Quarterlytics / Nufarm Limited

Nufarm Limited

nuf · ASX
Claim this profile
Ticker nuf
Exchange ASX
Sector
Industry
Employees 1001-5000
← All annual reports
FY2018 Annual Report · Nufarm Limited
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
Annual Report  
2018

N

u

f

a

r

m

L

i

m

i

t

e

d

A

n

n

u

a

l

R

e

p

o

r

t

2

0

1

8

 
 
 
 
Contents

About Nufarm

03  Facts in brief
04  Chairman’s message
06  Board of directors
08  Key management personnel
09	 Operating	and	financial	review

09 

Information on the company

11  Our One Nufarm strategy

13	 Managing	director’s	review

17	 Business	review

20  Sustainability

22  Risk management

 Lead auditor’s independence declaration

29  Corporate governance
30  Financial report
3 1  Directors’ report
34  Remuneration report
51 
52  Income statement
53   Statement of comprehensive income
54  Balance sheet
55	 Statement	of	cash	flows
56  Statement of changes in equity
58	 Notes	to	the	financial	statements
114  Directors’ declaration
115  Independent auditor’s report
122  Shareholder and statutory information
125 Directory

Nufarm is the dependable global partner behind 
thousands of agricultural success stories. Working 
side	by	side	with	farmers,	agronomists	and	their	
partners,	we	help	people	get	more	from	their	land.

We	are	one	of	the	world’s	leading	developers	and	manufacturers	of	seeds 	 
and	crop	protection	solutions.	For	more	than	100	years	we’ve	been	finding 	 
more	effective	ways	to	fight	disease,	weeds	and	pests	to	increase	the	yield 	 
of	our	customers’	crops,	by	turning	world-leading	scientific	breakthroughs	into 	
local solutions. 

We’re	known	for	our	hands-on	support,	giving	our	customers	the	confidence 	 
that	they’ll	get	the	right	product	for	the	job,	and	that	there’ll	be	someone	to	talk 	 
it	through	when	they	need	a	helping	hand.

It’s	what	we’ve	been	doing	for	more	than	100	years.	And	it’s	why	more	and 	 
more	people	are	depending	on	us	to	help	them	grow.

We	have	manufacturing	and	marketing	operations	based	in	Australia, 	 
New	Zealand,	Asia,	Europe	and	the	Americas,	and	we	employ	3217 	people	
around	the	world.	Nufarm	is	listed	on	the	Australian	Stock	Exchange	(symbol 	NUF)	
and	our	head	office	is	in	Melbourne,	Australia.

Helping farmers get 
more from their land

Nufarm Limited ABN 37 091 323 312

 
 
 
 
 
 
$3.3b

Revenue

$386m

Underlying EBITDA

01

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018Wyke

UK

Duesseldorf

Germany

Gaillon

France

Linz 

Austria

Cairo

Egypt

Alsip & Chicago Heights USA

Fortaleza
Brazil

Sao Paulo
Brazil

Sales countries

Manufacturing Facilities 

Regional HQ

Seed R&D

Shanghai 

Procurement 

Hub China

Melbourne

Australia

Kuala

Lumpur

Malaysia

Merak 

Indonesia

Kwinana

Australia

2 sites, Laverton Australia

About Nufarm continued

The 2018 financial year 

Strong revenue growth, however 
earnings were impacted by  
dry Australian conditions

•  Revenue growth in all regions except Australia.

•  Underlying EBITDA down by one per cent,  
with the Australian drought impact largely  
offset by the European acquisition contribution.

•	 Underlying	net	profit	after	tax  down 28 per cent 

on prior year.

•  Reported $15.6 million net loss after tax 

compared	to	a	$114.5	million	profit	last	year. 	
Reported net loss after tax includes material 
items of $114.0 million, mainly comprising 
Australian impairment charge and European 
business acquisition costs.

•  Underlying earnings per share down  
40 per cent to 28.2 cents per share.

•  Australian drought and late season in Europe 
impact working capital, with average net 
working capital to sales increasing to  
40.3 per cent (2017: 36.8 per cent).

•  Final dividend: six cents per share (2017:  
eight cents per share). Full year dividend:  
11 cents per share (2017: 13 cents per share). 

02

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018Wyke
UK

Duesseldorf
Germany

Gaillon
France

Linz 
Austria

Cairo
Egypt

Alsip & Chicago Heights USA

Fortaleza

Brazil

Sao Paulo

Brazil

Sales countries

Manufacturing Facilities 

Regional HQ

Seed R&D

Shanghai 
Procurement 
Hub China

Melbourne
Australia

Kuala
Lumpur
Malaysia

Merak 
Indonesia

Kwinana
Australia

2 sites, Laverton Australia

Facts in Brief

Trading results
Profit/(loss)	attributable	to	shareholders

Abnormal	(gain)/loss

Underlying net profit after tax

Sales revenue

Total equity

Total assets

Ratios
Earnings/(loss)	per	ordinary	share	(cents)

Gearing ratio (%)

Net tangible assets per ordinary share ($)

Distribution to shareholders
Annual dividend per ordinary share (cents)

People
Staff employed

12 months ended 
31 July 2018 
$000

12 months ended 
31 July 2017 
$000

 (15,588)

113,984 

98,396 

3,307,847 

1,971,624 

5,051,367 

 (8.5)

41.1

0.86 

11.0 

  1 1 4,467 

21,356 

135,823 

3, 1 1 1 , 1 1 5 

1,602,923 

3,644,888 

 38.7 

29.8

2.67 

13.0 

3,217 

3,256 

The	financial	information	contained	within	our	financial	statements	has	been	prepared	in	accordance	with	IFRS.	Refer	to 	
page	16	for	definitions	of	the	non-IFRS	measures	used	in	the	annual	report.	All	references	to	the	prior	period	are	to	the 	
year	end	31	July	2017	unless	otherwise	stated.	Non-IFRS	measures	have	not	been	subject	to	audit	or	review.

03

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018Chairman’s message

Donald McGauchie AO
Chairman

This year we have continued to deliver against the strategy  
we introduced in 2015, focusing on the global regions and 
crops in which we have existing strengths and can leverage 
valuable growth opportunities.

In late 2017 we announced the acquisition 
of two important product portfolios in 
Europe, both of which are extremely 
complementary to our existing range of 
crop protection solutions. These products 
are already delivering value, driving 
stronger customer relevance and good 
early sales across our targeted European 
countries and crops.

The safety of the community, customers 
and our employees is Nufarm’s highest 
priority. I’m pleased to report that the 
commitment we have made to 
systematically managing our risks and 
improving our safety culture has resulted 
in more Nufarm people going home 
safely than ever before. 

The past year has been a true testament 
to the talent and commitment of Nufarm’s 
people, as we successfully executed our 
ambitious global growth agenda, while 
also	navigating	the	drought-challenged	
Australian market. The board and I 
appreciate their ongoing support and 
look forward to continuing to deliver value 
for our shareholders in the year ahead. 

Donald McGauchie AO
Chairman

Shareholders,

On behalf of the Nufarm board of 
directors I’m pleased to present the  
annual	report	for	the	2018	financial	year.

This year we have continued to deliver 
against the strategy we introduced in 
2015, focusing on the global regions  
and crops in which we have existing 
strengths and can leverage valuable 
growth opportunities.

While this year’s drought conditions in 
large parts of Eastern Australia have 
significantly	impacted	grower	demand,	
and	therefore	our	overall	financial 	
performance, we have demonstrated 
good organic growth in several other 
regions, particularly North America and 
Latin America. Given the weather volatility 
faced by all agricultural companies,  
the	diversification	of	our	business	across 	
geographies and crops is one of the  
true strengths of Nufarm.

We continue to invest in growth, with  
a strong pipeline of new crop protection 
and seed products in development. 
During the year we extended and 
confirmed	our	development	agreements	
with our partner Sumitomo, providing us 
with access to innovative new chemistries 
in several key regions in the years ahead. 

Our	world-leading	omega-3	canola,	
researched in partnership with the CSIRO 
and GRDC, received regulatory approval 
here in Australia and our pathway to 
commercialisation	in	2019/2020	is	
progressing well. 

04

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 201805

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018Board of directors

Greg Hunt

AB Brennan

Gordon Davis

Frank Ford

Managing director and 
chief	executive	officer

Greg	Hunt	joined	the	
board in May 2015.

Greg	joined	Nufarm	in	
2012 and was group 
executive commercial 
operations prior to 
being appointed  
acting chief executive 
officer	in	February	 
2015. Greg has 
considerable executive 
and agribusiness 
experience. Greg had 
a successful career at 
Elders before being 
appointed managing 
director of Elders 
Australia Limited,  
a position he held 
between 2001–2007. 
After leaving Elders, 
Greg worked with 
various private equity 
firms	focused	on	the	
agriculture sector  
and has acted as  
a corporate advisor  
to Australian  
and international 
organisations  
in agribusiness  
related matters.  

Anne Brennan 
joined	the	board	 
on 10 February 2011.

Gordon Davis  
joined	the	board	 
on 31 May 2011.

Frank	Ford	joined	 
the board on  
10 October 2012.

She has a bachelor  
of commerce (hons) 
from University College 
Galway and is a fellow 
of the Institute of 
Chartered Accountants 
in Australia and a fellow 
of the Australian Institute 
of Company Directors.

She was formerly  
the	executive	finance	
director for the Coates 
Group and chief 
financial	officer	for	CSR.		
Prior to this Anne was a 
partner in professional 
services	firms	Ernst	 
& Young, Andersen  
and KPMG.

Anne is a director of 
Charter Hall Group, 
Argo Investments 
Limited and Metcash 
Limited. She is also a 
director of Rabobank 
Australia Limited and 
Rabobank New 
Zealand Limited.  
In the past three years, 
Anne was a director of 
Myer Holdings Limited.

Anne is a member  
of the audit and risk 
committee and human 
resources committee.

He has a bachelor of 
forest science (Hons), 
master of agricultural 
science and holds  
a master of business 
administration.

Gordon is a director  
of Primary Health Care 
Limited and Midway 
Limited and was 
managing director of 
AWB Limited between 
2006 and 2010. Prior 
to this, he held various 
senior executive 
positions with Orica 
Limited, including 
general manager of 
Orica Mining Services 
(Australia, Asia) and 
general manager of 
Incitec Fertilizers. He 
has also served in a 
senior capacity on 
various industry 
associations.

Gordon is chairman  
of the health, safety 
and environment 
committee and a 
member of the audit 
and risk committee  
and the human 
resources committee.

Frank has a master  
of taxation from the 
University of Melbourne 
and a bachelor of 
business, accounting 
from RMIT University  
and is a fellow of the 
Institute of Chartered 
Accountants. Frank is  
a former managing 
partner of Deloitte 
Victoria after a long 
and successful career 
as a professional 
advisor spanning some 
35 years. During that 
period, Frank was  
also a member of the 
Deloitte global board, 
global governance 
committee and  
national management 
committee.

Frank is a director  
of Tarrawarra Museum 
of Art.  

Frank is the chairman  
of the audit and risk 
committee and  
a member of the 
nomination and 
governance  
committee.

Donald 
McGauchie AO 

Chairman

Donald McGauchie  
AO	joined	the	board	 
in 2003 and was 
appointed chairman  
on 13 July 2010. 

He has wide 
commercial experience 
within the agricultural, 
food processing, 
commodity trading, 
finance	and	
telecommunication 
sectors. He also has 
extensive public policy 
experience, having 
previously held several 
high-level	advisory	
positions to the 
government including 
the Prime Minister’s 
Supermarket to Asia 
Council, the Foreign 
Affairs Council and the 
Trade Policy Advisory 
Council. He is a former 
member of the board 
of the Reserve Bank  
of Australia.

Donald is chairman of 
Australian Agricultural 
Company Limited and 
a director of Graincorp 
Ltd. In the past three 
years, Donald was  
a director of James 
Hardie Industries plc.

Donald is chairman  
of the nomination and 
governance committee 
and a member of the 
human resources 
committee.

06

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018Toshikazu 
Takasaki

Toshikazu Takasaki 
joined	the	board	 
in 2012.

Mr Takasaki represents 
the interests of 
shareholder Sumitomo 
Chemical Company 
(SCC). 

He has a bachelor of 
business administration 
from the University  
of Tokyo and is a  
former executive of  
SCC holding senior 
management positions 
in businesses relating  
to crop protection,  
both within Japan and 
in the US. He is now a 
business consultant with 
a	national	qualification	
registered by the 
Japanese Ministry of 
Economy, Trade and 
Industry as a small  
and medium sized 
enterprise consultant. 

He brings broad 
industry and 
international 
experience to  
the board. 

Toshikazu is a member 
of the health, safety 
and environment 
committee.

Bruce Goodfellow

Peter Margin

Marie McDonald

Bruce Goodfellow 
joined	the	board	
representing the 
holders of the ‘C’ shares 
in 1991. Following the 
conversion of the ‘C’ 
shares into ordinary 
shares, he was elected 
a director in 1999. 

He has a doctorate  
in chemical engineering 
and experience in  
the chemical and  
food trading business 
and	financial	and	
commercial business 
management 
experience.

Bruce is a director of 
Sanford Ltd, a public 
company registered  
in New Zealand  
and listed on NZX 
Limited, chairman  
of Refrigeration 
Engineering Co. Ltd and 
Sulkem Co. Ltd and a 
director of Cambridge 
Lane Property Limited, 
all privately owned 
companies.

Bruce is a member of 
the nomination and 
governance committee.

Marie	McDonald	joined	
the board in 2017.

Marie has a bachelor 
of laws (honours) and  
a bachelor of science 
(honours) and was a 
senior partner at Ashurst 
until 2014, specialising 
in mergers and 
acquisitions, corporate 
governance and 
commercial law. She 
was widely recognised 
as one of Australia’s 
leading corporate and 
commercial lawyers. 

Marie is a director of 
CSL Limited, Nanosonics 
Limited and the Walter 
and Eliza Hall Institute  
of Medical Research. 

She was chair of  
the corporations 
committee of the 
Business Law Section  
of the Law Council of 
Australia from 2012 to 
2013, having previously 
been the deputy chair, 
and was a member of 
the Australian Takeovers 
Panel from 2001 to 2010.

Marie is a member  
of the audit and risk 
committee and the 
health, safety and 
environment committee.

Peter Margin  
joined	the	board   
on 3 October 2011. 

Peter has a bachelor of 
science (hons) from the 
University of NSW and 
holds a master of 
business administration 
from Monash University.  
Peter has many years of 
leadership experience 
in	major	Australian	and	
international food 
companies. His most 
recent role was a chief 
executive of Goodman 
Fielder Ltd and before 
that Peter was chief 
executive and chief 
operating	officer	of	
National Foods Ltd.  
He has also held senior 
management roles in 
Simplot Australia Pty Ltd, 
Pacific	Brands	Limited	
(formerly known as 
Pacific	Dunlop	Limited),	
East Asiatic Company, 
HJ Heinz Company 
Australia Limited and  
is currently executive 
chair of Asahi 
Beverages ANZ.  

Peter is a director of  
ASX Listed companies 
Bega Cheese Limited, 
PACT Group Holdings 
Limited and Costa 
Group Holdings Limited. 
In the past three years 
Peter was a director  
of PMP Limited and 
Huon Aquaculture 
Group Limited.

Peter is chairman of  
the human resources 
committee and a 
member of the audit  
and risk committee.

07

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018Key management personnel

Greg Hunt

Paul Binfield

Niels Pörksen

Elbert Prado

Brent Zacharias

Managing director and 
chief	executive	officer

Chief	financial	officer

Group executive 
portfolio solutions

Greg	Hunt	joined	
Nufarm in 2012 and 
was appointed 
managing director and
chief	executive	officer
in May 2015. Greg has 
considerable executive
and agribusiness 
experience and had
a successful career
at Elders Australia 
Limited, holding the 
position of managing 
director between 
2001–2007. He has 
worked with various 
private	equity	firms	
focused on the 
agriculture sector,
and has acted as 
a corporate adviser
to Australian and 
international 
organisations on 
agribusiness-related	
matters.

Paul	Binfield	joined	
Nufarm in November 
2011. He has held senior 
strategic	financial	roles	
at Coles Liquor and 
Hotels,	a	major
division of Wesfarmers 
Ltd, and at Mayne 
Group. Paul has 
extensive experience
in publicly listed and 
private company 
finance	functions,
both in Australia
and the United 
Kingdom.

Niels	Pörksen	joined	
Nufarm in 2014 as 
director, business 
improvement in Europe, 
and then in 2015 was 
appointed director, 
commercial operations.

In October 2016,
Niels	joined	the	global	
team in Australia to 
represent the portfolio 
function, as part of
the Nufarm executive 
team.

Niels	has	significant	
experience in the crop 
protection industry and 
was an executive 
board member at 
Nordzucker, and 
worked at BASF 
Chemicals in various 
senior management 
roles for over 17 years.

Group executive 
manufacturing and 
supply chain

Group executive 
Nuseed

Elbert Prado, a 
chemical engineer, 
joined	Nufarm
in July 2013 after 
extensive international 
experience in senior 
operations roles within 
the chemical industry. 
He has a strong focus 
on safety, supply chain 
and manufacturing 
excellence. Elbert was 
global manufacturing 
and supply chain 
director for Rohm
and Haas.

Brent	Zacharias	joined	
Nufarm in 2006 after
a	14-year	career	with	
Dow AgroSciences. 
Brent has a degree in 
agricultural economics 
and held senior roles
in Nufarm’s Canadian 
business prior to 
transferring to Australia 
as Nuseed general 
manager in 2008.
Now based in Canada, 
Brent holds global 
responsibility for 
Nuseed – Nufarm’s 
agricultural seed
and traits division.

08

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018Operating and financial review

Information on the company

Our capabilities

Nufarm is a leading crop protection  
and seed technologies company.

We develop, manufacture and sell a  
wide range of crop protection products, 
including herbicides, insecticides and 
fungicides, that help growers protect  
their crops against damage caused  
by weeds, pests and disease. 

We	operate	primarily	in	the	off-patent 	
segment of the crop protection market, 
which consists of products using technical 
active ingredients for which the patent  
has expired.

We also have a proprietary seed 
technologies business with a portfolio 
covering	canola,	sorghum	and	sunflower 	
crops, and we are developing a global 
presence in the fast growing and high 
value seed treatment segment. 

Our reach

Nufarm has leading positions in targeted 
markets and segments 

We have an established presence  
and	leading	market	positions	in	major 	
agricultural regions throughout the world. 
We have crop protection formulation and 
manufacturing facilities in nine countries, 
and	seed-related	research,	development	
and marketing operations in Australia, 
North America, Latin America and Europe. 

We have marketing operations in more 
than 30 countries, and we distribute our 
products in approximately 100 countries 
across Australia and New Zealand, Asia, 
North America, Latin America and Europe.

Established strategic alliances 
and commercial relationships

We have a strategic alliance with our 
largest shareholder, Sumitomo Chemical 
Company, with whom we have a range 
of collaboration agreements covering 
product distribution, development and 
manufacturing. We also have commercial 
relationships	with	other	major	crop 	
protection companies including Bayer, 
Dow, FMC, Syngenta and Monsanto which 
we believe strengthen our business in  
a variety of areas, including research  
and development, procurement, 
manufacturing, distribution and sales.

09

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018Operating and financial review continued

Information on the company continued

Our history

Our people

We have our origins in New Zealand 
dating back to 1916, and we’ve been 
helping farmers get more from their land 
for the last 100 years

From the beginning, growers and channel 
partners have looked to Nufarm for its 
adaptability, helping them experience 
everyday certainty in challenging times. 
We continue to be a supplier of smart, 
dependable,	great-value	products,	
backed by the best service and  
technical support in the industry.

Over the last century, Nufarm has seen 
various acquisitions and solid organic 
growth expand the business to distribute 
in 100 countries.

Earlier this year we strengthened our 
presence in Europe with two acquisitions 
that complement our strategic priorities. 
The addition of these portfolios 
consolidates our position as a leading 
post-patent	supplier	in	Europe	and 	
increases our relevance to the customer 
base by allowing us to offer a more 
comprehensive suite of crop protection 
solutions in a number of very important 
crop segments.

Nufarm	is	now	one	of	the	most	significant 	
crop protection companies in the world, 
with a clear leadership position in 
Australia and substantial operations  
in North and South America, Europe,  
New Zealand and Asia.

For more than 100 years our people have 
been	finding	more	effective	ways	to	fight 	
disease, weeds and pests to increase the 
yields of our customers’ crops, by turning 
world-leading	scientific	breakthroughs	
into local solutions.

Today, Nufarm employs 3,217 people 
globally. 

Our global team demonstrates a range of 
expertise, including scientists, agricultural 
product specialists, manufacturing and 
logistics	planners	and	customer-facing	
sales managers.

We have sales and marketing teams  
in more than 30 countries with strong 
relationships with local distributors who 
directly service growers and farmers. 
These relationships provide us with  
a competitive advantage in terms of  
our access to key markets as well as 
market intelligence.

Our product development staff globally, 
as	well	as	field	personnel	located	in 	 
all key markets, provide local market 
insights to drive product development  
and differentiation.

We	have	strong	in-house	formulation 	
development capabilities with Centres  
of Excellence in Australia, Brazil and  
the United States. 

Differentiated product 
portfolio and expertise to 
bring new products to market

With strategically located laboratories 
across the world, we have proven 
product development and registration 
expertise in our key markets that enable 
us to develop innovative, differentiated 
and	value-added	products	and	
formulations relevant to the region’s 
growers and bring them to market quickly. 
This provides us with a large pipeline of 
new product opportunities and supports 
the	profitable	growth	of	our	business.

Global manufacturing, 
marketing and distribution 
platform

Our global product development, 
manufacturing and distribution platform 
allows us to deliver products to our 
customers with short lead times, which  
is critical given the weather dependent 
nature of cropping and related crop 
protection product demand patterns.  
This platform also allows us to establish 
close relationships with our customer 
base, including independent distributors 
and dealers as well as end users  
of our products – contributing to our 
understanding of the evolving needs  
of crop producers and thereby  
helping us optimise our product 
development activities.

We believe our product and geographic 
diversity,	along	with	our	long-term 	
customer relationships, help to protect  
our business from adverse seasonal  
or commercial pressures in any one 
market while also providing a range  
of	expansion	opportunities	in	major 	
cropping markets around the world. 

10

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018 
 
 
Our One Nufarm strategy

We	aim	to	build	a	more	cost-competitive	business	and	improve	the	quality	of	earnings	
to	create	a	strong	platform	to	support	continued,	profitable	growth.	We	are	focused	
on implementing a strategy of going deeper into those geographic markets and crop 
segments where we are the strongest, rather than spreading our efforts more broadly.

Our strategy is focused on the following 
key crops in four core geographies: 
cereals; corn; soybean; pasture, turf  
and ornamentals; and trees, nuts, vines 
and vegetables (TNVV). Our four core 
geographies	are:	Australia/New	Zealand,	
serviced by a hub in Australia; North 
America, serviced by a hub in the United 
States; Latin America, serviced by a hub  
in Brazil; and Europe, serviced by hubs  
in France, Germany and Poland. We 
believe that focusing on these crops and 
geographies – where we have existing 
strengths and further growth opportunities 
– ensures that we allocate capital to 
where we can maximise our returns.

A key component of delivering on  
our strategy has been our successful 
performance improvement program that 
was implemented in 2015. This program 
has generated sustainable earnings 
benefits	and	has	embedded	a	culture	of 	
continuous improvement that we expect 
to	continue	to	yield	benefits	in	the	future. 	
Under this program, we have optimised 
our manufacturing footprint, strengthened 
our supply chain and improved our 
procurement processes. In turn, this has 
significantly	enhanced	our	ability	to 	
supply Nufarm products to our customers 
at prices we believe are competitive.

We have implemented a business  
model	that	is	centre-led,	thereby 	 
reducing	duplication	and	inefficiency	 
in our regional operations, and focused 
on delivering superior quality, service  
and value to our customers. We continue 
to invest in the transformation of our  
global	systems,	driving	greater	efficiency 	
across our product development and 
customer engagement processes.

11

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018$3.3b

Revenue

increased  
6 per cent  
on 2017

12

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018Operating and financial review continued

Managing director’s review

Greg Hunt
Managing director and 
chief	executive	officer

Nufarm Limited delivered an underlying net profit after tax of
$98.4 million, down 28 per cent on the $135.8 million reported  
in the prior period. Underlying earnings before interest, tax, 
depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) decreased by one per cent 
to $385.7 million and underlying earnings before interest and  
tax (EBIT) decreased by 12 per cent to $265.1 million. On a constant 
currency basis, underlying EBITDA was in line with last year and 
underlying EBIT decreased by 10 per cent.

The company reported a statutory  
net loss after tax of $15.6 million for the  
12 months to 31 July 2018. The statutory 
result includes $114 million in material items, 
including an impairment charge and tax 
asset	write-off	for	the	Australian	business 	 
of $91.5 million and business acquisition 
costs of $22.2 million, and compares to  
a	statutory	profit	after	tax	of	$114.5	million 	
in the previous year. 

Group revenues increased by six per cent 
to $3.31 billion (2017: $3.11 billion), despite  
the overall industry recording minimal 
growth during the period. The group 
generated	an	underlying	gross	profit 	
margin of 29.1 per cent, slightly below the  
29.4 per cent margin for the previous year. 

The underlying EBIT result was impacted 
by the very dry Australian autumn 
conditions, and continued drought into 
winter in the eastern and southern states. 
Whilst this impact was largely offset  
by the underlying EBITDA contribution 
from the European acquisitions, the 
increased amortisation related to the 

acquisitions reduced the contribution at 
the underlying EBIT level. Good earnings 
growth was delivered in the North 
American and Latin American businesses. 

Underlying earnings per share were 
down to 28.2 cents, a 40 per cent 
decrease over the prior year 46.7 cents.

Average net working capital to  
sales went up to 40.3 per cent (2017:  
36.8 per cent), driven by higher 
inventories in Australia and higher 
receivables in Europe. 

Net debt at 31 July 2018 was  
$1,374 million, up on the $680 million  
at	31	July	2017.	The	year-end	net	debt 	 
was impacted by the funding for the 
European acquisitions of $335 million  
and	the	higher	year-end	net	working 	
capital balance (up by $287 million). 
Average	net	debt	over	the	12-month 	
period was $1,085 million, higher than  
the $886 million average in 2017.

13

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018Operating and financial review continued

Managing director’s review continued

Year ended 31 July

Revenue

Underlying	gross	profit

Underlying EBITDA1

Underlying EBIT 1,2

Operating	profit

Net	profit/(loss)	after	tax

Net	operating	cash	flow

Underlying basic earnings per share (cents)

Total dividend per share declared in respect  
of period (cents)

2018 
$000

3,307,847

2017 
$000
3,111,115

Change 
%
6.3

963,434

385,653

265,103

175,499

(15,588)

(88,169)

28.2

11.0

915,765

390,016

302,285

279,242

114,467

55,443

46.7

13.0

5.2

(1.1)

(12.3)

(37.2)

(113.6)

(259.0)

(39.6)

(2.0)

The	financial	information	contained	within	our	statutory	accounts	has	been	prepared	in	accordance	with	IFRS.	Refer	to 	
footnotes,	including	explanations	of	the	non-IFRS	measures	used	in	this	report.	All	references	to	the	prior	period	are	to	the 	
year	ended	31	July	2017	unless	otherwise	stated.	This	report	is	based	on	financial	statements	which	have	been	audited 	 
by	KPMG.	Non-IFRS	measures	have	not	been	subject	to	audit	or	review.	Refer	to	the	31	July	2018	Nufarm	Limited	Financial
Report for the independent auditor’s report to the members of Nufarm Limited.

Final dividend

Directors	declared	an	unfranked	final 	
dividend of six cents per share, resulting  
in a full year dividend of 11 cents. This is 
down two cents on the previous year. 

The	final	dividend	will	be	paid	on 	 
2 November 2018 to the holders of all  
fully paid shares in the company as at  
the close of business on 5 October 2018. 
The	final	dividend	will	be	100	per	cent 	
conduit foreign income. 

The dividend reinvestment plan (DRP) will 
be made available to shareholders for the 
final	dividend.	Directors	have	determined 	
that the issue price will be calculated on 
the volume weighted average price of  
the company’s ordinary shares on the  
ASX	over	the	10-day	period	commencing 	
on 10 October 2018 and ending on  
19 October 2018. The last election date  
for shareholders who are not yet 
participants in the DRP is 8 October 2018. 

Interest/ tax/cash flow

Total	underlying	financing	costs	were 	
$118.3 million, compared to an underlying 
$107.0 million in the prior year. 

Underlying net external interest expense 
was $91.8 million, which is $1.4 million 
lower than the previous period. The lower 
interest expense was primarily driven by 
a reduction in Brazilian bank base rates, 
and lower net working capital in Brazil 
leading to lower funding requirements  
for the business. 

Underlying foreign exchange losses were 
$26.6 million, compared to $13.8 million 
recorded in the 2017 year. The exchange 
loss relates largely to the Latin American 
operations ($19.5 million), and is consistent 
with the company’s previous guidance. 
The remaining losses relate to emerging 
markets currencies, particularly in Europe. 

The underlying effective tax rate was  
33.2 per cent for the year, which 
compared to 30.2 per cent in the prior 
period. The income tax expense includes 
non-recoverable	withholding	taxes	in	
Australia	and	a	prior	year	tax	adjustment 	
in Canada. An underlying effective tax 
rate of approximately 32 per cent is 
expected in the 2019 year, reducing  
to approximately 31 per cent thereafter.

The business generated an underlying net 
operating	cash	outflow	of	$56.7	million 	 
in the 2018 year. This compares to a cash 
inflow	of	$73.4	million	in	the	previous 	
year.	The	cash	outflow	was	attributable 	 
to a higher net working capital balance 
at	year-end,	which	was	driven	by	the 	 
late seasonal conditions in Europe and  
the dry Australian conditions. 

Acquisitions

During the year, Nufarm signed and 
announced agreements to acquire crop 
protection product portfolios, from FMC 
Corporation for US$85 million, and from 
Adama and Syngenta for US$490 million. 
The	acquisitions	were	subject	to	regulatory	
approval, and both acquisitions were 
subsequently	completed	in	the	first	quarter 	
of 2018. The FMC acquisition was 
completed on 1 February 2018, and the 
Adama/Syngenta	portfolio	acquisition	
completed on 16 March 2018. 

14

The acquired portfolios consist of 
established brands, formulations and 
registrations for the European market. 
These product portfolios strengthen the 
company’s position in our core crops  
and key markets in Europe and provide 
additional scale that will make Nufarm 
more relevant to both key distribution 
customers	and	end-users.

For	the	2018	financial	year,	the	acquisitions 	
delivered sales of $69 million. Integration 
plans are well progressed and the 
business has seen strong engagement 
with customers on the new portfolios.  
To support the new products in the 
portfolio, an extra 41 people have been 
added to the business in the areas of 
sales,	marketing,	regulatory	and	field 	
development. The acquired European 
portfolios are expected to deliver the 
financial	targets	given	at	the	time	of 	 
the acquisitions. 

Material items 

The	company	incurred	post-tax	one-off 	
material items totalling $114.0 million in the 
year, mainly related to the impairment  
and	tax	asset	write-off	associated	with 	 
the Australian business, and costs relating 
to the European acquisitions. 

The Australian business was severely 
impacted by drought conditions during 
the year, particularly in the eastern and 
southern	states.	The	2019	financial	period 	
will also be impacted due to the high 
amounts of inventory in the channel.  
The lower than expected earnings in the 
2018	and	2019	financial	years,	and	the 	
discounting	of	future	cash	flows	of	the 	
Australian/New	Zealand	cash-generating	
unit (CGU), has resulted in the carrying 
value of the CGU being higher than its 
recoverable amount, causing an 
impairment loss of $70.6 million in the 
year. The impairment loss brings the 
carrying value equal to the recoverable 
amount, and was allocated against 
goodwill,	fixed	assets	and	intangible 	
assets. Associated with the reduced 
earnings in 2018 and a lower expectation 
of earnings in 2019, there was also a 
write-off	of	the	Australian	carried	forward 	
tax losses amounting to $20.9 million. 

One-off	transaction	costs	of	$24.1	million 	
were incurred in relation to the European 
acquisitions, mainly consisting of advisor 
fees, integration costs, hedging costs  
and	other	financing	expenses.	

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018	
Nufarm	undertook	an	early	refinance 	 
of the 2019 senior unsecured notes to 
accommodate the European acquisitions 
and to strengthen its capital structure.  
The early termination of the existing notes 
resulted in break fees and the early 
recognition of interest costs in relation  
to interest rate swaps on the notes.  
The	cash	impact	of	the	refinancing	of 	 
the	notes	was	a	$0.3	million	outflow, 	 
due to the favourable outcomes on 
currency hedges. 

Changes in the corporate tax rates in  
USA, France and Argentina led to the 
remeasurement of the group’s deferred 
tax assets and liabilities, resulting in net 
income tax credits of $12.2 million.

The cash impact of the material items is 
$26.1 million, of which $19.2 million was 
incurred	in	financial	year	2018,	with	the 	
balance	carrying	over	into	future	financial 	
years. In the current year, the net cash 
outflow	associated	with	material	items 	
was $26.1 million, consisting of the 
business acquisition costs and some 
restructuring costs carried over from  
the	previous	financial	year.		

Balance sheet management

Net debt at 31 July 2018 was $1,374 million 
compared to $680 million at 31 July  
2017.	Year-end	net	debt	was	impacted 	 
by the higher net working capital  
(up $287 million) at 31 July 2018, which  
was driven by the dry Australian season 
and late seasonal conditions in Europe 
moving sales into the fourth quarter  
of	the	financial	year.	Net	debt	also 	
includes the debt related to the  
European acquisitions of $335 million. 

Average net debt was higher than in the 
previous	12-month	period	($1,085	million 	
compared to $886 million), due to the 
higher net working capital brought 
forward from last year; the working 
capital related to the acquisitions; the 
drought-impacted	Australian	season;	 
and the late start to the European season.

Average net working capital to sales  
was 40.3 per cent (2017: 36.8 per cent). 
Management continues to focus on  
driving	efficiencies	in	working	capital 	
management, with the medium target 
remaining in the 35 per cent to 37 per cent 
range given normal seasonal conditions 
and the full implementation of the global 
supply chain management system. 

The	average	leverage	ratio	(12-month 	
average	net	debt	divided	by	the	pro-
forma underlying EBITDA) was 2.37x  
(2017: 2.27x). The interest coverage ratio 
(proforma underlying EBITDA divided by 
underlying net external interest) was 4.99x 
(2017: 4.90x). The underlying EBITDA is 
adjusted	to	reflect	the	pro-forma	historical 	
earnings (as allowed under the banking 
covenants) from the acquisitions to give 
proforma underlying EBITDA. The gearing 
ratio (net debt to net debt plus equity)  
was 41.1 per cent (2017: 29.8 per cent). 

Return on funds employed (ROFE) at  
31 July 2018 was 9.4 per cent, down  
from 13.6 per cent in the prior year, and  
up	from	9.1	per	cent	in	the	2014	financial 	
year, when the performance improvement 
program was initiated. Underlying ROFE, 
adjusted	for	the	acquisitions	and	material 	
items, is 10.3 per cent. 

Cost savings and performance 
improvement program

The company continues to progress  
its cost savings and performance 
improvement program. The program 
aimed	to	deliver	a	net	benefit	of 	 
$116 million in underlying EBIT by the  
2018	financial	year.	The	company 	 
had	delivered	$101	million	of	benefits 	 
to	the	end	of	the	2017	financial	year. 	

Current business transformation initiatives, 
particularly	the	European	back-office	
harmonisation and the global supply 
system	projects,	are	expected	to	be 	 
fully implemented during the 2019 year. 
Consequently, the delivery of the 
remaining	targeted	benefits	will	 
move into the 2019 and 2020 years.

To support sustainable business 
improvement on an ongoing basis,  
the company is reinvesting in new  
systems and capabilities such as new 
customer relationship management  
(CRM) systems; improved supply chain 
processes and systems; specialist 
procurement resources and systems; 
standard	back-office	processes	and	
systems across regions; and human 
resource systems. These transformational 
investments will provide a global view of 
information that enables a ‘One Nufarm’ 
approach to business decisions. 

Outlook

The combination of revenue growth, 
partial recovery in the Australian business 
and the full year impact of the European 
acquisitions is expected to result in 
earnings growth in 2019. This is despite  
an expectation that soft commodity  
prices will remain low and market 
conditions will remain competitive. 
Underlying EBITDA is expected to  
be in the $500 million to $530 million 
range	for	the	2019	financial	year. 	

This outlook also assumes average 
seasonal	conditions	for	the	major	selling 	
periods in our key markets and no material 
impact from government policy changes 
or third party supply interruptions outside 
of our control. It should also be noted that 
heightened volatility currently exists in 
relation	to	various	potential	industry-wide	
impacts, including currency movements.

Year ended 31 July 2018

Material items by category

Asset rationalisation and restructuring

Sale of Excel Crop Care investment

ANZ	impairment	and	tax	asset	write-down

Business acquisition costs – other

Business	acquisition	costs	–	refinance	2019	notes

Change in corporate tax rates

Total material items

Pre-tax
$000

After-tax 
$000

1,491

–

(70,559)

(24,124)

(13,684)

–

1,201

–

(91,504)

(22,228)

(13,684)

12,231

(106,876)

(113,984)

15

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018Operating and financial review continued

Managing director’s review continued

in	Europe,	first	half	EBITDA	is	expected 	 
to	be	similar	to	that	generated	in	the	first 	
half of 2018. At an underlying EBIT level, 
earnings are likely to be below the 2018 
first	half,	as	the	increased	amortisation 	
associated with the European acquisitions 
will	more	than	offset	the	first	half	earnings 	
contribution from those portfolios, which 
are weighted to the second half of  
the year.

The company continues to remain alert  
to potential acquisitions that might result 
from industry consolidation, but will be 
disciplined in terms of ensuring any such 
opportunities represent compelling  
value and are strategically sound. 

An improvement in net working capital  
is anticipated, with the net working capital 
to sales ratio expected to return to a level 
below 40 per cent. The completion of the 
supply chain investment and a 
commitment to the company’s integrated 
business planning (IBP) process should  
help drive the average net working 
capital to sales down to the 35 per cent  
to 37 per cent range over the medium 
term. An increased underlying EBITDA  
and lower net working capital position  
at	July	2019	will	strengthen	cash	flow	 
and result in lower group net debt levels 
and reduced leverage.

Net interest expense is expected to 
increase	in	the	2019	financial	year,	given 	
the full year funding of the acquisitions. 
Net foreign exchange impacts will 
continue to include anticipated hedging 
costs of approximately $20 million  
for Brazil and Argentina.

Given	the	ongoing	drought-related	
impacts in Australia and some planned 
maintenance related plant shutdowns 

G A Hunt  
Managing Director & CEO

IFRS and non-IFRS financial information

Nufarm results are reported under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) including underlying EBIT and 
underlying	EBITDA	which	are	used	to	measure	segment	performance.	This	report	also	includes	certain	non-IFRS	measures 	
including	underlying	net	profit	after	tax	and	gross	profit	margin.	These	measures	are	used	internally	by	management	to 	
assess the performance of our business, make decisions on the allocation of our resources and assess operational 
management.	Non-IFRS	measures	have	not	been	subject	to	audit	or	review.

The following notes explain the terms used throughout this annual report:

1.	 Underlying	EBIT	is	earnings	before	net	finance	costs,	taxation	and	material	items.	Underlying	EBITDA	is	underlying 	 

EBIT before depreciation and amortisation of $120.550 million for the year ended 31 July 2018 and $87.731 million for 
the year ended 31 July 2017. We believe that underlying EBIT and underlying EBITDA provide useful information, but 
should	not	be	considered	as	an	indication	of,	or	an	alternative	to,	profit/(loss)	for	the	period	as	an	indicator	of
operating	performance	or	as	an	alternative	to	cash	flow	as	a	measure	of	liquidity.

2.	 Underlying	EBIT	is	used	to	reflect	the	underlying	performance	of	Nufarm’s	operations.	Underlying	EBIT	is	reconciled 	 

to	operating	profit	below.

Year ended 31 July

Underlying EBIT

Material	items	impacting	operating	profit

Operating	profit

2018
$000

265,103

(89,604)

175,499

2017 
$000

302,285

(23,043)

279,242

3.	 Non-IFRS	measures	are	defined	as	follows:

•	 Underlying	gross	profit	–	comprises	gross	profit	less	material	items.

•	 Underlying	net	profit	after	tax	–	comprises	profit/(loss)	for	the	period	attributable	to	the	equity	holders	of 	 

Nufarm Limited less material items.

•	 Average	gross	margin	–	defined	as	average	gross	profit	as	a	percentage	of	revenue.

•	 Average	gross	profit	–	defined	as	revenue	less	a	standardised	estimate	of	production	costs	excluding	material 	

items	and	non-product	specific	rebates	and	other	pricing	adjustments.

•	 Net	external	interest	expense	–	comprises	interest	income	–	external,	interest	expense	–	external/debt 	

establishment	transaction	costs	and	lease	amortisation	–	finance	charges	as	described	in	note	10	to	the 	 
31	July	2018	Nufarm	Limited	financial	report.

•	 ROFE	–	defined	as	underlying	EBIT	divided	by	the	average	of	opening	and	closing	funds	employed	(total	equity 	

plus net debt).

•  Net debt – total debt less cash and cash equivalents.

•  Average net debt – net debt measured at each month end as an average.

•	 Net	working	capital	–	current	trade	and	other	receivables,	non-current	trade	receivables	and	inventories	less 	

current trade and other payables.

•  Average net working capital – net working capital measured at each month end as an average.

•  Constant currency – comparison removing the impact of exchange rates. It is the FY18 result translated at FY17 

exchange rates.

16

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018	
Business review

Operating segments summary 

The group generated increased sales  
in both its crop protection and seed 
technologies segments, and across all 
regions	except	for	Australia/New	Zealand.

Total crop protection sales increased  
by six per cent to $3.1 billion, but 
underlying EBITDA fell by one per cent  
to $395.7 million mainly due to the 
Australia/New	Zealand	segment.	The	 
crop	protection	underlying	gross	profit 	
margin was 28.3 per cent of sales, in line 
with the previous year of 28.4 per cent. 

