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BELLUS Health Inc.MILTON CORPORATION LIMITED
ABN 18 000 041 421
An Australian Listed Investment Company
Listed since 1958
ANNUAL REPORT 2017
Profile
Milton was established as a private investment company for four shareholders in 1938. It became a public
company in 1950 and listed on the Sydney Stock Exchange in 1958. Milton is now an investment company for
more than 24,000 shareholders and is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange under the code MLT.
Investment philosophy
Milton is predominantly a long term investor in companies and trusts listed on the ASX that are well managed,
with a profitable history and an expectation of increasing dividends and distributions. Turnover of investments is
low and capital gains arising from disposals are reinvested.
Milton holds liquid assets such as cash and term deposits and it may invest in hybrid securities as well as real
property development through joint ventures.
Benefits of an investment in Milton Corporation Limited
Shareholders receive fully franked dividends semi-annually – normally March and September.
Ordinary fully franked dividends are paid out of profit after tax excluding special investment revenue and costs
associated with the acquisition of subsidiaries. Dividends have been paid every year since listing and they have
been fully franked since the introduction of franking. Special fully franked dividends may be paid out of special
investment revenue.
The investment portfolio provides shareholders with exposure to diversified assets
Milton’s $2.8 billion equity investment portfolio comprises interests in companies and trusts which are listed on
the Australian Securities Exchange and are expected to deliver increased investment revenue over the long term.
Consistent application of this investment philosophy over many years has created a portfolio that is not aligned
with any securities exchange index.
Shareholders have an investment in a low cost, efficiently managed company with total administration costs that
represent 0.12% per annum of total assets.
Milton’s directors oversee the performance of its executives who are employed by the company to manage the
investments for the benefit of shareholders.
Contents*
Milton’s Objectives
Chairman’s Review of the 2017 Financial Year
Classification of Investments
Five Year Financial Summary
Milton Corporation Foundation
Listed Investments by Sector
Directors’ Report
1
2
5
5
6
7
11
*Corporate Governance Statement is available on the company website www.milton.com.au/governance and
is lodged with ASX with this Annual Report.
Remuneration Report
Auditor’s Independent Declaration
Financial Statements
Directors’ Declaration
Independent Auditor’s Report
Directory
ASX Information
14
18
19
45
46
51
52
Important dates
Final Dividend:
- Ex date 10 August 2017
Company Briefing - Melbourne
- Payment date 5 September 2017 on 16 October 2017 at 10.30am
- DRP application closing date 14 August 2017
at State Library of Victoria
Annual General Meeting: 12 October 2017 at 3.00pm
- To be held at
Sofitel Sydney Wentworth,
Company Briefing - Adelaide
Level 4, Adelaide Room, on 17 October 2017 at 10.30am
61-101 Phillip Street, Sydney at InterContinental Adelaide
Milton has three objectives:
Increase fully franked dividends paid to
shareholders over time
Provide capital growth in the value of the
shareholders’ investments
Net tangible assets before provision for
tax on unrealised capital gains
MLT share price
Dividend History
10.0
8.0
6.0
s
t
n
e
C
4.0
2.0
0.0
5.50
5.00
4.50
4.00
3.50
3.00
2.50
2.00
1.50
1.00
0.50
-
Interim
Final
Special
Price History
Invest in a diversified portfolio of assets which are predominantly Australian listed companies and
trusts
1
Chairman’s Review of the 2017 financial year
The net profit after tax for the 2017 financial year was $122.4 million, including special investment revenue of
$0.4 million. Underlying profit was $122 million and dividends declared for the year totalled $121.8 million with
the increased final dividend of 10 cents per share bringing full year dividends to 18.7 cents per share.
Underlying profit excludes special investment revenue which tends to fluctuate from year to year. In 2016,
special investment revenue totalled $1.5 million and the year before it was $3 million. It is considered that
underlying profit may provide a better guide to the ongoing performance of the company.
Ordinary Investment income
Underlying profit
Special dividends
Net profit
1H17
$ m
61.7
60.6
0.2
60.8
1H16
$ m
65.7
67.9
0.7
68.6
Var.
%
(6.1)
(10.7)
(78.7)
(11.4)
2H17
$ m
63.3
61.4
0.2
61.6
2H16
$ m
59.7
58.5
0.8
59.3
Var.
%
6.0
5.0
(73.1)
FY 17
$ m
125.0
122.0
0.4
FY16
$ m
125.4
126.4
Var.
%
(0.3)
(3.5)
1.5
(75.6)
3.8
122.4
127.9
(4.3)
Underlying profit in the first half of the year was 10.7% lower than the previous corresponding half. This was
largely due to a fall in investment income and trading profits. Investment income improved in the second half of
the year and lifted the underlying profit to $61.4 million, 5% higher than the previous corresponding half.
Over the full year, the ordinary investment income of $125 million, which was derived from the portfolio of
Australian listed equities, was marginally lower than the previous year’s income. Dividend cuts, from Top 20
holdings such as BHP Billiton, Woolworths, ANZ Banking Corporation and Rio Tinto, were the main cause of
the 6.1% fall in investment income in the first half of the year. In the second half there was an increase in the
number of companies that paid higher dividends and the ordinary investment income increased by 6.0% to
$63.3 million.
Other income including interest, trading profits and joint venture profits amounted to $4.9 million in 2017.
With administration expenses of $3.6 million, representing 0.12% of average total assets for the year, the
company is one of the lowest cost operators in the LIC sector. Milton is able to achieve this as it is internally
managed and is not attempting to profit from the provision of fund management services. All executives are
investors in Milton and their interests are aligned with shareholders.
The payment of increasing ordinary fully franked dividends over time is one of Milton’s key objectives and this
year the full year dividend was increased to 18.7 cents per share, even though the company’s earnings per
share were marginally lower than the previous year.
Before declaring the increased dividend, directors considered the results for the 2017 financial year as well as
the company’s prospects for increased dividend income in 2018 after taking into account internal earnings and
dividend forecasts.
This demonstrates one of the advantages of Milton’s corporate structure. Milton has a strong balance sheet and
profit reserves to support the dividend should the need arise and it has sufficient franking credits to ensure all
dividends will be fully franked, at least for the foreseeable future.
Ordinary fully franked full year dividends have been increased every year since 2010 with the 2017 dividend of
18.7 cents per share being 31.7% higher than the 2010 full year dividend of 14.2 cents per share.
Another key objective is to provide growth in the value of the
shareholders’ investments. Over the 2017 financial year, Milton’s
Net Tangible Asset backing before provision for tax on
unrealised capital gains (NTA), increased by 6.9% to $2.9 billion.
The resultant NTA per share increased to $4.51 from $4.22 and
the share price also increased to $4.51 from $4.28
With Milton paying out more than 90% of its profits and with long
term investments in Australian listed companies representing
more than 90% of the total assets, the movement in the NTA
largely reflects the change in the underlying market values of the
investments. Over the last five years, cash and other assets
have remained reasonably constant whilst the value of the
investments has increased to $2.8 billion from $2.2 billion.
$5
$4
$3
$2
$1
$0
2
Total assets per share
2013
2014
investments
2015
2016
2017
Cash & other assets
The composition of the equity portfolio reflects the emphasis Milton has always placed on investing in
companies that pay dividends as Milton aims to fund its dividend payments from the dividend income that it
receives. Consequently, the portfolio is not aligned with any index and its investment performance may differ
from that of any index, particularly over short term periods. Milton’s track record indicates that its investment
returns, net of all administration expenses and tax, have exceeded the index returns, as measured by the
Accumulation Return of the All Ordinaries Index (XAOAI), over the longer term periods.
One indicator of investment performance, net of expenses and tax,
that is commonly used by LICs is the Total Portfolio Return (TPR),
which combines the change in value of the NTA per share and
dividends paid in the period. The TPR for 2017 was 11.5% which
was marginally below Index return of 13.1%. Over the longer term
periods of 10 and 15 years the TPR has exceeded that of the
accumulation return of the Index. Milton’s relative performance is
actually better than shown in the graph here as its TPR is calculated
after administration expenses and tax have been deducted whilst
the XAOAI is not.
14%
12%
10%
8%
6%
4%
2%
0%
Comparative investment
performance
1 Year
10 Yrs (pa) 15 Yrs (pa)
MLT TPR
XAOAI
The company’s third objective is to invest in a diversified portfolio of Australian listed companies and trusts. At
30 June 2017 the portfolio comprised investments in 91 companies and trusts with a combined value of $2.8
billion, which represented 94% of its total assets.
Details of each investment held at 30 June 2017 are shown on pages 7 to 10 and the classification of investments
by sector is shown in the table on page 5.
As the equity market as a whole continued to increase in value over the year there were limited opportunities to
increase investments in the portfolio. Nevertheless, Milton’s portfolio management team continued to monitor
the performance of the companies currently held by Milton and they sought to identify opportunities to bring
additional companies into the portfolio.
During the year Janus Henderson, Charter Hall Group, Charter Hall Long Wale REIT and Growthpoint
Properties Australia were added to the portfolio and positions were increased in 26 other companies and trusts
with a total of $56 million being invested. This investment was partly funded by disposals amounting to $44
million of which $10 million was takeover related.
The rapid advancement in technologies is challenging the business models of many traditional companies and
this will create both opportunities and threats for them. Many companies are already adopting new technologies
to reduce costs and analyse available data more effectively to identify new revenue streams. Others are coming
to terms with new competitors and adapting their business models to enable them to compete. One of the
important roles of our portfolio managers is to visit companies, attend management briefings and meet with
executives and directors of these companies to help them assess the potential winners and losers.
I am delighted that Justine Jarvinen joined the board and the investment committee in August 2017. As well as
having a background in investment analysis, Justine has significant experience in identifying disruptive
technologies and developing strategies to capitalise on new technologies.
Mr John Church, who has been a director of Milton since 1986, will retire at the conclusion of the annual
general meeting in October 2017. John has made an outstanding contribution to the company and played a
valuable role in guiding the company as it grew its asset base from $70 million to nearly $3 billion. Milton has
benefitted from John’s deep knowledge of Australian corporate history through his input at the Investment
Committee of which he has been a member since its formation in 1999.
Milton entered into an agreement in July 2017 to acquire all of the shares of a private investment company with
an investment portfolio valued at approximately $18 million. The terms of the agreement are similar to those of
previous similar transactions and will result in Milton issuing its shares on an ex-dividend basis as consideration
in the latter half of August 2017.
3
As a long term investor, Milton attempts to look through the short term noise of the almost daily release of
contradictory financial indicators and focus more on the expected performance of our investments through the
cycle.
The upcoming reporting season, which commences in August, will provide further insights into the way in which
the management teams of our investments are positioning their businesses in the current conditions and for the
longer term.
At present the Australian equity market appears to be reasonably fully valued with many companies having
modest earnings growth expectations but their shares are trading on historically high multiples. With its closed
end corporate structure, Milton is not forced to invest in these conditions and can be patient. However, Milton is
well positioned to make sound long term investments at more reasonable prices if opportunities arise.
