InvestSMART Group Limited
Annual Report 2019

Plain-text annual report

Annual Report 2019 Annual Report for the year ended 30 June 2019 InvestSMART Group Limited ABN 62 111 772 359 www.InvestSMART.com.au 1300 880 160 SECTION HEADING??OUR VISION To help all Australians grow and protect their wealth. WHY? Because we believe people should be able to take control of their financial future. And it shouldn’t be hard or expensive to do so. HOW? By providing innovative tools, research and advice that people can trust, empowering them to make better investing decisions. Research & Advice Investment Advice Investment Portfolios Investment Tools SECTION HEADING??2019 FINANCIAL YEAR Highlights 3 ANNUAL REPORT 2019Contents Chairman and Managing Director’s report .................................................................. 5 Corporate Governance Statement ............................................................................... 8 Directors’ Report ........................................................................................................ 17 Auditor’s Independence Declaration ..........................................................................28 Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income ...................................................29 Consolidated Statement of Financial Position ........................................................... 30 Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity ........................................................... 31 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows ......................................................................32 Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements ........................................................33 Directors’ Declaration ................................................................................................58 Independent Audit Report to the Members ............................................................... 59 Additional Information .............................................................................................. 65 Directory ....................................................................................................................67 4 ANNUAL REPORT 2019DIRECTOR’S REPORTCHAIRMAN A ND M ANAGING DIR ECTOR’ S R EPOR T Chairman and Managing Director’s report Dear Shareholders, On behalf of the Directors we are pleased to announce the results for InvestSMART Group for the financial year ended 30 June 2019. Commissions income - Fund Managers Commissions Income - Insurance Funds management income Subscription income Other Income Total Income Commission rebates Paid Employee Costs Marketing costs Other Expenses Total Operating Expenses Operating profit / (loss) FY19 4,610,068 1,788,701 764,953 4,235,400 7,142 FY18 4,935,931 1,933,307 347,667 5,005,675 252,678 11,406,264 12,470,555 1,779,800 5,767,717 1,509,210 2,748,274 11,805,001 1,920,662 5,537,570 1,897,204 2,396,101 11,751,537 (398,737) 719,018 Since becoming Chair in 2014 the strategy of the company has been to streamline its business units into a single, effective website offering our customers and visitors a range of services and products that allow them to take control of their financial future. This process was substantially completed by late 2017 with a concerted marketing effort starting in December 2017 focussing on an integrated digital and physical marketing campaign in Qantas Club lounges and wider digital advertising and engagement through radio. This led to a large increase in traffic and engagement. We entered the 2019 financial year squarely focussed on continuing to build traffic and engagement, converting our sizeable existing database to paying members and enhancing our innovative, cost effective platform for retail Australia. Reflecting on our outlook provided this time last year, the Board is satisfied with some parts of our results in FY19 but not with others. Investment in our brand and broader market in the 1st half of FY19 did not result in the expected traffic, engagement and conversion to funds under management we were expecting. 5 ANNUAL REPORT 2019 CHAIRMA N AND MA NA GIN G DIRECTOR’ S REPORT By August 2018, the Hayne Commission was in full swing with egregious examples of greed within the financial services sector exposed on a weekly basis. Put simply the public had lost faith in the sector. The Hayne Commission final report was to be released in February 2019 and the retail and institutional market was in standstill mode until this report was released. In addition, the market experienced significant volatility in the 2nd quarter. Against this backdrop, the company chose to significantly reduce marketing expenditure in December 2018, focussing on digital and tactical expenditure in the 2nd half of FY19. We have been able to maintain our high traffic and engagement numbers post the cessation of this expenditure whilst increasing funds under management to our PMA solution, launching the Ethical Fund and stabilising subscription numbers. The operating loss for the year ($398,735) came in above a forecasted loss of $1m after cutting our marketing costs in late December 2018. Our historical revenue lines including Subscription and Commissions fell in line with expectations. Funds under management (FUM) grew from $105m to $145m, with fund management fees growing 120% rather than the expected 300%. Commissions income was in line with expectations, however the Hayne Commission recommended grandfathered trailing commissions be repealed as soon as is reasonably practicable. The government responded by agreeing to end grandfathered commissions from 1 January 2021. This poses some short-term headwinds causing our revenue mix to change considerably as grandfathered commissions on funds management products eventually reduce to zero, subscriptions revenues are maintained and fees from our Professionally Managed Accounts continue to grow. Forefront of digital advice The findings of the Hayne Commission have galvanised the industry and sentiment towards independent, low cost digital wealth advisers such as InvestSMART. We believe we have a head start in the race. InvestSMART is at the forefront of digital advice in Australia, catering to over 680,000 prospective members, 118,000 portfolio manager users, over 50,000 App users and 3,500 Professionally Managed Accounts. Engagement with InvestSMART’s free portfolio manager continues to drive our automated investment advice services, filtering member content and delivering improvements to members’ portfolio compositions. Assets managed in the portfolio manager continue to grow, providing valuable insights into the assets our members hold and opportunities to deliver investment products and services to help our members reach their financial goals. Assets held on InvestSMART’s portfolio manager Total Active Free Database Total Member Portfolios Value of Shares ($bn) Value of Funds ($bn) Value of Property ($bn) Value of Cash ($bn) Jun 16 546,980 63,014 Jun 17 586,309 88,892 5.13 1.49 4.74 1.25 8.77 1.96 7.49 1.87 Jun 18 637,024 109,472 11.88 2.53 9.63 2.42 Jun 19 692,812 118,506 14.01 2.96 8.81 2.77 6 ANNUAL REPORT 2019 CHAIRMAN A ND M ANAGING DIR ECTOR’S REPORT Corporate In December 2018 we completed the acquisition of The Constant Investor which resulted in the return of Alan Kohler to the Eureka Report, a publication which he founded in 2005. Prior to Alan’s return, retention rates for Eureka Report were steadily improving, however Alan has further improved and stabilised retention rates whilst increasing the number of new subscribers. In June 2019, we launched our second ASX listed Managed Fund product, InvestSMART Australian Ethical Share Fund. This fund combines the research expertise of our Intelligent Investor analysts with the demand we see for investment in companies which meet sound Environmental, Social and Governance Principles. This product is neatly wrapped up in a structure which is cost effective and easy to access through an online broker. Corporate governance The Board of InvestSMART is committed to achieving and demonstrating best practice standards of corporate governance with the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) regulations. Our goal is to ensure we protect the rights and interests of all stakeholders and ensure the company is properly managed through the implementation of sound strategies and action plans. We achieve this through good management and by supervising an integrated framework of controls over the company’s resources to ensure our commitment to high standards of ethical behaviour. Our remuneration report is enclosed in the annual report and outlines group remuneration policies, Board performance and the key management personnel remuneration policies and compensation. Outlook The Board remains confident in InvestSMART’s long term strategy to be Australia’s #1 digital wealth platform for all Australians looking to take control of their own investments and financial goals. Ongoing regulatory oversight on financial institutions, especially financial planners, will continue to drive up the cost of personal specific advice, putting it out of reach for most Australians. Our core strategy is to continue to build conversions into our low cost Professionally Managed Accounts and modestly grow subscribers in our financial commentary and research services, Eureka Report and Intelligent Investor. Paul Clitheroe Chairman Ron Hodge Managing Director 7 ANNUAL REPORT 2019CORPORA TE GOVER NANCE STATEM E NT Corporate Governance Statement Corporate governance includes the policies and 1. Code of conduct practices by which InvestSMART Group Limited (Company) and its controlled entities (Group Entities) (collectively, Group) are effectively The Code prescribes that Directors, senior executives and employees must: managed. Those policies and practices prescribe: • act honestly, in good faith and in the best • • our ethics; the accountability of the Board for financial performance and growth; and interests of the Company as a whole at all times; • discharge their duty to use due care and diligence in fulfilling the functions of their office and exercising the powers attached to that • the management of the risks which are office; encountered in running a company reliant upon the performance of financial assets and investments. In developing corporate governance policies and practices for the Group, the Company takes into account the Constitution of the Company (Constitution) and applicable legislation and • always use the powers of their office for a proper purpose; • recognise that their primary responsibility is to the Company’s security holders as a whole but should, where appropriate, have regard to all stakeholders of the Company; standards, including: • not make improper use of information acquired • • Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (Corporations Act); Australian Securities Exchange Listing Rules (Listing Rules); • Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations with 2014 Amendments, 3rd Edition published by the ASX Corporate Governance Council (ASXCGC); and • legislation governing Australian Financial Services Licences and other licences held by as a Director, senior executive or employee; • not allow personal interests, or the interests of any associated person, to conflict with the interests of the Company; • be independent in judgment and actions and to take all reasonable steps to be satisfied as to all decisions taken by or on behalf of the Company; • not engage in conduct likely to bring discredit on the Company; members of the Group. • comply with the spirit, as well as the letter of The information in this Statement is current as at 25 September 2019 and has been approved by the Board. the law and with the principles of the Code of Conduct; • ensure compliance with the policies and procedures of the Company, including the Board Charter, Delegations of Authority, Securities 8 ANNUAL REPORT 2019CORPORA TE GOVER NANCE STATEM E NT Trading and Prevention of Insider Trading Policy, The Board’s responsibilities include: Staff Trading and Investment Policy, Continuous Disclosure Policy, Continuing Professional Development Policy, Human Resources Policies and Procedures and Risk Management and • the consideration and approval of corporate strategy proposed by management and monitoring its implementation; Compliance Policies. • overseeing and monitoring financial The Code of Conduct can be downloaded from the performance; Company’s website at: www.investsmart.com.au/ • approving financial and other reporting to shareholder-centre/governance. shareholders, employees and other stakeholders Directors, senior executives and employees are of the Company; required to make all disclosures, keep all records • ensuring that the Company has appropriate and take all steps necessary to enable the Company human, financial and physical resources to to comply with all relevant legislation, common law execute Company strategies; obligations and Company policies, including the Code of Conduct. • reviewing Board and management succession planning; 2. Responsibilities and functions of the board and management • appointing, removing and monitoring the performance of the Managing Director and Key The Board operates under a Board Charter which is reviewed annually to ensure it remains consistent with the Board’s objectives, duties and responsibilities. Under that Charter, the role of the Board is to protect and enhance sustainable shareholder value through: • ensuring the control and accountability framework in place requires all significant issues relating to the operation and performance of the Company and Group Entities to be brought to the attention of the Board; • monitoring governance policies, practices and systems to ensure they are effective and appropriate; Management Personnel; • appointing and removing the Company Secretary; • • considering and monitoring risks; reviewing the effectiveness of Company policies and procedures regarding risk management; • reviewing the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control and accounting systems; • ensuring appropriate corporate governance structures are in place including standards of ethical behaviour and a culture of corporate and social responsibility; • overseeing the Company’s continuous disclosure • monitoring risk policies, practices and systems to ensure they are effective and appropriate; obligations; and • reporting to shareholders and other stakeholders; and • where appropriate, constituting Board Committees to assist the Board in the fulfilment • capital management. of its responsibilities. 9 ANNUAL REPORT 2019CORPORA TE GOVER NANCE STATEM E NT The Board Charter was reviewed in August 2019. As at the date of this Statement, the Directors are: It can be downloaded from the Company’s website at: www.investsmart.com.au/shareholder-centre/ governance. To assist the Board to carry out its responsibilities and functions, certain powers have been delegated Independent Chairman: Mr Paul Clitheroe AM Managing Director: Mr Ron Hodge to management, including the authority to undertake Lead Independent Non-Executive Director: transactions and incur expenditure on behalf of the Mr Michael Shepherd AO Group, up to specified thresholds. Independent Non-Executive Director: Processes have been established to ensure that Mr Kevin Moore management provides relevant information to the Board to enable the Board to make informed decisions and effectively discharge its duties. The Board may also request additional information where necessary and may seek independent advice should it wish to do so. 3. Board structure The Constitution provides for a minimum of three Directors and a maximum of twelve Directors. The Company undertakes appropriate checks before appointing a person as a Director or putting forward a person as a candidate for election as a Director. Consistent with the ASXCGC Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations, a majority of the Board is independent. The Board believes that at this time in the development of the Company the current allocation of responsibilities among the Directors is most practical and effective for the Company and in the best interests of shareholders. The Board has assessed the mix of skills which best suit the business conducted by the Company. The Board considers that the current Directors have an appropriate mix of skills for the Company, including core skills in financial services, governance, marketing, digital distribution and product All material information in the possession of the development. Company, which is relevant to whether or not a person should be elected or re-elected a Director, is provided to shareholders prior to an election taking place. At the date of this Statement, the Board comprises an independent Chairman, two independent non- executive Directors and the Managing Director. The Directors’ Report included in the 2019 Annual Report provides the details of the Directors in office during the year ended 30 June 2019, together with their experience, expertise and qualifications and the number of Board meetings each attended during the year. The Company Secretary is accountable directly to the Board, through the Chairman, on all matters to do with the proper functioning of the Board. 4. Terms of appointment of directors The Company issues letters of appointment to Directors, which include: • • • • term of appointment; expectations regarding the Director’s involvement and time commitment envisaged; powers and duties of Directors; circumstances in which the office of director will become vacant; 1 0 ANNUAL REPORT 2019 • • • • CORPORA TE GOVER NANCE STATEM E NT • • remuneration and expenses; interests or changes in interests are notified and it requirements regarding interests (including the disclosure of interests in securities) and is reviewed at the commencement of each regular Board meeting. independence; The Board assesses the independence of Directors • compliance with Company policies, including the Board Charter, Code of Conduct and Securities Trading Policy; induction and training; access to independent advice; and makes a determination in respect of each Director taking into account: • • specific disclosures made by the Director; and the factors relevant to assessing the independence of a directors set out in the ASX Corporate Governance Principles and indemnification and insurance; and Recommendations published by the ASXCGC. confidentiality and the right of access to Company information. Directors appointed by the Board to fill a casual vacancy or as an addition to existing Directors (other than a Managing Director) are appointed only to the conclusion of the general meeting following their appointment and must stand for election at that general meeting. Otherwise, Directors (other than any Managing Director) retire at the later of the third anniversary of their appointment or the conclusion of the third Annual General Meeting after their appointment and are available for re-election. Details of Directors, their experience, expertise and 6. Committees of the board Under the Constitution the Directors may delegate any of their powers to a committee or committees. Any committees established by the Board: • are entitled to obtain independent professional or other advice at the cost of the Company, unless the Board determines otherwise; • are entitled to obtain such resources and information from the Company including direct access to employees of and advisers to the Company as they might require; and qualifications are set out in the Directors’ Report • operate in accordance with a charter or terms of included in the 2019 Annual Report. reference established by the Board. The appointment and removal of any Managing 6.1 Audit, risk and compliance committee Director is a matter for the Board as a whole. 