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Invacare

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Employees 1001-5000
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FY2011 Annual Report · Invacare
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W.D. Rose Funerals  
located at Brighton Victoria, 
is one of the many heritage 
locations acquired due to the 
Bledisloe acquisition. The 
tranquility of locations like 
this one assist families in their 
time of need.

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www.invocare.com.au

New beginnings

INVOCARE ANNuAl REpORt 2011

 
 
 
 
I

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W.D. Rose Funerals  
located at Brighton Victoria, 
is one of the many heritage 
locations acquired due to the 
Bledisloe acquisition. The 
tranquility of locations like 
this one assist families in their 
time of need.

2
0
1
1

www.invocare.com.au

New beginnings

INVOCARE ANNuAl REpORt 2011

 
 
 
 
1. White lady Funerals,  
Kelvin Grove Queensland.
2. Allambe Memorial park, 
Queensland.

Corporate Information

InvoCare is an Australian company 
that owns and operates funeral homes, 
cemeteries and crematoria across 
Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. 

the Company was floated on the ASX in 2003 and owns the key 
brands Simplicity Funerals and White lady Funerals, as well as leading 
contemporary brands in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.

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, brands and 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.

Singapore
3

Key Funeral Brands

Cemeteries and  
Crematoria

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

Western 
Australia

19

Queensland

42

5

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 44 White lady locations 
throughout Australia.

Flexible and less traditional, 
Simplicity Funerals offers 
practical, dignified, respectful 
and affordable funeral services. 
Steadily expanding, there are 
47 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. 

InvoCare operates 14 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.

Contemporary and Heritage Funerals

South Australia 14

Victoria

42

82
9

New South Wales  
and Australian 
Capital Territory

1

Tasmania

22

New 
Zealand

InvoCare’s over 60 
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 one major brand in each 
Australian state and a number of 
smaller heritage brands serving 
local communities, there are 
145 InvoCare contemporary-
style and heritage funeral 
homes in Australia and 
New Zealand. 

the acquisition of Bledisloe 
resulted in many exceptionally 
long-lived brands being 
welcomed to the Group, along 
with the teams that service 
their communities. Joseph 
Allison Funerals (established in 
1853) and John Rhind Funeral 
Directors (established in 1881) 
are but two examples.

We’ll know what to do.

A full list of brands and locations 
is set out on pages 102-103.

InvoCare continues to expand and grow its 
network of locations across Australia, New Zealand 
and Singapore. The geographic spread outlines 
the commitment we have in providing outstanding 
care and services to all the communities we serve. 
 Funeral locations   

 Memorial parks

1

2

InvoCare Limited
ABN 42 096 437 393

Directors
Ian Ferrier (Chairman) 
Andrew Smith (Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer)
Benjamin Chow (Non-executive Director)
Christine Clifton (Non-executive Director)
Richard Davis (Non-executive Director)
Richard Fisher (Non-executive Director)
Aliza Knox (Non-executive Director)
Roger penman (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 11 May 2012

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 

Anthony Harper lawyers 
level 15, Chorus House 
66 Wyndham Street 
Auckland New Zealand

Bankers
Australia and New Zealand  
Banking Group limited 
20 Martin place 
Sydney NSW 2000  

ANZ National Bank limited 
level 27, ANZ Centre 
23 – 29 Albert Street 
Auckland New Zealand

Bank of New Zealand limited 
level 6 
80 Queen Street 
Auckland New Zealand

Commonwealth Bank of Australia
201 Sussex Street
Sydney NSW 2000

National Australia Bank limited  
255 George Street 
Sydney NSW 2000

Printing Specifications

pages 1 – 28 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 29 – 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 precinct

 
 
 
 
1. White lady Funerals,  
Kelvin Grove Queensland.
2. Allambe Memorial park, 
Queensland.

Corporate Information

InvoCare is an Australian company 
that owns and operates funeral homes, 
cemeteries and crematoria across 
Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. 

the Company was floated on the ASX in 2003 and owns the key 
brands Simplicity Funerals and White lady Funerals, as well as leading 
contemporary brands in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.

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, brands and 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.

Singapore
3

Key Funeral Brands

Cemeteries and  
Crematoria

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

Western 
Australia

19

Queensland

42

5

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 44 White lady locations 
throughout Australia.

Flexible and less traditional, 
Simplicity Funerals offers 
practical, dignified, respectful 
and affordable funeral services. 
Steadily expanding, there are 
47 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. 

InvoCare operates 14 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.

Contemporary and Heritage Funerals

South Australia 14

Victoria

42

82
9

New South Wales  
and Australian 
Capital Territory

1

Tasmania

22

New 
Zealand

InvoCare’s over 60 
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 one major brand in each 
Australian state and a number of 
smaller heritage brands serving 
local communities, there are 
145 InvoCare contemporary-
style and heritage funeral 
homes in Australia and 
New Zealand. 

the acquisition of Bledisloe 
resulted in many exceptionally 
long-lived brands being 
welcomed to the Group, along 
with the teams that service 
their communities. Joseph 
Allison Funerals (established in 
1853) and John Rhind Funeral 
Directors (established in 1881) 
are but two examples.

We’ll know what to do.

A full list of brands and locations 
is set out on pages 102-103.

InvoCare continues to expand and grow its 
network of locations across Australia, New Zealand 
and Singapore. The geographic spread outlines 
the commitment we have in providing outstanding 
care and services to all the communities we serve. 
 Funeral locations   

 Memorial parks

1

2

InvoCare Limited
ABN 42 096 437 393

Directors
Ian Ferrier (Chairman) 
Andrew Smith (Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer)
Benjamin Chow (Non-executive Director)
Christine Clifton (Non-executive Director)
Richard Davis (Non-executive Director)
Richard Fisher (Non-executive Director)
Aliza Knox (Non-executive Director)
Roger penman (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 11 May 2012

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 

Anthony Harper lawyers 
level 15, Chorus House 
66 Wyndham Street 
Auckland New Zealand

Bankers
Australia and New Zealand  
Banking Group limited 
20 Martin place 
Sydney NSW 2000  

ANZ National Bank limited 
level 27, ANZ Centre 
23 – 29 Albert Street 
Auckland New Zealand

Bank of New Zealand limited 
level 6 
80 Queen Street 
Auckland New Zealand

Commonwealth Bank of Australia
201 Sussex Street
Sydney NSW 2000

National Australia Bank limited  
255 George Street 
Sydney NSW 2000

Printing Specifications

pages 1 – 28 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 29 – 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 precinct

 
 
 
 
Contents

02
Performance highlights 
Chairman’s message 
03
Chief Executive Officer’s review  06
12
Key strategies 
13
Management team 
Partners to our communities 
16
Group financial and  
operating review 

18

Financial Report 
Directors’ Report 
Board of Directors 
Corporate Governance  
Statement 
Remuneration Report 
Auditor’s Independence  
Declaration 

22
24
27

29
35

48

Directors’ Declaration 
98
Independent Auditor’s Report  99
101
Shareholder information 
102
InvoCare locations 
104
Glossary 
IBC
Corporate information 

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

Established understanding.  
New beginnings.
This financial year marks a very important milestone 
for your company. InvoCare warmly welcomes 
Bledisloe Group employees into the InvoCare family. 

Our strategy for growth remains and with this 
expansion, we are now able to reach and touch the lives 
of a much wider audience including a large presence 
in New Zealand where we have never been before.

We will continue to provide outstanding value and 
service to the lives of our clients, local communities 
and investors as a group. 

240

locations now  
in the portfolio

Pohutukawa
According to Maori tradition, 
after death the spirit travels 
to the Pohutukawa or 
New Zealand Christmas 
bush.

Expanding into 
 new markets 
The recent acquisition of 
Bledisloe Group Holdings 
allows InvoCare to 
deliver funeral services in 
New Zealand, Tasmania and 
new parts of Queensland 
where we have never  
been before.

InvoCare AnnuAl REPORt 2011

1

Performance highlights
InvoCare’s proven business model produces 
another solid financial result. 

321.100006
48.140999

275.228577

229.357147

183.485718

24.070499

137.614288

91.742859

45.871429

0.000000
0.000000

321.1

267.4

255.7

244.2

223.9

81.8

321.100006

70.4

275.228577

36.4

29.75

321.1

81.800003

32.9

30.6

29.6

27.7

36.400002

28.25

25.25

23.5

22.5

64.3

61.9

58.9

48.1

27.0

27.5 28.0

27.4

40.900002

18.200001

14.875001

229.357147

183.485718

137.614288

91.742859

45.871429

07

08

09

10

11

07

08

09

10

11

0.000000

07

08

0.000000
09

10

11

07

0.000000
08

09

10

11

07

0.000000
08

09

10

11

ReveNue fRoM 
exTeRNAl 
CusToMeRs 
$ MIllIoN

oPeRATING  
eBITdA  
$ MIllIoN

oPeRATING 
eARNINGs  
AfTeR TAx 
$ MIllIoN

oRdINARy 
dIvIdeNds  
PeR sHARe 
CeNTs

PRofIT AfTeR  
TAx ATTRIBuTABle 
To MeMBeRs
$ MIllIoN

Five year financials
$’000  

2011  

 2010  

 2009  

 2008  

 2007

Revenue from external customers  

321,113  

 267,449  

 255,676  

 244,215  

 223,918 

Operating EBItDA  

Operating EBItDA margin  

Operating earnings after tax  

 81,802  

 70,411  

 64,273  

 61,874  

 58,935 

25.5% 

26.3% 

25.1% 

25.3% 

26.3%

 36,406  

 32,928  

 30,607  

 28,342  

 27,073 

Operating earnings per share (cents)  

 34.5  

 32.4  

30.3 

28.3 

27.2

Profit after tax attributable to members  

 27,012  

 27,366  

 48,141  

 28,026  

 27,554 

Earnings per share (cents)  

Dividend paid in respect of the financial year (cents) 

 25.6  

 29.75  

 26.9  

 28.25  

47.7 

25.25 

28.0 

23.50 

27.6

22.50

ungeared, tax free operating cash flow  

 75,411  

 69,059  

 63,094  

 60,495  

 62,023 

Proportion of EBItDA converted to cash  

92% 

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  

 16,723  

 14,266  

 13,846  

 16,359  

 17,366 

 209,114  

 147,538  

 148,358  

 152,452  

 145,886 

 6.5  

 2.6  

 226  

 14  

 1,430  

16.5% 

 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 

(2.0)%

Operating earnings excludes the net gain/(loss) on undelivered prepaid contracts, 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 2011

  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chairman’s message
InvoCare delivers another solid financial 
and operational performance underpinned 
by the acquisition of Bledisloe.

InvoCare’s business growth in 2011 
was well supported by the acquisition 
of the major Australian and New Zealand 
operator, Bledisloe and the solid 
performance of the core operations 
as well. 

Successes in these key areas again prove 
the resilience of InvoCare’s business 
model. Operating Earnings after tax were 
$36.4 million, a 10.6% increase on 2010. 
Statutory Profit after tax, which includes 
the non-cash impact of movements in 
prepaid contract funds under management 
and associated liabilities, decreased by 
1.3% to $27.0 million.

the Bledisloe acquisition, first announced 
in november 2010, was successfully 
completed on 15 June 2011 after a lengthy 
review by the Australian Competition & 
Consumer Commission. the acquisition 
expands InvoCare’s markets into 
new Zealand, tasmania and regional 
Queensland and grows its existing 
presence in South East Queensland and 
Melbourne. InvoCare is now a significant 
provider of funeral services in the Asia-
Pacific region with businesses across 
Australia, new Zealand and Singapore.

the operational and corporate office 
integration of the Bledisloe business 
has progressed well. Bledisloe’s profit 
contribution for the post acquisition 
period was only slightly positive, due to 
the expensing of acquisition costs. the 
expected merger synergies of $3.5 million 
are being delivered and the acquisition will 
be earnings accretive in 2012 and beyond. 
the continued integration of Bledisloe 
remains our current primary focus and the 
Board personally welcomed numerous 
Bledisloe employees during its site visits 
to Brisbane, Auckland, Wellington and 
Christchurch in late 2011.

Service volumes increased during the 
year, with market share gains achieved 
and customer satisfaction survey results 
remaining at very high levels. new prepaid 
funeral contract sales continued to grow. 
Disappointing returns from prepaid funds 
under management have been addressed 
by tactical asset allocation tilts away from 
volatile equity markets in the main fund 
InvoCare is able to influence. 

the current asset allocations are expected 
to provide improved and more stable 
returns during 2012.

InvoCare continues to explore expansion 
opportunities, in both existing and potential 
markets in Australia, new Zealand and 
other countries. Five new location openings 
are planned in 2012, including the launch 
of the White lady Funerals brand in the 
new Zealand market. 

Given the strong operational & financial 
results in 2011, the Board has declared a 
fully franked final dividend of 16.25 cents 
per share. total dividends, which are fully 
franked, in respect of 2011 total 29.75 cents 
per share, an increase of 1.5 cents per 
share over 2010. total shareholder returns 
(price movement plus cash dividends) 
since the initial public offering in late 2003 
now stands at more than 22% compound 
annual growth.

On behalf of the Board and all its 
shareholders, I congratulate the 
management and staff of InvoCare under 
Andrew Smith’s leadership. they have 
achieved very solid operational and financial 
results and their efforts in consolidating 
Bledisloe have translated into slightly better 
than expected performances from this 
business in 2011. 

In recognition of InvoCare’s larger 
size, the need to continually improve 
customer service and to pursue growth 
opportunities, the Board has recently 
appointed Aliza Knox and Richard Davis 
as Independent, non-Executive Directors. 
the Board has also endorsed some senior 
management changes, including the 
elevation of Greg Bisset to Chief Operating 
Officer Australia.

I look forward to InvoCare’s next phase 
of growth, the introduction of innovative 
technologies, as well as continuing the 
success of the core business operations.

IAN feRRIeR
CHAIRMAN

InvoCare AnnuAl REPORt 2011

3

Shaken but not stirred

February 2012 marked the one year anniversary 
of the devastating Christchurch earthquake that 
killed 185 people. However, for many, including 
many InvoCare staff and their families, the effects 
and ongoing problems are just as real today.

to date there have been almost ten thousand 
quakes and aftershocks and predictions are 
that this activity will continue for up to the 
next thirty years. 

At one stage the John Rhind chapel was 
also damaged which was overcome by 
converting the catering lounge into a 
temporary chapel.

Proving the resilience of our colleagues 
in new Zealand, staff at InvoCare funeral 
homes, including John Rhind Funeral 
Directors and Academy Funeral Services, 
have worked through some very trying 
circumstances but still deliver outstanding 
services to families in need. It must seem 
very surreal for these colleagues, who lived 
through the September 2010 earthquake, 
only to have their facilities and lives 
devastated less than six months later.

Ongoing effects include regular liquefaction 
during which a thick, mud-like sludge 
percolates to the surface. Each time this 
happens, clean-up and repair activities 
have to begin all over again. 

John Rhind Funeral Directors’ casket storage 
building was structurally unsound and has 
been demolished, meaning the hearse 
garage has had to be repurposed. 

4&5GeNeRATIoNs

of service to the 
funeral industry.
Nick and Graeme 
Rhind opposite.

More than 70 churches across the 
Christchurch area were destroyed or 
damaged and essential services, including 
power, water and sewerage have all 
experienced, and continue to experience, 
disruptions. this is in addition to the effects of 
the September 2010 quake, which damaged 
other funeral facilities including the Kaiapoi 
branch which still has not been repaired.

through all this, InvoCare staff around 
Christchurch, indeed all over new Zealand, 
have risen enormously to the challenges 
of supporting families and communities 
at this time. 

Graeme Rhind
Chief Operating Officer  
New Zealand
Graeme has worked continuously 
in the funeral business since 
joining the family business in 1977. 
He has also served the funeral 
directors Association of  
New Zealand for more than 
15 years in various capacities.

Wayne lyons, an industry veteran, with tania leighs.

4

InvoCare AnnuAl REPORt 2011

InvoCare AnnuAl REPORt 2011

5

Chief Executive Officer’s review
InvoCare has delivered another robust operating result 
through the dedication and commitment of our teams 
across Australia, New Zealand and Singapore who provide 
outstanding customer service to our client families.

InvoCare delivered another strong result 
in 2011 with sales revenue up 20.1% to 
$321.1 million and operating earnings 
after tax up 10.6% to $36.4 million. The 
outcome is due to continued focus on 
our pillars of growth and is a credit to 
our dedicated employees.

The result highlights include:
•	 the	positive	impacts	from	the	Bledisloe	

acquisition and the annualisation benefits 
of the Wn Bull funerals business which 
was purchased in 2010;

•	 an	increase	in	the	numbers	of	deaths	in	
Australia, new Zealand and Singapore;

•	 normal	annual	price	increases;

•	 strong	brand	awareness,	particularly	in	
our national White lady and Simplicity 
brands; as well as contemporary brands 
such as Guardian, le Pine, George 
Hartnett, Metropolitan, Blackwell, 
Purslowe, Chipper, Singapore Casket, 
and John Rhind; 

•	 investments	in	local	sponsorships	and	
encouraging and supporting staff to 
participate in record levels of community 
programs and charity groups;

•	 strong	underlying	pre-need	business	
with a growing number of families we 
are supporting;

•	 the	impact	of	new	locations;	

•	 a	memorial	construction	program	which	
allowed the recognition of revenues and 
profits from contracts sold in previous 
periods; and

•	 improvements	in	operating	leverage.

Dividends for the year were 29.75 cents per 
share, up 1.5 cents per share with a payout 
of 89% of operating EPS.

Bledisloe Acquisition
the acquisition of Bledisloe was completed 
in June 2011 which saw InvoCare 
welcome another 300 employees spread 
across 50 locations in Australia and new 
Zealand. Bledisloe is the market leader in 
new Zealand and was the second largest 
operator in Australia. the integration of 
Bledisloe is on plan and since acquisition 
Bledisloe locations have contributed 
$38 million in revenue and $6.5 million 
in operating EBItDA. Action has been 
taken in 2011 to deliver synergy benefits 
of $2.6 million, with a further $0.7 million 
actioned in the early part of 2012. these 
synergies will positively impact 2012 
results and provide an exceptionally 
strong platform for both 2012 and beyond. 
InvoCare is now the largest private funeral 
and cemetery crematorium operator in the 
Asia Pacific region serving over 50,000 
families each year.

Results Reflect Service Culture
Australian sales revenue from comparable 
operations was up 5.6% to $272 million 
from InvoCare’s 174 funeral homes and 
12 cemeteries and crematoria. In constant 
dollars, Singapore revenues from its three 
funeral locations grew by 3.7%. these sales 
achievements reflect the customer service 
promise 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 either in line with or lower than their 
expectations.

6

InvoCare AnnuAl REPORt 2011

1

2

The synergies arising 
from the integration 
of Bledisloe will 
positively impact 2012 
results and provide an 
exceptionally strong 
platform for both 2012 
and beyond. InvoCare is 
now the largest private 
funeral and cemetery 
crematorium operator 
in the Asia Pacific region 
serving over 50,000 
families each year.

InvoCare AnnuAl REPORt 2011

4

7

1.  Sibuns House, new Zealand – a tradition in service 

in Auckland since 1913.

2.  Elliotts Funeral Services, tauranga – serving the 

Bay of Plenty for nearly 40 years.

3.  John Rhind Funeral Directors’ Chapel, Christchurch.
4.  tony Garing  Regional Manager nZ South and 

General Manager John Rhind Funeral Directors: tania 
leighs, Funeral Director Academy Funeral Services: 
Wayne lyons, Manager Academy Funeral Services.

3

5

5.  Mariappan, Executive Funeral Assistant at 

Simplicity Casket, Singapore.

6.  the historic facade of turnbulls Family Funerals, 

north Hobart.

Results Reflect Service Culture 
(continued)
the only way to achieve these consistently 
high ratings is by continuing to deliver and 
further develop a service excellence culture 
throughout our organisation. Every year 
many letters of thanks and appreciation 
are received which is a great tribute to 
our dedicated and experienced team.

InvoCare continues to actively work 
with industry associations and other 
stakeholders groups to ensure that 
the industry meets the highest ethical 
standards. A number of our operational 
managers are in fact industry leaders in 
their own right. they tirelessly support 
leading industry bodies such as, the 
Australian Funeral Directors Association 
(AFDA), Funeral Directors Association of 
new Zealand (FDAnZ) and the Australasian 
Cemeteries and Crematoria Association 
(ACCA). Congratulations go to the 
following appointees:

•	 John	Fowler,	Junior	Vice	President	
of the national Council of the AFDA

•	 Doris	Zagdanski,	President	of	the	
Queensland Division of the AFDA

•	 Warwick	Hansen,	President	of	the	

new South Wales Division of the AFDA

•	 Daniel	McKeig,	President	of	the	

Western Australian Division of the AFDA

•	 Armen	Mikaelian,	Senior	Vice	President	

of ACCA

•	 Gavin	Murphy,	Vice	President	of	FDANZ

Congratulations must also go to both 
tony Garing, who led the FDAnZ for the 
last two years, and to Wee leng Goh, 
who	was	Vice	President	of	the	Singapore	
Funeral Directors Association also for the 
last two years.