Seed technology sales in the period  
were up by 10 per cent to $185.5 million 
and generated an underlying EBITDA  
of $43.6 million, which was down four  
per cent on the $45.3 million recorded in  
this segment in the 2017 year. The seed 
technologies	underlying	gross	profit	
margin was 43.8 per cent of sales, below 
the previous year of 46.7 per cent. 

The following table provides a summary 
of the performance of the operating 
segments	for	the	2018	financial	year 	 
and the prior year.

Australia /New Zealand

Australia/New	Zealand	sales	were	 
down 10 per cent on the prior year,  
as the Australian business was impacted 
by a severe drought through the autumn  
and winter cropping periods. 

The segment generated sales of  
$590.1 million, down on the previous 
year’s $654.2 million. Underlying  
EBITDA was $23.7 million compared  
to $64.9 million in the prior year.

Climatic conditions in Australia were poor 
during the winter cropping period. The 
autumn period was one of the driest on 

record	across	Australia,	limiting	pre-plant 	
herbicide opportunities. Winter also 
proved to be very dry in the eastern and 
southern states. Much of New South Wales 
and Queensland have been declared 
drought affected and production is 
expected to be down 30 per cent to  
40 per cent on the prior year. Western 
Australia received good winter rains  
and will deliver close to a record harvest. 
The drier winter conditions in the Eastern 
states have extended into spring, which 
severely	limited	the	post-emergent	market 	
opportunities and reduced demand  
for	this	higher-value	component	of 	
Nufarm’s portfolio. 

The earnings result was impacted  
by a scheduled plant upgrade at the 
Laverton	manufacturing	site	in	the	first	half. 	
The	2,4-D	plant	was	off-line	for	a	total	of 	
nearly eight weeks, and works included 
the replacement of two reactors involved 
in the synthesis process. This has improved 
long	term	efficiency	and	productivity	of	the 	
plant. Lost recoveries from the scheduled 
shutdowns impacted the Australian result 
by $8 million at the underlying EBIT level. 

The consolidation of the company’s 
Nufarm and Crop Care marketing arms 
and brands in Australia occurred on 
August 1, 2017. This has resulted in a single, 
focused sales organisation that is 
delivering	business	efficiencies	and	an 	
improved service to Australian customers, 
who have welcomed the change.

Both the New Zealand and Croplands 
equipment businesses performed well, 
improving earnings on the prior year. The 
New Zealand business capitalised on a 
strong agriculture sector, with growth in 
the pasture and horticulture markets. The 
Croplands business increased sales of its 
WeedIT smart technology applications 
and	improved	manufacturing	efficiencies	
during the period. 

Asia

Asian crop protection sales were  
$170.7 million compared to $165.6 million 
in the prior year, an increase of  
three per cent. Underlying EBITDA was  
$25.2 million, 11 per cent down on the 
$28.3 million generated in the prior year. 

Indonesian sales were up 8.6 per cent in 
local currency, driven by good weather,  
new product introductions and higher 
glyphosate pricing. Sales growth was 
also achieved in China, Malaysia and  
Sri Lanka. Sales into Japan were down  
18 per cent, due to increased generic 
competition	in	the	non-crop	segment. 	
Sales in Japan are typically higher margin 
so	the	lost	sales	had	a	significant	impact 	
on earnings. 

During the period, Nufarm established a 
sales	and	marketing	joint	venture	in	China 	
with	locally-based	Fuhua	Group.	The	joint 	
venture strengthens Nufarm’s relationship 
with a highly strategic supply partner with 
a	portfolio	and	go-to-market	approach 	
that is complementary to Nufarm. 

North America

North American sales grew by 10 per cent 
to $833.7 million. Underlying EBITDA was  
up strongly to $99.5 million, compared  
to $89.3 million in the prior year. 

The North American business increased 
market share in all three of its key segments, 
being US row crops, the Canada market 
and the turf and ornamental business. The 
revenue	growth	reflects	a	focused	product	
portfolio and increased support from the 
customer base. Glyphosate volumes grew 
12	per	cent	on	last	year	reflecting	strong 	
customer support for our foundational 
products. The business also successfully 
launched several new products, including 

Year ended 31 July

            Revenue

             Underlying EBITDA

2018 
$000

2017
$000

Change
%

2018 
$000

2017
$000

Change
%

Crop protection

Australia and New Zealand

Asia

Europe

North America

Latin America

Total crop protection

Seed technologies – global

Non operating corporate

Nufarm Group

590,151

170,680

642,571

833,705

885,232

654,194

165,633

539,803

761,050

821,835

3,122,339

2,942,515

185,508

168,600

–

–

3,307,847

3,111,115

(9.8)

3.0

19.0

9.5

7.7

6.1

10.0

n/a

6.3

23,736

25,229

149,873

99,487

97,377

64,876

28,315

121,350

89,338

95,608

395,702

399,487

43,580

(53,629)

45,305

(54,776)

385,653

390,016

(63.4)

(10.9)

23.5

11.4

1.9

(0.9)

(3.8)

(2.1)

(1.1)

17

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018Operating and financial review continued

Business review continued

formulations that combine Sumitomo and 
Nufarm chemistry to address an increasing 
incidence of glyphosate resistance. 

During the year, the US business extended 
the distribution relationship with Sumitomo 
in the turf and ornamental business for  
a	further	five	years.	Nufarm	plans	to 	
extend its manufacturing capacity in the 
USA, with a new formulation facility to be 
based in Greenville, Mississippi. The facility 
will help facilitate sales growth into the 
south-eastern	region	of	the	USA	and	will 	
provide freight savings to the business.  
It is expected to commence operations  
in the middle of 2019.

Latin America

Latin American crop protection sales  
were up eight per cent on the previous 
year ($885.2 million compared to  
$821.8 million). Underlying EBITDA  
at $97.4 million was up two per cent  
on the prior year’s $95.6 million. 

The Brazilian business grew sales by 
11	per	cent,	which	was	mostly	volume-
driven,	and	reflected	increased	demand 	
in the soybean and pasture segments, 
and for solutions to a growing 
glyphosate-resistance	issue.	Nufarm	
continued to increase market share, with 
the total crop protection market in Brazil 
down seven per cent (in US dollars) in 
calendar year 2017. The reduced market 
size was caused by competitor channel 
stock	adjustments.	It	is	now	considered 	
that industry channel inventories are  
back to normal levels. 

Pricing was very competitive, with  
margins impacted by the higher cost  
of active ingredients out of China  
and currency volatility. 

Argentina experienced a severe drought 
from November through April, which 
reduced soybean production by 
approximately	30	per	cent.	Rains	finally 	
arrived	in	April/May,	which	provided 	 
a better outlook for the winter wheat 
season. Sales were down 16 per cent,  
but earnings improved due to a focus  
on higher margin product sales and  
the	benefit	of	price	increases	as	the 	
currency weakened. 

In contrast to last year, the average 
Brazilian real exchange rate for the 
period was six per cent weaker against 
the Australian dollar and the Argentina 
peso 31 per cent weaker. On a constant 
currency basis, Latin America sales  
would have increased 17 per cent  
and underlying EBITDA 12 per cent. 

Credit conditions in Brazil eased during 
the year, off the back of improved farmer 
profitability.	The	business	managed	net 	
working capital well, and combined with 
a reduction in bank base interest rates, this 
led to lower funding costs in the business. 
The currency exposures were managed 
well, given the increased volatility in Latin 
American currencies in 2018, with 
exchange losses across the crop and 
seeds businesses totalling $19.5 million. 
This is largely in line with the guidance 
given for the year. The company will 
continue to closely manage credit  
and currency exposures. 

18

Europe

European sales increased on the prior 
period by 19 per cent (2018: $642.6 million 
compared to 2017: $539.8 million). 
Underlying EBITDA improved to  
$149.9 million, up 24 per cent on the 
$121.4 million posted in the 2017 year.

The sales growth was driven by  
a $69 million contribution from the 
European portfolio acquisitions, and 
translation gains from a stronger euro. 
Climatic conditions were adverse in the 
year, particularly in central and northern 
Europe. The season started late, with 
winter	extending	into	late	March/early 	
April. This was followed by a very short 
spring season and a hot, dry summer. 
Severe drought and heat waves in large 
parts of France, Germany and the Nordic 
region severely impacted the business. 

The business continues to focus on high 
value and differentiated products, together 
with new product launches and pricing 
discipline and this has contributed to the 
improved	profitability	of	the	business. 	

The new European Enterprise resource 
planning (ERP) system and implementation 
of a shared services model will further 
strengthen the European business over 
coming	periods.	The	first	wave	of	countries	
went live on the new system in November 
2017, with the remaining countries going 
live in two phases in August and 
December this year. 

The newly acquired product portfolios 
performed	strongly	in	2018,	reflecting 	 
well executed integration plans and a 
positive response from the customer base. 
Management	has	well-developed	
business plans to deliver the acquisition 
financial	targets	in	2019.	

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018 
Major product segments

Crop Protection

Nufarm’s crop protection business 
generated $3.12 billion in revenues,  
which was up six per cent on the previous  
year sales of $2.94 billion. These sales 
generated an average underlying gross 
profit	margin	of	28.3	per	cent,	in	line	with 	
the	28.4	per	cent	average	gross	profit 	
margin recorded in the 2017 year.

Herbicide sales were up eight per cent  
to $2.12 billion. Glyphosate sales were  
well up on last year, due to a higher 
average technical price, and stronger 
volumes in North America and Latin 
America, however, margins were slightly 
down due to competitive market 
conditions in Australia and Latin America. 
Phenoxy herbicide revenues were  
four per cent up on the prior year, but  
with margins largely in line with the 
previous year. Other herbicide revenues 
were ahead of last year by six per cent, 
with	picloram	and	fluroxypyr	–	two 	
important mixture products for the pasture 
and glyphosate resistance segments 
– being the main drivers. 

On	August	10	2018,	a	California	jury	found 	
Monsanto liable in a lawsuit in which a 
man	alleged	the	company’s	glyphosate-
based	products	had	caused	his	non-
Hodgkins lymphoma. This verdict is being 
contested,	with	Bayer-Monsanto	claiming	
the	jury’s	decision	is	wholly	at	odds	with 	
over	40	years	of	real-world	use,	an 	
extensive	body	of	scientific	data	and 	
analysis which support the conclusion that 
glyphosate-based	herbicides	are	safe	for 	
use and do not cause cancer in humans. 
Glyphosate is an important product for 
Nufarm, contributing 12 per cent of the 
group	gross	profit.	The	company’s	position	
on glyphosate is supported by the more 
than	800	scientific	studies	and	reviews 	 
that have concluded that glyphosate is 
safe to use and is unlikely to cause cancer.  
The company supports the rigorous 
scientific	process	employed	by	regulatory 	
authorities around the world, which 
undertake years of analysis and review 
before products like glyphosate are 
approved for use. 

Insecticide sales were up 14 per cent to  
$382 million, with margin percentage  
in line with the prior year. The increased 
sales were driven mainly by Brazil,  
with growth from new products and 
extensions into new crops. 

Fungicide sales were down six per cent  
to $316 million, with margins holding on  
the prior year. The fungicide portfolio was 
down due to the dry conditions in Australia 
and lower mancozeb sales in Brazil. 

The company continued to strengthen  
its strategic relationship with Sumitomo 
Chemical Company and this was 
reflected	in	higher	sales	of	Sumitomo 	
products across Nufarm’s distribution 
platform. Nufarm sales of Sumitomo 
products have grown at a compound 
annual growth rate of 37 per cent to  
$245	million	over	the	last	five	years. 	 
The higher sales were mainly in the US, 
Canada and Brazil. Portfolio collaboration 
opportunities continue to be explored 
and developed. 

Seed technologies

The company’s seed technologies 
segment includes sales of seeds, 
managed under the Nuseed business, 
and seed treatment chemistry. Revenues  
in this segment were $185.5 million,  
which represented a 10 per cent increase  
on prior year sales of $168.6 million.  
The segment generated underlying 
EBITDA of $43.6 million, down four  
per cent on the $45.3 million recorded  
in the prior year.

Despite challenging seasonal conditions 
in the Australian canola segment, stronger 
sales	of	sunflower	and	sorghum	and	an 	
expanded offering of seed treatment 
products helped drive higher revenues  
for the period. As disclosed in the July 
trading	update,	profitability	was	impacted 	
by a European regulatory directive that 
restricted	use	of	neonicotinoid-based	
seed treatment applications in France.  
A derogation application to allow 
temporary use of these products in France 
was not successful and this resulted in  
an estimated $11 million negative impact  
at the underlying EBITDA level. The seed 
technologies segment overall experienced 
an excellent growth year, gaining 
approximately $9 million in underlying 
EBITDA contribution in other areas to  
offset the downside in France. 

While the canola season was challenging 
for total canola seed volumes in Australia, 
Nuseed retained share in the largest 
segments, achieved growth in new hybrid 
categories,	and	increased	end-point	
royalty collections, resulting in solid 2018 
earnings in the region. Successful new 
product launches broadened Nuseed’s 
offerings in the European, Latin American 

and	US	sunflower	segments,	and	
strengthened the company’s position  
in the Latin American and US sorghum 
markets. An expanded distribution base  
in the US helped drive higher sales of  
seed treatment products, along with the 
successful launch in Brazil of an insecticide 
treatment based on Sumitomo chemistry, 
and early sales of a combination  
product in Europe, acquired as part  
of the European portfolio transaction.

The	reporting	period	saw	significant 	
progress relating to Nuseed’s proprietary 
omega-3	canola.	In	February	of	this	year, 	
Australian	regulators	approved	omega-3	
canola for production and use in feed 
and human consumption. Subsequent to 
year-end,	the	United	States	Department	of 	
Agriculture	(USDA)	approved	omega-3	
canola for cultivation in the US. Regulatory 
submissions relating to food and feed 
approval in the US and cultivation,  
food and feed in Canada continued to 
progress through the review process  
on schedule, and those approvals are 
anticipated prior to the 2019 North 
American cropping season.

Nuseed successfully contracted, planted 
and	harvested	15,000	acres	of	omega-3 	
canola in Montana under the USDA 
notification	process.	This	activity	has 	
helped validate the company’s closed 
loop business model and stewardship 
protocols.	Multiple	pre-commercial	
feeding	trials,	utilising	Nuseed’s	omega-3 	
canola oil, were commenced with 
downstream aquaculture companies, 
with initial data expected at the end  
of the calendar year.

Nuseed and its partners, CSIRO and GRDC, 
continue to strengthen the intellectual 
property (IP) relating to the technology, 
with more than 20 additional patents 
granted over the past 12 months. Earlier 
this month, Nuseed – together with 
partners	CSIRO	and	GRDC	–	filed	US 	
federal court proceedings against BASF 
and Cargill claiming infringement of  
16 of our patents for their activities in the 
USA. The company believes it has clear 
freedom to operate, and a clear path 
to commercialisation of its proprietary 
omega-3	canola	technology.	

The	company	remains	confident	it	will 	 
be	first	to	market	with	a	land-based, 	
sustainable,	long-chain	omega-3	solution.

19

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018 
Operating and financial review continued

Sustainability

Responsibility is central to Nufarm’s 
business values. Our employees, 
shareholders and customers expect  
us to act responsibly in everything  
we do, including ensuring we operate 
sustainably and safely. 

Since the launch of our sustainability 
strategy in 2015, we have increased  
our efforts across all locations, improving 
our safety processes and procedures 
while building a strong safety leadership 
and culture. 

The	most	significant	hazards	managed 	 
by Nufarm relate to the potential loss  
of containment of chemicals at our 
manufacturing sites. Last year, Nufarm’s 
continuous improvement approach saw  
a global process safety management 
program (PSM) initiated at our sites with 
each site developing a PSM gap closure 
plan. Each site is now well progressed  
in implementing their plans, having 
adopted	a	strong	risk	management-
based approach to reducing these risks  
to as low as reasonably practicable. 

Another	significant	safety	hazard	in 	 
our business is the risk of a vehicle 
accident to our sales team when driving 
on public roads. This year we launched  
a behavioural based online driver  
safety program for frequent drivers.  
We have also commenced the 
development	of	a	non-manufacturing	
sustainability learning program as  
well as other initiatives to increase 
sustainability awareness amongst  
our	non-manufacturing	employees	 
that will be launched in 2019. 

This year our determination to ensure  
our people are safe delivered our lowest 
ever	lost	time	injury	frequency	rate 	 
(LTIFR) and we have also seen a decline  
in the severity of incidents. Our sites  
are achieving record stretches of time 
between	serious	injury	events,	with	10 	 
of our 12 manufacturing sites lost time 
injury	free	for	more	than	12	months.

The initiatives that were implemented 
through our sustainability strategy, including 
Nufarm’s health, safety and environment 
standard and procedures, process safety 
management program, systematic risk 
identification	and	management,	auditing	 
of compliance, Nufarm’s life saving rules, 
driver safety education programmes and 
safety training for leaders and staff, have  
all contributed to this improvement in our 
safety performance across the business.

In 2017, we established new corporate 
environmental procedures. These 
procedures set a higher level of 
environmental performance across our 
business. This year, to embed those 
requirements, each of our manufacturing 
sites undertook an environmental gap 
analysis against these procedures  
and established an environmental gap 
closure plan which they will execute  
over the next two to three years. 

We have best practice environmental 
management systems (EMS) in place at our 
manufacturing sites in Wyke (UK), Gaillon 
(France) and Merak (Indonesia), which  
are	all	certified	to	ISO14001.	Our	site	in	Linz,	
Austria is well progressed in implementing 
an	IS14001	EMS	with	certification planned 
for next year. Our Pipe Road site in 
Australia will commence work on  
an ISO14001 equivalent EMS in 2019.

We continue to reduce the environmental 
footprint of our manufacturing operations 
through implementing or commissioning 
new environmental controls that improve 
the quality of our air and waste water 
emissions. For example, our site at 
Maracanau, Brazil is in close proximity  
to a local community; in response to their 
concerns we made improvements to our 
air emission controls, reducing nuisance 
odours from our site.

We operate several manufacturing sites 
that	are	subject	to	Australian	federal 	 
and state environmental regulations.  
The nature of our operations can lead  
to these regulators issuing remedial 
notices requiring us to carry out additional 
environmental protection activities. 
This was the case this year and we are 
progressing through these requirements  
in line with the timeframes set out by  
the regulator.

Nufarm works to reduce the 
environmental impact of our products 
through the development of biorational 
products and designing formulations  
to	have	minimum	off-target	impacts. 	 
We work closely with our customers to 
provide training on using our products 
safely and correctly across all business 
regions and we partner with local  
service providers in the countries in  
which we operate to collect and  
recycle our packaging.

During	the	financial	year,	the	crop 	
protection sector came under increasing 
public pressure. In a number of markets, 
sections of the community continue to 
question the safety and perceived 
environmental impact of herbicides, 

20

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018 
insecticides and fungicides. A rigorous 
regulatory process exists in every country 
in which we operate to ensure only 
products that have been thoroughly 
tested and assessed against stringent 
health, safety and environmental 
requirements can be approved for use.

In 2018, the European Union restricted  
the use of three neonicotinoids, including 
Imidacloprid, to indoor use only. These 
products continue to be approved for use 
by regulatory authorities in other parts  
of the world, including Brazil, the United 
States and Australia. There has been 
widespread public concern about the 
impact of glyphosate on human health 
following	a	legal	case	where	the	jury 	
found the glyphosate manufacturer liable 
for causing the plaintiff’s cancer. More  
than 800 studies have found glyphosate  
to be safe when used according to  
the manufacturer’s safety label and it 
continues to be approved as safe for  
use by regulatory authorities around the 
world, including the United States, Australia,  
New Zealand, Europe and Canada. 

Our human rights policy establishes  
our zero tolerance for all forms of modern 
slavery in our operations and our supply 
chain. This year we completed an 
assessment of our exposure to modern 
slavery in our operations and the controls 
in place to prevent the practice. Last year 
we partnered with EcoVadis to undertake 
corporate social responsibility (CSR) 
assessments of our raw material  
suppliers. These assessments review  
the environmental, social governance  
and sourcing practices of our suppliers.  

In 2018, we have extended the program, 
increasing the number of suppliers 
assessed from 23 percent to 37 percent. 
We will expand this program further  
in 2019.

Some of our manufacturing sites are close 
to communities and in these locations, we 
have established community programs 
and partnerships. We can help to provide 
employment opportunities in these 

communities through the education and 
development of young people. In 2018, 
we established a partnership between 
our Wyke manufacturing site in the United 
Kingdom and the local primary school 
and have extended our program at our 
Maracanau site in Brazil to engage local 
primary schools. We have continued  
our	support	of	the	Nuffield	International 	
Scholarship program this year, sponsoring 
a Brazilian scholar.

Figure 1: Nufarm serious injury frequency rate (SIFR) and lost time injury 
 frequency rate (LTIFR) 12 month rolling averages

4.5

4.0

3.5

3.0

2.5

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

0.0

1

6
0
2
n
a
J

1

6
0
2
r
a
M

1

6
0
2
y
a
M

1

6
0
2
y
u
J

l

1

6
0
2
p
e
S

1

6
0
2
v
o
N

1

7
0
2
n
a
J

1

7
0
2
r
a
M

1

7
0
2
y
a
M

1

7
0
2
y
u
J

l

1

7
0
2
p
e
S

1

7
0
2
v
o
N

1

8
0
2
n
a
J

1

8
0
2
r
a
M

1

8
0
2
y
a
M

1

8
0
2
y
u
J

l

Nufarm Global SIFR

Nufarm Global LTIFR

*	Serious	injury	frequency	rate	(SIFR)	is	an	indicator	that	includes	the	two	principal	serious	injury	metrics	(lost	time	and 	
medical treatment). It is designed to assist us to focus on all incidents that are serious enough to result in treatment 
by a medical professional rather than only those that result in time lost from work.

21

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating and financial review continued

Risk management

Climate and  
seasonality

Commodity prices

As	an	input	supplier	to	global	agriculture,	demand	for	crop	protection	products	is	influenced	by	climatic	
conditions that help determine the timing and extent of cropping activity as well as weed, pest and 
disease pressures. Climatic conditions will vary from region to region. While certain conditions may 
increase demand for crop protection products, extreme climatic conditions, such as prolonged 
drought, may reduce demand for those products. In 2018, Australia experienced one of the driest 
autumns since records began more than 100 years ago, leading to an extremely poor winter crop 
season. The Australian crop protection market is down substantially as a result. The limited demand for 
crop protection products across the country has led to increased competition and high inventory levels 
in	the	channel,	resulting	in	significant	margin	pressure.	These	seasonal	conditions	have	also	impacted 	
the mix of products sold, with growers purchasing lower margin foundational products over higher 
margin differentiated products. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) is currently forecasting  
a dry spring 2018, and has issued an El Nino watch alert. 

The timing of weather seasons in the geographies in which Nufarm operates is uncertain and varies 
from year to year. Since the demand for Nufarm’s products is dependent upon the weather, there is a 
risk that unusually early or late seasons may have a negative impact on demand for Nufarm products 
in	a	particular	year	and	therefore	its	financial	performance.	The	duration	of	key	selling	periods	and 	
subsequent demand, and the timing of that demand, for crop protection products can also be 
impacted by climatic conditions such as longer than average winters in Nufarm’s larger Northern 
Hemisphere markets.

Nufarm’s	operations	are	global,	providing	geographic	diversification	to	climatic	and	seasonality	risks. 	
Our product portfolio is diverse, supporting a wide range of agricultural applications. At an operating 
level, Nufarm’s business planning processes incorporate forecasting and supply planning based on 
typical weather conditions. These plans are reviewed on an ongoing basis as the seasons progress  
to align supply with changing demand.

International	commodity	prices	can	impact	the	profitability	of	crop	protection	companies.	This 	 
relates	to	fluctuations	in	the	prices	of	commodities	that	are	associated	with	chemical	intermediates 	
used in the manufacture of crop protection products, and to international prices for various crops  
(‘soft’ commodities) that can affect demand for those crops and growers’ decisions to plant them.  
The crop protection products market can be volatile and pricing can change rapidly. This volatility,  
in combination with foreign exchange changes, could have a material impact on Nufarm’s ability  
to	compete	and	may	impact	the	financial	performance	and	prospects	of	the	business.

Nufarm has entered into numerous arrangements with suppliers and customers to assist in the 
management of our supply chain costs to ensure we can compete in changing and competitive 
markets. Nufarm’s business planning processes help inventory management to reduce price risk  
of stock on hand.

Foreign exchange

Global crop protection companies such as Nufarm purchase inputs and determine selling prices in a 
range	of	international	currencies	and	are	therefore	exposed	to	fluctuations	in	exchange	rates.	Further, 	
a substantial portion of Nufarm’s revenues, costs, assets and liabilities are denominated in currencies 
other than Australian dollars. As a result, exchange rate movements affecting these currencies may 
impact	the	financial	performance	and	future	prospects	of	the	business	of	Nufarm.

Nufarm	has	implemented	a	range	of	financial	risk	management	policies	and	procedures	to	assist	with 	
the	management	of	foreign	exchange	exposure.	The	group	treasury	function	manages	financial	risks 	 
in accordance with these policies. Where possible, currency and interest rate risk is managed through 
hedging strategies.

22

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018Regulatory 

The crop protection industry is highly regulated with government controls and standards imposed  
on	all	aspects	of	the	industry’s	operations.	Crop	protection	products	are	subject	to	regulatory	review 	
and approval in all markets in which they are sold, with the requirements of regulatory authorities 
varying from country to country. Europe in particular is highly regulated and there is increasing political 
influence	on	the	regulatory	system.	The	influence	of	politics	in	the	regulatory	process	also	makes 	
outcomes increasingly unpredictable. Regulatory policies can have an impact on the availability  
and usage of crop protection products and, in some cases, can result in the restriction or removal  
of	certain	products	from	the	market,	which	can	have	a	material	adverse	effect	on	the	financial 	
performance of Nufarm.

Nufarm’s business operations could be adversely affected by changes in international or Australian 
state, territory and commonwealth governments and changes in government legislation, guidelines 
and regulations.

Nufarm monitors regulatory developments across its key regions of operations closely and participates 
in several industry bodies and task forces which provide input and analysis to regulatory bodies on the 
use of our key products. The Nufarm portfolio team considers the regulatory environment in the 
maintenance and ongoing development of our portfolio.

Environmental

Nufarm operates in a regulatory environment that establishes high standards in terms of environmental 
compliance. Any material failure by Nufarm to adequately control hazardous substances and 
manufacturing operations, including the discharge of waste material, or to meet its various statutory 
and	regulatory	environmental	responsibilities,	could	result	in	significant	liabilities	as	well	as	ongoing 	
costs	relating	to	operational	inefficiencies	which	may	arise.

Group HSE has provided clear guidelines on the management of environmental risks, which includes 
ongoing assessment and review of regulatory requirements. Local management engage with local 
environmental authorities on key risks and compliance.

Quality controls

Nufarm manufactures and supplies a range of crop protection products which must be manufactured, 
formulated and packaged to exact standards, with strict quality controls. The performance of those 
products would be negatively impacted if those quality standards are not met and this could, in turn, 
have an adverse impact on the reputation and success of Nufarm.

Competition 

Quality	guidelines	and	procedures	are	defined	across	the	manufacturing	process,	including	external 	
tolling	activities.	These	processes	are	subject	to	rigorous	testing	to	ensure	quality	standards	are	met. 	 
An ongoing review program is in place with the aim of ensuring operations adhere to the quality 
standards and identify continuous improvement opportunities.

Nufarm	conducts	business	in	a	highly	competitive	industry	in	which	there	are	a	number	of	well-
established	competitors	that	have	significantly	greater	financial	resources,	sales	and	marketing 	
organisations, market penetration and development capabilities, as well as broader product offerings 
and greater market and brand presence. Most of the products supplied by Nufarm can also be 
purchased from other crop protection companies. This may place pricing pressure on Nufarm and 
may impact Nufarm’s ability to retain existing customers or attract new customers. There can be no 
assurances	given	in	respect	of	Nufarm’s	ability	to	compete.	Nufarm’s	financial	performance,	the	future 	
prospects of the business and the value of Nufarm shares could be materially adversely affected if 
Nufarm cannot compete, existing competitors increase market share or new competitors enter the 
relevant markets.

Nufarm monitors the competitive market on an ongoing basis. Pricing and supply decisions are 
managed globally and locally with the aim of ensuring our products remain competitive and market 
share is maintained.

23

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018Operating and financial review continued

Risk management continued

Industry consolidation

Excess supply

Environmental 
compliance  
audits in China

Third party supply

The industry in which Nufarm conducts business is currently undergoing a period of consolidation  
with a number of large mergers and acquisitions underway (including, for example, ChemChina’s 
acquisition of Syngenta, Dow’s merger with DuPont, FMC’s acquisition of certain assets from DuPont’s 
crop protection business, Bayer’s acquisition of Monsanto, UPL’s acquisition of Arysta and BASF’s 
acquisition of a portfolio of assets from Bayer). Completion of these transactions is expected to  
result in a change to the industry landscape and competitive environment, producing larger market 
competitors with an increased market presence. If these changes result in an increase in competition 
and	Nufarm	is	unable	to	adapt	and	its	competitive	position	deteriorates,	Nufarm’s	financial 	
performance, its future prospects and the value of Nufarm shares could be adversely affected.

Nufarm	continues	to	actively	monitor	the	market	to	identify	specific	risks	and	opportunities	presented 	 
by industry consolidation. We have taken a disciplined approach to participation in opportunities 
presented, ensuring all decisions are strategically aligned and execution risks are understood and 
managed. Analysis of the industry post consolidation occurs on an ongoing basis as input to strategic 
marketing and operational decisions.

Supply	and	demand	factors	play	a	role	in	the	profitability	of	crop	protection	sales.	The	introduction 	 
of	significant	levels	of	new	capacity	relating	to	the	supply	of	crop	protection	products	can	result	in 	
volatility in pricing and margins in key products supplied by Nufarm.

The Chinese government is undertaking environmental compliance audits in China, which in some 
circumstances have resulted in the partial or complete closure of chemical production facilities.  
These audits remain ongoing and could include the closure of facilities which supply Nufarm. If these 
closures occur, it could impact Nufarm’s ability to source product at competitive prices which might 
impact	Nufarm’s	sales	and/or	margins.

Nufarm relies on supply of various active ingredients, intermediates and other inputs from a number  
of third party suppliers, including suppliers based in China. The reliability of supply and the cost of these 
inputs can be impacted by a range of factors including, but not limited to, manufacturing closures or 
temporary	disruptions,	compliance	with	more	stringent	environmental	and/or	safety	standards,	and 	
other changes in government policy or regulation. Any resulting disruption to supply or price impact 
may	affect	Nufarm’s	ability	to	meet	its	sales	and/or	margin	forecasts.

Supply	and	demand	factors	play	a	role	in	the	profitability	of	crop	protection	sales.	The	introduction 	 
of	significant	levels	of	new	capacity	relating	to	the	supply	of	crop	protection	products	can	result	in 	
volatility in pricing and margins in key products supplied by Nufarm.  

Nufarm’s procurement and business planning processes include the ongoing assessment of supply 
availability as input to manufacturing and safety stock levels. Where possible, we have entered into 
specific	supply	arrangements	to	assist	with	availability	and	pricing	of	key	active	ingredients.	Our 	
manufacturing facilities are geographically aligned with distribution to minimise disruption to supply.

Geopolitical risks

Nufarm	is	subject	to	a	number	of	geopolitical	risks	in	certain	markets	that	Nufarm	may	or	may	not
operate in, including political instability and policy changes.

Following US President Donald Trump’s decision to raise tariffs on $US200 billion of Chinese imports, the 
Chinese Communist Party has announced it will levy tariffs on $US60 billion worth of American goods. 
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has announced plans to impose a 10 per cent tariff on 3571 goods 
from	the	US	and	a	five	per	cent	tariff	on	another	1636	US	products.	The	new	US	imposed	tariffs,	mark	the 	
latest move in a potentially volatile trade dispute between China and the US. The introduction of Chinese 
and US tariffs have the potential to impact the price and volume of a number of agricultural products 
that are traded between the countries (for example, soybeans exported into China from the US) and 
also have the potential to impact the volume and price of certain chemical inputs imported by Nufarm.

The UK’s potential exit from the European Union has the potential to impact the UK and Europe’s 
agricultural sector as new agricultural and crop chemical policies may be implemented. 

These changes, among others, could adversely affect Nufarm’s operations and earnings, and impact 
on Nufarm’s share price.

24

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018	
Relationships with  
customers and 
distributors

Nufarm is exposed to competitor pressures in retaining and attracting customers. The loss of a key 
customer, the inability to renew contracts on similar terms or the inability of Nufarm to attract new 
customers	may	have	a	material	impact	on	future	profitability	and	the	value	of	Nufarm	shares.

Nufarm	also	uses	third	parties	to	sell	and/or	distribute	its	products.	These	third	parties	may	choose	to 	
prioritise other products or may elect not to renew distribution agreements when they expire. Should this 
occur, Nufarm may not be able to sell its products or may suffer delays in appointing new distributors. 

Nufarm’s strategic alliances, partnerships and distribution agreements are reviewed on an ongoing 
basis and aligned to strategy. Customer marketing plans are managed regionally and aligned to 
specific	customer	needs.	Our	customer	base	is	diversified	to	minimise	the	impact	of	the	loss	of	any 	
single customer.

Relationships with  
other commercial 
counterparties

Nufarm	has	important	strategic	alliances	and	a	range	of	business	relationships	with	other	major 	
companies in the sector, including licensing arrangements and distribution arrangements. These 
arrangements provide opportunities to maximise the value of Nufarm’s distribution platforms as well  
as increasing Nufarm’s customer base by providing access to additional products or new markets. 
Nufarm’s	collaborative	relationships	with	other	major	crop	protection	companies	may	change	or	be 	
terminated,	which	could	have	a	material	adverse	impact	on	Nufarm’s	financial	performance	and	the 	
value of Nufarm shares.

25

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018Operating and financial review continued

Risk management continued

Relationships  
with suppliers

Nufarm relies on the supply of a number of key raw materials, intermediates and active ingredients in 
order to produce and supply its range of crop protection products. Commercial terms relating to the 
supply	of	those	inputs	can	vary	and	are	subject	to	negotiation	with	third	parties.	Pricing	and	other 	 
terms associated with these arrangements can impact the margins associated with the sale of related 
products	and	Nufarm’s	future	profitability	and	the	value	of	Nufarm	shares.	As	part	of	Nufarm’s 	
acquisitions of two portfolios of products in Europe, Nufarm entered into transitional supply  
agreements (TSAs) with the vendors, Adama, Syngenta and FMC. Nufarm is reliant on the vendors 
meeting their commitments under the respective TSAs for supply of a number of key products. The 
transitional services agreement (TSA) states that Adama following Nufarm’s acquisition of Century must 
supply	the	in-scope	finished	good	products	to	Nufarm	for	a	period	of	two	years	from	closing	with	an 	
option to extend a further year. Prochloraz and Tebuconazole mixture formulations are key products  
in the Century portfolio. Any inability to supply means farmers’ needs may be replaced by competitor 
products	as	they	cannot	be	substituted	‘like-for-like’	by	any	others	in	Nufarm’s	portfolio.	Once 	 
displaced	by	competitor	products,	it	may	be	very	challenging	for	Nufarm	to	re-enter	for	next	season(s). 	
The	only	substantive	qualification	to	the	supply	obligation	is	force	majeure.	Adama	has	informed 	
Nufarm that it is experiencing some supply issues arising out of the Chinese regulatory activity 
referenced	on	page	24,	stating	force	majeure,	a	claim	Nufarm	has	formally	refuted.	Adama	has	since 	
put forward a proposal which would satisfy Nufarm’s full forecast of Prochloraz based products on  
the assumption that one of their suppliers resumes production satisfactorily.

Grower options  
and technology

Growers evaluate a number of options when determining how best to address their crop protection 
needs. Products supplied by Nufarm might be assessed alongside products supplied by other crop 
protection companies and other forms of crop protection by alternative technologies such as 
biological	controls	and	biotechnology.	The	introduction	of	genetically	modified	seeds	has,	in	some 	
instances, either reduced the need for crop protection products or resulted in a change in the crop 
protection products used.

Loss of key personnel

Debt financing risk

The Nufarm portfolio team conducts regular assessments of advancements in application technology 
and product development. This is a key input to the product development pipeline and participation in 
potential partnerships with third parties with access to alternative technologies.

There can be no assurance that Nufarm will be able to retain key personnel. The loss of key personnel 
or the inability to recruit and retain or motivate high calibre staff could have a material adverse effect 
on	Nufarm.	Nufarm	operates	globally	and	has	facilities	in	multiple	jurisdictions.	Management	of	a 	
complex	business	that	operates	globally	has	a	higher	employee	risk/complexity	than	a	business 	
which	operates	in	one	jurisdiction.	The	addition	of	new	employees	and	the	departure	of	existing 	
employees, particularly in key positions, can be disruptive and could have an adverse effect on 
Nufarm	and	may	impact	Nufarm’s	financial	performance,	future	prospects	of	the	business	and	the 	 
price of Nufarm shares.

Critical	roles	across	the	organisation	have	been	identified	and	appropriate	succession	and	retention 	
strategies developed. Guidelines for remuneration and reward have been developed to ensure 
Nufarm can attract and retain talent.

Nufarm	has	significant	short	term	bilateral	funding	facilities	to	fund	its	working	capital	requirements. 	
Continued access to these facilities is dependent upon compliance with relevant banking covenants 
and	the	successful	renewal	of	these	facilities	as	and	when	they	fall	due.	Nufarm’s	ability	to	refinance	its 	
debt	obligations,	and	the	terms	on	which	any	such	refinancing	can	be	obtained,	is	uncertain.	If	Nufarm 	
is	unable	to	refinance	its	debt	obligations,	or	to	do	so	on	reasonable	terms,	may	have	an	adverse 	
effect	on	the	financial	position	and	performance	of	Nufarm.

Board and executive oversight is in place to monitor ongoing compliance with key banking covenants 
and	facilitate	the	early	identification	of	any	covenants	under	stress.	A	clearly	defined	funding	strategy 	 
is	in	place	which	includes	a	diversified	funding	structure	with	a	range	of	debt	maturity	profiles.

26

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018Operational risk

IP rights and  
branded names

While	Nufarm	has	operational	risk	management	practices,	its	profitability	will	continue	to	be	subject 	 
to a variety of operational risks including strategic and business decisions (including acquisitions), 
technology risk (including business systems failure), reputation risk, fraud, compliance with legal  
and regulatory obligations, counterparty performance under outsourcing arrangements, business 
continuity planning, legal risk, data integrity risk, customer default risk, key person risk and external 
events. Further operational risks are that a customer or customers may terminate the services of Nufarm 
at any time, for any reason, or that a regulatory investigation or review may adversely affect Nufarm’s 
ability	to	conduct	its	operations	in	an	efficient	and	cost	effective	manner.

Operation	of	Nufarm’s	manufacturing	sites	in	Australia	requires	a	major	hazard	facility	(MHF)	licence 	
from Worksafe Australia (Worksafe). Worksafe undertakes regular audits of Nufarm’s sites to ensure  
that it is appropriate to renew the licence. These audits can result in Nufarm having to spend additional 
capital expenditure to modify the manufacturing facility or modify its ways of working to meet Worksafe’s 
requirements. Any decision by Worksafe not to renew Nufarm’s MHF licences would lead to Nufarm 
having to modify its ways of working, which would lead to additional ongoing operational costs.

Nufarm has implemented a risk management framework and process which includes an annual  
board review of group risks, regional risks and mitigating strategies. Regional management identify 
and monitor key operational risks on a quarterly basis through the business planning process and 
report on the status of the risks to the executive group. Group policies and procedures have been 
established to manage key regulatory risks and where applicable regional leaders have been 
appointed	to	manage	specific	regulatory	risks.	A	robust	and	comprehensive	HSE	program	is	in	place 	
which provides clear guidance on culture, behaviours, process and reporting. This program includes 
the ongoing assessment of HSE risks and practices.

Nufarm regards its brand names, trademarks, domain names, trade secrets and similar intellectual 
property as important to its success. Nufarm’s business has been developed with a strong emphasis  
on branding. Should any brand names be damaged in any way or lose market appeal, Nufarm’s 
business could be adversely impacted. While Nufarm will use all reasonable endeavours to protect  
its intellectual property rights, unauthorised use or disclosure of its intellectual property may have an 
adverse	effect	on	the	operating,	marketing	and	financial	performance	of	Nufarm.	Although	most	of 	
Nufarm’s products are post patent, there are certain products or developing technologies which may 
be entitled to patent protection. There is a risk that Nufarm might not be able to obtain such protection, 
or that Nufarm’s activities may infringe the patent or other rights of others.

Policies	and	procedures	are	in	place	to	assist	with	the	identification	and	protection	of	patents	and 	
trademarks.	The	Nufarm	product	development	process	includes	specific	steps	to	identify	potential 	
patent or trademark risks. Where considered necessary, external expert advice is obtained.

Information and  
cyber security

Nufarm’s operations are supported by several key IT systems and applications. Complete or partial 
failure	of	the	IT	systems,	applications	or	data	centre	infrastructure	due	to	unauthorised	access,	cyber-
attacks	or	natural	disasters	could	have	a	significant	impact	on	Nufarm’s	ability	to	maintain	operations 	
and	service	customers.	This	could	adversely	impact	Nufarm’s	financial	position	and/or	reputation.

Nufarm has implemented disaster recovery strategies over its key IT systems, applications and data 
centres, which are reviewed and tested on a regular basis. Cyber threats are assessed on an ongoing 
basis to the best of our knowledge based on the continually evolving nature of these threats. Security 
controls are updated to mitigate these risks supported by a combination of external and internal 
vulnerability testing.

27

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018Operating and financial review continued

Risk management continued

Glyphosate litigation 
and increased 
community focus

On	6	August	2018,	a	Brazilian	federal	judge	banned	the	use	of	crop	protection	products	containing 	
glyphosate whilst toxicology tests on the chemical are carried out. On 3 September 2018, the Regional 
Federal	Court	of	first	Region	in	Brasilia	cancelled	the	suspension	without	conditions	following 	
discussions with the Ministry of Agriculture.

