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Navigator Global Investment

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FY2019 Annual Report · Navigator Global Investment
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Navigator Global Investments Limited   
ASX Appendix 4E

(ASX:NGI) 

For the year ended 30 June 2019 

Results for announcement to the market 
(all comparisons to the year ended 30 June 2018) 

Amounts in USD’000 

30 June 2019 

Revenue from ordinary activities 

Up 

28%  To 

114,867 

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and impairment 

Up 

10% 

to 

37,652 

Profit from ordinary activities after tax attributable to members 

Up 

306%1

to 

26,843 

Net profit for the period attributable to members 

Up 

306%1

to 

26,843 

1     Reflects the impact of the US Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, (‘HR1’) that was passed into law on 22 December 2017.  One of the key 

provisions of HR1 was to reduce the US Federal tax rate from 35% to 21% from 1 January 2018.  The application of this change in tax 
rate resulted in a reduction in the carrying value of the Group’s deferred tax assets by $35.5 million during the year ended 30 June 2018, 
with a corresponding increase to income tax expense in the income statement for this amount during the same period. 

Dividends 

Final 2018 dividend per share (paid 31 August 2018) 

Interim 2019 dividend per share (paid 8 March 2019) 

The directors have determined an unfranked final dividend of United States (US) 9.0 cents 
per share (with 100% conduit foreign income credits).  The dividend dates are: 

Amount per ordinary 
share 

Franked 
% 

USD 9.0 cents 

USD 8.0 cents 

0% 

0% 

Conduit 
foreign 
income % 

100% 

100% 

Ex-dividend date:    
Record date:   
Payment date: 

14 August 2019 
15 August 2019 
30 August 2019 

NGI dividends are determined in US dollars. However, shareholders will receive their dividend in Australian dollars. Currency conversion will 
be based on the closing foreign exchange rate on the record date of 15 August 2019.  

Dividend Policy 

The Company has set a policy of paying a dividend of 70% to 80% of the earnings before interest, depreciation, amortisation, impairment 
expense and tax (EBITDA). Dividends will by unfranked, however may have conduit foreign income credits attached. 

The payment of dividends will be subject to corporate, legal and regulatory considerations. 

The above policy allows the NGI Group to retain a portion of cash generated from operating activities, and to therefore have funds available 
to make additional investments into the Lighthouse Funds where such investments further the overall operating interests of the Group, or to 
act on external investment and/or acquisition opportunities as and when they may arise.  

A dividend reinvestment plan does not operate in respect to dividends of the Company. 

Net tangible assets 

Per ordinary share 

30 June 2019 

30 June 2018 

USD 40.63 cents 

USD 35.79 cents 

Additional Appendix 4E requirements can be found in the Directors’ Report and the 30 June 2019 Financial Report and accompanying notes. 

This report is based on the 30 June 2019 Financial Report (which includes consolidated financial statements audited by Ernst & Young). 

Navigator Global Investments Limited 
and its controlled entities 

ACN 101 585 737 

Annual Report 
30 June 2019 

Annual Report 2018 | From the Chairman 

1 

Navigator Global Investments Limited 
ACN 101 585 737 

Principal Office 

Level 9, 39 Sherwood Road 
Toowong   QLD   4066 

+61 7 3218 6200

www.navigatorglobal.com.au 

Registered Office 

Level 21 
10 Eagle Street 
Brisbane   QLD   4000 

Shareholder information and inquiries 

All inquiries and correspondence regarding shareholdings should be directed 
to the share registry provider: 

Link Market Services Limited 

Level 12 
680 George Street 
Sydney   NSW   2000 
Locked Bag A14 
Sydney South   NSW   1235 

1300 554 474 

+61 2 8280 7111

www.linkmarketservices.com.au

Table of contents 

5 

6 

2019 Snapshot 

From the Chairman & CEO 

12  Operating & financial review 

22  Directors’ report 

38 

Lead auditor’s independence declaration 

39  Financial statements 

82  Directors’ declaration 

83 

Independent auditor’s report 

89  Shareholder information 

Unless otherwise indicated, the numbers in this financial report have been presented in 

US Dollars (USD) 

Innovative Investment Solutions 

A different approach 

A passion to be better 

2019 Snapshot 

t
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$US 14.2 bn 

↓ 15% 

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7
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FY17

FY18

FY19

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$US 105.4 m 

↑ 40% 

2
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1
7

5
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5
7

$US 37.7 m 

↑ 10% 

17.0 US cents 

↑ 6% 

FY17

FY18

FY19

7
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7
3

2
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4
3

8
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9
2

FY17

FY18

FY19

0
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6
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FY17

FY18

FY19

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T

Annual Report 2019 | 2019 Snapshot 

5 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
From the Chairman 
& CEO 

From the 
Chairman 
& CEO 

This past year has seen big changes for the Navigator Global Investments Limited Group (‘the Group’), and with change, there are 
always opportunities and challenges. 

The financial year started with a peak in our assets under management (‘AUM’) of $16.7 billion, the result of an excellent year of  
asset raising by the Lighthouse team in the 2018 financial year as well as the transition of $5.4 billion of client relationships from the 
Mesirow Advanced Strategies (‘MAS’) transaction, which is discussed further below. 

As discussed during last year’s results presentation, we did not expect to maintain that peak of AUM in this financial year.  We took 
pains to point out that it was unlikely that we would retain all of the assets which transitioned.  This proved to be true, and unfortunately 
was further compounded by some very difficult global markets during the December 2018 quarter which we believe prompted 
redemptions to occur faster than anticipated. 

Despite the reduction in AUM from the peak over the past 12 months, we encourage our shareholders to take a broader focus than just 
that headline number.  We have definitely experienced some positives over the year as well, not least of which is delivering a record 
FY19 EBITDA of $37.7 million. 

We remain focused on executing on both our investment and business strategy.  As an asset management firm with more than 20 years 
of experience, we know that underlying the short-term fluctuations in markets are long term business and credit cycles.  It takes 
discipline to stay true to your process and not be distracted by noise.  We also know that remaining keenly focused on creating value for 
our clients will be the way we continue to build a successful, long-term business. 

Acquisition of client relationships from Mesirow Advanced Strategies 

In early March 2018, the Group entered into an agreement to acquire substantially all of the client assets of MAS, the multi-manager 
hedge fund division of Mesirow Financial (‘Mesirow’).  The transaction closed on 1 July 2018 with the transition of $5.4 billion of assets 
under management to Lighthouse on that date. 

Twelve months on from transition date, we continue to manage 58% of the AUM transitioned, or $3.1 billion.  The transaction was 
negotiated and closed in a relatively short timeframe, and as such we appreciated that there would be some uncertainty as to the exact 
number of clients and assets that we would retain post-transition.  Redemption activity for the MAS business had picked up prior to the 
transaction, and we anticipated that this would continue post-transaction before stabilising.  However, it is fair to say the size and speed 
of redemption activity was more than we expected. 

While the transaction was successful from an AUM perspective, as a board we are focused on more than just the headline AUM.  We 
remain satisfied that the MAS transaction has been and will continue to be positive for the Group.  The transaction has been accretive to 
EBITDA in the first 12 months, and we expect this to continue as the client relationships settle and we scale the ongoing operating costs 
relevant to the remaining clients accordingly.  The earnout calculation for the first 12 months ending 30 June 2019 has not been formally 
agreed with the vendor as at the date of this report.  However, the Group estimates that any earnout amount payable for this period will 
be nominal or nil. 

The terms of the transaction were unusual, whereby any purchase consideration that may be paid in the future will be determined under 
earnout payment terms over seven years, calculated as an agreed percentage of EBITDA generated by the transitioned assets above a 
floor amount below which no payment would be made.  We believe this structure has ensured that the Group has both protection from 
the risks associated with the post-transition redemption activity, and ensured we are compensated for the considerable time and effort 
involved in an asset transition of this scale. 

We anticipate a stabilisation of MAS customised clients over the next 12 months. This view is based on the best information currently 
available to us.  As always, we caution that it is difficult to predict future outcomes, so our expectations may prove to be better or worse 
based on actual future events. 

7 

Annual Report 2019 | From the Chairman & CEO 

From the 
Chairman 
& CEO 

Corporate governance 

Strong governance and a culture which values ethics and integrity are a key priority for the Navigator board. 

Our core values 

As a business, we are very aware that people are the heart of everything we do. 

That’s why our core values are centered around how we want employees to behave with our clients, our managers and with each other.   
These values have been the guiding force within our Lighthouse business since the beginning, and the Navigator board formally adopted 
these values in May 2019 to ensure that we articulate them externally as well as internally: 

Ethics & Integrity 

Do the right thing at all times 
and in all circumstances, 
whether or not anyone is 
watching

Teamwork 

Work together and use all of the 
resources of the firm to make 
decisions that will maximise 
value

Professionalism 

Treat all people (internally and 
externally) with respect and 
dignity 

Client Loyalty 

Do more than is expected by the 
client

Continuous Improvement 
& Excellence 

All employees are responsible for 
proactively achieving regular, 
incremental improvements

Corporate responsibility and sustainability 

Going hand-in-hand with our core values and focus on people is how our organisation meets its broader responsibilities as a global corporate 
citizen.  A key objective for the 2020 financial year will be publishing a Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility Report to set out how our 
Group currently meets our environmental, social and governance responsibilities.  Even more importantly, we will outline the projects and 
initiatives we will be implementing in the short and medium term to make a positive impact on the planet, on our people and on the local 
societies our business forms a part of. 

Board composition 

We consider that the stability in the membership of our board over the past 5 years has been important to the efficient functioning of the Group.  
While our board is relatively small with only five directors, given the singular focus of our strategy and operations on alternative investment 
management, and the diverse global locations of the various directors, we believe that a board of this size is the right fit for the Navigator Group. 

While stability is valuable, change is also a positive force.  During the 2020 financial year the board has approved a key objective to appoint a 
female director in a positive step to achieving gender diversity at a board level. 

8 

Annual Report 2019 | From the Chairman & CEO 

 
From the 
Chairman 
& CEO 

Major initiatives 

Aside from our day to day investment management activities for our clients, we’ve also focused on several key 
projects and initiatives during the year: 

Integration of MAS assets into existing operations 

Our goal with our new clients from MAS is to integrate them into our existing processes and systems at 
Lighthouse.  This has been a large undertaking, and we estimated that this would take 12 to 18 months. 

Integration of the investment management teams and processes has occurred smoothly, and for the past 
six months we have been satisfied that the investment team is functioning as a cohesive unit, with the 
combined knowledge benefiting all of our clients. 

We continue to make progress on the migration of the historical MAS data, and the adaption of consistent 
client reporting formats and procedures.  This has been a complicated undertaking as MAS operated on a 
different technology backbone.  As such, we have moved cautiously particularly in relation to the data 
migration to ensure clients receive the same, if not higher, level of service.   

Overall, we have been pleased with the level of integration achieved over the past 12 months, and 
acknowledge the contribution of the team to the integration process whilst continuing to meet their on-
going responsibilities to clients. 

Continued investment in the platform 

A key initiative which we have launched in earnest towards the end of this financial year is the development of 
additional tools for our manager platform.  Our goal is to replace a number of existing off-the-shelf products 
with more customised tools for use by our portfolio managers that provides improved scalability, workflow 
transparency and better information security than our existing arrangements.  

The creation of the proprietary platform requires the use of specialist consultants as well as dedicated internal 
information technology staff.  We have expensed $1.5 million on consultants during the 2019 financial year, 
and expect a similar level of spend in the coming financial year to see the system completed. 

Whilst this is a big investment of time and resources for our business, we see this as the next evolution in our 
systems technology to give us a competitive edge. 

Platform services business 

We have continued to develop our presence as a potential provider in the Platform Services space.  This 
represents an evolution of our current service model to offer our existing managed account platform to 
clients for their customised use. 

We believe the competitive advantage of our platform is that it has been developed with our proprietary 
knowledge of managing multi-manager hedge fund portfolios for more than 20 years.  We have built it and 
continually evolved it for our own use. 

We believe the functionality of the platform, with powerful reporting tools which assists investment 
analysis and risk management needs, can make a tangible difference to an investor’s investment process 
when combined with the experience and expertise we have developed over these last two decades. 

We are pleased with progress made to date with this new business line, with a dedicated team having 
completed a significant amount of prospecting activity as they refine how we position and price our 
service. 

9 

Annual Report 2019 | From the Chairman & CEO 

 
From the 
Chairman 
& CEO 

Investment performance 

The investment performance of our strategies was most definitely a year of two halves.  

The significant volatility and market dislocation experienced in the December 2018 quarter led to negative investment results 
across our portfolios, particularly in the global long/short space, although not nearly as bad as experienced in the markets. 

Investment performance saw improvement in the second half of the financial year. Our hedge fund strategies broadly performed  
well throughout the half, generating positive returns in upwardly trending markets, while protecting capital in periods of market stress like 
experienced in May 2019. 

Current global markets present some very interesting challenges.  Institutional investors appear to be wrestling with the two, seemingly 
contradictory, paths that the equity and fixed income markets are taking.  Fixed income markets appear to indicate fears of a global economic 
slowdown, while equity markets reach for all time highs.  If Central Bankers are successful in promoting economic growth, bond market duration, 
let alone the trillions in negative yielding assets, will prove problematic.  If they are unsuccessful or only modestly successful, equity investors 
may find valuations troublesome.  In this odd, late cycle environment, we hold that diversification outside of traditional asset classes makes 
sense. 

Our approach remains consistent: we seek to invest in differentiated strategies by partnering with specialised investment talent.  We are focused 
on terms and structures that create alignment with our investors’ goals and allow for flexibility to both find new and interesting opportunities and 
to manage risk in times of crisis.  We believe hedge funds that are focused on idiosyncratic returns with discipline around hedging and liquidity 
are well positioned to serve investors ably over the intermediate to long term. 

Global distribution 

We continue to see opportunities for new and increased mandates across the globe, and particularly pleasing was a large mandate win in 
February 2019 from the Middle East.  We maintain our focus on global distribution opportunities, and continue to work on building new 
relationships, while deepening existing ones.  In the shorter term, we continue to see good opportunities in Asia, particularly Japan and the 
Middle East as our most promising markets. 

FY19 operating performance 

The Operating and Financial Review on pages 12 to 21 sets out detailed information on the Group’s activities for the 2019 financial year.  We 
take this opportunity to highlight a few key points: 







The investment management operating activities of the Group earned a record EBITDA of $37.7 million for the 2019 financial year, up
10% on 2018.  Management fee revenue growth came primarily from the Customised Solutions business.

Operating expenses (after the offset of revenue from the provision of office space and services and excluding reimbursement of fund
operating expenses) were higher by $19.4 million compared to 2018.  This reflects the significant increase in scale to our operations
across all major expense areas from the 1 July transition of MAS client relationships, as well as costs relating specifically to MAS
transition activities.

The largest component of this relates to employee costs, and reflects the fact that we have grown our staff numbers to 139 people as
at 30 June 2019.  We have also continued to spend to make ongoing enhancements to investment processes and technology
platforms across the business.

5 year historical performance 

The Board considers EBITDA to be the most relevant measure of the Company’s overall financial performance.  Given the nature of our 
operations, and taking into account timing differences arising from trade receivables and payables, EBTIDA is largely consistent with the cash 
flows generated by operating activities.  EBITDA for 2019 grew 10% on the prior year, and the Board is pleased that Navigator has also 
delivered an increase in the dividend paid to shareholders: 

2015 

2016 

2017 

2018 

2019 

EBITDA (USD 000’s) 

Cash flows from operating activities (USD 000’s) 

Dividends per share for the financial year (US cents) 

Dividend amount for the financial year (USD 000’s) 

Dividend payout as a % of EBITDA 

28,8392 

28,193 

10.5 

16,847 

58% 

29,4901 

30,125 

12.0 

19,752 

67% 

29,848 

30,088 

14.0 

22,648 

76% 

34,212 

32,921 

16.0 

26,058 

76% 

37,652 

22,565 

17.0 

27,335 

73% 

Closing share price (dollars) 

AUD 2.07 

AUD 2.29 

AUD 2.40 

AUD 5.34 

AUD 3.94 

Change in share price (dollars) 

↑ AUD 1.02 

↑ AUD 0.22 

↑ AUD 0.11 

↑ AUD 2.94 

↓ AUD 1.40 

1  Underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation from continuing operations.   
2  Underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation from continuing operations, adjusted for the loss on settlement and conversion of convertible notes.  

10 

Annual Report 2019 | From the Chairman & CEO 

 
From the 
Chairman 
& CEO 

Dividends 

The Directors have determined an 
unfranked dividend of 9.0 cents per share 
(with 100% conduit foreign income 
credits) payable 30 August 2019.  Added 
to the interim dividend of 8.0 cents per 
share, this brings the total for the year to 
17.0 US cents per share, which is a 6% 
increase on the prior year. 

The FY2019 combined interim and final 
dividends equates to a payout ratio of 
73% of EBITDA. 

The Directors are satisfied that the current 
capital management policy of paying a 
dividend of between 70-80% of EBITDA 
continues to strike the right balance 
between rewarding shareholders and 
ensuring the Group can retains sufficient 
resources to take advantage of any 
growth opportunities which may arise. 

Outlook 

5

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0

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0

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8

0

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6

0

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9

0

.

7

0

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9

0

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8

Final

Interim

FY15

FY16

FY17

FY18

FY19

As always at Navigator, we see the best way forward is to keep an unwavering focus – which is to deliver on our investment objectives for 
clients and to maintain a high quality of service.  It also means to continue to find ways to enhance our processes, systems and products so that 
we differentiate ourselves from our competitors.  

We will continue to promote our managed account platform, as we believe it provides a better model for investing in hedge funds.  Our 
approach, infrastructure, and risk management system together provide us a structural advantage that is rare in the alternative asset 
management sector. This belief has allowed us to build differentiated alternative asset portfolios with exclusive exposure, and it spurs our 
evolution. 

We believe hedge funds, and more specifically portfolios focused on alpha-oriented managers with limited market and factor exposures, prove 
their worth across a range of potential market outcomes. Our focus is to improve the efficiency by which our portfolios seek their objectives by 
proactively finding the best mix of talent globally; improving access to research, data, and analysis; and reducing overall costs. We are focused 
on those objectives across the firm and believe our managed account platform and risk analytics provides an excellent toolkit to achieve them. 

We see many trends which indicate that markets are likely to continue to be unpredictable in the short term, but in our view, it is better to pay 
more attention to broader phenomena such as business and credit cycles rather than headlines.  While the timing and scale of those cycles can 
prove difficult to predict, they are indeed a regular part of the investment landscape, and keeping to our asset allocation risk discipline is the best 
way to navigate our way through. 

We would like to extend the Board’s appreciation to all of our employees across the Group for their efforts over the past year.  As a business 
centered around meeting our client’s investment needs, we appreciate the contributions that they make individually and collectively to providing 
our clients with the best possible levels of investment expertise and service.  The Lighthouse name continues to represent a reputation for 
quality and integrity in the marketplace.   

Michael Shepherd 
Chairman  

Sean McGould 
Chief Executive Officer 

11 

Annual Report 2019 | From the Chairman & CEO 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
From the 
Chairman 
& CEO 

Operating &  
financial review 

Operating & 
financial 
review 

We deliver innovative investment solutions centred around 
alternative investments to a range of clients around the world 

Navigator Global Investments Limited (‘NGI’) is the ultimate parent entity of Lighthouse Investment Partners, LLC (‘Lighthouse’). 

Lighthouse is a global investment management firm which offers hedge fund solutions to investors who are looking to diversify their asset 
mix and realise growth with a lower correlation to traditional equity and fixed income allocations. 

Lighthouse believes the most effective way to achieve diversification from traditional markets is through exposure to intelligently designed 
and actively managed portfolios of hedge fund strategies.  Lighthouse’s overall objective is to create and deliver innovative investment 
solutions that compound investor capital. 

As at 30 June 2019, Lighthouse is managing $14.2 billion of assets. 

Lighthouse has an investor base that spans North America, Europe, the Asia-Pacific and the Middle East.  It includes high net worth 
individuals, family offices, endowments, foundations, trusts, investment banks, benefit plans, pension funds, healthcare and insurance 
companies. 

As a global business with a global client base, Lighthouse has offices in New York, Chicago, Palm Beach Gardens, London, Hong Kong 
and Tokyo.   

US$14.2 bn
Total AUM 

23+
Year track record 

139
Total employees 

42
Investment professionals 

1000+
Investors worldwide 

13 

Annual Report 2019 | Operating & financial review 

The global asset management industry is a highly competitive space.  Our focus is on the alternatives sector, and 
more specifically multi-manager hedge funds solutions. 

Operating & 
financial 
review 

Our purpose is to protect and grow our investors’ assets, and we seek to achieve this through diversification from traditional 
markets with exposure to intelligently and actively managed portfolios of hedge fund strategies. 

Our success depends on three key factors 

M
U
A

We earn revenue from managing 
assets on behalf of our clients 
(which we refer to as "Assets Under 
Management" or "AUM"). 

We seek to attract and retain AUM 
by offering quality investment 
products and services, and 
delivering competitive performance 
and features.   

Our ability to do this can also be 
impacted by external factors such 
as global markets and investor 
sentiment. 

s
e

t

a
r

e
e
F

The revenue we earn on our AUM 
depends on the management and 
performance fees we are entitled to 
charge for our services. 

Our commingled investment 
products pay us management and 
performance fees based on 
disclosed rates, whilst our 
institutional clients can negotiate 
fees with us. 

We operate in a highly competitive 
market, and there is pressure from 
investors to negotiate lower fee 
rates across the global investment 
management industry. 

l

e
p
o
e
P

Our success relies on attracting and 
retaining talented employees. 

It is our employees who use their 
skills and knowledge to enable us to 
provide quality investment products 
and services, to innovate to meet 
changing investor needs and to 
respond to compliance 
requirements in what is a highly 
regulated industry.   

To attract, motivate and retain 
quality employees NGI needs to 
offer competitive compensation and 
incentive packages. 

Assets under management 

Commingled funds 

Customised solutions 

Lighthouse manages a number of multi-strategy and strategy-
focused funds.  The funds utilise Lighthouse's proprietary 
managed accounts which own and control the assets and 
liabilities, and authorise external fund managers to trade the 
assets within certain guidelines. 

The two largest strategies for the commingled funds are: 





Diversified – which is a multi-strategy, absolute return 
strategy with low correlation and beta to traditional 
markets.

Global Long/Short – which is a global long/short equity 
fund seeking equity-like returns with lower volatility than 
traditional global equity investments.

Lighthouse managed accounts program 

Customised solutions offers investors who are able to commit to a 
significant investment size the ability to access the benefits of the 
managed account structure in their own customised portfolio.  