InvoCare’s strategic commitment to 
acquiring well placed funeral homes 
that can be integrated into the existing 
network remains unaltered. three new 
Australian funeral homes were opened in 
2011 and one underperforming location 
closed. the acquisition of Bledisloe added 
another 25 locations in Australia and 
22 in new Zealand. Most of the new and 
acquired Australian locations are all within 
acceptable distances of existing shared 
services centres, enabling the Group to 
achieve cost synergies from the locations. 
Additionally, regional locations in tasmania, 
South East Queensland and north 
Queensland have resulted in an increase 
in the number of different communities 
served. the Bledisloe acquisition also 
saw the addition of two cemetery locations 
in the South East Queensland area. In 
new Zealand we now have operations 
from Christchurch in the south to Auckland 
in the north serving communities in most 
major population centres.

Investing in the future
InvoCare’s focus on providing the highest 
level of service continues with over 
$7 million invested in facility refurbishments 
and upgrades to ensure all the Group’s 
locations are presented to the highest 
standards. the ongoing refurbishment 
of our main Singapore premises was 
completed which has created even more 
appealing and impressive parlours for client 
families in their time of need. Other major 
upgrades occurred at northern Suburbs 
Crematorium with the recent opening of the 
after funeral condolence lounges, as well 
refurbishments in funeral homes throughout 
Australia and new Zealand.

6

A major focus of the year was improving 
our offerings in the digital space which 
included website upgrades, plus the 
ongoing promotion of HeavenAddress, an 
online memorial and tribute service, and 
investment in tablet applications to enhance 
the initial arranging experience for client 
families. Many chapels now support both 
the delivery of electronic presentations 
during the service and web casting of 
services to meet the needs of increasingly 
geographically remote friends and family.

Community engagement
InvoCare and its staff continued to support 
a wide variety of community organisations 
with financial assistance, facilities and 
equipment. Many of our staff continue 
to volunteer their time and energy to a 
wide range of community organisations. 
Organisations as diverse as Ars Musica 
Australis (which currently support over 
100 young Australian performing artists), 
the 20th Man Fund (which provides 
educational, sporting and counselling 
services to the disadvantaged), Alzheimer’s 
Australia, and the Salvation Army have all 
benefited from our involvement. 

One highlight was our support of Baroness 
Susan Greenfield’s visit to Australia as a 
guest of Alzheimer’s Australia (Baroness 
Greenfield is a leading researcher into 
neuro-degenerative disorders, based in 
Oxford). Staff from our funeral brands 
across Australia assisted with the Baroness’ 
travel and logistics arrangements, and 
many of our managers have subsequently 
developed strong working relationships 
with their counterparts at Alzheimer’s 
Australia, and have jointly developed 
training and other educational programmes. 
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.

8

InvoCare AnnuAl REPORt 2011

7

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.

7.		W.D.	Rose	Funerals	at	Burwood,	Victoria.
8.  Metropolitan Funerals at Mount Gravatt, Queensland.

8

Committed to our people
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. 

During the year, we have taken the 
opportunity to restructure the executive 
team in readiness for further expansion 
and to provide innovative, leading edge 
services that our customers are seeking. 
Congratulations must go to Greg Bisset 
who is now Chief Operating Officer, 
Australia. His four years industry experience 
running the Australian Funerals Division, 
combined with his customer service ethos 
from his retailing days, will mean Greg will 
help our Australian businesses continue 
improving their market share position over 
the next phase of growth. 

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 and new Zealand 
markets, albeit the current main priority is 
to complete the integration of the Bledisloe 
businesses and associated synergies.

the Group’s results, as demonstrated by 
the 2011 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. I also wish 
the new senior executives all the very best 
in their new roles as together we take 
the business forward into its next phase 
of growth.

ANdRew sMITH
CHIef exeCuTIve offICeR

InvoCare AnnuAl REPORt 2011

9

Taking a lead role

It’s one thing to be good at your profession, it is 
another thing entirely to take your experience 
and use it to benefit all in your chosen field.

InvoCare is privileged to have attracted and 
retained many career-minded professionals 
in both the funerals and the cemeteries and 
crematoria industries. these individuals have 
been generous with their knowledge and 
time, serving on a range of industry bodies 
and making themselves available as thought 
leaders in their fields of endeavour.

Organisations on which you will find InvoCare 
representatives include the Australian Funeral 
Directors Association, the new Zealand 
Funeral Directors Association as well as 
a variety of state and regional funeral 
representative bodies, the Australasian 
Cemeteries & Crematoria Association, 
and the Australian Institute of Embalming. 

One such industry champion is John Fowler, 
InvoCare	Funerals	General	Manager,	Victoria.	

John has been involved in the funeral 
profession for more than a quarter of 
a century and in that time has made a 
significant contribution to bodies such as 
the Australian Funeral Directors Association, 
both	in	Victoria,	South	Australia,	and	at	a	
national level.

Over a period of many years, John has 
become known as a well-regarded 
spokesperson on a range of funeral industry 
issues. His opinion is often sought out by 
journalists for comment whenever there is 
a change or innovation affecting funerals.

John currently serves as the Junior national 
Vice	President	of	the	Australian	Funeral	
Directors Association, having previously 
served in a variety of office bearer roles, 
including	Past	President	of	the	Victorian	
Funeral Directors Association. 

30yeARs

of service to the 
funeral industry

John Fowler,  
InvoCare Funerals General 
Manager, Victoria
for over 30 years, John has 
made a significant contribution 
to the funeral industry and 
he was recently appointed 
Junior National vice President 
of the Australian funeral 
directors Association.

W.D.	Rose	Funerals	at	Burwood,	Victoria.

10

InvoCare AnnuAl REPORt 2011

InvoCare AnnuAl REPORt 2011 11

Key strategies
InvoCare’s robust business model continues to deliver growth through 
anticipated volume increases, investments in our brands, our people, 
our communities, our facilities, and our pre-need options. New locations 
and business acquisitions have also supported our growth as we aim 
to provide outstanding customer service to our client families in more 
geographic locations.

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. 
In 2011 particular emphasis was placed on 
developing our managers’ performance 
appraisal skills so they are better placed 
to assist with the development of their 
team members. 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.

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 
manage our investment risks and to have 
investment strategies where surpluses 
are expected from our pre-need funds 
under management 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.

New Locations and Acquisitions
Building on InvoCare’s robust business 
model we continue to seek new locations 
and acquisitions within the foot print 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, new Zealand 
and in Singapore, more geographically 
dispersed opportunities and models are 
being examined.

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 earnings 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.

Demographics
the baby-boomer generation are seeking 
more celebratory style services rather than 
traditional services. Our White lady and 
contemporary funeral brands are positioned 
well to tailor their services to meet these 
emerging trends continued with the ageing 
population in Australia, new Zealand and 
Singapore.

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 the brand awareness is the many 
hours our staff devotes 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 le Pine our key contemporary 
brand in Melbourne has maintained its 
brand awareness at greater than 90% for 
the fifth year running. total awareness for 
Guardian Funerals, our new South Wales 
umbrella brand, rose 10% to 62% in the 
latest surveys.

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 and 
digital systems, are available for those 
who choose them. We also continue to 
expend substantial sums maintaining our 
many heritage listed assets, especially in 
our locations where many generations of 
individual families are memorialised.

12

InvoCare AnnuAl REPORt 2011

Management team
The management team at InvoCare has more than 
65 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

GReG BIsseT
CHIef oPeRATING 
offICeR, 
AusTRAlIA

wee leNG GoH
CHIef exeCuTIve offICeR 
sINGAPoRe CAskeT 
CoMPANy

GRAeMe RHINd
CHIef oPeRATING 
offICeR, New ZeAlANd 

Industry experience 
6 years

Industry experience 
17 years

Industry experience 
4 years

Industry experience 
4 years

Industry experience 
35 years

Each operational area is supported by a network of general and 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 2011 13

 
Lakeside’s win is 
a tale of progress 

When for the first time ever Lakeside Memorial 
Park took first place in the 2011 iteration of 
InvoCare’s hotly contested Annual Park and 
Garden Awards, it highlighted a story of the 
maturing fruits of ongoing development.

First, lakeside’s victory is testament 
to InvoCare’s commitment to career 
development in the cemeteries and funeral 
industries. Bruno Kuehne, now Operations 
Manager at lakeside, began his career with 
InvoCare as a general hand at the Park.

Over the years, Bruno has had exposure 
to a broad cross-section of operational 
roles, and in 2008 was selected to take 
part in InvoCare’s innovative Future 
leaders Program. Initially implemented 
as part of succession planning for the 
business, Bruno has taken advantage of 
the opportunities presented by the program. 
through his wealth of experience and the 
value of the training he has been provided, 
the goal of future proofing InvoCare’s 
operations has now borne ripe fruit.

lakeside Memorial Park itself is also the 
beneficiary of this ongoing development.

together with his grounds team, over the years 
Bruno has worked very closely with the local 
community, with funeral directors, and with a 
range of other stakeholders to ensure lakeside 
is able to serve the needs of the growing 
Illawarra area. 

the result of this includes such Park additions 
as the Our lady of Graces Crypts; memorial 
areas dedicated to the area’s Croatian, Polish 
and Serbian residents; a special memorial area 
for the armed forces; the commissioning and 
blessing of the sculpture “Altos and Sopranos” 
by world renowned artist, Charles Billich, and 
most recently the completion of Stage 5 of the 
Giovanni Battista Scalabrini Crypts.

wINNeRs
lakeside wins 
Annual Park and 
Gardens Award

Bruno Kuehne, 
Operations Manager 
Lakeside
Bruno originally started at 
InvoCare as a park hand and is 
now the manager of lakeside. 
InvoCare is proud to support 
its future leaders by providing 
ongoing vocational and 
managerial training to  
all team members.
Bruno Kuehne (left) 
and team member.

the garden at lakeside Memorial Park,  
Dapto new South Wales.

14

InvoCare AnnuAl REPORt 2011

InvoCare ANNuAl RePoRT 2011 15

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

Making a difference to the 
communities we serve
In 2011, InvoCare kept its commitments to 
organisations such as the Australian Chinese 
Charity Foundation, legacy and lions Clubs 
Australia. InvoCare has signed Memoranda 
of understanding with all three of these 
organisations, giving them the certainty of 
being backed by a significant corporate entity 
that wishes to help them achieve their goals.

Right across its operations, InvoCare 
locations continued to be valuable partners 
to the community. Many White lady Funerals 
and Simplicity Funerals locations across the 
country offered their premises as venues for 
community meetings. Contemporary funeral 
brands in each Australian state continued to 
host grief seminars and memorial services at 
Christmas, on Mothers’ and on Fathers’ Day. 

In new Zealand, the process of building 
relationships with organisations such as lions 
and Rotary is well underway, and Justice of 
the Peace services are being offered in many 
of our locations.

From Jeans for Genes Day, the Relay for life, 
the Red Shield Appeal, the Biggest Morning 
tea, Mo’vember, Shave for a Cure, Daffodil 
Day and the CEO Sleepout, InvoCare’s 
funeral, cemeteries and crematoria staff 
found time to support these causes and 
many more.

InvoCare was also pleased to be a major 
supporter of the Australian tour of one of 
Britain’s foremost neuroscientists, Baroness 
Susan Greenfield.

A guest of Alzheimer’s Australia, and touring 
the country to raise awareness of this disease 
and other forms of neuro-degeneration, 
InvoCare’s Contemporary funeral brands 
provided practical and logistical support for 
the Baroness’s tour, facilitating her travels 
around the country and assisting her to 
make all of her conference and media 
engagements. 

the Baroness’s message, ‘Is a dementia free 
world achievable?’, was tailored to provoke 
thoughts on what a post-dementia may look 
like, as well as being a call to action to fund 
future research. Australia, as well as other 
countries with aging populations, faces a 
significant future challenge in assisting people 
with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. 

InvoCare is a committed partner to groups 
and associations seeking to enhance the life 
prospects of aging populations. Whether by 
supporting tours such as that of Baroness 
Susan Greenfield, or through the running of 
community workshops on estate planning, 
putting information into the hands of those 
who need it is a valuable way InvoCare can 
enhance the outcomes of aging populations.

InvoCare is also proud to be associated with a 
range of other organisations such as palliative 
care groups, nursing and aged-care training 
providers, suicide prevention organisations 
and providers of grief management advice 
and support. InvoCare will continue to 
seek out well-regarded organisations and 
well-respected providers of information, and 
support their efforts to make a difference to 
the communities we serve. 

Seeing a need and then acting
One of the greatest aspects of the vocational 
work performed by the funeral directors and 
cemeteries and crematoria staff employed 
by InvoCare is the delivery of genuine care to 
people in need. Yet there are many ways that 
this can be achieved, including the assistance 
we provide when we put the call out to the 
public, encouraging them to also make a 
difference.

With more than 240 locations spread around 
Australia, new Zealand and Singapore, 
InvoCare’s network of facilities, along with the 
community networks made and maintained 
by location staff, makes using our funeral 
homes and cemeteries a smart way of raising 
awareness of important causes and initiatives.

In 2011, InvoCare’s Cemeteries and 
Crematoria division supported a mobile 
phone recycling program that enabled people 
to donate their unused and broken mobile 
phones. the phones were then recycled for 
parts and valuable materials, or on sold if they 
were still in working order, with the proceeds 
going to cancer research groups so that 
they could continue their investigations into 
potential cures and advances in treatment.

Right across InvoCare’s operations, funeral 
homes, chapels and other facilities were used 
as collection points for spectacles that were 
then donated to the lions Recycle for Sight 
program. In addition, collection boxes were 
taken by InvoCare staff out to community 
centres, retirement villages and cultural groups 
to expand the network of collection points.

1

2

1. Gardeners at lakeside, Dapto new South Wales. 
2.  le Pine Asian Funerals Chapel, Glen Waverley 

Victoria.

16

InvoCare AnnuAl REPORt 2011

3

3.  Scott turnbull (right) working with a team member 

at turnbull Family Funerals north Hobart.
4.  taking care of the little details is what makes 

White lady Funerals so special.

thanks to InvoCare’s assistance with this 
program, the lions have been able to take 
the donated spectacles to many parts of 
the developing world, as well as to remote 
and regional communities in Australia. 
Access to vision-enhancing services, such 
as optometrists and eye-glass specialists, is 
out of reach of many, not in the developing 
world but also in Australia. Recently, lions 
Club Australia gratefully acknowledged that 
InvoCare locations had collected and passed 
on well over 200,000 spectacles. Each pair 
collected by InvoCare staff and locations is a 
life changing gift to someone in need.

InvoCare’s staff also responds 
to the needs of the seasons
In winter, many funeral home locations 
take part in charity collections, such as the 
St	Vincent	de	Paul’s	Winter	Appeal.	This	
worthwhile cause asks for donations of 
food and blankets that are distributed to 
those in need. It is not only the homeless 
who require this assistance. these days, a 
great many families are also heavily reliant 
on	organisations	such	as	the	St	Vincent	de	
Paul Society to make ends meet. Providing 
blankets and food donations is a meaningful 
way to support people in need at this time of 
the year.

In summer, many InvoCare locations are able 
to make a difference by supporting local sun-
smart programs. By donating 30+ sunblock 
to schools, and spreading the message that 
ensuring healthy, cancer-free skin is as easy 
as slip, slop, slap, wrap, InvoCare’s staff 
are helping protect the younger generation 
from harm. 

In Queensland, where individuals, families 
and communities are still dealing with the 
aftermath of 2011’s Cyclone Yasi and the 
devastating floods, InvoCare was there 
for those whose lives had been disrupted. 
Beyond pitching in with the clean-up, 
collections were made of items such as 
children’s toys, books, toothpaste and 
shampoo. these are everyday items for 
those who have been unaffected by a natural 
disaster, but they are simple, and much 
appreciated, luxuries for those who have 
lost so much.

At Christmas, many InvoCare staff participate 
in toy collections. these gifts are often 
collected during the moving remembrance 
services that are held in honour of missing 
loved ones. Families often attend these 
services year-on-year, not only gaining a 
sense of peace at this special time of the 
year, but also donating a toy to the drive. 
Partnering with organisations such as the 
Salvation Army and the Samaritans Purse, 
the collected Christmas gifts are distributed 
to disadvantaged families, helping bring cheer 
and good memories to those who are less 
fortunate. 

Another significant way InvoCare employees 
are able to respond to a need is when a 
family makes a request that mourners donate 
to a charity in lieu of flowers. through their 
network of community contacts, and their 
awareness of a variety of worthwhile causes, 
InvoCare’s funeral directors are able to 
recommend a charity that is a good match to 
the wishes of the deceased and their families.

4

Greater reach
with more than 240 locations 
spread around Australia, 
New Zealand and singapore, 
InvoCare’s network of 
community engagement 
means we can make a 
difference in peoples lives.

InvoCare AnnuAl REPORt 2011 17

Group financial and operating review 
The successful acquisition of Bledisloe in June 2011 launched 
InvoCare into New Zealand, Tasmania and regional parts of 
Queensland. Complementing InvoCare’s existing businesses across 
Australia and Singapore, this acquisition positions InvoCare as a 
significant provider of funeral services in the Asia-Pacific region.

Financial Highlights
Full year, first half and second half financial results are summarised in the following table.

fIRsT HAlf 

seCoNd HAlf 

2011 
Actual 
$m 

2010 

2011 
Actual  Change  Change  Actual 
$m 

$m 

$m 

% 

2010 

2011 
Actual  Change  Change  Actual 
$m 

$m 

$m 

% 

full yeAR

2010 

Actual  Change  Change 
%

$m 

$m 

Total sales to external  
customers 

 140.5  

 127.4  

 13.0   10.2% 

 180.7  

 140.0  

 40.6   29.0% 

 321.1 

 267.4  

 53.7   20.1%

Other revenue 

 2.8  

 2.6  

 0.1  

4.9% 

 3.6  

 2.5  

 1.1   45.3% 

 6.4 

 5.1  

 1.3   24.5%

Operating expenses (i) 

 (108.1) 

 (97.6) 

 (10.4)  10.7% 

 (137.6)   (104.5) 

 (33.1)  31.7%   (245.7)   (202.2) 

 (43.5)  21.5%

Operating EBITDA (i) 

 35.1 

 32.4  

 2.7  

8.5% 

 46.7  

 38.0  

 8.7   22.8% 

 81.8  

 70.4  

 11.4   16.2%

Operating EBITDA Margin (i) 

25.0%  25.4% 

(0.4%)  25.8%  27.1% 

(1.3%)  25.5%  26.3% 

0.1%

Depreciation and amortisation 

Finance costs (ii) 

Interest income 

 (5.9) 

 (6.3) 

 (5.4) 

 (0.5) 

9.5% 

 (7.8) 

 (5.8) 

 (2.0)  34.8% 

 (13.7) 

 (11.2) 

 ( 2.5)  22.6%

 (5.5) 

 (0.8)  14.2% 

 (8.8) 

 (6.3) 

 (2.4)  38.4% 

 (15.1) 

 (11.9) 

 ( 3.2)  27.1%

 0.4 

 0.3  

 0.1   19.8% 

 0.3  

 0.3  

 0.0  

3.3% 

 0.7  

 0.7  

 0.1   11.5%

Business acquisition costs 

 (1.0) 

 (0.9) 

 (0.1)  15.5% 

 (0.3) 

 (0.4) 

 0.1   (23.9%) 

 (1.3) 

 (1.3) 

 ( 0.0) 

1.9%

Operating earnings before tax (i)  22.3 

 20.9  

 1.4  

6.5% 

 30.1 

 25.8  

 4.3   16.7% 

 52.4  

 46.7  

 5.7   12.2%

Income tax expense  

 (6.9) 

 (6.2) 

 (0.6)  10.1% 

 (9.1) 

 (7.5) 

 (1.6)  22.0% 

 (16.0) 

 (13.8) 

 ( 2.2)  16.0%

Effective tax rate 

30.9%  29.9% 

1.0%  30.4%  29.1% 

1.3%  30.5%  29.5% 

1.0%

Operating earnings after tax (i) 

 15.4 

 14.7  

 0.7  

5.0% 

 21.0 

 18.3  

 2.7   14.6% 

 36.4  

 32.9  

 3.5   10.6%

Operating earnings per share (i) 

 15.0  

 14.4  

 0.6  

4.0% 

 19.5 

 18.0  

 1.6  

8.6% 

 34.5  

 32.4  

 2.1   6.6%

 cents 

 cents    cents  

 cents 

 cents    cents  

 cents  

 cents  

 cents  

net gain/(loss) on undelivered  
prepaid contracts after tax (i) 

Prior period tax (expense)/credit 

 (0.9) 

 (0.0) 

 (9.5) 

 (0.0) 

 8.6  

 0.0  

Investment allowance tax benefit (i) 

 0.3  

 (0.3) 

 (8.5) 

2.3  

 (10.9) 

 (9.4) 

 (7.2) 

 (2.2) 

 0.0 

 (0.0) 

 0.1  

 0.0  

 (0.1) 

 (0.0) 

 (0.0) 

 0.0  

 –  

 0.4  

 (0.4) 

non-cash swap movements  
after tax (i) 

Profit/(loss) on sale of assets (i) 

Minority interest 

 –  

 0.0  

 (0.1) 

Profit after tax attributable to the  
members of InvoCare Limited 

 14.5  

Earnings per share 

14.1  

 0.4  

 0.7  

 (0.1) 

 6.6 

 6.5  

 (0.4) 

 (0.7) 

–  

 –  

 0.2  

 (0.2) 

 0.2 

 (0.2) 

 0.3  

 (0.1) 

 (0.0) 

 (0.0) 

–  

 0.1  

 0.6  

 0.7  

 (0.1) 

 (0.1) 

 (0.6) 

 (0.6) 

 (0.0) 

 7.9   120.1% 

 12.5  

 20.8 

 (8.2)  (39.7%) 

 27.0  

 27.4  

 (0.4) 

(1.3%)

 7.6   116.9% 

 11.5 

 20.4  

 (8.9)  (43.6%) 

 25.6 

 26.9  

 (1.3) 

(4.8%)

cents  

 cents    cents  

 cents 

 cents    cents  

 cents 

 cents  

 cents  

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 computed from the  

table as presented.