ERP implementation

This has enabled Nufarm to continue to sell glyphosate for use in the forthcoming Brazilian soybean 
planting	season.	On	10	August	2018,	a	California	jury	found	Monsanto	liable	to	the	amount	of 	 
US$289	million	as	a	result	of	allegations	their	glyphosate-based	product	Round-Up	caused	a	man’s 	 
cancer. There is risk that glyphosate sales around the world are adversely impacted given both  
the intense legal and community pressure on this product. There is also a risk of future litigation for 
suppliers	of	glyphosate-based	products,	including	Nufarm.

Nufarm maintains a dedicated internal legal team across its key regional operations which is 
supported	externally	as	required.	Specific	reporting	protocols	and	guidelines	are	in	place	to 	 
manage ongoing legal input and facilitate escalation to executive management when required.

Nufarm has begun the implementation of a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system and shared 
service	centre.	Whilst	the	ERP	project	is	progressing	to	schedule,	if	the	ERP	implementation	were	to 	
experience delays or unanticipated issues, this could have an impact on Nufarm’s ability to service 
customers,	provide	timely	and	accurate	financial	information	to	the	company’s	management	and	may 	
also impede Nufarm’s ability to integrate recent acquisitions. This could have a material adverse effect 
on	the	business,	financial	conditions	and	results	of	Nufarm.

Regular	executive	oversight	is	in	place	through	participation	on	the	project	steering	committee	and	a 	
program	of	independent	project	assessments	has	been	established	which	coincide	with	key	project 	
milestones. Dedicated change management resources have been employed to facilitate training and 
readiness to minimise potential business disruption.

28

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018 
Corporate governance

Nufarm’s board processes have been 
reviewed to ensure they represent  
and protect the interests of all stakeholders. 
This includes detailed consideration of the 
third edition of the Corporate Governance 
Principles and Recommendations (‘the ASX 
principles’) published by the Australian 
Securities Exchange Limited’s (ASX) 
Corporate Governance Council. The ASX 
Listing Rules require Nufarm to disclose  
the extent to which we have adopted  

the ASX principles. During this reporting 
period, Nufarm believes it has complied 
with all of the ASX principles contained in 
the third edition of the ASX principles.

In accordance with ASX Listing Rule 4.10.3, 
Nufarm’s 2018 corporate governance 
statement can be viewed in the corporate 
governance	section	of	our	website:	http://
www.nufarm.com/CorporateGovernance

29

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018Financial Report

30

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018Directors’ report

The	directors	present	their	report	together	with	the	financial	report	of	Nufarm	Limited	(‘the	company’)	and	of	the	group,	being	the 	
company	and	its	subsidiaries	and	the	group’s	interests	in	associates	and	jointly	controlled	entities,	for	the	financial	year	ended	31	July 	
2018 and the auditor’s report thereon.

Directors

The	directors	of	the	company	at	any	time	during	or	since	the	end	of	the	financial	year	are:

DG McGauchie AO (Chairman) 
GA Hunt (Managing Director) 
AB Brennan 
GR Davis 
FA Ford 
Dr WB Goodfellow
ME McDonald 
PM Margin 
T Takasaki 

Unless otherwise indicated, all directors held their position as a director throughout the entire period and up to the date of this report. 
Details	of	the	qualifications,	experience	and	responsibilities	and	other	directorships	of	the	directors	are	set	out	on	pages	6	and	7.

Company secretary

The company secretary is Mr R Heath.

Mr	Heath	has	a	bachelor	of	laws	and	joined	the	company	in	1980	initially	as	legal	officer,	later	becoming	assistant	company	secretary.
In 1989, Mr Heath moved from New Zealand to Australia to become company secretary of Nufarm Australia Limited. In 2000, Mr Heath 
was appointed company secretary of Nufarm Limited.

Directors’ interests in shares and step-up securities

Relevant	interests	of	the	directors	in	the	shares	and	step-up	securities	issued	by	the	company	and	related	bodies	corporate	are,	at	the 	
date	of	this	report,	as	notified	by	the	directors	to	the	Australian	Securities	Exchange	in	accordance	with	S205G(1)	of	the	 Corporations Act 
2001, as follows:

AB Brennan

GR Davis

FA Ford

Dr WB Goodfellow(1)

GA Hunt(2)

DG McGauchie

ME McDonald

PM Margin

T Takasaki

Nufarm Ltd 
ordinary 
shares
12,224

48,889

24,445

Nufarm 
Finance 
(NZ) Ltd 
step-up 
securities
–

–

–

1,339,887

48,423

389,422

66,293

8,584

3,005

–

–

–

–

–

–

(1)  The shareholdings of Dr WB Goodfellow include:

(i)	

	St	Kentigern	Trust	Board	(430,434	shares	and	19,727	step-up	securities)	–	Dr	Goodfellow	is	a	trustee	of	the	Trust	Board.	Dr	Goodfellow	does	not	have	a	beneficial	interest	in	these 	
shares	or	step-up	securities;

(ii)  Sulkem Company Limited (160,713 shares);
(iii)	Auckland	Medical	Research	Foundation	(26,558	step-up	securities).	Dr	Goodfellow	does	not	have	a	beneficial	interest	in	these	step-up	securities.
(iv)		Trustees	of	the	Goodfellow	Foundation	(41,378	shares	and	1,338	step-up	securities).	Dr	Goodfellow	is	chairman	of	the	Foundation	and	does	not	have	a	beneficial	interest	in	these 	

shares	or	step-up	securities.

(v)	 Henry	Berry	Corporation	Limited	(514,386	shares	and	700	step-up	securities)

(2) GA Hunt’s interest in 389,422 ordinary shares includes 69,695 deferred shares granted as remuneration that are not yet exercised or vested.

31

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018	
Directors’ report continued

Directors’ meetings

The number of directors’ meetings (including meetings of board committees) and number of meetings attended by each of the directors 
of	the	company	during	the	financial	year	are: 	

Committees

Director

Board

Audit & Risk 
Committee

Human  
Resources

Nomination & 
Governance

Health Safety & 
Environment

AB Brennan

GR Davis 

FA Ford

Dr WB Goodfellow 

GA Hunt

ME McDonald

DG McGauchie 

PM Margin

T Takasaki(2)

Meetings 
Held(1)
13

Meetings 
Attended
12

Meetings 
Held(1)
4

Meetings 
Attended
4

Meetings 
Held(1)
3

Meetings 
Attended
3

Meetings 
Held(1)
–

Meetings 
Attended
–

Meetings 
Held(1)
–

Meetings 
Attended
–

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

8

4

4

–

–

2

–

4

–

4

4

–

–

2

–

4

–

3

–

–

–

–

3

3

–

3

–

–

–

–

3

3

–

–

3

3

–

–

3

–

–

–

3

3

–

–

3

–

–

3

–

–

–

3

–

–

3

3

–

–

–

2

–

–

3

(1)	 Number	of	meetings	held	during	the	period	the	director	held	office.

(2)	Mr	T	Takasaki	did	not	attend	five	unscheduled	meetings	held	in	the	period	which	related	to	the	Century/Surf	acquisitions	to	avoid	any	potential	conflict	of	interest.

Principal activities and changes

Nufarm’s	principal	activities	during	the	financial	year	were	the	manufacture	and	sale	of	crop	protection	products	and	its	proprietary 	
seed	technologies	business	which	are	further	described	in	the	information	on	the	company	section	of	the	operating	and	financial
review on pages 9 and 10.

Nufarm employs approximately 3,200 people at its various locations in Australasia, Africa, the Americas and Europe. The company 
is	listed	on	the	Australian	Securities	Exchange	(symbol	NUF).	Its	head	office	is	located	at	Laverton	in	Melbourne 	

Results

The	net	profit	/	(loss)	attributable	to	members	of	the	group	for	the	12	months	to	31	July	2018	is	$(15.6	million).	The	comparable	figure 	
for the 12 months to 31 July 2017 was $114.5 million.

Operating and financial review and future prospects

The	operating	and	financial	review	and	future	prospects	are	set	out	in	the	operating	and	financial	review	on	pages	9	to	28	and	the 	
financial	accounts.

Dividends

The	following	dividends	have	been	paid,	declared	or	recommended	since	the	end	of	the	preceding	financial	year.

The	final	dividend	for	2016–2017	of	eight	cents	paid	10	November	2017. 	

The	interim	dividend	for	2017–2018	of	five	cents	paid	4	May	2018.

$000
21,415

16,380

The	final	dividend	for	2017–2018	of	six	cents	as	declared	and	recommended	by	the	directors	is	payable	2	November	2018.

32

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018	
Nufarm step-up securities distributions

The following Nufarm Step-up Securities distributions have been paid since the end of the preceding financial year:

Distribution for the period 15 April 2017 – 14 October 2017 at the rate of 5.865 per cent per annum paid 16 October 2017

Distribution for the period 15 October 2017 – 14 April 2018 at the rate of 5.80 per cent paid 16 April 2018

 $000
7,381

7,259

State of affairs

The state of the group’s affairs are set out in the operating and financial review on pages 9 to 28.

Events subsequent to reporting date

On 26 September 2018, the Directors declared a final unfranked dividend of six cents per share payable 2 November 2018.

On 26 September 2018, the company announced it was undertaking a pro rata entitlement offer to raise approximately $300 million 
of share capital. In raising the share capital, the company estimates $6.4 million of transaction costs will be incurred. Net of transaction 
costs, the company expects to use the estimated $293.6 million to repay existing debt facilities.

Environmental performance

Details of Nufarm’s performance in relation to environmental regulations are set out in the operating and financial review on pages 20 and 
21. The group did not incur any prosecutions or fines in the financial period relating to environmental performance. The group publishes 
annually a sustainability report. This report can be viewed on the group’s website or a copy will be made available upon request to 
the company secretary. 

Non-audit services

During the year KPMG, the company’s auditor, has performed certain other services in addition to their statutory duties. Details of the 
audit fee and non-audit services are set out in note 39 to the financial report.

The board has considered the non-audit services provided during the year by the auditor and, in accordance with written advice 
provided by resolution of the audit committee, is satisfied that the provision of those non-audit services during the year by the auditor 
is compatible with, and did not compromise, the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 for the reason that 
all non-audit services were subject to the corporate governance procedures adopted by the company and have been reviewed 
by the audit committee to ensure they do not impact the integrity and objectivity of the auditor.

Indemnities and insurance for directors and officers

The company has entered into insurance contracts, which indemnify directors and officers of the company, and its controlled entities 
against liabilities. In accordance with normal commercial practices, under the terms of the insurance contracts, the nature of the liabilities 
insured against and the amount of premiums paid are confidential.

An indemnity agreement has been entered into between the company and each of the directors named earlier in this report. Under 
the agreement, the company has agreed to indemnify the directors against any claim or for any expenses or costs, which may arise 
as a result of the performance of their duties as directors. There are no monetary limits to the extent of this indemnity.

Lead auditor’s independence declaration

The lead auditor’s independence declaration is set out in the Company’s 2018 Annual Report and forms part of the directors’ report for 
the financial year ended 31 July 2018.

Rounding of amounts

The company is of a kind referred to in ASIC Corporations (Rounding in Financial/Directors’ Reports) Instrument 2016/191 and, in 
accordance with that Instrument, all financial information presented in Australian dollars has been rounded to the nearest thousand 
unless otherwise stated.

33

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018Directors’ report continued

A message from the chairman of the human resources committee (HRC) (unaudited)

Dear shareholder,

I am pleased to present our remuneration report for the year ended 31 July 2018. Our aim in preparing this report is to enable you,  
our shareholders and interested stakeholders, to understand the links between remuneration, company strategy and Nufarm’s 
performance, and the framework we have in place to provide effective governance over remuneration at Nufarm.

Nufarm’s remuneration structure is designed to support our strategic objectives and help drive sustainable value creation. The 
capabilities and commitment of our management and employees make a critical contribution to the success of the company and  
our remuneration policies are based on principles that encourage and reward performance and outcomes. Whilst enjoying strong 
revenue growth, 2018 earnings were impacted by a severe drought in Australia resulting in a decrease in underlying EBIT and  
a significant increase in our Net Working Capital outcome.  Whilst underlying EBIT was lower, underlying EBITDA was down by  
one per cent, with the Australian drought impact largely offset by the European acquisition contribution. 

The company’s performance has been reflected in the 2018 short term incentive outcomes which did not pay out for the chief executive 
officer and senior executives. The 2016 LTI plan was tested on 31 July 2018 with no equity vesting since neither the Relative Total 
Shareholder Return (RTSR) nor the average ROFE over three years’ targets were met. Our STI and LTI outcomes reflect strongly that our 
senior executives are only rewarded when they deliver sustainable returns over both short and long term aligned with shareholder 
value creation.

Fixed remuneration increases for executives were determined according to the nature and size of role and within Nufarm’s usual 
benchmarking approach. Any increases are reflective of market pricing for roles that were undertaken. 

The human resources committee continues to have a strong focus on the relationship between business performance and remuneration 
and in turn, each year the board reviews the financial metrics and individual objectives to ensure they remain appropriate as a basis 
of reward given the objectives of the business strategy and the interests of shareholders.

In 2018, the committee broadened its strategic agenda by expanding its focus from remuneration matters to talent, diversity and 
succession for our senior most roles within the Company.

Further detail is provided within the remuneration report.

Peter Margin
Chair – human resources committee

34

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 20182018 Remuneration report

The remuneration report is designed to provide shareholders with an understanding of Nufarm’s remuneration policies and the link 
between our remuneration strategy and performance. This report details Nufarm’s remuneration framework and outcomes for key 
management personnel (KMP) for the year ended 31 July 2018 (FY18). The report has been prepared in accordance with section 300A  
of the Corporations Act 2001 (Corporations Act).

Section

1. Remuneration snapshot

1.1

Key points

1.2 Changes during 2018

1.3 Key Management Personnel

2. Setting senior executive remuneration

2.1 Remuneration governance

2.2 Remuneration strategy

2.3 Remuneration components

3. Executive remuneration outcomes

3.1

Financial performance

3.2 Short term Incentive outcomes

3.3 Long term Incentive outcomes

3.4 Senior executive contract details

What it covers

Provides a summary of the remuneration outcomes for 2018.

Details the key remuneration changes in 2018.

Lists the names and roles of the executive KMP whose remuneration 
details are disclosed in this report.

Explains Nufarm’s remuneration policy, and how the board and human 
resources committee (HRC) make decisions, including the use of 
external consultants.

Explains Nufarm’s remuneration strategy and how it underpins the 
business strategy.

Shows how executive remuneration is structured to support business 
objectives and explains the executive remuneration mix.

Provides a breakdown of Nufarm’s performance over the past five years.

Details the STI outcomes for 2018.

Details the LTI outcomes for the plan with a performance test at 31 July 2018.

Lists the key contract terms governing the employment of executive KMP 
(including termination entitlements where relevant).

4. Non-executive director remuneration

Provides details of the fee structure for board and committee roles.

5. Remuneration tables

5.1 Remuneration of directors and disclosed executives

5.2 Equity instruments held by disclosed executives

5.3 Shares held in Nufarm

Provides the remuneration disclosures required by the Corporations Act 
and in accordance with relevant Australian Accounting Standards.

35

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018Directors’ report continued

1. Remuneration snapshot

1.1 Key points

The overall structure and philosophy of Nufarm’s approach to remuneration remained consistent throughout 2018. The organisation’s 
remuneration philosophy is based on linking financial rewards directly to employee contributions and company performance.  
As Nufarm continues its three year business transformation journey to deliver growth and build a better Nufarm, the remuneration 
framework and incentive plans continue to connect the evolving business strategy to leadership behaviours. 

The key outcomes under our incentive plans this year were:

Short term incentive outcomes

The entry hurdle measures required for payment of short term incentive plan for executive KMPs  
were not met. With the exception of Brent Zacharias (Group Executive Nuseed) all KMPs including  
the chief executive officer did not receive any payment related to the 2018 plan.

Long term incentive outcomes

The 2016 LTI plan was tested on 31 July 2018 and did not meet the entry hurdle associated with the 
plan measures. The outcome was that all KMPs did not receive any equity related to the 2016 plan. 

1.2 Changes during 2018

In 2017, the group executive Nuseed was moved to a plan tailored to ensure the role is measured against and rewarded for  
Nuseed financial deliverables. In 2018, the plan was further refined to ensure greater emphasis on the Nuseed financial deliverables 
(with Nuseed measures accounting for 60 per cent of STI, previously set to 50 per cent of STI).

1.3 Key management personnel

Nufarm’s KMP comprise the directors of the company and selected members of the Nufarm Leadership Team (NLT). The term executive 
KMPs refers to the CEO and those executives with authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the 
company and the group, directly or indirectly. The executive KMPs disclosed in this report are:

Name
Greg Hunt

Paul Binfield

Elbert Prado

Brent Zacharias

Niels Pörksen

Position
Managing director and chief executive officer

Chief financial officer

Group executive supply chain operations

Group executive Nuseed

Group executive portfolio solutions

Term as KMP in FY18
1 August 2017 – 31 July 2018

1 August 2017 – 31 July 2018

1 August 2017 – 31 July 2018

1 August 2017 – 31 July 2018

1 August 2017 – 31 July 2018

36

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 20182. Setting senior executive remuneration

2.1 Remuneration governance

The Human resources Committee (HRC) is responsible for reviewing and making recommendations to the Nufarm board on remuneration 
policies and packages applicable to disclosed executives. The HRC is comprised of four independent non-executive directors and  
is tasked with ensuring that remuneration policies and packages retain and motivate high calibre executives and have a clear 
relationship between company performance and executive remuneration. The HRC charter can be found at www.nufarm.com

During 2018, the HRC sought external general market movement data for the 2018 year from Egan Associates Pty Ltd but did not receive 
a remuneration recommendation.

The HRC reviews executive KMPs’ remuneration annually to ensure there is a balance between fixed and at risk pay, and it reflects both 
short and long term objectives aligned to Nufarm’s strategy. The board reviews the CEO’s remuneration based on market practice, 
performance against agreed measures and other relevant factors, while the CEO undertakes a similar exercise in relation to senior 
executives. The results of the CEO’s annual review of senior executives’ performance and remuneration are subject to board review 
and approval.

The board measures financial performance under the STI and LTI plans using audited numbers. The relative total shareholder return 
(RTSR) is measured by an independent external advisor. 

Within the remuneration framework the board has discretion to ‘clawback’ LTI plan and deferred STI prior to vesting: 

•  where payment is contrary to the financial soundness of the company;

•  in circumstances where the financial performance of Nufarm over the relevant period (including the initial STI performance period) 

has been mis-stated; and/or 

•  for individual gross misconduct. 

Executive KMPs are not permitted to hedge any shares issued to them under the STI while those shares remain held in trust.

The board considered all information in light of company performance, changes during the year to the scope and scale of executive 
roles, individual performance and the motivation and retention of key individuals, in making its remuneration decisions. 

2.2 Remuneration strategy

Nufarm’s remuneration strategy and reward frameworks reflect the importance of improving the performance of the business and lifting 
returns on funds employed, as well as supporting a goal to attract, motivate and retain a high performing workforce. 

The core elements of Nufarm’s remuneration strategy and policy for the disclosed executive KMPs are as follows:

•  An overall framework that supports attraction, motivation and retention of talent, shareholder value creation and reward 

differentiation.

•  An STI program that is biased to growth in profitability and a strong focus on balance sheet management. The program also focuses 

individuals to achieve innovation and increased business discipline, both of which the company sees as integral to delivering 
targeted financial outcomes and acceptable returns for shareholders. 

•  An LTI plan that is based on the principle of aligning executive KMPs’ interests and rewards with those of shareholders. With a focus on 

growth and increased participation in high value markets with sustainable returns, this improvement will be driven by:

 – continued growth in our revenues;

 – a strengthening of our margins;

 – a continued, relentless focus on driving down net working capital; and

 – a cost savings and performance improvement program. 

A focus on managing working capital and improving returns on funds employed is fundamental to the way in which Nufarm operates 
and is therefore a key element of the way performance is measured and assessed at a group and individual level. 

The STI and LTI plans combine shared accountability for financial results with individual reward for strategic changes and improvements 
within the individual’s function or business unit. Each year the board reviews the financial metrics and individual objectives to ensure 
they remain appropriate as a basis of reward given the business strategy and the interest of shareholders. In 2019, the board intend to 
undertake a comprehensive review of the LTI plan with a view to ensuring it aligns with the long term strategy and continues to 
motivate our senior executives.

37

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018Directors’ report continued

2.3 Remuneration components

The executive remuneration structure is based on fixed annual remuneration (FAR) with additional short term and long term incentives 
(described as a percentage of FAR) available to be earned subject to performance. All senior executives are employed on this basis. 

The graph below outlines the target remuneration mix for executive KMPs. The variable components of STI (including potential restricted 
shares) and LTI are expressed at target. 

Disclosed 
executives

52.6%

13.2%

13.1%

21.1%

34.2% Equity

38.6% Equity

CFO

45.5%

15.9%

15.9%

22.7%

CEO

40.0%

15.0%

15.0%

30.0%

45.0% Equity

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

FAR

Cash STI

Deferred STI

LTI

(a) Remuneration structure

Attract, motivate and
retain highly skilled
employees

FAR

Fixed annual 
remuneration

Reward achievement
of financial and personal
strategic objectives

Align to long term
shareholder value 
creation

STI

LTI

Short term incentive
(at risk)

Long term incentive
(at risk)

Cash

Equity

•  Base salary plus 
  superannuation.

•  Set based on market
  and internal relativities, 
  performance and 
  experience.

•  50% of STI outcome paid

•  50% of STI outcome 

in October after the 
financial year end.

•  STI outcome based 
  on financial and 

individual performance.

is deferred as restricted

  shares for a period of 

two years.

•  Subject to clawback 
  and forfeiture in 
  circumstances outlined.

•  Indeterminate rights
  subject to three year
  performance period with
  50% subject to RTSR and
  50% subject to ROFE.

•  Subject to clawback 
  and forfeiture in 
  circumstances outlined.

38

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018 
 
 
 
 
 
(b) 2018 STI plan

Changes to the STI plan 

For 2018, all executive KMPs participated in the same STI plan with the exception of group executive Nuseed who participated 
in a separate plan tailored to ensure the role was measured against and rewarded for Nuseed financial deliverables.

Both plan details are below, with the major differences between the plans outlined where applicable. 

Who participates 
in the STI?

When are 
awards made?

Plan participants include disclosed executives and senior managers globally.

Awards under the plan are made at the end of the financial year.

What measures are 
used in the plan?

The board sets measures at the start of each year focused on profitability and balance sheet management. 
Noted below are the measures used in 2018.

When and how are 
the STI payments 
determined?

All executive KMP roles  
(except GE Nuseed) 
80 per cent of the potential was based on Nufarm 
group underlying net profit after tax (UNPAT) and 
average net working capital (ANWC)/sales. 

Group executive Nuseed 
20 per cent of the potential was based on  
Nufarm group UNPAT and ANWC/sales.

60 per cent of the potential was based on  
Nuseed UPBT and ANWC/sales.

20 per cent of the potential was based on individual 
strategic and business improvement objectives 
aligned to the role and contribution of the executive.

20 per cent of the potential was based on individual 
strategic and business improvement objectives 
aligned to the role and contribution of the executive.

This structure reflects Nufarm’s strong focus on the use of capital and ensures alignment of reward to 
business outcomes and shareholder returns. 

Awards are assessed annually at the end of the financial year. Awards are based on the percentage 
achievement against the budget and strategic measures. 

All executive KMP roles (except GE Nuseed)

Group UNPAT

Group ANWC

Performance
Below Threshold

Threshold

Target

Stretch

% budget 
achieved
< 2017 group UNPAT

2017 group UNPAT

100%

120%

% of target STI 
opportunity 
realised against 
measure

% budget 
achieved
Nil < 2017 group ANWC

54% 2017 group ANWC

100%

150%

100%

110%

% of target STI 
opportunity 
realised against 
measure
Nil

100%

100%

150%

Group executive Nuseed 
Additional to group Nufarm measures shown in table immediately above, the following two Nuseed 
measures also form part of the STI plan

Nuseed UPBT

Nuseed ANWC

% of target STI 
opportunity 
realised against 
measure
Nil

25%

100%

150%

% budget 
achieved
< 85%

85%

100%

120%

% of target STI 
opportunity 
realised against 
measure
Nil

25%

100%

150%

% budget 
achieved
< 85%

85%

100%

110%

Performance
Below Threshold

Threshold

Target

Stretch

Straight line vesting between threshold and budget and between budget (target) and stretch. 
Strategic and business improvement objectives are assessed on a merit basis against stated objectives.

39

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018Directors’ report continued

Are payments in 
cash or shares?

When do the  
shares vest?

Is there a  
clawback provision  
in the plan?

What happens if  
the executive KMP 
leaves Nufarm?

50 per cent of executive KMPs’ STI is paid in cash at the time of performance testing and 50 per cent 
deferred into shares in the company for nil consideration.

Vesting will occur on the second anniversary of the grant date of the deferred equity, subject to continued 
employment or otherwise if the participant has left employment for a qualifying reason.

The rules of the plan provide for clawback of deferred STI prior to vesting with board discretion where 
payment is contrary to the financial soundness of the company; in circumstances where the financial 
performance of Nufarm over the relevant period (including the initial STI performance period) has been 
mis-stated; and/or for individual gross misconduct.

If an executive KMP leaves before the vesting anniversary under ‘qualifying leaver’ provisions the equity 
will remain in the plan until the vesting date. If the executive leaves under other than ‘qualifying leaver’ 
circumstances the equity will be forfeited. ‘Qualifying leaver’ provisions include participants who cease 
employment due to retirement, death, ill health/disability, redundancy, or contract severance without 
cause by Nufarm. 

The rules of the plan provide the flexibility, in special circumstances (e.g. health or severe personal hardship), 
to accelerate the vesting. This would result in the shares being released from the trust to the executive. 

(c) 2018 LTI plan 

Changes to the LTI plan 

The Nufarm executive LTI plan (plan) was first introduced in 2012 with no change in plan design since its inception. A comprehensive 
review of all plan elements (including the peer comparator group) is currently underway with the aim of reinforcing plan effectiveness 
for both the organisation and the KMPs. All changes, subject to board approval, will be introduced to LTI plans from 2020 onwards.

Why have an LTI plan? This plan aligns executive interests and earnings with the longer term Nufarm strategy and the interests 

of shareholders. 

Who participates 
in the LTI plan

Are the awards  
cash or shares?

The current participants in the plan are disclosed executives and other selected senior managers (together, 
the LTI plan participants). 

The plan rules provide the flexibility to use a number of different instruments provided they comply with 
local regulations and sound practice. At the time of vesting the board will determine if the rights convert 
to ordinary shares or cash or other instruments which may be in use at the time. 

When are the  
awards made?

Under the plan, LTI plan participants receive an annual award of rights as soon as practical after the 
announcement of results for the preceding year.

How are the number 
of rights calculated?

The number of rights to be granted is calculated by dividing the individual’s LTI grant opportunity for the 
performance year by the volume weighted average price of the company’s shares over the five trading 
days immediately following the prior year’s annual results announcement.

When do the 
awards vest?

The performance/vesting period for awards is three years. Awards will vest in two equal tranches as follows: 

•  50 per cent of the LTI plan grant will vest subject to the achievement of RTSR performance hurdle measured 

against a selected comparator group of companies; and 

•  The remaining 50 per cent of the LTI plan grant will vest subject to the three year average of an absolute  

Why have ROFE and 
RTSR been chosen 
as the hurdles?

What is the 
comparator group 
for the assessment 
of relative TSR?

How is RTSR 
measured?

ROFE target.

ROFE is used to track progress towards the goal to return long-term results back to acceptable levels for 
Nufarm. Strong RTSR performance ensures Nufarm is an attractive investment for shareholders.

Based on the results of research and modelling carried out by Ernst and Young, at the inception of the plan 
the board approved the adoption of the ‘S&P ASX 200 excluding those companies in the Financial, Materials 
and Energy groups’ as the RTSR comparator group. This provides a group which is large enough for sound 
measurement with exclusions that reduce the volatility by removing companies which are in significantly 
different industries to Nufarm. Commencing from 2015 the board approved the inclusion of Dulux (DLX), 
Incitec Pivot (IPL) and Orica (ORI) on the basis of their similarity as chemical companies even though they 
appear in the materials index.

RTSR will be measured over the performance period. For the purposes of this measurement, each 
company’s share price will be measured using the average price over 60 days up to (but excluding) the first 
day of the performance period, and the average closing price over 60 days up to and including the last day 
of the performance period.

What is the RTSR 
performance required 
for vesting?

TSR of Nufarm relative to the TSR 
of comparator group companies
Less than 50th percentile

Proportion of RTSR grant vesting
0%

50th percentile

50%

Between 51st percentile and 75th percentile

Straight line vesting between 50% and 100%

75th percentile

100% vesting

40

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018How is the ROFE 
target set?

How is ROFE 
measured?

ROFE objectives are set by the board at the beginning of each year. There is both a ‘target’ and a ‘stretch’ 
hurdle. These numbers are based on the budget and growth strategy. ‘Target’ represents a sustainable 
return to acceptable ROFE levels. ‘Stretch’ recognises achievement well above budget. This ensures that 
full vesting of the LTI plan is truly reliant on outstanding performance.

Return is calculated on the group’s earnings before interest and taxation and adjusted for any material 
items. Funds employed are represented by shareholder’s funds plus total interest bearing debt. For the 
purposes of measuring ROFE performance in the LTI plan, ROFE will be averaged over the life of the plan. 

What ROFE result is 
required for vesting?

Percentage of ROFE target achieved
Less than target

Proportion of ROFE grant vesting
0%

Target

50%

Between target and stretch

Straight line vesting between 50% and 100%

Stretch

100%

What was the result 
for the 2018 year?

What happens if the 
awards do not vest?

The 2016 award, which matured in 2018, did not vest into shares as both RTSR and ROFE performance 
hurdles were not met. 

To the extent that the RTSR and ROFE performance hurdles are not met at the end of the three-year 
performance period and full vesting is not achieved, performance will not be retested and the award  
will lapse. There is no partial vesting of the LTI plan before the third anniversary.

Is there a clawback 
provision in the plan?

The rules of the plan provide for clawback of unvested LTI plan rights where: payment is contrary to the 
financial soundness of the company; in circumstances where the financial performance of Nufarm over 
the relevant period has been mis-stated; and/or for individual gross misconduct.

What happens if an 
executive KMP leaves?

To be eligible under the LTI plan, the executive must be employed by Nufarm on the first anniversary of 
the allocation. If the executive leaves before this date, the allocation is forfeited. If the executive leaves 
under ‘qualifying leaver’ provisions, (refer STI section above for definition of ‘qualifying leaver’) after the first 
anniversary and before the third anniversary of the plan the allocation will be pro-rated and the pro-rated 
allocation will remain ‘on foot’ in the plan subject to certain overriding discretions set out in the plan.
The rules of the plans provide the flexibility, in special circumstances (e.g. health or severe personal hardship), 
to accelerate the vesting. The qualifying allocation will be tested against the hurdles to determine the value 
(if any) of the allocation.

3. Executive remuneration outcomes

3.1 Financial performance

Details of Nufarm’s performance, share price and dividends over the past five years are summarised in the table below:

Performance measures

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

Earnings
Underlying EBIT*

Underlying EBITDA

ANWC/Sales***

Underlying NPAT**

ROFE achieved

Shareholder value
Closing share price 31 July

Enterprise value****

TSR

Dividends declared

$m

$m

%

$m

%

$

$m

%

Cents

265.1

385.7

40.3

98.4

9.4

7.15

3,964.1

(13.9)

11.0

302.3

390

36.8

135.8

13.6

8.46

3,185.4

3.5

13.0

286.7

372

39.9

108.9

13.2

8.28

3,074.0

8.7

11.0

236.9

200.6

317

41.9

117.1

11.0

7.72

2,840.0

80.2

10.0

281

47.7

86.4

9.1

4.35

1,908.8

(1.7)

8.0

* and ** 

 Underlying EBIT is earnings before net finance costs, taxation and material items. Underlying NPAT is net profit after tax before material items. Underlying NPAT and 
Underlying EBIT are used internally by management to assess performance of the business and make decisions on the allocation of our resources. NPAT, rather than EBIT, 
is used to assess management’s STI to ensure rewarded business outcomes are aligned with shareholder returns.

***  

**** 

Average net working capital/sales is used throughout the business and highlights the management of working capital over the full year.

Enterprise value is Nufarm ordinary shares on issue, multiplied by Nufarm’s share price, plus net debt and Nufarm step-up securities as at 31 July.

41

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018Directors’ report continued

3.2 Short term incentive outcomes

Based on an underlying NPAT result of $98.4 million, an ANWC/sales result at 40.3 per cent and performance against individual strategic 
and business improvement objectives, disclosed executives (except GE Nuseed) employed for the performance period FY18 did not 
receive any payment under the incentive in accordance with the rules of the plan. 

Individual objectives were driven by Nufarm’s strategy and the goals to deliver on sustainable innovation and business discipline 
across the business. These objectives were specific to the role of each executive and included organisation restructuring, management 
of risk, efficiency improvements, partnership development, portfolio enhancement, business process and systems improvements and 
the implementation of initiatives to support growth in higher value segments. There was no payment associated with the individual 
objectives since the entry hurdle for the 2018 plan was not met.

(a) 2018 STI plan payment results

Outcomes against targets for disclosed executives are shown below: 

Financial: Weighting and outcome*

Group 
UNPAT
40%  ●
40%  ●
40%  ●
40%  ●
10%  ●

Group 
ANWC
40%  ●
40%  ●
40%  ●
40%  ●
10%  ●

Business unit 
profitability

Business 
unit ANWC

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
30%  ●

–
30%  ●

Personal: 
Weighting 
and 
outcome
20%  ●
20%  ●
20%  ●
20%  ●
20%  ● 

Overall 
award as a 
% of target 
potential

0%

0%

0%

0%

27.72%

Disclosed executive

Greg Hunt

Paul Binfield

Elbert Prado

Niels Pörksen

Brent Zacharias

Key:
●  Below threshold
● Between threshold and target
● Greater than target 

* 

 Nufarm’s objective is to be as transparent as possible, without disclosing commercially sensitive information. Consequently, while STI measures, descriptions, weighting and performance 
in 2018 for disclosed executives have been provided above, the specific targets for measures such as NPAT have not. 

The table below displays 2018 STI payments as a percentage of FAR and also as a percentage of target opportunity:

2018 STI Potential

Disclosed executive
Greg Hunt

Paul Binfield

Elbert Prado

Brent Zacharias

Niels Pörksen

At target  
$

At 
maximum  
$

965,625 

 1,448,438 

578,591 

367,710 

234,490 

367,710 

867,887 

551,565 

351,735 

551,565 

Total  
award  
$
– 

–

–

65,438 

–

Senior executive average

502,825 

754,238 

13,088 

2018 STI 
award as a 
% of target 
potential
0%

2018 STI as 
% of FAR
0%

0%

0%

28%

0%

3%

0%

0%

14%

0%

2%

To be paid 
in cash in 
October 
2018  
$
–

Retained  
in shares 
vesting 2nd 
anniversary 
31 July 2020*  
$
–

–

–

–

–

32,719 

32,719

–

–

*  The portion of 2018 STI payment retained in shares will vest on 31 July 2020, on the second anniversary from effective allocation date.

42

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018 
 
 
 
 
 
(b) Historical STI plan performance relative to Nufarm’s UNPAT results

The following chart compares Nufarm’s historical STI plan performance results against underlying NPAT for the same period. Nufarm’s 
incentive plans measure performance against a range of financial and non financial metrics with varied weightings. Accordingly, the 
pay for performance relationship is based on the performance against these metrics as a whole and may not always align with 
underlying NPAT growth. 

Underlying NPAT growth vs STI outcomes

40

30

)

%

(

t

r

h
w
o
g
T
A
P
N
g
n
y
l
r
e
d
n
U

i

20

10

0

-10

-20

-30

-40

160

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

)

%

(

t

e
m
o
c
u
o
n
a
p

l

I
T
S

2014 

2015

2016

2017

2018

Underlying NPAT percentage growth 

Percentage STI max 

3.3 Long term incentive outcomes 

The performance period for the 2016 LTI plan concluded on 31 July 2018.

The results of Nufarm’s RTSR was calculated by an external provider. The board determined the ROFE outcome to ensure no windfall 
gains or losses and accordingly adjusted for the net impact of material items. The outcome was reviewed by Nufarm’s external auditor 
KPMG. The board approved the vesting outcomes in accordance with the LTI plan rules.

(a) 2016 LTI plan testing as at 31 July 2018

The vesting table for the 2016 LTI plan is detailed below, reflecting performance up to 31 July 2018 against the two performance 
measures of RTSR and ROFE.

Performance measure
RTSR (nil vesting)

ROFE (nil vesting)

Total

(b) 2016 LTI award outcome

The table below details the individual outcome for the FY16 LTI plan.

% of total plan vested
0%

0%

Nil

Disclosed executive 
Greg Hunt

Paul Binfield

Elbert Prado

Brent Zacharias

Niels Pörksen

Total 
number of 
rights 
available
74,378 

Total 
number of 
rights 
awarded
– 

Total award 
as a % of 
potential
0%

Average 
grant date 
fair value of 
awarded 
rights
 n/a 

Total grant 
date fair 
value of 
award  
$
– 

34,938 

31,238 

20,082 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

0%

0%

0%

0%

 n/a 

 n/a 

 n/a 

 n/a 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Total grant 
date fair 
value of 
lapsed 
awards  
$
499,820 

234,783 

209,919 

134,951 

– 

43

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ report continued

(c) Historical LTI plan performance relative to Nufarm’s share price

The following chart compares Nufarm’s LTI plan vesting results for the past four LTI plans (as a percentage of plan maximum) to the share 
price history during the same period. The 2016 LTI plan did not meet hurdle and therefore is not depicted.

Nufarm historical share price vs LTI outcome 

)

$

(

e
c
i
r

p
e
r
a
h
S

12

10

8

6

4

2

0

1

4
0
2

l

u
J

%
2
9
8

.

1

6
0
2

l

u
J

%
0
0

1

1

7
0
2

l

u
J

%
3

.
1

3

1

5
0
2

l

u
J

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

1

8
0
2

l

u
J

)

%

(

t

e
m
o
c
u
o
n
a
p

l

I
T
L

LTI plan 

Share price

3.4 Senior executive contract details

The company has employment contracts with the disclosed executive KMPs. These contracts formalise the terms and conditions of 
employment. The contracts are for an indefinite term. The contracts of the CEO and other disclosed executives have been structured 
to be compliant with the termination benefits cap under the Corporations Act.

The company may terminate the contract of the CEO and Managing Director by giving six months’ notice, in which case the CEO would 
be entitled to a termination payment of 12 months’ FAR inclusive of any notice paid in lieu. The contract also provides for payment of 
applicable statutory entitlements.

The CEO may terminate the contract by giving the company six months’ notice.

The company may terminate the contract of other executives by six months’ notice in which case a termination payment equivalent to 
12 months’ FAR will be paid including notice period paid in lieu.

The company may terminate the employment contracts immediately for serious misconduct.

44

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4. Non-executive directors (NED) remuneration

The board’s policy with regard to NED remuneration is to position board remuneration at the market median with comparable sized 
listed entities. The board determines the fees payable to non-executive directors within the aggregate amount approved from time 
to time by shareholders. At the company’s 2017 AGM, shareholders approved an aggregate of $2,000,000 per year (including 
superannuation costs). The total fees for the 2018 year remained within the approved cap. 

Board fees are generally reviewed every 18 months with the last review done in August 2016. A review was held in September 2018 
and fees will increase by 3.75 per cent effective August 2018. The next review will be held in February 2020. Nufarm’s NEDs are 
remunerated with set fees and do not receive any performance based pay. This enables them to maintain independence and 
impartiality when making decisions affecting the future direction of the company. 

Chairman*

General board

Audit committee chair

Audit committee member

HSE risk committee chair

HSE risk committee member

HR committee chair

HR committee member

Nominations committee chair

Nominations committee member

* The chairman receives no fees as a member of any committee.

Fees applicable from 
1 August 2017 to  
31 July 2018  
($) per annum
378,378

154,792

31,200

15,600

18,200

9,100

26,000

13,000

12,012

1,560 per meeting

45

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018Directors’ report continued

5. Remuneration tables

5.1 Remuneration of directors and disclosed executives

Details follow of the nature and amount of each major element of remuneration in respect of the NED and disclosed executive KMPs.