A further update on market conditions will be provided at Milton’s Annual General Meeting to be held on
12 October 2017.
R. D. MILLNER
Chairman
Sydney, 3 August 2017
4
Five Year Financial Summary
Underlying operating profit after tax(1) ($million)
122.0
126.4
125.0
117.4
Underlying earnings per share (cents)
18.7
19.5
19.6
18.8
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
108.5
17.8
Profit after tax ($million)
Earnings per share (cents)
Administration costs as % of average total assets
Interim dividend (cents per share)
Final dividend (cents per share)(2)
Full year ordinary dividend (cents per share)
Special dividend (cents per share)
Net assets(2) at 30 June ($million)
Net asset backing per share pre-tax(2) at 30 June($)
Net asset backing per share post-tax(3) at 30 June($)
Last sale price at 30 June ($)
All Ordinaries Index at 30 June
Ten year Total Shareholder Return (% per annum)
Five year Total Shareholder Return (% per annum)
Shares on issue (million)
Number of shareholders
122.4
127.9
128.0
120.3
111.2
18.8
0.12
8.7
10.0
18.7
-
19.8
0.13
8.7
9.9
18.6
-
20.1
0.12
8.5
9.9
18.4
0.4
19.3
0.13
8.2
9.4
17.6
0.4
18.3
0.14
7.8
8.6
16.4
0.5
2,939
2,746
2,811
2,746
2,375
4.51
3.99
4.51
5764
4.7
12.9
4.22
3.79
4.28
5310
5.3
11.4
4.39
3.90
4.50
4.35
3.86
4.54
3.89
3.52
3.68
5451
5382
4775
8.0
12.1
10.2
14.5
8.3
4.0
651.9
649.9
640.2
630.8
610.5
24,726
23,729
22,514
21,055
19,309
(1) Underlying operating profit after tax excludes special investment revenue and costs associated with the acquisition of subsidiaries.
(2) Before provision for tax on unrealised capital gains and before providing for the ordinary final and special dividends.
(3) After provision for tax on unrealised capital gains and before providing for the ordinary final and special dividends.
Classification of Investments by Sector
The following asset classification table shows the composition of Milton’s assets by sector.
Opening
position
$ million
Additions
Disposals
$ million
$ million
Change in
value
$ million
Closing
position
$ million
Income
Weighting
$ million
%
Classification(1)
Banks
Consumer staples
Materials
Diversified financials
Energy
Insurance
Healthcare
Real estate
Telecommunications
Utilities
Retailing
Transport
Commercial services
Capital goods
Consumer services
Media
Other shares
879.2
249.9
217.5
178.2
202.3
122.5
101.5
79.1
127.6
70.2
104.6
77.8
55.8
40.2
36.3
13.8
11.9
-
-
4.0
11.4
6.1
3.3
3.3
17.8
1.8
0.4
1.4
1.3
2.1
-
0.8
1.3
0.8
(2.0)
-
(3.1)
(15.1)
(1.8)
(6.4)
-
(2.2)
-
-
-
-
(2.0)
(5.5)
(5.0)
-
88.3
6.7
36.4
45.4
(0.8)
24.9
17.5
(6.9)
(41.8)
16.6
(24.1)
1.1
11.8
5.0
4.5
(1.1)
(0.6)
965.5
256.6
254.8
219.9
205.8
144.3
122.3
87.8
87.6
87.2
81.9
80.2
67.7
39.7
36.6
14.0
12.1
Total listed investments
2,568.4
55.8
(43.1)
182.9
2,764.0
Liquids(2)
Property joint ventures
Other assets
Total
153.6
20.6
5.2
2,747.8
149.0
22.9
5.3
2,941.2
130.2
(1)
(2)
Investments are grouped according to their asset classes using the Global Industry Classification Standard (“GICS”) codes.
Liquids include cash, term deposits, hybrid securities and dividends receivable.
5
57.3
9.9
8.7
10.5
6.2
6.5
2.0
4.3
5.2
2.9
3.4
3.2
1.6
1.1
1.3
0.5
0.4
125
2.7
1.2
1.3
32.8
8.7
8.6
7.5
7.0
4.9
4.2
3.0
3.0
3.0
2.8
2.7
2.3
1.3
1.2
0.5
0.4
93.9
5.1
0.8
0.2
100
Milton Corporation Foundation (ABN 95 051 921 133)
The Foundation was established in 1988 to support charitable organisations, particularly those which direct
assistance to persons that are disadvantaged in the community.
The objective is to create a vehicle with sufficient capital that can make regular meaningful donations from the
earnings derived from its investments. Contributions from Milton, shareholders and others over the years have
helped to grow the Foundation’s total assets at 30 June 2017 to $2.1 million.
The Foundation’s assets can now support annual distributions of $110,000 and in 2017 fourteen organisations
received much needed support from the Milton Foundation.
The Foundation has provided $2.1 million of assistance to the community since its establishment.
The Foundation is a deductible gift recipient registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits
Commission (ACNC) and donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.
Shareholders can support the Foundation by either:
Forwarding a cheque to:
The Trustees
Milton Corporation Foundation or BSB: 082-067
PO Box R1836
Royal Exchange NSW 1225.
Direct deposit into the bank account:
Account Name: Milton Corporation Foundation
Account No: 038263869
J F Church
Chairman of Trustees
Sydney, 3 August 2017
6
LISTED INVESTMENTS BY SECTOR AT 30 JUNE 2017
Holding
Fair Value
$'000
3,369,647
2,000
433,570
7,306,078
5,709,708
3,109,948
444,992
4,757,857
10,451,306
2,835,886
1,321,512
3,636,921
2,041,793
3,234,567
1,655,184
803,229
1,610,689
188,987
1,094,512
583,618
452,368
367,014
1,466,434
362,290
161,862
1,194,085
2,835,533
2,903,973
96,776
203
2,229
83,655
63,264
257,535
2,158
140,786
318,869
965,475
15,966
21,422
84,668
14,190
44,605
11,487
6,113
5,492
3,916
3,130
36,925
6,867
254,781
35,175
13,535
3,431
793
15,714
113,762
74,167
256,577
Banks
Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Limited
- ordinary shares
- capital notes 2
Auswide Bank Limited
Bank of Queensland Limited
Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited
Commonwealth Bank of Australia
MyState Limited
National Australia Bank Limited
Westpac Banking Corporation
Materials
Adelaide Brighton Limited
Amcor Limited
BHP Billiton Limited
Boral Limited
Brickworks Limited
Dulux Group Limited
Fletcher Building Limited
Incitec Pivot Limited
Orica Limited
Orora Limited
Rio Tinto Limited
Sims Metal Management Limited
Consumer Staples
Blackmores Limited
Coca-Cola Amatil Limited
Graincorp Limited
Select Harvests Limited
Treasury Wine Estates Limited
Wesfarmers Limited
Woolworths Limited
7
LISTED INVESTMENTS BY SECTOR AT 30 JUNE 2017
Diversified Financials
Argo Investments Limited
ASX Limited
BKI Investment Company Limited
BT Investment Management Limited
Carlton Investments Limited
Challenger Limited
EQT Holdings Limited
IOOF Holdings Limited
Janus Henderson Group
Macquarie Group Limited
Perpetual Limited
Energy
Caltex Limited
New Hope Corporation Limited
Origin Energy Limited
Santos Limited
Washington H. Soul Pattinson & Company Limited
Woodside Petroleum Limited
Worley Parsons Limited
Insurance
AMP Limited
AUB Group Limited
Insurance Australia Group Limited
QBE Insurance Group Limited
Suncorp Group Limited
Telecommunication
Telstra Corporation Limited
TPG Telecom Limited
Retailing
A.P. Eagers Limited
ARB Corporation Limited
Automotive Holdings Group Limited
Premier Investments Limited
8
Holding
985,766
548,965
1,223,866
658,643
356,778
380,000
500,697
1,716,464
111,500
652,990
1,231,982
330,000
1,290,107
702,174
1,683,469
9,174,640
930,842
245,112
2,121,110
1,044,795
5,847,282
2,618,375
3,314,232
14,971,253
4,068,949
5,833,107
911,065
3,376,366
590,321
Fair Value
$’000
7,561
29,430
1,983
7,495
11,238
5,069
8,867
16,821
4,839
57,790
68,831
219,924
10,431
1,974
4,817
5,101
152,941
27,804
2,750
205,818
11,009
13,572
39,645
30,920
49,117
144,263
64,376
23,193
87,569
48,765
14,313
11,311
7,479
81,868
LISTED INVESTMENTS BY SECTOR AT 30 JUNE 2017
Commercial Services
ALS Limited
Brambles Limited
McMillan Shakespeare Limited
Healthcare
Cochlear Limited
CSL Limited
Ramsay Health Care Limited
Regis Healthcare Limited
Sonic Healthcare Limited
Real Estate
Aveo Group
BWP Trust
Charter Hall Group
Charter Hall Long WALE REIT
Finbar Group Limited
Goodman Group
Growthpoint Properties Australia
Lendlease Group
Scentre Group
Stockland Group
Vicinity Centres
Westfield Corporation
Utilities
AGL Energy Limited
APA Group
Transport
Lindsay Australia Limited
Qube Holdings Limited
Sydney Airport
Transurban Group
Capital Goods
CIMIC Group Limited
Reece Limited
9
Holding
6,079,431
1,431,966
629,538
33,800
592,198
189,783
1,576,076
624,425
858,282
1,584,008
1,247,000
933,000
2,782,249
1,291,376
403,010
702,539
1,799,474
3,154,940
6,453,335
861,000
2,697,869
2,005,833
12,843,330
5,794,164
2,609,629
3,512,975
791,239
214,124
Fair Value
$’000
45,292
13,953
8,436
67,681
5,254
81,741
13,968
6,194
15,123
122,280
2,386
4,720
6,859
3,853
2,226
10,163
1,265
11,697
7,288
13,819
16,585
6,914
87,775
68,796
18,393
87,189
4,816
15,239
18,502
41,629
80,186
30,732
8,993
39,725
LISTED INVESTMENTS BY SECTOR AT 30 JUNE 2017
Consumer Services
Flight Centre Travel Group Limited
InvoCare Limited
Tatts Group Limited
Media
Event Hospitality & Entertainment
Seven Group Holdings Limited – TELYS4 preference shares
Information Technology
Carsales.com Limited
Automobiles & Components
Schaffer Corporation Limited
Holding
80,300
1,950,914
1,159,306
1,010,921
7,000
995,000
68,999
Fair Value
$’000
3,075
28,678
4,846
36,599
13,516
525
14,041
11,462
11,462
483
483
Total Listed Investments by Sector
2,763,696
10
Directors’ Report
For the year ended 30 June 2017
The directors present their report together with the financial statements of the consolidated entity (“Milton”)
consisting of Milton Corporation Limited and its subsidiaries for the financial year ended 30 June 2017 and the
independent auditor’s report thereon.
Directors
The directors of Milton at any time during or since the end of the financial year are:
Robert D. Millner FAICD Independent non-executive chairman.
Director of Milton Corporation Limited since 1998 and appointed chairman in 2002.
Chairman of the Investment and Remuneration Committees. Extensive experience in the investment industry.
Other current directorships:
Director of Australian Pharmaceutical Industries Limited since 2000, Chairman of BKI Investment Company
Limited since 2003, Director of Brickworks Limited since 1997 and appointed chairman in 1999, Director of New
Hope Corporation Limited since 1995 and appointed chairman in 1998, Director of TPG Telecom Limited since
2000, Director of Washington H. Soul Pattinson & Company Limited since 1984 and appointed chairman in 1998.
Former directorships in the last three years:
Hunter Hall Global Value Limited from April to June 2017
John F. Church FCSA, F Fin, FAICD Independent non-executive director.
Director of Milton Corporation Limited since 1986.
Member of the Investment Committee.
A Solicitor and Notary Public and over 44 years’ experience in the investment industry.
Graeme L. Crampton B.Ec, FCA, FAICD Independent non-executive director.
Director of Milton Corporation Limited since 2009.
Chairman of the Audit & Risk Committee and a member of the Remuneration Committee.
A Chartered Accountant and former partner of a major firm of Chartered Accountants for more than 33 years and
has extensive experience in the investment industry.
Kevin J. Eley CA, F Fin, FAICD Independent non-executive director.
Director of Milton Corporation Limited since 2011.
Member of the Investment and Audit & Risk Committees.
