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Invacare

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FY2010 Annual Report · Invacare
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Annual Report 2010

Cycle of growth

AllAmbe memoRiAl GARdens 
A place of quiet reflection at Allambe 
Gardens memorial Park, this year’s winner 
of invoCare’s parks and gardens award. 
each year our cemeteries and crematoria 
vie for this prestigious award. Judging 
criteria emphasise the sense of calm and 
serenity the gardens create for our client 
families and visitors. our dedicated team 
of parks and gardens staff bring vision and 
passion to the task of creating places  
of beauty and serenity.

3 Singapore

 Funeral locations
 Cemeteries and Crematoria

25

Queensland
3

80
9

New South Wales and  
Australian Capital Territory

Western 
Australia

19

South Australia

13

Victoria

37

InvoCare continues to expand its operations, to grow its network 
of locations across Australia and Singapore. The geographic 
spread outlines the commitment we have in providing outstanding 
care and services within all these areas. 

InvoCare is an Australian company that owns and operates 
funeral homes, cemeteries and crematoria across Australia and 
in Singapore. The Company was floated on the ASX in 2003 
and owns key national brands Simplicity Funerals, White Lady 
Funerals and Singapore Casket, as well as leading brands in 
each Australian state in which it operates.

InvoCare places great value in understanding and professionally 
servicing the needs of its client families. InvoCare exercises 
responsibility as an industry leader. It encourages the support 
of local communities and also actively works with industry 
and other stakeholder groups. 

Our mission to shareholders is to improve investor value. 
The development of our people, our brands and our facilities  
is the key to achieving this objective.

InvoCare’s business model operates with multi-branded  
“front-end” businesses, supported by “back office” shared 
service functions including marketing, prepaid administration, 
human resources, information technology, finance, property 
and facilities.

Le Pine Funeral Services in Glen Waverley, Victoria.

Above: George Hartnett Funerals 
in Redcliffe, Queensland.  
Right: Inside the Chapel at Lake 
Macquarie Memorial Park  
on the NSW Central Coast.

National brands

Australia

Singapore

Cemeteries and  
Crematoria

White Lady Funerals is a 
dedicated team of women 
offering a unique service for 
our client families. The life of 
the loved one is honoured with 
special nurturing, sensitivity, 
warmth and care, with a 
woman’s understanding. There 
are 43 White Lady locations 
throughout Australia.

Flexible and less traditional, 
Simplicity Funerals offers 
practical, dignified, respectful 
and affordable funeral services. 
Steadily expanding, there are 
45 Simplicity Funeral locations 
throughout Australia and one 
in Singapore.

Singapore Casket Company 
has been offering caring and 
professional services to client 
families, of all denominations, 
since 1920. Its current facilities 
include nine refurbished air-
conditioned parlours offering 
a bright, clean and tranquil 
environment for the comfort 
of families. 

Contemporary and Heritage Funerals

Lung Po Shan
Chinese Memorial Garden
we listen, we care, we serve

InvoCare operates 
12 cemeteries and crematoria 
in Australia. The multicultural 
nature of Australia is recognised 
with burial, cremation and 
memorial options, including 
Asian sections designed by 
Feng Shui advisers, and the 
availability of architecturally 
designed crypts, vaults and 
family mausoleums preferred by 
many European communities.

InvoCare’s contemporary-style brands of funeral homes maintain 
the service approach respected by families over many generations. 
The service is personal and professional, gently guiding families 
through the arrangement process.

With the acquisition of W N Bull Funerals in New South Wales  
and through a combination of new openings, we’ve been able  
to take our high standards of care and service to more families 
than ever before. 

With one major brand in each state and a number of 
smaller heritage brands serving local communities, there 
are 97 InvoCare contemporary-style and heritage funeral  
homes throughout Australia.

A full list of brands and locations is set out beginning on page 102.

Contents

Performance highlights 
Chairman’s message 
Chief Executive Officer’s review 
2010 key strategies 
Management 
Our people and the environment 
Group financial and operational review 
Financial Report 
Directors’ Report 
Board of Directors 
Corporate Governance Statement 
Remuneration Report 
Auditor’s Independence Declaration 
Independent Audit Report 
Shareholder Information 
InvoCare Locations 
Glossary 
Corporate Information 

2
3
6
12
13
16
19
26
28
31
33
37
48
99
101
102
104
IBC

A “Personal Details” guide has been included in the 
back of this document to assist our stakeholders. 

InvoCare continues to grow and remains focused on providing 
outstanding value and service to not only its investors as a group, 
but also personally in the lives of families we touch every day in 
their time of need.

We celebrate the cycle of life with our expanding network 
of funeral homes and crematoria which continually provide  
a haven for understanding and compassion. With this growth 
comes shared knowledge and experiences of our dedicated team 
across the business and through the communities we serve. 

We nurture and grow these relationships, and continually 
strive to be innovative and dedicated across our business, 
here in Australia and Singapore. 

 The Hydrangea is a symbol of heartfelt emotions, 
devotion and understanding. It denotes that your 
home is a place where friends are welcome.  
At InvoCare our dedicated teams strive to make our 
client families feel at home in their time of need.

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

1

Performance highlights

Revenue fRom 
exteRnal 
customeRs 
$ million

opeRating  
eBitda  

$ million

opeRating 
pRofit  
afteR tax 
$ million

oRdinaRy 
dividends  
peR shaRe 
cents

pRofit afteR  
tax attRiButaBle 
to memBeRs
$ million

267.4

70.4

34.2

28.25

27.4

255.7

244.2

223.9

191.9

267449.0

70411.0

34234

48.1

28.250

64.3

61.9

58.9

49.1

30.6

29.6

27.7

22.0

25.25

23.5

22.5

19.5

133724.5

35205.5

17117

28.0

27.5

24.0

14.125

06 07 08 09 10

0.0

06 07 08 09 10

0.0

06 07 08 09 10

06

0

07

08 09 10

06

0.000

07

08 09 10

Five year financials

$’000  

 2010  

 2009  

 2008  

 2007  

 2006 

Revenue from external customers  

 267,449  

 255,676  

 244,215  

 223,918  

 191,932 

Operating EBITDA  

Operating EBITDA margin  

Operating profit after tax  

 70,411  

 64,273  

 61,874  

 58,935  

 49,140 

26.3% 

25.1% 

25.3% 

26.3% 

25.6%

 34,234  

 30,607  

 28,342  

 27,073  

 21,636 

Operating earnings per share (cents)  

 33.7  

30.3 

28.3 

27.2 

22.2

Profit after tax attributable to members  

 27,366  

 48,141  

 28,026  

 27,554  

 24,047 

Earnings per share (cents)  

Dividend paid in respect of the financial year  

 26.9  

 28.25  

47.7 

25.25 

28.0 

23.50 

27.6 

22.50 

24.7

19.50

ungeared, tax free operating cash flow  

 69,059  

 63,094  

 60,495  

 62,023  

 50,611 

24.070501

0.000000

Proportion of EBITDA converted to cash  

98% 

98% 

98% 

105% 

Actual capital expenditure  

net debt  

Operating EBITDA/net interest (times)  

net debt/EBITDA (times)  

Funeral homes (number)  

Cemeteries and crematoria (number)  

Employees (full time equivalents)  

Prepaid contract sales/prepaid redemptions 

103%

 9,817 

 14,266  

 13,846  

 16,359  

 17,366  

 147,538  

 148,358  

 152,452  

 145,886  

 146,787 

 7.1  

 2.1  

 177  

 12  

 1,112  

16.8% 

6.6 

2.3 

 173  

 12  

 1,101  

17.9% 

6.2 

2.5 

 163  

 12  

 1,052  

6.9% 

6.0 

2.5 

 152  

 12  

 923  

5.4

3.0

 136 

 12 

 842

(2.0%) 

(13.3%)

Operating profit excludes the net gain/(loss) on undelivered prepaid contracts, acquisition related costs, prior period tax movements, investment allowance benefits,  
non-cash interest rate swap movements, gain/(loss) on sale, disposal or impairment of non-current assets and minority interests. 

2

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chairman’s message

InvoCare’s proven business 
model produces another 
solid financial result

InvoCare once again showed the resilience of 
its business model by delivering an Operating 
Profit after Tax of $34.2 million, a 12% increase 
from 2009.

A change in accounting policy retrospectively 
applied to the beginning of 2009 has introduced 
the value of prepaid contract funds under 
management and associated liabilities onto the 
balance sheet. This change includes making fair 
value adjustments to the funds and introduces 
volatility into Reported Profit after Tax, which for 
2010 decreased by 43% to $27.4 million. After 
extensive consultations the Board has decided to 
use Operating Profit after Tax which it believes is 
a better indicator of the health of the business and 
management’s success in running the business 
for the benefit of shareholders. A full reconciliation 
of adjustments is provided on page 19.

InvoCare’s dedicated team continues to deliver outstanding service to family 
and funeral director customers across Australia and Singapore. Additionally, 
these people contributed countless hours of their time to a range of voluntary 
organisations and events demonstrating InvoCare’s commitment to the 
communities in which it operates.

In a year when the number of deaths in our markets returned to trend, market 
share gains continued to be achieved. The acquisition of W n Bull funerals, widely 
respected by Sydney’s Catholic community, in June 2010 added three new 
locations. Four smaller locations were opened and a number relocated to higher 
visibility locations to promote brand awareness. new prepaid funeral contract 
sales continued to grow.

In general, the funeral industry and InvoCare are not significantly affected by 
prevailing economic conditions. Changes in the numbers of deaths tend to have 
more significant impact. During the year, the Board and management closely 
monitored and reacted to the reduction in the numbers of deaths, which have 
returned to the long-term growth trend. In this climate, InvoCare successfully 
improved operating margins, generated strong cash flows and strengthened 
its healthy financial position.

The existing debt facilities, which were due to expire in January 2011, were 
successfully renewed. Due to the significant tightening in credit markets seen during 
the global financial crisis this resulted in a small increase in funding costs.

InvoCare’s Board and management continue to explore expansion opportunities, 
in both existing and potential markets in Australia and the broader Asia-Pacific 
region. The acquisition of the Bledisloe Group announced in november 2010 will, 
subject to approval of the ACCC, permit expansion into new markets including 
new Zealand, Tasmania and regional Queensland.

Given the strong 2010 result, the Board has declared a fully franked final dividend 
of 15.25 cents per share. Total dividends, which are fully franked, in respect of 
2010, total 28.25 cents per share, an increase of 11.9% or 3 cents per share 
over 2009. Total shareholder returns (price movement plus cash dividends) since 
the initial public offering in late 2003 now stands at more than 24% compound 
annual growth.

On behalf of the Board and all its shareholders, I congratulate the management 
and staff of InvoCare across Australia and Singapore on the excellent results 
achieved. Their hard work and commitment to outstanding service delivery under 
Andrew Smith’s leadership, combined with the robust business model, provides 
the Board with confidence that InvoCare can continue sustained future growth.

ian feRRieR
chaiRman

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

3

customeR 
seRvice  
aWaRd WinneR 
anne dawson

each year examples of exemplary 
customer service are collected and 
the individuals responsible for the best 
win a “Wow! that’s service” award. 
Queensland’s somerville funerals,  
anne dawson is one winner. other 
winners in 2010 were sheridan Walder, 
Julie harvey, siobhan mathilassi,  
ian de Blaquiere, grant Russel 
and Jackie thompson.

4

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

Going beyond the expected  
in our level of customer service

Top: Mrs Smith’s coffin. 
Above: A horse drawn hearse used for a 
funeral of a horse loving family following 
the Black Saturday bush fires.

At InvoCare, we aim to go beyond the 
call of duty, as each grieving experience is 
different. We are proud to be able to provide 
individual and unique offerings to our 
customers, to make their experience personal. 
Some examples of these are below.

When Mrs Smith, a grandmother to 14 grandchildren, passed away, 
her family wanted the children to be involved somehow. With an 
age range of 18 months to 16 years, we suggested they design her 
coffin. A plain white coffin was taken to the family home and the kids 
added designs, paintings and personal messages on the sides and 
lid. From simple handprints to more involved designs incorporating 
Mrs Smith’s interests, it was great to see the involvement of the 
family. It was a very positive celebration of this lady’s life. 

In speaking to a mother when arranging a funeral for her toddler, 
Jasmine, she mentioned how her love of the flower inspired her 
baby’s name. For the burial, I brought in cuttings of star jasmine from 
my home garden to line the grave. When the coffin was lowered it 
was on to a bed of jasmine and the family was also given cuttings 
to put into the grave. The family still stays in touch and still uses 
heart shaped arrangements of jasmine when they visit her grave.

During the arrangement for a World War II Royal Air Force veteran, 
the family mentioned their father’s involvement with a local flying 
school where he mentored many pilots. There was plenty of 
memorabilia on display at the funeral but what they weren’t 
expecting was a flyover which I had arranged with the flying school. 
During the last song (Coming in on a wing and a prayer) a light 
plane (probably very illegally) circled the chapel three times, flying 
low enough to be seen through the windows. Very spectacular and 
very emotional for all who were there.

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

5

Chief Executive Officer’s review

InvoCare delivered another solid result in 2010 with sales revenue up 4.6% 
to $267.4 million and operating profit after tax up 11.9% to $34.2 million. 
The outcome is due to continued focus on our pillars of growth and is a 
credit to our dedicated employees.

The result includes:
•	 small	decline	in	the	numbers	of	deaths	in	Australia;

•	 normal	annual	price	increases;

•	 mix	benefits	from	branding	and	from	the	markets	where	deaths	occurred;

•	 favourable	average	contract	values	in	the	cemetery	and	crematorium	

operations;

•	 the	impact	of	new	locations	and	acquisitions;	and

•	 improvement	in	operating	leverage.

Dividends for the year were 28.25 cents per share, up 3 cents per share  
or 11.9% from 2009.

Bledisloe acquisition
In november 2010 we announced the proposed acquisition of Bledisloe, 
new Zealand’s largest provider of funeral services and one of the top four 
operators in several key Australian markets. 

This transaction, and in particular our entrance into new Zealand, will position 
InvoCare as a significant provider of funeral services in the Asia-Pacific region, 
serving over 50,000 families per year and generating more than A$325 million 
in sales revenues. 

The acquisition is subject to Australian Competition & Consumer Commission 
(“ACCC”) approval. We have provided additional data and information to the 
ACCC, along with compelling arguments, to assist its review of competition 
issues identified during its market inquiries. The ACCC’s decision is expected 
during April.

Results reflect service culture
Australian sales revenue was up 4.7% to $258 million from InvoCare’s 174 funeral 
homes and 12 cemeteries and crematoria. In constant dollars, Singapore revenues 
from its three funeral locations grew by 13%. These sales achievements reflect 
the customer service package we offer, being our people, our products and 
our premises.

Across Australia, our customer surveys indicate between 93–97% of our various 
businesses’ clients would probably or definitely recommend an InvoCare 
service provider to a third party and 95–99% indicated InvoCare met or exceeded 
their expectations. Similarly, 87–97% of our client families believed that the cost 
of the funeral they arranged or the cost of the memorial was within or lower 
than expectations.

andReW smith
chief executive officeR

InvoCare has delivered 
another strong operating 
result evidencing the 
continued dedication 
and commitment of our 
teams across Australia 
and Singapore who 
deliver outstanding 
customer service to 
our client families.

6

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

in 2010 invocare invested more 
than $4 million in refurbishing and 
developing the facilities available 
for client families. a major project, 
which will be completed in 2011, is 
the development of a condolence 
facility at northern suburbs 
memorial garden and  
crematorium in sydney.

Top: Ann Wilson Funerals in Mona Vale, nSW.  
Right: The West Chapel at Rookwood Memorial 
Gardens and Crematorium in Sydney, nSW. 
Above: Singapore Casket Company’s main  
Parlour complex and facility in Singapore. 

There is no other way to achieve these high ratings except through the creation  
of a pervasive service culture throughout our organisation. Many letters of  
appreciation are received which is a great tribute to our dedicated and 
experienced teams.

Continuing our long-term commitment to serving families in the local community, 
Simplicity Funerals at Black Forest hosted a celebration to mark the 30th anniversary 
of the establishment of the Simplicity brand which has now grown to 45 locations 
across Australia, as well as expanding into Singapore. Blackwell Funerals also 
achieved 70 years of continuous service to families in South Australia. We note with 
sadness the passing during the year of Daryl Blackwell, a highly respected member 
of the funeral industry, both nationally and internationally.

InvoCare’s strategic commitment to acquiring well placed funeral homes that can be 
integrated into the existing network remains unaltered. Four new Australian funeral 
homes were opened in 2010 and three underperforming locations closed. The 
acquisition of W n Bull funerals in June 2010 added three new locations in the Sydney 
market, being newtown, Parramatta and north Sydney. It gives me great pleasure 
to welcome the team from W n Bull to InvoCare and I look forward to their continuing 
service to client families, particularly from the Catholic community. The new and 
acquired locations are all within acceptable distances of existing shared services 
centres, enabling the Group to achieve cost synergies from the locations.

InvoCare’s focus on providing the highest level of service continues with over 
$4 million invested in facility refurbishments and upgrades to ensure the Group’s 
locations are presented professionally. The construction of a new condolence  
facility at northern Suburbs Memorial Gardens and Crematorium in Sydney is nearing 
completion and the ongoing refurbishment of our main Singapore premises will create 
even more appealing and impressive parlours for client families in their time of need.  
Major upgrades have begun or are in planning stages at other key locations. 
The cremator upgrade programme was completed during 2010 with the 
commissioning of cremators at Castlebrook, newcastle Memorial Park,  
Mt Thompson and northern Suburbs Memorial Garden and Crematorium. 

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

7

Results reflect service culture continued
We were pleased to support Australia’s growing Muslim population by relinquishing 
a section of the Rookwood leasehold site to enable the establishment of a 
dedicated section for this faith. Surplus buildings at Kew East, which had 
previously housed the Victorian state office and flood prone sites in Lismore 
were sold.

The manufacturing facilities and intellectual property rights of LifeArt were purchased 
during the year. LifeArt supplies emotionally personal and environmentally friendly 
coffins to the funeral industry. We also took a small equity stake in the innovative 
online heavenaddress (ww w.heavenaddress.com), which seeks to build a universal 
online memorial community based on the principles of honouring, respecting and 
celebrating a deceased, regardless of time, distance or nationality. Both these 
investments enable us to continue to support client families through the provision 
of innovative and creative products and services.

InvoCare continues to actively work with industry associations and other 
stakeholder groups to ensure that the industry meets the highest ethical 
standards. During 2010, our people continued to actively support and participate 
in events organised by industry groups such as the Australian Institute of 
Embalmers and the Australian Funeral Directors Association. This assists 
with the professional development of our staff so they can continue to provide 
outstanding customer service.

Chief Executive Officer’s  
review continued

Top: The Chapel at Mount Thompson 
Memorial Gardens in Brisbane. 
Above: A LifeArt environmentally friendly coffin 
with one of its unique designs available. 
Right: The Chapel at Tweed Heads Memorial 
Gardens on nSW far north coast.

8

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

Top: Inside the crypt complex at Albany 
Creek Memorial Park in Brisbane. 
Above: InvoCare participants at the 
Queensland AFDA Women in Funeral 
Services Conference. 
Right: The Chapel complex at newcastle 
Memorial Park, newcastle.

Looking ahead
Our commitment to service quality, focus on the communities in which  
we operate and strong brands when combined with our expanding network  
of locations and growing prepaid funds have positioned InvoCare well for 
sustainable long-term growth.

InvoCare remains committed to its strategic direction, which focuses on the 
pillars of growth – favourable demographics, pricing, market share improvements, 
prepaid funeral funds, acquisitions and new locations and cost management 
to improve operating leverage. In terms of acquisitions, discussions with other 
parties continue in both Australian domestic and new Asian markets, although 
the current highest priority is to complete the proposed Bledisloe transaction.

The Group’s results, as demonstrated by the 2010 outcome, are subject to 
variation due to the number of deaths in InvoCare’s markets, but with the 
continued focus on the pillars of growth, external variations can be overcome.

In closing, I would like to thank my management team and all the dedicated 
employees of InvoCare who have worked tirelessly to achieve this result.

andReW smith
chief executive officeR

InvoCare and its staff continued to support 
a wide variety of community organisations 
throughout the year with financial assistance, 
facilities and equipment. Many staff continue 
to volunteer their time and energy to a wide 
range of community organisations. One highlight 
was Guardian Funerals’ sponsorship of the 
Lions Clubs International Convention held in 
Sydney. Our involvement with Legacy, McGrath 
Foundation, the Lions Club Australia’s Recycle 
for Sight program, the Australian Chinese 
Community Association, Australian Chinese 
Charity Foundation and many other charities 
and community projects continued unabated.

Our extensive commitment to the training and 
development of our staff continued through the 
year, with the Learning and Development team 
delivering many hours of structured training.  
Given the geographic spread of our locations, 
delivery of  programmes is a challenge which 
in some cases is achieved online. The online 
modules were substantially reviewed and 
upgraded during the year.

Over 25% of InvoCare’s personnel have 
equity in the business through participation 
in the Company’s Deferred Employee Share 
Plan (“DESP”) or Exempt Employee Share 
Plan (“EESP”). The DESP, which was again 
offered to regional managers and above, 
is an important initiative aimed at aligning 
management interests to that of shareholders 
and to retain key personnel. 

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

9

afda WinneR 
sarah o’connor

invocare is particularly proud  
of sarah o’connor, a mortuary 
supervisor from Brisbane, who 
recently won the prestigious australian 
funeral directors association (afda) 
scholarship. sarah’s winning entry 
analysed the role of social media in the 
funeral industry and provided valuable 
insights on the emerging trends in 
social media for all our customer 
service people.

10

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

Investing in our people and services 
we provide to our customers

At InvoCare, we are constantly investing 
in new initiatives to improve the services 
available to our client families. This 
extends not only to facilities, but also 
to other aspects of the overall experience 
with services provided by InvoCare. 

During the year, InvoCare made a strategic investment in 
HeavenAddress which is an on-line memorial site. The site 
enables families and friends to post favourite memories, 
pictures and other material to honour the memory of their 
departed friend or relative.

Another initiative throughout the year included upgrading 
and enhancing our websites. These sites are often the first 
contact a grieving family will have with InvoCare. We believe 
it is important that these facilitate the easy understanding 
of the processes involved in arranging a funeral and the 
services and facilities available.

InvoCare also acquired the rights to manufacture and distribute 
LifeArt coffins. LifeArt can, with its technologically advanced 
printing system, develop a coffin to suit almost any taste. For 
example, an endless wave coffin was used for a champion 
Surf Life Saver when his family found out that this was possible. 
They believed the traditional coffins offered by others didn’t 
do justice to a life lived to the full.

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

11

2010 key strategies

New locations and acquisitions
Building on InvoCare’s robust business model, we continue to seek new locations 
and acquisitions within the footprint of established shared service functions. 
The model is based on personal service, supported by highly efficient back end 
processes to ensure client families receive the most professional service possible. 
To build on InvoCare’s existing successful operations in highly populated centres 
or regions across Australia and in Singapore, more geographically dispersed 
opportunities and models are being examined.

People
The professionalism of our staff is constantly being enhanced by investment 
in training and other learning opportunities presented by InvoCare’s learning and 
development team. In addition to the investment in core operational programmes, 
including various induction, customer service and occupational health and safety 
modules. InvoCare conducted its first fully accredited Certificate IV in the Diploma 
of Management in 2010 to enhance the professionalism of our teams. We are 
able to offer our staff a career in the industry, as well as an opportunity to own 
shares in the Company, unlike most of the other family owned and operated 
business competitors.

Facilities
Our focus is to continue to invest in enhancing and improving the facilities 
available. We aim to ensure that the ambience of our locations continues to 
meet client expectations and that the most modern facilities, such as audio-visual 
systems, are available for those who choose them. We also continue to expend 
substantial sums of money maintaining our many heritage listed assets, especially 
in our locations where many generations of individual families are memorialised.

Future income streams
The number and value of prepaid contracts continues to grow, providing our 
clients with the peace of mind from knowing that when the time comes, their 
families are protected from unexpected burdens. We work with our investment 
managers to ensure that investment strategies are put in place that will continue 
to ensure surpluses are delivered from our prepaid contracts. InvoCare also 
continues to expand the range of memorialisation options available to our 
client families, ensuring valuable future revenue streams as these products 
are delivered.

Capital management
InvoCare’s capital management initiatives are designed to ensure that an 
appropriate mix of debt and equity is maintained to maximise returns to 
shareholders, while ensuring adequate funds are available to support growth and 
expansion. The Company is in a healthy financial position and its strong operating 
cash flows provide necessary funds to pay at least 75% of operating profit after 
tax to shareholders as dividends, meet debt servicing obligations, invest in 
property, plant and equipment, as well as fund smaller new business acquisitions. 
The Company’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan has been supported by up to 
approximately 25% of shareholders to provide additional funds for the business. 
In the event opportunities become limited for investing in the growth of the 
business, the Company will consider making alternative returns to shareholders.

A Simplicity Funerals location in Melbourne, Victoria

The robust business model 
InvoCare has charted 
will deliver growth 
through anticipated 
volume increases, 
business acquisitions and 
investments in our brands, 
people and facilities.

Brand awareness
InvoCare aims to sustain and improve brand 
awareness by running integrated TV, radio, press 
and billboard campaigns. When selecting new or 
replacement sites, InvoCare seeks high visibility 
locations as a cost effective means to promote 
brand awareness. 

Another critical component of building brand 
awareness is the many hours our staff devote to 
community and social organisations. InvoCare’s 
two Australian national brands, White Lady and 
Simplicity, along with the primary contemporary 
brands in individual markets, enjoy strong 
awareness levels. In our latest surveys White Lady 
achieved an outstanding brand awareness score 
of 94%. In Sydney after a targeted advertising 
campaign, Guardian Funerals aided brand 
awareness rose to 61%, up from 19% in 2004.

12

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

Management

The management team at InvoCare has more than 140 years 
combined relevant industry experience and many team 
members have held senior executive roles in other industries.

andReW smith
chief executive 
officeR

phillip fRieRy
chief financial 
officeR and company 
secRetaRy

Wee leng goh
chief executive 
officeR singapoRe 
casket company

gReg Bisset
national funeRals 
geneRal manageR

aRmen mikaelian
national geneRal 
manageR cemeteRies 
and cRematoRia

Industry experience 
5 years

Industry experience 
16 years 

Industry experience 
3 years

Industry experience 
3 years

Industry experience 
21 years

andReW pulsfoRd
neW south Wales 
funeRals  
geneRal manageR

davina alston
Queensland 
funeRals  
geneRal manageR

John foWleR
victoRian funeRals 
geneRal manageR 

Jason maheR
south austRalian 
funeRals  
geneRal manageR

andReW hogan
WesteRn 
austRalian 
funeRals 
geneRal manageR

doRis Zagdanski
coRpoRate 
pRoJects  
geneRal manageR

Industry experience  
4 years

Industry experience  
1 year

Industry experience  
35 years

Industry experience  
15 years

Industry experience  
17 years

Industry experience  
27 years

Each operational area is supported by a network of regional managers and 
other specialist staff. 

All operations are supported by specialist back office management in the 
areas of Marketing & Communications, Prepaid Funeral Administration, 
Human Resources, Information & Technology, Property & Facilities, Finance, 
Internal Audit, and Risk Management.

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

13

Buddhist and feng 
shui traditions are 
honoured during 
chong yeung.

chong yeung festival 
Both lung po shan asian 
memorial gardens and po fook 
shan chinese memorial gardens 
host grave tending celebrations 
on this important day.

14

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

Being a part of the community 
in which we serve

InvoCare and its people are proud to 
support a wide range of charity and 
community organisations, both large 
and small. 

In 2010, InvoCare signed a Memorandum of understanding 
to support Legacy for the next three years. This has seen 
donation envelopes available in our locations and relationships 
made with each of Legacy’s 50 branches, staffed by more 
than 6,000 volunteers.

Our association with the Lions Club continued and Guardian 
Funerals were a proud sponsor of the Lions Club International 
Annual Convention held in Sydney during the year. A three 
year Memorandum of understanding was also signed with 
Lions Clubs in 2010.

Other organisations such as Can Too, Samaritans Purse, 
St Vincent de Paul and Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, 
to name but a few, were supported in myriad of ways.

At our cemeteries and crematoria, many different cultural 
and spiritual events are hosted and actively supported. 
Our association with the Chinese community was further 
strengthened in 2010 by the signing of a Corporate Partnership 
with the Australian Chinese Community Association of nSW.

Top: A poster promoting InvoCare’s 
support for Legacy. Middle: Bede Long 
(left) and Allan Drew (right), both of 
Allan Drew Funerals, at the Lions Club 
International Convention. Bottom: Part 
of the colour from 2010 Chong Yeung 
celebration.

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

15

Our people and the environment

People

2010 was a year of significant change within the external industrial relations and 
workplace environment in Australia. The introduction of the Fair Work Act, with 
consistency, simplification and fairness as cornerstones, allowed us to take stock 
and examine the industrial instruments, policies and practices which underpin 
our workforce. For a nationally based business, the amalgamation of a number 
of state based funeral and cemetery and crematoria awards into two Federal 
Modern Awards has simplified administration significantly.

It’s gratifying to report that through the implementation of a number of Enterprise 
Agreements, we have been able to guarantee pay and conditions to a majority 
of staff for the next three years which overall are higher than those mandated by 
the Modern Award system.

SafeTrac online training was rolled out to existing staff in mid 2010 to ensure 
we have a workplace that is respectful, and safe for all. SafeTrac is used to 
train, assess and record practical implementation of our EEO, Harassment and 
Anti-Discrimination policies across the organisation. This training is mandatory 
for every level of employee upon commencement with InvoCare. 

During 2010 we were also pleased to be awarded exemption status from 
reporting requirements of the Equal Opportunity in the Workplace agency  
(EOWA) which reflected the consistency of InvoCare performance in providing 
equal opportunity for women in the areas of recruitment, promotion and training. 
Of the total number of staff we hired in 2010, 63% were female and 37% were 
male. Training participation was higher among females than males. InvoCare 
increased female representation at senior management level by the recruitment  
of a General Manager in Queensland funerals and a Regional Manager in 
Western Australia funerals.

The need for a focus on diversity has been prominent in the media and government 
in 2010, and with changes to legislation and to ASX reporting guidelines will 
continue to be a focus for 2011. InvoCare will continue to focus on the broader 
definition of diversity to ensure our workforce accurately reflects the communities 
we serve.

We employ staff from many cultural backgrounds, a broad range of ages and 
a mix of male and female, always with an emphasis on the best person for the 
job. However it’s the broader definition of diversity which we can see at work at 
InvoCare. To service our families, we look for staff who have life experience, who 
can take what they have learnt in life and bring this experience to the workplace, 
and use it when caring for our client families. 

We regularly receive feedback, not only from our client families, but also from 
suppliers, contractors and partners of InvoCare, as well as employees and 
managers who have only recently joined the company, which talks to the 
uniqueness of our employees, the depth of their knowledge and how they  
view their roles within the community, as being a vocation.

Members of the White Lady Funerals team at the Mornington 
Races where a race was sponsored by White Lady Funerals to 
aid Peninsula Hospice on the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria.

InvoCare is committed 
to the communities it serves 
and actively attempts to 
mitigate its environmental 
impacts. Our commitment 
to training and development 
ensures our people are able 
to provide exemplary 
services to our client families.

16

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

paRks and 
gaRdens aWaRd
the parks and garden 
team at allambe gardens 
memorial park on the 
gold coast are proud 
winners of the 2010 parks 
and garden award.

All images: Some of the gardens and 
places of reflection at Allambe Gardens 
Memorial Park in Queensland.

InvoCare complements the “vocational heart” of our employees by offering significant 
training opportunities at various stages within their careers.

Operational	staff	participate	in	training	in	numerous	areas;	arranger	training,	handling	
grief, customer service skills, telephone skills and OH&S training modules. The 
participation of administrative and support staff in experiencing the operational 
functions of the business is encouraged and welcomed by our staff “at the coal face”. 
We have a number of staff completing tertiary and TAFE courses in areas closely 
linked to the business.

In 2010 a group of 13 managers from across nSW successfully completed training 
in the Management Diploma Course, financially supported through a Federal 
Government initiative. In 2011 formal training is underway for a number of trainee 
embalmers nationally, again supported through a Government initiative. This will 
provide InvoCare with a pool of developing talent in a role traditionally difficult to fill.

The introduction of the Flexible Work policy as part of the national Employment 
Standards in January 2010, formally legislated what had been happening informally 
within our workplace for some time. We currently have three employees working 
under a flexible working arrangement including one senior manager who has returned 
to work from her second term of parental leave and four employees who are currently 
on parental leave.

Of equal importance, and an area of focus for 2011, is to look at the needs of the 
demographic of our workplace. There are a number of our senior funeral directors 
and key people who after a lifetime of service to the industry are looking for flexibility 
and a smooth transition to retirement. A challenge for 2011 will be to look at how 
we can retain and capture the lifetime of knowledge they carry with them, while 
recognising and respecting their wish to have more of a work-life balance.

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

17

Environment

Once again in 2010, InvoCare was included in the Carbon Disclosure Leadership 
Index of disclosing companies across the ASX200 and nZX50, which is the top 
third of companies based on submissions to the international Carbon Disclosure 
Project 2010 where globally 534 investors, representing uS$64 trillion in funds 
under management, subscribe.

