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Invacare

ivc · ASX Healthcare
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FY2015 Annual Report · Invacare
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ANNUAL REPORT

2015

www.invocare.com.au

Contents

1  Performance Highlights

10	 Director’s	Report

95	

Independent	Auditor’s	Report

2  Chairman’s Message

24	 Corporate	Governance	

97  Shareholder Information

4	 Chief	Executive	Officer’s	Review

6  Community Activities

8  Management Team

9	

Financial	Report

Statement

29	 Remuneration	Report

43	 Auditor’s	Independence	

Declaration

94  Director’s Declaration

98 

InvoCare Locations

100	 Glossary

BC	 Corporate	Information

Our key objective is to 
provide families with the 
highest standard of caring and 
compassionate service. We want 
to ensure families can celebrate 
the lives of their loved ones, at 
the same time honouring their 
memory in a very considerate 
and personal way. 

Our major focus in 2015 was the 
integration of our core values of 
Collaboration, Accountability, 
Responsiveness and Excellence 
into all our teams – across our 
global operations.

Performance highlights

The continued focus on key strategies in 2015 has seen 

an 4.3% increase in operating EBITDA, following an 

estimated increase in the number of deaths of 1% in 

InvoCare’s key markets. 

Revenue from  
external customers 
($ million)

4
.
6
3
4

0
.
3
1
4

4
.
5
8
3

13

14

15

4
.
9
4

2
.
6
5 4
.
2
4

Operating EBITDA  
($ million)

4
.
5
0
1 1
.
1
0
1 1
.
5
9

13

14

15

0
.
8
3

5
.
6
3

5
.
4
3

Operating earnings  
after tax ($ million)

Ordinary dividends 
per share  
(cents per share)

13

14

15

13

14

15

8
.
4
5

5
.
4
5

9
.
8
4

13

14

15

Profit after tax 
attributable to 
members ($ million)

The Jasmine Tea Flower  
(Jasminum Grandiflorum)

The tea flower is significant to InvoCare’s core 
values, and how they are infused across the 
entire business.

  InvoCare Annual Report 2015   1

Chairman’s Message

Review Confirms 
Strategy

InvoCare has once again delivered a healthy 
financial result for 2015 derived from 
adherence to its proven business strategy.

The ongoing focus on the core strategic 
growth pillars embodied in InvoCare’s 
operational strategy enabled the company to 
continue to grow. The strategy was reviewed 
and reaffirmed by both the Board and 
management during 2015.

greenfield developments. Additionally, and 
importantly, the results give the company 
the assurance that, subject to appropriate 
disciplines, it has the capacity to pursue 
new core markets of the kind currently being 
investigated in the USA.

Operating earnings after tax grew by 6.9% 
to $49.4 million for the year with a very 
strong second half performance from the 
core business operations. Statutory profit 
after tax, which includes asset sale gains, 
impairment charges, and the non-cash 
impact of movements in prepaid contracts 
funds under management and associated 
liabilities, increased to $54.8 million.

In light of strong operating EBITDA to cash 
conversion ratio, the Board recommended a 
fully franked final dividend of 22.25 cents per 
share. Total dividends for the year amounted 
to 38 cents per share, an increase of 4.1% 
on 2014. The 2015 dividends represent a 
payout ratio of 85% of operating earnings 
after tax. Total shareholder returns (price 
movement plus cash dividends) since the 
initial public offering in late 2003 now stands 
at more than 19% compound annual growth.

The financial results for 2015, building, as 
they do, on the results of previous years, 
confirm the integrity of the company’s 
existing strategy. Those results also give 
the company the confidence to continue 
exploring the possibility of acquisitions 
in its existing markets, albeit that those 
possibilities might be more constrained than 
in the past, and to identify opportunities for 

Of course, this activity is sustained by the 
company’s ongoing and core business. 
The engagement of Martin Earp as the 
company’s CEO has permitted it to review 
those activities with the benefit, so to 
speak, of a fresh pair of eyes. The strategic 
review which Martin led late in the course 
of the year identified ways in which those 
business activities might be conducted 
more profitably and the means by which the 
company might secure a greater return from 
its existing assets.

2015 saw a period of Board renewal with 
Roger Penman, who had been on the Board 
since 2005, standing down due to personal 
circumstances. Roger has been replaced 
by Joycelyn Morton, who joined the Board 
during the year, and was appointed as Chair 
of the Audit, Risk & Compliance Committee. 
Aliza Knox also resigned from the Board 
during the year as a result of competing 
commitments. On behalf of the Board 
and all shareholders I would like to thank 
both Roger and Aliza for their significant 
contributions to InvoCare.

On behalf of the Board and all shareholders, 
I would like to thank all of the management 
and staff of InvoCare for not only delivering 
significant financial results but for all of the 

2

other contributions which they made to 
the company during 2015. As I observed 
in last year’s annual report, the Board, 
during its visits to various operational 
locations, continues to be impressed by the 
professionalism, dedication and sense of 
vocation of InvoCare’s personnel. 

I would also like to express the Board’s 
thanks to the company’s shareholders 
for their continued support. That support 
is important to the Board as it seeks to 
provide the company’s executive leadership 
with guidance and encouragement as they 
engage in, and go about, the delivery of both 
substantial financial results to shareholders 
and, equally importantly, care, understanding 
and support to the company’s customers.

Richard Fisher AM 
Chairman

Operating Earnings

Dividends

Cash conversion ratio

$49.4m

Operating earnings after tax 
grew by 6.9% to $49.4 million 
for the year.

4.1%

97%

Increase of total dividends for 
the year to 38 cents per share.

Strong operating EBITDA to 
cash conversion ratio.

Five year Financials

$’000

2015 

2014

2013

2012

2011

Revenue from external customers

436,371

413,011

385,352

368,652

321,113

Operating EBITDA

Operating EBITDA margin

Operating earnings after tax*

Operating earnings per share (cents)

 105,426 

101,082

24.2%

 49,366 

 45.1 

24.5%

46,191

42.2

95,072

24.7%

42,498

38.9

93,026

25.2%

42,479

38.8

81,802

25.5%

36,406

34.5

Profit after tax attributable to members

 54,844 

54,515

48,869

44,479

27,012

Earnings per share (cents)

Dividend paid in respect of the financial year (cents)

 50.1 

 38.00 

49.8

36.5

44.7

34.5

40.6

34.0

25.6

29.75

Ungeared, tax free operating cash flow

 102,618 

 104,721 

 105,170 

 86,416 

 75,120 

Proportion of EBITDA converted to cash

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 per 100 redemptions

97%

 22,035 

106%

26,665

110%

19,264

95%

92%

18,412

16,723

 222,093 

218,864

215,057

217,136

209,114

 8.8 

 2.1 

 231 

 16 

 1,557 

115

8.0

2.2

234

14

1,532

108

6.8

2.3

237

14

1,470

115

6.7

2.3

232

14

1,470

116

6.7

2.5

226

14

1,430

122

*  Operating earnings after tax excludes the net gain/(loss) on undelivered prepaid contracts, gain/(loss) on sale, disposal or impairment of non-current assets  

and non-controlling interests. 

  InvoCare Annual Report 2015   3

Chief Executive Officer’s Review

Investing Today 
for Future Returns

The 2015 results once again demonstrate 
the fundamental strength of both the 
business model and the markets that 
we operate in. On a like-for-like basis 
the sales revenue increased by 5.0% 
and the EBITDA increased by 7.6%. 
This underlying performance has 
allowed investment into projects that 
will position InvoCare to deliver strong 
sustainable returns into the future. 

4
4

Martin Earp 
Chief Executive Officer

Summary of 2015 

The overall performance of the business for 
2015 met budgeted expectations and has 
been delivered despite a lower than expected 
number of deaths throughout the year. 

The Australian business performed strongly 
in all divisions. Total comparable business 
sales for Australia ($373m) were up 4.8% 
on the previous year whilst the EBITDA 
($92.3m) was up 7.7% for the same period. 
Margins increased to 24.7% (2014: 24.1%) 
which was driven by an increased focus on 
efficiency and cost control. The performance 
of the cemeteries and crematoria division 
was particularly pleasing with sales 
increasing by 9.1%, driven by a move to a 
more collaborative management approach 
within the team.

The strong performance of Australia was 
supported by Singapore which saw an 
increase in sales of 8.2% (S$17.0m). Case 
volume was up by 6% against an increase 
in the number of deaths of 1.8%, which 
increased market share to 10.3%. 

Despite sales revenue being up 1.4% on the 
previous year the overall EBITDA for New 
Zealand comparable business declined by 
2.6% (NZ$9.2m). This was due to increased 
costs in personnel and advertising that were 
built in on the assumption of a continuation of 
the strong growth that was achieved in 2014. 

The USA delivered a negative EBITDA of 
US$2.9m which was US$0.9m greater 
than expected for the first 10 months of 
operation. However despite a difficult start 
the performance of the US business is 
beginning to generate momentum, and the 
current net outlay of circa US$4m remains 
within the investment parameters of the 
original decision. 

Key Drivers of Growth 

People – The fundamental driver of 
performance for InvoCare is our people. 
They provide the highest levels of customer 
service across all of our locations and it 
is their dedication to the families that we 
serve that sets InvoCare apart from other 
companies. In order to formalise the values 
that underpin the InvoCare culture, the 
company has been rolling out a program of 
promoting our core values through the CARE 
program (Collaboration, Accountability, 
Responsiveness and Excellence). 

During the year the staff survey showed 
a very high level of engagement, loyalty 
and passion for both the industry and for 
InvoCare. The Group Executive team will 
be working with the broader team to further 
embed and reinforce the CARE values into 
everything we do at InvoCare. 

Number of Deaths – The long term trend 
for all core markets remains strong with the 
continued increase in the number of deaths 
set to continue, with the growth in death 
numbers for Australia peaking at a growth 
rate of 2.8% in 2034.

Market Share – InvoCare’s market 
intelligence indicated that the market 
share continues to remain strong in our 
key markets (Australia 34%, NZ 34%, and 
Singapore 10%). Market share increased 
slightly in Australia and Singapore with a 
small decline in New Zealand. It is however 
recognised that improved market share from 
existing assets is critical to the long term 
performance of the business and a range of 
initiatives are being rolled out in 2016 that will 
seek to address this issue. A key part of this 
change is to use data to inform decisions 
and digital channels to improve customer 
education on the key issues (including price) 
when planning and organising a funeral. 

Funeral Case Average – Funeral case 
averages in the comparable business 
increased across all regions (in local currency). 
In Australia and New Zealand the case 
average increased by 2.7%. In Singapore they 
were again able to increase case average 
without increasing headline price by focusing 
on increasing the number and mix of services 
provided to our customers. 

Operational Efficiency – A focus on cost 
helped InvoCare improve margins in Australia 
and this will continue into 2016 and beyond. 
New Zealand’s margin was negatively 
impacted by increasing costs associated 
with personnel and advertising and there will 
be an increased focus on managing costs to 
better align with actual sales in 2016.

Acquisitions – There were two acquisitions 
that contributed to 2015 results. The 
first was a funeral business in Victoria 
(Charles Crawford and Sons) which whilst 
completed in December 2014 contributed 
to the increased performance in 2015. In 
New Zealand InvoCare has acquired two 
memorial parks in Christchurch (Harewood 
and Canterbury Crematoria) in July 2015. 
Acquisitions will continue to be an important 
driver of growth for InvoCare, with the main 
focus being on the markets of Melbourne, 
Adelaide, Auckland and Singapore. 

Prepaid Funerals – The percentage by 
which new contracts exceeded redemptions 
improved to 15%, whilst the performance 
of undelivered prepaid funerals delivered a 
$7.5m net pre-tax gain. 

New Markets – Since 2013 InvoCare has 
been seeking to take a long term approach 
to identifying and developing new geographic 
market that would provide significant 
opportunity for growth. The key focus for this 
over the last two years has been Southern 
California where the number of deaths is 
equivalent to InvoCare’s Australian market. 
The company began operations in February 
2015 and whilst the implementation of the 
new business model has been challenging, 
the performance of the USA business has 
been steadily improving with case volume 
growing throughout the year. By the end 
of December the business had performed 
over 350 funerals and in excess of 2,300 
cremations. The challenge for 2016 will be 
to build on the positive momentum in case 
numbers and continue to refine and develop 
the business model. 

Strategic Review 

During 2015 I have been able to spend time 
getting to understand the business. I was 
fortunate enough to have a four week hand-
over from Andrew Smith which allowed me 
to visit all of our key markets with Andrew 
and get his insights into the key strengths 
of the business. Following on from this I 
spent time with the Group Executive to 
clarify past objectives and strategies, as well 
as identifying the challenges that face the 
business. I was then able to work through 
these issues with the Board, and this has 
allowed for alignment between Management 
and the Board on the way forward. 

This review concluded that no fundamental 
change in strategy is required, but there is 
potential to extract greater benefit from existing 
assets. Specifically the review identified:

—  Business fundamentals of the core 

markets remain strong

—  Greater potential for operational efficiencies

—  Opportunity for market share 

improvements from existing assets 

—  Opportunity to deliver more efficient 

deployment of capital 

—  Acquisition opportunities still exist in 

core markets 

Out of this review the company is investing in 
a number of projects to deliver shareholder 
value in both the short and longer term. The 
focus for these projects in 2016 is on capital 
allocation, increasing revenue from existing 
assets (market share and pricing), increased 
efficiencies (business systems, processes 
and organisational structure) and a network 
and brand optimisation review to ensure our 
product and locations remain relevant into 
the future. 

Outlook 

The fundamentals of the business remain 
strong and in the short term it should be 
expected that the business will continue to 
deliver the same level of growth in the key 
metrics that it has done traditionally. In the 
longer term the current investment into a 
series of projects should deliver additional 
value to shareholders over the coming years.

  InvoCare Annual Report 2015   5

InvoCare continues to show support for important community 
occasions and causes, in every area of our operations. It is an important 
demonstration of our key corporate values.

2015 was no different. Of the countless opportunities taken by InvoCare 
staff to support those around them, here are a three leading examples:

Anzac Day

InvoCare’s funeral brands in Australia and New Zealand, along 
with cemeteries and crematoria locations in New South Wales and 
Queensland, were profoundly moved by the 2015 Centenary of 
Anzac. This marked the 100 years since soldiers from Australia and 
New Zealand joined the First World War, through their beach landing 
at Suvla Bay, on Turkey’s Gallipoli Peninsula. 

Along with soldiers from the United Kingdom, India and Canada, the 
Anzac forces charged the beaches on 25 April 1915, into the face 
of well-established and well-supplied Turkish forces. The events of 
that day have become immortalised in Australian and New Zealand 
history, as well as in the national consciousness of the other 
participating countries.

InvoCare shared this important anniversary with our friends in 
the community, through activities such as creating eye-catching 
Anzac-themed displays at various locations, sponsoring Anzac-
themed school essay competitions, donating flags to schools 
and community groups, taking horses to visit residents at nursing 
homes, hosting Anzac memorial services at aged care centres, and 
by creating and distributing commemorative booklets on the military 
traditions of Australia’s Anzac forces.

InvoCare staff also took part in the traditional Anzac Day Dawn 
Services. InvoCare’s support also included some very practical 
gestures, such as donating thousands of sprigs of rosemary and 
wreaths for remembrance services, and providing transport for 
veterans with mobility issues.  

6

Winter Blanket Appeal

During winter 2015, a range of Contemporary funeral providers 
across Australia assisted some of the most disadvantaged in our 
community, and the organisations that support them, by holding a 
blanket and winter goods donation drive.

Leading community organisations such as The Salvation Army, 
Anglicare, and others were approached to receive the items, donated 
by generous members of the public. Adding to the success of the 
campaign was the commitment, from each Contemporary funeral 
home, to match every blanket donation with one of their own – 
doubling the warmth available to help those depending on assistance 
to get through the winter months. Donated blankets and other items 
found their way to vulnerable families, the homeless, as well as those 
affected by drug addiction and mental illness.

Awareness of the campaign was raised through a multi-channel 
approach, via press and radio advertising, newspaper editorials 
and general news, window displays, social media, as well as by 
promotion through our range of contacts in the community. The 
results of this campaign proved this was a cause that resonated well 
with the community and provided great assistance to the partnering 
community organisations, in their support for vulnerable people 
during the winter months.

The success of this campaign in 2015 means InvoCare Contemporary 
funeral brands will continue with this activity in the future.

Participating funeral brands and the charities they are supporting include:  

Queensland

VIC

City Funerals – CASA  
(Community Accommodation and Support Agency) 

WD Rose Funerals – Sacred Heart Mission St Kilda  
(Winter clothing only)

Mackay Funerals – Mackay Drop In Centre

SA 

Drysdale Funerals – The Salvation Army

Blackwell Funerals – St Vincent de Paul

George Hartnett Funerals – The Salvation Army

WA

Somerville Funerals – The Salvation Army

NSW

Guardian Funerals – The Salvation Army

Chipper Funerals – Anglicare 

Oakwood Funerals – Anglicare 

Moving Memorial Services

Helping families who are experiencing grief is central to everything 
InvoCare does, yet the care and professional support provided by 
brands and locations doesn’t end when the funeral is over.

Funeral brands and cemeteries and crematoria locations supported 
grieving families several times throughout the year, by holding moving 
and uplifting memorial services, as a reflection of our understanding 
towards, and care for, those affected by grief.

These memorial services took place at important family-focused 
times of year, such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and at Christmas. 
Services were also held to support those with loved ones taken by 
cancers of every kind, by heart disease, as well as those grieving the 
loss of a baby or infant. 

Each service is conducted with gentleness and grace, and included 
such touches as the lighting of candles, the release of doves or 
butterflies, and multi-media presentations.

  InvoCare Annual Report 2015   7

Left to right: Mike Miller Chief Operating Officer InvoCare USA, Phillip Friery Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary, Graeme Rhind Chief Operating Officer 
InvoCare New Zealand, Greg Bisset Chief Operating Officer InvoCare Australia, Wee Leng Goh Chief Executive Officer Singapore, Martin Earp Chief Executive Officer, 
Shelley Tate Group Executive People and Culture, Lachlan Sheldon Group Executive Capital Management, Keiron Humbler Group Executive Business Operations, 
Fergus Kelly Chief Marketing Officer.

Management Team

Key to the success of InvoCare is its ability 
to deploy operational excellence and 
technical insights, as well as its ability 
to combine the two, for the benefit of the 
business, customers and its stakeholders. 

From the management of locations, regions 
and states, to the specialist functions that 
give InvoCare its edge, a high performing 
team of managers is an indispensable asset 
to InvoCare’s success. 

Voices of Success

Over the past year, CEO Martin Earp has 
ensured that all of the geographical regions 
InvoCare operates in are represented at the 
highest level – with Mike Miller COO of InvoCare 
USA adding his experience in operations to the 
Group Executive team.

Further additions to the Group Executive team 
made during 2015 and early 2016 recognise 
the importance of the technical expertise 
InvoCare is able to draw upon. Fergus Kelly 
joined the Group Executive team as Chief 
Marketing Officer, Shelley Tate as Group 
Executive People and Culture, Lachlan Sheldon, 
previously Group Financial Controller to Group 

Executive Capital Management, and Keiron 
Humbler has been brought on board to lead 
a new Business Operation division that will 
drive effective, efficient work practices that 
are supported by the systems and processes 
needed for improving performance.

All of these appointments were carefully 
managed to ensure the highest standard of 
candidates was matched to InvoCare’s current 
operational requirements and future vision.

The Group Executive team meets regularly to 
share information, assess opportunities, and 
to respond to the challenges of InvoCare’s 
operating environments.    

8

Financial 
Report

InvoCare Limited and Controlled 
Entities Annual Financial Report  
for the financial year ended  
31 December 2015

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 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 16 
February 2016. 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

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
Note 1
Note 2
Note 3
Note 4
Note 5
Note 6
Note 7
Note 8
Note 9
Note 10
Note 11
Note 12
Note 13
Note 14
Note 15
Note 16
Note 17
Note 18
Note 19
Note 20
Note 21
Note 22
Note 23
Note 24

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Financial Risk Management
Segment Information
Revenue from Continuing Operations
Expenses
Income Tax
Key Management Personnel Disclosures
Share-based Payments
Remuneration of Auditors
Dividends
Earnings per Share
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Trade and Other Receivables
Inventories
Prepaid Contracts
Interests in Other Entities: Subsidiaries
Interests in Other Entities: Associates
Property, Plant and Equipment
Intangible Assets
Derivative Financial Instruments
Trade and Other Payables
Borrowings
Provisions for Employee Benefits
Current Liabilities expected to be settled in 
twelve months
Contributed Equity
Reserves and Retained Profits
Non-controlling Interests
Capital and Leasing Commitments
Business Combinations 
Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets
Cash Flow Information
Deed of Cross Guarantee
Events after the Balance Sheet Date
Related Party Transactions
Parent Entity Financial Information
Economic Dependence
Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements
Company Details
Authorisation of the Financial Report

Note 25
Note 26
Note 27
Note 28
Note 29
Note 30
Note 31
Note 32
Note 33
Note 34
Note 35
Note 36
Note 37
Note 38
Note 39
Directors’ Declaration
Independent Auditor’s Report

10
24
29
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
49
55
62
63
64
65
67
68
71
72
72
73
73
73
74
75
76
77
79
80
80
80
81
81

82
83
84
84
86
87
88
89
91
91
92
93
93
93
93
94
95

  InvoCare Annual Report 2015   9

 
 
 
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 2015. 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:

Richard Fisher (Chairman) 
Christine Clifton 
Richard Davis 
Gary Stead

Martin Earp was appointed as a Director on 13 April 2015. He was 
appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer from  
1 May 2015 and continues in those roles at the date of this report. 
The Board did not renew Andrew Smith’s contract as Managing 
Director and Chief Executive Officer which ended on 30 April 2015.

Joycelyn Morton was appointed as an independent Non-executive 
Director on 19 August 2015 and is a Director at the date of this report.

Aliza Knox resigned from the Board of the Company effective  
31 August 2015 and Roger Penman resigned from the Board of  
the Company effective 15 December 2015.

Principal activities

The Group is the leading provider of services in the funeral industry in 
Australia, New Zealand and Singapore with smaller operations in Hong 
Kong and the USA. 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 

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 $49,366,000 (2014: 
$46,191,000) as reconciled on page 11. The consolidated after tax 
profit of the Group attributable to shareholders was $54,844,000 
(2014: $54,515,000). More detailed information is included in the 
operating and financial review set out in the report.

Dividends

The Directors have recommended a final, fully franked dividend 
of 22.25 cents per share payable on 8 April 2016. Total full year 
dividends are 38.00 cents, being 1.50 cents or 4.1% higher than 
2014. The full year dividend payout ratio is 85% (2014: 87%) of 
operating earnings after tax.

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

Interim ordinary dividend of 15.75 cents (2014: 15.75 cents) per fully paid share paid on 9 October 2015

17,330

17,330

Final ordinary dividend of 22.25 cents (2014: 20.75 cents) per fully paid share has been recommended by 
directors on 16 February 2016 to be paid on 8 April 2016

Total ordinary dividends of 38.0 cents (2014: 36.5 cents)

24,482

22,827

41,812

40,157

2015 
$’000

2014 
$’000

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

The Dividend Reinvestment Plan (“DRP”) was available for the 2015 interim dividend and $14,855,000 (2014: $15,882,000) was paid in cash 
and $2,475,000 (2014: $1,448,000) through the issue of 226,049 (2014: 131,414) shares purchased on market at $10.95 (2014: $11.02) 
per share via the DRP. The shortfall in the DRP take-up was not underwritten in 2015 and shares were not issued at a discount. The DRP will 
apply to the final 2015 dividend which is not being underwritten and no discount to the market price will apply.

10

Operating and Financial Review

Result highlights:

Total sales to external customers

Other revenue

Operating expenses (i)

Operating EBITDA (i)

     Operating margin
Depreciation and amortisation

Finance costs

Interest income

Business acquisitions costs

Share of loss of associates

Operating earnings before tax (i)

Income tax on operating earnings (i)

    Effective tax rate

Operating earnings after tax (i)

    Operating earnings per share (i)

2015

$’000

2014

$’000

436,371

413,011

9,570

7,193

Change

$’000’s

23,360

2,377

(340,515)

(319,122)

(21,393)

105,426

101,082

4,344

24.2%

(20,180)

(14,786)

722

(70)

-

71,112

(21,746)

30.6%

49,366

24.5%

(19,187)

(15,483)

749

(1,215)

(525)

65,421

(19,230)

29.4%

46,191

(993)

697

(27)

1,145

525

5,691

(2,516)

3,175

45.1 cents

42.2 cents

2.9 cents

Net gain on undelivered prepaid contracts after tax (i)

5,269

7,641

(2,372)

Asset sales gain or (loss) after tax (i)

Impairment gain after tax (i)

Non-controlling interest

(6)

340

(125)

375

420

(112)

Net profit after tax attributable to ordinary equity holders of InvoCare

54,844

54,515

(381)

(80)

(13)

329

Basic earnings per share

Interim ordinary dividend per share

Final ordinary dividend per share

Total ordinary dividend per share

(i) Non-IFRS financial information.