A Chartered Accountant and has extensive experience in the investment industry.
Other current directorships:
Director of Equity Trustees Limited since 2011 and HGL Limited since 1985. Director of Pengana Capital Group
Limited since 2017 (formerly Hunter Hall International Limited from 2015 to 2017).
Former directorships in the last three years:
PO Valley Energy Limited from 2012 to April 2016
Kresta Holdings Limited from 2011 to February 2014.
Francis G. Gooch B.Bus, CPA Managing director.
Managing Director of Milton Corporation Limited since 2004 and chief executive since 1999.
Member of the Investment Committee.
A Certified Practising Accountant and over 32 years’ experience in the finance and investment industries.
Other current directorships:
Director of Hunter Hall Global Value Limited since June 2017
Ms. Justine E. Jarvinen BE(Chem), F Fin, GAICD Independent non-executive director.
Appointed a non-executive director of Milton effective from 3 August 2017.
Member of the Investment Committee.
An Engineer with experience in equity markets and strategy development
Ian A. Pollard BA (Macq), MA (Oxon), D Phil (IMC), FIAA, FAICD Independent non-executive director.
Director of Milton Corporation Limited since 1998.
Member of the Audit & Risk and Remuneration Committees.
An Actuary and over 40 years of involvement in the investment industry.
Other current directorships:
Director and Chairman of Billabong International Limited since 2012 and Director of SCA Property Group since
2012.
11
Directors’ meetings
The number of directors’ meetings (including meetings of committees of directors) and the number of meetings
attended by each of the directors of Milton during the financial year were:
Director
Directors’
Meetings
Investment
Committee Meetings
R.D. Millner
J.F. Church
G.L. Crampton
K.J. Eley
F.G. Gooch
I.A. Pollard
A
7
7
7
7
7
7
B
7
7
7
7
7
7
A
17
16
*
18
19
*
B
19
19
*
19
19
*
Audit & Risk
Committee
Meetings
Nomination
Committee
Meetings
Remuneration
Committee
Meetings
A
*
*
4
4
*
4
B
*
*
4
4
*
4
A
2
-
2
2
2
2
B
2
-
2
2
2
2
A
1
*
1
*
*
1
B
1
*
1
*
*
1
A - Number of meetings attended.
B - Number of meetings held during the time the director held office or was a member of the committee during the year.
* - Not a member of the relevant committee.
Principal activities
The principal activity of Milton is investment. Milton invests in companies and trusts, real property development,
fixed interest securities, and liquid assets such as cash and term deposits. There has been no significant change
in the nature of this activity during the financial year.
Operating and financial review
The consolidated profit after income tax of Milton for the year was $122.4 million (2016: $127.9 million). Milton
is in a sound financial position with net assets after provision for tax on unrealised capital gains at 30 June 2017
of $2.6 billion (2016: $2.5 billion) and no debt.
The operating and financial reviews are contained in the Chairman’s Review which begins on page 2.
Significant changes in the state of affairs
There were no significant changes in the state of affairs of Milton during the past financial year other than as
disclosed in the financial statements.
Dividends
Dividends paid or declared by Milton to members since the end of the previous financial year were:
Declared and paid during the year
- Final 2016 ordinary fully franked
- Interim 2017 ordinary fully franked
Declared after end of year and not provided for
Cents
per share
Total amount
$’000
Date of payment
9.9
8.7
64,342
56,638
2 September 2016
2 March 2017
- Final 2017 ordinary fully franked
10.0
65,196
5 September 2017
No LIC capital gain was included in the above dividends.
All the dividends paid by Milton since franking was introduced in 1987 have been fully franked.
Events subsequent to reporting date
Apart from the information contained in note 25 to the financial statements, no matter or circumstance has arisen
since the end of the financial year that has or may significantly affect the operations, results or state of affairs of
Milton in subsequent financial years.
12
Likely developments
Milton will continue its investment activities consistent with its objective of generating increasing revenue for
distribution to its shareholders from its diversified portfolio of assets.
The performance of Milton’s investments is subject to and influenced by many external factors and therefore it is
not appropriate to predict the future results of the investments and Milton’s performance.
The Chairman’s Review commencing on page 2 of the Annual Report contains information relating to Milton’s
past performance, operations and outlook.
Environmental regulations
There are no significant environmental regulations that apply directly to Milton.
Directors’ relevant interests
No director has or has had any interest in a contract entered into since the last Directors’ Report or any contract
or proposed contract with Milton or any subsidiary or any related entity other than as disclosed in note 18 to the
financial statements.
The relevant interest of each director in the capital of Milton at the date of this report is as follows:
Director
R.D. Millner
J.F. Church
G.L. Crampton
K.J. Eley
F.G. Gooch
J.E. Jarvinen
I.A. Pollard
No. of Shares
12,977,632
28,508,673
169,172
110,879
992,100
Nil
91,129
Indemnification and insurance of directors, officers and auditors
Neither Milton nor any related entity has indemnified or agreed to indemnify, paid or agreed to pay any insurance
premium which would be prohibited under Section 199A or Section 199B of the Corporations Act 2001 during or
since the financial year ended 30 June 2017.
The directors have not included details of the nature of the liabilities covered or the amount of the premium paid
in respect of the directors’ and officers’ liability and legal expenses insurance contracts as such disclosure is
prohibited under the terms of the contracts.
Secretary
Mr Nishantha Seneviratne MBA, ACMA, CGMA, CPA, AICM, AGIA, ACIS was appointed secretary and Chief Financial
Officer in December 2012. Mr. Seneviratne joined Milton as the senior accountant in March 2010 and also held
the position of assistant company secretary from March 2012. Prior to joining Milton, he has held a number of
senior finance roles with private companies for over 6 years as Finance Controller/Manager and has over 4 years’
experience in corporate finance and credit in the banking and financial services sector. He is also an associate
member of the Governance Institute of Australia (GIA) and Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators
(ICSA).
Non-audit services
During the year, Pitcher Partners, Milton’s auditor, has performed certain non-audit services in addition to its
statutory duties. Details of the amounts paid to the auditors and related practices of the auditor are disclosed in
note 20 to the consolidated financial statements.
The board has considered the non-audit services provided during the year by the auditor and is satisfied that the
provision of those non-audit services during the year by the auditor is compatible with, and did not compromise,
the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 for the following reasons:
- All non-audit services were subject to the corporate governance procedures adopted by Milton and have
been reviewed and approved by the Audit & Risk Committee to ensure they do not impact on the
integrity and objectivity of the auditor, and
- The non-audit services provided do not undermine the general principles relating to auditor
independence as set out in Professional Statement APES110 Code of Ethics for Professional
Accountants, as they did not involve reviewing or auditing the auditor’s own work, acting in a
management or decision making capacity for Milton, acting as an advocate for Milton or jointly sharing
risks and rewards.
The auditor’s independence declaration as required under Section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001 is set out
on page 18.
13
Remuneration Report
This report, which is audited, details the policy for determining the remuneration of directors and executives and
provides specific details of their remuneration.
Remuneration of non-executive directors
Non-executive directors are paid base fees, committee fees and superannuation contributions.
Fees are not linked to Milton’s performance and no bonuses are paid or options issued.
Each year the base fees and committee fees are determined by the board of directors who take into account the
demands made on directors and the remuneration of non executive directors of comparable Australian
companies.
Base fees and committee fees (including superannuation contributions)
Chairman base fee
Director base fee
Chairman of the Audit & Risk Committee fee
Member of the Audit & Risk Committee fee
Member of the Investment Committee fee
2017
$
137,507
68,753
6,084
3,449
6084
2016
$
134,811
67,405
5,965
3,381
5,965
The total remuneration paid to non-executive directors in 2017 was $443,754 (2016: $435,053).
In October 2011 shareholders approved an increase in the maximum non-executive directors’ total remuneration
to $700,000.
Non-executive directors, who were appointed before 30 June 2003, are entitled to retirement benefits in
accordance with a shareholder approved scheme. In June 2003 the board resolved to cap retirement benefits for
all directors at the amounts provided as at 30 June 2003. The total balance provided at 30 June 2017 is $190,905
(2016: $190,905).
Remuneration of executives
Executive remuneration is a key element of the staff retention strategy which is designed to attract and retain
appropriately qualified and experienced professionals who share Milton’s goals and values and will seek to deliver
superior long term returns to its shareholders.
The remuneration of the managing director and senior executives is reviewed annually by the Remuneration
Committee which then makes recommendations to the board for its consideration and approval.
In formulating its recommendations, the Remuneration Committee considers:
• the short term and long term performance of the Company as measured by dividend growth and total returns.
• the contribution of the managing director and the senior executives to this performance,
• market trends in remuneration in terms of both quantum and structure and
• the remuneration of key management personnel of other listed investment companies with similar long term
investment philosophies and objectives.
Executive remuneration includes a component known as the Total Employment Cost Package (TECP), and it
may include a cash bonus component and an equity component.
The TECP includes cash salary, company contributions to superannuation and it may include non monetary
benefits such as the provision of a motor vehicle and car parking.
No executive is entitled to a guaranteed bonus however the board may award a cash bonus to reward an
executive’s outstanding contribution to the achievement of Milton’s objectives. The board will consider qualitative
measures such as contribution to the investment process, participation in board discussions, timeliness and
accuracy of reports and staff development when assessing executive performance.
In determining the amount of any bonus the board has regard to quantitative measures such as underlying
operating earnings per share, dividends per share and total returns relative to the market as a whole. Average
cash bonus paid was 10.5% of TECP for 2017.
The equity component of the remuneration package encourages executives to have an investment in Milton to
align their interests with shareholders.
The equity component is delivered through participation in the Senior Staff Share Plan (“SSSP”), which was
approved by shareholders at Milton’s Annual General Meeting on 9 October 2001 (refer note 19b to the financial
statements).
14
In accordance with the terms of the SSSP, the directors determine the maximum number of shares for which the
executive may apply. All SSSP shares are acquired on the market and held on behalf of the executives by the
trustee of the SSSP. The price offered to the executive shall be at a discount of one cent per share to the market
value of the shares.
Executives are required to hold the SSSP shares for a minimum period of three years however the benefit to the
executive is increased through long term ownership to the extent dividends are paid and the Milton share price
appreciates.
Milton provides an interest free loan to the executives to fund the acquisition of each parcel of SSSP shares.
Each loan is repaid by the application of the after tax proceeds from the dividends paid on the SSSP shares. The
opportunity cost to Milton of providing the loan is the notional interest. The Remuneration Committee includes
this cost when it reviews each executive’s TECP.
SSSP shares may not be sold, transferred, mortgaged or otherwise dealt with by the executive for a period of
three years from the date of issue or until the executive ceases employment with Milton.
If the executive’s employment ceases, the executive may within 30 days repay the loan and direct the trustee to
transfer the shares to the executive or, provided the value of the shares is greater than the loan outstanding,
direct the trustee to sell the shares, repay the loan and distribute the balance to the executive. Otherwise the
trustee will sell the shares when so directed by Milton and apply the proceeds to the repayment of the loan.
The board considers that the SSSP is appropriately designed to encourage long term ownership of shares by
executives, which then aligns their interests with that of Milton’s predominantly long term shareholder base.
Executives, other than the managing director, may participate in the Employee Share Plan (“ESP”) which provides
for a bonus of up to $1,000 to be paid in the form of Milton shares (refer note 19a to the financial statements).
Eligible executives are provided with life, total and permanent disablement and salary continuance insurance.
The overall level of executive reward takes into account the performance of Milton over a number of years. Key
performance indicators for Milton over five years are tabled below.