Short term

Post-employment

payments

long term

Total1

Share-based 

Other  

In AUD

Directors’ non-executive
AB Brennan 

GR Davis 

Dr WB Goodfellow

DG McGauchie

P Margin

F Ford 

T Takasaki 

M McDonald 

Sub total non-executive directors remuneration

Executive Director GA Hunt 

Total directors’ remuneration

Group executives
PA Binfield  

E Prado  

N Pörksen 

B Zacharias  

Sub total – total executive remuneration

Total directors and executive remuneration

1. Represents total remuneration paid in the financial year.

Salary  
and fees 
$

Cash bonus 
(vested) 
$

Non- 
monetary 
benefits
$

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

 166,720 

 166,719 

 183,265 

 183,265 

 144,974 

 144,974 

 343,980 

 343,980 

 197,733 

 186,810 

 173,338 

 173,338 

 148,993 

 148,992 

 167,274 

 51,236 

 1,526,277 

 1,399,314 

 1,265,479 

 1,215,833 

 2,791,756 

 2,615,147 

 804,635 

 768,317 

 735,420 

 714,000 

 713,209 

 713,723 

 461,044 

 440,866 

 2,714,308 

 2,636,906 

 5,506,064 

 5,252,053 

 –

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 583,123 

 –   

 583,123 

 –   

 320,878 

 –   

 237,914 

 –   

 207,675 

 36,564 

 146,507 

 36,564 

 912,974 

 36,564 

 1,496,097 

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 2,944 

 2,714 

 2,944 

 2,714 

 295 

 –   

 23,504 

 32,158 

 27,661 

 54,501 

 46,261 

 50,070 

 97,721 

 136,729 

 100,665 

 139,443 

Total
$

 166,720 

 166,719 

 183,265 

 183,265 

 144,974 

 144,974 

 343,980 

 343,980 

 197,733 

 186,810 

 173,338 

 173,338 

 148,993 

 148,992 

 167,274 

 51,236 

 1,526,277 

 1,399,314 

 1,268,423 

 1,801,670 

 2,794,700 

 3,200,984 

 804,930 

 1,089,195 

 758,924 

 984,072 

 740,870 

 975,899 

 543,869 

 637,443 

 2,848,593 

 3,686,609 

 5,643,293 

 6,887,593 

Superannuation

benefits

Equity settled

remuneration

based

remuneration

Termination 

Percentage of 

Value of options 

remuneration 

as a proportion  

Total 

performance 

of total 

$

%

%

$

 16,672 

 16,672 

 18,326 

 18,327 

 19,630 

 14,498 

 34,398 

 34,398 

 –   

 18,682 

 17,333 

 17,334 

 14,899 

 14,899 

 16,727 

 5,124 

 137,985 

 139,934 

 25,000 

 37,083 

 162,985 

 177,017 

 25,000 

 37,083 

 –   

 –   

 25,449 

 23,398 

 50,601 

 48,207 

 101,050 

 108,688 

 264,035 

 285,705 

$

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

$

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 557,691 

 761,804 

 557,691 

 761,804 

 263,659 

 442,560 

 205,715 

 354,099 

 215,533 

 136,028 

 130,170 

 186,126 

 815,076 

 1,118,813 

 1,372,768 

 1,880,617 

$

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 183,392 

 183,391 

 201,591 

 201,592 

 164,604 

 159,472 

 378,378 

 378,378 

 197,733 

 205,492 

 190,671 

 190,672 

 163,892 

 163,891 

 184,001 

 56,360 

 1,664,262 

 1,539,248 

 1,851,114 

 2,600,557 

 3,515,376 

 4,139,805 

 1,093,589 

 1,568,838 

 964,639 

 1,338,171 

 981,852 

 1,135,325 

 724,640 

 871,776 

 3,764,720 

 4,914,110 

 7,280,096 

 9,053,915 

30

52

24

49

21

44

22

30

23

38

16

16

10

15

9

14

13

6

7

13

46

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018Short term

Post-employment

Share-based 
payments

Other  
long term

Total1

Directors’ non-executive

In AUD

AB Brennan 

GR Davis 

Dr WB Goodfellow

DG McGauchie

P Margin

F Ford 

T Takasaki 

M McDonald 

Group executives

PA Binfield  

E Prado  

N Pörksen 

B Zacharias  

Sub total non-executive directors remuneration

Executive Director GA Hunt 

Total directors’ remuneration

Sub total – total executive remuneration

Total directors and executive remuneration

1. Represents total remuneration paid in the financial year.

$

 166,720 

 166,719 

 183,265 

 183,265 

 144,974 

 144,974 

 343,980 

 343,980 

 197,733 

 186,810 

 173,338 

 173,338 

 148,993 

 148,992 

 167,274 

 51,236 

 1,526,277 

 1,399,314 

 1,265,479 

 1,215,833 

 2,791,756 

 2,615,147 

 804,635 

 768,317 

 735,420 

 714,000 

 713,209 

 713,723 

 461,044 

 440,866 

 2,714,308 

 2,636,906 

 5,506,064 

 5,252,053 

$

 –

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 583,123 

 583,123 

 320,878 

 237,914 

 207,675 

 36,564 

 146,507 

 36,564 

 912,974 

 36,564 

 1,496,097 

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

$

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 2,944 

 2,714 

 2,944 

 2,714 

 295 

 –   

 23,504 

 32,158 

 27,661 

 54,501 

 46,261 

 50,070 

 97,721 

 136,729 

 100,665 

 139,443 

Total

$

 166,720 

 166,719 

 183,265 

 183,265 

 144,974 

 144,974 

 343,980 

 343,980 

 197,733 

 186,810 

 173,338 

 173,338 

 148,993 

 148,992 

 167,274 

 51,236 

 1,526,277 

 1,399,314 

 1,268,423 

 1,801,670 

 2,794,700 

 3,200,984 

 804,930 

 1,089,195 

 758,924 

 984,072 

 740,870 

 975,899 

 543,869 

 637,443 

 2,848,593 

 3,686,609 

 5,643,293 

 6,887,593 

Salary  

Cash bonus 

monetary 

and fees 

(vested) 

benefits

Non- 

Superannuation
$

Termination 
benefits
$

Equity settled
$

 16,672 

 16,672 

 18,326 

 18,327 

 19,630 

 14,498 

 34,398 

 34,398 

 –   

 18,682 

 17,333 

 17,334 

 14,899 

 14,899 

 16,727 

 5,124 

 137,985 

 139,934 

 25,000 

 37,083 

 162,985 

 177,017 

 25,000 

 37,083 

 –   

 –   

 25,449 

 23,398 

 50,601 

 48,207 

 101,050 

 108,688 

 264,035 

 285,705 

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 557,691 

 761,804 

 557,691 

 761,804 

 263,659 

 442,560 

 205,715 

 354,099 

 215,533 

 136,028 

 130,170 

 186,126 

 815,076 

 1,118,813 

 1,372,768 

 1,880,617 

$

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

Total 
remuneration
$

Percentage of 
remuneration 
performance 
based
%

Value of options 
as a proportion  
of total 
remuneration
%

 183,392 

 183,391 

 201,591 

 201,592 

 164,604 

 159,472 

 378,378 

 378,378 

 197,733 

 205,492 

 190,671 

 190,672 

 163,892 

 163,891 

 184,001 

 56,360 

 1,664,262 

 1,539,248 

 1,851,114 

 2,600,557 

 3,515,376 

 4,139,805 

 1,093,589 

 1,568,838 

 964,639 

 1,338,171 

 981,852 

 1,135,325 

 724,640 

 871,776 

 3,764,720 

 4,914,110 

 7,280,096 

 9,053,915 

30

52

24

49

21

44

22

30

23

38

16

16

10

15

9

14

13

6

7

13

47

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018Directors’ report continued

5.2 Equity instruments held by disclosed executives

The following tables show the number of:

•  options/performance rights over ordinary shares in the company;

•  right to deferred shares granted under the STI scheme; and

•  shares in the company

that were held during the financial year by disclosed executives of the group, including their close family members and entities related 
to them.

All equity transactions with key management personnel other than those arising from the exercise of remuneration options have been 
entered into under terms and conditions no more favourable than those the entity would have adopted if dealing at arm’s length.

Options/rights over ordinary shares in Nufarm Ltd

Scheme

Balance at 
1 August 
2017

Granted as 
remuneration(g)

Exercised

Forfeited 
or 
lapsed

Net 
change 
other

Balance 
at 31 July 
2018(c)

Vested 
during 
2018

Vested 
at 31 July 
2018(a)

Value at 
date of 
forfeiture

Directors
G Hunt

Executives

LTI performance

 219,826 

 115,412 

 (49,778)

 (74,378)

STI deferred(b)

 23,927 

 69,695 

 (23,927)

 – 

Current KMP
P Binfield

LTI performance

STI deferred(b)

 125,389 

 15,611 

 49,398 

 (55,355)

 (34,938)

 38,351 

 (15,611)

 – 

E Prado

LTI performance

 99,949 

 35,158 

 (37,485)

 (31,238)

STI deferred(b)

 13,957 

 28,435 

 (13,957)

 – 

B Zacharias LTI performance

 55,866 

 22,124 

 (16,508)

 (20,082)

STI deferred(b)

 6,186 

N Pörksen

LTI performance

 26,008 

STI deferred(b)

 9,328 

 17,724 

 (6,186)

 35,158 

 – 

 29,801 

 (9,328)

 – 

 – 

 – 

Total

LTI performance

 527,038 

 257,250 

 (159,126)

 (160,636)

STI deferred

 69,009 

 184,006 

 (69,009)

 – 

Non-KMP officers
R Heath

LTI performance

Total

 36,194 

 632,241 

 10,600 

 (15,392)

 (10,994)

 451,856 

(243,527)

 (171,630)

(a)  All options/rights that are vested are exercisable.

 –   211,082 
 – 

 69,695   23,927 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 531,803 

 – 

 84,494 

 – 

 – 

 249,807 

 38,351 

 15,611 

 – 

 – 

 66,384 

 – 

 – 

 223,352 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 28,435 

 13,957 

 41,400 

 – 

 17,724 

 6,186 

 61,166 

 – 

 – 

 9,328 

 29,801 
 –   464,526 
 – 
 –   184,006   69,009 

 – 

 20,408 

 – 
 –   668,940   69,009 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 143,586 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 –   1,148,548 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 78,607 

 –   1,227,155

(b)  The grant date fair value of deferred shares granted as remuneration during the year ended 31 July 2018 was $7.20. 100 per cent of STI deferred shares available to vest during the 
year ended 31 July 2018 vested as the necessary service condition was satisfied. 100 per cent of non-vested STI deferred shares are due to vest during the year ended 31 July 2019. 
Note those deferred shares granted as remuneration during the year ended 31 July 2018 relate to the year ended 31 July 2017 STI outcomes. Deferred shares granted as 
remuneration on the back of the current year STI outcomes will be determined and allocated in October 2018. 

(c)   LTIP performance rights forfeited due to a failure to satisfy service or performance conditions during 2018 are disclosed in column ‘Forfeited or lapsed’. 100 per cent of rights due to 

vest in 2018 were forfeited. The value of LTIP performance rights forfeited is expressed in the table above using the share price of the company at 31 July 2018 of $7.15. 

(d)  217,084 of total LTIP performance rights held by KMPs are due to vest in 2019, with the remaining unvested balance due to vest in 2020. 

(e)  ‘Net change other’ reflects changes to KMP during the period.

(f)   The number of LTIP performance rights granted as remuneration during 2018 were determined by dividing the KMP’s total LTI grant opportunity by $8.37, being the five-day VWAP post 

the announcement of the group’s 2017 annual results.

48

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 20185.3 Shares held in Nufarm Ltd

Shares held in Nufarm Ltd

Note

Balance at  
1 August 2017

Granted as 
remuneration

On exercise 
of rights

Net change 
other

Balance at 
31 July 2018

Directors
DG McGauchie

G Hunt 

AB Brennan 

GR Davis

FA Ford 

Dr WB Goodfellow

1

PM Margin

ME McDonald

T Takasaki 

Executives
Current KMP

P Binfield 

E Prado 

B Zacharias

N Poersken

Total

54,239 

187,683 

10,000 

40,000 

20,000 

 1,172,824 

 2,458 

– 

– 

184,302 

44,085 

35,691 

– 

 1,751,282 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

73,705 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

12,054 

58,339 

 2,224 

 8,889 

 4,445 

66,293 

319,727 

12,224 

48,889 

24,445 

167,063 

 1,339,887 

547 

 8,584 

– 

 3,005 

 8,584 

– 

70,966 

51,442 

22,694 

 9,328 

11,233 

(24,056)

(25,736)

 8,696 

266,501 

71,471 

32,649 

18,024 

228,135 

232,282 

 2,211,699 

1 

The holding of Dr WB Goodfellow includes his relevant interest in:
(i) 

 St Kentigern Trust Board (430,434 shares and 19,727 step-up securities) – Dr Goodfellow is chairman of the Trust Board. Dr Goodfellow does not have a beneficial interest in these 
shares or step-up securities;

(ii)   Sulkem Company Limited (160,713 shares);

(iii)  Auckland Medical Research Foundation (26,558 step-up securities). Dr Goodfellow does not have a beneficial interest in these step-up securities.

(iv)  Trustees of the Goodfellow Foundation (41,378 shares and 1,338 step-up securities). Dr Goodfellow is chairman of the Foundation and does not have a beneficial interest in these 

shares or step-up securities.

(v)  Henry Berry Corporation Limited (514,386 shares and 700 step-up securities).

49

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ report continued

Shares issued as a result of the exercise of options

There were 333,078 (2017: 374,220) shares issued as a result of the exercise of options during the year.

Unissued shares under option

There are nil (2017: 349,484) unissued shares under option. The unissued shares under option have been provided to Nufarm 
employees as performance rights and the exercise price of such options is nil. 

Loans to key management personnel

There were no loans to key management personnel at 31 July 2018 (2017: Nil).

Other key management personnel transactions with the company or its controlled entities

Apart from the details disclosed in this note, no director has entered into a material contract with the company or entities in the group 
since the end of the previous financial year and there were no material contracts involving directors’ interest existing at year-end.

A number of key management persons, or their related parties, hold positions in other entities that result in them having control or 
significant influence over the financial or operating policies of those entities. A number of these entities transacted with the company or 
its subsidiaries in the reporting period. The terms and conditions of the transactions with management persons and their related parties 
were no more favourable than those available, or which might reasonably be expected to be available, on similar transactions to 
non-director related entities on an arms-length basis.

From time to time, key management personnel of the company or its controlled entities, or their related entities, may purchase goods 
from the group. These purchases are on the same terms and conditions as those entered into by other group employees or customers 
and are trivial or domestic in nature.

This report has been made in accordance with a resolution of directors.

DG McGauchie AO
Director

GA Hunt
Director

Melbourne
26 September 2018

50

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018Lead auditor’s independence declaration
Under section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001

Lead Auditor’s Independence Declaration under 

Section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001 

To the Directors of Nufarm Limited 

I  declare  that,  to  the  best  of  my  knowledge  and  belief,  in  relation  to  the  audit  of  Nufarm Limited  for 
the financial year ended 31 July 2018 there have been: 

i. 

ii. 

no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements as set out in the Corporations 
Act 2001 in relation to the audit; and 

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

KPMG 

Gordon Sangster 

Partner 
Melbourne 
26 September 2018 

KPMG, an Australian partnership and a member firm of the KPMG 
network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG 
International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. 

Liability limited by a scheme 
approved under Professional 
Standards Legislation. 

51

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income statement
For the year ended 31 July 2018

Continuing operations
Revenue

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Other income

Sales, marketing and distribution expenses

General and administrative expenses

Research and development expenses

Share of net profits/(losses) of equity accounted investees

Operating profit

Financial income

Financial expenses excluding foreign exchange gains/(losses)

Net foreign exchange gains/(losses)

Net financial expenses

Net financing costs 

Profit/(loss) before income tax

Income tax benefit/(expense)

Consolidated

2018  
$000

2017  
$000

Note

 3,307,847 

 3,111,115 

 (2,344,413)

 (2,197,865)

 963,434 

 913,250 

7

 7,256 

 (480,650)

 (275,573)

 (39,046)

 78 

 13,264 

 (411,067)

 (195,666)

 (40,415)

 (124)

19

10

10

10

 175,499 

 279,242 

 10,978 

 (118,638)

 (27,946)

 (146,584)

 (135,606)

 8,591 

 (101,774)

 (13,812)

 (115,586)

 (106,995)

 39,893 

 172,247 

11

 (55,900)

 (57,205)

Profit/(loss) for the period from continuing operations

 (16,007)

 115,042 

Attributable to:
Equity holders of the company

Non-controlling interests

Profit/(loss) for the period

Earnings per share
Basic earnings/(loss) per share

Diluted earnings/(loss) per share

The income statement is to be read in conjunction with the attached notes.

 (15,588)

 114,467 

 (419)

 575 

 (16,007)

 115,042 

30

30

 (8.5)

 (8.5)

 38.7 

 38.6 

52

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018Statement of comprehensive income
For the year ended 31 July 2018

Profit/(loss) for the period

Other comprehensive income
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:

Foreign exchange translation differences for foreign operations

Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges

Effective portion of changes in fair value of net investment hedges

Net changes in fair value of available-for-sale financial assets

Available-for-sale financial assets – reclassified to profit or loss

Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss:

Actuarial gains/(losses) on defined benefit plans

Income tax on share based payment transactions

Note

Consolidated

2018  
$000

 (16,007)

2017  
$000
 115,042 

 (24,231)

 (29,099)

 2,028 

 8,882 

 – 

 – 

 2,479 

 4,019 

 1,342 

 (894)

 4,980 

 (587)

 (2,091)

 (358)

Other comprehensive profit/(loss) for the period, net of income tax

 (8,928)

 (24,602)

Total comprehensive profit/(loss) for the period

 (24,935)

 90,440 

Attributable to:
Equity holders of the company

Non-controlling interest

Total comprehensive profit/(loss) for the period

The amounts recognised directly in equity are disclosed net of tax.

The statement of comprehensive income is to be read in conjunction with the attached notes.

 (24,516)

 89,865 

 (419)

 575 

 (24,935)

 90,440

53

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018Balance sheet
As at 31 July 2018

Assets
Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Inventories

Current tax assets

Other investments

Total current assets

Non-current assets
Trade and other receivables

Investments in equity accounted investees

Other investments

Deferred tax assets

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Total non-current assets

TOTAL ASSETS

Current liabilities
Bank overdraft

Trade and other payables

Loans and borrowings

Employee benefits

Current tax payable

Provisions

Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities
Payables

Loans and borrowings

Deferred tax liabilities

Employee benefits

Total non-current liabilities

TOTAL LIABILITIES

NET ASSETS

Equity 
Share capital

Reserves

Retained earnings

Equity attributable to equity holders of the company
Nufarm step-up securities

Non-controlling interest

TOTAL EQUITY

The balance sheet is to be read in conjunction with the attached notes.

54

Consolidated

2018  
$000

2017  
$000

Note

15

16

17

18

20

16

19

20

18

22

23

15

24

25

26

18

28

24

25

18

26

 301,700 

 235,145 

 1,199,617 

 1,027,516 

 1,179,696 

 763,039 

 31,609 

 25,615 

 – 

 – 

 2,712,622 

 2,051,315 

 108,859 

 110,701 

 411 

 442 

 201,962 

 338,749 

 1,688,322 

 334 

 384 

 240,248 

 350,520 

 891,386 

 2,338,745 

 1,593,573 

 5,051,367 

 3,644,888 

 7,357 

 1,131,270 

 519,698 

 19,347 

 20,930 

 12,398 

 11,384 

 826,367 

 426,026 

 18,679 

 17,628 

 15,718 

 1,711,000 

 1,315,802 

 10,800 

 12,796 

 1,148,715 

 478,028 

 113,552 

 95,676 

 1,368,743 

 137,644 

 97,695 

 726,163 

 3,079,743 

 2,041,965 

 1,971,624 

 1,602,923 

 1,537,502 

 1,090,197 

 (309,126)

 496,316 

 (301,741)

 563,140 

 1,724,692 

 1,351,596 

 246,932 

 246,932 

 – 

 4,395 

 1,971,624 

 1,602,923 

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018Statement of cash flows
For the year ended 31 July 2018

Cash flows from operating activities
Profit/(loss) for the period – before tax

Adjustments for:

Depreciation and amortisation

Asset impairment

Inventory write down

Share of (profits)/losses of associates net of tax

Net finance expense

Other

Movements in working capital items:

(Increase)/decrease in receivables

(Increase)/decrease in inventories

Increase/(decrease) in payables

Exchange rate change on foreign controlled entities working capital items

Cash generated from operations

Interest received

Dividends received

Interest paid

Taxes paid

Net operating cash flows

Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

Payments for plant and equipment

Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired

Proceeds from sale of business and investments

Payments for acquired intangibles and major product development expenditure

Net investing cash flows

Cash flows from financing activities
Share issue proceeds (net of costs)

Debt establishment transaction costs

Proceeds from borrowings 

Repayment of borrowings 

Distribution to Nufarm step-up security holders

Dividends paid

Net financing cash flows

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Cash at the beginning of the year

Exchange rate fluctuations on foreign cash balances

Cash and cash equivalents at 31 July(a)

Consolidated

2018  
$000

2017  
$000

 39,893 

 172,247 

 120,550 

 70,559 

 15,310 

 (78)

 107,660 

 (102)

 87,731 

 7,081 

 16,849 

 124 

 93,183 

 (651)

 (183,045)

 (209,195)

 (407,253)

 316,514 

 (21,425)

 58,583 

 10,978 

 12 

 (109,630)

 (48,112)

 (88,169)

 6,084 

 (69,539)

 (778,859)

 – 

 (123,260)

 (94,055)

 137,896 

 (29,947)

 163,326 

 8,591 

 1,431 

 (97,996)

 (19,909)

 55,443 

 10,583 

 (50,595)

 – 

 39,905 

 (100,651)

 (965,574)

 (100,758)

 436,454 

 (16,911)

 – 

 (747)

 2,201,871 

 1,193,896 

 (1,458,764)

 (1,153,379)

Note

8 

19 

6 

22 

14 

23 

6 

25 

25 

25 

 (14,640)

 (35,580)

6 

 1,112,430 

 58,687 

 223,761 

 11,895 

15 

 294,343 

 (15,369)

 (29,880)

 (5,479)

 (50,794)

 281,444 

 (6,889)

 223,761 

(a) Represented by cash at bank of $301.700 million and bank overdraft of $7.357 million (2017: cash at bank of $235.145 million and bank overdraft of $11.384 million).

The statement of cash flows is to be read in conjunction with the attached notes.

55

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018Statement of changes in equity
For the year ended 31 July 2018

Consolidated

Balance at 1 August 2016

Profit/(loss) for the period

Other comprehensive income
Actuarial gains/(losses) on defined benefit plans

Foreign exchange translation differences

Gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges taken to equity

Gains/(losses) on net investment hedges taken to equity

Net changes in fair value of available-for-sale financial assets

Available-for-sale financial assets – reclassified to profit or loss

Income tax on share based payment transactions

Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the period

Transactions with owners, recorded directly in equity
Accrued employee share award entitlement

Issuance of shares under employee share plans

Dividends paid to shareholders

Dividend reinvestment plan

Distributions to Nufarm step-up security holders

Remeasurement of non-controlling interest option

Share  
capital  
$000
 1,080,768 

Translation  
reserve  
$000
 (287,307)

Capital profit  
reserve  
$000

 33,627 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 6,738 

 – 

 2,691 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 (29,099)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 (29,099)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

Balance at 31 July 2017

 1,090,197 

 (316,406)

 33,627 

 (18,962)

 563,140 

 1,351,596 

 246,932 

 4,395 

 1,602,923 

Balance at 1 August 2017

 1,090,197 

 (316,406)

 33,627 

 (18,962)

 563,140 

 1,351,596 

 246,932 

 4,395 

 1,602,923 

Profit/(loss) for the period

Other comprehensive income
Actuarial gains/(losses) on defined benefit plans

Foreign exchange translation differences

Gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges taken to equity

Gains/(losses) on net investment hedges taken to equity

Net changes in fair value of available-for-sale financial assets

Available-for-sale financial assets – reclassified to profit or loss

Income tax on share based payment transactions

Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the period

Transactions with owners, recorded directly in equity
Accrued employee share award entitlement

Issuance of shares under employee share plans

Dividends paid to shareholders

Dividend reinvestment plan

Distributions to Nufarm step-up security holders

Remeasurement of non-controlling interest option

Acquisition of remaining interest in non-controlling interest 

Contributions of equity net of transaction costs

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 7,473 

 – 

 2,962 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 436,870 

 – 

 – 

 (24,231)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 (24,231)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 1,249 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

Balance at 31 July 2018

 1,537,502 

 (339,388)

 33,627 

 (3,365)

 496,316 

 1,724,692 

 246,932 

The statement of changes in equity is to be read in conjunction with the attached notes.

56

Nufarm step-up 

Non-controlling 

Total  

$000

 1,298,675 

securities  

$000

 246,932 

interest  

$000

 4,621 

Total equity  

$000

 1,550,228 

 114,467 

 114,467 

 575 

 115,042 

 112,376 

 89,865 

 575 

 90,440 

Other  

reserve  

$000

 (22,468)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 2,479 

 4,019 

 1,342 

 (894)

 (358)

 6,588 

 4,739 

 (6,738)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 (1,083)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 2,028 

 8,882 

 (587)

 10,323 

 3,904 

 (7,889)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 (379)

 9,638 

 – 

Retained  

earnings  

$000

 494,055 

 (2,091)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 (31,996)

 (11,295)

 4,980 

 (10,608)

 (37,795)

 (10,763)

 (7,658)

 (2,091)

 (29,099)

 2,479 

 4,019 

 1,342 

 (894)

 (358)

 4,739 

 – 

 (31,996)

 2,691 

 (11,295)

 (1,083)

 4,980 

 (24,231)

 2,028 

 8,882 

 – 

 – 

 (587)

 (24,516)

 3,904 

 (416)

 (37,795)

 2,962 

 (10,763)

 (379)

 3,229 

 436,870 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 (801)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 (419)

 (747)

 (3,229)

 (2,091)

 (29,099)

 2,479 

 4,019 

 1,342 

 (894)

 (358)

 4,739 

 – 

 (32,797)

 2,691 

 (11,295)

 (1,083)

 4,980 

 (24,231)

 2,028 

 8,882 

 – 

 – 

 (587)

 (24,935)

 3,904 

 (416)

 (38,542)

 2,962 

 (10,763)

 (379)

 – 

 436,870 

 1,971,624 

 (15,588)

 (15,588)

 (419)

 (16,007)

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018Consolidated

Balance at 1 August 2016

Profit/(loss) for the period

Other comprehensive income

Actuarial gains/(losses) on defined benefit plans

Foreign exchange translation differences

Gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges taken to equity

Gains/(losses) on net investment hedges taken to equity

Net changes in fair value of available-for-sale financial assets

Available-for-sale financial assets – reclassified to profit or loss

Income tax on share based payment transactions

Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the period

Transactions with owners, recorded directly in equity

Accrued employee share award entitlement

Issuance of shares under employee share plans

Dividends paid to shareholders

Dividend reinvestment plan

Distributions to Nufarm step-up security holders

Remeasurement of non-controlling interest option

Profit/(loss) for the period

Other comprehensive income

Actuarial gains/(losses) on defined benefit plans

Foreign exchange translation differences

Gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges taken to equity

Gains/(losses) on net investment hedges taken to equity

Net changes in fair value of available-for-sale financial assets

Available-for-sale financial assets – reclassified to profit or loss

Income tax on share based payment transactions

Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the period

Transactions with owners, recorded directly in equity

Accrued employee share award entitlement

Issuance of shares under employee share plans

Dividends paid to shareholders

Dividend reinvestment plan

Distributions to Nufarm step-up security holders

Remeasurement of non-controlling interest option

Acquisition of remaining interest in non-controlling interest 

Share  

capital  

$000

 1,080,768 

Translation  

Capital profit  

reserve  

$000

 (287,307)

reserve  

$000

 33,627 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 6,738 

 2,691 

 7,473 

 2,962 

 (29,099)

 (29,099)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 (24,231)

 (24,231)

 1,249 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

Contributions of equity net of transaction costs

 436,870 

The statement of changes in equity is to be read in conjunction with the attached notes.

Other  
reserve  
$000
 (22,468)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 2,479 

 4,019 

 1,342 

 (894)

 (358)

 6,588 

 4,739 

 (6,738)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 (1,083)

Retained  
earnings  
$000
 494,055 

Total  
$000
 1,298,675 

Nufarm step-up 
securities  
$000

Non-controlling 
interest  
$000

 246,932 

 4,621 

Total equity  
$000

 1,550,228 

 114,467 

 114,467 

 (2,091)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 (2,091)

 (29,099)

 2,479 

 4,019 

 1,342 

 (894)

 (358)

 112,376 

 89,865 

 – 

 – 

 (31,996)

 – 

 (11,295)

 – 

 4,739 

 – 

 (31,996)

 2,691 

 (11,295)

 (1,083)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 575 

 115,042 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 (2,091)

 (29,099)

 2,479 

 4,019 

 1,342 

 (894)

 (358)

 575 

 90,440 

 – 

 – 

 (801)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 4,739 

 – 

 (32,797)

 2,691 

 (11,295)

 (1,083)

Balance at 31 July 2017

 1,090,197 

 (316,406)

 33,627 

 (18,962)

 563,140 

 1,351,596 

 246,932 

 4,395 

 1,602,923 

Balance at 1 August 2017

 1,090,197 

 (316,406)

 33,627 

 (18,962)

 563,140 

 1,351,596 

 246,932 

 4,395 

 1,602,923 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 2,028 

 8,882 

 – 

 – 

 (587)

 10,323 

 3,904 

 (7,889)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 (379)

 9,638 

 – 

 (15,588)

 (15,588)

 4,980 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 (10,608)

 – 

 – 

 (37,795)

 – 

 (10,763)

 – 

 (7,658)

 4,980 

 (24,231)

 2,028 

 8,882 

 – 

 – 

 (587)

 (24,516)

 3,904 

 (416)

 (37,795)

 2,962 

 (10,763)

 (379)

 3,229 

 – 

 436,870 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

Balance at 31 July 2018

 1,537,502 

 (339,388)

 33,627 

 (3,365)

 496,316 

 1,724,692 

 246,932 

 (419)

 (16,007)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 (419)

 – 

 – 

 (747)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 (3,229)

 – 

 – 

 4,980 

 (24,231)

 2,028 

 8,882 

 – 

 – 

 (587)

 (24,935)

 3,904 

 (416)

 (38,542)

 2,962 

 (10,763)

 (379)

 – 

 436,870 

 1,971,624 

57

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018Notes to the consolidated financial statements

1. Reporting entity

Nufarm Limited (the ‘company’) is a company limited by shares and domiciled in Australia that is listed on the Australian Securities 
Exchange. The address of the company’s registered office is 103-105 Pipe Road, Laverton North, Victoria, 3026. The consolidated 
financial statements of the company as at and for the year ended 31 July 2018 comprise the company and its subsidiaries (together 
referred to as the ‘group’ and individually as ‘group entities’) and the group’s interest in associates and jointly controlled entities. The 
group is a for-profit entity and is primarily involved in the manufacture and sale of crop protection products used by farmers to protect 
crops from damage caused by weeds, pests and disease, and seed treatment products.

2. Basis of preparation

(a) Statement of compliance

The consolidated financial statements are general purpose financial statements which have been prepared in accordance with 
Australian Accounting Standards (AASBs) adopted by the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) and the Corporations Act 2001. 
The consolidated financial statements comply with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) adopted by the International 
Accounting Standards Board (IASB).

The consolidated financial statements were authorised for issue by the board of directors on 26 September 2018.

(b) Basis of measurement

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis except for derivative financial instruments and 
available-for-sale investments which are measured at fair value, and defined benefit fund obligations that are measured as the present 
value of the defined benefit obligation at the reporting date less the fair value of the pension plan’s assets. The methods used to 
measure fair values are discussed further in note 4.

(c) Functional and presentation currency

These consolidated financial statements are presented in Australian dollars, which is the company’s functional currency. The company 
is of a kind referred to in ASIC Corporations (Rounding in Financial/Directors’ Reports) Instrument 2016/191 and, in accordance with that 
Instrument, all financial information presented in Australian dollars has been rounded to the nearest thousand unless otherwise stated.

(d) Use of estimates and judgements

The preparation of financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the 
application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Actual results may differ from 
these estimates. Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are 
recognised in the period in which the estimates are revised and in any future periods affected.

Information about significant areas of estimation uncertainty and critical judgements in applying accounting policies that have the most 
significant impact on the amount recognised in the financial statements are described below.

(i) Business combinations

Fair valuing assets and liabilities acquired in a business combination involves the group making assumptions about the timing of cash 
inflows and outflows, growth assumptions, discount rates and cost of debt. Refer to note 14 for details of acquisitions made during the 
period.

(ii) Impairment testing

The group determines whether goodwill and intangibles with indefinite useful lives are impaired on an annual basis or at each 
reporting date if required, using a value in use (VIU) or a fair value less cost to dispose (FVLCD) methodology to estimate the recoverable 
amount of cash generating units. VIU is determined as the present value of the estimated future cash flows expected to arise from the 
continued use of the asset in its present form and its eventual disposal.

VIU is determined by applying assumptions specific to the group’s continued use and cannot consider future development. The 
determination of recoverable value often requires the estimation and discounting of future cash flows which is based on information 
available at balance date such as expected revenues from products, the return on assets, future costs, growth rates, applicable 
discount rates and useful lives. 

FVLCD is an estimate of the amount that a market participant would pay for an asset or cash-generating unit (CGU), less the cost to 
dispose. Fair value is generally determined using independent market assumptions to calculate the present value of the estimated future 
cash flows expected to arise from the continued use of the asset, and its eventual sale where a market participant may take a 
consistent view. Cash flows are discounted using an appropriate discount rate to arrive at a net present value of the asset which is 
compared against the asset’s carrying value.

58

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 20182. Basis of preparation (continued)

(ii) Impairment testing (continued)

These estimates are subject to risk and uncertainty that may be beyond the control of the group; hence there is a possibility that 
changes in circumstances will materially alter projections, which may impact the recoverable amount of assets at each reporting date.

Other non-current assets are also assessed for impairment indicators. Refer to note 23 for key assumptions made in determining the 
recoverable amounts of the CGUs.

(iii) Income taxes

Uncertain tax matters

The group is subject to income taxes in Australia and overseas jurisdictions. There are many transactions and calculations undertaken 
during the ordinary course of business for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. The group has exercised judgement in the 
application of tax legislation and its interaction with income tax accounting principles. Where the final tax outcome of these matters is 
different from the amounts initially recorded, such differences will impact the current and deferred tax provisions recognised on the 
balance sheet and the amount of other tax losses and temporary differences not yet recognised in the period in which the tax 
determination is made. 

Deferred tax

Deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the 
assets can be utilised. Judgement is required by the group to determine the likely timing and the level of future taxable income. The 
group assesses the recoverability of recognised and unrecognised deferred taxes including losses in Australia and overseas using 
assumptions and projected cashflows.

Deferred tax liabilities arising from temporary differences in investments, caused principally by retained earnings held in foreign tax 
jurisdictions, are recognised unless repatriation of retained earnings can be controlled and are not expected to occur in the 
foreseeable future.

(iv) Defined benefit plans

A liability in respect of defined benefit pension plans is recognised in the balance sheet, and is measured as the present value of the 
defined benefit obligation at the reporting date less the fair value of the pension plan’s assets. The present value of the defined benefit 
obligation is based on expected future payments which arise from membership of the fund at the reporting date, calculated annually 
by independent actuaries and requires the exercise of judgement in relation to assumptions for expected future salary levels, long term 
price inflation and bond rates, experience of employee departures and periods of service. 

Refer to note 26 for details of the key assumptions used in determining the accounting for these plans.

(v) Working capital

In the course of normal trading activities, the group uses judgement in establishing the carrying value of various elements of working 
capital, which is principally inventories and trade receivables. Judgement is required to estimate the provision for obsolete or slow 
moving inventories and bad and doubtful receivables. 

In estimating the provision for obsolete or slow moving inventories the group considers the net realisable value of inventory using 
estimated market price less cost to sell.

In estimating the provision for bad and doubtful receivables the group considers material change in credit quality considering each 
geographical location’s specific circumstances. 

Actual expenses in future periods may be different from the provisions established and any such differences would impact future 
earnings of the group. 

(vi) Capitalised development costs

Development expenditure is recognised as an intangible asset when the group judges and can demonstrate:

(a)  the technical feasibility of completing the intangible asset so that it will be available for use;

(b)  intention to complete;

(c)  ability to use the asset; and

(d)  how the asset will generate future economic benefits and the ability to measure reliably the expenditure during development. 

The criteria above are derived from independent valuations and predicated on estimates and judgements including future cash 
flows, revenue streams and value in use calculations. Estimates and assumptions may change as new information becomes 
available. If, after having commenced the development activity, a judgement is made that the intangible asset is impaired, the 
appropriate amount will be written off to the income statement.

59

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018 
2. Basis of preparation (continued)

(d) Use of estimates and judgements (continued)

(vii) Intellectual property

Intellectual property consists of product registrations, product access rights, trademarks, task force seats, product distribution rights and 
product licences acquired from third parties. The group assesses intellectual property to have a finite life or indefinite life. Changes to 
estimates related to the useful life of intellectual property are accounted for prospectively and may affect amortisation rates and 
intangible asset carrying values.

(e) Reclassification

Where applicable, comparatives are adjusted to present them on the same basis as current period figures.

3. Significant accounting policies

Except as described immediately below, the group’s accounting policies have been applied consistently to all periods presented in 
these consolidated financial statements, and have been applied consistently by group entities.

New standards and interpretations not yet adopted

A number of new standards and amendments to standards are effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 August 2018. The 
group has not early adopted any amendments, standards or interpretations that have been issued but are not yet mandatory in 
preparing these consolidated financial statements.

AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers

AASB 15 establishes a comprehensive framework for determining whether, how much and when revenue is recognised. AASB 15 is 
effective for the group beginning on 1 August 2018. 

The group has completed an assessment of the potential impact of the adoption of AASB 15 on its consolidated financial statements.  
This has included identifying significant revenue streams and reviewing a representative sample of sales and distribution contract terms 
to identify potential changes in the amount and timing of revenue recognition between the current standard AASB 118 Revenue and 
AASB 15. The following is noted:

•  The Seed technologies segment receives royalty revenue from growers for certain varieties of seed. Under the current standard 

royalty revenue is estimated and accrued at the point the seed is sold. AASB 15 specifically addresses sales or usage based royalties 
and revenue is recognised at the later of when the sales or usage occurs and the performance obligation is satisfied, which would 
be when the harvest occurs and the royalty is paid. This results in a difference in the timing of revenue recognition. The adjustment on 
transition to derecognise accrued revenue related to the royalties is not material.

•  The group sells a proportion of its products on cost and freight (CFR) or cost, insurance and freight (CIF) terms. These terms mean that 
the group is responsible for providing the shipping services after the date at which control of the goods passes to the customer. 
Under the current standard, freight revenue is recognised at the same time as when product revenue is recognised. Under AASB 15, 
freight and where applicable other services are required to be accounted for as separate performance obligations with revenue 
recognised over time as the service is provided. The impact of this change is not material at 31 July 2018.

•  Sales contracts include a range of rebates and sales incentives to customers. AASB 15 introduces the concept of variable 

consideration with constraint. Specifically variable consideration is only included in the transaction price if, and to the extent that, it is 
highly probable that its inclusion will not result in a significant revenue reversal in the future when the uncertainty has been resolved. 
The impact of this change is not material at 31 July 2018.

•  The group performs tolling services for customers under made-to-order product contracts. Under the current standard, tolling revenue 
is recognised when the process is completed and control of the finished product passes to the customer. Under AASB 15 when the 
customer controls all the work in progress as the products are being manufactured revenue is recognised over time as the service is 
rendered. The impact is not material at 31 July 2018.

The group will adopt the cumulative transition approach to implementation where any transitional adjustments are recognised in 
retained earnings at 1 August 2018 without adjustment of comparatives and the new standard will only be applied to contracts that 
remain in force at that date.

60

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedNufarm Limited Annual Report 20183. Significant accounting policies (continued)

New standards and interpretations not yet adopted (continued)

AASB 9 Financial Instruments

AASB 9 is effective for the group beginning on 1 August 2018. 

As part of the group’s transition work plan, the key areas of focus have been:

(a)  Classification – Financial assets – AASB 9 contains three principle classification categories for financial assets: measured at 

amortised cost, fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI) and fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL). The standard 
eliminates the existing AASB 139 categories of held to maturity, loans and receivables and available-for-sale. The group has not 
identified any material measurement impacts upon transition.

(b)  Impairment – Financial assets and contract assets – AASB 9 replaces the ‘incurred loss’ model in AASB 139 with a forward-looking 

‘expected credit loss’ (ECL) model. This will require considerable judgement as to how changes in economic factors affect ECLs, 
which will be determined on a probability-weighted basis. The new impairment model will apply to financial assets measured at 
amortised cost or FVOCI, except for investments in equity instruments, and contract assets. The group’s quantitative impact upon 
transition is an additional loss allowance required of approximately $13.245 million post tax due to the group’s expectations of 
future economic conditions, which is immaterial to the net assets of the group. This transition adjustment is recognised through 
opening retained earnings in the year ending 31 July 2019.

(c)  Hedge accounting – AASB 9 will require the group to ensure that hedge accounting relationships are aligned with the group’s risk 

management objectives and strategy and to apply a more qualitative and forward looking approach to assessing hedge 
effectiveness. AASB 9 also introduces new requirements regarding rebalancing of hedge relationships and prohibiting voluntary 
discontinuation of hedge accounting.

The group has not identified any material impacts upon transition.

The group will use the exemption to not restate comparative information for prior periods with respect to classification and 
measurement (including impairment) changes. Differences in the carrying amounts of financial assets and financial liabilities resulting 
from the adoption of AASB 9 generally will be recognised in retained earnings and reserves as at 1 August 2018.

AASB 16 Leases

The standard is effective for the group beginning on 1 August 2019.

AASB 16 introduces a single, on-balance lease sheet accounting model for lessees. A lessee recognises a right-of-use asset representing 
its right to use the underlying asset and a lease liability representing its obligation to make lease payments. There are optional 
exemptions for short-term leases and leases of low value.

AASB 16 will therefore result in higher assets and liabilities on the balance sheet. Information on the undiscounted amount of the group’s 
non-cancellable operating lease commitments as defined under AASB 117, the current leasing standard as at 31 July 2018, is disclosed in 
note 32. The present value of the group’s operating lease payments as defined under AASB 16 will be recognised as lease liabilities on 
the balance sheet. So far, the most significant impact identified is that the group will recognise new assets and liabilities for its operating 
leases of warehouse and factory facilities in the United Kingdom. 

In addition, the nature of expenses related to those leases will now change as AASB 16 replaces the straight-line operating lease 
expense with a depreciation charge for right-of-use assets and interest expense on lease liabilities. EBITDA, as defined in note 5 
operating segments, will increase as the operating lease cost is charged against EBITDA under AASB 117 while under the new standard 
will be included in depreciation and interest which are excluded from EBITDA.

The group’s assessment of the potential impact on its consolidated financial statements is ongoing and includes the identification and 
understanding of the provisions of the standard which will most impact the group, establishing the population of lease contracts which 
will extend beyond 1 August 2019 and establishing a contract review checklist and process. 