50.1 cents

49.8 cents

0.3 cents

15.75 cents

15.75 cents

0.00 cents

22.25 cents

20.75 cents

1.50 cents

38.00 cents

36.50 cents

1.50 cents

%

5.7%

33.0%

6.7%

4.3%

(0.2%)

5.2%

(4.5%)

(3.6%)

(94.2%)

(100.0%)

8.7%

13.1%

1.2%

6.9%

6.9%

0.6%

0.6%

-

7.2%

4.1%

Operating EBITDA and operating earnings are financial measures which are not prescribed by Australian equivalents to International Financial 
Reporting Standards (“AIFRS”) and represent the earnings under AIFRS adjusted for specific non-cash and significant items. The table above 
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 above has 
not been subject to any specific audit or review procedures by our auditor but has been extracted from the accompanying financial report.

  InvoCare Annual Report 2015   11

 
 
Directors’ Report continued

Business model

Results overview

InvoCare’s business model is based upon earnings growth from the 
following pillars:

—  Annual sales revenue growth from:

—  Ageing population trends with an approximate 1% annual 

increase in deaths;

—  Consistent annual 3-4% pricing increments;

—  Market share improvements, including new funeral locations, 

generating 1% revenue growth;

—  Prepaid contracts providing families emotional and financial peace 
of mind as well as securing future market share for InvoCare;

—  Business acquisitions, which have contributed more than half of 
InvoCare’s compound annual sales growth since listing; and

—  Operating leverage improvement, through delivery of revenue 

growth pillars and cost control so that annual EBITDA growth is 
greater than annual sales growth.

Most pillars contributed positively to 2015 results as depicted in 
the following table. More detail is provided throughout this report, 
including in the Outlook section details of a review of the business 
fundamentals during 2015.

Favourable demographics

Pricing/average contract values

Market share improvements

Prepaid contracts

New locations

Business acquisitions

ü

ü

ü

ü

ü

ü

Operating leverage improvement (comparable business) ü

Comparable business operating earnings after tax for 2015 was 
up by 14.5% or $6.6 million to $53.3 million on 2014. The result 
was underpinned by strong performances in both Australia and 
Singapore.

Including the start-up in USA operations and new acquisitions in 
Australia and New Zealand, operating earnings after tax for the 
total Group was up by 6.9% or $2.0 million to $49.4 million (2014: 
$46.2 million).

Statutory reported profit after tax for the comparable business was 
up 7.2% or $3.9 million to $58.8 million (2014: $54.9 million). The 
total Group reported profit after tax was up 0.6% or $0.3 million to 
$54.8 million (2014: $54.5 million). Reported after tax profits were 
impacted by lower undelivered prepaid contract impacts and net 
impairment reversals than the previous year.

Total Group sales revenue was up 5.7% or $23.4 million to 
$436.4 million (2014: $413.0 million). The increase was due to a 
combination of higher numbers of deaths, market share growth, 
higher average contract values, increased memorialisation sales in 
the cemeteries and crematoria, contributions from new businesses 
and favourable currency movements. 

Overall numbers of deaths in InvoCare’s core markets increased 
by approximately 1% compared to 2014, confirming an apparent 
reversal to the longer term trend, and market share growth was 
achieved in most markets.

Comparable Group EBITDA was up $7.7 million or 7.6% to 
$108.8 million (2014: $101.0 million). The foreshadowed negative 
EBITDA for the start-up USA operation of USD2.9 million (or 
AUD3.8 million), offset by $0.5 million from acquisitions, resulted 
in total Group EBITDA increasing by 4.3% or $4.3 million to 
$105.4 million (2014: $101.1 million).

As a percentage of sales, comparable EBITDA margins improved 
from 24.5% in 2014 to 25.1% in 2015. Most of this improvement 
occurred in the second half where margins rose from 26.0% in 2014 
to 27.4%. By comparison, first half margins had declined 0.1% from 
22.8% in 2014 to 22.7%. 

Cash flows remained strong for the year. Ungeared, tax free 
operating cash flow was 97% of EBITDA (2014: 106%), underpinning 
the ability to pay a fully franked final dividend of 22.25 cents per 
share, which is 1.50 cents up on last year. This is in addition to the 
15.75 cent interim dividend paid in October, taking total dividends 
declared for the year to 38.0 cents (2014: 36.5 cents).

12

 
Sales, EBITDA, margins and major profit & loss line items

The following table summarises sales revenue, EBITDA and margins by country segments.

Sales Revenue
Australia

New Zealand

Singapore

1H15 
$’000

1H14 
$’000

Var 
%

2H15 
$’000

2H14 
$’000

Var 
%

FY15 
$’000

FY14 
$’000

Var 
%

177,499 169,412

21,326

19,954

4.8%

6.9%

195,551 186,719

4.7%

373,050 356,131

22,665

23,032

(1.6%)

43,991

42,986

4.8%

2.3%

8,169

6,694

22.0%

8,356

7,126

17.3%

16,525

13,820

19.6%

Comparable business

206,994 196,060

5.6%

226,572 216,877

4.5%

433,566 412,937

5.0%

USA & acquisitions

1,123

-

-

1,682

74

-

2,805

74

-

Total

EBITDA

Australia

New Zealand

Singapore

Comparable business

USA & acquisitions

Total

Margin on sales

Australia

New Zealand

Singapore

Comparable business

USA & acquisitions

Total

208,117 196,060

6.1%

228,254 216,951

5.2%

436,371 413,011

5.7%

39,869

37,781

5.5%

52,405

47,871

3,144

3,909

3,773 (16.7%)

3,178

23.0%

5,377

4,062

9.5%

9.4%

4,915

3,529

15.1%

92,274

85,652

7.7%

8,521

7,971

8,688

(1.9%)

6,707

18.8%

46,922

44,732

4.9%

61,844

56,315

9.8%

108,766 101,047

7.6%

(1,747)

-

-

(1,593)

35

-

(3,340)

35

-

45,175

44,732

1.0%

60,251

56,350

6.9%

105,426 101,082

4.3%

22.5% 22.3%

0.2%

26.8% 25.6%

14.7% 18.9% (4.2%)

23.8% 21.3%

1.2%

2.5%

24.7% 24.1%

0.6%

19.4% 20.2% (0.8%)

47.9% 47.5%

0.4%

48.6% 49.5% (0.9%)

48.2% 48.5% (0.3%)

22.7% 22.8% (0.1%)

27.3% 26.0%

1.3%

25.1% 24.5%

0.6%

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

21.7% 22.8% (1.1%)

26.4% 26.0%

0.4%

24.2% 24.5% (0.3%)

The following table shows the EBITDA performance of the business by halves, discussed in the following sections of the report.

Total - all lines of business

Sales Revenue

Other revenue

Expenses:

1 H15 
$’000

1 H14 
$’000

Var 
%

2 H15 
$’000

2 H14 
$’000

Var 
%

FY 15 
$’000

FY 14 
$’000

Var 
%

208,117

196,061

6.1%

228,254

216,950

5.2%

436,371

413,011

5.7%

3,792

3,470

9.3%

5,778

3,723

55.2%

9,570

7,193

33.0%

Cost of goods sold

(60,347)

(57,182)

5.5%

(65,098)

(64,432)

1.0%

(125,445)

(121,614)

3.2%

Personnel

(69,685)

(63,636)

9.5%

(72,646)

(65,746)

10.5%

(142,331)

(129,382)

10.0%

Advertising & promotions

(8,497)

(7,627)

11.4%

(8,218)

(7,285)

12.8%

(16,715)

(14,912)

12.1%

Occupancy & facility expenses

(14,236)

(13,114)

8.6%

(13,919)

(14,035)

(0.8%)

(28,155)

(27,149)

3.7%

Motor vehicle expenses

(4,159)

(4,106)

1.3%

(4,665)

(4,713)

(1.0%)

(8,824)

(8,819)

0.1%

Other expenses

(9,810)

(9,133)

7.4%

(9,235)

(8,113)

13.8%

(19,045)

(17,246)

10.4%

Operating expenses

(166,734)

(154,798)

7.7%

(173,781)

(164,324)

5.8%

(340,515)

(319,122)

6.7%

Operating EBITDA

Operating margin %

45,175

44,733

1.0%

60,251

56,349

6.9%

105,426

101,082

4.3%

21.7%

22.8% (1.1%)

26.4%

26.0%

0.4%

24.2%

24.5%

(0.3%)

Note: The data in the above tables has been calculated in thousands and presented in millions and as a consequence some additions cannot be computed from 
the above tables as presented.

  InvoCare Annual Report 2015   13

Directors’ Report continued

A summary of the comparable business operating EBITDA by major income statement line item by halves is presented in the following table.

1 H15 
$’000

1 H14 
$’000

Var 
%

2 H15 
$’000

2 H14 
$’000

Var 
%

FY 15 
$’000

FY 14 
$’000

Var 
%

Total - all lines of business

Sales Revenue

Other revenue

Expenses:

206,994

196,060

5.6%

226,572

216,877

4.5%

433,566

412,937

5.0%

3,779

3,470

8.9%

5,721

3,723

53.7%

9,500

7,193

32.1%

Cost of goods sold

(60,028)

(57,184)

5.0%

(65,012)

(64,409)

0.9%

(125,040)

(121,593)

2.8%

Personnel

(68,217)

(63,635)

7.2%

(71,216)

(65,732)

8.3%

(139,433)

(129,367)

7.8%

Advertising & promotions

(7,828)

(7,626)

2.6%

(7,122)

(7,285)

(2.2%)

(14,950)

(14,911)

0.3%

Occupancy & facility expenses

(14,152)

(13,114)

7.9%

(13,716)

(14,035)

(2.3%)

(27,868)

(27,149)

2.6%

Motor vehicle expenses

(4,089)

(4,106)

(0.4%)

(4,573)

(4,712)

(2.9%)

(8,662)

(8,818)

(1.8%)

Other expenses

(9,537)

(9,133)

4.4%

(8,810)

(8,112)

8.6%

(18,347)

(17,245)

6.4%

Operating expenses

(163,851)

(154,798)

5.8%

(170,449)

(164,285)

3.8%

(334,300)

(319,083)

4.8%

Operating EBITDA

46,922

44,732

4.9%

61,844

56,315

9.8%

108,766

101,047

7.6%

Operating margin %

22.7%

22.8% (0.1%)

27.4%

26.0%

1.4%

25.1%

24.5% 0.6%

Number of deaths and cases

The number of deaths continues to be a very significant driver of InvoCare’s performance. The ageing of the population in InvoCare’s markets 
and the long-term trend of increasing numbers of deaths are major pillars of growth for the Group. However, short-term fluctuations in the 
numbers of deaths do occur such that in any year the number can be up to 5% above or below the trend line, as shown in the following 
graphs for both Australia and New Zealand.

The Australian graph incorporates the most recent long-term death projections released in November 2013 by the Australian Bureau of 
Statistics. Projections for New Zealand have been sourced from the latest data supplied by Statistics New Zealand.

Actual and projected calendar and fiscal year deaths – Australia

325

300

275

250

225

200

175

150

125

100

)

0
0
0
’
(

r
e
b
m
u
N

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2025

2030

2035

2040

2045

2050

Actual national rolling annual deaths per ABS

Trend plus/minus 5%

ABS projected deaths 2012 Series B

Estimated national rolling annual deaths per ABS

Actual and projected calendar and fiscal year deaths – New Zealand

57.5

14

52.5

)

0

0

0

’

(

r

e

b

m

u

N

47.5

42.5

37.5

32.5

27.5

22.5

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2025

2030

2035

2040

2045

2050

Actual rolling annual deaths per Statistics NZ

Trend plus/minus 5%

NZ projected deaths 2011 (base)-2061

 
 
 
Actual and projected calendar and fiscal year deaths – Australia

325

300

275

250

225

200

175

150

125

100

)

0

0

0

’

(

r

e

b

m

u

N

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2025

2030

2035

2040

2045

2050

Actual national rolling annual deaths per ABS

Trend plus/minus 5%

ABS projected deaths 2012 Series B

Estimated national rolling annual deaths per ABS

Actual and projected calendar and fiscal year deaths – New Zealand

57.5

52.5

47.5

42.5

37.5

32.5

27.5

22.5

)

0
0
0
’
(

r
e
b
m
u
N

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2025

2030

2035

2040

2045

2050

Actual rolling annual deaths per Statistics NZ

Trend plus/minus 5%

NZ projected deaths 2011 (base)-2061

The table below1 illustrates the trends in InvoCare’s funeral case volumes over the last 24 months, clearly demonstrating how the volumes 
have changed from period to period.

Australia

New Zealand

Singapore

Total comparable business

Total Group (incl. USA & acquisitions)

2015 vs 2014

2014 vs 2013

Half 1

Half 2

Full Year

2.4%

3.0%

4.8%

2.5%

3.6%

0.9%

(1.2%)

7.4%

0.8%

2.2%

1.6%

0.7%

6.0%

1.6%

2.8%

Half 1

(0.1%)

1.8%

1.3%

0.1%

1.4%

Half 2

Full Year

5.7%

10.6%

1.3%

6.1%

6.8%

2.9%

6.4%

1.3%

3.2%

4.2%

Commentary on the period since 31 December 2015 is set out in the Outlook section on page 19. 

1. Comparable businesses in the table comprise a different mix in 2015 from 2014. The 2014 percentages are as presented in the FY2014 results presentation. 

Sales

Key components of the comparable sales movements are summarised below:

—  Australian funeral sales increased 3.6% or $10.3 million to $296.2 million (2014: $285.9 million).

—  Average revenue per funeral contract, excluding disbursements and delivered prepaid impacts, increased 2.7% (2014: 3.4%) and 
contributed an estimated $6.0 million to sales growth. Contributing to the average revenue were the combined effects of price 
increases (averaging between 3% and 4%), customer demand for practical and affordable funeral offerings (with InvoCare’s Simplicity 
Funerals successfully meeting that demand) and an emerging trend of more clients electing to have direct committals without requiring 
a traditional funeral service or to have single rather than double services (eg. church service followed by committal service at cemetery 
or crematorium). 

—  The number of funeral services performed was up on the previous year by 1.6%. Most of this growth came in the first half with the 

number of services up 2.4% compared to a 0.9% increase in the second half. InvoCare’s market intelligence indicates that across its 
overall markets the number of deaths increased by approximately 1% and that market share growth was achieved, with share gains in 
New South Wales and Queensland offset by some declines in other states.

—  The number of new prepaid funeral contracts sold for comparable Australian business increased by 4.2% on the previous year and 
exceeded the number of prepaid services performed by 14.8% (2014: 6.1%). Prepaid funerals performed in the year were 13.8% 
(2014: 14.6%) of comparable at need funerals.

  InvoCare Annual Report 2015   15

 
 
Directors’ Report continued

—  Australian cemeteries and crematoria sales were up 9.1% or $7.4 million to $88.7 million (2014: $81.3 million). Services performed 

increased by 1.2%, price increases were similar to the funeral business and memorialisation sales were strong. The net increase in the 
deferred revenue pool of unconstructed memorials was approximately $3.4 million (2014: $0.5 million) taking the pool to approximately 
$14.9 million (2014: $11.4 million) which will be constructed and included in sales revenue in future periods. New contracts added to the 
pool amounted to $7.8 million (2014: $5.9 million) and the amount constructed and included in sales was $4.3 million (2014: $4.9 million). 
In addition, deferred revenue includes $44.0 million (2014: $41.5 million) of pre-sold plaques, ash containers and other miscellaneous 
items deliverable and recognisable in sales revenue at the customer’s future time of need.

—  Comparable New Zealand sales (in NZD) were up 1.4% or $0.6 million to $47.4 million (2014: $46.8 million). Case volumes were up 0.7%, 
with market share losses experienced at the same time the numbers of deaths increased, and funeral case averages increased 2.7%. 
Case averages benefited from price increases (2-3%) at the beginning of each of January and July, but were impacted, like Australia, 
by customers seeking low priced offerings and wanting less service from funeral directors. In AUD New Zealand sales were up 2.3% to 
$44.0 million (2014: $43.0 million) which included favourable FX movements of $0.3 million.

—  Singapore funeral sales (in SGD) increased by 8.2% to $17.0 million (2014: $15.8 million). Case volumes improved 6.0% and average 

contract values were up 2.0%. In AUD Singapore sales increased 19.9% to $16.5 million (2014: $13.8 million) which included favourable 
FX movements of $1.6 million. 

—  Intra-group elimination of cemeteries and crematoria sales to InvoCare owned funeral homes amounted to $12.1 million (2014: $11.1 million).

The start-up operation in Southern California, USA, recorded sales revenue of US$0.8 million (AU$1.1 million) in its first ten months of funeral 
operations. Over 350 funerals and in excess of 2,300 cremations were performed. Funeral case averages achieved were approximately 
US$1,200 and cremations approximately US$200. The funeral average was lower than had been targeted due to attracting low yielding cases 
and the absence of higher yielding burial cases. Further market research was conducted in the second half of 2015 resulting in refreshing 
websites and the promotional message in the lead up to the traditionally busier winter months.

Acquired businesses, being a funeral business near Melbourne (Australia) in December 2014 and two cremation memorial parks in 
Christchurch (New Zealand) in July 2015, contributed $2.1 million to sales in 2015, before the elimination on consolidation of sales of 
$0.5 million by the acquired Christchurch memorial parks to Invocare owned funeral homes in Christchurch.

Other revenue

Other revenue increased by $2.4 million to $9.6 million (2014: $7.2 million). Other revenue mainly comprises administration fees upon initial 
sale of prepaid funeral contracts and trailing commissions on prepaid funds, however, in 2015 insurance recoveries of $1.2 million were 
received for claims relating to the Christchurch earthquakes several years ago and an ACCC investigation in 2014.

Operating expenses and EBITDA

Operating expenses (excluding depreciation, amortisation, acquisition related and finance costs) for the comparable operations increased 
$14.8 million or 4.6% to $333.8 million. Tight cost management, particularly during the second half, resulted in the Operating EBITDA1 to sales 
margin increasing to 25.1%, from 24.5% in 2014. The second half margin was 27.3%, compared to 26.0% in the second half of 2014.

Strong EBITDA and margin performances from the Australian and Singaporean businesses were offset by a disappointing result in New 
Zealand. In that country, cost growth has exceeded sales growth, the latter adversely impacted by lower than expected volume and case 
averages. Personnel costs and advertising had been increased after being constrained in 2014, in anticipation of higher sales in 2015. As 
mentioned later in the outlook section of this report, the New Zealand business will receive heightened management attention during 2016.

After including expenses of the USA start-up operation of $5.0 million and from new business acquisitions of $1.6 million, the total Group 
operating expenses increased by 6.7% or $21.4 million and margins declined by 0.3% to 24.2%. USA personnel costs were US$1.7 million 
and the most significant other cost was US$1.3 million spent on marketing and advertising, which included additional market research during 
the second half. The outlook section of this report provides commentary on the USA operation.

Favourable FX movements benefited Operating EBITDA1 by $0.8 million, as the NZD and SGD strengthened against the AUD.

Depreciation and amortisation expenses

Depreciation and amortisation expenses were up $1.0 million in 2015 to $20.2 million (2014: $19.2 million). This increase included $0.2 million 
associated with the USA and other acquired businesses.

Finance costs

Finance costs declined by $0.7 million to $14.8 million (2014: $15.5 million). Lower margins and expiry of some higher fixed cost swaps were 
the main contributors to lower debt interest. More information about the Group’s debt facilities is set out under the Capital Management section.

Acquisition related costs

Acquisition costs of $0.1 million were down $1.1 million on the prior year (2014: $1.2 million) which included start-up expenses of $0.8 million 
associated with the USA operation.

1 

 Operating EBITDA is non-IFRS financial information.

16

Share of associate

After writing down InvoCare’s investment in on-line memorial associate to $nil, equity accounting of the associate’s losses is no longer 
required. The share of losses in 2014 was $0.5 million. The associate, in which InvoCare has a 35% interest, continues to record losses during 
its start-up phase.

Undelivered prepaid contract gains

Net gains on undelivered prepaid contracts were $7.5 million, a reduction from net gains of $10.9 million in 2014. The current year gain 
comprised $19.8 million increase in the fair value of funds under management offset by $12.3 million growth in the future liability to deliver 
prepaid services (see table below).

Gain on prepaid contract funds under management

Change in provision for prepaid contract liabilities

Net gain/(loss) on undelivered prepaid contracts

2015 
$’000

2014 
$’000

19,790

24,832

(12,263)

(13,917)

7,527

10,915

The fair value uplift of $19.8 million in funds under management was $5.0 million down on 2014, due mainly to a gain on sale of a property 
investment in late 2014 as well as quite volatile and poor investment markets, and represented an effective earnings rate of 4.8% (2014: 6.4%). 

During the year the preneed liability was increased to progressively recognise the impact of planned in year price increases. This resulted in 
liability growth of $12.3 million which was down on last year’s $13.9 million when price rises were higher.

Prepaid funds under management recognised on InvoCare’s balance sheet amounted to $422.3 million (2014: $401.0 million), with 
approximately 82% of these funds held by the Over Fifty Guardian Friendly Society. Asset allocations, which are being closely reviewed as 
equity markets remain volatile, are set out below:

Equities

Property

Cash and fixed interest

Asset sales

31 Dec 2015 
%

30 June 2015 
%

31 Dec 2014 
%

17

26

57

12

26

62

10

16

74

Minor after tax gains and losses on asset sales were recorded in both 2015 and 2014.

Impairments

A net after tax impairment gain of $0.3 million (2014: $0.4 million) was recorded, comprising the reversal of prior impairment write-downs of 
certain cemetery assets demonstrating continuing financial performance improvement ($3.8 million after tax) offset by the impairment write-down 
of the Group’s investment in an associate ($2.6 million after tax) after considering the business performance to date, its future cash projections 
and the risks associated with a start-up operation.

Income tax expense

Income tax expense on reported profit was $26.7 million (2014: $22.6 million), representing an effective rate of 32.7% (2014: 29.3%).

Income tax expense on operating earnings2 increased by $2.5 million to $21.7 million (2014: $19.2 million) and the effective rate was 30.6% 
(2014: 29.4%). 

The increase in the effective rate is mainly due to the impact of USA losses which have not been tax effected and under provision in prior years.

2 

 Operating earnings is non-IFRS financial information.

  InvoCare Annual Report 2015   17

 
 
Directors’ Report continued

Cash flow highlights

Net cash provided by operating activities

Asset sale proceeds

Asset purchases

Purchase of subsidiaries and businesses

Payments to funds for pre-paid contract sales

Receipts from funds for pre-paid contracts performed

Net cash used in investing activities

Dividends paid to InvoCare shareholders

Deferred Employee Share Plan purchases

Net increase in borrowings

Other movements

Net cash used in financing activities

Net increase/(decrease) in cash during year

Cash at start of year

Exchange rate effects

Cash at end of the year

2015 
$’000

64,631

1,138

2014 
$’000

69,690

1,003

(22,035)

(26,665)

(7,076)

(6,738)

(35,338)

(33,326)

37,022

(26,289)

(40,157)

-

70

(118)

35,389

(30,337)

(38,784)

(1,168)

2,250

(203)

(40,205)

(37,905)

(1,863)

10,488

54

8,679

1,448

8,899

141

10,488

As of 1 January 2015 the Group has adopted a change in the presentation of its Consolidated statement of cash flows whereby cash flows 
to and from independent prepaid funeral trust funds are classified as investing instead of operating activities. The changes were adopted to 
be consistent with the recognition of trust fund fair value movements in the Consolidated balance sheet and Consolidated income statement. 
Further commentary is based on the revised presentation format. 

Cash flows provided by operating activities were down on last year by $5.1 million to $64.6 million. Funding the USA start-up operation, higher 
income tax instalments and working capital movements all contributed to this movement.

The operating EBITDA conversion to cash ratio for the period was 97% which was down compared to the 104% achieved in 2014 as shown 
in the table below.

2015 
$’000

2014 
$’000

105,426

101,082

64,631

14,380

23,690

(83)

69,690

14,981

20,182

(132)

102,618

104,721

97%

104%

Operating EBITDA

Cash provided by operating activities

Add finance costs

Add income tax paid

Less interest received

Ungeared, tax free operating cash flow

Proportion of operating EBITDA converted to cash

18

Capital expenditure related to:

Property, refurbishments and facility upgrades

Motor vehicles

Digital business

Other assets

Total capital expenditure

2015 
$’000

6,446

7,320

4,322

3,947

2014 
$’000

12,485

6,446

4,731

3,003

22,035

26,665

Purchases of subsidiary businesses mainly comprise the two memorial parks in Christchurch, New Zealand acquired in July 2015.

