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Invacare

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FY2018 Annual Report · Invacare
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Annual Report

2018

Our Mission

‘‘

  We’re here to support our clients, their families 
and friends, at a pivotal time in their lives. 
We do this by being compassionate, exceeding 
expectations and delivering outstanding service.

’’

Contents

Performance Highlights 

Chairman’s Message 

Chief Executive Officer’s Review 

Investing for Growth 

Sustainability Report 

Leadership Team 

Director’s Report 

Corporate Governance Statement 

Remuneration Report 

Auditor’s Independence Declaration 

Financial Report 

Director’s Declaration 

Independent Auditor’s Report 

Shareholder Information 

Glossary 

InvoCare Locations 

Corporate Information 

1

2

4

6

10

14

16

33

39

53

54

109

110

116

117

118

120

ii

Cover Image: @skucinic9

|  Performance highlights

Investment in growth initiatives progressed during 
a period of soft market conditions

Operating sales revenue 
($ million)

Operating EBITDA
($ million)

2014 

2015 

2016 

2017 

2018 

424.1

448.4

462.5

470.9

477.3

2014 

2015 

2016 

2017 

2018 

105.1

110.0

115.3

124.3

119.0

Operating earnings after tax 
($ million)

Ordinary dividends per share 
(cents per share)

2014 

2015 

2016 

2017 

2018 

49.5

53.0

57.4

63.5

49.5

2014 

2015 

2016 

2017 

2018 

36.5

38.0

42.5

46.0

37.0

Profit after tax attributable to members 
($ million)

2014 

2015 

2016 

2017 

2018 

54.5

54.8

41.2

70.9

97.4

1

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 | Chairman’s Message

Committed to growth 
strategies

In 2018, it was pleasing InvoCare was able 
to show significant progress in implementing 
both of its growth strategies (Protect & Grow 
and  Regional  Acquisitions)  despite  the 
soft market conditions that impacted the 
operational performance of the business. 
Our commitment to both strategies is driven 
by the knowledge that the customer is 
changing. It is essential for InvoCare, as 
the market leader, to provide leadership in 
meeting the future needs of our customers if 
we are to deliver strong sustainable double-
digit EPS growth for our shareholders.

Whilst we mitigated the impact of lower 
demand through cost control we made 
a  deliberate  decision  to  continue  with 
implementing our growth strategies given 
their importance. What is pleasing is both 
strategies are exceeding expectations. 

Update on growth strategies
As part of Protect & Grow, InvoCare is 
spending a net $200 million across three 
core  streams  –  Network  and  Brand 
Optimisation (NBO), People and Culture 
and  Operational  Efficiencies.  InvoCare 
also invested $70.6 million in the last year 
to acquire 11 businesses to both in-fill our 
core  markets  (Adelaide  and  Auckland) 
and extend our market coverage into new, 
primarily regional areas.

NBO - The renovation program within NBO 
continued through the year, despite the 
soft winter trading conditions. The team 
completed a further 55 sites in 2018, taking 
the total number of locations renovated at 
the end of 2018 to 35% of the planned 
program.  Overall,  the  performance  of 
the  renovated  sites  is  exceeding  our 
expectations with regard to EBITDA uplift 
against a business as usual scenario. In 
addition,  we  continue  to  learn  valuable 
lessons that we are integrating into both 
the existing and future renovations. 

People and Culture - As a people-led 
business, our values and culture are critical 
to customer service and our differentiation 
in  the  market.  In  2018,  a  new  culture 
program was rolled out for all employees 
and new customer service standards were 
implemented. It is pleasing that efforts to 
create a customer-focussed, collaborative 
environment with strong local leaders is 
resulting in improved Net Promoter Scores 
(NPS) year on year. Our business is driven 
by reputation and referrals and improving 
this metric is a key determinant of longer 
term success.

2

Operational Efficiencies - The ongoing 
focus on improving business processes 
and  physical  infrastructure  is  driven  as 
much by a desire to improve service to our 
customers and improve safety for our staff, 
as it is to drive operational efficiency. The 
Human Capital Management and Payroll 
component of the new Oracle business 
system were launched in April, with the 
pilot for the full ERP system launched in 
December and planned rollout across the 
business in Q2 2019. The upgrade of WAN, 
WiFi and a new telephony system were also 
completed. In addition, the first three sites 
for the operational shared services centres 
have been secured, designed and will be 
implemented this year. 

Regional  Acquisitions  -  In  2018, 
InvoCare acquired 11 funeral businesses. 
The rationale for these investments has 
been driven by the detailed demographic 
and market analysis undertaken through 
our Protect & Grow program. This work 
identified a shift in the demographic profile in 
metropolitan areas where people are taking 
either a ‘sea’ or ‘tree’ change in retirement. 
Securing high quality businesses in high 
growth markets demonstrates InvoCare’s 
commitment to creating long term value.

Equity raising for future growth
In March 2019, InvoCare announced an 
$85m fundraising (Institutional Placement 
and Share Purchase Plan). This decision 
was taken after meeting with many of our 
shareholders post the full year results where 
there was a clear preference for InvoCare 
to continue with the strong momentum 
that had been generated by both growth 
strategies in 2018. InvoCare was conscious 
of the need to balance surety of securing 
capital at a minimal discount and introducing 
high quality new investors with ensuring 
that exisiting investors were not unduly 
diluted. The Share Purchase Plan was also 
structured to ensure high participation of 
retail investors. 

2018 Dividend
As a reflection of the challenging market 
conditions in 2018, a prudent approach 
to capital management has been taken by 
the Board with regard to the final dividend. 
The full year payout ratio, at 82%, remains 
consistent with our policy and the final 
dividend of 19.5 cents provided for a full 
year dividend of 37.0 cents.

Bart Vogel

Board renewal 
In 2018, three new directors were appointed 
to the Board as part of the planned Board 
renewal. We were pleased to welcome Mr 
Keith Skinner from 1 September 2018 and 
effective from 1 October 2018, Ms Jackie 
McArthur and Ms Megan Quinn as non-
executive directors of the InvoCare Board. 

The  depth  and  diversity  of  our  new 
Board  members  is  critical  as  InvoCare 
addresses the opportunity of the changing 
customer  landscape  and  the  wider 
community expectations of governance 
and sustainability.

During the year Joycelyn Morton and Gary 
Stead resigned from the Board and we 
thank them for their contribution to InvoCare. 
We had previously announced Joycelyn’s 
retirement  and  I  would  like  to  take  the 
opportunity to thank Gary for the significant 
role he also played on the InvoCare Board 
since 2014 and the contributions he made in 
InvoCare’s growth as Chair of the Finance, 
Capital & Investment Committee.

I would also like to express my personal 
thanks to Richard Fisher who retired as 
Chairman on 30 September 2018. Richard 
joined the Board 16 years ago and has made 
a significant contribution in this time and 
left a lasting legacy. During his time as a 
Director, and then as Chairman, he has 
played a critical role in guiding the InvoCare 
growth strategies which have led to Board 
and Leadership renewal programs and the 
implementation of the Protect & Grow plan 
to transform InvoCare. He has provided me 
with his full support and guidance during 
my transition to the role as Chairman and I 
ask that you join me in thanking him for the 
strategic direction he has provided InvoCare 
and wish him and his family all the best.

On behalf of the InvoCare Board and all 
shareholders, I extend my appreciation to 
the dedicated employees of InvoCare and 
the critical role you play in supporting our 
client families at their time of greatest need. 
I would also like to thank our shareholders 
for your continued support as we invest to 
build our business for the future.

Bart Vogel 
Chairman

|  Unique water feature at George Hartnett Metropolitan Funerals and White Lady Funerals, Kelvin Grove QLD

InvoCare Annual Report 2018  | 

3

Chief Executive Officer’s Review

Business fundamentals remain 
strong despite soft market

Martin Earp

2018 was a mixed year with good progress 
made on the transformation projects of 
Protect & Grow and Regional Acquisitions, 
however  the  operational  results  were 
impacted by the lower number of deaths that 
occurred in the market place. The volatility 
in the number of deaths from year to year is 
not unusual, but a mild winter and a benign 
flu season combined to see a decline in the 
number of deaths in 2018 that was towards 
the upper end of historic precedent.

Operating  EBITDA  results  decreased 
4.3%  ($119.0  million)  over  the  previous 
corresponding period (PCP). Operating 
earnings after tax decreased by 22.1% on 
the PCP, reflecting increased depreciation 
and interest stemming from Protect & Grow 
and acquisition investments. Net profit after 
tax was down 57.7% on the PCP to $41.2 
million, primarily from the impact of the mark 
to market valuation of prepaid contracts in 
2017, which included a significant gain due 
to property revaluations.

At the start of 2018 we understood that the 
impact of closing many of our locations for 
renovation would impact the performance of 
the business and had guided the market to 
expect a low single digit growth in EBITDA 
for  the  year.  Soft  winter  trading  further 
impacted the performance of the business 
and we provided further financial guidance 
to the market in October 2018. In February 
2019, we confirmed that the full year results 
were in line with this revised guidance. 

Five-year financials

$‘000

Operating sales revenue

Operating EBITDA

Operating EBITDA margin

Operating earnings after tax

Operating earnings per share (cents)

Profit after tax attributable to members

Earnings per share (cents)

Dividend paid in respect of the financial year (cents)

 45.4 

 41,224 

 37.8 

 37.00 

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

 477,337 

 470,852 

 462,476 

 448,359 

 424,087 

 118,998 

 124,316 

 115,344 

 110,089 

 105,170 

24.9%

26.4%

 49,496 

 63,526 

 57.9 

24.9%

 57,417 

 52.4 

24.6%

24.8%

 52,999 

 49,466 

 48.4 

 45.2 

 97,439 

 70,949 

 54,844 

 54,515 

 88.8 

 46.00 

 64.7 

 42.50 

 50.1 

 38.00 

 49.8 

 36.50 

Ungeared, tax free operating cash flow

 104,222 

 116,891 

 105,007 

 99,545 

 101,512 

Proportion of EBITDA converted to cash

88%

94%

91%

90%

97%

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

 84,120 

 47,471 

 30,321 

 22,035 

 26,665 

 393,469 

 227,547 

 222,927 

 222,093 

 218,862 

 9.6 

 3.3 

 255 

 16 

 1,793

 104 

 13.8 

 1.8 

 228 

 16 

 1,644 

 111 

 11.0 

 1.9 

 233 

 16 

 1,566 

 142 

 9.2 

 2.0 

 231 

 16 

 1,557 

115

 8.3 

 2.1 

 234 

 14 

 1,532 

108

Operating earnings after tax excludes the net gain/(loss) on prepaid contracts, costs associated with the administration of prepaid 
contracts, commissions received, gain/(loss) on sale, disposal or impairment of non-current assets and non-controlling interests.

OPERATING EARNINGS AFTER TAX

DIVIDENDS

CASH CONVERSION RATIO

-22.1% 

Operating earnings after tax  
decreased to $49.5 million 

-19.6% 

Dividends for the year decreased  
to 37 cents per share 

88%

Consistently strong cash conversion 
ratio with 88% of operating EBITDA 
converted to cash

4

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5 year average

2018

Jan

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Mar

Apr

May

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Jul

Aug

Sep

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SOURCE: Source: Department of Health: 2018 Influenza Season on Australia Information Brief

Pillars of Growth

The success of InvoCare over many years 
has been built on a number of influential 
factors and I have summarised these below:

•  Deaths  – the number of deaths for the 
InvoCare group decreased by 2.3% in 
2018, and as previously indicated this is 
at the higher end of decline previously 
experienced.

•  Market  Share   –  the  competitive 
response with the traditional brands, in 
conjunction with the acquisitions saw a 
market share increase of 40bps. Whilst 
the renovation program of works was an 
overall drag on market share it is expected 
that this will be a net benefit in 2019. 

•  Funeral Case Average  – funeral case 
averages decreased by 0.3% driven by 
the  competitive  pricing  we  deployed 
for the traditional brands. The decision 
was taken to accept a decline in case 
averages rather than case volumes, given 
the impact on case volume modelled for 
2018 by renovated locations.

•  Operational  Efficiencies   –  the 
above factors led to pressure on total 
sales which, in turn, put pressure on 
our operating margin which was down 
150bps, despite controlling costs.

•  NPS  – our net promoter score (NPS) 
increased to +79. This increase is driven 
by  the  Protect  &  Grow  program  and 
reflects our customers’ responses to the 
improvements in our facilities, our brand 
standards and our service.  

•  Prepaid Funerals  – total funds under 
management  increased  by  3.2%  to 
$563.6 million.

Australia

In  Australia,  Cemetery  &  Crematoria 
sales  were  up  $12.3  million  as  a  result 
of  the  realisation  of  deferred  memorial 
sales, required under the new accounting 
standards.  Funeral  sales  were  down, 
impacted by the decline in the number 
of deaths and the temporary closure of 
locations for refurbishment. The reduced 
volumes  also  impacted  case  average 
revenue per funeral case. 

New Zealand 

New Zealand volumes declined in line with 
the market for that business. The team 
experienced a challenging year, but the 
acquisitions of three high quality funeral 
brands  during  the  year  have  set  New 
Zealand  up  for  improved  performance 
in 2019.  

Singapore

Singapore’s overall performance saw a 
decline in volumes and overall EBITDA, 
attributable to the main site being closed 
for over four months this year and the ramp-
up associated with re-opening. Pleasingly, 
the second half performance for Singapore 
was very strong and this positive trend has 
continued in early 2019. 

Outlook and Summary 

The expectation is for the number of deaths 
to return to long term trend and improved 
trading in the Australian funeral business in 
Q4 2018 and early 2019 is pointing towards 
the market normalising. A further update 
and outlook for 2019 will be provided at the 
Annual General Meeting in May.   

Whilst  it  is  never  easy  to  implement 
transformational change, especially in a year 
with lower year on year demand, InvoCare 
remains confident that the investment in its 
growth strategies will deliver sustainable 
double digit operating EBITDA and EPS 
growth in the medium to longer term. 

I have been very proud of the attitude of 
all of our staff in responding positively to 
the changes that are occurring within the 
business, and for the ongoing support of the 
Board, our shareholders and our customers 
as we transform our business to meet the 
future needs of our customers.

Martin Earp   
Chief Executive Officer 
& Managing Director

5

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 |  
 
 
 
 
Investing for growth

In  2018,  InvoCare  continued  to  build 
the  business  for  long  term  sustainable 
growth through both the Protect & Grow 
and Regional Acquisition strategies. These 
growth initiatives are ensuring InvoCare is 
building on its core business and meeting 
the  changing  needs  of  customers  for  a 
contemporary  funeral  service,  through 
investing  in  locations,  brands,  systems 
and people to deliver the highest level of 
customer service.

Transforming our locations

InvoCare is transforming locations based on 
detailed customer research which has shown 
families  are  looking  for  a  contemporary 
funeral service in a modern environment.

Customers  are  increasingly  looking  for 
support to have a funeral that allows for a 
respectful memorial service, as well as a 
location that allows for a celebration of the 
life of a loved one. This shift in attitude, and 
the extensive customer research undertaken, 
are the guiding principles behind the design 
of new and renovated locations.

Families are looking for facilities that are 
welcoming, bright and modern – somewhere 
to mourn, but also share treasured memories 
and remember people at their best. They want 
facilities which provide a sense of calm and 
meet their needs to celebrate a loved one’s 
life. They are looking for funeral homes that 
have beautiful arrangement rooms, chapels 
equipped with state-of-the-art audio visual 
equipment, a garden area to reflect, a lounge 
to ‘celebrate the life’ of a loved one, as well 
as ample parking and of course high quality 
customer service.

As part of Protect & Grow (NBO), InvoCare is 
proud to have renovated 55 locations in 2018, 
taking the number of locations renovated to 
83. These locations include state-of-the-art 
facilities and beautifully appointed spaces 
equipped  to  meet  a  range  of  needs  for 
families and services of all sizes.

Through NBO, detailed demographic analysis 
has been undertaken of all regions to show 
the right number (and brand) of shop fronts 
to support nearby funeral homes.

As InvoCare progresses through the NBO 
renovations and transformations, the early 
results are exceeding expectations both 
in terms of financial return, but also more 
importantly, they are exceeding customer 
expectations. Feedback from families has 
been overwhelmingly positive, as has the 
impact on employee engagement.

A significant part of ensuring the success of 
the location is having the right local leader 
and engagement in the local community. 
The combined approach of location, leader 
and community engagement under-pins 
strong performance.

In  2019,  InvoCare  will  be  focussed  on 
completing  the  first  phase  of  NBO  and 
reviewing  the  progress  of  this  to  ensure 
any  learnings  are  incorporated  in  future 
renovations with the majority of the rollout 
due to be completed in 2020.

Acquiring new regional businesses

The analysis that underpinned the Protect 
& Grow strategy was successfully utilised to 
identify regions where InvoCare could grow 
outside its existing core markets. The NBO 
analysis identified a shift in the demographic 
profile  in  regional  areas  where  people 
are taking either a ‘sea’ or ‘tree’ change 
in retirement.

A decision to enter these regional markets 
meant  that  in  2018,  InvoCare  had  the 

opportunity to invest $70.6 million to acquire 
11 businesses in Australia and New Zealand, 
adding  over  3,500  funeral  cases,  1,200 
cremation cases and around $26 million in 
revenue per annum. 

The  acquisitions  represent  an  exciting 
opportunity  for  InvoCare  to  build  on  the 
reputation of the funeral homes acquired 
and expand in new markets through existing 
brands. They were each selected based on 

their location, the strength of the business 
and a focus on people providing unrivalled 
service to families in the local community.

InvoCare will continue to seek acquisition 
opportunities in regional communities and 
through a disciplined approach, determine if 
future growth in each region is via acquisition 
or leveraging existing national or local brands.

6

|  Grafton & District FuneralsJ.A. DunnFuneral ServicesHastings District Funeral &Cremation ServiceSouthern Highlands FuneralsHarrison FuneralsLester & Son Funeral DirectorsArcher & SonsFuneral HomesEnglish RoseFuneralsMorrisonFuneral DirectorsHope and Sons Funeral DirectorsWhitestone Funerals 
Chapel at George Hartnett Metropolitan Funerals and White Lady Funerals, Kelvin Grove QLD

J.A. Dunn Funeral Services, Launceston TAS

7

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 |  
Drysdale Funerals and White Lady Funerals, Nambour QLD

Simplicity Funerals, Salisbury SA

2 3 4

8

|  The team at George Hartnett Metropolitan Funerals and White Lady Funerals, Kelvin Grove QLD

Turnbull Funerals and White Lady Funerals, Hobart TAS

Tilton Opie & Pattinson Funeral Directors, Royal Oak New Zealand

Singapore Casket, Singapore

9

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 | A sustainable future

Sustainability 

ENVIRONMENTAL 

Environment

At  InvoCare,  we  are  conscious  that  our 
business  should  aspire  to  operate  in  a 
sustainable  manner.  The  Board  strongly 
believes  in  integrating  environmentally 
conscious practices, and aims to continually 
adapt to ensure material risks are addressed 
and  properly  managed.  We  understand 
the niche nature of our business and the 
various environmental, social and governance 
(ESG) factors associated with our operations 
and we look to create long term value for 
all our stakeholders beyond pure financial 
returns. This means working together to 
bring meaningful, positive changes to the 
communities and environment around us. 
We ensure all aspects of the organisation 
are monitored and maintained to be able to 
provide a high quality service. 

Health and Safety

A priority for 2018 was to further lift the profile 
of our health, safety and the environmental 
practices  through  proactive  leadership, 
accountability and visibility.

InvoCare has increased resources in this 
area over the last two years and the Health 
and Safety team provide a broad range of 
experience, working diligently to improve 
our safety culture, set strategic objectives, 
monitor compliance and reduce risk across 
the business. We constantly review our health 
and safety processes, supporting our people 
to focus on delivering excellent service to 
our clients and provide strong and effective 
leadership in the pursuit of safe, healthy and 
environmentally responsible workplaces.

InvoCare  recognises  its  employees  face 
challenging  emotional  issues  as  they 
deal with grieving families. To assist and 
support individuals, a confidential employee 
assistance program is provided by an external 
company, available free of charge to our 
employees and their families, for those who 
wish to use it.

InvoCare  is  committed  to  reducing  its 
carbon footprint wherever possible1. The 
last  assessment  of  total  emissions  was 
completed in 2014, showing that InvoCare’s 
total emission on a world-wide basis was less 
than 18,000 tonnes of CO2.
InvoCare operates over 300 hectares of 
cemetery land which provides an offset to its 
other emissions through natural processes. 
Management intends to set clearer targets 
and  objectives  towards  the  reduction  of 
emission intensity.

Our fleet is an area of our operations where 
we continually look to reduce our carbon 
footprint.  In  2018,  we  made  concrete 
developments  and  changes  to  minimise 
our emissions.

Our Fleet

187 hybrid electric vehicles

30 LPG vehicles

10 new diesel operations van with 
Euro 6 standards - NOx emission 
minimised from 0.18kg/km to 
0.008kg/km

45% of the passenger fleet operates 

on lower emission fuel types

2018 ESG highlights:

Health and Safety

• increased resources targeting risks at work (both physical and mental)

Environment

• priority given to reducing vehicle emissions since 2017

Procurement 

• ensuring our suppliers utilise, where possible, sustainable products

Community 

• ongoing work in the local community by our local leaders

People, Culture 
and Values

• rollout of the first year of the One InvoCare culture plan

Risk 

• development of risk appetite to augment risk register

Diversity 

• improvement in proportion of female representation at Board and Management

Cyber Security

• upgrade to firewall and testing regime

1   There are no obligations imposed on InvoCare under the Australian National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007 (Cth), which requires reporting when total 

emissions exceed 50,000 tonnes of CO2 in total or 25,000 tonnes at a single location. 

10

|  Sustainability ReportSustainability Report [ CONTINUED ]

Case Study:

Procurement 

Allambe Memorial Park (Artists’ Impression)

In 2018, development commenced at Allambe Memorial Park that 
included a lake and garden wetlands, to create a new area for memorials. 
The Allambe development project delivers tangible environmentally 
sustainable benefits to both the park and the surrounding area, 
specifically to the regeneration of an overgrown wetland into a pristine, 
self-sustaining wetland-lake ecosystem. The new area will have water 
reuse opportunities, ensuring water run-off quality and will make use of 
an area that was prone to flooding in previous years. This development 
will also bring back wildlife and native vegetation to the area. InvoCare 
strongly believes in maintaining and preserving our natural environment 
and will continue to monitor any significant impacts on biodiversity 
as a result of this development. Embedded in our Company values 
is to provide for our client families and to the local community; this 
development will provide a new memorial space for the Gold Coast 
community for the next 20 to 30 years.

InvoCare integrates social and environmentally sustainable sourcing 
practices throughout the business. In terms of our suppliers, we 
monitor our supply chain for any significant actual or potential negative 
impacts and due diligence is undertaken with any new supplier. Other 
than speciality coffin brands (less than 2%), our coffins are sourced 
from Australian companies who, in the majority, are using wood from 
sustainably managed forests and meets:

• AS/NZS 1859.2:2004 Standard;
• Is independently tested and accredited by the Engineered 
Wood Products Association of Australia (EWPAA); and 

• Has achieved AS 4707:2006 Chain-of-Custody certification to 

the Australian Forestry Standard (AFS / 01-31-145). 

Our suppliers also use products that are from certified members of 
the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) 
and New Zealand’s Forest Stewardship Council Chain of Custody 
and Controlled Wood.

SOCIAL 

Community

The InvoCare brands are deeply embedded in local communities and 
our employees play a key role in supporting community events and 
initiatives. Many of our funeral homes, cemeteries and crematoria 
arrange free memorial services at important times of the year – such 
as at Christmas or on Mother’s and Father’s Day, to provide extra 
support and as a general community service. They also support 
events of religious or cultural significance including Lunar New Year, 
Waitangi Day, Easter, Ching Ming, Anzac Day, All Souls’ Day, Chung 
Yeung and Remembrance Day.

Locally, teams connect with the community through sponsorship, 
support and donations and through coordinating a range of events 
and seminars.

11

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 | Sustainability Report [ CONTINUED ]Case Study:

In 2018, White Lady Funerals and Mareena Purslowe Funerals continued 
a strong partnership with Share the Dignity, offering all locations as 
a drop-off point for donations during the Dignity Drives to support 
homeless women and teenage girls in April and October. Again, 
for the Winter Warmers Appeal, all the traditional funeral brands in 
Australia collected much needed items for thousands of homeless 
people across Australia.

People, Culture and Values 

We recognise that a strong and positive culture does not happen by 
accident and, as such, created a Culture Planning Team. This team 
of 15 people were selected from all regions, all levels of seniority and 
diverse technical areas of our business. Over the course of 2018, they 
developed a detailed plan for transforming our culture, guided by an 
external consultant (Walking the Talk).

Share the Dignity partnership supporting homeless women

During 2018 the first stage of this 
plan was delivered and is supporting 
the ongoing development and 
strength of our culture and values. 
The plan has been summarised as:

One Team
We communicate, 
collaborate and consult 
up, down and across

Customer Centric
We take responsibility
for understanding
and delivering on 
customer needs

Ownership
We do what we say
we will do

A  critical  part  of  this  plan  is  that  we 
recognise  that  culture  is  driven  by  both 
reward and recognition and we have put 
much more emphasis on recognition. The 
One  InvoCare  Awards  (both  quarterly  at 
state level and annually at a national level) 
publically  recognise  those  people  who 
have particularly excelled during the course 
of  the  year.  The  Awards  focus  on  those 
people who are champions of our CARE 
Values;  Collaboration,  Accountability, 
Responsiveness and Excellence – day in, 
day out throughout the year. Each year the 
finalists from teams across Australia and 
New Zealand are brought together for the 
Awards Ceremony, providing an opportunity 
to celebrate and be recognised for their 
achievements in living our values. 

The  Board  monitors  the  health  of  the 
Company’s culture and utilises this feedback 
to inform change. We are pleased that the 
survey results from participants in our One 
InvoCare Culture sessions conducted late 
in 2018 showed that 85% of respondents 
viewed the culture we are striving to achieve 
as  supportive  of  building  a  strong  and 
sustainable  organisation.  A  further  83% 
would recommend InvoCare as an employer. 
For 2019, we are conducting our biennial 
employee satisfaction survey to determine 
whether we, as an employer, are meeting 
the needs of our workers.

The quality of our people is our greatest 
competitive advantage, therefore providing 
them  with  the  skills  to  deliver  excellent 
customer service and a positive employee 

experience is paramount to our success. In 
2018, we have focused on the development 
and expansion of our training and upskilling 
program for our people. In 2019 we will be 
rolling out recruitment and selection training 
for all hiring managers where we will focus 
on equipping them with the necessary skills 
for day-to-day recruitment, on-boarding, 
performance  management  and  provide 
them with skills to assist with eliminating 
bias in decision making and be able to have 
productive  conversations  about  career 
progression. We ensured that throughout 
the  process  we  promoted  an  objective, 
consistent and fair employee experience. 

We also committed to providing job-specific 
training in customer service through our other 
training programs:

Training

Objectives and Outcomes

Customer Service 
Masterclass Program

Leadership Capability 
Framework

•  11 training modules – face-to-face and through e-learning.
• Over 1,400 attendees.

•  Development of leadership capabilities and selection 

of all future leaders.

First bespoke Leadership 
Development Program

• Launching in 2019.
• Focusing on developing Regional and Area Managers.

12

Sustainability Report [ CONTINUED ]|  GOVERNANCE 

Risk

The  Board  has  overall  responsibility  and  accountability  for  the 
management of risk within the business, whereas the management 
pursues the identification, assessment, control and monitoring of its 
material risks to prevent or mitigate impacts to the business in line 
with our risk appetite. During 2018, we reviewed and refined our Risk 
Management Framework, with specific importance given to the Risk 
Appetite Statement. This was to ensure continued improvement and 
effectiveness of strong governance, sustainable financial performance 
and a healthy and safe workplace for all. 

The Board governs risks across a number of categories and our 
appetite to each is determined within the context of our industry sector 
– funeral services. These risk categories include:

• Our Reputation 
• Legal Compliance 
• Health and Safety 
• Fraud and Corruption 
• Customer Service 
• People and Culture 
• Environment 
• Our Competitive Environment 
• Non-Regulatory Standards 
• Commercial and Operational Decision Making 
• Acquisitions 
• Innovation and Transformation

The identification, assessment and control of risks within each category 
is conducted in consultation with executives and senior leaders 
throughout the business, as well as external consultants as appropriate. 
The Audit, Risk & Compliance Committee reviews and approves the 
risk register for adoption by the Board and further governance oversight 
is provided through internal audit functions to assist in ensuring that 
controls are implemented, understood and are effective.

Diversity 

At InvoCare, we promote and celebrate diversity in every form. The 
nature of InvoCare’s business means that our employees come into 
daily contact with families from every walk of life and facet of society, 
so a focus on inclusion makes a direct contribution to the business’ 

Proportion of female representation

49%

 43%

43%

 40%

 36%

 29%

50

45

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

Board

Australian Management

ongoing success, as well as being aligned to our communities and 
stakeholder expectations. InvoCare is committed to creating a diverse 
work environment, with a focus on creating an inclusive organisational 
culture where all individuals feel respected and valued. 

During  2018  there  was  significant  Board  renewal  providing  the 
opportunity to increase diversity across a number of areas including 
gender, age, skills, background and experience. As a result of these 
changes 50% of our non-executive directors are female and 43% of the 
whole Board. We are proud that in 2018 we have achieved our goal of 
a minimum 45% of management roles to be held by females by 2020.

Cyber Security & Technology

InvoCare maintains the personal details of a 
significant number of individuals in order 
to  provide  services  now,  and  in  the 
future. In order to address the cyber 
threat landscape and be available 
to  our  clients,  we  have  upgraded 
our technological systems, with the 
rollout  of  the  Mitel  phone  system, 
which  ensures  our  client  families 
always have someone to reach when 
they  need  it  the  most.  Additionally, 
Business Information Systems are used by 
InvoCare’s employees and client families to provide them access to any  
necessary information. 2018 enhancements and developments include:

• Transitioning to a new Optic Fibre Network protected by 
a Palo Alto Firewall which includes an Intrusion Detection 
& Prevention System and is enhanced by security on the 
cooperate network.

• Penetration testing conducted by an independent external firm, 
which rated InvoCare’s network infrastructure as “well secured”. 
This testing is conducted at a random time each year by an 
independent firm.

InvoCare’s cyber security governance, management and operational 
practices are designed to protect its business and provide assurance 
in response to the changing threat landscape. In addition to continually 
improving its cyber security position by implementing new security 
systems, InvoCare is focussed on increasing its cyber security 
readiness by raising awareness with its workforce as an additional 
line of defence.

Next steps

We are reviewing our policies and procedures in relation to sustainability. 
The Board has set an objective to provide our first Sustainability Report 
in FY2019, to address our performance in relation to the material ESG 
impacts associated with our operations, in accordance with one of 
the accepted sustainability reporting frameworks.

13

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 | Sustainability Report [ CONTINUED ]201620162017201720182018Leadership team

The InvoCare senior leadership team are focussed on transforming 
the InvoCare business to ensure that the company is equipped 
to meet the challenges of delivering double digit EPS growth in a 
changing market. This is being achieved through ensuring the right 
leaders and entrepreneurial ethos is in place across the business.

In 2018, the business gained momentum through the Protect & Grow 
strategy with the senior leadership team working with local leaders 
to transform locations, systems and processes and culture.

Through building a culture of collaboration, the transformation of 
the business is having a positive impact on employee engagement 
and the customer experience with the Net Promoter Score (NPS) 
increasing to a world-class level of +79. 

The senior leadership team is committed to delivering the growth 
strategies and ensuring the business is ready to meet the changing 
needs of the consumer and deliver the right outcomes for client 
families, employees and all stakeholders.

