Quarterlytics / Healthcare / Medical - Instruments & Supplies / Invacare

Invacare

ivc · ASX Healthcare
Claim this profile
Ticker ivc
Exchange ASX
Sector Healthcare
Industry Medical - Instruments & Supplies
Employees 1001-5000
← All annual reports
FY2003 Annual Report · Invacare
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
I

n
v
o
C
a
r
e

i

L
m

i
t
e
d

A
n
n
u
a

l

R
e
p
o
r
t

2
0
0
3

Annual Report 2003

 
 
 
Contents

Financial Summary 6

Letter from the Chairman 7

CEO’s Review of Operations 8

InvoCare Across Australia 14

Board of Directors 16

Corporate Governance 18

Directors’ Report 22

Financial Report 29

Statements of Financial Performance 30

Statements of Financial Position 31

Statements of Cash Flows 32

Notes to the Financial Statements 33

Directors’ Declaration 65

Independent Audit Report 66

Shareholder Information 67

Corporate Information 69

D
E
T
M
L

I

I

I

Y
T
P
S
E
T
A
C
O
S
S
A
&
R
R
A
B
S
S
O
R
Y
B
D
E
C
U
D
O
R
P
D
N
A
D
E
N
G
S
E
D

I

Corporate Information

ABN 42 096 437 393

InvoCare Limited (formerly SCIA Holdings Pty Limited)

Directors

Ian D Ferrier (Chairman)
Richard H Davis (Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer)
Mike J Grehan (Chief Operating Officer)
John W Murphy (Non-Executive Director)
Christine L Clifton (Non-Executive Director)
Richard H Fisher (Non-Executive Director)

Company Secretary

Kenneth R Mealey (Chief Financial Officer)

Annual General Meeting The Annual General Meeting of InvoCare Limited will be 
held at The Westin Sydney, 1 Martin Place, Sydney on 
Monday 31 May 2004.

Registered Office

Share Register

Level 4, 153 Walker Street
North Sydney NSW 2060
Telephone: 02 9978 5200
Facsimile: 02 9978 5299
Website: www.invocare.com.au

ASX Perpetual Registrars Limited
Level 8, 580 George Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Toll free: 1300 854 911
Facsimile: 02 9287 0303
Website: www.asxperpetual.com.au

Stock Exchange Listing

InvoCare Limited is a company limited by shares that is
incorporated and domiciled in Australia. 
InvoCare Limited’s shares are listed on the Australian Stock
Exchange only. ASX code is IVC.

Auditor

Solicitors

Bankers

PricewaterhouseCoopers
Darling Park Tower 2
201 Sussex Street
Sydney NSW 1171

Coudert Brothers
Level 8 Gateway
1 Macquarie Place
Sydney NSW 2000

Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited
20 Martin Place
Sydney NSW 2000

.

i

g
n
h
c
a
e
b

l

r
o
f

e
n
i
r
o
h
c

l

l

a
t
n
e
m
e
e

l

o
n

s
e
s
u

d
n
a

l

a
i
r
e
t
a
m
d
e
c
y
c
e
r

l

%
0
5
m
o
r
f

l

d
e
c
y
c
e
r

r
e
p
a
p

n
o

d
e
t
n
i
r
p

s

i

t
r
o
p
e
r

i

s
h
T

69

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
working 

together 

InvoCare is Australia’s leading private provider of funerals,

burials and cremations. While our brands are varied and

our locations widespread, our people are all dedicated to

working towards the long-term success of the group. 

At InvoCare, we provide excellent service and care to the

families we serve. This is the cornerstone of our approach.

We maximise synergies within our different businesses and

improve efficiencies by promoting our major brands. 

This coordinated focus drives our growth and delivers

solid results for our shareholders.

“ My father was also a professional funeral

director, and while I’ve followed in his footsteps
so much has changed. It’s refreshing to be part
of a national brand like Simplicity, which is
innovative yet simple and respectful. ”

Rob James, Simplicity Funerals, Area Manager

“ We provide an important function in administering

prepaid funerals. People like the reassurance 
of knowing everything will be taken care of as
planned. For some, those funds have been
in place for many years. Having been 
with the group for more than 15 years, 
I still find one of the most satisfying
aspects of my role is helping people. ”

Gael Ellis, National Fund Administration Manager

2

INVOCARE ANNUAL REPORT 2003

3

“ Being a White Lady means we are

recognised everywhere for the distinctive
style we have brought to the industry. I love
being a part of something that can be so
special to those families who need us 
at such a distressing time. ”

Lauren Hardgrove, White Lady Community 

Relations Manager

“ What I do can affect families forever. 

I am responsible for presenting
someone’s family member or friend for 
a final viewing. InvoCare’s facilities give
me the chance to constantly raise 
the bar in performing this role. ”

Craig Kokernoot, Embalmer

“ I work behind the scenes, so for me,

being a part of InvoCare is being part of
an organisation that recognises the
chance for every employee to advance
and expand their role. It’s a company
with strong management and
leadership, and great people. ”

Ruth Hilton-Bell, Corporate Accountant

“ I’m privileged to have been one of the select few in
Australia to be awarded a Master Funeral Director
certificate. My expertise allows me to deliver 
a higher level of professionalism to the new
Guardian Funerals brand. It’s why I’m 
part of a company that understands 
the importance of putting the 
families we serve first. ”

Barry Steward, Regional Manager

4

INVOCARE ANNUAL REPORT 2003

5

“ I take pride in attending to the gardens at

Pinegrove. I treat them as though they are 
my own. We’re not like old-fashioned
cemeteries. We’re a Park, with beautiful
plants, wildlife, streams and a lake. ”

Frank Nanninga, Pinegrove Memorial Park, 

General Hand

“ Each day I have the chance to guide

families in choosing a fitting memorial. 
We are constantly adding to our list of
memorial products so families can choose
something more personal. It’s why
InvoCare is the industry leader and it’s
why I love working for a company in
which I can also have a real share. ”

Rosanna Kleckin, Rookwood Memorial Gardens 

and Crematorium, Family Service Manager

Financial 
Summary

The key financial targets we forecast in our IPO Prospectus were
exceeded. We are pleased with these solid results notwithstanding
a decline in the number of deaths in 2003 compared to the
previous year.

$140.3 million Total sales revenue

(Prospectus forecast: $138.3 million)

12.0 cents Earnings per share

(Prospectus forecast: 10.6 cents)

$11.7 million Profit after tax

(Prospectus forecast: $10.3 million)

$41.0 million EBITDA

(Prospectus forecast: $39.6 million)

$24.6 million Free cash flow

(Prospectus forecast: $20.8 million)

6

Letter from 
the Chairman

INVOCARE ANNUAL REPORT 2003

In our industry, quality of
service determines success.
This is why we work so
diligently on our service
ability. We are leaders in our
industry because we offer
the best care. 

Ian Ferrier

Dear Shareholder,

Of course, quality service is not possible without

quality staff. With more than 1,000 people in 

136 locations, we can claim wide coverage. 

But where we are is not as important as what 

we do. Our people are courteous, they know our

service offerings and they understand the unique

circumstances in which we operate every day. 

As an Australian company that invests in Australia

– with a strong financial base, established brands,

experienced management, growth opportunities

and solid business processes – we can look

forward to a bright future. 

Yours faithfully

OUR PAST YEAR has been one of transition. 

We changed our name to InvoCare, became a

public company and welcomed Tina Clifton,

Richard Fisher and Mike Grehan to our Board. 

Listing InvoCare on the Australian Stock Exchange

(ASX) is the most important step in the history of

our company. It allowed us to broaden our

shareholder base and build on the services we

provide. It also meant we could offer our own

people some real ownership in the business.

Our name is what we are: a company of

innovation, vocation and care. Innovation – how

we operate our business, train our staff and

market our services; vocation – the attitude and

professionalism of our staff; and care – because

we are dedicated to the families we serve.

Ian Ferrier
Chairman

7

CEO’s Review 
of Operations

Richard Davis

“ Our transition to a public company has been a

success. We see the 2003 achievements as the

benchmarks on which we plan to improve and expand.

We have much we want to achieve and I am convinced

we will continue to lead our industry because InvoCare

people view their role as more than just a job. ”

Richard Davis, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

8

INVOCARE ANNUAL REPORT 2003

TO MAINTAIN OUR STANDING as the industry

leader carries expectations in enhancing

performance, setting new benchmarks and

continuously improving our level of service.

We take these responsibilities seriously at

InvoCare. It is one of the reasons that in the 2003

year we have not only met the benchmarks set

in our Prospectus, but also surpassed them.

Our successful float on ASX on
4 December 2003 was a
landmark day for our company. 

FUNERAL, CEMETERY AND CREMATORIUM
OPERATIONS

Our market share for funerals remains stable, 

with InvoCare performing about one in five funerals

in Australia. Our revenue from funerals of 

$91.9 million eclipsed our forecast of $90.5 million

We enjoy solid support from institutions and retail

by 1.6% in 2003.

investors, having more than 5,000 shareholders.

However, the listing is only the beginning of the

next chapter in our evolution. 

FINANCIAL FORECAST EXCEEDED

We have exceeded the forecasts in our Prospectus.

Total sales revenues from operating activities 

Prepaid funerals are important to us because they

represent a significant part of our future business.

In this area, we need to know how we are

performing in terms of both the number of

contracts we write and the return on investment 

we are achieving. 

for 2003 were $140.3 million. 

This surpassed our forecast of

$138.3 million by 1.5% and our

2002 revenue of $137 million. Our

EBITDA of $41 million exceeded 

our forecast of $39.6 million by 3.5%. 

InvoCare made a net profit after tax

of $11.7 million for the year to the

end of December 2003. This

compares to Prospectus expectations of 

$10.3 million, and a profit in 2002 of $10.11 million.

Our free cash flow of $24.6 million exceeded our

forecast of $20.8 million by 18.2%. 

Capital expenditure was lower than anticipated due to

delays in getting development approvals from local

councils. We have reduced our debt of $160 million

just prior to listing to $155 million today.

9

Review of 
Operations (continued)

In NSW and Queensland, we operate 12

cemeteries and crematoria of which we own 11.

The use of these facilities is not exclusive to our

funeral homes, nor are our funeral homes restricted

to using them. In other states, regulation prevents

or inhibits private ownership. 

The revenues for these operations of $48.4 million

in 2003 exceeded our forecast of $47.8 million 

by 1.2%. 

Key focus areas

ACQUISITIONS AND ORGANIC GROWTH

Our industry remains somewhat fragmented,

leaving opportunities in most markets for growth.

We believe we can expand our business by

acquisition, which is the quickest way to grow, 

and through organic growth. 

Acquisition has the potential to yield further

economies of scale for InvoCare. 

For organic growth, we have a long-term strategy

to capitalise on the recognition that our leading

brands enjoy, particularly White Lady, Simplicity

and our major metropolitan brands in capital cities.

This will include opening new locations. 

FUNERAL, CEMETERY AND CREMATORIUM
OPERATIONS (continued)

About 13% of our funerals performed in 2003 were

prepaid and new prepaid contracts sold were in

line with redemptions. As at 31 December 2003,

$169.5 million was held in trust for prepaid funerals

and related services compared to the $157.4 million

held the year prior. 

The gross return before administration fees for

funds held in trust was 7.5% for the 12 months to

31 December 2003 and 5% per annum over the

past five years. 

The asset allocation of these trust funds continued

to have a growth bias with 47% invested in

Australian equities, 3% in international equities,

46% in cash and fixed interest, 4% in Australian

property.

If the return on the trust funds is greater than the

increase in costs of providing services then we will

improve our margins, when the prepaid contracts

are performed. 

10

INVOCARE ANNUAL REPORT 2003

BRANDING

InvoCare enjoys high brand
awareness in all our markets. 
We are proud of this achievement
but we want to continue to
enhance their standing. 

SERVICE LEVELS

We believe we can grow our business by

The three biggest drivers in selecting a funeral

extending the reach of White Lady, Simplicity and

services provider are previous experience,

our major traditional style brands. Their widespread

recommendation and location. I believe our staff

and distinct brand awareness means we can

launch them in new locations relatively easily. 

In Sydney, we currently have many traditional style

branded funeral homes. We have embarked on a

strategy to create an umbrella brand called

Guardian Funerals. This will allow many of the

traditional funeral brands to capitalise on Guardian’s

provide the best service in Australia, but since

referrals are so important to InvoCare, we take the

approach that service improvement never ends.

This is why we distribute a survey to all our client

families after they have used our service to gauge

what they thought of our performance. 

ability to promote them on a

larger scale in the marketplace,

while maintaining the goodwill,

heritage and reputation held in

their individual brands.

Our traditional style funeral

homes in other states, which

include brands that have been

around for more than 100 years,

are already positioned similarly to Guardian

Funerals. These brands are household names 

in the markets they serve – for example, Blackwell

Funerals in Adelaide, George Hartnett Funerals 

in Brisbane, Le Pine Funerals in Melbourne and

Purslowe Funerals in Perth.

MEMORIALS

We believe InvoCare is well positioned to increase

our memorial revenue from our crematoria and

cemeteries through promoting the benefits of

having a memorial as well as offering new

products. About one-third of the families who 

have a cremation at our facilities also purchase a

memorial, so there is a definite opportunity to 

grow our business in this area.

The customer survey also
provides us with valuable
feedback on our products,
services and staff performance,
and gives us direction for 
future products, services and
staff training. 

11

Review of
Operations (continued)

It is not just the funeral arrangers or the family

service staff at our cemeteries and crematoria who

have an important role. There are many people

behind the scenes who ensure each family’s needs

are catered for in the utmost detail. 

We have a training network in place that focuses

on important areas such as grief awareness,

communicating with grieving families, arranging

funerals and other services.

We have reached a stage where – from a response

rate of more than one in three clients – 97% would

“definitely” or “probably” recommend our services.

To me, that is one of the most important things

about our business because it reveals we are

doing the right thing. We know because our clients

Staff are actively involved in their local communities.

tell us. We never lose sight of the fact that what 

Many are members of organisations such as

we do today has enormous impact on what will

Rotary, the RSL and local Chambers of Commerce.

happen tomorrow.

They support local charities, nursing homes and

OUR STAFF AND COMMUNITY

Our staff are InvoCare’s most
important asset. They are the
people dealing with families 
on a day to day basis, offering
guidance, care and compassion
in a distressing time. Our people
are the public face of InvoCare.
They are also the driving force
behind our success.

sporting teams through sponsorship or by

volunteering their time. Staff in each location

recognise the importance of being an active

member of their local community.

The people who work for InvoCare come from a

variety of backgrounds, from those whose families

have been involved in the industry for generations

to those from unrelated areas such as teaching

and nursing. We seek to attract the best people

and make every effort to ensure they stay with the

company long term. 

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

We take Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S)

issues very seriously and we already have policies

and procedures in place concerning these issues.

We recently appointed a National OH&S Manager

to continue to implement systems that improve the

safety of staff, contractors and the public. The

objective is to continue to train managers,

supervisors and other staff and ensure they are

provided with the skills needed to understand 

the principles of consultation and involvement in

risk management. 

12

INVOCARE ANNUAL REPORT 2003

ASSET MANAGEMENT

We closely monitor the contribution and return on

investment of our owned locations. We will

maintain our focus on asset returns based on their

existing and alternative uses. We will divest assets

that are not performing, depending on their

strategic importance to the company. The

proceeds from these sales are likely to be applied

against debt reduction.

The company is well advanced in developing a

new computer system, the implementation of

which is scheduled to commence later this year.

The system will replace and update our existing

financial and operational systems whilst providing

additional valuable information on the utilisation of

We are conscious of the fact
that as we grow our business
we should never lose sight of
the reason people come to us 
in the first place – to help them
say farewell with dignity 
and meaning. 

our resources, including labour and vehicles.

Into every one of the thousands of services we

LOOKING AHEAD

As a public company, InvoCare is well positioned

to grow both organically and by acquisition. The

company’s strong brands, its network of locations,

its commitment to customer service and the

projected increase in the number of deaths will

enable the company to continue to grow. 

InvoCare’s ability to leverage its operational

capacity will provide for further margin

improvement over time. InvoCare’s strong cash

flows enable the company to reduce its debt

resulting in improved earnings per share growth,

whilst being able to pay dividends and allow for

necessary capital expenditure.

perform each year goes our personal attention, our

experience, our focus on service and, of course

our compassion. This is what InvoCare is all about.