Dividends paid in the year totalled $40.2 million (2014: $38.8 million), including $6.6 million (2014: $5.6 million) for the on-market purchase of 
shares for the dividend reinvestment plan.

There were no shares required to be purchased during the year (2014: $1.2 million) by the InvoCare Deferred Employee Share Plan Trust in connection 
with the long-term, share-based incentives scheme. Share grants in 2015 were made using unvested, forfeited shares from prior years’ grants.

Capital management

At 31 December 2015, the Group had drawn down $232 million borrowings (from total $290 million debt facilities) compared to $242 million at 
30 June 2015 and $230 million at 31 December 2014. Net debt at 31 December 2015 was $223 million which compared to the balance at 30 
June 2015 of $228 million and 31 December 2014 of $220 million. 

In December 2015, $85 million of facilities due to mature in September 2016 were refinanced, which will provide an estimated $0.4 million 
annualised interest saving, and an additional $35 million in commitment was obtained. As a result, the Group now has $290 million bi-lateral, 
multi-currency, revolver facilities which comprise five-year tranches of $170 million, maturing in September 2018, and five-year tranches of 
$120 million, maturing in December 2020. 

The five-year tranches maturing in September 2018 are provided in equal $42.5 million proportions by Australia and New Zealand Banking 
Group Limited (“ANZ”), Commonwealth Banking Group Limited (“CBA”), Westpac Banking Corporation (“Westpac”) and HSBC Bank Australia 
Limited (“HSBC”) or their New Zealand affiliates. The five-year tranches maturing in December 2020 are provided by ANZ ($45 million), CBA 
($45 million) and HSBC ($30 million). 

The current facilities’ drawings comprise AUD164.0 million, SGD27.0 million and NZD44.5 million. The foreign currency drawings naturally 
hedge investments in foreign Singapore and New Zealand markets. 

Financial covenant ratios on the borrowing facilities are a Leverage Ratio (being Net Debt to EBITDA adjusted for acquisitions) which must be 
no greater than 3.5 and an Interest Cover Ratio (being EBITDA to net interest) which must be greater than 3.0. Both these ratios continue to 
be comfortably met at 31 December 2015, being 2.1 and 8.3 respectively. 

To maintain certainty over cash flows, the Group has policies limiting exposure to interest rate fluctuations. In accordance with the policy, at 
balance date, 64% of debt principal was covered by floating to fixed interest rate swaps.

The overall average effective interest rate is currently 5.4% (2014: 5.7%), inclusive of fixed rates on hedged debt, floating rates on unhedged 
debt, margins (based on tranche tenor and leverage – currently averaging around 150bps), undrawn commitment fees and amortisation of 
establishment fees. 

Headroom on the debt facilities of $58.2 million, and cash of $8.7 million, provide $66.9 million in available funds at 31 December 2015. This 
amount together with operating cash flows will provide further capacity to fund near-term growth opportunities.

Outlook

During 2015, the CEO, the executive management team and the Board reviewed the Group’s past strategies and performance and identified 
the key challenges and initiatives moving forward.

The review concluded that no fundamental change in strategy is required, but there is potential to extract greater benefit from existing assets. 
In particular:

—  The business fundamentals of the core markets remain strong;

—  There is potential for greater operational efficiencies especially with regard to extracting operating synergies from acquisitions;

—  There are on-going opportunities for market share improvements from existing assets;

—  There is significant opportunity to deliver increased shareholder returns through more efficient deployment of capital (e.g. network layout); and

—  The ability to secure new assets in core markets at the right price is becoming more difficult; however acquisition opportunity still exists in 

Melbourne, Adelaide, Auckland and Singapore and, in the longer term, new markets.

  InvoCare Annual Report 2015   19

Directors’ Report continued

The key challenges identified include:

—  The USA business plan is proving harder to implement than 
anticipated, so the business is being re-calibrated to better 
reflect current revenue and revised hurdles are being set for 
the USA management team to prove the concept and support 
continued investment;

 —  The competitive dynamics associated with the smaller regional/
rural markets (especially New Zealand) continue to require 
significant management attention;

—  Ensuring the physical asset facilities are attractive to customers 
to ensure continued acceptance of price increases and the 
retention and growth of market share; and

—  Educating the market on the true value of a funeral service to 

mitigate a trend for customers to choose simpler service levels 
from funeral directors.

The key initiatives are summarised as follows: 

—  Greater focus on capital allocation involving each of acquisitions, 
re-investments, divestments and funds under management;

—  Increasing revenue from existing assets through market share 
increases, improved product offerings and cross selling; and

—  Increasing efficiency through standardising business systems and 
processes, network optimisation and centralised purchasing.

Projects that support these key initiatives have been budgeted for 
2016 and key appointments have been made, funded in part by 
restructuring or eliminating some senior corporate office roles in 
early January 2016. Project benefits will begin to flow in H2 2016 
with increasing impact in 2017 and beyond. InvoCare will continue 
following its proven historic strategies into 2016, whilst investing for 
the medium to longer term, to create additional shareholder value.

Total sales revenue for the month of January 2016 was down and 
is approximately 4% on January 2015, due mainly to lower case 
volumes in each country, believed to be death number rather than 
market share related. Consistent with past practice, funeral prices 
were increased as planned in late 2015 and cemetery and crematoria 
prices are scheduled to be increased during the first quarter of 2016. 
As consistently indicated to the market in past years, InvoCare’s 
sales revenue is significantly affected by changes in the numbers of 
deaths and, as such, the early weeks of 2016 cannot and should not 
be used as an indicator of future 2016 results.

The Group’s recurrent capital expenditure in 2016 is expected to be 
around the level of depreciation (ie. up to around $25 million). Before 
any major new capital investment over and above the recurrent 
capital expenditure is approved, it must be justified on the grounds it 

will drive market share and must exceed return hurdles. At balance 
date, there are two property sales proposed, one being two floors of 
the North Sydney corporate office for approximately $3 million due to 
settle on 31 May 2016 before a move into new leased premises, also 
in North Sydney, and the second being an underperforming funeral 
location in a Sydney suburb which is unlikely to be sold until 2017. 
It is anticipated a before tax gain on the sale of the North Sydney 
premises of approximately $1.0 million will be recorded in the first 
half of 2016. In moving to a fully leased corporate office from mid-
2016, based on existing and new lease arrangements, it is expected 
that annualised rental costs for the office will reduce EBITDA by 
approximately $0.7 million. There are no major capital management 
changes expected during 2016. 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, 
continuing the steady dividend returns investors have enjoyed since 
ASX listing in December 2003.

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.

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.

3 

 Operating EBITDA and operating earnings after tax is non-IFRS financial information.

20

Left to right: Joycelyn Morton, Richard Davis, Richard Fisher, Martin Earp, Gary Stead, Tina Clifton 

Information on directors

Mr Richard Fisher AM MEc LLB 
Chairman of the Board 
Chair of Nomination Committee 
Member of People, Culture and Remuneration Committee 
Age 66 years 
Appointed October 2003

Richard Fisher is General Counsel to The University of Sydney and is 
an Adjunct Professor in its Faculty of Law. Richard is the immediate 
past Chairman of Partners at Blake Dawson (now Ashurst) and 
specialised in corporate law. He has been a director of InvoCare 
Limited since 24 October 2003. He is also a director of Sydney 
Water. Richard is formerly a part-time Commissioner at the Australian 
Law Reform Commission, an International Consultant for the Asian 
Development Bank and a Member of the Library Council of NSW. 
Richard holds a Master of Economics from the University of New 
England and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Sydney. 

Interest in shares: 17,389 ordinary shares in InvoCare Limited

Mr Martin Earp MSc, BSc (Hons), MBA 
Chief Executive Officer 
Age 47 years 
Appointed April 2015

Martin Earp joined InvoCare on 30 March 2015, was appointed 
as a Director on 13 April 2015 and assumed the role of CEO and 
Managing Director on 1 May 2015. 

Martin was most recently responsible for the strategic direction and 
leadership of Campus Living Villages. He has extensive experience in 
both providing leadership to operational businesses and working in 

project development teams. He has worked for Transfield Holdings 
for over twelve years in a number of operational roles including CEO 
of the Australian Biodiesel Group (ASX listed company), General 
Manager Airtrain (where he also served as a Director for eight years) 
and Business Development Manager for Airport Rail Link. Prior to this 
he spent almost 10 years with a London based consultancy advising 
on large infrastructure and investment deals.

Martin holds an MBA from the Australian Graduate School of 
Management and an MSc and BSc (Hons) in Traffic Engineering and 
Transport Planning.

Interest in shares: 17,410 ordinary shares in InvoCare Limited

Dr Christine (Tina) Clifton MB BS (Hons) BHA 
Non-executive Director 
Chair of People, Culture and Remuneration Committee 
Member of Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee 
Member of Nomination Committee 
Age 60 years 
Appointed October 2003

Tina Clifton is a registered medical practitioner. Tina has been a 
director of InvoCare Limited since October 2003. She has also 
been a Director of various public and private companies over the 
last 15 years. Prior to 2001, Tina held various positions in the public 
and private healthcare sectors including Chief Executive Officer 
of the Sisters of Charity Health Service in New South Wales and 
deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Sydney Area Health 
Service. From 1980 to 1988 Tina was a general practitioner. Tina 
holds degrees in medicine and health administration and obtained a 
specialist qualification in medical administration. 

Interest in shares: 112,961 ordinary shares in InvoCare Limited

  InvoCare Annual Report 2015   21

Directors’ Report continued

Mr Richard Davis BEc

Non-executive Director 
Member of People, Culture and Remuneration Committee 
Member of Finance, Capital and Investment Committee 
Member of Nomination Committee 
Age 60 years 
Appointed February 2012

Ms Joycelyn Morton BEc FCA FCPA FIPA FGIA FAICD

Non-executive Director 
Chair of Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee 
Member of Finance, Capital and Investment Committee  
Member of Nomination Committee  
Age 56 years 
Appointed August 2015

Richard Davis was appointed a non-executive director of InvoCare 
Ltd 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 Company (Private) Limited, the Company’s first international 
acquisition.

Richard is currently serving as Chairman of Singapore Casket 
Company (Private) Limited. 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. 

Joycelyn Morton was appointed a director of InvoCare Limited on 
19 August 2015. She has more than 36 years’ experience in finance 
and taxation having begun her career with Coopers & Lybrand (now 
PwC), followed by senior management roles with Woolworths Limited 
and global leadership roles in Australia and internationally within the 
Shell Group of companies.

Joycelyn is also non-executive Chair of Thorn Group Limited (Director 
since 2011 and appointed Chair in 2014), non-executive director 
of Argo Investments Limited (since 2012), Argo Global Listed 
Infrastructure Limited (since 2015). Former non-executive director 
roles include Crane Group Limited, Count Financial Limited and Chair 
of Noni B Limited. 

Joycelyn holds a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Sydney. 

Other Public Company Directorships held in the last three years:

Other Public Company Directorships held in the last three years:

Australian Vintage Limited (appointed non-executive director in May 
2009 and chairman in May 2015)

Thorn Group Limited (appointed non-executive director in 
October 2011)

Monash IVF Group Limited (appointed non-executive director and 
chairman in June 2014)

Argo Investments Limited (appointed non-executive director in 
March 2012)

Interest in shares: 561,607 ordinary shares in InvoCare Limited

Interest in shares: 6,000 ordinary shares in InvoCare Limited

Company Secretary

Mr Phillip Friery BBus CA

Phillip Friery was appointed Company Secretary in January 2007 and 
Chief Financial Officer in March 2007. Prior to joining the Group in 
1994 as Accounting Manager, 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 Australia and New Zealand.

Interest in shares: 64,411 ordinary shares in InvoCare Limited

Mr Gary Stead BCom LLB MBA

Non-executive Director 
Chair of Finance, Capital and Investment Committee  
Member of Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee 
Member of Nomination Committee  
Age 58 years 
Appointed September 2014

Gary Stead was appointed a non-executive director of InvoCare 
Limited on 1 September 2014. Gary is currently Managing Director of 
Highbridge Principal Strategies, LLC based in Sydney, Australia. Prior 
to his current role, Gary was the Managing Director and Co-Head of 
Olympus Capital Asia Credit and previously founder and Managing 
Director of Australia-focused structured credit fund, Shearwater 
Capital and Chief Executive of Fortress Investment Group Australia, 
where he established its Australian operations in 2004. Gary’s prior 
experience included 13 years at Merrill Lynch, where he held various 
leadership positions, including Co-Head of Investment Banking in 
Japan, Vice Chairman of Investment Banking in Australia, and Head 
of Mergers and Acquisitions in Australia, Asia-Pacific and Japan, 
following earlier roles at both Schroders in Australia and Salomon 
Brothers in New York.

After starting his working career as a solicitor with degrees in law and 
commerce from the University of New South Wales, he subsequently 
completed an MBA at Wharton Graduate School of Business at the 
University of Pennsylvania before commencing a 30 year investment 
banking career.

Interest in shares: 6,500 ordinary shares in InvoCare Limited

22

Meetings of directors

Details of the meetings attended by each director during the year ended 31 December 2015 are set below.

Non-executive Directors

Richard Fisher

Christine Clifton

Richard Davis

Gary Stead

Joycelyn Morton (appointed 19 Aug 2015)

Aliza Knox (resigned 31 Aug 2015)

Roger Penman (resigned 15 Dec 2015)

Executive Director

Martin Earp (appointed 13 Apr 2015)

Andrew Smith (resigned 30 Apr 2015)

A = number of meetings attended.

Board

A

B

10

10

11

10

4

6

-

8

3

11

11

11

11

4

8

11

8

3

Audit 
Committee

Risk 
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

Nomination 
Committee

A

4

2

4*

4

1

2*

-

3*

1*

B

4

4

3

4

1

-

4

-

-

A

3*

4

4

3

2*

2

-

3*

1*

B

-

4

4

4

-

2

-

-

-

A

2

1*

2

2

1

-

-

1*

1*

B

2

-

2

2

1

-

2

-

-

A

3

3

3

3

1

1

-

-

1*

B

3

3

3

3

1

3

3

-

-

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.

The composition of the Board and Board Committees is a minimum of three directors. Board Committees consist entirely of independent non-
executive directors. The CEO may attend all Board Committee meetings by invitation. Other senior management attend Board and Committee 
meetings by invitation.

As a consequence of Roger Penman’s leave of absence (from 1 January 2015 until his resignation on 15 December 2015), from 22 January 
2015 Gary Stead was appointed to the Remuneration Committee as its Chairman and Richard Davis was appointed to the Audit Committee 
as its Chairman until that role was assumed by Joycelyn Morton on 1 September 2015.

With effect from 1 January 2016, the Board Committee structure was changed. Details are set out in the Corporate Governance Statement on 
page 24.

The Directors’ Report continues with the Corporate Governance Statement.

  InvoCare Annual Report 2015   23

 
Directors’ Report continued

Corporate Governance Statement

Board and senior executive appointments

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 March 2015. The Other Key Management Personnel (“Other 
KMP”) comprise:

—  Greg Bisset, Chief Operating Officer Australia (“COO Australia”);

Prior to the appointment of a new director thorough background 
checks are undertaken to ensure that the individual has the 
appropriate background to become a director of the Company. 
Information about these checks is included in the Notice of Meeting 
when the director filling a casual vacancy stands for election. All Board 
members have formal letters of appointment which clearly articulate 
the roles, responsibilities, expectations and remuneration of directors. 

The level of seniority of the role of senior executives 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.

—  Graeme Rhind, Chief Operating Officer New Zealand  

Company Secretary

(“COO New Zealand”);

—  Wee Leng Goh, Chief Executive Officer of Singapore Casket 

Company (“CEO Singapore”); and

—  Phillip Friery, Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”).

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 Senior 
Executives (being the direct reports of the CEO including the 
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.

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

24

The Company Secretary works closely with the Chairman of the 
Board and various committees to ensure that all directors receive the 
information they require to fully discharge their duties which includes 
facilitating external advice to directors where appropriate. Some aspects 
of these functions are undertaken by other senior staff specialists where 
appropriate, and these interactions are free of executive management 
oversight to ensure that directors are fully informed.

Diversity

InvoCare currently serves a diverse range of communities across 
Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and the USA 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 33% (2014: 29%) of the Board, 
25% (2014: 17%) of the group executive and 35% of Australian 
management. InvoCare’s current focus is on specific actions that will 
achieve overall gender equality at the Australian management level by 
the end of 2020, that is, a minimum of 45% management roles will 
be held by either gender. The Australian entity is a relevant employer 
under the terms of the Workplace Gender Equality Act and the Board 
recently replaced its Diversity policy with an Inclusion policy which 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, which was completed late in 2015, 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.

The evaluation process provides the Board an opportunity to make 
an informed assessment of the skills of each individual director, 
reflect on how those skills are meeting the needs of the Company 
and consider Board succession planning.

 
This, combined with a strategic review of the Group’s overall 
objectives, resulted in a decision to change the roles of various 
committees to better align the Board’s agreed strategic intent 
with the activities of each committee. As a result an Audit, Risk & 
Compliance Committee was formed to undertake the functions 
of the previous Audit committee along with some activities of the 
previous Risk Committee. A People, Culture and Remuneration 
Committee was formed to undertake the role of the previous 
Remuneration Committee but also to absorb the people and culture 
functions previously performed by the Risk Committee. The review 
also resulted in formation of a new Finance, Capital and Investment 
Committee to provide greater focus to oversee the allocation and 
efficient use of capital, including decisions relating to business or 
asset investments, reinvestment or divestment. This Committee will 
also review the performance of prepaid funds under management. 
No changes were made to the responsibilities or activities of the 
Nomination Committee.

Senior executive evaluation

After the conclusion of each financial year the CEO evaluates 
and documents the performance of the other Senior Executives 
(including Other KMPs). The results of the achievement of targeted 
key performance indicators are reviewed by the People, Culture 
and Remuneration Committee. 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 Senior Executives’ remuneration for the ensuing year.

The People, Culture and 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 and strategic 
plan for the Group which provides the opportunity to more regularly 
evaluate the performance of senior executives outside the annual 
review process. When appointed, all new Senior Executives receive an 
induction appropriate to their experience, which is designed to ensure 
they can quickly and effectively participate in decision making. The 
programme is also designed to ensure that the executive gains a good 
working knowledge of both the industry and the Group covering the 
financial position, strategies and operations. This induction programme 
also focuses on the internal policies and procedures with a particular 
emphasis on the respective roles of the Board and its committees and 
those functions delegated to management.

Principle 2 – Structure the Board to Add Value

Board composition

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

The composition of the Board and Board Committees is a minimum 
of three directors. Board Committees consist entirely of independent 
non-executive directors. The CEO may attend all Board Committee 
meetings by invitation. The other Senior Executives or managers 
attend Board and Committee meetings by invitation.

At the date of this report, the composition of the Board Committees 
is as follows:

Audit, Risk & 
Compliance 

People, Culture 
& Remuneration

Finance, 
Capital & 
Investment Nomination

Director

Richard Fisher

Tina Clifton

Richard Davis

ü

ü

Chair

ü

Joycelyn Morton

Chair

Gary Stead

ü

Nomination Committee

Chair

ü

ü

ü

ü

ü

ü

Chair

The Nomination Committee critically reviews on an annual basis the 
corporate governance procedures of the Group and the composition 
and effectiveness of the Board. The Committee currently consists 
of the five independent non-executive directors of the Board. The 
Committee is chaired by Richard Fisher. 

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 CEO 
succession planning, Board succession planning and Board and 
Committees’ performance appraisals.

In 2014, the Committee assisted the Board in making the decision 
not to renew the former CEO’s contract at the end of its term on  
30 April 2015. Martin Earp was appointed as CEO following an 
external search conducted with the Committee’s oversight. Although 
the replacement CEO was appointed as recently as 1 May 2015, 
there is an ongoing focus on CEO succession.

In terms of Board succession planning and composition, there have 
been two new directors appointed in the last eighteen months. 
These appointments were made to provide additional expertise and/
or replace the skills of departing directors. In addition, with Richard 
Fisher and Christine Clifton having served on the Board since 
October 2003, planning for their succession in the next few years is 
underway, although with the unexpected retirements of both Aliza 
Knox and Roger Penman during the year there has been a greater 
need for Board renewal than was planned.

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

  InvoCare Annual Report 2015   25

 
Directors’ Report continued

Corporate Governance Statement continued

Board skills matrix

When considering the appointment of a new director the Board through the Nomination Committee considers the desirable skills mix for the 
Board and focusses its search on potential candidates who complement the existing skill set of the Board. The current matrix is summarised 
in the following table:

Director/Skill Set

Business Management

Richard Fisher

Tina Clifton

Richard Davis

Joycelyn Morton

Gary Stead

Martin Earp

ü

ü

ü

ü

ü

ü

Legal

ü

ü

Accounting/Finance

Funeral Industry

Health

International Business

ü

ü

ü

ü

ü

ü

ü

ü

ü

ü

ü

ü

ü

Board independence

Directors’ induction 

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 21 of the 
Directors’ Report.

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, timeframe 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 or Committee meetings. 

26

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

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

Directors’ continuing education 

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

Principle 3 – Act Ethically and Responsibly

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 
are 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, work 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

Principle 4 - Safeguard Integrity in Corporate Reporting

Audit, Risk & Compliance Committee

The Audit, Risk & Compliance 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, 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, Risk & Compliance Committee.

The Audit, Risk & Compliance Committee comprises three 
independent non-executive directors and is chaired by Joycelyn 
Morton. Ms Morton is an FCPA, FCA and FGIA and brings a wealth of 
financial and taxation experience to the Committee. Other members 
are Christine Clifton and Gary Stead. The number of meetings held 
during the year and the individual attendances at those meetings is 
set out on page 23 of the Directors’ Report.

The external auditor met with the Audit Committee during the year 
without management being present.

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

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 4.2 
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.

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 ASX. 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 

Additionally, all shareholders have the right to access details of the 
holdings, provide email address contacts and make certain elections via 
the Company’s share registry Link Market Services Limited by accessing 
the web site www.linkmarketservices.com.au. Shareholders have the 
option of receiving all or a selection of communication electronically.

The Company encourages full participation of shareholders at the 
Annual General Meeting. The Chairman of the meeting encourages 
shareholders to ask reasonable questions at the Annual General 
Meeting. The Board makes itself available to all shareholders both 
before and after the Annual General Meeting.

The next Annual General Meeting is scheduled to be held at 11.00am 
on Friday, 20 May 2016 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.

Principle 7 – Recognise and Manage Risk

The Board, through the Audit, Risk & Compliance Committee, 
reviews and oversees the Group’s risk management systems. 

Auditor attendance at the Annual General Meeting

Audit, Risk & Compliance Committee

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

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 the 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 occurs 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 Audit, Risk & Compliance 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 
Committee does not have responsibility for strategic risk which is a Board 
responsibility. The Board has reviewed the Group’s risk management 
framework during the year and confirmed that it remains sound.

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. The Group does not have any material 
exposure to economic, environmental and social sustainability risks.

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 Audit, Risk & 
Compliance 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 Senior Executives who 
are responsible for escalating these to the Audit, Risk & Compliance 
Committee and Board, where necessary, if the event occurs outside 

  InvoCare Annual Report 2015   27

Directors’ Report continued

Corporate Governance Statement 
continued

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.

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 
Group Executive People and Culture. In this context, the Committee 
monitors complaints handling and also has a strong focus on 
ensuring suitable work practices and employee learning and 
development programmes are developed and delivered.

The Audit, Risk & Compliance 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 is 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.

Principle 8 – Remunerate Fairly and Responsibly

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

28

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 People, Culture and Remuneration Committee comprises three 
independent non-executive directors with Christine Clifton as Chair 
and Richard Fisher and Richard Davis as members. The number 
of meetings held during the year and the individual attendances at 
those meetings is set out on page 23 of the Directors’ Report.

The People, Culture and 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 which begins on page 
29 provides detailed information about the current remuneration 
practices and the levels of remuneration, including proposed changes 
to long term incentive arrangements.

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. The policy specifically bans the use of techniques 
or products to limit the economic risk associated with holding the 
Company’s securities.

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

The Directors’ Report continues with the Remuneration Report.

Remuneration Report 

The Remuneration Report summarises the key compensation 
policies and practices for the year ended 31 December 2015, 
highlights the link between remuneration and corporate 
performance and provides detailed information on the 
compensation for non-executive and executive directors and other 
key management personnel.

