares.

Weighted average number of ordinary shares used as the denominator in the calculation of EPS

Number for basic EPS 
Number for diluted EPS 

Earnings used as the numerator in the calculation of EPS

Earnings for basic EPS(i)
Earnings for diluted EPS(i)

2018 

2017

87,337,207
87,337,207

87,337,207
87,337,207

2018
$’000 

26,387
26,387

2017
$’000

42,160
42,160

(i)   Earnings used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share is as per net profit in the consolidated income statement.

59

5. Dividends

Fully paid ordinary shares
Final dividend for the year ended 30 June 2017 of 5 cents 
(2016 – 0 cents) per fully paid share
Interim dividend for the year ended 30 June 2018 of 5 cents 
(2017 – 0 cents) per fully paid share

Total dividends provided for or paid

Consolidated
2018
$’000 

Consolidated 
2017
$’000

4,367

4,367

8,734

–

–

–

On 15 August 2018 the Directors recommended a final ordinary dividend of $4,367,000 (5 cents per fully paid share) to be paid 
on 11 October 2018 out of retained earnings at 30 June 2018. The dividend will be 50% franked. The dividend has not been 
provided for in the 30 June 2018 financial statements.

Franking credits available for subsequent reporting periods based  
on a tax rate of 30% (2017: 30%)

Consolidated
2018
$’000 

Consolidated 
2017
$’000

15,977

15,977

15,617

15,617

The above amounts represent the balance of the franking account as at the end of the reporting period, adjusted for:

(a)  franking credits that will arise from the payment of the amount of the provision for income tax

(b)  franking debits that will arise from the payment of dividends recognised as a liability at the reporting date, and

(c)  franking credits that will arise from the receipt of dividends recognised as receivables at the reporting date.

The consolidated amounts include franking credits that would be available to the Parent Entity if distributable profits of subsidiaries 
were paid as dividends.

Recognition and measurement

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

60

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018 Notes to the financial statements continuedInvestment in controlled growth strategy

6. Property, plant and equipment

Land and buildings
Freehold land
Cost

Total land

Buildings
Cost
Accumulated depreciation

Total buildings

Total land and buildings

Plant and equipment
Plant and equipment
Cost
Accumulated depreciation

Total plant and equipment

Capital work in progress
Cost

Total capital work in progress

Leased plant and equipment
Cost
Accumulated depreciation

Total leased plant and equipment

Total plant and equipment

Total property, plant and equipment

Consolidated
2018
$’000 

Consolidated 
2017
$’000

5,256

5,256

5,412

5,412

42,690
(6,456)

36,234

41,490

42,176
(4,364)

37,812

43,224

305,948
(128,262)

261,841
(107,141)

177,686

154,700

67,147

67,147

25,205

25,205

–
–

–

–
–

–

244,833

179,905

286,323

223,129

61

6. Property, plant and equipment (continued)

Land and Buildings

Plant and Equipment

Freehold
$’000

Buildings
$’000

Plant and
equipment
$’000

Leased
plant and 
equipment
$’000

Capital
work in
progress
$’000 

Total
$’000

5,256
–

5,256

42,690
(6,456)

305,948
(128,262)

36,234

177,686

5,412
–
(156)

–
–
–
–

–

37,812
–
–

–
(2,091)
–
513

–

154,700
1,025
(315)

–
(21,923)
–
44,199

–

5,256

36,234

177,686

–
–

–

–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–

–

67,147
–

421,041
(134,718)

67,147

286,323

25,205
–
–

86,654
–
–
(44,712)

–

223,129
1,025
(471)

86,654
(24,014)
–
–

–

67,147

286,323

Land and Buildings

Plant and Equipment

Freehold
$’000

Buildings
$’000

Plant and
equipment
$’000

Leased
plant and 
equipment
$’000

Capital
work in
progress
$’000 

Total
$’000

5,412
–

5,412

42,176
(4,364)

261,841
(107,141)

37,812

154,700

5,512

(100)
–
–
–
–
–

37,652
114
–
–
(2,022)
–
2,065
3

158,257
637
(77)
–
(20,207)
–
16,093
(3)

5,412

37,812

154,700

–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

25,205
–

334,634
(111,505)

25,205

223,129

9,069
–
–
34,294
–
–
(18,158)
–

210,490
751
(177)
34,294
(22,229)
–
–
–

25,205

223,129

Consolidated

Year ended 30 June 2018
Cost
Accumulated depreciation

Net Carrying amount

Movement
Net carrying amount at the  
beginning of the year
Additions
Disposals and write-offs

Work In Progress Additions
Depreciation and amortisation
Acquisition in business combination
Capitalisation to asset categories

Transfers between classes

Net carrying amount at the  
end of the year

Consolidated

Year ended 30 June 2017
Cost
Accumulated depreciation

Net Carrying amount

Movement
Net carrying amount at the  
beginning of the year
Additions
Disposals and write-offs
Work In Progress Additions
Depreciation and amortisation
Acquisition in business combination
Capitalisation to asset categories
Transfers between classes

Net carrying amount at the  
end of the year

62

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018 Notes to the financial statements continued6. Property, plant and equipment (continued)

Recognition and measurement

Property, plant and equipment is stated at historical cost less depreciation. Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly 
attributable to the acquisition of the items. Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s carrying amount or recognised as a 
separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the 
Consolidated Group and the cost of the item can be measured reliably.

Assets are derecognised when replaced. All other repairs and maintenance are charged to the profit and loss during the period 
in which they are incurred.

Assets are depreciated on a straight line basis. Land is not depreciated.

The following estimated useful lives are used in the calculation of depreciation:

Class of Fixed Asset

Buildings
Leasehold improvements
Plant and equipment

Useful Life

10 – 40 years
5 – 20 years
2 – 30 years

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

An asset’s carrying amount is written down immediately to its recoverable amount if the asset’s carrying amount is greater than 
its estimated recoverable amount.

Gains  and  losses  on  disposals  are  determined  by  comparing  proceeds  with  the  carrying  amount.  These  gains  or  losses  are 
recognised in consolidated income statement when the item is derecognised. When revalued assets are sold, amounts included 
in the revaluation surplus relating to that asset are transferred to retained earnings. 

7. Other non-current assets

Marine farming leases
Cost
Accumulated amortisation

Consolidated
2018
$’000 

Consolidated 
2017
$’000

16,244
(6,949)

9,295

16,244
(6,508)

9,736

Recognition and measurement

Marine farming leases are recorded at cost. Amortisation is based on the term of the lease and the expense is charged through 
the consolidated income statement. All marine leases are held for a term of 30 years.

63

8. Capital and leasing commitments

Non-cancellable operating leases
Not longer than 1 year
Longer than 1 year and not longer than 5 years
Longer than 5 years

Consolidated
2018
$’000 

Consolidated 
2017
$’000

14,612
64,714
79,954

159,280

14,108
47,878
6,889

68,875

The  group  has  operating  lease  commitments  relating  to  a  range  of  equipment,  the  most  significant  portion  relating  to  marine 
vessels. The commitments are principally driven by the operating lease entered into for the well-boat ‘Ronja Huon’.

Finance lease liabilities
Not longer than 1 year
Longer than 1 year and not longer than 5 years
Longer than 5 years

Less future finance charges

Present value of minimum lease payments

Capital expenditure commitments
Plant and equipment
Capital expenditure projects

Payable:
Not longer than 1 year
Longer than 1 year and not longer than 5 years
Longer than 5 years

Consolidated
2018
$’000 

Consolidated 
2017
$’000

–
–
–
–
–

–

–
8,984

8,984

8,984
–
–

8,984

–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–

–

–
–
–

–

Recognition and measurement

Leases of fixed assets, where substantially all the risks and benefits incidental to the ownership of the asset – but not the legal ownership 
– are transferred to entities in the Consolidated Group, are classified as finance leases.

Finance leases are capitalised by recording an asset and a liability at the lower of the amounts equal to the fair value of the leased 
property or the present value of the minimum lease payments, including any guaranteed residual values. Lease payments are allocated 
between the reduction of the lease liability and the lease interest expense for the period.

Leased assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the lease term.

Lease payments for operating leases, where substantially all the risks and benefits remain with the lessor, are recognised as expenses 
on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Lease  incentives  under  operating  leases  are  recognised  as  a  liability  and  amortised  on  a  straight-line  basis  over  the  life  of  the   
lease term.

64

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018 Notes to the financial statements continuedNet debt and working capital

9. Notes to the statement of cashflows

(a)   Cash and cash equivalents as at the end of the financial year  

as shown in the Statement of Cashflows is reconciled to the related  
items in the Statement of Financial Position as follows:

Cash and cash equivalents

(b)   Reconciliation of profit for the period to net cash inflow  

from operating activities:

Profit for the period
Non-cash items
  Depreciation and amortisation
  Net (gain)/loss on disposal of non-current assets

Share-based payment expense

(Increase)/decrease in assets

Trade and other receivables
Biological assets and inventories

  Current tax receivable

Prepayments

Increase/(decrease) in liabilities
Trade and other payables

  Current tax liabilities
  Deferred tax liabilities

Provisions
  Other liabilities

Net cash inflow from operations

Recognition and measurement

Consolidated
2018
$’000 

Consolidated 
2017
$’000

2,787

2,787

23,004

23,004

26,387

42,160

24,455
319
830

(3,639)
18,632
–
(1,881)

(16,179)
6,432
1,927
1,104
(463)

57,924

22,665
47
289

(6,308)
(42,175)
3
(474)

23,193
–
14,337
715
(463)

53,989

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

65

 
 
 
 
 
 
10. Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables
Provision for impairment
Other receivables

Provision for impairment
Movements in the provision for impairment were as follows:
Carrying value at the beginning of the year
Provision for impairment recognised
Receivables written off as uncollectable

Provision for impairment at year end

Trade receivables past due but not impaired
Under one month
One to three months
Over three months

Consolidated
2018
$’000 

Consolidated 
2017
$’000

31,897
(296)
1,322

28,387
(242)
1,710

32,923

29,855

(242)
(54)
–

(296)

8,574
910
–

9,484

(260)
(402)
420

(242)

7,719
307
–

8,026

Recognition and measurement

Trade receivables include amounts due from customers for goods sold and services performed in the ordinary course of business. 
Receivables expected to be collected within 12 months of the end of the reporting period are classified as current assets. All 
other  receivables  are  classified  as  non-current  assets.  Trade  and  other  receivables  are  initially  recognised  at  fair  value  and 
subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any provision for impairment.

Collectability of trade receivables is reviewed on an ongoing basis. Debts which are known to be uncollectable are written off by 
reducing the carrying amount directly. An allowance account (provision for impairment of trade receivables) is used when there 
is objective evidence that the Consolidated Group will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms 
of  the  receivables.  Significant  financial  difficulties  of  the  debtor,  probability  that  the  debtor  will  enter  bankruptcy  or  financial 
reorganisation, and default or delinquency in payments (more than 30 days overdue) are considered indicators that the trade 
receivable is impaired. The amount of the impairment allowance is the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the 
present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the original effective interest rate. Cash flows relating to short-term 
receivables are not discounted if the effect of discounting is immaterial.

The  amount  of  the  impairment  loss  is  recognised  in  consolidated  income  statement  within  other  expenses.  When  a  trade 
receivable for which an impairment allowance had been recognised becomes uncollectible in a subsequent period, it is written 
off against the allowance account. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited against other expenses.

Fair values of trade and other receivables

Due to the short-term nature of the current receivables, their carrying amount approximates to fair value.

Credit risk

The  Consolidated  Group  has  no  significant  concentration  of  credit  risk  with  respect  to  any  single  counterparty  or  group  of 
counterparties other than those receivables specifically provided for and mentioned above. The main source of credit risk to the 
Consolidated Group is considered to relate to the class of assets described as ‘trade and other receivables’.