InvoCare Senior Leadership Team 

Martin Earp   
Chief Executive Officer 
& Managing Director

Josée Lemoine  
Chief Financial Officer

Damien MacRae 
Chief Operating Officer 
Australia & New Zealand

Fergus Kelly 
Chief Marketing Officer

Steve Nobbs 
Group Executive 
Commercial Director

Amanda Tober 
Group Executive 
People & Culture

Lachlan Sheldon  
Group Executive 
Mergers & Acquisitions

Keiron Humbler 
Group Executive 
Business Operations

Graeme Rhind   
Chairman 
New Zealand

Wee Leng Goh  
Chief Executive Officer 
Singapore

14

|  Annual Financial 
Report

InvoCare Limited and Controlled Entities Annual Financial Report 
for the financial year ended 31 December 2018

Contents

Directors’ Report

Corporate Governance Statement

Remuneration Report

Auditor’s Independence Declaration

Financial Report

Independent Auditor’s Report

16

33

39

53

54

110

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 2, 40 Miller Street 
North Sydney NSW 2060

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

The financial report was authorised for issue by the directors on 
22 February 2019. 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

15

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 | Directors’ Report

The directors submit their report on the consolidated entity comprising 
InvoCare Limited (the “Company”) and the entities it controlled at 
31 December 2018. 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 
financial year and until the date of this report:

Bart Vogel (Chairman)

Martin Earp

Richard Davis

Robyn Stubbs

Keith Skinner (appointed 1 September 2018)

Jackie McArthur (appointed 1 October 2018)

Megan Quinn (appointed 1 October 2018)

Principal activities

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

Significant changes in the state of affairs 

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 were $49,496,000 (2017: 
$63,526,000) as reconciled on page 17. The consolidated after tax 
profit of the Group attributable to shareholders was $41,224,000 (2017: 
$97,439,000). More detailed information is included in the operating 
and financial review set out in this report.

Dividends

Joycelyn Morton, Richard Fisher and Gary Stead resigned as independent 
non-executive directors effective 18 May 2018, 30 September 2018 and 
31 December 2018. 

The directors have recommended a final, fully franked dividend of 19.50 
cents per share payable on 12 April 2019. Total full year dividends are 
37.00 cents, being 9.00 cents or 19.6% lower than 2017. The full year 
dividend payout ratio is 82% (2017: 80%) of operating earnings after tax.

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

Interim ordinary dividend of 17.50 cents (2017: 18.50 cents) 
per fully paid share paid on 5 October 2018

Final ordinary dividend of 19.50 cents (2017: 27.50 cents) per fully paid share 
has been recommended by directors on 22 February 2019 to be paid on 12 April 2019

Total ordinary dividends of 37.00 cents (2017: 46.00 cents)

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

2018      
$’000

2017 
$’000

19,255

20,356

21,499

30,258

40,754

50,614

For the 2018 interim dividend, 226,057 shares were issued at a price of $12.08 per share reflecting a discount of 2% to the market price and 
$16,524,000 was paid in cash. The DRP will apply to the final 2018 dividend and shares will be issued at a discount of 2% to the market price.

16

|  Operating and Financial Review 

Result highlights:
Operating sales revenue (i)

Other revenue (i)

Operating expenses (i)
Operating EBITDA (i)

  Operating margin

Depreciation and amortisation (i)

Finance costs

Interest income

Business acquisitions costs
Operating earnings before tax (i)

Income tax on operating earnings (i)

Effective tax rate

Operating earnings after tax (i)

Net gain on prepaid contracts after tax (i)

Asset sales gains/(losses) after tax (i)

Impairment loss and restructuring cost (i)

Non-controlling interest

Net profit after tax attributable to ordinary equity holders of InvoCare

Operating earnings per share (i) 
Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

Interim ordinary dividend per share

Final ordinary dividend per share

Total ordinary dividend per share

(i) Non-IFRS financial information.

2018

$’000

477,337

2,861

(361,200)

118,998

24.9%

(26,030)

(19,650)

1,354

(3,602)

71,070

(21,574)

30.4%

49,496

(8,366)

230

-

(136)

41,224

45.4 cents

37.8 cents

37.3 cents

17.5 cents

19.5 cents

37.0 cents

2017

$’000

470,852

3,027

(349,563)

124,316

26.4%

(21,256)

(12,417)

1,005

(392)

91,256

(27,730)

30.4%

63,526

40,006

2,287

(8,257)

(123)

97,439

Change

$’000’s

6,485

(166)

(11,637)

(5,318)

(4,774)

(7,233)

349

(3,210)

(20,186)

6,156

(14,030)

(48,372)

(2,057)

8,257

(13)

(56,215)

57.9 cents

-12.5 cents

88.8 cents

-51.0 cents

88.0 cents

-50.7 cents

18.5 cents

-1.0 cents

27.5 cents

-8.0 cents

46.0 cents

-9.0 cents

%

1.4%

(5.5%)

(3.3%)

(4.3%)

(1.5%)

(22.5%)

(58.3%)

34.7%

-

(22.1%)

22.2%

(0.0%)

(22.1%)

(10.6%)

(57.7%)

(21.6%)

(57.4%)

(57.6%)

(5.4%)

(29.1%)

(19.6%)

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.

The Group presents its operating EBITDA, operating earnings and net gain on prepaid contracts by reclassifying all amounts related to the administration and financial 
impacts of the prepaid funeral business in a separate line item in the above table under net gain on prepaid contracts after tax. This has resulted in normalisation adjustments 
to sales, other revenue and operating expenses to reflect the exclusion of the financial impact of the prepaid funeral business. The directors consider that the presentation 
of all activities related to funds under management as non-operating will provide a clearer and better reflection of the Group’s operating performance and results.

Total revenue from continuing operations has been decreased by $0.6 million (2017: increase $13.9 million), operating expenses have been reduced by $7.9 million (2017: 
increased by $3.5 million), net loss on prepaid contracts, net of tax, has been increased by $4.9 million (2017: net gain increased by $3.1 million) and Net cash inflow from 
operating activities increased by $13.9 million (2017: decreased by $2.5 million) with a corresponding impact on Net cash outflow from investing activities to adjust for the 
non-operating impact of prepaid funeral services.

There is no impact on net profit after tax and no impact on the presentation of items in the income statement presented by the Consolidated Income Statement on page 55.

17

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 |   
Business model

Financial overview

InvoCare’s business model has traditionally been based upon acquisitions 
of existing funeral businesses in the major capitals of Australia and above 
average sales increases which along with minimising overhead would 
drive high single digit EPS growth. This was a successful strategy for 
InvoCare and delivered an average annual total shareholder return of 
16% since listing in 2003.

The changing needs and demographic profile of the customer provides 
great opportunity for InvoCare to gain market share by proactively 
meeting the customer needs. The company concluded that future 
growth could be delivered by extracting greater benefit from existing 
assets by increasing market share, tapping into operational efficiencies, 
more efficient capital allocation and expansion into new markets 
through acquisition.

After further research and planning the company launched its Protect & 
Grow growth strategy in February 2017. The strategy had three distinct 
parts, which are listed below:

• NBO (refresh locations / enhance service offering / organic 

growth / consolidate)

• People and Culture (One Team, Net Promoter Score “NPS”, 

Local Leaders)

• Operational Efficiencies (dedicated shared service centers / 

new ERP)

The implementation of the Protect & Grow plan would allow market 
share to be increased within the existing catchment areas by providing 
improved facilities within our existing locations. New greenfield sites 
to both in-fill and stretch existing markets will further increase case 
numbers. It was expected that market share would increase from 
circa 33% to 40% across a ten-year period. Augmenting market share 
growth would be an increased focus on providing additional services to 
customers which would help deliver a case average increase of 3-4%. 

In addition to improving the quality of locations InvoCare is investing 
in its people and culture. The aim is to empower entrepreneurial local 
leaders to work collaboratively with the wider team to increase the quality 
of customer service which drives growth through referrals and repeat 
usage. The effectiveness of this work would be measured using NPS.

The final part of the Protect & Grow strategy is focused on working 
more effectively and this is driven by the introduction of a new ERP 
system (Oracle Cloud) that will improve the way we work by reviewing 
all working practices and standardising them across Australia and New 
Zealand. Investment in dedicated operational shared service centers 
will allow for additional operational efficiencies to be captured in the 
medium to longer term.

In February 2018 InvoCare indicated that the financial results would 
be impacted by the loss of cases due to locations being temporarily 
closed for renovation and the impact of both increased debt costs and 
depreciation associated with the capital invested on Protect & Grow 
projects. It was expected that EBITDA would be flat and EPS would 
decline by low single digits on the Previous Corresponding Period (PCP). 

As detailed in the next section, the soft market in 2018 negatively 
impacted sales revenue, but the results of the Protect & Grow program 
are encouraging. In May 2018 InvoCare reported the strong performance 
of the pilot sites (pre-Protect & Grow locations) and in August 2018 
InvoCare reported that the financial performance of the first cohort 
of renovated sites (EBITDA uplift against a do-nothing scenario) were 
performing ahead of expectation and the recent results for Protect & 
Grow continue to remain positive.

The key strategic initiatives for growth (Protect & Grow and Regional 
Acquisitions) both performed well in 2018 and positioned the Group 
for strong sustainable growth. The expansion into growing regional 
markets exceeded expectations as did the performance of the renovated 
locations once the softer market conditions are taken into account. 
However, the combination of the softer market and the number of sites 
closed for renovation combined to make 2018 a difficult trading year. 

Group operating EBITDA decreased to $119.0 million (2017: $124.3 
million)  consistent  with  the  outlook  provided  in  October.  For  the 
comparable business, that is, excluding acquisitions completed in the 
current year and the divestment of USA operations in the prior period, 
operating EBITDA decreased to $116.6 million (2017: $124.6 million). 
This was achieved in a period of soft market and trading disruptions as 
the Company invested into contemporising and/or expanding its metro 
network across Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.

Operating  sales  revenue  was  up  1.4%  or  $6.4 million  to  $477.3 
million (2017: $470.9 million). The increase reflects eleven successful 
acquisitions, expansion within the core network, favourable foreign 
exchange movements and the realisation of deferred memorialisation 
sales in the cemeteries and crematoria business.

Overall, numbers of deaths in InvoCare’s core markets decreased by 
approximately 2.3% compared to 2017 and 3.1% in our core market in 
Australia. Our market share has grown 40bps following the expansion 
into the regional markets. With continued focus on customer service, the 
Company was able to slow down its comparative market share decline to 
an estimated 60bps (2017: 90bps) despite the implementation of the NBO 
project which necessitated having locations off-line for refurbishment. It 
is estimated that over 900 cases were lost in the year in our Australian 
and Singaporean businesses as the NBO was implemented and, when 
excluding these impacts, our market share has stabilised year on year. 
Initial results of the first phase of NBO locations are positive with actual 
EBITDA uplift over a baseline scenario ahead of forecasts.

Comparable business costs increased by 1.6% and down 0.8% when 
excluding the additional operating costs of $2.8 million for the 20 greenfield 
NBO locations. This was achieved primarily by containing cost of goods 
sold and lower bonus payments being paid for 2018 performance.

As a percentage of sales, comparable EBITDA margins declined by 
150bps to 24.9% (2017: 26.4%) reflecting market and network disruption 
impacts on sales coupled with increased personnel and facilities costs 
to support the establishment of new trading locations under the NBO 
program. Comparable EBITDA margins improved between the first half 
of 2018 to the second half from 23.8% to 26.0% respectively.

Statutory reported revenue was up 3.2% or $14.8 million to $480.8 
million (2017: $465.9 million).

Statutory reported profit after tax was down 57.6% or $56.2 million to 
$41.4 million (2017: $97.6 million) which is driven primarily as a result 
of the appreciation in the value of property investments in 2017 along 
with the sale of a commercial property by the main Guardian Trust fund 
within the Over Fifty Guardian Friendly Society.

Operating cash flows were impacted by market conditions. Ungeared, 
tax free operating cash flow excluding impacts from prepaid funeral 
business was 88% of EBITDA (2017: 94%), underpinning the ability to 
pay a fully franked final dividend of 19.50 cents per share, which is 8 
cents lower than last year. This is in addition to the 17.50 cent interim 
dividend paid in October 2018, taking total dividends declared for the 
year to 37.00 cents (2017: 46.00 cents).

18

Directors’ Report [ CONTINUED ]|  Sales, Operating EBITDA, margins and major profit & loss line items

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

Operating Sales Revenue

Australia

New Zealand

Singapore

Comparable business

USA & Acquisitions

Total

Operating EBITDA

Australia

New Zealand

Singapore

Comparable business

USA & Acquisitions

Total

Margin on sales

Australia

New Zealand

Singapore

Comparable business

USA & Acquisitions

Total 

1H18 
$’000

1H17 
$’000

Var 
%

2H18 
$’000

2H17 
$’000

Var 
%

FY18 
$’000

FY17 
$’000

Var 
%

196,676

193,176

1.8%

208,944

214,756

22,100

22,497

(1.8%)

23,188

23,872

6,569

8,429

(22.1%)

9,890

7,232

225,345

224,102

0.6%

242,022

245,860

(2.7%)

(2.9%)

36.8%

(1.6%)

405,620

407,932

45,288

46,369

16,459

15,661

467,367

469,962

(0.6%)

(2.3%)

5.1%

(0.6%)

329

689

(52.2%)

9,641

200 4,720.5%

9,970

889

225,674

224,791

0.4%

251,663

246,060

2.3%

477,337

470,851

1.4%

47,544

46,057

3.2%

53,656

61,711

4,082

2,070

4,558

4,040

(10.4%)

(48.8%)

4,557

4,656

5,518

2,753

(13.1%)

(17.4%)

69.1%

101,200

107,768

(6.1%)

8,639

6,726

10,076

(14.3%)

6,793

(1.0%)

(6.5%)

53,696

54,655

(1.8%)

62,869

69,982

(10.2%)

116,565

124,637

32

(763)

104.2%

2,401

442

443.2%

2,433

(321)

857.9%

53,728

53,892

(0.3%)

65,270

70,424

(7.3%)

118,998

124,316

(4.3%)

24.2%

18.5%

31.5%

23.8%

9.7%

23.8%

20.3%

47.9%

24.4%

-

0.3%

(1.8%)

(16.4%)

(0.6%)

23.8%

24.0%

(0.2%)

25.7%

19.7%

47.1%

26.0%

24.9%

25.9%

28.7%

23.1%

38.1%

28.5%

-

(3.1%)

(3.5%)

9.0%

(2.5%)

28.6%

(2.7%)

24.9%

19.1%

40.9%

24.9%

24.4%

24.9%

26.4%

21.7%

43.4%

26.5%

-

(1.5%)

(2.7%)

(2.5%)

(1.6%)

26.4%

(1.5%)

Operating EBITDA by segment
(AUD Millions)

140.0

120.0

100.0

80.0

60.0

40.0

20.0

0.0

124.3

(16.3)

(6.1)

(0.4)

(0.1)

1.5

0.3

103.1

15.9

119.0

2017
ex AASB15

Aus
Funerals

Aus
CemCrem

New Zealand

Singapore

Corporate
Services

USA

2018
ex AASB15

AASB15
recognition

2018
inc AASB15

19

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 | The following table shows the total Operating EBITDA performance of the business by halves, discussed in the following sections of the report.

1 H18 
$’000

1 H17 
$’000

Var 
%

2 H18 
$’000

2 H17 
$’000

Var 
%

FY 18 
$’000

FY 17 
$’000

Var 
%

Total – all lines of business

Operating Sales Revenue

225,675

224,791

0.4%

251,662

246,061

2.3%

477,337

470,852

1.4%

Other revenue

Expenses:

Cost of goods sold

Personnel

976

1,586

(38.5%)

1,885

1,441

30.8%

2,861

3,027

(5.5%)

(58,913)

(59,970)

(75,826)

(74,991)

1.8%

(1.1%)

(65,479)

(64,434)

(1.6%)

(124,392)

(124,404)

0.0%

(82,183)

(75,257)

(9.2%)

(158,009)

(150,248)

(5.2%)

Advertising & promotions

(6,310)

(7,843)

19.5%

(6,157)

(7,555)

18.5%

(12,467)

(15,398)

19.0%

Occupancy & facility expenses

(15,290)

(14,404)

(6.2%)

(15,968)

(13,997)

(14.1%)

(31,258)

(28,401)

(10.1%)

Motor vehicle expenses

(3,805)

(3,685)

(3.3%)

(4,764)

(4,404)

(8.2%)

(8,569)

(8,089)

(5.9%)

Other expenses

(12,779)

(11,592)

(10.2%)

(13,726)

(11,431)

(20.1%)

(26,505)

(23,023)

(15.1%)

Operating expenses

(172,923)

(172,485)

(0.3%)

(188,277)

(177,078)

(6.3%)

(361,200)

(349,563)

(3.3%)

Operating EBITDA

Operating margin %

53,728

53,892

(0.3%)

65,270

70,424

(7.3%)

118,998

124,316

(4.3%)

23.8%

24.0%

(0.2%)

25.9%

28.6%

(2.7%)

24.9%

26.4%

(1.5%)

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

1 H18 
$’000

1 H17 
$’000

Var 
%

2 H18 
$’000

2 H17 
$’000

Var 
%

FY 18 
$’000

FY 17 
$’000

Var 
%

Total – all lines of business

Operating Sales Revenue

225,346

224,102

0.6%

242,021

245,861

(1.6%)

467,367

469,963

(0.6%)

Other revenue

Expenses:

977

1,372

(28.8%)

1,837

1,428

28.6%

2,814

2,800

0.5%

Cost of goods sold

(58,796)

(59,887)

1.8%

(62,684)

(64,413)

2.7%

(121,480)

(124,300)

Personnel

(75,721)

(73,972)

(2.4%)

(79,200)

(75,591)

(4.8%)

(154,921)

(149,563)

Advertising & promotions

(6,293)

(7,729)

18.6%

(5,914)

(7,555)

21.7%

(12,207)

(15,284)

Occupancy & facility expenses

(15,258)

(14,306)

Motor vehicle expenses

(3,794)

(3,636)

(6.7%)

(4.3%)

(15,307)

(13,988)

(9.4%)

(30,565)

(28,294)

(4,575)

(4,388)

(4.3%)

(8,369)

(8,024)

2.3%

(3.6%)

20.1%

(8.0%)

(4.3%)

Other expenses

(12,764)

(11,289)

(13.1%)

(13,309)

(11,371)

(17.0%)

(26,073)

(22,660)

(15.1%)

Operating expenses

Operating EBITDA

Operating margin %

(172,626)

(170,819)

(1.1%)

(180,989)

(177,306)

(2.1%)

(353,615)

(348,125)

53,697

54,655

(1.8%)

62,869

69,983

(10.2%)

116,566

124,638

(1.6%)

(6.5%)

23.8%

24.4%

(0.6%)

26.0%

28.5%

(2.5%)

24.9%

26.5%

(1.6%)

20

Directors’ Report [ CONTINUED ]|  Number of deaths and cases

The number of deaths continues to be a 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% change on the prior year, as shown in the following graphs based on the 
historical number of deaths as reported by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. 

Official data on the number of deaths for 2018 is published after a 9-month lag however, based on interim state and industry data, InvoCare 
estimates that the number of deaths in the Australian markets it operates in, has declined by 3.1% in 2018. 

Historical annual growth in the number of deaths - Australia

5.0%

4.0%

3.0%

2.0%

1.0%

0.0%

(1.0%)

(2.0%)

(3.0%)

(4.0%)

7
9
9
1

8
9
9
1

9
9
9
1

0
0
0
2

1
0
0
2

2
0
0
2

3
0
0
2

4
0
0
2

5
0
0
2

6
0
0
2

7
0
0
2

8
0
0
2

9
0
0
2

0
1
0
2

1
1
0
2

2
1
0
2

3
1
0
2

4
1
0
2

5
1
0
2

6
1
0
2

7
1
0
2

*
8
1
0
2

SOURCE: ABS 3202.0 Deaths, Australia

*InvoCare estimate

The following graph incorporates the most recent long-term death projections as released in November 2018 by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. 
This indicates an acceleration in the annual growth rate in the number of deaths from 1.1% over 1997-2017 more than doubling to an annual rate 
of 2.3% until 2030, 2.0% from 2031-2050 before reverting to levels similar to the historical growth trend.

Historical and projected annual death volumes - Australia
1997 - 2066

1.0% CAGR
(2050-2066)

2.0% CAGR
(2030-2050)

2.3% CAGR
(2018-2030)

1.1% CAGR
(1997-2017)

400,000

350,000

300,000

250,000

200,000

150,000

100,000

50,000

0

7
9
9
1

8
9
9
1

9
9
9
1

0
0
0
2

1
0
0
2

2
0
0
2

3
0
0
2

4
0
0
2

5
0
0
2

6
0
0
2

7
0
0
2

8
0
0
2

9
0
0
2

0
1
0
2

1
1
0
2

2
1
0
2

3
1
0
2

4
1
0
2

5
1
0
2

6
1
0
2

7
1
0
2

8
1
0
2

9
1
0
2

0
2
0
2

1
2
0
2

2
2
0
2

3
2
0
2

4
2
0
2

5
2
0
2

6
2
0
2

7
2
0
2

8
2
0
2

9
2
0
2

0
3
0
2

1
3
0
2

2
3
0
2

3
3
0
2

4
3
0
2

5
3
0
2

6
3
0
2

7
3
0
2

8
3
0
2

9
3
0
2

0
4
0
2

1
4
0
2

2
4
0
2

3
4
0
2

4
4
0
2

5
4
0
2

6
4
0
2

7
4
0
2

8
4
0
2

9
4
0
2

0
5
0
2

1
5
0
2

2
5
0
2

3
5
0
2

4
5
0
2

5
5
0
2

6
5
0
2

7
5
0
2

8
5
0
2

9
5
0
2

0
6
0
2

1
6
0
2

2
6
0
2

3
6
0
2

4
6
0
2

5
6
0
2

6
6
0
2

Number of Deaths

SOURCE: ABS 3222.0 Population Projections 2017, Australia. Series B

21

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 | Sales

Key components of the comparable sales movements are summarised below:

• Australian comparable funeral sales  decreased 4.7% or $14.8 million to $300.1 million (2017: $314.8 million).

 - The Company reported to the ASX in October 2018 that a mild winter and benign flu season would result in lower deaths and lead to 

lower volumes and ability to achieve average price year on year increases.

 -  Average revenue per funeral contract, excluding disbursements and delivered prepaid impacts, increased in the second half and stabilised. 
The year on year flattened pricing reflects the strong competition from smaller operators in contracting market conditions and greater 
volume of value cremations in isolated markets.

 - Underlying volume grew by 169 cases or 0.5% to 35,886 cases when taking into account NBO impacted locations (733 cases) and our 
share of the decline in the number of deaths (1,163 cases or 3.1%). Loss in market share is limited to our traditional brands which is where 
the NBO is focused, to ensure our products and services meet the customer’s desire for a more contemporary offering. The need to 
respond to this change has been clearly communicated and is the rationale for the Protect & Grow plan.

 - Prepaid funerals performed in the period were consistent at 15.0% (2017: 15.0%) of at-need funerals.

Funeral Case Volumes vs PCP

1,436

45,156

(151)

(201)

13

140

45,660

(733)

44,480

(1,180)

48,000

47,000

46,000

45,000

44,000

43,000

42,000

41,000

40,000

2017
Reported

US
Closure

Acquisitions

SG NBO
Im pacts

AU NBO
Im pacts

NZ NBO
Im pacts

Market Share

2018 Pre Market
Contraction

Market
Contraction

2018
Reported

InvoCare Data

• Australian cemeteries and crematoria sales  recorded an increase of 11.6% or $12.3 million to $118.5 million (2017: $106.2 million) which 
included the unwinding of the AASB15 transitional adjustment of $21.6 million. Operational cemeteries and crematoria sales were also 
impacted by lower numbers of deaths and a one-off project of $3.0 million in the PCP.

• New Zealand comparable sales  (in NZD) were down by 2.3% or $1.1 million to $48.9 million (2017: $50.1 million). Funeral case volumes 
were marginally lower by 1.8%, largely due a contraction in the number of deaths in the market and it is expected that for the full year a 
minor loss of market share will be recorded (when official 2018 data is published in 2019). Funeral case averages decreased 2.3% as a 
result of competition in a soft market. In AUD, New Zealand sales were down by 2.5% to $45.3 million (2017: $46.4 million) which included 
un-favourable FX movements of $0.1 million.

• Singapore funeral sales  (in SGD) bounced back in the second half to $16.5 million (2017: $16.6 million) following a $2.2 million shortfall in H1 
stemming from the temporary closure of the parlours as major renovations which began in early Q4 2017 were completed and the parlours 
re-opened in mid Q2 2018. Operations resumed to full trading following 7 months of refurbishment activity with case volumes growing by 
4.4% when considering the loss of volume, due to the extended disruption, estimated at circa 200 cases in H1 2018 alone. Case averages 
increased 8.6% on the prior year following improved quality of location and products. In AUD, Singapore sales increased 5.1% to $16.5 million 
(2017: $15.2 million) which included favourable FX movements of $0.8 million.

• Acquisitions in Australia and New Zealand  delivered sales of $10.0 million (2017 USA: $0.9 million). Eleven funeral businesses were acquired 

during the year with a bias to the second half.

• Intra-group elimination of cemeteries and crematoria sales to InvoCare owned funeral homes amounted to $14.0 million (2017: $13.9 

million). 

22

Directors’ Report [ CONTINUED ]|  Other revenue

Other revenue decreased by $0.2 million or 5.5% to $2.9 million (2017: $3.0 million) largely as a result of lower rebate income received from 
newspapers, following a reduction in the number of customers choosing to place death notices.

Key components of the comparable expenses movements below:

Operating expenses 

Operating expenses increased $5.5 million or 1.6% to $353.6 million (2017: $348.1 million). Operating expenses include $5.7 million relating to 
costs arising from the unwinding of the AASB15 transitional adjustment in the cemeteries and crematoria business and $2.8 million from the 20 
greenfield funeral locations. Excluding these, operating expenses decreased 0.9% or $3.0 million to $345.1 million (2017: $348.1 million). 

Cost of goods sold  includes an additional $2.9 million arising from the unwinding of the AASB15 transitional adjustment in the cemeteries 
and crematoria business. As a percentage of sales and excluding the AASB 15 impact, cost of goods sold as a percentage of sales increased 
by 20bps to 26.6% compared to the PCP (2017: 26.4%).

Personnel costs were up 3.6% or $5.4 million to $154.9 million (2017: $149.6m) and includes $2.8 million relating to the unwinding of the AASB15 
transitional commission adjustment in the cemeteries and crematoria business and $1.2 million for the 20 greenfield funeral locations. Excluding 
these impacts, the increase in personnel costs over the PCP was 0.9% or $1.4 million. Base pay rate increases are circa 3%, consistent with the 
awards and enterprise agreements in place for the majority of the work force, partially offset by a reduction in fringe benefits tax expense and 
the reassessment of short and long-term incentives.

Advertising and promotions expenditures for the comparable business decreased by $3.1 million, down 20.1% to $12.2 million (2017: $15.3 
million). This reflects the allocation of the advertising relating to prepaid contracts to non-operating of $4.6 million. The net increase of $1.5 million 
stems from the investment in locations coming back online following renovation activities and an increase in local area marketing to combat the 
competitive market.

Occupancy and facility expenses increased by $2.3 million to $30.6 million (2017: $28.3 million). The increase largely relates to rental expense 
associated with the 20 greenfield locations opened to date under the Protect & Grow plan.

Motor vehicle expenses were up $0.4 million or 4.3% to $8.4 million (2017: $8.0 million) largely as a result of higher fuel prices and repair and 
maintenance costs.

Other group expenses increased by $4.4 million or 15.1% to $26.1 million (2017: $22.7 million). The increase relates to new locations and to the 
training/travel activity associated with various information technology upgrades designed to drive long term operational efficiencies. 

Operating EBITDA1

Operating EBITDA for the Group decreased $5.3 million or 4.3% to $119.0 million (2017: $124.3 million). This decline followed a reduced number 
of deaths in the Australian and New Zealand markets - predominantly in the second half of 2018 resulting in lower comparative operating sales. 
The result benefited from acquisitions, the unwinding of the AASB 15 transitional adjustment of $15.9 million for the cemeteries and crematoria 
business and the reallocation of advertising and promotions related to prepaid to non-operating. Operating EBITDA to sales margins slightly 
declined in Australia and New Zealand arising from increased personnel costs and facilities expenditures related to the establishment of greenfield 
locations whereas the Singapore business recorded a decline, again due to the closure of its parlours and high proportion of fixed costs.

Favourable foreign exchange movements impacted operating EBITDA by $0.3 million mostly due to the strengthening of the SGD against AUD 
over the period.

Depreciation and amortisation expenses

Depreciation and amortisation expenses of $26.0 million increased by $4.8 million or 22.5% (2017: $21.3 million) following investment in our 
network under the Protect & Grow program throughout the financial year and assets acquired through acquisitions.

Finance costs

Finance costs increased by $7.2 million or 58.3% to $19.7 million (2017: $12.4 million). $3.5 million relates to the AASB 15 requirement to recognise 
a financing expense on customer advances for the cemeteries and crematoria contracts. The balance of $3.7 million mostly relates to additional 
borrowings drawn from new facilities to fund the Protect & Grow plan and the 11 acquisitions.

Business acquisition related costs

Acquisition costs were up $3.2 million to $3.6 million (2017: $0.4 million) following increased acquisition activities which resulted in 11 acquisitions 
completed for a total purchase consideration of $70.6 million.

Share of associate

After writing down InvoCare’s investment in an on-line memorial associate to $nil, equity accounting of the associates losses is no longer required. 
The associate, in which InvoCare has a 35% interest, continues to record losses.

1  Operating EBITDA is non-IFRS financial information.

23

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 | Prepaid contract performance

Despite the positive performance of the funds under management, the net return on prepaid contracts has been adversely impacted by the 
change in accounting standards as a result of adopting AASB 15: Revenue from Contracts with Customers and the reallocation of advertising 
expenditure relating to prepaid contracts of $4.6 million.

The fair value uplift of $13.6 million in funds under management was $59.9 million lower than last year (2017: $73.5 million). 2017 benefited from a 
strong appreciation in value of the property investments portfolio held by the main Guardian Fund along with a material gain made on the sale of 
a commercial property. Returns on funds under management were higher than those generated by comparable investment funds in the market 
during 2018, but lower than normalised historical levels. 

The transition to the new accounting standard AASB 15 resulted in an increase to the prepaid contract liability of $28.6 million at 1 January 
2018. The liability was further increased during the year by $18.6 million to recognise an interest expense on customer advance payments. The 
recognition of this interest expense replaces the previous accounting treatment of recognising an increase in the future liability to deliver prepaid 
services, which in 2017 amounted to $10.2 million.

These factors contributed to the overall net losses on prepaid contracts being $5.0 million (2017: gains $63.3 million).

The sale of new prepaid funeral contracts is correlated to the number of at need funerals. In a year where deaths declined, the sales of new 
prepaid contracts decreased by 11.0%. Sales of new prepaid contracts continued to exceed the number of prepaid services performed by 4.0% 
(2017: 11.0%). Prepaid funerals performed in the year were 15.0% (2017: 15.0%) of comparable at need funerals.

Please refer the accompanying financial statements for detailed Consolidated Income Statement and Consolidated Balance Sheet impact of 
prepaid contract performance. 

Approximately 88% of InvoCare’s prepaid funds under management are with the Over Fifty Guardian Friendly Society. Asset allocations for this 
fund remained relatively steady over the year. The trustees of the Guardian Fund continue to evaluate asset allocation strategies that will deliver 
required returns with acceptable levels of risk and volatility. This may see a further shift in asset classes should the right opportunities be identified.

Asset allocations, which are closely reviewed, are set out below:

Equities

Property

Cash and fixed interest (includes hybrid securities)

Asset sales

Minor asset sale gains were recorded during the year.

Impairments

31 Dec 2018 
%

30 June 2018 
%

31 Dec 2017 
%

31

25

44

17

30

53

20

16

64

All cemetery and crematoria parks and the Group’s investment in its associate were reassessed during 2018 and no change to the impairment 
provision was deemed necessary (2017: net impairment loss of $10.9 million, consisting of a $12.0 million write down for Allambe Gardens 
Memorial Park, offset by $1.1 million reversal of a previous impairment write down for Mt Thompson Memorial Gardens).

The remediation of the residual land at Allambe Gardens Memorial Park has commenced during the year. The investment case was approved 
in March 2018 and construction work commenced in July 2018. As construction work will continue until late 2019, the Group will reassess 
the recoverable amount of the park in the second half of 2019.

24

Directors’ Report [ CONTINUED ]|  Income tax expense

Income tax expense on reported profit was $17.6 million (2017: $43.4 million), representing an effective rate of 30.4% (2017: 30.6%). An analysis 
of tax paid, based on tax residency status, for Australia and the Group is set out below. 