Richard Davis
Chief Executive Officer

13

InvoCare 
Across Australia

a total of 124 city and regional funeral and 12 cemeteries

and crematoria locations

conducting approximately 20% of the

nation’s funerals

average 70% brand awareness for Simplicity Funerals

(in the state capital cities in which it operates)

average 75% brand awareness for

White Lady Funerals (in the state capital cities
in which it operates)

employs over 1,000 people

conducts more than 26,000 funerals a year

average 80% brand awareness for Le Pine,

Purslowe, George Hartnett and Blackwell Funerals
(in the state capital cities in which these operate)

12

Perth

WA

14

INVOCARE ANNUAL REPORT 2003

Brisbane

QLD

3

16
9

Newcastle

Sydney
Wollongong

NSW

57
3

ACT

Canberra

Melbourne

SA

11

Adelaide

VIC

25

Number of Funeral Homes in each State or Territory

Number of Cemeteries and Crematoria in NSW and QLD

15

Board of
Directors

MR IAN FERRIER CA
Chairman of the Board
Chairman of Remuneration Committee
Member of Risk Committee

MR RICHARD DAVIS B.Ec
Chief Executive Officer

MR MIKE GREHAN B.Acc, MBA
Chief Operating Officer

Ian Ferrier has held the position 
of Chairman of InvoCare Limited
since 2001. Ian is a Senior
Founding Partner of Ferrier
Hodgson Accountants, Australia’s
largest firm of reconstruction
accountants. Ian is the Chairman
of Port Douglas Reef Resorts and
a Non-Executive Director of
McGuigan Simeon Wines Limited,
Macquarie Goodman Management
Limited and MIA Group Limited.
As senior partner of Ferrier
Hodgson, Ian has gained vast
experience in numerous
commercial fields. Ian is a Fellow
of the Institute of Chartered
Accountants in Australia and a
Member of the Hong Kong 
Society of Accountants.

Richard Davis has held the
position of Chief Executive Officer
of InvoCare Limited since 1995.
Richard is a Director of The Over
50s Guardian Friendly Society
Limited and Chairman of the
Singapore Casket Co Pte Limited,
Singapore’s leading funeral
provider. Richard was recruited 
to the position of Chief Financial
Officer of Chase Corporation’s
funeral business in 1989 and
stayed on in this position when 
the business was acquired by
Industrial Equity Limited, following
which he became Chief Executive
Officer. Prior to joining the funeral
industry, Richard worked in venture
capital and as an accounting
partner of Bird Cameron. Richard
holds a Bachelor of Economics
from the University of Sydney.

Mike Grehan has held the position
of Chief Operating Officer of
InvoCare Limited since March
2000. Prior to joining InvoCare,
Mike held senior management
positions across a number of
different industries. These included
Managing Director of National Jet
Systems, Group Financial
Controller overseeing all financial
and commercial activities of
Qantas’ subsidiary businesses,
including Regional Airlines, Flight
Catering, Resorts, Freight and
Property, and a long-term
secondment as General Manager
Purchasing, Distribution with
Carrier Airconditioning. Prior to
moving into management, Mike
was a chartered accountant
specialising in insolvency with
KPMG, including two years spent
in the United States with the firm.
Mike holds a Bachelor of Business
Accountancy and a Master of
Business Administration from 
the Queensland University of
Technology. 

16

INVOCARE ANNUAL REPORT 2003

MR JOHN MURPHY B.Comm, 
M.Comm, CA, FCPA
Non-Executive Director
Chairman of Audit Committee
Member of Remuneration Committee

DR CHRISTINE (TINA) CLIFTON
MB BS (Hons), BHA, FRACMA
Non-Executive Director
Chairman of Risk Committee
Member of Audit Committee

MR RICHARD FISHER M.Ec, LLB
Non-Executive Director
Member of Risk Committee
Member of Audit Committee

Richard Fisher is a partner at Blake
Dawson Waldron, specialising in
corporate law, and also holds the
position of Chairman of Partners.
Richard is a former part-time
Commissioner at the Australian
Law Reform Commission and is a
current International Consultant for
the Asian Development Bank.
Richard holds a Master of
Economics from the University 
of New England and a Bachelor 
of Laws from the University 
of Sydney. 

Tina Clifton is a registered medical
practitioner. Tina’s current
Directorships include HCF, Ambri
Limited and IWPE Nominees Pty
Limited. Tina was formerly a
Director of the Garvan Institute of
Medical Research, the Victor
Chang Cardiac Research Institute
and St Vincents Hospitals. Prior 
to 2001 Tina held various
positions in the public and private
healthcare sectors including Chief
Executive Officer of the Sisters of
Charity Health Service in New
South Wales and deputy Chief
Executive Officer of the Northern
Sydney Area Health Service. From
1980 to 1988 Tina was a general
practitioner. Tina holds degrees in
medicine and health administration,
and also has a specialist qualification
in medical administration. 

John Murphy is Managing Director
of Investec Wentworth Private
Equity Pty Limited, a leading
Australian private equity firm, and
sits on the Board of each of the
fund’s seven investments. John is
also a Director of Investec Bank
(Australia) Limited, Southcorp
Limited and the First Wine Fund
Limited. Before founding the
private equity business, five years
ago, John spent 25 years with 
an international accounting firm
including 14 years as a global
partner. In that time John held a
number of Australian and Asia
Pacific management roles and has
extensive experience in the areas
of Corporate Recovery, Corporate
Finance and Mergers and
Acquisitions. John holds a
Bachelor and Master of
Commerce from the University of
New South Wales. John is a
member of the Institute of
Chartered Accountants in Australia
and a Fellow of CPA Australia.

17

Corporate
Governance

INVOCARE LIMITED (the company) and the Board
are committed to achieving and demonstrating the
highest standards of corporate governance. Prior
to the company’s listing on ASX, an initial review of
the company’s corporate governance framework
was performed, in light of the best practice
recommendations released by the ASX Corporate
Governance Council in March 2003. A number of
changes have been made and are still to be made
as a result of this review or other recent
governance developments. It is the company’s
intention to comply with the recommendations.

The relationship between the Board and Senior
Management is important to InvoCare’s longterm
success. Day to day management of InvoCare’s
affairs and the implementation of the corporate
strategy and policy initiatives are formally delegated
by the Board to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
and Senior Executives as set out in InvoCare’s
delegations policy. These delegations are reviewed
on an annual basis. 

A description of InvoCare’s main corporate
governance practices is set out below. All these
practices, unless otherwise stated, were in place
for the entire year. 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Board Composition
The Board currently comprises six Directors, being
four Non-Executive Directors (including the
Chairman) and two Executive Directors. The roles
of Chairman and CEO are separate. The skills,
experience and expertise of each Director is set
out in the Directors’ Report under the heading
“Information on Directors”. 

The Board has assessed the independence of
Non-Executive Directors in light of their interests
and relationships and considers them all to 
be independent.

The Board has considered establishing a
Nomination Committee and decided in view of the
relatively small number of Directors that such a
Committee would not be a more efficient
mechanism than the full Board for detailed
selection and appointment practices.

There is and will at all times be a Non-Executive
Chairman of the Board and a majority of 
Non-Executive Directors.

Responsibilities
The Board of Directors is responsible for reviewing
and approving the strategic direction of InvoCare
and for overseeing and monitoring its business 
and affairs including maintenance of sound
corporate governance.

The Board reviews and approves InvoCare’s
strategic and business plans and guiding policies.
Day to day management of InvoCare’s affairs is
delegated to the CEO and Senior Executives.

The responsibilities of the Board include:

– contributing to the development of and

approving the corporate strategy 

– reviewing and approving business plans, the
annual budget and financial plans including
available resources and major capital expenditure
initiatives 

– overseeing and monitoring: 

• organisational performance and the achievement

of InvoCare’s strategic goals and objectives 

• compliance with InvoCare’s code of conduct 

• progress of major capital expenditures and

other significant corporate projects including
any acquisitions or divestments 

– monitoring financial performance including

approval of the annual and half-year Financial
Reports and liaison with InvoCare’s auditor 

– appointment, performance assessment and, 

if necessary, removal of the CEO 

– ratifying the appointment and/or removal and

contributing to the performance assessment for
the members of the Senior Management team
including the Chief Operating Officer (COO), 
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and the 
Company Secretary 

– ensuring there are effective management
processes in place and approving major
corporate initiatives 

The Chairman is elected by the full Board.

– enhancing and protecting the reputation of InvoCare 

InvoCare’s Constitution requires one-third of the
Directors (excluding the Managing Director) to retire
from office at the Annual General Meeting (AGM)
each year.

– ensuring the significant risks facing InvoCare,

including those associated with its legal
compliance obligations, have been identified and
appropriate and adequate control, monitoring,
accountability and reporting mechanisms are 
in place 

– reporting to shareholders.

18

In fulfilling these functions, the Directors seek 
to enhance shareholder value and protect the
interests of stakeholders.

Non-Executive Directors
The four Non-Executive Directors meet twice during
the year, in scheduled sessions without the
presence of management, to discuss the operation
of the Board and a range of other matters. Relevant
matters arising from these meetings are shared with
the full Board.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
The Chairman is responsible for leading the Board,
ensuring that Board activities are organised and
efficiently conducted and for ensuring Directors are
properly briefed for meetings. The CEO is
responsible for implementing InvoCare’s strategies
and policies. The Board charter specifies that
these are separate roles to be undertaken by
separate people.

Commitments
The Board meets regularly 12 months of the year.
There may be additional meetings to deal with
particular matters, for example, strategic planning
direction and corporate strategies. At least two of
the meetings include visits to operations and
meeting employees.

The Chairman and the CEO meet regularly to
discuss key issues and performance trends of
InvoCare. Other Directors maintain contact with
relevant Senior Managers arising from dealings 
on Committees.

Each month the Directors receive a detailed
operating review from the CEO regardless of
whether or not a Board meeting is being held.

Conflict of Interest 
Potential conflicts of interest by Directors will be
reported to the Board and if necessary Directors
will be excluded from discussion of the relevant
matter and will not vote on that matter.

Independent Professional Advice 
Directors and Board Committees have the right, in
connection with their duties and responsibilities, to
seek independent professional advice at InvoCare’s
expense. Prior written approval of the Chairman is
required, but this will not be unreasonably withheld. 

INVOCARE ANNUAL REPORT 2003

Performance Assessment 
The intention is for the Chairman to annually assess
the performance of individual Directors and meet
privately with each Director to discuss this
assessment. The Chairman’s performance is
reviewed by the Board. Directors will conform to the
Board’s agreed performance criteria for Directors. 

Board Committees 
The Board has established a number of
Committees to assist in the execution of its duties
and to allow detailed consideration of complex
issues. Current Committees of the Board are the
Audit Committee, Risk Committee and
Remuneration Committee. Each is comprised
entirely of Non-Executive Directors. The Committee
structure and membership are reviewed on an
annual basis. 

Each of these Committees is developing its own
written charter setting out its role and
responsibilities, composition, structure, membership
requirements and the manner in which the
Committee is to operate. All of these charters will be
reviewed on an annual basis. All matters determined
by Committees are submitted to the full Board as
recommendations for Board decision. 

Minutes of Committee meetings are tabled at the
immediately subsequent Board meeting. Additional
requirements for specific reporting by the
Committees to the Board are addressed in the
charter of the individual Committees.

Remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Committee is chaired by Ian
Ferrier with the other member being John Murphy.

The Committee, when deemed necessary, obtains
independent advice on the appropriateness of
remuneration packages.

The Remuneration Committee advises the Board
on remuneration policies and practices generally,
and makes specific recommendations on
remuneration packages and other terms of
employment for Executive Directors, other Senior
Executives and Non-Executive Directors. 

Executive remuneration and other terms of
employment are reviewed annually by the
Committee having regard to personal and
corporate performance, contribution to long-term
growth, relevant comparative information and
independent expert advice. As well as a base
salary, remuneration packages include
superannuation, performance-related bonuses and
fringe benefits.

19

Corporate
Governance (continued)

– review and monitor related party transactions

and assess their propriety

– report to the Board on matters relevant to the

Committee’s role and responsibilities.

In fulfilling its responsibilities, the Audit Committee:

– receives regular reports from management and

the external auditor

– meets with the external auditor at least twice a

year or more frequently if necessary

– requires the CEO and CFO to state in writing to
the Board that InvoCare’s Financial Reports
present a true and fair view, in all material
respects, of InvoCare’s financial condition,
operational results and are in accordance with
relevant accounting standards

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

– meets separately with the external auditor at
least twice a year without the presence of
management

– provides the external auditor with a clear line of
direct communication at any time to either the
Chairman of the Audit Committee or the Chairman
of the Board.

The Audit Committee has authority, within the
scope of its responsibilities, to seek any
information it requires from any employee or
external party.

External Auditor
The policy of InvoCare and the Audit Committee 
is to appoint an external auditor which clearly
demonstrate quality and independence. The
performance of the external auditor is reviewed
annually taking into consideration assessment of
performance. PricewaterhouseCoopers was
appointed as the external auditor in 1994. It is
PricewaterhouseCoopers’ policy to rotate audit
engagement partners on listed companies at least
every seven years, and in accordance with that
policy a new audit engagement partner was
introduced for the year ended 31 December 2000.
This policy will be amended to comply with the
requirements of CLERP 9.

The Remuneration Committee’s terms of reference
include responsibility for reviewing any transactions
between InvoCare and the Directors, or any
interest associated with the Directors, to ensure
the structure and the terms of the transaction are
in compliance with the Corporations Act 2001 and
are appropriately disclosed.

The Committee also assumes responsibility for
management succession planning, including the
implementation of appropriate Executive
development programs and ensuring adequate
arrangements are in place, so that appropriate
candidates are recruited for later promotion to
senior positions.

Audit Committee 
The Audit Committee is chaired by John Murphy
with the other members being Christine Clifton and
Richard Fisher. The members possess sufficient
technical expertise and knowledge of the industry
to fulfil the functions of the Committee. The
Committee meets at least four times each year. 

The Audit Committee operates in accordance with
a charter which is being reviewed. The main
responsibilities of the Committee are to: 

– review, assess and approve the Annual Reports,

the half-year Financial Report and all other
financial information published by InvoCare or
released to the market 

– review and monitor InvoCare’s compliance with

law and ASX Listing Rules 

– assist the Board in reviewing the effectiveness of
InvoCare’s internal control environment covering: 

• reliability of financial reporting 

• compliance with applicable laws and regulations

– determine the scope of the internal audit function
and ensure that its resources are adequate and
used effectively, and assess its performance,
including independence 

– recommend to the Board the appointment,

removal and remuneration of the external auditor,
and review the terms of its engagement, the
scope and quality of the audit and assess
performance

– consider the independence and competence of

the external auditor on an ongoing basis 

– review and approve the level of non-audit

services provided by the external auditor and
ensure it does not adversely impact on auditor
independence

20

An analysis of fees paid to the external auditor,
including a breakdown of fees for non-audit
services, is provided in Note 36 – Remuneration of
auditor. It is the policy of the external auditor to
provide an annual declaration of its independence
to the Audit Committee.

Risk Committee
The Risk Committee, which was previously
incorporated in the Audit Committee, is chaired by
Christine Clifton and the other member is Richard
Fisher. The members possess sufficient technical
expertise and industry knowledge to fulfil the
functions of the Committee. The Committee meets
at least twice each year.

The Risk Committee operates in accordance with a
charter which is currently under review. The main
responsibilities of the Committee are:

– to establish a sound system of risk oversight and
management and internal control under which
InvoCare can identify, assess, monitor and
manage risk

– to inform investors of material changes to the risk
profile of InvoCare and maintain appropriate risk
management practices and systems throughout
the operations of InvoCare

– the management of operational and compliance

risks, including but not limited to:

• InvoCare’s insurance program

• environmental policy and issues

• occupational health and safety

• disaster recovery strategy

• litigation against InvoCare

• industry related regulatory compliance

• compliance with the policy framework in place

from time to time

• internal controls over operational risks 

• InvoCare’s overall operational risk management

program. 

The Risk Committee does not have responsibility 
in relation to strategic or financial (including
information technology) risk management, which 
is the focus of InvoCare’s Audit Committee.

Code of Conduct 
InvoCare has developed a code of conduct (the
code) which applies to all Directors and employees.
The code is updated as necessary to ensure it
reflects the highest standards of behaviour and
professionalism and the practices necessary to
maintain confidence in InvoCare’s integrity.

INVOCARE ANNUAL REPORT 2003

In summary, the code requires that at all times all
InvoCare personnel act with the utmost integrity,
objectivity and in compliance with the letter and the
spirit of the law and InvoCare policies.

The purchase and sale of InvoCare Limited securities
by Directors and employees is only permitted during
the 30 day period following the release of the 
half-yearly and annual financial results to the market
and the AGM of InvoCare. Any transactions
undertaken must be notified to the Company
Secretary in advance.

Continuous Disclosure and Shareholder
Communication 
The CEO and Company Secretary have been
nominated as the people responsible for
communications with ASX. This role includes
responsibility for ensuring compliance with the
continuous disclosure requirements in ASX listing
rules and overseeing and coordinating information
disclosure to ASX, analysts, brokers, shareholders,
the media and the public.

All information disclosed to ASX is posted on
InvoCare’s website as soon as it is disclosed to
ASX. When analysts are briefed on aspects of
InvoCare’s operations, the material used in the
presentation is released to ASX and posted on
InvoCare’s website. Procedures have also been
established for reviewing whether any price
sensitive information has been inadvertently
disclosed, and if so, this information is also
immediately released to the market.