Key performance indicators
Profitability
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
Underlying operating profit ($million)
122.0
126.4
125.0
117.4
108.5
(Decline) growth in underlying operating profit (%)
Underlying earnings per share (cents)
(Decline) growth in underlying earnings per share (%)
Dividend
Full year ordinary dividend (cents per share)
Growth in full year ordinary dividend (%)
Special dividend (cents per share)
Capital
Net asset backing per share pre-tax(1) at 30 June($)
Growth (decline) in net asset backing per share (%)
(3.5)
18.7
(4.1)
18.7
0.5
-
4.51
6.9
1.1
19.5
(0.4)
18.6
1.1
-
4.22
(3.8)
6.5
19.6
4.3
18.4
4.6
0.4
4.39
0.9
8.2
18.8
5.5
17.6
7.3
0.4
4.35
11.9
5.7
17.8
5.5
16.4
5.1
0.5
3.89
18.4
Net assets(1) at 30 June ($million)
2,939
2,746
2,811
2,746
2,375
Total Return
Ten year Total Shareholder Return
Ten year Total Portfolio Return
Ten year accumulation return
of the All Ordinaries Index
4.7
4.2
3.5
5.3
5.6
4.9
8.0
7.3
7.0
10.2
9.2
8.8
8.3
9.3
9.2
(1) Before provision for tax on unrealised capital gains and before providing for the ordinary final dividend.
At Milton’s 2016 Annual General Meeting, shareholders supported the remuneration report for the 2016 financial
year with 89.3% of the proxies in favour of the resolution to approve the report. The resolution to approve the
remuneration report was passed by a show of hands at the Annual General Meeting held in October 2016.
15
Details of remuneration
Amounts of remuneration
Details of the remuneration of each non-executive director of Milton Corporation Limited, the managing director
and specified executives of Milton for the years ended 30 June 2016 and 2017 are set out in the following tables.
Non-executive directors of Milton Corporation Limited
R.D. Millner
Chairman
J.F. Church
Director
G.L. Crampton
Director
K.J. Eley
Director
I.A. Pollard
Director
Total remuneration
2017
2016
2017
2016
2017
2016
2017
2016
2017
2016
2017
2016
Short
Term
Benefits
Fees
$
131,133
128,563
68,344
67,005
50,837
49,370
71,494
70,092
65,938
64,645
387,746
379,675
Post
Employment
Superannuation
Total
paid
Retirement
Provision(1)
$
12,458
12,213
6,493
6,365
24,000
24,000
6,792
6,659
6,294
6,141
56,007
55,378
$
143,591
140,776
74,837
73,370
74,837
73,370
78,286
76,751
72,202
70,786
443,753
435,053
$
55,905
55,905
90,000
90,000
-
-
-
-
45,000
45,000
190,905
190,905
(1) The directors’ retirement benefits have been capped at the balance provided at 30 June 2003.
Managing director and executives of Milton Corporation Limited and its subsidiaries
Short Term Benefits
Salary
Cash
bonus
(1)
$
$
Non
monetary
benefits
(2)
Post
Employ-
ment
Super-
annuation
$
$
$
Other
long term
benefits
(3)
Share
based
payments
Total
(4)
$
$
F.G. Gooch
Managing director
D.N. Seneviratne
CFO, secretary
Total remuneration
2017
536,805
65,000
2016
522,980
72,000
2017
169,863
20,179
2016
165,297
22,132
2017
706,668
85,179
2016
688,277
94,132
4,508
4,508
-
-
4,508
4,508
30,020
13,525
134,814
784,672
30,020
13,794
129,714
773,016
16,958
16,571
3,298
3,240
25,533
235,831
20,645
227,885
46,978
16,823
160,347
1,020,503
46,591
17,034
150,359
1,000,901
(1) Represents 100% of cash bonus paid or payable which vested in the year.
(2) Non-monetary benefits include the provision of a motor vehicle, parking, the cost of life, total & permanent disablement
insurance and salary continuance insurance provided through nominated superannuation funds.
(3) Other long term benefits comprise changes in long service leave provisions.
(4) Represents the notional value of interest on loans provided to acquire shares in Milton under the Senior Staff Share
Plan.
The relative proportions of total remuneration of above key management personnel that are fixed or related to performance
are as follows:
F.G. Gooch
D.N. Seneviratne
Fixed remuneration
Performance-related - STI
Performance-related - LTI
2017
74.5%
80.6%
2016
73.9%
81.3%
2017
8.3%
8.6%
2016
9.3%
9.7%
2017
17.2%
10.8%
2016
16.8%
9.0%
There are no fixed term employment contracts between Milton and its employees. Employment may be
terminated with four weeks’ notice by either Milton or the employee. There are no provisions for any termination
payments other than for unpaid annual and long service leave.
16
Share based compensation, Senior Staff Share Plan equity holdings and loans
The movements during the reporting period are as follows:
Executives’ shareholdings in relation to the Senior Staff Share Plan - Number of shares held
F.G. Gooch
Managing director
D.N. Seneviratne
CFO, secretary
Opening
Balance
885,000
825,000
102,500
77,500
2017
2016
2017
2016
Received as
Remuneration
Closing
Balance
60,000
60,000
25,000
25,000
945,000
885,000
127,500
102,500
Loans in relation to the Senior Staff Share Plan
Details regarding loans outstanding at the reporting date to specified directors and specified executives, are as
follows:
F.G. Gooch
Managing director
D.N. Seneviratne
CFO, secretary
Opening
Balance
$
2017
2,296,561
2016
2017
2016
2,155,246
380,645
284,938
Net
change
$
132,581
141,315
91,323
95,707
Closing
Balance
$
Highest
balance in
the period
$
2,429,142
2,552,875
2,296,561
2,352,657
471,968
487,442
380,645
387,142
Notional
Interest
(1)
$
134,814
129,714
25,533
20,645
(1) The notional interest has been included under “Share Based Payment” in the remuneration of the managing director and the executive
disclosed on page 16. Notional interest is based on the applicable FBT benchmark interest rate, which for the year averaged 5.52%
(2016: 5.65%).
Apart from the loan balances shown above, there were no loans outstanding to key management personnel.
Terms and conditions of the loans are referred to in note 19b to the financial statements.
Share holdings of key management personnel and their related parties – Number of shares held
Opening
Balance
Received as
Remuneration
Other
Acquisitions
2017
2016
2017
2016
1,189,940
60,000
1,129,857
60,000
103,907
78,907
25,000
25,000
85
83
-
-
Closing
Balance
1,250,025
1,189,940
128,907
103,907
F.G. Gooch
Managing director
D.N. Seneviratne
CFO, secretary
Rounding off
The company is of a kind referred to in ASIC Corporations (Rounding in Financial/ Directors’ Reports) Instrument
2016/191, and in accordance with that legislative instrument, amounts in the Directors’ Report and financial report
have been rounded off to the nearest thousand dollars, unless otherwise stated.
Signed in accordance with a resolution of the directors.
R. D. MILLNER
Chairman
Sydney, 3 August 2017
17
AUDITOR’S INDEPENDENCE DECLARATION
TO THE DIRECTORS OF MILTON CORPORATION LIMITED
ABN 18 000 041 421
In relation to the independent audit for the year ended 30 June 2017, to the best of my knowledge and belief
there have been:
a) no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001; and
b) no contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct.
This declaration is in respect of Milton Corporation Limited and the entities it controlled during the year.
M A ALEXANDER
Partner
3 August 2017
An independent New South Wales Partnership. ABN 17 795 780 962.
Level 22 MLC Centre, 19 Martin Place, Sydney NSW 2000
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation
An independent New South Wales Partnership. ABN 17 795 780 962.
Level 22 MLC Centre, 19 Martin Place, Sydney NSW 2000
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation
18
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTENTS
Financial Statements Page No.
Consolidated Income Statement 20
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income 21
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 22
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 23
Consolidated Statement of Cash flows 24
Notes to the financial statements
Key Numbers:
1. Revenue 25
2. Tax 26
3. Earnings Per Share 28
4. Dividends Paid 28
5. Franking Account 29
6. Listed Investment Company Capital Gain Account 29
Assets:
7. Investments in Equity Instruments 30
8. Investment in Joint Venture Entities 31
9. Cash 32
10. Receivables 32
11. Other Financial Assets 32
Capital Management:
12. Share Capital 33
13. Reserves 33
Risk:
14. Critical accounting estimates, judgements and assumptions 34
15. Management of Financial Risk 34
16. Capital risk management 35
Group Structure:
17. Subsidiaries 36
Other Information:
18. Related Party Transactions 37
19. Share Based Payments 38
20. Auditor’s Remuneration 39
21. Parent Entity Disclosures 39
22. Summary of other accounting policies 40
23. Cash flow information 41
24. Contingent Liabilities 41
25. Events subsequent to reporting date 41
26. Holdings at Fair Value through Other Comprehensive Income at 30 June 2017 42
19
Milton Corporation Limited
Consolidated income statement
for the year ended 30 June 2017
Note
2017
$'000
2016
$'000
Ordinary dividends and distributions
1a
125,026
125,450
Interest
Net gains on trading portfolio
Other revenue
Operating Revenue
1c
2,726
1d
346
577
3,016
3,748
520
128,675
132,734
Share of net profits of joint ventures – equity accounted
8a
1,204
Special dividends and distributions
Income from operating activities
Administration expenses
Profit before income tax expense
1b
366
1,789
1,499
130,245
136,022
(3,581)
(3,537)
126,664
132,485
Income tax expense thereon
2a
(4,287)
(4,580)
Profit attributable to shareholders of Milton
122,377
127,905
Basic and diluted earnings per share
Cents
18.79
3
Cents
19.76
The consolidated income statement is to be read in conjunction with the notes to the consolidated financial
statements.
20
Milton Corporation Limited
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
for the year ended 30 June 2017
2017
$’000
2016
$’000
Profit
122,377
127,905
Other comprehensive income
Items that will not be reclassified to profit and loss
Revaluation of investments
182,810
(111,359)
Provision for tax (expense) benefit on revaluation of
investments
(55,059)
32,816
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
127,751
(78,543)
Total comprehensive income for the period
attributable to the shareholders of Milton
250,128
49,362
The consolidated statement of comprehensive income is to be read in conjunction with the notes to the
consolidated financial statements.
21
Milton Corporation Limited
Consolidated statement of financial position
as at 30 June 2017
Current assets
Cash
Receivables
Current tax prepaid
Other financial assets
Total current assets
Non-current assets
Receivables
Investments
Joint ventures – equity accounted
Plant and equipment
Deferred tax assets
Total non-current assets
Total assets
Current liabilities
Payables
Current tax liabilities
Provisions
Total current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities
Provisions
Total non-current liabilities
Total liabilities
Net assets
Shareholders’ equity
Issued capital
Capital profits reserve
Asset revaluation reserve
Retained profits
Note
2017
$’000
2016
$’000
9
10a
11
10b
7
8b
2c
118,376
24,336
-
6,336
149,048
123,403
23,048
148
7,324
153,923
4,786
2,763,980
22,901
77
388
2,792,132
4,323
2,568,458
20,581
87
405
2,593,854
2,941,180
2,747,777
1,142
267
128
1,537
993
-
50
1,043
2d
335,148
442
335,590
337,127
280,099
504
280,603
281,646
2,604,053
2,466,131
12
13b
13a
1,553,896
59,545
794,453
196,159
1,545,122
68,236
658,011
194,762
Total equity attributable to shareholders of Milton
2,604,053
2,466,131
The consolidated statement of financial position is to be read in conjunction with the notes to the consolidated
financial statements.