Profit before tax

Tax at nominal rate in relevant country

Increase / (decrease) due to non-temporary differences

Non-deductible loss on sale of subsidiaries

Non-deductible acquisition costs

Other items

Increase / (decrease) due to temporary differences

Australia

Group

2018 
$’000

51,319

15,396

-

499

79

2017 
$’000

123,601

37,080

2,983

-

198

2018 
$’000

57,744

16,575

-

602

140

2017 
$’000

140,923

41,557

323

-

246

Unrealised prepaid contract funds under management gains and losses

2,923

(17,614)

2,923

(17,614)

Impairment of cemetery land

Other items

Current income tax paid or payable

Current income tax paid1

Current income tax expense

Effective tax rate

Prior period tax adjustments

-

(1,949)

16,948

33.0%

15,973

31.1%

(1,171)

3,270

1,114

27,031

21.9%

41,756

33.8%

95

-

(1,335)

18,905

32.7%

17,570

30.4%

(1,186)

3,270

1,471

29,253

20.8%

43,361

30.6%

64

Governance of tax planning for the Group has been delegated by the Board to the Audit, Risk & Compliance Committee who seek to pursue a tax 
planning strategy which is principled, transparent and sustainable in the long term. It oversees the Group’s tax affairs in a pro-active manner that 
seeks to maximise shareholder value, while operating in accordance with the law, and not participating in any aggressive tax planning activities. 
The committee receives a regular report on the Group’s tax compliance. Tax planning initiatives are not implemented until they receive approval 
from the Audit, Risk & Compliance Committee. Tax risks and opportunities are rated according to their potential impact which determines whether 
management or the Audit, Risk & Compliance Committee has the delegated authority to resolve the matter.

During the year, a capital loss was recognised on the sale of the US operation which partially offset a gain on the sale of land and buildings in 
the actual tax return. This resulted in a large favourable adjustment to the prior period tax expense.

The Group has a limited number of international related party arrangements in place. An Australian subsidiary receives dividends from Singapore 
Casket Company, which is resident in Singapore, and the New Zealand group is charged management fees, based on time spent, for management, 
administration, accounting and other services provided by the Australian operation. Loans from the Australian Group to offshore subsidiaries are 
made occasionally under documented loan agreements.

In addition to income tax paid, the Australian group pays payroll tax, $6.6 million in 2018 (2017: $6.2 million), fringe benefits tax, $2.1 million in 
2018 (2017: $2.5 million) and land tax on owned buildings, $4.4 million in 2018 (2017: $4.1 million), to various state governments. Council and 
water rates paid to various authorities totalled $2.0 million in 2018 (2017: $1.6 million).

1  Calculated as the total amount of income tax paid divided by the Profit before Tax.

25

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 | Cash flow highlights

The operating EBITDA conversion to cash ratio for the period was 88% (2017: 94%), as shown in the table below. Conversion in 2018 was impacted 
by working capital movements especially the increased spend on inventory in the cemeteries and crematoria business.  

Operating EBITDA excluding pre-paid business1

Statutory ungeared, tax free operating cash flow1

Add receipts from funds for pre-paid contracts performed1

Less receipts from pre-paid contract sales1

Less other cash flows related to the pre-paid fund funeral business1

Ungeared, tax free operating cash flow excluding pre-paid business1

Proportion of operating EBITDA converted to cash1

Capital expenditure by strategy is:

Business as usual

Protect & Grow plan

Total capital expenditure (on a cash basis)

2018 
$’000

2017 
$’000

118,998

90,296

46,006

(34,639)

2,559

104,222

88%

2018 
$’000

27,059

57,061

84,120

124,316

114,411

43,290

(38,758)

(2,052)

116,891

94%

2017 
$’000

18,321

29,150

47,471

Increased capital expenditure mainly relates to investment under the Group’s Protect & Grow strategic initiative. The Network & Brand optimisation 
(“NBO”) resulted in 83 sites being refreshed or enhanced with improvements commenced on a further 55 sites during the year (refreshing of funeral 
homes, chapel facilities and fit outs of new shopfronts). In addition, investment in business systems and operational practices has continued as 
part of the Operational Efficiencies work stream.

Capital management

In February 2018 the Group entered into new financing arrangements:

• A Syndicated Facility Agreement supported by ANZ, Westpac, HSBC, Mizuho and SMBC providing $150 million for five years on a fully 
drawn basis and $200 million three-year revolving facility. Both facilities are multi-currency allowing drawings in Australian, New Zealand 
and Singaporean dollars.

• A Note Purchase Agreement with MetLife for $100 million for ten years at a fixed rate and drawn in Australian dollars to eliminate 

currency risks.

At 31 December 2018, the Group had drawn down $411.2 million borrowings (from total $450 million debt facilities) compared to $331.4 million 
at 30 June 2018 and $243.1 million at 31 December 2017. Net debt at 31 December 2018 was $393.5 million which compared to the balance at 
30 June 2018 of $319.9 million and 31 December 2017 of $228.5 million.

The increase of $182.7 million in debt drawn during the year can be attributed to the Protect & Grow investment and business acquisitions.

The current bank facilities’ drawings comprise A$203.5 million, SG$35.0 million and NZ$75.0 million. The foreign currency drawings naturally 
hedge investments in the Singapore and New Zealand markets. 

Financial covenant ratios on the borrowing facilities are a Leverage Ratio (being Net Debt to bank adjusted operating EBITDA) which must be no 
greater than 3.5 and an Interest Cover Ratio (being operating EBITDA to net interest) which must be greater than 3.0. Both these ratios continue 
to be met at 31 December 2018, being 2.99:1 and 8.96:1 respectively. 

To maintain certainty over cash flows, the Group has policies limiting exposure to interest rate fluctuations. In accordance with InvoCare’s policy, at 
balance date 75% of Australia and New Zealand debt principal was held at fixed rates through the use of either floating to fixed interest rate swaps 
or fixed rate debt. Due to the level of stability of Singaporean interest rates and its quantum, Singapore debt is not covered by interest rate swaps.

The overall average effective interest rate is currently 4.32% (2017: 3.98%), inclusive of fixed rates on hedged debt, floating rates on unhedged 
debt, undrawn commitment fees and amortisation of establishment fees.

Headroom on the debt facilities of $38 million, and cash of $15 million, provide $53 million in available funds at 31 December 2018. This amount 
together with positive operating cash flows will provide further capacity to fund near-term growth opportunities.

1  Non-IFRS information.

26

Directors’ Report [ CONTINUED ]|  New accounting standards and interpretations

The key learnings to date from the NBO program are:

A new accounting standard AASB16: Leases has been published that 
is not mandatory for 31 December 2018 reporting periods. Refer to 
note 1 (aa) in the accompanying financial report for the impact of this 
standard and the impact on the Consolidated Balance Sheet of transition 
to AASB 16: Leases.

Progress on Protect & Grow 2020 
2020 Plan: Protect & Grow 

It is pleasing to report that the roll out of Protect & Grow is progressing 
well,  and  the  EBITDA  up-lift  against  a  do-nothing  scenario  is 
exceeding expectations.

InvoCare also invested $70 million in the last year to acquire 11 businesses 
to both in-fill our core markets (Adelaide and Auckland) and extend our 
market coverage into new, primarily regional areas.

Both Protect & Grow and the regional acquisition strategy will underpin 
future growth and ensure the Group is able to deliver sustainable double 
digit growth in EPS in both the short and longer term. Both of these 
growth initiatives build on our core businesses and continue to rely on 
leveraging our unique collection of physical assets (both funeral and 
memorial parks), our brands, our systems and our people to deliver the 
highest level of service to customers in their time of need. 

Network and Brand Optimisation

In 2018, InvoCare renovated a further 55 locations taking the total number 
of locations renovated to 83 which represents 35% of the network. 
Some planned sites for 2018 were held back due to a combination of 
implementing the lessons learned from early NBO projects, prudent 
capital management in light of the difficult winter trading and successful 
regional acquisitions negating the need for new growth sites. 

2019 will allow InvoCare to complete the first phase of NBO with a further 
19 locations being completed in H1. This will take the total number of 
completed locations to 102, representing 43% of locations planned 
for renovation.

The balance of the year will be spent on assessing the performance of 
this first cohort of renovated sites and ensuring that the lessons learned 
flow through into the next stage of work. The aim is still to ensure that 
the majority of sites are completed by 2020, with work completed in 
this area by 2021.

As of the end of the year 49 sites (including Singapore) will have been 
operating  for  more  than  six  months,  and  the  average  number  of 
operational months per location is circa 11 months. This means that 
we are now building up a more complete picture of the performance of 
the renovated sites.

The positive performance that was reported in August 2018 is continuing 
as of the end of 2018.

NBO 
Locations

Over 
Performance

In-line 
Performance

Under-
Performance

By Location 

By EBITDA uplift

24%

19%

37%

57%

39%

24%

• The larger capex investments are delivering the greatest uplift in 
performance (Dandenong / Singapore) and are engines of growth
• Enhance projects require a “full” transformation to deliver the full 

service facility that is demanded by customers

• Opportunities to leverage our premium national brand, White 

Lady Funerals, through co-locating within traditional enhanced 
locations are both material and unique to InvoCare

• Growth shopfronts have exceeded expectations in both national 

brands (Simplicity Funerals and White Lady Funerals) 

• Traditional shopfronts require full service funeral home to hub into 

and do not work well when isolated

• Renovated facilities have a beneficial impact on both the morale 

and performance of staff

These key lessons will be incorporated into the roll out of phase two. 
This should allow for improved value for money with regard to capex 
and improved performance of the investments. 

People & Culture

Given that InvoCare’s success is reliant on its people to deliver the highest 
level of customer service, the importance of pro-actively managing our 
culture has been an integral part of the Protect & Grow strategy. 2018 
saw good progress of the implementation of this critical component 
of the strategy and it is pleasing to note that in addition to the positive 
EBITDA shown above we have seen our NPS increase in Australian 
funerals from 65 to 80 and from 65 to 69 in the Australian Cemeteries 
and Crematoria division. 

The One InvoCare Culture program was rolled out across the business 
and all employees had the opportunity to participate in sessions which 
shared how the One InvoCare behaviours align to the internal CARE 
values and how important it is to support each other to create the best 
possible experience for client families.

InvoCare also continued to expand the Customer Service Masterclass 
program and launched a mandatory e-learning program for all employees 
on the Customer Experience journey for the funeral brand segments. As 
InvoCare transforms the business through Protect & Grow, it is essential 
that all employees are in a position to guide customers, family and friends 
to the right brand or product to best deliver on their needs. The People 
& Culture stream has continued to maintain a strong focus on the local 
leadership. Training programs to ensure the business has strong local 
leaders to deliver the right outcomes and demonstrate appropriate 
behaviours will continue to be rolled out in 2019. 

An employee survey on the progress achieved with the One InvoCare 
Culture program showed that 85% of respondents see the culture 
InvoCare is striving to achieve is in support of building a strong and 
sustainable organisation. It also showed a further 83% of respondents 
would also recommend InvoCare as an employer. We see these non-
financial measures as a strong indication to future success and will 
continue to invest in developing and nurturing our strong service 
orientated culture. 

27

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 | Operational Efficiencies

Outlook

The Human Capital Management and Payroll modules of the new Oracle 
business system were launched in April, with the pilot for the full ERP 
system launched in December. The rollout for the ERP system across 
the business is planned for Q2 2019. The successful roll out of the ERP 
system will allow InvoCare to focus on delivering material improvements 
in productivity and improving the customer experience. 

To ensure the business is ready for the new Oracle system, the upgrade 
of WAN, WiFi and a new telephony system have also been completed 
and are providing benefits for customers and employees.

In 2018, the locations for the first three stand-alone operational share 
service centres were secured and construction commenced. It is 
anticipated the build of these fit-for-purpose sites will complete in H1 
2019. This will significantly improve levels of service for the customer 
and improved operational efficiencies.

Regional Acquisitions

Over the past year InvoCare has had the opportunity to acquire some 
strong  regional  business  and  has  invested  $70  million  to  date  in 
acquisitions. 

The rationale for these investments has been driven by the detailed 
demographic and market analysis undertaken through Protect & Grow 
(NBO). This work identified a shift in the demographic profile in regional 
areas where people are taking either a ‘sea’ or ‘tree’ change in retirement. 

InvoCare successfully acquired 11 businesses in Australia and New 
Zealand. InvoCare will continue to seek acquisition opportunities in 
these communities, and a disciplined approach will be maintained to 
balance the benefit of an acquisition against establishing a green field 
presence either by extending the reach of a local traditional brand or 
by utilising one or both of its national brands (Simplicity Funerals and 
or White Lady Funerals).

• The expectation for 2019 is for the number of deaths to increase 

and return in line with the positive longer term trend

• Improved trading in the Australian funeral business in Q4 2018 
and January 2019 is pointing towards the market normalising

• InvoCare will provide a trading update and outlook for 2019 

at the AGM in May

• InvoCare is well positioned to meet the challenge of changing 
customer preferences through its investment in the Protect & 
Grow and regional acquisition strategies

• InvoCare remains confident that this investment will deliver 

sustainable double digit operating EPS growth in the medium 
to longer term.

Significant events after the balance date

Other than this, 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.

28

Directors’ Report [ CONTINUED ]|  Information on Directors

Director

Experience and background

Bart Vogel was appointed as a non-executive director of InvoCare Limited on 22 September 2017 
effective from 1 October 2017, and as Chairman of the board from 1 October 2018. 
Bart’s career includes 20 years in the management consulting industry, as a partner with Deloitte 
Consulting, A.T. Kearney and Bain & Company, focussed on the technology and services sectors. 
In his consulting roles, Bart has spent extensive time working in global markets with multinational 
corporates and government bodies. He also spent 13 years in senior executive roles at Asurion 
Australia, Spherion Limited and as the Asia Pacific leader of Lucent Technologies. 
Bart is currently a non-executive director of listed companies Infomedia Limited. (where he serves 
as Chairman), Salmat Limited and Macquarie Telecom Limited. In addition to his listed company 
directorships, Bart is a director of BAI Communications and of the Childrens Cancer Institute Australia. 
He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours), is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants 
and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. 
Other Public Company Directorships held in the last three years:
Salmat Limited (appointed non-executive director in May 2017)
Infomedia Limited (appointed non-executive director in August 2015 and Chairman in August 2016)
Macquarie Telecom Group Limited (appointed non-executive director in July 2014)
Sedgman Limited (January 2015 to November 2015)
Interest in shares: 15,000 ordinary shares in InvoCare Limited.

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. 
Prior to joining InvoCare Martin was the CEO of Campus Living Villages and was responsible for the 
strategic direction and operational leadership of the company. He 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 worked for a London based 
transport consultancy advising on large infrastructure and investment deals.
Martin holds an MBA from the Australian Graduate School of Management, a Masters in Traffic 
Engineering and a degree in Transportation Management and Planning.
Other Public Company Directorships held in the last three years:
Nil
Interest in shares: 57,107 ordinary shares in InvoCare Limited, 497,579 options in InvoCare Limited.

Richard Davis was appointed a non-executive director of InvoCare Limited on 21 February 2012. Richard 
previously retired as InvoCare’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director on 31 December 2008 
after 20 years with InvoCare. For the majority of that time, he held the position of Chief Executive 
Officer and successfully initiated and managed the growth of the business through a number of 
ownership changes and over 20 acquisitions, including Singapore Casket 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.
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)
Monash IVF Group Limited (appointed non-executive director and Chairman in June 2014)
Interest in shares: 260,000 ordinary shares in InvoCare Limited.

Mr Bart Vogel  
BCom (Honours) FCA FAICD
Chairman of the Board
Member of Audit, Risk & Compliance 
Committee
Member of People, Culture & 
Remuneration Committee
Member of Nomination Committee

Age 61 years 
Appointed October 2017

Mr Martin Earp   
BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA
Chief Executive Officer & 
Managing Director

Age 50 years 
Appointed April 2015

Mr Richard Davis   
BEc
Non-executive Director
Chair of Investment Committee
Member of People, Culture & 
Remuneration Committee
Member of Nomination Committee

Age 63 years 
Appointed February 2012

29

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 | Director

Experience and background

Robyn Stubbs was appointed a non-executive director of InvoCare Limited on 1 January 2017. She 
has more than 25 years’ experience in senior marketing, sales, leasing and broader management 
roles with large and complex organisations, including Stockland, Ten Network, Fairfax Media, Lend 
Lease and Unilever.
Robyn is a non-executive director of the responsible entity for ASX listed Aventus Retail Property 
Fund and is a Board Member of Lifeline Northern Beaches Incorporated.
Robyn holds a Bachelor of Business from the University of Technology Sydney, an MSc in coaching 
psychology from the University of Sydney and is a graduate of The Australian Institute of Company 
Directors. 
Other Public Company Directorships held in the last three years:
Aventus Group comprising Aventus Holdings Limited and Aventus Capital Limited as responsible 
entity of the Aventus Retail Property Fund (appointed non-executive director from 16 October 2015)
Interest in shares: 7,905 ordinary shares in InvoCare Limited.

Keith Skinner was appointed as an independent non-executive director of InvoCare Limited on 
1 September 2018.
Keith has a strong record in business management, restructuring, finance, accounting, risk and 
governance. He commenced his career as an auditor with Deloitte Australia in 1974, later moving to 
the firm’s Restructuring Services division, and was appointed a partner in 1986. He was a leading 
practitioner for company turnarounds for over a decade, before becoming Chief Operating Officer 
of Deloitte Australia in 2001. 
Since retirement in 2015, he has been a director of a number of public and private organisations 
(including Emeco Limited, North Sydney Local Health Board, Australian Digital and Health Agency 
(where he serves as an independent chair of the Audit and Risk committee) and not for profit 
organisation Lysicrates Foundation) and has consulted to a number of organisations on strategy 
execution, restructuring and operational improvement. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the 
University of New South Wales and is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand 
and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. 
Other Public Company Directorships held in the last three years:
Emeco Group (appointed non-executive director in April 2017)
Interest in shares: Nil.

Ms Robyn Stubbs  
BBus MSc GAICD
Non-executive Director
Chair of People, Culture & 
Remuneration Committee
Member of Investment Committee 
Member of Nomination Committee

Age 55 years 
Appointed January 2017

Mr Keith Skinner   
B.Com, FCA, FAICD
Non-executive Director
Chair of Audit, Risk & Compliance 
Committee
Member of Investment Committee 
Member of Nomination Committee  

Age 65 years 
Appointed September 2018

30

Directors’ Report [ CONTINUED ]|  Director

Experience and background

Ms Megan Quinn   
GAICD
Non-executive Director
Member of Audit, Risk & Compliance 
Committee
Member of People, Culture & 
Remuneration Committee
Member of Nomination Committee 

Age 54 years 
Appointed October 2018

Ms Jackie McArthur  
B.Eng. MAICD
Non-executive Director
Member of Audit, Risk & Compliance 
Committee
Member of Investment Committee 
Member of Nomination Committee 

Age 48 years 
Appointed October 2018

Ms Megan Quinn was appointed as an independent non-executive director of InvoCare Limited with 
effect from 1 October 2018.
Megan is internationally regarded as a transformation, marketing, retail and business expert and 
is invited to speak and consult on service, innovation, creativity, strategy, building a global brand, 
business excellence and customer experience for companies, conferences and media outlets around 
the world. Named a global game changer and one of Australia’s most powerful women in retail, Megan 
was a co-founder of the world’s premier online luxury fashion retailer, NET-A-PORTER.
She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Megan is a non-executive director 
of Reece Group (ASX:REH) and City Chic Collective (ASX:CCX) and has recently stepped down from 
the Board and National Committee of UNICEF Australia and is a passionate ambassador of Fitted 
For Work. 
Other Public Company Directorships held in the last three years:
Reece Limited (appointed non-executive director in August 2017)
Speciality Fashion Group Limited (appointed non-executive director in October 2012 – October 2018)
City Chic Collective Limited (appointed non-executive director October 2018)
Zip Money (appointed non-executive director August 2016 - November 2017)
Interest in shares: Nil.

Ms Jackie McArthur was appointed as an independent non-executive director of InvoCare Limited 
with effect from 1 October 2018.
Jackie has over 20 years’ experience at board and executive levels in strategic planning processes, 
organisational design, operations, franchising systems, retail, supply chain, logistics, transport, food 
processing and manufacturing, emerging brand issues and crisis management, risk management, 
corporate social responsibility and compliance issues, as well as governance at a global level, across 
Australia, Asia and globally.
Most recently she was Managing Director, Australia and New Zealand, of Martin-Brower ANZ, the 
exclusive distributor to McDonald’s restaurants across Australia and New Zealand. Previously, 
for more than thirteen years, she held various senior executive positions with McDonalds, both in 
Australia and overseas, including Vice President of Supply Chain for Asia, Pacific, Middle East and 
Africa and in McDonalds Australia, as Senior Vice President Chief Restaurant Support Officer and 
Vice President Supply Chain Director.
Jackie was the 2016 Telstra NSW Business Woman of the Year and overall 2016 Telstra Business 
Women’s Awards - Corporate and Private National Winner. She has completed the INSEAD International 
Executive Program, has a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Sydney and is a member 
of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Jackie is also a non-executive director of ASX listed 
Blackmores Limited, Inghams Group Limited and Tassal Group Limited. 
Other Public Company Directorships held in the last three years:
Blackmores Limited (appointed non-executive director in April 2018) 
Inghams Group Limited (appointed non-executive director in September 2017)
Tassal Group Limited (appointed non-executive director in November 2018)
Interest in shares: Nil.

Company Secretary

Experience and background

Phillip was appointed Company Secretary in January 2007 and Chief Financial Officer in March 2007. 
He retired as Chief Financial Officer effective 8 September 2016 but remains as Company Secretary. 
Prior to joining the Group in 1994 as Accounting Manager, Phillip spent approximately 19 years 
with Coopers & Lybrand (now PwC) in external audit, technical advisory and financial management 
consulting roles. He holds a Bachelor of Business from the New South Wales Institute of Technology 
(now University of Technology Sydney).
Interest in shares: 23,705 ordinary shares in InvoCare Limited, 33,441 options in InvoCare Limited.

Mr Phillip Friery   
BBus CA

31

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 | Chief Financial Officer

Experience and background

Josée was appointed Chief Financial Officer on 8 September 2016. Josée has had a finance career 
spanning several blue chip companies across multiple industries and geographies, with a clear focus 
on driving businesses to deliver commercial outcomes.
Prior to joining InvoCare, Josée was the Finance Director – Innovation & Business Performance at 
Telstra where she led the Finance transformation program as part of her broader portfolio. Furthermore, 
Josée has held senior leadership roles at Rio Tinto Alcan, Fairfax, Boral and Arnott’s. She started her 
career at KPMG where she worked in Canada, New Zealand and Hungary.
Josée holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the Hautes Etudes Commerciales (HEC) at the University 
of Montréal and is a Fellow member of CPA Australia.
Interest in shares: 9,432 ordinary shares in InvoCare Limited, 110,361 options in InvoCare Limited.

Ms Josée Lemoine   
BCom/FCPA

Meetings of directors

Details of the meetings attended by each director during the year ended 31 December 2018 are set below.

Non-executive Directors

Bart Vogel

Keith Skinner

Richard Davis

Robyn Stubbs

Megan Quinn

Jackie McArthur

Richard Fisher

Joycelyn Morton

Gary Stead

Executive Director

Martin Earp 

Full 
Board

A

B

16

5

16

16

5

5

10

8

16

16

16

5

16

16

5

5

11

8

16

16

Audit, Risk & 
Compliance 
Committee

Finance, Capital  
& Investment 
Committee

People, Culture & 
Remuneration 
Committee

Nomination 
Committee

A

4*

1

4*

4*

1*

1

3*

2

4

4*

B

3

1

2

0

0

1

0

2

4

0

A

8*

1

8*

8

1*

1

5*

4

8

7*

B

7

1

7

8

0

1

0

4

8

0

A

3*

0

5

5

2

1*

3

0

0

5*

B

A

B

2

0

5

5

2

0

3

0

0

0

3

0

3

3

0

0

3

2

3

0

3

0

3

3

0

0

3

2

3

0

A = number of meetings attended.
B = number of meetings held during the time the director held office.
* = includes meetings attended as an invited guest of the committee where the director was not a member of the relevant committee.

In addition to the formal meetings of directors there were numerous informal meetings of the non-executive directors during the year. Those 
meetings were concerned, for the most part, with Chairman succession planning, the appointment of new directors and addressing opportunities 
identified during the independent review by Boardroom Partners.

Joycelyn Morton, Richard Fisher and Gary Stead resigned as independent non-executive directors effective 18 May 2018, 30 September 2018 
and 31 December 2018.

Keith Skinner was appointed as director effective 1 September 2018. Megan Quinn and Jackie McArthur were appointed as directors effective 
1 October 2018. 

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.

32

Directors’ Report [ CONTINUED ]|  Corporate Governance Statement

The Directors’ Report continues with the 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 2016. The Other Key Management Personnel (“Other 
KMP”) comprise:

• Damien MacRae,   

Prior to the appointment of a new director or senior executive, thorough 
background checks are undertaken to ensure that the individual has the 
appropriate background to hold their position with the Company. For 
directors, information about these checks is included in the Notice of 
Meeting when the individual stands for election. For senior executives, 
information about the checks is held by the People & Culture team. All 
Board members have formal letters of appointment which clearly articulate 
the roles, responsibilities, expectations and remuneration of directors. 
All senior executives have agreed formal contracts stipulating the terms 
of their employment including duties, obligations and conditions.

Chief Operating Officer Australia / New Zealand (“COO”);

Company Secretary

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 supported 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 released its Inclusion Policy during February of 2016 and 
reviewed this policy in July 2017, which is available on its website: 
www.invocare.com.au. The Inclusion Policy provides a framework 
that reinforces the Company’s long held commitment to diversity, with a 
focus on creating an inclusive organisational culture where all individuals 
feel respected and valued for their uniqueness. The nature of InvoCare’s 
businesses means that its employees come into daily contact with 
families from every walk of life and facet of society so a focus on inclusion 
makes a direct contribution to the business’ ongoing success, as well 
as being in line with community and stakeholder expectations. From a 
gender perspective, women currently comprise 43% (2017: 29%) of the 
Board, 38% (2017: 43%) of the group executive and 49% (2017: 36%) 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.

• Goh Wee Leng,   

Chief Executive Officer of Singapore Casket Company (“CEO 
Singapore”);

• Josée Lemoine,   

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 KMP), 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

33

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 | At the date of this report, the composition of the Board Committees is 
as follows:

Director

Bart Vogel

Richard Davis

Robyn Stubbs

Audit, Risk & 
Compliance 

People, 
Culture & 

Remuneration Investment

Nomination

Chair

Chair

Chair

Keith Skinner

Chair

Jackie McArthur

Megan Quinn

Nomination Committee

The Nomination Committee critically reviews on an annual basis the 
corporate governance procedure of the Group and the composition and 
effectiveness of the Board. The Committee currently consists of the six 
independent non-executive directors of the Board. The Committee is 
chaired by Bart Vogel. 

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 terms of Board succession planning and composition, three new 
directors were appointed in 2018, being Jackie McArthur, Megan Quinn 
and Keith Skinner. These appointments were made to provide additional 
expertise and / or replace the skills of departing directors. Richard Fisher, 
having previously made his intentions clear, resigned as a director on 
30 September 2018. Richard was replaced by Bart Vogel who joined 
the Board on 1 October 2017 and became Chair on 1 October 2018. 
During 2018, having observed market practices and trends, the Board 
amended the Charter to reflect that the independence of any Director 
serving for nine or more years will be assessed having regard to the 
Board’s needs.

InvoCare may utilise the professional advice of external consultants to 
find the best person for the position of director of the Company. These 
advisors seek applicants according to the Board’s skills requirements. The 
Board also acknowledges the benefits of a diverse Board and requires 
the advisors to present candidates with equal numbers of suitably 
qualified men and women and with some diversity in cultural background 
and age. The Board then selects the most suitable candidate(s) for the 
consideration of the shareholders. The Board is looking to achieve an 
appropriate mix of skills and diversity amongst directors. 

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

Directors’ performance evaluation

After many years of established practice of regular internal reviews, in 
late 2017 the Board engaged an independent specialist consultancy, 
Boardroom Partners, to review the performance of the Board, its 
committees and its directors. The review confirmed the Board, its 
committees and directors were functioning effectively and identified 
some opportunities for consideration by the directors, both as a group 
and individually. The Board addressed these during 2018, including:
• ensured adequate focus on strategy and successful roll out of 

new initiatives;

• balanced governance and performance responsibilities through 
agenda re-organisation, re-alignment of some Committee and 
Board responsibilities and streamlining meeting papers;
• thorough review of the Board’s skill and experience mix and 
its fit for the future which resulted in various changes to the 
composition of the Board and its Committees; and

• changes to boardroom dynamics introduced by the new 

Chairman in consultation with each director and the full Board 
to encourage team development, the best possible contribution 
from all directors and effective working as a Board and 
with management.

It is intended the next evaluation of the performance of the Board, its 
Committees and directors following the changes made will occur in 
late 2019.

Senior executive evaluation

After the conclusion of each financial year the CEO evaluates and 
documents the performance of each member of the Group Executive 
(senior executives including Other KMP). The results of the achievement 
of targeted key performance indicators are reviewed by the People, 
Culture & Remuneration Committee along with market remuneration 
data for each role type. The Committee and the Board also review and 
determine each senior executive’s key performance indicators and 
remuneration for the ensuing year.

The People, Culture & Remuneration Committee evaluate 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, the Board monitors 
the key performance indicators and strategic plan for the Group, at least 
quarterly, which provides the opportunity to more regularly evaluate the 
performance of senior executives outside the annual review process. 

Principle 2 – Structure the Board to Add Value

Board composition

The Board currently comprises seven directors, being six non-executive 
independent 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.

34

Directors’ Report [ CONTINUED ]|  Board skills matrix

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. 

Each Director brings a range of personal and professional experiences and expertise to the Board. The Board seeks to achieve an appropriate 
mix of skills, tenures and diversity, including a deep understanding of the industry in which it operates, as well as corporate management and 
operational, financial and safety matters. Directors devote significant time and resources to the discharge of their duties. 

The current matrix of skills, experience and diversity of the Board is shown below.

Human resources

Technology

International business

Remuneration

Mergers & acquisitions

Workplace, health & safety

Governance

Risk management

Finance & accounting

Executive leadership

Board independence

71%

71%

71%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

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 considering 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 29 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.

Directors’ induction

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

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

Directors’ continuing education 

Directors are expected to undertake continuing education both about 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. 

35

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 |  
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 and employees, 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 aids the Board in fulfilling its 
corporate governance, risk management and oversight responsibilities in 
relation to the Group’s financial reporting, capital management, treasury, 
tax, internal control structure, IT and cyber security 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 four independent 
non-executive directors and is chaired by Keith Skinner. Keith is an 
FCA who brings a wealth of financial management experience to the 
Committee. Other members are Bart Vogel, Jackie McArthur and Megan 
Quinn. The number of meetings held during the year and the individual 
attendances at those meetings is set out in the Information on directors 
section of the Directors’ Report on page 29.

The external auditors met with the Audit, Risk & Compliance Committee 
during the year without management being present prior to the release 
of the full-year and half-year results. The head of internal audit meets 
with the Chair of the Audit, Risk & Compliance Committee privately at 
least once per annum and on an ad hoc basis when necessary.

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 

36

receive similar assurance from the key financial and operational staff 
reporting to them in relation to these matters.

Auditor attendance at the Annual General Meeting

The Company’s external auditor attends the Annual General Meeting 
and is available to answer shareholder questions about the conduct of 
the audit and the preparation and content of the auditor’s report.

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 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 10.00am 
on Tuesday, 14 May 2019 at the offices of PricewaterhouseCoopers, 
One International Towers, Watermans Quay, Barangaroo. 

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

Directors’ Report [ CONTINUED ]|  Principle 7 – Recognise and Manage Risk

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

Audit, Risk & Compliance Committee

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 also has oversight responsibility for the management of 
treasury and capital management related risks, including those associated 
with capital and debt structuring, interest rates and foreign currency. The 
Committee does not have responsibility for strategy, 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 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 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 
workplace health and safety issues. These are managed by the Group 
Executive Business Operations and reported to the Committee and/or 
the Board. In this context, the Committee monitors complaints handling 
and, along with the People, Culture & Remuneration Committee and 
the full Board, has a strong focus on ensuring suitable work practices 
and employee learning and development programmes are developed 
and delivered.