All shareholders will receive a copy of InvoCare’s
Annual Report (unless a shareholder has specifically
requested not to receive the document). In addition,
InvoCare seeks to provide opportunities for
shareholders to participate through electronic
means. All recent InvoCare announcements, media
briefings, details of InvoCare meetings, press
releases and Financial Reports are available on
InvoCare’s website www.invocare.com.au.

21

Directors’
Report

THE DIRECTORS submit their report on the
consolidated entity consisting of InvoCare Limited
(the company) and the entities it controlled for the
year ended 31 December 2003. This is the first
report submitted after the successful listing of
InvoCare Limited on ASX on 4 December 2003.
InvoCare Limited and its controlled entities together
are referred to as InvoCare or the consolidated
entity in this Financial Report. 

DIRECTORS 
The names of the Directors of InvoCare Limited in
office during the financial year and until the date of
this report were: 

Ian D Ferrier 

Richard H Davis 

Mike J Grehan 
(Appointed 24 October 2003)

John W Murphy 

Christine L Clifton 
(Appointed 24 October 2003) 

Richard H Fisher
(Appointed 24 October 2003)

Patrick F Elliott 
(Resigned 24 October 2003) 

MacDonell Roehm Jr 
(Resigned 24 October 2003) 

Michael R Webb 
(Resigned 24 October 2003) 

All Directors were in office from the beginning of the
financial year until the date of this report, unless
otherwise stated. 

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES
InvoCare is Australia’s leading private provider of
services to the funeral industry. There were no
significant changes in the nature of these activities
during the year. 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
This is InvoCare Limited’s first Annual Report
provided to the market following the Initial Public
Offering (IPO) and listing on ASX on 4 December
2003. The Prospectus, dated 31 October 2003,
contained information about InvoCare and the IPO,
including details of the share buy-back and
dividend paid in March 2003 and the proposed
restructuring of InvoCare Limited’s share capital
and debt financing arrangements just prior to
listing. These capital and debt changes were
effected and 93,142,105 ordinary shares,
representing 99.3% of InvoCare Limited’s undiluted
issued shares, were offered and sold by the 
former owners, the majority of whom were private 
equity investors.

Financial information in this report, including
information about dividends and earnings per
share, should be read in the context of the public
listing in December 2003 and the substantial
change in InvoCare Limited’s capital structure, 
debt arrangements and shareholdings. 

SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN THE 
STATE OF AFFAIRS 
Significant changes in the state of affairs of
InvoCare during the year ended 31 December
2003 are listed below. 

– Dividend payment to ordinary and preference
shareholders on 28 March 2003 amounting to
$15,000,000 (representing 20 cents per share
fully franked). 

– Buy-back of 3,125,000 ordinary shares and

12,500,000 preference shares on 28 March 2003
for the total consideration of $25,000,000
(representing $1.60 per share). 

– Increased borrowings by $40,000,000 on 

28 March 2003 to fund the dividend and share
buy-back. 

– SCIA Holdings Pty Limited changed its name to
InvoCare Pty Limited on 9 September 2003 and
converted from a proprietary company to a
public company on 30 October 2003 at which
date its name became InvoCare Limited. 

22

INVOCARE ANNUAL REPORT 2003

– Operating cash flow for the year was $23.5 million

compared to the Prospectus forecast of 
$20.9 million, mainly due to the impact of higher
than forecast revenues. 

– Earnings per share (basic) were 12.0 cents per
share compared to the Prospectus forecast of
10.6 cents per share. 

– Market share has been maintained at

approximately 20% of the Australian market. 

– The Directors have determined that no further
dividend will be payable in respect of the 2003
year as forecast in the Prospectus. There was a
dividend of $15 million paid to the previous
shareholders in March 2003.

– The company has commenced implementation
of its new Guardian branding and marketing
strategy which will be rolled out in the Sydney
market during 2004 to complement the strong
branding position already in place of its national
brands, White Lady and Simplicity. 

– Marketing of prepaid funerals continued during
the year and at December 2003 the company
had $169.5 million of funds in trust for prepaid
funerals and prepaid cemetery and crematoria
services. This is an increase of 7.7% compared
to December 2002. During 2003, 13% of
funerals performed were previously prepaid with 
the company. 

– Significant progress was made in the

development of new IT systems for the financial
and operational aspects of the business and
these are on track to be implemented in the
second and third quarters of 2004. 

– InvoCare Limited lodged a Prospectus on 
31 October 2003 under which 93,142,105
ordinary shares, representing 99.3% of the
company’s undiluted ordinary shares, were
offered for sale by the owners of those shares.
As part of this IPO, the company’s share capital
and financing facilities were restructured. 

– InvoCare Limited listed on ASX on 4 December

2003. The proceeds of the IPO, net of applicable
costs, were received by the vendors of the
shares. The company did not raise any capital
from the IPO. 

REVIEW OF OPERATIONS 
The key highlights for the year include: 

– On 4 December 2003, the company listed on 

ASX as a result of an IPO where existing
shareholders, except the Managing Director
Richard Davis, sold all of their shares. The
Directors believe this is a major step in the
development of the company in offering
opportunities for improved capital management,
flexibility and growth as well as enabling
employees to participate in the ownership of 
the company. 

– The consolidated net profit for the year after tax
attributable to members of InvoCare Limited was
$11.6 million compared to the Prospectus
forecast of $10.3 million and $10.1 million in 2002.
This profit includes gain on sale of assets of 
$2.7 million (before tax) and refinancing and
restructuring costs during the year of $2.1 million
(before tax). Also costs associated with being a
public company are included due to the company
listing on ASX in December 2003. 

– Revenues from operating activities were 

$140.3 million, an increase of 2.4% over the
previous year and 1.5% higher than the
Prospectus forecast. This was achieved despite
a decline in the number of deaths compared to
the previous year, in the markets in which
InvoCare operates. Preliminary Australian Bureau
of Statistics data indicates a decline compared 
to the corresponding period in 2002, which
adversely affected revenues and profit. 

23

Directors’
Report (continued)

ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION AND
PERFORMANCE 
InvoCare is committed to the protection of the
environment, the health and safety of its employees,
customers and the general public, as well as
compliance with all applicable environmental laws,
rules and regulations in the jurisdictions in which the
consolidated entity operates its business. The
consolidated entity is subject to environmental
regulation in respect of its operations, including
some regulations covering the disposal of mortuary
and pathological waste and the storage of
hazardous materials. InvoCare has Environmental
Risk Management Systems in place at its
appropriate locations.

There have been no claims during the year and 
the Directors believe InvoCare has complied with
all relevant environmental regulations and holds all
relevant licences. 

INFORMATION ON DIRECTORS 
Details of the Directors’ qualifications and
experience are set out on pages 16 and 17.

COMPANY SECRETARY 
Mr Kenneth Mealey
B.Comm, CPA, Chief Financial Officer

Kenneth Mealey has held the position of Company
Secretary and Chief Financial Officer since joining
the consolidated entity in 1994. Prior to joining the
consolidated entity, Kenneth had considerable
senior management and financial experience
across several industries, including five years as
Finance Director and Company Secretary of
previously listed company Hunter Douglas Limited,
two years as Technology Division Finance Director
for Lend Lease Corporation and 10 years as
Director of Finance and Administration at Otis
Elevator Company Pty Limited. Kenneth holds a
Bachelor of Commerce from the University of New
South Wales and is a member of CPA Australia. 

DIVIDENDS 
The interim dividend of 20 cents per share (franked
amount 20 cents per share) was paid on 
28 March 2003 to the former owners of InvoCare
Limited. At that time InvoCare Limited was not
publicly listed and its share capital comprised both
ordinary and preference shares. InvoCare Limited’s
share capital was restructured immediately before
the allocation of ordinary shares pursuant to the
Prospectus dated 31 October 2003 and InvoCare
Limited’s listing on ASX on 4 December 2003. 
Due to the capital restructure and listing, the 2003
interim dividend is not indicative of any future
dividends per share. 

As stated in InvoCare Limited’s Prospectus dated
31 October 2003, no final dividend will be paid in
respect of the 2003 financial year. 

Further, as stated in the Prospectus, an interim
dividend is expected to be paid each year in
October and a final dividend is expected to be paid
annually in April of the following year. The payment
of dividends by InvoCare Limited in the future will
be at the complete discretion of the Directors and
will depend upon InvoCare Limited’s available
distributable earnings, franking credit balance,
operating results, available cash flow, financial
condition, outlook, terms of the debt financing
facility, taxation position and future capital
requirements, as well as general business and
financial conditions and any other factors the
Directors may consider relevant. 

SIGNIFICANT EVENTS AFTER THE 
BALANCE DATE 
There have been no significant events occurring
after balance date which have significantly affected
or may significantly affect either InvoCare’s
operations or results of those operations or
InvoCare’s state of affairs in future financial years. 

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS AND RESULTS 
Likely developments and results have been
discussed above in the review of operations. 

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

24

INVOCARE ANNUAL REPORT 2003

MEETINGS OF DIRECTORS 
During the year ended 31 December 2003, the number of meetings of the Board of Directors and of
each Board Committee and the number of meetings attended by each of the Directors is as follows: 

Ian Ferrier

Richard Davis

John Murphy 

Mike Grehan 
(appointed 24 October 2003)

Christine Clifton 
(appointed 24 October 2003)

Richard Fisher 
(appointed 24 October 2003) 

Michael Webb 
(resigned 24 October 2003)

Patrick Elliott 
(resigned 24 October 2003)

MacDonell Roehm Jr 
(resigned 24 October 2003)

Full Board 
Meetings

Audit

Meetings of Committees
Remuneration 

Risk

No. eligible 
to attend

No. No. eligible
to attend

attended

No. No. eligible
to attend

attended

No. No. eligible
to attend

attended

No.
attended

17

17

17

5

5

5 

13

13

13

17

17

16

5

5 

5 

11

12

8

– 

2 

2

–

– 

– 

– 

2

–

– 

2

2

– 

– 

– 

– 

2

– 

1

– 

1 

– 

– 

– 

– 

1

– 

1

– 

1

– 

– 

– 

–

1

–

1

1 

1

– 

– 

– 

–

1

– 

1

1

1 

–

– 

– 

– 

1

– 

Richard Davis was a member of the Board Committees operating up to the changes to the composition
of the Board in October 2003. In accordance with ASX Corporate Governance Council’s Principles of
Good Corporate Governance and Best Practice Recommendations, the Board has reconstituted the
Committees to be consistent with InvoCare Limited’s status as a listed public company and consequently
neither Richard Davis nor Mike Grehan, as Executive Directors, are members of the Committees.

RETIREMENT, ELECTION AND CONTINUATION
IN OFFICE OF DIRECTORS 
In accordance with the Constitution of InvoCare
Limited, at each Annual General Meeting one-third
of the Directors (or a number nearest one-third)
and any other Director (except the Managing
Director) who has held office for three years or
more since last being elected must retire from
office. Ian Ferrier and John Murphy will retire as
Directors at the Annual General Meeting and, being
eligible, offer themselves for re-election. 

DIRECTORS’ AND EXECUTIVES’
EMOLUMENTS 
A Remuneration Committee has been established
from Non-Executive members of the Board to
make recommendations to the Board on
remuneration packages and policies related to
Non-Executive Directors, Executive Directors and
Senior Executives and to ensure that the
remuneration policies and practices are consistent
with InvoCare’s strategic goals and human
resource objectives. 

Remuneration of Non-Executive Directors is
determined by the Board within a maximum
approved by shareholders from time to time. 
The maximum is currently $250,000 per annum, 
in aggregate, being the amount set out in the
Constitution of InvoCare Limited as at the date of
listing. This excludes any remuneration determined
by the Directors where a Director performs
additional or special duties for the company. 

25

Directors’
Report (continued)

DIRECTORS’ AND EXECUTIVES’
EMOLUMENTS (continued)

responsibilities and are competitive to attract,
retain and motivate people of the highest calibre. 

If a Director performs additional or special duties
for the company they may be remunerated as
determined by the Directors and that remuneration
can be in addition to the limit mentioned above.

Senior Executives may receive a performance-
based incentive related to achievement of specific
objectives. Non-Executive Directors do not receive
any performance-based remuneration. 

Executive remuneration and other terms of
employment are reviewed annually having regard to
performance during the year, relevant comparative
information and independent survey information.
The broad policy is to ensure that remuneration
packages properly reflect the individual’s

Details of the nature and amount of each element
of the emolument of each Director of InvoCare
Limited and each of the five other Executive
Officers of the company and the consolidated
entity receiving the highest emoluments are set out
in the following tables. 

Non-Executive Directors of InvoCare Limited

Name

Ian Ferrier 

John Murphy

Christine Clifton

Richard Fisher 

Patrick Elliott 

MacDonell Roehm Jr 

Michael Webb

Director’s base fee
$

Committee fees
$

Superannuation
$

75,375 

30,805 

14,906

16,247

20,558

20,558 

20,558

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–

– 

– 

–

1,341

–

– 

– 

– 

Total
$

75,375

30,805

16,247

16,247

20,558

20,558

20,558

26

INVOCARE ANNUAL REPORT 2003

Executive Directors of InvoCare Limited 

Base 
salary
$

Motor 
vehicle
$

Bonus
$

Super-
annuation
$

Options(2)

$

Other 
benefits
$

Total
$

400,000 

20,640  150,000 

36,000  276,411 

1,123  884,174 

55,890 

2,094 

19,673 

5,038  180,397 

–  263,092 

Name

Richard Davis
Chief Executive Officer

Mike Grehan (1)
Chief Operating Officer
(Director from 24 Oct 2003)

Other Executives 

InvoCare Limited 
InvoCare Limited has no employees. All Executives and employees are employed by a controlled entity,
Service Corporation International Australia Pty Limited.

Consolidated Entity 

Name

Base 
salary
$

Motor 
vehicle
$

Bonus
$

Super-
annuation
$

Options(2)

$

Other 
benefits
$

Total
$

Mike Grehan (1)
Chief Operating Officer
(From 1 Jan 2003 – 24 Oct 2003) 197,084 

9,148 

85,927 

17,737  256,798 

–  566,694

Kenneth Mealey
Chief Financial Officer

Phillip Friery
Group Finance Manager

Colin Purslowe
General Manager WA

John Fowler
General Manager VIC

180,000 

15,525  150,000 

16,200  321,185 

–  682,910

127,000 

10,566  102,500 

11,430 

45,453 

–  296,949 

143,000 

34,719 

7,865 

16,911 

70,037 

7,442  279,974 

135,000 

10,368 

8,438 

18,811 

70,037 

19,465  262,119

(1) Mike Grehan was appointed a Director on 24 October 2003, in addition to continuing his position as
the company’s Chief Operating Officer (COO). Amounts shown above in Directors’ emoluments only
include Mike’s emoluments during the period that he was a Director. Amounts received in his position
as COO, prior to being appointed as a Director, are excluded from Directors’ emoluments and are
included above in Executives’ emoluments.

(2) The amount disclosed for emoluments relating to options above is the assessed fair value at grant

date of options granted to Executive Directors and other Executives, allocated equally over the period
from grant date to vesting date. Fair values at grant date are independently determined using a
binomial option pricing model that takes into account the exercise price, the term of the option, 
the vesting and performance criteria, the impact of dilution, the non-tradeable nature of the option, 
the current price and expected price volatility of the underlying share, the expected dividend yield 
and the risk-free interest rate for the term of the option. 

Information on transactions with Directors is set
out in Note 37 – Related party disclosures.

The Corporate Governance Council has made
recommendations in relation to Directors’
remuneration disclosures, including disclosures
about the expected outcomes of remuneration

structures and the basis for the exercise of the
Directors’ discretion in relation to the payment of
bonuses. The Remuneration Committee will
consider these recommendations and will make
appropriate disclosures in future Directors’
Reports.

27

Directors’
Report (continued)

PARTICULARS OF DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS IN SHARES AND OPTIONS 
Details of the Directors’ relevant interests in shares and options held in InvoCare Limited are listed below: 

Director

Ian Ferrier

Richard Davis

Mike Grehan 

John Murphy 

Christine Clifton

Richard Fisher 

Particulars of Directors’ interests in

shares and options of InvoCare Limited 
Options 

Ordinary shares

Nil 

302,401 

611,168

Nil (1)

Nil

1,222,336

56,417 

110,000

Nil 

Nil

Nil 

Nil

(1) Under the terms of a Service Agreement dated 8 May 2001, Richard Davis is entitled to 988,565
options with an issue date of 8 May 2004, subject to ongoing employment. The exercise price is
calculated on a per share basis being the equivalent of 6.71 times EBITDA for the financial year ending
31 December 2003 less debt at 30 April 2004. These options will vest when issued and have an
expiry date of 8 May 2009. 

Further information regarding share options of Directors and Executives is set out in Note 24 – 
Share options. 

INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE 
OF DIRECTORS 
During the financial year, InvoCare paid a premium to insure Directors and officers of the consolidated
entity. The insurance policy specifically prohibits disclosure of the nature and liability covered and the
amount of the premium paid. 