The group is assessing the transition options available and currently expects to apply the modified retrospective approach with 
optional practical expedients.

61

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 20183. Significant accounting policies (continued)

(a) Basis of consolidation 

(i) Business combinations

Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method as at the acquisition date, which is the date on which control is 
transferred to the group. The group controls an entity when it is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the 
entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. In assessing control, the group takes into consideration 
potential voting rights that currently are exercisable.

The group measures goodwill at the acquisition date as:

•  the fair value of the consideration transferred; plus

•  the recognised amount of any non-controlling interests in the acquiree; plus 

•  if the business combination is achieved in stages, the fair value of the existing equity interest in the acquiree; less

•  the net recognised amount (generally fair value) of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

When the excess is negative, a bargain purchase gain is recognised immediately in profit or loss.

The consideration transferred does not include amounts related to the settlement of pre-existing relationships. Such amounts are 
generally recognised in profit or loss.

Costs related to the acquisition, other than those associated with the issue of debt or equity securities, that the group incurs in 
connection with a business combination are expensed as incurred.

Any contingent consideration payable is recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. If the contingent consideration is classified as 
equity, it is not remeasured and settlement is accounted for within equity. Otherwise, subsequent changes to the fair value of the 
contingent consideration are recognised in profit or loss.

(ii) Non-controlling interests (NCI)

NCI are measured at their proportionate share of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets at the acquisition date.

When a written put option is established with non-controlling shareholders in an existing subsidiary, then the group will recognise a 
liability for the present value of the exercise price of the option. When the NCI still has present access to the returns associated with the 
underlying ownership interest, NCI continues to be recognised and accordingly the liability is considered a transaction with owners 
and recognised via a reserve. Any changes in the carrying value of the put liability over time is recognised directly in reserves.

(iii) Subsidiaries

Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the group. The group controls an entity when it is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns 
from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. The financial statements of 
subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date that control commences until the date that control 
ceases. 

When the group loses control over a subsidiary it derecognises the assets and liabilities of the subsidiary and any related NCI and 
other components of equity. Any resulting gain or loss is recognised in profit and loss. Any interest retained is measured at fair value 
when control is lost.

Changes in the group’s interest in a subsidiary that do not result in a loss of control are accounted for as an equity transaction.

The accounting policies of subsidiaries have been changed where necessary to align them with the policies adopted by the group. 
Losses applicable to the NCI in a subsidiary are allocated to the NCI even if doing so causes the NCI to have a deficit balance.

(iv) Investments in equity accounted investees

The group’s interests in equity-accounted investees comprise interests in associates and joint ventures.

Associates are those entities in which the group has significant influence, but not control or joint control, over the financial and operating 
policies. A joint venture is an arrangement in which the group has joint control, whereby the group has rights to the net assets of the 
arrangement, rather than rights to its assets and obligations for its liabilities.

62

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedNufarm Limited Annual Report 20183. Significant accounting policies (continued)

(a) Basis of consolidation (continued)

(iv) Investments in equity accounted investees (continued)

Investments in associates and joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method and are initially recognised at cost, which 
includes transaction costs. The group’s investment includes goodwill identified on acquisition, net of any accumulated impairment 
losses. Subsequent to initial recognition, the consolidated financial statements include the group’s share of the income and expenses 
and equity movements of the investees after adjustments to align the accounting policies of the investees with those of the group, until 
the date on which significant influence or joint control ceases. On loss of significant influence the investment is no longer equity 
accounted and is revalued to fair value.

(v) Transactions eliminated on consolidation

Intra-group balances and transactions, and any unrealised income and expenses arising from intra-group transactions, are eliminated 
in preparing the consolidated financial statements. Unrealised gains arising from transactions with equity accounted investees are 
eliminated against the investment to the extent of the group’s interest in the investee. Unrealised losses are eliminated in the same way 
as unrealised gains, but only to the extent that there is no evidence of impairment. 

(b) Foreign currency

(i) Foreign currency transactions

Transactions in foreign currencies are translated to the respective functional currencies of group entities at exchange rates at the dates 
of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the reporting date are retranslated to the 
functional currency at the foreign exchange rate at that date. Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies 
that are measured at fair value are retranslated to the functional currency at the exchange rate at the date that the fair value was 
determined. Foreign currency differences arising on retranslation are recognised in profit or loss. Non-monetary items that are 
measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rate at the date of the transaction. Foreign 
currency gains and losses are included in net financing costs.

(ii) Foreign operations

The assets and liabilities of foreign operations, including goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on acquisition, are translated to 
Australian dollars at exchange rates at the reporting date. The income and expenses of foreign operations are translated to Australian 
dollars at exchange rates at the dates of the transactions.

Foreign currency differences are recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in translation reserve except to the 
extent that the translation difference is allocated to NCI. When a foreign operation is disposed of, in part or in full, the relevant amount in 
the translation reserve is transferred to profit or loss as part of the profit or loss on disposal.

When the settlement of a monetary item receivable from or payable to a foreign operation is neither planned nor likely in the 
foreseeable future, foreign exchange gains and losses arising from such a monetary item are considered to form part of a net 
investment in a foreign operation and are recognised in other comprehensive income, and are presented within equity in the 
translation reserve.

(c) Financial instruments

(i) Non-derivative financial assets

The group initially recognises loans and receivables on the date that they are originated. All other financial assets (including assets 
designated at fair value through profit or loss) are recognised initially on the trade date at which the group becomes a party to the 
contractual provisions of the instrument.

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 substantially all the risk and rewards of ownership of 
the financial asset are transferred. Any interest in transferred financial assets that is created or retained by the group is recognised as a 
separate asset or liability.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount presented in the balance sheet when, and only when, the group has the 
legal right to offset the amounts and intends to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

63

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 20183. Significant accounting policies (continued)

(c) Financial instruments (continued)

(i) Non-derivative financial assets (continued)

The group has the following non-derivative financial assets: financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, loans and receivables 
and available-for-sale financial assets. 

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

A financial asset is classified as at fair value through profit or loss if it is classified as held for trading or is designated as such upon initial 
recognition. Financial assets are designated at fair value through profit or loss if the group manages such investments and makes 
purchase and sale decisions based on their fair value in accordance with the group’s documented risk management or investment 
strategy. Upon initial recognition attributable transaction costs are recognised in profit and loss when incurred. Financial assets at fair 
value through profit or loss are measured at fair value, and changes therein are recognised in profit or loss.

Financial assets designated at fair value through profit or loss comprise equity securities that otherwise would have been classified as 
available-for-sale.

Loans and receivables

Loans and receivables are financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. Such assets 
are recognised initially at fair value plus any direct attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition loans and 
receivables are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment losses. Loans and receivables 
comprise trade and other receivables.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances and call deposits with original maturities of three months or less. Bank overdrafts 
that are repayable on demand and form an integral part of the group’s cash management are included as a component of cash and 
cash equivalents for the purposes of the statement of cash flows.

Available-for-sale financial assets

Available-for-sale financial assets are non-derivative financial assets that are designated as available-for-sale or are not classified as 
another category of financial asset. Available-for-sale financial assets are recognised initially at fair value plus any directly attributable 
transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, they are measured at fair value and any changes other than impairment losses are 
recognised in other comprehensive income and presented in the fair value reserve in equity. When an investment is derecognised, the 
cumulative gain or loss in equity is reclassified to profit or loss.

(ii) Non-derivative financial liabilities

The group initially recognises debt securities and subordinated liabilities on the date they are originated. All other financial liabilities 
(including liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss) are recognised initially on the trade date at which the group 
becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. The group derecognises a financial liability when its contractual 
obligations are discharged or cancelled or expired. Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount presented in the 
balance sheet when, and only when, the group has the legal right to offset the amounts and intends to settle on a net basis or to realise 
the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

The group has the following non-derivative financial liabilities: loans and borrowings, bank overdrafts and trade and other payables. 
Such financial liabilities are recognised initially at fair value plus any directly attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial 
recognition these financial liabilities are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method. This includes trade 
payables that represent liabilities for goods and services provided to the group prior to the end of the year which are unpaid.

(iii) Share capital

Ordinary shares

Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of ordinary shares are recognised as a 
deduction from equity, net of any related income tax benefit. Dividends on ordinary shares are recognised as a liability in the period in 
which they are declared.

Hybrid securities

The Nufarm step-up securities (NSS) are classified as non-controlling equity instruments as they are issued by a subsidiary. After-tax 
distributions thereon are recognised as distributions within equity. Further details can be found in note 29.

64

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedNufarm Limited Annual Report 20183. Significant accounting policies (continued)

(c) Financial instruments (continued)

(iv) Derivative financial instruments, including hedge accounting

Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured to 
their fair value at the end of each reporting period. The accounting for subsequent changes in fair value depends on whether the 
derivative is designated as a hedging instrument, and if so, the nature of the item being hedged. The group designates certain 
derivatives as either:

•  hedges of the fair value of recognised assets or liabilities or a firm commitment (fair value hedges);

•  hedges of a particular risk associated with the cash flows of recognised assets and liabilities and highly probable forecast 

transactions (cash flow hedges); or

•  hedges of a net investment in a foreign operation (net investment hedges).

The group documents at the inception of the hedging transaction the relationship between hedging instruments and hedged items, as 
well as its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. The group also documents its 
assessment, both at hedge inception and on an ongoing basis, of whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions have 
been and will continue to be highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of hedged items.

The full fair value of a hedging derivative is classified as a non-current asset or liability when the remaining maturity of the hedged item 
is more than 12 months; it is classified as a current asset or liability when the remaining maturity of the hedged item is less than 12 months. 
Trading derivatives are classified as a current asset or liability.

Fair value hedge

Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges are recorded in profit or loss, together 
with any changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk. The gain or loss relating to the 
effective portion of interest rate swaps hedging fixed rate borrowings is recognised in profit or loss within finance costs, together with 
changes in the fair value of the hedged fixed rate borrowings attributable to interest rate risk. The gain or loss relating to the ineffective 
portion is recognised in profit or loss within other income or other expenses.

If the hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, the adjustment to the carrying amount of a hedged item for which the 
effective interest method is used is amortised to profit or loss over the period to maturity using a recalculated effective interest rate.

Cash flow hedge

The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges is recognised in 
other comprehensive income and accumulated in reserves in equity. The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognised 
immediately in profit or loss within other income or other expense.

Amounts accumulated in equity are reclassified to profit or loss in the periods when the hedged item affects profit or loss (for instance 
when the forecast sale that is hedged takes place). The gain or loss relating to the effective portion of interest rate swaps hedging 
variable rate borrowings is recognised in profit or loss within ‘finance costs’. The gain or loss relating to the effective portion of forward 
foreign exchange contracts hedging export sales is recognised in profit or loss within ‘sales’. However, when the forecast transaction 
that is hedged results in the recognition of a non-financial asset (for example, inventory or fixed assets) the gains and losses previously 
deferred in equity are reclassified from equity and included in the initial measurement of the cost of the asset. The deferred amounts are 
ultimately recognised in profit or loss as cost of goods sold in the case of inventory, or as depreciation or impairment in the case of 
fixed assets.

When a hedging instrument expires or is sold or terminated, or when a hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, any 
cumulative gain or loss existing in equity at that time remains in equity and is recognised when the forecast transaction is ultimately 
recognised in profit or loss. When a forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss that was reported in 
equity is immediately reclassified to profit or loss.

Net investment hedge

Hedges of net investments in foreign operations are accounted for similarly to cash flow hedges.

Any gain or loss on the hedging instrument relating to the effective portion of the hedge is recognised in other comprehensive income 
and accumulated in reserves in equity. The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognised immediately in profit or loss within 
other income or other expenses.

Gains and losses accumulated in equity are reclassified to profit or loss when the foreign operation is partially disposed of or sold.

65

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 20183. Significant accounting policies (continued)

(c) Financial instruments (continued)

(iv) Derivative financial instruments, including hedge accounting (continued)

Derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting

Certain derivative instruments do not qualify for hedge accounting. Changes in the fair value of any derivative instrument that does not 
qualify for hedge accounting are recognised immediately in profit or loss.

(d) Property, plant and equipment

(i) Recognition and measurement

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

Cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the asset. The cost of self-constructed assets includes the cost 
of materials and direct labour, any other costs directly attributable to bringing the asset to a working condition for its intended use, 
and the costs of dismantling and removing the items and restoring the site on which they are located, and capitalised borrowing costs. 
Purchased software that is integral to the functionality of the related equipment is capitalised as part of that equipment.

When parts of an item of property, plant and equipment have different useful lives, they are accounted for as separate items (major 
components) of property, plant and equipment.

Gains and losses on disposal of an item of property, plant and equipment are determined by comparing the proceeds from disposal 
with the carrying amount of property, plant and equipment and are recognised net in profit or loss.

(ii) Subsequent costs

The cost of replacing part of an item of property, plant and equipment is recognised in the carrying amount of the item if it is probable 
that the future economic benefits embodied within the part will flow to the group and its cost can be measured reliably. The carrying 
amount of the replaced part is derecognised. The costs of day-to-day servicing of property, plant and equipment are recognised in 
profit or loss as incurred.

(iii) Depreciation

Depreciation is calculated over the depreciable amount, which is the cost of an asset, less its residual value. Depreciation is recognised 
in profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of each part of an item of property, plant and equipment, since this 
most closely reflects the expected pattern of consumption of the future economic benefits embodied in the asset. Leased assets are 
depreciated over the shorter of the lease term and their useful lives, unless it is reasonably certain that the group will obtain ownership 
by the end of the lease term. Land is not depreciated.

The estimated useful lives for the current and comparative periods are as follows:

•  buildings 

15–50 years

•  leasehold improvements 

5 years

•  plant and equipment 

10–15 years

•  motor vehicles 

•  computer equipment 

5 years

3 years

Depreciation methods, useful lives and residual values are reassessed at each reporting date.

(e) Intangible assets

(i) Goodwill

Goodwill that arises upon the acquisition of business combinations is included in intangible assets. Subsequent to initial recognition, 
goodwill is measured at cost less accumulated impairment losses. In respect of equity accounted investees, the carrying amount of 
goodwill is included in the carrying amount of the investment, and an impairment loss on such an investment is not allocated to any 
asset, including goodwill, that forms part of the carrying amount of the equity accounted investee.

66

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedNufarm Limited Annual Report 20183. Significant accounting policies (continued)

(e) Intangible assets (continued)

(ii) Research and development

Expenditure on research activities, undertaken with the prospect of gaining new scientific or technical knowledge and understanding, 
is recognised in profit or loss when incurred.

Development activities involve a plan or design for the production of new or substantially improved products and processes. 
Development expenditure is capitalised only if development costs can be measured reliably, the product or process is technically 
and commercially feasible, future economic benefits are probable and the group has sufficient resources to complete development 
and to use or sell the asset. The expenditure capitalised includes the cost of materials, direct labour and overhead costs that are 
directly attributable to preparing the asset for its intended use and capitalised borrowing costs. Development expenditure that 
does not meet the above criteria is recognised in profit or loss as incurred. 

Capitalised development expenditure is measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses.

(iii) Intellectual property

Intellectual property consists of product registrations, product access rights, trademarks, task force seats, product distribution rights 
and product licences acquired from third parties. Intellectual property is assessed as to whether it has a finite or indefinite life. Finite life 
intellectual property is amortised over its useful life but not longer than 30 years. Intellectual property intangibles acquired by the group 
are measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses. Expenditure on internally generated goodwill and brands 
is expensed when incurred.

(iv) Other intangible assets

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

(v) Subsequent expenditure

Subsequent expenditure is capitalised only when it increases the future economic benefits embodied in the specific asset to which it 
relates. All other expenditure is recognised in profit or loss when incurred.

(vi) Amortisation

Amortisation is calculated over the cost of the asset, less its residual value. With the exception of goodwill, intangibles with a finite life 
are amortised on a straight-line basis in profit and loss over the estimated useful lives of the intangible assets from the date that they are 
available for use, since this most closely reflects the expected pattern of consumption of the future economic benefits embodied in the 
asset. The estimated useful life for intangible assets with a finite life, for the current and comparative periods, are as follows: 

•  capitalised development costs 

5 to 30 years 

•  intellectual property – finite life 

over the useful life and not more than 30 years 

•  computer software 

3 to 7 years 

Amortisation methods, useful lives and residual values are reassessed at each reporting date. 

(f) Leased assets

Leases where the group assumes substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as finance leases. Upon initial 
recognition, the leased asset is measured at an amount equal to the lower of its fair value and the present value of the minimum lease 
payments. Subsequent to initial recognition, the asset is accounted for in accordance with the accounting policy applicable to that asset. 

Other leases are operating leases and the leased assets are not recognised in the group’s balance sheet.

(g) Inventories

Inventories are measured at the lower of cost and net realisable value. The cost of inventories is based on the first-in first-out principle 
and includes expenditure incurred in acquiring the inventories, production or conversion costs and other costs incurred in bringing them 
to their existing location and condition. In the case of manufactured inventories and work in progress, cost includes an appropriate 
share of overheads based on normal operating capacity. 

Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less the estimated costs of completion and  
selling expenses.

67

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 20183. Significant accounting policies (continued)

(h) Impairment

(i) Non-derivative financial assets

A financial asset, not carried at fair value through profit or loss, is assessed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any 
objective evidence that it is impaired. A financial asset is impaired if objective evidence indicates that a loss event has occurred after 
the initial recognition of the asset, and that the loss event had a negative effect on the estimated future cash flows of that asset that can 
be estimated reliably.

Objective evidence of impairment includes default or delinquency by a debtor, indications that a debtor will enter bankruptcy, and, 
in the case of an investment in an equity security, a significant or prolonged decline in its fair value.

An impairment loss in respect of a financial asset measured at amortised cost is calculated as the difference between its carrying 
amount, and the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the original effective interest rate.

An impairment loss on an available-for-sale financial asset is recognised by reclassifying the losses accumulated in the fair value 
reserve in equity to profit and loss. The cumulative loss that is reclassified from equity to profit and loss is the difference between the 
acquisition cost and the current fair value less any impairment loss previously recognised in profit and loss. If, in a subsequent period, 
the fair value of an impaired available-for-sale financial asset increases and the increase relates to an event occurring after the impairment 
loss was recognised then the impairment loss is reversed, with the amount of the reversal recognised in profit and loss. Impairment 
losses recognised in profit and loss for equity investments classified as available-for-sale are not reversed through profit and loss.

(ii) Non-financial assets

The carrying amounts of the group’s non-financial assets, other than inventories and deferred tax assets, are reviewed at each 
reporting date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If any such indication exists, then the asset’s recoverable 
amount is estimated. For goodwill and intangible assets that have indefinite lives or that are not yet available for use, the recoverable 
amount is estimated at each reporting date.

The recoverable amount of an asset or cash-generating unit is the greater of its value in use and its fair value less costs of disposal. In 
assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects 
current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. 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 groups of assets (the ‘cash-generating unit’). The goodwill acquired in a business combination, for 
the purpose of impairment testing, is allocated to cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination.

An impairment loss is recognised if the carrying amount of an asset or its cash-generating unit exceeds its estimated recoverable 
amount. Impairment losses are recognised in profit or loss. Impairment losses recognised in respect of cash-generating units are 
allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the units and then to reduce the carrying amount of other 
assets in the unit on a pro-rata basis.

An impairment loss in respect of goodwill is not reversed. In respect of other assets, impairment losses recognised in prior periods are 
assessed at each reporting date for any indications that the loss has decreased or no longer exists. An impairment loss is reversed if 
there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount. 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 or 
amortisation, if no impairment loss had been recognised. 

Goodwill that forms part of the carrying amount of an investment in an associate or joint venture is not recognised separately, and 
therefore is not tested for impairment separately. Instead, the entire amount of the investment in an associate or joint venture is tested 
for impairment as a single asset when there is objective evidence that the investment in an associate or joint venture may be impaired.

Refer to use of estimates and judgements note 2 and intangibles note 23 for further information.

(i) Assets held for sale

Assets, or disposal groups comprising assets and liabilities, that are expected to be recovered primarily through sale rather than 
continuing use are classified as held for sale. Immediately before classification as held for sale, the assets, or components of a disposal 
group, are remeasured in accordance with the group’s accounting policies. Thereafter generally the assets, or disposal group, are 
measured at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell. Any impairment loss on a disposal group is allocated 
first to goodwill, and then to the remaining assets and liabilities on a pro rata basis, except that no loss is allocated to inventories, 
financial assets, deferred tax assets and employee benefit assets, which continue to be measured in accordance with the group’s 
accounting policies.

68

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedNufarm Limited Annual Report 20183. Significant accounting policies (continued)

(i) Assets held for sale (continued)

Impairment losses on initial classification as held for sale and subsequent gains or losses on remeasurement are recognised in profit 
or loss. Gains are not recognised in excess of any cumulative impairment loss.

Intangible assets and property, plant and equipment once classified as held for sale or distribution are not amortised or depreciated. 
In addition, equity accounting of equity accounted investees ceases once classified as held for sale or distribution.

(j) Employee benefits

(i) Defined contribution plans

A defined contribution plan is a post-employment benefit plan under which an entity pays fixed contributions into 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. 
Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asset to the extent that a cash refund or a reduction in future payments is available.

(ii) Defined benefit plans

The group’s net obligation in respect of defined benefit plans is calculated separately for each plan by estimating the amount of future 
benefit that employees have earned in the current and prior periods, discounting that amount and deducting the fair value of any assets.

The calculation of defined benefit obligation is performed annually by a qualified actuary using the projected unit credit method. 
When the calculation results in a potential asset for the group, the recognised asset is limited to the present value of economic benefits 
available in the form of any future refunds from the plan or reductions in future contributions to the plan. To calculate the present value 
economic benefits, consideration is given to any applicable minimum funding requirements.

Remeasurements of the net defined benefit liability, which comprise actuarial gains and losses, the return on plan asset (excluding 
interest) and the effect of the asset ceiling (if any, excluding interest), are recognised immediately in other comprehensive income (OCI). 
The group determines the net interest expense (income) on the net defined benefit liability (asset) for the period by applying the discount 
rate used to measure the defined benefit obligation at the beginning of the annual period to the then-net defined benefit liability (asset), 
taking into account any changes in the net defined benefit liability (asset) during the period as a result of contributions and benefit 
payments. Net interest expense and other expenses related to defined benefit plans are recognised in profit and loss.

When the benefits of a plan are changed or when a plan is curtailed, the resulting change in benefit that relates to past service or the 
gain or loss on curtailment is recognised immediately in profit or loss. The group recognises gains and losses on the settlement of a 
defined benefit plan when the settlement occurs.

(iii) Other long-term employee benefits

The group’s net obligation in respect of long-term employee benefits, other than defined benefit plans, is the amount of future benefit 
that employees have earned in return for their service in the current and prior periods plus related on-costs; that benefit is discounted to 
determine its present value, and the fair value of any related assets is deducted. The discount rate is the yield at the reporting date on 
corporate bonds that have maturity dates approximating the terms of the group’s obligations. The calculation is performed using the 
projected unit credit method. Any actuarial gains or losses are recognised in profit or loss in the period in which they arise.

(iv) Termination benefits

Termination benefits are recognised as an expense when the group is demonstrably committed, without a realistic possibility of 
withdrawal, to a formal detailed plan to either terminate employment before the normal retirement date, or to provide termination 
benefits as a result of an offer made to encourage voluntary redundancy. Termination benefits for voluntary redundancies are 
recognised as an expense if the group has made an offer encouraging voluntary redundancy, it is probable that the offer will be 
accepted and the number of acceptances can be estimated reliably. If benefits are payable more than 12 months after the reporting 
period, then they are discounted to their present value.

(v) Short-term benefits

Short-term employee benefit obligations are measured on an undiscounted basis and 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 estimated reliably.

69

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 20183. Significant accounting policies (continued)

(j) Employee benefits (continued)

(vi) Share-based payment transactions

The group has a global share plan for employees whereby matching and loyalty shares are granted to employees. The fair value 
of matching and loyalty shares granted is recognised as an expense in the profit or loss over the respective service period, with a 
corresponding increase in equity, rather than as the matching and loyalty shares are issued. Refer to note 27 for details of the global 
share plan.

The group has a short term incentive plan (STI) available to key executives, senior managers and other managers globally.  
A predetermined percentage of the STI is paid in cash with the remainder deferred into shares which have either a one or two  
year vesting period. The cash portion is recognised immediately as an expense at the time of performance testing. The expense 
relating to deferred shares is expensed over the vesting period. Refer to note 27 for further details on this plan.

The group has a long term incentive plan (LTIP) which is available to key executives and certain selected senior managers. Performance 
rights have been granted to acquire ordinary shares in the company subject to the achievement of global performance hurdles. The 
expense in relation to the LTIP is recognised over the vesting period of three years. Refer to note 27 for further details on this plan.

(k) Provisions

A provision is recognised if, as a result of a past event, the group has a present legal or constructive obligation that can be estimated 
reliably, and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. Provisions are determined by 
discounting the expected future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the 
risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised as a finance cost.

A provision for restructuring is recognised when the group has approved a detailed and formal restructuring plan, and the restructuring 
either has commenced or has been announced publicly. Future operating losses are not provided for.

(l) Revenue

(i) Goods sold

Revenue from the sale of goods is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, net of returns, trade discounts 
and volume rebates. Revenue is recognised when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, usually in the form of an executed 
sales agreement, that the significant risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to the buyer, recovery of the consideration 
is probable, the associated costs and possible return of goods can be estimated reliably, there is no continuing management 
involvement with the goods and the amount of revenue can be measured reliably. If it is probable that discounts will be granted 
and the amount can be measured reliably, then the discount is recognised as a reduction of revenue as the sales are recognised.

(ii) Dividend income

Dividend income is recognised when the right to receive the payment is established. This is generally at the point the dividend has been 
formally declared.

(m) Lease payments

Operating leases are not capitalised and payments made are recognised in profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the term of 
the lease. Lease incentives received are recognised as an integral part of the total lease expense, over the term of the lease.

Assets held under lease, which result in the group receiving substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are capitalised as 
property, plant and equipment at the lower of the fair value of the asset or the estimated present value of the minimum lease payments, 
with a corresponding lease liability included within loans and borrowings.

Minimum lease payments made under finance leases are apportioned between the finance expense and the reduction of the 
outstanding liability. The finance expense is allocated to each period during the lease term so as to produce a constant periodic rate 
of interest on the remaining balance of the liability. Contingent lease payments are accounted for by revising the minimum lease payments 
over the remaining term of the lease when the lease adjustment is confirmed.

70

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedNufarm Limited Annual Report 20183. Significant accounting policies (continued)

(n) Finance income and finance costs

The group’s finance income and finance costs include the following: interest income, interest expense, dividends on preference shares 
issued classified as financial liabilities, the net gain or loss on the disposal of available-for-sale financial assets, the net gain or loss on 
financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, the foreign currency gain or loss on financial assets and financial liabilities, the gain 
on the remeasurement to fair value of any pre-existing interest in an acquiree in a business combination, the fair value loss on 
contingent consideration classified as a financial liability, impairment losses recognised on financial assets (other than trade 
receivables), the net gain or loss on hedging instruments that are recognised in profit or loss, and the reclassification of net gains 
previously recognised in other comprehensive income.

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

Finance costs are expensed as incurred except where they relate to the financing of construction or development of qualifying assets.

(o) Income tax

Income tax expense comprises current and deferred tax. Current and deferred taxes are recognised in profit or loss except to the 
extent that it relates to a business combination, or items recognised directly in equity or in other comprehensive income.

Current tax is the expected tax payable or receivable on the taxable income or loss for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively 
enacted at the reporting date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.

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 the following temporary differences: 
the initial recognition of assets or liabilities in a transaction that is not a business combination and that affects neither accounting nor 
taxable profit or loss, and differences relating to investments in subsidiaries and jointly controlled entities to the extent that they will 
probably not reverse in the foreseeable future. In addition, deferred tax is not recognised for taxable temporary differences arising 
on the initial recognition of goodwill. 

Deferred tax is measured at the tax rates that are expected to be applied to the temporary differences when they reverse, based on 
the laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset if there is 
a legally enforceable right to offset current tax liabilities and assets, and they relate to income taxes levied by the same tax authority on 
the same taxable entity, or on different tax entities, but they intend to settle current tax liabilities and assets on a net basis or their tax 
assets and liabilities will be realised simultaneously.

A deferred tax asset is recognised for unused tax losses, tax credits and deductible temporary differences, to the extent that it is 
probable that future taxable profits will be available against which they can be utilised. Deferred tax assets are reviewed at each 
reporting date and are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realised.

Additional income taxes that arise from the distribution of cash dividends are recognised at the same time as the liability to pay the 
related dividend is recognised. The group does not distribute non-cash assets as dividends to its shareholders.

(i) Tax consolidation

The company and its wholly-owned Australian resident entities are part of a tax-consolidated group. As a consequence, all members 
of the tax-consolidated group are taxed as a single entity. The head entity within the tax-consolidated group is Nufarm Limited.

Current tax expense/benefit, deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets arising from temporary differences of the members of the 
tax-consolidated group are recognised in the separate financial statements of the members of the tax-consolidated group using the 
‘separate taxpayer within group’ approach by reference to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the separate financial 
statements of each entity and the tax values applying under tax consolidation.

Any current tax liabilities (or assets) and deferred tax assets arising from unused tax losses of the subsidiaries are assumed by the head 
entity in the tax-consolidated group and are recognised by the company as amounts payable/(receivable) to/(from) other entities in 
the tax-consolidated group in conjunction with any tax funding arrangement (refer to note 3(o) (ii)). Any difference between these 
amounts is recognised by the company as an equity contribution amounts or distribution.

The company recognises deferred tax assets arising from unused tax losses of the tax-consolidated group to the extent that it is 
probable that future taxable profits of the tax-consolidated group will be available against which the asset can be utilised.

Any subsequent period adjustments to deferred tax assets arising from unused tax losses as a result of revised assessments of the 
probability of recoverability is recognised by the head entity only.

71

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 20183. Significant accounting policies (continued)

(o) Income tax (continued)

(ii) Nature of tax funding arrangements and tax sharing agreements

The head entity, in conjunction with other members of the tax-consolidated group, has entered into a tax funding arrangement which 
sets out the funding obligations of members of the tax-consolidated group in respect of tax amounts. The tax funding arrangements 
require payments to/from the head entity equal to the current tax liability/(asset) assumed by the head entity and any tax-loss deferred 
tax asset assumed by the head entity, resulting in the head entity recognising an inter-entity receivable/(payable) equal in amount to 
the tax liability/(asset) assumed. The inter-entity receivables/(payables) are at call.

Contributions to fund the current tax liabilities are payable as per the tax funding arrangement and reflect the timing of the head entity’s 
obligation to make payments for tax liabilities to the relevant tax authorities.

The head entity, in conjunction with other members of the tax-consolidated group, has also entered a tax sharing agreement. The tax 
sharing agreement provides for the determination of the allocation of the income tax liabilities between the entities should the head 
entity default on its tax payment obligations. No amounts have been recognised in the consolidated financial statements in respect of 
this agreement as payment of any amounts under the tax sharing agreement is considered remote.

(p) Goods and services tax

Revenue, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of goods and services tax (GST or equivalent), except where the GST 
incurred is not recoverable from the taxation authority. In these circumstances, the GST is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of 
the asset or as part of the expense.

Receivables and payables are stated with the amount of GST included. The net amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the tax 
authority is included as a current asset or liability in the balance sheet.

Cash flows are included in the statement of cash flows on a gross basis. The GST components of cash flows arising from investing and 
financing activities which are recoverable from, or payable to, the relevant tax authorities are classified as operating cash flows.

(q) Earnings per share

The group presents basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) data for its ordinary shares. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing the profit 
or loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of the company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during 
the period. Diluted EPS is determined by adjusting the profit or loss attributable to ordinary shareholders and the weighted average 
number of ordinary shares outstanding for the effects of all potential dilutive ordinary shares, which comprise convertible notes and 
share options granted to employees.

(r) Segment reporting

Determination and presentation of operating segments

An operating segment is a component of the group that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur 
expenses, including revenues and expenses that relate to transactions with any of the group’s other components. All operating 
segments’ results are reviewed regularly by the group’s chief executive officer (CEO) to make decisions about resources to be 
allocated to the segment and to assess its performance.

Segment results that are reported to the CEO include items directly attributable to a segment as well as those that can be allocated on a 
reasonable basis. Unallocated items comprise mainly loans and borrowings and related expenses, corporate assets and head office 
expenses, and income tax assets and liabilities.

Segment capital expenditure is the total cost incurred during the period to acquire property, plant and equipment and intangible assets 
other than goodwill.

4. Determination of fair values

Fair values have been determined for measurement and/or disclosure purposes based on the following methods. When applicable, 
further information about the assumptions made in determining fair values is disclosed in the notes specific to that asset or liability.

(i) Property, plant and equipment

The fair value of property, plant and equipment recognised as a result of a business combination is based on market values. The market 
value of property is the estimated amount for which a property could be exchanged on the date of valuation between a willing buyer 
and a willing seller in an arm’s length transaction after proper marketing wherein the parties had each acted knowledgeably, and 
willingly. The market value of items of plant, equipment, fixtures and fittings is based on the market approach and cost approaches 
quoted market prices for similar items when available and replacement cost when appropriate.

72

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedNufarm Limited Annual Report 20184. Determination of fair values (continued)

(ii) Intangibles assets 

The fair value of patents and trademarks acquired in a business combination is based on the discounted estimated royalty payments 
that have been avoided as a result of the patent or trademark being owned. The fair value of other intangible assets is based on the 
discounted cash flows expected to be derived from the use and eventual sale of the assets.

(iii) Inventories

The fair value of inventories acquired in a business combination is determined based on its estimated selling price in the ordinary 
course of business less the estimated costs of completion and sale, and a reasonable profit margin based on effort required to 
complete and sell the inventories.

(iv) Trade and other receivables

The fair value of trade and other receivables is estimated as the present value of future cash flows, discounted at the market rate  
of interest at the reporting date. This fair value is determined for disclosure purposes.

(v) Derivatives

The fair value of forward exchange contracts is based on their listed market price, if available. If a listed market price is not available, 
then fair value is estimated by discounting the difference between the contractual forward price and the current forward price for the 
residual maturity of the contract using a risk-free interest rate (based on Government bonds). The fair value of interest rate swaps is 
based on broker quotes. Those quotes are tested for reasonableness by future cash flows based on the terms and maturity of each 
contract and using market interest rates for a similar instrument at the measurement date.

(vi) Non-derivative financial liabilities

Fair value, which is determined for disclosure purposes, is calculated based on the present value of future principal and interest cash 
flows, discounted at the market rate of interest at the reporting date. For finance leases, the market rate of interest is determined by 
reference to similar lease agreements.

(vii) Share-based payment transactions

The fair value of the performance rights issued under the Nufarm long term incentive plan have been measured using Monte Carlo 
Simulation and the Binomial Tree. The fair value of the deferred shares granted to participants under the Nufarm Short Term Incentive  
will be measured using the volume weighted average price for the five day period subsequent to year end results announcement. 
Measurement inputs include the share price on the measurement date, the exercise price of the instrument, expected volatility, expected 
term of the instruments, dividends, and the risk-free rate (based on government bonds). 

(viii) Available-for-sale investments

The fair value of the available-for-sale investment is derived from quoted market prices in an active market.

5. Operating segments

Segment information is presented in respect of the group’s key operating segments. The operating segments are based on the group’s 
management and internal reporting structure. 

Operating segments

The group operates predominantly along two business lines, being crop protection and seed technologies.

The crop protection business deals in the manufacture and sale of crop protection products used by farmers to protect crops from 
damage caused by weeds, pests and disease. It is managed by major geographic segments, being Australia and New Zealand, Asia, 
Europe, North America and South America. The North America region includes Canada and USA. The Latin America region (previously 
known as South America) includes Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, Columbia, the Andean countries, Mexico and the 
Central American countries. 

The seed technologies business deals in the sale of seeds and seed treatment products. The seed technologies business is managed 
on a worldwide basis. 

Information regarding the results of each operating segment is included below. Performance is measured based on underlying EBIT,  
as defined on following page, as included in the internal management reports that are reviewed by the group’s CEO. Underlying EBIT  
is used to measure performance as management believes that such information is the most relevant in evaluating the results of each 
segment. Segment revenue is based on the geographic location of customers. Segment results include items directly attributable to  
a segment as well as those that can be allocated on a reasonable basis. The non-operating corporate segment comprises mainly 
corporate expenses, interest-bearing loans, borrowings and corporate assets.

73

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 20185. Operating segments (continued)

Crop protection

Seed  
technologies

Non-
operating 
corporate

Group

Australia 
and New 
Zealand  
$000

Asia  
$000

Europe  
$000

North 
America  
$000

Latin 
America  
$000

Total  
$000

Global  
$000

$000

Total  
$000

 590,151 

 170,680 

 642,571 

 833,705 

 885,232   3,122,339 

 185,508 

 –  3,307,847 

 23,736 

 25,229 

 149,873 

 99,487 

 97,377   395,702 

 43,580 

 (53,629)

 385,653 

 (14,500)

 (3,049)

 (63,423)

 (22,036)

 (6,604)

 (109,612)

 (9,269)

 (1,669)

 (120,550)

2018  
Operating segments

Revenue
Total segment revenue

Results
Underlying EBITDA(a)

Depreciation and 
amortisation excluding 
material items

Underlying EBIT(a)

 9,236 

 22,180 

 86,450 

 77,451 

 90,773   286,090 

 34,311 

 (55,298)

 265,103 

Material items included in operating profit (refer note 6)

Material items included in net financing costs (refer note 6)

Total material items (refer note 6)

Net financing costs (excluding material items)

Profit/(loss) before tax

 (89,604)

 (17,272)

 (106,876)

 (118,334)

 39,893 

Assets
Segment assets

 703,337 

 106,143   1,757,588   666,249 

 866,038  4,099,355 

 427,712 

 523,889  5,050,956 

Investment in associates

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 411 

 – 

 411 

Total assets

 703,337 

 106,143   1,757,588   666,249 

 866,038  4,099,355 

 428,123 

 523,889   5,051,367 

Liabilities
Segment liabilities

Total liabilities

Other segment 
information
Capital expenditure

 239,835 

 281,043   304,458 

 203,173 

 209,598   1,238,107 

 34,745 

 1,806,891  3,079,743 

 239,835 

 281,043   304,458 

 203,173 

 209,598   1,238,107 

 34,745 

 1,806,891  3,079,743 

 55,906 

 1,296 

 814,587 

 12,574 

 13,128 

 897,491 

 43,662 

 – 

 941,153 

(a) Underlying EBIT is earnings before net finance costs, taxation and material items. Underlying EBITDA is underlying EBIT before depreciation, amortisation and impairments.

74

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedNufarm Limited Annual Report 20185. Operating segments (continued)

Crop protection

Seed  
technologies

Non-
operating 
corporate

Group

Australia 
and New 
Zealand  
$000

Asia  
$000

Europe  
$000

North 
America  
$000

Latin 
America  
$000

Total  
$000

Global  
$000

$000

Total  
$000

 654,194 

 165,633 

 539,803 

 761,050 

 821,835 

 2,942,515 

 168,600 

 – 

 3,111,115 

 64,876 

 28,315 

 121,350 

 89,338 

 95,608 

 399,487 

 45,305 

 (54,776)

 390,016 

 (13,247)

 (3,886)

 (35,523)

 (19,073)

 (6,193)

 (77,922)

 (8,906)

 (903)

 (87,731)

2017  
Operating Segments

Revenue
Total segment revenue

Results
Underlying EBITDA(a)

Depreciation and 
amortisation excluding 
material items

Underlying EBIT(a)

 51,629 

 24,429 

 85,827 

 70,265 

 89,415 

 321,565 

 36,399 

 (55,679)

 302,285 

Total material items (refer note 6)

Net financing costs (excluding material items)

Profit/(loss) before tax

 (23,043)

 (106,995)

 172,247 

Assets
Segment assets

 559,936 

 77,794 

 756,299 

 528,935 

 846,434 

 2,769,398 

 373,931 

 501,225 

 3,644,554 

Investment in associates

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 334 

 – 

 334 

Total assets

 559,936 

 77,794 

 756,299 

 528,935 

 846,434 

 2,769,398 

 374,265 

 501,225 

 3,644,888 

Liabilities
Segment liabilities

Total liabilities

Other segment 
information
Capital expenditure

 184,960 

 209,181 

 249,370 

 115,387 

 182,086 

 940,984 

 33,493 

 1,067,488 

 2,041,965 

 184,960 

 209,181 

 249,370 

 115,387 

 182,086 

 940,984 

 33,493 

 1,067,488 

 2,041,965 

 39,730 

 2,022 

 57,130 

 14,057 

 5,995 

 118,934 

 32,312 

 – 

 151,246 

(a) Underlying EBIT is earnings before net finance costs, taxation and material items. Underlying EBITDA is underlying EBIT, before depreciation, amortisation and impairments.

Geographical information – revenue by location of customer

Brazil

United States of America

Australia

Rest of world(b)

Total

Revenue

2018  
$000

 799,094 

 722,452 

 559,540 

 1,226,761 

 3,307,847 

2017  
$000
 707,266 

 641,132 

 630,573 

 1,132,144 

 3,111,115 

(b) Other than Australia, United States of America and Brazil, sales to other countries are individually less than 10 per cent of the group’s total revenues.

75

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 20185. Operating segments (continued)

Geographical information – non-current assets by location of asset

Germany

United States of America

United Kingdom

Brazil

Australia

Rest of world(c)

Unallocated(d)

Total

Non-current assets

2018  
$000

 739,688 

 353,767 

 301,914 

 275,002 

 256,585 

 209,496 

 202,293 

2017  
$000
 904 

 334,601 

 272,065 

 273,514 

 284,991 

 187,139 

 240,359 

 2,338,745 

 1,593,573 

(c)  Other than Germany, Australia, United States of America, Brazil and United Kingdom, non-current assets held in other countries are individually less than 10 per cent of the group’s total 

  non-current assets.

(d) Unallocated non-current assets predominately include deferred tax assets.