22
Milton Corporation Limited
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
for the year ended 30 June 2017
Issued
capital
$’000
Capital
profits
reserve
$’000
Asset
revaluation
reserve
$’000
Retained
profits
Total
equity
$’000
$’000
Balance at 1 July 2016
1,545,122
68,236
658,011
194,762
2,466,131
Profit
Other Comprehensive Income:
Total comprehensive income
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
127,751
127,751
122,377
-
122,377
122,377
127,751
250,128
Net realised losses
Transactions with
shareholders:
Share issues
Dividends paid
Balance at 30 June 2017
(8,691)
8,691
-
-
8,774
-
1,553,896
-
-
59,545
-
-
794,453
-
(120,980)
196,159
8,774
(120,980)
2,604,053
Balance at 1 July 2015
1,504,589
64,971
739,819
189,266
2,498,645
Profit
Other Comprehensive Income:
Total comprehensive income
Net realised gains
Transactions with
shareholders:
Share issues
Dividends paid
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(78,543)
(78,543)
127,905
-
127,905
127,905
(78,543)
49,362
3,265
(3,265)
-
-
40,533
-
-
-
-
-
(122,409)
40,533
(122,409)
Balance at 30 June 2016
1,545,122
68,236
658,011
194,762
2,466,131
The consolidated statement of changes in equity is to be read in conjunction with the notes to the consolidated
financial statements.
23
Milton Corporation Limited
Consolidated statement of cash flows
for the year ended 30 June 2017
Cash flows from operating activities
Dividends and distributions received
Interest received
Distributions received from joint venture entities
Other receipts in the course of operations
Proceeds from sales of trading securities
Payments for trading securities
Other payments in the course of operations
Income taxes paid
Note
2017
$’000
123,703
3,120
1,683
548
346
-
(3,495)
(3,805)
Net cash provided by operating activities
23a
122,100
Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds from disposal of investments
Payments for investments in equities and trusts
Payments for investments in joint ventures
Payments for plant and equipment
Loans repaid by other entities
Loans advanced to other entities
Net cash used in investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issue of shares
Payments for issue of shares
Ordinary dividends paid
Net cash used in financing activities
7c
44,052
(55,775)
(2,256)
(17)
302
(1,221)
(14,915)
8,793
(25)
(120,980)
(112,212)
2016
$’000
126,010
3,306
5,066
520
7,681
(3,933)
(3,429)
(5,271)
129,950
49,129
(69,550)
(3,206)
(64)
278
(675)
(24,088)
40,621
(123)
(122,409)
(81,911)
Net (decrease) increase in cash assets held
(5,027)
23,951
Cash assets at the beginning of the year
Cash assets at the end of the year
123,403
9
118,376
99,452
123,403
The consolidated statement of cash flows is to be read in conjunction with the notes to the consolidated
financial statements
24
Milton Corporation Limited
Notes to the consolidated financial statements: Key Numbers
for the year ended 30 June 2017
1.
Revenue
Milton’s revenue is derived from dividends, distributions, interest income, profit from joint ventures and
income arising from the trading.
2017
$’000
2016
$’000
a. Ordinary dividends and distributions
Milton receives ordinary dividend income and trust distributions from its long term investments in
companies and trusts listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.
Investments held in portfolio at 30 June
Investments sold during the year
b. Special dividends and distributions
124,118
908
125,026
124,450
1,000
125,450
This special investment revenue is received on an ad hoc basis and cannot be relied upon each year.
Investments held in portfolio at 30 June
Investments sold during the year
251
115
366
1,277
222
1,499
Dividends and distributions are brought to account on the dates that the securities trade ex-dividend.
Demerger dividends arising from company de-consolidations are treated as a return of capital and not
as a dividend.
c. Interest
Milton earns interest on its cash, term deposits and other liquid assets.
Interest from deposits & cash
Interest income from other liquid securities
2,625
101
2,726
2,891
125
3,016
Interest on cash and term deposits is brought to account on an accruals basis. Interest on other liquid
securities is recognised on the date these securities trade ex-dividend.
d. Net gains from trading portfolio
Net gains from trading portfolio
346
3,748
Trading securities are recognised initially at cost and subsequently measured at fair value. Changes in
fair value are taken directly through the income statement.
Dividends from trading securities are brought to account on the dates the securities trade ex-dividend.
25
Milton Corporation Limited
Notes to the consolidated financial statements: Key Numbers
for the year ended 30 June 2017
2.
Tax
This note provides analysis of Milton’s income tax expense, shows amounts that are recognised directly
in equity and how the tax expense is affected by non-assessable and non-deductible items. The note
also details the deferred tax assets and liability balances and their movements.
a. Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense to prima facie tax
payable
Profit before income tax
Prima facie income tax expense calculated at 30% on the profit
before income tax expense
Increase (decrease) in income tax expense due to:
Tax offset for franked dividends
(Over) provision in prior year
Other differences
Income tax expense on profit
b. Tax expense composition
Current tax on profits for the year
(Over) provision in prior year
Decrease in deferred tax assets (note 2c)
(Decrease) Increase in deferred tax liabilities (note 2d)
c. Deferred tax assets
The balance comprises temporary differences attributable to :
Provisions
Share issue expenses
Other
Total deferred tax assets
Movements:
Balance at 1 July
(Charged) to the income statement
Credited to equity
Balance at 30 June
To be recovered within 12 months
To be recovered after more than 12 months
26
2017
$’000
2016
$’000
126,664
132,485
37,999
39,746
(33,601)
(34,815)
(101)
(10)
4,287
4,374
(101)
24
(10)
4,287
357
28
3
388
405
(24)
7
388
54
334
388
(147)
(204)
4,580
4,906
(147)
25
(204)
4,580
351
45
9
405
393
(25)
37
405
60
345
405
Milton Corporation Limited
Notes to the consolidated financial statements: Key Numbers
for the year ended 30 June 2017
d. Deferred tax liabilities
The balance comprises temporary differences attributable to:
Amounts recognised directly in equity:
Revaluation of investments
Realised capital losses
Amounts recognised in profit:
Gains on scrip for scrip rollovers
Income receivable which is not assessable for tax until receipt
Movements:
Balance at 1 July
(Credited) to income statement
Charged (Credited) to other comprehensive income
Balance at 30 June
To be settled beyond 12 months
2017
$’000
2016
$’000
348,680
(29,813)
291,069
(27,379)
16,043
238
16,043
366
335,148
280,099
280,099
313,119
(10)
55,059
335,148
335,148
(204)
(32,816)
280,099
280,099
The income tax expense for the period is the tax payable on the current year’s taxable income based
on the current income tax rate applicable for the year adjusted by changes in deferred tax assets and
liabilities attributable to temporary differences and any unused tax losses.
Deferred tax assets are recognised for deductible temporary differences and unused tax losses only if
it is probable that future taxable amounts will be available to utilise those temporary differences and
losses.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognised for temporary differences at the tax rates expected to
apply when the assets are recovered or liabilities are settled, based on those tax rates which are
enacted or substantively enacted. The relevant tax rates are applied to the cumulative amounts of
deductible and taxable temporary differences to measure the deferred tax asset or liability.
Milton Corporation Limited (the parent entity) and its wholly-owned subsidiaries have formed an income
tax consolidated group. Each entity in the group recognises its own current and deferred tax, except for
any deferred tax assets arising from unused tax losses from subsidiaries, which are immediately
assumed by the parent entity. The current tax liability of each group entity is subsequently assumed by
the parent entity. There is no tax funding agreement between Milton Corporation Limited and its
subsidiaries.
Deferred tax balances attributable to revaluation amounts are recognised directly in equity through the
asset revaluation reserve.
27
Milton Corporation Limited
Notes to the consolidated financial statements: Key Numbers
for the year ended 30 June 2017
e. Offsetting deferred tax balances:
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current
tax assets and liabilities.
Deferred tax assets from realised capital losses are offset against deferred tax liabilities from unrealised
capital gains.
Deferred tax liabilities have been recognised for capital gains tax on the unrealised gains in the
investment portfolio at current tax rates.
As Milton does not intend to dispose of the investment portfolio this tax may not be payable at the
amount disclosed in Note 2d above. Any tax liability that may arise on disposal of investments is subject
to tax legislation relating to the treatment of capital gains and the applicable tax rate at the time of
disposal.
Deferred tax assets relating to carried forward capital losses have been recognised based on current
tax rates. Utilisation of the tax losses requires the realisation of capital gains in subsequent years and
the ability to satisfy certain tests at the time the losses are recouped. The deferred tax assets related
to carried forward capital losses have been offset against the related deferred tax liabilities as disclosed
in Note 2d.
3.
Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share
Profit attributable to shareholders of the parent entity
2017
Cents
2016
Cents
18.79
19.76
$’000
$’000
122,377
127,905
No.
No.
Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in the
calculation of basic earnings per share
651,132,774
647,134,007
Diluted earnings per share and basic earnings per share are the same because there are no potential
dilutive ordinary shares.
4.
Dividends Paid
a. Recognised in the current year
An ordinary final dividend of 9.9 cents per share in respect of the
2016 year paid on 2 September 2016 (2016: an ordinary final
dividend in respect of the 2015 year of 9.9 cents per share paid
on 3 September 2015)
Nil special dividend paid in respect of 2016 year (2016: 0.4 cents
paid on 3 September 2015 in respect of the 2015 year)
An ordinary interim dividend of 8.7 cents per share paid on
2 March 2017 (2016: 8.7 cents per share paid on 3 March 2016)
28
2017
$’000
2016
$’000
64,342
63,385
-
2,561
56,638
120,980
56,463
122,409
Milton Corporation Limited
Notes to the consolidated financial statements: Key Numbers
for the year ended 30 June 2017
b. Not recognised in the current year
Since the end of the financial year, the directors declared an
ordinary final dividend in respect of the 2017 year of 10 cents per
share payable on 5 September 2017 (2016: ordinary final
dividend of 9.9 cents per share per share paid on 2 September
2016)
5.
Dividend Franking Account
The amount of franking credits available to shareholders for the
subsequent financial year, adjusted for franking credits that will
arise from the payment of the current tax liability
Subsequent to year end, the franking account will be reduced by
the proposed final dividend to be paid on 5 September 2017
(2016: final dividend paid on 2 September 2016)
2017
$’000
2016
$’000
65,196
64,342
122,616
122,631
(27,941)
94,675
(27,575)
95,056
The franking account balance would allow Milton to frank additional dividend payments up to an
amount of $220,908,122 (2016:$221,797,267) which represents 34 cents per share (2016: 34 cents
per share).
6.
Listed Investment Company capital gains account
Balance of the Listed Investment Company (LIC) capital gain
account available to shareholders for the subsequent financial
year
1,282
1,255
Distributed LIC capital gains may entitle certain shareholders to a special deduction in their income tax
return. LIC capital gains available for distribution are dependent upon the disposal of investment
portfolio holdings which qualify for LIC capital gains and the receipt of LIC capital gain distributions.
29
Milton Corporation Limited
Notes to the consolidated financial statements: Assets
for the year ended 30 June 2017
7.
Investment in equity instruments
Milton is predominantly a long term investor in companies and trusts listed on the Australian Securities
Exchange.
Investments – non-current
Quoted investments - at fair value
Unquoted investments - at fair value
a. Included in quoted investments are:
Shares in other corporations
Stapled securities in other corporations
Units in trusts
b. Included in unquoted investments are:
2017
$’000
2016
$’000
2,763,696
2,568,348
284
110
2,763,980
2,568,458
2,611,319
2,418,631
129,806
22,571
122,526
27,191
2,763,696
2,568,348
Units in trusts
284
110
Investments are recognised initially at cost and Milton has elected to present subsequent changes in
fair value of equity instruments in other comprehensive income through the asset revaluation reserve
after deducting a provision for the potential deferred capital gains tax liability as these investments are
long term holdings of equity instruments.