Although the reporting threshold under the national Greenhouse and Energy 
Reporting Act 2007 for the year ending 30 June 2011 has reduced to 50,000 tonnes 
CO2 from the previous year’s threshold of 87,500 tonnes CO2, InvoCare group 
emissions in 2010 were less than 25% of the new 2011 reporting threshold.

The Board through the Risk Committee, continually monitors progress on climate 
related risks and opportunities throughout the year at their regular meetings. 
There is a strong focus on reducing or minimising emissions, with many initiatives 
both large and small being implemented, along with the setting of corporate 
targets for emission reductions. 

Purchased electricity continues to be the main source of emissions for its 
190 locations, however, due to initiatives implemented during the year, the 
electricity usage was able to be reduced by some 1.5% compared to the  
2009 year.

Another ongoing initiative has been to reduce emissions from fuel associated 
with the company’s vehicle fleet, and we are pleased to report that although the 
fleet has increased by some 7% due to business growth, the emissions from fuel 
in 2010 has been reduced by 3.5% due to the substitution of diesel vehicles in 
lieu of petrol vehicles wherever possible under our vehicle policy. The number 
of diesel vehicles has now grown to 21% of the fleet compared to 11% in 2009.

The reduction in emissions related to gas usage has continued with the cremator 
replacement programme, where the benefits continue to flow, and have resulted 
in an effective 10% reduction in emissions from gas since 2007 taking into 
account the volume of cremations.

Following the early achievement in 2009 of the previous short-term emission 
reduction target of 2.5% by the end of 2010, a new target of a further 2.5% 
reduction on actual 2009 levels by 2012 was established. This target is already 
well on the way to achievement, with an overall reduction in emissions in 2010 
of 2% compared to 2009.

Our people and the environment 
continued

Top: The main centre at Tweed Heads 
Memorial Gardens on nSW far north coast. 
Above: northern Suburbs Memorial 
Gardens and Crematorium. 

18

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

Group financial and operating review 

FIRST HALF 

2010 
$m 

2009  Change  Change 
% 
$m 

$m 

2010 
$m 

SECOnD HALF 
2009  Change  Change 
% 
$m 

$m 

FuLL YEAR

2010 
$m 

2009  Change  Change 
%
$m 

$m 

financial highlights

Total sales to external  
customers 
Other revenue 
Operating expenses 

operating eBITDa 
Operating EBITDA Margin 
Depreciation and amortisation 
Finance costs 
Interest income 

4.6
(0.6)
(2.9)

9.5
1.25
(3.9)
(7.5)
13.0

11.5
(10.8)
(0.2)

11.9
11.2

 127.4  
 2.6  
 (97.6) 

 123.2  
 2.5  
 (96.5) 

 32.4  

 29.2  
25.4%  23.7% 
 (5.3) 
 (5.4) 
 0.3  

 (5.4) 
 (5.5) 
 0.3  

 4.2  
 0.1  
 (1.1) 

 3.2  

 (0.1) 
 (0.1) 
 0.0  

 3.0  
 (0.8) 

 140.0  
3.4 
4.8 
 2.5  
(1.1)   (104.5) 

 132.4  
 2.6  
(100.0) 

10.9 

 35.1  
 38.0  
1.7  27.1%  26.5% 
 (5.5) 
 (5.8) 
(1.7) 
 (5.6) 
 (6.3) 
(1.7) 
 0.3  
 0.3  
8.9 

 24.3  
 26.2  
16.2 
(14.5) 
 (7.0) 
 (7.5) 
(0.4)  28.6%  28.8% 

 7.6  
 (0.2) 
 (4.5) 

 2.9  

 (0.3) 
 (0.7) 
 0.1  

 1.9  
 (0.5) 

 255.7  
 267.4  
5.7 
(5.8) 
 5.2  
 5.1  
(4.5)   (202.2)   (196.6) 

8.4 
 64.3  
 70.4  
0.7  26.3%  25.1% 
 (10.8) 
 (11.2) 
(6.1) 
 (11.0) 
 (11.9) 
(13.2) 
 0.6  
 0.7  
17.4 

 43.0  
 48.0  
7.9 
(7.1) 
 (12.4) 
 (13.7) 
(0.2)  28.6%  28.8% 

 11.8  
 (0.0) 
 (5.6) 

 6.1  

 (0.4) 
 (0.8) 
 0.1  

 5.0  
 (1.3) 

operating profit before tax 
Income tax expense 
Effective tax rate 

 21.8  
 (6.2) 

 18.7  
 (5.5) 
28.7%  29.2% 

operating profit after tax 
Operating earnings per share 

 15.5  
 15.3  
 cents  

 13.3  
 13.1  
 cents  

 2.2  
 2.2  
 cents  

16.9 
16.4 

 18.7  
 18.4  
 cents  

 17.3  
 17.2   
 cents  

 1.4  
 1.2   
 cents  

8.3 
7.1 

 34.2  
 33.7  
 cents  

 30.6  
 30.3  
 cents  

 3.6  
 3.4  
 cents  

net gain/(loss) on undelivered  
prepaid contracts after tax 
 (9.5) 
Acquisition related costs after tax   (0.9) 
 (0.0) 
Prior period tax (expense)/credit 
 0.3  
Investment allowance tax benefit 
non-cash swap movements  
after tax 
Profit/(loss) on sale of assets 
Minority interest 

 0.4  
 0.7  
 (0.1) 

Profit after tax attributable to  
the members of InvoCare Limited   6.6  
 6.5  
Earnings per share 
 cents  

 4.1  
 –  
 0.2  
 0.2  

 (13.6) 
 (0.9) 
 (0.2) 
 0.1  

 0.8  
 (0.2) 
 (0.0) 

 (0.4) 
 0.9  
 (0.0) 

 2.3  
 (0.4) 
 (0.0) 
 0.1  

 0.2  
 (0.2) 
 (0.0) 

 11.6  
 (0.1) 
 (0.0) 
 0.3  

 0.7  
 0.0  
 (0.0) 

 (9.3) 
 (0.3) 
 0.0  
 (0.2) 

 (0.5) 
 (0.2) 
 0.0  

 (7.2) 
 (1.3) 
 (0.0) 
 0.4  

 0.6  
 0.6  
 (0.1) 

 15.7  
 (0.1) 
 0.2  
 0.5  

 (22.9) 
 (1.1) 
 (0.2) 
 (0.1) 

 1.6  
 (0.2) 
 (0.1) 

(1.0) 
 0.8  
 (0.0) 

 18.3  
 18.2  
 cents  

 (11.8) 
 (11.7) 
 cents  

(64.2) 
(64.3) 

 20.8  
 20.4  
 cents  

 29.8  
 29.5  
 cents  

 (9.0) 
 (9.1) 
 cents  

(30.2) 
(30.8) 

 27.4  
 26.9  
 cents  

 48.1  
 47.7  
 cents  

 (20.8) 
 (20.8) 
 cents  

(43.2)
(43.6)

note: The data in this table has been calculated in thousands and presented in millions and as a consequence some totals and movements cannot be calculated from the table 
as presented.

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group financial and operating 
review continued

Summary of financial performance
Despite reduced numbers of deaths, particularly in 
the first half, InvoCare has achieved another solid 
operating performance in the year to 31 December 
2010 with operating profit after tax up 11.9% to 
$34.2 million, from $30.6 million in 2009.

The reported profit after tax was lower at  
$27.4 million (2009: $48.1 million) primarily due 
to the adoption of a change in accounting for 
prepaid contracts and associated funds under 
management which is explained under the 
heading “Prepaid contracts” below.

On 19 november 2010, InvoCare announced 
agreement had been reached to purchase 
Bledisloe, new Zealand’s largest provider 
of funeral services and one of the top four 
operators in several key Australian markets. The 
transaction is subject to approval of the Australian 
Competition & Consumer Commission (“ACCC”).

The Group’s debt facilities which were due to 
mature in January 2011 were refinanced effective 
September 2010. The new facilities are for 
$255 million (an increase of $75 million from the 
previous $180 million facilities), spread evenly 
across three major banks (AnZ, nAB and CBA).

Sales increased by 4.6% or $11.8 million to $267.4 million, with some key 
components being:

•	 Australian	funeral	sales	increased	by	4.8%	to	$201.0	million	(2009:	$191.8	million).	
Average revenue per funeral increased by 4.1% due to price increases, brand 
mix and state mix, and the number of funeral services performed, which 
increased by 0.6% despite the number of deaths falling by an estimated 0.2%. 
W n Bull Funerals, acquired in June 2010, contributed $2.7 million to sales.

•	 Australian	cemeteries	and	crematoria	sales	increased	by	5.1%	to	$65.8	million	
(2009: $62.6 million) despite the number of cremations and burials performed 
being 2.5% lower, partly due to the lower number of deaths, but also due to 
some market share loss to a new facility in the Tweed River Valley and to a 
lesser extent Allambe Memorial Park on the Gold Coast. Average selling prices 
for cemeteries and crematoria products and services were increased by slightly 
more than 4% in early 2010. The number of memorial contracts averaging 
more than $15,000 was up 13% on 2009. The first half also had the benefit 
of completion of crypts and other large memorials enabling recognition of 
$1.6 million in previously deferred revenue. At 31 December 2010, contracted 
sales of further crypts and large memorials amounting to $0.5 million were 
included in deferred revenue pending completion of construction during 2011.

•	 Singapore	funeral	sales	increased	by	3.1%	to	$9.5	million	(2009:	$9.2	million).	 
In local Singapore currency, sales revenue increased by 12.7%. The number  
of funeral services performed increased by 3.1%, through a small market  
share increase, and average revenue per funeral increased by 9.4%, due  
to a combination of price increases and packaged offerings.

•	 Intra-group	elimination	of	cemeteries	and	crematoria	sales	to	InvoCare	owned	funeral	

homes amounted to $7.0 million (2009: $6.6 million).

The graph below shows ABS actual, estimated and longer-term forecasts. Consistent 
with InvoCare’s experience, the number of deaths in Australia appears to be reverting 
to the longer-term trend, after a short period of above average numbers. 

In Australia, the number of new prepaid funeral contracts sold increased by 0.9% 
on the previous year and exceeded the number of prepaid services performed 
by 16.8% (2009: 17.9%). Prepaid funerals performed in the year were 13% 
(2009: 13%) of all Australian at need funerals. Prepaid funerals are not a feature 
of the Singapore market.

actual and pRoJected deaths – austRalia

)
0
0
0
’
(

r
e
b
m
u
N

 165  

 155  

 145  

 135  

 125  

115  

Apparent recent trend reversion
after several years above trend

2
9
9
1

3
9
9
1

4
9
9
1

5
9
9
1

6
9
9
1

7
9
9
1

8
9
9
1

9
9
9
1

0
0
0
2

1
0
0
2

2
0
0
2

3
0
0
2

4
0
0
2

5
0
0
2

6
0
0
2

7
0
0
2

8
0
0
2

9
0
0
2

0
1
0
2

1
1
0
2

2
1
0
2

3
1
0
2

4
1
0
2

5
1
0
2

6
1
0
2

7
1
0
2

8
1
0
2

9
1
0
2

0
2
0
2

Actual national rolling annual deaths per ABS

Actual Trend

Estimated national rolling annual deaths per ABS

ABS projected deaths 2006 Series B

Trend plus/minus 3%

IVC estimate

Years to 30 June

20

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

 
Operating expenses (excluding depreciation, 
amortisation, acquisition related and finance 
costs) increased $5.6 million or 2.9% to 
$202.2 million. Some key highlights for the 
year are as follows:

•	 Finished	goods,	consumables	and	funeral	
disbursements increased by $0.8 million or 
1.0% to $76.3 million. These costs were 28.5% 
of sales compared to 29.5% in 2009. The 
margin improvement is due to a combination 
of selling price increases, supplier cost 
management (including savings generated 
by offshore sourcing) and product mix.

•	 Overall	employee	related	costs	increased	by	
$2.1 million or 2.6% to $80.2 million. Scale 
efficiencies were again achieved with the ratio 
of these costs to sales revenue improving 
to 30.0% from 30.6% in 2009. non-sales 
related personnel costs increased 2.3% 
reflecting continued effective management 
of these costs.

•	 Advertising	and	marketing	expenses	increased	
by $0.8 million or 9.7%. The increase occurred 
in the second half, with intentional additional 
advertising on main media in the Sydney 
and Brisbane markets, as well as ongoing 
redevelopment of brand websites.

•	 Occupancy	and	facility	expenses	increased	
by $1.7 million or 10.5% to $18.0 million. 
new locations (including the new parlours in 
Singapore) and W n Bull Funerals account for 
$0.6 million of the increase, with the balance 
of the increase of $1.1 million representing a 
7.2% increase across various categories of 
expense (for example, light and power was 
up $0.2 million or approximately 20%).

•	 Motor	vehicle	expenses	were	down	$0.3	million	

or 4.9% to $5.1 million.

•	 Other	operating	expenses	increased	by	
$0.5 million or 3.9% to $13.8 million.

Operating EBITDA (i.e. earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation, 
acquisition related expenses and net gains or losses on asset sales and 
impairment) improved by $6.1 million or 9.5% to $70.4 million (2009: $64.3 million).

Operating margin as a percentage of gross sales improved 1.2% to 26.3% (2009: 
25.1%). Margins improved with continued focus on managing operating expenses. 

Operating cash flows were $7.9 million higher than the corresponding period and 
EBITDA conversion to cash remained strong at 98%.

Depreciation and amortisation expenses increased by $0.4 million to $11.2 million. 
The main increase relates to motor vehicles as a direct result of fleet upgrades.

Finance costs (excluding non-cash interest rate swap fair value movements) 
increased by $0.8 million to $11.9 million (2009: 11.0 million). With new debt 
facilities in place from late September 2010, $0.7 million of this increase occurred 
in the second half, compared to $0.1 million in the first half.

Favourable non-cash fair value movements in interest rate swap contracts 
amounting to $0.8 million were booked in the year (2009: $2.2 million). These 
swaps related to the previous debt facilities and have all since been replaced. 
The fair value movements in the new swaps are not anticipated to have any 
impact on future profit and loss.

A net gain of $0.6 million was realised in the year (2009: loss of $0.2 million) 
and was largely due to the sale of some non-strategic properties.

Income tax expense on operating profit before tax increased by $1.3 million to 
$13.7 million (2009: $12.4 million) and the effective rate was 28.6% (2009: 28.8%). 
The main contributor to the rate being lower than Australia’s corporate 30% tax 
rate is that 17% is payable on Singapore profits.

Reported income tax expense of $10.3 million (2009: $19.1 million) was  
27.4% (2009: 28.3%) of reported profit before tax. The significant difference 
to income tax on operating profit is primarily due to the impact of the new 
accounting policy for prepaid contracts which increased tax expense by 
$3.1 million (2009: decreased by $6.7 million). The effective tax rate is lower 
than underlying operating income tax due to the benefit from $0.4 million  
(2009: $0.5 million) investment allowance on qualifying capital expenditure, 
the tax effect of reduced non-cash swap gains, the non-deductibility of 
business acquisition costs and the utilisation of previously unrecognised 
capital losses to reduce the tax payable on asset sale gains. In addition, 
the previous year included a favourable $0.2 million prior period amount.

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

21

Group financial and operating 
review continued

Prepaid contracts
The reported profit after tax has been impacted 
by the adoption of a change in accounting for 
prepaid contracts and associated funds under 
management, with retrospective application 
from 1 January 2009. The change introduces 
income statement volatility, but has not impacted 
InvoCare’s underlying business operations.

The accounting policy change has been made 
following review by, and discussions with, the 
Australian Securities & Investments Commission 
(“ASIC”). Essentially, prepaid funds under 
management are now recognised as assets 
on the balance sheet, with fair value movements 
going through profit and loss, and obligations to 
perform prepaid services recognised as liabilities, 
with changes to the value of those obligations 
also going through profit and loss.

The balance sheet now records:

(a)  as a liability, an obligation to perform future 

services under prepaid contracts  
–	$264.6	million	(2009:	$244.9	million);	and

(b)  as an asset, the market value of associated 

funds under management  
– $273.5 million (2009: $264.6 million).

To effect this change, the 1 January 2009 
balances of assets held in independent trusts 
for the relevant prepaid contracts were used to 
record the initial liability and initial asset values, 
both being $230.2 million. There was no impact 
on retained earnings or other equity accounts 
when establishing these opening balances.

The liability and asset are increased by new 
prepaid contracts. When contracted services  
are performed, the funds under management  
are redeemed as cash and the liability is  
reduced by entry to profit and loss as set 
out below.

The profit and loss now records:

(a)  changes in the fair value of funds under 

management;

(b) as an expense in periods up to actual service 

delivery, the increase in the obligation to 
perform future services based upon increases 
in	selling	prices;	and

(c)  the release of obligations upon delivery of 

prepaid services in two parts:

i.  as sales revenue, the original contract 

amount for post 1 January 2009 contracts 
or for earlier contracts the transition 
amounts	established	on	1 January	2009;	
and

ii.  as a reduction in expenses, any cumulative 
increases in obligations from the original 
amounts recorded.

22

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

Items (a) and (b) relate to undelivered prepaid contracts and are separately reported 
in the income statement as set out below. Item (a) introduces volatility into InvoCare’s 
reported profits, as evidenced by the absolute 2010 and 2009 amounts and year on 
year differences. There was significant equity market volatility in both those years, 
in particular, in 2009 with significant recoveries after the global financial crisis and 
during 2010 with overall negative returns once again.

The profit and loss impact of undelivered prepaid contracts (i.e. above items (a) and 
(b)) is summarised as follows:

gain on prepaid contract funds under management 
change in provision for prepaid contract liabilities 
net gain/(loss) on prepaid funds 

2010 
$m 

2009 
$m

1.5 
(11.8) 
(10.3) 

32.5
(10.1)
22.4

When prepaid contract services are in fact delivered, the profit and loss is impacted 
by the release of the liability (i.e. item (c) above). InvoCare previously recorded 
the amount recovered from the prepaid investment fund as sales revenue and 
the actual costs of service delivery as expenses. In the current financial year, the 
following summarises the EBITDA impact of the accounting change from the method 
previously applied.

2010 
$m 

2009 
$m

Reduction in sales revenue from previous accounting method 
Reduction of actual expenses upon liability release 
net eBITDa decrease compared to previous accounting method 

(1.9) 
1.1 
(0.8) 

(1.4)
0.3
(1.1)

A more detailed statement of changes to each line item of the statutory Statement 
of Comprehensive Income is set out on the next page.

The following tables set out a summary of the movements in the asset and liability:

Movements in prepaid contract funds under management 

Balance at the beginning of the year 
sale of new prepaid contracts 
initial recognition of contracts paid by instalment 
Redemption of prepaid contracts following service delivery 
increase due to business combinations  
increase in fair value of contract funds under management 
Balance at the end of the year 

Movements in prepaid contract liabilities 

Balance at the beginning of the year 
sale of new prepaid contracts 
initial recognition of contracts paid by instalment 
decrease following delivery of services  
increase due to business combinations  
increase due to reassessment of delivery costs  
Balance at the end of the year 

2010 
$m 

2009 
$m

  264.6  230.2
20.7
1.3
(20.1)
–
32.5
  273.5  264.6

22.4 
1.3 
(20.7) 
4.4 
1.5 

2010 
$m 

2009 
$m

  244.9 
22.4 
1.3 
(20.2) 
4.4 
11.8 

232.1
20.7
1.3
(19.3)
–
10.1
  264.6  244.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
To assist in an understanding of the changes, below is a full statement of comprehensive income identifying the changes between the old 
and new accounting:

BefoRe  
adJustment 
2009 
$m  

2010 
$m 

adJustments 
2010 
$m 

notes 

2009 
$m 

afteR 
adJustment

2010 
$m 

2009 
$m

sales revenue 
other revenue 

Revenue from continuing operations 
finished goods, consumables and funeral disbursements 
employee benefits expense 
employee relation and on-cost expenses 
advertising and public relations expense 
occupancy and facilities expenses 
motor vehicle expenses 
other expenses 

Operating earnings before interest,  
tax, depreciation and amortisation 
depreciation, amortisation and impairment expenses 
finance costs 
interest income 
net gain/(loss) on prepaid contracts 
acquisition related costs 
net gain/(loss) on disposal of non-current assets 

Profit before income tax 
income tax expense 

Profit for the year 

profit is attributable to: 
  equity holders of invocare limited 
  minority interest 

269.3 
5.1 

274.5 
(76.7) 
(66.1) 
(14.5) 
(8.9) 
(18.0) 
(5.1) 
(14.0) 

71.2 
(11.2) 
(11.0) 
.7 
– 
(1.3) 
.6 

48.9 
(13.7) 

35.2 

35.1 
.1 

35.2 

257.1 
5.2 

262.2 
(75.5) 
(63.9) 
(14.2) 
(8.1) 
(16.3) 
(5.3) 
(13.5) 

65.3 
(10.8) 
(8.8) 
.6 
– 
(.2) 
(.2) 

46.0 
(12.7) 

33.3 

33.2 
.1 

33.3 

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

Cents  

cents 
  per share  per share 

1 

2 
2 
2 

2 
2 

3 

4 

(1.9) 
– 

(1.9) 
.5 
.3 
.1 
– 
– 
.0 
.2 

(.8) 
– 
– 
– 
(10.3) 
– 
– 

(11.1) 
3.3 

(7.7) 

(7.7) 
– 

(7.7) 

(1.4) 
– 

(1.4) 
.0 
.0 
.0 
– 
– 
.0 
.3 

(1.1) 
– 
– 
– 
22.4 
– 
– 

21.3 
(6.4) 

14.9 

14.9 
– 

14.9 

267.4 
5.1 

272.6 
(76.3) 
(65.7) 
(14.4) 
(8.9) 
(18.0) 
(5.1) 
(13.8) 

70.4 
(11.2) 
(11.0) 
.7 
(10.3) 
(1.3) 
.6 

37.8 
(10.3) 

27.5 

27.4 
.1 

27.5 

255.7
5.2

260.8
(75.5)
(63.9)
(14.2)
(8.1)
(16.3)
(5.3)
(13.3)

64.3
(10.8)
(8.8)
.6
22.4
(.2)
(.2)

67.3
(19.1)

48.2

48.1
.1

48.2

Cents 

cents 
  per share  per share  per share  per share

cents  

Cents 

Basic earnings per share 
diluted earnings per share 

34.6 
34.6 

32.9 
32.9 

(7.6) 
(7.6) 

14.8 
14.8 

26.9 
26.9 

47.7
47.7

notes
1. Backs out prepaid fund earnings on redeemed contracts (2010: 1.6m and 2009:1.1m) and reallocation of release of unfunded liability to expenses (2010: 0.2m and 2009: 0.3m).
2. Release of past prepaid liability increases due to price rises (2010: 0.9m and 2009: 0.1m ) and reallocation of release of unfunded liability from sales (2010: 0.2m and 2009: 0.3m).
3. FuM gains (2010: 1.5m and 2009: 32.5m) less liability increases due to price rises (2010: 11.8m and 2009: 10.1m).
4. Tax effect at 30%.

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

23

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group financial and operating 
review continued

Other ratio analysis for information
InvoCare’s management across all operations 
uses various financial and non-financial key 
performance indicators in monitoring the results 
and position of the Group and its various 
businesses. These measures may include, but  
are not limited to, areas such as the following:

•	 Customer	surveys

•	 Number	of	services	performed

•	 Market	share

•	 Average	selling	prices

•	 Delivery	timeframes	of	prepaid	memorials

•	 Ratio	of	prepaid	contracts	sold	 

to contracts redeemed

•	 Prepaid	fund	asset	allocations	 

and investment returns

•	 Brand	awareness	surveys

•	 Days	sales	in	receivable

•	 Cash	flows

•	 Debt	service	costs	and	covenant	ratios

•	 Operating	margin	percentages

•	 Effective	income	tax	rates

•	 Employee	learning	and	development

•	 Workers	compensation	claims	and	costs

•	 Lost	time	injury	rates	and	return	to	

work statistics

An investment of $1 at 31 December 2003 would 
have increased in value, excluding dividends, by 
more than the S&P/ASX200 Index as shown in 
the graph below.

2011 outlook and beyond
The number of deaths in the early part of 2011 has been relatively flat compared 
to the same period of 2010. Australian funeral prices were increased by 
approximately 4.5% in December 2010 which has mitigated the lower than 
expected volumes. Singapore has sustained its average price gains achieved 
in 2010. Memorial sales in cemeteries and crematoria have remained strong.

With the change in accounting for prepaid contracts, fair value movements in 
funds under management will impact InvoCare’s reported earnings. Investment 
earnings must exceed the increase in the liability for prepaid service obligations 
(which is incremented by selling price increases) to neutralise the impact on 
InvoCare’s reported earnings. As can be seen from the 2010 reports, the price 
increase was $11.8 million in 2010 and $10.1 million in 2009. It is anticipated that 
earnings of at least $12 million will be required in 2011 to offset price increases.

Despite the accounting change, fund investment strategies take a long-term view 
because on average, prepaid contracts are delivered 12–15 years after initiation. 
Such strategies look at average long-term returns and suitable asset allocations 
to achieve required returns, acknowledging and accepting that short-term 
investment returns may spike up or down over the investment horizon.

The acquisition of Bledisloe will launch InvoCare into new Zealand, Tasmania 
and regional parts of Queensland and will complement InvoCare’s existing 
businesses in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane/Gold Coast. This transaction and, 
in particular the entrance into new Zealand, will position InvoCare as a significant 
provider of funeral services in the Asia-Pacific region, serving over 50,000 families 
per year and generating more than A$325 million in sales revenues. InvoCare will 
increase its overall Australian market share by 4% to 26% and importantly 55% of 
Bledisloe’s revenue is derived from markets in which InvoCare does not currently 
have a presence. The ACCC, at time of writing, was in the process of considering 
the transaction.

RetuRn on $1 – invocaRe limited against s&p/asx200 index

$3.50

$3.00

$2.50

$2.00

$1.50 

$1.00

$0.50  

$0.00

1
$
n
o

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4
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5
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8
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8
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0
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0
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c
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D

InvoCare Limited Share Price            S&P/ASX200 (XJO)

24

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Bledisloe acquisition will remain a focus of 
management attention and will be a major step 
in InvoCare’s growth. There have been potential 
acquisition discussions with other business 
owners and further expansion opportunities 
are being explored in some offshore markets. 
However, the near-term priority will be 
integrating Bledisloe.

Approximately two to four new funeral homes are 
expected to be opened each year over the next 
few years.

Capital expenditure, while slightly lower than 
anticipated in 2010, is expected to be in the region 
of $15 million to $20 million in 2011. From 2012, 
capital expenditure is expected to approximate 
depreciation.

With the Bledisloe acquisition, debt drawings 
on the new facilities are anticipated to result in 
approximately $15 million available headroom. 
This is sufficient in the short term for planned 
capital expenditure and smaller bolt-on 
acquisitions. However, funding options, including 
through equity raising and/or increased debt, 
will be considered in the event further sizeable 
acquisition opportunities present.

As it has done in 2010, InvoCare will use 
operating profit, rather than the more volatile 
reported profit, in determining future dividends. 
Thus shareholders can expect InvoCare to payout 
a minimum 75% of operating profit as well as 
target annual incremental dividends per share.

InvoCare has had yet another successful year 
and, with the opportunity to open new locations 
and make smaller acquisition, will continue 
its growth. The acquisition and integration, 
if approved, will accelerate growth.

After another successful year, InvoCare is well placed to continue to focus on 
the following pillars of growth and pursue its proven, attractive and successful 
business model.

1.  organically:
•	 investing	in	our	people	and	their	development;

•	 enhancing	service	offerings	to	our	client	families;

•	 annually	increasing	prices	at	least	equal	to	CPI;

•	 benefiting	from	an	increasing	number	of	deaths,	which	the	ABS	has	estimated	
to rise beyond 1.5% p.a. from 2011, growing progressively to a rate of 2.7% 
around	2030	before	steadily	declining	to	around	1.0%	again	in	the	mid	2050s;

•	 opening	new	locations	and	leveraging	brands	to	grow	market	share;

•	 monitoring	asset	performance,	including	investing	in	facility	upgrades	
and refurbishments	or	divesting	non-performing/non-strategic	assets;

•	 increasing	the	memorialisation	rate	in	the	cemeteries	and	crematoria	

by focusing	on	service	and	product	offerings;	and

•	 continued	capital	management,	which	is	dependent	upon	trading	and	
economic conditions, as well as acquisition/expansion opportunities 
and capital expenditure.

2. acquisitions:
•	 pursuing	acquisition	opportunities	to	improve	existing	market	share;	and

•	 	entering	new	domestic	or	international	markets,	for	example	by	acquisition,	
joint venture or greenfield operations, subject to sound business cases 
and not materially affecting our overall low risk profile.

3. Prepaid funds:
•	 growing	the	value	of	prepaid	funds	under	management;

•	 writing	more	new	prepaid	contracts	than	contracts	performed;

•	 optimising	fund	asset	allocations	and	returns;	and

•	 ensuring	that	the	annual	net	return	on	invested	funds	is	greater	than	annual	

price increases.

4. operating leverage:
•	 maintaining	suitable,	but	not	excessive,	operating	capacity	to	absorb the	

immediate	demands	from	increased	volumes;

•	 continue	to	contain	and	manage	operating	expenses,	in	particular	payroll	

related	costs;	and

•	 achieve	efficiencies	through	the	pooling	of	labour,	vehicles	and	back	office	

functions, in particular as new business acquisitions are integrated and new 
funeral home locations mature.

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

25

Financial Report

InvoCare Limited and Controlled Entities

Financial Report for the financial year ended 31 December 2010

The financial report covers the consolidated financial statements for the consolidated 
entity consisting of InvoCare Limited and its subsidiaries. The financial report is 
presented in the Australian currency.

InvoCare Limited (ABn 42 096 437 393) is a company limited by shares, incorporated 
and domiciled in Australia. Its registered office and principal place of business is:

Level 4, 153 Walker Street, north Sydney nSW 2060

A description of the nature of the consolidated entity’s operations and its principal 
activities is included in the Directors’ Report.

The financial report was authorised for issue by the directors on 22 February 2011.  
The Company has power to amend and reissue the financial report.

Through the use of the internet, InvoCare ensures corporate reporting is timely, 
complete, and available globally at minimum cost to the Company. All press releases, 
financial reports and other information are available on the Company’s website:  
ww w.invocare.com.au.

26

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

Contents
Directors’ report 

Corporate Governance Statement 

remuneration report 

auditor’s Independence Declaration 

Financial report

Statement of Comprehensive Income 

Balance Sheet 

Statement of Changes in Equity 

Statement of Cash Flows 

notes to the Financial Statements 

Directors’ Declaration 

Independent audit report 

Shareholder Information 

Corporate Information 

28

33

37

48

49

51

52

53

54

98

99

101

IBC

notes to the Financial Statements

note 1 

note 2 

note 3 

note 4 

note 5 

note 6 

note 7 

note 8 

note 9 

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 

Financial Risk Management 

Revenue from Continuing Operations 

Expenses 

Income Tax Expense 

Key Management Personnel Disclosures 

Share-based Payments 

Remuneration of Auditors 

Dividends 

note 10 

Earnings per Share 

note 11  Cash and Cash Equivalents 

note 12 

Trade and Other Receivables 

note 13 

Inventories 

note 14  Prepaid Contracts 

note 15  Subsidiaries 

note 16 

Equity Accounted Investments 

note 17  Property, Plant and Equipment 

note 18 

Intangible Assets 

note 19  Derivative Financial Instruments 

note 20 

Trade and Other Payables 

note 21  Borrowings 

note 22  Provisions for Employee Benefits 

note 23  Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities 

note 24  Contributed Equity 

note 25  Reserves and Retained Profits 

note 26  Minority Interest 

note 27  Capital and Leasing Commitments 

note 28  Business Combinations 

note 29  Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets 

note 30  Segment Reporting 

note 31  Cash Flow Information 

note 32  Deed of Cross Guarantee 

note 33 

Events after the Balance Sheet Date 

note 34  Related Party Transactions 

note 35  Parent Entity Financial Information 

note 36 

Economic Dependence 

note 37  Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements 

note 38  Company Details 

note 39  Authorisation of the Financial Report 

54

62

69

69

70

70

72

74

75

75

76

76

76

77

78

79

80

82

83

83

83

84

84

85

86

88

88

89

90

91

92

92

95

95

96

97

97

97

97

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

27

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 2010. InvoCare Limited 
and its controlled entities together are referred to as “InvoCare”, the 
“Group” or the “consolidated entity” in this Directors’ Report.

Directors
The following persons were directors of InvoCare Limited during the 
whole of the financial year and until the date of this report:

Ian Ferrier
Andrew Smith
Christine Clifton
Roger Penman
Benjamin Chow
Richard Fisher

Principal activities
The Group is the leading provider of services in the funeral industry 
in Australia and Singapore. There were no significant changes in the 
nature of these activities during the year.

Significant changes in the state of affairs 
There have been no significant changes in the state of the Group’s 
affairs during the financial year.

operating results
The operating profit after tax for the year was $34,234,000 
(2009: $30,606,000). The consolidated after tax profit of the Group 
attributable to shareholders was $27,366,000 (2009: $48,140,000).