Treasury and capital management related risks and reporting are 
managed by the Chief Financial Officer. The Committee is provided 
with regular reports to assist its oversight responsibilities.

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

Investment Committee

The Investment Committee (renamed on 1 January 2019 from the Finance, 
Capital & Investment Committee) aids the Board in the management of 
risks associated with the deployment and investment of capital. In this 
context the Committee approves and monitors the allocation of and 
returns from invested capital, including substantial capital expenditure 
projects, business acquisitions or divestments, and the returns from 
prepaid funeral funds.

The Investment Committee comprises four independent non-executive 
directors and is chaired by Richard Davis. Richard brings a wealth of 
funeral industry, as well as broad business investment, knowledge and 
experience to the Committee. Other members are Robyn Stubbs, Keith 
Skinner and Jackie McArthur. The number of meetings held during the 
year and the individual attendances at those meetings is set out in the 
Information on directors section of the Directors’ Report on page 32. 
During the year the Committee was heavily involved with the details of 
the 2020 Plan: Protect & Grow with significant time spent assessing 
and approving the detailed network and brand optimisation project. It 
also critically reviewed and assessed numerous business acquisition 
opportunities presented by management and approved approximately 
$70 million of acquisition investments during 2018. 

Internal control

The Group maintains a register of delegated authorities, which is 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. 

Principle 8 – Remunerate Fairly and Responsibly

People, Culture & Remuneration Committee

InvoCare’s remuneration policy ensures that remuneration packages 
properly  reflect  employees’  duties  and  responsibilities,  and  that 
remuneration is competitive in attracting, retaining and motivating people 
of appropriate calibre. The People, Culture & Remuneration Committee 
reviews and makes recommendations to the Board on senior executive 
remuneration and appointment and on overall Group remuneration and 
benefits policies.

The  People,  Culture  &  Remuneration  Committee  comprise  four 
independent non-executive directors with Robyn Stubbs as Chair and 
Bart Vogel, Richard Davis and Megan Quinn as members. The number 
of meetings held during the year and the individual attendances at 
those meetings is set out in the Information on Directors section of the 
Directors’ Report on page 32.

The People, Culture & 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 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 employees, and do not receive retirement benefits, 
bonus payments or incentive shares.

Senior executive remuneration and other terms of employment are 
reviewed annually by the Committee, having regard to individual and Group 
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, long-term incentives and fringe benefits. The Remuneration 
Report which begins on page 39 provides detailed information about the 
current remuneration practices and the levels of remuneration, including 
recent changes to long term incentive arrangements.

37

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 | 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 managers and other 
senior employees, such as finance team members, who have access 
to information that is not generally available. In addition, it applies to 
all 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 can 
approve trading outside the policy prescriptions. 

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

38

Directors’ Report [ CONTINUED ]|  The Remuneration Report

To our valued shareholders,

On behalf of the Board, I present InvoCare’s Remuneration Report for 2018

As the recently appointed Chair of the People, Culture & Remuneration Committee I am pleased to present the 2018 Remuneration Report. This 
report has been approved by the Board and is intended to be transparent and easily understood whilst complying with our statutory reporting 
obligations. I hope you find this informative and helpful.

Remuneration outcomes reflect performance

Since listing in December 2003 InvoCare has delivered an annualised Total Shareholder Return (TSR) of 16.1%. By continuing to focus on the 
key pillars of growth, InvoCare has been able to deliver superior and sustainable returns to shareholders over the longer term.

Whilst 2018 was a challenging year for InvoCare and for you, our shareholders, the fundamentals of the business remain strong. A decrease in the 
number of deaths coupled with a renovation program, which saw a number of our large sites closed for extended periods, resulted in a year on 
year decline in the performance of our Australian business. Whilst this is clearly disappointing, the focus for the directors is to make decisions that 
create long-term and sustainable returns for shareholders, and we remain confident that our Protect & Grow strategy will enable us to deliver that.

In line with the remuneration framework, the overall business performance has significantly impacted the remuneration awarded to the entire 
Group Executive Team in 2018. There are no salary increases for our Australian based Key Management Personnel (KMP) in 2019, however our 
Singapore leader received an increase of 5%. The long-term incentives (LTI) for all 2018 participants did not meet the vesting hurdles. 

In regard to short-term incentive (STI) payments, financial key performance indicators (KPI’s) make up the majority of the STI. Three out of the 
four KMP (including the CEO) did not meet any of the financial KPI’s, resulting in a zero payment. The STI payments for non-financial KPI’s for 
KMPs in 2018 ranged between 20%-55%, reflecting the “at risk” nature of our incentive arrangements.

We believe the remuneration outcomes for 2018 demonstrate there is close alignment of shareholders’ interests and executive incentive rewards.

In line with our philosophy of transparency for our shareholders InvoCare chooses to disclose its key remuneration targets for the coming year 
for the CEO, set out in section H. 

Moreover, the Board acknowledges it is important to align the interests of the directors, executives and shareholders in light of the challenging 
trading conditions experienced in 2018. There will be no increase to Non-executive Director fees in 2019 and the fee pool remains unchanged 
since 2015.

Increasing shareholder alignment 

Following the recent commissioning of a comprehensive independent report on market practices among peer companies for STI plans, the Board 
has taken the view that a deferred component of the InvoCare’s STI will be introduced in 2020. The 2020 implementation will allow the Board the 
required time to determine the design of the deferred component, ensuring implementation is managed appropriately. This also allows for full 
consultation in line with our desire to both align with shareholders’ interests and retain and support our Group Executive Team. 

I look forward to presenting the outcomes of that review to you in the 2019 report.

We remain confident our approach to remuneration is reflective of company performance and contemporary market practice and in line with 
our business strategy.

Robyn Stubbs 
Chairman, People, Culture & Remuneration Committee

39

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 | The Remuneration Report

The Board presents the 2018 Remuneration Report for InvoCare in 
accordance with the Corporations Act 2001 and its regulations. This 
report outlines the key remuneration policies and practices for the year 
ended 31 December 2018. It highlights the link between remuneration 
and corporate performance and provides detailed information on the 
remuneration for key management personnel.

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

Section What it covers

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

Remuneration strategy

Key management personnel

Remuneration governance

Details of remuneration

Remuneration structure 

Short-term incentives 

Long-term incentives 

CEO employment terms 

Non-executive director remuneration 

B.  Key management personnel
Principle and policy

A.  Remuneration strategy
Principle and 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, appropriately balanced between 
fixed and variable components and that all variable components are 
commensurate with performance and results delivered.

InvoCare’s remuneration policy is that:

• for each role, the balance between fixed and variable components 

should reflect market conditions;

• individual objectives should reflect the need for 

sustainable outcomes;

• all variable pay should be tightly linked to measurable personal 

and business 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.

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:

Executive Key management personnel 

Name

Martin Earp

Damien MacRae

Josée Lemoine

Goh Wee Leng

Position

Date of Appointment

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer

Effective 1 May 2015

Chief Operating Officer, Australia and New Zealand 

Effective 5 February 2018

Chief Financial Officer

Effective 8 September 2016

Chief Executive Officer, Singapore

Effective 21 January 2008

Non-executive directors

Name

Bart Vogel

Richard Davis

Robyn Stubbs

Keith Skinner

Megan Quinn

Position

Date of Appointment

Chairman, Non-executive Director

Effective 1 October 20181

Non-executive Director

Non-executive Director

Non-executive Director

Effective 21 December 2012

Effective 1 January 2017

Effective 1 September 2018

Non-executive Director 

Effective 1 October 2018

Jackie McArthur

Non-executive Director 

Effective 1 October 2018

1  Prior to commencing in the Chairman’s role Bart Vogel has been a non-executive director since September 2017.

40

Directors’ Report [ CONTINUED ]|  Former non-executive directors

Name

Jocelyn Morton

Richard Fisher

Gary Stead

Position

Non-executive Director 

Effective date of resignation

Ceased 18 May 2018

Chairman, Non-executive Director 

Ceased 30 September 2018

Non-executive Director

Ceased 31 December 2018

Management of the group is delegated to the Group Executive Team (“GET”) comprising Martin Earp’s direct reports. The Board has determined 
that not all members of the GET are considered executive KMP, as they do not have responsibility for planning, directing and controlling a substantial 
part of the operations of InvoCare. Periodically changes are made to the GET to reflect the evolving strategy and structure of the Group.

C.  Remuneration governance 
InvoCare’s remuneration governance framework follows:

IVC Board of Directors

•  Ensuring the Group’s remuneration framework is aligned with the Group’s purpose, core values, 

strategic objectives and risk appetite.

•  Monitoring senior executives’ performance and implementation of the Group’s objectives against 

measurable and qualitative indicators.

People, Culture & Remuneration Committee1

•  Approving the Group’s overall remuneration policy and process. 

•  Reviewing and recommending to the Board arrangements for the Chief Executive Offi cer (“CEO”) 

and the senior executives in relation to their terms of employment, remuneration and participation in 
the Group’s incentive programs (including performance targets).

•  Reviewing and recommending to the Board the remuneration arrangements for the Chair and non-

executive directors of the Board, including fees, travel and other benefi ts.

Management

• 

Implementation of Remuneration policies and practices.

•  Provide information relevant to remuneration decisions and makes recommendations to the 

People, Culture & Remuneration (PCR) Committee with respect to remuneration arrangements.

•  Makes recommendations to the PCR Committee in relation to the design and implementation of 

the Reward strategy and structure.

Use of remuneration advisors

From time to time, the People, Culture & Remuneration Committee engages external remuneration consultants to provide independent benchmarking 
data and information on best practice and community expectations. This ensures we continually review, assess and adapt our remuneration 
governance functions to assist the board and the committee in making informed decisions.

During this report period, the People, Culture & Remuneration Committee commissioned an external consultancy group to provide benchmarking 
data from peer companies of a similar size and operational scope on executive remuneration, benchmarking for non-executive director fees and 
market trends for peer companies, and market trends in peer companies around STI practices. No remuneration recommendations as defined 
by the Corporations Act 2001 were provided by the external consultancy group.

Share Trading Policy

In accordance with InvoCare’s Share Trading Policy, senior managers are prohibited from trading in the Company’s shares other than during 
specified trading windows, or with approval in exceptional circumstances, provided they do not possess inside information. In addition, senior 
managers are not permitted to enter into transactions with their shareholding in the Company which operate to limit the economic risk of their 
shareholding (e.g. margin loans, hedging or cap and collar arrangements), include limiting the economic risk of holdings of unvested entitlements 
associated with LTI securities.

1  The full charter for the People, Culture & Remuneration Committee is displayed on the InvoCare website.

41

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 | Loans

During the year ended 31 December 2018 no director or other KMP had any loans to or from the Group. 

D. Details of remuneration

Details of the remuneration of the Directors and the key management personnel of the Group are set out in the following table:

Year

Short-term 
employee benefits

Post 
employment 
benefits

Other long-
term 
benefits

Share-based 
payments

Cash, 
Salary 
or Fee

Short 
term 
cash bonus

Non 
monetary 
benefits 

Other

Super 
annuation

Long 
Service 
leave

LTI 
shares 
at risk

LTI 
shares fore-
feited

Total 
Statutory 
Remuner-
ation

Executives’ 
Actual Remu-
neration

Note 1

Note 2 

Note 3

Note 4

Note 5

Note 6

Note 7

Note 8

Note 9

Note 10

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

Non-executive directors

Richard Fisher

Chairman [retired 30 September 2018]

Bart Vogel

Chairman [appointed 1 October 2018]1

Richard Davis

Gary Stead

[resigned 31 December 2018]

Robyn Stubbs

Keith Skinner

[appointed 1 September 2018]

Jackie McArthur

[appointed 1 October 2018]

Megan Quinn

[appointed 1 October 2018]

Joycelyn Morton

[retired 31 May 2018]

Christine Clifton

[resigned 28 February 2017]

Executive directors

Martin Earp

Other key management personnel

Josée Lemoine

Damien MacRae

[appointed 5 February 2018]

Greg Bisset

[resigned 30 September 2017]

Goh Wee Leng (note 11)

Graeme Rhind (note 12)

2018

 201,865 

 247,123 

 159,260 

 30,890 

 126,648 

 123,562 

 126,648 

 123,562 

 126,648 

 123,562 

 45,735 

 - 

 31,662 

 - 

 31,662 

 - 

 68,693 

 133,858 

 - 

 20,594 

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 17,950 

 23,477 

 14,044 

 2,935 

 11,983 

 11,738 

 11,983 

 11,738 

 11,983 

 11,738 

 4,345 

 - 

 3,008 

 - 

 3,008 

 - 

 6,358 

 12,717 

 - 

 1,956 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 219,815 

 - 

 270,600 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 173,304 

 33,825 

 138,631 

 135,300 

 138,631 

 135,300 

 138,631 

 135,300 

 50,080 

 - 

 34,670 

 - 

 34,670 

 - 

 75,051 

 146,575 

 - 

 22,550 

 22,886 

 14,159 

 81,215 

 -  1,098,888   1,256,856 

 29,351 

 27,196 

 632,813 

 -  1,840,177 

 1,264,453 

 20,290 

 7,539 

 90,566 

 -   599,644 

 525,146 

 19,832 

 8,819 

 115,851 

 - 

 691,034 

 566,364 

 21,570 

 7,926 

 68,779 

 -   682,803 

 606,099 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 147,121 

 -   (58,385)

 - 

 - 

 - 

 123,359 

 - 

 67,372 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 732,527 

 629,406 

 334,103 

 451,580 

 489,812 

 437,743 

 - 

 - 

 318,708 

 313,939 

 761,054 

 147,177 

 72,397 

 775,734 

 308,898 

 66,185 

 444,180 

 37,069 

 426,832 

 119,700 

 502,359 

 82,170 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 278,291 

 80,218 

 82,407 

 121,990 

 22,500 

 311,264 

 55,716 

 266,025 

 76,293 

 - 

 215,155 

 - 

 - 

 8,314 

 7,755 

 - 

 22,976 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 17,194 

 16,380 

 - 

 13,205 

1  Prior to commencing in the Chairman’s role Bart Vogel has been a non-executive director since September 2017

42

Directors’ Report [ CONTINUED ]|  Notes to Remuneration table:

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

The total cost of fees and salary, including annual leave taken and the increase or decrease in the annual leave provision applicable to that individual.

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 section F of this Remuneration Report.

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

Other benefits include termination benefits paid to Mr Bisset in 2017.

Contributions to superannuation.

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

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. Subject to meeting the vesting conditions of the grants, the shares or rights will vest, or be forfeited, in future 
financial years.

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.

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

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.

Goh Wee Leng, Chief Executive Officer of Singapore Casket Company, received total remuneration of SG$336,944 (2017: SG$518,563), which has been 
converted to Australian dollars at the average exchange rate for the year of 1.0085 (2017: 1.0587).

Graeme Rhind, is no longer considered a key management personnel as he does not hold the authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling 
major activities of InvoCare during the financial period and up to the date of this report. 
Graeme is engaged in an advisory role in the capacity of Director for the Group’s New Zealand subsidiaries. He received total remuneration in 2017 of 
NZ$343,982, which was converted to Australian dollars at the average exchange rate for 2017 of 1.0793.

E. Remuneration structure

Remuneration framework

Component

Objective

Total Fixed 
Remuneration 
(TFR)

TFR (base salary plus fixed cost 
benefits) is targeted at the median of 
the market for expected performance 
with the opportunity to earn 
above median remuneration for 
exceptional performance.

Short-term 
Incentive 
(STI)

STI is awarded for achievement of 
pre-determined financial and non-
financial objectives. This element of 
remuneration constitutes part of a 
market competitive total remuneration 
package and aims to provide an 
incentive for eligible roles to deliver 
annual business plans that will lead 
to sustainable superior returns 
for shareholders.

Link to performance

Changes in 2018

The CEO TFR increased by 2.44% in 
line with market position, with other 
KMP increasing by 3.01% overall.

• A minimum financial component 

weighting of 50%.
• The introduction of an 

overachievement potential on 
financial components, if InvoCare 
exceeds its Operating EBITDA 
target overall. 

TFR is benchmarked to be 
competitive in order to attract and 
retain experienced individuals to drive 
our strategy. 

Changes to TFR are linked to a 
combination of rewarding high 
performance, and our capacity to pay.

The following factors are among those 
considered by the People, Culture & 
Remuneration Committee in making 
its assessment on the achievement of 
the STI opportunity:

• Financial performance
• Our Customers
• Our People
• Our Safety
• Key Projects

STI’s are measured over a one year 
performance period and paid in cash.

43

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 | Long-term 
Incentive 
(LTI)

The LTI plan is aimed at attracting, 
rewarding and retaining high 
performance executives who 
contribute to the overall medium and 
long-term success of InvoCare.

InvoCare utilises incentives to align the 
long-term interests of executives with 
those of investors and to ensure that 
the participants are rewarded in line 
with the economic value created.

• CEO – of the maximum LTI award, 

75% is in options and 25% in 
performance rights (‘PRs’);

• KMP – 75% in options and 25% 

in PRs; and

The value of LTI awards offered 
in 2018 were up to a maximum of 
85% of TFR for the CEO and up to a 
maximum 45% for other KMP.

• The vesting period will be four 

years with 50% able to be earned 
after three years.

• The Normalised Earnings Per 
Share (EPS) growth rate target 
increased to 8% per annum. 
At 8% EPS 30% vests. This 
increased on a pro-rata basis up 
to 100% vesting at a normalised 
EPS growth of 12% or more.

The non-cash movements for 
Guardian Plan prepaid contracts 
and funds under management will 
now be excluded from normalised 
EPS utilised in calculating vesting for 
the CEO, CFO and Group Executive 
Capital Management.

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

CEO - 2018

CEO - 2017

42%

22%

48%

24%

36%

28%

Other key management personnel - 2018

55%

23%

22%

Other key management personnel - 2017

67%

20%

13%

TFR

STI potential

LTI potential

Remuneration and other terms of employment for each of KMP are formalised in service agreements or letters of appointment as varied from 
time to time.

F. Short-term incentives (STI)

Purpose

Measurement 
Period

Award 
Opportunities

STI was awarded for achievement of pre-determined financial and non-financial objectives. This element of 
remuneration constitutes part of a market competitive total remuneration opportunity and aims to provide an 
incentive for senior executives to deliver annual business plans that will lead to sustainable superior returns for 
shareholders. Target based STIs are intended to modulate the cost to the Group of employing senior executives, 
so that risk is shared with the senior executives themselves and the cost to the Company is reduced in periods of 
poor performance.

The incentive plan has been developed to reinforce InvoCare’s values and behaviours, while supporting a 
commercial mindset and alignment to business objectives.

The Group’s financial year.

In 2018 target STI as a percentage of TFR was 51.4% for the CEO and from 35% - 45% for the executive KMPs. 

44

Directors’ Report [ CONTINUED ]|  Key Performance 
Indicators (KPIs) 
Weighting and 
Performance Goals

2018 invitations to participate in the STI were based on a number of KPIs set for each senior executive.

STI outcomes are directly linked to both individual performance against KPIs and on the performance of the Group 
(and the respective region for Executives with regional responsibility). The Board has focussed the executives on 
five main areas, which align our Protect & Grow strategy;

• Financial performance
• Our Customers
• Our People
• Our Safety
• Key Projects

Award 
Determination 
and Payment

Incentives 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 People, Culture & Remuneration Committee considers that STI is 
awarded for achievement of key performance criteria for a particular financial year. STI attainment is determined on 
a consistent accounting standard basis.

Disqualification

All financial performance data relating to the plan is subject to external audit.

Potential participants may be disqualified from all or part of the plan if their annual performance is determined 
to be below the “on track” rating category in our performance management practices. Should a dispute arise 
regarding a potential disqualification, eligibility will be at the discretion of the CEO, and/or the Board.

InvoCare reserves the right to suspend or alter payments to any participant in the plan due to any action which has 
caused the Group loss or reputational damage.

Cessation of 
Employment 
During a 
Measurement 
Period

In the event of cessation of employment due to resignation or dismissal for cause, all entitlements in relation to 
the Measurement Period are forfeited. Where an executive’s employment is terminated by the Company for any 
reason other than cause, the relevant executive may receive a pro-rated portion of their STI opportunity based 
on the portion of the performance year served and the incentive paid or payable in respect of the immediately 
preceding financial year.

Summary of 2018 STI Performance

Component

2018 Objectives

CEO - weight

Other KMP -  weight

FY18 Performance

Financial 
Performance

Operating EBITDA

50%

30% - 50%

Target was not met

Case volume and Average 
(Singapore)

0% - 60%

Target was partially met

Our Customer Country / Region Market Share Growth 

10%

0% - 10%

Target was not met

year on year

Our People 

Culture - As part of our Protect & Grow 
strategy we are strengthening our culture 
to support business transformation

Our Safety

Lead and lag indicators

Key Projects

For 2018 key projects were aligned to 
our continued focus on the Protect & 
Grow strategy.

20%

0% - 20%

Target was partially met

10%

10%

0% - 10%

Target was partially met

10% - 40%

Target was partially met

45

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 | Financial targets are set with reference to the annual budget for the financial year. Participation percentages vary for the KMP depending on 
their role and scope of responsibility.

Based upon achievements in 2018, the People, Culture & Remuneration Committee determined the CEO and executive KMP forfeited an average 
of 65%, achieving an average of 35% of their target STI opportunity. The percentage and dollar value of the available STI cash bonus that was 
payable for the financial year and the percentage and dollar value that was forfeited because the person or the Group did not meet the service 
and performance criteria is set out below:

Name

Martin Earp

Damien MacRae

Josée Lemoine

Goh Wee Leng

Payable 
Incentive 
%

32%

33%

20%

55%

CASH STI BONUS 2018

ACHIEVEMENT 2018

Payable Incentive 
$

Forfeited 
%

Forfeited 
$

Financial 
Performance

Our 
Customers

Our 
People

Our 
Safety

Key 
Projects

$147,177

$82,170

$37,069

SGD$56,190

68%

67%

80%

45%

$310,036

$165,330

$146,531

0%

0%

0%

$45,974

15%

0%

0%

0%

-

20%

20%

0%

-

5%

5%

5%

-

7%

8%

15%

40%

Relationship between remuneration and InvoCare’s performance

The overall level of KMP 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 16.1% return for shareholders between listing 
in December 2003 and the end of 2018. 

Relationship between STI % payout versus Operating earnings after tax

The below table, reflects the relationship between financial performance (EPS) over the last five years versus percentage of STI payment for CEO 
and average percentage of STI payout for KMP.

Reported profit after tax ($m)

Basic earnings per share (cents)

Operating earnings per share (cents)

Operating earnings after tax ($m) (note 1)

Normal dividends ($m) 

Normal dividends per share (cents)

Dividend payout of operating earnings (%)

Total return per share ($) (note 2)

Total shareholder return (%) (note 2)

Share price – 31 December ($)

% of Cash STI bonus paid to CEO

Average % of cash STI bonus paid to KMP

2018

$41.2m

37.8¢

45.4¢

$49.5m

$40.7m

37.0¢

82%

$(5.35)

(33)%

$10.30

32%

35%

2017

$97.4m

88.8¢

57.9¢

$63.5m

$50.6m

46.0¢

80%

$2.67

19%

$16.10

69%

68%

2016

$70.9m

64.7¢

52.4¢

$57.4m

$46.8m

42.5¢

82%

$2.25

19%

$13.87

92%

80%

2015

$54.8m

50.1¢

48.4¢

$53.0m

$41.8m

38.0¢

79%

$0.28

2%

$12.01

92%

81%

2014

$54.5m

49.8¢

45.2¢

$49.5m

$40.2m

36.5¢

81%

$1.41

13%

$12.10

79%

77%

1   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. A reconciliation is set out on page 17.

2   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.

3  2018 includes the impact of changes in revenue recognition due to the application of AASB 15 Revenue from contracts with customers.

46

Directors’ Report [ CONTINUED ]|  G. Long-term incentives (LTI)

Purpose

The LTI Plan is aimed at attracting, rewarding and retaining high performing executives who contribute to the 
overall medium and long term success of InvoCare. 

Performance 
Period and Vesting 
Details

From 2018, vesting of the Performance Rights and Options will be tested on the third and fourth anniversary of their 
grant and if, after the third anniversary, not all Performance Rights and Options have vested they will again be tested 
on the fourth anniversary. Unvested awards at the fourth anniversary of the grant are automatically forfeited. 

This is to allow for the impact that the number of deaths has on the Group’s annual result, which is outside the control 
of management. Given the fixed cost nature of the business. This can have a major impact on EPS.

For 2016 and 2017 vesting of the Performance Rights and Options will be tested on the second, third and fourth 
anniversary of their Grant and if, after the fourth anniversary, not all Performance Rights and Options have vested 
they will again be tested on the fifth anniversary. 

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 year. Unvested awards at the fifth anniversary of the grant are automatically forfeited.

If the relevant targets are achieved the Performance Rights and Options will vest and in the case of vested Performance 
Rights, 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 from the date of grant until 10th anniversary of the grant (e.g. for 
2018 awards the end of option life will be February 2028). 

Plan Features

• Participation is limited to KMP, GET and selected high performing or high potential senior managers by 

invitation and as approved by the Board.

• The awards are PRs or options.
• There is a return on capital gateway before any awards meeting performance conditions will vest.
• No dividends will be paid on unvested awards. There will be no voting rights.

For offshore employees participating in the LTI, any vested awards are settled in cash instead of equity.

Grant 
Determination

The number of PRs is calculated at the date of issue by dividing the value of LTI to be awarded in PRs by the face 
value of an InvoCare share. The face value is based on the 10-day VWAP for InvoCare shares starting from the first 
day of the trading window immediately following the announcement of the full-year result.

The number of options is calculated based upon the value of LTI to be awarded in options divided by the option 
valuation at the award date. This option value is determined using a Black-Scholes valuation methodology. The 
valuation for allocation excludes dividends and does not incorporate any discount relating to the performance and 
tenure conditions. 

The compound growth per annum in normalised EPS is determined over the vesting period. However, a ‘gateway’ 
condition must be met before any LTI awards can vest. The gateway requires a minimum level of Return on Invested 
Capital (ROIC) greater that the Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) (refer to EPS performance conditions 
summarised below for details of the ROIC gateway and stretch targets). 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 LTI awards from February 2018:

 - to reflect constant currency; and
 - to remove impacts of prepaid contracts and associated funds under management.

Compound growth per annum of normalised EPS share was selected as the most suitable and reliable measure 
of organisational performance, based on independent advice and analysis by the Board. The reasons for this 
conclusion include:

• InvoCare is a unique and relatively stable business;
• 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;

• notwithstanding this transformational year and equity market volatility, EPS remains the preferred metric to 

Total Shareholder Return (‘TSR’), which the Board continues to monitor.

47

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 | Cessation of 
Employment 
During a 
Measurement 
Period

In order for the PRs and Options to vest, the employee must be employed at the date of vesting unless the termination 
of employment has been determined to be a good leaver. 

For good leavers, providing a participant has at least three years employment with InvoCare and has not engaged in 
Proscribed Conduct (meaning serious and wilful misconduct, wilful disobedience, gross negligence or incompetence, 
disqualification under Corporations Law or serious breaches of contract of employment), the Board may at its discretion 
allow unvested awards to continue on foot and vest subject to the original terms and performance conditions attaching 
to the relevant grants, regardless of whether or not the participant is employed by InvoCare at the relevant vesting time.

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.

Change of Control

In the event of a change in control or other circumstances where the Board determines it is not practical or appropriate 
for the unvested awards 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. 

Clawbacks

Payments or vesting related to performance conditions associated LTI are subject to a clawback policy. The Group 
will seek to clawback all or part of an executive’s incentives 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.

EPS performance conditions - LTI

Subject to the ROIC gateway condition, the EPS performance conditions applying for LTI awards in 2018 are as follows:

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%

Less than 8%

100%

82.5% plus 1.75% for each 0.1% EPS over 11% 

65% plus 1.75% for each 0.1% EPS over 10%

47.5% plus 1.75% for each 0.1% EPS over 9%

30% plus 1.75% for each 0.1% EPS over 8%

Nil

For LTI awards in 2016 and 2017, the EPS performance 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

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

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%

48

Directors’ Report [ CONTINUED ]|  Deferred Employee Share Plan (DESP)

The DESP is aimed at retaining, rewarding high performing individuals and potential leaders (excluding employees included in the PLTIP), whilst 
aligning their interests with shareholders.

The total DESP plan grant for 2018 was $281,750.

The People, Culture & Remuneration Committee approves a defined pool of shares for the DESP scheme which will be continually reviewed 
to maximise the engagement of identified future talent. Under the DESP, a share-based compensation scheme, the CEO may offer identified 
talent, incentive shares (Deferred Shares). In deciding whether to invite an individual employee to participate in the DESP, the following factors 
are considered: market benchmarks, skill and experience, expected and actual performance in alignment with talent reviews and succession 
plans. Eligibility to participate in the scheme is regularly reviewed. 

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 so the DESP is operated on a non-dilutive basis. Share equivalents for 
offshore employees are settled in cash.

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 on the 10-day VWAP at the date of the grant if sufficient shares are available in the trust, they are used to satisfy the grant.

EPS performance conditions - DESP

For DESP grants made in 2015 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%

Performance to date of LTI grants

100%

77% plus 2.3% for each 0.1% growth in EPS over 9%

53% plus 2.4% for each 0.1% growth in EPS over 8%

30% plus 2.3% for each 0.1% growth in EPS over 7%

Nil

The following table summarises the performance to date for the grants made since 2015 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

2015

7% to 10%

49.1 cents

Performance condition testing date and vesting outcome

February 2017 – 100% of first 1/3rd tranche vested

February 2018 – 100% of second 1/3rd tranche vested

February 2019 – not satisfied, retest in 2020

February 2020 (if required)

2016

7% to 12%

49.8 cents

February 2018 – 85% of first 1/3rd tranche vested for grants excluding funds under 
management and 100% of first 1/3rd tranche vested for grants including funds under 
management

2017

7% to 12%

61.6 cents

February 2019 – not satisfied, retest in 2020

February 2019 – not satisfied, retest in 2020

February 2020 – to be determined

February 2021 (if required)

2018

8% to 12%

59.1 cents

February 2020 – to be determined

February 2021 – to be determined

February 2022 (if required)

February 2021 – to be determined

February 2022 – to be determined

49

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 | Share-based compensation

Details of the LTI share and LTI share rights grants and vesting for the Chief Executive Officer and other KMP are set out below:

Vested %

Maximum 
value yet to 
vest (note 3)

Martin Earp

Josée Lemoine

Damien MacRae

Goh Wee Leng

Year 
of 
grant

Final year 
vesting may 
occur (note 1)

Number of 
shares or 
rights granted

Value at grant 
date (note 2)

Number 
vested  
during year

2015

2016

2017

2018

2016

2017

2018

2018

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2020

2021

2022

2022

2021

2022

2022

2022

2019

2020

2021

2022

2022

17,410

$239,200

10,617

$128,250

9,258

$130,174

13,589

$189,023

2,931

3,201

3,300

4,448

4,607

4,074

4,155

3,380

3,704

$35,410

$45,000

$45,900

$61,875

$52,336

$55,977

$49,259

$47,523

$51,523

5,803

3,539

-

-

977

-

-

-

1,698

1,358

1,172

-

-

Total 
 number 
vested

11,606

3,539

-

-

67%

33%

-

-

977

33%

-

-

-

4,607

2,716

1,172

-

-

-

-

-

100%

67%

28%

-

-

78,936

85,928

130,174

189,023

23,724

45,000

45,900

61,875

-

18,472

35,466

47,523

51,523

Details of the LTI options grants, vesting and forfeits for the CEO and other KMP are set out below.