(i) non-IFRS financial information.

(ii) Finance costs exclude non-cash fair value movements on financial instruments (eg. Interest rate swaps).

18

InvoCare AnnuAl REPORt 2011

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reported profit after tax, which includes net gains and losses from 
undelivered prepaid contracts, was $27.1 million compared to 
$27.4 million in the corresponding 2010 year. 

Operating earnings after tax1 increased by 10.6% or $3.5 million 
to $36.4 million (2010: $32.9 million). Operating earnings per 
share increased 6.6% which was lower than the percentage 
earnings increase due to the shares issued as part of the Bledisloe 
purchase. Bledisloe’s contribution to this profit since 15 June 2011 
was $0.1 million (or 0.1 cents per share), after expensing non-tax 
deductible acquisition costs of $1.6 million.

A final, fully franked dividend of 16.25 cents per share will be paid 
on 5 April 2012. total dividends for the year are 29.75 cents, being 
1.5 cents or 5.3% higher than 2010, equal to the 6.6% growth in 
operating earnings. the full year dividend payout ratio of operating 
earnings after tax is 89% (2010: 88%).

An investment of $1 in InvoCare at 31 December 2003, just after 
ASX listing, would have increased in value, excluding dividends, by 
more than the S&P/ASX 200 index as shown in the graph below.

Return on $1 – InvoCare Limited against S&P / ASX 200 Index (XJO)

1
$
n
o

n
r
u
t
e
R

$4.00

$3.50

$3.00

$2.50

$2.00

$1.50 

$1.00

$0.50  

$0.00

3
0

c
e
D

4
0
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e
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4
0

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p
A

4
0

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4
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4
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c
O

4
0

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5
0
b
e
F

5
0

r
p
A

5
0

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u
J

5
0

g
u
A

5
0

t
c
O

5
0

c
e
D

5
0
b
e
F

6
0

r
p
A

6
0

n
u
J

6
0

g
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A

6
0

t
c
O

6
0

c
e
D

7
0
b
e
F

7
0

r
p
A

7
0

n
u
J

7
0

g
u
A

7
0

t
c
O

7
0

c
e
D

8
0
b
e
F

8
0

r
p
A

8
0

n
u
J

8
0

g
u
A

8
0

t
c
O

8
0

c
e
D

9
0
b
e
F

9
0

r
p
A

9
0

n
u
J

9
0

g
u
A

9
0

t
c
O

9
0

c
e
D

0
1
b
e
F

0
1

r
p
A

0
1

n
u
J

0
1

g
u
A

0
1

t
c
O

0
1

c
e
D

1
1
b
e
F

1
1

r
p
A

1
1

n
u
J

1
1

g
u
A

1
1

t
c
O

1
1

c
e
D

2
1
b
e
F

InvoCare Limited Share Price                    S&P/ASX 200 (XJO)

Sales revenue increased 20.1% to $321.1 million, including part year 
contribution of $38.1 million from Bledisloe and full year contribution 
of $4.8 million (2010: $2.7 million) from Wn Bull Funerals. Excluding 
the acquisitions, comparable business sales grew by 5.1% to 
$278.3 million. this growth was driven by market share improvements, 
increased numbers of deaths, annual price changes and higher 
funeral disbursement revenues.

the following graph shows actual, estimated and longer term 
forecasts for Australian deaths. Consistent with InvoCare’s experience 
in its markets, the number of deaths is reverting to the longer term 
trend after a short period of above average numbers. the recent 
business acquisitions have assisted in growing InvoCare’s share 
of the Australian funeral market to 26%.

Actual and projected fiscal and calendar year deaths – Australia
 165  

)

0
0
0
’
(

r
e
b
m
u
N

 160 

 155  

 150

 145  

 140 

 135  

 130  

 125  

 120  

115  

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

Estimated national rolling annual deaths per ABS

Actual trend

ABS projected deaths 2006 Series B

Trend plus/minus 3%

InvoCare  estimate

Years to 30 June

1 

 Operating earnings after tax and operating earnings per share are non-IFRS financial information.

InvoCare AnnuAl REPORt 2011 19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group financial and operating review continued

With the Bledisloe acquisition, InvoCare now has around 16% share of 
the new Zealand funeral market. Similar to Australia, new Zealand’s 
national statistical agency is forecasting an increasing number of 
deaths as shown in the following graph.

Operating expenses (excluding depreciation, amortisation, acquisition 
related and finance costs) increased $43.5 million or 21.5% to 
$245.7 million. On a comparable basis (excluding Bledisloe and 
Wn Bull), the increase was 5.0% or $10.0 million.

Actual and projected fiscal and calendar year deaths – New Zealand
40  

38

 36  

34

)

0
0
0
’
(

r
e
b
m
u
N

 32  

30

 28  

26

 24  

22

 20  

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

1
2
0
2

2
2
0
2

3
2
0
2

4
2
0
2

5
2
0
2

6
2
0
2

Actual Deaths

Forecast Deaths (Series 2)

Years to 30 September

Source: Statistics New Zealand

After costs of goods sold, consumables and funeral disbursement 
expenses, personnel related costs are the main operating cost. the 
group now has approximately 1,500 employees, including 350 who 
joined with the Bledisloe acquisition, 180 in Australia and 170 in new 
Zealand. 

Operating EBItDA2 improved by $11.4 million or 16.2% to $81.8 million 
(2010: $70.4 million), including part year contribution of $6.5 million 
from Bledisloe and full year contribution of $1.0 million (2010: 
$0.4 million) from Wn Bull Funerals. Excluding these acquisitions, 
comparable business EBItDA grew by $4.3 million or 6.1% to 
$74.3 million (2010: $70.0 million). Sales margins in comparable 
businesses improved. Overall margins were slightly down with the 
key impact being the lower margin Bledisloe business.

With the change in accounting policy introduced in 2010, net gains 
and losses from undelivered prepaid contracts are included in 
reported profit. the gains and losses are non-cash and do not impact 
on InvoCare’s business operations. During 2011, a net before tax 
loss of $13.5 million has been recorded (2010: $10.3 million). non-
cash fair value movements (ie. investment earnings) of $2.1 million in 
prepaid contract funds under management (2010: $1.5 million) were 
insufficient to offset the non-cash growth due to selling price increases 
of $15.5 million in the liability for future service delivery obligations 
(2010: $11.8 million). Asset allocations have been revised in the main 
prepaid contract fund with the aim of improving future investment 
earnings.

In Australia, sales of new prepaid funeral contracts increased by 8.6% 
on the previous year and exceeded the number of prepaid services 
performed by 16.5% (2010: 16.8%). Prepaid funerals performed in 
the year were 13.8% (2010: 13.0%) of comparable at need funerals. 
Prepaid funerals are not a feature of the new Zealand or Singapore 
markets.

Depreciation and amortisation expenses increased by $2.5 million 
to $13.7 million. On a comparable basis, excluding the acquisitions, 
depreciation and amortisation expenses increased by $0.9 million 
to $12.0 million. the main increase relates to motor vehicles (up 
$0.4 million) as a direct result of fleet upgrades and buildings (up 
$0.2 million) following new capital expenditure.

Finance costs, excluding non-cash interest rate swap movements, 
increased by $3.2 million to $15.1 million (2010: $11.9 million). the 
increase relates to the higher cost of the refinanced debt facilities 
from September 2010, as well as higher levels of debt used to fund 
the Bledisloe acquisition.

Acquisition related costs expensed in the year were $1.3 million 
(2010: $1.3 million). the costs, which include legal fees, were higher 
than anticipated due to the protracted seven month Australian 
Competition & Consumer Commission (“ACCC”) review of InvoCare’s 
acquisition of Bledisloe. the previous year’s acquisition expense 
was related to stamp duty on property acquired in the Wn Bull 
Funerals acquisition and the preliminary expenses associated with 
the Bledisloe acquisition.

2  Operating EBItDA is non-IFRS financial information.

20

InvoCare AnnuAl REPORt 2011

 
Operating cash flows were $2.2 million lower than the corresponding 
year at $44.0 million (2010: $46.2 million). Excluding the Bledisloe 
business, operating EBItDA conversion to cash remained strong 
for the core InvoCare business. As part of the Bledisloe integration 
activities, InvoCare is improving working capital management within 
the Bledisloe businesses.

At 31 December 2011, gross borrowings from the group’s total 
$255 million debt facilities were $215.0 million, compared to 
$236.3 million at 30 June 2011 and $152.7 million at 31 December 
2010. the current drawings comprise AuD174 million, SGD27 
million and nZD27 million. the foreign currency drawings naturally 
hedge InvoCare’s investments in Singapore and new Zealand. 
Financial covenant ratios on these facilities were comfortably met 
at 31 December 2011. 

Expansion activities continue in Australia and abroad. In addition 
to plans to open five new funeral home locations in Australia 
and new Zealand, InvoCare is in discussions with a number of 
potential vendors. the timing and size of any successful acquisition 
is uncertain.

With the addition of Bledisloe, the group’s capital expenditure in 2012 
is expected to be approximately $20 million, compared to $16.7 million 
in 2011. the main investments planned include new condolence 
and chapel facilities in Sydney, upgrading shared service operations 
in Sydney and Brisbane, a new funeral home in new Zealand and 
digitalisation technology, in all cases to lift service standards and 
offerings. Offsetting this expenditure is the sale in the first half of 
a surplus Melbourne funeral home property for net proceeds of 
$2.4 million.

there has been no change to InvoCare’s capital management plans. 
Sufficient funds are expected to be available from debt facilities 
and free cash flows for capital expenditure and smaller “bolt on” 
acquisitions. If a more substantial opportunity arises, alternative 
funding sources, such as an equity raising, would be considered. 
It remains the policy of the Board to distribute at least 75% of 
operating earnings after tax3 as dividends, as well as increase the 
quantum of those dividends year on year.

InvoCare has had yet another successful year and expects to 
continue its growth through the pillars of higher numbers of deaths, 
selling price increase, prepaid contracts, growing share in existing 
markets, business acquisitions and opening new locations.

3  Operating earnings after tax is non-IFRS financial information.

InvoCare AnnuAl REPORt 2011 21

Financial Report

InvoCare Limited and Controlled Entities
Financial Report for the financial year ended 31 December 2011

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 20 March 2012. 
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: 
www.invocare.com.au.

22

InvoCare AnnuAl REPORt 2011

Contents
Directors’ Report 

Corporate Governance Statement 

Remuneration Report 

Auditor’s Independence Declaration 

Consolidated Income Statement 

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income 

Consolidated Balance Sheet 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 

notes to the Financial Statements 

Directors’ Declaration 

Independent Auditor’s Report 

Shareholder Information 

Glossary 

Personal details guide 

Corporate Information 

24

29

35

48

49

50

51

52

53

54

98

99

101

104

Notes to the Financial Statements

note 1 

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 

note 2 

Financial Risk Management 

note 3 

Segment Information 

note 4 

Revenue from Continuing Operations 

note 5 

Expenses 

note 6 

Income tax 

note 7 

Key Management Personnel Disclosures 

note 8 

Share-based Payments 

note 9 

Remuneration of Auditors 

note 10  Dividends 

note 11  Earnings per Share 

note 12  Cash and Cash Equivalents 

note 13  trade and Other Receivables 

note 14 

Inventories 

IBC

note 15  Prepaid Contracts 

note 16  Subsidiaries 

note 17  Equity Accounted Investments 

note 18  Property, Plant and Equipment 

note 19 

Intangible Assets 

note 20  Derivative Financial Instruments 

note 21  trade and Other Payables 

note 22  Borrowings 

note 23  Provisions for Employee Benefits 

note 24 

 Current liabilities expected to be Settled  
within twelve Months 

note 25  Contributed Equity 

note 26  Reserves and Retained Profits 

note 27  Minority Interests 

note 28  Capital and leasing Commitments 

note 29  Business Combinations 

note 30  Contingent liabilities and Contingent Assets 

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

60

67

68

68

69

71

72

74

75

75

76

76

77

77

79

80

81

83

84

84

84

85

85

86

87

89

89

90

92

92

93

94

95

95

96

97

97

97

InvoCare AnnuAl REPORt 2011 23

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 2011. 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

Ms Aliza Knox and Mr Richard Davis were appointed as directors 
on 1 October 2011 and 21 February 2012, respectively, and 
continue in office at the date of this report.

Principal activities
the Group is the leading provider of services in the funeral industry 
in Australia, new Zealand and Singapore. Other than disclosed in 
this report there were no significant changes in the nature of these 
activities during the year.

Significant changes in the state of affairs 
During the year the Group acquired Bledisloe Group Holdings Pty 
limited and its controlled entities. this acquisition expanded the 
Group’s foot print on the east coast of Australia and gave the Group 
a significant presence in the new Zealand market. Other than the 
Bledisloe acquisition there have been no significant changes in 
the state of the Group’s affairs during the financial year.

Operating results
the operating earnings after tax for the year was $36,406,000 
(2010: $32,928,000) as reconciled on page 25. the consolidated 
after tax profit of the Group attributable to shareholders was 
$27,012,000 (2010: $27,366,000).

Dividends
the Directors have recommended a final, fully franked dividend 
of 16.25 cents per share payable on 5 April 2012. total full year 
dividends are 29.75 cents, being 1.50 cents or 5.3% higher than 
2010 which is comparable to the 6.6% growth in operating earnings 
after tax per share. the full year dividend payout ratio is 89% (2010: 
88%) of operating profit after tax.

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

Interim ordinary dividend of 13.5 cents (2010: 13.0 cents) per fully paid share paid on 7 October 2011 
Final ordinary dividend of 16.25 cents (2010: 15.25 cents) per fully paid share has been recommended  
by directors on 20 February 2012 to be paid on 5 April 2012 

total ordinary dividends of 29.75 cents (2010: 28.25 cents)   

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

2011 
$’000 

2010
$’000

14,568 

13,269

17,880 

32,448 

15,619

28,888

the Dividend Reinvestment Plan (“DRP”) was available for the 2011 interim dividend and $14,128,009 (2010: $11,168,715) was paid in 
cash and $3,335,371 (2010: $2,100,267) through the issue of 484,715 (2010: 325,558) shares at $6.88 (2010: $6.45) per share via the 
DRP. the shortfall in the DRP take-up was underwritten and 1,632,686 shares issued. All shares were issued at a 2% discount. the interim 
dividend in 2010 was not underwritten.

the DRP will apply to the final 2011 dividend which is not being underwritten and no discount to the market price will apply.

24

InvoCare AnnuAl REPORt 2011

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Review of operations
Operating EBItDA and operating earnings are financial measures which are not prescribed by Australian Accounting Standards (“AAS”) 
and represent the earnings under AAS adjusted for specific non-cash items and significant items. the following table summarises the key 
reconciling items between net profit after tax attributable to InvoCare shareholders and operating EBItDA and operating earnings before 
and after tax. the operating EBItDA and operating earnings before and after tax information included in the table below has not been 
subject to any specific audit or review procedures by our auditor but has been extracted from the accompanying financial report.

Results highlights:

Total sales to external customers 
Other revenue 
Operating expenses (i) 

Operating EBITDA (i) 
  Operating Margin 
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment   
Finance costs (ii) 
Interest income 
Business acquisition costs 

Operating earnings before tax (i) 
Income tax expense (i) 

Effective tax rate 

Operating earnings after tax (i) 
  Operating earnings per share 
net gain/(loss) on undelivered prepaid contracts after tax (i) & (iii) 
Investment allowance tax benefit (i) 
non-cash swap movements after tax (i) 
Asset sale gains after tax (i) 
Minority interest 

Net profit after tax attributable to InvoCare shareholders 

Basic earnings per share 

Dividends
Interim ordinary dividend per share 
Final ordinary dividend per share 
total ordinary dividend per share 

(i)  Non-IFRS financial information.

2011 
$’000 

2010 
$’000 

Change

$’000 

%

321,113 
6,383 
(245,695) 

267,449 
5,125 
(202,163) 

81,802 
25.5% 
(13,746) 
(15,092) 
729 
(1,309) 

52,383 
(15,977) 
30.5% 

70,411 
26.3% 
(11,215) 
(11,873) 
654 
(1,284) 

46,693 
(13,743) 
29.5% 

53,633 
1,258 
(43,532) 

11,391 

(2,531) 
(3,218) 
75 
(25) 

5,690 
(2,212) 

36,406 
34.5 cents 
(9,434) 
– 
– 
142 
(103) 

32,928 
32.4 cents 
(7,210) 
443 
593 
707 
(94) 

3,478 
2.1 cents 
(2,224) 
(443) 
(593) 
(565) 
(9) 

27,012 
25.6 cents 

27,366 
26.9 cents 

(354) 
(1.3 cents) 

  13.50 cents  13.00 cents 
  16.25 cents  15.25 cents 
  29.75 cents  28.25 cents 

0.50 cents 
1.00 cents 
1.50 cents 

20.1%
24.6%
21.5%

16.2%
(0.9%)
22.6%
27.1%
11.4%
1.9%

12.2%
16.1%
1.0%

10.6%
6.6%
30.9%

(1.3%)
(4.9%)

3.8%
6.6%
5.3%

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

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

the successful acquisition of Bledisloe in June 2011 launched InvoCare into new Zealand, tasmania and regional parts of Queensland. 
Complementing InvoCare’s existing businesses across Australia and Singapore, this acquisition positions InvoCare as a significant provider 
of funeral services in the Asia-Pacific region.

Reported profit after tax, which includes net gains and losses from undelivered prepaid contracts and minority interests, was $27.0 million 
compared to $27.4 million in the corresponding 2010 year.

Operating earnings after tax1 increased by 10.6% or $3.5 million to $36.4 million (2010: $32.9 million). Operating earnings per share 
increased 6.6%, lower than the operating earnings after tax percentage increase due to the issue of shares as part consideration to the 
vendors of Bledisloe. Bledisloe’s contribution to this profit since 15 June 2011 was $0.1 million (or 0.1 cents per share), after expensing 
non-tax deductible acquisition costs of $1.6 million.

Sales revenue increased 20.1% to $321.1 million, including part year contribution of $38.1 million from Bledisloe and full year contribution 
of $4.8 million (2010: $2.7 million) from Wn Bull Funerals, which was acquired on 15 June 2010. Excluding the acquisitions, comparable 
business sales grew by 5.1% to $278.3 million. this growth was driven by market share improvements, increased numbers of deaths, 
annual price changes and higher funeral disbursement revenues.

1  Operating earnings after tax and operating earnings per share are non-IFRS financial information. A reconciliation to IFRS financial information 

is set out in the results highlights on this page.

InvoCare AnnuAl REPORt 2011 25

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report continued

Operating EBItDA2 was up 16.2% to $81.8 million, including 
part year contribution of $6.5 million from Bledisloe and full year 
contribution of $1.0 million (2010: $0.4 million) from Wn Bull 
Funerals. Excluding these acquisitions, comparable business 
EBItDA grew by 6.1% to $74.3 million. Sales margins in comparable 
businesses improved. Overall margins were slightly down with the 
key impact being the lower margin Bledisloe business.

the non-cash fair value movements (ie. investment earnings) of 
$2.1 million in prepaid contract funds under management (2010: 
$1.5 million) were insufficient to offset the non-cash growth due 
to selling price increases of $15.5 million in the liability for future 
service delivery obligations (2010: $11.8 million). Asset allocations 
have been revised in the main prepaid contract fund with the aim of 
improving future investment earnings.