Dividends
The Directors have recommended a final, fully franked dividend 
of 15.25 cents per share payable on 8 April 2011. Total full year 
dividends are 28.25 cents, being 3.00 cents or 11.9% higher than 
2009, which is equal to the 11.9% growth in operating profit after 
tax. The full year dividend payout ratio is 84.4% (2009: 83.8%) of 
operating profit after tax.

Dividends to ordinary shareholders of the Company have been paid 
or declared as follows:

Interim ordinary dividend of 13.0 cents (2009: 11.5 cents) per fully paid share paid on 8 October 2010 
Final ordinary dividend of 15.25 cents (2009: 13.75 cents) per fully paid share has been recommended  
by directors on 22 February 2011 to be paid on 8 April 2011   

Total ordinary dividends of 28.25 cents (2009: 25.25 cents) 

All dividends are fully franked at the company tax rate of 30%.

2010 
$’000 

2009
$’000

13,269 

11,657

15,619 

28,888 

14,002

25,659

The Dividend Reinvestment Plan (“DRP”) was available for the 2010 interim dividend and $11,168,715 (2009: $8,711,256) was paid in cash 
and $2,100,267 (2009: $2,945,874) through the issue of 325,558 (2009: 467,973) shares at $6.45 (2009: $6.29) per share via the DRP. 
The shortfall in the DRP take-up was not underwritten nor were DRP shares issued at a discount to the market price for dividends paid in 
2010 and 2009.

The DRP will apply to the final 2010 dividend which is not being underwritten and no discount to the market price will apply.

28

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
review of operations
Results highlights:

Total sales to external customers 
Other revenue 
Operating expenses 

operating eBITDa (i) 
Operating Margin 
Depreciation and amortisation 
Finance costs (ii) 
Interest income 

Operating earnings before tax 
Income tax expense 
Effective tax rate 

operating profit after tax 
Basic earnings per share 

net gain/(loss) on undelivered prepaid contracts after tax (iii) 
Acquisition related expenses after tax 
Prior period tax (expense)/credit 
Investment allowance tax benefit 
non-cash swap movements after tax 
Asset sale gains/(losses) after tax 
Minority interest 

2010 
$’000 

2009 
$’000 

Change

$’000 

%

4.6%
(0.6%)
(2.9%)

9.5%
1.2%
(3.9%)
(7.5%)
13.0%

11.5%
(10.8%)
(0.2%)

11.9%
11.2%

267,449 
5,125 
(202,163) 

255,676 
5,157 
(196,560) 

70,411 
26.3% 
(11,215) 
(11,873) 
654 

47,977 
(13,743) 
28.6% 

64,273 
25.1% 
(10,793) 
(11,046) 
579 

43,013 
(12,406) 
28.8% 

11,773 
(32) 
(5,603) 

6,138 

(422) 
(827) 
75 

4,964 
(1,337) 

34,234 
33.7 cents 

30,607 
30.3 cents 

3,627 
3.4 cents 

(7,210) 
(1,284) 
(23) 
443 
593 
707 
(94) 

15,693 
(147) 
171 
530 
1,551 
(182) 
(82) 

(22,903) 
(1,137) 
(194) 
(87) 
(958) 
889 
(12) 

net profit after tax attributable to InvoCare shareholders  
Basic earnings per share 

27,366 
26.9 cents 

48,141 
47.7 cents 

(20,775) 
(20.8 cents) 

(43.2%)
(43.6%)

Dividends
Interim ordinary dividend per share 
Final ordinary dividend per share 
Total ordinary dividend per share 

  13.00 cents 
  15.25 cents 
  28.25 cents 

11.50 cents 
13.75 cents 
25.25 cents 

1.5 cents 
1.5 cents 
3.0 cents 

13.0%
10.9%
11.9%

(i)  Operating EBITDA excludes net gains or losses on undelivered prepaid contracts and acquisition related expenses.

(ii)  Finance costs exclude non-cash fair value movements on financial instruments (e.g. interest rate swaps).

(iii)  The net gain/(loss) on undelivered prepaid contracts explained in Note 1(n): Accounting Policies.

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

29

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report continued

Despite reduced numbers of deaths, particularly in the first half, 
InvoCare has achieved another solid operating performance in the 
year to 31 December 2010 with operating profit after tax up 11.9% 
to $34.2 million, from $30.6 million in 2009. The main drivers of this 
growth were annual price increases, mix benefits from branding, mix 
benefits from the markets where deaths occurred and continued 
effective cost management enabling margin improvements.

The reported profit after tax was lower at $27.4 million (2009: 
$48.1 million) primarily due to the adoption of a change in accounting 
for prepaid contracts and associated funds under management.

The change in accounting policy introduces income statement 
volatility but has not impacted InvoCare’s underlying business 
operations. The change has been made following review by, 
and discussions with, the Australian Securities & Investments 
Commission (“ASIC”). Essentially, prepaid funds under management 
are now recognised as assets on the balance sheet, with fair value 
movements going through profit and loss, and obligations to perform 
prepaid services being recognised as liabilities, with changes to the 
value of those obligations also going through profit and loss. The 
accounting change has been made with effect from the beginning of 
2009 and is more fully explained on note 1(n): Accounting Policies.

On 19 november 2010, InvoCare announced agreement had been 
reached to purchase Bledisloe, new Zealand’s largest provider of 
funeral services and one of the top four operators in several key 
Australian markets. The transaction is subject to approval of the 
Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (“ACCC”), which 
commenced market inquiries on that date. On 19 January 2011, 
the ACCC released a Statement of Issues (“SOI”) following its initial 
market inquiries setting out its preliminary views and inviting further 
public submissions by 4 February 2011. InvoCare responded to 
the SOI and also provided additional information and persuasive 
arguments to assist the ACCC in its inquiries which are continuing. 
The ACCC expects to announce its final decision in March 2011.

Cash flows remained strong, with conversion of EBITDA to cash 
maintained at 98%.

A final fully franked dividend of 15.25 cents per share is payable 
on 8 April 2011. This dividend is 1.5 cents or 10.9% higher than 
the previous year’s final dividend of 13.75 cents per share. Total full 
year dividends are 28.25 cents, being 3.0 cents or 11.9% higher 
than 2009 and equal to the 11.9% growth in operating profit after 
tax. The full year dividend payout ratio of operating profit is 84.4% 
(2009: 83.8%).

The Group’s debt facilities which were due to mature in January 
2011 were refinanced effective September 2010. The new facilities 
are for $255 million, an increase of $75 million from the previous 
$180 million facilities, spread evenly across three major banks 
(AnZ, nAB and CBA).

Significant events after the balance date
Other than discussed above, there have been no significant events 
occurring after balance date which have significantly affected or may 
significantly affect either InvoCare’s operations or the results of those 
operations or InvoCare’s state of affairs in future financial years.

30

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

Future developments and results
InvoCare continues to pursue growth through acquisitions, new 
locations, investing in existing locations, ongoing operational 
improvements and favourable demographic changes. When 
completed, the Bledisloe acquisition will be a significant milestone 
in InvoCare’s growth.

Since 31 December, the number of deaths in InvoCare’s Australian 
funeral markets has remained static compared to the same period 
in 2010, although Singapore funeral volumes have increased. 
Australian funeral prices were increased by approximately 4.5% in 
December 2009 which has mitigated lower volumes. Singapore has 
sustained its average price gains achieved in 2010. Memorial sales 
in cemeteries and crematoria have remained strong.

With the change in accounting for prepaid contracts, fair value 
movements in funds under management will impact InvoCare’s 
reported earnings. Pleasingly, since year end, better investment 
returns have been experienced. For example, InvoCare’s main 
funeral fund with Over Fifty Guardian Friendly Society has grown by 
approximately 2.5%. Investment earnings must exceed the increase 
in the liability for prepaid service obligations, which is incremented 
by selling price increases, to neutralise the impact on InvoCare’s 
reported earnings. As can be seen from the 2010 Financial Reports, 
the price increase was $11.8 million in 2010 and $10.1 million in 
2009. It is anticipated that earnings of at least $12 million will be 
required in 2011 to offset price increases.

Fund investment strategies take a long-term view, because on 
average, prepaid contracts are delivered 12–15 years after initiation. 
Such strategies look at average long-term returns and suitable asset 
allocations to achieve required returns, acknowledging and accepting 
that short-term investment returns may spike up or down over the 
investment horizon. With the change in accounting, InvoCare will be 
reviewing asset allocations in the Guardian fund, over which it has 
some influence, and may seek changes to the allocation of its assets 
with a view to help mitigate earnings volatility while at the same 
time obtaining suitable long-term investment returns on prepaid 
contract funds.

The Group’s performance is significantly dependent upon the 
number of deaths increasing in line with actuarial trend predictions 
in the markets in which InvoCare operates.

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.

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 appropriate 
risk management systems in place at its 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 follow.

Board of Directors

Left to right: 
Richard Fisher; Tina Clifton; Ian Ferrier;  
Andrew Smith; Roger Penman and Benjamin Chow. 

Mr Ian Ferrier AM FCA
Chairman of the Board
Chairman of Nomination Committee
Member of Remuneration Committee
Member of Risk Committee

Ian has held the position of Chairman of InvoCare Limited since 
2001. He is a Fellow of The Institute of Chartered Accountants 
in Australia. Ian has had over 45 years of experience in company 
corporate recovery and turnaround practice. He is also a director of a 
number of private and public companies. Ian is currently Chairman of 
InvoCare Limited, Goodman Limited and Australian Vintage Limited 
and a director of Energy One Limited and Reckon Limited. He has 
significant experience in turnaround management, property and 
development, tourism, manufacturing, retail, hospitality and hotels, 
infrastructure and aviation and service industries.

Other Public Company Directorships held in the last three years
Australian Oil Company Limited (appointed May 2005: retired 
December 2008)
Australian Vintage Limited (appointed November 1991)
Energy One Limited (appointed November 1996)
Goodman Limited (appointed September 2003)
Reckon Limited (appointed August 2004)

Mr andrew Smith BCom MBA CA
Chief Executive Officer

Andrew joined InvoCare in January 2006 as Chief Financial Officer 
and was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in March 2007. On 
1 January 2009, Andrew was promoted to Chief Executive Officer 
and Managing Director. Prior to joining InvoCare, Andrew held the 
position of Chief Financial Officer with Brazin Limited and previously 
OrotonGroup Limited. Andrew was also Financial Controller for 
Sales and Marketing at a major international fast moving consumer 
goods company, an Internal Audit Manager for a global insurance 
company and an Audit Senior at KPMG. Andrew was appointed 
as a director of Over Fifty Guardian Friendly Society Limited on 
24 March 2009. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the 
university of Queensland, a Master of Business Administration 
from the university of new England and is a member of the Institute 
of Chartered Accountants in Australia.

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

31

Directors’ Report continued

Board of Directors continued
Dr Christine (Tina) Clifton MB BS (Hons) BHA
Non-executive Director
Chairman of Risk Committee
Member of Audit Committee
Member of nomination Committee

Tina has been a director of InvoCare Limited since October 2003. 
She is a registered medical practitioner, a Councillor of the university 
of new South Wales and was formerly a director of various public 
and private companies largely in the healthcare sector. 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 obtained a specialist qualification in 
medical administration.

Mr roger Penman BEc FCA FTIA
Non-executive Director
Chairman of Audit Committee
Chairman of Remuneration Committee
Member of nomination Committee

Roger Penman was appointed as a director of InvoCare Limited in 
January 2005 and commenced his roles on the Audit Committee 
and Remuneration Committee in February 2005. Roger is a Senior 
Principal at Crowe Horwath Sydney, joining the firm in 1986. He 
has had over 30 years of tax consulting and general business 
experience. He is also a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered 
Accountants in Australia, a Fellow of the Taxation Institute of Australia 
and a member of the Crowe Horwath International Tax Committee. 
He has wide business experience, including mergers, acquisitions, 
IPOs and advising many businesses at a high level and is also a 
specialist tax advisor on a wide range of transactions, both Australian 
and International. He is also a director of Emergency Architects 
Australia Limited.

Mr Benjamin Chow AO BE
Non-executive Director
Member of Risk Committee
Member of Nomination Committee
Member of Remuneration Committee

Benjamin Chow was appointed as a director of InvoCare Limited 
in February 2007 and became a member of the Risk Committee 
and the nomination Committee at the same time. He joined the 
Remuneration Committee in September 2010. Benjamin has worked 
continuously in the land development industry, both in Australia and 
South East Asia since 1968, having immigrated to Australia in 1962. 
He chaired the Council for Multicultural Australia which assists the 
Australian Government implement its multicultural policies. He is 
currently a member of the Bond university Council, President of 
Sydney university nerve Research Foundation and a director of 
Chain Reaction Foundation Ltd. He is a past President and a current 
Councillor of the Australian Chinese Community Association of nSW, 
a past President of the Chinese Australian Forum of nSW and a 
past President and current Trustee of the Australian Chinese Charity 
Foundation. He has previously served as a Vice-President of the 
Ethnic Communities Council of nSW and a member of the Council 
of the national Museum of Australia.

Other Public Company Directorships held in the last three years
Mindax Limited (appointed October 2009)

32

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

Mr richard Fisher AM MEc LLB
Non-executive Director
Member of Risk Committee
Member of Audit Committee
Member of nomination Committee

Richard Fisher is General Counsel to The university of Sydney and 
is an Adjunct Professor in both its Graduate School of Government 
and Faculty of Law. Richard is the immediate past Chairman of 
Partners at Blake Dawson and specialised in corporate law. He has 
been a director of InvoCare Limited since October 2003. Richard 
is a former part-time Commissioner at the Australian Law Reform 
Commission and was an International Consultant for the Asian 
Development Bank. He is currently a director of Baosteel Mining 
Company (Australia) Pty Ltd and Member of the Library Council of 
nSW. Richard holds a Master of Economics from the university of 
new England and a Bachelor of Laws from the university of Sydney.

Company Secretary
Mr Phillip Friery BBus CA
Phillip Friery was appointed Company Secretary in January 2007 and 
Chief Financial Officer in March 2007. He joined the Group in 1994 
as Accounting Manager initially responsible for financial reporting 
and taxation, and over subsequent years assumed responsibility 
for information systems, treasury, management accounting, internal 
audit and capital management. Prior to joining the consolidated 
entity, Phillip spent approximately 19 years with Coopers & Lybrand 
(before its merger with Price Waterhouse) in external audit, technical 
advisory and financial management consulting roles. Phillip joined the 
board of Over Fifty Guardian Friendly Society Limited on 24 March 
2009. He holds a Bachelor of Business from the new South Wales 
Institute of Technology (now university of Technology Sydney) and 
is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia.

Meetings of directors
Details of the meetings attended by each director during the year 
ended 31 December 2010 are set out in the Corporate Governance 
Statement on page 34.

retirement, election and continuation in office of directors
In accordance with the Constitution of InvoCare Limited, at each 
Annual General Meeting the following directors must retire from 
office:

– 

– 

– 

 one-third (or a number nearest one-third) of the number of 
directors, excluding from the number of directors the Managing 
Director (i.e. the Chief Executive Officer), who is exempt from 
retirement by rotation, and any other director appointed by the 
directors either to fill a casual vacancy or as an addition to the 
existing	directors;

 any other director who has held office for three years or more 
since	last	being	elected;	and

 any other director appointed to fill a casual vacancy or as an 
addition to the existing directors.

Roger Penman and Richard Fisher will retire by rotation as directors 
at the Annual General Meeting and, being eligible, offer themselves 
for re-election.

Corporate governance
The Directors’ Report continues with the Corporate Governance 
Statement.

Corporate Governance 
Statement

InvoCare Limited (the “Company”) and the Board of Directors (the 
“Board”) are committed to achieving and demonstrating the highest 
standards of corporate governance. The Company and its controlled 
entities together are referred to as “InvoCare” or the “Group” in 
this statement.

This statement outlines the main corporate governance practices 
in place throughout the financial year, which comply with the ASX 
Corporate Governance Council’s principles and recommendations as 
issued in August 2007, unless otherwise stated. Andrew Smith, who 
was formerly Chief Operating Officer, was appointed Chief Executive 
Officer on 1 January 2009. As at the date of this report the position 
of Chief Operating Officer is vacant, with the role currently being 
shared among a number of senior executives.

For further information on the corporate governance policies 
adopted by InvoCare Limited, refer to the Company’s website: 
ww w.invocare.com.au

Principle 1 – Lay Solid Foundations for 
Management and Oversight
Functions of the Board and senior executives
The Board of InvoCare Limited is responsible for guiding and 
monitoring the Group on behalf of the shareholders by whom they 
are elected and to whom they are accountable.

The Board seeks to identify the expectations of the shareholders, as 
well as other regulatory and ethical expectations and obligations. In 
addition, the Board is responsible for identifying areas of significant 
business risk and ensuring arrangements are in place to adequately 
manage those risks.

The responsibility for the operation and administration of the Group, 
including day-to-day management of the Group’s affairs and the 
implementation of the corporate strategy and policy initiatives, is 
delegated by the Board to the Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”) 
and senior executives, being the Chief Operating Officer (the “COO”) 
and the Chief Financial Officer (the “CFO”), and other management. 
Delegations are set out in the Group’s delegations policy and are 
reviewed regularly. Delegations, within defined authority limits, 
relate to various operational functions, including areas such as 
expenditure and commitments, employee matters (e.g. recruitment, 
termination, remuneration, discipline, training, development, health 
and safety), pricing, branding, investor and media communications. 
The Board ensures that the senior executives and the management 
team are appropriately qualified and experienced to discharge 
their responsibilities and has in place procedures to assess the 
performance of the CEO and the senior executives.

In deciding which functions and activities the Board reserves to itself, 
it is guided by the overarching principle that the Board is charged with 
strategic responsibility, along with a management oversight function, 
and that the executive management have an implementation function. 
In fulfilling these functions, the directors seek to enhance shareholder 
value and protect the interests of stakeholders.

All Board members have formal letters of appointment which clearly 
articulate the roles, responsibilities, expectations and remuneration 
of directors. 

All employees, including the CEO and senior executives, have 
formal job descriptions. The level of seniority of the role determines 
whether a formally drafted contract of employment or a less complex 

letter of appointment is used to confirm employment. Regardless 
of type, all employment agreements clearly articulate duties and 
responsibilities and also rights and expectations. Standard letters 
of appointment were last reviewed and updated in 2007 and used 
for all appointments since that time.

The Board Charter is available on the Company’s website: 
ww w.invocare.com.au

Senior executive evaluation
After the conclusion of each financial year the CEO evaluates 
and documents the performance of his direct reports, being the 
COO and CFO. The results of this evaluation are reviewed by the 
Remuneration Committee, with specific focus on achievements 
against targeted key performance indicators. Also at this time, key 
performance indicator targets for the ensuing year are established. 
The Remuneration Committee and the Board also review and 
determine the COO and CFO remuneration for the ensuing year.

The Remuneration Committee evaluates the performance of the CEO 
against annual key performance indicators and reports to the Board 
its recommendations on performance appraisal and remuneration.

In addition to a review of monthly financial results, at least quarterly, 
the Board monitors the key performance indicators for the Group, 
which provides the opportunity to more regularly evaluate the 
performance of senior executives outside the annual review process.

When appointed, all new senior executives receive an induction 
appropriate to their experience, which is designed to ensure they can 
quickly and effectively participate in decision making. The programme 
is also designed to ensure that the executive gains a good working 
knowledge of both the industry and the Group covering the financial 
position, strategies and operations. This induction programme also 
focuses on the internal policies and procedures with a particular 
emphasis on the respective roles of the Board and its committees 
and those functions delegated to management.

Principle 2 – Structure the Board to Add Value
Board composition
The Board currently comprises six directors, being five non-executive 
directors (including the Chairman) and one executive director, being 
the CEO. Any director appointed to fill a casual vacancy, except for 
the CEO, must stand for election by shareholders at the next Annual 
General Meeting. In addition, one-third of the non-executive directors, 
and any other director who has held office for three years or more since 
last being elected, must retire from office and, if eligible, may stand for 
re-election. The CEO is exempt from retirement by rotation and is not 
counted in determining the number of directors to retire by rotation.

The majority of the Board must be independent directors, one of 
whom is the Chairman. A director is deemed to be “independent” 
if independent of management and free of any business or other 
relationship that could materially interfere with, or could reasonably 
be perceived to materially interfere with, the exercise of unfettered 
and independent judgement. 

The Board has assessed, using the criteria set out in the ASX 
Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations, the 
independence of non-executive directors in light of their interests 
and relationships and considers them all to be independent. The 
Company will provide immediate notification to the market where 
the independence status of a director changes.

The skills, experience and expertise relevant to the position of each 
director and their term of office are set out starting on page 31 of 
the Directors’ Report.

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

33

Directors’ Report continued

Corporate Governance Statement continued
Meetings of directors
During the year ended 31 December 2010, 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 are as follows:

Board 

Audit 
Committee 

Remuneration 
Committee 

Risk 
Committee 

nomination 
Committee 

Due Diligence 
Committee

Independent
Ian Ferrier 

Christine Clifton 

Roger Penman 

Benjamin Chow 

Richard Fisher 

executive
Andrew Smith 

A 

B 

A 

B 

– 

5 

2 * 

5 

Member 

5 

5 * 

5 

Chair 

5 

– 

5 

13 

13 

13 

12 

13 

Chair 

13 

13 

13 

13 

13 

A 

1 

B 

1 

A 

3 

B 

4 

Member 

Member 

– 

1 

– 

Chair 

– 

1 

– 

Chair 

4 

1 * 

4 

4 

– 

4 

Member 

Member 

– 

– 

4 

4 

1 

Member 

Member 

Member

13 

13 

5 * 

– 

1 * 

– 

4 * 

– 

1 * 

A 

1 

1 

Chair

Member

1 

B 

1 

1 

1 

Member 

1 

Member

1 

1 

– 

A 

– 

– 

5 

– 

– 

4 

Chair

B

–

–

5

–

–

5

A = number of meetings attended.

B = number of meetings held during the time the director held office or was a member of the committee during the year.

* = includes meetings attended as an invited guest of the committee where the director was not a member of the relevant committee.

In September 2010, in order to provide greater oversight, Benjamin 
Chow was appointed as a member of the Remuneration Committee.

The quorum for the Board and Board Committees is two, both of 
whom must be independent directors. Board Committees consist 
entirely of independent non-executive directors. The CEO may attend 
all Board Committee meetings by invitation. The COO and CFO 
attend Board and Committee meetings by invitation.

During 2010 a special purpose due diligence committee, consisting 
of one non-executive and one executive director was formed to 
consider the acquisition of the Bledisloe Group. Given the nature of 
the responsibilities of this committee the Board waived the normal 
quorum requirements.

nomination committee
The nomination Committee critically reviews on an annual basis the 
corporate governance procedures of the Group and the composition 
and effectiveness of the Board.

The Committee currently consists of the five independent 
non-executive directors of the Board whose skills and experience 
cover finance and accounting, taxation, law, medicine and health 
administration, property development and community service with 
an emphasis on multiculturalism. The Committee is chaired by Ian 
Ferrier. The Committee believes that the Board has a healthy mix of 
skills to ensure the ongoing development and growth of the Group.

In addition to its role in proposing candidates for director 
appointment for consideration by the Board, the nomination 
Committee reviews and advises the Board in relation to Chief 
Executive Officer and Board succession planning and advises 
on Board and Committees’ performance.

InvoCare utilises the professional advice of external consultants 
to find the best person for the position of Director of the company. 
These advisors would seek applicants according to the Board’s 
skills requirements. The Board also acknowledges the benefits of a 
diverse Board and would require the advisors to present candidates 
with equal numbers of suitably qualified men and women and with 
some diversity in cultural background and age. The Board would 
then select the most suitable candidate(s) for the consideration of the 
shareholders. The Board is looking to achieve an appropriate mix of 
skills and diversity among Directors. 

The Committee Charter is available on the Company’s website: 
ww w.invocare.com.au

Directors’ performance evaluation
The Board, through its nomination Committee, undertakes an 
annual performance review of the full Board, its Committees and 
of the Chairman. The Chairman performs individual appraisals of 
each director.

The evaluation process involves an assessment of Board and 
Committee performance by each director completing a confidential 
questionnaire. The questionnaire covers such matters as the 
role of the Board, the composition and structure of the Board 
and Committees, operation of the Board, Group behaviours and 
protocols and performance of the Board and Committees, and 
invites comments from each director.

The results of the questionnaire are aggregated and discussed by the 
Board as a basis for collegiate consideration of Board performance 
and opportunities for enhancement.

The individual appraisals between each director and the Chairman 
provide an opportunity for consideration of individual contributions, 
development plans and issues specific to the director.

Performance evaluation reviews were undertaken during 2010.

34

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ access to independent professional advice and 
Company information
To assist in the effective discharge of their duties, directors may, in 
consultation with the Chairman, seek independent legal or financial 
advice on their duties and responsibilities at the expense of the 
Company and, in due course, make all Board members aware of 
both instructions to advisers and the advice obtained. 

All directors have the right of access to all relevant Company 
information and to seek information from the Company Secretary 
and other senior executives. They also have a right to other 
records of the Company subject to these not being sought for 
personal purposes. 

InvoCare recognises that its clients may be vulnerable due to 
a recent bereavement and it requires all employees to be aware 
of their ethical and legal responsibilities. Accordingly, InvoCare 
requires all employees to behave according to this code, to 
maintain its reputation as a good corporate citizen. Such behaviours 
extend to areas such as confidentiality, Privacy Act obligations, 
communications with the media, occupational health and safety 
and drugs and alcohol.

This code is provided to all directors and employees as part of their 
induction process and compliance is reviewed on a regular basis. It 
is subject to ongoing review and assessment to ensure it continues 
to be relevant to contemporary conditions.

All directors and former directors are entitled to inspect and copy 
the books of the Company for the purposes of legal proceedings, 
including situations where the director is a party to proceedings, 
where the director proposes in good faith to bring proceedings and 
where a director has reason to believe proceedings will be brought 
against him or her. In the case of former directors, this right of access 
continues for a period of seven years after the person ceases to be 
a director. 

Prior to each Board meeting, the Board is provided with 
management reports and information in a form, timeframe and 
quality that enables them to discharge their duties. If it considers this 
information to be insufficient to support informed decision making, 
then they are entitled to request additional information prior to, or at, 
Board meetings. 

Directors’ induction 
When appointed to the Board, all new directors receive an induction 
appropriate to their experience, which is designed to quickly allow 
them to participate fully and productively in Board decision making. 

The induction programme covers the Group’s structure and goals, 
financial, strategic, operational and risk management positions, 
the rights and duties of a director and the role and operation of the 
Board Committees. The nomination Committee is responsible for 
reviewing the effectiveness of the director induction programme. 
new directors are given an orientation regarding the business 
including corporate governance policies, all other corporate policies 
and procedures, committee structures and responsibilities and 
reporting procedures.

Directors’ continuing education 
Directors are expected to undertake continuing education both 
as regards the normal discharge of their formal director duties, as 
well as ongoing developments within the Group and its operating 
environment. Directors typically attend courses and seminars 
relevant to the effective discharge of their duties. 

Principle 3 – Promote Ethical and Responsible 
Decision Making
Code of Conduct
The Board, in recognition of the importance of ethical and 
responsible decision making, has adopted a Code of Conduct for 
all employees and directors which outlines the standards of ethical 
behaviour which is essential to maintain the trust of all stakeholders 
and the wider community. This code also mandates the avoidance of 
conflicts of interest and requires high standards of personal integrity, 
objectivity and honesty in the dealings of all directors, executives and 
staff, providing detailed guidelines to ensure the highest standards 
are maintained.

The code is available on the Company’s website: 
ww w.invocare.com.au

Share trading policy
The Company’s share trading policy is designed to minimise the risk 
that InvoCare, its directors and its employees will breach the insider 
trading provisions of the Corporations Act or compromise confidence 
in InvoCare’s practices in relation to securities trading. The policy 
prohibits directors and employees from trading in InvoCare securities 
when they are in possession of information not generally available to 
the investment community, and otherwise confines the opportunity 
for directors and employees to trade in InvoCare securities to certain 
limited periods.

This policy applies to all senior staff particularly those, such as 
finance team members, who have access to information which is not 
generally available. In addition, it applies to all the associates of these 
individuals. The policy prohibits trading in the Company’s shares 
except within narrow and specific windows when the Group believes 
the market is fully informed. There are limited procedural exceptions 
to the policy and in certain circumstances the Chairman has the 
ability to approve trading outside the policy prescriptions. 

The share trading policy is available on the Company’s website: 
ww w.invocare.com.au

Principle 4 – Safeguard Integrity in Financial 
Reporting
audit Committee
The Audit Committee provides assistance to the Board in fulfilling 
its corporate governance, risk management and oversight 
responsibilities in relation to the Group’s financial reporting, internal 
control structure, information management systems, interest rate and 
foreign currency risks and the internal and external audit functions.

It is the responsibility of the Committee to maintain free and open 
communication between the Committee, the external auditor, the 
internal auditor and management of the Group. Both the internal 
and external auditors have a direct line of communication to the 
Chairman of the Audit Committee.

The Audit Committee comprises three independent non-executive 
directors and is currently chaired by Roger Penman. Mr Penman 
is an FCA and brings a wealth of financial and taxation experience 
to the Committee. Other members are Christine Clifton and 
Richard Fisher.

The external auditor met with the Audit Committee and the Board of 
Directors twice during the year without management being present.

The Committee Charter is available on the Company’s website: 
ww w.invocare.com.au

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

35

Directors’ Report continued

Corporate Governance Statement continued
Principle 5 – Make Timely and Balanced Disclosure
The Company has appropriate mechanisms in place to ensure all 
investors are provided with material, timely, complete and accurate 
information affecting the Group’s financial position, performance, 
ownership and governance.

The Chairman, CEO, CFO or Company Secretary are responsible, 
as appropriate, for communication with shareholders and Australian 
Securities Exchange (“ASX”). This includes responsibility for ensuring 
compliance with the continuous disclosure requirements in the ASX 
listing rules and overseeing and co-ordinating information disclosure 
to the ASX, analysts, brokers, shareholders, the media and the 
public. Continuous disclosure obligations are well understood and 
upheld by the Board and senior executives. Formal and informal 
discussion and consideration of these obligations occur as and 
when the need arises.

The Group’s shareholder communication strategy is designed to 
ensure that all relevant information, especially market sensitive 
information, is made available to all shareholders and other 
stakeholders as soon as possible. InvoCare’s website is structured 
to ensure information is easily located and logically grouped. Those 
shareholders who have made the appropriate election receive email 
notification of all announcements.

The Continuous Disclosure Policy and Shareholder Communication 
Strategy are available on the Company’s website: 
ww w.invocare.com.au

Principle 6 – Respect the Rights of Shareholders
The Board of Directors aims to ensure that the shareholders are 
informed of all major developments affecting the Group’s state 
of affairs.

The Company uses its website to complement the official release of 
material information to the market. Shareholders may elect to receive 
email alerts when Company announcements are made. notice of 
Annual General Meeting, half year and annual results announcements 
and financial reports, investor presentations, press releases and 
other ASX announcements can be found on the Company’s website: 
ww w.invocare.com.au

The Board encourages full participation of shareholders at the Annual 
General Meeting. The Company’s external auditor attends the Annual 
General Meeting and is available to answer shareholder questions 
about the conduct of the audit and the preparation and content 
of the auditor’s report. The Chairman of the meeting encourages 
shareholders to ask reasonable questions of the auditor regarding 
the audit and auditor’s report. Questions for the auditor can be 
submitted prior to the Annual General Meeting by contacting the 
Company’s registered office.

The next Annual General Meeting is scheduled to be held at 11.00am 
on Friday, 20 May 2011 at the offices of PricewaterhouseCoopers, 
201 Sussex Street, Sydney.

Shareholders are also able to direct any questions relating to 
the Company’s securities to the share registry, Link Market 
Services Limited.

The Shareholder Communication Strategy is available on the 
Company’s website: ww w.invocare.com.au

Principle 7 – Recognise and Manage Risk
The Board, through the Risk Committee and Audit Committee, 
reviews and oversees the Group’s risk management systems. 

risk Committee
The Risk Committee determines the Group’s risk profile and 
is responsible for overseeing and approving risk management 
strategy and policies, internal compliance and internal control. The 
Risk Committee does not have responsibility for strategic (Board 
responsibility) or financial (including information technology) risk 
management, which is the focus of InvoCare’s Audit Committee.

The Company’s approach to managing risk draws from the 
International Standard ISO 31000 and the Committee of Sponsoring 
Organisations of the Treadway Commission’s integrated framework 
for Enterprise Risk Management.

Each senior executive, with input and assistance from their direct 
reports, identifies key risks for their areas of responsibility and 
function which are in turn aggregated into an overall corporate risk 
register. Detailed work on this task is delegated to the Group Internal 
Audit Manager. Each risk is assessed and assigned an inherent risk 
rating. The risk register is continuously reviewed and maintained as 
new identified risks or incidents occur, or mitigating controls change.

Extracts of the risk register are provided to the Risk Committee 
at each of its meetings, together with specific commentary or 
information on significant changes to the risks or the ratings. Specific 
major risks or incidents are reported as and when they occur with 
the CEO and COO responsible for escalating these to the Risk 
Committee and Board, where necessary, if the event occurs outside 
the regular cycle of Committee meetings. The Committee is informed 
of the effectiveness of actions to mitigate the impact of risk events. 
In addition, the Committee considers developments or improvements 
in risk management and controls, including the adequacy of 
insurance programmes.