The above table details the Consolidated Group’s trade and other receivables exposed to credit risk (prior to collateral and 
other credit enhancements) with ageing analysis and impairment provided for thereon. Amounts are considered as ‘past due’ 
when the debt has not been settled within the terms and conditions agreed between the Consolidated Group and the customer 
or counterparty to the transaction. Receivables that are past due are assessed for impairment by ascertaining solvency of the 
debtors  and  are  provided  for  where  there  are  specific  circumstances  indicating  that  the  debt  may  not  be  fully  repaid  to  the 
Consolidated Group.

The balances of receivables that remain within initial trade terms (as detailed in the above table) are considered to be of high 
credit quality.

66

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018 Notes to the financial statements continued11. Inventories

Processed fish & finished goods
Feed and packaging
Inventory provisions

Consolidated
2018
$’000 

Consolidated 
2017
$’000

6,348
6,572
(523)

5,720
7,138
(483)

12,397

12,375

Recognition and measurement

Inventories  are  measured  at  the  lower  of  cost  and  net  realisable  value.  The  cost  of  manufactured  products  includes  direct 
materials, direct labour and an appropriate portion of variable and fixed overheads. Overheads are applied on the basis of 
normal operating capacity. Costs are assigned on the basis of weighted average costs.

12. Other assets

Prepayments

13. Trade and other payables

Trade payables
Other payables
Goods and services tax (GST) payable

Consolidated
2018
$’000 

Consolidated 
2017
$’000

4,970

4,970

3,089

3,089

Consolidated
2018
$’000 

Consolidated 
2017
$’000

48,466
3,845
–

52,311

58,433
9,378
–

67,811

Recognition and measurement

Trade and other payables represent the liabilities for goods and services received by the Consolidated Group that remain unpaid 
at the end of the reporting period. The balance is recognised as a current liability with the amounts normally paid within 45 days 
of recognition of the liability.

Fair values of trade and other payables

Due to the short-term nature of trade and other payables, their carrying amount approximates to fair value.

67

14. Borrowings

Current
Secured

Finance lease liabilities
Bank Loans
  Other Loans
Unsecured
  Other loans

Non-current
Secured

Finance lease liabilities
Bank Loans
  Other Loans
Unsecured
  Other loans

Consolidated
2018
$’000 

Consolidated 
2017
$’000

–
36,851
2,291

–
9,851
1,319

18

 18 

39,160

11,188

–
44,913
–

48

44,961

84,121

–
54,764
–

48

54,812

66,000

The weighted average effective interest rate on the bank loans is 3.49% per annum (2017: 3.45% per annum).

Term Loan
Term Loan
Working Capital
Bank Guarantee
Term Loan
Uncommitted foreign exchange contracts
Uncommitted interest rate swaps

2018
$’000

2017
$’000

Limit

Undrawn
Balance

Limit

Undrawn
Balance

–
55,000
24,000
50,000
5,000
6,000
200
2,500
–
–
– Discretionary
– Discretionary

–
65,000
30,000
30,000
6,000
6,000
200
2,500
–
–
– Discretionary
– Discretionary

Aggregate Facility Limit
Aggregate Undrawn Balance

113,500

29,200

103,500
–

–
36,200

68

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018 Notes to the financial statements continued 
 
 
 
14. Borrowings (continued)

The borrowings are secured by means of a charge over the Consolidated Group’s assets. The carrying amounts of assets pledged 
as security are as recognised in the Consolidated Group’s balance sheet.

The Consolidated Group has facility agreements (“Facilities”) in place with its key banking partners to source debt and working 
capital  funding.  The  Facilities,  together  with  certain  proceeds  from  the  issue  of  shares  under  the  Initial  Public  Offering,  are 
being utilised to fund operations and Huon’s Controlled Growth Strategy. The Facilities are reviewed periodically to maintain an 
optimal capital structure consistent with the Consolidated Group’s Capital Management strategy.

The Facilities have a variable interest rate on amounts drawn calculated at a variable rate by reference to the Australian dollar 
BBSY and are subject to line fees on drawn and undrawn facilities.

Facility Renewal:

The Consolidated Group entered into a facility agreement to refinance its debt facilities in October 2014 which are due to expire 
in October 2018 and September 2019. The Consolidated Group is currently in the process of renewing these facilities with its 
existing banking partners.

The  Consolidated  Group  expects  to  secure  renewal  of  the  facilities  on  terms  consistent  with  the  existing  agreement  and  with 
a facility limit that is consistent with the Consolidated Group’s Capital Management strategy. It is expected the renewal will be 
completed in the first half of FY2019.

Loan covenants:

Under the terms of the Facilities, the group is required to comply with certain financial covenants. During the financial year as part 
of the annual review of the Consolidated Group’s Facilities, the covenants were updated to the following:

 –
 –

 –

Equity Ratio (Tangible Net Worth/Total Tangible Assets) greater than 50% (measured annually on 30 June);
Leverage Ratio (Gross Debt/Operating EBITDA) not greater than a maximum of 2.00 times (measured quarterly on a 
rolling 12 month basis);
Interest Cover Ratio (Operating EBITDA/Total Finance Costs) greater than 3.5 times (measured quarterly on a rolling 
12 month basis); and

 – Actual capital expenditure not more than 110% of the annual capital expenditure budget approved by financiers.

The group complied with the financial covenants throughout the reporting period.

Recognition and measurement
Borrowings  are  initially  recognised  at  fair  value,  net  of  transaction  costs  incurred.  Borrowings  are  subsequently  measured 
at amortised cost. Any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption amount is recognised 
in  consolidated  income  statement  over  the  period  of  the  borrowings  using  the  effective  interest  method.  Fees  paid  on  the 
establishment of loan facilities are recognised as transaction costs of the loan to the extent that it is probable that some or all of 
the facility will be drawn down. In this case, the fee is deferred until the draw down occurs. To the extent there is no evidence that 
it is probable that some or all of the facility will be drawn down, the fee is capitalised as a prepayment for liquidity services and 
amortised over the period of the facility to which it relates.

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

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

Borrowing Costs

General and specific borrowing costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying 
asset are capitalised during the period of time that is required to complete and prepare the asset for its intended use or sale. 
Qualifying assets are assets that necessarily take a substantial period of time to get ready for their intended use or sale.

All other borrowing costs are recognised in consolidated income statement in the period in which they are incurred.

69

15. Issued capital

Consolidated
2018 

Consolidated 
2017

No.

$’000

No.

$’000

(a)  Ordinary share capital (fully paid):
Ordinary shares

87,337,207

164,302

87,337,207

164,302

The Company has authorised share capital amounting to 87,337,207 ordinary shares of no par value.

2018

2017

Note

No.

$’000

No.

$’000

(b)  Movements in ordinary share capital
At the beginning of the reporting period
Share subdivision
Issue of new shares

Less: Transaction costs arising on share issues

(i)

87,337,207
–
–
–

164,302
–
–
–

87,337,207
–
–
–

164,302
–
–
–

At the end of the reporting period

87,337,207

164,302

87,337,207

164,302

(i)  Ordinary shares have no par value and the Company does not have a limited amount of authorised capital.

Ordinary shares participate in dividends and the proceeds on winding up of the Parent Entity in proportion to the number of 
shares held.

The voting rights attaching to ordinary shares are, on a show of hands every member present at a meeting in person or by proxy 
shall have one vote, and upon a poll each share shall have one vote.

There are no unquoted equity securities on issue.

There is no current on-market buy-back in respect of the Company’s ordinary shares.

(c)  Capital Management
Management  controls  the  capital  of  the  Consolidated  Group  in  order  to  maintain  a  good  debt  to  equity  ratio,  provide  the 
shareholders  with  adequate  returns  and  ensure  that  the  Consolidated  Group  can  fund  its  operations  and  continue  as  a 
going concern.

The Consolidated Group’s debt and capital include ordinary share capital and financial liabilities, supported by financial assets.

There are no externally imposed capital requirements.

Management effectively manages the Consolidated Group’s capital by assessing the Consolidated Group’s financial risks and 
adjusting its capital structure in response to changes in these risks and in the market. These responses include the management 
of debt levels, distributions to shareholders and share issues.

There have been no changes in the strategy adopted by management to control the capital of the Consolidated Group since 
the prior year.

70

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018 Notes to the financial statements continued15. Issued capital (continued)

Total borrowings
Less cash and cash equivalents

Net debt

Total equity

Gearing ratio

Recognition and measurement

Ordinary shares are classified as equity.

Consolidated
2018
$’000 

Consolidated 
2017
$’000

84,121
(2,787)

81,334

66,000
(23,004)

42,996

311,706

293,222

26.1%

14.7%

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

Where any group company purchases the Company’s equity instruments, for example as the result of a share buy-back or a 
share based payment plan, the consideration paid, including any directly attributable incremental costs (net of income taxes) is 
deducted from equity attributable to the owners of Huon Aquaculture Group Limited as ordinary share capital until the shares 
are cancelled or reissued. Where such ordinary shares are subsequently reissued, any consideration received, net of any directly 
attributable incremental transaction costs and the related income tax effects, is included in equity attributable to the owners of 
Huon Aquaculture Group Limited.

16. Other reserves

Share-based payment reserve

Balance at the beginning of financial year
Share-based payment expense

Balance at the end of financial year

Consolidated
2018
$’000 

Consolidated 
2017
$’000

544
830

1,374

255
289

544

The  share-based  payment  reserve  is  used  to  recognise  the  grant  date  fair  value  of  performance  rights  issued  to  employees.  
The performance rights are issued to the Chief Executive Officer and Management as part of the LTI plan. Refer to note 26 for 
further details.

71

Other

17. Financial assets

Investment in Salmon Enterprises of Tasmania Pty Ltd (“Saltas”)(i)
Investment in Commercial Fishermans Co-operative

Consolidated
2018
$’000 

Consolidated 
2017
$’000

1,341
1

1,342

1,341
–

1,341

(i)  The Consolidated Group holds ordinary share capital of Salmon Enterprises of Tasmania Pty Ltd (“Saltas”).

The directors of Huon Aquaculture Group Limited do not believe that the Consolidated Group is able to exert significant influence 
over Saltas.

Recognition and Measurement 

Investments are initially recorded at cost or fair value. Individual investments are assessed for any impairment in value.

18. Other financial assets

Derivatives carried at fair value
Foreign currency forward contracts

Consolidated
2018
$’000 

Consolidated 
2017
$’000

571

571

–

–

Refer to note 19 for fair value measurement and hierarchy.

19. Fair value measurements

The Consolidated Group measures and recognises the following assets at fair value on a recurring basis after initial recognition:

 –

Biological assets (refer to note 3)

The Consolidated Group does not subsequently measure any liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis, or any assets or liabilities 
at fair value on a non-recurring basis.

Fair value hierarchy

AASB  13  requires  the  disclosure  of  fair  value  information  by  level  of  the  fair  value  hierarchy,  which  categorises  fair  value 
measurements into one of three possible levels based on the lowest level that an input that is significant to the measurement can 
be categorised into as follows:

Level 1:   Measurements based on quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity can 

access at the measurement date.

Level 2:   Measurements based on inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, 

either directly or indirectly.

Level 3:   Measurements based on unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

The  fair  values  of  assets  and  liabilities  that  are  not  traded  in  an  active  market  are  determined  using  one  or  more  valuation 
techniques. These valuation techniques maximise, to the extent possible, the use of observable market data. If all significant 
inputs required to measure fair value are observable, the asset or liability is included in Level 2. If one or more significant inputs 
are not based on observable market data, the asset or liability is included in Level 3. 

Valuation techniques
The Consolidated Group selects a valuation technique that is appropriate in the circumstances and for which sufficient data is 
available to measure fair value. The availability of sufficient and relevant data primarily depends on the specific characteristics 
of the asset or liability being measured.

There has been no change in the valuation technique(s) used to calculate the fair values disclosed in the financial statements. 

There has been no transfers between the fair value measurement levels during the financial year.