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

A.  Directors and key management personnel disclosed in this report

B.  Remuneration governance

C.  Use of remuneration consultants

D.  Executive remuneration policy and framework

E.  Relationship between remuneration and InvoCare’s performance

F.  Non-executive director remuneration policy

G.  Voting at InvoCare’s 2015 Annual General Meeting

H.  Details of remuneration

I.  Service agreements

J.  Details of share-based compensation

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

A.  Directors and key management personnel

For the purposes of this report, the key management personnel 
(“KMP”) 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

Richard Fisher (Chairman)

Christine Clifton

Richard Davis

Gary Stead

Joycelyn Morton (appointed 19 August 2015)

Aliza Knox (resigned 31 August 2015)

Roger Penman (leave of absence from 1 January 2015 and  
resigned 15 December 2015)

Other key management personnel

his direct reports. The Board has determined that not all members of 
the Group Executive Team are considered KMP, as they do not have 
responsibility for planning, directing and controlling a substantial part 
of the entities operations. InvoCare periodically makes changes to its 
Group Executive Team to reflect the evolving strategy and structure 
of the Company. The use of the term Senior Executives in this report 
means members of the Group Executive Team.

B.  Remuneration Governance

The Board has an established Remuneration Committee (recently 
reconstituted as People, Culture and Remuneration Committee) 
which critically reviews the Group’s remuneration policy and, under its 
charter, has the following primary functions:

—  Recommend to the Board the culture that the Group seeks to 

aspire to and monitor performance against implementation plans; 

—  Consider and review (with input from external remuneration 

consultants as necessary) the remuneration and employment 
policies and procedures for the Group; 

—  Review and make recommendations to the Board regarding the 

remuneration and appointment of Senior Executives; 

—  Review and make recommendations to the Board regarding the 

policies for short term and long term incentives; 

—  Review employee engagement survey results and recommendations; 

—  Review the delivery and performance of learning and 

development programmes;

—  Review findings of talent reviews including succession plans for 

Senior Executives; 

—  Review the annual Health, Safety and Environment Improvement 

Plan and performance;

—  Review any statutory diversity reporting required to be made by 

the Group; and

—  Review and, where required, make recommendations to the 

Board for approval of all reports on KMP remuneration required 
by law or regulation or which are proposed to be included in the 
annual report. 

During 2015, the Remuneration Committee considered the emerging 
market remuneration practices and legislative developments in 
the context of evolving business strategy and feedback from key 
stakeholders including major investors.

Both the previous and this latest Remuneration Report provide commentary 
about any changes to remuneration arrangements and outline the Directors’ 
rationale for the practices adopted, including changes made to long 
term incentive remuneration and CEO termination arrangements. 

Martin Earp (appointed a Director on 13 April 2015, then as 
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer on 1 May 2015)

C.  Use of remuneration consultants

Andrew Smith (Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer up to 
30 April 2015)

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)

Soon after his appointment as Managing Director and Chief Executive 
Officer (“CEO”) replacing Andrew Smith on 1 May 2015, Martin Earp 
formalised the establishment of a Group Executive Team comprising 

The Remuneration Committee conducted its remuneration review 
with assistance detailed below from independent remuneration 
consultants Aon Hewitt, a specialist consultancy and advisory 
business dedicated to all aspects of director and executive 
compensation and equity incentive strategies.

Aon Hewitt was appointed in August 2015 by the acting Chairman of 
the Remuneration Committee, to undertake a review of the Group’s 
long term incentive arrangements and, subsequently, a remuneration 
benchmark assessment and analysis in respect of non-executive 
director and selected Senior Executives. As part of the review Aon 
Hewitt met with the CEO and the KMP and held discussions directly 
with some of the Company’s largest shareholders and 

  InvoCare Annual Report 2015   29

Directors’ Report continued

Remuneration Report continued

other stakeholders. The work was undertaken over several months 
from October 2015 to February 2016 with reports provided to the 
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee. The information provided 
was used, in part, to assist the Board in determining changes to the 
long term incentive arrangements and changes to the non-executive 
director, CEO and other Senior Executives remuneration for the 2016 
financial year. Aon Hewitt received a fee of $53,530 (excluding GST 
and out of pocket expenses) for this work.

Aon Hewitt did not make any “remuneration recommendations” as 
defined in the Corporations Act 2001 in the 2015 financial year.

D.  Executive remuneration policy and framework

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;

CEO – 2015

51%

28%

21%

CEO – 2014

51%

28%

21%

Other key 
management 
personnel – 2015

Other key 
management 
personnel – 2014

59%

60%

25%

17%

27%

13%

20%
■ Base plus superannuation  ■ STI potential  ■ LTI potential

60%

40%

0%

80%

100%

Commencing in 2016 for Senior Executives then more broadly 
from 2017, the Group intends transitioning to using a more 
contemporary Total Fixed Remuneration (“TFR”) measure in place 
of the abovementioned “Base plus superannuation” in setting 
remuneration levels across the organisation. The key impact will be 
the inclusion of motor vehicle benefits in TFR, in addition to base 
salary and superannuation. 

No director or other key management personnel has, at 31 December 
2015 or during or since the end of the financial year, had any loans 
to or from the Group or any options over unissued ordinary shares of 
InvoCare Limited. Under the terms of a proposed new LTI scheme to 
commence in 2016, options may be issued to Senior Executives.

—  individual objectives should reflect the need for sustainable 

Base salary and benefits

outcomes;

—  all variable pay should be tightly linked to measurable personal 

and business performance; 

—  total compensation should be market competitive and be reviewed 

annually, with no component guaranteed to increase; and

—  the CEO’s and Senior Executives’ total remuneration is 

benchmarked to comparable positions in comparable size 
companies (taking into account sales revenue, market capitalisation 
and industry), with the value of the incentives included in total 
remuneration based on amounts that can be achieved when 
individual and overall Group performance targets are met.

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 of the individual and are 
entirely at risk.

The compensation of the CEO and other Senior Executives is comprised 
of payments and/or allocations under the following categories:

—  base salary and benefits, including annual leave, superannuation 

and other incidental benefits;

—  short-term incentives (“STI”) in the form of annual cash 

bonuses; and

—  long-term incentives (“LTI”) in the form of share-based bonuses.

The target remuneration mix for the CEO and other KMP, as depicted 
in the following graph (and averaged for the other KMP), is set to 
place a considerable portion of executive remuneration at risk so as to 
align remuneration with both Group performance and the individual’s 
personal influence and contribution to the Group performance.

Executives are offered a market competitive base cash salary, 
together with annual leave and post-employment superannuation 
benefits in accordance with relevant jurisdictional statutory 
requirements and other non-monetary or incidental benefits. An 
executive may elect to structure the base salary and benefits as a 
combination of cash and other benefits.

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 based on increases in role scope or responsibility, pay position 
relative to market and relative performance in the role. No guaranteed 
base pay increases are included in any Senior Executive’s service 
agreements, except for the USA Chief Operating Officer and then 
subject to the achievement of agreed individual and business 
performance metrics. 

Non-monetary benefits may include provision of fully maintained 
cars and car parking spaces. Other incidental benefits may include 
payment of total and permanent disablement, death and salary 
continuance insurance premiums and nominal discounts for funerals 
of immediate family members.

In Australia, entitlements accrue for employee’s long service and, 
subject to relevant statutory requirements and qualifying periods, the 
entitlement may be taken as leave or is payable to the employees 
upon termination of employment.

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, which 
generally range between one month and up to a maximum of six 
months. Details for Senior Executive service agreements are set out 
on page 39 under the heading “I. Service Agreements”.

30

Short-term incentives

STIs are awarded for achievement of pre-determined financial and 
non-financial objectives. For Senior Executives, the target criteria and 
possible bonus levels are defined each year by the Remuneration 
Committee and Board, in consultation with the CEO. For other 
executives, the Senior Executives determine the objectives and 
reward levels 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 for 2015 was up to a maximum of 56.3% of 
base salary plus superannuation for the CEO and from 25% up 
to a maximum of 49% for the other Senior Executives. The target 
criteria for Senior Executives are heavily weighted to overall financial 
performance, being 50% of the potential STI opportunity for the CEO 
and up to 47% for the other Senior Executives, but are also tailored 
to the relevant circumstances of each executive. The STI is capped 
at this target and does not provide for additional cash benefits if the 
individual or business targets are exceeded for the year. Instead, the 
Group seeks to reward executive’s for sustained outperformance 
and this is reflected in the design and vesting arrangements in the LTI 
Plan, as well as an increased weighting to LTI incentive opportunities 
from 2016.

In summary, the criteria used to determine short-term bonuses for 
Senior Executive are aligned with InvoCare’s strategic and business 
objectives and include:

—  Group, specific country or specific business EBITDA growth 
targets, with EBITDA being a key financial measure of the 
success of operations;

—  Absolute case volume and Group, specific country or specific 
market share growth, which are cornerstones of the past and 
future growth of the business;

—  Innovation in customer service delivery and business 

operations, including introducing new products and services, 
modifying operating models and further developing or 
strengthening brand positioning;

—  Develop and implement information technologies to enhance 

customer service and business efficiencies; and

—  Continue to grow the prepaid funeral business, including returns 

from funds under management.

Other levels of staff also received short-term objective based 
compensation based on measurable and pre-determined targets. 
In addition to complementing the targets applying to more senior 
executives, these objectives include key performance indicators 
such as average revenue per case, sales of prepaid contracts, the 
management of labour costs, client survey results and debtors’ 
days outstanding.

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 Remuneration Committee considers that STI 
bonuses are awarded for achievement of key performance criteria 
for a particular financial year, without payment for outperformance, 
and that no part of the bonus should be deferred for payment 
in a later year. The Committee is of the view that the share-
based LTI, described in more detail below, provides incentive for 
outperformance over the longer term, encourages executives 
to remain employed with the Group and ensures alignment with 
shareholder interests.

Commencing January 2016, the Group will seek to claw back all or 
part of an executive’s STI that has already been paid to ensure the 
executive has not been inappropriately awarded in circumstances 
including:

—  A material misstatement or omission in the Group’s financial 

statements;

—  If actions or inactions seriously damage the Group’s reputation or 

put the Group at significant risk; and/or

—  A material abnormal occurrence results in an unintended increase 

in the award.

Long-term incentives

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 
(“Deferred Shares”), or, in the case of foreign managers who may not 
be able to participate in Australian share offers, share equivalents 
(“Deferred Rights”). No consideration is payable by the employee 
for the DESP offer, but they are subject to continuous service and, 
for senior management, performance conditions. Deferred Shares 
are purchased on-market and hence the DESP is operated on 
a completely non-dilutive basis. Share equivalents for offshore 
employees are settled in cash instead of equity.

During 2015 the Remuneration Committee reviewed the design 
and operation of the LTI arrangements. As a consequence, a new 
LTI plan is proposed to be made available from February 2016 to 
eligible participants. It will be referred to as the Performance Long 
Term Incentive Plan (PLTIP) and is aimed at attracting, rewarding and 
retaining high performing executives who contribute to the overall 
medium and long term success of InvoCare.

The main differences between the proposed PLTIP and the existing 
plan are that:

—  participants will be restricted to the CEO, the other Senior 

Executives, operational General Managers and selected high 
performing or high potential senior managers by invitation and as 
approved by the Board;

—  the awards are proposed to be in performance shares rights 

(“PSRs”) or options;

—  there will be a return on capital gateway before any awards 

meeting performance conditions will vest;

—  no dividends will be paid on unvested awards; and

—  there will be no voting rights.

Participants in the new PLTIP will no longer be eligible for grants 
under the existing DESP. This existing plan will be retained and 
continue for remaining participants and, at the CEO’s discretion, 
future participants. Future awards under the DESP will vest subject 
to continuous service only and recognise the contribution of primarily 
middle level managers over time through the granting of modest 
amounts of equity.

Similar to share equivalents under the DESP, for offshore employees 
PSRs or options may be settled in cash instead of equity.

In determining the amount of an offer to an individual manager, 
consideration is given to factors, including market benchmarks, skill 
and experience, expected and actual performance over time and 
promotion and succession potential.

  InvoCare Annual Report 2015   31

Directors’ Report continued

Remuneration Report continued

A tiered arrangement by level will apply to offers under the 
proposed PLTIP:

—  CEO – of the maximum LTI award, 75% will be in options and 

25% in PSRs

—  Other Participants – 50% in options and 50% in PSRs, or wholly 

in PSRs in certain circumstances with Board approval

The value of LTI award offered in 2015 was up to a maximum of 
42% of base salary plus superannuation for the CEO and up to a 
maximum 36% for the other Senior Executives.

The number of PSRs will be calculated at the date of issue by 
dividing the value of LTI to be awarded in PSRs by the face value of 
an InvoCare share. The face value is proposed to be based on the 10 
day VWAP for InvoCare shares around the date of grant.

The number of options will be calculated based upon the value of LTI 
to be awarded in options divided by the option valuation at the award 
date. This option value, or exercise price, will be determined by an 
independent actuary using a Black Scholes valuation methodology. The 
valuation for allocation will include dividends but will not incorporate any 
discount relating to the performance and tenure conditions. 

Under the DESP, the number of Deferred Shares or Deferred Rights 
is calculated by dividing the value of the LTI award by the on-market 
acquisition cost of InvoCare shares.

Consistent with the existing DESP, vesting of the LTI awards under 
the PLTIP will be in three equal tranches in February of each of the 
second, third and fourth subsequent years after the year of offer. This 
is to allow for the impact that the number of deaths, which is outside 
the control of management, has on the Group’s annual result, in 
particular given the fixed cost nature of the business. Vesting of the 
first LTI tranche two years out from the initial grant in part compensates 
for the fact STIs are capped without additional reward for short term 
outperformance. Over the longer term, sustained levels of short term 
outperformance should translate into higher LTI rewards. 

Upon vesting of Deferred Shares under the DESP, the employee 
has the discretion to leave the Deferred Shares in trust, withdraw or 
sell any number of them. Upon vesting of Deferred Rights under the 
DESP, the employee will be paid in cash an amount equivalent to the 
number of vested Deferred Rights multiplied by the value of those 
rights derived by reference to the market value of InvoCare shares.

Upon vesting of PSRs under the proposed PLTIP, the employee will 
be provided with InvoCare shares, satisfied either by a new issue or 
by on-market purchase. In the case of vested options, the exercise 
period is proposed to continue from the date of vesting until 10 years 
from the commencement of the performance period of the award (eg 
for 2016 awards the end of option life will be February 2026).

In accordance with InvoCare’s Share Trading Policy, senior managers 
are prohibited from trading the Company’s shares other than 
during specified trading windows, or with approval in exceptional 
circumstances, and then only if not in possession of inside 
information. In addition, 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 (e.g. hedging or cap and collar arrangements), 
which includes limiting the economic risk of holdings of unvested 
entitlements associated with LTI shares.

Consistent with DESP awards, performance conditions under the 
proposed PLTIP relate to compound growth per annum in normalised 
earnings per share over the vesting period. However, as mentioned 
earlier, a ‘gateway’ condition must be met before any PLTIP awards 
can vest. The gateway requires a minimum level of Return on 
Invested Capital (“ROIC”). This is a safety net to ensure that capital 
is being employed efficiently and earnings growth is translating to 
shareholder value. ROIC is defined as the annual operating earnings 
(excluding net finance costs and after deducting tax) divided by the 
average invested capital during the year (being the average of the 
beginning and end of year balances of total assets less surplus cash 
less non-interest bearing liabilities).

 “Normalised earnings” means reported profit as adjusted:

—  to remove the impacts of any gains or losses arising from the 

sale, disposal or impairment of non-current assets;

—  to maintain consistency in accounting policies across the 

respective vesting periods for each grant; and

—  for proposed PLTIP awards from February 2016:

—  to reflect constant currency; and

—  to remove impacts of non-cash movements in prepaid 
contracts and associated funds under management.

Specifically in the case of the CEO, CFO and Group Executive 
Capital Management, the abovementioned non-cash movements for 
Guardian Plan prepaid contracts and funds under management will 
be included in the EPS figure utilised in the proposed PLTIP.

Compound growth per annum of normalised earnings per share 
was selected at the time of establishment of the DESP as the 
most suitable and reliable measure of organisational performance, 
based on independent advice and analysis by the Board. As part 
of its review of LTI arrangements during 2015, the Remuneration 
Committee re-affirmed the appropriateness of the 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 appear constrained relative to an index or selected peer group;

—  The vagaries of equity markets 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, together with the introduction of a ROIC gateway, 
more closely reflects management performance and success in 
incrementally creating value through good decision making and 
sustained and improving performance over time.

32

Subject also to the ROIC gateway condition, the EPS performance conditions applying for PLTIP awards in 2016 are as set out below:

Normalised reported 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%

7% or more but less than 8%

Less than 7%

100%

86% plus 1.4% for each 0.1% EPS over 11% 

72% plus 1.4% for each 0.1% EPS over 10%

58% plus 1.4% for each 0.1% EPS over 9%

44% plus 1.4% for each 0.1% EPS over 8%

30% plus 1.4% for each 0.1% EPS over 7%

Nil

For DESP grants made in 2015, 2014, 2012 and 2011, the EPS performance vesting conditions are:

Normalised reported 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

For DESP grants made in 2013, the EPS performance vesting conditions are:

Normalised reported 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%

7% or more but less than 8%

Less than 7%

100%

80% plus 2.0% for each 0.1% EPS over 11% 

65% plus 1.5% for each 0.1% EPS over 10%

55% plus 1.0% for each 0.1% EPS over 9%

50% plus 0.5% for each 0.1% EPS over 8%

30% plus 2.0% for each 0.1% EPS over 7%

Nil

If the compound EPS growth performance conditions are not met at the vesting date, the unvested LTI awards 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. Unvested awards at the fifth anniversary of the grant are forfeited.

To receive 100% of the LTI awards, the Senior Executive or manager must remain employed during the vesting period and InvoCare’s 
compound EPS growth must equal or exceed the maximum target growth percentage. The employee remains exposed over this timeframe 
to the consequences of the Group’s results, their own individual performance impacting that result and the market movements in InvoCare’s 
share price.

In general, should a participant cease employment as a result of resignation or termination in circumstances the Board determines as related 
to their performance, all unvested equity awards held by the participant will lapse. In exceptional circumstances the Board has the discretion 
to determine the extent to which all or part of any unvested equity may vest and the specific performance testing to be applied.

In circumstances where a termination is for reasons including retirement, death, total and permanent disablement, and bona fide redundancy, 
unless it determines otherwise, the Board may allow all or part of the unvested equity awards to continue on foot and vest subject to the 
original terms and performance and service conditions set out in the letter of offer and plan rules at the time of award.

In the event of a change in control or other circumstances where the Board determines it is not practical or appropriate for the unvested equity 
to continue on foot, the Board has the discretion to determine the extent to which all or part of any unvested equity may vest and the specific 
performance testing to be applied. 

If no determination is made by the Board, all equity awards held by the participant will lapse upon termination of employment.

The Board has the discretion to determine that any LTI benefit payable in the above termination circumstances can be settled in cash.

  InvoCare Annual Report 2015   33

 
Directors’ Report continued

Remuneration Report continued

Following its 2015 review, the Remuneration Committee and Board have also introduced clawback and malus conditions for the both LTI and 
STI. The Board in its sole discretion may determine that all, or part, of any unvested LTI incentive award be forfeited in certain circumstances. 
These circumstances include, but are not limited to:

—  A material misstatement or omission in the Group’s financial statements;

—  If actions or inactions seriously damage the Group’s reputation or put the Group at significant risk; and/or

—  A material abnormal occurrence results in an unintended increase in the award.

The following table summarises the performance to date for the grants made since 2010 which impact remuneration in the current or a future 
financial year.

LTI share grant year

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

Normalised EPS on 
1 January of grant year

2011

7% to 10%

33.9 cents

2012

7% to 10%

34.4 cents

2013

7% to 12%

38.7 cents

2014

7% to 10%

39.7 cents

2015

7% to 10%

49.1 cents

2016

7% to 12%

49.8 cents

Performance condition testing date and vesting outcome

February 2013 - not satisfied, first 1/3rd not vested 
February 2014 – not satisfied, first and second 1/3rd not vested 
February 2015 – not satisfied, all tranches not vested 
February 2016 – not satisfied, all unvested shares forfeited

February 2014 – 39% of the first 1/3rd tranche vested 
February 2015 – 100% vesting of second and unvested first tranches 
February 2016 – 91% vesting of third 1/3rd tranche vested 
February 2017 (if required)

February 2015 – 100% of first 1/3rd tranche vested 
February 2016 – 54% of second 1/3rd tranche vested 
February 2017 – to be determined 
February 2018 (if required)

February 2016 – 100% of first 1/3rd tranche vested 
February 2017 – to be determined 
February 2018 – to be determined 
February 2019 (if required)

February 2017 – to be determined 
February 2018 – to be determined 
February 2019 – to be determined 
February 2020 (if required)

February 2018 – to be determined 
February 2019 – to be determined 
February 2020 – to be determined 
February 2021 (if required)

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

Further details of LTI awards are set out on page 41 under the heading “J. Share-based Compensation”.

34

E.  Relationship between remuneration and InvoCare’s performance

The overall level of executive reward takes into account the performance of the Group over a number of years, with at risk remuneration linked 
to that performance. The remuneration approach, elements and mix has delivered an annualised 21.3% return for shareholders between listing 
in December 2003 and the end of 2015. As depicted by the following graph, the growth of an investment of $1 in InvoCare at listing exceeds 
the ASX200 growth over that period.

Growth of $1 in IVC with all dividends reinvested vs ASX 200 accumulation index 

Since IVC listing December 2003

IVC with divs reinvested 

ASX 200 Accumulation index 

1
$
n
o
n
r
u
t
e
R

$12.00 

$10.00 

$8.00 

$6.00 

$4.00 

$2.00 

$0.00 

3
0
0
2
-
c
e
D

4
0
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2
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A

4
0
0
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-
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e
S

5
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b
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F

5
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2
-
l
u
J

5
0
0
2
-
c
e
D

6
0
0
2
-
y
a
M

6
0
0
2
-
t
c
O

7
0
0
2
-
r
a
M

7
0
0
2
-
g
u
A

8
0
0
2
-
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a
J

8
0
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8
0
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-
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o
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9
0
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A

9
0
0
2
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p
e
S

0
1
0
2
-
b
e
F

0
1
0
2
-
l
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J

0
1
0
2
-
c
e
D

1
1
0
2
-
y
a
M

1
1
0
2
-
t
c
O

2
1
0
2
-
r
a
M

2
1
0
2
-
g
u
A

3
1
0
2
-
n
a
J

3
1
0
2
-
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u
J

3
1
0
2
-
v
o
N

4
1
0
2
-
r
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A

4
1
0
2
-
p
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5
1
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2
-
b
e
F

5
1
0
2
-
l
u
J

5
1
0
2
-
c
e
D

Based upon achievements in 2015, the Remuneration Committee determined the CEO and Senior Executives achieved an average 81% of 
their target STI opportunity. The percentage of the available STI cash 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:

Name

Martin Earp

Phillip Friery

Greg Bisset

Wee Leng Goh

Graeme Rhind

Average

Cash STI bonus

Payable %

Forfeited %

92%

83%

88%

98%

15%

81%

8%

17%

12%

2%

85%

19%

  InvoCare Annual Report 2015   35

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report continued

Remuneration Report continued

The following factors were among those considered by the Remuneration Committee in making its assessment on the achievement of the STI opportunity:

—  The successful CEO transition from Andrew Smith to Martin Earp and the establishment of a Group Executive Team, comprising 

executives with country or technical responsibilities, and the consequent review and formulation of strategies to continue the Group’s 
strong financial performance;

—  Financial performance was improved on the previous year, with achievement of Group, Australian and Singapore EBITDA targets, growth in 
overall market share in Australia and Singapore, healthy investment performance of prepaid funeral funds and lower debt financing costs;

—  The integration of acquired businesses, including a funeral business in Australia and two crematorium operations in New Zealand, and 

the establishment of a greenfield operation in Southern California, albeit the performance of the NZ and USA operations has not yet met 
expectations; and

—  The continued focus on cost management and the roll out of new technologies across the business.

In addition to STI, upon satisfying service and performance conditions, the Senior Executives also received the benefit of the vesting of LTI 
awards made in prior years. Further details are set out on page 41 under the heading “J. Share-based Compensation”.

The table below shows measures of the Group’s financial performance over the last five years, including those required by the Corporations 
Act 2001. However, these are not necessarily consistent with the measures used in determining the at-risk incentive components of Senior 
Executives’ remuneration. As a consequence, there may not always be a direct correlation between the statutory key performance measures 
and the variable remuneration awarded.