The Group has identified risks and identified KPIs which the Group 
believes to be relevant in the industry in which the company operates.

Separate records and registers are maintained for other more 
common or recurring risks; for example, arising from customer 
complaints and occupational health and safety issues. These are 
managed and reported to the Committee by relevant in-house 
specialists, including the Group Internal Audit Manager and General 
Manager of Human Resources. In this context, the Committee 
monitors complaints handling and also has a strong focus on 
ensuring suitable work practices and employee learning and 
development programmes are developed and delivered.

The Group has established a Greenhouse Emissions Plan for Board 
review which includes risks and opportunities associated with climate 
change and identifies emission reduction targets. The Group has 
taken steps to reduce or minimise carbon emissions; for example, by 
progressively replacing its older less fuel efficient cremators. Based 
on measures of carbon emissions in 2008, as a base year, InvoCare 
is well below the threshold reporting levels under the National 
Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007 which was effective 
from 1 July 2008.

The Risk Committee comprises four independent non-executive 
directors and is currently chaired by Christine Clifton. The other 
members are Ian Ferrier, Richard Fisher and Benjamin Chow.

The Risk Committee Charter is available on the Company’s website: 
ww w.invocare.com.au

36

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

Internal control
The Group maintains a register of delegated authorities which 
are designed to ensure that all transactions are approved at the 
appropriate level of management and by individuals who have 
no conflicts of interest in relation to the transaction.

An internal audit function is established and conducts a series 
of risk-based and routine reviews in accordance with four-year 
strategic, and more detailed annual, internal audit plans. These plans 
are based on the existing risk environment and the level of inherent 
risk, i.e. the level of risk before the application of controls, in order 
to effectively identify and prioritise internal audit projects. Within the 
four-year period all key business systems and processes are regularly 
reviewed, either using in-house or outsourced resources, to ensure 
that adequate levels of checks and balances exist to safeguard the 
assets of the Company and ensure that all transactions are correctly 
and promptly recorded.

Internal audit has developed a self-assessment questionnaire 
which is distributed to operational management. This questionnaire 
serves to build higher awareness and understanding of business 
risks and how to manage and control them. In addition, internal 
audit reviews all systems improvements and enhancements prior to 
live implementation to ensure an adequate level of internal control 
and accountability are maintained. Exception reports have been 
developed that assist in continuous monitoring of major processes.

An informal process exists by which employees of InvoCare may, in 
confidence, raise concerns about possible improprieties in financial 
reporting or other matters. Internal audit would usually be involved 
in independent investigations of such matters and follow-up actions.

The Remuneration Committee comprises two independent 
non-executive directors, Ian Ferrier and Roger Penman. From 
21 December 2009 Roger Penman became chair of this committee 
which had previously been chaired by Ian Ferrier.

The Remuneration Committee Charter is available on the Company’s 
website: ww w.invocare.com.au

remuneration structure
Remuneration for senior executives typically comprises a package 
of fixed and performance-based components. The Committee may, 
from time to time, seek advice from special remuneration consulting 
groups so as to ensure that the Board remains informed of market 
trends and practices.

non-executive directors are remunerated by way of directors’ fees, 
which may be sacrificed by payment into superannuation plans or 
by allocation of ordinary shares. They do not participate in schemes 
designed for the remuneration of executives, and do not receive 
retirement benefits, bonus payments or incentive shares.

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, access by invitation to the Deferred Employee Share Plan 
and fringe benefits.

The Remuneration Report is set out on pages 37 to 47.

The Directors’ Report continues with the Remuneration Report.

The Group Internal Audit Manager meets privately with the Chair 
of the Risk and Audit Committees without management present 
on a regular basis.

Remuneration Report

The Remuneration Report summarises the key compensation 
policies for the year ended 31 December 2010, highlights the link 
between remuneration and corporate performance and provides 
detailed information on the compensation for directors and other 
key management personnel.

The Remuneration Report is set out under the following main 
headings:

A.   Principles used to Determine the nature and Amount 

of Remuneration

B.  Details of Remuneration
C.  Service Agreements
D.  Share-based Compensation
E.  Additional Information.

The information provided in this Remuneration Report has been 
audited as required by section 308(3C) of the Corporations Act 2001.

assurance
Prior to finalising the release of half-year and full-year results and 
reports, the Board receives assurance from the CEO and CFO 
in accordance with s295A of the Corporations Act 2001 and 
Recommendation 7.3 of the ASX Corporate Governance Principles 
and Recommendations. These assurances also provide the Board 
with information in relation to internal control and other areas of 
risk management. These officers receive similar assurance from 
the key financial and operational staff reporting to them in relation 
to these matters.

Principle 8 – Remunerate Fairly and Responsibly
remuneration Committee
InvoCare’s remuneration policy ensures that remuneration packages 
properly reflect the person’s duties and responsibilities, and that 
remuneration is competitive in attracting, retaining and motivating 
people of the highest calibre.

The Remuneration Committee reviews and makes recommendations 
to the Board on senior executive remuneration and appointment and 
on overall staff remuneration and compensation policies.

When making recommendations, the Committee aims to design 
policies that attract and retain the executives needed to run InvoCare 
successfully and to motivate executives to pursue appropriate 
growth strategies while marrying performance with remuneration. 

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

37

Directors’ Report continued

Remuneration Report continued
A. Principles Used to Determine the Nature and 
Amount of Remuneration
non-executive directors
Policy
The Board’s primary focus is on the long-term strategic direction 
and overall performance of the Group. Accordingly, non-executive 
director remuneration is not linked to short-term results. Fees paid 
to non-executive directors are determined with the assistance of 
independent external advisers.

The remuneration policy is designed to:

− 

− 

− 

 attract and retain competent and suitably qualified non-executive 
directors;
 motivate non-executive directors to achieve InvoCare’s long-term 
strategic objectives; and
 align the interests of non-executive directors with the long-term 
interests of shareholders.

Fee pool and other fees
non-executive directors’ base fees for services as directors are 
determined within an aggregate directors’ fee pool limit, which is 
periodically approved by shareholders. At the date of this report, the 
pool limit is $650,000, being the amount approved by shareholders 
at the Annual General Meeting held on 21 May 2010.

This remuneration is to be divided among the non-executive 
directors in such proportion as the Board determines. During the 
2010 financial year, annual fees for non-executive directors were 
$160,700 for the Chairman of the Board and $93,700 for each of the 
other four non-executive directors. For the 2011 financial year, based 
upon an external review of non-executive director compensation 
which was commissioned by the Board Remuneration Committee, 
the fees are $180,000 for the Chairman and $100,000 for each of 
the other four non-executive directors.

The base fees exclude any remuneration determined by the directors 
where a director performs additional or special duties for the Company. 
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. no fees 
for additional or special duties were paid to non-executive directors 
during the years ended 31 December 2010 and 31 December 2009.

Directors are entitled to be reimbursed for all reasonable costs 
and expenses incurred by them in the performance of their duties 
as directors.

Equity participation
non-executive directors may receive options as part of their 
remuneration, subject only to shareholder approval. no options 
are held by any non-executive director at the date of this report.

non-executive directors may participate in the Company’s Deferred 
Employee Share Plan on a fee sacrifice basis. no shares have been 
issued or allocated to non-executive directors under the Deferred 
Employee Share Plan.

During 2009, the Board resolved that with effect from 1 January 
2009, non-executive directors of InvoCare Limited be required 
to acquire a minimum equity interest in the Company equivalent 
in value to 50% of their annual director’s fee applying at the 
time of their appointment as a director of the Company and that 
directors be allowed up to three years to accumulate the required 
shareholding. At the date of this report all non-executive directors 
have equity interests in the Company higher than required. 

38

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

Retiring allowances
no retiring allowances are paid to non-executive directors.

Superannuation
Where relevant, fees paid to non-executive directors are inclusive of 
any superannuation guarantee charge and, at the discretion of each 
non-executive director, may be paid into superannuation funds.

executive directors and management
Policy
The guiding principle underlying InvoCare’s executive remuneration 
philosophy is to ensure rewards are fair and reasonable, having 
regard to both internal and external relativities, and appropriately 
balanced between fixed and variable components and that all 
variable components are commensurate with performance and 
results delivered.

InvoCare’s remuneration policy is that:

− 

− 

− 

− 

 for each role, the balance between fixed and variable 
components should reflect market conditions;
 individual objectives should reflect the need for sustainable 
outcomes;
 all variable pay should be tightly linked to measurable personal 
and business group performance; and
 total compensation should be market competitive.

Following Andrew Smith’s elevation to the role of Chief Executive 
Officer the position of Chief Operating Officer has remained vacant, 
with the role currently being shared among a number of senior 
executives. Despite this current situation, the executive directors and 
management remuneration principles and processes outlined in this 
report were applied during the financial year and are expected to 
generally apply in 2011.

Approval
The Board Remuneration Committee makes recommendations to 
the Board of Directors in relation to the remuneration of the Chief 
Executive Officer (CEO).

The CEO recommends the remuneration of all other key 
management personnel, who are the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) 
and Chief Operating Officer (COO), and other executives within 
a defined budget. The Remuneration Committee reviews the 
recommendation which is approved by the Board of Directors.

The key management personnel determine the remuneration of other 
senior management, within a defined budget approved by the Board 
of Directors.

Remuneration structure 
InvoCare’s compensation structure aims to provide a balance of 
fixed and variable remuneration components. Variable components 
are tied to the performance of the Group and the individual and are 
entirely at risk.

The compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and other key 
management personnel and other staff members is comprised 
of payments and/or allocations under the following categories:

− 

− 

− 

− 

 short-term employee benefits which include cash salary 
(fixed), short-term cash bonuses (variable), annual leave (fixed), 
non-monetary benefits (fixed) and other incidental benefits (fixed);
 post-employment benefits comprising superannuation 
contributions (fixed);
 long-term employee benefits including incentives (variable) and 
long service leave (fixed); and
 termination benefits as defined in individual employment 
contracts and as required by law (fixed).

The breakdown of components of remuneration are in the following bands:

Category 

Measure 

% of Total Annual Remuneration

Fixed Annual  
Remuneration 

Short-term 
Incentives 

Long-term 
Incentives

Executive Key Management Personnel 

Other Executive Management 

Range 
Average 

Range 
Average 

56%–57% 
57% 

40%–75% 
62% 

24%–24% 
24% 

13%–46% 
22% 

19%–19%
19%

12%–19%
16%

The range of short-term incentive components in the other executive category reflects the degree to which the executive in question can 
directly influence and contribute to revenue and revenue growth. Those with the most ability to directly affect revenue have the highest levels 
of short-term incentive payments.

Short-term employee benefits
Short-term employee benefits comprise:
Cash salary – executives are offered a market competitive base cash salary. The cash salary is reviewed on a regular basis against market 
data for comparable positions provided by independent remuneration consultants and selected survey data. Adjustments to base salary 
are made based on increases in role scope or responsibility, pay position relative to market and relative performance in the role.

Short-term bonuses – short-term incentives (STI) are awarded for achievement of pre-determined financial and non-financial objectives. 
For key management personnel, the target criteria and possible bonus levels are defined each year by the Remuneration Committee. For 
other executives, the key management personnel determine the objectives and reward levels, subject to ratification by the Remuneration 
Committee, within the constraints of a Board approved budget.

Each executive has a target STI opportunity depending on the accountabilities of the role and impact on Group performance. The target 
criteria for key management personnel are more heavily weighted to overall Group financial performance. Bonuses are payable in the first 
quarter of each year after the completion of the audit of the results for the previous year ended 31 December.

In summary, the factors used to determine short-term bonuses include:

Category 

Pre-determined Financial and non-financial Objectives

Executive Key Management Personnel 

Other Executive Management 

–   Group EBITDA growth on comparable businesses
–   Absolute market share growth in comparable businesses
–   Achievement of five year plan key performance indicators

–   Case average pricing versus budget
–  EBITDA versus budget
–   Case volume versus budget
–   Sold pre-need contracts as a % of at-need volume
–   Market share growth
–   Contract volume
–   Contract payment rates

Other levels of staff also received short-term objective based compensation based on the measurable and pre-determined targets. In addition 
to complementing the targets applying to senior staff, these objectives include items such as the management of labour cost ratios, client 
survey results and debtors’ days outstanding.

Non-monetary benefits – include provision of fully maintained cars and car parking spaces.

Other incidental benefits:
–  payment of death and total and permanent disablement and salary continuance insurance premiums for senior executive staff; and
–  nominal discounts for funerals of immediate family members.

Post employment benefits
InvoCare provides retirement and superannuation benefits for its employees, including senior executives, through the InvoCare Australia 
Pty Limited Superannuation Fund or a complying superannuation plan at the choice of the employee. The InvoCare Australia Pty Limited 
Superannuation Fund provides accumulation benefits based on employer and employee contributions and plan earnings.

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

39

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report continued

Remuneration Report continued
Long-term employee benefits
InvoCare’s long-term incentive policy aims to create a balance between corporate performance and retention of key executives.

During 2007, a share-based compensation scheme, the InvoCare Deferred Employee Share Plan, was introduced under which the Board 
may offer selected senior executives and other managers incentive shares (“LTI shares”) for no consideration, but subject to performance 
and/or continuous service conditions. If employment is terminated, for any reason, prior to the vesting date, or if the performance and service 
conditions are not met, any unvested LTI shares will be forfeited.

For the offers made in 2007 and later years, the LTI shares will vest in three equal tranches in February of each of the second, third and 
fourth subsequent years. The LTI shares are held in trust until vesting and the employees will be entitled to any dividends paid in respect 
of unforfeited shares. upon vesting, the employee has the discretion to leave the shares in the plan, withdraw or sell any number of them.

Performance conditions apply to senior managers who have an important strategic role impacting InvoCare’s financial performance and relate 
to compound normalised earnings per share growth. normalised means adjusted to remove the impacts of any gains or losses arising from 
the sale, disposal or impairment of non-current assets. LTI shares granted in 2007 and 2008 will vest in accordance with the following table:

normalised earnings per share (“EPS”) compound  
growth per annum from 1 January in the year of offer 

Proportion of each one third tranche of LTI shares that will vest

12% or more 
11% or more but less than 12% 
10% or more but less than 11% 
9% or more but less than 10% 
8% or more but less than 9% 
Less than 8% 

100%
80% plus 2% for each 0.1% growth in EPS over 11%
65% plus 1.5% for each 0.1% growth in EPS over 10%
55% plus 1% for each 0.1% growth in EPS over 9%
50% plus 0.5% for each 0.1% growth in EPS over 8%
nil

LTI shares granted in 2009 and 2010 will vest in three equal tranches in February of each of the second, third and fourth subsequent years 
subject to the achievement of the normalised compound EPS growth targets set out below:

normalised earnings per share (“EPS”) compound  
growth per annum from 1 January in the year of offer 

Proportion of each one third tranche of LTI shares that will vest

10% or more 
9% or more but less than 10% 
8% or more but less than 9% 
7% or more but less than 8% 
Less than 7% 

100%
77% plus 2.3% for each 0.1% growth in EPS over 9%
53% plus 2.4% for each 0.1% growth in EPS over 8%
30% plus 2.3% for each 0.1% growth in EPS over 7%
nil

The performance conditions for LTI shares were selected following independent advice and analysis of:

–  broker analysis and forecasts for InvoCare;
–  historic and forecast EPS growth in the ASX/S&P200; and
– 

InvoCare’s own earnings forecasts.

If the EPS performance conditions are not met at the vesting date, the LTI shares remain available until February in the fifth year after grant 
and may vest based on the compound growth from the date of grant to 31 December of the previous year.

To receive 100% of the LTI shares, the senior executive or manager must remain employed for four years after grant date, and if subject 
to performance conditions, InvoCare’s compound EPS growth must equal or exceed the maximum target growth percentage.

Future offers of LTI shares may be made at the discretion of the Board and the service and performance conditions for any future offers 
may vary from previous LTI share offers.

Further details of LTI shares are set out on page 43 under “Share-based Compensation – Shares”.

All employees are entitled to statutory long service leave.

Termination benefits
Termination benefits are provided in the respective individual contracts of employment. Details for key management personnel are set out 
on page 43 under “Service Agreements”.

40

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

B. Details of Remuneration
Details of the remuneration of the directors, the key management personnel of the Group and specified executives are set out in the following tables.

Remuneration details are as follows:

2010 

Short-term 
employee benefits 

Post  
employment 
benefits 

Share-based  
payments

Cash salary  
or fee 
$ 

Short-term  non-monetary 
benefits 
cash bonus 
$ 
$ 

Super- 
annuation 
$ 

Termination 
benefits 
$ 

Shares 
$ 

Total 
$

non-executive directors
Ian Ferrier 
Christine Clifton 
Roger Penman 
Benjamin Chow 
Richard Fisher 

executive director
Andrew Smith 

147,431 
85,963 
93,700 
85,963 
85,963 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

13,269 
7,737 
– 
7,737 
7,737 

501,110 

171,437 

31,752 

21,400 

other key management personnel
Phillip Friery 

321,213 

114,876 

Totals for each component 

1,321,343 

286,313 

Totals by category 

1,652,036 

other executives in the category of the five highest paid  
executives but who are not key management personnel
Greg Bisset 
Armen Mikaelian 3 
Wee Leng Goh 1 
John Fowler 2 

220,505 
369,715 
167,311 
226,927 

78,860 
97,279 
38,319 
27,500 

12,628 

44,380 

12,852 
19,648 
15,628 
40,221 

28,909 

86,789 

86,789 

19,845 
47,104 
20,742 
20,505 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

160,700
93,700
93,700
93,700
93,700

237,247 

962,946

106,310 

583,936

343,557 

2,082,382

343,557 

2,082,382

71,846 
74,000 
13,209 
55,233 

403,908
607,746
255,208
370,386

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

41

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report continued

Remuneration Report continued
B. Details of Remuneration continued

2009 

Short-term 
employee benefits 

Post  
employment 
benefits 

Share-based 
payments

Cash salary  
or fee 
$ 

Short-term  non-monetary 
benefits 
cash bonus 
$ 
$ 

Super- 
annuation 
$ 

Termination 
benefits 
$ 

Shares 
$ 

Total 
$

non-executive directors
Ian Ferrier 
Christine Clifton 
Roger Penman 
Benjamin Chow 
Richard Fisher 

executive director
Andrew Smith 

143,120 
83,487 
91,000 
83,487 
83,487 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

12,880 
7,513 
– 
7,513 
7,513 

467,818 

224,185 

29,016 

32,193 

other key management personnel
Phillip Friery 

310,505 

168,609 

Totals for each component 

1,262,904 

392,794 

Totals by category 

1,700,471 

other executives in the category of the five highest paid  
executives but who are not key management personnel
Greg Bisset 
Armen Mikaelian 
Wee Leng Goh 1 
John Fowler 2 

194,421 
173,269 
202,236 
215,261 

88,080 
254,087 
42,870 
59,675 

15,757 

44,773 

6,407 
47,834 
14,248 
45,281 

27,945 

95,557 

95,557 

17,498 
45,376 
9,306 
19,373 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

156,000
91,000
91,000
91,000
91,000

154,272 

907,484

88,912 

611,728

243,184 

2,039,212

243,184 

2,039,212

52,935 
66,684 
– 
48,058 

359,341
587,250
268,660
387,648

1.  Wee Leng Goh, Chief Executive Officer of Singapore Casket Company, received total remuneration of $S327,280 (2009: $S298,456) which has been 

converted to Australian dollars at the average exchange rate for the year of 0.780 (2009: 0.899).

Includes payments for annual leave extinguished rather than taken of $26,923 (2009: $21,922).

Includes payments for annual leave extinguished rather than taken of $74,157 (2009: Nil).

2. 

3. 

42

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Remuneration and other terms of employment for each of the 
other key management personnel and other senior managers are 
formalised in service agreements or letters of appointment as varied 
from time to time, including through annual review of the base salary, 
short and long-term incentives. Each contract is for an indefinite 
term. up to six months’ notice or payment in lieu of notice is 
generally required in the event of resignation. Termination benefits are 
limited to statutory leave entitlements, unless determined otherwise 
by the Remuneration Committee. During 2009 and 2010 the other 
key management personnel and certain other senior managers 
participated in the InvoCare Deferred Employee Share Plan. Details 
of this plan are set out in Section D – Share-based Compensation.

D. Share-based Compensation
Shares
under service agreements, Andrew Smith receives a long-term 
incentive bonus remuneration in the form of ordinary shares in 
InvoCare Limited. The maximum annual bonus is up to 35% of his 
combined base salary and superannuation and is linked to the profit 
performance of InvoCare. Shares to the value of the bonus will be 
purchased on behalf of the employee and one-third will vest on the 
subsequent second, third and fourth anniversaries of their purchase. 
The employee will be entitled to any dividends paid in respect of 
the shares. Any unvested shares granted before appointment as 
Chief Executive Officer on 1 January 2009 will be forfeited upon 
termination of employment for any reason. unvested LTI shares 
granted after 1 January 2009 will be forfeited if Mr Smith terminates 
his employment or if the Company terminates his employment for 
reasons including serious misconduct, otherwise unvested shares 
will automatically vest upon termination. Mr Smith’s long-term 
incentive bonus is determined by the Remuneration Committee.

Key management personnel and other executives in the category 
of the five highest paid executives but who are not other key 
management personnel received shares under the terms of the 
InvoCare Deferred Employee Share Plan. The shares were purchased 
on market and granted for no consideration.

The key management personnel of the Group are the non-executive 
directors of InvoCare Limited (see pages 31 to 32), the CEO and 
the CFO.

Other executives who are also included in the category of the 
five highest paid executives but who are not considered key 
management personnel are:

− 

− 

− 

− 

 Greg Bisset – national Funerals General Manager, Funeral 
Division; 
 Armen Mikaelian – national General Manager Cemeteries and 
Crematoria Division; 
 Wee Leng Goh – Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Casket 
Company; and
 John Fowler – General Manager Victoria, Funeral Division.

Greg Bisset joined the Group in January 2008, after holding general 
management and other senior retail positions in South Africa, the 
Middle East and Australia. On 1 March 2009, Greg was promoted 
to national Funerals General Manager.

Armen Mikaelian was promoted to General Manager, Cemeteries 
and Crematoria on 1 January 2005, having been with InvoCare since 
1990 in various capacities.

Wee Leng Goh joined the Group in January 2008, after holding senior 
management positions in insurance and direct marketing industries.

John Fowler has held general management positions with InvoCare 
since May 1995, having been employed in the industry for over 
35 years and by InvoCare since 1994 when it acquired the Le Pine 
funeral businesses in Victoria.

All key management personnel (other than non-executive directors), 
other Australian executives and staff are employed by InvoCare 
Australia Pty Limited, a wholly-owned controlled entity of InvoCare 
Limited. Singapore executives and staff are employed by Singapore 
Casket Company (Private) Limited, whose ultimate parent entity is 
InvoCare Limited.

C. Service Agreements
On appointment to the Board, all non-executive directors receive 
a letter of appointment which summarises the Board policies and 
terms, including compensation, relevant to the office of director.

Remuneration and other terms of employment from 1 January 2009 
for the Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Smith, were formalised in a 
service agreement executed on 17 December 2008. The agreements 
provide for provision of salary, short-term performance related cash 
bonuses, long-term performance related share-based bonuses, 
superannuation and other benefits. The current term of employment 
is for three years and four months commencing on 1 January 
2009 with a starting base salary of $458,716, short-term incentive 
bonus up to 45% of base salary and superannuation ($225,000 
in the first year) and LTI shares of up to 35% of base salary and 
superannuation ($175,000 in the first year). The Remuneration 
Committee and Board may provide additional performance 
incentives. The LTI shares are subject to the same performance 
conditions as set out in Section A for senior InvoCare management. 
Except in the case of misconduct, termination may generally be 
effected, by either party, with either six months’ notice or by payment 
of six months’ remuneration. Details of the share-based remuneration 
are set out in Section D – Share-based Compensation.

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

43

Directors’ Report continued

Remuneration Report continued
D. Share-based Compensation continued
Details of the grants follow:

executive director
Andrew Smith 1, 2 

other key management personnel
Phillip Friery 

other executives in the category of the five highest paid  
executives but who are not other key management personnel
Greg Bisset 
Armen Mikaelian 
John Fowler 

Grant value 
$ 

Expensed 
$

2010 

2009 

2010 

2009

318,326 

275,000 

237,247 

154,272

122,540 

100,000 

106,310 

88,912

84,121 
75,000 
59,000 

81,100 
75,000 
55,000 

71,846 
74,000 
55,233 

52,935
66,684
48,058

1.  Mr Smith’s 2009 grant comprises $175,000 under the terms of his service agreement and a discretionary $100,000 approved by the Remuneration 

Committee and Board in 2009.

2.  Under the terms of Mr Smith’s service agreement the LTI share offer performance hurdle for 2008 was not achieved in 2008. The cumulative 

performance hurdle of compound annual profit growth of 7.5% or more was achieved at the end of 2009. In accordance with the relevant service 
agreement, shares valued at $135,450 were purchased in 2010.

The number of ordinary shares in the Company held during the year by each director of InvoCare Limited and other key management 
personnel are summarised in note 6 on page 70.

Share appreciation rights
An executive in the category of the five highest paid executives but who is not other key management personnel received share appreciation 
rights under the terms of her employment contract. This plan is designed as a cash-settled share-based payment with terms which exactly 
mirror the InvoCare Deferred Employee Share Plan.

Details of the grant follow:

Grant value 
$ 

Expensed 
$

2010 

2009 

2010 

2009

other executives in the category of the five highest paid  
executives but who are not other key management personnel
Wee Leng Goh 

32,760 

– 

13,209 

–

44

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
E. Additional Information
Principles used to determine the nature and amount of remuneration: relationship between remuneration and 
Company performance
The overall level of executive reward takes into account the performance of the Group over a number of years, with greater emphasis given 
to the current and prior year. The results of the Company and returns to shareholders over the last five years are summarised below. 

Earnings per share 
Dividends paid in year (cents per share):
Interim for current year 
Final for previous year 

Total dividends paid in the year 

Share price – 1 January 
Share price – 31 December 
Total shareholder return (price movement plus cash dividends) 
Total shareholder return as percentage of opening share price 

2010 

2009 

2008 

2007 

2006

26.9 

13.0 
13.75 

26.75 

$6.16 
$7.28 
$1.39 
23% 

47.7 

11.5 
13.0 

24.5 

$5.15 
$6.16 
$1.26 
24% 

28.0 

10.5 
12.5 

23.0 

$7.01 
$5.15 
($1.63) 
(23%) 

27.6 

10.0 
11.5 

21.5 

$5.57 
$7.01 
$1.66 
30% 

24.7

8.0
9.5

17.5

$4.19
$5.57
$1.56
37%

under the InvoCare Deferred Employee Share Plan, the LTI share remuneration is linked to the compound annual growth in normalised 
earnings per share over the vesting periods. The following table summarises the performance to date for the grants made since 2007.

LTI share 
grant year 

Target annual compound  
normalised EPS growth from  
1 January of grant year 

normalised EPS on 
1 January of grant year 

Performance condition testing

2007 

8 to 12% 

22.2 cents 

2008 

8 to 12% 

27.2 cents 

2009 

7 to 10% 

28.3 cents 

2010 

7 to 10% 

32.3 cents 

February 2009 – satisfied and 1/3rd fully vested
February 2010 – satisfied and 1/3rd fully vested
February 2011
February 2012 (if required)

February 2010 – satisfied and 1/3rd fully vested
February 2011
February 2012
February 2013 (if required)

February 2011
February 2012
February 2013
February 2014 (if required)

February 2012
February 2013
February 2014
February 2015 (if required)

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

45

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report continued

Remuneration Report continued
E. Additional Information continued
Cash and share-based bonuses
For each cash bonus and share-based bonus included in the remuneration tables, the percentage of the available bonus that was payable 
for the financial year and the percentage that was forfeited because the person or the consolidated entity did not meet the service and 
performance criteria is set out below. no parts of the cash bonuses is payable in future years.

Cash bonus 

Share-based bonus

name 

Payable 
% 

Forfeited 
% 

Andrew Smith 

73 

27 

Phillip Friery 

73 

27 

Grant 
year 

2006 
2007 

2008 (note 3) 

2009 (note 4) 

2010 

2007 

2008 

2009 

2010 

Greg Bisset 

73 

27 

2008 

Armen Mikaelian 

73 

27 

Wee Leng Goh 

John Fowler 

100 

55 

0 

45 

2009 

2010 

2007 

2008 

2009 

2010 

2010 

2007 

2008 

2009 

2010 

Vested 
% 

Forfeited 
% 

Minimum 
yet to vest 
(note 1) 
$ 

  Financial years 
  in which shares 
may vest 
(note 2) 

$

Maximum 
yet to vest 
$ 

100 
67 

– 

– 

– 

67 

33 

– 

– 

33 

– 

– 

67 

33 

– 

– 

– 

67 

33 

– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

nil 
nil 

nil 

nil 

nil 

nil 

nil 

nil 

nil 

nil 

nil 

nil 

nil 

nil 

nil 

nil 

nil 

nil 

nil 

nil 

nil 

nil 
43,000 

135,450 

275,000 

182,875 

33,333 

66,667 

100,000 

122,540 

50,000 

81,100 

84,121 

25,000 

50,000 

75,000 

75,000 

32,760 

17,000 

36,667 

55,000 

59,000 

2010
2010
2011
2011
2012
2013
2011
2012
2013
2012
2013
2014
2010
2011
2010
2011
2012
2011
2012
2013
2012
2013
2014
2010
2011
2012
2011
2012
2013
2012
2013
2014
2010
2011
2010
2011
2012
2011
2012
2013
2012
2013
2014
2012
2013
2014
2010
2011
2010
2011
2012
2011
2012
2013
2012
2013
2014

1.  Performance conditions must be met before vesting and, if not, the minimum that will vest could be nil.
2.  Under the terms of the grants, an additional year beyond the last shown may be allowed for vesting if the performance hurdles have not been achieved.
3.  Under the terms of Mr Smith’s service agreement dated March 2007 the LTI profit growth hurdles for 2008 were not achieved. However, the cumulative growth targets 

for 2008 and 2009 were achieved by 31 December 2009 and the shares granted in relation to 2008 were purchased subsequent to the end of the 2009 year.

4.  Mr Smith’s 2009 grant comprises $175,000 under the terms of his service agreement and a discretionary $100,000 approved by the Remuneration Committee 

and Board.

46

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans to directors and executives
There are no loans to directors and executives.

Share options granted to directors and the most highly remunerated officers
There were no options over unissued ordinary shares of InvoCare Limited at 31 December 2010 nor were any options granted during or since 
the end of the financial year.

Indemnifying officers or auditor
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.

Proceedings on behalf of the company
no person has applied for leave of Court to bring proceedings on behalf of the Company or intervene in any proceedings to which the 
Company is a party for the purpose of taking responsibility on behalf of the Company for all or any part of those proceedings. The Company 
was not a party to any such proceedings during the year.

non-audit services
The directors are satisfied that the provision of non-audit services during the year is compatible with the general standard of independence 
for auditors imposed by the Corporations Act 2001. The nature and scope of each type of non-audit service provided means that auditor 
independence was not compromised. 

The following fees for non-audit services were paid/payable to the external auditor (PricewaterhouseCoopers) during the year ended 
31 December 2010:

australian Firm
Assurance services 
Accounting advisory services 
Taxation services 
Transaction services 

non-australian Firms
Transaction services 

Total 

$

17,283
70,000
77,648
120,491

14,763

300,185

auditor’s independence declaration
The copy of the auditor’s independence declaration as required under section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001 is set out on page 48.

rounding of amounts
The Company is of a kind referred to in Class Order 98/100 issued by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, relating to 
the “rounding off” of amounts in the 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.

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Board of Directors.

Ian Ferrier
Director

andrew Smith
Director

Dated this 22nd day of February 2011.

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

47

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auditor’s Independence Declaration

As lead auditor for the audit of InvoCare Limited for the year ended 31 December 2010, I declare that to the 
best of my knowledge and belief, there have been:

a) 

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

b) 

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

This declaration is in respect of InvoCare Limited and the entities it controlled during the period.