72

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018 Notes to the financial statements continued19. Fair value measurements (continued)

Recognition and measurement

Financial instruments
The Consolidated Group enters into a variety of derivative financial instruments to manage its exposure to foreign exchange 
rate risk, including forward foreign exchange contracts. The derivative financial instruments do not qualify for hedge accounting. 
Changes in the fair value of the derivative financial instruments are recognised immediately in consolidated income statement.

Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured 
to their fair value at each reporting date.

Initial recognition and measurement
Financial  assets  and  financial  liabilities  are  recognised  when  the  entity  becomes  a  party  to  the  contractual  provisions  of  the 
instrument. For financial assets, this is equivalent to the date that the Company commits itself to either purchase or sell the asset 
(i.e. trade date accounting is adopted).

Financial instruments are initially measured at fair value plus transaction costs, except where the instrument is classified ‘at fair 
value  through  consolidated  income  statement’  in  which  case  transaction  costs  are  recognised  as  expenses  in  consolidated 
income statement immediately.

Classification and Subsequent Measurement
Financial instruments are classified at fair value or amortised cost depending on their classification in accordance with AASB 139. 
Where available, quoted prices in an active market are used to determine fair value.

Amortised cost is calculated as the amount at which the financial asset or financial liability is measured at initial recognition less 
principal repayments and any reduction for impairment, and adjusted for any cumulative amortisation of the difference between 
that initial amount and the maturity amount calculated using the effective interest method.

The effective interest method is used to allocate interest income or interest expense over the relevant period and is equivalent to 
the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash payments or receipts (including fees, transaction costs and other premiums 
or discounts) through the expected life (or when this cannot be reliably predicted, the contractual term) of the financial instrument 
to the net carrying amount of the financial asset or financial liability. Revisions to expected future net cash flows will necessitate 
an adjustment to the carrying amount with a consequential recognition of an income or expense item in consolidated income 
statement. 

(i)  FINANCIAL ASSETS AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

Financial  assets  are  classified  at  “fair  value  through  consolidated  income  statement”  when  they  are  held  for  trading  for 
the purpose of short-term profit taking, derivatives not held for hedging purposes, or when they are designated as such to 
avoid an accounting mismatch or to enable performance evaluation where a group of financial assets is managed by key 
management personnel on a fair value basis in accordance with a documented risk management or investment strategy. 
Such assets are subsequently measured at fair value with changes in carrying amount being included in consolidated income 
statement.

(ii)  LOANS AND RECEIVABLES

Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an 
active market and are subsequently measured at amortised cost. Gains or losses are recognised in consolidated income 
statement through the amortisation process and when the financial asset is derecognised.

(iii)  HELD-TO-MATURITY INVESTMENTS

Held-to-maturity  investments  are  non-derivative  financial  assets  that  have  fixed  maturities  and  fixed  or  determinable 
payments, and it is the Consolidated Group’s intention to hold these investments to maturity. They are subsequently measured 
at amortised cost. Gains or losses are recognised in consolidated income statement through the amortisation process and 
when the financial asset is derecognised.

(iv)  FINANCIAL LIABILITIES

Non-derivative financial liabilities other than financial guarantees are subsequently measured at amortised cost. Gains or 
losses are recognised in consolidated income statement through the amortisation process and when the financial liability 
is derecognised.

73

19. Fair value measurements (continued)

Impairment
At the end of each reporting period, the Consolidated Group assesses whether there is objective evidence that a financial asset 
has been impaired. A financial asset (or a group of financial assets) is deemed to be impaired if, and only if, there is objective 
evidence of impairment as a result of one or more events (a “loss event”) having occurred, which has an impact on the estimated 
future cash flows of the financial asset(s).

In  the  case  of  available-for-sale  financial  assets,  a  significant  or  prolonged  decline  in  the  market  value  of  the  instrument  is 
considered to constitute a loss event. Impairment losses are recognised in consolidated income statement immediately. Also, 
any cumulative decline in fair value previously recognised in other comprehensive income is reclassified to consolidated income 
statement at this point.

In the case of financial assets carried at amortised cost, loss events may include: indications that the debtors or a group of debtors 
are experiencing significant financial difficulty, default or delinquency in interest or principal payments; indications that they will 
enter bankruptcy or other financial reorganisation; and changes in arrears or economic conditions that correlate with defaults.

For  financial  assets  carried  at  amortised  cost  (including  loans  and  receivables),  a  separate  allowance  account  is  used  to 
reduce the carrying amount of financial assets impaired by credit losses. After having taken all possible measures of recovery, 
if management establishes that the carrying amount cannot be recovered by any means, at that point the written-off amounts 
are charged to the allowance account or the carrying amount of impaired financial assets is reduced directly if no impairment 
amount was previously recognised in the allowance account.

When the terms of financial assets that would otherwise have been past due or impaired have been renegotiated, the Consolidated 
Group recognises the impairment for such financial assets by taking into account the original terms as if the terms have not been 
renegotiated so that the loss events that have occurred are duly considered.

Derecognition
Financial  assets  are  derecognised  when  the  contractual  rights  to  receipt  of  cash  flows  expire  or  the  asset  is  transferred  to 
another  party  whereby  the  entity  no  longer  has  any  significant  continuing  involvement  in  the  risks  and  benefits  associated 
with the asset. Financial liabilities are derecognised when the related obligations are discharged, cancelled or have expired.  
The difference between the carrying amount of the financial liability extinguished or transferred to another party and the fair 
value  of  consideration  paid,  including  the  transfer  of  non-cash  assets  or  liabilities  assumed,  is  recognised  in  consolidated 
income statement.

20. Financial risk management

The Consolidated Group’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: market risk (including currency risk, interest rate risk and 
price risk), credit risk and liquidity risk. The Consolidated Group’s overall risk management program focuses on the unpredictability 
of financial markets and seeks to minimise potential adverse effects on the financial performance of the Consolidated Group. The 
Consolidated Group uses derivative financial instruments such as foreign exchange contracts and interest rate swaps to manage 
certain risk exposures. i.e. not used as trading or other speculative instruments. The Consolidated Group uses different methods to 
measure different types of risk to which it is exposed. These methods include sensitivity analysis in the case of interest rate, foreign 
exchange and other price risks, aging analysis for credit risk and beta analysis in respect of investment portfolios to determine 
market risk.

Risk management is carried out under policies approved by the Board.

The Consolidated Group holds the following financial instruments:

Financial Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables
Derivative financial instruments

Total Financial Assets

Financial Liabilities
Trade and other payables
Borrowings
Derivative financial instruments

Total Financial Liabilities

74

Consolidated
2018
$’000 

Consolidated 
2017
$’000

2,787
32,924
571

36,282

52,311
84,121
–

23,004
29,855
–

52,859

67,811
66,000
679

136,432

134,490

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018 Notes to the financial statements continued20. Financial risk management (continued)

(a) Credit risk
Credit risk is managed on a Consolidated Group basis. Credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents, favourable derivative 
financial instruments and deposits with banks exposures to wholesale, commercial and retail customers, including outstanding 
receivables and committed transactions.

Credit  risk  also  arises  in  relation  to  financial  guarantees  given  to  certain  parties  (see  notes  21  and  26(c)(ii)  for  details). 
Such guarantees are only provided in exceptional circumstances and are subject to specific Board approval.

(b)  Liquidity risk
Management monitors rolling forecasts of the Consolidated Group’s liquidity reserve (comprising the undrawn borrowing facilities 
below) and cash and cash equivalents (note 9) on the basis of expected cash flows.

Financing arrangements
The Consolidated Group had access to the following undrawn borrowing facilities at the end of the reporting period:

Floating rate
Expiring within one year (bank loans)
Expiring beyond one year (bank loans)

Consolidated
2018
$’000 

Consolidated 
2017
$’000

5,000
24,000

29,000

–
6,000
30,000

36,000

Maturities of financial liabilities
The table below analyses the Consolidated Group’s financial liabilities into relevant maturity groupings as follows:

(a)  based on their contractual maturities:

(i)   all non derivative financial liabilities

(ii)   net and gross settled derivative financial instruments for which the contractual maturities are essential for an understanding 

of the timing of cash flows.

(b)  based on the remaining period to the expected settlement date:

(i)    derivative financial liabilities for which the contractual maturities are not essential for an understanding of the timing of 

cash flows.

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

Contractual maturities of financial liabilities

Within 
1 year 
$’000 

1 to 5 
years 
$’000

Over 
5 years 
$’000 

Total
$’000

Carrying 
Amount
$’000 

At 30 June 2018
NON DERIVATIVES
Borrowings
Trade and other payables

Total expected outflows

DERIVATIVES
Net settled (forward foreign exchange contracts)
– (inflow)
– outflow

Total expected (inflow)/outflow

40,716
52,311

93,027

47,572
–

47,572

571
–

571

–
–

–

–
–

–

–
–

–

88,288
52,311

84,121
52,311

140,599

136,432

571
–

571

571
–

571

75

20. Financial risk management (continued)

Contractual maturities of financial liabilities

Within 
1 year 
$’000 

1 to 5 
years 
$’000

Over 
5 years 
$’000 

Total
$’000

Carrying 
Amount
$’000 

At 30 June 2017
NON DERIVATIVES
Borrowings
Trade and other payables

Total expected outflows

DERIVATIVES
Net settled (forward foreign exchange contracts)
– (inflow)
– outflow

Total expected (inflow)/outflow

(c)  Market risk management

13,675
67,811

81,486

59,518
–

59,518

–
679

679

–
–

–

–
–

–

–
–

–

73,193
67,811

66,000
67,811

141,004

133,811

–
679

679

–
679

679

INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT

(i) 
The Consolidated Group is exposed to interest rate risk as it borrows funds at both floating and fixed interest rates. The financial 
instruments that expose the Consolidated Group to interest rate risk are limited to borrowings, cash and cash equivalents.

Interest  rate  risk  is  managed  by  using  a  mix  of  fixed  and  floating  rate  debt  and  the  Consolidated  Group  enters  into  interest 
rate swaps from time to time to convert debt to a fixed rate. At 30 June 2018: 97% (2017: 98%) of Consolidated Group debt is 
floating. The Consolidated Group also manages interest rate risk by ensuring that, whenever possible, payables are paid within 
any pre-agreed credit terms.

The net effective variable interest rate borrowings (i.e. unhedged debt) expose the Consolidated Group to interest rate risk which 
will impact future cash flows and interest charges and is indicated by the following floating interest rate financial liabilities:

The following table details the notional principle amounts at the end of the reporting period.

Floating rate instruments
Bank Loans

Weighted average  
interest rate

Consolidated notional 
principal value

2018
% 

2017
%

2018
$’000

2017
$’000

3.49%

3.45%

82,000

82,000

65,000

65,000

76

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018 Notes to the financial statements continued20. Financial risk management (continued)

Interest rate sensitivity analysis
At  30  June  2018,  if  interest  rates  had  increased  by  50  basis  points  or  decreased  by  50  basis  points  from  the  year  end  rates 
with all other variables held constant, pre-tax profit for the period would have been $310,817 higher / $310,817 lower (2017 
changes of 50bps/50bps: $214,453 higher/$214,453 lower), mainly as a result of higher/lower interest income from cash and  
cash equivalents.

(ii)  FOREIGN EXCHANGE RISK
The Consolidated Group operates internationally and is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from various currency exposures, 
predominantly with respect to the US Dollar and Japanese Yen.

Foreign  exchange  risk  arises  when  future  commercial  transactions  and  recognised  financial  assets  and  financial  liabilities  are 
denominated in a currency that is not the entity’s functional currency. The risk is measured using sensitivity analysis and cash flow 
forecasting.

The Consolidated Group hedges its foreign exchange risk exposure arising from future commercial transactions and recognised 
assets and liabilities using forward contracts. The Consolidated Group’s risk management policy is to hedge between 75% – 125% 
of  cash  flows  arising  from  known  inventory  purchase  commitments,  mainly  denominated  in  US  dollars  for  the  subsequent  six 
months.