Reported profit after tax 

Basic earnings per share (cents)

Operating earnings after tax - note 1

Normal dividends

Normal dividends per share

Dividend payout of operating earnings

Total return per share – note 2

Total shareholder return – note 2

Share price – 31 December

Shares on issue

Market capitalisation – note 3

Enterprise value – note 4

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

$54.8m

$54.5m

$48.9m

$44.5m

$27.0m

50.1¢

$49.4m

$40.2m

38.0¢

85%

$0.28

2%

$12.01

110m

49.8¢

44.7¢

40.6¢

25.6¢

$46.2m

$42.5m

$42.5m

$36.4m

$40.1m

$37.9m

$37.4m

$32.5m

36.5¢

95%

$1.41

13%

34.5¢

90%

$2.60 

30%

$12.10

$11.04

110m

110m

34.0¢

88%

$1.39

18%

$8.78

110m

29.75¢

89%

$0.71

10%

$7.70

110m

$1,321m

$1,331m

$1,215m

$966m

$847m

$1,544m

$1,550m

$1,430m

$1,183m

$1,055m

1. 

2. 

 Operating earnings after tax is a financial measure which is not prescribed by Australian equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards (“AIFRS”) 
and represent the earnings under AIFRS adjusted for specific non-cash and significant items.

 Total return per share is the share price movement plus in year cash dividends paid. The total shareholder return percentage is the total return per share divided 
by the share price at the beginning of the year. During 2015, equity markets generally declined in value contributing to lower returns for InvoCare shareholders.

3. 

 Market capitalisation at 31 December, being number of shares on issue multiplied by share price at that date.

4. 

 Enterprise value is market capitalisation plus net debt.

F.  Non-executive director remuneration policy

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, Aon Hewitt.

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.

36

 
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 $1,250,000, being the amount approved by shareholders at the Annual 
General Meeting held on 22 May 2015. 

This remuneration is divided among the non-executive directors in such proportion as the Board determines. During the 2015 financial year, 
annual fees for non-executive directors were $231,000 for the Chairman of the Board and $126,000 for each of the other non-executive 
directors with an additional $10,500 for the Chairman of the Audit Committee. 

Using market information from an external review of non-executive director compensation commissioned by the Board Remuneration 
Committee, the Board has determined 2016 fees will be increased to $264,000 for the Chairman and $132,000 for each of the other non-
executive directors. The Chair of the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee will be paid an additional annual fee of $11,000 for the additional 
work associated with the Committee. The aggregate of these fees is below the current pool limit.

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. With the exception of $8,624 (2014: $6,702) paid to Richard Davis, no fees for additional or 
special duties were paid to non-executive directors holding office during the years ended 31 December 2015 and 31 December 2014.

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 DESP or PLTIP on a fee sacrifice basis. No shares or options have been issued or 
allocated to non-executive directors under either plan.

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

Directors’ equity holdings are set out under the heading “Information on directors” starting on page 21 of the Directors’ Report and in Note 7: 
“Key Management Personnel Disclosures” on page 67 of the notes to the financial statements.

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.

G.  Voting at InvoCare’s 2015 Annual General Meeting

The Remuneration Report for the year ended 31 December 2014 received a vote of 78.4% in favour at the Annual General Meeting held on 
22 May 2015. 

A resolution initially included on the Agenda for the 2015 AGM in relation to the proposed retirement arrangements for the former CEO, Mr 
Andrew Smith, was withdrawn as a result of expressions of concern by various stakeholders and larger shareholders in the Company.

The Company has assessed this feedback and consequently made amendments to the LTI arrangements and the termination provisions in 
the contracts of Senior Executives. These are detailed in the description of the 2016 LTI plan under the headings “D. Executive remuneration 
policy and framework” and “I - Service Agreements”. The Board is considering a possible termination benefit arrangement for the former CEO, 
which if approved by the Board, will be put to shareholders at the next AGM.

  InvoCare Annual Report 2015   37

Directors’ Report continued

Remuneration Report continued

H.  Details of Remuneration

Details of the remuneration of the directors and the executive key management personnel of the Group are set out in the following table.

Short-term employee benefits

Post 
employment 
benefits

Other 
long-term 
benefits

Share-based ≠payments

Long service 
leave (note 5)

LTI shares at 
risk (note 6)

LTI shares 
forfeited 
(note 7)

Total Statutory 
Remuneration 
(note 8)

Executives’ 
Actual 
Remuneration 
(note 9)

Cash salary 
or fee (note 1)

Short-term 
cash bonus 
(note 2)

Non-monetary 
benefits 
(note 3)

Year

$

Non-executive directors

Richard Fisher 

2015

 210,959 

(Chairman)

2014

 201,143 

Christine Clifton

2015

 115,068 

Richard Davis

2015

 123,692 

2014

 109,714 

2014

 116,668 

Aliza Knox

2015

 84,000 

(resigned 31 August 2015)

2014

 120,000 

Joycelyn Morton

(appointed 19 August 2015)

Roger Penman

2015

2014

2015

 42,464 

 - 

 34,125 

(resigned 15 December 2015)

2014

 130,000 

Gary Stead

2015

 115,068 

(appointed 01 September 2014)

2014

 36,529 

Executive directors

$

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

$

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

Super- 
annuation 
(note 4)

$

 20,041 

 18,857 

 10,932 

 10,286 

 10,932 

 10,034 

 - 

 - 

 4,034 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 10,932 

 3,471 

$

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

$

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

$

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 -

 - 

 -

$

$

 231,000 

 220,000 

 126,000 

 120,000 

 134,624 

 126,702 

 84,000 

 120,000 

 46,498 

 - 

 34,125 

 130,000 

 126,000 

 40,000 

 1,007,696 

 920,067 

 - 

 - 

 560,880 

 1,612,326 

Martin Earp 

2015

 572,739 

 295,326 

 26,531 

 22,730 

 9,256 

 81,115 

(appointed 30 March 2015)

2014

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

Andrew Smith (note 12)

2015

 231,756 

 44,072 

 12,409 

 8,667 

 4,419 

 259,556 

(contract ended 30 April 2015)

2014

 719,049 

 330,012 

 35,359 

 23,162 

 38,427 

 680,089 

(182,874) 

 1,643,224 

 1,250,340 

Other key management personnel

Phillip Friery

2015

 369,123 

 158,636 

 35,081 

 19,205 

 6,434 

 104,351 

(128,636) 

 564,194 

 701,518 

Greg Bisset

2015

 361,581 

 168,612 

 27,393 

 30,003 

 20,476 

 136,291 

(108,700) 

 635,655 

 779,967 

2014

 372,526 

 145,164 

 33,118 

 19,199 

 6,234 

 99,952 

(122,546) 

 553,647 

 668,302 

2014

 350,962 

 141,644 

 26,545 

 26,791 

 7,440 

 130,373 

(84,117) 

 599,638 

 642,482 

Andi Luiskandl

2015

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

(Ceased to be a KMP  
on 1 January 2015)

2014

 226,313 

 28,648 

 19,614 

 21,120 

 2,059 

 53,191 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 350,945 

 309,639 

Wee Leng Goh (note 10)

2015

 259,579 

 56,343 

 5,753 

 14,481 

Graeme Rhind (note 11) 

2015

 232,993 

 13,451 

 13,305 

 12,978 

2014

 229,934 

 35,820 

 5,207 

 11,897 

2014

 199,319 

 88,542 

 12,266 

 8,806 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 68,358 

(81,827) 

 322,687 

 416,251 

 87,629 

(41,712) 

 328,775 

 301,218 

 51,791 

 59,029 

 - 

 - 

 324,518 

 335,041 

 367,962 

 321,117

38

 
Notes to Remuneration Table:

1.  The total cost of fees and salary, including annual leave taken and provided and, at the discretion of the director or employee, any salary or fee sacrificed 

benefits, for example into superannuation.

2.  The amount to be settled in cash relating to performance of the Group and the individual for the financial year from 1 January to 31 December. The 

proportions of STI bonuses awarded and forfeited are set out in the table on page 35.

3.  The cost to the Company, including any fringe benefits tax, for the provision of fully maintained cars, and other items.

4.  Company contributions to superannuation.

5.  Long service leave accruals in accordance with relevant Australian Accounting Standards.

6.  The amount amortised as an expense in the financial year in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards which require the value of long-term share-
based incentive grants to be amortised as an expense over the relevant future vesting periods. The amounts shown relate to unvested share and rights 
grants made in the current and past financial years. Except for Mr Smith (see note 12) subject to meeting the vesting conditions of the grants, the shares or 
rights will vest, or be forfeited, in future financial years.

7.  The reversal in the current financial year, in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards, previous years’ amortisation expense for long-term incentive 

shares granted in earlier years but which were forfeited in the current financial year because vesting conditions were not met.

8.  Total statutory remuneration is calculated and disclosed in accordance with the Corporations Act and Australian Accounting Standards.

9.  For information purposes and comparison with the total statutory remuneration, this column shows the executives’ remuneration which actually crystallised 
during the year, including salary, superannuation, leave entitlements paid and accrued, short-term incentives payable in respect of the financial year, the 
market value at vesting date of long-term incentive shares granted in previous years which vested during the year and other benefits, including termination 
benefits. The approximate market values of previous grants which were forfeited during the year were $209,623 for Phillip Friery, $177,135 for Greg Bisset 
and $66,487 for Wee Leng Goh.

10.  Wee Leng Goh, Chief Executive Officer of Singapore Casket Company, received total remuneration of SG$333,563 (2014:SG$375,852), which has been 

converted to Australian dollars at the average exchange rate for the year of 0.9676 (2014: 0.8750).

11.  Graeme Rhind, Chief Operating Officer of New Zealand, received total remuneration of NZ$349,514 (2014:NZ$400,028), which has been converted to 

Australian dollars at the average exchange rate for the year of 0.9284 (2014: 0.9199).

12.  In accordance with Australian Accounting Standards, the above table records the cash salary for time worked, payments for periods of annual leave taken, 

superannuation contributions, STI entitlement, non-monetary benefits and LTI expense all relating to Mr Andrew Smith’s service up to 30 April 2015, the date 
his service contract expired. In the column headed “Executives’ Actual Remuneration”, the amount shown for Mr Smith includes the market value of vested 
LTI shares granted in prior years which met performance conditions and termination benefits provided effective 30 April 2015, being accrued but untaken 
leave entitlements of $177,363, and LTI shares to the value of $769,996 which automatically vested in accordance with the terms of his service contract. 
The amount shown in that column does not include provision of additional termination benefits, being the value of further unvested shares nor his 2015 STI 
entitlement, which require shareholder approval.

I.  Service Agreements

Chief Executive Officer

Remuneration and other terms of employment for the CEO, Martin Earp, have been formalised in a service agreement, which may be updated 
from time to time. The service agreement specifies that employment commenced on 30 March 2015, the role of CEO was assumed on 
1 May 2015 and, subject to agreement to extend the term, employments ends on 30 March 2018. The agreement provides for provision of 
salary, superannuation, short-term performance related cash bonuses, long-term performance related share-based bonuses and other benefits.

The total remuneration package is reviewed annually and the latest review effective from 1 January 2016 provides for Martin Earp’s 
remuneration as follows:

—  Total fixed remuneration (ie. annual base salary, superannuation and motor vehicle) of $855,000 (“TFR”);

—  short-term incentive bonus of up to $439,470, being 51.4% TFR; and

—  LTI award under the proposed PLTIP to the value of $513,000, being 60.0% of TFR.

The STI opportunity will be subject to key performance conditions and weightings as follows:

EBITDA achievement (50% weighting) – with no STI earned until 90% of EBITDA budget is achieved at which level 25% of STI is payable, with 
pro-rata increases to 100% budget achievement;

Team building (10% weighting) – assessed by external consultant review of success;

Developing marketing and digital business (10% weighting); and

Delivery of agreed growth projects and development of implementation plans for future growth projects (30% weighting).

The Board intends seeking the approval of shareholders at the next AGM for the CEO’s LTI awards.

The Remuneration Committee and Board have the discretion to provide additional performance incentives. Under the CEO service agreement, 
where less than 100% of a short-term incentive bonus is achieved in a financial year, the employee may recover any shortfall in a subsequent 
financial year if the effective compound per annum achievement rate in a subsequent financial year exceeds the original rate not achieved.

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

  InvoCare Annual Report 2015   39

Directors’ Report continued

Remuneration Report continued

Other Senior Executives

Remuneration and other terms of employment for each of the other Senior Executives are formalised in service agreements or letters of 
appointment as varied from time to time, including through annual review. Each contract is for an indefinite term.

The Senior Executive’s total remuneration package is reviewed annually by the Remuneration Committee and Board and, from 2016, provides 
for remuneration to include:

—  TFR;

—  short-term incentive bonus averaging 42% of TFR with no retesting to recover any previous year shortfall; and

—  LTI awards averaging 35% of TFR.

Termination Arrangements for Senior Executives

Up to six months’ notice or payment in lieu of notice is generally required in the event of termination by the employer company. The company 
employer may terminate the employee immediately and without notice in the case of misconduct.

If the employee resigns, the employee must generally give six months’ notice or forfeit six months’ total remuneration for that notice period.

Termination benefits are limited to statutory leave entitlements, unless determined otherwise by the Remuneration Committee and Board. 
Upon employment termination for any reason unvested LTI awards will be forfeited, unless the Board exercises its discretion to determine 
otherwise as set out under the sub-heading “Long term incentives” under the heading “D. Executive remuneration policy and framework”. The 
Board proposes putting a resolution dealing with termination benefit arrangements to shareholders at the next AGM.

Except for the CEO who is not subject to any post-employment restraints, other Senior Executives are generally subject to post-employment 
restrictions for up to twelve months after employment termination without consideration paid for the restraint.

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.

40

J.  Share-based Compensation

Details of the LTI share and LTI rights grants, vesting and forfeits for the Chief Executive Officer and other key management personnel are set 
out below.

Year of 
grant

Final year 
vesting may 
occur (note1)

Number 
of shares 
or rights 
granted

Value at grant 
date (note 2)

Number 
vested 
during year

Total 
number 
vested

Vested 
%

Maximum 
value yet to 
vest (note 3)

Number 
forfeited 
during year  
(notes 4 & 5)

Value of 
forfeits 
(note 4)

Aggregate 
forfeited %

Andrew Smith

(note 5)

Martin Earp

Phillip Friery

Greg Bisset

Wee Leng Goh

Graeme Rhind

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2015

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2020

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2017

2018

2019

2020

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

419

$4,581

27,417

$311,559

22,677

$311,559

-

-

2%

100%

100%

-

27,288

$201,163

27,288

27,288

100%

35,792

$284,325

31,115

35,792

100%

27,799

$303,960

27,380

27,799

98%

27,417

22,677

0%

0%

27,417

$311,559

22,677

$311,559

17,410

$239,200

17,454

$128,667

8,098

$64,334

9,617

$105,140

9,483

$107,768

8,079

$111,001

14,749

$108,728

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

$239,200

-

-

17,454

0% $128,667

17,454

$128,667

100%

4,340

3,206

5,398

3,206

67%

33%

$21,450

$70,090

-

-

-

-

$107,768

$111,001

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

14,749

0% $108,728

14,749

$108,728

100%

16,088

$127,803

8,622

10,725

12,212

$133,525

4,071

4,071

12,044

$136,863

10,260

$140,969

5,536

$40,800

5,081

$39,432

4,124

$45,075

4,607

$52,336

4074

$55,977

4,536

$35,199

3,464

$37,862

4,011

$45,565

3,422

$47,018

-

-

-

2,815

1,374

-

-

2,431

1,154

-

-

-

-

5,536

3,387

1,374

-

-

3,024

1,514

-

-

67%

33%

$42,612

$89,013

-

-

$136,863

$140,969

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

0%

$85,522

5,536

$85,522

100%

67%

33%

-

-

67%

33%

-

-

$20,344

$33,025

$55,320

$48,916

$18,159

$27,741

$48,353

$41,087

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1.  Under the terms of the respective year’s LTI grants, unvested shares or rights may vest in whole or in part in any year from 2015 up to the final year shown 

for each grant year.

2.  The value at grant date is based upon the share price at the time of grant. In accordance with Australian Accounting Standards, the original grant value of 
LTI shares is the amount amortised as an expense over the relevant future vesting periods. In the case of LTI rights for overseas based Wee Leng Goh and 
Graeme Rhind, the amount expensed over the relevant future vesting periods takes account of value changes of the rights using the Black-Scholes/Merton 
valuation methodology.

3.  The maximum value of the original grant yet to vest. LTI shares are valued at original grant value. LTI rights for overseas based Wee Leng Goh and Graeme 
Rhind are valued using the Black-Scholes/Merton valuation methodology. Performance conditions must be met before vesting and, if not, the minimum that 
will vest could be nil.

4.  Upon final testing in February 2016, from the balance of unvested shares held in trust at the end of the year, shares from grants made in 2011 were forfeited 

due to EPS performance conditions unlikely to be achieved.

5. 

In the case of Andrew Smith, unvested shares at the date of his termination on 30 April 2015, including from the 2011 grant, either automatically vested 
upon termination in accordance with the terms of his service contract or will vest subject to shareholder approval (the latter have been displayed as forfeited 
in this table).

The number of ordinary shares in the Company, or share appreciation rights, held during the year by each director of InvoCare Limited and 
other key management personnel are summarised in Note 7 on page 67.

  InvoCare Annual Report 2015   41

Directors’ Report continued

Indemnifying officers or auditor

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 43.

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.

Richard Fisher 
Director 

Martin Earp 
Director

Dated this 16th day of February 2016

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.

No indemnity has been provided to the auditor of the Company in its 
capacity as auditor of the Company.

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 2015:

Australian Firm

Assurance services

Taxation services

Other services

Non-Australian Firms

Taxation services

Other services

Total

$

23,617

80,506

16,666

48,391

485

169,665

42

 
 
 
 
 
Auditor’s Independence Declaration

As lead auditor for the audit of InvoCare Limited for the year ended 31 December 2015, 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.

Brett Entwistle 
Partner 

PricewaterhouseCoopers

Sydney 
16 February 2016

PricewaterhouseCoopers, ABN 52 780 433 757 
Darling Park Tower 2, 201 Sussex Street, GPO BOX 2650, SYDNEY NSW 1171  
DX 77 Sydney, Australia 
T +61 2 8266 0000, F +61 2 8266 9999, www.pwc.com.au 

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. 

  InvoCare Annual Report 2015   43

 
 
Consolidated Income Statement 

For the year ended 31 December 2015

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 and amortisation expenses

Cemetery land impairment reversal

Financial assets impairment charge

Finance costs

Interest income

Net gain/(loss) on undelivered prepaid contracts

Acquisition related costs

Share of net loss of associate

Net gain 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

Non-controlling interests

Notes

2015 
$’000

2014 
$’000

4

445,941

420,204

(125,445)

(121,614)

(115,446)

(105,258)

(26,885)

(16,715)

(28,155)

(8,824)

(19,045)

105,426

(20,180)

5,400

(2,635)

(24,124)

(14,912)

(27,149)

(8,819)

(17,246)

101,082

(19,187)

2,600

(2,000)

(14,786)

(15,483)

5

5

5

5

15

722

7,527

(70)

-

312

81,716

6

(26,747)

54,969

54,969

54,844

125

54,969

749

10,915

(1,215)

(525)

334

77,270

(22,643)

54,627

54,627

54,515

112

54,627

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

50.1

50.1

49.8

49.8

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

44

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income 

For the year ended 31 December 2015

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income

Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss

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

Non-controlling interests

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

Notes

26

26

2015 
$’000

2014 
$’000

54,969

54,627

1,179

(551)

628

(82)

1,537

1,455

55,597

56,082

55,472

125

55,597

55,970

112

56,082

  InvoCare Annual Report 2015   45

Consolidated Balance Sheet 

As at 31 December 2015

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

Prepaid contract funds under management

Intangible assets

Deferred selling costs

Equity accounted investments

Total non-current assets

Total assets

LIABILITIES

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Borrowings

Derivative financial instruments

Current tax liabilities

Prepaid contract liabilities

Deferred revenue

Provisions

Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Borrowings

Derivative financial instruments

Deferred tax liabilities

Prepaid contract liabilities

Deferred revenue

Provisions

Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

EQUITY

Contributed equity

Reserves

Retained profits

Parent entity interest

Non-controlling interests

Total equity

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

46

Notes

12

13

14

15

18 (c)

13

18

15

19

21

22

20

15

23

21

22

20

6 (d)

15

23

25

26

26

27

2015 
$’000

2014 
$’000

8,679

41,139

24,451

35,066

3,499

1,299

10,488

39,237

22,313

32,997

2,702

1,138

114,133

108,875

22,881

4

322,248

387,218

152,751

9,374

-

894,476

1,008,609

16,381

61

308,344

367,970

152,480

8,719

2,423

856,378

965,253

39,313

37,091

-

1,130

10,111

34,954

8,660

14,318

2

622

9,364

33,847

7,588

13,726

108,486

102,240

174

230,772

3,062

36,420

373,494

50,457

2,306

696,685

805,171

203,438

133,694

5,529

63,054

202,277

1,161

203,438

260

229,350

5,284

32,275

359,994

45,482

2,409

675,054

777,294

187,959

131,682

6,756

48,367

186,805

1,154

187,959

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 

For the year ended 31 December 2015

Attributable to Owners of InvoCare Limited

Contributed 
equity  
$’000

Reserves 
$’000

Retained 
earnings 
$’000

Notes

Non 
controlling 
interest  
$’000

Total 

Total equity 
$’000

Balance at 1 January 2015

131,682

6,756

48,367

186,805

1,154

187,959

Total comprehensive income for the year

Dividends paid

Deferred employee share plan shares vesting during  
the year

Transfer of shares from the deferred plan to the InvoCare 
Exempt Share Plan Trust

Employee shares – value of services

Balance at 31 December 2015

Balance at 1 January 2014

Total comprehensive income for the year

Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners:

Dividends paid

Deferred employee share plan shares vesting during  
the year

Acquisition of shares by the InvoCare Deferred Share  
Plan Trust

Employee shares – value of services

-

-

628

54,844

55,472

125

55,597

-

(40,157)

(40,157)

(118)

(40,275)

1,684

(1,684)

328

-

-

(171)

-

-

-

-

328

(171)

-

-

-

-

328

(171)

133,694

5,529

63,054

202,277

1,161

203,438

132,393

4,423

32,636

169,452

1,245

170,697

-

-

1,455

54,515

55,970

112

56,082

-

(38,784)

(38,784)

(203)

(38,987)

457

(457)

(1,168)

-

-

1,335

-

-

-

-

(1,168)

1,335

-

-

-

-

(1,168)

1,335

10

26

25

26

10

26

25

26

Balance at 31 December 2014

131,682

6,756

48,367

186,805

1,154

187,959

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

  InvoCare Annual Report 2015   47

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 

For the year ended 31 December 2015

Cash flows from operating activities

Receipts from customers (including GST)

Payments to suppliers and employees (including GST)

Other revenue

Interest received

Finance costs

Income tax paid

Net cash inflow from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

Purchase of subsidiaries and other businesses including acquisition costs, net of cash acquired

Purchase of property, plant and equipment 

Payments to funds for pre-paid contract sales

Receipts from funds for pre-paid contracts performed

Net cash outflow from investing activities

Cash flows 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 

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests in subsidiaries

Net cash outflow from financing activities

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

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

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

Notes

2015 
$’000

2014 
$’000

489,769

(395,007)

7,856

102,618

83

(14,380)

(23,690)

64,631

1,138

(7,076)

(22,035)

(35,338)

37,022

(26,289)

-

45,023

(44,953)

(40,157)

(118)

(40,205)

(1,863)

10,488

54

8,679

464,134

(367,317)

7,904

104,721

132

(14,981)

(20,182)

69,690

1,003

(6,738)

(26,665)

(33,326)

35,389

(30,337)

(1,168)

42,250

(40,000)

(38,784)

(203)

(37,905)

1,448

8,899

141

10,488

31

12

48

Notes to the Financial Statements 

For the year ended 31 December 2015

Note 1:  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

(b)  Principles of consolidation

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

The consolidated financial statements and notes of InvoCare Limited 
also comply with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) 
as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”).

(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 IFRS 
requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also 
requires the exercise of 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. 

As of 1 January 2015 the Group has adopted a change in the 
presentation of its consolidated statement of cash flows whereby 
cash flows to and from independent prepaid funeral trust funds are 
classified as investing instead of operating activities. The changes 
were adopted to be consistent with the recognition of trust fund 
fair value movements in the consolidated balance sheet and 
consolidated income statement. 

As a result the 2014 comparative information in the consolidated 
statement of cash flows and reconciliation of cash flow from 
operations with profit from ordinary activities after income tax has 
changed as follows:

- 

receipts from customers (including GST) have decreased 
$2,063,000 and

(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 2015 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 entities (including structured entities) over which 
the Group has control. The Group controls an entity when the Group 
is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement 
with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its 
power to direct the activities of the entity.

Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is 
transferred to the Group. They are deconsolidated from the date that 
control ceases. The 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.