John Feely 
Partner 

PricewaterhouseCoopers

Sydney 
22 February 2011

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation

48

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the year ended 31 december 2010

Revenue from continuing operations 
Finished goods, consumables and funeral disbursements 
Employee benefits expense 
Employee related and on-cost expenses 
Advertising and public relations expenses 
Occupancy and facilities expenses 
Motor vehicle expenses 
Other expenses 

operating earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation  
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment expenses 
Finance costs 
Interest income 
net gain/(loss) on undelivered prepaid contracts 
Acquisition related costs 
net gain/(loss) on disposal of non-current assets 

Profit before income tax 

Income tax expense  

Profit from continuing activities 

Profit for the year 

Profit is attributable to:

Equity holders of InvoCare Limited 

  Minority interest 

earnings per share for profit attributable to the ordinary  
equity holders of the Company
Basic earnings per share (cents per share) 
Diluted earnings per share (cents per share) 

The above Statement of Comprehensive Income should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

notes 

3 

4 
4 

14 

2010 
$’000 

2009
$’000

272,574 
(76,251) 
(65,740) 
(14,427) 
(8,858) 
(18,042) 
(5,064) 
(13,781) 

70,411 
(11,215) 
(11,026) 
654 
(10,300) 
(1,284) 
562 

37,802 

260,833
(75,465)
(63,914)
(14,198)
(8,071)
(16,328)
(5,326)
(13,258)

64,273
(10,793)
(8,830)
579
22,418
(151)
(193)

67,303

5 

(10,342) 

(19,080)

27,460 

27,460 

27,366 
94 

27,460 

48,223

48,223

48,141
82

48,223

10 
10 

26.9 
26.9 

47.7
47.7

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

49

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statement of Comprehensive Income continued

For the year ended 31 december 2010

Profit for the year 

other comprehensive income
Changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges, net of tax 
Changes in foreign currency translation reserve, net of tax 

other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax 

Total comprehensive income for the year 

Total comprehensive income for the year is attributable to:

Equity holders of InvoCare Limited 

  Minority interest 

The above Statement of Comprehensive Income should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

notes 

2010 
$’000 

2009
$’000

25 
25 

27,460 

48,223

1,384 
58 

1,442 

2,359
(1,911)

448

28,902 

48,671

28,808 
94 

28,902 

48,589
82

48,671

50

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance Sheet

as at 31 december 2010

aSSeTS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents 
Trade and other receivables 
Inventories 
Prepaid contract funds under management 
Deferred selling costs 

Total current assets 

non-current assets
Trade and other receivables 
Property, plant and equipment 
Intangible assets 
Derivative financial instruments 
Deferred selling costs 

Total non-current assets 

Total assets 

LIaBILITIeS
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 
Borrowings 
Derivative financial instruments 
Current tax liabilities 
Prepaid contract liabilities 
Deferred revenue 
Provisions 

Total current liabilities 

non-current liabilities
Trade and other payables 
Borrowings 
Derivative financial instruments 
Deferred tax liabilities 
Deferred revenue 
Provisions 

Total non-current liabilities 

Total liabilities 

net assets 

eQUITY
Contributed equity 
Reserves  
Retained profits/(Accumulated losses) 

Parent entity interest 
Minority interest 

Total equity 

The above Balance Sheet should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

notes 

2010 
$’000 

2009 
$’000 

1 January
2009 
$’000

11 
12 
13 
14 

12 
17 
18 
19 

20 
21 
19 

14 

22 

20 
21 
19 
23 

22 

24 
25 
25 

26 

5,123 
22,635 
17,193 
273,544 
587 

5,509 
20,895 
15,354 
264,589 
570 

6,414
18,407
13,691
230,225
544

319,082 

306,917 

269,281

13,177 
232,138 
62,197 
643 
8,219 

10,191 
223,448 
58,486 
765 
7,985 

9,488
222,229
61,991
–
7,613

316,374 

300,875 

301,321

635,456 

607,792 

570,602

25,723 
76 
– 
6,522 
264,646 
3,038 
9,473 

22,599 
– 
1,996 
3,311 
244,872 
2,941 
8,728 

21,015
–
–
4,696
232,116
2,885
8,538

309,478 

284,447 

269,250

– 
153,401 
– 
32,679 
41,115 
1,361 

334 
153,759 
– 
35,978 
39,559 
1,308 

577
158,655
12,500
26,855
38,498
1,289

228,556 

230,938 

238,374

538,034 

515,385 

507,624

97,423 

92,407 

62,978

79,937 
2,088 
14,259 

96,284 
1,139 

97,423 

76,950 
174 
14,164 

91,288 
1,119 

92,407 

71,806
(649)
(9,216)

61,941
1,037

62,978

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

51

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statement of Changes in Equity

For the year ended 31 december 2010

Attributable to Owners of InvoCare Limited

Contributed 
equity 
$’000 

notes 

Reserves 
$’000 

Retained 
earnings 
$’000 

Balance at 1 January 2010 

Total comprehensive income for the year 

76,950 

– 

174 

1,442 

14,164 

27,366 

non- 
controlling 
interest 
$’000 

Total 
equity 
$’000

1,119 

94 

92,407

28,902

Total 

91,288 

28,808 

Transactions with owners in  
their capacity as owners:
Dividends paid 
Dividend Reinvestment Plan issues 
Deferred employee share plan  
shares vesting during the year 
Acquisition of shares by the  
InvoCare Deferred Share Plan Trust 
Forfeit of shares on termination  
of employment 
Issue of shares to InvoCare Exempt  
Share Plan Trust 
Employee shares – value of services 

Balance at 31 December 2010 

Balance at 1 January 2009 

24 

24 

24 
25 

Total comprehensive income for the year 

Transactions with owners in  
their capacity as owners:
Dividends paid 
Dividend Reinvestment Plan issues 
Deferred employee share plan  
shares vesting during the year 
Acquisition of shares by the  
InvoCare Deferred Share Plan Trust 
Forfeit of shares on termination  
of employment 
Employee shares – value of services 

9 
24 

24, 25 

24 

24 
25 

9 
24 

– 
3,523 

– 
– 

(27,271) 
– 

(27,271) 
3,523 

(74) 
– 

(27,345)
3,523

24, 25 

519 

(519) 

2,088 

14,259 

96,284 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

(1,262) 

32 

175 
991 

(9,216) 

48,141 

61,941 

48,589 

(24,761) 
– 

(24,761) 
5,786 

– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

(948) 

21 
660 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 

1,139 

1,037 

82 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 
– 

–

(1,262)

32

175
991

97,423

62,978

48,671

(24,761)
5,786

–

(948)

21
660

(1,262) 

32 

175 
– 

79,937 

71,806 

– 

– 
5,786 

285 

(948) 

21 
– 

– 

– 

– 
991 

(649) 

448 

– 
– 

(285) 

– 

– 
660 

174 

Balance at 31 December 2009 

76,950 

14,164 

91,288 

1,119 

92,407

The above Statement of Changes in Equity should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

52

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statement of Cash Flows

For the year ended 31 december 2010

Cash flow from operating activities
Receipts from customers 
Payments to suppliers and employees 
Other revenue 

Interest received 
Finance costs 
Income taxes paid 

notes 

2010 
$’000 

2009
$’000

292,931 
(229,084) 
5,212 

69,059 
107 
(11,170) 
(11,747) 

282,985
(224,990)
5,099

63,094
81
(10,992)
(13,835)

net cash provided by operating activities   

31 

46,249 

38,348

Cash flow from investing activities
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 
Purchase of subsidiaries and other businesses net of cash acquired 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment  

net cash used in investing activities 

Cash flow from financing activities
Payment for shares acquired by InvoCare Deferred Employee Share Plan Trust 
Proceeds from borrowings 
Repayment of borrowings 
Payment of dividends – InvoCare Limited shareholders  
(net of Dividend Reinvestment Plan $3,523,000 (2009: $5,786,000) 
Payment of dividends – minority interests 
Finance lease payments 

net cash (used in) financing activities 

net increase/(decrease) in cash held 

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 

11 

The above Statement of Cash Flows should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

1,989 
(8,716) 
(14,266) 

274
(345)
(13,846)

(20,993) 

(13,917)

(1,257) 
175,938 
(176,367) 

(23,748) 
(74) 
(40) 

(948)
19,000
(24,000)

(18,976)
–
–

(25,548) 

(24,924)

(292) 

5,509 
(94) 

5,123 

(493)

6,414
(412)

5,509

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

53

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 december 2010

Note 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of 
the financial report are set out below. These policies have been 
consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise 
stated. The financial statements are for the consolidated entity 
consisting of InvoCare Limited and its subsidiaries.

(a) Basis of preparation
This general purpose financial report has been prepared in 
accordance with Australian Accounting Standards, other authoritative 
pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board, 
urgent Issues Group Interpretations and the Corporations Act 2001.

(i) Compliance with IFRS
Australian Accounting Standards include Australian equivalents to 
International Financial Reporting Standards (“AIFRS”). Compliance 
with AIFRS ensures that the consolidated financial statements 
and notes of InvoCare Limited comply with International Financial 
Reporting Standards (“IFRS”).

(ii) Historical cost convention
These financial statements have been prepared on an accruals basis 
under the historical cost convention, as modified by the revaluation 
to fair value of financial assets and liabilities (including derivative 
instruments).

(iii) Critical accounting estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with AIFRS 
requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also 
requires management to exercise its judgement in the process 
of applying the Group’s accounting policies. The areas involving 
a higher degree of judgement or complexity, or areas where 
assumptions and estimates are significant to the financial statements 
are disclosed at note 38.

(iv) Comparatives
Where necessary, comparatives have been reclassified and 
repositioned for consistency with current year disclosures. 
In particular, note 1(n) discloses a change of accounting policy 
in relation to the treatment of Prepaid Contracts.

(v) Early adoption of standards
The Group has elected to apply the new standards AASB 9: 
Financial Instruments to the annual reporting periods beginning 
on 1 January 2009.

(b) Principles of consolidation
(i) Subsidiaries
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the assets 
and liabilities of all subsidiaries of InvoCare Limited (“Company’’ 
or “parent entity’’) as at 31 December 2010 and the results of 
all subsidiaries for the year then ended. InvoCare Limited and 
its subsidiaries are together referred to in this financial report 
as the Group or the consolidated entity.

Subsidiaries are all those entities (including special purpose entities) 
over which the Group has the power to govern the financial and 
operating policies, generally accompanying a shareholding of more 
than one-half of the voting rights.

Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control 
is transferred to the Group. They are deconsolidated from the date 
that control ceases. The purchase method of accounting is used 
to account for the acquisition of subsidiaries by the Group (refer 
to note 1(i)).

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

Minority interests in the results and equity of subsidiaries are shown 
separately in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income 
and balance sheet, respectively.

(ii) Employee share trust
The Group has formed a trust to administer the InvoCare Exempt 
Employee Share Plan and the InvoCare Deferred Employee Share 
Plan. This trust is consolidated, as the substance of the relationship 
is that the trust is controlled by the Group. Shares held by the 
InvoCare Deferred Employee Share Plan Trust are disclosed as 
treasury shares and deducted from contributed equity.

(iii) Associates
Associates are entities over which the Group has significant 
influence but not control or joint control, generally accompanying 
a shareholding between 20% and 50% of the voting rights. 
Investments in associates are accounted for using the equity method 
of accounting, after initially being recognised at cost.

The Group’s share of its associates’ post-acquisition profits or 
losses and its share of post-acquisition movements in reserves is 
recognised in the statement of comprehensive income. The cumulative 
post-acquisition movements are adjusted against the carrying amount 
of the investment. Dividends received from associates are recognised 
as a reduction in the carrying amount of the investment.

If the Group’s share of losses in an associate equals or exceeds its 
interest in the associate, including any other unsecured long-term 
receivables, the Group does not recognise further losses, unless it has 
incurred obligations or made payments on behalf of the associate.

unrealised gains on transactions between the Group and its 
associates are eliminated to the extent of the Group’s interest 
in the associates. unrealised losses are also eliminated unless 
the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset 
transferred. Accounting policies of associates have been changed 
where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted 
by the Group.

54

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

(e) 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 measured at the fair value of the 
consideration received or receivable. Amounts disclosed as revenue 
are net of returns, allowances, duties and taxes paid.

Revenue is recognised when the funeral, burial, cremation or other 
services are performed or the goods supplied.

Revenues relating to undelivered memorials and merchandise 
are deferred. 

The Group enters into prepaid contracts to provide funeral, burial 
and cremation services in the future, and funds received are placed 
in trust and are not recognised as revenue until the service is 
performed. Refer note 1(n).

Dividends are recognised as revenue when the right to receive 
payments is established.

(f) Deferred selling costs
Selling costs applicable to prepaid funeral service contracts, net of 
any administrative fees recovered, are expensed when incurred. Direct 
selling costs applicable to deferred revenue on undelivered memorials 
and merchandise are deferred until the revenue is recognised.

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

Companies in the Group may be entitled to claim special tax deductions 
for investments in qualifying assets (investment allowances). The Group 
accounts for such allowances as tax credits, which mean that the 
allowance reduces income tax payable and current tax expense.

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

Note 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 
continued
(c) Segment reporting
Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the 
internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision maker. 
This reporting is based on the operational location of the business 
because different economic and cultural factors impact growth and 
profitability of the segment.

(d) Foreign currency translation
(i) Functional and presentation currency
Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group’s 
entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic 
environment in which the entity operates (“the functional 
currency”). The consolidated financial statements are presented 
in Australian dollars, which is InvoCare Limited’s functional and 
presentation currency.

(ii) Transactions and balances
Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional 
currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the 
transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the 
settlement of such transactions and from the translation at year end 
exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in 
foreign currencies are recognised in the income statement, except 
when they are deferred in equity as qualifying cash flow hedges and 
qualifying net investment hedges or are attributable to part of the net 
investment in a foreign operation.

(iii) Group companies
The results and financial positions of all the Group entities (none of 
which has the currency of a hyperinflationary economy) that have 
a functional currency different from the presentation currency are 
translated into the presentation currency as follows:

− 

− 

− 

 assets and liabilities for each balance sheet presented are 
translated at the closing rate at the date of that balance sheet;
 income and expenses for each income statement are translated 
at average exchange rates (unless this is not a reasonable 
approximation of the cumulative effect of the rates prevailing on 
the transaction dates, in which case income and expenses are 
translated at the dates of the transactions); and
 all resulting exchange differences are recognised as a separate 
component of equity.

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

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

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

55

Notes to the Financial Statements continued

For the year ended 31 december 2010

Note 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 
continued
(g) Income tax continued
Deferred tax assets are recognised for deductible temporary 
differences and unused tax losses only if it is probable that future 
taxable amounts will be available to utilise those temporary differences 
and losses. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are not recognised for 
temporary differences between the carrying amount and tax bases 
of investments in controlled entities where the parent entity is able to 
control the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences and it is 
probable that the differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

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

Current and deferred tax balances attributable to amounts 
recognised directly in equity are also recognised in equity.

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

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

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

Assets or liabilities arising under tax funding agreements with the tax 
consolidated entities are recognised as amounts receivable from or 
payable to other entities in the Group. Details about the tax funding 
agreement are disclosed in notes 34(e) and 35(d).

(h) Leases
Leases of property, plant and equipment where the Group has 
substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as 
finance leases.

Leases in which a significant portion of the risks and rewards of 
ownership are retained by the lessor are classified as operating 
leases. Payments made under operating leases (net of any incentives 
received from the lessor) are charged to the income statement on 
a straight-line basis over the period of the lease. Lease income from 
operating leases is recognised in income on a straight-line basis 
over the lease term.

(i) Business combinations and acquisitions of assets
The purchase method of accounting is used to account for all 
acquisitions of assets (including business combinations) regardless 
of whether equity instruments or other assets are acquired. Cost 
is measured as the fair value of the assets given, shares issued or 
liabilities incurred or assumed at the date of exchange. Where equity 
instruments are issued in an acquisition, the value of the instruments 
is their published market price as at the date of exchange. 
Transaction costs arising on the issue of equity instruments are 
recognised directly in equity.

Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities 
assumed in a business combination are measured initially at their 
fair values at the acquisition date, irrespective of the extent of any 
minority interest. The excess of the cost of acquisition over the fair 
value of the Group’s share of the identifiable net assets acquired is 
recorded as goodwill (refer to note 1(p)). If the cost of acquisition is 
less than the fair value of the net identifiable assets of the subsidiary 
acquired, the difference is recognised directly in the statement 
of comprehensive income, but only after a reassessment of the 
identification and measurement of the net assets acquired.

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 acquisition. The discount rate used is the 
entity’s incremental borrowing rate, being the rate at which a similar 
borrowing could be obtained from an independent financier under 
comparable terms and conditions. Any variations in the initial 
estimates of deferred consideration and the final amount payable 
are remeasured through the statement of comprehensive income.

The indirect costs of completing business combinations are recorded 
in the statement of comprehensive income.

(j) Impairment of assets
Assets that have an indefinite useful life are not subject to 
amortisation and are tested annually for impairment, or more 
frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the 
carrying amount may not be recoverable. Assets that are subject 
to amortisation are reviewed for impairment whenever events or 
changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may 
not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount 
by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable 
amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value 
less costs to sell and value in use. For the purposes of assessing 
impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which 
there are separately identifiable cash flows (cash generating units). 
non-financial assets other than goodwill that suffered impairment 
are reviewed for possible reversals of the impairment at each 
reporting date.

56

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

Note 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 
continued
(k) Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, deposits held 
at call with financial institutions, other short-term, highly liquid 
investments with original maturities of three months or less that are 
readily convertible to known amounts of cash and which are subject 
to an insignificant risk of changes in value, and bank overdrafts. Any 
bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities on 
the balance sheet.

(l) receivables
Trade receivables are recognised initially at fair value and 
subsequently measured at amortised cost, less provision for 
doubtful receivables.

Trade receivables are usually due for settlement no more than 
30 days from the date of recognition, except where extended 
payment terms (up to a maximum of 60 months) have been 
made available on cemetery or crematorium contracts for sale of 
interment or inurnment rights and associated memorials and other 
merchandise. Receivables arising from cemetery or crematorium 
contracts which are initially expected to be collected over a period 
exceeding twelve months are recognised as non-current receivables 
and measured as the net present value of estimated future cash 
receipts, discounted at an imputed effective interest rate. upon initial 
recognition of the contract receivables, any undelivered portion of the 
contracts is included in deferred revenue until delivery.

The carrying amount of the asset is reduced through the use of 
a provision for doubtful receivables account and the amount of 
the loss is recognised in the statement of comprehensive income 
within “other expenses”. When a trade receivable is uncollectible, 
it is written off against the provision account for trade receivables. 
Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited 
against “sundry revenue” in the statement of comprehensive income. 
Details of the impaired receivables, provision account movements 
and other details are included in notes 2 and 12.

(m) 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 predominantly on the basis of weighted average 
cost. net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary 
course of business less the estimated costs necessary to make 
the sale.

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

57

Notes to the Financial Statements continued

For the year ended 31 december 2010

Note 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies continued
(n) Prepaid contracts
Prepaid contracts are tripartite agreements whereby InvoCare agrees to deliver a specified funeral, cremation or burial service at the time 
of need and the beneficiary invests the current price of the service to be delivered with a financial institution and conditionally assigns the 
benefit to InvoCare. InvoCare records the value of the invested funds as an asset and revalues the invested funds to fair value at the end 
of each reporting period. InvoCare initially recognises a liability at the current selling price of the service to be delivered and increases this 
liability to reflect the change in selling prices to reflect the best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the obligation at the end of 
each reporting period.

When the service is delivered, the liability is derecognised. The initially recorded liability amount is included in revenue and the price increases 
recognised since initial recognition are recorded as a reduction in the costs of service delivery.

Change in accounting policy
This is a change in the Group’s accounting policy for prepaid contracts following a review of the Group’s accounting policies by the Australian 
Securities and Investments Commission. 

Previously, prepaid contracts were recognised only when delivered.

The changes were implemented retrospectively from 1 January 2009. The following adjustments were made to the balance sheets as at 
1 January 2009 and 31 December 2009.

Dec 
2009 
$’000 

Increase/ 
Decrease 
$’000 

2009 
Restated 
$’000 

Jan 
2009 
$’000 

Increase/ 
Decrease 
$’000 

2009
Restated 
$’000

Balance sheet (extract)
Prepaid contract funds under management 
Prepaid contract liabilities 
Deferred tax liabilities 
Deferred revenue – non-current 

– 
– 
(29,574) 
(41,188) 

264,589 
(244,872) 
(6,404) 
1,629 

264,589 
(244,872) 
(35,978) 
(39,559) 

– 
– 
(26,855) 
(40,389) 

230,225 
(232,116) 
– 
1,891 

230,225
(232,116)
(26,855)
(38,498)

The impact on the profit previously reported for the period ended 31 December 2009 is as follows:

Statement of comprehensive income (extract)
Revenue from continuing operations 
Price increases since initial recognition on delivered prepaid contracts 
net gain/(loss) on prepaid contracts 

Profit before income tax 
Income tax expense 

Profit for the year 

Profit is attributable to:

Equity holders of InvoCare Limited 

  non-controlling interest 

earnings per share for profit attributable to the  
ordinary equity holders of the Company
Basic earnings per share (cents per share) 
Diluted earnings per share (cents per share) 

notes 

2009 
$’000 

Increase/ 
Decrease 
$’000 

2009

(Restated) 

$’000

3 

14 

5 

262,236 
– 
– 

45,956 
(12,676) 

(1,403) 
331 
22,418 

21,346 
(6,404) 

260,833
331
22,418

67,302
(19,080)

33,280 

14,942 

48,222

33,198 
82 

33,280 

14,942 
– 

14,942 

48,140
82

48,222

10 
10 

32.9 
32.9 

14.8 
14.8 

47.7
47.7

58

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(o) Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are carried at historical cost less 
depreciation or amortisation. Historical cost includes expenditure 
that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the items.

Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s carrying amount or 
recognised as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is 
probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will 
flow to the Group and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. 
Repairs, maintenance and minor renewals are charged to the income 
statement during the financial period in which they are incurred.

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

Cemetery land is carried at cost less accumulated amortisation and 
impairment write-downs. 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 or space 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. Other freehold 
land is not depreciated or amortised.

Depreciation of other assets is calculated using the straight-line 
method to allocate their cost or revalued amounts, net of their 
residual values, over their estimated useful lives, as follows:

–  Buildings 
–  Plant and equipment 

40 years
3–10 years

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 shorter. The 
assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if 
appropriate, at each balance sheet date.

Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing 
proceeds with the carrying amount. Gains and losses are included 
in the statement of comprehensive income.

(p) Intangible assets
(i) Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over 
the fair value of the Group’s share of the net identifiable assets 
of the acquired subsidiary at the date of acquisition. Goodwill on 
acquisitions of subsidiaries is included in intangible assets. Goodwill 
acquired in business combinations is not amortised. Instead, 
goodwill is tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events 
or changes in circumstances indicate that it might be impaired, and 
is carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses (note 18).

(ii) Trademarks and brand names
Trademarks and brand names have a finite useful life and are carried 
at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses. 
Amortisation is calculated using the straight-line method to allocate 
the cost of trademarks and brand names over their estimated useful 
lives of 10 years.

(q) Trade and other payables
Trade and other payables represent liabilities for goods and services 
provided to the Group prior to the end of the financial year which had 
not been settled at balance date. The amounts are unsecured and 
are usually paid within 60 days of recognition.

(r) Borrowings
Borrowings are initially recognised at fair value, net of transaction 
costs incurred. Borrowings are subsequently measured at amortised 
cost. Any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) 
and the redemption amount is recognised in the income statement 
over the period of the borrowings using the effective interest 
rate method. 

Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the Group has 
an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least 
twelve months after the balance sheet date.

Refer to notes 2 and 21 for further information on borrowings.

(s) Derivative financial instruments
The Group uses derivative financial instruments such as cross 
currency and interest rate swaps to hedge its risks associated 
with exchange and interest rate fluctuations. Derivatives are initially 
recognised at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered 
into and are subsequently remeasured to their fair value at each 
reporting date. The accounting for subsequent changes in fair value 
depends on whether the derivative is designated as a hedging 
instrument, and if so, the nature of the item being hedged. The 
Group designates certain derivatives as either:

– 

– 

 hedges of the cash flows of recognised assets and liabilities and 
highly probable forecast transactions (cash flow hedges); or
 hedges of a net investment in a foreign operation.

The Group documents at inception the relationship between hedging 
instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management 
objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. 
The Group also documents its assessment of whether the derivatives 
that are used in hedging transactions have been, and will continue to 
be, highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows 
or hedged items.

The fair value of interest rate swap contracts is calculated as the 
present value of the estimated future cash flows. The fair value of 
forward exchange contracts is determined using forward exchange 
market rates at the balance sheet date. The fair values of derivative 
financial instruments used for hedging purposes are disclosed in 
note 19. Movements in the hedging reserve in shareholders’ equity 
are shown in note 25. The full fair value of a hedging derivative 
is classified as a non-current asset or liability when the remaining 
maturity of the hedged item is more than twelve months; it is 
classified as a current asset or liability when the remaining maturity 
of the hedged item is less than twelve months. Trading derivatives 
are classified as a current asset or liability.

Hedges that meet the strict criteria for hedge accounting are 
accounted for as follows:

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

59

Notes to the Financial Statements continued

For the year ended 31 december 2010

Note 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 
continued
(s) Derivative financial instruments continued
(i) Cash flow hedges
The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives that 
are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges is recognised 
in equity in the hedging reserve. The gain or loss relating to the 
ineffective portion is recognised immediately in the statement of 
comprehensive income within finance costs.

Amounts accumulated in equity are recycled in the statement of 
comprehensive income within finance costs in the periods when the 
hedged item affects profit or loss (for instance when the forecast sale 
that is hedged takes place).

When a hedging instrument expires or is sold or terminated, or 
when a hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, 
any cumulative gain or loss existing in equity at that time remains in 
equity and is recognised when the forecast transaction is ultimately 
recognised in the statement of comprehensive income.

When a forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, the 
cumulative gain or loss that was reported in equity is immediately 
transferred to the statement of comprehensive income.

(ii) Hedges of a net investment
Hedges of a net investment in a foreign operation, including a 
hedge of a monetary item that is accounted for as part of the net 
investment, are accounted for in a similar way to cash flow hedges. 
Gains or losses on the hedging instrument relating to the effective 
portion of the hedge are recognised directly in equity, while any 
gains or losses relating to the ineffective portion are recognised 
in the statement of comprehensive income. On disposal of the 
foreign operation, the cumulative value of any such gains or losses 
recognised directly in equity is transferred to the statement of 
comprehensive income.

(t) employee benefits
(i) Wages and salaries, annual leave and sick leave
Liabilities for wages and salaries, including non-monetary benefits, 
annual leave and accumulating sick leave expected to be settled 
within twelve months of the reporting date are recognised in 
other payables and provision for employee benefits 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, 
including appropriate on-costs. Liabilities for non-accumulating sick 
leave are recognised when the leave is taken and measured at the 
rates paid or payable.

(ii) Long service leave
The liability for long service leave is recognised in the provision for 
employee benefits 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 periods of service. Expected 
future payments are discounted using market yields at the reporting 
date on national government bonds with terms to maturity and 
currency that match, as closely as possible, the estimated future 
cash outflows.

(iii) Bonus plans
The Group recognises a liability in other payables and an expense 
for bonus plans 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
 past practices give clear evidence of a constructive obligation.

(iv) Retirement benefits
Employees of the Group are entitled to benefits on retirement, 
disability or death from the Group sponsored defined contribution 
superannuation plans. Fixed statutory contributions are made 
by the Group to these plans and are recognised as an expense 
as they become payable. The Group’s liability is limited to these 
contributions.

(v) Share-based payments
The Group provides benefits to certain employees, including key 
management personnel, in the form of share-based payments, 
whereby employees render services in exchange for shares or 
options over shares. Details of the employee share or option plans 
are set out in note 7.

The cost of equity-settled transactions with employees is measured 
by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments at the date 
granted. The cost is recognised as an employee benefit expense in 
the income statement, with a corresponding increase in equity, over 
the period during which the performance and/or service conditions 
are fulfilled (the vesting period), ending on the date on which the 
relevant employees become unconditionally entitled to the award 
(the vesting date).

At each balance sheet date, the Group revises its estimate of the 
number of awards that are expected to vest. The employee benefit 
expense recognised each period takes into account the most recent 
estimate. The impact of the revision to original estimates, if any, 
is recognised in the statement of comprehensive income with a 
corresponding adjustment to equity.

60

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

(aa) new accounting standards and interpretations
Certain new accounting standards and interpretations have been 
published that are not mandatory for 31 December 2010 reporting 
periods. The Group’s assessment of the impacts of these new 
standards and interpretations are set out below.

(i) Revised AASB 124 Related Party Disclosures and AASB 2009-12 
Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards (effective from 
1 January 2011)
In December 2009 the AASB issued a revised AASB 124 Related 
Party Disclosures. It is effective for accounting periods beginning on 
or after 1 January 2011 and must be applied retrospectively. The 
amendment clarifies and simplifies the definition of a related party. 
The Group will apply the standard from 1 January 2011. When 
the amendments are applied the Group will need to disclose any 
transactions between its subsidiaries and associates. However, 
there will be no impact on any of the amounts recognised in the 
financial statements.

(ii) AASB 2010-3 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards 
arising from the Annual Improvements Project, AASB 2010-4 
Further Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising 
from the Annual Improvements Project and AASB 2010-5 
Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards (effective from 
1 January 2011)
In June 2010, the AASB made a number of amendments to 
Australian Accounting Standards as a result of the IASB’s annual 
improvement project with further revisions promulgated in October 
2010. The Group will apply the amendments from 1 January 2011 
but does not expect that any adjustments will be necessary as a 
result of applying the revised standards.

(u) Contributed equity
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly 
attributable to the issue of new shares or options are shown in equity 
as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds. Incremental costs 
directly attributable to the issue of new shares or options for the 
acquisition of a business are included in the cost of the acquisition 
as part of the purchase consideration.

(v) Dividends
Provision is made for the amount of any dividend declared being 
appropriately authorised and no longer at the discretion of the 
Company on or before the end of the financial year but not 
distributed at balance date.

(w) earnings per share
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit 
attributable to equity holders of the Company, excluding any costs of 
servicing equity other than ordinary shares, by the weighted average 
number of ordinary shares outstanding during the financial year.

Diluted earnings per share adjusts the figures used in the 
determination of basic earnings per share to take into account 
the after income tax effect of interest and other financing costs 
associated with dilutive potential ordinary shares and the weighted 
average number of shares assumed to have been issued for no 
consideration in relation to dilutive potential ordinary shares.

(x) Goods and Services Tax (GST)
Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount 
of the GST, except where the amount of the GST incurred is not 
recoverable from the taxing authority. In these circumstances, the 
GST is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of asset or as 
part of an item of the expense. Receivables and payables in the 
balance sheet are shown inclusive of GST. 

Cash flows are included in the statement 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 
taxing authority, is classified as operating cash flows.

(y) Parent entity financial information
The financial information for the parent entity, InvoCare Limited, 
disclosed in note 36 has been prepared on the same basis as the 
consolidated financial statements, except investments in subsidiaries 
and associates which are accounted for at cost in the financial 
statements of InvoCare Limited. Dividends received from associates 
are recognised as a reduction in the carrying value of the investment 
in associates.

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

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

61

Notes to the Financial Statements continued

For the year ended 31 december 2010

Note 2: Financial Risk Management
The Group’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: market risk (including currency risk, cash flow interest rate risk and price risk 
and fair value interest rate risk), credit risk and liquidity risk. The Group’s overall risk management programme focuses on the unpredictability 
of financial markets and seeks to minimise potential adverse effects on the financial performance of the Group. The Group uses derivative 
financial instruments such as interest rate swaps and cross currency swaps to hedge risk exposures. The Group uses different methods 
to measure different types of risks to which it is exposed. These methods include sensitivity analysis in the case of interest rate, foreign 
exchange and price risk and aging analysis for credit risk.

Strategic risk management is carried out by the Board of Directors. The Risk Committee and Audit Committee, which operate under policies 
approved by the Board, are responsible for operational and financial risk management. These policies provide written principles for overall risk 
management, as well as policies covering specific areas such as interest rate risk and currency risk.

The Group holds the following financial assets and liabilities:

Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents 
Trade and other receivables 
Prepaid contract funds under management 
Derivative financial instruments 

Financial liabilities
Trade and other payables 
Borrowings 
Derivative financial instruments 

2010 
$’000 

2009
$’000

5,123 
35,812 
273,544 
643 

5,509
31,086
264,589
765

315,122 

301,949

25,722 
153,477 
– 

22,933
153,759
1,996

179,199 

178,688

(a) Market risk
(i) Cash flow interest rate risk
The Group’s main interest rate risk arises from long-term borrowings. All borrowings are initially at variable interest rates determined by a 
margin over the reference rate based on the Group’s leverage ratio. Borrowings issued at variable rates expose the Group to cash flow 
interest rate risk. It is the policy of the Group to keep at least 75% of debt on fixed interest rates over the next twelve months by entering into 
interest rate swap contracts. During 2009 the Group’s borrowings were all denominated at variable Australian rates in Australian dollars. In 
2010, following the refinancing of the Group’s debt, some borrowings were made in Singapore dollars at variable Singapore rates with the 
remainder in Australian dollars at Australian variable rates. The Group has entered into interest rate swap contracts under which it receives 
interest at variable rates and pays interest at fixed rates. The bank loans of the Group currently bear an effective average variable interest rate 
of 6.8% (2009: 6.5%) inclusive of swaps and margins but excluding establishment fees.

At balance date, interest rate swaps for 99% (2009: 99%) of borrowings were in place. Of these interest rate swaps 14% (2009: 15%) were 
denominated in Singapore dollar fixed interest instruments and the balance denominated in Australian dollars. As at 31 December 2010 
the weighted average fixed interest rate payable on the interest rate swaps is 4.82% (2009: 5.85%) and the weighted average variable rate 
receivable as at 31 December 2010 is 4.38% (2009: 4.29%).