5. Directors’ interests and independence The Board has in place processes to ensure that conflicts of interest are managed appropriately throughout the Group. Directors are required to immediately notify the Company of interests or changes to interests as they arise. The Company Secretary maintains a register of Directors’ interests. That register is updated as The Charter of the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee can be downloaded from the Company’s website at: www.investsmart.com.au/shareholder- centre/governance. This Committee assists the Board to fulfil its corporate governance and oversight responsibilities in relation to: 1. Audit – the Committee reviews the integrity of the Group’s financial reporting and oversees the independence of the external auditor; 1 1 ANNUAL REPORT 2019CORPORA TE GOVER NANCE STATEM E NT 2. Compliance – the Committee reviews the 6.2 Nomination and remuneration committee integrity of the Group’s compliance framework; and 3. Risk – the Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its risk management responsibilities as defined by applicable law and regulations, the Constitution and other applicable standards. The Committee consists of not less than two members appointed by the Board. Where possible, a majority of members will be independent non- executive Directors. The Board appoints the Chairman of the Committee, who must be an independent non-executive Director. Preferably, the Chairman of the Board is not also the Chairman of the Committee. The Charter of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee can be downloaded from the Company’s website at: www.investsmart.com.au/shareholder- centre/governance. The Committee: 1. reviews and makes recommendations to the Board in relation to nomination matters; 2. develops and recommends to the Board strategies on gender diversity for the Board, committees of the Board and all other levels of the Company and Group Entities; 3. reviews and makes recommendations to the Board in relation to remuneration matters; In determining membership of the Committee, the Board seeks to identify and appoint: 4. reviews and brings to the attention of the Board matters relating to: • members who can read and understand financial statements and are otherwise financially literate; • remuneration structure including long term incentive arrangements and participation; • at least one member with financial expertise • senior executive and key staff succession either as a qualified accountant or other financial professional with experience in financial and accounting matters; and • at least one member who has an understanding of the financial services industry. The current Chairman of the Committee is Mr Michael Shepherd AO and the second Committee member is Mr Paul Clitheroe AM. The Board considers that a two-member Committee is appropriate given the size and complexity of the business. The current Committee members are not executives. Details of the number of meetings of the Committee held during the year ended 30 June 2019 are set out plans; • recruitment, retention and termination strategies; • the Remuneration Report of the Company; and • other matters identified from time to time by the Board. The Committee consists of not less than two members appointed by the Board. Where possible, a majority of members will be independent non- executive Directors. The Board appoints the Chairman of the Committee. Preferably, the Chairman of the Board is not also the Chairman of the in the Directors’ Report included in the 2019 Annual Committee. Report. 1 2 ANNUAL REPORT 2019CORPORA TE GOVER NANCE STATEM E NT The current Chairman of the Committee is Mr Michael Shepherd AO and the second Committee member is Mr Paul Clitheroe AM. The Board considers that a two-member Committee is appropriate given the size and complexity of the business. The current Committee members are not executives. 7. Securities trading and prevention of insider trading policy and staff trading and investment policy The Company has adopted a policy regarding trading in its securities and the prevention of insider trading which applies to all Directors, employees and contractors and their associates. This policy can be Details of the number of meetings of the Committee downloaded from the Company’s website at: www. held during the year ended 30 June 2019 are set out investsmart.com.au/shareholder-centre/governance. in the Directors’ Report included in the 2019 Annual Report. Those covered by the policy must not trade, arrange for someone else to trade, or communicate information Details about the Company’s remuneration policies to someone they know, or ought reasonably to know, and practices are set out in the 2019 Remuneration may use the information to trade (or procure another Report included in the 2019 Annual Report. The 2019 person to trade) Company securities when they are in Remuneration Report distinguishes the structure possession of price sensitive information relating to the of Directors’ remuneration from that of senior Group which is not generally available to the market. executives. Directors and employees are generally only permitted The Company has equity-based remuneration to trade in Company securities in defined open schemes. Hedging of unvested shares is prohibited periods and then, only if they are not in possession under the Securities Trading and Prevention of Insider of price sensitive information relating to the Group Trading Policy. 6.3 Investment committee The Company has established an Investment Committee to review and, if thought fit, approve investment portfolios for use in the suite of investment products offered by Group Entities. The Committee is also responsible for the ongoing monitoring and review of investment portfolios. which is not generally available to the market and if they have prior written approval to trade. The Company has also adopted a separate policy dealing with staff trading and investment. That policy deals with the management of actual and perceived conflicts of interest arising where in the ordinary course of business Group Entities promote, analyse or report on securities. Members of the Committee are drawn from the 8. Continuous disclosure Board, management and external advisers based on their relevant skills and experience. The current members are Mr Paul Clitheroe (Chairman of the Committee), Mr Alastair Davidson (Head of Funds), Mr Ron Hodge (Managing Director), Mr Alan Kohler (Editor-in-Chief) and Ms Catherine Teo (General Counsel). The Board is very conscious of its continuous disclosure obligations and has adopted a Continuous Disclosure Policy. A copy of this policy can be downloaded from the Company’s website at: www. investsmart.com.au/shareholder-centre/governance. All Directors and the Company Secretary are responsible for ensuring adherence to the Continuous Disclosure Policy. The Chairman or the Managing Director deal with media contact and any external communications. 1 3 ANNUAL REPORT 2019CORPORA TE GOVER NANCE STATEM E NT 9. Independent professional advice • the requirement to comply with corporate Directors may obtain independent professional advice at the Company’s expense on matters arising in the course of their Board and Committee duties, after obtaining the Chairman’s approval (or in the case of the Chairman, with the prior approval of the Chairman of the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee). The Board requires that all Directors be policies, including Delegations of Authority, Securities Trading and Prevention of Insider Trading Policy, Staff Trading and Investment Policy, Continuous Disclosure Policy, Continuing Professional Development Policy, Human Resources Policies and Procedures and Risk Management and Compliance Policies; and provided with a copy of such advice and be notified if • circumstances of termination and entitlements the Chairman’s approval is withheld. on termination. 10. Performance assessment Those contracts also set out the manner in which the performance of the senior executive is evaluated. The performance assessment of individual Directors, Performance evaluation of senior executives was Committees and the Board is included in the Board undertaken in the reporting period. Charter. The process is aimed at ensuring individual Directors, Committees and the Board as a whole work 11. Diversity efficiently and effectively. As part of that process: In April 2016 the Company established a Diversity • the Board as a whole discusses and analyses Policy. It can be downloaded from the Company’s its own performance during the year including website at: www.investsmart.com.au/shareholder- suggestions for change or improvement; centre/governance. • the Chairman meets with each non-executive The Company has policies and procedures in place in Director separately to discuss individual relation to employment opportunities for women. The performance, including development areas; and Board has not set measurable objectives for achieving • a nominated Director leads the review of the Chairman. diversity. The Board believes these policies and procedures best suit the Company given its size and stage of development. The company employs less Due to the size of the Board, a formal performance than 100 staff and is not a “relevant employer” under evaluation of Directors was not undertaken in the the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012 (Cth). reporting period. The Company does not currently have any women Each senior executive in the Group is engaged under on the Board or within the Key Management a written contract which includes: Personnel identified in the 2019 Annual Report. the term of appointment; However, as at 25 September 2019, 37% of the employees in the Group are women and 33% of the a description of the position and associated Company’s management team comprise of women. duties and responsibilities; reporting; The Company will seek to maintain or increase this level of women employees in the future and to reflect gender diversity within the Board and Key remuneration, including superannuation; Management Personnel. • • • • 1 4 ANNUAL REPORT 2019CORPORA TE GOVER NANCE STATEM E NT 12. Directors’ induction and continuing education All Directors receive an induction after joining the The Company’s exposure to economic, environmental and social sustainability risks and management of those risks is disclosed in the 2019 Annual Report. Board and have access to continuing education to The Board received a statement in writing from the update and enhance their skills and knowledge to Managing Director and the Chief Finance Officer that enable them to continue to carry out their duties. the declaration provided in accordance with section 13. Management of risk and internal control framework The Board is the ultimate sponsor of risk oversight within the Group but does so in a manner which reflects the transparent nature of the Group’s 295A of the Corporations Act is founded on a sound system of risk management and internal control and the system is operating effectively in all material respects in relation to financial reporting risks. 14. Engaging shareholders systems. The Company pays significant attention to The Board is committed to ensuring that the risk as a consequence of its activities, which involve shareholders are at all times provided with dealing in financial assets. information sufficient to allow effective monitoring of The Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee fulfils the Company’s performance, including: an essential role in the management of risk and the • the Annual Report which is distributed to establishment, review and monitoring of internal shareholders (at their election); controls. In addition, through the reporting of the Managing Director, the Board also monitors various measurements of absolute and relative risk. Reviews • • the Half Yearly Report; periodic reports and special reports when of the Company’s risk management framework were matters of material interest arise; undertaken throughout the reporting period. Due to the relatively small size of the Group and called to obtain shareholder approval of any the limited nature of its business operations, the action as required; and • the Annual General Meeting and other meetings Company does not have an Internal Audit function. This matter is reviewed periodically by the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee and that Committee makes relevant recommendations to the Board to improve the effectiveness of the Company’s risk management and internal control processes. The Company has access to a series of internal and external controls through the Managing Director, which govern the Company’s material business risks. These controls include, but are not restricted to: • continuous and periodic disclosure. The Chairman and the Managing Director are primarily responsible for promoting effective communication with shareholders and encouraging their participation at general meetings. The Board reviews the activities aimed at achieving these outcomes. The Company Secretary and the share registry are also available to assist shareholders. Shareholders have the option to receive communications from, and send communications to, • external providers of accounting and related the Company and the share registry electronically. services to the Company and Group Entities; and • regular reporting by the Managing Director to the Board. 1 5 ANNUAL REPORT 2019CORPORA TE GOVER NANCE STATEM E NT Current and archived announcements by the Meeting are lodged with Australian Securities Company are available on the Company’s website Exchange and available on the Company’s website at: www.investsmart.com.au/shareholder-centre/ at: www.investsmart.com.au/shareholder-centre/ announcements and at: www.asx.com.au. announcements and at: www.asx.com.au. The Company provides a review of operations and The External Auditor attends the Annual General financial performance in the 2019 Annual Report, Meeting of the Company and is available to answer which includes the Company’s financial report. questions from shareholders relevant to the audit of Results announcements to the Australian Securities the Company. Exchange, Business Updates (lodged quarterly in the ordinary course of business) and the full text of the Chairman’s address at the Company’s Annual General 1 6 ANNUAL REPORT 2019Director’s Report The Directors present their report on InvestSMART Group Limited (the Company) and its subsidiaries (collectively the Group) for the financial year ended 30 June 2019. Directors The names and details of the Directors of the Company who held office during the year and at the date of this report (unless otherwise specified) are: Paul Clitheroe AM Independent Chairman (Appointed Non-Executive Chairman 26 November 2014, appointed Executive Chairman 31 March 2015, reappointed Non-Executive Chairman 24 February 2016) Bachelor of Arts (UNSW), SNF Fin, CFP Age 64 Paul Clitheroe was a founding director of leading financial planning firm ipac and has been involved in the investment industry since he graduated from the University of New South Wales in the late 1970s. From 1993 to 2002 Mr Clitheroe hosted the popular Channel 9 program Money. Since 1999 he has been the chairman and chief commentator of Money magazine. He writes personal finance columns for metropolitan, suburban and regional newspapers across Australia. Mr Clitheroe has been a media commentator and conference speaker for more than 30 years and is regarded as one of Australia’s leading experts in the field of personal investment strategies and advice. Mr Clitheroe is Chairman of Monash Absolute Investment Company Ltd (commenced: 20/01/2016) and previously a Director of Wealth Defender Equities Ltd (commenced: 27/01/2015, ceased: 22/10/2018), both ASX-listed investment companies. He is also Chairman of the Australian Government Financial Literacy Board, Chairman of Financial Literacy Australia and Chairman of the youth anti-drink driving body, RADD. In 2012, Macquarie University appointed Mr Clitheroe as Chair of Financial Literacy. He is a Professor with the School of Business and Economics. Michael Shepherd AO Lead Independent Non-Executive Director Chairman of the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee Chairman of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee (Appointed 1 March 2014) Age 69 Michael Shepherd has had a successful career in financial services over more than 40 years. He was a director of ASX Limited and group between 1988 and 2007, including a term as Vice-Chairman between 1993 and 2007. Mr Shepherd was also Chairman of the ASX Derivatives Board and Chairman of the ASX Market Rules Committee. Mr Shepherd is currently Chairman of Navigator Global Investments Limited (a listed investment management company, commenced 16/12/2009) and a member of the Responsible Entity Compliance Committee of UBS Global Asset Management (Australia) Limited. He is also a Senior Fellow and Life Member, Financial Services Institute of Australasia, after being a director of that body between 2001 and 2009, including 2 years as National President. 1 7 DIRECTOR’S REPORTANNUAL REPORT 2019Peter Ronald Hodge Managing Director (Appointed 1 September 2015, appointed Managing Director 24 February 2016) FFin Age 49 Ron Hodge was the founder of InvestSMART in 1999. Mr Hodge later sold this business to Fairfax Media in October 2007 where he continued as General Manager. He has worked in financial services for over 25 years, including at UBS in Singapore and Bell Commodities in Sydney. Mr Hodge holds a Masters degree in Computer Science, Bachelor Degrees in Commerce and Economics, a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance and Investments and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Kevin A Moore Independent Non-executive Director (Appointed 1 December 2017) FAICD, MCIM, JP Age 55 Kevin Moore has multinational board and governance experience, specialising in digital marketing, and is a Growth Director with a focus on $10 to $100 million businesses. Mr Moore is a fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing. He holds a Diploma in International and Export Marketing from Henley, The Management College, at The University of Reading. Mr Moore was appointed to the Chair of Crossmark Asia Pacific in 2014. Company Secretary Grant Winberg was appointed Company Secretary on 19 July 2017 and held office until 12 February 2019. Mr Winberg is a Certified Practising Accountant and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Secretaries, a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Catherine Teo was appointed Company Secretary and General Counsel on 12 February 2019. Ms Teo is a qualified lawyer, admitted in the Supreme Court of New South Wales and the High Court of Australia and has over ten years’ experience as a corporate lawyer. Interests in the Securities of the Company The relevant interests of each Director in the securities of the Company shown in the Register of Directors’ Shareholdings as at the date of this report are: Director Paul Clitheroe Michael Shepherd Peter Ronald Hodge Kevin Moore Ordinary Shares 5,000,000 600,000 5,564,938 404,809 Directors are not required under the Company’s constitution to hold any Shares, Options or any other Securities in the Company. A portion of the shares held by Paul Clitheroe (2,666,667) and Peter Ronald Hodge (133,334) are subject to vesting conditions. 