ROUNDING
The company is of a kind referred to in Class Order 98/0100 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 (where rounding is applicable) in accordance with that Class Order. 

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

Ian D Ferrier

Director

Sydney
29 March 2004

Richard H Davis

Director

28

INVOCARE ANNUAL REPORT 2003

Financial Report

Statements of Financial Performance 30

Statements of Financial Position 31

Statements of Cash Flows 32

Notes to the Financial Statements 33

Directors’ Declaration 65

Independent Audit Report 66

Shareholder Information 67

29

Statements of Financial Performance 

For the year ended 31 December 2003

Revenues from ordinary activities 

Finished goods and consumables used
Salaries and employee benefits expenses
Depreciation and amortisation expenses 
Interest expenses
Refinancing costs
Advertising and public relations expenses
Occupancy and facilities expenses
Motor vehicle expenses
Written down value of assets sold or 
disposed and costs incurred
Other expenses from ordinary activities 

Profit from ordinary activities 
before income tax expense
Income tax expense relating to 
ordinary activities

Profit from ordinary activities 
after income tax expense

Net profit
Net profit attributable to outside 
equity interest

Net profit attributable to members 
of InvoCare Limited

Total changes in equity attributable 
to members of InvoCare Limited other 
than those resulting from transactions 
with owners as owners

Notes

Consolidated

InvoCare Limited

2003
$’000

2002
$’000

2003
$’000

2002
$’000

2

3

3
3
3

150,758 

144,292 

25,590 

21,404

(21,183)
(50,536)
(9,931)
(14,115)
(2,148)
(5,722)
(9,794)
(3,204)

(5,083)
(11,442)

(21,116)
(50,149)
(10,068)
(14,754)
–
(5,294)
(9,018)
(3,130)

(4,057)
(10,781)

–
–
–
(13,337)
(2,148)
–
–
–

–
–
–
(14,023)
–
–
–
–

–
(722)

–
(395)

17,600 

15,925 

9,383 

6,986 

4

(5,917)

(5,771)

(710)

(2,131)

11,683 

10,154

8,673 

4,855 

11,683 

10,154

8,673 

4,855

(45)

(49)

–

–

11,638 

10,105 

8,673 

4,855 

26

25

11,638 

10,105

8,673 

4,855 

Basic earnings per share (cents per share) 
Diluted earnings per share (cents per share)

31
31

Cents

12.0
11.7

Cents

n/a 
n/a 

The above Statements of Financial Performance should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes to
the financial statements set out on pages 33 to 64.

30

Statements of Financial Position 

As at 31 December 2003

INVOCARE ANNUAL REPORT 2003

Current assets
Cash assets
Receivables
Inventories
Property
Other assets
Total current assets

Non-current assets
Receivables
Other financial assets
Property, plant and equipment
Deferred tax assets
Intangible assets
Other assets
Total non-current assets
Total assets

Current liabilities
Payables
Interest-bearing liabilities
Current tax liabilities
Provisions
Deferred revenue
Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities
Payables
Interest-bearing liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities
Provisions
Deferred revenue
Total non-current liabilities
Total liabilities
Net assets

Equity
Parent entity interest
Contributed equity
Retained profits
Total parent entity interest in equity
Total outside equity interest
Total equity

Notes

Consolidated

InvoCare Limited

2003
$’000

2002
$’000

2003
$’000

2002
$’000

27
6
7
8
9

10
11
12
4
13
14

15
16
4
17
18

19
20
4
21
22

23
25

26

7,143
14,567
9,962
4,816
2,718
39,206 

7,306
–
206,036
6,022
26,302
6,195
251,861 
291,067 

18,380
2,515
3,962
4,563
2,619
32,039 

365
152,549
2,328
3,008
36,664
194,914 
226,953 
64,114 

5,196 
14,920 
9,341 
3,254 
2,143 
34,854

7,432 
–
214,385 
4,798 
28,798 
5,668 
261,081
295,935

17,283 
9,877 
1,432 
4,610 
2,417 
35,619

882 
129,740 
2,078 
3,305 
33,839 
169,844
205,463
90,472

2,437
2,542
–
–
92
5,071 

189,782
15,641
–
637
–
–
206,060 
211,131 

2,363
2,500
42
–
–
4,905 

–
152,500
–
–
–
152,500 
157,405 
53,726 

47 
11,581 
–
–
33 
11,661

197,046 
15,641 
–
–
–
–
212,687
224,348

944 
9,840 
797 
–
–
11,581

–
129,740 
–
–
–
129,740
141,321
83,027

52,026
11,033
63,059
1,055
64,114 

75,000 
14,395 
89,395 
1,077 
90,472

52,026
1,700
53,726
–
53,726 

75,000 
8,027 
83,027 
–
83,027

The above Statements of Financial Position should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes to the
financial statements set out on pages 33 to 64.

31

Statements of Cash Flows 

For the year ended 31 December 2003

Notes

Consolidated

InvoCare Limited

2003
$’000

2002
$'000

2003
$’000

2002
$’000

Cash flows from operating activities
Receipts from customers
Payments to suppliers and employees
Interest received
Other revenue
Dividend received
Interest paid
Refinancing costs paid
Income tax paid
Net cash flows from operating activities

161,413
(119,266)
683
2,054
–
(14,841)
(2,148)
(4,361)
23,534 

160,639 
(115,046)
664 
2,095 
–
(15,055)
–
(778)
32,519 

27

Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Refund of purchase consideration for controlled entity
Net cash flows from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issues of ordinary shares
Payment for share buy-back
Proceeds from borrowings
Repayment of borrowings
Repayment of convertible notes
Payment of dividends – InvoCare 
Limited shareholders
Payment of dividends – Outside Equity Interest
Repayment of finance lease principal
Proceeds from repayment of loan by controlled entity
Net cash flows (used in) financing activities

Net increase/(decrease) in cash held
Cash at the beginning of the financial year
Cash at the end of the financial year

27

7,129
(6,054)
–
1,075

2,026
(25,000)
65,000
(19,580)
(30,000)

(15,000)
(67)
(41)
–
(22,662)

1,947
5,196
7,143 

4,560 
(4,081)
643 
1,122 

–
–
–
(34,835)
–

–
–
(17)
–
(34,852)

(1,211)
6,407 
5,196

480
(778)
18,110
–
7,000
(14,062)
(2,148)
(2,102)
6,500

–
–
–
–

2,026
(25,000)
65,000
(19,580)
(30,000)

(15,000)
–
–
18,444
(4,110)

2,390
47
2,437 

440 
(377)
21,004 
–
–
(14,124)
–
(2,693)
4,250 

–
–
643 
643 

–
–
–
(34,835)
–

–
–
–
29,653 
(5,182)

(289)
336 
47

The above Statements of Cash Flows should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes to the
financial statements set out on pages 33 to 64.

32

Notes to the Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2003

INVOCARE ANNUAL REPORT 2003

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of accounting
This general purpose financial report has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Accounting
Standards, other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board, Urgent Issues
Group Consensus Views and the Corporations Act 2001.

It is prepared in accordance with the historical cost convention.

Comparatives
Where necessary, comparatives have been reclassified and repositioned for consistency with current 
year disclosures. 

Changes in accounting policies
The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those of the previous financial year except that InvoCare 
no longer records in the Statements of Financial Position monies held in trust for prepaid funeral contracts and
prepaid burial and cremation services on the basis these monies are not controlled by InvoCare. Prior to this
change an asset and corresponding deferred revenue were included in the Statements of Financial Position. As
at 31 December 2003, the monies held in trust amounted to $169.5 million (2002: $157.4 million). This change
in accounting policy has had no impact on revenues and expenses reported in the Statements of Financial
Performance. Consistent with the previous year, the monies held in trust are only recognised as revenue when
the services are performed (refer Revenue recognition below).

Principles of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the assets and liabilities of all entities controlled by InvoCare
Limited (the company) and the results of all controlled entities. InvoCare Limited and its controlled entities
together are referred to as the consolidated entity or InvoCare. The effects of all transactions between entities 
in the consolidated entity are fully eliminated. Outside equity interests in the results and equity of controlled
entities are shown separately in the consolidated Statements of Financial Performance and Statements of
Financial Position respectively.

Where control of an entity is obtained during a financial year, its results are included in the consolidated
Statements of Financial Performance from the date on which control commences. Where control of an entity
ceases during a financial year its results are included for that part of the year during which control existed.

Revenue recognition
Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the entity and 
the revenue can be reliably measured. Revenue is recognised as set out below:

Funeral operations
Revenue is recognised when the funeral service is performed.

InvoCare enters into prepaid funeral contracts providing for future funeral services at prices prevailing when
agreements are signed. Payments under these contracts are placed in trust (pursuant to InvoCare’s policy and,
where relevant, state laws). The monies held in trust for individual prepaid funeral contracts are not controlled by
InvoCare and are not recognised in the financial statements (refer Changes in accounting policy above).

Cemeteries and crematoria operations
Sales of at-need and pre-need interment or inurnment rights are recognised immediately as revenue. Sales of
associated memorials and other merchandise and burial and cremation services are recognised when the
memorial or merchandise is delivered or service is performed. Revenues relating to undelivered memorials and
merchandise and unperformed services are deferred. Cash relating to recognised and deferred revenue on sale
of rights, memorials and merchandise is recorded in the financial statements upon receipt. However, similarly to
prepaid funeral services, monies for prepaid burial and cremation services are placed in trust until the service is
performed (refer above Changes in accounting policies).

Deferred selling costs
Selling costs applicable to prepaid funeral service contracts, net of any administrative fees recovered, are
expensed as incurred.

Direct selling costs applicable to deferred revenue on undelivered memorials and merchandise and unperformed
burial and cremation services are deferred until the revenue is recognised.

33

Notes to the Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2003

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Income tax
Tax effect accounting procedures are followed whereby the income tax expense in the Statements of Financial
Performance is matched with the accounting profit after allowing for permanent differences. The future tax
benefit relating to tax losses is not carried forward as an asset unless the benefit is virtually certain of realisation.
Income tax on cumulative timing differences is set aside to the deferred income tax or the future income tax
benefit accounts at the rates which are expected to apply when those timing differences reverse.

Maintenance and repairs
Maintenance, repair costs and minor renewals are charged as expenses as incurred, except where they relate
to the replacement of a component of an asset, in which case the costs are capitalised and depreciated in
accordance with Note 1 – Depreciation of property, plant and equipment, below.

Goods and Services Tax (GST)
Cash flows are included in the Statements of Cash Flows on a gross basis and the GST component of cash
flows arising from investing and financing activities, which is recoverable from, or payable to, the taxation
authority are classified as operating cash flows.

Cash 
For the purposes of the Statements of Cash Flows, cash includes deposits at call with financial institutions and
other highly liquid investments with short periods to maturity which are readily convertible to cash on hand 
and are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value, net of any outstanding bank overdrafts.
When in use, bank overdrafts are carried at the principal amount. Interest is charged as an expense as it accrues.

Receivables
All trade receivables are recognised at the amounts receivable from the date of recognition. Collectibility of trade
debtors is reviewed on an ongoing basis. Debts which are known to be uncollectible are written off. A provision
for doubtful debts is raised when some doubt as to collection exists.

Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost comprises direct materials and, where
appropriate, a proportion of variable and fixed overhead. Costs are assigned to individual items of inventory
mainly on the basis of weighted average cost.

Acquisition of assets
The purchase method of accounting is used for all acquisitions of assets regardless of whether equity
instruments or other assets are acquired. Cost is determined as the fair value of the assets given up, shares
issued or liabilities undertaken at the date of acquisition plus incidental costs directly attributable to the acquisition.

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

Recoverable amount of non-current assets
Non-current assets are valued at cost except where this exceeds the recoverable amount. The recoverable
amount of an asset is the net amount expected to be recovered through the net cash inflows arising from 
its continued use and subsequent disposal.

Where the carrying amount of a non-current asset is greater than its recoverable amount the asset is written
down to its recoverable amount. Where net cash inflows are derived from a group of assets working together,
recoverable amount is determined on the basis of the relevant group of assets. The decrement in the carrying
amount is recognised as an expense in net profit or loss in the reporting period in which the recoverable 
amount write-down occurs.

The expected net cash flows included in determining recoverable amounts of non-current assets are 
not discounted. 

34

INVOCARE ANNUAL REPORT 2003

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Depreciation is calculated on a straight line basis to write off the net cost of each item of property, plant and
equipment (excluding freehold land) over its expected useful life to the consolidated entity. Estimates of
remaining useful lives are made on a regular basis for all assets, with annual reassessments for major items. 
The expected useful lives are as follows:
Buildings
Plant and equipment

40 years
3 – 10 years

Cemetery land
Cemetery land is carried at cost less accumulated amortisation. Cost includes the cost of acquisitions and
improvements. The consolidated entity sells interment and inurnment rights in perpetuity, while retaining title to
the property. Cemetery land is amortised, as the right to each plot is sold, to write off the net cost of the land
over the period in which it is utilised and an economic benefit has been received.

Leasehold improvements
The cost of improvements to or on leasehold properties is amortised over the unexpired period of the lease 
or the estimated useful life of the improvement to the consolidated entity, whichever is the shorter.

Leased non-current assets
A distinction is made between finance leases which effectively transfer from the lessor to the lessee substantially
all the risks and benefits incident to ownership of leased non-current assets, and operating leases under which
the lessor effectively retains substantially all such risks and benefits.

Finance leases are capitalised. A lease asset and liability are established at the present value of minimum lease
payments. Lease payments are allocated between the principal component of the lease liability and the interest
expense.

The leased asset is amortised on a straight line basis over the term of the lease, or where it is likely that the
consolidated entity will obtain ownership of the asset, the life of the asset. The leased asset held at the reporting
date is being amortised over three years (2002: three years).
Operating lease payments are charged to the Statements of Financial Performance in the period in which they
are incurred, as this represents the pattern of benefits derived from the leased assets.

Intangible assets – goodwill
Where an entity or operation is acquired, the identifiable net assets acquired are measured at fair value. 
The excess of the fair value of the cost of acquisition over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired,
including any liability for restructuring costs, is brought to account as goodwill and amortised on a straight line
basis over 20 years, being the period during which the benefits are expected to arise. The cost of acquisition 
is discounted where settlement of any part of cash consideration is deferred.

Interest-bearing liabilities
Interest-bearing liabilities are carried at their principal amounts which represent the present value of future cash
flows associated with servicing the debt. Interest is accrued over the period it becomes due and is recorded as
part of other creditors.

Employee benefits

Wages and salaries, annual leave and sick leave
Liabilities for wages and salaries, annual leave and accumulating sick leave are recognised in respect of
employees’ services up to the reporting date, and are measured at the amounts expected to be paid when the
liabilities are settled, plus appropriate on-costs. Liabilities for non-accumulating sick leave are recognised when
the leave is taken and measured at the rates paid or payable.

35

Notes to the Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2003

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Long service leave
A liability for long service leave is recognised, and is measured as the present value of expected future
payments to be made in respect of services provided by employees up to the reporting date, including
appropriate on-costs. Consideration is given to expected future wage and salary levels, experience of employee
departures and period of service. Expected future payments are discounted using market yields at the reporting
date on national government bonds with terms to maturity and currency to match, as closely as possible, the
estimated future cash outflows.

Bonus plans
A liability for employee benefits in the form of bonus plans is recognised in other creditors when there is no
realistic alternative but to settle the liability and at least one of the following conditions is met:
– there are formal terms in the plan for determining the amount of the benefit
– the amounts to be paid are determined before the time of completion of the financial report, or
– best practice gives clear evidence of the amount of the obligation.

Liabilities for bonus plans are expected to be settled within 12 months and are measured at the amounts
expected to be paid when they are settled.

Employee Share Option Plan
Information relating to the Employee Share Option Plan is set out in Note 24 – Share options.

No accounting entries are made in relation to the Employee Share Option Plan until options are exercised, at
which time the amounts receivable from participants are recognised in the Statements of Financial Position as
share capital. The amounts disclosed for remuneration of Directors and Executives in Note 34 – Remuneration
of Directors and Note 35 – Remuneration of Executives include the assessed fair values of options at the date
they were granted, allocated equally over the period from grant date to vesting date.

Derivative financial instruments
The consolidated entity enters into interest rate swap agreements. The net amount receivable or payable under
interest rate swap agreements is progressively brought to account over the period to settlement. The amount
recognised is accounted for as an adjustment to interest and finance charges during the period and included in
other debtors or other creditors at each reporting date.

When an interest rate swap is terminated early and the underlying hedged transactions are still expected to
occur as designated, the gains or losses arising on the swap upon its early termination continue to be deferred
and are progressively brought to account over the period during which the hedged transactions are recognised.

When an interest rate swap is terminated early and the underlying hedged transactions are no longer expected
to occur as designated, the gains or losses arising on the swap upon its early termination are recognised in the
Statements of Financial Performance as at the date of the termination.