Listed investments are valued continuously at fair value, which is determined by the unadjusted last-
sale price quoted on the Australian Securities Exchange at the measurement date. Use of unadjusted
last sale price in an active market such as the Australian Securities Exchange falls within the Level 1
fair value hierarchy of measuring fair value under AASB 13.
c. Investments disposed of during the year
The disposals occurred in the normal course of Milton’s operations as a listed investment company or
as a result of takeovers or mergers.
Fair value at disposal date
Equity investments
(Loss) Gain on disposal after tax
Equity investments
44,052
49,129
(8,691)
3,265
When an investment is disposed, the cumulative gain or loss, net of tax thereon, is transferred from the
asset revaluation reserve to the capital profits reserve as disclosed in note 13.
30
Milton Corporation Limited
Notes to the consolidated financial statements: Assets
for the year ended 30 June 2017
8.
Investment in joint venture entities
Milton has a long history of investing in property development joint ventures. Wholly owned subsidiaries
of Milton have investments in separate joint venture entities that have non-controlling interests in three
property development joint venture partnerships.
a. Contribution from joint venture entities
Milton has interests in the following joint venture entities:
33.33% interest in the Ellenbrook Syndicate Joint Venture
contribution to operating profit before tax (2016:33.33%)
23.33% interest in The Mews Joint Venture
contribution to operating profit before tax (2016:23.33%)
50% interest in the LWP Huntlee Syndicate No 2 Joint
Venture (2016: 50%)
Share of net profits of joint ventures
b. Consolidated interest in the assets and liabilities of the joint
venture entities
Current assets
Non-current assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Provision for diminution in value
Net assets
2017
$’000
2016
$’000
1,647
2,285
137
267
(580)
1,204
(763)
1,789
22,075
16,237
(5,923)
(8,945)
23,444
(543)
22,901
18,585
15,471
(3,572)
(9,360)
21,124
(543)
20,581
Under AASB 11 Joint Arrangements, investments in joint arrangements are classified as either joint
operations or joint ventures based on rights and obligations arising from the joint arrangement rather than
the legal structure of the joint arrangement.
Each joint venture partnership agreement provides that partners have rights to the net assets of the
partnership. Accordingly, Milton has assessed the nature of its joint arrangements and determined that
all current interests are joint ventures and thus accounted for using the ‘Equity Method’.
Under the ‘Equity Method’, Milton’s investments in joint ventures are valued initially at cost and
periodically adjusted for changes in value due to Milton’s share in the joint ventures’ income or losses,
distributions and any call payments.
c. Contingencies and capital commitments
Guarantee entered into by the parent company
Milton agreed to provide a financial guarantee facility totalling $11 million to support prepayments
received by a joint venture in which LWP Huntlee Syndicate No 2 has a 23.75% interest. This facility,
which is on commercial terms, is secured by a second ranking mortgage over the real property of the
joint venture as well as guarantees provided by other related entities of the joint venture. At 30 June
2017, total facility of $11m had been utilised (2016: $8M).
Other than the above, the directors are not aware of any material contingent liabilities, contingent assets
or capital commitments as at 30 June 2017.
31
Milton Corporation Limited
Notes to the consolidated financial statements: Assets
for the year ended 30 June 2017
9.
Cash
Cash at bank
Deposits at call
Term deposits
2017
$’000
4,614
30,762
83,000
2016
$’000
3,351
21,052
99,000
118,376
123,403
The weighted average interest rate for cash and deposits at call as at 30 June 2017 is 1.7% p.a. (2016:
1.9% p.a.). Term deposits have an average maturity date of August 2017 (2016: August 2016) and an
average interest rate of 2.6% (2016: 3.0% pa).
10. Receivables
a. Receivables – current
Dividends receivable
Interest receivable
Sundry debtors
b. Receivables – non-current
23,803
22,371
526
7
661
16
24,336
23,048
Senior staff share plan loans (refer note 19b)
4,786
4,323
c. Terms and conditions
Sundry debtors are due within 30 days and no interest is charged.
11. Other financial assets
Other liquid securities include listed securities such as reset preference shares which are classified as
equity instruments and may be realised within 12 months.
Other liquid securities at fair value
Prepaid expenses
6,209
127
6,336
7,199
125
7,324
Other liquid securities are recognised initially at cost and Milton has elected to present subsequent
changes in fair value in other comprehensive income through the asset revaluation reserve after
deducting a provision for the potential deferred capital gains tax liability.
On disposal, the cumulative gain or loss, net of tax thereon, is transferred from the asset revaluation
reserve to the capital profits reserve.
32
Milton Corporation Limited
Notes to the consolidated financial statements: Capital Management
for the year ended 30 June 2017
Milton offers its shareholders the opportunity to increase their holdings by participation in the Share Purchase
Plan and in the Dividend Reinvestment Plan. Milton may also increase its capital through renounceable rights
issues and acquisition of investment companies with the consideration being the issue of Milton shares.
12. Share capital
All capital consists of fully paid ordinary shares which are listed on the ASX and carry one vote per share
and the right to receive dividends.
Movement in share capital
No. of
shares
2017
$’000
No of
shares
2016
$’000
Opening balance
649,922,937
1,545,122
640,255,655
1,504,589
Share Purchase Plan
-
-
7,746,892
Dividend Reinvestment Plan(1)
2,040,690
8,791
1,920,390
32,373
8,246
Less: Transaction costs
(net of tax)
-
(17)
-
(86)
Closing balance
651,963,627
1,553,896
649,922,937
1,545,122
(1)Milton’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP) offers shareholders the option to reinvest all or part of
their dividend in new ordinary shares. In the 2017 financial year, Milton issued 1,086,782 new shares
in September 2016 and 953,908 new shares in March 2017 under the DRP (2016: 998,879 issued in
September 2015 and 921,511 issued in March 2016).
13. Reserves
Nature and purpose of reserves
Changes in fair value of investments are presented in other comprehensive income through the asset
revaluation reserve as referred to in note 7b. Upon disposal of investments, the net gain or loss is
transferred from the asset revaluation reserve to the capital profits reserve.
a. Asset revaluation reserve
Opening balance
Revaluation of investments net of provision for tax
Net realised losses (gains)
b. Capital profits reserve
Opening balance
Net realised (losses) gains
2017
$’000
658,011
127,751
8,691
794,453
68,236
(8,691)
59,545
2016
$’000
739,819
(78,543)
(3,265)
658,011
64,971
3,265
68,236
33
Milton Corporation Limited
Notes to the consolidated financial statements: Risk
for the year ended 30 June 2017
This section of the notes discusses Milton’s exposure to various risks and shows how these could affect Milton’s
financial position and performance.
14. Critical accounting estimates, judgements and assumptions
Judgements, estimates and assumptions are required to prepare financial statements.
Apart from the items mentioned below, there are no key assumptions or sources of estimation uncertainty
that have a risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within
the next financial year.
i) Deferred tax liabilities from unrealised capital gains are offset against deferred tax assets
from realised capital losses as disclosed in Note 2e.
ii) Classification of joint arrangements as joint ventures as disclosed in Note 8.
15. Management of financial risk
The risks associated with the financial instruments, such as investments and cash, include credit, markets
and liquidity risks which could affect Milton’s future financial performance.
The Audit & Risk Committee has approved policies and procedures to manage these risks. The
effectiveness of these policies and procedures is continually reviewed by management and annually by
the Audit & Risk Committee.
a. Credit risk exposures
Milton’s principal credit risk exposures arise from the investment in liquid assets, such as cash, bank
term deposits and income receivable.
The risk that financial loss will occur because of a counterparty to a financial instrument fails to discharge
an obligation is known as credit risk. The credit risk on Milton’s financial assets, excluding investments,
is the carrying amount of those assets.
Individual bank limits have been approved by the board for the investment of cash.
Income receivable comprises accrued interest and dividends and distributions which were brought to
account on the date the shares or units traded ex-dividend.
There are no financial instruments overdue.
All financial assets and their recoverability are continuously monitored by management and reviewed
by the board on a quarterly basis.
34
Milton Corporation Limited
Notes to the consolidated financial statements: Risk
for the year ended 30 June 2017
b. Market risk
Market risk is the risk that changes in market prices will affect the fair value of the financial instrument.
The fair value is determined by the unadjusted last sale price quoted on the Australian Securities
Exchange at the measurement date.
Milton is exposed to market risk through the movement of the security prices of the companies and trusts
in which it is invested.
The market value of individual companies fluctuates daily and the fair value of the portfolio changes
continuously, with this change in the fair value recognised through the asset revaluation reserve.
Investments represent 94% (2016: 93%) of total assets. A 5% movement in the market value of
investments in each of the companies and trusts within the portfolio would result in a 4.7%
(2016: 4.7%) movement in the net assets before provision for tax on unrealised capital gains at
30 June 2017 (2016: 30 June 2016). The net asset backing before provision for tax on unrealised capital
gains would move by 21 cents per share at 30 June 2017 (2016: 20 cents at 30 June 2016).
Milton’s management regularly monitors the performance of the companies within its portfolio and makes
portfolio recommendations which are considered by the Investment Committee. The Milton board reviews
the portfolio on a quarterly basis.
Milton is not exposed to foreign currency risk as all its investments are quoted in Australian dollars.
The fair value of Milton’s other financial instruments is unlikely to be materially affected by a movement
in interest rates as they generally have short dated maturities and variable interest rates.
c. Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that Milton is unable to meet its financial obligations as they fall due.
Milton manages liquidity risk by monitoring forecast and actual cashflows.
16. Capital risk management
The parent entity invests its equity in a diversified portfolio of assets that generates a growing income
stream for distribution to shareholders in the form of fully franked dividends.
The capital base is managed to ensure there are funds available for investment as opportunities arise.
Capital may be increased through the issue of shares under the Share Purchase Plan and the Dividend
Reinvestment Plan. Shares may also be issued through renounceable rights issues and as consideration
for acquisition of unlisted companies.
35
Milton Corporation Limited
Notes to the consolidated financial statements: Group Structure
for the year ended 30 June 2017
The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of Milton, being the parent entity and its
subsidiaries. Details of subsidiaries are disclosed in Note 17b below. The balances and effects of transactions
between subsidiaries included in the consolidated financial statements have been eliminated in full.
17. Subsidiaries
Investments in subsidiaries are carried at net asset value which approximates fair value of the controlled
entities.
Income from dividends is brought to account when they are declared.
The financial statements of subsidiaries are prepared for the same reporting period as the parent entity,
using consistent accounting policies.
a. Basis of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of Milton, being the parent entity
and its subsidiaries. The balances and effects of transactions between subsidiaries included in the
consolidated financial statements have been eliminated in full.
Where entities have come under the control of the parent entity during the year, their operating results
have been included in the group from the date control was obtained. Entities cease to be consolidated
from the date on which control is transferred out of the group and the consolidated financial statements
include the result for the part of the reporting period during which the parent entity had control.
b. Milton Corporation Limited’s subsidiaries
The following subsidiaries have been included in the consolidated accounts. The parent entity and all
subsidiaries are incorporated in Australia:
Percentage of Interest held
85 Spring Street Properties Pty Ltd
Chatham Investment Co. Pty Limited
Incorporated Nominees Pty Limited
Milhunt Pty Limited
2017
%
100
100
100
100
2016
%
100
100
100
100
c. Acquisition of subsidiaries
No company acquisition was made by Milton during the year ended 30 June 2017 (2016: None).
d. Business Combinations
The acquisition method of accounting has been used to account for all business combinations. The
business combinations have been accounted from the date Milton attained control of the subsidiaries.
The considerations transferred for the acquisitions comprise the fair values of the identifiable assets
transferred and the liabilities assumed.
Costs related to the acquisitions, other than those associated with the issue of equity securities, are
expensed to the consolidated income statement as incurred.