Lighthouse is able to work closely with large strategic investors to 
customise their alternative investment exposure and meet specific 
needs across middle office, risk monitoring and investment 
advisory services.  Investors can choose some or all of the 
available services depending on their own requirements, and fees 
are structured accordingly. 

Lighthouse has a number of sizeable strategic clients, and 
believes that customised client solutions will represent a significant 
area of growth in the future. 

Both our commingled funds and customised solutions clients utilise our proprietary managed accounts program.  Entrepreneurial and 
innovative, Lighthouse has since its inception employed proprietary managed accounts. We believe this has allowed us to build truly 
differentiated alternative asset portfolios with idiosyncratic exposures, and it spurs our continuing evolution. 

Lighthouse invests in portfolios of actively managed hedge funds that seek to diversify traditional market exposures. Our objective is to create 
and deliver innovative investment solutions that safely compound investor capital. 

Each managed account is typically owned by at least one Lighthouse fund and is managed by a Lighthouse entity. Hedge fund managers are 
authorised by Lighthouse to trade the assets within each managed account in accordance with defined investment guidelines and parameters. 

Lighthouse investors can place their assets in commingled funds or in customised solutions. We typically structure all our hedge fund allocations 
within our proprietary managed account framework.

14 

Annual Report 2019 | Operating & financial review 

 
 
 
 
As at 30 June 2019 the Group had AUM of $14.2 billion.  Whilst our goal is to integrate the MAS client relationships  
acquired into our existing operations, for this transitional year we have provided a breakdown of our AUM across Commingled 
Funds and Customised Solutions clients for both the legacy Lighthouse assets and the MAS assets: 

Operating & 
financial 
review 

From a Lighthouse perspective, the Lighthouse Customised 
Solutions funds saw growth from net inflows of $350 million for the 
year, however the Lighthouse Commingled funds experienced net 
redemptions of $670 million.  The majority of these redemptions 
were from the Lighthouse Global Long/Short Funds.  As global 
equity markets have continued to advance higher, it has created 
challenging conditions for hedged equity approaches.  We have 
seen this type of market environment before and it is important that 
we continue to follow our stated investment process. 

Investment performance impact 

After a difficult first half of the financial year in terms of investment 
performance across the Group’s portfolios, investment returns 
improved in the second half, off-setting the $680 million reduction 
in AUM from performance in the first half to settle at a $50 million 
increase to AUM for the full year. 

.

Our opening AUM as at 1 July 2018 of $16.7 billion was a 
milestone for the Group.  It reflected both an excellent year of 
asset raising by the Lighthouse business over the previous 
financial year, as well as the significant boost of transitioning $5.4 
billion of client relationships from MAS.  

With our expectation that we would not retain all of the transitioned 
assets, the $2.5 billion reduction to AUM over the 12 months to  
30 June 2019 should be viewed with this in mind.  

Net fund flows for the year 

The driver for the reduction in AUM for the year was net outflows, 
with a higher than normal level of outflows experienced across 
both Lighthouse and MAS, resulting in a combined $2.6 billion of 
net outflows.  Given the significant volatility of markets across the 
year, and in particular the impacts this had on investment returns 
in the December 2018 quarter, it is not unexpected that we would 
see redemptions for the year higher than our historical levels. 

The majority of the decrease in AUM was driven by anticipated 
redemptions from the transitioned MAS relationships, which totaled 
$2.3 billion across the year. The size of redemptions was 
approximately $1.1 billion for both Commingled funds and 
Customised Solutions client.  As a result, 12 months after the 
transition of the assets we continue to manage a little under half of 
the AUM from the MAS Commingled funds, and two thirds of the 
MAS Customised Client AUM.  We anticipate a stabilisation of 
MAS customised clients over the next 12 months.  This view is 
based on the best information currently available to us, but as 
always may prove to be better or worse based on actual future 
events. 

15 

Annual Report 2019 | Operating & financial review 

Fee rates 

People 

Operating & 
financial 
review 

Employees by department 

The Group has 139 employees across the following functional 
divisions as at 30 June 2019 (2018: 90): 

t
n
e
m

t
r
a
p
e
d
y
b
s
e
e
y
o
p
m
E

l

Investment

Distribution

Operations

42

30

24

Legal & Compliance

16

HR & Administration

8

Technology

15

Corporate

4

With the acquisition of the MAS client relationships on 1 July 2018, 
the Group also welcomed 56 former MAS staff on that date.  
These staff were employed across all functional divisions of 
Lighthouse, although the highest increases to staff numbers were 
to Investments, Distributions and Operations.   

There was also an increase in staff numbers in the Technology 
division to ensure that there are sufficient resources to manage the 
transition of historical MAS client data to Lighthouse systems, as 
well as to focus on other Lighthouse technology initiatives for the 
managed account platform and the development of a proprietary 
trading system. 

Fees are a key consideration for investors, and there is pressure to 
reduce fees across the broader asset management industry.  We 
engage with clients and potential clients to ensure that fees are 
structured to provide an alignment of interests. 

We have created share classes in our Commingled Funds which 
have a lower management fee rate and include a performance fee 
so as to provide more optionality for investors to select a fee 
structure which best suits their requirements. 

Fee arrangements for Customised Solutions clients are negotiated 
individually.  Whilst most arrangements involve only a 
management fee, some clients also have a performance fee 
component as part of their fee structure. 

Management fees 

The average management fee for the 2019 financial year was 
0.68% per annum (2018: 0.73% per annum). 

This management fee rate represents the blended net 
management fee rate across all AUM.  While there a number of 
factors which impact the average management fee rate across 
periods, a key driver is the change in the relative proportion of 
AUM invested in Customised Solutions versus Commingled funds. 
Customised Solutions generally have a lower management fee, so 
as the proportion of total AUM which is invested by Customised 
Solutions clients increases, there is a reduction in the average fee 
rate. 

a
p
%
e
e
f

t
n
e
m
e
g
a
n
a
m
e
g
a
r
e
v
A

1.00%

0.80%

0.60%

0.40%

0.20%

0.00%

0.80%

0.73%

0.68%

53%

60%

66%

FY17

FY18

FY19

a
s

a
%
o
f
T
o
t
a
l

A
U
M

C
u
s
t
o
m
i
s
e
d
S
o
u
t
i
o
n
s
A
U
M

l

70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%

In previous financial reports, the Group provided both: 





“gross” average fee rates which were calculated using gross 
management fee revenue without a reduction for fee rebates or 
distribution expense; and
“net” average fee rates, which were calculated on management fee
revenue less both fee rebates and distribution expense.

The Group has adopted a policy of recognising fee rebates directly against 
management fee revenue, and the above “average management fee” rates 
are calculated based on management fee revenue (net of fee rebates) 
without a reduction for distribution expense. 

Performance fees 

The difficult markets over the past year, particularly in the 
December 2018 quarter, have resulted in the Group earning 
performance fee income for the 2019 year of $1.1m, down $6.5m 
or 85% on the prior year.  

Performance fees are variable in nature, and it is difficult to 
forecast how much, if any, performance fee revenue will be earned 
by the Group in future periods. 

16 

Annual Report 2019 | Operating & financial review 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating & 
financial 
review 

Summary of the Navigator Group FY19 result 

EBITDA up 10% 

Management fee revenue 

Performance fee revenue 

Revenue from reimbursement of fund operating expenses 

Revenue from provision of office space and services 

Other income 

Total revenue 

Employee expense 

Professional and consulting expense 

Reimbursable fund operating expenses 

Occupancy expense 

Information and technology expense 

Distribution expense 

Other operating expenses1 

Total expenses1 

Result from operating activities1 

Net finance income, excluding interest 

Share of loss of equity accounted investee 

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and 
impairment losses (EBITDA) 

Net interest income 

Depreciation and amortisation 

Impairment losses 

Profit before income tax 

Income tax expense2 

Net profit / (loss) after income tax 

Basic EPS (cents per share) 

Consolidated US$’000 

2019 

105,392 

1,135 

6,319 

1,905 

116 

2018 

75,518 

7,680 

4,678 

1,694 

-

114,867 

89,570 

(48,573) 

(35,477) 

(6,800) 

(6,319) 

(3,959) 

(3,631) 

(3,401) 

(4,561) 

(3,567) 

(4,678) 

(3,067) 

(1,743) 

(3,413) 

(4,055) 

(77,244) 

(56,000) 

37,623 

29 

-

33,570 

1,020 

(378)

37,652 

34,212 

126 

(1,474) 

-

36,304 

(9,461) 

26,843 

16.55 

216 

(979)

(1,873)

31,576 

(44,632) 

(13,056) 

(8.05) 

% change 

40% 

(85%) 

35% 

12% 

100%

28%

(37%) 

(91%) 

(35%) 

(29%) 

(108%) 

0% 

(12%) 

(38%) 

12% 

(97%) 

100% 

10% 

(42%) 

(51%)

100%

15% 

79% 

306% 

306% 

1    Excludes net finance income / (costs) including interest, depreciation, amortisation, impairment losses and share of loss of equity accounted investee.  These 

items have been excluded so as to present the expenses and result arising from the Group’s core operating activities. 

2    For 30 June 2018, $35.5 million of the income tax expense relates to the restatement of the Group’s deferred tax assets due to the reduction in the US Federal 

income tax rate from 35% to 21%. Page 53 includes further information in relation to the income tax expense impact of this reduction. 

The above presentation of the Group’s results is a non-IFRS measure and is intended to show the Group’s performance before the impact of 
expense items such as depreciation, amortisation and impairment losses, and non-operating items such as net interest income. Net profit before 
and after income tax reconciles to the income statement on page 41.

17 

Annual Report 2019 | Operating & financial review 

Operating & 
financial 
review 

Revenue from provision of office space and services 

The Group provides office space and services to a number of 
external parties at its New York and London offices.  This revenue 
is a direct recharge of occupancy and professional fees incurred 
by the Group. 

Operating expenses 
Operating expenses increased by $21.2 million compared to the 
prior year, reflecting the significant increase in the scale of our 
business with the transition of the MAS client relationships. 

Employee expense 

There was a $13.1 million (37%) increase in employee expense for 
the Group as compared to the prior period.   

The key driver for the increase is the significant increase to Group 
headcount for the financial year: 





the addition of an average headcount of 50 staff for the year
for staff who commenced employment with the Group as part
of the transition of the MAS client relationships.

a further increase in average headcount of 8 employees for
the year to 94 staff (2018: 86).

The total bonus pool paid to staff is determined by reference to 
EBITDA earned and performance fee revenue earned. 

Professional & consulting fees 

The Group utilises a number of expert consultants across its 
business, in particular to provide specialist assistance and support 
in technology, legal, platform operations and investment process.  
Professional and consulting fees vary depending on the specific 
projects and operating needs in each period. 

Professional fees for the year are $6.8 million, a $3.2 million 
increase compared to the prior year.  Particular areas which 
contributed to the increased expense include: 







$0.9 million of consulting spend in relation to the integration of
MAS client relationships into Lighthouse operations which
transitioned from 1 July 2018;

$0.9 million of additional consulting spend in relation to risk
management systems and risk analysis.  A total of $1.6
million was incurred for the financial year for these projects;
and

$1.5 million spend in relation to development of a new
proprietary trading platform.

We expect an equivalent level of spending in relation to the risk 
management systems and proprietary trading platform to be 
incurred in the 2020 financial year. 

Occupancy expense 

The Group took occupancy of new office premises in New York in 
August 2017 and new office premises in Chicago in December 
2018, and this has been a key driver of the $0.9 million increase 
occupancy costs for the year. 

Revenue 

Management fee revenue 

Management fee revenue was $105.4 million for the year, an 
increase of 40% on the prior year.  

The key driver of the increase in management fees was the 
increase in average total AUM.  This was due to a combination of 
the $5.4 billion of MAS assets which transitioned on 1 July 2018 
($3.1 billion as at 30 June 2019), as well as the deferred effects of 
Lighthouse’s record 2018 financial year where they achieved $1.3 
billion of net inflows into Lighthouse products.  Both of these 
factors combined to result in a 51% increase in average AUM for 
the 2019 financial year as compared to the prior year. 

As foreshadowed in last year’s Annual Report, we have seen a 
decrease in the overall average management fee rate, which was 
0.68% per annum for this year (2018: 0.73% per annum).  A key 
driver for this is the continually increasing proportion of total AUM 
which represents Customised Solutions.  In addition, the lower rate 
also reflects the full year impact of the January 2018 restructure of 
arrangements with a long-term distribution partner which 
eliminated the distribution expense associated with this 
arrangement with the transfer of relevant assets to lower fee 
classes. 

Performance fee revenue 

The Group earns performance fees on selected Commingled 
Funds and Customised Solutions portfolios.  The fees represent an 
agreed share of investment outperformance of a fund or portfolio 
over a defined benchmark and/or high watermark and may be 
subject to hurdles. 

Performance fee revenue for the year was $1.1 million, a decrease 
of $6.5 million on the previous financial year.  The reduction in 
performance fees is consistent with the lower investment 
performance achieved this year across the portfolios.  In addition, 
high watermarks for fees function so that a new performance fee is 
only earned in a fund’s NAV per share exceeds its previous high 
point.  Given the extent of the negative performance in the 
December 2018 quarter, most funds which may earn performance 
fees have not reached the previous high watermark NAV per share 
as at 30 June 2019. 

Approximately 62% of the performance fees have been earned 
from Commingled Funds.  Share classes have been introduced to 
some Commingled Funds which have a fee structure that has a 
lower management fee, but allows Lighthouse to earn a 
performance fee. 

Revenue from reimbursement of fund operating expenses 

The Group has applied AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with 
Customers from 1 July 2018.  The major change arising from this 
application is how the reimbursement for certain fund operating 
expenses is accounted for. 

The Group is entitled to reimbursement for fund expenses that it 
has paid on behalf of the funds.  While the funds generally pay 
their own operating expenses directly, there are some expenses, 
such as financial data services, software and technology 
expenses, where it is more practical for the Group to incur and pay 
the expense and then be reimbursed by the relevant fund(s). 

The reimbursement is recognised as revenue, and there is a 
corresponding off-setting expense.  As the revenue and expense 
directly off-set, there is no net impact on EBITDA or net profit after 
tax. 

Revenue from reimbursement of fund operating expenses and 
reimbursable fund operating expenses incurred for the year were 
both $6.3 million (2018: $4.7 million). 

18 

Annual Report 2019 | Operating & financial review 

 
Operating & 
financial 
review 

Information and technology expenses 

There has been a $1.9 million or 108% increase in information and 
technology expenses.   

$1.4 million of the increase relates to additional technology 
expenses incurred for the transition of MAS data, systems and 
staff.  Whilst most of these costs are a transition expense, a 
portion will be on-going. 

Managing our information technology needs, particularly in relation 
to the escalation of cyber threats, is a growing cost of the 
business.  A portion of the remaining $0.5 million of the increase 
relates to changes for upgrading of datacentre services and other 
improvements to technology for cyber security and business 
continuity arrangements. 

Distribution expense 

Distribution expense relates to third party distribution 
arrangements, whereby ongoing payments are made to third 
parties in relation to clients they have introduced and who continue 
to be invested in Group portfolios.  Distribution expense does not 
include rebates on management fees paid to clients, as these are 
off-set directly against management fee revenue. 

The distribution expense for this financial year was $3.4 million 
(2018: $3.4 million).  While the amount of the expense was 
unchanged from the prior year, it represents 3.2% of revenue, as 
compared to 4.5% in the prior year.  This reduction is largely due 
to: 





the reduction in Commingled fund AUM over the year; and

the full year impact of the restructure of arrangements with a
third-party distribution partner which occurred in January
2018.  Under the restructure distribution payments ceased in
relation to relevant investor assets which were reallocated to
different share classes within the Commingled Funds with a
lower management fee.

Income tax expense 

The Group recognises an accounting tax expense in its income 
statement at an effective tax rate of 26.1% (2018: 29.0%). The 
effective tax rate reflects a combination of the United States 
federal tax rate of 21%, individual United States state-based taxes, 
as well as the effect of other permanent and temporary tax 
adjustments. 

The Group has significant tax losses available to off-set its tax 
liabilities, and hence there is no tax payable in relation to this 
accounting tax expense other than in relation to some relatively 
nominal United States state-based taxes. 

For 30 June 2018, $35.5 million of the income tax expense relates 
to the restatement of the Group’s deferred tax assets due to the 
reduction in the US Federal income tax rate from 35% to 21%. 
Page 53 includes further information in relation to the income tax 
expense impact of this reduction in the prior year. 

19 

Annual Report 2019 | Operating & financial review 

Financial position remains solid 

Assets 

Cash 

Receivables 

Investments 

Intangible assets 

Recognised deferred tax assets 

Liabilities 

Net tangible assets per share 

Operating & 
financial 
review 

Consolidated US$’000 

2019 

2018 

29,029 

19,423 

17,953 

95,656 

52,584 

6,738 

40.63 

38,212 

14,628 

16,459 

95,078 

61,878 

16,271 

35.79 

Sources and uses of cash 

Investments 

The Group primarily used cash generated from operating activities 
during the year to 30 June 2019 to pay dividends to shareholders: 

The Group holds two key types of investments: investment in 
Lighthouse funds and investment in external entities.  











+ $22.6 million generated from operating activities

-  $27.5 million paid to shareholders as dividends

-  $1.6 million net paid for investments in unquoted securities

of entities managed by Lighthouse

-  $1.5 million paid for leasehold improvements and

acquisition of equipment

-  $1.1 million paid for transaction costs associated

with the MAS transaction

During the year ended 30 June 2019 the Group changed the 
bonus cycle for US employees from being determined on a 
calendar year basis to being determined on a financial year basis.  
To effect the change, employees received an additional bonus 
payment in June 2019 in relation to their performance for the 6 
months ended on that date.  This contributed to the reduction in 
cash generated in operating activities for the year, as it includes 18 
months’ worth of bonus payments. 

Receivables 

Receivables relates mainly to management and performance fees 
which payment has not yet been received as at 30 June 2019.  
The increase in this balance compared to the prior year is mainly 
due to the higher AUM managed by the Group as at 30 June 2019 
compared to the prior year balance date. 





The Group may hold investments in Lighthouse funds for a
number of reasons, such as to meet regulatory commitments,
to meet the contractual requirement of a customised client
mandate, or to seed a new product which will be offered to
external investors in the future. During the period, the Group’s
holdings in Lighthouse funds increased by $1.8 million to
$12.7 million.

The Group also invests in a number of external entities. The
investments are each relatively small and strategic in nature
and may provide interesting synergistic opportunities for
Lighthouse. The Directors consider that these investments
offer valuable insights into evolving market practices and
technologies within the financial services sector.  The
combined fair value of these investments as at 30 June 2019
is $5.3 million (30 June 2018: $5.6 million).

Intangible assets 

When the Company acquired Lighthouse in January 2008, it 
recognised $499.5 million of goodwill in relation to the transaction.  
An impairment loss of $405.7 million was recognised against the 
goodwill balance in the 2009 financial year.  The Company has 
continued to carry a written-down goodwill balance of $93.8 million 
since that time. 

20 

Annual Report 2019 | Operating & financial review 

Operating & 
financial 
review 

MAS Transaction 

The Group acquired the rights to manage $5.4 billion of assets on 
behalf of clients from MAS on 1 July 2018.  As substantially all of 
the fair value of the assets acquired in the transaction related to 
the intangible client relationships, the transaction has been 
accounted for as an asset acquisition. 

  Consideration payable for the transaction is contingent on 

agreed earnout calculations over seven years.   

- 

- 

The earnout calculation for the first 12 months ending 30 
June 2019 has not been agreed with the vendor as at 
the date of the date of this report.  However, the Group 
estimates that any earnout amount payable for this 
period will be nominal or nil. 

There is inherent uncertainty in being able to reasonably 
estimate the contingent consideration, however, based 
on the earnout calculation for the first year and our 
assessment of the likelihood of potential earnout 
payments over the remaining six years, the Group has 
not recognised any liability for future contingent 
consideration as at 30 June 2019. 

Intangible client relationships of $1.1 million were recognised 
in the statement of financial position on 1 July 2018. The 
written down value of these assets at 30 June 2019 was $0.9 
million.  

The client relationships will be amortised on a straight-line 
basis over 7 years. 

 

 

Deferred tax assets 

The Group’s balance sheet includes a deferred tax asset of $52.6 
million which is comprised of carried forward tax losses and 
deductible temporary differences relating to the US tax 
consolidated group. 

$62.6 million of deferred tax assets relating to carried forward tax 
losses and deductible temporary differences of the Australian 
tax consolidated group remain unrecognised on the balance sheet 
as the Australian corporate entity is not expected to utilise 
these assets in the foreseeable future. 

It is not expected that the Group will be in a tax payable position 
for a number of years other than in relation to some relatively 
nominal US state-based taxes.  

Liabilities 

The Group’s liabilities as at 30 June 2019 comprise trade and 
other payables, and provisions for employee benefits.  The Group 
does not have any loans or borrowings as at reporting date. 

The Group’s provision for short-term incentives has decreased 
$11.2 million since 30 June 2018 due to a change in the timing of 
the bonus payment from a calendar year ending 31 December to a 
financial year ending 30 June. 

On 27 July 2018 the Group entered into a $15 million line of credit 
arrangement.  The facility has been put in place to provide the 
Group with access to funding if considered necessary.  This 
arrangement is undrawn as at 30 June 2019. 

21 

Annual Report 2019 | Operating & financial review 

 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ report 

Directors’ 
report 

The Directors present their report together with the financial statements  
of the Group comprising Navigator Global Investments Limited  
(‘Navigator’ or ‘the Company’) and its subsidiaries for the year ended  
30 June 2019 and the auditor’s report thereon. 

The Directors of the Company at  
any time during or since the end of  
the financial year are: 

Michael Shepherd, AO 

Fernando (Andy) Esteban 

Chairman and Independent Non-
Executive Director 

Independent Non-Executive Director 

Appointed 16 December 2009 

Appointed 18 June 2008 

Chairman of the Remuneration and 
Nominations Committee 

Chairman of the Audit and Risk 
Committee 

Member of the Audit and Risk 
Committee 

Member of the Remuneration and 
Nominations Committee 

Michael has extensive experience in 
financial markets and the financial 
services industry having held a range of 
senior positions including Vice Chairman 
of ASX Limited, and directorships of 
several of ASX’s subsidiaries including 
Australian Clearing House Pty Ltd. 

Currently, Michael is Chairman of the 
Shepherd Foundation, an independent 
director of Investsmart Group Limited, and 
is an independent Compliance Committee 
Member for UBS Global Asset 
Management (Australia) Limited. Michael 
is also a Senior Fellow (SF Fin), Life 
Member and past President of the 
Financial Services Institute of Australasia 
and a Member of the Australian Institute of 
Company Directors. 