6. Individually material income and expense items

Individually material items are those items where their nature, including the expected frequency of the events giving rise to them, and/or 
amount is considered material to the financial statements. Such items included within the group’s profit for the year are detailed below.

Material items by category:

Asset rationalisation and restructuring

Sale of Excel Crop Care investment

ANZ impairment and tax asset write-down

Business acquisition costs – other

Business acquisition costs – refinance 2019 notes

Change in corporate tax rates

Total

2018 Material Items

Asset rationalisation and restructuring

Consolidated

Consolidated

2018  
$000  
Pre-tax

2018  
$000  
After-tax

2017  
$000  
Pre-tax

2017  
$000  
After-tax

 1,491 

 – 

 (70,559)

 (24,124)

 (13,684)

 – 

 1,201 

 – 

 (91,504)

 (22,228)

 (13,684)

 12,231 

 (23,937)

 (22,250)

 894 

 894 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 (106,876)

 (113,984)

 (23,043)

 (21,356)

During the year ended 31 July 2018, the group undertook rationalisation and restructuring activities including the sale of a former 
manufacturing site located in NZ and the reorganisation of certain back office activities. 

ANZ Impairment and tax asset write-down

Prolonged and severe drought conditions across Australia reduced current expectations of future earnings whereby a non-cash 
impairment of intangibles (refer note 22), property, plant and equipment (refer note 21), and tax assets amounting to $91.504 million was 
incurred in the year ended 31 July 2018. 

Business acquisition costs

During the year the group acquired two separate European businesses consisting of product portfolios based in Europe (refer to note 
14 for further details). One-off transaction costs incurred to effect the acquisitions include, but are not limited to, advisor fees, integration 
costs, hedging costs, and other financing expenses.

Business acquisition costs – refinance of 2019 notes

In response to the 2018 business acquisitions, the group undertook an early refinance of the 2019 senior secured notes to strengthen its 
capital structure. As a result, break fees and the early recognition of interest costs in relation to interest rate swaps were incurred. The 
cash impact of the refinance of the 2019 notes was a cash outflow of $0.300 million due to favourable cashflow outcomes on cash 
flow hedges offsetting break fees and interest costs on interest rate swaps.

Change in corporate tax rates

Changes in corporate tax rates across the USA, France and Argentina led to the re-measurement of the group’s deferred tax position 
resulting in net income tax credits of $12.231 million.

76

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedNufarm Limited Annual Report 20186. Individually material income and expense items (continued)

2017 Material Items

Asset rationalisation and restructure

The asset rationalisation and restructuring program continued throughout 2017 resulting in a further $23.937 million of costs relating 
primarily to the integration of the Crop Care range under the Nufarm brand, the restructure of back office activities in Europe and the 
rationalisation of two production facilities in Australia and India. Included in this charge is a non-cash write down of inventory, property, 
plant and equipment assets and intangible assets (goodwill) of $11.833 million related to the production facilities in Australia and India 
primarily held in the ANZ and Asia segments.

Sale of Excel Crop Care investment

During October 2016, Nufarm recorded a gain of $0.894 million on the sale of its 14.69 per cent interest in Excel Crop Care. 

Material items are classified by function as follows:

Cost of 
sales

Other 
income

Selling, 
marketing and 
distribution 
expense

General and 
administrative 
expense

Research and 
development 
expenses

Net 
financing 
costs

Total  
pre-tax

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 (509)

 2,000 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 (70,559)

 (20,536)

 – 

 (509)

 (89,095)

 (509)

 (89,095)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 1,491 

 – 

 (70,559)

 (3,588)

 (24,124)

 (13,684)

 (13,684)

 (17,272)

 (106,876)

 – 

 (89,604)

Cost of 
sales

Other 
income

Selling, 
marketing and 
distribution 
expense

General and 
administrative 
expense

Research and 
development 
expenses

Net 
financing 
costs

Consolidated year 
ended 31 July 2018 
$000
Asset rationalisation 
and restructuring

ANZ impairment and 
tax asset write-down

Business acquisition costs

Business acquisition costs 
– refinance 2019 notes

Total material items

Total material items included 
in operating profit

Consolidated year  
ended 31 July 2017 
$000
Asset rationalisation 
and restructuring

Sale of Excel Crop 
Care investment

Total material items

 (2,515)

 – 

 (419)

 (20,909)

 – 

 (2,515)

 894 

 894 

 – 

 (419)

 – 

 (20,909)

Total material items included 
in operating profit

 (2,515)

 894 

 (419)

 (20,909)

Material items impacting cash flows is as follows:

Net operating cash flows

Net operating cash (inflows)/outflows arising on material items

Net cash from operating activities excluding material items

Net investing cash flows

Individually material (inflows)/outflows from sale of property, plant and equipment 

Individually material (inflows)/outflows form the sale/purchase of businesses and investments

Net cash from investing activities excluding material items

Total  
pre-tax

 (23,937)

 894 

 (23,043)

 (23,043)

 (94)

 – 

 (94)

 (94)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

Consolidated

2018  
$000

 (88,169)

 31,462 

 (56,707)

2017  
$000
 55,443 

 17,937 

 73,380 

 (965,574)

 (100,758)

 (5,351)

 778,859 

 (192,066)

 (9,552)

 (39,905)

 (150,215)

77

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 20187. Other income 

Dividend income

Rental income

Sundry income 

Total other income

8. Other expenses 

The following expenses were included in the period result:

Depreciation and amortisation

Impairment loss

Inventory write down

Minimum lease payments recognised as an operating lease expense

9. Personnel expenses

Wages and salaries

Other associated personnel expenses

Contributions to defined contribution superannuation funds

(Expense)/gain related to defined benefit superannuation funds

Short-term employee benefits

Other long-term employee benefits

Restructuring

Personnel expenses

The restructure expense relates to the group’s asset rationalisation and organisational restructure program.

These costs are included in material items in note 6.

10. Finance income and expense

Other financial income

Financial income

Interest expense – external

Interest expense – debt establishment transaction costs

Lease amortisation – finance charges

Net foreign exchange gains/(losses)

Financial expenses

Net financing costs

78

Consolidated

2018  
$000

 – 

 271 

 6,985 

 7,256 

2017  
$000
 745 

 279 

 12,240 

 13,264 

Consolidated

2018  
$000

 (120,550)

 (70,559)

 (15,310)

 (4,671)

2017  
$000
 (87,731)

 – 

 (19,324)

 (5,078)

Consolidated

2018  
$000

 (303,004)

 (50,057)

 (24,045)

 (2,113)

 (10,582)

 (3,004)

 (2,681)

2017  
$000
 (284,751)

 (45,664)

 (21,507)

 (1,618)

 (9,537)

 (2,707)

 (8,052)

 (395,486)

 (373,836)

Consolidated

2018  
$000

 10,978 

 10,978 

2017  
$000
 8,591 

 8,591 

 (109,933)

 (96,072)

 (6,719)

 (1,986)

 (27,946)

 (146,584)

 (3,777)

 (1,925)

 (13,812)

 (115,586)

 (135,606)

 (106,995)

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedNufarm Limited Annual Report 201811. Income tax expense

Recognised in the income statement

Current tax expense
Current period

Tax free income and non-recognition of tax assets on material items

Adjustments for prior periods

Current tax expense

Deferred tax expense
Origination and reversal of temporary differences and tax losses

Effect of changes in tax rates – material items

Initial (recognition)/derecognition of tax assets

ANZ tax asset write-down – material items

Deferred tax expense/(benefit)

Total income tax expense/(benefit) in income statement

Attributable to:

Continuing operations

Total income tax expense/(benefit) in income statement

Numerical reconciliation between tax expense and pre-tax net profit
Profit/(Loss) before tax

Income tax using the Australian corporate tax rate of 30%

Increase/(decrease) in income tax expense due to:

Non-deductible expenses

Other taxable income

Effect of changes in tax rates – material items

Initial (recognition)/derecognition of tax assets

ANZ tax asset write-down – material items

Tax free income and non-recognition of tax assets on material items

Effect on tax rate in foreign jurisdictions

Tax exempt income

Tax incentives not recognised in the income statement

Under/(over) provided in prior years

Income tax expense/(benefit)

Income tax recognised directly in equity
Nufarm step-up securities distribution

Income tax recognised directly in equity

Income tax recognised in other comprehensive income
Relating to actuarial gains/(losses) on defined benefit plans

Relating to equity based compensation

Income tax recognised in other comprehensive income

Consolidated

2018  
$000

2017  
$000

 15,191 

 30,583 

 (538)

 48,211 

 3,119 

 (4,121)

 45,236 

 47,209 

 (3,326)

 (12,231)

 5,276 

 20,945 

 10,664 

 1,641 

 2,730 

 5,625 

 – 

 9,996 

 55,900 

 57,205 

 55,900 

 55,900 

 57,205 

 57,205 

 39,893 

 172,247 

 11,968 

 51,674 

 7,085 

 2,428 

 (12,231)

 5,276 

 20,945 

 30,583 

 (4,109)

 (242)

 (5,265)

 56,438 

 (538)

 6,698 

 2,668 

 2,730 

 5,625 

 – 

 3,119 

 (3,115)

 (2,002)

 (6,071)

 61,326 

 (4,121)

 55,900 

 57,205 

 (3,877)

 (3,877)

 (4,074)

 (4,074)

 917 

 587 

 1,504 

 524 

 358 

 882

79

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 201812. Discontinued operations

There were no discontinued operations in the current or prior period.

13. Assets held for sale

There were no assets held for sale in the current or prior period.

14. Acquisition of businesses and acquisition of non-controlling interests

Business acquisitions – 2018

Century and FMC acquisition

On 24 October 2017, the group announced that it had entered into an agreement with Adama Agricultural Solutions Ltd (Adama)  
and Syngenta Crop Protection AG and related group companies (Syngenta) to purchase a European business comprising a portfolio 
of crop protection products registered in European markets (Century Acquisition). Subsequently, the group announced an issuance 
of 59,551,672 ordinary shares which generated $436.870 million of additional share capital (net of costs). The cash consideration paid 
was US$490 million, plus inventory of $21.843 million.

On 8 November 2017, the group announced that it had entered into an agreement with FMC Corporation (FMC) to purchase a European 
business comprising a portfolio of herbicide products registered in European markets (FMC Acquisition). The cash consideration paid 
was US$85 million, plus inventory of $2.871 million.

On 1 February 2018 the FMC Acquisition was closed with the successful transfer of registration data and cash consideration in accordance 
with the transaction agreements. Related derivative contracts were utilised or closed as part of the acquisition completion.

On 16 March 2018, European regulatory approval was obtained in relation to the Century Acquisition. On 16 March 2018 the Century 
Acquisition was effectively closed with the successful transfer of registration data and cash consideration in accordance with the 
transaction agreements. Derivative contracts related to the Century Acquisition were utilised or closed as part of the acquisition completion, 
this included the derivative not designated for hedge accounting, which resulted in a realised loss for the group of $1.807 million in net 
financing costs.

One-off transaction costs incurred to effect the acquisitions include, but are not limited to, advisor fees, integration costs, hedging costs, 
and other financing expenses. These one-off costs totalled $22.228 million net of tax (refer to note 6) for the year ended 31 July 2018.

The acquisition of these businesses increases the group’s product portfolio offering within the European region. The business expects to 
extract revenue synergies from the acquisitions via opening up the existing business to new customers and cross selling opportunities.

Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed (provisional)

On a provisional basis, the following table summarises the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition.

Acquiree’s net assets at acquisition date

Inventory 

Intangible assets

Net identifiable assets and liabilities

Goodwill on acquisition

Consideration to be transferred

FMC Acquisition 
fair value on 
acquisition  
$000

 2,871 

 84,763 

 87,634 

 26,308 

 113,942 

Century 
Acquisition  
fair value on 
acquisition  
$000

 21,843 

 530,487 

 552,330 

 105,283 

 657,613 

Total fair  
value on 
acquisitions  
$000

 24,714 

 615,250 

 639,964 

 131,591 

 771,555 

Total goodwill of $131.591 million from business acquisitions is attributable mainly to the synergies expected to be achieved from 
integrating the respective businesses into the group’s existing business. 

During the year ended 31 July 2018, the acquired businesses above generated additional revenues of $68.943 million and operating 
profits of approximately $10.969 million. Revenue and profit from the acquired businesses that would have been earned if the acquisitions 
had occurred at the commencement of the financial year has not been provided on the basis that the calculation of that information 
is impracticable. This is because the businesses were fully integrated into the vendor’s operations and separate comparable financial 
information relating to the acquired businesses as stand-alone operations is not available.

Business acquisitions – 2017

There were no acquisitions in the prior period.

80

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedNufarm Limited Annual Report 201814. Acquisition of businesses and acquisition of non-controlling interests (continued)

Acquisition of non-controlling interest 2018

On 29 December 2017 the group acquired an additional 49 per cent of the equity interest in Atlantica Sementes SA (Atlantica), a business 
based in Brazil specialising in the sale and distribution of seed related products, via the exercising of a written put option. As a result, 
the group’s equity interest in Atlantica increased from 51 per cent to 100 per cent. The group recognised a liability for the present value 
of the exercise price of the put option up to the date of acquisition and exercise of the put option. The carrying amount of Atlantica’s  
net assets in the group’s consolidated financial statements on the date of acquisition was $6.590 million. Given the transaction is 
deemed as a common control transaction the impact has been recognised in equity resulting in a transfer of non-controlling interests  
to retained earnings.

Acquisition of non-controlling interest 2017

There was no acquisition of non-controlling interest in prior period.

15. Cash and cash equivalents

Bank balances

Call deposits

Bank overdraft

Total cash and cash equivalents

16. Trade and other receivables

Current
Trade receivables

Provision for impairment losses

Derivative financial instruments

Prepayments

Other receivables

Current receivables

Non-current
Derivative financial instruments

Trade receivables

Other receivables

Non-current receivables

Total trade and other receivables

17. Inventories

Raw materials

Work in progress

Finished goods

Provision for obsolescence of finished goods

Total inventories

Consolidated

2018  
$000

 255,535 

 46,165 

 301,700 

 (7,357)

 294,343 

2017  
$000
 217,128 

 18,017 

 235,145 

 (11,384)

 223,761 

Consolidated

2018  
$000

2017  
$000

 1,130,846 

 (36,546)

 974,915 

 (26,439)

 1,094,300 

 948,476 

 5,339 

 23,882 

 76,096 

 5,928 

 23,238 

 49,874 

 1,199,617 

 1,027,516 

 – 

 76,452 

 32,407 

 108,859 

 11,125 

 73,197 

 26,379 

 110,701 

 1,308,476 

 1,138,217

Consolidated

2018  
$000

 313,103 

 18,438 

 862,360 

 1,193,901 

 (14,205)

2017  
$000
 203,698 

 15,996 

 552,662 

 772,356 

 (9,317)

 1,179,696 

 763,039

81

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 201818. Tax assets and liabilities

Current tax assets and liabilities

The current tax asset for the group of $31.609 million (2017: $25.615 million) represents the amount of income taxes recoverable in 
respect of prior periods and that which arose from the payment of tax in excess of the amounts due to the relevant tax authority. The 
current tax liability for the group of $20.930 million (2017: $17.628 million) represents the amount of income taxes payable in respect of 
current and prior financial periods.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities

Recognised deferred tax assets and liabilities

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are attributable to the following:

Assets

Liabilities

Net

Consolidated
Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Employee benefits

Provisions

Other items

Tax value of losses carried forward

Tax assets/(liabilities)

Set off of tax

2018  
$000

 16,945 

 8,928 

 19,556 

 20,993 

 16,231 

 119,309 

 201,962 

 – 

2017  
$000
 2,480 

 11,672 

 20,125 

 20,054 

 29,773 

 156,144 

2018  
$000

 (8,311)

2017  
$000
 (11,612)

2018  
$000

 8,634 

 (86,770)

 (104,285)

 (77,842)

 – 

 (1,024)

 (17,447)

 – 

 – 

 (514)

 (21,233)

 – 

 240,248 

 (113,552)

 (137,644)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 19,556 

 19,969 

 (1,216)

 119,309 

 88,410 

 – 

Net tax assets/(liabilities)

 201,962 

 240,248 

 (113,552)

 (137,644)

 88,410 

 102,604 

Movement in temporary differences during the year

Consolidated 2018
Property, plant and equipment

Intangibles assets

Employee benefits

Provisions

Other items

Tax value of losses carried forward

 156,144 

 (37,495)

Balance 
2017  
$000

Recognised 
in income  
$000

Recognised 
in equity  
$000

Currency 
adjustment  
$000

Other 
movement  
$000

 (9,132)

 (92,613)

 20,125 

 19,540 

 8,540 

 18,262 

 18,573 

 (657)

 1,032 

 (10,379)

 – 

 – 

 (917)

 – 

 (587)

 – 

 (496)

 (3,802)

 1,005 

 (603)

 1,210 

 660 

 102,604 

 (10,664)

 (1,504)

 (2,026)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

Consolidated 2017
Property, plant and equipment

Intangibles assets

Employee benefits

Provisions

Other items

Tax value of losses carried forward

Balance  
2016  
$000
 (10,123)

 (94,216)

 23,361 

 21,797 

 1,850 

 168,105 

 110,774 

Recognised 
in income  
$000
 517 

Recognised 
in equity  
$000
 – 

Currency 
adjustment  
$000
 474 

Other 
movement  
$000
 – 

 (1,482)

 (2,856)

 (2,181)

 6,157 

 (10,151)

 (9,996)

 – 

 524 

 – 

 358 

 – 

 882 

 3,085 

 (904)

 (76)

 175 

 (1,810)

 944 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

2017  
$000
 (9,132)

 (92,613)

 20,125 

 19,540 

 8,540 

 156,144 

 102,604 

 – 

Balance 
2018  
$000

 8,634 

 (77,842)

 19,556 

 19,969 

 (1,216)

 119,309 

 88,410 

Balance 
2017  
$000
 (9,132)

 (92,613)

 20,125 

 19,540 

 8,540 

 156,144 

 102,604 

The carrying value of deferred tax assets relating to tax losses and tax credits is largely dependent on the generation of sufficient future 
taxable income. The carrying value of this asset will continue to be assessed at each reporting date.

82

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedNufarm Limited Annual Report 201818. Tax assets and liabilities (continued)

Deferred tax assets and liabilities (continued)

Unrecognised deferred tax liability

At 31 July 2018, a deferred tax liability of $26.368 million (2017: $23.527 million) relating to investments in subsidiaries has not been recognised 
because the company controls the repatriation of retained earnings and it is satisfied that it will not be incurred in the foreseeable future. 
This amount represents the theoretical withholding tax payable if all overseas retained earnings were paid as dividends.

Unrecognised deferred tax assets

At 31 July 2018, there are unrecognised deferred tax assets in respect of tax losses and timing differences of $90.197 million 
(2017: $43.716 million).

19. Investments accounted for using the equity method

The group accounts for investments in associates and joint ventures using the equity method.

The group had the following individually immaterial associates and joint ventures during the year:

Ownership and 
voting interest

Carrying amount

Share of  
profit/(loss)

Nature of 
relationship
Joint Ventures(1)

Country
Eastern Europe

Balance 
date of 
associate
31 December

2018

0.00%

2017
0.00%

F&N joint ventures

Seedtech Pty Ltd

Associate(2)

Australia

31 December

25.00% 25.00%

2018  
$000

 – 

 411 

 411 

2017  
$000
 – 

 334 

 334 

2018  
$000

 – 

 78 

 78 

2017  
$000
 (84)

 (40)

 (124)

(1)   The F&N joint ventures represented the group’s interest in joint ventures with FMC Corporation, which operated in Poland until 31 October 2015, and continued to operate in the Czech 
Republic and Slovakia until September 2016. The joint ventures sold the group and FMC products within their respective countries. On 1 November 2015, the group’s equity interest in 
F&N Poland increased from 50 to 100 per cent and F&N Poland became a subsidiary from that date.

(2)  Seedtech is a company that offers services to the seed industry such as cleaning, packaging, distribution and storage of seeds.

20. Other investments

Investments – available-for-sale
Balance at the beginning of the year

Additions

Net change in fair value gains/(losses) transfered to equity

Disposal

Balance at the end of the year

Non-current investments
Other investments

Total non-current investments

Available-for-sale equity securities

Consolidated

2018  
$000

2017  
$000

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 38,564 

 – 

 1,342 

 (39,906)

 – 

 442 

 442 

 384 

 384 

On 30 June 2016 the group ceased to equity account for its investment in Excel Crop Care due to the loss of significant influence, and 
subsequently reclassified its investment as ‘available-for-sale’. During the year ended 31 July 2017 Nufarm disposed of its investment in 
Excel Crop Care.

21. Other non-current assets

There were no other non-current assets in the current or prior period.

83

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 201822. Property, plant and equipment

Consolidated 2018

Cost
Balance at 1 August 2017

Additions

Additions through business combinations

Impairment loss

Disposals and write-offs

Other transfers

Foreign exchange adjustment

Balance at 31 July 2018

Land and 
buildings  
$000

Plant and 
machinery  
$000

Leased 
plant and 
machinery  
$000

Capital 
work in 
progress  
$000

Total  
$000

 200,126 

 872 

 518,170 

 31,659 

 11,746 

 43,481 

 773,523 

 512 

 36,496 

 69,539 

 – 

 – 

 (2,265)

 3,008 

 4,493 

 – 

 – 

 (7,340)

 19,462 

 19,839 

 – 

 – 

 (81)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 (3)

 (23,985)

 – 

 – 

 (9,689)

 (1,515)

 507 

 953 

 25,792 

 206,234 

 581,790 

 12,684 

 56,942 

 857,650 

Accumulated depreciation and impairment losses
Balance at 1 August 2017

Depreciation charge for the year

Additions through business combinations

Impairment loss

Disposals and write-offs

Other transfers

Foreign exchange adjustment

Balance at 31 July 2018

 (89,539)

 (331,158)

 (6,690)

 (31,049)

 (2,306)

 (453)

 – 

 – 

 (15,513)

 (33,729)

 1,014 

 (1)

 7,180 

 149 

 (3,338)

 (13,470)

 – 

 – 

 59 

 – 

 (57)

 (114,067)

 (402,077)

 (2,757)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 (423,003)

 (38,192)

 – 

 (49,242)

 8,253 

 148 

 (16,865)

 (518,901)

Net property, plant and equipment at 31 July 2018

 92,167 

 179,713 

 9,927 

 56,942 

 338,749

Consolidated 2017

Cost
Balance at 1 August 2016

Additions

Additions through business combinations

Disposals and write-offs

Other transfers

Foreign exchange adjustment

Balance at 31 July 2017

Accumulated depreciation and impairment losses
Balance at 1 August 2016

Depreciation charge for the year

Additions through business combinations

Impairment loss

Disposals and write-offs

Other transfers

Foreign exchange adjustment

Balance at 31 July 2017

Land and 
buildings  
$000

Plant and 
machinery  
$000

Leased 
plant and 
machinery  
$000

Capital 
work in 
progress  
$000

 201,805 

 504,451 

 21,912 

 981 

 – 

 (2,642)

 2,164 

 (2,182)

 13,981 

 – 

 (7,857)

 16,801 

 (9,206)

 200,126 

 518,170 

 (86,338)

 (6,371)

 (311,277)

 (30,695)

 – 

 – 

 2,160 

 – 

 1,010 

 – 

 – 

 6,452 

 (138)

 4,500 

 305 

 – 

 (9,445)

 (246)

 (780)

 11,746 

 (5,570)

 (1,572)

 – 

 – 

 4,435 

 205 

 196 

 (89,539)

 (331,158)

 (2,306)

Total  
$000

 756,038 

 50,595 

 – 

 (20,034)

 (67)

 27,870 

 35,328 

 – 

 (90)

 (18,786)

 (841)

 (13,009)

 43,481 

 773,523 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 (403,185)

 (38,638)

 – 

 – 

 13,047 

 67 

 5,706 

 (423,003)

Net property, plant and equipment at 31 July 2017

 110,587 

 187,012 

 9,440 

 43,481 

 350,520 

Assets pledged as security for finance leases amount to $9.927 million (2017: $9.440 million).

84

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedNufarm Limited Annual Report 201823. Intangible assets

Consolidated 2018

Cost
Balance at 1 August 2017

Additions

Additions through business combinations

Disposals and write-offs

Other transfers

Foreign exchange adjustment

Balance at 31 July 2018

Accumulated amortisation  
and impairment losses
Balance at 1 August 2017

Amortisation charge for the year

Additions through business combinations

Impairment loss

Disposals and write-offs

Other transfers

Foreign exchange adjustment

Balance at 31 July 2018

Intellectual Property

Goodwill  
$000

Indefinite 
life  
$000

Finite life  
$000

Capitalised 
development 
costs  
$000

Computer  
software  
$000

Total  
$000

 322,497 

 1,576 

 526,026 

 308,619 

 102,655 

 1,261,373 

 – 

 131,591 

 (237)

 – 

 2,471 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 104 

 4,136 

 615,250 

 (91)

 (2,518)

 19,503 

 69,394 

 51,243 

 124,773 

 – 

 (6,886)

 3,179 

 14,438 

 – 

 746,841 

 (5,197)

 2,132 

 2,704 

 (12,411)

 2,793 

 39,220 

 456,322 

 1,680 

 1,162,306 

 388,744 

 153,537 

 2,162,589 

 (105,477)

 (1,576)

 (134,326)

 – 

 – 

 (3,109)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 (44,371)

 – 

 (89,822)

 (27,058)

 – 

 (5,612)

 (5,500)

 76 

 644 

 6,541 

 (644)

 (38,786)

 (369,987)

 (10,928)

 (82,357)

 – 

 (7,096)

 1,244 

 – 

 – 

 (21,317)

 7,861 

 – 

 3,646 

 (104)

 (5,537)

 (5,376)

 (1,096)

 (8,467)

 (104,940)

 (1,680)

 (189,126)

 (121,859)

 (56,662)

 (474,267)

Intangibles carrying amount at 31 July 2018

 351,382 

 – 

 973,180 

 266,885 

 96,875 

 1,688,322

Consolidated 2017

Cost
Balance at 1 August 2016

Additions

Additions through business combinations

Disposals and write-offs

Other transfers

Foreign exchange adjustment

Balance at 31 July 2017

Accumulated amortisation  
and impairment losses
Balance at 1 August 2016

Amortisation charge for the year

Additions through business combinations

Impairment loss

Disposals and write-offs

Other transfers

Foreign exchange adjustment

Balance at 31 July 2017

Intellectual Property

Goodwill  
$000

Indefinite 
life  
$000

Finite life  
$000

Capitalised 
development 
costs  
$000

Computer 
software  
$000

Total  
$000

 335,983 

 1,563 

 533,110 

 272,022 

 61,945 

 1,204,623 

 – 

 – 

 (3,546)

 – 

 (9,940)

 322,497 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 13 

 6,725 

 51,374 

 42,552 

 100,651 

 – 

 – 

 547 

 (14,356)

 – 

 (1,201)

 (2,193)

 (11,383)

 – 

 (45)

 224 

 – 

 (4,792)

 (1,422)

 (2,021)

 (37,687)

 1,576 

 526,026 

 308,619 

 102,655 

 1,261,373 

 (107,840)

 (1,563)

 (114,435)

 (22,939)

 (73,416)

 (20,925)

 (34,331)

 (5,229)

 (331,585)

 (49,093)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 2,363 

 (105,477)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 (103)

 (81)

 – 

 – 

 127 

 1,544 

 2,848 

 – 

 – 

 125 

 (41)

 690 

 – 

 – 

 149 

 1,422 

 9,120 

 (13)

 3,232 

 (1,576)

 (134,326)

 (89,822)

 (38,786)

 (369,987)

Intangibles carrying amount at 31 July 2017

 217,020 

 – 

 391,700 

 218,797 

 63,869 

 891,386 

85

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 201823. Intangible assets (continued)

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 groups of assets (the cash-generating unit/CGU).

The group has determined that operating unit by country or region (i.e. Europe) is the appropriate method for determining the cash-
generating units (CGU) of the business. This level of CGU aligns with the cash flows of the business and the management structure of 
the group. The goodwill and intellectual property with an indefinite life are CGU specific, as the acquisitions generating goodwill and 
the product registrations that are the major indefinite life intangibles are country or region specific in nature. There is no allocation of 
goodwill between CGUs.

The major CGUs and their intangible assets are as follows: North America $208 million (2017: $195 million), Brazil $150 million (2017:  
$175 million), Seed Technologies $305 million (2017: $273 million), Europe $979 million (2017: $195 million) and Australia and New Zealand 
(ANZ) $25 million (2017: $47 million). The balance of intangibles is spread across multiple CGUs, with no individual CGU intangible balance 
being material relative to the total intangibles balance at balance date.

Impairment testing for cash-generating units containing goodwill

For the impairment testing of these assets, the carrying amount of the asset is compared to its recoverable amount at a CGU level.  
Two valuation methods are used by the group.

Valuation method – value in use

The group uses the value-in-use (VIU) method to estimate the recoverable amount. In assessing VIU, the estimated future cash flows are 
derived from the three year plan for each cash-generating unit with a growth factor applied to extrapolate a cash flow beyond year 
three. A perpetuity factor is then applied to the normalised cash flow beyond year five in order to include a terminal value in the VIU 
calculation. The terminal growth rate assumed for each CGU is generally a long term inflation estimate. The cash flow is then discounted 
to a present value using a discount rate which is the company’s weighted average cost of capital, adjusted for country risk and 
asset-specific risk associated with each CGU. 

Valuation method – fair value less cost of disposal

Fair value less cost of disposal (FVLCD) is an estimate of the amount that a market participant would pay for an asset or a CGU, less the cost 
of disposal. The fair value is determined using discounted cash flows. The cash flows are derived from board approved management 
expectations of future outcomes taking into account past experience, adjusted for anticipated revenue growth. Cash flows are 
discounted using an appropriate post-tax market discount rate to arrive at a net present value of the asset which is compared against 
the asset’s carrying value. The fair value measurement was categorised as a Level 3 fair value based on inputs in the valuation technique 
used (see note 31). Values determined are benchmarked against comparable market transactions and company trading multiples.

Valuation assumptions

The valuation method, range of terminal growth rates and nominal post-tax discount rates applied for impairment testing purposes 
is as follows:

2018
Material crop protection CGUs (North America, Brazil and Europe)

ANZ CGU(1)

Seed Technology CGU 

2017
Material crop protection CGUs (ANZ, North America, Brazil and Europe)(1)

Valuation 
method

Terminal 
growth rate

Discount 
rate

Total 
goodwill  
$000

 VIU   1.9% to 4.1%  8.0% to 13.1%

 268,051 

FVLCD

VIU

2.5%

3.1%

9.9%

12.4%

 – 

 68,431 

Valuation 
method
VIU

Terminal 
growth rate

Discount 
rate
1.9% to 4.5% 7.8% to 13.5%

Total 
goodwill  
$000
 136,238 

Seed Technology CGU 

FVLCD

2.5%

13.8%

 67,085 

(1)   As at 31 July 2017, the total goodwill and indefinite life assets for the ANZ CGU was equal to $3.109 million. The carrying amount of goodwill and indefinite life assets for the ANZ CGU 

was reduced to nil at 31 July 2018 as a result of impairment.

The terminal growth rate assumed is generally a long term inflation estimate. The discount rate assumed is the company’s weighted 
average cost of capital, adjusted for country risk and asset-specific risk. The margin and volume assumptions generally reflect past 
experience for existing and enhanced portfolio products, while new products utilise external sources of information reflecting current 
market pricing in expected end use markets.

86

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedNufarm Limited Annual Report 201823. Intangible assets (continued)

Impairment testing for cash-generating units containing goodwill (continued)

Valuation assumptions (continued)

With the exception of the ANZ CGU (see below), management has determined that, given the excess of recoverable value over asset 
carrying value (headroom), there are no reasonably possible changes in assumptions which could occur to cause the carrying amount 
of the CGUs to exceed their recoverable amount.

ANZ cash generating unit

At 31 July 2018 the group became aware of impairment indicators for the ANZ CGU and commenced using the FVLCD methodology 
for the CGU. The carrying amount of the ANZ CGU was determined to be higher than its recoverable amount and an impairment loss of 
$70.559 million was recognised during the year ended 31 July 2018 (31 July 2017: nil). The impairment loss was allocated against goodwill, 
intangibles assets, and property, plant and equipment, and is included in ‘general and administrative expenses’ (refer note 6).

Following the impairment loss recognised in the ANZ CGU, the recoverable amount was equal to the carrying amount. Any adverse 
movement in a key assumption (noted above) or ANZ cash flows would lead to further impairment.

24. Trade and other payables

Current payables – unsecured
Trade creditors and accruals – unsecured

Derivative financial instruments

Payables – acquisitions

Current payables

Non-current payables – unsecured
Creditors and accruals

Derivative financial instruments

Non-current payables

25. Interest-bearing loans and borrowings

Current liabilities
Bank loans – secured

Bank loans – unsecured

Deferred debt establishment costs

Other loans – unsecured

Finance lease liabilities – secured

Loans and borrowings – current

Non-current liabilities
Bank loans – secured

Bank loans – unsecured

Brazil unsecured notes

Senior unsecured notes

Deferred debt establishment costs

Other loans – unsecured

Finance lease liabilities – secured

Loans and borrowings – non-current

Net cash and cash equivalents

Net debt

Consolidated

2018  
$000

2017  
$000

 1,128,082 

 812,920 

 3,024 

 164 

 6,118 

 7,329 

 1,131,270 

 826,367 

 10,800 

 – 

 10,800 

 9,981 

 2,815 

 12,796 

Consolidated

2018  
$000

2017  
$000

 390,905 

 130,817 

 (3,683)

 1,303 

 356 

 303,150 

 124,391 

 (3,065)

 1,231 

 319 

 519,698 

 426,026 

 404,842 

 30,878 

 71,610 

 22,861 

 40,021 

 – 

 638,613 

 403,537 

 (11,721)

 2,256 

 12,237 

 (2,147)

 2,264 

 11,492 

 1,148,715 

 478,028 

 (294,343)

 (223,761)

 1,374,070 

 680,293 

87

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 201825. Interest-bearing loans and borrowings (continued)

Financing facilities

Refer to the section entitled ‘liquidity risk’ in note 31 for detail regarding the group’s financing facilities.

2018
Bank loan facilities and senior unsecured notes

Other facilities

Total financing facilities

2017
Bank loan facilities and senior unsecured notes

Other facilities

Total financing facilities

Reconciliation of liabilities arising from financing activities

Balance at 31 July 2017

Cash changes
Proceeds from borrowings (net of costs)

Repayment of borrowings 

Debt establishment transaction costs

Total cash flows

Non-cash changes
Foreign exchange movements

Transfer

Amortisation of debt establishment transaction costs

Total non-cash changes 

Balance at 31 July 2018

Accessible  
$000

Utilised  
$000

 2,185,377 

 1,667,665 

 3,559 

 3,559 

 2,188,936 

 1,671,224 

 1,736,331 

 893,960 

 3,495 

 3,495 

 1,739,826 

 897,455 

Loans and 
borrowings 
– current  
$000

Loans and 
borrowings 
– non-
current  
$000

Debt 
related 
derivatives 
(included in 
assets / 
liabilities)(1)  
$000

Total debt 
related 
financial 
instruments  
$000

 426,026 

 478,028 

 (30,056)

 873,998 

 919,997 

 1,257,668 

 24,206 

 2,201,871 

 (853,662)

 (605,102)

 – 

 (16,911)

 – 

 – 

 (1,458,764)

 (16,911)

 66,335 

 635,655 

 24,206 

 726,196 

 (13,723)

 34,341 

 6,719 

 69,373 

 (34,341)

 – 

 2,297 

 57,947 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 6,719 

 27,337 

 35,032 

 2,297 

 64,666 

 519,698 

 1,148,715 

 (3,553)

 1,664,860 

(1)   Total derivatives balance at 31 July 2018 is a net asset of $2.315 million (31 July 2017: $8.120 million net asset). The difference in carrying value to the table above relates to interest rate 

swap contracts, cross-currency interest rate swap contracts, and forward exchange contracts which are excluded from the balances above.

88

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedNufarm Limited Annual Report 201825. Interest-bearing loans and borrowings (continued)

Financing arrangements

Repayment of borrowings (excluding finance leases)
Period ending 31 July, 2018

Period ending 31 July, 2019

Period ending 31 July, 2020

Period ending 31 July, 2021 or later

Finance lease liabilities

Finance leases are entered into to fund the acquisition of plant and equipment.

Lease commitments for capitalised finance leases are payable as follows:

Not later than one year

Later than one year but not later than two years

Later than two years but not later than five years

Later than five years

Less future finance charges

Finance lease liabilities

Finance lease liabilities are secured over the relevant leased plant.

Average interest rates
Nufarm step-up securities

Syndicated bank facility

Group securitisation program facility

Other bank loans

Finance lease liabilities – secured

Brazil unsecured notes

Senior unsecured notes

Consolidated

2018  
$000

 – 

 523,025 

 30,648 

 1,117,551 

2017  
$000
 428,772 

 60,947 

 407,736 

 –

Consolidated

2018  
$000

 1,640 

 1,664 

 5,551 

 85,629 

 94,484 

 (81,890)

 12,594 

2017  
$000
 1,528 

 1,571 

 5,019 

 81,873 

 89,991 

 (78,180)

 11,811 

Consolidated

2018  
%

6.08

1.84

2.89

5.70

13.33

9.69

5.75

2017  
%
5.87

n/a

2.49

10.54

13.12

n/a

6.38

Average interest rates are calculated using the weighted average of the interest rates for the drawn balances under each facility as at 
31 July 2018. At 31 July 2017 the syndicated bank facility was undrawn.

89

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 201826. Employee benefits

Current
Liability for short-term employee benefits 

Liability for current portion of other long-term employee benefits

Current employee benefits

Non-current
Defined benefit fund obligations

Present value of unfunded obligations

Present value of funded obligations

Fair value of fund assets – funded

Recognised liability for defined benefit fund obligations

Liability for non-current portion of other long-term employee benefits

Non-current employee benefits

Total employee benefits

Consolidated

2018  
$000

 17,377 

 1,970 

 19,347 

 7,505 

 173,171 

 (100,115)

 80,561 

 15,115 

 95,676 

 115,023 

2017  
$000

 16,068 

 2,611 

 18,679 

 7,667 

 166,916 

 (90,485)

 84,098 

 13,597 

 97,695 

 116,374 

During the year ended 31 July 2018 the group made contributions to defined benefit pension funds in the United Kingdom, France and 
Indonesia that provide defined benefit amounts for employees upon retirement.

Changes in the present value of the defined benefit obligation are as follows:
Opening defined benefit obligation

Service cost

Interest cost

Actuarial losses/(gains)

Past service cost

Losses/(gains) on curtailment

Liabilities extinguished on settlement

Contributions

Benefits paid

Exchange adjustment

Closing defined benefit obligation

Changes in the fair value of fund assets are as follows:
Opening fair value of fund assets

Interest income

Actuarial gains/(losses) – return on plan assets excluding interest income

Surplus taken to retained earnings

Assets distributed on settlement

Contributions by employer

Distributions

Exchange adjustment

Closing fair value of fund assets

The actual return on plan assets is the sum of the expected return and the actuarial gain/(loss).

Consolidated

2018  
$000

2017  
$000

 174,583 

 224,904 

 607 

 4,908 

 (3,604)

 (908)

 59 

 – 

 – 

 (6,579)

 11,610 

 666 

 4,563 

 31 

 – 

 (1,236)

 (38,781)

 – 

 (5,582)

 (9,982)

 180,676 

 174,583 

 90,485 

 136,292 

 2,553 

 2,293 

 – 

 – 

 4,933 

 (6,376)

 6,227 

 100,115 

 2,375 

 (1,536)

 – 

 (38,781)

 3,254 

 (5,397)

 (5,722)

 90,485 

90

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedNufarm Limited Annual Report 201826. Employee benefits (continued)

Expense/(gain) recognised in profit or loss
Current service costs

Interest on obligation

Interest income

Losses/(gains) on curtailment

Past service cost/(gain)

Expense recognised in profit or loss

The expense is recognised in the following line items in the income statement:

Cost of sales

Sales, marketing and distribution expenses

General and administrative expenses

Research and development expenses

Expense recognised in profit or loss

Actuarial gains/(losses) recognised in other comprehensive income (net of tax)
Cumulative amount at 1 August

Recognised during the period

Cumulative amount at 31 July

The major categories of fund assets as a percentage of total fund assets are as follows:

Equities

Bonds

Property

Cash

Principal actuarial assumptions at the reporting date (expressed as weighted averages):

Discount rate at 31 July

Future salary increases

Future pension increases

The group expects to pay $5.116 million in contributions to defined benefit plans in 2019. (2017: $4.791 million).

Consolidated

2018  
$000

2017  
$000

 607 

 4,908 

 (2,553)

 59 

 (908)

 2,113 

 1,287 

 546 

 231 

 49 

 2,113 

 666 

 4,563 

 (2,375)

 (1,236)

 – 

 1,618 

 1,441 

 865 

 (842)

 154 

 1,618

 (74,047)

 4,980 

 (69,067)

 (71,956)

 (2,091)

 (74,047)

Consolidated

2018  
%

62.2

31.7

1.3

4.8

2.8

0.3

2.8

2017  
%

59.6

32.9

1.0

6.4

2.7

0.3

2.8

91

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018 
 
27. Share-based payments

Nufarm Executive Share Plan (2000)

The Nufarm Executive Share Plan (2000) offered shares to executives. From 1 August 2011, it was decided that there will be no further 
awards under this share plan and that it would be replaced by the Nufarm short term incentive plan (refer below). Any unvested 
equities held in the executive share plan will remain and be subject to the vesting conditions under the rules of the plan. The executives 
may select an alternative mix of shares (at no cost) and options at a cost determined under the Black Scholes methodology. These 
benefits are only granted when a predetermined return on capital employed is achieved over the relevant period. The shares and 
options are subject to forfeiture and dealing restrictions. The executive cannot deal in the shares or options for a period of between 
three and 10 years without board approval. An independent trustee holds the shares and options on behalf of the executives. At 31 July 
2018 there were 14 participants (2017: 19 participants) in the scheme and 77,916 shares (2017: 125,347) were allocated and held by the 
trustee on behalf of the participants. The cost of issuing shares is expensed in the year of issue.