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

Future developments and results
Year to date case volumes in comparable businesses are similar 
to last year, although it is evident that the lower number of deaths 
initially experienced in the second half of 2011 has continued into 
the first quarter of 2012. Bledisloe’s Australian and new Zealand 
case volumes are also slightly below those achieved in the early part 
of 2011, before InvoCare’s acquisition in June 2011. Consistent with 
past practice, funeral prices were increased as planned in late 2011 
and cemetery and crematoria prices were increased in early March. 
InvoCare’s sales revenue is significantly affected by changes in the 
numbers of deaths and, as such, the early weeks of 2012 cannot 
and should not be used as an indicator of future 2012 results.

With the closure of Bledisloe’s former corporate office in late 2011 
and near finalisation of operational changes, InvoCare is on track 
to deliver at least $3.0 million in synergy benefits in 2012. It is 
anticipated Bledisloe should contribute, including synergies, at 
least $14 million to the group’s operating EBItDA during 2012. 
the Bledisloe integration and delivery of synergy benefits remains 
a significant management priority.

Prepaid funeral trust investment returns are expected to improve in 
2012, especially given the tactical tilt away from equities by the main 
prepaid fund which holds approximately 75% of prepaid contract 
funds. In particular, that fund’s investment manager is actively 
exploring alternative asset investments, including properties, with a 
view to improving returns and minimising volatility, which has been a 
feature of equity markets in recent years. If successful, these initiatives 
should result in fair value movements in funds under management 
more than offsetting the increase in the future obligation which results 
from InvoCare’s selling price increases.

Expansion activities continue in Australia and abroad. In addition 
to plans to open three new funeral home locations in Australia and 
two in new Zealand, InvoCare is in discussion with a number of 
potential vendors. the timing and size of any successful acquisition 
is uncertain, but InvoCare is confident of future acquisitions in 
both countries. Although regulatory competition barriers may 
be encountered in some Australian markets, as experienced with 
the Bledisloe acquisition, InvoCare is exploring opportunities in 
various markets, including some regional areas where it is currently 
unrepresented. the appointment of Aliza Knox and Richard Davis 
to the Board strengthens InvoCare’s overseas and international 
business experience as it considers opportunities in markets outside 
Australia, new Zealand and Singapore.

With the addition of Bledisloe, the group’s capital expenditure 
in 2012 is expected to be approximately $20 million. the main 
investments planned include new condolence and chapel facilities 
in Sydney, upgrading shared service operations in Sydney and 
Brisbane, new funeral homes in new Zealand and digitalisation 
technology, in all cases to lift service standards and offerings. 
Offsetting this expenditure is the sale in the first half of a surplus 
Melbourne funeral home property which has been held since 
1994. the proceeds are around $2.4 million with a before tax sale 
gain of around $1.8 million. no other property sales are currently 
anticipated, although InvoCare will continue its practice of reviewing 
the performance of its property assets and, if required, may dispose 
underperforming assets.

there has been no change to InvoCare’s capital management plans. 
Sufficient funds are expected to be available from debt facilities 
and free cash flows for capital expenditure and smaller “bolt on” 
acquisitions. If a more substantial opportunity arises, alternative 
funding sources, such as an equity raising, would be considered. 
It remains the policy of the Board to distribute at least 75% of 
operating earnings after tax3 as dividends, as well as increase 
the quantum of those dividends year on year.

InvoCare has had yet another successful year and expects to 
continue its growth through the pillars of higher numbers of deaths, 
selling price increases, prepaid contracts, growing share in existing 
markets, business acquisitions and opening new locations.

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.

2  Operating EBITDA is non-IFRS financial information and its components 

3  Operating Earnings after tax is non-IFRS financial information and its 

are set out in the results highlights on page 25.

components are set out in the results highlights on page 25.

26

InvoCare AnnuAl REPORt 2011

Board of Directors

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

Information on directors
Details of the directors’ qualifications and experience follow.

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.

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 8 May 2001. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered 
Accountants in Australia. Ian has had over 46 years of experience 
in company corporate recovery and turnaround practice in 
various industries including property and development, tourism, 
manufacturing, retail, hospitality and hotels, infrastructure and 
aviation. He is co-founder and Chairman of BRI Ferrier, a specialist 
corporate advisory firm and 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 is also co-chairman 
of the national Centre of Indigenous Excellence.

Other Public Company Directorships held in the last three years
Australian	Vintage	Limited	(appointed	November	1991)
Energy One limited (appointed november 1996)
Goodman limited (appointed September 2003)
Reckon limited (appointed August 2004)

InvoCare AnnuAl REPORt 2011 27

Directors’ Report 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 Clifton has been a director of InvoCare limited since 24 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, 
including HCF, Health Care Australia, Ambri ltd, the Garvan Institute 
of	Medical	Research,	the	Victor	Chang	Cardiac	Research	Institute,	
and	St	Vincents	Hospitals.	Prior	to	2001,	Tina	held	various	positions	
in the public and private healthcare sectors, including Chief Executive 
Officer of the Sisters of Charity Health Service in new South Wales 
and deputy Chief Executive Officer of the northern Sydney Area 
Health Service. From 1980 to 1988 tina was a general practitioner. 
She has also been President of the Doctors Health Advisory Service 
and active with Matthew talbot, Amnesty International, nSW mental 
health	services	Official	Visitors’	programme	and	Bushcare.	Tina	holds	
degrees in medicine and health administration from the university of 
new South Wales and obtained a specialist qualification in medical 
administration (FRACMA).

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 
on 1 January 2005 and joined both the Audit Committee and the 
Remuneration Committee in February 2005. He became Chairman 
of the Remuneration Committee on 21 December 2009. Roger is a 
Principal of the taxation Services division at Crowe Horwath Sydney, 
joining the firm in 1986. He has had over 30 years of high-level 
specialist tax consulting and general business experience, including 
mergers, acquisitions, initial public offerings and group restructures. 
He is also a director of Emergency Architects Australia limited. 
Roger holds a Bachelor of Economics from the Australian national 
university, is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in 
Australia, a Fellow of the taxation Institute of Australia, a member of 
the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a member of the 
Crowe Horwath International tax Committee. 

Mr Benjamin Chow AO BE
non-executive Director
Member of Risk Committee
Member of nomination Committee
Benjamin Chow was appointed as a director of InvoCare limited on 
22 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 to implement its multicultural policies. He is 
the Deputy Chairman of nSW Government Multicultural Business 
Advisory Panel, the President of Sydney Executive Business lions 
Club, President of Sydney university nerve Research Foundation, a 
Director of Chain Reaction Foundation and an Honorary Governor 
to the Council of Sydney Medical School Foundation, university of 
Sydney. He served six years on the Council of the national Museum 
of Australia, as well as  Bond university. 

28

InvoCare AnnuAl REPORt 2011

He served and continues to serve many leading Chinese community 
organisations in Sydney for over 30 years. He was awarded a 
Centenary Medal in 2001 and an Officer of the Order of Australia 
in 2007.

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

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 during 
his 25 years as a partner of that firm. He has been a director of 
InvoCare limited since 24 October 2003. He was appointed as 
a director of Sydney Water effective 1 January 2012, is a director 
of Baosteel Mining Company (Australia) Pty ltd and a Member 
of the library Council of nSW. Richard is a former part-time 
Commissioner at the Australian law Reform Commission and 
was an International Consultant for the Asian Development Bank. 
Richard holds a Master of Economics from the university of new 
England and a Bachelor of laws from the university of Sydney.

Ms Aliza Knox BA MBA 
non-executive Director
Member of nomination Committee
Member of Risk Committee

Aliza Knox was appointed as a director of InvoCare limited on 
1 October 2011 and became a member of the Risk Committee later 
that month. Aliza is a digital media and financial service executive 
with more than two decades broad international marketing and 
management experience. Appointed in 2007 as Managing Director 
of the Online Sales Group for Google Asia Pacific, she is now 
the Managing Director Commerce for Google Asia Pacific with 
responsibility for China, India, South East Asia, Japan, Australia 
and all other countries in the region.

Her	previous	roles	have	included	Senior	Vice	President	with	global	
payments	technology	company	Visa	International,	with	responsibility	
for	commercial	solutions	and	global	product	platforms,	Senior	Vice	
President with investing services and solutions provider Charles 
Schwab & Company, with responsibility for international wireless 
and Asian expansion, and Partner in Boston Consulting Group 
as head of its Asian Financial Services Practice.

She is a board member of a workforce development nGO in 
uSA and an advisor to several organisations and a government 
committee in Singapore.

Aliza holds a Bachelor of Arts (Applied Math and Economics) from 
Brown university (uSA) and Masters of Business Administration 
(Marketing) from new York university Graduate School of 
Administration (uSA).

Mr Richard Davis BEc (appointed 21 February 2012)
Non-executive Director
Member of Nomination Committee

Richard Davis was appointed a non-executive director of 
InvoCare Limited on 21 February 2012. Richard previously retired 
as InvoCare’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director 
on 31 December 2008 after 20 years with InvoCare. For the 
majority of that time, he held the position of Chief Executive 
Officer and successfully initiated and managed the growth of 
the business through a number of ownership changes and over 
20 acquisitions, including Singapore Casket, the Company’s first 
international acquisition.

Richard has been a non-executive director of Australian Vintage Ltd 
since 5 May 2009 and is also Chairman of the Audit Committee of 
that company. Prior to joining the funeral industry, Richard worked 
in venture capital and as an accounting partner of Bird Cameron. 
Richard holds a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Sydney.

Other Public Company Directorships held in the last three years
Australian Vintage Limited (appointed May 2009)

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 2011 are set out in the Corporate Governance 
Statement on page 30.

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.

Ian Ferrier and Benjamin Chow will retire by rotation as directors at 
the Annual General Meeting and, being eligible, offer themselves for 
re-election. Aliza Knox and Richard Davis, who were appointed by 
the Board prior to the date of this report, retire in accordance with 
the Constitution, and being eligible, offer themselves for 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 and as amended in 2010, unless 
otherwise stated. Andrew Smith, who was formerly Chief Operating 
Officer, was appointed Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”) on 
1 January 2009. Effective from 1 January 2012 the position of 
Chief Operating Officer Australia (“COO Australia”) was filled by 
Greg Bisset formerly National General Manager Funerals Australia. 
Graeme Rhind who joined the Group in June 2011 following the 
acquisition of Bledisloe Group Holdings is Chief Operating Officer 
of New Zealand (“COO New Zealand”) and Singapore is under 
the control of Wee Leng Goh who is Chief Executive Officer of 
Singapore Casket Company (“CEO Singapore”). Together with the 
Chief Financial Officer (the “CFO”) these positions comprise the 
Other Key Management Personnel (“Other KMP”).

For further information on the corporate governance policies 
adopted by InvoCare Limited, refer to the Company’s website: 
www.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 CEO, Other KMPs, 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.

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011 29

Directors’ Report continued

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

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.

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 have been used for all 
appointments since that time.

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

Senior executive evaluation
After the conclusion of each financial year the CEO evaluates and 
documents the performance of the Other KMPs. 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 Other KMPs’ 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 

Principle 2 – Structure the Board to Add Value
Board composition
From 21 February 2012 the Board comprises eight directors, being 
seven 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 27 of 
the Directors’ Report.

Meetings of directors
During the year ended 31 December 2011, 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

A 

9 

9 

9 

9 

9 

2 

9 

Chair 

B 

9 

9 

9 

9 

9 

2 

9 

A 

4 * 

4 

B 

– 

4 

Member 

4 

Chair 

4 * 

4 

4 

– 

4 

Member 

1 * 

4 * 

– 

– 

A 

2 

B 

2 

A 

4 

B 

4 

Member 

Member 

1 * 

Chair 

2 

2 

– 

2 

2 

4 

Chair 

2 * 

4 

4 

– 

4 

Member 

Member 

1 * 

– 

1 * 

– 

– 

– 

4 

4 

Member 

1 * 

Member

4 * 

– 

– 

A 

1 

1 

Chair

B

1

1

Member

– 
Member

1

1 

Member

1 

Member

– 

– 

1

1

–

–

Non-executive Directors
Ian Ferrier 

Christine Clifton 

Roger Penman 

Benjamin Chow  

Richard Fisher 

Aliza Knox 

Executive Director
Andrew Smith 

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.

30

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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. 

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, time frame and 
quality that enables them to discharge their duties. If a board 
member 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. 

In October 2011, in order to provide greater oversight, Aliza Knox 
was appointed as a member of the Risk 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 
Australia and CFO attend Board and Committee meetings by 
invitation.

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 seven independent 
non-executive directors of the Board whose skills and experience 
cover finance and accounting, taxation, law, medicine and 
health administration, marketing, digital media, funeral industry 
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 succession planning, Board succession planning 
and Board and Committees’ performance appraisals.

InvoCare may utilise the professional advice of external consultants 
to find the best person for the position of Director of the company. 
These advisors seek applicants according to the Board’s skills 
requirements. The Board also acknowledges the benefits of 
a diverse Board and requires 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 then 
selects the most suitable candidate(s) for the consideration of the 
shareholders. The Board is looking to achieve an appropriate mix of 
skills and diversity amongst directors. 

The Committee Charter is available on the Company’s website: 
www.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 2011.

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011 31

Diversity
InvoCare serves a diverse range of communities across Australia, 
New Zealand and Singapore and believes it is very important to 
ensure that a diverse range of people, specifically suited to the 
community being served are available for families in their time 
of need. This includes actively encouraging women at all levels 
of the organisation.

Women currently comprise 25% of the board, 25% of other key 
management personnel, 33% of operational general managers 
in Australia and 22% of support general managers. 56% of total 
staff are women.

InvoCare’s aspirational target is to exceed 30% of women in all 
the senior management positions outlined above.

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 twice during 
the year without management being present.

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

Directors’ Report continued

Corporate Governance Statement continued
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.

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.

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

32

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011

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 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. Each risk is assessed and assigned an inherent risk rating. 
The risk register is continuously reviewed and maintained as new 
risks are identified 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 to the CEO and Other KMPs who are 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 Integration and Risk 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.

Principle 5 – Make Timely and Balanced 
Disclosure
The Company has appropriate mechanisms in place to ensure 
all investors are provided with 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: 
www.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: www.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 10.00am on Friday, 11 May 2012 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: www.invocare.com.au

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011 33

Directors’ Report continued

Corporate Governance Statement continued
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 five independent non-executive 
directors and is currently chaired by Christine Clifton. The other 
members are Ian Ferrier, Richard Fisher, Benjamin Chow and 
Aliza Knox.

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

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 three-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 a three-year period all key business systems and 
processes are regularly reviewed, either using in-house or external 
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 Group Internal Audit Manager and Integration and Risk 
Manager meet privately with the chairs of the Audit and Risk 
committees without management present on a regular basis.

34

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011

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. 

The Remuneration Committee comprises three independent 
non-executive directors with Roger Penman as Chair and Ian Ferrier 
and Benjamin Chow as members.

The Remuneration Committee Charter is available on the 
Company’s website: www.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 35 to 47.

The Directors’ Report continues with the Remuneration Report.

Remuneration report
The Remuneration Report summarises the key compensation 
policies for the year ended 31 December 2011, highlights the link 
between remuneration and corporate performance and provides 
detailed information on the compensation for non-executive and 
executive directors, other key management personnel and the 
five highest remunerated executives.

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

A.  Directors and Senior Executives
B.   Principles Used to Determine the Nature and Amount 

of Remuneration

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

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

A. Directors and senior executives
For the purposes of this report, the key management personnel 
are those persons having authority and responsibility for planning, 
directing and controlling the activities of the Group or a major 
operation within the Group and are as follows:

Non-executive directors
Ian Ferrier (Chairman)
Christine Clifton
Roger Penman
Benjamin Chow
Richard Fisher
Aliza Knox (appointed 1 October 2011)
Richard Davis (appointed 21 February 2012)

Other key management personnel
Andrew Smith (Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer)
Phillip Friery (Chief Financial Officer)
Greg Bisset (Chief Operating Officer Australia)
Wee Leng Goh (Chief Executive Officer Singapore)
Graeme Rhind (Chief Operating Officer New Zealand)

In addition, to the above key management personnel, the other 
person who was among the five highest remunerated executives 
during 2011 was Armen Mikaelian (National General Manager 
Cemeteries and Crematoria, Memorials and Pre-need).

In the previous 2010 year, excluding the non-executive directors, 
only Andrew Smith and Phillip Friery had been identified as key 
management personnel. For 2011, Greg Bisset and Wee Leng 
Goh are now both regarded as key management personnel and 
their remuneration information is included in the comparative 
remuneration tables for 2010, having been amongst the top five 
highest paid managers in that year. With the acquisition of Bledisloe 
on 15 June 2011, the Group entered New Zealand for the first time 
and Graeme Rhind, the country manager, became a member of 
key management personnel from that date. 

Following the Bledisloe acquisition, some structural management 
changes have been implemented with official effect from 1 January 
2012, although there has been unofficial transitioning to this new 
structure from June 2011. The primary changes are that:

a) 

b) 

c) 

 Greg Bisset, previously National General Manager Funerals, 
was appointed to a newly created role as Chief Operating 
Officer Australia with responsibility for funeral, cemetery and 
crematorium operations across Australia, as well as for various 
corporate support functions such as human resources and 
marketing which previously reported to Andrew Smith;

 Greg Bisset’s former role has been filled by the appointment 
on 1 September 2011 of Andrew Mullis, previously Bledisloe’s 
Chief Financial Officer, who reports to Greg Bisset; and

 Armen Mikaelian has been assigned broader responsibilities 
as National General Manager for Cemeteries & Crematoria, 
Memorials and Pre-need and he also now reports to 
Greg Bisset instead of Andrew Smith.

B. 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, CRA Plan Managers Pty Ltd (“CRA”), 
a specialist consultancy and advisory business dedicated to all 
aspects of executive compensation and equity incentive strategies.

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. 
The shareholders will be asked to consider, and if thought fit, pass 
a resolution at the Annual General Meeting on 11 May 2012 to 
increase the pool limit to $1,000,000.

This remuneration is divided among the non-executive directors in 
such proportion as the Board determines. During the 2011 financial 
year, annual fees for non-executive directors were $180,000 for 
the Chairman of the Board and $100,000 for each of the other 
five non-executive directors. Based upon an external review of 
non-executive director compensation which was commissioned by 
the Board Remuneration Committee, and subject to the shareholder 
approval to an increase in the fee pool limit, the proposed 2012 fees 
are $190,000 for the Chairman and $105,000 for each of the other 
six non-executive directors.

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011 35

Directors’ Report continued

Remuneration report continued
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 holding office during the years 
ended 31 December 2011 and 31 December 2010.

– 

 the Chief Executive Officer’s and senior executives’ total 
remuneration be targeted at the 50th percentile of comparable 
positions in comparable size companies (taking into account 
sales revenue, number of employees, net profit after tax and 
market capitalisation) which is achieved when individual and 
overall Group performance targets are met.

The Board has an established Remuneration Committee which 
critically reviews the Group’s remuneration policy and, under its 
charter, has the following primary functions:

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, except for Aliza Knox who 
was appointed on 1 October 2011, all non-executive directors 
have equity interests in the Company higher than required.

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; 
 total compensation should be market competitive and 
be reviewed annually, with no component guaranteed to 
increase; and

36

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

 review and make recommendations to the Board regarding the 
remuneration and appointment of senior executive officers and 
non-executive directors;
 review and make recommendations to the Board regarding 
policies for remuneration and compensation programmes of the 
Group focusing on appropriate remuneration policies designed 
to meet the needs of the Group and enhance corporate and 
individual performance;
 review and make recommendations to the Board regarding 
administration of remuneration and compensation programs;
 review and make recommendations for approval by the Board 
regarding all reports on executive remuneration required by 
law or regulation or which is proposed to be included in the 
annual report;
 review and make recommendations to the Board regarding 
all equity based remuneration or compensation plans; and
 report to the Board regularly on each of the above matters.

During 2011, the Remuneration Committee conducted its review 
with assistance as required from independent remuneration adviser, 
CRA. In particular, the Committee focussed on remuneration for 
the Chief Executive Officer and other senior executives, the short 
term incentive plan, the long term incentive plan and changes in 
legislation regarding director and executive remuneration. 

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. 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 both the Board Remuneration 
Committee remuneration policy framework and 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

Chief Executive Officer 
Other Executive Key Management Personnel 

Other Executive Management 

Range 
Average 

Range 
Average 

Fixed Annual  
  Remuneration 

Short-term 
Incentives 

Long-term 
Incentives

56 
57 – 70 
59 

63 – 81 
70 

25 
15 – 24 
23 

7 – 18 
12 

19
12 – 19
18

9 – 20
18

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 predetermined 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 STI 
opportunity is up to a maximum of 45% of base salary plus superannuation. The target criteria for key management personnel are more 
heavily weighted to overall Group financial performance. Bonuses are payable in cash in the first quarter of each year after the completion 
of the audit of the results for the previous year ended 31 December. The Board Remuneration Committee considers that the share based 
long term incentives, described in more detail below, encourage executives to remain employed with the Group and accordingly no portion 
of the STI is deferred or is equity based.

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 targets.
–  Absolute market share growth in comparable businesses.
 Achievement of five year plan key performance indicators, 
– 
which include new locations, acquisitions and prepaid results.