Andy holds a Bachelor of Business 
majoring in Accounting, is a CPA and a 
Member of the Australian Institute of 
Company Directors.  

He has over 35 years’ experience in the 
financial services industry, of which 21 
years were with Perpetual Trustees 
Australia Ltd. In 1999 he established FP 
Esteban and Associates, a private 
business specialising in implementing and 
monitoring risk management and 
compliance frameworks in the financial 
services industry.  

He has provided consulting services to a 
number of domestic and global 
organisations in Australia and South East 
Asia.  From July 2005 until June 2008 he 
was an independent director of Credit 
Suisse Asset Management (Australia) Ltd. 

23 

Annual Report 2019 | Directors’ Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ 
report 

Andrew Bluhm 

Randall Yanker 

Sean McGould 

Non-Executive Director 

Independent Non-Executive Director 

Executive Director and  
Chief Executive Officer 

Appointed 17 October 2012 

Appointed 14 October 2014 

Appointed 3 January 2008 

Member of the Audit and Risk 
Committee 

Member of the Remuneration and 
Nominations Committee 

Andrew is the founder and principal of 
Chicago-based DSC Advisors, LP (DSC), 
which is the investment manager of 
Delaware Street Capital Master Fund, 
LP.  Delaware Street Capital Master Fund, 
LP holds a substantial shareholding in 
NGI. 

DSC invests in a wide array of companies 
and industries seeking to identify and 
acquire undervalued securities and sell-
short overvalued securities.   

Prior to forming DSC, he was a founder 
and Principal of Walton Street Capital, 
LLC, and prior thereto worked as a Vice 
President at JMB Realty Corporation and 
as an Associate at Goldman Sachs. 

Randall has extensive experience in the 
investment management industry, and in 
particular hedge funds.  He co-founded 
Alternative Asset Managers, L.P. (‘AAM’) 
in 2004, which is a private investment firm 
with primary focus on making strategic 
investments in the asset management 
sector.   

Prior to AAM, Randall was responsible for 
establishing multi-billion dollar global 
alternative investment and hedge fund 
platforms as CEO of Lehman Brothers 
Alternative Investment Management, and 
before that as a Managing Director of 
Swiss Bank Corp.   

He is a graduate of Harvard College 
(1983) with a degree in Economics, and 
serves on the board and is a Trustee of 
The New School University, a Trustee of 
SEI Advisors’ Inner Circle Fund III, and 
Advisory Board member of HF2 Financial 
Management. 

Sean is the co-founder of Lighthouse and 
has served as its Chief Executive Officer, 
President and Co-Chief Investment Officer 
since inception.  

He supports the investment team in the 
manager search, selection and review 
process and is the Chairman of the 
Investment Committee. Sean has been 
overseeing all aspects of the portfolios 
since August 1996. 

For more than 20 years, Sean has been 
investing in various alternative investment 
strategies. Prior to founding Lighthouse, 
Sean was the director of the Outside 
Trader Investment Program at Trout 
Trading Management Company and was 
responsible for the allocation of the fund’s 
assets to external alternative asset 
strategies. Prior to Trout, Sean worked for 
Price Waterhouse and passed the 
Certified Public Accountant examination. 

24 

Annual Report 2019 | Directors’ Report 

Directors’ 
report 

Board and Committee meetings 

Corporate governance 

The agenda for meetings is prepared by the Company Secretary in 
consultation with the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and is 
set to ensure adequate coverage of strategic, operational, financial 
and governance matters.  

Board papers are circulated in advance of the meetings. Senior 
executives are invited to attend board meetings, however the 
directors may have closed sessions without executive involvement 
during meetings at their discretion. 

Board meetings 

The number of meetings of the Company’s board of directors 
during the year ended 30 June 2019, and the number of meetings 
attended by each director were: 

The Group recognises the value of good corporate 
governance.  The board believes that effective  
governance processes and procedures add to the  
performance of the Group and engenders the confidence 
of the investment community. 

The Company has adopted Listing Rule 4.10.3 which allows 
companies to publish their corporate governance statement on 
their website rather than in their annual report. The directors have 
reviewed the statement, and a copy of the statement, along with 
any related disclosures, is available at: 
http://www.navigatorglobal.com.au/site/about/corporate-
governance 

Held 

Attended 

Principal activities 

Michael Shepherd 

Fernando Esteban 

Andy Bluhm 

Randall Yanker 

Sean McGould 

9 

9 

9 

9 

9 

9 

9 

8 

8 

9 

Audit and Risk Committee meetings 

The principal activity of the Group during the course of the financial 
year was the provision of investment management products and 
services to investors globally through wholly-owned subsidiary 
Lighthouse Investment Partners, LLC. 

Operating and financial review 

Information on the operations and financial position of the Group 
and its business strategies and prospects is included in this annual 
financial report on pages 12 to 21. 

The number of meetings the Audit and Risk Committee held during 
the year ended 30 June 2019, and the number of meetings 
attended by each Committee Member were: 

Dividends 

The directors have determined an unfranked dividend of United 
States (US) 9.0 cents per share (with 100% conduit foreign income 
credits).  The dividend will be paid on 30 August 2019. 

The aggregate amount of the proposed dividend will be paid out of 
the balance of the parent entity profits reserve as at 30 June 2019. 

Declared and paid 
during the year 
ended 30 June 2019 

Cents 
per 
share 

Total 
amount 
US$’000 

Date of payment 

Final 2018 ordinary 

Interim 2019 ordinary 

9.0 

8.0 

14,710 

31 August 2018 

12,741 

8 March 2019 

Total amount 

27,451 

Together with the unfranked interim dividend of USD 8.0 cents per 
share paid to shareholders on 8 March 2019, the total dividend to 
be paid in relation to the financial year ended 30 June 2019 will be 
USD 17.0 cents per share. 

Michael Shepherd 

Fernando Esteban 

Andy Bluhm 

Held 

Attended 

3 

3 

3 

3 

3 

3 

Remuneration and Nominations Committee meetings 

The number of meetings the Remuneration and Nomination 
Committee held during the year ended 30 June 2019, and the 
number of meetings attended by each Committee Member were: 

Michael Shepherd 

Fernando Esteban 

Randall Yanker 

Held 

Attended 

3 

3 

3 

3 

3 

3 

Company secretary 

Ms Amber Stoney BCom (Hons) CA holds the position of company 
secretary. Amber has held this position for most of her tenure at 
NGI, specifically for the periods 15 March 2007 to 20 November 
2008, 18 July 2011 to 9 May 2016 and from 27 June 2016.  Amber 
also holds the position of Chief Financial Officer of NGI.  Prior to 
joining the Company in 2003, Amber was a senior manager at 
KPMG, specialising in the funds management industry. 

25 

Annual Report 2019 | Directors’ Report 

Directors’ 
report 

Significant changes in state of affairs 

In the opinion of the directors there were no significant changes in 
the state of affairs of the Group that occurred during the financial 
year not otherwise disclosed in this financial report.  

Likely developments and expected results 

Further information on likely developments in the operations of the 
Group and the expected results of operations have been included 
in this annual financial report on pages 12 to 21. 

Events subsequent to end of financial year 

There has not arisen in the interval between the end of the 
reporting period and the date of this report, any other item, 
transaction or event of a material nature, likely to affect 
significantly the operations of the Group, the results of those 
operations, or the state of affairs of the Group, in future financial 
years.  

Directors’ interests 

The relevant interest of each director in the shares 
issued by the Company at the date of this report is 
as follows: 

Director 

Michael 
Shepherd 

Fernando 
Esteban 

Andy 
Bluhm 

Ordinary 
shares 

125,000 

Notes 

125,000 shares are held 
indirectly by Tidala Pty Ltd 
as Trustee for the Shepherd 
Provident Fund 

27,000 

27,000 shares are held 
indirectly by FJE 
Superannuation Fund 

13,101,982 

13,101,982 shares are held 
indirectly by Delaware 
Street Capital Master Fund, 
LP (DSC). Mr Bluhm is the 
founder and principal of 
DSC Advisors, LP, which is 
the investment manager of 
DSC 

19,436,083 shares are held 
indirectly by SGM Holdings, 
LLC 

Sean 
McGould 

19,438,083 

26 

Annual Report 2019 | Directors’ Report 

Remuneration report (audited) 

Directors’ 
report 

This Remuneration 
Report for the 
Company and its 
controlled entities for 
the year ended  
30 June 2019 forms 
part of the Directors’ 
Report and is audited 
in accordance with 
section 300A of the 
Corporations Act 2001. 

Contents 

Overview of remuneration policy and structure 

Relationship between remuneration policy and company performance 

Variable compensation for the 2019 financial year 

Non-executive director remuneration 

Key management personnel remuneration disclosures 

28 

31 

32 

33 

34 

Reporting in United States dollars 

In this report the remuneration and benefits reported have been presented in US dollars 
(‘USD’). This is consistent with the functional and presentation currency of the Group.  
Where compensation for Australian-based employees is paid in Australian dollars, it is 
converted to USD for reporting purposes based on either specific transaction exchange 
rates, or the average exchange rate for the payment period as appropriate. The Australian 
dollar based compensation paid during the year ended 30 June 2019 was converted to 
USD at an average exchange rate of AUD/USD 0.7131 (2018: AUD/USD 0.7734). 

The Remuneration Report outlines the remuneration arrangements for the Group’s key management personnel. Key management personnel 
are those persons who, directly or indirectly, have authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Group. 

The key management personnel during the year ended 30 June 2019 were: 

Name 

Non-Executive Directors 

Michael Shepherd 

Chairman and Non-Executive Director  

Fernando Esteban 

Non-Executive Director 

Andy Bluhm 

Non-Executive Director 

Randall Yanker 

Non-Executive Director 

Executive Director 

Sean McGould 

Executives 

Group Chief Executive Officer and  
President & Co-Chief Investment Officer, Lighthouse Investment Partners, LLC 

Kelly Perkins 

Co-Chief Investment Officer, Lighthouse Investment Partners, LLC 

Scott Perkins 

Executive Managing Director, Lighthouse Investment Partners, LLC 

Rob Swan 

Chief Operating Officer, Lighthouse Investment Partners, LLC 

Amber Stoney 

Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary, Navigator Global Investments Limited 

Term  

Full year 

Full year 

Full year 

Full year 

Full year 

Full year 

Full year 

Full year 

Full year 

27 

Annual Report 2019 | Directors’ Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ 
report 

Remuneration report (audited) 

Overview of remuneration policy and approach 

The overall objectives of the Group’s remuneration policies are to: 









embed a culture that promotes the Group’s core values

support the business strategy of the Group by attracting, retaining and rewarding quality staff

encourage appropriate performance and results to uphold client and shareholder interests

properly reflect each individual’s duties and responsibilities

When setting the Group’s approach to remuneration, the Board keeps three key factors front-of-mind: 

Operations are based in the US 

Navigator is an Australian company listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, however the Group’s operations are predominantly based in the 
United States.  To be effective in attracting and retaining high quality staff, remuneration arrangements must therefore be aligned to the 
expectations of people who are employed in the United States alternative asset management industry. 

These remuneration arrangements may diverge from arrangements which would be considered industry practice within Australia.  The quantum 
and proportion of variable remuneration to total remuneration packages is one such area. 

Variable remuneration is a major component 

The remuneration arrangements in place for Lighthouse are structured around setting a relatively low fixed remuneration 
amount, and having the opportunity to earn variable remuneration as a major component of overall remuneration.  This is 
particularly true for our United States based senior management.  The Board believes this provides a dynamic basis to be 
able to adjust the Group’s total remuneration expense, and is also consistent with United States industry practice. 

This approach to remuneration has been in place at Lighthouse since prior to its acquisition in January 2008.  The Lighthouse 
senior executives have each earned a $250,000 base salary since that time, and this has not been increased in over 11 
years.  In addition, select Lighthouse senior executives have had bonus entitlements specified in their employment contracts 
since Lighthouse joined the Navigator Group, and these contractual arrangements remain in place (see page 35 for additional 
details). 

Simplicity 

A simple, direct metric for setting annual variable remuneration provides an incentive structure that is 
easily understandable to both staff and shareholders.  An increase in operating results therefore 
translates into both an increase in the available bonus pool for Lighthouse staff and a higher dividend 
payment for shareholders. 

This simplicity also extends to the Board exercising its discretion in setting the total amount of variable 
compensation, as well as the CEO being able to exercise discretion in allocating bonuses to individuals 
based on their performance and contribution.  Whilst individual results are important, we also encourage 
a culture which is able to reward effort, ethical behaviour and commitment outside of formulaic metrics. 

The Board is satisfied that the current arrangements are consistent with alternative asset management 
industry practice in the United States, and allow employees to focus on achieving results for clients, 
which is ultimately in the long-term interests of shareholders. 

During the financial year, the Remuneration and Nominations Committee engaged United States-based remuneration consultant, Focus 
Consulting Group, Inc (‘Focus’) to review the existing remuneration arrangements against industry practice in the United States.  Focus reported 
to the full Board in May 2019, with the key takeaway that, on the whole, the existing approach and methodology for variable compensation is in 
line with industry norms.  The engagement conducted by Focus was a benchmarking exercise, and did not include any remuneration 
recommendations in relation to any of the key management personnel of the Group. 

28 

Annual Report 2019 | Directors’ Report 

Directors’ 
report 

Remuneration report (audited) 

Remuneration structure 

The remuneration of staff across the Group, including our senior executives, is comprised of two key components: 

Fixed

Variable

Fixed 

Fixed remuneration is comprised of: 

  base salary; and 

  employer contributions to superannuation and retirement plans 

and health care benefits. 

Fixed remuneration is generally determined by reference to 
benchmark information where available, and having regard to 
responsibilities, performance, qualifications and experience.   

For senior Lighthouse employees, fixed remuneration is also 
determined in accordance with the general principle that fixed 
remuneration is the smaller component of their overall 
compensation package.  As such, these employees receive a base 
salary of $250,000, and this has remained unchanged for over 11 
years. 

Fixed remuneration is reviewed at least annually, or on promotion, 
to ensure that it is competitive and reasonable. There are no 
guaranteed increases to the fixed remuneration amount. 

The amount of fixed remuneration is not dependent on the 
satisfaction of a performance condition, or the performance of the 
Group or business unit, the Company's share price, or dividends 
paid by the Company. 

Variable 

Variable remuneration is comprised of participation in a cash bonus 
pool.  

While the Group does not currently have any equity compensation 
arrangements in place, should these be enacted, variable 
remuneration would also include participation in such arrangements 
for select employees. 

The existing variable remuneration arrangements are short-term in 
nature, and are designed to motivate staff to create value for both: 

  our clients, thorough investment returns and a high level of 

client service; and 

 

the Company's shareholders 

The performance of individual staff members, including senior 
executives, is conducted at least annually, after which the award of 
variable remuneration is considered.   

The Board: 

  approves the overall size of the variable remuneration pool, 

  approves an award to the CEO, 

 

confirms any contractual obligations regarding variable 
remuneration have been complied with; and  

  delegates authority to the CEO to exercise his discretion to 

make variable remuneration allocations to individual staff. 

For the 2019 financial year, the proportion of fixed remuneration as compared to performance linked remuneration across the Group was as 
follows: 

Fixed Remuneration

 Variable Remuneration

Chief Executive Officer

22%

Chief Financial Officer

       Other executive key
management personnel

All other staff

19%

91%

78%

81%

9%

59%

41%

Further detail regarding the methodology for determining the 2019 financial year variable remuneration pool is contained on page 32. 

29 

Annual Report 2019 | Directors’ Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ 
report 

Remuneration report (audited) 

Long term incentive arrangements 

The Group does not currently have any equity incentive schemes or 
other long-term incentive arrangements in place. 

At the November 2018 Annual General Meeting, shareholders 
voted to approve the grant of up to 540,000 performance rights to 
CEO, Sean McGould on the terms and conditions as set out in the 
Notice of Meeting.  At the request of Mr McGould, the formal grant 
of those performance rights has been deferred, and as such as at 
30 June 2019 there are no performance rights on issue. 

The Board acknowledges that an equity incentive scheme is a 
common component of corporate remuneration structures, and is 
giving further consideration to the implementation of equity 
incentive arrangements for senior employees. 

Other benefits 

Lighthouse employees are entitled to additional benefits that may 
include educational assistance, adoption assistance and health 
care benefits.  

Lighthouse employees are also able to make investments into 
Lighthouse managed funds without incurring a management fee.  
There is no incremental cost incurred by the Group in providing fee-
free investment management services via the Lighthouse funds to 
employees.  Having employees invest their own assets into 
Lighthouse managed funds is viewed positively by clients and 
potential clients as it demonstrates an alignment of interest between 
the Lighthouse employee and future investment results for clients.  
Nil fee arrangements for employees is common practice in the 
United States asset management industry. 

30 

Annual Report 2019 | Directors’ Report 

Directors’ 
report 

Remuneration report (audited) 

Relationship between remuneration policy and company performance 

In implementing the remuneration policy and structure, the Board has had regard to what it considers to be the key measure 
of the profitability of the Company:  

EBITDA - earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation, and impairment losses from continuing operations. 

As an asset management business, the Group’s EBITDA is largely consistent with the cash flow which it generates from its operating activities, 
and which is available to pay dividends to shareholders.  It is for this reason that NGI’s dividend policy has been set as a pay-out ratio based on 
EBITDA. 

The following table shows how cash bonuses paid to key management personnel compares to EBITDA and cash flows from operating activities 
over the past 5 years: 

EBITDA 

Cash flows from operating activities 

Dividends paid during the financial year 

Closing share price (AUD dollars) 

Change in share price (AUD dollars) 

Key management personnel: 

Bonus 

Bonus as a % of EBITDA 

Bonus as a % of dividends paid during the financial year 

1  Underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation from continuing operations. 

US$’000 

2019 

2018 

2017 

2016 

2015 

37,652 

22,5653 

27,451 

3.94 

(1.40) 

4,6714 

12% 

17% 

34,212 

32,921 

24,390 

5.34 

2.94 

29,848 

30,088 

21,023 

2.40 

0.11 

29,4901 

28,8392 

30,125 

17,222 

2.29 

0.22 

28,193 

15,965 

2.07 

1.02 

3,967 

3,293 

3,858 

3,185 

12% 

16% 

11% 

16% 

13% 

22% 

11% 

20% 

2  Underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation from continuing operations, adjusted for the loss on settlement and conversion of convertible notes. 

3  Reflects the change in US employee bonus cycle from calendar years to financial years (see page 32). 

4  Includes cash bonus amounts for the 12 months to 31 December 2018 and 6 months to 30 June 2019 for Sean McGould and Scott Perkins (see page 34 for additional detail).  

Distribution of revenue between shareholders and employees: 

The following charts shows how total revenue recognised in 2019 and 2018 has been distributed between shareholders (as dividends), 
employee remuneration, other operating expenses and capital management: 

2019 

Capital 
Management
9%

2018 

Capital 
Management
10%

Employee 
remuneration
39%

Dividend
24%

$114.9m 

Dividend
27%

$89.6m

Employee 
remuneration
38%

Other operating 
expenses
28%

Other operating 
expenses
25%

31 

Annual Report 2019 | Directors’ Report 

Directors’ 
report 

Remuneration report (audited) 

Variable compensation for the 2019 financial year 

The Board has established a simple, direct methodology for balancing how we reward staff and deliver value to shareholders 
through company financial performance. The two metrics which are used to create annual variable remuneration pools are: 

Lighthouse general pool 

Company performance metric 

Basis of variable remuneration 

Lighthouse EBITDA 
(excluding performance fees, before bonuses 
and adjusted for other specified items) 

30% allocated to Lighthouse general 
bonus pool 

Lighthouse incentive fee pool 

Performance fees 

50% allocated to Lighthouse incentive fee 

bonus pool 

The Board retains the discretion to vary the final amounts approved after calculation based on the above pools, to ensure that they can also factor 
in extenuating circumstances, such as exceptional results in asset raising or investment results, or a negative change in macro-economic 
conditions. 

During 2019, this discretion was exercised in two ways: 





as part of the total remuneration arrangements for the new staff who transitioned with the MAS client relationships.  As part of the transaction
negotiations, it was agreed that for the first 12 months Lighthouse would honour the previous remuneration arrangements provided to these
staff by Mesirow Financial Services, Inc.

to reward key staff who had undertaken additional responsibilities and workload as part of the integration of MAS clients and processes into
Lighthouse operations.

Change in timing of bonus cycle 

Since its acquisition in 2008, the Lighthouse bonus cycle has been based on calendar years, and accordingly bonuses were generally paid in 
December of each year. 

With the significant increase in staff from MAS, it was determined that it would be appropriate to have the bonus cycle coincide with 12 months of 
operations under the new combined business structure, and accordingly the annual bonus cycle is now based on financial years. 

To effect the change, bonuses for Lighthouse staff have been determined and paid for the six months to 30 June 2019.  On a go-forward basis, 
Lighthouse bonuses will be paid in June of each year.  This change does not impact the bonus expense recognised in the income statement. 

Lighthouse general pool 

Incentive fee pool 

All Lighthouse staff are eligible to participate in the Lighthouse 
general bonus pool, the amount of which is calculated as 30% of 

Senior members of the Lighthouse investment team are  
eligible to participate in a bonus pool determined as 50% of 

Lighthouse’s EBITDA (before the bonus pools and excluding 
performance fee revenue and adjusted for other specified items). 

performance fee revenue earned by the Lighthouse business from 
its Commingled Funds and Customised Solutions portfolios. 

Allocation of the Lighthouse general bonus pool to staff (other
than as noted below) is determined by the CEO in accordance
with remuneration structure and guidelines established by the
Remuneration and Nominations Committee.

This pool is allocated at the discretion of the CEO based on his 
assessment of the contribution of each eligible staff member to the 
creation of the performance fee revenue.  These staff members 
may still also receive an allocation from the general bonus pool. 

No individual bonus can be greater than 10% of the 
Lighthouse general bonus pool without board approval.

Corporate bonus pool 

A bonus for the CEO is determined and approved by the board
based on an assessment of his performance.  This bonus
amount forms part of the overall Lighthouse general bonus
pool.

In accordance with their service agreements, Kelly Perkins
and Rob Swan are entitled to semi-annual compensation
calculated as 1.25% and 1.00% respectively of the gross

revenue of Lighthouse. This is paid on a semi-annual basis,
and forms part of the Lighthouse general bonus pool.

A discretionary bonus pool of $50,000 has been allocated for staff 
who directly contribute to the operation of the listed parent 
company, namely staff involved in finance and company secretarial 
functions in Australia.  The Remuneration and Nominations 
Committee recommends a bonus amount for the Chief Financial 
Officer, which is allocated from the Corporate bonus pool. 