Non-controlling 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-acquistion profits or losses 
and its share of post-acqusition 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.

-  net cash flows from investing activities have increased by 

$2,063,000 comprising payments to funds for pre-paid contract 
sales $33,326,000 and receipts from funds for pre-paid contracts 
performed $35,389,000.

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

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

  InvoCare Annual Report 2015   49

Notes to the Financial Statements continued 

For the year ended 31 December 2015

Note 1:  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 
continued

(c)  Segment reporting

Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the 
internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision maker. 
This reporting is based on the operational location of the business 
because different economic and cultural factors impact growth and 
profitability of the segment.

(d)  Foreign currency translation

(i)  Functional and presentation currency

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

(ii)  Transactions and balances

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

(iii)  Group companies

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

-  assets and liabilities for each balance sheet presented are 

translated at the closing rate at the date of that balance sheet;

- 

income and expenses for each income statement are translated 
at average exchange rates (unless this is not a reasonable 
approximation of the cumulative effect of the rates prevailing on 
the transaction dates, in which case income and expenses are 
translated at the dates of the transactions); and

-  all resulting exchange differences are recognised in other 

comprehensive income.

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 
recognised in other comprehensive income. 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 where actual deliveries are not 
individually tracked 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 to Note 1(n).

Interest income is recognised using the effective interest method.

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.

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.

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

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

50

Note 1:  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 
continued

(h)  Leases

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

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

(i)  Business combinations and acquisitions of assets

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

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

Where settlement of any part of cash consideration is deferred, 
the amounts payable in the future are discounted to their present 
value as at the date of acquisition. The discount rate used is the 
entity’s incremental borrowing rate, being the rate at which a similar 
borrowing could be obtained from an independent financier under 
comparable terms and conditions. Any variations in the initial 
estimates of deferred consideration and the final amount payable are 
remeasured through the statement of comprehensive income.

Contingent consideration is classified either as equity or a financial liability. 
Amounts classified as a financial liability are subsequently remeasured to 
fair value with changes in fair value recognised in profit or loss.

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 
depreciation or 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.

(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 uncollectable, 
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 the Group 
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 the Group. The Group 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. The Group 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.

  InvoCare Annual Report 2015   51

Notes to the Financial Statements continued 

For the year ended 31 December 2015

Note 1:  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 
continued

(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.

Cemetery land is carried at cost less accumulated amortisation and 
impairment write-downs. The consolidated entity sells interment 
and inurnment rights 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.

(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 risks associated with 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 26. 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. 

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

52

Note 1:  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 
continued

(i)  Cash flow hedges

The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives that are 
designated and qualify as cash flow hedges is recognised in equity in 
the hedging reserve. The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion 
is recognised immediately in the statement of comprehensive income 
within finance costs.

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

When a hedging instrument expires or is sold or terminated, or 
when a hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, 
any cumulative gain or loss existing in equity at that time remains in 
equity and is recognised when the forecast transaction is ultimately 
recognised in the 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 corporate bonds with terms to maturity and currency that 
match, as closely as possible, the estimated future cash outflows.

(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, share 
appreciation rights or options over shares. Details of the employee 
share, share appreciation 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. 
Cash settled share based payments are valued at each reporting date 
using a Black Scholes valuation technique. Increases or decreases in 
value are recorded as part of employee benefits expense. 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.

  InvoCare Annual Report 2015   53

Notes to the Financial Statements continued 

For the year ended 31 December 2015

Note 1:  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 
continued

(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 the 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 presented 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, are presented as operating cash flows.

(y)  Parent entity financial information

The financial information for the parent entity, InvoCare Limited, 
disclosed in Note 35 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 
statements 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 2015 reporting 
periods. The Group’s assessments of the impacts of these new 
standards and interpretations are set out below.

(i) AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers  

AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers establishes 
principles for reporting useful information to users of financial 
statements about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of 
revenue and cash flows arising from an entity’s contracts with 
customers. The standard is not applicable until 1 January 2018 but is 
available for early adoption.  The new standard may have relevance 
to the Group’s accounting practices surrounding the revenue 
recognition of some sale transactions in the Group’s cemeteries and 
crematoria. The exact nature and quantum of any impacts remains 
as yet un-determined and is currently being assessed. The standard 
is not expected to have a significant impact on other aspects of the 
Group’s revenue.

54

 
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 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 ageing 
analysis for credit risk.

Strategic risk management is carried out by the Board of Directors. The Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee, which operate under policies 
approved by the Board, is 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

Financial liabilities

Trade and other payables

Borrowings
Derivative financial instruments

* excluding prepayments and security deposits

(a)  Market risk

(i)  Cash flow and fair value interest rate risk

2015 
$’000

2014 
$’000

8,679

55,759

422,284
4

486,726

39,487

230,772
4,192
274,451

10,488

47,183

400,967
61

458,699

37,351

229,352
5,906
272,609

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. The broad policy of the Group to keep 75% of debt, measured by individual currency, on fixed interest rates over the next twelve 
months by entering into interest rate swap contracts. The policy, however, provides flexibility to reduce the level of coverage in low interest rate 
currency or when the interest rate outlook is relatively benign. 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 outstanding during the year had an effective average interest 
rate of 5.38% (2014: 5.80%) inclusive of swaps and margins but excluding establishment fees.

At balance date, interest rate swaps for 64% (2014: 76%) of borrowings were in place. Of these interest rate swaps 19% (2014: 15%) were 
denominated in New Zealand dollar fixed interest instruments, with the balance denominated in Australian dollars. As at 31 December 2015 
the weighted average fixed interest rate payable on the interest rate swaps is 4.38% (2014: 4.43%) and the weighted average variable rate 
receivable as at 31 December 2015 is 2.44% (2014: 2.90%).

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

31 December 2015

31 December 2014

Weighted average 
interest rate

Balance $’000

Weighted average 
interest rate

Balance $’000

Bank loans

Interest rate swaps (notional principal)

Net exposure to cash flow interest rate risk

5.38%

4.38%

238,819

148,124

90,695

5.80%

4.43%

232,658

175,808

56,850

  InvoCare Annual Report 2015   55

 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued 

For the year ended 31 December 2015

Note 2:  Financial Risk Management continued

(a)  Market risk continued

(i)  Cash flow and fair value interest rate risk continued

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

Less than one year

One to two years

Two to three years

Three to four years

Four to five years

2015 
$’000

60,000

60,000

28,110

30,000

30,000

2014 
$’000

55,808

60,000

60,000

28,675

-

208,110

204,483

These 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 in Australian and New Zealand rates (2014: 
100 basis points) and 50 basis points in Singapore (2014: 50 basis points) in the interest rate would result in additional interest expense after tax of 
$395,000 (2014: $449,000). A decrease of 100 basis points in Australian and New Zealand rates (2014: 100 basis points) and 50 basis points in 
Singapore (2014: 50 basis points) in the interest rate would result in an after tax gain of $395,000 (2014: $118,000). 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 judged to be effective at 31 December 2015 and the movements in the fair value of these 
instruments have been quarantined in equity. If interest rates decline by 100 basis points (2014: 100 basis points) a further $1,179,000 (2014: 
$1,417,000) 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 $1,179,000 (2014: $1,086,000) net of tax.

The overall impact on the Group has been summarised on page 61.

The Group’s cash and cash equivalents held in Australia are interest bearing. At 31 December 2015 the weighted average interest rate was 
0.67% (2014: 0.91%). If interest rates changed by 100 basis points (2014: 100 basis points) the Group’s after tax result would increase or 
decrease by $44,000 (2014: $53,000).

(ii)  Foreign exchange risk

The Group rarely undertakes significant 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, Singapore, the 
USA and north Asia. 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. 

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

2015 
$’000

2014 
$’000

Borrowings

Derivatives

New Zealand Dollars

Singapore Dollars

New Zealand Dollars

Singapore Dollars

41,696

1,126

26,136

-

35,844

429

30,454

-

The Group has no significant unhedged foreign exchange exposures at 31 December 2015. The Singapore dollar borrowing is undertaken in 
Australia and designated as the hedge of a net investment in a subsidiary. The New Zealand dollar borrowings are undertaken in New Zealand.

56

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 2015 and 31 December 
2014 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 2015

31 December 2014

Increase

Decrease

Increase

Decrease

7,179

3,294

-

(7,179)

(3,294)

-

4,010

1,925

-

(4,010)

(1,925)

-

10,473

(10,473)

5,935

(5,935)

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 14% 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.

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 property, cash and fixed interest investments. When 
considering investment strategies the life cycle of the fund is considered so that funds which are closer to the end of their expected life take a 
more conservation investment stance than those funds continuing to receive new funds.

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

Equities

Property

Cash and fixed interest

2015 
%

17

26

57

2014 
%

10

16

74

Approximately 82% of InvoCare’s prepaid funds under management are with Over Fifty Guardian Friendly Society.

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

(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.

  InvoCare Annual Report 2015   57

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued 

For the year ended 31 December 2015

Note 2:  Financial Risk Management continued

(b)  Credit risk continued

(i) 

Impaired receivables

The total amount of the provision for doubtful receivables was $2,268,000 (2014: $2,230,000). As at 31 December 2015, receivables with 
a nominal value of $3,050,000 (2014: $3,261,000) had been specifically identified internally or referred to the Group’s independent debt 
collection agent 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 2015, trade receivables of $8,745,000 (2014: $7,928,000) 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 ageing of receivables past due but not impaired follows:

One to three months overdue

Over three months overdue

(iii) Other receivables

2015 
$’000

4,365

4,381

2014 
$’000

4,479

3,449

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

(iv)  Interest rate risks

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

(c)  Liquidity risk

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

58

 
Note 2:  Financial Risk Management continued

(c)  Liquidity risk continued

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

2015 
$’000

2014 
$’000

-

-

290,000

255,000

9,685

6,910

299,685

261,910

231,832

230,304

2,416

1,156

234,248

231,460

58,168

7,269

65,437

24,696

5,754

30,450

The tables below analyse the Group’s financial liabilities into the relevant maturity groupings based on their contractual terms. Trade and other 
payables and borrowings are non-derivative liabilities.

31 December 2015

Trade and other payables

Borrowings

Derivatives

31 December 2014

Trade and other payables

Borrowings

Derivatives

Less than one year 
$’000

Two to three years 
$’000

39,313

-

1,130

174

163,332

2,978

Less than one year 
$’000

Two to three years 
$’000

37,091

-

622

178

70,304

4,864

More than  
three years 
$’000

-

68,500

84

More than  
three years 
$’000

82

160,000

420

Total 
$’000

39,487

231,832

4,192

Total 
$’000

37,351

230,304

5,906

The Group’s external debt financing is provided by four major banks in Australia and their New Zealand operations, where relevant, through 
bi-lateral revolver debt facilities totalling $290 million, $120 million expiring in December 2020 and $170 million expiring in December 2018.

The facilities agreements’ covenant ratios are calculated on a rolling 12-month basis and have been met at 31 December 2015. 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.

  InvoCare Annual Report 2015   59

Notes to the Financial Statements continued 

For the year ended 31 December 2015

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 2015, basic EPS was 50.1 cents (2014: 49.8 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 45.1 cents (2014: 42.2 cents). Importantly, senior management of the Group have long-term 
incentives linked to EPS growth, thus aligning employee and shareholder interests. Total compound annual shareholder return, being the 
sum of cash dividends and share price growth, has exceeded 19% (2014: 21%) 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 $7.25 or 725% (2014: $7.03 or 
703%) up to 31 December 2015.

-  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 2015 dividends 
represents a payout ratio of 85% (2014: 87%) of operating earnings after tax.

-  Monitoring participation in the Dividend Reinvestment Plan: Up to 20% of the Company’s shareholders have participated in the DRP since 

it was first activated in October 2006.

-  Confirming compliance with the debt covenant ratios, as defined in the facility agreements, through bi-annual calculations. The Group has 

complied with its banking covenants as follows:

- 

Interest cover (EBITDA/Net Interest Expense) must be greater than 3.00:1.

-  Leverage ratio (Net Debt/Adjusted EBITDA) must not be greater than 3.50:1.

-  Maintaining an optimal leverage ratio: The optimal capital structure, which has the lowest cost of capital, is indicatively at a leverage ratio 

(i.e. Net Debt/EBITDA) of between 3:1 and 5:1. The Group can sustain and service higher levels of debt than the amount at balance date. 
Where the capacity exists, debt financing will be used for small acquisitions and capital expenditure. In the absence of opportunities to 
invest in growing the business, the Group will consider applying excess debt capacity to make returns to shareholders.

-  Maintaining floating to fixed base interest rate swaps for at least 75% of debt principal. At 31 December 2015 the proportion of debt 

hedged was 64% (2014: 76%). The hedge contracts extend to the second half of 2020.

-  Managing refinancing risk: The Groups borrowing facilities were renewed during 2015 and have been split into two tranches across four 
banks in order to reduce refinancing risk. The second tranche originally due to expire in September 2014 was refinanced in December 
2013 along with the tranche due to expire in September 2015 and they now expire in December 2018. The tranche expiring in September 
2016 was re-negotiated during 2015 and now expires in December 2020.

60

Note 2:  Financial Risk Management continued

(e)  Summarised sensitivity analysis

The following table summarises the sensitivity of the Group’s financial assets and financial liabilities to interest rate risk and foreign exchange 
risk net of applicable income tax.

Prepaid contract funds under management

422,284

(1,385)

Total increase/(decrease)

(1,824)

1,179

1,824

(1,179)

(133)

-

109

2

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

8,679

55,759

(44)

-

4

39,487

-

-

230,772

(395)

-

-

-

-

-

-

44

-

1,385

-

-

395

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

2

-

-

-

-

(133)

1,444

109

(1,432)

4,192

-

1,179

-

(1,179)

-

(1,444)

-

1,432

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

10,488

47,183

(53)

-

61

37,351

-

-

229,352

(118)

-

-

-

-

-

-

53

-

1,738

-

-

449

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1

-

-

-

-

(108)

2,536

88

(2,344)

5,906

-

1,417

-

(1,086)

-

(2,536)

(1,909)

1,417

2,240

(1,086)

(108)

-

-

88

2,344

1

31 December 2015

Financial assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Accounts receivable

Other financial assets

Financial liabilities

Trade and other payables

Borrowings

Derivatives

31 December 2014

Financial assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Accounts receivable

Other financial assets

Financial liabilities

Trade and other payables

Borrowings

Derivatives

Total increase/(decrease)

 (f)  Fair value estimation

Prepaid contract funds under management

400,967

(1,738)

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.

This section explains the judgements and estimates made in determining the fair values of the financial instruments that are recognised and 
measured at fair value in the financial statements. To provide an indication about the reliability of the inputs used in determining fair value, the 
Group has classified its financial instruments into the three levels prescribed under the accounting standards as detailed below:

(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).

The fair value of contingent consideration is calculated as the present value of the expected cash flows using a discount rate that reflects the 
incremental costs of borrowing used to fund the acquisition. If the discount rate was increased by 10% the contingent consideration would reduce 
by $1,000 (2014: $7,000). Similarly, a 10% decrease in the discount rate results in an increase in contingent consideration of $1,000 (2014: $7,000).

  InvoCare Annual Report 2015   61

Notes to the Financial Statements continued 

For the year ended 31 December 2015

Note 2:  Financial Risk Management continued

(f)  Fair value estimation continued

Level 1

Prepaid contract funds under management

422,284

400,967

2015 
$’000

2014 
$’000

Level 2

Derivatives financial instruments

Level 3

Contingent consideration

(4,192)

(5,906)

(1,457)

(1,912)

No financial instruments or derivatives are held for trading. The contingent consideration represents expected future payments for business 
acquisitions which are subject to performance hurdles. The carrying value is calculated by discounting the expected future payments to their 
present value using the current interest rate on the Group’s borrowings. 

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).

Note 3:  Segment Information

(a)  Description of segments

The operating segments should be based on the management reporting regularly reviewed by the CEO. 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 (“CEO”)

The segment information provided to the CEO for reportable segments to 31 December 2015 and 31 December 2014 is outlined below. 

Australian 
Operations

Singapore 
Operations

New Zealand 
Operations

Other 
Operations

Consolidated

2015 
$’000

2015 
$’000

2015 
$’000

2015 
$’000

2015 
$’000

374,080

16,525

44,337

1,429

436,371

8,367

397

704

102

9,570

(289,895)

(8,951)

(36,398)

(5,271)

(340,515)

7,971

(635)

8,643

(2,304)

(3,740)

105,426

(151)

(20,180)

92,552

(17,090)

5,400

(2,635)

-

-

-

-

(11,831)

(789)

(2,165)

661

(25,343)

85,780

886,448

725,160

-

(930)

14,168

38,181

28,802

61

(457)

45,323

80,286

50,697

-

-

(1)

-

5,400

(2,635)

(14,786)

722

(17)

(26,747)

1,704

146,975

3,694

1,008,609

512

805,171

Revenue from external customers

Other revenue (excluding interest income)

Operating expenses

Operating EBITDA

Depreciation and amortisation

Cemetery land impairment reversal

Financial assets impairment charge

Finance costs

Interest income

Income tax expense

Total goodwill

Total assets

Total liabilities

62

 
 
Revenue from external customers

Other revenue (excluding interest income)

Operating expenses

Operating EBITDA

Depreciation and amortisation

Cemetery land impairment reversal

Financial assets impairment charge

Finance costs

Interest income

Share of net loss of associate

Income tax expense

Total goodwill

Total assets

Total liabilities

Australian 
Operations

Singapore 
Operations

New Zealand 
Operations

Other 
Operations

Consolidated

2014 
$’000

2014 
$’000

2014 
$’000

356,056

13,820

42,986

2014 
$’000

149

44

2014 
$’000

413,011

7,193

(242)

(319,122)

(49)

(24)

-

-

-

-

-

101,082

(19,187)

2,600

(2,000)

(15,483)

749

(525)

307

(7,420)

6,707

(576)

-

-

138

(34,437)

8,687

(2,027)

-

-

(634)

(1,933)

-

-

48

-

(793)

(961)

(2)

(22,643)

13,495

40,838

32,993

44,596

72,312

42,810

1,518

3,004

57

145,390

965,253

777,294

6,704

(277,023)

85,737

(16,560)

2,600

(2,000)

(12,916)

701

(525)

(20,887)

85,781

849,099

701,434

Operating EBITDA of $105,426,000 (2014: $101,082,000 ) is reconciled to profit before tax on the face of the consolidated income statement.

(c)  Segment information - accounting policies

The consolidated entity operates in one industry, being the funeral industry, with significant operations in Australia, New Zealand and 
Singapore and smaller operations in Hong Kong and the USA.

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. Group’s operations in Hong Kong and the USA have been aggregated under “Other Operations” in 
the tables above due to their relatively small size.

Note 4:  Revenue from Continuing Operations

Sales revenue

Sale of goods

Services revenue

Rent

Administration fees

Sundry revenue

2015 
$’000

2014 
$’000

178,707

257,664

436,371

345

5,623

3,602

9,570

166,127

246,884

413,011

270

5,245

1,678

7,193

Total revenue from continuing operations

445,941

420,204

  InvoCare Annual Report 2015   63

 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued 

For the year ended 31 December 2015

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

Cemetery land impairment reversal

Leasehold land impairment reversal

Financial assets impairment charge

Total depreciation, amortisation and impairment

Finance costs

Interest paid and payable

Other finance costs

Total financing costs

Impairment losses – financial assets

Trade receivables

Rental expense

Operating lease rental – minimum lease payments

Defined contribution superannuation expense

2015 
$’000

2014 
$’000

4,382

13,394

17,776

389

176

567

1,272

2,404

20,180

(5,400)

-

2,635

17,415

12,739

2,047

14,786

4,243

12,712

16,955

344

176

443

1,269

2,232

19,187

(2,500)

(100)

2,000

18,587

13,426

2,057

15,483

923

470

11,422

8,396

11,116

7,514

64

 
 
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% (2014: 30%) on profit before tax

Tax effect of amounts which are not deductible/(taxable) in calculation of taxable income

Impact of previously unrecognised capital losses offsetting capital gains and unrecognised capital 
losses

Impact of the eliminations of translation gains/(losses) on intercompany balances in foreign currencies

Impact of impairment of financial assets

Acquisition costs not deductible

Impact of share of the net loss of an associate

Revenue losses not recognised

Other items (net)

Difference in overseas tax rates

Under/(over) provision in prior years

Income tax expense

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

Cash flow hedges

Foreign currency translation reserve

2015 
$’000

24,207

1,406

1,134

26,747

2014 
$’000

19,993

2,774

(124)

22,643

2015 
$’000

2014 
$’000

24,515

23,181

(48)

(123)

790

27

-

1,358

308

26,827

(1,214)

1,134

26,747

(164)

131

-

282

158

168

(61)

23,695

(928)

(124)

22,643

2015 
$’000

552

-

2014 
$’000

48

359

  InvoCare Annual Report 2015   65

Notes to the Financial Statements continued 

For the year ended 31 December 2015

Note 6: 

Income Tax continued

(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:

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 – current period

Net charge (credit) to income statement – prior periods

Amounts recognised due to business combinations net of businesses subsequently sold

Amounts recognised directly in equity

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

(e) Tax losses

2015 
$’000

2014 
$’000

29,524

27,014

5,208

3,202

960

1,675

1,621

(2,892)

(770)

(898)

(1,210)

36,420

32,275

1,406

602

1,481

552

104

36,420

(2,326)

38,746

36,420

5,509

2,957

659

2,046

2,482

(4,528)

(1,575)

(526)

(1,763)

32,275

28,755

2,774

643

101

48

(46)

32,275

(4,404)

36,679

32,275

The Group has unutilised Australian capital losses with a potential benefit of $120,000 (2014: $176,000) at a tax rate of 30% (2014: 30%). The 
Group has unutilised revenue losses with a potential benefit of $2,700,000 (2014: $168,000) in foreign jurisdictions.

66

Note 7:  Key Management Personnel Disclosures

(a)   Key management personnel compensation

Short-term employee benefits

Post-employment benefits

Other long-term benefits

Share-based payments

2015 
$

2014 
$

3,610,058

3,714,095

164,935

40,585

382,299

153,623

54,160

679,014

4,197,877

4,600,892

Detailed remuneration disclosures are provided in the Remuneration Report on pages 29 to 41. 

(b)   Equity instrument disclosures relating to key management personnel

(i)  Shares and share appreciation rights provided as remuneration

Details of shares and share appreciation rights provided as remuneration, together with terms and conditions of the shares and share 
appreciation rights, can be found in the Remuneration Report starting on pages 29 to 41. 

The Company has not provided any options over unissued shares as remuneration during the 2015 or 2014 financial years.

(ii)  Holdings of shares and share appreciation rights

The number of ordinary shares in the Company, or share appreciation rights in the case of overseas based key management personnel, 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, Long-term 
Incentive (“LTI”) shares or LTI rights 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.

Balance at start of 
the year

Granted during year 
as compensation

Other changes 
during year

Balance at end of 
the year

Non-executive Directors 

Richard Fisher

Christine Clifton

Roger Penman (note 3)

Aliza Knox (note 3)

Richard Davis

Gary Stead

Joycelyn Morton

Executive Directors

Martin Earp 

Andrew Smith (note 3)

Other key management personnel

Phillip Friery (note 1)

Greg Bisset (note 1)

Wee Leng Goh (note 2)

Graeme Rhind (note 2)

11,956

112,961

16,947

5,339

581,607

-

-

-

255,485

84,233

83,019

24,077

11,418

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

17,410

22,677

8,079

10,260

4,074

3,422

5,433

-

(16,947)

(5,339)

(20,000)

6,500

6,000

17,389

112,961

-

-

561,607

6,500

6,000

-

17,410

(278,162)

-

(27,901)

(13,985)

(9,640)

(2,399)

64,411

79,294

18,511

12,441

1.  Upon final vesting test in February 2016, from the balance of shares held at the end of the year as shown in the above table, shares from grants made in 
2011 were forfeited due to EPS performance conditions not being achieved. Phillip Friery forfeited 17,454 shares and Greg Bisset forfeited 14,749 shares.

2.  These grants are share appreciation rights.

3.  Andrew Smith resigned on 30 April 2015, Aliza Knox resigned on 31 August 2015 and Roger Penman resigned on 15 December 2015 and consequently the 

shares held at the date of resignation reported as an other movement.

  InvoCare Annual Report 2015   67

 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued 

For the year ended 31 December 2015

Note 7:  Key Management Personnel Disclosures continued

(c)  Loans to key management personnel

There were no loans to directors of the Company or other key management personnel.

(d)  Other transactions with key management personnel

There were no transactions with key management personnel of the Group, including their personally related parties, during 2015 or 2014.