Martin Earp

Josée Lemoine

Damien MacRae

Goh Wee Leng

Year 
of 
grant

Final year 
vesting may 
occur (note 1)

Number 
of options 
granted

Value at grant 
date (note 2)

Number 
vested  
during year

Total 
 number 
vested

Vested %

Maximum 
value yet to 
vest (note 3)

2016

2017

2018

2016

2017

2018

2018

2016

2017

2018

2021

2022

2022

2021

2022

2022

2022

2021

2022

2022

160,313

$384,750

53,438

53,438

33%

133,284

$390,521

203,982

$567,069

-

-

-

-

-

-

14,754

46,075

49,532

66,772

20,946

16,221

18,545

$35,410

$135,000

$137,699

$185,625

$49,259

$47,523

$51,555

4,918

4,918

33%

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

5,907

5,907

28%

-

-

-

-

-

-

257,783

390,521

567,069

23,725

135,000

137,699

185,625

35,466

47,523

51,555

The number of ordinary shares in the Company, or share appreciation rights or options, held during the year by each key management personnel 
are summarised in Note 8 on page 83.

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 2016 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 2016 and the overseas based Goh Wee Leng, 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 2016 and for the overseas based Goh Wee Leng 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.

50

Directors’ Report [ CONTINUED ]|  H. CEO employment terms

The total remuneration package is reviewed annually and the key terms are summarised below:

Commencement date

Fixed term employment contract effective 1 April 2018

Contract duration

Notice Periods

Three Years

Notice By CEO

Notice by InvoCare

6 months

6 months

Post-Employment Restraints

12 months non-compete

The CEO 2019 STI opportunity will be subject to key performance conditions and weightings as follows:

2019 Objective

Weighting

Financial Performance

Our Customers

Our People

Our Safety

Key Delivery of Projects

60%

10%

10%

10%

10%

If the CEO meets the KPIs, then the Employee’s STI Entitlement is 51.4% of his TFR. 

The Board intends seeking the approval of shareholders at the next Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the CEO’s remuneration arrangements. 
The People, Culture & Remuneration Committee and Board have the discretion to provide additional performance incentives. 

Former Chief Executive

At the AGM held on 20 May 2016, shareholders approved the cash settlement of LTI shares subject to the satisfaction of the original vesting conditions.

The relevant tests have been applied to the unvested grants totalling 7,559 and no units will vest on 23 February 2019. These units have one 
further vesting test period available on the 23 February 2020.

I.  Non-executive director remuneration 

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.

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 AGM held 
on 22 May 2015. 

During the 2018 financial year, annual fees for non-executive directors were $277,370 for the Chair of the Board and $138,680 for each member 
of the other non-executive directors with an additional $11,560 for the Chair of the Audit, Risk & Compliance Committee.

To ensure shareholder interests are aligned to directors interests, the non-executive director fees will remain unchanged for 2019. The aggregate 
of these fees is below the current pool limit.

The remuneration of the non-executive directors is determined by the Board. 

The base fees exclude any remuneration determined by the directors where a director performs additional or special duties for the Company. If 
a non-executive director performs additional or special duties for the Company, they may be remunerated as determined by the non-executive 
directors and that remuneration can be in addition to the limit mentioned above.

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

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 of InvoCare Limited are 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 non-executive directors be allowed up to three 
years to accumulate the required shareholding. At the date of this report, with the exception of Keith Skinner, Jackie McArthur and Megan Quinn 
who were appointed in September and October 2018, all non-executive directors have equity interests in the Company meeting this requirement.

Non-executive directors’ equity holdings are set out under the heading “Information on directors” starting on page 29 of the Directors’ Report.

51

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 | Retiring allowances

No retiring allowances are paid to non-executive directors. 

Indemnifying officers or auditor

During the financial year, InvoCare paid a premium to insure directors and officers of the consolidated entity. The insurance policy specifically 
prohibits disclosure of the nature and liability covered and the amount of the premium paid.

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 2018:

Australian Firm

Assurance services
Taxation services
Other services

Non-Australian Firm

Taxation services
Other services
Total

$

25,500
125,229
67,692

131,847
2,858
353,126

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 53.

Rounding of amounts

The Company is of a kind referred to in ASIC Corporations (Rounding in Financial/Directors’ Reports) Instrument 2016/191, issued by the Australian 
Securities and Investments Commission, relating to the “rounding off” of amounts in the Directors’ Report and Financial Report. Amounts in 
the Directors’ Report and Financial Report have been rounded off to the nearest thousand dollars (where rounding is applicable) in accordance 
with that instrument.

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

Bart Vogel 
Director   

Dated this 22 February 2019 

Martin Earp 
Director

52

Directors’ Report [ CONTINUED ]|   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auditor’s Independence Declaration

As lead auditor for the audit of InvoCare Limited for the year ended 31 December 2018,
I declare that to the best of my knowledge and belief, there have been:

a)  no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001

in relation to the audit; and

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

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

MW Chiang 
Partner 
PricewaterhouseCoopers

Sydney
22 February 2019

PricewaterhouseCoopers, ABN 52 780 433 757
One International Towers Sydney, Watermans Quay, Barangaroo, GPO BOX 2650, SYDNEY  NSW  2001
T: +61 2 8266 0000, F: +61 2 8266 9999, www.pwc.com.au
Level 11, 1PSQ, 169 Macquarie Street, Parramatta NSW 2150, PO Box 1155 Parramatta NSW 2124
T: +61 2 9659 2476, F: +61 2 8266 9999, www.pwc.com.au

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation

53

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 |  
Financial Report

Financial 
Report

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 Consolidated Financial Statements

Directors’ Declaration

Independent Auditor’s Report

55

56

57

58

59

60

109

110

54

Notes to the Financial Statements

Note 1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Note 2  Changes in Accounting Policies

Note 3

Financial Risk Management

Note 4

Segment Information

Note 5

Revenue from Continuing Operations

Note 6

Expenses

Note 7

Income Tax

Note 8

Key Management Personnel Disclosures

Note 9

Share-based Payments

Note 10 Remuneration of Auditors

Note 11 Dividends

Note 12 Earnings per Share

Note 13 Cash and Cash Equivalents

Note 14 Trade and Other Receivables

Note 15 Inventories

Note 16 Prepaid Contracts

Note 17 Interests in Other Entities: Subsidiaries

Note 18 Interests in Other Entities: Associates

Note 19 Property, Plant and Equipment

Note 20 Intangible Assets

Note 21 Derivative Financial Instruments

Note 22 Trade and Other Payables

Note 23 Borrowings

Note 24 Provisions for Employee Benefits

Note 25 Current Liabilities expected to be settled in twelve months

Note 26 Contributed Equity

Note 27 Reserves and Retained Profits

Note 28 Non-controlling Interests

Note 29 Capital and Leasing Commitments

Note 30 Business Combinations

Note 31 Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets

Note 32 Cash Flow Information

Note 33 Deed of Cross Guarantee

Note 34 Events after the Balance Sheet Date

Note 35 Related Party Transactions

Note 36 Parent Entity Financial Information

Note 37 Economic Dependence

Note 38 Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements

Note 39 Company Details

Note 40 Authorisation of the Financial Report

60

66

71

78

80

81

82

83

85

86

87

87

88

88

88

88

90

90

91

93

94

94

94

94

95

95

96

97

97

98

103

103

104

105

105

106

107

107

108

108

|  Financial Report [ CONTINUED ]

Consolidated Income Statement
For the year ended 31 December 2018

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

Depreciation and amortisation expenses
Cemetery land impairment charge
Cemetery land impairment reversal
Restructuring costs
Gain / (loss) on disposal of a subsidiary

Finance costs

Interest income
Net loss / (gain) on undelivered prepaid contracts

Acquisition related costs

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

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

Diluted earnings per share (cents per share)

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

Notes

5

6
6
6

6

16

7

12

12

2018 
$’000

480,797
(124,392)
(161,079)
(17,055)
(31,258)
(8,620)
(26,663)
111,730
(26,039)
-
-
-
-

(21,036)

1,354
(4,992)

(3,602)

329

57,744
(16,384)
41,360
41,360

41,224
136
41,360

37.8

37.3

2017
$’000

465,963
(124,404)
(153,784)
(15,604)
(28,421)
(8,295)
(15,544)
119,911
(21,260)
(12,000)
1,100
(627)
(1,063)

(12,417)

1,005
63,316

(392)

3,350

140,923
(43,361)
97,562
97,562

97,439
123
97,562

88.8

88.0

55

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 | Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the year ended 31 December 2018

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

Notes

27
27

2018 
$’000
41,360

162
3,363
3,525
44,885

44,749
136
44,885

2017
$'000
97,562

489
(1,977)
(1,488)
96,074

95,951
123
96,074

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

56

|  Financial Report [ CONTINUED ] 
Financial Report [ CONTINUED ]

Consolidated Balance Sheet
For the year ended 31 December 2018

ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade receivables
Other receivables
Inventories
Prepaid contract funds under management
Assets held for sale
Deferred selling costs
Total current assets

Non-current assets
Trade receivables
Other receivables
Other financial assets
Property, plant and equipment
Prepaid contract funds under management
Intangible assets
Deferred selling costs
Total non-current assets
Total assets
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Derivative financial instruments
Current tax liabilities
Prepaid contract liabilities
Deferred revenue
Provisions
Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities
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.

Notes

2018  
$’000

2017 
$'000

13
14
14
15
16
19
5

14
14

19
16
20
5

22
21

16
5
24

23
21
7(d)
16
5
24

26
27
27

28

14,776
19,125
9,253
45,754
45,986
3,936
3,101
141,931

12,584
453
4
425,578
517,601
204,799
39,049
1,200,068
1,341,999

61,110
101
1,486
41,428
21,341
14,356
139,822

408,245
1,694
40,926
468,616
103,093
4,918
1,027,492
1,167,314
174,685

124,140
7,778
41,526
173,444

1,241

174,685

15,531
43,288
6,029
29,133
46,247
460
1,725
142,413

30,459
492
4
354,725
499,578
147,188
9,702
1,042,148
1,184,561

53,936
507
12,037
38,949
11,500
15,170
132,099

243,078
1,490
55,427
413,135
53,334
3,581
770,045
902,144
282,417

136,344
5,046
139,843
281,233

1,184

282,417

57

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 |  
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Balance at 1 January 2018

Change in accounting policy

Restated total equity at the beginning 
of the financial year

Total comprehensive income for the year

Transactions with owners in their capacity 
as owners:

Dividends paid

Employee share plan shares vesting 
during the year

Issue of ordinary shares as part of dividend 
reinvestment plan

Acquisition of shares by the InvoCare Deferred 
Share Plan Trust

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

Employee shares – value of services

Balance at 31 December 2018

Balance at 1 January 2017

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

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

Employee shares – value of services

Balance at 31 December 2017

Attributable to Owners of InvoCare Limited

Notes

Contri-
buted 
equity
$’000

Reserves
$’000

Retained 
profits
$’000

Non 
controlling 
interests
$’000

Total
$’000

Total 
equity
$’000

136,344

5,046

139,843

281,233

1,184

282,417

2

-

-

(90,023)

(90,023)

-

(90,023)

136,344

5,046

49,820

191,210

1,184

192,394

-

-

3,525

41,224

44,749

136

44,885

-

(46,787)

(46,787)

(79)

(46,866)

951

(711)

-

240

(2,731)

-

-

-

-

(16,196)

310

(82)

41,526

173,444

90,815

97,439

233,073

95,951

1,241

1,137

123

-

-

-

-

-

240

-

(16,196)

310

(82)

174,685

234,210

96,074

-

-

-

(82)

7,778

7,344

(1,488)

2,731

(16,196)

310

-

124,140

134,914

-

-

-

(48,411)

(48,411)

(76)

(48,487)

1,043

(1,043)

387

-

-

233

-

-

-

-

387

233

-

-

-

-

387

233

136,344

5,046

139,843

281,233

1,184

282,417

11

26

26

26

27

11

27

26

27

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

58

|  Financial Report [ CONTINUED ] 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Report [ CONTINUED ]

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
For the year ended 31 December 2018

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
Proceeds from sale of subsidiaries and other businesses, net of restructuring costs
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 inflow/(outflow) from financing activities

Net (decrease)/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

Notes

2018  
$’000

2017 
$'000

495,284
(412,358)
7,370
90,296
64
(14,501)
(27,551)
48,308

1,196
(73,000)
-
(84,120)
(34,639)
46,006
(144,557)

(16,196)
444,752
(286,509)
(46,787)
(79)

95,181

(1,068)
15,531

313

14,776

509,255
(402,834)
7,990
114,411
7
(11,905)
(26,933)
75,580

7,713
(393)
1,644
(47,471)
(38,758)
43,290
(33,975)

-
51,733
(40,780)
(48,411)
(76)

(37,534)

4,071
11,528

(68)

15,531

32

30

16
16

13

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

59

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 | Financial Report [ CONTINUED ]

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Note 1:  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

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

(a)  Basis of preparation

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

(i)  Compliance with IFRS

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 38. 

(iv)  Comparatives

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

(b) Principles of consolidation

(i)  Subsidiaries

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the assets and liabilities 
of all subsidiaries of InvoCare Limited (“Company’’ or “parent entity’’) as 
at 31 December 2018 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.

(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.  
These trusts are consolidated, as the substance of the relationship is 
that the trust is controlled by the Group.  Shares held by the InvoCare 
Deferred Employee Share Plan Trust are disclosed as treasury shares 
and deducted from contributed equity.

(iii)  Associates

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

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

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

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

(c)  Segment reporting

Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the 
internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision maker (Chief 
Executive Officer).  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

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.

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.

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.

60

(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.

|  Financial Report [ CONTINUED ]

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Note 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

(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

Accounting policies applied from 1 January 2018
From 1 January 2018, the Group has applied AASB 15 prospectively. As 
a result, the accounting policies for the Group’s revenue from contracts 
with customers are explained in further detail in Note 2.

The Group derives revenue from the transfer of goods and services on 
delivery of the underlying good or service.

Prepaid funeral, burial and cremation services
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).

Financing components
The Group has contracts where the period between payment by the 
customer and transfer of the promised goods or services to the customer 
exceeds one year. As a result, the Group adjusts the deferred revenue 
and prepaid contract liabilities using a discount rate that results in revenue 
being recognised that approximates the cash selling price the customer 
would have paid if the consideration was paid at the same time as the 
services were provided.

Cemetery & Crematorium memorial products (“memorial 
products”)
These contracts include multiple deliverables. The revenue recognition 
for each of these deliverables is explained in Note 2(b)(ii).

Revenue is recognised when control of the interment right and associated 
memorial passes to the customer. 

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.

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.

Pre-2018 memorial product contracts
For memorial product contracts entered into with customers prior to 1 
January 2018, the customer gains control of the interment right on full 
and final settlement. 

Post-2018 memorial product contracts
For contracts entered into from 1 January 2018, the customer gains 
control of the interment right at contract inception, thereby allowing 
revenue to be recognised on delivery.

Interest income
Interest income is recognised using the effective interest method.

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

Accounting policies applied until 31 December 2017
As the Group chose not to restate comparatives upon adopting AASB 
15, the comparative information provided continues to be accounted for 
in accordance with the Group’s previous accounting policy.

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

Direct selling costs applicable to deferred revenue on undelivered 
memorials and merchandise are deferred until the revenue is recognised. 
Direct selling costs applicable to sale of prepaid funeral, cremation and 
burial contracts are deferred until the underlying service is delivered.

(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 notional 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.

61

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 | Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Note 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

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

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

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

(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

Accounting policies applied from 1 January 2018
From 1 January 2018, the Group has applied AASB 9 prospectively. As 
a result, the accounting policies for the Group’s trade receivables are 
explained in further detail in Note 2.

Trade receivables are amounts due from customers for goods sold or 
services performed in the ordinary course of business. They are initially 
recognised at the amount of consideration that is unconditional. The 
Group holds the trade receivables with the objective to collect the 
contractual cash flows and therefore measures them subsequently at 
amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Trade receivables are usually due for settlement no more than 30-days 
from the date of recognition, except where extended payment terms (up 
to a maximum of 60-months) have been made available on cemetery 
or crematorium contracts for sale of interment or inurnment rights and 
associated memorials and other merchandise.  

Receivables arising from cemetery or crematorium contracts, which 
are initially expected to be collected over a period exceeding twelve 
months, are recognised as non-current receivables and measured as 
the net present value of estimated future cash receipts, discounted at an 
imputed effective interest rate.  Upon initial recognition of the contract 
receivables, any undelivered portion of the contracts is included in 
deferred revenue until delivery.

Details about the Group’s impairment policies and the calculation of the 
loss allowance are provided in Note 2.

Accounting policies applied until 31 December 2017
The only impact on the Group’s accounting for trade receivables, related 
to the impairment policy and the calculation of the provision for doubtful 
debts. The comparative information provided continues to be accounted 
for in accordance with the Group’s previous accounting policy. 

62

|  Financial Report [ CONTINUED ]Financial Report [ CONTINUED ]

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Note 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

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 14.

(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.

Inventories comprising of funeral merchandise and memorialisation 
property items in the Cemeteries and Crematoria business, primarily 
held for the purpose of trading, are sold, consumed or realised as part 
of the normal operating cycle even when they are not expected to be 
realised within twelve months, and are classified as current.

(n)  Prepaid contracts

Accounting policies applied from 1 January 2018
From 1 January 2018, the Group has applied AASB 15 prospectively. As a 
result, the Group has changed its accounting policy for 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 equal to the 
value of the undelivered service associated with prepaid contracts and 
adjusts the deferred revenue using a discount rate that results in revenue 
being recognised that approximates the cash selling price the customer 
would have paid if the consideration was paid at the same time as the 
services were provided. 

When the service is delivered, the liability is derecognised and included 
in revenue.  

Accounting policies applied until 31 December 2017
As the Group chose not to restate comparatives upon adopting AASB 
15, the comparative information provided continues to be accounted for 
in accordance with the Group’s previous accounting policy.

The main difference in accounting treatment was in relation to the 
recognition of the liability related to the service to be delivered. 

Previously, the Group initially recognised a liability at the current selling 
price of the service to be delivered and increased 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 was delivered, the liability was derecognised. The initially 
recorded liability amount was included in revenue and the price increases 
recognised since initial recognition were recorded as a reduction in the 
cost of service delivery.  

(o)  Property, plant and equipment

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

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

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 20).

(ii)  Trademarks and brand names

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

(q)  Trade and other payables

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

(r)  Borrowings

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

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

Refer to Notes 3 and 23 for further information on borrowings.

63

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 | Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Note 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

(s)  Derivative financial instruments

(ii)  Hedges of a net investment

The Group uses derivative financial instruments such as reserve 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 
re-measured 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 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.

 -  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 21.  Movements in the 
hedging reserve in shareholders’ equity are shown in Note 27.  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 criteria for hedge accounting are accounted for 
as follows:

(i)  Cash flow hedges

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

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

When a hedging instrument expires, 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.

(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.

(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)  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 9.

The cost of equity-settled transactions with employees are 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).

64

|  Financial Report [ CONTINUED ]Financial Report [ CONTINUED ]

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Note 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

(aa)   New accounting standards and interpretations

A new accounting standard AASB16: Leases has been published that is 
not mandatory for 31 December 2018 reporting periods.  The Group’s 
assessment of the impact of this new standard is set out below.

AASB 16: Leases

AASB 16 was issued in February 2016. It will result in almost all leases 
being recognised on the balance sheet by lessees, as the distinction 
between operating and finance leases is removed. Under the new 
standard, an asset (the right to use the leased item) and a financial 
liability to pay rentals are recognised. The only exceptions are short-
term and low-value leases.

The Group has set up a project team which has reviewed all the Group’s 
leasing arrangements over the last year in light of the new lease accounting 
rules in AASB 16. The standard will affect primarily the accounting for 
the Group’s operating leases. 

As at the reporting date, the Group has non-cancellable operating lease 
commitments of $55,532,000, see Note 29. Of these commitments, 
approximately $1,800,000 relates to low value leases which will be 
recognised on a straight-line basis as an expense in profit or loss. 

For the remaining lease commitments, the Group expects to recognise 
right-of-use assets of between $125,000,000 to $130,000,000 on 
1 January 2019, lease related liabilities of between $140,000,000 to 
$145,000,000 and deferred tax assets of approximately $5,000,000. 
Overall net assets will be approximately $10,000,000 to $15,000,000 
lower, and net current assets will be $9,000,000 lower due to the 
presentation of a portion of the liability as a current liability.

The Group expects that net profit after tax will decrease by approximately 
$1,100,000 for 2019 as a result of adopting the new rules. Operating 
EBITDA used to measure segment results is expected to increase by 
approximately $15,000,000, as the operating lease payments were 
included in EBITDA, but the amortisation of the right-of-use assets and 
interest on the lease liability are excluded from EBITDA.

Operating cash flows will increase and financing cash flows decrease by 
approximately $14,000,000 as repayment of the principal portion of the 
lease liabilities will be classified as cash flows from financing activities. 

The Group will apply the standard from its mandatory adoption date 
of 1 January 2019. The Group intends to apply the simplified transition 
approach and will not restate comparative amounts for the year prior to 
first adoption. Right-of-use assets for property leases will be measured 
on transition as if the new rules had always been applied. All other 
right-of-use assets will be measured at the amount of the lease liability 
on adoption.

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

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

(u)  Contributed equity

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

(v)  Dividends

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

(w) Earnings per share

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

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

(x)  Goods and Services Tax (“GST”)

Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of the 
GST, except where the amount of the GST incurred is not recoverable 
from the taxing authority.  In these circumstances, the GST is recognised 
as part of the cost of acquisition of 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 36 has been prepared on the same basis as the consolidated 
financial statements, except investments in subsidiaries and associates 
which are accounted for at cost in the financial statements of InvoCare 
Limited.  Dividends received from associates are recognised as a 
reduction in the carrying value of the investment in associates.

(z)  Rounding of amounts

The Company is of a kind referred to in ASIC Corporations (Rounding 
in Financial/Directors’ Reports) Instrument 2016/191, issued by the 
Australian Securities and Investments Commission, relating to the 
“rounding off” of amounts in the Directors’ Report and Financial Report. 
Amounts in the Directors’ Report and Financial Report have been rounded 
off to the nearest thousand dollars (where rounding is applicable) in 
accordance with that instrument.

65

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 | Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Note 2:   Changes in Accounting Policies

This note outlines the impact of the adoption of AASB 15: Revenue from Contracts with Customers and AASB 9: Financial Instruments on the 
Group’s Consolidated Financial Statements and also discloses the new accounting policies that have been applied from 1 January 2018, where 
they are different to those applied in prior periods.

(a)  Impact on the financial statements

The Group adopted the new standards using the modified retrospective approach which means the cumulative impact of the adoption was 
recognised in retained earnings as of 1 January 2018 and, as explained in notes 2(b) and 2(c) below, comparative information was not required 
to be restated.

The following tables show the final adjustments recognised for each individual line item. Some adjustments have been updated from the estimates 
disclosed in the Group’s 2017 Annual Report. Line items that were not affected by the changes have not been included. The adjustments are 
explained in more detail below.

Consolidated Balance Sheet

ASSETS
Current assets
Trade receivables
Inventory
Deferred selling costs
Other current assets
Total current assets

Non-current assets
Trade and other receivables
Deferred selling costs
Other non-current assets
Total non-current assets
Total assets

LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Deferred revenue
Prepaid contract liabilities
Other current liabilities
Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities
Deferred revenue
Prepaid contract liabilities
Other non-current liabilities
Total non-current liabilities
Total liabilities
Net assets

EQUITY
Contributed equity
Reserves
Retained earnings
Parent entity interest
Non-controlling interest
Total equity

66

31 December 
2017 
As originally 
presented 
$’000

AASB 15
$'000

1 January 2018 
Restated
$’000

 43,288 
 29,133 
 1,725 
 68,267 
 142,413 

 30,951 
 9,702 
 1,001,495 
 1,042,148 
 1,184,561 

 11,500 
 38,949 
 81,650 
 132,099 

 55,427 
 53,334 
 413,135 
 248,149 
 770,045 
 902,144 
 282,417 

 136,344 
 5,046 
 139,843 
 281,233 
 1,184 
 282,417 

 (33,400)
 11,260 
 4,400 
 -   
 (17,740)

 (21,973)
 28,050 
 -   
 6,077 
 (11,663)

 4,800 
 -   
 -   
 4,800 

 (14,850)
 59,820 
 28,590 
 -   
 73,560 
 78,360 
 (90,023)

 -   
 -   
 (90,023)
 (90,023)
 -   
 (90,023)

 9,888 
 40,393 
 6,125 
 68,267 
 124,673 

 8,978 
 37,752 
 1,001,495 
 1,048,225 
 1,172,898 

 16,300 
 38,949 
 81,650 
 136,899 

 40,577 
 113,154 
 441,725 
 248,149 
 843,605 
 980,504 
 192,394 

 136,344 
 5,046 
 49,820 
 191,210 
 1,184 
 192,394 

|  Financial Report [ CONTINUED ] 
 
 
 
 
Financial Report [ CONTINUED ]

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Note 2:  Changes in Accounting Policies (continued)

(b)  AASB 15: Revenue from Contracts with Customers - Impact of adoption & changes to accounting policies

In accordance with the transition provisions in AASB 15: Revenue from Contracts with Customers, the Group has adopted the new rules 
prospectively from 1 January 2018 and was not required to restate comparatives for the 2017 financial year.  The new rules have resulted in 
changes in accounting policies and the following adjustments were made to the amounts recognised in the balance sheet and retained earnings 
at the date of initial application on 1 January 2018:

(Table 1)

Transition adjustments

AASB 118 
carrying 
amount 
31 December 
2017
$’000

Prepaid 
funeral service 
contracts 
(i) 
$’000

Cemetery & 
Crematorium 
memorial 
products 
(ii) 
$’000

74,239
29,133
11,427

64,834
452,084
55,427

-
-
20,100

30,200
-
(3,030)

(55,373)
11,260
12,350

26,810
-
(960)

Significant 
financing on 
customer 
advance 
payments 
(iii) 
$’000

-
-
-

7,610
28,590
(10,860)

AASB 15 
carrying 
amount 
1 January 
2018
$’000

18,866
40,393
43,877

129,454
480,674
40,577

Subtotal
$’000

(55,373)
11,260
32,450

64,620
28,590
(14,850)

139,843

(7,070)

(57,613)

(25,340)

(90,023)

49,820

Balance Sheet
Assets
Trade receivables
Inventories
Deferred selling costs
Liabilities
Deferred revenue
Prepaid contract liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities
Equity
Retained earnings

Note: Current and non-current amounts have been aggregated 

At 31 December 2018, the application of the new standard resulted in the following financial impacts on the consolidated balance sheet 
since transition:

(Table 2)

Balance Sheet
Assets
Trade receivables
Inventories
Deferred selling costs
Liabilities
Deferred revenue
Prepaid contract liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities
Equity
Retained earnings

Amounts recognised in period to 31 December 2018

Prepaid 
funeral service 
contracts 
(i)(a) 
$’000

Cemetery & 
Crematorium 
memorial 
products 
(ii)(a) 
$’000

Significant 
financing on 
customer 
advance 
payments 
(iii)(a) 
$’000

Other 
movements 
(iv)
$’000

31 December 
2018
$’000

-
-
631

2,939
-
(692)

-
(2,907)
(2,787)

(18,106)
-
3,724

-
-
-

-
8,796
(2,639)

12,843
8,268
429

10,147
20,574
(43)

31,709
45,754
42,150

124,434
510,044
40,926

1 January 2018
$’000

18,866
40,393
43,877

129,454
480,674
40,577

49,820

(1,616)

8,688

(6,157)

(9,209)

41,526

67

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 |  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Note 2:  Changes in Accounting Policies (continued)

For the year ended 31 December 2018, the application of the new standard resulted in the following financial impacts in the consolidated 
income statement:

(Table 3)

AASB 15 Impacts on 
Consolidated Income Statement

Revenue (decrease) / increase
Finished goods, consumables and funeral 
disbursements (increase) / decrease
Employee benefits expense (increase) / decrease
Operating EBITDA
Net gain / (loss) from undelivered prepaid contracts
Finance costs (increase) / decrease
Profit / (loss) before tax
Income tax (expense) / benefit
Profit / (loss) after tax

Prepaid funeral 
service contracts 
(i)(a) 
$’000
(1,553)

Cemetery & 
Crematorium 
memorial products 
(ii)(a) 
$’000
21,564

Significant 
financing on 
customer advance 
payments 
(iii)(a)
$’000
9,777

31 December 2018
$’000
29,788

-

631

-
(1,386)
(2,308)
692
(1,616)

(2,907)

(2,787)
15,870
-
(3,458)
12,412
(3,724)
8,688

-

-

(18,573)
-
(8,796)
2,639
(6,157)

(2,907)

(2,156)

(18,573)
(4,844)
1,308
(393)
915

(i)  Accounting for prepaid funeral service contracts

Impact of adoption of AASB15
Under the new standard, the upfront administration fee received on sale of a new prepaid contract, will be deferred along with the related selling 
costs until delivery of the underlying service. The administration fee recognised as revenue in prior periods will now be recognised on delivery 
of the underlying service.  

As reflected in Table 1, to reflect this change in policy, the Group has deferred $30.2 million of revenue in relation to administration fees and 
$20.1 million of related selling costs where the underlying service has not been delivered at 31 December 2017. Deferred tax liabilities have been 
reduced by $3.0 million and a net adjustment to retained earnings of $7.1 million. 

(i)(a) Application of the new standard since transition
The amounts shown in Tables 2 and 3 reflect the impact on the consolidated balance sheet and consolidated income statement of the net deferral 
of revenue and selling costs associated with the sale and redemption of prepaid contracts, finance costs recognised on the customer advances 
and related income tax benefit arising on the resulting net loss for the period to 31 December 2018.

(ii)  Accounting for Cemetery & Crematorium memorial products (‘memorial products’)

Accounting policy from 1 January 2018:
The Group’s deliverables under memorial contracts are:

 - Interment right  – An interment right is the right to be committed in a designated space in a cemetery in perpetuity. The specific site is 

allocated at the time of signing the contract. Upon receipt of the final payment, a certificate of exclusive right of interment was issued to the 
customer for contracts signed prior to 1 January 2018.

 - Headstone/monument/gardens  – In a memorial products contract, a customer purchases a memorial, such as headstone/heritage 
garden/monument, to be installed on the interment site. The memorial may be on site at the time of purchase or may be delivered at a 
future time. Typically, there is a considerable time lag between a contract being signed and the delivery of the memorial. These items are 
tracked on a contract by contract basis and recognised as revenue upon delivery.

 - Plaques  (and other associated smaller merchandise) – These products are delivered to the customer on an ‘at-need’ basis (generally 
when the beneficiary has passed away). The revenue recognised for plaques and other associated smaller merchandise such as ash 
containers, vases and photos, where actual deliveries are not individually tracked, are managed on a portfolio basis given the small value 
of the individual items. The revenue is recognised over a 15-year period on a straight-line basis. The 15-year period represents an actuarial 
estimate of when the contracts will be delivered.

Billing and collection of memorial products contracts can be immediate and in full upon contract signing. However, most memorial products 
contracts are paid via instalments over a period of up to 5 years (although the payment periods do vary).

Revenue is recognised when control of the interment right and associated memorial passes to the customer. For memorial product contracts 
entered into with customers prior to 1 January 2018, the customer gains control of the interment right on full and final settlement. For contracts 
entered into from 1 January 2018, the customer gains control of the interment right at contract inception, thereby allowing revenue to be 
recognised on delivery.

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. 

Revenues relating to undelivered memorials and merchandise are deferred until delivered or made ready for use.

68

|  Financial Report [ CONTINUED ] 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Report [ CONTINUED ]

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Note 2:  Changes in Accounting Policies (continued)

Impact of adoption of AASB 15

Under AASB 15 the main impact on the Group’s revenue recognition 
practice arises from the change from a ‘risk and rewards’ model under 
AASB 118 to a ‘control’ based model under AASB 15. The interment 
right, memorial products and plaques are each considered to be distinct 
performance obligations under AASB 15 as a customer can use the 
site without a memorial and there is not a transformative or integrated 
relationship between the products. The transfer of control of these distinct 
performance obligations determines when revenue should be recognised.

Based on the assessment of the impacts of AASB 15, the Group reviewed 
all open prepaid memorial products contracts as at 31 December 2017. 

Based on the previous contract payment terms, the total contracted 
revenue of $82.2 million previously recognised under AASB 118 will 
be recognised as revenue over the next five years under AASB 15 as 
customers finish their instalment plans.  This amount includes deferred 
revenue representing $26.8 million of cash already received and the 
collection of future instalment payments of $55.4 million, which had 
outstanding balances at 31 December 2017. 