The following variable rate borrowings and interest rate swap contracts are outstanding:

31 December 2010 

31 December 2009

Weighted  
average 
interest rate 

4.45% 
4.82% 

Weighted 
average 
interest rate 

4.93% 
5.85% 

Balance 
$’000 

152,661 
151,161 

1,500 

Balance 
$’000

153,867
152,867

1,000

Bank loans 
Interest rate swaps (notional principal) 

net exposure to cash flow interest rate risk 

62

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The notional principal amounts and periods of expiry of the interest rate swap contracts are as follows:

One or less years 
One to two years 
Two to three years 
Three to four years 

2010 
$’000 

2009
$’000

– 
– 
86,661 
64,500 

130,000
22,867
–
–

151,161 

152,867

The contracts require settlement of net interest receivable or payable each 90 days. The settlement dates coincide with the dates on which 
interest is payable on the underlying debt.

As a consequence, the Group is exposed to interest rate risks on that portion of total borrowings not swapped to fixed rates and to 
potential movements in the margin due to changes in the Group’s leverage ratio. An increase of 100 basis points (2009: 100 basis points) 
in the interest rate would result in additional interest expense after tax of $209,000 (2009: $73,000). A decrease of 100 basis points 
(2009: 100 basis points) would result in an after tax gain of $209,000 (2009: $87,000). Since 2009 a bank account has been opened in 
Singapore dollars so that interest payments due in Singapore dollars can be paid in the same currency. This effectively removes the profit 
and loss volatility due to currency movements. In 2009 the portion of borrowings that have been swapped to fixed rates denominated 
in Singapore dollars give rise to a currency risk on the interest payments. A 10% increase in the Australian to Singapore dollar exchange 
rate would result in a reduction in interest expense after tax of $85,000 and a decrease of 10% would have resulted in an after tax loss 
of $69,000.

Due to the use of floating to fixed interest rate swaps, the Group has fixed interest commitments and the changes in the fair value of 
the future cash flows of these derivatives are recognised in equity to the extent that the derivative remains effective in accordance with 
AASB 139 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement.

The $130 million interest rate swap initially entered into in October 2005 and designated as a cash flow hedge expired on 29 December 
2010. The swap failed effectiveness testing at 30 June 2009, when the swap was a net liability of $4,734,000, which resulted in the 
de-designation of the swap effective from 1 January 2009. Despite the substantial change in value, the derivative continued to meet the 
commercial objective of ensuring predictable and regular cash flows over the life of the derivative.

The impact of a loss of effectiveness was that the amount deferred in equity was quarantined and amortised over the remaining life of the 
hedge and all other movements in fair value were recorded through profit and loss. The final impact of this swap has been recognised in the 
current reporting period.

The derivative financial instruments used to fund the acquisition payments for Singapore Casket Company made in 2006 and 2007 contained 
both a currency and interest rate portion. The currency portion of these instruments was designated as a hedge of a net investment and was 
effective during its life. The interest rate portion of these swap arrangements was not designated as a hedge and movements in fair value 
were recorded in profit and loss and included in the Group’s finance costs. These instruments were terminated during 2010 resulting in an 
overall gain of $1.5 million which has been recorded in equity.

new interest rate swaps were transacted in September 2010 with terms equal to the underlying borrowings. A 10% shift in interest rates 
either up or down would not result in these instruments being ineffective at balance date so the full movement in fair value would be recorded 
in equity.

The overall impact on the Group has been summarised on page 68.

The Group’s cash and cash equivalents held in Australia are interest bearing. At 31 December 2010 the weighted average interest rate was 
3.5% (2009: 2.6%). If interest rates changed by 100 basis points (2009: 100 basis points) the Group’s after tax result would increase or 
decrease by $20,000 (2009: $17,000).

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

63

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued

For the year ended 31 december 2010

Note 2: Financial Risk Management continued
(a) Market risk continued
(ii) Foreign exchange risk
The Group rarely undertakes commercial transactions in currencies other than in the functional currency of the operating entity.

Foreign exchange risks arise from recognised assets and liabilities that are denominated in a currency other than the Group’s functional 
currency, the Australian dollar. The major foreign exchange risk relates to the investment in a controlled entity in Singapore. This exposes 
the Group to foreign currency risk on the assets and liabilities. During the year Singapore dollar denominated borrowings were transacted 
to provide a natural hedge against the risk of changes in exchange rates. Where natural hedges do not exist, currency swap instruments are 
used to hedge at least 75% of the net recognised assets and liabilities which are denominated in foreign currencies. At 31 December 2010 
98% (2009: 96%) of the Group’s exposure was hedged.

Two cross currency basis swaps were executed in October 2006 to swap the currency of borrowings used to fund the Singapore acquisition 
from $20,505,000 Australian dollars into $24,200,000 Singapore dollars and to swap the principal at the same exchange rate of 0.8473 at 
maturity. A further two cross currency basis swaps were executed in March 2007 to swap $2,362,000 Australian dollars into $2,892,000 
Singapore dollars and to swap the principal at the same exchange rate of 0.8165 at maturity. These cross currency basis swaps were 
designated as hedges of the Group’s net investment in Singapore but were terminated during 2010 and replaced with Singapore dollar 
borrowings. Gains and losses on remeasuring these swaps are transferred to equity (foreign currency translation reserve) to offset any gains 
or losses on translation of the net investment in Singapore Casket Company (Private) Limited.

The Group has no significant unhedged foreign exchange exposures at 31 December 2010.

(iii) Price risk
The Group is the ultimate beneficiary of funds invested in various prepaid contract trusts which, as described in note 1(n), have been 
recognised for the first time in 2010. There are a significant number of trusts in existence with investment profiles extending from pure cash 
to almost 100% equities. 

Accordingly, the Group’s future revenue and margins are sensitive to the price risk relating to the investment returns of these funds under 
management. The returns of these funds are recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income. If the return on the funds under 
management had improved by 10% in 2010, an after tax gain of $7,000 (2009: $2,195,000) would have resulted. If returns had deteriorated 
by 10%, an after tax loss of $7,000 (2009: $1,996,000) would have resulted. An estimated 50% of the funds are expected to be recognised 
over the next 10 years and 90% over about 25 years. In any one year approximately 13% of all Australian funeral services performed by 
InvoCare have been prepaid; a proportion that has been reasonably constant for many years and is not expected to significantly change 
in the short term.

InvoCare monitors the asset allocations and investment performance at least quarterly and makes representations, where possible, to those 
in control of the trusts to mitigate price risks and enhance the returns which will ultimately impact InvoCare’s future results. Pleasingly, the 
returns have remained above benchmark.

As the funds are held in trust for relatively long periods, investment strategies take a long-term view for those trusts not restricted to more 
conservative, capital guaranteed assets. Historically, equities have provided the best long-term returns, although with the onset of the global 
financial crisis a substantial shift in the investment bias was made towards more conservative cash and fixed interest investments. As equity 
markets have stabilised, funds have been moved towards equity investments which generally provide better returns over the longer term.

The asset allocation at year end of prepaid contract funds under management is as follows:

Australian equities 
International equities 
Property 
Fixed interest 
Cash 

2010 
% 

48.7 
1.2 
3.8 
9.8 
36.5 

2009
%

62.2
1.4
1.0
9.5
25.9

The overall annual return of all funds, before administration charges, to 31 December 2010 was 2.6% higher than the benchmark of 2.2%. 
Overall fund returns were negative for the first half of 2010 but positive in the second half. This reflects the volatility of equity returns.

Approximately 80% of InvoCare’s prepaid funds under management are with Over Fifty Guardian Friendly Society. This fund held 54% of its 
assets in equities at 31 December 2010, compared to 53% at 30 June 2010 and 71% at 31 December 2009. A higher proportion of this 
fund’s assets have been allocated to cash and term deposits (40%) than its long-term strategic asset allocation (15%) while equity market 
volatility exists. Term deposit interest rates for this fund are currently averaging 6.8% per annum, including some deposits with five year 
terms at 7.25%.

Other than disclosed above, the Group does not hold any investments in equities or commodities and is therefore not subject to price risk.

64

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 2: Financial Risk Management continued
(b) Credit risk
Credit risk is managed on a Group basis. Credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents, derivative financial instruments and deposits 
with banks and financial institutions, as well as credit exposures to customers, including outstanding receivables and committed transactions. 
For banks and financial institutions, only independently rated parties with a minimum rating of AA– are accepted.

Credit risks in relation to customers are highly dispersed and without concentration on any particular region or sector. Funeral homes attempt 
to collect deposits at the time the service is commissioned, both as a sign of good faith and in order to cover out of pocket expenses. 
Cemetery and crematorium products are generally not delivered prior to the receipt of all or substantially all of the amounts due.

(i) Impaired receivables
The total amount of the provision for doubtful receivables was $1,594,000 (2009: $1,537,000). As at 31 December 2010, receivables with a 
nominal value of $2,251,000 (2009: $2,564,000) had been referred to the Group’s independent debt collection agent or specifically identified 
internally as doubtful and hence were considered to be impaired. The amount of the provision for doubtful receivables was calculated by 
applying the historical debt collector’s recovery ratio to all debtors over 90 days overdue.

The movement in the provision for impaired receivables is set out in note 12 – Trade and Other Receivables.

(ii) Receivables past due but not impaired
As of 31 December 2010, trade receivables of $3,281,000 (2009: $2,831,000) were past due but had not been referred to external debt 
collection agents and hence were considered not to be impaired. These relate to customers where there is no current evidence of an inability 
or unwillingness to settle the amount due, but where payment has been delayed. The Group’s own collection activity, which varies based 
on the nature and relative age of the debt, is routinely applied to all past due accounts. When these activities do not result in a successful 
outcome, the debt is referred to external debt collection agencies.

The aging of receivables past due but not impaired follows:

One to three months overdue 
Over three months overdue 

2010 
$’000 

2,819 
462 

2009
$’000

2,262
569

(iii) Other receivables
These amounts generally arise from transactions outside the normal operating activities of the Group. Interest is generally not charged on 
the amounts involved although collateral is generally obtained for larger amounts receivable.

(iv) Interest rate risks
The Group has no exposure to interest rate risk in respect of receivables as they are non-interest bearing.

(c) Liquidity risk
Prudent liquidity management implies maintaining sufficient cash and marketable securities, the availability of funding through an adequate 
amount of committed credit facilities and the ability to close out market positions. Due to the relatively stable nature of the Group’s business, 
management aims to maintain a large portion of committed credit lines on a long-term basis.

The Group’s borrowings are unsecured but subject to negative pledges and the Group has complied with these covenants throughout and 
at the end of the year. Details of the Group’s facilities are as follows.

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

65

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued

For the year ended 31 december 2010

Note 2: Financial Risk Management continued
(c) Liquidity risk continued

Finance facilities available
unrestricted access was available at balance date to the following lines of credit:
Total facilities
–  unsecured loan facility expiring in one to two years 
–  unsecured loan facility expiring in two to five years 
–  working capital facility expiring within one year 

used at balance date
–  unsecured loan facility 
–  working capital facility 

unused at balance date
–  unsecured loan facility 
–  working capital facility 

2010 
$’000 

2009
$’000

– 
255,000 
5,000 

180,000
–
5,000

260,000 

185,000

152,661 
749 

153,867
494

153,410 

154,361

102,339 
4,251 

26,133
4,506

106,590 

30,639

The Group’s external debt financing is provided by three of the major Australian banks through bi-lateral revolver debt facilities totalling 
$255 million expiring in September 2013, 2014 and 2015.

The facilities agreements’ covenant ratios are calculated on a rolling twelve month basis and have been met at 31 December 2010. The ratio 
of net debt to EBITDA (adjusted for acquisitions) must be no greater than 3.5 and the ratio of EBITDA to net interest must be greater than 3.0.

66

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 2: Financial Risk Management continued
(d) Capital risk management
The Group’s capital management objectives and strategies seek to maximise total shareholder returns, while maintaining a capital structure 
with acceptable debt and financial risk.

The capital management goals can be broadly described as:

− 

− 

− 

 manage the amount of equity and the expectation of returns – including dividend distribution policy, dividend reinvestment and share 
buy-back policies;

 maintain debt and gearing that is prudent, cost effective, supports operational needs and provides flexibility for growth and development; and

 avoid excessive exposure to interest rate fluctuations and debt refinancing risk.

The goals are actively managed by the use of quantifiable measures. These measures and relevant comments are as follows:

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

− 

 Maximising shareholder returns: Earnings per share (EPS) is a key measure and for 2010 basic EPS was 26.9 cents (2009: 47.7 cents). 
normalised EPS, which excludes gains and losses on the disposal or impairment of non-current assets movement in prepaid contracts, 
was 33.7 cents (2009: 30.3 cents). Importantly, senior management of the Group have long-term incentives linked to EPS growth, thus 
aligning employee and shareholder interests. Total shareholder return, being the sum of cash dividends and share price growth, has 
exceeded 24% (2009: 25%) per annum since the Company listed in December 2003, except for 2008 when global equity market values 
declined, although InvoCare’s share price did not fall as significantly as the rest of the market. A shareholder investing $1.00 in the initial 
public offering (IPO) would have enjoyed a total return of $3.73 or 373% (2009: $2.98 or 298%) up to 31 December 2010.

 Maintaining a minimum ordinary dividend payout ratio of at least 75% of operating profit after tax: For each of the years since listing, the 
Group has distributed ordinary dividends in excess of this payout ratio. The aggregate of the interim and final 2010 dividends represents 
a payout ratio of 84.4% (2009: 83.8%) of operating profit after tax.

 Monitoring participation in the Dividend Reinvestment Plan: up to 25% of the Company’s shareholders have participated in the DRP 
since it was first activated in October 2006.

 Confirming compliance with the debt covenant ratios, as defined in the facility agreements, through bi-annual calculations. The Group 
has complied with its banking covenants as follows:
− 
− 

 Interest cover (EBITDA/net Interest Expense) must be greater than 3.00:1.
 Leverage ratio (net Debt/Adjusted EBITDA) must not be greater than 3.50:1.

 Maintaining an optimal leverage ratio: The optimal capital structure, which has the lowest cost of capital, is indicatively at a leverage ratio 
(i.e. net Debt/EBITDA) of between 3:1 and 5:1. The Group can sustain and service higher levels of debt than the amount at balance date. 
Where the capacity exists, debt financing will be used for small acquisitions and capital expenditure. In the absence of opportunities to 
invest in growing the business, the Group will consider applying excess debt capacity to make returns to shareholders.

 Maintaining floating to fixed base interest rate swaps for at least 75% of debt principal. At 31 December 2010 the proportion of debt 
hedged was 99% (2009: 99%). The hedge contracts extend to the second half of 2014.

 Managing refinancing risk: The Group’s borrowing facilities were renewed during 2010 and in order to reduce refinancing risk, split into 
three tranches which currently expire in 2013, 2014 and 2015.

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

67

 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued

For the year ended 31 december 2010

Note 2: Financial Risk Management continued
(e) Summarised sensitivity analysis
The following table summarises the sensitivity of the Group’s financial assets and financial liabilities to interest rate risk and foreign exchange 
risk net of applicable income tax.

31 December 2010 

Interest rate risk 

Foreign exchange risk

– 100 basis points 

+ 100 basis points 

– 10% 

+ 10%

Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents 
Accounts receivable 
Prepaid contract funds  
under management 
Derivatives 
Financial liabilities
Trade and other payables 
Borrowings 

Total increase/(decrease) 

31 December 2009 

Carrying  
amount 
$’000 

5,123 
35,812 

273,544 
643 

(25,722) 
(153,477) 

Carrying 
amount 
$’000 

Profit 
$’000 

Equity 
$’000 

Profit 
$’000 

Equity 
$’000 

Profit 
$’000 

Equity 
$’000 

Profit 
$’000 

Equity 
$’000

(20) 
– 

– 
– 

7 
– 

– 
(2,752) 

20 
– 

(8) 
– 

– 
209 

182 

– 
– 

– 
(209) 

(2,752) 

(181) 

2,659 

– 
– 

– 
2,659 

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 

– 
(2,495) 

– 
2,084 

(411) 

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 

–
–

–
1,678

–
(2,084)

(406)

Interest rate risk 

Foreign exchange risk

– 100 basis points 

+ 100 basis points 

– 10% 

+ 10%

Profit 
$’000 

Equity 
$’000 

Profit 
$’000 

Equity 
$’000 

Profit 
$’000 

Equity 
$’000 

Profit 
$’000 

Equity 
$’000

Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents 
Accounts receivable 
Prepaid contract funds  
under management 
Derivatives 
Financial liabilities
Trade and other payables 
Borrowings 
Derivative financial instruments 

Total increase/(decrease) 

5,509 
29,779 

(17) 
– 

264,589 
765 

(1,996) 
87 

(21,626) 
(153,759) 
(1,996) 

– 
51 
(223) 

(2,097) 

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 
(449) 

(449) 

17 
– 

2,195 
(73) 

– 
(51) 
219 

2,307 

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 
442 

442 

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 
(69) 
– 

(69) 

– 
– 

– 
1,506 

– 
– 
– 

1,506 

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 
85 
– 

85 

–
–

–
(1,507)

–
–
–

(1,507)

The sensitivity analysis has been completed by applying the range values to the actual balances that existed at all points throughout the year.

(f) Fair value estimation
The fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities must be estimated for recognition and measurement or for disclosure purposes. 
The fair value of derivatives, which are recorded on the balance sheet, are measured using the cumulative dollar offset method.

As of 1 January 2009, the Group adopted the amendment to AASB 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures which requires the disclosure of fair 
value measurements by level of the following fair value measurement hierarchy:

(a)   quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1);
(b)   inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (as prices) or indirectly 

(derived from prices) (level 2); and

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

Prepaid contract funds under management are Level 1 assets. The Group holds derivatives used for hedging which are all Level 2 assets 
or liabilities. no financial instruments or derivatives are held for trading.

The carrying value less impairment provisions for trade receivables and payables is a reasonable approximation of their fair values due to the 
short-term nature of trade receivables. non-current trade receivables are discounted to their fair value in accordance with the accounting 
policy outlined in note 1(l).

68

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 3: Revenue from Continuing Operations

Sales revenue

Sale of goods 
Services revenue 

Other revenue
Rent 
Administration fees 
Sundry revenue 

Total revenue from continuing operations 

Note 4: Expenses

Profit before income tax includes the following specific expenses:
Depreciation
Buildings 
Property, plant and equipment 

Total depreciation 

Amortisation of non-current assets
  Cemetery land 

Leasehold land and buildings 
Leasehold improvements 
Brand names 

Total amortisation 

Total depreciation and amortisation 

Finance costs

Interest paid and payable 
Interest rate swap (gain)/loss 

  Other finance costs 

Total financing costs 

Impairment losses – financial assets

Trade receivables 

Rental expense
  Operating lease rental – minimum lease payments 

Defined contribution superannuation expense  

2010 
$’000 

2009
$’000

118,281 
149,168 

111,982
143,694

267,449 

255,676

391 
3,587 
1,147 

5,125 

270
3,360
1,527

5,157

272,574 

260,833

2010 
$’000 

2009
$’000

2,925 
7,214 

10,139 

360 
135 
213 
368 

1,076 

11,215 

10,613 
(847) 
1,260 

11,026 

2,972
6,829

9,801

344
128
179
341

992

10,793

10,246
(2,216)
800

8,830

456 

180

7,204 

4,933 

6,852

4,821

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

69

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued

For the year ended 31 december 2010

Note 5: Income Tax Expense

(a) Income tax expense
Current tax 
Deferred tax 
under/(over) provided in prior years 

Income tax expense attributable to continuing operations 

(b) reconciliation of income tax expense to prima facie tax payable
Prima facie tax at 30% (2009: 30%) on profit from ordinary activities 
Tax effect of amounts which are not deductible/(taxable) in calculation of taxable income

Difference in overseas tax rates 
Impact of reduction in overseas tax rates   
Investment allowance 
under/(over) provision in prior years  
Impact of previously unrecognised capital losses offsetting capital gains  
Acquisition costs not deductible 

  Other items (net) 

Income tax expense 

2010 
$’000 

2009
$’000

14,469 
(4,150) 
23 

12,514
6,737
(171)

10,342 

19,080

11,341 

20,191

(603) 
– 
(443) 
23 
(314) 
385 
(47) 

(562)
(35)
(530)
(171)
–
41
146

10,342 

19,080

(c) Tax losses
The Group has unutilised Australian capital losses with a potential benefit of $636,000 (2009: $954,000) at a tax rate of 30% (2009: 30%).

Note 6: Key Management Personnel Disclosures
(a) Key management personnel compensation

Short-term employee benefits 
Post-employment benefits 
Share-based payments 

2010 
$ 

2009
$

1,652,036 
86,789 
343,557 

1,700,471
95,557
243,184

2,082,382 

2,039,212

Detailed remuneration disclosures are provided in sections A to C of the Remuneration Report on pages 37 to 47.

(b) equity instrument disclosures relating to key management personnel
(i) Shares and options provided as remuneration and shares issued on exercise of such options
Details of shares and options provided as remuneration and shares issued on the exercise of such options, together with terms and 
conditions of the shares and options, can be found in section D of the Remuneration Report on pages 43 to 44.

70

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 6: Key Management Personnel Disclosures continued
(b) equity instrument disclosures relating to key management personnel continued
(ii) Share-holdings
The number of ordinary shares in the Company held during the financial year by each director of InvoCare Limited and other key management 
personnel of the Group, including indirectly by their personally related parties or by the trustee of the InvoCare Deferred Employee Share 
Plan, are set out below. During the year, shares were granted to other key management personnel under the terms of the InvoCare Deferred 
Employee Share Plan the details of which are outlined in note 7.

non-executive Directors
Ian Ferrier 
Christine Clifton 
Roger Penman 
Benjamin Chow 
Richard Fisher 
executive Directors
Andrew Smith 
other key management personnel
Phillip Friery 

Balance at  Granted during 
the year as 

Other 
start of 
changes 
the year  compensation  during the year 

Balance at
end of 
the year

52,401 
112,451 
8,000 
10,182 
5,713 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

76,929 

69,549 

73,953 

20,374 

– 
510 
– 
231 
248 

– 

– 

52,401
112,961
8,000
10,413
5,961

146,478

94,327

(iii) Option holdings
At the end of the period there were no options over unissued shares.

(c) Loans to key management personnel
There were no loans to directors of the Company and other key management personnel.

(d) other transactions with key management personnel
The Chairman, Ian Ferrier, is also Chairman and a shareholder of Good Health Solutions Pty Limited, a company which provides specialist 
medical services to the corporate sector. During the year, services were provided to the Group on normal terms and conditions amounting 
to $396 (2009: $1,980).

Aggregate amounts of each of the above types of other transactions with key management personnel of the consolidated entity, including 
their personally related parties:

amounts recognised as expense
Other professional services 

2010 
$ 

2009
$

396 

396 

1,980

1,980

At balance date there were no amounts payable in either 2010 or 2009 to key management personnel of the Group, including their personally 
related parties, relating to the above types of transactions.

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

71

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued

For the year ended 31 december 2010

Note 7: Share-based Payments
(a) employee shares
(i) Exempt employee share plan
During October 2006, the Company established the InvoCare Exempt Employee Share Plan, providing plan members the opportunity to 
acquire ordinary shares in InvoCare Limited to the tax free value of $1,000.

During 2010, more than 800 (2009: 800) eligible employees were invited to participate in the plan and pay the share purchase price by 
regular deductions from pre-tax wage or salary. The criteria for eligibility included being employed for a minimum of six months as a full-time 
or permanent part-time employee at the time of the offer. In november 2010, 26,639 shares were issued to the trustee, IVC Employee Share 
Plan Managers Pty Ltd and 5,737 that had previously been forfeited by members of the deferred employee share plan were allocated, to a 
total of 213 eligible employees who had elected to participate. In november 2009 the trustee purchased on-market 32,050 shares on behalf 
of 190 plan members. The plan rules require members to leave the shares in the plan for a minimum of three years after purchase, unless 
the member leaves the Group’s employment earlier. Future offers of participation may be made at the discretion of, and subject to terms and 
conditions determined by, the Board of Directors. At 31 December 2010, the balance owing by employee plan members for the purchase 
price of shares was $160,812 (2009: $145,447).

(ii) Deferred employee share plan
In 2006, following a review of long-term incentive practices by the Remuneration Committee, the Board of Directors approved the 
establishment of the InvoCare Deferred Employee Share Plan whereby selected key management personnel and other senior managers 
are able to participate and benefit from a range of remuneration opportunities, including long-term equity incentives to align executive and 
shareholder interests.

under the terms of the plan, employees are offered a predetermined value of shares which the trustee, IVC Employee Share Plan Managers 
Pty Ltd, purchases on market. During 2010, offers were made to and accepted by a total of 43 (2009: 43) employees and a total of 209,820 
(2008: 199,935) shares purchased on-market for $1,261,987 (2009: $974,100) at an average price of $6.01 (2009: $4.87) per share. Set out 
on the following page is a summary of the grants under the plan.

Performance hurdles apply to certain grants to senior managers which are outlined in detail in the Remuneration Report. Shading in provisions apply 
with partial vesting where compound earnings per share growth is less than the target.

(b) expenses arising from share-based payment transactions
Total expenses arising from share-based payment transactions recognised during the period as part of employee benefits expense were as 
follows:

Long-term incentive bonus share expense 

2010 
$’000 

1,049 

1,049 

2009
$’000

790

790

72

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 7: Share-based Payments continued
(c) employee share options
InvoCare Limited has no options over unissued shares granted to executive management outstanding at balance date.

Details of unvested grants and other movements in the deferred employee share plan follow:

Grant date 

Vesting date 

Purchase 
price per 
share 
$ 

Balance at 
the start of 
the year 
$’000 

Granted 
during the 
year 
$’000 

Vested 
during the 
year 
$’000 

Forfeited 
during the 
year 
$’000 

Balance at
the end of 
the year 
$’000

1 January 2006 
1 January 2007 

1 January 2007 

1 July 2007 

1 January 2008 

1 January 2008 

1 July 2008 

1 January 2009 

1 March 2009 

1 January 2010 

1 March 2010 

22 February 2010 
22 February 2010 
22 February 2011 
25 February 2010 
25 February 2011 
25 February 2010 
25 February 2011 
25 February 2010 
25 February 2011 
25 February 2012 
25 February 2011 
25 February 2012 
25 February 2013 
25 February 2010 
25 February 2011 
25 February 2012 
25 February 2011 
25 February 2012 
25 February 2013 
25 February 2011 
25 February 2012 
25 February 2013 
25 February 2012 
25 February 2013 
25 February 2014 
25 February 2012 
25 February 2013 
25 February 2014 

6.21 
6.33 
6.33 
6.21 
6.21 
6.21 
6.21 
6.33 
6.33 
6.33 
6.01 
6.01 
6.01 
6.33 
6.33 
6.33 
4.87 
4.87 
4.87 
4.87 
4.87 
4.87 
6.01 
6.01 
6.01 
6.01 
6.01 
6.01 

41 
43 
43 
138 
138 
54 
54 
180 
180 
180 
– 
– 
– 
63 
63 
63 
264 
264 
264 
61 
61 
61 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
45 
45 
45 
– 
– 
– 
33 
34 
34 
– 
– 
– 
282 
282 
282 
60 
60 
60 

2,215 

1,262 

(41) 
(43) 
– 
(138) 
– 
(54) 
– 
(180) 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(63) 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

(519) 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(4) 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(3) 
(3) 
– 
– 
– 
(4) 
(5) 
(5) 
– 
– 
– 
(2) 
(3) 
(3) 

–
–
43
–
138
–
50
–
180
180
45
45
45
–
60
60
297
298
298
57
56
56
282
282
282
58
57
57

(32) 

2,926

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

73

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued

For the year ended 31 december 2010

Note 8: Remuneration of Auditors

During the year, the following fees were paid or payable for services provided  
by the auditor of the parent entity, its related practices and non-related audit firms.

(a) audit services
PricewaterhouseCoopers – Australian firm
Audit and review of financial reports 

non-PricewaterhouseCoopers – Singaporean firm

Audit and review of financial reports 

Total remuneration for audit services 

(b) non-audit services
PricewaterhouseCoopers – Australian firm

Assurance services 
Accounting advisory services 
Taxation services 
Transaction services 

PricewaterhouseCoopers – non-Australian firms

Transaction services 

non-PricewaterhouseCoopers – Singaporean firm
  Other services 

Total remuneration for non-audit services 

2010 
$ 

2009
$

258,900 

199,500

17,080 

20,062

275,980 

219,562

17,283 
70,000 
77,648 
120,491 

24,270
–
121,066
–

14,763 

–

8,372 

7,783

308,557 

153,119

It is the Company’s policy to employ PricewaterhouseCoopers on assignments additional to their statutory audit duties where 
PricewaterhouseCoopers’ expertise and experience with the consolidated entity are important and auditor independence is not 
compromised. These assignments are principally tax advice and advisory services, or where PricewaterhouseCoopers is awarded 
assignments on a competitive basis. It is the Company’s policy to seek competitive tenders for any major consulting projects.

74

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 9: Dividends

Dividends paid
Final ordinary dividend for the year ended 31 December 2009 of 13.75 cents  
(2008: 13.0 cents) per fully paid share paid on 9 April 2010 (2008: 9 April 2009),  
fully franked based on tax paid at 30% (2008: 30%) 

Interim ordinary dividend for the year ended 31 December 2010 of 13.0 cents  
(2009: 11.5 cents) per share paid on 8 October 2010 (2009: 9 October 2009),  
fully franked based on tax paid at 30% (2009: 30%) 

Dividends paid to members of InvoCare Limited 

On 5 March 2010 a 9 cents per fully paid share fully franked dividend based on  
tax paid at 30% was paid. no dividends were paid to minority interests during 2009 

Dividends not recognised at year end
In addition to the above dividends, since the year end, the directors recommended  
the payment of a final dividend to InvoCare Limited shareholders of 15.25 cents  
(2009: 13.75 cents) per fully paid ordinary share, fully franked based on tax paid  
at 30%. The aggregate amount of the proposed dividend, expected to be paid on  
8 April 2011 out of 2010 profits, but not recognised as a liability at year end is: 

Franking credit balance
The amounts of franking credits available for subsequent financial years are:
Franking account balance at the end of the financial year 
Franking credits that will arise from the payment of income tax payable at the  
end of the financial year 
Reduction in franking account resulting from payment of proposed final dividend  
of 15.25 cents (2009: 13.75 cents) 

Note 10: Earnings per Share

reconciliation of earnings to Profit and Loss
Profit from ordinary activities after income tax  
Less profit attributable to minority interests 

Profit used to calculate basic and diluted EPS  

2010 
$’000 

2009
$’000

14,002 

13,104

13,269 

27,271 

11,657

24,761

74 

–

27,345 

24,761

15,619 

14,002

18,240 

19,473

5,753 

2,608

(6,694) 

(6,001)

17,299 

16,080

2010 
$’000 

2009
$’000

27,460 
(94) 

27,366 

48,222
(82)

48,140

2010 
number 

2009
number

Weighted average number of shares used as a denominator
Weighted average number of ordinary shares used as the denominator  
in calculating basic earnings per share  

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

  101,583,915  100,944,902

  101,583,915  100,944,902

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

75

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued

For the year ended 31 december 2010

Note 11: Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash on hand  
Cash at bank  

Cash at bank attracts floating interest rates between 3.0% and 4.0% (2009: 2.25% and 3.85%)

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

Balances per the statement of cash flows 

Note 12: Trade and Other Receivables

Current
Trade receivables  
Provision for doubtful receivables  
Prepayments 
Other receivables  

non-current
Trade receivables 
Provision for doubtful receivables 
Security deposits 
Other receivables 

(a) Impaired receivables
Movements in the provision for impairment of receivables are as follows:

As at 1 January 
Provision for impairment recognised during the year 
Receivables written off as uncollectible 

As at 31 December 

Note 13: Inventories

Current
Work in progress – at cost 
Finished goods – at cost 

76

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

2010 
$’000 

59 
5,064 

5,123 

2009
$’000

53
5,456

5,509

5,123 

5,123 

5,509

5,509

2010 
$’000 

2009
$’000

20,301 
(1,527) 
2,473 
1,388 

19,227
(1,254)
1,761
1,161

22,635 

20,895

12,368 
(67) 
248 
628 

13,177 

2010 
$’000 

1,537 
456 
(399) 

1,594 

9,611
(283)
240
623

10,191

2009
$’000

1,688
180
(331)

1,537

2010 
$’000 

2009
$’000

1,824 
15,369 

17,193 

3,060
12,294

15,354

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 14: Prepaid Contracts
(a) Impact on statement of comprehensive income

Gain on prepaid contract funds under management 
Change in provision for prepaid contract liabilities 

net gain/(loss) on undelivered prepaid contracts 

(b) Movements in prepaid contract funds under management

Balance at the beginning of the year 
Sale of new prepaid contracts 
Initial recognition of contracts paid by instalment 
Redemption of prepaid contract funds following service delivery 
Increase due to business combinations 
Increase in fair value of contract funds under management 

Balance at the end of the year 

(c) Movements in prepaid contract liabilities

Balance at the beginning of the year 
Sale of new prepaid contracts 
Initial recognition of contracts paid by instalment 
Decrease following delivery of services 
Increase due to business combinations 
Increase due to reassessment of delivery costs 

Balance at the end of the year 

2010 
$’000 

2009
$’000

1,531 
(11,831) 

32,499
(10,081)

(10,300) 

22,418

2010 
$’000 

2009
$’000

264,589 
22,450 
1,279 
(20,704) 
4,399 
1,531 

230,225
20,681
1,333
(20,149)
–
32,499

273,544 

264,589

2010 
$’000 

2009
$’000

244,872 
22,450 
1,279 
(20,185) 
4,399 
11,831 

232,116
20,681
1,333
(19,339)
–
10,081

264,646 

244,872

(d) nature of contracts under management and liabilities
Prepaid contracts are tripartite agreements whereby InvoCare agrees to deliver a specified funeral service, cremation or burial at the time of 
need and the beneficiary invests the current price of the service to be delivered with a financial institution and conditionally assigns the benefit 
to InvoCare. InvoCare records the value of the invested funds as an asset and revalues the invested funds to fair value at the end of each 
reporting period. InvoCare also records a liability at the current selling price of the service to be delivered and uplifts this liability for the change 
in selling prices during the period.