Annual Report 2019 | Directors’ Report 









32 

Directors’ 
report 

At the November 2018 Annual General Meeting, share-       
holders voted to approve the grant of up to 540,000      
performance rights to CEO, Sean McGould on the terms and 
conditions as set out in the Notice of Meeting.  At the request of 
Mr McGould, the formal grant of those performance rights has 
been deferred, and as such as at 30 June 2019 there are no 
performance rights on issue. 

Non-executive director remuneration 

Non-executive directors may receive director fees.  The 
Company’s policy is to remunerate non-executive directors at 
market rates for comparable companies having regard to the time 
commitments and responsibilities assumed. The aggregate of non-
executive director fees is capped at a maximum of $750,000 per 
annum (including superannuation), as approved by shareholders 
at the AGM held on 20 November 2014. 

Fees paid to non-executive directors are USD, and for the 2019 
financial year were as follows: 

Chairman 

Non-executive directors 

USD 150,000 per annum 
(plus superannuation) 

USD   80,000 per annum
(plus superannuation) 

Actual remuneration for non-executive directors for the financial 
year ended 30 June 2019 was $331,850 (2018: $331,850).   

A Bluhm has elected not to receive remuneration from the 
Company for his role as a non-executive director. 

Non-executive directors’ fees cover all main board activities and 
membership of any committee. Executive and non-executive 
directors may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses properly 
incurred in their role as a director. Non-executive directors are not 
entitled to participate in executive remuneration schemes, may not 
receive performance-linked equity or bonus payments, and are not 
provided with retirement benefits other than statutory 
superannuation entitlements.  Non-executive directors are not 
entitled to any benefits or payments on retirement from office. 

Change in non-executive directors’ fees from 1 July 2019 

Directors’ fees have remained unchanged since 2014.  Following a 
review of publicly available information on non-executive director 
fees for ASX listed entities, the board (with the relevant director 
abstaining) approved the following fees be applicable from 1 July 
2019: 

Chairman 

Non-executive directors 

USD 170,000 per annum 
(plus superannuation) 

USD 100,000 per annum
(plus superannuation) 

Remuneration report (audited) 

CEO remuneration arrangements 

Mr McGould performs two key roles for the Group.  He is both: 





Chief Executive Officer of the Group; and

Co-Chief Investment Officer of Lighthouse.

The Board considers that Mr McGould’s remuneration needs to 
encompass both of these roles, and that it should also be 
structured so that it is consistent with remuneration principles 
which operate in the United States alternative asset management 
industry.  In particular, this means that Mr McGould’s remuneration 
is substantially weighted towards variable remuneration. 

Mr McGould has a base salary of $250,000, which has remained 
unchanged since the Company acquired the Lighthouse business 
in 2008.  Mr McGould is also entitled to receive health care 
benefits and retirement benefits. 

The Board has not set specific key performance indicators (KPIs) 
for the CEO.  Instead, the Board awards Mr McGould a 
discretionary bonus amount, taking into account the following 
factors: 









investment results achieved for clients;

achievement of board-approved budgets and targets, strategic
goals, capital and business restructuring and development of
new business opportunities;

growth in AUM, through both net investment flows and
investment performance of Lighthouse portfolios; and

Group financial results and dividends paid to shareholders.

Given Mr McGould’s low base salary, his variable remuneration is 
not capped as a % of base salary, as is commonly the case in 
Australia.  Instead, the CEO’s bonus is capped at a maximum of 
10% of the Lighthouse general bonus pool.  In practice, this means 
that Mr McGould’s variable remuneration is constrained by the 
profitability of the Group’s operating business unit.   

Mr McGould received a bonus of $850,000 in December 2018 to 
reward his performance for the 2018 calendar year, and a bonus of 
$225,000 for the six months to 30 June 2019.  His achievements 
during that 18 month period included: 







the negotiation and close of the MAS transaction which has
significantly increased Group AUM and EBITDA;

net flows of $720 million to the Lighthouse legacy products for
the 2018 calendar year; and

investment performance which delivered $6.4 million of
performance fee revenue.

Overall, the Board considers that Mr McGould’s       
efforts and performance continue to be outstanding in       
the face of challenging global market conditions, he continually 
demonstrates his commitment to creating value and wealth for our 
clients and shareholders, and he leads by example in providing a 
positive workplace environment for all of our staff.  He is further 
commended for delivering a record EBITDA of $37.7 million for the 
2019 financial year. 

33 

Annual Report 2019 | Directors’ Report 

Directors’ 
report 

Remuneration report (audited) 

Key management personnel remuneration disclosures 

Directors’ and executive officers’ remuneration 

The following remuneration was paid to key management personnel: 

Benefit Category 

Short-term 

Post-
employment 

Other long-
term 

Total 

Cash salary & 
fees 

Cash bonus 

Other1 

Pension &  
superannuation 

Long service 
leave 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

Non-Executive Directors 

Michael Shepherd  

Fernando Esteban 

Randall Yanker 

Executive Director 

Sean McGould1 

Executives 

Kelly Perkins 

Scott Perkins 

Rob Swan 

Amber Stoney 

Total 

2019 

2018 

2019 

2018 

2019 

2018 

2019 

2018 

2019 

2018 

2019 

2018 

2019 

2018 

2019 

2018 

2019 

2018 

150,000 

150,000 

80,000 

80,000 

80,000 

80,000 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

250,000 

250,000 

1,075,0002 

850,000 

250,000 

250,000 

250,000 

250,000 

250,000 

250,000 

204,109 

208,488 

1,225,000 

1,175,000 

1,475,0003 

1,000,000 

875,000 

920,000 

21,039 

22,173 

1,514,109 

4,671,039 

1,518,488 

3,967,173 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

20,557 

19,533 

20,557 

19,533 

20,557 

19,533 

20,557 

19,533 

-

-

82,228 

78,132 

14,250 

14,250 

7,600 

7,600 

- 

- 

25,800 

7,500 

- 

16,500 

16,800 

16,500 

16,800 

16,500 

14,715 

15,569 

95,965 

94,419 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

3,215 

3,616 

3,215 

3,616 

164,250 

164,250 

87,600 

87,600 

80,000 

80,000 

1,371,357 

1,127,033 

1,495,557 

1,461,033 

1,762,357 

1,286,033 

1,162,357 

1,206,033 

243,078 

249,846 

6,366,556 

5,661,828 

1  Other short-term fixed remuneration amounts relate to health care benefits paid on behalf of Lighthouse staff. 

2  Due to the change in bonus cycle to coincide with financial years rather than calendar years (refer page 32 for details), the Cash bonus amount for Sean 

McGould includes $850,000 paid for the 12 months to 31 December 2018 and $225,000 paid for the 6 months to 30 June 2019. 

3  Due to the change in bonus cycle to coincide with financial years rather than calendar years (refer page 32 for details), the Cash bonus amount for Scott Perkins 

includes $1,000,000 paid for the 12 months to 31 December 2018 and $475,000 paid for the 6 months to 30 June 2019. 

34 

Annual Report 2019 | Directors’ Report 

Directors’ 
report 

Remuneration report (audited) 

Analysis of cash bonuses included in remuneration 

Details of the vesting profile of the short-term incentive cash bonuses awarded as remuneration to key management personnel of the         
Group in the current reporting period are detailed below: 

Included in 
remuneration 

Proportion of 
remuneration which is 
performance based 

% Vested in year 

% Forfeited in year 

Sean McGould1 
Kelly Perkins2 
Scott Perkins3 
Rob Swan2 
Amber Stoney4 

$1,075,000 

$1,225,000 

$1,475,000 

$875,000 

$21,039 

78% 
82% 
84% 
75% 
9% 

100% 1 
100% 2 
100% 3 
100% 2 
100% 4 

0% 
0% 
0% 
0% 
0% 

1  Due to the change in bonus cycle to coincide with financial years rather than calendar years (refer page 32 for details), the Cash bonus amount for Sean 

McGould includes $850,000 paid for the 12 months to 31 December 2018 and $225,000 paid for the 6 months to 30 June 2019. 

2  As per their service agreements, Kelly Perkins and Rob Swan are entitled to semi-annual compensation calculated as 1.25% and 1.00% respectively of the 

gross revenue of Lighthouse Investment Partners, LLC. No amounts vest in future financial years in respect of the financial year ended 30 June 2019.  These 
arrangements have been in place since the acquisition of Lighthouse in 2008. 

3  Due to the change in bonus cycle to coincide with financial years rather than calendar years (refer page 32 for details), the Cash bonus amount for Scott Perkins 

includes $1,000,000 paid for the 12 months to 31 December 2018 and $475,000 paid for the 6 months to 30 June 2019. 

4  The short-term incentive plan for Amber Stoney is discretionary and no amounts vest in future financial years in respect of the financial year ended 30 June 

2019.  Per her revised remuneration arrangements effective from 1 July 2016, Ms Stoney’s short-term incentive cash bonus is capped at 10% of her combined 
annual base salary and superannuation. 

Contractual arrangements 

The Group has entered into service agreements with each 
member of key management personnel, excluding non-executive 
directors. These agreements specify the duties and obligations to 
be fulfilled. 

Refer to pages 33 and 34 for details regarding the appointment 
and remuneration of non-executive directors. 

Lighthouse senior executives 

Sean McGould, Scott Perkins, Kelly Perkins and Rob Swan 
entered into service agreements commencing on 7 March 2011. 
The agreements were for an initial term of four years and 
thereafter automatically extend for a one-year term unless either 
the Group or the employee gives not less than sixty days’ notice of 
their intention not to extend the agreement. 

The Group may terminate the agreement at any time for gross 
negligence or willful misconduct (‘Good Cause Termination’). In 
these circumstances there is no entitlement to a termination 
payment. 

The Group may terminate the agreement for any reason other than 
gross negligence or willful misconduct at any time by giving not 
less than sixty days’ notice.  

The employee may terminate the agreement at any time if the 
Group fails to comply in any material respect with the terms of the 
agreement, there is a material reduction in the compensation 
opportunities or there is a material and unconsented change to 
responsibilities. 

The employee may terminate the agreement and their employment 
at any time for any reason other than those noted above by giving 
not less than sixty days’ notice.  

After such termination other than for Good Cause Termination, a 
payment of $1,000,000 multiplied by the number of days since the 
fiscal year ending before termination divided by 365 will be made 
in lieu of any unpaid bonus. 

Sean McGould and Scott Perkins are entitled to participate in 
incentive plans, including equity-based plans. 

Kelly Perkins and Rob Swan, in addition to their base salary, are 
entitled to semi-annual compensation calculated as 1.25% and 
1.00% respectively of the gross revenue of Lighthouse Investment 
Partners, LLC for the relevant six-month period and are entitled to 
participate in equity-based plans.  

Navigator Global Investments senior executives 

Amber Stoney is engaged pursuant to an executive services 
agreement.  Ms Stoney’s working hours are 25 hours per week for 
a base salary of A$300,000 per annum inclusive of 
superannuation, and a cap to any short-term incentive bonus of 
10% of this amount. 

The Group may terminate Ms Stoney’s executive services 
agreement at any time, without notice for a number of reasons 
including bankruptcy, gross negligence or willful and serious 
misconduct.  In these circumstances there is no entitlement to a 
termination payment. Ms Stoney may terminate the agreement at 
any time by giving 6 months’ notice and the Group may terminate 
the agreement at any time by giving 6 months’ notice or payment 
in lieu.

35 

Annual Report 2019 | Directors’ Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ 
report 

Remuneration report (audited) 

Analysis of performance rights over equity instruments granted as remuneration 

As at 30 June 2019 and 30 June 2018 there were no outstanding performance rights granted to any key management person of the Group. 

At the November 2018 Annual General Meeting, shareholders voted to approve the grant of up to 540,000 performance rights to CEO, Sean 
McGould on the terms and conditions as set out in the Notice of Meeting.  At the request of Mr McGould, the formal grant of those performance 
rights has been deferred, and as such as at 30 June 2019 there are no performance rights on issue. 

Additional information 

Movement in shares 

The movement during the reporting period in the number of shares in the Company held, directly, indirectly or beneficially, by key management 
personnel, including their related parties, is as follows: 

Balance 
1 July 2018 

Purchases 

Sales 

Balance 
30 June 2019 

Directors 

Michael Shepherd1 

Fernando Esteban2 

Andy Bluhm3 

Sean McGould4 

Executives 

Scott Perkins 

Kelly Perkins 

Rob Swan 

Amber Stoney5 

125,000 

27,000 

26,101,982 

19,438,083 

2,936,512 

2,405,624 

2,936,512 

180,374 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(13,000,000) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

125,000 

27,000 

13,101,982 

19,438,083 

2,936,512 

2,405,624 

2,936,512 

180,374 

1 
2 
3 

4 
5 

125,000 shares are held indirectly by Tidala Pty Ltd as Trustee for the Shepherd Provident Fund. 
27,000 shares are held indirectly by FJE Superannuation Fund. 
13,101,982 shares are held indirectly by Delaware Street Capital Master Fund, LP (DSC). Mr Bluhm is the founder and principal of DSC Advisors, LP, which is 
the investment manager of DSC. 
19,436,083 shares are held indirectly by SGM Holdings, LLC. 
162,396 shares are held indirectly by AJ Stoney Family Trust. 

Other transaction with key management personnel 

There were no other transactions with key management personnel during the year. 

36 

Annual Report 2019 | Directors’ Report 

Indemnification and insurance 

Rounding of amounts 

Directors’ 
report 

In accordance with ASIC Corporations (Rounding in 
Financial/Directors’ Reports) Instrument 2016/191  
dated 24 March 2016, amounts in the financial report and 
directors’ report have been rounded off to the nearest  
thousand dollars, unless otherwise stated. 

This report is made in accordance with a resolution of directors: 

Michael Shepherd, AO 
Chairman  and Non-Executive Director 

F P (Andy) Esteban 
Non-Executive Director 

Sydney, 8 August 2019 

The Company has a Deed of Indemnity, Insurance and Access in 
place with each of the Directors (‘the Deeds’).  Pursuant to the 
Deeds, the Company indemnifies each Director to the extent 
permitted by law for losses and liabilities incurred by the Director 
as an officer of the Company or of a subsidiary.  This indemnity 
remains in force for a period of 7 years from the date the Director 
ceases to hold office as a director of the Company.  

In addition, the Company will advance reasonable costs incurred 
or expected to be incurred by the Director in defending relevant 
proceedings on terms determined by the Board.  No such 
advances were made during the financial year. 

During the year, the Group paid insurance premiums to insure the 
Directors and Officers of the Company. The terms of the contract 
prohibit the disclosure of the premiums paid. 

Auditor 

Ernst & Young is the auditor of the Group in accordance with 
section 327 of the Corporations Act 2001. 

Non-audit services 

There were no non-audit services provided by the entity’s auditors 
during the financial year. 

Details of remuneration paid to auditors is presented in Note 21 of 
the financial statements. 

Indemnification 

To the extent permitted by law, the Company has agreed to 
indemnify its auditors, Ernst & Young Australia, as part of the 
terms of its audit engagement agreement against claims by third 
parties arising from the audit (for an unspecified amount). 

No payment has been made to indemnify Ernst & Young Australia 
during or since the end of the financial year. 

Auditor’s independence declaration 

The lead auditor’s independence declaration as required under 
section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001 is set out on page 38 
and forms part of the directors’ report for the financial year ended 
30 June 2019. 

Environmental regulation 

The Group is not subject to any particular or significant 
environmental regulation under any Australian Commonwealth, 
State or Territory legislation. 

37 

Annual Report 2019 | Directors’ Report 

Ernst & Young 
111 Eagle Street 
Brisbane  QLD  4000 Australia 
GPO Box 7878 Brisbane  QLD  4001 

Tel: +61 7 3011 3333 
Fax: +61 7 3011 3100 
ey.com/au 

Auditor’s Independence Declaration to the Directors of Navigator Global 
Investments Limited 

As lead auditor for the audit of  Navigator Global Investments Limited for the financial year ended  30 
June 2019, I declare to the best of my knowledge and belief, there have been: 

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

relation to the audit; and

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

This declaration is in respect of Navigator Global Investments Limited and the entities it controlled during 
the financial year. 

Ernst & Young 

Rebecca Burrows 
Partner 
8 August 2019 

38 

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 

 
Financial statements 

Financial 
statements 

41 

42 

43 

44 

45 

Income statement 

Statement of comprehensive income 

Statement of financial position 

Statement of changes in equity 

Statement of cash flows 

46  Notes to the financial statements 

Results for the year 

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Operating segments
Revenue
Expenses
Finance income and costs
Cash
Income tax
Dividends
Earnings per share

Operating assets and 
liabilities 

9.
10.

Trade and other receivables
Investments recognised at fair
value

11. Plant and equipment
Intangible assets
12.
Trade and other payables
13.
14. Employee benefits

Capital and risk 

15. Capital management
16. Capital and reserves
17.

Financial risk management

Group structure 

Other disclosures 

Basis of preparation 

18. Group entities
19. Parent entity disclosures

20. Related parties
21. Auditors’ remuneration
22. Commitments
23. Contingent liabilities
24. Subsequent events

25. Corporate information
26. Statement of compliance
27. Basis of measurement
28.

Functional and presentation
currency

29. Other accounting policies

82 

Directors’ declaration 

83 

Independent auditor’s report 

40 

Annual Report 2019 | Financial Statements 

 
 
Income statement 

For the year ended 30 June 2019 

Management fee revenue 

Performance fee revenue 

Revenue from reimbursement of fund operating expenses 

Revenue from provision of office space and services 

Other income 

Total revenue 

Operating expenses 

Results from operating activities  

Finance income 

Finance costs 

Share of loss of equity accounted investee 

Impairment losses 

Profit before income tax 

Income tax expense 

Profit / (loss) for the period 

Attributable to equity holders of the parent 

Earnings per share 

Basic earnings per share 

Diluted earnings per share 

The accompanying notes form part of these consolidated financial statements 

Note 

2 

2 

2 

2 

2 

3(a) 

4(a) 

4(a) 

3(b) 

6 

8 

8 

Financial 
statements 

Consolidated US$’000 

2019 

105,392 

1,135 

6,319 

1,905 

116 

114,867 

(78,718) 

36,149 

347 

(192) 

- 

- 

36,304 

(9,461) 

26,843 

2018 
(Restated) 

75,518 

7,680 

4,678 

1,694 

- 

89,570 

(56,979) 

32,591 

1,306 

(70) 

(378) 

(1,873) 

31,576 

(44,632) 

(13,056) 

26,843 

(13,056) 

Consolidated US cents 

2019 

16.55 

16.55 

2018 

(8.05) 

(8.05) 

41 

Annual Report 2019 | Financial Statements 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial 
statements

Statement of comprehensive income 

For the year ended 30 June 2019 

Consolidated US$’000 

Note 

2019 

2018 

Profit / (loss) attributable to equity holders of the parent 

26,843 

(13,056) 

Other comprehensive income 

Other comprehensive income not to be reclassified to profit or loss in 
subsequent periods: 

Change in fair value of financial assets at fair value through other 
comprehensive income 

Income tax on financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive 
income 

Other comprehensive income for the year 

Total comprehensive income / (loss) for the year, net of tax 

4(b) 

4(b) 

(350) 

94 

(256) 

26,587 

633 

153 

786 

(12,270) 

Attributable to equity holders of the parent 

26,587 

(12,270) 

The accompanying notes form part of these consolidated financial statements 

42 

Annual Report 2019 | Financial Statements 

 
Statement of financial position 

As at 30 June 2019 

Assets 

Cash  

Trade and other receivables 

Current tax assets 

Total current assets 

Investments recognised at fair value 

Plant and equipment 

Deferred tax assets 

Intangible assets 

Other non-current assets 

Total non-current assets 

Total assets 

Liabilities 

Trade and other payables 

Employee benefits 

Current tax liabilities 

Total current liabilities 

Trade and other payables 

Employee benefits 

Total non-current liabilities 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

Equity 

Share capital 

Reserves 

Accumulated losses 

Total equity attributable to equity holders of the Company 

The accompanying notes form part of these consolidated financial statements 

Note 

5(a) 

9 

6(b) 

10 

11 

6(c) 

12 

13 

14 

6(b) 

13 

14 

16 

16(b) 

Financial 
statements

Consolidated US$’000 

2019 

2018 

29,029 

19,423 

- 

48,452 

17,953 

4,791 

52,584 

95,656 

1,422 

172,406 

220,858 

3,343 

600 

6 

3,949 

2,687 

102 

2,789 

6,738 

214,120 

257,355 

33,119 

(76,354) 

214,120 

38,212 

14,628 

2 

52,842 

16,459 

2,688 

61,878 

95,078 

2,310 

178,413 

231,255 

3,326 

11,785 

- 

15,111 

1,052 

108 

1,160 

16,271 

214,984 

257,355 

31,368 

(73,739) 

214,984 

43 

Annual Report 2019 | Financial Statements 

 
Financial 
statements

Statement of changes in equity 

For the year ended 30 June 2019 

Consolidated US$’000 

Amounts attributable to equity holders of the parent 

Share 
Based 
Payments 
Reserve 

Fair Value 
Reserve 
(financial 
assets at 
FVOCI) 

Parent 
Entity 
Profits 
Reserve 

Accum-
ulated 
Losses 

Translation 
Reserve 

Total Equity 

Note 

Share 
Capital 

Balance at 1 July 2017 

Net loss for the year 

Transfer to parent entity profits 
reserve1 

19 

Other comprehensive income 

Net change in fair value of 
financial assets at fair value 
through other comprehensive 
income 

Income tax on other 
comprehensive income 

Total other comprehensive 
income, net of tax 

Total comprehensive income 
for the year, net of tax 

4(b) 

4(b) 

Dividends to equity holders 

7 

Balance at 30 June and 1 July 
2018 

Net profit for the year 

Transfer to parent entity profits 
reserve1 

19 

Other comprehensive income 

Net change in fair value of 
financial assets at fair value 
through other comprehensive 
income 

Income tax on other 
comprehensive income 

Total other comprehensive 
income, net of tax 

Total comprehensive income 
for the year, net of tax 

4(b) 

4(b) 

Dividends to equity holders 

7 

257,355 

13,326 

1,495 

850 

13,279 

(34,661) 

251,644 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

633 

153 

786 

786 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

-

- 

-

(13,056)

(13,056) 

26,022 

(26,022)

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

633 

153 

786 

26,022

(39,078) 

(12,270) 

(24,390) 

-

(24,390)

257,355 

13,326 

2,281 

850 

14,911 

(73,739) 

214,984 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(350) 

94 

(256) 

(256) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

-

- 

-

26,843

26,843 

29,458 

(29,458)

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(350) 

94 

(256) 

29,458

(2,615) 

26,587 

(27,451) 

-

(27,451)

Balance at 30 June 2019 

257,355 

13,326 

2,025 

850 

16,918 

(76,354) 

214,120 

1 Relates to the net profit of the parent entity (Navigator Global Investments Limited). 

The accompanying notes form part of these consolidated financial statements

44 

Annual Report 2019 | Financial Statements 

 
Financial 
statements

Consolidated US$’000 

Note 

2019 

110,002 

(87,492) 

22,510 

119 

(64) 

2018 
(Restated) 

85,965 

(53,208) 

32,757 

216 

(52) 

5(b) 

22,565 

32,921 

(1,506) 

277 

(1,900) 

(1,088) 

- 

(50) 

(1,924) 

4 

(416) 

- 

38 

349 

(4,267) 

(1,949) 

-

(27,451) 

(27,451) 

(9,153) 

38,212 

(30) 

29,029 

(1,666)

(24,390)

(26,056) 

4,916 

33,153 

143 

38,212 

Statement of cash flows 

For the year ended 30 June 2019 

Cash flows from operating activities 

Cash receipts from operating activities 

Cash paid to suppliers and employees 

Cash generated from operations 

Interest received 

Income taxes paid 

Net cash from operating activities 

Cash flows from investing activities 

Acquisition of plant and equipment 

Proceeds from disposal of investments 

Acquisition of investments 

Transaction costs associated with MAS transaction 

Distributions from investments received 

(Acquisition) / redemption of other non-current assets 

Net cash used in investing activities 

Cash flows from financing activities 

Loan to associate 

Dividends paid to equity holders 

Net cash used in financing activities 

Net (decrease) / increase in cash 

Cash balance at 1 July 

Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash balances held in foreign currencies 

Cash balance as at 30 June 

5(a) 

The accompanying notes form part of these consolidated financial statements

45 

Annual Report 2019 | Financial Statements 

 
Financial 
statements

Notes to the financial statements 

For the year ended 30 June 2019 

Results for the Year 
This section of the notes to the financial statements focuses on the results and performance of the Navigator Global Investments Limited 
Group. On the following pages you will find disclosures explaining the Group’s results for the year, segment information, taxation and 
earnings per share. 