Related selling costs and inventory items were increased by $12.3 
million and $11.3 million, respectively, as control of the interment right 
and associated memorial had not passed to these customers under 
these contracts. In addition, deferred tax liabilities were decreased by 
$1.0 million and a net adjustment to retained earnings of $57.6 million 
was recognised.

The recognised adjustment to retained earnings is lower than the amount 
estimated and disclosed in Note 1(aa) of the 2017 Annual Financial Report 
by $35.7 million. This is due to the reduction in the deferred revenue to 
$26.8 million to reflect the cash already received from customers for 
which services are yet to be performed, with a corresponding increase 
in the deferred tax liability of $16.6 million.

(ii)(a) Application of the new standard since transition
The  amounts  shown  in  Tables  2  and  3  reflect  the  impact  on  the 
consolidated balance sheet and consolidated income statement of the 
recognition of revenue, selling costs and cost of sales associated with 
contracts signed prior to 1 January 2018 where customers have made 
full payment and gained control of the interment right. In addition, the 
finance costs relate to the financing component on customer advances 
for twelve months and the income tax expense arises from the net profit 
for the year to 31 December 2018.

(iii)  Accounting for significant financing on customer advance 

payments

Accounting policy from 1 January 2018:
Prepaid funeral, burial and cremation services
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.

Financing components
The Group has contracts where the period between payment by the 
customer and transfer of the promised goods or services to the customer 
exceeds one year. As a result, the Group adjusts the deferred revenue 
and prepaid contract liabilities using a discount rate that results in revenue 
being recognised that approximates the cash selling price the customer 
would have paid if the consideration was paid at the same time as the 
services were provided.

Significant estimates and judgements
Significant financing component
The Group has contracts where the period between the transfer of 
the promised goods or services to the customer and payment by the 
customer exceeds one year. As a result, the Group adjusts the deferred 
revenue using a discount rate that results in revenue being recognised 
that approximates the cash selling price as if the customer had paid the 
consideration at the same time the services are provided.

Impact of adoption of AASB 15
Under AASB 15 the initial recognition of the financing component 
is  recognised  as  an  element  of  deferred  revenue  and  prepaid 
contract liabilities.

On delivery of a prepaid funeral service contract, under AASB 118, the 
Group previously recognised an expense reduction for the impact of price 
rises recognised after initial recognition. Under AASB 15, this practice 
has ceased and the Group recognises the financing component as a 
component of revenue.

Based on the assessment of the impacts of AASB 15, the Group 
reviewed all customer advance payments related to open prepaid funeral 
service and memorial products contracts as at 31 December 2017. This 
resulted in $7.6 million of revenue being deferred (relating to the financing 
component) and $28.6 million of financing component relating to prepaid 
contract liabilities. In addition, deferred tax liabilities were decreased by 
$10.9 million and a net adjustment to retained earnings of $25.3 million 
was recognised.

(iii)(a) Application of the new standard since transition
The  amounts  shown  in  Tables  2  and  3  reflect  the  impact  on  the 
consolidated balance sheet and consolidated income statement of the 
recognition of revenue related to the redemption of prepaid contracts in 
the period, offset by the finance costs relating to the financing component 
on un-performed prepaid contracts and related income tax benefit 
arising on the resulting net loss for the period to 31 December 2018.

(iv) Other movements
These relate to movements on balance sheet items unrelated to the 
impact of adoption of AASB 15 or AASB 9 and reflect the movements 
on balance sheet line items associated with normal trading activities.

(c)   AASB 9: Financial Instruments - Impact of adoption and 

changes to accounting policies

AASB  9  replaces  the  provisions  of  AASB  139  that  related  to  the 
recognition, classification and measurement of financial assets and 
financial liabilities, derecognition of financial instruments, impairment 
of financial assets and hedge accounting.

The adoption of AASB 9: Financial Instruments from 1 January 2018 
resulted in changes in accounting policies but there were no adjustments 
to the amounts recognised in the financial statements.  The new 
accounting policies are set out below.

(i)  Financial assets
Accounting policy from 1 January 2018:

Classification
From 1 January 2018, the Group holds two types of financial assets 
which it classifies in the following measurement categories:

• those to be measured subsequently at Fair Value through Profit or 

Loss (FVPL) (i.e. Prepaid contracts under management),

• those to be measured at amortised cost, and
• the Group does not have any financial assets that would be 

measured at Fair Value through Other Comprehensive Income 
(FVOCI) held for trading.

69

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 | Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Note 2:  Changes in Accounting Policies (continued)

The classification depends on the Group’s business model for managing the financial assets and the contractual terms of the cash flows.

Measurement
At initial recognition, the Group measures a financial asset at its fair value plus, in the case of a financial asset not at fair value through profit or 
loss (FVPL), transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the financial asset. Transaction costs of financial assets carried 
at FVPL are expensed in the consolidated income statement.

Debt instruments
Subsequent measurement of debt instruments depends on the Group’s business model for managing the asset and the cash flow characteristics 
of the asset. The Group classifies its debt instruments as at amortised cost.

Amortised cost: Assets that are held for collection of contractual cash flows where those cash flows represent solely payments of principal and 
interest are measured at amortised cost. Interest income from these financial assets is included in finance income using the effective interest 
rate method. Any gain or loss arising on derecognition is recognised directly in profit or loss and presented in other gains/ (losses), together with 
foreign exchange gains and losses. Impairment losses are presented as separate line item in the consolidated income statement.

Impairment
From 1 January 2018, the Group assesses, on a forward-looking basis, the expected credit losses associated with its debt instruments carried 
at amortised cost. The impairment methodology applied depends on whether there has been a significant increase in credit risk.

For trade receivables, the Group applies the simplified approach permitted by AASB 9, which requires expected lifetime losses to be recognised 
from initial recognition of the receivables.

Impact of adoption of AASB 9

Impairment of financial assets
The Group’s trade receivables for sale of funeral services and cemetery and crematorium memorial products are the only type of financial asset 
that are subject to the revised AASB 9 impairment methodology. There is no material impact of the change in impairment methodology on the 
Group’s retained earnings and equity.

While cash and cash equivalents are also subject to the impairment requirements of AASB 9, there was no impairment loss identified.

Trade receivables 
The Group applies the AASB 9 simplified approach to measuring expected credit losses which uses a lifetime expected loss allowance for all 
trade receivables.

To measure the expected credit losses, trade receivables have been grouped based on shared credit risk characteristics and the days past due. 
The expected loss rates are based on the payment profiles of sales over a period of 24 months before 31 December 2018 or 1 January 2018 
respectively and the corresponding historical credit losses experienced within this period. The loss allowance as at 31 December 2018 and 
1 January 2018 (on adoption of AASB 9) was determined as follows for trade receivables:

31 December 2018

Expected loss rate
Gross carrying amount ($'000)
Loss allowance ($'000)

1 January 2018

Expected loss rate
Gross carrying amount ($'000)
Loss allowance ($'000)

Current

0.2%
 22,042 
 44 

Current

0.2%
 12,814 
 24 

More than 30 
days past due

More than 60 
days past due

More than 90 
days past due

1%
 3,251 
 26 

8%
 1,602 
 122 

36%
 7,823 
 2,818 

More than 30 
days past due

More than 60 
days past due

More than 90 
days past due

1%
 2,392 
 35 

8%
 1,178 
 100 

48%
 5,074 
 2,432 

Total

34,718
 3,010 

Total

21,458
 2,592 

When a trade receivable is uncollectible, it is written off against the provision account for trade receivables. Subsequent recoveries of amounts 
previously written off are credited against sundry revenue in the consolidated income statement.

(ii)  Derivative financial instruments

Impact from the adoption of AASB 9
The interest rate swaps in place as at 31 December 2017 qualified as cash flow hedges under AASB 9. The Group’s risk management strategies 
and hedge documentation are aligned with the requirements of AASB 9 and these relationships are therefore treated as continuing hedges.

70

|  Financial Report [ CONTINUED ] 
 
 
Financial Report [ CONTINUED ]

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Note 3:   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 & Compliance Committee, which operates under policies 
approved by the Board, is responsible for operational and financial risk management. These policies provide written principles for overall risk 
management, as well as policies covering specific areas such as interest rate risk and currency risk.

The Group holds the following financial assets and liabilities:

Financial assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables1  

Prepaid contract funds under management

Other financial assets

Financial liabilities

Trade and other payables 

Borrowings

Derivative financial instruments

(a)  Market risk

(i)  Cash flow and fair value interest rate risk

2018
$’000

14,776

31,709

2017
$’000

15,531

73,747

563,587

545,825

4

4

610,076

635,107

61,110

408,245

1,795

53,936

243,078

1,997

471,150

299,011

The Group’s main interest rate risk arises from long-term borrowings.  All bank 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 Group’s policy is 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 
4.17% (2017: 3.98%) inclusive of swaps and margins but excluding establishment fees.

In addition to bank borrowings, the Group entered into a note purchase agreement during the period which is denominated in Australia dollars 
at fixed interest rates. This Financing facility does not result in any interest rate risk.

At balance date, interest rate swaps for 59% (2017: 72%) of Australia debt and 87% (2017: 86%) of New Zealand debt were in place. If the fixed 
rate note is included 73% (2017: 72%) is fixed. Due to the relative stability of Singapore interest rates, Singapore denominated debt has been 
allowed to stay at floating rates. On a combined basis 75% (2017: 75%) of Australia and New Zealand debt is at fixed rates. As at 31 December 
2018 the weighted average fixed interest rate payable on the interest rate swaps is 2.47% (2017: 2.89%) and the weighted average variable rate 
receivable as at 31 December 2018 is 2.05% (2017: 1.82%).

Hedge ineffectiveness
Hedge effectiveness is determined at the inception of the hedge relationship, and through periodic prospective effectiveness assessments to 
ensure that an economic relationship exists between the hedged item and hedging instrument.

The Group enters into interest rate swaps that have similar critical terms as the hedged item, such as reference rate, reset dates, payment 
dates, maturities and notional amount. The Group does not hedge 100% of its loans; therefore the hedged item is identified as a proportion 
of the outstanding loans up to the notional amount of the swaps. As all critical terms matched during the year, the economic relationship was 
100% effective.

Hedge ineffectiveness for interest rate swaps is assessed by performing a qualitative assessment of effectiveness. If changes in circumstances 
affect the terms of the hedged item such that the critical terms no longer match exactly with the critical terms of the hedging instrument, the 
Group uses the hypothetical derivative method to assess effectiveness.

1  excluding prepayments and security deposits

71

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 | Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Note 3:  Financial Risk Management (continued)
(a)  Market risk (continued)

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

Hedge ineffectiveness may occur due to:

 - the credit value/debit value adjustments on the interest rate swaps which is not matched by the loans, and
 - differences in critical terms between the interest rate swaps and loans.

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

Variable borrowings
Interest rate swaps (notional principal)
Net exposure to cash flow interest rate risk

31 December 2018

31 December 2017

Weighted 
average 
interest rate

4.17%
2.47%

Weighted 
average 
interest rate

3.98%
2.89%

Balance 
$’000

311,230
(181,793)
129,437

Balance 
$’000

243,984
(160,905)
83,079

The notional principal amounts, and swap liability 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

2018
$’000

2017
$’000

2018
$’000

2017
$’000

Nominal Value

Swap Liability

30,000
74,260
53,767
23,766
-
181,793

27,270
30,000
73,635
30,000
-
160,905

101
906
663
125
-
1,795

507
1,078
412
-
-
1,997

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 
(2017: 100 basis points) and 50 basis points in Singapore (2017: 50 basis points) in the interest rate would result in additional interest expense 
after tax of $773,000 (2017: $476,000).  A decrease of 100 basis points in Australian and New Zealand rates (2017: 100 basis points) and 50 basis 
points in Singapore (2017: 50 basis points) in the interest rate would result in an after tax gain of $773,000 (2017: $476,000).  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 9: Financial Instruments.

The interest rate swap contracts were all judged to be effective at 31 December 2018 and the movements in the fair value of these instruments 
have been quarantined in equity.  If interest rates decline by 100 basis points (2017: 100 basis points) a further $1,273,000 (2017: $1,140,000) 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 $1,273,000 
(2017: $1,140,000) net of tax.

The overall impact on the Group has been summarised on page 77.

The Group’s cash and cash equivalents held in Australia are interest bearing.  At 31 December 2018 the weighted average interest rate was 0.00% 
(2017: 0.00%).  If interest rates changed by 100 basis points (2017: 100 basis points) the Group’s after tax result would increase or decrease by 
$71,000 (2017: $78,000).

(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 and Singapore.  This 
exposes the Group to foreign currency risk on the assets and liabilities.  Borrowings have been made by the New Zealand subsidiary and by the 
Group in Singapore dollars to provide a natural hedge against the risk of changes in exchange rates in Singapore. The borrowings in Singapore 
dollars are therefore a hedge of a net investment in a foreign subsidiary. There was no ineffectiveness to be recorded from net investments in 
foreign entity hedges. 

72

|  Financial Report [ CONTINUED ] 
 
Financial Report [ CONTINUED ]

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Note 3:  Financial Risk Management (continued)
(a)  Market risk (continued)
(ii)  Foreign exchange risk (continued)

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

Borrowings
Derivatives

2018
$’000

2017
$’000

New Zealand 
Dollars

Singapore 
Dollars

New Zealand 
Dollars

71,300
478

36,322
-

47,775
731

Singapore 
Dollars

30,209
-

The Group has no significant unhedged foreign exchange exposures at 31 December 2018.  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.

(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 income is 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 2018 and 31 December 2017 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 2018

31 December 2017

Increase

Decrease

Increase

Decrease

17,702
4,278
-
21,980

(17,702)
(4,278)
-
(21,980)

10,916
2,620
-
13,536

(10,916)
(2,620)
-
(13,536)

The return on these funds (net of the increase in the liability to deliver the future services) are recognised in the income statement.

87% of the invested funds are managed by the Over Fifty Guardian Friendly Society (“OFGFS”) which is controlled by a six-member independent 
Board with two InvoCare representatives. Non OFGFS funds primarily invested in capital guaranteed funeral bonds managed by a range of 
APRA regulated institutions. 

The OFGFS Board has appointed an Investment Committee (“GIC”) which is responsible for the management of the funds in accordance with an 
approved Investment Policy Statement (“IPS”). The IPS provides guidance on the ongoing prudent and efficient management of the investment 
arrangements. The principle objective of the fund is to maximise returns without exceeding risk levels specified in the Investment Guidelines. By 
pursuing these objectives, the Fund is expected to provide a long-term rate of return sufficient to meet the original plus subsequent increases in 
retail prices of delivering the promised funeral services after considering all Fund expenses and tax.

The GIC regularly sets a target asset allocation to ensure investment activity sits within the stated risk profile and to also ensure that other limits 
specified in the IPS are being met. External consultants are engaged to review the risk and return forecasts on a regular basis and recommend 
amendments to the target asset allocation if required. 

Normally funds are invested for extended periods, with the median life of a prepaid funeral contract being circa nine years. Liquidity risk is 
considered low with the flow of funds from the sale of new contracts generally exceeding redemptions in any one year. The fund can therefore 
take a long-term view on its investment horizon and absorb short term fluctuations in returns caused by market volatility.

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

Equities

Property

Cash and fixed interest (includes hybrid securities)

2018
%

31

25

44

2017
%

20

16

64

Approximately 87% 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.

73

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 | Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Note 3:  Financial Risk Management (continued)

(b)  Credit risk

Credit risk is managed on a Group basis.  Credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents, derivative financial instruments and deposits with 
banks and financial institutions, as well as credit exposures to customers, including outstanding receivables and committed transactions.  For 
banks and financial institutions, only independently rated parties with a minimum rating of AA- are accepted.

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

(i) 

Impaired receivables

The total amount of the loss allowance for doubtful receivables was $3,010,000 (2017: $2,592,000).  As at 31 December 2018, receivables with 
a nominal value of $5,213,000 (2017: $4,132,000) had been specifically identified internally or referred to the Group’s independent debt collection 
agent and hence were considered to be impaired.  Refer to Note 2 for details of how the amount of the loss allowance for doubtful receivables 
was calculated and the amount of trade receivables written off in the year.

The movement in the loss allowance for impaired receivables is set out in Note 14 - Trade and Other Receivables.

(ii)  Receivables past due but not impaired

As of 31 December 2018, trade receivables of $7,465,000 (2017: $10,714,000) were past due but not 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. As such these 
amounts are not considered to be in default.  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 recovery of the debt, it is referred to external debt 
collection agencies. Trade receivables are written off when there is no reasonable expectation of recovery. Indicators that there is no reasonable 
expectation of recovery, include, amongst others, the failure of the debtor to engage in a repayment plan with the Group. Once all attempts to 
recover the debt have been exhausted, then a debt is considered to be in default and written off.

The ageing of receivables past due but not impaired is as follows:

One to three months overdue

Over three months overdue

(iii)  Other receivables

2018
$’000

4,854

2,611

7,465

2017
$’000

5,224

5,490

10,714

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.

74

|  Financial Report [ CONTINUED ]Financial Report [ CONTINUED ]

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Note 3:  Financial Risk Management (continued)

(c)  Liquidity risk

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

The Group’s borrowings are secured by the assets and undertakings of the Group 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 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

2018
$’000

2017
$’000

450,000

9,624

459,624

411,230

2,495

413,725

38,770

7,129

45,899

390,000

9,559

399,559

243,984

1,741

245,725

146,016

7,818

153,834

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 2018

Trade and other payables
Borrowings
Derivatives

31 December 2017

Trade and other payables
Borrowings
Derivatives

Less than 
one year
$’000

61,110
-
101

Less than 
one year
$’000

53,936
-
507

Two to 
three years 
$’000

-
159,767
1,569

Two to 
three years 
$’000

-
150,000
1,078

More than 
three years
$’000

-
251,463
125

More than 
three years
$’000

-
93,984
412

Total
$’000

61,110
411,230
1,795

Total
$’000

53,936
243,984
1,997

In February 2018 the Group entered into new financing arrangements:

• A Syndicated Facility Agreement supported by ANZ, Westpac, HSBC, Mizuho and SMBC providing $150.0 million for five years on a fully 

drawn basis and $200.0 million three-year revolving facility.  Both facilities are multi-currency allowing drawings in Australian, New Zealand 
and Singaporean dollars.

• A Note Purchase Agreement with Metlife for $100.0 million for ten years at a fixed rate and drawn in Australian dollars to eliminate 

currency risks.

At 31 December 2018, the Group had drawn down $411.2 million borrowings (from total $450.0 million debt facilities) compared to $243.9 million 
at 31 December 2017.

The facilities agreements’ covenant ratios are calculated on a rolling 12-month basis and have been met at 31 December 2018.  The ratio of Net 
Debt to bank adjusted operating EBITDA must be no greater than 3.5 and the ratio of EBITDA to net interest must be greater than 3.0.

75

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 |  
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Note 3:  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 2018, basic EPS was 37.8 cents (2017: 
88.8 cents).  Operating EPS, which excludes restructuring costs, 
gains and losses on the disposal or impairment of non-current 
assets and on undelivered prepaid contracts and non-controlling 
interests and disposal of subsidiaries, was 45.4 cents (2017: 57.9 
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 15% 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. 

 -  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 2018 
dividends represents a payout ratio of 82% (2017: 80%) of 
operating earnings after tax.

 - 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 no higher than 
a range between 3:1 and 3.5:1 but preferably lower than 3:1 
with an interest cover ratio of greater than 4:1.  A liquidity 
buffer of at least $25 million should be maintained.  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 in Australia and New Zealand.
 -  Managing refinancing risk:  By spreading the tenure of the 

debt available to the Group minimises its exposure to the risks 
that all the debt will become due at a single point of time.

76

|  Financial Report [ CONTINUED ]Financial Report [ CONTINUED ]

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Note 3: 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.

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

14,776
31,709

(71)
-

563,587

(951)

4

-

-
-

-

-

(61,110)
(408,245)
(1,795)

-
(773)
-
(1,795)

-
-
1,273
1,273

71
-

951

-

-
773
-
1,795

-
-

-

-

-
-

-

-

-
-

-

-

-
-

-

-

-
-

-

-

-
-
(1,273)
(1,273)

-
(317)
-
(317)

-
2,542
(2,542)
-

-
259
-
259

-
(2,426)
2,426
-

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

15,531
73,747

(78)
-

545,825

(5,145)

4

-

(53,936)
(243,078)
(1,997)

-
(476)
-
(5,699)

-
-

-

-

-

1,140
1,140

78
-

5,145

-

-
476
-
5,699

-
-

-

-

-
-

-

-

-
-

-

-

-
-
(1,140)
(1,140)

-
(254)
-
(254)

-
2,462
(2,462)
-

-
-

-

-

-
208
-
208

-
-

-

-

-
(2,352)
2,352
-

31 December 2018
Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade receivables
Prepaid contract funds under 
management
Other financial assets
Financial liabilities
Trade and other payables
Borrowings
Derivatives
Total increase / (decrease)

31 December 2017
Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade receivables
Prepaid contract funds under 
management
Other financial assets
Financial liabilities
Trade and other payables
Borrowings
Derivatives
Total increase / (decrease)

(f)  Fair value estimation

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

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).

77

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 |  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Note 3:  Financial Risk Management (continued)

Level 2

Prepaid contract funds under management

Derivatives financial instruments

Level 3

Contingent consideration

2018
$’000

2017
$’000

563,587

545,825

(1,795)

(1,997)

(99)

(182)

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 4:   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 2018 and 31 December 2017 is outlined below.

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

Revenue adjustment - prepaid redemptions*
Other revenue adjustment - prepaid redemptions*
Operating expenses adjustment - 
prepaid redemptions*
Operating EBITDA
Depreciation and amortisation
Finance costs
Interest income
Income tax expense
Total goodwill
Total assets
Total liabilities

Australian 
Operations

Singapore 
Operations

New Zealand 
Operations

Other 
Operations

Consolidated

2018 
$’000

406,931
7,058
(318,621)
95,368
4,304
(4,903)

7,867

102,636
(21,904)
(17,469)
1,258
(15,121)
110,813
1,153,050
1,046,900

2018 
$’000

16,459
425
(10,158)
6,726
-
-

-

6,726
(944)
(1,061)
96
(646)
15,192
60,567
40,300

2018 
$’000

49,642
282
(40,247)
9,677
-
-

-

9,677
(3,191)
(2,507)
-
(618)
71,536
128,229
80,075

2018 
$’000

2018 
$’000

-
-
(41)
(41)
-
-

-

(41)
-
1
-
1
-
153
39

473,032
7,765
(369,067)
111,730
4,304
(4,903)

7,867

118,998
(26,039)
(21,036)
1,354
(16,384)
197,541
1,341,999
1,167,314

*  Adjustment to reclassifiy the non-operating impacts of performing prepaid funeral, burial and cremation services to net gains on prepaid contracts.

78

|  Financial Report [ CONTINUED ] 
Financial Report [ CONTINUED ]

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Note 4: Segment Information (continued)

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

Revenue adjustment - prepaid redemptions* 
Other revenue adjustment - prepaid redemptions*
Operating expenses adjustment - 
prepaid redemptions*
Operating EBITDA
Depreciation and amortisation
Cemetery land impairment reversal
Intangible assets impairment charge
Finance costs
Interest income
Income tax expense
Total goodwill
Total assets
Total liabilities

Australian 
Operations

Singapore 
Operations

New Zealand 
Operations

Other 
Operations

Consolidated

2017 
$’000

393,996
8,244
(298,859)
103,381
13,905
(6,000)

(3,500)

107,786
(18,170)
1,100
(12,000)
(8,969)
996
(41,756)
85,779
1,044,356
813,292

2017 
$’000

15,661
325
(9,194)
6,792
-
-

-

6,792
(286)
-
-
(736)
-
(702)
14,036
50,521
32,927

2017
$’000

46,369
252
(36,545)
10,076
-
-

-

10,076
(2,665)
-
-
(2,715)
9
(890)
43,873
89,510
55,891

2017 
$’000

889
227
(1,454)
(338)
-
-

-

(338)
(139)
-
-
3
-
(13)
-
174
34

2017 
$’000

456,915
9,048
(346,052)
119,911
13,905
(6,000)

(3,500)

124,316
(21,260)
1,100
(12,000)
(12,417)
1,005
(43,361)
143,688
1,184,561
902,144

(c)  Segment information - accounting policies

Operating EBITDA is reconciled to profit before tax on the face of the Consolidated Income Statement.

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

Segment revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities are those that are directly attributable to a segment and the relevant portion that can be allocated 
to the segment on a reasonable basis.  Segment assets include all assets used by a segment and consist primarily of operating cash, receivables, 
inventories, property, plant and equipment and goodwill and other intangible assets, net of related provisions.  Segment liabilities consist primarily 
of trade and other creditors and employee benefits and, in the case of Singapore, include an allocation of the long-term borrowings raised in 
Australia to fund the investment in Singapore.  New Zealand has long-term borrowings which are arranged in New Zealand but with the support 
of Australia. The Group’s operation in Hong Kong has been included under “Other Operations” in the tables above due to its relatively small size.

*  Adjustment to reclassifiy the non-operating impacts of performing prepaid funeral, burial and cremation services to net gains on prepaid contracts.

79

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 |  
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Note 5:   Revenue from Continuing Operations

a.  Disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers

The tables below provide detailed disaggregation of revenue derived by the Group

2018

Funeral services
Cemetery and crematoria services

Rent
Sundry revenue
Total revenue from continuing operations

2017

Funeral services
Cemetery and crematoria services

Rent
Sundry revenue
Total revenue from continuing operations

Australian 
Operations

Singapore 
Operations

New Zealand 
Operations

Other 
Operations

Consolidated

 $’000

292,979
118,503
411,482
369
2,122
413,973

$’000

16,459
-
16,459
47
378
16,884

$’000

47,234
2,528
49,762
21
157
49,940

$’000

-
-
-
-
-
-

$’000

356,672
121,031
477,703
437
2,657
480,797

Australian 
Operations

Singapore 
Operations

New Zealand 
Operations

Other 
Operations

Consolidated

 $’000

293,980
106,188
400,168
309
1,701
402,178

$’000

15,661
-
15,661
33
292
15,986

$’000

44,149
2,380
46,529
16
137
46,682

$’000

170
724
894
23
200
1,117

$’000

353,960
109,292
463,252
381
2,330
465,963

b.  Significant changes in assets and liabilities related to contracts with customers

The table below provides details of movement in deferred revenue and deferred selling costs. The Group has no contracts assets arising out of its 
contracts with customers. In line with Group’s decision to adopt AASB 15: Revenue from Contracts with Customers on a modified retrospective 
basis prior year comparatives have not been restated.

2018

Opening balance
Changes during the year: Add / (less):
Revenue deferred: Cash received from customer instalment payments 
Revenue recognised related to transition adjustment and instalments received in the period:
Cemetery and crematorium memorial products
Revenue deferred during the period:
Recognition of significant financing on customer advance payments: 
Cemetery and crematoria memorial products
Revenue deferred: Cemetery and crematorium memorial products
Revenue deferred: Administration fees prepaid funeral service contracts
Recogniition of significant financing on customer advance payments: 
Administration fees prepaid funeral service contracts
Other movements
Closing balance

Deferred 
revenue

Deferred 
selling costs

$’000

129,454

$’000

43,877

10,159

-

(21,564)

(2,787)

3,458
-
1,553

1,386
(12)
124,434

-
586
631

-
(157)
42,150

80

|  Financial Report [ CONTINUED ] 
 
Financial Report [ CONTINUED ]

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Note 5:  Revenue from Continuing Operations (continued)

c.  Impact of adopting AASB 15: Revenue from Contracts with Customers

The Group adopted AASB 15: Revenue from Contracts with Customers, (AASB 15), effective 1 January 2018. The table below provides 
reconsolidation between the Group’s revenue as reported under AASB 15 and previous revenue standard AASB 118: Revenue (AASB 118). 

Revenue from continuing operations as reported under AASB15
Add/(Less):
Revenue recognised from AASB 15 transition adjustment: cemetery and crematoria services
Revenue recognised from AASB 15 transition adjustment: funeral services
Revenue recognised from AASB 15 transition adjustment: administration fees pre-paid funeral contracts
Revenue from continuing operations as restated under AASB118

Note 6:   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
Cemetery land impairment charge
Total depreciation, amortisation and impairment
Finance costs
Interest paid and payable
Other finance costs
Interest expense: customer advance payments
Total financing costs
Interest expense on prepaid contracts
Impairment losses – financial assets
Trade receivables
Rental expense
Operating lease rental – minimum lease payments
Defined contribution superannuation expense

2018
$’000

480,797

(21,564)
(9,777)
1,553
451,009

2018
$’000

2017
$’000

5,731
17,267
22,998

387
176
1,349
1,129
3,041
26,039

-
-
26,039

13,735
2,457
4,844
21,036
18,573

4,552
14,325
18,877

436
176
760
1,011
2,383
21,260

(1,100)
12,000
32,160

10,036
2,381
-
12,417
-

844

589

12,841
10,631

11,011
9,449

81

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 | Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Note 7:  

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% (2017: 30%) on profit before tax
Tax effect of amounts which are not deductible/(taxable) in calculation of taxable income

Impact of sale of subsidiaries
Acquisition costs

Revenue losses not recognised
Other items (net)

Difference in overseas tax rates
Under / (over) provision in prior years
Income tax expense

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

Cash flow hedges

2018
$’000

18,905
(1,335)
(1,186)
16,384

2018
$’000

17,323

-
602
-
393
18,318
(748)
(1,186)
16,384

2018
$’000

62

2017
$’000

29,253
14,044
64
43,361

2017
$’000

42,277

323
-
117
1,480
44,197
(900)
64
43,361

2017
$’000

200

82

|  Financial Report [ CONTINUED ] 
Financial Report [ CONTINUED ]

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Note 7:  Income Tax (continued)

(d)  Deferred tax liability

The deferred tax 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
Deferred revenue
Amounts recognised directly in equity:
Cash flow hedge reserve

The net movement in the deferred tax liability is as follows:

Balance at the beginning of the year
Net charge to income statement – current period
Net charge (credit) to income statement – prior periods
Amounts recognised directly in equity
Amounts recognised directly in equity – transition to AASB 15
Effect of movements in exchange rates
Balance at the end of the year
Deferred tax (assets) to be settled within 12 months
Deferred tax liabilities to be settled after 12 months

2018
$’000

2017
$’000

26,714
7,179
12,645
310
2,104
6,159
(5,109)
(1,291)
(1,780)
(5,476)

(529)
40,926

55,427
(1,335)
1,376
(62)
(14,850)
370
40,926
(2,662)
43,588
40,926

25,979
4,993
3,428
43
1,033
28,425
(5,126)
(1,212)
(1,552)
-

(584)
55,427

41,062
14,044
409
(200)
-
112
55,427
(1,808)
57,235
55,427

(e) Tax losses 

The Australian Group has unrecognised capital losses of $590,000 (gross) available to offset capital gains in future years.

Note 8:   Key Management Personnel Disclosures

(a)  Key management personnel compensation

Short-term employee benefits
Termination benefits
Post-employment benefits
Other long-term benefits
Share-based payments

2018
$

3,340,522
-
166,601
29,624
182,175
3,718,922

2017
$

3,529,619
121,990
177,568
36,015
1,086,516
4,951,708

Detailed remuneration disclosures are provided in the Remuneration Report on pages 39 to 52. 

(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 39 to 52.

For details of the share options issued please refer to Note 9: Share based payments.

(ii)  Holdings of shares and share appreciation rights

The number of ordinary shares in the Company, or share appreciation rights in the case of 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 Trust, 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 Performance Long-term Incentive Plan (“PLTIP”), 
the details of which are outlined in Note 9.

83

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 | Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Note 8:  Key Management Personnel Disclosures (continued)

(b)  Equity instrument disclosures relating to key management personnel (continued)

(ii)  Holdings of shares and share appreciation rights (continued)

Non-executive Directors 
Bart Vogel
Richard Davis
Keith Skinner
Robyn Stubbs
Jackie McArthur
Megan Quinn

Executive Directors
Martin Earp 

Other key management personnel
Josée Lemoine
Damien MacRae
Goh Wee Leng

 (iii) Share options

Balance at 
start of the 
year

Granted 
during year 
as compen-
sation

Other 
changes 
during year

Balance at 
end of the 
year

-
436,607
-
1,500
-
-

-
-
-
-
-
-

15,000
(176,607)
-
6,405
-
-

15,000
260,000
-
7,905
-
-

41,618

13,589

1,900

57,107

6,132
-
13,368

3,300
4,448
3,704

-
-
(5,647)

9,432
4,448
11,425

The number of share options in the Company held during the financial year by key management personnel of the Group are set out below:

Executive Directors
Martin Earp 

Other key management personnel
Josée Lemoine
Damien MacRae
Goh Wee Leng

Balance at 
start of the 
year

Granted 
during year 
as compen-
sation

Other 
changes 
during year

Balance at 
end of the 
year

293,597

203,982

60,829
-
37,167

49,532
66,772
18,545

-

-
-
-

497,579

110,361
66,772
55,712

(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 other transactions with key management personnel of the Group, including their personally related parties, during 2018 or 2017.