1 8 ANNUAL REPORT 2019DIRECTOR’S REPORT Interests in Contracts or Proposed Contracts with the Company None of the Directors have an interest in, or proposed interests in, contracts with the Company, other than the loans to Mr Paul Clitheroe and Mr Ron Hodge as part of the Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) and Employee Share Ownership Plan (ESOP) as detailed below. Principal Activities The principal activities of the Group during the year was the provision of financial services and products under general advice to retail investors in particular in the area of wealth management, personal insurance and funds management. Dividends No dividend has been declared for the financial year ended 30 June 2019 (2018: nil). Review of operations The table below shows the consolidated performance of the Group for the years ended 30 June 2019 and 30 June 2018. This information is presented to show the relative changes in operating income over the period. Continuing operations Commission income Subscription income Funds management fees Other income Change in fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit and loss Total Income Total operating expenses Profit before income tax, amortisation, impairment and employee benefit expense Amortisation of intangibles Employee benefit expense Goodwill impairment Loss before income tax Income tax benefit Profit/(Loss) for the year 2019 $ 6,398,769 4,235,400 764,953 48,352 539,910 11,987,384 11,924,546 62,838 1,590,467 305,600 277,319 (2,110,548) 339,696 (1,770,852) 2018 $ 6,869,238 5,005,675 347,667 76,904 1,154,339 13,453,823 11,756,240 1,697,583 1,366,660 353,809 - (22,886) 253,170 230,284 The net tangible asset backing of the Company as at 30 June 2019 was $3,791,304 (2018: $4,257,796). The net tangible asset backing per share at 30 June 2019 was $0.0342 per share (2018: $0.0384 per share). The fall in commissions income was within management’s expectations as clients moved to products that do not pay commissions. The Financial Services Royal Commission issued its final report on 4 February 2019 recommending grandfathered trailing commissions be repealed as soon as is reasonably practicable. The government released an exposure draft (on 22 February 2019) for regulations which may provide for a scheme under which grandfathered conflicted remuneration is rebated from 1 January 2021. The timing of the repealing of grandfathered commissions remains uncertain as does the mechanism for rebating of such commissions which remain in contracts. 1 9 DIRECTOR’S REPORTANNUAL REPORT 2019 Subscription revenue decreased due to a reduction in subscriber numbers over the year. The Group acquired 100% of the shares in Kohler and Company Pty Ltd t/a The Constant Investor (“TCI”) on 4 December 2018. The acquisition results in Alan Kohler, the original founder of Eureka Report, joining the Group. The Group has made investments in technology, content, people and brand to improve subscriber numbers and position itself at the forefront of digital financial advice. Funds management fees increased over the year as funds under management increased from $104m (at 30 June 2018) to $137m at year end. The Group issued two new retail funds during the year, Professionally Managed Accounts (a capped fee ETF portfolio solution) and The InvestSMART Ethical Share Fund (an ASX listed Active Exchange Traded Fund). The Group recorded a gain of $526,456 on its portfolio of venture capital investments within change in fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit and loss. The majority of this gain is unrealised. Determining fair value for these assets requires the use of judgement by the Directors. The Group holds 3 venture capital investments on balance sheet at 30 June 2019 (30 June 2018: 7 investments). Operating expenses are 1% higher than 2018. Marketing and other costs were selectively reduced in the second half of the year to reduce costs and focus efforts on digital conversion. Goodwill of $277,319 was recognised as the excess of the aggregate of the consideration transferred and the provisional net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed on acquisition of TCI. Goodwill is tested for impairment at each balance date using a discounted cash flow model on the net cash flows from the business. An impairment loss of $277,319 was recorded in light of the group strategy to focus on growing funds management revenue. The Group has substantial realised capital tax losses that have not been recognised in the financial statements as the Directors believe there are negligible opportunities to utilise those losses in the medium term. Business strategies and prospects The Group will increase its focus on increasing the number of users of its free portfolio management service, website and mobile phone application (“App”). These users are expected to convert to new subscribers and investors in its fund management products. Retention of existing subscription members improved over the course over the year with total paying subscribers flat from 31 December 2018 to 30 June 2019. High retention rates are expected to continue. Commissions income is expected to continue to fall. There is a risk of a material decline in Commissions income if financial services regulation is enacted earlier than management has assessed or there is a significant and sustained equity market fall that may diminish its ability to collect commissions in the future. The Group has contingency plans to reduce as many variable costs as possible in that event. Long Term Incentive Plan and Employee Share Ownership Plan The Company lent $312,375 to employees of the Group to acquire 1,225,000 ordinary shares on 6 March 2019 (grant date) as part of the Employee Share Ownership Plan (ESOP), which was approved by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on 29 November 2016. The shares were issued on the Grant Date. The shares will vest in three equal tranches on the first, second and third anniversaries of the Grant Date. 2 0 ANNUAL REPORT 2019DIRECTOR’S REPORTThe Company lent $1,000,000 to Mr Alan Kohler to acquire 4,000,000 ordinary shares under the LTIP on 11 April 2019. The LTIP shares issued will vest in three equal tranches on the later of the first, second and third anniversary of the grant date, or the date the share price is at or above $0.33, $0.42 or $0.50 respectively for each tranche. The Company held an Extraordinary General Meeting on 6 February 2019 at which shareholders approved: (a) the extension of maturity dates for the loans relating to the vested and unvested shares issued under the LTIP and ESOP to Mr Hodge, as set out in the table below: Tranches Shares per Tranche Issue date Vesting Date Current Loan maturity date Revised Loan maturity date Loan issued under LTIP Ron Hodge Loan issued under ESOP Ron Hodge Tranche 1 1,388,888 Tranche 2 1,388,888 08-09-15 08-09-15 08-09-16 08-09-17 08-09-19 08-09-20 08-09-21 08-09-22 Tranche 3 1,388,889 08-09-15 08-09-18 08-09-21 08-09-23 Tranche 1 Tranche 2 Tranche 3 133,333 133,333 133,334 28-12-16 28-12-16 28-12-16 28-12-17 28-12-18 28-12-19 28-12-20 28-12-21 28-12-22 28-12-22 28-12-23 28-12-24 (b) the extension of maturity dates for the loans relating to the vested and unvested shares issued under the LTIP to Mr Clitheroe, as set out in the table below: Tranches Shares per Tranche Issue date Vesting Date Current Loan maturity date Revised Loan maturity date Paul Clitheroe Tranche 1 1,333,333 Tranche 2 1,333,333 Tranche 3 1,333,334 26-11-14 26-11-14 26-11-14 30-05-16 30-05-19 30-05-21 Unvested Unvested N/A N/A N/A N/A (c) the amendment of the LTIP rules so that the maximum number of shares that can be issued under the LTIP is increased from 16,499,998 to 20,499,998 so that Mr Alan Kohler is included as an eligible participant in the LTIP; and (d) the issue of 4,000,000 shares under the LTIP to Mr Alan Kohler, who started as a senior executive of the Company on 4 December 2018. Significant Changes in State of Affairs There were no significant changes in the Group affairs during the period. Environmental regulation The Group is not subject to any particular or significant environmental regulation under Australian Commonwealth or State Law. 2 1 DIRECTOR’S REPORTANNUAL REPORT 2019 Meetings of Directors The number of Directors’ Meetings (including Meetings of Committees of Directors) and number of Meetings attended by each of the Directors of the Company during the 2019 financial year were: Directors’ Meetings Meetings of Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee Meetings of Nomination and Remuneration Committee Meetings of Investment Committee Meetings eligible to attend Meetings attended Meetings eligible to attend Meetings attended Meetings eligible to attend Meetings attended Meetings eligible to attend Meetings attended Paul Clitheroe Ron Hodge Michael Shepherd Kevin Moore 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 6 – 6 – 6 – 6 – 1 – 1 – 1 – 1 – 4 4 – – 4 4 – – Events Subsequent to Balance Date On 1 August 2019 legislation was introduced to parliament to remove grandfathering arrangements for trailing commissions on affected products from 1 January 2021 and enable regulations to provide for a scheme under which amounts that would otherwise have been paid as conflicted remuneration are rebated. Since 30 June 2019, there have been no other significant events up to the date of this report. Earnings/loss per share Basic loss per share was 1.60 cents (2018: earnings per share 0.21c), and diluted loss per share was 1.60 cents, (2018: earnings per share 0.17c). Remuneration Report (Audited) The Group’s remuneration policy is designed to offer a remuneration structure that aligns management incentives with the interests of shareholders and attracts and retains employees and Directors who have extensive experience in the financial services industry and are knowledgeable in investment management best practice. The Company has linked performance with compensation in relation to the performance of the Company’s share price through the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) and Employee Share Ownership Plan (ESOP), which is an equity-settled share-based payment to employees and Directors. The value of any benefits given to Directors or key management personnel (KMP) is detailed below. All Directors must have a commitment to good corporate governance. The primary role of the Non-Executive Directors is the protection and enhancement of sustainable shareholder value through: (a) ensuring the control and accountability framework is in place so that all significant issues relating to the operation and performance of the Company and its subsidiary entities are brought to the attention of the Board; (b) monitoring governance policies, practices and systems to ensure they are effective and appropriate; and (c) monitoring risk policies, practices and systems to ensure they are effective and appropriate. 2 2 ANNUAL REPORT 2019DIRECTOR’S REPORT The Directors agree the remuneration each Director receives (other than any Managing Director or Director who is a salaried officer), subject to the sum determined by the Company in general meeting. No option or bonus plans are in place for Directors (other than the Managing Director). Under ASX Listing Rule 10.17, the maximum fees payable to Directors may not be increased without prior approval from the Company at a general meeting. Directors will seek approval from time to time as deemed appropriate. The Directors will be entitled to receive the following benefits: (a) The maximum total remuneration of the Directors of the Company (excluding the Managing Director) has been approved by shareholders at $400,000 per annum to be divided amongst them in such proportions as they agree. Directors are not required to allocate the entire amount. (b) Mr Paul Clitheroe is eligible to participate in the LTIP and received 4,000,000 shares at 25 cents per share and a corresponding limited recourse loan on 26 November 2014, as approved by shareholders. 1,333,333 of these shares vested on 30 May 2016, when the share price reached $0.33 per share. The second tranche vests when the share price reaches $0.42 per share after 26 November 2016. The final tranche vests when the share price reaches $0.50 per share after 26 November 2017. There is no time limit for the share price to reach the vesting price. (c) Mr Ronald Hodge, as Managing Director, is eligible to participate in the LTIP and received 4,166,666 shares at 25 cents per share and a corresponding limited recourse loan on 8 September 2015, as approved by shareholders. Mr Hodge’s shares have no performance conditions and the first tranche of 1,388,888 vested on 8 September 2016, the second tranche vested on 8 September 2017 and the third tranche vested on 8 September 2018. As Managing Director Mr Hodge is eligible to participate in the ESOP and received 400,000 shares at 31 cents per share and a corresponding limited recourse loan on 28 December 2016, as approved by shareholders. The first tranche of 133,333 shares vested on 28 December 2017, the second tranche on 28 December 2018 and the third tranche will vest on 28 December 2019. The Directors’ remuneration for the year ended 30 June 2019 is detailed in the following table: Name of Director Paul Clitheroe Michael Shepherd Ron Hodge Kevin Moore Total Base fee $ Superannuation $ Accrued Annual Leave $ Accrued Long Service Leave $ LTIP & ESOP Expense $ Total $ 82,192 82,192 264,450 60,000 7,808 7,808 25,123 - 488,834 40,739 - - 2,623 - 2,623 - - 19,601 109,601 - 90,000 25,344 69,634 387,174 - - 60,000 25,344 89,235 646,775 The Directors’ remuneration for the year ended 30 June 2018 is detailed in the following table. Name of Director Paul Clitheroe Michael Shepherd Ron Hodge Kevin Moore Total Base fee $ Superannuation $ Accrued Annual Leave $ Accrued Long Service Leave $ LTIP & ESOP Expense $ Total $ 82,192 68,493 264,450 35,000 7,808 21,507 25,123 - 450,135 54,438 - - 8,324 - 8,324 - - - - - 87,560 177,560 - 90,000 60,620 358,517 - 35,000 148,180 661,077 2 3 DIRECTOR’S REPORTANNUAL REPORT 2019 No Director of the Company has received or become entitled to receive a benefit, other than a remuneration benefit as disclosed in the notes to the financial statements, by reason of a contract made by the Company or a related entity with the Director or with a firm of which they are a member, or with a Company in which they have a substantial interest. Key Management Personnel Nigel Poole (Chief Technology Officer) and Alastair Davidson (Head of Funds Management) were considered to be Key Management Personnel for the year ended 30 June 2019. The remuneration of the key management personnel who were not Directors for the year to 30 June 2019 is shown below. Name of Key Managment Personnnel Base fee $ Superannuation $ Accrued Annual Leave $ Accrued Long Service Leave $ LTIP & ESOP Expense $ Total $ Nigel Poole Alastair Davidson 216,428 201,214 20,560 19,115 (12,624) 712 14,451 13,819 67,780 306,595 67,780 302,640 Key management personnel are on standard Group employment contracts, with the exception of termination which requires 3 months’ notice, if without cause. The remuneration of the key management personnel who were not Directors for the year to 30 June 2018 is shown below. Name of Key Managment Personnnel Base fee $ Superannuation $ Accrued Annual Leave $ Accrued Long Service Leave $ LTIP & ESOP Expense $ Total $ Nigel Poole Alastair Davidson 211,150 196,532 20,059 27,303 (3,245) (5,182) - - 58,361 286,325 58,361 277,013 2 4 ANNUAL REPORT 2019DIRECTOR’S REPORT 9 1 0 2 9 1 0 2 e n u J 0 3 8 1 0 2 8 1 0 2 e n u J 0 3 7 1 0 2 e c n a l a b d e t s e v n U s e r a h S d e t s e v e c n a l a B d e t s e v n U s e r a h S d e t s e v e c n a l a b d e t s e v n U e n u J 0 3 t a d e d n e r a e y e n u J 0 3 t a d e d n e r a e y e n u J 0 3 t a e t a d g n i t s e v l a u t c a r o d e t a m i t s E 9 1 0 2 e n u J 0 3 8 1 0 2 e n u J 0 3 e u s s i e t a d t a e u l a V e t a d e u s s i r o l a v o r p p A 9 1 0 2 e c n a l a B e n u J 0 3 t a d e d n e r a e y 8 1 0 2 d e d n e r a e y 7 1 0 2 s e r a h S d e r i u q c a e c n a l a B e n u J 0 3 t a s e r a h S d e r i u q c a e c n a l a B e n u J 0 3 t a y t i r u c e S s r o t c e r i D d n a l e n n o s r e P t n e m e g a n a M y e K y b d l e h s e r a h S – – – – – A / N – – – – – - - - - - A / N a / n 4 3 3 , 3 3 1 2 2 2 , 2 2 5 , 1 6 5 5 , 5 5 6 , 1 1 2 2 , 2 2 5 , 1 7 7 7 , 7 7 1 , 3 4 3 3 , 3 3 1 – 9 8 8 , 8 8 3 , 1 9 8 8 , 8 8 3 , 1 – – – A / N – – A / N – A / N 8 8 8 , 8 8 3 , 1 – 3 3 3 , 3 3 1 – 3 3 3 , 3 3 1 4 3 3 , 3 3 1 – – 3 3 3 , 3 3 1 – A / N 8 8 8 , 8 8 3 , 1 9 8 8 , 8 8 3 , 1 3 3 3 , 3 3 1 3 3 3 , 3 3 1 4 3 3 , 3 3 1 A / N 6 1 / 9 0 / 8 0 7 1 / 9 0 / 8 0 8 1 / 9 0 / 8 0 7 1 / 2 1 / 8 2 8 1 / 2 1 / 8 2 9 1 / 2 1 / 8 2 A / N 7 7 0 0 . 3 8 0 0 . 8 8 0 0 . 5 0 0 . 7 5 0 0 . 3 6 0 . 0 A / N 5 1 / 6 0 / 7 1 5 1 / 6 0 / 7 1 5 1 / 6 0 / 7 1 6 1 / 2 1 / 8 2 6 1 / 2 1 / 8 2 6 1 / 2 1 / 8 2 8 3 9 , 4 6 5 , 5 3 7 2 , 8 9 9 8 8 8 , 8 8 3 , 1 8 8 8 , 8 8 3 , 1 9 8 8 , 8 8 3 , 1 3 3 3 , 3 3 1 3 3 3 , 3 3 1 4 3 3 , 3 3 1 – – – – – – 8 3 9 , 9 7 6 8 3 9 , 9 7 6 9 0 8 , 4 0 4 9 0 8 , 4 0 4 0 0 0 , 3 9 1 0 0 0 , 3 9 1 – – 0 0 0 0 0 1 , 9 8 8 , 8 8 4 , 1 9 8 8 , 8 8 5 , 1 8 8 8 , 8 8 4 , 1 7 7 7 , 7 7 0 , 3 A / N A / N A / N A / N A / N A / N A / N A / N 0 0 0 0 0 1 , 0 0 0 0 0 1 , – – – – – 8 8 8 , 8 8 3 , 1 9 8 8 , 8 8 3 , 1 9 8 8 , 8 8 3 , 1 – – – 0 0 0 0 0 1 , – 8 8 8 , 8 8 3 , 1 9 8 8 , 8 8 3 , 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 , 0 0 0 0 0 1 , 6 1 / 9 0 / 8 0 7 1 / 9 0 / 8 0 8 1 / 9 0 / 8 0 7 1 / 2 1 / 8 2 8 1 / 2 1 / 8 2 7 7 0 0 . 3 8 0 0 . 8 8 0 0 . 5 0 0 . 7 5 0 0 . 5 1 / 6 0 / 7 1 5 1 / 6 0 / 7 1 5 1 / 6 0 / 7 1 6 1 / 2 1 / 8 2 6 1 / 2 1 / 8 2 5 6 6 , 6 6 4 , 4 8 8 8 , 8 8 3 , 1 8 8 8 , 8 8 3 , 1 9 8 8 , 8 8 3 , 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 , 0 0 0 0 0 1 , 0 0 0 , 0 0 1 – 0 0 0 , 0 0 1 0 0 0 , 0 0 1 9 1 / 2 1 / 8 2 3 6 0 . 0 6 1 / 2 1 / 8 2 0 0 0 , 0 0 1 0 0 0 , 0 0 1 - 0 0 0 0 0 1 , 9 8 8 , 8 8 4 , 1 9 8 8 , 8 8 5 , 1 8 8 8 , 8 8 4 , 1 7 7 7 , 7 7 0 , 3 9 8 8 , 8 8 3 , 1 9 8 8 , 8 8 3 , 1 - A / N A / N - - a / n - - a / n - A / N – a / n 8 8 8 , 8 8 3 , 1 - 0 0 0 , 0 0 1 - 0 0 0 , 0 0 1 0 0 0 , 0 0 1 - - 0 0 0 , 0 0 1 - A / N – a / n 8 8 8 , 8 8 3 , 1 9 8 8 , 8 8 3 , 1 0 0 0 , 0 0 1 0 0 0 , 0 0 1 0 0 0 , 0 0 1 a / n A / N 6 1 / 9 0 / 8 0 a / n A / N 7 7 0 0 . a / n A / N 5 1 / 6 0 / 7 1 9 3 3 , 4 9 7 , 4 4 7 6 , 7 2 3 4 7 6 , 7 2 3 8 8 8 , 8 8 3 , 1 6 1 0 2 / 9 0 / 8 0 7 7 0 . 