Where an accounting policy or key estimate is specific to a single note, the policy or estimate is described in the note to which it relates. 

Operating segments 

As at 30 June 2019, the Group had one reportable segment, being 
the US based Lighthouse Group, which operates as a global 
absolute return funds manager for investment vehicles.  

Corporate includes assets and liabilities and corporate expenses 
relating to the corporate parent entity, Navigator Global 
Investments Limited, and balances that are eliminated on 
consolidation of the Group and are not considered to be operating 
segments.  

No operating segments have been aggregated to form the above 
reportable operating segments.  

The CEO is responsible for day-to-day operations and the 
implementation of business strategy.  Internal management reports 
are provided to the CEO on a monthly basis to monitor the 
operating results of its business for the purpose of making 
decisions about resource allocation and performance assessment. 
Business unit performance is evaluated based on the financial 
information as set out below, as well as other key metrics such as 
Assets under Management and the average management fee rate. 

Lighthouse US$’000 

Corporate US$’000 

Consolidated US$’000 

2019 

2018 
(Restated) 

2019 

2018 

2019 

2018 
(Restated) 

Operating revenue 

Other revenue 

Total revenue from contracts with 
customers 
Operating expenses (excluding depreciation 
and amortisation) 

106,386 

82,933 

8,340 

6,372 

114,726 

89,305 

(76,353) 

(55,230) 

Result from operating activities 

38,373 

34,075 

Net finance income / (costs) (excluding 
interest) 

Share of loss of equity accounted investee 

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, 
amortisation and impairment losses 

Interest revenue 

Depreciation and amortisation 

Impairment loss 

Reportable segment profit / (loss) before 
income tax 

141 

- 

141 

(891)

(750)

(24)

265 

106,527 

83,198 

- 

8,340 

6,372 

265 

114,867 

89,570 

(770)

(505)

141

(77,244) 

(56,000) 

37,623 

33,570 

29 

- 

1,020 

(378) 

53 

-

879 

(378)

- 

- 

38,426 

34,576 

(774)

(364)

37,652 

34,212 

83 

(1,470) 

204 

(974)

-

(1,873)

43 

(4)

-

12 

(5)

- 

126 

(1,474)

216 

(979) 

- 

(1,873) 

37,039 

31,933 

(735)

(357)

36,304 

31,576 

Income tax expense 

(9,461) 

(44,632) 

- 

- 

(9,461) 

(44,632) 

Reportable segment profit / (loss) after 
income tax 

Segment assets 

Segment liabilities 

Net assets 

27,578 

(12,699) 

(735)

(357)

26,843 

(13,056) 

202,416 

214,817 

18,442 

16,438 

220,858 

231,255 

(6,461) 

(15,980) 

(277)

(291)

(6,738) 

(16,271) 

195,955 

198,837 

18,165 

16,147 

214,120 

214,984 

46 

Annual Report 2019 | Financial Statements 

 
Financial 
statements

Notes to the financial statements 

For the year ended 30 June 2019 

Revenue 

Management fees from commingled funds 

Management fees from customised solutions clients 

Performance fees 

Operating revenue 

Revenue from reimbursement of fund operating expenses 

Revenue from provision of office space and services 

Other income 

Other revenue 

Total revenue from contracts with customers 

Management fees 

Management fees are received from customers for providing: 





investment management / advice and related services to
commingled funds; and

investment management / advice and / or managed account
services to customised solutions clients.

Management fee revenue is based on a percentage of the 
customer’s portfolio value and is calculated in accordance with the 
applicable document or agreement which creates the contractual 
relationship with the customer.  The management fee is a single 
fee which covers all of the individual components which make up 
the management service.  Management fee revenue is variable in 
nature as it is based on a percentage of the customer’s portfolio 
value. 

The Group’s obligation to provide management services to 
customers is satisfied as and when the customer receives and 
consumes the services on a continuous basis.  The Group 
recognises revenue for the services performed at the end of each 
month. 

Consolidated US$’000 

2019 

62,435 

42,957 

1,135 

106,527 

6,319 

1,905 

116 

8,340 

114,867 

2018 

51,451 

24,067 

7,680 

83,198 

4,678 

1,694 

- 

6,372 

89,570 

Performance fees 

Performance fees may be received from some commingled fund 
share classes and some customised solutions clients. 

The amount of the performance fee is calculated in accordance 
with the terms of the applicable contract with the customer.  The 
entitlement to performance fees for any given performance period 
is dependent on the customer’s portfolio achieving a positive 
performance, and in some cases in outperforming an agreed 
hurdle.  Performance fees are generally also subject to a high 
watermark arrangement which ensures that fees are not earned 
more than once on the same performance. 

The Group satisfies its obligations to provide services in exchange 
for the performance fee revenue on a continuous basis, however 
the right to receive the revenue is constrained by achieving the 
required performance hurdles and/or high watermark.  As such, 
performance fee revenue is only recognised to the extent that it is 
probable that a significant reversal of the revenue will not occur.  
Due to the uncertainty associated with the estimate of performance 
fees prior to the end of the performance period, this revenue is not 
recognised in the income statement until the entitlement to receive 
the fee becomes certain, which is at the end of the relevant 
performance period.  At all times prior to this, there is a high 
probability of any revenue recognised being reversed. 
Performance periods for performance fee arrangements range 
from between 1 month to 1 year.  

47 

Annual Report 2019 | Financial Statements 

 
Financial 
statements

Notes to the financial statements 

For the year ended 30 June 2019 

Major revenue source 

15% (2018: 22%) of the Group’s operating revenue relates to 
management fees and performance fees earned on the Lighthouse 
Diversified commingled funds. 

14% (2018: 26%) of the Group’s operating revenue relates to 
management fees and performance fees earned on the Lighthouse 
Global Long/Short commingled funds. 

The Group’s largest individual client represents 8% of operating 
revenue (2018: 9%). 

The Group’s three largest individual clients combined represent 
16% of operating revenue (2018: 19%). 

Revenue (continued) 

Revenue from reimbursement of fund operating 
expenses 

The Group is entitled to reimbursement for fund expenses that it 
has paid on behalf of the funds.  While the funds generally pay 
their own operating expenses directly, there are some expenses, 
such as financial data services, software and technology 
expenses, where it is more practical for the Group to incur and pay 
the expense and then be reimbursed by the funds.   

The Group enters into contracts for the relevant good or service 
directly with the third parties service providers, and hence the 
Group controls the good or service until it subsequently directs the 
good or service to be transferred to the fund.  

As the Group controls the good or service before it is transferred, 
the Group is not acting in a capacity as agent for the fund.  The 
Group is required to recognise both: 





the expense incurred under the contract with the third-party
service providers (see note 3a) to receive the good or service;
and

the revenue to which it expects to be entitled from the fund in
exchange for transferring the good or service.

The revenue and expense in relation to these reimbursed costs 
directly off-set as the Group does not add a margin to the original 
cost of the good or service transferred to the fund. 

Revenue from the provision of office space and 
services 

The Group has a number of agreements with external parties to 
license office space at its New York and London offices. As part of 
these agreements, licensees are charged license fees and service 
charges on a monthly basis. 

The Group has two obligations in relation to these agreements: 


to provide office space to licensees, including services in
connection with licensees’ use and occupancy of the office
space; and



to provide other on-going business services.

The Group’s obligation to provide office space services and its 
obligation to provide business services to licensees are satisfied 
as and when the customer receives and consumes the services on 
a continuous basis.  The Group recognises revenue as the amount 
to which it has a right to invoice for the period. 

The Group is entitled to: 


a license fee and an occupancy-related service charge as per
the terms of the applicable contract with each licensee as it
satisfies its obligations to provide office space and related
services; and



a service charge as per the terms of the applicable contract
with each licensee as it satisfies its obligations to provide
business services.

48 

Annual Report 2019 | Financial Statements 

 
Financial 
statements

Notes to the financial statements 

For the year ended 30 June 2019 

Expenses 

a) Other operating expenses

Employee expense 

Professional and consulting expenses 

Information and technology expense 

Reimbursable fund operating expenses 

Occupancy expense 

Distribution expense 

Travel expense 

Depreciation  

Amortisation of intangible assets 

Other expenses 

Total expenses 

Consolidated US$’000 

2019 

2018 
(Restated) 

(48,573) 

(35,477) 

(6,800) 

(3,631) 

(6,319) 

(3,959) 

(3,401) 

(1,719) 

(975) 

(499) 

(2,842) 

(78,718) 

(3,567) 

(1,743) 

(4,678) 

(3,067) 

(3,413) 

(1,475) 

(634) 

(345) 

(2,580) 

(56,979) 

Employee expense 

Reimbursable fund operating expenses 

The largest operating expense is employee expense. Employee 
expense includes salaries and wages, together with the cost of 
other benefits provided to employees such as contributions to 
superannuation and retirement plans, health care benefits, 
educational assistance and cash bonuses. It also includes 
regulatory costs such as payroll tax.  

The Group is entitled to reimbursement for fund expenses that it 
has paid on behalf of the funds.  While the funds generally pay 
their own operating expenses directly, there are some expenses, 
such as financial data services, software and technology 
expenses, where it is more practical for the Group to incur and pay 
the expense and then be reimbursed by the funds.   

Employee expense for the year ended 30 June 2019 includes 
contributions to defined contribution superannuation and pension 
plans of $1,527 thousand (2018: $875 thousand).  

A corresponding amount of revenue from reimbursement of fund 
operating expenses has also been recognised for the year (see 
note 2). 

A defined contribution plan is a post-employment benefit plan 
under which the Group pays fixed contributions to a separate entity 
and will have no legal or constructive obligation to pay further 
amounts.  Obligations for contributions to defined contribution 
plans are recognised as an employee benefit expense in profit or 
loss in the periods during which services are rendered by 
employees. 

Distribution expense 

Distribution expenses are paid to external intermediaries for 
marketing and investor servicing, largely in relation to commingled 
funds.  Distribution expenses are variable in line with AUM and the 
associated management fee revenue.  This expense is recognised 
on an accrual basis.  

49 

Annual Report 2019 | Financial Statements 

 
Financial 
statements

Notes to the financial statements 

For the year ended 30 June 2019 

Expenses (continued) 

b)

Impairment losses

Impairment of investment in equity accounted investee 

Impairment of unsecured loan to equity accounted investee 

Total impairment loss  

Consolidated US$’000 

2019 

- 

- 

- 

2018 

(122) 

(1,751) 

(1,873) 

The Group had a 40% interest in a US based limited partnership 
which it transferred to the remaining partner in September 2018.  
The Group recognised impairment losses in the prior year of 

$1,873 thousand in relation to the value of its equity interest in the 
partnership and an unsecured loan advanced to the partnership. 

Finance income and costs 

a) Recognised directly in profit or loss

Finance income 

Interest income on bank deposits 

Net foreign exchange gain 

Net change in fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 

Distribution income from financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income 

Total finance income 

Finance costs 

Bank charges 

Net foreign exchange loss 

Total finance costs 

Net finance costs recognised in profit or loss 

Interest income is recognised in profit or loss as it accrues. 

Distribution income is recognised on the date that the Group’s right 
to receive payment is established. 

Foreign currency gains and losses are reported on a net basis as 
either finance income or finance costs depending on whether 
foreign currency movements result in a net gain or net loss 
position for the reporting period. 

Consolidated US$’000 

2019 

2018 

126 

- 

221 

- 

347 

(126) 

(66) 

(192) 

155 

216 

92 

960 

38 

1,306 

(70) 

- 

(70) 

1,236 

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are carried in 
the statement of financial position at fair value, with changes in fair 
value reported in the profit or loss on a net basis as either finance 
income or finance costs depending on whether the fair value 
movements result in a net gain or net loss position for the reporting 
period. 

50 

Annual Report 2019 | Financial Statements 

 
Financial 
statements

Notes to the financial statements 

For the year ended 30 June 2019 

Finance income and costs (continued) 

b) Recognised directly in other comprehensive income

Change in fair value of financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income 

Income tax expense recognised directly in equity 

Finance income attributable to equity holders recognised directly in equity 

Recognised in:  

Fair value reserve 

Consolidated US$’000 

2019 

(350) 

94 

(256) 

(256) 

2018 

633 

153 

786 

786 

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive are 
carried in the statement of financial position at fair value, with 
changes in fair value reported in other comprehensive income and 
presented in the fair value reserve in equity (refer note 10). 

 Upon sale or derecognition of these investments, any gain or loss 
will be transferred to retained earnings.  

Cash 

a) Cash

Cash at bank 

Term deposits less than 90 days 

Consolidated US$’000 

2019 

12,429 

16,600 

29,029 

2018 

38,212 

- 

38,212 

At balance date, AUD deposits earn interest of 1.05% (2018: 
1.30%); USD deposits earn interest between 0% and 2.15% (2018: 
between 0% and 1.499%).  

The carrying amount of these assets is a reasonable 
approximation of fair value. The Group’s exposure to interest rate 
and foreign currency risk on cash is disclosed in note 17.  

51 

Annual Report 2019 | Financial Statements 

 
Financial 
statements

Notes to the financial statements 

For the year ended 30 June 2019 

Cash (continued) 

b) Reconciliation of cash flows from operating activities

Cash flows from operating activities 

Profit / (loss) for the period 

Adjustments for: 

Depreciation expense 

Amortisation of intangible assets 

Impairment losses 

Share of loss of equity accounted investee 

Distributions from financial asset at fair value through other comprehensive income 

Net foreign exchange (gain) / loss 

Fair value gain on financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 

Income tax expense, less income tax paid 

Operating cash flow before changes in working capital and provisions 

Decrease in receivables 

(Increase) / decrease in other current assets 

Increase / (decrease) in payables 

Increase in deferred rent expense 

(Decrease) / increase in employee benefits 

Net cash from operating activities 

Note 

3(a) 

3(a) 

3(b) 

4(a) 

4(a) 

4(a) 

Consolidated US$’000 

2019 

26,843 

2018 

(13,056) 

975 

499 

- 

- 

- 

66 

(221) 

9,397 

37,559 

(4,872) 

24 

1,027 

9 

(11,182) 

22,565 

634 

345 

1,873 

378 

(38) 

(92) 

(960) 

44,580 

33,664 

(3,605) 

(198) 

(282) 

331 

3,011 

32,921 

52 

Annual Report 2019 | Financial Statements 

 
Financial 
statements

Notes to the financial statements 

For the year ended 30 June 2019 

Income tax 

The Company is the only Australian resident tax-paying entity 
within the Group. Non-Australian entities within the Group are part 
of a US consolidated tax group.  

Income tax expense comprises current and deferred tax and is 
recognised in profit or loss, except to the extent that it relates to 
items recognised directly in equity or in other comprehensive 
income. 

As at 31 December 2017 the Group revised its estimated annual 
effective rate to reflect a change in the US federal statutory 
corporate rate from 35% to 21% effective from 1 January 2018. 
The rate change was administratively effective at the beginning of 
the financial year ended 30 June 2018, resulting in the use of a 

a) Reconciliation of effective tax rate

blended rate for the prior year. The application of this lower 
blended corporate tax rate reduced income tax expense for the 
year ended 30 June 2018 by $2,113 thousand, resulting in an 
effective tax rate for the year ended 30 June 2018 of 29.0%. 

In addition, the Group recognised an income tax expense of 
$35,480 thousand for the year ended 30 June 2018 related to the 
adjustment in the carrying value of existing deferred tax assets to 
reflect the new corporate tax rate. 

The effective tax rate for the year ended 30 June 2019 is 26.1%, 
reflecting the full annual impact of the drop in the US federal 
statutory corporate rate to 21% and US state corporate taxes.

Profit before income tax 

Income tax using the Company’s domestic tax rate of 30% (2018: 30%) 

Effect of tax rates in foreign jurisdictions 

Non-deductible / non-assessable amounts included in accounting profit 

Amounts not included in accounting profit 

Current year tax losses for which no deferred tax asset is initially recognised 

Changes in estimates related to prior years 

Effect of change in US tax rate on deferred tax assets 

Total income tax expense reported in profit or loss 

b) Current tax assets and liabilities

Current tax assets 

Current tax liabilities 

Current tax assets and liabilities represent the amount of income 
taxes receivable or payable to the relevant tax authority, using 
rates current at reporting date.  

Consolidated US$’000 

2019 

36,304 

(10,891) 

2,064 

(247) 

(146) 

141 

(382) 

- 

(9,461) 

Consolidated US$’000 

2019 

- 

(6) 

2018 

31,576 

(9,473) 

(470) 

133 

89 

(344) 

913 

(35,480) 

(44,632) 

2018 

2 

- 

53 

Annual Report 2019 | Financial Statements 

 
Financial 
statements

Notes to the financial statements 

For the year ended 30 June 2019 

Income tax (continued) 

c) Deferred tax assets

Deferred tax is recognised in respect of temporary differences 
between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial 
reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. 
Deferred tax is not recognised for temporary differences related to 
investments in wholly-owned subsidiaries to the extent that it is 
probable that they will not reverse in the foreseeable future. 
Deferred tax is measured at the tax rates that are expected to be 
applied to temporary differences when they reverse, based on the 
laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by reporting 
date. 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset if there is a legally 
enforceable right to offset, and they relate to income taxes levied 
by the same tax authority on a tax consolidated group of entities.

Deferred tax assets – US Group 

Deferred tax assets have been recognised in respect of the following items: 

Carried forward tax losses 

Goodwill and intangible assets 

Employee benefits 

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income 

Other items 

In determining the amount of current and deferred tax, the Group 
takes into account the impact of uncertain tax positions and 
whether additional taxes and interest may be due. This 
assessment relies on estimates and assumptions and may involve 
interpretations of tax law and judgements about future events. New 
information may become available that causes the Group to 
change its judgement regarding the calculation of tax balances, 
and such changes will impact the profit or loss in the period that 
such a determination is made.  

A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is 
probable that future taxable profits will be available against which 
the asset can be utilised. Deferred tax assets are reduced to the 
extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will 
be realised. 

The carrying value of both recognised and unrecognised deferred 
tax assets are reassessed at each reporting date.

Consolidated US$’000 

2019 

30,647 

20,635 

20 

(269) 

(658) 

2,209 

52,584 

2018 

27,582 

30,400 

2,597 

217 

(754) 

1,836 

61,878 

As at 30 June 2019 it is considered more likely than not that the 
US Group’s carried forward tax losses and deductible temporary 
differences will be fully recovered.  This position is supported by 
the current profitability of the US Group which is expected to 
continue into the future.  

Carried forward tax losses relating to the US Group which existed 
prior to 1 January 2018 have a life of 20 years, and will expire 
during the period from 2029 to 2038.  Any tax losses incurred after 
1 January 2018 will have an indefinite life. 

54 

Annual Report 2019 | Financial Statements 

 
Financial 
statements

Notes to the financial statements 

For the year ended 30 June 2019 

Income tax (continued) 

c) Deferred tax assets (continued)

Deferred tax assets – Australian Group

Deferred tax assets have not been recognised in respect of the following items: 

Deductible temporary differences 

Tax losses 

Consolidated US$’000 

2019 

59,262 

3,370 

62,632 

2018 

62,456 

3,704 

66,160 

Unrecognised deferred tax assets relating to the Australian Group 
consist of deductible temporary differences (including impairment 
losses recognised in previous financial years), and carried forward 
operating tax losses. 

As at 30 June 2019, it is not probable that the Australian Group will 
produce sufficient taxable profits against which these deferred tax 
assets can be utilised and therefore the deferred tax assets remain 
unrecognised.

$59,262 thousand (30 June 2018: $62,456 thousand) of the 
deductible temporary differences not recognised relate to an 
impairment write-down taken during the year ended 30 June 2009 
on the carrying value of the Lighthouse Group. The movement in 
this balance relates to foreign currency movements only. The 
realisation of this tax asset is subject to the application of relevant 
tax legislation and the structure of any future business transactions 
in relation to the Lighthouse Group, if and when any such 
transaction was to occur.  

Tax losses relating to the Australian Group and deductible 
temporary differences do not expire under current tax legislation.

55 

Annual Report 2019 | Financial Statements 

 
Financial 
statements

Notes to the financial statements 

For the year ended 30 June 2019 

Dividends 

a) Dividends paid

The following dividends were paid by the Company: 

Interim ordinary dividend for the year ended 30 June 2019 of USD 8.0 cents 

Final ordinary dividend for the year ended 30 June 2018 of USD 9.0 cents  

Interim ordinary dividend for the year ended 30 June 2018 of USD 7.0 cents 

Final ordinary dividend for the year ended 30 June 2017 of USD 8.0 cents  

Consolidated US$’000 

2019 

12,741 

14,710 

-

-

27,451 

2018 

- 

- 

11,348

13,042

24,390 

The Directors have determined a final unfranked dividend of 9.0 
cents per share (with 100% conduit foreign income credits).  The 
dividend will be paid on 30 August 2019. 