Nufarm short term incentive plan (STI)

The STI is available to key executives, senior managers and other managers globally. The first awards under the plan were issued in 
October 2012. The STI is measured on the following metrics, relevant to an individual:

•  budget measures of profit before tax or net profit after tax and net working capital; and

•  strategic and business improvement objectives

A predetermined percentage of the STI is paid in cash at the time of performance testing and the balance is deferred into shares in the 
company for nil consideration. The number of shares granted is based on the volume weighted average price (VWAP) of Nufarm Limited 
shares in the five days subsequent to the results announcement. Vesting will occur after a two year period.

Nufarm executive long term incentive plan (LTIP)

On 1 August 2011, the LTIP commenced and is available to key executives and certain selected senior managers. Awards are granted to 
individuals in the form of performance rights, which comprise rights to acquire ordinary shares in the company for nil consideration, 
subject to the achievement of global performance hurdles. Under the plan, individuals will receive an annual award of performance 
rights as soon as practical after the announcement of results in the preceding year. The performance and vesting period for the awards 
will be three years. Awards vest in two equal tranches as follows:

•  50 per cent of the LTIP grant will vest subject to the achievement of a relative total shareholder return (TSR) performance hurdle 

measured against a selected comparator group of companies; and

•  the remaining 50 per cent will vest subject to meeting an absolute return on funds employed (ROFE) target.

Global share plan (2001)

The global share plan commenced in 2001, and is available to all permanent employees. Participants contribute a proportion of their 
salary to purchase shares. The company will contribute an amount equal to 10 per cent of the number of ordinary shares acquired 
with a participant’s contribution in the form of additional ordinary shares. Amounts over 10 per cent of the participant’s salary can be 
contributed but will not be matched. For each year the shares are held, up to a maximum of five years, the company contributes  
a further 10 per cent of the value of the shares acquired with the participant’s contribution. An independent trustee holds the shares  
on behalf of the participants. At 31 July 2018 there were 512 participants (2017: 573 participants) in the scheme and 1,624,341 shares 
(2017: 1,664,626) were allocated and held by the trustee on behalf of the participants.

The power of appointment and removal of the trustees for the share purchase schemes is vested in the company.

Employee expenses
Total expense arising from share-based payment transactions

2018  
$000

 3,904 

2017  
$000
 4,739 

92

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedNufarm Limited Annual Report 201827. Share-based payments (continued)

Measurement of fair values

The fair value of performance rights granted through the LTIP and deferred shares granted through the STIP were measured as follows:

Plan
Weighted average fair value at grant date

Share price at grant date

Grant date

Earliest vesting date

Exercise price

Expected life

Volatility

Risk free interest rate

Dividend yield

Nufarm  
STI 2018 
deferred 
shares

$8.37 

$8.37 

Nufarm  
LTI 2018 
performance 
rights  
Nov 2017

$6.60 

$8.99 

Nufarm  
STI 2017 
deferred 
shares
$9.15 

$9.15 

28 Sep 2017

31 Jul 2019

1 Nov 2017 28 Sep 2016
31 Jul 2018

31 Jul 2020

 – 

 – 

1 year

2.8 years

n/a

n/a

n/a

28%

2.0%

1.7%

 – 

1 year

n/a

n/a

n/a

Nufarm  
LTI 2017 
performance 
rights  
Nov 2016
$7.17 

$8.59 

3 Nov 2016

31 Jul 2019

 – 

Nufarm  
LTI 2017 
performance 
rights  
Dec 2016
$7.63 

$9.03 

1 Dec 2016

31 Jul 2019

 – 

2.7 years

2.7 years

31%

1.7%

1.7%

31%

1.9%

1.7%

The fair values of awards granted were estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation methodology and a Binomial Tree methodology.

Reconciliation of outstanding share awards
Outstanding at 1 August

Forfeited during the year

Exercised during the year

Expired during the year

Granted during the year

Outstanding at 31 July

Exercisable at 31 July

Nufarm LTI  
number of 
performance 
rights  
2018

 887,364 

 (276,863)

 (333,078)

 – 

 395,260 

 672,683 

 – 

Nufarm STI 
number of 
deferred 
shares  
2018

 269,506 

 (14,272)

 (268,840)

 – 

 543,178 

 529,572 

 – 

Nufarm LTI 
number of 
performance 
rights  
2017
 977,401 

 (44,248)

 (374,220)

 – 

 328,431 

 887,364 

 349,484 

Nufarm STI 
number of 
deferred 
shares  
2017
 430,290 

 (2,639)

 (428,499)

 – 

 270,354 

 269,506 

 – 

The performance rights outstanding at 31 July 2018 have a $nil exercise price (2017: $nil) and a weighted average contractual life 
of three years (2017: three years). All performance rights granted to date have a $nil exercise price.

28. Provisions

Current
Restructuring

Other

Current provisions

Consolidated

Movement in provisions
Balance at 1 August 2017

Provisions made during the year

Provisions reversed during the year

Provisions used during the year

Exchange adjustment

Balance at 31 July 2018

2018  
$000

 11,161 

 1,237 

 12,398 

Restructuring  
$000

Other 
provisions  
$000

 14,533 

 3,557

 (558)

 (6,655)

 284 

 11,161 

 1,185 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 52 

 1,237 

Consolidated

2017  
$000

 14,533 

 1,185 

 15,718 

Total  
$000

 15,718 

 3,557 

 (558)

 (6,655)

 336 

 12,398 

93

The provision for restructuring is mainly relating to the asset rationalisation and restructuring being undertaken by the group.

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 201829. Capital and reserves

Share capital
Balance at 1 August

Issue of shares

Balance at 31 July

Parent company

Number of 
ordinary 
shares  
2018

 266,928,840 

Number of 
ordinary 
shares  
2017
 265,899,295 

 60,776,135 

 1,029,545 

 327,704,975 

 266,928,840 

The company does not have authorised capital or par value in respect of its issued shares. The holders of ordinary shares are entitled 
to receive dividends as declared from time to time and are entitled to one vote per share at meetings of the company.

In October 2017, the directors of the group agreed to issue 59,551,672 new shares to fund the acquisition of two European businesses 
(note 14) pursuant to the terms of an underwritten accelerated renounceable entitlement offer. Following the announcement in October 
2017, on 6 November 2017, 44,777,979 shares at $7.5000 were issued under the institutional entitlement offer and on 24 November 
2017, 14,773,693 shares at $7.5000 were issued under the retail entitlement offer.

On 6 October 2017, 756,172 shares at $8.3667 were issued under the Nufarm short term incentive plan and Nufarm executive long 
term incentive plan. On 10 November 2017, 228,101 shares at $8.9479 were issued under the dividend reinvestment program. On 
11 December 2017, 69,695 shares at $8.3667 were issued under the Nufarm short term incentive plan. On 5 January 2018, 64,104 shares 
at $8.7800 were issued under the global share plan. On 4 May 2018, 106,391 shares at $8.6513 were issued under the dividend 
reinvestment program.

Nufarm step-up securities

In the year ended 31 July 2007 Nufarm Finance (NZ) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Nufarm Limited, issued a new hybrid security 
called Nufarm step-up securities (NSS). The NSS are perpetual step-up securities and on 24 November 2006, 2,510,000 NSS were 
allotted at an issue price of $100 per security raising $251 million. The NSS are listed on the ASX under the code ‘NFNG’ and on the NZDX 
under the code ‘NFFHA’. The after-tax costs associated with the issue of the NSS, totalling $4.1 million, were deducted from the proceeds.

Distributions on the NSS are at the discretion of the directors and are floating rate, unfranked, non-cumulative and subordinated. 
However, distributions of profits and capital by Nufarm Limited are curtailed if distributions to NSS holders are not made, until such time 
that Nufarm Finance (NZ) Limited makes up the arrears. The first distribution date for the NSS was 16 April 2007 and on a six-monthly 
basis after this date. The floating rate is the average mid-rate for bills with a term of six months plus a margin of 3.9 per cent (2017:  
3.9 per cent). On 23 September 2011, Nufarm announced that it would ‘step-up’ the NSS. This resulted in the interest margin attached  
to the NSS being stepped up by 2.0 per cent, with the new interest margin being set at 3.9 per cent as at 24 November 2011. No other 
terms were adjusted and there are no further step-up dates. Nufarm retains the right to redeem or exchange the NSS on future 
distribution dates. 

Translation reserve

The translation reserve comprises all foreign exchange differences arising from the translation of the financial statements of foreign 
operations where their functional currency is different from the presentation currency of the reporting entity.

Capital profit reserve

This reserve is used to accumulate realised capital profits.

Other reserve

This reserve represents the accrued employee entitlements to share awards that have been charged to the income statement and have 
not yet been exercised. Until December 2017, this reserve held the debit balance related to a written put option of a 49 per cent interest 
held by the non-controlling shareholders of Atlantica Sementes Ltda (Atlantica). As the non-controlling shareholders had the present 
access to the economic benefits with their underlying ownership interest, their non controlling interest was recognised. In December 
2017, the written put option was exercised, and the debit reserve was utilised to complete the transaction. This reserve also holds the 
balances related to hedging.

94

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedNufarm Limited Annual Report 201829. Capital and reserves (continued)

Dividends

An interim dividend of five cents per share, totalling $16,379,929 was declared on 21 March 2018, and was paid (net of dividend 
re-investment program) on 4 May 2018 (2017: five cents per share, totalling $13,339,938).

A final dividend of six cents per share, totalling $19,662,299 was declared on 26 September 2018, and will be paid on 2 November 2018 
(2017: eight cents per share, totalling $21,414,801).

Distributions 

Distributions recognised in the current year by Nufarm Finance (NZ) Ltd on the Nufarm step-up securities* are:

2018
Distribution

Distribution

2017
Distribution

Distribution

Consolidated

Total 
amount  
$000

Distribution 
rate

Payment 
date

5.80%

5.87%

7,259 

16 Apr 2018

7,381 

16 Oct 2017

14,640 

5.89%

6.36%

7,372 

18 Apr 2017

7,997 

15 Oct 2016

15,369 

* Refer to discussion titled ‘Nufarm step-up securities’ in this note.

The distribution on the Nufarm step-up securities reported on the equity movement schedule has been reduced by the tax benefit on 
the gross distribution, giving an after-tax amount of $10.763 million (2017: $11.295 million).

Franking credit/(debit) balance
The amount of franking credits available for the subsequent financial year are:

Franking account balance as at the end of the year at 30 per cent (2017: 30 per cent)

Franking credits/(debits) that will arise from the payment of income tax payable/(refund)  
as at the end of the year

Credit/(debit) balance at 31 July

2018  
$000

2017  
$000

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

The ability to utilise the franking credits is dependent upon there being sufficient available profits to declare dividends. In accordance 
with the tax consolidation legislation, the company as the head entity in the tax-consolidated group has also assumed the benefit/
(obligation of $nil (2017: $nil)) franking credits/(debits).

95

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 201830. Earnings per share

Net profit/(loss) for the year

Net profit/(loss) attributable to non-controlling interest

Net profit/(loss) attributable to equity holders of the parent

Nufarm step-up securities distribution

Earnings/(loss) used in the calculations of basic and diluted earnings per share

Earnings/(loss) from continuing operations

Consolidated

2018  
$000

 (16,007)

 419 

 (15,588)

 (10,763)

 (26,351)

2017  
$000
 115,042 

 (575)

 114,467 

 (11,295)

 103,172 

 (26,351)

 103,172 

Subtract/(add back) items of material income/(expense) (refer note 6)

 (113,984)

 (21,356)

Earnings/(loss) excluding items of material income/(expense) used in the calculation of earnings  
per share excluding material items

 87,633 

 124,528 

For the purposes of determining basic and diluted earnings per share, the after-tax distributions on NSS are deducted from net profit.

Number of shares

Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in calculation of basic earnings per share

Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in calculation of diluted earnings per share

2018

2017
310,650,760 266,635,627
267,613,174

311,631,734

There have been no conversions to, calls of, or subscriptions for ordinary shares or issues of ordinary shares since the reporting date 
and before the completion of this financial report.

Earnings per share for continuing and discontinued operations

Basic earnings per share
From continuing operations

Diluted earnings per share
From continuing operations

Earnings per share (excluding items of material income/expense – see note 6)
Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

31. Financial risk management and financial instruments

The group has exposure to the following financial risks:

•  credit risk;

•  liquidity risk; and

•  market risk.

 Cents per share

2018

2017

 (8.5)

 (8.5)

 (8.5)

 (8.5)

28.2

28.1

 38.7 

 38.7 

 38.6 

 38.6 

46.7

46.5

The board of directors has responsibility to identify, assess, monitor and manage the material risks facing the group and to ensure that 
adequate identification, reporting and risk minimisation mechanisms are established and working effectively. To support and maintain 
this objective, the audit committee has established detailed policies on risk oversight and management by approving a global risk 
management charter that specifies the responsibilities of the general manager global risk management (which includes responsibility 
for the internal audit function). This charter also provides comprehensive global authority to conduct internal audits, risk reviews and 
system-based analyses of the internal controls in major business systems operating within all significant company entities worldwide.

The general manager global risk management reports to the chairman of the audit and risk committee and functionally to the chief 
financial officer. He provides a written report of his activities at each meeting of the audit and risk committee. In doing so he has direct 
and ongoing access to the chairman and members of the audit and risk committee.

96

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedNufarm Limited Annual Report 201831. Financial risk management and financial instruments (continued)

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 receivables from customers and other financial assets.

Exposure to credit risk

The group’s exposure to credit risk is influenced mainly by the individual characteristics of each customer. The demographics of the 
group’s customer base, including the default risk of the industry and country in which the customers operate, has less of an influence 
on credit risk.

The group has credit policies in place and the exposure to credit risk is monitored on an ongoing basis. Credit evaluations are performed 
on all customers before the group’s standard payment and delivery terms and conditions are offered. Purchase limits are established 
for each customer, which represents the maximum open amount without requiring further management approval.

The group’s maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date was:

Carrying amount
Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalent assets

Derivative contracts:

Assets

Consolidated

2018  
$000

 1,303,137 

 301,700 

2017  
$000
 1,121,164 

 235,145 

 5,339 

 17,053 

 1,610,176 

 1,373,362 

The group’s maximum exposure to credit risk for trade and other receivables at the reporting date by geographic region was:

Carrying amount
Australia/New Zealand

Asia

Europe

North America

South America

Trade and other receivables

Consolidated

2018  
$000

 210,914 

 30,557 

 430,792 

 125,685 

 505,189 

 1,303,137 

2017  
$000
 187,717 

 26,182 

 273,188 

 96,140 

 537,937 

 1,121,164 

The group’s top five customers account for $186.729 million of the trade receivables carrying amount at 31 July 2018 (2017: $127.732 million). 
These top five customers represent 15 per cent (2017: 12 per cent) of the total receivables.

Impairment losses

The ageing of the group’s customer trade receivables at the reporting date was:

Receivables ageing
Current

Past due – 0 to 90 days

Past due – 90 to 180 days

Past due – 180 to 360 days

Past due – more than one year

Provision for impairment

Trade receivables

Consolidated

2018  
$000

 1,017,819 

 109,279 

 10,987 

 9,884 

 59,329 

2017  
$000
 894,074 

 69,431 

 9,210 

 10,846 

 64,551 

 1,207,298 

 (36,546)

 1,048,112 

 (26,439)

 1,170,752 

 1,021,673 

Some receivables are secured by collateral from customers such as guarantees and charges on assets. In some countries credit insurance 
is undertaken to reduce credit risk. The past due receivables not impaired are considered recoverable.

In the crop protection industry, it is normal practice to vary the terms of sales depending on the climatic conditions experienced in 
each country.

97

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 201831. Financial risk management and financial instruments (continued)

Credit risk (continued)

Impairment losses (continued)

The movement in the allowance for impairment in respect of trade receivables during the year was as follows:

Balance at 1 August

Provisions made during the year

Provisions used during the year

Provisions acquired through business combinations

Exchange adjustment

Balance at 31 July

Consolidated

2018  
$000

 26,439 

 13,915 

 (1,772)

 – 

 (2,036)

 36,546 

2017  
$000
 36,127 

 7,372 

 (16,969)

 – 

 (91)

 26,439 

The allowance account for trade receivables is used to record the impairment losses unless the group is satisfied that no recovery of 
the amount owing is possible. At that point the amount is considered irrecoverable and is written off against the receivable directly.

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 will always have sufficient liquidity to meet its liabilities when due, under both normal and stressed conditions, without incurring 
unacceptable losses or risking damage to the group’s reputation.

Sales and operating profit are seasonal and are weighted towards the first half of the calendar year in Australia/New Zealand, 
North America and Europe, reflecting the planting and growing cycle in these regions while in Latin America the sales and operating 
profit is weighted towards the second half of the calendar year. This seasonal operating activity results in seasonal working 
capital requirements.

Principally, the group sources liquidity from cash generated from operations, and where required, external bank facilities. Working 
capital fluctuations due to seasonality of the business are supported by the short-term funding available from the group’s trade 
receivable securitisation facility.

Debt facilities

As at 31 July 2018, the key group facilities include a group trade receivables securitisation facility, a US$475 million senior unsecured notes 
offering due in April 2026 (31 July 2017: US$325 million), and a senior secured bank facility of $645 million (31 July 2017: $505 million).

During the year ended 31 July 2018, the group completed the refinancing of the US$325 million senior unsecured notes due in October 
2019. The 2019 notes were redeemed from investors in May 2018 through the issuance of US$475 million senior unsecured notes due in 
April 2026 with a fixed coupon component of 5.75 per cent (‘2026 notes’). The 2026 notes were issued under a dual tranche structure 
by Nufarm Australia Ltd (US$266 million) and Nufarm Americas Inc (US$209 million).

On 27 July 2018 the group closed an unsecured and non-convertible BRL 200 million debenture. Issued by Nufarm Industria Quimica 
e Farma (Nufarm Brazil), the floating rate debenture matures in July 2021 and is governed by two group covenants that are measured 
and reported at 31 July each year. The proceeds have been used to repay existing bank debt and extend Brazil’s weighted average 
debt maturity profile.

On 24 January 2018 the group upsized its senior secured bank facility (SFA) to $665 million. In April 2018 the group elected to reduce 
this by $20 million. At 31 July 2018 the facility size was $645 million (31 July 2017: $505 million). Of this, $645 million is due in January 2021 
(31 July 2017: $30 million is due in January 2018, $435 million is due in January 2019, and $40 million is due in January 2021). The SFA 
includes covenants of a type normally associated with facilities of this kind, and the group was in compliance with these covenants. 
The facility is drawn to $404.843 million at 31 July 2018 (31 July 2017: undrawn).

On 23 August 2011, Nufarm executed a group trade receivables securitisation facility. The facility provides funding that aligns with the 
working capital cycle of the company. The facility limit varies on a monthly basis to reflect the cyclical nature of the trade receivables 
being used to secure funding under the program. The monthly facility limit is set at $375 million for five months of the financial year, 
$300 million for three months of the financial year, $275 million for one month of the financial year and $175 million for three months 
of the financial year (31 July 2017: facility limit is set at $300 million for four months of the financial year, $375 million for three months 
of the financial year, and at $225 million for five months of the financial year).

The majority of debt facilities that reside outside the notes, SFA and the group trade receivables securitisation facility are regional working 
capital facilities, primarily located in Latin America and Europe, which at 31 July 2018 totalled $601.765 million (2017: $527.793 million). 

98

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedNufarm Limited Annual Report 201831. Financial risk management and financial instruments (continued)

Liquidity risk (continued)

Debt facilities (continued)

At 31 July 2018, the group had access to debt of $2,185 million (2017: $1,740 million) under the notes, SFA, group trade receivables 
securitisation facility and with other lenders.

A parent guarantee is provided to support working capital facilities in Europe, South America and the notes.

Trade finance

The liquidity of the group is influenced by the terms suppliers extend in respect of purchases of goods and services. The determination 
of terms provided by suppliers is influenced by a variety of factors including supplier’s liquidity. Suppliers may engage financial 
institutions to facilitate the receipt of payments for goods and services from the group, which are often referred to as supplier financing 
arrangements. The group is aware that trade payables of $327.123 million at 31 July 2018 (2017: $255.838 million) are to be settled via 
such arrangements in future periods. In the event suppliers or financial institutions cease such arrangements the liquidity of the group’s 
suppliers may be affected. If suppliers subsequently seek to reduce terms on the group’s purchases of goods and services in the future, 
the group’s liquidity will be affected. Details of the group’s trade and other payables are disclosed in note 24.

To support the liquidity of the group and reduce the credit risk relating to specific customers, trade receivables held by the group are 
sold to third parties. The sales (or factoring) of receivables to third parties is primarily done on a non-recourse basis, and the group 
incurs a financing expense at the time of the sale. The group derecognises trade receivables where the terms of the sale allows for 
derecognition. At 31 July 2018 the group estimates $74.644 million (2017: $49.312 million) of derecognised trade receivables were 
being held by third parties. For clarity, the group trade receivables securitisation facility, noted above, has terms which does not 
allow the group to derecognise these trade receivables.

Contractual maturities

The following are the contractual maturities of the group’s financial liabilities:

Consolidated 2018

Non-derivative financial liabilities
Bank overdrafts

Trade and other payables

Bank loans – secured

Bank loans – unsecured

Brazil unsecured notes

Senior unsecured notes

Other loans – unsecured 

Finance lease liabilities – secured

Derivative financial liabilities
Derivatives used for hedging:

Outflow

Inflow

Other derivative contracts:

Outflow

Inflow

Derivative financial assets
Derivatives used for hedging:

Outflow

Inflow

Other derivative contracts:

Outflow

Inflow

Carrying 
amount  
$000

Contractual 
cash flows  
$000

Less than 
1 year  
$000

1–2 years  
$000

 More than 
2 years  
$000

 7,357 

 7,357 

 7,357 

 1,139,046 

 1,139,046 

 1,128,246 

 – 

 14 

 – 

 10,786 

 795,747 

 825,915 

 410,035 

 7,433 

 408,447 

 161,695 

 71,610 

 174,911 

 92,351 

 142,212 

 29,933 

 2,766 

 6,939 

 6,939 

 78,473 

 638,613 

 933,088 

 37,434 

 36,720 

 858,934 

 3,559 

 12,593 

 3,559 

 94,484 

 1,303 

 1,640 

 2,256 

 1,664 

 – 

 91,180 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 3,024 

 523,446 

 523,446 

 – 

 (517,878)

 (517,878)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 843,835 

 843,835 

 (5,339)

 (852,737)

 (852,737)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 2,827,905 

 3,267,377 

 1,731,832 

 84,959 

 1,450,586 

99

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 201831. Financial risk management and financial instruments (continued)

Liquidity risk (continued)

Contractual maturities (continued)

Consolidated 2017

Non-derivative financial liabilities
Bank overdrafts

Trade and other payables

Bank loans – secured

Bank loans – unsecured

Unsecured note issues

Other loans – unsecured 

Finance lease liabilities – secured

Derivative financial liabilities
Derivatives used for hedging:

Outflow

Inflow

Other derivative contracts:

Outflow

Inflow

Derivative financial assets
Derivatives used for hedging:

Outflow

Inflow

Other derivative contracts:

Outflow

Inflow

Carrying 
amount  
$000

Contractual 
cash flows  
$000

Less than 
1 year  
$000

1–2 years  
$000

 More than 
2 years  
$000

 11,384 

 830,230 

 326,011 

 164,412 

 11,384 

 830,230 

 342,082 

 11,384 

 820,249 

 318,101 

 181,624 

 140,844 

 403,537 

 468,389 

 25,941 

 3,495 

 11,811 

 3,495 

 89,991 

 1,231 

 1,528 

 – 

 17 

 19,551 

 40,780 

 25,941 

 2,264 

 1,571 

 – 

 9,964 

 4,430 

 – 

 416,507 

 – 

 86,892 

 2,815 

 – 

 924 

 – 

 418 

 – 

 6,118 

 215,422 

 215,422 

 – 

 (210,956)

 (210,956)

 418 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 88 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 145,167 

 (11,125)

 (162,984)

 7,539 

 (9,107)

 7,539 

 (9,107)

 130,089 

 (144,770)

 – 

 383,789 

 383,789 

 (5,928)

 (388,536)

 (388,536)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 1,742,760 

 1,910,021 

 1,317,847 

 88,974 

 503,200

Interest on borrowings is denominated in currencies that match the cash flows generated by the underlying operations of the group. 
This provides an economic hedge and no derivatives are used to manage the exposure.

Market risk

Market risk is the risk that changes in market prices, such as foreign exchange rates, interest rates and equity prices will affect the 
group’s income or the value of its holdings of financial instruments. The objective of market risk management is to manage and control 
market risk exposures within acceptable parameters, while optimising the return.

Currency risk

The group uses financial instruments to manage specifically identified foreign currency risk on sales, purchases and borrowings that are 
denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the individual group entity. The currencies giving rise to this risk include 
the US dollar, the euro, the British pound, the Australian dollar, the New Zealand dollar and the Brazilian real. Financial instruments used 
by the group to manage currency risks include derivative instruments such as foreign exchange contracts, cross currency interest rate 
swaps and options, and non-derivative instruments such as foreign currency debt instruments. The group designates select financial 
instruments for hedge accounting where it is deemed appropriate to do so.

The group completed the refinancing of the existing US$325 million senior unsecured notes due in October 2019 during April. The 2019 
notes were redeemed through the issuance of US$475 million senior unsecured notes due in April 2026 as a dual tranche issuance by 
Nufarm Australia Ltd and Nufarm Americas Inc. Currency risk related to the notes is managed using foreign exchange contracts.

The group uses financial instruments to manage foreign currency translation risk arising from the group’s net investments in foreign 
currency subsidiary entities. These financial instruments are designated as net investment hedges for hedge accounting purposes. 
No ineffectiveness was recognised from net investment hedges during the reporting periods.

For accounting purposes, the group has not designated any other derivative financial instruments in hedge relationships and all 
movements in fair value are recognised in profit or loss during the period. The net fair value of derivative financial instruments in the 
group, not designated as being in a hedge relationship, used as economic hedges of forecast transactions at 31 July 2018 was 
a $2.315 million asset (2017: $0.190 million liability) comprising assets of $5.339 million (2017: $5.928 million) and liabilities of 
$3.024 million (2017: $6.118 million).

100

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedNufarm Limited Annual Report 201831. Financial risk management and financial instruments (continued)

Market risk (continued)

Currency risk (continued)

Exposure to currency risk

The group’s exposure to major foreign currency risks at balance date are as follows. The exposures are calculated based on locally 
reported net foreign currency exposures, and are presented net of open derivative financial instruments. The analysis is performed on 
the same basis as the previous financial year.

Consolidated 2018

Functional currency of group operation
Australian dollars

US dollars

Euro

British pound

Brazilian real

Consolidated 2017

Functional currency of group operation
Australian dollars

US dollars

Euro

British pound

Brazilian real

Sensitivity analysis

Net financial assets/(liabilities)  
– by currency of denomination

AUD  
$000

USD  
$000

Euro  
$000

GBP  
$000

 – 

 37,906 

 21,682 

 (1,392)

 2,447 

 97 

 (268)

 – 

 2,276 

 – 

 25,836 

 10,533 

 (7,056)

 67,219 

 (3)

 – 

 (6,569)

 – 

 – 

 4,625 

 – 

 – 

 15,110 

 3,233 

Net financial assets/(liabilities)  
– by currency of denomination

AUD  
$000

USD  
$000

Euro  
$000

 – 

 12,688 

 2,408 

 (268)

 – 

 14,828 

 322 

 – 

 20,033 

 (4,827)

 15,001 

 30,529 

 2,921 

 – 

 – 

 23,382 

 – 

 26,303 

 (2,502)

GBP  
$000

 (3,410)

 – 

 908 

 – 

 – 

Based on the aforementioned group’s net financial assets/(liabilities) at 31 July 2018, a 1 percent strengthening or weakening of the 
following currencies at 31 July 2018 would have increased/(decreased) profit or loss by the amounts shown below. This analysis 
assumes all other variables, including interest rates, remain constant. The analysis is performed on the same basis for 31 July 2017.

Strengthening

Weakening

Strengthening

Weakening

Profit or (loss) 
after tax 2018  
$000

Profit or (loss) 
after tax 2018  
$000

Profit or (loss) 
after tax 2017  
$000

Profit or (loss) 
after tax 2017  
$000

Currency movement
One per cent change in the Australian dollar exchange rate

One per cent change in the US dollar exchange rate

One per cent change in the Euro exchange rate

One per cent change in the GBP exchange rate

One per cent change in the BRL exchange rate

 (388)

 503 

 (108)

 (3)

 49 

 391 

 (498)

 107 

 3 

 (49)

 104 

 20 

 21 

 (146)

 (105)

 (105)

 (20)

 (20)

 144 

 104 

The group’s financial asset and liability profile may not remain constant, and therefore these sensitivities should be used with care.

The following significant exchange rates applied during the year:

AUD
US Dollar

Euro

GBP

BRL

Average rate

Reporting date

2018

 0.774 

 0.648 

 0.574 

 2.583 

2017
 0.754 

 0.690 

 0.593 

 2.433 

2018

 0.744 

 0.635 

 0.567 

 2.793 

2017
 0.799 

 0.675 

 0.605 

 2.501 

101

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 201831. Financial risk management and financial instruments (continued)

Interest rate risk

The group’s exposure to the risk of changes in market interest rates primarily relates to the group’s debt obligations that have floating 
interest rates. This risk is mitigated by maintaining a level of fixed and floating rate borrowings, as well as the ability to use derivative 
financial instruments when deemed appropriate to do so.

The majority of the group’s debt is raised under central borrowing programs. The A$645 million syndicated bank facility and the 
group trade receivables securitisation facility are considered floating rate facilities. The group completed the refinancing of the existing 
US$325 million senior unsecured notes due in October 2019 during April 2018. The former notes were refinanced through the issuance 
of US$475 million senior unsecured notes due in April 2026 with a fixed coupon component.

Interest rate risk on Nufarm step-up securities

The distribution rate is the average mid-rate for bank bills with a term of six months plus a margin of 3.90 per cent (2017: 3.90 per cent).

Profile

At the reporting date the interest rate profile of the group’s interest-bearing financial instruments were:

Carrying amount

Variable rate instruments
Financial assets

Financial liabilities

Fixed rate instruments
Financial assets

Financial liabilities

Consolidated 

2018  
$000

2017  
$000

 46,165 

 18,017 

 (969,870)

 (787,729)

 (923,705)

 (769,712)

 – 

 (642,337)

 (642,337)

 – 

 (121,537)

 (121,537)

Sensitivity analysis for variable rate instruments

A change of 100 basis points in interest rates at the reporting date would have increased/(decreased) profit or loss by the amounts 
shown below. This analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular foreign currency rates, remain constant. The sensitivity is 
calculated on the debt at 31 July 2018. Due to the seasonality of the crop protection business, debt levels can vary during the year. 
The analysis is performed on the same basis for 31 July 2017.

Profit or loss

2018
Variable rate instruments

Total sensitivity

2017
Variable rate instruments

Total sensitivity

Fair values

100bp 
increase  
$000

100bp 
decrease  
$000

 (9,237)

 (9,237)

 9,237 

 9,237 

 (7,697)

 (7,697)

 7,697 

 7,697 

All financial assets and financial liabilities, other than derivatives, are initially recognised at the fair value of consideration paid or 
received, net of transaction costs as appropriate, and subsequently carried at fair value or amortised cost, as indicated in the tables 
below. Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value on the date the contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured at 
their fair value. 

The financial assets and liabilities are presented by class in the tables below at their carrying values, which generally approximate 
to the fair values. In the case of the centrally managed fixed rate debt not swapped to floating rate totalling $642.337 million 
(2017: $125.257 million), the fair value at 31 July 2018 is $618.389 million (2017: $130.324 million).

102

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedNufarm Limited Annual Report 201831. Financial risk management and financial instruments (continued)

Fair values (continued)

Consolidated 2018
Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables excluding derivatives

Equity securities – available-for-sale

Forward exchange contracts:

Assets

Liabilities

Interest rate swaps:

Assets

Liabilities

Trade and other payables excluding derivatives

Bank overdraft

Secured bank loans

Unsecured bank loans

Brazil unsecured notes

Senior unsecured notes 

Other loans

Finance leases

Consolidated 2017
Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables excluding derivatives

Equity securities – available-for-sale

Forward exchange contracts:

Assets

Liabilities

Interest rate swaps:

Assets

Liabilities

Trade and other payables excluding derivatives

Bank overdraft

Secured bank loans

Unsecured bank loans

Senior unsecured notes(a)

Other loans

Finance leases

Carried at 
fair value 
through 
profit or 
loss $000

Derivatives 
used for 
hedging  
$000

Financial 
assets/
liabilities at 
amortised 
cost  
$000

Total  
$000

Available 
-for-sale  
$000

Note

15 

16 

20 

16 

24 

16 

24 

24 

15 

25 

25 

25 

25 

25 

25 

Note

15 

16 

20 

16 

24 

16 

24 

24 

15 

25 

25 

25 

25 

25 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 2,500 

 (3,024)

 2,839 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 2,315 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 301,700 

 301,700 

 1,303,137 

 1,303,137 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 2,500 

 (3,024)

 2,839 

 – 

 (1,139,046)

 (1,139,046)

 (7,357)

 (7,357)

 (795,747)

 (795,747)

 (161,695)

 (161,695)

 (71,610)

 (71,610)

 (638,613)

 (638,613)

 (3,559)

 (3,559)

 (12,593)

 (12,593)

 (1,225,383)

 (1,223,068)

Carried at 
fair value 
through 
profit or 
loss $000
 – 

Derivatives 
used for 
hedging  
$000
 – 

Available 
-for-sale  
$000
 – 

Financial 
assets/
liabilities at 
amortised 
cost  
$000
 235,145 

Total  
$000
 235,145 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 5,928 

 (5,454)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 (664)

 11,125 

 (2,815)

 1,121,164 

 1,121,164 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 5,928 

 (5,454)

 11,125 

 (3,479)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 (830,230)

 (830,230)

 (11,384)

 (326,011)

 (164,412)

 (11,384)

 (326,011)

 (164,412)

 (403,537)

 (403,537)

 (3,495)

 (11,811)

 (3,495)

 (11,811)

 (190)

 8,310 

 (394,571)

 (386,451)

(a) Includes $278.281 million of centrally managed fixed rate debt swapped to floating rate under fair value hedges, and is consequently fair valued for interest rate risk.

103

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 201831. Financial risk management and financial instruments (continued)

Fair values (continued)

Fair value hierarchy

The table below analyses financial instruments carried at fair value, by valuation method. The different levels have been defined 
as follows:

•  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); and

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

Consolidated 2018
Derivative financial assets

Derivative financial liabilities

Consolidated 2017
Derivative financial assets

Derivative financial liabilities

Level 1  
$000

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

Level 1  
$000
 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

Level 2  
$000

 5,339 

 5,339 

 (3,024)

 (3,024)

Level 2  
$000
 17,053 

 17,053 

 (8,933)

 (8,933)

Level 3  
$000

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

Level 3  
$000
 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

Total  
$000

 5,339 

 5,339 

 (3,024)

 (3,024)

Total  
$000
 17,053 

 17,053 

 (8,933)

 (8,933)

There have been no transfers between levels in either 2018 or 2017.

Valuation techniques used to derive fair values

The fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market (for example, over-the-counter derivatives) is determined 
using valuation techniques. These valuation techniques maximise the use of observable market data where it is available and rely as 
little as possible on entity specific estimates. If all significant inputs required to fair value an instrument are observable, the instrument is 
included in level 2.

Specific valuation techniques used to value financial instruments include:

•  The use of quoted market prices or dealer quotes for similar instruments.

•  The fair value of interest rate swaps is calculated as the present value of the estimated future cash flows based on observable 

yield curves.

•  The fair value of forward foreign exchange contracts is determined using forward exchange rates at the balance sheet date.

•  Other techniques, such as discounted cash flow analysis, are used to determine fair value for the remaining financial instruments.

Capital management

The board’s policy is to maintain a strong capital base so as to maintain investor, creditor and market confidence and to sustain future 
development of the business. The board of directors monitors the group’s return on funds employed (ROFE). Return is calculated on the 
group’s earnings before interest and tax and adjusted for any material items. Funds employed is defined as shareholder’s funds plus 
total interest bearing debt. The board of directors determines the level of dividends to ordinary shareholders and reviews the group’s 
total shareholder return with similar groups.

The board believes ROFE is an appropriate performance condition as it ensures management is focused on the efficient use of capital 
and the measure remains effective regardless of the mix of equity and debt, which may change from time to time. ROFE objectives are 
set by the board at the beginning of each year. There is a target and a stretch hurdle. These numbers will be based on the budget and 
growth strategy. The ROFE return for the year ended 31 July 2018 was 9.4 per cent (2017: 13.6 per cent).

104

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedNufarm Limited Annual Report 201831. Financial risk management and financial instruments (continued)

Capital management (continued)

The reduction in ROFE in the year ended 31 July 2018 results from:

•  a lower level of profitability; and

•  the group undertook two significant acquisitions during the year (refer note 14) and the financial statements only reflect earnings since 

the acquisition date.

There were no changes in the group’s approach to capital management during the year.

32. Operating leases

Non-cancellable operating lease rentals are payable as follows:

Not later than one year

Later than one year but not later than two years

Later than two years but not later than five years

Later than five years

Consolidated

2018  
$000

 13,036 

 10,583 

 19,000 

 139,440 

 182,059 

2017  
$000
 10,778 

 8,927 

 18,682 

 124,012 

 162,399 

Operating leases are generally entered to access the use of shorter term assets such as motor vehicles, mobile plant and office 
equipment. Rentals are fixed for the duration of these leases. There is a small number of leases for office properties. These rentals have 
regular reviews based on market rentals at the time of review. 

33. Capital commitments

The group had contractual obligations to purchase plant and equipment for $5.394 million at 31 July 2018 (2017: $7.373 million).

34. Contingencies

The directors are of the opinion that provisions are not required in respect of the following matters, as it is not probable that a future 
sacrifice of economic benefits will be required or the amount is not capable of reliable measurement.

Environmental guarantee given to the purchaser of land and buildings at Genneviliers for EUR 8.5 million. 

Insurance bond for EUR 2.789 million established to make certain capital expenditures  
at Gaillon plant in France.

Brazilian taxation proceedings

Brazilian taxation proceedings – hedge costs deductibility

Brazilian taxation proceedings – goodwill deductibility

Other bank guarantees

Contingent liabilities

Brazilian taxation proceedings

Consolidated

2018  
$000

 13,386 

2017  
$000
 12,593 

 4,393 

 4,132 

 31,554 

 20,559 

 8,874 

 5,400 

 29,739 

 16,200 

 219 

 316 

 88,165 

 59,200 

As at 31 July 2018, the total contingent liability relating to future potential tax liabilities (excluding the goodwill and hedge cases) in Brazil 
is $31.554 million (2017: $20.559 million). The group considers that it is not probable that a liability will arise in respect of these cases 
and it continues to defend the cases. 

105

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 201834. Contingencies (continued)

Brazilian taxation proceedings – goodwill deductibility

The Brazilian tax authorities are challenging the validity of goodwill deductions, in respect of certain years, arising from Nufarm’s 
acquisition of Agripec (now known as Nufarm Brazil). 

There are six levels of Brazilian courts (three levels of administrative court and three levels of judicial court), and Brazilian tax disputes 
can take 10–15 years to be settled. This dispute has been ongoing since 2013, during which period the following events have occurred: 

•  2014 unfavourable decision at first level of administrative court

•  2017 favourable decision at second level of administrative court

•  2018 unfavourable decision at third level of administrative court

The contingent liability has been estimated based on assessments received. Nufarm considers that it is not probable that a liability will 
arise in respect of these assessments. It is possible that further assessments could be received in future periods.

Brazilian taxation proceedings – hedge costs deductibility

The Brazilian tax authorities are challenging the deductibility of hedge costs incurred in 2008. Nufarm received unfavourable decisions 
at the first and second levels of administrative court, but considers that it is not probable that a liability will arise in respect of this matter. 
The contingent liability has been estimated based on an assessment received.

In the event any of the contingent Brazilian tax obligations crystallise, it will result in a tax asset write-off and the tax liability will be 
settled using a combination of remaining recognised and unrecognised tax assets (refer note 18) and/or cash.

Contingent asset 

The group holds a contingent asset in respect of potential pre-acquisition tax credits of its Brazilian business acquired in 2007. Whilst the 
credits are deemed to be valid, the Brazilian courts are currently deliberating the value of the credits and therefore the full amount of 
this contingent asset is yet to be established. Such credits can be used to offset future federal tax payable.