0 5 1 0 2 / 6 0 / 7 1 8 8 8 , 8 8 3 , 1 7 1 0 2 / 9 0 / 8 0 3 8 0 . 0 5 1 0 2 / 6 0 / 7 1 8 8 8 , 8 8 3 , 1 8 1 0 2 / 9 0 / 8 0 8 8 0 . 0 5 1 0 2 / 6 0 / 7 1 9 8 8 , 8 8 3 , 1 7 1 0 2 / 2 1 / 8 2 5 0 . 0 6 1 0 2 / 2 1 / 8 2 0 0 0 , 0 0 1 8 1 0 2 / 2 1 / 8 2 9 1 0 2 / 2 1 / 8 2 7 5 0 . 0 3 6 0 . 0 6 1 0 2 / 2 1 / 8 2 0 0 0 , 0 0 1 6 1 0 2 / 2 1 / 8 2 0 0 0 , 0 0 1 – – – – – – – – – – - - - - - - - 7 6 6 , 6 6 6 , 2 – 7 6 6 , 6 6 6 , 2 – 7 6 6 , 6 6 6 , 2 – A / N 3 3 3 , 3 3 3 , 1 4 3 3 , 3 3 3 , 1 – – – A / N – A / N 3 3 3 , 3 3 3 , 1 4 3 3 , 3 3 3 , 1 – – – A / N – A / N 3 3 3 , 3 3 3 , 1 4 3 3 , 3 3 3 , 1 A / N 1 e t o N 1 e t o N 1 e t o N A / N 4 5 0 0 . 6 6 0 0 . 3 7 0 . 0 A / N 4 1 / 1 1 / 6 2 4 1 / 1 1 / 6 2 4 1 / 1 1 / 6 2 0 0 0 , 0 0 0 , 5 , 0 0 0 0 0 0 , 1 3 3 3 , 3 3 3 , 1 3 3 3 , 3 3 3 , 1 4 3 3 , 3 3 3 , 1 – – – – – 0 0 0 , 0 0 0 , 5 , 0 0 0 0 0 0 , 1 3 3 3 , 3 3 3 , 1 3 3 3 , 3 3 3 , 1 4 3 3 , 3 3 3 , 1 A / N A / N A / N A / N A / N A / N A / N A / N 0 0 0 , 0 0 6 0 0 0 , 0 0 6 0 0 0 , 0 0 2 0 0 0 , 0 0 2 0 0 0 , 0 0 4 0 0 0 , 0 0 4 0 0 0 , 5 8 8 , 4 5 3 3 , 8 1 3 8 8 8 , 8 8 3 , 1 8 8 8 , 8 8 3 , 1 9 8 8 , 8 8 3 , 1 3 3 3 , 3 3 1 3 3 3 , 3 3 1 4 3 3 , 3 3 1 9 0 8 , 1 1 2 9 0 8 , 1 1 2 5 6 6 , 6 6 4 , 4 8 8 8 , 8 8 3 , 1 8 8 8 , 8 8 3 , 1 9 8 8 , 8 8 3 , 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 , 0 0 0 0 0 1 , 0 0 0 , 0 0 1 4 7 6 , 7 2 3 9 3 3 , 4 9 7 , 4 4 7 6 , 7 2 3 8 8 8 , 8 8 3 , 1 8 8 8 , 8 8 3 , 1 8 8 8 , 8 8 3 , 1 9 8 8 , 8 8 3 , 1 0 0 0 , 0 0 1 0 0 0 , 0 0 1 0 0 0 , 0 0 1 – – – – – – – – – – – – – 4 3 3 , 8 1 1 4 3 3 , 8 1 1 0 0 0 , 0 0 0 , 5 , 0 0 0 0 0 0 , 1 3 3 3 , 3 3 3 , 1 3 3 3 , 3 3 3 , 1 4 3 3 , 3 3 3 , 1 0 0 0 , 0 0 4 0 0 0 , 0 0 4 6 6 6 , 6 6 7 , 4 , 1 0 0 0 0 2 8 8 8 , 8 8 3 , 1 8 8 8 , 8 8 3 , 1 9 8 8 , 8 8 3 , 1 3 3 3 , 3 3 1 3 3 3 , 3 3 1 4 3 3 , 3 3 1 9 0 8 , 1 1 2 9 0 8 , 1 1 2 A / N A / N l a t i p a C d e u s s I i d a P y l l u F e o r e h t i l C l u a P 1 e h c n a r T P I T L 2 e h c n a r T P I T L 3 e h c n a r T P T L I l a t i p a C d e u s s I d i a P y l l u F d r e h p e h S l e a h c i M l a t i p a C d e u s s I i d a P y l l u F e g d o H n o R 1 e h c n a r T P I T L 2 e h c n a r T P I T L 3 e h c n a r T P I T L 1 e h c n a r T P O S E 2 e h c n a r T P O S E 3 e h c n a r T P O S E e r o o M n i v e K l a t i p a C d e u s s I i d a P y l l u F – – – – – – – – – – - - - - - - - 5 6 6 , 6 6 4 , 4 8 8 8 , 8 8 3 , 1 8 8 8 , 8 8 3 , 1 9 8 8 , 8 8 3 , 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 , 0 0 0 0 0 1 , 0 0 0 , 0 0 1 4 7 6 , 7 2 3 9 3 3 , 4 9 7 , 4 4 7 6 , 7 2 3 8 8 8 , 8 8 3 , 1 8 8 8 , 8 8 3 , 1 8 8 8 , 8 8 3 , 1 9 8 8 , 8 8 3 , 1 0 0 0 , 0 0 1 0 0 0 , 0 0 1 0 0 0 , 0 0 1 l a t i p a C d e u s s I i d a P y l l u F n o s d i v a D r i a t s a l A 1 e h c n a r T P I T L l a t i p a C d e u s s I i d a P y l l u F 1 e h c n a r T P I T L 2 e h c n a r T P I T L 3 e h c n a r T P I T L 1 e h c n a r T P O S E 2 e h c n a r T P O S E 3 e h c n a r T P O S E 1 e h c n a r T P I T L 2 e h c n a r T P I T L 3 e h c n a r T P I T L e l o o P l e g N i 1 e h c n a r T P O S E 2 e h c n a r T P O S E 3 e h c n a r T P O S E . e h c n a r t h c a e r o f y l e v i t c e p s e r 0 5 . 0 $ r o 2 4 . 0 $ , 3 3 . 0 $ e v o b a r o t a s i e c i r p e r a h s e h t e t a d e h t r o , e t a d t n a r g e h t f o y r a s r e v i n n a d r i h t d n a d n o c e s , t s r i f e h t f o r e t a l e h t n o s e h c n a r t l a u q e e e r h t n i t s e v e o r e h t i l C l u a P o t d e u s s i s e r a h s P I T L e h T : 1 e t o N . s n r u t e r l r e d o h e r a h s o t e c n a m r o f r e p r o f s d r a w e r e h t s n g i l a y l e s o l c s i h t s a a i r e t i r c e c n a m r o f r e p e h t s a d e t c e l e s s a w e c i r p e r a h s e h t f o e c n a m r o f r e p e h T . d e t s e v n u n a m e r i s e h c n a r t o w i t g n n a m e r i e h t d n a 6 1 0 2 y a M 0 3 n o d e t s e v e h c n a r t t s r i f e h T s a l e n n o s r e p t n e m e g a n a m y e k d n a i r o t c e r i D g n g a n a M e h t o t d e u s s i s e r a h s e h T l . s r e d o h e r a h s f o s t s e r e t n i e h t o t s e v i t u c e x e e h t d e n g i l a t s e b n o i t a s n e p m o c s i h t d e v e i l e b s r o t c e r i D e h t d n a , s e i i r a d i s b u s p u o r G e h t f o e n o h t i w t c a r t n o c t n e m e g a n a m a f o n o i t a n m r e t i e h t o t n o i t a l e r n i d e u s s i e r e w s e r a h s P I T L e s e h T . t s e v o t r e d r o n i s n o i t i d n o c e c n a m r o f r e p o n e v a h d n a e v o b a d e t o n s e t a d e h t n o e r a h s r e p 5 2 . 0 $ t a d e t s e v n o s d i v a D r i l a t s a A d n a e l o o P l e g N i , e g d o H n o R o t d e u s s i s e r a h s P I T L e h T . s t s e v e h c n a r t h c a e e r o f e b , e s u a c r o f d e s s i m s i d g n i e b r o , g n n g i s e r i t o n e e y o p m e l t n a v e l e r e h t n o t n e d n e p e d e r a 6 1 0 2 r e b m e c e D 8 2 n o P O S E e h t f o t r a p 2 5 DIRECTOR’S REPORTANNUAL REPORT 2019 Unitholdings in Funds The number of units held during the year by each Director and KMP in funds for which InvestSMART Funds Management Ltd acts as Responsible Entity: InvestSMART Australian Small Companies Fund Paul Clitheroe Michael Shepherd Ron Hodge InvestSMART Australian Equity Income Fund Ron Hodge Kevin Moore Alastair Davidson InvestSMART Ethical Share Fund Alastair Davidson Professionally Managed Accounts Ron Hodge Alastair Davidson Balance at 30 June 2018 Units acquired Units disposed Balance at 30 June 2019 83,794 21,329 43,497 40,000 10,000 32,000 – – – 432 110 – – – – 8,000 1 1 – – 43,497 40,000 – – – – – 84,226 21,439 – – 10,000 32,000 8,000 1 1 Key management personnel transactions concerning dividends and ordinary shares are on the same terms and conditions applicable to ordinary shareholders. This concludes the Remuneration Report which has been audited. 2 6 ANNUAL REPORT 2019DIRECTOR’S REPORT Insurance of Directors During the financial year, the Company has given indemnity and paid insurance premiums to insure Directors and officers of subsidiaries against liabilities for costs and expenses incurred by them in defending any legal proceedings arising out of their conduct while acting in the capacity of Directors or officers of the Company or subsidiaries, other than conduct involving a wilful breach of duty in relation to the Company or subsidiaries. Details of the nature of the liabilities covered and the amount of premiums paid have not been disclosed as disclosure is prohibited under the terms of the contract. Indemnification of auditors To the extent permitted by law, the Company has agreed to indemnify its auditors, Ernst & Young, as part of the terms of its audit engagement agreement against claims by third parties arising from the audit (for an unspecified amount). No payment has been made to indemnify Ernst & Young during or since the end of the financial year. Proceedings on behalf of the Group There are no legal or other proceedings being made on behalf of the Group or against the Group as at the date of this report. Non-Audit Services Our auditors, Ernst and Young, received $5,000 (2018: $5,000) for non-audit services (verification of a recommendation report). The Directors are satisfied that the provision of non-audit services is compatible with the general standard of independence for auditors imposed by the Corporations Act. No other non-audit services have been provided by the auditor or by another person on the auditor’s behalf during the year. This statement has been made in accordance with advice provided by the Company’s audit committee and has been endorsed by a resolution of that committee. Auditor’s Independence Declaration The auditor’s independence declaration for the year ended 30 June 2019 has been received and can be found on page 28. Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Directors. Paul Clitheroe Chairman Dated this 28th day of August 2019 at Sydney 2 7 DIRECTOR’S REPORTANNUAL REPORT 2019 Ernst & Young 200 George Street Sydney NSW 2000 Australia GPO Box 2646 Sydney NSW 2001 Tel: +61 2 9248 5555 Fax: +61 2 9248 5959 ey.com/au Auditor’s Independence Declaration to the Directors of InvestSMART Group Limited As lead auditor for the audit of InvestSMART Group Limited for the financial year ended 30 June 2019, I declare 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 InvestSMART Group Limited and the entities it controlled during the financial year. Ernst & Young Mark Jones Partner 28 August 2019 A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 11 2 8 ANNUAL REPORT 2019 CONSOLIDATED ST ATEMEN T OF COM PRE H ENS IVE INCOM E Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income Commission income Subscription income Funds management fees Interest Other income Net gain on financial instruments at fair value through profit and loss Total Income Share of net loss of associate Accounting and administrative costs Audit fees Business insurance Commission rebates Directors’ fees Employee costs Legal and statutory expenses Marketing and advertising Other expenses Rent Software and website costs Travel and accommodation Depreciation and amortisation Employee benefit expense Goodwill impairment Total expenses Loss before income tax Income tax benefit Profit/(Loss) for the year Notes 3 19 12 8 2019 $ 6,398,769 4,235,400 764,953 46,371 1,981 539,910 2018 $ 6,869,238 5,005,675 347,667 36,669 40,235 1,154,339 11,987,384 13,453,823 40,640 316,671 177,944 169,675 1,779,800 224,384 5,862,241 82,058 1,509,210 479,347 331,831 818,761 42,489 1,679,962 305,600 277,319 4,703 216,116 166,169 162,037 1,920,662 215,000 5,537,570 88,508 1,897,204 367,860 320,881 722,080 36,631 1,467,479 353,809 – 14,097,932 13,476,709 (2,110,548) (22,886) 5 339,696 253,170 (1,770,852) 230,284 Other comprehensive income, net of income tax – – Total comprehensive profit/(loss) for the year (1,770,852) 230,284 Basic earnings/(loss) per share (cents per share) Diluted earnings/(loss) per share (cents per share) 16 16 (1.60) (1.60) 0.21 0.17 The above Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 2 9 ANNUAL REPORT 2019 CONSOLIDATED ST ATEMEN T OF FINA NCIAL POSITIO N Consolidated Statement of Financial Position Assets Cash and cash equivalents Trade and other receivables Prepayments and deposits Investment in associate Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss Fixed assets, including software less accumulated depreciation Deferred tax asset Intangibles Total assets Liabilities Trade and other payables Subscriptions received in advance Trail commissions to rebate Deferred tax liability Total liabilities Net assets Equity Issued capital Employee Benefit reserve Retained losses Total equity Notes 15 6 7 (b) 4 9 5 8 10 5 13 12 2019 $ 2018 $ 4,400,457 4,565,772 750,168 262,493 1 2,196,893 176,046 200,240 5,026,349 13,012,647 1,224,820 1,708,725 1,061,209 1,416,047 5,410,801 666,230 155,574 384,475 2,251,177 237,368 274,101 6,255,450 14,790,147 1,251,543 1,601,560 1,149,697 1,720,249 5,723,049 7,601,846 9,067,098 58,522,440 58,522,440 1,748,939 1,443,339 (52,669,533) (50,898,681) 7,601,846 9,067,098 The above Consolidated Statement of Financial Position should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 3 0 ANNUAL REPORT 2019 CONSOLIDATED ST ATEMEN T OF CH ANGES IN EQUITY Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity Notes Issued Capital $ Retained losses $ Employee Benefit Reserve $ Total Equity $ Balance at 30 June 2017 58,522,440 (51,128,965) 1,089,530 8,483,005 Comprehensive income for the year Employee benefit share reserve 12 – – 230,284 – – 353,809 230,284 353,809 Balance at 30 June 2018 58,522,440 (50,898,681) 1,443,339 9,067,098 Comprehensive loss for the year Employee benefit share reserve 12 – – (1,770,852) – (1,770,852) – 305,600 305,600 Balance at 30 June 2019 58,522,440 (52,669,533) 1,748,939 7,601,846 The above Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 3 1 ANNUAL REPORT 2019 CONSOLIDA TED STAT EM ENT O F CASH F LOWS Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows Notes Cash flows from operating activities Receipts from customers Payments to suppliers and employees Interest received Income tax paid Net cash used in operating activities 15(a) Cash flows from investing activities Proceeds from sale of investments Proceeds from sale of associate Purchase of investments Acquisition of subsidiary, net of cash acquired Effect of loss of control of subsidiary Purchase of fixed assets Net cash from investing activities Cash flows from financing activities Net cash inflow from financing activities 2019 $ 11,280,325 (11,897,210) 46,371 37,669 (532,845) 613,613 343,835 (19,419) (542,326) – (28,173) 367,530 – – 2018 $ 12,226,972 (12,398,118) 36,669 (758,553) (893,030) 908,286 – (250,000) – (90,821) (43,709) 523,756 – – Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (165,315) (369,274) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year 4,565,772 4,935,046 Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 15(b) 4,400,457 4,565,772 The above Consolidated Statement of Cash flows should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 3 2 ANNUAL REPORT 2019 NOTES TO TH E CONSOLIDAT ED FIN A NCIAL STATEM ENTS Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 1. Reporting Entity InvestSMART Group Limited (the “Company”) is domiciled in Australia and is the parent entity of the group which includes the entities listed in Note 7 (the “Group”) and is a for profit company limited by shares incorporated in Australia whose shares are publicly traded on the Australian Securities Exchange. The consolidated financial statements of the Group are presented for the year ended 30 June 2019. The Group is primarily involved in operating businesses delivering financial services to retail investors in Australia, primarily in wealth and funds management. 2. Summary of significant accounting policies Basis of Preparation This general purpose financial report has been prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards, including Australian Accounting Interpretations, other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) and the Corporations Act 2001. Australian Accounting Standards set out accounting policies that the AASB has concluded would result in a financial report containing relevant and reliable information about transactions, events and conditions to which they apply. Compliance with Australian Accounting Standards ensures that the financial statements and notes also comply with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. The financial report has been prepared on an accruals basis, and is based on historical cost, with the exception of the valuation of financial assets as described below. The financial statements were authorised for issue by the Directors on 28 August 2019. The directors and shareholders have the power to amend these financial statements after issue. The following significant accounting policies have been adopted in the preparation and presentation of the financial report. The accounting policies have been consistently applied, unless otherwise stated. Adoption of New and Revised Accounting Standards The Group has adopted all of the new and revised standards and interpretations issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board that are relevant to its operations and effective for the current reporting period. The adoption of new and revised standards and interpretations has resulted in changes to the Group’s accounting policies but did not have a material impact on the financial statements of the Group. The Group has adopted AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers which is effective for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018. The impact of applying the new standard on the Group’s financial statements has not been material from the adoption date of 1 July 2018. The standard was adopted without restating comparative 3 3 ANNUAL REPORT 2019information. AASB 15 introduces a 5 step approach to revenue recognition. The Group’s accounting policy for revenue recognition is stated below. New standards and interpretations not yet adopted Australian Accounting Standards and Interpretations have recently been issued or amended, but are not yet effective, which have not been adopted by the Group in the presentation of this financial report: AASB 16 – Leases AASB 16 introduces a single lessee accounting model and requires a lessee to recognise assets and liabilities for all leases with a term of more than 12 months, unless the underlying asset is of low value. A lessee is required to recognise a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying leased asset and a lease liability representing its obligations to make lease payments. The Group has chosen the modified retrospective application with the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard recognised at the date of initial application (1 July 2019). Assets and liabilities arising from a lease are initially measured on a present value basis. The measurement includes non-cancellable lease payments (including inflation-linked payments), and also includes payments to be made in optional periods if the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise an option to extend the lease, or not to exercise an option to terminate the lease. This Standard is applicable to annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019. An initial assessment has been performed based on leases (other than short term or low value leases) that exist in the current reporting period. Based on this assessment the Group will recognise a right-of-use asset of $230,677 and a corresponding lease liability of $230,677. A schedule of current operating lease commitments is disclosed in Note 17. The difference between operating lease commitments and the lease liability recognised relates to leases identified as short term and the difference between the nominal and real future lease payments. Current versus non-current classification The Group presents assets and liabilities in the Statement of Financial Position based on liquidity and not on a current versus non-current classification. Revenue Recognition AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers was adopted from 1 July 2018. Under the standard an entity recognises revenue by applying the following steps: Step 1: Identify the contract(s) with a customer Step 2: Identify the performance obligations in the contract Step 3: Determine the transaction price Step 4: Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract Step 5: Recognise revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation The Group derives revenue from retail customers in Australia. Contract duration is long-term except for subscription revenue which is typically between one month and one year. The Group has a performance obligation to service customers who have purchased subscriptions in advance and recognises revenue when that subscription service has been delivered. Where a transfer of services has not 3 4 ANNUAL REPORT 2019NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSoccurred a contract liability is recognised for subscriptions in advance. Commission income is derived from trailing commissions on funds