The Consolidated Group’s exposure to foreign currency risk at the end of the reporting period, expressed in Australian dollar, was 
as follows:

Trade payables (import creditors)
Forward exchange contracts
Buy foreign currency (cash flow hedges)
Sell foreign currency (cash flow hedges)

Consolidated
2018
$’000 

Consolidated 
2017
$’000

15,887

11,232

12,984
6,167

40,363
4,417

Consolidated Group sensitivity
Based on the financial instruments held at 30 June 2018, had the Australian dollar strengthened/weakened by 10% against the 
US dollar and the Japanese Yen with all other variables held constant, the Consolidated Group’s pre-tax profit for the period 
would  have  been  $1,536,863  higher/$1,108,976  lower  (2017:  $3,746,927  higher/$4,029,072  lower),  mainly  as  a  result  of 
foreign exchange gains/losses on translation of US dollar denominated financial instruments as detailed in the above table.

Recognition and measurement

Foreign Currency Transactions and Balances

FUNCTIONAL AND PRESENTATION CURRENCY
The functional currency of each group entity is measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which that 
entity operates. The consolidated financial statements are presented in Australian dollars which is the Parent Entity’s functional 
and presentation currency.

TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES
Foreign  currency  transactions  are  translated  into  functional  currency  using  the  exchange  rates  prevailing  at  the  date  of  the 
transaction. Foreign currency monetary items are translated at the year-end exchange rate. Non-monetary items measured at 
historical cost continue to be carried at the exchange rate at the date of the transaction. Non-monetary items measured at fair 
value are reported at the exchange rate at the date when fair values were determined.

Exchange  differences  arising  on  the  translation  of  monetary  items  are  recognised  in  consolidated  income  statement,  except 
where deferred in equity as a qualifying cash flow or net investment hedge. 

Exchange differences arising on the translation of non-monetary items are recognised directly in other comprehensive income 
to  the  extent  that  the  underlying  gain  or  loss  is  directly  recognised  in  other  comprehensive  income,  otherwise  the  exchange 
difference is recognised in consolidated income statement.

77

21. Parent information

The following information has been extracted from the books and records of the parent and has been prepared in accordance 
with Australian Accounting Standards.

Statement of financial position
Assets
Current assets
Non-current assets

Total assets

Liabilities
Current liabilities

Total liabilities

Equity
Issued capital
Share-based payment reserve
Retained earnings
Dividends provided for or paid

Total equity

Financial performance
Profit/(loss) for the period

Total comprehensive income/(loss)

Consolidated
2018
$’000 

Consolidated 
2017
$’000

1
172,251

–
168,103

172,252

168,103

6,432

6,432

–

–

164,302
1,374
8,878
(8,734)

164,302
544
3,257
–

165,820

168,103

5,533

5,533

(289)

(289)

Parent Entity financial information

The financial information for the Parent Entity, Huon Aquaculture Group Limited, disclosed above has been prepared on the 
same basis as the consolidated financial statements, except as set out below. Huon Aquaculture Group Limited is the ultimate 
parent entity.

Transactions with related entities

The loss of the Parent Entity shown above is due to the recognition of expenditure in relation to performance rights limited to 
share-based remuneration.

Investments in subsidiaries, associates, and joint venture entities are accounted for at cost in the financial statements of Huon 
Aquaculture  Group  Limited.  Dividends  received  from  associates  are  recognised  in  the  Parent  Entity’s  consolidated  income 
statement when its right to receive the dividend is established.

78

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018 Notes to the financial statements continued21. Parent information (continued)

Tax consolidation legislation

Huon Aquaculture Group Limited and its wholly-owned Australian controlled entities have implemented the tax consolidation 
legislation.

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

In  addition  to  its  own  current  and  deferred  tax  amounts,  Huon  Aquaculture  Group  Limited  also  recognises  the  current  tax 
liabilities (or assets) and the deferred tax assets arising from unused tax losses and unused tax credits assumed from controlled 
entities in the tax Consolidated Group. In the current year tax losses of $11,557,574 (tax effected at 30%) (2017: $4,404,767 (tax 
effected at 30%)) have been assumed from controlled entities in the tax Consolidated Group.

The entities have also entered a tax funding agreement under which the wholly-owned entities fully compensate Huon Aquaculture 
Group Limited for any current tax payable assumed and are compensated by Huon Aquaculture Group Limited for any current tax 
receivable and deferred tax assets relating to unused tax losses or unused tax credits that are transferred to Huon Aquaculture 
Group  Limited  under  the  tax  consolidation  legislation.  The  funding  amounts  are  determined  by  reference  to  the  amounts 
recognised in the wholly-owned entities’ financial statements.

The amounts receivable/payable under the tax funding agreement are due upon receipt of the funding advice from the head 
entity, which is issued as soon as practicable after the end of each financial year. The head entity may also require payment of 
interim funding amounts to assist with its obligations to pay tax instalments.

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

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

22. Deed of cross guarantee

The  wholly-owned  subsidiaries  disclosed  in  note  30  are  parties  to  a  deed  of  cross  guarantee  under  which  each  company 
guarantees the debts of the others. By entering into the deed, the wholly-owned entities have been relieved from the requirement 
to  prepare  a  financial  report  and  directors’  report  under  Instrument  2016/785  issued  by  the  Australian  Securities  and   
Investments Commission.

The closed group financial information for 2017 and 2018 is identical to the financial information included in the consolidated 
financial statements. The wholly-owned subsidiaries became a party to the deed of cross guarantee dated 28 June 2016.

The companies disclosed in note 30 represent a ‘closed group’ for the purposes of the Instrument, and as there are no other 
parties to the deed of cross guarantee that are controlled by Huon Aquaculture Group Limited, they also represent the ‘extended 
closed group’.

79

23. Income tax

(a) Income tax recognised in profit or loss:
Tax (expense)/income comprises:
  Current tax (expense)/income

Adjustments for current tax of prior periods
Increase in deferred tax assets
Increase in deferred tax liabilities

Total tax (expense)

The prima facie tax on profit from ordinary activities before income tax 
is reconciled to the income tax expense as follows:
Profit from continuing operations before income tax expense
Prima facie tax payable on profit from ordinary activities before income tax 
at 30% (2017: 30%) for the Consolidated Group.

Adjustment recognised in the current year in relation to prior years:

Research and development tax credit

  Other
Non-tax deductible items

Income tax (expense)

Consolidated
2018
$’000 

Consolidated 
2017
$’000

(6,432)
4,196
(5,244)
3,321

5
2,616
(2,647)
(14,306)

(4,159)

(14,332)

30,546

56,492

(9,164)

(16,948)

5,012
–
(7)

3,315
(691)
(8)

(4,159)

(14,332)

The applicable weighted average effective tax rates are as follows:

13.6%

25.4%

–
–

–

–

6,432

6,432

–
–

–

–

–

–

(b) Income tax recognised directly in equity:
Deferred tax:

Share issue costs

(c) Current tax balances:
Current tax receivables comprise:
Income tax receivable attributable to:

Entities in the tax-Consolidated Group

Net current tax balance

Current tax liabilities comprise:
Income tax payable attributable to:

Entities in the tax-Consolidated Group

Net current tax balance

80

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018 Notes to the financial statements continued 
 
 
 
 
 
 
23. Income tax (continued)

(d) Deferred tax balances: 

Taxable and deductible temporary differences, comprise of the following and arise from the following movements:

2018

Gross deferred tax liabilities:
Biological assets
Property, plant and equipment
Trade and other receivables
Other non-current assets
Other financial assets

Gross deferred tax assets:
Provisions
Other financial assets
Trade and other receivables
Property, plant and equipment
Other intangibles
Share issue expenses
Tax Losses
Research and development
Borrowing costs
Share-based payments
Deferred Revenue
Trade and other payables

Net deferred tax asset/(liability)

2017

Gross deferred tax liabilities:
Biological assets
Property, plant and equipment
Trade and other receivables
Other non-current assets
Other financial assets

Gross deferred tax assets:
Provisions
Other financial assets
Trade and other receivables
Property, plant and equipment
Other intangibles
Share issue expenses
Tax Losses
Research and development
Borrowing costs
Share-based payments
Deferred Revenue
Trade and other payables

Net deferred tax asset/(liability)

Opening
balance
$’000

(52,811)
(9,749)
(21)
(2,069)
(350)

(65,000)

2,048
–
276
197
3
680
537
3,315
8
163
1,005
1,118

9,350

(55,650)

Opening
balance
$’000

(40,667)
(6,440)
(72)
(2,200)
(388)

Charged
to income
$’000 

Adjustments
for current tax
of prior periods
$’000

Closing
balance
$’000

(46,597)
(12,821)
(146)
(1,937)
(300)

–
(122)
–
–
–

(122)

(61,801)

–
–
–
–
–
–
122
–
(4)
–
–
–

118

2,379
–
(82)
185
3
335
–
–
3
412
866
123

4,224

(4)

(57,577)

6,214
(2,950)
(125)
132
50

3,321

331
–
(358)
(12)
–
(345)
(659)
(3,315)
(1)
249
(139)
(995)

(5,244)

(1,923)

Charged
to income
$’000 

Adjustments
for current tax
of prior periods
$’000

(12,144)
(2,382)
51
131
38

–
(927)
–
–
–

Closing
balance
$’000

(52,811)
(9,749)
(21)
(2,069)
(350)

(49,767)

(14,306)

(927)

(65,000)

1,833
–
57
214
3
1,026
4,010
–
4
76
1,144
87

215
–
219
(17)
–
(346)
(3,697)
–
–
87
(139)
1,031

8,454

(2,647)

(41,313)

(16,953)

–
–
–
–
–
–
224
3,315
4
–
–
–

3,543

2,616

2,048
–
276
197
3
680
537
3,315
8
163
1,005
1,118

9,350

(55,650)

81

23. Income tax (continued)

Recognition and measurement

(Refer to note 21 for Tax Consolidation legislation)

The income tax expense/income for the year comprises current income tax expense/income and deferred tax expense/income.

Current income tax expense charged to the consolidated income statement is the tax payable on taxable income. Current tax 
liabilities/assets are measured at the amounts expected to be paid to/recovered from the relevant taxation authority.

Deferred income tax expense reflects movements in deferred tax asset and deferred tax liability balances during the year as well 
as unused tax losses. 

Huon Aquaculture Group Limited and its wholly-owned Australian controlled entities have implemented the tax consolidation 
legislation. As a consequence, these entities are taxed as a single entity and the deferred tax assets and liabilities of these entities 
are set off in the consolidated financial statements.

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

Except  for  business  combinations,  no  deferred  income  tax  is  recognised  from  the  initial  recognition  of  an  asset  or  liability, 
excluding a business combination, where there is no effect on accounting or taxable consolidated income statement.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when the asset is realised 
or  the  liability  is  settled  and  their  measurement  also  reflects  the  manner  in  which  management  expects  to  recover  or  settle 
the carrying amount of the related asset or liability. With respect to non-depreciable items of property, plant and equipment 
measured at fair value and marine leases, the related deferred tax liability or deferred tax asset is measured on the basis that 
the carrying amount of the asset will be recovered entirely through sale. When an investment property that is depreciable is held 
by the Company in a business model whose objective is to consume substantially all of the economic benefits embodied in the 
property through use over time (rather than through sale), the related deferred tax liability or deferred tax asset is measured on 
the basis that the carrying amount of such property will be recovered entirely through use.

Deferred tax assets relating to temporary differences and unused tax losses are recognised only to the extent that it is probable 
that future taxable profit will be available against which the benefits of the deferred tax asset can be utilised.

Where temporary differences exist in relation to investments in subsidiaries, branches, associates, and joint ventures, deferred 
tax assets and liabilities are not recognised where the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference can be controlled and it 
is not probable that the reversal will occur in the foreseeable future.