–  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.

Other levels of staff also received short-term objective based compensation based on the measurable and predetermined targets. In 
addition to complementing the targets applying to more 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.

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011 37

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Performance conditions apply to senior managers who have an 
important strategic role impacting InvoCare’s financial performance 
and relate to compound growth per annum in normalised earnings 
per share over the vesting period. “Normalised earnings” means 
reported profit is adjusted:

– 

– 

 to remove the impacts of any gains or losses arising from 
the sale, disposal or impairment of non-current assets; and
 to maintain consistency in accounting policies (for example, 
to revert to the previously applied accounting for prepaid 
contracts which changed from the beginning of 2009).

Normalised earnings per share compound growth per annum was 
selected at the time of establishment of the DESP as the most 
suitable and reliable measure of organisational performance based 
on independent advice from CRA and analysis by the Board.

During 2011 as part of its normal review of remuneration policy, 
the Board Remuneration Committee re-affirmed the appropriateness 
of an earnings per share absolute measure, including by comparison 
to the commonly used Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”) relative 
metric. The reasons for this conclusion include:

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

 InvoCare is a stable, unique business without a true comparator 
peer or group to benchmark performance against;
 relative TSR incentives tend to favour executives in companies 
with higher levels of inherent share price volatility than InvoCare, 
which has lower volatility in both share price and earnings than 
other ASX listed entities or market indices;
 InvoCare has relatively small market capitalisation and its growth 
may be appear constrained relative to an index or selected 
peer group;
 The vagaries of equity markets, particularly evident in recent 
times, are not controllable by InvoCare’s Board or its executives 
and introducing TSR would detract from the clear and proven 
organisational performance culture which already exists within 
InvoCare; and
 Earnings per share growth is aligned with InvoCare’s strategic 
objectives and more closely reflects management performance 
and success in incrementally creating value through good 
decision making and sustained and improving performance 
over time.

However, rather than using normalised earnings per share for 
offers made in 2012 and beyond, reported earnings per share 
will be used, adjusted only for gains and losses on the sale of non-
current assets. For 2012 offers, the 2011 base comparison year 
earnings per share has been set at 34.4 cents per share to exclude 
the asset sale gains and the large negative impacts arising from 
net losses on undelivered pre-paid contracts during 2011.

More information demonstrating the creation of shareholder value 
is set out below under the heading “F. Additional Information”.

Directors’ Report continued

Remuneration report continued
Post employment benefits
InvoCare provides retirement and superannuation benefits for 
its employees, including senior executives, through a complying 
superannuation plan at the choice of the employee. 

Long-term employee benefits
In addition to employee entitlements to statutory long service 
leave, InvoCare has a policy of providing long-term incentives to 
senior management. This policy aims to create a balance between 
corporate performance and retention of key executives.

Recognising the importance of an appropriate long term incentive 
for rewarding and retaining senior management, during 2007 
a share-based compensation scheme, the InvoCare Deferred 
Employee Share Plan (“DESP”), was introduced under which 
the Board may offer selected senior managers incentive shares 
(“LTI shares”).

In the case of foreign based senior employees who may not be 
able to participate in Australian share offers, share appreciation 
rights (“LTI rights”) may be offered which mirror the same outcomes 
for the employee as LTI shares. No consideration is payable by 
the employee for the offer of LTI shares or LTI rights, but they 
are subject to performance and/or continuous service conditions.

The LTI shares are purchased on market and hence the DESP 
is operated on a completely non-dilutive basis. LTI rights are 
valued by reference to the market value of InvoCare shares at 
the time of the offer. The value of LTI shares or LTI rights offered 
is up to a maximum of 35% of an employee’s base salary 
plus superannuation.

Vesting of the LTI shares and LTI rights will be in three equal 
tranches in February of each of the second, third and fourth 
subsequent years after the year of offer. Unless otherwise 
determined by the Board in its sole discretion, unvested LTI shares 
and LTI rights will be forfeited on death and disability, retirement 
or resignation or other employment termination.

The LTI shares are held in trust until vesting and the employees 
will be entitled to any dividends paid in respect of unvested, 
unforfeited shares, thus reinforcing the value of the long term 
reward. Similarly, notional dividend amounts will be paid to holders 
of unvested, unforfeited LTI rights coinciding with the payment of 
InvoCare dividends.

Upon vesting of LTI shares, the employee has the discretion 
to leave the LTI shares in trust, withdraw or sell any number of 
them. In accordance with InvoCare’s Share Trading Policy, senior 
managers are not permitted to enter into transactions in products 
associated with their shareholding in the Company which operate 
to limit the economic risk of their shareholding (eg hedging or cap 
and collar arrangements), which includes limiting the economic risk 
of holdings of unvested entitlements associated with LTI shares.

Upon vesting of LTI rights, the employee will be paid in cash an 
amount equivalent to the number of vested LTI rights multiplied 
by the value of those rights derived by reference to the market 
value of InvoCare shares.

38

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011

LTI shares or LTI rights granted in 2012 vest as set out below:

Adjusted reported earnings per share (“EPS”) compound  
growth per annum from 34.4 cents per share  

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

LTI shares or LTI rights granted in 2011, 2010 and 2009 vest as 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

LTI shares granted in 2008 and 2007 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

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

– 
– 
– 

 broker analysis and forecasts for InvoCare;
 historic and forecast EPS growth in the ASX/S&P 200; and
 InvoCare’s own earnings forecasts.

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

The Board Remuneration Committee continues to support as fair and reasonable the fact that the LTI plan provides for a cumulative EPS 
test over the vesting period. This is to allow for the impact that the number of deaths, which is outside the control of management, has on 
InvoCare’s annual result, in particular given the fixed cost nature of the business.

To receive 100% of the LTI shares or LTI rights, 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.

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011 39

Directors’ Report continued

Remuneration report continued
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 

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 

2011 

7% to 10% 

33.9 cents 

Performance condition testing date and vesting outcome

February 2009 – satisfied, first 1/3rd fully vested
February 2010 – satisfied, second 1/3rd fully vested
February 2011 – 82% of final 1/3rd tranche vested
 February 2012 – not satisfied, 40% of previously 
unvested shares forfeited

February 2010 – 70% of the first 1/3rd tranche vested
February 2011 – not satisfied, second 1/3rd not vested
February 2012 – not satisfied, final 1/3rd not vested
February 2013

February 2011 – 86% of first 1/3rd tranche vested
February 2012 – 39% of second 1/3rd tranche vested
February 2013
February 2014 (if required)

February 2012 – not satisfied, first 1/3rd not vested
February 2013
February 2014
February 2015 (if required)

February 2013
February 2014
February 2015
February 2016 (if required)

Future offers of LTI shares and LTI rights 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 and LTI rights offers.

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

Termination benefits
Termination benefits are provided in the respective individual contracts of employment and are normally limited to statutory entitlements, 
such as accrued but untaken leave, and payments in lieu of notice periods, which generally range between one month up to a maximum 
of six months. Details for key management personnel are set out on page 42 under the heading “D. Service Agreements”.

40

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
C. 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.

2011 

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 
Aliza Knox 1 

Executive director
Andrew Smith 

166,731 
92,263 
100,000 
92,263 
92,263 
25,000 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

13,269 
7,737 
– 
7,737 
7,737 
– 

551,858 

299,683 2 

52,354 

22,902 

Other key management personnel
Phillip Friery 
Greg Bisset 
Wee Leng Goh 3 
Graeme Rhind 4 

337,273 
285,006 
171,710 
93,571 

178,712 
156,440 
26,279 
20,368 

26,672 
23,481 
16,336 
5,568 

30,355 
25,650 
9,620 
4,655 

Totals for each component 

2,007,938 

681,482 

124,411 

129,662 

Totals by category 

2,813,831 

122,662 

Other executives in the category of the five highest paid  
executives but who are not key management personnel
Armen Mikaelian 5 
121,440 

288,939 

32,187 

21,641 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

180,000
100,000
100,000
100,000
100,000
25,000

211,895 

1,138,692

117,362 
89,815 
25,816 
– 

690,374
580,392
249,762
122,892

444,888 

3,388,381

444,888 

3,388,381

86,432 

550,639

1.  Aliza Knox was appointed a Director on 1 October 2011.

2. 

Includes a bonus of $75,000 in respect of 2010 but not payable until the acquisition of Bledisloe was complete.

3.  Wee Leng Goh, Chief Executive Officer of Singapore Casket Company, received total remuneration of SG$323,812 (2010: SG$327,280, which 

has been converted to Australian dollars at the average exchange rate for year of 0.771 (2010: 0.780).

4.  Graeme Rhind joined the Group on 15 June 2011 upon acquisition of Bledisloe received total remuneration from 15 June 2011 of NZ$159,407.

5. 

6. 

Includes payments for annual leave extinguished rather than taken of $49,438 (2010: $74,157).

Includes payments for annual leave extinguished rather than taken in 2010 of $26,923.

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011 41

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report continued

Remuneration report continued

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 were not key management personnel
Greg Bisset 
78,860 
Armen Mikaelian 5 
97,279 
Wee Leng Goh 3 
38,319 
John Fowler 6 
27,500 

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

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

D. Service Agreements
Non-executive directors
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.

Chief Executive Officer
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, which was updated by subsequent agreement dated March 2012. 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 latest term of employment is for three years and four months beginning on 1 January 2012 
and provides for remuneration as follows:

– 
– 
– 
– 

 base salary and superannuation, being $695,414 for 2012,
 short-term incentive bonus up to 52.5% of base salary and superannuation,
 LTI shares of up to 40.8% of base salary and superannuation, and
 other benefits such as fully maintained motor vehicle and membership of relevant professional or commercial bodies.

42

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Remuneration Committee and Board may provide additional performance incentives.

Except in the case of misconduct where the Company may terminate the employee immediately and without notice, termination by the Company 
may be effected with six months’ notice and by payment of six months total remuneration package, including a pro-rata short term bonus for 
the year of termination based upon any bonus paid relating to the previous financial year. In addition, unvested LTI shares will immediately vest.

If the employee resigns, the employee must give six months’ notice or forfeit six months’ total remuneration for that notice period.  
Any unvested LTI shares will be forfeited.

Further details of the share-based remuneration are set out in Section E – Share-based Compensation.

Other key management personnel
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 2010 and 2011 the other key management personnel and certain other senior managers participated in the InvoCare 
Deferred Employee Share Plan.

Further details of this plan are set out in Section E – Share-based Compensation.

E. 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 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 in accordance with his service agreement.

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.

Details of the grants follow:

Executive director
Andrew Smith 1 

Other key management personnel
Phillip Friery 
Greg Bisset 

Other executives in the category of the five highest paid  
executives but who are not other key management personnel
Armen Mikaelian 

Grant value 
$ 

Expensed 
$

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010

201,163 

318,326 

211,895 

237,247

128,667 
108,728 

122,540 
84,121 

117,362 
89,815 

106,310
71,846

108,728 

75,000 

86,432 

74,000

1.  Under the terms of Mr Smith’s service agreement dated March 2007 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 7 on page 71.

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011 43

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report continued

Remuneration report continued
Share Appreciation Rights
An overseas based executive who is included as 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 
$

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010

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

40,800 

32,760 

25,816 

13,209

F. 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.

InvoCare’s TSR compared to the S&P/ASX 200 Index for financial years ended 31 December is set out below.

InvoCare Limited 

Percentile rank 

S&P/ASX 200 Index
75th percentile 
Median 
25th percentile 

2011 

2010 

2009 

2008 

2007

10.2% 

79.0% 

5.2% 
(13.3%) 
(30.4%) 

23.3% 

71.4% 

30.9% 
6.3% 
(8.6%) 

25.2% 

33.3% 

140.4% 
50.7% 
11.8% 

(23.5%) 

79.7% 

(26.0%) 
(48.0%) 
(65.9%) 

30.6%

63.2%

45.3%
15.1%
(2.8%)

Source: Bloomberg as at 7 March 2012

Note: Based on net dividends reinvested and a base currency of Australian dollars. Index members based on membership as at the date of the 
Bloomberg data, not historical membership.

44

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
InvoCare’s Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”) for the financial years ended 31 December compared to a range of similar international 
business is set out below.

InvoCare Limited 

Percentile rank 

Tear Corporation 
San Holdings Inc 
Carriage Services Inc 
Dignity plc 
Funespana SA 
Service Corporation International 
Stewart Enterprises Inc 
Stonemor Partners LP 

Mean 
Median 

2011 

2010 

2009 

2008 

2007

10.2% 
62.3% 

(32.6%) 
6.8% 
17.1% 
16.1% 
2.7% 
31.6% 
(12.7%) 
(15.4%) 

1.7% 
4.7% 

23.3% 
56.4% 

50.3% 
(10.9%) 
23.5% 
20.2% 
20.2% 
2.6% 
33.5% 
68.5% 

26.0% 
21.8% 

25.2% 
32.1% 

62.6% 
(16.3%) 
95.9% 
3.2% 
12.4% 
70.3% 
75.9% 
92.3% 

49.5% 
66.5% 

(23.5%) 
50.9% 

6.1% 
1.5% 
(77.2%) 
(16.2%) 
11.3% 
(64.0%) 
(65.7%) 
(33.1%) 

(29.7%) 
(24.7%) 

30.6%
67.0%

(22.8%)
(2.3%)
73.1%
12.3%
(43.0%)
38.6%
44.5%
(13.3%)

10.9%
5.3%

Source: Bloomberg as at 7 March 2012

Note: Based on net dividends reinvested and a base currency of Australian dollars.

InvoCare’s remuneration approach and mix of remuneration elements has delivered shareholder value since listing as 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 

2011 

2010 

2009 

2008 

2007

25.6 

13.5 
16.25 

29.75 

$7.28 
$7.70 
$0.72 
10% 

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%

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 are payable in future years.

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011 45

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report continued

Remuneration report continued

Cash bonus 

Share-based bonus

Name 

Payable 
% 

Forfeited 
% 

Grant 
year 

Vested 
% 

Forfeited 
% 

Minimum 
yet to vest 
(Note 1) 
$ 

  Financial years 
Maximum 
in which shares 
yet to vest  may vest (Note 2) 
$

$ 

Andrew Smith 

90 

10 

2007 
2008 (Note 3) 

100 
33 

2009 (Note 4) 

30 

Phillip Friery 

89 

11 

Greg Bisset 

89 

11 

2010 

2011 

2007 
2008 

2009 

2010 

2011 

2008 

2009 

2010 

2011 

Wee Leng Goh 

75 

25 

2010 

Armen Mikaelian 

87 

13 

2011 

2007 
2008 

2009 

2010 

2011 

– 

– 

94 
23 

29 

– 

– 

23 

29 

– 

– 

– 

– 

94 
23 

29 

– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

Nil 
Nil 

Nil 

Nil 
90,303 

191,366 

Nil 

182,875 

Nil 

201,163 

Nil 
Nil 

Nil 

6,293 
76,832 

71,256 

Nil 

122,540 

Nil 

128,667 

Nil 

Nil 

Nil 

57,625 

57,794 

84,121 

Nil 

108,728 

Nil 

32,760 

Nil 

40,800 

Nil 
Nil 

Nil 

Nil 

4,527 
57,625 

53,441 

75,000 

Nil 

108,728 

2011
2012
2013
2011
2012
2013
2012
2013
2014
2013
2014
2015
2011
2011
2012
2011
2012
2013
2012
2013
2014
2013
2014
2015
2011
2012
2012
2013
2012
2013
2014
2013
2014
2015
2012
2013
2014
2013
2014
2015
2011
2011
2012
2012
2013
2012
2013
2014
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 2011

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 2011 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 

$

16,600
13,693
131,882
72,761

4,864

239,800

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 20th day of March 2012.

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011 47

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auditor’s Independence Declaration

As lead auditor for the audit of InvoCare Limited for the year ended 31 December 2011, 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 
20 March 2012

48

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Income Statement

For the year ended 31 december 2011

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 

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 

Notes 

4 

5 
5 

15 

6 

2011 
$’000 

2010
$’000

327,496 
(95,392) 
(78,219) 
(18,267) 
(10,101) 
(21,961) 
(6,866) 
(14,888) 

81,802 
(13,746) 
(15,092) 
729 
(13,477) 
(1,309) 
203 

39,110 
(11,995) 

27,115 

27,115 

27,012 
103 

27,115 

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
(10,342)

27,460

27,460

27,366
94

27,460

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)  

11 
11 

25.6 
25.6 

26.9
26.9

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

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011 49

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statement 
of Comprehensive Income

For the year ended 31 december 2011

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 

Notes 

2011 
$’000 

2010
$’000

26 
26 

27,115 

27,460

(5,272) 
(106) 

(5,378) 

1,384
58

1,442

21,737 

28,902

21,634 
103 

21,737 

28,808
94

28,902

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

50

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheet

as at 31 december 2011

ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents 
Trade and other receivables 
Inventories 
Prepaid contract funds under management   
Property held for sale 
Deferred selling costs 

Total current assets 

Non-current assets
Trade and other receivables 
Other financial assets 
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 
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 consolidated balance sheet should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

Notes 

2011 
$’000 

2010
$’000

12 
13 
14 
15 

13 

18 
19 
20 

21 
22 

15 

23 

21 
22 
20 
6(d) 

23 

25 
26 
26 

27 

5,872 
32,354 
19,858 
311,763 
625 
590 

5,123
22,635
17,193
273,544
–
587

371,062 

319,082

13,758 
4 
282,538 
130,791 
– 
8,264 

13,178
–
232,138
62,197
643
8,219

435,355 

316,375

806,417 

635,457

28,355 
1,872 
8,278 
317,598 
3,112 
11,688 

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

370,903 

309,478

70 
214,034 
6,873 
28,415 
41,928 
1,577 

–
153,401
–
32,679
41,115
1,361

292,897 

228,556

663,800 

538,034

142,617 

97,423

133,336 
(2,934) 
11,084 

141,486 
1,131 

142,617 

79,937
2,088
14,259

96,284
1,139

97,423

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011 51

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statement 
of Changes in Equity

For the year ended 31 december 2011

Attributable to Owners of InvoCare Limited

Contributed 
equity 
$’000 

Notes 

Reserves 
$’000 

Retained 
earnings 
$’000 

Balance at 1 January 2011 

Total comprehensive income for the year 

79,937 

– 

2,088 

(5,378) 

14,259 

27,012 

Transactions with owners  
in their capacity as owners:
Dividends paid 
Dividend Reinvestment Plan issues 
Shares issued in a business  
combination 
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 

10 
25 

29 

26 

25 

25 
25 

– 
16,060 

37,935 

– 
– 

– 

617 

(617) 

(1,339) 

126 
– 

– 

– 
973 

(30,187) 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 

Total 

96,284 

21,634 

(30,187) 
16,060 

37,935 

– 

(1,339) 

126 
973 

Balance at 31 December 2011 

133,336 

(2,934) 

11,084 

141,486 

Balance at 1 January 2010 

Total comprehensive income for the year 

76,950 

– 

174 

1,442 

14,164 

27,366 

91,288 

28,808 

Non 
controlling 
interest 
$’000 

Total 
equity 
$’000

1,139 

103 

97,423

21,737

(111) 
– 

(30,298)
16,060

– 

– 

– 
– 

1,131 

1,119 

94 

37,935

–

(1,339)

126
973

142,617

92,407

28,902

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 

10 
25 

26 

25 

25 

25 

– 
3,523 

– 
– 

(27,271) 
– 

519 

(519) 

(1,262) 

32 

175 
– 

– 

– 

– 
991 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 

(27,271) 
3,523 

– 

(1,262) 

32 

175 
991 

(74) 
– 

(27,345)
3,523

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 

–

(1,262)

32

175
991

Balance at 31 December 2010 

79,937 

2,088 

14,259 

96,284 

1,139 

97,423

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

52

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

For the year ended 31 december 2011

Notes 

2011 
$’000 

2010
$’000

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

Interest received 
Finance costs 
Income taxes paid 

351,221 
(282,198) 
6,388 

75,411 
133 
(14,443) 
(17,092) 

Net cash provided by operating activities 

31 

44,009 

292,931
(229,084)
5,212

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

46,249

Cash flow from investing activities
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 
Proceeds from sale of business 
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 $4,827,000 (2010: $3,523,000) 
Proceeds from issue of shares 
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 

12 

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

678 
7,216 
(44,488) 
(16,723) 

1,989

(8,716)
(14,266)

(53,317) 

(20,993)

(1,213) 
97,034 
(71,619) 

(25,360) 
11,233 
(111) 
(87) 

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

(23,748)

(74)
(40)

9,877 

(25,548)

569 

5,123 
180 

5,872 

(292)

5,509
(94)

5,123

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011 53

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 december 2011

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 37.

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

(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 2011 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 recognised 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.

(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.

54

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011

Note 1: Summary of Significant Accounting 
Policies continued
(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.

(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 until delivered or made ready for use. Minor items 
such as plaques, ash containers and vases are not individually 
tracked and are released to revenue over 15 years.