The dividends were not determined or provided for as at 30 June 
2019, and there are no income tax consequences. 

b) Dividend franking account

The aggregate amount of the proposed dividend will be paid out of 
the balance of the parent entity profits reserve as at 30 June 2019. 

Amount of franking credits available to shareholders of Navigator Global Investments Limited 
for subsequent financial years 

Dividends paid and declared during the 2019 financial year have 
been unfranked. The movement in the franking account balance 
relates to foreign currency movements only. 

Consolidated US$’000 

2019 

722 

2018 

761 

56 

Annual Report 2019 | Financial Statements 

 
Financial 
statements 

Notes to the financial statements 

For the year ended 30 June 2019 

  Earnings per share 

Basic earnings per share 

Diluted earnings per share 

Reconciliation of earnings used in calculating earnings per share 

Basic and diluted earnings per share 

Profit / (loss) attributable to ordinary equity holders of the Company used in 
calculating basic and diluted earnings per share 

Consolidated US$’000 

2019 

16.55 

16.55 

2018 

(8.05) 

(8.05) 

Consolidated US$’000 

2019 

26,843 

2018 

(13,056) 

Weighted average number of shares used in calculating basic and diluted earnings per share 

Issued ordinary shares at 1 July 

16 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in calculating basic, 
diluted and underlying earnings per share 

The Company did not have any potential ordinary shares 
outstanding at balance date.  The weighted average number of 
shares used in calculating basic and diluted earnings per share are 
therefore the same. 

’000 shares 

2019 

162,148 

162,148 

2018 

162,148 

162,148 

57 

Annual Report 2019 | Financial Statements 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial 
statements 

Notes to the financial statements 

For the year ended 30 June 2019 

Operating assets and liabilities 
This section of the notes to the financial statements provides information on the operating assets and liabilities of the Navigator Global 
Investments Limited Group, including explanations of the Group’s key assets used to generate operating results and the corresponding 
liabilities. Information on other assets and liabilities can be found in the following sections: 

  Section 1 – Cash; Deferred tax assets 
  Section 3 – Capital and reserves 

Where an accounting policy or key estimate is specific to a single note, the policy or estimate is described in the note to which it relates. 

  Trade and other receivables 

Trade receivables from contracts with customers 

Other receivables and prepayments 

Consolidated US$’000 

2019 

18,733 

690 

19,423 

2018 

13,800 

828 

14,628 

Trade receivables from contracts with customers 

Other receivables and prepayments 

Trade receivables due from contracts with customers comprise 
management service fees, performance fees, recoverable costs, 
licence fees, outgoings and other operating expenses on-charged 
under agreements with external parties to licence office space.  

Trade receivables are non-interest bearing and are generally on  
30 to 90 day terms. Trade receivables are initially recognised at 
fair value, being the amount to which the Group has the right to 
invoice for the period for the services or recoverable costs 
provided.   

Due to the short-term nature of the Group’s trade receivables and 
the historically low default rate on payment by customers, there is 
no credit allowance against trade receivables as at 30 June 2019 
or 30 June 2018.  In determining this credit allowance, the Group 
has considered forward looking factors specific to the receivables 
and the economic environment. 

Other receivables and prepayments relate to items such as 
prepaid expenses (principally in relation to insurance policies), 
short-term deposits, interest receivable on cash deposits, and 
pending redemptions from investments in Group managed 
products. 

The carrying amount of these assets is a reasonable 
approximation of fair value. The Group’s exposure to credit risk, 
currency risk and impairment losses related to trade and other 
receivables is disclosed in note 17. 

58 

Annual Report 2019 | Financial Statements 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial 
statements 

Notes to the financial statements 

For the year ended 30 June 2019 

Consolidated US$’000 

2019 

5,288 

12,665 

17,953 

2018 

5,638 

10,821 

16,459 

  Investments recognised at fair value 

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income 

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income 
comprise non-controlling equity holdings in unquoted securities of 
US based companies over which the Group does not have 
significant influence. 

The Group has elected to account for these investments at fair 
value with changes to fair value recognised through other 
comprehensive income in the fair value reserve.  Upon sale or 
derecognition of these investments, any gain or loss will be 
transferred to retained earnings.  

Note 17 provides details on the methods used to determine fair 
value for measurement and disclosure purposes.

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 
These assets have been classified as fair value through profit or 
loss upon initial recognition with changes in fair value recognised 
in profit or loss. Note 17 provides details on the methods used to 
determine fair value for measurement and disclosure purposes. 

59 

Annual Report 2019 | Financial Statements 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial 
statements

Notes to the financial statements 

For the year ended 30 June 2019 

Plant and equipment 

Cost 

Balance at 1 July 2017 

Additions 

Disposals 

Balance at 30 June and 1 July 2018 

Additions 

Disposals 

Balance at 30 June 2019 

Depreciation 

Balance at 1 July 2017 

Depreciation for the year 

Disposals 

Balance at 30 June and 1 July 2018 

Depreciation for the year 

Disposals 

Balance at 30 June 2019 

Carrying amounts 

At 1 July 2017 

At 30 June and 1 July 2018 

As at 30 June 2019 

Consolidated US$’000 

Furniture & 
equipment 

Computer 
equipment & 
software 

Leasehold 
improvements 

Total 

1,261 

586 

- 

1,847 

695 

- 

2,542 

(958) 

(110) 

- 

(1,068) 

(150) 

- 

(1,218) 

303 

779 

1,324 

2,550 

914 

(5) 

3,459 

848 

(41) 

4,266 

(2,215) 

(367) 

- 

(2,582) 

(568) 

4 

(3,146) 

335 

877 

1,121 

1,194 

668 

(282) 

1,580 

1,572 

- 

3,152 

(674) 

(157) 

283 

(548) 

(257) 

- 

(805) 

520 

1,032 

2,347 

5,005 

2,168 

(287) 

6,886 

3,115 

(41) 

9,960 

(3,847) 

(634) 

283 

(4,198) 

(975) 

4 

(5,169) 

1,158 

2,688 

4,791 

Recognition and measurement 

Items of plant and equipment are measured at cost less 
accumulated depreciation and impairment.   

Cost includes expenditures that are directly attributable to the 
acquisition of the asset.  Purchased software that is integral to the 
functionality of the related equipment is capitalised as part of that 
equipment.  Ongoing repairs and maintenance is expensed as 
incurred. 

An item of plant and equipment is derecognised upon disposal or 
when no further future economic benefits are expected from its 
use. Gains and losses on disposal of an item are determined by 
comparing the proceeds from disposal with the carrying amount, 
and are recognised in profit and loss. 

Depreciation 

Depreciation is recognised in the profit or loss on a straight-line 
basis over the estimated useful life of the asset as follows: 

Leasehold improvements:  

Lease term 

Computer software and equipment: 

2-3 years

Furniture and equipment:   

5-20 years

The residual value, the useful life and the depreciation method 
applied to an asset are reassessed at least annually.  The carrying 
value of plant and equipment is reviewed for impairment when 
events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value 
may not be recoverable.

60 

Annual Report 2019 | Financial Statements 

 
Financial 
statements 

Notes to the financial statements 

For the year ended 30 June 2019 

Balance at 30 June 2019 

(405,718) 

(1,093) 

  Intangible assets 

Cost 

Balance at 1 July 2017 

Balance at 30 June and 1 July 2018 

Additions 

Balance at 30 June 2019 

Amortisation and impairment losses 

Balance at 1 July 2017 

Amortisation for the year 

Balance at 30 June and 1 July 2018 

Amortisation for the year 

Carrying amounts 

At 1 July 2017 

At 30 June and 1 July 2018 

At 30 June 2019 

Intangible assets 

Goodwill 

Consolidated US$’000 

Goodwill 

Trademarks 

Software 

Client 
relationships 

Total 

499,519 

499,519 

- 

499,519 

(405,718) 

- 

(405,718) 

- 

1,900 

1,900 

- 

1,900 

(903) 

(95) 

(998) 

(95) 

93,801 

93,801 

93,801 

997 

902 

807 

2,050 

2,050 

- 

2,050 

(1,425) 

(250) 

(1,675) 

(250) 

(1,925) 

625 

375 

125 

- 

- 

1,077 

1,077 

- 

- 

- 

(154) 

(154) 

- 

- 

923 

503,469 

503,469 

1,077 

504,546 

(408,046) 

(345) 

(408,391) 

(499) 

(408,890) 

95,423 

95,078 

95,656 

Goodwill that arises upon the acquisition of subsidiaries is included 
in intangible assets. For the Group’s accounting policy relating to 
the measurement of goodwill at initial recognition, see note 29. 

Following initial recognition, goodwill is measured at cost less any 
accumulated impairment losses 

Other intangible assets 

Other intangible assets acquired by the Group, which have finite 
lives, are measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and 
accumulated impairment losses. 

Client relationships 

The Group’s United States subsidiary, Lighthouse Investment 
Partners, LLC (Lighthouse) acquired the rights to manage $5.4 
billion of assets on behalf of clients from Mesirow Advanced 
Strategies (MAS) on 1 July 2018.  The transaction was completed 
in accordance with a formal agreement with MAS whereby 
Lighthouse acquired the contractual rights to act as investment 
manager of these assets, along with some de minimus intellectual 
property, tangible property and prepayments. Lighthouse also 
made employment offers to 56 of the MAS staff, and these staff 
commenced as Lighthouse employees on 1 July 2018. 

61 

Annual Report 2019 | Financial Statements 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial 
statements 

Notes to the financial statements 

For the year ended 30 June 2019 

12.  Intangible assets (continued)

Client relationships (continued) 

Purchase consideration 

The key terms of the purchase consideration are: 

 

 

 

The purchase consideration is a contingent consideration 
arrangement. The contingent consideration that may be paid 
in the future will be determined under earnout payment terms 
over seven years, calculated as an agreed percentage of 
EBITDA generated by the transitioned assets above a floor 
amount: 

-  The earnout calculation for the first 12 months ending 30 
June 2019 has not been agreed with the vendor as at 
the date of this report.  However, the Group estimates 
that any earnout amount payable for this period will be 
nominal or nil. 

-  There is inherent uncertainty in being able to reasonably 
estimate the contingent consideration. Based on the 
earnout calculation for the first year and our assessment 
that it is unlikely there will be future earnout payments 
over the remaining six years of the earnout period, the 
Group has not recognised any liability for future 
contingent consideration as at 30 June 2019. 

Under the agreement, there was no upfront consideration at 
acquisition date, other than $343 thousand paid for 
transferred prepaid operating expenses.  The Group also 
incurred $1,088 thousand of transaction costs. 

The transaction did not require an issue of equity by the 
Group or for the Group to obtain debt funding. 

Accounting treatment 

The Group engaged Grant Thornton, LLP (US) to determine the 
fair value of assets acquired in the transaction.  Based on these 
valuations, the Group has assessed that substantially all of the fair 
value of the assets acquired in the transaction relate to the 
intangible client relationships.  The Group has early adopted 
recent changes to AASB 3 Business combinations. Under these 
amendments to the standard, as the fair value of all the acquired 
assets and liabilities is concentrated in a group of similar assets, 
namely the intangible client relationships, the Group has 
determined that the transaction should be accounted for as an 
asset acquisition rather than a business combination. 

The total purchase price for the transaction is $1,431 
thousand. 

Prepaid operating expenses assumed under the transaction 
are recognised at their fair value of $343 thousand, whilst the 
remaining assets are recognised at their relative fair value as 
a proportion of the remaining purchase price. 

 

 

62 

 

As the transaction is accounted for as an asset acquisition, no 
goodwill or bargain from a purchase has been recognised.  

Intangible client relationships of $1,077 thousand were recognised 
in the statement of financial position on 1 July 2018.  The client 
relationships will be amortised on a straight-line basis over 7 
years. 

Amortisation 

Except for goodwill, intangible assets are amortised on a straight-
line basis in profit or loss over their estimated useful lives, from the 
date that they are available for use.  The estimated useful lives for 
the current and comparative periods are as follows: 

Trademarks 
Client relationships 
Capitalised software development costs 

20 years 
7 years 
5 years 

Amortisation methods, useful lives and residual values are 
reviewed at each reporting date and adjusted if appropriate. 

Impairment testing of intangible assets 

The carrying amounts of the Group’s intangible assets which have 
an indefinite life are reviewed at least annually, or when an 
impairment indicator exists.  

The carrying amount of the Group’s other intangible assets are 
reviewed when an impairment indicator exists. 

An impairment loss is recognised if the carrying amount of an 
asset or its related cash-generating unit (CGU) exceeds its 
estimated recoverable amount. 

The recoverable amount of an asset or CGU is the greater of its 
value in use and its fair value less costs to sell. In assessing value 
in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their 
present value using a discount rate that reflects current market 
assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to 
the asset or CGU. For the purpose of impairment testing, assets 
are grouped together into the smallest group of assets that 
generates cash inflows from continuing use that are largely 
independent of the cash inflows of other assets or CGU. 

Impairment losses are recognised in profit or loss. An impairment 
loss recognised in respect of a CGU is allocated first to reduce the 
carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the CGU and then to 
reduce the carrying amount of the other assets in the CGU on a 
pro-rata basis. 

An impairment loss in respect of goodwill is not reversed. In 
respect of other assets, an impairment loss is reversed only to the 
extent that the asset's carrying amount does not exceed the 
carrying amount that would have been determined, net of 
depreciation and amortisation, if no impairment loss had been 
recognised. 

Annual Report 2019 | Financial Statements 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial 
statements

Notes to the financial statements 

For the year ended 30 June 2019 

12.

Intangible assets (continued)

Impairment testing as at 30 June 

Cash generating units 

For the purpose of impairment testing, intangible assets are 
allocated to either the Lighthouse cash generating unit (Lighthouse 
CGU) or the MAS cash generating unit (MAS CGU). 

Key assumptions used in the calculation are discount rates, 
terminal value growth rates, and the EBITDA growth rate: 

Lighthouse CGU 

Goodwill 

Trademarks 

Software 

Consolidated US$’000 
Carrying Amount 

2019 

93,801 

807 

125 

2018 

93,801 

902 

375 

94,733 

95,078 

The carrying value of the CGU tested at 30 June 2019 includes 
$4,775 thousand of directly attributable plant and equipment 
(2018: $2,675 thousand).    

Impairment testing carried out on the Lighthouse CGU as at 30 
June 2018 and 30 June 2019 did not result in the recognition of 
any impairment losses. 

The recoverable amount of the CGU was determined based on a 
value-in-use calculation. 

The calculation utilises five years of cash flow projections. The first 
three years of these projections are based on financial forecasts 
approved by the board of directors, which are then extrapolated 
over an additional two years.  

Revenue for the additional two years is extrapolated using an 
industry long term growth rate. Investment management costs and 
operating expenses are extrapolated based on ratios consistent 
with the third year of the approved financial forecasts 

Key assumption 

Discount rate 

Terminal value growth rate 

Forecast EBITDA growth rate 
(average next 5 years) 

2019 

15.6% 

3.7% 

7% 

2018 

15.6% 

3.7% 

6% 

The discount rate is a post-tax measure calculated based on US 
risk factors as well as other risk factors specific to the industry and 
operational nature of the business, including an assumed debt 
leveraging of 10% (2018: 10%) at a market interest rate of 4.72% 
(2018: 4.72%). 

The terminal growth rate is based on the forecast long-term growth 
rate for Open-End Investment Funds in the United States. 

A reasonably possible change in these assumptions would not 
result in an implied impairment of this CGU. 

MAS CGU 

Client relationships 

Consolidated US$’000 
Carrying Amount 

2019 

2018 

923 

923 

- 

- 

There were no material indicators of impairment of the MAS CGU 
as at 30 June 2019. 

63 

Annual Report 2019 | Financial Statements 

 
Financial 
statements

Notes to the financial statements 

For the year ended 30 June 2019 

Trade and other payables 

Current 

Trade creditors 

Deferred rent liability 

Other creditors and accruals 

Non-current 

Deferred rent liability 

Other long-term liabilities 

Consolidated US$’000 

2019 

2018 

160 

108 

3,075 

3,343 

2,637 

50 

2,687 

75 

122 

3,129 

3,326 

1,052 

- 

1,052 

Trade creditors are non-interest bearing and normally settle on 
30 to 90 day terms. 

Deferred rent relates to operating leases for office space. 
Payments made under operating leases are charged to profit or 
loss on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease.  Lease 
incentives received are recognised as an integral part of the total 
lease expense, over the term of the lease. Current deferred rent 
represents the amount to be recognised within 12 months of 
reporting date. Non-current deferred rent represents the amount to 
be recognised more than 12 months from reporting date. 

Other creditors and accruals relate to items such as accrued 
distribution costs, accrued operating expenses, and product costs 
and expenses. 

The carrying amount of these liabilities is a reasonable 
approximation of fair value. The Group’s exposure to currency and 
liquidity risk related to trade and other payables is disclosed in 
note 17.

64 

Annual Report 2019 | Financial Statements 

 
Financial 
statements 

Notes to the financial statements 

For the year ended 30 June 2019 

  Employee benefits 

Current 

Short-term incentives 

Liability for annual leave 

Non-current 

Liability for long service leave 

Consolidated US$’000 

2019 

2018 

470 

130 

600 

102 

11,680 

105 

11,785 

108 

Short-term benefits 

Long-term benefits 

The Group’s obligation in relation to long-term employee benefits 
is the amount of future benefits that employees have earned in 
return for their service in the current and prior periods. That benefit 
is discounted to determine its present value. The discount rate 
used is the relevant corporate bond rate at reporting date. 

Short-term employee benefit obligations are expensed as the 
related service is provided. A liability is recognised for the amount 
expected to be paid under short-term cash bonus or profit-sharing 
plans if the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation to 
pay this amount as a result of past service provided by the 
employee, and the obligation can be measured reliably. These 
liabilities are not discounted. 

During the year ended 30 June 2019, the Group changed the 
bonus cycle for US employees from being determined on a 
calendar year basis to being determined on a financial year basis.  
To effect the change, employees received an additional bonus 
payment in June 2019 in relation to their performance for the 6 
months ended on that date.  This change is reflected in the 
reduction to the current liability for short-term incentives. 

65 

Annual Report 2019 | Financial Statements 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial 
statements

Notes to the financial statements 

For the year ended 30 June 2019 

Capital and risk 
This section of the notes to the financial statements provides information on how Navigator Global Investments Limited manages its capital and 
financial risk. On the following pages you will find disclosures explaining the Group’s: 

•
•

capital management, including structure, policies, and related accounts balances; and
exposure to financial risks, including market risks, credit risk, liquidity risk, and the risk arising from financial instruments.

Where an accounting policy or key estimate is specific to a single note, the policy or estimate is described in the note to which it relates. 

Capital management 

Capital management of the Group focuses on aiming to ensure: 

Line of Credit 








that the Group continues as a going concern;
there is sufficient cash flow to meet operating
requirements;
flexibility is maintained for future business expansion;
and
that the payment of dividends is supported in
accordance with the Group’s dividend policy.

As at 30 June 2019 and 30 June 2018, the Company’s capital 
comprises ordinary shares on issue. 

The Group has in place a $15 million Line of Credit with an expiry 
date of 27 July 2020.  The facility is secured by a charge over 
certain of the Group’s assets.  This Line of Credit has not been 
drawn during the year ended 30 June 2019 and remains undrawn 
at the date of this report. 

Regulatory Capital Requirements 

In accordance with the requirements of the Central Bank of 
Ireland, wholly-owned subsidiary LHP Ireland Fund Management 
Limited must maintain a prescribed capital amount, determined as 
a base requirement of 125 thousand Euros plus .02% of excess 
over 250 million Euros in assets under management, plus an 
additional .01% of the assets under management for potential 
liability risk.  This requirement was complied with throughout the 
year.

Capital and reserves 

a) Ordinary shares on issue

Ordinary shares on issue as at 30 June 

162,148 

162,148 

Shares ‘000 

2019 

2018 

Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly 
attributable to the issue of ordinary shares and share options are 
recognised as a deduction from equity, net of any tax effects. The 
Company does not have authorised capital or par value in respect 
of issued shares. All ordinary shares rank equally with regard to 
the Company’s residual assets. Ordinary shares have the right to 
receive dividends as declared and are entitled to one vote per 
share at general meetings of the Company. 

66 

Annual Report 2019 | Financial Statements 

 
Financial 
statements

Notes to the financial statements 

For the year ended 30 June 2019 

16. Capital and reserves (continued)

b) Nature and purpose of reserves

Parent entity profits reserve 

Translation reserve 

Fair value reserve 

Share-based payments reserve 

The parent entity profits reserve comprises the balance of 
accumulated profit for the Company not yet distributed as 
dividends and represents profits available for distribution to 
shareholders as dividends in future years.  

The translation reserve is used to record foreign currency 
differences arising from the translation of the financial statements 
of operations which have a functional currency that is different to 
the Group’s presentation currency. 

  Financial risk management 

Classes of financial instruments 

Definitions 

Consolidated US$’000 

2019 

16,918 

850 

2,025 

13,326 

33,119 

2018 

14,911 

850 

2,281 

13,326 

31,368 

The fair value reserve comprises of the increase in the fair value of 
financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income 
above their original purchase value.   

The share-based payments reserve records share based 
payments associated with historical performance rights and share 
options.

During the years ended 30 June 2018 and 2019, the Group held the following non-derivative financial assets and liabilities: 

Classification 

Description 

Financial assets at amortised 
cost 

Other financial liabilities at 
amortised cost 

Financial assets at fair value 
through profit or loss 

Financial assets at fair value 
through other comprehensive 
income 

The carrying amount of these assets is a reasonable approximation of fair value 





Cash

Trade and other receivables

The carrying amount of these assets is a reasonable approximation of fair value 







Trade and other payables

Investments in unquoted securities of Group managed entities

Non-controlling equity holdings in US based companies over which the Group
does not have significant influence.  Fair value movements in these assets are
recognised through other comprehensive income.

Note 

5 

9 

13 

10 

10 

67 

Annual Report 2019 | Financial Statements 

 
Financial 
statements 

Notes to the financial statements 

For the year ended 30 June 2019 

17.  Financial risk management (continued)

Derecognition of financial instruments 

Offset of financial instruments 

The Group derecognises a financial asset when the contractual 
rights to the cash flows from the asset expire, or it transfers the 
rights to receive the contractual cash flows on the financial asset in 
a transaction in which control, or substantially all the risks and 
rewards of ownership are transferred.  

Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount 
reported in the statement of financial position if there is a currently 
enforceable legal right to offset the recognised amounts and there 
is an intention to either to settle on a net basis or to realise the 
asset and settle the liability simultaneously. 

The Group derecognises a financial liability when its obligations 
under the liability is discharged or cancelled or expire. 