Current tax assets and liabilities are offset where a legally enforceable right of set-off exists and it is intended that net settlement 
or simultaneous realisation and settlement of the respective asset and liability will occur. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are 
offset where: (a) a legally enforceable right of set-off exists; and (b) the deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to income taxes 
levied by the same taxation authority on either the same taxable entity or different taxable entities, where it is intended that net 
settlement or simultaneous realisation and settlement of the respective asset and liability will occur in future periods in which 
significant amounts of deferred tax assets or liabilities are expected to be recovered or settled.

Companies within the Consolidated Group may be entitled to claim special tax deductions for investments in qualifying assets 
or in relation to qualifying expenditure (e.g. the Research and Development Incentive regime in Australia). The Consolidated 
Group accounts for such allowances as tax credits, which means that the allowance reduces income tax payable and current tax 
expense. A deferred tax asset is recognised for unclaimed tax credits that are carried forward.

24. Key management personnel compensation

The totals of remuneration for key management personnel (KMP) of the Consolidated Group during the year are as follows:

Consolidated
2018
$ 

Consolidated
2017
$ 

2,499,810
203,661
–
–
792,611

1,993,210
152,251
–
–
180,127

3,496,082

2,325,588

Short-term employee benefits
Post-employment benefits
Long-term benefits
Termination benefits
Share-based payments

No remuneration was paid by the Parent Entity to the KMP.

82

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018 Notes to the financial statements continued25. Share-based payment

(a)  Share-based payment arrangements
The  Consolidated  Group  offers  the  Chief  Executive  Officer,  Executive  Management  Group  and  senior  management  the 
opportunity to participate in the Long-Term Incentive Plan (“the Plan”), which involves performance rights to acquire shares in 
Huon Aquaculture Group Limited. The Plan is designed to:

 –

 –

assist in the motivation, retention and reward of employees, including the Chief Executive Officer and members of management; 
and
align  the  interests  of  employees  participating  in  the  Plan  more  closely  with  the  interests  of  shareholders  by  providing  an 
opportunity  for  those  employees  to  receive  an  equity  interest  in  the  Huon  Aquaculture  Group  through  the  granting  of 
performance rights.

Performance period
Under the Plan, performance rights were issued to the Chief Executive Officer and members of management as the LTI component 
of their remuneration. Performance rights granted under the LTI offer have the following vesting conditions:

 –
 –

50% of the performance rights will be subject to a vesting condition based on the Company’s earnings per share (EPS); and
50% of the performance rights will be subject to a vesting condition based on the Company’s return on assets (ROA)

If the specific performance criteria are satisfied, the Board has resolved to issue, or procure the transfer of Shares, or alternatively 
pay the cash amount of equivalent value, to Mr Bender and management on the vesting of those performance rights.

In the event that a performance right holder ceases to be an employee prior to the completion of the performance period due to 
a qualifying reason (i.e. other than for dismissal for cause) and such cessation occurs within the first twelve months of the grant 
of the performance rights, then the performance rights will be forfeited on a pro-rata basis for the number of months employed 
in the full year.

Performance rights that have vested may be exercised until the applicable expiry date. If any shares are issued following exercise 
of a vested performance right prior to the applicable expiry date then they may not be sold or transferred before three years after 
the beginning of the performance period.

Number of Shares to be Allocated
The  percentage  of  performance  rights  that  vest  at  the  end  of  each  applicable  performance  period  will  be  determined  by 
reference to the following schedule:

Earnings Per Share (EPS) – 50% of LTI

EPS compound annual growth rate (‘CAGR’)

Less than 7.5% CAGR
7.5% CAGR
Above 7.5% CAGR but below 10% CAGR
10% CAGR or greater

Return On Assets (ROA) – 50% of LTI

ROA (return for the reporting period)

Less than 10% return
10% return
Above 10% return but below 15% return
15% return or greater

Vesting outcome

Nil
50%
Pro-rata from 50-99%
100%

Vesting outcome

Nil
50%
Pro-rata from 50-99%
100%

Earnings per share compound annual growth is calculated as the net profit after income tax (NPAT) (excluding adjustment for 
biological assets) divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares on issue. Compared to an absolute profit measure, 
EPS takes into account changes in the equity base and for this reason it is preferred to other profit based metrics. 

Return on Assets (ROA) is calculated as statutory earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) (excluding adjustment for biological 
assets), divided by total assets excluding cash and fair value adjustment on biological assets (average of opening and closing 
balance). ROA is an appropriate measure for asset intensive industries which reinforces the need to invest capital on projects 
with a superior return. 

83

25. Share-based payment (continued)

(b)  Performance rights granted
Set out below is a summary of performance rights granted under the LTI plan.

2018

Performance Period

Grant Date

From

To

25-Nov-15
25-Nov-15
19-Oct-15
19-Oct-15
30-Nov-16
30-Nov-16
30-Nov-17

1-Jul-15
1-Jul-15
1-Jul-15
1-Jul-15
1-Jul-16
1-Jul-16
1-Jul-17

30-Jun-17
30-Jun-18
30-Jun-17
30-Jun-18
30-Jun-18
30-Jun-19
30-Jun-20

2017

Performance Period

Grant Date

From

To

25-Nov-15
25-Nov-15
19-Oct-15
19-Oct-15
30-Nov-16
30-Nov-16

1-Jul-15
1-Jul-15
1-Jul-15
1-Jul-15
1-Jul-16
1-Jul-16

30-Jun-17
30-Jun-18
30-Jun-17
30-Jun-18
30-Jun-18
30-Jun-19

Balance 
at Start 
of Year

–
47,834
–
60,783
157,111
157,111
–

Other(i)

47,834
–
60,783
–
–
–
–

Granted 
During 
Year

–
–
–
–
–
–
210,429

Forfeited

Vested

Balance 
at End 
of Year

(17,698)
(15,474)
(28,222)
(25,819)
(46,687)
(12,771)
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

30,136
32,360
32,561
34,964
110,424
144,340
210,429

Balance 
at Start 
of Year

47,834
47,834
60,783
60,783
–
–

Granted 
During 
Year

–
–
–
–
157,111
157,111

Other

–
–
–
–
–
–

Forfeited

Vested

(47,834)
–
(60,783)
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–

Balance 
at End 
of Year

–
47,834
–
60,783
157,111
157,111

FV per 
Share

$4.04
$4.04
$4.01
$4.01
$3.71
$3.71
$4.01

FV per 
Share

$4.04
$4.04
$4.01
$4.01
$3.71
$3.71

(i)  Amounts incorrectly shown as forfeited in the 2017 Report

(c)  Fair value of performance rights granted
For  the  performance  rights  granted  during  the  current  financial  year,  the  fair  values  were  measured  at  the  grant  date  of 
30 November 2017 for those granted to the Chief Executive Officer and to management.

The  fair  value  of  the  performance  rights  granted  under  the  Plan  was  calculated  using  the  Black-Scholes  option  pricing 
methodology. The fair value of these performance rights do not take into account the EPS and ROA hurdles being met, as they 
are non-market related vesting conditions.

The following were the key assumptions used in determining the valuation:

Share price at grant date
Dividend yield (per annum effective)
Risk free discount rate (per annum)
Expected price volatility
Term of performance right
Fair value of performance right

Chief Executive
Officer

Senior
Management

$4.32
2.5%
2.63%
28.5%
 1-3 years 
$4.01

$4.32
2.5%
2.63%
28.5%
 1-3 years 
$4.01

The expense recognised in relation to performance rights applicable to the Chief Executive Officer and management for the year 
ended 30 June 2018 is $829,613 (2017: $289,032).

84

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018 Notes to the financial statements continued25. Share-based payment (continued)

Recognition and measurement

The Consolidated Group provides benefits to the Chief Executive Officer and certain management in the form of share-based 
payment, whereby services are rendered in exchange for rights over shares (performance rights). These benefits are provided as 
part of the Consolidated Group’s long-term incentive plan.

The fair value of the performance rights is recognised as an employee benefits expense, with a corresponding increase in equity. 
The total amount to be expensed is determined by reference to the fair value of the performance rights granted, which includes 
any market performance conditions and the impact of any non-vesting conditions, but excludes the impact of any service and 
non-market performance vesting conditions. Non-market vesting conditions are included in assumptions about the number of 
performance rights that are expected to vest.

The total expense is recognised over the period in which the performance and/or service conditions are fulfilled (the vesting 
period), ending on the date on which the relevant employees become fully entitled to the award (the vesting date).

At the end of each reporting period, the Consolidated Group revises its estimates of the number of awards that are expected to 
vest based on the non-market vesting conditions. The impact of the revision to original estimates, if any, is recognised in profit 
or loss, with a corresponding adjustment to equity.

85

26. Related party transactions

Identity of related parties

The following persons and entities are regarded as related parties:

(a)  Controlled entities:

Refer to note 30 for details of equity interests in entities controlled by Huon Aquaculture Group Limited.

(b)  Key Management Personnel:

Directors and other Key Management Personnel (KMP) also include close members of the families of Directors and other KMP.
In  determining  the  disclosures  noted  below,  the  KMP  have  made  appropriate  enquiries  to  the  best  of  their  ability  and  the 
information presented reflects their knowledge.
All transactions entered into during the year were on normal commercial terms and conditions no more favourable than those if 
the entity was dealing with an unrelated party at on an arm’s length basis.

(i)  Compensation of KMP
Details of KMP compensation are disclosed in the Remuneration Report  
and in note 24 to the financial statements.

(ii)  Compensation of close family members
Other transactions

Short-term employee benefits

Superannuation Contributions

Consolidated
2018
$ 

Consolidated 
2017
$

284,570

240,529

Contributions to superannuation funds on behalf of employees 

24,355

21,051

(iii) Dividend revenue

Key Management Personnel

(iv) Purchases from entities controlled by Key Management Personnel
The group acquired the following goods and services from entities that are controlled  
by members of the group’s Key Management Personnel:

Land, Buildings and Property, Plant and Equipment
Leases of assets

(v)  Outstanding balances arising from sales/purchases of goods and services
Current Payables:

Entities controlled by close family members
Entities controlled by key management personnel

(c)  Investments
(i)  Purchase (sales) of goods and services

–

–

537,000

537,000

–
356,236

356,236

204,036
–

204,036

31,540
–

31,540

The  Consolidated  Group  entered  into  transactions  with  Salmon  Enterprises  of  Tasmania  Pty  Ltd  for  the  supply  of  smolt   
(juvenile salmon) and the sale of other goods and services. These transactions were conducted on normal commercial terms 
and conditions.

Salmon Enterprises of Tasmania Pty Ltd

(ii)  Financial guarantee contract

Consolidated
2018
$ 

Consolidated 
2017
$

1,719,355

1,404,915

During the 2012 financial year the Consolidated Group became party to a $7.02 million facility that Salmon Enterprises of Tasmania 
Pty Ltd entered into with BankWest through a financial guarantee contract. The facility was amended during the 2018 financial year. 
The Consolidated Group’s guarantee is for $0.98 million.

86

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018 Notes to the financial statements continued 
27. Remuneration of auditors

During  the  year  the  following  fees  were  paid  or  payable  for  services  provided  by  the  auditor  of  the  Parent  Entity,  its  related 
practices and non-related audit firms:

(a)  PricewaterhouseCoopers Australia
(i)   Audit and other assurance services

Audit and review of financial statements
Other assurance services – audit of grant acquittal

Total remuneration for audit and other assurance services

(ii)  Taxation & other advisory services
Taxation & other advisory services
Other advisory services

Total remuneration for taxation and other advisory services

Total remuneration of PricewaterhouseCoopers Australia

(b)  Non PricewaterhouseCoopers firms
(i)   Audit and other assurance services

Other assurance services

Total remuneration for audit and other assurance services

(ii)  Taxation services

Taxation advisory services

Total remuneration for taxation services

(iii) Other services

Legal services

Total remuneration for other services

Consolidated
2018
$ 

Consolidated 
2017
$

200,000
–

200,000

240,000
–

240,000

40,800
7,800

48,600

96,900
3,000

99,900

248,600

339,900

81,073

81,073

567,309

567,309

–

–

28,589

28,589

20,085

20,085

–

–

Total remuneration of non-PricewaterhouseCoopers firms

648,382

48,674

The Parent Entity’s audit fees were paid for by Huon Aquaculture Company Pty Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary.