Borrowing costs
Borrowing costs are recognised as expenses in the period in which they are incurred.

Earnings per share (EPS)
Basic EPS is calculated as net profit after tax attributable to members, divided by the weighted average number
of ordinary shares outstanding during the financial year. The weighted average number of ordinary shares has
been adjusted for the effects of the share split. 

Diluted EPS is calculated as net profit after tax attributable to members divided by the weighted average
number of ordinary shares and dilutive potential ordinary shares, adjusted for the effects of the share split.

Dividends
When necessary, provision is made for the amount of any dividend declared, determined or publicly
recommended by the Directors on or before the end of the financial year but not distributed at balance date.

36

INVOCARE ANNUAL REPORT 2003

Note

Consolidated

InvoCare Limited

2003
$’000

2002
$’000

2003
$’000

2002
$’000

2. REVENUES FROM ORDINARY 
ACTIVITIES
Revenues from operating activities
Revenues from sale of goods
Revenues from services
Management fees
Total revenues from operating activities

Revenues from outside the operating activities
Rent
Administration fees
Sundry income
Dividends and distributions

74,027
66,260
–
140,287

71,036 
65,937 
–
136,973 

37

164
1,385
505

143 
1,432 
520 

–
–
480
480

–
–
–

Wholly owned group – controlled entities

–

–

7,000

Interest revenues

–
–
400 
400 

–
–
–

–

Other persons/corporations
Wholly owned group – controlled entities
Proceeds on the sale of non-current assets
Total revenues from outside the operating activities
Total revenues from ordinary activities

37

683
–
7,734
10,471
150,758 

664 
–
4,560 
7,319 
144,292

–
18,110
–
25,110
25,590 

–
21,004 
–
21,004 
21,404

3. EXPENSES AND GAINS
Expenses
Cost of goods sold

Depreciation of non-current assets

Buildings
Operating plant and equipment
Total depreciation of non-current assets

Amortisation of non-current assets

Goodwill
Cemetery land
Leasehold land and buildings
Leasehold improvements
Plant and equipment under lease
Total amortisation of non-current assets
Total depreciation and amortisation expenses

21,183

21,116 

2,124
4,651
6,775

2,497
380 
129 
137
13 
3,156
9,931 

2,159 
4,741 
6,900 

2,529 
365 
128 
135 
11 
3,168 
10,068

–

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

37

Notes to the Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2003

3. EXPENSES AND GAINS (continued)
Borrowing costs 
Interest expenses
Finance lease
Debentures
Convertible notes
Other interest
Total interest expenses
Refinancing costs
Total borrowing costs 

Consolidated

InvoCare Limited

2003
$’000

2002
$’000

2003
$’000

2002
$’000

4
9,941
3,394
776
14,115
2,148
16,263 

8 
10,423 
3,600 
723 
14,754 
–
14,754

–
9,941
3,394
2
13,337
2,148
15,485 

–
10,423 
3,600 
–
14,023 
–
14,023

Bad and doubtful debts – trade debtors

407 

301

Operating lease rental – minimum lease payments

3,310 

3,108

Gains
Net gain on disposal of non-current assets

2,651 

503

–

–

–

–

–

–

4. INCOME TAX 
The income tax expense for the financial year 
differs from the amount calculated on profit. 
The differences are reconciled as follows:
Prima facie tax on profit from ordinary activities

Tax effect of permanent differences
Amortisation of cemetery land
Depreciation and amortisation of buildings
Amortisation of goodwill
Non-assessable capital gain 
Tax credit for intercorporate dividend
Other items (net)

Income tax expense attributable to ordinary activities

Tax assets/(liabilities)
Current tax payable
Provision for deferred income tax – non-current
Future income tax benefit – non-current

5,280

4,778 

2,815

2,096 

113
344
749 
(273)
–
(296)
5,917 

(3,962)
(2,328)
6,022

109 
389 
759 
–
–
(264)
5,771 

(1,432)
(2,078)
4,798 

–
–
–
–
(2,100)
(5)
710 

(42)
–
637

–
–
–
–
–
35 
2,131 

(797)
–
–

Income tax losses
No part of the future income tax benefit shown above is attributable to operating tax losses nor capital 
tax losses.
The consolidated entity had no operating tax losses as at 31 December 2003. 

38

INVOCARE ANNUAL REPORT 2003

Consolidated

InvoCare Limited

2003
$’000

2002
$’000

2003
$’000

2002
$’000

4. INCOME TAX (continued)
Potential future income tax benefit as at 
31 December 2003 in respect of capital tax 
losses not brought to account, as realisation of 
the benefit is not regarded as virtually certain, is:

60

73 

–

–

This future income tax benefit will only be obtained if:
(a) future assessable income is derived of a nature and of an amount sufficient to enable the benefit of the 

capital losses to be realised, or

(b) the losses are transferred to an eligible entity in the consolidated entity,
(c) the conditions for deductibility imposed by tax legislation continue to be complied with, and
(d) no changes in tax legislation adversely affect the consolidated entity in realising the benefit.

Tax consolidation
InvoCare Limited and its wholly owned subsidiaries have the option of implementing the tax consolidation
legislation. At the date of this report no decision has been taken although it is anticipated the legislation will be
adopted from 1 January 2004. This is not expected to have any significant impact on the consolidated assets,
liabilities and results.

5. DIVIDENDS PAID OR PROVIDED FOR
Dividends proposed
As stated in the Prospectus dated 31 October 2003 
no final dividend will be paid in respect of the 2003 
financial year. Accordingly, no dividend was proposed 
at year end, nor has a dividend been declared since 
year end.

Dividends paid during the year 
Dividend paid to InvoCare Limited shareholders

Interim dividend of 20 cents paid 
27 March 2003 
Fully franked based on tax paid @ 30%

Dividend paid to Outside Equity Interest
Interim dividend of 8.43 cents paid 
11 September 2003 
Fully franked based on tax paid @ 30%

Franking credit balance
The amount of franking credits available for 
subsequent financial years are:
– franking account balance as at the end of 

the financial year at 30% (2002: 30%)
– franking credits that will arise from the 

payment of income tax payable as at the 
end of the financial year

15,000

67
15,067 

–

–
–

15,000

–
15,000 

–

–
–

4,854

6,757 

1,366

2,693 

3,962
8,816 

1,432 
8,189

42
1,408 

797 
3,490

39

Notes to the Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2003

6. RECEIVABLES (CURRENT)
Trade debtors
Provision for doubtful debts

Other debtors
Loan to controlled entity

Notes

Consolidated

InvoCare Limited

2003
$’000

2002
$’000

2003
$’000

2002
$’000

39
39
(i), 10

15,759
(1,536)
14,223
344
–
14,567 

16,231 
(1,668)
14,563 
357 
–
14,920

–
–
–
–
2,542
2,542 

–
–
–
–
11,581 
11,581

Terms and conditions
(i) Details of the terms and conditions relating to the above financial instrument are set out in 

Note 10 – Receivables (non-current).

7. INVENTORIES (CURRENT)
Finished goods – at cost

9,962 

9,341

8. PROPERTY (CURRENT)
Land and Buildings
Cemetery land – at cost
Freehold land – at cost
Buildings – at cost
Accumulated depreciation

Total written down amount

503
1,921
2,845
(453)
2,392
4,816 

380 
1,890 
1,120 
(136)
984 
3,254

–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–

Cemetery land
Cemetery land expected to be amortised within 12 months of year end is classified as current. InvoCare 
will retain ownership of this land and the amortisation represents the expected sale of the rights to use 
the cemetery land.

Freehold land and buildings
Land and buildings held for sale are classified as current assets as they are expected to be sold within 
12 months of year end.

9. OTHER ASSETS (CURRENT)
Prepayments
Deferred selling costs

2,276
442
2,718 

1,739 
404 
2,143

92
–
92 

33 
–
33

40

INVOCARE ANNUAL REPORT 2003

Notes

Consolidated

InvoCare Limited

2003
$’000

2002
$’000

2003
$’000

2002
$’000

10. RECEIVABLES (NON-CURRENT) 
Trade debtors
Provision for doubtful debts

Security deposits
Other debtor
Loan to controlled entity

(i)

(ii)

7,732
(887)
6,845
61
400
–
7,306 

7,824 
(848)
6,976 
56 
400 
–
7,432

–
–
–
–
–
189,782
189,782 

–
–
–
–
–
197,046 
197,046

Terms and conditions
(i) Trade debtors are non-interest-bearing and are receivable through regular instalments within a maximum

period of 60 months from the original invoice date. 

(ii) The loan to a controlled entity bears interest at 9% (2002: 9%) and has no fixed term.

11. OTHER FINANCIAL ASSETS 
(NON-CURRENT)
Shares in controlled entity – unlisted

(i)

–

–

15,641

15,641

(i) The unlisted shares at cost relate to InvoCare Limited’s 100% (2002: 100%) ownership interest in Service

Corporation International Australia Pty Limited.
All the shares held are classified as ordinary shares.
Refer Note 38 – Investment in controlled entities for details of controlled entities.

12. PROPERTY, PLANT AND 
EQUIPMENT (NON-CURRENT)
Land and buildings
Cemetery land – at cost
Accumulated amortisation

Freehold land – at cost

Buildings – at cost
Accumulated depreciation

Leasehold land and buildings – at cost
Accumulated amortisation

Leasehold improvements – at cost
Accumulated amortisation

Total land and buildings

105,514
(3,036)
102,478
33,393

66,412
(14,725)
51,687
4,470
(1,326)
3,144
1,438
(747)
691
191,393 

105,610 
(2,656)
102,954 
35,944 

70,275 
(13,290)
56,985 
4,470 
(1,197)
3,273 
1,462 
(615)
847 
200,003

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

41

Notes to the Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2003

12. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 
(NON-CURRENT) (continued)
Plant and equipment
Operating plant and equipment – at cost
Accumulated depreciation

Plant and equipment under lease – at cost
Accumulated amortisation

Total plant and equipment

Assets under construction
Assets under construction – at cost

Total property, plant and equipment
At cost
Accumulated depreciation and amortisation
Total written down amount

Consolidated

InvoCare Limited

2003
$’000

2002
$’000

2003
$’000

2002
$’000

48,280
(35,961)
12,319
73
(6)
67
12,386 

47,119 
(33,323)
13,796 
71 
(23)
48 
13,844

2,257 

538 

261,837
(55,801)
206,036 

265,489 
(51,104)
214,385

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–

Valuations of land and buildings
The most recent Directors’ valuation of land and buildings was as at 31 December 2001 which at that date
amounted to $208,085,000. Since this time there have been acquisitions, disposals and depreciation which
have resulted in a movement in this amount. The next valuation of land and buildings will be performed for the
year ended 31 December 2004.
The basis of the valuation of land and buildings was fair value being the amounts for which the assets could 
be exchanged between willing parties in an arm’s length transaction, based on an active market for similar
properties in the same location and condition.

Assets pledged as security
Details of the non-current assets pledged as security are set out in Note 20 – Interest-bearing liabilities 
(non-current).

42

INVOCARE ANNUAL REPORT 2003

12. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (NON-CURRENT) (continued)
Reconciliations
Reconciliations of the carrying amounts of each class of property, plant and equipment at the beginning and
end of the current financial year are set out below for the consolidated entity. The parent entity does not hold
any property, plant and equipment.

Cemetery 
land
$’000

Freehold 
land
$’000

Buildings
$’000

Leasehold  Leasehold 
improve-
ments
$’000

land and 
buildings
$’000

Plant and 
Plant and  equipment

Assets 
under 
leased construction
$’000

$’000

equipment
$’000

Total
$’000

Carrying amount 
1 January 2003
Current
Non-current
Total opening 
amount
Additions
Disposals
Depreciation/ 
amortisation 
expense
Reclassifications/ 
Adjustments
Total closing 
amount

380 
102,954 

103,334 
135 
(108)

1,890 
35,944 

984 
56,985 

–
3,273 

37,834 
– 
(2,520)

57,969 
93 
(1,946)

3,273 
–
–

–
847 

847 
11 
(30)

–
13,796 

13,796 
3,273 
(177)

–
48 

48 
73 
(41)

–

3,254
538  214,385

538 217,639
5,469
(4,822)

1,884 
–

(380)

–

– 

–

(2,124)

(129)

(137)

(4,651)

(13)

–

(7,434)

87 

–

–

78 

–

(165)

–

102,981 

35,314 

54,079 

3,144 

691 

12,319 

67 

2,257  210,852 

Representing 
closing amount
Current
Non-current

503 
102,478 
102,981 

1,921 
33,393 
35,314 

2,392 
51,687 
54,079 

–
3,144 
3,144 

–
691 
691 

–
12,319 
12,319 

–
67 
67 

–

4,816 
2,257  206,036 
2,257  210,852 

Notes

Consolidated

InvoCare Limited

2003
$’000

2002
$’000

2003
$’000

2002
$’000

13. INTANGIBLES 
Goodwill
Accumulated amortisation

49,976
(23,674)
26,302 

49,976 
(21,178)
28,798

14. OTHER ASSETS (NON-CURRENT)
Deferred selling costs

6,195 

5,668

–
–
–

–

15. PAYABLES (CURRENT)
Trade creditors
Other creditors and accruals
Deferred cash settlement for business 
interests acquired

39
39

39

4,375
13,447

558
18,380 

4,844 
11,810 

629 
17,283

–
2,363

–
2,363 

–
–
–

–

–
944

–
944

43

Notes to the Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2003

Notes

Consolidated

InvoCare Limited

2003
$’000

2002
$’000

2003
$’000

2002
$’000

16. INTEREST-BEARING LIABILITIES 
(CURRENT)
Secured
Borrowings secured by fixed and 
floating charges
– debentures
– cash advance facility
Lease liability secured by charge 
over leased assets

39
39

28, 39

–
2,500

15
2,515 

9,840 
–

37 
9,877

–
2,500

–
2,500 

9,840 
–

–
9,840

Terms and conditions
Details of the terms and conditions of the above financial instruments are set out in Note 20 – Interest-bearing
liabilities (non-current).

17. PROVISIONS (CURRENT)
Employee entitlements
Sundry provisions

29

4,563
–
4,563 

4,303 
307 
4,610

18. DEFERRED REVENUE (CURRENT)
Prepaid crematorium and cemetery 
deferred revenue

2,619 

2,417 

19. PAYABLES (NON-CURRENT)
Deferred cash settlement for business 
interests acquired

(i)

365 

882

–
–
–

–

–

–
–
–

–

–

Terms and conditions
(i) At balance date, InvoCare had a deferred cash settlement representing the present value of the remaining
consideration payable for the acquisition of business interests, discounted at the prevailing commercial
borrowing rate of 9% at the time the business interests were acquired. These are expected to be repaid 
by August 2007.

20. INTEREST-BEARING LIABILITIES 
(NON-CURRENT)
Secured
Borrowings secured by fixed and floating charges
– debentures
– cash advance facility
Lease liability secured by charge over 
leased assets

39
39

130,000
22,500

99,740 
–

130,000
22,500

99,740 
–

28, 39

49

–

–

–

Unsecured
– convertible notes

39

–
152,549 

30,000 
129,740

–
152,500 

30,000 
129,740

44

INVOCARE ANNUAL REPORT 2003

20. INTEREST-BEARING LIABILITIES (NON-CURRENT) (continued)
Debt refinancing
InvoCare executed revised financing agreements with a syndicate of bankers in December 2003 providing total
borrowing facilities of $165 million, including a working capital facility of $5 million. As at 31 December 2003
$155 million had been drawn down on these facilities, which is consistent with Prospectus forecasts.

Terms and conditions
(i) Debentures 
Debentures held at balance date bear interest at a variable rate (based on BBR) plus a margin of 2.05%. 
The interest rate at 31 December 2003 was 7.6% (2002: 6.8%) paid quarterly in arrears with a maturity date 
of 30 September 2006. Separate interest rate swap contracts apply to no less than 75% of the debentures. 
The debentures are secured by fixed and floating charges over all the assets and undertakings of the
consolidated entity, except those of Oakwood Funerals Pty Limited and Macquarie Memorial Park Pty Limited.
The debentures require compliance with a number of covenants which were met as at 31 December 2003 
(and 31 December 2002).

Notes

Consolidated

InvoCare Limited

2003
$’000

2002
$’000

2003
$’000

2002
$’000

The repayment terms of the debentures are as follows:
Within 1 year
1 – 2 years
2 – 3 years
3 – 4 years

*

Representing
Current
Non-current

*

–
–
130,000
–
130,000 

–
130,000
130,000 

9,840 
11,670 
12,850 
75,220 
109,580

9,840 
99,740 
109,580

–
–
130,000
–
130,000 

9,840 
11,670 
12,850 
75,220 
109,580

–
130,000
130,000 

9,840 
99,740 
109,580

* The debentures have no set repayment terms, apart from the repayment of the loan at its maturity date, 

30 September 2006.

(ii) Cash advance facility 
The cash advance facility held at balance date bears interest at a variable rate (based on BBR) plus a margin 
of 2.05%. The interest rate at 31 December 2003 was 7.7% (2002: n/a) paid quarterly in arrears with a 
maturity date of 30 September 2006. Separate interest rate swap contracts apply to no less than 75% of 
the closing balance.
The repayment terms of the cash advance facility are fixed as follows:
2,500
Within 1 year
10,000
1 – 2 years
12,500
2 – 3 years
25,000 

2,500
10,000
12,500
25,000 

–
–
–
–

**

Representing
Current
Non-current

**

2,500
22,500
25,000 

–
–
–

2,500
22,500
25,000 

** Included in the cash advance facility is a $5 million component of the bullet finance facility which is 

not payable until the maturity date. Details of the bullet finance facility are set out below in Financing 
facilities available.