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.

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.

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011 55

Notes to the Financial Statements continued

For the year ended 31 december 2011

Note 1: Summary of Significant Accounting 
Policies continued
(g)  Income tax continued
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.

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.

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(c).

(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.

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.

(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.

56

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011

Note 1: Summary of Significant Accounting 
Policies continued
(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 12 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 13.

(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.

(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 cost of service delivery.

(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 income statement.

(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 19).

(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.

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011 57

Notes to the Financial Statements continued

For the year ended 31 december 2011

Note 1: Summary of Significant Accounting 
Policies continued
(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 
12 months after the balance sheet date.

Refer to Notes 2 and 22 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 20. 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 12 months; it is classified 
as a current asset or liability when the remaining maturity of the 
hedged item is less than 12 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:

(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 income statement.

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 income statement.

(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 income statement. On disposal of the foreign operation, the 
cumulative value of any such gains or losses recognised directly 
in equity is transferred to the income statement.

(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 12 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.

58

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011

Note 1: Summary of Significant Accounting 
Policies continued
(t)  Employee benefits continued
(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 8.

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.

(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 34 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.

(aa) New accounting standards and interpretations
Certain new accounting standards and interpretations have been 
published that are not mandatory for 31 December 2011 reporting 
periods. The Group’s assessments of the impacts of these new 
standards and interpretations are set out below.

(i)  AASB 13 Fair Value Measurement and AASB 2011-8 
Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from 
AASB 13 (effective 1 January 2013)
AASB 13 was released in September 2011. It explains how to 
measure fair value and aims to enhance fair value disclosures. The 
Group has yet to determine which, if any, of its current measurement 
techniques will have to change as a result of the new guidance. It is 
therefore not possible to state the impact, if any, of the new rules on 
any of the amounts recognised in the financial statements. However, 
application of the new standard will impact the type of information 
disclosed in the notes to the financial statements. The Group does 
not intend to adopt the new standard before its operative date, 
which means that it would be first applied in the annual reporting 
period ending 31 December 2013.

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011 59

Notes to the Financial Statements continued

For the year ended 31 december 2011

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, 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, respectively. 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   
Other financial assets 
Derivative financial instruments 

Financial liabilities
Trade and other payables 
Borrowings 
Derivative financial instruments 

2011 
$’000 

2010
$’000

5,872 
46,112 
311,763 
4 
– 

5,123
35,812
273,544
–
643

363,751 

315,122

28,425 
216,858 
6,873 

25,722
153,477
–

252,156 

179,199

(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. Following the refinancing of the Group’s debt in 2010, some borrowings were made in Singapore dollars 
and in 2011 part of the borrowings used to fund the acquisition of Bledisloe were made in New Zealand dollars. All borrowings are at 
variable rates applicable to the currency in which the borrowing was completed. 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 interest rate of 6.8% (2010: 6.8%) inclusive of swaps and margins but excluding establishment fees.

At balance date, interest rate swaps for 94% (2010: 99%) of borrowings were in place. Of these interest rate swaps 10% (2010: 14%) 
were denominated in Singapore dollar and 10% (2010: Nil) in New Zealand dollar fixed interest instruments, with the balance denominated 
in Australian dollars. As at 31 December 2011 the weighted average fixed interest rate payable on the interest rate swaps is 4.78% 
(2010: 4.82%) and the weighted average variable rate receivable as at 31 December 2011 is 3.91% (2010: 4.38%).

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

31 December 2011 

31 December 2010

Weighted 
average 
interest rate 

Balance 
$’000 

Weighted 
average 
interest rate 

6.84% 
4.78% 

214,986 
201,486 

13,500 

4.45% 
4.82% 

Balance 
$’000

152,661
151,161

1,500

Bank loans 
Interest rate swaps (notional principal) 

Net exposure to cash flow interest rate risk   

60

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 2: Financial Risk Management continued
(a)  Market risk continued
(i)  Cash flow interest rate risk continued
The notional principal amounts and periods of expiry of the interest rate swap contracts are as follows:

One to two years 
Two to three years 
Three to four years 
Four to five years 

2011 
$’000 

2010
$’000

86,439 
64,500 
50,547 
60,000 

–
86,661
64,500
–

261,486 

151,161

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 (2010: 100 basis points) 
in the interest rate would result in additional interest expense after tax of $128,000 (2010: $209,000). A decrease of 100 basis points 
(2010: 100 basis points) would result in an after tax gain of $128,000 (2010: $209,000). Where possible borrowings are made in the same 
country as the operation being funded to provide a natural hedge against currency volatility. Where this is not possible other techniques, 
such as foreign currency bank accounts, are used to mitigate the profit and loss volatility due to currency movements.

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 interest rate swap contracts were all effective at 31 December 2011 and the movements in the fair value of these instruments 
have been quarantined in equity. If interest rates decline by 100 basis points a further $4,095,000 (2010: $2,752,000) net of tax would 
have been charged to equity and a 100 basis points increase in interest rates would have resulted in a credit to equity of $3,937,000 
(2010: $2,659,000) net of tax.

The overall impact on the Group has been summarised on page 65.

The Group’s cash and cash equivalents held in Australia are interest bearing. At 31 December 2011 the weighted average interest rate 
was 3.4% (2010: 3.5%). If interest rates changed by 100 basis points (2010: 100 basis points) the Group’s after tax result would increase 
or decrease by $23,000 (2010: $20,000).

(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 investments in controlled entities in New Zealand and 
Singapore. This exposes the Group to foreign currency risk on the assets and liabilities. Borrowings have been made in New Zealand and 
Singapore dollars 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.

The Group has no significant unhedged foreign exchange exposures at 31 December 2011.

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011 61

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued

For the year ended 31 december 2011

Note 2: Financial Risk Management continued
(a)  Market risk continued
(iii)  Price risk
The Group is the ultimate beneficiary of funds invested in various prepaid contract trusts, as described in Note 1 (n). There are a significant 
number of trusts in existence with various investment profiles. 

Accordingly, the Group’s future revenue and margins are sensitive to the price risk relating to the investment returns of these funds 
under management. These funds are invested in a range of asset classes with different price risk variables including cash, fixed interest, 
Australian and international equities, hybrids and direct and indirect property. Based on the asset allocation as at 31 December 2011 
and 31 December 2010 the following changes in investment returns are reasonably probable.

Asset class

Equities (plus or minus 10%) 
Property (plus or minus 3%) 

  Cash and fixed interest (no price risk) 

31 December 2011 

31 December 2010

Increase 

Decrease 

Increase 

Decrease

1,702 
583 
– 

2,285 

(1,702) 
(583) 
– 

(2,285) 

9,555 
218 
– 

9,773 

(9,555)
(218)
–

(9,773)

The returns of these funds are recognised in the income statement. An estimated 50% of the funds are expected to be realised 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 the instability of the equity 
markets has caused a substantial shift in the investment bias towards more conservative cash and fixed interest investments.

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

Australian equities 
International equities 
Property 
Cash and fixed interest 

2011 
% 

6.5 
1.3 
8.9 
83.3 

2010
%

48.7
1.2
3.8
46.3

Approximately 75% of InvoCare’s prepaid funds under management are with Over Fifty Guardian Friendly Society. This fund held less than 
1% of its assets in equities at 31 December 2011, compared to 54% at 31 December 2010. The tactical reallocation from equities to assets 
with less volatile, more certain earnings has been made to achieve better returns required to offset increases in the Group’s liabilities to 
deliver prepaid funeral contracts. 

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

62

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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.

Impaired receivables

(i) 
The total amount of the provision for doubtful receivables was $2,236,000 (2010: $1,594,000) including $690,000 recognised upon the 
acquisition of the Bledisloe Group. As at 31 December 2011, receivables with a nominal value of $2,522,000 (2010: $2,251,000) 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 13 – Trade and Other Receivables.

(ii)  Receivables past due but not impaired
As of 31 December 2011, trade receivables of $7,229,000 (2010: $3,281,000) 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 

2011 
$’000 

3,669 
3,560 

2010
$’000

2,819
462

The acquisition of the Bledisloe Group, which included a significant amount of long overdue debtors, is primarily responsible for the 
substantial increase in the category of debts overdue by more than three months.

(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.

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011 63

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued

For the year ended 31 december 2011

Note 2: Financial Risk Management continued
(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:

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 

2011 
$’000 

2010
$’000

127,500 
127,500 
6,523 

–
255,000
5,000

261,523 

260,000

214,986 
653 

152,661
749

215,639 

153,410

40,014 
5,870 

102,339
4,251

45,884 

106,590

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 12 month basis and have been met at 31 December 2011. 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.

64

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 2011, basic EPS was 25.6 cents (2010: 26.9 cents). 
Operating EPS, which excludes gains and losses on the disposal or impairment of non-current assets and on undelivered prepaid 
contracts and non-controlling interests, was 34.5 cents (2010: 32.4 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 22% (2010: 24%) 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 $4.11 or 411% 
(2010: $3.73 or 373%) up to 31 December 2011.
 Maintaining a minimum ordinary dividend payout ratio of at least 75% of operating earnings 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 2011 dividends 
represents a payout ratio of 89.1% (2010: 84.4%) of operating earnings 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:
– 
– 
 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 2011 the proportion of debt 
hedged was 94% (2010: 99%). The hedge contracts extend to the second half of 2016.
 Managing refinancing risk: The Group’s borrowing facilities were renewed during 2010 and in order to reduce refinancing risk were split 
into three tranches which currently expire in 2013, 2014 and 2015.

 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.

(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 2011 

Interest rate risk 

Foreign exchange risk

– 100 basis points 

+ 100 basis points 

– 10% 

+ 10%

Carrying 
amount 
$’000 

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 

5,872 
46,112 

(23) 
– 

311,763 

(145) 

– 
– 

– 

Financial liabilities
Trade and other payables 
Borrowings 
Derivatives 

(28,425) 
(214,034) 
(6,873) 

Total increase/(decrease) 

– 
(128) 
– 

– 
– 
(4,095) 

(296) 

(4,095) 

23 
– 

145 

– 
128 
– 

296 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
3,937 

3,937 

– 
– 

– 

– 
(33) 
– 

(33) 

– 
– 

– 

– 
2,044 
(2,044) 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 
29 
– 

29 

–
–

–

–
(2,044)
2,044

–

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011 65

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued

For the year ended 31 december 2011

Note 2: Financial Risk Management continued
(e)  Summarised sensitivity analysis continued

31 December 2010 

Interest rate risk 

Foreign exchange risk

– 100 basis points 

+ 100 basis points 

– 10% 

+ 10%

Carrying 
amount 
$’000 

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 

5,123 
35,812 

273,544 
643 

Financial liabilities
Trade and other payables 
Borrowings 

(25,722) 
(153,477) 

Total increase/(decrease) 

(20) 
– 

(7) 
– 

– 
209 

182 

– 
– 

– 
(2,752) 

20 
– 

8 
– 

– 
– 

– 
2,659 

– 
– 

– 
(209) 

– 
– 

(2,752) 

(181) 

2,659 

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 

– 
(2,495) 

– 
2,084 

(411) 

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 

–
–

–
1,678

–
(2,084)

(406)

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 AASB7 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).

Level 1
Prepaid contract funds under management   

Level 2
Derivatives financial instruments 

No financial instruments or derivatives are held for trading.

2011 
$’000 

2010
$’000

311,763 

273,544

(6,873) 

643

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).

66

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 3: Segment Information
(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 2011 and 31 December 2010 
is below.

Australian Operations 

Singapore Operations 

New Zealand Operations 

Consolidated

2011 
$’000 

2010 
$’000 

2011 
$’000 

2010 
$’000 

2011 
$’000 

2010 
$’000 

2011 
$’000 

2010 
$’000

295,578 

257,933 

9,519 

9,516 

16,016 

Revenue from  
external customers 
Other revenue (excluding  
interest income) 
Operating expenses 

5,831 
(227,445) 

4,938 
(199,087) 

Operating EBITDA 
Depreciation and amortisation 
Finance Costs 
Interest Income 
Business acquisition costs 

73,964 
(12,505) 
(13,530) 
703 
(1,309) 

63,784 
(10,845) 
(9,469) 
654 
(1,284) 

174 
(4,889) 

4,804 
(574) 
(633) 
– 
– 

187 
(4,772) 

4,931 
(370) 
(709) 
– 
– 

378 
(13,360) 

3,034 
(667) 
(929) 
26 
– 

Operating earnings  
before tax 
Income tax expense 

Operating earnings  
after tax 
After tax loss on prepaid  
contract movements 
Investment allowance  
tax benefit 
Non-cash swap  
movements after tax 
Profit on sale of assets  
after tax 
Non-controlling interest 

Net profit after tax  
attributable to  
equity holders  
of InvoCare Limited 

Total assets 

Total liabilities 

47,323 
(14,792) 

42,840 
(13,103) 

3,597 
(603) 

3,852 
(662) 

1,464 
(402) 

32,351 

29,737 

2,994 

3,190 

1,062 

(9,434) 

(7,210) 

– 

– 

138 
(103) 

443 

593 

707 
(94) 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

4 
– 

22,952 

24,176 

2,994 

3,190 

1,066 

742,149 

609,145 

26,822 

26,312 

37,446 

615,989 

515,480 

22,411 

22,554 

25,400 

– 

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

321,113 

267,449

6,383 
(245,694) 

5,125
(202,163)

81,802 
(13,746) 
(15,092) 
729 
(1,309) 

70,411
(11,215)
(11,874)
654
(1,284)

52,384 
(15,977) 

46,692
(13,756)

36,407 

32,927

(9,434) 

(7,210)

– 

– 

142 
(103) 

443

593

707
(94)

27,012 

27,366

806,417 

635,457

663,800 

538,034

(c)  Segment information – accounting policies
The consolidated entity operates in one industry, being the funeral industry, with operations in Australia, New Zealand 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, include an allocation of the 
long-term borrowings raised in Australia to fund the investment in Singapore. New Zealand has long-term borrowings which are arranged 
in New Zealand but with the support of Australia.

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011 67

 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued

For the year ended 31 december 2011

Note 4: Revenue from Continuing Operations

Sales revenue

Sale of goods 
Services revenue 

Other revenue 
Rent 
Administration fees 
Sundry revenue 

Total revenue from continuing operations 

Note 5: 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 

Impairment of other assets
  Goodwill 

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 

68

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011

2011 
$’000 

2010
$’000

133,165 
187,948 

118,281
149,168

321,113 

267,449

429 
4,212 
1,742 

6,383 

391
3,587
1,147

5,125

327,496 

272,574

2011 
$’000 

2010
$’000

3,476 
8,411 

11,887 

355 
175 
524 
710 

1,764 

13,651 

2,925
7,214

10,139

360
135
213
368

1,076

11,215

95 

–

13,027 
– 
2,065 

15,092 

10,613
(847)
1,260

11,026

351 

456

9,375 

5,630 

7,204

4,933

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 6: Income Tax
(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 
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 

(c)  Tax expense (income) relating to items of other comprehensive income

Cash flow hedges 

2011 
$’000 

2010
$’000

17,421 
(5,435) 
9 

11,995 

14,469
(4,150)
23

10,342

2011 
$’000 

2010
$’000

11,733 

11,341

(603) 
– 
9 
– 
433 
423 

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

11,995 

10,342

2011 
$’000 

(2,244) 

(2,244) 

2010
$’000

593

593

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011 69

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued

For the year ended 31 december 2011

Note 6: Income Tax
(d)  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 
Deferred selling costs 
Prepayments and other 
Brand names 
Prepaid contracts 
Provisions 
Receivables 
Accruals and other 

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 business combinations net of businesses subsequently sold   
Amounts recognised directly in equity 
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  

2011 
$’000 

2010
$’000

25,181 
8,078 
2,656 
675 
2,286 
(1,419) 
(5,188) 
315 
(2,118) 

– 
(2,051) 

24,997
5,223
2,642
528
673
2,929
(3,793)
(254)
(459)

4
189

28,415 

32,679

32,679 
(5,435) 
3,389 
(2,244) 
– 
26 

28,415 

(9,137) 
37,552 

28,415 

35,978
(4,150)
651
198
(57)
59

32,679

(171)
32,850

32,679

(e)  Tax losses
The Group has unutilised Australian capital losses with a potential benefit of $882,000 (2010: $636,000) at a tax rate of 30% (2010: 30%).

70

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 7: Key Management Personnel Disclosures
(a)  Key management personnel compensation

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

2011 
$ 

2010
$

2,813,831 
129,662 
444,888 

1,652,036
86,789
343,557

3,388,381 

2,082,382

Detailed remuneration disclosures are provided in sections A to C of the Remuneration Report on pages 35 to 42.

(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 E of the Remuneration Report on pages 43 to 44.

(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 8.

Non-executive Directors
Ian Ferrier 
Christine Clifton 
Roger Penman 
Benjamin Chow 
Richard Fisher 
Executive Directors
Andrew Smith 
Other key management personnel
Phillip Friery 
Greg Bisset 

Balance at 
start of 
 the year 

Granted  
during 
year as 
compensation 

Other 
changes 
during year 

Balance 
at end of 
the year

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

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

146,478 

27,288 

94,327 
38,574 

17,454 
14,749 

– 
– 
– 
– 
116 

– 

– 
– 

52,401
112,961
8,000
10,413
6,077

173,766

111,781
53,323

(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.

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011 71

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued

For the year ended 31 december 2011

Note 7: Key Management Personnel Disclosures continued
(d)  Other transactions with key management personnel
The Chairman, Ian Ferrier, is also Chairman and a shareholder of Good Health Solutions Pty Limited, a private company which provides 
specialist medical services to the corporate sector. In the previous year, services were provided to the Group on normal terms and 
conditions amounting to $396.

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 

2011 
$ 

2010
$

– 

396

At balance date there were no amounts payable in either 2011 or 2010 to key management personnel of the Group, including their 
personally related parties, relating to the above types of transactions.

Note 8: 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 2011, more than 850 (2010: 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 six months as a full-time 
or permanent part-time employee at the time of the offer. In July 2011, 33,241 shares were purchased by the Trustee, IVC Employee 
Share Plan Managers Pty Ltd and allocated to a total of 238 eligible employees who had elected to participate. In November 2010, 
26,639 shares were issued to the Trustee and a further 5,737 that had previously been forfeited were allocated to 213 plan members. 
The plan rules require members to leave the shares in the plan for a minimum 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 2011, the balance owing by employee plan members for the purchase price of shares was 
$123,162 (2010: $160,812).

(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 2011, offers were made to and accepted by a total of 54 (2010: 43) employees and a total of 
170,594 (2010: 208,573) shares purchased on market for $1,257,886 (2010: $1,261,987) at an average price of $7.37 (2010: $6.01) 
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 

2011 
$’000 

2010
$’000

1,090 

1,049

72

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 8: 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 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 

1 January 2011 

1 March 2011 

1 July 2011 

22 February 2011 
25 February 2011 
25 February 2011 
25 February 2011 
25 February 2012 
25 February 2011 
25 February 2012 
25 February 2013 
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 
25 February 2013 
25 February 2014 
25 February 2015 
25 February 2013 
25 February 2014 
25 February 2015 
25 February 2013 
25 February 2014 
25 February 2015 

6.33 
6.21 
6.21 
6.33 
6.33 
6.01 
6.01 
6.01 
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 
7.37 
7.37 
7.37 
7.37 
7.37 
7.37 
7.37 
7.37 
7.37 

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

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
336 
337 
337 
76 
76 
76 
6 
7 
7 

(43) 
(112) 
(50) 
– 
– 
(45) 
– 
– 
(60) 
– 
(261) 
– 
– 
(56) 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
(2) 
– 
(7) 
(6) 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(5) 
– 
(7) 
(7) 
(1) 
(5) 
(4) 
(7) 
(7) 
(7) 
(3) 
(3) 
(3) 
(8) 
(8) 
(9) 
(9) 
(9) 
(9) 
– 
– 
– 

–
24
–
173
174
–
45
45
–
55
36
291
291
–
51
52
275
275
275
55
54
54
328
329
328
67
67
67
6
7
7

The plan rules allow, in instances where full vesting does not occur, an additional year to satisfy the vesting conditions. The tranche with a 
vesting date in 2011 and a closing balance will be retested in 2012 to determine if vesting will occur.

2,926 

1,258 

(627) 

(126) 

3,431

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011 73

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued

For the year ended 31 december 2011

Note 9: 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 

2011 
$ 

2010
$

391,840 

258,900

17,355 

17,080

409,195 

275,980

16,600 
13,693 
131,882 
72,761 

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

4,864 

14,763

8,660 

8,372

248,460 

308,557

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 2011

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 10: Dividends

Dividends paid
Final ordinary dividend for the year ended 31 December 2010 of 15.25 cents  
(2009: 13.75 cents) per fully paid share paid on 8 April 2011 (2009: 9 April 2010),  
fully franked based on tax paid at 30% (2009: 30%) 

Interim ordinary dividend for the year ended 31 December 2011 of 13.5 cents  
(2010: 13.0 cents) per share paid on 7 October 2011 (2010: 8 October 2010),  
fully franked based on tax paid at 30% (2010: 30%) 

Dividends paid to members of InvoCare Limited 

On 25 January 2011 and 18 August 2011 (2010: 5 March 2010) dividends  
totalling 13.7 cents (2010: 9 cents) per fully paid share, fully franked dividend  
based on tax paid at 30%, were paid to non-controlling interests. 