Note 8:  Share-based Payments

To align executive and shareholder interests, key management and other senior managers may be offered shares as long-term incentives 
under the InvoCare Deferred Employee Share Plan which was established in 2007.

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 when compound earnings per share growth is less than the target.

In non-Australian jurisdictions the direct ownership of InvoCare Limited shares presents complex legal and taxation challenges in an employee 
share plan environment. In these cases senior non-Australian employees are granted share appreciation rights with the same vesting and 
performance conditions as the Australia Deferred Employee share plan.

Total expenses, excluding related on-costs, 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

2015 
$’000

261

2014 
$’000

1,335

68

 
Note 8:  Share-based Payments continued

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

Grant date

1 January 2010

1 January 2011

1 March 2011

1 July 2011

1 January 2012

1 March 2012

1 January 2013

1 March 2013

1 January 2014

1 March 2014

1 January 2015

1 March 2015

31 March 2015

Vesting date

25 February 2012

25 February 2013

25 February 2014

25 February 2013

25 February 2014

25 February 2015

25 February 2015

25 February 2013

25 February 2014

25 February 2015

25 February 2014

25 February 2015

25 February 2016

25 February 2015

25 February 2016

25 February 2015

25 February 2016

25 February 2017

25 February 2015

25 February 2016

25 February 2017

25 February 2016

25 February 2017

25 February 2018

25 February 2016

25 February 2017

25 February 2018

21 February 2017

21 February 2018

21 February 2019

21 February 2017

21 February 2018

21 February 2019

21 February 2017

21 February 2018

21 February 2019

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

6.01

6.01

6.01

7.37

7.37

7.37

7.37

7.37

7.37

7.37

7.94

7.94

7.94

7.94

7.94

10.93

10.93

10.93

10.93

10.93

10.93

11.36

11.36

11.36

11.36

11.36

11.36

13.74

13.74

13.74

13.74

13.74

13.74

13.74

13.74

13.74

254

254

254

305

305

305

54

7

7

7

224

368

368

53

53

410

410

411

73

73

73

419

419

420

72

72

72

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

412

412

412

82

82

82

80

80

80

-

-

-

(67)

(67)

(67)

(54)

-

-

(7)

(224)

(368)

(95)

(53)

-

(410)

(98)

(94)

(73)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(254)

(254)

(254)

-

-

-

-

(7)

(7)

-

-

-

-

-

(6)

-

-

(5)

-

(9)

(9)

(103)

(103)

(104)

(7)

(7)

(7)

(104)

(104)

(104)

(9)

(9)

(9)

-

-

-

-

-

-

238

238

238

-

-

-

-

-

-

273

-

47

-

312

312

-

64

64

316

316

316

65

65

65

308

308

308

73

73

73

80

80

80

Note: The data in this table has been calculated in whole dollars and presented in thousands and as a consequence some totals and movements cannot be 
computed from the table as presented.

InvoCare Limited has no options over unissued shares granted to executive management outstanding at balance date.

5,743

1,722

(1,677)

(1,475)

4,298

  InvoCare Annual Report 2015   69

 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued 

For the year ended 31 December 2015

Note 8:  Share-based Payments continued

Details of unvested grants and other movements in share appreciation rights follow:

Grant date

Vesting date

22 February 2010

22 February 2012

22 February 2013

22 February 2014

24 February 2011

24 February 2013

24 February 2014

24 February 2015

1 January 2012

25 February 2014

25 February 2015

25 February 2016

21 February 2012

21 February 2014

1 March 2012

21 February 2015

21 February 2016

25 February 2015

25 February 2016

1 January 2013

21 February 2015

21 February 2016

21 February 2017

21 February 2013

21 February 2015

1 March 2013

21 February 2016

21 February 2017

21 February 2015

21 February 2016

21 February 2017

1 January 2014

25 February 2016

25 February 2017

25 February 2018

25 February 2014

25 February 2016

1 March 2014

25 February 2017

25 February 2018

25 February 2016

25 February 2017

25 February 2018

1 January 2015

22 February 2017

22 February 2018

22 February 2019

22 February 2015

22 February 2017

1 March 2015

22 February 2018

22 February 2019

22 February 2017

22 February 2018

22 February 2019

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

Increase 
during the 
year 
$’000

Balance at 
the end of 
the year 
$’000

6.01

6.01

6.01

7.37

7.37

7.37

7.76

7.76

7.76

7.76

7.76

7.76

7.76

7.76

10.93

10.93

10.93

10.93

10.93

10.93

10.93

10.93

10.93

11.36

11.36

11.36

11.36

11.36

11.36

11.36

11.36

11.36

13.74

13.74

13.74

13.74

13.74

13.74

13.74

13.74

13.74

22

22

22

22

22

22

24

38

38

10

21

21

6

6

28

28

28

17

17

17

7

7

7

32

32

32

18

18

18

7

7

7

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

38

38

38

19

19

19

2

2

2

-

-

-

-

-

-

(24)

(38)

-

(10)

(21)

-

(6)

-

(28)

-

-

(17)

-

-

(7)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(22)

(22)

(22)

(22)

(22)

(22)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

623

177

(151)

(132)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

7

-

-

5

-

-

-

5

5

-

3

3

-

-

-

-

-

-

2

2

2

-

-

-

(5)

(5)

(5)

(2)

(2)

(2)

(1)

(1)

(1)

10

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

45

-

-

26

-

6

-

33

33

-

20

20

-

7

7

32

32

32

20

20

20

7

7

7

33

33

33

17

17

17

1

1

1

530

Note: The data in this table has been calculated in whole dollars and presented in thousands and as a consequence some totals and movements cannot be 
computed from the table as presented.

The plan rules allow, in instances where full vesting does not occur, an additional year to satisfy the vesting conditions.

70

 
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

PricewaterhouseCoopers – non-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

Taxation services

Other Services

PricewaterhouseCoopers – non-Australian firms

Taxation services

Other services

Non-PricewaterhouseCoopers – Singaporean firm

Other services

Total remuneration for non-audit services

2015 
$

2014 
$

416,900

310,630

-

9,355

31,460

28,446

448,360

348,431

23,617

80,506

16,666

48,391

485

28,733

53,856

38,696

32,321

2,857

13,157

11,896

182,822

168,359

For 2015, included in $416,900 for audit and review of financial reports is $46,000 in relation to the scope changes for the 2014 audit.

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.

  InvoCare Annual Report 2015   71

Notes to the Financial Statements continued 

For the year ended 31 December 2015

Note 10:  Dividends

Dividends paid

Final ordinary dividend for the year ended 31 December 2014 of 20.75 cents (2013: 19.5 cents) per fully 
paid share paid on 2 April 2015 (2013: 4 April 2014), fully franked based on tax paid at 30% (2013: 30%)

Interim ordinary dividend for the year ended 31 December 2015 of 15.75 cents (2014: 15.75 cents) per 
share paid on 9 October 2015 (2014: 3 October 2014), fully franked based on tax paid at 30% (2014: 30%)

Dividends paid to members of InvoCare Limited

On 20 July 2015 (2014: 16 December 2014) dividend totalling 14.75 cents (2014: 25.29 cents) per fully 
paid share, fully franked based on tax paid at 30%, was 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 22.25 cents (2014: 20.75 cents) per fully paid ordinary share, 
fully franked based on tax paid at 30%. The aggregate amount of the proposed dividend, expected to be 
paid on 8 April 2016 out of 2015 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 22.25 cents  
(2014: 20.75 cents)

Note 11:  Earnings per Share

Reconciliation of Earnings to Profit and Loss

Profit from ordinary activities after income tax

Less profit attributable to non-controlling interests

Profit used to calculate basic and diluted EPS

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

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)

72

2015 
$’000

2014 
$’000

22,827

21,455

17,330

40,157

118

40,275

17,329

38,784

203

38,987

24,482

22,827

28,120

23,737

8,563

7,974

(10,492)

26,191

(9,785)

21,926

2015 
$’000

2014 
$’000

54,969

(125)

54,844

54,627

(112)

54,515

2015 
Number

2014 
Number

109,533,561

109,375,375

109,533,561

109,375,375

2015 
cents

50.1

50.1

2014 
cents

49.8

49.8

 
Note 12:  Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash on hand

Cash at bank

Cash at bank attracts floating interest rate of 0.75% (2014: 1.25%)

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

As at 31 December

Note 14:  Inventories

Current

Finished goods – at cost

Work in progress – at cost

2015 
$’000

83

8,596

8,679

2014 
$’000

79

10,409

10,488

8,679

8,679

10,488

10,488

2015 
$’000

2014 
$’000

35,737

(2,265)

6,138

1,529

41,139

34,407

(2,214)

6,328

716

39,237

22,290

15,006

(4)

595

-

22,881

(16)

298

1,093

16,381

2015 
$’000

2,230

923

(884)

2,269

2014 
$’000

2,608

470

(848)

2,230

2015 
$’000

2014 
$’000

22,487

1,964

24,451

21,522

791

22,313

  InvoCare Annual Report 2015   73

 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued 

For the year ended 31 December 2015

Note 15:  Prepaid Contracts

(a) Income statement impact of undelivered prepaid contracts

Gain on prepaid contract funds under management

Change in provision for prepaid contract liabilities

Net gain on undelivered prepaid contracts

(b) Movements in prepaid contract funds under management

Balance at the beginning of the year

Sale of new prepaid contracts

Initial recognition of contracts paid by instalment

Redemption of prepaid contract funds following service delivery

Increase due to business combinations

Increase in fair value of contract funds under management

Balance at the end of the year

(c) Movements in prepaid contract liabilities

Balance at the beginning of the year

Sale of new prepaid contracts

Initial recognition of contracts paid by instalment

Decrease following delivery of services

Increase due to business combinations

Increase due to re-evaluation of delivery obligation

Balance at the end of the year

2015 
$’000

19,790

(12,263)

7,527

2014 
$’000

24,832

(13,917)

10,915

2015 
$’000

2014 
$’000

400,967

373,609

35,338

3,211

(37,022)

-

19,790

422,284

33,326

3,241

(35,389)

1,348

24,832

400,967

2015 
$’000

2014 
$’000

393,841

376,525

35,338

3,211

(36,205)

-

12,263

408,448

33,990

3,241

(35,180)

1,348

13,917

393,841

(d)  Classification of prepaid funds under management and liabilities

The current and non-current portions of the prepaid contract assets and liabilities are disclosed separately to more clearly reflect the expected 
pattern of usage associated with the timing of actual contract redemptions.

(e)  Nature of contracts under management and liabilities

Prepaid contracts are tripartite agreements, currently entered into and performed in Australia only, 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 adjusts this liability for the change in selling prices during the period.

The assignment of the benefit of the invested funds to InvoCare, in most cases, 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 generally 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 the end of the year the total balance of amounts received from instalment payments for incomplete contracts was $6,797,000 
(2014: $6,488,000). These funds and the relevant liability are recognised when the contract has been fully paid.

During the year the non-cash fair value movements (i.e. investment earnings) of $19.8 million in prepaid contract funds under management 
(2014: $24.8 million) was greater than the non-cash growth due to selling price increases of $12.3 million in the liability for future service 
delivery obligations (2014: $13.9 million).

74

Note 16:  Interests in Other Entities: Subsidiaries

(a)  Interests in subsidiaries

Set out below are the Group’s principal trading subsidiaries at 31 December 2015. Unless otherwise stated, the subsidiaries as listed below 
have share capital consisting solely of ordinary shares, which are held directly by the Group, and the proportion of ownership interests held 
equals to the voting rights held by the Group. The country of incorporation or registration is also their principal place of business.

Name of entity

Country of incorporation

Principal activities

InvoCare Australia Pty Limited

Bledisloe Australia Pty Ltd

Australia

Australia

Funeral services provider 

Funeral services provider 

Bledisloe New Zealand Limited

New Zealand

Funeral services provider 

Singapore Casket Company (Private) Limited

Singapore

Funeral services provider 

Ownership interest  
held by the Group

2015 
%

2014 
%

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, InvoCare Hong Kong Limited and InvoCare USA, Inc. All shares held are ordinary shares.

InvoCare Australia Pty Limited, InvoCare (Singapore) Pty Limited 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.

During 2016 Bledisloe New Zealand Limited will be renamed InvoCare New Zealand Limited and InvoCare New Zealand Limited will be 
renamed InvoCare Holdings NZ Limited.

(b)  Significant restrictions

Other than those imposed by the legislative provisions in the respective country of incorporation, for the subsidiaries listed above, the Group 
has no significant restriction on its ability to access or use assets and settle liabilities.

(c)  Subsidiaries with non-controlling interests (“NCI”)

One subsidiary, Macquarie Memorial Park Pty Limited, has non-controlling interests of 16.86% (2014: 16.86%). During the year dividends 
totalling $118,000 were paid to non-controlling interests (2014: $203,000).

  InvoCare Annual Report 2015   75

Notes to the Financial Statements continued 

For the year ended 31 December 2015

Note 17:  Interests in Other Entities: Associates

(a)  Interests in associates

(i)  Set out below is the associate of the Group at 31 December 2015. The entity listed below has share capital consisting solely of ordinary 
shares, which are held directly by the Group. The country of incorporation or registration is also its principal place of business, and the 
proportion of ownership interest is the same as the proportion of voting rights held. The interest held in this entity is not material to the Group.

Name of entity

Country of 
incorporation

Nature of 
relationship

Measurement 
method

HeavenAddress Pte. Ltd

Singapore

Associate

Equity method

2015 
%

34.59

2014 
%

34.59

2015 
$’000

-

2014 
$’000

2,423

% of ownership interest

Carrying Amount

HeavenAddress Pte. Ltd offers online memorial services to allow families and communities to celebrate the life of a loved one.

(ii)  Commitments and contingent liabilities in respect of associates:

The Group has no commitments or contingent liabilities in respect of its associates at 31 December 2015 (2014: Nil).

(b)  Impairment

During 2015 a review of the Group’s investment in its associate was undertaken which resulted in an impairment write down of $2,577,000 
(2014:$2,000,000). The decision to impair this investment was made after considering the business performance to date, its future cash 
projections and the risks associated with a start-up operation. The investment will continue to be monitored for performance improvements. 
As a result the recoverable amount of the Group’s investment in its associate as at 31 December 2015 is now Nil (2014:$2,423,000).

The recoverable amount is based on value-in-use calculations whereby cash flow projections provided by the associate’s management have 
been discounted to present value using selected discount rates.  Cash projections which covered an initial three-year period have then been 
extrapolated using estimated growth rates of 3% for both revenues and expenses.  

Sensitivities were conducted on a number of variables including revenue growth and discount rates. Given the start-up nature of the business, 
more weight was placed on the existing business than on future opportunities when developing growth scenarios. A pre-tax rate of 17.8% 
(2014: 17.8%) was used to discount the cash projections. This is higher than the 10.9% rate used for impairing existing business assets and 
reflects the greater risk associated with a start-up investment.  From these scenarios Management has selected a mid-point which it believes 
is in a range of possible future outcomes. The Group will continue to monitor its investment in the associate for indicators of any future 
impairment reversals.

76

 
Note 18:  Property, Plant and Equipment 

At 1 January 2015

Cost

Accumulated depreciation/amortisation

Impairment write-downs

Net book amount

Year ended 31 December 2015

Additions

Business combinations

Disposals

Depreciation/amortisation & impairment charge

Effect of movement in exchange rates

Transfers/reclassifications

Closing net book amount

At 31 December 2015

Cost

Accumulated depreciation/amortisation

Impairment write-downs

Net book amount

At 1 January 2014

Cost

Accumulated depreciation/amortisation

Impairment write-downs

Net book amount

Year ended 31 December 2014

Additions

Business combinations

Disposals

Effect of movement in exchange rates

Transfers/reclassifications

Closing net book amount

At 31 December 2014

Cost

Accumulated depreciation/amortisation

Impairment write-downs

Net book amount

Depreciation/amortisation & impairment charge

2,156

Cemetery 
land 
$’000

Freehold 
land 
$’000

Buildings 
$’000

Leasehold land 
and buildings 
$’000

Leasehold 
improvements 
$’000

Plant and 
equipment 
$’000

Total 
$’000

107,979

83,959

132,262

(7,010)

(9,776)

-

-

(49,921)

-

4,534

(2,821)

-

6,622

118,779

454,135

(2,820)

(73,443)

(136,015)

-

-

(9,776)

91,193

83,959

82,341

1,713

3,802

45,336

308,344

25

3,584

-

5,011

-

-

746

433

(200)

-

226

-

5,018

2,326

(223)

(4,382)

(44)

(800)

-

-

-

1,027

15,399

22,215

-

(19)

336

(385)

6,679

(827)

(176)

(567)

(13,394)

(13,508)

(8)

-

(1)

-

(28)

-

145

(800)

99,813

85,164

84,236

1,529

4,242

47,264

322,248

111,588

85,164

137,741

(7,399)

(4,376)

-

-

(53,505)

-

4,534

(3,005)

-

7,510

128,857

475,394

(3,268)

(81,593)

(148,770)

-

-

(4,376)

99,813

85,164

84,236

1,529

4,242

47,264

322,248

107,727

78,685

128,958

(6,665)

(12,276)

-

-

(46,737)

-

4,534

(2,641)

-

5,148

109,302

434,354

(2,554)

(66,936)

(125,533)

-

-

(12,276)

88,786

78,685

82,221

1,893

2,594

42,366

296,545

251

-

-

-

-

4,555

1,443

-

-

854

5,114

415

(34)

(4,243)

477

(1,578)

(1,609)

213

-

(217)

(176)

-

-

1,087

15,750

26,970

47

(10)

82

(414)

1,987

(675)

(443)

(12,712)

(15,418)

35

492

264

-

1,630

(2,695)

91,193

83,959

82,341

1,713

3,802

45,336

308,344

107,979

83,959

132,262

(7,010)

(9,776)

-

-

(49,921)

-

4,534

(2,821)

-

6,622

118,779

454,135

(2,820)

(73,443)

(136,015)

-

-

(9,776)

91,193

83,959

82,341

1,713

3,802

45,336

308,344

  InvoCare Annual Report 2015   77

 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued 

For the year ended 31 December 2015

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

(b)  Impairment

2015 
$’000

2,008

700

1,721

4,429

2014 
$’000

1,115

129

2,513

3,757

All impaired cemetery and crematorium sites were reassessed at 31 December 2015 using the same methodology as previously applied and a 
write back (i.e. reversal of previous impairment write downs) amounting to $5,400,000 was deemed necessary to the impairment provision. 

The following table summarises the impairment losses/reversals along with the recoverable amount estimates for the individual sites:

Site Name

Allambe Gardens Memorial Park, Queensland

Mt Thompson Memorial Gardens, Queensland

Leasehold Land, Australian Capital Territory

Impairment Loss/(Reversal)

Recoverable Amount Estimates

2015 
$’000

(3,000)

(2,400)

-

(5,400)

2014 
$’000

(500)

(2,000)

(100)

(2,600)

2015 
$’000

17,500

15,300

-

32,800

2014 
$’000

15,000

12,800

100

27,900

The impairment losses recognised over the years 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 10.9% (2014: 10.9%), reflecting the risk estimates for 
the business as a whole.

(c)  Property held for sale

During the year a review of the Group’s property requirements in New South Wales, Australia and the North Island of New Zealand identified 
parcels of land and buildings which were no longer strategically significant to the Group’s long-term growth and being actively marketed. 
Accordingly they have been classified as held for sale. 

This includes a property in North Sydney, New South Wales where Group’s corporate office is located. The contract for sale of this property 
was signed in early 2016 and will be settled in the first half of 2016.

78

Note 19:  Intangible Assets

At 1 January 2015

Cost

Accumulated amortisation

Net book amount

Year ended 31 December 2015

Acquisition of subsidiary/businesses

Effect of movement in exchange rates

Amortisation charge

Net book amount

At 31 December 2015

Cost

Accumulated amortisation

Net book amount

At 1 January 2014

Cost

Accumulated amortisation

Net book amount

Year ended 31 December 2014

Acquisition of subsidiary/businesses

Effect of movement in exchange rates

Amortisation charge

Net book amount

At 31 December 2014

Cost

Accumulated amortisation

Net book amount

(a)  Impairment test for goodwill

Goodwill 
$’000

Brand name 
$’000

Total 
$’000

145,390

12,922

158,312

-

145,390

1,536

49

-

146,975

(5,832)

7,090

-

(42)

(1,272)

5,776

(5,832)

152,480

1,536

7

(1,272)

152,751

146,975

12,909

159,884

-

146,975

(7,133)

5,776

(7,133)

152,751

140,710

12,674

153,384

-

140,710

2,315

2,365

-

145,390

(4,472)

8,202

48

109

(1,269)

7,090

(4,472)

148,912

2,363

2,474

(1,269)

152,480

145,390

12,922

158,312

-

145,390

(5,832)

7,090

(5,832)

152,480

For the Group’s Australian-based operations, goodwill cannot be allocated on a non-arbitrary basis to individual Cash-generating Units 
(“CGU”s) 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, Singapore and USA operations are separate 
CGUs and the associated goodwill arising from that acquisition has been allocated to the single New Zealand, Singapore or USA 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, Singapore and USA CGUs are based on value-in-
use calculations. These calculations use cash flow projections based on approved financial estimates covering a five-year period. Cash flows 
beyond the five-year period have been extrapolated using estimated growth rates. The assessment also considered the reasonable possible 
long-term shift in key assumptions which will not cause further impairment.

(b)  Key assumptions used for value-in-use calculations

Budgeted cash flows have been based on past performance and 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 for assessing the carrying value of goodwill in each CGU was 10.9% (2014: 10.9%), 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, 
Singapore and USA compared to the carrying value of goodwill.

  InvoCare Annual Report 2015   79

 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued 

For the year ended 31 December 2015

Note 20:  Derivative Financial Instruments

Current liabilities

Interest rate swap contracts – cash flow hedges

Non-current liabilities

Interest rate swap contracts – cash flow hedges

2015 
$’000

1,130

1,130

3,062

3,062

2014 
$’000

622

622

5,284

5,284

Full details of the derivatives being used by the Group and the risks and ageing 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

2015 
$’000

2014 
$’000

26,446

11,583

1,284

39,313

174

174

25,560

9,879

1,652

37,091

260

260

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

Loan establishment costs

Full details of the risks, ageing and available facilities are set out in Note 2 – Financial Risk Management.

2015 
$’000

2014 
$’000

-

-

2

2

231,833

(1,061)

230,772

230,304

(954)

229,350

80

 
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

(b)  Superannuation plan

2015 
$’000

2014 
$’000

14,318

13,726

2,306

2,409

2015 
Number

2014 
Number

1,557

1,532

The Company contributes to accumulation-type employee superannuation plans in accordance with statutory requirements.

(c)  Exempt Employee Share Plan

The company’s Exempt Employee Share Plan provides employee members the opportunity to acquire ordinary shares in InvoCare Limited to 
the tax exempt value of $1,000. There are 322 members at 31 December 2015 and the balance owing by employee plan members for the 
purchase price of shares was $159,812 (2014: $151,814).

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 liability

Expected to settle  
within twelve months

2015 
$’000

39,313

-

10,111

34,954

8,660

14,318

2014 
$’000

37,091

2

9,364

33,847

7,588

13,726

2015 
$’000

39,313

-

10,111

34,954

8,660

8,031

107,356

101,618

101,069

2014 
$’000

37,091

2

9,364

33,847

7,588

6,996

94,888

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

  InvoCare Annual Report 2015   81

 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued 

For the year ended 31 December 2015

Note 25:  Contributed Equity

Fully paid ordinary shares

Ordinary shares

Balance at the beginning of the financial year

Total contributed equity

Treasury shares (note 25 (b))

Total consolidated contributed equity

(a)  Ordinary shares

2015 
$’000

2014 
$’000

133,694

131,682

2015 
Number

2015 
$’000

2014 
Number

2014 
$’000

110,030,298

136,858 110,030,298

110,030,298

136,858 110,030,298

(444,300)

(3,164)

(661,978)

109,585,998

133,694 109,368,320

136,858

136,858

(5,176)

131,682

Ordinary shares entitle the holder to participate in dividends and the proceeds on winding up of the Company in proportion to the number 
of and amounts paid on the shares held. On a show of hands every holder of ordinary shares present at a meeting in person or by proxy, is 
entitled to one vote, and upon a poll each share is entitled to one vote.

(b)  Treasury shares

Treasury shares are shares in InvoCare Limited that are held by the InvoCare Deferred Employee Share Plan Trust for the purpose of issuing 
shares under the InvoCare Deferred Employee Share Plan, as set out in Note 8.