87

28. Goodwill

Gross carrying amount
Balance at the beginning of financial year
Additions

Balance at the end of financial year

Accumulated impairment losses
Balance at the beginning of financial year
Impairment losses for the year

Balance at the end of financial year

Net book value
Balance at the beginning of financial year

Balance at the end of financial year

Consolidated
2018
$’000 

Consolidated 
2017
$’000

4,496
–

4,496

4,496
–

4,496

(1,601)
–

(1,601)

(1,601)
–

(1,601)

2,895

2,895

2,895

2,895

Goodwill  relates  to  the  Consolidated  Group’s  acquisition  of  the  wholly-owned  controlled  entities,  Huon  Ocean  Trout  Pty  Ltd, 
Southern Ocean Trout Pty Ltd, Morrison’s Seafood Pty Ltd, Meadowbank Hatchery Pty Ltd.

Recognition and measurement

Goodwill
Goodwill  acquired  in  a  business  combination  is  initially  measured  at  fair  value,  being  the  excess  of  the  cost  of  the  business 
combination over the acquirer’s interest in the net fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities recognised. 
Goodwill is subsequently measured at its deemed cost less any impairment losses. 

Goodwill is not amortised but is reviewed for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances 
indicate that they might be impaired. For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill is allocated to each of the Consolidated 
Group’s cash-generating units expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination. Cash-generating units to which goodwill 
has been allocated are tested for impairment annually, or more frequently when there is an indication that the unit may be impaired. 
If the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit is less than its carrying amount, the impairment loss is allocated first to reduce 
the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the unit and then to the other assets of the unit pro-rata on the basis of the carrying 
amount of each asset in the unit. An impairment loss recognised for goodwill is recognised immediately in consolidated income 
statement and is not reversed in a subsequent period.

Impairment testing is performed annually for goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives.

88

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018 Notes to the financial statements continued28. Goodwill (continued)

Impairment tests for goodwill

All goodwill relates to the domestic operating segment and is tested annually for impairment using a value-in-use calculation.

The calculation uses cash flow projections based on financial budgets approved by the Board, over a 5 year period, before any 
fair value adjustments of biological assets.

The Directors and management have considered and assessed reasonably possible changes in key assumptions and have not 
identified  any  instances  that  could  cause  the  carrying  amount  of  the  Domestic  operating  segment  to  exceed  its  recoverable 
amount.

The following table sets out the key assumptions used in the calculations:

Quantity

Price

Production costs

Projections in line with, but below the expected industry growth rate of 10%.

In line with the last quarter of FY2018, but below current market prices.

Projections of conservative cost savings and recognising efficiencies post the 
Controlled Growth Strategy implementation.

Annual Capital Expenditure

Capital spend requirements estimated to meet growth projections.

Long-term growth rate

Pre-tax discount rates

This is the weighted average growth rate used to extrapolate cash flows beyond the 
budget period. The rates are consistent with forecasts included in industry reports.

Discount rates represent the current market assessment of the risks relating to 
the relevant segment.

In performing the value-in-use calculations for each cash-generating unit, the 
Consolidated Group has applied post-tax discount rates to discount the forecast future 
attributable post-tax cash flows. The equivalent pre-tax discount rates are disclosed in the 
table below. The movement in the pre-tax discount rates between 2017 and 2018 reflect 
changes in the anticipated timing of future cash flows.

Long-term growth rate 
Pre-tax discount rate

2018

2017

3.0%
14.4%

3.0%
14.6%

Impairment of assets
At the end of each reporting period, the Consolidated Group assesses whether there is any indication that an asset may be impaired. 
The assessment will include considering external sources of information and internal sources of information, including dividends 
received from subsidiaries, associates or jointly controlled entities deemed to be out of pre-acquisition profits. If such an indication 
exists, an impairment test is carried out on the asset by comparing the recoverable amount of the asset, being the higher of the 
asset’s fair value less costs of disposal and value in use to the asset’s carrying amount. Any excess of the asset’s carrying amount 
over its recoverable amount is recognised immediately in consolidated income statement, unless the asset is carried at a revalued 
amount in accordance with another Standard (e.g. in accordance with the revaluation model in AASB 116). Any impairment loss of 
a revalued asset is treated as a revaluation decrease in accordance with that other Standard.

Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the Consolidated Group estimates the recoverable 
amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.

Critical accounting estimates
The Consolidated Group tests annually whether goodwill has suffered any impairment. The recoverable amounts of cash generating 
units have been determined based on value in use calculations. These calculations require the use of assumptions regarding gross 
margins growth rates and discount rates applicable to each CGU.

89

29. Other Intangible Assets

Gross carrying amount
Balance at the beginning of financial year
Additions

Balance at the end of financial year

Accumulated impairment losses
Balance at the beginning of financial year
Impairment losses for the year

Balance at the end of financial year

Net book value
Balance at the beginning of financial year

Balance at the end of financial year

Consolidated
2018
$’000 

Consolidated 
2017
$’000

100
–

100

–
–

–

100
–

100

–
–

–

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

Other intangible assets relate to hatchery establishment costs and trademarks.

Licences and trademarks recognised by the Consolidated Group have an indefinite useful life and are not amortised. They are 
recorded at cost less any impairment.

Refer to note 28 for impairment tests for other intangible assets.

90

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018 Notes to the financial statements continued30. Interests in subsidiaries

The subsidiaries listed below have share capital consisting solely of ordinary shares, which are held directly by the Consolidated 
Group. The proportion of ownership interests held equals the voting rights held by the Consolidated Group. Each subsidiary’s 
principal place of business is also its country of incorporation or registration.

Name of subsidiary

Principal place of business

Note

Huon Aquaculture Company Pty Ltd
Springs Smoked Seafoods Pty Ltd
Springfield Hatcheries Pty Ltd
Huon Ocean Trout Pty Ltd
Huon Shellfish Co Pty Ltd
Huon Salmon Pty Ltd
Huon Smoked Seafoods Pty Ltd
Huon Smoked Salmon Pty Ltd
Huon Seafoods Pty Ltd
Huon Tasmanian Salmon Pty Ltd
Springs Smoked Salmon Pty Ltd
Southern Ocean Trout Pty Ltd
Morrison's Seafood Pty Ltd
Meadowbank Hatchery Pty Ltd

961 Esperance Coast Road, Dover, TAS, 7117
961 Esperance Coast Road, Dover, TAS, 7117
32-36 Headquarters Road, South Springfield, TAS, 7260
961 Esperance Coast Road, Dover, TAS, 7117
961 Esperance Coast Road, Dover, TAS, 7117
961 Esperance Coast Road, Dover, TAS, 7117
961 Esperance Coast Road, Dover, TAS, 7117
961 Esperance Coast Road, Dover, TAS, 7117
961 Esperance Coast Road, Dover, TAS, 7117
961 Esperance Coast Road, Dover, TAS, 7117
961 Esperance Coast Road, Dover, TAS, 7117
2 Esplanade, Strahan, TAS, 7468
2 Esplanade, Strahan, TAS, 7468
2 Esplanade, Strahan, TAS, 7468

(i)
(i)
(i)
(i)
(i)
(i)
(i)
(i)
(i)
(i)
(i)
(i)
(i)

Ownership interest  
held by the  
Consolidated Group

2018
%

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

2017
%

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

Significant restrictions
There are no significant restrictions over the Consolidated Group’s ability to access or use assets, and settle liabilities, of the 
Consolidated Group.

The wholly-owned subsidiaries above are relieved from the Corporations Act 2001 requirements for the preparation, audit and 
lodgement of financial reports. Refer to note 22 for further details.

(i)  Subsidiary became a party to the deed of cross guarantee on 28 June 2016.

31. Other Financial Liabilities

Derivatives carried at fair value
Foreign currency forward contracts

Refer to note 19 for fair value measurement and hierarchy.

Consolidated
2018
$’000 

Consolidated 
2017
$’000

–

–

679

679

91

32. Provisions

Provisions
Current

Employee benefits

Non-current

Employee benefits

Consolidated
2018
$’000 

Consolidated 
2017
$’000

6,572

5,665

1,358

7,930

1,161

6,826

Amounts not expected to be settled within the next 12 months
The current provision for employee benefits includes accrued annual leave and long service leave. For long service leave it covers 
all unconditional entitlements where employees have completed the required period of service and also those where employees 
are entitled to pro-rata payments in certain circumstances. The entire amount of the annual leave provision of $4,820 (2017: 
$4,122) is presented as current, since the Consolidated Group does not have an unconditional right to defer settlement for any 
of these obligations. However, based on past experience, the Consolidated Group does not expect all employees to take the 
full amount of accrued leave or require payment within the next 12 months. The following amounts reflect leave that is not to be 
expected to be taken or paid within the next 12 months.

Consolidated
2018
$’000 

Consolidated 
2017
$’000

Leave obligations expected to be settled after 12 months

5,285

4,648

Recognition and measurement

Provisions are recognised when the Consolidated Group has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past 
event, it is probable that the Consolidated Group will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate can be made 
of the amount of the obligation.

The  amount  recognised  as  a  provision  is  the  best  estimate  of  the  consideration  required  to  settle  the  present  obligation  at 
reporting date, taking into account the risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation. Where a provision is measured using 
the cash flows estimated to settle the present obligation, its carrying amount is the present value of those cash flows.

When some or all of the economic benefits required to settle a provision are expected to be recovered from a third party, the 
receivable is recognised as an asset if it is virtually certain that reimbursement will be received and the amount of the receivable 
can be measured reliably.

Employee Benefits
Short-term employee benefits

Provision  is  made  for  the  Consolidated  Group’s  obligation  for  short-term  employee  benefits.  Short-term  employee  benefits 
are  benefits  (other  than  termination  benefits)  that  are  expected  to  be  settled  wholly  before  12  months  after  the  end  of  the 
annual reporting period in which the employees render the related service, including wages, salaries and sick leave. Short-term 
employee benefits are measured at the (undiscounted) amounts expected to be paid when the obligation is settled.

The Consolidated Group’s obligations for short-term employee benefits such as wages, salaries and sick leave are recognised 
as a part of current trade and other payables in the statement of financial position.

Other long-term employee benefits

Provision  is  made  for  employees’  long  service  leave  and  annual  leave  entitlements  not  expected  to  be  settled  wholly  within 
12 months after the end of the annual reporting period in which the employees render the related service. Other long-term 
employee  benefits  are  measured  at  the  present  value  of  the  expected  future  payments  to  be  made  to  employees.  Expected 
future payments incorporate anticipated future wage and salary levels, durations of service and employee departures and are 
discounted at rates determined by reference to market yields at the end of the reporting period on corporate bond rates that 
have maturity dates that approximate the terms of the obligations. Upon the remeasurement of obligations for other long-term 
employee  benefits,  the  net  change  in  the  obligation  is  recognised  in  consolidated  income  statement  as  a  part  of  employee 
benefits expense. 

The obligations are presented as current liabilities in the balance sheet if the entity does not have an unconditional right to defer 
settlement for at least twelve months after the reporting period, regardless of when the actual settlement is expected to occur.

The Consolidated Group’s obligations for long-term employee benefits are presented as non-current provisions in its statement 
of financial position, except where the Consolidated Group does not have an unconditional right to defer settlement for at least 
12 months after the end of the reporting period, in which case the obligations are presented as current provisions.