The assignment of the benefit of the invested funds to InvoCare only becomes unconditional when InvoCare demonstrates that it has 
delivered the service specified. InvoCare receives the investment returns as well as the initial investment when the service has been delivered.

As required by law, the funds are controlled by trustees who are independent of InvoCare.

InvoCare permits, on request, contracts to be paid by instalments over periods not exceeding three years. In some instances these contracts 
are never fully paid. If, during the three year period the contract becomes at need, the family is given the option of either paying outstanding 
instalments and receiving the contracted services at the original fixed price or using the amount paid as a part payment of the at need 
service. If the contract is not fully paid after three years InvoCare only permits the family to use the amounts paid as a partial payment of the 
at need services. At balance date the total instalments received were $3,900,000 (2009: $3,342,000). These funds and the relevant liability 
are recognised when the contract has been fully paid.

InvoCare also manages a number of funeral bond contracts where an investment is made to provide for payment of an expense in the future 
without any contractual commitment for InvoCare to deliver any services in particular. InvoCare will receive the value of these bonds only if 
it delivers a service and any difference between the then current price of the service delivered and value of the bond is paid to, or received 
from, the estate of the beneficiary. The value of the funds under management in these arrangements at the end of the year was $773,000 
(2009: $1,036,000). These arrangements are not recorded as an asset or liability in the financial statements.

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

77

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued

For the year ended 31 december 2010

Note 15: Subsidiaries
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the assets, liabilities and results of InvoCare Limited and the following controlled entities in 
accordance with the accounting policy in note 1(b).

name of entity 

InvoCare Australia Pty Limited 
  new South Wales Cremation Company Pty Limited 
A.C.n. 002 553 746 Pty Limited (In liquidation)  
(formerly Cremations (newcastle) Holdings Pty Limited) 
A.C.n. 000 030 491 Pty Limited (In liquidation)  
(formerly Cremations (newcastle) Pty Limited) 
A.C.n. 050 110 453 Pty Limited (In liquidation)  
(formerly novocastrian Funerals Pty Limited) 
  novocastrian Funerals unit Trust   

LifeArt Australasia Pty Limited (formerly Catholic Funerals newcastle Pty Limited) 

  Macquarie Memorial Park Pty Limited 

  Macquarie Funeral Service Pty Limited 
A.C.n. 008 826 453 Pty Limited (In liquidation) (formerly 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 
A.C.n. 003 778 792 Pty Limited (In liquidation) (formerly Beresfield Funerals Pty Limited) 
A.C.n. 068 935 348 Pty Ltd (In liquidation) (formerly Restbind Pty Limited) 
A.C.n. 060 625 372 Pty Limited (In liquidation) (formerly D & J Drysdale Pty Ltd) 
A.C.n 054 583 345 Pty Ltd (In liquidation) (formerly Liberty Funerals Pty Limited) 

IVC Employee Share Plan Managers Pty Ltd   
InvoCare (Singapore) Pty Limited 

Singapore Casket Company (Private) Limited 
  Casket Palace Pte Ltd 

Simplicity Casket Private Limited 
  Casket Company Embalming and Funeral Services Pte. Ltd 

InvoCare new Zealand Limited 
InvoCare Hong Kong Limited 

Country of 
incorporation 

Equity holding

2010 
% 

2009 
%

Australia 
Australia 

Australia 

Australia 

Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Singapore 
Singapore 
Singapore 
Singapore 
new Zealand 
Hong Kong 

100 
100 

100 

100 

100 
100 
100 
83 
83 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 

100
100

100

100

100
100
100
83
83
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
–

Shares in subsidiaries are carried at cost and relate to InvoCare Limited’s ownership interest in InvoCare Australia Pty Limited, InvoCare 
(Singapore) Pty Limited, InvoCare new Zealand Limited and IVC Employee Share Plan Managers Pty Ltd. All shares held are ordinary shares.

InvoCare Australia Pty Limited and InvoCare (Singapore) Pty Limited have been granted relief from the necessity to prepare financial reports in 
accordance with Class Order 98/1418 issued by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. For further information refer to note 32.

As part of a rationalisation of the structure of the Group, eight subsidiary companies of InvoCare Australia Pty Limited and two trading trusts 
transferred their business assets, liabilities and undertakings to InvoCare Australia Pty Limited. On 16 December 2010 these entities were 
placed into voluntary liquidation. During the process of winding up these legal entities the trading trusts will be dissolved.

78

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2010 
$’000 

2009
$’000

– 

– 

–

–

2010 
$’000 

2009
$’000

– 
– 
(9) 
9 
– 

– 

–
–
–
–
–

–

Profit 
$’000

(9)

(9)

Note 16: Equity Accounted Investments

Shares in associates 

(a) Movements in carrying amounts

Carrying amount at the beginning of the year   
Equity interest acquired during the year 
Share of profits/(losses) after income tax 
Share of loss not recognised 
Dividends received 

(b) Summarised financial information of associates
The Group’s share of the result of its associates and their aggregated assets (including goodwill) and liabilities are as follows:

2010
HeavenAddress Holdings Pty Ltd 

Ownership 
Interest 
% 

Assets 
$’000 

Group’s share of:

Liabilities 
$’000 

Revenues 
$’000 

27.59 

283 

283 

51 

51 

39 

39 

This associate is an unlisted private company incorporated in Australia and the investment was made during 2010.

(c) Transactions with non-controlling interests
On 13 July 2010, a controlled entity, InvoCare Australia Pty Limited subscribed for shares representing an equity interest of 27.59% of 
HeavenAddress Holdings Pty Ltd. At the same time a services agreement was executed between HeavenAddress Holdings and InvoCare 
Australia for the provision of services enabling client families to post online obituaries on the web. An initial payment for this service of 
$300,000 was made in July 2010 which has been expensed over the service period.

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

79

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued

For the year ended 31 december 2010

Note 17: Property, Plant and Equipment

Cemetery 
land 
$’000 

Freehold 
land 
$’000 

Buildings 
$’000 

Leasehold
land and 
buildings 
$’000 

Leasehold 
improvements 
$’000 

Plant and 
equipment 
$’000 

Total 
$’000

105,158 

45,451 

92,113 

4,466 

2,330 

67,281 

316,800

at 1 January 2010
Cost 
Accumulated  
depreciation/amortisation 
Impairment write-downs 

net book amount 

83,988 

45,451 

62,391 

(5,194) 
(15,976) 

– 
– 

(29,722) 
– 

(2,094) 
– 

2,372 

(1,213) 
– 

(39,153) 
– 

(77,376)
(15,976)

1,117 

28,128 

223,448

Year ended 31 December 2010
Additions 
Business combinations 
Disposals 
Depreciation/amortisation charge 
Effect of movement in  
exchange rates 
Transfers/reclassifications 

– 
– 
(79) 
(360) 

– 
– 

163 
4,385 
(231) 
– 

(264) 
– 

4,801 
1,700 
(759) 
(2,925) 

(85) 
(44) 

1 
– 
(56) 
(135) 

– 
– 

514 
– 
(6) 
(213) 

– 
– 

9,539 
260 
(325) 
(7,214) 

(21) 
44 

15,018
6,345
(1,456)
(10,847)

(370)
–

Closing net book amount 

83,549 

49,504 

65,079 

2,182 

1,412 

30,412 

232,138

105,079 

49,504 

97,550 

4,351 

2,781 

70,517 

329,782

net book amount 

83,549 

49,504 

65,079 

(5,554) 
(15,976) 

– 
– 

(32,471) 
– 

(2,169) 
– 

2,182 

(1,369) 
– 

(40,105) 
– 

(81,668)
(15,976)

1,412 

30,412 

232,138

105,209 

47,297 

89,423 

4,466 

1,960 

63,536 

311,891

(4,849) 
(15,976) 

– 
– 

(27,244) 
– 

net book amount 

84,384 

47,297 

62,179 

Year ended 31 December 2009
Additions 
Business combinations 
Disposals 
Depreciation/amortisation charge 
Effect of movement in exchange rates 
Transfers/reclassifications 

59 
– 
(2) 
(344) 
– 
(109) 

12 
– 
(3) 
– 
(1,855) 
– 

3,761 
– 
(81) 
(2,972) 
(657) 
161 

(1,966) 
– 

2,500 

– 
– 
– 
(128) 
– 
– 

(1,054) 
– 

(38,573) 
– 

(73,686)
(15,976)

906 

24,963 

222,229

392 
– 
(3) 
(179) 
– 
1 

10,533 
20 
(402) 
(6,829) 
(104) 
(53) 

14,757
20
(491)
(10,452)
(2,616)
–

Closing net book amount 

83,988 

45,451 

62,391 

2,372 

1,117 

28,128 

223,448

at 31 December 2009
Cost 
Accumulated  
depreciation/amortisation 
Impairment write-downs 

105,158 

45,451 

92,113 

4,466 

2,330 

67,281 

316,800

(5,194) 
(15,976) 

– 
– 

(29,722) 
– 

(2,094) 
– 

2,372 

(1,213) 
– 

1,117 

(39,153) 
– 

(77,376)
(15,976)

28,128 

223,448

net book amount 

83,988 

45,451 

62,391 

80

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

at 31 December 2010
Cost 
Accumulated  
depreciation/amortisation 
Impairment write-downs 

at 1 January 2009
Cost 
Accumulated  
depreciation/amortisation 
Impairment write-downs 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 17: Property, Plant and Equipment continued
(a) assets in the course of construction
The carrying amounts of assets disclosed on the previous page include the following expenditure recognised in relation to property, plant and 
equipment which is in the course of construction:

Cemetery land 
Freehold land 
Freehold buildings 
Leasehold improvements 
Plant and equipment 

Total assets in the course of construction 

2010 
$’000 

– 
– 
2,356 
168 
328 

2,853 

2009
$’000

80
11
912
5
1,666

2,674

(b) Impairment
(i) 2010
All impaired cemetery and crematorium sites were reassessed at 31 December 2010 using the same methodology as previously applied and 
no change to the impairment provision was considered necessary in 2010.

The impairment losses may be reversed in future years. The Group has no impairment at other cemetery and crematorium sites, or of other 
property, plant and equipment assets. The total recoverable amount of the Group’s assets is well in excess of carrying value.

The recoverable amount of cash generating units is based on value-in-use calculations. These calculations use cash flow projections based 
on financial estimates approved by management based on past performance and future expectations. The cash flows cover an initial five-year 
period and are then extrapolated beyond five years using estimated growth rates of 4% in revenues and 3% in expenses which are not 
inconsistent with historical trends and forecasts included in reports prepared by market analysts. A sensitivity analysis has been conducted 
on the impaired sites by moving the underlying assumptions both up and down 10%. This analysis demonstrates that changing the 
assumptions is unlikely to result in a material change in the currently recognised impairment losses. Management considers that a +/– 10% 
shift is within the reasonably possible range of long-term outcomes. The pre-tax discount rate used was 10.5% (2009: 10.8%), reflecting the 
risk estimates for the business as a whole.

(ii) 2009
All impaired cemetery and crematorium sites were reassessed at 31 December 2009 using the same methodology as previously applied and 
no change to the impairment provision was considered necessary in 2009.

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

81

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued

For the year ended 31 december 2010

Note 18: Intangible Assets

at 1 January 2010
Cost 
Accumulated amortisation 

net book amount 

Year ended 31 December 2010
Acquisition of subsidiary/businesses 
Effect of movement in exchange rates 
Amortisation charge 

net book amount 

at 31 December 2010
Cost 
Accumulated amortisation 

net book amount 

at 1 January 2009
Cost 
Accumulated amortisation 

net book amount 

Year ended 31 December 2009
Acquisition of subsidiary/businesses 
Effect of movement in exchange rates 
Amortisation charge 

net book amount 

at 31 December 2009
Cost 
Accumulated amortisation 

net book amount 

Goodwill 
$’000 

Brand name 
$’000 

Total
$’000

56,161 
– 

56,161 

3,880 
(433) 
– 

3,330 
(1,005) 

59,491
(1,005)

2,325 

58,486

656 
(24) 
(368) 

4,536
(457)
(368)

59,608 

2,589 

62,197

59,608 
– 

59,608 

59,118 
– 

59,118 

110 
(3,067) 
– 

56,161 

56,161 
– 

56,161 

3,948 
(1,359) 

63,556
(1,359)

2,589 

62,197

3,612 
(739) 

2,873 

– 
(207) 
(341) 

62,730
(739)

61,991

110
(3,274)
(341)

2,325 

58,486

3,330 
(1,005) 

59,491
(1,005)

2,325 

58,486

(a) Impairment test for goodwill
For the Group’s Australian-based operations, goodwill cannot be allocated on a non-arbitrary basis to individual cash generating units (CGus) 
due to the significant history of numerous acquisitions, especially during the years 1993 to 1999, and resulting post-acquisition business 
integration activities and operational changes over many years. The Singapore operation is a separate CGu and the associated goodwill 
arising from that acquisition has been allocated to that single Singaporean CGu. As a result, the lowest level within the Group at which 
goodwill is monitored for management purposes comprises the grouping of all CGus within a country of operation. The recoverable amounts 
of the total of Australian CGus and of the Singaporean CGu are based on value-in-use calculations. These calculations use cash flow 
projections based on financial estimates approved by management covering a five-year period. Cash flows beyond the five-year period have 
been extrapolated using estimated growth rates. Management has assessed that a reasonable possible long-term shift in key assumptions 
will not cause further impairment.

(b) Key assumptions used for value-in-use calculations
Management determined budgeted cash flows based on past performance and its expectations for the future. The growth rates of 4% in 
revenue and 3% in expense projections are not inconsistent with historical trends and forecasts included in reports prepared by market 
analysts. The pre-tax discount rate used was 10.5% (2009: 10.8%), reflecting the risk estimates for the business as a whole. Sensitivity 
analysis indicates significant headroom exists in the value-in-use calculations for both Australia and Singapore compared to the carrying 
value of goodwill.

82

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 19: Derivative Financial Instruments

non-current assets
Interest rate swap contracts – cash flow hedges 
Cross currency basis swap contracts 

Current liabilities
Interest rate swap contracts – cash flow hedges 

Full details of the derivatives being used by the Group and the risks and aging of the existing derivatives are set out  
in note 2 – Financial risk management.

Note 20: Trade and Other Payables

Current
Trade payables 
Sundry payables and accrued expenses 
Deferred cash settlement for business interests acquired 

non-current
Deferred cash settlement for business interests acquired 

2010 
$’000 

2009
$’000

643 
– 

643 

– 

– 

(551)
1,316

765

1,966

1,966

2010 
$’000 

2009
$’000

19,253 
5,860 
610 

25,723 

– 

– 

17,191
5,120
288

22,599

334

334

Full details of the risks and currency exposure of trade and other payments are set out in note 2 – Financial risk management.

Note 21: Borrowings

Short-term borrowings
Lease liabilities 

Long-term borrowings
Borrowings are represented by:
Principal amount of bank loans – unsecured   
Lease liabilities 
Loan establishment costs 

Full details of the risks, aging and available facilities are set out in note 2 – Financial risk management.

2010 
$’000 

2009
$’000

76 

76 

–

–

152,661 
1,872 
(1,132) 

153,867
–
(108)

153,401 

153,759

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

83

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued

For the year ended 31 december 2010

Note 22: Provisions for Employee Benefits

Current
Employee benefits 

non-current
Liability for long service leave 

(a) employee numbers
number of full-time equivalent employees 

2010 
$’000 

2009
$’000

9,473 

8,728

1,361 

1,308

2010 
number 

2009
number

1,112 

1,101

(b) Superannuation plan
The Company contributes to accumulation-type employee superannuation plans in accordance with statutory requirements.

Note 23: Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

Deferred tax (asset)/liability
The deferred tax (asset)/liability balances comprised temporary differences attributable to:
Amounts recognised in profit and loss:
  Cemetery land 

Property, plant and equipment 
Leasehold land and buildings 
Deferred selling costs 
Prepayments and other 
Brand names 
Prepaid contracts 
Lease liabilities 
Provisions 
Receivables 
Accruals and other 
Loan establishment costs 
Derivatives 

Amounts recognised directly in equity:

Foreign currency translation reserve 

  Cash flow hedge reserve 

The net movement in the deferred tax (asset)/liability is as follows:
Balance at the beginning of the year 
net charge (credit) to income statement 
Amounts recognised due to a change in accounting policy 
Amounts recognised due to business combinations 
Amounts recognised directly in equity 
Impact of change of income tax rate in Singapore 
Adjustment to previously recognised balances 
Effect of movements in exchange rates 

Balance at the end of the year 

Deferred tax liabilities/(assets) to be settled within 12 months  
Deferred tax liabilities/(assets) to be settled after 12 months 

84

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

2010 
$’000 

2009
$’000

24,997 
5,128 
95 
2,642 
528 
673 
2,929 
11 
(3,793) 
(254) 
(470) 
– 
– 

4 
189 

25,105
5,438
97
2,567
512
602
5,915
–
(3,557)
(194)
(126)
(12)
(364)

395
(400)

32,679 

35,978

35,978 
(4,150) 
– 
651 
198 
– 
(57) 
59 

32,679 

(171) 
32,850 

32,679 

26,855
333
6,404
–
2,846
(35)
(292)
(133)

35,978

3,078
32,909

35,978

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 24: Contributed Equity

Fully paid ordinary shares 

ordinary shares
Balance at the beginning of the financial year   
Dividend reinvestment plan issues 
Exempt employee share plan issues 

Total contributed equity 

Treasury shares 

2010 
$’000 

2009
$’000

79,937 

76,950

2010 
number 

2010 
$’000 

2009 
number 

2009
$’000

  101,834,236 
560,413 
26,639 

79,165  100,799,439 
1,034,797 
3,523 
– 
175 

  102,421,288 

82,863  101,834,236 

73,379
5,786
–

79,165

(518,763) 

(2,926) 

(397,676) 

(2,215)

Total consolidated contributed equity 

  101,902,525 

79,937  101,436,560 

76,950

(a) ordinary shares
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.

(b) Treasury shares
Treasury shares are shares in InvoCare Limited that are held by the InvoCare Deferred Employee Share Plan Trust for the purpose of issuing 
shares under the InvoCare Deferred Employee Share Plan, as set out in note 7.

Date 

Details 

number of shares 

$’000

1 January 2009 
22 February 2009 
25 February 2009 
23 to 27 February 2009 

2 April 2009 
26 June 2009 

Opening Balance 
Shares vested 
Shares vested 
Acquisition of shares by the Trust and reallocation  
of previously forfeited shares 
Forfeit of shares on termination of employment 
Forfeit of shares on termination of employment 

31 December 2009 

Balance 

22 to 25 February 2010 
22 February to 5 March 2010 

9 April 2010 
8 October 2010 
3 november 2010 

Shares vested 
Acquisition of shares by the Trust and reallocation  
of previously forfeited shares 
Forfeit of shares on termination of employment 
Forfeit of shares on termination of employment 
Transfer of shares to members of the Exempt Employee Share Plan   

249,697 
(13,670) 
(32,382) 

200,218 
(5,313) 
(874) 

397,676 

(82,996) 

209,820 
(3,579) 
(2,158) 
(5,737) 

518,763 

1,573
(84)
(201)

948
(16)
(5)

2,215

(519)

1,262
(20)
(12)
–

2,926

(c) Dividend reinvestment plan
During 2006, the Company activated its Dividend Reinvestment Plan under which holders of ordinary shares may elect to have all or part of 
their dividend entitlements satisfied in ordinary shares rather than by being paid in cash.

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

85

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued

For the year ended 31 december 2010

Note 25: Reserves and Retained Profits

(a) reserves
Share-based payments reserve 
Hedging reserve – cash flow hedge reserve 
Foreign currency translation reserve 

Movements:
Share-based payments reserve

Balance at the beginning of the year 

  Options/deferred employee share plan expense 
Vesting of deferred employee share plan shares 
Deferred tax 

Balance at the end of the year 

Hedging reserve

Balance at the beginning of the year 
Revaluation to fair value – gross 
Amortisation of hedge reserve 
Deferred tax 

Balance at the end of the year 

Foreign currency translation reserve

Balance at the beginning of the year 
Revaluation to fair value – gross 
Deferred tax 

  Currency translation differences 

Balance at the end of the year 

(b) retained profits/(accumulated losses)
Movements in retained profits/(accumulated losses) were as follows:

Balance at the beginning of the year 

  net profit for the year 

Dividends paid during the year 

Balance at the end of the year 

2010 
$’000 

2009
$’000

1,810 
450 
(172) 

2,088 

1,338 
991 
(519) 
– 

1,810 

(934) 
643 
1,334 
(593) 

450 

(230) 
411 
(123) 
(230) 

(172) 

1,338
(934)
(230)

174

963
790
(285)
(130)

1,338

(3,293)
–
3,370
(1,011)

(934)

1,681
5,683
(1,705)
(5,889)

(230)

14,164 
27,366 
(27,271) 

14,259 

(9,216)
48,141
(24,761)

14,164

(c) nature and purpose of reserves
(i) Share-based payments reserve
The share-based payments reserve is used to recognise the expensed portion of shares granted to employees under the terms of 
the Deferred Employee Share Plan.

(ii) Hedging reserve – cash flow hedge reserve
The hedging reserve is used to record gains or losses on hedging instruments that are cash flow hedges which are recognised directly 
in equity. Amounts are recognised in profit and loss when the associated hedged transaction affects the profit and loss.

(iii) Foreign currency translation reserve
Exchange differences arising on translation of the foreign controlled entities and from the hedging of the net investment in foreign operations 
are taken to the foreign currency translation reserve as set out in notes 1(d) and (s). The reserve is recognised in the profit and loss when the 
net investment is sold.

86

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 25: Reserves and Retained Profits continued
(d) Transition to aIFrS
The transition to AIFRS resulted in $47,084,000 being charged against retained earnings of the consolidated entity at 1 January 2004. These 
adjustments primarily related to the recognition of deferred tax liabilities and impairment losses on cemetery and crematorium land and gave 
rise to consolidated net accumulated losses. There is a possibility the deferred tax liability may be reversed in a future reporting period if a 
change to AIFRS currently under consideration by the standard setting authorities is adopted.

The AIFRS transitional adjustments will not materially adversely impact or restrict the Group’s current and future profitability, cash flows or 
dividend capability. Since making the transition to AIFRS, the Group has distributed all available previous AGAAP profits as dividends and 
continues to distribute dividends from AIFRS reported profits.

The following table shows the movements in the consolidated entity’s retained earnings/(accumulated losses) since transition to AIFRS on 
1 January 2004, set out in separate sub-account components relating to: firstly, previously reported AGAAP retained earnings; secondly, 
the AIFRS transitional adjustments to retained earnings; and finally, AIFRS determined profits. The amounts of retained earnings AIFRS 
transitional adjustments which have since reversed into profits amount to $4,472,000 (2009: $4,341,000). These are shown as transfers 
in the table below and comprise:

− 

reversal of non-current asset impairment losses of $1,691,000 (net of tax) recognised on transition;

−  AASB 132 and AASB 139 financial instruments adjustments $861,000 (net of tax); and

− 

reversal of temporary differences relating to the deferred tax liability established at transition to AIFRS $3,642,000.

Balance of retained profits/(accumulated losses) as at 1 January 2004 
Profit after tax for the 2004 year 
Dividends paid during 2004 
Transitional AIFRS adjustments on 1 January 2005 relating to adoption  
of AASB 132 and AASB 139 
Profit after tax for the 2005 year 
Dividends paid during 2005 
Profit after tax for the 2006 year 
Dividends paid during 2006 
Profit after tax for the 2007 year 
Dividends paid during 2007 
Profit after tax for the 2008 year 
Dividends paid during 2008 
Profit after tax for the 2009 year 
Dividends paid during 2009 
Profit after tax for the 2010 year 
Dividends paid during 2010 
Transfers between sub-accounts 

Previously 
reported 
AGAAP 
earnings 
$’000 

Transitional
AIFRS 
adjustments 
to retained 
earnings 
$’000 

Post AIFRS 
adoption 
reported 
earnings 
$’000 

11,033 
17,088 
(6,080) 

– 
– 
(22,041) 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

(47,084) 
– 
– 

861 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
4,472 

– 
2,167 
– 

– 
20,141 
(3,462) 
24,047 
(17,004) 
27,554 
(21,395) 
28,026 
(23,066) 
48,140 
(24,762) 
27,366 
(27,270) 
(4,472) 

Total 
$’000

(36,051)
19,255
(6,080)

861
20,141
(25,503)
24,047
(17,004)
27,554
(21,395)
28,026
(23,066)
48,140
(24,762)
27,366
(27,270)
–

Balance of retained earnings/(accumulated losses) as at 31 December 2010  

– 

(41,751) 

56,010 

14,259

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

87

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued

For the year ended 31 december 2010

Note 26: Minority Interest

Reconciliation of minority interests in controlled entities:
Share capital 

Retained earnings

Balance at the beginning of the year 
Add share of operating profit 
Less dividends paid 

  Closing balance of retained earnings 

Reserves 

Balance at the end of the year 

Note 27: Capital and Leasing Commitments

(a) operating lease commitments
non-cancellable operating leases contracted for at the reporting date  
but not capitalised in the financial statements:
Payable – minimum lease payments
–  not later than 12 months 
–  between 12 months and 5 years 
–  greater than 5 years 

2010 
$’000 

2009
$’000

800 

220 
94 
(74) 

240 

99 

800

138
82
–

220

99

1,139 

1,119

2010 
$’000 

2009
$’000

6,175 
11,976 
8,485 

5,699
8,998
9,204

26,636 

23,901

non-cancellable operating leases contracted for at the reporting date but not capitalised in the financial statements include the following:

not later than 12 months 
Between 12 months and five years 
Greater than five years 

Property 
$’000 

Equipment  Motor Vehicles 
$’000 

$’000 

Total
$’000

5,915 
11,621 
8,485 

26,021 

225 
355 
– 

580 

35 
– 
– 

35 

6,175
11,976
8,485

26,636

The Group leases premises, motor vehicles and sundry office equipment under non-cancellable operating leases with terms generally from 
one to five years. The Rookwood Crematorium lease expires in 2025.

88

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 27: Capital and Leasing Commitments continued

(b) Capital expenditure commitments
Capital expenditure commitments contracted for at the reporting date  
but not recognised as liabilities payable:

Building extensions and refurbishments
–  within one year 
Plant and equipment purchases
–  within one year 

(c) other expenditure commitments
Commitments for the construction of crypts, contracted for at the reporting  
date but not recognised as liabilities payable:

–  within one year 

Documentary letters of credit outstanding at balance date payable:

–  within one year 

2010 
$’000 

2009
$’000

2,823 

–

630 

4,479

2,466 

1,404

110 

–

Note 28: Business Combinations
During 2010, the Group acquired the funeral business of W n Bull, which operates in Sydney. Pursuant to the purchase agreements in prior 
years, further payments were made in 2010 in relation to Christian Funerals which operates in Perth and Drysdale Funerals which operates 
on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. Further details of these acquisitions are set out below.

W n Bull
(a) Summary of the W n Bull acquisition
On 15 June 2010, a subsidiary, InvoCare Australia Pty Limited, acquired W n Bull’s funeral business assets and two properties. The business 
operates from a main location in newtown with subsidiary operations in Parramatta and north Sydney in Sydney, new South Wales.

Since acquisition the business has generated revenue of more than $2.6 million with operating earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and 
amortisation in excess of $400,000.

Details of the fair value of assets acquired and goodwill are as follows:

Purchase consideration (refer to (b) below):
  Cash paid 

Anticipated additional consideration 

Total purchase consideration 
Fair value of net identifiable assets acquired (refer to (c) below): 

Goodwill  

(b) W n Bull purchase consideration 
Outflow of cash to acquire the business, net of cash acquired
  Cash consideration for W n Bull business  

Outflow of cash 

$’000

7,830
2,324

10,154
6,274

3,880

7,830

7,830

Contingent consideration will be payable in cash in the future in respect of the business assets based on the achievement of pre-determined 
volume targets for the first twelve months and upon the exercise of a put and call option over the business premises in north Sydney. The 
contingent consideration has been included in the calculation of the goodwill arising on the acquisition.

The purchase price of the business was determined using expected future maintainable earnings. This has resulted in the recognition of 
goodwill which relates to synergies expected to be achieved as a result of combining W n Bull’s funeral business with the rest of the Group.

Total costs of $691,000 consisting largely of nSW Stamp Duty have been incurred and expensed in the Statement of Comprehensive Income 
as required by AASB 3: Business Combinations.

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

89

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued

For the year ended 31 december 2010

Note 28: Business Combinations continued
(c) W n Bull assets acquired
The assets and liabilities arising from the acquisition are as follows:

Inventories 
Prepaid contract funds under management 
Property, plant and equipment 
Intangible assets: Brand name 
Prepaid contract liabilities 
Provisions 
Deferred tax liabilities 

net identifiable assets acquired 

Acquiree’s
carrying 
amount 
$’000 

108 
– 
6,349 
– 
– 
(145) 
– 

6,312 

Fair 
value 
$’000

108
4,399
6,349
656
(4,399)
(188)
(651)

6,274

The initial accounting for the business combination has been determined provisionally as at the acquisition date. The fair values assigned 
to the identifiable assets, liabilities or contingent liabilities may require adjustment as at the acquisition date. under AASB 3 Business 
Combinations any adjustments to those provisional values as a result of completing the initial accounting may be recognised within 
12 months of the acquisition date.

Christian Funerals
On 1 August 2008, a subsidiary, InvoCare Australia Pty Limited, acquired Christian Funerals business assets. The business operates from 
one location in Perth, Western Australia.

Additional purchase consideration of $200,000 was paid in July 2010 in accordance with the contract. The payment was in line with 
expectations following the achievement of pre-determined revenue benchmarks established at the time of the initial acquisition.

Drysdale Funerals
In July 2006, the Group acquired 100% of the issued share capital of D & J Drysdale Pty Ltd, together with business assets including 
property, some of which were acquired in March 2006, from persons or entities related to the company. The business trades as Drysdale 
Funerals on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. The fourth additional payment of $100,000, which has already been brought to account, 
in respect of restraint and retention amounts, was made during 2010.

Note 29: Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets

The Group had contingent liabilities at 31 December 2010 in respect of bank  
guarantees given for leased premises of controlled entities to a maximum of:  

2010 
$’000 

2009
$’000

639 

467

For information about the deed of cross guarantees given by InvoCare Limited, InvoCare Australia Pty Limited and InvoCare (Singapore) Pty 
Limited, refer to note 32. no deficiencies of assets exist in any of these companies.

no liability was recognised by the consolidated entity in relation to the guarantees as the fair value of the guarantees is immaterial.

90

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 30: Segment Reporting
(a) Description of segments
Management has determined that the operating segments should be based on the management reporting regularly reviewed by the Chief 
Executive Officer. This reporting is based on the operational location of the business because different economic and cultural factors impact 
the growth and profitability of the segments.

(b) Segment information provided to the Chief executive officer
The segment information provided to the Chief Executive Officer for reportable segments to 31 December 2010 is as follows:

Australian Operations 

Singapore Operations 

Consolidated

2010 
$’000 

2009 
$’000 

2010 
$’000 

2009 
$’000 

2010 
$’000 

2009 
$’000

revenue from external customers 
Other revenue (excluding interest income) 
Operating expenses 

operating eBITDa 
Depreciation and amortisation 
Finance costs 
Interest income 
Income tax expense 

normalised profit after tax 
After tax gain/(loss) on prepaid  
contract movements 
Acquisition costs 
Profit/(loss) on sale of assets 
Minority interest 

257,933 
4,938 
(197,391) 

65,480 
(10,845) 
(10,317) 
654 
(14,199) 

246,442 
4,990 
(192,086) 

59,346 
(10,183) 
(8,522) 
579 
(11,914) 

30,774 

29,306 

(7,210) 
(1,284) 
707 
(94) 

15,693 
(151) 
(183) 
(82) 

9,516 
187 
(4,772) 

4,931 
(370) 
(709) 
– 
(662) 

3,190 

– 
– 
– 
– 

9,234 
167 
(4,475) 

4,926 
(610) 
(308) 
– 
(603) 

3,405 

– 
– 
1 
– 

267,449 
5,125 
(202,163) 

255,676
5,157
(196,561)

70,411 
(11,215) 
(11,026) 
654 
(14,861) 

33,964 

(7,210) 
(1,284) 
707 
(94) 

64,272
(10,793)
(8,830)
579
(12,517)

32,711

15,693
(151)
(182)
(82)

net profit after tax attributable to equity  
holders of InvoCare Limited 

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment  
and intangibles 

24,177 

44,734 

3,190 

3,406 

27,366 

48,140

18,346 

13,270 

450 

675 

18,796 

13,945

Total assets 

609,145 

579,872 

26,311 

27,920 

635,456 

607,792

(c) Segment information – accounting policies
The consolidated entity operates in one industry, being the funeral industry, with operations in Australia and Singapore.