management and insurance products under a contract to distribute products to the InvestSMART client base. Commissions are recognised when the Group has satisfied its performance obligations, which occurs when control of the goods or services are transferred to the customer. When the performance obligation has been satisfied, the Group will recognise as revenue the amount of the transaction price that is allocated to the performance obligation after excluding any estimates of variable consideration that are constrained. Funds management fees are recognised based on net assets under management at the end of each day. Revenue is recognised as the performance obligation is satisfied. Performance fees are recognised when the right to receive payment has been established. Management and performance fees are variable consideration and are not recognised unless the Group assesses it is probable that a significant reversal in the cumulative amount of revenue will not occur. There were no performance fees received or receivable at year end. Realised and unrealised gains on investments measured at fair value through profit and loss are recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income. Realised gains and losses are calculated as the difference between the consideration received and the fair value at the previous period end. Dividends and distributions are recognised on the applicable ex-dividend date. Interest income is recognised as it accrues. Investments at Fair Value The Group’s investments are all measured at fair value through profit or loss in accordance with AASB 13: Fair Value Measurement. The fair values of the Group’s listed investments are determined from the amount quoted on the primary exchange of the country of domicile. If a listed investment is measured at fair value and has a bid price and an ask price, fair value is based on a price within the bid-ask spread that is most representative of fair value and allows the use of mid-market pricing or other pricing conventions that are used by market participants as a practical expedient for fair value measurement within a bid-ask spread. The fair value of the Group’s unlisted ventures investments is determined primarily using the price at which any recent transaction in the security may have been effected, adjusted for the Directors’ view as to the likely success of the business model and discounted for the likelihood of a liquidity event occurring in the next 3 years. Valuation principles are in line with International Private Equity and Venture Capital Valuation (IPEV) Guidelines. A derivative is a financial contract whose value depends on, or is derived from, underlying assets, liabilities or indices. Derivative transactions include a wide assortment of instruments, such as forwards, futures, options and swaps. The fair value of derivatives that are not exchange traded is estimated based on most recent transactions. Where no recent transactions are available fair value is determined by applying a binomial option pricing model, which takes into account current market conditions (volatility and interest rates). Changes in the fair value of investments are recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income. Transaction costs directly attributable to the acquisition of the investments are expensed in the Statement of Comprehensive Income as incurred. 3 5 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSANNUAL REPORT 2019Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements incorporate the assets and liabilities of all subsidiaries of the Group as at 30 June 2019 and the results of all subsidiaries for the period from 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019, with the exception of Kohler and Company Pty Ltd, whose results are included from the date of acquisition, 4 December 2018. Control is achieved when the Company is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the subsidiary and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the subsidiary. Subsidiaries are all entities (including special purpose entities) over which the Company has the power to govern the financial and operating policies, generally accompanying a shareholding of more than one-half of the voting rights and excludes those subsidiaries determined by the Directors to be investments held for resale. The existence and effect of potential voting rights that are currently exercisable or convertible are considered when assessing whether the Group controls another entity. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group, or when they are established. Associates An associate is an entity over which the Group exercises significant influence. Significant influence is the power to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions of the investee but is not control or joint control of those policies. Investments in associates are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. The equity method is a method of accounting whereby the investment is initially recognised at cost and adjusted thereafter for the post- acquisition change in the investor’s share of the investee’s net assets. The investor’s profit or loss includes its share of the investee’s profit or loss and the investor’s other comprehensive income includes its share of the investee’s other comprehensive income. Dividends or distributions received or receivable from an associate reduce the carrying value of the investment. Where an associate was previously a controlled entity of the Group, the deemed cost for applying the equity method is the fair value on the date that the Group ceased to have a controlling interest. Intercompany transactions and balances Intercompany transactions, balances and unrealised gains on transactions between Group companies are eliminated on consolidation. 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. Where there is a change in ownership interest, there will be an adjustment between the carrying amounts of the controlling and “non-controlling” interests to reflect their relative interests in the subsidiary. Any difference between the amount of the adjustment to non-controlling interests and any consideration paid or received is recognised in a separate reserve within equity attributable to the owners of the Company. When a Company acquires control through a change in investment policy, the entity is remeasured to its fair value with the change in carrying amount recognised in profit or loss. The fair value is the initial carrying amount for the purposes of subsequently accounting for the retained interest as an associate, jointly controlled entity or financial asset. Any amounts above net tangible assets are held as goodwill or intangibles at that point. If the ownership interest in a jointly-controlled entity or an associate is reduced but joint control or significant influence is retained, only a proportionate share of the amounts previously recognised in other comprehensive 3 6 ANNUAL REPORT 2019NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSincome are reclassified to profit or loss where appropriate. When the Group ceases to have control, joint control or significant influence, any retained interest in the entity is remeasured to its fair value with the change in carrying amount recognised in profit or loss. The fair value is the initial carrying amount for the purposes of subsequently accounting for the retained interest as an associate, jointly controlled entity or financial asset. In addition, any amounts previously recognised in other comprehensive income in respect of that entity are accounted for as if the Group had directly disposed of the related assets or liabilities. This may mean that amounts previously recognised in other comprehensive income are reclassified to profit or loss. Business combinations and Goodwill Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. The cost of an acquisition is measured as the aggregate of the fair value consideration transferred, measured at acquisition date and the amount of any non-controlling interests in the acquiree. For each business combination, the Group elects whether to measure the non-controlling interests in the acquiree at fair value or at the proportionate share of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred and included in administrative expenses. When the Group acquires a business, it assesses the financial assets and liabilities assumed for appropriate classification and designation in accordance with the contractual terms, economic circumstances and pertinent conditions as at the acquisition date. This includes the separation of embedded derivatives in host contracts by the acquiree. Goodwill is initially measured at cost, being the excess of the aggregate of the consideration transferred and the amount recognised for non-controlling interests, and any previous interest held, over the net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. After initial recognition, goodwill is measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill acquired in a business combination is, from the acquisition date, allocated to each of the Group’s Cash-Generating Units that are expected to benefit from the combination, irrespective of whether other assets or liabilities of the acquiree are assigned to those units. The Group has determined that it operates as one Cash Generating Unit for the purposes of testing goodwill impairment. Intangible Assets Intangible assets acquired separately are measured on initial recognition at cost. The cost of intangible assets acquired in a business combination is their fair value at the date of acquisition. Following initial recognition, intangible assets are carried at cost less any accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses. Internally generated intangibles, excluding capitalised development costs, are not capitalised and the related expenditure is reflected in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income in the period in which the expenditure is incurred. The useful lives of intangible assets are assessed as either finite or indefinite. Intangible assets with finite lives are amortised over the useful economic life and assessed for impairment whenever there is an indication that the intangible asset may be impaired. The amortisation period and the amortisation method for an intangible asset with a finite useful life are reviewed at least at the end of each reporting period. Changes in the expected useful life or the expected pattern of consumption of future economic benefits embodied in the asset are considered to modify the amortisation period or method, as appropriate, and are treated as changes in accounting estimates and adjusted on a prospective basis. The amortisation expense on intangible assets with finite lives is recognised in the statement of profit or loss as the expense category that is consistent with the function of the intangible assets. 3 7 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSANNUAL REPORT 2019Gains or losses arising from derecognition of an intangible asset are measured as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset and are recognised in the statement of profit or loss when the asset is derecognised. Impairment of financial assets The Group assesses at each reporting date an allowance for expected credit losses (ECLs) for all debt instruments not held at fair value through profit or loss. ECLs are based on the difference between the contractual cash flows due in accordance with the contract and all the cash flows that the Group expects to receive, discounted at an approximation of the original effective interest rate. The expected cash flows will include cash flows from the sale of collateral held or other credit enhancements that are integral to the contractual terms. Under the general approach for credit exposures for which there has not been a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition, ECLs are provided for credit losses that result from default events that are possible within the next 12-months (a 12-month ECL). For those credit exposures for which there has been a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition, a loss allowance is required for credit losses expected over the remaining life of the exposure, irrespective of the timing of the default (a lifetime ECL). For trade receivables and contract assets, the Group applies a simplified approach in calculating ECLs. Therefore, the Group does not track changes in credit risk, but instead recognises a loss allowance based on lifetime ECLs at each reporting date. The Group considers a financial asset to be in default when internal or external information indicates that the Group is unlikely to receive the outstanding contractual amounts in full before taking into account any credit enhancements held by the Group. A financial asset is written off when there is no reasonable expectation of recovering the contractual cash flows. Share-based Payments to Employees and Directors Employees (including executive directors) of the Group may receive remuneration in the form of share-based payments, where employees render services as consideration for equity instruments (equity-settled transactions). The cost of equity-settled transactions is determined by the fair value at the date when the grant is made using an appropriate valuation model. The cost is recognised, together with a corresponding increase in other capital reserves in equity, over the period in which the performance and/or service conditions are fulfilled in the employee benefits reserve. The cumulative expense recognised for equity-settled transactions at each reporting date until the vesting date reflects the extent to which the vesting period has expired and the Group’s best estimate of the number of equity instruments that will ultimately vest. This cost is reversed in the event that an employee forfeits any share-based payment, when leaving the Group or other circumstances. The expense in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for a period represents the movement in cumulative expense recognised as at the beginning and end of that period and is recognised in employee benefits expense. 3 8 ANNUAL REPORT 2019NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSIncome Tax The Group has formed a tax consolidated group and has executed tax-sharing agreements with each controlled entity. The head entity and the controlled entities in the tax consolidated group continue to account for their own current and deferred tax amounts. The Group has applied the Group allocation approach in determining the appropriate amount of current taxes and deferred taxes to allocate to members of the tax consolidated group. In addition to its own current and deferred tax amounts, the Group also recognises the current tax liabilities (or assets) and the deferred tax assets arising from unused tax losses and unused tax credits assumed from controlled entities in the tax consolidated group. The income tax expense (revenue) for the year comprises current income tax expense and deferred tax expense or benefit. Current income tax expense charged to profit or loss is the tax payable on taxable income. Current tax liabilities are measured at the amounts expected to be paid to the relevant taxation authority. Deferred income tax expense reflects movements in deferred tax asset and deferred tax liability balances during the year as well as unused tax losses. Current and deferred income tax expense is charged or credited outside profit or loss when the tax relates to items that are recognised outside profit and loss. No deferred income tax is recognised from the initial recognition of an asset or liability, excluding a business combination, where there is no effect on accounting or taxable profit or loss. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when the asset is realised or the liability is settled and their measurement also reflects the manner in which management expects to recover or settle the carrying amount of the related asset or liability. Deferred tax assets relating to temporary differences and unused tax losses are recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the benefits of the deferred tax asset can be utilised. Unrecognised deferred tax assets are reassessed at each reporting date and are recognised only to the extent that it has become probable that future taxable profits will allow the deferred tax asset to be recovered. Current tax assets and liabilities are offset where a legally enforceable right of set-off exists and it is intended that net settlement or simultaneous realisation and settlement of the respective asset and liability will occur. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset where: (a) a legally enforceable right of set-off exists; (b) the deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority on either the same taxable entity or different taxable entities where it is intended that net settlement or simultaneous realisation and settlement of the respective assets and liability will occur in future periods in which significant amounts of deferred tax assets or liabilities are expected to be recovered or settled. Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, deposits held at call with bank, other short term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. For the purposes of the Statement of Cash Flows, cash includes deposits held at call with financial institutions net of bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within short-term borrowings in current liabilities on the Statement of Financial Position. 3 9 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSANNUAL REPORT 2019Long service and Annual leave provisions The Group does not expect its long service leave or annual leave benefits to be settled wholly within 12 months of each reporting date. The Group recognises a liability for long service leave and annual leave measured as the present value of expected future payments to be made in respect of services provided by employees up to the reporting date using the projected unit credit method. Expenses The Group records all expenses on an accruals basis. This includes accounting, audit, legal and administrative fees, management fees, employee costs, marketing and advertising costs, director’s fees, travel and accommodation expense, rent expenses, commission rebates, other expenses, market data costs, software and website costs. Property, Plant and Equipment All property, plant and equipment is carried at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses, if any. 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, when it is probable that the future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Company and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. All other repairs and maintenance are charged to profit or loss during the reporting period in which they are incurred. Depreciation on assets is calculated using the straight-line method to allocate their cost, net of residual value, over the estimated useful lives as follows: Computer and office equipment 2-4 years Network and production equipment 3-4 years Leasehold improvements shorter of the expected fitout life or lease term (approximately 4 years) Goods and Services Tax (GST) Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of GST, except where the amount of GST incurred is not recoverable from the Australian Tax Office. 