92

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018 Notes to the financial statements continued33. Other liabilities

Deferred government grants
Current
Non-Current

Consolidated
2018
$’000 

Consolidated 
2017
$’000

464
2,424

2,888

464
2,887

3,351

During the 2015 financial year government grants of $5,000,000 were received relating to the Parramatta Creek Smokehouse 
and Product Innovation Centre. The nature of the grants related to both income and to assets. During the financial year $463,000 
(2017: $463,000) was recognised in the income statement. Future compliance with certain conditions relating to jobs creation 
could impact $1,237,000 of the deferred government grants amount.

34. Contingent liabilities and contingent assets

There are no contingent liabilities or contingent assets at the date of this Annual Financial Report.

93

35. Segment information

The chief operating decision maker for the Consolidated Group is the Chief Executive Officer of the Parent Entity. The Parent 
Entity determines operating segments based on information provided to the Chief Executive Officer in assessing performance 
and determining the allocation of resources within the Consolidated Group. Consideration is given to the Consolidated Group’s 
products, the manner in which they are sold, the organisational structure of the Consolidated Group and the nature of customers.

The Consolidated Group hatches, farms, processes, markets and sells Atlantic salmon and ocean trout. Revenue associated with 
exports meets the quantitative thresholds and management concludes that this segment is reportable.

Revenue from the sale of goods
Domestic market
Export market

Total revenue from the sale of goods

Results from segment activities
Domestic market
Export market

Total results from segment activities

Unallocated
Interest income
Other income
Fair value adjustment of biological assets
Depreciation and amortisation expense
Finance costs
Other expenses

Profit before income tax expense

Consolidated
2018
$’000 

Consolidated 
2017
$’000

Note

258,842
59,054

243,751
15,742

1(a)

317,896

259,493

75,316
6,824

82,140

(1,064)
356
10,391
(12,867)
(24,455)
(3,659)
(20,296)

30,546

64,793
3,248

68,041

(21)
157
13,742
19,178
(22,665)
(3,609)
(18,331)

56,492

The total of the reportable segments’ profit, assets and liabilities is the same as that of the Consolidated Group as a whole and 
as disclosed in the consolidated income statement, the consolidated statement of comprehensive income and the consolidated 
balance sheet.

All of the non current assets are located in Australia being the domicile country of the Consolidated Group.

The chief operating decision maker only reviews export market sales.

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

36. Subsequent events

On 15 August 2018 the Directors of the Company recommended the payment of a final ordinary dividend of $4.4m (5 cents per 
fully paid share) to be paid on 11 October 2018 out of ordinary retained earnings at 30 June 2018. The Dividend will be 50% 
franked. The dividend has not provided for in the 30 June 2018 financial statements.

37. Company details

The registered office of the company is:
Huon Aquaculture Group Limited 
Level 13, 188 Collins Street 
Hobart 
Tasmania 7000

The principal place of business is:
Huon Aquaculture Group Limited 
961 Esperance Coast Road 
Dover 
Tasmania 7109

94

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018 Notes to the financial statements continued 
Directors’ Declaration

In the directors’ opinion; 

(a)   The financial statements and notes set out on pages 47 to 94 are in accordance with 

the Corporations Act 2001 including:

a.   Complying with Accounting Standards, the Corporations Regulations 2001 

and other mandatory professional reporting requirements; and

b.   Giving a true and fair view of the Consolidated Group’s financial position as at  

30 June 2018 and of its performance for the financial year ended on that date; and

(b)   There are reasonable grounds to believe that the company will be able to pay its debts 

as and when they become due and payable; and

(c)   At the date of this declaration, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the members of the 
extended closed group identified in note 30 will be able to meet any obligations or liabilities to 
which they are, or may become subject by virtue of the deed to cross guarantee described in 
note 22.

The Basis of Preparation note in the notes to the financial statements confirms that the 
financial statements also comply with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued 
by the International Accounting Standards Board. 

The directors have been given the declarations by the chief executive officer, deputy chief executive 
officer and the chief financial officer required by section 295A of the Corporations Act 2001. 

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Directors made pursuant to section 298(2) 
of the Corporations Act 2001. 

On behalf of the Directors

Neil Kearney  
Chairman  
15 August 2018

Peter Bender  
Managing Director and CEO  
15 August 2018

95

 
 
Independent auditor’s report

Independent auditor’s report 
To the members of Huon Aquaculture Group Limited 

Report on the audit of the financial report 

Our opinion 

In our opinion: 

The accompanying financial report of Huon Aquaculture Group Limited (the Company) and its 
controlled entities (together the Consolidated Group) is in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, 
including: 

(a) 

giving a true and fair view of the Consolidated Group's financial position as at 30 June 2018 and 
of its financial performance for the year then ended  

(b) 

complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001. 

What we have audited 
The Consolidated Group financial report comprises: 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

the consolidated balance sheet as at 30 June 2018 

the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year then ended 

the consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year then ended 

the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended 

the consolidated income statement for the year then ended 

the notes to the consolidated financial statements, which include significant accounting policies 

the directors’ declaration. 

Basis for opinion 

We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under 
those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial 
report section of our report. 

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for 
our opinion. 

Independence 
We are independent of the Consolidated Group in accordance with the auditor independence 
requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of the Accounting 
Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (the 
Code) that are relevant to our audit of the financial report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our other 
ethical responsibilities in accordance with the Code. 

PricewaterhouseCoopers, ABN 52 780 433 757 
2 Riverside Quay, SOUTHBANK  VIC  3006, GPO Box 1331, MELBOURNE  VIC  3001 
T: 61 3 8603 1000, F: 61 3 8603 1999, www.pwc.com.au 

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. 

96

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018  
  
 
Our audit approach 

An audit is designed to provide reasonable assurance about whether the financial report is free from 
material misstatement. Misstatements may arise due to fraud or error. They are considered material if 
individually or in aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of 
users taken on the basis of the financial report. 

We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we performed enough work to be able to give an 
opinion on the financial report as a whole, taking into account the geographic and management 
structure of the Consolidated Group, its accounting processes and controls and the industry in which it 
operates. 

The Consolidated Group is a vertically integrated salmon producer whose operations span all aspects 
of the supply chain, from hatcheries and marine farming to harvesting and processing, as well as sales 
and marketing. 

Materiality 

Audit scope 

  Our audit focused on where the Consolidated 

Group made subjective judgements; for example, 
significant accounting estimates involving 
assumptions and inherently uncertain future 
events. 

 

The Consolidated Group’s accounting processes 
are performed by a central finance function at the 
corporate head office in Hobart, where we 
predominately performed our audit procedures.  

 

For the purpose of our audit we used overall 
Consolidated Group materiality of $1,150,000, 
which represents approximately 2.5% of the 
earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and 
amortisation (EBITDA) adjusted for the fair value 
adjustment for biological assets and averaged for 
the current and two previous financial years. The 
depreciation and amortisation was calculated as 
outlined in note 2(b) to the financial report. 

  We applied this threshold, together with 

qualitative considerations, to determine the scope 
of our audit and the nature, timing and extent of 
our audit procedures and to evaluate the effect of 
misstatements on the financial report as a whole. 

  We chose EBITDA prior to any fair value 

adjustment for biological assets because, in our 
view, it is the metric against which the 
performance of the Consolidated Group is most 
commonly measured. An average was used due to 
fluctuations in EBITDA from year to year caused 

97

 
 
 
Independent auditor’s report
continued

by a number of factors, which include (but are not 
limited to) environmental conditions and domestic 
and export pricing and demand. 

 

 We utilised a 2.5% threshold based on our 
professional judgement, noting it is within the 
range of commonly acceptable thresholds. 

  We applied this threshold, together with 

qualitative considerations, to determine the scope 
of our audit and the nature, timing and extent of 
our audit procedures and to evaluate the effect of 
misstatements on the financial report as a whole. 

Key audit matters 

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in 
our audit of the financial report for the current period. The key audit matters were addressed in the 
context of our audit of the financial report as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do 
not provide a separate opinion on these matters. Further, any commentary on the outcomes of a 
particular audit procedure is made in that context. We communicated the key audit matters to the 
Audit and Risk Committee. 

Key audit matter 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

Fair value of biological assets 
(refer to note 3) 

The Consolidated Group held biological assets 
of $169 million at 30 June 2018. The biological 
assets include broodstock, eggs, juveniles, smolt 
and live finfish. 

Australian Accounting Standards require 
biological assets to be measured at fair value 
less costs to sell or, in the absence of a fair value, 
at cost less impairment. 

The Consolidated Group has valued each of the 
biological assets. We considered the valuation of 
live finfish above 1kg to be a key audit matter 
due to the significant judgement involved in 
estimating: 

The total weight of live finfish at sea (based on 
number of fish and weight); 

Our audit procedures in relation to the 
Consolidated Group’s fair value calculation of live 
finfish above 1kg, included: 

 

 

 

Considering the valuation methodology 
against the relevant Australian Accounting 
Standard 
Testing the mathematical accuracy of the 
calculations 
Assessing the historical accuracy of 
forecasting and estimation by comparing prior 
year estimate to actual performance 

Our audit procedures over specific valuation inputs 
included: 

Number of live finfish at sea 

  We performed a reconciliation of the number 
of live finfish by obtaining the opening 
balance and comparing the known 
movements (fish intakes, harvest and 
mortalities for the year) to supporting 
documentation on a sample basis in order to 

98

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018  
 
 
Key audit matter 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

Expected mortalities of finfish prior to 
harvesting; 

assess the reasonableness of the number of 
live finfish at year end. 

Selling price per HOG/kg; and 

Costs to sell of HOG/kg 

The Consolidated Group considered the 
estimated harvest kgs of finfish based on 
historical data, growth rates, and mortality 
rates. The selling price per HOG/kg has been 
based on observable market prices (when 
available), achieved prices and estimated future 
prices for finfish. The costs to sell of HOG/kg 
has been based on selling costs (harvesting, 
processing and freight). 

We assessed the year end fish loss 
adjustment by comparing it to the actual 
fish loss data recorded on the close out of 
pens that were harvested post year end. 

Weight of live finfish at sea 

  We assessed the weight assumption based on 
actual weights of finfish harvested subsequent 
to the year end and bath weight data recorded 
during the year (independently of the finance 
function). 
 We assessed the sensitivity of the calculations 
to changes in the Consolidated Group’s 
estimate of weight by applying other values 
within a reasonably possible range. 

 

Expected mortalities of finfish 

  We assessed the expected mortalities input by 
comparing it to the actual mortality rates 
recorded by the Consolidated Group over the 
year and subsequent to year end. 

Selling price per HOG/kg 

  We agreed the historical domestic and export 
selling prices to actual selling prices achieved 
by reference to invoices to customers and 
relevant sales contracts, on a sample basis. 

  We compared estimated future selling prices 
to available pricing information in the market 
(competitor information, overseas fish prices 
in the market) and any known price changes 
formally communicated to customers. 
  We considered the domestic/export sales 

channel mix based on the mix in the current 
year taking into account any known 
agreements or market conditions expected to 
impact the export market. 

99

 
 
 
 
Independent auditor’s report
continued

Key audit matter 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

  We assessed the sensitivity of the calculations 
to changes in the Consolidated Group’s 
estimate of selling price by applying other 
values within a reasonably possible range. 

Costs to sell of HOG/kg 

We compared the estimated costs to sell to the 
actual costs incurred in the year taking into account 
any known changes to such costs in the future. 

 Other information 

The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the 
information included in the annual report for the year ended 30 June 2018, including Highlights, the 
Chairman's Message, Managing Director's Review, Managing Risk, Financial Summary, Company and 
Industry Overview, Board of Directors, Directors' Report, Corporate Governance Statement, 
Shareholder Information, Glossary of Terms and Corporate Directory, but does not include the 
financial report and our auditor’s report thereon. 

Our opinion on the financial report does not cover the other information and accordingly we do not 
express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. 

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

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

Responsibilities of the directors for the financial report 

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

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

100

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018  
 
Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial report 

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

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial report is located at the 
Auditing and Assurance Standards Board website at: 
http://www.auasb.gov.au/auditors_responsibilities/ar1.pdf. This description forms part of our 
auditor's report. 