Segment revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities are those that are directly attributable to a segment and the relevant portion that can 
be allocated to the segment on a reasonable basis. Segment assets include all assets used by a segment and consist primarily of operating 
cash, receivables, inventories, property, plant and equipment and goodwill and other intangible assets, net of related provisions. Segment 
liabilities consist primarily of trade and other creditors and employee benefits and, in the case of Singapore, includes an allocation of the 
long-term borrowings raised in Australia to fund the investment in Singapore.

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

91

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued

For the year ended 31 december 2010

Note 31: Cash Flow Information

reconciliation of cash flow from operations with profit from ordinary  
activities after income tax
Profit from ordinary activities after income tax  
non-cash items in profit from ordinary activities

Depreciation and amortisation 
Share-based payments expense 
Loan establishment costs 
Interest rate swap expense 
Imputed interest from deferred purchase consideration 

  net amount reclassified as an expense from property plant and equipment  

and other non-current assets 

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

unrealised (gain)/loss on prepaid contracts 

  Other prepaid contract movements 

Effect of movement in exchange rates 

Changes in assets and liabilities, net of the effects of purchase and disposal of subsidiaries 

(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables 
(Increase)/decrease in inventories  
(Increase)/decrease in deferred selling expenses 
Increase/(decrease) in payables  
Increase/(decrease) in deferred revenue 
Increase/(decrease) in income taxes payable  
Increase/(decrease) in deferred taxes 
Increase/(decrease) in provisions  

2010 
$’000 

2009
$’000

27,460 

48,222

11,215 
1,049 
197 
(847) 
41 

29 
(562) 
10,300 
519 
57 

(4,509) 
(1,839) 
(251) 
2,581 
1,652 
2,732 
(4,187) 
612 

10,793
863
104
(2,216)
49

(29)
193
(22,418)
811
421

(1,881)
(1,663)
(398)
(719)
1,116
(1,385)
6,277
208

46,249 

38,348

Note 32: Deed of Cross Guarantee
InvoCare Limited, InvoCare Australia Pty Limited and InvoCare (Singapore) Pty Limited entered into a Deed of Cross Guarantee on 
11 December 2006 under which each company guarantees the debts of the others. By entering into the deed, the wholly-owned entities 
have been relieved from the requirement to prepare a financial report and directors’ report under Class Order 98/1418 (as amended) issued 
by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.

The above companies represent a “Closed Group” for the purposes of the Class Order, and as there are no other parties to the Deed of 
Cross Guarantee that are controlled by InvoCare Limited, they also represent the “Extended Closed Group”.

Set out below is a consolidated income statement, summary of movements in consolidated retained earnings and balance sheet for the year 
ended 31 December 2010 of the Closed Group.

92

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 32: Deed of Cross Guarantee continued
(a) Consolidated income statement and a summary of movements in consolidated retained profits of the Closed Group

Consolidated income statement of the Closed Group
Revenue from continuing operations 
Finished goods and consumables used 
Price increases since initial recognition on delivered prepaid contracts 
Employee benefits expense 
Employee related and on-cost expenses 
Advertising and public relations expenses 
Occupancy and facilities expenses 
Motor vehicle expenses 
Other expenses  

earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation 
Depreciation, impairment and amortisation expenses 
Finance costs 
Interest income 
net gain/(loss) on prepaid contracts 
Acquisition costs 
net gain/(loss) on disposal of non-current assets 

Profit before income tax 
Income tax expense  

Profit for the year 

Changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges, net of tax 
Changes in foreign currency translation reserve, net of tax 

other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax 

Total comprehensive income for the year 

Summary of movements in consolidated retained profits of the Closed Group
Retained profits/(accumulated losses) at the beginning of the financial year 
Profit for the year 
Dividends paid 

Retained profits/(accumulated losses) at the end of the financial year 

2010 
$’000 

2009
$’000

243,406 
(67,899) 
1,123 
(57,700) 
(12,920) 
(8,033) 
(14,163) 
(4,570) 
(12,720) 

66,524 
(9,807) 
(12,615) 
613 
(10,300) 
(1,284) 
513 

33,644 
(10,931) 

229,083
(65,613)
331
(54,463)
(12,387)
(7,125)
(12,623)
(4,628)
(12,002)

60,573
(9,076)
(8,759)
552
22,418
(151)
(59)

65,498
(16,469)

22,713 

49,029

1,385 
901 

2,286 

2,359
3,978

6,337

24,999 

55,366

25,585 
22,713 
(27,270) 

21,028 

1,317
49,029
(24,761)

25,585

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

93

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued

For the year ended 31 december 2010

Note 32: Deed of Cross Guarantee continued
(b) Balance sheet of the Closed Group

Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents 
Trade and other receivables 
Inventories 
Prepaid contract funds under management 
Deferred selling costs 

Total current assets 

non-current assets
Trade and other receivables 
Shares in subsidiaries 
Property, plant and equipment 
Intangible assets 
Derivative financial instruments 
Deferred selling costs 

Total non-current assets 

Total assets 

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 
Short-term borrowings 
Current tax liabilities 
Prepaid contract liabilities 
Deferred revenue 
Provisions for employee benefits 

Total current liabilities 

non-current liabilities
Trade and other payables 
Long-term borrowings 
Derivative financial instruments 
Deferred tax liabilities 
Deferred revenue 
Provisions for employee benefits 

Total non-current liabilities 

Total liabilities 

net assets 

equity
Contributed equity 
Reserves  
Retained profits/(Accumulated losses) 

Total equity 

94

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

2010 
$’000 

2009
$’000

2,467 
21,488 
16,198 
273,544 
548 

2,629
19,405
14,181
264,589
515

314,245 

301,319

1,986 
56,329 
212,094 
42,681 
643 
7,668 

23,085
52,384
192,308
30,516
765
7,215

321,401 

306,273

635,646 

607,591

24,695 
76 
5,359 
264,646 
2,844 
9,450 

21,753
–
2,529
244,872
2,640
8,701

307,070 

280,495

– 
153,401 
– 
30,514 
38,414 
1,361 

334
153,759
1,996
30,667
35,334
1,308

223,690 

218,624

530,760 

223,398

104,886 

103,698

79,937 
3,921 
21,028 

76,950
1,163
25,585

104,886 

103,698

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 33: Events after the Balance Sheet Date
On 19 november 2010 InvoCare announced it had reached agreement to acquire the Bledisloe Group for an enterprise value of $114 million, 
subject to among other things, regulatory approval. On 19 January 2011 the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (“ACCC”) 
released a Statement of Issues paper raising preliminary concerns about the proposed acquisition. InvoCare has made further submissions 
in response to this paper and as at the date of this report there have been no further developments. The ACCC decision is expected during 
March 2011.

Other than discussed above there have been no significant events that have occurred subsequent to 31 December 2010.

Note 34: Related Party Transactions
(a) Parent entity
The ultimate parent entity within and for the Group is InvoCare Limited.

(b) Subsidiaries
Interests in subsidiaries are set out in note 15.

(c) Directors and key management personnel
Disclosures relating to directors and key management personnel are set out in note 6.

(d) Transactions with related parties
Transactions with other related parties
  Contributions to superannuation funds on behalf of employees 

2010 
$ 

2009
$

4,932,814 

4,820,508

(e) Guarantees and other matters
under the terms of loan facility agreements executed on 22 September 2010 InvoCare Limited and most of its wholly-owned entities (the 
“Guarantors”) have individually guaranteed to the financiers the due and punctual payment in full of any liabilities or obligations under the 
facilities. The Guarantors have also indemnified the financiers against any loss or damage suffered by the financiers arising from any failure 
by a borrower or any Guarantor to satisfy the obligations.

under income tax consolidation legislation, InvoCare Limited assumes responsibility for the income tax payable by the consolidated Australian 
tax group comprising InvoCare Limited and its wholly-owned entities. A tax sharing and funding agreement (TSA) between InvoCare Limited 
and its wholly-owned Australian entities covers the funding, accounting and calculation of the tax liability for each individual entity, and also 
caters for entities joining and exiting the group. In accordance with the terms of the TSA, InvoCare Australia Pty Limited makes tax payments 
on behalf of InvoCare Limited and receives reimbursement through the intercompany loan account for amounts paid except for the tax 
allocated to that entity.

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

95

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued

For the year ended 31 december 2010

Note 35: Parent Entity Financial Information
(a) Summary financial information
The individual financial statements for the parent entity show the following aggregate amounts.

Balance sheet
Current assets 
Total assets 
Current liabilities 
Total liabilities 
Shareholders’ equity
Contributed equity 
Reserves

Share-based payments 

  Hedging reserve – cash flow hedge reserve 
Retained earnings 

Profit for the year 

Total comprehensive income for the year 

(b) Contingent liabilities of the parent entity

The parent entity had contingent liabilities at 31 December 2010 in respect of  
bank guarantees given for leased premises of controlled entities to a maximum of: 

2010 
$’000 

2009
$’000

109 
270,898 
5,903 
137,254 

245
260,671
2,723
135,234

79,937 

76,950

1,810 
441 
51,456 

1,338
(934)
47,702

133,644 

125,056

31,026 

32,873 

30,611

33,345

2010 
$’000 

2009
$’000

639 

467

no liability was recognised by the parent entity or the consolidated entity in relation to the guarantees as the fair value of the guarantees 
is immaterial.

(c) Contractual commitments for the acquisition of property, plant or equipment
The parent entity has no contractual commitments for the acquisition of property, plant or equipment at 31 December 2010  
(31 December 2009: nil).

(d) Tax consolidation legislation
InvoCare Limited and its wholly-owned Australian controlled entities implemented the tax consolidation legislation from 1 January 2004. 
The accounting policy in relation to this legislation is set out in note 1(g).

On adoption of the tax consolidation legislation, the entities in the tax consolidated group entered into a tax sharing and funding agreement 
which, in the opinion of the directors, limits the joint and several liability of the wholly-owned entities in the case of a default by the head entity 
InvoCare Limited.

This agreement was updated on 5 June 2007 and provides that the wholly-owned entities will continue to fully compensate InvoCare Limited 
for any current tax payable assumed and be compensated by InvoCare Limited for any current tax receivable and deferred tax assets relating 
to unused tax losses or unused tax credits that are transferred to InvoCare Limited under the tax consolidation legislation.

The amounts receivable or payable under the tax funding agreement are due upon receipt of the funding advice from the head entity, 
which is issued as soon as practicable after the end of each financial year. InvoCare Australia Pty Limited, as permitted by the tax funding 
agreement, acts on behalf of InvoCare Limited for the purpose of meeting its obligations to make tax payments, or receive refunds, and 
reimburses, or is compensated by, that entity through the intercompany loan account for amounts of tax paid, or received, except for the 
tax allocated to that entity.

96

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 36: Economic Dependence
The parent entity depends on dividend and interest income from, and management fees charged to, its controlled entities to source the 
payment of future dividends and fund its operating costs and debt service obligations as borrower under the bank loan facility agreements. 
The parent entity’s financial position is sound, notwithstanding a net current liability situation being shown in the balance sheet and an 
operating net cash outflow. Adequate cash resources are available to enable it to meet its obligations as and when they fall due, through 
either drawing on unused loan facilities, which at the reporting date amounted to $102,339,000 as outlined in note 2(c), or by on-demand 
repayment of intercompany advances.

Note 37: Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements
Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future 
events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

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

(i) Estimated impairment of goodwill
The Group tests annually whether goodwill has suffered any impairment, in accordance with the accounting policy stated in note 1(p). 
The recoverable amounts of cash generating units have been determined based on value-in-use calculations. These calculations require 
the use of assumptions. Refer to note 18 for details of these assumptions and the potential impact of changes to the assumptions.

(ii) Estimated impairment of other non-financial assets and cash generating units
The Group annually considers if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of other non-financial assets or cash 
generating units may not be recoverable. Similarly, at each reporting date, assets or cash generating units that suffered a previous impairment 
are reviewed for possible reversals of the impairment. The recoverable amounts are determined based on value-in-use calculations which 
require the use of assumptions. Refer to note 17 for details of these assumptions.

(iii) Timing of recognition of deferred plaque and miscellaneous merchandise revenue
Prepaid cemetery/crematorium plaque and miscellaneous merchandise sales are currently brought to account over an assumed 15-year 
period. unredeemed merchandise sales (included within deferred revenue on the balance sheet) total $34.3 million at 31 December 2010 
(2009: $32.6 million).

The 15-year period is based on the actuarially assessed average period between a customer entering into a prepaid funeral plan and the 
contract becoming at-need. The actual history of a prepaid cemetery/crematorium contract may differ from the profile of a prepaid funeral 
plan; however, in the absence of more specific data being available, the funeral data has been applied.

The average 15-year period is an assumption only and therefore subject to uncertainty. It is possible that there will remain unperformed 
contracts at the end of the 15-year amortisation period, yet all revenue will have been recognised. Offsetting this is the likelihood that 
contracts performed during the 15-year period will have unrecognised revenue.

Management has been collating actual redemptions information for a sample of sites in order to determine a more accurate historical pattern 
of cemetery/crematorium prepaid sale redemptions. The information supports the current recognition period. Management will continue 
sampling to monitor redemption history and reassess the assumed 15-year period.

The impact of recognising revenue over 20 years instead of the current 15 years would be a reduction of approximately $1.1 million 
(2009: $1.0 million) per annum in revenue. 

Note 38: Company Details
InvoCare Limited is a company limited by shares, incorporated and domiciled in Australia.

The registered office and principal place of business of the company is:

Level 4, 153 Walker Street
north Sydney nSW 2060

Note 39: Authorisation of the Financial Report
This financial report was authorised for issue by the directors on 22 February 2011. The Company has the power to amend and reissue 
this report.

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

97

Directors’ Declaration

In the directors’ opinion:

(a)   the financial statements and notes set out on pages 49 to 97 are in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including:

(i) 

 complying with Accounting Standards, the Corporations Regulations 2001 and other mandatory professional reporting 
requirements; and

(ii)   giving a true and fair view of the Company’s and consolidated entity’s financial position as at 31 December 2010 and of their 

performance for the financial year ended on that date; and

(b)   there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Company will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due and payable; and

(c)   at the date of this declaration, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the members of the Extended Closed Group identified 

in note 32 will be able to meet any obligations or liabilities to which they are, or may become, subject by virtue of the deed of cross 
guarantee described in note 32.

note 1(a) confirms that the financial statements also comply with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International 
Accounting Standards Board.

The directors have been given the declarations by the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer required by section 295A of the 
Corporations Act 2001.

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

Ian Ferrier
Director

andrew Smith
Director

Sydney 
22 February 2011

98

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

 
 
Independent Audit Report

Independent audItor’s report to the members oF Invocare LImIted

report on the financial report 
We have audited the accompanying financial report of InvoCare Limited (the company), which comprises the balance sheet as at 
31 December 2010, the statement of comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity and statement of cash flows for the year 
ended on that date, a summary of significant accounting policies, other explanatory notes and the directors’ declaration for the InvoCare 
Group (the consolidated entity). The consolidated entity comprises the company and the entities it controlled at the year’s end or from time 
to time during the financial year.

Directors’ responsibility for the financial report
The directors of the company are responsible for the preparation of the financial report that gives a true and fair view in accordance with 
Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Act 2001 and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to 
enable the preparation of the financial report that is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In note 1, the directors 
also state, in accordance with Accounting Standard AASB 101 Presentation of Financial Statements, that the financial statements comply 
with International Financial Reporting Standards.

Auditor’s responsibility 
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial report based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian 
Auditing Standards. These Auditing Standards require that we comply with relevant ethical requirements relating to audit engagements and 
plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial report is free from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial report. The procedures 
selected depend on the auditor’s judgement, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial report, whether 
due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair 
presentation of the financial report in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of 
expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting 
policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by the directors, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the 
financial report.

Our procedures include reading the other information in the Annual Report to determine whether it contains any material inconsistencies with 
the financial report.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinions. 

Independence
In conducting our audit, we have complied with the independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001. 

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

99

Independent Audit Report continued

Independent audItor’s report to the members oF Invocare LImIted

Auditor’s opinion 
In our opinion:

(a)   the financial report of InvoCare Limited is in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including:

(i) 

 giving a true and fair view of the consolidated entity’s financial position as at 31 December 2010 and of its performance for the year 
ended on that date; and

(ii)   complying with Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting Interpretations) and the 

Corporations Regulations 2001, and

(b)   the financial report and notes also comply with International Financial Reporting Standards as disclosed in note 1.

report on the remuneration report
We have audited the remuneration report included in pages 37 to 47 of the directors’ report for the year ended 31 December 2010. 
The directors of the company are responsible for the preparation and presentation of the remuneration report in accordance with section 
300A of the Corporations Act 2001. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the remuneration report, based on our audit conducted 
in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards.

Auditor’s opinion 
In our opinion, the remuneration report of InvoCare Limited for the year ended 31 December 2010, complies with section 300A of the 
Corporations Act 2001.

PricewaterhouseCoopers

John Feely
Partner

Sydney
22 February 2011

100 InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

 
 
Shareholder Information

Shares and options as at 30 March 2011

Shares on issue 
Options on issue 

Distribution of shareholders as at 30 March 2011

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

number

  102,421,288
nil

number of shareholders 

number of shares 

Percentage %

2,962 
5,259 
1,317 
713 
40 

1,618,567 
13,903,283 
9,884,293 
14,465,189 
62,549,956 

1.58
13.57
9.65
14.12
61.08

10,291 

102,421,288 

100.00

There were 167 holders of less than a marketable parcel of ordinary shares (being 71 based on a price of $7.00 on 30 March 2011)  
who hold a total of 3,352 ordinary shares.

equity security holders 

  number of shares 

Percentage %

Largest 20 holders of ordinary shares at 30 March 2011
1.  J P Morgan Nominees Australia Limited 
2.  National Nominees Limited 
3.  HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited  
4.  Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited  
5.  Cogent Nominees Pty Limited 
6.  Milton Corporation Limited 
7.   Argo Investments Limited  
8.   BKI Investment Company Limited  
9.   UBS Wealth Management Australia Nominees Pty Ltd 
10.  IVC Employee Share Plan Managers Pty Ltd 
11.  Mr Richard Hugh Davis 
12.  Mirrabooka Investments Limited 
13.  Gwynvill Trading Pty Ltd 
14.  Avanteos Investments Limited  
15.  RBC Dexia Investor Services Australia nominees Pty Limited 
16.  AMP Life Limited 
17.  Questor Financial Services Limited  
18.  Equity Trustees Limited  
19.  RBC Dexia Investor Services Australia nominees Pty Limited 
20.  Queensland Investment Corporation  

Total for top 20 

Substantial holders

Substantial holders in the Company as at 30 March 2011 are set out below: 
J F Capital Partners Ltd 
national Australia Bank Limited Group 
Commonwealth Bank of Australia and its subsidiaries 

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

17,136,518 
14,479,357 
10,887,357 
5,997,562 
3,751,987 
1,626,526 
1,226,358 
919,000 
850,956 
834,096 
807,516 
495,000 
465,643 
451,246 
438,449 
384,000 
372,077 
334,684 
318,836 
312,715 

62,089,883 

16.73
14.14
10.63
5.86
3.66
1.59
1.20
0.90
0.83
0.81
0.79
0.48
0.45
0.44
0.43
0.37
0.36
0.33
0.31
0.31

60.62

number of shares held 

Percentage 

 14,537,992  
 7,744,585  
 5,248,262  

14.19
7.56
5.12

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.

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010 101

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
InvoCare Locations

nSW/aCT

Queensland

victoria

South australia

Western australia

Traditional

Blackwell Funerals
(est 1940)
Glenside 
Payneham 
Prospect 
South Brighton 
Torrensville

Purslowe Funerals 
(est 1907)
Midland 
north Perth 
South Fremantle 
Victoria Park 
Wangara

other Providers
Value Funerals
All areas

other Providers
Oakwood Funerals 
(est 1999)
Booragoon 
Rockingham

Chipper Funerals 
(est 1889)
Mandurah 
Myaree 
Rockingham 
Subiaco

Christian Funerals 
(est 1978)
Maylands

Value Funerals
All areas

George Hartnett 
Funerals
(est 1947)
Albany Creek 
Cleveland 
Holland Park 
Redcliffe 
Sandgate 
Wynnum

other Providers
Cannon & Cripps 
(est 1886)
Kelvin Grove

Drysdale Funerals 
(est 1983)
Maroochydore 
nambour 
Tewantin

Reed & Bottcher 
(Reed est 1869 and 
Bottcher 1887)
Ipswich

Somerville Funerals 
(est 1932)
nerang 
Robina 
Southport

Value Funerals
All areas

Le Pine including 
Le Pine Heritage
(est 1891)
Box Hill 
Camberwell 
Croydon 
Dandenong 
Eltham 
Ferntree Gully 
Footscray West 
Glen Waverley 
Greensborough 
Healesville 
Ivanhoe 
Kew East 
Lilydale 
Mordialloc 
Oakleigh 
Pakenham 
St Kilda 
Thornbury

Le Pine Asian 
Funerals 
Glen Waverley 
West Footscray

other Providers
Mulqueen Funerals 
(est 1932)
Coburg

Provinciale Servzio 
Funebre (est 1982)
Coburg

Southern Cross 
(est 1998)
noble Park

Value Funerals
All areas

Guardian Funeral 
Providers
Guardian Funerals  
(est 1890)
Bankstown 
Blacktown 
Burwood 
Campbelltown 
Cremorne 
Hurstville 
Leppington 
Lidcombe 
Merrylands 
Minchinbury 
north Ryde 
Parramatta 
Rockdale 
Warrawee

Bruce Maurer 
Funerals  
(est 1941)
Crows nest

Hansen & Cole 
Funerals  
(est 1936)
Bulli 
Kembla Grange 
Wollongong

J W Chandler 
Funerals  
(est 1885)
Richmond 
Windsor

Tobin Brothers 
Funerals  
(est 1946)
Belconnen (ACT) 
Kingston (ACT) 
Queanbeyan 
Tuggeranong (ACT)

other Traditional 
Providers
Allan Drew Funerals 
(est 1985)
Castle Hill 
Rouse Hill

Ann Wilson Funerals 
(est 1995)
Dee Why 
Mona Vale

David Lloyd Funerals 
(est 1885)
Adamstown 
Belmont 
Beresfield 
Toronto

Byron District 
Funerals (est 1978)
Byron Bay

Casino Funerals 
(est 1930)
Casino

Economy Funerals
All areas

Kevin Geaghan 
Funerals (est 1896)
Ballina

Liberty Funerals 
(est 1994)
Chatswood 
Granville

Twin Towns Funerals 
(est 1913)
Tweed Heads

Universal Chung Wah 
(est 1955)
Fairfield

William Riley & Sons 
(est 1882)
Goonellabah

W N Bull 
(est 1892)
newtown 
Parramatta 
north Sydney

102 InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

nSW

Queensland

victoria

South australia

Western australia

Simplicity (est 1979)

Balgowlah
Bankstown
Bateau Bay
Chatswood
Erina
Hornsby
Liverpool
Mascot
Miranda
newtown

Penrith
Randwick
Ryde
Sans Souci
Smithfield
Toukley East
Tweed Heads
Woy Woy
Wyong

Buranda
Ipswich
Kedron
Logan
Miami
Parkwood
Strathpine

Bayswater
Carnegie
Flemington
Frankston
Pascoe Vale
Reservoir
Sunshine
Werribee

Albert Park
Black Forest
Brahma Lodge
Enfield
Morphett Vale
Victor Harbor

Joondalup
Kelmscott
Osborne Park
Spearwood
Mandurah

nSW/aCT

Queensland

victoria

South australia

Western australia

White Lady Funerals (est 1987)

Ashmore
Chelmer
Kelvin Grove
Morningside
Tanah Merah
Warana

Bankstown
Belconnen (ACT)
Bondi Junction
Camden
Charlestown
Charmhaven
Eastwood
Five Dock
Kingston (ACT)
Manly
Mayfield
Mosman

narrabeen
nelson Bay
northern Rivers
Pennant Hills
Penrith
Queanbeyan
Rockdale
Roseville
Sutherland
Tuggeranong (ACT)
Tweed Heads
Wyoming

Caulfield South
Doncaster
Epping
Heathmont
Heidelberg
Mornington
north Essendon
Rosebud
South Melbourne

Hillcrest
Plympton

Operating as 
Mareena Purslowe 
& Associates 
Funerals

Subiaco
Willetton

Singapore Casket Company (est 1920)

Simplicity Casket (est 2009)

Lavender Street
Mount Vernon

Sin Ming Drive

Overseas

Cemeteries and Crematoria

nSW

Queensland

Castlebrook Memorial Park (est 1973)

Forest Lawn Memorial Park (est 1962)

Rouse Hill

Leppington

Albany Creek Memorial Park (est 1964)

Bridgeman Downs

Allambe Gardens Memorial Park (est 1968)

nerang

Lake Macquarie Memorial Park (est 1994)

Ryhope

Mt Thompson Memorial Gardens (est 1934)

Holland Park

Lakeside Memorial Park (est 1964)

Dapto

Lung Po Shan Information Centre (est 2000)

Haymarket

newcastle Memorial Park (est 1936)

northern Suburbs Memorial Gardens and 
Crematorium (est 1933)

Beresfield

north Ryde

Pinegrove Memorial Park (est 1962)

Minchinbury

Po Fook Shan Information Centre (est 2002)

Cabramatta

Rookwood Memorial Gardens and  
Crematorium (est 1925)

Rookwood  
necropolis

Tweed Heads Memorial Gardens (est 1971)

Tweed Heads

InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010 103

Glossary

aaSB 

aBS 

aCCC 

aGaaP 

aIFrS 

aSX 

Australian Accounting Standards Board

Australian Bureau of Statistics

Australian Competition & Consumer Commission

Australian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

 The Australian equivalents to International Reporting Standards for annual reporting periods 
beginning on or after 1 January 2005 

Australian Securities Exchange which is the operating brand of ASX Limited

aSX Corporate Governance  
Guidelines 

The eight essential corporate governance principles and best practice recommendations  
of the ASX Corporate Governance Council August 2007

Cemetery 

CGU 

A place for burials and memorialisation

 A cash generating unit which is the smallest identifiable group of assets that independently 
generates cash inflows

Condolence Lounge 

 A facility for family and friends to gather at after the funeral service – usually offering 
a catering service

Constitution 

Crematorium 

Crypts 

DrP 

eBITDa 

eeo 

ePS 

The Constitution of the Company

A place for cremations and memorialisation

Above ground burial facilities

Dividend reinvestment plan

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation

Equal Employment Opportunity

Earnings per share

Funeral arrangement 

The process in which the funeral service is planned and necessary documentation prepared

Funeral Home 

 The InvoCare location where a funeral can be arranged and where some services 
can be conducted

Memorial or Memorialisation 

The physical marker or tribute to the life of the deceased

Memorial Park 

oH&S 

An InvoCare location offering cremation, burial and memorialisation services

Occupational Health and Safety

operating eBITDa 

EBITDA excluding asset sale and impairment gains or losses

Prepaid Cemetery and  
Crematorium Services

Cemetery and crematorium services that have been arranged and paid for in advance 

Prepaid Funeral Fund 

 The fund where prepaid funeral monies are held in trust until the funeral service is provided

volume 

 A term that refers to the number of funeral services, burials and cremations performed

104 InvoCare AnnuAL REPORT 2010

Personal details guide

For the benefit of our stakeholders, this guide enables you to record important personal information.  
this will assist your family and funeral director to make arrangements ensuring everything is conducted  
in accordance with your wishes.

should you require assistance in completing it or further copies of the guide for other family members, 
please call Guardian plan on Freecall 1 800 pre pLan (1 800 772 7526)

personal Information

Family name 

Address 

Date of birth 

Place of birth (Town/City/State/Country)

If born overseas, year arrived in Australia

Occupation during working life

Given names

Postcode

 Female 

 Male

name and address of person Who I Would Like to make any arrangements
(For instance, registering the death and contacting the funeral director, e.g. executor, solicitor, family member)

name 

Address 

Funeral director
(Funeral director you would like to conduct your service)

name 

Address 

next of Kin
This information is needed when the death is registered.

name 

Address 

executor of my Will
Executor will need certain financial information when applying for grant of probate.

name 

Address 

Telephone

Telephone

Telephone

Telephone

Postcode

Postcode

Postcode

Postcode

copy of my Will

Date of Will

Deposited with (name and Address)

solicitor

name 

Address 

Family doctor

name 

Address 

personal documents

Birth Certificate 

Location

Marriage Certificate 

Location

Telephone

Telephone

Postcode

Postcode

Medicare Card 

Card number (to be returned to Medicare office)

Centrelink Pension 

number 

Type of pension

Veterans’ Affairs 

number

Passport 

name shown on passport

(Passport should be returned to passport office in your area, details at local Post Office)

Passport number 

Expiry date

Driver Licence 

number 

State of issue

Club or association memberships (Should be returned to appropriate organisation. 
It may be that a claim can be made for unexpired memberships or mortality fund benefit.)

Family details

Father’s surname 

usual occupation

Mother’s maiden surname 

usual occupation

Spouse surname 

First names

First names

First names

marriage details (Please tick appropriate box(es))

 Married     

 Divorced     

 Separated     

 Widowed     

 never married     

 De facto

details of marriage(s)

First marriage (Place/City/Town/Country)

Age at date of marriage 

name of spouse (at date of marriage)

Second marriage (if applicable) (Place/City/Town/Country)

Age at date of marriage 

name of spouse (at date of marriage)

 
children’s details 
(List all children in order of date of birth, including legally adopted, deceased (D), still born (SB), or if no children write “none”.)

First name 

First name 

First name 

First name 

Date of birth 

Date of birth 

Date of birth 

Date of birth 

 Female 

 Female 

 Female 

 Female 

 Male

 Male

 Male

 Male

Financial Information (Information below may be required by the executor of your Will.)

Bank account details 

Bank name

Account numbers 

Bank branch

Location of documents, books, statements

Building society/Financial institution 

Building society/Financial institution name

Account numbers

Address

Income tax records 

Tax File number 

Location of records

Deeds of property 

Property address(es)

Location of records

Mortgage details 

Location of records

Lender 

Reference number

Address of lender

Life insurance policies

Location of records

Superannuation

Details

Stocks and shares

Location of records

Safe deposit box 

Box location/number

Location of keys

accountant 

name 

Telephone

Address 

Postcode

Car details 

Registration number and state

Registration document location

Location of purchase receipt/H.P. details

 
military Information (If applicable)

Branch of service 

Date entered service 

Date of discharge 

Grade, rank or rating

Wars/Conflicts served

Service serial number

Place

Place

additional Information
Historical information 
Every individual is deserving of a meaningful obituary written in their memory. It is here that you may list those achievements and 
accomplishments that have been of pride to you and your family that are not mentioned elsewhere in your “Personal details guide”.

education

name of primary school

Date attended from 

name of secondary school

Date attended from 

name of tertiary institution 

Date attended from  

Qualifications attained

to

to

to

Societies/Clubs 

Memberships and positions held (include dates)

Other (including civic or public office held)

Special achievements (details of any special achievements or recognitions)

medical history 
This information is very important for your spouse, children and grandchildren. It is also suggested that  
you keep an updated copy of your medical records for your family, as doctors often ask for it.

special Instructions and Information
We suggest that you use these lines to keep our information current. We also recommend  
that you always date these entries to avoid possible confusion later.

Person to be notified 

name

Relationship 

Person to be notified 

name

Relationship 

Person to be notified 

name

Relationship 

Telephone

Telephone

Telephone

Corporate Information

InvoCare Limited
ABN 42 096 437 393

Directors
Ian Ferrier (Chairman) 
Andrew Smith (Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer)
Roger Penman (Non-executive Director)
Christine Clifton (Non-executive Director)
Richard Fisher (Non-executive Director)
Benjamin Chow (Non-executive Director)

Company Secretary
Phillip Friery

Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting of InvoCare Limited will  
be held at the offices of PricewaterhouseCoopers,  
201 Sussex Street, Sydney on 20 May 2011

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

Share Registry
Link Market Services Limited  
Level 12, 680 George Street 
Sydney NSW 2000 
Toll free: 1300 854 911 
Facsimile: 02 9287 0303

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 Securities Exchange only.  
ASX code is IVC

Auditors
PricewaterhouseCoopers 
Darling Park Tower 2 
201 Sussex Street 
Sydney NSW 1171

Solicitors
Addisons Lawyers  
Level 12  
60 Carrington Street  
Sydney NSW 2000

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

Commonwealth Bank of Australia
201 Sussex Street
Sydney NSW 2000

National Australia Bank Limited  
255 George Street 
Sydney NSW 2000

Printing Specifications

Pages 1–32 are printed on Impress Silk. 
Impress is FSC Mix Certified, which ensures that all virgin pulp is derived from 
well managed forests and controlled sources. It is manufactured by an ISO 14001 
certified mill.

Pages 33–108 are printed on ENVI Uncoated.  
ENVI – Australia’s Carbon Neutral Paper. ENVI Coated is made from elemental 
chlorine free pulp derived from sustainably managed forests and non-controversial 
sources. It is certified carbon neutral and Australian Paper is ISO 14001 certified 
which utilises energy resources.

Designed and produced by Ross Barr & Associates Pty Limited

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