84

|  Financial Report [ CONTINUED ]Financial Report [ CONTINUED ]

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Note 9:   Share-based Payments

The Group provides benefits to employees (including key management personnel) through share-based incentives.  Four plans are currently 
in operation.

(a)  Performance Long-term Incentive Plan (“PLTIP”)

This plan provides share rights and options to senior staff and is heavily weighted towards options so employees are incentivised to maximise 
shareholder value in the longer term.  The plan was introduced during 2016 and is described more fully in the Remuneration Report.  For senior 
staff it replaces the schemes previously used and more fully described below.  The plan permits settlement in either equity or cash, at the Board’s 
discretion.  The fair value of the instruments in the plan was determined at 31 December 2017 and 31 December 2018 based on the following inputs:

Share price at Grant Date
Share Price at 31 December 2017
Exercise Price
Annualised Risk Free Rate
Volatility
Compound Dividend Yield
Fair Value at 31 December 2017

Share price at Grant Date
Share Price at 31 December 2018
Exercise Price
Annualised Risk Free Rate
Volatility
Compound Dividend Yield
Fair Value at 31 December 2018

Options

$14.06
$16.10
$14.06
2.59%
25.00%
3.00%
$3.84

Options
$13.91
$10.30
$13.91
2.31%
25.00%
4.00%
$0.73

Rights

$14.06
$16.10
-
-
-
-
$15.08

Rights
$13.91
$10.30
-
-
-
-
$9.18

The determination of fair value does not include an adjustment for performance or service conditions.

(b)  Deferred Employee Share Plan (“DESP”)

This plan introduced in 2007 is settled by the transfer of equity instruments to participants upon vesting.  The required ordinary shares are purchased 
on market held by the Deferred Employee Share Plan Trust.  In the event that the Trust has sufficient ordinary shares, due to forfeits, new grants 
are valued at the VWAP of ordinary shares traded during the first 10-days of the Trading Window that immediately follows the announcement of 
the full-year results for the full year.

(c)  Share Appreciation Rights (“SARs”)

For overseas based employees, where settlement in equity can present challenges, cash settled SARs are offered. The fair value of these rights 
is determined on the same basis as the PLTIP Rights using a Black-Scholes valuation adjusted for the dividend rights which attached.

(d)  Exempt Employee Share Plan (“EESP”)

Australian based permanent employees with more than six-months service and a salary less than $180,000 per annum and casual staff with 
more than two years service routinely working at least 40% of a full time equivalent  are annually offered the opportunity to acquire $1,000 worth 
of InvoCare Limited shares via a salary sacrifice arrangement as permitted by Australian Taxation Legislation.  During 2018, 310 employees 
accepted the offer and at 31 December 2018 a further $180,000 was remaining to be collected via payroll deductions.

(e)  Expense

Long-term incentive bonus expense

2018
$’000

(19)

2017
$’000

2,051

85

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 | Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Note 9: Share-based Payments (continued)

(f)  Awards Outstanding as at 31 December 2017 and 31 December 2018:

Outstanding at January 2017
Granted during the year
Vested during the year
Forfeited during the year
Balance as at 31 December 2017
Granted during the year
Vested during the year
Vested but not exercised
Forfeited during the year
Balance as at 31 December 2018

Note 10:  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

PLTIP 
Options

PLTIP 
Rights

577,412
441,292
-
(94,794)
923,910
623,231
(150,047)
150,047
-
1,547,141

93,458
49,097
-
(18,941)
123,614
58,943
(22,926)
-
-
159,631

DESP

202,032
20,318
(88,264)
(27,436)
106,650
20,361
(55,498)
-
(32,990)
38,523

SARs

29,734
331
(15,520)
-
14,545
335
(9,470)
-
-
5,410

2018
$

2017
$

416,000

405,900

25,735

31,420

29,940
471,675

27,677
464,997

25,500
125,229
67,692

131,847
2,858

14,210
367,336

27,250
48,000
173,820

57,760
3,489

13,136
323,455

It is the Company’s policy to employ PricewaterhouseCoopers on assignments additional to their statutory audit duties where PricewaterhouseCoopers’ 
expertise and experience with the Group 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.

86

|  Financial Report [ CONTINUED ] 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Report [ CONTINUED ]

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Note 11:   Dividends

Dividends paid
Final ordinary dividend for the year ended 31 December 2017 of 27.50 cents (2016: 25.50 cents) per fully 
paid share paid on 6 April 2018 (2016: 7 April 2017), fully franked based on tax paid at 30% (2016: 30%)

Interim ordinary dividend for the year ended 31 December 2018 of 17.50 cents (2017: 18.50 cents) per 
share paid on 5 October 2018 (2017: 6 October 2017), fully franked based on tax paid at 30% (2017: 30%). 
$16,530,000 in cash and $2,731,000 in issue of new shares under dividend reinvestment plan.

Dividends paid to members of InvoCare Limited

On 9 April 2018 dividend totalling 9.91 cents per fully paid share, fully franked based on tax paid 
at 30%, was paid to non-controlling interests (2017: 9.57 cents per share paid on 21 December 2017)

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 19.50 cents (2017: 27.50 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 12 April 2019 out of 2018 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 19.50 cents 
(2017: 27.50 cents)

Note 12:  Earnings per Share

Reconciliation of Earnings to Profit and Loss
Profit from ordinary activities after income tax
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)

2018
$’000

2017
$’000

30,257

28,058

19,261

49,518

79
49,597

20,353

48,411

76
48,487

21,499

30,257

39,842
435

(9,214)
31,063

2018
$’000

41,360
(136)

41,224

2018
Number

35,985
10,713

(12,968)
33,730

2017
$’000

97,562
(123)

97,439

2017
Number

108,981,717

109,784,439

110,519,216

110,701,058

2018
Cents

37.8
37.3

2017
Cents

88.8
88.0

87

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 | Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Note 13:  Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash on hand
Cash at bank

Note 14:  Trade and Other Receivables 

Current
Trade receivables
Trade receivables - loss allowance

Prepayments
Other receivables

Non-current
Trade receivables
Trade receivables - loss allowance
Security deposits

(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 15:  Inventories

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

Note 16:  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 (loss) / gain on undelivered prepaid contracts

88

2018
$’000

126

14,650
14,776

2018
$’000

22,129
(3,004)
19,125
7,738
1,515
9,253
28,378

12,590
(6)
453
13,037

2018
$’000

2,592
844
(426)
3,010

2018
$’000

42,326
3,428
45,754

2017
$’000

81

15,450
15,531

2017
$’000

45,875
(2,587)
43,288
4,731
1,298
6,029
49,317

30,464
(5)
492
30,951

2017
$’000

2,281
589
(278)
2,592

2017
$’000

27,353
1,780
29,133

2018
$’000

13,581
(18,573)
(4,992)

2017
$’000

73,503
(10,187)
63,316

|  Financial Report [ CONTINUED ] 
 
 
Financial Report [ CONTINUED ]

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Note 16:  Prepaid Contracts (continued)

(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
Increase due to transition to AASB15: Revenue from Contracts with Customers
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
Increase due to significant financing
Balance at the end of the year

(d)  Classification of prepaid funds under management and liabilities

2018
$’000

545,825
34,639
3,757
(46,007)
11,792
13,581
563,587

2018
$’000

452,084
28,590
34,639
3,757
(41,334)
13,735
-
18,573
510,044

2017
$’000

473,056
38,758
3,798
(43,290)
-
73,503
545,825

2017
$’000

438,028
-
38,758
3,798
(38,687)
-
10,187
-
452,084

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. 
Prior to 1 January 2018, 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. 

Effective 1 January 2018, following adoption of AASB 15: Revenue from Contracts with Customers, the liability is adjusted by recognising an 
interest expense on customer advance payments until the underlying service is delivered and revenue is recognised. Refer to Note 2 Changes 
in accounting policies for the detailed explanation of changes due to transition to AASB 15.

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, most of 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 $7.0 million (2017: 
$7.4 million).  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 $13.8 million in prepaid contract funds under management 
(2017: $73.5 million) was less than the non-cash growth due to interest expense increases of $18.6 million in the liability for future service delivery 
obligations (2017: $10.2 million).

89

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 |  
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Note 17:   Interests in Other Entities: Subsidiaries

(a)  Interests in subsidiaries

Set out below are the Group’s principal trading subsidiaries at 31 December 2018. 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

InvoCare Australia Pty Limited
Bledisloe Australia Pty Ltd
InvoCare New Zealand Limited
William Morrison Funeral Director Limited
Singapore Casket Company (Private) Limited

Country of 
incorporation

Australia
Australia
New Zealand
New Zealand
Singapore

Principle activities

Funeral services provider 
Funeral services provider 
Funeral services provider
Funeral services provider
Funeral services provider

Ownership interest 
held by the Group 

2018
%

100
100
100
100
100

2017
%

100
100
100
100
100

Shares in subsidiaries are carried at cost and relate to InvoCare Limited’s ownership interest in InvoCare Australia Pty Limited, InvoCare (Singapore) 
Pty Limited, InvoCare New Zealand Limited and InvoCare Hong Kong Limited.  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 ASIC Corporations Instrument 2016/785 issued by the Australian Securities and Investments 
Commission.  For further information refer to Note 33.

(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% (2017: 16.86%). During the year dividends totalling 
$79,000 were paid to non-controlling interests (2017: $76,000).

Note 18:  Interests in Other Entities: Associates

(a)  Interests in associates

(i) Set out below is the associate of the Group at 31 December 2018.  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

% of ownership 
interest

2018
%

2017
%

HeavenAddress Pte. Ltd

Singapore

Associate

Equity method

34.59

34.59

Carying 
Amount

2018
%

-

2017
%

-

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 2018 (2017: Nil).

(b)  Impairment

As at 31 December 2015 the recoverable amount of the Group’s investment in its associate was nil as a result of impairment write downs in 2015 
and 2014.  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. A review of the associate’s performance in 2018 was carried out and no reversal of previous 
impairment write down was deemed necessary.  

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% 
(2017: 17.8%) was used to discount the cash projections. This is higher than the 10.9% rate used for valuing existing business assets and reflects 
the greater risk associated with a start-up investment.  From these scenarios, a mid-point was selected which 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.

90

|  Financial Report [ CONTINUED ] 
 
 
Financial Report [ CONTINUED ]

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Note 19:  Property, Plant and Equipment

At 1 January 2018
Cost
Accumulated depreciation / amortisation
Impairment write-downs
Net book amount
Year ended 31 December 2018
Additions
Business combinations
Disposals
Depreciation / amortisation & impairment 
charge
Effect of movement in exchange rates
Transfers to held for sale
Closing net book amount
At 31 December 2018
Cost
Accumulated depreciation /amortisation
Impairment write-downs
Net book amount
At 1 January 2017
Cost
Accumulated depreciation / amortisation
Impairment write-downs
Net book amount
Year ended 31 December 2017
Additions
Disposals
Depreciation / amortisation & impairment 
charge
Effect of movement in exchange rates
Transfers to held for sale
Closing net book amount
At 31 December 2017
Cost
Accumulated depreciation / amortisation
Impairment write-downs
Net book amount

Cemetary 
land
$’000

Freehold 
land
$’000

Buildings
$’000

Leasehold 
land and 
buildings
$’000

Leasehold 
improve-
ments
$’000

Plant and 
equipment
$’000

Total
$’000

112,578
(8,373)
(15,276)
88,929

3,685
-
-

(387)

159
-
92,386

116,426
(8,764)
(15,276)
92,386

112,234
(7,939)
(4,376)
99,919

543
-

(11,336)

(197)
-
88,929

112,578
(8,373)
(15,276)
88,929

92,778
-
-
92,778

837
8,882
(359)

157,853
(59,736)
-
98,117

32,096
6,461
(78)

4,534
(3,345)
-
1,189

-
-
-

15,471
(4,266)
-
11,205

4,264
124
(6)

154,881
(92,374)
-
62,507

538,095
(168,094)
(15,276)
354,725

37,180
2,735
(540)

78,062
18,202
(983)

-

(5,731)

(176)

(1,349)

(17,267)

(24,910)

2,019
(2,193)
101,964

101,964
-
-
101,964

85,422
-
-
85,422

9,055
(576)

1,243
(1,282)
130,826

195,085
(64,259)
-
130,826

142,479
(57,752)
-
84,727

18,911
(252)

-

(4,552)

(663)
(460)
92,778

92,778
-
-
92,778

(717)
-
98,117

157,853
(59,736)
-
98,117

1
-
1,014

4,534
(3,520)
-
1,014

4,534
(3,191)
-
1,343

-
-

(176)

22
-
1,189

4,534
(3,345)
-
1,189

51
-
14,289

20,029
(5,740)
-
14,289

8,859
(3,610)
-
5,249

7,208
(388)

484
-
85,099

3,957
(3,475)
425,578

188,712
(103,613)
-
85,099

626,750
(185,896)
(15,276)
425,578

143,712
(88,364)
-
55,348

497,240
(160,856)
(4,376)
332,008

23,094
(1,258)

58,811
(2,474)

(760)

(14,325)

(31,149)

(104)
-
11,205

15,471
(4,266)
-
11,205

(352)
-
62,507

(2,011)
(460)
354,725

154,881
(92,374)
-
62,507

538,095
(168,094)
(15,276)
354,725

(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
Cemetery land
Total assets in the course of construction

2018
$’000

11,744
1,177
14,318
3,519
30,758

2017
$’000

6,083
1,238
7,708
-
15,029

91

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 | Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Note 19:  Property, Plant and Equipment (continued)

(b)  Impairment

All cemetery and crematorium sites were reassessed at 31 December 2018 using the previously applied methodology and no changes to the 
impairment provision were deemed necessary.

The remediation of the residual land at Allambe Gardens Memorial Park has commenced during the year. The investment case was approved 
in March 2018 and construction work commenced in July 2018. As construction work will continue until late 2019, the Group will reassess the 
recoverable amount of the park in the second half of 2019.

The following table summarises the impairment losses/reversals along with the recoverable amount estimates for the individual sites for 2018 
and 2017:

Site Name

Impairment Loss/(Reversal)

Recoverable Amount Estimates

Allambe Gardens Memorial Park, Queensland
Mt Thompson Memorial Gardens, Queensland
Tweed Heads Memorial Gardens, New South Wales

2018
$’000

-
-
-
-

2017
$’000

12,000
(1,100)
-
10,900

2018
$’000

12,600
21,100
3,000
36,700

2017
$’000

5,500
16,400
2,100
24,000

The impairment losses recognised over the years may be reversed in future years. The Group has no impairment provisions for 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%, considered to be within the reasonably possible range of long-term outcomes. 
This analysis demonstrates that changing the assumptions is unlikely to result in a material change in the currently recognised impairment losses. 
The pre-tax discount rate used was 10.9% (2017: 10.9%), reflecting the risk estimates for the business as a whole.

(c)  Asset held for sale

Asset held for sale represents property identified as surplus to the Group’s requirement pursuant to the Network & Brand Optimisation review 
carried out as part of the Protect & Grow programme.

92

|  Financial Report [ CONTINUED ]Financial Report [ CONTINUED ]

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Note 20:  Tangible Assets

At 1 January 2018
Cost
Accumulated amortisation
Net book amount
Year ended 31 December 2018
Acquisition of subsidiary / businesses
Effect of movement in exchange rates
Amortisation charge
Net book amount
At 31 December 2018
Cost
Accumulated amortisation
Net book amount
At 1 January 2017
Cost
Accumulated amortisation
Net book amount
Year ended 31 December 2017
Disposal of subsidiary / businesses
Effect of movement in exchange rates
Amortisation charge
Net book amount
At 31 December 2017
Cost
Accumulated amortisation
Net book amount

(a)  Impairment test for goodwill

Goodwill
$’000

143,688
-
143,688

49,884
3,969
-
197,541

197,541
-
197,541

147,872
-
147,872

(1,562)
(2,622)
-
143,688

143,688
-
143,688

Brand 
name
$’000

Total
$’000

12,733
(9,233)
3,500

156,421
(9,233)
147,188

4,761
126
(1,129)
7,258

54,645
4,095
(1,129)
204,799

17,844
(10,586)
7,258

215,385
(10,586)
204,799

12,991
(8,368)
4,623

160,863
(8,368)
152,495

(21)
(91)
(1,011)
3,500

(1,583)
(2,713)
(1,011)
147,188

12,733
(9,233)
3,500

156,421
(9,233)
147,188

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 2018, and resulting post-acquisition business 
integration activities and operational changes over many years.   New Zealand and Singapore operations are separate CGUs and the associated 
goodwill arising from their acquisition have been allocated to the individual New Zealand or Singapore CGU.  As a result, the lowest level within 
the Group at which goodwill is monitored for management purposes comprises the grouping of all CGUs within a country of operation.  The 
recoverable amounts of the total of Australian, New Zealand and Singapore 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% (2017: 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 and Singapore 
compared to the carrying value of goodwill.

93

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 | Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Note 21:  Derivative Financial Instruments

Current liabilities
Interest rate swap contracts – cash flow hedges

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

2018
$’000

101
101

1,694
1,694

2017
$’000

507
507

1,490
1,490

Full details of the derivatives being used by the Group and the risks and ageing of the existing derivatives are set out in Note 3 – Financial 
risk management.

Note 22:  Trade and Other Payables

Current
Trade payables
Sundry payables and accrued expenses
Deferred cash settlement for business interests acquired

2018
$’000

45,870
14,145
1,095
61,110

2017
$’000

41,898
11,856
182
53,936

Full details of the risks and currency exposure of trade and other payables are set out in Note 3 – Financial Risk Management.

Note 23:  Borrowings

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 3 – Financial Risk Management.

Note 24:  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

2018
$’000

2017
$’000

411,230
(2,985)
408,245

243,984
(906)
243,078

2018
$’000

2017
$’000

14,356

15,170

4,918

3,581

2018
Number

2017
Number

1,793

1,644

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

94

|  Financial Report [ CONTINUED ]Financial Report [ CONTINUED ]

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Note 25:  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

Current tax liabilities

Prepaid contract liabilities

Deferred revenue

Employee benefits

Total current 
liability

Expected to settle 
within twelve months

2018
$’000

61,110

1,486

41,428

21,341

14,356

2017
$’000

53,936

12,037

38,949

11,500

15,170

2018
$’000

61,110

1,486

41,428

21,341

9,691

2017
$’000

53,936

12,037

38,949

11,500

9,514

139,721

131,592

135,056

125,936

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

Note 26:  Contributed Equity

Fully paid ordinary shares

2018
$’000

2017
$’000

124,140

136,344

2018
Number

2018
$’000

2017
Number

2017
$’000

Ordinary shares

Balance at the beginning of the financial year

110,030,298

136,858 110,030,298

136,858

Issue of ordinary shares as part of dividend reinvestment plan

226,057

2,731

-

-

Total contributed equity

Treasury shares (note 26 (b))

110,256,355

139,589 110,030,298

136,858

(1,261,388)

(15,449)

(192,428)

(514)

Total consolidated contributed equity

108,994,967

124,140

109,837,870

136,344

(a)  Ordinary shares

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

95

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 | Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Note 26:  Contributed Equity (continued)

(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 9.

Date

Details

1 January 2017

Balance

21 February 2017

Shares vested

23 February 2017

Shares vested

16 August 2017

Transfer of shares to members of the EESP

31 December 2017

Balance

21 February 2018

Shares vested

22 February 2018

Shares vested

22 February 2018

Shares vested

Number of 
shares

307,326

(63,364)

(24,900)

(26,634)

192,428

(32,624)

(22,874)

(19,842)

$’000

1,944

(760)

(283)

(387)

514

(451)

(260)

(240)

28 February 2018

Acquisition of shares by InvoCare Deferred Share Plan

1,166,000

16,196

22 March 2018

Trust

24 August 2018

Transfer of shares to members of the EESP

31 December 2018

Balance

(c)  Dividend reinvestment plan

(21,700)

1,261,388

(310)

15,449

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.

Note 27:  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
Restatement on adoption of AASB 15: Revenue from Contracts with Customers
Balance at the end of the year

96

2018
$’000

246
(1,193)
8,725
7,778

1,039
(82)
(711)
246

(1,355)
224
(62)
(1,193)

5,362
3,363
8,725

2017
$’000

1,039
(1,355)
5,362
5,046

1,849
233
(1,043)
1,039

(1,844)
689
(200)
(1,355)

7,339
(1,977)
5,362

139,843
41,224
(49,518)
(90,023)
41,526

90,815
97,439
(48,411)
-
139,843

|  Financial Report [ CONTINUED ]Financial Report [ CONTINUED ]

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Note 27:  Reserves and Retained Profits (continued)

(c)  Nature and purpose of reserves

(i)  Share-based payments reserve

The share-based payments reserve is used to recognise the expensed portion of shares granted to employees under the terms of the 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.

Note 28:  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 29:  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

2018
$’000

800

285
136
(79)
342
99
1,241

2017
$’000

800

238
123
(76)
285
99
1,184

2018
$’000

2017
$’000

14,946
37,989
2,597
55,532

11,791
27,988
6,468
46,247

Non-cancellable operating leases contracted for at the reporting date but not capitalised in the financial statements include the following:

Not later than 12 months
Between 12 months and five years
Greater than five years

Property
$’000

Equipment
$’000

14,089
36,255
2,597
52,941

857
1,734
-
2,591

Total
$’000

14,946
37,989
2,597
55,532

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.

97

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 | Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Note 29: Capital and Leasing Commitments (continued)

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

- Building purchase – within one year
- Building extensions and refurbishments – within one year
- Plant and equipment purchases – within one year

(c)  Other expenditure commitments
Documentary letters of credit outstanding at balance date payable:

- within one year

Note 30:  Business Combinations

(a)  Summary of acquisitions

2018
$’000

2017
$’000

14,321
-
2,580

14,155
1,289
5,141

67

39

During the year, the Group acquired eleven businesses. A summary of the purchase consideration, goodwill and assets and liabiltiies acquired 
for all the acquisitions in aggregate is presented below. Acquisitions of significance have been disclosed individually in the notes following.

(b)  Total purchase consideration

Outflow of cash to acquire subsidiary / businesses, net of cash acquired
Cash consideration
Deferred consideration
Total purchase consideration

(c)  Assets acquired

2018
$’000

69,588
1,000
70,588

The following table summarises the aggregated fair value of assets and liabilities acquired as part of the eleven acquisitions.

Cash
Inventories
Other current assets
Land and buildings
Plant and equipment
Prepaid contract funds under management
Brand names
Prepaid contract liabilities 
Other liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities
Total net identifiable assets acquired
Goodwill

(d) Total purchase consideration – cash outflow

Outflow of cash to acquire subsidiary / businesses, net of cash acquired
Cash consideration
Less: Cash Balances acquired
Add: Acquisition related costs
Net outflow of cash – investing activities

There were no acquisitions in the year ended 31 December 2017.

2018
$’000

69,588
(199)
3,611
73,000

2017
$’000

-
-
-

2018
$’000

199
389
318
15,343
2,859
11,792
4,761
(13,735)
(517)
(705)
20,704
49,884

2017
$’000

-
-
392
392

Acquisition-related costs
Acquisition-related costs totalling $3,611,000 (as shown on the Consolidated Income Statement) are not able to be allocated to individual transactions 
as they include the costs of operating a Mergers and Acquisitions team in addition to costs arising directly attributable to the acquisitions.

98

|  Financial Report [ CONTINUED ]Financial Report [ CONTINUED ]

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Note 30:  Business Combinations (continued)

Hope and Sons and Whitestone Funerals
(e)  Summary of acquisition

Archer & Sons Funeral homes
(h)  Summary of acquisition

On 22 June 2018, a subsidiary, InvoCare New Zealand, completed the 
acquisition of the business assets of Hope and Sons and Whitestone 
Funerals based in the South Island of New Zealand. The businesses 
have been operating in their local community for more than 130 years.

On 20 July 2018, a subsidiary, InvoCare Australia Pty Ltd, completed 
the acquisition of the business assets of Archer & Sons Funeral Homes 
based in the South West region of Western Australia. The business has 
been operating in the local community for almost 30 years.

The accounting for this acquisition is provisional as at 31 December 2018.

The accounting for this acquisition is provisional as at 31 December 2018.

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

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

(f)  Purchase consideration

(i)  Purchase consideration

Purchase consideration
Total cash paid
Fair value of net identifiable assets acquired 
(refer (g) below):
Goodwill

$’000

14,526

4,378

10,149

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

(g)  Assets acquired

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

Inventories
Other current assets
Land and buildings
Plant and equipment
Brand names
Other liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities
Net identifiable assets acquired

Fair Value
$’000

72
6
2,752
897
1,189
(285)
(253)
4,378

The acquired business contributed revenues of $2,763,495 and net 
profit of $537,888 to the Group fo the period to 31 December 2018.

If  the  acquisition  had  occurred  on  1  January  2018,  consolidated 
revenue for the year ended 31 December 2018 would have increased by 
approximately $4,737,000 and profit after tax by approximately $664,000.

Purchase consideration
Total cash paid

Deferred consideration
Total purchase consideration
Fair value of net identifiable assets acquired 
(refer (j) below):
Goodwill

$’000

7,304

1,000
8,304

1,789

6,515

The deferred consideration was subsequently paid on 23 January 2019.

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

(j)  Assets acquired

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

Inventories
Land and buildings
Plant and equipment
Prepaid contract assets
Brand names
Deferred tax assets
Prepaid contract liabilities
Other liabilities
Net identifiable assets acquired

Fair Value
$’000

28
1,550
551
4,014
412
133
(4,871)
(28)
1,789

The acquired business contributed revenues of $1,113,163 and net profit 
of $287,169 to the Group for the period to 31 December 2018.

If  the  acquisition  had  occurred  on  1  January  2018,  consolidated 
revenue for the year ended 31 December 2018 would have increased by 
approximately $2,226,000 and profit after tax by approximately $402,000.

99

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 | Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Note 30: Business Combinations (continued)

Lester & Son
(k)  Summary of acquisition

On 23 July 2018, a subsidiary, InvoCare Australia Pty Ltd, completed 
the acquisition of the business assets of Lester & Sons based in Albury 
and Wodonga in New South Wales and Victoria. The business has been 
operating in the local community for more than 110 years.

The accounting for this acquisition is provisional as at 31 December 2018.

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

(l)  Purchase consideration

Grafton & District Funerals and Clarence Valley Funerals
(n)  Summary of acquisition

On 21 August 2018, a subsidiary, InvoCare Australia Pty Ltd, completed 
the acquisition of the business assets of Grafton and District Funerals 
and Clarence Valley Funerals, collectively known as Grafton & District 
Funerals, based in Grafton, New South Wales. The businesses have 
been operating in their local community for more than 35 years.

The accounting for this acquisition is provisional as at 31 December 2018.

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

(o)  Purchase consideration

Purchase consideration
Total cash paid
Fair value of net identifiable assets acquired 
(refer (m) below):
Goodwill

$’000

11,569

5,839

5,730

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

(m) Assets acquired

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

Purchase consideration
Total cash paid
Fair value of net identifiable assets acquired 
(refer (p) below):
Goodwill

$’000

4,706

1,219

3,487

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

(p)  Assets acquired

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

Inventories
Land and buildings
Plant and equipment
Prepaid contract assets
Brand names
Prepaid contract liabilities
Other liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities
Net identifiable assets acquired

Fair Value
$’000

37
5,000
247
62
827
(72)
(35)
(227)
5,839

The acquired business contributed revenues of $1,434,662 and net 
profit of $329,819 to the Group for the period to 31 December 2018.

If  the  acquisition  had  occurred  on  1  January  2018,  consolidated 
revenue for the year ended 31 December 2018 would have increased by 
approximately $2,869,000 and profit after tax by approximately $462,000.

Inventories
Land and buildings
Plant and equipment
Prepaid contract assets
Brand names
Prepaid contract liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities
Other liabilities
Net identifiable assets acquired

Fair Value
$’000

40
1,140
38
1,855
275
(2,063)
(20)
(46)
1,219

The acquired business contributed revenues of $756,740 and net profit 
of $237,141 to the Group for the period to 31 December 2018.

If  the  acquisition  had  occurred  on  1  January  2018,  consolidated 
revenue for the year ended 31 December 2018 would have increased by 
approximately $1,816,000 and profit after tax by approximately $398,000.

100

|  Financial Report [ CONTINUED ]Financial Report [ CONTINUED ]

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Note 30: Business Combinations (continued)

William Morrison Funeral Director Limited
(q)  Summary of acquisition

Hastings District Funeral & Cremation Service
(t)  Summary of acquisition

On 16 August 2018, a subsidiary, InvoCare New Zealand Limited, 
completed the acquisition of 100% of the share capital of William 
Morrison Funeral Director Limited, The Morrison Crematorium Limited, 
and Morrison Funeral Planning Limited based in Auckland, New Zealand. 
The business has been operating in their local community for more 
than 96 years.

The accounting for this acquisition is provisional as at 31 December 2018.

On 30 September 2018, a subsidiary, InvoCare Australia Pty Ltd, 
completed the acquisition of the business assets of Hastings District 
Funeral & Cremation Service based in Port Macquarie, New South 
Wales. The business was established in 1930.

The accounting for this acquisition is provisional as at 31 December 2018.

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

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

(u)  Purchase consideration

(r)  Purchase consideration

Purchase consideration
Total cash paid
Fair value of net identifiable assets acquired (refer 
(s) below):
Goodwill

$’000

16,579

1,877

14,702

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

(s)  Assets acquired

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

Purchase consideration
Total cash paid
Fair value of net identifiable assets acquired (refer 
(v) below):
Goodwill

$’000

8,400

2,384

6,016

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

(v)  Assets acquired

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

Fair Value
$’000

37
2,020
384
3,379
402
12
(3,821)
(29)
2,384

Cash
Inventories
Plant and equipment
Other current assets
Brand names
Other current liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities
Net identifiable assets acquired

Fair Value
$’000

199
89
358
291
1,385
(48)
(397)
1,877

Inventories
Land and buildings
Plant and equipment
Prepaid contract assets
Brand names
Deferred tax assets
Prepaid contract liabilities
Other current liabilities
Net identifiable assets acquired

The acquired business contributed revenues of $1,606,051 and net 
profit of $351,231 to the Group for the period to 31 December 2018.

If  the  acquisition  had  occurred  on  1  January  2018,  consolidated 
revenue for the year ended 31 December 2018 would have increased by 
approximately $3,855,000 and profit after tax by approximately $607,000.

The acquired business contributed revenues of $621,052 and net profit 
of $274,946 to the Group for the period to 31 December 2018.

If  the  acquisition  had  occurred  on  1  January  2018,  consolidated 
revenue for the year ended 31 December 2018 would have increased by 
approximately $1,863,000 and profit after tax by approximately $577,000.

101

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 | Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Note 30: Business Combinations (continued)

JA Dunn Funerals, Southern Highlands Funerals, English Rose Funerals, Harrison Funerals and Eternal Pets
(w) Summary of acquisition

A subsidiary, InvoCare Australia Pty Ltd, completed the acquisition of the business assets of the following businesses during the year:

Business acquired

J A Dunn Funerals
Southern Highlands Funerals
English Rose Funerals
Harrisons Funerals
Eternal Pets

Location

Launceston, Tasmania
Moss Vale, New South Wales
Adelaide, South Australia
Ballarat, Victoria
Richmond, New South Wales

Date acquired

3 March 2018
7 June 2018
10 July 2018
30 September 2018
15 November 2018

All of the acquired businesses have been operating in their local communities for a considerate number of years. 

The accounting for these acquisitions is provisional as at 31 December 2018.