–
–
–
–

–
–
–

45

Notes to the Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2003

20. INTEREST-BEARING LIABILITIES (NON-CURRENT) (continued)
(iii) Convertible notes 
The convertible notes were payable to Service Corporation International, the former ultimate holding company
incorporated in the United States of America. The notes were repaid in full by InvoCare Limited on 
10 December 2003. They bore an interest rate of 12% (2002: 12%).

(iv) Finance leases 
Finance leases have an average lease term of three years with the option to purchase the asset at the
completion of the lease term for the asset’s market value. The average discount rate implicit in the leases 
is 9.1% (2002: 12.5%). Lease liabilities are secured by a charge over the leased assets.

Notes

Consolidated

InvoCare Limited

2003
$’000

2002
$’000

2003
$’000

2002
$’000

Financing facilities available
Unrestricted access was available at balance 
date to the following lines of credit:
Total facilities
– bank overdraft
– bullet finance facility

Used at balance date
– bank overdraft
– bullet finance facility

Unused at balance date
– bank overdraft
– bullet finance facility

5,000
10,000
15,000

–
5,000
5,000

5,000
5,000
10,000

5,000 
–
5,000 

129 
–
129 

4,871 
–
4,871 

5,000
10,000
15,000

–
5,000
5,000

5,000
5,000
10,000

5,000 
–
5,000 

129 
–
129 

4,871 
–
4,871 

The bullet finance facility bears the same interest rate and maturity date as the cash advance facility. 
It may be drawn at any time.
The bank overdraft may be drawn at any time. The interest rate on this facility is variable.

21. PROVISIONS (NON-CURRENT)
Employee entitlements

29

3,008 

3,305

–

–

–

–

39

36,664 

33,839

52,026
–
52,026 

15,000 
60,000 
75,000

52,026
–
52,026 

15,000 
60,000 
75,000

22. DEFERRED REVENUE 
(NON-CURRENT)
Prepaid crematorium and cemetery 
deferred revenue

23. CONTRIBUTED EQUITY 
Issued and paid up capital
Ordinary shares fully paid
Preference shares fully paid

46

INVOCARE ANNUAL REPORT 2003

23. CONTRIBUTED EQUITY (continued)

Movements in ordinary shares on issue
Beginning of the financial year
Movement prior to listing
– bought back during the year prior to listing
– issued prior to listing
– conversion of preference shares to 

ordinary shares

Total before share split
Total after share split and at date of listing
Movement after listing
– issued after listing
End of the financial year

Movements in preference shares on issue
Beginning of the financial year
Movement prior to listing
– bought back during the year prior to listing
– conversion to ordinary shares prior to listing
End of the financial year

Notes

Number of 
shares

$’000

Number of 
shares

$’000

2003

2002

15,000,000

15,000

15,000,000 

15,000 

(i)

(3,125,000)
1,985,000

(ii) 47,500,000
61,360,000
(ii) 93,753,273

(5,000)
1,943

40,000
51,943
51,943

–
–

–
–
–

–
–

–
–
–

165,460
93,918,733 

83

–
52,026  15,000,000

–
15,000 

60,000,000 

60,000  60,000,000 

60,000 

(i)
(ii)

(12,500,000)
(47,500,000)
–

(20,000)
(40,000)
–

–
–
60,000,000 

–
–
60,000

(i) After 31 December 2002 the Directors reviewed InvoCare’s financial position and capital structure and noted
the significant reduction in bank loans achieved by accelerated repayments since the loans were originally
advanced in May 2001. The Directors concluded that additional debt finance to pay a fully franked dividend
and share buy-back would not materially prejudice InvoCare’s creditors.
On 28 March 2003, 3,125,000 ordinary shares fully paid to $1 (representing 21% of ordinary shares) and
12,500,000 preference shares fully paid to $1 (representing 21% of preference shares) were bought back. 
The ordinary and preference shares were repurchased for $1.60 per share for a total cost of $25,000,000.

(ii) Immediately prior to the IPO pursuant to a Prospectus dated 31 October 2003 all the preference shares were
converted to ordinary share status on 2 December 2003. All ordinary shares were then subject to a share
split of approximately 1.528 new ordinary shares for each existing ordinary share resulting in a total of
93,753,273 ordinary shares at a total paid up value of $51,942,900. The holders of 93,142,105 ordinary
shares offered a 100% sell down of their respective interests in InvoCare Limited and received all the sale
proceeds, less applicable costs. InvoCare Limited did not raise any capital from the IPO. 

Terms and conditions
Ordinary shares entitle the holder to participate in dividends and the proceeds on winding up of the company in
proportion to the number of and amounts paid on the shares held. On a show of hands every holder of ordinary
shares present at a meeting in person or by proxy, is entitled to one vote, and upon a poll each share is entitled
to one vote.
Preference shares entitled the holder to participate in dividends and the proceeds on winding up of the
company in proportion to the number of and amounts paid on the shares held. Rights on winding up ranked
higher than those for ordinary shares. On a show of hands every holder of preference shares present at a
meeting in person or by proxy, is entitled to one vote, and upon a poll each share is entitled to one vote.
Preference shares were converted to ordinary shares on 2 December 2003.

Share options
Information relating to the share options is included in Note 24 – Share options.

47

Notes to the Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2003

Issued to a Director, Richard Davis, under a Service Agreement dated 8 May 2001

24. SHARE OPTIONS
InvoCare Limited has shares under option issued under the following agreements:
(i)
(ii) Issued to a Director, Ian Ferrier, under a letter dated 1 May 2001, and
(iii) Issued under the Employee Share Option Plan approved in a meeting of the Board of Directors.
Each option granted over unissued shares of InvoCare Limited entitles the holder to subscribe for one fully paid ordinary share 
in the capital of the company. No option holder has any rights under the options to participate in any other share issue of the
company or any other entity.

Set out below is a summary of the movement in options during the year:

Grant 
date

Vesting 
date

Exercise 
date

Expiry 
date

Exercise Outstanding
1 January
price pre 
2003
share split

Movement pre share split
Options 
issued pre
share split

Exercised 
pre share
split

Total
pre share
split

Movement post share split
Total post 
share
split

Exercise
price post 
share split

Exercised 
Total
post share outstanding
split at year end

8 May 
2001

8 May 
2002

8 May 
2003

8 May 
2001

22 Sept 
2003**

22 Sept

2003**

22 Sept

2003**

8 May
2002*

8 May 
2003*

8 May 
2004*

8 May 
2002

24 Oct
2003

24 Oct
2003

24 Oct
2003

n/a

29 Dec
2003

n/a

n/a

8 May 
2006

8 May 
2007

8 May 
2008

1 May 
2006

1 May 
2006

1 May 
2007

1 May 
2008

Representing the movement in options

(1) Options issued to a Director, Richard Davis, 

(2) Options issued to a Director, Ian Ferrier, 

under a letter dated 8 May 2001

(3) Options issued to a Director, Mike Grehan, 
under the Employee Share Option Plan on 
22 September 2003 when he was an Executive

(3) Options issued to Executives (excluding Mike 

Grehan) under the Employee Share Option Plan

(3) Options issued to Non-Director and Non-Executive 
employees under the Employee Share Option Plan

$0.76  1,125,000 

– (1,125,000)

$0.90 

430,000 

–

(430,000)

$1.63 

–

430,000 

(430,000)

–

–

–

n/a 

n/a 

n/a 

–

–

–

$0.76 

197,917 

–

197,917 

$0.50 

302,401 

–

–

–

–

–(1)

–(1)

–(1)

302,401(2)

–

–

–

700,000 

$0.50  1,069,544 

(165,460) 904,084(3)

460,000 

$0.59 

702,843 

–

702,843(3)

$0.76 

$0.90 

$1.63 

–

–

–

700,000 

460,000 

735,000 

– 

735,000 

$1.07  1,123,019 

1,752,917  2,325,000  (1,985,000) 2,092,917 

3,197,807 

– 1,123,019(3)
(165,460) 3,032,347***

–

–

–

302,401 

197,917 

–

–

800,000 

–

–

197,917 

302,401 

800,000 

1,222,336 

– 1,222,336 

– 1,070,000 

– 1,070,000 

1,634,872 

(165,460) 1,469,412 

–

25,000 

–

25,000 

38,198 

–

38,198 

1,752,917  2,325,000  (1,985,000) 2,092,917 

3,197,807 

(165,460) 3,032,347 

under a Service Agreement dated 8 May 2001

1,555,000 

430,000  (1,985,000)

–

–

These options vested immediately following the IPO.

*
** These options vest in varying quantities and at various dates from the issue date.
*** There were no options issued between year end and the date of this report.

48

INVOCARE ANNUAL REPORT 2003

24. SHARE OPTIONS (continued)
Options granted, during the year, to Directors and the most highly remunerated officers
Options over unissued ordinary shares of InvoCare Limited granted during or since the end of the financial year
to any of the Directors or the five most highly remunerated officers of the company and consolidated entities as
part of their remuneration were as follows:

Directors
Richard Davis, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer

Options granted *
657,006 

Other Executives of InvoCare Limited
As indicated in the Directors’ Report, InvoCare Limited has no employees. 
All Executives and employees are employed by a controlled entity, Service 
Corporation International Australia Pty Limited.

Other Executives of the Consolidated Entity
Mike Grehan, Chief Operating Officer**
Ken Mealey, Chief Financial Officer
Phillip Friery, Group Finance Manager
Colin Purslowe, General Manager WA
John Fowler, General Manager VIC

1,222,336 
611,168 
152,792
152,792 
152,792 

* Number of options is post share split equivalent.
** Options were issued to Mike Grehan on 22 September 2003 before he was appointed as a Director on 

24 October 2003.

All the options, except those issued to Richard Davis, were granted under the Employee Share Option Plan 
on 22 September 2003.

Shares issued on the exercise of options
The options originally issued to Richard Davis, exercised prior to the capital restructure and public float of
InvoCare Limited, were not all exercised by Richard Davis. Richard Davis exercised 400,000 (611,168 post
share split) options at $0.76 per share which increased net assets by $304,000. By agreement Macquarie Direct
Investment A Limited (MDIA) a former shareholder of InvoCare Limited, purchased and exercised 1,585,000
(2,421,755 post share split) options at $0.76 per share for 725,000 options, $0.90 per share for 430,000
options and $1.63 per share for 430,000 options which increased net assets by $1,638,900.
The 165,460 options exercised by participants pursuant to the Employee Share Option Plan at $0.50 per share
on 29 December 2003 increased net assets by $82,730.
The aggregate proceeds received from employees on the conversion of options to shares during the financial
year was $386,730.

Options vested at the reporting date

Issued to employees (including Executive Directors)
Issued to Non-Executive directors

2003
Number 

2002
Number 

191,055  1,718,912 
302,401
302,401 
493,456  2,021,313 

49

Notes to the Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2003

24. SHARE OPTIONS (continued)
Employee Share Option Plan
InvoCare Limited currently has 2,729,946 options (post share split) issued to senior employees and
management of the company under the Employee Share Option Plan.
The Employee Share Option Plan under which options may be issued by the company to employees for no
cash consideration was approved in a meeting of the Board of Directors.

Option issue
The Board of Directors may determine from time to time to grant options upon such terms and to such
participants (as described below) and at such exercise prices as they see fit.
Each option is to subscribe for one fully paid ordinary share in InvoCare Limited of a class to be determined by
the Board. When issued, the share will rank equally with other ordinary shares of the same class in InvoCare
Limited. Options will not be quoted on ASX.

Participants
Participants of the Employee Share Option Plan include eligible employees, eligible associates and eligible
persons. Eligible employees may also be eligible associates. Eligible associates include any Director, 
officer or any person or entity holding any share for the benefit of any Director or officer of InvoCare Limited 
or a controlled entity previously approved by the Directors. Eligible persons means eligible employees and
eligible associates.

Vesting of options
Unless otherwise determined by the Directors, a grant of options made to a participant will vest over a period 
of three years as follows:
(a) one third of the number of options granted will vest on the second anniversary of the issue date of 

those options

(b) a further one third of the number of options granted will vest on the third anniversary of the issue date 

of those options, and 

(c) the final one third of the number of options granted will vest on the fourth anniversary of the issue date 

of those options.

No option can be exercised until it has vested.
Once options have reached their vesting dates options may be exercised in parcels of no less than 10,000 (or if
the vested entitlement is less than 10,000 the full amount of that vested entitlement must be exercised) until the
earlier of the fifth anniversary of the issue date, the date of sale of all the shares in InvoCare Limited and the
occurrence of one of the events listed below that causes the lapse of options.

Lapse of options
Unless otherwise determined, vested options of employees may be exercised at any time prior to the first 
to occur of:
– the expiry of five years from the date of issue
– expiry of three months after the date upon which the option holder dies or voluntarily or without cause 

ceases to be employed by InvoCare, and

– immediately upon the option holder’s employment by InvoCare being terminated with cause.
In the case of options issued to Directors who are not an employee of InvoCare, once vested, vested options
may be exercised by that participant at any time prior to the first to occur of:
– the expiry of five years from the date of issue,
– expiry of three months after the date upon which the option holder ceases to be a Director, and
– determination by the Directors that the participant has acted fraudulently, dishonestly or in breach of the

Director’s obligations to InvoCare.

50

INVOCARE ANNUAL REPORT 2003

24. SHARE OPTIONS (continued)
Assignment of options
Options may not be transferred other than to an associate or related body corporate (as those terms are
defined in the Corporations Act) and providing the transferee enters into a deed of accession.

Bonus issues
If InvoCare Limited makes a bonus issue of shares or other securities pro rata to holders of shares (other than
an issue in lieu, or in satisfaction, of dividends or by way of dividend reinvestment) and no shares have been
allotted in respect of an option before the record date for determining entitlements to the bonus issue, then that
option, when exercised in accordance with the Plan, will entitle the option holder to receive the number of
shares that the option holder would have been entitled to under the bonus issue as if the option had been
exercised and the shares allotted before that record date.

Rights issues
If InvoCare Limited makes a rights offer to all or most of the shareholders of the company (other than in lieu of
dividends or by way of dividend reinvestment) then the exercise price of the options will be reduced by the
values of the theoretical rights of entitlement received in relation to each share (as determined by the formula
expressed in the terms of the Plan).

Overriding restrictions
All rights and entitlements attaching to an option or of an option holder under the Plan have been changed to
the extent necessary to comply with the Listing Rules that apply to a reorganisation of the capital of InvoCare
Limited, at the time that that reorganisation becomes effective.

Maximum number of shares issued pursuant to the Plan
The total number of shares issued upon exercise of the options under the Plan must not exceed 10% of the
total number of shares on issue in the capital of InvoCare Limited (or shares capable of being issued under an
equity security). However, if an applicable law at any time imposes a lower limit, then that lower limit will apply
instead.

Options exercised by employees during the financial year
Details of the number of shares issued to employees and the fair values of those shares as at their issue date
and the distribution date are listed below:

Exercise date

24 October 2003
29 December 2003

Fair value of 
shares at option 
exercise date

*
**

$1.89 
$2.09 

Number 
(post share split)

611,168 
165,460
776,628

* The fair value of shares issued on the exercise of options is estimated as the average of InvoCare Limited’s

shares high and low trades on ASX on the first day InvoCare Limited’s shares were traded, 
being 4 December 2003. There was no public trading of the company’s shares prior to this date.

** The fair value of shares issued on the exercise of options is the average of InvoCare Limited’s shares high

and low traded on ASX on the day the options were exercised.