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 16.25 cents  
(2010: 15.25 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 5 April 2012 out of 2011 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 16.25 cents (2010: 15.75 cents) 

Note 11: 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 

2011 
$’000 

2010
$’000

15,619 

14,002

14,568 

30,187 

13,269

27,271

111 

74

30,298 

27,345

17,880 

15,619

14,626 

18,240

7,249 

5,753

(7,663) 

14,212 

(6,694)

17,299

2011 
$’000 

2010
$’000

27,115 
(103) 

27,012 

27,460
(94)

27,366

2011 
Number 

2010
Number

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

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

  105,405,838  101,583,915

  105,405,838  101,583,915

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011 75

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued

For the year ended 31 december 2011

Note 11: Earnings per Share continued

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)  

Note 12: Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash on hand  
Cash at bank  

Cash at bank attracts floating interest rates between 2.9% and 4.0% (2010: 3.3% and 4.0%)

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 13: 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 
Increase due to business combinations 

As at 31 December 

76

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011

2011 
$’000 

2010
$’000

25.6 
25.6 

26.9
26.9

2011 
$’000 

70 
5,802 

5,872 

2010
$’000

59
5,064

5,123

5,872 

5,872 

5,123

5,123

2011 
$’000 

2010
$’000

29,329 
(2,197) 
3,327 
1,895 

32,354 

13,133 
(39) 
264 
400 

13,758 

2011 
$’000 

1,594 
351 
(399) 
690 

2,236 

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

22,635

12,368
(67)
248
629

13,178

2010
$’000

1,537
456
(399)
–

1,594

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 14: Inventories

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

Note 15: Prepaid Contracts
(a)  Impact on statement of comprehensive income

Gain/(loss) 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 net of assets subsequently sold 
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 net of liabilities subsequently sold   
Increase due to re-evaluation of delivery obligation 

Balance at the end of the year 

(d)  Other movements on the income statement

Cash received/receivable for delivered prepaid contracts 
Initial value of delivered prepaid contracts 
Reversal of previously recognised price increases 

Net cash impact 
Amortisation of unfunded prepaid contracts  

Other impacts on the income statement 

2011 
$’000 

2010
$’000

887 
18,971 

19,858 

1,824
15,369

17,193

2011 
$’000 

2010
$’000

2,067 
(15,544) 

1,531
(11,831)

(13,477) 

(10,300)

2011 
$’000 

2010
$’000

273,544 
26,651 
1,681 
(26,360) 
34,180 
2,067 

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

311,763 

273,544

2011 
$’000 

2010
$’000

264,646 
26,651 
1,681 
(25,657) 
34,733 
15,544 

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

317,598 

264,646

2011 
$’000 

2010
$’000

25,019 
(22,295) 
(1,798) 

926 
(224) 

702 

20,632
(18,990)
(880)

762
(243)

519

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011 77

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued

For the year ended 31 december 2011

Note 15: Prepaid Contracts continued
(e)  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 $4,991,000 (2010: $3,900,000). 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 
$510,000 (2010: $1,036,000). These arrangements are not recorded as an asset or liability in the financial statements.

78

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011

Note 16: 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) 

A.C.N. 000 030 491 Pty Limited (In liquidation) 
A.C.N. 050 110 453 Pty Limited (In liquidation) 

LifeArt Australasia Pty Limited 

  Macquarie Memorial Park Pty Limited 

A.C.N. 008 826 453 Pty Limited (In liquidation) 

  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) 
A.C.N. 068 935 348 Pty Ltd (In liquidation) 
A.C.N. 060 625 372 Pty Limited (In liquidation) 
A.C.N 054 583 345 Pty Ltd (In liquidation) 
Bledisloe Group Holdings Pty Ltd 
Bledisloe Finance Pty Ltd 

Bledisloe Holdings Pty. Ltd. 

Bledone Pty Ltd 

Bledtwo Pty Ltd 
Bledisloe Australia Pty Ltd 

A.C.N. 001 068 373 Pty Ltd 

A.C.N. 000 146 261 Pty Ltd 

A.C.N. 000 963 299 Pty Ltd 

F Tighe & Co Pty Ltd 

  Crematorium Chapel Funerals of Australasia Pty Ltd 
  William Lee & Sons Pty Ltd 

Australian Pre-Arranged Funeral Plan Pty Ltd 

Dylhost Pty Ltd 
Australian Funerals Pty Limited 
  Metropolitan Funeral Services Pty. Ltd. 
Sydney Cremation Services Pty Ltd 

  Cemetery & Crematorium Management Services Pty Ltd 
  Cemetery & Crematorium Finance Trust 
  Nationwide Care Services Pty Ltd 

South-East Asia & Australasian Services Pty Ltd 

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 

Bledisloe New Zealand Holdings Limited 
Bledisloe New Zealand Limited 

InvoCare Hong Kong Limited 

Country of  
incorporation 

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 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Singapore 
Singapore 
Singapore 
Singapore 
New Zealand 
New Zealand 
New Zealand 
Hong Kong 

Equity Holding

2011 
% 

2010 
%

100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
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 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 

100
100
100
100
100
100
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, InvoCare (Singapore) Pty Limited, Bledone Pty Ltd and Bledisloe Australia Pty Ltd 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.

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011 79

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2011 
$’000 

2010
$’000

– 

– 

–

–

2011 
$’000 

2010
$’000

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

–
–
(9)
9
–

–

Profit 
$’000

(69)

(9)

Notes to the Financial Statements continued

For the year ended 31 december 2011

Note 17: 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 is as follows:

2011
HeavenAddress Holdings Pty Ltd 

2010
HeavenAddress Holdings Pty Ltd 

Ownership 
Interest 
% 

Assets 
$’000 

Group’s share of:

Liabilities 
$’000 

Revenues 
$’000 

27.59 

27.59 

216 

283 

55 

51 

111 

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. In July 2011 a payment of $300,000 
(2010: $300,000) was made for the period to June 2012.

80

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 18: 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

105,079 

49,504 

97,550 

4,351 

2,781 

70,517 

329,782

At 1 January 2011
Cost 
Accumulated  
depreciation/amortisation 
Impairment write-downs 

Year ended 31 December 2011
Additions 
Business combinations 
Disposals 
Depreciation/
amortisation charge 
Effect of movement in  
exchange rates 
Transfers/
reclassifications 

At 31 December 2011
Cost 
Accumulated  
depreciation/amortisation 
Impairment write-downs 

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

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

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

Net book amount 

83,549 

49,504 

65,079 

(5,554) 
(15,976) 

– 
– 

(32,471) 
– 

85 
1,243 
– 

– 
24,435 
(1) 

5,254 
16,234 
(238) 

(2,169) 
– 

2,182 

– 
736 
– 

(1,369) 
– 

(40,105) 
– 

(81,668)
(15,976)

1,412 

30,412 

232,138

510 
597 
(9) 

10,285 
5,850 
(531) 

16,134
49,095
(779)

(355) 

– 

(3,476) 

(175) 

(524) 

(8,409) 

(12,939)

– 

– 

(261) 

(325) 

(136) 

(300) 

– 

– 

(1) 

– 

(88) 

– 

(486)

(625)

Closing net book amount 

84,522 

73,352 

82,417 

2,743 

1,985 

37,519 

282,538

106,437 

73,352 

120,718 

5,087 

3,877 

92,298 

401,769

Net book amount 

84,522 

73,352 

82,417 

(5,939) 
(15,976) 

– 
– 

(38,301) 
– 

(2,344) 
– 

2,743 

(1,892) 
– 

(54,779) 
– 

(103,255)
(15,976)

1,985 

37,529 

282,538

105,158 

45,451 

92,113 

4,466 

2,330 

67,281 

316,800

Net book amount 

83,988 

45,451 

62,391 

(5,194) 
(15,976) 

– 
– 

(29,722) 
– 

(2,094) 
– 

2,372 

1 
– 
(56) 

(1,213) 
– 

1,117 

514 
– 
(6) 

(39,153) 
– 

(77,376)
(15,976)

28,128 

223,448

9,539 
260 
(325) 

15,018
6,345
(1,456)

– 
– 
(79) 

163 
4,385 
(231) 

4,801 
1,700 
(759) 

(360) 

– 

(2,925) 

(135) 

(213) 

(7,214) 

(10,847)

– 

– 

(264) 

– 

(85) 

(44) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(21) 

44 

(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

During the year a property in St Kilda, Melbourne, Victoria was deemed to be surplus to the needs of the Group and actively marketed 
which resulted in the sale of the location in February 2012. This building has been reclassified as an asset held for sale and is recorded 
as a transfer in the table above.

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011 81

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued

For the year ended 31 december 2011

Note 18: Property, Plant and Equipment continued
(a)  Assets in the course of construction
The carrying amounts of assets disclosed above include the following expenditure recognised in relation to property, plant and equipment 
which is in the course of construction:

Freehold buildings 
Leasehold improvements 
Plant and equipment 

Total assets in the course of construction 

2011 
$’000 

4,251 
166 
256 

4,673 

2010
$’000

2,356
168
328

2,852

(b)  Impairment
All impaired cemetery and crematorium sites were reassessed at 31 December 2011 using the same methodology as previously applied 
and no change to the impairment provision was considered necessary in 2011.

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 10.7% (2010: 10.5%), 
reflecting the risk estimates for the business as a whole.

82

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 19: Intangible Assets

At 1 January 2011
Cost 
Accumulated amortisation 

Net book amount 

Year ended 31 December 2011
Acquisition of subsidiary/businesses net of divestments 
Effect of movement in exchange rates 
Impairment 
Amortisation charge 

Net book amount 

At 31 December 2011
Cost 
Accumulated amortisation 

Net book amount 

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 

Goodwill 
$’000 

Brand name 
$’000 

Total
$’000

59,608 
– 

59,608 

63,701 
(408) 
(95) 
– 

3,948 
(1,359) 

63,556
(1,359)

2,589 

62,197

6,156 
(50) 
– 
(710) 

68,857
(458)
(95)
(740)

122,806 

7,985 

130,791

122,806 
– 

122,806 

10,068 
(2,083) 

132,874
(2,083)

7,985 

130,791

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 

3,948 
(1,359) 

2,589 

63,556
(1,359)

62,197

(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 New Zealand and Singapore operations are separate CGUs 
and the associated goodwill arising from that acquisition has been allocated to the single New Zealand or 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, New Zealand and Singaporean CGUs 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.

During the year, Singapore Casket Company undertook its own impairment calculations on the goodwill recorded in relation to Simplicity 
Casket Company and recognised an impairment loss of $95,000.

(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 10.7% (2010: 10.5%), reflecting the risk estimates for the business as a whole. Sensitivity 
analysis indicates significant headroom exists in the value-in-use calculations for Australia, New Zealand and Singapore compared to the 
carrying value of goodwill.

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011 83

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued

For the year ended 31 december 2011

Note 20: Derivative Financial Instruments

Non-current assets
Interest rate swap contracts – cash flow hedges 

Non-current liabilities
Interest rate swap contracts – cash flow hedges 

2011 
$’000 

2010
$’000

– 

– 

6,873 

6,873 

643

643

–

–

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 21: 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 

2011 
$’000 

2010
$’000

20,798 
7,511 
46 

28,355 

70 

70 

19,253
5,860
610

25,723

–

–

Full details of the risks and currency exposure of trade and other payables are set out in Note 2 – Financial Risk Management.

Note 22: 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.

2011 
$’000 

2010
$’000

1,872 

1,872 

76

76

214,986 
– 
(952) 

152,661
1,872
(1,132)

214,034 

153,401

84

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 23: Provisions for Employee Benefits

Current
Employee benefits 

Non-current
Liability for long service leave 

(a)  Employee numbers
Number of full-time equivalent employees 

2011 
$’000 

2010
$’000

11,688 

9,473

1,577 

1,361

2011 
Number 

2010
Number

1,430 

1,112

(b)  Superannuation plan
The Company contributes to accumulation-type employee superannuation plans in accordance with statutory requirements.

Note 24: Current Liabilities expected to be settled within Twelve Months
The amounts included in current liabilities which are expected to be settled within twelve months are set out below.

Trade and other payables 
Short-term borrowings 
Current tax liabilities 
Prepaid contract liabilities 
Deferred revenue 
Employee benefits 

Total Current Liabilities 

Expected to Settle within  
Twelve Months

2011 
$’000 

2010 
$’000 

2011 
$’000 

2010 
$’000

28,355 
1,872 
8,278 
317,598 
3,112 
11,688 

25,723 
76 
6,522 
264,646 
3,048 
9,473 

370,903 

309,488 

28,355 
1,872 
8,278 
28,901 
3,112 
7,259 

77,777 

25,723
76
6,522
24,083
3,048
5,900

65,352

The amounts expected to be settled within twelve months have been calculated based on the historical settlement patterns.

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011 85

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued

For the year ended 31 december 2011

Note 25: Contributed Equity

Fully paid ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares
Balance at the beginning of the financial year 
Dividend reinvestment plan issues 
Shares issued in a business combination 
Exempt employee share plan issues 

Total contributed equity 

Treasury shares (note 25(b)) 

2011 
$’000 

2010
$’000

133,336 

79,937

2011 
Number 

2011 
$’000 

2010 
Number 

2010
$’000

  102,421,288 
2,331,783 
5,277,227 
– 

82,863  101,834,236 
560,413 
16,060 
– 
37,935 
26,639 
– 

79,165
3,523
–
175

  110,030,298 

136,858  102,421,288 

82,863

(572,791) 

(3,522) 

(518,763) 

(2,926)

Total consolidated contributed equity 

  109,457,507 

133,336  101,902,525 

79,937

(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.

During the year shares were issued in part settlement of the acquisition of the Bledisloe Group and the value recorded net of transaction costs.

(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 8.

Date 

Details 

Number of shares 

$’000

1 January 2010 
22 to 25 February 2010 
22 February to 5 March 2010  Acquisition of shares by the Trust and reallocation of previously forfeited shares 
Forfeit of shares on termination of employment 
9 April 2010 
Forfeit of shares on termination of employment 
8 October 2010 

Balance 
Shares vested 

31 December 2010 

Balance 

Shares vested 

22 to 25 February 2011 
24 February to 3 March 2011  Acquisition of shares by the Trust and reallocation of previously forfeited shares 
1 July 2011 
5 July 2011 
15 July 2011 
10 October 2011 
14 October 2011 

Transfer of shares to members of the Exempt Employee Share Plan 
Forfeit of shares on termination of employment 
Forfeit of shares on termination of employment 
Forfeit of shares on termination of employment 
Forfeit of shares on termination of employment 
Unallocated shares held by the Trustee 

31 December 2011 

Balance 

397,676 
(82,996) 
209,820 
(3,579) 
(2,158) 

518,763 

(113,895) 
170,594 
(1,998) 
(4,668) 
(2,114) 
(12,106) 
(1,356) 
19,571 

572,791 

2,215
(519)
1,262
(20)
(12)

2,926

(627)
1,258
(15)
(27)
(13)
(75)
(10)
105

3,522

(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.

86

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 26: 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 

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 

2011 
$’000 

2010
$’000

2,166 
(4,822) 
(278) 

(2,934) 

1,810 
973 
(617) 

2,166 

450 
(7,516) 
– 
2,244 

(4,822) 

(172) 
– 
– 
(106) 

(278) 

1,810
450
(172)

2,088

1,338
991
(519)

1,810

(934)
643
1,334
(593)

450

(230)
411
(123)
(230)

(172)

14,259 
27,012 
(30,187) 

11,084 

14,164
27,366
(27,271)

14,259

(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.

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011 87

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued

For the year ended 31 december 2011

Note 26: 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 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 $4,581,000 (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 $3,751,000.

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 
Profit after tax for the 2011 year 
Dividends paid during 2011 
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 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
4,581 

– 
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) 
27,012 
(30,187) 
(4,581) 

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)
27,012
(30,187)
–

Balance of retained earnings/(accumulated losses) as at 31 December 2011 

– 

(41,642) 

52,726 

11,084

88

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 27: Minority Interests

Reconciliation of minority interests in controlled entities:
Share capital 

Retained earnings

Balance at the beginning of the year 
Add share of operating earnings 
Less dividends paid 

  Closing balance of retained earnings 

Reserves 

Balance at the end of the year 

Note 28: 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 five years 
–  greater than five years 

2011 
$’000 

2010
$’000

800 

800

240 
103 
(111) 

232 

99 

220
94
(74)

240

99

1,131 

1,139

2011 
$’000 

2010
$’000

8,350 
18,170 
14,906 

41,426 

6,175
11,976
8,485

26,636

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 
$’000 

Total
$’000

8,141 
18,023 
14,906 

41,070 

209 
147 
– 

356 

8,350
18,170
14,906

41,426

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.

(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 

2011 
$’000 

2010
$’000

1,592 

2,823

766 

630

– 

129 

2,466

110

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011 89

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued

For the year ended 31 december 2011

Note 29: Business Combinations
Bledisloe Group
On 15 June 2011, a subsidiary InvoCare Australia Pty Limited completed the acquisition of 100% of Bledisloe Group Holdings Pty Ltd, 
following the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission’s (“ACCC”) announcement that it did not propose to oppose the acquisition. 
The Bledisloe Group operates funeral businesses on the east coast of mainland Australia, Tasmania and in New Zealand. Amongst its many 
highly respected funeral brands are Metropolitan Funerals in Brisbane, W D Rose in Melbourne, Turnbulls Family Funerals in Hobart and 
John Rhind Funeral Directors in Christchurch, New Zealand.

The Group provided the ACCC with enforceable undertakings in relation to the sale of the Gregory & Carr business in the northern suburbs 
of Sydney, the sale of Great Northern Garden of Remembrance in the north of Brisbane and an ownership statement for funeral operations 
in Brisbane. On 29 July, 2011 the sale of six Gregory & Carr locations, including three that were included in the undertakings, was 
completed. On 25 August, 2011 the sale of Great Northern Garden of Remembrance was completed. Proceeds from these two divestitures 
total $7,216,000 and the sale price equated to the acquisition price.

During the period since completion on 15 June, 2011 the Bledisloe Group has contributed $38.1 million in revenues and generated an 
operating EBITDA of $6.5 million. Integration of the businesses with other InvoCare businesses and shared service centres, along with the 
elimination of duplicated functions is underway. Had the Bledisloe Group been acquired on 1 January 2011 the InvoCare Group revenue 
would have been $358.6 million and profit after tax $27.3 million for the period to 31 December 2011 without making any adjustments 
to the Bledisloe result.

Details of the fair value of assets acquired and goodwill are as follows:

Purchase consideration (refer to (b) below):
  Cash paid 

Equity instruments issued 

Total purchase consideration 
Fair value of net identifiable assets acquired (refer to (c) below): 

Goodwill  

(b)  Bledisloe purchase consideration
Outflow of cash to acquire the business, net of cash acquired
  Cash consideration for Bledisloe business 

Outflow of cash 

(c)  Bledisloe assets acquired
The assets and liabilities arising from the acquisition are as follows:

Receivables 
Inventories 
Prepaid contract funds under management   
Property, plant and equipment 
Other financial assets 
Intangible assets: Brand name 
Trade and other payables 
Bank overdraft 
Income tax payable 
Prepaid contract liabilities 
Prepaid contract onerous liabilities 
Provisions 
Long term borrowings 
Deferred purchase consideration 
Deferred tax liabilities 

Net identifiable assets acquired 

90

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011

$’000

40,040
38,840

78,880
10,161

68,719

40,040

40,040

Fair 
value
$’000

5,629
1,395
37,393
51,123
4
6,504
(9,109)
(187)
(531)
(37,393)
(588)
(2,372)
(37,758)
(372)
(3,577)

Acquiree’s 
carrying 
amount 
$’000 

5,644 
1,395 
37,393 
41,799 
4 
– 
(7,763) 
(187) 
(214) 
(37,393) 
(588) 
(2,401) 
(37,758) 
(372) 
(133) 

(574) 

10,161

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 29: Business Combinations continued
Bledisloe Group continued
The initial accounting for the business combination has been determined provisionally. 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.

(d)  Details of fair value of assets and goodwill disposed

Purchase consideration received
  Cash received 

Total divestment consideration 
Book value of net identifiable assets disposed (refer to (e) below): 

Goodwill  

(e)  Details of assets disposed
The assets and liabilities disposed following the divestment are as follows:

Receivables 
Inventories 
Prepaid contract funds under management   
Property, plant and equipment 
Intangible assets: Brand name 
Prepaid contract liabilities 
Provisions 
Deferred tax liabilities 

Net identifiable assets sold 

$’000

7,216

7,216
2,198

5,018

Fair 
value
$’000

70
148
3,213
2,028
359
(3,213)
(219)
(188)

2,198

A total of 5,277,227 ordinary shares were issued and these shares have been valued at $7.36 each, being the closing share price on 
14 June, 2011 which was the day before completion. These shares are subject to escrow restrictions for a period of twelve months from 
the date of completion.