Date

1 January 2014

25 February 2014

Details

Balance

Shares vested

03 March 2014 to 10 June 2014

Acquisition of shares by the Trust

01 August 2014 to 16 August 2014

Forfeit of shares on termination of employment

Number of 
shares

631,733

(71,735)

102,883

(5,219)

31 December 2014

Shares provisionally forfeited but not yet de-allocated by the Trustee

(126,777)

31 December 2014

25 February 2015

30 April 2015

30 April 2015

Unallocated shares held by the Trustee

Balance

Shares vested

Shares vested

Forfeit of shares on termination of employment

22 May 2015 to 3 July 2015

Forfeit of shares on termination of employment

6 July 2015

Transfer of shares to members of the Exempt Employee Share Plan

6 August 2015 to 14 December 2015

Forfeit of shares on termination of employment

31 December 2015

Shares provisionally forfeited but not yet de-allocated by the Trustee

Unallocated shares held by the Trustee

31 December 2015

Balance

(c)  Dividend reinvestment plan

131,093

661,978

(133,614)

(57,334)

(50,513)

(4,006)

(26,730)

(1,681)

(76,996)

133,196

444,300

$’000

4,465

(457)

1,168

(52)

(763)

815

5,176

(988)

(695)

(627)

(41)

(328)

(20)

(737)

1,424

3,164

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.

82

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

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

Deferred tax

Balance at the end of the year

Foreign currency translation reserve

Balance at the beginning of the year

Currency translation differences

Balance at the end of the year

(b) Retained profits

Movements in retained profits 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

(c)  Nature and purpose of reserves

(i)  Share-based payments reserve

2015 
$’000

2014 
$’000

2,165

(2,892)

6,256

5,529

4,020

(171)

(1,684)

2,165

(4,071)

1,731

(552)

(2,892)

6,807

(551)

6,256

4,020

(4,071)

6,807

6,756

3,142

1,335

(457)

4,020

(3,989)

(130)

48

(4,071)

5,270

1,537

6,807

48,367

54,844

(40,157)

63,054

32,636

54,515

(38,784)

48,367

The share-based payments reserve is used to recognise the expensed portion of shares granted to employees under the terms of the 
Australian 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 1(s). The reserve is recognised in the profit and loss when the 
net investment is sold.

  InvoCare Annual Report 2015   83

 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued 

For the year ended 31 December 2015

Note 27:  Non-Controlling Interests

Reconciliation of non-controlling 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

2015 
$’000

2014 
$’000

800

800

255

125

(118)

262

99

1,161

346

112

(203)

255

99

1,154

2015 
$’000

2014 
$’000

11,828

30,530

11,045

53,403

10,095

22,148

12,447

44,690

During the year the Group entered into a lease for premises at 181 Miller Street, North Sydney and subsequent to the execution of the lease 
Transport for NSW announced plans to acquire the building as part of the works for the Sydney Metro. It is expected that Transport for NSW 
will cause the lease to be rescinded as soon as practical and pay compensation in accordance with the normal legislative requirements. As 
the location had not been outfitted alternate premises were located and an additional lease executed prior to the end of the financial year. The 
commitments associated with this additional lease are included above.

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

11,464

30,029

11,045

52,538

Equipment 
$’000

364

501

-

865

Total 
$’000

11,828

30,530

11,045

53,403

84

 
Note 28:  Capital and Leasing Commitments continued

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. The Great Southern Garden of Remembrance lease expires in 2047 with 
an option to renew for a further 50 years.

(b)  Finance lease commitments

Non-cancellable finance leases in respect of motor vehicles contracted for at the reporting date and 
capitalised in the financial statements:

Payable – minimum lease payments

-  not later than 12 months

-  between 12 months and five years

(c)  Capital expenditure commitments

Capital expenditure commitments contracted or conditionally contracted at the reporting date but not 
recognised as liabilities payable:

Building purchase

Building extensions and refurbishments – within one year

Plant and equipment purchases – within one year

(d)  Other expenditure commitments

Documentary letters of credit outstanding at balance date payable:

-  within one year

2015 
$’000

2014 
$’000

-

-

-

2

-

2

-

2,539

5,345

1,099

2,162

129

68

  InvoCare Annual Report 2015   85

Notes to the Financial Statements continued 

For the year ended 31 December 2015

Note 29:  Business Combinations

Harewood Memorial Gardens and Crematorium/Cremation Society of Canterbury

(a)  Summary of acquisition

On 22 July 2015, a subsidiary, Bledisloe New Zealand, completed the acquisition of the cemetery and cremation assets of Harewood 
Memorial Gardens and Crematorium Limited and Cremation Society of Canterbury Limited (“Harewood”) which have operated crematoria in 
the Christchurch market for over 70 years.

Provisional accounting for this acquisition has been completed as at 31 December 2015.

Details of the purchase consideration, the net assets acquired and goodwill are as follows:

(b)  Purchase consideration

Purchase consideration

Cash paid

Retention amount to be paid

Total purchase consideration

Fair value of net identifiable assets acquired (refer (c) below):

Goodwill

$’000

5,964

276

6,240

4,704

1,536

The goodwill recognised is attributable to the locations, brand names and the profitability of the acquired business. It will not be deductible for 
tax purposes.

Retention amount listed in the table above was paid in early 2016.

86

Note 29:  Business Combinations continued

(c)  Assets acquired

The assets and liabilities recognised as a result of the acquisition are as follows:

Inventories

Land and buildings

Property, plant and equipment

Provisions

Deferred revenue

Deferred tax liabilities

Net identifiable assets acquired

Fair Value 
$’000

17

6,018

320

(71)

(98)

(1,482)

4,704

If the acquisition had occurred on 1 January 2015, consolidated revenue for the year ended 31 December 2015 would have increased by 
approximately $900,000 and profit after tax by approximately $103,000.

Tuckers Funeral & Bereavement Services

Tuckers Funeral & Bereavement Services Pty Ltd and Geelong Mortuary Transfer Services Pty Ltd were acquired in December 2012.

Included in the purchase consideration was $2,200,000 in future payments to be paid if predetermined revenue targets are achieved in each 
of the next three calendar years. The predetermined revenue target was achieved in 2014 and as a result $700,000 of the $2,200,000 in 
future payments was paid in 2015. The predetermined revenue target was also achieved in 2015 and as a result $900,000 of the $2,200,000 
in future payments was paid in early 2016.

Resthaven Funeral Services

The funeral business assets of Resthaven Funeral Services were acquired in 2013.

Included in the purchase consideration was $324,000 in future payments to be paid if predetermined revenue targets are achieved in each of 
the next five calendar years. In early 2015 a payment relating to 2014 totalling $95,000 of the $324,000 in future payments was made.

Note 30:  Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets

The Group had contingent liabilities at 31 December 2015 in respect of bank guarantees given for leased 
premises of controlled entities to a maximum of:

2015 
$’000

2014 
$’000

2,287

1,088

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.

  InvoCare Annual Report 2015   87

 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued 

For the year ended 31 December 2015

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

Reversal of impairment loss

Share-based payments expense

Loan establishment costs

Imputed interest from deferred purchase consideration

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

Unrealised (gain)/loss on prepaid contracts

Other prepaid contract movements

Business acquisition costs classified in investing activities

Share of net loss of an associate

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 trade and other payables 

Increase/(decrease) in deferred revenue

Increase/(decrease) in income taxes payable 

Increase/(decrease) in deferred taxes

Increase/(decrease) in provisions 

2015 
$’000

2014 
$’000

54,844

54,515

22,815

(5,400)

779

366

56

(312)

21,187

(2,600)

1,596

366

91

(334)

(7,527)

(10,915)

837

71

-

(8,403)

(2,138)

(816)

2,136

6,049

748

4,145

(3,619)

64,631

186

1,215

525

(2,954)

(676)

(326)

1,665

2,615

(583)

3,520

597

69,690

88

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, statement of comprehensive income, summary of movements in consolidated retained 
earnings and balance sheet for the year ended 31 December 2015 of the Closed Group.

(a)   Consolidated income statement, statement of comprehensive income, 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

Depreciation, impairment and amortisation expenses

Reversal of impairment loss

Finance costs

Interest income

Net gain/(loss) on prepaid contracts

Acquisition costs

Inter-segment revenue

Share of net loss of associate

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 at the beginning of the financial year

Profit for the year

Dividends paid

Retained profits at the end of the financial year

2015 
$’000

2014 
$’000

358,727

(97,652)

(90,059)

(22,218)

(11,629)

(21,145)

(7,307)

(14,550)

94,167

(15,448)

2,823

(12,543)

649

7,527

9

2,341

-

507

80,032

(22,548)

57,484

1,662

(1,255)

407

57,891

51,063

57,484

(40,157)

68,390

339,301

(94,809)

(84,014)

(20,683)

(12,082)

(20,648)

(7,381)

(14,025)

85,659

(14,956)

600

(13,113)

672

10,915

(482)

2,073

(525)

322

71,165

(18,616)

52,549

212

(227)

(15)

52,534

37,298

52,549

(38,784)

51,063

  InvoCare Annual Report 2015   89

 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued 

For the year ended 31 December 2015

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

Property held for sale

Deferred selling costs

Total current assets

Non-current assets

Trade and other receivables

Shares in subsidiaries

Property, plant and equipment

Prepaid contract funds under management

Intangible assets

Deferred selling costs

Equity accounted investments

Total non-current assets

Total assets

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Derivative financial instruments

Current tax liabilities

Prepaid contract liabilities

Deferred revenue

Provisions for employee benefits

Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Long-term borrowings

Derivative financial instruments

Deferred tax liabilities

Prepaid contract 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

90

2015 
$’000

2014 
$’000

559

35,309

21,997

35,066

3,320

1,299

97,550

47,126

136,425

252,774

387,218

11,418

8,857

-

843,818

941,368

32,594

1,130

7,304

34,700

8,660

13,061

97,449

1,011

33,082

20,128

32,997

2,519

1,138

90,875

44,578

130,704

246,936

367,970

11,688

8,203

2,423

812,502

903,377

31,376

613

7,051

33,554

7,588

10,508

90,690

189,076

193,500

1,936

31,313

4,864

28,770

373,494

359,995

47,559

2,074

645,452

742,901

198,467

42,818

2,165

632,112

722,802

180,575

133,694

131,682

(3,617)

68,390

(2,170)

51,063

198,467

180,575

Note 33:  Events after the Balance Sheet Date

No significant subsequent events, not otherwise disclosed, have occurred since 31 December 2015.

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 material to the Group 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

8,395,542

7,513,557

(e)  Guarantees and other matters

Under the terms of common terms deed executed on 20 December 2013 and amended on 22 December 2015, InvoCare Limited and 
its material 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 debt facilities provided under the terms of individual Facility Agreements. 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.

2015 
$

2014 
$

  InvoCare Annual Report 2015   91

 
Notes to the Financial Statements continued 

For the year ended 31 December 2015

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

Foreign currency translation reserve

Retained earnings

Total shareholders’ equity

Profit for the year after tax

Total comprehensive income for the year

(b)  Contingent liabilities of the parent entity

The parent entity had contingent liabilities at 31 December 2015 in respect of bank guarantees given for 
leased premises of controlled entities to a maximum of:

2015 
$’000

2014 
$’000

188

381,571

8,782

173,044

75

368,240

8,254

174,791

133,694

131,682

2,165

(2,171)

1,080

73,759

208,527

53,174

53,224

4,020

(3,833)

837

60,743

193,449

32,615

34,542

2015 
$’000

2014 
$’000

2,287

1,088

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 31December 2015 
(31 December 2014: Nil).

(d)  Tax consolidation legislation

InvoCare Limited and its wholly-owned Australian controlled entities implemented the tax consolidation legislation from 1 January 2004. 

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.

92

 
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. Adequate cash 
resources are available to enable it to meet its obligations as and when they fall due, through either drawing on unused finance facilities, which 
at the reporting date amounted to $65,437,000 as outlined in Note 2(c), or by on-demand repayment of intercompany advances.

Note 37:  Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements

Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future 
events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

The Group makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, seldom equal the 
related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of 
assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below.

(i)  Estimated impairment of goodwill

The Group tests annually whether goodwill has suffered any impairment, in accordance with the accounting policy stated in Note 1(p). The 
recoverable amounts of cash-generating units have been determined based on value-in-use calculations. These calculations require the use of 
assumptions. Refer to Note 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 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 Notes 17 and 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 $44.0 million at 31 December 2015 
(2014: $41.4 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.

Actual redemptions information is being collated for a sample of sites in order to determine a more accurate historical pattern of cemetery/
crematorium prepaid sale redemptions. The information collated to date suggests there is no material misstatement of revenue using the 
assumed 15 years period. The impact of recognising revenue over five years less (or five years more) than 15 years would be to increase 
annual revenue by approximately $2.9 million (decrease by $1.4 million).

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 16 February 2016. The Company has the power to amend and reissue this report.

  InvoCare Annual Report 2015   93

Directors’ Declaration

In the directors’ opinion:

(a) 

the financial statements and notes set out on pages 44 to 93 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 2015 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.

Richard Fisher 
Director 

Sydney 
16 February 2016

Martin Earp 
Director

94

 
 
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 consolidated balance sheet as 
at 31 December 2015, and the consolidated income statement, consolidated statement of comprehensive income, consolidated statement 
of changes in equity and consolidated 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. Those 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 Consolidated 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.

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.

PricewaterhouseCoopers, ABN 52 780 433 757 
Darling Park Tower 2, 201 Sussex Street, GPO BOX 2650, SYDNEY NSW 1171  
DX 77 Sydney, Australia 
T +61 2 8266 0000, F +61 2 8266 9999, www.pwc.com.au 

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. 

  InvoCare Annual Report 2015   95

 
Independent Auditor’s Report continued

to the members of InvoCare Limited

Auditor’s opinion 

In our opinion:

(a)  the financial report of InvoCare Limited is in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including:

(i)  giving a true and fair view of the consolidated entity’s financial position as at 31 December 2015 and of its performance for the year 

ended on that date; and

(ii)  complying with Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting Interpretations) and the Corporations 

Regulations 2001; and

(b)  the financial report and notes also comply with International Financial Reporting Standards as disclosed in Note 1.

Report on the Remuneration Report

We have audited the remuneration report included in pages 29 to 41 of the directors’ report for the year ended 31 December 2015. 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 2015 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 2015 included on InvoCare Limited’s website. The company’s directors are responsible for the integrity of the InvoCare Limited 
website. We have not been engaged to report on the integrity of this website. 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 website.

PricewaterhouseCoopers

Brett Entwistle 
Partner 

96

Sydney 
16 February 2016

Shareholder Information

Shares and options as at 21 March 2016

Shares on issue

Options on issue

Distribution of shareholders as at 21 March 2016

1 - 1,000

1,001 - 5,000

5,001 - 10,000

10,001 - 100,000

100,001 and over

Number

110,030,298

Nil

Percentage 
%

3.57%

18.16%

10.07%

13.33%

54.87%

Number of 
shareholders

7,453

8,279

1,497

694

37

Number of 
shares

3,927,413

19,986,686

11,077,628

14,665,261

60,373,310

There were 213 holders of less than a marketable parcel of ordinary shares (being 40 based on a price of $12.56 on 21 March 2016) who hold 
a total of 2,124 ordinary shares.

17,960

110,030,298

100.00%

Equity security holders

Largest 20 holders of ordinary shares at 21 March 2016

1. HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited 

2. J P Morgan Nominees Australia Limited 

3. National Nominees Limited 

4. Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited 

5. National Nominees Limited (Db A/C)

6. Argo Investments Limited 

7. Milton Corporation Limited 

8. BKI Investment Company Limited 

9. BNP Paribas Nominees Pty Ltd (Drp)

10. Australia Foundation Investment Company Limited

11. Australian United Investment Company Limited

12. AET SFS Pty Ltd (Invocare Share Plans)

13. UBS Wealth Management Australia Nominees Pty Ltd 

14. Mr Richard Hugh Davis

15. Questor Financial Services Limited (TPS RF A/C)

16. Netwealth Investments Limited (Wrap Services A/C)

17. Gwynvill Trading Pty Ltd

18. HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited - A/C 3

19. Mirrabooka Investments Limited

20. Navigator Australia Ltd (MLC Investment Sett A/C)

Total for top 20

Substantial holders

Substantial holders in the Company as at 21 March 2016 are set out below:

JCP Investment Partners Ltd

Mondrian Investment Partners Limited

National Australia Bank Limited Group

Voting Rights

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

Ordinary Shares

Number of 
shares

Percentage 
%

 20,995,551 

 11,060,580 

 5,698,168 

 4,969,276 

 2,325,470 

 2,082,191 

 1,950,914 

 1,358,474 

 1,354,765 

 1,150,000 

 1,000,000 

 777,698 

 576,760 

 541,607 

 463,033 

 445,979 

 415,643 

 393,362 

 360,000 

 335,112 

19.08%

10.05%

5.18%

4.52%

2.11%

1.89%

1.77%

1.23%

1.23%

1.05%

0.91%

0.71%

0.52%

0.49%

0.42%

0.41%

0.38%

0.36%

0.33%

0.33%

 58,254,583 

52.94%

Number of  
shares held

 12,646,442 

 12,007,408 

 5,796,827 

Percentage 
%

11.49%

10.91%

5.27%

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 2015   97

InvoCare Locations

Contemporary – Australia and New Zealand

New South Wales

Queensland

Victoria

South Australia

New Zealand

Blackwell Funerals
(est 1940)
Aberfoyle Park
Glenside
Paradise
Payneham
Prospect
Rosewater
Torrensville

Tasmania

Turnbull Family
Funerals (est 1936)
North Hobart

New Zealand

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

Fraser Lawrence
Memorials
Christchurch

Guardian Funeral 
Providers 
Guardian Funerals
Ballina
Bankstown
Blacktown
Bondi Junction
Burwood
Campbelltown
Casino
Chatswood
Cremorne
Frenchs Forest
Hurstville
Leppington
Lidcombe
Lismore
Merrylands
Minchinbury
North Ryde
Parramatta
Rockdale
Warrawee

Hansen & Cole
Funerals (est 1936)
Bulli
Kembla Grange
Wollongong

J W Chandler 
Funerals (est 1885)
Richmond
Windsor

Boland Funerals
(est 1962)
Maroubra

Tobin Brothers
Funerals (est 1946)
Queanbeyan

Australian Capital
Territory

Tobin Brothers 
Funerals (est 1946)
Belconnen
Kingston
Tuggeranong

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

Liberty Funerals
(est 1994)
Chatswood
Granville

Universal Chung Wah
(est 1955)
Chatswood
Fairfield

W N Bull (est 1892)
Newtown
Parramatta

Western
Australia

Purslowe Funerals
(est 1907)
Mandurah
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

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

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

Other Providers

Drysdale Funerals
(est 1983)
Nambour
Tewantin

Somerville Funerals
(est 1932)
Nerang
Southport

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

Beaudesert Funeral
Services (est 1980)
Beaudesert

Le Pine including
Le Pine Heritage
(est 1891)
Altona
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

Other Providers
Mulqueen Funerals
(est 1932)
Coburg

Southern Cross
(est 1998)
Noble Park

Tuckers Funeral  
& Bereavement 
Service (est 1883)
Geelong West
Grovedale
Highton
Lara

Werribee Funerals
Werribee

Charles Crawford
& Son
Melton

North Island
Forrest Funeral
Services (est 1978)
Browns Bay
Orewa

Fountain’s Funeral
Services (est 1956)
Papakura
Manurewa

Sibuns Funeral
Directors (est 1913)
Remuera

H Morris Funerals
(est 1933)
Northcote

Lychgate Funeral
Home (est 1876)
Wellington
Johnsonville

Resthaven Funerals
(est 2000)
Manurewa
Howick

Gee & Hickton
(est 1946)
Lower Hutt
Upper Hutt
Akatarawa 
Crematorium

Wheeler’s Guardian 
North City
(est 1966)
Porirua

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

98

New South Wales

Queensland

Victoria

South Australia

Western Australia

Simplicity Funerals (est 1979)+

Balgowlah 
Bankstown 
Bateau Bay 
Chatswood 
Erina 
Hornsby 
Liverpool 
Mascot 
Miranda 
Newcastle* 
Newtown

Penrith
Randwick
Ryde
Smithfield
South Sydney*
Toukley East
Tweed Heads
Woy Woy
Wyong

Buranda
Cairns*
Ipswich
Kedron
Logan
Parkwood
Robina
Strathpine
Sunshine Coast*

Bayswater
Carnegie
Frankston
Hume*
Pascoe Vale
Reservoir
Sunshine
Werribee

Australian Capital 
Territory

Canberra*

* Mobile Arranger + Incorporate Value Funerals

Black Forest
Brahma Lodge
Enfield
Gawler
Morphett Vale
South Adelaide*
Victor Harbor

Tasmania

Hobart*

Joondalup
Kelmscott
Mandurah
Osborne Park
South Perth*
Spearwood

New Zealand

Grey Lynn
Nelson
New Lynn
Royal Oak
Sydenham
Wellington*

New South Wales

Queensland

Victoria

South Australia

Western Australia

White Lady Funerals (est 1987)

Bankstown
Belmont
Bondi Junction
Bulli
Camden
Charlestown
Charmhaven
Eastwood
Five Dock
Frenchs Forest
Liverpool
Mayfield
Mosman

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

Ashmore
Cairns
Caloundra
Chelmer
Clayfield
Cleveland 
Holland Park
Kelvin Grove
Miami
Morningside
Tanah Merah
Warana

Burwood
Doncaster
Epping
Glen Huntly
Heathmont
Heidelberg
Mornington
North Essendon
Rosebud
South Melbourne

Singapore

Singapore Casket Company (est 1920)

Simplicity Casket Company (est 2009)

Lavender Street
Mount Vernon

Sin Ming Drive

Hillcrest
Glenside
Plympton

Operating as 
Mareena Purslowe 
Funerals

Fremantle
Midland
Subiaco
Victoria Park
Wangara

Tasmania

North Hobart

Australian Capital 
Territory

Belconnen
Kingston
Tuggeranong

USA

Macera Crematory
San Diego

Cemeteries and Crematoria

New South Wales

Queensland

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

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 Garden of Remembrance (est 1966)

Bridgeman Downs
Nerang
Carbrook
Holland Park
Toowoomba

New Zealand

Harewood Memorial Gardens &  
Crematorium (est 1963)
Woodlawn Memorial Gardens &  
Crematorium (est 1936)

Christchurch

Christchurch

  InvoCare Annual Report 2015   99

Glossary

AASB

ABS

ACCC

AIFRS

ASX

ASX Corporate 
Governance Principles and 
Recommendations

Cemetery

CGU

Australian Accounting Standards Board

Australian Bureau of Statistics

Australian Competition & Consumer Commission

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

The eight essential corporate governance principles and best practice recommendations of the ASX 
Corporate Governance Council 3rd Edition 2014

A place for burials and memorialisation

A cash-generating unit which is the smallest identifiable group of assets that independently generates 
cash in flows

Condolence Lounge

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

Constitution

Crematorium

Crypts

DRP

EBITDA

EEO

EPS

The Constitution of the Company

A place for cremations and memorialisation

Above ground burial facilities

Dividend Reinvestment Plan

Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation

Equal Employment Opportunity

Earnings Per Share

Funeral Arrangement

The process in which the funeral service is planned and necessary documentation prepared

Funeral Home

The InvoCare location where a funeral can be arranged and where some services can be conducted

Memorial or Memorialisation

The physical marker or tribute to the life of the deceased

Memorial Park

An InvoCare location offering cremation, burial and memorialisation services

Operating Earnings

Prepaid Cemetery and 
Crematorium Services

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

100

Corporate Information

InvoCare Limited
ABN 42 096 437 393

Directors
Richard	Fisher	(Chairman)
Martin	Earp	(Managing	Director
and	Chief	Executive	Officer)
Christine	Clifton	(Non-executive	Director)
Richard	Davis	(Non-executive	Director)
Joycelyn	Morton	(Non-executive	Director)
Gary	Stead	(Non-executive	Director)

Company	Secretary
Phillip	Friery

Registered	Office
Level 4, 153 Walker Street
North Sydney NSW 2060
Telephone:	02	9978	5200
Facsimile:	02	9978	5299
Website:	www.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
242 Pitt Street
Sydney NSW 2000

ANZ	Bank	New	Zealand	Limited
ANZ	Centre
23–29 Albert Street
Auckland	New	Zealand

Commonwealth	Bank	of	Australia
201 Sussex Street
Sydney NSW 2000

HSBC Bank Australia Limited
580	George	Street
Sydney NSW 2000

The Hongkong and Shanghai
Banking	Corporation
1 Queen Street
Auckland	New	Zealand

Westpac	Banking	Corporation
275 Kent Street
Sydney NSW 2000

Westpac	New	Zealand	Limited
16 Takutai Square
Auckland	New	Zealand

Designed	and	produced	by	InvoCare

ANNUAL REPORT

ANNUAL REPORT

2015

2015

www.invocare.com.au
www.invocare.com.au