51

Notes to the Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2003

25. RETAINED PROFITS
Retained profits

Retained profits
Balance at the beginning of the year
Net profit attributable to members of 
InvoCare Limited
Total available for appropriation
Dividends paid
Balance at the end of the year

26. OUTSIDE EQUITY INTEREST
Reconciliation of outside equity interest 
in controlled entities:
Share capital

Opening balance of retained earnings
Add share of operating profit
Less dividends paid

Closing balance of retained earnings
Reserves
Closing balance

27. STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Reconciliation of the net profit after income 
tax to the net cash flows from operations
Net profit after tax
Non-cash or non-operating items

Notes

Consolidated

InvoCare Limited

2003
$’000

2002
$’000

2003
$’000

2002
$’000

11,033 

14,395

1,700 

8,027

14,395

4,290 

8,027 

3,172 

11,638
26,033
(15,000)
11,033 

10,105
14,395 
–
14,395

8,673 
16,700
(15,000)
1,700 

4,855 
8,027
–
8,027

800
178
45 
(67)
156
99 
1,055 

800 
129 
49 
–
178 
99 
1,077 

11,683 

10,154 

8,673 

4,855 

Depreciation of non-current assets
Amortisation of non-current assets
Net (profit) on disposal of property, 
plant and equipment

3
3

3

6,775 
3,156 

6,900 
3,168 

(2,651)

(503)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables
(Increase)/decrease in inventory
(Increase)/decrease in future income tax benefit
(Increase)/decrease in other operating assets
(Decrease)/increase in trade and other creditors
(Decrease)/increase in deferred revenue
(Decrease)/increase in tax provision
(Decrease)/increase in deferred income tax liability
(Decrease)/increase in provisions
Net cash flow from operating activities

479 
(621)
(1,224)
(1,102)
1,576 
3,027
2,530 
250 
(344)
23,534 

4,713 
735 
4,180 
(429)
1,113 
2,186 
1,423 
(612)
(509)
32,519 

–
–

–

–
–
(637)
(59)
(722)
–
(755)
–
–
6,500 

–
–

–

2 
–
–
–
(45)
–
(562)
–
–
4,250 

52

INVOCARE ANNUAL REPORT 2003

Note

Consolidated

InvoCare Limited

2003
$’000

2002
$’000

2003
$’000

2002
$’000

27. STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 
(continued)
Reconciliation of cash
Cash balance comprises:

Cash on hand
Cash at bank
Closing cash balance

28. EXPENDITURE COMMITMENTS
Capital expenditure commitments
Commitments for the acquisition of property, plant 
and equipment contracted for at the reporting date 
but not recognised as liabilities payable:
– within one year

47 
7,096
7,143 

46 
5,150 
5,196 

–
2,437 
2,437 

–
47 
47 

260 

680 

–

–

In addition to the above commitments, the Directors have approved expenditure on the replacement of
InvoCare’s computer systems. The amount approved but not contracted for at balance date amounted 
to $1,480,000.

Other expenditure commitments
Commitments for the construction of crypts, 
contracted for at the reporting date but not 
recognised as liabilities payable:
– within one year

(i)

2,286 

–

(i) The construction of crypt inventory is performed periodically, approximately every three years.

Lease expenditure commitments
Operating leases
Commitments for minimum lease payments in 
relation to non-cancellable operating leases are 
payable as follows:
– within one year
– later than one year and not later than five years
– later than five years
Aggregate lease expenditure contracted for 
at balance date

2,534 
5,144 
13,244 

2,557 
5,176 
14,126 

20,922 

21,859 

–

–
–
–

–

–

–
–
–

–

Assets that are the subject of operating leases include property, motor vehicles and office equipment. 

53

Notes to the Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2003

Consolidated

InvoCare Limited

2003
$’000

2002
$’000

2003
$’000

2002
$’000

28. EXPENDITURE COMMITMENTS (continued)
Lease expenditure commitments (continued)

Finance leases
Commitments in relation to finance leases 
are payable as follows:
– within one year
– later than one year and not later than five years
Minimum lease payments
Future finance charges
Total lease liability

Representing lease liabilities
– current liability
– non-current liability

21
54
75
(11)
64 

15 
49
64 

40 
–
40 
(3)
37 

37 
–
37

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–

The weighted average interest rate implicit in the lease is 9.1% (2002: 12.5%).
InvoCare has the option to acquire the leased asset for its agreed residual value on expiry of the lease.

29. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Employee benefit and related on-costs liabilities
Included in other creditors and accruals 
– current (Note 15)
Provisions for employee entitlements 
– current (Note 17)
Provisions for employee entitlements 
– non-current (Note 21)
Aggregate employee benefit and 
related on-costs liabilities

Employee numbers
Number of full-time equivalent employees 
at the reporting date

2,693 

2,456 

4,563 

4,303 

3,008 

3,305 

10,264 

10,064 

806 

803

–

–

–

–

–

Information regarding share options issued to employees is set out in Note 24 – Share options.

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–

–

–

–

–

–

54

INVOCARE ANNUAL REPORT 2003

30. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

The parent entity and consolidated entity had 
contingent liabilities at 31 December 2003 in 
respect of bank guarantees given in respect of 
leased premises of controlled entities to a 
maximum amount of:

Consolidated

InvoCare Limited

2003
$’000

2002
$’000

2003
$’000

2002
$’000

225 

233 

225

129

No material losses are anticipated in respect of the above contingent liabilities.

31. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Reconciliation of earnings used in 
calculating basic and diluted earnings 
per share
Net profit
Adjustments:
Net profit attributable to outside equity interest
Earnings used in calculating basic and diluted 
earnings per share

11,683 

(45)

11,638 

n/a

Number
of shares

Number
of shares

Weighted average number of shares used 
as the denominator
Weighted average number of ordinary shares 
used in calculating basic earnings per share:
Weighted average number of ordinary shares 
and potential ordinary shares used in calculating 
diluted earnings per share:

96,920,114 

99,228,347 

n/a

n/a

The average market price utilised in calculating the weighted average number of shares used in calculating
diluted earnings per share was $2.02, being the average of the daily market prices of InvoCare Limited’s
ordinary shares traded in the period from initial listing on 4 December 2003 until 31 December 2003.

Adjustment for share split
The weighted average number of ordinary shares used to calculate the basic and diluted earnings per share has
been adjusted for the change in the number of ordinary shares which occurred as a result of the share split in
December 2003. The number of ordinary shares outstanding before the share split has been adjusted for the
proportionate change in the number of ordinary shares outstanding as if the share split had occurred at the
beginning of the year.

55

Notes to the Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2003

31. EARNINGS PER SHARE (continued)
Comparative information
Due to the change in status of InvoCare Limited from a private to a publicly listed company and the substantial
changes to its capital structure during the year, comparative information has not been disclosed as it is
considered there is no relevant basis of comparison.

Information concerning the classification of securities

Ordinary shares
In determining the weighted average number of shares for basic and diluted earnings per share the preference
shares on issue (up to the listing in 2003) have been treated as ordinary shares as they fall within the definition
of ordinary shares.

Options
Options granted are considered to be potential ordinary shares and have been included in the determination of
diluted earnings per share. The options have not been included in the determination of basic earnings per
share.
Details relating to the options are set out in Note 24 – Share options.

Subsequent movements in contributed equity
Since the end of the financial year, no ordinary shares have been issued pursuant to the Employee Share Option
Plan.
There have been no other conversions to, calls of, or subscriptions for ordinary shares or issues of potential
ordinary shares since the reporting date and before the completion of this financial report.

32. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
There have been no significant events that have occurred subsequent to 31 December 2003.

33. SEGMENT INFORMATION
InvoCare operates in one industry, being the funeral industry, and in one geographical location, being Australia.

56

INVOCARE ANNUAL REPORT 2003

34. REMUNERATION OF DIRECTORS

Directors’ remuneration 
Income paid or payable, or otherwise made available, 
in respect of the financial year, to Directors by entities
in the consolidated entity and related parties in 
connection with the management of affairs of the 
parent entity or its controlled entities

Consolidated

InvoCare Limited

2003
$

2002
$

2003
$

2002
$

1,859,449

1,148,290

1,347,614

692,003

Options are granted to Executive Directors, details of which are set out in Note 24 – Share options.
Details of options granted to and exercised by Directors during the year ended 31 December 2003 are set out
in Note 24 – Share options.
The amounts disclosed for remuneration of Directors include the assessed fair values of options granted to
Directors during the year ended 31 December 2003 at the date they were granted. Fair values have been
independently determined using an appropriate option pricing model that takes into account the exercise price,
the term of the option, the vesting and performance criteria, the impact of dilution, the non-tradeable nature of
the option, the current price and expected price volatility of the underlying share, the expected dividend yield
and the risk-free interest rate for the term of the option.

The number of Directors of InvoCare Limited whose total income 
falls within the following bands is:
– $19,999
$10,000
– $29,999
$20,000
– $39,999
$30,000
$70,000
– $79,999
$260,000 – $269,999
$520,000 – $529,999
$880,000 – $889,999

Number

Number

2 
3 
1
1
1 
–
1 

–
4 
–
1 
–
1 
–

Non-Executive Directors’ fees
The Constitution provides that the Non-Executive Directors are entitled to be paid Directors’ fees in aggregate
up to a maximum of $250,000 per annum or such other maximum amount determined from time to time by
InvoCare in general meeting. This excludes any remuneration determined by the Directors where a Director
performs additional or special duties for the company. This remuneration is to be divided among the 
Non-Executive Directors in such proportion as the Board determines. Directors are entitled to be reimbursed 
for all reasonable costs and expenses including time charges incurred by them in the performance of their
duties as Directors.

57

Notes to the Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2003

Consolidated

InvoCare Limited

2003
$

2002
$

2003
$

2002
$

35. REMUNERATION OF EXECUTIVES
Remuneration received, or due and receivable, from entities in the consolidated entity and related parties by
Australian-based Executive Officers (including Directors) whose remuneration was at least $100,000:
Executive officers of the parent entity*
Executive officers of the other entities in 
the consolidated entity

1,128,308 

2,396,871

2,396,871

1,128,308 

1,953,209 
4,350,080 

1,470,224 
2,598,532

–

–
2,396,871  1,128,308

The number of Executive Officers (including Directors) 
whose remuneration from entities in the consolidated 
entity and related parties was within the specified 
bands are as follows:
$100,000 – $109,999
$120,000 – $129,999
$140,000 – $149,999
$160,000 – $169,999
$170,000 – $179,999
$180,000 – $189,999
$190,000 – $199,999
$200,000 – $209,999
$210,000 – $219,999
$220,000 – $229,999
$230,000 – $239,999
$250,000 – $259,999
$260,000 – $269,999
$270,000 – $279,999
$290,000 – $299,999
$340,000 – $349,999
$520,000 – $529,999
$680,000 – $689,999
$820,000 – $829,999
$890,000 – $899,999

Number

Number

Number

Number

2
1
–
1
–
1
–
1
–
–
1 
–
1
1 
1
–
–
1 
1
1 

1 
2 
1 
1 
1 
–
1 
–
1 
1 
–
1 
–
–
–
1 
1 
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
1 
1 
1

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
1 
–
–
–
1 
1 
–
–
–

Options are granted to Executive Officers under the Employee Share Option Plan, details of which are set out in
Note 24 – Share options.
* As mentioned in the Directors’ report, InvoCare Limited has no employees, all Executives and officers 
are employed by a controlled entity, Service Corporation International Australia Pty Limited. Amounts 
disclosed are paid by the controlled entity, but are in relation to the work performed as Executives of
InvoCare Limited.

The amounts disclosed for remuneration of Executive Officers in this note include the assessed fair values at 
the date they were granted of options granted to Executive Officers during the year ended 31 December 2003.
Fair values have been independently determined using an appropriate option pricing model that takes into
account the exercise price, the term of the option, the vesting and performance criteria, the impact of dilution,
the non-tradeable nature of the option, the current price and expected price volatility of the underlying share,
the expected dividend yield and the risk-free interest rate for the term of the option.

58

INVOCARE ANNUAL REPORT 2003

36. REMUNERATION OF AUDITOR
During the year the auditor of the parent entity and its 
related practices earned the following remuneration:

PricewaterhouseCoopers – Australian firm
Audit of financial reports of the entity or any 
entity in the consolidated entity
Review of financial report of the consolidated entity
Other audit-related work
Total audit and other assurance services

Advisory services
Taxation
Total other services
Total remuneration of PricewaterhouseCoopers

Related practices of PricewaterhouseCoopers 
Australian firm
PricewaterhouseCoopers Legal
PricewaterhouseCoopers Securities
Total remuneration of related practices
Total remuneration of auditors and 
related practices

Representing
Amount paid by InvoCare 
Amount paid by former shareholders
Total remuneration of auditor and 
related practices

Consolidated

InvoCare Limited

2003
$

2002
$

2003
$

2002
$

110,000
40,000
66,650
216,650

56,593
157,082
213,675
430,325

78,000 
–
55,085 
133,085 

89,298 
163,205 
252,503 
385,588 

159,039
207,800
366,839

41,848 
–
41,848 

797,164

427,436 

564,964
232,200

427,436 
–

797,164

427,436 

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–

–

–
–

–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–

–

–
–

–

There was a significant increase in the remuneration paid to the auditor of InvoCare. This increase is primarily
due to the additional work performed in relation to the listing of InvoCare Limited’s shares on ASX.
It is InvoCare’s policy to employ PricewaterhouseCoopers on assignments additional to their statutory audit
duties where PricewaterhouseCoopers’ expertise and experience with the consolidated entity are important.
These assignments are principally tax advice and advisory services, or where PricewaterhouseCoopers is
awarded assignments on a competitive basis. It is InvoCare’s policy to seek competitive tenders for any major
consulting projects.

59

Notes to the Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2003

37. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
Directors
The Directors of InvoCare Limited during the financial year were:
Ian D Ferrier
Richard H Davis
Mike J Grehan (appointed 24 October 2003)
John W Murphy
Christine L Clifton (appointed 24 October 2003)
Richard H Fisher (appointed 24 October 2003)
Patrick F Elliott (resigned 24 October 2003)
MacDonell Roehm Jr (resigned 24 October 2003)
Michael R Webb (resigned 24 October 2003).

Remuneration and retirement benefits
Information on remuneration of Directors is disclosed in Note 34 – Remuneration of Directors.

Transactions of Directors concerning share options
Details of transactions of Directors concerning share options are set out in Note 24 – Share options.

Equity instruments of Directors and Director-related entities

Interests at balance date
Interests in the equity instruments of InvoCare Limited held by Directors of the reporting entity and their 
Director-related entities:

Ian Ferrier
Richard Davis
Mike Grehan
John Murphy
Christine Clifton

Ordinary shares
fully paid

Options over
ordinary shares

2003
Number

2002
Number

2003
Number

2002
Number

–
611,168
–
56,417
110,000

–
–
–
–
–

302,401
–
1,222,336 
–
–

302,401 
–
–
–
–

Notes

(i)
(i), (ii)
(i)
(iii)
(iv)

(i) Equity instruments are held by Directors only, no equity instruments are held by Director-related entities of

these Directors.

(ii) Under a Service Agreement dated 8 May 2001, Richard Davis will be issued with 988,565 options on 8 May

2004, subject to continuing employment. These options may be exercised at a price determined by the share
equivalent of 6.71 times EBITDA for the financial year ended 31 December 2003 less debt at 30 April 2004.
These share options expire 8 May 2009.

(iii) Equity instruments are held by a Director-related entity only, no equity instruments are held directly by 

John Murphy. 

(iv) Equity instruments are held by the Director and a Director-related entity. Amount shown is the aggregate

number held.

Interests after balance date
After 31 December 2003 a Director-related entity of Richard Fisher acquired 5,000 ordinary shares in 
InvoCare Limited.

60

INVOCARE ANNUAL REPORT 2003

37. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES (continued)
Escrow agreement
Richard Davis and Mike Grehan have entered separate voluntary escrow arrangements relating to shares and
options in InvoCare whereby sale of the shares and options is not allowed until InvoCare has reported its
audited financial results for the year ending 31 December 2004. In the event of death, permanent disability or
ceasing to be a Director or employee of InvoCare, earlier sale is permitted.

Transactions with Director-related entities
A Director of InvoCare Limited, John Murphy, is a Director of Investec Wentworth Pty Limited and Investec
Wentworth Private Equity Pty Limited who provided professional services to a controlled entity during the year
ended 31 December 2003 on normal commercial terms and conditions. 
A Director of InvoCare Limited, Richard Fisher, is a partner at Blake Dawson Waldron. Blake Dawson Waldron
provided legal services to a controlled entity during the year ended 31 December 2003 on normal commercial
terms and conditions.
Aggregate amounts of each of the above types of transactions with Director-related entities:

Professional services
Legal services

Consolidated

InvoCare Limited

2003
$

15,950 
951 

2002
$

–
*

2003
$

–
–

2002
$

–
*

* Richard Fisher was appointed 24 October 2003, therefore comparative figures are not applicable.

Wholly owned group transactions 
The ultimate parent entity in the wholly owned group is InvoCare Limited, a company listed on ASX.
The wholly owned group consists of InvoCare Limited and its wholly owned controlled entities. Ownership
interest of these are set out in Note 38 – Investments in controlled entities.

Transactions between InvoCare Limited and its controlled entities consist of:
(a) loan advanced by InvoCare Limited
(b) loan repaid to InvoCare Limited
(c) the payment of interest on the above loan
(d) the payment of dividends to InvoCare Limited, and
(e) the payment of a management fee to InvoCare Limited.