Fair value of financial instruments  

Fair value hierarchy 

The Group classifies fair value measurements using a fair value hierarchy that reflects the subjectivity of the inputs used in making the 
measurements.  The different levels of fair value hierarchy are: 

 

 

 

Level 1: quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities 

Level 2:  inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or 
indirectly (i.e. derived from prices) 

Level 3:  inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data. 

Fair value measurements 

The following table shows the fair values of financial assets and their levels in the fair value hierarchy.  

Note 

Level 1 

Level 2 

Level 3 

Total 

30 June 2018 

Financial assets at fair value through other 
comprehensive income 

Investment in unquoted securities of 
externally managed entities 

Financial assets at fair value through profit 
or loss 

Investments in unquoted securities of Group 
managed entities 

Financial assets at fair value through other 
comprehensive income 

Investment in unquoted securities of 
externally managed entities 

Financial assets at fair value through profit 
or loss 

Investments in unquoted securities of Group 
managed entities 

10  

10 

10 

10 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

5,638 

5,638 

10,821 

- 

10,821 

30 June 2019 

- 

- 

12,665 

5,288 

5,288 

- 

- 

- 

12,665 

There were no transfers between levels during the financial years ended 30 June 2019 or 30 June 2018. 

68 

Annual Report 2019 | Financial Statements 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial 
statements 

Notes to the financial statements 

For the year ended 30 June 2019 

17.  Financial risk management (continued) 

Valuation techniques used to derive level 2 and level 3 fair values

The fair value of financial instruments that are not in an active 
market are determined using valuation techniques.  These 
valuation techniques maximise the use of observable market data 
where it is available.  If the significant inputs required to fair value 
an instrument are observable, the instrument is included in level 2.  
If one or more of the significant inputs is not based on observable 
market data, the instrument is included in level 3, as is the case for 
unlisted equity securities. 

Specific valuation techniques used to value level 2 and level 3 
financial instruments include: 

Share in unquoted securities of Group managed entities  

The Group holds investments in Group managed entities.  Each 
investment entity has an external administrator who is responsible 
for determining the fair value of the underlying investments of each 
entity and using this to calculate the net asset value per share at 
which any investor in the entity can redeem their investment 
holding (‘the exit price’).  The fair value of these investments as at 
30 June 2019 and 30 June 2018 is the exit price as calculated and 
provided by the external administrator of the investment entities.  
All significant inputs required to fair value the investments are 
therefore observable. 

Unquoted securities of externally managed entities 

The shares held in other externally managed entities are unquoted 
and are considered level 3 as the inputs to the fair value are not 
based on observable market prices. 

Movement in Level 3 assets 

Boutique asset manager 

The fair value of this investment has been determined with 
reference to publicly available current industry valuation data. 

The carrying amount has been based on an enterprise value 
calculated as 3.3% of AUM, with a 20% liquidity/marketability 
discount to take into account the unlisted nature of this investment. 

A 10% increase (decrease) in the AUM multiple would result in an 
increase (decrease) in fair value of $380 thousand. 

A 5% change in the liquidity/marketability discount would result in 
an increase/(decrease) in fair value of $237 thousand. 

Text analytics platform provider 

The fair value of this investment is based on the transaction price 
per share of additional capital issued by the entity as part of a 
Series B capital raising which was completed in March 2019. 

A 10% increase (decrease) in the transaction price would result in 
an increase (decrease) in fair value of $148 thousand. 

Operator of an online marketplace for alternative investments 

Due to significant uncertainty as to the on-going viability of this 
investment, the board has impaired the carrying value of this 
investment to nil. 

The following table presents the change in Level 3 assets for the financial years ended 30 June 2019 and 30 June 2018: 

Opening balance 30 June 2017 

Increase in fair value through other comprehensive income 

Closing balance 30 June 2018 

Decrease in fair value through other comprehensive income 

Closing balance 30 June 2019 

There were no transfers in or out of Level 3 during the financial year ended 30 June 2019.

Note 

Investment in 
unquoted securities 

5,005 

633 

5,638 

(350) 

5,288 

10 

10 

69 

Annual Report 2019 | Financial Statements 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial 
statements 

Notes to the financial statements 

For the year ended 30 June 2019 

17.  Financial risk management (continued)

Financial Risk Management 

Interest rate risk 

The Group has direct and indirect exposure to credit risk, liquidity 
risk and market risk (including currency risk, interest rate risk and 
equity price risk) arising from its activities. 

These risks can impact the Group’s net profit and total equity value 
through: 

 

 

 

fluctuations in the value of the Group’s investments and other 
financial assets and liabilities; 

the effect of market risks on the Group’s Assets Under 
Management (AUM), which can impact management and 
performance fees; and 

the amount of interest earned on the Group’s cash balances. 

Credit risk 

Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Group if a customer or 
counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual 
obligations, and arises principally from the Group’s cash deposits 
and receivables. The carrying amount of these financial assets 
represents the Group’s maximum credit risk exposure.  

Cash and lease guarantee deposits  

Cash and lease guarantee deposits held in Australia are held with 
bank counterparties which are rated A-1+ (Standard & Poor’s). 

Cash and lease guarantee deposits held in the United States are 
held in deposit accounts which are rated A-2 (Standard & Poor’s). 

Trade and other receivables 

At reporting date, 79% of the Group's trade and other receivables 
related to amounts receivable from products managed by the 
Group (2018: 87%).  

As at reporting date, the Group did not have any receivables which 
were past due. Due to the short-term nature of the Group’s trade 
receivables, the fact that the majority relate to Group managed 
products, and the historically low default rates, the application of 
the expected credit loss model has not resulted in the recording of 
a material credit allowance as at 30 June 2019 or 30 June 2018.  
In determining this credit allowance, the Group has considered 
forward looking factors specific to the receivables and the 
economic environment. 

Market risk  

Market risk is the risk that changes in market prices, such as 
interest rates, foreign exchange rates and equity prices will affect 
the Group’s income or the value of its holdings of financial 
instruments. 

As at 30 June 2019, the Group’s exposure to interest rate risk 
relates primarily to the Group’s cash and term deposits which 
mature in less than 90 days. 

A change in interest rates at reporting date would not have 
impacted the carrying value of the Group's variable rate deposits, 
and would therefore not have impacted the Group's equity or profit 
or loss. 

Currency risk 

The Group is exposed to currency risk on revenue, expenses, 
receivables and payables that are denominated in a currency other 
than the respective functional currencies of the Group entities. The 
following significant exchange rates applied during the year: 

AUD/USD: Average rate 

AUD/USD: 30 June spot rate 

2019 

0.7156 

0.7013 

2018 

0.7753 

0.7391 

At reporting date, the Group’s direct exposure to currency risk 
relates to: 

 

 

AUD denominated balances recognised by Navigator Global 
Investments Limited which has a functional currency of USD. 
Due to Navigator Global Investments Limited’s position as the 
parent entity of the Australian listed group, it retains a number 
of working capital balances denominated in AUD which 
include cash, current receivables, current trade and other 
payables and employee benefits.   

AUD denominated balances recognised by the Lighthouse 
Group which has a functional currency of USD. These 
balances comprise of trade receivables due from a third party 
for management and performance fees on funds for which 
Lighthouse performs investment services.  

The following table summarises the sensitivity of the balance of 
financial instruments held at reporting date to movement in the 
AUD/USD exchange rate, with all other variables held constant. 

AUD/USD:  appreciation of 10%, 
net of tax 

AUD/USD:  depreciation of 10%, 
net of tax 

Consolidated US$’000 

2019 

2018 

61 

(61) 

51 

(51) 

70 

Annual Report 2019 | Financial Statements 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
Financial 
statements 

Notes to the financial statements 

For the year ended 30 June 2019 

17.  Financial risk management (continued)

Price risk 

The Group is exposed to price risk in relation to the value of its 
investments, and indirectly through the impacts on management 
and performance fees earned from the fluctuations in the value of 
the AUM in the investment products it manages due to market 
price movements. 

Investments 

The Group’s investments comprise: 

 

 

financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, which are 
comprised of investments in the unquoted securities of 
investment funds 

financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive 
income which are comprised of investments in the unquoted 
securities of US based companies. 

The following table summarises the sensitivity of the fair value 
(after tax) of these assets to movements in market prices: 

Profit or loss (decrease) / 
increase 

Fair value + 5%, net of tax 

Fair value  - 5%, net of tax 

Equity (decrease) / increase 

Fair value + 5%, net of tax 

Fair value  - 5%, net of tax 

Consolidated US$’000 

2019 

2018 

468 

(468) 

195 

(195) 

384 

(384) 

200 

(200) 

Management fees 

The Group earns management fees as a percentage of the assets 
it manages on behalf of its funds and clients.  Management fees 
will be impacted by changes in the value of these assets from 
movements in the individual prices of the underlying securities held 
as well as the fluctuations in exchange rates for assets which are 
not denominated in USD. 

The following table summarises the sensitivity of management 
fees to a change in AUM due to movements in market prices: 

Consolidated US$’000 

2019 

2018 

Profit or loss (decrease) / 
increase 

Fair value + 5%, net of tax 

3,896 

2,550 

Fair value  - 5%, net of tax 

(3,896) 

(2,550) 

The impact of any change to management fees due to changes in 
AUM from inflows and outflows of assets by clients due to changes 
in market prices has not been estimated. 

Performance fees 

The Group earns performance fees from some of its funds and 
clients.  The Group’s entitlement to performance fees varies 
between the relevant funds and clients, and generally is dependent 
on the relevant fund or client portfolio outperforming a high 
watermark and in some cases a benchmark hurdle over a 
performance period.  Given the nature of performance fees, the 
Group is subject to the risk that in any given financial year it may 
earn no performance fees. 

71 

Annual Report 2019 | Financial Statements 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial 
statements

Notes to the financial statements 

For the year ended 30 June 2019 

17. Financial risk management (continued)

Liquidity risk 

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will encounter difficulty in 
meeting the obligations associated with its financial liabilities that 
are settled by delivering cash or another financial asset. The 
Group’s approach to managing liquidity is to ensure, as far as 
possible, that it has sufficient resources available to meet its 
liabilities when due, under both normal and stressed conditions, 
without incurring unacceptable losses or risking damage to the 
Group’s reputation. 

The Group maintains 12 month rolling forecasts, which assist it in 
monitoring cash flow requirements. The Group ensures that it has 
sufficient cash on demand to meet operational requirements. The 
Group also has access to a $15 million line of credit (refer Note 
15).  This approach excludes the potential impact of extreme 
circumstances which cannot be predicted. 

The following are the contractual maturities of non-derivative financial liabilities as at balance date: 

Consolidated US$’000 

30 June 2019 

Trade and other payables - 
current 
Trade and other payables – 
non-current 

30 June 2018 

Trade and other payables – 
current 

Note 

Carrying 
value 

Cont-
ractual 
cash flows 

6 months 
or less 

6-12
months 

1-2 years

2-5 years

More than 
5 years 

13 

13 

3,235 

(3,235) 

(3,235) 

50 

(50) 

- 

3,285 

(3,285) 

(3,235) 

13 

3,204 

(3,204) 

(3,204) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(50) 

(50) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Trade and other payables 

It is not expected that the cash flows included in the maturity 
analysis for these liabilities could occur significantly earlier, or at 
significantly different amounts. 

72 

Annual Report 2019 | Financial Statements 

 
Financial 
statements 

Notes to the financial statements 

For the year ended 30 June 2019 

Group structure 
This section of the notes to the financial statements outlines how the Navigator Global Investments Limited’s group structure affects the financial 
position and performance of the Group as a whole. On the following pages you will find disclosures explaining the Group’s composition and key 
parent entity disclosures. 

Where an accounting policy or key estimate is specific to a single note, the policy or estimate is described in the note to which it relates. 

  Group entities 

The Group’s consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of Navigator Global Investments Limited and its subsidiaries: 

Name 

Country of incorporation 

% Equity interest 

2019 

2018 

HFA Lighthouse Holdings Corp 

HFA Lighthouse Corp 

LHP Investments, LLC 

Lighthouse Investment Partners, LLC 

Lighthouse Partners NY, LLC 

Lighthouse Partners UK, LLC 

North Rock Capital Management LLC 

Lighthouse Partners Limited (HK) 

LHP Ireland Fund Management Limited 

LDO 906 Limited 

MSW Director Services Limited1 

United States 

United States 

United States 

United States 

United States 

United States 

United States 

Hong Kong 

Ireland 

Cayman Islands 

Cayman Islands 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

- 

1  This entity was acquired as part of the transfer of client relationships in the MAS transaction on 1 July 2018. 

Business combinations 

The purchase method of accounting is used to account for all 
business combinations regardless of whether equity instruments or 
other assets are acquired. Cost is measured as the fair value of 
the assets given, shares issued, or liabilities incurred or assumed 
at the date of exchange.  

Basis of consolidation 

The consolidated financial statements are those of the Group, 
comprising Navigator Global Investments Limited and all entities 
that Navigator Global Investments Limited controlled during the 
period and at reporting date. 

Control is achieved when the Group is exposed, or has rights, to 
variable returns from its involvement in the investee and has the 
power to affect those returns through its power over the investee.  

Consolidation of a subsidiary begins when the Group obtains 
control over the subsidiary and ceases when the Group loses 
control of the subsidiary. The assets, liabilities, income and 
expenses of a subsidiary are included in the consolidated financial 
statements from the date the Group gains control, until the date 
the Group ceases to control the subsidiary.  

All intra-group assets and liabilities, equity, income, expenses and 
cash flows relating to transactions between members of the Group 
are eliminated in full on consolidation.  

73 

Annual Report 2019 | Financial Statements 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial 
statements

Notes to the financial statements 

For the year ended 30 June 2019 

Parent entity disclosures 

As at, and throughout the financial year ended 30 June 2019, the parent company of the Group was Navigator Global Investments Limited. 

Result of the parent entity 

Profit for the year 

Total comprehensive income for the year 

Financial position of the parent at year end 

Current assets 

Total assets 

Current liabilities 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

Total equity of the parent comprising of 

Share capital 

Retained earnings 

Parent entity profits reserve 

Translation reserve 

Share based payments reserve 

Total equity 

Company US$’000 

2019 

2018 

29,458 

29,458 

18,812 

285,825 

(175) 

(277) 

26,022 

26,022 

16,821 

283,833 

(183) 

(292) 

285,548 

283,541 

257,355 

257,355 

2,397 

16,918 

5,070 

3,808 

2,397 

14,911 

5,070 

3,808 

285,548 

283,541 

74 

Annual Report 2019 | Financial Statements 

 
Financial 
statements 

Notes to the financial statements 

For the year ended 30 June 2019 

Other disclosures 
This section includes information that the Directors do not consider to be significant in understanding the financial performance and position of 
the Group, but must be disclosed to comply with the Accounting Standards, the Corporations Act 2001 or the Corporations Regulations. 

  Related parties 

Key management personnel remuneration 

The key management personnel remuneration included in ‘employee expense’ (see note 3) is as follows: 

Consolidated US$ 

2019 

6,267,376 

3,215 

95,965 

2018 

5,563,793 

3,616 

94,419 

6,366,556 

5,661,828 

For the years ended 30 June 2019 and 30 June 2018, the Group 
has not recorded a credit allowance relating to amounts owed by 
related parties. Additional information regarding the Group’s 
assessment of credit risk in relation to related party receivables 
and investments is disclosed in note 17. 

Equity accounted investee 

The Group held a 40% interest in a US based limited partnership 
(Casement Capital Management LP) which it transferred to the 
remaining partner in September 2018. As at 30 June 2018, the 
directors had assessed the carrying amount of the investment at 
$Nil.  

Other 

There have been no guarantees provided or received for any 
related party receivables. 

Short-term employee benefits  

Long-term employee benefits 

Post-employment benefits 

Individual directors’ and executives’ 
remuneration disclosure 

Apart from the details disclosed in this note, no director has 
entered into a material contract with the Group since the end of the 
previous financial year and there were no material contracts 
involving directors' interests existing at year-end. 

Other related party transactions 

Revenue from group managed products 

During the financial year Group entities recognised management 
fees, performance fees and fund reimbursement revenue received 
or receivable of $103,048,954 (2018 restated: $87,875,803) from 
investment products for which group entities act as general 
partner, investment manager or platform service provider. 
Amounts receivable from these products at 30 June 2019 were 
$15,426,885 (2018: $12,660,017).   

Investment in products 

As at 30 June 2019, Group entities hold $12,665,544 of 
investments in products for which they act as investment manager 
or platform service provider (2018: $10,821,366). Refer note 10 for 
additional detail.  

During the financial year, the Group recognised distributions from 
its investments in these products of $nil (2018: $nil). 

75 

Annual Report 2019 | Financial Statements 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial 
statements 

Notes to the financial statements 

For the year ended 30 June 2019 

  Auditors’ remuneration 

Audit and review services 

EY: Audit and review of financial reports 

Audit firms other than EY: Audit and review of financial reports 

Services other than statutory audit 

Audit firms other than EY:  Taxation and other advisory services 

  Commitments  

Operating lease commitments 

Consolidated US$ 

2019 

2018 

309,056 

24,216 

333,272 

35,243 

35,243 

245,864 

66,139 

312,003 

19,903 

19,903 

Group as lessee 

Group as lessor 

The Group has entered into operating leases on office equipment 
and premises. These leases have a remaining life of between 2 
months and 10 years.  

Future minimum lease payments payable under non-cancellable 
operating leases as at 30 June are as follows: 

The Group has entered into an operating sub-lease for one of its 
office premises. The lease has a remaining life of 4 years.  

Future minimum lease payments receivable under this sub-lease 
as at 30 June are as follows: 

Within one year 

After one year but not more than 
five years 

More than five years 

Consolidated US$’000 

2019 

2018 

201 

495 

- 

696 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Within one year 

After one year but not more than 
five years 

More than five years 

Consolidated US$’000 

2019 

2,635 

9,478 

8,658 

2018 

2,155 

7,712 

8,067 

20,771 

17,934 

Capital Commitments 

In July 2019, the Group entered into commitments to purchase 
computer equipment totaling $1,925 thousand.  The equipment will 
be utilised in the development of the Group’s proprietary trading 
platform. 

76 

Annual Report 2019 | Financial Statements 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial 
statements

Notes to the financial statements 

For the year ended 30 June 2019 

  Contingent liabilities  

Investment fund related obligations 

Sale of Australian business 

The Company’s subsidiary Lighthouse Investment Partners, LLC 
acts as the Investment Manager for certain private investment 
funds under Delaware Law, Cayman Islands Law and Irish 
Law.  Due to its role as Investment Manager the subsidiary may be 
subject to contingent liabilities as a result of its obligations to the 
funds.  The directors of Lighthouse Investment Partners, LLC 
consider that all obligations have been met to 30 June 2019. 

The Share Sale Agreement for the sale of Certitude Global 
Investments Limited completed on 30 April 2015 included a 
number of representations to, and warranties and indemnities for 
the benefit of, the purchaser.  These representations, warranties 
and indemnities relate to potential losses arising from the conduct 
of the Certitude business as a responsible entity whilst a member 
of the Group.  As part of the sale, the Company has purchased a 
professional indemnity and directors and officer insurance policy 
which provides run-off cover for a period of 7 years from the date 
of the sale.

  Subsequent events 

Events occurring after reporting period 

There has not arisen in the interval between the end of the 
reporting period and the date of this report, any other item, 

transaction or event of a material nature, likely to affect 
significantly the operations of the Group, the results of those 
operations, or the state of affairs of the Group, in future financial 
years. 

77 

Annual Report 2019 | Financial Statements 

 
Financial 
statements

Notes to the financial statements 

For the year ended 30 June 2019 

Basis of preparation 
This section sets out the basis upon which the Group’s financial statements are prepared as a whole. Specific accounting policies are described 
in their respective notes to the financial statements. This section also shows information on new accounting standards, amendments and 
interpretations, and whether they are effective for the current or later years. We explain how these changes are expected to impact the financial 
position and performance of the Group. 

Corporate information 

Basis of measurement 

The financial report of Navigator Global Investments Limited (the 
‘Company’) for the year ended 30 June 2019 was approved by the 
board of directors on the 8th day of August 2019. 

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a 
going concern basis. The consolidated financial statements have 
been prepared on a historical cost basis except for the following 
items: 

The consolidated financial statements of the Company as at and 
for the year ended 30 June 2019 comprise the Company and its 
subsidiaries (the ‘Group’) (see note 18).   

Items 

The Company is a for profit company limited by shares 
incorporated in Australia and is listed on the Australian Securities 
Exchange. The registered office of the Company is Level 21, 10 
Eagle Street, Brisbane QLD 4000. 

Financial instruments at fair value 
through profit or loss 

Financial instruments at fair value 
through other comprehensive income 

Measurement 
basis 

Fair value 

Fair value 

The methods used to measure fair value are discussed further in 
note 17. 

Statement of compliance 

The consolidated financial statements are general purpose 
financial statements which have been prepared in accordance with 
the requirements of the Corporations Act 2001, Australian 
Accounting Standards (AASB) and other authoritative 
pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board.  

The consolidated financial statements also comply with the 
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by 
the International Accounting Standards Board.  

During the period, disclosures reflect changes to the comparative 
period to conform to the current period’s presentation. 

Details of the Group’s accounting policies, including changes 
during the year, are included in note 29 as well as within the 
individual notes to the financial statements.  

78 

Annual Report 2019 | Financial Statements 

 
Financial 
statements

Notes to the financial statements 

For the year ended 30 June 2019 

Functional and presentation 
currency 

Changes in accounting policies 

New and amended standards 

The consolidated financial statements are presented in US dollars 
(‘USD’), which is the Company’s functional currency.  

The amounts contained in this financial report have been rounded 
to the nearest thousand dollars in accordance with the ASIC 
Corporations (Rounding in Financial/Directors’ Reports) Instrument 
2016/191 dated 24 March 2016, unless otherwise stated. 

Translation of foreign currency 

Transactions in foreign currencies are translated to the respective 
functional currency of Group entities at rates of exchange ruling on 
the date of those transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses 
resulting from the settlement of such transactions, and from the 
translation at the year-end exchange rate of monetary assets and 
liabilities denominated in foreign currencies, are recognised in 
profit or loss. 

  Other accounting policies 

Assumptions and estimation uncertainties 

Information about assumptions and estimation uncertainties that 
have a significant risk of resulting in a material adjustment within 
the next financial year are included in the following notes: 









note 6 - recognition of deferred tax assets: availability of
future taxable profit against which carried forward tax losses
can be used;

note 12 - impairment test: key assumptions underlying
recoverable amounts of intangible assets;

notes 10 and 17 - fair value measurement of investments;
and

note 12 - purchase consideration for client relationships
acquired.