36
Milton Corporation Limited
Notes to the consolidated financial statements: Other Information
for the year ended 30 June 2017
18. Related party transactions
a. Directors and Key Management Personnel compensation
Short-term benefits
Other long-term benefits
Post-employment benefits
Share-based payments
2017
$’000
1,184
17
103
160
1,464
2016
$’000
1,166
17
102
151
1,436
Information regarding individual directors’ and executives’ compensation and equity instruments
disclosures, as permitted by Corporations Regulations 2M.3.03, are provided in the Remuneration
Report section of the Directors’ Report on pages 14 to 17.
b. Shareholdings of non-executive directors and their related parties – number of shares held
Non-executive directors and their related parties held 11.5% (2016:12.1%) of the voting power of Milton
as at year end. All shares acquired by non-executive directors and their related parties during the year
were purchased on an arm’s length basis. Movements in the number of shares held are given below.
There were no amounts outstanding from or due to any non-executive director or their related parties
as at 30 June 2017.
Number of shares at beginning of the year
Acquired during the year
Disposed during the year
Number of shares held at end of year
No of
shares
No of
shares
78,927,571
78,775,660
459,431
(4,296,494)
151,911
-
75,090,508
78,927,571
c. Loans to key management personnel and their related parties
Details regarding loans outstanding at the reporting date to key management are as shown below. No
loans were granted to related parties of any key management personnel.
Balance at beginning of the year
Loans advanced
Loans repaid
Balance at end of the year
$
$
2,677,206
2,440,184
363,112
(139,208)
367,342
(130,320)
2,901,110
2,677,206
Notional interest
160,346
150,359
Notional interest is based on the applicable FBT benchmark interest rate for the year which averaged
5.52% (2016: 5.65%).
The loans are advanced to key management personnel in accordance with the Senior Staff Share Plan
(SSSP) as disclosed in Note 19 b. Loans to individual key management personnel are disclosed on the
remuneration report on page 17.
37
Milton Corporation Limited
Notes to the consolidated financial statements: Other Information
for the year ended 30 June 2017
d. Other related party transactions
All directors have entered into the Deed of Indemnity, Insurance and Access that was approved at the
Annual General Meeting held on 10 October 2000. Milton has a Remuneration and Retirement Benefits
Deed with each of the non-executive directors except Messrs G.L Crampton and K.J. Eley. During the
30 June 2004 year, Milton and the directors varied the Remuneration and Retirement Benefits Deed,
whereby the maximum retirement benefit payable to a non-executive director on retirement will be the
provision for the director as at 30 June 2003. Apart from the details disclosed in this note no director
has entered into a material contract with the parent entity or Milton since the end of the previous financial
year and there were no material contracts involving directors’ interests subsisting at the end of the year.
e. Transactions with subsidiaries
Dividends paid to parent
Capital repaid to parent
f. Loans to and from subsidiaries
2017
$
-
-
-
2016
$
81,811,084
27,251,635
109,062,719
Loans have been made between the parent entity and wholly owned subsidiaries for capital
transactions. The loans between the parent and its subsidiaries have no fixed date of repayment and
are non-interest bearing.
Amounts owed by/(to) subsidiaries at beginning of the year
Loans advanced from subsidiaries
Loan advanced to subsidiaries
26,658,200
(1,912,197)
(82,439,408)
(2,976,109)
3,566,162
112,073,717
Amounts owed by subsidiaries at end of the year
28,312,165
26,658,200
g. Other arrangement with non-executive director
Mr J.F. Church rented office space from Milton at commercial rates from 1 July 2016 to 30 June 2017
and rental income received by Milton during the financial year was $13,377 (2016: $12,800).
19. Share based payments
Under the Employee Share Plan, shares are acquired for employees as part of their remuneration and
the cost of the shares is recorded under employment costs.
Under the Senior Staff Share Plan, shares are acquired for eligible employees as part of their
remuneration and held on their behalf by the trustee of the Plan. The purchase of the Plan Shares is
financed by a loan from Milton.
a. Employee Share Plan
The Employee Share Plan ("ESP") is available to all eligible employees to acquire ordinary shares in
Milton in lieu of a cash bonus of up to $1,000 per year as part of the employee’s remuneration. The
transaction and administration costs of acquiring the shares and administering the plan are paid by Milton.
During the year, 454 shares (2016:672 shares) were acquired by Milton on behalf of eligible employees
under the ESP at a cost of $2,086 (2016: $3,083) with a total market value at 30 June 2017 of $2,048.
Any shares acquired cannot be disposed of or transferred until the earlier of 3 years from the date of
issue or acquisition or on the date that the employee's employment ceases with Milton.
38
Milton Corporation Limited
Notes to the consolidated financial statements: Other Information
for the year ended 30 June 2017
b. Senior Staff Share Plan
The Senior Staff Share Plan ("SSSP") was approved by shareholders at Milton's Annual General Meeting
on 9 October 2001. Eligible employees are given the opportunity to apply for Plan Shares in Milton which
are subscribed for or acquired and held on their behalf by the trustee of the plan. The purchase of these
Plan Shares is financed by an interest-free limited recourse loan from Milton with recourse only to Plan
Shares. The loan will be repaid partially from any dividends received. Milton administers the SSSP and
meets the transactional and administration costs.
During the year,160,000 shares (2016: 152,000 shares) were acquired by the trustee of the plan on
behalf of eligible employees under the SSSP at a cost of $683,505 (2016: $656,893). The loans to eligible
employees are as disclosed in note 10b.The shares acquired by the trustee during the year had a market
value of $721,600 at $4.51 per share as at 30 June 2017.
Any shares acquired are held in the name of the trustee and classified as Restricted Shares which
cannot become Unrestricted Shares until the earlier of 3 years from the date of issue to the trustee or
acquisition by the trustee or on the date that the employee’s employment ceases with Milton. The
trustee may transfer Unrestricted Shares to the participant provided that any outstanding loan has been
repaid in full.
20. Auditors Remuneration
Auditors of the company
Audit and review services
Related practice of the auditor
Agreed upon procedures
21. Parent entity disclosures
2017
$’000
2016
$’000
113
-
113
109
6
115
In accordance with the Corporations Amendment (Corporate Reporting Reform) Act 2010 and the
Corporations Act 2001 the following summarised parent entity information is set out below.
As at, and throughout, the financial year ended 30 June 2017 the parent entity is Milton Corporation
Limited.
Profit of the parent entity
Profit for the year
Total comprehensive income for the year
121,406
250,129
126,407
49,362
39
Milton Corporation Limited
Notes to the consolidated financial statements: Other Information
for the year ended 30 June 2017
Financial position of the parent entity as at 30 June
Current assets
Total assets
Current liabilities
Total liabilities
Net assets
Total equity of the parent entity comprising of
Issued capital
Capital profits reserves
Asset revaluation reserve
Retained profits
2017
$’000
2016
$’000
177,437
2,944,074
(1,269)
(340,021)
181,105
2,750,812
(1,043)
(284,681)
2,604,053
2,466,131
1,553,896
1,545,122
68,123
848,071
133,963
76,814
710,657
133,538
Total equity attributable to shareholders of the parent entity
2,604,053
2,466,131
22. Summary of other accounting policies
a. Basis of preparation
These general purpose financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Australian
Accounting Standards, Australian accounting interpretations, other authoritative pronouncements of the
Australian Accounting Standards Board, the Corporations Act 2001 and complies with International
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
Accounting policies adopted in the preparation of these financial statements have been consistently
applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated. The financial statements include the
consolidated entity (“Milton”) consisting of Milton Corporation Limited and its subsidiaries. Milton is a ‘for-
profit’ entity.
These financial statements have been prepared on an accruals basis and are based on the historical
cost basis except as modified by the revaluation of certain financial assets and liabilities measured at fair
value.
New and amended standards adopted:
AASB 2015-2 Amendments to AASB 101 (Presentation of Financial Statements) which applies to annual
reporting periods commencing on or after 1 January 2016 was early adopted since the preparation of
financial statements and notes for the 2015 financial year.
AASB-9 Financial Instruments Standard which applies to annual reporting periods commencing on or
after 1 January 2018 was early adopted by Milton since the 2010 financial year.
New and amended standards not adopted:
AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers is applicable to annual reporting periods beginning
on or after 1 January 2018 and is not expected to have any material impact on Milton’s financial
statements.
AASB 16 Leases is applicable to annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019 replaces
AASB 117 'Leases' for lessees will eliminate the classifications of operating leases and finance leases.
Milton does not expect this standard to have any material impact on Milton’s financial statements.
No other new accounting standards and interpretations that are available for early adoption but not yet
adopted at 30 June 2017, will result in any material change in relation to the financial statements of
Milton.
40
Milton Corporation Limited
Notes to the consolidated financial statements: Other Information
for the year ended 30 June 2017
b. Rounding of amounts
Unless otherwise stated under the option available in ASIC Corporations (Rounding in Financial/
Directors’ Reports) Instrument 2016/191, the financial statements are presented in Australian dollars and
all values are rounded to the nearest thousand dollars ($'000).
c. Operating segments
The consolidation entity operates in Australia and engages in investment as its principal activity. As
such Milton considers the business to have a single operating segment.
23. Cash flow information
a. Reconciliation of net profit to net cash provided by
operating activities
Net profit
Share of net profits of joint ventures – equity accounted
Distributions received from joint venture entities
Depreciation of non-current assets
(Increase) in receivables
Increase in payables and provisions
2017
$’000
2016
$’000
122,377
127,905
(1,204)
1,683
28
(1,296)
30
(1,789)
5,066
13
(649)
94
(690)
Increase (Decrease) in income taxes payable
482
Net cash provided by operating activities
122,100
129,950
b. Non-cash financing and investing activities
During the year ended 30 June 2017, Milton did not engage in any material non-cash investing or
financing transaction (2016: None).
24. Contingent liabilities
Apart from the contingent liability relating to the Huntlee joint venture disclosed in Note 8c, the directors
are not aware of any other material contingent liabilities
25. Events subsequent to reporting date
Since the end of the financial year, the directors declared a fully franked ordinary final dividend of
10 cents per share payable on 5 September 2017.
Milton entered into an agreement to acquire all of the shares of a private investment company with an
investment portfolio valued at approximately $18M. Consideration for the acquisition will comprise Milton
shares which are expected to be issued on an ex-dividend basis by the 31 August 2017.
This financial report was authorised for issue in accordance with a resolution of directors on 3 August
2017. The directors have the power to amend and reissue the financial statements.
41
26.
Holdings at Fair Value through Other Comprehensive Income at 30 June 2017
The following holdings are valued at fair value through Other Comprehensive Income.