Report on the remuneration report 

Our opinion on the remuneration report 

We have audited the remuneration report included in pages 25 to 37 of the directors’ report for the 
year ended 30 June 2018. 

In our opinion, the remuneration report of Huon Aquaculture Group Limited for the year ended 30 
June 2018 complies with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. 

Responsibilities 

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

PricewaterhouseCoopers 

Daniel Rosenberg 
Partner  

   Melbourne 
          15 August 2018 

101

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholder information

The shareholder information set out below was applicable as at 10 August 2018.

Voting rights

The voting rights attaching to ordinary shares fully paid are, on a show of hands every member present at a meeting in person 
or by proxy shall have one vote, and upon a poll each share shall have one vote.

Substantial shareholders

Substantial  shareholders  in  the  Company  pursuant  to  notices  lodged  with  the  ASX  in  accordance  with  section  671B  of  the 
Corporations Act:

Ordinary shares

PETER JAMES BENDER  
FRANCES ROBYN BENDER  (spouse of Peter Bender)
SURVEYORS INVESTMENTS PTY LTD ACN 602 004 179  
MR PETER BENDER & MRS FRANCES BENDER 
IOOF Holdings Limited

Total

Balance of register

Grand total

Distribution of securities

Range

100,001 and Over
10,001 to 100,000
5,001 to 10,000
1,001 to 5,000
1 to 1,000

Total

Number 
of shares

13,098,477
5,794
44,527,252
60,000
7,426,136

65,117,659

22,219,548

%IC

15.00%
0.01%
50.98%
0.07%
8.50%

74.56%

25.44%

87,337,207

100.00%

No. of Holders

Securities

%

 14 
 98 
 160 
 639 
 1,156 

 81,911,144 
 2,129,955 
 1,223,438 
 1,609,281 
 463,389 

93.79%
2.44%
1.40%
1.84%
0.53%

 2,067 

 87,337,207 

100.00%

The number of holders of less than a marketable parcel of ordinary shares, equivalent to 107 ordinary shares, was 85 and they 
held 3,303 shares (based on a market price of $4.63 at the close of trading on 10 August 2018).

102

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018  
 
 
Top 20 largest shareholders

Rank Name

SURVEYORS INVESTMENTS PTY LTD ACN 602 004 179  
PETER JAMES BENDER 
CITICORP NOMINEES PTY LIMITED  
HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED 
J P MORGAN NOMINEES AUSTRALIA LIMITED  
UBS NOMINEES PTY LTD  
NATIONAL NOMINEES LIMITED 
BNP PARIBAS NOMS PTY LTD 
BNP PARIBAS NOMINEES PTY LTD 
CS FOURTH NOMINEES PTY LIMITED 
BOND STREET CUSTODIANS LTD 
NEWECONOMY COM AU NOMINEES PTY LIMITED <900 ACCOUNT>
BOND STREET CUSTODIANS LTD 

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14 WARBONT NOMINEES PTY LTD 
15 MR MICHAEL GREGORY PETERSON & MS SAMANTHA ANNE WAKE  


EST ALEC HERBERT PURVES  

16
17 MR PETER BENDER & MRS FRANCES BENDER 
18 WALLBAY PTY LTD 
19
20

AVANTEOS INVESTMENTS LIMITED 
JOHNSTON 888 PTY LTD 

Total

Balance of register

Grand total

Restricted equity securities

There are no equity securities subject to restriction.

Unquoted equity securities

There are no unquoted equity securities on issue.

10 Aug 2018

%IC

44,527,252
13,098,477
8,009,535
5,907,175
3,017,725
2,204,520
1,647,623
1,074,346
825,609
672,958
499,720
208,952
115,377
101,875

69,200
61,022
60,000
55,000
50,000
50,000

82,256,366

5,080,841

50.98%
15.00%
9.17%
6.76%
3.46%
2.52%
1.89%
1.23%
0.95%
0.77%
0.57%
0.24%
0.13%
0.12%

0.08%
0.07%
0.07%
0.06%
0.06%
0.06%

94.18%

5.82%

87,337,207

100.00%

On market buy-back

There is no current on-market buy-back in respect of the Company’s ordinary shares.

Managing shareholding online

Shareholders are able to manage their shareholdings online through the Link Investor Centre which is available on the Investor 
section of the Huon website, http://investors.huonaqua.com.au/investors/?page=My-Shareholding.

The Link Investor Centre can be contacted on 1300 554 474 or registrars@linkmarketservices.com.au.

103

Glossary of Terms

$

AASB

AASBs or Australian Accounting 
Standards or Accounting Standards

Australian dollars

Australian Accounting Standards Board

Australian Accounting Standards

AASB141

Relates to the fair value adjustment of biological assets required by AASB 141

ABS

AGD

ASIC

ASX

Australian Bureau of Statistics

Amoebic Gill Disease, a fish disease that compromises gill function

Australian Securities and Investments Commission

ASX Limited (ABN 98 008 624 691) and, where the context requires, 
the Australian Securities Exchange operated by ASX Limited

Atlantic salmon or salmon

A fish in the family Salmonidae, which is typically found in the northern Atlantic Ocean 
and in rivers that flow into the north Atlantic

Bender Family

Biological assets

Bonus Plan

Peter Bender and Frances Bender, the founders of Huon and (as applicable) 
Surveyors Investments Pty Ltd (an entity controlled by Peter and Frances Bender)

Farm animals that are classified as assets which, according to International 
Accounting Standards, must be recorded on balance sheets at their market value. 
Once the assets have either been slaughtered or harvested, then the assets will 
become agricultural produce

A component of the LTI plan whereby the Board may determine to offer  
KMP LTI plan performance rights in lieu of a bonus where the Employee agrees 
to contractually forgo part of their future pre-tax bonus.

British Retail Consortium (BRC)

BRC Global Standard A leading safety and quality certification program

Broodstock

CAGR

CBA

Constitution

A group of mature fish used in aquaculture for breeding purposes

Compound annual growth rate

Commonwealth Bank of Australia

The constitution of the Company

Control event refers to:

(a)   A Court orders a meeting to be convened in relation to a proposed compromise 

or arrangement for the purposes of, or in connection with:
a.   a scheme which would, if it becomes effective, result in any person 

(either alone or together with its related bodies corporate) owning all of the 
shares in the Company; or

b.   a scheme for the reconstruction of the Company or its amalgamation with 

any other company or companies;

(b)   members of the Company approve any compromise or arrangement referred 

to in paragraph (a);

(c)  any person becomes bound or entitled to acquire shares in the Company under:
a.   any compromise or arrangement referred to in paragraph (a) which has 

been approved by the Court;

b.  section 414 of the Corporations Act; or
c.  Part 6A.1 or Part 6A.2 of the Corporations Act;

(d)   a resolution is proposed to be put to shareholders proposing a voluntary 

winding up; or

(e)  an order is sought for the compulsory winding up of the Company.

The strategy under which Huon planned to roll out a number of strategic capital 
projects across its operations which are intended to expand production, increase 
efficiency and maintain the consistency and high quality of fish produced

Controlled Growth Strategy

Corporations Act

Corporations Act 2001 (Cth)

DPIPWE

EBIT

EBITDA

FAO

104

Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment

Earnings before interest and tax. This is a non-IFRS measure

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation.  
This is a non-IFRS measure

Food and Agriculture Organization is specialised agency of the United Nations

Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018  
 
 
 
 
Fortress Pens

GLOBALG.A.P.

GSI

GST

Hatchery

HOG

Fish pens which have been designed by Huon in order to be predator resistant 
and incorporate a patented stanchion design

Non-governmental organisation that sets voluntary standards for the certification 
of agricultural products around the globe

Global Salmon Initiative, a leadership initiative by global farmed salmon producers 
focused on making significant progress towards a shared goal of providing a 
highly sustainable source of healthy protein to feed a growing global population, 
whilst minimising the environmental footprint and continuing to improve our social 
contribution

Goods and services tax

A facility where eggs are hatched under artificial conditions

Head-on gutted fish

Huon or the Company or 
the Consolidated Group

Huon Aquaculture Group Limited (ACN 114 456 781) and its subsidiaries 
as the context requires

Huon Method

Huon’s unique method of farming salmon which places the welfare  
of fish at the centre of operations and ensures salmon are provided  
an environment which mimics their natural habitat and are raised  
i) stress free; ii) well nourished; iii) clean and healthy; and iv) responsibly

Husbandry

The care, cultivation and breeding of crops and animals

IASB

IFRSs

Listing

NPAT

OECD

Operating EBITDA

Performance Right

Plan

POMV

PwC

R&D

International Accounting Standards Board

International Financial Reporting Standards

Admission to the official list of the ASX, 23 October 2014

Net profit after tax

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development

Operating EBITDA refers to Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and 
Amortisation exclusive of the fair value adjustment of biological assets.

Performance Right means a right to acquire one Share in the capital of  
the Company in accordance with Plan Rules and an Invitation

Plan refers to the Huon Aquaculture Group Ltd Long Term Incentive Plan  
and Bonus Plan as set out in the Plan Rules

Pilchard Orthomyxovirus

PricewaterhouseCoopers

Research and development

Rabobank

Cooperatieve Centrale Raiffeisen-Boerenleenbank B.A.

Related Body Corporate

Has the meaning given by section 50 of the Corporations Act

Rules

Salmonids

Smolt

Sustainability Dashboard

TPD

TPDNO

TSGA

Rules refer to the terms and conditions of the Plan

Collective name for all salmon fish species, including trout

A young salmon

A dashboard on Huon’s website which provides information concerning  
Huon’s salmon farming practices, management of the welfare of its fish and  
the impact on the environment

Total permanent disability

Total Permissible Dissolved Nitrogen Output

Tasmanian Salmonid Growers’ Association, Tasmania’s peak body  
representing salmon growers throughout Tasmania

Value added products

Raw fish which undergo processing in order to be turned into other products such 
as skin-on or skin-off fillets, portions, cutlets, smoked products, pate or caviar

WFE

Year Class

Whole fish equivalent

The calendar year in which the smolt (salmon) or fingerling (trout)  
enters the sea for on-growing

105

Corporate Directory

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Directors –Neil Kearney, Chairman –Peter Bender, Managing Director and CEO  –Frances Bender, Executive Director –Tony Dynon, Non-executive Director  –Simon Lester, Non-executive DirectorSenior Executives –Peter Bender, Managing Director and CEO  –Frances Bender, Executive Director –Philip Wiese, Deputy CEO  –Thomas Haselgrove, CFO –David Morehead, General Manager Marine Operations –Charles Hughes, General Manager Commercial and Planning –David Mitchell, General Manager Freshwater OperationsCompany Secretary –Thomas HaselgroveRegistered OfficeHuon Aquaculture Group Limited  Level 13, 188 Collins Street Hobart TAS 7000+61 3 6295 4200 huonaqua@huonaqua.com.au  www.huonaqua.com.auPrincipal Place of BusinessHuon Aquaculture Group Limited  961 Esperance Coast Road  Dover TAS 7109 AuditorPricewaterhouseCoopers 2 Riverside Quay  Southbank VIC 3006BankersCommonwealth Bank of Australia Level 20, Tower One Collins Square, 727 Collins Street Melbourne VIC 3008Rabobank Darling Park Tower 3 Level 13, 201 Sussex Street Sydney NSW 2000Stock Exchange ListingHuon Aquaculture Group Limited is listed  on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)The Home Exchange is  Melbourne, VictoriaASX Code: HUOShare RegistryLink Market Services Level 12, 680 George Street Sydney NSW 2000Huon Aquaculture Group LimitedAnnual Report 2018 Huon Ocean Trout,  
Salmon and  
Yellowtail Kingfish

Designed and produced by FIRST Advisers www.firstadvisers.com.auHUON AQUACULTURE GROUP LIMITEDANNUAL REPORT 2018www.huonaqua.com.auHuon Aquaculture Group Limited