Loan
The loan made by InvoCare Limited to a controlled entity has no fixed terms of repayment. The aggregate
amount receivable included in Note 6 – Receivables (current) and Note 10 – Receivables (non-current) totalled
$192,324,000 (2002: $208,627,000). Interest on the loan is charged at 9% (2002: 9%).
Repayments totalling $16,303,000 (2002: $29,653,000) were made during the year. In addition, interest revenue
included in the determination of operating profit before income tax that resulted from transactions with the entity
in the wholly owned group totalled $18,110,000 (2002: $21,004,000).

Dividends
A fully franked dividend of $7,000,000 was received by InvoCare Limited from a controlled entity. This amount
has been included in the determination of operating profit before income tax.

Management fee
A management fee was charged by InvoCare Limited to a controlled entity during the year totalling $480,000
(2002: $400,000). This amount is included in the determination of operating profit before income tax.

61

Notes to the Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2003

37. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES (continued)
Former shareholder transactions
Service Corporation International, a company incorporated in the United States of America, held 20% of the
issued ordinary share capital until 8 December 2003. Service Corporation International provided a loan of
$30,000,000 in the form of convertible notes to InvoCare Limited until 10 December 2003 when the convertible
notes were repaid in full. The interest expense on the convertible notes totalled $3,394,000 (2002: $3,600,000)
and is included in the determination of operating profit before income tax.

38. INVESTMENTS IN CONTROLLED ENTITIES
The consolidated entity comprises the parent entity and the entities it controlled at the end of, or during, the
financial year.

Parent Entity
InvoCare Limited

Name of entity

Service Corporation International Australia Pty Limited
New South Wales Cremation Company Pty Limited
Cremations (Newcastle) Holdings Pty Limited

Cremations (Newcastle) Pty Limited
Macquarie Memorial Park Pty Limited

Macquarie Funeral Service Pty Limited

Novocastrian Funerals Pty Limited
Novocastrian Funerals Unit Trust
Catholic Funerals Newcastle Pty Limited

Mead & Purslowe Pty Limited

Mead & Purslowe Trading Trust

Oakwood Funerals Pty Limited^^
Dignity Pre-Arranged Funerals Pty Limited
Memorial Guardian Plan Pty Limited
Pine Grove Forest Lawn Funeral Benefit 
Company Pty Limited
Kitleaf Pty Limited
The Australian Cremation Society Pty Limited
Metropolitan Burial and Cremation Society 
Funeral Contribution Fund Pty Limited
Labor Funerals Contribution Fund Pty Limited
Purslowe Custodians Pty Limited
Beresfield Funerals Pty Limited

Equity holding

2003
%

100
100
100
100
83.14
83.14
100
100
100
100
100
50
100
100

100
100
100

100
100
100
100

2002
%

100
100
100
100
83.14
83.14
100
100
100
100
100
50
100
100

100
100
100

100
100
100
100

Cost of parent 
entity’s investment
2002
$’000

2003
$’000

15,641 
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–

15,641 
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
15,641 

–
–
–
–
15,641 

All entities are incorporated and domiciled in Australia.
^^ Service Corporation International Australia Pty Limited holds 50% of the shares in Oakwood Funerals Pty

Limited, which is a controlling interest as it has the capacity to dominate decision making and operations of
the company’s business activities.

62

INVOCARE ANNUAL REPORT 2003

39. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
(a) Interest rate risk exposures
The consolidated entity’s exposure to interest rate risks and the effective interest rates of financial assets and financial liabilities,
both recognised and unrecognised at the reporting date, are as follows:

Floating 
interest rate

Fixed interest rate maturing in:
Over 1 to
1 year
5 years
or less

Non-interest-
bearing

Total

Notes

2003
$’000

2002
$’000

2003
$’000

2002
$’000

2003
$’000

2002
$’000

2003
$’000

2002
$’000

2003
$’000

Weighted average 
interest rate
2003
%

2002
%

2002
$’000

Financial assets

Cash

Cash

Trade and other 
debtors

Security deposit

27

27

6, 10

10

5,002 

5,196 

–

–

19

–

–

18 

–

2,141

–

–

Total financial assets

5,021

5,214 

2,141

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

5,002

2,141 

5,196 

–

21,812

22,296 

21,812 

22,296 

42 

38 

61

56 

21,854

22,334 

29,016

27,548 

Financial liabilities

Trade and other 
creditors

Deferred revenue

15, 19

18, 22

–

–

– 

– 

Debentures

16, 20 130,000

109,580 

Cash advance facility

16, 20

25,000

Convertible notes

Lease liability

Interest rate swap*

20

16, 20

– 

– 

524

529

307

794

17,914

16,842 

18,745

18,165 

–  39,283

36,256 

39,283

36,256 

–

– 

– 

–

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–

–

–

– 

– 

30,000 

15

37 

49

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–

–

–

–

– 

– 

– 

– 

–  130,000

109,580 

25,000 

–

–

64

–

30,000  12.0

37 

9.1

–

#

(136,000)

(130,394)

20,994 

12,024  115,006 118,370 

Total financial liabilities 

19,000 

(20,814)

21,533

12,590  115,362 149,164  57,197

53,098  213,092

194,038

Net financial 
assets/(liabilities) 

(13,979)

26,028 

(19,392)

(12,590)

(115,362) (149,164)

(35,343)

(30,764) (184,076)

(166,490)

n/a Not applicable for non-interest-bearing financial instruments.

^  Account is the aggregate of nine bank accounts. Where the aggregate balance is greater than $5,000,000 a premium interest rate is received. 

When the aggregate balance is overdrawn a rate of 8.6% is charged.

* Notional principal amounts. Not recognised in financial statements.

#

The disclosure of effective interest rates is not applicable to derivative financial instruments. For information on interest rates see below.

3.7

4.5

n/a

3.8

9.0

n/a

7.6

7.7

4.0^

0.0

n/a

3.9

9.0

n/a

6.8 

0.0 

12.0

12.5

#

63

Notes to the Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2003

39. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS  (continued)
(b) Net fair value of financial assets and liabilities

On-balance sheet
The carrying amount of financial assets and liabilities approximates their fair value.

(c) Off-balance sheet derivative instruments
InvoCare Limited is party to derivative financial instruments in the normal course of business in order to hedge
exposure to fluctuations in interest rates.

Financial liabilities
Interest rate swaps, net liability

Carrying amount 

Net fair value

2003
$’000

2002
$’000

2003
$’000

2002
$’000

–

– 

780 

2,287

Interest rate swap contracts
The debentures and cash advance facility currently bear an average variable interest rate of 7.64% 
(2002: 6.84%). It is policy to protect the majority of the loan agreement from exposure to increasing interest
rates. In addition, the loan agreement requires at least 75% of the principal be covered by interest rate swaps.
Accordingly, InvoCare has entered into interest rate swap contracts to reduce its exposure to adverse
fluctuations in interest rates on debentures and cash advance facility. Swaps currently in place cover 85%
(2002: 117%) of the debenture and cash advance facility principal outstanding. 
Under the contracts, interest is paid at fixed rates and received at variable rates. The fixed weighted average
interest rate is 5.639% (2002: 5.585%) and the variable rate is based on the BBSW which at the balance date
was 5.515% (2002: 4.808%). The contract has notional principal amounts with a similar maturity profile to the
debentures and cash advance facility and requires settlement of net interest receivable or payable each quarter
coinciding with the dates on which interest is payable on the debentures and cash advance facility. There was
no net amount receivable or payable on the swap contract at the reporting date.

(d) Credit risk exposures
The credit risk on financial assets of the consolidated entity which have been recognised on the statement of
financial position, other than investment in shares, is generally the carrying amount, net of any provision for
doubtful debts.

64

Directors’ Declaration

As at 31 December 2003

INVOCARE ANNUAL REPORT 2003

The Directors declare that the financial statements and notes to the financial statements:

(a) comply with the Accounting Standards, the Corporations Regulations 2001 and other mandatory

professional reporting requirements, and

(b) give a true and fair view of the company’s and consolidated entity’s financial position as at 31 December

2003 and of their performance, as represented by the results of their operations and their cash flows, for the
financial year ended on that date.

In the Directors’ opinion:

(a) the financial statements and notes are in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, 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.

This declaration is made in accordance with a resolution of the Directors.

Ian D Ferrier

Director

Sydney
29 March 2004

Richard H Davis

Director

65

Independent Audit Report

Independent audit report to the members of InvoCare Limited

Audit opinion
In our opinion, the financial report of InvoCare Limited:

• gives a true and fair view, as required by the Corporations Act 2001 in Australia, of the financial position of

InvoCare Limited and the InvoCare Group (defined below) as at 31 December 2003, and of their performance for
the year ended on that date, and

• is presented in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, Accounting Standards and other mandatory financial

reporting requirements in Australia, and the Corporations Regulations 2001.

This opinion must be read in conjunction with the rest of our audit report.

Scope
The financial report and Directors’ responsibility
The financial report comprises the statement of financial position, statement of financial performance, statement 
of cash flows, accompanying notes to the financial statements, and the Directors’ declaration for both InvoCare 
Limited (the company) and InvoCare Group (the consolidated entity), for the year ended 31 December 2003. 
The consolidated entity comprises both the company and the entities it controlled during that year.

The Directors of the company are responsible for the preparation and true and fair presentation of the financial
report in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001. This includes responsibility for the maintenance of adequate
accounting records and internal controls that are designed to prevent and detect fraud and error, and for the
accounting policies and accounting estimates inherent in the financial report.

Audit approach
We conducted an independent audit in order to express an opinion to the members of the company. Our audit was
conducted in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards, in order to provide reasonable assurance as to
whether the financial report is free of material misstatement. The nature of an audit is influenced by factors such as
the use of professional judgement, selective testing, the inherent limitations of internal control and the availability of
persuasive rather than conclusive evidence. Therefore, an audit cannot guarantee that all material misstatements
have been detected.

We performed procedures to assess whether in all material respects the financial report presents fairly, in
accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, Accounting Standards and other mandatory financial reporting
requirements in Australia, a view which is consistent with our understanding of the company’s and the consolidated
entity’s financial position, and of their performance as represented by the results of their operations and cash flows.

We formed our audit opinion on the basis of these procedures, which included:

• examining, on a test basis, information to provide evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial

report, and 

• assessing the appropriateness of the accounting policies and disclosures used and the reasonableness of

significant accounting estimates made by the Directors.

When this audit report is included in an Annual Report, our procedures include reading the other information in the
Annual Report to determine whether it contains any material inconsistencies with the financial report.

While we considered the effectiveness of management’s internal controls over financial reporting when determining
the nature and extent of our procedures, our audit was not designed to provide assurance on internal controls. 

Our audit did not involve an analysis of the prudence of business decisions made by Directors or management.

Independence 
In conducting our audit, we followed applicable independence requirements of Australian professional ethical
pronouncements and the Corporations Act 2001.

PricewaterhouseCoopers

John Gordon
Partner

Liability is limited by the Accountant’s Scheme under the Professional Standards Act 1994 (NSW)

Sydney

29 March 2004

66

Shareholder Information

As at 31 December 2003

INVOCARE ANNUAL REPORT 2003

The shareholder information set out below was applicable as at 17 March 2004.

Distribution of equity securities
Analysis of numbers of equity security holders by size of holding:

1 – 1,000
1,001 – 5,000
5,001 – 10,000
10,001 – 100,000
100,001 and over

Class of equity securities
Options over
ordinary 
shares

Ordinary 
shares

776 
2,468 
1,018 
746 
52 
5,060 

–
–
–
3 
9 
12 

There were 3 holders of less than a marketable parcel of ordinary shares (being 219 at a market price of $2.29
on 17 March 2004) who hold a total of 465 ordinary shares.

Equity security holders

20 largest quoted equity security holders
The names of the 20 largest holders of quoted equity securities are listed below:

Name

National Nominees Limited
RBC Global Services Australia Nominees Pty Limited
Westpac Custodian Nominees Limited
JP Morgan Nominees Australia Limited
Bond Street Custodians Limited
Tasman Asset Management Limited
UBS Private Clients Australia Nominees Pty Limited
Permanent Trustee Australia Limited (SYD)
ANZ Nominees Limited
Queensland Investment Corporation
PSS Board
CSS Board
IOOF Investment Management Limited
MF Custodians Limited
Mr Richard H Davis
Cogent Nominees Pty Limited
Government Superannuation Office
AMP Life Limited
Victorian Workcover Authority
Huntley Investment Co Limited

Ordinary shares

Number  Percentage of
issued shares

held

10,745,998 
9,682,941 
8,264,730 
7,785,642 
3,823,180 
2,845,931 
2,445,657 
2,330,204 
2,035,835 
1,637,487 
1,421,811 
1,188,078 
1,011,665 
711,000 
611,168 
603,566 
599,488 
564,745 
559,856 
500,000 
59,368,982 

11.44%
10.31%
8.80%
8.29%
4.07%
3.03%
2.60%
2.48%
2.17%
1.74%
1.51%
1.27%
1.08%
0.76%
0.65%
0.64%
0.64%
0.60%
0.60%
0.53%
63.21%

67

Shareholder Information

As at 31 December 2003

Unquoted equity securities

Options issued under the Employee Share Option Plan 
to take up ordinary shares
Options issued under a letter to a Director to take up 
ordinary shares

Substantial holders
Substantial holders in the company are set out below:

National Nominees Limited
RBC Global Services Australia Nominees Pty Limited
Westpac Custodian Nominees Limited
JP Morgan Nominees Australia Limited

Voting rights
The voting rights attaching to each class of security are set out below:

Number 
on issue

Number 
of holders

2,729,946 

302,401 

11 

1

Number of 
shares held

Percentage

10,745,998 
9,682,941 
8,264,730 
7,785,642 

11.44%
10.31%
8.80%
8.29%

Ordinary shares
On a show of hands, each member present in person and each other person present as a proxy of a member,
has one vote. On a poll each member present in person has one vote for each fully paid share held by the
member and each person present as a proxy of a member has one vote for each fully paid share held by the
member that the proxy represents.

Options
Options have no voting rights.

Shares subject to voluntary escrow
The number of ordinary shares subject to voluntary escrow that are on issue are listed below:

Ordinary shares subject to voluntary escrow

Number  Escrow period
end date
on issue

611,168 

*

* The escrow period end date is the earlier of 28 February 2005 or when the shareholder ceases to 

be an employee.

68

Contents

Financial Summary 6

Letter from the Chairman 7

CEO’s Review of Operations 8

InvoCare Across Australia 14

Board of Directors 16

Corporate Governance 18

Directors’ Report 22

Financial Report 29

Statements of Financial Performance 30

Statements of Financial Position 31

Statements of Cash Flows 32

Notes to the Financial Statements 33

Directors’ Declaration 65

Independent Audit Report 66

Shareholder Information 67

Corporate Information 69

D
E
T
M
L

I

I

I

Y
T
P
S
E
T
A
C
O
S
S
A
&
R
R
A
B
S
S
O
R
Y
B
D
E
C
U
D
O
R
P
D
N
A
D
E
N
G
S
E
D

I

Corporate Information

ABN 42 096 437 393

InvoCare Limited (formerly SCIA Holdings Pty Limited)

Directors

Ian D Ferrier (Chairman)
Richard H Davis (Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer)
Mike J Grehan (Chief Operating Officer)
John W Murphy (Non-Executive Director)
Christine L Clifton (Non-Executive Director)
Richard H Fisher (Non-Executive Director)

Company Secretary

Kenneth R Mealey (Chief Financial Officer)

Annual General Meeting The Annual General Meeting of InvoCare Limited will be 
held at The Westin Sydney, 1 Martin Place, Sydney on 
Monday 31 May 2004.

Registered Office

Share Register

Level 4, 153 Walker Street
North Sydney NSW 2060
Telephone: 02 9978 5200
Facsimile: 02 9978 5299
Website: www.invocare.com.au

ASX Perpetual Registrars Limited
Level 8, 580 George Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Toll free: 1300 854 911
Facsimile: 02 9287 0303
Website: www.asxperpetual.com.au

Stock Exchange Listing

InvoCare Limited is a company limited by shares that is
incorporated and domiciled in Australia. 
InvoCare Limited’s shares are listed on the Australian Stock
Exchange only. ASX code is IVC.

Auditor

Solicitors

Bankers

PricewaterhouseCoopers
Darling Park Tower 2
201 Sussex Street
Sydney NSW 1171

Coudert Brothers
Level 8 Gateway
1 Macquarie Place
Sydney NSW 2000

Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited
20 Martin Place
Sydney NSW 2000

.

i

g
n
h
c
a
e
b

l

r
o
f

e
n
i
r
o
h
c

l

l

a
t
n
e
m
e
e

l

o
n

s
e
s
u

d
n
a

l

a
i
r
e
t
a
m
d
e
c
y
c
e
r

l

%
0
5
m
o
r
f

l

d
e
c
y
c
e
r

r
e
p
a
p

n
o

d
e
t
n
i
r
p

s

i

t
r
o
p
e
r

i

s
h
T

69

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
I

n
v
o
C
a
r
e

i

L
m

i
t
e
d

A
n
n
u
a

l

R
e
p
o
r
t

2
0
0
3

Annual Report 2003