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 Statement of Financial Position are shown inclusive of GST. Earnings/loss per share Basic earnings/loss per share is calculated by dividing profit/(loss) attributable to members of the Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year, adjusted for any bonus element. Diluted earnings/(loss) per share is calculated by dividing profit attributable to members of the Company by the total number of ordinary shares that would be outstanding if all the LTIP and ESOP shares had vested. Share capital 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. Functional and presentation currency The functional and presentation currency of the Group is Australian dollars. 4 0 ANNUAL REPORT 2019NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Comparatives Where necessary, comparative information has been reclassified to be consistent with the current reporting period. Critical accounting estimates and judgements Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectation of future events that may have a financial impact on the entity and that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Estimates of future cash flows were used to estimate fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations. In particular, the fair value of intangible assets was calculated using management’s estimates of future cash flows from each entity’s identified intangible assets for the period of their expected useful life. The residual goodwill arising from a business combination is tested for impairment at each balance date and when circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be impaired. The Group bases its assumptions used to test the impairment of goodwill on budgets and forecasts which are prepared for the Group’s cash generating unit (CGU). These budgets and forecasts generally cover a five-year period, and a long-term growth rate (net of inflation) is used for longer periods. Level 3 investments in financial assets are based on Director’s estimates of the fair value of those investments, where reliable third-party sources of valuation are not available. The Group has not recognised deferred tax assets relating to carried forward realised capital and revenue losses on the basis that it does not expect to derive sufficient future capital gains to utilise the current losses within a 3 to 5-year time period. The Group reviews the appropriateness of the amortisation period of intangible assets on an annual basis. The amortisation period for separately identified assets within fund distribution contracts was reduced at 30 April 2019. Refer to Note 8 for further disclosure. 3. Change in fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit and loss Net unrealised gain on investments Net realised gain/(loss) on investments 4. Financial assets held at fair value AWI Ventures investee companies Investments in Separately Managed Accounts Derivatives Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss 2019 $ 553,934 (14,024) 539,910 2019 $ 1,721,363 225,530 250,000 2,196,893 2018 $ 989,097 165,242 1,154,339 2018 $ 1,808,520 192,657 250,000 2,251,177 4 1 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSANNUAL REPORT 2019 Investments in Separately Managed Accounts consists of investments in separately managed accounts issued by Praemium Australia Limited (managed by InvestSMART Financial Services Pty Ltd) and investments in Professionally Managed Accounts, a scheme issued by InvestSMART Funds Management Limited. Derivatives consists of a call option purchased on 14 June 2018 to acquire 100% of an unlisted company for $3,750,000 exercisable between the third and fourth anniversary date of entering the share option deed. Further information on the fair value determination and the risk exposures of financial assets held at fair value is provided in Note 11. 5. Income Tax (a) Income tax benefit recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income The components of income tax expense: Current income tax expense Other adjustments for prior years Deferred tax income relating to the origination and reversal of temporary differences Total income tax benefit (b) Income tax benefit 2019 $ – 9,979 329,717 339,696 2018 $ (46,495) 81,791 217,874 253,170 A reconciliation of income tax benefit applicable to accounting profit before income tax at the statutory income tax rate to income tax benefit at the entity’s effective income tax rate for the years ended 30 June 2019 and 2018 is as follows: Prima facie income tax benefit calculated at 27.5% on operating loss Add/(Less) tax effect of: Expenditure not deductible in current year Impairment of goodwill Recognition of previously unused tax losses Losses carried forward not recognised Adjustments for prior years Income tax benefit (c) Deferred tax assets and liabilities Deferred tax assets The deferred tax asset balance comprises temporary differences recognised as follows: Accruals and provisions not deductible in this period Deductible capital expenditure Tax losses carried forward Closing balance Movements in deferred tax assets Opening balance Expense in the income statement 2019 $ 578,477 (131,395) (76,263) 136,906 (178,008) 9,979 339,696 2019 $ 182,857 17,383 – 200,240 274,101 (73,861) 200,240 2018 $ 6,294 (106,543) – 274,301 – 79,118 253,170 2018 $ 175,858 69,422 28,821 274,101 455,311 (181,210) 274,101 4 2 ANNUAL REPORT 2019NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Deferred tax liabilities The deferred tax liability balance comprises temporary differences recognised as follows: Future tax expense for intangibles acquired Prepayments Movements in deferred tax liabilities Opening balance Deferred tax arising on acquisition of subsidiary Benefit in the income statement 2019 $ 1,382,246 33,801 1,416,047 1,720,249 99,376 (403,578) 1,416,047 2018 $ 1,720,249 – 1,720,249 2,119,333 – (399,084) 1,720,249 A tax rate of 27.5% was applied for the year ending 30 June 2019 (2018: 27.5%) as the Group is classified as a small business for tax purposes. The Group expects to continue to be classified as a small business for tax purposes. The Group has not recognised deferred tax assets relating to carried forward tax losses as it is not considered probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the unused tax losses can be utilised. The potential deferred tax asset that could be realised at 30 June 2019 is $5,175,888, of which $4,997,769 is realised capital losses. 6. Trade and other receivables Trade receivables Income tax receivable 2019 $ 750,168 – 750,168 2018 $ 638,540 27,690 666,230 Receivables are non-interest bearing and unsecured and will be received within 3 months. The credit risk exposure of the Group in relation to receivables is the carrying amount. 7. Controlled entities and investments in associates (a) Controlled entities The company exercised control over the below entities during the period: Intelligent Investor Holdings Pty Ltd InvestSmart Financial Services Pty Ltd InvestSmart Funds Management Ltd InvestSMART Advice Pty Ltd (previously Ziel Two Pty Ltd) Yourshare Financial Services Pty Ltd InvestSmart Insurance Pty Ltd van Eyck Group Holdings Pty Ltd AWI Ventures Pty Ltd Eureka Report Pty Ltd Kohler and Company Pty Ltd % owned at 30/06/2019 30/06/2018 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% – 4 3 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSANNUAL REPORT 2019 On 4 December 2018 the group acquired 100% of the shares in Kohler and Company Pty Ltd t/a The Constant Investor (“TCI”), a financial content subscriptions business. The acquisition of TCI compliments InvestSMART Group’s subscription offering and enhances InvestSMART’s digital financial advice platform. The fair value of the identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed at 4 December 2018 are: Cash and cash equivalents Prepayments Other assets Intangible assets Deferred tax liability Payables, provisions and subscriptions in advance Acquisition consideration Goodwill arising on acquisition 33,268 143,899 3,850 361,366 (99,376) (144,732) 298,275 575,594 277,319 The acquisition consideration includes a payment of $572,000 in full settlement of a shareholder loan. Acquisition related costs of $13,570 are included in the legal and statutory expenses line item of the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. Goodwill arising on acquisition is impaired in full at 30 June 2019. See note 8 for further goodwill disclosure and disclosure of intangibles arising on acquisition. TCI revenue and profit and loss included in the Consolidated Statement of Profit and Loss since acquisition date is $426,951 and $26,307 respectively. If the acquisition date for TCI was the beginning of the current period revenue and profit and loss for the combined entity would be $12,200,830 and a loss of $1,800,954 respectively. (b) Investment in associates InvestSMART Funds Management Ltd is the Responsible Entity and issuer of the below funds and is deemed to have significant influence over the financial and operating policy decisions of the funds. The funds are domiciled and have their principal place of business in Australia. The Group’s ownership in the funds are classified as an investment in associate and accounted for using the equity method. InvestSMART Australian Small Companies Fund Professionally Managed Accounts Summarised financial information for all associates: Aggregate carrying amount Aggregate profit/(loss) from continuing operations Aggregate total comprehensive income % owned at 30/06/2019 30/06/2018 – 0.50% 2019 $ 1 (40,640) (40,640) 2.90% – 2018 $ 384,475 (2,249) (2,249) 4 4 ANNUAL REPORT 2019NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 8. Intangible assets Balance at 30 June 2017 Amortisation Balance at 30 June 2018 Goodwill $ – – – Fund distribution contracts Subscriber lists $ $ 6,580,500 1,041,610 877,400 5,703,100 489,260 552,350 Additions through business combinations 277,319 – Amortisation Impairment – 1,019,893 277,319 – 248,538 457,746 – Balance at 30 June 2019 – 4,683,207 343,142 Content Total $ – – – 112,828 112,828 – – $ 7,622,110 1,366,660 6,255,450 638,685 1,590,467 277,319 5,026,349 Goodwill was recognised as the excess of the aggregate of the consideration transferred and the net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed on acquisition of TCI (see Note 7). Goodwill has an indefinite useful life. Goodwill is tested for impairment at each balance date using a discounted cash flow model on the net cash flows from the business. The Group performed an impairment test at 30 June 2019 in light of the group strategy to focus on growing funds management revenue. The Group has determined it has one cash generating unit (CGU). The recoverable amount of the CGU, as at 30 June 2019, has been determined based on a value in use calculation using cash flow projections from financial forecasts and budgets approved by senior management covering a five-year period. The projected cash flows have been updated to reflect a decline in commissions and do not incorporate future cash inflows expected to arise from future enhancements to funds management products. The pre-tax discount rate applied to cash flow projections is 12.8% and an inflation rate of 0-2% (based on Financial Services CPI figures). It was concluded that the value in use did not exceed the carrying value less costs of disposal. As a result of this analysis, management has recognised an impairment charge of $277,319 in the current year against goodwill with a carrying amount of $277,319 as at 30 June 2019. The calculation of value in use for the cash generating unit is most sensitive to the assumptions italicised below: Future revenue growth – Future revenue growth is based on past experience. A large proportion of the CGU’s revenue is based on trailing commissions which are highly correlated with the movements in the Australian share market. Commission income has been affected by legislative changes which are adjusted for in future cash flow projections. Enhancements to subscription and funds management income expected from recent marketing activity and the acquisition of TCI were not included in future cash flow projections. Future cash flow projections exclude estimated future cash inflows expected to arise from future restructurings or from improving or enhancing the CGU’s performance. Discount rates - Discount rates represent the current market assessment of the risks specific to the CGU, taking into consideration the time value of money and the risks incorporated in the cash flow estimates. The discount rate calculation is based on the specific circumstances of the Group and its operating segments and is derived from its weighted average cost of capital (WACC). The WACC takes into account both debt and equity. The cost of equity is derived from the expected return on investment by the Group’s investors. The cost of debt is based on the expected 4 5 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSANNUAL REPORT 2019 cost of interest-bearing borrowings the Group may be obliged to service. The beta factors are evaluated annually based on publicly available market data. Adjustments to the discount rate are made to factor in the specific amount and timing of the future tax flows in order to reflect a pre-tax discount rate. Wage and Employee cost inflation - Management has considered the possibility of greater than forecast increases in employee costs. This may occur if inflation causes higher than forecast wage increases in the future. Forecast price inflation lies within a range of 0% to 2%. Growth rate estimates - Rates are based on long term expected growth rates for the Australian economy. Management recognises that the speed of technological change and the possibility of new entrants can have a significant impact on growth rate assumptions. The Group considers no other assets to be impaired. Fund distribution contracts were acquired as intangible assets under a business combination as at 1 January 2015. Whilst they have no expiry date, it is expected that customers on which the distribution fees are earned will leave over 6 - 10 years. Subscriber lists were acquired as intangible assets on acquisition of Intelligent Investor, Eureka Report and TCI. Amortisation rates are based on the Group’s historical experience and are amortised on a straight-line basis. Intelligent Investor and TCI subscriber lists are assumed to have a 5-year life. Eureka Report subscriber lists are assumed to have a 3-year life. Content acquired in TCI is amortised on a straight-line basis over 3 months in line with overall consumption metrics. Change in accounting estimate In light of regulatory developments on grandfathered funds management commissions the Group concluded on 30 April 2019 that the amortisation period for separately identified assets within fund distribution contracts should be reduced from 10 years (from 1 January 2015) to 6 years (from 1 January 2015). The change in estimate is accounted for prospectively, increasing the amortisation charge for fund distribution contracts in the current period by $142,567 (from $877,326 to $1,019,893). The effect on future periods is an increase in amortisation charge for fund distribution contracts of $1,283,167 (from $1,316,120 to $2,599,287) for the 18 months from 30 June 2019 to 1 January 2021. The amortisation charge is reduced by $1,425,734 (from $3,509,654 to $2,083,919) from 1 January 2021 to 1 January 2025 (due to the decrease in amortisation period for separately identified assets). 4 6 ANNUAL REPORT 2019NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS9. Fixed assets including software Plant and equipment Software Cost at 30 June 2017 Additions Cost at 30 June 2018 Additions Cost at 30 June 2019 Accumulated depreciation at 30 June 2017 Depreciation charge for the period Accumulated depreciation at 30 June 2018 Depreciation charge for the period Accumulated depreciation at 30 June 2019 Net book value at 30 June 2018 Net book value at 30 June 2019 10. Trade and other payables Trade payables Annual leave provision Long service leave provision PAYG and superannuation payables GST payable Accruals Other payables $ 330,993 43,709 374,702 28,173 402,875 89,681 47,819 137,500 89,329 226,829 237,202 176,046 $ 211,790 – 211,790 – 211,790 158,624 53,000 211,624 166 211,790 166 – 2019 $ 11,926 220,626 195,253 37,874 198,316 458,285 102,540 Total $ 542,783 43,709 586,492 28,173 614,665 248,305 100,819 349,124 89,495 438,619 237,368 176,046 2018 $ 151,757 234,760 125,003 148,121 130,520 308,355 153,027 Trade payables are non-interest bearing and unsecured. Payment duration is disclosed in Note 11. 1,224,820 1,251,543 11. Financial risk management The Group’s financial instruments consist mainly of deposits with banks, accounts receivable, accounts payable, investments in unlisted equities and derivatives classified as financial assets at fair value through profit and loss. AASB 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures identifies three types of risk associated with financial instruments (i.e. the Group’s investments, receivables and payables). (i) Credit risk AASB 7 defines this as the risk that one party to a financial instrument will cause a financial loss for the other party by failing to discharge an obligation. The maximum exposure to credit risk, excluding the value of any collateral or other security, at balance date to recognised financial assets, is the carrying amount, net of any provisions for impairment of those assets, as disclosed in the statement of financial position and notes to the financial statements. There are no other material amounts of collateral held as security at 30 June 2019. 4 7 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSANNUAL REPORT 2019 Credit risk is managed as shown in Note 6 with respect to receivables. The credit risk exposure of the Group in relation to cash is the carrying amount and any accrued unpaid interest. Cash investments are held with a number of banks all of which are rated AA- by Standard and Poor’s. None of these assets are over-due or considered to be impaired. (ii) Liquidity risk AASB 7 defines this as the risk that an entity will encounter difficulty in meeting obligations associated with liabilities. Senior management monitors the Group’s cash-flow requirements daily taking into account upcoming dividends, tax payments and investment activity. The Group’s inward cash-flows depend upon the level of trail commission and subscription revenue received. If these decrease by a material amount, the Group will amend its outward cash-flows accordingly. As the Group’s major cash outflows are the cost of employees and rebates of trail commissions, the level of both of these is managed by the Board and senior management. The tangible assets of the Group are largely in the form of unlisted securities which may be difficult to liquidate in a timely fashion, and short-term receivables. The table below analyses the Group’s non-derivative liabilities in relevant maturity groupings based on the remaining period to the earliest possible contractual maturity date at the year-end date. The amounts in the table below are contractual undiscounted cash flows. At 30 June 2019 Trade and other payables Subscriptions received in advance Trail commissions due to customers Total financial liabilities At 30 June 2018 Trade and other payables Subscriptions received in advance Trail commissions due to customers Total financial liabilities (iii) Market risk On-demand $ – – – – – – – – Less than 3 months $ 618,983 749,841 521,237 3 to 12 months $ 410,583 945,293 539,972 1 to 5 years $ 195,253 13,591 Total $ 1,224,819 1,708,725 – 1,061,209 1,890,061 1,895,848 208,844 3,994,753 692,395 749,517 561,417 395,271 820,967 588,280 163,877 31,076 1,251,543 1,601,560 – 1,149,697 2,003,329 1,804,518 194,953 4,002,800 AASB 7 defines this as the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market prices. A general fall in market prices of 5 per cent and 10 per cent, if spread equally over all investments would lead to a reduction in the Group’s equity and increase the reported loss by $107,524 and $217,717 respectively (2018: $124,959 and $253,318 respectively). The Group is not directly exposed to currency risk as all its operations are conducted in Australian dollars. The Group is engaged in activities conducted solely in Australia. 