Notes

Place of 
incorporation

Percentage of shares held

2018

2017

(a) 

(a) 

(a) 

(a) 

 Australia 

 Australia 

 USA 

 Australia 

 Australia 

 USA 

 New Zealand 

(a) 

 Australia 

 United Kingdom 

 United Kingdom 

(a) 

(a) 

 Australia 

 Brazil 

 Australia 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 51 

 100 

35. Group entities

Parent entity
Nufarm Limited – ultimate controlling entity

Subsidiaries
Access Genetics Pty Ltd

Agcare Biotech Pty Ltd

Agchem Receivables Corporation

Agryl Holdings Limited

Ag-seed Research Pty Ltd

Agturf Inc

AH Marks (New Zealand) Limited

AH Marks Australia Pty Ltd

AH Marks Holdings Limited

AH Marks Pensions Scottish Limited Partnership

Artfern Pty Ltd

Atlantica Sementes SA

Australis Services Pty Ltd

106

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedNufarm Limited Annual Report 201835. Group entities (continued)

Bestbeech Pty Ltd

Chemicca Limited

CNG Holdings BV

Crop Care Australasia Pty Ltd

Crop Care Holdings Limited

Croplands Equipment Limited

Croplands Equipment Pty Ltd

Danestoke Pty Ltd

Edgehill Investments Pty Ltd

Fchem (Aust) Limited 

Fernz Canada Limited

Fidene Limited

First Classic Pty Ltd

Framchem SA

Frost Technology Corporation

Greenfarm Hellas Trade of Chemical Products SA

Growell Limited

Grupo Corporativo Nufarm SA

Laboratoire European de Biotechnologie s.a.s

Le Moulin des Ecluses s.a

Lefroy Seeds Pty Ltd

Manaus Holdings Sdn Bhd

Marman (Nufarm) Inc

Marman de Guatemala Sociedad Anomima

Marman de Mexico Sociedad Anomima De Capital Variable

Marman Holdings LLC

Masmart Pty Ltd

Mastra Corporation Pty Ltd

Mastra Corporation Sdn Bhd

Mastra Corporation USA Pty Ltd

Mastra Holdings Sdn Bhd

Mastra Industries Sdn Bhd

Medisup Securities Limited

Midstates Agri Services Inc

NF Agriculture Inc

Nufarm Africa SARL AU

Nufarm Agriculture (Pty) Ltd

Nufarm Agriculture Inc

Nufarm Agriculture Zimbabwe (Pvt) Ltd

Nufarm Americas Holding Company

Nufarm Americas Inc

Nufarm Asia Sdn Bhd

Nufarm Australia Limited

Nufarm Bulgaria

Nufarm BV

Nufarm Canada Receivables Partnership

Notes

Place of 
incorporation

Percentage of shares held

2018

2017

(a) 

(a) 

(a) 

(a) 

(a) 

(a) 

(a) 

 Australia 

 Australia 

 Netherlands 

 Australia 

 New Zealand 

 New Zealand 

 Australia 

 Australia 

 Australia 

 Australia 

 Canada 

 New Zealand 

(a) 

 Australia 

 Egypt 

 USA 

 Greece 

 United Kingdom 

 Guatemala 

(a) 

(a) 

(a) 

(a) 

(a) 

(a) 

 France 

 France 

 Australia 

 Malaysia 

 USA 

 Guatemala 

 Mexico 

 USA 

 Australia 

 Australia 

 Malaysia 

 Australia 

 Malaysia 

 Malaysia 

 Australia 

 USA 

 USA 

 Morocco 

 South Africa 

 Canada 

 Zimbabwe 

 USA 

 USA 

 Malaysia 

 Australia 

 Bulgaria 

 Netherlands 

 Canada 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

107

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 201835. Group entities (continued)

Nufarm Chemical (Shanghai) Co Ltd

Nufarm Chile Limitada

Nufarm Colombia S.A. 

Nufarm Crop Products UK Limited

Nufarm Cropcare Private Limited

Nufarm Costa Rica Inc. SA

Nufarm de Guatemala SA

Nufarm de Mexico Sa de CV

Nufarm de Panama SA

Nufarm de Venezuela SA

Nufarm del Ecuador SA

Nufarm Deutschland GmbH

Nufarm do Brazil Ltda

Nufarm Espana SA 

Nufarm Europe GmbH

Nufarm Finance BV

Nufarm Finance (NZ) Limited

Nufarm GmbH

Nufarm GmbH & Co KG

Nufarm Grupo Mexico S DE RL DE CV

Nufarm Holdings (NZ) Limited

Nufarm Holdings BV

Nufarm Holdings s.a.s

Nufarm Hong Kong Investments Ltd

Nufarm Hungaria Kft

Nufarm Inc

Nufarm Industria Quimica e Farmaceutica SA

Nufarm Insurance Pte Ltd

Nufarm Investments Cooperatie WA

Nufarm Italia srl

Nufarm KK

Nufarm Korea Ltd

Nufarm Labuan Pte Ltd

Nufarm Limited

Nufarm Malaysia Sdn Bhd

Nufarm Materials Limited

Nufarm NZ Limited

Nufarm Pensions General Partner Ltd

Nufarm Pensions Scottish Limited Partnership

Nufarm Peru SAC

Nufarm Platte Pty Ltd

Nufarm Polska SP.Z O.O

Nufarm Portugal LDA

Nufarm Romania SRL

Nufarm s.a.s 

Nufarm SA

Nufarm Services (Singapore) Pte Ltd

Nufarm Services Sdn Bhd

Nufarm Suisse Sarl

Nufarm Technologies (M) Sdn Bhd 

108

Notes

Place of 
incorporation

Percentage of shares held

2018

2017

 China 

 Chile 

 Colombia 

 United Kingdom 

 India 

 Costa Rica 

 Guatemala 

 Mexico 

 Panama 

 Venezuela 

 Ecuador 

 Germany 

 Brazil 

 Spain 

 Germany 

 Netherlands 

 New Zealand 

 Austria 

 Austria 

 Mexico 

 New Zealand 

 Netherlands 

 France 

 Hong Kong 

 Hungary 

 USA 

 Brazil 

 Singapore 

 Netherlands 

 Italy 

 Japan 

 Korea 

 Malaysia 

 United Kingdom 

 Malaysia 

 Australia 

 New Zealand 

 United Kingdom 

 United Kingdom 

 Peru 

 Australia 

 Poland 

 Portugal 

 Romania 

 France 

 Argentina 

 Singapore 

 Malaysia 

 Switzerland 

 Malaysia 

(a) 

(a) 

(b) 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 – 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 – 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedNufarm Limited Annual Report 201835. Group entities (continued)

Nufarm Technologies USA

Nufarm Technologies USA Pty Ltd

Nufarm Treasury Pty Ltd

Nufarm Turkey Import & Trade of Chemical Products LLP

Nufarm UK Limited

Nufarm Ukraine LLC

Nufarm Uruguay SA

Nufarm USA Inc

Nugrain Pty Ltd

Nuseed Americas Inc

Nuseed Canada Inc

Nuseed Europe Holding Company Ltd

Nuseed Europe Ltd

Nuseed Global Holdings Pty Ltd

Nuseed Global Innovation

Nuseed Holding Company

Nuseed International Holdings Pty Ltd

Nuseed Mexico SA De CV

Nuseed Omega Holdings Pty Ltd

Nuseed Pty Ltd

Nuseed Russia LLC

Nuseed SA

Nuseed Serbia d.o.o.

Nuseed South America Sementes Ltda

Nuseed Ukraine LLC

Nuseed Uruguay

Nutrihealth Grains Pty Ltd

Nutrihealth Pty Ltd

Opti-Crop Systems Pty Ltd

Pharma Pacific Pty Ltd

PT Agrow

PT Crop Care

PT Nufamindo Agro Mukmur

PT Nufarm Indonesia

Richardson Seeds Ltd

Seeds 2000 Argentina SRL

Selchem Pty Ltd

Societe Des Ecluses la Garenne s.a.s

Notes

Place of 
incorporation

 New Zealand 

(a) 

(a) 

 Australia 

 Australia 

 United Kingdom 

 United Kingdom 

 Ukraine 

 Uruguay 

 USA 

(a) 

 Australia 

 USA 

 Canada 

 United Kingdom 

 United Kingdom 

 Australia 

 United Kingdom 

 USA 

 Australia 

 Mexico 

 Australia 

 Australia 

 Russia 

 Argentina 

 Serbia 

 Brazil 

 Ukraine 

 Uruguay 

 Australia 

 Australia 

 Australia 

 Australia 

 Indonesia 

 Indonesia 

 Indonesia 

 Indonesia 

 USA 

 Argentina 

 Australia 

 France 

(a) 

(a) 

(a) 

(a) 

(a) 

Percentage of shares held

2018

2017

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 75 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 – 

 100 

 100 

 – 

 100 

 100 

 – 

 100 

 – 

 100 

 – 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 75 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

 100 

(a)  These entities have entered into a deed of cross guarantee dated 21 June 2006 with Nufarm Limited which provides that all parties to the deed will guarantee to each creditor 

payment in full of any debt of each company participating in the deed on winding-up of that company. As a result of a class order issued by the Australian Securities and Investment 
Commission, these companies are relieved from the requirement to prepare financial statements.

36. Deed of cross guarantee

Under ASIC Corporations (Wholly owned Companies) Instrument 2016/785, the Australian wholly-owned subsidiaries referred to 
in note 35 are relieved from the Corporations Act 2001 requirements for preparation, audit and lodgement of financial reports and 
director’s reports.

It is a condition of the class order that the company and each of the subsidiaries enter into a deed of cross guarantee. The parent entity 
and all the Australian controlled entities have entered into a deed of cross guarantee dated 21 June 2006 which provides that all parties 
to the deed will guarantee to each creditor payment in full of any debt of each company participating in the deed on winding-up of 
that company.

109

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 201836. Deed of cross guarantee (continued)

A consolidated income statement and consolidated balance sheet, comprising the company and controlled entities which are a party 
to the deed, after eliminating all transactions between parties to the deed of cross guarantee, at 31 July 2018 is set out as follows:

Summarised income statement and retained profits
Profit/(loss) before income tax expense

Income tax expense

Net profit attributable to members of the closed group

Retained profits at the beginning of the period

Dividends paid

Retained profits at the end of the period

Balance sheet

Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Inventories

Current tax assets

Other Investments

Total current assets

Non-current assets
Trade and other receivables

Investments in equity accounted investees

Other investments

Deferred tax assets

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Total non-current assets

TOTAL ASSETS

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables

Loans and borrowings

Employee benefits

Current tax payable

Provision

Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities
Payables

Loans and borrowings

Deferred tax liabilities

Employee benefits

Total non-current liabilities

TOTAL LIABILITIES

NET ASSETS

Equity
Share capital

Reserves

Retained earnings

TOTAL EQUITY

110

Consolidated

2018  
$000

 (111,228)

 (15,580)

 (126,808)

 104,527 

 (37,795)

 (60,076)

2017  
$000
 90,088 

 (3,921)

 86,167 

 50,356 

 (31,996)

 104,527 

 58,242 

 1,054,010 

 362,117 

 5,272 

 – 

 38,937 

 612,104 

 201,272 

 4,716 

 – 

 1,479,641 

 857,029 

 – 

 411 

 11,212 

 334 

 1,520,249 

 1,223,734 

 43,359 

 108,367 

 149,575 

 68,318 

 130,312 

 145,596 

 1,821,961 

 1,579,506 

 3,301,602 

 2,436,535 

 982,143 

 630,355 

 (3,182)

 7,689 

 1,861 

 6,542 

 133 

 8,294 

 2,242 

 7,848 

 995,053 

 648,872 

 – 

 662,266 

 12,066 

 9,489 

 2,815 

 401,391 

 17,674 

 8,787 

 683,821 

 430,667 

 1,678,874 

 1,079,539 

 1,622,728 

 1,356,996 

 1,603,992 

 1,156,688 

 78,812 

 (60,076)

 95,781 

 104,527 

 1,622,728 

 1,356,996

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedNufarm Limited Annual Report 201837. Parent entity disclosures

Result of the parent entity
Profit/(loss) for the period

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive profit/(loss) for the period

Financial position of the parent entity at year end
Current assets

Total assets

Current liabilities

Total liabilities

Total equity of the parent entity comprising of:
Share capital

Reserves

Accumulated losses

Retained Earnings(a)

Total equity

Company

2018  
$000

 84,758 

 468 

 85,226 

2017  
$000

 7,554 

 375 

 7,929 

 1,529,926 

 1,037,191 

 1,880,129 

 1,389,289 

 171,985 

 171,301 

 171,450 

 170,275 

 1,537,502 

 1,090,197 

 36,611 

 (31,536)

 166,251 

 41,065 

 (31,536)

 119,288 

 1,708,828 

 1,219,014 

(a)  Retained earnings comprises the transfer of net profit for the year and are characterised as profits available for distribution as dividends in future years. Dividends amounting 

to $37.795 million (2017: $31.996 million) were distributed from the retained earnings during the year.

Parent entity contingencies

The parent entity is one of the guarantors of the senior secured bank facility (SFA) and would be obliged, along with the other guarantors, 
to make payment on the SFA in the unlikely event of a default by one of the borrowers. The parent entity also provides guarantees to 
support several of the regional working capital facilities located in Latin America and Europe, and the senior unsecured notes.

Parent entity capital commitments for acquisition of property, plant and equipment

There are no capital commitments for the parent entity in 2018 or 2017.

111

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 201838. Related parties

(a) Transactions with related parties in the wholly-owned group

The parent entity entered into the following transactions during the year with subsidiaries of the group:

•  loans were advanced and repayments received on short term intercompany accounts; and

•  management fees were received from several wholly-owned controlled entities.

These transactions were undertaken on commercial terms and conditions.

(b) Transactions with associated parties

Excel Crop Care Ltd(1)

F&N joint ventures(1)

Sumitomo Chemical Company Ltd

Purchases from

Trade payable

Sales to 

Trade payable

Trade receivable

Sales to 

Purchases from

Trade receivable

Trade payable

Consolidated

2018  
$000

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 44,176 

 177,841 

 27,574 

 68,926 

2017  
$000
 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 55,603 

 207,310 

 16,938 

 42,852 

(1)  Excel Crop Care Ltd and F&N joint ventures ceased to be associated parties during the year ended 31 July 2017.

These transactions were undertaken on commercial terms and conditions.

(c) Key management personnel compensation

The key management personnel compensation included in personnel expenses (see note 9) are as follows:

Short term employee benefits

Post employment benefits

Equity compensation benefits

Termination benefits

Other long term benefits

Consolidated

2018  
$

 5,643,293 

2017  
$
 6,887,593 

 264,035 

 285,705 

 1,372,768 

 1,880,617 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 7,280,096 

 9,053,915 

Individual directors and executives compensation disclosures

Information regarding individual directors and executives compensation is provided in the remuneration report section of the 
director’s report.

(d) Other key management personnel transactions with the company or its controlled entities

Apart from the details disclosed in this note, no director has entered into a material contract with the company or entities in the group 
since the end of the previous financial year and there were no material contracts involving director’s interest existing at year-end.

A number of key management persons, or their related parties, hold positions in other entities that result in them having control or 
significant influence over the financial or operating policies of those entities. A number of these entities transacted with the company 
or its subsidiaries in the reporting period. The terms and conditions of the transactions with management persons and their related 
parties were no more favourable than those available, or which might reasonably be expected to be available, on similar transactions 
to non-director related entities on an arms-length basis.

From time to time, key management personnel of the company or its controlled entities, or their related entities, may purchase goods 
from the group. These purchases are on the same terms and conditions as those entered into by other group employees or customers 
and are trivial or domestic in nature. 

(e) Loans to key management personnel and their related parties

There were no loans to key management personnel at 31 July 2018 (2017: nil).

112

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedNufarm Limited Annual Report 201839. Auditors’ remuneration

Audit services
KPMG Australia

Consolidated

2018  
$

2017  
$

Audit and review of group financial report

 564,000 

 538,000 

Overseas KPMG firms

Audit and review of group and local financial reports

Other auditors

Audit and review of financial reports

Audit services remuneration

Other services
KPMG Australia

Other assurance services

Other advisory services

Overseas KPMG firms

Other assurance services

Other advisory services

Other firms

Other assurance services

Other advisory services

Other services remuneration

40. Subsequent events

 1,608,548 

 1,539,239 

 2,172,548 

 2,077,239 

 177,834 

 136,248 

 2,350,382 

 2,213,487 

 591,650 

 834,477 

 278,533 

 180,869 

 – 

 99,030 

 280,641 

 – 

 – 

 76,941 

 – 

 – 

 1,984,559 

 357,582 

On 26 September 2018 the company announced it was undertaking a pro rata entitlement offer to raise approximately $300.000 
million of share capital.  In raising the share capital, the company estimates $6.400 million of transaction costs will be incurred. 
Net of transaction costs, the company expects to use the estimated $293.600 million to repay existing debt facilities.

A final dividend of six cents per share, totalling $19,662,299 was declared on 26 September 2018, and will be paid on 2 November 2018 
(2017: eight cents per share, totalling $21,354,307).

Other than the matters outlined above, or elsewhere in the financial information, no matters or circumstances have arisen since the 
end of the financial year, that have or may significantly affect the operations, results or state of affairs of the group in subsequent 
accounting periods.

113

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018Directors’ declaration

1. 

In the opinion of the directors of Nufarm Limited (the company): 

(a)  the consolidated financial statements and notes are in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001 including:

(i)  giving a true and fair view of the group’s financial position as at 31 July 2018 and of its performance for the financial year 

ended on that date; and 

(ii)  complying with Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting Interpretations) 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.  There are reasonable grounds to believe that the company and the group entities identified in note 35 will be able to meet any 
obligations or liabilities to which they are or may become subject to by virtue of the deed of cross guarantee between the 
company and those group entities pursuant to ASIC Corporations (Wholly owned Companies) Instrument 2016/785.

3.  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 31 July 2018.

4.  The directors draw attention to note 2 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:

Dated at Melbourne this 26th day of September 2018

DG McGauchie AO
Director

GA Hunt
Director

114

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018Independent auditor’s report

Independent Auditor’s Report 

  To the shareholders of Nufarm Limited 

  Report on the audit of the Financial Report 

  Opinion 

  We  have  audited  the  Financial  Report  of  the 

The Financial Report comprises the: 

Nufarm Limited (the Company).  

In  our  opinion,  the  accompanying  Financial 
Report of the Company is in accordance with the 
Corporations Act 2001, including:  

  giving  a  true  and  fair  view  of  the  Group’s 
financial position as at 31 July 2018 and of its 
financial performance for the year ended on 
that date; and 

 

complying  with  Australian  Accounting 
Standards and the Corporations Regulations 
2001. 

  Consolidated balance sheet as at 31 July 2018 

  Consolidated  income  statement,  consolidated 
statement 
income, 
consolidated  statement  of  changes  in  equity, 
and  consolidated  statement  of  cash  flows  for 
the year then ended 

comprehensive 

of 

  Notes 

including  a  summary  of  significant 

accounting policies 

  Directors’ Declaration. 

The  Group  consists  of  the  Company  and  the 
entities it controlled at the year end and from time 
to time during the financial year. 

  Basis for opinion 

  We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. We believe that the audit 

evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. 

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  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 fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with the Code.  

KPMG, an Australian partnership and a member firm of the KPMG 
network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG 
International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. 

Liability limited by a scheme approved under 
Profession Standards Legislation. 

115

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Key Audit Matters 

The Key Audit Matters we identified are: 

  Recoverability 

assets, 
including property, plant and equipment and 
intangible assets  

non-current 

of 

  Recognition of deferred tax assets in relation 

to prior period losses 

  Recoverability of trade receivables 

  Acquisition accounting 

Key  Audit  Matters  are  those  matters  that,  in  our 
professional judgment, were of most significance in 
our  audit  of  the  Financial  Report  of  the  current 
period.  

These matters were addressed in the context of our 
audit  of  the  Financial  Report  as  a  whole,  and  in 
forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide 
a separate opinion on these matters. 

  Recoverability of non-current assets, including property, plant and equipment ($338.7m) and 

intangible assets ($1,688.3m)  

  Refer to the following notes to the financial report: Note 2 (d) (ii) Basis of preparation – Use of estimates 
and judgments – impairment testing, Note 3 (h) Significant accounting policies – Impairment, and Note 
23 Intangible assets. 

  The key audit matter 

How the matter was addressed in our audit 

  Recoverability  of  non-current  assets  including 
property,  plant  and  equipment,  and  intangible 
assets is a key audit matter due to the following: 

 

 

inherent  complexity  in  determination  of  the 
Group’s cash generating units (‘CGU’s); 

the  diverse  nature  of  regional  agricultural 
markets in which the Group operates.  This 
includes  different  economic,  regulatory  and 
climatic  conditions  of  a  large  number  of 
geographies.  The  Group  prepares  individual 
discounted  cash  flow  models  incorporating 
these variations for each CGU. This volume 
and  variety  of  data  necessitates  additional 
audit  effort,  and  we  involve  KPMG  audit 
teams located in significant jurisdictions who 
have knowledge of the local conditions. 

  each  geographic  and  product  market 
segment  experiences  the  following,  which 
are subject to inherent uncertainty leading to 
a range of possible forecast outcomes: 

- 

- 

fluctuating  demand  depending  on 
economic and climatic conditions; 

regulatory 

significant 
and 
oversight,  which  can  lead  to  approval 
and  cessation  of  new  and  existing 
products; and 

activity 

- 

technology advancements by the Group 

116

Our procedures included: 

 

testing  the  key  controls  over  the  cash  flow 
models, including Board review and approval of 
key  assumptions  and  business  unit  budgets 
which form the basis of the cash flow forecasts 

  using  our  understanding  of  the  nature  of  the 

Group’s business, we analysed: 

- 

- 

the  internal  reporting  of  the  Group  to 
assess  how  results  are  monitored  and 
reported; and 

the  implications  to  CGU  identification  in 
accordance with accounting standards. 

  assessing  the  Group’s  discounted  cash  flow 

models and key assumptions by: 

- 

- 

- 

comparing  cash  flows  to  historical  trends 
and  performance,  by  CGU,  to  inform  our 
evaluation 
forecasts 
current 
incorporated into the models; 

of 

comparing the relevant cash flow forecasts 
to the board approved budgets and FY20-
FY21 business plans;  

involving our valuation specialists to assess 
the  discount  rates  against  comparable 
market 
information  and  the  economic 
assumptions  relating  to  cost  of  debt  and 
cost of equity; and 

Independent auditor’s report continuedNufarm Limited Annual Report 2018 
and  competitors,  which  can  lead  to 
shifts in market demand for products. 

- 

Given  the  unique,  non-homogenous,  nature  of 
these factors, specific auditor attention is applied 
to each element, increasing the audit effort.  We 
focus  on  the  authority  and  knowledge  of  the 
sources of judgements to the models, evidence 
of  bias,  and  consistency  of  application  of 
judgements. 

The  above  factors  increase  the  complexity  in 
auditing the intangible asset useful lives and the 
forward-looking  assumptions  contained  in  the 
Group’s  discounted  cash  flow  models  for  each 
CGU. Additional key assumptions we focused on 
included  short  term  and  terminal  value  growth 
rates and discount rates. 

These  same  conditions  impact  our  audit  effort 
applied  for  the  value  associated  with  new 
products in development phases.   

in  early  stages  of  development, 
Products 
compared to those closer to product launch, are 
prone to wider ranging forecasting outcomes and 
highly  judgemental  assumptions.  The  Group 
engaged  an  external  valuation  expert  to  assist 
them.    We  focused  on  the  authority  and 
knowledge of the sources of judgements to the 
valuation,  common  market  practices,  and 
consistency of judgements. 

In addition to the above, the Group recorded an 
impairment  charge  of  $70.6m  against  goodwill, 
intangible  assets  and  property,  plant  and 
equipment in the ANZ Crop Protection CGU. The 
results  of  this  CGU  were  below  expectations, 
increasing  the  sensitivity  of  the  model  to  small 
changes  in  forecast  cash  flows.  This  further 
increased our audit effort in this key audit area. 

using our industry knowledge, information 
published  by  regulatory  and  other  bodies, 
and  through  inquiries  with  the  Group,  to 
assess  the  assumptions.  These  included 
intangible asset useful lives and the impact 
of  technology,  market  and  regulatory 
changes  on  those  assumptions.    We 
looked for evidence of sensitivity and bias 
within and across models, and consistency 
of  application, 
investigating  significant 
differences. 

the 

  evaluating  the  Group’s  sensitivity  analysis  in 
respect of the key assumptions in the models, 
including 
identification  of  areas  of 
estimation uncertainty and reasonably possible 
changes in key assumptions. We assessed the 
related disclosures against accounting standard 
requirements;  

  comparing carrying values of CGUs to available 
market data, such as implied earnings multiples 
of comparable entities; 

  assessing  the  Group’s  valuation  of  the  ANZ 
Crop  Protection  CGU  and  products 
in 
development phase by additionally: 

- 

- 

assessing the competency, scope of work 
and  objectivity  of  experts  engaged  by  the 
Group; and 

involving our valuation specialists to assess 
the valuation methodology against industry 
practice  and  the  requirements  of  the 
accounting standards. 

  Recalculated the impairment charge against the 

recorded amount disclosed. 

  Recoverability of deferred tax assets in relation to prior period tax losses ($119.3m) 

  Refer to the following notes to the financial report: Note 2 (d) (iii) Basis of preparation - Use of estimates 
and judgements - income tax, Note 3(o) Significant accounting policies – Income tax, Note 11 Income 
tax expense and Note 18 Tax assets and liabilities. 

  The key audit matter 

How the matter was addressed in our audit 

  Recoverability  of  deferred  tax  assets  in  relation 
to prior period tax losses is a key audit matter due 
to the: 

Our procedures included: 

 

testing  key  controls  over  the  taxable  profit 
forecasts  underpinning  the  tax  loss  utilisation 

117

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018 
 
 
 
  complexity  in  auditing  the  forward-looking 
assumptions applied to the Group’s tax loss 
utilisation  models  for  each  tax  jurisdiction 
given  the  significant  Group  assumptions 
involved.    Further  details  on  the  significant 
and 
forward-looking 
implications for the audit are contained in the 
recoverability 
assets, 
including property, plant and equipment and 
intangible assets key audit matter.  Additional 
auditor  attention 
the 
is 
reconciliation  of  forecast  cash  flows  to 
taxable profits.  

focused  on 

assumptions 

non-current 

of 

models, including Board review and approval of 
key  assumptions  and  business  unit  budgets 
which form the basis of these forecasts. 

  comparing  the  key  assumptions  and  business 
unit budgets for consistency with those tested 
by  us,  as  set  out  in  the  recoverability  of  non-
current  assets,  including  property  plant  and 
equipment  and  intangible  assets  key  audit 
matter, and taxable profit concepts. 

  assessing  the  Group’s  tax 

loss  utilisation 
models  and  key  assumptions,  by  significant 
jurisdiction, by: 

  age  of  the  tax  losses,  and  the  relevance  of 

recent taxable profits to forecasts. 

 

the  large  number  of  jurisdictions  and  our 
need  to  consider  their  varying  and  complex 
rules on tax loss utilisation. 

The Group recorded a write-off of carry-forward 
Australian tax losses of $20.9m. As noted above, 
the results of the Australian region were below 
expectations,  which  impacted  forward-looking 
earnings assumptions. This further increased our 
audit effort in this key audit area. 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

comparing taxable profit to historical trends 
and  performance  to  inform  our  evaluation 
of the current taxable profit forecasts; 

comparing  the  taxable  profit  forecasts  to 
the board approved budgets;  

evaluating  the  Group’s  aged  utilisation 
sensitivity  analysis  in  respect  of  the  key 
assumptions, including the identification of 
areas  of  estimation  uncertainty  to  focus 
our further procedures; 

understanding the timing of future taxable 
profits and considering the consistency of 
the  timeframes  of  expected  recovery  to 
our  knowledge  of  the  business  and  its 
plans; and  

involving  our  tax  specialists  and  teams 
from  the  relevant  jurisdictions  to  assess 
the  tax  loss  utilisation  expiry  dates  and 
annual 
for 
consistency with local practice, regulatory 
parameters and legislation. 

allowances 

utilisation 

  Recalculated 

the  amount  of  previously 
recognised  tax  losses  written  off  against  the 
recorded amount disclosed. 

  Recoverability of trade receivables ($1,207.3m) 

  Refer to the following notes to the financial report: Note 2 (d) (v) Significant accounting policies – Use 
of estimates and judgements – working capital, Note 3 (c) (i) Significant accounting policies – financial 
instruments – Non-derivative financial assets, Note 3 (h) (i) Significant accounting policies – Impairment 
–  Non–derivative  financial  assets,  Note  16  Trade  and  other  receivables  and  Note  31  Financial  risk 
management and financial instruments. 

  The key audit matter 

How the matter was addressed in our audit 

118

Independent auditor’s report continuedNufarm Limited Annual Report 2018 
 
 
 
 
  Recoverability of trade receivables is a key audit 
matter due to the scale of audit effort applied to 
gathering  evidence.  The  Group  operates  in  a 
large number of different geographical locations 
with  wide  ranging  characteristics  of  agriculture 
markets  and  individual  customers  within  these 
locations.  Specifically,  certain  geographies  have 
extended  credit  terms  coupled  with  detailed 
security  arrangements  attached  to  these  terms 
which 
risk 
result 
characteristics. 

differing 

credit 

in 

The Group make judgements in relation to credit 
risk  exposures,  based  on  historical  patterns  in 
conjunction  with  collateral,  guarantees  or 
insurance to determine the recoverability of trade 
receivables.  We  involve  KPMG  audit  teams 
located  in  significant  jurisdictions  who  have 
knowledge of the local conditions. 

Our procedures included: 
  Testing  key  controls  within  the  credit  control 

and approval process;  

  Assessing, on a sample basis, the recoverability 

of trade receivables by comparing; 
- 

the Group’s views of recoverability of the 
amounts outstanding to historical patterns 
of receipts; and  
assessing 
or 
insurance and cash received subsequent to 
year end in relation to these receivables. 

guarantees 

collateral 

- 

  We use our local knowledge of the jurisdiction 
to evaluate the impact of local conditions such 
as  the  industry  practice  of  extending  credit 
terms and the use of guarantees to assess the 
trade receivables’ recoverability. 

  Assessing the Group’s disclosures in respect to 
credit  risk  against  the  requirements  of  the 
accounting standards. 

  Acquisition accounting  

  Refer to the following note to the financial report: Note 14 Acquisitions of businesses and acquisition 

of non-controlling interests.  

  The key audit matter 

How the matter was addressed in our audit 

  During  the  year  the  Group  completed  the 
acquisition  of  a  portfolio  of  crop  protection 
products (‘Century Acquisition’) and a portfolio of 
herbicide products (‘FMC Acquisition’) registered 
in the European markets. 

This was a key audit matter due to: 

 

the  size  of  the  acquisitions 
(purchase 
consideration of $771.6m) having a pervasive 
impact on the financial statements;  

  complexity of the Purchase Agreements and 
other  associated  agreements.  We  focused 
on  the  consideration  paid  and  transaction 
costs  incurred  and  assessed  them  in  line 
with accounting standards;  

 

 

the  extent  of  judgement  and  complexity 
involved  in  assessing  the  acquired  portfolio 
as  a  business  or  group  of  assets 
in 
accordance with accounting standards; and 

judgement 

in 
and 
the 
establishing the fair value of the assets and 

complexity 

Our procedures included: 

 

the 

transaction  documents 

reading 
to 
understand  the  structure  and  key  terms  and 
conditions of the acquisitions; 

  evaluating  the  accounting  treatment  of  the 
acquisitions, 
future 
business  expenses  against  the  accounting 
standards criteria; 

transaction  costs  and 

  evaluating  the  substance  of  the  acquisitions, 
using the terms and conditions of the Purchase 
Agreements,  against  the  criteria  for  business 
combinations in the accounting standards; 

  evaluating  the  methodology  used  to  fair  value 
assets  and  liabilities  acquired.  This  included 
expertise 
consideration 
and 
of 
independence  of 
the  valuation  specialist 
engaged  by 
the  Group,  and  comparing 
methodologies with accepted market valuation 
practices. Working with our valuation specialist 
we challenged these assumptions via: 

the 

119

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018 
 
liabilities  acquired.  The  Group  engaged  an 
independent  expert 
the 
identification and measurement of intangible 
assets  as  part  of  the  purchase  price 
accounting process. 

to  advise  on 

- 

- 

the 

comparing 
independent 
documentation; and 

inputs  used  by 
to 

the 
underlying 

expert 

assessing  the  useful 
identifiable assets. 

life  allocated  to 

  Assessing 

the  adequacy  of 

the  Group’s 
disclosure  in  respect  of  the  acquisitions  in 
accordance with accounting standards. 

  Other Information 

  Other Information is financial and non-financial information in Nufarm Limited’s annual reporting which 
is provided in addition to the Financial Report and the Auditor's Report. The Directors are responsible 
for the Other Information.  

Our opinion on the Financial Report does not cover the Other Information and, accordingly, we do not 
and will not express an audit opinion or 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. 
In doing so, we 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. 

We are required to report if we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this Other Information, 
and based on the work we have performed on the Other Information that we obtained prior to the date 
of this Auditor’s Report we have nothing to report.  

  Responsibilities of Directors for the Financial Report 

The Directors are responsible for: 

  preparing  the  Financial  Report  that  gives  a  true  and  fair  view  in  accordance  with  Australian 

Accounting Standards and the Corporations Act 2001; 

 

implementing necessary internal control to enable the preparation of a Financial Report that gives a 
true and fair view and is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error; and  

  assessing the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern. This includes disclosing, as applicable, 
matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless they 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 objective is: 

 

 

to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the Financial Report as a whole is free from material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error; and  

to issue an Auditor’s Report that includes our opinion.  

Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in 
accordance  with  Australian  Auditing  Standards  will  always  detect  a  material  misstatement  when  it 
exists. 

120

Independent auditor’s report continuedNufarm Limited Annual Report 2018 
 
 
 
Misstatements  can  arise  from  fraud  or  error.  They  are  considered  material  if,  individually  or  in  the 
aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on 
the basis of the Financial Report. 

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the Financial Report is located at the Auditing 
and  Assurance  Standards  Board  website  at:  http://www.auasb.gov.au/auditors_files/ar1.pdf.    This 
description forms part of our Auditor’s Report. 

Report on the Remuneration Report 

Opinion 

Directors’ responsibilities 

In  our  opinion,  the  Remuneration  Report  of 
Nufarm  Limited  for  the  year  ended  31  July 
2018,  complies  with  Section  300A  of  the 
Corporations Act 2001. 

KPMG 

Gordon Sangster 
Partner 
Melbourne 
26 September 2018 

preparation 

The  Directors  of  the  Company  are  responsible  for 
the 
the 
Remuneration  Report  in  accordance  with  Section 
300A of the Corporations Act 2001. 

presentation 

and 

of 

Our responsibilities 

We have audited the Remuneration Report included 
in  the  Directors’  report  for  the  year  ended  31  July 
2018.  

Our  responsibility  is  to  express  an  opinion  on  the 
Remuneration Report, based on our audit conducted 
in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. 

121

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholder and statutory information

Details of shareholders, shareholdings and top 20 shareholders

Listed securities – 26 September 2018
Fully paid ordinary shares 

Number of 
holders

Number of 
securities
9,810 327,704,975

Twenty largest shareholders 
JP Morgan Nominees Australia Limited

HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited

Sumitomo Chemical Company Limited

Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited

National Nominees Limited

BNP Paribas Noms Pty Ltd 

Forsyth Barr Custodians Ltd 

Amalgamated Dairies Limited

CS Fourth Nominees Pty Limited 

BNP Paribas Nominees Pty Ltd 

CS Third Nominees Pty Limited 

JBWere (NZ) Nominees Limited <56950 A/C>

ECapital Nominees Pty Limited 

Argo Investments Limited

Pacific Custodians Pty Limited 

CPU Share Plans Pty Ltd 

Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited 

Moturua Properties Ltd

Morgan Stanley Australia Securities (Nominee) Pty Limited 

UBS Nominees Pty Ltd

Distribution of shareholders 
Size of holding

1 – 1,000

1,001 – 5,000 

5,001 – 10,000 

10,001 – 100,000 

100,001 and over 

Percentage 
held by  
top 20
88.78

Percentage 
of issued 
capital as 
at 26.09.18
20.89

18.74

18.39

8.35

6.54

2.74

2.23

2.12

1.87

1.48

1.04

0.96

0.61

0.57

0.51

0.41

0.39

0.36

0.31

0.29

Ordinary 
shares as at 
26.09.18
68,453,812

61,409,811

60,271,136

27,379,520

21,428,504

8,981,712

7,301,697

6,934,328

6,140,202

4,848,605

3,405,413

3,130,282

2,000,000

1,870,605

1,656,979

1,342,481

1,282,696

1,168,150

1,000,000

943,704

Number of 
holders as 
at 26.09.18

Ordinary 
shares  
held as at 
26.09.18

4,399

4,073

851

435

1,815,588

9,706,675

6,065,580

9,815,674

52 300,301,478

Of these, 845 shareholders held less than a marketable parcel of shares of $500 worth of shares (75 shares). In accordance with the 
ASX Listing Rules, the last sale price of the company’s shares on the ASX on 26 September 2018 was used to determine the number of 
shares in a marketable parcel.

Stock exchanges on which securities are listed

Ordinary shares: Australian Stock Exchange Limited.

122

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018Substantial shareholders

In accordance with section 671B of the Corporations Act, as at 26 September 2018, the substantial shareholders set out below have 
notified the company of their respective relevant interest in voting shares in the company shown adjacent to their respective names 
as follows:

Firetrail Investments Pty Limited

Perpetual Limited

Ellerston Capital Limited

Zhang Hua on behalf of himself and his controlled entities 

Sumitomo Chemical Company Limited 

Nufarm Limited(1)

Date of notice
18 September 2018

18 September 2018

10 September 2018 

8 November 2017

6 November 2017

6 November 2017

Number and percentage 
of shares in which interest 
held at date of notice

Number 
17,837,361

Interest %
5.44

21,554,269

37,914,388

24,031,344

60,210, 136

60,210, 136

6.58

11.57

7.3452

19.27

19.27

(1)    Nufarm Limited has a relevant interest in the shares held by Sumitomo Chemical Company. The relevant interest arises under a Shareholder Deed dated 22 January 2010 between 

Nufarm and Sumitomo which contains certain obligations relating to the voting and disposal of shares in Nufarm by Sumitomo.

Voting rights

On a show of hands, every shareholder present in person or represented by a proxy or representative shall have one vote and on a 
poll every shareholder who is present in person or represented by a proxy or representative shall have one vote for every fully paid 
share held by the shareholder.

Shareholder information

Annual general meeting

The annual general meeting of Nufarm Limited will be held on Thursday 6 December 2018 at 10.00am in Bayside Rooms 5 & 6, Level 2, 
RACV Club, 501 Bourke Street, Melbourne, Victoria. Full details are contained in the notice of meeting sent to all shareholders.

Voting rights

Shareholders are encouraged to attend the annual general meeting. However, when this is not possible, they are encouraged 
to use the form of proxy by which they can express their views. Proxy voting can be completed online via www.nufarm.com/
annualgeneralmeeting or via post by completing the proxy form and sending it back in the return envelope.

Every shareholder, proxy or shareholder’s representative has one vote on a show of hands. In the case of a poll, each share held 
by every shareholder, proxy or representative is entitled to:

(a)  one vote for each fully paid share; and

(b)  voting rights in proportion to the paid up amount of the issue price for partly paid shares.

Stock exchange listing

Nufarm shares are listed under the symbol NUF on the ASX. The securities of the company are traded on the ASX under CHESS (Clearing 
House Electronic Sub-register System), which allows settlement of on-market transactions without having to reply on paper documentation.

Shareholders seeking more information about CHESS should contact their stockbroker or the ASX.

Shareholder details

The Nufarm Limited Share Register is managed by Computershare Investor Services Pty Limited. You can gain access to your  
shareholding information in the following ways.

Online via Investor Centre

Details of individual shareholdings can be checked by visiting our share registry’s website at www.investorcentre.com. 

Existing users can simply log in. New users will need to create a log in. You will need to enter your security reference number  
(SRN) or holder identification number (HIN), your postcode or country of residence, enter Nufarm as the company name and then 
follow the prompts to complete registration.

123

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018Shareholder and statutory information continued

By telephone via InvestorPhone:

InvestorPhone provides telephone access 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Step 1 Call the Nufarm shareholder information line on 1300 652 479 (within Australia) or +61 3 9415 4360 (outside Australia).

Step 2 Follow the prompts to gain secure, immediate access to your:

•  holding details

•  registration details

•  payment information

Shareholder communications

The default for receiving the annual report is now via the Company’s website – www.nufarm.com

Shareholder enquiries

Contact:

Computershare Investor Services Pty Limited
Yarra Falls, 452 Johnston Street, 
Abbotsford Victoria 3067
GPO Box 2975 
Melbourne Victoria 3001

Telephone: 

1300 652 479 (within Australia)
+61 3 9415 4360 (outside Australia)

Website: 

www.investorcentre.com

Key dates

26 October 2018* 
6 December 2018 
20 March 2019* 
31 July 2019 

Annual report sent to shareholders
Annual general meeting
Announcement of profit result for half year ending 31 January 2019
End of financial year

* Subject to confirmation.

For enquiries relating to the operations of the company, please contact the Nufarm Corporate Affairs Office on:

Telephone: 
Facsimile: 
Email: 

(61) 3 9282 1177
(61) 3 9282 1111
corporate.information@au.nufarm.com

Written correspondence should be directed to:

Corporate Affairs Office
Nufarm Limited
PO Box 103
Laverton Victoria 3028 Australia

124

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018 
Directory

Directors

DG McGauchie AO – chairman
GA Hunt – managing director
AB Brennan
GR Davis
FA Ford
Dr	WB	Goodfellow
ME	McDonald
PM Margin
T Takasaki

Company secretary

R Heath

Solicitors

Arnold Bloch Leibler & Co
333 Collins Street
Melbourne Victoria 3000 Australia

Auditors

KPMG
Tower	Two
Collins Square
727	Collins	Street
Melbourne Victoria
3008 Australia

Trustee for Nufarm step-up securities

The	Trust	Company	(Australia)	Limited
Level	15,	20	Bond	Street
Sydney NSW 2000 Australia

Share registrar

Australia
Computershare Investor Services Pty Ltd
GPO	Box	2975
Melbourne Victoria 3001 Australia
Telephone:	1300	652	479
Outside Australia: +61 3 9415 4360

Step-up securities registrar

New	Zealand
Computershare Registry Services Limited
Private Bag 92119
Auckland	NZ	1142
Telephone:	+64	9	488	8700

Registered office

103–105 Pipe Road
Laverton North Victoria 3026 Australia
Telephone: +61 3 9282 1000
Facsimile: +61 3 9282 1001

NZ branch office

6 Manu Street
Otahuhu	Auckland	New	Zealand
Telephone:	+64	9	270	4157
Facsimile:	+64	9	267	8444

Website

www.nufarm.com

Nufarm Limited

ACN 091 323 312

Nufarm Limited Annual Report 2018

125

N

u

f

a

r

m

L

i

m

i

t

e

d

A

n

n

u

a

l

R

e

p

o

r

t

2

0

1

8

103 – 105 Pipe Road 
Laverton North
Victoria 3026 Australia
Telephone: +61 3 9282 1000 
Facsimile: +61 3 9282 1001
nufarm.com