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

(x)  Purchase consideration

Purchase consideration
Total Cash paid
Fair value of net identifiable assets acquired 
(refer (y) below):
Goodwill

$’000

6,504

3,217

3,287

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

(y)  Assets acquired

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

Inventories
Other current assets
Land and buildings
Plant and equipment
Prepaid contract assets
Brand name
Deferred tax assets
Prepaid contract liabilities
Other liabilities
Net identifiable assets acquired

Fair Value
$’000

86
21
2,881
383
2,481
271
47
(2,908)
(45)
3,217

The acquired businesses contributed revenues totalling $1,718,994 and net profit totalling $225,779 to the Group for the period to 31 December 2018.

If the acquisitions had occurred on 1 January 2018, consolidated revenue for the year ended 31 December 2018 would have increased by 
approximately $3,405,000 and profit after tax by approximately $521,000.

102

|  Financial Report [ CONTINUED ]Financial Report [ CONTINUED ]

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Note 31:  Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets

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

2018
$’000

2017
$’000

2,428

1,702

For information about the deed of cross guarantee given by InvoCare Limited, InvoCare Australia Pty Limited, InvoCare (Singapore) Pty Limited, 
Bledone Pty Ltd and Bledisloe Australia Pty Ltd, refer to Note 33.

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

Note 32:  Cash Flow Information

(a) 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

  Cemetery land impairment charge
Share-based payments expense
Loan establishment costs
Imputed interest from deferred purchase consideration

  Net (gain) / loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment 
  Unrealised loss / (gain) on prepaid contracts
  Other prepaid contract movements

Interest expense: customer advance payments

  Other non-cash deferred revenue / deferred selling costs movements

Business acquisition costs classified in investing activities

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

(b) Net debt reconciliation

This section sets out an analysis of net debt and the movements in net debt for each of the periods presented. 

2018
$’000

2017
$’000

41,224

97,439

26,039
-
-
(19)
962
-
(329)
4,992
14,449
4,844
(24,049)
3,611

(15,910)
(4,954)
1,727
11,293
(5,015)
(10,551)
(493)
487
48,308

21,260
(1,100)
12,000
2,051
404
5
(3,350)
(63,316)
4,610
-
-
392

(7,800)
(3,395)
(301)
(3,372)
2,375
2,102
14,365
1,211
75,580

2018

Net debt as at 1 January 2018
Cash flows
Foreign exchange adjustments
Net debt as at 31 December 2018

Cash 
and cash 
equivalents
$’000

15,531
(1,068)
313
14,776

Borrowings
$’000

(243,078)
(158,243)
(6,924)
(408,245)

Total
$’000

(227,547)
(159,311)
(6,611)
(393,469)

103

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 |  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Note 32:  Cash Flow Information (continued)

2017

Net debt as at 1 January 2017
Cash flows
Foreign exchange adjustments
Net debt as at 31 December 2017

Note 33:  Deed of Cross Guarantee

Cash 
and cash 
equivalents
$’000

11,528
4,071
(68)
15,531

Borrowings
$’000

(234,455)
(10,953)
2,330
(243,078)

Total
$’000

(222,927)
(6,882)
2,262
(227,547)

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 ASIC Corporations Instrument 2016/785 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 2018 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 (loss) / gain on prepaid contracts
Acquisition costs
Inter-segment revenue
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

104

2018
$’000

387,932
(97,826)
(104,624)
(27,447)
(9,180)
(24,213)
(7,242)
(21,650)
95,750
(20,310)
-
(13,651)
1,258
(4,992)
(2,942)
2,789
260
58,162
(14,000)
44,162
(36)
(2,856)
(2,892)
41,270

130,408
44,162
(46,781)
127,789

2017
$’000

373,621
(97,826)
(98,011)
(26,223)
(12,619)
(21,612)
(7,101)
(10,928)
99,301
(16,705)
(19,767)
(9,277)
996
63,316
(391)
1,731
3,283
122,487
(39,087)
83,400
270
(247)
23
83,423

95,419
83,400
(48,411)
130,408

|  Financial Report [ CONTINUED ] 
 
 
 
Financial Report [ CONTINUED ]

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Note 33: 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
Asset 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
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
Total equity

Note 34:  Events after the Balance Sheet Date

No significant subsequent events, not otherwise disclosed, have occurred since 31 December 2018.

Note 35:  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 17.

(c)  Directors and key management personnel

Disclosures relating to directors and key management personnel are set out in Note 8.

2018
$’000

6,937
46,639
41,889
45,986
3,324
3,102
147,877

13,697
233,139
329,322
517,601
34,648
17,849
1,146,256
1,294,133

50,641
101
318
41,242
21,336
13,192
126,830

337,084
1,216
39,790
468,616
70,888
4,837
922,431
1,049,261
244,872

124,140
(7,058)
127,790
244,872

2017
$’000

5,867
42,540
25,773
46,247
460
1,725
122,612

52,649
132,337
274,869
499,578
7,623
9,172
976,228
1,098,840

45,707
-
10,597
38,749
11,500
14,042
120,595

195,303
1,265
51,386
413,135
50,397
3,380
714,866
835,461
263,379

136,344
(3,373)
130,408
263,379

105

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 | Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Note 35: Related Party Transactions (continued)

(d)  Transactions with related parties

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

e)  Guarantees and other matters

2018
$

2017
$

10,630,958

9,448,677

Under the terms of a General Security Trust Deed executed on 16 February 2018 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 provided under 
the terms of the Syndicated Facility Agreement and the Note Purchase Agreement both dated 16 February 2018.  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.

Note 36:  Parent Entity Financial Information

(a)  Summary financial information

The individual financial statements for the parent entity show the following aggregate amounts.

Balance sheet
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 in respect of bank guarantees given for leased 
premises of controlled entities to a maximum of:

2018
$’000

578,858
1,338
302,733

2017
$’000

459,202
11,144
176,946

124,140

136,344

246
(921)
1,080
151,580
276,125
56,414
52,647

1,039
(885)
1,080
144,678
282,256
90,686
90,146

2018
$’000

2017
$’000

2,428

1,702

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

(c)  Contractual commitments for the acquisition of property, plant or equipment

The parent entity has no contractual commitments for the acquisition of property, plant or equipment at 31 December 2018 (31 December 2017: 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.

106

|  Financial Report [ CONTINUED ]Financial Report [ CONTINUED ]

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Note 36:  Parent Entity Financial Information (continued)
(d)  Tax consolidation legislation (continued)

The amounts receivable or payable under the tax funding agreement 
are due upon receipt of the funding advice from the head entity, 
which is issued as soon as practicable after the end of each financial 
year.  InvoCare Australia Pty Limited, as permitted by the tax funding 
agreement, acts on behalf of InvoCare Limited for the purpose of meeting 
its obligations to make tax payments, or receive refunds, and reimburses, 
or is compensated by, that entity through the intercompany loan account 
for amounts of tax paid, or received, except for the tax allocated to 
that entity.

Note 37:  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 $45,899,000 as outlined in 
Note 3(c), or by on-demand repayment of intercompany advances.

Note 38:  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 20 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 18 and 19 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 $50.7 million at 31 December 2018 (2017: 
$48.9 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 $3.6 million (decrease by $1.8 million).

(iv)  Revenue recognition - Significant financing 

component 

As outlined in Note 2(b) (iii), the Group receives payment from customers 
for prepaid funeral, burial and cremation services prior to the transfer of 
the promised goods or services to the customer. As the period between 
receipt of the consideration and transfer of the goods or services can 
exceed one year, the Group adjusts deferred revenue using a discount 
rate that results in revenue being recognised that approximates the cash 
selling price as if the customer had paid the consideration at the same 
time the services are performed or the goods delivered.

(v) Classification of prepaid contract assets and liabilities

As disclosed in Note 16, the current and non-current portions of the 
prepaid contract assets and liabilities are disclosed separately. The 
Group has assessed the obligation associated with the prepaid contracts 
remains outstanding until such time as an event occurs that will require 
settlement. 

The Group determines the classification of current and non-current 
portions of prepaid contract asset and liabilities based on the pattern of 
usage associated with the timing of actual contract redemptions. This 
pattern of usage is based on historical data, is reviewed on annually and 
has remained consistent over the past 5-years.

107

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 | Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Note 39:  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 2, 40 Miller Street

North Sydney NSW 2060

Note 40:  Authorisation of the Financial Report

This financial report was authorised for issue by the directors on 22 February 2019.  The Company has the power to amend and reissue this report. 

108

|  Financial Report [ CONTINUED ]Financial Report [ CONTINUED ]

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2018

In the directors’ opinion:

(a)  the financial statements and notes set out on pages 54 to 108 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 2018 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 33 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 33.

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.

Bart Vogel 
Chairman 

Sydney 
22 February 2019

Martin Earp 
Director

109

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 |  
 
Independent auditor’s report
To the members of InvoCare Limited
Report on the audit of the financial report

Our opinion

In our opinion:

The accompanying financial report of InvoCare Limited (the Company) and its controlled entities (together the 
Group) is in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including:

1. 

giving a true and fair view of the Group’s financial position as at 31 December 2018 and of its financial 
performance for the year then ended 

2. 

complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001.

What we have audited
The Group financial report comprises:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

the consolidated balance sheet as at 31 December 2018

the consolidated income statement for the year then ended

the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year then ended

the consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year then ended

the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended

the notes to the consolidated financial statements, which include a summary of significant accounting 
policies

the directors’ declaration.

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under those 
standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial report section of 
our report.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Independence

We are independent of the Group in accordance with the auditor independence requirements of the 
Corporations Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards 
Board’s APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (the Code) that are relevant to our audit of the 
financial report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with the Code. 

PricewaterhouseCoopers, ABN 52 780 433 757
One International Towers Sydney, Watermans Quay, Barangaroo, GPO BOX 2650, SYDNEY  NSW  2001
T: +61 2 8266 0000, F: +61 2 8266 9999, www.pwc.com.au
Level 11, 1PSQ, 169 Macquarie Street, Parramatta NSW 2150, PO Box 1155 Parramatta NSW 2124
T: +61 2 9659 2476, F: +61 2 8266 9999, www.pwc.com.au

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation

110

|  Our audit approach

An audit is designed to provide reasonable assurance about whether the financial report is free from material 
misstatement. Misstatements may arise due to fraud or error. They are considered material if individually or in 
aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of the 
financial report.

We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we performed enough work to be able to give an opinion on 
the financial report as a whole, taking into account the geographic and management structure of the Group, its 
accounting processes and controls and the industry in which it operates.

Materiality

Audit scope

Key audit matters

•  For the purpose of our audit we 
used overall Group materiality 
of $5.1 million, which represents 
approximately 5% of the Group’s 
average profit before tax of the 
past three years.

•  We applied this threshold, 
together with qualitative 
considerations, to determine 
the scope of our audit and 
the nature, timing and extent 
of our audit procedures 
and to evaluate the effect of 
misstatements on the financial 
report as a whole.

•  We chose Group profit before 
tax because, in our view, it is 
the benchmark against which 
the performance of the Group is 
most commonly measured.  Due 
to fluctuations in profit and loss 
from year to year, we chose a 
three year average.  

•  We selected 5% which is 

within the range of acceptable 
quantitative profit related 
materiality thresholds used for 
publicly listed entities.

•  Our audit focused on where 
the Group made subjective 
judgements; for example, 
significant accounting 
estimates involving 
assumptions and inherently 
uncertain future events.

•  The Group has operations 

•  Amongst other relevant topics, 
we communicated the following 
key audit matters to the Audit,  
Risk & Compliance Committee:

 ➢ estimated recoverable 

amount of goodwill for the 
Australian and New Zealand 
operations

within Australia, New Zealand, 
Singapore and Hong Kong, with 
the accounting functions led 
from the Group corporate head 
office in Sydney, Australia.

 ➢ accounting for prepaid 

funeral contracts

 ➢ accounting for business 

combinations

•  We conducted audits of 

•  These are further described in 

the Key audit matters section of 
our report.

the financial information 
of the Australian and New 
Zealand operations given 
their financial significance to 
the Group. As shown in note 
4 of the financial report, the 
Australian and New Zealand 
operations account for 96% of 
revenue and 94% of Operating 
EBITDA of the Group

•  The scale of operations in 

other territories is, in our view, 
insignificant to the overall 
results of the Group, and as 
such, we performed specific 
risk-focused audit procedures 
over those operations. 

111

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 | Key audit matters 

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in our audit of 
the financial report for the current period. The key audit matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the 
financial report as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these 
matters. Further, any commentary on the outcomes of a particular audit procedure is made in that context. 

Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Estimated recoverable amount of goodwill for 
the Australian and New Zealand operations

Refer to note 1(j) note 1(p) and note 20.

Goodwill of $197.5 million is recorded on the 
consolidated balance sheet. 

The goodwill primarily relates to the Australian 
($110.8 million) and New Zealand ($71.5 million) 
operations. 

We focused our efforts on developing an 
understanding and testing the overall calculation and 
methodology of the Group’s impairment assessment, 
including identification of the cash generating units 
of the Group for the purposes of impairment testing, 
and the attribution of net assets, revenues and costs to 
those cash generating units. 

In obtaining audit evidence, our procedures included, 
amongst others: 

Under Australian Accounting Standards, the Group 
is required to test goodwill and indefinite lived 
intangible assets annually for impairment, irrespective 
of whether there are indicators of impairment. This 
assessment is inherently complex and judgemental as 
the Group is required to:

• 

comparing the cash flow forecasts to the Group’s 
approved long term plan

•  assessing the Group’s historical ability to forecast 
future cash flows by comparing budgets with 
reported actual results for the past year 

• 

forecast the operational cash flows of the cash 
generating units of the Group

•  determine discount rates and terminal value 

growth rates

which are used in the discounted cash flow models 
used to assess impairment (the models).

We considered this a key audit matter because 
significant judgement is required by the Group in 
estimating the recoverable amount of goodwill relating 
to the Australian and New Zealand operations.

• 

• 

testing the mathematical calculations within the 
models 

comparing the terminal value growth rates and 
discount rates applied in the models to external 
information sources 

•  performing sensitivity analysis, including the 

assessment of management’s sensitivity analyses, 
over the discount rates and terminal value growth 
rates used in the models 

•  evaluating the related financial statement 

disclosures for consistency with Australian 
Accounting Standards requirements.

112

|  Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Accounting for prepaid funeral contracts

Refer to note 1(n) and note 16.

For the asset value invested, we performed the 
following procedures amongst others:

The Group enters into prepaid funeral contracts 
whereby they agree to deliver a specified funeral, 
cremation or burial service at the time of need. The 
beneficiary invests the current price of the service to be 
delivered with a financial institution and conditionally 
assigns the benefit to the Group. For each prepaid 
funeral contract, the Group records an asset for the 
value of the funds invested (funds under management) 
and a liability to deliver the services.

As at 31 December 2018, the Group had recorded 
$563.6 million of funds under management and 
$510.0 million of contract liabilities.

We considered prepaid funeral contracts to be a key 
audit matter due to the:

• 

• 

size of the asset and liability balances

significant financing component within the 
contracts, as a result of significant time difference 
that may arise between receipt of cash from 
customers and the subsequent recognition of 
revenue on the delivery of services (redemption 
date).

•  agreed the balances recorded by the Group to 

statements and confirmation balances received 
from independent custodians. 

For the liability recognised, we performed the 
following procedures amongst others:

• 

• 

• 

tested the mathematical accuracy of the significant 
financing component within the prepaid funeral 
contracts

compared the date and value of a sample of new 
contracts to that recorded by the Group 

selected a sample of redeemed contracts 
(recognised revenue) to assess whether the 
Group’s performance obligation under the prepaid 
funeral contracts had been satisfied. This included 
comparing the relevant original contracts to service 
delivery documents.

Accounting for business combinations

Refer to note 1(i) and note 30.

For the individually material acquisitions, we 
performed the following procedures amongst others:

During the year ended 31 December 2018 the Group 
completed 11 acquisitions for a total consideration of 
$70.6 million. We considered the accounting for the 
acquisitions to be a key audit matter due to the:

• 

• 

the financial significance of the purchase 
considerations

the judgement applied by the Group in allocating 
the total consideration to the underlying assets and 
liabilities of the acquisitions on the basis of their 
relative fair values at the date of purchase.

• 

inspected the executed purchase contracts between 
the relevant parties to assess whether the basis 
and composition of the purchase consideration in 
the executed contracts were consistent with the 
Group’s accounting for the acquisitions

•  assessed the competence and capability of 

management’s experts who assisted the Group in 
estimating fair values of material brand names, 
land and buildings

• 

• 

read due diligence reports prepared by the Group 
and associated analysis to consider if relevant 
assets and liabilities were identified, valued 
and recognised in accordance with Australian 
Accounting Standards

considered the adequacy of the business 
combination disclosures against the requirements 
of Australian Accounting Standards.

113

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 | Other information

The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information 
included in the annual report for the year ended 31 December 2018, but does not include the financial report 
and our auditor’s report thereon.

Our opinion on the financial report does not cover the other information and accordingly we do not express any 
form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial report, our responsibility is to read the other information and, 
in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial report or our 
knowledge obtained in the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated.

If, based on the work we have performed on the other information that we obtained prior to the date of this 
auditor’s report, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to 
report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.

Responsibilities of the directors for the financial report

The directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation of the financial report that gives a true and fair 
view in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Act 2001 and for such internal 
control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of the financial report that gives a true 
and fair view and is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial report, the directors are responsible for assessing the ability of the Group to continue 
as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern 
basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the Group or to cease operations, or have no 
realistic alternative but to do so.

114

|  Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial report

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial report as a whole is free from 
material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. 
Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance 
with the Australian Auditing Standards will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements 
can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could 
reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of the financial report.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial report is located at the Auditing and 
Assurance Standards Board website at: http://www.auasb.gov.au/auditors_responsibilities/ar1.pdf. This 
description forms part of our auditor’s report.

Report on the remuneration report

Our opinion on the remuneration report

We have audited the remuneration report included in pages 39 to 52 of the directors’ report for the year ended 
31 December 2018.

In our opinion, the remuneration report of InvoCare Limited for the year ended 31 December 2018 complies 
with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001.

Responsibilities

The directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation and presentation of the remuneration report 
in accordance with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on 
the remuneration report, based on our audit conducted in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. 

PricewaterhouseCoopers

MW Chiang 

Partner 

Sydney

22 February 2019

115

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 | Shares and options as at 15 March 2019

Shares on issue
Options on issue

Distribution of shareholders as at 15 March 2019

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

Number of 
shareholders

11,762
10,407
1,618
735
44
24,566

Number of 
shares

5,550,577
24,317,328
11,727,077
15,945,120
57,359,111
114,899,213

Number

114,899,213
 1,286,042 

Percentage 
%

4.83%
21.16%
10.21%
13.88%
49.92%
100.00%

There were 386 holders of less than a marketable parcel of ordinary shares (being 36 based on a price of $13.76 on 15 March 2019) who hold 
a total of 5,567 ordinary shares.

Equity security holders

Largest 20 holders of ordinary shares at 15 March 2019

1.  HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED 

2.  J P MORGAN NOMINEES AUSTRALIA LIMITED 

3.  CITICORP NOMINEES PTY LIMITED 

4.  NATIONAL NOMINEES LIMITED 

5.  ARGO INVESTMENTS LIMITED 

6.  MILTON CORPORATION LIMITED 

7.  BKI INVESTMENT COMPANY LIMITED 

8. 

INVOCARE EMPLOYEE SHARE PLAN ACCOUNT

9.  AUSTRALIA FOUNDATION INVESTMENT COMPANY LIMITED

10.  AUSTRALIAN UNITED INVESTMENT COMPANY LIMITED

11.  IOOF INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT LIMITED (IPS SUPER A/C)

12.  CITICORP NOMINEES PTY LIMITED (COLONIAL FIRST STATE INV A/C)

13.  NETWEALTH INVESTMENTS LIMITED (WRAP SERVICES A/C)

14.  BNP PARIBAS NOMINEES PTY LTD (HUB24 CUSTODIAL SERV LTD DRP)

15.  WARBONT NOMINEES PTY LTD

16.  CS THIRD NOMINEES PTY LIMITED

17.  SCJ PTY LTD

18.  BNP PARIBAS NOMINEES PTY LTD (AGENCY LENDING COLLATERAL)

19.  BNP PARIBAS NOMINEES PTY LTD HUB24 CUSTODIAL SERV LTD DRP

20.  GWYNVILL TRADING PTY LTD

Total for top 20

Substantial holders

Number of 
shares

Percentage 
%

 18,744,830 

 8,930,288 

 5,812,456 

 3,138,573 

 2,315,252 

 1,950,914 

 1,638,974 

 1,604,392 

 1,325,000 

 1,200,000 

 927,367 

 859,257 

 726,894 

 629,459 

 548,473 

 530,609 

 500,000 

 467,000 

 434,228 

 415,643 

16.31%

7.77%

5.06%

2.73%

2.02%

1.70%

1.43%

1.40%

1.15%

1.04%

0.81%

0.75%

0.63%

0.55%

0.48%

0.46%

0.44%

0.41%

0.38%

0.36%

 52,699,609 

45.87%

Number of 
shares

Percentage 
%

Substantial holders in the Company as at 15 March 2019 are set out below:

Mondrian Investment Partners Limited

 6,661,305 

5.80%

Voting Rights

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

Ordinary Shares

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

116

|  Shareholder Information 
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

The Constitution of the Company

A place for cremations and memorialisation

Crypts

DRP

EBITDA

EPS

Above ground burial facilities

Dividend Reinvestment Plan

Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation

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

Non-operating earnings 
before tax

Earnings from the net gain/(loss) on prepaid contracts, asset sales gains/ (losses), commissions received, 
less costs associated with the administration prepaid contracts, share of profits attributable to non-
controlling interests and any other unusual items as disclosed in the relevant reconciliations.

Operating Earnings

Earnings before the net/gain(loss) on prepaid contracts, asset sales gains/ (losses), commissions 
received, costs associated with the administration of prepaid contracts, share of profits attributable to 
non-controlling interests and any other unusual items as disclosed in the relevant reconciliations.

Operating sales revenue

Sales revenue from external customers adjusted to remove the impact of prepaid contract redemptions.

PCP

Prior comparative period.

Prepaid Cemetery and 
Crematorium Services

Cemetery and crematorium services that have been arranged and paid for in advance

Prepaid Funeral Fund

The fund where prepaid funeral monies are held in trust until the funeral service is provided

Volume

VWAP

A term that refers to the number of funeral services, burials and cremations performed

Volume Weighted Average Price a trading benchmark used to determine the face value of an InvoCare 
share. VWAP is calculated by adding up the dollars traded for every transaction (price multiplied by 
number of shares traded) and then dividing by the total shares traded for the day.

117

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 | Contemporary – Australia and New Zealand

New South Wales

Queensland

Victoria

South Australia

Tasmania

Location Information

Contemporary – Australia and New Zealand

New South Wales

Queensland

Victoria

South Australia

Tasmania

George Hartnett 
Metropolitan 
Funerals

Albany Creek
Arana Hills
Bribie Island
Cleveland
Holland Park
Kevin Grove
North Lakes
Regents Park
Sandgate
Taringa
Mt Gravatt

George Hartnett 
Funerals (est 1947)
Redcliffe
Wynnum

Metropolitan  
Funerals (est 1941)
Aspley
Redcliffe
Wynnum

Other Providers
Drysdale Funerals 
(est 1983)

Maroochydore 
Nambour
Tewantin

Somerville Funerals 
(est 1932)
Nerang

Somerville Funerals 
incorporating 
Metropolitan  
Funerals

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 
Funerals 
(est 1884)
Cairns

Guardian Funeral 
Providers
Guardian Funerals

Other Providers
Allan Drew Funerals 
(est 1985)

Castle Hill
Rouse Hill

Ann Wilson Funerals 
(est 1995)

Dee Why
Mona Vale

Clarence Valley 
Funerals (est 1983)
South Grafton

David Lloyd Funerals 
(est 1885)

Adamstown
Belmont
Beresfield
Toronto

Grafton & District 
Funerals (est 1983)
Grafton

Hasting District 
Funeral & Cremation 
Service (est 1930)
Laurieton
Port Macquarie
Wauhope 

Lester & Son Funeral 
Directors (est 1907)
Albury

Liberty Funerals 
(est 1994)
Granville

Southern Highlands 
Funerals (est 1948)
Moss Vale

Universal Chung Wah 
(est 1955)
Fairfield

WN Bull (est 1892)

Chatswood
Miranda
Newtown
Parramatta

Australian Capital 
Territory

Tobin Brothers 
Funerals (est 1946)
Belconnen
Kingston
Tuggeranong

Ballina
Bankstown
Blacktown
Burwood
Campbelltown
Casino
Cremorne
Hurstville
Leppington
Lidcombe
Lismore
Merrylands
Minchinbury
North Ryde
Parramatta
Rockdale

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

Western Austalia

Purslowe & Chipper 
Funerals (est 1907)
Dianella
Ellenbrook
Fremantle 
Mandurah
Midland
Myaree
North Perth
Rockingham
Subiaco
Victoria Park
Wangara

Other Providers
Archer & Sons Funeral 
Homes 
(est 1989)
Bunbury
Manjimup

Oakwood Funerals (est 
1999)

Booragoon

Christian Funerals 
(est 1978)

Maylands

Le Pine including 
Le Pine Heritage 
(est 1891)
Box Hill
Camberwell
Croydon
Dandenong
Eltham
Ferntree Gully
Footscray West
Glen Waverley
Greensborough
Hastings
Healesville
Ivanhoe
Kew East
Lilydale
Mordialloc
Oakleigh
Pakenham

Le Pine 
Asian Funerals
Glen Waverley
West Footscray

W D Rose 
(est 1884)
Brighton
Burwood
Cheltenham

Joseph Allison 
(est 1853)

Brunswick
Essendon

Other Providers
Charles Crawford 
& Son

Melton

Harrison Funerals 
(est 2005)
Ballarat

Lester & Son Funeral 
Directors (est 1907)
Wodonga

Mulqueen Funerals 
(est 1932)
Coburg

Southern Cross 
(est 1998)

Frankstown

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

Werribee Funerals

Werribee

Turnbull Family 
Funerals (est 1936)
North Hobart

J.A. Dunn Funeral 
Directors (est 1883)
Launceston

Blackwell Funerals 
(est 1940)

Aberfoyle Park
Glenside
Payneham
Prospect
Torrensville
Somerton Park

Other Providers
English Rose Funerals 
(est 1988)

Old Noarlunga

New Zealand

South Island

Academy Funeral 
Services (est 1982)
Christchurch

Hope and Sons 
Funeral Directors 
(est 1887)

Corstorphine
Palmerston
Mosgiel
South Dunedin

John Rhind Funeral 
Directors (est 1881)
Christchurch
Kaiapoi

Geoffrey T Sowman 
(est 1869)

Blenheim

Sowman Memorials

Blenheim

Whitestone Funerals 
(est 1880)
Oamaru

North Island
Tilton, Opie & 
Pattinson Funeral 
Directors (est 1930)
New Lynn
Royal Oak

Morrison Funeral 
Directors (est 1921)
Glen Innes
Henderson

Forrest Funeral 
Services (est 1978)
Browns Bay
Orewa

North Island 
[continued]

Fountain’s Funeral 
Services (est 1956)
Manurewa 
Papakura

Sibuns Funeral 
Directors (est 1913)
Remuera

H Morris Funerals 
(est 1933)

Northcote

Lychgate Funeral 
Home (est 1876)
Johnsonville
Karori
Wellington

Resthaven Funerals 
(est 2000)
Howick 
Manurewa

Gee & Hickton 
(est 1946)

Lower Hutt
Upper Hutt
Porirua
Akatarawa 
Crematorium
James R Hill 
(est 1965)
Hamilton

Pellows Funeral 
Directors (est 1963)

Hamilton

Elliotts Funeral 
Services (est 1967)

Kati Kati
Mt Maunganui
Tauranga

Beth Shan Funeral 
Directors (est 1977)

Hastings
Napier

Cleggs Funeral 
Services (est 1919)
Hawera

Vospers (est 1933)
New Plymouth

Wairarapa Funeral 
Services (est 1938)
Masterton

118

|  New South Wales

Queensland

Victoria

South Australia

Western Australia

Simplicity Funerals (est 1979)

Balgowlah 
Bankstown 
Bateau Bay 
Erina 
Hornsby 
Liverpool 
Miranda 
Newcastle* 
Newtown
Penrith
Randwick 
Roseville Chase

* Mobile Arranger 

Ryde
Smithfield
Toukley East
Tweed Heads
Wollongong*
Woy Woy
Wyong

ACT

Canberra*

Beenleigh
Burleigh Heads
Buranda
Ipswich
Kallangur
Kedron
Logan
Parkwood
Robina
Sunshine Coast*

Bayswater
Carnegie
Frankston
Pascoe Vale
Reservoir
Sunshine
Werribee

Black Forest
Enfield
Morphett Vale
Salisbury
Rosewater
Victor Harbor

Joondalup
Kelmscott
Mandurah
Osborne Park
Mobile Southern 
Region*

New Zealand

Christchurch
Nelson

Tasmania

Hobart*
Glenorchy

White Lady Funerals (est 1987)

New South Wales

Queensland

Victoria

South Australia

Western Australia

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

Narrabeen
Pennant Hills
Penrith 
Queanbeyan
Rockdale
Roseville
Salamander Bay
Sutherland
Toronto
Tweed Heads
Wyoming

Ashmore
Burpengary
Cairns
Caloundra
Chelmer
Clayfield
Kelvin Grove
Miami
Morningside
Nambour
Southport
Tanah Merah
Tewantin
Victoria Point
Warana
Wynnum

Armadale
Burwood
Dandenong 
Doncaster
Epping
Glen Huntly
Heathmont
Heidelberg
Mornington
Niddrie
Rosebud
South Melbourne

Operating  
as Mareena  
Purslowe Funerals

Fremantle
Midland
Mandurah
North Perth
Subiaco
Victoria Park
Wangara

Glenside
Hillcrest
Plympton
Semaphore

Tasmania

North Hobart

Australian Capital 
Territory

Belconnen
Kingston
Tuggeranong

Singapore Casket Company (est 1920)

Simplicity Casket Company (est 2009)

Lavender Street

Sin Ming Drive

Singapore

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 &  
Crematorium (est 1971)

Rouse Hill

Leppington

Ryhope

Dapto

Haymarket

Beresfield

North Ryde 

Minchinbury

Cabramatta

Rookwood 
Necropolis

Tweed Heads

Albany Creek Memorial Park (est 1964)

Bridgeman Downs

Allambe Memorial Park &  
Crematorium (est 1968)

Great Southern Memorial Gardens &  
Crematorium (est 1997)

Mt Thompson Memorial Gardens &  
Crematorium (est 1934)

Toowoomba Garden of Remembrance &  
Crematorium (est 1966)

New Zealand

Harewood Memorial Gardens &  
Crematorium (est 1963)

Woodlawn Memorial Gardens &  
Crematorium (est 1936)

Nerang 

Carbrook 

Holland Park 

Toowoomba

Christchurch 

Christchurch

119

InvoCare Annual Report 2018 | Solicitors

Addisons Lawyers 
Level 12 
60 Carrington Street 
Sydney NSW 2000

Anthony Harper Lawyers 
Level 6, Chorus House 
66 Wyndham Street 
Auckland New Zealand

Financiers

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

HSBC Bank Australia Limited 
Tower 1 - International Towers Sydney 
100 Barangaroo Avenue 
Sydney NSW 2000

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

MetLife Investment Advisors, LLC 
One MetLife Way 
Whippany, New Jersey USA 07981

Mizuho Bank, Ltd. 
60 Margaret Street 
Sydney NSW 2000

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation 
2 Chifley Square 
Sydney NSW 2000

Westpac Banking Corporation 
275 Kent Street 
Sydney NSW 2000

Westpac New Zealand Limited 
16 Takutai Square 
Auckland New Zealand

Corporate Information

InvoCare Limited

ABN 42 096 437 393

Directors

Bart Vogel 
(Chairman)

Martin Earp 
(Managing Director 
and Chief Executive Officer)

Richard Davis 
(Non-executive Director)

Jackie McArthur 
(Non-executive Director)

Megan Quinn 
(Non-executive Director)

Robyn Stubbs 
(Non-executive Director)

Keith Skinner 
(Non-executive Director)

Company Secretary

Heidi Aldred

Registered Office

Level 2, 40 Miller 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 
One International Towers Sydney 
Watermans Quay, Barangaroo 
Sydney NSW 2000

120

|