4 8 ANNUAL REPORT 2019NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Interest rate risk The Group’s cash balances and term deposits expose it to risks associated with the effects of fluctuations in the prevailing levels of market interest rates on its financial position and cash flows. Sensitivity analysis - interest rate risk An increase of 75 basis points in interest rates at year end would have increased the Group’s profit by $32,887 (2018: $34,243). A decrease of 75 basis points would have an equal but opposite effect. At 30 June 2019, the Group’s exposure to interest rate risk and the effective weighted average interest rate for each class of asset and liability is set out in the table below: Weighted average interest rate (% pa) Floating interest rate $ Non-interest bearing $ Total $ Assets Cash assets Trade and other receivables Prepayments and deposits Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss Liabilities Trade and other payables Trail commissions due to customers Subscriptions received in advance Net assets/(liabilities) 1.0 3,936,130 – – – 3,936,130 – – – – 3,936,130 464,326 750,168 262,493 2,196,893 3,673,880 1,224,820 1,061,209 1,708,725 3,994,754 (320,874) 4,400,457 750,168 262,493 2,196,893 7,610,011 1,224,820 1,061,209 1,708,725 3,994,754 3,615,257 At 30 June 2018, the Group’s exposure to interest rate risk and the effective weighted average interest rate for each class of asset and liability is set out in the table below: Weighted average interest rate (% pa) Floating interest rate $ Non–interest bearing $ Total $ Assets Cash assets Trade and other receivables Prepayments and deposits Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss Liabilities Trade and other payables Trail commissions due to customers Subscriptions received in advance Net assets/(liabilities) 0.7 3,292,712 1,273,060 – – – 3,292,712 – – – – 3,292,712 666,230 155,574 2,251,177 4,346,041 1,251,543 1,149,697 1,601,560 4,002,800 343,241 4,565,772 666,230 155,574 2,251,177 7,638,753 1,251,543 1,149,697 1,601,560 4,002,800 3,635,953 4 9 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSANNUAL REPORT 2019 Fair value hierarchy AASB 13 requires the Group to classify fair value measurements using a fair value hierarchy that reflects the subjectivity of the inputs used in making the measurements. The fair value hierarchy has the following levels: • • Level 1 - Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (that is, as prices) or indirectly (that is, derived from prices). • Level 3 - Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (that is, unobservable inputs). The level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement is categorised in its entirety is determined on the basis of the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. For this purpose, the significance of an input is assessed against the fair value measurement in its entirety. If a fair value measurement uses observable inputs that require significant adjustment based on unobservable inputs, that measurement is a level 3 measurement. Assessing the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgement, considering factors specific to the asset or liability. The determination of what constitutes ‘observable’ requires significant judgement by the Directors. The Directors consider observable data to be that market data that is readily available, regularly distributed or updated, reliable and verifiable, not proprietary, and provided by independent sources that are actively involved in the relevant market. There has been no change in the Level 2 and Level 3 valuation techniques used for this report from previous reports. The table below sets out the Group’s financial assets and liabilities (by class) measured at fair value according to the fair value hierarchy at 30 June 2019: Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 $ $ $ Total $ At 30 June 2019 Financial assets Investments in Separately Managed Accounts 20,564 204,966 – 225,530 AWI Ventures investee companies Derivatives – – – – 1,721,363 1,721,363 250,000 250,000 Financial assets held at fair value through profit or loss 20,564 204,966 1,971,363 2,196,893 At 30 June 2018 Financial assets Investments in Separately Managed Accounts AWI Ventures investee companies Derivatives Financial assets held at fair value through profit or loss – – – – 192,657 – 192,657 – – 1,808,520 1,808,520 250,000 250,000 192,657 2,058,520 2,251,177 During the reporting period ending 30 June 2019 there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements. Financial instruments whose values are based on quoted market prices in active markets, and therefore classified within level 1, include active listed equities, certain unlisted unit trusts and exchange traded derivatives. 5 0 ANNUAL REPORT 2019NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Investments classified within level 2 have inputs based on quoted and unquoted prices. The level 2 investments held by the Group consists of investments in separately managed accounts issued by Praemium Australia Limited (managed by InvestSMART Financial Services Pty Ltd) and investments in Professionally Managed Accounts, a scheme issued by InvestSMART Funds Management Limited. The accounts hold primarily listed securities which are valued at the last closing price on the Australian Securities Exchange. Description of significant unobservable inputs to valuation of Level 3 assets Through AWI Ventures Pty Ltd, the Group has investments in 3 start-up companies in the financial technology sector. These companies have little or no revenue and therefore cannot be valued using Discounted Cash Flow. The fair value of the investee companies has been assessed as the price at which each investee company raised a material amount of new capital, or historic cost if they have not raised a material amount of new capital, adjusted for the Director’s view of the likely success of the business. The Group purchased a call option (derivative) over an unlisted business on 14 June 2018. Fair value has been determined using a binomial options pricing model. Investments classified within level 3 have significant unobservable inputs, as they are infrequently traded. Unlisted equities and options are classified within level 3. The table below shows the assumptions used by management in assessing fair value of its investments in unlisted investments: Valuation technique Significant unobservable inputs Range (weighted average) fair value Sensitivity to AWI Ventures investee Market approach companies Last issue price & date of new N/A equity, last traded price of equity, Capital structure, Discount rate, Directors’ qualitative assessment of investee business model success Call option Binomial option pricing model Volatility rate, Last traded price of derivative N/A An issue of new equity, or trade in existing equity, at a higher or lower price may have significant effect on fair value An issue of new equity, trade in existing equity, changes in interest rates, volatility rate, dividends at a higher or lower amount may have significant effect on fair value under option pricing models The following table shows a reconciliation of the movement in the fair value of financial instruments categorised within level 3 between the beginning and the end of the reporting period: Fair Value at 30 June 2018 Disposal of unlisted equities (fair value at 30 June 2018) Unrealised gain through profit and loss Balance at 30 June 2019 2,058,520 (627,638) 540,481 1,971,363 5 1 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSANNUAL REPORT 2019 12. Employee benefit reserve Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) Employee Share Ownership Scheme (ESOP) Opening balance Expense Closing balance 2019 $ 1,477,293 271,646 1,748,939 1,443,339 305,600 1,748,939 2018 $ 1,264,334 179,005 1,443,339 1,089,530 353,809 1,443,339 On 26 November 2014 (the grant date), the Company lent $1,000,000 to the Chairman, Mr Paul Clitheroe, to acquire 4,000,000 shares at $0.25 per share as part of the Long-Term Incentive Plan, subject to vesting terms, as approved by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting in November 2014. The first tranche of these shares has vested, though the associated non-recourse loan has not been repaid, and therefore has not been included in fully paid ordinary share capital. The remaining tranches have not vested and therefore have not been included in fully paid ordinary share capital. On 6 February 2019 (the modification date) the Company extended the maturity of the loan on the first tranche of the options to 30 May 2021 (as approved at the Extraordinary General Meeting held on 6 February 2019). The incremental fair value granted at modification date is $19,601. On 17 June 2015 (the grant date) the Company agreed to lend $3,125,000 in total to three key management personnel to acquire 12,499,998 shares at $0.25 per share, as part of the Long-Term Incentive Plan as approved by shareholders at the Extraordinary General Meeting in June 2015. These shares were issued on 8 September 2015 and vested in three equal tranches over three years. The first tranche of these shares vested on 8 September 2016, the second tranche vested on 8 September 2017 and the third tranche vested on 8 September 2018. The associated non-recourse loan has not been repaid, and therefore has not been included in fully paid ordinary share capital. On 6 February 2019 (the modification date) the Company extended the maturity of the loan on each tranche of shares by two years. The incremental fair value granted at modification date is $163,292. On 28 December 2016 as part of the Employee Share Ownership Plan (ESOP) the Company lent $1,804,200 to the Managing Director and employees of the Group to acquire 5,820,000 ordinary shares as approved by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on 29 November 2016. The shares were issued on the Grant Date and vest in three equal tranches over three years. The first tranche of these shares vested on 28 December 2017 and the second tranche vested on 28 December 2018. The remaining tranche vests on 28 December 2019. The associated non- recourse loan has not been repaid, and therefore has not been included in fully paid ordinary share capital. The incremental fair value granted at modification date is $40,461. 2,225,000 ESOP shares from this issue were forfeited and cancelled at 30 June 2019. On 6 September 2017 the Company lent $178,500 to employees of the Group to acquire 700,000 ordinary shares under the ESOP. The shares were issued on the Grant Date and vest in three equal tranches over three years. The first tranche of shares vested on 6 September 2018. The remaining two tranches have not vested. The associated non-recourse loan has not been repaid, and therefore has not been included in fully paid ordinary share capital. On 6 February 2019 (the modification date) the Company extended the maturity of the loan on each tranche of shares by two years. The incremental fair value granted at modification date is $6,608. 5 2 ANNUAL REPORT 2019NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS On 4 March 2019 the Company lent $104,125 to employees of the Group to acquire 1,225,000 ordinary shares under the ESOP. The shares were issued on the Grant Date and vest in three equal tranches over three years. None of the tranches have vested. The associated non-recourse loan has not been repaid, and therefore has not been included in fully paid ordinary share capital. The incremental fair value at grant date is $34,524. 85,000 ESOP shares from this issue were forfeited and cancelled at 30 June 2019. On 11 April 2019 (the grant date), the Company lent $1,000,000 to Mr Alan Kohler to acquire 4,000,000 shares, as part of the Long-Term Incentive Plan, subject to vesting terms, as approved by shareholders at the Extraordinary General Meeting on 6 February 2019. The shares issued will vest in three equal tranches on the later of the first, second and third anniversary of the grant date, or the date the share price is at or above $0.33, $0.42 or $0.50 respectively for each tranche. The Company estimated the fair value of this share benefit was $48,400 at the grant date. Fair values at modification and grant dates were determined using Black-Scholes or Monte-Carlo methods. The inputs used include the share price at grant or modification date, vesting price, vesting period, expected volatility (44%), expected dividends (1% yield), the risk free interest rate (1.5%-1.75% depending on the maturity date of the loan) and the maturity date. Expected volatility was primarily based on historic volatility, with consideration given to implied volatility on comparable exchange traded options and the natural term structure of long dated options. The cost of the LTIP shares and ESOP shares are amortised over the applicable vesting period through the statement of comprehensive income. 13. Issued capital Fully paid ordinary share capital 110,885,360 58,522,440 110,885,360 58,522,440 2019 2018 Shares $ Shares $ An additional 20,499,998 shares were issued, as part of the LTIP detailed in Note 12, Note 14 and the Directors Report. The vested shares have a non-recourse loan outstanding. Under the LTIP, the director or employee can repay the loan by forfeiting the shares issued under the plan. The shares vest when the Company’s share price reaches certain hurdles or after certain time periods and may be forfeited prior to the loan repayment date and have therefore not been included in the issued share capital total. An additional 5,435,000 shares are on issue under the ESOP to the Managing Director and other employees of the Group at 30 June 2019. Under the ESOP, the director or employee can repay the loan by forfeiting the shares issued under the plan. The shares vest over certain time periods and may be forfeited prior to the loan repayment date and have therefore not been included in the issued share capital total. (a) Terms and conditions The Company has ordinary shares on issue. Holders of ordinary shares are entitled to receive dividends as declared from time to time and are entitled to one vote per share at shareholder meetings. 5 3 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSANNUAL REPORT 2019 (b) Capital Management The Group’s policy is to maintain a strong capital base so as to maintain investor and market confidence. To achieve this the Directors monitor the monthly performance of the operating entities, the Group’s management expenses, and share price movements. The Group is not subject to any externally imposed capital requirements. Capital relates to equity attributable to investors. The primary objective of the Group’s capital management is to ensure that it maintains healthy capital ratios to support its business and maximise shareholder value. The Group manages its capital structure and makes adjustments to it in light of changes in economic conditions. To maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Company may adjust any dividend payment to investors, capital returns or issue new shares. No changes were made in the objectives, policies or processes for managing capital during the years ended 30 June 2019 and 30 June 2018. 14. Related party information Ron Hodge, Nigel Poole and Alastair Davidson were key management personnel of the Group during the financial year. Remuneration paid to key management personnel by the Group in connection with the management of affairs of the Group were: Short-term Employee Benefit Cash Salary & Fees Employment Benefit Superannuation 2019 2018 682,092 672,132 64,798 72,485 Accrued Annual Leave (9,289) (103) Accrued Long Service Leave Employee Share Benefit Total 53,614 205,193 996,408 – 177,342 921,856 Shareholdings of key management personnel and their related entities: Ordinary Shares Ron Hodge Nigel Poole Alastair Davidson Balance at 30 June 2017 Shares acquired Balance at 30 June 2018 Shares acquired Balance at 30 June 2019 4,766,666 4,466,665 4,794,339 118,334 4,885,000 679,938 5,564,938 – – 4,466,665 4,794,339 – – 4,466,665 4,794,339 The Directors’ remuneration excludes insurance premiums paid and payable by the Group in respect of Directors’ liability insurance. Apart from the details disclosed in this note, no key management personnel have entered into a material contract with the Group during the financial year. The Directors of the InvestSMART Group Limited are responsible for determining and reviewing compensation arrangements for the Managing Director and key management personnel. The Directors also assess the appropriateness of the nature and amount of emoluments of each Director on a periodic basis by reference to workload and market conditions. The overall objective is to ensure maximum stakeholder benefit from the retention of a high-quality board whilst constraining costs. The Directors’ remuneration has been included in the remuneration report section of the Directors Report. Investments in associates are disclosed in Note 7 (b). The Group received management fees of $83,342 (2018: $87,800) from managed investment schemes classified as investments in associates. The Group held receivables for management fees from managed investment schemes classified as investments in associates of $6,654 (2018: $10,228) at year end. 5 4 ANNUAL REPORT 2019DIRECTOR’S REPORT 15. Statement of Cash Flows (a) Reconciliation of net profit from ordinary activities after income tax to net cash used in operating activities Operating profit/(loss) Adjustments to reconcile profit after tax to net cash flows: Net gain on financial instruments at fair value through profit and loss Employee benefit expense Depreciation and amortisation Share of net loss of associate Decrease in deferred tax asset Decrease in deferred tax liability Change in goodwill through income statement Change in operating assets and liabilities: Increase in trade and other receivables Decrease in prepayments Decrease in trade and other payables Net cash used in operating activities (b) Reconciliation of cash 2019 $ 2018 $ (1,770,852) 230,284 (539,910) 305,600 1,679,962 40,640 73,861 (403,578) 277,319 (83,938) 40,830 (152,779) (532,845) (1,154,339) 353,809 1,467,479 4,703 181,210 (399,084) – (63,533) 116,314 (1,629,873) (893,030) Cash at the end of the financial year as shown in the Statement of Cash Flows is reconciled to the related items in the statement of financial position as follows: Cash at bank 2019 $ 2018 $ 4,400,457 4,565,772 The credit risk exposure of the group in relation to cash is the carrying amount and any accrued unpaid interest. Cash investments are held with a number of banks all of which are rated AA- by Standard and Poor’s. 16. Earnings/(loss) per share Basic earnings per share (cents per share) Diluted earnings per share (cents per share) 2019 cents (1.60) (1.60) 2018 cents 0.21 0.17 Earnings/(loss) as per Statement of Consolidated Income (1,770,852) 230,284 Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year used in calculating basic earnings per share Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year used in calculating diluted earnings per share if all LTIP and ESOP shares vest and non-recourse loans are repaid 110,885,360 110,885,360 136,820,358 132,320,358 As the Group is in a loss position in 2019, share based incentive plans do not affect the diluted earnings per share calculation as potential ordinary shares shall be treated as dilutive when, and only when, their conversion to ordinary shares would decrease earnings per share or increase loss per share from continuing operations. 