Measurement of fair values 

A number of the Group’s accounting policies and disclosures 
require the determination of fair value. The methods used to 
determine fair values for measurement and / or disclosure 
purposes are included in the following notes:  

notes 10 and 17 - investments in financial assets at fair value
through profit or loss;

notes 10 and 17 - investment in financial assets at fair value
through other comprehensive income; and

note 12 - relative fair value of assets acquired through the
MAS transaction.







79 

The Group has adopted all of the new and revised Standards and 
Interpretations issued by the Australian Accounting Standards 
Board (the AASB) that are relevant to its operations and effective 
for the current reporting period: 

AASB 9 Financial instruments 

AASB 9 brings together three aspects of accounting for financial 
instruments: classification and measurement, impairment and 
hedge accounting. The Group has applied AASB 9 retrospectively, 
with an initial application date of 1 July 2018 and adjusting the 
comparative information for the period beginning 1 July 2017. The 
adoption of AASB 9 did not have a material impact on the 
disclosures or the amounts recognised in the Group's financial 
statements. 

a) Classification and measurement

The Group continues to measure all financial assets currently held 
at fair value.  

Trade receivables (which are held to collect contractual cash flows 
and give rise to cash flows representing solely payments of 
principal and interest) continue to be classified as amortised cost. 
The Group analysed the contractual cash flow characteristics of 
these instruments and concluded that they meet the criteria for 
amortised cost measurement under AASB 9. Therefore, 
reclassification of these instruments is not required.  

The investments in unquoted securities of externally managed 
entities were previously held as available for sale, and accordingly 
fair value gains and losses for these assets were recorded in other 
comprehensive income (OCI).  The Board has made an election to 
continue to present fair value changes in OCI for these 
investments.  As such, the application of AASB 9 has not resulted 
in a material impact on the amounts recognised in the Group’s 
financial statements.  However, under this election, the fair value 
reserve associated with these investments is now prohibited from 
being recycled to the profit and loss on disposal, but can be 
transferred within equity. 

b)

Impairment

AASB 9 requires the Group to record expected credit losses on its 
receivables on either a 12-month or lifetime basis. As the Group’s 
trade receivables are short-term in nature and do not contain a 
significant financing component, the Group has elected to apply 
the simplified approach and assess lifetime expected losses on all 
trade receivables. 

For all other financial instruments in-scope of the impairment 
requirements of AASB 9, the Group assesses expected credit 
losses on a forward-looking basis and the impairment methodology 
applied will depend on whether there has been a significant 
increase in credit risk. 

Annual Report 2019 | Financial Statements 

 
Financial 
statements 

Notes to the financial statements 

For the year ended 30 June 2019 

Under the principal versus agency considerations in AASB 15, the 
Group now recognises the fund expense reimbursements it incurs 
on a gross basis. Reimbursements received from funds are 
classified as ‘Revenue from reimbursement of fund operating 
expenses’, and payments made on behalf of funds are classified 
as ‘Reimbursable fund operating expenses’. The prior period 
income statement and cashflow have restated to reflect this 
change.  

The impact of this change for the year to 30 June 2019 is an 
increase to both revenue and expense of $6,319 thousand (30 
June 2018: $4,678 thousand). This change does not have a net 
impact on the Group’s income statement or statement of financial 
position. 

c)  Agreements for the provision of office space and services 

The Group has a number of agreements with external parties to 
license desk / office space at their New York and London offices. 
As part of these agreements, licensees are charged license fees 
and service charges on a monthly basis. 

The Agreements represent contracts with a customer under AASB 
15.  The revenue from these agreements is now described as 
‘Revenue from provision of office space and services’ (previously 
termed of ‘Rent, outgoings and other operating expenses on-
charged to sublease tenants’). The amounts are unchanged. 

AASB 3 Business Combinations 

AASB 2018-6 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – 
Definition of a Business amended AASB 3 to include an election to 
use a concentration test. This is a simplified assessment that 
results in an asset acquisition if substantially all of the fair value of 
the gross assets is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a 
group of similar identifiable assets. This election is made on a 
transaction by transaction basis.  

The amendments to AASB 3 are effective for annual reporting 
periods beginning on or after 1 January 2020 and apply 
prospectively. The Group has early applied the amendments from 
1 July 2018 as permitted by the standard. See Note 12 for further 
details. 

29.  Other accounting policies 

(continued) 

Due to the short-term nature of the Group’s trade receivables, the 
fact that the majority relate to Group managed products, and the 
historically low default rates, the application of the expected credit 
loss model has not resulted in the recording of a material credit 
allowance. 

c)  Hedge accounting 

The Group does not currently have any existing hedge 
relationships. As such, there was no impact. 

AASB 15 Revenue from contracts with customers 

AASB 15 establishes a comprehensive five-step model to account 
for revenue arising from contracts with customers. Under AASB 
15, revenue is recognised at an amount that reflects the 
consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange 
for transferring goods or services to a customer. The standard has 
been applied by the Group for the reporting period commencing 1 
July 2018 using the full retrospective method (no practical 
expedients have been applied).  The nature and effect of the 
changes as a result of adoption of the new accounting standard 
are described below. 

a)  Revenue from the provision of services 

The consideration received by the Group for the provision of 
services is in the form of management fees, and in the case of 
some customers, performance fees. Historically, management fees 
have been recognised in the income statement as services have 
been provided. Performance fees have been recognised only 
when the entitlement to receive the fee has become certain, which 
is at the end of the relevant performance period. 

The adoption of AASB 15 has not resulted in a change in timing or 
amount of revenue recognised in relation to either management 
fees or performance fees. This is because of the uncertainty 
associated with the estimate of performance fees, which is not 
included in the transaction price until the final performance has 
been determined at the end of the relevant performance period. At 
all times prior to this, there is a high probability of any revenue 
recognised being reversed. All relevant performance periods are 
12 months or less.  

b)  Reimbursement of fund operating expenses 

The Group is entitled to reimbursement for fund expenses that it 
has paid on behalf of the funds.  While the funds generally pay 
their own operating expenses directly, there are some expenses, 
such as financial data services and software and technology 
expenses, where it is more practical for the Group to incur and pay 
the expense and then be reimbursed by the fund.  These 
reimbursements have historically been recognised on a net basis 
in the income statement.

80 

Annual Report 2019 | Financial Statements 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial 
statements

Notes to the financial statements 

For the year ended 30 June 2019 

29. Other accounting policies

(continued)

Accounting standards and interpretations issued but 
not yet effective 

The following Australian accounting standards and interpretations 
that are relevant to the Group’s operations have been issued but 
are not yet effective and have not been adopted by the Group for 
the year ended 30 June 2019. 

AASB 16 Leases 

AASB 16 removes the classification of leases as either operating 
or finance leases for a lessee and introduces a single approach to 
accounting for leases requiring the lessee to recognise an asset 
and liability in relation to the lease.  The standard becomes 
mandatory for the Group from 1 July 2019. 

The Group has a number of leases for office premises and 
equipment, and adoption of this standard is expected to result in 
the following impacts to the Group’s consolidated financial 
statements: 







recording additional assets and liabilities in its balance sheet;

removing  lease  payments  as  an  operating  expense  and
replacing  this  amount  with  a  depreciation  and  finance  cost
expense in the income statement; and

a  reclassification  in  the  cash  flow  statement  for  payments
relating  to  leases  from  operating  cash  outflows  to  financing
cash outflows.

The Group has assessed its existing contracts for use of office 
premises and ongoing use of assets and equipment. All of the 
contracts meet the lease criteria in AASB 16 and are identified as 
containing a lease. After applying practical expedients (short-term 
and low value exemptions), four leases for office premises remain 
which require a change in accounting under the new requirements. 

The Group has selected a modified retrospective transition 
approach with the Right-of-use asset measured as if AASB 16 had 
always been applied, but using the transition discount rate rather 
than the discount rate at inception.  

Upon adoption of the standard on 1 July 2019, the Group expects 
to recognised the following changes in the statement of financial 
position in relation to these leases: 

Statement of financial position impact US$’000 

Recognise a lease liability 

Recognise a Right-of-use asset 

Recognise a finance lease receivable 

(18,012) 

14,102 

385 

Derecognise existing lease incentives/allowances 

2,745 

Recognise the tax effect of the balance sheet 
movements to deferred tax assets 

Recognise the cumulative effect of initially 
applying the standard as an adjustment to retained 
earnings 

191 

589 

Other Standards 

The following additional new or amended standards have not yet 
been adopted and are not expected to have a significant impact on 
the Group’s consolidated financial statements: 















AASB 2017-6 Amendments to Australian Accounting
Standards – Prepayment Features with Negative
Compensation

AASB 2017-7 Amendments to Australian Accounting
Standards – Long-term Interests in Associates and Joint
Ventures

AASB 2018-1 Amendments to Australian Accounting
Standards – Annual Improvements 2015-2017 Cycle

AASB 2018-2 Amendments to Australian Accounting
Standards – Plan Amendment, Curtailment or Settlement

AASB Interpretation 23 Uncertainty over Income Tax
Treatment

AASB 17 Insurance Contracts

AASB 2014-10 Sale or Contribution of Assets between an
Investor and its Associate or Joint Venture (Amendments to
IFRS 10 and IAS 28)

81 

Annual Report 2019 | Financial Statements 

 
Directors’ 
declaration 

Directors’ declaration 

In the opinion of the directors of Navigator Global Investments Limited (the ‘Company’): 

(a)

the consolidated financial statements and notes that are set out on pages 40 to 81, and the Remuneration report on pages 27 to 36 of

the Directors' report, are in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including:

(i)

giving a true and fair view of the Group’s financial position as at 30 June 2019 and of its performance for the financial year ended

on that date; and

(ii)

complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001; and

(b)

there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Company will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due and payable.

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 2019.

3. The directors draw attention to note 26 to the consolidated financial statements, which includes a statement of compliance with International

Financial Reporting Standards.

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the directors. 

Michael Shepherd, AO 

F P (Andy) Esteban 

Chairman and Non-Executive Director 

Non-Executive Director 

Sydney, 8 August 2019 

82 

Annual Report 2019 | Directors’ Declaration 

Ernst & Young 
111 Eagle Street 
Brisbane  QLD  4000 Australia 
GPO Box 7878 Brisbane  QLD  4001 

Tel: +61 7 3011 3333 
Fax: +61 7 3011 3100 
ey.com/au 

Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Navigator Global 
Investments Limited 

Report on the Audit of the Financial Report 

Opinion 

We  have  audited the  financial  report  of  Navigator Global  Investments  Limited (the  Company)  and its 
subsidiaries (collectively the Group), which comprises the statement of financial position as at 30 June 
2019, the income statement, statement of comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity and 
statement of cash flows for the year then ended, notes to the financial statements, including a summary 
of significant accounting policies, and the directors' declaration. 

In our opinion, the accompanying financial report of the Group is in accordance with the Corporations 
Act 2001, including: 

a)

giving a true and fair view of the consolidated financial position of the Group as at 30 June 2019
and of its consolidated financial performance for the year ended on that date; and

b)

complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001.

Basis for Opinion 

We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under 
those  standards  are  further  described  in  the  Auditor’s  Responsibilities  for  the  Audit  of  the  Financial 
Report  section  of  our  report.  We  are  independent  of  the  Group  in  accordance  with  the  auditor 
independence  requirements  of  the  Corporations  Act  2001  and  the  ethical  requirements  of  the 
Accounting  Professional  and  Ethical  Standards  Board’s  APES  110  Code  of  Ethics  for  Professional 
Accountants (the Code) that are relevant to our audit of the financial report in Australia. We have also 
fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with the Code.  

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for 
our opinion. 

Key Audit Matters 

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in 
our audit of the financial report of the current year. These matters were addressed in the context of our 
audit of the financial report as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, but we do not provide a 
separate opinion on these matters. For each matter below, our description of how our audit addressed 
the matter is provided in that context. 

We  have  fulfilled  the  responsibilities  described  in  the  Auditor’s  Responsibilities  for  the  Audit  of  the 
Financial  Report  section  of  our  report,  including  in  relation  to  these  matters.  Accordingly,  our  audit 
included the performance of procedures designed to respond to our assessment of the risks of material 
misstatement  of  the  financial  report.  The  results  of  our  audit  procedures,  including  the  procedures 
performed to address the matters below, provide the basis for our audit opinion on the accompanying 
financial report. 

83 

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Recoverability of deferred tax assets 

Refer to Note 6 of the financial report 

Why significant 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

Deferred tax assets represent 24% of total 
assets.  Assessing their recoverability was 
subject to significant judgements made by 
the Group in forecasting future taxable 
profits and determining the availability and 
expected timing of utilising the deferred tax 
assets against future taxable income in 
accordance with tax laws in each applicable 
jurisdiction. 

These judgements included those 
concerning the ability of the US based 
Lighthouse Group to earn sufficient future 
taxable profits to utilise deferred tax 
assets, which include prior period tax 
losses, prior to the tax losses expiring.  

Our audit procedures included the following: 

• Assessed the mathematical accuracy of the
Group’s deferred tax asset utilisation model;

• Agreed the amount of unused tax losses
carried forward as deferred tax assets to
prior period lodged income tax returns;

•

•

Evaluated the company’s assumptions and
estimates in relation to the likelihood of
generating sufficient future taxable income
based on most recent Board approved
forecasts, prepared by the Group,
principally by performing sensitivity
analyses and evaluating and testing the key
assumptions used to determine the amounts
recognised;

Ensured the assumptions and estimates
used were consistent with the criteria used
for testing the recoverability of the
Lighthouse cash generating unit;

• Assessed the historical accuracy of the

Group’s previous future taxable profit
forecasts by comparing to actual
performance;

• Assessing the Group’s determination of
availability and expected timing of
utilisation of deferred tax assets for
consistency with tax laws in each applicable
jurisdiction; and

• Assessed the adequacy of the related
disclosures in the financial report.

84 

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 

 
 
Recoverability of the Lighthouse cash generating unit 

Refer to Note 12 of the financial report 

Why significant 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

The recoverability of the Lighthouse cash 
generating unit (“CGU”) was a key audit 
matter due to the value of goodwill 
allocated to the CGU relative to total assets 
and the degree of judgement involved in 
determining the value in use of the GGU.  

The model used by the Group to determine 
value in use is subject to significant 
judgement due to the assumptions and 
estimations utilised in forecasting the 
future cash flows of the CGU. 

Our audit procedures included the following: 

• Assessed the mathematical accuracy of the

CGU’s value in use model;

•

•

Evaluated the company’s assumptions and
estimates in relation to the forecast cash
flows based on most recent Board approved
forecasts, prepared by the Group,
principally by performing sensitivity analysis
and evaluating and testing the key
assumptions used to determine the value in
use;

Ensured the assumptions and estimates
were consistent with the criteria used for
testing recoverability of deferred tax assets;

• Assessed the historical accuracy of the

Group’s previous future cash flow forecasts
by comparing forecasts to actual
performance;

•

•

Involved our valuation specialists in the
assessment of key assumptions utilised in
the value in use model. Where applicable,
we corroborated key assumptions with
external information;

Performed sensitivity analysis by varying
key assumptions and assessing the impact
on the recoverability of goodwill; and

• Assessed the adequacy of the related
disclosures in the financial report.

Information Other than the Financial Report and Auditor’s Report Thereon 

The  directors  are  responsible  for  the  other  information.  The  other  information  comprises  the 
information included in the Company’s 2019 Annual Report, but does not include the financial report 
and our auditor’s report thereon. 

Our  opinion  on  the  financial  report  does  not  cover  the  other  information  and  accordingly  we  do  not 
express any form of assurance conclusion thereon, with the exception of the Remuneration Report and 
our related assurance opinion. 

In connection with our audit of the financial report, our responsibility is to read the other information 
and, in doing so, consider whether  the  other  information is  materially inconsistent  with the  financial 
report or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated.  

If, based on the  work we have  performed, 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. 

85 

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Responsibilities of the Directors for the Financial Report 

The directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation of the financial report that gives a 
true and fair view in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Act 2001 
and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of the 
financial report that gives a true and fair view and is free from material misstatement, whether due to 
fraud or error. 

In  preparing  the  financial  report,  the  directors  are  responsible  for  assessing  the  Group’s  ability  to 
continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters relating to going concern and using the 
going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the Group or to cease 
operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. 

Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Report 

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial report as a whole is free 
from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes 
our  opinion.  Reasonable assurance  is a high level of assurance, but  is not a guarantee that  an audit 
conducted  in  accordance  with  the  Australian  Auditing  Standards  will  always  detect  a  material 
misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material 
if,  individually  or  in  the  aggregate,  they  could  reasonably  be  expected  to  influence  the  economic 
decisions of users taken on the basis of this financial report. 

As  part  of  an  audit  in  accordance  with  the  Australian  Auditing  Standards,  we  exercise  professional 
judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also: 

•

•

•

•

•

Identify  and  assess  the  risks  of  material  misstatement  of  the  financial  report,  whether  due  to
fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit
evidence  that  is  sufficient  and  appropriate  to  provide  a  basis  for  our  opinion.  The  risk  of  not
detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error,
as  fraud  may  involve  collusion,  forgery,  intentional  omissions,  misrepresentations,  or  the
override of internal control.

Obtain  an  understanding  of  internal  control  relevant  to  the  audit  in  order  to  design  audit
procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an
opinion on the effectiveness of the Group’s internal control.

Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting
estimates and related disclosures made by the directors.

Conclude on the appropriateness of the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting
and,  based  on  the  audit  evidence  obtained,  whether  a  material  uncertainty  exists  related  to
events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Group’s ability to continue as a going
concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in
our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the financial report or, if such disclosures are
inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up
to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Group to
cease to continue as a going concern.

Evaluate  the  overall  presentation,  structure  and  content  of  the  financial  report,  including  the
disclosures, and whether the financial report represents the underlying transactions and events
in a manner that achieves fair presentation.

86 

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•

Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities or
business  activities  within  the  Group  to  express  an  opinion  on  the  financial  report.  We  are
responsible for the direction, supervision and performance of the Group audit. We remain solely
responsible for our audit opinion.

We communicate with the directors regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of 
the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we 
identify during our audit. 

We also provide the directors with a statement that we have complied with relevant ethical requirements 
regarding independence, and to communicate with them all relationships and other matters that may 
reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, and where applicable, related safeguards. 

From  the  matters  communicated  to  the  directors,  we  determine  those  matters  that  were  of  most 
significance  in  the  audit  of  the  financial  report  of  the  current  year  and  are  therefore  the  key  audit 
matters. We  describe  these  matters in our  auditor’s  report unless law or  regulation precludes  public 
disclosure  about  the  matter  or  when,  in  extremely  rare  circumstances,  we  determine  that  a  matter 
should  not  be  communicated  in  our  report  because  the  adverse  consequences  of  doing  so  would 
reasonably be expected to outweigh the public interest benefits of such communication. 

87 

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Report on the Audit of the Remuneration Report 

Opinion on the Remuneration Report 

We have audited the Remuneration Report included in the directors' report for the year ended 30 June 
2019. 

In our opinion, the Remuneration Report of Navigator Global Investments Limited for the year ended 30 
June 2019, complies with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. 

Responsibilities 

The directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation and presentation of the Remuneration 
Report in accordance with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. Our responsibility is to express 
an opinion on the Remuneration Report, based on our audit conducted in accordance with Australian 
Auditing Standards. 

Ernst & Young 

Rebecca Burrows 
Partner 
Brisbane 
8 August 2019 

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Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 

 
 
Shareholder information 

Shareholder information 

As at 5 August 2019 

Additional information required by the Australian Securities Exchange Limited Listing Rules is set out below. 

Substantial shareholdings (not less than 5%) 

The following parties have a substantial relevant interest in ordinary shares of Navigator Global Investments Limited: 

Category 

Sean McGould, his controlled entities and associates 

Delaware Street Capital Master Fund, LP 

IOOF Holdings Limited 

Number of ordinary 
shares 

19,438,083 

13,101,982 

11,147,302 

% 

11.99% 

8.08% 

6.88% 

Twenty largest shareholders 

Name 

Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited 

HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited 

J P Morgan Nominees Australia Pty Limited 

National Nominees Limited 

BNP Paribas Noms Pty Ltd 

BNP Paribas Nominees Pty Ltd 

CS Third Nominees Pty Limited 

Warbont Nominees Pty Ltd 

BNP Paribas Nominees Pty Ltd 

UBS Nominees Pty Ltd 

Mr Shay Shimon Hazan-Shaked 

Winchester Global Trust Company Limited 

Australian Executor Trustees Limited 

Bond Street Custodians Limited 

Mr Ethan J Baron 

CS Fourth Nominees Pty Limited 

Mr Mark Sheffield Hancock & Brig Ian Denis Westwood 

eCapital Nominees Pty Limited 

BNP Paribas Nominees Pty Ltd Hub24 Custodial Serv Ltd Drp 

Mr Shay Shimon Hazan-Shaked 

Number of ordinary 
shares held 

Percentage of 
capital held 

50,069,500 

36,351,320 

23,595,611 

8,908,247 

5,158,756 

4,677,984 

1,460,920 

1,184,876 

1,084,360 

1,029,176 

900,000 

742,719 

730,396 

650,000 

593,862 

526,489 

484,835 

458,018 

426,291 

400,000 

30.88% 

22.42% 

14.55% 

5.49% 

3.18% 

2.89% 

0.90% 

0.73% 

0.67% 

0.63% 

0.56% 

0.46% 

0.45% 

0.40% 

0.37% 

0.32% 

0.30% 

0.28% 

0.26% 

0.25% 

90 

Annual Report 2019 | Shareholder Information 

Shareholder information 

As at 5 August 2019 

Distribution of shareholdings 

Range 

1-1,000

1,001-5,000 

5,001-10,000 

10,001-50,000 

50,001 – 100,000 

100,001 and over 

Total 

Number of holders 
of ordinary shares 

% of holders 

Number of ordinary 
shares 

% of share 

607 

1,088 

431 

401 

43 

44 

23.22% 

41.62% 

16.49% 

15.34% 

1.64% 

1.68% 

2,614 

100.00% 

293,686 

3,034,125 

3,275,057 

8,584,601 

3,138,052 

143,822,376 

162,147,897 

0.18% 

1.87% 

2.02% 

5.29% 

1.94% 

88.70% 

100.00% 

The number of shareholders holding less than a marketable parcel of ordinary shares is 135. 

Voting rights 

Ordinary Shares 

The Company has 162,147,897 fully paid ordinary shares on 
issue. 

The fully paid ordinary shareholders of the Company are entitled to 
vote at any meeting of the members of the Company and their 
voting rights are: 





on a show of hands – one vote per shareholder; and

on a poll – one vote per fully paid ordinary shares.

On-market buy-back 

There is no current on-market buy-back. 

Unquoted equity securities 

There are no unquoted equity securities. 

91 

Annual Report 2019 | Shareholder Information