2017
Market value
$’000
2016
Market value
$’000
Investments in equity instruments
Adelaide Brighton Limited
AGL Energy Limited
ALS Limited
Amcor Limited
AMP Limited
A.P. Eagers Limited
APA Group
ARB Corporation Limited
Argo Investments Limited
ASX Limited
AUB Group Limited
Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Limited
- ordinary shares
- convertible preference shares
- capital notes 2
Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited
Auswide Bank Limited
Automotive Holdings Group Limited
Aveo Group
Bank of Queensland Limited
Bendigo & Adelaide Bank Limited
BHP Billiton Limited
BKI Investment Company Limited
Blackmores Limited
Boral Limited
Bradken Limited
Brambles Limited
Brickworks Limited
BT Investment Management Limited
BWP Trust
Caltex Australia Limited
Carlton Investments Limited
Carsales.Com Limited
Challenger Limited
Charter Hall Group
Charter Hall Long WALE REIT
CIMIC Group Limited
Coca-Cola Amatil Limited
Cochlear Limited
Commonwealth Bank of Australia
Cover-More Group Limited
CSL Limited
Diversified United Investment Limited
DuluxGroup Limited
EQT Holdings Limited
Event Hospitality & Entertainment Limited
Finbar Group Limited
Fletcher Building Limited
Flight Centre Travel Group Limited
Goodman Group
GrainCorp Limited
Gresham Private Equity Co-Investment Fund
Growthpoint Properties Australia
Insurance Australia Group Limited
- ordinary shares
- convertible preference shares
42
15,966
68,796
45,292
21,422
11,009
48,765
18,393
14,313
7,561
29,430
13,572
96,776
-
203
-
2,229
11,311
2,386
83,655
63,264
84,668
1,983
35,175
14,190
-
13,953
44,605
7,495
4,720
10,431
11,238
11,462
5,069
6,859
3,853
30,732
13,535
5,254
257,535
-
81,741
-
11,487
8,867
13,516
2,226
6,113
3,075
10,163
3,431
18
1,265
39,645
-
15,239
51,656
31,587
18,207
10,945
69,589
18,534
14,682
7,265
25,121
10,552
81,276
1,960
185
7,050
2,203
11,943
4,750
77,371
54,813
67,829
1,934
48,222
10,365
827
17,742
46,448
4,150
5,766
5,997
11,317
11,334
1,122
-
-
28,287
12,069
4,098
231,287
2,591
66,433
1,167
10,461
8,231
13,381
2,309
6,554
1,841
7,881
3,127
21
-
30,603
305
26.
Holdings at Fair Value through Other Comprehensive Income at 30 June 2017
The following holdings are valued at fair value through Other Comprehensive Income.
2017
Market value
$’000
2016
Market value
$’000
IAG Finance(NZ) Limited Perpetual
- Reset Exchangeable Notes
Incitec Pivot Limited
InvoCare Limited
IOOF Holdings Limited
Janus Henderson Group PLC
Lendlease Group
Lindsay Australia Limited
Macquarie Group Limited
McMillan Shakespeare Limited
MyState Limited
National Australia Bank Limited
New Hope Corporation Limited
Orica Limited
Origin Energy Limited
Orora Limited
Perpetual Limited
Premier Investments Limited
QBE Insurance Group Limited
Qube Holdings Limited
Ramsay Health Care Limited
Reece Limited
Regis Healthcare Limited
Rio Tinto Limited
Santos Limited
Scentre Group
Schaffer Corporation Limited
Select Harvests Limited
Seven Group Holdings Limited
- TELYS4 preference shares
Sims Metal Management Limited
Sonic Healthcare Limited
Stockland Group
Suncorp Group Limited
Sydney Airport
Tank Stream Ventures
Tatts Group Limited
Telstra Corporation Limited
TPG Telecom Limited
Transurban Group
Treasury Wine Estates Limited
UGL Limited
Vicinity Centres
Washington H. Soul Pattinson & Company Limited
Wesfarmers Limited
Westfield Corporation
Westpac Banking Corporation
Woodside Petroleum Limited
Woolworths Limited
WorleyParsons Limited
43
-
5,492
28,678
16,821
4,839
11,697
4,816
57,790
8,436
2,158
140,786
1,974
3,916
4,817
3,130
68,831
7,479
30,920
15,239
13,968
8,993
6,194
36,925
5,101
7,288
483
793
525
6,867
15,123
13,819
49,117
18,502
266
4,846
64,376
23,193
41,629
15,714
-
16,585
152,941
113,762
6,914
318,869
27,804
74,167
2,750
2,763,980
1,200
4,784
25,635
10,177
-
5,853
5,599
44,795
6,509
1,838
120,992
1,832
2,330
4,038
3,021
55,894
8,417
27,310
11,953
13,332
7,923
4,203
26,555
7,811
8,853
352
1,091
392
5,727
13,456
13,108
39,003
18,111
89
8,839
83,240
44,405
42,121
11,021
3,120
21,425
155,969
113,705
9,170
307,266
23,642
60,664
3,061
2,568,458
26.
Holdings at Fair Value through Other Comprehensive Income at 30 June 2017
The following holdings are valued at fair value through Other Comprehensive Income.
Other liquid securities
APT Pipelines Limited
Bank of Queensland Limited
- convertible preference shares
Colonial Group
- subordinated notes
2017
Market value
$’000
2016
Market value
$’000
1,029
5,180
-
6,209
1,016
5,170
1,013
7,199
44
DIRECTORS’ DECLARATION
1. In the opinion of the directors of Milton Corporation Limited:
(a) the consolidated financial statements and notes that are set out on pages 19 to 44 and the Remuneration
report, that is set out on pages 14 to 17 in the Directors’ report are in accordance with the Corporations
Act 2001, including:
(i) giving a true view of the consolidated entity’s financial position as at 30 June 2017 and of its
performance for the financial year ended on that date;
(ii) complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations
2001;
(iii) complying with International Accounting Standards as issued by the International Accounting
Standards Board as described in Note 22a to the financial statements; and
(b) there are reasonable grounds to believe that Milton Corporation Limited will be able to pay its debts as
and when they become due and payable.
2. The directors have been given the declarations required by Section 295A of the Corporations Act 2001
from the chief executive officer and chief financial officer for the financial year ended 30 June 2017.
Signed in accordance with a resolution of the directors.
R. D. MILLNER
Chairman
Sydney, 3 August 2017
45
Independent Auditor’s Report
to the Members of Milton Corporation Limited
A.B.N. 18 000 041 421
REPORT ON THE FINANCIAL REPORT
We have audited the accompanying financial report of Milton Corporation Limited and its
controlled entities (“the consolidated entity”), which comprises the consolidated statement of
financial position as at 30 June 2017, the consolidated income statement, the consolidated
statement of comprehensive income, the consolidated statement of changes in equity and the
consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended, notes comprising a summary of
significant accounting policies and other explanatory information and the directors’
declaration.
Opinion
In our opinion
a) the financial report of Milton Corporation Limited and its controlled entities is in
accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including:
i. giving a true and fair view of the consolidated entity’s financial position as at 30 June
2017 and of its performance for the year ended on that date; and
ii. complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations
2001.
b) the financial report also complies with International Financial Reporting Standards as
disclosed in Note 22 Basis of preparation.
Basis of Opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Those standards
require that we comply with relevant ethical requirements relating to audit engagements and
plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial report is free
from material misstatement. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described
in the Auditor’s Responsibility section of our report. We are independent of the consolidated
entity in accordance with 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.
An independent New South Wales Partnership. ABN 17 795 780 962.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
46
Key Audit Matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most
significance in our audit of the financial report of the current year. We have communicated
the key audit matters to the Audit Committee, but they are not a comprehensive reflection of
all matters that were identified by our audit and that were discussed with the Committee.
These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial report as a whole,
and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these
matters.
Key audit matter
How our audit addressed the matter
Ownership and accurate recording of investments in equity instruments and related
movement in reserves
Refer to Note 2(d): Deferred tax liabilities, Note 7 Investments in equity instruments
and Note 13 Reserves
At 30 June 2017, the consolidated entity’s
balance sheet includes investments in
equity instruments of $2,763,980,000, an
asset revaluation reserve of $794,453,000
and a deferred tax liability recognised in
relation thereto of $348,680,000.
Listed investments are valued continuously
at fair value, which is determined by the
unadjusted last-sale price quoted on the
Australian Securities Exchange. Changes in
fair value of equity instruments are
recognised in other comprehensive income
through the asset revaluation reserve after
deducting a provision for the potential
deferred capital gains tax liability, as
investments are long term holdings of
equity instruments.
Given the significance of the balances, the
key audit matter for us was whether the
consolidated entity has accurately recorded
the above balances and the movement in
the past 12 months and has ownership of
the investments at year end.
Our procedures included, amongst others:
§ We documented our understanding of
management’s processes and related
key controls.
§ We performed testing of key controls to
ensure that appropriate review and
analysis by management is performed
regularly.
§ We confirmed the proper recording and
ownership of a sample of investments
and transactions during the year by
agreeing the SRN/HIN numbers to share
registry holding statements online and to
the books and records of the
consolidated entity.
§ We analysed and tested the movement
of investments in relation to purchases
and disposals.
§ We tested management’s calculation of
the revaluation of investments and the
corresponding deferred income tax effect
during the year.
47
Other information
The Directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the
information in the consolidated entity’s annual report for the year ended 30 June 2017, but
does not include the financial report and the auditor’s report thereon.
Our opinion on the financial report does not cover the other information and we do not
express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
In connection with our audit of the financial report, our responsibility is to read the other
information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially consistent
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, 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.
Directors’ Responsibility for the Financial Report
The Directors of Milton Corporation Limited are responsible for the preparation and fair
presentation 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 controls
as the Directors determine are necessary to enable the preparation of the financial report that
is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial report, the Directors are responsible for assessing the consolidated
entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to
going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Directors either
intend to liquidate the consolidated entity or to cease operations, or have no realistic
alternative but to do so.
Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Report
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial report based on our audit. 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 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 Australian Auditing Standards, we exercise
professional judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and
disclosures in the financial report.
The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgement, including the assessment of the
risks of material misstatement of the financial report, whether due to fraud or error. In making
those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the Company’s
preparation of the financial report that gives a true and fair view 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 Company’s internal control.
48
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 controls.
An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the
reasonableness of accounting estimates made by the Directors, as well as evaluating the
overall presentation of the financial report.
We 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 consolidated entity’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 consolidated entity to cease to continue as a going
concern.
We 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.
We obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the
entities or business activities within the consolidated entity to express an opinion on the
financial report. We are responsible for the direction, supervision and performance of the
consolidated entity 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.
The Auditing Standards require that we comply with relevant ethical requirements relating to
audit engagements. 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 with the Directors, we determine those matters that were of
most significance in the audit of the consolidated financial report of the current period and are
therefore 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.
49
REPORT ON THE REMUNERATION REPORT
Opinion on the Remuneration Report
We have audited the Remuneration Report included in pages 14 to 17 of the Directors’ Report
for the year ended 30 June 2017. In our opinion, the Remuneration Report of Milton
Corporation Limited for the year ended 30 June 2017, complies with section 300A of the
Corporations Act 2001.
Responsibilities
The Directors of Milton Corporation Limited 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.
M A Alexander
Partner
3 August 2017
Sydney
Pitcher Partners
50
DIRECTORY
DIRECTORS
MANAGEMENT
R. D. MILLNER - Chairman
F.G. GOOCH - Managing director
D.N. SENEVIRATNE - CFO, Secretary
J. F. CHURCH
G.L. CRAMPTON
K.J. ELEY
F. G. GOOCH - Managing director
J.E. JARVINEN
I. A. POLLARD
REGISTERED OFFICE & PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS
LEVEL 4, 50 PITT STREET
SYDNEY NSW 2000
PHONE: (02) 8006 5357
FAX: (02) 9251 7033
EMAIL: general@milton.com.au
WEBSITE: www.milton.com.au
AUDITORS
PITCHER PARTNERS
LEVEL 22, MLC CENTRE
19 MARTIN PLACE
SYDNEY NSW 2000
WEBSITE: www.pitcher.com.au
SHARE REGISTRY
LINK MARKET SERVICES LIMITED
LOCKED BAG A14
SYDNEY SOUTH NSW 1235
PHONE: (02) 8280 7111
FAX: (02) 9261 8489
TOLL FREE: 1800 641 024
EMAIL: milton@linkmarketservices.com.au
WEBSITE: www.linkmarketservices.com.au
51
TOP 20 SHAREHOLDERS AS AT 30 JUNE 2017
ASX INFORMATION
NAME
Washington H Soul Pattinson & Company Limited
Higlett Pty Ltd
Argo Investments Limited
Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited
Griffinna Pty Ltd
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