5 5 DIRECTOR’S REPORTANNUAL REPORT 2019 17. Contingent liabilities and commitments At 30 June 2019, InvestSMART Group Limited had commitments for an office lease at Level 9, 37 York Street, Sydney, and Level 4, 356 Collins St, Melbourne for the following amounts: Within one year After one year but less than five years Total Guarantees for office rentals Guarantees for intermediary facilities 18. Franking account Opening balance of franking account 2019 $ 314,547 116,173 430,720 187,778 651,000 838,778 2019 $ 2,969,095 Adjustments for tax payment and tax payable/refundable in respect of the prior year’s profits (37,632) 2018 $ 369,362 401,512 770,874 187,778 351,000 538,778 2018 $ 2,210,875 758,220 Adjusted franking account balance 2,931,463 2,969,095 19. Auditors remuneration Auditing and reviewing the financial reports of the Group and managed investment schemes: Ernst and Young - audit fees 20. Parent Entity Information Statement of Financial Position Assets Current assets Non-current assets Total Assets Liabilities Current Liabilities Total Liabilities Net Assets Equity Contributed Equity Employee benefit reserve Retained earnings Total Equity Statement of Profit or Loss and other Comprehensive Income Net loss for the year after income tax expense Total Comprehensive loss for the year 2019 $ 2018 $ 177,944 166,169 2019 $ 178,490 4,400,397 4,578,887 2018 $ 128,260 4,754,948 4,874,208 – – – – 4,578,887 4,874,208 58,522,441 1,748,939 58,522,441 1,443,339 (55,692,493) (55,091,572) 4,578,887 4,874,208 600,921 600,921 432,868 432,868 5 6 ANNUAL REPORT 2019DIRECTOR’S REPORT The accounting policies of the parent entity, InvestSMART Group Limited, used in determining the financial information shown above, are the same as those applied in the Group’s consolidated financial statements, as detailed in Note 2. At 30 June 2019, InvestSMART Group Limited had commitments for an office lease at Level 9, 37 York Street, Sydney, and Level 4, 356 Collins St, Melbourne, for $430,720 (2018: $770,874). 21. Segment information The Group has only one reportable segment. The Group is engaged solely in retail financial services conducted in Australia, deriving revenue from commissions, subscriptions and funds management fees. The entity’s operations are merged across subsidiaries, management, location and presentation of reporting. 22. Events occurring after reporting date On 1 August 2019 legislation was introduced to parliament to remove grandfathering arrangements for trailing commissions on affected products from 1 January 2021 and enable regulations to provide for a scheme under which amounts that would otherwise have been paid as conflicted remuneration are rebated. Since 30 June 2019, there have been no other significant events up to the date of this report. 23. Company details The registered office and principal place of business of the Company and subsidiaries is: Level 9, 37 York Street Sydney NSW 2000 5 7 DIRECTOR’S REPORTANNUAL REPORT 2019Director’s declaration In accordance with a resolution of the Directors of InvestSMART Group Limited, I state that: 1. In the opinion of the Directors: (a) The financial statements, notes and the additional disclosures included in the Director’s Report designated as audited, of the Company are in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including: (i) giving a true and fair view of the financial position of the Company as at 30 June 2019 and of its performance for the year ended on that date. (ii) complying with Australian Accounting Standards, International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, as disclosed in Note 2 and Corporations Regulations 2001. (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. 2. This declaration has been made after receiving the declarations required to be made to the Directors in accordance with section 295A of the Corporations Act 2001 for the financial year ended 30 June 2019. On behalf of the Board Paul Clitheroe Chairman Dated this 28th day of August 2019 at Sydney 5 8 ANNUAL REPORT 2019DIRECTOR’S REPORTErnst & Young 200 George Street Sydney NSW 2000 Australia GPO Box 2646 Sydney NSW 2001 Tel: +61 2 9248 5555 Fax: +61 2 9248 5959 ey.com/au Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of InvestSMART Group Limited Report on the Audit of the Financial Report Opinion We have audited the financial report of InvestSMART Group Limited (the Company) and its subsidiaries (collectively the Group), which comprises the consolidated statement of financial position as at 30 June 2019, the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, consolidated statement of changes in equity and consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended, notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies, and the directors' declaration. In our opinion, the accompanying financial report of the Group is in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including: a) b) giving a true and fair view of the consolidated financial position of the Group as at 30 June 2019 and of its consolidated financial performance for the year ended on that date; and complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001. 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 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. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. Key Audit Matters Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our audit of the financial report of the current year. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial report as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, but we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters. For each matter below, our description of how our audit addressed the matter is provided in that context. We have fulfilled the responsibilities described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Report section of our report, including in relation to these matters. Accordingly, our audit included the performance of procedures designed to respond to our assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial report. The results of our audit procedures, including the procedures performed to address the matters below, provide the basis for our audit opinion on the accompanying financial report. A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 5 9 ANNUAL REPORT 2019 2 Valuation of Intangible Assets Financial report reference: Note 8 Why significant How our audit addressed the key audit matter The Group holds intangible assets in respect of the following: Our audit procedures included the following: ► Assessing the methodology applied by the Group to consider whether indicators of impairment were present, with reference to the requirements of Australian Accounting Standards; ► Considering discounted cash flows for these intangible assets and whether an indicator of impairment was present; ► Assessing the amortisation periods applied to the intangible assets; and ► Considering whether actual costs incurred in maintaining fund distribution contracts and subscribers would suggest an indicator of impairment was present. ► Fund distribution contracts and subscriber lists acquired as part of a business combination on 1 January 2015; ► Subscriber lists acquired as part of the acquisition of Eureka on 4 April 2016; and ► Subscriber lists acquired as part of the acquisition of Kohler and Company on 4 December 2018. The fund distribution contracts are being amortised over a range of 6 to 10 years. Subscriber lists are being amortised over either a 3 or 5 year period. The carrying value of the intangible assets as at 30 June 2019 was $5.07 million. The Group performs an annual assessment considering whether any indicators of impairment are present in respect of these intangible assets. Given the judgments involved in this assessment and in the determination of amortisation periods applied to the intangible assets, this was considered to be a key audit matter. A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 6 0 ANNUAL REPORT 2019 3 Valuation of Unlisted Investments Financial report reference: Note 4 Why significant How our audit addressed the key audit matter The Group holds investments in unlisted securities of $1.7 million as at 30 June 2019. They comprise minority holdings in start-up companies in the financial technology sector that are carried at fair value. The investments are classified within Level 3 of the Fair Value Hierarchy set out in Australian Accounting Standards. The nature of these entities and the sector in which they operate means that they are inherently difficult to value and require significant judgment. Accordingly, this was considered to be a key audit matter. Our audit procedures included the following: ► Assessing the valuation analysis prepared by the Group and agreeing inputs such as purchase price and last traded price to observable external support such as share certificates and transaction records. ► Assessing the application of the three valuation methodologies used by the Group in the determination of fair value: ► Reference to recent capital transactions and any discount applied thereon, representing the Group’s perspective of risk; ► Consideration of recent indicative offers received by the Group; and ► Consideration of comparable market revenue multiples. Our valuation experts were involved in the assessment of the appropriateness of the valuation methodologies applied by the Group. ► Assessing the adequacy of the disclosures relating to the investments within the financial report in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards. A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 6 1 ANNUAL REPORT 2019 4 Valuation of Call Option Financial report reference: Note 4 Why significant How our audit addressed the key audit matter The Group purchased a call option during June 2018 to acquire 100% of an unlisted company for $3.75 million exercisable between the third and fourth anniversary date of the purchase. The option was valued at $0.25 million in the statement of financial position at 30 June 2019. The option is classified within Level 3 of the Fair Value Hierarchy. The valuation option model includes material inputs which are subjective in nature. Our audit procedures included the following: ► Assessing the determination of fair value prepared by the Group by: ► agreeing inputs such as exercise price of shares on issue and recent share issuance price to observable external support such as share subscriptions and share sale agreements. ► assessing valuation discounts applied and comparing them to available market information for reasonableness. Our valuation specialists were involved in the performance of these procedures. ► Assessing the adequacy of the disclosures relating to the option within the financial report. Information Other than the Financial Report and Auditor’s Report The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Group’s 2019 Annual Report, 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, with the exception of the Remuneration Report and our related assurance opinion. 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 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. A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 6 2 ANNUAL REPORT 2019 5 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 Group’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters relating 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. 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 this financial report. As part of an audit in accordance with the Australian Auditing Standards, we exercise professional judgment and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also: • • • • • Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial report, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Group’s internal control. Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by the directors. Conclude on the appropriateness of the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the financial report or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Group to cease to continue as a going concern. Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial report, including the disclosures, and whether the financial report represents the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation. A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 6 3 ANNUAL REPORT 2019 6 • Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities or business activities within the Group to express an opinion on the financial report. We are responsible for the direction, supervision and performance of the Group audit. We remain solely responsible for our audit opinion. We communicate with the directors regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit. We also provide the directors with a statement that we have complied with relevant ethical requirements regarding independence, and to communicate with them all relationships and other matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, and where applicable, related safeguards. From the matters communicated to the directors, we determine those matters that were of most significance in the audit of the financial report of the current year and are therefore the key audit matters. We describe these matters in our auditor’s report unless law or regulation precludes public disclosure about the matter or when, in extremely rare circumstances, we determine that a matter should not be communicated in our report because the adverse consequences of doing so would reasonably be expected to outweigh the public interest benefits of such communication. Report on the Audit of the Remuneration Report Opinion on the Remuneration Report We have audited the Remuneration Report included in pages 6 to 10 of the directors' report for the year ended 30 June 2019. In our opinion, the Remuneration Report of InvestSMART Limited for the year ended 30 June 2019, 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. Ernst & Young Mark Jones Partner Sydney 28 August 2019 A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 6 4 ANNUAL REPORT 2019 AD DITIONAL INFOR MATION Additional Information Additional information required by the Australian Securities Exchange Listing Rules is set out below. The security holder information set out below was current as at 25 September 2019. There were 136,355,358 ordinary shares held by 1,146 shareholders, all of which were quoted on the Australian Securities Exchange. There are no restricted shares on issue. There are no unquoted shares on issue. Distribution of shareholders Holdings Ranges 1-1,000 1,001-5,000 5,001-10,000 10,001-100,000 100,001 and over Totals Holders Total Shares 335 240 167 266 138 58,025 1,027,414 1,448,195 10,711,690 123,110,034 1,146 136,355,358 The number of shareholders holding less than a marketable parcel of fully paid ordinary shares is 584. Top 20 shareholders: Shareholder Name HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED ROBIN ANNE OWLES & RON PETER HODGE MR NIGEL ANDREW POOLE ONMELL PTY LTD MR PAUL HUGH CLITHEROE TORONTO COVE PTY LTD BELIKE NOMINEES PTY LIMITED RONNSCAM PTY LTD MRS ANTONIA CAROLINE COLLOPY S M & R W BROWN PTY LTD MRS CATHERINE MAREE JORDAN HARRIETTE & CO PTY LTD PATCAIELI PTY LTD MYALL RESOURCES PTY LTD CAMERON RICHARD PTY LTD PENDEX PTY LTD VADINA PTY LIMITED WEBABOUT PTY LTD LEYLAND PRIVATE ASSET MANAGEMENT PTY LTD STUART ANDREW PTY LTD Total Securities of Top 20 Holdings Total of Securities Number of shares held 22,850,788 4,166,666 4,166,666 4,125,683 4,000,000 4,000,000 3,760,765 3,166,666 3,017,928 3,000,000 3,000,000 2,834,011 2,702,747 2,678,625 2,355,221 2,301,991 1,940,000 1,922,260 1,560,000 1,408,287 78,958,304 136,355,358 % 0.043 0.753 1.062 7.856 90.286 100 % 16.758% 3.056% 3.056% 3.026% 2.934% 2.934% 2.758% 2.322% 2.213% 2.200% 2.200% 2.078% 1.982% 1.964% 1.727% 1.688% 1.423% 1.410% 1.144% 1.033% 57.906% 6 5 ANNUAL REPORT 2019 AD DITIONAL INFOR MATION Voting rights At a general meeting, shareholders are entitled to one vote for each fully paid share held. On a show of hands, every shareholder present in person or by proxy shall have one vote and upon a poll, every shareholder so present shall have one vote for every fully paid share held. Substantial shareholders The Company has been notified of three shareholders who hold relevant interests of in excess of 5% of the Company’s ordinary shares: Name Leyland Private Asset Management Pty Ltd Perpetual Limited Date of Interest No of shares held1 Percentage2 15 November 2017 25 August 2016 25,138,492 18,539,432 18.94 14.55 1 As disclosed in the last notice lodged with the Australian Securities Exchange by the substantial shareholder. 2 The percentage set out in the notice lodged with the Australian Securities Exchange is based on the total issued capital of the Company at the date of the interest. Securities Exchange Listing Quotation has been granted for all the ordinary shares of the Company on all Member Exchanges of the Australian Securities Exchange Limited. On-market buyback As at 25 September 2019, there is no current on-market buyback. 6 6 ANNUAL REPORT 2019Directory Registered Office Level 9 37 York Street Sydney NSW 2000 Directors Share Registry Boardroom Pty Limited Level 12 225 George Street Sydney NSW 2000 Shareholder Enquiries Telephone: +61 2 9290 9600 Paul Clitheroe AM (Chairman) Ron Hodge (Managing Director) Email: enquiries@boardroomlimited.com.au Michael Shepherd AO (Lead Independent Non- Executive Director) Auditors Kevin A Moore (Independent Non-executive Director) Ernst & Young Company Secretary Catherine Teo 200 George Street Sydney NSW 2000 Telephone: +61 2 9248 5555 Facsimile: +61 2 9248 5959 IN VE STSM A RT GR OUP 9/37 YOR K ST, SYDN EY N SW 2000 13 00 880 160 SECTION HEADING??

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