The purchase price of the business of the Bledisloe Group 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 the Bledisloe Group with the rest 
of the Group.

Total incidental costs of $1,559,000 have been incurred in the reporting period bringing the total cost of this acquisition to $1,865,000. 
These costs have been expensed as incurred and reported as Acquisition related costs in the Statement of Comprehensive Income as 
required by AASB 3: Business Combinations.

W N Bull
W N Bull’s funeral business was acquired effective 15 June, 2010. Included in the purchase consideration was contingent consideration 
of $250,000 which could be earned if certain predetermined case number hurdles were achieved by 15 June, 2011. The relevant hurdles 
were not achieved and the contingent consideration was written back as required by AASB 3: Business Combinations in the Statement 
of Comprehensive Income and netted against Acquisition related expenses.

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 $275,000 was paid in July 2011 in accordance with the contract. The payment was in line with 
expectations following the achievement of predetermined revenue benchmarks established at the time of the initial acquisition and 
represents the final payment due for this business.

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 fifth and final additional payment of $100,000, which has already been brought to 
account, in respect of restraint and retention amounts, was made during 2011.

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011 91

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued

For the year ended 31 december 2011

Note 29: Business Combinations continued
Bledisloe Acquisitions
On the acquisition of Bledisloe a number of existing businesses, included in the fair values acquired, were still subjected to deferred 
consideration arrangements. Subsequent to acquisition of Bledisloe the following transactions have occurred in relation to these 
pre-acquisition business combinations.

Beth Shan Funeral Home
In May 2008 the Bledilsoe Group acquired this business which operates in Napier, New Zealand. The final additional payment of 
NZ$220,000, upon achievement of agreed earnings targets was paid during 2011.

Burkin Svendsens Funeral Directors
In November 2008 the Bledisloe Group acquired this business which operates in Cairns in North Queensland. The final payment was due 
during 2011 but the pre-agreed earnings target were not achieved so a payment of $75,698 was made which represented approximately 
75% of the total possible. The acquisition contract was amended in order to give the principal an opportunity to earn the shortfall in 
exchange for an extension to the contractual non-competition arrangements included in the original contract.

Guardian North City Funeral Home
This business was acquired by the Bledisloe Group in July 2010 and operates in Porirua, New Zealand which is to the north of Wellington. 
During the year, on the achievement of pre-agreed earnings targets an additional payment of NZ$60,000 was made. Further payments 
may occur in 2012 and 2013 if the earnings targets are achieved.

Note 30: Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets

The Group had contingent liabilities at 31 December 2011 in respect of bank  
guarantees given for leased premises of controlled entities to a maximum of: 

2011 
$’000 

2010
$’000

1,242 

639

For information about the deed of cross guarantees given by InvoCare Limited, InvoCare Australia Pty Limited, InvoCare (Singapore) 
Pty Limited, Bledone Pty Ltd and Bledisloe Australia Pty Ltd, refer to Note 32.

No liability was recognised by the consolidated entity in relation to the guarantees as the fair value of the guarantees is immaterial.

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, amortisation and impairment 
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 
  Once off acquisition costs classified in investing activities 

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  

92

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011

2011 
$’000 

2010
$’000

27,012 

27,460

13,746 
1,090 
343 
– 
16 
– 
(203) 
13,477 
926 
1,560 
286 

(4,729) 
(1,275) 
47 
(4,106) 
867 
1,595 
(6,804) 
161 

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

44,009 

46,249

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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. Effective from 15 June 2011 Bledone Pty Ltd and 
Bledisloe Australia Pty Ltd became parties to this Deed of Cross Guarantee. 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 2011 of the Closed Group.

(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 
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 

2011 
$’000 

2010
$’000

287,758 
(83,083) 
(68,018) 
(16,493) 
(8,863) 
(17,770) 
(6,091) 
(12,534) 

74,906 
(11,498) 
(14,121) 
656 
(13,477) 
(1,309) 
181 

35,338 
(9,291) 

243,406
(67,899)
(57,700)
(12,920)
(8,033)
(14,163)
(4,570)
(11,599)

66,522
(9,807)
(12,615)
613
(10,300)
(1,284)
513

33,644
(10,931)

26,047 

22,713

(4,877) 
240 

(4,637) 

1,385
901

2,286

21,410 

24,999

21,028 
26,047 
(30,190) 

16,885 

25,585
22,713
(27,270)

21,028

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011 93

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued

For the year ended 31 december 2011

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 

Note 33: Events after the Balance Sheet Date
There have been no significant events that have occurred subsequent to 31 December 2011.

94

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011

2011 
$’000 

2010
$’000

2,062 
27,752 
18,316 
311,763 
553 

2,467
21,488
16,198
273,544
548

360,446 

314,245

13,676 
168,764 
232,767 
47,672 
– 
7,742 

1,986
56,329
212,094
42,681
643
7,668

470,621 

321,401

831,067 

635,646

25,415 
1,872 
7,137 
317,598 
2,893 
11,047 

24,695
76
5,359
264,646
2,844
9,450

365,962 

307,070

51,933 
193,487 
6,323 
22,835 
39,389 
1,577 

–
153,401
–
30,514
38,414
1,361

315,544 

223,690

681,506 

530,760

149,561 

104,886

133,336 
(660) 
16,885 

79,937
3,921
21,028

149,561 

104,886

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 16.

(c)  Directors and key management personnel
Disclosures relating to directors and key management personnel are set out in Note 7.

(d)  Transactions with related parties
Transactions with other related parties
  Contributions to superannuation funds on behalf of employees 

2011 
$ 

2010
$

5,630,220 

4,932,814

(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.

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 

2011 
$’000 

2010
$’000

94 
369,523 
7,366 
184,997 

109
270,898
5,903
137,254

133,336 

79,937

2,166 
(4,280) 
53,305 

1,810
441
51,456

184,527 

133,644

32,036 

27,671 

31,026

32,873

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011 95

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued

For the year ended 31 december 2011

Note 35: Parent Entity Financial Information continued
(b)  Contingent liabilities of the parent entity

The parent entity had contingent liabilities at 31 December 2011 in respect of  
bank guarantees given for leased premises of controlled entities to a maximum of: 

2011 
$’000 

2010
$’000

204 

639

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 2011 (31 December 
2010: 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.

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 $45,884,000 as outlined in Note 2(c), or by on-demand 
repayment of intercompany advances.

96

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 19 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 18 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 $35.8 million at 31 December 2011 
(2010: $34.3 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 
(2010: $1.1 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 20 March 2012. The Company has the power to amend and reissue 
this report.

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011 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 2011 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
20 March 2012

98

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011

 
 
Independent Auditor’s 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 2011, and the income statement, 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. 

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 2011 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.

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011 99

 
 
Independent Auditor’s Report continued

Independent audItor’s report to the members oF Invocare LImIted 

Report on the Remuneration Report
We have audited the remuneration report included in pages 35 to 47 of the directors’ report for the year ended 31 December 2011. 
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 2011, complies with section 300A of the 
Corporations Act 2001.

Matters relating to the electronic presentation of the audited financial report
This auditor’s report relates to the financial report and remuneration report of InvoCare Limited (the company) for the year ended 
31 December 2011 included on InvoCare Limited’s web site. The company’s directors are responsible for the integrity of InvoCare Limited’s 
web site. We have not been engaged to report on the integrity of this web site. The auditor’s report refers only to the financial report and 
remuneration report named above. It does not provide an opinion on any other information which may have been hyperlinked to/from 
the financial report or the remuneration report. If users of this report are concerned with the inherent risks arising from electronic data 
communications they are advised to refer to the hard copy of the audited financial report and remuneration report to confirm the information 
included in the audited financial report and remuneration report presented on this web site.

PricewaterhouseCoopers

John Feely 
Partner 

Sydney
20 March 2012

100 InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholder Information

Shares and options as at 19 March 2012

Shares on issue 
Options on issue 

Distribution of shareholders as at 19 March 2012 

1 – 1,000 
1,001 – 5,000 
5,001 – 0,000 
10,001 – 100,000 
100,001 and over 

Number

  110,030,298
Nil

Number of 
shareholders 

Number of  
shares 

Percentage 
%

3,079 
5,222 
1,270 
713 
41 

1,671,204 
13,734,088 
9,474,938 
14,714,755 
70,435,313 

1.52%
12.48%
8.61%
13.37%
64.02%

10,325  110,030,298 

100.00%

There were 167 holders of less than a marketable parcel of ordinary shares (being 65 based on a price of $7.60 on 19 March 2012) who 
hold a total of 2,815 ordinary shares.

Equity security holders

Largest 20 holders of ordinary shares at 19 March 2012
1.  National Nominees Limited  
2.  J P Morgan Nominees Australia Limited   
3.  HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited  
4.  Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited  
5.  Propel Private Equity II, LP 
6.  Cogent Nominees Pty Limited 
7.  Milton Corporation Limited  
8.  J P Morgan Nominees Australia Limited (Cash Income Account) 
9.  Argo Investments Limited  
10. Australia Foundation Investment Company Limited 
11.  Mirrabooka Investments Limited 
12. UBS Wealth Management Australia Nominees Pty Ltd    
13. BKI Investment Company Limited  
14. UCA Growth Fund Limited 
15. IVC Employee Share Plan Managers Pty Ltd 
16. Mr Richard Hugh Davis 
17.  Australian United Investment Company Limited 
18. Gwynvill Trading Pty Ltd 
19. Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited (Colonial First State Account) 
20. AMP Life Limited 

Total for top 20 

Substantial holders

Substantial holders in the Company as at 19 March 2012 are set out below:
JCP Investment Partners Ltd 
National Australia Bank Limited Group 

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

Number of  
shares 

Percentage 
%

15,909,513 
14,613,414 
11,652,311 
4,605,621 
4,407,052 
2,920,978 
1,695,526 
1,687,458 
1,281,310 
1,252,841 
974,658 
968,735 
949,000 
900,000 
838,392 
656,607 
500,000 
465,643 
408,375 
402,739 

14.46%
13.28%
10.59%
4.19%
4.01%
2.65%
1.54%
1.53%
1.16%
1.14%
0.89%
0.88%
0.86%
0.82%
0.76%
0.60%
0.45%
0.42%
0.37%
0.37%

67,090,173 

60.97%

Number of  
shares held 

Percentage 
%

14,537,992  
12,464,682  

13.21%
11.33%

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 2011 101

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
InvoCare Locations

Contemporary – Australia and New Zealand

New South Wales

Queensland

Victoria

South Australia

New Zealand

Guardian Funeral 
Providers 
Guardian Funerals  
(est 1890) 
Bankstown 
Blacktown 
Bondi Junction 
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

Other 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 Value 
Funerals 
All areas

Kevin Geaghan 
Funerals (est 1896) 
Ballina

J W Chandler Funerals  
(est 1885)
Richmond 
Windsor

Liberty Funerals 
(est 1994) 
Chatswood 
Granville

Twin Towns Funerals 
(est 1913) 
Tweed Heads

Universal Chung Wah 
(est 1955) 
Fairfield

William Riley & Sons 
(est 1882) 
Lismore

W N Bull 
(est 1892) 
Newtown 
Parramatta 
North Sydney

Boland Funerals 
(est 1962) 
Maroubra

Tobin Brothers 
Funerals  
(est 1946) 
Queanbeyan

Australian Capital 
Territory

Tobin Brothers 
Funerals  
(est 1946)
Belconnen 
Kingston 
Tuggeranong

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 
Thornbury
Le Pine Asian Funerals 
Glen Waverley 
West Footscray
W D Rose (est 1884) 
Brighton  
Burwood  
Cheltenham 
Joseph Allison  
(est 1853) 
Brunswick  
Essendon  
Werribee 
Other Providers
Mulqueen Funerals 
(est 1932)
Coburg
Southern Cross 
(est 1998)
Noble Park
Value Funerals
All areas

Blackwell Funerals
(est 1940)
Glenside 
Payneham 
Prospect 
South Brighton 
Torrensville
Other Providers
Value Funerals
All areas

Tasmania

Turnbull Family 
Funerals (est 1936) 
North Hobart

Western Australia

Purslowe Funerals 
(est 1907) 
Midland 
North Perth 
South Fremantle 
Victoria Park 
Wangara
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

North Island
Forrest Funeral 
Services (est 1978) 
Browns Bay (Auckland)  
Orewa (Auckland) 
Fountain’s Funeral 
Services (est 1956)  
Papakura (Auckland) 
Manurewa (Auckland) 
Sibuns Funeral 
Directors (est 1913)  
Remuera (Auckland) 
Lychgate Funeral 
Home (est 1876)  
Wellington 
Gee & Hickton  
(est 1946) 
Lower Hutt  
Upper Hutt 
Guardian North City 
(est 1966) 
Porirua (Wellington) 
James R Hill 
(est 1965) 
Hamilton 
Pellows Funeral 
Directors (est 1963) 
Hamilton 
Elliotts Funeral 
Services (est 1967) 
Tauranga  
Mt Maunganui  
Kati Kati 
Beth Shan Funeral 
Directors (est 1977) 
Napier 
Cleggs Funeral 
Services (est 1919) 
Hawera 
Vospers (est 1933) 
New Plymouth 
Wairarapa Funeral 
Services (est 1938) 
Masterton
South Island
John Rhind Funeral 
Directors (est 1881) 
Christchurch  
Kaiapoi 
Academy Funeral 
Services (est 1982) 
Christchurch 
Geoffrey T Sowman 
(est 1869) 
Blenheim
Sowman Memorials 
Blenheim

George Hartnett 
Funerals 
(est 1947) 
Albany Creek 
Cleveland 
Holland Park 
Redcliffe 
Sandgate 
Wynnum

Metropolitan Funerals 
(est 1941)  
Aspley  
Cleveland  
Mt Gravatt  
Petrie  
Redcliffe  
Southport  
Springwood  
Toowong  
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

City Funeral Services  
(est 1959)  
Mackay 

Gatton Funerals  
(est 1983)  
Gatton 

Hiram Philp Funerals 
(est 1903)  
Toowoomba 

Mackay Funerals (est 
1884)  
Mackay 

Burkin Svendsens  
(est 1884)  
Cairns

Laidley Funeral Services  
(est 1995)  
Laidley

Serenity Funerals  
(est 2001)  
Beaudesert

Beaudesert Funeral 
Services (est 1980)  
Beaudesert

102 InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011

New South Wales

Queensland

Victoria

South Australia

Western Australia

Simplicity Funerals (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
Gawler
Morphett Vale
Victor Harbor

Joondalup
Kelmscott
Osborne Park
Spearwood
Mandurah

New South Wales

Queensland

Victoria

South Australia

Western Australia

White Lady Funerals (est 1987)

Ashmore
Chelmer
Kelvin Grove
Morningside
Tanah Merah
Warana

Caulfield South
Doncaster
Epping
Heathmont
Heidelberg
Mornington
North Essendon
Rosebud
South Melbourne

Hillcrest
Plympton

Operating as 
Mareena Purslowe & 
Associates Funerals
Subiaco
Willetton

Bankstown
Belmont
Bondi Junction
Camden
Charlestown
Charmhaven
Eastwood
Five Dock
Manly
Mayfield
Mosman

Queanbeyan
Rockdale
Roseville
Sutherland
Tweed Heads
Wyoming
Narrabeen
Nelson Bay
Northern Rivers
Pennant Hills
Penrith

Australian Capital 
Territory

Belconnen
Kingston
Tuggeranong

Singapore Casket Company (est 1920)

Simplicity Casket Company (est 2009)

Lavender Street
Mount Vernon

Sin Ming Drive

Singapore

Cemeteries and Crematoria

New South Wales

Queensland

Albany Creek Memorial Park (est 1964)
Allambe Gardens Memorial Park (est 1968)
Great Southern Memorial Gardens (est 1997)
Mt Thompson Memorial Gardens (est 1934)
Toowoomba Memorial Gardens (est 1966)

Bridgeman Downs
Nerang
Carbrook
Holland Park
Toowoomba

Castlebrook Memorial Park (est 1973)
Forest Lawn Memorial Park (est 1962)
Lake Macquarie Memorial Park (est 1994)
Lakeside Memorial Park (est 1964)
Lung Po Shan Information Centre (est 2000)
Newcastle Memorial Park (est 1936)
Northern Suburbs Memorial Gardens and 
Crematorium (est 1933)
Pinegrove Memorial Park (est 1962)
Po Fook Shan Information Centre (est 2002)
Rookwood Memorial Gardens and  
Crematorium (est 1925)
Tweed Heads Memorial Gardens (est 1971)

Rouse Hill
Leppington
Ryhope
Dapto
Haymarket
Beresfield
North Ryde

Minchinbury
Cabramatta
Rookwood  
Necropolis
Tweed Heads

InvoCare ANNUAL REPORT 2011 103

Glossary

For the year ended 31 december 2011

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 including 2010 amendments

Cemetery 

CGU 

Condolence Lounge 

Constitution 

Crematorium 

Crypts 

DRP 

EBITDA 

EEO 

EPS 

A place for burials and memorialisation

 A cash generating unit which is the smallest identifiable group of assets that independently 
generates cash inflows

 A facility for family and friends to gather at after the funeral service – usually offering 
a catering service

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 

Operating Earnings 

Prepaid Cemetery and  
Crematorium Services

An InvoCare location offering cremation, burial and memorialisation services

Occupational Health and Safety

 Earnings before the net gain/(loss) on undelivered prepaid contracts, asset sales gains/ 
(losses), minority interests and any other unusual items as disclosed in the relevant 
reconciliations. 

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 2011

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

1. White lady Funerals,  
Kelvin Grove Queensland.
2. Allambe Memorial park, 
Queensland.

Corporate Information

InvoCare is an Australian company 
that owns and operates funeral homes, 
cemeteries and crematoria across 
Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. 

the Company was floated on the ASX in 2003 and owns the key 
brands Simplicity Funerals and White lady Funerals, as well as leading 
contemporary brands in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.

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, brands and 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.

Singapore
3

Key Funeral Brands

Cemeteries and  
Crematoria

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

Western 
Australia

19

Queensland

42

5

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 44 White lady locations 
throughout Australia.

Flexible and less traditional, 
Simplicity Funerals offers 
practical, dignified, respectful 
and affordable funeral services. 
Steadily expanding, there are 
47 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. 

InvoCare operates 14 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.

Contemporary and Heritage Funerals

South Australia 14

Victoria

42

82
9

New South Wales  
and Australian 
Capital Territory

1

Tasmania

22

New 
Zealand

InvoCare’s over 60 
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 one major brand in each 
Australian state and a number of 
smaller heritage brands serving 
local communities, there are 
145 InvoCare contemporary-
style and heritage funeral 
homes in Australia and 
New Zealand. 

the acquisition of Bledisloe 
resulted in many exceptionally 
long-lived brands being 
welcomed to the Group, along 
with the teams that service 
their communities. Joseph 
Allison Funerals (established in 
1853) and John Rhind Funeral 
Directors (established in 1881) 
are but two examples.

We’ll know what to do.

A full list of brands and locations 
is set out on pages 102-103.

InvoCare continues to expand and grow its 
network of locations across Australia, New Zealand 
and Singapore. The geographic spread outlines 
the commitment we have in providing outstanding 
care and services to all the communities we serve. 
 Funeral locations   

 Memorial parks

1

2

InvoCare Limited
ABN 42 096 437 393

Directors
Ian Ferrier (Chairman) 
Andrew Smith (Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer)
Benjamin Chow (Non-executive Director)
Christine Clifton (Non-executive Director)
Richard Davis (Non-executive Director)
Richard Fisher (Non-executive Director)
Aliza Knox (Non-executive Director)
Roger penman (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 11 May 2012

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 

Anthony Harper lawyers 
level 15, Chorus House 
66 Wyndham Street 
Auckland New Zealand

Bankers
Australia and New Zealand  
Banking Group limited 
20 Martin place 
Sydney NSW 2000  

ANZ National Bank limited 
level 27, ANZ Centre 
23 – 29 Albert Street 
Auckland New Zealand

Bank of New Zealand limited 
level 6 
80 Queen Street 
Auckland New Zealand

Commonwealth Bank of Australia
201 Sussex Street
Sydney NSW 2000

National Australia Bank limited  
255 George Street 
Sydney NSW 2000

Printing Specifications

pages 1 – 28 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 29 – 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 precinct

 
 
 
 
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W.D. Rose Funerals  
located at Brighton Victoria, 
is one of the many heritage 
locations acquired due to the 
Bledisloe acquisition. The 
tranquility of locations like 
this one assist families in their 
time of need.

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www.invocare.com.au

New beginnings

INVOCARE ANNuAl REpORt 2011